#so I try another one and he retired 5 years ago!!!

[callingvalhal]

I’m so fed up with the medical system here I’m going to pull all my hair out the big medical groups won’t accept patients from each other even if it’s in the benefit of the patient!!!

[disneyprincemuke]

» disneyprincemuke's f1 masterlist

series

vettel reincarnate * female!driver -> after retiring from formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season, f1 legend sebastian vettel realised a while after the announcement that he would miss the paddock way too much. instead of taking back his announcement, he pairs up with an up-and-coming driver and gets her a seat in a race car in formula 1.

in another life * female!driver x logan sargeant -> "if not in this universe, do you think we're at least together in another?" "there has to be at least one where we're happy."

it's nice to have a friend * logan sargeant x platonic fem!driver -> it's never fun feeling like an outsider, so you'd sworn that nobody would ever feel the way you did all those years ago

i'm giving up your ghost * multiple drivers -> i’d live in these stories forever if it means being with you

fast times and fast nights * f1 grid as wags -> what do you expect when you put the grid and their partners on a reality show?

i said "i love you" * valentine's day special -> different reactions to the phrase

max verstappen

midnights -> a compilation of lonely midnights shared between you and max following your breakup

5 times -> there are five times max almost caught himself saying he loves you, and then there’s the time that he finally let you know

3 times -> you've had a crush on the racing prodigy for as long as you've known him - you had your own troubles biting back on words too.

glitter -> it’s the morning after a party, and you find yourself tangled up in bed with your boyfriend

the other woman -> everything falls into place in your mind when max fails to show up for you at the one event you desperately wanted him to be at

charles leclerc

i quit drinking -> you were never one to turn down alcohol. when you do, it causes a ruckus among your friends.

to forget you -> you avoided alcohol to forget the likes of charles, but he coped by drowning himself in the very same thing that reminded him of you

you called -> you called, so he came.

dancing with your ghost -> the ghost of your relationship lingers in your old apartment, reminding you of what's lost

george russell

sex -> it was supposed to be just sex

be mine -> your last night together ended on a bad note, and now you’re back after months to explain yourself

alex albon

love like this -> alex may be the reason your parents are separating, but he proves to you that soulmates still exist

get this right -> the thought of proposing to you is one that always comes easy to alex, but what he hadn’t expected is how difficult it is to execute it

first podiums -> it’s her first win in formula one as a female driver and her boyfriend can’t be any happier for her

logan sargeant

take my hand * prince!logan -> the princess, to inherit the throne after marriage, is having the hardest time trying to find a man to wed. until, a certain duke of somewhere comes riding in to ask for her hand

our spot -> a text from you is the last thing logan expects when he's back home for the holidays especially when it's your first text in almost two years

our spot, 2 -> it’s about two weeks since you last saw logan and you find him sitting all alone in the dark

oscar's girl / logan's girl -> logan never thought he would meet the girl that broke oscar’s heart

where the fun begins * frat!logan (college!mick) -> logan sees you wrapped around another’s arms shortly after you ghost him and he decides to wreak some havoc

to the moon and back * dad!logan -> the misadventures of little luna sargeant

carlos sainz

one of your girls -> you’re just another name in black ink in his long list of girls, and you should know better. so why are you at his apartment in the middle of the night after weeks of radio silence?

oscar piastri

logan's girl -> oscar truly never thought he would ever see the girl that was the cause of his first ever heartbreak

mastermind -> oscar did not expect that he had to share a bed with you during his trip to visit you over his break

mick schumacher

no other shade of blue, but you -> you didn't have a favourite colour up until you met him

where the fun begins * college!mick (frat!logan) -> logan sees you wrapped around another’s arms shortly after you ghost him and he decides to wreak some havoc

invisible string -> unbeknownst to you, there was a force that was pulling you and mick together your entire lives

[kelcemenow]

Things Never Change.

Pairing Travis Kelce x Reader

Words 462

Warnings Nothing to warn about here, it's all adorable girl Dad Travis!

Aaaand it's another Anon request! This one was quite vague and simple, so I just went with whatever my brain threw out! Fast forward to whenever Trav retires for this one...not that I want that to happen any time soon! "Travis kelce with his wife and kids at a game maybe superbowl"

"She isn't going to eat that, you know?"

Travis looked down towards the hotdog that he had been holding for a decent amount of time, with Maeve focusing all of her attention towards the action down on the field.

"Baby, you know I really got it for me, right?" He grinned with the corner of his mouth.

You gently nudged him with your forearm as you watched your daughter's chocolate brown curls bounce up and down as her head moved around.

"Do you miss it?"

Travis sighed a short laugh, "What do you think?"

The stadium roared around you as the Superbowl continued to play out in front of you, your feet vibrating in the stands, "I know, baby. Being back, it feels like 3 years ago all over again."

"It's weird. It feels so different being on this side of the field, but the place hasn't changed at all somehow." His gaze drifted upwards as he looked at the thousands of fans that surrounded him.

You noticed a slight smile as he looked upon the large 87 banner that hung down, his surname emblazoned on it.

You heart broke for your husband, "You know, if you wanna come out of retirement, I'd support you."

"I retired for us. For our family and our future. I couldn't stand by and watch you bring up our daughter alone."

You furrowed your brow, "I wasn't totally alone. You were around."

Travis sucked air in through his teeth, "Not enough. I wanted to be home with you and Maeve."

You both looked towards your 5 year old, her hands clapping together as she watched the Chiefs cheerleaders perform down at the side-lines.

"Besides, she's older now, it's a bit easier in some ways."

Travis told hold of your hands, his expression sincere, "Baby, I know you're trying to help, but I made my decision. Of course I miss it, I miss it every single day, but I want to be at home with you and our little girl."

Your eyes creased into a smile as you leaned down, picking up Maeve and resting her against your hip, her small hands clinging onto you. Travis grinned and ducked his head, laying a gentle kiss onto the top of her head.

Suddenly, the crowd bellowed, causing you to look out at the field for the reason for the noise. Instead, you noticed that your faces were showing on the screen towards the end of the stadium.

"Make some noise for Kansas City Chiefs legend, Travis Kelce!"

Travis held his hand out, a static wave to his adoring fans before turning the the side and bringing his arms up into his famous 'Archer' pose. You rolled your eyes quickly as the noise grew louder.

"Some things never change."

______________________________________________________________

And that's the last of my requests! I'm opening my requests back up so if you have anything that you want me to write, just get in touch! Also, if you want to be added to my Taglist, just let me know!

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[nordschleifes]

what happens after midnight?

➝ it was just supposed to be ten months of fun and traveling the world. but you didn't count on your heart going against you

➝ word count: 6,5k

➝ warnings: sugar relationships, hospitals, smut

➝ author's note: finally a finished work!

The watch on your wrist indicated that it was 5:30 PM. Pursing your lips, you watched through the screen set up in hospitality as the blue and pink car pulled into the pits for the second time. The momentary confusion that took over the place was replaced by frustration when the engineer's voice sounded across the room.

— Let's retire the car.

The silence that followed could seem melancholic, even given the context. However, you knew that the man inside the car was biting his tongue, holding back all the words that the frustration of yet another race unfinished that season, on that very day, would make him shout over the radio.

“I’m not a kid to whine, Y/N”, you heard him repeat in your mind, the phrase accompanied by the mischievous smile that made your internal organs turn into jelly. You had no idea what it would be like to live without seeing that smile.

Seeing that he was out of the car, you got up from your desk and silently slipped through the halls of the team facility. Something about that lonely walk made your heart sink even more, until you found the door with his name, the white letters against the navy blue background.

Fernando Alonso.

Your paths crossed months ago. With your student debt growing and the salary you earned during your internship being barely enough to pay your share of the bills for the apartment you lived in with a colleague, you decided to turn to the suggestion of one of your friends, whose life you had given a turning point after registering on a website specializing in sugar relationships.

The first few weeks were unpromising. The guys you had expressed interest in seemed more interested in more pictures of your breasts than in actually talking to you and coming to an agreement. Until, during a break in your shift at the hospital, a suggested profile caught your attention.

The main photo appeared to be professional, taken on the deck of a yacht, and showed a man with dark hair and the shadow of a smile on his face with his arms crossed. The other images were more informal, one taken next to an airplane window and another in the gym, a headband and the bulging veins on his neck indicating that he was exerting himself.

In the profile description, he presented himself as Fernando, a 41-year-old Spaniard looking for someone who could accompany him on his travels in exchange for a generous payment. The idea of getting paid to travel seemed interesting, but it definitely didn't fit with your idea of continuing your studies to become a doctor in Miami.

That night, you ended up not touching the heart on the screen.

However, as fate would have it, at the end of your internship, you did not receive the letter of recommendation that you needed so much to apply for the residency program that you had dreamed of since the beginning of your degree. You were passionate about the field of pediatrics and the idea of working in one of the great children's hospitals in Florida, the Holtz Children's Hospital, were always in your mind.

— Y/N, it is clear that, despite you being an excellent intern, you have been making silly mistakes when filling out the forms and records — your advisor said during your last meeting — Furthermore, the reports are far below what we expect from a student with your ability.

— But, my grades…

— They are sufficient, yes, but the program requires more than grades, Y/N — he said, as he removed his glasses — It requires residents to be in their best shape, both academically and mentally. And it's clear to me that you don't meet the second requirement.

You blinked. Was it so obvious that you were tired?

— So, what should I do? — you asked, trying to swallow the lump in your throat.

— I would advise you to try to apply for it next year.

— But, what can I do until then?

— I would recommend that you rest a little before continuing with your plans — he replied, smiling — Maybe learning a new hobby would be good. That or even a trip around the world, who knows.

Leaving your advisor's office with your dreams postponed had been a blow to you. However, his words reminded you of the man who was looking for someone to travel with. Sitting in your car, you searched for his profile and, after a deep sigh, you typed a short message, a simple question.

Still looking for a travel companion?

The answer didn't take long and came in a playful tone.

So obvious?

Well, that's what it says on your profile.

Good to know that you read it.

I thought it was something basic.

You'd be amazed at how many women don't read it before sending a message.

I can't blame them, your photos are much more interesting.

The conversation between you flowed almost naturally. He seemed intelligent, good-natured and, above all, interested in your life and career, asking questions and sharing little details, like the fact that his sister was also a doctor, just like you wanted to be. It was impossible to deny that there was an interesting chemistry between you.

However, this was not a flirting game, but rather, a business deal.

Do you still want to accompany me on my travels?

Well, I wouldn't be answering you if I wasn't interested, would I?

Very funny.

I'm just being honest.

Looking at the three dots flashing on the screen, there was some anticipation building up in your chest.

I like honesty. It's a good quality.

I assume you're honest too.

I am. So much so that I want to do this the right way. Can we meet next week?

Will you be in Miami?

In fact, in New York. But I can take a detour, what do you think?

Perfect.

Your first meeting was at a high-end Japanese restaurant, located on Claughton Island, called NAOE. You even thought you were in the wrong place, since the space was completely empty except for the employees who were preparing the dishes next to the chef, who was wearing a sort of white kimono. However, after identifying yourself, the maître d' confirmed that you were in the right place and asked you to sit at the only table that had been prepared there, conveniently behind a bamboo screen.

Fernando arrived shortly after, making you jump to your feet.

— Good evening, Y/N — he said, before placing a chaste kiss on your cheek — It's a pleasure to finally meet you.

— The pleasure is all mine.

After settling in at the table, the waiter wrote down the drinks you had chosen before returning to the kitchen. However, the request from the man in front of you only made you even more curious.

— Aren't you going to drink anything tonight?

Fernando smiled a little.

— I don’t drink.

— Never?

— Never. After I realized that alcohol wouldn't make me go faster, I chose to give it up — he replied — I don't smoke either, if that's your next question.

—Actually, my next question would be if I can drink in your presence — you smiled.

— As far as I know, we haven't signed anything. You can do whatever you want.

Dinner continued without any of you mentioning the agreement that had made him fly to Miami to see you. However, at the same time as you were eager to settle everything with him, something told you to let him bring up the subject.

— Are you always this quiet? — Fernando asked, as he put down the glass of water.

— No — you said, after swallowing the piece of sushi you were chewing.

— So there's something bothering you.

— No, there isn't.

He stared into your eyes, seeming to read between the lines of your words. Then, he let out a sigh, reaching into his pants’ pocket and taking out his cell phone.

— You want to talk about our agreement, don't you?

— Well, that's what you came here to do, isn't it?

— Actually, my intention was just to enjoy some good Japanese food alongside an interesting woman — Fernando said, while searching for something on the device — But, if you prefer to get straight to the point...

He held out the phone toward you. When you picked it up, you noticed that there was a document on the screen, with the title “Relationship Agreement” in bold letters at the top of it. Something about those words made your stomach churn with tension.

— I asked my lawyer to write a draft to guide our conversation. However, I want to make it clear that there are some topics that are non-negotiable for me…

— Sex? — you asked, raising an eyebrow.

— Confidentiality — Fernando replied — I'm a discreet person when it comes to my personal life and the last thing I want is my face on the cover of gossip magazines.

— So sex is negotiable?

— You're very interested in this topic, aren't you?

— Are you not interested?

A mischievous smile appeared on Fernando's lips.

— No — he replied — It's in the contract, if you want to take a look. Page three, if I'm not mistaken.

You scrolled through the document until you found the section that talked about intimacy, reading it carefully. In the document, sexual relations and any contact that could be classified as such were completely prohibited, as your relationship would be limited to the emotional context.

— This means…

— That I don't want sex from you. I just want your company, guapa.

— And you're going to pay me for this? — you raised an eyebrow.

— Yes, as described in the section on financial support — Fernando replied — The trips will be paid by me, as well as all your expenses while you are accompanying me. I will also give you a monthly allowance to do whatever you want with it.

You looked at his phone again, thoughtfully.

— You'll have an apartment in Monaco too — he murmured, as he ran his index finger along the rim of his glass.

— I will? Why?

— Because I want you around, Y/N. Besides, making you come back here every time will be too exhausting. Believe me, the first time is amazing, but after doing this for 20 years, flying has become the part I hate most about my job.

Pursing your lips, you looked up at the driver.

— And how long would that be valid?

— Until midnight of November 20th.

That's how you agreed to become Fernando's traveling companion, as he preferred to put it. And you could only describe those last few months as “a dream”.

When the door to the small room opened, you jumped up in the chair you were in, waking up suddenly from your daydreams. On the wall, the clock indicated that it was already past 6PM. Walking through the door, Fernando held a white towel in his hand and a bottle of water, keeping his head down. Behind him, Edoardo, his physiotherapist, was saying something in Italian, which he wasn't paying attention to.

— Prepare qui le nostre cose e, dopo la gara, lasceremo tutto alle persone dell'Aston — the driver replied, before raising his head and finding you in front of him. Pursing your lips, you fought your own frustration to be open to accepting his. And today, more than ever, Fernando needed you.

Dropping his things haphazardly on a small table placed next to the door, he walked over to you in silence, allowing you to wrap your arms around him and hug him. The silence that followed made your heart tighten in his chest. It wasn't the end of the season he deserved, quite the opposite.

— What happened? — you asked.

— Water pump — Fernando replied, the irritation evident in his voice — That shitbox…

You let out a sigh, stroking the back of his neck.

— It's okay, Fer. Now it's over.

Lifting his head, the driver looked at you, brushing aside a strand of your hair.

— Yeah. It’s over.

— Are you happy? — you asked in a low voice.

— That it’s over? I think so — Fernando said, while you watched a drop of sweat run down his temple — But, I have the feeling that I could have done it differently.

— Differently?

— I think I waited too long, guapa — he murmured.

— But it's over now. And you will move on, to a new place, with new people.

Fernando smiled a little.

— Yeah, I will.

He walked away from you to change, taking off his overalls and underwear to put on his shorts and blue team shirt. Meanwhile, you approached the table where his things were, such as his cell phone, his pass and the blue cap he had been wearing all day. Taking the accessory, you turned to him, who was sitting in a chair, tying his sneakers.

— Your cap — you said, smiling.

— Is my hair that bad?

You nodded, causing Fernando to laugh before stretching his hand towards you. However, you didn't hand it to him, preferring to push the strands that were on his forehead before positioning the accessory on his head. After arranging the strands at the back, he stood up with a smile.

— Thank you, guapa — the driver said, giving you a kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door and, consequently, the cameras that awaited him. After the door closed, your eyes found the hands of the clock on the wall.

“There’s still a long way to go”, you thought.

Between meetings, photos, goodbyes, welcomes and a long break for dinner, you and Fernando arrived at the double room you shared late at night. However, contrary to what you expected that morning, you didn't feel relief that the marathon was over or anxiety about finally catching your plane back to the United States.

You felt an almost suffocating sadness.

— What time does your flight leave tomorrow? — Fernando asked, settling down on the sofa in the small hall that connected the rooms while you placed your bag on the table in front of the television.

— Eight in the morning, I guess — you murmured, turning your face towards him — Why?

— Not at all, I just — he hesitated for a few seconds, running a hand through his hair — I wanted to know.

— Do you want to take me to the airport?

— Sincerely? No.

The coldness of the response made your throat tighten. Part of you wished he had replied that he wanted to take you to the airport. Part of you wanted him to say that he would like to spend every possible second by your side before you, inevitably, had to follow your own paths, your own destinies, that weren't tied to each other.

— You think it will be easier this way, don't you? — you murmured, trying to hide the pain in your voice.

— No — he replied, his eyes searching yours. You didn't want to look at him, but at the same time, you knew that this could be the last time you would do that — I think, one way or another, it's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done in my life.

The silence in that room was the longest that had ever stretched between you during all those months of coexistence.

— Why would it be?

— It doesn't matter now, Y/N.

You pressed your lips together, feeling something tighten in your throat.

Going back to Miami was the last thing you wanted at that moment. You wanted to be by his side. You wanted to wake up every day to his voice humming some song whose lyrics you didn't understand. You wanted to see the smile on his face every time you commented on an article about pediatrics that you had read.

However, you needed to go back. Those last few months had just been a detour, a break from his monotonous routine. There were people, commitments, a residency whose selection you had passed with flying colors, a lifetime of taking care of children waiting for you to move on.

And moving forward meant leaving Fernando behind.

You didn't notice the moment the first tear ran down your face, nor the second. But you noticed the movement of the driver in front of you, approaching with heavy steps. Placing his hands on your face, his expression was serious, almost dark, contrasting with the heat in his eyes.

— I have to let you go in peace — Fernando said softly, his thumb sliding over one of the tears that was stuck on your cheek.

Your lower lip trembled. You just wish it were all easier.

— Please, Y/N — Fernando continued — Don't ask me to take you to the airport. Don't ask me to say goodbye to you. Don't ask me to see you leaving, because I won't bear seeing you get on a plane without me.

At that moment, you had no idea if you would be able to get on a plane in a few hours. Not without Fernando by your side, carrying his trusty black backpack and making some comment about having a sweatshirt ready for you to wear when you get cold during the flight.

So, you asked the only question your mind was capable of formulating.

— What time is it?

— What?

— What time is it, Fernando? — you repeated, seriously.

Still holding his face, he turned his wrist slightly to look at the hands of the black Richard Mille he was wearing.

— Two past midnight — he murmured — You’re free now.

— No, I'm not free — you replied, bringing your face closer to his.

— But…

— I stopped being free a long time ago, Fernando.

Fernando's expression seemed sad, which made your heart feel heavy inside your chest.

You didn't know how to explain to Fernando that you would never be free again simply because you were completely in love with him. So much so that you hadn't even realized the exact moment it had happened.

Maybe it was the day he saw you reading an article about early childhood nutrition and asked you to explain the impact of cow's milk on babies. Maybe it was the day he took you on his motorbike to a viewpoint so you could watch the sunset over Monaco. Maybe it was the moment he introduced his world to you, describing every detail with enchanting passion. Maybe it was the day you pressed that heart on your cell phone screen, right below his photo.

And no piece of paper could control what your heart felt.

Using whatever courage you had left, you tilted your head and closed your eyes, brushing your lips against his. The touch was delicate and subtle, but enough to fill your chest with an almost unbearable heat. You had thought so much about what that moment would be like, fantasized so much about the different possibilities, imagined so many times what it would be like to be in Fernando's arms, that you felt a little hesitant about continuing.

However, the decision about the direction of that shy kiss was made by the driver. Moving closer to you, he placed your mouth completely against his, hands sliding towards the back of your neck. After a few seconds, he pulled away, panting.

— Y/N…

— Please, Fer.

However, he pulled away from you, pain evident in his green-stained eyes.

— No, Y/N — Fernando said, in a firm tone — Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be for both of us.

— You're the one who's making it difficult — you replied, feeling more tears filling your eyes — I want this...

— But you don't need this — he growled — You need to go back to your city, to your apartment, to your life. And this life has no place for me, just as there is no place for you in mine.

The statement was like a punch in the gut. Taking a step back, the feeling was of having awakened from the best dream of your life to find a true nightmare. Mentally, you questioned everything that had happened so far, from the dinner in Miami to that kiss permeated by your desire for him that had been repressed for so long. “So it was all a lie?”, you thought, as he walked towards his room.

— Fer…

— Goodbye, Y/N — he murmured over his shoulder, before disappearing into the dim light, with the door closing behind him.

Your skin felt cold, even in the residual desert heat that remained inside the suite. It was almost unbelievable that this would be the end of those ten months of smiles, jokes and laughter as the two of you traveled the world. A dry and cruel goodbye, without even looking back.

Walking slowly towards your room, you couldn't help but feel a strange emptiness inside your chest. Dropping down on the mattress anyway, you realized how exhausted you were, both physically, courtesy of the intense pace of a race day, and emotionally, with the mix of completely opposite feelings that made your lower lip tremble.

You felt that it was unfair, that the way you were being discarded by Fernando was cruel, not to mention painful. And the worst part was not being able to understand the reason for that attitude, for that cold look that shattered your heart. However, your rational side soon began to whisper in the back of your mind, condemning you for believing that he could see you beyond who you were from the beginning.

An acquisition. A product. A pretty thing for him to drag around the circuits.

That realization made tears run down your face, anger and sadness spilling out of you and making you sob loudly. You even thought about smothering your crying with the pillow, but you didn't move, allowing it to echo off the walls of the room, until it lulled you into a deep, dreamless sleep.

You woke up to the sound of your cell phone's alarm clock. Rubbing your eyes, you stared at the ceiling for long seconds before finally working up the courage to get up from the bed and move forward.

Exactly as Fernando had asked.

As soon as you arrived in Miami, you decided to buy, with the money you had saved in the last few months, a studio near the beach, in addition to arranging the documentation for your residency at Holtz Children's Hospital, which was about to begin. Watching the fireworks that lit up the sea and announced the arrival of a new year, you promised yourself that the months to come would be better than the previous ones.

And by better, you meant no trips, no adventures and no crazy things.

No looks, no jokes, no laughter.

No men, no athletes, no Fernando.

The first few months passed in a blur. Hospital shifts took up much of your time, and your free time was spent reading articles about intriguing cases and organizing your new place. You didn't even notice spring arriving in the city, much less the anticipation for the great sporting event that the city would host in the following weeks.

You were making your first round of the rooms in the west wing of the hospital when, upon entering a room, you came across a little boy playing with a model of a dark blue Formula 1 car. Swallowing hard, you smiled widely.

— Good morning, Mrs. Melendi.

The boy's mother jumped up from her armchair.

— Good morning, doctor — she replied — Greet her, Omar.

The boy looked up at you.

— Hi.

— Good morning, Omar — you greeted him, placing one of your hands on the guard of his bed — How are you feeling today?

— Well — he replied, returning his attention to the cart.

— He spent the night better, doctor, breathing better. But he is still coughing a lot and complains of chest pain.

Accessing Omar's chart on your iPad, you pursed your lips as you thought. The boy's body should already be fighting harder against the infection in his lungs, but his history of asthma didn't make you so optimistic in this regard. This was one of those cases that would ask for patience, both from you and from the boy's mother.

— Well, the night has already brought a good sign. However, the cough will still persist for a while, as the body is trying to get this fluid out somehow. For now, let's continue with what was prescribed and I'll ask the physiotherapy team to send someone here to do some exercises to speed up the release of this secretion, okay?

— Doctor, does this mean I'll be able to see Checo?

You blinked, trying to process if you had understood correctly.

— Who?

— Checo, the Formula 1 driver! — Omar exclaimed — He's going to race here this week!

The Miami Grand Prix, you had completely forgotten about that.

— Ah, I see — you smiled — Everything will depend on your progress. If you take your medication correctly and undergo rehabilitation, I can try to release you by Friday. What do you think?

The boy agreed to your proposal, seeming excited about the prospect of seeing his idol race. However, as you left the room, you felt completely dazed, the memories of the previous year filling your eyes with tears.

That was a weekend of ups and downs, with a punishment causing Fernando to lose the measly two points he had managed to gain. However, those days had been worth it just for the opportunity to introduce him to your city and see how he was enchanted by every detail.

— Doctor? Are you okay? — someone asked you. Looking to the side, you found one of the nurses looking at you somewhat confused.

— Yes, everything is fine.

— Did something happen to Omar?

— No, he's progressing well — you replied, trying to compose yourself — I'm going to ask the rehabilitation staff to do a respiratory therapy session to speed up the drainage of fluids.

— Is the medication dosage still the same?

— Yes, everything’s the same — you murmured, before continuing your rounds, trying to ignore the memories that had been awakened during the visit to Omar's room. However, the task became more difficult when a notification with a painfully familiar name appeared on your cell phone during one of your breaks.

Hi, how are you?

Staring at the screen in almost disbelief, you took a few seconds to type a response, trying to balance your emotions in a single line.

Hello, Fernando. I'm fine, thanks for asking.

Are you in Miami?

Yes, why?

I found your sweatshirt in my apartment. I wanted to give you back.

The photo that accompanied the message made something turn in your stomach. That was your favorite sweatshirt, the first one you had bought when you entered university, and at that point, you had already come to terms with the fact that it was lost forever.

Oh, do you want me to go take it back?

No, I can give it to you. Where are you?

I'm still in the hospital, you can leave it at reception.

I want to hand it personally to you. I can stop by your place later, what do you think?

You were already regretting your answer as you walked to the entrance of your studio, feeling suffocated by anxiety. However, when you opened the door, it was as if you had come to the surface to breathe again, the familiar warmth spreading through your chest.

In front of you was Fernando. He didn't seem to have changed at all since the last time you had seen him, on that fateful night in Abu Dhabi. With a shy smile on his face, he wore a green shirt with the familiar silver wings of Aston Martin, the team he was racing for that year, as well as a white box in his hands.

“This color makes him even more handsome”, you thought to yourself.

— Hi — the driver said softly.

— Hey.

— Can I enter?

— Yeah, sure — you replied, opening the way for him.

The driver passed you silently, taking in the space you were living in. Seeing him there, in the place you had chosen to recover after the mess that had been that Sunday in Abu Dhabi, was strange, not to say wrong. However, this was definitely not the time to question whether his presence there was appropriate or not.

— Everything’s good? — you asked, trying to start a dialogue with him.

— Yeah, all very well. And with you?

— All good.

— It's yours? — he questioned you, gesturing with his finger to refer to the place.

— Yeah, it's mine. I bought it as soon as I got back here — you replied.

Fernando approached a shelf where there were some photos of the trips you had taken with him. There were images from all over the world, from Japan to Brazil, some with your silhouette highlighted or even his. However, he didn't seem to notice that particular detail, as he pointed to another framed image.

— Sardinia?

— Monaco. It's the beach in front of your apartment.

The silence that stretched between you was long, almost deafening. Crossing your arms, you tried to maintain a neutral expression, trying to focus on anything other than the charming lock that fell across his forehead.

— Do you miss it? — Fernando asked.

— Monaco? Not much, I didn't spend enough time there.

— And me?

You looked away to the apartment door, giggling awkwardly.

— I thought you were coming to give me back my hoodie, not do an interrogation.

— Here's your hoodie — he said, harshly, extending the box towards you — And this isn't an interrogation, Y/N. I just asked a question.

— About how I feel about you — you murmured, taking the box and placing it on your dining table.

— Is it wrong to ask?

— When that question doesn't make any sense, yes, it's wrong — you replied, looking over your shoulder.

— Why?

— Because it's wrong, Fernando.

— That's not an answer, Y/N — he replied — Come on, why doesn't it make sense?

Turning at once, anger rose like a hot wave across the back of your neck.

— Because you just discarded me like I was a fucking defective toy.

Fernando looked at you, seriously.

— You know that's not how I see you.

— No? And when you said you didn't have any space in your life for me? Isn't that discarding?

— Y/N — the driver murmured, running a hand through his hair.

— What? — you growled — Is this the way you show that you like me, that you care about me? Saying you don't want me near you?

You didn't have time to react before he advanced towards you, stopping just inches from your face. Fernando was so close to you that you could feel the heat of his skin, as well as the warm and slightly sweet smell of the cologne he was wearing at that moment. It was different from what he normally wore, but it wasn't all bad.

— Would you rather I forbid you from returning? That I stopped you from realizing your dreams? — he returned — Would you prefer if I locked you in a cage or put a collar around your neck to have you all to myself?

The words were stuck in your throat, your bottom lip trembling.

— I know my place in your life, Y/N. And I can't fight it, I can't fight the fact that I can't go further.

— Can't, or don't want to? — you asked in a low voice.

Fernando stared at you for long seconds, as if he was measuring his own words. Bringing your hands up to his face, you stroked the gray speckled beard you loved so much but had never been able to convince him to keep.

— I can't — he murmured, as his thumbs drew circles on his cheek — Y/N, please...

— But you want it — you stated, your eyes going down to his mouth, where his tongue slid to moisten his own lips — You want me.

— Yes, but…

— Then take what you want. Kiss me, touch me, make me what I was from the beginning, from the moment you looked at me for the first time.

The seconds of silence that stretched after your words seemed endless. Bringing your face closer to his, your nose lightly touched Fernando's, almost as a foreshadowing of what was about to happen.

— Make me yours — you whispered.

The moment his lips touched yours was sublime. Your chest filled with a hot, overwhelming sensation, your hands gripping his face tightly. At that moment, you tried to hold on to that feeling of finally being in the place you always imagined yourself in: in Fernando's arms.

It didn't take long for his tongue to invade your mouth, his hands squeezing your waist and bringing your body closer, as if he wanted you two to become one. And personally, that was your only desire at that moment, as you slid your lips down his neck.

— You've always been a naughty girl, haven't you? — Fernando asked as soon as you nibbled on his ear, your fingers squeezing your skin — So naughty, so beautiful...

Taking a few steps back, the driver escaped from you momentarily, sitting on the gray sofa you had in the living room. With his hands to your shirt, you didn't need any words from him to rip it off your body, your shorts sliding down your legs soon after. Taking in the sight of you completely naked for the first time, an almost boyish gleam appeared in Fernando's eyes.

— You are much more beautiful than I imagined…

— You mean you imagined me naked? — you questioned with a suggestive smile, while positioning your knees next to his legs, straddling his lap.

— It's hard not to imagine when you wore those indecent little pajamas of yours to bed — he murmured, his hands sliding down your thighs, while you supported yourself on his shoulders — That baby blue one was wonderful.

— Do you want me to put it on?

A mischievous smile appeared on his lips.

— Now that I've taken off your clothes, I'm not going to ask you to put them back on — Fernando replied, taking his hand to his face and, with a subtle movement, bringing his lips to his in a delicate, almost careful kiss. It was up to you, after a few seconds, to wrap your arms around his neck and ask for passage to explore his mouth the way you wanted.

Sliding his hands down to your butt, the driver made you stand up, bringing his face to one of your breasts. The soft touch of his tongue made you shudder, your fingers digging into his dark curls as a moan escaped his lips.

— I could hear you moaning all night long — Fernando murmured against your skin, his eyes fixed on yours, getting drunk with the pleasure in your expression — Asking, begging for me, the way I always imagined...

It didn't take long for you to start to feel the arousal become uncomfortable, almost painful. You needed more, much more than just kisses and nibbles on your breasts. Lowering your hips just above the not-so-discreet bulge in his shorts, you looked at Fernando, trying to condense what you wanted into a look full of desire.

Without saying anything, he repositioned you a little back, giving him some space to open the button and zipper of your shorts, sliding them and your underwear down. The movement allowed his dick to be revealed, hard and particularly large, with the veins standing out along its length. Biting your lower lip, you brought your index finger to one of them, following the path from the base to the tip, feeling Fernando's muscles tense.

— What do you think?

Looking up at him, you smiled.

— Good.

—Wasn't that what you imagined?

— It's hard to say, since every time I imagined your dick, it was in my mouth or my pussy.

Bringing a hand to your face, Fernando caressed your cheek.

— You are very naughty.

You chose not to answer, rising again to align your own entrance with his cock. Then, you lowered yourself, feeling him enter inch by inch, settling inside you. Closing your eyes, you allowed a moan to escape your lips, as did Fernando, who grunted against your neck.

After a few seconds, you started to move, testing angles and rhythms, until you found one that you liked. With your hands resting on his shoulders, you alternated between quick vertical movements, followed by slower, deeper thrusts. At that point, her breasts were completely red, marked by Fernando's teeth and hickeys. Marks that you would carry with pride, because it was his mouth and his passion that had done it.

— You're so beautiful — he growled, as his hands roamed over her skin — How could I have been able to let you go...

You couldn't resist the urge to kiss him again, searching for Fernando's lips as if they were the surface and you were looking for air to breathe. In that tangle of arms, hands and fingers, you felt complete. Finally complete.

— I'm going to... Oh my God, Fer, I'm going to cum — you whimpered, as you slid your hips back and forth, rubbing your clit against his pubic bone. Noticing the agony in your expression, he slid his hand until he reached your most sensitive spot. Then, massaging it, he brought you to orgasm, making you let out a loud moan, your muscles shaking and your head lolling back.

Beneath his body, Fernando took a few seconds before reaching his peak, spilling himself inside you with a loud moan, his hands holding your hips tightly to stop your movement.

The silence inside the room wasn't complete due to your heavy breathing. With your forehead pressed against his, your eyes were closed, absorbing that moment and the entire range of feelings that filled your chest with an inexplicable warmth.

— Y/N — Fernando whispered.

— Yeah?

— What now?

You moved your face slightly away from his, analyzing his furrowed eyebrows and anxiety-filled brown eyes. You knew it was impossible to turn around or simply pretend it hadn't happened, especially when you were sure you wanted to do it several more times. But did he want that?

— Well, we have two ways — you started, brushing his bangs away from his forehead — We can classify this as an accident on the road and go back to our lives...

— No, definitely not.

— Or we can stop fooling ourselves and actually live this.

— This? — he raised an eyebrow.

— This. Our relationship — you tried to classify it.

— And by truly living, you mean…

— Without pretending that we don’t have feelings for eachother.

Fernando pressed his lips together, looking away from yours. He was definitely hesitant about taking that step. And you were sure you wouldn't let him leave you there, with that doubt hanging over you.

— Do you want me to come back with you to Europe? — you asked softly, making him look at you again.

— Would you come back?

— If you wanted.

The driver let out a heavy sigh.

— I don't want to ask you this, Y/N.

— Why not?

— Because I don't want you to give up everything for me and my career.

— You talk as if this is the only place in the world where there are hospitals accepting residents — you countered, placing your hands on his cheeks — I'll find a way, Fer. We'll find a way. But I ask you just one thing.

— What?

— Don't leave me here, alone.

Fernando smiled, bringing his face closer to yours.

— Never, guapa.

[sarahjtv]

My Hero Academia Chapter 426 Spoiler Talk: The Hellish Todoroki Family Conclusion

Whew, what a chapter goddamn. The Todoroki Family, especially Shoto (my favorite character 🩵), is one of my favorite and one of the best arcs in My Hero Academia. We all knew that their conclusion was coming this chapter and now that we're here, let's talk about it:

First off, in case you didn't hear, Weekly Shonen Jump and MHA mangaka, Kohei Horikoshi himself, confirmed that this is the first of the last 5 chapters of My Hero Academia. The series will end in early August with 430 chapters total if all goes well. I made a post about this when it was announced 2 days ago, but I want to briefly say that I am going to miss this series so much. It has had such an amazing impact on my life and surely saved me during many rough times. I will be so sad to see it end, but happy to see Horikoshi finish his beloved story on his own terms after 10 long years of publication. I will make sure to see it through myself.

We start off the chapter with a Todoroki Family reunion. We see the whole family about a month after the war ended. Everyone has burn scars of some kind now with Rei's having the largest that even covers the left side of her face like Shoto's and Endeavor's do ironically enough (I see what you did, Horikoshi). We don't see if Endeavor got any burn scars on his face because it's covered with bandages, but given he has the highest fire resistance next to Shoto, I doubt it.

Also, pretty much everyone got a haircut from their bodies getting torched trying to stop Touya (I'm going to call him that from here on). Fuyumi and Endeavor got a few inches off, Natsuo cut quite a bit off to the point where he's looking like his father again (oh, the irony), and Rei got a significant portion cut off to the point where it's back to the length it was when she and Enji first met. I think Shoto got a slight trim, but it's hard to tell. His hair is definitely scruffier than it was before, though. Honestly looks-wise, they all still look really good. Those Todoroki/Himura genes are doing good work.

But, despite those good looks, everyone is here to see Touya in his own operating tube (?). The doctor says that Touya's slowly dying and Endeavor tells everyone that he's retiring. Both things are what everyone saw coming. There was no way Endeavor was going back to hero work after everything that happened to him during the final war. It was just never possible. Even with prosthetics, I think his own mental state and where he is in life with his family would have prevented that from happening. I'm surprised that Touya is alive at all, but I'm glad to see that he's alive to see his family for a little longer before he eventually dies which I assume may happen in the final chapter of the series.

Also, Touya can still talk! Bro still can't move for shit, but he's conscious enough to talk to his family. He still hates his father and I get it. I don't think there was any way Touya was going to forgive his father after everything that happened. It's good to see that Endeavor still is trying to atone and wants to talk with Touya as much as he possibly can to his eldest son, but that won't change anything right now. The least Endeavor can do is listen to what Touya might want to say.

Fuyumi and Rei try to talk to Touya too, but the doctor is telling them that talking more would be a burden on Touya's heart. And then Shoto asks his oldest brother "What's your favorite food?" and Touya responds "Soba..." just like Shoto. I can't do this tonight, guys! I'm screaming, crying, throwing up! WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN! THEY COULD HAVE EATEN SOBA TOGETHER IN ANOTHER LIFE!!! HOW DARE YOU, HORIKOSHI! I'M IN YOUR WALLS 😭

And right as his family leaves his room, Touya slowly cries tears and says "Shoto... I'm sorry..." I don't need to explain this one. This fucking hurts. Touya has regrets, but it's too late. Touya may be Dabi the murderous villain who ruined a lot of lives, but he's also still a young man who deserved a better life than what was handed to him and does still care for his family even if only a little. All around a tragic character. If this is the last we see of Touya, I think it's a good albeit sad send-off.

As the Todorokis start to part ways, we get an idea of where their lives are going now:

1. Natsuo wants to start a family with his girlfriend (isn’t he only 20 btw and he started dating her like, what, a year ago? I get it, Natsuo, but this is too early don’t you think? 😭) but has no intention of having a ceremony for it specifically because he doesn't want her or himself to ever see Enji again. I don't blame him for this. Even though he helped stop Touya from literally exploding which did save his father, Natsuo made it clear from the start that he was never going to forgive Enji no matter how much he atoned. The reason why he was even born was because Enji wanted a perfect Ice/Fire child, but he didn't get that until Shoto was born afterwards. Natsuo saw Enji hurt and abuse his family for pretty much his entire life and Enji suddenly wanting to fix what he broke wasn't going to change Natsuo's mind on what he thought of his father. Cutting ties with his father is for the best. It's a miracle the rest of his family still want to see Enji at all, especially Shoto.

2. Fuyumi has also quit her teaching job, but a mother of one of her students found another one. This is also understandable. The public slander of her family on her is what probably pushed this and I'm sure her good reputation got inadvertently damaged from it. I hope she is treated better at her new job.

3. Enji is going got continue to pay for his crimes for the rest of his life whatever that takes. He even understands if the rest of his kids never want to see him again either. He will still do everything he can to make sure his kids are unharmed by the whole Dabi thing. He even accepts that he's going to dance with Touya in Hell one day. Honestly, regardless of what you think of Endeavor, I honestly think his atonement/development arc is one of the best in the series. He has definitely become a better man than what he started out as when we first met him during the Sports Festival Arc, but what I love about this is that Horikoshi never let him off the hook. He made Enji face his sins head-on and suffer through every consequence that came from his abusive actions. If Enji Todoroki is going to atone, he's going to atone the very, very hard way. Enji may be a better man and father, but that doesn't mean he's going to see the pearly gates when all is said and done. The best he can do is pay for his sins for the rest of his life and pray that Rei, Fuyumi, and Shoto don't leave him completely too.

4. And finally, there's my favorite, Shoto 🩵! He's going back to school and reassures his parents that he will be fine with his friends as they help him become who he wants to be. This essentially concludes Shoto's arc as well. When we first met him, he was a cold, anti-social teen who didn't want to make any friends. All he wanted to do was to become a hero with his ice alone to spite his father. Since then, he's opened up to his classmates, made amazing friends especially in Izuku, Iida, and Bakugo, rekindled his relationship with his mother and siblings, come to terms with his father and Touya, and finally accepted his Ice/Fire powers as his own. He says he's on the path to becoming the hero he wants to be, but I'd argue that he's already there. Again, it's an incredible development for Shoto and I think this is a great conclusion to his own character arc.

After Shoto leaves, we transition to Hawks! He's still there for Endeavor if he needs him which is nice. He's also the president of the Public Safety Commission! Dude may be Quirkless, but that doesn't mean he can't do anything! I'm happy to see him thrive in this new role of his and I hope he can reform the PSC into something good as opposed to how they treated him in the past.

We also catch up on Lady Nagant WHO IS NOT DEAD 🎊, but chooses to stay in prison for a bit longer. And Gentle and LaBrava are ok and free too! Good endings here!

The final panel shows Spinner and someone is opening his hospital door 🤔

Phenomenal chapter! 10/10 would read and cry over again. Thank you and fuck you for everything, Kohei Horikoshi. 4 Chapters left. Fuck, my hands hurt 😭

[youremyheaven]

U GUYYYSSS storytime:

So I got talking to a guy a little while ago and we vibed realllyyy well. He's lowkey the textbook definition of everything I'm looking for in a guy. He's 6'2, well to do (not rich but does veryyyy well for himself), BULKY BROAD SHOULDERED, Venusian etc

The synastry of our charts is insane 🥵 He had Mercury atmakaraka (remember my Mercury DK?? 😌)

He has a Venus Moon and stellium and he's the most Venusian guy I've ever met,,, he LOVES beauty, art, the female form etc and appreciates it. The way he spoke about it was so hot to me ngl,,, mf was so poetic,, he really knew how to speak sensually without ever being creepy or vulgar

His Mercury AK was in Purvabhadrapada and he had a puppy like softie Jupiter guy personality. I loved the fact that he looked like a WWE boxer (bulky af 🥵) but had the personality of a golden retriever. LITERALLY ALL MY DREAMS seemed to be coming true.

I knew his birthday but not his rising sign. Yk what they say about "if something's too good to be true, then it is" ??? yeah, i just couldn't brush off the feeling that something wasn't right. But I couldn't straightaway ask for his birth time, esp since he's Hindu and will know what's up 🤭😂 ANYWAAAYYYS we're talking and everything and this man is love bombing me HARD and I know it because:

a) I'm a retired love bomber myself

b) This is not my first rodeo

and anyways this 🧔🏻 is talking marriage and babies, he's calling me wifey 😭 (kinda cringe bc he's known me for dayyys but good lord handsome men can get away with anything 😤) and he refers to himself as "husband" 😭😭😭 like "husband's proud of you" and "your husband doesn't want you to apologise" 😭 (ew but he's hot 👉🏻👈🏻) and I let myself have my delulu moment and try to give him the benefit of the doubt bc literally he checks every box 🥹and he's soooo completely fond of me. We used to run in the same circles like 10yrs ago, even though I had no idea who he was and never interacted with him then, he told me that he remembered me from back then and thought I was cute 🥺 and later I took a looooong break from social media and he told me he'd wondered where I was all those years 🥹🥹and then I apparently showed up in his "suggested for you" on IG a few months ago and he instantly recognised me and followed me etc 🥺🥹 he's been tryna hmu for monthsssss now but I was with my ex 🤡and then I was recovering from my ex 🤧 so I didn't pay much attention to it. When he told me all this, it kinda made me melt 🫠 how he kept trying to talk to me even though I repeatedly ignored him etc

And he did everything right. I could text him rn and he'd reply in 5 seconds. He always asked me how I was, remembered things, always sent me like 20 different messages until I replied, showered me in compliments (Venusian men love to pour you with their attention, it can even be annoying lmfao) etc like there was nothing in his behaviour, his tone or his words that was giving me 🚩 he genuinely seemed sweet, caring etc and he loved babies 😩 and sent me videos with his nieces and nephews (man's was manipulator pro max) but YK ME 🤪 when I have a gut feeling ☝🏻 I can't ignore it 🤓 so I was very much waiting for the ball to drop and watch him fuck up somehow 💀 initially I felt sooo overwhelmed by all his love (bombing) that I felt like the bad guy for not reciprocating it or feeling that kind of "love at first sight" thing 🤡 BUT

one day he said "I can't believe I found you after 10 years, that means no matter where you are after another 10 yrs, I'll find you then as well" and I was like 🤨 I thought you wanted to marry me and make me your trophy wife 🧐 huh 👀 and he was all 😂😍haha yes ofc I'm just joking bbg 😍😂 but I knew there was more to it

Finally I got his birth time AND GUESS WHAT???

He's Hasta Rising 💀💀💀💀

Idk if you know already but I don't like Lunar men 🤡 and the minute I found out, I was SCREAMING bc 😭 why would God play me like that???? Put the most perfect guy, astrologically and otherwise, in front of me, I literally have him wrapped around my pinky and HE'S A LUNAR??? why God why 😭

But him & I had come too far for me to dump his ass for no reason 😬 (can't tell him it's bc the sus vibes I got from him was further bolstered by him being Lunar 🤭) so I was praying to God to give me an opportunity where he fucks up so that I can walk away 🚶🏻‍♀️from this situation before things get out of hand

AND GOD DELIVERED 😩

I was texting him the other day and he spoke about how he wants to spend as much time with me as he can before we go out to chase our dreams (move away from this city basically) and I was like 🤨so you're looking for a short term relationship?? And he was like 🥺 no never and I was like why tf would you say you want to marry me and have babies (1 boy and twin daughters 😭🤡💀) if you already know you cannot commit???? And he was like "because we could meet again in a few years and it would be nice to have this plan ready" 💀💀💀💀 HE ACTUALLY SAID THAT AKSKKSJSJDIID brother thinks my IQ is in the negatives bc WTF sort of explanation is that 😭 and i told him "this manipulation might work elsewhere but not on me, good luck tho, bye, I'm done here 💅🏻" and he went 180 and said "I'm so sorry, I was just trying to be funny, please give me another chance, all I meant is that we never know how things go so we can try to work things out but there's no guarantee, please I'm so sorry" 😂😂 and he called me like 3 times and finally said "Can we atleast still be friends? i can't lose you like this" AJSJJSJSJ THE AUDACITY 🤡💀🤡💀

but I just want to say thank you God for showing me his true colours and for giving me the opportunity to exit with grace and dignity and making him feel like a fool 😌✨

[cafe1738]

TROLLS HUMAN AU: I literally thought of it 5 minutes ago. Gonna write it down before I forget lol. John Dory- centric

John Dory is a retired heavyweight MMA fighter. He retired due to Arm Nerve Damage and Shoulder Injuries. JD was getting popular when he was struck in the back of his head multiple times during a fight causing him to get head trauma. He was supposed to have another fight but the doctors told him no as it would make his injuries more severe. Retires and goes MIA from the internet. After a few years, he opens up a coffee shop, which starts off slow, but then gets popular when someone recognizes him for being a fighter, he tries not to make it a big deal but more people in town come to visit. Starts getting regulars, and people from the community college come over to study. His coffee is pretty good, I guess. Branch helps out at the shop, and even Poppy comes to help out at the shop (her dad was JD's coach). Delta Dawn works at the shop there, a long-time friend of JD (no romance btwn the two). The brothers come to visit the shop, and even try to help when JD is going through pains or just because.

The fight does happen, but it isn't so bad because they are still young and they don't really have anywhere to go, but the first ones to leave were Bruce and Clay, and Floyd was the last to go to music school. JD and Branch live at the house still.

Age of the brothers where the story takes place:

JD-35

Bruce-33

Clay-32

Floyd-29

Branch-26

Their parents died the same year John turned 15, Bruce- was 13, Clay- 12, Floyd- 9, and Branch was 6 years old. They had to move in with their grandma.

JD retires at 27, and Branch is 17 years old at the time. They are at odds with each other, but Branch stays with him, while their brother recovers. They are the only ones left at the house, everyone moved away, the farthest being Clay as he is dorming at a university upstate, like a whole state away lol. (majoring in business.) Bruce is 4 years married to Brandy and already have 2 kids (twins). He helps out with his brothers for a few months while JD recovers. They don't live far from each other, like 37 minutes away, without traffic. Floyd is doing a tour with his band, (they got popular), and open for a popular artist who is the one currently on tour.

THATS ALL LOL

[sugdenlovesdingle]

Tarlos @flufftober day 7: Porch swing

(this one was almost done so I finished it first, day 5 is still coming later today - hopefully)

Swing swing (AO3) TK and Carlos have a quiet moment together during a Reyes family party

A/N: There is a little hint at another fandom/headcanon of mine in there. If you know, you know!

---

Carlos took a deep breath as he sat down on the old porch swing, relishing in the peace and quiet for a moment.

He loved his family dearly, but all of them together in one place for an extended period of time could get a little too much.

He heard laughter coming from the garden and kids shrieking and he could picture the scene.

He’d lost TK to his little cousins and nieces and nephews pretty much the second they’d walked through the door, and he’d caught parts of conversation between his dad and his friends and brothers talking about the girls and his boys.

Knowing that included TK made him smile.

If someone had told him five years ago, he’d be at his dad’s retirement party now with a man by his side, who he married with his entire family there to witness it, he wouldn’t have believed them. He never thought he could ever have both someone who loved him and a good relationship with his parents and extended family.

And now here they were, TK as much a member of the Reyes family as any of his sisters’ or cousins’ partners.

His mother especially adoring TK almost as much as he did, and he knew his dad kept track of him and the 126 in general.

Though it was mostly to pull strings to get Owen out of trouble, but Carlos had heard him mention some of TK’s more infamous cases to his friends.

He heard the screen door open and close and footsteps coming closer. He didn’t need to look up to know who it was.

“I thought I'd find you out here.” TK sat down next to him and the swing creaked under their weight. “Will it hold both of us?”

“Hmm I think so. The five of us used to sit in it together when we were growing up. Three kids, two adults. It was fine.”

TK sat back and relaxed a little.

“How about two adults and about half a cake?” He held up a plate. “I wanted to get you a piece but tía Lucy and your mom were in the kitchen and they insisted I take this huge piece. I heard your mom saying something about your dad having to watch what he eats because he's not as slim as he used to be.” He said and they both laughed.

“Do you have a fork or are you going to shove it in my face like our wedding cake?”

“Hey, you shoved that cake into my face. You started it. After you promised not to. You broke your vows less than an hour into our marriage.”

Carlos grinned and took the fork TK held out for him.

“I never promised not to shove cake in your face.” He said innocently and took a bite.

TK laughed and shook his head.

“You're lucky you're cute.”

“Just cute? Not devastatingly handsome? And really smart?”

“And so humble too.”

“I learnt from the best.”

“Are you calling me arrogant?!”

Carlos laughed.

“Of course not babe.” He took another bite. “You just taught me how to love myself, I suppose. You taught me a lot of things.”

“Yeah? Right back at you. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I'd probably still be picking bar fights just to feel something.”

“Nah. You would have picked yourself up sooner or later. And you would still be your amazing self. Just maybe not with that ring on your finger.” He glanced at TK’s wedding ring.

“Do you ever think about what would have happened if you hadn't been on shift that night? Or hadn't gone to the bar afterwards?”

“I used to.”

“Not anymore?”

Carlos shook his head.

“I'm just... enjoying the here and now. Life as your husband and our life together. Even if you're trying to get me fat.”

TK laughed and let Carlos feed him a bite of cake.

“We'll get fat together. Or we can burn off the calories when he get home.” He winked.

“Don't start. This house is crawling with family and none of them know what privacy means.”

“Is that why you're out here and not out back with the rest?”

Kind of.” Carlos nodded. “Just needed some air. Got kind of lost in my head.”

TK didn't say anything, just fed him a bite of cake and waited for him to gather his thoughts.

“It's kind of the end of an era you know?”

“Because your dad is retiring?”

“Hmm. The whole Reyes family used to be in law enforcement somehow. And now there's none of us left.”

“Do you regret leaving APD?”

“No.” Carlos said resolutely. “I love this job and I feel like I can do more to help people now than I could as a patrol officer.”

“But...” TK prompted.

“I do kind of miss seeing you on scenes during the day.”

“Yeah, me too. I mean Lexi is great, but her new partner is… no you.”

“She told me it’s this kid fresh out of the academy, scared of his own shadow. She’s begged me to come back.”

“Would you?”

“I’ve considered it.”

“Yeah? But you decided not to?”

Carlos nodded.

“Yeah. I’m happy where I am now. But everything… Today. It just made think. Like I said, I got lost in my own head.”

TK reached out and ran a hand through his curls.

“Just come find me next time. I promise I'll always be here to stop you from overthinking things.”

“It's fine. You were talking to my dad and his friends. They finally stopped referring to you as the gringo. I didn’t want to ruin the progress you’ve made with them.”

“Yeah.” TK laughed. “They haven’t got a leg to stand on anymore. Oscar showed me pictures of his son's wedding. The guy he married is not just white, he's also British.”

“The horror.” Carlos mock gasped.

They sat in silence for a while, just enjoying the cake and each other's company.

“One of my tías asked when we were going to have kids. Tía Elena. You know, mom’s eldest sister.”

TK nodded. He knew her and her tendency to stick her nose into other people’s business.

“What did you tell her? Did you show her pictures of Lou?”

A smile tugged at Carlos' lips.

“No but maybe I should have. I didn't really say anything. Just said we're both busy with work and stuff.”

“It's ok to tell her we're not having kids you know. Even if she doesn't understand, it's our decision.”

“It’s not though, is it? Our decision.” Carlos said sadly. “I said I didn’t want kids.”

“Yeah and I said I was, am, ok with that.” TK stressed. “I’ve got you, I’ve got Lou. I’m happy. Happier than I ever thought I would be. Or could be.”

“But you love kids. And they love you.”

“So? I can be the kickass uncle. The one with a house full of lizards.” TK said, waiting for Carlos to catch on.

“Wait, what? A house full of lizards? Do I get a say in this?”

“Of course you do. You get to say yes.” TK teased. “I know you love Lou, deep down.”

“Oh yeah. Very deep down.” Carlos said and opened his mouth to let TK feed him the last bite of cake.

Only instead of doing so, he shoved it in his face, smearing it all over his mouth and nose.

“That was payback for our wedding day.” He said laughingly before kissing the frosting off Carlos’ lips.

[yanderes-galore]

Can I request a continuation of reader with her look a like child trying to escape from Marcus and Baird?

I can do something small, sure. Sorry for the long wait!

Loose Continuation of This Concept.

Yandere! Marcus + Baird with Mother! Darling

(Darling Tries To Escape - Expanded Idea)

Pairing: Romantic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Female Darling, Obsession, Isolation, Paranoia, Overprotective behavior, Manipulation, Kidnapping, Toxic relationship, Dark themes, Patronizing behavior, Stalking, Trackers, Delusional behavior, Dubious turned forced relationship.

Marcus Fenix

I do allude to the idea of Marcus isolating you for your own safety in the original concept.

He's so overcome with guilt and grief at the demise of Dom, his father, and Anya that he just can't lose you.

Maybe to make it worse he lost his son too, like in Gears 5?

So maybe you were originally okay with the idea of being with Marcus again.

Your child is often asking about Marcus, knowing him from tales and rumors.

You begin to date him again... but things don't go as well as you thought they would.

Marcus is normally very stern and not very emotional.

Yet deep down inside... he's terrified of losing another person close to his heart.

He sees you and your child as a new family.

Even more so if your child is/was friends with JD.

Due to his fears, you end up being isolated in the new house he picked out for you.

He doesn't want you or your kid fighting The Swarm anymore.

Just like all those years ago, Marcus plans to protect you.

Even when you try to break up with him or snap him out of it, he doesn't listen.

You begin to feel trapped by Marcus.

He's always affectionate, even with everything going on, but none of this is healthy.

Your kid is even starting to grow nervous at how Marcus treats you.

Eventually when Marcus starts locking you in the house you realize you need to leave.

You need to find help, you need to find someone to back you up.

Clearly Marcus isn't in the right mindset.

It was only a matter of time before he snapped, he was supposed to be retired anyways.

Due to all your COG training you manage to think of a tactical way of escape.

Once Marcus leaves for the day, you bring up the plan with your child before putting things into action.

Marcus seems like he'd be easier to escape from than Baird.

However, he'll find you eventually.

There isn't many places you can go to hide.

Plus, Marcus will order others to find you.

He may even say The Swarm kidnapped you and your kid, when in reality he's your captor.

No one's going to end up listening to you.

Even when your kid backs you up, people side with Marcus due to his status.

When he eventually finds you he starts off as relieved.

He's just happy to have found you.

No harm came to you... but you had him worried sick.

When others aren't around, Marcus's attitude swaps to anger.

What the Hell were you thinking!?

You could've put you and your child in danger!

Marcus would definitely scold you, dragging you and your kid back to the house and locking everything back up again.

His glare is cold... yet there's some concern in his gaze.

It seems if he wants to have a family with you... he has to try harder.

He won't punish you and will still think you two are together.

If you try this again, however...

He may not be so nice next time.

"What the Hell were you doing!? You could've put our child in danger! I can't let you out of my sight for a few hours, can I?"

Damon S. Baird

Baird is more... difficult.

As I said at the end of the linked concept, it's only a matter of time before he snaps and isolates you.

Soon he'd probably lock you in his lab or a penthouse he managed to purchase with the money from his company.

He doesn't want you fighting, he's adamant on that.

He wants you and your kid to stay away from danger and he's going to do whatever he can to have that.

Unlike Marcus, wherever he keeps you has cameras and DeeBees guarding all entrances.

Which makes him harder to get away from.

Baird always keeps a close eye on you.

When around you he's always flirty, being affectionate to the point of holding you close and kissing you.

With your kid he tries to be a "cool dad" by showing them robotics.

He definitely has an encrypted folder on his PC that has photos of you and a separate one of both you and your kid.

He checks cameras often and rarely leaves you alone.

Yet... your kid learns a lot from Baird.

Enough to learn how to bypass his systems just enough to let you and them out of your prison.

Your kid cares a lot about you.

They want you happy, while they can tell you care for Baird...

You know he's snapped.

The only way you're able to escape is due to learning Baird's code with your kid.

Even when you escape, it isn't easy to get away.

Baird has trackers on both you and your kid, no doubt something he slipped on you when you were unaware.

He'd carefully track your location then use DeeBees to help him hunt you both down.

You both won't be able to get away for long.

He'll have you cornered then order you dragged back to where he keeps you.

When he sees you again, he's angry...

Yet also smug.

He knew even if you did escape, it wouldn't be long before he had you right back where you started.

Honestly, he's impressed.

You and your kid could almost outsmart him.

But after everything...

You're right back here, in his arms...

Where you both belong.

"Clever! Should've known you two would try something like that... Too bad that won't happen again, right? Now come here, let's have a little chat about house rules."

[kartywarty]

is everyone revealing ocs now??? hi welcome to my top ten facts about my ocs

no.1 Halbert K. Robinson

1. he has viltigo and hides it by wearing his mask a lot

2 .works as a janitor to clean the base

3. was forced to resort to working in a crime due to skin condition, he was framed for a crime he didn’t commit and because people thought he looked weird COUGHS. i wonder who said that ?? huh

4. ex-fire fighter, all his training went down the drain

5. hes 37 and is 5’4” ft tall

6. is actually matt engarde from aa!/j

7. seen as a lower class because of his mask, but in reality he once lifted a whole ass couch just to clean under it

8. the “K” in his name stands for “Karl”

9. he has keys to every room/area in the base so he can clean

10. was hired because he had a “criminal history”, he had to beg to live and only had an option to join mary (he was hired before he knew larry was in control)

btw guys im still figuring out his lore idk guys

no.2 Riktor V. Markov

1. speaks russian and BARELY understands english

2. has a translator to help him understand (will be mentioned next)

3. looks very intimidating, but hes rarely soft to people sometimes

4. his dad was a godfather for a mafia back in russia, he eventually got arrested and riktor had to migrate to robloxia with his soon to be his translator

5. 5’8” ft tall and is 42 years old

6. uses his bonesaw as defense

7. his hair isnt gray, his hair is ashy blonde

8. the “V” in his name is “Victor”

9. his mom got executed by another mafia that was against his father and he was forced to witness it with his bare eyes

10. his favorite medical tool is the bonesaw

no.3 Feliks Novikov

1. he is half russian and half american

2. is riktors translator, hes actually helped riktor migrate away and have been childhood friends. they were bullies before

3. has actually been hired by larry in the past, once retired when larry was defeated, later has been recruited by mary

4. convinced mary to hire riktor for medic

5. 5’4” ft tall, 40

6. has a family of 2 and is married, he has a son and a baby daughter.

7. loves jazz he even plays the saxophone

8. plays in a band with the other henchmen in the evil base, hes the lead

9. hes a gentleman and respects his higherups

10. was actually favored a lot by larry

no.4 Scary Autry (Autry P. Harrington)

1. his face in the past had scarring and acne (his face is greasy, one of the reasons why he hides his face)

2. bffs with barry, cabbage (another break in oc), and danry (also another break in oc). they are known as the “alphabet fourlets”

3. his mom left him few months after he was born, he was raised by his dad and grew up with toxic masculinity OH NO WHO SAID THAT AHH!!

4. hates mary and larry A LOT. he hates larry for defending mary and he hates mary for trying to reveal his own face COUGHC OUGH (rreference to my fanfic about his backstory)

5. 6’4” ft tall, he is 68 years old

6. he knows karate, kung fu, and bare knuckle boxing

7. seems to be really harsh but just blocks out feelings

8. loves wearing boots.

9. the weapon he uses are golden brass knuckles

10. hes TERRIBLE at playing instruments, he was failing music class during his origin phase

no.5 oswald the hacker/guest

1. his real name/username is Guest0091288

2. he listens to ivycomb and babymetal

3. he was once a guest, he had a lot of good progress while playing other games throughout roblox, until they banned guests. oswald did not accept losing his progress and took things the hard way by somehow reviving his guest account, he fleed to break in to blend in by the guest role, he was caught few weeks ago but managed to still escape by becoming a different role in which he didnt even pay for (hacker role)

4. he has an illumina instead of the classic sword, he uses his phone to spawn holograms tthat act like a shield

5. he is 5’1” and is ageless

6. he hates wearing the caps guests wore, he didnt like how it felt

7. he does not speak, he uses tts (text to speech). the tts program he uses is the alpha moonbase tts

8. loooves making fun of people, even when hes successful to get away with it

9. can impersonate/shapeshift into other characters and users, however his tts voice still remains the same

10. very unpredictable.

no.6 Carter J. Dickgum (self insert)

1. married to bradley beans

2. almost had a divorce arc Thanks for hanging out with me!

3. named “Carter” instead of “Karter” because of his curved smile (get it)

5. 5’5” ft tall and 45 years old

6. shaves and HATES HAVING A Stubblle

7. doesnt like working out most of the time

8. his emotions appear to be VERY obvious, he is very expressive

9. works as a cashier at tacobell

10. wears mismatched socks everyday.

Okay guys thansk for tunkng in chatn! ‘My sunshine students

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

A sexy, Bodyguard, Grumpy/Sunshine, Celebrity romance from best-selling author, Morgan Elizabeth.

Who knew applying to be the next Miss Americana while you’re drunk on tequila would actually get anywhere? But that’s exactly what happened to Ava when she wanted an excuse to promote her best friends’ new businesses. She never even expected to get past the first round of auditions, much less win the beauty pageant, and now here she is, wearing a silk sash and a crown on her head, trying to picture what the next three months is going to look like. As the newly crowned Miss Americana, she’s off on a three-month press tour, visiting all 50 states as part of her contract.

For a girl who loves adventure, it’s a dream come true, except for two hiccups. The first one being the morality clause and long list of rules the organization is forcing her to live by while wearing the crown. And second, and probably the worst one, is the deliciously sexy, yet grumpy driver-slash-bodyguard assigned to keep her in line.

Jaime normally spends his days as head of security for the world-famous rock band Atlas Oaks, but when they take a break from touring, he’s excited for a change of pace. Until he learns his new assignment is the gorgeous and ever-frustrating pageant princess who gets under his skin in more ways than one.

When he learns Ava has made it her mission to drive him crazy—by constantly looking for a new hit of endorphins by toeing the line as well as by flirting with him endlessly—he realizes what he thought would be a simple assignment is anything but. Now if only he can survive the next ninety days keeping his hands to himself and off the woman he can’t get out of his head.

Review:

She's just been crowned Miss Americana and now she's stuck with a very grumpy but very hot bodyguard for the next 3 months as she tours... can they keep their hands off of one another? Ava only entered into the pageant to help her friends, it was just something to do for fun... she never expected to take first place, but when another contestant makes a comment, Ava wins to spite her to prove that anybody can win. Yet now that she's crowned she has to go on a 3 month tour and the one rule is: no relationships. Ava hates rules and she can't resist a challenge... so when her new bodyguard turns out to be the same hot grumpy bodyguard she met at a bar a few days ago she's determined to crack his stern shell. Jaime is 3 years away from retirement, he takes his boy as a bodyguard seriously, and can't wait to retire to a cabin alone. Yet when he meets one particularly sassy gorgeous blonde, he can't seem to get her out of his mind or under his skin. To his great surprise he ends up assigned to her for the next three months and trying to remain professional seems impossible when all Ava wants to do is flirt and tempt him at every turn. Jaime is here to protect Ava because someone is gunning for her, and the threats and danger are only growing as the tour goes on... and the more time Jaime and Ava spend together the more it becomes impossible to resist the scorching chemistry between them. Can they find the person coming after Ava while hiding their chemistry from the paps who constantly follow her? This was a super fun and sexy bodyguard romance! I absolutely adore bodyguard romances and ones that feature grumpy x sunshine dynamics. This one absolutely hit the mark for me. I adored how strong and fun Ava was, she remained true to herself and constantly fought back. Jaime was a overprotective but supportive and cute love interest for her. He really was such a cute book boyfriend for Ava. This book was so adorable and absolutely one I would recommend. The romance was amazing, the spice was great, and honestly I will be reading more from this author for sure!!!

Release Date: August 16, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Valentine PR for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[valleydean]

Chapter 5 [Read Here]

HEAVYWEIGHT a deancas boxing au by valleydean (emmbrancsxx0) read from beginning | playlist | ko-fi

SUMMARY: Brooklyn, 1927. The Golden Age of Boxing. Two years ago, light heavyweight champion Dean Winchester and heavyweight champion Castiel Novak had a secret affair. After a scandal tarnished Cas’ name and stripped him of his title, the two parted ways. Now, with a heavyweight tournament on the horizon, Dean aims to up his weight class so he can compete for the title. He finds unexpected competition when Cas comes out of retirement and returns to New York to fix his reputation. Upon their reunion, the two contenders learn that, outside of the ring, some bruises never really heal.

PREVIEW:

Dean shook out the cramping in his hand. The heavier he breathed, the more he became aware of the stitch in his side. If he allowed his heart rate to go down, he feared he’d lose the adrenaline keeping him on his feet.

He spread out his arms in a challenge. “Who’s next!”

The crowd cheered. No one stepped forward.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, Dean saw someone get shoved into the circle. The man stumbled before catching himself, and he didn’t step any closer.

Dean grinned cockily, because this was bound to be an easy one. He could take this guy out and move on to a real challenge.

But then he turned fully to face his new opponent—and every ounce of certainty and vitality came crashing down.

It was like a fever dream seeing Cas in a place like this. For a second, Dean thought he was reliving a memory.

He had a flashback the first time he ever saw Cas. It was in some warehouse just like the one they were in now, and Dean was standing in a crowd just like this, watching as Cas took down some man that was bigger than him in a couple of punches. Dean hadn’t known his name, wouldn’t know it for at least another three years, long after they had both turned professional and met at some party at a mansion in Westchester.

Time was no longer flying past. It grinded to a screeching halt. For a long time, all Dean could do was stare at Cas. Cas stared back, blue eyes wide and lips pressed tightly together.

Then, someone shouted, “Woohoo! Kick his arse, Angel!”

Dean had forgotten anyone else was there. Startled, his eyes flickered toward the man who had spoken—the same man who had pushed Cas into the circle in the first place.

Mick Davies?

No, that couldn’t be right.

Why was he there? And why was Cas’ coat draped over his arm? How did they even know each other?

Cas took a tentative step forward, arm outstretched like he was trying to deescalate the situation. “Dean…”

“What are you waiting for?” another voice toward the back of the crowd yelled. The rest of the crowd started jeering again, demanding a show.

And that was a good question. What was Dean waiting for?

He’d come there to fight. So had Cas.

Dean had come there to win.

A sick thrill went through him at the thought of beating Cas. Maybe it was about time the two of them fought. Maybe it would stop the constant buzzing under his skin that Dean had felt since he’d first seen Cas back in New York.

Maybe it would even bleed out the anger and longing he’d been feeling since Cas left in the first place.

Dean needed to get Cas out of his system. This—the first place he’d ever wanted Cas—seemed like the perfect place to do it.

Dean steeled himself, hardening his expression with determination, making himself a wall. He raised his fists.

Cas was still trying to stop him: “Dean, I don’t want to—”

Dean didn’t give a fuck what Cas wanted. He charged forward with a yell and threw a cross.

/////

TAGGED: @lovercas @donestiel @wanderingcas @wayward-angels-club @thetiredstuff @skella-bro @casthegrumpy @celestialcastiel @bluefirecas @jiminthestreets-bonesinthesheets @that-one-fandom-chick @haru-park96 @alejandriaiqq @no-aesthetic-all-aethetic @amirosebooks @epple-benene @agus-likes @the-ship-haz-sailed @justkissalreadyforfucksake @madimoo31 @an-angel-in-love-with-a-hunter @gracelesstars @bazghetti @wayward-waffles @theojaxons @jenmishrob @all-or-nothing-baby @auttownblue @leftistdean @sargafust @wannabe-loser @jessalrynn @splicedthoughts @castielss @that-dumbass-on-a-horse @passionfruixts @fabreagab @princesswinchester100 @superduckbatrebel @hopefuldreamers-world@theangelwiththewormstache @casandeans @mylovelydame21 @confusedisaster @superduckbatrebel @destielwentcanonomg @highest-brightness @i-put-the-ayyy-in-asexual @darkacademiagay @imthedoctorlove @freckledean @youcanteverknowenough @chicken-kebabs @myguardianangelisatrickster @hotactiongirlcoded @wingsandimpalas @casandhumanity @tploz @dontsgotalifee389 @on-a-bender @castiel-mybeloved @siriusseverusdeservedbetter @doctorprofessorsong @castielshotgirlsummer @toomuchheartcas @paintdriesfaster @lesbiancowboyy @angelinthefire @transdeantruther @fluffy-alpacaness @rogue-cas-whore @winchester-derangement-syndrome @lizzybennettdarcy @kineticpassion @i-love-books-and-so-do-you @dascean @llamasdumpsterfire @psychicbouquetblaze-stuff @im-some-lionheart @charlie-bradburi @bunnymcbunnister @gothanna @afeelingsosweet @sinnabonka @artsymoth @cassandrablah @sweetpeaalena @goiwantamuffin @rauko-is-a-free-elf @jessalrynn @ungcl @highwarlockofinnsbruck @deancaskiss @caddy-coo @bloodydeanwinchester @hannibalsthembo @proudpigeon @butterscotchdean @this-is-me19 @layofcastiel @claire-drinks-lovely-lemonade @harleycao @jgvfhl @thembo-cowboy @aussie-twat @slit-wrist

Please let me know if you’d like to be tagged in chapters or if you’d like to be taken off the list.

[renaisguy]

Dear Vanessa,

Hey, this is Forde of Renais. I hope my brother found a way to get this letter to you. A lot’s happened recently and I started thinking “hey, I could write to her too!” I’m currently at the officer’s academy in Fodlan, yes that’s the same place Innes is (maybe you should visit eh?), and I’m having a great time.

It’s a shame we drifted apart-

In case you were wondering, I haven’t fallen asleep on a battlefield once since I last saw you! You must be proud I’m sure. I’ve been picking up magic, healing mostly. You said you were always interested right? Well I thought I had no affinity for it until a year ago, you should definitely give it another shot. 

I’ve continued painting, I’ve actually retired from the Renais military now to pursue that. It’s a shame I can’t send them in the mail. 

I hope you’re doing well, and I hope Titania’s doing well. Feel no pressure to respond, but I’d love to hear from you.

Forde

...

Kyle

I’m touched! Extract from letter 9 months ago: “Are you so lazy that you can’t write one letter in 3 months?” Extract from letter 8 months ago: “If you are alive, reply posthaste.” Extract from letter 6 months ago: “Please say you’re alive.” You’ve gone soft. 

I am alive, and I haven’t just been ignoring your letters for the record. I was sent on a mission I volunteered for a dangerous mission, and ended up stuck somewhere where captured and we only escaped this very week. I was one of the lucky ones

I hope my letter finds you well. Seriously. Franz told me how you’ve been acting- I’m sorry that I made you worry- I wouldn’t die and leave you alone.

I missed you too. 

Reply whenever you feel like it. God knows I’ve kept you waiting.

Forde

...

Dear Franz, 

Sorry I haven’t been replying to your letters, I hope you haven’t been too worried. Even though it’s been so long, you never lost hope that I’d be here. I was in tears reading everything- Long story short, the mission lasted a lot longer than I was expecting. But it’s fine, I think. I’m safe now, I think. 

We found ourselves in a village, and we lived with them. I made a lot of friends, one of them was a plant! I went fishing a lot, though it never tasted as good as your fish does. Sir Sigurd was there, I hope you remember him from my previous letter. Mark and Lianna were the other two I got pretty close too. Lovely girls. There was Aphaea, I don’t know where she is now, but she told some great stories! There was Chiron-

5 children died. Minos and Arke succumbed to a flood, before I got to know them. At times I began to forget they’d even existed. Nephele and Brizo were siblings, their mother Euphorie took her own life after they perished. Chiron went fishing with us, just a week before he died. He had such a lovely smile on his face when he caught that fish, and then he was gone

Arke had a mother too, she was distraught when-

Bronte and Eurus also succumbed to the flood.

There were others that died, but they were brought back to life. It’s horrible, but I can’t stop thinking the children should have been revived instead. That is, if they ever existed-

It didn’t feel like a year. I’ve lost a year of my life and I think I just slept through it. Even for me that’s-

It felt like a dream-

I don't understand what happened to us, and I'm terrified-

I haven’t been able to sleep as much, I keep worrying I’ll wake up and I’ll be back there

…

Dear Franz, 

Sorry I haven’t been replying to your letters, I hope you haven’t been too worried. Long story short, the mission lasted a lot longer than I was expecting. But it’s fine, I’m safe now.

How are you? Did you ask that girl out yet? Hope I haven’t missed too much this year. I’m gonna stay at the academy a while longer, but I might try to visit sometime. Send everyone my love, give Kyle a hug from me. (Or if that’s too informal give him a handshake instead)

Love, the best brother in the world (Forde)

Ps. Do you remember Vanessa? The girl I met during the war? If you figure out where she lives, could you give her her letter?

[thethirdromana]

Just how bad were 1890s bestsellers?

Inspired by this post, I was curious to know exactly what the competition looked like for Dracula and The Beetle. Bestselling doesn't always mean good (4 of the 5 bestselling adult fiction books in the UK from 2000 to 2010 were by Dan Brown) so I was wondering... just how not good?

Here are some bestselling books, mostly taken from 'Nineteenth-Century English Best-Sellers: A Further List' by Richard D Altick.

King Solomon's Mines by H Rider Haggard Published 1885, sold 100,000 copies by 1895 and 650,000 by 1925.

It is a curious thing that at my age—fifty-five last birthday—I should find myself taking up a pen to try to write a history. I wonder what sort of a history it will be when I have finished it, if ever I come to the end of the trip! I have done a good many things in my life, which seems a long one to me, owing to my having begun work so young, perhaps. At an age when other boys are at school I was earning my living as a trader in the old Colony. I have been trading, hunting, fighting, or mining ever since. And yet it is only eight months ago that I made my pile. It is a big pile now that I have got it—I don’t yet know how big—but I do not think I would go through the last fifteen or sixteen months again for it; no, not if I knew that I should come out safe at the end, pile and all. But then I am a timid man, and dislike violence; moreover, I am almost sick of adventure. I wonder why I am going to write this book: it is not in my line. I am not a literary man, though very devoted to the Old Testament and also to the “Ingoldsby Legends.” Let me try to set down my reasons, just to see if I have any.

This is the opening. King Solomon's Mines is lively and readable, but also profoundly misogynistic and racist from start to finish.

The Mystery of a Hansom Cab by Fergus Hume Published 1887, sold 377,000 copies by 1898.

Mr. Gorby was shaving, and, as was his usual custom, conversed with his reflection. Being a detective, and of an extremely reticent disposition, he never talked outside about his business, or made a confidant of anyone. When he did want to unbosom himself, he retired to his bedroom and talked to his reflection in the mirror. This method of procedure he found to work capitally, for it relieved his sometimes overburdened mind with absolute security to himself. Did not the barber of Midas when he found out what was under the royal crown of his master, fret and chafe over his secret, until one morning he stole to the reeds by the river, and whispered, "Midas, has ass's ears?" In the like manner Mr. Gorby felt a longing at times to give speech to his innermost secrets; and having no fancy for chattering to the air, he made his mirror his confidant. So far it had never betrayed him, while for the rest it joyed him to see his own jolly red face nodding gravely at him from out the shining surface, like a mandarin. This morning the detective was unusually animated in his confidences to his mirror. At times, too, a puzzled expression would pass over his face. The hansom cab murder had been placed in his hands for solution, and he was trying to think how he should make a beginning.

I've never read this but it seems great. Might need to download the whole thing from Project Gutenberg.

The Murder of Delicia by Marie Corelli Published 1896, sold 43,000 copies in its first year and another 52,000 when a cheaper edition was released in 1899.

As a writer, she stood quite apart from the rank and file of modern fictionists. Something of the spirit of the Immortals was in her blood—the spirit that moved Shakespeare, Shelley and Byron to proclaim truths in the face of a world of lies—some sense of the responsibility and worth of Literature—and with these emotions existed also the passionate desire to rouse and exalt her readers to the perception of the things she herself knew and instinctively felt to be right and just for all time. The public responded to her voice and clamoured for her work, and, as a natural result of this, all ambitious and aspiring publishers were her very humble suppliants. Whatsoever munificent and glittering 'terms' are dreamed of by authors in their wildest conceptions of a literary El Dorado, were hers to command; and yet she was neither vain nor greedy. She was, strange to say, though an author and a 'celebrity,' still an unspoilt, womanly woman.

Hi my name is Marie Delicia and I am an unspoilt womanly woman and a lot of people tell me I write like Byron (AN: if u don’t know who he is get da hell out of here!).

Beside the Bonnie Briar Bush by Ian Maclaren Published 1894, sold 256,000 copies by 1907.

... my thoughts drift to the auld schule-house and Domsie. Some one with the love of God in his heart had built it long ago, and chose a site for the bairns in the sweet pine-woods at the foot of the cart road to Whinnie Knowe and the upland farms. It stood in a clearing with the tall Scotch firs round three sides, and on the fourth a brake of gorse and bramble bushes, through which there was an opening to the road. The clearing was the playground, and in summer the bairns annexed as much wood as they liked, playing tig among the trees, or sitting down at dinner-time on the soft, dry spines that made an elastic carpet everywhere.

Some proper twee Victorian twaddle, now with added Scottishness!

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I wish I could find out how many copies Dracula or The Beetle sold; all I can find is the same stat repeated that The Beetle sold more in the first 30 years of publication.

For the Jekyll and Hyde Weekly folks, that was a bestseller, selling 40,000 copies in the first six months.

[felixcloud6288]

Higurashi: Abducted by Demons Final Chapter

In the Garden of Eden story, when God asked Adam why he had eaten the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, Adam blamed Eve for giving it to her and Eve blamed the serpent for tempting her. Afterward, God banished them from the garden.

I think Frederica Berkastel's poem is saying the actual sin committed was refusing to acknowledge what they had done.

I think Rena has given up on trying to help Keiichi. She just walked past him without saying a word.

Keichii is shouting at Mion over keeping secrets from him, but he's only been in Hinamizawa for three weeks. Telling the newcomer about a history of mysterious serial murders is not really the best ice-breaker.

And besides, it's not like he's been honest either. He's been hiding his involvement with the police and that he's aware of the murders and Satoshi. Granted, he's kind of following Ooishi's orders to not trust them.

So the big lesson here: Never trust cops. They can only tear apart a community.

Rena has gone full psycho this chapter and she is loving every moment of it. I love the uncanny expressions she makes throughout that scene.

And then the rest of the chapter is just a rollercoaster. Keiichi is chased by a deranged Rena, only to be attacked by some random townspeople. Then he wakes up in his room, and Mion and Rena are cheerfully greeting him. Then Rena holds Keiichi in place and Mion prepares to give Keiichi his punishment for not eating the ohagi.

In earlier chapters, the artist uses the manga format to their advantage to give the best jumpscares. The page you're reading would create a certain mood or buildup, then you turn the page and BAM!! Full page spooky panel.

But in this chapter, we get two blank pages right as the tension reaches its peak. It makes for a good mindbreak. It's like that quote from a Christmas Carol: "Being prepared for almost anything, he was not prepared for nothing."

And those blank pages also help transition into what happens next. They break our focus for a moment and let the story shift to a calm moment where Keiichi wakes up, relieved it was a dream and he was was foolish to ever believe Rena and Mion would try to kill him.

Then you turn the page.

Keiichi recognizes that man as a doctor, but doesn't know that's the same doctor he visited in chapter 4. The men he's talking to seem to be the same guys who attacked Keiichi.

I don't know if it's a translation mistake or not, but Keiichi said the dam construction director was killed 5 years ago. That's incorrect. He died 4 years ago.

In the end, Keiichi dies from scratching out his throat, just like Tomitake. All the information he'd gathered to find the murderers was lost. It ends in the sort of way a horror murder might end. The protagonist dies, the villain escapes; Evil lives to kill another day.

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Spoiler Discussion

So what is real and what is not?

Mion's remarks about wanting to kill Ooishi is likely real. She mentioned he's retiring, which is something Keiichi wouldn't know.

As for the scene with Rena, I have two ideas. Either the entire scene was a hallucination OR Rena was there but Keiichi hallucinated the cleaver.

I'm willing to accept arguments for either one. With the second, the dialogue could be read as Rena understanding something is wrong with Keiichi and genuinely trying to reach out and help him.

The two guys who attacked Keiichi are probably part of Irie's research team. They saw Keiichi screaming and panicking, realized he was suffering symptoms of Hinamizawa Syndrome and intervened.

The director Mion mentioned is Irie. He leads the local baseball team and is called the director as a result.

The part of Keiichi's final note that was removed was the part mentioning the construction director was still alive and Tomitake was killed with some drug. Ooishi was suspected of removing that part but denied it. I think Ooishi really did remove it though.

Irie would know everything going on and wouldn't have left part of the letter lying around if he found it. Meanwhile Ooishi would have a reason to let part of the message still be found.

The part of Keiichi's message that was found implies some greater conspiracy in the village and would therefore leave the case open and tie Keiichi's killing Mion and Rena to the dam construction murder that Ooishi has been trying to solve. But if the second part of the message and the syringe were kept, Keiichi's notes might be assumed to be part of some paranoid ramblings instead.

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[symphonic-scream]

I know I just posted but

An idea for like. A future but for that Akechi Twins AU!

It would be set 15 years after the events of the "game", when Goro is released from custody slash the mental facility he was in on probation. He's put in the care of the only remaining family he has, his twin, his only sibling; Makoto.

The team would have all grown up and found themselves. Akira has become co-owner of Leblanc, with Sojiro planning to step down in less than 5 years. Futaba has reopened her mom's old lab, and has been working with the Kirijo Group on research for ten years

Ann recently moved back after retiring from volleyball together with Shiho. Ann is interested in teaching and coaching now, and Shiho? Physical therapy, the first clinic in Inaba. Ryuji started an online support group for abuse victims, and has been using his work in construction and connections with Realtors to help get victims into new homes, away from abusers

Yusuke has fully taken over the Gallery of Inaba after his mother passed ten years ago. He's brought back the after school programming that was run when his mom was healthy, and that funding has helped keep the Gallery open, with less stress for Ryuji.

Morgana, now living as a human, has become store manager of Junes. He loved it so much when Akira was working there part time, so when he began living, he applied. He's been esctatic since

And, the "celebrities" of the group. Haru and Makoto both went to the local college in Okina; Haru for business, Makoto for general studies. Haru planned from the beginning to open a diner, where she can rekindle her love for cooking and baking without the spotlight that drove her away. Makoto, struggles to find what they want, for a few years. It's only through helping Haru cook most days that they decide to help out in the diner. Assisting with chef duties, clearing tables, taking care of the accounting work, etc

Both wanted a slower life. Where each day comes and goes like the flow of the Samegawa, gentle and soft. They get married, after five years. Another five later? They have kids. Twins first (Nonoka and Keima), and a son (Hirohide) three later. They're fully living the slow, Inaba lifestyle

Then, Goro is released. He takes up a room in the attic of the modest Okumura home, and spends his days adjusting to the free life. He keeps up with his med regime, volunteers to help with house chores, and understands Haru's reluctance to let him work in the diner. Or to leave him alone with the children.

He works in the back of Junes, the labouring warehouse work. He secretly slips part of his pay into his sibling's wallet, his way of paying them back for housing him.

It's difficult for them all. He doesn't talk to Akira for a while, mostly because of how things had been left when he, yknow, went off the rails. He and Makoto spend mornings sitting on the balcony, trying to find a way to reconnect. Goro struggles to find his place in a town that moved on without him, that once suffered because of him

And, yeah. I'd probably say Ann and Shiho have a kid too, maybe a daughter? Probably the one I gave them in Queers. Ryuji would've gotten married, since he's the best boy, perhaps even to Akira. That would be an interesting dynamic to have unfold. They'd have two kids maybe? An older daughter, and a baby boy now??

And Futaba would totally be with Kana or Sumire. Still deciding. Maybe both?? Who knows.

But yeah. The focus on the twins and shit, and the attempts to repair their relationship