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navybrat817 · 2 years

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Downshift

Pairing: Motocross!Ari Levinson x Female Reader Summary: Ari thinks you're too good for his neighbor and he's, sadly, proven right. Word Count: Over 2.2k Warnings: Pining, hurt/comfort, some angst, fluff and feels, cheating (not by Ari), swearing, motocross!Ari Levinson (he’s a warning, okay? A/N: Meet Beast and Sweetart! Set in the same AU as Starting Gate and Lapper. Should I start making Wednesdays a dedicated motocross day? Beta read by the beautiful @maladaptivexxdaydreaming, but any and all mistakes are my own. Banners by the talented @maysdigitalarts. Shoutout to my lovely for helping with the reader's nickname (I can't tag you. BOO!). Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Please reblog or comment as it means the world!

Ari Levinson is a beast. One of the largest and toughest riders in his class at 6'5", combined with his dark beard, shaggy hair and rough exterior, he received the nickname in passing and it stuck. If you asked any of his exes, he was a beast on and off the tracks. He didn’t mind. There were worse names out there.

Most riders weren’t easy to intimidate, but not many wanted to go toe-to-toe with him. Others in town tended to stay out of his way, too, when he wasn’t smiling. Jensen teased that people probably expected him to growl. He could admittedly be an asshole when the occasion called for it, but he was a good guy.

A beast with a heart.

One of the only people he could remember in a long time who never seemed put off by him was you.

Someone “taking his breath away” seemed like complete bullshit until you showed up. When you looked his way the first time, you flashed him a kind smile and wave. You looked sweet, making him want to devour you to see if you tasted the same. Arousal spread from his gut and you hadn’t touched him.

I could eat you for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it wouldn’t be enough.

Your eyes caught his attention next. The sincerity and warmth weren’t anything like the pit lizards who threw themselves at him. He stared and hoped his blue eyes reflected a resemblance of kindness. He didn’t want to scare you off. He wanted to ruin and keep you safe.

It didn’t matter what he did.

You were dating his asshole neighbor, Carter.

It didn’t make sense to fall for someone so quickly, but it hurt each time he saw you go into or leave Carter’s place. Especially when you smiled his way or stopped to chat for a few minutes. Your boyfriend was always quick to pull you away with a cocky smirk or a smart-ass comment, which prompted you to tell him to be nice and mouth “sorry” back in his direction.

Why are you with him?

From what he knew about the guy, he came from money and traveled a lot. Even his dressed down clothes were name brand. He gambled occasionally, but Ari never saw him at the track. Maybe it had something to do with keeping you away from the riders. He never liked the prick, but seeing a sweet girl like you with him put him on his permanent shit list, along with how he treated you. Like you were an object or a doll for him to play with.

There was a difference between being somewhat possessive and treating someone like a possession.

Doing his best not to take his frustration out on his bike, he still couldn’t figure out why you were with him in the first place. You didn’t seem like the materialistic type and you were kind to everyone. Were you settling? He wanted to grumble so many times that you were too good for him, but he would’ve sounded crazy since the two of you only spoke a few times in passing.

It wasn’t like Ari to sit back and watch something good pass by. He knew from racing what happened if you let opportunities slip away. Even if he was selfish in wanting you, was it really his place to ruin your happiness? It wasn't meant for him to interfere.

Looking back, maybe he should have.

The knock on his door pulled him from his slumber, groaning as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. After work and practice, all he wanted to do was get some fucking sleep.

“Just a minute! Fuck!” he yelled at the second knock, throwing some shorts on before he made his way to the door.

His sweet girl You stood there with tears streaming down your face as the door flew open and he wanted to apologize for snapping when you shrank back. You were in your work clothes and you shivered despite the warm air.

“I’m sorry. I, um, I didn’t mean to bother you. I’ll go.”

“Are you okay?” he asked when you began to turn away, skipping the pleasantries. It was the only thing keeping him from putting his first through the wall.

Who knew the sight of your tears would bring out the animal in him?

“My boyfriend. Well, no. EX-boyfriend now,” you said quickly, swiping at your face to brush the tears away. “I just caught him in bed with…”

“Fuck,” Ari whispered, not fully hearing the rest of your words, his blood boiling as you cried harder. He knew the guy was a prick, but a cheating prick? How could anyone cheat on you?

I bet Barnes and Rogers would help me hide a body.

“Can I use your phone, please? I dropped it when I left and I can’t go back there.”

Ari nodded and let you inside, having to step back so you didn’t brush against him. He was happy that the place was clean. It likely wasn’t as nice as Carter’s place, but he did well enough and he took pride in it.

He imagined you there many times, but not like this.

“Thank you. I’ll be out of your hair soon,” you sniffled as he directed you to the couch, wincing slightly. “I’m sorry, but could I also ask for some ice?”

“Stop apologizing, please,” he nearly begged before he went rigid. “Ice? Are you hurt?”

I’ll kill him if he touched you. I’ll fucking kill him.

“I punched him?” it came out as a question, holding up your hand to show him. “Never punched anyone before. I don’t think I did it right.”

Ari fell for you a bit more. “He had it coming,” he said before he could stop himself. “Sit tight. I’ll get my phone and some ice.”

“Thanks, Ari,” you said, rubbing the top of your hand.

His gaze lingered before he left the room to grab what you needed, wishing he could pull you in his arms to tell you it would be okay. Anything to put your smile back on your face.

The only tears he wished you’d cry were tears of pleasure.

Maybe one day, I can do that. And maybe not while you’re healing from this.

“You know, I could teach you how to punch,” he said after he came back and sat down beside you, gently placing the wrapped ice on top of your hand. He took up a portion of the couch with his size, but you didn’t seem to mind how close he was. At least, he hoped you didn’t.

You inhaled sharply, but managed a small smile. “I bet you could. Doesn’t everyone call you ‘beast’?”

He was happy that you knew his nickname. “They do. What do people call you? Sweetart?”

“Don’t you mean ‘sweetheart’?” you asked as you took the phone with your other hand.

“Nah. You look sweet and you are sweet, but you apparently pack a tart punch. Like the candy.”

Fuck, I sound like Jensen. He rubbed off on me.

You began to laugh after a second, your eyes shining a bit brighter through the pain. “Sweetart. I like that.”

Clearing his throat, he stood up and looked down at you. Most women were smaller than him, no matter their height, but the urge to wrap you in his arms and keep you safe wouldn’t go away. “I’ll let you make your call.”

He made sure to grab some tissues and a glass of water as well as you called your friend, doing his best not to listen when he heard tears in your throat. You asked if you could crash at her place and explained that you weren't in the best headspace to drive over there. He should’ve offered you a ride. It was the least you could do.

You set his phone on the coffee table once you were finished. “My friend should be here shortly. One of the only numbers I have memorized.”

He sat back down beside you as he handed you a tissue, his knee touching yours. “I know it doesn’t help, but I’m sorry.”

You dabbed at your eyes, sniffling. “Probably better that I caught him now and not later. I just feel stupid, you know?”

“You’re not stupid, he is. He’s a fucking prick, too.”

“He never liked you,” you said, smiling a little.

“Well, the feeling’s mutual,” he said, sighing as he leaned back against the cushion. “Could never figure out why you were with him.”

Fuck, why did I say that?

“He’s a family friend. Charming. Sophisticated. The kind of guy my parents wanted me to be with. When he asked me out, I agreed. I knew he had his flaws, but I looked past them,” you explained as he turned his head to pay better attention. You swallowed a little before you continued. “Which is another reason I feel stupid. I cared despite the red flags. I set myself up to get hurt.”

“You ignored your instincts because you cared, but that doesn’t make you stupid. Stop calling yourself that.”

You nodded, reaching for the water. He caught the ice before it could slip from your hand, keeping it there as you took a sip. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“The girl he was with was an old girlfriend. A stunningly beautiful socialite who just happened to be in town. They thought I’d still be at work,” your lip trembled. “She didn’t even look sorry that I caught them. It was like she knew she was better than me. And I know deep down he wanted me to be more like her.”

Fuck that.

“Anyone who jumps in bed with a guy and knows they’re with someone else isn’t better than you. They deserve each other. You deserve better.”

“You really believe that?” you asked, a tear falling.

Before you could wipe it away, he reached over and caught it with his fingertip. “I do. And I know it hurts like hell. He should’ve been faithful and worshiped the ground you walked on. You don’t deserve anything less than that.”

Ari thought he said the wrong thing when your expression went blank, setting the ice pack on the table. “Can I have a hug, please? You’ve always been so nice to me and I could really use one.”

Whatever you want.

The second he wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close, a fresh wave of tears came. Wetness gathered on his chest as you let it out. He wasn’t used to people turning to him as a source of comfort, but he instinctively rubbed your back and nuzzled the top of your head with his chin. He wanted to rip Carter limb from limb for reducing you to this. The demented part of him wanted to stay alive just so he could watch you thrive without him.

No matter what happened, Ari would make sure you were happy.

Your tears slowed after a minute, but you stayed in his hold. “I’m sorry,” you mumbled against his chest. “You’re really warm. I think you are a beast.”

Ari chuckled, his large hand sliding up and down your back to soothe you. “You figured it out. Don’t tell anyone.”

“It’ll be our secret,” you said, lifting your head. Having you against him, you robbed him of his breath again. “Could I ask one more favor and I’d be forever in your debt? And you don’t have to.”

“Name it.”

“Would you be willing to help me get some of my stuff out of there later? I can pay you.”

“I don’t want your money. I can help,” he assured you. He would do it for free just to see the look on that prick’s face. “On one condition.”

“Name it,” you smiled, echoing his words.

“Come to my next race?” he casually suggested, hoping it didn’t sound like a date. He didn’t want you to think he was insensitive to your current feelings. “No pressure. No expectations. I know you just ended a relationship, but I think you could use a friend.”

“I’ll be there,” you promised, bringing a smile to his face. He hoped he didn’t look too excited, especially since you were still hurt. “I’ve been wanting to go for ages and now I have no reason not to.”

“I think you’ll like it. And don’t worry about your stuff. If you know where it needs to go, I’ll get some of the guys to help me out. In fact," he took your hand, the one you punched Carter with, and brought it to his lips. He swore he heard a slight whimper when they met your skin. "I'll even get your phone back before you head out."

"Thank you," you said breathlessly, clearing your throat as you looked away for a second. It felt good knowing he took your breath away, too. "I mean it. Thank you so much, Ari."

Ari knew your friend would show up any minute, so he cherished the feeling of holding you for a bit longer. He meant what he said about you needing a friend. The wound would take time to heal and he would help you see that you were perfect.

A sweet and tart girl who made everyone around you smile.

He just hoped you wouldn’t hold it against him when he punched Carter in his smug face.

*****

We'll see more of Beast and Sweetart, along with some other riders, soon. Love and thanks for reading! ❤️

#navybrat writes #ari levinson x reader #ari levinson x female reader #ari levinson x you #ari levinson x y/n #motocross!ari levinson x reader #beast and sweetart #motocross!ari levinson #ari levinson #ari levinson fanfiction #ari levinson imagine #ari levinson au #chris evans x reader #chris evans x female reader #chris evans x you

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qhazomb · 2 years

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I HAVE RECEIVED. PRESENTS.

they include: -Pokemon Brilliant Diamond -Dinobot transforming toy -Beasts of the Mesozoic amber hatchlings set -Lilo & Stitch 1 and 2 blu-rays -Scratch and Chill skylanders -magnetic fidget rings -carry case for my switch lite -gummi worms and sweetarts -Bloodborne saw cleaver pin -glow-in-the-dark gamer throw blanket not pictured: Flowey sticker and Ralsei card that came with the saw cleaver pin, a big pink hoodie with strawberries down the sleeves, that sneasel figure i had to make a base for, and a Hollow Knight grub pin, the last two of which were from my bestie :)

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theroguequeenaniki · 4 years

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Merry Christmas! 🎄🎁🎅🏻🤶🏻 Last year I forgot to post my "What I Got For Christmas" Instagram post, but not this year! lol From my dad I got the first four Gallagher Girl books by Ally Carter! So now my collection is complete! (I got 5 & 6 for Christmas 2 years ago lol) Now all I need is Not If I Save You First, Dear Ally How Do You Write A Book?, and her new middle grade series that's out soon, to complete my Ally Carter collection! Lol. From my mom I got a new copy of The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip (w/ a beautiful new cover, it's my all-time favorite book, this is now my 3rd copy!), a set of Harry Potter buttons, and some gold cat ears! From my brother I got the Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare box set! I've wanted these for years, even though I've already read them, b/c of how pretty the spines are! Lol. From my brother's girlfriend I got a Harry Potter blanket, shampoo & conditioner, body scrub, and body wash, AND, TAEYEON'S WHY MINI ALBUM!! ^_^ From my sister I got a Kate Spade Notebook, a Peanuts notebook, and some candy (SweeTarts Ropes Bites they are so GOOD! Lol) And from my youngest sister I got this basket filled with candy, slippers, a mug, a snowman, an owl hand sanitizer, and this Caticorn headband! Lol. As well as a handmade card. 😊 I've been wearing both cat ears since we opened presents this morning. Lol. So, there you go. There's what I got for Christmas this year! For my stocking, there's a separate post, lol. ;) #Christmas #Christmas2019 #WhatIGotForChristmas #AllyCarter #HarryPotter #CatEars #CassandraClare #TheInfernalDevices #Taeyeon #SNSD #GG4EVA #KateSpade #CharlieBrown #Snoopy #Sweetarts #owls #candy #caticorn #snowman https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ggRssHGkE/?igshid=1afs3zcym3aa7

#christmas #christmas2019 #whatigotforchristmas #allycarter #harrypotter #catears #cassandraclare #theinfernaldevices #taeyeon #snsd #gg4eva #katespade #charliebrown #snoopy #sweetarts #owls #candy #caticorn #snowman

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johnbly · 6 years

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i was tagged by @andrei-l thanks anna :D and it actually showed up in my notifications amazing

Rules: Answer 20 questions and tag 20 people you want to know better.

i tag: no one bc i’m still screaming but if you want to do it, do it

1. Name: chilly

2. Zodiac Sign: leo

3. Height: 5′4(.5)”

4. Languages Spoken: english

5. Nationality: american

6. Favourite Fruit: A L L idk i like strawberries a lot i guess but really i like fruits

7. Favourite Scent: uhhhhh pine is good i think. also mint?

8. Favourite Color: green

9. Favourite Animal: fox, penguin, meerkat

11. Favourite Fictional Character: the love of my life alexander mahone

12. Dream Trip: germany

13. When your blog was created?: june 2018 but my original was from late 2011 i think

14. Last movie you’ve seen: prob rewatching fantastic beasts with a friend over spring break

15. Song you’ve had on repeat: i’ve been listening to this hp mix a lot but idk if that counts

16. Favourite Candy: sour things. sour skittles? sour sweetarts?

17. Favourite Holiday: christmas

18. Favourite MCU Character: steeeeeeeeve rogers

19. Favourite MCU Movie: winter soldier (i don’t think any of the x-men movies are mcu right? if they are then xmfc but otherwise winter soldier)

20. Favourite Food: lasagna is good but also pizza and i almost always get some sort of alfredo pasta when we go out to eat so

#andrei-l #chilly chats

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sherlock · 7 years

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cute asks #1, 32, 38

Do you have any recurring dreams? What are they?

Not necessary recurring dreams but my dreams have recurring elements? In my dreams I constantly find myself having to rush to do something and feeling a sense of needing to hurry up but moving extremely slowly like I just. Can’t. Make myself move faster? Sometimes if I try to run it’s like treading water. It sucks.

What’s your favorite candy?

Oh my gosh. Uh?? I really like plain M&M’s? I also really like Three Musketeers, and Twix. I also like Trolli Eggs (and sometimes, the worms). However with that said, I work at a movie theatre and we sell these things called Sweetart Ropes and I love those.

Oh also- in Disney they sell these chocolates that are Beauty and the Beast milk chocolate roses with raspberry filling and. I loved those. But I’ve never been able to find anything like them since (milk chocolate with raspberry filling).

What was your favorite show as a child?

Lizzie McGuire, Kim Possible, That’s So Raven, and Spongebob. Hands down.

#ask game #not sherlock #hey nonny nonny #Step into the Light

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glutenfreechef5 · 7 years

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Our first ever Comprehensive Gluten Free Halloween list to to help you navigate your candy giving needs. This list comes courtesy of Very Well with the most common celiac safe gluten free Halloween Candy. Did your favorite confection make the list? Let me know in the comments.

Peeps

• Large white peeps marshmallow bunny • Chocolate mousse flavored peep bunnies • Yellow peep chicks • Mike and Ike- lemonade blends • Mike and Ike- Zours • Bunnies- blue, pink, yellow, green, orange and lavender • Mike and Ike- berry blast • Mike and Ike- original • Peeps Decorated Marshmallow Eggs • Original Peeps Marshmallow Chicks – Yellow, white, orange,green,pink,blue, and purple • Marshmallow Bunnies • Blue Raspberry Flavored Chicks • Bubble Gum Flavored Marshmallow Chicks • Just Born Jelly Beans • Lemon Delight Marshmallow Chicks • Lime Delight Marshmallow Chicks • Mystery Flavored Marshmallow Bunnies • Mystery Flavored Marshmallow Chicks • Orange Delight Marshmallow Chicks • Party Cake Flavored Marshmallow Chicks • Peeps Decorated Marshmallow Eggs • Sour Watermelon Flavored Marshmallow Chicks • Sweet Lemonade Flavored Marshmallow Chicks • Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Chicks • Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Chicks • Chocolate Covered Marshmallow Chicks • Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Bunnies • Marshmallow Bunnies – yellow, purple, pink, orange, green, blue, and white

Hershey’s

Hershey’s maintains a list of gluten-free candies and updates it several times each year. The following list of Hershey’s candies are considered gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million:

Almond Joy (all except for Almond Joy Pieces candy)

Mounds (all)

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses

Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses (but not the Special Dark candy bar; see below)

Hershey’s Filled Chocolate Kisses, only in the following flavors: Milk Chocolate, Chocolate Filled with Caramel, Chocolate Filled with Cherry Cordial Creme, Vanilla Creme, Dark Chocolate Filled with Mint Truffle, Pumpkin Spice (available in the fall), Meltaway Milk Chocolates, Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate

Hershey’s Hugs

Hershey’s Nuggets, only in the following flavors: milk chocolate, milk chocolate with almonds, special dark chocolate with almonds, and extra creamy milk chocolate with toffee and almonds)

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar, only in the 1.55 oz. size

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bar, only in the 1.45 oz. size

Hershey’s Air Delight

Hershey’s Milk Duds (all)

Heath Bars (all)

Payday (all)

Reese’s Fast Break bar

Reese’s Nutrageous bar

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (all except for Reese’s unwrapped minis and seasonal shaped items, such as Valentine’s hearts)

Reese’s Pieces (all except for Reese’s Pieces Eggs)

Rolo Caramels in Milk Chocolate (all except for Rolo Minis)

Skor Toffee Bar (all)

York Peppermint Pattie (all except for York Pieces candies, York Minis, and York Shapes)

Tootsie Roll Industries

From their website: “At this time, all of our confections are gluten free. We do not use wheat, barley, rye, oats, triticale, spelt or any of their components and that includes our dusting on our conveyor belts. We do use corn and soy products in the manufacturing of our products.”

Jelly Belly From their website: “Jelly Belly jelly beans are gluten free, peanut free, dairy free, fat free and vegetarian friendly.”

Sour Patch • Sour Patch Watermelon • Sour Patch Peach, Cherry, Raspberry • Sour patch Fruits • Sour Patch Kids

• Camille Bloch Torino Swiss Milk Chocolate • Camille Bloch Torino Filled Dairy Chocolate • Camille Bloch Torino Filled Pareve Chocolate • Camille Bloch Torino Swiss Milk White Chocolate • Camille Bloch Ragusa Jubile Dairy Chocolate • Camille Bloch Torino Swiss Dark Parve Chocolate • Chocolate Seder Plate • Chocolate Bonbenniere • Assorted Hazelnut Truffles • Creme De Menthe Chocolate • All Truffle Chocolates • Chocolate Bon Bons • Chocolate Chips • Cocoa Powder • All Gummys and Sours • Fruit leathers • Fruit Taffy • Assorted Ball Pops

The following Nestle candies have no gluten ingredients:

Baby Ruth

Bit-O-Honey

Milk Chocolate

SweeTARTS

Oh Henry!

Sno-Caps

Wonka Pixy Stix

Laffy Taffy (including Laffy Taffy Rope)

Wonka Lik-M-Aid Fun Dip

Illinois Nut & Candy/ Raising the Candy Bar

• Passover Chocolate Locust • Passover Chocolate Kos Miriam • Passover Chocolate Mousse Cup • Passover White Baking Bar • Passover Green Frogs • Passover Chocolate Frogs • Wild beasts

Manischewitz

• Dark Chocolate Covered Potato Chips • Milk Chocolate Almond Butter Cups • Toasted Coconut Marshmallows • White Marshmallows • Mini Marshmallows • Toasted Coconut Marshmallows • Magic Max, Cotton Candy (Blue/Red) • Dark Chocolate Almond Bark • Dark Chocolate Seder Plate • Dark Chocolate Macaroons • Ultimate Triple Chocolate Macaroons • Dark Chocolate Covered Marshmallows with Nuts • Raspberry Jell Bars • Milk Chocolate Frolic Bears • Caramel Cashew Patties • Peppermint Patties • Tender Coconut Patties • Hazelnut Truffles • Viennese Crunch • Milk Chocolate Lollycones • Fruit Slices Gift Pack • Magic Max Cotton Candy

Courtesy of Very Well

A Comprehensive Gluten Free Guide to Halloween Candy (2017) Read more: Our first ever Comprehensive Gluten Free Halloween list to to help you navigate your candy giving needs.

#daily post #gluten free commentary #Halloween #Halloween Candy #positivity #updates #what I ate today

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navybrat817 · 1 year

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A Phone Call Away

Pairing: Motocross!Ari Levinson x Female Reader Summary: No matter what, Ari is just a phone call away. Word Count: Almost 1.1k Warnings: Pining, slight angst and hurt/comfort, fluff and feels, reference to cheating (not by Ari), motocross!Ari Levinson (he’s a warning, okay? A/N: Fourth day of my Naughty & Nice Nonsense belongs to Beast and Sweetart! I can't wait to share more of them. ❤️ Not beta read and written on my phone, so any and all mistakes are my own. Banner and moodboard by yours truly. Please follow @navybrat817-sideblog for new fics and notifications. Comments, reblogs, feedback are loved and appreciated!

You sat on the floor as you unpacked your last box and took a moment to glance around your bedroom. You didn't realize how little you had at Carter's place until you went to get your things. True to his word, Ari got your phone back and helped you get everything out of there not long after. A couple of his friends showed up and were nice enough, but didn't say much to you. They made sure your ex wouldn't bother you or interfere. You only saw him for a split second and took great satisfaction when you noticed his black eye.

You didn't think you hit Carter hard enough to do any damage and Ari didn't mention punching him when he retrieved your phone. He only said that you wouldn't have to worry about your ex bothering you again. If he had hit him, you hoped he didn't get in any sort of trouble. You weren't worth it.

"You call me if you need anything," Ari said after he helped drop everything off. "Even if it's just to vent."

He saved his number as "Beast" under your contacts.

Thinking of that made you smile before you pulled a hand painted picture frame out of the box, staring at the photo of you and Carter inside. Most didn't know you well enough to spot that your smile in the picture was a bit forced. You may have pushed the red flags to the back of your mind, but your smile couldn't lie.

You glanced at your bed as flashes of Carter whirled through your mind. The physical part never seemed to be an issue, but it wasn't enough for him. Your stomach turned and you fought down bile that threatened to rise in your throat. You hadn't told your parents yet. They would find a way to blame you for him cheating.

But it isn't my fault, right?

You sniffled as you grabbed your phone and scrolled until you got to Ari's number. He had done more than enough for you and you didn't want to bother him, but the thought of talking to him comforted you. Was it because he looked like he could break you, but showed you a softer side?

You still couldn't believe you cried in his arms the way you did, but it was freeing in a sense to be vulnerable. Ari didn't seem like the type to judge either. A gentle giant.

He said he wants me to go to his next race, so maybe he wouldn't mind hearing from me.

Pressing on his name, you sniffled again as you waited in anticipation for him to answer. Your heart sank as three rings went by and he didn't pick up. He was probably busy between work, practice, and his friends. Or maybe there was someone else.

If there is, I can't be upset. I just got out of a relationship and he doesn't owe me a single thing.

"Hey, Sweetart," he answered on the fourth ring.

"Hey, Beast," you smiled, blood rushing to your cheeks as the nickname rolled off your tongue. "This isn't a bad time, is it?"

"I was just about to take a shower."

"Oh," you said, wondering if he was still dressed or if he was naked.

His massive body probably looked glorious under a spray of water.

Now that image is in my mind.

"I'm sorry I bothered you. I can talk to you later."

"No, no. It can wait," he assured you. "And you aren't bothering me. Told you to call me if you need anything."

"Thanks," you said softly.

You weren't sure what to say next and wondered if it was a mistake to call.

"Is everything okay?" he asked, breaking the silence. “Is he bothering you?”

So protective.

"No, he isn’t, but I don't know if I’m okay. My mind wandered a bit once I finished unpacking and I could feel that I was starting to get upset, so I called you," you explained, wiping at your eyes as you took a deep breath. "And since you aren't here to hug me, I wanted to talk to you. Hearing your voice is making me feel better."

This is the part where he tells me I'm crazy and to lose his number.

"I make you feel better?" he asked after a moment.

"Yeah, you do," you said truthfully.

You almost giggled at the admission. It probably sounded like you had a silly crush on him. Maybe you did. Beyond the physical attraction and intimidating aura was a protective and thoughtful man. He didn't strike you as the type to cheat or hurt anyone without good reason.

So if there was a positive in being hurt by Carter, it was meeting Ari.

"I thought I scared most people," he said quietly.

"You don't scare me," you said above a whisper.

Beast or not, you weren't afraid of him.

"You're just saying that because you want one of my amazing hugs."

"I could definitely use a hug," you smiled, imagining his arms around you. "You really have done a lot to help me recently and I can't thank you enough."

"You have nothing to thank me for. I wanted to help you."

Ari's voice soothed you as you tucked your knees under your chin. "I owe you and the guys pizza and beer, at least."

They took time out of their day to deal with your mess and refused to let you pay them for helping you get your things. You wanted to do something. It was the least you could do.

"Don't tell Barnes and Rogers that because they'll take advantage of your generosity," he chuckled, making you smile. "But if you really want to, I can set something up after the next race. You're still going, right?"

Does he sound nervous or am I imagining that?

"I'll be there," you promised. You wouldn't break your word. "Why do I have a feeling I won't end up paying a cent?"

"Because your money's no good here."

"That isn't fair," you giggled.

"Maybe not, but it made you laugh," he pointed out.

"Yeah, it did," you said.

"So, what's your favorite kind of pizza?"

You spent the next hour talking to Ari, eventually moving from the floor to your bed so you could get comfortable. He kept the conversation light, like he knew you didn't have the energy to discuss anything too heavy. By the time you wrapped up the call, your ex and the unpleasant feelings from earlier were far from your mind.

All thanks to Beast.