#seb being in this is so much funnier knowing that he used to name his cars

[astrea16]

F1 drivers as equestrian disciplines

—an important analysis from a horse girl at heart

If you don't know shit about horseback riding, that's honestly great and I hope you can learn a thing or two from my brainrot.

Charles Leclerc: Show jumping

What’s more iconic than a good old obstacle course with dozens of sponsors plastered every five feet? Aside from Il Predestinato’s very marketable image (Longines is actually a huge sponsor in the industry and they make watches, so,,) I feel like this discipline perfectly reflects his skills as a driver. His raw talent makes him a ferocious threat over the course of one lap and his intelligence is an incredible asset to calculate the best trajectory and angles of attack. Show jumping is thrilling, stressful, and makes you hold your breath until the very last second—just like a good qualifying lap. I feel like Charles would love the attention of doing victory laps around the arena with one fist in the air before spraying everyone with champagne.

Lewis Hamilton: Dressage

I actually had to rethink this one and wonder whether or not I’d picked this discipline because he was British, but I think my point still stands. This man lives for his sport and for the crowds, and I honestly think that as long as his ass is in a car he would drive laps around an empty track all day. Dressage is majestic, it’s prestigious, regal, and the epitome of elegance. This discipline accepts nothing less than excellence and the judges are notorious for being extremely picky, rarely ever giving the maximum score to a movement. It may not look as impressive as show jumping and its counterparts, but it is undeniably just as intense. The goal is to make it seem effortless, like the rider is dancing with their horse and everything else has stopped existing. And look—we all know Lewis is a fashion icon, that one person everyone can’t help but look at when they enter the room. That’s what dressage feels like. It’s classy, sophisticated, sometimes a little bit pretentious—in short, the one that lives under the spotlights. I also think it’s too big of a coincidence that Isabell Werth—the most successful dressage rider of all time—holds the Olympic record of seven gold medals in all equestrian disciplines.

(Also: Nico gets the same assignment ;))

Lando Norris: Show jumping

Something about this guy reminds me of that one friend at the stables that would be there every competition weekend and whose biggest dream was to participate in the Olympics. And yes, that applies to the entire grid, but it feels more prominent for Lando who’s younger and a bit less experienced than some of the older drivers. I don’t want to call it innocence (especially because it must be long gone after five years at McLaren) but there’s something about him that hits you right in the feels and reminds you about the dreams you gave up on. He’s got the drive of a winner and a fun energy that I think suits show jumping quite well. I feel like sponsors would adore him and try to put his face everywhere—probably in an attempt to refresh their image.

Max Verstappen: Eventing

Intense, unforgiving, and hella dangerous, eventing is the perfect discipline for thrill-seekers and people who dislike staying in the same daily grind. Which is funny because we’re talking about Max Verstappen, the guy who spends all of his days glued to his sim chair, but let me explain. The strenuous nature of eventing doesn’t necessarily come from the exercises themselves but from the way they are arranged one after the other with little time to rest in between. This equestrian triathlon often takes place over three days: one day for dressage, one day for cross-country, and one day for show jumping. The goal is to challenge the athletes’ resilience and stamina with various tests. The first one, dressage, determines the ability of the rider to keep their horse in control and perform a series of movements in a relaxed manner. Cross-country is a test of strength. The athletes have to power through an outdoor course of around thirty natural obstacles within a given time range, while making sure that they are saving energy for the third day. Finally, show jumping requires precision and fitness, which—combined with all of the other skills required by eventing—make this discipline the most complete and challenging of all, and therefore the most suitable to our reigning champion imo. As much as I would rather praise other drivers, Max genuinely seems like he never has a bad day and just… knocks it out of the park every single time. And trust me, that’s not something you see often in any kind of sport. Besides, I can easily picture him covered in water and mud, galloping through the forest like a cannonball.

Lance Stroll: Polo

Polo is expensive, classy, luxurious—what more is there to say? Lance would make a great polo player, as long as he’s got the team spirit and isn’t afraid to potentially lose his kneecaps.

Zhou Guanyu: Hunter

Hunter is basically the athleticism of show jumping mixed with the elegance of dressage. The horse/rider combination is judged on their style and technique, and that also comes down to presentation. Both athletes must look neat and well-groomed and have excellent manners throughout the competition. As opposed to show jumping, which can get quite… extravagant at times, hunter isn’t about being the fastest. It’s about who’s got the best equitation and achieves the cleanest performance possible, and that’s why I think Zhou would absolutely slay in this discipline. (Note that my judgement isn’t actually based on his abilities as a driver but rather on his incredible outfits which I KNOW is awfully subjective, but I never claimed to be right in the first place.)

BONUS

Sebastian Vettel

I think Sebastian could have had a career in show jumping before realizing that it wasn’t his thing at all and he retired to do endurance or some western discipline, before getting dragged back into the industry by Charles Leclerc who quickly became his protégé. Although Seb is no longer competing, he’s basically Charles’s mentor and has a ton of tricks up his sleeve from his time as an Olympic rider. He’s actively against horse racing and when he’s not busy coaching, he probably likes to run off somewhere more peaceful—like in a farm lost in the depths of the countryside.

[ipleadbritney]

ipleadbritney f1 fanfic masterlist

check the title hashtags for more info!!!

🗣️ you know (it kinda makes me laugh)

Lando/Oscar, T, 1.6K multiple povs, 5+1 fic, williams + mclaren chaos

Somewhere between Mr. Piastri and Oscuh, or a name holds meanings and Oscar's name is one of Lando's favorite ways to communicate. Outsiders’ perspectives on the McLaren duo.

🥞 got love-struck, went straight to my head

Lando/Oscar, T, 11K mutual pining, lando crushes hard

Maybe Lando will pull a Carlos in the future, crash into Oscar's new teammate every chance he gets. Lando has no idea how whipped he is for Oscar. Won't even admit he is whipped. Bear with him, please.

🧑🏻‍❤️‍🧑🏽 no proof, not much (but you saw enough)

Lando/Oscar, T, 3.5K magical realism

A soul bond is like any other type of magic; you can buy it in a bottle. Or, to be more precise, you can manufacture it. Oscar and Lando are accused of having an illegal soul bond.

💜 oscar piastri's guide to breaking the internet

Lando/Oscar, T, 4.5K prema boys, sharing clothes

Featuring: a challenge on who will break the internet the fastest, Prema boys, Oscar's confusion, long-distance phone calls, being young, stealing hoodies, and Lando's weirdly helpful antics.

📱 love you, bye

Lando/Oscar, T, 1.7K social media au, relationship reveal

𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 | 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 ‘𝟮𝟰 @quadrantnondriverau the video won't load for me i’m getting fomo please someone describe it for me what is happening > 𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗮 @childofdivorce644 lando was streaming and someone called him. we don't know who's on the other line but lando ended the call with “i love you, bye” 

🏡for keeps

Lando/Oscar, T, 8.7K spy au, domestic, unreliable narrator

“I had some compelling evidence and you just laughed in my face.” “You can't call Seb wearing a turtleneck ‘compelling evidence’, Lando.” Lando and Oscar's neighbours are international spies, or so Lando tells Oscar. They're just two normal guys, though. Just Lando-and-Oscar.

👻h(a)unted you down Lando/Oscar, T, 3.9K magical realism, ghosts, pining

“Are you sure you're haunted?” A laugh rings out beside Lando. He didn't hear the joke, but he knows the punchline. “Yes,” Lando answers. Or, there's a ghost named Osc that haunts the halls of MTC. Only Lando can see him.

🚪 just to be mean

Max F/Oscar, Lando/Oscar, T, 2.1K max f pov, jealousy

From the outside looking in (which isn't the best perspective to judge from, Max admits), Lando and Oscar communicate exclusively via race data and high-pitched giggles. Oscar has this way of laughing that's funnier than the actual joke. Max would know because, well, because Max used to be the one who cracked the jokes.

📸 scenes from a social media admin

Lando/Oscar, T, 3.7k smau, pr!lando, crack

> 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘃𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 @birthdaybars is your job hard? >> 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀 @lnorris Sure it is! But nothing compared to the work in the factory and at the track. I’m usually just at the side >>> 𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘃𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺𝘀 @birthdaybars ADMIN DON'T YOU DARE PUT YOURSELF DOWN FAN INTERACTIONS KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AT MTC >>>> 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀 @lnorris haha don't think that's how it works but appreciate it!

👀 jealousy⁴

Lando/Oscar, T, 3.9K jealousy lol

Oscar said something about Arthur, half-asleep. Oscar never said anything about Max. That can't be possible. Or, jealousy can take many forms. Lando Norris encounters four of them.

😘 three-sixteenths

Lando/Oscar, T, 4.3K magical realism, kiss curses

Lando's cursed and has to kiss someone Italian. Good thing Oscar Piastri is his teammate.

[racingliners]

F1 Re-Watch 2022: Round 20 - Mexico City

If you want to know just how unobservant I was to much of the 2022 season, I had no idea the race’s name was changed until today 🙃 (still just gonna tag everything as the Mexican GP bc I am lazy)

Anyhow, this is also the last race I remember absolutely nothing from bc I didn’t watch it (I kid you not prior to today my Mexican GP 2022 tag is literally just Seb and Bono gifs) 

So, no thoughts, head empty, I’m a tad scared but let’s jump in

Okay I tell a small lie, I do remember the Mariachi version of the F1 theme doing the rounds on the interwebs. But in terms of racing??? No clue whatsoever.

I haven’t even looked up the results so woooo (though let’s be real Verstappen is gonna win isn’t he?)

ngl I do love the Mexico circuit, it’s really good despite being so flat, and ot’s great that a historical circuit has been able to make a comeback and stick around

OMG THEY PLAYED THE MARIACHI VERSION OF THE F1 THEME DURING THE STARTING GRID

okay F1, you have that one right.

Speaking of,✨ starting grid whiplash ✨

Lance P20 bc of a penalty. Pain.

Seb P16. More pain. At least he’s next to Mick.

Ouch Charles P7.

BOTTAS P6?????

aaaand Lewis P3, we stan.

Well that was made much more bearable by the Mariachi theme, 11/10 would recommend to a friend.

How tf did Bottas drag his Alfa into P6 though??????

[Formation Lap]: Almost a 50/50 split on the grid between starting on the softs or mediums, inch resting.

Somewhat unrelated I’m finally getting used to seeing the silver Merc again when the 2023 season picks up again next week dvubheush

oh god what if there’s carnage at the start??? I am NOT emotionally prepared

boys please don’t be dumb it’s 9pm as I watch this and I don’t want to deal with nonsense

[Start/Lap 1]: No carnage but Lewis went full ZOOM into P2!!!

I didn’t need to look at my screen to realise Perez got past Russell for P3 there was a VERY loud cheer

“Vettel and Stroll had a brilliant start” INJECT IT!!!!!!!! 💚💚💚

P14 for Seb and P15 for Lance THAT’S MY BOYS!!

[Lap 3]: And the race has instantly calmed down ubhesu

Comms are making it sound like it’s the first time the top 6 cars have been top 6 in the race??? either that or it’s been a while since it happened but that’s a fun-ish stat

the replay of Lewis’ start *chef’s kiss*

[Lap 5]: Bottas looking to pass Alonso for 7th

The downside of watching a full season over the course of so many weeks is that whenever you hear ‘Plan A’ on a team radio you immediately think of Ferrari and cry

[Lap 6]: Lewis fastest lap, it’s been so loooooong

[Lap 7]: Dan trying to pass Zhou for P12

ayyyy Seb’s joined the party!!!

Livery watch: all together now, Aston Martin preeeeeeeeeeetty

[Lap 8]: Ah so RBR are on the softs, and Merc on the mediums. inch resting

I mean Ferrari are also on the softs, but we all know how little I trust their pitwall at this point

Wait this was Dan’s 230th race???? That’s WILD

[Lap 9]: Aaaaaand Dan takes P12

Meanwhile Lance got a little bit violent getting past Gasly avhageg

[Lap 11]: Bottas is still in P8 behind Alonso, not quite gaining time but not losing any either.

[Lap 12]: Ted brining a Seb update, 100% the content I am paying for

Him and Lance are still vibing in P14 and 15, hardly anyone has changed positions.

It’s all a bit... static

[Lap 13]: avhaeugh not Pierre and Lance pushing each other off the track 😭 

BOYS

[Lap 14]: Lewis is starting to gain on Verstappen you say???

*dives head first into the sea of delusion*

[Lap 16]: the AMR22 has re-gained tractor status as Lance is being chased down by Alex

[Lap 17]: Alex running on pet power and dreams, lad is SPEEDY

5 sec pen for Gasly’s violence on Lance

“I hope they serve the penalty properly” Hearing this after Bahrain 2023 makes it 11 times funnier

[Lap 18]: And Lance is first into the pits and gets another set of softs

[Lap 19]: “Consider Plan C” I refer back to my comment during Lap 5 🥲

Charles in 2022 🤝 Seb from 2015-2020: Having Ferrari’s braincell

SEB ONBOARD!!!! Still in P14 but idc bc I love him

he’s also 8 tenths behind Zhou

[Lap 22]: still a two second gap between Verstappen and Lewis.

I know I said I didn’t want carnage at the start, but I did want some racing

[Lap 23]: I don’t think anyone else apart from Lance has stopped yet

[Lap 24]: And, here comes Perez for his first stop, for a set of mediums

ouch 5 sec stop

Nicky also pits

[Lap 25]: “My tyres are OK mate” LEWIS????? Are you okay??? Blink twice if you need help

rip “Bono my tyres are gone” 2014-2022

[Lap 26]: and while I recover from my shock Verstappen pits, also softs to mediums

[Lap 27]: Perez having DRS issues????

well they must have been fixed bc he just passed Charles for P5 (though Charles is yet to stop)

[Lap 28]: Anyway Lewis leading his second race in a row, INJECT IT

oh it’s a Merc 1-2!! 2016-2018 me would be so disappointed in me celebrating that avdfuvhu that’s called growth

[Lap 29]: Angela sighting!!!! 

Charles also makes his first stop for mediums

And Lewis pits as well, likely reacting to Ferrari.

Mediums??? So they’re doing a two stop then

[Lap 30]: It is not it’s the hards

[Lap 31]: still loads of cars yet to stop

[Lap 32]: And as I say that Lando pits for the hards

“Lewis is matching Max Verstappen lap for lap” Inject it, tattoo it into the sky, write it out on post-it notes and hand them out to strangers 

[Lap 34]: Ocon next to pit for the hards 

[Lap 35]: Russell joining the one stop for hards party

lol at the order being RBR; Merc; RBR; Merc; Alonso

El Plan intensifies 

Seb watch: HE’S INTO P11 BESTIES!!!!

He’s still yet to stop but I truly do not care

[Lap 37]: oh not McLaren wanting to try Plan C for Dan

I kid you not, I hear Plan X over the radio and I do not trust it no matter the team so thank you so much Ferrari

[Lap 38]: Russell being told to lift and coast at the 150m board for the rest of the race??? W13 intensifies 

argh Perez is starting to catch Lewis, it was a lot of fun while it lasted

[Lap 39]: Seb pits for mediums, and he comes out in P16.

[Lap 40]: Sainz passes Alonso for P5 for some mild Spanish on Spanish violence

ah, Alonso was on his in lap as he’s pitted for hards

[Lap 42]: Ocon with a noice move on Bottas for P10

oh, Bottas is fighting back, MIDFIELD SPICE WELCOME TO THE PARTY

[Lap 43]: “This tyre isn’t good mate” I’ll take that as a ‘Bono my tyres are gone’ resurrection

and followed up by a Bono sighting 🤍

[Lap 44]: Seb up into P14, we’re once again diving into the sea of delusion in the hope of Team Green points

Also Ted timed Gasly’s 5 sec pen with his watch to see if Alpha Tauri timed it correctly asavhaeu

Ted Kravitz for FIA Prez I think he’d do a wonderful job

[Lap 47]: And with Zhou pitting, everyone has finally done at least one stop

the strategy has been all over the place this race, I guess in part to the mix of starting compounds

oh no Lance is the only one two have done 2 stops 

[Lap 48]: Seb watch: P13!!! The hopium is still alive and well folks

“He [Verstappen] is out on the track I promise you” avuheugh you know a driver has been dominating a race when you barely see them on the TV feed

[Lap 49] so Seb is roughly 15-ish seconds away from P10 🤞

Lewis is still having engine clip outs I am no joking when I say I will sledgehammer the W13

[Lap 50]: Cut to Martin Garrix bc there is barely anything happening on track

[Lap 51]: and as I say that Yuki v Dan for P11

THEY TOUCHED

oh dear, Dan almost flipped Yuki

but Seb is up into P12, the racing gods taketh and the racing gods giveth

[Lap 52]: Ah Yuki’s pitting for a new front wing, and the old one does not want to come off

oh no Ted thinks he has suspension damage 😭

Dan you plonker (in this case I do not support his wrongs)

oh no it was sidepod damage ☹️

[Lap 54]: Seb v Gasly v Zhou 🍿

oh wow Dan slammed with a 10 sec penalty.

[Lap 56]: Seb down to P14 and defending from Zhou, this is why we’re self aware about when we go delusional

[Lap 58]: welp I was not aware about RBR potentially matching Seb’s their record of winning 9 races in a row 🥲

okay I’ll let Zhou have P14 bc that was a pretty nice move on Seb

[Lap 61]: oh hello Dan v Alpine

to be fair he’s on the softs and they’re on the hards but he’s ZOOMING

[Lap 62]: 10 laps remaining klaxon

and Dan passes Ocon for P7

[Lap 65]: “Does that look like it’s terminal now? Oh that’s a Williams” Oh Ted

and there stops Fernando

oh it’s a VSC

[Lap 69]: And suddenly it’s 3 laps remaining

Seb still P14, no team green points today 😭

[Lap 70]: and Merc pit Russell to go for the fastest lap

and Dan has somehow managed to pull a 10 sec gap over Ocon so he’ll keep P7 even with his pen

[Lap 71/Finish]: Oh, Verstappen broke the record of most wins in a season huh.

Anyway LEWIS P2!!!!

Taking all the tiny crumbs I can get

And Russell did bag fastest lap at the end, such a drama king

Well... that was... somewhat average. Lewis getting P2 at the start was the most that happened in the top 6 and the midfield spice was very few and far between, though the bits we did get was fun to watch.

So a very straight down the middle 5 front wings out of 10. Next race - Brazil!

[pluviophile-bookworm]

HSMTMTS 2x11: Let us pull up a chair as the dining room proudly presents... the reason for my next mental breakdown

I can't believe myself, honestly. Oversleeping on the one day of the week that I've got something exciting to wake up for? Oh well, I'm up now and I'd better go ahead and do this before my dashboard has showered me with spoilers. I mean, I have never really minded spoilers, but when it comes to this, somehow I do. Though I do wish something had forewarned me about last week's snap ending (get it, 'snap'... I'll see myself out). I'd better dive in already.

Yes, Mr Mazzara, that's what I've been saying for a while! Ok, maybe I haven't been very vocal about it, but it was in the foreground of my mind that they should have asked for Mr Mazzara's help re: transformation! I'm just glad he pointed it out. Not that he could have done much while he was busy playing therapist for his beloved Miss Jenn. Oh well.

Were those Ash and Ricky doing actual paired-up warmups? That is what they should have been doing for weeks now. That and having actual off-stage interactions, too. But I still subscribe to the theory that the gang had some good rehearsals off-screen — otherwise there's no way they could have been this good on stage as we saw in the previews. I said it last time and I'll say it again — not everything is for us to see.

Wow. The one time our leads are in unison, and it is about both being injured. The East High drama club must be cursed — they can't have one production run smoothly and without what can only be described as pure unbridled chaos.

They don't have any understudies? That explains some things... but also how? But also, I'm so happy Ashlyn is going on. No way she would have missed her first (first of many, right?) chance of being the lead because of some 'minor' injury.

Ricky and Nini still can't talk to each other properly. Oh well. Take your time. It's not like I care about this pairing anymore.

Did EJ just use the word 'dig'? Boy, the boy's got it baaaaaad. Also, what is it going to take for these two to realise they're in love? For all we know, they might have that big kiss we're all dreaming of and still be like 'nah, it's nothing, we're buddies'... give me a break! But I mean, at this point they might just be turning into Redlyn 2.0, where even a kiss doesn't define things. But hey, if they do follow in Redlyn's footsteps, that only means good things in their future, right?

What did that fake French git do to my boy Carlos? He's not supposed to look this inanimate until right before the climax of the play! Well, I mean, at least Seb serving as his interpreter means that Seb gets more lines for a bit. Too bad he can't go on for someone with more lines in the play.

Miss Jenn's 'words of inspiration' were less than inspired... yeah, this show's going down. Or it would, if it depended solely on her. Let's hope the kids do better. I mean, I know for a fact they will... at least for about 5 minutes of the thing. There is still room for things to go wrong and I'm scared.

Oh, my sweet boy... I wish I could jump in there and do something to help him feel less nervous. Thing is, if I were there, I'd probably be the most nervous of them all, even if I were playing Townsfolk #3 or something, and everyone's nervousness would rub off on me, and I would be making things worse instead of helping. So yeah, I'm kind of glad I'm not there.

Ahhhh who called it? @redlyncentral was it you? Ash got flowers for her Biggie! And there's a card whose contents we've yet to see. But that doesn't seem to be helping either. My sweet, sweet Reddy... I hope and pray he'll be alright.

Well this is awkward! Who told Mike to show up and shake everything up right now? Miss Jenn is literally on the brink of exploding, and now she's stuck in this completely unnecessary love triangle. She needs some space. And a quiet place to breathe, thanks Mr M for suggesting it.

'Did we forget to build a mote around the school or...' Yeah, you tell her, Rick! That girl whose name I never want to pronounce (because it makes me think of much nicer people and she's making me hate it) has no business being there. She's not... being given a redemption arc, is she now? Some people just don't deserve it. And if hating her is an unpopular opinion now, well, I never did care much about having popular opinions. I can live with that.

'Lily, scram!' Yes, thank you, Natalie! I've always wanted someone who would voice my thoughts in a way that the characters can hear them. Make this girl a main next season, won't you? (Just so we're crystal clear, I mean Natalie, not the other one.)

OMG Mr M is in the play! In a way... I love that!

I love, love, love the way they did the prologue. 'Repulsed [the prince makes an over-the-top gesture of repulsion] by her haggard appearance [the witch shows off her face to the audience]...' I love this. I would pay a lot for a chance to see their entire play, you know?

Oh dear, somebody give my boy Reddy some sort of... medical aid against all the throwing up! I've got a nice pill that helps me with my bad cases of motion sickness. Hey, so maybe I could have helped if I were there after all. Great, now I feel bad. But also, is all the throwing up an excuse on the writers' part to keep my boy off-screen for the majority of this episode? Because it's a really lame excuse.

Gina's 'Many questions' continues to be a mood. What exactly is Miss Jenn expecting from the kids? Last-minute adjustments? No way. This spells disaster.

Was Carlos on vocal rest or something? Because he shines like the star he is... despite all the very obvious nervousness backstage. I mean, I wouldn't have it any other way, but... oh well, I wouldn't say it's unrealistic. In my personal performing experience, the most nervous ones perform the best. (So... what is that saying for my boy Reddy? Good things only.)

I've already had the opportunity to geek out about Be Our Guest yesterday, but... I mean, just look at them! Carlos doesn't need actual candles to be on fire, Ashlyn is stealing the scene without any lines in it, Gina is absolutely gorgeous, and don't even get me started on EJ and Big Red looking at their girls in absolute awe! This is everything!

Aww, look at them! Gina and Ashlyn dancing together, I mean. They're sisters and it really shows. And I love them both so much.

Kourtney is an absolute show-stealer! I'm still upset about some casting choices (one of them is in this scene, doing his absolute best with the crumbs he has been given), but she is absolutely perfect. I think I'll rewind and watch this entire scene again before moving on with the rest of the episode.

I'd just like to point out that Frankie's voice in his lower register is everything!

'You absolutely dusted that stage'... Not EJ making a pun so punny even I could not have thought of it... boy is absolutely smitten!

Not me tearing up when Jordan Fisher appeared as Gina's brother... like, I knew it was happening — I knew it even before it was announced. And I still teared up because, well, it's emotional in-universe and out.

Awww, my boy Reddy is so in love with Ashlyn... I mean, who wouldn't be... but — not Ricky saying Lily might not be as mean as they thought. Especially not to Big Red of all people. To him, she was just as mean as they thought.

'Side hustle project in the south hallway'? Ooh, what is it, I want to know now!

Why do I feel like things are a bit too awkward between Kourtney and Howie? Not that I'm too invested in their relationship, but if it bothered me, imagine how it must feel for the stans.

No, Ash, you absolutely do not need to add any fancy riffs to the song! Especially not just because L... well, that girl did it. You're unique and lovely and a literal Disney princess inside and out. That girl? She's just a wolf in a sparkling golden dress.

Awww... Big Red literally lowers Ash's blood pressure! Those two are such an amazing couple! (Full disclosure, though, he kind of does the same for me too; the other night I had this horrible nightmare, and I woke up in cold sweat in the middle of the night, and then... ok, getting too personal there.) The point is, if even the fantasy of a Big Red hug makes me feel better, imagine what his actual presence would do for Ash at that moment. Where is my boy? Everyone seems to be looking for him.

Oh... guess they took my advice to give the poor boy something for his vomiting issue. Good for whoever thought of it.

And we're back to the Porter siblings... forgive me if I still can't wrap my head around calling Gina's brother Jamie. I don't know about you guys, but thanks to my lovely new friend Paz he will always be Theodore to me. I guess we can headcanon that as his middle name. Anyway, I love it that they made a joke about the hilarious height difference between him and Gina because, well, it's the only thing I can think about when I look at the two of them. It reminds me of me and my little cousin who has been taller than me since she was 10, and is still growing taller now at 13. But, I mean, it's not very hard to be taller than me, since I'm so, so short... ok, this is not about me. Moving on.

Was I the only one who actually laughed out loud at Ricky drinking from the bowl as the Beast? I mean, that part has always made me laugh in the original movie, but something about Ricky's take on it makes it even funnier.

Meanwhile, my girl Ash is absolutely killing it as Belle. Not me having the very same expression as Big Red while watching her... gosh, I love both of them so much! Also, no offence to the rest of the cast, but Julia really is the best vocalist out there. Out of all of them. I said what I said.

My apologies to Ricky, but his voice is just not it when it comes to playing the Beast. Still, with the other option being him putting on that fake deep voice from the audition, I'm glad he didn't.

Ahhhh Portwell nation you ok guys? Since we didn't get them singing Something There, this is very much the next best thing... and boy, is it good!

Those glances between Kourtney and Howie, on the other hand... what on Earth is happening there?

Ok, so you all know just how strongly I feel about Seb's casting as Chip, and yet... boy had one line and absolutely ate it up! Give him an actual singing role next time, Miss Jenn!

EJ being starstruck by Jamie not because he's a big music producer, but because he's Gina's brother... excuse me while I sob!

Excuse me, what!!!! 'A big brother figure'? Boy, this didn't turn out the way I thought it would... now I'm scared.

Way to ruin things, Jamie! And I don't even mean the fact that his name is not Theodore. It doesn't matter what his name is anymore. He might just have put a spanner in the works of Portwell, and they were just doing so well! Ugh, I'm so frustrated. I wish I'd never boarded — what did I call it — 'the majestic S.S. Portwell'. What if it doesn't set sail now?

And there goes another disappointment... Carlos' 'the orchestra hasn't vamped this much since Bop to the Top' line had nothing to do with Seblos, and everything to do with what might still be the downfall of this show. I am not ready.

No. Miss Jenn did not just say that. She did not just tell Ricky — who, may I remind you, not that anyone's forgotten, just fell off of a high place last episode — to 'jump off of something high'. I realise she's under all the pressure, but that is not an excuse. Well, at least she heard herself.

Oh my gods... Nini — well, Nina, actually — did not just call him 'Richard', did she? That's it, that's the point of no return. And well, I kind of wanted them to reach it.

Told you, didn't I? I told you that-girl-who-must-not-be-named was evil! I always follow my intuition and it has not once deceived me. Redeem that, if you can! Guess what? You can't. We've just reached another point of no return.

Wait, a bloody cliffhanger? I cannot handle this. I physically cannot handle this. If you need me, I'll be sitting on my bed in shock, trying to process everything that happened. I'll need a while to get a grip on myself.

[extremelyblackandwhite]

i wanna know what love is - 20

Pairing: rockstar! sebastian stan x writer!reader

Warnings: teasing

A/N: enjoy xx 💕💕

Last Chapter // Next Chapter

Y/N had slept on his shoulder for the whole plane journey and he didn’t dare move, he daren’t wake her up after waking her up this morning. Of course with that came the jokes from his bandmates and snarky remarks from Melody who’d get a snarky look from Mary in return. Luckily, he didn’t have to awake her up once the plane landed as the captain’s announcement did that for him and she was pissed. He couldn’t help it but find it rather cute how she would pout at not being allowed to sleep. 

They all went through security again, got their bags and all met up in a quiet zone of the airport to figure the best way to get into the bus without getting too much attention drawn to them, specially to Y/N who was new to all of this. Luckily, they weren’t and knew exactly how to go without being noticed, they just liked to brainstorm. Y/N knew they probably got a kick out of brainstorming ideas to be unseen. 

     - Y/N can go with one of the security guards to the back. - Michael pointed out but Y/N already knew what she was gonna do, and it wasn’t going to enter the bus again.

    - I think I’ll just get the taxi to the bay and then get a boat to St.Michaels. Gonna see my parents for a while, if that’s alright. 

    - Yeah, that’s alright, Y/N. We have around three days before the gig, so take your time. - Anthony replied, taking his eyes from his phone to look at her while he spoke and returning right back to it. He was probably speaking to his wife. 

    - Right, then I’ll see you guys in three days. - she kissed Sebastian goodbye and turned on her wheel to walk to the taxi area to see if she could hail one and get to her destination in one piece. Sebastian watched her go with a tinge of sadness, something that was greatly noticed by Mary. What could she say? She was a great emotional reader.

    - Do you wanna go with Y/N? - she questioned before they could all leave and go inside the bumpy, hard to sleep in bus until they reached Maryland, where they would once again sleep in the uncomfortable bus. Besides, if Melody was staying in, he was definitely gonna sleep in the coach. - Go on, just don’t sleep with her in her parents’ house. 

   - He’s not really gonna go to her ... - Melody started to complain but her complaint fell on def ears as he had already decided to start sprinting towards the taxi area, hoping she hadn’t caught one yet. Gladly, she had not caught a taxi yet and was seated on the sidewalk waiting for everyone to get one so she could try and hail a cab once again. How did she even survive in NY? Sebastian chuckled before walking over to her and sitting by her side.

   - Seb ... - she turned to see him, a look of worry in her face. - Are you alright? Please tell me you didn’t get kicked out of the band already.

   - Not yet, Mary just suggested I went with you to St.Michaels. 

   - Mary suggested? - she raised her eyebrows at him in pure disbelief. 

   - Yes, it’s a 30 minute journey from Washington to Maryland plus boat journey. You could get kidnapped, lost or worse drown at sea. - he added making her hold in a chuckle as she tried to look serious. - Unless you don’t want me to meet your folks. 

   - Can you hail a taxi? - she asked and he immediately got up on his feet, raising his arm up and as if by magic a taxi stopped. She sure needed to get famous as that was the only explanation as to why he could hail a taxi so easily.

The taxi drive was, to put in the least interesting. Small talk was not her strong suit, however it was Sebastian and he spent the whole half hour making the man question if he really knew him or if he was just going insane. She wanted to scold him for that, but she couldn’t deny it wasn’t funny. They got to the docks on time and she went over to the ticket place to get some passages while Sebastian stared at the boat. He hated boats. He never understood the fixation of famous people with boats, he personally hated them and he hated them even more once he had taken a half an hour journey only to get dumped at the beach along with Y/N in the middle of the most posh collection of beach houses. 

   - Your parents own a house here? - he questioned, following her as she walked through the sand to one of the white houses. - For someone who gets excited at the glitz and glamour, I don’t understand how you don’t get bored. You’re clearly rich. 

   - My family is rich, it’s their money not mine. - she replied. Y/N did indeed live comfortably until her teenage years where she decided to move to NY and from them on she went on surviving with her own money so she didn’t really have many memories from being surrounded with riches except for the holidays. In her mind, the money her parents had were theirs and she didn’t want anything to do with it. She was gonna make it without any monetary help from her family. They finally reached the porch of a big white house that looked straight out of a dream holiday magazine and Sebastian swore he still did not understand why she got interested by the riches of his lifestyle. She knocked on the door, and took to stand next to Sebastian. - Most of my family lives here.

   - Like a beehive? 

   - You could say so. - she chuckled but got interrupted by the door being opened. The woman in front of them had Y/N’s vibrant eyes and Sebastian guessed it was her mother. 

   - Y/N, what a lovely surprise. - Miss Wiley came to hug her daughter, her gaze still stuck on the man next to her. - I thought you were working.

   - I took a little vacation. - she smiled. - Mum, this is Sebastian Stan. The one who got me the tour article. 

   - Pleasure to meet you, I’m Elizabeth Wiley. - she extended her hand for Sebastian to shake which he did. - Please come inside.

Sebastian followed Y/N and her mother into the entrance. It was a very serene with white walls and light blue accents, something he’d expect to see coming into a beach house. It was mind-blowing to him how he could still hear the ocean waves as if he was on the beach. 

   - Who is it, Betty? - a man, probably in his mid 50′s dressed in a plad suit walked into the entrance. - Pumpkin, what are you doing here?

   - She came to give us a little visit. - her mother placed her arms on her shoulder. - Oh and this is Sebastian.

   - Are you her boyfriend? - he was quite blunt, something Sebastian should’ve been expecting from a political reporter but he was still taken aback. 

   - Dad. - Y/N scolded, a light warmth coming to her face.

   - It’s a fair question, pumpkin. 

   - Leave them alone, Harry. - her mother went to stay by his side. - Why don’t you two come into the living room? 

She took them onto the living room where an elderly man was sat down watching a movie Sebastian had briefly seen. His eyes immediately set on him and he felt a cold shudder run through his spine. He was speechless, not sure how to act. 

   - Look dad, Y/N came to visit us. - her mum told the man who got up to look at his granddaughter. - Oh and this is Sebastian, he’s the one who got Y/N the writing job. 

   - You look much more like your mother. - he commented, shaking her granddaughter’s hand which Sebastian found odd but didn’t dare comment considering he was still looking at him like he was the enemy.

   - Right, why don’t you go into the garden and call for your brother, we should be dinning in a bit. I’ll take your bags. - Elizabeth took their bags and disappeared into the hallway and Y/N pushed him through the house and into the back garden. He’d never been so happy to be far away from someone as he was right now. 

They reached the back garden which should really be called a back park in Sebastian’s opinion. He’d never seen a garden so big yet there he was and a bit further away was a man playing squash against a movable plastic wall. He turned his back to see what the rustling noise was and a smile plastered onto his face. He rushed through to the couple, completing ignoring Y/N and shaking Sebastian’s hand.

   - You sir, are a legend. - he said, shaking Sebastian’s hand thus becoming the 3rd man in the Wiley household that he did not know what to reply to. - I have most of your records.

   - Thank you. - was all he could say. 

   - Why, thank you Theseus for noticing me. - Y/N interjected, arms crossed and a playful look on her face. - Sebastian, this fanboy is my brother, Theseus. He often likes to pretend I don’t exist. 

   - Call me Theo. - he replied. Their parents were avid mythological readers so when their firstborn came along, they decided to name him after the mythical king and founder of Athens. He, however, immediately found a nickname to replace it, something Y/N never really decided to call him by. - So, what are you doing here? Sleeping with my sister or something?

   - No, I’d never do that. She’s a respectable woman and I wouldn’t dare ...

   - Chill. - he interrupted. - Save that for granddad. He’s the one who believes Y/N is innocent but I was there when she had a crush on Indiana Jones.

   - Why don’t we go freshen up. - she pushed Sebastian out of the garden before her brother could spill more secrets. She ignored the living room, having noticed how awkward the scene had been with her parents and grandparents. Y/N took the kitchen rout before climbing the stairs up to her bedroom.

Sebastian always had a thing to see other people’s childhood bedroom and Y/N’s was no different. She had a trophy stand which was no surprise for him, a few boyband posters along with some vintage movie posters. The thing he found funnier was the Phantom of the Opera mask hanging from the one of the windows.

  - 1st place at the Spelling Bee? - he lifted a bee shaped trophy from the stand chuckling at it. - Aw bunny, you’re a nerd.

  - Give me that. - she took it from him, placing it back on her shelf. She would be lying if she said she didn’t love her little trophy collection. - I’m really glad you came over.

  - Free time away from them with you ... - he placed his hands on her hand, moving her a bit closer to him. - Sounds like a real good plan for me.

  - Mh ... - she hummed, her hands on top of his. - I’m sorry about my grandpa. He’s a very ... old school man.

  - Elitist, you mean. 

  - He’s still my grandpa, Seb. Besides, I’m sure he’ll love you once he gets to know you.

  - Yes, because you obviously adored me when you first met me. 

  - Well, you did say that you loved when I talked dirty to you.

  - I’d still love if you talked dirty to me. - he placed his chin in the space between her shoulder and her neck, so close she could feel his breathing. Y/N once again got uncomfortable, pushing from him. Sebastian furrowed his eyebrows, putting his fingers against his forehead. - What’s wrong?

  - Nothing’s wrong. - she took her jacket off, hanging it on the two hanger screwed to the door. 

  - No there’s definitely something wrong because whenever I used to make any sex involving jokes you’d normally roll my eyes at me, not act like that. Is everything alright? - he questioned sitting on her twin bed. - You don’t need to tell me if you don’t want you. I just don’t want to hurt you or make you upset.

 - You’re not making me upset. - she sat by his side, hands on top of her legs.

 - Did I do something that annoyed you? You can tell me.

 - Sebastian, I’m a virgin.

[justkimberley]

HSMTMTS Thoughts Episode 8

Episode 1   Episode 2  Episode 3  Episode 4   Episode 5  Episode 6  Episode 7  

(~1300 words)

“And Benjamin Mazarra said run, so I ran,”

Ricky’s first thought is to tell Gina

Aww Big red is so sad about his props being dead

“Lucky Ducky Puppet Pavillion?” Something about hearing this come from EJ makes it funnier (also… should I write about baby Ashlyn and EJ going to the puppet theater as kids??)

Carlos speaking spanish!

“Yes I am that feeling,”

“On your right, heads up! Sorry!” “Don’t apologize this is like… a weird adventure,” Seb and Ashlyn, I love them!

If Carlos hadn’t said anything to EJ, and just let him carry it, EJ literally wouldn’t have looked into it.

“You were gonna spend senior year without me?” I’m starting to feel like Kourtney doesn’t know who she is when she doesn’t have Nini to take care of. Kourtney’s been all about Nini finding herself without boys, but who is Kourtney without Nini? And I don’t mean that her and Nini need to stop being friends, but I’d like to see Kourtney go for something for herself with Nini supporting her instead of the other way around. I don’t know, I just hope we get some growth

“I don’t need to apologize for who I am,” Ok this could be good advice, but the context it’s coming from is not what we need. EJ needs to know that the things he’s done are wrong, and that he should work to improve himself so that he doesn’t keep making those same mistakes, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t love himself.

Along with the “lacks emotional connection to the material” he often puts up this wall and we never really get to see him be vulnerable. Even when he’s emoting, it’s not genuine (as Carlos so aptly points out later)

How did Natalie Bagley get stage manager? She’s never there??

“I know how to hang out,” I love Big Red

“I have baking club tonight,” I love Ashlyn

“You walk into a room,” “Oh..:)”

Cuties!!

The speed Big Red pulls that lever at after Ashlyn walks away is hilarious

“Look about the other night at Ashlyn’s party,” “Oh no, it’s totally fine I get it,” “You do?” “Yeah, I said something nice you acted like a punk, what is there to discuss?”

Ok so here’s the thing, Ricky tends to be bad at communicating his emotions and what he needs, but he actually did communicate them at Ashlyn’s party. Nini said something to try to comfort him and he said “Please don’t do that,” he communicated his boundary and what he needed from her was space. She pushed it, which is why he reacted so harshly. Should he have said what he said? No. But we need to keep in mind that he communicated his headspace, he asked her to leave him alone, and she didn’t.

“For the record your the one who called me your buddy, and I’ve been Iced out for weeks so that’s that on that,” 

So here’s the thing, Ricky called Nini his buddy when he left that voicemail (which… did she even end up getting?) but he did that as more of a cover-up because he was going to say boyfriend

Ricky’s been consistently telling himself and Big Red that him and Nini are just friends now, he’s been trying to convince himself, the problem is it didn’t seem real to his brain because Nini hadn’t even been talking to him other than for rehearsals and need-to-know stuff (I believe, we don’t actually know, but this is my guess)

Nini called him “buddy” in a really condescending sounding voice if I remember correctly and so it’s no wonder that hearing that he was officially a “buddy” along with the voice used would set him off a bit.

Not to mention that he was just coming off of finding out about his mom’s boyfriend so he really wasn’t in the best place mentally to begin with anyway

That shriek when the lights go blue and the mannequins are there, is great

Carlos’ face when EJ is emoting is great

“That was excellent, and a little weird,”

Also Troy doesn’t cry at this part? EJ… buddy, that is not the emotion you’re supposed to be feeling

“Are you sick?” amazing

“Big Red did you do that?” “No.” He just pops up right beside her so unexpectedly, it’s so funny

Thank god her name’s actually Nina, I was seriously questioning her moms’ choice on naming their child Nini.

Also most kids don’t have trouble with A’s it’s like the first sound they make usually (mama, dada)

It’s kind of cute how they gave each other nicknames

“Was it the name or the fact that I microwaved your barbie that year?” You know, as you do.

“And then I couldn’t even say “I love you,” when you wrote me that song,”

I was going to say too soon, but to be fair it’s been about 9 months since that happened and if she had truly moved on, like she’s led Ricky to believe, it wouldn’t have been too soon

Also that was hella awkward

Courtney has a fantastic voice, but this song is really not made to be sung like this.

Ughh microphone feedback, my worst enemy

Ok I know that a lot of people have talked about this already, but like… how old is that popcorn? The last time the theater was used was 4 years ago so…

Yes, it is possible that the kids could have popped some new popcorn but considering how busy they were, I find it highly unlikely. So… gross

“Cause apparently I don’t have emotions,”

The whole, “Is that the last apple?” part is so pitiful… like, if you latch that hard onto something that it stays with you for over ten years afterward? You should talk to a professional about that.

Of course Ashlyn would have lucky crystals

“Mememememememememe,” “Youyouyouyouyouyouyouyouyou,”/ “Ninininininininini,” hilarious.

Ricky is like Nini’s biggest fan he has so much belief in her and her talents.

“Minnie Mouse, your first crush,” “actually she was my second,” *lean in and … BIG RED* I’m a sucker for that kind of interruption

“I heard you singing earlier, you’re not gonna quit makeup crew are you? … I mean the Sharpay makeup, you made me look the way I feel”

I think this was a bit of sharpayness, and by that I mean, I think Seb felt threatened by Kourtney’s singing. It was beautiful singing, and she sang a Sharpay song. One way of keeping people where you want them is to make sure they stay where they are

Also the whole “You made me look the way I feel,” part. So here’s my take on this. I know a lot of people are headcanoning that this means that Seb is trans/nb/genderfluid and that’s great! Continue headcanoning what you want to headcanon. Personally I think that it’s more of a man wanting to present femininely. There’s not a lot of examples of feminine presenting men in youth media so it would still be important representation. It’s also important to remember that gender expression and gender identity are two very different things.

“I don’t want to freak her out more with my lifeless eyes,” “Don’t make me start emoting,” EJ is so funny sometimes

Did she pass out from fear? Or was it the crystals working?

“This is your contractually obligated dream sequence,”

The beginning of “Role of a lifetime” reminds me of the Lightning Thief Musical

Lucas Grabeel, it’s nice to hear him singing something genuine

Miss Jen finally having some actual good singing time.

They’re all so cute doing that group dance at the end of the song

“I’m the teacher,” “Yeahhh?” “I know where we have to go,” “Broadway?” “Back to East High,” “Oh my god how hard did I hit you?”

“Dude,” “Talk about it in the car,”

I would love to see this car scene

Courtney shouldn’t have called the YAC without asking Nini first. That’s not a fun surprise to get.

[definitely-not-black-cat]

Ain’t No Sunshine

Hello, my loves! I’m back again with another short one-shot for @the-claire-bitch-project Classic Rock Writing Challenge!

I kinda strayed from the song by a lot, but I like it, so here it is XD

Word Count - 1341

Warnings - Slight angst

Pairing - Sebastian Stan x OC

Sebastian had little to no regrets these days, but not inviting his girlfriend, Hazel, to stay on set with him while he worked on The Devil of All Time was one of the few exceptions. He missed her, to say the least, seeming to be haunted by the memories of her almost as if she were dead. He could almost hear her voice, could almost feel her touch, memorizing the way it felt when her lips pressed firmly and confidently to his. He loved her, and he was sure that the feelings were returned. She was his everything, and he was never shy about letting her know that.

Thinking back to the day he’d met her, he couldn’t help but laugh at how one coincidental incident had lead to another that made a not at all coincidental path to what he hoped would be the rest of his life. His car had broken down, and the nearest mechanic shop was a few blocks away, a ten-minute walk at the most. He would have done the logical thing and called for a tow, but his phone was dead, and with the deep black clouds rolling overhead, he wasn’t entirely sure he would have had signal anyway. Within seconds of exiting the vehicle, it had started to sprinkle, and by the time he was halfway there, it was pouring.

He remembers laughing humorlessly then, finding the entire thing almost annoyingly amusing. Taking shelter under a balcony, he decided he would wait until the rain let up to continue towards the shop when the door behind him opened quickly. He held his breath, hoping that he didn’t seem creepy to the small figure clearly rushing to get out of the house, but when she turned, the air whooshed out of his lungs audibly.

She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen in his life. She had mahogany brown hair that fell a few inches past her shoulders and complimented her pale skin beautifully, but it was her eyes that really captured Sebastian the most. They were a gorgeous hazel, quickly becoming his favorite color of all time, and he would later make a joke about the connection between the color of her eyes and her name. And though she’d heard the jokes so many times before, somehow they were funnier coming from him. Sebastian couldn’t help but feel as though at the sight of her smile, the clouds had been chased away, leaving behind only sunshine and warmth.

She had been so kind, so friendly, so painfully beautiful, and offered him her phone to use to call a tow truck. He remembered how he stood there like an idiot, just staring at her. He’d been so enraptured by her beauty and couldn’t even remember how to breathe, much less formulate a coherent sentence. After a quiet moment or two, she offered him a ride to the mechanic’s instead, and she’d later admit with an addictive laugh that she was starting to wonder if he’d spoken English at all. Finally, he had agreed to the ride, climbing into the beautiful stranger’s car. One conversation lead to another, and while she’d had plans to meet some friends for lunch that afternoon, she’d decided that she would rather spend time with him, and the rest was history.

It had been a little over a month since he’d seen her last since he’d heard her voice, since he’d felt her kiss, and as much as he hated to admit it, the absence was starting to get to him. It felt as though the world were turning gray without her around him, and everything had started to feel colder. Things he liked to do were now bleak, still holding joy, but not nearly as much as they did when she was there. It was almost as if he could hear her laughter ringing in his ears. He knew that if she could see him now, she would giggle lightly to herself before teasing him about being so miserable without her presence when he knew he would see her in just two more months. But what was he to do when two months felt more like two lifetimes.

He felt almost pathetic, moping around the way he was, but he couldn’t help it if he missed her. Today was a day he had been wanting to spend together. He’d had it planned out how he’d wanted to spend the day in his head long before he’d accepted the role in this film. Hazel, of course, encouraged him to accept the part, despite the fact that this date would fall into the midst of filming. She was ever the supporter, and Sebastian loved that about her, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that she was the absolute perfect match for him in every single way.

“Jesus, Seb, you look like a puppy that’s been kicked. What’s wrong with you?”

The voice had come from behind him, one he knew well. His head slowly lifted, as if he were afraid to believe what he heard. Heart hammering loudly in his chest, he turned to face the gorgeous, tiny girl. His girl. Without hesitation, he wrapped both of his muscular arms around her small frame, bringing her chest flush with his and placing gentle, loving kisses all over her face. She beamed at him in what could only be described as adoration and he knew that if his heart had a mouth, it would be singing the most romantic ballads he knew for her. He pressed his lips to hers, humming in appreciation when she slotted her mouth with his, deepening the kiss for a brief, private moment before pulling away. He took a few seconds to catch his breath, afraid to open his eyes to find that she’d somehow disappeared, but she hadn’t. She was still standing there, beaming at him with her gorgeous smile that sent his heart aflutter.

“You’re really here.” His voice was strained as tears started to build in his eyes. He swallowed, willing the lump that was rising in his throat to disappear with no luck.

“Awh, Sebby. Of course, I’m here.” She stuck her bottom lip out in an adorable pout, putting her palm on his cheek. He leaned into her hand lovingly, and she hummed when he turned to kiss her palm, his facial hair scratching her just a little. “Happy Anniversary, baby. I got these for you.”

Her smile never faltered as she pulled out a small bouquet of daisies from behind her back. Christ, did he love this woman. Sebastian’s face lit up like the fourth of July at her selfless and loving gesture, making him lean forward and capture her lips in another kiss, this time needier. His hands wrapped tightly around her waist, and she whimpered a bit as his tongue pushed into her mouth, dancing with hers. Sliding his hands down, he followed the curve of her ass before wrapping his fingers around her thighs, pulling them upwards and wrapping them around his waist. She squeaked in surprise at the motion, wrapping her arms around his neck and giggling when she hit him in the back of the head with the bundle of daisies she’d bought for him.

“I love you so much, you know that, Haze? Happy Anniversary, gorgeous girl.” He muttered huskily into her neck as he carried her into his trailer.

And just as quickly as the world had turned gray in her absence, the color had returned the moment he’d looked into her hazel eyes. Still his favorite color after all this time. Things suddenly made sense again, and while he knew she wouldn’t be around for too long, he had her now, and that would suffice. He wouldn’t think about how long it would be until he could see her again after she left. He wanted to let himself get wrapped up at the moment, in her, and allow it to consume him for the time being. So, that’s exactly what he did.

Permanent Taglist

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[robronsecretsanta]

Fic: Deep & Meaningful

Merry Christmas, @agoodcaptaingoesdownwithership!

Deep & Meaningful

A series of conversations shared between Aaron & Robert over the course of 2018, set in canon.

February

Aaron noticed that Robert was looking rather harassed by the time he joined him at the pub. “I’m so sorry. Seb was crying and Rebecca didn’t seem to realise, and then she kept repeating herself, so. I’m sorry I’ve been so long.”

“It’s fine, sit down and I’ll get you a pint. Is Seb alright now?”

Robert nodded. “He was settled by the time I left.”

By the time he was halfway through his first drink, Aaron was pleased to note, Robert looked a lot more relaxed. “I’ll make it up to you, okay?” he was saying. “We’ll have a proper date night and I’ll take you out for dinner.”

“Well I won’t say no to that. But there’s nothing to make up for; I know it’ll take time to get a new routine sorted.”

With a smile, Robert let the subject go at that, but Aaron had already decided he was going to reassure him further later.

That moment came a few hours later when they were walking home from the pub. Just a few nights before, they had made the walk from Vic’s place to the Mill, hand in hand. Aaron took Robert’s hand in his again now, linking their fingers together.

“You know this is it now, don’t you?” Aaron started. Robert looked at him curiously, so he continued. “Me and you, forever. I’m not going to change my mind or have a go at you for being late, for things that are out of your control. It’s going to be different this time. Although I can’t promise never to have a go!”

Robert let out a laugh at that, then squeezed Aaron’s hand. “Forever.”

March

Seb was finally asleep, and the house was settling down for the night. Aaron had had a panicked call from Chas an hour before; telling him Lisa had collapsed and been rushed to hospital. He was worried, but both Robert and his mum had persuaded him there was no point him rushing down there now. There were enough Dingles taking up space in the corridors at Hotten General, and they were only waiting for news the same as he would be.

“You okay?” Robert asked, voice soft and concerned as he got into bed beside Aaron.

“Just want to know what happened. Did she have another angina attack?”

“I’m sure Lisa’s being looked after. They’ll find out what’s going on and get her the right treatment. I know it’s hard but try not to worry, eh?”

Aaron didn’t reply, which Robert took as a hint to stop talking. At least on this subject. So he changed it himself. “Thank you for today.”

That got an answer. “I didn’t do anything,” he said, sitting up in the bed.

“You did, Aaron. These past few days have been hard, but you made it easier. I just didn’t know what to do. I wouldn’t have asked you to take Seb on full time with me; same as I didn’t want to ask Rebecca to give him up. And then you said…what you said, about there being room for him here and I just…I don’t know what to say. Except, I love you.”

Aaron ran a hand up and down Robert’s arm, stroking lightly. “Were you scared of asking me if we could have Seb living with us?”

“Not scared. But I was worried what Rebecca’s behaviour was coming to, and I couldn’t think what our other options were. I told you I was never going to force Seb on you and I meant it, so the thought of asking you? I didn’t want you feeling like you had to say yes.”

“I want him here, Robert, okay? He’s your little boy, and I need to get to know him more. It’s awful, what Rebecca’s going through right now, but Seb has to come first and she knew that as much as we did. And I promise I’ll be there for him too.”

Robert gently eased Aaron down on the bed, so he was laying flat again. All the while he was kissing him soundly. “He’s already lucky to have you. And so am I.”

June

The pizza was forgotten in the end, as Aaron and Robert made the most of an empty house while Liv was out and Seb was still with Diane. Later, while Aaron was packing for the following day’s holiday adventure with his sister, Robert snuck downstairs with Aaron’s best black shirt and took out the ironing board. He was just finishing his task when he was caught in the act.

“Why are you ironing your shirts at this ti—hang on, that’s mine!”

Robert switched off the iron, held up the shirt and smirked. “Come on, Aaron, you can’t go on a road trip with only hoodies and crumpled up t-shirts.”

“I think you’ll find I can. Anyway, that shirt will only get all wrinkled in my bag too.”

“It won’t, not if you actually wear it.”

“Who am I dressing up for? Maybe if you were coming with us…”

“You know I wish I could. Maybe I’m hoping you’ll send me some selfies while you’re away. You always look quite fit in this shirt.”

Aaron raised an eyebrow. “Have you smuggled a tie and suit jacket into my bag as well?”

“Ah, I never thought of that!”

Laughing, Aaron nudged him in the side. “Can’t you sack off work so you and Seb can come? I just want a proper family holiday with you.”

“I promise we’ll plan something soon. It’s tempting to tell Joe and Jimmy to get stuffed now I’m just an employee, but we need the money, don’t we.”

Aaron made a face at him. “Yeah, well, don’t let Tate walk all over you. I’ll be happy to wipe the smile off his face for you.”

“Alright, bodyguard, tone it down a bit.” Robert shook his head at him, though a smile was breaking through. “I love you.”

Wrapping his arms around the man’s waist, Aaron sighed against him. “Gonna miss you. Soppy.”

“I’ll miss you more. Look, I’d better go and pick up Seb before it gets too late. I’ll pick something up for tea on the way back, seeing as we were too distracted earlier.”

When they had finished grinning at each other, Aaron kissed him quickly on the cheek. “I’ll go. I don’t mind, and anyway I won’t be seeing him for weeks will I, so I’d better top up on my Seb cuddles before we leave.”

Robert beamed at him. The bond between his other half and the little boy he’d taken on as his own warmed his heart. "Thank you. I’ll ring Liv and ask if she’s coming home for her tea.“

"Alright. Now keep your nose out of my packing, you. Leave my hoodies alone.”

Robert was rolling his eyes, but then just as Aaron was about to close the front door behind him, Robert heard him call out, “love you too!”

July

“Robert, will you please just come up to bed. And that wasn’t a question, it was a polite order. That’ll get less and less polite if you keep ignoring me.”

Aaron had perfected the hands-on-hips, ‘do as you’re told’ look as he stood in front of the older man. Robert was slumped on one of the lounge settees at the B&B, where they were staying the night until it was certain the Mill was safe to return to.

“I will in a minute.”

Bending down in front of him, Aaron took the now cold cup of tea out of Robert’s hands and put it on the small table in front of them. At least, he thought briefly, Robert had finally put his phone away after several failed attempts to locate Rebecca. Now he seemed to be overthinking instead, dwelling on the carbon monoxide leak that had almost cost himself and Liv their lives.

“Robert, come on,” Aaron tried, gentler this time. He sighed, flopping down to sit next to him now. “You need to get some sleep.”

“I don’t think I can, Aaron.” He was looking at him now, worry and fear in his eyes. “I can’t stop thinking about what almost happened. And it must have been my fault.”

“'Course it wasn’t. I know you, don’t I? You would have checked that alarm, so it’ll be something else that’s caused this. Something no one could have noticed. You and Liv are okay, and you’re safe now, yeah? Seb’s being fussed over by Lydia, I bet, so we don’t need to worry about him. You just need some proper rest.”

“I won’t be able to sleep.”

“Oh, Rob,” Aaron stroked his face, watching as Robert closed his eyes at the sensation. It was the first time he’d looked relaxed all day. “Just come back to the room with me and lay down, okay? Lay down and close your eyes and I bet you, you’ll drift off.”

Robert nodded, just once, letting Aaron take him by the hand and lead him up the stairs. He wasn’t convinced his other half was right, but he trusted in him all the same.

September

“Robert?”

“Mmm?” Robert was sat on the sofa, cuddling Seb.

“I wanted to ask you something, about the wedding.”

The older man looked up at him, and the little boy did the same. “Yeah?

Aaron sat down beside him. "I want to change my name.”

Robert’s eyes widened, but then he grinned. “Aw, but I love the name 'Aaron’!”

“Wow,” Aaron laughed. “Was that your first dad joke? 'Cos that was terrible, wasn’t it Seb, eh?” He made silly faces at the little boy, who gazed up at him transfixed.

“I’m always hilarious, actually. Anyway, tell me again?”

“Okay. So, if I took your name when we got married…would that be alright with you?”

“Alright with me? Are you serious? As if I’d say no. Come here.” With one arm still holding Seb, Robert reached out with his other to cup Aaron’s cheek and kiss him. “So you want to be Mr Sugden for real, then.”

“Well, how about Sugden-Dingle?”

“I’m surprised you’re not pushing for Dingle-Sugden, actually.”

“Sugden first sounds better, doesn’t it? As much as I hate to inflate your ego.”

Seb chose that moment to let out a giggle, making Aaron laugh.

“Are you trying to tell me that Daddy Aaron is funnier than I am?” Robert asked the boy, making shocked faces at him.

Aaron winked at Seb. “He knows I am.”

November

“I just felt stupid, and embarrassed.”

“Don’t be daft, If you can’t talk to me about the important things then who can you tell?”

“My other husband?” Robert knew Aaron was deflecting the question, but he took the bait and joined in anyway.

“Bit early to be making those kind of jokes, Aaron. I might start to wonder, you know!”

“Oh yeah, 'cos I’m also a bigamist - the one thing I’ve never been caught and sent down for!”

The two men stopped bantering, looked at each other and huffed out a laugh. They inched closer to each other on the sofa and Robert looked at Aaron seriously again. “Hey. I wish you had told me you felt like that. I knew something was wrong, but I thought you were distancing yourself because of my reaction to having a baby. I’d no idea you were blaming yourself for even bringing it up.”

Aaron avoided Robert’s gaze. “Well what kind of idiot suggests having more kids when his husband’s just said goodbye to his little boy…our little boy. You didn’t even know if we were gonna see Seb again at that point, and I just blurted that out. You must have thought I wanted to replace him.”

“No, I never thought that. I was a bit shocked, and then I realised you were grieving for Grace, so I was worried about you. I didn’t know if it was what you really wanted, or…”

Aaron was able to look at him now. “I’d been thinking about us having kids for a while, before there was any chance of Rebecca taking Seb away. I didn’t just come up with it that day, Robert. But I should have picked a better time to bring it up.”

“Why didn’t you say anything before, about kids I mean?”

“We’ve had a lot going on, haven’t we? I kept telling myself I’d tell you after this or that was over. Then it just burst out of me like that.”

“I’m sorry, you know” Robert said quietly now. “For letting you think I wasn't interested in having children with you. I know I said I just wasn’t ready, but I didn’t exactly say much to reassure you I wanted them in the future. Today was…unexpected. It suddenly hit me that I didn’t know what I was waiting for. That doing this with you is actually all I want.”

“What was it about Nicola and Jimmy’s 'little horrors’ that made you want it though?”

“It was more when I was talking to Nicola, really. She was talking about doing anything for them, and just about family in general. And I just thought, yeah we’ve got that already; we built a family with Liv, then with Seb too. But I want to do it all over again with you.”

Aaron stared into his husband’s warm, sincere eyes and couldn’t speak. So he pulled him into another hug, and didn’t let him go until he was able to form words.

December

“You sure you have the time for all this, what with all your scheming?” Aaron asked. Robert gave him a nudge and led the way into yet another shop.

“Christmas shopping for my family with my husband? I’ve been looking forward to it. And excuse me, you know I promised this stuff with Home Farm wasn’t going to change me.”

Aaron screwed up his face in distaste at the millions of bath bombs on the shelves in front of them. Who would spent this much money on bathroom products? Oh, right - Robert would. “You actually look forward to Christmas shopping? Weirdo.”

“Ah, Aaron. It just wouldn’t be the same without you trailing along beside me, moaning about how much of an inconvenience shopping is to your life.”

After buying a couple of things for Vic, Robert pointed out a toy shop across the way, grinning at the way his husband’s face changed instantly. “This is more like it. Seb’s the best one to buy presents for,” Aaron announced as they walked inside.

“Hmm. For Seb, or for you?” Robert teased, just as Aaron picked up a large stuffed bear, not dissimilar to the one they’d won together at a theme park a couple of years ago.

“Shut up." They browsed in silence for a while, finding a few things they knew the little boy would like. Robert seemed quite attached to a little fluffy reindeer, holding it for quite a while until Aaron held out a basket he’d picked up.

"Rob?”

“Yeah,” the older man replied absently as he dropped the toy into their basket.

“You okay?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You can talk to me, you know. About missing Seb.”

“I know. Where did that come from?”

“I just worry about you. With it being Christmas, and you didn’t get to see him on the day last year either, did you? And all this stuff with you and Nicola conning Graham. Is it just a distraction?”

Robert sighed. “Do we have to talk about this now?”

“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to upset you. We can talk about it later if you want. Just thinking out loud I guess.”

Seeing Aaron’s conflicted look, Robert felt guilty for snapping. “No, I’m sorry. I am missing Seb, but I’m doing alright. I was going to tell you this later, but we’re seeing him on Christmas Eve. Rebecca said we can have him for the whole day.”

“That’s great. I can’t wait.”

“Me too. Listen, about Home Farm. Maybe it is helping me; focusing on this plan stops me dwelling on all the things I’d usually be doing with Seb at various parts of the day. But that’s not why I’m doing it. I want my shares back for Home James, and I want to set us up with enough money for our future. We will get things going with the surrogacy, I promise you.”

Aaron gave him a soft smile, putting down the basket full of shopping to put an arm around his husband’s shoulder. “Just don’t push yourself too hard. It’s not all on you, and I’m not having you getting yourself arrested. Especially not because of that snob Graham.”

“Okay,” Robert chuckled. “It doesn’t really bother you that we’re stitching him up, then?”

“The bloke who stood by and let Joe take your business from you? No way. Just please, be careful? I know you already said you would, but…”

“I’ll be careful. Don’t worry, okay? Now come on, let’s get this lot paid for," Picking up their shopping, Robert headed for the till. "We’ve still got to find presents for Liv and your mum."

"Not more shops!” exclaimed Aaron. “You do know they invented online shopping, so we could get it all done in the comfort of our own home.”

“But where’s the fun in that?”

“Fun?!”

Christmas Day

Aaron was the last to arrive downstairs, dressed in blue shirt and matching suit for the latest surprise wedding in the family. Robert, wearing his own blue suit, stood by the foot of their staircase. He took a sharp intake of breath, mesmerised.

“What?” Aaron asked.

“You,” his husband replied. “You look–”

“Yeah, yeah, I know you love me in a suit. Try and control yourself though, will ya? I can make it worth your while when we get back.”

Robert laughed softly. “I’ll be holding you to that, Mr Sugden.”

“That’s Sugden-Dingle, I think you’ll find.”

“You’ll always be my Mr Sugden,” the older man insisted, looking fondly at him. “But that suit, Aaron…I’ve dreamt of you like this.”

“Alright, don’t go overboard.”

“No, I mean I’ve actually dreamt of this.”

“It’s not that unusual, you dreaming about me in a suit, Robert.” Aaron smirked. “At this point, even my mum knows you’ve got a thing about it.”

“Why does Chas…no, forget that, you’re killing the mood here. When I say I dreamt of this, I don’t just mean the suit. It was you in this exact outfit, even the bow tie which can I just say, I didn’t even know you owned.”

“Nicked it out of one of your drawers,” Aaron explained without missing a beat.

“Didn’t even know I still had one. Anyway, so it was you, looking exactly like this and walking down those stairs. And we were stood right here in this spot too.”

“So?”

Robert held Aaron by the waist and allowed his eyes a few more seconds to linger over how gorgeous he looked. “So,” he elaborated. “It was last Christmas, after my accident and I was having all these crazy dreams in hospital. You were the only thing that made sense.”

Thinking back to Christmas day the previous year only reminded Aaron of upsetting memories, and all the heightened emotions of that day. He pressed his face into Robert’s shirt, letting it ground him and replace those thoughts with the reassuring fact that they were here and together this Christmas.

He felt a hand caress the back of his head, then fingers running through his hair. “Hey, don’t,” Robert said in a quiet voice. “Don’t go there, wherever your mind is going right now. I was trying to be romantic.”

Aaron pulled back, laughing tearfully. “Yeah? Tell me about the rest of this dream then.”

“Well it started off on a loop where I kept bumping into Jimmy, and ended up like my own personal Christmas Carol.”

“Which carol?”

“Eh? No, not the songs, Aaron! The film.”

“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen 'A Christmas Carol’?” A shrug from Aaron in response. “We’ll be fixing that later - you and Liv will love it. The point is, this dream was telling me to sort myself out, like Scrooge in the film. Except I had Val moaning on at me instead.” Robert decided to leave out all the morbid details of his nightmare - which was why he kept calling it a dream.

“Val? That’s…random.”

“Yeah. Anyway, all I’m really saying is, maybe I always knew this was going to happen.”

“You always knew I would walk downstairs in a suit?” Aaron joked. Robert sent him a mock glare.

“Fine, you make fun of me all you like.”

“Thank you, I will.”

“But I like to think that, even though I’d convinced myself you were better off without me, we were meant to find our way back to each other. So the daft dream was like a premonition.”

Aaron had stopped laughing. “I wasn’t better off without you.”

“Sometimes you were.”

“Never. I’ve got another present for you later that’ll prove it.”

Robert didn’t know what to make of that statement, but before he could comment, Liv was coming downstairs and it was time to head out. Aaron gave him a wink and a kiss on the cheek before they all set off for the wedding.

Christmas Night

“I still think ours was a better 'surprise wedding/commitment ceremony’,” Robert said as he, Aaron and Liv arrived back at the Mill.

“The police showed up before you got to the vows, and all my rustic-themed decorations got replaced with random bumblebees and Christmas stuff - and it was February!” Liv protested.

“Yeah well, it was perfect to me,” Aaron insisted, sharing a knowing smile with his husband.

“And you danced with me,” Robert added.

“You know every time you bring that up, the chances of it happening again get less likely.”

Liv rolled her eyes at the pair of them. “Right, you two can carry on reminiscing, I’m going upstairs to ring Gabby.”

“Come back down after and we’ll watch a film,” Robert told her. “I need to educate you and your brother on 'A Christmas Carol’.”

“Which one?”

“Really? It’s a film, Liv. I can’t believe you two.”

“Sorry, old man,” Liv smirked. "Must be before our time.“

"It was before my time as well, cheeky,” Robert grumbled, feigning annoyance. “Go on, you, off you go.” As she disappeared upstairs, he turned to look at Aaron who was trying to hold in his laughter.

“Sorry,” he offered feebly. Composing himself, Aaron started to head for the stairs himself. “You stay here, I’ll get your last present before I land myself in the dog house, shall I?”

Two minutes later, he was back watching as Robert unwrapped his gift. It was a book, with For Robert, Love Aaron printed on the front. He looked at Aaron in surprise, before turning back to open it.

The first page held two photos: one from when they had first got together as a proper couple, the other a snap Robert recognised from the holiday to Wales they had taken with Liv not long after. There were captions for each picture.

First day putting up with me properly, Aaron had written next to the first one. It was the day after Gordon had been sent down; Robert knew by the scruff of Aaron’s beard. He hadn’t shaved for a few days with everything that had been going on, and Robert remembered the look of him as he’d slurped down the milk from his cereal.

Next to the holiday photo were the words: The things you put up with for me, eh? Aaron was grinning in the shot, but Robert looked less than impressed. It wasn’t that he hadn’t enjoyed their trip, but it was freezing and no amount of layers and scarves had helped the situation. He and Liv had formed something of a truce, but they weren’t exactly mates yet. It was more about making Aaron happy - and clearly the younger man knew that.

Robert took his gaze off the page to lock eyes with his husband. “You made me a scrapbook?”

“Scrapbook, photo album, whatever you want to call it,” Aaron replied, suddenly feeling shy.

“Aaron, this must have taken you ages! Printing off all these photos…” he trailed off, turning to the next page and a picture of the two of them in the pub, seemingly taken from behind the bar by Chas. Robert was looking at Aaron while the latter talked animatedly about something. Liv saw this one and said you had heart eyes. Soft lad.

Unbothered about being teased, he leaned over to kiss Aaron, first on the lips, then again on the cheek. “Thank you. I love it.”

“Yeah?”

“Of course I do. It’s the best present I’ve ever had.”

Aaron smiled. “I’ve never really been that into photos, but I like them with you. I even loved going through them to find all these. No one’s ever made me as happy as you do. See?”

Aaron reached across to turn another page, where they found a photo that was taken just after their first engagement: Aaron was sat up in his hospital bed, his hair fluffy and unruly. He wasn’t long out of the danger zone after that awful crash on the Hotten bypass, but he had the biggest smile on his face. Beside him, Robert had an expression of equal delight. We said yes! was written next to it.

Laughing at his mocking of the cheesy post-proposal line everyone was using on social media these days, Robert traced a finger over Aaron’s joyful face in the image.

Together, they worked their way through the rest of the book, looking over moments from their first wedding right through to their official big day a few months before. The differences from then to now were clear; while they had been just as wrapped up in each other and madly in love on both occasions, there was a heaviness to the earlier snaps, knowing everything that was coming. Still, Aaron’s caption rang true: Messed up forever.

And next to a photo of them on their legal wedding day, having just been declared 'husband and husband’, he had written simply: Forever. Their eyes were lit up in this one, carefree and content.

“Now who’s the soft lad?” Robert asked, voice wobbling.

“Still you, I reckon,” Aaron nudged him. Though he had been just as lost in the memories of that day. “One more page, come on.”

Going to the final page of the book, Robert saw a familiar family photo of all four of them: Aaron, Liv, Seb and himself. The caption read: First family photo. “I love this one.”

“Me too,” Aaron smiled. “And I love you.”

Robert gave him another kiss. “I love you so much.”

“And I love our family,” Aaron continued.

“So do I. And I won’t put it at risk ever again, which is why I’ve pulled out of all that Home Farm stuff.” At Robert’s words, Aaron raised an eyebrow. "I didn’t want to let on earlier in case anyone was listening, but I heard Megan on the phone to Graham before the wedding started.“

He’d been getting their drinks when he’d realised the wedding planner was standing behind him, talking in hushed tones about Nicola "thinking she can get away with her con”. Seconds later she was giggling much less discreetly, exclaiming “Graham!” in a flirty tone that had Robert making a face and returning to his husband’s side.

“So he knows what you’ve been up to?” Aaron asked, starting to panic.

“No, no. He’s only onto Nicola as far as I can tell. And even if he suspects me, I’ve been covering my tracks since this whole thing started. I sent her a message telling her I’m out, and that she needs to end this while she still can.”

“Right, and what did she say?”

“No idea, I just sent her the warning then switched my phone off.”

“Seriously?”

“What? I sent the same text to Jimmy so she’ll definitely get the message.”

“And you’re really prepared to give the whole thing up?”

“Aaron, I don’t know what Graham’s capable of, and I’m not risking him coming after this family. I’m just sorry I promised you we’d be set to pay for the surrogacy…and now–”

“That doesn’t matter,” Aaron cut him off. “For once in your life you’ve saved me the bother of having to talk you out of something,” he smirked. Robert rolled his eyes. “Look, I want us to have a baby, but not at the expense of the family we’ve already got. You’re not depriving me, Robert.”

“I just…I want to give you everything.”

Putting a gentle hand on the back of Robert’s neck, Aaron waited for his husband to meet his eye. “Can’t you see you already have?” he said, voice soft but firm.

“Really?”

Aaron was reminded of that night in the garage just before they got back together, Robert sounding unsure and full of self-doubt. He wasn’t going to have that now. “Yes. Now are you gonna get this daft film ready for when Liv comes back down?”

Robert was back to his confident self in an instant. “It’s not daft. It’s a Christmas masterpiece.”

“If you say so.”

“I just did.”

“Okay.”

“Are you guys done being soppy yet?” Liv called. “I’m ready to see this crap film.”

“For the last time, it’s a bloody classic!”

Hours later, when they were in bed, Aaron would admit that Robert had been right about 'A Christmas Carol’. “Still can’t believe you delayed getting me out of a suit so we could watch it, though.”

“Oi, you wanna talk about delays; how about you getting all romantic with my present!”

“Shut up.”

“Why don’t you shut me up instead?”

Aaron took his cue, shuffling closer and pressing their mouths together.

“Mmm,” Robert mumbled into the kiss. “Merry Christmas, Mr Sugden-Dingle.”

“And a happy new year,” Aaron added, not caring how much of a cliché that was.

“Oh, most definitely.”

[princess-of-france]

VIOLA (Bardic Asks)

❤️ why I love this character

Frankly, it would be easier for me to list the things I DON’T love about Viola. I’ve directed Twelfth Night, I’ve dramaturged it, and I’ve cut the script a few different times for various theater companies. 

And god help me, I just can’t get enough of this girl. 

(And yes, I personally headcanon Viola as a woman who cross-dresses out of sheer necessity, but I fully appreciate the spectrum of diverse and valid interpretations of [her] gender.)

My tag for her on Tumblr comes from the film, Shakespeare in Love, when Will [Shakespeare] finally sits down to preserve his lost love in ink: “...for she will be my heroine for all time, and her name will be Viola.”

Viola is clever, brave, astute, poetic, adventurous, earnest, playful, generous, and unbelievably resilient.

She’s also clumsy and awkward and lonely and scared and grieving and displaced and heart-shredded.

She’s fiercely loyal to the memory of her brother, she loves Orsino — despite all his flaws — with all her soul, she discerns the proper cocktail of humor, honesty, and empathy to win Olivia’s good will, she can hold her own in a jest-off with Feste, she embraces the quintessential mania of Illyria, and she’s committed to carving a life for herself out of near-impossible circumstances.

Washed up on a foreign shore as an unmarried young woman, suffering from trauma and the loss of her beloved brother, and what does Viola do?

She grabs a coat, makes an ally, and heads off to make her way in the world.

A heroine for all time.

💙 why I hate this character

There is nothing to hate.

⁉️ what initially drew me to this character

“Conceal me what I am, and be my aid For such disguise as haply shall become The form of my intent. I'll serve this duke: Thou shall present me as an eunuch to him: It may be worth thy pains; for I can sing And speak to him in many sorts of music That will allow me very worth his service. What else may hap to time I will commit; Only shape thou thy silence to my wit.”

^^^^ This (1.2.) is her response to being shipwrecked on an unfamiliar beach, with no money, family, food, friends, or proper clothing. Like...what an Icon.

💕 who do I think this character is in love with (if anyone) and why

As a director (and an ex-actor), I believe in believing characters. Viola tells us, vehemently, that she is in love with Orsino in 1.4, and her every subsequent thought and action corroborates that love. 

That’s not to say that she doesn’t come to share a unique, unexpected, and wonderful bond with Olivia, but I really do cherish the love story between Viola and her foolish, melodramatic, Byronic duke. She teaches Orsino to think of women as people, with the same extraordinary capacity for love, grief, and outrage as men. And he, in turn, makes her bolder, brighter, and better at advocating for herself. 

Their impossibly charged debate about the nature of love in 2.4 (following on the heels of Feste’s devastating song and gorgeous sendoff) is honestly one of the greatest scenes Shakespeare ever wrote. It gives me chills every single time I read it. 

“She pined in thought, And with a green and yellow melancholy She sat like patience on a monument, Smiling at grief. Was not this love indeed?”

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 what do I think this character’s feelings about their family are

Viola & Sebastian are Sibling Goals and I will fight anyone who says otherwise

🕰 what do I think this character enjoys doing in their free time

Baking! I can so easily picture Vi in Orsino’s kitchens, making some incredibly elaborate, triple-layer cake for no other reason than she’s been craving chocolate lately.

👿 who does this character hate more than anyone else

For most of Twelfth Night, I think Viola really hates God. I think she blames God for causing the thunderstorm that cracked her ship in two and cost her darling Sebastian his life. 

When I directed Twelfth, I had a few discussions about this with the actress playing Viola. Together, we decided that Viola’s obsession with Time, as the great entity of change, was a signal that she was choosing, for the first time in her life, to put her trust into some deity OTHER than God. Because God had let her down.

🌈 what is their relationship like with their romantic partner(s) 

Viola and Orsino are both giddy, word-obsessed bisexual nerds of the highest order. I think they spend almost all their time in the library. And they have competitions to see who can learn more in less time.

🌕 happy headcanon

Viola and Sebastian always give each other gifts on their birthday. Always. Every year. Even though everyone else thinks it’s absurd. Each twin always wants to celebrate the other. That’s just their way.

🌑 sad headcanon

Their father was sick for months before he passed away, but the twins didn’t know it. The doctors wanted him to tell Sebastian, seeing as how Sebastian is his heir, but their father refused, because he knew full well that Seb would inevitably tell Vi anything he found out. 

Thus, their father’s death was a tragic shock. They were completely unprepared for it.

📂 random/obscure headcanon

Viola’s Bavarian-born governess taught her how to sing and play instruments, back when Vi was very small. Her mother died giving birth to premature twins, so Viola’s only real maternal figure was her governess, whom she loved dearly. Her childhood was awash with music.

📱favorite/personal modern interpretation

So many fantastic actresses throughout history have played Viola. I take my hat off to ALL of them.

Anne Hathaway’s crystalline Vi in the Delacorte Theater’s Twelfth Night is a particular fave, however.

(Shakespeare in the Park // 2009 production // dir. Daniel Sullivan)

📺 favorite film interpretation

Amanda Bynes as Viola Hastings in She’s the Man.

It doesn’t get much better. Or funnier.

🎻 a song I associate with this character

“Hero” by Regina Spektor

📕 my ideal epilogue for this character (if they survived)

THANK GOD SHAKESPEARE WROTE A COMEDY

(I mean, I acknowledge that this play is quite melancholy and ends on a desperately ambivalent note, but still. Viola very much lives. And gets reunited with her brother. And gets to marry the love of her life. #goodforher)

📗 what I think would’ve happened to this character if they HAD survived

Viola is the lifeblood of her play. To kill her off would be to kill the story.

Shakespeare was no dummy. He knew that. Bless.

@thelibraryiscool

[shiroe-is-my-baby]

Mysterious Feeling

Summary: Ashley always starts her morning with a quick visit to see a good friend. She never stays for long, not out of trying. But today she would witness a sign that would change her mind about everything she’s ever known about herself. And it all started with a look.

Ship: from blood to lust and love

W: self-insert x canon

((Note: This is my first time writing for black butler in a long time. Please, bear with me. But I really enjoyed writing this, and I hope to continue soon! Don’t worry about the stale relationships, everything is a slow process. Also my character development is big in this, so if it seems struggling now that’s because it’s supposed to be!))

@self-shipping-angel (i hope you’re okay with how i wrote things, if not i can always change them XD)

Soft hums fell past my lips as I trailed my finger over the rim of my cup. Steam flittered from it, wafting my senses and warming me up before I could even taste it. The tea was freshly brewed, of course, but I wasn’t allowed to touch a cup for myself until much later. This was a reheated one, which I couldn’t expect much less for someone like me. I don’t even work here at the manor, I’m only visiting a friend.

My eyes danced across the beautiful table in front of me, fingers dancing across the cool design. It definitely serves its purpose of being top quality, which is nothing less of what I would expect in a gorgeous mansion. I could only wish to live at such a nice estate like this, but I have definitely visited some a couple times in the past.

Whether it be lonely businessmen or someone just below a rich prince of some kind, but I could never be so lucky to snag that. Besides, it doesn’t last for long, only for one day. Enough for me to quench my thirst.

I sighed, placing my palm against my cheek as I rested against it. The only thing I had to observe was the paper. It was a couple days old, one that was thrown out and allowed for my hands to touch. I rolled my eyes, flipping through and taking a sip of the tea. God damn, it was it delicious. I couldn’t say anything, but I knew that it would be absolutely perfect.

Almost… inhumanly perfect.

I lifted my eyebrows when I heard a familiar voice chirp up, as loud as they could be given the time of day.

“Ashley! You’re here!” Sayeko grinned, bouncing down to give me a quick hug.

“Morning, Sayeko! I’m sorry to drop by like this, but…”

“Are you kidding? You always drop by like this.”

I giggled, nodding my head in agreement. We both laugh in unison, knowing that there was no way that I was going to deny that fact.

I always come to the Phantomhive Manor to visit my friend. She works as a maid here since I met her, and at first it bothered me a little bit. Both for who she works for and who she works with. I didn’t mind coming to visit her every day, but sometimes it means having to come face to face with certain characters. Some that like me and others that… don’t.

“Sebastian was actually kind today,” I mumbled, “Made me my own cup.”

I motioned towards the cup in my hand, lifting it up to drink out of.

“Oh, really? That was very kind of him.”

“It wasn’t out of kindness. I was merely trying to make sure things were quiet this morning. What with that scene that you pulled the last time.”

Sayeko jumped out of her skin the moment Sebastian announced his arrival behind us. Me, on the other hand, knew that he was there. I could feel him creeping like a bug, drawing nearer with every breath. I narrowed my eyes and glanced over my shoulder, seeing that tight, narrowed eyed look he gives me every day. I’ve grown used to it now, especially since I know that neither of us will ever see eye to eye perfectly.

We merely co-exist as well as we can to make things civil. Not that we have to, entirely anyway, but it’s better for both of us that way. The first day that I was introduced to him I could practically feel my skin peeling off from his glare alone. The vibrations bouncing off of him were quite strong, then yet again so were my own.

But a mutual understanding grew from that day on. So long as I stay out of his way and he stays out of mine, we’ll be fine. But there’s just one thing that makes things a little dififcult.

The girl sitting right beside me.

My best friend.

“Morning, Seb,” I mumbled.

“Good morning.”

Sayeko was smiling, even though her cheeks were red. I couldn’t point it out to her that she was being obvious, well… to me at least. It wasn’t even fair for me to say that given my nature. It made my own private little joke a lot funnier.

Crossing my legs, I beamed over at Sebastian with a fake smile. He saw right through me, but only lifted a mere eyebrow when Sayeko turned away. The two of us continued with our tea, chatting about our days to come. I usually stretch the truth a little bit for me, but that’s only whenever I’m not showing up full. Like I am today. Last night I had hunted, thankfully, just in time to get some relaxing in.

It was a tough night, but I was full enough to last a few months at best. That’s only a bad night for me. I try to keep the truth from my friends, only because I knew that relationships with humans are only temporary. Humans only last their own lifetimes, and even if I could grow similar bonds... I’m not the kind to want to push myself away from connections like that even with this fact, but I also find some way to keep some things quiet.

It would complicate things anyway. Relationships always complicated things, even with my own kind.

“Ashley, maybe you’d like to come with me to town? I have to get some things for Master Ciel,” Sayeko said with a grin, looking to Sebastian silently for approval.

I sat my tea cup down, and laced my fingers together as I leaned up on the table. My dress clattered against it, showing just how flashy it was. Definitely not something that you wear to the estate, but it is what I would wear.

“May I please go, Sir?” I asked with a fake accent.

Since this was the longest that I’ve been in England, flittering around a lot before I came to stay here for a much longer time. After the connections I made here, I ended up staying, which is why the way I speak is more relaxed and a bit southern at times. Because before I made the decision to come abroad for a different… taste… I was originally coming from a place of more… southern background.

“I suppose she could keep you company, so long as she doesn’t distract you. I will know if the two of you take longer than needed,” He responded.

Then, he flicked passed me to grasp my cup that was still half full in front of me, placing it with the other dishes to be done by the staff. “You should work on that, Miss Ashley,” He mumbled, and I could feel the fire on his tongue. Our eyes met and I could see the glimmer of red that flashed upon them.

Not something to scare me, but it did tell me that I should probably calm down. It’d be different if I was teasing in the human way, but I’m not. He knows me way too well for that even though we’ve barely spoken aside from promises not to kill each other.

“I’ll be sure to make things quick. I do have many things to… attend to,” Sayeko mumbled, “Come on, Ashley. I just need to get my coat.”

I nodded, hopping off of my chair and quickly giving a goodbye nod to Seb.

That was how I ended up taking a morning stroll along the street with Sayeko, helping her run some errands. There was so much she had to do. I knew that she had her business with the Phantomhive kid, but this was a bit excessive. I ended up helping her carry a few bags, which didn’t last long until Sebastian was sweeping in to help.

“Oh! Hello! I didn’t- I thought… Master Ciel needed…”

“Didn’t he tell you, Sayeko? He’ll always be around,” I mumbled, narrowing my eyes again.

Sayeko lifted her brows a bit, but Sebastian was quick to steer away the conversation. Knowing those fucking eyes could come to good use now. Someone’s a bit conceited, but, then again… I can be the same way. We don’t need to be when we have our natural heightened looks and charm. Unhumanly charm, but still.

“The young master sent me to gather some things as well that he had forgotten. Don’t let it trouble you. Here, let me help you with these. Miss Ashley, if you’d like to leave Sayeko in my care. We really must be on our way.”

Oh, he was fucking smooth.

Real fucking smooth.

My blood boiled from the inside as I watch Sayeko smile, and I couldn’t help but feel jealous. Sebastian does end up getting all the attention, and I know exactly why. It’s easy for me to tell and pick up on that energy. But I’m only jealous because of the simple fact that he always wins. No matter if he’s right or wrong, he will most likely win. That could be because she doesn’t know our truths, but also because of that charm.

That, and I am just naturally a jealous person. I’m jealous and sometimes possessive, which was never really a personality trait until I opened my mind to human relationships. But it’s nowhere near the capacity of others. None at all.

I suffered through it, smiling kindly and thanking Sebastian for helping her.

Sayeko waved, giving me a quick hug as the man tugged her forward. “I’ll see you later, Ashley! Have a good day, okay? Same time tomorrow?” She asked.

I nodded, waving before she could get lost in the crowd of people.

Once she was gone, I huffed a sigh and let my shoulders fall a bit. My eyebrows folded inwardly, and I cursed Sebastian’s name under my breath. It was thick and fiery, hissing off my tongue. I knew that now he was gone it meant nothing, but I wanted to do it none the less.

Wiping off my hands on my skirt, I adjusted the clothes to look more fitting and showing a bit more cleavage. It was time for me to get a move on with my day. Now that I was full and clear of skin and wrinkles, I could do anything with so much energy. I wanted to start this by doing some shopping and getting to know a few fresh faces.

Maybe find a job for my cover. Or just something to pass the time.

I started off down the road, my heels clicking against the ground as I walked. Taking on a new form as a bright and cheerful member of society, I started my shopping. Just getting a few new dresses that were more appropriate for the manor to show Sebastian that I can be such. Even though, appropriate is a funny word for something like myself.

While I was doing some quick window shopping, I noticed a faint flicker of some kind out of the corner of my eye. The feeling that came over me next was a familiar one. It was dark and looming, similar to my own whenever Sebastian is around. It’s something that I learn to feed off of, catching the source rather quickly. It’s a great way to access threats in the best way that I can, but it’s not always accurate.

I lifted my brows and turned around, glancing through the crowds of people around me. Passerby’s paid me no mind, aside from the occasional eye lift from people who were weak enough to feel my natural pheromones. I narrowed my eyes, looking through the crowd closer and ignoring everything else. Until I found it. The same glimmer that happened again, but this time… I caught a pair of eyes behind it.

My eyes fell on the figure rather quickly, and I only had a moment to catch the lingering gaze of a man. Tall and slender with nice looking features from what I could gather. I used my senses to somewhat slow down everything else around me enough to take inventory on the man’s features. Because he was beautiful. In every sense of the word.

I knew the moment I laid eyes on him, and saw that look in his eyes, that I was staring at a demon. Not just any demon, in fact. A demon that was after my own heart. I didn’t want to use that term, considering I technically didn’t have one at all. But… none the less�� he was absolutely beautiful. But most demons are, except this type of beauty is the kind that I never witness. The kind that seems to be above all others. A kind that I will never see again.

I knew that all in one second of staring. One second of seeing that expressionless face and knowing the darkness that lingered behind it. The two of us seemed to have some kind of connection, or that might have just been me. It’s very rare that someone like me takes a liking to someone of their own kind in this way. But I felt the familiar tingling of my body, casting down below in a way that was… dangerous.

I wasn’t hungry. No I just had a feast to last me a month. This was pure, white hot lust. I hadn’t felt this in a long time. Sometimes I feel it towards humans that approach me, and I’m not looking for anything in particular but a fun time. This was similar, but different knowing that I was doing so to my own kind. It was interesting since I’ve only done this one other time.

I knew in that moment that I needed to have this man, whoever he was. He was going to be important somehow. I hated using that term, but I knew in the back of my mind that he would be. No man, and definitely no demon, makes me feel this way and gets away.

I made that promise the second our eyes disconnected, and a carriage quickly strolled passed. By the time it was gone, so was the man. I felt strange, lost almost. Now that he wasn’t there, I felt the need to chase after him. A stranger who I was unsure of, but I knew that I should.

After all, he is another demon. It would be wise of me to know who he is, right? I chuckled to myself, biting my bottom lip.

“Yes… yes it would be,” I mumbled to myself.

Then, I disappeared into thin air, heading back to the manor for one last pester of Sayeko and the others.

The man’s face never left my mind. It was an odd feeling to have, because I never chased anyone that wasn’t food or sustenance for me. This was going to be completely out of turn for me, but it seemed like fun. And I was never one to give up on a challenge.