#looks for a cross country horse race

[fashion4standusers]

Lil Nas X in custom Coach tour outfits

[thatsdemko]

dicked down in Dallas - d.ricciardo

masterlist

requested: n

pairings: daniel ricciardo x fem!reader

warnings: + not intended for minors + mentions of oral (m receiving)

a/n: 🤠howdy partners let’s yee our haws together!!! also big shoutout to @diorleclerc for reading some of this xx luv u babes

《 the following content is not intended for minors. 》

She's probably in the Lonestar state

Sucking off ol' what's his name

everything is bigger in texas. whether that be the men, the food, or the cars. everything’s just bigger in the lonestar state.

and you’ve come to realize that, having never crossed the boarder to America until the opportunity to work in formula one, you took the chance having traveled the world twice over now, but texas was new. and boy, it didn’t disappoint to its name.

the cowboy boots and hats were no joke, they were everywhere. from the tiny bars to the gas stations, boots and a cowboy hat seemed to be the perfect attire to conquer the blistering sun.

“what do you reckon I buy one of those?” Daniel jokes pointing to the young boy who’s boots are up to his knees. they were caked in mud and the skin on the toe of the boots seemed to be fading.

“you? in cowboy boots?” you turn to him to see if he’s joking, but his eyes tell you he’s serious.

you’ve always had a little thing for Daniel. he just was so easy and approachable, people loved him and it was obvious why. you just didn’t expect that with more time your heart would grow fonder of his presence.

“why not? I think I’d look sexy.” he shrugs, two of you watch his dad fan himself with the brim of his hat. it seemed to be the texas heat was getting to the fans as well.

you think for a moment, trying to picture him in the boots, but your mind falls short, “I’d like to see it.” you turn back over to him. he just nods running his fingers over his beard.

you watch him for a moment, he’s humming a little country tune to himself he heard from the bars last night, before he struts off with a social media intern ready to take on the stage with Lando.

you’re not sure what you’ve got yourself into, but you know damn well your words got him thinking.

—

you hear the sounds of the horse shoes clicking against the pavement. it’s a bit of a different noise for a formula one circuit, but the laughter and excitement all sound the same. the sound of the horses breathing does make you turn around, and when you do you’re greeted go a big brown horse strut it’s way through the paddock with no one other than Daniel on top.

he’s shaved now, the only thing left is a goatee. he’s sporting a tan colored cowboy hat, a jacket of the American flag, and of course, those cowboy boots.

“you want a ride, baby girl?” he jokes as the horse comes to a halt in front of you. you can’t help but laugh at how ridiculous this is, but ultimately you give in and join him on the saddle.

“you’re ridiculous, Dan.” you laugh, hands gripping his the belt loops of his bell bottom jeans feeling the horse jerk a stop finally reaching its destination and allowing fans to swarm around and help Daniel off.

“you’re the one saying you wanted to see it, so here I am. your sexy cowboy.” he gestures to the outfit not giving you enough time to clap back before turning to sign autographs and take pictures. he’s crazy, always trying to prove a point, but he was right about one thing.

he was a sexy cowboy.

—

your knock is soft against his drivers door. his voice is barely audible, but you still open the door and see his cowboy hat rested on the bench next to his helmet.

the race wasn’t perfect for him. but there was one thing on your mind the whole time you watched him whip around that track. how sexy he looked in those cowboy boots.

“howdy,” you slid into the room, door closing quietly behind you. you move over to the bench and pick up his tan rimmed hat, placing it on his head, “you do make a sexy cowboy.” you admit watching his head lift upwards, eyebrows knitting together.

“I told you so.” he mutters, his hand reaches for the hat on his head, but you stop adjusting it to sit further down on his head.

you slip beside him on the bench, elbow crashing into his bicep, “I don’t know if you know, but I really like cowboys.” you whisper, his eyes watch you lean against the wall of the room, “it’s a shame I never got my texas wish.” you sigh, arms crossing over your chest.

“what texas wish?” he flips to look at you, eyes full of curiosity as he leans a bit closer to your body. you chuckle at how eager he is to know what it is.

“come on, you know every girl wants to ride a cowboy at some point in their life.”

he shakes his head, swallowing the salvia that’s thickening in his mouth, “no I didn’t know that.”

you shrug pulling the brim of his hat, setting it beside him on the bench, “well I’ll just try again next year.” you’re about to get up when he puts the hat back on, lips crashing against yours. he knows there’s no next year for him, it’s not in the books yet, and he wants no one else to take that from you.

“you can ride me.” he grits between his teeth, your hands hold onto his hat, the brim collided with your forehead, it almost fell off.

“you’ll be my cowboy?” you ask in between breaths watching him fall against the bench, his own fingers work quick to pull down his pants and underwear.

you can feel a smirk fall onto your lips as you kick off your own pants as well situating yourself on top of him, “ride me.” he whines, hands on your hips, he’s guiding you the way he likes it.

it doesn’t take long for you to find the grind he likes, moisture thickening in between your inner thighs. he watches your head tilt back, eyes shut as moans escape your lips. it feels good, everything you’re doing for him, and the little he’s providing for you is getting you off.

he juts his hips upwards so you can feel how hard he is beneath you. you work your way down his body, fingers working his shaft before touching his tip. a moan escapes his lips, you can feel him stiffen under your touch. he feels the wetness of your tongue swirl around, sweet moans of your name escape his mouth.

his hands fly into your hair, you can hear his breathing increase, your name is faint against his lips but it sounds so good.

“you really know how to make a cowboy feel good.” he grunts, cum meeting your mouth.

“it’s not my first rodeo, ricciardo.”

She's gettin' dicked down in Dallas

Railed out in Raleigh

Tag teamed up in Tennessee

Analed in Austin

[usnatarchives]

All Aboard: The Journey of Locomotives in the U.S. 🚂💨💨💨

A train's horn and the rhythmic clatter of wheels on rails are more than just sounds. They are echoes of an era that transformed America. Delving deep into the National Archives Catalog, we unearth treasures that tell the tale of the nation's love affair with locomotives.

The dawn of American rail travel began in the early 19th century. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, founded in 1827, marked the nation's entry into the world of rail. Locomotives like the Tom Thumb demonstrated the potential of train travel, even if they occasionally lost races to horse-drawn carriages.

By the 1860s, the monumental task of connecting the East to the West was achieved with the First Transcontinental Railroad. This incredible feat, symbolized by the golden spike at Promontory Summit in Utah, stitched the fabric of the nation together, making cross-country travel faster and more accessible than ever before.

The golden age of railroads ushered in luxurious train journeys. Trains like the Pullman Sleeping Cars offered Americans unprecedented comfort, making long-distance travel not just bearable but enjoyable. Meanwhile, iconic stations like New York's Grand Central Terminal and D.C.'s Union Station became symbols of the grandeur and promise of rail travel.

As the nation progressed, so did the role of trains. They were vital in transporting troops during wars, crucial for trade, and a lifeline for communities far from urban centers. However, with the advent of the 20th century and the rise of cars and airplanes, the prominence of train travel waned.

From the smoky beginnings in the 1800s to the streamlined trains of today, locomotives have been an integral part of America's journey, carrying not just people and goods, but dreams and hopes of a constantly evolving nation.

FURTHER READING:

Freedom Train https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2015/07/01/new-web-exhibit-on-the-freedom-train/

RFK Funeral Train

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle Series

The Game of Kings 

Chapter 10

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement) 

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Marabelle Series Masterlist 

Main Pairing – Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor 

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F! OC Melanie Smithson 

Most characters belong to Pixelberry Studios 

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language & innuendo. 

Not Beta’d - Please excuse all errors. 

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement 

Words: 2483 

The Game of Kings – Chapter 10 

Chapter Summary – Liam and Sophie practice for the charity polo match. Leo is on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean where he meets a woman. Speaking with his father, Leo abdicates the throne. Liam sends Sophie a Valentine’s Day gift. 

Music Inspiration: Everything Has Changed, Taylor Swift (feat Ed Sheeren) 

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events. 

A/N3: My submission for Choices Flashfics @choicesflashfics, Week #72, prompt 2 - “I wasn’t the one to walk away. You were....” 

A/N4: My submission for Choices Holidays Valentine’s Day Prompts 2024 - Be my valentine/I love you @choicesprompts, @choicesholidays

.......All I know since yesterday 

Is that everything changed....... 

The Cordonian Royal Polo Club 

After adjusting the strap on Marabelle's harness, Sophie accepted the polo mallet from an attendant. She was in her element today; any time spent riding her horse was a joy but spending time with Liam, on top of that ...this was a dream come true. 

When Liam invited her to join his polo team, she was over the moon. To be personally invited to join him was extremely flattering. Her heartbeat raced and butterflies danced inside anytime and every time she thought of him. 

‘Remembering that beautiful Sunday afternoon while working on a paper for class on the terrace of the Beaumont estate, Sophie looked up, pleasantly surprised to see Liam and Maxwell come into view.  

“Good afternoon, Sophie.” Liam smiled warmly as he walked up to her table. “Hard at work as always, I see.” 

“Oh, hello, Liam. Maxwell.” Sophie stood, moving her laptop to the side. 

Liam bent down to kiss her cheek and waited for her to sit back down before he took a seat himself at the glass patio table. 

“Yes, just trying to get this paper finished before the deadline.” 

Maxwell, grinning mischievously, “Ah, the diligent scholar. Little blossom, take a break for a moment. Liam has something he would like to ask you.” 

“Oh?” Sophie smiled, curiously looking at Liam. 

Clearing his throat, a hint of nervousness in his demeanor, “well, I know your love and passion for horses. And as you know, there is a fundraising event planned for flooding relief in Portavira on Valentine’s Day. 

Sophie nods sadly, “Yes, I have heard of that tragedy; It is heartbreaking.” 

Taking a breath, Liam continued. “Indeed...I was wondering if you would consider joining my polo team. Your skills would be invaluable, and I can assure you, we would make quite the formidable duo on the field.” 

Clearly taken aback, but flattered, “Oh, Liam, I ... I don’t know what to say.” 

“Say yes, Soph! It’ll be a fantastic experience, and I can personally vouch for Liam’s team being a lot of fun. ‘Ya know, cuz I am on it.” Maxwell chuckled. 

Sophie smiled, touched by their enthusiasm, “well, how can I refuse such a charming invitation? I'd be honored to join your team, Liam.” 

Liam, grinning widely, “wonderful! I knew I could count on you, Sophie. This event is going to be legendary, mark my words. Thank you, love.”’ 

Practicing today for the Portavira Charity Polo match, Sophie, along with Liam, Drake, Melanie and Maxwell were in the field taking turns with knock-ins. 

She looked over to the sideline and spotted Liam watching her intently. He gave her a small wave and she waved back with a smile.  

"Let's go, girl," Sophie urged her horse. 

Marabelle broke into a gallop, Sophie leaning forward and keeping pace. 

Liam watched as Sophie rode toward the goal, her posture perfect, her movements smooth and confident. 

Sophie raised her mallet and struck the ball, sending it sailing through the air. 

"Nice shot," Liam called out. 

“Yes!” Sophie cried out as she turned back down the field to where Liam was standing. 

"You're a natural out there!"

"Thanks," Sophie replied, blushing. Liam offered his hand as she dismounted Marabelle. "I love riding.” 

"So, are you looking forward to the match tomorrow?" 

"I am," Sophie said. "I'm a little nervous, too. It's my first time playing in front of a crowd." 

"You'll be great," Liam assured her. "And we'll be a great team." 

“Will the entire team meet today?” 

“Yes, you will meet Rashad and Tariq this afternoon.” 

“Are we interrupting?” Drake asked hesitantly as he and Melanie walked over. 

"Hey guys ... of course not," Liam answered. 

"How's practice going?" Melanie asked. 

"Great," Liam and Sophie replied in unison, both grinning, sharing coy smiles. 

"Looks like you've got a winning team, Liam." Melanie grinned, noticing Sophie move closer to his side.

"Thanks," Liam replied, a wide grin on his face. 

“I think so, too,” Liam winked at Sophie, who smiled softly in return. 

“We only have 7 players though. Leo flew out of Cordonia last night.” Drake shot Liam a concerned look, making a mental note of asking Liam about his brother’s absence after practice. 

"We're gonna have so much fun," Drake grinned. 

"You're playing, too?" Sophie asked, surprised. 

"Of course. You didn't think Liam would let me miss the opportunity to beat him, did you?" 

"We'll see about that," Liam smirked. 

"Oh, it's on," Drake replied, a competitive glint in his eyes. 

"Don't worry, we'll kick their asses," Melanie said to Sophie. 

"Yes, we will," Sophie agreed, laughing. 

As Drake and Melanie left to finish their rounds, Liam and Sophie continued practicing. Their easy banter and playfulness made it clear to anyone watching that there was a definite attraction between them.

... And the way Liam looked at her when their eyes met, his gaze filled with admiration and affection...it made Sophie's heart race. 

She could only imagine how good it would feel to be in his arms again, his lips on hers. 

The thought made her blush, and she tried to push it aside, focusing on the game. But the feeling remained, simmering beneath the surface as they walked their horses to the stable. 

"You're incredible," Liam murmured as they left the field. 

"Thank you," Sophie replied, grinning. "You weren't so bad yourself." 

"High praise coming from you," he teased. 

"I mean it," Sophie said, her tone serious. Liam reached over and took her hand in his as the stable hands led the horses to their stalls. 

With a gentle smile, “high praise indeed, Sophie. And I assure you, I mean it. Your talent with Marabelle is unmatched.” 

Their hands remained clasped as they walked to the clubhouse. 

Azamara Cruise Ship, off the Italian coast, Mediterranean Sea 

As the luxury ship cruised through the Mediterranean Sea, the sun was setting in a vibrant display of reds and oranges. 

Leo stood on the deck, admiring the view, lost in thought. 

"Beautiful, isn't it?"  

He turned to see a young woman standing beside him, her blond hair blowing in the breeze. 

"It is," he agreed, turning his attention back to the sunset. 

"I'm Katie, by the way." 

"Leo." 

"Nice to meet you," Katie said, offering her hand. 

"Likewise," Leo replied, shaking her hand. 

"So, Leo, what brings you out here? On a pleasure cruise?" 

"Just needed to get away for a bit." 

"Yeah, me too," Katie replied. 

"It's been a tough week," Leo confided. 

"Really, how so?" Katie asked. 

"I had to make a decision that changed the course of my life." 

"That's heavy," Katie replied. "Do you want to talk about it?" 

"Not really," Leo admitted. "I'd rather just try to forget about it for a while." 

"Fair enough," Katie replied. "So, tell me, Leo, what do you do for fun?" 

Leo laughed. "Honestly? Not much." 

"Seriously?" Katie challenged.

"Yeah. I have a pretty serious job, and I'm usually focused on that.” 

"Well, that's no good," Katie replied. "You need to have some fun, too.” 

"What do you do for fun, Katie?" 

"Everything!" she exclaimed. "I love exploring new places, trying new things, meeting new people." 

"Sounds exciting.” Leo chuckled, turning his body towards her. 

"It is," she went on. "And it's made me a lot more open-minded and adventurous.” 

"Adventurous, huh?" Leo asked, intrigued by her temerity. 

"Yeah," Katie said, grinning. 

"Well, I could use a little adventure in my life." 

"Then come with me," she said, holding out her hand. 

Leo hesitated for a moment, then took her hand. 

Katie led him down to the pool area, where several people were lounging and enjoying the warm evening air. 

"Come on," she said, tugging him along. 

"Where are we going?" 

"To the hot tub," she replied. 

Leo followed her to the hot tub and watched as she slipped out of her cover-up, revealing a white bikini underneath. 

She stepped into the hot tub and turned to look at him. 

"Well, are you coming?" Her eyebrow raised.

Leo could not resist her invitation. He quickly removed his clothes down to his boxers and joined her in the hot tub. 

"Ahhh, this is nice," he sighed, sinking into the warm water. 

"Isn't it?" Katie agreed, her body glistening in the soft light. 

"So, what do you do for fun, Leo?" 

"I'm a crown prince," Leo said. "So, my life is pretty much dedicated to duty." 

"That doesn't sound very fun," Katie said, frowning. 

"It's not," Leo admitted, noting her non-chalance of his mention of his title. 

"Well, I'm sure we can find something fun for you to do," she said, a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

"I'm sure we can," he agreed, his heart beginning to race. 

"How long are you on the cruise for?" Katie asked. 

"The rest of the week," Leo replied. 

"Perfect," Katie said. "We have plenty of time to get into some trouble." 

"Trouble, huh?" 

"Don't worry," she said, laughing. "I won't get you in too much trouble. 

"I'm counting on it," Leo replied, his gaze locked on hers. 

"You are a flirt, Leo." 

"I can't help it," he said, his voice low. This woman was everything that Madeleine wasn't.

"You're very flirtable." 

Katie laughed. "I'm sure that's not a word, but I'll take the compliment." 

"Good," he said, smiling. 

"So, what's your story, Katie?" 

"My story?" 

"Yeah. What brings you out here? On a pleasure cruise?" 

"Same thing as you," Katie replied. 

"An escape..."

Beaumont Estate, Ramsford, Cordonia 

Sophie woke to the sound of knocking on her door. Groggily, she pulled herself out of bed and stumbled across the room. She opened the door to see Daniel standing there, a huge grin on his face and a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses in his hands. 

"Good morning, Squirrel," he chirped. 

"Morning, Dan. What are you doing here so early?" 

"I wanted to bring these to you before you left for the polo match." 

"Wow, they're beautiful," Sophie said, accepting the bouquet. "Thank you." 

"They're not from me, silly. They're from your prince..." 

"Oh," Sophie blushed. 

"Here's the note," Daniel said, handing her a small envelope. 

"Be my Valentine," Sophie read, her heart racing. 

"Aww, that's so sweet," Daniel smiled. "He's really smitten with you." 

"I guess so," Sophie replied, still a bit stunned. 

"So, are you excited about the game today?" 

"Yeah, I am," Sophie said. "I just hope I don't mess up." 

"You'll be fine," Daniel assured her. "I have complete faith in you." 

"Thanks, Dan," Sophie said, giving him a hug. 

"You're welcome, Squirrel." 

Sophie spent the rest of the morning getting ready for the polo match, her heart fluttering every time she lookrd at her roses. She couldn't believe he had sent her such a romantic gift, and she was eager to see him... to thank him personally.

Cordonian Royal Palace 

The morning of the charity polo match, King Constantine was getting dressed when his attendant informed him of an incoming international call.  

“Sir, your son, Leo, is on line one."

Constantine was surprised and concerned, and at once picked up the phone. 

"Son, what's wrong? Where are you?" 

"Father, I had to get away. I had to think." 

"What's there to think about, Leo? Your duty is clear. Your kingdom needs you." 

"But I don't want this," Leo said, his voice thick with emotion. "I never wanted this." 

"Son, I know it's not easy, but we all have to do things we don't want to. It's part of being royalty." 

"... that's the burden we bear." 

"I can't do it," Leo said. "I won't."

"You must," Constantine said, his tone firm. 

"No, I won't. I would rather give up my title than marry Madeleine."

"I'm sorry, son, but you don't have a choice."

"Then I'll abdicate," Leo said, his voice shaking. 

"Leo, where are you now? Are you somewhere safe?" 

"I'm on a cruise ship in the Mediterranean." 

"You are, what?! You are the Crown Prince. You need to return home right away." 

"I won't," Leo replied somberly.

"Leo, listen to me. Your place is here, in Cordonia. You just can’t walk away."

“I have. Liam will be a better King," Leo insisted. 

"Leo! You ...."

“Father," Leo interrupted.

"When have you ever put me or Liam first?” 

“I wasn’t the one to walk away. You were....”, Constantine admonished.

Leo remained quiet, steadfast in his decision.

"Leo, please," Constantine replied, his voice pleading. 

"Goodbye, Father," Leo said, and then he hung up the phone. 

Constantine stood there, stunned. 

.......All I know since yesterday 

Is that everything changed....... 

Thanks for reading

Perma-tags: @ao719 @txemrn @queenmiarys @sfb123 @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @harleybeaumont @busywoman @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @imjusthereforliam @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @tinkie1973 @emkay512 @malblk21 @kristinamae093 @charlotteg234

Submissions: @choicesficwriterscreations @choicesflashfics @choicesprompts @choicesholidays

[il-predestinato]

Interview with Charles Leclerc from Sportweek (La Gazetta dello Sport): “I play the piano, I love art, I want to fly. And I dreamed of Ferrari” (published January 7, 2023).

What is fashion for you?

Charles: “A way of expressing oneself without speaking. I realized this when I started travelling all over the world, thanks to F1, visiting countries and cities I didn't know before.

“I realized that dressing well had a different meaning according to different cultures and traditions. That's when fashion really started to interest me, I would say from 2017, even though I've always liked it.”

What was the next step?

Charles: “I started attending fashion shows, then I became a testimonial for Giorgio Armani and then I came more and more into contact with this environment.”

You also take great care over the graphics of your racing helmets. Which design do you like the most?

Charles: “Probably the one used in France (2022), with the reproduction on the two halves of the photographs of my father Hervé and Jules Bianchi.”

Ferrari is red, but for your 488 Pista you chose a different colour.

Charles: “At that time I was using a matte black helmet with the Monégasque flag going from the front to the back. So I decided to order the car exactly the same. I still like it very much.”

What did you think when you saw yourself in a Ferrari suit for the first time?

Charles: “It was a very big emotion, because it was my childhood dream to get into F1 and race for the Prancing Horse, even though at that time I was not yet an official Ferrari driver (only FDA).”

Do you have any good-luck charms you don't part with?

Charles: “I had some as a kid. My grandmother always used to sew a cross inside my overalls, under the sponsors' logos, but that tradition has disappeared since she is no longer here…”

How do you express your creativity?

Charles: “Mainly through music. I play the piano and invent my own pieces. I will never be as good with a pencil at drawing.”

How do you choose the clothes you wear every day?

Charles: “There's a very classic part of me, which seeks simplicity and comfort, and another more creative part that leads me to play around with streetwear.

“I let myself be guided by the mood of the day, by how I feel, because dressing is a way of making something clear with one's image.”

Will we see a clothing line of your own like Hamilton did?

Charles: “I had started the project, but I stopped. Maybe in the future.”

Do you ever talk about fashion with Lewis Hamilton?

Charles: “Sometimes we discuss the brands we like. He really has good taste and a lot of courage to show off the strangest looks when he comes to the circuits.”

Favourite colours or colours you would never wear?

Charles: “These days I prefer grey, beige and white. I'm not a big fan of fuchsia, in the sense that I wouldn't see myself dressed all in fuchsia, but I've worn that too.”

How do you feel about walking the catwalk?

Charles: “I'm not comfortable. Too many stares on me. But I like to watch the show and observe the more unusual garments. I was at the Ferrari Style show in Milan last year and before that at Armani.”

Try describing the feeling of driving an F1 car to someone who does not know racing. Valentino Rossi, when he tested the Ferrari, said: It is faster than I thought.

Charles: “A nice definition, because it is difficult for a normal person to think about the speed of a F1 car. I always make the comparison with the Rollercoaster. It's like being up there, but keeping everything under control.”

Why are you happy racing?

Charles: “For the adrenaline and because on the track I feel free.”

Do you like motorbikes?

Charles: “I have one motorbike, customised, which I bought in Bali when I went there on a trip with my best friends. We rented it on the spot and I wanted to take it with me to Monte Carlo, even though it was a mess to get it registered to ride there.”

Why that particular motorbike?

Charles: “Because of the memories it holds. I had just arrived in F1 and I decided to take all my closest friends on holiday, for the first time outside Europe. We had a great time.”

Do you still think of getting a flying license?

Charles: “I've already had a few lessons, I'm now at 11 to 13 hours of flying, let's say I have the basics. I had to stop, I hope to start again in 2023. There is a lot of theory to study and I obviously like the practice more.”

How was the feeling?

Charles: “Excellent. I like the stall tests, because there's adrenaline, but also checking the plane in general. And to say that I've always been afraid of flying...”

What do you mean?

Charles: “Even though I've taken planes countless times in my life, I wasn't calm. Now, knowing what pilots do and all the options there are in case of unexpected events, has reassured me.”

Even today you are karting like when you were a kid. Would it be nice to discover a new Leclerc?

Charles: “I would like to help talented young people, who don't have the means, to emerge and make their dreams come true. However, it is a project that takes time and which I therefore see as possible only in the future.”

What does it mean to be the hero of so many very young people?

Charles: “Every time I come to Maranello, outside the Ferrari factory there are always kids waiting for me. In recent years, F1 has regained popularity, also thanks to Netflix. It's nice to see a child's eyes light up when we make a photo. A small gesture is enough, which does not cost effort, to give joy to others.”

Do you feel like an example to follow?

Charles: “I try to be myself, behaving well, if this can then serve as an inspiration for those who observe me, I'm happy about it.”

Translation by vetteleclerc.

[sweetesttarot]

Channeled Messages - Traits Of Your Soulmate!

Piles: 1-2-3 4-5-6

Disclaimer:

this is a general message so not all that is mentioned may apply to you/your person, take what resonates!

. ♡ ° . . • . ♡ ° pile one 

I feel like your soulmate is someone from your past. This doesn't only apply to your current waking life, this may be someone you know from a past life or someone from the dream realm. Your soulmate has the most angelic energy. They bring peace wherever they go. I'm getting the message that some of you who picked this pile may work with the Greek God Apollo or are interested in astral travel or shifting. Your person has a bright yellow aura. I also feel that your person may be into foreign music or they may be a polyglot! rainy, dazed, free, child, ship, sail, ghosts, young, journal, kite, fromis_9, love, sleepy, frog, turtleneck, president, frame, glasses, brick, country, india, tulum, minneapolis, highway, plus, notes, music, sticky, gold, ice cream, wales, four leaf clover 

. ♡ ° . . • . ♡ °pile two 

I feel like like your soulmate is the physical version of a chai latte! I know that may sound weird but they have a calming, magnetic, cozy energy. They may wear beige often. I also feel like your soulmate is very clumsy, I'm seeing ink bottles spilled on paper. This person is also a huge animal lover! They may have a pet turtle or a pet named turtle. I also think that this person looooooves pasta so much that they literally eat it multiple times a week.

whales, plaid, plisse, open, knit, wool, maple, orange tabby cat, kristen, california, brazil, pierce, slay, jumping, airplane, drives, dust, flowers, sushi, kintsugi, novels, poetry, virgina woolf, museum, kryptonite 

. ♡ ° . . • . ♡ °pile three 

I feel like your person loves the snow. As a kid they may have wanted to be in the winter olympics. This person is super outgoing but they may use their outgoing personality as a shield. They may really like sonny angel toys and may have a large collection of them! This person could also love watching daily vlogs or healing vlogs. They're also very studious and math may be one of their favorite subjects! cloudy, snow, peace, green, jumbo, lights, blink, rose, waste, glasses, vision, braid, mosquitoes, mountains, sled, porsche, nantucket, lima, yellow, surfing, corners, ikea, polka dot, grapes, beabadoobee, posie

. ♡ ° . . • . ♡ °pile four 

I'm immediately feeling that this person loves the color pink. They may have or may have had multiple cats. Some people may judge this person because outwardly they may look immature but they actually have so much depth and are extremely intelligent! This person may use really sweet, sugary perfumes similar to sweet like candy by ariana grande. I'm also seeing that this person is an avid gamer and may really like dungeons and dragons or street fighter!

stuffed animals, suede, long, juice, stay, socks, nothing, frost, yes, dungeon, prom, violets, fraises, france, ghost, garden, keep, lock, race, seaside, tyler, chrome, seasons, popcorn, like or like like, lovely, music, chasing  

. ♡ ° . . • . ♡ °pile five 

Your person has total Rory Gilmore vibes regardless of their gender. They may wear striped long sleeve shirts and flare jeans a lot. They also really like the marauders from harry potter. Their favorite food is soup, more specifically clam chowder? This person loves going to concerts/movies and they may keep their concert/movie tickets pasted in a red journal. pancakes, sociable, snakes, ring, right, map, facing, dress, horse, turkey, love, tidal, cross, breathe, mantra, west, vibes, running, salon, juniper, resting, also, miso, yogurt, chambers, register, wash, above, charlie, tiger  

. ♡ ° . . • . ♡ °pile six 

Your person loves taking selfies lol. They are always taking pictures and they may even be an influencer. I'm also feeling that they love having quiet time, they find being alone and being quiet so relaxing. This person may collect vintage items and may have a vintage scarf that they tie to their bag. This person also really loves brownies lol. They have a very calming presence and they'll help you learn how to reflect inwardly! holding, four, poles, moist, jungle, ranch, halsey, notion, falling, number, erase, data, samsung, princess, quality, cyan, random, coarse, hiding, shiba, lemon, pricy, bait, madison, wisconsin, logic, bread, pumpkin, lavender

If you enjoyed this reading please reblog!

[centrally-unplanned]

Its fucking 2 AM lets keep ranting about this! Genshin isn’t popular the way people think its popular. It is currently one of the most financially successful games ever:

But it doesn’t make 20 quadspillion dollars by being the game with the highest player count - and certainly not by being the game with the highest player count in Japan. It has a ton of players, don’t get me wrong - looking like 60 million monthly users.

That isn’t that much though! 

All the big games clean its clock - and it looks even less pretty in Japan itself:

Mobile games ranked by installs. Do you even know what that second game is, by the way? 

Uma Musume Pretty Derby: Horse Girl Racing & Breeding game, absolutely more popular than Genshin in Japan on mobile (which most people estimate is how Genshin is played in Japan & China, vs PC in the US). Which I am singling out specifically, because beyond just ‘numbers’ you have metrics like intensity of the fanbase, how much do the devotees talk about the game and such. That sets trends more than numbers do, right? And hey look Comiket in Japan just happened, what do you got for me - lets rank number of doujins sold at comiket in the gatcha-style games category:

Type-Moon: 848 

Uma Musume: 728

Hololive: 620 (Vtuber)

Kancolle: 654

Touhou: 596

iDOLM@STER Starlight Stage: 474

Blue Archive: 446

iDOLM@STER Shiny Colors: 232

Genshin Impact: 230

Nijisanji: 194 (Vtuber)

Touken Ranbu: 192

Project Sekai: 172 (Includes Vocaloid)

Arknights: 123

Azurlane: 120

Girls und Panzer: 118

Fuck yeah Girls und Panzer. But anyway 9th place? Pretty good! Very respectable...and fucking wrecked by the HORSE GIRL BREEDING MOBILE GAME Uma Musume

How about some streaming data! Japan only ofc:

So now here its pretty low, but I will grant that its the best ranking anime-style game. Genshin is popular, for sure. But all this taken in, Genshin just aint that big - its a very popular game, probably the most popular “fantasy fluffy anime game”, but its not like, insanely popular, running the show.

The reason you think its popular is two-fold; one is that its a gatcha game, so it is monitizing its player base way above other large games. Not crazily so btw, the average Genshin player has probably spent $70 dollars on the game, the normal price of a game - but still its competing with other “free” games which always have much bigger player bases, its hitting hard in relation. It is, absolutely, one of the most financially successful games ever. And the second reason is its cross-country popularity - its really rare for a game to be huge in China AND Japan AND America. The fact that its a top game in all three countries is a big feat, and it makes you hear about it, it gives it a playerbase scale from the sheer market size.

But if you are Japanese company Nintendo, making a game that is *not* a gatcha game, for a company that is famously pretty parochial about branding their games for the Japanese market uber alles, that is making a *console* game on a console that famously did not sell well in China...why would Genshin stand out to you? Its just one of the games, competing with a totally different model, on a totally different device, and in totally different markets. It is a trend, but it is not driving trends, it is not the trendsetter - certainly not for a Switch game. Engage would have no reason to try to copy it over other game styles.

TL:DR Fire Emblem Engage is taking inspiration from the horse fucker game and if you can’t prove that wrong I don’t want to hear it.

[sebsxphia]

rhett abbott.

series.

wildflower, wildfire

rhett finds his wildflower, wildfire and he wants everything with them.

woodland creatures

a series of stories with rhett and age regression.

ptolemaea | the verses

a preacher!rhett abbott series.

sobriety

a series of short stories of rhett helping you with your sobriety.

rhett and his childhood sweetheart

a collection of pieces and moodboards for rhett and his childhood sweetheart.

virginity

you ask rhett to take your virginity, but he’s going to make it painfully hard for you. a series of ask drabbles.

oneshots.

pushing his buttons

maybe you pushed it too far with rhett this time, or maybe he wants something else.*

Harley Davidson

rhett goes away for a rodeo and comes back to find you asleep in his bed wearing one of his of old shirts because it smells like him.*

subconscious

rhett notices something off about you, and he will do anything to help you with your nightmares.

just say the words

rhett rubs you the right way one lazy thursday morning*

lavender soap

rhett can’t go two seconds without touching you in the bath*

fifth floor

what do you do when a handsome cowboy comes through your reception doors?*

home & promises

you’re childhood sweethearts with rhett, but things change, people change.

kiwi

rhett sees you through the eyes of harry style’s ‘kiwi’.*

“who hurt you?”

you come to rhett’s door at 2 am in the freezing cold.

white picket fences & embroidery

you and rhett discuss your future one full mooned winters night.

bambi

rhett takes you around the ranch for the morning, not before you start to get a little sleepy.

bambi | prologue

you regress in front of rhett for the first time and decide to pick a film to watch.

bambi | the cowboy and the toy horse

your favorite toy horse needs to be taken to the horse hospital immediately and rhett is there to soothe you.

bambi | dream a little dream of me

rhett spends the evening winding down with his bambi. based off this drabble here.

a letter of love to rhett abbott

a journal of love for rhett abbott.*

ptolemaea. | god knows i tried.

you find yourself in a confessional booth with preacher rhett abbott as he guides you on the righteous path*

ptolemaea.

you and your local town preacher, rhett abbott, spend a night together in a motel room. rhett is there to calm your racing mind and have you admit your sins. based off the song, ‘ptolemaea’ by ethel cain.*

ptolemaea. | the blood of christ.

rhett suggests a solution that could soothe your cramps from your period.*

ptolemaea. | these crosses all over my body.

preacher rhett offers you the hand of god to calm your woes.*

ptolemaea. | august underground.

you’re looking to take control one evening and tell your preacher to close his eyes and count to ten.*

ptolemaea. | r.a.

you and your sinful preacher outline your future together in the back of his pick up truck.

ptolemaea. | the thoroughfare motel tapes.

you and rhett are nearing the end of the line and he has a sinful idea to document the beginnings of your time out west.*

ptolemaea. | the family tree in god’s country.

you and rhett have finally found peace within your home, and rhett wishes to reassure you that he’ll protect you forever.

ptolemaea. | spirit in the basement.

all you can feel and see is darkness, but someone else is there with you. you pray for your preacher in these desolate times.

freezer bride, your sweet divine

rhett abbott loved you so much. he loved you so much that he wore a necklace with a vial of your blood and a locket of your hair around his neck. based off the song, ‘strangers’ by ethel cain and this post here.*

“then cry for me.”

a short piece based off this post, here.*

ninety days

rhett’s there when you come home with a milestone.

ugly cravings

rhett is there through the testing moments of your recovery.

sickness

rhett comes to your aid in the middle of the night to ease your sickness.

guilt & hangovers

rhett soothes your worries from the night before.

rhett breeding you

a short drabble involving a breeding stand in your barn.*

gentle, rough and loving

rhett abbott’s aftercare is the final piece to the puzzle you need.

camera roll & moodboards.

pov: married life with rhett abbott

pov: your camera roll with your childhood sweetheart, rhett

the abbott family home with rhett

rhett and his bambi

rhett abbott.

rhett abbott instagram

texts with rhett abbott*

heisenberg!rhett abbott

cowboy rhett abbott.

sleepy soft cowboy.

cowboys make better lovers.

willoughby rhett abbott.

it's christmas time for everyone (but me). | buck owens. | with rhett abbott. | for @lewmagoo christmas celebration.

gardening with rhett abbott.

rhett abbott as the carpet bed ep, by ethel cain.

he would give me the love that i deserved.

favorites with rhett abbott.

thoroughfare.

headcanons.

a letter of love to rhett abbott*

teasing rhett*

rhett being an absolute dog*

protective rhett*

fighting for dominance*

rhett and pet names*

rhett x little!reader

'you ain't no cowboy'

rhett calling you ‘cowgirl’*

rhett’s kinks and favorite positions*

the different polaroids rhett has of you*

rhett’s love language*

i want to give rhett the love he deserves.*

drabbles.

| part one | part two | part three | part four |

[metriaaqua]

MASTERLIST

to be updated with more stuff very soon HOORAYYY

ARCHIVE OF OUR OWN WORKS

IN THE WILD WILD WEST [Steel Ball Run Reader Insert]

[Name] [Surname] has a dream of becoming a famous writer. Every good writer needs a start, right? It seems like a cross-country race was a good choice! Besides, she’s been picking up horseback riding, so why not write about the experience and break those glass ceilings as she goes?

…Well, she’s got a lot to learn. Turns out things aren’t so easy for a woman these days. Between a horse race and the search for some Saint’s “corpse parts”, she can’t catch a break.

Seriously, this all started because of a damn race!

ANOMALIES AND DIAMONDS [Diamond is Unbreakable Reader Insert]

The quaint and small town of Morioh was a dream for those looking to get away from the bustling cities that littered Japan. [Name] [Surname] had started to think differently though. Regardless of her parents opinion, living here had started to become strange. Add a couple of supernatural events, a serial killer, and some new friends in the mix….

Oh, this is a recipe for disaster!

OTHER WORKS

BLOODY ORCHID [Steel Ball Run Modern AU x GN!Reader]

this one is a fanfic im writing slightly based off of two horror movies, scream/jennifer's body!! (DO U GUYS SEE MY VISION?!?!?!) i may post this here idk. its probably gonna be a fun little fic about college life at first but then it gets crazy?

You, Johnny, Gyro, and many other of your friends are trying to navigate the tribulations of college. One day, a brutal murder completely shakes the entire community to it's core. Everyone is a suspect...even you. Just a reminder, you can't trust anyone, not even yourself.

[fashion4standusers]

jeans by AREA NYC

[formlines]

Westcoast Rider

Roy Henry Vickers

from the website: Motorcycles have been a part of my life since I was seventeen years old. I learned to ride on a Honda and then bought a BSA 250 single. After a number of falls with the Beeser, I heard that there was a new bike out. I went and looked at a 250 Yamaha DT1 and bought it. I then spent hundreds of hours in the bush and on logging roads and power-line access roads.

I progressed to the point of racing in cross-country events around British Columbia. The downside of racing is that you are quite likely to get hurt and I did. I then bought a Trials bike just to keep in touch with riding and the wide-open spaces that I love so much. I rode the back roads around Tofino with a backpacker's fishing rod for those times when I stopped beside a river or creek.

My riding life changed forever in 1995 with my involvement with Trev Deely Motorcycles and my first ride on a Harley-Davidson. I have since had two different bikes, and am looking forward to a new one this year which will involve some custom work and eagles.

I believe that the motorcycle rider in me is a fulfillment of the horseback rider. A Harley-Davidson is easier to keep and look after than a horse, and I can still experience the wide-open country that I love as a Westcoast Rider.

-Roy Henry Vickers, May 1998

[contremineur]

On reaching England, it appears that Mr. Wraxall landed at Harwich, and that he resolved at once to put himself out of the reach of some person or persons whom he never specifies, but whom he had evidently come to regard as his pursuers. Accordingly he took a vehicle—it was a closed fly—not trusting the railway, and drove across country to the village of Belchamp St. Paul. It was about nine o'clock on a moonlight August night when he neared the place. He was sitting forward, and looking out of the window at the fields and thickets—there was little else to be seen—racing past him. Suddenly he came to a cross-road. At the corner two figures were standing motionless; both were in dark cloaks; the taller one wore a hat, the shorter a hood. He had no time to see their faces, nor did they make any motion that he could discern. Yet the horse shied violently and broke into a gallop, and Mr. Wraxall sank back into his seat in something like desperation. He had seen them before.

M.R. James, from Count Magnus (in ‘Ghost Stories of an Antiquary’, Edward Arnold 1904)

image from here

[dilf-din]

What it Means to be Living

Pairing: Ellie and Joel

WC: 830

Warnings: none, just some good ol’ Jackson fluff and domesticity

A/N: title was derived from Fast Car by Tracy Chapman. I feel like this song is very them coded. Enjoy!

When you’re crossing the country on foot, rain is not something to look forward to. Spending days camped out in an abandoned gas station waiting for a deluge to pass, sitting on pins and needles hoping no one finds you seeking dry shelter, jumping at every unfamiliar sound, bones aching for heat— a shudder passed down Joel’s spine as he reminisced on that chapter of his life. He had spent more nights than he cared to count huddled in dark corners running off of adrenaline waiting for dawn to break.

Here in Jackson though? Rain was good. Rain was a blessing. Spring showers meant full rain barrels and a plentiful harvest. They meant roasted squash in the fall and extra carrots in your soup come winter. Clouds that blocked out the typically blue banner bringing humid air and eerie, dark grey light in the middle of the day were something he and Ellie looked forward to. So when he saw the cumulonimbus formation creeping in their direction at the end of his patrol shift the night before, he couldn’t wait to race home and make plans with Ellie for the following day. They were both off, another rarity now that she had finished school. She was always off somewhere getting into trouble. The nights they spent curled up on the couch becoming few and far between these days, but she couldn’t resist a good thunder storm.

Joel’s rocking chair creaked, cutting through the stark silence of an empty street. Most people planned on staying huddled inside for the next few hours if they could help it. If they were still in Texas, Joel would’ve expected a tumbleweed to careen down the street, the rustle of its branches singing a quiet song as it traveled down the dirt path.

The screen door swung shut behind Ellie who was careful to catch it with her hip to prevent it from slamming. Something about disturbing the peace felt wrong to both of them. They both held these afternoons in their hearts with a solemn reverence.

She set a stale cup of coffee next to Joel, a treat they saved for days like today, clutching a mug that was more honey than tea to sip on as she took her seat. With a blanket draped across her lap, she kicked off the porch to fall into a gentle rhythm in her chair mirroring Joel.

The first roll of thunder rumbled in the distance, and she closed her eyes, taking a big inhale of the heavy air.

“Just in time,” Joel smiled softly, bringing the cup to his lips to take a long sip.

Ellie smiled at the sound, thinking of the way he slurped coffee from the thermos they picked up at Bill and Frank’s on their journey here. It felt like a lifetime ago, but it had only been a few years. The lines around his eyes were deeper now, his hair more grey than brown these days.

The first pitter patters of rain found their landing places on the overhang of the porch. Those sparse drops soon sweeping over them in a gentle rush covering the whole town. The rustle of wind through the trees, thunder now crashing loud overhead, the drops forming a small puddle at the edge of the steps with a steady plink, plink, plink, all of it coming together in a symphony that the pair reveled in like an old favorite tune, a lullaby from childhood whose words have since faded, but whose melody was stored in their hearts, easily falling from their lips as they rocked side by side.

Joel lifted up his guitar and started picking softly. No tune in particular, just a quiet accompaniment to nature’s song.

“Starlight’s due any minute now,” Ellie remarked, “I’m hoping it’s a day I’m off from patrol. Dan said I could help deliver the baby if I’m here.”

Joel smiled at how well she had taken to the horses. She was a natural when it came to riding, even more so when it came to caring for them. They seemed to speak the same language. Ellie knew what it was like to be afraid, always leading with gentle, hushed tones and soothing words when she was around them.

Joel’s fingers strummed around until he found a familiar melody, one of Ellie’s favorites. Her mouth turned up into a smile as he started singing the words in his low voice.

“You got a fast car, I want a ticket to anywhere.”

“Maybe we can make a deal, maybe together we can get somewhere,” her lighter voice picked up.

The two of them sang off and on, adding to the symphony of life playing around them. It made them feel connected, it made them feel alive. After all they had been through, to be sitting on a porch together, voices in quiet harmony, the safety of home at their backs, they couldn’t help but think life was worth living after all.

[swanimagines]

LOSING BUT WINNING | PIN HAWTHORNE

Summary: Imagine falling off a horse while competing and hurting yourself, and Pin helping you.

"And now, our final competitor number seven for our second race today, from Bright Fields stables," the announcer bellowed as you rode to the field and you tried to swallow your nervousness. You were a good rider - the best bet against Pin, as Mia had said it.

Pin. Pin rode for Holloway now and Mia expected everyone at Bright Fields to hate him for that, basically saying you're betraying the team if you don't. You had to beat him. You had to be better than him. Especially after Zoe fell off Raven and was disqualified with the last section of the competition. But at least she hadn't had her crush racing beside her.

You took a shaky breath and squeezed Pixie into a walk. The rest of the competitors were trotting down the track, you in the middle. You had to beat them all. You had to win. If you didn't, you felt like Mia would pretty much kill you as the whole team would have been disqualified and then the stables would likely be bulldozed with all its debts.

Pixie seemed to pick up on your nerves and began to snort and tossing her head.

"You've got this, Pixie," you muttered and patted her neck, trying to calm the horse. You took another deep breath, trying to focus, to remember the training you had done during the past weeks as you settled on your spot beside everyone else.

It would be just a little country race riding. You had done the course dozens of times. You knew how to do this.

You could win this. You could be the star of the Bright Fields team, you would outdo yourself.

"Ready, set, go!" the announcer's voice shouted through the field.

You nudged Pixie and the horse launched into gallop. You kept your eyes on the course, feeling like flying over the obstacles. Trees were just blur at the sides of your eyes and your heart was racing from the adrenaline. Pixie's mane was flying around her head, and the horse's hooves pounded the dirt of the course.

You felt like a hero from some fairytale as you raced there and barely hearing others behind you. You would win this, you would outdo yourself.

The course had you crossing through the forest and came to a small creek. Pixie jumped over the log obstacle, and then jumped the next jump, the one after that, and just when you were guiding her to steer right, she neighed and on the next moment, you were sent flying off the back of the horse.

"Ahh!" You cried out as you landed on the mud pond by the creek.

Pixie fell down and neighed some more, and you tried to get up. Your chest and legs hurt and your face felt wet from the mud. You tried to stand but it hurt. You wanted to get up, to check on Pixie, but you just couldn't. You saw Pixie lying there, trying to get up, but she was in the same shape that you were in - she couldn't get up either and her neighing soon turned into quiet whimpers.

You heard the horses galloping towards you and looked up to see Pin, who immediately stopped Elvis upon seeing you and dismounting him.

"Are you alright?" He asked you, his eyes roaming over you in concern.

You groaned. "No... I think I broke something."

"Here." Pin hooked his arm over your waist. "I'll carry you."

"I can walk..." You tried to get up, but you almost screamed when the pain shot through again.

"Looks like it," he chuckled, lifting you with his arm around your waist.

Other competitors came by you too, looking at Pixie lying on the ground and you in Pin's arms.

"Are they ok?" One of them asked and Pin shook his head.

"Call the medical team, Pixie needs help," he told them and nodded towards you. "I'll take my them back and check on them," he told them and then turned to you. "Come on."

You didn't protest and just let him take you. You were grateful for his help and he seemed to understand you were in pain. He helped you mount Elvis and soon you were riding back double, him sitting behind you, ensuring you wouldn't fall off.

"And we have a winner! It's Pin Hawthorne from-"

The announcer cut off her speech as she saw you slightly slumped forward in front of Pin, covered in mud, looking like you're going to pass out soon, and on the next moment, a medical team was rushing up towards you and helping you down Elvis. You were lowered down on the stretcher and carried away, your mind not really working at that point anymore.

---

You woke up in a hospital, in a private room with Pin sleeping on an armchair beside you. You groaned as your headache came back, and Pin immediately woke up and he blinked at your for a second or two before taking a light hold of your hand.

"Hey, it's alright. You're in the hospital, you had an accident," he said softly, rubbing your fingers with his thumb.

"Where's Pixie?" You asked, your mind immediately going through the worst scenario.

"She's in the stables. She's getting treatment too." Pin explained quickly. "She'll be alright, she's young and strong."

You nodded. "Thanks..."

"They almost didn't let me come here," he muttered. "So I lied about being your boyfriend."

Your cheeks immediately heated up from that, but you smiled at him bashfully. "Oh... that's nice of you."

He smiled slightly at you again, before squeezing your hand slightly. "I'll be here with you for as long as you want. Do you want anything from the cafeteria?"

You shivered slightly at his touch and looked at him. "You'll... you can stay here with me?"

He nodded. "You're one of my best friends, of course I'll stay here with you."

You couldn't help but smile widely again and you were sure your heartbeat gave away your true feelings for the boy. "Thank you. And uh... a hot cocoa would be nice. With marshmallows and whipped cream."

"Of course," he chuckled and left the room, leaving you wanting to squeal at yourself for having Pin staying with you. And maybe it was hopeful thinking, but you were sure you saw a blush tinting his cheeks too when he admitted about lying about being your boyfriend just so he'd get to be with you... which could tell about him returning your feelings. Maybe.

In any case, losing the race and hurting yourself wasn't so bad after all.

---

"What do you mean we can't see them?" Becky frowned at the nurse. The nurse sighed and took off her glasses, meeting Becky's eyes.

"I already told you, it's against the rules, miss," she explained, looking at Becky like she's bored of explaining it. "Only family and partners can meet them, but I'm sure they're fine. They have their boyfriend with them."

Becky let out a whine, missing Jade frowning. "But—"

The nurse held up her hand, her face showing that she's had enough of Becky's whining. "As I said, their boyfriend is with them, and that's enough."

"I don't care if they have a boyfriend with them, I'm not letting you keep us from seeing them!" Becky tried to argue, but then Jade touched her friend's shoulder.

"Becky, since when have they had a boyfriend?" She muttered, and suddenly Becky's eyes showed a realisation too.

"Oh," she mumbled and then turned back to the nurse, who frowned at the two girls. "Um, what's the boyfriend's name?"

The nurse checked something from the computer screen again. "It reads Pin Hawthorne, do you not know him?"

"Wait, he's not—" Becky started but Jade elbowed her. "I— I mean, no. I mean yes! We do know him. He's their boyfriend, yes. We just... didn't know he's here. We're sorry for bothering you."

The nurse raised her eyebrows momentarily but then nodded, putting her glasses back on and continuing to work on the computer.

"They are dating?!" Becky hissed at Jade, who just shook her head.

"They would have told us, they've been in love with Pin since forever. And they were nervous about making the relationship dire when it was revealed they'd be competing together in that race, it can't be that," she explained.

"I guess you're right," Becky mumbled. "I just wish they'd let us see them. But... why would Pin— ohh, he lied about it!"

"So he'd be able to be with them!" Jade giggled, and Becky nodded, basically jumping a little in place.

"He has feelings for them too, I knew it!" she squealed and hugged Jade's arm.

The nurse looked at them for a second before looking at her screen again.

"Hey, is... are they alright? We came here as fast as we could," Zoe asked her friends, Rosie trailing behind her. Becky immediately beamed at them.

"Pin is pretending to be their boyfriend," Jade whispered. "So he'd be able to be with them in the hospital room."

Zoe blinked. "Wait, what?"

Becky nodded, her smile only growing wider. "He's so sweet and brave!"

Zoe beamed now too. "We knew it!" she laughed and glanced up just in time to see Pin coming from the cafeteria with a big mug and a small paper bag.

"Well well, Mr. Duke has found himself a partner, it seems," she teased, and Pin's cheeks grew pink at that. "How are they?"

Pin cleared his throat. "They're fine. They wanted a hot cocoa," he mumbled and then turned his head away, but the girls could see he was grinning.

"Tell them to text us when they can. I mean, if they have time during your honeymoon," Zoe winked.

Pin's cheeks just grew redder at that but he nodded. "I'll let them know."

He disappeared to the hallway, leaving the girls grinning behind, and they all knew that it wouldn't be long before you and Pin would be together for real.

---

Requests are always open! FANDOM LIST | PROMPT LIST(S) | RULES (READ!!!)

[shineonyoucrazyyandere]

Could you do hcs of Yandere Johnny feeling very jealous and possessive of his darling gaining big popularity during the race?

Yandere! Johnny Joestar w/ a darling who gains big popularity during the race

*its more of a small imagine/scenario this time just to see if I can still write something

His demeanor changes almost instantly being cold and passive aggressive towards others who were cheering you on. You could practically feel the icy atmosphere whenever there was someone gushing at your riding technique. Popularity was an inevitable factor of entertainment from a cross country race. The blond knew this all too well, but no one should be praising you but himself.

Johnny has to act somewhat cooperative in front of the crowds, but it certainly doesn’t mean he doesn’t give off a warning glare to someone who steps out of line in his mind. He ends up surprising you by how close he’s taking Slow Dancer next to your own horse.

“Ummm…Johnny you don’t think this is a little close?” You inquired awkwardly

“No” He firmly responds

His blue eyes send shivers down your spine and you glance towards Gyro for help. But he seems at odds as well, merely giving you an unsure shrug at Johnny’s cold attitude.

As hours pass from the last checkpoint, you never did receive a reprieve from the nineteen year old’s gaze. He was a former jockey, but you were freaked out at how concentrated he was on you. As if you had done something bad enough to earn constant supervision. It simply confused you if he was jealous of your popularity…

No it didn’t make sense, he was pretty popular alongside Gyro. You’d think he’d be somewhat pleased about it, considering the incident that happened before he joined the race. Though if you recall his cold demeanor was towards the spectators, not completely focused towards you.

Looking over your shoulder once more, you met those blue eyes. Whose focus sank into your heart like a pair of shears. Temporarily you lost your words, only gaping your mouth open like a fish before snapping it shut. You shouldn’t be acting this odd towards him, but this was a side of the man you had never been on the receiving end before.

That evening when all three of you set up camp, you decide to busy yourself with cooking dinner. Though that left you in the only company of Johnny, while Gyro dealt with the horses. You could feel the cold presence of the blond right next to you.

“Y/n” his voice cut through the silence like butter

“Yeah, Johnny?” You asked keeping your eyes focused on the food cooking on the pan ahead of you. The flames licking the edges of the surface. You suddenly felt the soft pressure of his hand maneuvering around your arm. The sudden contact made you stiffen for a moment.

He didn’t respond immediately but observed at how touchy you were to his physical touch.

   “How do you feel about those spectators?” He murmured near inaudibly

 “It…was nice having someone cheering me on I guess, those who’d come up and talk to me while I was on (horse’s name)” You replied frankly while flipping over the meal with a cooking utensil. 

  Johnny didn’t seem fond of that answer as his hand had tightened around the wrist you were currently using to keep dinner from burning.

  “Well that’s not what I think…” the blond responded 

“I’m not following you here” You said trying to keep your composure 

  “I should be the only one…” he practically stretched to whisper this in your ear, his eyes narrowing. There was no sheen, just sheer coldness in those words. Like these people were his enemy, competition you could even say. You could only say his name in response.

“I don’t really care for their excited chatter towards you, some of them are a little too affectionate to be just fans…”

You shook your head “Johnny you’re being ridiculous, I think you’re seeing interactions that aren’t there” you attempt to be firm with him, hoping that would make the blond step down from this conversation.

“I’ll be the only one you need to tell you the same little things they do, I don’t care if you think I’m being ridiculous” His tone shifted rather quickly.

Your blood boiled underneath your skin in that small moment of time. Sending him the worst glare you had ever given in the whole race thus far. That didn’t even phase the Joestar, not a single waiver of his eyes as you lashed out at him with your expression.

“This was a mistake…” You muttered under your breath grabbing the dishes rather hastily from one of Gyro’s bags.

“The only mistake was not leaving sooner….” he responded

You froze at those words, his eyes were still firmly glued on you as you turned around.

“I won’t let you run from this, not from me, chase you down if I have to”

You felt horrified by his words, almost fearful in his conviction of that statement. Your anger was extinguished as of now, but there was this feeling of confusion, nervousness, and fright forming from Johnny’s sincerity. To put it simply this man was insane enough to likely keep that promise

[dreamyfanfix]

Chapter 1: Sharmas Vs The Rich

Present:

Violet got up for the fourth time in the last 30 minutes to wipe the sweat off her son’s forehead. The Ninth Viscount was hospitalised because of drug complications. Anthony had been bouncing around psychiatrists and none of them had done their due diligence to check the prescriptions that he had taken previously. It was not something Violet would ever think could happen to her family she had never felt that kind of fear before and, considering her family history, that was saying something. Violet loves all her kids equally but Anthony would always have a special place in her heart, he was the one who made her mother first. So to see her son, strong and organised as he was, in this state was tough for her. A little thrill went up her spine as she realised this was the first time she would be able to take care of her son since before…

“Don’t worry son. I’ll get her back for you. Then all your stresses will be gone. Mummy will take of it all,” Violet said softly to her unconscious son.

-----

2 Years Ago:

Kate hesitated at the entrance of Mayfair Country Club, her eyes widening at the grandeur of the place. It was a world apart from her usual riding spots, smaller stables across London, where she could escape and find solace in the company of horses and greenery. Don't get Kate wrong she loves being in an urban city like London but considering her upbringing in India, her body sometimes longed to experience nature now and again, and unlike some people, Kate could not afford to take a trip to the countryside whenever she wanted. But today, her friend Simon had insisted on lending her his access card, allowing her to experience a taste of the equestrian life among the wealthy elite. Kate had no qualms in admitting that it was spectacular indeed.

Dressed in her usual navy blue riding attire that hugged her figure, Kate felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as she prepared to mount a magnificent chestnut mare named Luna. The stable hands were friendly although they had misgivings about giving her the horse as most riders found her to be a bit rough. Kate was an experienced rider so mounting the beautiful creature was easy and getting her to trot around was a quick study. It was only after a few turns around the same spot did the stable hands feel calm enough to let her take Luna out alone around the forest-y area of the club.

The elegant surroundings seemed almost surreal to her and Kate began to pick up speed. Kate heard him before she saw him, a rider on her right. Her gaze followed the sound and collided with piercing brown eyes. A handsome stranger who looked at her with confusion at first and then smiled with arrogance. That only irked Kate who then let a mischievous grin tug at the corners of her lips. The stranger was keeping pace with her but for how long? Her competitive spirit flared and she felt a burning desire to prove herself. Their horses galloped side by side, the hooves creating a symphony on the ground beneath them, Kate would edge ahead and then the stranger would catch up. Laughter filled the air as they playfully raced, Kate pushing Luna to her limits. To her delight she outmanoeuvred the handsome stranger, crossing the make-believe finish line ahead of him.

Panting with exhilaration, Kate slowed down. She turned to face him, a victorious smile adorning her face and her hand in the air waving to an imaginary audience. "Looks like I've bested you," she teased, her eyes dancing with amusement.

The stranger chuckled, his gaze lingering on her with interest. "Indeed, you have. You're quite a remarkable rider," he remarked, with a note of admiration in his voice. "Care to wager a rematch sometime?"

Kate hesitated, usually she was up for some competition "Normally, the idea of besting rich country club men would be an offer I couldn't refuse but I am not sure you will be seeing me around here again,"

"What is our Mayfair club not to your liking? Or maybe it's the fact that you won't be able to beat me if I was to be riding my horse, Luna," He said.

Kate's head shot up at that "Luna is your horse?" The stranger nodded "The stable hands made it seem like she was an uncontrollable beast that no one could ride" Kate said scoffing "Then again maybe they were merely referring to the horse's owner,"

"I'll gladly let you take me for a ride if it will help you make the comparison," He said with a dazzlingly charming smile.

Their eyes met and a charge of heat went through Kate's body, it was then that Kate's conscience struck like a lightning bolt. She quickly averted her gaze and said "Well unfortunately I am only visiting,"

"Well, maybe I will see you around the city, Miss...?" The handsome stranger was clearly asking for her name.

Kate looked at his attire fully, the branded gloves, the custom clothing, the well-manicured hair and sighed "I highly doubt. Thank you for the race but I really should get back, I'll take my victory lap on the way," she said as she began to saunter off on Luna.

Kate was not usually a flirt and this was maybe why her winning high that made her forget she had a boyfriend. A good boyfriend, one who she had been seeing for only a few short months but Thomas (Tom) Dorset was a good man who stood out against a sea of insecure men she was used to.

Kate was a solicitor, not for long, but long enough that it was obvious to those she worked with and others in her field that she was already a force. You would think that those in her field would flock to her intelligence and independence. Men hate gold diggers, right? But in essence, the other male solicitors she dated had a knack for complimenting her on her looks and intelligence ('Beauty and brains wow!') but then turning around and making it seem like she was too much for them ('You make me feel like you don't need me.' 'No shit Sherlock but I WANT to be with you, is that not enough?'). All of that to say, Kate was not going to ruin a good thing she had going with Tom for a quick shag with a rich stranger from the Mayfair Country Club.

She was not going back there anyway, Simon be damned. 

Besides, Kate knew those kinds of places were exactly the kinds of places she wanted to either take down or open to a more diverse clientele, one lawsuit at a time. Speaking of, the only reason Kate was in Mayfair in the first place, she had a court hearing in 3 hours.

-----

Kate's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and accomplishment as she stepped through the door of her stepmother's, Mary's, cosy living room. 

The court case against Mayfair Highschool for Girls had been gruelling, but she had emerged triumphant. She had fought against the discriminatory practices that had plagued the school for far too long and won. This was also her second victory in her career, although this was the first case that the firm let her take the lead. In her first case, she lost handsomely because it never occurred to her to use real examples instead of hypotheticals as they did in school. The second she was secondary but got all the ways to interrogate rich people properly, which was simple: Let them talk. Let them ramble and they would eventually spill all the terrible (although they didn't think so) things they had done.

However, as Kate entered the homely apartment, she sensed the tension that hung in the air. Edwina, her younger sister, sat nervously on the couch, facing a powered-off TV, her eyes filled with anxiety. Despite having heard the good news, Edwina seemed apprehensive.

Sitting beside Edwina, Kate places a comforting hand on her sister's trembling ones. "What's the matter bon? We won the case. Mayfair Girls is gonna have to let you in now," she said trying to reassure her. Kate only brought this case to her firm because of her sister, it was the reason that the firm let her take the lead on it because they knew she would be motivated.

Edwina's eyes darted to their mother nervously before meeting Kate's gaze and said "I'm happy that you won the case, Kate... but I don't want everyone at Mayfair to think that I only got in because of the lawsuit," she confessed, her voice quivering.

Kate's heart ached. She knew her sister deserved a place at Mayfair Girls based on her own merits, the pure idea of Edwina being unfairly labelled haunted her. It was a burden no young girl should have to bear. "Bon, you did only get in because of the lawsuit,"

"Thanks, Kate, that helps my anxiety," Edwina said scoffing.

"Edwina, let your sister finish please," Mary said smoothly, looking at Kate to continue.

"Bon, the only reason your admission was pending was that the school had biased admission practices that made it so that despite your merit you didn't get in because you lacked a rich family," Kate squeezed Edwina's hands as she spoke with conviction "Those assholes-" Mary cleared her throat "Those people prioritized legacy admissions, donations and recommendations over your stellar academic record, ballet ability, teacher recommendations AND dedication to volunteering. In a fair world, you wouldn't have had to fight, the lawsuit was merely levelling the playing field,"

"Your sister is right, my love. Kate fought for justice, not just for you but for every student that has been turned away from the school on archaic rules. You. Have. Nothing. To. Be. Ashamed. Of," Mary said both firmly and in a reassuring tone.

Kate took Edwina's chin in her hand and said "And if anyone gives you a hard time, just send them my way. Remind them that your older sister likes to fight, that's why she made it her job,"

Edwina giggled and Mary said, "Or maybe just come to us with any problems and we will make sure it gets sorted out, okay?"

Edwina sniffed then said "Okay,"

Edwina embraces Kate tightly and Mary joined her girls in a comforting hug. This was going to be an interesting couple of months.

-----

Anthony Bridgerton was on the phone with his frantic mother, Violet. Anthony thought this ridiculous lawsuit with his sisters' school would go away but according to his mother, thanks to a sympathetic judge and a strong case from the plaintiff, his mother had just informed him that the school had lost the suit.

"So you are telling me Eloise and Francesca's names came up?" Anthony asked panicked.

"No, not specifically but our family name as well as the Featheringtons were brought up in what the plaintiff's lawyer deemed 'suspicious activity' with the school" Violet said.

"Suspicious activity? What does that even mean?" Anthony asked.

"Oh be smarter dear, you know what that is about,"

Ah yes, the donation. Anthony sighed "Yes I guess I forgot,"

Mayfair Girls was not just a prestigious school it was also the school his mother, aunt and sister attended but over the years the admissions for the school had become a bit stricter because of the stellar record of their graduates. Which was fine for his sister, Daphne, who had only matriculated 4 years ago into the Royal Ballet (which rarely took dancers outside of their associated Royal Ballet School). Daphne was an excellent ballet dancer, smart as a whip, a good pianist, with great social skills to match. In her diverse abilities, she often put everyone in the family to shame. When applying to the school for Daphne, Anthony didn't even have to check the progress of her application, Daphne was a legacy, her family was in the peerage and her record was beyond approach but his other sisters...

It wasn't that Eloise and Francesca weren't accomplished themselves, even if he wasn't their older brother, Anthony would say so but both of them kept getting waitlisted at the school. Now, normally Anthony would not have resorted to such measures but Eloise was supposed to go into her final years in September and Anthony was worried about what it would mean for her university prospects because Mayfair Girls was the feeder school into many prestigious universities. So Anthony wrote an endowment cheque, it was something definitely frowned upon in modern more liberal society but he was desparate.

Once news of what Anthony had planned to do to get the girls in, Eloise and Francesca expressed hesitance. Fran was a gifted pianist, even more so than her sister Daphne. Fran's problem was that she had a knack for getting so immersed in her music that she overlooked her other studies. She would often stay up to the late night hours composing new takes (or 'remixes') to classical compositions, they were beautiful but did not help when she was sporting 60%s for her other classes. Once Fran saw Daphne's first dance in the Royal Ballet last year, she realised how much she could accomplish at the school if she applied herself so she came over to the idea. 

El was the big holdout that was until Anthony made it clear that despite all Eloise's posturing her dreams of being a respected environmental lawyer were in jeopardy because she did participate in any extracurriculars, choosing instead to spend her days reading, whether that was Twitter & Reddit threads or feminist books with her best friend Penelope. Eloise was probably the smartest in the family if he was to be honest, but her inability to be friendly made it tough for people to be around so even if she went out to book clubs, debate teams and public speaking societies, she would be ostracized or asked to leave to make those spaces comfortable and enjoyable for other students. Anthony had to remind Eloise that she couldn't save the world on her own and Mayfair may be a good place to develop her social skills, Eloise but Anthony also had to promise to write a recommendation for Penelope and her sister Prudence Featherington so that Eloise would not have to navigate the new school on her own.

That was about 7 months ago and both his sisters were doing better but this lawsuit brought out his usual protective side "Do you think someone is targeting our family?" he asked his mother.

"No. I think this is more of a mass census of all families like ours. I doubt it will change the status quo really but a few new students have been removed from waitlisting and past applications are being reconsidered," Violet said.

Anthony sighed in relief, it was a small comfort but a comfort at least. Anthony suspected that his mother could feel his unease because she swiftly changed the subject "Anthony have you been seeing anyone recently?"

He winced, dropping the pen he was holding. Memories of his tumultuous relationship with Siena flooded his mind. Despite agreeing to an open relationship and shagging other women, Anthony's jealousy cause their connection to crumble. Which was a shame because Siena in a lot of ways was exactly the person his mother would have loved for him to be with, rich and connected.

Anthony cautiously responded "I actually might be open to something serious these days but I am not entirely sure"

Before he could even finish, his mother interrupted him, her voice filled with delight "Oh Anthony that is wonderful news! I will assist you in your search. I know so many young ladies who would be perfect for you,"

Uncertain if his mother truly understood him Anthony refrained from saying anything in response besides a humm, while his mother went on. His relationship with his mother was delicate enough as it was and as the main patriarch of the family, following his father's untimely death when he was 18, Anthony had shouldered a significant amount of the family's responsibilities. Many decisions had fallen to him during his mother's grieving and almost catatonic state. 

Changing the subject, Anthony inquired about the potential cancellation of Eloise and Francesca's admissions (because private schools could do that as if the students were employees). His mother informed him that their admissions had not been revoked yet, but all newly admitted students from the previous year (no matter the grade) were on probation. They needed to meet the school's rigorous standards or their admissions could be rescinded.

Anthony wondered how it all went so wrong. Yes, what he did was morally wrong but if everyone had the means to pull strings for their family they would have done the same thing. He only ever considered his family in the decisions he made.

-----

Kate stood in the crowded meeting hall of Mayfair Girls, her gaze wandering across the room in search of friendly faces, despite being well aware that these were not people she often socialised with. Except for Simon but that was because she worked with him at Danbury Law, Simon had a life in the peerage despite his disdain for it all. His ire for the whole pomp and circumstance matched that of his Godmother, Agatha Danbury.

Kate didn't always attend Edwina's PTA meetings, especially without her stepmother, but Mary had a shift at the hospital. Kate was also here to get the sentiment from parents and teachers on the updates to Mayfair Girls' admission mandates. Everyone looked on edge but Kate reminded herself to keep a friendly face on and her strong attitude ready. She wasn't a fool making friends with those in the PTA would go a long way to making Edwina's time at Mayfair Girls a successful one. The PTA in private schools had a huge influence over curriculum, extracurriculars and dress rules.

The Sharmas were not a practising Hindu family, despite their vegetarianism and special events, but if Edwina wanted to start wearing sari's to casual days at school then she didn't want a barrage of complaints from teachers and parents alike about the inappropriateness of it all. Kate dealt with it herself when she was younger when her family had first arrived in London from India and her father was very strong and bold in shutting down the ignorance of those people. It was the first time she ever felt the spark of injustice and the first time she got a thrill watching justice being served. It was really the fight that made her want to be a solicitor.

When Kate arrived she had introduced herself to the head of the PTA but as she walked around the room, she lost the red-haired woman somewhere in the crowd. So she took a stroll around the room trying to gauge sentiment but from her eavesdropping, she did not hear people talking about the mandates and Kate was starting to think that either these people did not think the rules would apply to them or maybe it was just a small few who had bought their way in.

Kate noticed a group of people off to the side of the hall and realised she could not hear what was being said so she joined in. The conversation was being led by a few parents although one of the parents seemed way younger than the others and then he turned in her direction and Kate gasped.

It was the handsome stranger from the country club.

I mean Kate knew he had money because he was a member of the country club but this just made London seem like such a small place or maybe it was just Hyde Park.

"Look I am as socially liberal as they come but I think these new admissions and admission mandates could really hurt our kids," one woman with extremely blonde hair said.

"I agree. Some of our girls have been attending schools together since they could walk. I'm sure that most of them will be doing the same in university so why shake things up? Why bring in kids from other backgrounds when they can easily thrive with their own kind?" The handsome stranger said and Kate's heart plummeted. So he was one of those kinds of rich people. Great at least Kate didn't have to worry about liking him anymore.

"Couldn't agree more Lord Bridgerton," said a red-haired woman, who Kate knew to be the head of the PTA. Not great.

Lord Bridgerton? As in Lord Anthony Bridgerton? The same guy who she knows paid an endowment to get his sisters in the school. Why did she think he would be older? When researching this case Kate found out about the Bridgertons and about how Lord Anthony Bridgerton had written a cheque and somehow his waitlisted sisters who normally did not meet Mayfair Girls' standards were accepted. When Kate researched the Featheringtons she found a similar case only they were accepted because they got a recommendation letter from the Bridgertons, it was all very scandalous. Because the case involved kids, Kate refrained from doing a Google image search because she did not want to put faces to the names of the children.

As Kate walked away from the group, being led now by the blonde and red-haired women, as they went on and on about how people like Edwina and others were not a "good fit" for their rich person school, Kate thought again that she really didn't have to worry about liking Anthony because she didn't like him, she despised Lord Anthony Bridgerton.

Just then her boyfriend Tom returned "I got you a bottle of water cause the school does not sell chai and I know how much you hate the dirty brown water that is English tea,"

"Thank you, babe," Kate said, normally she would not be one to show PDA but she went to quickly press a quick kiss to Tom's cheek in thanks. 

It was then that Kate felt something on the back of her neck, first, she put her hand on her neck but didn't feel anything distinctive so then she turned and was hit with sharp brown eyes on her, Anthony Bridgerton had spotted her.

Kate returned Anthony's gaze with an added scowl to display her disapproval, his gaze turned from recognition to confusion and Kate went back to talking to Tom. If you asked Kate what the conversation was about she would not remember but she was glad that Anthony had not chosen to approach her, Kate was not ready to tackle the PTA and a handsome adversary in one day.

-----

Anthony hated PTA meetings, usually, he loved being there for his siblings but he had been attending PTA meetings since he was 18 years old and he always had to reconcile himself with being the youngest person in the room. Today was a little different though, Anthony had spotted Tom Dorset, a friend from his university days here. Tom was escorting his girlfriend and then Anthony's phone rang.

Anthony stood at the edge of the hall on the phone for a while, promising his secretary that he would be in the office in no less than two hours. To be honest, the phone call was a welcome relief, he was glad to be away from the parents who were complaining about the school's new admissions policies. 

Though he had joined in on the ribbing, Anthony soon regretted it, unlike his sisters, Portia Featherington and Lady Cowper's daughters were merely at schools like these to build connections for marriage. Despite being way older even Anthony had to dodge remarks about Cressida Cowper's ever-growing beauty from Lady Cowper. Anthony cringed at the idea of marrying anyone younger than even his eldest sister, a teenager at this moment. Unfortunately, not all men thought that way, especially the rich kind and Anthony had more times than once had almost come to blows with older men leering at his sisters. 

Anthony understood the value of opportunities and would hate to be in a position where his family couldn't access them. That's why the new mandate irked him so much because in a way it was to provide opportunities to less fortunate people but he couldn't help but feel like it came at the expense of his sisters.

That's when Anthony spotted her, as beautiful as the day he saw on horseback, the beautiful stranger from the country club. She was sure he would not see her again and yet here she was. Anthony was going to use that as an opener with her when he saw Dorset approach her. She kissed him on the cheek and Anthony's heart sank into his stomach. The beautiful stranger was Tom's girlfriend. What was her name again? Kate. Anthony could not take his eyes off of her or them and that's when she turned to face him. 

Anthony was surprised yet kept his gaze heatedly on her, but she returned it with a scowl. Anthony was confused. Kate then turned back to Tom and continued talking. At first, Anthony wondered if he should go an introduce himself properly but the Head of the PTA, Portia Featherington made her way over to Kate and they spoke quickly before Portia walked away to the front of the hall.

As people made their way to empty seats Anthony found himself in a position where he could watch Kate and Tom as well as have a good view of Portia in the front of the meeting. He kept trying to focus on the meeting but his gaze drifted to Kate and Tom. One of those times Tom spotted him looking and waved eagerly, and Anthony waved back. Kate looked at Tom and then to Anthony and then spoke to Tom. Tom replied to her and Kate looked shocked. Anthony figured that Tom had told Kate about their connection.

There was not enough time to deal with her surprise because her name was called and she went to the front of the meeting. Kate Sharma. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman, Anthony thought.

"Hi, everyone it's nice to see you all. If you don't me or my name then you will probably recognise my work. I am the solicitor who brought the suit against the school. The suit has made sure the school has updated its admissions mandates which I am sure you have now heard," Kate spoke clearly and firmly.

A solicitor, well that makes sense for why she had no problem staring down the faces of all the parents and teachers in attendance today. That being said, Anthony could not help but feel a bit of irritation at this woman for being the reason his sister's admissions were in jeopardy.

There were murmurs among the group but Kate continued with a smile on her face "I am so excited to help make Mayfair Girls a more inclusive place. As a solicitor, I have had a thorough review of the school's policies and laws set by the Department of Education and I promise to ensure that everyone - parent, teachers and students alike - abide by them," everyone had stopped murmuring at that point and stared at her "I'm sure we all just want to make sure that the girls here are among the very best London has to offer, right?" everyone replied, although hesitantly, with a yes and Kate went back to her seat.

Anthony could not help but note the underlying threat in Kate's words. While she appeared friendly, her implications were clear: Follow the rules and play fair, or face the consequences. 

Despite the challenges her presence posed to his family Anthony could not deny the growing attraction he felt towards her. She was not like any woman he had met before, her gaze was steady her words and face strong but she smiled with warmth and Anthony wondered what it would be like to be on the opposite side of a smile like that. Then again maybe all the smiles she gave him during their ride at the country club would be all he would be able to go off of because she had a boyfriend but also he had a sneaking suspicion from her dirty looks that she knew of him and what he had done to get his sisters in the school.

Anthony smiled to himself. He loved a challenge. 

-----

Present:

"Oh I didn't know anyone was here," Siena said as she entered Anthony's hospital room. "I can leave you two alone, I just wanted to leave these flowers for him,"

Violet spoke "No, come on in. I was going to call you to speak to you anyway dear,"

"Oh," Siena sounded nervous.

"There's not anything to fear dear. I just wanted to know why you were not with Anthony when this all happened. The doctors said he was unconscious for at least 8 hours. Did you guys have a fight?"

Siena looked confused "Fight? Violet me and Anthony have not been together for months,"

"What? He never said-" Violet was taken aback.

"Why would he? He knows how much of his life is a pit of disappointment for you," Siena said sourly.

"I would never think of my son as a disappointment," Siena scoffed again. Violet knew she had said something along those lines every so often but she did not mean it to be a remark on his whole life. Anthony had to know that. Violet spoke again more firmly "I may wish the best for him but I did think that could have been you, Siena, you always seemed happy together,"

"We were never happy Violet. Everything you saw wasn't real. Anthony was a one-woman man despite not having a woman. He hated letting me down because he did not like me enough for me to be the only one but he was jealous," Siena sighed and Violet wondered if this was something Siena has been saying for a while to her son "I really thought you liked me, Violet,"

"I do. What makes you think that I don't?" Violet asked on edge.

Siena looked uneasy on her feet before standing up straight "I spoke to Kate about the ending of her and Anthony's relationship," Violet gasped, she had an idea about where this was going "I thought you liked me Violet but in reality, what you actually liked was my money and connections," Violet wanted to interject but Siena held her hand up to stop her "Most rich people think that poor people are the ones who only see their worth in their money and status but in my experience, it's the rich and titled folk who only concerns themselves with the superficial value of others," Siena took a deep breath and continued "Anthony found somebody who saw through all of that bullshit, was willing to deal with the army of siblings he has and the love they shared together was one of the few real things he had in his life and you drove her away!"

Violet looked towards her son's sleeping form before replying "Siena, I would never drive away anyone who my son actually thought was his true love,"

"How would you know what the difference between regular love and true love is?" Siena now asked with a raised voice.

Violet looked at her unconscious son again before speaking "I know a lot more than you. You young people think you have it all down with your psychiatrists and vegetarianism. You do realise my son is in a hospital bed BECAUSE of psychiatrists,"

Siena cleared her throat and spoke "Everyone knows the story of Violet Bridgerton formally known as Violet Ledger. You literally married the man who was your date at your debutant ball when you were 16. You have not had the extreme unluckiness of having to wade through the filth that is people trying to take advantage of you and it shows Lady Bridgerton!" Violet was now full-blown upset and Siena only increased the volume of her voice "As far as I am concerned Anthony is in the hospital because of you! You are just as much to blame as those psychiatrists! Why do you think he has 4 sessions a week now?" Violet gasped, she didn't know things had gotten so bad with her son "You drove Kate, his actual true love, away and sentenced him to life where he got a taste of true love but now has to live without it. You are the reason he is in here!!"

It was then that a nurse came in to ask about the commotion and if everything was okay and Siena left with little fuss.

Violet watched her leave from the door and then took a breath as she turned to look at her unconscious son.

Only he wasn't unconscious anymore. 

He wasn't sitting up but he was staring directly at her with ire in his eyes, that she had never seen from him before.

"What did you do, Mother?" Anthony asked.