#everyone saying yes on the last question but then getting Andrew

[harrysfolklore]

jacob elordi and yn take a lie detector test | vanity fair

MASTERLIST | MY PATREON | jacob insta blurb

"YN," the interviewer said, you and Jacob were sitting side by side with expectation shown in your faces, "Jacob."

"Hello," you said in unison, which made you look at each other and laugh.

"We're going to be taking a lie detector test today," the interviewer explained, "One of you will he hooked up to the machine while the other asks questions, and then you'll switch."

"Why are my palms sweating?" you said, making Jacob laugh and kiss the side of your head quickly.

"Who would you like to go first?" the interviewer asked again.

Jacob and you looked at each other for a few seconds before he winked at you and told the interviewer he would go first.

The video showed someone from the crew getting the machine ready and getting Jacob hooked to it.

"Do I look afraid?" Jacob asked, making you relax and laugh.

"You look fine, babe," you looked at the guy who was in charge of the machine, who give you the cue that you could start asking questions, "Okay, is your real name Jacob Elordi?"

"Yes," he answered.

"Were you born in Melborune, Australia?"

"No, I was born in Brisbane."

"Are you ready to take this lie detector test?" you asked, a smile playing on your face.

"I think so," he looked at you with a nervous smile and then looked at the camera.

"Okay, let's get started."

JACOB ELORDI TELLS THE TRUTH

"So, you were born in Australia. Do you like LA better?" you asked, reading the folder in front of you.

"Right now, yeah," Jacob answered, a small screen on the top left showing the lie detector machine working.

"Would you say you've adopted the LA lifestyle since moving here?"

"Yes,"

"Do you like going to yoga classes with me?" you raised your eyebrow, noticing a smile appearing on Jacob's face

"Absolutely." he answered confidently and you directed your raised eyebrow to the man behind the machine.

"He's telling the truth," the man said

"Were you doubting me?" Jacob said, an offended tone in his voice.

"Just confirming," you looked at the folder once again,"Do you consider yourself a heartthrob?"

"Yeah," he answered, but the look on his face said otherwise.

"A lie," the man said.

"I don't consider myself a heartthrob," he began, "but I mean I guess I kinda have to accept it."

"Yep, there you go," you said and a cheeky smile played on your face as you read the following question, "Have you ever felt jealous of any of my co stars?"

The room got quiet after the question, Jacob threw his head back and closed his eyes for a moment, and you couldn't help but laugh.

"Just answer the question!" you said and he shook his head.

"I wouldn't say that I'm a jealous person, specially not of your co stars because I'm an actor myself and I know how it works," he began, "I'm just protective, okay?"

"No reading, that was too close," the man behind the machine spoke, "It was a gray area, we could ask it again or we could just move on."

"Let's move on, he doesn't want to admit that he was jealous of Andrew Garfield on camera," you joked and Jacob couldn't help but laugh along, "Did you feel nervous during our first date?"

"Yes," his eyes widened at the memory, "I was about to piss my pants, actually."

"Truth,"

"Oh I already knew that," you shrugged with a cocky smile, "If I asked you to move to New York with me, would you do it?"

"Yeah, definitely," he smiled, "New York is the shit."

"Alright, babe, let's keep this interesting," you said with a grin. The lie detector machine still monitoring his responses, "Have you ever borrowed my clothes without asking?"

"Of course, guilty as charged," Jacob chuckled, "Your oversized sweaters are just too comfy to resist, love, and don't get me started on your purses,"

"This shouldn't have been a question, everyone knows the purses you use to go out are mine," you rolled your eyes with affection,"Okay last one from me,"

"Bring it,"

"Do you believe in love at first sight?"

You looked at Jacob curiously, and he took a moment before replying.

"Yeah, I do," he answered smoothly, "I mean when I met you, there was this instant connection, and I just knew there was something special about you."

"He's telling the truth," the lie detector confirmed, and you couldn't help but smile.

"Smooth answer, Elordi. Looks like we're on the same page about love at first sight," he smiled back at you, "Lord that was so cheesy, It's my turn! But, did at any point of this interview did you lie and we didn't catch you?"

"I mean, I don't know if you caught me," Jacob rested his chin on his hand.

"Did he lie?" you asked the man, both you and Jacob turning to look at him.

"He's not lying," He confirmed and Jacob gave you a smug smile

"I guess you passed the test."

YN TELLS THE TRUTH

You took your place in the hot seat while Jacob prepared to play the role of the interrogator, nerves kicking in as the crew hooked you up to the machine.

"Okay, YN," Jacob said, a smirk showing on his face, "Let's get started, shall we?"

You nodded and he sent you a wink.

"Is your favorite movie still 'The Notebook'?"

"Absolutely," you answered immediately and the machine confirmed your answer.

"Classic," he muttered, "Have you ever faked a compliment about my cooking?"

"Maybe once or twice, but it's only because I didn't want to hurt your feelings," you bit your lip, and Jacob gave you a surprised expression

"So, I've been living a lie?" he raised his eyebrow at you.

"No, no," you reassured him, "Your cooking skills have definitely improved over time."

"Truth," the man in charge of the lie detector said, and Jacob nodded in approval.

"Fair enough. Now, have you ever pretended to like a movie just because I wanted to watch it?"

"Guilty again," you covered your face in embarrassment,"But in my defense, no one wants to watch the Star Wars movies after a long day of filming."

"My feelings are definitely hurt," Jacob said and dramatically put a hand on his chest, "This test is making you look like a bad girlfriend, actually,"

"Come on now, give me more questions,"

"Alright, let's dig a little deeper," Jacob said with a smirk, "Have you ever considered stealing my phone to read my text messages?"

"Maybe once or twice," you said, "But only out of curiosity, not suspicion."

"Well, you know I'm wrapped around your finger so I would let you go through it anytime," he shrugged, "Do you think my Australian accent is sexier than your American one?"

"Oh, come on! That's not a fair question," you couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"Just answer the question, love," Jacob teased.

"Fine, fine," you said, still laughing, "Yes, your Australian accent is undeniably sexy."

"Truth," the machine confirmed, and Jacob playfully raised an eyebrow looking satisfied.

"Do you regret any of the roles you've played?" he asked, and you took a deep breath before answering.

"No, all of the roles I've played have been very meaningful to me," you replied, and the man operating the machine machine looked at you with a raised eyebrow."

"She's lying," he simply said, and you shut your eyes hearing Jacob laugh.

"I guess you have some explaining to do," he chuckled, shooting a playful glare at you, "Come on, spill it."

"Okay, fine," you admitted, "There was this one project early in my career that I took for the paycheck, and looking back, I wish I had chosen something more aligned with my values. It's not a regret per se, but more of a lesson learned."

"Fair enough," Jacob nodded, moving to the next question, "Have you ever stalked fan accounts dedicated to me?"

"Maybe a casual scroll here and there," you admitted, trying to seem cool about it.

"Casual scroll, huh?" Jacob raised an eyebrow and peeked at the lie detector, "The machine doesn't seem convinced, right?" he asked the man.

"It's a lie," he confirmed ad Jacob burst into laughter.

"Caught red-handed, love. What's next? Have you ever used my toothbrush without telling me?" he teased, making you laugh

"No way! That's just gross," you protested

"You hesitated there. Are you sure?" Jacob raised an eyebrow again

The machine signaled the truth, and you sighed in relief.

"I was just grossed out by the thought. I promise I've never done that."

"It's not like we haven't kissed before," he teased and you rolled your eyes but smiled, "Okay last question.

"Hit me with it," you said, ready for whatever it would be.

"Have you ever thought about what our future holds? Like, where we'll be in 10 years?" he asked, his expression turning serious.

You took a moment to contemplate the question.

"Yes," you answered sincerely, "I think about it quite often. I imagine us still together, maybe with a family, still acting and pursuing our passions and of course supporting each other."

"Truth," the lie detector machine confirmed your words, and Jacob's serious expression softened into a warm smile.

"Well, looks like we're on the same page there once again," he said, "Did you lie at any time and we didn't catch you?"

"Nope, I was an open book, babe," you replied, sending a wink his way.

"Did she lie?" Jacob turned to the man behind the machine,

The man hesitated for a moment, building suspense, before finally saying, "She's telling the truth."

"Told you!"

The video ended with both of you laughing at each other, and it became one of Vanity Fair's most watched Lie Detector tests.

#jacob elordi fanfiction #jacob elordi fake instagram #jacob elordi blurb #jacob elordi one shot #jacob elordi fic #jacob elordi writing #jacob elordi story #jacob elordi social media au #jacob elordi masterlist #jacob elordi request #jacob elordi fanfic #jacob elordi au #jacob elordi fluff #harrysfolklore #jacob elordi smut #jacob elordi instagram blurb #jacob elordi imagine #jacob elordi series #jacob elordi fic rec #1k

[jtl-fics]

Fluent Freshman - Part 39

PREV

Nicky screamed as he found himself yanked from his bed as he fell to the ground. The blanket that he had so perfectly burrito’d himself in had been pulled and he had gone with it pillows and all. He laid on the ground blinking up into the darkness wondering what the hell had just happened, he squints and thinks he sees blond hair. He racks his still loading brain to try and think of anything he had done recently to Aaron that would result in such a rude awakening.

The lamp clicks on.

“Nicky, are you- Andrew, what the hell.” He hears Aaron’s voice from the left and now Nicky can see the black armbands of his other cousin.

That tracks.

“Flight 8329 from Charleston International Airport to Seattle Tacoma International Airport took off 20 minutes ago.” Andrew says as if that means anything to Nicky.

“Cool?” Nicky squints at his cousin.

“There was an hour delay due to a staffing issue, but it is off the ground now.” Andrew continues and Nicky continues to not understand what is being said to him.

“Great?” Nicky hears Aaron.

There is silence in the room and Nicky finds himself starting to drift back to sleep. The floor really wasn’t that bad.

“So, Daniel’s not here anymore?” he hears Matt’s whispered question.

“Dude, why are you whispering?” Aaron asks.

“Smithsters still asleep.” Matt says voice still quiet.

“How the fuck did he sleep through Nicky’s banshee scream?” Aaron asks voice lowered down to a whisper.

“I think moving all his stuff wiped him out.” Matt offers.

“We moved everything he just said where he wanted it.” Aaron grouses quietly.

“You know Smithster isn’t much of a talker.” Matt reminds.

“Whatever.” Aaron huffs and Nicky is almost back asleep.

“Yes Matt,” Andrew says voice quieter than it had been when he had been rattling off facts about Daniel’s flight, “Daniel is not here anymore.” He says.

That is actually great news. Feels like a shame that FF didn’t wake up to hear it but Nicky knows that it wasn’t just the move that had wiped his friend out.

The last three days had been interesting.

First, Aras had flown back home. She had offered to stay longer with FF since Daniel was still around, but he had merely smiled and told her that he’d be okay. Nicky had almost cried when FF had said that he wasn’t alone anymore. Nicky’s heart twisted when the two decided that it was probably for the best that FF not come back to Washington for Winter Break.

Second, there had been the whole debacle where Daniel had shown back up with the man who had married FF’s mom. They had burst into the practice and had gone straight towards where FF was sitting sipping his ‘New and Improved Day/Boyd Smoothie’. Wymack had gotten between them before anything happened physically, but Nicky could still see how FF froze at the sight of his mother’s husband.

There had been raised voices, threats of security, demands on why ‘John’ hadn’t answered his phone to come bail his ‘brother’ out, that he’d forced his dad to come all the way across the country to bail his ‘brother’ out. FF had been quiet looking bored and unbothered by the tirade of the man who married his mother.

Wymack had been in rare form.

“He didn’t pick up because that phone is in my desk.” Wymack had hissed standing utterly stalwart between FF and the two men. “Now get the hell out of my Court before your son gets reacquainted with the Campus Police.” He points towards the exit.

FF’s Mother’s husband had demanded FF’s new phone number but neither Wymack or Smith gave it.

It was only as Wymack lifted his own phone up to his ear after having dialed campus security that the two got the hint and ran off.

Following that there’d been the expedited emergency restraining order request that had been pushed through.

Nicky and Wymack had been the ones that went with FF for support during the request since everyone else had a prior engagement. The security footage was all that had been needed to grant it as far as the judge was concerned despite FF’s Mother’s husband’s pleas that it was merely a ‘fight between brothers’.

Nicky had almost wished he had given Andrew the Maserati back when the jackass had shown up to the hearing with his son wearing a T-shirt that said ‘I’m not the step-dad. I’m the dad that stepped up.’

Oh.

He opens his eyes and tunes back into the conversation. It seems like Aaron had come to the realization that the only way that Andrew would be awake at this god forsaken hour of- Nicky looks at the alarm clock- 5 AM is because he’d been in the same bed as Neil who was a notorious early morning runner.

“You want the Maserati.” Nicky interrupts the whispered argument.

“No, I’m just here to comment on how Smith’s motorcycle helmet really ties the whole room together now that he’s moved in.” Andrew rolls his eyes so hard that even if Nicky hadn’t been looking at his cousin he would have heard the eyeroll. “Yes, I am here because it is now officially impossible for me to hit Daniel with my car. That was the deal.” Andrew says with a scowl, “So you are taking me to where you stored it.” He says.

“Andrew, it’s too early. They’re not open yet.” Nicky groans grabbing one of his pillows and trying to hide his face under it.

It was unsurprisingly ripped away before he could properly hide away from his cousin.

“We have to walk to wherever you hid my car.” Andrew hisses.

“Andrew you’re not seriously going to make me get up and walk the whole way there on the first morning that I can sleep in.” Nicky groans.

“This wouldn’t be happening if you hadn’t stolen my car Nicholas.” Andrew hisses.

“You guys can take my truck.” Matt says with a huge yawn as he settles back into bed. Morning practice for the rest of the week was not mandatory.

“See, we can take Matt’s truck. The place is only a 30 minute drive away and it doesn’t open until 7 AM anyways.” Nicky groans and tries to roll under the bed. If he can get to the far side then it will be difficult for Andrew, with his 5 foot nothing height to reach-

Andrew puts a foot between him and freedom.

“This room is buying Neil and I breakfast.” Andrew says, “And then we’ll go pick up my car.” He says.

“What? Why?!” Matt and Aaron demand as Nicky groans still trying to roll under the bed despite Andrew’s unyielding foot.

“You all either knew about Nicky’s plan or were part of Nicky’s plan.” Andrew says.

“Okay but Smithster is innocent.” Matt says.

“True, but we need him to come.” Andrew says.

“Why?” Nicky groans changing direction to try and roll under Aaron’s bed only to be stopped by the absolute barrier that was Katelyn’s suitcases of off-season clothes she kept under Aaron’s bed since her own room didn’t have space for it all.

“So we can get into the breakfast place now instead of the usual time for people our age. The owner loves him.” He says.

Ah, FF’s old lady magnetism.

Nicky gets it.

The boy has very pinchable cheeks.

There are very few things one can do when faced with an Andrew Minyard who has decided upon something. Eventually their whole room was up though Andrew at least was far more gentle with FF than he had been with Nicky. FF could sleep through almost any amount of noise but would wake up at the slightest touch and go still.

Nicky really wishes that Andrew had a less conspicuous car because he’s sure his cousin could have gotten away with running Daniel over if he had a Volvo or a Ford.

Nicky went with FF on the back of his motorcycle. One of Aras’ parting gifts to him had been an orange helmet with ‘Foxy’ written on it. Nicky had loved it immediately and unironically. Nicky held onto FF and hoped that his friend was awake enough to actually be driving on the damn thing, but FF had seemed at least 90% conscious.

Either way they arrived at the breakfast place FF was pushed to the front to speak with the owner of the fancy breakfast spot and within 10 minutes they were at a table surrounded by the elderly early bird patrons.

The all-you-can-eat brunch was always both a challenge and a danger when you are a group of college athletes. A challenge because it always felt a bit like a race against the chefs who were churning out chicken, waffles, hams to slice, eggs of all varieties, bacon, sausages, French toast, cinnamon rolls, hashbrowns, quiche, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and lox bagels. The danger was what Matt was currently finding himself in since the man had failed to pace himself. “I think I’m gonna die.” Matt groaned.

“Smith, where did you get that smoothie?” Aaron asks looking as FF was sipping a delightful looking smoothie.

“The owner gave it to me while you guys were filling your plates.” FF says. “I’m supposed to let her know if I need another one.” He says.

“When are you going to be off that liquid diet?” Aaron asks as he digs into some bacon.

“Well, next week I can just start essentially putting things in the blender and I shouldn’t suffer the consequences like with the borscht.” FF shrugs. “Gran said she’d send along a pie to celebrate when I can eat solids again.” He adds and FF’s face is as blank and as unemotional as it usually was but there was a general air of sadness.

“You know, I don’t think it’d bother Allison or any of the girls if you joined us for winter break.” Matt says from where he was staring up at the ceiling still overfull from going too hard too fast on the egg options.

“I don’t want to intr-“

“It’s not an intrusion.” Andrew says looking at his phone, “We’re inviting you.” He adds before getting up and grabbing his backpack, “Do not let them take my plate.” He says looking at the table. Andrew’s plate was laden with the sweeter side of things for breakfast and he had made up a plate for Neil who was supposed to meet them at the breakfast spot.

Andrew left and nicky figured he was going to go grab Neil outside. “Isn’t it for the original Foxes?” FF asks.

“Yeah, but you’re our friend so it’s fine if you come. I know Dan wants to really get to know the guy who took her place on the line.” Matt says with a laugh that has him looking queasy afterwards.

“You and me can room together.” Nicky says.

“Isn’t Erik coming?” Aaron asks incredulously.

“Yeah? So?” Nicky questions.

Aaron looked at Nicky like he was an idiot and opened his mouth likely to say why, “I don’t want to intrude. I can probably just sleep on a couch out in the main area, if your friends are okay with me coming.” FF sips at his drink. “You and Erik have a lot to catch up on.” He says voice giving that slight indication that he felt awkward.

Catch-up on-

Ohhh.

Yeah, he and Erik are going to christen that bed if it hasn’t already been christened.

“We’ll figure something out.” Aaron says easily enough.

Eventually Andrew returned with Neil in tow. He was a little sweaty looking but definitely look like someone who had been running for about two hours at this point. He figures that Andrew must have brought spare clothes for Neil to change into so that he’d be acceptable in the breakfast joint.

“Smith has agreed to join us for Christmas Break.” Nicky announces to the couple as they took their seats.

“Quite brave of Smiths considering how the last holiday break went when he came with us.” Aaron says wrly.

“Yeah Andrew, make a deal not to stab Smithy again.” Nicky holds out a pinky for a pinky promise with his cousin.

Andrew rolled his eyes as FF piped in, “Romero stabbed me.” He says loyally.

Eventually they got to talking about their plans for the Winter Banquet on Friday. Nicky was going with FF as his date and had already gone out and gotten him an appropriately bespoke suit with Aras the week before.

Eventually they wrap up breakfast. Nicky, Aaron, and Matt all pay and they make their way out to the parking lot.

The parking lot where the Maserati was.

“Andrew, how in the world-“

“Like a locked gate would even slow Neil down. Got the opening time and the driving distance from you this morning and narrowed it down to the only long-term parking lot in the area.” Andrew says idly as Neil hands over the spare Maserati keys to him.

Nicky spends a bit more time bitching about the fact that Andrew woke them all up mostly out of spite and as a cover for getting his car back without Nicky’s assistance. However eventually the time for class swiftly approached.

“This isn’t over!” he says pulling on his Foxy Helmet and pointing at Andrew.

“I think it is.” Andrew replies with a shrug as he and Neil climbed into the front of the car.

Nicky rolled his eyes but climbed onto the back of FF’s motorcycle.

Winter Banquet was in 2 days.

MASTERPOST FOR ALL PARTS OF FLUENT FRESHMAN AU

NEXT

#Fluent Freshman AU #Going to be taking a break off of FF next week #I've gotta do some planning for the next parts #Also there's the whole bought a condo thing #I really speedran that somehow #So at least a one week break #But here we go! #The Foxes are all going to NYC to celebrate #Smith is going to meet 'THE GIRLS' #(Possibly some other guest stars) #Andrew is such a shit in this chapter #and I love that on him #He wanted to eat the various breakfast sweets on offer #when they were at top freshness #And get his car back without Nicky's official help #If he also got to kiss Neil a lil breathless in the parking lot when he was all hot and sweaty? #Well sweetness is enhanced by salt y'know! #AFTG #AFTG AU #AFTG OC #Transitional chapters are hard for meee #but next up we have the Winter Banquet #Hope there's no surprises there

[dreamwritesimagines]

Garden of Secrets [13] - Sundews

A.N: Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and support my loves, it made my whole week, you’re amazing!❤ I hope you’ll like this chapter as well, and please don’t forget to tell me what you think, thank you! ❤

Thanks so much to @theskytraveler​ for helping me with the chapter!

Summary: Meeting the family can be quite challenging.

Warnings: Regency era society and social rules, some gender specific language and terms, mentions of sex.

Word Count: 4400

Series Masterlist

You had to admit, planning a wedding that was caused by a scandal was already quite difficult as you knew it would be, but pretending to be in love and having to convince others around you of your excitement for the said wedding was more difficult than you had assumed it would be.

And the fact that you were having your wedding gown made by your future husband’s former mistress was not even in the top ten reasons why this was so damn stressful. 

The wedding was in a week, and your nightmares had come back with their full force, waking you up gasping every night.

At least everyone else was excited though.

Your uncle was in his study, no doubt going over some papers, and Teddy was in one of the rooms, studying math with his tutor. You had left your aunt in the drawing room going over the list of the last-minute guests to the wedding breakfast an hour ago. To be honest, you weren’t even sure she noticed your absence considering how stressed she was about the wedding.

Well, you were more stressed out about what would happen after the wedding.

You shook your head slightly, forcing yourself to push the thoughts away. Snipping what seemed to be a wilting leaf of the rose in front of you, you huffed out a breath and leaned in to look at the stem closer in case you were missing anything, but then you heard your aunt clear her throat behind you.

“Auntie, I swear I do not care who comes to the wedding breakfast,” you said, your whole attention still on the rose. “You can invite whoever you want. Every guest will attend that thing for you or the Bridgertons anyway, not me.”

“Eh,” a familiar voice said. “Not every guest.”

Your head shot up and you dropped the shears, then jumped on your feet and whirled around, a breath leaving your lips. She looked exactly as you remembered her, as if it had been merely three days instead of over three years.

“Josie?” you whispered and she leaned on her hip.

“I look away for one moment and you fall in love?”

“Oh my God!” you exclaimed, flinging yourself to her and she took a step back as soon as your body collided with hers but she hugged you tight, a small laugh escaping from her lips.

“I missed you too Clover.”

“You’re here?” you asked, still holding her tight and your aunt clapped her hands together.

“Oh this is so wonderful! Josie my dear, why did you not tell us you were coming?”

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” she said as she pulled back, then cupped your cheek to see you better. “You look amazing.”

“Don’t go anywhere, I’ll get Teddy!” your aunt said and rushed back into the house while you clasped Josie’s hand with yours.

“Are you here for the wedding?”

She grinned at you. “And afterwards,” she said. “I suppose you could say that I’m back, permanently.”

You pulled back slightly. “Josie what about—”

“Don’t worry,” she cut you off. “I can handle mother and father if they dare step wherever I am. Let’s not talk about them now.”

You couldn’t help but pull her into another hug, your eyes burning as she placed a kiss into your hair.

“Besides, my little sister is getting married,” she said. “I will kind of have to keep an eye on you.”

You let out a teary chuckle, then pulled back and nodded. “I am.”

“I have millions of questions.”

“All in due time. Where are Bess and Andrew?”

“They’re dealing with the houses.”

You frowned. “Houses?”

“Yes well, Andrew inherited a house down the street where we’ll live, and Bess’ late husband had a house here as well, she owns it now,” she said. “They’ll hire the staff and everything, they will join us later on. They both missed you.”

“I missed them too!” you said. “And is everything alright?”

“More than alright,” she said. “Everything has been amazing lately, aside from you giving me a heart attack. What kind of a letter was that?”

“Well how was I supposed to—” you started but stopped talking when you saw your aunt enter the garden with Teddy and Josie followed your gaze, then turned around.

Teddy looked a bit shy as he approached you two, still holding your aunt’s hand, his other hand by his mouth so that he could bite at his nail. Josie gasped, her jaw dropping as Teddy and your aunt reached you, and she let go of his hand, gently nudging him forward.

“Go on,” she said in a soft voice and Teddy cleared his throat, then looked up at Josie.

“Hello, I’m Teddy.”

A small sob climbed up Josie’s throat and she sniffled, her eyes fixed on him. She opened her mouth but no voice came out, so she took a deep breath and tried again.

“Hello Teddy,” she said. “Do you remember me?”

Teddy thought for a moment, then shook his head.

“But I know you’re Josie,” he added in a haste. “You sent me letters. Y/N read them to me.”

“Dear God you grew up so much…” Josie whispered as she crouched down to get to his level. “You were a baby when I last saw you.”

Teddy looked at you as if asking for your help with how to answer that, and you motioned at him to come over. He rushed to you, half hiding behind your skirt and you fixed his hair.

“See, I told you she would come back,” you said softly and Teddy tilted his head.

“Will you stay?” he asked her and Josie wiped at her eyes, then smiled.

“I will.”

“Here?”

“Very close to here,” she said. “And you can come and stay with me whenever you want.”

Teddy stole a look at you again, waiting for your permission and you nodded fervently.

“Should be fun, no?” you asked him. “This way you will have three rooms Teddy. Here, my house and Josie’s house.”

Teddy bit inside his cheek. “Can I put my toys there too?”

“Well yes, but if you want we can buy you new toys as well,” Josie said, making him smile wide.

“Really?”

“Oh yes. Different toys for different houses, it only makes sense.”

Your aunt let out a laugh at the sight of pure excitement on Teddy’s face and you ruffled his hair. Teddy paused for a moment, then shifted his weight.

“Is it okay if I don’t really remember you though?”

Josie took a deep breath, then nodded.

“It’s alright,” she said. “It just means we will make new memories, hm?”

Teddy grinned and hugged your legs sideways. “Uh huh. Can Y/N come to your house too?”

“We’ll see,” Josie winked at you, making your jaw drop.

“Oh I see how it is,” you said with a laugh. “I knew you were lying when you said you missed me.”

“I did miss you but Teddy is much cuter than you.”

“She’s cute too!” Teddy protested, still hugging you tight and you leaned down to press a kiss on top of his head.

“She’s joking Teddy,” you said. “Of course I’ll be there.”

Your aunt fanned her face with her hand. “Oh dear God, I feel emotional…” she said, sniffling. “All of you together and happy, just as it was always supposed to be.”  

“Took us long enough,” Josie said, still smiling and you heaved a sigh.

“It really did.”

Your aunt clapped her hands together.

“Josie, come with me,” she said. “Your uncle will lose his mind when he sees you!”

                                            *

It felt almost surreal that Josie was here with you after years, and that she would stay. You were so happy that you couldn’t even sit still and by the time she was done talking to your uncle and aunt and sent Teddy to his tutor so that he could continue his lesson, you were almost buzzing with anticipation.

“So,” she said as she came to plop down on the bench next to you. “It is very clear that I have much to hear.”

“So do I,” you said. “How are Bess and Andrew?”

“They’re as you left them but you are not,” she said. “Clover. Come on, tell me.”

You cleared your throat and sat up straighter. “I’m getting married.”

“I know,” she said. “What I’m wondering is how it came to be.”

“Fate.”

“Y/N.”

Heaving a sigh, you leaned back on the bench, resting your elbows on the marble as you looked up at the sky with narrowed eyes, enjoying the warm sunlight on your skin.

“Is he forcing you?”

You turned to her and shook your head. “Of course not.”

In a way it was true. Benedict wasn’t forcing you into anything, he was being forced into this as much as you were.

But you couldn’t tell her that. She had just returned to the country and you didn’t want her to be worried about you or your upcoming marriage. You knew her, she would stop at nothing if she so much as heard an implication that you did not want this wedding.

“Benedict is not like that,” you added in a haste and she tilted her head.

“Is it love then?”

And this right there was where it got tricky.

Josie was the one person who knew you the best, and she would see right through you if you tried to lie to her. It had been that way since you were little, and just a couple years apart didn’t change that, so instead of outright lying to her, you were going to have to bend the truth a little by telling her only a part of it.

“It’s something,” you ended up saying and she scoffed a laugh.

“Come on,” she insisted. “You can tell me whatever it is, you know I would never say anything to anyone. And if you happened to fall in love—”

“I’m too smart to fall in love,” you cut her off and she raised her brows.

“Alright,” she said with an amused smile on her face. “What is it?”

“Not love,” you said, “Out of question.”

“Fine, then what?” she insisted. “Why are you marrying him? Letter after letter you wrote how he annoyed you, how you couldn’t stand him and all of a sudden you woke up a changed woman—”

“It’s not the emotional aspect,” you cut her off. “It’s physical.”

Which wasn’t a lie at all.

You did not believe in love for yourself at least, but you knew very well that desire existed. That fire that burned through you when he had kissed you, the way your fingers almost twitched to at least touch him whenever he was around you, it all signaled the same thing. You weren’t blind, you were aware of just how attractive he was and that he was quite…skilled in matters of intimacy if his kiss was anything to go by.

Josie pulled back slightly to see you better. “Pardon?”

You rolled your eyes at her. “Don’t pretend you do not know what I speak of—”

“I know very well what you speak of,” she tried to suppress a smirk. “What did you two do?”

You shot her a light hearted glare. “Not that.”

“But whatever it was, it was enough for you to accept his proposal?” she asked and took a deep breath. “Clover I’m glad you enjoyed what took place but you cannot build a life on desire alone—”

“It’s not just that,” the words left your mouth before you had a chance to stop them. “Besides, I’ve made my decision. I’m not going to change my mind no matter what you say.”

She held up her hands, gesturing surrender.

“Just answer me this,” she said. “Do you only enjoy his presence when it’s a moment of desire?”

You pulled your brows together.

“I um…” you trailed off. “I like his presence in other times as well, not just then.”

She tilted her head, watching you in silence as you sat up straighter, fixing your hair.

“Benedict is interesting,” you ended up saying. “I do not get bored at all when he is around, and being around him makes me feel—”

Happy.

Being around him made you feel happy. It was almost easy to slip into that warm, fuzzy comfort and finding yourself smiling even if you tried your hardest to focus on what could happen at any moment.

But it just meant that desire you felt for him was clouding your judgement, and you knew you couldn’t let that happen.

“I want him to be around me,” you said and Josie’s lips pulled into a sly smile.

“I see,” she said after a beat. “And when do I get to meet this infamous betrothed of yours?”

“Whenever you want,” you said. “Lottie said they’re all going to have a picnic by the park so we can go as well if you’d like?”

“Lottie?”

“My best friend.”

“You’ve made a friend?” Josie asked and your jaw dropped.

“Why do you sound so shocked?”

“You’re not very friendly.”

“And you are?”

Josie shrugged her shoulders. “No but I can hide it,” she said. “Unlike you.”

“Fair,” you said. “She was Benedict’s friend first by the way. Then she decided we would be friends and I kind of followed her lead.”

She let out a laugh and stood up, then pulled you up by the hand and threw an arm over your shoulder.

“Come on then,” she said. “Let’s go meet Bess and Andrew first, then we can all go by the park.”

                                           *

Even though it had been years since you had last talked to Bess and Andrew, it still felt like yesterday. You had always liked them, and Andrew’s marriage to Josie was the perfect arrangement for all parties involved. Bess was Andrew’s cousin and the love of Josie’s life, and Andrew only desired gentlemen and not ladies, so the marriage was a formality that worked out for all of them.

You were sure the ton would be clueless to the reality behind closed doors.

It had taken you almost two hours to catch up with what had happened while they were in Spain, and after that you all had decided to go by the park. As Lottie said, she and her family were there and though there was no sign of Bridgertons yet, Lottie had told you they would be there soon.

It came as a surprise to no one that about five minutes after they had met Lottie, they were all smitten by her. Even Josie who was always politely distant with everyone seemed to love her and had assured her that she wasn’t even interested in being a bridesmaid let alone the maid of honor. Soon enough though, her mother had called her to keep an eye on her siblings so she had to leave you four there, promising she would be back soon.

“You know, I have to admit I did miss here a bit,” Andrew said as he laid on his back, looking up at the sky with his hands neatly folded over his stomach. “Spain is nice and all, but there’s no place like home.”  

Bess tilted her head.

“You hate the ton.”

“Don’t we all?” he asked and you held up your hand.

“I’m right with you on that.”

“Thank you, my dear sister-in-law,” Andrew said with a smile. “You’re getting married at a perfect time by the way. I needed to get away from my former lover.”

“Was it that bad?” you asked and Josie scoffed.

“It was very explosive.”

“No it wasn’t!”

“Yes it was!” Josie and Bess said at the same time and Andrew rolled his eyes.

“You challenge someone to a duel one time during a lovers’ quarrel and all of a sudden your whole liaison is explosive, unbelievable…” he grumbled as he sat up and Bess repressed a laugh.

“How about you Y/N?” she asked. “What of your betrothal? Tell us more about him, we barely know anything!”

“Oh he’s—” you started but as soon as the sight of Benedict caught your eye, you stopped talking. “That’s him.”

Andrew and Bess followed your line of sight while Josie looked over her shoulder and turned around, and Andrew raised his brows as if he was impressed.

“There is the answer to your question Jo,” he told Josie. “You were wondering why Clover changed her mind about marriage right? It’s because he looks like that.”

You gently kicked at his foot. “Shut it.”

“He looks like that and he’s an artist?” Bess asked and you nodded, trying to ignore the warmth of pride in your chest.

“Mm hm.”

“Well done,” Andrew winked at you and Josie clicked her tongue.

“Now our earlier conversation makes sense,” she said. “You really are a cliché.”

“Josie!” Bess scolded her lightheartedly. “Don’t listen to her, please. We’re all very happy for you!”

“I’ll uh—I’ll get him here,” you said as you stood up, then made your way to Benedict who was talking with Colin while Anthony made his way to Charlotte to greet her.

“Y/N,” Benedict said, a smile warming his handsome face and you cleared your throat.

“Hello,” you said. “I need to borrow you for a moment.”

“Sure, why?”

“To meet my family,” you said and motioned between you. “Since, well—since we’re getting married, it’s kind of necessary.”

Benedict tilted his head. “I already met your family?”

“Some of them yes,” you said, snapping your fingers. “But my sister is back.”

Benedict’s eyes widened. “Oh? Of course, I’d love to meet her.”

“She’s over there with her husband and her…best friend,” you pointed back with your thumb and both Benedict and Colin followed your line of sight to see Andrew waving at them while Josie narrowed her eyes into a glare.

“Is she nice or is she more like you?” Colin asked and you gasped in a rather exaggerated manner.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Colin,” Benedict warned through his teeth and he shrugged.

“What?” he asked and motioned at you. “We’re going to be family, should I lie to family?”

You curled your lips. “Now that you mention it, I have always been the nice one between the two of us.”

Benedict gawked at you in silence for a couple of seconds, then took a deep breath.

“Oh this is how I die then,” he said and turned to Colin. “Promise me you will make sure people see my paintings after my death.”

“Sure but I’ll put my name under those paintings.”

“Do you want to join us?” you asked Colin and he shook his head.

“As much as I’d love to watch this, I promised Pen I would find her,” he said and slapped Benedict on the back. “You’ve had a good life brother.”

“And apparently a very short one,” Benedict deadpanned as Colin walked away and you shot him a lighthearted glare, trying to repress your laugh.

“I’ll make sure Colin doesn’t write his name under your works if you do die,” you pointed out and Benedict nodded his head.

“Much obliged—you were jesting, were you not?” he asked. “About you being the nice one?”

“Not at all,” you said. “Josie can seem a bit intimidating sometimes.”

“Does she have a knife as well?”

“Yes, the knife is hereditary.”

He tilted his head to the side. “You realize that in order for you to be a widow we have to be married first?”

You pursed your lips, still trying to control the laughter threatening to climb up your throat.

“I thought artists liked suffering,” you said. “Everyone keeps saying that makes your art better."

“I wouldn’t call myself a fully artist yet.”

“I would,” you said and a small smile warmed his face before he cleared his throat.

“Do you have any tips on how to charm her to get her approval?”

“Her approval barely makes any difference, we’re already engaged,” you said. “Besides you could charm a goddamn rock apparently, you’ll be fine.”

He repressed a proud grin.

“Well it’s still important,” he said, stealing another look at her. “Especially since it looks like she doesn’t like me already.”

“What, a glare? That’s nothing,” you said with a scoff. “Trust me, you’ll know if she doesn’t like you.”

He let out a noise of disagreement. “I won’t if she’s anything like you.”

You pulled your brows together. “I think people can tell whether I like them or not.”

“Not at all,” he said. “Half of the time I can’t tell whether you want to kiss me or kill me.”

Your heart skipped a beat but you forced yourself to roll your eyes, then started walking in Josie’s direction. He caught up with you almost effortlessly and you tried to ignore how your face was burning.

“See?”

“Shut up.”

“This is exactly what I was talking about—”

“She doesn’t know by the way,” you cut him off, desperate to change the subject. “The details of our…engagement.”

He raised his brows. “You didn’t tell her?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because if I did, Josie would certainly find a way to stop that wedding,” you pointed out. “And I’m not going to put my aunt and uncle through that.”

Benedict looked like he wanted to say something but you had already reached the tree under which Josie, Andrew and Bess were sitting under and they all stood up when you got there

“Everyone, this is Benedict Bridgerton; my betrothed,” you told them. “Benedict, this is Josie; my sister. Lord Andrew Walcott, her husband and that’s Bess Hadfield, Andrew’s cousin and Josie’s best friend.”

“I’m honored.”

“It’s lovely to meet you,” Bess said and Andrew elbowed Josie so that she could stop glaring at Benedict before offering his hand, and Benedict shook it.

“Call me Andrew,” Andrew told him. “So you’re the man who made the impossible happen and got Y/N to fall in love?”

Benedict smiled softly and nodded. “It was a surprise for me too.”

“Me as well,” you deadpanned and Josie clicked her tongue.

“I’ve heard you’re an artist, Mr. Bridgerton.”

“Oh I wouldn’t call myself an actual artist yet—”

“People call you that,” Josie tilted her head. “Are they dishonest or are you just being humble?”

“Josie,” you said warningly and she shrugged her shoulders.

“What? I’m trying to get to know my future brother-in-law.”

“We will have all the time in the world to do it after the wedding,” Bess said in a haste before you could retort. “I can’t wait. So, have you two decided on where you will go on your honeymoon? Josie and Andrew went to France and I—they liked it a lot.”

“France is a great option.”

“We’ll stay here,” you and Benedict said at the same time and Andrew pulled his brows together. Josie crossed her arms, her whole focus on you and you felt your heart dropping to your stomach before you cleared your throat.

“We actually haven’t talked about it because of the excitement of the wedding, excuse us for just one moment,” you said and grabbed Benedict by the arm, then led him away from them even though you could feel their -and other people’s- eyes following your every move so you remembered to smile up at him.

“You want to stay here?” Benedict asked and you nodded.

“Uh huh.”

“You don’t want to go to France? Italy? Anywhere?”

You scoffed and shook your head. “I’d rather if we didn’t leave the country.”

“The countryside then?” Benedict suggested. “And that way you’d see the house as well, I can just write a letter to the staff there—”

“No,” the word left your lips as you felt the fear churning your stomach at the idea of being in a remote place with him alone. You knew he had promised you that nothing you didn’t want would take place in your wedding night or honeymoon but you still—

You still didn’t know whether he would change his mind or not.

“It’s just that I promised Teddy I wouldn’t disappear after the wedding just like Josie did,” you said in a haste. “And the season has just begun and it’s my first one so I’d like to see it through. Besides I’m pretty sure Duke Hastings will propose to Daphne soon so we cannot miss that, she’s your sister so it’s not like you can ride into sunset either. We should stay.”

Benedict’s brows furrowed.

“Oh,” he said. “London then?”

You shrugged your shoulders. “I mean it’s not like we will see each other that often in the house either,” you said. “So it’s really not going to make any difference if we’re here or anywhere else.”

A sad light crossed Benedict’s gaze but it was gone as soon as it came.

“…Right,” he said. “I guess not.”

“And then you know, once the dust is settled you can visit France or Italy or wherever it is that you want,” you added quickly. “I’d still convince people that we’re in love, no worries.”

“Or you could come with me?” he offered. “Once the dust is settled?”

The idea felt tempting only for a moment before the fear hit you again, so you shook your head.

“I don’t think so,” you said and snapped your fingers. “But you could take Madame Delacroix with you? Or anyone else who you…have an arrangement with. I wouldn’t mind as long as it’s kept a secret from the ton.”

To be completely honest, even the thought of it was enough to bother you. Though you were quite certain you didn’t want to be alone with him in case he changed his mind about how your marriage would go, that bitter taste at the back of your throat was back upon imagining him with Madame Delacroix or anyone else for that matter.

Him kissing her, or—

No.

You were not going to do that to yourself.

A painful smile curled Benedict’s lips at your suggestion and he took a deep breath, then swallowed thickly.

“Yeah, who knows?” he said. “Let’s just get through this first, right? The wedding is next week and I’m sure your family has a lot of questions.”

Next week.

Right.

You nibbled on your lip, a nervous lump growing bigger and bigger in your throat but you managed to smile.

“Yeah,” you said and clicked your tongue. “Let’s pretend to be lovesick then.”

Chapter 14

#benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #Bridgerton #bridgerton x reader #regency fic

[6rookie-writer0110]

Into the cold

MCU cast X Male Reader

Request - Hi hope your doing good, I wanted to ask for a MCU cast X Male Reader platonic please R and Tom Holland are in an interview and they watch a blooper with them having a staredown but forget their lines so they lean in a kiss (this was before Tom and Zendaya was dating) and R says that's his first kiss with a guy and within the top 10 gayest things his done and a few weeks later the NWH cast react to fanart and some fanfiction of R and Tom's characters dating and during the interview R is like "I kissed Tom before you Zendaya"

You and the cast of No Way home are on The Tonight Show, and you and Tom have to talk about the movie. You took a selfie with Zendaya and Tom, everyone posted it online.

“Y/n, how does it feel to be in Spider-Man: No Way Home movie?” Jimmy asked.

“I feel excited and I can't wait for everyone to see the character I will play” You smiled.

“Is it true, you and Tom met before making the movie?” Jimmy asked.

“Yes, it's true. We both went for an audition for the same role in the movie Spies in Disguise. We are getting along, waiting for us to be called and we tried to copy each other’s accents. And I sent him a message teasing him that I got the role” Tom said.

“He is very rude and mean,” You said.

Everyone starts to laugh and you are smiling.

“They are always like this. Sometimes they can act like kids” Andrew said.

“Then Benedict would act like the dad and tell them to stop,” Zendaya said.

“Ever since that day, he makes fun of me for not getting the role I would try out for,” You said.

“Sometimes, Y/n would try on my spiderman mask and send me selfies,” Tom said.

Jimmy starts to laugh.

“I think we have pictures of that” Jimmy smiled.

You have the mask on and you try to eat a hot dog, in the next picture you pretend to brush your hair, and in the last picture you have the Dr strange cape on and Benedict is behind you glaring at you.

“He likes to get into it stuff after I tell him not to do it,” Benedict said.

“He does have cool stuff,” You said.

“Such a dork” Andrew laughed.

Now Jimmy is showing bloopers of the whole cast. Jimmy and the audience are laughing at the video.

“Apparently, this part everyone is talking about but we will show it,” Jimmy said.

In the video... Tom made you laugh and you forgot your lines and he forgot too. You and Tom have a stare-down, then you and Tom leaned and kissed each other on the lips.

“What just happened at that moment,” Jimny said.

“We had to do a scene. Y/n made me laugh, then for some reason, we just stared at each other, and we kissed” Tom said.

“That was one of the top ten gayest things, I've ever done,” You said.

The whole cast is staring at you right now.

“What other stuff have you done, Y/n?” Tobey asked.

“We all want to know,” Andrew said.

“Time for a commercial break, Jimmy!” You said.

Jimmy starts to laugh so hard, that his face is turning red.

The next day, many fans reacted to the video of you and Tom. You got more followers on Instagram then days later, you and Tom did a Q&A on Instagram.

✬ ✯ ✯ ✫

You and the cast are at comic con. You are on stage with them answering questions from fans. Some of the fans showed you and Tom fan art and fanfic of Peter Parker and your character.

“My character won't be dating anyone in the movie. I will appear in some scenes” You said.

“How does it feel that you kissed Y/n,” A fan asked Tom.

Before Tom answered and you answered.

“I kissed Tom before you Zendaya," You said.

Everyone starts to laugh and Zendaya playfully smacked your arm. Everyone did laugh

“That hurts,” You said and start to rub your arm.

You and Zendaya started to laugh.

“You play too much” Zendaya laughed.

You and the cast continued to answer more questions. Later, you take pictures with fans along with Tom. Many will tell you and Tom, how they like the characters together.

-----

You are with the cast in London for the movie premiere. You pose with the cast and the paparazzi start to take the pictures. Now you start to answer questions

“Y/n, can you tell us anything about your character?” The host asked.

“I can't say anything, I don't want to get in trouble like how Tom spoiled the movie years ago,” You said.

“Wow, Y/n why do you have to bring that up” Tom laughed.

“Tom do you want to work with Y/n again? You two seem close” The host asked.

“Oh, I hope I can work with Y/n in a comedy movie now that will be interesting,” Tom said.

Later, Tom posted a picture of you sleeping in your chair on set. Tom wrote a caption and everyone started to like it...

Tomholland2013 - Y/n drools when he is sleeping 😴

Zendaya told you about it by text and you started to laugh.

#mcu cast imagines #x male reader #male!reader #tom holland imagine #tom holland x reader #male reader #tom holland x male reader

[silverfoxstole]

Recording Shada in 2002.

From DWM 330, May 2003:

PAUL MCGANN

INTERVIEW BY GARY GILLATT

We first spoke in Vancouver in 1996…

[sings] Ah yes, I remember it well…

…And here we are in Bristol, years later, with James Fox and Andrew Sachs. Would you ever have thought it?

Well, when my agent was telling me about it, I thought we had a bad line. She said, ‘James Fox is in it, and Andrew Sachs, and so-and-so and such-and-such’ and I assumed I was mishearing. I mean, how could it be?

Were you familiar with the work of Douglas Adams?

Not really, only Hitchhiker’s Guide. I’m not a sci-fi reader at all, that’s not my thing. I didn’t really know a great deal about Adams – I certainly didn’t realise he was this amazing polymath. But Lalla speaks so eloquently and passionately about him, and I’ve come to understand why he was so well-loved and respected, and, of course, the quality of the script speaks for itself.

Are you enjoying playing the script?

Well, compared to last year’s plays, and the year before, you can definitely tell it’s from a different source. It has a different tack, and a whole different kind of wit. If you were at a blind tasting, and shown just a page or two of every script we’ve done, you’d easily spot that this one came from somewhere else, from a very fertile mind. It’s great stuff.

Everyone seems to have treated the script with great respect. Almost every line seems to be debated as you all try to get the best of out it.

Comedy is a very serious business. If it was a so-called straight drama, you probably wouldn’t find that much discussion.

So it’s exacting work?

Oh yes, very much so. If a thing is meant to be funny, you’ve got to make sure it’s funny, so you’ve got to get it right. In drama, your main directions are ‘quicker’, ‘slower’, ‘louder’, ‘quieter’. But on something like this you have to watch how you spin every word. It’s not something you can be lazy about.

I hear you’re missing India Fisher…

I sure am. Every time the studio door opens, I think she’s going to walk through. It’s the association with this place, where we do all these plays, and this is the first one we’ve done without her, so it seems very strange. She’ll be back next year, though, won’t she?

I certainly hope so. Will you?

Well, yes, that’s in the planning stages. Apparently, as was revealed to me yesterday, 2003 is the 40th anniversary of Doctor Who, and they’re planning something of a special with me and Davison and Sylv and Colin Baker. I think they’re going to have us as some sort of barbershop quartet or something.

So you’re still finding it fun, being the Doctor?

You sound very sure of yourself when you ask that… You’ve phrased the question to get the answer you want, I think!

Well, I guess as a fan, I’d like to think that Doctor Who likes being Doctor Who…

Well, I’ll put your mind at rest, then, because I am still enjoying it. I like working on audios more than on screen. Day in, day out, it’s just more of a laugh. Doing the visual work, on TV or in pictures, you never get to hang around with the rest of the cast. Here we can swap stories in the green room, or go off in a gang to the pub for lunch. When you’re working on pictures it’s not like that. You go in, do your little bit, and then you’re shunted off to a trailer out of the way. This is much more fun. It’s what being an actor is all about, and I have Doctor Who to thank for that opportunity.

Extracts from the recording of Shada:

The Doctor decides it’s time to get to the point. “What have you done with the Professor’s mind?” he asks.

“It will be put to a more useful purpose,” replies Skagra, haughtily.

“I would argue that it was serving a very useful purpose where it was.” ”Not to me.”

“You realise he died?” says the Doctor.

“Only his mind was of use to me,” says Skagra. “Not his life.”

“You take a very proprietorial attitude to people’s brains,” responds the Doctor, calmly.

“It seems to me,” says Skagra, his voice rising slightly, “that the Time Lords take a very proprietorial view of the Universe.”

There is a pause.

“Hold on,” says Lalla Ward, looking across the room to Nick, the director. “Surely the Doctor would be more accurate about his reference there. Skagra hasn’t stolen the Professor’s brain, only his mind.”

“That’s right,” agrees Andrew Sachs, dropping his thin, high Skagra voice. “The actual brains stay in their heads, don’t they?”

“It’s a good point,” replies Nick. “I imagine that Douglas was trying to avoid repetition of the word ‘mind’.”

“Well Douglas should have known better,” says Lalla, firmly. “And it’s a bit silly to worry about repetition of the word ‘mind’ now. It’s all ‘I want your mind, I want his mind’ for the next 60 pages.”

“So would you like me to change ‘brain’ to ‘mind’ on that line?” queries Paul McGann. “Because, y’know, I think the Doctor would be far more accurate about his reference there.”

—-

The Krag commander growls its greeting to Skagra. “What are your orders, my Lord?”

Andrew Sachs peers over his script. “Cod and chips twice, please. And a carton of mushy peas.”

—-

Paul McGann is recording assorted screams and moans to signify the Doctor’s mistreatment by Skagra’s mind-sucking sphere. “Argh!” he groans, “Aargh…ugh…aaargh!”

“Thanks, Paul,” says Nick. “That’s just brilliant.”

“Three years at RADA for that!” laughs Paul gleefully. “Would you like me to do some more?”

Nick smiles and turns to Andrew Sachs. “Now could we just do your lines as the sphere attacks the Doctor again?” Andrew nods and clears his throat. “This time, Doctor,” sneers the icy voice of Skagra, “This time no one will come to your rescue. I shall have your mind.” It’s chilling stuff.

“Y’know,” says Paul, “I believe you!”

“Poor Skagra,” says Andrew. “I have the feeling he’s a very lonely man. I think he needs a wife and kids. A talking spaceship’s no real substitute for the love of a good woman, is it?”

—-

Skagra has some seriously sexy transport, and the Doctor is stealing it.

“Ship!” shouts the Doctor. “Activate all re-aligned drive circuits.”

“Something very strange is happening,” says the ship, all sultry sibilance.

“Ta-daa!” cheers the Doctor.

Hannah Gordon is in a separate sound booth. “Should I be getting more roused there?” she asks over the loudspeaker.

“I don’t think so,” says Nick. “Just keep it honey-voiced and seductive.”

In the gallery, artist Lee Sullivan crosses his legs. “I don’t think I can take much more,” he says. “I may have to leave the room. I never found myself attracted to a spaceship before!”

In the studio, Sean Biggerstaff is fidgeting with his headphones. “It’s very strange working with a sexy, disembodied voice in your ear,” he says.

“I can’t see any downside to that,” muses Paul.

“Hey, that’s me you’re talking about,” replies Hannah in a sexy, disembodied way.

—-

An invisible spaceship,” smiles Lalla. “Such a brilliant idea from Douglas.”

“And now we have an invisible spaceship on audio,” adds Paul.

“Douglas would have laughed at that. It’s just so marvellously perverse.”

“Shall we go and explore it?”

“Oh, yes, let’s explore…”

#doctor who #eighth doctor #8th doctor #big finish #shada #paul mcgann #lalla ward #john leeson #andrew sachs #james fox #susannah harker #sean biggerstaff #hannah gordon #doctor who magazine #what poor k9 ever did to deserve a kick up the circuits is anyone’s guess #you meanie paul

[mimi-mindless]

thank you @lilolilyr for tagging me <3

15 Questions for 15 Friends

ARE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

A character in the Bible lol my parents just slightly altered the spelling

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

Like half an hour ago when I re-watched Handsome Devil and Andrew Scott's character (Dan) told Nicholas Galitzines character (Conor) that being gay gets easier and Conor asked Dan why he still hides it then and Dan tears up and uaargh Andrew Scott being a tired sad gay just gets me every single time, okay?

DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

no

WHAT SPORTS DO YOU PLAY/HAVE YOU PLAYED

I can copy half of yours here @lilolilyr :D I did Judo, horse riding and handball when I was younger. Also gymnastics as a child and Tai-Do in uni for 2 semesters

DO YOU USE SARCASM?

ye

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

hair and clothes I think. cause you can choose these most of the time and it's how people express themselves

WHAT'S YOUR EYE COLOR?

I just recently learned that you call them hazel I think? when they're green with brown/red/yellow?

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

tragic endings!

ANY TALENTS?

I can say any German word that I know how to spell backwards in seconds

WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

at home actually

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

music, concerts, TV series and films, cuddling, sleeping

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

my parents have a cat (Simba my beloved) and soon a cat will move in here (Dipsi, I hope you'll be cuddlier than what your owner said ( don't think that sentence makes sense but my head hurts and I'm tired)

HOW TALL ARE YOU?

162,5cm

FAVOURITE SUBJECT?

English and German and I also liked Pedagogics and Psychology

DREAM JOB?

idk man...I do like teaching but I hate the conditions and the institution behind it...I don't think I really know right now

I tag @panicatthesocialmedia, @ne0n-and-fucking-garbage, @pommy-granite, @myceliumgirl, @thriceandonce, @gabetheunknown , @fenrir-flamekeeper , @amiko-pan , @gamer-shrimp-buoy , @further-than-forever , @sch4r4 , @jupitervega , @berg-gry , @milverton and @vorschlaghannah

and as always, I also tag everyone who reads this and wants to do it :)

(also I tagged many people I have never tagged before so PLEASE don't feel pressured and tell me if you don't want me to tag you in the future <3)

Blank copy for easier copy-pasting under the cut:

15 Questions for 15 Friends

ARE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

WHAT SPORTS DO YOU PLAY/HAVE YOU PLAYED?

DO YOU USE SARCASM?

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

WHAT'S YOUR EYE COLOR?

SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

ANY TALENTS?

WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

HOW TALL ARE YOU?

FAVOURITE SUBJECT?

DREAM JOB?

#tag game #personal #i love doing these

[dwindlinghaze]

Hey! I loved your Andrew fic and I was wondering if I could request an Andrew fic where both him and the reader are costars, they've already acted together before in a movie and have had this great friendship and there's been a spark ever since they first met, like they know there's something more than friendship between them but they're scared to try it out. But when they're working together for their second movie, which is a romance once, they end up dating? Thank you <33

the sweetener you are

(andrew garfield x co-star reader)

hi anon!! tysm for requesting! i hope this is what u want! <3 pls don't be afraid to ask more, i love it when u guys talk to me ☁️

contents : friends to lovers, fluff, idk just rlly sweet <3 (sorry for any typos or incorrect grammars !)

　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

as an actress who works in the film industry, it is a strict rule for co-stars to not fall in love with each other. mostly because it's all an act. if one thing goes wrong, then everything will probably come tumbling down.

it all started when the two of you worked together. you met the andrew garfield for a project and you two instantly clicked together.

you have always admired him. the dedication and passion he puts onto his works are incredible. so working with him is so exciting for you. he also loved your last movie. andrew told you how talented you are as an actress and he's ecstatic to finally work with you.

ever since you met, he always does small but yet sweet things for you. like he will pull out your chair, offers you his scarf if you're cold during filming, give you flowers after a tiring week of shooting, bring you your favourite drink and snacks.

you thought of it as a best friend and gentleman kind of thing because you don't want to jump into conclusions but you know there's something in there since you don't see him doing these things to other people.

he greets you with a "good morning" every day and brings you breakfast too. you told him that none of that was necessary but you accepted anyway.

andrew calls you in his free time even after the movie was finished and done. you two had grown a sweet little friendship and he enjoys talking and spending time with you, like today when you're in your dressing room, taking all of your make up off. "hello? [y/n] are you there?" his voice came from the other line. you put him on speaker so you could continue taking those make up off.

"yes, hi! do you need something, andy?" you spoke.

"why do you immediately think i'm calling you because i'm in need of something?" he joked.

"no, s'not like that," you paused to let out a laugh, "just a habit, i guess, i don't know. but do you need something though?"

"what are you doing now? hope i'm not interrupting something,"

"in my dressing room- getting ready for bed,"

"it's five in the evening,"

"and what about it!"

"i was wondering if you'd like to come to mine for a movie night, but if you need your beauty sleep then we can forget i ever said that,"

you let out a laugh, smiling in the mirror to yourself. "do i need to wear a versace dress or is a shirt fine?"

"as much as i love seeing you in a fancy dress looking like a million dollar pay-check, you in normal clothes are beautiful to me too,"

you blushed profusely, disliking the way he makes you feel but enjoying it at the same time. "i'll meet you there, is six good?"

"sure, six is fine. i'll pick you up by the way, walking alone in the streets is not worth it as much as i hate to say it. also i'm grabbing dinner for us so don't tell me that i don't have to do it,"

you smiled for the millionth time because of this man. you sometimes wonder if he's just really that nice to everyone or is it just to you. he is a kind man so it shouldn't really be a question.

"alright, see you soon!" you said before he returned the greet and ended the call. a few minutes passed and your phone lit up, andrew's message had delivered to you and he said he's outside the building.

"hello stranger, why are you in my property?" you squinted your eyes to him, biting back a smile.

"hello to you too, i'm here to pick someone named [y/n] [l/n]. do you happen to know where she is?" he played along as he opened the door of his car.

"hmm... i think she's sitting in your car," said you, getting inside his car.

"silly me, i should get my eyes checked," he said smiling before he went back to the driver's seat. "i bought us dinner by the way," his thumb pointing behind him.

you looked over to the back seat to see a pack of uncooked meal and frozen fruits. you almost laugh at how ridiculous it looks. "oh absolutely! i'm eating raw chicken, frozen lemons, and raw eggs for dinner. so amazing! i give the andrew garfield restaurant a five-star review and a five-star service!"

"now don't make fun of me! that chinese restaurant closed right before i arrived and the pizza place across the street was so packed. i was thinking we can cook together, you know i really really love your cooking," he peered over at the rearview mirror to look at your face as he emphasised the word 'love'.

"okay, fine," you agreed. the drive was short and calm, you two talked about how much the two of you had grown.

just a year ago, you met him for the first time in a movie screen test and he was a stuttering and awkward mess. he tripped over your leg when you got up from your chair, but you laughed about it now. "i was so nervous to meet you because you're like so professional and i'm just- stood there watching you say all the words in your script-" he laughed, his eyes crinkling at the ends.

when you arrived at his place, he opened the door for you to walk in and brought the grocery bag to the kitchen, setting it down. you made dinner for the both of you before settling down on the sofa to watch a movie together.

he laid beside you on the sofa, wrapping an arm around you protectively as he pulled you closer to him. you thought of this as a friendly gesture because his flat is freezing cold. he knows you're cold, so he's sharing his warmth with you, but you can't deny the fact that there's something in your stomach, like a kaleidoscope of butterflies.

the thing is, you didn't know that he's purposely making his apartment cold so he can have you close like this. he loves it when you press your cheek to his shoulder.

as the movie ended, he looked down only to see you fast asleep. he smiled down at your peaceful state, wishing the two of you have more than just a friendship (though he is grateful either way). he knew exactly what his feeling is towards you and maybe by chance he knew you felt the same way too, but the friendship you had going on was too important to him to be ruined.

he didn't realise that he's lost in his trance until he felt your head turned to the other side, your eyelids fluttering because you're dreaming so he tuck you in his bed, and turn the night light on. that night he slept on the sofa; he didn't want you to feel uncomfortable.

as that routine goes on and on, the feelings between you two were sparking more and more.

one tuesday morning, you woke up to a call from liz, your manager, she told you that you got in this role for a romance movie and filming will start in two weeks. you were beyond happy to get this role because you loved how sweet and dreamy the storyline is and you're also excited to fly across the globe to film it.

it was until then that you realised your co-star is once again, andrew garfield, your best friend. you're going to be his love interest in this film. you're going to be kissing him, you're going to-

"[y/n] you're here!" the director greeted you. she smiled and waved at you, "it's really nice to see you. i'm honoured to be working with someone as brilliant as you are. i trust you in this role, i know you and andrew will have awesome chemistry to bring this to life."

"thank you! i will not disappoint i promise," you let out a small laugh. a few seconds later, andrew walked in, his presence sweet and his aura bright.

you talked together in depth about what the director wants to see in this film and how the characters are supposed to be. she's very specific so it's quite easy for you to hop on her boat and went along with her sail.

the filming went smoothly, you and andrew were so good together that sometimes the director really thought that you both are in love. well, maybe she's not entirely wrong... ?

"oh my god i'm going to kiss you in less than 45 minutes," andrew said out of the blue when the crew were taking a break for lunch. he was sitting on the floor across from you. reading the script as he casually took a large bite of his burger.

you almost choked at what he said. he said it so normally that you almost didn't catch up on what he's actually saying. "don't eat garlic or any of those sorts please," you replied, biting back a smile as you ignored the butterflies at the thought of it.

"oh i will never!" he chuckled, feeling the blood rushed into his cheeks, so scarlet it was maroon. he's excited to kiss you actually. he has been dreaming on how's it like feeling your lips against his. he knew it will be the best feeling in the world. he knows he will not regret this.

the break is over and it's time for them to... kiss?

"one, two, three, action!"

andrew placed his hand on your face, tugging it closer to him. you felt your breath hitched, the smell of him covering your nostrils. you were lost and long gone in his scent until you came back to reality when andrew pressed his lips to yours.

his tongue made its way inside your mouth and you almost broke out of character when you noticed the peppermint flavour. prior to this, he brushed his teeth profusely and ate packs of mint leaves.

his lips were incredibly soft, they moved ever so slowly with yours, you could melt. your hands went up to his hair as his went down your waist. the feeling was just like the movies. everything went in slow motion, everything is spinning around.

"cut!" the director yelled, seemingly satisfied by the shot. "awesome, [y/n], andrew!" she gave the two of you a thumbs up.

now you moved along with the script, trying to ignore the sparks in your stomach. when the scenes for the day were all finished, andrew walked you back to your dressing room. by the looks of it, he seemed like he wanted to say something.

"okay well hello," he started, clearing his throat.

"hi?" you knitted your brows as you smile at him.

"i want to tell you something actually, something i've been hiding for a while now," he said it in a low whisper, taking baby steps over your carpet.

"okay, c'mere sit with me,"

"you know the kiss? i really enjoyed it," he cringed at his words, wishing it had come out better.

you smiled, crimson creeping up your cheeks. "me too," you nodded.

"yes, well- i know this sounds truly crazy," he shook his head, closing his eyes. "but i really have to tell you that i have- feelings that i feel for you... and by this i mean like in a romantic way. i can ruin our friendship and make my comfort person despise me but i'm giving it a shot anyway."

since we've met i can't stop thinking about you. how your day is or- or how you are feeling that day. i feel like i can be myself around you, and the thing is, i'm rarely being myself. i come to you in by best days and talk to you in my worst days because i trust you. i hope you know that you can trust me too."

you stayed silent, processing what you just heard. you never thought he will confess to you, but he just did. "um [y/n]? please answer me right now because i'm freaking out."

"i feel feels too to you," now it's your turn to cringe on what you just said. "i mean- i feel the same way, i really like you. wholeheartedly."

"okay," a genuine smile spread across his face as he leaned forward to bump his nose on yours. "can we kiss now? is this the right time to kiss like in the movies?"

"sure," you laughed but your voice were quickly shut up by his lips. this time you weren't acting. you two were actually kissing off screen with real feelings behind them. this time, it was much better. he kissed you with more passion and tenderness than earlier.

he didn't want to pull apart but he did anyway as for breathing is a need to keep on living. "i never thought your lips would be so soft. not gonna lie, i'm pretty sure your lips were dry," you said jokingly, rubbing his knuckles that sat on your cheekbone.

"i use lip balm before i go to bed religiously after i found out that we're gonna kiss," he admitted. "for good impressions.."

you laughed at him, your heart practically melting underneath your ribs. "i will still like you if you have crocodile skin lips anyway," you shrugged.

"stop that," he laughed. before you know it, his lips were on yours for the third time that day, and you wouldn't want to have it in any other way.

since then, the two of you have been the happiest creatures on the planet. you always woke up to him by your side or him on top of you, completely covering you like a blanket. he will greet you with small kisses on your forehead and hold your hand whenever he can. he is the definition of a gentleman and the best boyfriend anyone could ever ask for.

"morning, lovie! it's premiere day!" andrew whispered to you one morning in his apartment. you were in his arms, face hiding in his neck.

"don't wanna wake up," you mumbled. "i slept at four am yesterday, so sleepy."

"i know, love," he smiled, kissing your nose. you love those nicknames he gave you. when he calls you using pet names, your heart is like a field of blossoming flowers. "once we came back, you can be a bear hibernating throughout winter and i will stay by your side for the whole season, but now we have to get up."

"fine," you rolled over, grabbing the blanket with you so andrew is left with nothing but his pj's and the cold air around the room.

"hey you're evil!" he quickly rolled himself to a ball next to you. "i don't know why i'm dating you."

"you date me because i'm your favourite person and you're in love with me."

he chuckled, nuzzling his head to the crook of your neck. "i love you, so can you please share the blanket with me? how dare you leave your loving boyfriend shaking from the cold."

"you should really install a heater in here to avoid situations like these," you dodged him nonchalantly.

"you should really consider sharing our blanket to avoid situations like these."

"the blanket is all yours, i'm taking a shower!" you jumped up from the bed and ran to the bathroom but your steps were stopped midway when andrew pulled you back.

"i'm not letting you go from me without a kiss."

#andrew garfield x female reader #andrew garfield x actress!reader #andrew garfield fic #andrew garfield x you #andrew garfield x reader #andrew garfield fluff #andrew garfield imagine

[pensat-i-fet]

A special spooky visit (Dominik Szoboszlai x Reader) / Halloween '23

Masterlist

Wattpad

Several Liverpool players were gathered near the entrance of the training centre, waiting to be told why they were even there.

“Hey guys! Sorry this is very last minute but we’ll need you to do a little event for the club after training”.

“What is it?”, asked Trent.

“A hospital visit. For Halloween”.

“Halloween?”, asked Dominik, confused. He was used to visiting children for Christmas but not Halloween. “What gifts are we supposed to bring them? There are no gifts exchanged on Halloween, right?”

Some of his teammates were amused by his confusion, even if they shared it. But they were all told it wasn’t about gifts, just about being there for the children on a special day.

So, after training, those ten players made their way to a few hospitals, ready to make some kids very happy. Unless they were actually Everton fans or, even worse, United fans. They wouldn’t enjoy the visit much then.

“Hello everyone”, said a doctor when they got to the floor where the kids were. And then she looked at Robertson. “Hello Andrew”.

Dominik saw the interaction and was confused again. There was a lot of familiarity in that greeting. And wasn’t his teammate married to someone else?

“If you follow me, I’ll take you where the children are. We have some activities prepared for the day. Just games for children, nothing too fancy really. And so it’d be great if you could just play with them. It’ll make their day”.

They followed her and were introduced to the children. Dominik saw a game he recognized and thought it could be fun to start with that one. But when he did, he walked past the doctor and Robertson chatting.

“I brought the one you like”, he told her.

“I don’t like anyone, stop it”.

“You sure?”

“Yes, you know my rules too”.

“Nonsense. It’s all just nonsense”, he said and laughed.

And then the doctor turned and her eyes fell on Dominik, who didn’t realise was staring at her. She cleared her throat and introduced herself to the Hungarian player.

“Nice meeting you too”, he said. “What do you know Andy from?”

“Hell”, she said, rolling her eyes. “Sorry, inside jokes. He’s married to one of my best friends. So I must put up with him a lot”.

Well, that made sense. “Cool. Um…I’ll go play with the kids”.

“Of course. Let me know if you need anything. They can get a bit restless and will be a bit overexcited because of the visit too”.

Dominik nodded and moved to join a group of kids to start playing the game they had on the table. It was really nice, actually. One of the things he loved the most about being a footballer was how easy it was for him to make children happy. It felt like a superpower.

The doctor, however, felt her superpowers were at their lowest levels that day. One of the kids started to cry and there seemed to be nothing she could do, so she took him out of the room to try and calm him down. Dominik followed them with his eyes the whole time. He was so intrigued by her.

“She’s pretty, right?”

“What?”

“The doctor”, said Andy. “She’s a friend of mine”.

“She said she was a friend of your wife’s”.

“Of course she did”, laughed the Scotsman. “She likes me too, sometimes. Do you like her?”

“What? I just met her. I spoke two words to her”.

“She likes you”.

“What are you talking about?”, laughed Dominik. He knew his teammate’s sense of humour was odd sometimes but this was another level of strange.

“We were chatting one day, right? And we had a couple of drinks. The poor doctor is a bit of a lightweight and so we asked her some questions while she was tipsy. Silly stuff. But one of the things she said was that the new Liverpool player was cute. And when we tried to get her to say which one, she said you. So I asked for you to come to this visit so she could meet you”.

Dominik didn’t know whether to laugh or clap at the story. But it was Halloween, not April Fools so…

“Do you really mean it? That she likes me and you organised this?”

“Yeah. Clever, right?”

“But what if I didn’t like her?”

“Then you and your stupidity could deal with that problem yourselves”, said Andy, getting up from the chair so he could go hang out with more kids. “Don’t miss this chance. And you’ll thank me later”.

A couple of minutes later, the doctor entered the room again with the little child who had been crying before. He seemed to be fine then but Dominik approached them anyway.

“All good?”

“Yes”, she said, surprised to see him chatting with her. “It’s been a long day for some of them. But we’re good, right Alfie?”

The little boy, Alfie, nodded. And Dominik looked up from him to look at the doctor again. Robertson was right. He would be stupid if he wasted that opportunity. She was really pretty, obviously really smart and seemed incredibly kind to the children.

“I can play with you, Alfie. If you want to”.

“I was going to be alone with him for a bit…”, she started to say.

“Can I join your party of two?”

“Yes!”, said Alfie, smiling at last.

And so the three of them picked up some pieces of paper to do Halloween drawings. The doctor was the best at it and, well, Dominik was the worst. He was never an artistic kid.

Alfie was highly amused too by trying to pronounce Dominik’s last name and the doctor tried too. Dominik found his name sounded especially nice when she said it. How interesting.

“I’m going to play with Mindy”, said Alfie all of a sudden, leaving them alone.

“Bye then!”, laughed the doctor, smiling widely at the little boy.

“You’re really good at this”, said Dominik.

“Thank you. I try my best but some days are harder than others. Today is easier. You should come visit more often”, she joked.

“Do you mean you as in the players or you as in me?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”, but then she realised. “You talked to Andy, right? It was just a silly comment”.

“I’m wounded. I liked thinking you liked me”.

She blushed slightly and laughed. “I mean, I don’t dislike you despite the obvious flaw”.

“You lost me”.

Now she really laughed. “Andy didn’t tell you one of my main rules then”.

“No. What is it?”

“I don’t date Liverpool players”.

“Why?”

“Because I’m an Everton fan”.

“Can I do something to change your mind?”, he asked.

“Maybe come visit again”.

It turned out after all that an Everton fan did enjoy the Liverpool players visiting. Must have been a spooky season miracle. 

#dominik szoboszlai #dominik szoboszlai imagine #dominik szoboszlai one shot #dominik szoboszlai fluff #football one shot #footballer fanfic #footballer imagine #footballer one shot #footballer fluff #footballer x reader #halloween 2023

[loveforlandonorris]

🎤 Lando at the Drivers' Press Conference before the Bahrain GP:

(This video isn't mine, I'm in the UK so I can't access F1 TV sadly 😔 This video was uploaded on YouTube but has since been removed. Also only the first few Journalist Questions were shown in the video, so although they weren't shown, Lando did answer some questions, they're in the transcript)

Transcript

Interviewer: So, Lando, you're closest to me, so you'll start off. Um, obviously, we've had a bit of a break since, uh, the testing, and McLaren last year made such a rapid rate of development. Where are you at ahead of the first race? What are your thoughts and feelings?

Lando: Uh... good question.

Interviewer: Come on, Carlos (Carlos arrives late)

Lando: (Laughs) Uh... yes, it's a question I think everyone's asking. I think we kind of have a rough idea of where we're at, but, um... we don't actually really know where we stand comparing to a few other teams. I think it's clear - the top two, then there's a bit of a bunch behind, which is Mercedes, Aston, us, kind of thing. But in terms of just how the pre-season test went, it was a lot better than last year, and we're in a much better position than last year, so that's the most important thing.

Interviewer: Okay, brilliant.

Journalist Questions:

Q1: (Andrew Benson - BBC Sport) This is for Lewis, Lando, and Fernando. F1 as a sport has said it's making efforts to improve diversity. What's your reaction to the fact that someone accused of inappropriate behaviour towards a female colleague has been left in his role and been given a platform in official press conferences while an investigation into those allegations was still ongoing?

Lando: I think it's got nothing to do with us for the time being that investigations underway, things are happening. And something I'd prefer to stay out of for now, so simple as that.

Q2 (Niharika Ghorpade - Sportskeeda): To Lando, you seem to be pessimistic after the test. Is there any area of performance you're worried about?

Lando: It's just the honest answer of, I think, where we stand. I think until we get to Friday, we get to Qualifying, it's tricky to know where we're going to stand against some other teams. I think it's pretty close with several. I think there's a lot of expectation for us as a team just because of how well we progressed last year. Certain races, we were the closest to Red Bull and definitely not far away. Certain other races we were still a long way off, you know, easily behind Mercedes, easily behind Ferrari, easily behind Red Bull and at times fighting with the teams behind that. So we were still just very inconsistent.

Bahrain has never been a good circuit for us. We've never had one of our strongest races ever in Bahrain. So I think it's way too quick to judge and just say, "okay, we're not going to be great here in Bahrain. That's the end of the season for us". I think for everyone, because everyone's so up and down, you have to give us 2 or 3, 4 or 5 races to get the first, I think, honest review of where everyone stands against one another and not just judge it off of the performance that we're going to see here in Bahrain.

A combination of things, stuff that we still need to tackle if we want to make sure we've taken a step forward, which I think we have. We've made the car quicker and that's very clear from all the data we've got. But certain things haven't allowed us to progress as much as what I would have liked and I think as we all would have liked as a team. And also some of those issues are just highlighted a lot here in Bahrain, just because of the nature of the circuit.

So I'm still confident when we go to certain circuits. We were very fast at last year, like, going back to Suzuka and things like that. I'm confident we can still be one of the best cars. But Bahrain has just not suited our car ever, necessarily. And exactly for that reason, I think that's why we're going to struggle a bit more here. But I'm confident we can turn it around later down the line.

#lando norris #landonorris #ln4 #mclaren #bahrain gp #bahrain gp 2024 #formula one #formula 1 #f1

[denimbex1986]

'Cillian Murphy strolled to the stage at the Golden Globes with dark red lipstick smeared all over his nose, and the collar of his Saint Laurent tuxedo shirt up, with no bow tie, looking like he'd rolled over from a massive one at Saltburn.

This was not the Cillian Murphy that the internet had been poking fun of for the last six months for his clear disdain for press attention. This was awards season Cillian Murphy. A different beast altogether. It had, in all honesty, been difficult to imagine him getting up on stage and saying "thank you to the Hollywood Foreign press" and all that. It didn't seem to be in his nature. But we should have known that the destroyer of worlds would rise to the occasion.

Picking up the award for best actor in a drama film, he showed the charisma that has gotten him through two decades in Hollywood. He had jokes (about Christopher Nolan having no chairs for actors on set), modesty ("One of the most beautiful and vulnerable things about being an actor is you can't do it on your own") and he thanked all the requisite power players: Universal Pictures, Oppenheimer producer Emma Thomas, his team.

He kicked things off extremely charmingly, by addressing the elephant in the room. “First question, do I have lipstick all over my nose?” And then when everyone shouted “yes!”: “I'm just gonna leave it.”

“I knew that the first time I walked on a Christopher Nolan set that it was different,” he said. “I could tell by the level of rigour, the level of focus, the level of dedication, the complete lack of seating options for any actors. I knew that I was in the hands of a visionary director."

He went on to shout out, by name, his castmates: Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Gary Oldman. “Thank you for carrying and holding me through this movie.” He called his fellow nominees “legends” even the non-Irish ones (nodding to fellow countrymen Andrew Scott and Barry Keoghan). Then, he ended with a shout-out for his family.

It was a precisely measured and perfectly delivered awards speech. Afterwards, one thing became clear: He's ready for his Oscars moment.'

#Cillian Murphy #Oppenheimer #Golden Globes #Christopher Nolan #Emily Blunt #Matt Damon #Robert Downey Jr. #Gary Oldman #Andrew Scott #All of Us Strangers #Barry Keoghan #Saltburn #Universal #Emma Thomas

[kaylinlmao]

Fight PT 6 *Edited*

THE MOMENT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! AND ME POSTING IT LATE! JUST KEEPING Y'ALL ON YOUR TOES!

Y'all know all the warnings. Aged up to 18!

Beautiful collaboration with by best friend @heaartzforcupid

As I was walking down the halls to the office, I was freaking the fuck out. Questioning for what. I walked in the office and they pointed me to the principals office. I walked in to see the sheriff sitting on a seat and the principal sitting at his desk. "Have a seat please, Y/N." the principal, Mr. Andrews said. "What is this about?" I asked. "The disappearance of Moose Jacobs. It was reported that you were the last person to interact with him." He looked at me. "Is that true." I was thinking quickly because I knew the boys would murder me if I snitched.

"Yes, that is true." I said. "Can you tell us what the circumstances were when you last saw him? What he was acting like?" "Well, he bullied me into giving him the cash I made from my working for my mom in the summer. I asked what he was gonna do with it and he said he was leaving this stupid town." They asked a couple more questions and I answered them. "Ok. Well thank you for your cooperation, Miss Y/L/N. School is over so you can just head home." "Ok. I hope you find him." I said walking out of the office.

When I walked outside, it was completely vacant except for mine and the Sheriff's cars. As I was walking, I was pinned against the wall with a hand grasped tightly around my neck. It was Vance and the rest of them were standing behind him. "What the fuck did you tell them?!" I grabbed his wrist and pulled it off of my neck. "What the hell, Vance! That's gonna bruise! What is my mom gonna say?!"

"Y/N. What. Did. You. Tell. Them?" Finney said slowly. "That Moose snuck up on me in the bathroom and he demanded I give him all the money I made over the summer. When I asked him why, he said he was leaving this stupid town." I said, stating the exact words I had told the Sheriff and principal. "Good girl, baby!" Finney said. "Good job." "Oh it wasn't for you. It was for me! Now leave me alone."

They walked away from me for a second and came back. "I'm gonna drive you home." Bruce proclaimed. I was too tired to fight with them. "Whatever" I said, walking towards my car. Bruce got in the drivers seat and drove me home. I got out of the car and started walking up the driveway. "I'll come in with you" "Ok." When we walked in, my mom and sister were there. They weren't supposed to be there. They were supposed to be at work. "Hi mom. Hi Y/S/N." "Hi, hun Who's this?" my mom asked. "This is Bruce. He was just leaving." I said

As I was walking him to the door, I heard my mom say, "she's such a slut. Did you see those marks on her neck." Bruce heard it too and I could see he was mad. "Oh when I tell the others-" "No! Please don't tell them!" "Sweetheart, I have to. That's never ok for anyone to say. Especially not to you." "Just please?" I said giving him a kiss. "Fine. I won't tell them. But if I hear her say anything like that again-" "She won't. Bye!" He walked out the door and I went up to my room crying. I really was a slut. Even my own mother thinks so.

The next day after school, Finney wanted to drive me home. He drove me home and insisted he come inside with me. "To make sure you get inside safely." He said. So he came in with me. "Is this Bruce, honey?" "No this is Finney." Then she just blew up at me! "Y/N YOU ARE SUCH A SLUT WHORE AND A DISGRACE TO OUR FAMILY NAME!" I started to sob. Everyone I know thinks I'm a slut!

Finney was furious and stormed out. "Finney, wait! Please!" I yelled. I knew he was gonna tell the other boys but he was already gone. I ran up to my room thinking about what my mom said. About 15 minutes later, I heard a knock on my window. It was Robin. I let him in and he sat on my bed and patted his lap. I layed there and bawled into his shirt. "Even my mom thinks I'm a slut!" "Shh, Princesa. It's ok. I've got you." After a while, he left. I walked downstairs. "Mom? Mom? MOM?" She didn't answer.

Oooh. ANOTHER GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER. YOU'RE WELCOME! Let me know in the comments if you want PT 7! Love y'all! :) -Kaylin

@nonebutme123 @dopezonkdreammug @have-a-good-day-x1000

@kiwi-3-fruit @theweirdone2468 @iceteacat @bunnysenpai31

#yandere billy showalter #yandere vance hopper #yandere bruce yamada #yandere robin arellano #yandere finney blake #finbin #finney blake #finney x robin x reader #finney blake x reader #robin arellano #robin arellano x reader #bruce x vance #vance hopper x reader #vance hopper #billy showalter x reader #billy showalter #griffin stagg #yandere griffin stagg #griffin stagg x reader #bruce yamada x reader #bruce yamada #brance #rinney

[jtl-fics]

Fusion Dance:

FF in the zombie apocalypse

Fluent Freshman AU | Unusual Fic Asks

I need you to understand what this has done to me. 1. I didn't think anyone was going to ask about FF for some reason and 2. The concept of FF in the apocalypse is so funny to me because I write a lot of him based off of me and I have ALWAYS told anyone who asks that if an apocalypse happens I am not the plucky young lass doing whatever it takes to survive type. (Like I get word that One Piece is cancelled because Oda got eaten it's like 'ok I gotta go ask that man some QUESTIONS in the after life' and I'm OUT. I just don't have that drive in me!)

BUT FF is that kind of guy.

---

FF had been ready for the end of the world for ages. He'd felt the world quake and tear itself apart plenty of times. The first time had been after the car accident. The second time had been when he realized his mother wasn't going to stand up for him. The third was when she said "I do" to a man who hadn't made it a secret what he thought about FF.

The end of the world kept happening for him, so it was almost bizarre when finally everyone else agreed that it had happened.

He didn't really pay attention to the news, only to the increasing anxiety around campus as more and more infections occurred and there were talks about locking down the campus. His anxiety ramped higher and higher until he found himself in a state that he hated. A state where it was all so much that he lost the ability to feel anything at all.

The numbers kept climbing, the infections growing closer, and FF couldn't calm down enough to feel anything.

Then a Palmetto student was bitten and weirder it was someone he had known if only because they played on the same team.

He dodged out of the way of Jack's open mouth as he heard Sheena scream. His senses for an unexpected back attack had been heightened from years of dealing with his step brothers and further from the mindless bloodlust of Black Friday shoppers.

Jack lunged for him again.

"No cure - 100% fatal at biting stage" flashed on the TV in the lounge yesterday. "Self-Defense Recommended" the news anchor said numerous times.

He couldn't bring himself to do it though.

Aaron walked into the hallway and Jack's attention turned. He lunged mouth open and-

FF found the courage to swing down his Racquet.

Sheena just kept screaming as she ran out of the hallway.

Aaron looked shocked looking between FF and Jack on the ground.

"The infection has hit Palmetto." FF says with a deep breath trying not to feel sick, "I'm not staying on campus." he says wondering how many more students had broken quarantine like Jack.

"Where are you planning to go?" Aaron asks giving Jack's body a wide berth as he stepped around it.

"My grandma lives in Washington State. It's pretty rural. I'll go there." He says because she's stood by him through every other end of the world. If this is the one that takes then he wants to be sitting next to her.

"Sounds better than sitting here." Aaron says with a shrug and FF could see that he was shaking from what he'd just seen.

"I'm sorry you had to see that." FF says because he knows what Aaron had done to protect his brother. Aaron looks at him with wide eyes, "He was past the point where he might have been saved. We can't hesitate." he says because that's what the news anchor had said.

Aaron takes a long and shaking breath and nods.

FF nods back to him before turning and heading in the opposite direction of the exit that Sheena had run towards. He heard Aaron's footsteps following him, well this is embarrassing that they're going the same way.

"Where are you going now?" Aaron asks.

"CVS." FF answers.

"Smart, medical supplies." Aaron agrees.

Oh, that is also a good plan. FF was just planning on taking a shopping basket and knocking every last bottle of Pepto Bismol into it. "Yes." he says.

"I'll text Andrew." Aaron says and for the love of god FF did not know what he would be texting him. "Hey, thanks...for uh...saving me." he says.

They haven't decided how to charge people quite yet for the Infection self-defense cases.

"Don't mention it." he says and honestly wishes he could tell Sheena the same.

#Fluent Freshman AU #Fluent Freshman Zombie AU #AFTG AU #AFTG OC #Zombie Apocalypse AU #Aaron Minyard #Redacted Smith #This space was a lot more fun than I thought it was gonna be #Yes Aaron does think that FF is a cool dude who can handle his own shit #Yes we know Aaron is wrong #This happens before FF has become friends with Nicky but after the Russian incident #Yes this is about to be a roadtrip to pick up the Foxes who graduated #Also friends and family #All to end up at GS' place #where she has established a COMMUNE #Fun thought but Zombie AUs aren't really my deal so I'm not continuing it

[royalwriteroftheuniverse]

Holiday party with Andy

Mostly fluff tiny bit of angst some anxiety Andy Barber slightly older than his girlfriend and fluffyness but 18+ just incase

Comments & reblogs welcome no reposting or publishing

Special thanks to @cevansbrat0007

"Hey sweetheart you don’t have to be nervous look-"

"It’s not that I just I want to make a good impression on them"

"I don’t give a shit what they think from a 2 hr party with an introduction that lasts 3 minutes. I’m not going to break up with you just because someone goes 'I don’t like her.' Because  I love her and that’s all that matters beautiful" he kisses my head. 

He said he loved me he never said that before I wonder if he realizes he just said that 

“Hun you hear me.”

“Yea,"

 "If you don’t want to go you don’t have to go.”

“You kidding let all those women and men around you with alcohol in their systems and their work guard down. Hell no. I gotta steak my claim.”

"You steamed your claim"

"Um not to them. Now either I go or I give you a giant hicky"

"Either, or can't be both?" 

"Andy"

"What? It’s a valid question."

I roll my eyes.  

"Ok pants or dress"I swear I can see his eyes darker. "That’s not why I asked  I meant and that’s not happening."

"Spoilsport"

"You need to stop watching "The Good Fight." 

"Pants I know you feel more comfortable than the dress even though I like it better." 

I get a kiss on my hair. 

"Yea but it's cold"

"He smiles you can wear your velvet one."

He hasn't seen me in the velvet one it barely covers my butt, but then again slightly tispy jealousy Andy is fun to play with, "Hey we're taking a Lyfy tonight, right."

Yea why?

 "Just wondering"

Why plan on getting drunk on eggnog? 

I roll my eyes 

"One time it was one time and didn't it didn't taste like alcohol how was I supposed to know-"

"Mhm This is not a trial Missy." He grabs my hips bringing me close to him. 

"Don't missy me," I pout "I don't like being made fun of."

"I'm sorry babe you know I love you," he says wrapping his arms around my neck giving my temple a soft kiss. That's the second time he said he loved me in an hour. 

"Ok red velvet dress it is. Only cause you asked so nicely. " But if I get sick-" I point at his. 

He throws his hands up in surrender 

"I will take days off and nurse you back to health."

"Good boy" 

"You trained me well."

We get to the restaurant and I am suddenly regretting my choice of outfits and why does everyone here look so old i mean I know late 40s and 50s but they look like… God I can hear the jokes now about me looking young i feel bad about the jokes they might make to Andy about him and me being a good digger there's only a few years That's not fair its not his fault I look young he shouldn't have to-"

"Hey what's got you so worried Princess? Your coat."

"Oh yeah," I shrugg it off. "Are you sure I can uber home I mean they everyone is and I'm and you don't deserve."

"Hey relax no one is going to make a joke  and if anyone teases you you come get me and ill fire them." 

"K." I can't help but smile "But then who wouldn't want to make up an excuse to try to get you to dump me and date them?"

"Well it wouldn't work." He kisses me.

I give him a smile and then another piece of anxiety hits my brain. 

"I dont know any people he works with what if I seam so stupid and they just think I'm clingy and  I-

"Hey no one is going to think you're stupid. And I like having my arms around you as long as you do"

"Wha- did I say that outloud?"

"No you have different faces for different anxieties."

I groan as he wraps his arms around me. 

"I only noticed cause I pay attention sweetie  and- did that- was that dress always that short?"

"Yes I was wondering why you wanted me to wear it."

"You are not picking up anything this whole night."

"Andy if something falls-"

"I'll pick it up"

"Andrew you started this" 

He pulls me in front of him in a tight hug and then leans in and whispers "and I'm going to finish it." I can hear the smirk. All I want to do is crawl onto bed and sleep. 

"Well if it isn't the love birds."

I relax seeing Duffy.

"Hey nice to see a familiar face."

"I was hoping you two were going to make it. That's a short dress. I don't want to be arresting anyone tonight."

"It was Andy's idea."

"I didn't know the dress was that short." He says with an honest tone his voice raising up at the end defending himself. "But as long as no one touches her there won't be a problem." He says very matter of factly.

"I get a bit of a shiver  and move my shoulders forward at that mention

"Sorry sweetheart i didn't mean to-"

"No its my fault Andy I'm sorry. I "

"It's fine, I'm just glad I have Andy here and you if he gets out of line. " I wink. " plus I don't know anyone besides you two. You should come over soon for dinner."

"I'd love to."

"Do you like steak? Andy bought some for some cookout this fall that we never did and we need to use them or their worthless. I meanz God. didn't mean it like that. Sorry."

"No its fine and I absolutely do love steak."

"Next week?"

"What day?"

"Friday? 7?"

Still in his embrace I look up at Andy who nodded.

"Friday sounds great."

We part ways and we go to get a drink. 

"Oo eggnog."

"No." He laughs

"Why what's in there?"

"Vodka probably."

"I like vodka."

"I know but your migraine meds-"

I took them early afternoon so I don't take them tonight so its not an issue. And its just a cup. 1 cup Andy.  I know you mean well sweetie but trust me I got this." 

"Ok I trust you."

He gets me a cup and he holds my hand or my waist as we talk to people and by we I mean him because I am really really nervous and know no one. I end up playing with his hand a lot.

"Be right back sweetheart I have to go to the bathroom" I not as he says it into my ear and then kisses my temple. 

I intended to go straight to the bar to sit but I get intercepted but 

"Hi I'm Niel"

Andy's fried turned arch nemesis. He's ikier looking in person.   I introduce myself with the kindest I hate you smile I can muster. 

"I haven't seen you around  the office.Are you new?" 

This is his best lines ugh. 

"Uh no I'm here with my boyfriend."

"And he left you alone thats not very boyfriendly."

Neither is hitting on someone like this And I'm getting major creep vibes. 

"Well he-" 

Someone knocks into Neil and the drink accidentally spills on me a bit 

"I am soo sorry" a genuinely-genuine reaction forms on his face and  like a kick almost he changes attitudes to appologize 

"It's fine I'm fine " I back away before he can get napkins and I back into Andy. I know thst body anywhere.  I sigh and close my eyes for a moment of relief knowing he's there. I'm ok and he'd kick ass if I needed.  

"Babe what happened? You ok?" He looks up 

"Niel" he girts out 

"This is your boyfriend-"

"Yes I'm her boyfriend. What happened here? Neil."

"It was an accident." 

"It really was Andy."

"Niel." He growls out.

"Okay. Now that introductions are done. Andy, sweetie" and nope can't break their eye contact so I step in front of him. Bringing his eyes back to me "Why don't you come with me to the bathroom and help me get this out ok." 

"Yes lets." He takes my hand and then I see him give one last menacing look at Neil. 

I go into the women's bath. 

"Hello, anyone here my boy friends helping me with a stain."

No responses so I lock the door."  With a sigh as I lean back on it.

"Hey hey what happened what did Neil say ?"  his voice is soft but his eye furrow and its slits but I can still see his hands being forced out of fists by his own mind. At least he's trying. 

"He was just being a creep and someone bumped into him and thats why it spilt but-"

"How creep did he get?"

"The normal I'm used to. nothing I can't handle but I just, I missed you. The minute I bumped into you I knew everything would be ok "

"You knew that was me?"

"Honey I know your chest anywhere."

"What a coincidence I know yours anywhere too." I smile and laugh as my head drops down but when I look back up 

He is still looking at me with sad eyes he knows I'm not telling him everything but he's not pushing. 

"Honey any level of creep is not something you should be used to." His finger brushes my cheek softly.

"He was just hitting on me claiming you weren't being very boyfriendly enough." 

I think I said too much. 

"I'm fine." 

He sighs and wraps his arm around me.

"Are you sure. We can leave."

"And miss out on all that good food?" 

"Anytime you want to go I'll nick Neil out."

"Oka-wait what?"  I laughed. He kissed me and brought me in for a hug. I snacked my hands around his waist. 

"I love you sweetheart" 4th time today makes me smile "I love you too Andy."

He didn't even blink…."You calm enough?"

"Me. Yes?  You. What about that stain?"

"Oh it'll wash out."

I somehow get in a conversation with some wives and he makes sure I'm ok before he goes off to a different conversation himself.  We are ever so in tune and overprotective of each other, probably him more than me knowing I'm nervous we give each other little nods to signal the other is ok.  

When my group breaks up I find Andy immediately even though his group moved a bit.  its like this weird spidy-sense  we have for eachother. I wrap my arms around his waist and he puts his hand over mine. Its the little things that mean the most with us. The little touches the little glasses the little sift kisses.

"Sorry doll this is a private conversation don't think you'd under-."

"Excuse you but my girlfriend is welcome."

"And I just so happen to well  practiced  and versed in constitution law  and since it is a free country with the right to congregate you  can't discrimination against me being a woman as I was invited to the party."

It takes everyone in me not to roll my eyes at Andy who I know is beaming that  A) I remembered my constitutional law class from forever ago and b) the talented way I spin my words i said I was well practiced and verses. Not that it was my job.

A few minutes later I feel a hand slide down my hip I look at Andy and then I follow gaze and to the side of us Neil is in a conversation but obviously staring at my ass. 

"Doesn't he know I'm with you. "

"You ok with my hand there?"

"I didn't move it did i?"

"I love you. I really do. Love you. I don't know if you heard me the last 5 times."

"Actually this was the 5th time."

"So you did hear me," he teases."

Taglist

@nana1000night @sapphire-rogers @coltrainbat @hawkeyes-queen @patzammit @sparklybarbarianninja

#captain america #chris evans #avengers #ransom drysdale #steve rogers #andy barber fluff #andy barber x female reader #andy barber fic #andy barber fanfiction #andy barber #andy barber imagine #andy barber smut #andy barber x fem!reader #chris evans x plus size reader #ari levinson imagine #ari levinson x female reader #chris evans characters #steve rogers fanfiction #chris evans comfort #andy barber x reader #andy barber x y/n #andy barber x you #chris evans fanfic #chris evans fanfiction #christopher robert evans #ari levinson fluff #lloyd hansen x reader #lloyd hanson x reader

[juicegremlin]

Hugs (5+1)

~ 3 ~

Their last game of the season is in two days. Neil has been buzzing with energy for a week straight, watching old Trojan matches, roping Dan and Kevin into countless extra strategy meetings. Not that they mind, of course—if Neil is nervous, they’re downright apoplectic.

Andrew is… there. There to keep Neil grounded, to help him burn off any excess excitement. And it’s nice, to be needed. To be wanted.

Andrew thinks he can admit that.

They’re at practice, and Neil is practically bouncing off the walls. Andrew’s eyes track him across the court, enjoying the give and flex of his calf muscles in those shorts. Neil intercepts one of Kevin’s passes and sends it hurtling into the corner of Renee’s goal.

“Yes, yes, yes!” He shouts, whirling on Kevin. “That’s eleven, get ready to pay up.”

Kevin makes an affronted noise. “Ten, that was ten!”

“Which one of us is the applied mathematics major? It’s eleven.”

Kevin shoots a look back at Andrew, calls across the court. “Ten or eleven?”

Eleven.

“What makes you think I was paying attention?” Andrew counters.

“Andrew, I swear to—”

Wymack bangs on the plexiglass with a fist. “For Christ’s sake, it’s eleven, Day. Learn to count.”

Neil grins at Kevin, wide and toothy through the grate of his helmet. “Just one more. Hey, Matt, what’s the most expensive restaurant you can think of?”

Matt considers the question. “Does it have to be good?”

“Of course not.”

“Alberto’s, then.”

“Excellent choice.”

The game resumes, and Kevin is even pissier than before. He sends shot after shot Andrew’s way, but Andrew denies them all.

There’s some pleasure to be derived, he supposes, from defending his post. An exercise in power, in control. Neil would try to spin it into some sort of metaphor, but it’s not like Andrew would ever present it to him in the first place. Bee, though—Bee might have something to say about it.

But he’s not enjoying himself. He isn’t.

Five minutes pass; no one scores a single goal. Wymack has to break up a brief scuffle between Aaron and Jack, but nothing too major. Andrew rebounds a shot at Jack’s ankle as a reminder to keep his distance.

Neil is electric. He’s zipping back and forth across the court, all power and precision, and that fucking ass—

Andrew grits his teeth.

Neil stops just long enough to catch him looking. A bright, devilish smile splits his lips. Andrew barely catches the glint in his eye before clocking the ball headed directly for his own face.

Andrew manages to side-step, but his answering blow is almost an accident, imbued with far more force than it requires. It sends the ball cracking away from him, over every single head on the court. Andrew watches in a borderline daze as it sails and sails and sails—

—right into the top left corner of Renee’s goal.

Everyone stops. Heads turn in Andrew’s direction, and it’s a cascade—like something out of a bad horror movie. Dan barely stops her own racquet from clattering to the court floor.

Andrew blinks at himself. So rarely is he ever genuinely surprised, but that—that had not been intentional. He doesn’t think it was, anyway, and it’s never—has that ever happened before? To anyone? He’s certainly never managed it. Did he really just do that?

Evidently so, because in the next second, the court erupts into raucous noise. Nicky screeches, Allison breathes a quietly vehement “what the fuck” from where she stands near Andrew’s goal. Kevin’s jaw drops far enough for his mouthguard to fall straight out.

“Did you just see that?” he demands, of no one in particular. “Did I just see that?”

And Neil—Neil is just standing there, racquet gripped loosely in the fingers of his right hand. Andrew can see how wide his eyes are from yards away, wild pinpricks of blue in the middle of his face.

Then he’s moving—moving towards Andrew, and with purpose, tugging off his helmet. He presses it into Aaron’s chest as he passes and Aaron is so dumbfounded that he doesn’t even protest.

“Andrew,” Neil calls, all pink and sweaty and breathing and hot. “Andrew, yes or no?”

Yes or no? To fucking what?

“Yes,” Andrew blurts, because it doesn’t really matter. Neil could ask to kill him right now and Andrew would die sated.

Neil picks up the pace and Andrew just barely manages to get his own helmet off before they’re crashing into each other and Neil’s arms are locked around his waist.

It is nothing like Andrew has ever felt before. If Neil was electric a few minutes ago, then this is completing the circuit—forcing Andrew into his orbit and shouting all his nerves awake.

It should feel bad. It should feel like choking, but it doesn’t. Andrew feels warm and alive and held and impressive.

Something is breaking.

Something is breaking, but for the first time ever, it doesn’t hurt.

Then Neil is lifting, and Andrew’s heels pick up off the ground. His first thought is jesus fucking christ but he doesn’t say no, just grips tighter to Neil’s shoulders because he doesn’t think he wants this to ever stop.

“Holy shit, Drew,” Neil shouts, the sound like a million tiny fighter jets in Andrew’s ear. “That was incredible!”

Andrew makes an unhappy noise, and it is the biggest lie in the history of ever.

“I didn’t think—oh my god, you really just did that. Do you know how fucking nuts that is? Andrew, you’re so good, I can’t believe—”

The rest of Neil’s praise coagulates and finds itself a home behind Andrew’s ribs, pulsing against his heart and making it beat that much faster. Neil lets Andrew down—lets him be tethered to the earth again—and Andrew can’t say he isn’t relieved. He can’t say he is, either.

Neil pulls away just enough to look Andrew in the eye. There’s sweat on his nose, on the bow of his lip. Andrew can’t help but take his thumb and swipe it off.

“Andrew!”

It’s Kevin. He comes up to Andrew’s goal, helmetless and interrupting. Andrew bristles and he’s sure Neil can feel it.

“Can you do that again?” Kevin exclaims. “Andrew, you have to do that again, you—”

“Fuck off, Kevin,” Neil snaps, letting his arms fall away from Andrew’s waist. Andrew damned-near mourns the loss of contact.

“Neil, did you see that?” Kevin gestures widely and vaguely across the court. “That was—could you imagine—”

Neil holds up a hand. “That’s twelve. You owe us dinner.”

Kevin’s jaw hangs slack again. His eyes flit from Neil to Andrew like he expects Andrew to do something about it, but Andrew doesn’t so much as shrug.

By the time Kevin goes catatonic enough to leave, Andrew has more or less come back to himself. He still feels the ghost of Neil’s fingers over his ribs, pressing. Holding.

“Was that okay?” Neil asks, turning back to him.

Andrew doesn’t let anything show on his face. “Was what okay?”

“The—that, jackass. I should have… was it too much?”

Neil’s excitement colors with apprehension, and no, no, no, that won’t do—Andrew can’t let him look like that right now.

“I said yes,” Andrew tells him. “I meant it.”

And Neil’s already flushed, but Andrew can tell when a deeper red arrives to pinch beneath Neil’s freckles.

“I’m going to—” Neil waves a hand. “Anyway.”

He gives Andrew’s hand a squeeze before turning on his heel. He only makes it two steps, then he’s doubling back, taking Andrew’s hand again and leaning in close.

“You are incredible,” he says.

A kiss to Andrew’s nose—his fucking nose.

Neil takes off for the other end of the court, leaving utter destruction in his wake.

-

-

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4 | Part 5 | +1

Good morning, I’m fucking tired. Take this.

#aftg #aftg fanfic #aftg fic #all for the game #all for the game fic #all for the game fanfic #aftg hc #aftg headcanon #tfc #the foxhole court #the foxhole court fanfic #andreil #andrew minyard x neil josten #andrew minyard #neil josten #kevin day #JuiceGremlin

[dagwolf]

From Reverberation Vinyl on Facebook:

I'm a "record store day indifferent" type of shop. I don't carry the sort of things that people line up for, and the things I do stock that are attached to rsd are all items you'd find here on the average Wednesday. I don't hold it against anyone, takes all kinds, etc. But I am asked frequently around this time of year why I don't really care for rsd, and while I certainly have stock answers on hand, they usually come off as annoyed or negative, rather than thoughtful and well reasoned. So, short of going door to door & handing out tri-fold pamphlets, here's Ralphie's theme...

Why RSD Is Bad For Records & Record Stores by John Anderson

The "Record Store", as positioned in our culture in 2024, is (or was) a reflection of the mythical independents of the '90s & '00s, places that thrived outside both the interest in, or support from, the record industry. Truly independent stores that were usually small, primarily used, at times meeting places for music people, social hubs for weirdos, discovery zones & more. The reality was far more nuaced, but growing up in the record stores of my youth, I eventually sorted out the differences between chain stores, used shops, big label music, used selling/buying, etc, and the sense of REAL that permeated the independent shops of the world. The person/people behind these places were often big, weird personalities, but they were also the driving force behind what lay on the shelves. New horror soundtrack imports from Italy? Brand new garage rock from PNW hotspots? Skranky dub compilations for under ten bucks? Bootlegs? YES. All things that were specific to the shops, sometimes exclusive, but always reflective of what & who the place WAS. Recreating that to the best of my honest ability has always been my goal here. If its a new record in the racks or on the wall, its likely here because a) I love it, b) I own one too, and c) I'd like to share it with you. Short version: this store is a deeply personal statement. That has always been my focus and always shall be. In the words of the great Andrew Weatherall, "Music's not for everyone".

That's the mystical/romantic part. I have practical reasons as well!

1) As stated above, record stores (vinyl) thrived & grew to what we know now with ZERO interest from the record industry, when it was at its absolute $height$. As "record store culture" became more popular & increasingly commodified, the industry used rsd as a trojan horse to seize the means & the narrative back from the very people who kept it going while they - the industry - were gouging people on CDs & fumbling a cogent approach to digital music.

2) rsd stock is expensive, for us & you. Usually 25% more than your standard releases. Why? Good question.

3) rsd stock is unreturnable for shops. As a store, what you order, you're stuck with. Huge stores don't seem to mind, as you'll see bin after bin of rsd leftovers going back 5+ years, more in some cases.

4) The Disappointment Factor. When "one band fans" & newer collectors have been conditioned to seek out "the one thing", there's inevitable disappointment when smaller stores get tiny allocations of records people seem willing to fight over. That disappointment usually ends up directed at the people/place, meaning yours truly, something I want no part of.

5) Manufactured Scarcity. Undershooting demand by a few thousand units as a marketing strategy sounds fun to someone... not sure who though. Driving a rabid wave of buyers (say 500,000) into a physical marketplace that's more likely to NOT have what they want (say 10,000 copies)? Nope. Which leads to...

6) Unrealistic Manufacturing Capabililty. With seemingly every popular (read: really common) record of the last 50 years being repressed in 18 colors to satiate insane demand (a particularly impatient, Amazon era, "want it NOW" demand), not to mention the same approach to new LPs by many (Billie Eilish called this out recently), the industry is basically pretending this is the early '80s when massive, industry-wide manufacturing infrastructure meant they could turn big orders around in days rather than months. Trouble is, this isn't the '80s. The big industry titans dumped their pressing facilities & hardware at the dawn of the '90s. Now, demand greatly exceeds manufacturing capabilities, and while there have been new pressing plants opening (and thriving) in recent times, these aren't owned & operated by Warner or Universal: these are the indie operations that kept vinyl alive in the '90s & '00s, and now the big label business they can't turn down means slower turnaround for all the labels & artists that aren't major/indie property. AKA all the artists who ordered records from them for the previous 20+ years. Which leads too...

7) Astronomical Pricing. Yes, rsd pricing is "a quarter above the vig". Cost of doing business in that world, I guess. If it sounds like the mafia, it is, because rsd is 100% "big record industry" controlled in 2024, regardless of early intent. Unsurprisingly, the cost of new records across the board has seen an insane surge, with little mind paid to the audience, whether that be boomer age dudes who can afford $80 Neil Young records & $900 box sets, or high school/college kids, who are expected to drop $40 for a new LP. Regardless of the public face they put on it, the industry still sees "this", meaning records, as a trend that will at least partially fade off. Hence their lack of interest in committing to better & more sustainable pressing & manufacturing. No plants or presses, but the money will be fine for now, thanks.

8) Flipper Culture. I say this knowing full well there's no way to put this element back in the box, but your ebay/discogs flippers are the boogeyman that its easiest to put a face to. Not much nuance necessary, they just want as many copies of of whatever "hot" rsd release is fetching the most $$ online. We've all had to hit the secondary market to find some "limited" record we missed. Being forced to do it on rsd because 2000 dirtdicks who stood in a line all night & bought up 2/3 of the existing copies of the record by your daughter's favorite artist? At 10x list price? Oh, okay.

9) The Generally Punishing Nature Of Having To Stand In Line For Something You May Not Actually Get. If there's a group of folks out there who love standing in lines, I mean no offense, but come on now. I'd guess that most bands/artists probably aren't aware of what goes on around rsd, or I'd like to think they'd decline involvement, because who wants to punish their fans like that?

I could go on & on but... The record scene has changed a lot since I opened up, particularly in the last 7-8 years. For the better? I kinda doubt it, but we shall see... I've been carping out these warnings since 2011, and there isn't much I can do about it, aside from running my little shop in the manner I see fit. I don't begrudge anyone what they're into, and while my place is as personal as it gets, I don't take these weird record store times personally. I hope anyone who reads this understands that like my store, it comes from a place of love, with all the passion & care that encompasses. In the end, this should be fun... I've had some incredible discoveries, comraderies & experiences in records stores, and that I wish for everyone.

(link)

#record store day

[stabbyfoxandrew]

Can I request either mafia restaurant or vampdrew (whichever you are more in the mood for) please?

WIP Wednesday (4/17) | Vampire Andrew AU (Part 111)

“I will figure something out,” Andrew says, waving his hand. “I figured out what to do with you, remember?”

“Yeah, you told me. That’s what I’m afraid of. I mean, we don’t know Neil,” Kevin says with a look on his face that makes Andrew laugh. ‘WE?’ Andrew wants to ask incredulously, but he supposes Kevin is part of his family now. So he refrains. 

“I had only known you a handful of days before we made our deal,” Andrew reminds him. Eight days, to be precise. Eight days for a starving man to avoid a buffet. Pretty admirable, Andrew believes. It took a great deal of restraint on his part. And a great deal of help from Nicky and Aaron.

“Because you read my mind. You knew I didn’t have anywhere else to go and that I wouldn’t go blabbing your secret to everyone who would listen. Neil’s mind is off limits. We don’t know what he’d do if he found out and I can’t fucking lose you over him!” Kevin says, raising his voice and keeping his eyes locked on Andrew’s face.

When he realizes what he’s said, Kevin swallows and looks away— feeling foolish for his outburst. Andrew is almost touched by this fit of misplaced jealousy. Kevin putting all his cards on the table, even when none of them match? It’s… endearing. Almost.

“You’re not going to lose me, you idiot. If worse comes to worse, I’ll just eat him,” Andrew says, giving a fangy grin at the idea. Yes, he’s so close. Killing him would solve our problem, wouldn’t it?

“No.” Kevin shakes his head. Andrew briefly worries he’d said that last part aloud, but Kevin continues, “We can’t lose Neil either. He’s the only half-decent striker who’d sign with this disaster of a team.”

“Fine,” Andrew shrugs. “Then I’ll just get over it.”

“How?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll try exposure therapy.”

“What are you saying?” Kevin tilts his head to the side and Andrew’s eyes latch onto his carotid. What he’d give to latch his mouth to that spot…

“I’m saying,” Andrew begins, swallowing the desire to attack his… best friend. “I’ll come to the court with you and Neil. I know you’re planning to drag him there every day, by the ankles if necessary. That includes today. So… I will go with you.”

Kevin’s heart thuds. “Will you play?”

“Don’t ask me stupid questions,” Andrew scoffs. “I will come and sit in the stands and watch you yell at him. If I spend enough time around Neil and his stupid fucking blood, he’ll stop smelling so good.”

‘That didn’t work with me…’

“It did. To an extent.”

Kevin still doesn’t look convinced of this plan. “And what if seeing him run around the court possesses you into chasing him like in Millport?”

Andrew feels his mouth stretch into a smile as he imagines it. “Then I hope he’s fast.”

#i was on a roll with vampdrew earlier so here u go :) <3 #andreil #aftg #Vampire Andrew AU #WIP Wednesday #🕊️ #answered #anon