#we'll see in the upcoming seasons

[hordeofcorvids]

I decided to start actually watching Star Trek like three weeks ago and being me I have to start with the Original Series.  And never has growing up watching old tv stood me so well.  The acting, the camera angles, the paper mache rocks.  It all fills me with a sense of joy and wellbeing.  I should have started watching years ago, I have deprived myself.      

[jacereaall]

Atlanta and Archie: exploring the concept of change and the want for proof of time passing. Context for the panel: Archie heads to the bathroom to trim down his freak mullet (cuz it's super grown out) and catches Atlanta inside about to make the mistake of her life: debating if bangs would suit her. They start talking about why exactly she feels the need to cut her hair, and he offers instead to give her an undercut.

[Images described in alt]

This was created for Aphrodisia Anonymous (a server event with gift exchanging) in the Class of the Titans server. It just concluded yesterday so I can finally post it here: Happy (late) Valentines Day <3

[depresseddepot]

finally FINALLY finished watching the legend of korra. it only took me LITERALLY ten years

[lonestardust]

the state cognitive dissonance happening here after this god forsaken episode is just... wow its bad sjjsjs like how did they think they could get away with that without butchering the narrative on the way (they better have this salvaged in the rest of this arc).. like the way the lone star writers are getting comfortable after literally getting away with saying that TK was one year sober in 3x12 despite celebrating his one year of sobriety in 2x08

[nobilismare]

Will I be able to write some replies today? Stay tuned.

[seospicybin]

TOO HOT TO HANDLE.

EXTRA HOT REUNION.

Felix x reader. (s)

Too Hot To Handle Masterlist.

Synopsis: You and Felix are having a Too Hot To Handle reunion with other contestants to catch up on the life after the retreat. (4,2k words)

Author's note: Some of you asking for a reunion so here it is! Also, happy birthday the blonde guy from Stray Kids x

Content warning: This is entirely a work of fiction and not affiliated with real Too Hot To Handle show.

HOST: Hello, everyone! I am your host for the Too Hot To Handle Extra Hot Reunion show! Hello, sexy people!

EVERYONE: [Claps] [cheers]

HOST: We'll be getting all the juicy details of the contestants of Too Hot To Handle season 1 and find out if your favorite couple is still together or not!

-

HOST: In the meantime, let's see if they still remember how many times they broke the rules!

LAURA: Wow! Honestly... A lot! [Chuckles]

ALEX: Indeed, we did a lot of things.

MAEVE: Just once and I don't regret it. At all!

YOU: Agree! [Thumbs up]

DANIEL: Oh, Laura touched someone's willy!

JAMIE: I didn't break enough rules.

KILLIAN: [laughs] I still remember your naughty little fingers, Felix!

FELIX: [laughs] [shows fingers to the camera]

COLE: I was too busy keeping you horn dogs from breaking the rules to break a rule.

-

HOST: These two girls prove that you can seek connections other than romantic ones. In this season we watched how their friendship blooms from a rule break.

HOST: Hello, my darlings!

MAEVE: Hey, gorgeous! [Waves]

YOU: Hi, babes!

HOST: We all know that the two of you are close before the kiss but what did you think that makes you guys click in the first place?

YOU: It's because we entered the villa together!

MAEVE: [Gasps] I almost forgot about that!

YOU: I was so nervous, it was my first time being in a show and front of a camera. I was grateful that they paired me up with someone and she's like... such a hottie.

MAEVE; Awww, thank you, babe!

YOU: And I think it's crazy that I met an Irish girl and we clicked right away.

MAEVE: It's meant to be!

HOST: Such a wonderful start to a relationship and both of you are hot and shared a hot kiss.

YOU: [Nods] Oh, yes.

MAEVE: [Blushes] [laughs]

HOST: So, how did the kiss happen?

YOU: I just wanted to kiss her. Really.

MAEVE: Babe, we agree to keep it a secret! [laughs]

YOU: [Laughs] I always think that Maeve is gorgeous, she's hot and no one can deny that yet she's always insecure about it.

MAEVE: [Quietly chuckles]

YOU: Frankly, a few times I wanted to shake her shoulders and snap her out of it because like, come on, she has nothing to be not confident about but instead of that, I kissed her.

MAEVE: Right! I'm a slow learner but with a kiss, I immediately get it.

HOST: Oh yes, a good snog always helps.

MAEVE: Right?

HOST: You mentioned in the show that someday you'll visit her in Ireland and have drinks together. Have you had the chance to do it?

YOU: [Nods] I already did.

MAEVE: She visited me last summer and we had so much fun.

YOU: We had tons of fun. We went from one pub to another and I obviously can't drink as much as Maeve— Oh, Killian!!!

MAEVE: [Covers face]

HOST: Do I smell something here? [Sniffs] Oh, it reeks of romance.

YOU: I'll leave that to Maeve to explain [Props hand under chin]

MAEVE: After the show we stayed in contact and we hung out a few times, there's something— I can't tell much for now. We want to take things slow.

HOST: It's better than nothing.

YOU: [leans close to the camera] [puts hands around your mouth] They're snogging, everyone!

HOST: Oh, kiss me I'm Irish indeed!

MAEVE: But still, our kiss is the best I've ever had.

HOST: Do you agree with that? Is Maeve still the best kisser?

YOU: Yes and yes and yes.

MAEVE: [Cheers] Eat that, Felix!

HOST: Do you girls have any plans? Upcoming girl's trip? Do you plan on sharing another kiss?

MAEVE: Another kiss for sure!

YOU: We want to do a lot of things and kissing is one of them [puckering lips]

MAEVE: [Blows kisses at you]

HOST: Nothing we love more than two girls wanting to kiss each other! True friendship goals right there!

-

HOST: We're usually able to guess which couple going to make it to the last but we didn't guess it right when they parted ways in the middle of the season. Tell us why it happened, Jamie!

JAMIE: [Rubs forehead] Uh... first thing first, I was sexually frustrated.

YOU: We all were!

JAMIE: I wanted to break the rules and she didn't so I got more frustrated [laughs]

YOU: That's true!

JAMIE: What a man can do?

YOU: A lot, actually! [Rolls eyes] [laughs]

HOST: Let it all out, honey! Let it out!

YOU: What was upsetting to me is that because I was about to open up to him and I was planning on breaking a rule with him but he [sighs] Well, it's your loss, Jamie [smirks]

JAMIE: It was my loss, I admit [hands up]

HOST: But are we good now? Are we on good terms or should we make a peace treaty right here, right now?

YOU: [Laughs]

JAMIE: We're good. We had dinner together the other night.

HOST: Is that true? Is it like... was it civil? Was it a peace offering?

YOU: Nah [shakes head] it was Cole, he told me he's in town and invited me to have dinner together. I would have said no if I knew Jamie was going to be there [gags] [laughs] I'm joking.

JAMIE: I did doubt she'd come if Cole had told her I'd be coming too.

YOU: I came because Cole said he'll pay for dinner [chuckles]

JAMIE: [Closes eyes] [flustered]

YOU: Jokes aside, we're good. We're friends.

JAMIE: Thank you! Everyone can stop coming at me now [laughs] thank you for clearing it up.

HOST: Oh, [wipes forehead] I was about to call for backup here but thank you for keeping this a peaceful reunion.

-

HOST: This is the moment you've been waiting for! They're my favorite couple in the show and it seems like they're everyone's favorite too. Hi, cuties!

FELIX: [Waves hand] Hi!

YOU: Hiya!

HOST: Let's catch up with you first, girl! How are you doing?

YOU: I've been doing great [smiles] I... uhm, I've been working hard on paying my debts and I'm debt-free now.

HOST: Woohoo! That's great!

YOU: Sad that I watched my money gone like that [laughs] but I'm relieved I don't have to think about it again.

HOST: We heard you're finishing fashion school. Is it true?

YOU: Yes, I am. I'm graduating next month!

HOST: [Claps] Oh, congratulations in advance, darling!

FELIX: [Claps] [smiles]

HOST: Aren't you proud of your girl, Felix?

FELIX: [Clears throat] Absolutely! She's been working hard so she deserves every good thing that comes to her.

YOU: [Coos] Thank you [smiles]

HOST: And how are things, Felix? How's life after the retreat?

FELIX: It felt weird to be back in the real world after the retreat. Moreover, I just feel like staying in the villa and not working [laughs]

HOST: Understandable!

FELIX: The only annoying thing about the retreat is Lana [chuckles]

HOST: Uh oh! Let's hope Lana didn't just hear it. For now, let's see some of your moments in the retreat!

YOU: Not you guys showing how I got fingered under the cover again [Facepalms]

HOST: I'm afraid it'll live forever in the TV history.

[Playing video of you and Felix in the retreat]

HOST: Getting flashbacks? How did you feel watching all that?

YOU: Wow. I mean looking back at it now, it feels like I did change. My friends and family kept saying something changed in me but I felt the same. I get it now.

HOST: How about you, Felix?

FELIX: Same. I was single when I joined the show and planned on staying single at the end of it.

HOST: Until the ultimate cockblock appeared?

FELIX: [Chuckles] Yes but the outcome is better than I expected.

HOST: Getting into the important questions now. Please fill in the blanks on what you guys did after the retreat is over.

YOU: [Sighs] [Chuckles] We stayed together for a week. Felix decided to come home and stayed over at my place and yeah... we just went at it.

HOST: Oh, straight into the juicy details, huh?

FELIX: [Laughs] We did like... seven times a day.

YOU: [Laughs] I felt— [inhales] I felt bad for my neighbor at that time.

HOST: Did you guys ahem... did all the things you guys wanted to do in a private suite?

YOU: [Tips head] [Slyly smiles]

FELIX: To be honest... [licks lips] not enough.

HOST: OH MY GOODNESS!

YOU: [Laughs] I had to change the bedsheets every few hours!

HOST: OH, YOU ANIMALS!

FELIX: You want the juicy details [smiles] [shrugs]

HOST: It's wow— It's not juicy, it's rather flooding in here. What happened after that?

YOU: Felix went back to Australia and I got busy working, school.

FELIX: [Nods] I went back to work right away.

HOST: [Blinks eyes] Nothing happened after that?

YOU: We spent New Year's together and after that, we just went back to our lives.

HOST: New Year was two months ago, babes! Wait, are you—

FELIX: We haven't met again after that.

HOST: Oh, no. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news to everyone but I have to ask, are you guys still together?

YOU: Well...

HOST: Hold that tongue and let me get back to you after I asked everyone about their favorite best moments!

-

HOST: What is your favorite best moment?

HEIDI: Fooling around with everyone in the pool.

LAURA: Definitely kissing Alex [laughs] No, I'm playing. I had fun doing the all-girls workshop that when I felt the closest to them.

YOU: What I miss the most now is just us girls talking in the dressing room.

KILLIAN: Felix and I working out by the beach together.

JAMIE: It must be the date I had with Mia. I never had a nice date like that.

JOSH: The dance we did in the last episode.

MAEVE: The first party we had and everyone's faces when they found out it was Too Hot To Handle.

ALEX: Goofing around with the boys in the bedroom.

FELIX: That time I was sweating so much from waiting for my girl to come back from the date.

COLE: Must be the times we spent worrying about the money [laughs]

-

HOST: We're back with our favorite couple and about to reveal the fate of their relationship. I'm going to ask you guys again. Are you guys still together?

YOU: The distance is... I guess we kind of having a hard time overcoming it. Other than that, we're both busy, Felix is always traveling for his job and I'm stuck here studying.

FELIX: My worries turned out to be true and we had our ups and downs.

HOST: Stop dragging this around. My heart can't take it.

FELIX: Well... Sorry, I just need to— [exits the frame]

HOST: Felix, where are you going?

YOU: [Looks to the side] [Felix appears in your frame]

HOST: OH?! You guys are—

YOU: [Nods] [Chuckles]

FELIX: I decided to move in with her.

HOST: [Clutches chest] You guys are so mean, I almost had a heart attack.

YOU: [Gets up from chair] [sits on Felix's lap]

FELIX: It's the only way for this to work. Being away from her, the distance... [sighs] it was draining so I sorted a few things, packed up, and moved in.

YOU: I just moved to a new apartment so the timing couldn't be more perfect.

HOST: Is the bedroom soundproofed, babe?

YOU: [Laughs] Not yet but now I plan on doing it.

HOST: You should because it seems to me like it's going to be super loud and busy in there.

FELIX: It's about to [smirks]

HOST: Please show us some love! Share a smooch with us for all of your fans out there.

FELIX: [Turns head] [kisses you on the lips]

HOST: Oh, great! I feel so single now.

YOU: Well, you can always join Too Hot To Handle [Laughs]

HOST: No, thank you. I enjoyed seeing my favorite couple is still all lovey-dovey. Felix, do you have anything to say before we end our interview?

FELIX: Yes. It was nice catching up with everyone and I'm happy to be here with my girlfriend but I'm afraid it's time to f—

HOST: Sorry, Felix, as much as we love a happy ending, we have to cut you off again. It's been fun catching up with all the hot guests from the first season of Too Hot To Handle. Hope to see you guys again next time and thank you for watching!

-

Felix shuts the laptop once the interview is over and puts his arms around you.

"That was fun," he murmurs close to your ear.

You turn your head to the side, letting him capture your lips into a kiss.

"The fun hasn't begun," you mutter against his lips and let go to continue talking, "yet."

He leans in for another kiss as you recline on his chest, his hands roaming around your clothed body and feeling you all over.

"You still make me hard," he seductively whispers into your ear.

When the kiss starts to get deeper and harder, you get up from his lap, unzipping your dress as you walk backward while maintaining eye contact with him.

The dress drops onto the floor and pools around your ankle, exposing the matching underwear you're wearing.

You kick the dress away and it lands next to his feet.

Felix resists picking it up and shakes his head, eyeing the piece of clothing you're wearing that he wants.

"Give it to me," he says with a deep, assertive voice that makes you tingle inside.

"Okay..." Your hand reaches to the back to unclasp your bra.

Sliding the straps down your shoulders, you take the bra off and throwing at him, landed right on his lap.

He hisses as he takes it but does nothing to it, "The other one!"

You shake your head and cup your breasts with your hands, "Nuh-uh! No!"

Felix glares at you and leans forward on his chair, "Give it to me!" He says with a deeper voice.

"Why don't you get it yourself?" You dare him with a sly smile.

Felix reclines on the chair, spreading his legs wide, and pokes his inner cheek with his tongue. It's like he's doing a photoshoot for a magazine.

"I have no other option then," he sighs and quickly gets up from the chair to chase after you.

You squeal as you make a run to the bedroom, but he catches you right before you can climb onto the bed.

"Got you!"

Felix wraps his arms around you and shuts you up with a kiss on your open mouth. His hands get busy roaming around your naked body as his kiss turns sloppy.

You turn around to face him and hook your leg over his, clinging to him as you return his eager kisses.

"Baby..." You whine.

He gently bites at your lower lip and slyly smiles, "What?"

You gently push him away and lay down on the bed, giving him the eyes as you say, "Take those clothes off for me."

Felix is too busy lusting over your almost naked body on the bed to hear what you said to him.

"Baby!" You call him again a little louder.

It works to snap him out of his possibly lewd daydream, "No time to take the clothes off," he says, then jumps onto the bed.

-

Felix likes it more if you’re the one taking his clothes off for him.

Your hands are swiftly unbuttoning his shirt while your mouth is busy returning his hard and deep kisses. You impatiently part it open once you're done unbuttoning them all.

Felix eventually has to be the one getting rid of it, reluctantly letting go of the kiss to do it. He hurls it across the room to hover above you again.

"I miss you," he earnestly says as he stares deeply into your eyes.

"Aww..." you coo and brush his already tousled hair, "I miss you too."

Your fingertips lightly trail his cheek dusted with freckles and cup his jaw, "Come, kiss me again!" you sweetly demand with an adorable pout.

He's more than happy to comply, pressing his lips on you again. His heart is shrunk from being away from you too long, but the kiss helps him fill it with warm feelings, and revives it back to life.

A part of him still can't believe that he's moving in with you and he can see you every day, kissing you as many times as he wants.

"I love you," he mutters as he breaks the kiss.

"I love you too," you say back with a smile that makes his heart rattle inside his chest.

"Baby, isn't it time for you to give me head?"

He breaks into laughter, "So impatient, huh?"

"Well, you've been away for long..." you meekly answer and put your legs around his waist to draw him closer.

You lowly giggle as you guide his hand down south, "A girl has her needs, you know."

He rubs over your clothed core and slyly grinning as he looks down at you, "Uh-huh?"

You nod and spread your legs wider for him, "You still make me wet," you say as you watch his hand slip into your underwear.

"Mmh..." He hums with a quick kiss on your neck.

Felix continues the trail of kisses down your neck and chest, biting on your nipples on his way down to kiss your abdomen.

You squirm as his mouth gets closer to where you want him to be. A moan falls out of your parted mouth as his mouth makes contact with your clothed cunt.

Oh, how he misses hearing the noises you make as his tongue lapping at your wetness. The taste of you quench his thirst yet he can't have enough.

Your hand tangles in his hair, tugging at it whenever the pleasure gets overwhelming and at the same time, telling him that he's doing the right thing.

There are so many things he wants to do but one pops out in his head at this moment. He sucks hard on your clit before letting it go.

Hastily, he kisses your mouth, ignoring his mouth drenched in your essence.

"Baby?"

"Yeah?" You breathlessly ask with wide eyes.

He places a slobbering kiss on your jaw before answering you, "Do you have anything we can play with?"

You shot him a surprised look, then lowly chuckle, "In the second drawer of the dresser."

-

A part of him still can't believe that he's moving in with you and he can see you every day, kissing you as many times as he wants.

"I love you," he mutters as he breaks the kiss.

"I love you too," you say back with a smile that makes his heart rattle inside his chest.

"Baby, isn't it time for you to give me head?"

He breaks into laughter, "So impatient, huh?"

"Well, you've been away for long..." you meekly answer and put your legs around his waist to draw him closer.

You lowly giggle as you guide his hand down south, "A girl has her needs, you know."

He rubs over your clothed core and slyly grinning as he looks down at you, "Uh-huh?"

You nod and spread your legs wider for him, "You still make me wet," you say as you watch his hand slip into your underwear.

"Mmh..." He hums with a quick kiss on your neck.

Felix continues the trail of kisses down your neck and chest, biting on your nipples on his way down to kiss your abdomen.

You squirm as his mouth gets closer to where you want him to be. A moan falls out of your parted mouth as his mouth makes contact with your clothed cunt.

Oh, how he misses hearing the noises you make as his tongue lapping at your wetness. The taste of you quench his thirst yet he can't have enough.

Your hand tangles in his hair, tugging at it whenever the pleasure gets overwhelming and at the same time, telling him that he's doing the right thing.

There are so many things he wants to do but one pops out in his head at this moment. He sucks hard on your clit before letting it go.

Hastily, he kisses your mouth, ignoring his mouth drenched in your essence.

"Baby?"

"Yeah?" You breathlessly ask with wide eyes.

He places a slobbering kiss on your jaw before answering you, "Do you have anything we can play with?"

You shot him a surprised and lowly chuckle, "In the second drawer of the dresser."

-

Nothing can compare to the feeling of entering you and the look on your face as you slowly take his length.

Felix is on cloud nine once his cock is fully buried inside you, he tenderly caresses your cheek and puts your hair to the side.

"Always taking me so well, mmh?" He coos at you.

You smile with your eyes closed as a response to his sweet praise.

It only gets better now that he's getting help from the vibrator he takes from your drawer. He turns it on and it's buzzing in his hand.

Slowly, he puts the vibrator on your clit and pays attention to the facial expression you make as a guide to please you.

It's the first time for him as well to use it on you and feel the vibration even though his cock is snug inside your velvety walls.

"Good, baby?" He asks.

You nod with a blissful smile on your face, squirming on the bed with moans spilling out of your parted mouth.

Felix pauses by turning off the vibrator and begins to slowly thrust into you at a steady pace.

Your eyes are screwed shut and your hands are gripping the sides of your pillow.

"Baby, oh..." You moan out loud.

As much as he wants to please you, he wants to take his time and give you the best of pleasure. He leans down to kiss you again, giving you a break by slowly making out with you.

"Faster, yeah?" He asks against your lips.

"Okay," you answer with your lips wet from the kisses.

He kisses you before getting into position, turning on the vibrator, and changing the speed settings.

It's getting more intense now and he can feel it as you tighten and flutter around him. You're sucking him deeper so that he can't help himself but draw his cock out of you and slowly slip it in.

You're a moaning mess, clawing at the bedsheets and squirming on the bed, "Oh, fu..." your curse goes into a breathless moan.

He can see the sheen of sweat covering your body and tears pooling in the corner of your eyes, overwhelmed by the stimulations he's doing to you.

"Close, baby?"

"Yeah, yeah," you repeatedly answer in a broken voice.

Felix decides to ditch the vibrator and puts all of his focus on you, he's hovering above you, giving you a minute to calm down.

"You feel so good, baby, oh..." he praises along with a hot kiss on your lips.

"Been dreaming of fucking you this good," he murmurs with his mouth planted on your neck.

You hold the nape of his neck and bring his head close for a passionate kiss that takes his breath away. You both gasp for air the second you let go.

"Make me feel good, baby," you whine, arching your back and intentionally clenching around him.

A raw groan rips out of his throat, Felix drops his head into your neck and gathers his senses, or else he'll lose it right there, right now.

"Ain't I making you feel good right now?" He asks.

"I want more," you reply with a naughty grin on your face.

As a boyfriend, Felix will always give you what you want and it happens that he wants the same thing too.

With a deep kiss and he plants his hands against the mattress, he starts thrusting into you again. He sets a steady pace at first, yet a moment later, he loses all control and picks up the speed.

It's getting more intense that he can't contain his grunts and he can feel your nails digging into the flesh on his back.

"Oh, I..." The rest of your words turn incoherent as he mercilessly pounds into you.

Felix lets himself go the second you reach your climax, using every bit of his senses left to get to his release. He crashes his mouth on you and you break the kiss not long after as you let out a loud moan.

He collapses onto you and you wrap your arms around him, reorganizing your breathing with your bodies rising and falling in sync.

"Imagine if we did all that in retreat," you murmur with a quick kiss on his bare shoulder.

Felix's laughs reverberate through your body as he's snuggled on top of you.

"We'd break not only Lana's rules," he props a hand against the mattress and lovingly kisses your lips.

"We'd also break Lana's bank."

-

Support my blog by kindly reblog, comment or tip me on my ko-fi!

taglist: @svintsandghosts @abiaswreck @septicrebel @cursed-mars-bars @ppiri-bahng @drhsthl @tangylemonade @bluenights1899 @thisisnotstraight88 @elizalabs3 @avyskai @is2cb97 @simeonswhore @marvelous-llama @linovely @jisungsleftcheek @hanjisbeloved @luvsskzs @knowleeknow @army-stay-noel @djeniryuu @bigsobs4skz @toplinehyunjin @channies-luv @foxinnie8 @biribarabiribbaem @dalamjisung @moasworld @sherryblossom @fawnpeaks @lukeys-giggle @obeythemasters @primoppang @devilsmatches @skz-streamer @freckleboilix @idkluvutellme @laylasbunbunny @cherry-edibles @cutiespaghetti

[betterthanburrow]

Afterglow - Joe Burrow

Summary: After weeks of purposefully avoiding a conversation that you need to have with Joe regarding your future together, your relationship is put at risk because of your overthinking thoughts… In order to safe your relationship, you’ll just have to learn that the future will be okay.

Genre: Angst (Establish Relationship)

“Tell Me That You're Still Mine. Tell Me That We'll Be Just Fine. Even When I Lose My Mind… Tell Me That It's Not My Fault. Tell Me That I'm All You Want. Even When I Break Your Heart.” Taylor Swift; Afterglow.

As football season has just come to an end, there are people already talking about the upcoming football season that is months away… Just a few weeks ago, your boyfriend Joe Burrow played his last college football game and won the National Championship for LSU which has made every college football fan excited to see what is the next step in his football career.

The people in the media are starting to talk about the upcoming NFL Draft which is still two months away and the rumors have been going around of which NFL team Joe Burrow will be drafted too… And your family and friends have already began to discuss your boyfriend’s career in the NFL before he is even drafted.

Despite all of these conversations happening, you’ve decided to not participate in these conversations… When people would ask you about the rumors that the media has been spreading about which NFL teams have been in contract with Joe, all you do is smile and say that you don’t know anything because it’s true, you don’t know anything because you don’t want to know.

The transition between college football and NFL has been a transition that you had been dreading to experience since the beginning of your relationship with Joe Burrow just a few months after he has transferred from Ohio State to LSU… For the last few weeks since the conversations about Joe Burrow going to the NFL started, you’ve tried as best as you could to not participate in those conversations.

While people assumed that you are being a good girlfriend and not giving answers to the rumors spreading around… Joe knew that was not the reason why you weren’t participating in the conversations with people, because you weren’t participating in the conversations about his future football career with him.

Throughout the past few weeks, Joe would notice how you would tense up when he or anyone around you would bring up the upcoming NFL Draft and the discussions going around of which team Joe Burrow would be drafted too… Anytime he would try to talk about why you get tensed up just by hearing the word “NFL”, you would just shut down the conversation and try to change the subject as fast as you can.

Joe knew that the transition from playing college football to playing in the NFL would be a big transition for him, but he always knew that transition would be a big transition for you as well… He has cared so much about you since the day the two of you met and he wanted you to be comfortable with the transition as much as possible. There was a huge chance that the two of you would be in a long distance relationship for some time as you would in your senior year at LSU while Joe would be starting his career in the NFL.

As Joe sat on the couch in your apartment waiting for you to get back home from work, he was watching ESPN on your TV hearing them discuss about the upcoming NFL Draft… And for some reason, he decided that today would be the day that he would finally have a conversation with you about the reasons why you’ve been avoiding the conversations about the NFL Draft and the future of his football career.

The sound of the apartment door being unlocked pulled Joe out of his thoughts and a smiled appeared on his face as he finally saw you walk into the apartment… He stood up from his spot on the couch and walk over to where you stood, giving you a hug from behind and a kiss on your cheek as you put your purse down onto the kitchen counter.

“Hi Princess.” Joe says after kissing your cheek, making you blush. “How was work?”

“It was good but it was a long day.” you reply, turning around to face him as you wrap your arms around his neck. “The restaurant was busy as always but, thankfully the day went by fast and now I’m home.”

“That’s good to hear.” Joe says with a smile on his face as he leans down to give you a kiss. Before you could kiss him back, he pulls away and the smile reappears on his face which causes a confused expression to form on your face.

“Is everything okay?” you ask, furrowing your eyebrows at your boyfriend. “You’re acting weird.”

“I’m acting weird because I asked you how was work and gave you a kiss?” Joe asks. “I’m just happy to see you now that you’re home from work that’s all.”

“Remember we have dinner plans with my parents tonight since they’re in town.” you say, as you move away from him to walk to the bedroom to change out of your work clothes into more comfortable clothes. “The reservation at the restaurant is at 8pm so we don’t have to rush to be ready just yet.”

Joe was hesitant to follow you to the bedroom, but he decided to walk back into the living room and sit back on the couch to watch the TV… He listened as the hosts at the panel talked about the upcoming draft and the high expectations of all the NFL teams to pick the best players to represent their team and to lead the next generation of football players.

You could hear the TV from your bedroom and cringed every-time you heard your boyfriend’s name. Which NFL team decided to draft him to their team is definitely going to be the luckiest team in the NFL… your boyfriend was something special on the football team; every football fan knew that, every person on every team that he’s played with or played against knew that, and you knew that.

You would never try to let your own insecurities and anxiety stop you from supporting your boyfriend and his dreams… but you couldn’t help but try not to overthink every little conversation that has been going on around Joe and the future of his football career during the past couple of weeks.

Before your overthinking thoughts take over, you finished changing out of your word clothes as fast as you could and tried to ignore the sounds from the TV… When you walked out of your bedroom and back into the living room, Joe was so focused on the things being said on the TV to the point where he hadn’t noticed that you were in the living room.

“Are you ever going to get tired of hearing the same conversations over and over again?” you asked, making your presence known as Joe turned his head from the TV to seeing you standing with your arms crossed over your chest and an annoyed look on your face.

“No… ” Joe answers. “People have high expectations of my future career in the NFL and I need to know what those high expectations are.”

“The NFL draft hasn’t even happened yet…” you say. “How can you know what those high expectations are if you haven’t even been drafted to a team?”

Joe shrugs his shoulders and you roll your eyes as you walk forward to sit next to him on the couch. “It’s not a bad thing to be prepared for what’s coming.” he says.

“I never said it was a bad thing to be prepared.” you defensively reply. “I’m saying this same conversation has been talked about over and over again… You don’t even know what exactly you’re preparing for, last time I checked you haven’t signed any NFL contracts.”

Joe decided to not respond to what you just said and focused his attention back on the TV; he realized that as much as he wanted to have this conversation with you right now, it was just not going to happen as he could tell that you were exhausted from work.

There was silence between the two of you; while Joe was watching the TV as the host panels continued to talk about the NFL Draft, your head was laying in Joe’s lap as you tried to tune out the noise by closing your eyes… It didn’t take long for you to fall into a deep sleep, Joe was used to you taking a nap after work if you had worked the day shift at the restaurant. Since the two of you would be out late tonight, it was best that you take a nap now or else you would be exhausted while out to dinner with your parents.

-

The night at the restaurant was going wonderful so far. It had been a couple of weeks since you’ve seen your parents since they live in a city in the north of Louisiana, the last time your parents were able to visit in Baton Rouge was a few days before the National Championship football game that your parents attended alongside you and Joe’s parents.

Your parents loved Joe since the first time you had introduced him to them just a few months after the two of you had started dating when the relationship was getting very serious… Just like everyone else living in Louisiana; your parents already knew who Joe Burrow was because of his college football career, but they learned how much he cared for their daughter.

As much as your parents knew how much Joe loves you, they were always very concerned with your relationship as they never wanted you to get distracted by love and not focus on your future career.

Over the past few weeks during phone calls, your parents have tried to get any information out of you regarding Joe’s future and what that would mean for your future together… but you always avoided giving your parents an answer because you couldn’t tell them the truth that you didn’t know the answer and that’s your fault for not having the conversation with Joe.

As your time with Joe and your parents went by at one of Baton Rouge’s fanciest restaurants, there was a bubble of anxiety forming in your chest because you knew at any moment the conversation would shift to the topic that you have been avoiding talking about.

The group was finished eating and we’re just patiently waiting for the bill to arrive and for the table to be cleared of the empty dishes… Once you heard your dad clear his throat, knots formed in your stomach as you knew that your dad clearing his throat was a way to get everyone’s attention because the important topic that he wanted to bring up into a conversation.

“Joe… There’s been a lot of talk about the NFL draft.” your dad says. “Are you excited about the future?”

“Yeah there sure has been a lot of talk recently…” Joe says, glancing over to watch your reaction to where the conversation was going before turning his attention to your dad. “I am excited for the next step in my career.”

“That’s good to hear!” your mom exclaims. “You’re truly something special on the football field! LSU was very lucky to have you leading the team to victory!”

“Thank your Mrs. Y/LN.” Joe says, blushing at the compliment from your mother.

“People have been saying that the Cincinnati Bengals will pick you as the first pick of the first round?” you dad says, taking a quick glance to you before looking back at Joe. “I guess Ohio wants their boy back.”

“Yeah I guess so… I would love to play for Cincinnati, I grew up as a huge fan of the team and I would have the opportunity to give back to Ohio.” Joe says.

“Ohio is pretty far from Louisiana.” your mom says.

“Yeah it is…” you mumble under your breathe, not realizing that Joe heard what you said.

“It is far…” Joe says. “But Ohio is home to me.”

Before either of your parents could respond to Joe, the waiter came to pick up the empty dishes and handed the bill to your dad who had offered to pay for everything tonight… Tension quickly filled the void of silence, you didn’t want to look over to look at Joe because the two of you knew he said something that had your parents concerned for their daughter.

“So I’m assuming that the two of you will be doing long distance for some time if you’re going to be in Ohio.” your mom says after the waiter walks away from the table. “Y/N has a year left at LSU… it’s not smart of her to give up her dreams of becoming a nurse just to be a football players’ housewife.”

The words that came from your mom didn’t shock either of you, she was always a very honest woman who would never lie to not hurt someone’s feelings… you and Joe looked over at each other and for the first time since the two of you started dating, neither of you could understand the expressions on your faces.

“We haven’t had that conversation yet.” you answered, looking away from Joe to look over at your parents.

“And why not?” your dad asked. “The two of you are in a very serious relationship with each other right?”

“This is a very serious relationship.” Joe defensively says. “We will have the conversation about us and our future when we’re ready to talk about it.”

“And when will the two of you be ready for that conversation… Will that be after you get drafted to the Cincinnati Bengals?” your mom asked, looking directly at Joe for him to give her an answer.

“The conversation will happen Mom.” you snapped. “We’re just taking things day by day right now. This just hasn’t been something that been on our mind.”

“Well… This is something that should be on your mind.” your dad states. “Your relationship is going to change the minute he is announced to be drafted to the NFL.”

“Trust me… We know that things will change.” you say. “At least, I know that.” glancing over at Joe to him furrow his eyebrows in confusion of what you meant.

“Don’t wait to long to have that conversation between the two of you.” your mom spoke just as the waiter arrives back at the table with the receipt of the bill.

And just like that, the conversation was over. There were things on Joe’s mind that he wanted to say out-loud but, he knew those things couldn’t be said in front of your parents in a restaurant with strangers around.

There was no point in staying seated at the table in the restaurant any longer, so the four of you got up front your seats and walked towards the front door out to the patio area of the restaurant.

Your parents pulled you and Joe into hugs as this would be the last time you would see your parents until spring break since they would be leaving Baton Rouge early in the morning tomorrow.

“Please talk to Joe about the future.” your mom whispers in your ear. “I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

You nod your head as she gives a kiss on the cheek before the two of you pulled away from the hug… Quickly, your gave your dad as hug as Joe hugs your mom before the two of you walk away from your parents to find the car in the parking lot.

There was silence between the two of you as neither of you knew what to say after the long night at the restaurant… There too much tension in the air surrounding the both of you and there was no chance that things can go back to how things usually are until the conversation happens, but while Joe was willing to have this conversation at anytime you still wanted to hang onto the hope that you could still push this conversation to happen at the last minute.

The silence continued all the way during the drive back to your apartment, not even the radio was on in the car… You wouldn’t even glance over at Joe who was just focusing on driving, you just stared out the window and watched the rain drops fall from the sky.

“Your parents are right.” Joe stated, looking over at you when the car reaches a red light. “We need to talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about right now.” you respond.

Joe rolled his eyes in disbelief, “Are you being serious right now? You know damn well there is something we need to talk about.” he says

“I know there’s something we need to talk about…” you say. “But that doesn’t mean we’re going to talk about it right now.”

“Then when are we going to talk about it!” Joe asked as the tone of his voice was getting louder. “Are we going to wait to talk about it until it’s too late?”

“Maybe it’s already too late!” you yelled, finally turning your head to look at him. “You’re so ready to move on into the future… Like you said at the restaurant, Ohio is your home so you might as well leave everything you know and love in Louisiana here.”

“What you are saying?” Joe asked. “It’s not too late-”

“The light is green… Please drive so we can get home before the rain gets worse.” you say, interrupting him.

Instead of responding back to you and finishing what he was going to say, there’s a hurt expression of his face that broke your heart to see before he turned his attention back to the road and started to drive forward.

Joe didn’t allow his mind to overthink all the words that you had just said and what those words could have meant as he turns the volume up on the car radio to try and block out all the thoughts in his head.

The sweet sounds of Fleetwood Mac filled the void of silence in the car, Joe hummed along to the lyrics of The Chain as you continued to stare out the window… What could be viewed as a peaceful moment from strangers on the outside, was really just a moment of being blissfully unaware of the tensions heating up.

The rest of the car ride back to your apartment was silence apart from the low music from car radio, neither you to Joe dared to speak up to continue the conversation anytime the car stopped at a red light.

Once Joe parked the car right in front of the apartment building, you got out of the car not waiting for Joe to be a gentleman and open the passenger door… Quickly, you ran fast across the parking lot to get inside your apartment’s lobby before you could have the chance to get drenched of rain.

It caught Joe off-guard for a second that you didn’t wait for him to be a gentleman and open the car door on your side, but he was right behind you running to get inside the apartment lobby… No words was spoken as the two of you got into the elevator to go up to the second floor. It was a silence short ride to your apartment as tension filled the small space.

Once the two of you were in your apartment, Joe watched from the front entrance as you walked away from to go to the your bedroom… Suddenly, a feeling of anger arose inside of him and he couldn’t handle feeling the tension between the two of you any longer.

“So are we just not going to talk about it at all?” Joe asked, before you could enter the bedroom.

“Talk about what Joe?” you angerly asked, turning around to face him. “Do you want to talk about how you’re so ready to just leave Louisiana to go back to Ohio? Or do you want to talk about the NFL Draft? Or maybe it is a little too late for these conversations!”

“For weeks you never wanted to talk about anything to do with my future… and now all of a sudden you’re mad that we waited so long to have a conversation?” Joe yelled. “I tried to talk to you but you’ve shut down the conversation every single time.“

“You really are making this a bigger deal than it really is.” You explain, crossing your arms over your chest.

“No! I’m not making it a bigger deal than it is… because to me, this is a big deal!” Joe yelled. “The day of the NFL Draft will be the most important day of my life… you never wanted to talk about it or be involved in any conversations that I would have with people, but now you’re mad that we haven’t talk about our future yet?”

“That’s not why I’m mad…” you defensively say.

“Can you tell me the reason that you’re mad?” Joe asked. “I can’t read your mind to be able to understand why you’re mad all of a sudden.”

You rolled your eyes and sighed in frustration before responding to Joe’s question. “I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

“Why don’t you want to talk about it?” Joe asked.

“I’m not answering that question right now.” you say.

“Why?” Joe asked, getting more and more frustrated.

“Because it’s hard to talk about!” you yelled back at him. “You and everyone else are just so ready for the future to come and I don’t understand why?”

“I have been waiting for this moment for my entire life!”Joe snapped. “Am I just not supposed to be excited for my future because you don’t want to talk about it?”

“I’m not saying you can’t be excited about your future… But it just seems like you’re excited for a future that doesn’t involve me?!” you explain.

“And why would my future not involve you?” Joe asked, crossing his arms as he waits for your response.

You couldn’t give Joe an answer because the truth is that you didn’t know why Joe’s future wouldn’t involve you… How do you explain to the man that your own insecurities and anxiety are the reasons why the two of you are in this argument with each other right now.

“I’ll be honest with you… When I transferred to LSU, my main focus was just on football and receiving my masters degree. The past two college football seasons were my last chances at raising my college football credits for the NFL to see that I’m worthy of being in the league.” Joe explains in a soft tone as he walks closer to where you are standing. “But then I met you, and instead of changing my priorities for why I transferred to LSU, I just added being the best boyfriend that I could be to you onto the list.”

You look down to the ground as you try to blink away the tears that were forming in your eyes. As Joe stood in front of you, he studied your body language for a second before he continued to speak since you didn’t give him any sort of verbal response.

“If I have given you any reason to assume that I wouldn’t consider you to be apart of my future, then I failed at one of my priorities.” Joe says. You look up to him with a surprised expression on your face and shake your head in disagreement.

“No Joe… That’s far from the truth.” you trembled. “You didn’t fail at anything at all.”

“Then why would you think that I wouldn’t consider you to be apart of my future?” Joe asks again.

Once again you look down to the ground not being able to look Joe in the eyes as you couldn’t give him any reason why… Joe sighed and ran his fingers through his hair out of stress, he couldn’t understand why you couldn’t give him any sort of answer.

“You need to give me an answer before we continue this conversation.” Joe states. “Because the reason we’re not able to talk about the future is because you can’t give me an answer on why it’s hard to talk about.”

“You wouldn’t under-” you tried to explain, keeping your attention to the ground and shaking your head.

“Why wouldn’t I understand?” he asked interrupting you, raising his voice in frustration. “The only thing that I’m not understanding is why you’re mad at me for not having any conversation with you when I tried to talk to you about the future every chance that I got. You were the one to always shut down the conversations!”

“I didn’t want to talk about it then… and I don’t want to talk about it now!” you explain.

“Then when do you want to talk about it?” Joe asked.

Once again, you couldn’t give Joe an answer to his question because you didn’t know the answer to the question… You look up from the ground to give your full attention to Joe, who is standing right in front of you with his arms crossed over his chest.

For as long as you’ve known Joe, you’ve never seen him so angry and frustrated. You’ve seen him get mad after playing a rough game on the football field and upset if a football player from another team trash-talked about him at a press conference because he’s always been respectful to other football players… It broke your heart to know that the reason he is angers and frustrated right now is because of you.

“Do you want to talk about it the day before I leave to go back to Ohio?” Joe asked. “You want to talk about our future when we’re thousands of miles apart?”

“If you’re just so ready to leave to go back to Ohio… then why don’t you just leave right now?” you yell.

Suddenly there is a feeling of guilt in your chest and a visibly hurt expression on Joe’s face is formed. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out.

“Joe..”

“You’ve said enough.” Joe exclaimed. “Before I say something that I regret, I’m gonna leave and go stay at Ja’marr’s apartment for the night. We can’t continue this conversation anymore.”

Joe was already walking away from you and towards the front door as he spoke… You follow right behind him because you couldn’t let him leave or else you’ll break down into pieces on the floor.

“Wait Joe!” you yelled, with tears forming in your eyes. “Please let me explain!”

“Y/N.” Joe says, in the softest tone of voice that he has used since the two of you had arrived at the apartment. “I love you but it’s best that I go right now-”

“No Joe stop!” you say, reaching out to grab his arm to try and get him to stop. “We can talk about this now! Please don’t leave.”

Joe stopped in his steps right at the front door and sighed as he turned towards you. He sees the tears that are in your eyes and that have fallen down your cheeks and his heart breaks into pieces but as much as he wanted to wrap his arms around you and carry you to the bed room to give you the love and comfort that you need, he knew that he needed to leave because it was clear to him that the two of you aren’t in the right mindset to continue on the conversation.

“Y/N. I need to go.” Joe say, trying to pull his arm away from you to loosen your grip. “I’ll come back when both of us will be in a better mindset and we can have the conversation about our future.”

“Joe, please don’t leave!” you begged as your voice trembled. “I promise you that I’ll explain everything or we can pretend we didn’t have this conversation and go back to how things usually are.”

It hurt Joe’s heart to see the tears in your eyes and to hear the trembling in your voice but he knew that if there was any chance that there could be a future between the two of you… He needed to clear his mind before having this conversation with you again, because he knew things can’t go back to normal.

“Y/N. Please understand that things can’t go back to normal until we have this conversation.” Joe explain. “The conversation is about our future and if we can’t talk about that with both of us in a clear state of mind, then there’s a chance we won’t have a future together.”

Joe leaned forward and gave you a kiss on the forehead as a way to give you reassurance that everything will be okay… You closed your eyes to try and savor the moment as best as you could. When he pulled away and you opened your eyes, he gave you a soft smile and you could see tears forming in his eyes.

“I love you.” Joe says. “We’ll talk about this and I promise that everything will be okay between us.”

You nod your head and let his arm to let him walk away from you and leave your apartment. The second he walked out the front door, you broke down into tears and sat on the floor, crying your heart out in fear of taking the chance of losing a relationship someone you love and crying in frustration with your anxiety.

Joe would never let you know that heard your cries from outside your apartment right after he had closed your front door… It took all of his strength to not rush back into your apartment and to give you all the hugs and kisses that you would need to feel better.

-

It’s been one week since the argument with Joe and while you wish that things between the two of you were resolved, it just feels like things have gotten worser than you could’ve expected after Joe left.

You hadn’t texted or called Joe since he left your apartment, he’s tried to text and call you but you’ve ignored every message and voicemail that he sent… You didn’t even give him your work schedule for the week so he would know when you would be off-work.

Just hours after Joe left your apartment, you called your mom and sobbed to her on the phone. It broke your mom’s heart into pieces to hear her daughter cry in frustration of letting her anxiety win and not allowed you to open up to Joe about your insecurities.

Your mother gave you advice on how to reach out to Joe and have the conversation with him about your future without the conversation turning into an argument like it did that night… But instead of following your mother’s advice, you’ve just ignored all of the texts and calls from him. Which just made things even worse than they were between the two of you.

Over the past week you’ve barely slept in your own bed, eaten, or taken care of yourself because you’re mourning the lost of a relationship that hasn’t ended… Your only motivation right now is to go to LSU campus for your classes and to go to work at the restaurant.

“Tomorrow you need to talk to Joe. Things are only going to get better if you just talk to him about your fears of how you relationship will change when he leaves Louisiana.” your mother said when she had called you the night before to check on you since she hadn’t heard from you in a couple of days.

Once again you don’t follow your mother’s advice; as you are laying in bed, wrapped up in the sheets and comfortable as you watched re-run episodes of Family Feud on your TV… It was your first off-day from work in a couple of day, and instead of attempting to fix your relationship you just want to rot in bed by yourself.

You couldn’t help but think that the relationship is already over. The moment he left your apartment could have been the last time you ever see him in person… And maybe, that was the best decision for the two of you. Joe would be able to live his dream of playing for the NFL and you would continue your college classes and follow your dreams wherever it took you.

As you feel the exhaustion take over your body because you hadn’t slept properly in days… You heard the sound of front door being unlocked, but thinking that you were just making things up in your head due to how exhausted you are. You just decide to close your eyes and try to fall asleep in the comfort of your bed.

It was just a few minutes later when you heard your bedroom door open just slightly for someone to peek inside… but you made no attempt to open your eyes to see who opened the bedroom door or if it was just your mind making things up like it always does.

45 minutes later:

Your eyes fluttered open and the sweet smell of brownies filled around your apartment… You sat up in a panic as your mind was so confused, it was hard for you to tell if you were still in a dream or if you had put brownies in the oven before you came lay in your bed.

Just then, the bedroom door slowly open and a figure that you weren’t expecting to see was standing right there with a smile on his face… and the smell of brownies in your apartment finally made some sense.

“Oh hey! You’re finally awake!” Joe says.

“What are you doing here?” you asked.

“Your mom called me this morning…” Joe answers. “And she told me some things that I think we need to talk about… If that’s fine with you.”

You nod your head, “So you came to talk and make brownies in my kitchen?”

“You weren’t answering the door, so I used the emergency apartment key… And then I saw you were asleep in your room so instead of just waiting on the couch. I made the only box brownies that I know how to make without starting a fire.” Joe says.

Now things started to make sense in your head, you weren’t imagining someone in your apartment right before you had fallen asleep for a nap.

“I was thinking that we can eat brownies and talk.” Joe said. “Because I think we have waited a little too long for this conversation to happen.”

You didn’t respond, but you nod your head as you got out of your bed and follow into the kitchen where the sweet smell of brownies got stronger… Joe already had two plates of brownies on your kitchen counter, ready to be served and eaten by the two of you.

There was silence as the two of you are sitting on your couch with a plate in brownies in your laps… Despite both of you imagining this scenario in your head multiple times throughout the last week, neither of you knew what to say to start the conversation.

“Are you ready to talk now?” Joe asked, turning his body to face you. It takes you a few seconds to answer but once you look at him and nod your head, he gives you a soft smile before continuing to speak.

“So… the first thing that I want to say is that I’m sorry if I ever pushed you at anytime to have a conversation that you weren’t ready for.” Joe apologized.

“You don’t need to apologize.” you respond, looking down at your lap, feeling the knots twist in your stomach. “I should’ve been honest with you about everything, it’s just hard open up about these kind of things because most of the time I don’t understand it.”

“I understand that things can be hard but… I want you to know that I’m always going to be here for you.” Joe say, placing his hand on your thigh to give you comfort.

“I know that…”

“Do you really know that?” Joe asks, “I don’t want you to just say that you know what I’m saying, I want you to understand what I’m saying.”

When you look up at him, you see the serious look on his face and that he’s not joking around in any way.

“I understand Joe.” you answer. “I’m not lying to you.”

“Okay… I trust you that you understand.” Joe says. “Because this relationship can’t work out when we do long distance if you don’t understand that I’ll always be here for you no matter what.”

The knots in your stomach twist tighter, the thought of being in a long-distance relationship made you want to throw up the brownies you had just ate… The sick look that had appeared on your face doesn’t go unnoticed by Joe, for a few seconds he was concerned.

“That’s what we’re going to do…” you slowly say. “We’re really going to have to do long distance?!”

“It’s either we do long distance… or we break-up.” Joe says. “And as much as I know long distance will be hard to get used too… I would rather do that than to break-up, even if we could decide give our relationship a second chance after graduate.”

It took you a few seconds to get some of your thoughts together on what would be the best way to respond to what Joe had just said…

“I don’t want to break-up either… but you do realize that we’ll be in a long-distance relationship for a year.” you explain. “I don’t graduate until next year in May, do you really think we could do this?”

“I think we can do it.” Joe said. “It’s going to be hard, but we can get through it… a year is going to go by fast and then after you graduate, we can take the next step in our relationship.”

You dropped your head down to look at your lap and pulled the string from your socks to try to distract yourself from not overthinking… At first Joe thought the conversation was over and as he tried to move closer you on the couch, you lifted your head to be face to face as your eyes widen in panic from overthinking.

“What if it’s not worth it?” you asked and before Joe had a quick to ask what you meant, you continued on speaking in a panic. “What if it’s not worth long distance? We’re going to be apart for over a year and what if by the end of us doing long distance we release that our future will never be able to intertwine with each other. Then what, we just give up on a relationship that we could just give up on now?!”

Joe was taken back by surprised of your what you had just said, he wasn’t expecting that you would overthink the future and he thinks back to what the two of you had talked about at the beginning of the conversation.

“You’ll have a crazy schedule with football, I’m going to have a crazy schedule when I become a nurse… I don’t think that we’re going to see each other ever!” you rambled. “I’m not going to give up my dreams to become a football players’ housewife after spending many years studying my live away!”

The repeated words that your mother said at the restaurant stung Joe more than he’ll like to admit… Since the day he met you, he’s been very supportive of your dreams of becoming a nurse even helping you study for tests and letting you help treat his scars and bruises after football games.

“Take a deep breathe…” Joe whispers, moving closer and placing his hand on your back as he rubs his thumb in slow circles. “Remember what I talked about… I’m here for you, talk to me. Don’t overthink.”

When you look up at Joe is when you realize how much closer he is to you than before… It took a few deep breathes for your heart to stop feeling like it’s going to pound of your chest and the knots in your stomach started to untwist.

“First of all, I would never force you to give up your dreams and your career just to become a housewife…” Joe states. “I support your dreams just like you support my dreams. We will figure out everything when we get there, for right now let’s focus on us now.”

“But I can’t focus on us now-”

“Yes you can.” Joe says, interrupting you. “Let’s just focus on each other for now, the future will be okay.”

“The reason I was so scared to have this conversation with you was because of the future… I tried for so long to imagine a future where we wouldn’t have the be separated for so long.” you confess with tears in your eyes. “I was scared that when you leave Louisiana that you’ll never want anything to do with anything from here. I don’t want to be replaced by another woman that you could meet and fall in love with in Ohio.”

“Princess no… Please don’t think that way.” Joe say, pulling you closer to him so that you could wrap your arms around his waist and press your head into his chest as the tears started to fall down your cheeks.

“I can’t… I can’t help it.” you cry. “I can’t help to overthink everything. I was scared to have this conversation with you about our future because I thought that you wouldn’t want me apart of it.”

As Joe continued to rub circles on your back with his thumb, he placed his hand on the back of your head as your cried into his chest… It broke his heart that he never realized any of the signs you could’ve gave him for why you never wanted to have this conversation.

“Please just trust me and trust us.” Joe whispers then pressing a kiss to the top of your head, “I promise that everything is going to be figured out, we just have to talk about all of these things one day at a time.”

You didn’t verbally respond, but you nodded your head and got even closer to Joe… The cried and hiccups started to slow down as you were calming down. You had got very overwhelmed of an anxious feeling too fast for your mind to handle which causes you to get emotional very fast.

As the two of you sat in silence, there was a realization that it is going to be hard for you to start opening up about your anxiety to Joe, but like he told you before… All you had to do was trust him and you understood.

-

The sun was setting over the wonderful city of Baton Rouge and the beautiful colors of red, orange, yellow, and pink spread across the sky… It was a beautiful sight to see from the rooftop of your apartment.

Your head was laying on his chest, as his arm was wrapped around your shoulder pulling your body as close as he could to him… His head rested on your head and you tried not to overthink about how the two of you wouldn’t get to experience these kind of moments much longer before Joe leaves Louisiana.

“When we are apart… Just know that you can always look at the sun setting and know that I’m watching the same sun set.” Joe whispers, giving you a kiss on the forehead and the giggles the he hears from you makes his heart swell up with glee.

“You’re so cheesy!” you say, lifting your head off his cheek to look at him with a smile on your face. “What rom-com movies have you been watching on Netflix?”

“Only the rom-coms movies that you force me to watch!” Joe says. “I don’t think I have ever watched any rom-com movies before we started dating.”

“Yeah I could definitely tell from a mile away.” you jokingly say. “At least now your taste in movies has grown so much since we’ve watched a majority of the best rom-coms that have ever been released!”

Joe shook his head and laughed, “I wouldn’t say my taste in movies has grown just because of rom-coms.”

You gasped and Joe laughs at your surprised reaction. “Just because you said that… we’re watching a new rom-com movie tonight!” you exclaimed.

Joe groaned with a smile on his face as he pulled you back to lay your head on his chest… There was a moment of peaceful silence as you just enjoyed your time together because it was a known fact that there wouldn’t be too many more of these kind of moments to experience with each other for a long time.

While thinking too far into the future still formed knots in your stomach and made you feel sick, all you had to do was take a few deep breathes and just remembered the words that Joe had promised to you.

You don’tknow what the future will hold, you didn’t want to think about how things will change for better or worse for your relationship… But all that you knew right now is that your future with Joe will be okay.

Author’s Note:

it’s been two weeks since i’ve published any sort of fanfiction, i didn’t mean to make any of my readers wait so long to read something new. it just took me some time to find inspiration to write…

thank you all for the love and support! 🤍

[naranjapetrificada]

My favorite thing about making predictions for an upcoming season of a show is being wrong.

This goes double for a show like Our Flag Means Death.

Odds are we'll get to be wrong because whatever does happen will be absolutely unhinged and I cannot wait to see how wrong I am.

[actual-changeling]

I wonder if we'll ever find out more about why exactly Aziraphale told the Starmaker about the 6000 years deadline.

Sure, in the moment it is played as a somewhat comedic moment and it IS one, on the surface, but just like with everything else this season, there's a more painful truth right under the surface.

Imagine you were working on a project your entire life, it's your life's work, the one thing you want to complete, that gives you purpose and incredible amounts of joy. Finally, it is finished, and you love it, it is a part of you and you are a part of it.

Then a stranger comes up to you and tells you that it looks wonderful you've done a great job. Also, tomorrow someone will come and destroy it right in front of you.

WHY would you ever tell someone that? The Starmaker had absolutely no time to enjoy it, to be happy that it's finally done, to watch it and live it. All that joy got ripped away because, what, Aziraphale couldn't stand seeing someone else happy? Because he somehow thought it to be his duty to deliver heartbreaking news to someone he does not know?

The more I rewatch it, the more cruel and soulless it seems.

Look at the pure happiness that Aziraphale saw on their face. Innocent, unrestrained excitement—and he had to go and ruin it.

Aziraphale might not have been responsible for their fall, but fuck he definitely made sure to contribute to it. And to then have the audacity to get UPSET with them for being heartbroken about the upcoming destruction of their creation.

That joy? Gone. After this moment, it will never come back; he didn't even get five minutes to bask in the satisfaction of a job well-done.

I'm sorry, but why the fuck did he do that because I cannot come up with a single reason that justifies telling the Starmaker this at that point in time.

"I can make you an angel again" Yeah, so you get to kill their innocence for a second time? Or rather. Third. Fourth. Hundreds. It's not just heaven and hell that wore Crowley down.

[guacamoleroll]

— 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖓𝖊𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖘 𝖒𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖐 ₊˚⊹

pairing: osamu dazai (bungou stray dogs) x fem!reader

content warning(s): not-safe for work content, semi-public, dacryphilia, alcohol consumption, fingering, associations of gluttony with love, teasing, mutual praise, hickies, nicknames (belladonna, baby, good girl, love)

word count: 1.4k

would you like to see more? join the taglist or comment under this post!

The heat at a company holiday party turns up as a certain brunette decides he wants to have a little fun. Let's hope that no one hears you two.

Snowflakes wore from overlapping clouds, drizzling down onto those that wandered the darkening streets, only aided by flickering street lamps as they made their way between parties and dinners. For many, it was the last day of the work season until the upcoming year, which had to be celebrated with a round of drinks and laughter between co-workers.

The members of the Armed Detective Agency were no different. While they would be on call throughout the festive season, most gifted criminals tended to take the period to rest and refresh themselves. But in celebration of their brief break, the ADA decided to partake in a couple of typical organization shenanigans — specifically booze and screaming.

Yosano was slurring the lyrics of a popular love song, her voice hoarse with the spicy whiskey, leaning against a rigged Kunikida, who screamed at the over-affectionate siblings canoodling in the corner. Kyoka was sitting atop a desk, drinking her non-alcoholic juice while dealing cards in a game with Atsushi and Kenji, who were both squinting at the lengthy rule sheet about the game. Ranpo attempted to explain it to them but quickly gave up as it went over their heads. And Fukuzawa was in the center of it all, drinking a simple saki as he enjoyed the buzzing life of his agency.

But instead of engaging with your other co-workers, you were trapped in a corner, entangled in the arms of the agency's resident suicidal maniac. He was hot despite the frost growing outside. His breath against your skin made the hair on your neck stand up, his nimble fingers trailing dangerously near the hem of your shirt.

You muffled a gasp as he pressed his lips against the start of your spine — he was acting as sloppish as a drunk, but his glass remained filled. It seemed he was intoxicated by something much more sensual this winter evening.

"Dazai," you scolded in a whisper, hands squeezing his own to prevent them from traveling further. 

"Shh, belladonna," he whined, resting his chin against your shoulder as he stared up with a pouted lip. "You're being too loud. We'll get caught."

"We wouldn't get caught if you would stop."

He raised a brow. "Do you want me to stop?"

You froze as his fingers drew circles into the sensitive dips of your waist, knowing the shot of sweet liqueur in your system wasn't the cause for the warmth pooling between your legs. His large hands cupped your hips as you ceased resistance to his advances, melting into his saccharine kisses with little shame.

"Hmm," he hummed, his teeth teasing your skin, eyes narrowing with the mischievousness of a cat as you squeezed his fingers in a tremouring grip, the whispers of a whimper swallowed down your throat. 

The detective interrupted your sensual cuddling as he stood up. You stared from below with a tilted frown, only for him to hush you with a smirk as he dragged you into the storage room.

"You don't wanna get caught, do ya', bella?" the brunette mumbled in your ear, his thumb circling your clit as his long fingers thrusted into your pussy. You whimpered against him, caged with his arms, hoisting your legs from behind as he toyed with your body. 

"Sweet girl," he hummed, his sweetened breath catching against your ear. "You're squeezing my fingers, love. You like that idea, don'tcha?"

You whimpered as he deliberated with deepened strokes, open mouth moving across the expanse of your naked shoulder, trailing blazing kisses across your skin as he reveled in your reactions.

"You want them to hear ya', don'tcha, baby? Want them to know how good I make you feel."

You trembled as he trailed his tongue against your collarbone, breath escaping your lips in pants as your chest coiled. "P-Please—Dazai!"

"Need'ta cum, baby? You wanna cum, hm?"

You nodded, gasping for air. "Mhm—Dazai, I-I-"

You whined at the sudden absence of his fingers, watching as he licked the slick with a gratified groan. "Fucking delicious."

"W-Why—Dazai, why did you-"

"Shh, baby." His fingers circled your clit once more, drawing forth a tangle of unrestrained cries from your throat. "I'll let you cum. But I have one question."

"Wha-what is it?"

He tilted your chin to look into his eyes, and for a moment, you couldn't help but stare at their striking almond color. They continuously swirled with darkness, a mixture of felt and inflicted pain skimming the surface. A drizzle of melancholy stirred within, beckoning you with promises of mystery and paradox. But there was so much more to him, a kindness that rarely sparkled, one that remained hidden behind his walls.

At the end of the day, that was his true allure.

He smirked and, with the upturn of his lips, brought forth a toil of recognizable emotions — lust, desire, possessiveness, yearning. But much like his kindness, something remained hidden. A sense of devotion and tenderness, concealed with the gentleness of his touch despite the inferno smoldering your skin.

"Be my present for the holidays."

Those simple words brought a soft smile from your dewy skin, kissing his cheek as you led his face to yours with a guiding hand. Your fingers brushed his scarred skin, tracing from the nicks on his jaw to the lengthened scar connected to his ear.

"Of course I am, Dazai." His eyes widened. "I've always been yours."

And for a moment, only a brief moment — he smiled.

"Good."

He devoured your lips like his last meal, but the boiling lust had been replaced with a softer sentiment. You melded into one another, your body willfully laid onto the ground. It was like you were two melting candles in the night, burning your wicks until you married into one. Your fingers twirled his chocolate locks, twisting his curled tresses as you pulled him in.

You barely minded the slight zip sound from underneath you, though your eyes couldn't help but wander downward, practically salivating at the sight of his cock resting between his hands. Your body trembled in response to your raging thoughts, anticipating the moment it would be inside you. The brunette chuckled as he leaned up, popping you onto his lap as he used his lithe fingers to slip off your panties, his cock rubbing against your folds.

It seemed that neither of you could take another moment of teasing, Dazai swallowing your moans as he borderline split you in half through shallow thrust, inching in until he was sat at the hilt. He groaned as your walls squeezed him, the bliss more than he had ever dreamed of. His hands traced your shaking spine as you moaned into his mouth, adjusting to the feeling of being so full.

"S-So good, bella—fuck."

His brows furrowed, nipping at your neck with pleasured groans as he rammed his cock up into your aching pussy. His nails dug into the exposed skin of your hip, holding you to him with a bruising grip. His other hand stretched across the crown of your head, muffling your moans in the tense muscle of his shoulder as you lost the ability to restrain your lust-filled pleas for more.

"You feel good, too, don'tcha, baby?"

You fluttered around him, tears streaming down your face as he made deliberate, deep thrusts into your pussy. Your body quivered in his grasp, softly chanting his name like a mantra as he scarred the delicate curve of your neck with gluttonous bites.

"You were fuckin' made f'me, I swear—f-fuck-"

He released a muffled cry as you abruptly came around his cock, mewling hushed praises into his skin as your nails carved into his back. Without a moment to lose, he bucked into you a couple more times as you rode out your high, finding his own release with a groan as he suckled on the heated wounds of your neck.

"Good girl. Such a good fuckin' girl."

You panted, beating a weak fist against his back. "God damn it, Osamu."

"Already callin' me by my first name, bella?" He smiled, his tone not matching his expression. "You're already so in love with—"

You placed your mouth on his, practically pinning the towering man against the ground with an unceremonious thud, rolling your hips with a smirk as he let out a strained whimper. It ceased with a quick peck, and you stared softly at the exposed, love-smitten grin on his face.

"Uh-huh. Love you, too, Osamu."

ᴛᴀɢʟɪꜱᴛ: @imhandicapableofmath @seisitive @hauntedsol @ruru-kiss @ishqani @zyilas @lovesick-fairy @fedyascoffin @aquigglewigglewoo @kelperspelt @sillyspookycat

[kvetchinglyneurotic]

I don't know if I'll ever actually write this, but I have a vague idea for a fic that's like, Sam, Jan, and Jamie vs the AFC Richmond Charity Gala that's set in early season 2 and basically explains what happened to the charity gala in 1x04 that's implied to be an annual tradition but that we never see again. The premise is as follows:

After the Dubai Air protest, Sam feels bad that he didn't look into the company he agreed to promote beforehand and decides to be more proactive in his activism. Which is why, when Ted announces the gala is coming up and Jan Maas (who obviously wasn't there for the last one) is like, "isn't it exploitative and dehumanizing to auction off players?" Sam decides he's going to Do Something About It and tries to rally the team to petition Rebecca to change the event, with mixed results.

Jamie, meanwhile, is having a... weird time. He's still nervous about his place on the team, especially now that Roy is back and at the height of his refusing-to-coach-Jamie era, and while there's not as much outright animosity from the other players, they're also not really friends. He's trying to be on his best behaviour, but the upcoming gala is making him nervous and Sam and Jan going around talking about like. consent and bodily autonomy and all that is dredging up some feelings that he's been repressing — mostly about Amsterdam but also about Lust Conquers All (I don't know a ton about reality TV production but it sounds pretty brutal on the contestants, and Jamie would not have been in a great frame of mind going in).

So when Sam and Jan go to talk to him, he doesn't want to turn them down because he's trying to make up for how he treated Sam last year, but he also doesn't want to get on the bad side of the rest of the team if they like the gala, and also also if auctioning off players is wrong then what happened to him in Amsterdam was definitely wrong, and he's not ready to confront that. But of course Sam is a sweetheart and realizes pretty quickly that Something Bad happened here and is like. okay now we really can't have the gala.

Anyway they make a 50-slide Powerpoint that they rehearse a bunch of times and go to present it to Rebecca in full Isaac-approved suits and everything, and then only get like. one slide in before Rebecca's like, "you're right, that is creepy. We'll come up with something new for this year." Also Roy apologizes for joking about Jamie having to sleep with that woman. The end 😊

[tigertales9]

Hard Reset IV

Pairing: Joe Burrow x Reader

Warnings: 18+ / Smut

Description: This fic covers the week 5 lead-up and win against the Cardinals.

Time/Place: Monday, Oct. 2, 2023 - Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 / Cincinnati, Ohio & Glendale, Arizona

A/N: This is the fourth fic in the Hard Reset series.

Since we have a secret wedding coming up in the next chapter, I decided to use the bye week lakehouse idea from my Sink or Swim fic for the honeymoon location. I'll copy & paste the relevant bit here in case you haven't read it or to refresh your memory:

~ ~ This took place just before training camp in mid-July ~ ~

"Remember when we went to that party at the lake last summer? There was that cool lakehouse that we drove by a couple times when we got lost looking for the party?"

You furrow your brow as you try to think back, your face lighting up when the memory clicks into place. "The tall, narrow three-story house with the rooftop deck?"

"Yep," he grins, opening a tab on his computer and swiveling it to show you the screen. "It's called 'The Crows' Nest' and it's an Airbnb."

"No way." You lean closer for a better look. "It's even more awesome than I remember."

"I booked it for three nights during our bye week."

"Shut up!" you squeal, slapping Joe's arm as he looks simultaneously stoked and smug.

"I hope three nights is enough," he says nervously. "I thought about doing four, but . . ."

"Three nights is plenty," you interject. "If I remember correctly, it's about an hour and a half drive. We'll have an amazing getaway and be back in plenty of time for you to prep for the 49ers game the following week."

"I love that you already know my schedule."

"Front, back, side to side, Mr. Burrow," you purr, giving him a saucy wink.

~ ~ ~

All of that set-up is because the upcoming lakehouse honeymoon is mentioned in this chapter, so let's get to it . . .

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Monday, 10/2/23

You wake up to an empty bed, a satisfied smile gracing your lips as you think about the toe-curling sex you had with your man the night before. You slip out of bed, checking the clock before heading into the bathroom to pee and wash your face.

You eventually walk down the hallway and check Joe's office before heading downstairs, a little surprised that he's nowhere to be found since it's still pretty early, your eyebrows rising when you see a note on the kitchen counter. You pick it up and read it out loud.

"Couldn't sleep so decided to head to the facility to get an early start on work-out - treatment - film. I'll be late getting home tonight since a group of us are watching MNF at Sam's. Love, Joe."

You toss the note down and get your coffee started, a little surprised he's skipping his standing video game session with his high school friends. They play almost every Monday for a few hours until Monday Night Football kicks off at 8:15 pm. Some weeks they play even longer, especially if the MNF match-up isn't very sexy. Usually the only reason he skips it during the season is if he's playing football on Monday (in which case they postpone it to Tuesday) or if he's in a stank mood because he played bad the day before.

Your mind flashes back to yesterday's 27-3 loss to the Titans. "Stank mood for sure," you mumble to yourself, yawning as you add a glug of creamer to your coffee before heading upstairs to your office.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Tuesday, 10/3/23

You wake up to an empty bed again, your brow furrowing as you go through your morning routine before heading down the hall to Joe's office, a smile curling your lips when you hear football noises coming from inside.

"Hey babe," you greet, dropping a kiss on his neck as he hits pause on the game film he's watching. "Hey," he echoes, swiveling his desk chair around to face you. "Sorry I got home so late last night."

"It's okay. Did y'all enjoy the game?" you ask, brushing your fingers through his messy hair a few times to try and tame his rampant bedhead.

"Not really," he grumbles. "We kinda half-ass watched it while talking about what we need to do to get better." He makes a pensive face before giving you a big grin. "Oh yeah, check this out," he says, grabbing his phone and pulling something up before handing it to you. The vid features Ja'Marr and Tee arm wrestling on Sam's kitchen island while several other guys holler encouragement. The vid cuts out just after Ja'Marr wins.

"Y'all got a little bored last night, huh?" you laugh, handing him his phone back.

"Well, it all started when Ja'Marr made a comment about Tee not being as fast as him, so Tee was like 'yeah, but I'm stronger' so of course they had to arm wrestle."

"Of course," you agree. "Was Tee mad when Ja'Marr beat him?"

"A little," Joe shrugs, "but then he was like 'whatever, at least my dick's bigger'."

"Please tell me there's not a dick measuring vid," you mutter.

He gives you a cheeky wink before scrolling his phone like he's looking for said vid.

"Joseph!" you swat his arm. "I don't want to see it!"

He laughs at your scandalized expression before setting his phone on his desk. "Relax, babe, there's no dick measuring vid. At least not on my phone."

"Y'all are too much," you giggle, rolling your eyes playfully. "Everything's a damn competition."

"Wanna know who won?" he asks.

"No!" you chirp, sticking your tongue out when he chortles at your obvious discomfort. "You want some breakfast?" you ask, changing the subject before he decides to give you the unwanted dick report.

"Nah, I'll just grab something at the facility." He checks the time before wrinkling his nose. "I better get going. Lot of stuff to do today."

You lean down and give him a kiss before heading for the door. "I'm gonna get a shower. Have a good day."

"You too," he says, giving you a smile before turning his attention back to his computer.

~ ~ ~

You head downstairs about thirty minutes later, narrowing your eyes as you see another note on the kitchen counter; you snatch it up and read it.

"I'll prob be late again tonight since we're talking about new offensive schemes (thank fuck!) Lots of film to watch & I'll just grab dinner at the facility with the guys. Call me if you need me. Love, Joe."

"Could have told me that to my face," you grump, chewing on your lip and trying not to get too aggravated; he always spends extra time at the facility when shit's going sideways, so this is nothing new. It feels a little weird, though. Like he's avoiding you for some reason. "Don't overthink it," you warn yourself. "He's struggling and trying to figure his shit out. Don't make it about you."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Wednesday, 10/4/23

"Okay, fuck this," you mutter as you once again wake up to an empty bed. You heard him come in last night but pretended to be asleep since you were tired, aggravated and didn't feel like talking, but you def feel like talking now.

You snatch your phone off the bedside table and hurry down the hall to make sure he's not in his office before heading downstairs, your eyes rolling when you spot another damn note on the counter; you heave a sigh as you start to read.

"Sorry I got home late again. Big day today installing the new offense! I'm feeling optimistic for a change. Hate to say it, but I'll be late again. Going to Sam's tonight for pizza and film watching. Love, Joe."

"Shit," you grumble as you set your phone on the kitchen counter. "Can't unleash hell on Mr. Feeling Optimistic," you mutter under your breath, trying and failing to push aside the uneasy feeling the situation's giving you. You roll your shoulders as you wait for your coffee to brew. "He hasn't technically done anything wrong," you state, still trying to convince yourself. "The last thing I want to do is make him feel bad for doing his job."

~ ~ ~

You spend the next several hours doing your (mostly) normal routine:

a harder than normal work-out to relieve some stress

a couple hours of work followed by a virtual meeting to tie up some loose ends on a work project

a few chores and then some errands including a final stop to grab some Kung Pao chicken from your fav family-owned restaurant before heading home

You change into slinky shorts and a t-shirt as soon as you get home before pouring a glass of wine and tucking into your spicy dinner.

An hour later you're tidying up the kitchen when your phone rings; your brow furrows as you check the display before answering. "Hey Sam. What's up?"

"Is Joe there?"

"No. I thought he was eating pizza and watching film tonight at your place."

"Umm, yeah, I left the gym a few minutes before him and we were supposed to meet at my house, but I got a low air pressure warning on one of my tires and stopped to air it up. First place I stopped was out of service so I had to go to another gas station. Took almost thirty extra minutes and when I got home he wasn't there. I tried calling him, but it went straight to voicemail. I waited an hour and tried calling again but the same thing happened."

"That's weird," you mutter, your pulse immediately picking up. "Hopefully he didn't have a wreck or something."

"Oh, I'm sure it's not that," Sam mumbles.

"Well, let me know if you hear from him."

"Okay, you too."

You end the call and immediately try Joe's phone, a knot forming in your stomach when it goes straight to voicemail. You open your fav traffic app and chew on your lip as you look for accidents in the area he was traveling. "Nothing," you mutter, feeling slightly better until another hour passes without hearing from him.

You try his phone again, your heart thudding in your chest when it goes straight to voicemail. "Where are you?" you whisper, pacing back and forth as you try to decide what to do.

You wait thirty more minutes and are just about to call the nearest emergency room -- after Sam texts you asking if you've heard from Joe yet -- when you hear the garage door open, a flood of relief washing over you when he ambles in the door looking slightly disheveled. The odd look on his face makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up; you decide to play it cool.

"Hey," you say, giving him a smile. "How was practice? Did y'all install the new offense?"

"Yeah. Still have a lot of work to do, but I think we're headed in the right direction."

"Good." Your eyes drop down to his long fingers fiddling with his wristbands before you recapture his gaze. "How was the pizza at Sam's?"

"Fine," he shrugs, looking at his feet. "Nothing special."

You feel a wave of nausea hit at his obvious lie. Please let me hold down this Kung Pao, you think to yourself before speaking. "Sam called me several hours ago asking if I knew where you were. He had to stop and air up a tire, and you weren't at his house when he got there. He tried calling you but your phone was off." The color drains from his face as you continue. "Then he texted me a few minutes ago asking if I ever heard from you, so I know you haven't been with him."

He shifts his weight from one foot to the other but doesn't speak.

"You wanna tell me why you just lied to my face?"

"It's not what you think," he mutters, his prominent Adam's apple bobbing up and down as he swallows hard.

The action draws your gaze down to his throat for a few seconds before it shifts back up to his face; you become very aware of his facial hair, a thought flashing through your mind that it's a damn shame you're mad at him since you love to feel his scruff against your skin.

A darker thought creeps into your head when you consider the fact that he just lied to you about being with Sam. Is someone else enjoying the feel of that scruff? you muse to yourself, your stomach turning at the thought of him cheating on you.

You spin around and sprint down the hallway, barely making it to the guest bathroom in time to slam the door and fling the toilet seat up before emptying the contents of your stomach into the bowl. You spit a few times as you gasp for breath, eventually flushing the toilet and walking on trembling legs to the sink to rinse your mouth a few times and splash water on your flushed face. You pat dry with a hand towel and open the door, rushing forward two steps before crashing into a large, immovable object. Joe wraps his hands around your upper arms to steady you, his expression hard to read as you wrench yourself out of his grasp and step back.

He heaves a sigh before speaking. "We were supposed to meet at Sam's, but when he didn't show up for like twenty minutes I decided to take a drive to clear my head. I couldn't get my thoughts to stop racing," he continues with a shrug. "Thinking about how bad I've been playing, wondering if the new offensive scheme will help. I just needed a distraction."

"What's her name?" you snap.

"Huh?"

"The distraction. What's her name?"

"It's not like that," he soothes, reaching for you as you step farther out of reach.

"Then how is it?" you challenge. "You were out of contact for several hours with your phone turned off. That's not just a drive to clear your fucking head!"

He hesitates for a second and you spin around and stride for the stairs, launching yourself up them two at a time before heading through the master bedroom and into the bathroom, quickly brushing your teeth before hurrying into your walk-in closet.

You wrangle a suitcase into the middle of the closet floor and start flinging clothes inside with the same vigor that Joe uses when spiking a football after scoring a tuddy. You punctuate each motion with a curse word, your entire body shaking.

Eventually you become aware of the fact that he's standing in the doorway watching you; you give him a glare before continuing to pack.

"This is just a huge misunderstanding," he states, fiddling with his wristbands like his life depends on it.

"Obvs," you sneer. "I clearly misunderstood the nature of this relationship. Who could blame me, though?" you ask, plowing ahead before he has a chance to interject. "You've never given me a reason not to trust you. Plus you've been oh so vulnerable with me lately -- worried I'm gonna leave you, desperate to hurry up and get secretly married to put your mind at ease." You swallow hard around the lump in your throat, grateful that you're too stunned to cry. If I start crying, I may never stop, you think to yourself.

You stop packing long enough to lock eyes with him. "Meanwhile you're out doing God knows what with God knows who and lying straight to my face about it."

"I can explain everything," he urges. "I'm just trying not to spoil a surprise I set up for you."

"Surprise! I'm a lying asshole!" you chirp, giving a derisive snort before a petty idea hits you. If he wants to watch me pack, let's give him something to see. You walk deeper into the closet and start easing short, slinky cocktail dresses off of their padded hangers, folding them delicately before laying them almost reverently in your suitcase. You pull open a few drawers on your lingerie chest and scoop out copious handfuls of lacy, barely-there wisps of fabric in the form of bras, panties, teddys, thigh-high stockings and a few other naughty confections, smirking at his worried expression as you place the items in your suitcase.

"Where are you going?" he asks.

"Where have you been?" you counter, crossing your arms in a defensive posture, your substantial engagement ring catching your eye when the overhead light glints off of it. "Oh … here … you can have this back," you mumble, sliding the ring off and handing it to him.

"What? No way!" he sputters, gently pushing your hand back toward you. "Jesus, I've fucked this up so bad it's not even funny," he grits out. "I seem to fuck everything up these days."

"Don't play the victim."

He takes a deep breath and stares at the ceiling for several seconds before looking at you. "Will you please put your ring back on? I promise I'm about to tell you everything you want to know, but I can't think straight when you're not wearing your ring."

Something in his tone -- a pleading vibe -- makes you do as he asks.

"Thank you," he rasps, clearing his throat before holding a hand out to you. "Let's go sit down and I'll explain everything."

You stare at his hand for several seconds before placing your hand in it, your eyebrows climbing upward when he lets out the breath he was holding. He's shook, you think to yourself, hoping he has a damn good explanation for lying to you.

He leads you to the sitting area in your bedroom, gesturing for you to sit in one armchair before dropping into the other, his fingers immediately fiddling with his wristbands as he starts to speak.

"Okay … so … you know the lakehouse we're going to during bye week?"

"Yeah," you answer, your mind conjuring up an image of the cool, modern three-story house that you've been looking forward to staying in ever since Joe booked it back before training camp started. Back then it was just going to be a quick getaway during bye week, but it's morphed into your (first) honeymoon destination since y'all are getting secretly married just before you leave for the lake.

"Remember when I showed you the pics on the Airbnb site and you said -- if you were doing the decorating -- you'd arrange the furniture different in the master bedroom?"

"Yeah," you answer, thinking about the master suite that takes up the entire top floor of the house; one of its coolest features is an oversized skylight situated just above a sitting area. You mentioned it would be cooler to position the bed under the skylight so you could look up at the night sky while lying in bed.

"Well, I got in touch with the homeowner, Mr. Thompson, and asked him if I could switch the sitting area and bed for our stay." Your eyes go wide as he continues. "I told him I'd handle it, I just needed someone to let me and Sam in."

"We're not going for two more weeks, though," you mumble suspiciously.

"True," he agrees, "and I figured I'd go Monday the 16th -- the day before we arrive for our stay -- but Mr. Thompson said I could go anytime since no one else is staying there between now and then."

"That's … interesting."

"Mmm-hmm. So Mr. Thompson gave me the caretaker's number so I could set up a time for me and Sam to move the furniture."

If this is a lie, it's elaborate as fuck, you think to yourself as Joe continues.

"Max, the caretaker, agreed to meet me today. It's about an hour and a half drive, and I had just enough time to get there when I said I'd be there, so I left without Sam."

"Did you try calling Sam before you left?"

"No. To be honest I was a little aggravated." He shrugs before continuing. "He knew I was antsy to get on the road, and I felt like he was drag-assing."

"So you turned your phone off to teach him a lesson?"

"Maybe," he grins, having the decency to look a little sheepish about it.

"QB1 behavior," you mutter. "By the way, you better send him a quick text to let him know you're alive."

He does your bidding, and your gaze is drawn to his sexy hands as he types the text; you squeeze your eyes shut as a thought hits you. "Since Sam didn't go, who helped you move the furniture?"

"Max plus a couple of guys he brought with him. That king-sized bed is heavy as fuck so I was grateful he brought some extra muscle." He sees your skeptical expression and starts scrolling through his phone. "I'll show you the texts where we set it up," he offers, turning his phone where you can read it. "Here's the text from Mr. Thompson giving me Max's number. -- And here's where I texted Max to set up a time to meet. -- And here's his reply …"

You feel a flood of relief as you read the texts, your eyes meeting Joe's over the top of the phone for a split second before you break down crying; you drop your head into your hands as the sobs escalate, his concerned voice seemingly coming from a great distance even though his mouth is close to your ear.

"I can have Max send me footage from the security cams," he states. "The entire outer perimeter is covered so you'll be able to see me drive up and meet him and the other guys."

"That's not necessary," you wheeze, trying hard to draw breath and stem the steady flow of tears. "I believe you."

"Then why are you crying?" he asks, a slight tremble in his voice giving away his raw emotional state.

"Because I'm so relieved," you sniff, wiping your eyes before meeting his gaze. "I thought you were cheating on meeeee," you wail, your voice trailing off into sobs again as he stands up and scoops you up bridal-style; he drops into your chair with you sitting crossways in his lap, his deep voice like a balm to your frazzled nerves as he does his best to soothe you.

"I'm so sorry, baby," he whispers. "I would never cheat on you, okay? I was trying to set up a fun surprise for you, but I'm too much of a dumbass to get it right."

"You're not a dumbass," you sniffle, smiling as he wipes your tears away before dropping a kiss on each of your flushed cheeks. "It's not your fault that one of Sam's tires needed air."

"Yeah, this is all Sam's fault, the fucker," he grumbles, laughing along with you for a minute before turning serious. "You're shaking really bad," he states, running his hands up and down your arms. "Are you cold?"

"A little, but I think it's mostly a st…stress reaction," you stammer."

"Shit," he sighs. "I can't believe I did this to you."

"It's okay," you whisper. "You didn't mean to."

He drops a kiss on your forehead before standing up and setting you back in the chair, quickly grabbing a plush throw blanket off the foot of the bed and tucking it around you. "Sit tight for a sec. I'm gonna run a hot bath."

You nod your head as he turns and heads toward the bathroom, taking several slow, deep breaths to try and relax before he reappears. "Bath's ready," he states, gently pulling the blanket off of you before picking you up to carry you to the bathroom.

Five minutes later you're both immersed in the oversized tub, with him behind you and your back leaning against his chest. He runs his big hands up and down your arms, trying to chase away the chill bumps as you flutter your eyes closed and try to relax.

You spend the next fifteen minutes enjoying the feel of him rubbing your arms, your shoulders, and your thighs. "That feels good," you groan, the tension leaving your body with every stroke of his talented hands.

"Good." He drops a kiss on your neck. "Just relax."

"Sorry your surprise got ruined," you sigh, leaning your head to the side as he drops another kiss on your neck. "I think it's super sweet you went to so much trouble to surprise me," you continue, reaching a hand down to squeeze one of his thighs. "Can't wait to sleep with you under that huge skylight."

"It's gonna be amazing," he murmurs, his hot breath and scruff against your ear causing a shiver to run through you. "Still cold?" he asks. "No," you whisper, maneuvering around until you're facing him. His gaze is drawn down to your bare breasts just visible above the water. "You sure you're not cold?" he asks again. "You're chill bumpy, shivery, and … this," he breathes, ghosting his hot, wet fingers over your hard nipples, his eyes meeting yours when you give a soft moan and lean into his touch. "I'm the opposite of cold," you admit, gasping when he wraps his hands around your waist and slides you onto his lap, his mouth immediately capturing yours in a slow-burn kiss. His tongue tangles with yours for several minutes before he pulls back. "Let's go to bed," he orders, helping you out of the tub before stepping out behind you.

You quickly dry off and head into the bedroom, folding the covers down to the foot of the bed as your entire body hums with anticipation. "Y/n?" Joe calls from the bathroom. "Come here, please."

You walk back in the bathroom, an inquisitive look on your face as he gestures toward the open closet door; you turn your head to see what he's pointing at, a hot flush rising in your cheeks at the sight of your suitcase overflowing with lingerie. The sound of his voice pulls your attention back to him.

"Who were you gonna wear all that stuff for?" he asks, the edge in his tone sending a shiver down your spine.

"Nobody," you shrug, closing the distance between you and tilting your head up to look at him. "I thought you were cheating on me so I decided to make you a little jealous."

"A little jealous?" he snorts. "Just the thought of another man looking at you makes me insanely jealous." He wraps his hands around your waist as he continues. "The thought of another man touching you makes me homicidal."

"You threatening to kill me?" you tease, trying to lighten the mood.

"No, I'm threatening to kill him," he states matter-of-factly.

"You have nothing to worry about as long as you don't cheat on me."

"Promise?" he asks, the hint of vulnerability in his tone a complete contrast to the possessive anger of a few seconds ago. You wrap a hand behind his nape and pull him down until his face is about an inch from yours. "I promise," you whisper, pressing a kiss on his full lips. "You're the only man I want."

He pulls back and stares down at you, his demeanor shifting from vulnerable back to possessive. Provocative. You lick your lips as his hands tighten on your waist, opening your mouth to speak just as his mouth crashes down on yours. The kiss is intense, no teasing just taking, his need to possess you crystal clear as he slides his hands down to your ass and lifts you up, carrying you to bed while stating his intentions.

"I'm gonna lick you until you beg for my cock," he growls, the vibration of his deep voice in your ear causing a flood of liquid heat in your core. "Then I'm gonna fuck you senseless."

You're so drunk with lust that you can't form a coherent response. Instead you shove a hand in his hair as he eases you onto the bed, his eyes capturing yours for a few breathless seconds before he maneuvers his way down your body to make good on his carnal promise.

The next hour passes by like a fever dream, with him devouring you with a ferocity that has your body responding in kind, meeting his intense need with your own as you lose yourself in the feel of his hands and mouth on you, the hot velvet caress of his tongue bringing you to climax twice before he sinks his thick cock inside your tight heat. He rides you hard as he nips and sucks your neck and breasts, leaving love bites as you rake your fingernails up his muscular back, his first climax hitting just before your third.

He eventually pulls out and rolls off of you with a primal groan, your mutual heavy breathing the only sound for the next several minutes before you turn your head and give him a smile. "That was amazing," you pant, your eyes going wide as he rolls you onto your stomach.

"I'm not finished with you yet," he purrs in your ear, crawling between your spread thighs and biting the nape of your neck as he enters you from behind.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thursday, 10/5/23

You wake up before Joe the next morning, stretching your deliciously sore, nude body beneath the slinky sheets before turning to look at him; he's sleeping peacefully, his pretty pink lips showing a hint of a smile as if he's enjoying a nice dream.

Last night felt like a dream, you think to yourself as you ease out of bed and head to the bathroom. The stomach-turning angst when you thought he was cheating, followed by intense relief and mind-blowing sex, was enough to give you an insane case of emotional whiplash.

"Crazy shit," you mumble to yourself, shaking your head at your reflection before turning on the faucet to wash your face.

You're patting your face dry when Joe walks in, giving you a smile before yawning and raking his long fingers through his messy hair. "Good morning, gorgeous," he greets as he walks up behind you, leaning down to press a kiss on your shoulder before meeting your eyes in the mirror.

"Good morning, gorgeous," you echo, biting your lip as the heat radiating off of his nude body causes your core to contract. Jesus, I'll never get enough of him, you think to yourself. "I'm gonna have to wear a turtleneck for my virtual meeting today," you state, pointing at the mark on your neck.

"Did I get a little overzealous marking my territory last night?" he asks, dropping a kiss on the love bite, the tip of his tongue darting out to give it a quick lick.

"Just the right amount of zealous," you giggle, watching his expression in the mirror as he notices the marks on your breasts.

"Do they hurt?" he murmurs, sliding his fingertips over the love bites plus the rug burn caused by his scruff.

"No," you breathe. "They just feel a little warm and tingly."

"That's good."

"Mmm-hmm," you hum, mesmerized by the sight of his big, strong hands delicately caressing your breasts, a gasp escaping your lips when he ghosts his fingertips over your hard nipples.

"Are you sore?" he asks, his voice husky with arousal as he slides a hand down to cup your mound, his erection thickening and lengthening against you.

"A little," you admit, "but it's a good kind of sore."

"Stop me if it's too much, okay?"

"Okay."

You both watch in the mirror as he dips one long finger inside your slick heat before pulling it back out, spreading the moisture over your sensitive folds as you grind back against him; he repeats the sensual action several times, his eyes dark with arousal as you bend over and press your forearms against the marble counter, rising up onto your tiptoes as he continues to tease you.

You arch your back in invitation as he lazily circles your swollen clit with slippery fingers. "I need you inside me," you whisper, your pulse picking up as he grabs his erection with his free hand and nestles the tip against your entrance; he meets your eyes in the mirror before slowly pushing inside, hissing in pleasure as your walls clench around him.

"I'll never get enough of you," he growls as he starts to thrust.

~ ~ ~

An hour and a half later -- after a couple of orgasms, a shared shower and a quick breakfast -- you give him a kiss before he heads for the door.

"I'll be home for dinner," he calls over his shoulder.

Your mouth drops open in exaggerated surprise. "No way!" you tease. "I was starting to think we'd never have dinner together again."

He spins around and walks back to you, cradling your face in his hands before speaking. "I know I've been gone a lot this week, but trying to figure shit out plus installing the new offense has been pretty intense."

"Not to mention sneaking off to upgrade our secret honeymoon love nest."

"That too," he chuckles, leaning down to press a kiss on your lips. "I can't wait for the bye week."

"Me neither," you purr, giving his plump butt a squeeze before he heads for the door.

~ ~ ~

Later that night -- after dinner, a couple episodes of Forensic Files, and some less-intense-but-no-less-satisfying sex -- y'all are lying in bed talking about the upcoming game in Arizona.

"If we lose," Joe says, making a face at the awful thought. "I only want to see you in the family & friends area after the game. My parents can wait for you outside, then y'all can ride to the airport together."

"Can't do that, babe."

"Why not?"

"Because your mom will get her feelings hurt. She's already a little upset that you're not meeting us after losses, but if you meet me and not them, she's gonna be seriously upset."

"Then she shouldn't be so extra with the praise every time I lose. It's fucking annoying."

"You're her baby," you soothe, pressing a kiss on his pouty lips. "She's always gonna try to make you feel better."

"If I play like shit, I don't want to feel better."

You sigh at the grumpy look on his pretty face. "Tell you what. If she starts in on the praise, I'll step in and gently shut it down."

"Really?" he asks, giving you a skeptical look.

"Really," you answer. "I'll just steer the convo in a different direction. I've done it a few times with her, and it's worked pretty well."

"You do have the magic touch when it comes to handling her like that. You're way better than me at it."

"Because I use a little finesse instead of coming at her like a wrecking ball," you tease.

"I have no patience for finesse when I'm pissed off."

"I know," you chuckle. "That's what you have me for."

He rolls onto his side and pulls you against him, your back to his chest. "We make a good team," he states, dropping a kiss on your shoulder.

"The best," you agree.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Sunday, 10/8/23

You stand against the wall in the large room designated for family & friends of the visiting team at State Farm stadium in Glendale, Arizona, the thrill of victory putting a huge smile on your face as you wait for Joe to appear.

The game had been the Joe & Ja'Marr show, with Joe throwing for 317 yards, and Ja'Marr catching 15 passes for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns. The almost-telepathic connection between the two of them was on full display as they led the Bengals to a 34-20 win over the Cardinals.

An excited buzz flows through the room as Joe walks in; he ignores the attention as he quickly strides up to you. "Hey," he greets you, leaning down to drop a kiss on your lips before pulling you into a tight hug. "Hey," you breathe against his sweaty neck, tempted to lick him but restraining yourself due to the crowd of people watching you, including his parents.

There's a wicked grin on his face when he steps back, like he read your mind. Speaking of telepathic, you think to yourself, giving him a discreet wink as his parents step forward to greet him.

A minute later he turns his attention back to you, leaning down to press his lips close to your ear. "See you at home," he whispers, the four words so full of heat that you feel a blush rise in your cheeks as he turns and heads for the door.

~ ~ ~

A little while later, as you're sitting in the airport waiting to catch your flight home, your phone rings. Your pulse picks up when you see who's calling.

"Hey gorgeous," you greet.

"Hey gorgeous," Joe responds. "Are my parents right there?"

"No. They went to find a bathroom before we board."

"You need to get some sleep on the plane," he says, his voice dropping an octave like it always does when he's thinking naughty thoughts. "I've got plans for you when I get home."

"Can't wait," you purr before a thought hits you. "Your parents are spending the night, so we'll have to be somewhat quiet."

"So we'll have mind-blowing, hair-pulling, screaming-orgasm sex minus the screaming."

"Sounds good," you whisper, your eyes going wide when you see Joe's parents headed your way. "Your parents are back."

"I can't wait to see you."

"Me too," you mutter, smiling at Robin as she sits beside you.

"Can't wait to get you naked," Joe growls. "I'm gonna …"

You loudly clear your throat when you notice Robin looking at you. "I better go; we're about to start boarding."

Joe's dirty chuckle brings a hot blush to your cheeks. "Love you, babe," he states.

"Love you, too," you whisper before ending the call.

"You look a little flushed," Robin says, pressing a hand against your forehead. "Do you think you're coming down with something?"

Just the hots for your sex god son, you think to yourself, giving her a smile before answering. "I feel fine. I think the excitement of the win is just now catching up with me."

"That's probably it," she agrees. "Nothing a good night's sleep won't cure."

"Definitely."

"Speaking of that," she continues. "Since we're getting back so late, let's push brunch tomorrow back a couple hours. That way you kids can get plenty of sleep. Does that sound good?"

"Yes, ma'am," you agree. "I know Joe is gonna be super tired when he gets home."

"For sure," she nods. "He'll be so tired he can barely walk."

He'll be even more tired when I get through with him, you think to yourself, standing up and grabbing your bag when they call your flight.

[nayziiz]

Team Dynamics | LN4

Summary: To celebrate the launch of their 2024 car for the upcoming F1 season, McLaren hosts a masquerade gala event that sees two souls connect and lead to a whirlwind romance. Unfortunately, the pair realise soon after that they are to work together quite closely after they agreed it would only be a one-night thing.

Warnings: Smut, alcohol, one night stand, unprotected sex, angst (in this chapter)

Pairing: Gemma (I don't like writing with Y/N or reader) x Lando Norris

Series Masterlist

PART 5 (quite a long chapter)

In the days that followed their agreement, Gemma and Oscar found themselves engrossed in the task of organising the karting excursion for Lily. Messages and calls flowed seamlessly, the excitement palpable in their exchanges. Gemma's characteristic enthusiasm shone through as she meticulously planned every detail, turning what could have been a simple outing into a memorable day filled with racing and valuable tips to get Lily comfortable in the machinery.

Gemma, drawing on her wealth of simulation experience, carefully selected a local karting circuit she frequented known for its challenging twists and turns. She considered it the perfect setting for Lily's introduction to the world of karting. With an eye for detail, Gemma coordinated the logistics, ensuring that everything, from the availability of karting equipment to the timing of the event, was seamlessly arranged.

Gemma arrives at the karting circuit adorned in her black and pink gear, her face beaming with enthusiasm. Lily, slightly nervous yet eager, meets Gemma with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Gemma wastes no time in immersing Lily in the world of karting, providing insightful tips on handling the kart, mastering the turns, and maximising speed on the straightaways.

Lando, always curious and with a mischievous glint in his eye, decided to accompany Lily and Oscar to the karting circuit to meet Gemma there. His motivations are twofold – not only does he want to witness Gemma's karting skills firsthand, but he also wants to observe her in her natural comfort zone. It’s no secret within the McLaren team that Gemma has a genuine love for karting, and Lando is keen on experiencing her in that space.

Oscar and Lando make their way onto a small pavilion overlooking the karting area, where the high-pitched hum of engines and the occasional cheer fill the air. As they settle into a prime viewing spot, Oscar turns to Lando, his eyes focused on the girls hovering around the karts on the track.

“Gemma asked that we keep ourselves out of the way so we don't distract them.” Oscar informs Lando, gesturing towards the busy scene below. Lando nods in understanding, leaning against the railing of the pavilion.

“Got it. We'll be the silent cheerleaders then. Wouldn't want to mess with their groove. I’m just happy to be here.” Lando concedes with a crooked smile.

Below them, Gemma, Lily, and the buzzing energy of the karting circuit command their attention. Gemma, in her element, is animatedly pointing at various parts of the karts, offering guidance and sharing insights with Lily. The two women exchange animated conversations, occasionally punctuated by bursts of laughter.

“How does it feel seeing her in this kind of environment?” Oscar asks when he notices Lando’s eyes fixed solely on Gemma and her movements.

“It’s hot, to say the least. She’s pretty much the perfect girl.” Lando admits with a playful smirk, his gaze unwavering from Gemma as she continues to guide Lily through the intricacies of karting.

“Perfect, huh? I didn't know you were into girls who could outpace you on the track.” Oscar raises an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

“It's not just about the racing, mate. It's the whole package – the passion, the skill, the confidence. Gemma's got it all.” Lando chuckles, shaking his head.

"Why don't you just ask her out on a date?" Oscar wonders.

“She just wants to be friends.” Lando informs his teammate and friend.

“And, you’re happy with that?” Oscar asks, sceptical.

“Yeah.” Lando quips. “I don’t want to let her slip through my fingers because I’m forcing for more, if you get what I mean.”

“She’ll come around.” Oscar assures Lando.

“I know she will.” Lando smiles, turning his attention back to the girls out on the track.

As they continue to watch the karting activities unfold below, Lando can't help but steal glances in Gemma's direction. There's a magnetic pull between them, an unspoken connection that goes beyond their environment. Gemma's presence seems to light up Lando's world, and he's content to let their relationship unfold at its own pace. Gemma, sensing Lando's gaze burning her skin, gives him a warm smile and a small wave, a silent reassurance that speaks volumes.

Gemma has been trying to keep her feelings for Lando in check, maintaining a professional demeanour within the team. Lando is always around, offering his emotional support in a subtle yet consistent manner knowing how vastly different Gemma’s new job role is compared to her previous role at the factory. His efforts to be a friend and provide a sense of security haven't gone unnoticed by her. As Gemma continues to guide Lily, her mind can't help but wander to the unexpected presence of Lando. The realisation that he wants to be a part of the experience, even in a casual setting, tugs at the edges of Gemma's carefully guarded emotions. She can't deny the connection they have formed.

After the exhilarating karting session, Gemma, Lily, Oscar,and Lando decide to grab lunch together. The four of them head to a quaint local restaurant, eager to continue their festivities. Seated at a corner table, the two drivers share stories and laughter over plates of delicious comfort food they are often restricted of. The atmosphere is light, with the thrill of racing still lingering in the air. Gemma finds herself enjoying the company, appreciating the genuine smiles and easy banter between the two teammates and Lily occasionally quipping in to tell an embarrassing story about Oscar.

As they discuss various topics, Lando's subtle physical touches don't go unnoticed by Gemma. A brush of his hand against hers as they reach for the salt, a playful nudge when sharing a joke, his knee pressing against hers, and the occasional lingering eye contact—all seemingly innocent gestures send a subtle current of warmth through Gemma.

Gemma, while savouring the moments, remains cautious, aware of professional boundaries. Yet, Lando's easygoing nature and the genuine interest he shows in her make it increasingly challenging for Gemma to keep her emotions neatly tucked away.

“That was fun. We should do this more often.” Lando states with his signature grin.

“I agree.” Gemma nods in response to Lando’s statement.

Gemma finds herself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The subtle touches from Lando have left an indelible mark, sparking a warmth that lingers within her. She glances at him, catching his eye, and they share a moment of unspoken understanding.

- Later that night -

Lando stands outside her hotel room door, bathed in the dim glow of the corridor lights. A hint of uncertainty lingers in his eyes as he raises his hand to knock softly. Gemma, immersed in her late-night activities, is taken aback by the unexpected sound at her door. Her eyes widen as she peers through the peephole, recognizing Lando's silhouette.

Her heart skips a beat, and a mixture of surprise and anticipation dances in her eyes as she quickly swings the door open. Lando stands before her, his expression a mix of vulnerability and something unspoken. The connection between them, that subtle energy that seems to hum in the air whenever they are together, is palpable.

Gemma has been up late, lost in the depths of social media, scrolling through TikTok and losing track of time while watching edits of Lando. The familiar warmth of his presence feels like a serendipitous surprise. Her room, softly illuminated by a bedside lamp, is evidence of her late-night activities, scattered with papers and notes from her work.

Tired from the day's adventures and the late-night scrolling, Gemma finds herself dressed in an oversized shirt that hangs loosely on her frame, paired with comfortable shorts. The fatigue in her eyes is softened by the subtle excitement of unexpectedly finding Lando at her door.

“Lando.” She greets, a smile playing on her lips. “What brings you here?”

“Couldn't sleep. Thought I'd take a late-night stroll, and, well, here I am.” He shrugs, a hint of sheepishness in his demeanour.

“Late-night stroll or an excuse to see me?” Gemma chuckles, a warm, genuine sound.

“Maybe a bit of both.” Lando grins, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection. “I was wondering if you'd join me on a drive?”

“It's after midnight.” Gemma counters, her curiosity piqued.

“I know. I just need to clear my mind, but I could really do with some company.” He explains, his gaze unwavering. Gemma hesitates for a moment before nodding.

“Let me put on something warmer.” She informs him, leaving the door open for him to enter and he does.

As she retreats into the bathroom, Lando watches her with a mix of anticipation and gratitude. She returns in sweatpants over her pyjama shorts and a sweatshirt that seems strangely familiar.

“Is that my sweatshirt?” Lando questions, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Yeah. You left it in the hospitality suite last Sunday, so I kept it for safety's sake.” Gemma replies, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

“Mmh, you stole it.” Lando teases, the corners of his mouth lifting in a lighthearted grin. Gemma shrugs with a twinkle in her eyes.

“Consider it collateral. Now, where are we driving to at this hour?” She wonders, quickly diverting the attention away from the topic of the sweatshirt.

Lando grinned at Gemma's playful remark, appreciating the banter that had become an unspoken language between them.

“Let's just drive and see where the night takes us." He suggested with a sense of spontaneity lacing his words.

Gemma nodded, a hint of excitement in her eyes as they ventured into the quiet night. The city lights twinkled in the distance as they wound through the deserted streets, the gentle hum of the car creating a soothing soundtrack to their impromptu journey. The soft glow of the dashboard illuminated the contours of their faces, revealing the unguarded moments between sentences.

The winding roads led them to a scenic overlook, where the city below sparkled like a sea of stars. Lando parked the car, and they stepped out, the crisp night air enveloping them. Gemma hugged herself, the stolen sweatshirt providing a comforting layer.

“Want to tell me what's on your mind?” Gemma breaks the comfortable silence, turning to Lando with a gentle smile.

“It's just been one of those weeks, you know? Needed a bit of a break from the noise and chaos.” Lando glances at her, his expression momentarily thoughtful. After a moment of silence, he speaks with a hint of frustration in his voice. “I need to win a race, and badly.”

“You will. You just have to be patient.” Gemma reassures him, resting a hand on his shoulder.

“I know, but it feels like I've been waiting forever. The competition is tough, and every race feels like a missed opportunity.” Lando sighs, the weight of his aspirations evident in his expression.

“You're incredibly talented, Lando. Your time will come. The journey is just as big a part as the destination, right?” She counters, her thumb rubbing comforting circles onto his shoulder.

“Yeah, you're right. It's just hard not to get caught up in the pressure sometimes.” He nods, appreciating her supportive words.

“Pressure can be a driving force, but don't let it consume you. You're doing what you love, and success will follow your passion.” Gemma adds as she removes her hand from his shoulder and replaces it with her temple as she leans against him. He instinctively wraps an arm around her, pulling her closer. “And, I’m happy to go on all the late-night drives for you to see that.”

As they make their way back to the car, Gemma can't help but notice a faint smile on Lando's lips. The stolen sweatshirt, the midnight drive – it all feels like a stolen chapter from a romance novel. The air between them carries a hint of something unspoken, a promise of more adventures and stolen moments yet to come.

As they drive back to the hotel, the city slowly coming to life in the predawn hours, Gemma rests her head against the window, feeling a sense of contentment that transcends the late-night escapade. When they return to the hotel, the quiet hum of the car engine fading away, a charged atmosphere lingers between Lando and Gemma. In the soft glow of the hotel's exterior lights, Lando turns towards her, his eyes reflecting a mixture of longing and restraint.

He leans in, and with a gentle touch, Lando kisses her softly, the connection lasting only for a split second. Gemma, caught in the warmth of the moment, pulls away, a conflicted expression on her face. She presses a hand to his chest, a silent warning.

“We can't, you know we can't.” She cautioned him, her voice a delicate plea.

“I know.” Lando acknowledges, his eyes searching hers. “But, it pains me that I have to stop.”

“It's complicated, Lando. Timing, circumstances.” Gemma sighs, a mixture of emotions playing on her features.

“It's just hard when everything else feels so right.” Lando nods, understanding the unspoken barriers that hold them back.

“It's just that there are things I need to figure out on my own.” Gemma added with a sincerity that cut through the charged air between them.

“Take all the time you need. I'll be here whenever you're ready.” Lando counters, his determination palpable.

“I can’t expect you to wait for me. We don’t know how long that could take.” Gemma continues.

“I’ll be here. Whenever.” Lando, once again, assures her, but her eyes are pained and her heart weighs heavy.

“Just one more kiss. Just one to keep my sanity in check.” Gemma whispers, her eyes searching Lando's with a mix of longing and reluctance.

“You know it won't stop with just one kiss.” Lando hesitates, caught in the magnetic pull of their connection.

Lando, understanding the weight of their shared desires, leans in, and their lips meet in a lingering kiss. It holds a blend of passion and restraint, a poignant moment amid conflicting emotions. As they hesitantly pull away, Gemma moves to get out of the car and Lando follows her inside without another word spoken.

[splatsvilles-fashionista]

New additions to Salmon Run in Drizzle Season 2023

It's a beautiful new day following a new season trailer, which means we'll have plenty of announcements to look forward to, starting today with some Salmon Run-related stuff!

As we saw in the trailer, Salmonid Smokeyard returns from Splatoon 2. In that game this stage was notoriously difficult for the way it's split down the middle, especially in High Tide, but maybe egg throws will make it better? We will have to see.

In addition to the new Slopsuits that were revealed yesterday, new things to purchase using scales are being added. More stickers, decorations and banners, of course, but also more of Splatoon 2's Salmon Run-exclusive gear is making a comeback, including the very popular Cap of Legend. Better start saving those gold scales!

Now, you've no doubt already heard of the upcoming Big Run taking place of the weekend of the September 2-3, but Grizzco has a special surprise in store for us, just for the occasion...

A brand-new Grizzco weapon is making its debut during the Big Run! This enigmatic image is all we have for the moment, but looking at it, I think my best guess is that we're looking at a Dualie. The cylinder in the foreground is the jet(?) that's at the bottom of the handles, and from there you can kind of make out the shape of the main body of the gun. That's my guess, anyway.

[revenantghost]

I know we talk a lot about how Knives doesn't seem to be as gentle or kind as his manga counterpart, how he's already a little dark and evil, which is how it seems to be. But this scene in particular makes me wonder if that's just what we're supposed to think. I already made a long post about the unreliable narration in Tristamp, and this scene always strikes me as proof that Knives is not exactly who we've seen him to be in the flashbacks. I think he's a lot more complex.

Because, now? Knives does think he's standing up to the bad guys, but he sure as hell doesn't care about making friends, much less keeping them. He only cares about owning people and hiding his fear and trauma under a strict layer of control.

And this kid? I don't think he's hit his breaking point yet. And I think we'll see more of that in upcoming seasons.

I don't think that now he would consider himself in the role of an angel how Rem means it here, and he's the one that suggests that term

If only Rem didn't let him read the ENTIRE BIBLE AT ONE YEARS OLD, NONE OF THESE PROBLEMS WOULD BE NEARLY AS BAD

[charlosvibesonly]

Racing Hearts - Part 7

Pairing : Max x fem! driver/reader

it was the best of times, it was the worst of crimes (this would be the second last part of this series. i hope you enjoy it!)

The rooftop breeze played with your hair as Max stared into your eyes. His expression softened, and a vulnerability you hadn't seen before appeared in his gaze.

"Y/N," he began, his voice tinged with sincerity, "I need to be honest with you. I let my insecurities get the better of me this season. The pressure to win, to be the best, it clouded my judgment. I pushed you away because I was scared. Scared that I wasn't enough, scared that I would lose you."

Your heart ached at his confession. "Max, you don't have to be perfect. I don't need you to be. I just need you to be honest with me."

He took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "I really like you, Y/N. More than I ever thought I would. But I was so afraid of messing things up that I ended up doing just that."

A soft smile played on your lips. "Max, I forgive you. We all have our flaws, our moments of weakness. What matters is how we learn from them."

Relief flickered across Max's face as he reached for your hand. "I promise, Y/N, I'll do better. I'll be better for you."

As the two of you shared a quiet moment, a news notification on your phone cut through the atmosphere. The headline read, "Toto Wolff Takes Allegations of Cheating by Red Bull to FIA, Calls for Investigation."

The reality of the situation hit you like a punch to the gut. Toto Wolff, fueled by rivalry and a desire to see Red Bull fall, had escalated the situation to the governing body of Formula 1.

The next day, the paddock buzzed with tension as news of the investigation spread like wildfire. As you and Max prepared for the upcoming race, a shadow fell across your path. Toto Wolff approached with a determined stride, his face a mask of determination.

"Well, well, if it isn't the star-crossed lovers of the paddock," Toto sneered, casting a derisive glance between you and Max.

Max shot him a glare, but you held a steadying hand on his arm. "What do you want, Toto?"

Toto leaned in, his voice low and menacing. "I hope you enjoyed your celebration, because it might be your last. The investigation is underway, and I'll make sure justice is served."

Max's jaw clenched, but you maintained a calm demeanor. "If there's nothing to find, Toto, then justice will prevail. But we won't let your personal vendetta tarnish our achievements."

Toto laughed dismissively. "Personal vendetta? I'm just ensuring fairness in the sport, Max. We can't have cheaters running rampant."

You took a step forward, meeting Toto's gaze with unwavering resolve. "We haven't cheated, Toto. And you know it. This is about your pride, not the integrity of the sport."

Toto's eyes narrowed, and he pointed a finger accusingly. "Red Bull's sudden dominance threatens Mercedes. We can't let them take the spotlight. I won't stand by and watch our legacy crumble because of some upstarts."

Max's patience wore thin, and he stepped between you and Toto. "Enough of your games, Toto. We're not afraid of your threats. Let the investigation run its course, and we'll be proven innocent."

Toto scoffed, shooting one last venomous look your way before turning on his heel and walking away. The paddock was abuzz with whispers, eyes following the confrontation between Red Bull and Mercedes.

With hands intertwined and a shared look of unwavering determination, Max whispered, "Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together—champions on and off the track."