#and that has happened like…. the last three seasons

[prouvaireafterdark]

Hi! As someone just coming into reading the books but who's been with the show since day 1, I'm curious about why people take Lestat's narrative in TVL with 100% sincerity when the premise of the show seems to be interrogating the dissonance that everybody's versions create. Obviously there's some big things that are definitely going to be true, but I'd personally be disappointed if we got a straight adaptation of unfiltered Lestat perspective on events, haha!

I think you're conflating sincerity with some idea of omniscient, objective accuracy, which, as you note, is a useless thing to search for in a show where memory is continually shown to be an unreliable monster.

Lestat's version of events in TVL is sincere, though. He's speaking from the heart and he's trying to give the story of his life, mostly by sharing his truth about what his life before meeting Louis was like, and in part by filling in the gaps Louis leaves us with about what happened at Rue Royale. His recollection may turn out to be as faulty and biased as Louis' or Armand's has been shown to be in the show, but that doesn't make it any less sincere.

And I'm not implying that Louis is lying or anything. I'm talking about him not mentioning or glossing over the happy memories that meant a lot to Lestat and made up, for him, a big part of what it was to share a home with Louis and Claudia for so long. Giving Lestat the space to talk about his love for Louis and Claudia doesn't erase the abuse he inflicted on them in those moments of instability and rage. I don't get why people are so resistant to seeing that. It's not like it makes everything better. If anything, it makes it worse that he loved them so much.

What's important to note, too, is that at no point does Lestat in his retelling excuse himself for anything he did to Louis and Claudia and I doubt very much we would see him do that in future seasons of the show. Lestat even says it himself that he deserved what Claudia did to him. The way things worked out between the three of them is his greatest, deepest regret and it will haunt him for the rest of his immortal life.

Also, not for nothing, what we've gotten this season and last season are the unfiltered perspectives of Louis, Claudia, and Armand. That's not to say they're lying or intentionally obfuscating (okay, well, Armand totally is), but that is what we got---a narrative that was really challenged only by Daniel and not by anyone who was actually there who remembers it differently. I don't see why we shouldn't also get Lestat's unfiltered version, especially considered he is the main protagonist of the Vampire Chronicles series going forward.

For me and many others, it's not about excusing anything. It's all about contextualizing his decisions. Like, Lestat didn't just wake up one day and decide it would be fun to destroy his family. I want him to tell me in his own words (which, as a reminder, he has yet to do at any point in this series so far) what drove him to do the horrible things he did and how he really feels about it. When we do hopefully get that, I expect the fandom to interrogate his accounts as vigorously as they did Louis' and Armand's and Claudia's.

And to answer your question regarding the books specifically, we have Anne herself to blame for that. She wrote IWTV when she was battling some of the most intense grief and despair a person can feel. She had just lost her child. Writing the book was an outlet for that and you can feel it as you read Louis' perspective. When she decided to continue the series, though, she changed her mind about a lot of things---mainly who Lestat was as a character and how she had come to hate the "weakness" in Louis (which was really because she came to hate the "weakness" she saw in herself as she came out on the other side of her grief and identified with him less and Lestat more). There is a very real dissonance between who Lestat is in IWTV and who he is in TVL and beyond. The way she accounted for that in her own writing was that Louis was misconstruing certain events by leaving things out or straight up making things up like their reunion in NOLA at the end of IWTV, which Lestat claims never happened. The reason people take Lestat's words at face value sometimes isn't usually because they hate Louis or think he lied about Lestat's abuse. It's because Anne, as the writer of the story, wanted the reader to doubt Louis' version in favor of Lestat's because she had changed her mind about the direction of the story and the characters she created.

It's also worth noting that, in the actual text of the show, that version of events taken from the book, the content of the original interview, is described by Louis himself as an admitted performance. I think it's a perfectly legitimate reading to consider IWTV (the book) in the context of Louis trying to get Lestat's attention with something he knew would upset him, like Armand suggests was Louis' fantasy, because he wanted or needed to see him again.

This got long and rambley so I'll just leave you with the wise, wise words of Samothy Reid when asked to give one truth and one lie in the show: Everybody lies. Everybody lies.

I don't think that will change if we finally get Lestat's POV so imo people should just relax and enjoy the ride.

[pedripics]

PEDRI | Interview with RNE - Tablero Deportivo (june 22, 2024) - Translation

Pedro González, Pedri, very good morning. Few moments of Oasis are granted in a competition as short and as tough as this European Championship, but that's how we are on this Saturday. Qualified as first, relaxed, time to recover which is very important.  When it was known that Croatia and Italy were going to be the first two opponents, I imagine that it was difficult to imagine this situation now.

"Yes, it's clear. When you have those two opponents in the group, first you think that you're going to see how it's going to happen, but the truth is that I was confident in the team we had, in how we were going to get there. I think we had played very good games before coming to this European Championship and we are showing that we have a very good level."

Pedri, you don't know, well, I'm sure you're even happier, but you don't know how we're glad to see you so well after such a complicated year.

"Yes, to be honest, I am very happy above all. I have already said that I have worked hard to get here, to be well at the end of the season and I knew that the work was being done and in the end it was going to pay off."

But was there a time when you thought, well, this summer I have a long vacation or did you knew that Luis de la Fuente was going to wait for you until the end?

"Well, the truth is that Luis has always been interested in me, he has called me, I have had conversations with him when I have had setbacks, and he has told me to be calm. And well, there was always the doubt, in case I had another relapse, in case it could happen. But well, yes, I knew that if I worked hard and was well, I knew that I had the opportunity and the confidence of the mister."

I can assure you that this season all the Barça games we've commentated, which are all of them, we've always said the same thing. We ended with the phrase, let's see if in the end Pedri arrives with the best version for the Eurocup because I don't know if you are aware of how important you are for the team's scheme and for this team in general.

"Well, I do feel like an important player, it's clear that all of us who are here are important because it's complicated to decide the list for the coach and, well, until the last moment there were three players who could have been left out and it's clear that it's complicated to come to the Spanish national team, there is a very good level of players and we are seeing that every day we are growing more and more."

I think I told you that we had the opportunity to talk in Qatar in an interview during the World Cup and I told you about it but when we landed in Doha there were some huge posters of players and the one of Spain was your picture, it was the picture of Pedri. I don't know if the profile of Pedri, of the Pedri who came to the World Cup two years ago, is a bit different from the Pedri who today, because of the circumstances, because of the complicated season you've had, has taken you out of the spotlight a bit and that's been good for you, or did you want to give a blow on the table and say, look, I'm the same?

"Yes, exactly. I've always been the same. It's true that there are a lot of people who say that I'm not the same, but it's true that I have to keep getting into a rhythm to reach my best version, which is still to come. And above all, that's what I have to do, work to get my best in the next rounds."

Well, that's what I'm happy about. Because there is one thing that I think worries us all a bit, which is that we have started so well. You know that at the end of tournaments you have to go from less to more and I don't know if you can go any more after the great game the other day against Italy.

"There are a lot of people who say that, for example, you have to lose the first game, you're going to be champion or things like that. But that's what it is. I prefer to win and be more relaxed."

It scares me a lot to go in with nine out of nine. It's like in the Champions League. You say you win everything, then you never win the title.

"Well, I think it will be good for us to get there. Nine out of nine. That's what we're going for. We'll try to beat Albania and have those nine out of nine and then face the last 16."

The thing is that the Albania match. Well, it's good. The coach is going to give others a chance. I don't know if you already know, Pedri, if he has told you and you're going to rest or not. But well, Rodri won't be here because of the cards and there are people who are a little bit injured, it's logical that there should also be minutes for everyone because this is a great group, but there's a long week left for the real match, for the match of the last sixteen…

"Yes, let's see, it's clear that we're all looking forward to the last 16, but we have to focus on Albania. They're a complicated team who have made it quite difficult for the other teams and I remember we played a match against them at Espanyol's ground and they were a complicated team who made it difficult for us. I think we scored in the last few minutes and it's clear that it's not going to be an easy game."

Look, there are headlines after the other day's match against Italy, which I'll confess is one of the best things I've seen in football, not just from Spain but in football for a long time. “The national team dances to the rhythm of Pedri and Fabian. Spain gets gold from Lamine. The flanks with Nico and Lamine destroy an Italy that didn't even show up.”  Are we overdoing it? Are we getting a bit over the top?

"Yes, you've put a bit of magic into it, but well, when you win, it's normal for people to get behind you. We are seeing that a lot more people are supporting us. It's normal that at the beginning they come with more doubts, but well, we try to resolve them on the pitch and that they are with us."

Yes, that's it, that's it, the praise from the press, but for an opponent to say, as was said in the mixed zone, we knew they were better, but not that much better. I don't know if there's a bigger compliment than that.

"PEDRI: No, I don't think so, that the rival you played against says so is the biggest compliment you can have, because on the pitch it's a different experience. It's true that watching a game when you see one team superior to another you see it clearly, but on the pitch, to see that and say it is different."

I imagine the dressing room of the national team in the leisure time, when you're working and you're working, but it's kind of like a flea market and also when you're eliminating each other in ping pong and you're playing pool, well, hey, but there are conversations. Do you talk about this a lot? Hey Nico, you or Nacho, they tell me you're going to leave. Morata and they're throwing you the cane from I don't know where. Do you talk about this a lot?

" No, not really, there aren't many conversations about what our team is about, about the situation that each of us has. But well, sometimes if you ask him what you're going to be next year, how are you going to face it? But the truth is that there are very few conversations. Well, I don't know if the others talk about it, but I've had very few conversations about it."

So, you're not giving us any news with this, are you? Yeah, but I thought so. Hey, and another thing. You're the only national team that has the chance to be the first to win four European Championships, which is great. Are you thinking about these things when you're playing or there's that rumour that we're making good history?

"No, it's clear that we think about it, we've come to Germany to try to win the fourth. But on the pitch, you don't really think about it. You try to win that game however you can and that's it."

Hey, Manu, what a nice guy, very, very nice. The truth is that I see you more relaxed, which is something that is always cool, the season is different, the season is another thing, the selection... I think it changes your face. There are a lot of people you already know, but the atmosphere, everything feels completely different. Well, to begin with, the Federation is completely different from the coach as well, but you notice the joy that the younger players have given and you have very few, you are a kid. Has it changed the team a bit?

"Yes, of course. When young people come, they always try to joke around. When you see Nico and Lamine around, they're always joking and laughing. Fermín is next to them and well, it's different, because then you look, for example, at the other table and you see Nacho, Carvajal. People end up a bit more serious, some are laughing all day, but well, there's a bit of everything and I think there's a great group as I said. I think that's very important and you can see it on the pitch."

Listen, just like a card player, having a lot of options is good for you. For you, who is a playmaker, you look at one side, you see Lamine who is just 16 years old, you look at the other and you see Nico, that gives you life, right? This is playing with two wide-open wingers.

"Yes, it's clear. I think they're different from the wingers we're used to in Spain. They are two daggers on the flanks and well, it's much easier when you turn and see Lamine and Nico or the other ones we have. I think the others who haven't played are also at spectacular training levels and I think they can all do amazing."

Are you going to give Lamine a hand with his homework and stuff? I heard him in an interview the other day saying that he has to take time out for homework and exams and stuff like that.

"Math, I can help him, but if it's my turn in English, I don't know what I can do, hahahahahaha."

Hey, how are you doing with your German? Because I don't know if you've had time to pick up the phone and talk to the new coach. But I'm terrible at German, I have to tell you.

"I'm asking Dani Olmo about the German, but it's quite complicated. I think it's going to be easier for him to learn Spanish than for me to learn German."

If you put it in perspective, in 2021 would you have made a different decision, would you have said hey, look, I'll do this but not this? Or is the illusion of being able to play both tournaments so great that you would?

"If I would be in the same situation right now, in my first year in the elite, so to speak, Barça, Selección, I think I would have gone. I don't think I would have changed anything. Now that I have done it, because of what has happened, it happened, I got through it, I live and moved on to the next thing."

To finish this off. Do you have time to do something else? Discover the places you go to? In Italy, they have this controversy because they won't let them play the Play.

"We don't have time to go and discover the areas and things like that before the games and the free time, so to speak, we spend it playing the Play or watching the games. Now, for example, with Dani Olmo, I'm playing a tennis game on the Play and we spend a lot of time there."

Well, well, well, I like that. Well, the last one who sat in that chair (de la Fuente), the one you're sitting in right now. What a scolding he gave me when I told him that we lacked some of these stars, but what a good team we have, right? He called me a figurehead. Do you think Pedri is a star? Yes, yes, yes. Dani Olmo. You too. Yes. Can I say that or not?

"Well, of course they are. For me, the players in the national team are stars. They are all, apart from being spectacular teammates and spectacular people, they are cracks on the pitch."

Very good. So, this is as far as we've got with Pedri because time is running out. It's a pleasure to share a few minutes with you Pedri and let's see if there are still many weeks of competition ahead. A big hug. Pass it on to the team and thank you because you are making us enjoy it. Listen, it will end however it ends, but we're having a great time and that's priceless, my friend.

"De Nada. Let's hope we give the fans more joy and thank you very much."

[obviouschild2014]

Thats a problem tho when yr scifi show has been on for 20 years and has had to have multiple huge finales because of the regenerations like at some point the amount of danger you can believe in gets limited like when a character says hey where are we and the doctors like aur naur… we are at the last point of the universe.. its like oh havent we been here before. Or like this villain wants to wipe out all existence… and youre like this also happened three seasons ago. Idk what point im tryna make

[oswildin]

my thoughts on ‘empire of death’

doctor who spoilers

*le sigh*

i had so much faith. so much. after last week’s epic, climatic cliffhanger and a pretty solid series with some banger episodes like ‘rogue’… well, i was expecting…

more.

now don’t get me wrong, there were some things i liked… i appreciated ruby’s mum was someone ordinary (a teen pregnancy too, classic rtd move), and the scene where ruby met her birth mum was beautiful and i cried. i liked the scene of the doctor with that lady on that planet and the spoon (this is a crazy sentence) and when he realised he had brought death upon the world by lugging around sutekh - ncuti never fails to give a performance.

but i think I would’ve like the whole episode a lot more if it was a three parter… because there were… issues.

sutekh, i’m so sorry baby, they did you dirty.

not once did i feel the stakes in that episode. last week? oh babes, i was on the edge of my seat. this week? it was more of a ‘what is happening’ but in a ‘huh’ kind of way. davros was going to wipe out the universe and i felt it. sutekh did it and i felt nothing. the way they defeated sutekh, what felt like, so easily… he’s supposed to be the big dog (no pun intended)… and the doctor struggled more against maestro than him.

now, i get it, he succeeded easily. that showed just how powerful he is. but it doesn’t land when there is an unknown time skip, no conflict between characters and such a quick resolve… like if there was a scene where ruby had gotten angry at the doctor, similarly to clara with twelve, i think it could’ve added so much depth. ruby lost everyone. i didn’t feel any devastation from her or anger. i will say i loved her facing sutekh though, like slay queen.

i don’t know, i was left feeling disappointed after that episode. which is such a shame because overall the season has been great. will have to see how i feel upon rewatch but yeah, this episode…

bonus - episode rankings:

1. Rogue

2. 73 Yards

3. Dot & Bubble

4. The Legend of Ruby Sunday

5. Boom

6. The Devil’s Chord

7. The Church on Ruby Road

8. Empire of Death

9. Space Babies

[lesbiansanemi]

When will I learn that I don’t actually like bnha that much

[janiedean]

will get to all your lovely replies asap but for now let me get down the mood with my usual

fuck but i really do hate this month and everything it represents or better the fact that each single year it gets just more miserable

[helpimstuckinafandom]

JUSTICE FOR DAVINA CLAIRE I'M SO FUCKING SERIOUS FUCK OFF OH MY FUCKING GOD

[neverlandwaitingforme]

I feel like the writers had a dart board with every kind of heavy topic up in the room and shot arrows at it like 20 times.

Like, why are we jumping from issue to issue. I'm getting motion sick.

[freshlybakedfandoms]

theyre giving ej the storyline he shouldve gotten last season (being forced to shoulder a whole bunch of responsibility and cracking under the pressure) to make up for literally ignoring him in s2

[aflawedfashion]

Liza made the podium in the Russian final!

Adeliia Petrosian 🥇

Kamila Valieva 🥈

Elizaveta Tuktamysheva 🥉

[exopelagic]

Summer always feels so nostalgic and I’m never sure if that’s a good thing. Like I don’t have anything to be nostalgic about with summer it’s just the feeling of time stretching out behind me and like?? It puts me in such a weird mood why does summer give you emotions

[pedripics]

Pedri: "On the pitch I don't think; I do the first thing that comes into my head" | EL PAÍS Deportes - Translation

The Barca player breaks free in the Spanish national team, the team that is making waves at the Euros.

He seems shy, but he is not. In fact, he is one of those who spreads joy at Spain's training camp in Donaueschingen. And although he doesn't really enjoy interviews, Pedri González (Tenerife, 21 years old) is relaxed and fun. And he has a message for his team-mates: "I would like to say that Nico is very bad at Play". A state of mind that is reflected on the pitch, liberated as a midfielder in the Roja team that shines in Germany.

When was the last time you cried with laughter?

"Twenty minutes ago. We were in the gym and a physio took a big hit and it was… Someone's falls, someone else's bad feelings without the person actually hurting themselves, make me laugh a lot."

Are those the videos you get the most on TikTok?

"Falls, a lot of monkeys and food, especially chocolate. It's a bummer because I can't eat that. It's more than forbidden. They take everything away from me [laughs]. But if I win the Euro, before I go on holiday, I will eat chocolate."

Have you thought that it's been less than four years since you made your debut in La Liga?

"A lot of people say to me: 'It seems like ten years have passed'."

And how do you cope with the feeling of time passing?

"I certainly feel like a lot has happened because of the things I've learned. You're so into what you do, whether it's a World Cup or a European Cup, that when you want to start thinking, you're already in the next season."

What would you say to the 17-year-old Pedri who came to play for Barça B and ended up in Messi's team?

"That he enjoys the day-to-day and everything he does. It goes by very quickly when you think about it…. For a footballer the most important thing is to find what makes you good. In the beginning, for example, you don't have much idea about nutrition or what to do in a gym. But as you start to gain experience, you find what works for you."

Has it hurt you not to have trained at La Masia?

"It was different. Players who have been trained in La Masia are accustomed from a very young age to a certain type of work that other quarries do not do so much. For example, another thing that is not about the game is the interviews. At Barcelona, they've all practised, they've done a thousand with the club's television. But when you get caught out of the blue..."

Has everything happened too suddenly?

"And on top of that, they take away the good things you used to eat… [laughs]. But you adapt: it's your dream."

Have you talked to Lamine Yamal about these experiences?

"In the first few games of the EUROs I told him to be calm, to enjoy himself. I explained to him that if he did what he knew, he would do well. And we see how he does it."

Is it true that you are all day with Ferran Torres?

"Now a little less, because he plays Call of Duty and I'm very bad."

Has Ferran introduced you to his interest in mental health?

"Yes. One minute in ice water. He's been doing it for a year. He goes in every morning, before breakfast: ice water up to his neck and before getting out he also dunks his head in it. He got so annoying about it that he convinced me. And now I can't stop doing it. I've been doing it for three months now. It's good for my muscles, it wakes me up, it activates me. I recommend you try it."

With the number 10 in extinction, how do you feel in the position of playmaker instead of the interior?

"I'm closer to the danger zone. Everything I do has more relevance to the game. Also goals and assists, of course. On the other hand, when you are a bit further back you help to bring the ball forward. It's true that in today's football there are few coaches who use a playmaker. But there are many players with the qualities to play there. It's a position where I feel comfortable. I enjoy it."

Why?

"Because when you receive the ball you are already in a position to face the center backs, to shoot or to provide an assist. It is spectacular."

Did they play videos to show you how to move in that area?

"Yes, at the beginning. Luis [de la Fuente] told me that he wanted me to play in that position. He explained to me how I had to press, where I had to position myself when we had the ball. He showed me videos of other players from national team games. He wanted me to see the model of the game so that I could understand the playmaker's position. He also showed me videos of me at Barça to analyse what I needed to change and what he wanted me to improve."

Which players stand out for you?

"There are a lot of people. Wirtz has had a great season. Musiala, I've played against him, I like him a lot. You've seen the season Bellingham had. And I shared a dressing room with Grizi. He is a player I love."

Griezmann has reinvented his position a bit.

"Now he's like a false forward. He makes plays, scores goals, gives assists. He is super complete. When he was at Barcelona I laughed a lot. Very nice guy."

And when you were a child, who did you look up to?

"I looked up to Iniesta a lot. He didn't play in that 10 position, but he had the qualities to do it. In fact, he could play anywhere: as a winger, on the inside, on the outside. He had that ability to turn. David Silva also turned spectacularly. Players who know how to be between the lines, who know how to profile themselves to have an advantage over the opponent."

Is the twist the most important thing?

"With good control you can face the centre directly. If your back is turned, the midfield reaches you, you can't turn and everything becomes a bit more complicated."

How far in advance do you think about what you are going to do?

"When I'm on the pitch I don't think too much. I improvise. I shoot with the first thing that comes into my head. I know there are a lot of people who also visualise the gameplays or situations that can happen in a game. I don't do that. I prefer to go out on the pitch and do whatever comes out."

And what do you think about before the games?

"I try to be calm, I listen to the music playing in the locker room. Now we made a list with the teammates in which each one put a song. I put on Zero Hour by Myke Towers. It's good. At least nobody says to take it off when it's playing."

Did you like any of the other Euro teams?

"Germany is at a spectacular level. There are teams like England and France, who may not be playing a great role, but they have players who are going to get involved at any moment."

You don't see the title being only between Spain and Germany?

"Not at all. There are teams that are not playing at a good level, but they are going to do their best. There are people who say that you have to lose a game, look at the example of Argentina in the World Cup."

Is the player also winning?

"When you gain minutes you settle into the team. In a national team you don't know your teammates as much and you gain confidence. Surely we will improve"

You have arrived fresher, but without so much rhythm.

"When you don't have a competitive rhythm, it's noticeable. But when you have looser legs, you go all out. They always say that quality players don't have to run or defend, but I don't think like that. When everyone works, the team is better."

Do you finish games more tired than usual?

"No, I'm very well. Above all, because of the work I've done to get there. I have found something that has been very good for me."

What is it?

"A specific type of work for me. It's a secret [laughs]."

How do you get on with marketing?

"Well, I'm doing fine. At the beginning I didn't like it very much, but I've accepted it. The situation is worth it. It depends on what it is, I like it. There are some things that are more fun."

For example.

"When I take the photos for a campaign I get a bit lazy, but then when I see the result I like it."

When you arrive in a city and you see yourself on the posters, what do you think?

"Let's see if I look good [laughs]. My mother always passes them to me. The one in Doha was huge."

Who was the last person you made cry with laughter?

"I haven't made anyone here cry with laughter yet. But I will. I'm going to make Ferran Torres cry with laughter."

[three--rings]

One thing I haven't seen a lot of talk about in the fandom so far is about the financials of this season.

It took us two whole months to get a confirmation of renewal from Max, and I talked at the time that I think there was probably a lot of heated negotiations going on at the time with contracts and that's why it took as long as it did.

I think we see a huge number of indications of the compromises that were made in order for S2 to be made. One obvious one that has been talked about is being making in in NZ instead of LA, to save $.

But there's also the eight episodes instead of ten. And then the cast aspect. One downside of moving overseas was having to fly out and house the cast, not just pay day wages.

We knew immediately about Guz Khan not coming back, losing Ivan as a character. At the time I was sad but I thought it had the air of a pretty harshly practical call. If you went through the main recurring cast and said okay which character will affect the fewest things, has the least character interactions of anyone? It would be Ivan. (With the only competition being The Swede IMO, but he's Stede's crew and therefore a little more central.)

And then this season started and we got first The Swede sidelined and taken out of major scenes. And then I noticed that different members of the crew were simply absent for long stretches, like Wee John isn't around for ep 5 at all. And then Buttons takes flight.

Lucius and Pete aren't at the party for most of it. Fang isn't in the torture scene. Roach and Fang aren't in the bar. Etc. SCHEDULING IS HAPPENING.

The new characters are almost entirely played by NZ local actors, which is great, but also...cheaper.

In other words there are big signs that they did everything possible to give us a giant cast of almost everyone we love from S1, and cool new characters, in the most economical way possible.

And I'm grateful for it. I'm grateful we got S2, and it looks great, and it's well written, I'm having a blast, and we get to spend more time with this awesome cast.

But I also kinda think it needs to be said that the cost-cutting shows. That it shouldn't have been only 8 episodes, the pacing is off. That we miss every time someone from the ensemble isn't on screen.

That despite what they've put on screen looking very good, there's far less costuming budget, there's less elaborate sets, and it's a little disappointing. And it's clear it's not a lack of will or talent or vision but blatantly lack of money.

Look, streaming networks want brilliant shows that people love (that will get them to subscribe) but they very don't want to pay anyone to make them. That's like, the whole moment we're having right now.

Max puts out promos about how great it is to not have unions messing shit up in NZ. Well I have friends who are union costumers in LA and guess what union costumers did amazing last season. This season, well, I guess Stede got three whole shirts, so that's cool.

So I dunno. It's just stuff I think about. I'm not trying to be negative about the show in any way. I'm extremely happy with this season; I love it more than well, possibly any show I've ever been in fandom for.

But I see you, Max. You're cheap. You weren't that cheap when you were called HBO.

[inkedbybarnes]

his baby

bucky barnes x fem!reader

summary: bucky won't call you by your name.

word count: 400+

warnings: 18+ minors dni. established relationship. tooth rotting fluff, or worse... allusions to smut. a whole lot of usage of petnames mainly being baby, bucky being obsessed with the reader (that's a warning, i say), lowercase writing.

i have no idea what this is (okay, maybe i do) but it happened. really cheesy, but i guess i'm into that sometimes. hope you like this one!

dividers by @cafekitsune!

comments, reblogs, and likes are highly appreciated. thank you! ♡

“where's my baby?”

those three words kept echoing all throughout the compound this morning. most of the team were up and awake to welcome bucky, steve, and sam who just arrived home from their week long mission.

but his baby was missing.

“oh, god. here he goes again.” sam shook his head, fatigue written all over his face, but a bit of amusement from bucky's behaviour still shining through. he couldn't deny how admirable bucky's adoration for you was.

“calm down, punk." steve pat his shoulder reassuringly. “i'm sure she's here somewhere.”

“yeah, but where?” bucky asks again. “i haven't seen her for a week. i miss her.”

“you think he remembers her name?" clint jokingly asked.

“she has multiple names, remember?” tony answered. “baby, sweetheart, love, sweets, and.. what's the other one? i swear, there's another, or maybe two?”

before one of them could find the answer, bucky popped right in front of them to ask another question.

“is my baby okay?” his brows were all scrunched up, genuinely worried about you. “did you tell her i was coming home? i told her before we took off. why isn't she here? she's always—”

“okay, lover boy. your baby is alright, she's still sleeping in your room, i think.” tony answered him, finally calming him down. “and can you call her by her name when it's just us around? we're starting to think that you forgot what her actual name is."

“what? she's my only baby, it's not that hard to figure it out." bucky shrugged, causing at least three of the avengers to run their hands through their face at his answer. “and why is she still asleep? is she sick?"

natasha raised her hand, a guilty smile on her face. “i'm the reason for that. i made her stay up late with me last night to watch five seasons of a show we discovered accidentally,” she explained, a proud smile now replacing her guilty one. “she might be a little cranky from the lack of sleep, so you better have something for her when she wakes up.”

“oh, i do.” bucky grinned like he already knew what to give her and was prepared for it. “all of you might want to leave the tower for the entire day if you don't want to hear me giving it to her.”

what used to be the shouts of bucky looking for you were now replaced with the grunts and complaints of the team because of bucky's answer.

if you have any requests for bucky, send them my way! 💌

[blkwag]

we need voice notes omg

[pucksandpower]

Bet on It

Charles Leclerc x Marko!Reader

Summary: Charles will do anything for you to finally give him the time of day … even if that means betting on himself to pull off the impossible in exchange for a date with you

“Charles, don’t even start,” you raise your hand to stop him before he can get the words out.

His mouth closes and he looks at you with those puppy dog eyes, like a sad little boy who just got told he can’t have ice cream before dinner.

You have to resist the urge to laugh. Does he really think that’s going to work on you? You’ve seen that look a hundred times before, whenever you turn him down for a date.

Which is every time he’s asked.

“Come on, Y/N,” he pleads. “Just one date, that’s all I’m asking for.”

You shake your head, arms crossed over your chest. “Nope, not gonna happen.”

He runs a hand through his hair in frustration. That tousled mop looks like it hasn’t seen a comb in days. Somehow he manages to make the just-rolled-out-of-bed look work.

“Give me one good reason why not,” he challenges.

“I’ll give you three,” you fire back. “One, you’re an F1 driver, which means you have an ego the size of a not-so-small country. Two, you’re my team’s biggest rival. And three, you’re a player.”

He puts a hand over his heart, feigning offense. “Moi? I would never.”

You fix him with a pointed stare and his innocent act crumbles.

“Okay fine, maybe I used to be,” he admits. “But I’m not like that anymore. I’m ready to settle down, and I want to do that with you.”

“Uh huh, sure you are,” you say skeptically. “I’m not some pitlane groupie. I don’t just fall all over myself for handsome drivers with dreamy eyes.”

His face lights up. “You think I have dreamy eyes?”

You feel your cheeks flush. Crap. You did not mean to let that slip out.

“That’s not the point,” you say quickly. “The point is, the answer is no. It’s always going to be no. So you can stop asking me out already.”

You turn on your heel to walk away, but he reaches out and gently grabs your wrist. You pause, looking back at him.

“Just one date,” he says again, green eyes boring into yours. “Give me a chance to prove myself. If you don’t have a good time, I’ll never ask you out again.”

You consider his offer. One date, that’s all he’s asking for. And really, what’s the harm? It’s not like you have to marry the guy if you go to dinner with him once.

Still … this is Charles Leclerc you’re dealing with. Who knows what kind of charms and flirtatious tricks he’d pull out to try and win you over? You know you find him attractive — those eyes really are dreamy — but getting involved with him would be messy, to say the least. Your grandfather would flip.

“I don’t think so,” you say firmly. “Like I already told you, it’s not going to happen.”

His face falls. For a second you feel a twinge of guilt. He looks so dejected. But then that spark of mischief is back in his eyes. Uh oh. You know that look. The wheels are turning. He’s got an idea.

“Okay, how about we make this interesting,” he says slowly. “If I win the race this weekend, you have to go on a date with me.”

Your eyebrows shoot up. Is he serious right now?

“Let me get this straight … you want to make a bet involving the outcome of the race, when it’s at the Red Bull Ring, our team’s home track, where Max has won four times in the last six seasons? With the rocket ship of a car that is the RB20?” You shake your head in disbelief. “I thought you were supposed to be smart.”

He shrugs, a small smile playing on his lips. “I never said it was a sure thing. But if I manage to pull it off, then you have to hold up your end of the bargain.”

You consider his proposition. On the one hand, the chances of him winning in the Ferrari this weekend are not great. Statistically, Max is the clear favorite. So there’s really no risk of you actually having to go on a date with Charles.

On the other hand, you have to admit the idea is intriguing. And knowing Charles beat the odds to win would be kinda hot ...

Wait, what are you thinking? Get it together, Y/N! This is a terrible idea.

But before you can talk yourself out of it, you hear yourself saying, “Alright, you’re on.”

A wide grin spreads across Charles’ handsome face. “Yeah? We have a bet then?”

You nod, already wondering if you’ve made a huge mistake. “Yep. But don’t look so cocky. The chances of you winning are like a million to one.”

“We’ll see about that,” he says with a wink. Then he glances down at his watch. “I better go. See you in part fermé after the race.”

He turns and saunters off. You watch him go, heart sinking. What on earth have you just agreed to?

***

Your stomach is in knots on race day. You tried to play it cool in front of Charles, but the truth is, you are desperately hoping he does not win this race. One date with him and you know you’ll be a goner. You’re already more attracted to him than you want to admit.

You watch from the Red Bull garage as the cars go around on the formation lap. Charles is starting P5, with Max on pole. The odds are heavily in the World Champion’s favor.

But still … plenty of drivers have won from worse positions. And this is Charles Leclerc you’re talking about. When he sets his mind to something, he’s unstoppable.

The red lights go out and Max gets a clean start, streaking away into the lead. Charles has a decent launch off the line too, but he can’t challenge Max going into turn 1. He slots into P5 behind Lando Norris as they thunder down the straight for the first time.

Your grandfather shoots you a look from across the garage, one eyebrow quirked. He knows about the bet. He wasn’t exactly thrilled when you told him, but amusement seemed to win out over anger in the end. Probably because he’s just as confident as you are that Charles has no chance today.

The race unfolds lap after lap. Max opens up a huge gap while fighting rages behind him. Charles battles with the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton, exchanging positions several times. By lap 20, Charles is up to P4, having pulled off a stellar overtake around the outside of turn 7.

Half distance comes and goes. Charles is closing in on Checo and George Russell ahead of him. He’s clearly got the bit between his teeth today. You watch with bated breath as he pulls alongside the Red Bull and Mercedes into turn 4, the three drivers going wheel to wheel with barely any room to spare. Charles emerges ahead and suddenly he’s P2.

Your grandfather shoots you another look. “He’s on the podium,” he remarks.

You bite your lip. You don’t need the reminder. Ugh, you knew you shouldn’t have agreed to this.

With 15 laps to go, Max’s engine unexpectedly lets go in a plume of smoke. Your grandfather curses while the Red Bull mechanics stare at the screens in disbelief. Charles swoops through into P1 with Checo behind him, the Ferrari now running up a solid lead.

Barring disaster, Charles is going to win this race. Which means you’re going to have to go on a date with him.

You watch the final laps tick down with growing dread. The checkered flag waves and the Ferrari garage erupts in celebration. Charles pulls the car to a stop and rips off his helmet, beaming from ear to ear. Even from here you can see the pure joy and elation on his face.

He jumps out of the cockpit and is immediately mobbed by his team. You try to slip away unnoticed, but one of the Ferrari press officers flags you down.

“Charles wants to see you for the podium celebration,” he says.

You close your eyes briefly in defeat. There’s no getting out of this now. Slowly you follow the man out to the cool down room. Charles is just coming out, still flushed with victory. When he sees you, his whole face lights up.

“I told you I could do it,” he crows, pulling you into an exuberant hug before you can protest. He smells like petrol and sweat.

“Yeah, yeah, congratulations,” you mumble into his race suit.

He grins down at you. “Don’t look so sad. I promise you’ll have fun.”

You force a smile, but inside your heart is sinking. One date with Charles and you know you’ll never be able to resist him again.

The podium passes in a blur. You manage to avoid any interviews, not trusting yourself not to say something you’ll regret on camera. Like what a cocky, arrogant, too-handsome-for-his-own-good flirt Charles is.

After what feels like an eternity of spraying champagne and cheering crowds, Charles finally finds you again. His hair is still damp and curled wildly from the celebratory drink.

Charles playfully wipes a splash of sparkling wine from your cheek, his touch lingering for a moment.

“Sorry about that,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

You just shake your head, unable to stop the smile spreading across your face. His joy is infectious.

“I believe you owe me a date,” he says, looking far too pleased with himself.

You sigh, resigned to your fate. “I guess I did make a deal. When do you want to do this?”

“No time like the present.” He glances at his watch. “I’ll pick you up at 7. Wear something nice.”

Your eyes widen. Tonight? You were hoping to have a little more time to mentally prepare yourself. But before you can object, he leans in and presses a swift kiss to your cheek.

“See you tonight, Y/N.”

Then he’s gone, strolling back to the Ferrari garage like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Meanwhile, your heart is thudding against your ribs. You touch your cheek where his lips branded your skin.

You just hope you have the strength not to give in to his charms completely. One date. That’s it. You are not going to fall for Charles Leclerc.

No matter how dreamy his eyes are.

***

The doorbell rings at 7pm sharp. You take a deep breath and smooth down your dress before opening the door.

Charles stands there looking unfairly handsome in a sharp charcoal suit. His eyes light up when he sees you.

“Wow,” he says, gaze traveling appreciatively over you. “You look amazing.”

You feel yourself blush. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

He grins and offers you his arm. “Shall we?”

You loop your hand through his elbow and let him lead you to his car. He opens the door for you like a true gentleman. This sweet, chivalrous side is one you’ve never seen before. Already he’s subverting your expectations.

During the drive, Charles asks you questions and listens intently to your answers. He’s completely focused on you, making you feel like the most fascinating person in the world. By the time you arrive at the restaurant, a lovely Italian place near the city center, you’re feeling much more at ease.

Dinner passes enjoyably with playful, flirtatious conversation. Charles has you laughing one minute and blushing the next with his charm and undivided attention. He seems to know just what to say to make you smile. Not an ounce of cockiness or ego shows through.

After you polish off a shared tiramisu, Charles suggests a walk through the nearby park. You happily agree. As you stroll beneath the trees, he tentatively reaches for your hand. When you thread your fingers through his, the smile that lights up his face melts your heart.

You talk softly, learning more about each other. He asks thoughtful questions and shares things about himself that surprise you. Like his close relationship with his family, his secret talent for cooking (which you don’t believe for a second), and his love for composing music.

When he shyly admits he’s never felt this way about anyone before, you don’t doubt his sincerity for a moment. He means every word.

Too soon you’ve looped back to where you started and flag down the valet before making the drive back to the hotel. Charles walks you to your door, still holding your hand like he never wants to let go.

“I had a really nice time tonight,” you say softly.

“Me too.” He moves closer, searching your eyes. “I’d really like to see you again.”

Your breath catches at his closeness and the intensity in his gaze. The wise thing would be to end this now before it goes any further. But his hopeful, heart eyes crumble your resolve.

“I’d like that too,” you whisper.

A smile blooms on his face right before he leans in and kisses you. It’s soft and sweet, sending tingles down to your toes. When he pulls back, eyes shining, you know you’re a goner.

One date turns into two, then three, then suddenly you’re spending every weekend together, traveling between races. Charles goes out of his way to meet up with you, even when it means long flights in between events. Holding you in his arms seems to be the only thing that matters.

When he shyly asks you to be his girlfriend, you don’t hesitate a second before saying yes. The kiss he gives you leaves no doubt about his happiness.

Your grandfather is wary at first, but Charles is relentless, assuring him at every chance how deeply he cares about you. Eventually Helmut accepts that the man gazing at you like you hung the stars is nothing like the flirtatious playboy he assumed.

This is the real Charles — sweet, thoughtful, and absolutely devoted.

The two of you become inseparable. Charles arrives at every race with your hand clasped in his, making sure to greet your grandfather before and after with a handshake and sincere well wishes. He stays close through successes and disappointments, as you become his steadfast supporter.

At night you lay tangled together, talking late into the darkness. He whispers secrets no one else knows and you bare your soul in return. You’ve never felt more understood by someone. In his arms is your favorite place in the world.

When he shyly gives you a key to his Monaco apartment, tears fill your eyes. Calling it home feels as natural as breathing.

Whenever you walk through the door, his eyes light up like you’re the answer to every prayer. He sweeps you into his arms, holding you close as he whispers “I missed you.”

Charles looks at you like he’s seeing his future. “I want this forever,” he murmurs against your lips.

You look into those watercolor eyes and know you never stood a chance at resisting. “Me too.”

***

The new season kicks off and you’re thrilled to be back in the paddock with Charles. The only downside is having to part ways when you reach the garages, going to opposite sides of the divide.

You’ve gotten used to your Red Bull team gear. The colors are familiar, almost comforting. Charles has gently brought up the idea of you wearing Ferrari red instead, but you just can’t bring yourself to do it. That would feel like the ultimate betrayal.

Charles accepts your decision with his usual grace. He knows how difficult this situation is for you, caught between loyalties. But the gleam in his eye tells you he hasn’t given up on swaying you yet.

Sure enough, as Monza approaches, Charles issues a new challenge.

“If I win our home race, you have to wear Ferrari merch next time,” he coaxes, punctuating his request with a kiss.

You pretend to think about it. “Hmm, I guess I could do that.” Seeing his smile light up melts your reluctance.

Charles takes pole position on Saturday, amping up the pressure. Still, you’re not too worried. Max has this in the bag.

Famous last words. You really should have learned better the first time.

Only Max doesn’t have it in the bag. Charles drives a flawless race and takes the victory, the Tifosi crowd exploding with delirious joy. Charles standing proudly atop the podium in front of the sea of fans is a sight you’ll never forget.

Now you have to hold up your end of the bargain.

The next race weekend you show up with a red Ferrari team shirt stretched across your shoulders, a matching cap gracing your head. You feel like a fraud, but a deal’s a deal.

You’re trying to sneak through the paddock unnoticed when a reporter flags you down.

“Y/N, care to explain the new look?” She asks, eyeing your outfit.

You shift awkwardly, grasping for words. “Oh, um, well ...”

Before you can formulate a response, an excited voice interrupts. “That’s my girl!”

Charles appears out of nowhere and throws an arm around you, beaming at the camera.

“Everybody’s a Ferrari fan.” He declares. “Even if they say they’re not, they are Ferrari fans.”

He emphasizes this point by planting a kiss directly on your mouth. You flush crimson but can’t help smiling against his lips.

Pulling back, he winks and shoots the camera a million dollar grin. “She looks good in red, no?”

With that he steers you away, leaving the reporter chuckling behind you.

“You’re terrible,” you scold Charles, but you’re laughing too.

He just grins and kisses your temple. “Maybe so, but I’m your terrible boyfriend who you love very much, yes?”

You roll your eyes but snuggle closer into his side. “Yeah, I guess I do.”

Tomorrow you’ll be back in dark blue, but right now, wrapped in Charles’ embrace and seeing how happy it makes him, you can’t bring yourself to mind the color change too much.

Maybe eventually you’ll get used to alternating depending on whose garage you’re watching from that day. It seems Charles Leclerc has more sway over you than you ever could have imagined, enough to override even a lifetime of team loyalties.

And, as he looks at you like you’re the only woman on earth, you can’t find it in yourself to regret that fact one bit.

***

After the stunt Charles pulled with the interview, you decide turnabout is fair play. An idea starts forming, bringing a devious smile to your lips. Time for a little payback.

You bide your time, waiting for the perfect moment. Finally, an off weekend arrives where Charles is staying at your place. When he goes out to run errands on Saturday morning, you set your plan in motion.

A quick trip to Agent Provocateur provides the supplies you need. After Charles leaves, you slip into the dressing room and emerge wearing a sexy red lace teddy that leaves little to the imagination.

Checking yourself in the mirror, you make a few adjustments. The color is Ferrari red through and through. Charles’ eyes are going to bug out of his head when he sees you in this.

You hear the front door open right on cue. “Mon amour, I’m back!” Charles calls.

“In here!” You reply, reclining casually across the bed. You arrange yourself in a tempting pose and wait.

A moment later Charles appears in the doorway, loaded down with his own shopping bags. When he spots you, he freezes, jaw dropping. The bags tumble unheeded to the floor.

You bite your lip coyly. “Welcome home.”

“What … I … you …” Charles stammers, eyes round as saucers as they rove over you. He seems incapable of forming a coherent thought.

You toss your hair back with exaggerated nonchalance. “Oh this old thing? Just trying on some new clothes. What do you think?”

Charles makes a strangled noise, still rooted to the spot.

You take pity on him and pat the bed. “Why don’t you come over here and show me how much you like it?”

That snaps him out of his stupor. In two strides he’s across the room, mouth capturing yours hungrily. You melt into his kiss, winding your arms around his neck.

When you finally come up for air, his eyes are blazing. “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”

You trail a fingertip down his chest. “Payback for your little stunt.”

He grins sheepishly. “Okay, I deserved that. But this ...” His heated gaze travels over you again. “You look incredible. Only one thing would make it better ...”

He hurries over to his gear bag, rummaging excitedly. With a flourish, he produces his cap, a large 16 prominently embroidered on the front. Plopping it on your head, he steps back to admire the effect.

“Perfect,” he declares. Taking your hand, he tugs you to the full length mirror.

The vision staring back makes you catch your breath. The red teddy clinging to every curve, paired with Charles’ cap tilted rakishly on top of cascading hair … you have to admit it’s hot. No wonder Charles looks ready to combust.

His arms slide around you from behind, lips finding that sensitive spot beneath your ear. “Have I mentioned how sexy you look in red?” He murmurs.

You tilt your head to give him better access, sighing with pleasure. “Mmm, I think you better show me some more.”

Charles grins against your skin. “With pleasure.”

Scooping you up, he deposits you back on the bed and proceeds to worship every inch of the tantalizing red lingerie with hands, lips, and devoted words.

By the time he finally peels it off you, the teddy is a tattered scrap. But the awed look in his eyes makes it clear the effect is unforgettable.

Laying wrapped in each other’s arms afterward, you kiss the tip of his nose playfully. “So I take it you liked your surprise?”

“Liked it?” He shakes his head in wonder. “I absolutely loved it. You’re the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”

You snuggle into his chest, satisfied. “Well in that case, expect to see more Ferrari red in my collection in the future.”

His eyes light up. “You’re going to be the death of me. But what a way to go.”

You’ll have to add some rosso corsa to your closet. Not that you mind.

A small price to pay to see that look in his eyes, like you’re the answer to his wildest fantasies come true.