#this is definitely a filler chapter lol

[guideaus]

actually, now that im thinking abt vagabond, i feel vinland saga could have been better to read if the pacing wasn't so quick. not vagabond slow, lol, but yeah

#personal #bc in vinland saga even when theres a chapter where the priest talks abt love its while theyre on the way to their next point #thorfinn momentarily being treated kindly is used to show that he's still obeying askeladd and his men invade the village #of the ppl that showed him kindness. uhh... i cant really think of any chapters not advancing the plot tbh #the first vol had it out of order and those could count but theyre definitely 'start of the manga' chapters #the anime changed the order and added more scenes which helped but if it was even longer i'd like that. #i wasnt gonna say filler but i think that technically does count since it wasnt in the manga lol. give me scenes not advancing the plot!! #esp since yukimura definitely seemed to be interested in viking culture/history

[yelena-bellova]

Heartfirst: A Ted Lasso Story - Chapter Four

Chapter Four: Learning Curve

Plot: With the prospect of both a biography and a new team member, Y/n learns more about the modus operandi of AFC Richmond.

Word Count: 6.3k

Warnings: f!reader, language, minor innuendo, (16+)

A/N: This is really the last chapter before things start to get going, so hang tight through the filler, because we’re about to take off lol

—————

Though she spent very little time there, the KJPR office was somewhat of a safe haven for Y/n.

Working at Nelson Road Stadium had proven to bring a level of chaos Y/n wasn’t used to. When she’d make the drive across town for her weekly meetings with Keeley, she was assured the only focus would be work.

So when Y/n entered Keeley’s office and found her boss on the couch, holding two cups of coffee, she was a bit thrown.

“Hi!” Keeley greeted.

“Morning,” Y/n replied, shutting the door behind her, “What’s this?”

“I thought we could have breakfast,” Keeley smiled, holding up the cups, “I want to hear all about your first week.”

Y/n tried to hide her true feelings on the matter, knowing Keeley had all the right intentions. It wasn’t many bosses who cared so much about their employees.

“Okay,” Y/n conceded, setting her things on the far end of the couch and joining Keeley in the middle.

“I didn’t know how you liked it, so I just got cream and sugar,” Keeley explained as she handed Y/n the takeaway cup, “I hope you’re good with dairy.”

“I’m fine,” Y/n chuckled, taking a sip of the drink, “It’s lovely.”

Keeley grinned victoriously. “So,” she kicked off her ridiculously high heels and tucked her feet under her, “How’s it going? Are you loving it?”

Love was a strong word in the case of Y/n’s feelings towards AFC Richmond. She liked Rebecca, she liked Higgins, she…could tolerate Ted. Coach Beard, whose lack of first name didn’t seem to bother anyone, and Roy Kent seemed decent. Some of the Greyhounds were more friendly than others. The work was something she was perfectly skilled at. But Y/n couldn’t say she was in love with any part of the job.

“It’s…” Y/n struggled to answer truthfully while staying grateful, “Definitely a unique place.”

“It’s a lot to get used to if you’ve never been in that world,” Keeley replied, picking up on the top notes of what Y/n was saying.

“Yeah,” Y/n nodded, relaxing a little, “That’s not to say that I’m not happy there. I just think it’s going to take a little while to adjust.”

Keeley took a long sip of her drink before speaking, “Well, if there’s one thing I learned being there, it’s that you’ve got to leave yourself open to new things. I mean, when I first met Rebecca, I was fucking terrified of her. Felt like I was gonna piss myself anytime she looked at me.”

Y/n scrunched her brows in confusion.

“But,” Keeley rested an arm on the back of the sofa, “Once I decided I wasn’t going to be intimidated by her anymore, we became best friends. Now I can’t imagine my life without her.”

“That’s wonderful,” Y/n smiled softly down at her coffee cup, trying to hold her tongue as much as she could, “For you guys, but…I can’t say that I’m looking for anything more from Richmond than a decent place to work.”

One look at Keeley’s face and it was clear nothing about that answer was computing. “Why?”

Y/n slowly shrugged as she searched for the proper answer. “I just…I don’t know, I just feel like there’s your personal life and your professional life and the two don’t really go together. That’s not to say it doesn’t work for some people,” she gestured towards Keeley with her cup, “It clearly did for you. Just…I don’t see that in the cards for me.”

Watching Y/n as she sipped her coffee, Keeley felt reminiscent of the very time she’d just described. She’d cracked Rebecca open, and this felt like another grand opportunity.

“Well,” Keeley smiled knowingly, “I think it’s worth investing time in the people you work with. Like us,” she reached forwards and tapped Y/n’s knee, “I want us to be friends.”

Y/n chuckled, feeling trapped between a very pink rock and an equally pink hard place.

“Even if it takes the whole season,” Keeley continued, narrowing her eyes, “And endless weekends sat in the owner’s box together…”

“This is getting into HR territory,” Y/n smirked.

“Shows what you know,” Keeley replied smugly, “We don’t have an HR department yet.”

Unable to stop herself, Y/n joined in with Keeley’s laughter.

“Now,” Keeley bent down and slipped her heels back on, “We’ve got a meeting to get to.”

Rising from the sofa, Y/n felt like she was going to get whiplash from how fast the atmosphere shifted from work to anything but.

—————————

Keeley and Y/n made the short drive to Nelson Road and went straight up to Rebecca’s office. Y/n had daily meetings with the Greyhound’s owner and Higgins, but Keeley only popped in once a week.

“Morning,” Keeley knocked on Rebecca’s door, but entered without asking.

“Good morning,” Rebecca said in a voice Y/n had quickly learned only came out when she was stressed.

“Something wrong?” Y/n asked as she set her purse by the coffee table.

Rebecca took a breath, “Trent Crimm will be joining our meeting this morning. Apparently he has a proposition he’d like to talk to us about.”

Y/n confusedly looked to Keeley before bouncing back to Rebecca.

“Trent previously worked for The Independent,” she continued, “I don’t know if you read the article about Ted’s panic attacks last season, but he was at the helm.”

In fact, Y/n hadn’t read anything about Ted’s panic attacks until recently. And if she had heard the name ‘Trent Crimm,’ it hadn’t made a lasting impression.

“So…” Y/n started, “Do we like him or…?”

“I suppose it’s neutral,” Rebecca sighed, “Or that could change within the hour. We’ll see.”

Y/n gave a thin lipped smile, “Fun.”

By the time the three letters hit the air. Higgins was knocking on Rebecca’s door, Trent Crimm in tow.

“Good morning, all,” he greeted, “I’ve brought our special guest.”

Rebecca stood to her feet, smoothing her blouse as she did, “Trent. Always a pleasure.”

“The pleasure’s mine,” Trent said, his voice smooth and even as he shook Rebecca’s hand.

“I believe you’ve met Keeley Jones,” Rebecca gestured to her friend, “But you haven’t met our latest hire. This is Miss Y/n Y/l/n, she’s heading up PR alongside Keeley.”

Y/n stretched her hand over Rebecca’s desk to take Trent’s.

“Lovely to meet you, Miss Y/l/n,” the former journalist greeted.

“You as well,” Y/n replied, keeping an even expression.

Rebecca gestured towards the chair on the opposite side of the desk, “Please.”

Trent took a seat while Y/n, Keeley and Higgins formed a united front on either side of Rebecca

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I requested to meet with you,” Trent said, pausing briefly after, “As you know, I recently left my position at The Independent in favor of pursuing other creative avenues. However, having spent much time here, as well as other clubs, I know how unique AFC Richmond is.”

Unique. The same word Y/n had used to describe her feelings on Richmond. So she wasn’t the only one who saw it…

“Not only this past season,” Trent continued, “Being relegated only to make a triumphant return, but the team, the coaches…” Trent spread his hands, “It’s all quite special in contrast to other clubs.”

Finally, Trent paused the flattery and got to the heart of the matter. “I’m quite interested in writing a book about AFC Richmond. It would, of course, contain some of the club’s rich history, but I’d specifically like to focus on this season, which would entail shadowing the club for its entirety.”

Red lights. Big, red flashing lights went off in Y/n’s head.

“Well,” Rebecca stuttered, reaching for her tea cup, “That is…certainly a proposition.”

“Quite,” Higgins agreed, that nervous smile pasted on his face.

“It’s wonderful to hear,” Y/n added, glancing briefly over to Keeley and seeing the same panic in her eyes, “That the club’s so highly regarded.”

Trent smiled easily as he waited for an answer.

“But,” Rebecca said rather loudly, before catching herself, “I feel that the final say can’t come from me. I think it’s only right that Coach Lasso be the one who decides.”

“Yes,” Keeley interjected, “That’s a very good point.”

Speak of the devil, or whatever inhumanly cheery being he channeled each morning, The Final Say rapped his knuckles on the door.

“Good morning, Viet-“ Ted began as he strolled in.

All at once, in nervous relief, Rebecca, Keeley, Higgins and Y/n all shouted, “Ted!”

“Hey, look who’s here,” Ted grinned, pointing to Keeley, “Hi, Keeley.”

“Hello, Ted,” Trent turned in his chair.

Ted stopped in place, before shaking the man’s hand, “Trent Crimm. Are you kiddin’ me? Hey, nice to see you, man. You know, they got a big ol’ Ziploc bag full of your hair ties down at the lost and found. You should pop on down, i-if you still want ‘em.”

Ted went about placing the daily delivery of biscuits on Rebecca’s desk, something Y/n still didn’t understand.

“Mr. Crimm has requested to follow the club this year,” Rebecca paraphrased, grinning unnaturally large at Ted, “He wants to write a book about us.”

“Oh, yeah?” Ted raised a curious eyebrow.

“I think there’s a story here worth telling, Ted,” Trent said.

“Yes,” Rebecca smiled, “And we all,” she gestured to her own team, “Love the idea, but obviously as manager, we thought you should have the final decision.”

Ted sucked his teeth, “Oh, okay.”

As he began to think it over, and while Trent’s back was turned on the group, Keeley, Rebecca, Higgins and Y/n began to mouth and gesture a silent chorus of ‘no’ to Ted.

“I mean, geez, you know…” Ted stalled, his eyes bouncing between his co-workers and Trent.

It was a nightmare waiting to unfold, Y/n tried to communicate that passionately with each shake of her head. All eyes were already on Richmond, waiting for them to mess up. Waiting for some drama that could be exploited. They didn’t need someone describing every failure in graphic detail, catching every ugly moment…

Ted felt otherwise.

“Sure, what the heck? Why not?”

Y/n grimaced.

“When can you start?” Ted asked, “No time like the present. Except 11:11, that’s my wishing time. Or 23:11, if I’m at a military base or Euro Disney.”

“Right, well,” Rebecca breathed, “Decision made. Wonderful,” she smiled at the newest addition to the Richmond fold, “Trent, welcome.”

Y/n kept the same polite smile, praying her face held.

The chime of Higgins’ mobile broke the awkward silence.

“Holy shit,” the man exclaimed, “Zava is leaving Juventus.”

“Whoa,” Keeley cried, reaching for her phone in time with Rebecca.

“Wait,” Y/n paused, “‘Zava’ Zava?”

Ted gasped, “What about their kids?” He earned himself a brief glare from the foursome across from him, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what any of those things meant. I thought it was like Greek mythology or something. I was just lost. I just went with that. Sorry.”

“Zava’s a world class striker who’s about to leave his club in Italy,” Trent explained for Ted’s benefit, but Y/n listened as well. She knew nothing more than the name.

“Ooh,” Ted replied, “Cacio later, Pepe.”

“Apparently,” Higgins began to read from the headlines, “He wants to play in the Premier League because his wife binged The Office and she wants to live in England.”

“I think you mean Scranton, Pennsylvania, buddy,” Ted pointed toward Higgins.

“We didn’t do it first, Ted,” Y/n replied, glancing up from Google quickly, “Ricky Gervais?”

“Oh, that’s right,” Ted remembered, “Y’all did a premake over here.”

Higgins brought them back to the original topic. “If we got Zava,” he breathed, “That would be amazing.”

“He would be huge for the club’s brand,” Keeley added, “He’s got, like, 90 million followers. One time he just posted the word ‘7 million likes.’ It got 10 million likes.”

“Yes, but he is very expensive,” Rebecca countered, “And isn’t he supposed to be a bit of a diva?”

Y/n was scanning the top search results for the star player, already not thrilled with the level of consistent inconsistency she saw. But Keeley was right, he was on his way to Beckham level status.

“Yes, huge diva,” the blonde answered, “Enormous. He goes through teams like you go through manicurists.”

“The fumes make me dizzy,” Rebecca defended, “And I overshare,” she quickly looked to Trent, “Please don’t print that.”

“We have to balance what he’d do for the brand versus the enviroment he’d create,” Y/n spoke up, “But, yes, generally speaking, he’d be incredible.”

“Zava has gone through 14 teams in 15 years,” Higgins spoke for the other side, “Leaving behind nothing but chaos and trophies,” longing developed in the man’s eyes, “Beautiful, shiny trophies.”

Rebecca sighed, “Yes, but, Leslie, who wants to deal with all that drama?”

“Apparently, everyone who can afford him,” Higgins answered, scrolling an article, “Chelsea, Arsenal, United, West Ham…”

“I say, let’s just go for it,” Rebecca said, barely letting a beat pass after the utterance of her ex’s team, “I mean, maybe he’s a handful, but who doesn’t love a handful?”

“Well, I mean, if you’re talking salted peanuts,” Ted replied, “Yes, please. If you’re talking Skittles though, no thank you. You know, the dye melts and it gets all over your fingers, makes ‘em all sticky,” Ted laughed before pointing to Trent, “And that, you can print.”

“Wonderful,” Higgins decided, “Let’s set up a meeting.”

“Great,” Rebecca cheered as the rest of the room voiced their own enthusiasm, “Let’s go get Zava. Zava-dabba-doo!”

Keeley and Y/n each collected their things and headed for the door with Higgins and Ted.

“This is exciting,” Keeley said cheerily.

“Potentially a huge headache,” Y/n replied, ever the more pessimistic, “But it could be great.”

“So, am I to assume,” Trent asked Rebecca, not having moved from his spot, “You’re going to pursue a notoriously mercurial player you can’t really afford simply because the team your ex-husband owns wants him?”

From the door, Ted, Higgins, Y/n and Keeley all gave an encore of the previous performance, gesturing wildly to Rebecca to answer ‘no.’

Following Ted’s lead, Rebecca responded truthfully. “Yes.”

A second of silence passed before Trent gave an approving smile, “Love that.”

Feeling safe leaving Rebecca and Trent alone, Y/n followed the group out and down the stairs. Keeley informed her along the way that she was off to oversee a commercial shoot, but to text her if she had any questions. Regardless of Y/n’s reservations, she admired that Keeley was a hands-on boss.

Once in her office, Y/n set down her things and tried to ignore the nagging feeling in her gut that she needed to speak to Ted. He’d gone forward with Trent Crimm’s book idea without even considering the possible repercussions for the club. One week on the job had shown Y/n that Ted was optimistic to a fault.

“He knows what he’s doing, he knows what he’s doing,” Y/n muttered to herself, taking a deep breath and sitting down at her desk. She’d barely made contact with the chair before she was back up, “Nope.”

Descending down the staircase with purpose in each step, Y/n made a beeline for the coach’s office, passing Keeley and Isaac. She knocked on the door twice before poking her head in.

“Well, hey there, Y/n,” Ted greeted from his office, waving her over, “Come on in.”

“Hi,” Y/n smiled, shutting the door behind her and coming to stand before Ted and Coach Beard’s adjoined desks. The latter wasn’t in yet. “Do you have a second?”

“Hey, for a fellow ex-pat, you can have two,” Ted joked.

Y/n had prayed on multiple occasions that she’d learn to appreciate Ted’s off-beat humor as everyone else seemed to. God had yet to deliver.

“I just wanted to make sure you’re considering,” Y/n gestured circularly with her hands, “All the angles of what allowing Mr. Crimm to follow us this season means.”

“Okay,” Ted replied, moving to sit down at his desk, “Speak your mind, small fry.”

“Look, I know that a book all about Richmond sounds flattering,” Y/n explained, “And it is, but…regardless of whether he currently works for a publication or not, Trent is, at his core, a journalist. And some journalists may say they’re out to capture the good, but most of them are only interested in capturing the bad. And he’s going to be here for,” Y/n shut her eyes to accentuate the point, “Every single moment of the season. Which means every slip of the tongue, every mistake, basically,” she gestured between Ted and Coach Beard’s chair, “Any wrong move you or the team make will be put into print and potentially inflated to make you look even worse. It’s just…” Y/n took a breath, “Not the best idea.”

To his credit, Ted not only listened to Y/n’s points, but seemed to genuinely consider them.

“Well, I appreciate you bringin’ all that up, Y/n,” Ted finally replied, “Really. But I’ve known Trent a while and he’s a good egg. He’s not gonna try and paint us any other way than which we are.”

Y/n’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “This is the same man who wrote about you having a panic attack on the pitch.”

“Oh,” Ted waved the memory off, “He was just doin’ his job. Ain’t no water needs to pass under that bridge.”

“Uh-huh,” Y/n replied, her mouth hanging open at the lack of thought that was going into this.

“All that aside, I think Trent’s gonna do a bang-up job,” Ted smiled, “And if anything comes up, we’ll make sure to let him know to leave it out.”

“Okay,” Y/n clapped her hands together before holding them up, “Forget I said anything.”

“Wait, what was that?” Ted asked, pressing a hand to his ear for added comedic effect.

Y/n threw him a courtesy chuckle as she made for the door, letting the faux smile fall as soon as her back was turned. She could officially go on record of saying she’d tried to save the club’s reputation. If Ted wanted to sabotage that, it wouldn’t fall on her head…

Emerging in the hallway, Y/n was more in her head than her surroundings. A solid blonde and blue blur in her peripheral vision, Jamie Tartt, brought her back. He was laser-locked on something down the hall.

Y/n came to a stop, glancing down the way from them to see the back of Roy Kent, bobbing down the hall, and Keeley standing by herself, with a bag over her shoulder.

“What are you looking at?” Y/n asked, more confused than curious.

“Science,” Jamie mumbled, his eyes following Keeley as she turned on her heel.

Y/n squinted at the reply, “Huh?”

“I think Roy and Keeley broke up,” Jamie answered.

“They were dating?” Y/n asked, her eyes now trailing Keeley as well.

The question finally broke Jamie’s focus and he turned to Y/n, “How could you not know that? I thought you and Keeley were mates.”

“She’s my boss,” Y/n gave a sideways glance, “Her personal life is none of my business.”

Y/n turned to Jamie, who was already tuned out of the conversation. “But something tells me it’s yours so,” she clutched the rail and swung up the stairs, “Have a good one.”

Behind her, Jamie mumbled some reply as they went on their separate ways.

—————————

Later in the day, after extensive research on Zava amongst other tasks, Y/n’s phone buzzed with a text from Keeley.

Are you free for a drink after work?

She sighed tiredly, out of all the people trying to befriend her, Keeley’s efforts were the hardest to combat. Maybe because she was sunshine personified, maybe because Y/n could tell she didn’t have an dis-genuine bone in her body…all she knew was she truly didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

A second text came through, offering salvation.

Promise it’s work related.

Y/n sent a reply immediately.

Sounds good. Text me where.

Once quitting time came around, Y/n drove to the posher side of Richmond and the address of the bar Keeley had given her. It was more upscale than the Crown and Anchor, but not so much so that it would be obscenely priced.

To her credit, Keeley dove right into the business of it all when they sat down. She told Y/n how at the commerical shoot, she’d run into an old friend from her modeling days and had offered her a job with KJPR. Something along the lines of a liaison coordinator between clients.

“Okay,” Y/n shrugged, “I don’t really see how this involves me though.”

“Well,” Keeley slid her martini glass away, “I was wondering, since you’ve got so much experience, if you wouldn’t mind helping me help her get adjusted? It’s a bit of a jump from her previous jobs and I just want to make sure she does well.”

While Keeley could sometimes appear naive, she wasn’t to be underestimated. Y/n knew this already. She was never in the KJPR office for more than twenty minutes at a time. She barely knew the names of the other employees. Keeley knew all this as well.

Y/n narrowed her eyes at her boss, “That’s not why you asked me out tonight.”

Keeley held her gaze a few seconds before breaking with a small smile, “No, it’s not. I just said that so you’d come.”

Y/n rolled her eyes only in half-annoyance as Keeley cackled.

“But I really would appreciate your help with Shandy whenever you’re around,” Keeley said firmly, “She’d benefit a lot, learning from you.”

“Sure,” Y/n shrugged, not even realizing that she was smiling, “Fine. But if she’s as deceitful as you, I want nothing to do with her.”

Keeley chuckled, “Fair. How’d your day go?”

“Fine,” Y/n sighed, twirling the olive on the toothpick of her drink, “Sounds like you had a better one though.”

“Yeah,” Keeley replied, her voice dropping and her eyes suddenly turning sad.

Y/n didn’t need to be told not to pry into anyone’s life, it was a professional courtesy she wanted herself. But if the members of AFC Richmond were so personally intwined, there was a certain amount she had to know.

“Can I ask you something?” Y/n carefully broached the topic.

“Yeah, of course,” Keeley replied softly.

“You and Coach Kent…” Y/n awkwardly ran her finger along the bottom of her glass, “Were you…?”

Keeley gave an almost imperceptible nod, averting her gaze back to her drink.

“I don’t need to know anything,” Y/n held her hands up, “I-“

“No, it’s fine,” Keeley dismissed her, “I mean, it sucks, but it also helps to talk about it.”

Not the intended result, but Y/n wasn’t going to shut Keeley down. It felt like girl code.

“I don’t know, it just…” Keeley pressed a hand to the side of her face, “Really came out of nowhere. I keep thinking back and trying to find where things started going wrong, but I can’t find anything. I mean, I’m wracking my brain constantly just wondering what I did wrong.”

“Look, I don’t know the situation,” Y/n replied, “The little I know about Coach Kent, he seems like a…” she searched for the right word, “Somewhat difficult person.”

Keeley breathed a laugh, “Yeah, sometimes. But not how you’d think.”

“But…maybe things just didn’t work because they didn’t work?” Y/n suggested, trying to ease a fellow woman’s pain a little, “I don’t know.”

“Yeah, maybe,” Keeley replied, not yet meeting Y/n’s eyes, “I just…”

She didn’t need to finish her sentence. Judging by the longing in her eyes, Y/n knew the next words would only reflect the love that remained on her end.

“Right, enough about me,” Keeley said, perking back up, “I just spilled my guts to you,” she poked Y/n’s arm, “Now you’ve gotta give me something.”

“I’ve got nothing to give,” Y/n chuckled and took a sip of her drink.

“Oh, there’s gotta be something,” Keeley squinted, “Have any of the players started hitting on you yet?”

Y/n nearly choked, “Thankfully no.”

“Are there any you want to hit on you?”

This time, Y/n was thankful she didn’t have anything in her mouth or else she definitely would have choked. “No,” she replied, her voice going up in pitch.

“Oh, come on,” Keeley laughed, “There’s gotta be someone.”

“Absolutely not,” Y/n swiped a hand through the air, “Unless you count Dani Rojas picking me up and spinning me around like he’d just come home from war, there’s been nothing.”

“Oh, that’s just Dani,” Keeley smiled, “He’s a sweetheart. But I’d bet you five quid, someone’s already got their eye on you.”

Y/n scrunched up her face at the possibilities of the thought. “Oh, don’t say that.”

“What?” Keeley shrugged, “You’re mad fit, you’re there all the time…someone’s gonna notice you.”

“Subject change,” Y/n shook her head,“Dear God.”

The night went on like that: Keeley trying to see how uncomfortable she could make Y/n until she laughed, which only resulted in them both laughing.

—————————

Richmond’s first match of the season arrived on a clear Sunday afternoon in Chelsea.

Y/n got herself to the stadium, clutching her Richmond badge just in case Rebecca had forgotten to put her name on the list. But sure enough, she sailed right on through security and rode the elevator all the way up to the VIP box. Coming down the aisles of seats, Y/n spotted the trio that were quickly becoming her group. Higgins, Keeley and Rebecca were huddled together in deep discussion.

“What’d I miss?” Y/n asked as they parted, taking the vacant seat next to Rebecca.

“According to Higgin’s wife’s, friend’s, sister’s airline stewardess’ massage therapist,” Rebecca sputtered, “Zava’s going to sign with Chelsea.”

“Oh,” Y/n sighed, feeling a bit deflated, “That’s too bad.”

It didn’t take long for the crowd to begin chanting, though neither team had come onto the pitch yet. Y/n glanced down at the field and spotted Roy Kent, facing the crowd and giving a reserved salute. She’d forgotten he was a Chelsea legend.

Y/n glanced over to Keeley, who was firmly squeezing Rebecca’s hand, and felt a twinge of sympathy pain.

But as quick as the crowd had been to cheer on Roy, their attention flipped as Zava himself came through the VIP section, taking a seat in the front row.

Y/n sighed, “Well, that’s a bit of salt in the wound.”

Not before long, the match kicked off. It had been a solid year since Y/n had been to a game, and even longer since she’d been remotely interested. But working for a club, she had to get back into it to some extent. She reacquainted herself with the rules as the clock ticked, her eyes bouncing between players. By the end of the first half, it was 1-0 in favor of Chelsea.

A loud gag came from Higgins, breaking Y/n out of her thoughts. “Is he okay?”

Rebecca didn’t seem at all concerned, “What now?”

“I might’ve jinxed it,” Higgins replied nervously, looking over towards where Zava was seated.

Y/n leaned forward to see an older man approaching the striker, shaking his hand confidently.

“I knew it,” Rebecca complained.

“I’m confused, who’s-“

Y/n’s sentence stopped in its tracks as the older man took off his sunglasses, revealing himself to be Rupert Mannion.

“Oh,” Y/n’s mouth hung around the vowel.

“Would you please go and find out as much as you can from your vast network of lip-reading massage therapists?” Rebecca asked of Higgins, who promptly departed with his phone.

Y/n took the opportunity to scan Rupert from a distance. He looked perfectly pleasant and somehow, that let Y/n know he was as dangerous as he’d been made out to be.

“Rupert’s gonna land Zava,” Rebecca stated.

“You don’t know that,” Keeley replied.

Rebecca sighed, launching into a story, “Years ago when I was bartending in that private club, Rupert and his then wife came into the bar,” she laughed, “He was the life and soul of the party. Buying rounds of drinks for everyone, telling stories. Just charm personified. And he left me a massive tip. And then about a week later, he came back without his wife and asked me out. I, of course, said no and then he left.

“What a dick,” Keeley replied.

“I’ll second that,” Y/n raised an eyebrow, glancing over at the dick in question.

“But then he came back the next night, and the next night, and the next,” Rebecca continued, “And he would just sit at the bar with a drink and chatted to me till close. And he just said ‘It doesn’t matter if you ever go out with me. It’s just worth it being here to get to know you.’”

Y/n and Keeley looked out at the air ahead of them, both contemplating the almost magic of it.

“It’s a fine line between stalking and romance,” Keeley mused.

“And after about six weeks of that,” Rebecca was building towards the conclusion, “He asked me out again. And I said yes without any hesitation because by that point…I just felt so lucky because he wanted me.”

Y/n gazed over at Rebecca, feeling the pang of understanding only women could share. The same one she felt for Keeley.

“He made me feel special,” Rebecca said, old emotion welling in her throat, “Chosen,” she glanced over at where her ex stood, “He made me feel like that.”

Y/n and Keeley looked over to a grinning Rupert, charming many laughs out of Zava.

While Keeley reached over and took her best friend’s hand, Y/n met Rebecca’s eyes and gave her the warmest smile she’d given anyone at Richmond so far. Through that, she hoped, Rebecca would know she was with her.

Not a moment later, Higgins shimmied his way back through their row.

“Well?” Rebecca asked as the three women straightened.

“I just got off the phone with my son’s karate teacher,” Higgins began to recall the trail of communication, “Who used to date the woman who ran Zava’s avocado ranch-”

“Would you please get on with it?” Rebecca rushed.

“He might be going to West Ham,” Higgins nervously answered.

“Damn,” Y/n fell back in her seat, more disappointed with more context.

“Shit,” Keeley exclaimed.

“I knew it,” Rebecca shrugged, entirely unsurprised. “Rupert always gets what he wants.”

The four of them sat there, wallowing in defeat, before Rebecca’s posture perked up again.

“You know what,” she pulled her purse from the floor, “If Rupert can sweet-talk Zava into joining his club, then so can I.”

“Yes,” Keeley cheered her friend on, standing up to let her out the row.

“Alright,” Y/n nodded, proud that Rebecca was willing to fight for the club. Better yet, despite her desperation, she could handle it with grace.

The second half began and the Greyhounds came out on the attack with a new vigor. Y/n wasn’t sure what happened in the locker rooms between halves, but something had changed during the fifteen minute break and it was working for them. Colin delivered the ball to Jamie, who passed it to Sam, who made a spectacular kick that bounced off the goal post, hitting Dani in the face, which resulted in an even more spectacular rebound into the net.

Keeley was out of her seat cheering, hugging Higgins before tugging on Y/n’s hands excitedly. Even though she was only getting re-familiarized with the sport, Y/n felt a pit of joy in her stomach as she watched the team celebrating on the pitch.

After the point, Rebecca made her way back down the row and rejoined the group.

“Well?” Y/n asked, extending her hands in anticipation.

“Did you sweet talk him?” Higgins asked.

“Uh,” Rebecca adjusted her coat, “What’s the opposite of that?”

The three of them thought a moment.

“Sour-yell,” Keeley came up with.

“Yeah,” Rebecca nodded, keeping her eyes on the match, “I did that.”

Keeley, Higgins and Y/n looked to one another in confusion. Any dignity Rebecca possessed seemed to disappear in the face of Rupert Mannion. But now, it had possibly cost them Zava, and Y/n felt the opportunities slip through their fingers.

The game, however, ended better than Rebecca’s conversation. A 1-1 draw and Richmond left with a goal on the board. The team was proud, and in turn, Y/n felt an inkling of pride.

“Right, well,” Y/n sighed as their section began to empty, “Shall we?”

“Yes,” Rebecca replied speedily, gathering her items, “I don’t think I can handle another run-in.”

The foursome picked up and left, heading back into the stadium.

“No one else was around for your…” Y/n fished for some better term for Rebecca’s blow up, “Sour-yell, right?”

“Thankfully, no. But I still think we need to get straight back to the office,” Rebecca answered as they climbed the steps, “It’s not safe here.”

As they made their way out, an above head TV screen spoke unavoidably loud.

“Please welcome the newest member of Chelsea Football Club,” one of the team’s staff said from the press room, “Zava.”

Keeley, Y/n, Rebecca and Higgins froze under the picture, unable to look away as Zava picked up the contract and paused before signing.

“I have changed my mind,” he told the room full of journalists, “Zava will not play for Chelsea.”

“Oh,” Rebecca sighed, “I’m sorry, I can’t watch this.”

As she left, Keeley followed with Higgins and Y/n bringing up the rear.

“Zava will play for Richmond.”

At hearing the name of their club, the group hastened back around the hall corner, mouths agape. As the press room filled with question after question that Zava would leave unanswered, Keeley hugged Rebecca and squealed. Y/n found herself laughing, pressing a hand to her chest in shock.

“So he responds well to yelling,” Y/n exclaimed.

“You did it,” Keeley grinned as she squeezed her friend, “You did it!”

Rebecca looked proud of herself, and rightfully so. This was a win for her, for the brand, for the whole of AFC Richmond. The season had just taken a massive turn in, potentially, the best direction.

“Okay, definitely back to the office,” Keeley made a plan, “We’ve got to put out a statement.”

“Right,” Rebecca smiled, victoriously leading her team out of the stadium.

—————————

After writing up an official announcement with Keeley, Y/n headed out for the night. She made it down the staircase just as the last of the Greyhounds were leaving the locker room, dressed for a night out.

“Ah, Y/n,” Sam called, giving a little wave.

“Hey,” Y/n greeted, “Congratulations on that goal today,” she looked to Dani with an awkward smile, “And…you too, I think?”

Dani laughed, “It was magnificent.”

“That it was,” Y/n chuckled.

“Listen,” Sam interjected, “The team is going out for a celebratory drink. Can we convince you to come and join us?”

Y/n shut her mouth and wracked her brain for replies that wouldn’t make her sound like an asshole. She liked the players, from the few interactions she’d had with them, but going out to a club with them was definitely not in her job description.

“That’s really sweet,” she smiled, “But I actually have plans.”

“Ah,” Sam nodded, painting his face with mock defeat, “Perhaps next time? When we win?”

“Maybe,” Y/n smiled, realizing she’d have to come up with another lie when the time came, “But you guys have a great time.”

“Oh, it is already a great time,” Dani replied as he began to make his way down the hall, pumping his fists in the air, “We got Zava!”

Sam and Y/n shared a laugh before bidding each other goodnight. Y/n waited a few minutes in the hall until the last sports car had left the lot before exiting herself.

Once back in the safety of her apartment, she changed into pajamas and flipped on the television. Keeping the volume low, she pulled out her cell from her purse and dialed a familiar number.

“Hey,” her sister’s voice came through after two rings.

“Hi,” Y/n sang as she moved around her kitchen.

“How’s the great football executive?” Caylee asked.

Y/n scanned the contents of her freezer, settling on a frozen lasagna. “Definitely not my title. And definitely not one I want.”

“What? Who wouldn’t want to be in charge of a team who score goals with their face?”

Y/n got a laugh out of the memory, “You watched the game?”

“Of course I did,” Caylee replied, an smile evident in her voice, “Still don’t fully get it, but I watched it.”

Watching as her dinner spun in the microwave, Y/n smiled. Thousands of miles between them and it felt like her little sister was just in the next room.

“Well, ‘one’ would not want to be in charge of a team that scores with their face, or allows a tabloid writer to tail them all season,” Y/n listed off the incidents of the week, opening the microwave before it could beep, “Or gets photographed coming out of a bloody sewer.”

“Ah,” Caylee understood immediately, “Still got that ten foot pole?”

Y/n could finally sigh in exhaustion without worrying anyone would catch her. “Cayl, if you spent two seconds here, you’d understand why.”

“No,” Caylee calmly said, her voice jumping an octave, “That’s never been my thing. It’s always been yours.”

Setting her dinner down on her kitchen table, Y/n took a seat. “It’s not that it’s a bad place, it’s a good gig. The people are just…a lot.”

Caylee hummed, decoding what her sister meant. It came off condescending.

“What’s that?” Y/n asked, semi-annoyed.

“Nothing,” Caylee replied.

“It’s something.”

“Nope,” Caylee popped her lips, “Just wondering if you ever get lonely up there in your cold corporate castle.”

The thing about talking to people who knew you…was that they knew you. Caylee was the only person that could see through Y/n’s barriers and knew exactly what prompted their creation. She was the one person Y/n couldn’t hide from.

“How could I ever be lonely when I’ve got you?” Y/n finally answered, reaching for the tv remote.

Caylee snorted, “Alright, c’mon, fill me in. I wanna hear everything.”

Y/n channel surfed until she hit Sky Sports, where the highlights of the match were being played. The main attraction, of course, was Dani’s goal.

“I don’t even know where to start…” she smiled, watching the replay and settling in for the night.

—————

Heartfirst Taglist

@lalla-04p @optimisticsandwichgladiator @makingmunson94 @taytaylala12 @storysimp @sokkigarden @lightninginab0ttle @poohkie90 @alipap3 @verra-nerevarine @shineforever19 @spaceagechimera @burnafter-reading @qardasngan @cyberpvnk-enthusiast @sogoodtoheritsvicious @buckybarnex @angelsunflxwer @blueanfield

#ted lasso fanfiction #ted lasso fanfic #ted lasso fic #ted lasso imagine #ted lasso x reader #rebecca welton x reader #keeley jones x reader #jamie tartt x reader #heartfirst

[bellofthemeadow]

Dawn Ends the Night | Chapter 4

Aemond Targaryen x FemReader (Dayne)

Previous Chapter | Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Rating: M for Mature (18 + no minors allowed)

Word Count: 5.5k

Warning: All warnings on the Series Masterlist, will update if necessary (Re-iterating, no minors allowed! Thank you)

Chapter Summary: After Aemond saved you, you are presented to court.

Notes: New character unlocked! Hello you guys, I am so happy to be back with a new chapter, its not necessarily a filler chapter, but it is definitely a "move the plot along" chapter. Can you believe that we are still on the same day the Lady Dayne arrive to King's Landing?! Sorry for the snail's pace. but I really like to dig deep into the psyche of the characters. It should start moving a bit faster now.

ALSO, omg you guys were so kind with all the love you gave me, and I am so happy that you are enjoying this story 🥰 Your comments and reblogs are fueling this story, so thank you so much xxx

Unto the story, LMK what you all thinks and if there are some things you would like to see, feel free to tell me 💜💜💜

Love you all

Taglist: @duds31 , @snh96, @lol-im-done, @heavenly1927, @whimsywilde , @queen-123s-posts , @httyd-marauders , @singhfae ,

The Iron Throne

Perros despised King’s Landing he hated everything about it from its oppressive heat to the humidity that was always thick with a constant, putrid stench that reeked of death and desperation. Having lived most of his youth on the streets of Sunspear, he had thought himself familiar with poverty and misery of those of lesser means. Yet, after just a day navigating the Captial’s streets, he realized how mistaken he had been; even the most destitute street urchin in Dorne seemed to live like a king compared to those in Flea Bottom. 

As the evening sky started to fall and dim on their first day in the city, Perros was dumbstruck that his lord would still consent to leave his only daughter to languish in such a dismal place.  Perros had always felt a close connection to his young lady. He had after all, witnessed the young lady’s youth and had watched her grow from a little sapling to an elegant and beautiful cherry tree. He had even been present at her birth, and Perros was certain he was the first outside the immediate family to cradle you after you entered the world –screaming and crying face scrunched up and as red as a little tomato. Perros still vividly remembered how small and fragile you had looked in his large, scarred hands. The future Lady of Starfall, your father had declared. Perros had also been there for your first steps, the first time you went in the Dornish Desert, the first time you had swum in the Torrentine. Perros had seen all of the work and expectations placed on your young shoulders as the future ruling lady of Starfall – and he had seen it all snatched away after the birth of Gerris.  

Perros could still remember when life was simpler, in those days he would follow you around Starfall, ensuring your safety – running after you as you would try to evade your tutors, twirling on your small pudgy legs. Perros may not have been your father by blood, but his love for you was no less than that of a true parent and he had always taken immense pride in your achievements and when your birthright was passed over in favor of your younger brother, Perros had felt such a deep outrage. So much so that he had been willing to take arms in your name. Despite his respect for your father, he could never fully reconcile with the decision to favor Westerosi customs over the Dornish practice of absolute primogeniture, which held no bias against gender in inheritance and would have seen you on the starry seat. This injustice had always kindled a flame of discontent in his heart, and he had vowed that if your father would not, he would always do right by you.  

And today he failed you.  

When your party had just arrived in the city, like when you were a child, you had managed to elude Perros' vigilant watch. He had been so preoccupied with surveying potential threats around the carriage that he hadn't noticed your discreet departure. The mere thought of what could have happened had the one-eyed prince not intervened sent shivers down his spine. He shuddered at the possibilities and although he could not help but find the boy an arrogant sniveling prince that was unworthy of even licking the ground you walked on; he was nonetheless grateful for the boy’s intervention.  

Only a few hours had passed since the turmoil at the market, and following the Queen and the Hand's directive, The Dayne retinue had taken some time to recuperate and prepare for the formal introduction at court. Much to Perros’s amusement, you had taken much of that brief respite to caring for the scruffy young boy you had rescued from the market. You diligently scrubbed him clean, his skin eventually taking on a healthy glow. Later, after Prince Aemond had insisted on being led to your chambers, you even spent part of the afternoon in his company, a fact that Perros found utterly unbecoming of royal decorum. 

He stood guard, silently observing as the prince awkwardly assisted in managing the boy. Aemond held Davos firmly, yet his stiffness and apparent disconnection from the warmth of your smile struck Perros as wholly unsuitable for someone of your worth. In the guard’s eyes, the prince's rigid demeanor and aloofness did not befit someone worthy of your affection or regard. 

After an hour, Perros had gruffly shuffle the dragon prince outside of the room, refusing to listen to his backward grumbling or your insistence that he could stay. While you were changing? Absolutely not. Perros had remained firm, you needed time to prepare before meeting the rest of the dragons and their Hightower kin. Snakes. Snakes wearing dragon skins, but snakes nonetheless, Perros thought.  

Following Prince Aemond's departure, you entrusted Davos and your brother Gerris to the capable hands of your trusted maid, the same one who had taken care of you alongside Perros’ watchful eyes. Athna, with her years of experience and her motherly touch, gently herded the two boys, softly silencing their childish protests, away for a much-needed nap. Gerris, though the young heir to Starfall, was still too tender in years to be formally introduced at court and the bond he had swiftly formed with Davos, it seemed already impossible to separate them – the boys had become friends since their introduction earlier in the day and Davos’ presence in the throne room would be deemed inappropriate. For common born lads do not belong at court with well-bred folk, Perros thought, yet he was welcome and regardless of his birth he was the captain of the guard for House Dayne, had been for the past 15 years. Birth mattered less so in Dorne, perhaps the lad could come with them and leave this putrid city behind, Perros pondered, and Lady Dayne could come back with them and they could all forget about this business.  

Upon his return to escort, you to the throne room, Perros was met with a vision that nearly brought tears to his eyes. There you were, no longer the little girl who hung unto his legs and begged for stories of the desert, but a captivating beauty with wisdom in her eyes. Your dress, a delicate lilac silk intricately embroidered with stars, hugged your form in a way that highlighted your softness and elegance. It was a sight that filled Perros with immense pride, yet also a twinge of sadness. The young charge he had watched over for so many years had blossomed before his eyes into a dignified lady, ready to step into the world. 

"You are a sight for these old eyes, my lady," Perros uttered, his voice quivering with emotions.  

You faced Perros with a gentle, self-effacing smile. "You know, after the day's events, you'd think I'd feel more prepared for this. I mean, I barely escaped having my head chopped off in the street," you said with a light, self-deprecating laugh. "And I have even met my betrothed. And surprisingly, I think we might get along well. But I am still so nervous.”  

Perros let out a snort at your observation. "That boy should count himself fortunate just to breathe the same air as you, my lady," he remarked. 

You playfully rolled your eyes at his comment. "Oh, please, Ser. Le us not speak ill of him. After all, Aemond is a prince – and a most gracious one at that." You teased.  

"A prince of a realm that holds no sway in Dorne," Perros countered dryly. 

Your laughter rang out, light and carefree. "You have quite the knack for diplomacy, Ser," you teased. 

Perros responded with a half-smile. "My sword is the only diplomat I need." 

Your eyes sparkled with mirth. "Perhaps it's best to keep that sort of diplomacy sheathed when we enter the throne room," you suggested with a wink. 

Perros let out a soft snort and watched you attentively as you stood before the mirror, expertly arranging your hair under the elegant hairnet your mother had given you, the shiny strands of your hair framing your face with grace. 

The room fell into a heavy silence, filled only by the soft rustling of your gown. Perros's gaze remained fixed on you, his expression a mix of fondness and concern. His voice, when he finally spoke, was thick with emotion. "My Lady, just give me the word, and I'll whisk you away on the next ship. We can escape to somewhere far from here, away from dragons, from politics. I could take you back to Dorne – to Princess Aliandra. The Martell would look after you!" 

You offered him a melancholic smile, "Your loyalty has always been unwavering, ser Perros," you replied gently. "But we both know fleeing is not an option. It never was an option. I love my family too deeply to abandon them. And as for Prince Aemond..." You paused, your gaze lingering on your reflection as you blushed slightly. "He saved my life. Perhaps being his wife won't be the dreadful fate I once imagined." 

"A cocky dragonling, that's all he is," Perros grumbled under his breath. 

"You have always been overly protective, dear Ser," you said with a soft chuckle. Hugging yourself, you looked thoughtful. "Do you think I can handle it? This life at court?" 

Perros met your soft gaze in the mirror, "There's no one more gracious or better prepared for such a task than you, my lady." His voice betrayed a hint of sadness. "Even if it pains me to say it as it means acknowledging how much you've grown." 

Your smile was bittersweet, as you let out a breathy laugh. "I remember when you'd carry me back to bed after I'd sneak out to watch the stars on the ramparts." 

"I've earned many gray hairs because of you," Perros snorted warmly, "You were a handful, my lady, but you touched my heart. I'd do anything to see you happy." 

"I might not find happiness," you mused, "but perhaps I can find contentment." 

"That's not enough," Perros insisted softly. 

 You looked at him, a mischievous glint in your eyes. "You know what would truly make me happy, Perros?" 

He straightened, ready for your command. "Just say the word, my lady." 

"I would like you to take care of Davos. Teach him everything you know. I want more for him than the life he's had so far. I do not want him to be alone anymore.” 

Perros snorted gruffly "That little Davos, eh? He's a scrawny thing, but with the right care, I suppose he could grow strong. He's got spirit, that one." 

You nodded. "He is a fighter; he just needs a chance. And with Gerris already taking a liking to him, I'm sure he shall fit right in with the rest of the family." 

Perros raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in his voice. "And you think the royal family will just accept a Flea Bottom urchin in their midst?" 

You smiled, a hint of mischief in your expression. "Maybe they will have to. I've already spoken to Prince Aemond about it, and he has agreed to discuss it with his mother." 

Perros huffed, "And you trust him?" 

"He's given me no reason not to trust him," you replied steadily. "He saved my life, Perros. And he seemed genuine about helping Davos." 

Perros sighed, the lines on his face deepening with worry. "My lady, your heart is too open, too trusting. It worries me, what others might do with such kindness. You wear this cloak of a ghost, trying to shield yourself, but I see through it.” Perros took a small breath, before softly continuing “Your heart is too large, too exposed. Be cautious, my lady. Don't let them take advantage of your goodness.” 

Approaching Perros, you reached out and wrapped your arms around the seasoned guard, holding him tight. "You've always been my rock, Perros. Believe in me a little, will you? You have taught me everything I know after all. " You softly admitted.  

Perros returned the hug, his tone laced with a hint of regret. "I only wish I had more time to teach you... But you remember, don't you? How to defend yourself if necessary?" 

Your laughter was light at his words, "I don't anticipate the need, Perros, but yes, I remember. Between the ribs to make it hurt, straight to the heart to make it quick.”  

He nodded sagely. "And subtly, to leave no trace?" 

"I'm not planning on poisoning my betrothed, Perros!" you chuckled, shaking your head. 

"Just ensuring you're prepared, my lady," Perros replied protectively.  

You smiled warmly. "Thank you, Perros. But let us keep discussions of poison out of these walls, please." 

"I'll do my best, my lady," he promised, his expression softening.  

The sound of knocking interrupted the moment. "My lady, it's time. The court awaits," called a voice from outside.  

Taking a deep breath, you steeled yourself. "No backing down now,” you took a deep breath “Time dance with some dragons.”  

The grandeur of the Targaryen (or perhaps Hightower?) court was a striking blend of both everything you expected and the unimaginable. Its vastness and opulence were just as you had envisioned – expansive windows casting brilliant light across the room, the pervasive symbols of the Seven adorning the walls, and the hall itself, immense in its scale. Dominating the space was the Iron Throne, a chilling emblem of Aegon the Conqueror's might, forged from the molten swords of a thousand defeated foes.  

Yet, as you beheld the throne, a surge of Dornish pride swelled within you. Dorne, after all, had never yielded to the dragonlords. The words of House Martell, "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken," resonated with a deeper meaning, but it was your own house, House Dayne, that had historically been the shield of the Torrentine. You remembered the tales of your ancestors, steadfastly repelling invaders, or in times of desperation, slowing their advance to buy precious time for the other houses of Dorne to prepare. 

House Dayne had endured much at the hands of the dragons and the Hightowers, but in this moment, amidst the intimidating splendor of the Iron Throne, you felt a sense of covert triumph. Today, it was your family that held a pivotal position of influence, and this knoweldge filled you with quiet confidence as you stood before the throne, the legacy of your house a silent yet potent force at your back. 

Upon nearing the foot of the Iron Throne, your attention was inexorably drawn to Prince Aemond. Positioned regally to the right, he presented a stark contrast to the man you had encountered earlier. His silver hair, which had previously hung loosely, now was arranged in an elegant half-updo, lending him an air of refined sophistication. Dressed in what appeared to be the finest black leather, he exuded an aura of princely dignity, enhanced by the presence of a longsword at his hip. With his hands neatly clasped behind his back, he observed your approach with a piercing blue eye, sharp and discerning. Almost predatory. 

This frigid version of your intended seemed worlds apart from the one who had awkwardly, yet warmly, helped you with Davos. The raw protectiveness he had displayed in the market was now cloaked behind a facade of cool detachment. Standing there, he seemed carved from marble, exuding an air of untouchable, statuesque grandeur, he appeared as a figure from the legends, the embodiment of a Dragon Lord. Observing him in the shadow of the Targaryen throne, standing tall and imperious, it was easy to believe the tales told by the smallfolk – that the Targaryens were more akin to gods than men. Yet, as you stood there, a small smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. This fearsome Dragon lord, Aemond One-Eyed, was the same man who had been struck by a soapy sponge just hours before. The memory of Aemond, momentarily caught off guard and spluttering with indignation, as Davos and Gerris were cackling with glee had somewhat shattered the formidable image he now presented. 

Your gaze swiftly swept past Prince Aemond, landing on the figure seated next to him – from the dark green doublet with the golden pin on his breast, the man could only be Otto Hightower, the hand of the king. Notably absent was the King himself, rumors of the King's failing health had reached Dorne, but to see the throne unoccupied during such a crucial introduction – your presentation as his son’s betrothed and as the first Dornish retinue on Westerosi soil since the Conquest – hinted at a deeper malaise within the realm. 

You pondered whether the King's absence played into the Hightowers' favor. With no monarch to potentially disrupt their schemes, Otto Hightower's influence was unmistakably clear – no number of dragons or wildfire would change that fact; the Hightowers ruled here. Otto’s eyes, sharp and calculating, met yours. There was an almost tangible weight to his gaze, as if he were measuring your worth, gauging whether you would be an asset to his plans or an unforeseen hindrance. 

Next to the throne, your gaze settled on a woman of sophisticated poise with a cascade of dark auburn hair. She was clad in an exquisite gown of deep green samite, the high neckline accentuating her stately bearing. Her attire was accentuated by ruffles of a darker shade at her wrists, and her neck was adorned with a striking necklace of emeralds and onyx, shaped into the symbol of the Seven-pointed star. This must be Queen Alicent, you reasoned. 

Yet, for all her poised appearance, you could discern a subtle undercurrent of anxiety that seemed to ripple beneath her calm facade. It was as if each of her measured movements and serene expressions were carefully orchestrated to mask an inner turmoil that screamed to be released. What mask would you need to wear after your marriage? A face of practiced contentment? Or would you need to seem as cold and lethal as the blades forming the throne, and keep your Dornish warmth to the confine of your husband’s arms? Would he even welcome your warmth, a traitorous voice murmured in your head.  

The Hand of the King's voice broke the silence of the court. "It is my privilege to welcome House Dayne to our court. We greet our Dornish brothers and sisters, and the realm rejoices in embracing them back into its fold." The words, spoken with a calculated warmth, hung in the air, but their reception among the courtiers was mixed. Murmurs rippled through the crowd, and you could feel the undercurrent of barely veiled disdain for your kin. 

As you stood there, your mother's firm grip on your bicep served as a silent reminder of the facade you needed to maintain, while your father's smile, a practiced mask that barely concealed the distaste in his eyes, echoed the sentiments of your own heart. 

“Dorne has long sought friendship between our two noble and valiant kingdoms," your father began, his voice smooth and measured. "As lord of house Daynes, whose lineage traces back to the Dawn Age, it is my honor to mend the rifts that have long divided our kin. And given today’s events, perhaps a touch of Dornish wisdom is precisely what this city needs.” 

 Otto visibly bristled at your father's veiled critique. “Indeed, an unfortunate incident," he conceded, his words tinged with a forced calmness. "Though, it must be said, had your daughter adhered to the expected bearing of a lady—safely ensconced within her carriage—such an unpleasantness might have been averted.” 

Your father opened his mouth to respond, but you swiftly interjected, your tone honeyed yet edged with steel. “Or perhaps the crown should offer a timely reminder for the city watch that an overzealous exercise of power is not always necessary or justified." 

A collective intake of breath echoed through the room; Otto's face contorted like someone who had sucked on a sour lemon. He quickly masked his reaction, regaining his poise. "Indeed, my lady. A most astute observation. Perhaps you would grace one of our small council meetings with your insights. We would be most delighted to benefit from your wisdom." 

The throne room buzzed with suppressed snickers and whispers. Mocking. Mocking you. Mocking your ideas and your lineage, bastards you thought. Meanwhile, you noticed Aemond, his fists clenched in barely contained anger seething next to his grandfather.  

With a poised smile that belied the storm brewing within, you replied, "I would welcome such an opportunity, Your Grace. I am heartened by your gracious invitation." 

Otto's brow furrowed, readying a sharp retort, but before the words could leave his lips, Queen Alicent smoothly stepped in. "We are indeed relieved that you emerged from the ordeal unharmed, my lady," she began, her voice calm yet carrying across the room. The murmur of courtiers filled the air as she continued. "My son Aemond has spoken highly of your courage, particularly your selfless act in defending a young boy at great risk to yourself." Her gaze swept across the assembly, her expression one of sincere admiration. "Such gallantry is truly commendable and speaks volumes of your character. It has always been my belief that the woman who would marry my son must possess a resilience of spirit. I am glad that it turned out to be the case, my lady." 

Trust. This was the unspoken question that hung heavy in the air. Are you with us or against us? Her gaze seemed to demand. What role will you play in this game of thrones, and how will you influence my son? The queen’s warm gaze seemed to demand. 

What was your endgame? Even you could not definitively say. Your heart pulsed with your love for your homeland, the desire to serve your family, to protect those you cherished. But could you extend that loyalty to this new, intertwined Hightower-Targaryen lineage? Could they become your family too? 

Your eyes flicked towards Aemond, whose demeanor was a volatile mix of restraint and simmering anger. A wrong word and he looked like he might explode. The words of his grandfather seemed to have struck a nerve, yet there was something more beneath that tempestuous surface. In the brief hours since your paths had crossed, he had shattered the rumors of his cold-hearted nature, showing glimpses of kindness and vulnerability. Could you learn to understand... nay to love this enigmatic prince who had saved your life? To become his partner, a bridge between Dayne and Targaryen, nurturing future heirs who would one day soar the skies on dragonback? Your mind wandered, envisioning a child with silver hair and laughing eyes, astride a majestic purple dragon, Dawn gleaming in their small hand. 

"I too am relieved, Your Grace," you replied respectfully. "Prince Aemond's actions were both brave and just. His courage in defending not only me but also the ideals of his house was commendable. You have every reason to be proud of him." 

Alicent's expression softened at your words, you had said the right thing apparently. She stepped forward, her movement graceful and composed, and gently took your hands in hers. She smiled, and there was warmth in her eyes, trying to get a read on you, on your intention. She seemed satisfied with what she saw because she slowly tugged you with her toward the dais. Your parents' expressions briefly registered surprise and a touch of apprehension at this unexpected development as you were drawn away from them. 

With your hands still clasped in the queen's, she led you closer to the throne, positioning you beside Prince Aemond. A flicker of panic crossed his features as you stood there, a mere breath away from him, you could feel the twitches of his fingers next to your hands- his presence was so overwhelming it was almost crushing.  You could hear Queen Alicent (or was it the Hand?) drone on in front of the court, but all you could feel, hear and see was Aemond.  

"Prince Aemond," you whispered playfully. 

Aemond, his voice equally low replied, "Lady Dayne." 

"It is a pleasure to see you again, my prince," you continued, the corners of your mouth curving into a subtle smile. 

"We saw each other merely two hours ago, my lady." he pointed out. 

"A lifetime for some prince Aemond," you quipped lightly. "I would have thought my absence might weigh heavily on my betrothed's heart." 

Aemond appeared momentarily lost for words, his usual composure faltering. While Queen Alicent continued her discourse on duty and loyalty, you maintained a facade of rapt attention, though a sly smile played on your lips.  

"Surely, you have missed me in these past few hours, my prince?" you murmured under your breath, the hint of a tease in your tone. "A betrothed left unmissed is a grievous oversight, would you not you agree?" Aemond, caught off guard, struggled to respond. 

Reproachfully, Aemond looked at you with a glower of distrust "You find amusement in mocking me, my lady?" 

"No, only in the delightful shade of pink you turn when lightly ribbed," you teased, observing as his ears flushed a deeper shade. 

Aemond cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "It has been some time since anyone dared to make such jests with me. To tease a dragonrider takes a certain fearlessness. Some would say stupidity even." 

"Is the great Vhagar present in this room, then?" you inquired with mock seriousness. "I see no mighty she-dragon poised to devour me." 

A soft chuckle escaped Aemond's lips, but it was cut short by a stern glance from his grandfather. The Hand's disapproval was evident and was seeping through his every pore, which you could see even from his position on the throne. Was Otto Hightower regretting the alliance already? How quickly to make an antagonist of one of the most powerful men in the realm, this calls for an award, you thought morosely. 

“I pray that Davos has recuperated from the ordeal?” 

You smile, “It depends; the attack in the market or the forced bath? If it's the former, I believe he has bounced back quite resiliently. As for the bath, well, I fear the poor boy might carry that trauma for some time, given the intensity of his protests. 

You glanced at Aemond's hair playfully, "I must say, your hair seems to have weathered the soapy siege remarkably well. I'm relieved, really. It would have been a tragedy to see such fine, silken locks come to any harm." 

Aemond's response was a tad unimpressed "You do me too much honour with your flattery, my lady," he sarcastically uttered. Then, in a softer voice, he added, "I'm relieved to hear the boy has not been too deeply affected by today's ordeal." 

You nodded, "Davos is a resilient child. For now, I have entrusted him to the care of my knight, Ser Perros. He is to teach Davos everything he once taught me. I have every hope that he will grow to be strong and fearless, never again to be a victim of brutality." 

"Is it a customary practice in Dorne for a knight to oversee a young lady's upbringing?" Aemond inquired. 

You offered a light shrug, "Ser Perros was not responsible for my formal education, but he ensured I would never be defenseless. Despite what transpired in the market, I assure you, I am far from helpless." 

Aemond's voice was soft, his gaze still fixed ahead as Queen Alicent continued her discourse. "I would not dare to think otherwise, my lady," he said. "Your courage outshines that of many men of greater size and strength. I myself know of a young boy who would have wished for nothing more than to have a guardian as valiant as you when the time called for it." 

Twice now, Aemond had mentioned this young boy - once at the market and again just moments ago. Curiosity bubbled within you. Who was this boy? Did Aemond genuinely know him, or was this some sort of strategy to charm you? To humanize himself to you? Your gaze discreetly swept over his striking profile: the pronounced aquiline nose, the defined jawline, and the sharp cheekbones – you feared you could cut yourself on him if you got too close. By the Gods, it was so unfair – this man was such a beautiful specimen, a perfect blend of sharp angles and elegance. You could almost feel homely when standing next to him. Almost. You had seen the hungry looks from some of the male courtiers when you had first entered the throne room, Perros had almost taken some heads before the formal introduction had begun.  

As you stood beside Aemond, carefully positioned by Queen Alicent on his unscarred side, your eyes couldn't help but drift to his face. The sight of his lone, good eye, clear and intense, pulled at something deep within you. A curious urge overtook you, a desire to reach out and gently touch the leather patch that covered his other eye, to silently convey that his imperfections held no sway over your perception of him. The loneliness and hurt that lingered in his gaze were palpable, almost tangible in their intensity. You knew little about the prince beside you, but perhaps, in time, you and Aemond would find the words to share your stories, to reveal the journeys that had shaped you both into who you were today. 

The commanding voice of the Hand resonated through the hall, snapping you back to reality and away from the small bubble you had created with Aemond. 

"With the formalities now concluded, we can finally rejoice in the joyous celebration to mark the betrothal of my grandson, Prince Aemond, to a noble daughter of House Dayne. May their union be enduring and bountiful, heralding a new era of prosperity and unity for both our houses. This wedding, under the watchful eyes of gods and men, shall be a beacon of hope and unity, shining brightly against the backdrop of our bloody histories.” Otto Hightower paused, his eyes sweeping over the assembled courtiers with deliberate calculation. "In four moon’s time," he began, his voice laden with nuanced implications, "the Seven Kingdoms will welcome a new princess into its fold. This auspicious union will not only fortify the bonds between our houses but will also herald a new epoch of strength and unity for House Targaryen and all its true and devoted allies. It is a time where loyalty shall be rewarded, and the true power of allegiances will be unveiled. Now comes the time when we must take care to distinguish friends from foes, and I am grateful to call House Dayne, and the whole of Dorne, true friends of the crown." 

 The weight of Otto's words hung in the air, its sinister undertones sending a shiver down your spine. You felt a wave of apprehension washed over you. You knew why you were here, your father and Prince Quoren had warned you of the green’s plot and yet, your heart raced nonetheless. You had not thought that Otto Hightower would be so... blatant in his desire for power and the weight of the situation pressing down on you like a physical force. 

 It was then you felt a gentle but firm pressure on your hand. Glancing sideways, you saw Aemond, his expression inscrutable, not even looking at you, but his warm, large hand enveloped your smaller shaking one in a soft grip. It was as if he, too, sensed the burgeoning unease within you, and offered a silent reassurance. His touch, surprisingly warm and grounding, was a small comfort amidst the rising tide of fear and uncertainty. In that moment, the prince, spoken of in whispers of terrors, felt less like a stranger and more like a friend.  

Leaning closer, his presence a comforting shadow, Aemond's lips hovered near your ear, his breath a warm caress against your skin. His whisper was barely audible, yet clear, "Might I have the pleasure of your company tomorrow to break our fast, my lady?"  

The soft intimacy of the moment caused a warm blush to rise on your cheeks. "It would be my joy," you responded with surprised. You did mean it truly; you would be delighted to eat with Aemond tomorrow.  

"Shall we say at dawn?" he suggested, “Or is that too early, my Lady?”  

"Dawn is quite perfect, my prince– any later and I would feel robbed of your presence” you ribbed.  

"Is this to be our fate? For you to tease me until the end of days?" Aemond’s good eye slides over to you, inscrutable yet vulnerable.  

Biting your lip in a moment of contemplation, "If it displeases you, I can refrain, my lord." you offered shyly trying to tug your hand back – but Aemond refused to let go.  

His reply was swift, his tone soft yet earnest. "No, please... never stop," he murmured with a naked vulnerability that touched you. "My lady." 

You gently squeezed his hand, offering a silent gesture of comfort and understanding, "Dawn it is then," you affirmed softly. 

Next Chapter - Interlude

#aemond targaryen x you #aemond targaryen x reader #prince aemond #aemond one eye #aemond targaryen #aemond x reader #aemond fanfiction #aemond x oc #aemond targaryen x oc #aemond targaryen x ofc #hotd aemond #aemond targaryen x fem!oc #hotd fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic #house of the dragon aemond #house of the dragon #house targaryen #hotd #otto hightower #alicent hightower #aemond x fem!reader #aemond x you #aemond targaryen x female reader

[storiesofsvu]

A Dangerous Game Ch 19

Emily Prentiss x reader warnings: language, usual BAU case work/crime. mentions of smut. i am more than well aware that half of this technology doesn't work like this in real life, we're not gonna talk about it. for the sake of the fic, this is how it works LOL. part of me feels like this is a filler chapter but it was needed for how things are going to progress.

When you landed back in Quantico Derek was quick to say he’d be the one to swing through the BAU to pass off paperwork to Emily. You thanked him, but said you had to pick up a couple things from your desk and pop in to say hi to Penelope. Luckily the bull pen was empty, you were able to snag what you needed without being seen, swinging your go bag over your shoulder again you wandered through the halls until you reached Garcia’s office, softly knocking on the open door as you stepped through it.

“Hey you.” She greeted with a warm smile and you gratefully accepted the tight hug as she stood, wrapping you into her arms and pressing a kiss to your cheek. “How was Seattle?”

“Shit.” You mumbled back, slipping out of her embrace and dropping down into a spare chair, “very unfortunately ran into a not so good ex, but at least Morgan was there to counter balance the crap.”

“He is very good at that.” She smiled.

“And don’t worry.” You reached into your bag, “I was not too distracted to forget your present.” You gently set the box down on her desk and she beamed across at you. It had started pretty early on, that whenever you went somewhere new, you’d pick something up for Garcia, it was usually some kind of coffee mug, and this time it was exactly that, from the original Starbucks.

“You are an angel.” She leant forward, kissing your temple and you smiled, squeezing at her hand before you glanced toward her computer screen.

“What’s got you working late?”

“They raided a warehouse Dewald was hiding out at, found a bunch of his electronics, I’ve been working my way through them.”

“Rat bastard.” You grumbled, “deserves to be behind bars.”

“He is.”

“What?” You sat up straight at that.

“Well, I guess he’s not technically behind bars, but he’s in cuffs. They picked him up this morning, he’s been in interrogation all day.”

“Why did no one tell me?!”

“Well, you haven’t really been picking up your phone this week.”

“I— okay. Fair.” You let out a small sigh, twirling your chair slightly to face the desk, “you found anything good yet?”

“I’m honestly not sure, after decoding a bunch I got into his hard drive and I’ve kinda just been poking around. There’s a ton of these audio files, some of them are date stamped and there’s a ton that aren’t.”

“Just audio? I mean we already knew he was big in surveillance.”

“Yeah.” Penelope leant forward, clicking on one, “and look at this, like, it’s just static for hours, sometimes even days at a time.”

“Weird.”

“Right? I’ve just been fast forwarding through basically silence. If I listen carefully or separate off background noises I can kinda hear traffic, or distant noises and I’m pretty sure there’s an animal somewhere but why would Dewald have this?”

“I mean, he’s a psychopathic killer, we may never be able to figure out his motives.”

“Oh! Oh!” She nearly jumped suddenly, “that was a door closing.” Her hand shot out, hitting the play button so the two of you could actually hear the recording rather than skimming through it. Her head tilted as her eyes widened slightly, “and that… sounds like two people who are very eager to get to the bedroom.”

“Dewald never had any sexual motivations or crimes.” Your brow furrowed, but she was correct, you could hear the sound of shoes being kicked off, clothing and belts hitting the floor, the very clear sound of two people kissing, breathy moans and gasps coming through the speakers.

“That is definitely two people getting busy.”

“It’s two women….” Your head tilted as you listened.

“Are you sure?”

“Pen..” You cast her a look and she laughed.

“Right.”

A dark chuckle rang through the speaker and it sent a shiver down your spine before an all too familiar voice followed it,

“Oh princess… I never said you weren’t allowed to come. Poor thing. You must be incredibly pent up.” A small thud, “go ahead, make a mess of daddy’s pants.”

Your eyes widened at the same time Penelope’s did, however it was only your heart that began to race in your chest.

“Oh.. my god.” She gasped, “that is Emily…”

“Turn it off!” You smacked her hand, “Pen, turn it off, turn it”—

It was too late to save your own humility as your voice was the next to very clearly come through the speaker.

“Oh fuck…. Oh god daddy!”

“That’s it princess. Let everyone know just how good daddy fucks you.”

It was Penelope’s turn to smack your arm with her hand, latching on as she turned to you with a gasp, her eyes wide before the grin took over her cheeks.

“Oh my god! You guys are kinky!” She laughed, “I knew it! I knew there was something going on with you but I did not realize it had progressed this far.”

“Can you turn it off please!”

“Oh, yes. Sorry.” Her hand left your arm, darting out to pause the recording. “Jeeze. No wonder Emily’s so smitten with you.”

You’d dropped your face into your hands in an attempt to hide your complete and utter humiliation, letting out a heavy groan before you glanced back up at the other woman.

“I would definitely not call it that, and it is very much past tense.”

“Oh come on.”

“Can we not talk about this please!” You begged, it had been a long enough week as is and to be completely honest, you were still feeling the hangover.

“Why?” She nearly whined back and you could see the glee etched across her face, and not in the way that she was going to tease you about.

“You really wanna know?”

“Yes please.” She nodded with a wild grin and you let out a heavy sigh, rolling your chair closer to her computer.

“You said some of these were dated?” She nodded, watching you scroll through the pages until you found what you were looking for, “put an earphone in, I don’t need or want to hear this again.”

You watched as Penelope’s face fell, glancing over to you before she reached out and squeezed your hand. A few minutes later she paused the recording and pulled out her earphone, having heard enough,

“When was this?”

“About two weeks ago.” You sighed, “same day I got kicked off the case. Still have no clue why the fuck she would send me flowers right before pulling that.”

“She sent you flowers?”

“Yeah.”

“You sure?”

“There wasn’t a note or anything but it was the only thing that made sense.”

“Hold on.” She wheeled her chair over to another computer where she was quick to pull up traffic cams and find the right time and date. “That little weasel.”

“Is that Dewald?” Your brow furrowed, watching as he placed the bouquet down on your doorstep before turning and heading back down the steps, “but… she texted me about them.”

“When?”

“When I got home from the verbal lashing.” You rolled your eyes and Penelope’s eyes narrowed.

“Do you still have the texts?”

“Unfortunately.”

“Phone please.” She extended her hand and you gave her the device after unlocking it, watching as she hooked it up to the computer and swiped through various screens. “Does Em still have that iPad?”

“Yeah, usually on the coffee table.”

“Look, these texts,” her cursor highlighted a handful, “all from Emily. But the one about the flowers… he cloned her phone. Well, iPad in this case but thanks to the cloud and all that fancy stuff, he’s got access to her texts. This guy is almost too good.”

“You’ve lost me.” You rubbed a hand over your face, “and why do you have surveillance outside my house?”

“It’s how we managed to track him down. We knew he was targeting you, easiest place to start was your home.”

“Targeting, no. Pen you’re going down the wrong road here.”

“You know that’s why Emily took you off the case, right?”

“What?” You laughed, “no, it was cause I went rogue without her permission.”

“No sweet cheeks, Dewald was going after you.”

“What are you talking about? Because I was the original agent on the case?” Your brow furrowed as your tired hungover brain tried to unscramble what she was saying. It certainly wasn’t helping that she was piecing things together, beginning to talk a million miles a minute between clicking through random screens on multiple computers.

“No. Well, that is what I originally thought, but look at this.” She had pulled up a video from the field in Florida and you nearly winced at the sight of Emily kissing your temple, “he witnessed that. He was peeved she killed his partner and wanted to get back at her in a similar way. He managed to get out of Florida, get to DC and now we know he had something recording in Emily’s apartment. You were the target because he thought the two of you were together. Ten bucks says that after cloning her phone his plan was to lure you out, making you think you were meeting her for a romantic date night and do… unspeakable things instead… the flowers were the start of the seduction. Until you replied like that and he realized that this route wasn’t the route to go.” She paused to glance up at you and you were looking at her like she had two heads, “did you not know any of this? She really didn’t tell you about the cat?”

“What cat?!” You asked, groaning, “that conversation you just heard was the last time we spoke outside of this office.”

“Man, she really did keep you in the dark on this one.” Her voice was softer when she began to come back to earth, realizing how much she had just info dumped on you at the end of a very long week.

“Penelope, I love you to bits and pieces.” You sighed, standing from your chair, leaning forward to kiss the top of her head, “but my brain is too hungover for this. Enjoy your conspiracy theories and if you listen to any more of that, for the love of god fast forward please.”

“Oh, oh don’t worry. I will be zooming past all of that.” She chuckled softly before her voice softened, “and hey… just think about it, okay?”

“Yeah, sure.”

*

Across the building, Derek was waiting in Emily’s office while he was filling out some last minute paperwork on the case from Seattle. He heard a small shuffling behind him before her blazer came swinging into view, being tossed onto a spare chair.

“You coulda just left the files.” She greeted.

“Had to finish up a couple of things.” He shrugged, “and I wanted to see how it went with Dewald.”

“He won’t say much but he also didn’t lawyer up. Now it’s Saturday, so he gets to spend the rest of the weekend in the tombs.”

“At least you got him.”

“Yeah.” She sighed, dropping down into the chair behind her desk, “I take it Wilson didn’t come in from the jet.”

“I told her I could handle it.” He replied, Emily tired enough she didn’t pick up on the shift in his tone, the coolness of his voice the second you were brought up.

“How’s she holding up?”

“Better.” He sighed, flipping a file closed, “think a night out helped.”

“Oh?” She raised a brow, feeling her stomach begin to churn, “I didn’t expect that drink to go well….”

“I didn’t ask.” He shrugged as he moved to stand, “but she got in pretty late.” He dropped the file onto her desk, “anyways, I’ll see ya Monday.”

“Yeah.”

Emily’s lips pursed as she watched him leave the office, she knew that she technically had no right to be jealous or upset right now, but it didn’t matter, she still very much was. Instead she tried to push it to the back of her mind, picking up the files Derek had left to go over them before submitting them. She still had a bunch of her own to go through as well, making sure Dewald would be ready to be processed out on Monday. It was a few hours later by the time she heard Penelope’s heels making their way toward her office, pausing right as she crossed the doorway.

“Hi…” she greeted, her boldness suddenly vanishing from her body.

“Hi…?” Emily raised a brow in her direction.

“Uh.. I… uh…”

“What?” She laughed, “spit it out Garcia.” She took in the expression on the other woman’s face, worry taking over her, “oh god… what did you do?”

“You know, this time… I actually didn’t do anything. But I do have a bone to pick with you and honestly, I’m more than a little mad at you right now. Because you did do something.”

“What are you on about?” She laughed once more, placing down her pen to fully tune into the blonde.

“You and Wilson.” She finally spat it out and she definitely caught the way Emily tensed.

“I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about.” She bluffed, though she could feel her heart rate spike.

“Oh come on Emily! Cut the crap! It’s been the unspoken topic all week. I know I’m not a profiler but I’m not dumb. Not to mention I’ve been going through Dewald’s computer, and now I know you know about the bug in your apartment.”

“Oh god…” Emily dropped her face into her hands, more than a little embarrassed as she realized what Penelope was talking about and just how much she must have heard.

“Also, Wilson knows that I know. But she did swear me to secrecy.”

“As she should have!”

“You need to talk to her!”

“Why?” She looked up at her with an exasperated sigh. It was Saturday, she shouldn’t have even been working in the first place and now everything was coming out of the woodwork.

“For starters you owe her one hell of an apology.”

“What?”

“Two days before you kicked her off the case you found the bug, didn’t you? Sergio broke something, and the apartment gets really quiet from then on in. Until you ended things with her. Which, for the record, I don’t believe one bit. I know you Emily, you wouldn’t be that cruel unless there was a reason. You would have let her down easily, especially knowing that you still have to work together and instead you tore a strip off her, crushed her heart. After all those weeks of sickeningly cute date nights, spending the entire weekend together? And don’t even get me started on how much sex you two were having, my god, good on you guys! After all of that, to rip the rug out from under her, it’s gotta be about the case. You need to talk to her because you care about her, and you hurt her…”

“Are you done?” Emily asked softly, her voice meek, her gaze directed down at the desk in front of her as Penelope let out a huff and she felt the tears misting into her eyes.

“I think so.”

“I broke her heart Pen…” She finally glanced up at the other woman who winced at the look of sheer pain written across her expressions and she finally fully came clean about everything, not that it mattered, Penelope had clearly already heard basically everything.

“So you go and apologize.”

“What? Right now? She just got back from Seattle; I think I can give her a little breathing room.”

“That’s honestly probably a good idea, she’s pretty hungover.”

“She mention anything about Skylar?” Emily raised a cautious brow.

“No. And hey! Even if she did, I wouldn’t tell you because you don’t get the privilege of knowing until you’ve apologized and begged for forgiveness that I really, really hope she gives you because you guys are so stinkin’ cute and honestly I just really need you to kiss and make up and be together.”

“I honestly don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me.”

“Oh c’mon.”

“Pen, you don’t understand, she’s been hurt so badly before, walked out on, abandoned and now I’ve done the exact same thing to her.”

“Yeah but it was to keep her safe. She’s gotta at least understand that.”

“How is she supposed to trust me again?”

“Well you start with an apology and an explanation, and then give it time.” Penelope’s voice was softer this time, “you really care about her don’t you?” When Emily looked up at her, her eyes were blurred with tears and she let out a shaky sigh, finally fucking saying the words out loud.

“She was the first person I let myself fall in love with in a very long time.”

“Well then tell her that!” The last three words were enunciated by Garcia smacking the file folder in her hand against Emily’s arm.

“Hey!”

“Idiots.” The blonde muttered under her breath, turning to leave the room. “Promise me?”

“I will!” Emily groaned, “once we know Dewald’s in actual prison, I’ll explain everything.”

“Good!” Penelope called as she disappeared out of the office.

*

When you got home that night you realized just how fucking exhausted you were, grabbing the mail from the mail box as you unlocked the front door. The first thing you noticed was that you kicked something small, shooting it across the floor before it clinked against the bottom stair. The second was the beeping coming from the now working and active alarm system.

Dropping the mail onto the entry way table you padded over to the security system and punched in the code you’d chosen when Derek was attempting to set it up and the beeping stopped. Brow furrowed, you moved back to the stairs, picking up what was glinting in the sunlight and realized it was your spare key, pocketing it you flipped through the pile of mail. Nestled in between the folds of a Whole Foods flyer was the blue lanyard the key had been on the last time you’d seen it.

You glanced between it and the alarm box a few times. Emily had been in your house. Emily had made sure that the security system was properly up and running by the time you got home and had slipped the key under the door rather than stashing it on the lanyard somewhere. Two big things that would contribute to your continued safety.

Maybe there was something to Penelope’s findings after all.  

__________________

@mickey-gomez @momlifebehard @melindawarnersgf @itisdoctortoyousir @emilyprentiss4life @somethingimaginative17 @temilyrights @alexxavicry  @anya-casablanca @daddy-heather-dunbar @aliensaurusrex @rustyzebra @ilovemycrayons @thegrantwater @leftoverenvy @kades95 @dextur @m00nkn1ghts @augustvandyne @supercriminalbean @daffodil-heart @msvenablesbitch @its-soph-xx  @going-gray @just-a-torn-up-masterpiece @hopelesslyfallenninlove @peanutbutterprincess  @kdaghay @emilyprentisssluvr @lex13cm @awolfcsworld @zizzlekwum @emobabeyy @riveramorylunar @s1ut4nat @midnight-sapphic @scorpsik @thisisraes @prentiss-theorem @unsubologyy @strongsassysexysloane @svushots  @overtrred28 @hbkswife @happenstnces  @sapphicprentiss @heidss @geekyandgay98 @pagetboobstarcomments

#emily prentiss #emily prentiss x reader #criminal minds #a dangerous game

[campbyler]

curious: do you guys generally write the entire chapter and then have the other go in to beta/go back and edit or do you do it a little at a time?

hi wayli! usually we share google doc access w each other when we are like halfway to 2/3rds-ish done, just so the other person can read everything and catch up, bc it def helps when you’re starting a chapter and getting through the awkward stage to be able to do so with some privacy lol. we don’t really go in to Edit until whoever is writing the chapter is pretty close to finishing — probably with i want to say maybeeee one scene’s worth of total writing left? (including transitions and some filler bits and whatnot). it helps us to do it all at once so that we can keep track of things like consistency and repetition. we also leave comments on our own doc as we write marking areas we want the other person to keep an eye out for, or specific parts where we struggled and need help rewording etc, so that definitely is made easier when we have as much written to work with as possible!

#do we have a writing process tag #ik we answered quite a few asks abt it #writing process #<- just in case #asks

[buckybarnesss]

on fire: a teen wolf novel chapters 1-3

on fire was published on july 17, 2012. the day after raving had aired during the show's second season.

it was written by nancy holder who has written many, many tie-in books for multiple franchises but most notably she wrote novels for the buffyverse.

by tapping nancy holder to write the novel confirms to me that mtv was trying to do what teen wolf's spiritual predecessors did and create tie-in novels with the show and on fire was testing the waters for that.

it did not succeed because teen wolf doesn't have the kind of space for that. the timeline is too tight. teen wolf was part of the new netflix binge era. it had a seasons of 12 episodes that were wall-to-wall plot. there weren't silly filler episodes and they didn't do monster of the week plots.

on fire assumes that you have seen episodes 1-5 of the show but it is also an AU of season 1 post-the tell.

i get the vibe that the author was given notes, some information or like an outline that she used to build a plot so it's interesting to see what tid-bits holder uses and refers to that still gel with canon or is consistent with what we know.

this isn't a novelization of season 1 that's for sure but, hey, i took notes.

i'm going to break the novel up into 3 chapter chunks.

so without further ado let's get into it. on fire: a teen wolf novel or as i've been thinkin of it as.

the novel starts right at the very end of the tell after the parent teacher conferences. 

the way it's described when argent shoots the mountain lion brings to mind the scene in to kill a mockingbird when atticus shoots the rabid dog. chris argent is no atticus finch but he sure does learn to walk a mile in someone else's shoes doesn't he?

i somehow always manage to forget that the tell is the episode where allison turns 17. she doesn’t live to see her 18th birthday. shot through the heart man. 

oh my fucking god scott. the way this is written i imagine holder is trying to invoke derek and kate as if there’s some wild age gap between him and allison when they're like 9 months apart in age. allison is not kate jesus chris. look at this shit:

“scott hadn’t known allison was seventeen, a year older than the other kids in their class -- older than him -- and didn’t want anyone to know.”

Fuck Rafael McCall. Meet me outside and catch these hands.

“he knew his dad wasn’t keeping up with child support payments. not that his mom had ever mentioned it.”

this is where the transition into heart monitor would be. it is a pretty terrifying dream scott has. peter’s such a dramatic bitch. scott’s dreaming of being in the woods with everything on fire and then he’s being compelled by peter to come kill with him. which just reinforces my whole thing about peter and scott being psychically connected. we don’t see this with any other alpha-beta connection to this degree. derek senses victoria killing scott in raving but we really do not get this in the show very much as it seems to be a Dark Sided power. but we do see peter use it again in season 6a with the whole “you were my beta first” scene. 

scott mentions stiles’s having ADHD so to me that means that nancy holder was definitely working with the idea that stiles does have it. stiles having ADHD seems like a plot thread that got dropped really quickly by the show but remained in dylan’s acting choices and in fandom’s mind.

scott is the only beta we see experience sleepwalking episodes. it seems tied to the compulsion and mental link he shares with feral alpha peter.

the entire paragraph is something. firstly, it wasn't until night school, the episode after this one, that peter tried to push scott into killing his “pack”. but lol melissa called stiles scott’s “litter mate” and stiles wearing his target shirt that he wore in wolf moon and the one that subtextually could reference the nemeton and eventually scott's pack symbol. i don't believe we ever actually saw that shirt again. the tragedy.

“stiles had on his bullseye t-shirt, and it kind of freaked scott out when he wore it. as if it meant that stiles were a target. They both knew the Alpha wanted Scott to kill him to cement Scott’s acceptance that he was a member of the Alpha’s pack. Who better to take down than the guy Scott’s mom had once referred to as his “litter mate”?”

this is where it's starting to get kind of weird because the plot of this book takes place during season 1 but it’s not strictly following the plot. it feels like an alternate season 1.

jackson has gone missing. when is he not missing is the more appropriate question? 

so chapter 2 starts with scott and stiles joining lydia and allison at The Popular Kids Table to discuss jackson being missing. this wouldn’t have happened in season 1. this dynamic didn’t exist until at minimum season 3. lydia didn’t even acknowledge stiles’s existence until the winter formal at the end of the season. 

jackson’s parents apparently went to paris right after the parent-teacher conference, leaving their high school age child alone for an extended period of time in the middle of the school year? what? no wonder jackson’s fucked up. why didn’t they just go around christmas and instead they waited another three weeks or some shit. that is weird.

jackson’s been left a note from a supposed private investigator about his birth parents while his parents are out of town, which is totally not sus at all. 🙄🙄 lydia's concerned about him looking stupid so she won’t go to the sheriff and she doesn’t even approach jackson’s best friend danny. like, danny would know a lot more about jackson than scott or stiles would. lydia, i know allison is the one who involved scott but for fuck’s sake. 

look even a page later lydia says “he and jackson barely know each other.” then why are you involving scott in what you seem to believe is a personal matter? 

do people just generally know jackson was adopted? i can see lydia knowing but scott and stiles? allison just fucking moved there so she doesn’t know anything about anyone. this is quite the personal piece of information i doubt he’d want others to know lydia. 

this is such an AU because after the parent-teacher conference stiles was giving scott the cold shoulder due to his dad being hurt. 

also stiles is supposedly sitting at this table the entire time lydia, allison and scott are talking and has not given his opinion on the matter yet. very unlike him. if there's one thing stiles has it's opinions on jackson and his father's job. stiles would be all over this.

this fucking line is brutal man -- “stiles was the only person on the planet who knew he had become a werewolf. well, derek knew, too, but derek hardly counted as a person.” that said, i do think it’s accurate to scott’s headspace at this point regarding derek. avoiding seeing derek as a person is a way of detaching himself from the situation he’s found himself in. 

alright so we’ve got a POV change to allison --a nd it’s all about how cute acott is. allison I love you but chill please. 

okay so this is interesting. “her mom had been angry, too. allison could tell that if had been left up to her, she wouldn’t have been so harsh about having to stay all weekend. her mom liked scott.” are we sure we’re talking about the same victoria argent? granted this is pre-werewolf reveal so as far as victoria knows allison is just mooning over a nice normal human boy but i have a hard time imagining this being the same victoria who gave us the crazy eyes and the sharpening your dick metaphor.

this still haunts me.

"except i won’t get to spend time with scott except at school until i’m, oh, 112.” oh right in the feels

this book really assumes you’ve seen episodes 1-5 of the first season. allison’s mentioning aunt kate and the necklace in a way that makes the assumption the reader knows who and what they are. 

jackson’s password for his tracking app is “captain”. that is worse than the password being lydia or like scott famously having allison as his password. y’all suck and have shitty computer security.

these kids are sophomores in high school and lydia and allison are really having a discussion about jackson going to a pay by the hour motel as if that’s a thing 15-16 year olds do in the california subburbs on a regular basis. as if jackson would lower himself in such a way to begin with. he’s snobby as fuck. it’s such a weird conversation.

i am page 20 and i feel like so far this author hasn’t been very nice to stiles. not having him say a word in the lunch conversation about jackson despite not only being very opinionated about jackson whittermore’s general existence he’d also have thoughts on a missing person. like, he didn’t even speak when his dad was brought up as a possible avenue of help which is odd. then about a page later there’s this sort of tone used around stiles that feels condescending about him being hyperactive.

this paragraph is, uh, something that could’ve only been written in 2012 because it feels gross:

“lydia shrugged. then she turned to allison. “tell you what. if the boys are willing to the motel for us ---” “to a motel. to look for a guy,” stiles said. ”maybe you should ask danny?” danny, their lacrosse team goalie, was gay, out and proud. “he could act, you know, more casual about it.”

that said, it does track with stiles being overly occupied with the perception of his sexuality and that danny does shit he’s way too young to be doing which is written around his sexuality. remember the whole older boyfriend and going to the jungle thing is season 2? 

it has been like 23 pages and allison’s got this subplot where she wants to have sex with scott. like girlie you’ve known scott for 2 days, keep your pants on. (it keeps coming up with scott too and it's annoying, okay).

it took stiles barely a paragraph to mention derek hale when the point of view switched to him. sir. 

i’m laughing at how derek’s point of view is paired with stiles in the way that scott and allison’s are. even in the non-canon book the Sterek Agenda is there. 

“a prankster with a wicked sense of humor.” is what derek refers to peter as before the fire. is that what we are calling it derek because i would disagree.

“i dreamed of other alphas coming after me. why? it’s not a crime to kill an alpha. i’m a werewolf. the way we progress in status is through challenge.” now this is an interesting perspective. werewolves progress via challenges. that's still sort of in-line with what we see in canon.

allison and scott are driving into the seedier side of town. AKA what seems to be where the poors live. scott describes seeing boarded up buildings, pawn shops and “some kind of clinic where you could sell your blood.” which I assume is a plasma center where people donate and get paid in return and this little classist shit says “remind me to never get a blood transfusion.” god he’s such a 16 year old..

i saw kate's name on the next page where chapter 4 is

#my blog #thoughts on teen wolf #teen wolf #heather reads #on fire: a teen wolf novel #or teen wolf the AU

[pinktyuns]

chapter one - he’s hot!

series : shoegaze sex

genre : roommate!taehyun x beomgyus bsf & lead guitarist of a band!reader

word count : 3512

warnings : cursing, mentions of one piece, so many mentions of avatar the last airbender, beomgyu is very beomgyu, pink tyun!! a mention of kevin de bruyne (?) taehyun is stressed, a ladybird reference (iykyk) 

a/n : here is the first chapter!! i am literally just getting started here lol i hope u love her im so excited for whats 2 come!! <3

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Taehyun, are you even listening to me?” Beomgyu asked, causing Taehyun to look up from his laptop at the clearly annoyed brown haired boy glaring at him from across their shared kitchen table.

“To be honest, I wasn’t,” Taehyun mused, running a hand through his pale pink head, “this calculus is kicking my ass.”

Beomgyu sighed (quite dramatically, Taehyun wanted to add), “I was asking what you would think about someone moving into our spare room, and splitting rent three ways instead of two.”

Taehyun was interested now, the idea of another roommate in his and Beomgyu’s small, 3 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment was not something they had ever thought about. Currently they used the third bedroom as a guest room/storage; it mostly being a guest room for a drunk Jeon Jungkook who would fall asleep and was unable to make it back to his own bed most Friday nights, a tired and stressed from school Yang Jungwon, or Choi Soobin, who was pulling yet another anime marathon with them (Taehyun still didn’t know why Soobin and Beomgyu thought they could catch up on all of One Piece from the beginning, including filler, over one weekend but hey, you couldn’t say they weren’t ambitious). 

Taehyun mused, thinking it would be nice to split rent three ways instead of two, but he liked his life with Beomgyu. Beomgyu, although not being the quietest, cleanest roommate, seemed to be a perfect match for Taehyun, and they’ve lived together since freshman year when they were placed in that shitty, drafty dorm together, becoming fast friends and have chosen to live together ever since. 

Taehyun wondered how a third person adding to their life would affect his day-to-day activities and habits. A complete stranger coming into their life, who knows if they were clean or messy, if they were loud or quiet, if they were a goddamn serial killer or not. 

“Well, who would it be?” Taehyun asked, “Like a random stranger?”

Beomgyu grinned across the table, his eyes lighting up, “No, you know my best friend y/n, right?”

Taehyun nodded slowly, “I’ve never met her, but yeah, you’ve definitely mentioned.” 

“Okay so,” Beomgyu started, leaning onto the kitchen table, “she’s transferring universities, something about ours being better for her major or whatever, but she really doesn’t wanna live in the dorms and I definitelysaidshecouldliveherewithuspleasedon’tbemadIloveyou!” Beomgyu clasped his hands together at Taehyun, who was trying to understand his roommates rushed words, “You already told her she could live here?”

Taehyun wasn’t mad, just confused, he’s never met you but heard so much about you and your guys’ high school escapades from Beomgyu, the most memorable being planting trees in the football field simply because a football player had rejected you. 

Beomgyu shook his head, fluffy brown hair swishing around him, “I didn’t like, say she could but I definitely didn’t say she couldn’t.” 

“Oh my god, you’re hopeless,” Taehyun sighed at his friend, returning his attention to his laptop, sending Beomgyu into a panic, thinking that Taehyun had just ignored his question of you moving into their place even though he knew you were gonna arrive next weekend anyway.

“Wait!!” Beomgyu exclaimed, “before you get all sucked back into your weird hard math, is it cool or not?”

Taehyun sighed, thinking about the situation at hand, thinking about the pictures Beomgyu has of the pair of you from your high school graduation framed in his room; Beomgyu looking younger but with the same eyes, the pair of you beaming at the camera as you held onto each other in your caps and gowns. 

Taehyun thought about the film photo Beomgyu has next to the graduation one: you at the beach, the sun setting at your back and a soft smile on your face as you look at the camera, wind blowing your hair around your face, your eyes almost teasing him, they had a playful sparkle in them. 

Taehyun always thought you looked soft, it matched Beomgyu’s softness. He remembered when Beomgyu turned 21 and you, stuck in a chemistry lab, couldn’t make it to his birthday. He remembered Beomgyu’s disappointment until a carefully wrapped package arrived at the door, unveiling a gorgeous silver Leica camera with a handwritten note from you to your best friend. You seemed kind, and loving. Soobin had always agreed to that, also growing up with you and Beomgyu. Taehyun knew you often offered Soobin girl advice over the phone, and when he got too in his head you guys would have Studio Ghibli marathons over a Discord call. 

Soobin and Beomgyu had always spoken so highly of you, it was almost like you were some urban legend in the apartment. Taehyun wondered if you moving in would really be that bad, and honestly, at that moment, he didn’t think so.

He didn’t lift his pink head up from his laptop, “It’s cool, Beomgyu. I have zero problem with it.”

Beomgyu leapt out of his chair, pumping his fist in the air like goddamned Kevin De Bruyne when he scored a goal for Manchester City, “YES! Oh my god I need to go call y/n right now!”

And just like that, he was gone, running out of the kitchen and into his room with a soft slam of the door, leaving Taehyun with his thoughts and his calculus.

———————————————————————-

“Do you think it’s a good idea?” Taehyun asked Jungwon a week later, as Jungwon sat at Taehyun’s desk as Taehyun himself lay spread out on his made bed, staring up at the ceiling.

Jungwon eyed his best friend, looking away from his laptop, “Is what a good idea?”

Taehyun sighed as he continued to stare at the blank ceiling, “Y/n moving in. I don’t know why but I’m suddenly having doubts about her living here.”

Jungwon cocked his head, dark hair moving, eyes regarding Taehyun, “Are you having doubts because she moves in tomorrow and it’s all you’ve been thinking about?”

Taehyun hummed softly, “Maybe.”

There were a few beats of soft silence, which was a common occurrence between Taehyun and Jungwon’s friendship, both of them being on the quieter side.

The silence and Taehyun’s intense ceiling staring was broken by a soft knock at the door and a deep voice following it, “Hey, it’s me. Beomgyu let me in.”

Taehyun got up at the sound of Kim Namjoon’s voice to open the door to reveal their insanely tall, buff friend. Namjoon was the biggest out of all of them (even if Jungkook insisted he wasn’t) but he was somehow the gentlest, soft spoken and kind, insanely passionate about his Masters in art history. 

He was also the oldest, the rest of them constantly going to him for advice or just to rant, he was always there.

“Hey Joon,” Jungwon mused from the desk as Taehyun went back to his bed to brood, “Tyuns having some sort of crisis again.”

Namjoon chucked as Taehyun glared up at the ceiling, “I’m not having a crisis. I’m just unsure.” 

Namjoon shrugged his messenger bag off by the desk, sinking onto the beanbag chair next to it, “Unsure about what?”

Taehyun sighed yet again, “Beomgyu’s best friend y/n is moving in to the spare room tomorrow, I’ve never met her, and suddenly I’m wondering if her living here is really a good idea or not.”

 “Y/n?” Namjoon repeated your name, sending Taehyun nodding, “Yeah.”

“I’ve met her, like twice,” Namjoon said, causing Taehyun to lift his head off the bed to look at his friend, pink hair following, “She’s really cool, kind of quiet but also like Beomgyu, you can tell. I remember we talked about music.”

“I don’t know if I can handle her being like Beomgyu or not,” Taehyun said softly, meaning no harm to his roommate and close friend.

Still typing away, Jungwon asked, “Why not?”

“It’s just,” Taehyun started, “I feel like Beomgyu and I mesh so perfectly, you know. He’s just so Beomgyu, like he’s loud and out there and everyone loves hin and he’s kinda messy but in an endearing way and the apartment is never quiet with him here and I’m not like that so I think with the two of us it’s just perfect but what if she’s just like him and I can’t handle two fucking Beomgyus.”

 Namjoon held a soft hand in the air, “Okay, first, I get it. You’re stressed about the living together thing, and you really like what you have already. Second, I don’t think you’re realizing that even though they can be really alike from being friends for so long, there’s no way y/n’s gonna be exactly like Beomgyu, you know. She’s definitely gonna be different but that brings me to a whole other thing: is it possible you’re stressed about this so much right now because you’re so used to just ever living with Beomgyu, and you’re lowkey afraid of change?”

Taehyun laid back on the bed, thinking about his friends words in silence for what felt like five minutes.

“You killed him,” Jungwon joked from the desk, making Namjoon chuckle softly and Taehyun roll his eyes.

“I think you’re right, probably,” Taehyun said, “I think that over the past years I’ve just gotten so used to just Beomgyu and comfortable with just Beomgyu so the thought of someone else coming in is like daunting almost.”

Namjoon nodded from the beanbag, running a hand through his dark hair, “That’s not even a bad thing, like that’s a totally normal thing. I really think you and y/n will get along, from the two times I met her, she seemed totally cool and way calmer than Beomgyu.”

Jungwon giggled at that, “When I met her she was making fun of Beomgyu and when Soobin started laughing she called him a weeb.”

Taehyun smiled at that, silently grateful for his friends for easing his nerves.

“Thanks guys,” he smiled at them, “I needed that.”

Jungwon smiled back, shrugging his shoulders, “What are friends for?”

Namjoon nodded, agreeing, “I second that. Anyways, Super Smash? I’m still looking for a rematch because Won totally kicked my ass last time.”

Jungwon smirked, closing his laptop, “It’s not my fault you’re slow as hell on the buttons.”

Namjoon rolled his eyes, “Yeah whatever. Tyun, you in?”

The pink haired boy nodded, smiling as his friends continued bickering about the game as they fired up the Switch.

———————————————————————-

“Oh my god, it’s y/n!!!” Beomgyu practically screeched when a soft knock on the door came, sounding through the apartment, sending Beomgyu to his feet sprinting towards it.

Taehyun couldn’t help but smile at his friend's happiness, even though his biceps were sore from cleaning out the spare bedroom. The whole time he and Beomgyu spent cleaning the spare bedroom for you Beomgyu gave him what he called “The 411,” on you.

Taehyun listened quietly as Beomgyu told story after story, but somehow failed to mention exactly what kind of roommate you would be.

Taehyun still sat on the couch pondering this, Avatar the Last Airbender playing softly on the TV in front of him as he heard the door swing open and Beomgyu shriek, “Y/N!!!”

All Taehyun could hear from his designated spot on the couch as loud, joyous laughter, both from Beomgyu and you. Taehyun listened to your laugh as Katara argued with Aang onscreen, deciding he liked the sound of it. It was loud and full of happiness. As he sat on his designated spot on their old couch, listening to Beomgyu bombard you with questions, he couldn't help but yet again wonder how you were going to fit in here, like take the couch for instance. He and Beomgyu both sat on opposite ends of the couch so they could lean on the armrests, what if you wanted to sit where Taehyun did?

As he bore holes from staring into Katara on the TV, Taehyun’s thoughts were interrupted by Beomgyu with a loud, “Taehyun!”

The pink haired boy looked up from the couch to see an insanely happy, beaming Beomgyu, and you, standing right next to him, smiling softly.

He regarded you, dressed in oversized black denim shorts and a flowy white tank top, chunky necklaces adorning your chest and rings over your fingers, Doc Marten sandals covering your feet (Beomgyu definitely rushed you in before you had time to take your shoes off). As he made eye contact with you, the photo of you at the beach in Beomgyu’s room popped into his head. Your eyes, full of life and mischief almost, staring into him, he felt as if he was going to crumble under your gaze. The soft smile on your face grew wider as Taehyun stood up from the couch, seeing how he almost towered over you.

“It’s nice to actually meet you,” you said with a breathless laugh, sticking out a hand for Taehyun to shake, “I’m y/n.”

Taehyun grabbed your hand and shook it, noticing it was warm and you had a pretty firm grip, looking down at you, “That’s weird, you shake hands.”

You shrugged, releasing his hand, “I meet a lot of people, force of habit.”

Taehyun, who Jungwon deemed having a staring problem, continued boring holes into you with his gaze, but you stared right back, that same soft smile and glint in your pretty eyes looking right back at him.

“Your stuff!” Beomgyu exclaimed, breaking the weird moment, “Where is it?”

You smiled at Taehyun again before turning to your best friend, “Most of it’s in the car, Yeonjun and Hueka are coming tomorrow in the van to drop off my vinyl if that’s cool.”

Taehyun noticed that when you asked that question you weren’t really asking Beomgyu, you were asking him. Looking up at him as you asked, making it seem like you knew Beomgyu would say it was okay and you wanted his approval. Taehyun really appreciated that, sending you a small nod.

Beomgyu, though, answered, “Yeah of course! I haven’t seen them in forever!”

You laughed, that same pure, happy sound ringing throughout Taehyuns ears as Beomgyu wrapped his arm around you, pulling you back to the door to go get your stuff from your car.

Once you guys were out of the apartment, the front door still open, Taehyun let out a long sigh he didn’t know he was holding.

It seemed that at this moment he had been worried about nothing, you seemed nice and chiller than Beomgyu, and you actually took his feelings into account. It was just green flags so far.

“Hey,” your voice came from the open door, your head peeking in, “I was wondering if I could get some help carrying some of my shit, Beomgyu’s lowkey weak.”

Taehyun laughed, walking over to you at the door, “He’s probably just gonna complain too.”

You let out a small giggle, looking up at the much taller boy, “Finally someone else who understands.”

You guys walked downstairs together in a comfortable silence, no awkwardness there, Taehyun deciding that maybe you would be a good roommate.

———————————————————————

“Yunjin, you don’t understand my problem!” you whisper-yelled over the phone, “he’s hot!”

“No, I just don’t get how that’s a problem,” Yunjin replied, you could practically see her rolling her eyes.

You let out a loud exhale and flopped onto your bed, breathing in aggressively, the white bed sheets smelling like boy, and much of it wasn’t Beomgyu, you knew what he smelled like even after months of not seeing each other. It had to be Taehyun. The whole apartment was just Taehyun. Beomgyu you were used to but those were not Beomgyus earthy Japanese cyprus, jasmine, and spice scented candles that seemed to be suffocating you whichever room you went in. And let’s not forget that the extra room you were taking was RIGHT next to Taehyun’s, who liked to leave his door open, the smell of him flooding into your room as you sorted your boxes. Your mind was reeling, there was no way there was a boy that attractive just living in this house with Beomgyu, no way.

“It’s a problem because he’s my roommate, and I have to see this insanely hot, buff, sweet, pink-haired, cute man every single day now and Beomgyu would probably kick my ass if he knew I thought that about Taehyun!”

Yunin snickered over the phone, “You really think Beomgyu could kick your ass?”

“That’s not the point,” you huffed, “What am I gonna DO?”

“I really don’t think you can DO anything,” she replied, some chatter in the background of the call, “I think you just have to recognize and accept that he’s hot and move on, just live with him.”

You flipped over to stare at the ceiling, boxes all around the floor surrounding you, laying in silence until Yunjin snapped over the phone, “No FUCKING way, Park Sunghoon, absolutely not, you are a goddamn menace to society.”

You could hear Sunghoon’s distinct laugh over the call as Yunjin continued to complain.

You smiled hearing the chatter of your friends over the phone, even though they were only like 20 minutes away now, it was weird talking on the phone and not just meeting at Sunghoons house.

“Listen, y/n,” Yunjin started, apparently done yelling at Sunghoon, “It’s really gonna be okay, just chill out, unpack your shit and get comfortable. It’ll all be okay, promise.”

You exhaled, feeling relief spread through your body at her words, “Thanks, Yunjin. What would I do without you?”

She giggled, “Die, probably.”

You rolled your eyes, “Oh my god, bye. I love you.”

“Love you,” she said sweetly before ending the call, most likely going to bother Sunghoon.

You sighed, sitting up on the bed and looking at the boxes around you, not looking forward to unpacking them.

———————————————————————

Much, much later that night, Taehyun was perched on the couch, Avatar the Last Airbender playing quietly in front of him yet again, and on the other side of the couch was a passed out Beomgyu, softly snoring.

Taehyun barely noticed you walking into the room, you’d been in the kitchen for about five minutes getting water, but he didn’t even see you there.

“I really think Zuko’s character arc was one of the best arcs in cinematic history,” your soft voice came from behind Taehyun, his head whipping around to see you leaning on the wall connecting the kitchen and the living room, glass of water in your hand, a huge gray hoodie that definitely was not yours adoring your frame, legs in black and white checkered pajama pants.

The light of the television lit up your face perfectly, frames dancing over your soft smile, Taehyun ignoring his stomach flipping and nodding, “It definitely was.”

You breathed a soft laugh, nodding your head towards your sleeping best friend, “I’m guessing this is normal, yeah?”

Taehyun turned his head to look at Beomgyu, mouth slightly open, head hung over his shoulder, brown hair messily framing his face, “Yeah, he’ll wake up at like two-ish and go start gaming with Soobin or Jungkook.”

You smiled softly, the pair of you smiling at the sleeping boy while listening to Sokka complain onscreen. 

“Is it cool if I join you?” you asked suddenly, “Avatar’s my favorite and I kinda wanna just chill.”

Taehyun nodded without a second thought, making you smile and breathe out a soft, “Be right back.”

Taehyun watched as you padded down the hall towards Beomgyus room, going in there just to return with a blanket and a pillow, coming back and lifting his sleeping head up softly to place the pillow underneath, draping the blanket over him.

Taehyuns earlier inner turmoil over where you would sit on the couch was over nothing apparently, because you casually sat down in the middle of the two, one arm leaning on Beomgyu as he slept. 

You were close to him, Taehyun released, running a hand through his pink hair as both of you watched the TV in silence. You were close enough to where he could smell your shampoo, he knew you had showered earlier. You smelled crisp and sweet, a little like poppies and pear, and rhubarb. You were close enough where you guys weren’t touching but he could feel your warmth. 

He heard a loud sigh, one that was definitely from Beomgyu and not you, to look over and see Beomgyu nuzzling into your shoulder under his blanket, your hand going up to scratch his head. 

You and Taehyun made eye contact and shared the smallest smile over the sleeping boy, you letting out a small giggle, both of you turning your attention back to the TV. 

It was nice and comforting sitting in silence with you, Taehyun thought, even though the only thing clogging his senses was the sweet smell of you. 

The pair of you (plus a passed out snoring Beomgyu) sat on the couch in the moonlight watching your show in silence, Taehyun deciding that maybe you moving in wasn’t gonna be so bad. 

 masterlist - next

#txt taehyun #txt kang taehyun #kang taehyun x reader #kang taehyun au #kang taehyun fanfic #kang taehyun #tomorrow x together fanfic #tomorrow x together text post #tomorrow x together x reader #taehyun #taehyun x reader #taehyun au #tomorrow x together taehyun #choi soobin #choi yeonjun #choi beomgyu #heuningkai #tomorrow x together #tomorrow x together au #sunghoon #jungkook #jungwon #namjoon #yunjin #tomorrow x together college au #roommate au #kpop fanfic #shoegaze #band au #kpop college au

[lincolndjarin]

ro's very reasonable 2023 wrap up schedule.

hi lovelies!! (figured out how to do a color gradient, took me weeks, i'm fucking thrilled, expect more of that nonsense in this post lol)

it's mid november and as the year comes to a close i'd like to wrap up a lot of stuff so here's the plan :

NOV 12 : BKS 26 : crucifixion (currently being edited will be out by tonight.)

NOV 12-19 : BKS 27 : the apostate (will be released at some point here, it's gonna be on the shorter side so it shouldn't take too long

NOV 25 : Oh Honey, Chapter Four : painting the roses red (another long chap, gonna need some time to get this one out so at the latest it will be out on the 25th!!)

The First Week of December will be my 1,000 follower celebration, I'm going to be doing a week of Best Kept Secret content leading up to the final BKS chapter !! (this will include the release of my 500 follower celebration whoops)

Best Kept Secret Week :

DEC 1 : BKS 28 : a place for us (the technical final chapter of BKS)

DEC 2 : BKS Q&A (gonna ask for questions at some point here i'll make a post and answer any final questions about bks!!)

DEC 3 : Bound in Beskar - 500 follower celebration (a one off based on the book princess reads in bks)

DEC 4 : BKS what ifs (it's 8 days of stuff they can't all be hits. tbh i needed a day filler and i've got a lot of alternative story lines in bks so fuck it, i'll talk about those here)

DEC 5 : Best Kept Secret Art!! (i commissioned three artists to illustrate some of my favorite scenes bc i'm a sap so i will be posting all of that on this day and i'm so excited for y'all to see it!! they're wonderful artists and they've done wonderful work so far <3)

DEC 6 : Secrets Best Kept - 1,000 follower celebration (a one off where Din Djarin is the new reluctant ruler of Mandalore, a tutor is hired to help him during his early days as a ruler to learn proper etiquette for royalty)

DEC 7 : A love letter to Best Kept Secret. (pretty much just gonna be one last corny post to thank everyone for reading)

DEC 8 : BKS 29 : the best kept secret (epilogue) (corny ass name ik, anyhow, this will be it!! this will be the last main update of best kept secret!!)

DEC 16 : Oh Honey, Chapter Five : a very merry unbirthday (this will be the last chapter of oh honey!! i've always intended for this to be a short form story so it will be wrapped up at the latest by the 16th!!)

DEC 24 : Best Kept Christmas (gonna sneak one last good bye to bks in at the end of the month with a christmas special lol)

and then i will be taking the last week of december to write my next fics! rest!

so yeah lol, my goal is to wrap up all ongoing fics this year but but but if you made it this far (i love you *mwah*) here's some of the fics coming in 2024!! i won't be starting anything new this year but next year i've got big plans >:)

Then & Now (probs gonna change that title) - this will be my main fic for a bit, i've been itching to start this for so so long, f!reader x joel. definitely gonna be more on the angsty side

i'm participating in pmamc 2024 so there will be an Oberyn one off in January!!

Andromeda - this is gonna be my next din x reader !! i don't have much other than the base idea but im gonna keep that a surprise haha

And plenty of other stuff i'll figure out lol

#lincolndjarin #fic : best kept secret #fic : oh honey

[ichirukilover]

I closed the door to Bl/each after the tragedy of 6/86 and briefly opened a window to LA, because well that pair is my weakness and it made me laugh how treacherously I/R it was.

So when weeks ago I saw a beautiful I/R fanart on Tik Tok (The anime came back, so the algorithm decided it was a good idea to torture me), and the response to a comment that said "They should have ended up together "was "READ THE MANGA", I was baffled. I mean, what did that mean? had I read a fake manga all those years and the "real manga" appeared Da Vinci Code-style after 2016? Was it all a Jump conspiracy? Have we been duped all this time?

That piqued my curiosity, so I wandered around several sites, reading publications from the "correct/canon/real manga" point of view; and well, you'll see even worse things the bible says.

Here are my favorites:

"The I/H was evident from the beginning, just read chapter 0": yes, because a one-shot that is a sketch of the general idea of a manga, that goes through many revisions and rewrites is absolutely determinant in the development of the main manga, and seriously, what exactly is the evidence?

"HM arc is the ultimate proof of I/H, he went to rescue her and even came back from the dead for her": well, so did her other friends and even R/enji and R/ukia, maybe they were all in love with her too. And about the resurrection...just...never mind.

"I/H are perfect for each other" Here I could do a whole essay from a psychological point of view that proves that it is an absolute fallacy and was more than clear in the FB arc, in real life they wouldn't work and would be a toxic couple. And God knows at least that boy needs therapy.

"O***ime looks like Ma/saki" * Bombastic side eye. Criminal, offensive side eye *

"O***ime deserves I/chigo”: Oh, so he was some kind of trophy for being a good girl, so it wasn't enough to objectify her, they also do the same with the boy.

"Ru/kia was a shinigami and I/chigo was a human, and she's much older than him, their relationship was impossible." *Everything but the rain entered the chat*.

"I/H fought together against Y/wach": And we all know how well they (he) did, right?

"W/D/k/A/L/Y": *sigh* that's what it looks like when you try to fix a mess and fail miserably.

"W/D/k/A/L/Y's scribble": ...

"Anime invented IR": The studio simply pushed something that was already implicit in the original material and they knew it would sell more, it's basic marketing. Most of us knew what was filler and what wasn't (rolls eyes).

And there definitely wasn't a parallel manga that magically made sense of that ending. What a disappointment.

And I/R are the delusional and lacking in compressive reading? It's so much easier to say you just don't like people ship I/R, instead of sending them to read the manga or giving lazy arguments. Pathetic.

This was long, but I just needed to vent or something, because I honestly found the whole situation absolutely hilarious.

My English is broken, so I hope I have been understood.

PS: So in my delusional mind I/R is right now enjoying his honeymoon on the beach *wink**wink*.

Blessings.

As someone that didn't leave after the ending and has seen all these "amazing points" take form and basically became the classic "IH and pro ending dudebro agenda" list, let me tell you, I was and still am baffled too. No matter how many times I read them, I still get shocked at how some really believe that bunch of BS, or better they keep repeating it untill they'll believe it.

You adressed them in a simple but direct and straight to the point way, I don't even need to add anything to what you said, agree to all of it, wait lol well maybe I could add the the pilot chapter lit has In0ue de0d at the end of it but what do we know, that doesn't seem to matter to them lol it doesn't have to make sense smh

In our delusional mind that ichiruki honeymoon on the beach is so vivid and real... I wonder why lmao

[justallihere]

Did you ever publish a chapter you were not satisfied with or is this a no-go for you (where you have to work on it until you enjoy it) ?

Or something you liked enough but were scared would not be liked by readers ?

(I don’t know how we could ever NOT like anything you write lol but just wondering what your thoughts are on this!)

I don’t think so. There’s definitely a couple chapters that at the time of publishing them I didn’t love them, but that was less about the actual content and how it was moving the plot forward and more about the structure and flow of the writing itself. If it doesn’t feel right to me, I don’t publish it. I distinctly remember writing the coronation chapter like 4 times before I was happy with that one.

I’ve said it before, but I’m always a little hesitant about “filler” chapters. I love them, and everything I write serves at least some sort of purpose in this world, but sometimes I worry you guys will be bored. That’s like never the case and some people love those types of chapters the most, so I’m trying to get over it. I also worry that readers build things up and have expectations about certain things and how I actually choose to write it falls short—I remember being worried about that with Brennan’s reveal.

But basically I write (and rewrite as necessary) until I enjoy it. I don’t want to publish something just to do it, especially with this story because it would definitely come back to bite me in the ass later 😂

[g-oblincat]

One of my favorite manga ended 3 hours ago and I must talk about it

I actually wrote this two days ago and of course, the finale comes out RIGHT when I was about to post lol

On Twitter, I used to maintain a yuri manga recommendation thread to keep track of what I read and recommend my fav works to others. Now that I'm back on Tumblr, a platform that actually allows you to write why you like something, I want to start doing more in-depth recommendations. Starting with this one!

Koroshiya Yametai (I Wanna Quit Being a Hitman!) by Tonoki Sun

Rose is a hitman who dislikes her job, but she has one thing to look forward to: dates with her girlfriend, Benika. However, not wanting to go on dates with a guilty conscious, she always confesses her sins (murder) to a priest in a confessional booth that hides both their faces. The priest, Father Shirafune, happens to be Benika’s actual biological father.

Rose doesn’t know the priest she’s told about all her jobs to is Benika’s father. Benika doesn’t know Rose is a hitman, and is also keeping her queer relationship secret from her religious father. Shirafune is curious about his daughter’s new “boyfriend”, and has no idea the “boyfriend” is the person who keeps confessing murders to him.

The initial chapters of Hitman remind me of Spy x Family, where the comedy and appeal comes from the dramatic irony and near misses of each character trying to keep their own secrets, but the tone is different. There’s definitely lightness and comedy there, but underlying is a story of Rose, a refugee fleeing her war-torn home and being forced to work as a hitman in a rich country who doesn’t care about her people. She’s a pawn for greater political powers, and the story is how she tries to break out of that.

A quick, non-spoiler list of why I like this manga - if any of these appeal to you, I beeeeg you to read this comic:

Really cute loving relationship between the main couple! But also: well-fleshed characters outside the main couple! Father Shirafune is GREAT

Plot is more political than I expected, in what feels like a very grounded, real way. The main plot of the story is about refugees that are discriminated against and mistreated and what happens in a country when that mistreatment reaches a boiling point.

I need to think more about the story to be confident in talking about this outside of surface-level observations, so I desperately want smarter people to read it so I can also see their takes haha

The writing is just GOOD and appeals to me specifically. The plot is fast-paced with no filler. There’s a good balance of comedy, lovely moments between the couple, action where you can see Rose get out of tough situations (more on this in the spoilers), and scheming and double-crossing between various political powers.

I read this comic on Dynasty Scans, translated by Gouma-Den. The site’s tags are usually good for content warnings - the main ones are violence/killing/etc. There isn’t a ton of gore though. I believe the raws are here. I don’t think it’s licensed as of me writing this, but you bet I’m buying it all if/when it is.

I want to ramble more about what I like about it below, but it will contain **spoilers**! All images are from the Dynasty Scans translation.

The precise way action scenes are written

The action scenes are super fun to read. Most of them are about Rose escaping pursuers in clever ways that don’t give out her identity, and focus on the steps she took to prepare for these situations and how she outsmarts her enemies. There is a similar appeal here to detective or heist stories where Rose is put in a tough spot, and you see how her knowledge and wild amount of foresight let her escape.

In general, I like the scenes where characters are thinking to themselves and trying to problem-solve in any manga, and this happens a lot in this manga. One of my favorite scenes is when Rose tries to figure out if Benika’s new friend is another hitman, without tipping off either of them.

I just think this is soooo cool. The story is full of Rose’s cleverness in these kinds of situations that is so fun to read.

The romance

The romance is so sweet. The girls have an adorable meet-cute and throughout the story, you really see why Rose likes Benika- she’s kind and energetic but doesn’t hesitate to give Rose a piece of her mind when needed. Rose clearly loves Benika a lot and is always thinking of her. The characters’ interactions feel cute but realistic, and they’re fleshed out outside of the romance, which makes me like them more as people and root for them more.

But also (huge spoilers ahead, please skip this paragraph if you plan on reading this at all) it’s soooo yuri to have one girl try to make a huge high-stakes emotional sacrifice for the other one while confessing that it’s all for love. And it happens in the latest chapter and I went wild.

The themes the story tackles outside of the romance

This to me is both the most striking part of the story!

The first, smaller thing that stands out is Benika and her hesitance to tell her father about her relationship because she assumes her father is homophobic since he’s clergy. Father Shirafune is not homophobic actually and the two have a good relationship otherwise, but it stands out that this is a consideration Benika has. I feel like a lot of yuri is characterized by being only about romance, not identity or society. Characters will like girls, but not be gay. I don’t think this is a bad thing- it’s a characteristic of the genre and TBH in my head, it’s the difference between yuri and LGBTQ manga. However, that’s why this aspect of the story stood out to me- it serves to show queerness plays a bigger part of Benika’s character and the world, is an important motivator in the story, and is good worldbuilding. It also is important because it adds to the grounded tone of the story- it’d be weird to have a story that is full of politics and religion otherwise but say nothing about the two main characters’ queerness.

Speaking of the politics of the story, the main non-romance plot is about how the unspecified first-world country the story takes place in (probably Japan, even though they never say?) treats refugees. There are multiple chapters about how poorly the refugees are treated, and what will happen to the country if it goes too far unaddressed (and if the country deserves what it gets).

This sequence of panels in one of the latest chapters was really good!

That’s it! The Dynasty translation is nearing the end of the comic (EDIT: It got posted right before posting this LOL that's what I get for being slow) so it’s a great time to catch up! Please read this comic and talk to me about it!!!

#personal #manga recommendation #yuri #koroshiya yametai #writing is hard but ill do it for the girls

[psychotic4ghost]

:Siren & The 141:

A/n: I didn't mean to write smut again. But I'm actually really proud of this one lol. This is kind of more filler but this is probably one of my more favorite chapters so far. Enjoy. Masterlist prev pt next pt

🚨 Warnings 🚨 Smut (18+ MDNI), Scars, Wounds, Vomit, Hangover, mentions of alcohol

Chapter 6 - Bonding*

Mykie woke abruptly to small beeps of a tactile watch next to her head. Deep snores grumbled around her. The smell of whiskey and tequila tangled together in her nose. An unfamiliar heat was present under her body. Ghost. He was still cuddled up around her. His mask was all twisted and he was still dressed in his attire from the day before. The blankets were still neatly made under them. A slight pounding sounded in Mykie’s skull. A headache. A hangover headache. 

Mykie quickly untangled herself from the large man in her bed and dashed to the small bathroom attached to her room. The sunlight hit her eyes, causing her to wince as she dropped to her knees in front of the already open toilet. The cool tile felt nice against her skin but the calm ended abruptly as she felt the bile work its way up her throat. The burn of her stomach acid mixed with old alcohol burned her esophagus as she retched into the toilet bowl below her. 

Ghost hovered in the doorway. He was woken by her abrupt movements when she climbed out of the bed. He watched over her as she spilled the contents out. He carefully made his way to her, he moved her hand from her hair and held it for her. His touch made her jump for a brief moment. But she would be crazy to question the help, especially while she emptied her stomach. 

“Doin’ alright love?” Ghost asked, his morning voice more rugged and deep. 

“N-no…” Mykie sniffed. She could feel another wave coming moments after she spoke. The retching continued for another few minutes. 

Mykie sat back, her arm slung over the edge of the bowl as her body finally relaxed. Ghost dropped her hair but made sure to keep it out of her face. He moved to the sink and grabbed her rinsing cup that sat on the edge of the small sink. He filled it with the tap and crouched back down to Mykie who graciously took the water. She filled her mouth, did some swishes and spit back into the toilet. After a few swishes, Ghost flushed the toilet as Mykie sat back against the wall. 

“C’mon, lift your arms.” Ghost ordered. He lifted Mykie’s shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor.  Mykie crossed her arms over her chest as her head rolled back.

“Don’t go getting shy on me now. Don’t forget what I did to ya.” Ghost chuckled at the sight of Mykie shielding herself. “I’m not here for that anyway, just let me help you, love.” 

Mykie sighed and reluctantly set her arms to the side. Ghost tugged her jeans down her legs and made quick work of removing her under garments. “Still beautiful though.” Ghost mumbled out. 

“You’re a good man, Simon…” Mykie trailed. She was still extremely exhausted. She lifted her good arm up for him to use to pull her into the shower he started. “You should join me. Please…it’s so hard to shower with my arm like this.” 

“We gotta get those wraps off first before anythin’.” Ghost set her down on the toilet lid, her naked form shivered as she met the cold, porcelain toilet lid. He began slowly peeling the bandage back from her wound. It was healing well but after the punch and sleeping on it weird, it was definitely irritated. Most rooms were stocked with basic medical equipment. Nothing like the nurses wing, but enough to get by. Ghost opened the cupboard under the sink and grabbed some salin, new gauze and some wrap. He set them down for use after the shower. 

“Let’s get you clean, yeah? You still smell like a pub.” Ghost moved back to Mykie, who was fighting to stay awake. “I guess I have to join you. Or at least help you.” He chuckled to himself as he watched her lull her head. Ghost stripped himself of his clothes. He lifted Mykie to her feet and dragged her into the shower. The cold water caused her back to arch, a soft moan of delight left her lips. The water rushed through her hair, soothing her scalp. 

“Fuck I needed this.” She groaned. Her hands rested on Ghost’s chest as he wrapped his arms around her middle, keeping her from falling back. “I think I can stand okay now.” Mykie sighed, the water relaxed her muscles and helped wake her up. She turned to face the water, her back towards Ghost, she winced as the water rushed over her wound. The skin was still raw and tender. The ache of punching Gaz started to grow. 

Ghost took notice of her winces, he lowered his unmasked lips to the top of her shoulder and planted soft kisses. He let his lips make a trail along her shoulder blades and up her neck. Soft moans fell from her lips as he did. 

“Ghost, your mask…do you want me to keep my eyes away?” Mykie asked, realizing he obviously wouldn’t wear it in the shower. 

“No, it’s fine. Just don’t tell the boys how hot I am.” Ghost teased. “And I’m just Simon without the mask, love.” He mumbled against her skin. 

“I-I’ve never seen…” Mykie turned to face him, curiosity overwhelmed her thoughts. He was beautiful. The shower lighting didn’t do him justice. His dirty blonde hair was still slightly fluffy, the water hadn’t touched it yet. His skin was pearly. She had felt his beard scruff against her back but now, she could see the dirty blonde stubble line his chin, jaw, and upper lip. And oh his lips, so plump. She had seen this chin and lips before, but to see them with his whole face; it was something only a god could chisel. His nose was slightly crooked, probably from being broken, just like hers. 

“Y-you weren’t kidding.” Mykie stumbled on her words. He was absolutely gorgeous. She could stand there and stare at him for hours. 

Simon let out a soft chuckle. Mykie’s eyes trailed down his body, she had seen it before but now, seeing every piece of him, it was breathtaking. “Why me?” Mykie asked as her eyes met his. 

“I’m not sure. I mean, Price has seen my face but only in quick little bursts. There’s something about you I feel I can trust.” Simon sighed. “Don’t get too used to it. This is a personal and a very very private thing.” 

“I won’t, I promise. Just…let me see your face every so often. I might die if I don’t.” Mykie joked. Simon chuckled and nodded his head. 

Mykie cautiously raised her hand to his face. Before she could make contact, Simon placed his palm over her hand and pushed it closer to his face. She sighed as she felt the stubble of his cheek in her hand. His eyes fluttered shut as she rubbed small stripes along his cheek with her thumb. She watched as his brows tilted inward and relaxed. She took in as much as she could, committing it all to memory. She was taking mental photos, never wanting to forget each curve, each scar, each wrinkle on his face. 

Their shower lasted much longer than anticipated. Neither of them could keep their hands off one another. After many heated makeout sessions, Simon helped clean her wound. Once the shower ended, he dressed the wound for her, saving her a visit to the nurse. He left small kisses all around her shoulder as he wrapped the new bandage around her arm. He helped her with her bra and shirt too, something she had been struggling with since the incident. 

“Glad you two have finally decided to join the rest of the team.” Price announced as Ghost and Mykie entered the mess hall. His mask was back on and her hangover had died down enough for her to be around people. 

“Sorry, I had a nasty hangover, Ghost was just helping with my bandages.” Mykie confessed as she sat down next to Soap at the mess hall tables. “How’s your head this morning?” She asked the very exhausted looking Serg.

“Not. Good. I woke up with a thumpin’ headache and I couldn’t stop blowing chunks.” Soap complained. He was trying to force down a bowl of completely plain oatmeal. 

Ghost set down a coffee in front of Mykie. Made exactly how she liked it. She nodded a thanks before bringing the cup to her lips. She let out an ‘ahh’ as she set the cup down. “Have you been drinking water, mate?” She asked her fellow Scotsman. 

Soap let out a low groan as he shook his head. Mykie threw a knowing glance towards Ghost who promptly left to grab a cup of water. He set the cup down in front of Soap. “Drink.” He demanded. Soap reluctantly raised his head and gripped the cup. He groaned the whole time he was taking a drink. 

“Stop acting like a baby.” Mykie joked as she chowed into the bowl of oatmeal Ghost had also grabbed for her. He was back to his stoic and standoffish mannerisms that the rest of the team was used to. 

“How are you not dying from a hangover anymore?” Soap complained. 

“Took a cold shower, you should probably do the same. You still stink.” Mykie pinched her nose. 

Soap threw a scowl her way before lugging himself out of the bench and out the door of the mess hall. “Who else got as fucked up?” Mykie asked. 

“I’m pretty sure it was just you two. Alejandro and I definitely got close to drunk but you and Soap…you two were a show for sure.” Gaz in formed her as he too, munched on oatmeal. Mykie bowed her head, a little bit of embarrassment creeped on on her. 

Today was a no training day so the team lounged around and shared stories. Soap shared a few interesting stories about his childhood. Mykie, nor Ghost spoke much of their childhood. 

“Oh, I have one.” Mykie piped up. She still had stories from her life once she left her childhood home. “I was working at this small bar in London and this bloke came up and was hitting on me and what not. Told him I wasn’t interested and I was also on the job. He kept creeping on me for the rest of my shift. When I got off, he was out back waiting. My boss was worried of course, and tried to act tough for me. But neither my boss or the dude were expecting me, a 162 cm girl to pop him in the mouth. Broke his nose and popped a few teeth out. Sent him running and I think my boss was scared of me after.” Mykie shrugged. Soap was in awe, as usual. Ever since Mykie joined the 141, Soap and Gaz would flirt with her any chance they got. 

“What I would give to be socked in the nose by you.” Soap said a little too seriously. 

“I can if you want me to.” Mykie lifted her good arm jokingly. 

“How about no.” Gaz pushed down Mykie’s balled fist. Soap and Mykie both let out deep chuckles. 

Their nights went on like this for about a week. By week two of their short break, Price had put training back on full blast. They were expecting the mission to resume at any moment now. Training for that evening just ended and everyone was winding down. Mykie’s shoulder was healing surprisingly quick. By the day 11 marker, she had full mobilitie of her arm. 

The water from the shower head poured over Mykie’s dirt from training covered skin. Thick hands rubbed at her arms, the soft groan from Simon vibrated in her ear. 

“Looks like it healed pretty quickly, and well too, shouldn’t scar as bad.” He mumbled again her shoulder. 

“I hope so, don’t need another gnarly bullet wound.”

“Mmm, but I like the scars.” Simon was doing work on her neck and shoulders, leaving small wet kisses over her skin as he brought his hands around to her tummy. He pushed her back into him and gave her a soft hug. Mykie lulled her head back against his shoulder, taking in his warmth. The steam from the shower engulfed the two in a soft shadow. 

“We should really get clean. As much as I love this, Price is expecting us.” Mykie turned to face Simon. His eyes locked onto hers, hunger filled his eyes as he examined her face. 

“I can make it quick.” He groaned as he pulled her lips into a deep, savory kiss. 

“If we don’t finish in the next 5 minutes, I’m edging us both.” Mykie threatened against his lips.  

“I always like a challenge.” Simon smirked a devilish smirk. “Up.”

Mykie obliged. She lifted her legs to help Simon pick her up. He pressed her back against the cold tile wall, sending a shiver through Mykie’s spine. His lips made small marks along her neck and collar bone. His hands firmly gripped her ass as he supported her. 

“You gotta do it, line me up.” Simon ordered. Mykie reached down between her legs and took hold of Simon’s already hard cock. She lined him up at her entrance. He wasted no time pushing up and into her. Mykie sucked in air quickly at the sensation. She had to adjust to his size every time they did this. This would mark three times now.

“Fuck…” Simon hissed out as he slowly pushed further in. Mykie let out soft moans as he bottomed out inside her. 

“M-move. Move please, Simon.” Mykie begged against his neck. 

“Needy today aren’t you?” Simon chuckled. She could feel his chest lift and rise as he chuckled and breathed heavily. 

Without warning, Simon pulled almost all the way out and thrust back in quickly, setting a brutal pace. “You’re giving me five minutes, I’m gonna have you cumming in two.” He grunted against her ear as he found his fast pace. 

Mykie couldn’t stop the moans that fell from her lips. He was moving so quickly and roughly. This angle allowed him to reach deep inside her, hitting that spot with every single thrust. He was large enough to usually do the job well but this angle, oh god, Mykie was in heaven. Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, her breathing was staggered, her high was coming and it was coming fast. 

“Si…Si I’m c-close. Don’t s-stop please.” Mykie begged as her head fell back against the tile. Her lips were slightly parted as small whimpers left her. Simon watched her face as he pounded into her. He drank up the sexed out look on her face. Knowing he was the reason was pushing him closer and closer to his climax. 

“Cum. Cum for me.” Simon grunted into her ear. He was so close but he’d be damned if he came first. He wanted to make her feel good, his pleasure was just an added bonus to seeing how he makes her feel. 

Mykie’s legs pushed tighter around his waist, her head fell into his shoulder and she gripped tightly onto his shoulders, nails digging into the flesh as the coil in her abdomen snapped. Pleasure ripped through her small body. “Si, holy f-fuck. Oh my god. C-cum in me.” She begged.

Simon chuckled, satisfied with her reaction, let his own climax take over. He let go, his hot seed filling her tight cunt as she continued to squeeze around him. “Jesus fuck, Mykie…” Simon panted against her neck. 

He gently set her back down, making sure her legs were stable. “We really need to get going.” Mykie sighed, still catching her breath. Simon chuckled as he nodded his head. 

“Let’s get you cleaned up.” Simon began scrubbing her body with her loofah and he washed her hair for her. 

“Look out Gaz, I can punch you now.” Mykie joked as she showed off her now healed scar. 

“Gonna be a gnarly scar, it’ll look dope.” Soap said as he examined her arm. 

“Add to the other one nicely, I guess.” Mykie let out a light laugh. 

“Other one?” Gaz asked, both him and Soap cocked their eyebrows at her. 

“Oh, right. You guys haven’t seen it.” Mykie said as she slowly lifted her tank top to reveal her bullet wound on her left abdomen. Her rather large scar was now out in the open for the boys to see. Ghost paid no mind as he had seen it many times before. Instead, he watched the boys. He watched their reactions making sure neither of them said anything negative. 

“Mykie, that’s dope. Scars look good on you, lass.” Soap piped up after finally closing his jaw. Gaz nodded his head in agreement. 

“Well thanks. I don’t show it off much. It’s story is uh…not the best.” She said as she dropped her shirt. For the rest of the night they all sat around talking about their scars and how they got them. 

#call of duty #cod #ghost call of duty #ghost mw2 #mw2 #simon ghost riley #simon riley call of duty #simon riley #mw2 simon riley #oc #ghost mw2 smut #simon riley smut #cod smut #mw2 smut

[mugiwhora]

let's talk about giants in one piece

reposting my thoughts from a previous reblog. Also spoilers from manga chapter 1095 :)

Disclaimer: this is absolutely just a theory and probably a stupid one, so don't believe my words lol :D but i think it can be an interesting point of view ^^

I believe giants are gonna be a big deal soon, not only because of the incoming Elbaf arc, but i believe their story will somehow be particularly relevant to the main one, in ways only Oda currently knows. Yes, they could be just another race, but.. why are they everywhere?

Let's list some mention or roles of giants i can think of:

Let's start with the fact that Luffy absolutely loves giants. Yeah it's dumb, but since he's the main character and knows things even himself doesn't know he knows (?!?) this could be relevant, or maybe he knows something he still hasn't said to us viewers 🤷🏻‍♀️ but let's end speculations and continue with facts.

there's a mythical giant (Oars) in Thriller Bark. Speaking of Thriller Bark, like Ryuma for Wano, Oars could mean something important for Elbaf, we may even see more about him in the upcoming arc. Consider Oars lived 500 years prior to the main story and was the Leader of "clan of evil giants" (lol, I definitely want to know more about this)

Big Mom in Elbaf.

Giants in the marine + Oimo and Kashii in Enies Lobby

There is even a filler where Luffy met a small giantess and became a giant himself with her inside of him.

The Iron Giant on Egghead island.

Shanks was in Elbaf.. Why ??

AND now Kuma has giant's blood in him?! This is the third link to giants in a single arc.

And now the one I think is the most important and that could contain the biggest foreshadow: LITTLE GARDEN.

I'm starting to think that we overlooked it because of its placement in the story but the more i think about it the more it seems like a strategic arc. Yes, it could be a grandiose introduction to the one piece world, but why was it so emotional?! Every time I think about the Little Island arc it becomes more suspicious.

Thanks to this island we knew giants were a thing in OP since (almost) day 1. Dorry and Brogy made Luffy and Usopp (and the viewers) fall in love with giants, and even helped Usopp understanding what his dreams and goals were.

In my opinions, giants will be a huge thing (lol) in the OP's lore we don't know yet, maybe embodying secrets we are unaware of. Were there other races as relevant or as mentioned as giants that you can think of?

#one piece #one piece 1095 #one piece spoilers #op spoilers #one piece theory

[arabian-batboy]

I am trying SO hard to get through bleach but by god mr kubo is not making it easy… I love the characters but sometimes I wish it kept its original plot of being a sort of supernatural vigilante concept lol (I’m on volume 44 for context)

Kubo's art is gorgeous, but if it helps, the anime makes things feels like they're moving way faster than the manga (especially the TYBW adaptation) and it all thanks to all the fillers they had, which made it so that they don't need to stretch their episodes like say One Piece does.

I just checked and volume 44 wasn't all that bad, but things will definitely get better by each volume, I mean if you managed to survive the beginning of the Hueco Mundo invasion arc (hands down the worst canon part of Bleach's story) then you would be able to survive anything in future chapters.

With that being said, I completely understand what you mean. The first arc of Bleach had its own unique charm, the whole teenagers with special powers are taking down demonic creatures was something first popularized by Bleach and it has influenced so many current mainstream shows like JJK and Chainsaw Man, the only difference is that Bleach abandoned this concept in favor of being "Dragon Ball but with swords," which isn't a bad thing necessarily, but at the same time I wouldn't be mad either if the supernatural vigilante thing stayed around either.

#then again that's hard to do #you can't just sideline the entire Soul Society just to focus on Ichigo's friend group #and might suggest for the Arrancars to stay demon-looking but that will also defeat their propose #since they're supposed to be hollows that turned into Soul Reapers #also most of them are hot and I would hate to change that lol #Bleach

[umber-cinders]

20 Questions for Fic Writers

I was tagged by @pilesofpillows 😙

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

Four works so far but hoping to add more since I have a lot more fics written I've never published.

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

Wow I didn't even know this was a thing! Had to look up how to find it. My total Ao3 word count is 182,483 words.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

My current works are for Black Panther but I plan to write a oneshot for MCU's Secret Invasion show because I liked Gravik and thought he was hot (I like the skrull in general lol). But I also have pretty long and large fics for Netflix's 2017 movie "Bright" that I want to upload as well. There are other fandoms too but they escape me atm.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

I only have four fics up and one of them is brand new so 😅

Winter Moon

Mount Jabari

If The Shoe Fits

Incubus

In that order. You can find a link to my fics for both tumblr and Ao3 here

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I love talking to the people reading my stuff and want them to know that their comments are appreciated and often keep me motivated to write more 😁Love you guys! 💕

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Hmmm, I guess that would be If The Shoe Fits. There's a planned part two that might negate this answer though.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Mount Jabari 🤣Reader was very happy at the end of that fic.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I did on Winter Moon but I don't particularly care about the opinions of someone whose intentions are to be intentionally dismissive and negative so the comments the person received in return were likely not what they had wanted 💀

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Absolutely yes. Bring me the SMUT! Right now! I will write it for you if you don't.

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written?

Nah, never did a crossover and not really a fan of them. However when I was still really young there was a gigantic, kind of OOC crossover fic with a bunch of popular anime from the 90s/2000s called Otherworld and I used to read that like it was the bible. It inspired me to do my own first fanfics. There were like 9 books to that story and multiple oneshots and short stories that tied the characters together and everything.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not that I am aware... and anyone who tries it....

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not publicly, but I have gotten a comment that someone loves my story so much that they translate every chapter so that they could read it properly and it made me so happy 😭❤💕

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Nope! But I do love giving other authors ideas and vice versa. I think it helps people think outside the box when they brainstorm with friends.

14. What’s your all-time favorite ship?

I'm going to say Attoye from Black Panther for now? I was never that big of a "shipping" person in fandoms but I definitely enjoy Attoye enough to say I ship them. I also like Nashuri and Killmora.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Nothing atm. I tend to work on stories in order of inspiration and importance. I don't publish things I'm not willing to commit time to at some point.

16. What are your writing strengths?

I'm not sure exactly. I've been told that I write very descriptively and that it can paint a vivid picture of scenarios and characters, so I'll go with that.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Fluff and filler. I don't dislike fluff completely but I tend to write it as realistically as possible because trying to imagine people being that super ooey gooey makes me wanna gag and cringe lmfao

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic?

I do it only when necessary for the simple fact that having to provide translations for entire scenes of dialogue gets tiresome and tricky.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Inuyasha in middle school💀

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

It doesn't have a name but like I said above, it was definitely Inuyasha and or anime related.

No pressure tagging: @karisomk, @megamindsecretlair, @mamajankyy, @mickimomo and anyone else who see this and would like to participate!

#tumblr tag game #writer tag game

[andiwriteordie]

hi andi :) i love your writing sm and i saw someone else ask you for writing tips, but…i’ve always wondered how to make an outline? especially a really detailed one, like the one you described in another post. i always struggle with longer fics bc i don’t know how to make a good outline, and it sucks! i was wondering if you have any tips to help with that? <3

hi hello!!! 😊💖

so, i don't really know if there's a set way to write an outline, but i'll go ahead and share my methods for it if that's okay?

as a warning, i've always been someone who's had to take very thorough, detailed notes in order to fully understand or like retain anything. i was that way all throughout school, so i definitely think my outline reflect that... again, these are just my processes!

ok, so first i kind of use my outline as just a place to dump ideas as they come, if that makes sense? so right now, i've got a couple in progress outlines that i just don't have the time to flesh out yet, but as i get inspiration, i just throw those ideas into there and know i'll come back later... which is part how i end up with massive docs at the end lol.

take the outline piece by piece. so, when i say "wow i wrote a 90 page outline for this fic bc i'm crazy" obviously that took me a while and i didn't like... conceptualize it all at once? if that makes sense? i had the basic skeleton idea of what i wanted, then i just broke it down into smaller pieces from there. for me, on long fics like i know better (but you're still around) or i'll find a new place to be from, what i have done is go chapter by chapter (naturally) and then i do section by section. for these two fics, i found it easiest to allow myself 3 sections per chapter. so now, you kind of have a marker of "okay, i'm on chapter 5, section 2" and can give yourself goals and have a better overall framework for the fic!

okay, now more on the sections themselves (part 1): this one is kind of just funny, but i like to give my little sections names. usually they're just key words for me to remember what the hell i'm supposed to be talking about in this section (the way that my chapter titles also provide that frame of reference for me). so for example (sorry i'm not trying to be like ooh look at my fics! just like. it helps me with explaining to give examples lol), in i'll find a new place to be from, chapter 6 is called "The Vision" and section 3 on my outline was called "Into the Upside Down" because i literally decided/had in my mind that i wanted that last section to lead into chapter 7, which is their adventures in the upside down. even when i hadn't fully written that section out yet, i knew the main point of that scene was to have the party first venture into the UD... which leads into my next point.

for me, breaking things into sections like this (as opposed to winging it - which i often do on oneshots but don't really recommend on long fics) literally helps me break down what scenes need to be written. so, i ask myself things like: what are you trying to accomplish in this chapter? where does this chapter fit into the overall plot? and what scenes need to happen in order to progress the plot or the characters' arcs forward? or do you have a scene in mind that you wanna build around? when i have that, i kinda throw that into the mix, then build the chapter around it! that helps when you have a basic understanding of what you wanna write in the fic but are struggling in the "filler" chapters and things. so for me, doing it this way helps me conceptualize and fully map out how the plot is progressing, what needs to happen in later chapters, or the opposite with what is being set up in earlier chapters.

once i have the chapters/sections figured out, i literally just like bullet point the hell out of it. how do i imagine the scene? is it mostly internal monologue? what is happening in that section? any dialogue i might have, i'll throw in there! i'll literally write down things as simple as "we see mike going into will's room" or something like that, just so i am beginning to visualize what i'm trying to accomplish here. (again... this is also probably taking it a step further than i have to, but for someone who needs to be thorough and likes having a tool to fall back on whenever i'm struggling through a chapter, it's a lifesaver). i also like leaving myself notes for things to foreshadow in the overarching plot, as well as reminders for where the narrator's story arc should be at right now. so for example, when outlining i know better, i really tried to remind myself that i was supposed to be emphasizing mike's guilt because of losing will throughout different chapters, and when i came back to write it, i knew what kind of emotional tone to set for his perspective.

anyways, that was a LOT, so i hope you were able to find any of it helpful! also if it helps, here's an example of a chapter i outlined for i'll find a new place to be from so you can kind of see how i set my chapter outlines up! :)

#andi's asks #writing tips