My Only Wish This Year

“10 reasons we love Chris Evans…..”

Scooby and Dean share a sandwich 🥪🫶

Ours to Protect

Charles Leclerc x Reader x Max Verstappen

Summary: life with your boys may be chaotic but, through all the ups and downs, you wouldn’t change it for the world

Warnings: depictions of injury, vague descriptions of pregnancy, and Jos Verstappen being Jos Verstappen

You take a deep breath as you step out of the car, the roar of the crowd already audible even from the secure paddock parking area.

Your stomach flutters with nerves and excitement as you smooth down your outfit and head towards the paddock entrance. This is your first race of the season and the reporters and fans are always rabid at the start of a new year.

As you enter the paddock you glance around, looking for Charles or Max but neither are immediately visible in the organized chaos. You clutch your paddock pass, suddenly feeling self-conscious walking through alone.

The other drivers’ wives and girlfriends are already gathered in small groups, greeting each other with cheek kisses as they exchange pleasantries. A few give you sidelong glances as you walk by, no doubt wondering why you’re alone when the rest of them arrived together with their partners.

You keep your head high, ignoring the looks. Your relationship with Charles and Max has been going strong and so far you’ve kept it private, with only close friends and family aware that the three of you are together. The public and the media still think of you as just a friend and you aren’t sure how they would react if they knew the truth. The three of you have discussed going public but agreed it’s better to wait, wanting to enjoy your time together out of the spotlight for now.

Still, you wish Charles or Max were with you as a buffer from prying eyes. You check your phone but there are no new messages. They must both still be busy with their pre-race preparations. Taking a deep breath, you make your way towards the Red Bull garage first, figuring you’ll find Max there.

As you approach, you spot a small crowd of reporters loitering near the garage entrance. They perk up as they see you coming, immediately descending upon you with microphones and cameras.

“Y/N! Over here!” One calls out. “Are you here to see Max?”

You stop short, feeling cornered as they form a semi-circle around you. “Um, yes, I’m just heading to the garage to say hi,” you say carefully.

“And what about Charles?” Another reporter asks, eyebrow raised suggestively. “Will you be visiting him in the Ferrari garage as well?”

You freeze, panic rising. Do they know about your relationship? You haven’t been seen together in public yet. “I-I’m friends with both Charles and Max,” you stammer.

“Just friends?” A third reporter chimes in skeptically. “Our sources say you’ve been getting very cozy with the two drivers lately. Care to comment on the rumors that you’re stringing them both along?”

You take a step back, heart pounding as their questions come rapid-fire.

“Are you cheating on one with the other?”

“How long do you think you can keep this charade going before they realize?”

“Doesn’t it bother you, playing with their feelings like this?”

Their accusations hit you like blows, your anxiety spiking as you find yourself backed up against a wall, cameras flashing in your face. This is your worst fear come to life. You look around desperately for an escape but find only unsympathetic faces staring back at you, judging you.

“I … I have to go,” you gasp out, ducking your head and pushing your way blindly through the crush of bodies. You can hear them calling out more questions but you block it out, focused only on getting away. You’re shaking and feel sick, tears pricking at your eyes.

Is this what it will be like if you ever go public? This is exactly why you wanted to keep it quiet.

Suddenly you collide with a solid chest. Strong hands grasp your shoulders and you look up with a start to see Max gazing down at you, concern creasing his brow.

“Whoa, schatje, what happened?” He asks. He glances over your shoulder at the reporters who have reluctantly backed off but are still hovering nearby. Max’s jaw tightens as he seems to grasp the situation.

“Nothing, I’m fine,” you say shakily, embarrassed by your reaction.

Max studies your face, clearly unconvinced. “Come on, let’s get you out of here,” he says gently, keeping an arm wrapped securely around you as he guides you away from prying eyes.

Once you’re safely inside the Red Bull motorhome, Max steers you over to a quiet corner and helps you sit. Crouching down in front of you, he brushes a strand of hair back from your face. “Talk to me. What’s going on?”

You take a shuddering breath, willing yourself to calm down. “The reporters ambushed me outside. They started accusing me of stringing you and Charles along. I just panicked and had to get out of there.”

Max’s face darkens. “Those goddamn vultures. What the hell gives them the right ...” He cuts off his tirade with a sigh, taking your hands in his. “I’m so sorry you had to deal with that alone. I should have been there with you.”

You give him a shaky smile. “It’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

Max kisses your forehead. “Let me go talk to Charlie so he knows what happened. I’ll be right back, okay?”

You nod gratefully. After Max leaves you take deep breaths, willing your racing heart to settle. You knew the secrecy couldn’t last forever but you weren’t prepared for the cruelty of those reporters. The idea of having to face that regularly if you go public makes you feel ill.

You’re lost in thought when another familiar voice says your name. Looking up you see Charles hurrying over, the same concerned look on his face that Max wore earlier. You stand and Charles immediately folds you into a tight hug.

“Are you alright, ma belle?” He murmurs. “Max told me what happened.”

You cling to him, taking comfort in his embrace. “I’m okay now. Just a bit shaken up.”

Charles’ jaw is tight as he pulls back to look at you. “I’m so sorry I was not there. I should have been with you.” His hand comes up to cup your cheek tenderly.

You cover his hand with your own. “You couldn’t have known. I’m the one who decided to come alone like an idiot.”

Charles starts to argue but you cut him off. “Let’s not play the blame game, okay? I just want to put it behind me.”

Charles presses his lips together but nods. “Of course. As long as you are alright.” He kisses your forehead sweetly. “I will not leave your side for the rest of the day, I promise.”

You give him a small but genuine smile. “Thank you.”

Just then Max returns. “How is she doing?” He asks Charles quietly.

“A bit better I think. Still shaken though.”

Max nods, his eyes stormy. “I warned the press to back the hell off but I doubt they’ll listen.”

Your heart sinks. The last thing you want is them continuing to hound you every race. You bite your lip. “Maybe … maybe we should just tell them the truth.”

Max and Charles exchange a surprised look. “Are you sure?” Charles asks cautiously. “We do not have to do anything until you are ready.”

You take a breath. “I’m not really. But I don’t want to have to look over my shoulder constantly either, you know? And I hate feeling like we have to hide.” You look between them. “I mean, only if you both are comfortable with it too. But maybe it’s time.”

Max considers you thoughtfully. “I’m ready when you are. I’m tired of sneaking around too. If this is what you want, I’m with you.” He glances at Charles who nods.

“Oui, I agree. I do not enjoy the secrecy either. I am ready to tell the world you are both mine.” Charles smiles and pulls you close again.

You let out a shaky laugh. “Well it’s definitely not going to be easy, but with you two by my side, I’m ready.” You take each of their hands, feeling emboldened.

Charles grins and kisses your cheek. “Then let’s do this.”

The three of you head out of the garage hand in hand. You hold your head high as you approach the still lingering reporters, flanked on either side by your boys. Their steady presence gives you courage.

The reporters perk up excitedly seeing the three of you together, shouting questions, but you ignore them. At an unspoken signal you all stop and turn to face the cameras head on.

Charles leans in and kisses you sweetly, then Max does the same, before kissing each other with you sandwiched firmly between them. You smile against their lips, the action speaking louder than any words. Then, without giving the reporters time to process what just happened, you continue walking down the paddock, leaving behind an audience with their jaws on the floor.

You can’t help the smile that spreads across your face as their shocked reactions fade behind you. Let them talk. You have everything you need right here. Wrapping your arms around your boys, you head off to face the rest of the day, and your future, together.

No more hiding. The world knows now. And you’ve never felt more free.

***

The morning sun filters in through the curtains, stirring you awake. You stretch leisurely, reaching across both sides of the large bed only to find it empty. The faint clinking of dishes filters in from outside the room — your boys must be up already making breakfast.

Smiling sleepily, you drag yourself out of bed and shuffle towards the kitchen, eager for coffee. As you enter, you find Charles at the stove scrambling eggs while Max sets the table.

Charles glances up with a grin. “Bonjour, ma belle. Sleep well?”

You hum affirmatively, accepting the mug of coffee Max hands you with a quick peck on the lips. “What time is it?”

“Just after 9,” Max says. “We were going to let you sleep in but breakfast is ready.”

You sip your coffee, leaning back against the counter. “That’s okay. I wanted to go to the farmer’s market this morning anyway. Care to join me after we eat?”

“I wish I could, but I have a training session in an hour,” Charles says regretfully.

Max shakes his head too. “And I have a sponsor meeting.”

You pout playfully. “Fine, abandon me to go shopping alone.”

Charles chuckles. “We would never. But duty calls today unfortunately.” He plates the eggs with some toast and you all sit down to eat.

After breakfast, you quickly get ready while Max and Charles clean up. Emerging from the bedroom, you grab your purse and find them waiting to walk you out.

“Have fun at the market,” Max says, kissing your cheek. “Get some of those apricot tarts I like.”

You roll your eyes good-naturedly. “Only if you’re good.”

Charles hugs you tightly. “Be safe out there. Call if you need anything, yes?”

“I’ll be fine!” You assure him with a laugh. With a final wave, you head out the door and down to the lobby.

Stepping outside, you pause in confusion. A large crowd is gathered in front of your building. Fans, you realize. But how did they find your address?

Your heart sinks. Ever since going public, you’ve dealt with heightened interest and gossip. But this feels like a violation of privacy. Biting your lip uncertainly, you start trying to weave through the crowd towards the market down the block.

Immediately people press in excitedly around you. “It’s her!” You hear someone shout. Camera phones are suddenly in your face as people call out questions.

“How does being with the two of them work?”

“Be honest, do you prefer Max or Charles?”

You keep your head down, trying not to engage. Their invasive questions make your skin crawl. “Excuse me, please let me through,” you say as politely as you can.

But the crowd only seems to grow more aggressive, everyone shoving to get close and fire off more intrusive questions about your relationship. You feel hands grabbing at you and start to panic.

“Please, I need to get by,” you say, shrinking away from the grasping hands. But the crowd surges and someone shoves you hard from behind.

You cry out as you fall forward, directly into the path of an exuberant fan. Blinding pain explodes in your temple as her flailing elbow catches you across the face.

You hit the ground hard, vision graying out. Dazed, you try to curl into a protective ball as feet trample around you, completely oblivious.

“Stop, please!” You sob, blood dripping from your throbbing temple. But the crowd is a living entity now, crushing in on you. This is a nightmare.

Suddenly you hear a roar over the din. “GET BACK!”

The footsteps stutter to a halt as the authoritative voice bellows again. “GET THE HELL AWAY FROM HER!”

Then Max is there, somehow muscling his way through the press of bodies to drop to his knees beside you. His face is thunderous as he quickly but gently gathers you into his arms.

“Fucking animals,” he spits, glaring venomously at the stunned crowd as you cling to him desperately. “I’ve got you, just hold on.”

Over Max’s shoulder you can see Charles forcibly holding the fans at bay, yelling expletives in a jumbled mess of three languages. The path clears as Max carries you swiftly back into your building.

Once inside the apartment, Max lays you gently on the couch, hands feather-light as he examines your injuries. His jaw clenches when he sees the gash bleeding heavily at your temple.

“I’m taking you to the hospital,” he says tightly. “This needs stitches.”

You nod weakly, letting him press a towel to stanch the bleeding while Charles comes bursting in, swearing violently when he sees the blood.

“What the hell happened?” He demands, kneeling beside you. His touch is infinitely gentle though as he brushes hair from your face.

“Got mobbed by those goddamn stalkers outside,” Max growls. “One of them elbowed her in the head.”

Charles’ expression darkens dangerously. You’ve never seen him look so livid before.

“We’ll deal with them later,” Max says firmly. “Right now we need to get her to the emergency department.”

Charles nods, visibly reigning in his anger. “You’re right, of course.” He looks back at you, anger fading to concern. “Are you able to stand, chérie?”

You cry out as simply trying to sit up sends shooting pain through your head. Charles’ jaw ticks as he looks ready to rush back outside and fight the crowd himself, before he easily lifts you into his arms, Max holding the cloth to your cut as they carefully get you down to the garage.

The car ride passes in a haze of pain and you cling to Charles in the backseat while Max drives, exhaustion hitting you.

At the hospital, Max scoops you up, carrying you inside despite your mumbled protests that you can walk. He ignores you, striding right up to the intake desk.

“She needs help now,” he snaps. The no-nonsense tone of his voice has nurses springing into action immediately.

Before you know it, you’ve been whisked off for scans and then into an exam room. A kind faced doctor stitches up your wound carefully while Max and Charles hover protectively on either side.

“Any other injuries?” The doctor asks gently.

You shake your head. “Just some bruises I think.”

She pats your leg. “I’d still like to do a full workup, including a pregnancy test, before we proceed with any other treatment or medication.”

Your eyes widen. With everything going on, your period being late hadn’t even registered. But now that she mentions it ...

Charles and Max go still beside you. “Pregnancy test?” Charles asks tightly.

The doctor smiles reassuringly. “Standard procedure. I’m sure it’s just a precaution.”

Charles grabs your hand, tension radiating off him while you wait on the results. Max paces like a caged animal until the doctor returns. Her kind eyes immediately give it away.

The tests come back quickly and the doctor steps back in to review the results. “No signs of fracture or serious head injury, that’s good news. We’ll get you a prescription for the laceration and ...” she trails off, looking at the chart with a slight frown.

You feel Max and Charles tense on either side of you. “What is it?” Max asks sharply. “Something wrong?”

The doctor looks up. “No, nothing wrong. Just unexpected. The bloodwork indicates that you’re pregnant, about 8 weeks along.”

“Mon dieu,” Charles breathes, stunned. Max ceases his pacing, mouth agape. They both turn to you with myriad emotions swirling in their eyes.

“A baby?” Max says hoarsely. “We’re having a baby?”

You place a hand over your still flat stomach, head spinning. “I guess we are.”

Charles lets out an incredulous laugh and surges forward to capture your mouth in a fierce kiss. When he pulls back, his eyes are blazing.

“They could have hurt our child,” he says darkly. You can see the protectiveness rising in him, mixed with anger at those who endangered his baby.

Max’s expression mirrors Charles’ stormy one. “Those goddamn animals,” he spits. “If anything had happened ...” His hands fist at his sides.

You reach for them both. “But nothing did,” you remind them gently. “We’re both okay.”

They take deep breaths, focusing back on you. Charles rests his forehead against yours while Max kneels to press a kiss to your belly.

“We won’t let anyone hurt you again,” Max vows fiercely. “Either of you.”

Charles nods, jaw set. “We will keep you both safe, I swear it.”

Their protectiveness makes you feel warm and cherished. You know with your boys watching over you, nothing can touch you or your child.

“I know you will,” you say softly. Drawing their faces down, you kiss them each lovingly.

A fierce joy lights their eyes now as the shock fades. You’re having a baby, the three of you. Whatever comes next, you’ll face it together as a family.

Charles presses one more kiss to your lips, tender and full of promise. “I love you so much, all three of you,” he whispers.

Max squeezes your hand, eyes blazing. “I love you too. More than I ever thought possible.”

“And we,” your hand drifts to your still-flat stomach, “love you. My brilliant boys.”

***

The paddock buzzes with excitement on race morning, but for once it has nothing to do with fast cars or famous drivers. All eyes turn your way as you make your way through, one hand resting on your growing bump.

At five months along, your pregnancy is impossible to hide anymore. You’d managed to keep it quiet for a while, but last week an overly zoomed paparazzi shot of you in a fitted dress had let the secret out. Now it seems everyone has an opinion on your relationship dynamic and who the father might be.

You keep your head high, ignoring the whispers. Charles and Max wanted to shield you completely, but you refused to be stuck at home or made to feel ashamed. Besides, their steady presence on either side of you is comfort enough.

Charles presses a supportive hand to your lower back. “How are you feeling, chérie?”

You give him a reassuring smile. “We’re good.” Over your head, his eyes meet Max’s, a silent conversation passing between them. Their protectiveness has ramped up tenfold since finding out you’re pregnant.

Nearing the Red Bull garage, Max steers you towards the bathroom. “I’ll meet you inside in a minute, okay? I just need to check in with my engineers first.”

You nod, squeezing his hand before separating. As you exit the bathroom shortly after, a commotion down the paddock draws your eye. Even from a distance, the man’s imposing figure is recognizable. Your heart drops into your stomach.

Jos Verstappen.

He’s gesturing angrily at a retreating figure, who you realize with dread is Max. You’ve never actually met Max’s father, but from what you’ve heard, the man is bad news. Max has only mentioned him in the past tersely, a shadow passing over his face. Whatever he suffered as a child at Jos’ hands seems to have left deep scars.

As you watch, Jos suddenly wheels around and stalks towards the Red Bull garage, no doubt having caught sight of Max going in. Swearing under your breath, you hurry after him. There’s no way this confrontation ends well.

Inside the garage, the mechanics fall silent at Jos’ dramatic entrance. He pays them no mind, making a beeline for Max, who has gone rigid. You slip in behind Jos, catching Charles’ eye where he stands with the Ferrari crew down the pitlane. His brow furrows in concern but you give a small shake of your head — let Max handle this first.

“Max.” Jos’ tone could freeze over hell. “Care to explain what the hell is going on?”

Max’s face shutters. “I don’t owe you any explanations.”

“The hell you don’t!” Jos snaps. “I had to find out from the goddamn gossip rags that not only are you whoring around with multiple people, but one of them is pregnant? Have you no shame?”

Max flinches, looking stricken. Your hands curl into helpless fists at your sides.

“Watch yourself,” Charles suddenly growls, appearing behind you.

Jos whirls on him with a nasty sneer. “Stay out of this, playboy. This is between me and my son.” He turns back to Max. “Well? Explain yourself.”

Max seems to steel himself, straightening his spine. “There’s nothing to explain. What we have is no one’s business but our own.” His eyes flick to you and Charles briefly and soften before hardening again on his father.

“Bullshit!” Jos snaps. “Have you lost your mind? Carrying on with that girl while she whores around with this one too?” He jabs a finger at Charles then points at your belly. “And you’re telling me you’re fine possibly raising another man’s bastard as your own?”

Max’s expression darkens and he steps forward menacingly. “Watch. Your. Mouth.”

Charles moves closer too, vibrating with anger, but you grab his arm, shaking your head again. Let Max stand up to his father himself.

“We don’t care about who the biological father is,” Max continues fiercely. “That’s our child, no matter what. We’re a family.”

Jos scoffs. “A family? You’re delusional. What happens when those two get bored and leave you behind? This little fantasy you’re living is going to destroy your career.”

“You’re wrong,” Max says sharply. “I love them, and they love me. I’ve never been happier than with them.” His eyes soften again as he looks at you and Charles once more. “I don’t need or want anything else.”

Jos’ lip curls derisively. “Pathetic. I didn’t raise you to be so weak. This ends now, before you ruin your life even more. You will get rid of her and end things with the boy too.”

Charles growls, shaking off your restraining hand to storm forward. But Max beats him to it, getting right in Jos’ face.

“No,” he says, so firmly it brokers no argument. “You don’t control my life anymore. I won’t let you tear apart my family. Now get the hell out of my garage before I have you removed.”

For a moment Jos just gapes, clearly not expecting Max to stand up to him. His face purples with rage but before he can respond, security is there grabbing him by the arms.

“I think it’s time for you to go, sir,” one says firmly, already hauling Jos away.

He struggles in vain, spluttering furiously. But Max has already dismissed him, turning away. Only once Jos is gone does Max seem to deflate, shoulders slumping.

In an instant, you and Charles are both there, wrapping him in your arms. He clutches you both desperately, face buried in your hair.

“I’m so sorry you had to deal with that,” you murmur, smoothing a hand over his back.

Charles presses a kiss to his temple. “You were very brave, mon amour. I’m proud of you for standing up to him.”

Max huffs out a shaky laugh. “Didn’t feel very brave. But I meant what I said — I’m not letting anyone take either of you away from me.”

He pulls back to meet your eyes earnestly. “You are my family now. The only thing that matters to me.” His hand comes to rest gently on your belly. “All three of you.”

Emotion clogs your throat and you see Charles blink back tears. You both lean in simultaneously to kiss Max’s cheeks.

“We love you so much,” you whisper fiercely. “And we’ll always be a family, no matter what.”

Charles nods. “You are stuck with us now. We are yours, just as you are ours.”

The last of the tension bleeds from Max’s frame and he gifts you both with a brilliant, beautiful smile. Leaning his forehead against yours, his eyes shine with happy tears.

“I’m the luckiest man in the world,” he says softly. “I have everything I’ll ever need right here.”

You smile through your own tears, heart overflowing. Together, wrapped in the safety of each other’s love, you know everything will be okay.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒆 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — they wanted you, they enjoyed the hunt just as much as you enjoyed being chased. You didn't make it easy for them but it only prepared you that life with them wouldn't be easy.

𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 — mob!andy barber × fem!reader × mob!lloyd hansen

𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 — violence, murder, blood, SMUT; minors dni, threesome, oral, daddy kink/authority kink, praise, degrading, brat taming, spanking, choking, bondage, chase kink – specific things will be mentioned each chapter

𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 — listen I was really trying not to already post this but I hate to! follow @sstanhoe-updates to get notifications everytime I post!!!! Don't scare yourself, these are only the chapters planned so far. Depending how people like the story there will be more 🤷‍♀️ it's as easy as that.

𝒊. 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔

𝒊𝒊. 𝒅𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕

𝒊𝒊𝒊. 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅

𝒊𝒗. 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖

𝒗. 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔𝒏'𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔

Love this ❤️

Morning commute

Imma stick beside him 🥰🥰

Unexpected Future: Andy Barber/Reader. (1/6)

Summary:As a single mother of a six-year-old, you decide to move out after realizing that his father, Ari Levinson, simply didn't have you both as a priority. In the twists and turns of life, you meet Andy Barber but your job makes things complicated, especially when you work with his son and see his ex-wife several times.

If you like, I would be so grateful if you reblog or comments to interact ( I love to share your thoughts) Also, let me know if you wanna be tagged on every chapter to be remembered.

You arrived four months ago in that town. You were delighted, totally content with how nice people they could be, yet your greatest contact had been with other parents from Mason's school and no more than meetings you felt compelled to go to.

And it was definitely clear to you that the six-year-old was much more sociable than you, you could tell, but he had also helped you to be a little more open to others.

You worked as a psychologist, and you had an office in your house, which also allowed you to have the presence of Mason, who, fortunately for you, was also a calm kid. So, in a three-by-three room, you attended while a door separated you from Mason who used to watch TV.

One morning, ready to drop Mason off at school, you were surprised when the "captain" of the mothers' group interfered with you on your way to the car. You were startled, but seeing that there was no danger in her movement, you laughed and put your hand to your chest "Sorry to scare you" she spoke quickly.

"No, no, it's okay."

She nodded "Could I talk to you for a moment?" you looked at your watch, aware that the second patient of the day would be arriving in thirty minutes.

"Sure, tell me."

"You see... I'm Jacob Barber's mother."

You nodded with a smile "Nice to meet you, my son keeps saying he's a good friend" you remembered his name, Mason was talking about him. Laurie smiled sideways somewhat flattered, but you noticed the nervousness in her body. And there you noticed there was more to it than just an introduction. "How can I help you?" 

"Umh, you'll see," she had begun to ramble on about it, and you waited patiently. After all, you were assessing people's behavior too. "I heard you're a psychologist" you nodded and she let out a sigh "you see, Jacob's father and I divorced a year ago, things have been complicated. I think he might, I don't know, he's changing, changed his attitude" you nodded sympathetically "I was wondering if you could, I don't know, attend to him".

"Yeah sure" you assured taking your phone from your pocket and giving her a reassuring smile "Want to schedule a day?"

She seemed to let out the air nodding "Yes please."

You paused and looked at her "Before that, in the case of children, I usually work the first session with both parents present."

"Oh yes, yes of course," she nodded quickly as if anything you could say would be in agreement. And you scheduled it for Friday afternoon. 

Before you got home, you passed by the coffee shop you went to every day. You walked in and to your surprise, this time it wasn't quite as usual. "I'm telling you, Sam. Every afternoon I have her calling me for the slightest thing the kid does. Do you know how stressful that can be?" you walked up to the counter, seeing that man talking to the man on the other side of the counter. He had his coffee in his hands, but you saw how totally stressed he was as he scratched his chin with his free hand. You saw how his suit covered his shirt, but you were even more surprised by the way his chest was heavily marked with the shirt. "That he spends all day running, he's a kid! He's supposed to do that, let him get dirty if he wants to, I'd be worried if he didn't!" 

You agreed with him, but just smiled at the older lady who approached already knowing you at your recurrence there "Hi honey, what can I help you with today?" 

You saw the letter and fiddled with your mouth "I'll let you surprise me today" you assured and felt the silence come over the room. As you opened your wallet, you felt the voice of the man on the other side of the bar "You're five minutes late this time, girl, I thought you weren't coming today" you laughed, looking at him but you caught yourself in the gaze of both men. The younger one, the one with the coffee in his hand, must have circled in his early thirties and had been left with his gaze fixed on you. You gave him a friendly smile, but seeing how his light blue eyes were resting on you deeply.

"Yeah, work" you shrugged taking out the ticket "I hope that doesn't make you give me an ugly coffee, huh".

"The Italian is exquisite" the man's deep voice made you look at him. "It has cinnamon, and cream" he clarified shaking his head. You thought about it and nodded to look back at the woman who had not yet placed your order.

"So it can be an Italian one?"

"Sure sweetheart" she smiled as she turned to prepare the cappuccino.

"Have you forgotten about your ex-wife already, then Andy?" you sensed the older man's jest at the bar, emphasizing the name. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him turn his head towards the man, opening his mouth slightly: "The day she stops blowing everything out of proportion with the kid, there will be peace" his voice was now gentler. 

"Here honey, have a nice day" you smiled at the woman and your cheeks dimpled. 

"Likewise" you shook your head waving to the three there to walk towards the door.

"What's her name?" you sensed the man's question, his voice totally relaxed, and you didn't avoid blushing but continued toward your vehicle.

By the time you parked at your house, you passed by the mailbox and sighed when you saw the letter: the one you hadn't opened but knew it said.

"Hey, you know, things aren't easy around here. I probably won't be able to come back to see Mason as I promised. Could you tell him I love him? I'll be back to see him in a few months. Thanks for letting me know you have moved. I'll come straight there as soon as I can.

I am truly sorry,

Ari."

You chuckled as you walked in and closed the door and felt the wad of bills in the envelope. He was an idiot, a real idiot. Four months ago you had written to him and only now you got a reply. He didn't even justify himself, knowing you weren't going to give a shit what he said anyway. Idiot. Idiot. It had been six months since he'd seen your son and you, and all you got was the money he sent monthly from his boss, rarely directly. 

It had been about two years since you had officially broken up with him, but sometimes you think from the first moment you never went out: yes, the letters were very romantic, the sex on the way back was sweet, but things really weren't planned for you to get pregnant in the middle of your studies with 22 and the only support you had had was money. FUCKING IDIOT. 

For the next two days, every time you walked into the cafeteria, he was there again. Andy. He didn't even introduce himself, but you could see his eyes on you like knives. This time, when you arrived, they served you coffee without waiting for you to ask.

"Surprise coffee, I like it" you nodded as you opened your wallet.

"No honey, it's already paid for" you saw her confused and quickly turned your gaze to the man, who made a smile and nodded.

"A mocha," he assured.

"Thank you very much, Andy" you shook your head with a slight smile, making it clear that you already knew his name. You watched as the two coffee shop owners isolated themselves from each other as if leaving an empty space. "For the recommendations and your coffee."

He nodded, and you could really see how he didn't usually do those things, but he didn't seem so self-conscious, or at least he was confident with the moves. And with what little you knew about him, you sensed it wasn't the first time he'd done it, but knowing he was divorced, you assumed it was some time ago.

"Just to be clear, it's not stalkerish of me, is it?" you raised an eyebrow and he laughed "I mean if it's not something just mine."

You nodded, positioning yourself in front of him to push aside the arriving customers. "You're not a stalker, nor is it any of your imagination."

"So I have a green pass?"

You grimaced "Just don't keep buying me coffee every day because I'm going to get used to it."

"Noted" he assured.

"I have to go, but... my pleasure" you nodded turning around with a smile, as he shook his head. And when your back was turned, you let out a breath as your cheeks turned pink.

... 

You were in the living room, eating with Mason. "Mom, isn't Dad coming back?" you saw the six-year-old stop eating.

You grimaced "Your father is not in the country yet, and will be in a couple of months."

"What if he doesn't know where we are?"

"I sent him where we live now, honey. But you know how your father lives" the boy shrugged and you took his hand across the table. "Mason, in a little while your friend Jacob is coming" he widened his eyes but you clarified "however, he's coming to talk to me like other people. So, I need you to behave yourself. He's not coming to play games with you. If you want, one day we can talk to his parents to let him come."

"It's okay, Mom" by the time he finished his plate, you stood up and kissed your head before starting to gather the table, something the little guy helped with. 

After that, while you were tidying up the room, you smiled as you heard the sound of records playing. You peeked out to see Mason kneeling as he placed the record on the turntable. You bit your lip as the music began to play, and inevitably you couldn't think of Ari: it was his turntable, he used them, and now, Mason seemed to have the power of them.

The doorbell rang and you looked at Mason, who looked at you quickly. You gave him a warning look and he turned the music down slightly, to the limit you had set for him every time you waited on someone. You nodded in agreement and adjusted your jacket and jeans to walk to the door.

Kiss me once. FUCK. Then, kiss me twice. SHIT.

You took a breath as you saw the three of them in front of you. "Hello, Miss Levinson" you opened your mouth slightly at Ari's last name spoken by Laurie. 

You smiled, avoiding contact with Andy who seemed to fall into the same account "That's... not my last name "you clarified sympathetically and opened the door, running your hands over your jeans "Please, come in".

"Excuse me" spoke the woman.

"Hello, Mason" Jacob's voice passing in front of his mother, only made you look at Andy who opened his eyes at you. You cleared your throat closed the door and watched as Jacob hugged Mason. You approached the boy. The boy. That was the only priority you had. "Wow, what a cool thing to play music on" Jacob walked over to the record player. "This is what you told me is your dad's?"

Mason nodded "Yes, but he doesn't use it anymore."

You approached the children "Hi Jacob, how are you?" you introduced yourself and stretched out your hand, he kindly shook it. You smiled. You were professional. You just had to ignore Andy. 

"I know who you are, you're Mason's mother" you nodded with a smile. 

"How about joining me for a bit?" you asked holding out your hand. 

"Can't I play with Mason?" asked the confused child.

"No honey, let's-"you looked up at Laurie, who was interrupted when Andy lightly bumped her elbow and shook his head at you. She rounded her eyes.

Andy. His complaint to the wife. Laurie overprotective. Divorce. S-H-I-T.

"First with me, then I'll let you play with Jacob for a bit" you assured and the boy took your hand, nodding. Andy looked at Mason, who was with his toy aware that he couldn't intervene in my work, no matter how much of a friend he was. "Please, parents, join me" you invited seeing Laurie and avoiding Andy's gaze.

"Sure" she assured, taking her purse in front of her and following you, Andy trailing behind. He closed the door when the four of them were left in the room. 

"Jacob, do you mind if you sit in this chair?" the boy nodded as he did so, leaving the remoteness of his parents but in turn them sitting on the couch, keeping their distance. "Both can help themselves to tea or coffee" you offered pointing to the table in front of them, and nothing else. 

In cases of children, you always evaluated the environment, the behavior of the parents, and not only the child: many times everything comes from the same root.

You walked to sit next to Jacob and looked at the clock, sitting in the chair across from Jacob, both of you at a table. You opened a notebook "Well, Jacob. I know who you are, but I don't really know much about you" you looked at the boy who was watching the whole room.

"Where is that?" he asked pointing to a painting. You turned to see the painting in the room.

"Jacob" Laurie spoke and your pencil went to the notebook. Andy asked her not to speak, you also went to the notebook. You didn't even look directly at the adults, you just went back to the child.

"That's in Ethiopia, Africa. Pretty far from here."

The boy opened his mouth, nodding "Mason told me his dad is in Africa, did you go?"

"No, I never have, would you like to go?"

"It looks like a very nice place" he nodded.

"What do you like most about that image?"

"That sea" he pointed out and you exchanged your gaze between the little boy and the image. It was usual for people to focus on it, for some reason, there was something special that you didn't end up discovering but you could always take advantage of that.

"It's a river, but it looks endless, don't you think?" he nodded "Well, that's a very important river. Maybe someday I can tell you the story" and even though he nodded again, he didn't take his eyes off the picture. Mason used to do that. When the office was empty, he would lie down on the couch and look at the picture just to remember his father. 

"Your job makes you a good person, but a shitty father, Ari" you smiled slightly at the somewhat painful memory.

"So, Jacob...how are you doing in school?"

Forty minutes, and what you were sure of was that this child had no communication problem whatsoever. But you also noticed Laurie's constant intervention, no matter how much Andy asked her to be quiet. And he... he had his eyes on you every time you talked to the boy.

"What are you doing this weekend, Jacob?" you asked passing another written sheet from your notebook.

"Dad said he's taking me to eat at a place that sells lots of burgers and fries, and we're going to a park."

"Nothing too healthy, clearly" laughed Laurie looking at you, but you really didn't see her for more than two seconds without wiping your smile. 

"Please, that's enough" Andy asked wearily. "Stop commenting on everything."

"I'm not doing anything, Andy."

You watched as Jacob wrinkled his nose, following through with a drawing you had asked him to do: specifically the family. "Excuse me, could you step outside for a moment?" you saw them both, totally surprised by your request. 

"Sure" nodded Andy opening the door and letting Laurie go through first.

As the door closed, you looked at Jacob "I'm going to grab my cell phone for a second while you finish that drawing" you quickly opened the cameras to see as Mason sat gathering, as the two adults stood in the doorway, talking to each other, clearly you didn't expect it to be in peace. "Now, tell me, Jacob, do your parents always grumble with each other?"

The boy shook his head "Not so much now because daddy doesn't live at home anymore. It's okay that, he told me that things are going to be calmer for me and that love doesn't change, it just makes it easier. That it's divorce stuff."

"And do you know what a divorce is?"

"Dad told me it's like a puzzle, that little by little you put the pieces together" you frowned but nodded, encouraging him to talk "It's like it's your favorite puzzle, that you want weapons very badly, and that you put pieces together little by little, and that the divorce is like a piece of the puzzle that doesn't fit. It's not that the whole puzzle is wrong, it's just that the piece is from another puzzle and that we don't have to make it fit because otherwise, we might break other pieces, but just take it out of the puzzle." 

You twisted your head, thinking about that "So...you'd be a piece of that puzzle?"

"Dad says I'm the most important, and that although he loves Mom, she's just not part of his puzzle, just as Mom is with Dad."

"And tell you something really crazy?" he nodded. "You have your own puzzle, and your parents are two different pieces that are very important to you."

"But they always end up fighting."

"Yeah but... some pieces are a little bit hard to get to come together. Like sometimes they swell up or they're a little bit worn. But that they are from the puzzle. And what your dad told you is valid, but that doesn't mean that they're not in your puzzle."

He nodded and moved his mouth slightly "So it's okay that they don't love each other anymore?"

"I'm not saying they don't love each other. I think they do, but they are adults and everyone has their own puzzle."

Jacob laughed and you looked at him "Like mint mousse ice cream. Iugh" he shook his head and you laughed at that.

"I never tried it."

"Don't do it" you smiled at the child. 

On the other side of the door, Andy stood with one hand on his head "Laurie, stay quiet" he asked, watching the woman walk in circles. However, every now and then he would glance at the foreign child.

"What if he has something?"

"Laurie, there's a boy up ahead" spoke Any looking at the boy, who was humming a new song as he painted, lying on the floor.

"Yes, exactly, Andy" Laurie approached Andy almost in a whisper "Look at him, he's still. Our son can't do it."

Andy took a breath rubbing his eyes. "You're unbelieve" the door opened and they both turned their heads, watching Jacob happily walk out with a cookie. 

"Jacob agreed to stay here for a bit with Mason while you guys went in."

And when they both sat back down, you arranged the pencils Jacob had used. You were really watching the patience of both of them: Laurie was shaking her knee and Andy was holding his hand to his face, tired of her it seemed. You also noticed how he was still in his office clothes.

You exchanged a glance with him, and all you saw was a pity. You made a slight comforting smile as he sat you down across from them.

"Well, I can tell you that Jacob is a good kid. He is healthy, has an amazing mind, and is extremely intelligent" Andy looked at you, making an obvious expression but you looked at Laurie, who was waiting for you to continue. You denied "I can't really make any diagnosis to a child from sitting in front of him for 1 hour because it wouldn't be fair. If I can tell you that he doesn't present anything that should alarm anyone." 

"So he doesn't have anything? What do you call that thing that..." she snapped her fingers and you looked at her sympathetically: "Adhd" she nodded at your words and you denied "Again, I can't give you the diagnosis of life through sixty minutes, but he doesn't present any symptoms either. He's a child, they all express themselves differently."

"Ready, don't look for anything more from Jacob, please" requested Andy "He's a boy."

"However" your words caught both of them "yes you should work on home, family environments, the dealings between you" both looked at each other "Work together when it comes to Jacob, on par, and avoid friction in front of him."

"So that would be it?" you looked at Andy who was confused. It really seemed more attractive to you to see him as a father, but you had to erase that from your head.

"Well, I'm a psychologist, which implies that my diagnoses or anything that comes out of me require a process. It's never wrong to carry a therapeutic balance at any stage, but that's if you think it's necessary or you want that."

"But is it for something?" you looked at Laurie and her nervous profile only made you remember Andy's words. 

"The question is not that, Laurie. The question would be whether we want her to accompany Jacob through the process of our divorce."

"But we're already divorced" this one blurted out and Andy opened his mouth, throwing himself backward on the couch and looked at you denying it, making it clear he was over it.

"Sure, but it's still a process of change towards the child."

"Could that help you at all now?" asked Laurie.

"Well, I'm not saying you need it but it can provide balance."

Laurie attacked with questions and you just wiggled your eyebrows, trying to hold it all in. Andy sat back down, resting his hands on his legs and taking a breath, interrupting her, "Laurie, Laurie, please, listen for a second" he asked and the woman looked at him "Are you more at ease bringing Jacob here? We're bringing him. There's nothing wrong with him, but stop looking for things. We'll just bring him in so the boy can express himself to her in case something happens."

"I think that would be good" nodded this one and Andy nodded, relieved to come to an agreement. 

"Is that okay?" 

You nodded "It's your decision. If you want we can set a weekly or bi-weekly time, whichever you prefer."

"Weekly" assured Andy "Can it be Fridays at this time?"

"Sure" you nodded, jotting in the notebook.

"And the payment?" the question from Laurie made you nod, taking one of the cards that contained the account number. Andy was the one who took it and nodded.

"Upon arrival I'll make sure the transfer arrives" you nodded, watching as they both stood up. Laurie reached out her hand and you squeezed it, then did the same for Andy. His squeeze was sincere and you just gave him a look to end the tingling in your stomach.

"Please go ahead" as you walked out into the living room, you saw Mason showing a photo album to Jacob. The children turned around. 

"Mom, someday can we invite Jacob home?"

"Sure, but you'd have to organize something ahead of time and only if his parents let him."

"Of course" nodded Andy as Jacob walked over to him. The older one put his hand on the boy's head, who was laughing with Mason. 

"Again, thank you very much."

"You are welcome. On the card is my contact also for anything" you watched as Mason and Jacob now hugged, as Laurie and Andy walked out the door. Laurie started walking and Andy seemed to wait for his son to come. 

"Hey I-" Andy's murmur made you look at him, you closed your eyes slightly denying "Thanks. That is" you saw him waiting for Jacob.

"Jacob, come on" Laurie's shout sounded from the other side.

Andy took a breath and looked at you " I want you to know that my idea didn't change" he whispered and Jacob ran to him.

You nodded"A pleasure, Mr. Barber" you closed the door, letting out a long sigh.

SHIT.

HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY, CHRISTOPHER ROBERT EVANS | June 13th, 1981

“It’s so funny just how noisy my brain is. Everyone’s brain is noisy. That’s what it does, it makes thoughts. And the problem is, I think in most of our lives, the root of suffering is following that brain noise and listening to that brain noise and actually identifying with it as if it’s who you are. That’s just the noise your brain makes, y’know? And more often than not, it probably doesn’t have much to say that’s going to help you.”

Ambulance

Levi: shit, I cut my finger-

Y/N: wee woo wee woo wee woo

Levi: what the-

Y/N: *stops in front of Levi and puts a band aid with cute designs on his finger*

Y/N: wee woo wee woo wee woo *runs away*

Levi: ...thanks, i guess...