#met ball 2021

[astraystayyh]

If the world was ending

Felix x reader. Estranged childhood best friends to lovers. Angst and happy ending. highly recommend listening to If the world was ending while reading :)

Felix has always been there with you, from the moment you've met him when you were 8 years old, until he suddenly no longer was, and you were left to grapple with the consequences of his absence- and those of his return.

cw: description of a car accident, reader has a fear of loud noises.

skz song series masterlist

12 march 2011 

Screeching brakes, a jarring collision, glass shattering all around you, shards of it embedding into your tender skin. You are too young to understand it all, but you know it's bad. You are suddenly upside down, the only thing helping you stay put is the seatbelt fastened around you. You didn't really like seatbelts but your mom always insisted on you wearing one.

Your mom, you can't see her face, she's upside down too, and she isn't talking. That's unusual because you're crying and she isn't turning around to comfort you. Someone is screaming outside of your car, and then you are pulled out. You don't know who's touching you, and you want them to stop. Where is your mom? Why did they not pull her out too?

An ambulance approaches you; its loud sirens feel like pine needles drilling into your skull. You try to cover your ears but your hands are covered in blood. The world around you is painted red- the flashing lights of the sirens and the liquid oozing from your cuts. It’s no longer your favorite color.

27 may 2011 

You are playing in the playground near your home, waving at your mom from the top of the slide. She's gotten better, she smiles more easily at you now. And you are trying to be a good kid too; you help wash the dishes and you clean your room all by yourself. You don't want your mom to feel sad again and go back to that dreaded hospital. 

You slide out, happy giggles leaving your mouth, before climbing up the tiny stairs once again. But as you reach the top, an ambulance rushes by the playground. You don't know what's happening, but you suddenly feel shards of glass on your skin once again. Your hands are shaking as you sit on the floor, curling around yourself in a ball.  

"What's wrong?" someone asks and you lift your head tentatively. It's a young boy, he's looking at you worriedly, a tiny pout on his lips. 

"I don't like ambulances," you hiccup, burying your head in your knees again. 

Suddenly, small hands cover your ears, muffling the shrill sound of sirens. They are warm and sticky from the red popsicle he’s still holding.

"Now you can't hear them," he giggles, his eyes disappearing into moon crescents. Despite your raging fear, a smile finds its way into your lips.

"What's those on your face," you ask with a small voice, pointing at the faint marks dusting his cheeks. 

"They're called freckles," he says proudly and you nod. 

"They're pretty."

"Thank you!" he grins at you, his hands still covering your ears. The tightness in your chest seems to dissipate slowly before his kind smile- the shadows never stood a chance in front of the sun. 

"What's your name?" 

"Felix. And you?"

"Yn." 

"We should be friends," he beams and you grin back, agreeing wholeheartedly. "We should." 

15 november 2021 

You are sitting on the grass of that very same playground, Felix still by your side. The night breeze is cooling as it brushes against your bodies, and you're wearing his red sweater. It smells like his cologne and your perfume- an intoxicating scent you've come to memorize by heart. 

His nose tip is rosy from the cold, and you can't resist tapping it playfully. "Your nose is pink," you giggle, and he smiles, gently bopping yours in return. 

"So is yours."

You look at him as he gazes up at the stars above. You love Felix, it has always been crystal clear to you. From the moment he planted the seed of his friendship into your soul, and throughout the years when it bloomed into something more, bigger than the two of you. It wrapped around your being entirely, binding itself into your every atom, until all you saw is his reflection in you. 

And you were tired of treading the line between friendship and something more. You wanted, no craved being with him, your yearning so intense it spilled from you each time he was around. In rosy cheeks and shaky fingers and eyes that soften only when they rest on him- evidence of your love imprinted all upon you. 

You take in a deep breath, before laying your hand gently on his cheek, turning his face to meet yours. His eyes widen slightly at the soft touch, and you lean in closer to him. You brush your nose against his, slowly, "to warm it up," you whisper, as his breath hitches in his throat. 

He's close, he's so close, you can almost taste the brownies you shared earlier on his lips. You can see his freckles ever so clearly, constellations you often find yourself getting lost in. Your hand is still on his cheek, and you can feel it burning up under your palm. 

You close your eyes, as his lips are now just a breath away from yours. It's electrifying- having him so near to the way you've always dreamed, fantasized about. But he needs to be the one to take the jump, all he has to do is lean in a bit, and you'd kiss him. You won't ever let go. 

"Lixie...," you choke out, "kiss me." 

"I want to." His voice is hoarse with emotion, as if fighting with himself for self-restraint. 

"So do it," you ask, swiping your thumb gently across his cheek. Your breaths mingle with one another in a dizzying dance. 

"I'm leaving," he says so faintly, you believe for a second that you've imagined it. 

"What?" you ask, leaning a bit away to be able to look at him. 

"I'm leaving," he repeats, his eyes tightly shut. "We're moving to another country, for my dad's job." 

"You're leaving me?" you ask, bewildered. 

"I'm not leaving you-"

"But you are. You won't be here anymore." You drop your hand, taking hurried steps away from him. Touching him didn't feel electrifying anymore, it felt horrible and nauseous, because you won't get to do it again. 

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to-" 

"How long have you known?" 

"Yn..."

"Felix," you say, tone stern. "How long?" 

"Six months," he whispers and a bitter chuckle escapes your lips.

"When are you leaving?"

"In a week." 

The pain becomes unbearable, and you turn your back to him so he wouldn't see your rapidly falling tears. You are angry, as a disguise for the sadness threatening to drown you. Him leaving tasted like the salty water you gulp when you dive in too quickly into the ocean. And you did dive in, in him, in his soul and everything that made up Felix. And now he was leaving you, with no anchor to help you float again.

"Is that why you insisted on spending so much time with me lately? Because you were leaving?" 

"You need to understand I didn't know how to tell you, I- I don't even know who I am without you." He pleads, his own eyes shimmering with unshed tears, reminding you of tiny diamonds. That's how it is with Felix, you found beauty in everything he did- even tearing your heart in half. 

"Maybe you should've thought of how I would feel. You were thinking of leaving me while I..." Your voice breaks and you take a shaky breath.  "While I was falling in love with you." 

"I'm in love with you too," he quickly says, reaching out to hold your hand. "I love you, I always have." He's wrapping his arms around you, and you're letting him because it feels safe and secure. Because he’s still your Felix, even if he's leaving you behind. 

You wonder what you must have done in a past life, what a horrible person you could've been for the universe to treat you this cruelly. To hand you everything you've ever wanted in a silver platter, and snatch it from your hands before you could dare to grab it. 

"We'll make it work," he mumbles into your hair, placing a tender kiss on your temple. "We'll talk and we can be together."

"No, we can't. I'll just hold you back from living your new life, I can't have that." 

"Don't talk like that, please," his voice wavers, words barely managing to slip out of his mouth. Regret overtakes your body so suddenly at the thought of his lips- you shouldn't have tried to kiss him. Maybe then he wouldn't have told you he was leaving. 

"It's the truth. we'll grow to hate each other, distance will put a strain on us. I'd rather not talk to you than have you resent me." 

"But-"

"Just hold me," you cut him off. "As if nothing's happening, please." 

And he complies because Felix always does. Because he loves you and as much as he doesn't want to, he knows you're right. 

•••••

It's been three months since Felix left- the days passed by agonizingly slowly, and yet the months went by in a blur, a hauntingly vivid reminder of what once was. At first, the texts between you two were frequent, but as time wore on, the messages grew sporadic, from your end, mostly. Seeing him flourish in his new life felt like salt on an open wound, a reminder that he was moving on while you were still anchored in memories of him. 

You saw him in every corner of your city. The smell of brownies that he's made countless times, each time you felt sad. The way he kissed your cheek each time he won a game, while you were lying on his bed, bored. The way he hugged you whenever you were sick, gently tucking strands of your hair behind your ear. The way he covered your ears instinctively at each loud noise, knowing how scared it made you still. 

And you've felt each of these emotions since he was gone. You were sad and bored and sick and happy and scared. And he wasn't here with you through them. Each moment away from Felix seemed to magnify what could have been- what should have been between the two of you.

There is a building construction next to you, loud cement blocks crashing to the ground. And you are curled around yourself in a protective ball, covering your ears with your hands, because Felix isn't here to do it anymore for you. 

You and Felix have grown with one another, your soul carefully woven into his, like two threads intricately stitched into the same tapestry. Him leaving felt like half of your body was cut off from you, and you were left alone to figure out how to function with an incomplete heart. 

17 july 2023 

Summer break meant coming back home and sleeping in your childhood bedroom once again. Memories of Felix still lingered in there- posters he has given you and his red sweater that you've never found the courage to throw away. It doesn't hurt as much to remember him, the sharp pain morphed into a dull ache you've grown accustomed to by now. 

You're watching the TV mindlessly when someone knocks on your door, and you go to open it without a second thought, expecting it to be your parents. It wasn't.

"Felix?" you stammer, stumbling back in shock. You blink repeatedly, in a desperate attempt to make sure he's not a figment of your twisted imagination. You haven't uttered his name in so long, and the syllables felt both foreign and familiar in your mouth. 

"It's me," he smiles sheepishly, his hand scratching the back of his neck. 

"You are here," you whisper, stating the obvious. He didn't change much, his kind brown eyes and freckles still as captivating as before. But his features were sharper, prettier, and the sight of him is making you dizzy once again. 

"I am." 

"What are you doing here?" You ask cautiously, opening the door a bit wider to let him in. 

"I requested a transfer to your university. I wanted to come back. I missed home, and I missed you," he adds softly, making a turmoil of emotions surge within you. 

You clear your throat. "So, you are back for good?" 

"I am," he says, smiling slightly at you as if to gauge your reaction. You stay silent and his grin falters; his tongue resting against the inside of his cheek, a habit he hasn't let go of apparently. He then walks to the kitchen and you follow suit. You don't have to show him around, he knows your home like the back of his hand. He spent most of his childhood here after all, even though his house was only a few blocks away. 

"How have you been?" he asks as he opens the cupboard to take out a glass. He closes its door softly, careful not to make it thud. 

"I'm good. It's summer break so I'm finally back home, what about you?"

"I'm good too. It's nice to be back." 

Your conversation is strained and awkward, so unnatural of you both. There was so much to say, so much to ask about, but you couldn't bring yourself to speak. He felt like uncharted territory to you now, one you didn't have the strength to discover once again.

"It's your mom's birthday tomorrow, right?" he smiles and you nod. 

"Should we make her our cookies? Like we used to before I..." 

"Before you left," you finish, bitterness dripping from your tone.

Hurt flashes in his eyes and you feel your heart suddenly clench in your chest. It was unfair for you to treat him this way. He was only seventeen and if your parents were to move away you would've followed them too. 

"Okay, let's do it." You smile sincerely for the first time since he came back to you. 

You both move seamlessly in the kitchen, each knowing your tasks like a choreographed dance. This was a tradition that started when you were twelve years old. You'd brown the butter while he beat the egg and sugar together. He'd sift the flour while you cut up chocolate. He'd mix it all while you preheat the oven. And then you'd roll the dough together. 

Your hands brush against one another as you shape up the cookies, and it feels so intense you almost drop to the floor. You miss him, you miss him so much and he's near you and you can't seem to think straight anymore. 

When the cookies are finally in the oven, he silently washes the dishes while you dry them. He abruptly pauses, hands still covered in soap before turning back to you. 

"Can we talk? Please?" he says too quickly as if he's been overthinking asking this question. 

"I'm busy today," you scramble to think of an excuse, you weren't ready to face him yet. 

"Tomorrow?"

"I'm staying with my mom, then there is Han’s party."

"I'll be there too. We can talk then, please?" he asks, eagerness evident in his voice. 

"Fine. Let's talk there," you concede and he nods, awkwardly shifting in his place. He finishes the dishes before drying his hands. You avoid his gaze and he sighs softly. "I'll get going. Tell your mom happy birthday from me." 

"Will do." You smile tightly and he does the same, before finally leaving your home, and in his trail, a maelstrom of emotions you weren't certain how to deal with.

18 july 2023 

You're at the reunion party Han is hosting with all your high school friends. You watch as Felix takes turns talking to everybody. He fits right in here, a puzzle perfectly clicking in place as if he's never left. He's telling a joke to Chan who laughs loudly, hitting Minho's arm repeatedly. Everyone is happy he's back, because they never had to gravel with the consequences of his absence. Because he's never ripped their heart out. 

Felix is looking for you around the room- he hasn't seen you in a while. He assumes you're somewhere around the house, and that you'd like to talk when time has passed. The knot in his stomach tightens as the weight of your conversation dawns on him, he longs to be with you, to undo the past two years he has spent away from you. But he's afraid to mess everything up, once again, so he stays near his friends who are now pulling him outside of the house.

"We have a surprise for you," Han says excitedly before pointing at the sky, "look." 

Fireworks, a dazzling show of blue, red and yellow. And Felix feels as if the colors were drained out of his face and splattered into the night sky before him.

"Where is yn?" he turns to Chan, eyes wide.

"Inside, I think. Why?"

"Stop- stop this, don't start any more fireworks," he urges the boy who's looking at him worriedly. 

"Why, what's wrong? We have a warrant to start them, don't worry."

"No, no you don't understand. Yn hates loud noises," he explains frantically, before bolting inside the house. 

He's yelling your name, and you are nowhere to be found, the sound of the fireworks so loud he isn't even sure you can hear him. 

He opens door after door, and after painstakingly long seconds he finally finds you in the bathroom, sitting on the floor, your head buried in your knees. Just like you were twelve years ago. 

Felix doesn't waste any time, kneeling in front of you to cover your ears with his hands, you look up at him, waterline brimming with unshed tears. 

"It's okay, I'm here. Just focus on my voice," he smiles reassuringly at you, and you clasp your hands on top of his, doing your best to muffle the sound of the explosions. 

"Your hands are still small," you attempt to joke, as hot tears trail down your cheeks. You hated how scared you still were. 

"The perfect size to cover your ears," he smiles at you, his eyes softening when they take in your distressed state. 

You hiccup, overcome by a new wave of emotion- for an entirely different reason this time. "You came." 

"I'll always come. Even if the world was ending, I'll... I'll come to you," he smiles, biting his lower lip to stop his own tears from falling. 

"It'd be useless if you came then. There would be nothing for us to do," you manage to say through shaky breaths. 

"But I'd be with you," he insists, gaze unwavering, "It will be scary for you. I imagine it will be loud, the world can't end silently." 

"Mine did, when you left." Felix's eyes go wide at your words, and you don't care that you are baring your soul entirely to him. "Please don't leave me again. I hate goodbyes with you." 

"Why would we ever say goodbye again, hm?" he reassures, his knuckles brushing against your cheek softly. "I'm never leaving you, as long as you'll have me, I'm here," he whispers, before pulling you into his chest.

Your hands find his back, and his cheek rests on top of your head. And you both close your eyes, an exhale of relief leaving you both at the same time. The world grows dark around the two of you, the only thing you saw was his heart and the overflowing love he still bore for you.

You felt as if you were wandering blind and you could finally see again, as if the string tying you to him wrapped tightly around the both of you, trapping you in his warm embrace.

You don't know what will happen next, but he's holding you now, and he'll hold you when the world is ending, and that is enough.

[cheriladycl01]

My girlfriend jousts! Charles Leclerc x SouthKoreanOlympicFencing! Reader

Plot: Charles Leclerc finally dates outside of his friendship circle, nobody in the paddock has met you yet. He invites you to your first race and tries to explain your job to everyone...

Credit to givemegifs for the GIF

You walked next to your boyfriend F1 driver Charles Leclerc. It was your first time in the paddock with him and you were very nervous. You'd never met his team-mate Carlos Sainz, or any of the drivers for the matter.

You reached out to take his hand which he took happily, pulling it up and kissing the top of your hand.

"There's no need to worry! Everyone's going to love you!" he smiles down at you, you rub your thumb over his knuckles as a comforting gesture for yourself.

You both swiped in and he didn't leave your side, no matter how many people came up to talk to him. Weather it was the likes of Will Buxton, wanting to talk to him about the car, or a fan asking for a signature on a Ferrari cap or one of his fellow drivers offering him quick good lucks for the weekend as they rush off to whatever media duties they have.

"Come on, lets go find Carlos! I'll introduce you to Rebecca" he smiles as you both head over to the Ferrari motorhome. You can tell everyone really is like family there, Charles walks you round introducing you to all the mechanics and the social media staff. Literally anyone he can find he goes up to, and he knows their names and is asking them about their families.

"Oh! Yes this is my girlfriend Y/N. She's much cooler than me... she jousts for her job!" he exclaims using the worst way possible to describe what you do.

"Excuse me?" the man laughs, not really understanding what Charles was trying to explain your job as.

"I'm a South Korean Olympic Fencer. I competed in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. Charles just finds it funny to tell people i joust like some medieval brute!" you smile at the mechanic who laughs nodding.

"I knew i recognized you from somewhere, just couldn't put my mind too it where I support Italy!" he smiles and you nod at him.

"So what's it like being a fencer?" he asks.

"I enjoy it, there's obviously a certain level of talent too it and dedication but i've also found its rather artistic" you smile while explaining how you've linked your training schedule up to Charles' with Joris so you can get fitter before the next games.

You'd placed silver which had been incredible but like most olympians or people in sort you wanted that gold. You'd noticed major improvements in the way you'd fenced since you'd gone to training with Charles. You basically copied his everyday routine. You ate what he ate and you exercised like he did.

Next up Carlos came jogging over Rebecca as graceful as ever floating behind him greeting everyone that she passed.

"Omg hello! You must be Charles girlfriend. He and Carlos have told me all about you!" Rebecca smiles but you struggle to understand her because of the strong Scottish accent. It took you months to get around the way Charles spoke that you actually found it easier if you both spoke in French, which you'd learned at school. But you eventually both got around that curve-ball.

"Hello. It's nice to meet, both of you. Charles has also told me lots about you!" you admit smiling at her, she pulls you into a hug which you kindly accept and try to not make the first contact awkward.

You all ended up having lunch together in the Ferrari hospitality talking about everything and how you'd be flying back to Korea next week. Carlos said how he was upset that the Korean International Circuit wasn't on the roster anymore and that he'd never driven round it and might never get too.

Charles was very touchy all day, every time he left you to go do something team related he either held onto you while you walked him to wherever he needed to be. You'd wait and he'd rush straight back out pulling you into a hug kissing your neck and burying his head into the crook of it.

"What's wrong Jagiya (Baby)?" you asked looking to him and holding him.

"I just want to go home with you" he sighs, you can tell its not been a good day with the media considering they kept asking about his DNF in last weekends race.

"Mmmmm and we will. But I think you have some more friends to introduce me to" you grinned at him.

He introduced you to Lando and Oscar, who you both enjoyed their vibe. You found it easy to make conversation with Lando and his upbeat energy and Oscar had very funny and comedially timed inputs and ad libs to the conversation but also had a comforting silence you enjoyed.

He also introduced you to Pierre saying how they'd been best friends since they were very young and they'd come all the way through Karting together.

Pierre asked his girlfriend Kika to come over and introduced the two of you. Being similar ages you both got on having similar sense of humors and were into the same things.

You spent the rest of the day walking round the paddock with her, until someone caught you for an interview. It seemed to be Sky News, you'd been privy to Sky News before when they captured you in the Olympics.

"So Y/N it's your first time here! How have you found the energy of the paddock?" he asks.

"Yes, it's been very faced pace I think I've met and spoken to more people today than i have in my 23 years I've been around!" you joke laughing with the presenter.

"And how does it feel, as a Silver Olympic medalist to be around a sport like this?" he asks.

"Yeah, I mean from a very young age I was active and enjoyed different types of sport. My mum really wanted to pursue Taekwando as it's our national sport but I was never an aggressive person. I tried football and then when i was sent to a boarding school I was enlisted for fencing and I just stuck with it!" you answer politely.

"So, as i'm from the UK I would assume that your Premiere League Team is Spurs?" he asks hoping you liked football still to this day.

"Yes, I do. I try watch them at any opportunity i can! Sometimes and don't tell Charlie but I've skipped qually to watch them play" you say biting your lip a little.

The quick interview wraps up and it was safe to say that afterwards Charles Leclerc was now having to share his girlfriend with everyone online who had fallen in love with her personality.

"You look cute here!" Charles says latter that night a still from your interview on the TV where he'd paused it. You were laughing at something the interviewer had said and you hand was over your face covering it while your sharp eyes crinkled from your smile.

"Mmmm today was fun! I'd like to come to this more often!" you smile at him, flopping down onto the bed and playing with the collar of his red team shirt.

"Yeah? You would?" he asks and you nod before pulling him into a hug.

y/user

Liked by charlesleclerc and others

y/user: Amazing weekend at my first race! The Scuderia was very exciting. Thank you for the time @scuderiaferrari

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charlesleclerc I love you ❤️ thank you for coming 🔥

2 hours ago

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A/N: sorry this is my first try at some kind of social media! Im sorry if it’s bad!

[lookingforcactus]

Went to a big quilting convention today and am feeling inspired so here's todays edition of

What the fuck do you mean that's a quilt??

Most people have no idea about how much craft goes into quilting or how much quilting as a craft, art, and even a science has been evolving in recent years. So here's my personal appreciation post

And btw the flat images do NOT even do these quilts justice, especially in terms of the absolutely amazing and detailed texture embroidery that a lot of quilters are using these days. Up close the texture and the sheer detail of many of them is just stunning

These are all from the Road to California quilt show 2023

1st Place: Portrait

Title: Sharing the Moment Maker: Hollis Chatelain Quilter: Hollis Chatelain Design Basis: Maker's Original Design African-American women are a powerful force in motivating their families and communities to vote. I wanted to create a piece about this and highlight the fact that African-American women did not receive the right to vote in all 50 states until 1965 when the Voting Rights Act was passed. I met Phyllis at a rally. I was drawn to her and asked if she would be my model. Without hesitation she said yes. She later brought her friend Loretta with her.

1st Place: Naturescape

Title: Augustinii Maker: Andrea Brokenshire Quilter: Andrea Brokenshire Design Basis: Maker's Original Design “Augustinii” is a blue/purple variety of rhododendron my momma planted within her forest garden. I was lucky to be home on when it was in bloom. When I see this quilt, I am reminded of my momma and how she loves to tend her garden and “grub in the dirt.”

1st Place: Pictorial

Title: Leap of Faith Maker: Kestrel Michaud Quilter: Kestrel Michaud Design Basis: Original design In this Steampunk fantasy world, men and women have taken to the skies on ships held aloft by hot air, ingenuity, and luck. Faith’s favorite past-time is bungee-jumping off the side of her airship, with Bubo, her pet clockwork owl. This quilt depicts the photo Faith took on her latest jump to test her brand-new camera and selfie stick.

2nd Place: Naturescape

Title: Homage to Birches Bare Maker: Jessica Noble Quilter: Jessica Noble Design Basis: Fabric recreation of Kesler Woodward's Birches Bare, acrylic on I fell in love with Kesler Woodward’s Birches Bare painting and knew I had to create it in fabric. I cut about 1,700 pattern pieces out of freezer paper and then fused fabric, through the fall of 2019 until the pandemic started. During this time, I homeschooled my two children and the quilt sat in quarantine. I quilted this freehand on my midarm in the winter of 2021. I managed to take the majority of the summer of 2022 on the binding.

2nd Place: Pictorial

Title: Toroweap Overlook Maker: Sandra Mollon Quilter: Sandra Mollon Design Basis: Derived from a photo Toroweap Overlook, in the Grand Canyon National Park, is an incredible view of the Colorado River. When John Slot sent me the photo to consider for an art quilt, I realized the complexity of the amount of the pieces it would require, but knew I had to do it. Raw edge fused, machine quilted, small amounts of media.

3rd Place: Pictorial

Title: Catch it Yuri! Maker: Hiroko Miyama and Masanobu Miyama Quilter: Hiroko Miyama Design Basis: Maker's Original Design Inspired by dogs’ action. Yuri, golden retriever big jumped to catch a ball and Ponta, mix hardly waited his turn. Dogs and girl were fused appliquéd.

Seriously can you believe these are all quilts!!! incredible amazing showstopping spectacular

[mysticfalls01]

Soulmates

(Alessia Russo x reader)

Everyone knew that you and Less were soulmates, they could see the love that you guys have for each other through a simple look.

You met Less when you were only 5 years old. She was playing soccer with her older brother when she accidentally hit you with her ball. You started crying and she immediately went to console you, she didn’t understand why but she felt the necessity of making you smile. The moment you lifted your head she saw your green eyes, magically in that moment green became her favorite color and you guys became inseparable.

When you guys were 12 Less started to feel butterflies each time, she saw you in the stands when she had a match.

When you were 15 she asked you out in a date as she realized that she liked you as more than friends and in your third date she asked you to be her girlfriend.

“y/nn I know that it’s our third date and I can’t wait anymore to ask you. Would you like to become my girlfriend?” Less asked with a nervous voice.

“Yes Less! What took you so long baby? I've been waiting for years for you to ask me” you said with a playful voice

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

You liked football but let’s say that you didn’t have the skills so, you left the playing part to Less while you liked more the behind the scenes. You loved how much the stats could say a lot of a team and even there were times when the stats weren’t reflected on the final score of the game.

When Lessi turned 18 she decided to go to the States to play for UNC, that was the first challenge of your relationship as you feared her finding someone better than you. She reassured you that you were the only one for her so, you guys stayed in a long-distance relationship.

While she went to UNC you decided to go to Barcelona to study sport analytics. You were one of the best students of the program and that called FC Barcelona attention. You went and did a kind of internship for them for their women’s team, your job was to work with the other analysts, explain the reports to the head coach and then explain the numbers to the players.

In 2020 Less came back to the UK while you stayed some months more in Barcelona to finish your degree. During your time there you became friends to the girls of the team, specially to the older members as they understood the importance of your job. When you got your degree your time with them ended and you went back to England. Even if your time ended Barcelona still would hire you to be their analyst for the big games.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

You moved back to England, more specifically to Manchester as United signed Less for three years. You were static to be back with the love of your life, your soulmate. Having been separated from Lessi was the hardest thing that you had ever done and you didn't wanted to do it again.

In 2021 Less with the help of Mary and Tooney asked you the big question. She rented out a restaurant just for you guys, she brought you your favorite flowers and after the most perfect date she got down in one knee. Mary and Tooney were hidden capturing the moment as she wanted to remeber it forever.

“y/n I’ve loved you even before I understood the meaning of love. I’ll forever be grateful to my brother as the day I met you he convinced me to go to the park. That day green became my favorite color. You are my number one supporter, and you never missed a game until I went to UNC. Even if I decided to go there, we stayed in a relationship and you don’t know it but you became my rock, with your support I knew that everything was possible. You could have perfectly stayed in Barcelona and work for one of the biggest clubs in the world however, you came back because of me. I remember telling my mom the day I met you that I would marry you before I fully understood what that meant but now, I do and I plan making those words true. y/n l/n will you marry me and make me the happiest woman alive? “

“Yes Lessi! I’ll marry you!”

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

In 2022 after the Euros and before the start of the new season you married your soulmate. Your wedding was full of friends, families, and football legends in the making. Your friends from Barcelona came to the wedding and even Aitana was your maid of honor while for Less it was Tooney. That day couldn't had been more perfect, you had everything you wanted.

In 2023 Arsenal became interested in Less, they even offered you a contract to join them as an analyst. They knew that Less wouldn’t join them if she had to leave you behind.

Now you and your wife work for the same club even if sometimes Barcelona still hire you for some matches. It was the beginning of a new chapter in your journey but you knew that with your soulmate beside you everything was going to be alright.

You met your soulmate by accident and everything because of football ball that she had hit too hard.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

It was about time for me to write something, even if it's short, for my favorite player <3

[greynatomy]

who even are you?

katrina gorry x reader

this was a request from wattpad. finally wrote about another matilda. my writing block is slightly going away.

this is one of the ones that’s been sitting in the drafts

part 2 part 3

———

You met Katrina at the beginning of 2021. You were in Australia on a vacation when you nearly knocked her down walking to a café. Your tall frame towers over hers by almost a whole foot.

As an apology, you invited her to have breakfast with you, connecting with one another instantly. You talked about what you did for work, intrigued when she said she played football professionally. She also opened up about always wanting to become a mother and recently finding out her ivf procedure worked and was currently pregnant.

You hit it off pretty well, hanging out everyday, which turned into you asking her on a date and becoming official by the end of your month long vacation. It was difficult when you had to go back home to England.

Months passed and you talked whenever you could, missing her more and more. You talked to your boss about wanting to go remote, but would fly out only when necessary and surprisingly to you, he agreed.

You talked about it to Katrina and she was ecstatic. You moved in with her just before her final weeks of pregnancy.

In the delivery room, once a little baby girl was born, which Katrina named her Harper, she asked if it would be okay if she put your name in the other box for parent. You cried into her shoulder, wanting nothing more.

After some time, you’d gotten married in a small private ceremony months after Harper’s birth, moving into a bigger place. You both couldn’t be happier.

Two years later, the Australia’s Women’s National Team were currently in training for the Olympic Qualifying Asia. Harper was off to the side of the pitch playing with all the toys that she brought with her.

The coach calls the team for a water break, Mini’s two other kids, Kyra and Charli, rush over to Harper.

“Havin’ fun Harps?”

“Yeah!” She raises up her little doll to show them.

Catching their breath, the three play with each other, all in their own world, until the coach calls them back in for a scrimmage. It was a close game, playing like it was a real match.

As everyone was focused on the game, Harper saw someone familiar in the distance, instantly getting up from her blanket, running towards the figure.

“Mama!” She crashes into you.

“Hi, Harper. You been good for Mommy?”

“Yeah!” Harper sees a ball and tugs you by the hand. “Mama, play!”

“Wanna play some football?”

In your own little world, the team’s scrimmage finished, everyone eager to change out of their sweaty gear. Kyra and Charli took off to Harper’s blanket wanting to spend some time with their little sister. The thing is, Harper’s not in the blanket.

“Charli, where’s Harper?”

“How would I know?”

“You’re supposed to keep an eye on her.”

“Me? What about you?”

“How’d we lose a baby?”

“Hey, guys!” Startled, they turn around to see Mini. “Good training today, huh? Where’d Harper go?”

“Uh-well-um—” Charli started malfunctioning.

“Wait! Look there!” Kyra pointed to the distance, seeing Harper with someone she’s never seen before. “Hey! Get away from her!” Before the other two know it, Kyra was already running to where Harper and the supposed stranger are, grabbing Harper out of your arms.

Katrina realizing that it was you, runs after Kyra, hearing her daughter let out a cry.

“How did you get in here? I’m gonna call security!”

“Can you just listen to—”

“—Why should I listen to you, you-you kidnapper!”

The rest of the Matildas are now aware of all the commotion, going up to it.

“What’s happening here?” Sam asks, seeing Kyra hold onto a crying Harper tightly.

“She’s trying to take Harper!”

“What? No, I’m not!”

“Who even are you?”

“If you’d let me expl—”

“I don’t wanna listen to what you have to sa—”

“SHUT UP!” Katrina yelled, everyone going silent, except for the cries of Harper. “Look, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go, but conclusions were jumped into so I’m doing it now. This is Y/N and she’s my wife and Harper’s other Mom.”

“You’re married?” “Wife?” “Other mom?” “Since when?” “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Okay! Shut up! I’ll answer everything after we’ve all showered and dressed. Kyra give Harper back to Y/N.”

Handing Harper back to you, she gives you and apologetic smile.

“Sorry about that.”

“It’s alright. Just a misunderstanding.”

As they all go into the changing rooms, you greet your wife with a kiss.

“That was something, huh?”

“Definitely not how I wanted it to go.”

“‘Least it’s out of the way. Can we get some ice cream after?”

“I sceam (ice cream)!” Harper suddenly has a burst of energy.”

“Ice cream!”

“I have two children at this point.”

“Don’t Kyra and Charli call you Mom?”

“Four children. I have four children and you all drive me insane.”

[godbirdart]

the fact that Neskantaga is still under a boil water advisory in 2024 is driving me insane.

for context: Neskantaga First Nation is a small community in Ontario 436 km [270 miles] northeast of Thunder Bay and 180 km [111 miles] northeast of Pickle Lake. They have been under a boil water advisory since February 1995 - nearly 30 goddamned years.

Progress on a new water treatment plant has been ongoing. Neskantaga First Nation's original water treatment plant was built in 1993, but the journey for a new one has undergone numerous issues involving the government and contractors, as well as shoddy construction and hazardous spills.

Construction is still listed as underway with no ETA on the advisory being lifted.

The Canadian Government perpetually drops the ball when it comes to safe water on reserves. In December 2023 the government introduced Bill C-61. It addresses clean drinking water across all First Nations communities, but Chief Chris Moonias of Neskantaga First Nation, the nation with the longest boil water advisory in the entirety of Canada, wasn't even consulted. The bill itself has also been met with much skepticism and criticism due to its vague wording, and rightfully so.

That said, despite the hells of the government there is some positive to be had. 144 long-term drinking water advisories have been lifted between November 2015 and January 2024.

I like to hope the 2021 report from the Auditor General regarding Indigenous Services Canada and its shortcomings will give them insight on how to better optimize their management going forward. So far 2022 and 2023 has continued the downward trend with fewer and fewer long-term water advisories, but it's important to know if these completed projects are successful in guaranteeing clean water to these communities for the long-term future. Is ISC actually following up with proper support.

On February 1, 2024 Indigenous Services Canada posted a statement that the Minister of Indigenous Services has met with Neskantaga First Nation Chief Christopher Moonias to discuss resolving the water advisory and create a 12-point action plan. I know it's asking a Lot within 11 months, but I really really hope the Neskantaga community won't see their long-term water advisory hit 30 years.

In the meantime, Neskantaga First Nation receives donations through Gathering of Rivers for Community Care. If you're able, please consider donating.

thanks

[wosowrites]

In the End (Jessie Fleming x Reader)

warnings: mental breakdown

prompt: in which canada wins the world cup causing the reader to break down and jessie, her ex girlfriend, to comfort her.

a/n: had to get this one out before canadas game for my girl @woso-scotland

No one believed in Canada other than the canadian fans. English fans wanted england to win but knew Germany, Sweden and USA had a good chance as well. Canada was never on the list of possible victors in the mind of football fans. And yet, they shocked the world.

Germany versus Canada. World Cup final. August 20th. You were shitting yourself. Lena sat beside you, whispering words of encouragement. It was your second World Cup, but France 2019 hadn’t met your expectations. You wanted glory, and now it was in your reach. To be honest, you were scared about the football aspect, but you were terrified of the opponent. After a 0-0 draw to Nigeria, Canada had become positively deadly. But Jessie Fleming was the actual issue. You played for Arsenal, she for Chelsea, and after a game in 2021 you had started talking and eventually dating. But you couldn’t say no to a transfer offer to your childhood club, Wolfsburg when it came. You didn’t handle the situation well, basically ghosting your girlfriend and then telling her in a short text that you couldn’t be with her. It was unfair, but emotions were never your thing and they weren’t hers either so your younger self thought it would be fine.

It wasn’t. And you knew that when you got to Germany and realized how in love you were with her. Too late though. You thought it had been too late. But the second you walked out of the tunnel to roaring germans and canadians, you knew it wasn’t. Your eyes locked with your ex-girlfriends and you could basically see her pupils widen. She still loved you too. Your heart swelled with joy and you smiled at her slightly. She smiled back gently, her freckles brighter than ever due to the tan she had gained from the australian sun.

"Don’t look at the opponent like that, y/n," Popp scowled at you, grabbing your jersey and dragging you far far away from the Canadian side.

The game started off slower than a World Cup should have. Canada had most of the possession, passing confidently and trying to send balls through. But every time Ashley Lawrence, Kadeisha Buchanan or anyone else from the red side tried to send a ball up, your midfield would block it but not well enough so the ball would be sent back to Canada who would resume their passing.

Lena had the first shot of the game but it was an easy save for Kailen Sheridan. From then on, it was all Canada in the attack. The german box was crowded and any shot could happen any time. However, Jessie went down just outside the 18, holding her head after a collision with Lina Magull. You want to help her up as she was close to you but you felt Alexandra’s eyes burn into your skull so you looked away and placed yourself in the wall for the free kick.

It deflected off your head, pretty painfully you might add, but then out of nowhere, a whistle was blown and the referee signaled a VAR check.

Now a lot of people say Canada only win games through penalties, but during team talks, Martina had brought up that she thought that to be untrue. You can’t get penalties without attacking the opponents box. And Canada did that skillfully, and when they couldn’t finish, they drew fouls. It was a strategy and their strength. You thought you were going to throw up. Had it been you? Had you maybe cost your team the first goal.

It hadn’t been you. It had been Klara. She had pushed Jayde Rivière in the back to move her away from your keeper before the ball was kicked. And then the referee was pointing at the spot. Your ex girlfriend was standing in front of the ball, and she scored without a fail. Bottom left, no chance for Ann Katrin.

Canadian voices filled the stadium in the 44' minute. You couldn’t have been more angry and more happy for half time to come.

Martina was positive. Demanding, harsh, but positive. And her positivity was what drove you to score in the 56th.

A corner kick resulted in your continuous movement around the box. You went back and forth, in and out, anything to be a bother to the Canadian defenders. And that you were. In a rare Kadeisha Buchanan slip up, she had lost you as her mark. The corner went short to Lena who fired it into the box but Buchanan cleared it… right to you. One touch was all it took. You leaned over the ball and hammered it as hard as you could. The ball glides over the grass and slammed into the back of the net. You screamed so loudly your head went light. Running with your arms wide, you yelled, and cheered, and punched the air. Lena picked you up in her arms and held you high in front of the German fans. Alexandra kissed your head, your teammates screamed words of love at you.

But the Canadians weren’t done.

From then on, there was no break. Through substitutions came new legs but almost no shots were taken. It was as though a big game of keep away was hapenning between the two boxes. And then something so unexpected happened that you almost looked at the ref to see if it was aloud. Quinn scored. They got the ball from a clumsy pass from the German defence and shot the ball so hard you were almost scared for Ann Katrins safety.

The stadium erupted, Quinn looked almost scared of themselves.

But then you scored again, securing the golden boot. You didn’t care about that though. You wanted the big money. The big WC. A free kick taken by Lena Oberdorf in the 94th minute hit the cross bar and then went off your head and into the net, seeming almost accidental.

Extra time. You were exhausted.

But Canada ended it with a strike from Jordyn Huitema within the 18.

When the final whistle blew… well you wanted to die. You fell to your knees and let your head hit the turf. You stayed like that in child’s pose, plugging your ears to try and block out the Canadian celebrations for almost the minutes. Staff tapped your back, Martina tried to comfort you and tell you how proud she was of your goals but you just wanted to sob and never stop sobbing. So that’s what you did.

You sat up and sobbed to yourself. Head in your hands, heart in the most horrible pain it had ever been in, and mind full of doubts about what this meant for your future. Your body shaked so hard, harder than anyone else on the pitch. You sobbed louder, shook harder and felt worse than anyone else on that field. Maybe it was because you had felt the taste of glory and it had been taken away so suddenly, or maybe it was the fact that despite your goals you couldn’t secure the cup for your team, but whatever it was, it led you back to Jessie.

As soon as Jessie had congratulated and been congratulated by everyone, she looked to find you. The bright number 7 on your back was facing the Canadian side and she could see how hard you were crying. She basically ran to you, quickly kneeling beside you and cupping your face in her hands. This meant a lot. Jessie Fleming was not one for PDA.

Having her freckles so close to you once again almost made you feel okay, but then there was the fact that you couldn’t breathe. "Hey, it’s okay, it’s okay. You played so well, you were so good," she whispered to you, trying her best to help you close out the sound of the crowd. "I- I can’t breathe," you said, taking huge gulps of air. Jessie sat beside you and let your head rest on her shoulder. She brushed her fingers through your baby hairs, kissed your head and whispered words to you. Ten minutes later, however the ache still there, the shaking wasn’t. "I need to get back to my team," she whispered, looking over her shoulders at the screaming and crying Canadians. "Yeah, me too," you said.

She gave you a small nod and then said "we should talk. Later, tomorrow or in a week if you want. Whenever your ready," she said. You nodded absent mindedly and walked away.

Receiving the golden boot was an award you knew you would appreciate later on, but you accepted it like a zombie in a trance. Everything felt blurry and you faked a small smile for the camera before hurrying off stage. Kailen got the golden glove, Sophia Smith the young player of the tournament and you all took a picture together. Then, the trophy lift.

You sat down on the turf, under the players bench with your head in Lena’s arms. She cried and you cried as you watched the red, white and gold confetti litter the field. "In four years, Lena. I promise you," you cried to her.

A week later

You hadn’t realized how freeing it was not to be in World Cup mode anymore. You could breathe, sleep, and eat without asking yourself how it would impact your game. In your last day in Australia before going back home to your family in Germany, you set up a meeting with Jessie at this small café.

Jessie arrived a couple minutes after you. She looked perfect, but she looked as though it was her first day in a while of being sober. "First day sober for a week, huh?" you asked her when she sat down. "That obvious?" she smiled. "Yeah. But you still look perfect," you let slip.

Jessie blushed and looked down at her lap. "You deserved that cup. Convert to Canadianisme," she teased. "And how does that work. Do I just marry a Canadian or…" you smiled. "Your flirty today," she smiled. "Yeah I’ve been drunk for different reasons," you laughed.

"Drinking your pain isn’t good y/n," she grounded you. "And drinking your joy is?"

"Fair point I guess," she said. "You must feel on top of the world. Cause you are," you said to her after a beat.

"I actually dont. I feel stupid for not fighting for you," she whispered. "Don’t. Please don’t feel like that. I left without any warning. It was so unfair of me," you said to her, leaning closer to her. "World Cup, Olympic Gold, FA cups, League Titles, they’re all nice but they would be nicer if I could win them while calling you my girlfriend," Jessie said, looking at you with the kind of eyes only a psychopath would say no too. "Are you saying you forgive me for packing my bags and leaving you in the dust…?" you asked, not comprehensive of her words. "Because if this is some runner up pity party I don’t want it," you said. "It’s not a pity party. Listen you’ve lost a lot this year and I realized that the one thing I can change is for you not to have lost me," the freckled girl said.

You didn’t care who was watching, you stood up and kneeled next to her. You were a fair bit taller than her so being kneeled next to her didn’t make the biggest difference in height when she was sitting. You grabbed her face gently and lowered it and kissed her. Right in the middle of the café, right in front of everyone, right in the face of all the people who thought you were trash.

Because trash doesn’t bag Jessie Fleming.

[awfcspencer]

Would you be open to writing something with jill roord? Maybe when Jill first gets to Man City, the two hit it off but R is like instantaneously friendzoned and harboring a crush for Jill from maybe facing off against Jill before? So it’s just R keeping their feelingsat bay throughout the entire thing and then maybe a confession? I’m thinking angst, tbh

Friend Zoned? || jill roord x reader

jill roord x mancity!reader

Part 2

prompt: requested!

warnings: angst, crying + anger

a/n: thank you for the request! hope this is what you were looking for! The only thing I did slightly change was the request to add more angst, enjoy!

You remember exactly where you were when you received the message notification that Jill had signed from Wolfsburg to Manchester City. Sat in a low-key cafe trying to finish answering a few emails and some looming coursework before heading off to training. You remember hearing through the grapevine that Jill had requested a transfer, as you tried your best to keep tabs on the Netherlands international that you secretly adored. But you did not expect it to be back in the WSL, definitely did not expect it to be Man City of all possible places. You and Jill were now officially teammates, a mixture of happiness and nervousness raided your body as you left the cafe to make your way to training.

You had first met Jill when you played against her when she was at Arsenal roughly two years ago, distinctly remembering the midfielders eyes. There was something about them that entranced you, you just couldn’t put a finger on why. Marking her the whole game, trying your best to not let her score. She was incredibly good on the ball, being able to move freely around the pitch, defending her was not a light task. The final whistle blew and you started to make your rounds, knowing a few of the Arsenal girls well enough to give a quick hug and a few words.

The last Arsenal girl that you spoke to was Jill. “Good game mate” you tell her, giving her a pat on the back. It amazed you how after 90 minutes of football, she still looked absolutely breathtaking. “Hey thanks, you had me marked the whole game, world class defending.” she happily tells you. Your cheeks blush at her compliment, balancing back and forth on your heals. Sending her a thankful smile you make your way back towards your changing room, but Jill Roord never left your mind. So when you had finally arrived home, you had immediately stalked her social media page and sent her a quick follow. Her returning the favor a few hours later. You and Jill always liked each other posts, silently supporting each other, sometimes you had to stop yourself from hearting them too early as you had her post notifications on, obsessed with her occasional photo dumps where she looked so cute.

You and Jill had then played each other two more times that season, making light chit chat after each game had ended. But after the 2021 season, Jill had left Arsenal and the WSL and joined Wolfsburg in Germany, so you no longer got to see her anymore, much to your despair. That soon about to change though.

You stepped onto the training pitch in Manchester and Jill was already out introducing herself to a few of your teammates, or I guess her new teammates. “Y/N! Hey how are you? It is nice to see you again!” she asked pulling you in for a hug with a large smile on her face. Her strong arms wrapped around your small frame, her hugs were warm, warm like a sunny day, warm like freshly baked cookies. Her smile could light up a dark room. Caught in your thoughts you realized you never answered her, “Oh… um.. yeah I am good yeah thanks yeah.” your words mumble out, embarrassment immediately floods your body, cheeks and ears now burning red. Jill just laughs slightly, her laugh was like an angel singing. But suddenly it is like a god answered your prayers and training had started and you just suddenly ran away from Jill.

You had initially tried to avoid Jill out of pure nervousness mixed with utter embarrassment, but unfortunately and fortunately for you, Jill had picked you as a passing partner. In her mind, it was because she didn’t really know the rest of the girls all that well, other than her international teammate. But for you, maybe she picked you intentionally? Wanting to be partners with you? Clearing your head, you repositioned your mind to focus on getting through training.

After training had commenced, you were taking off your boots at your locker, preparing to shower and then head home when a you felt a light tap on your shoulder, “Want to grab a coffee?” you hear as you are met with Jill asking you. “Yeah of course, I have about five minutes left, I can meet you outside yeah?” you spill out, hoping not to sound too overjoyed, but internally, you were overjoyed, overjoyed to spend some time with the recent transfer that was always occupying your thoughts.

At the coffee shop, you and Jill were able to fall into casual conversations. The first few convos were a bit awkward, but you two quickly were able to get past the initial updates on anything football related. Once your nerves had died down, you found that Jill was an easy person to talk too, talking about everything under the sun or what came to your minds. You had been engaged in the chat you two were having that eventually, the barista had made her way towards your table to let you know that the shop closes in 10 minutes. “Oh we are so sorry, we did not realize how late it had gotten”, looking down at your phone realizing you had been talking for almost three hours, “We are heading out now, thank you!” you explained to the barista.

Walking out with Jill to her car, you bid your farewells, and tell her, “Text me when you get home!”

“How am I supposed to do that when I don’t have your number Y/N” she laughs out. Quickly exchanging numbers and heading back to your car. When you arrived home, roughly six minutes later you received a text message that said, ‘I’m home, thank you for today, see you at training tomorrow 🤍’. Your mouth hung open at your recent message. She had sent a heart. A single white heart. Your brain went wild at the single emoji, did it mean what you thought it did? Was it just a simple emoji? Was it supposed to mean something more? You simply just hearted the message, not wanting to be too forward or send a heart back and confuse the situation further.

Since the coffee shop (date?), you and Jill had quickly become very close, beginning to text more often and now being her designated partner in training. On the coach to away games, you two would sit next to each other and watch movies together, and that typically ended with Jill falling asleep on your shoulder as you would run your fingers through her hair, soft snores fell from her mouth. Jill looked incredibly peaceful when she was sleeping, it was as if nothing else mattered in that moment, just watching Jill sleep. Taking mental images as you wanted to remember this sweet little moment, just you and her. In this moment, you knew you had fallen for Jill, desperately hoping she felt the same way. You had also now given her your own little nickname, Jilly. Jill absolutely adored it and you loved the way she lit up when you called her it.

The season was drawing near the large Christmas break, almost a month of relaxation and no football. In the changing room, conversations had struck on how everyone planned to spend their little vacation, going around the room explaining future plans. When it was Jill’s turn to go, you had expected her say that she was planning on returning to the Netherland’s to visit her family, but her next words cut you like a knife. “I am meeting my girlfriend’s parents.” Her words echoed in your brain. Girlfriend. Jill just said girlfriend. Jill has a girlfriend. Your immediate thoughts were confusing, when did Jill get a girlfriend? What was everything that had happened between you and Jill? You went from being so critically in love with Jill to feeling nothing but dirty and used. Were you and Jill just friends? Friends don’t spend countless hours talking and messaging, friends don’t cuddle each other on the coach, friends don’t look at each other like you and Jill look at each other. Or maybe it was all in your head?

It felt like the wind has been knocked out of you. You heart breaking in a million tiny pieces. Your face dropped immediately, the color in your face disappearing. Your mind and brain felt fuzzy, the word ‘girlfriend’ fluttered through your head. Tears were desperately trying to fight their way out, but you kept them in. The conversation around you continued though, getting to you, you were so caught up in your thoughts that you had not heard them ask you your plans.

A gently push on the shoulder broke you from your crippling thoughts, until you saw it was Jill. You quickly shift away from her and answer, “Just going to spend time with family.” you mutter out, desperately wishing this conversation would end and you could leave. You quickly collect your belongings and make a direct beeline for the exit. Jill’s voice asking out to wait on her fell on deaf ears as you were already out the door. Making it all the way to your car before you break out in a complete sob.

In the next few days, you try and avoid Jill like the plague. Arriving at training early to get ready so you didn’t have to see her in the changing room. You had picked a new partner for drills, chalking it up to get some different practice for the upcoming last game before break. Jill’s text messages had also gone unanswered, radio silence from you. You had been getting less sleep, and were seemingly always in a sad state, the overwhelming emotions have being utterly friend zoned.

Jill had immediately noticed your sudden change, worried and confused. She doesn’t remember upsetting you, but you were definitely angry with her. She had tried to talk to you at training but you always seemed uninterested in whatever she had to say. Her text messages to you were left on delivered. Her last straw was when she got on the coach and you were sat next to Lauren, sharing headphones, discussing what movie you two were going to watch. This cut Jill deep, you were supposed to be her bus partner. She especially enjoyed when she could fall asleep on your shoulder.

The confusion has subsided and now Jill was just angry, trying to rack her brain to figure out what she did to make so deeply upset. The whole way to the game, Jill was mixed with hurt and worry, coming to the conclusion that she had really screwed things up. Getting off the bus, she grabs her belongings and head towards the changing rooms, desperate to find a second to talk to you.

Getting ready for a football game for you was simple, a ritual you followed every game day. You were working on your hair in the private bathroom mirror when you hear a knock at the door. Without even thinking, you quickly unlock it and let the unknown guest in. Much to your dismay, Jill was hurdling through the door.

“What do you want Jill” you asked monotoned, trying your best to be this close to her, not having her this close since the revelation of her break plans just a few days ago. Avoiding eye contact at all costs, knowing if you fall back into those eyes, you will be heart broken all over again.

Jill was immediately hurt when you said her full name, usually you always used your nickname for her when you spoke to her. “What is the matter with you Y/N. One day we are good and the next suddenly you act as if I don’t exist? Avoiding me at training, finding a new bus partner, not answering my texts?” she questions out, hoping to finally resolve this confusing situation.

“I really don’t want to talk about this Jill. I need to finish getting ready.” you say as you shift around her to put the finishing touches on your hair. Not wanting to have this conversation minutes before you need to be on the pitch.

“No. This isn’t fair to me, please tell me what I did Y/N. Please tell me what I did to make you hate me.” she shouted out.

“I don’t hate you Jill, I could never hate you.” you confessed out quietly. You were now getting frustrated, how dare she make you feel like this and then expect you to explain why you are avoiding her. She broke your heart. She physically ripped your heart out and stomped on it. She so casually hurt you so bad and she didn’t even know how.

“Then why the sudden change?” Her eyes begged for the answer as you look towards her.

“Because….. I am in love with you!” you yell towards her, “But you have a girlfriend” you quickly breathed out as you leave the bathroom, lightly pushing past her.

[vicsy]

Daniel Ricciardo and tennis – a masterpost (of sorts).

To start things off, here is a video of Daniel playing tennis that I think about way too often, especially lately, with the recent paddle mania that took over the paddock.

A few things I could note here, apart from the fact that Daniel himself said that if it wasn't racing, he'd go pro in tennis:

old school-ish (european) one handed backhand which is actually rather solid! Daniel said many times that he is a big fan of Federer (a true goat) and Daniel's technique here is pretty much imitating Roger's smooth and satisfying backhand strokes.

it is just a couple of hits but ball placement court wise in not bad - all past the half court mark, down the line, then cross court and close to the baseline.

his movement on the court itself comes off a bit wonky in comparison to regular players but I do like how he attacks the short ball (even if he swings a bit too wide but it still works).

Some assortment of interesting facts:

Apart from his love for Roger Federer, Daniel was a big Andre Agassi fan.

In 2021 Daniel and Lando stayed up to watch British teenage tennis player Emma Raducanu (who is an avid F1 fan and her fave driver is Daniel) win the US Open, her maiden grand slam tournament. This was right before the win in Monza and McLaren 1-2.

In 2020, Daniel took inspiration for his "Equality" face mask from the four time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka and called her a "strong voice" (which she rightfully was). Lewis Hamilton also considered Naomi a great inspiration in raising awareness of several social issues.

When Daniel was a kid, he would smash his racquet if he lost (that's so real of him and i do that too):

Ricciardo is widely regarded as motorsport’s nice guy. But when does the mongrel come out? "I’m a born competitor. As a kid I was a sore loser. If it was a tennis match, I’d smash a racquet or something," he said, laughing. (source)

Once Daniel was playing with his cousin and apparent he got a little outplayed, so in retaliation Daniel hit his cousin point blank with a tennis ball (which hurts A LOT). His cousin cried and then Daniel's dad gave him "a clip across the ear". Daniel also talks about it in one of the Grill the Grid videos. (big thanks to @go-daniel for finding the article and the video to back this story up!)

Daniel is childhood friends with Marcus Stoinis (an Aussie cricketer) and they grew up together playing tennis, driving to Dunsborough south of Perth and they would play tennis together for the whole day, practically hogging the court. (via this post)

Now, to the photos!

Carlos and Daniel playing a tennis match in 2013. Daniel won 6-3 2-6 7-6. It's from Daniel's old twitter post.

Daniel and Jannik Sinner in Piatti Tennis Center in 2020. Jannik is an Italian darling and current world number 3 on the steady rise to the top (i love my carrot boy so much).

Daniel on court.

Daniel attending semifinals of Wimbledon 2021.

Daniel with Juan Martín del Potro during Miami 2023 Grand Prix. Del Potro, now retired, was a prominent tennis player from Argentina, a "gentle giant" and he is also a fan of Fernando Alonso.

Daniel with Matteo Berrettini (and Francesco Carrozzini in the middle), Italian tennis player, current world number 142, during Met Gala 2023 (the way i yelled when this photo dropped omg).

It is all I have managed to gather for now but I will update if I stumble upon something new.

[aliaology]

GET HIM BACK!

summary: reader wants to get her ex boyfriend, luke hughes, back in order to get her revenge.

pairings: luke hughes x ex!fem!reader

warnings: jealousy, arguments, mentions of sex

based on ‘get him back’ by olivia rodrigo

THIS IS NOT HOW LUKE HUGHES ACTS. this is just for the plot, i have no idea how he acts outside of hockey and media!

you met luke in the summer of 2021. he was at the michigan lake house, and you were visiting your friends house who lived just next door. the boy accidentally hit a volleyball over to your friends house and from there the two of you blossomed.

though, the relationship was quite toxic, causing you to leave him the next spring, just before you could meet his parents. the two of you argued over everything, him normally starting it.

“are you fucking serious, y/n?” luke groaned, throwing your phone on the bed. you looked confused. “what the fuck did i do?”

“i dont know— maybe snap my fucking brother twenty four-seven?” luke snapped. you rolled your eyes.

“we just send pics to keep a fucking streak going, luke, why is this such a big deal?” you groaned.

“because you’re talking to other guys, what if you’re cheating?”

you scoffed and crossed your arms, “so you don’t trust me?”

not to mention, he had a huge ego, thanks to being the number four pick of the 2021 nhl draft. along with the many, many girls who loved him online. would they love his personality? probably not.

maybe another part of his shitty personality was the wandering eye he had. the way his eyes would drift to look at another girls chest or ass, it was embarrassing.

but, he was fun. fun at parties, fun at sex, fun at it all, and so were his weird friends. you personally favored dylan duke and mark estapa, but no one would find that out.

he took you out to many parties, bars, clubs. and when he said something wrong in front of his friends, he’d buy you something like tickets for a small vacation.

but there are nights where you miss him, until you remember how he would hit on all of your best friends. do you love him or do you hate him? its… up and down.

but right now, you wanted him back. to get him back, to get revenge. he deserved to feel mad, sad and jealous, everything you felt the entire relationship. it should get him back.

so you started to write letters, but after you would just throw them in the trash. all you talked about in the letters was how much you missed his touch and kiss, and how making you laugh was a bonus.

then when you tried texting him, you didn’t have the balls to say anything because you knew how disappointed your friends would be.

he was toxic, and you were not the only girl. you remember the time where you decided to try communicating your feelings.

“baby, can we talk?” you asked, walking behind him, he sat on the couch, eyes fixated on his game.

“what?” he spoke, fingers ferociously clicking his controller.

“recently, the way you’ve been just doesn’t feel fair, luke. i’ve been putting my all into us and i dont get the same treatment back, it hurts.”

luke scoffed, “you’re trippin’ babe”

but maybe you could fix him? scratch that. maybe you could key his car? or break his heart? or punch him?

then again, you could fix him.. with the nice route. instead of breaking his heart, you stitch it right back up. or kiss him. or make him lunch.

how about you meet his mom? but instead of telling her how good he was, you tell her how much her son fucking sucks.

you did. you met up with her— on complete accident. according to her, luke had not told anyone you broke up with him. he made up a fake excuse saying your family needed you for the summer.

you almost laughed in her face.

you almost laughed after she stormed out of the cafe, learning how her you her son was a prick. and you definitely laughed when you got the text from jack telling you how much shit, luke got.

time to work on coach part two xx

[honibunny]

Dance of Deception

playlist : Whatta Man and Seven Nation Army | Cinderella (2021)

summary : You help Lily by distracting James at a dance

James Potter x reader

In the cozy nook of the library, I found solace amidst the scent of old and new books, reveling in the comfort that flooded through my veins. As I lost myself in the pages, the tranquility was interrupted by hurried footsteps approaching. With a knowing smile, I glanced up to find Lily standing before me, her expression fraught with desperation. Closing my book, I sighed softly. "Lily?"

"Y/n, please tell me you'll do it," she implored, hope shining in her eyes.

"I don't want to…" I began, but a flicker of despair crossed Lily's face. "But since you're my best friend, I'll do it." With those words, Lily engulfed me in a grateful hug before darting off, leaving me leaning against the wall, exhaling a breath. How could I possibly distract James and his friends during the annual dance?

Walking through the hallways, my gaze trailed over the paintings adorning the walls, the laughter of boys growing louder as I approached. A group of four boys huddled together caught my attention, their animated conversation drawing me closer. With a gentle smile, I addressed them, "What mischief are you boys planning?"

Startled by my voice, they turned to face me, and James, with his signature grin, replied, "Nothing of importance, love."

Despite his nonchalant demeanor, I couldn't help but notice the glint of mischief dancing in his eyes. Attempting to decipher the enigma that was James Potter, I met his gaze with an arched brow before relenting with a soft chuckle. "Have you all secured dates for the ball?"

A silent exchange passed between the boys before Sirius spoke up, mentioning their decision to attend as a friend group. As I observed their camaraderie, an idea sparked in my mind. As their voices filled the air, an idea began to take shape in the recesses of my mind. With a casual farewell, I left them to their conspiracies, my thoughts consumed by the intricacies of the plan that was slowly coalescing in my mind.

Earlier that day, amidst the hustle and bustle of preparations for the upcoming dance, I had meticulously finalized the details of my scheme. Now, as I surveyed the bustling Great Hall, the fruits of my labor began to unfold before me. The rumors I had carefully planted had taken root, spreading like wildfire through the throngs of eager students. Lily's sudden appearance beside me made me jump, her proud grin at her successful execution earned her a giggle.

As we exchanged a few brief words, her mention of James sparked a momentary pang of jealousy within me. Why was I fixated on him? Pushing aside the fleeting envy, I reassured her of my commitment to the plan, our shared excitement for the evening's festivities eclipsing any lingering apprehension.

The day of the ball dawned bright and clear, the air alive with anticipation. Stepping into our shared room, I marveled at the array of dresses adorning the walls, each one a testament to the unique personality of its owner. After assisting my roommates with their hair and makeup, it was finally my turn to prepare for the evening ahead.

Stepping into the Great Hall, I marveled at the sight before me. Each girl's dress exuded elegance and charm, a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. Each girl's dress exuded elegance and charm, a reflection of their individuality. I observed the crowd, noting a few restless figures anxiously awaiting someone. Smirking at the scene, I positioned myself strategically, awaiting the unfolding of our plan.

As the marauders made their entrance, I couldn't contain my amusement at their stunned expressions. With James reluctantly pushed toward the girls, I watched as Remus stumbled, a comical mishap that elicited laughter. Amidst the chaos, James' eyes found mine, his goofy smile prompting a giggle. As the girls surrounded them, vying for their attention, I approached James, a glint of mischief in my eyes.

Approaching James, I reached out and lightly rested my hand on his shoulder, the subtle glimmer of my acrylic nails catching the light as I trailed my fingers down to his chest. Drawing nearer, our bodies aligned, chest to chest, as a charged energy passed between us. His gaze, intense and captivating, bore into mine, darkening with unspoken desire. Aware of the other girls vying for attention nearby, I glanced around briefly before feeling James gently tilt my chin, redirecting my focus back to him.

"Follow me," I whispered, his eyes laced with anticipation. Meeting his gaze once more, I found myself momentarily captivated by his lips before meeting his gaze once more. Without hesitation, I turned and gracefully led the way out of the room, sensing James' swift footsteps close behind, eager to follow.

Distract James: Success.

[yeahxsurexokay13]

fraternising with the enemy - jude bellingham

extra - maia x barça

summary: maia being a (vip) culer

2021

fcbarcelona

Liked by lucasjames.t and 980.995 others

fcbarcelona Training days made brighter with a special visit from @/maia.graceee.

Gràcies per venir, Maia! Sempre és un plaer tenir-te amb nosaltres. 🔵🔴! #ForçaBarça [Thanks for stopping by, Maia! Always a pleasure to have you with us!]

view all 806 comments

user1 NOT MY TWO WORLDS COLLIDING

fan1 🥺 my baby's dream coming true. last year she got a a happy bday wish and now this!

maia.graceee gràcies per la vostra acollida!! sempre és un plaer estar amb vosaltres 🫂 [thank you for the warm welcome!! it's always a pleasure to be with you]

user2 quién es? [who is she?]

user3 es una actriz que es muy fan del barça [she's an actress that's a very big barça fan]

fan2 maia finally met the white boys of the moment pedri and gavi 😳

fan3 gavi looks so happy lol

maia.graceee

Liked by salmaparalluelo and 2.903.001 others

maia.graceee les millors @/fcbfemeni ⭐️💖 [the best]

view all 2.907 comments

fcbfemeni Moltes gràcies per venir a animar-nos, Maia! Esperem que hagis gaudit del partit 💪⚽️ [Thank you so much for coming to cheer us on, Maia! We hope you enjoyed the match.]

maia.graceee ha estat un plaer! sempre és emocionant veure-vos jugar ♥️ [it's been a pleasure! it's always exciting to see you play]

fan1 Maia en el Johan Cruyff🤩🤩🤩 [Maia at the Johan Cruyff]

fan2 when are you coming back to the US? 😔

aitanabonmati Gràcies per la teva visita ❤️ [thank u for your visit]

maia.graceee quina il·lusió conèixer-te!!🫶🏻 [what a pleasure to meet you]

user1 this girl's love for barça is on another level omg

user2 She's supporting the girls!!!! Visca Barça!

marialeonn16 💪🏼🔥

fan3 are you friends with Alexia Putellas?

2022

maia.graceee

Liked by frenkiedejong and 3.080.923 others

maia.graceee de tornada a casa per a alguna cosa molt especial ‧₊ ᵎᵎ 🍒 ⋅ ˚✮

view all 4.098 comments

fan1 maia 🤝🏽 barça

user2 WITH PEDRI AND GAVI ?!?!

pedri La última foto 🙃 [that last pic]

maia.graceee 🙂👍🏼 (tú) [you]

fan2 I'd love to see you playing football with them 🫣

maia.graceee 😮‍💨😮‍💨 i've never kicked a ball in my life

fan2 OMFG I LOVE U SO MUCH MAIA

fan3 hate it when she writes in catalan bc insta is never able to translate it😭😭😭

fan4 it says that she's back home for something very special 😊

fan3 omg thank u sm!!

user1 what could she possibly be doing with barça? isn't she an actress?

pablogavi Hermanita❤️❤️

maia.graceee 🫂♥️💋

ansufati Los tres mosqueteros 🤣 [the three musketeers] liked by maia.graceee

2023

maia.graceee

Liked by judebellingham and 3.080.092 others

maia.graceee brindant per la victòria del millor equip del món a la lliga @/fcbarcelona!!! ❤️💙 always with my girl @/mikkeykiemeney <33

view all 3.980 comments

fan1 You and Mikkey look stunning with the trophy

pedri Qué noche! Gracias por estar siempre a nuestro lado. ❤️ [what a night. thank you for always being by our side]

maia.graceee tq pedrito🫂💋💋 [ily pedrito]

fan5 whAT DO YOU MEAN ILY

user3 @ jude bellingham dislikes this comment

user1 wondering when we'll get to see you and Jude celebrating a win together

fan3 the rumours might not even be true. leave her be.

fan2 it's so great to see you enjoying the celebrations🥰

mikkykiemeney love you endlessly mi chica 💖

maia.graceee love you forever my partner in crime💘

user2 Barça's biggest fan right here! Thanks for always backing our team ❤️💙

fan4 visca el Barça!!!

ronaldaraujo_4 Qué alegría verte disfrutar con nosotros, Maia! Seguimos adelante juntos 💪🏽🔵🔴 [How joyful to see you enjoying with us, Maia! Let's keep moving forward together]

maia.graceee 🥺🥺 eres el mejor, ronald!!!! [you're the best, ronald]

ferrantorres Sempre un plaer tenir-te amb nosaltres! Gràcies per la teva suport constant ❤️ [always a pleasure to have you with us! Thanks for your constant support.]

maia.graceee siempre, tibu 🦈🫶🏻 [always, shark]

[baguettehead]

Luke Castellan X Child of Hades (she/her reader)

Summary - Y/n first arrived at Camp Half-blood when she was 16, it was weird and difficult at first but she met people who made it better and maybe the love of her life?? They're not quite sure yet...

A/n - I know I haven't posted since 2021 but look, the creative juices are flowing and Luke Castellan has me by the balls and he's twisting real fucking hard so...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you first arrived at Camp Half-Blood you were bloody and confused, to say the least. You had just finished fighting, and killing, a Cyclops. Which apparently exist now, before stumbling into Camp Half-Blood and passing out from blood loss. Honestly, pretty cool way to die you thought as you looked up to the clear sky before your eyes closed and you were out. You woke up in a weird room, got told you were a child of a Greek God, and had a new scar stretching from your collar bone to your shoulder, cool.

Two months later you were claimed. You're sitting in the Hermes cabin when you hear screams from outside. Being fairly new to the whole demi-god thing, you don't immediately jump out of bed and rush to the noise like the others in the Hermes cabin. Instead, you count to ten and slowly rise from your bed and peek your head out of the door to the cabin, only to come face to face with a hellhound. How it got into camp, no ones quite sure, but its staring you down and you're sweating bullets.

"hello.." did you just fucking talk to the hellhound? You could've sworn your survival skills were better than this. But it just tilts its head at you, almost like it recognized you.

As kids with spears and swords begin to circle the creature it sits, staring straight at you, as if waiting. Everyone stops and stares, most looking from the hellhound to you and back again. You look up, confusion in your eyes, begging for help, but they just stare like they're waiting for something. Whether that is for the hound to maul you or not you're not quite sure. Looking up from the hellhound once more you lock eyes with Luke Castellan, someone you had slowly begun to trust at camp. He nods his head as if to tell you to continue and signals the others to wait. Taking a deep breath you straighten your back and look directly into the hell hounds red eyes, "Go home" you say firmly. The hound nods its head, turns around, and begins to walk out of camp. You hold your breath as you watch the hellhound leave over the hill until its gone. The large crowd that accumulated stares in awe before someone lets out a gasp and points above your head. You look up immediately, honestly expecting a dragon or something to fly down at you, only to see the mark of Hades floating above your head.

It's been three years since then, three years as a year round camper, and three years with some of the best friends you ever made.

"sup dickhead" Luke says as he sets his tray down next to you and slips onto the bench. "aw I love pet names" you sarcastically drawl while picking at your food. "Would you rather I call you sweetness? Or my Princess of darkness" he practically purrs the last name as your eyes go wide and a blush coats your cheeks. Your head snaps up to look at him.

His cheeks are red and blushing as he stares at you with nothing but love and adoration in his eyes. Like he thinks you are the most beautiful thing in the world, blessed by Aphrodite herself, but not fragile. No, Luke knows you're anything but fragile and can easily hold your own, and that makes him fall even deeper into this pit you have dug for him that he swears will be his grave.

But you don't see this, of course you don't, you're stuck in this treacherous loop of convincing yourself he only see's you as a friend while you're hopelessly in love with him.

Looking back down at your tray you mumble "Princess of darkness doesn't sound half bad", he laughs and pushes your shoulder, "Don't get pompous on me love, being a kid of the big 3 is getting to your head". You muster up the best innocent face you can before saying "what's it like hating from the outside?" you dissolve into a smug smirk as he deadpans at you causing you to fall into a fit of giggles he quickly joins.

As you're both laughing, you leaning on Luke and holding your stomach, Chris and Clarisse join you both setting their trays down. Lunch continues with he two of you bickering, Clarisse and Chris sharing knowing looks.

Later that day you join Luke again, this time for training. Chris mediates as well as you two tend to get carried away.

You often train together as your skill sets are pretty evenly matched even though he loves to hold the title of 'best swordsman in camps history' over your head, like daily. You're warming up and sparring when a group of campers join, notably a few Aphrodite girls, and begin to watch. You roll your eyes as Luke sends them a wave and cheeky smile, they blush and giggle, and you ignore the burning feeling in your stomach. One of the girls even sends you a dirty look, oh fuck no you're not doing this today.

"can you stop flirting with the Aphrodite girls for one minute so we can spar?" you grind out through your teeth, and Luke has the audacity to look smug. "jealous?" he raises his eyebrows looking you in the eyes.

Yea you're definitely kicking his ass.

Chris begins to look uneasy as you raise your sword and he signals the fight to start.

You circle each other before Luke initiates combat, swords making a loud clink as they mash together. You start out somewhat lazy, if theirs anything you know about Luke its his ego. So you let him think he's winning before focusing in on his week points. Luke might be better with a sword than you but you have more stamina. You start striking hard and fast barely giving him a break before you're able to sweep one of his feet and knock him to ground. Crouched over him, holding down the hand holding his sword with your right foot and pressing your sword to his neck, you smile at him. Right as you're about to claim your win he uses his body weight to flip you over and straddle your waist, holding your hands above your head. You struggle for a minute but give up, looking up at him, and realizing just how close to you he is.

His face is inches from yours and you can feel his panting breath on your face. Your breath hitches and a blush rises to your cheeks, but all you can seem to do is stare directly into his eyes. He pulls that stupid cocky grin once more and whispers for only you to hear "nice try princess" and all you want to do is grab the back of neck and smash your lips into his. You probably would have too if it weren't for Chris clearing his throat. Luke quickly jumps off you running over to Chris and you slowly sit up still processing what he said mere seconds ago. As you're staring off into space Luke walks back over to you and extends a hand, a worried look on his face.

"Are you okay?" he quickly asks pulling you up "m' fine" you mutter as you begin to pull away but he pulls you into his chest and begins looking you over for injuries. "did you hit your head? was i too rough? Gods I'm so sorry I got carried away" you cut him off by hugging him and muttering "I'm fine Luke, just got distracted a bit" he holds you there for minute, relishing in your touch, and you make a point to stick your tongue out at the Aphrodite girl over Luke's shoulder as she leaves with her friends. Chris laughs loudly but covers it with a cough as you send him a glare.

Eventually, and much to your dismay, Luke pulls away. He holds your shoulders, still keeping you close, and stares at you with the same look from earlier.

"You're beautiful" he mutters without breaking eye contact "I'm sweating like a pig" you retort and he laughs shaking his head. "go get cleaned up" and with that he kisses your forehead and jogs over to Chris to head back to the Hermes cabin.

You head back to the Hades cabin and bask in the silence for a minute. Silence is a rarity at camp. Hopping in the shower you let the cool water wash away all the dirt and grime on your skin and you think about what he said. Sure, he's called you pretty quite a few times but it was different this time. You've always been touchy with each other and forehead kisses are common but, for some reason this one gave you a spark of hope. As you're questioning basically the past 2 years of your life you hear a knock at the bathroom door and a muffled "almost done?". You realize you've been in the shower for longer than you planned and quickly turn off the water shouting "let me get dressed I'll be right out!" before stepping out and putting on a pair of shorts and oversized hoodie, one that you stole from Luke actually. You step out of the bathroom, still drying your hair, and see Luke on your bed flipping through one of your books.

He looks up and freezes. Sure, he's seen you in his hoodies many times but every time it takes his breath away. It doesn't help that you look ethereal right now. As you sit next to him he pulls you down to lay on his chest and begins scratching your head, your absolute weakness. You melt into him and his touch realizing just how tired you were after that match. You close your eyes and begin to drift into sleep when you feel him plant a kiss to your temple before whispering a barely audible "I'm in love with you".

Your eyes snap open and you can feel his breathing pick up. Raising your head you meet his eyes, not moving from his chest, and he begins "I knew I liked you when you stood up to the hellhound, you looked so scared" you stare at him while he looks past you with a soft smile on his face "but you did it anyways" he shakes his head "I knew I liked you but Gods" he pauses and you hold your breath "I never knew I held the ability to love someone this much" his eyes finally meet yours and he cups your face in his hands "I never knew i could hold my whole world in my hands" your eyes well up with tears and you try to speak but nothing comes out. So instead, you gently press your lips to his and try your hardest to convey all your emotions into one kiss. Pulling away you rest your forehead on his "you make everything worth it" you say staring into his eyes "all the monsters and the absent father, I would go through all of it a thousand times over if it meant I got to meet you" You wipe a fallen tear on his cheek and kiss him again both of you smiling into the kiss. Once you pull away you rest your head back on his chest, both of you adorning dopey grins.

"looks like we have a lot of time to make up for" he says

"we have the rest of our lives to do so" you reply before drifting off to sleep laying on the boy you love more than anything.

[mcytblr-archive]

Early MCYTblr Interviews: conarcoin

today's interviewee is conarcoin, runner in the 2020 MCYTblr elections, founder of gay castle, mod on the mcytblr-confessions blog, and MCYTblr veteran! below is a transcript of the questions and answers.

Q: You’ve been in MCYTblr for a long time, and participated in a lot of MCYTblr events, so let’s work our way through them. Can you tell me a bit about what 2020-2021 MCYTblr was like for you, or anything that immediately comes to mind when you think of it?

A: 2020-2021 MCYTblr was a shithole, but it was a shithole I made some really good friends in and I don't regret that period at all. I regret some stupid posts I made, sure, but overall? Nah. 2020 MCYTblr was always filled with drama as it was a transitional period - it was primarily made up of what we now call "truthers" and the scattered remnants of SMPblr, and that sort of caused a culture clash. I'm immediately reminded of the time I got into a huge drama for having the url "transtubbo" in 2020, which one ex-SMPblr user was not fond of. Also a lot of posts made by straight up weirdos like that one infamous "sex god whore" post.

(the url "transtubbo" was not a truthing thing, but a DSMP thing, but this was a time when truthers were still everywhere in MCYTblr and the divide between RP and real life wasn't as clear, which is how I ended up in hot water)

Q: I understand that you started and ran the “gay castle” discord server. Why was it created? What was your experience running it?

A: Gay Castle's still alive and well after 3 years. Me and a friend made the server in September 2020 due to being tired of the drama in another server we were in called Sleepyheads. It's a personal friend server, so we just invited people we thought were chill to hang out and have some laughs. I honestly would call Gay Castle my internet family, they're a wild bunch and we've had so many great times over the past 3 years.

Q: What was it like running the mcytblr-confessions blog? Do any confessions stand out to you from memory?

A: mcytblr-confessions is the child of me and like 10 or so other members of Gay Castle. The experience is mostly mundane, just queueing and deleting asks. We do get a lot of asks that get deleted due to breaking the rules and such, but it hasn't been particularly drama-filled or anything. There's way too many confessions that stand out to me, but personal favorites of mine will always include the Foolish peas anon, the Highcraft church anon, and the one about AustinShow calling anon Greg instead of their actual name.

Q: If my memory serves, you ran in the October 2020 MCYTblr elections. Who did you run as? What was your experience being a part of it?

A: I did, alongside a friend at the time who went by Fakenoblade. I don't remember too many details from that period of time. We ran as "Potato2020" and didn't get very far but we had fun. Cecilia (bless her heart, we're still mutuals even though we don't talk often) can do a really good Technoblade impression, so in call we had her say some funny lines that we edited into a promotional campaign video. Fun stuff.

Q: Are there any other events that stand out to you?

A: The day a bunch of content creators joined in 2021, mostly smaller ones. That was around the same time I became friends with Erin (@itselectralive), who is still one of my closest friends to this day and an absolute sweetheart. She got me onto a SMP she helped run called Balls SMP, which crashed and burned, but I had fun and met some cool people.

Q: Do you remember any of the main discourses/dramas that went through the community?

A: Apologist discourse, obviously. I didn't engage with it - I honestly didn't care for either c!Tommy or c!Dream - but it's hard to avoid it. Shipping discourse and boundary discourse. Honestly, I can't remember anything more specific besides the more general dramas.

Q: What do you remember most fondly from that time?

A: Honestly? Just early Gay Castle and also liveblogging the L'Manberg Election. That night was so much fun, one of the most vivid memories of that time period I have.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

A: You guys should watch SMPLive. Not really, it's aged like piss and several creators ended up being freaks but it's still got a lot of funny jokes and interesting lore (believe it or not). From what I have seen, its fandom is the root of a lot of MCYT fandom's most obnoxious behaviors, but the people who are left and still care about it are really cool. It turned 5 this month!

[meraki-yao]

TN Candies Part 5

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3/Part 4

And as promised, I’m back with more candies! And a quick preface, at the request of OP, I’ve removed all mentions and links to OP’s account, but please bear in mind that this is a translation/summary

Usual Disclaimers:

This post contains content regarding real-person shipping. If you’re uncomfortable with the subject, again, please don’t read under the post

This is a translation and summary of a post on Weibo, not my original findings or thoughts. I am just the translator and messenger

Please remember that the people who do this do it in good nature.They don’t mean any harm, and they don’t cause any harm because China is physically and digitally too far away for them to actually fuck shit up, and they understand the lines of parasocial relationships: those who met with Taylor during his China trip in December know to, and didn’t bring up this in front of him. They know where to draw the line, and whoever doesn’t and starts becoming a problem gets kicked out of the community. This is meant for fun.

Per OP's request, please DO NOT repost my translations to Twitter.

Today’s post is about the overlaps in Taylor and Nick’s social circles

Taylor’s Family and Friends:

As mentioned in part 1, after the Academy Museum Gala, Taylor’s sister Ash (who has a public Instagram account) reposted three photos from Taylor’s post of the night to her Instagram stories: Two of Taylor’s portraits, and the photo of Taylor and Nick. Interestingly, she posted the photo with both boys twice.

A close friend of Taylor’s started following Nick on social media on 5th December last year, and liked a couple of his posts. He was the one who revealed that Taylor was attending several different parties on Oscars night (Governor Ball and Vanity Fair). Interestingly, he never revealed Taylor’s schedule/plans before, but did so the one time Taylor was heading to an event that Nick was already attending.

Taylor’s uncle follows @/nicktaylor, the Taylor and Nick updates fan account on Instagram

Taylor’s nephew only liked two of Taylor’s posts on Instagram, which happened to be the ones that Nick liked

Taylor’s cousin and another sister follow Nick on Instagram and liked a couple of his posts.

Taylor’s good friends with the producer of TIOY, Gabrielle Union, they were at the Burberry show together. Funnily enough Gabrielle first posted the new of TIOY trailer breaking record on her story, then it was followed by a photo of her and Taylor at the Oscar After party

@/thisjenna was both Taylor’ stylist for the SAG Awards and Nick’s stylist from SXSW

Nick’s Family and Friends:

As mentioned in part 2, Nick’s sister and only sibling, Lexi started following Taylor on Instagram starting from last December during the Christmas holidays and liked a couple of Taylor’s photoshoot posts that has nothing to do with Nick.

Camila Cabello, Nick’s close friend and co-star from Cinderella 2021 likes to tease Nick (as close friends would): After the GQ MOTY event where both Nick and Taylor were in attendance, Nick said “My Taylor” instead of “My Taylor impression”, wore the Cartier watch mentioned in part 1 and 4 for the first time in public, and left early, Camila commented “somebody is Gua Sha’ing” Gua Sha 刮痧 is a Traditional Chinese healing method that uses a smooth stone to stroke and press on the patient’s skin, which leaves the skin red (Meraki: my mom did it for me yesterday and God it hurt like a bitch) so TL DR she’s teasing him about his blushing, and he replied “you’re out of control” And under Taylor’s post from the Oscar After Party with the photo of the three of them, she straight up commented “Throuple alert”

One of the actresses from Cinderella who’s close with Nick, whose Instagram account is followed by both Nick and Lexi liked a RWRB post from Prime’s main Instagram account

Tony Curran, King James from M&G, as mentioned in part 3 liked a bunch of RWRB/Firstprince and Taylor posts on Twitter (Meraki: which, what the fuck Sir) as well as liking posts from Twitter account that have Taylor as their profile pic

The official Instagram account for August Moon, the boyband in TIOY reposts a story from a Taylor Nick fan account

Members of Nick’s PR team liked both RWRB post from prime/official rwrb account and a few posts of Taylor that’s just him and has nothing to do with Nick

An actress from TIOY (who wears a blue dress in the trailer) and Jaiden Anthony, another member of August Moon (character name Adrian, but also guys please don’t go bother him over this), M&G’s costume designer, Purple Heart’s songwriter, a TIOY crew member, even Anne Hatheway’s stylist  liked RWRB posts from either the official rwrb account or prime’s main account

That’s it for part 5 and today’s update! See you in the next one on Sunday :D

Tagging a couple of folks (Lemme know if you wanna be tagged for the next one!):

@lfg1986-2 @tal-vez-o-quizas @na-18dia @mylucayathoughts @androgynoustriumphclown @hopefulblizzardsublime @whattfisausername @leimons @ghostwithatophat @badhimboi88 @pippin-katz

[catb-fics]

CATB Interviews 2019-23

2019

Q104.3 New York (Jonathan Clarke)

Audacy Music (pre Balance release)

Radio X Gordon Smart (pre Balance release)

Radio X Evening Show: Gordon Smart (podcast)

Future Sounds: Annie Mac

105.7 The Point

TRNSMT 2019

TRNSMT 2019 snippet

TRNSMT Backstage Virgin Radio

Go Backstage

ALT 104.5 Studio Session

104.5 Philadelphia Summer Block Party

Beats 1: Zane Lowe (audio)

Beats 1: Zane Lowe (clip)

X107.5 Radio

91X San Diego Riffs & Gearheads (Bondy)

KROQ Weenie Roast

Sirius XM (Bonaroo)

Radio 104.5 (Jessie @ The Met)

102.1 The Edge Toronto

BBC Music: The Rise

101X Austin

Tobacco Dock Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas

107 The End: Deck the Hall Ball (puppies!)

ALT 94.7 Christmas

91X San Diego Christmas

2020

Radio 1 Reading and Leeds announcement

2021

Hide & Speak podcast: Johnny Bond

2023

Time for Heroes Podcast: Billy Bibby

CATB INTERVIEWS MASTERLIST