#they lost the balance of fun and dramatic and steered too far into dramatic

[ginnympotter]

Losing All My Cool

A/N: I know this is quite similar to a different one shot of mine, "Reckless, Even," but I just never tire of filling in the blanks from Half-Blood Prince of Harry and Ginny's time together. Just the two of them having fun and getting to be happy together while they still can. Title inspired by Dua Lipa's song "Cool," which I listened to on repeat as inspiration for this :) Summary: Harry and Ginny spend a morning together on the Hogwarts grounds for their first day as a couple after a momentous night of Quidditch and other victories. You can also read it on AO3! 

Hermione covered her mouth, attempting to hide her laugh as Harry took a sip of his pumpkin juice, determinedly not looking at Ron. “All I’m saying is you got back pretty late last night.”

“And? Gonna deduct some points from him, prefect?” Harry’s heart jumped into his throat at the sound of her voice so suddenly, especially considering Ron was just beginning to pry, causing him to choke on his drink. His face burning, he turned to see Ginny plopping down on the bench, facing one leg on either side of it, facing him. She smiled brightly. “Hey there. Done with breakfast?”

“Hi,“ he replied once he stopped coughing, smiling back. “I-“

Ron interjected. “I could if I wanted to, you know! From the both of you if you don’t-“

“If we don’t what?” she asked fiercely. “Hermione wouldn’t even do that.”

Ron snorted. “Of course she would.”

They all looked at her. “Keep me out of this,” she said warningly, though there was a hint of amusement in her voice, as she flipped a page of her Arithmancy book.

“Exactly,” said Ginny triumphantly to Ron. “So mind your business.”

“This is my-“

“Anyway,” she ignored her brother, turning back to Harry. “Ready?”

He stuffed the last bit of his French toast into his mouth and nodded, still avoiding Ron’s gaze.

“Ready for what?” asked Ron, looking at them suspiciously as they stood up from their seats. “Where are you going?”

Ginny groaned, rolling her eyes dramatically. “Didn’t I just tell you to mind your business? Why don’t you continue to bask in the aftermath of the Quidditch Cup win? I know I am.” And with that, she grabbed Harry’s hand and began tugging him away with her.

Hermione could not conceal her laugh again, and Harry waved at both of them, seeing Ron’s ears bright red, feeling some guilt swim in his stomach as he told them, “See you at lunch.”

As he walked with her, she gave him an encouraging squeeze of the hand. As if reading his mind, she said, “I couldn’t help it, he’s too easy. Don’t let him get to you. He’ll be fine.”

“He was just berating me for getting back late last night,” he sighed. “As if he wasn’t doing the same thing with Lavender all last term.”

“I know,” Ginny said as she led them out onto the grounds. “But he didn’t try to kill you in your sleep at least, right?”

“Not that we know of,” he corrected her. “But I was equally worried about someone else, to be honest,” he muttered, thinking of the look on Dean’s face and the broken glass in his hand at the sight of he and Ginny kissing the night before. He stopped walking now that they were out of sight from the Great Hall and turned to her to give her a real greeting. “Good morning,” he grinned.

She chuckled appreciatively. “Morning,” she responded, and reached up to give him a quick kiss on the lips, sending a little shock wave all the way down to his toes. As if pulled magnetically back to her, he leaned in for more, but she shook her head, tugging his hand again and began marching down the hallway. “Exert some patience.”

Harry coughed, trying to will his legs to move along. “I have! Months and months worth of patience,” he told her without thinking.

She looked up at him, quirking an eyebrow. “Months and months?”

His stomach dropped a bit. “Er…perhaps.”

An endearing expression spread across her features. “Noted.”

“So,” he began, eager to shift gears a bit. “We never did get around to discussing the match yesterday, you know.”

“Well, first things first; the team has called for your resignation next year, with me replacing you as both Seeker and Captain, effective immediately.”

“Is that so?”

“Well, after my spectacular catch, it was a unanimous vote,” she teased. “Although I’d much rather keep my position as Chaser…”

They discussed the match in detail throughout the rest of their walk on the grounds, which Ginny was leading. She recounted each of Ron’s impressive saves, sparing him a few compliments (“But don’t tell him I said that,”) before describing his few glaring misses. She had a few choice words about Cho’s seeking abilities, and the attitude she swears she had given her mid-air.

As she steered them toward the Quidditch pitch, and Ginny continued to paint a picture of Demelza and Katie’s goals, purposely excluding Dean from the narrative, Harry suddenly felt a bit uneasy knowing what he was about to go do with her, and that she was possibly leading him to a spot where she had done the same thing with Dean.

Ginny must have noticed that he was lost in thought, as she was giving him a quizzical look. “Are you okay, Harry?”

He shook it off and squeezed her hand, and her returned pressure helped ease his nerves a bit. It was nice, holding her hand. “Just suspicious as to where you’re taking us.”

She smiled mischievously. “Just winging it.”

Harry continued asking her questions about the match, laughing at her impressions of each team member, until they reached the stands. The sky was the clearest blue, with the sun beaming on them as they sat down together. Ginny let go of Harry’s hand to put her hair up, little drops of sweat dripping down the side of her face. Harry’s eyes moved down towards her midriff, which was exposed as her shirt lifted up a bit with her arms as she tied her hair. Ginny gave him a pointed look.

Harry cleared his throat, looking skyward. “It’s, um, a nice day out.”

She laughed as she brought her arms back down, using her hands to grab Harry by the shoulders, pulling herself closer to him, regaining eye contact. “Pathetic,” she told him. “It’s a nice day out? You know you can look at my skin and not avert your eyes when I notice, right?”

Harry suddenly felt very hot. “Sorry. I’m used to forcing myself to look away… You got me losing all my cool over here.”

“You had it pretty under control yesterday,” she said, moving one of her hands to the back of his neck, gently running her nails over his skin.

He chuckled, feeling stupid for being nervous, when he had kissed her mere moments ago, and a heavy portion of the day before. But yesterday felt too good to be true, his literal dreams coming to fruition. She moved her other hand to meet its companion behind his neck, pulling his face closer to hers as he said, “That was the exact opposite of having things under control. You think me snogging you in the common room, in front of Ron, no less, was my plan to ask you out?”

“Well, no, but I liked it,” she told him. “I mean, if you hadn’t done it, I probably would’ve. Like if you don’t lean in and snog me right now, I’ll just have to do it myself-“

Harry didn’t need to be told twice. He crushed his lips against hers, with so much force that they almost lost their balance. It was a good thing Harry had quick reflexes, as he wrapped his arms around her waist to bring them back up. She was laughing against his mouth. “Merlin, Harry.”

He laughed, too. “Told you,” he said quietly against her lips before reconnecting them, this time steady and purposeful.

And just like the day before, Harry felt as though he was in one of his dreams. However, it was far better, as he could actually feel the softness of her skin, the smoothness of her hair. He moved his hands, one to run through the top of her hair, the other to cup her face, holding her jaw as he deepened the kiss, much to her welcoming.

Ginny returned every move in favor. He knew she was being generous, allowing him to be the one to lead, but eventually, she must have grown impatient, as she tore her mouth away briefly and climbed onto his lap, straddling him, each knee upon the bench on either side of him. Harry suddenly felt both intimidated and excited; he loved how Ginny easily took command, but wanted to impress her, too.

The new seating arrangement helped tremendously in a lot of ways, but mainly it brought their faces level with one another, as their height difference had been causing each of them to crane their necks a bit much. Ginny threw Harry a wicked smile before reattaching her lips to his, this time holding his face in her hands and took control of the kiss, slowing it down, teasing, giving in for a brief moment, then teasing again. Harry groaned in a mixture of frustration and arousal from her method, but she seemed to take this as further encouragement. These were not the eager, heavy snogs of the day before, but he really couldn’t complain much.

Just as Harry was getting acclimated to this, she moved her hands to his shoulders and her lips left his and began to travel. First to his cheek, then over to his ear, where she gently blew hot air, and Harry suddenly felt a bit too aware that Ginny was straddling his lap. This awareness only heightened as she moved to his neck, using her lips and teeth and tongue to do things to him that made him feel as if his senses were going to leave him entirely. He grasped at Ginny’s sides to steady himself, and after a few moments realized that her hands were working on the buttons of his shirt, and had already successfully undone two of them.

“Ginny,” he tried to say strongly, but it came out a more like a whimper. All she did was move her mouth back to his as she continued to work on the third button.

She had opened it when he willed himself to pull away from her. “Ginny,” he tried again, grabbing her hands with one of his own.

She looked at him, eyes dilated and cheeks flushed. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing,” he told her, trying to smile but not sure if the muscles in his face were quite capable. “I just…I just realized how much more experienced you are than me at all this,” he said truthfully.

Ginny seemed momentarily taken aback by such honesty, but then grinned compassionately. “That’s okay. You’re a fast learner.”

Harry chuckled, raising one of her hands to kiss. “You’re far too kind.”

“I mean, would I like it if you showed a little less restraint? Sure, but take your time.”

He looked at her in wonderment, feeling a warmth spread throughout him as he soaked in her knowing smirk. “I’m just trying to be a gentleman. And like I said, you know what you’re doing more than I do-“

“You know what you’re doing,” she assured him sweetly. “Trust me, you do. But you don’t have to be a gentleman. We don’t have to do anything either of us doesn’t want to, of course. However, I give you full consent to touch me wherever, take off whatever-“

Harry choked. “Ginny, we’re out in the open! I’m not going to…to...disrobe you when anyone can walk by!” he whispered.

Ginny laughed heartily. “Oh, so that’s why you got all tense when I started to open your shirt. You’ve got nothing to worry about, unless there’s a practice scheduled, no one comes out to the pitch before lunch.”

“How do you know that?” Harry asked, trying to sound casual but obviously failing to hide his suspicions by Ginny’s roll of her eyes.

“Because I used to come at this time every Sunday to practice flying before I tried out for the team last year,” she explained, scoffing at the relief on Harry’s face. “I wasn’t going to take it off necessarily. Just thought I’d get a nice peek, if that’s okay.”

He nodded a bit too fast, making him dizzier than he already was. “It’s definitely okay-“

“And you can do the same, you know,” she told him as she released her hands from Harry’s grasp to continue her work on his buttons.        

“Much appreciated,” he laughed, closing his eyes as she kissed him lazily. Once she undid the last button, Harry felt jolted as her small, soft hands began to move gently over his bare chest, sending chills up his spine. She stopped kissing him, and he opened his eyes to see her surveying him. After a few moments, she looked back up at him. “Not bad, Captain,” she said, smothering Harry’s chuckle with her mouth.

Harry eventually allowed himself to follow Ginny’s lead of leaving inhibitions behind; he was finally living out months’ worth of fantasies, and why should he deprive himself of such a glorious reality? He let his hands wander down her back, settling gently at first, then, with Ginny’s groans of approval and encouragement, more firmly under her bum. He tried a bit of the neck kissing himself, and felt rather proud of himself by Ginny’s breathy reaction.

Some time passed, and they finally began to slow down a bit. Neither Harry nor Ginny wanted to pull away, anytime one of them attempted, the other pulling them back in for a bit more convincing. It was not until they both released the other, breathing heavily, foreheads against each other that they resigned to a break of some sort. Both giggly and sweaty from the sun beating down on them, Ginny reluctantly removed herself from Harry, sitting beside him instead. But Harry did not want to lose contact just yet, so he swiveled her to face him, and grabbed her legs so that they were draped over his lap. Rubbing her thigh with one hand, Harry used the other to hook a finger under her chin and kiss her shortly one more time.

“Hmm,” she sighed as they parted. “Hello.”

Harry smiled widely. “Hi.”

Ginny lied flat across the bench, soaking in the sun. “That was fun,” she told him. “Let’s do it again sometime.”

Harry snorted at her, leaning back a bit and resting his head on the edge of the bench above them. He exhaled deeply, feeling a wave from his heart to the tips of his fingers and toes. It was strange, feeling this content and relaxed. It almost felt as if he were a different person, living a regular life. He continued to run his hand gently along her thigh, bringing the other one behind his head for some cushioning and closed his eyes, enjoying the light breeze.

After a few peaceful minutes, he felt Ginny lift herself up. “Harry,” she said softly.

“Yeah?” he answered, still trying to cool himself down, thinking of innocuous objects.

“Wanna go for a fly around the pitch?” He opened his eyes to see her taking her wand out of her belt loop. “I can summon our brooms.”

“They’re in Gryffindor tower, Gin-“

“Or you can do it yourself if you’d like, like you did in the Triwizard Tournament. Might not impress me as much this time, though…”

Harry rolled his eyes. “You really are up to flying right now? Don’t you need a bit of a break?”

“Too much excitement for you, ay?” she suggested, giving him a quick beneath-the-belt glance, where said excitement was still protruding a bit. “I forgot that men have a longer refractory period than women do.”

Harry sat up, choking at her words. “We didn’t even do anything-“

“I’ll just do it myself,” she took her legs off of Harry’s and stood up, twirled her wand through her fingers. “No pun intended,” she winked. She then pointed in the general direction of the tower and declared, “Accio Firebolt and Cleansweep!”

“You,” started Harry, as he got to his feet and put his hands on her hips, “think you’re a real laugh, don’t you?”

“And I am,” she smiled, leaning in and placing a light peck on his lips. She then began to help Harry re-button his shirt. “You can always hang out for a bit and watch me fly till you feel ready, although, that may just excite you more-“

“You raise a valid point,” he admitted as he finished the last two buttons himself. “Let’s fly. We can have a race.”

“A challenge?” she pondered. They could hear their brooms zooming towards them. They turned, and Harry saw his Firebolt growing nearer and nearer. He reached out his hand, ready to grasp it.

But Ginny was too fast for him, catching his broom in one hand, hers in the other. She examined each of them for a moment, and then thrust her Cleansweep against Harry’s chest. He caught it, looking at her curiously.

“You’d outfly anyone with this broom,” she stated, holding Harry’s Firebolt in both hands now. “Give me a try on it, and then we’ll see if it’s the broom or the player. Deal?”

Harry laughed as Ginny didn’t even wait for his agreement, mounting the Firebolt and rising into the air. “You’re on.”

They both beat each other on the Firebolt, but Ginny came in a much closer second on the Cleansweep than Harry had. Once back on their own brooms, they played multiple rounds of one on one, and although Harry put up a good fight, Ginny wiped the floor with him; and she was right, it did excite him in one too many ways.

About an hour and a half later, they called it for the day. Harry had an idea to make a pit stop by the lake and put their feet in to cool off. They sat down and took their shoes and socks off, dipping their toes in. “Shit, that’s cold,” Harry exclaimed.

Ginny scoffed at him, leaning back on her hands as she kicked her feet in the water towards Harry, splashing him a bit. “Don’t be such a baby. Didn’t you swim in this thing for like, what, an hour and a half for the second task?”

“Yeah, but I had gills, so the water felt warm,” he explained, submerging his feet in more.

“I was so worried about you,” she confessed unabashedly. “You were in there for so long.”

Harry put a hand on hers and squeezed. “Made it out alive, didn’t I?”

“Don’t you always?” she quipped back. “I was so jealous of Ron,” she laughed, and at Harry’s raised eyebrow she went on, “because he was the thing you’d miss the most.”

“Yeah, well…”

“It was sweet, though. Sweeter than Krum’s being Hermione, anyway.”

“I mean, what else were they going to use…his fur coat?” he mused.

Ginny giggled, shaking her head. “If it were Ron, who’d you reckon they’d take: you or Hermione?”

“Not sure,” Harry shrugged, mulling it over. “A couple of months ago I would have said me, but you know, they’ve been getting on a little too well these days. It’s suspicious.”

“I don’t know what they’re waiting for,” Ginny told him. “Honestly, they’re obsessed with each other. I can’t believe that you and I got together before they did.”

“Me too-“ and then it dawned on him. He rounded on Ginny. “Wait a second. You’re kind of to blame for that one!”

Ginny look appalled. “Excuse me?”

“They were going to, last term! Hermione asked Ron to go with her to Slughorn’s Christmas party, and they were going to-“

“They were?” she asked in amazement. “I didn’t know that!”

“Yes, until…well, until you told him that she had snogged Krum.”

Ginny was bewildered. “I’m sorry, I don’t get the connection.”

“It just drove Ron mad,” he explained. “It was like a delayed betrayal-“

“But how did he not know that already?” Ginny questioned, outraged. “Wasn’t it obvious?”

“Well, I thought so,” muttered Harry. “But Ron’s a prat.”

“You said it, not me.”

Harry laughed, running a hand through his hair. “Anyway, then he was cross with her over nothing, and Lavender was not being subtle anymore, and just everything accumulated into him snogging her to get back at Hermione or something, but also…”

“To prove me wrong?” she finished for him. “His picture of Auntie Muriel too soggy at that point?”

Harry snorted. “I guess.”

“It’s not my fault he couldn’t handle the truth,” shrugged Ginny. “In any event, I think I did them both a favor.”

“How do you work that one out?”

“Well, now Hermione won’t have to teach him how to snog, hopefully, if either of them ever grows the bullocks to make a move. She teaches him enough as it is.”

“Alright, so maybe you did do them a favor,” Harry said. “But what about me? I was the one who had to deal with the repercussions!”

Ginny grabbed him by the chin and brought his face close to hers. “I’m sure I can make it up to you.”

He smiled as she dragged his lips to hers, and just as he opened his mouth to deepen the kiss, Ginny tore herself away and kicked the water toward him, splashing Harry in the face.

Ginny laughed as he choked on the water. She hit him on the back compassionately. “You good?”

Once Harry was able to breathe again, he turned on her. “You’re going to pay for-“

But she was ready. She pushed him into the lake. He could hear her laughing from under the water, but he did not dare emerge. He stayed under, close to the edge, until he heard a tiniest note of concern in her voice as she called out, “Harry?”

That’s when he popped up, grabbed her by her calves, and threw her in too.

The look in her eye was deadly when she stood up, letting her hair loose. “Oops?” he said, horribly feigning innocence.

But Harry couldn’t help but notice the way her wet shirt clung to her…and Ginny smartly took this as her opportunity to attack. She jumped on top of him, initiating a wrestling match, which eventually turned into a different and more enjoyable kind of wrestling match, until Ginny had the innovative idea to ride their brooms over the lake while skimming the water, engaging in a water-tag match.

It wasn’t until the Giant Squid unsuspectingly stretched out, accidentally whacking them with one of its tentacles, that their rumbling stomachs called attention to the time and they decided to call it.

It was still rather hot out, so as the sun warmed them up on their walk back up to the castle, they barely noticed how much water was dripping from them as they reentered the Great Hall, Harry’s arm around Ginny’s shoulders, hers around his waist, their free hands holding their brooms.

“Why,” Ron started as soon as they reached the table, where Ron and Hermione were filling up their plates for lunch, “the hell are you two sopping wet?”

Harry removed his arm from Ginny, took out his wand and muttered drying spell towards Ginny, then on himself. “Had an incident with the Giant Squid. No biggie,” answered Ginny as she sat down. “I’m starved. Pass the roast beef, Ron?”

Steaming, Ron passed her the platter. Harry sat down next to her and reluctantly looked at him. He could see Hermione from the corner of his eye shaking her head while looking at Ron, clearly exhausted by his behavior in the hours they’d been separated from them. “Just…just clarify something for me. Are you two dating? Or just…you know…”

The sentence hung in the air until Ginny chimed in. “Snogging in bodies of water? Can’t the two simultaneously be true?”

Feeling mortified, Harry reached for the water jug to fill up his cup as Ron questioned, “So you are dating, then?”

Harry mustered up the courage to look him in the eye and answered. “Yes. I, er, asked her to be my girlfriend last night.”

“And I said I’d think about it,” Ginny joked as she put a hand on his thigh beneath the table, squeezing it reassuringly.

“Well, I think it’s wonderful,” Hermione interjected, smiling widely. “And so does Ron, even if he won’t admit it.”

There was a long pause, an elongated sigh, and then, “Well, I suppose,” Ron conceded. “You’re better than Dean or that git Michael Corner, anyway.”

“Appreciated, mate,” Harry laughed, the monster in his chest purring with satisfaction as he filled up his plate, Ginny beside him.

[melodyofgraves]

Road Trip (Chambers  x Konevi modern AU) - part one

A/N: I know it took me a long time to finish this (for a few reasons) but it’s here. This was really fun to write but I don’t know if it will be as fun to read. So please let me know if I should post future parts of this mess when I’m done with them.

The whole idea is just a bunch of little stories with an introduction (this part) and an end. And a lot of tropes and cliches. Hope you'll still enjoy!

Words: 1776

Tagging: @hellospunkiebrewster @queerchoicesblog @brightpinkpeppercorn @pixieferry @akrenich @itsbrindleybinch @thehonorarybeaumont @robbiessutcliffe @the-writerly-night-owl @inkandfables @choicesbyvera

“Please tell me you have ice cream.” weren’t exactly the words Annabelle was expecting to hear when she opened her door on a Friday night.

So after almost thirty minutes of watching her friend trying to pretend he “just wanted to hang out” while emptying her freezer of anything that contained enough sugar, she began to lose patience.

“What’s going on, Bart?” she asked, loudly enough to get his attention over the tv.

“I already told you…”

“Bullshit.” she cut him off before taking a deep breath and smiling gently. “You know I don’t have anything against you hanging out at my place. But I know that’s not the reason you’re here. So talk.”

He bit his lip and looked into the ice cream bucket in his hand as if it was the perfect place to find his answer. Then he just sighed, muting the show they were just watching.

“I saw Yusuf today.”

“Oh.” Parsons tilted her head. “How is he?”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know? You didn’t talk?”

“No.” Chambers pointed towards rack in the hallway he could barely see from his spot. “I also kinda stole his jacket.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The green one. Well, technically I didn’t steal it. He gave it to me so I could chase my bus and yelled that I can give it back later.”

“So what’s the problem?”

“I think he changed his number last year and probably forgot I don’t have a new one. So if I don’t find him myself, this stolen jacket is staying with me.”

“It’s not stolen.”

“Yeah. And it’s a nice jacket.”

“It is. So why do you have it again?” Annabelle would be lying if she said she wasn’t a little confused.

“Long story. In short, it was pouring rain earlier today and I was hiding under this tunnel with a bunch of people when I saw my bus. And I had two options – I wait however long it takes for the weather to calm down or I run for it to the nearest bus stop. Which would be far enough if there wasn’t a flood coming from the sky.”

“Why do I feel like you're being a little dramatic?"

“Hey, I didn’t have an umbrella. Or even a coat. Only this t-shirt.”

“Coward.”

“Shush. So I’m trying to make the decision when I feel someone tap me on the shoulder.”

“And by someone you mean Yusuf?”

“Yes, I mean Yusuf. I’m trying to add a little suspense to the story but since you don’t appreciate it then I give up.” he glared at his friend getting a chuckle in return. “He gave me his jacket and told me to run because he can wait. And then I caught the bus and came here. The end.”

“What do you mean the end? Why didn’t you stay there and talk to him? Ask when did he come back?”

“Yeah, I thought about it myself. Already sitting in the bus.” he sighed. ”Everything was happening so fast.”

“Kinda sounds like a plot of a bad fanfiction.” she joked, earning another glare.

“Glad you find my life funny.”

“Wait. I mean, you know he’s in town. So finding him shouldn't be that much of a problem.”

“I don’t know if he’s back for good. And we’re leaving tomorrow so he might be gone before we go back.”

“And if he isn’t, I’ll help you find him. Come on, you can’t be moping around at Lucy’s wedding.”

“I have a whole week before the actual ceremony.” he smiled slightly, feeling a little better. The groom was grumpy enough for the whole group so maybe he should focus on balancing it out. “Luke’s driving, right?”

Annabelle furrowed her brows at him.

“Wait, you mean they didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Briar asked if we could add Edmund to our car and he was supposed to call you and ask if you two could switch…”

“Oh.”

“Shit. We can kick him out tomorrow, Briar can live without…”

“No, no, it’s fine. I don’t mind,” he assured. No need to make a fuss about something so petty. “So who’s in the other car?”

-

Sitting in the backseat and being squeezed in between Theresa and Felicity wasn’t his best Saturday morning but it certainly wasn’t the worst one either. After all, he could’ve ended up like Arthur, gripping the steering wheel while trying to answer to Mr Westonly’s attempted conversations as politely and loudly as possible.

“Why are we even going all the way to Grovershire for this? Like the couldn't have chosen anything closer to home.” the blonde muttered, tapping her nails against her purse.

“But Lucy always wanted to get married in the same church as her parents did,” the grin appeared on Theresa's face as she was almost jumping in her seat. “It’s just so romantic when you think about it.”

“And cliche. I’m surprised Ernest even agreed to that nonsense.” a hint of a smile tugged on the corners of Holloway's lips, indicating she was starting an argument more out of boredom than anything else.

“I’m sure he thought it was a great idea…”

The ladies continued their banter so Bart just sighed and focused on the road. They left early enough to avoid too much traffic and he was thankful for that. Everything seemed so calm outside. On the inside, however…

“Young man, would you stop at the gas station? I need to stretch out these old legs.” Mr Westonly asked suddenly. Bart was initially pretty surprised that the old man was going with them but he was one of the very few family members Ernest had left so he decided to not even question it. Whatever made his friend happy.

“I was hoping we could go a little more without stopping so we could…” Arthur began to explain but was cut off by Felicity.

“Oh, come on, they can wait. I will not spend another hour in this car.”

"But..."

"Now."

So they stopped. A ten-minute break on the gas station before hitting the road again. That’s what they agreed on.

So imagine Bartholomew’s surprise when after returning from the bathroom, the car was gone. Nowhere in sight. Its previous spot completely empty.

They left him.

But that’s okay. He can just call them and ask what the hell happened, right?

He grabbed his phone from his pocket so quickly it almost dropped. Good thing he at least kept it in his jacket because his backpack and all of his other things were still in Wood’s car. But that’s okay, he was just going to call them and…

… and his phone was dead. Fantastic.

He kicked a nearby pebble in frustration. How the hell did they not notice he was gone? And should he just stand there in the hope they’d come back or find another transport?

He decided to wait for a few moments. It’s not like he had anything better to do.

-

Chambers sat on the sidewalk, watching the passing cars and getting more annoyed with each second. That was getting ridiculous. He always wanted to believe in people’s best intentions but how do you just forget about a person like that?

The gas station was pretty much in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the woods. Aside from the store and small parking with barely any cars, there wasn’t really much for him to do or go to.

Going for a walk, while tempting, was out of the question. Even if his friends didn’t come back for him, he would probably get lost in the unknown forest and that was the last thing he wanted that day.

He finally stood up. Moping around won’t get him anywhere. Asking around for directions to the nearest form of transportation was probably a better option.

Turning around towards the store, he suddenly heard his name.

“Bart?” a black car stopped right next to him and a familiar face peeked through the window. “What are you doing here?”

“Hi!” he waved, trying to look as casual as possible. Almost three years without him and now they’re running into each other every day. “I’m just looking around. How about you?”

“Just getting gas.” Yusuf smiled at him and his heart fluttered just like years ago when they first met. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah. Not really.”

“Do you want to talk about this?”

“No, it’s fine. You’re driving somewhere and I don’t want to stop you.”

“I’ve got time. Just give me a minute to park.”

-

“How the hell could they forget about you?”

“I have no idea.” Chambers mumbled, sitting next to him on the sidewalk and munching on one of the ice cream sandwiches they've just bought. “And right now I’m left with nothing because all of my things are in the car."

“You don’t have anything?”

“I have some cash in my pocket but it’s not much. And my phone but it’s useless because the charger is in my backpack. Next to your jacket, actually.” he sighed. “Thank you for that, by the way. And sorry I can’t give it back to you yet.”

"Don't mention it. It's not your fault that you were abandoned." Yusuf nudged him lightly. "Why did you even brought it with you?"

Because it's yours and I wasn't going to just leave it at home for so long.

"I was thinking maybe you were going to the wedding too."

"Oh, I just found out about it from you." Konevi laughed and Bart could feel his cheeks get a little bit warmer. "I haven't really had a chance to talk to anyone yet so they probably don't even know I'm back."

"I'm sure they'd be happy to see you."

"I wouldn't want to show up uninvited." he stood up, dusting off his jeans and throwing the wrapper into the bin. "I could make sure you get there though."

“Really?”

“Of course. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I just left you here alone. And I'm going in the same direction anyway.” he grinned and extended his hand, helping Chambers stand up as well. "If you don't mind spending so much time with me, that is."

"That sounds... perfect."

Yusuf grinned again and got into the car, quickly joined by the other man.

"Are you sure you don't mind? The ride to the Grovershire is pretty long." Chambers asked, just to be sure, though he couldn't stop the hopeful smile from appearing on his face.

"I have time and good company. Everything I need." he chuckled, starting the car. “Besides, I really want that jacket back.”

[theragingthespian]

someday, someday

She feels wrong

(She feels right.

There’s a part of her that, oh, it sighs at the feeling. A part that says there it is. It’s a thin wisp of a thing, wiggling away before she’s caught onto the thought, and she’s left wondering what was it. what was it?)

Kryptonian.

(The last time she had felt that way was when she was on Krypton.

The last time she felt that way was when her mother’s arm was wrapped around her shoulders and keeping her firmly tucked under her arm. Her father’s hand a pressure at her back, urging her forward and we must hurry.

Dry air clogged her throat, lungs working for a breath of fresh air, and the rumbling grew louder, louder, louder under her feet as her world tore itself apart.

Nothing human about it.)

Alex voice is the same as it was then, the quietest of I’m sorry. Her fingers pluck at the wires settled on her wrist until Alex’s hand pulls them away. Her hands come together, pressing tight, but then, oh there’s Alex again, slipping a warm hand against her own.

“Just take it easy for a few days, and they’ll come back, Kara.”

Her smile feels wrong. Pulling and tight around the edges. The cool air of the DEO coaxes over her skin, and everything is too loud. Not loud enough. It’s there but it’s not. Not a constant drum against her ears, not a tap of a heartbeat under her finger. “I know.”

“Kara.” A finger guides her chin up, Alex smiling softly- she’s always so soft and caring and giving, for her- at her. “It’ll be okay.”

Kara nods. Swallows down the uncertainty even if Alex squeezes her hand, a look in her eyes that says she knows it’s still there. Alex hums as she gathers their things, settling her jacket over Kara’s shoulders without so much as a pause.

It’s warm and heavier than the jackets she’s used to. Lays against her frame and keeps her steady and here, grounded. Kara grins, pressing the worn sleeve against her cheek as she inhales.

“And who’s perfume is this?” It’s Maggie’s. Kara knows it immediately, and the thought of Alex sharing her jacket with Maggie causes happiness to flood into her chest, a warmth chasing away the numbness that always accompanies the loss of her powers.

Alex flushes, quick and bright. “Shut up.”

“Is it your girlfriend’s?” Alex, oh, she gets redder. Swiping helplessly at her before covering up her face with her other hand. Kara grins harder. No matter how long Maggie and Alex have been dating, Alex reacts with blushing and dopey smiles and giddiness.“Ooh.”

“How old are you?”

“That’s up for debate.” Alex huffs and rolls her eyes. She crosses her arms for that extra touch, and Kara thinks either she’s gotten far too dramatic or spends too much time with J'onn, because she’s got that disapproving frown down pat.

Alex presses earbuds into her hand, slipping her phone into her jacket pocket. “Thank you,” Kara murmurs as soon as the music is a soft hum in her ears, hand patting the rhythm on her leg.

(It keeps her grounded. Ways to help remind her she’s still here.

She’s not in a pod even though she swears she can feel the biting cold eating at her fingertips as she slammed her hands against the windows. Or was that the numbness that gathered at the edge of her limbs and crawled slowly upwards as she drifted in space with Fort Rozz looking on in the distance?

She’s not. She’s on Earth. With her sister and friends and family. Maybe a little lost, a little off balance but-

She’s still her.)

“Alright, let’s get you home.”

Alex keeps the windows rolled down the entire way. Her hand is relaxed and open and the console between them, barely stirring when Kara grabs it and clasps it between both her own.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” Kara shakes her head at that, almost sighing out of pure fondness. Alex’s knuckles are white against the steering wheel, and Kara’s sure if she could hear properly, she’d be annoyed by the nervous ticking of Alex’s heart. 

(Alex is always more anxious than her when she loses her powers.

Always hovering just behind her and offering- begging for anyway to help, because that’s what Alex does. She acts. Wants to make it better and fix things in the fastest way possible. 

Simply having to wait until she recharges is a trying act of patience for the both of them.)

“I’m just going to lie around.” Kara shoves at her sister’s shoulders, smiles at Alex’s exaggerated fall to the side. “Go have fun. You made these reservations like a month ago.”

Alex blows a piece of hair out of her face as she groans. “Honestly, after the day we’ve had? A night in sounds just as good right now.”

“You’re such a liar.”

“Says you.” 

“I’m coming by later to check on you.” It’s followed by a tug at her arm to tilt her head down, Alex pressing a quick kiss against her head before allowing her to slip out of the car. “Do you need anything? Food, movies-”

“Bye Alex.” Oh, there’s that frown, so Kara adds, “I love you. See you later?”

“Fine, fine. I’m going. Love you too.” 

Kara does the very mature action of making kissing faces at Alex when Maggie’s name flashes on her phone, whistling until the window rolls up and leaving her to stare at too dark windows. 

She regrets living on the fourth floor. Regrets thinking the view was worth the amount of stairs as she attempts to dart up the first floor only to find her muscles aching and protesting. 

Her couch is a welcomed sight by the time she reaches it. She drops onto it, fishing out the earbuds and crossing her arms behind her head. She takes a deep breath, holds it until the pressure builds to the side of uncomfortable before letting it loose.

Her palms itch.

Time always drags to a halt without her powers, one step longer than the last. She can never find enough to fill that extra time, that extra weight between the next breath and the last. She cleans out all her cabinets, scrubs at the marks she’s always has been too afraid to put extra pressure on. Sorts her clothes.

She paints.

(She strays away from reds and blues tonight.

Stays away from wanting to pull on the suit, from climbing out onto the fire escape to try and here those calling for help.

Tonight, the city looks after itself, without Supergirl. Tonight, it’s just Kara.)

The buzz has left her skin, thickening the air instead as rain drops are casted sideways in the wind to pelt against her windows. It’s nice and soothing, a constant presence of noise.

It’s nowhere close to the usual sounds of the city becoming sleepy as cars become fewer and fewer on the street below, but it’ll do.

It takes her longer than she’d like to admit to notice the knocks at her door. She’s so used to hearing a familiar heartbeat rising up the stairs, that hush of footsteps as someone comes down her hall.

Now though, she’s squinting at the door before she realizes it won’t do much without her usual vision and peers through the hole to see Lena frowning faintly at the door.

Kara opens it, hand resting heavily on the door as Lena’s shoulders sag at the sight of her. “Lena?”

“I’m sorry. We were supposed to go out, but then-” Lena clutches her phone to her chest, fingers tapping at the edges of it. “I saw the fight.” She nods to her. “Are you alright?”

“Fine.” Lena’s lips tug downwards, and Kara mirrors it. “No, I’m- I lost my powers.” Kara pulls down her sleeves, pauses when she realizes she still has Alex’s jacket. “It’s,” Kara searches for a word, settles on, “weird.”

Lena smiles, but it’s the small one- Kara’s not used to those around her, always gets those big, teethy smiles that Lena almost seems to save just for her- this one is sympathetic and worried as Lena tilts her head curiously. “That would explain why you’re not taking this,” she holds up the bags in her hand, “from me yet.”

“Oh.” Kara breathes in, but nope, can’t tell what it is. “It’s?”

“Food.” Lena shakes it a little. “Pasta.” The bag is slipped around her wrist, Lena’s fingers trailing softly over the back of her hand before drawing away. “I thought you’d need something. Just,” Lena steps back, “call me if you need anything?”

Lena doesn’t even ask. Knows she’s feeling off and brings her food without having to ask. Kara’s nails bite into her palm as she blinks up at the ceiling. She catches Lena’s hand. “Do you want to stay?”

Lena stares at their hands, dragging her eyes up in a way that makes Kara shiver even with a jacket on. “Of course.”

Kara holds up the bag, judging its weight. “I guess I could spare some noodles too.”

“You’re so kind.” Kara looks over her shoulder to see an affectionate eye roll, Lena’s thumb slowly working circles, because, oh, she still hasn’t let go of Lena’s hand. 

“I do my best.”

There’s a tug on her hand, Kara’s eyes widening slightly at the strength of the it- or is it because she’s weaker now?- and is pulled into Lena’s arms. “I know.” Lena settles her chin on her shoulder, arms wrapping around her back as she pulls her closer. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

Lena’s grip is sure, like she can’t hold on to her tight enough. “I should’ve called you,” Kara breathes, the realization hurting her heart that Lena was probably waiting close by the phone. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s not- you had other things to worry about. Alex texted me anyway.” Lena exhales, shaky and her fingers shake against her back. “You’re safe. That’s all that matters.”

“It’s not. I’ll make sure next time to tell you, but,” Kara shrugs, pressing her nose against Lena’s neck and breathing deeply. “I’m fine.” Lena shifts, making a noise of protest. Lena’s fingers slip up and down her back, sliding over the dips of her spine. Kara’s eyes close, shoulders drawing up as she leans forward. “I’m tired,” she corrects.

“Okay.” Lena pulls back just enough to rest their heads together. “Okay.” Her eyes dart between hers, bluer now in the warm, low lights of her apartment. “What do you need?”

“You.” Lena starts, and Kara almost rewords it, but thinks, no. Lena doesn’t know her value, never assumes someone would want anything besides what Lena has or can get. Never just her. Lena should know her worth, and it’s true. It’s true. “Can I just- I’m used to.”

Kara runs a hand through her hair. “Your heartbeat.” It’s by an accident. To tune automatically to whoever is in the room. She loves Lena’s though. Steady and full, resilient in the same way Lena is. Easy to hear when they’re sharing lunch in one of their offices or while Lena’s asleep, breaths slow and warm against her neck. Without it’s constant thrum, she’s on edge. Not quite empty, but she keeps searching for it before she realizes she can’t. 

Lena takes it in stride, guiding them to the couch before she falters. Kara smiles, shuffling closer beside Lena and wiggling her fingers into her side. Lena jolts, slapping her hand away, but oh, the startled laugh breaks the quiet lull that’s settled in the room. “Are you up for a nap?”

Lena twists her fingers into her shirt to draw her closer. “It’s nine at night.”

“Sleep then.” 

“I suppose.”

Kara snorts as they both try to fit on the couch, winces when Lena’s elbow jabs into her stomach. “You suppose?”

“I wasn’t aware superheroes go to bed before ten.”

“It’s a glamorous life, Lena.” Kara huffs, pressing Lena down so she can lay against her side. She sighs at the quiet pounding under her ear when she rests her head against Lena’s chest, their hands clasping together.

“I can tell.” Lena yawns, and Kara can’t resist shooting her a satisfied look. “I’m not tired.” Her other arm rests over her shoulders, urging them closer together. “You’re just warm and-” Kara laughs and this time, there’s Lena’s fingers burying into her side. “Hush.”

The silence is back, but this time, Lena’s hand is warm in hers, heartbeat loud under her ear. This time she doesn’t worry she’ll wake up in a small, small pod with only darkness surrounding her. This time she falls asleep to Lena’s soft humming as it reverberates through her chest, a nice rumble against her cheek.

There’s a barely there click, the change in air as the door is shut, and for a moment, she tenses. Footsteps start, the crisp sound of a heel hitting that Kara’s heard since she was younger. Alex. Her sister peers over the couch, their eyes meeting in the darkness.

Kara is instantly aware of her cheek hot against Lena’s skin, their hands still joinned but loosely. Alex smirks, but it’s gone just as quickly as Alex settles a blanket over them, pressing a finger to her lips before pointing to her bed.

Kara relaxes back against Lena, dreading the teasing she’ll get in the morning.

It doesn’t come.

Instead, she wakes to Lena’s fingers trailing softly through her hair. She stretches, draping her legs over the couch’s arm and sinks further into Lena’s arms.

“Morning.”

Kara looks up to oh, the light hitting Lena’s eyes just right to make them vivid green. She makes a show of grumbling. “You never sleep late enough.”

Lena’s eyes are soft, smile softer when Kara traces her thumb over it. “It’s nice waking up to this,” she says as if it’s explanation enough. Lena’s almost falling off the couch, so Kara shifts back, pulling Lena over her. With Lena warm and pressed against her, Kara thinks that explanation does say enough.

Her breath fans over her lips as Lena’s hands come up to her face, dipping down to brush a light kiss against her lips. Kara slides a hand through her hair to pull her back down, eyes slipping shut and-

“Ew.”

Lena jumps, teeth bumping against hers, and Alex snorts. “Hello,” Alex greets far too happily before her coffee.

Lena sighs, her fingers drumming against her collarbone. “Good morning, Alex.”

Alex waves, and if Kara were braver, she’d listen for the perfect time to interrupt Alex and Maggie, but- Ew, no. “How are you feeling?”

Alex frowns- it’s instant, anytime she worries, and oh, Lena’s doing it too.

Kara wiggles her fingers, toes, stretches again. “Still powerless.” Kara quirks her lips up. “I’m good though. Hungry.”

“Maggie’s bringing donuts.”

Lena perks up. “And coffee?”

Alex smiles again, but this time, it’s not teasing, it’s soft and caring and Kara wishes she was strong enough to scoop Alex right off her feet into a hug. “I gave her your order.”

“Thank you.” Lena’s never sounded so relieved.

After Maggie comes bearing the necessities- Lena’s too bland order in her opinion, and her too sweet one in Lena’s opinion- they all crowd on the couch. Lena’s head drops to her shoulder almost immediately, and Kara’s sure she’ll never get through a movie day awake.

Alex goes next, her and Maggie sharing a look, the affection swelling in her chest and leaving her dizzy with love for this. For them safe and close, their laughs hushed in her ears and smiles brighter and warmer than the sun.

For her family.

[fluttersofsuburbia-blog]

Then Came You

Then Came You (Hutchings, 2019) crosses genres and brings together the traits of adventure, coming of age and drama. The story focuses around the lives of Calvin and Skye. Calvin is a hypochondriac, who is comfortable with allowing life to pass him by. Under the guidance of his doctor he attends a cancer support group to gain perspective from those who are indeed ill. That’s where he comes across Skye, a 17 year old misfit who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Upon their initial encounter the two become fast friends and Skye manages to rope Calvin in completing her bucket list. Due to the depth of the script the film could easily be directed multiple ways. It’s easy to see why Director Hutchings chose to cross genres to highlight the scripts strengths. The moment by moment circumstances drives the film’s action, the tone and color gives the film a coming of age vibe and the illness and death of Skye provides the elements needed for a drama. 

Skye successfully ropes in Calvin to aid her in completing her bucket list, with each task being easily achievable in the time she has remaining. Some of Skye’s bucket list served as events for a quick montage such as: learning a trade, (shaving Calvin at a barbershop), vanquishing a foe, (fencing Calvin on top of a pier), or riding in a fire truck. These moments are not only visually attractive, fun and light hearted, but they drive the narrative. There are some moments within the bucket list that Director Hutchings uses as more crucial moments for the story, such as attending a party or “helping a sob story,” (Calvin.) Due to this play of time within the editing room one would almost forget that Skye is terminally ill. Director Hutchings holds onto realism and does not provide the audience with false hope. He does this by showing moments onscreen where Skye is ill or vomiting within a toilet. With the progression of the film we see Skye become more and more depleted, yet the tone of the film does not change. Even when Skye passes away, her presence and tone is still felt within the film.  

In the film’s most negative viewing it portrays the lost opportunities of a youth and what Skye could have been. Director Hutchings steers the film away from becoming a tragedy by maintaining a bright and upbeat atmosphere and tone. He reflects this with the color palette and look he elected for the film. The film never strays far from the spectra of bright colors, and even if it does, the farthest it will venture is a neutral palette. An example of one of the few instances of a neutral color palette is at the beginning of the film where the audience learns that Skye’s character is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The color palette is a neutral hue of blue, thus setting up for what would be a somber attitude. However with Skye’s dialogue to the Doctor, “you win some you lose some,” it again reinforces the more positive and uplifting assets of the film. Whenever Skye is involved in the scene of the film, the palette and tone is always that of warmth, vibrancy and positivity. Her attitude infects the rest of the film and her color palette spills over to the scenes that she is not involved in. Highlighting again Skye’s presence and it’s visible impact on the ones she spent her time with.

The film’s main source of drama revolves around the ticking clock which is Skye’s life and the time she has left due to cancer. The audience is introduced to a very physically capable Skye and her slow descent becomes painful. Like a car wreck one already knows what will happen but the build up and after math causes our attention to be held. Director Hutching weaves dramatic elements into the plot which enhances the already poignant moments of the film. It’s only with the dramatic element are the two other genres of the film allowed to come into full maturity. The film would never be considered a coming of age piece unless Calvin grew from the time he spent with Skye and was forced to confront a more adult situation such as life and death. The film would fall short of an action genre piece if there was no impetus for action, the main impetus being the time that Skye has left in her life. 

The film poetically addresses Skye’s death, and even though the audience can not see her physical presence, her composition remains on the screen. Through visual elements such as the color palette, to the character changes that Skye evoked out of Calvin who is now much more secure to live his own life. The audience really feels for Skye but Director Hutchings does well to balance out sympathy between her and Calvin as well. Throughout the course of the film the audience learns that Calvin lost a twin sister when he was eight years old. Due to this he no longer has birthday parties because it was too painful for his mother. As a final act before her departure, Skye’s writes birthday cards for him from age nine until his current age. The film ends with Calvin returning from Skye’s grave to receive his birthday cards in the male. He opens the cards delicately and reflects off into a distance. A beautiful montage highlights their adventures, the film then transitions and we see Calvin smile off into the distance. A new found vibrancy and affection towards life has penetrated his soul, starkly different than what it was, at least until Then Came You. 

[eddiejpoplar]

TEST DRIVE: 2019 BMW 330i — Back to the Good Ole Days

Of all the cars I had the chance to sample at this year’s Test Fest, the one I was most excited to drive was the BMW 330i. The entry-level version of the newest 3 Series is not particularly fast, extraordinarily good looking or exclusive in any way. However, it was the car I was most curious to get in and drive. Why? Because it’s been said to mark the return of the qualities that we so fondly remember in its predecessors, qualities than seemed to have been lost on the last-generation 3er. And I wanted to find out if the 3 Series we know and love was really back.

What is the BMW 330i?

By now, you probably know quite a bit about the new G20-generation 3 Series. So I’m not going to rehash every last detail of the new car (If you want a more comprehensive read on the new G20, go here). However, I will give you a quick refresher course on the 3 Series and, more specifically, the 330i.

So the new G20-gen BMW 3 Series is based on BMW’s new CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform. When we recently spoke with BMW’s Chief of Engineering Klaus Fröhlich, he said that one of his main goals with the new 3 Series was chassis stiffness. He wanted the car as absolutely rigid as possible. And you can feel it. It feels solid, like a bank vault made of granite. That solidity helps it feel more comfortable, more stable and more agile, while also allowing for better chassis communication to the driver.

Another big point of emphasis for Fröhlich was feel. Frankly, he was seriously annoyed with all of the complaints stemming from the F30 3er’s lack of communication and feel. So he had his 3 Series team set out to improve on those areas specifically and dramatically. The results have been quite extensively covered, from the new lift-related passive dampers to the newly revised variable steering ratio. Both of which were main priorities during my testing.

Why the BMW 330i over the M340i?

Earlier, I mentioned that the 330i was the car I was most excited to drive. What about the BMW M340i, you ask? While that’s a brilliant car, and the car I probably had the most fun in that day if I’m honest, the 330i is going to be the volume seller. It’s going to be the one most customers are going to actually buy, being it’s the entry-level model.

It’s important that even the entry-level 3ers are fun to drive, too. In fact, I’d argue it’s just as important for the more average models to be fun as it is for the performance models. With 3ers like the E36 and E46, even regular 320d and 325i models were fun to drive, despite not having a ton of power. So it’s important that 330i customers won’t suffer for fun. Which is why the 330i was my priority over its M Performance sibling.

What’s it Like to Drive?

Unfortunately, there weren’t any BMW 330is on track for us to drive, so at-the-limit driving was out of the question. We were, however, able to drive the 330i on the roads surround The Thermal Club. Even more unfortunately, the fun, twisty route we had was shut down due to road work. So we had to take the more straight and boring, yet quite scenic, route. While driving to the Salton Sea was beautiful, the roads that took us there were boring, straight and filled with traffic.

Having said that, I was able to sample some of the twisty route before having to turn back around at the road work. During my brief time on the twisties, I learned enough about the 330i to make a quick analysis: it’s very good. Steering is sharp and responsive but not overly twitchy. It’s balanced and neutral and reminds me a lot of the E46, actually. While it doesn’t have that sort of feel or feedback obviously, and it’s a bit lighter in weight, its response feels similar. Or at least as similar as I remember an E46 feeling like. It’s admittedly been a little while since driving one last.

Having said that, it feels better than F30 3 Series — sharper with nicer weighting and a more positive response — and that’s the important bit. The biggest improvement with this new car’s steering over the outgoing car’s is with its variable rack, though. This new variable-ratio steering rack has been designed to be more linear in its progression. So rather than having a speed-dependent ratio change, it’s solely lock-dependent. In a nutshell, the more steering lock you apply, the faster the steering gets. On the move, it now feels much more confidence-inspiring, more predictable. That allows you to trust the front end more and dive into corners faster. It ultimately makes the car far more enjoyable to drive than the old one.

The other big talking point for the new 3 Series is its new passive damper setup. BMW pushed its new lift-related dampers hard in the G20’s marketing but they’re not just gimmicks to put on brochures. The BMW 330i tester I had was a rear-wheel drive and on those non-adjustable lift-related dampers. For a long time, I’ve wished BMW would just set up a single suspension properly and let us drive it, without having to put the car in any specific mode to actually enjoy it. That wish has finally come true.

Over the rough roads surrounding Thermal, the 330i simply shrugged off bumps in a manner that would make a 5 Series jealous. I’m talking genuine comfort, not just comfort for a sports car. In fact, when I first set off and drove over some pretty uncouth tarmac, I was almost worried about how comfy it was. Surely if it was that comfortable, it must be sloppy through corners, right? Wrong. In fact, it’s great through corners.

Through some of the long, fast sweepers, it has the old-school BMW feeling of riding on rails. Almost as if it’s suction-cupped to the road. Little roll, ample grip and impressive composure make the new BMW 330i feel like a proper 3 Series. In tighter stuff, it rolls just a bit but not anywhere near enough to upset the car or its passengers. Personally, I like a bit of roll because it allows me to feel the weight transfer better and feel what the car is doing.

Engine, We Haven’t Even Talked Engine

The biggest reason to look down on the BMW 330i is its engine. Not that you should, mind you, but some people will. The 330i isn’t a cheap car but it only comes with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. That said, the little turbo four-pot is more punchy than any enthusiast will actually need in the real world. With 255 hp and a very healthy 295 lb-ft of torque, the 330i is surprisingly quick, nailing 60 mph in just over five seconds.

That peppy engine is paired with the ubiquitous eight-speed automatic and it’s as brilliant as it always is. My test car was rear-wheel drive, thankfully, but xDrive all-wheel drive is available.

When driving hard, the engine is a willing companion and it never feels as if it’s working hard or that it doesn’t want to play. It doesn’t sound brilliant, as it sort of just sounds like a generic turbocharged four-cylinder, but it’s angry enough to make spirited driving fun. Noise aside, though, it’s punchy and smooth and makes easy work of driving quickly.

Is it True, is the 3 Series Really Back?

Personally, I’d say the new G20 BMW 3 Series is a massive step up from its predecessor. It looks better (though, there are still a lot of fans split on its styling), has a great interior packed with superb tech and drives better than any 3 Series in recent memory.

More importantly, it’s a 3 Series that feels like it should, like the 3 Series’ we love and remember from the glory days of BMW. It doesn’t need anything to be set up a certain way to be fun. You can just get in, start it up and go. There’s a ton of tech but it hides in the background, letting you just drive.

Are there complaints? Not really, to be honest. I’m not saying it’s perfect, just that my short drive didn’t reveal a single standout flaw I can recall. I’m sure a longer test (which is coming) will reveal a few niggles, as it does with all cars, but in my quick drive the BMW 330i was an incredibly well-rounded sport sedan and one that harkens back to the good ole days of BMW. Which is more than good enough for me.

So is the BMW 3 Series back? To paraphrase the immortal John Wick — Yea, I’m thinking it’s back.

The article TEST DRIVE: 2019 BMW 330i — Back to the Good Ole Days appeared first on BMW BLOG

from Performance Junk Blogger 6 https://ift.tt/2T4VpRv via IFTTT