It Had To Be You: Chapter 6 - Just Somebody That I Used to Know
Masterpost
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Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader, Anthony Bridgerton x Kate Sharma, Modern AU
Summary: Exes cause some unexpected moments for both you and Benedict...
artwork credit @colettebronte
Warnings: not much... swearing, propositioning for sex.
Word Count: 4.0k (longest chapter so far!)
Authors Note: Unbetaed. A multi-chapter modern rom-com retelling of When Harry Met Sally. In this chapter, Benedict runs into his ex-wife unexpectedly, and it throws him for a loop. Plus, Tom's sudden change in status causes a crisis of confidence for reader.
3 months later (15 months ago)
“Don’t be ridiculous,” you elbow him in the ribs, maybe uncharitably, but he’s being mildly irritating. ”Let’s just stick to practical stuff,” you argue, seizing his laptop and bringing it in front of you to take over.
“Come on, who doesn’t need an 18th-century replica cannon?” Benedict argues jovially, hooking his chin onto your shoulder and fluttering his eyelids in an attempt to get his way.
“I would argue your brother and my best friend,” you state pointedly, looking at him askance with a raised eyebrow, even as you secretly enjoy his silliness.
“Hmm, maybe you’re right,” he hums, sitting back up straight, “they’d probably just find a way to actually weaponise it during one of their fights.”
It’s three months later, and, just as she predicted on the first night they met, Kate and Anthony are engaged. Returning from a trip to Lake Cuomo two weeks ago, she had an enormous rock on her left hand and a grin like a Cheshire Cat, not just because of the jewellery. She claimed she orgasmed for thirty minutes straight even before she got the ring. You’re still in a low-key disagreement with her about whether that’s even possible.
Today is an uncharacteristically sweltering June day, so you and Benedict are taking refuge in the cool air-conditioning at Battersea Power Station, down the road from the gallery he’s exhibiting in. You sit on a sofa with iced coffees trying to cobble together a gift registry—a task Kate and Anthony have lumbered you both with as matron of honour and best man.
“Who has their wedding registry at Harrods and Fortnum and Mason anyway?” you grouse.
“Family tradition,” he states airily. Sometimes you forget just how rich the Bridgertons are.
“You’re far too fucking posh,” you roll your eyes. “What’s wrong with John Lewis, like normal people?”
“Tell you what,” one of Benedict’s arms encircles your waist and lightly tickles, causing you to squirm, a distraction tactic to wrestle back control of his laptop with his other hand, “if we get married, the registry can be at John Lewis, and you can explain to my tearful mother why you want to break Bridgerton tradition.”
You know it’s an offhand, meaningless comment said in jest, but the words ‘we get married’ seem to echo around your head, even as he cackles triumphantly to himself and clicks ‘add to registry’ on the ridiculous cannon. As revenge, you swipe his brownie and take a big bite which he attempts to snatch back. You are giggling and tussling, crumbs flying, when a sophisticated French voice cuts into your childish playfulness.
“Benoit!? Je pensais que c'était toi!”
Your giggles die out as you untangle from Benedict to observe a beautiful petite brunette woman with elfin features. She clings to another striking woman who can barely conceal her look of disdain.
You feel Benedict freeze up, his body suddenly tense. Defensive.
“Tessa,” he nods after what feels like an age of awkward silence.
Oh god. It’s her. This is his ex-wife. For some reason, here in London.
“It’s good to see you,” she switches to lightly accented English, her arm gripping the other ladies tighter.
“Likewise,” he says curtly, holding himself stiffly in a way that suggests anything but.
Tessa turns her doe-eyes to you, pointedly awaiting an introduction. It takes him a moment to realise it, and your chest suddenly aches in sympathy for the little-boy-lost expression you can see through the cracked veneer of civility.
“Oh right… Thérèse Durand, Tessa, meet y/n y/l/n,” he gestures flatly. “Y/n, this is Tessa… and Clarissa,” he sneers the other woman’s name, and instantly you know who she is—the one Tessa left him for.
You politely nod and make an awkward small wave gesture, unsure what else to do. Benedict appears to be in some form of shell shock; gently, you squeeze his arm until he blinks as if coming back online.
“Well… I can see you are busy,” Tessa nods at the laptop, “I will not delay you plus,” switching back to French for the last word, exchanging loaded looks with Clarissa.
With another awkward nod, they turn their heels and walk away.
‘She looked weird, didn’t she?’ he stutters as they retreat.
“I don’t know her, Ben,” you remind softly, “I just met her.” Mainly you are concerned by how utterly disconcerted he is by merely bumping into her.
“Trust me, she looked weird,” he affirms, still watching the space they occupied even as they turn a corner and disappear.
You just rub his arm in what you hope is a soothing pattern, unsure what to say.
“Ughhh. A continent of 745 million people… I was just bound to run into my ex-wife at some point, right?” his sarcastic humour flaring as he puts his head in his hands.
“You even tried to put a body of water between you,” you concur, attempting levity. “Seems bloody unlikely to happen… but then I’d say so is a replica cannon for a wedding present, but you insist on it,” you joke softly, bumping his shoulder lightly.
When he tilts his head up and cracks a tiny smile, you breathe a silent sigh of relief.
—
“Although marrying you may suggest otherwise, I have not had a complete taste bypass,” Kate barbs at Anthony as they stand around a coffee table the next day.
They are moving in together pre-wedding, and they definitely have strong opinions about each other’s possessions. You and Benedict have arrived to assist them in unpacking their fancy Kensington mews, but your primary role may well be as referee.
Kate turns to you. “Y/n, please, do you like this thing?”
You purse your lips, not wanting to offend.
“Be honest,” Anthony adds, hands on his hips, looking at your expectantly.
Sheepishly, you shake your head.
“What's wrong with it?” Anthony asks.
“Honey,” Kate loops her arms around his neck, “it’s so awful, I can’t even begin to tell you what’s wrong with it.”
Anthony rolls his eyes, but you can tell he secretly enjoys how she nuzzles his neck, and he pulls her into his arms. “Brother, what do you think?”
Benedict is staring out of the window; he doesn't even turn around, just mumbles. “It’s fine.”
You glance over your shoulder at him, concerned about his moroseness but say nothing.
“Look, I think it will be fine in your home office,” Kate offers conciliatory. “It will go perfectly with that ugly drinks hutch thing,” she suggests, wanting to sound helpful.
“Wait, wait….,” Anthony withdraws from their embrace. “You don't like my home bar??” he throws his hands up in a what-the-hell gesture.
Kate goes to answer but is interrupted by Benedict turning around to speak. “You know, we started like this—little disagreements about things. We thought it was so cute. Well, want my advice? Put your initials on your shit now, so you know whose is whose before it all gets jumbled together.”
“Ben …” you murmur a warning, seeing his irritation flaring. He ignores you.
“Cos someday, believe me, you will go twenty rounds on who gets this coffee table. This stupid, ugly, the-80s-called-and-they-want-their-glass-monstrosity-back will cost you five times as much as you paid for it in legal fees from the firm of I-don’t-even-want-this-but-I-want-you-to-have-it-even-less and Sons.”
“I thought you liked it?” Ant counters, frowning deeply.
“I WAS BEING POLITE!!” Benedict exclaims loudly before storming out.
Kate and Anthony gape at the doorway, shocked at the completely uncharacteristic outburst.
“He… he just bumped into Tessa,” you offer quietly as if to explain, then with a nod, go to seek him out.
“I want you to know something,” you hear Kate say as you leave, pulling Anthony into her arms and placing a kiss on his cheek. “I will always hate that fucking ugly eyesore you claim is furniture.”
You find Ben outside lingering on the pavement, kicking a loose stone into the gutter. Looking to all intents and purposes like he needs a cigarette to calm down.
The minute he sees you, he holds up a hand, an admission of fault. “I know, I know.”
“Ben…. you’re going to have to find a way not to express every feeling you have the moment you have them,” you point out, aiming for delicacy.
This morning he berated a kid in Costa for getting his tea order wrong, which is unlike him. You know that the only reason can be bumping into Tessa and all the residual anger and hurt about it bubbling to the surface.
“I just bumped into my ex fucking wife. So yeah, excuse me if I try to warn my brother what a shitshow their life could become,” he grumbles, confirming your suspicions.
“There are times and places for these things… and when they are just moving in together might not have been the time to bring up divorce,” you try to point out gently.
“Oh really? Well, next time you’re giving a lecture on being a fucking droid, R2, let me know, and I’ll be sure to sign up,” he snarks.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!?” you demand, hands on hips indignantly, your own anger flaring at his cutting remark.
“It means nothing bothers you. I never see you get upset about Tom. I never see you get upset about anything at all; in fact,” he derides. “Don’t you care your longest relationship ended? Don't you experience any sense of loss?!”
“I feel things; I just choose to deal with my break up privately, like a grown-up,” you volley back, aiming to wound as much as he did.
“Please,” he rolls his eyes witheringly. “Sleeping with a bunch of idiots doesn't mean you have dealt with your breakup; it just means you’re avoiding it.”
“Better than not fucking anyone, you coward,” you shoot back, hurt he would bring up your recent, mildly slutty behaviour.
For a few moments, it's just a nettled staring match; you are not willing to give an inch.
“Besides, even if we know relationships are more than likely going to fuck up, you don't wish it on your friends or family, right? You want to believe that it will work for them. I mean, I don’t fully get those two as a couple, but fuck they are so happy, Ben,” you gesture at their windows. “I want to believe it will work for them. I really do. And even that it will work for us again one day. That we will find our people.”
You see all the wind fall out of his sails, deflating before your eyes.
“Fuck, you’re right,” he sighs, “I'm so sorry,” he pulls you into a hug. ”I never want to fight with you,” he avows, his breath warm on your temple.
“I'm sorry too,” you admit into his jaw. “I didn't mean the coward thing,” you mumble, feeling guilty but enjoying the warmth of his embrace.
“No, but you’re right,” he concedes. “I need to get back out there properly. God, Tessa just really threw me for a fucking loop yesterday, and I didn't sleep at all. I’m taking it out on all the wrong people today.”
His honest confession feels like the Ben you know and, yes, love. You band your arms around him tighter and stay quiet for a few beats, knowing all is forgiven.
Just as you break apart, Anthony bursts through the front door hauling the coffee table with considerable effort.
“Don't say a fucking word,” he grouses.
—
“Could you come over?” you snuffle as the call connects.
It’s a month after Kate and Anthony moved in together, and you know they are out celebrating tonight, so you don't want to bother her.
“What’s wrong?” Benedict’s cadence changes as he realises you sound off. It appears he’s moving to a quieter spot, the loud background noise of wherever he is fading slightly.
“He’s getting married!” You wail, gesturing wildly so the wine almost slops out of the bottle you are swigging from.
“Who is?” You can hear his frown, even down the phone.
“Tom!” You exclaim over a hiccup as if irritated he can’t read your mind.
“I’ll be right there,” the reassuring promise in his sincere tone makes you clasp your chest. Good old handsome, sweet, reliable Ben. What a great friend.
Half an hour later, you answer the door with a tissue in hand, uncaring that you likely look a state—your hair half up in a messy bun and swamped by an oversized hoodie, concealing your pyjama shorts and vest.
You collapse into Benedict’s arms when he shoots you a sympathetic look.
“Thank you. For coming. Why are you so smartly dressed?” you hiccup into his fancy shirt.
“I was uhh on a date,” he admits reticently as you break apart.
“You left a date!?”
“Yep. I just said my best friend is having a crisis, and I had to go. It’s the truth,” he shrugs.
“Aw, I’m your best friend,” you pout with quivering eyes, which makes him laugh.
“You look like that silly emoji. And, of course, you are,” he says as if it's the most obvious thing. “I mean, I didn't tell her that my best friend is a woman—probably not a first date revelation,” he points out, slinging an arm around your shoulders and manoeuvring you towards your sofa.
“Oh god, first date?! Shit, I'm sorry. Go, go back to her!” You attempt to shoo him away, but he pulls you tighter under his arm and rolls his eyes as he surveys the mess that is currently your living room—so very out of character.
“You really did spiral, didn't you?” he chuckles, picking his way through the scattering of empty crisp packets and Cadbury wrappers to place you back on the sofa.
“She is supposed to be his rebound fling; she's not supposed to be ‘The One’,” you bawl, pointing at your laptop screen, still open to Tom’s wedding invitation.
Benedict takes the laptop and sighs, exiting the email window and smiling to himself as he sees your wallpaper - it's you and him in the novelty photobooth from last year's New Year party, heads together and grinning inanely. He closes the lid and twists to look at you, realising you have indeed not dealt with the heartbreak of your split with Tom at all over the last few months. You were just in denial about it all up until now. Knowing he has to tread carefully, he touches your shoulder.
“You broke it off because you wanted different things, remember?” he soothes. “Do you suddenly want kids?”
“No,” you pull a disgusted face.
“Then this is for the best,” he posits, brushing the hair from your cheek caught in your tear tracts.
“I’m difficult,” you lament, wallowing in a touch of maudlin self-pity now you have an audience.
“Challenging,” he amends with a crooked smile.
“I’m too closed-off and particular,” you throw out.
“You know what you want and refuse to compromise,” he argues, rubbing a thumb over your cheek in a comforting motion.
You look up from your self-indulgent tears and see his handsome face defending your worst qualities as positives, and you have never wanted another human more in your life. Perhaps the bottle of wine isn't helping, but right now, all you want - emotionally, physically, sexually - is the man before you.
“Fuck me, Benedict,” you murmur.
He barks a laugh. “Yeah, you've got yourself in a pickle,” he opines, bemused. And you wonder if he's being deliberately obtuse.
“No…” you clarify, placing your hand over the one curled around your face. “Fuck me. Please,” you stare into his eyes intently, making your request clear.
A thousand reactions ripple across his face, mostly surprise and confusion, but you also see how his pupils dilate, making your heart race.
“I don't think that’s a good idea,” he stumbles as his gaze flits to your mouth.
“That's not a no,” you point out, boldly swinging into his lap, straddling him, as you see him wrestling with so many thoughts.
“We are best friends,” he whispers, sounding almost afraid.
“And as my best friend, I am asking you to take me to bed and fuck me,” you state plainly, sliding your thighs wider until your core rocks over the seam of his jeans, wrapping your hands around the back of his neck.
“You've had too much to drink.” He sounds like he's trying to clutch at straws, but you don't miss how his hand is gripping your hip now, fingers warm through the cotton of your pyjama shorts.
“Enough to be emboldened, not enough to be unaware of what I'm doing,” you supply, attempting to alleviate any fear he may have of taking advantage. “You would simply be helping a friend in need, please.”
With your cards now all on the table, you see he is frozen, the conflict writ large on his face and part of your heart cracks. Oh god, maybe he doesn't want this, and he has no idea how to let an upset, vulnerable friend down gently.
“Fuck…” you mutter and drop your forehead onto his shoulder. “I never stopped to consider you may not want to fuck me anymore. I’m such an idiot. That was 11 years ago….”
The hand on your hip flexes.
“That's not the problem,” he growls, and your head shoots up to see the vein in his temple pulsing.
“Then what is?” you whisper, your limbic system alive with the idea he finds you attractive.
“You have just found out your ex is getting married, you drank a bottle of wine, and now you are propositioning me. I’m worried a large part of you will hate me tomorrow if I say yes,” he confesses, sounding almost vulnerable. “I’d prefer to keep you as a friend than fuck you and have you resent me for it.”
“But you want to?” you whisper, craving the affirmation to your fragile ego.
“Like you wouldn't believe,” he barely murmurs it. “But please get off me.”
You see the sincerity in his eyes and back down, feeling so many things in your tipsy heart—guilt you backed him into a corner, sad he turned you down, happy he respects you enough to do so.
Believing it is the grown-up thing to release him from this messed-up evening, you climb out of his lap and head towards your front door. The shame and embarrassment are starting to creep in; your need to hide and deny what you did ramping up.
“You are a better friend than me,” you acknowledge as he trails behind you. “And I apologise. Thank you. I guess I just needed confirmation that I'm desirable to someone.” you mumble, looking at the floor.
“Didn't you just have a date last week?” he points out as you both hover in the hallway.
“Yeah, but that's different….”
“How?”
“It's not someone who truly knows me,” you sigh, finally looking up at him again. His eyes are soft with understanding. He's so beautiful you almost want to cry.
“I need you to know something…” his voice even, but there's something awkward in the way he stares at the wall over your shoulder as he speaks, “....you are a beautiful, sexy woman. Anyone would be lucky to have you. I just….” He trails off, struggling for the right words.
“I understand,” you nod conciliatory. “I’m going to be mortified when I sober up,” you admit sheepishly, and you see his shoulders slump.
“I can’t leave you, not like this. I’d be a bad friend.” He takes a deep breath and steps aside into your kitchen. “Come on,” he coaxes when you just stand there staring at him. “Let’s get you a cup of tea and sobered up.”
You then watch as he potters around your kitchen making you toast and tea at 9 pm on a rainy Thursday evening. It’s such a wonderful, giving thing to do that you can only stand there and watch, mildly dumbstruck. It’s only when the inviting aroma hits your nose that you realise you haven’t even eaten anything except crisps and chocolate since yesterday.
He leads you to the sofa and then hands you a steaming hot mug of tea just how you like it and a plate with two perfectly toasted slices of bread slathered in butter. You tackle them greedily, murmuring your thank yous as he takes a seat in your armchair, a respectable distance, and queues up something brainless for you to enjoy.
You don’t talk as the next two hours unfold, him giving you space but also his presence so you don’t spiral into thoughts of how your rash moment may have ruined your friendship. Wordlessly telling you he is here as a friend and everything will be okay, despite the awkwardness. Bringing you another round of tea and toast, making himself some this time too. Even handing you paracetamol from your bathroom cabinet to pre-empt the muzzy head you can feel approaching. It's like he can intuit your needs before you can, making your heart clench even harder.
“I’m mostly sober now,” you confess quietly as an episode of the show you’re watching ends. “And I’ll be okay, honestly. Thank you for dropping your plans and coming to check on me. And I’m truly sorry for what I did. Propositioning you. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Let's consider it even,” he smiles mildly. “For the car ride from St Andrews?” he prompts when you look confused.
“Okay,” you giggle, heaving a huge sigh of relief, knowing somehow all is forgiven.
“Now, if you are truly okay, I shall get out of your hair,” he offers, slapping his legs before rocking to his feet.
“I'm okay,” you confirm quietly, a little pang in your chest that is not wanting to be alone but not saying it. Instead, you also stand up and drift again towards your front door to show him out. You want to ask him to stay but know it's a selfish request.
“Thank you, bestie,” you overenunciate and throw your arms around his shoulders, pulling him in for a bear hug.
“You are welcome, bestie,” he chuckles into your hair.
His body is warm and feels wonderful pressed against yours, and you linger, just indulging in the feeling of being held, squeezing your arms a little tighter, burying your face into his neck and huffing his delicious aftershave. You know you are pushing the boundary of what is acceptable for a hug between friends, but he's not fighting you off.
You pull back a little to look into his eyes. “Thank you, Ben, for everything,” more sincere now, sotto voce.
“You’ll be okay,” he assures, smoothing down your hair with tender strokes. “Dorset was just a blip on your radar. There is someone much better out there for you. Don't let him be the reason you doubt yourself. He is not worth your tears.”
It's a beautiful, supportive speech, and on instinct, you push up to give him a quick peck on the lips as a thank you. Just like at New Year's, his lips are warm and plush beneath yours as you press into them. Except this time, he freezes, and instantly, you realise your mistake.
“Shit, sorry,” you murmur as you fall back to your flat feet, realising that was a foolish move after what transpired earlier.
Something feels charged, and you sense a change in him, in his breathing.
“Again.” It's almost a snarl, and you worry you have annoyed him.
“Yes, Im sorry again,” you confirm meekly.
“No,” his eyes pop open, blazing, and his voice has taken on a different tone, almost foreign. “Again.” You merely frown until he pitches forward, his breath harsh on your lips. “Kiss me again.”
“But….” you begin to protest, even as you do as he asks, heart in your throat. Your lips meet, and he kisses you back this time—ferociously.
And a firework explodes in your chest.
It's as if you have never been kissed before, your skin tingling all over with instant exhilaration. As your lips slide together in an almost desperate dance, his hands grab your face, tilting your head to the left. Then he is opening his mouth….
Oh fucking hell.
Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @lilithseve @cayt0123 @hottytoddyhistory @truly-dionysus @fictionalmenloversblog @zinzysstuff @malpalgalz @panhoeofmanyfandoms @kinokomoonshine @causeimissu @delehosies @mlovesbridgerton @m-rae23 @last-sheep @kmc1989
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Al's Greatest Ex of All, The Finale
Wisthera: Wow, this is a turnout! I didn't think one inn could really hold all of Al's ex-girlfriends. Guess that's the magic of Goldshire.
Myrielle: Nasty little town. You ever notice how no one, ever, claims to be from here? No one will own up to it. This place is about as "magical" as Al is. *looks over the heads of excited women, mostly Night Elves chatting loudly*
Steamy: *maniacal gnome laughter* Ha! Screen is all rigged up. Everyone will be able to see you ladies get your final revenge on that bastard rogue. I never liked that you had to share your job with that trash, Myra!
Myrielle: Daww, thanks Steamy!
Wisthera: Hey, you know I share the Triumvir role, too.
Steamy: *ominous look* You are phase two.
Wisthera: What!
Myrielle: Shh! Here he comes. Opal promised me they were over. She's standing by the lake in Stormwind, see? She swore to me that she was going to dump him, throw her wedding ring into the lake, then push him in after it.
Wisthera: What makes you so sure that this time, Opal and Al are over-over?
Myrielle: I forged a few love letters, stashed them in his things. Steamy touched up some rotten photographs of him as well, in bed with some crappy Blood Elf Horde B celebrity. The kind that poses covered in machine oil, in Goblin Gentleman's Magazine.
Trixany Cuomo: I heard that!
Wisthera: If this fails, Myra? I don't know you. Heavy Nightborne Lover is one of my favorite Trixany songs.
Myrielle: Feh. You're the subtlety rogue. Nobody knows you anyway. And what did you contribute to this grand revenge, Wisthera? I don't see you doing anything, either.
Wisthera: Al asked for time off work to go meet Opal. I said No.
Myrielle: Deceptively simple. He could get written up for playing hooky. It still seems like you've left me holding most of the bag, though.
Wisthera: *sagenods* That too.
Al: *walks in while everyone is fixed on Opal yelling at a man that looks like him on the screen* Ahem.
All of Al's exes: *argue for him to leave them alone and be quiet*
Al: Well, this is familiar. *he raises his voice* That's my body-double on the screen, ladies! I do have one, you know. The guy who sits in my office, posing as me, while I'm out on missions?
Al's exes: *all gasp in shock*
Al: I'm afraid you are all wasting your time, waiting here in the Goldshire inn! For my heart to be broken!! Yes, my wife Opal and I argued over what Myrielle obviously did to sabotage us, but we also made up!! Multiple times! On her alchemy bench, at that!!
Wisthera: *narrows eyes at him* All over her precious science bottles too, I bet.
Al's exes: *Loud grumbling*
Myrielle: Oh, Al. Sweet, stupid assassin Al. All you kill-for-hire boys are alike. Only thinking of the endgame, the final shot. But what about the journey? All of this? It was but an elaborate smokescreen.
Al: *glares*
Myrielle: *raises up a detonator in her hand* All of these women? They are hired Defias thugs in disguise. All I wanted to do was get you down here, for the beatdown of your life. The real happy hour is in Valdrakken, in a secret bar beneath the Roasted Ram. That's where Steamy's screen, your exes, and everyone else is. Even myself.
Al: Even you? Beyond that not making any sense, Myra... What is the detonator for? Am I getting beaten up or blown up? You've either over-thought this, or...
Myrielle: Or what?
Al: *he paces around the room of people in his smart boots* How can all of these things be true, all these layers? And even if true, in some strange twist of fate--I see that one of my ex girlfriends, the most dangerous one in fact, is not present. In a room full of Defias, that's an incredible err. Or did you never find out who she was?
Wisthera: Myra... Oh no. He's right. Al did once say he was on good terms with just one of his exes. But we never did find out who. Until tonight?
Myrielle: Who? Am I supposed to care?? This ends now, Al! *clicks the detonator, clicks it several times with no result*
Loudspeaker: *mysterious sultry female voice takes over the gnomish screen* A room full of Defias. A detonator with evident bias. Layers of inanity. Your clever plan, collapsed, into insanity. All because you counted one woman down, left one bad, bad girl behind. With the gas filling this room--Steamy, Myrielle and Wisthera--will you figure out the riddle in time?
Wisthera: That's...
Steamy: It can't be?!
Myrielle: Vanessa VanCleef. Al, you monster! You dated her??
Vanessa: *struts in, swipes the detonator* Surprise!! *BOOM!!*
Meanwhile in Al's kitchen...
Al: Thanks, Vanessa. I owe you one. But uh, when will they be coming down from that poison gas in the basement?
Vanessa: Hold on, now. Never said I keep my promises. I'm enjoying their agonized screams over imaginary plans gone wrong, and explosions, far too much. Besides... *she nudges Al with her high-heeled boot under the table* Your wife really not at home? We're alone together after all this time?
Al: *sweats* What have I got myself into?
Vanessa: It's the perfect time to hide her surprise anniversary present... this cute set of Maldraxxian beakers I had smuggled! She makes the best poisons, gotta keep my little goddes of le petit morte happy and well-supplied, right?
Al: Okay. I am actually relieved you said that.
Myrielle, Wisthera and Steamy: *Wild screaming from down in Al's basement*
Al: Oh, where is my head at! More tea, Vanessa VanCleef? *pours her a new cup*
Vanessa: Oh, sugar! I love how you spill that tea on other rogues, when you do spill it.
Al: *chuckles lightly* I try.
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