#Nolan x Samantha

[inevitablemoment]

That picture shown in 22x17 had the right idea but how about it's Sam and at their wedding instead?

An illustration set in the very far future of my friend marissaiswholocked1011 and @maguloser's fic In Silent Screams, In Wildest Dreams, I Never Dreamed Of This. It's a Samlan surprise baby fic and it's going to be a wild ride.

Art by the lovely @lilvicsart

[superyum]

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐬:

𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐭¡𝐜𝐚 💦 | 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 🃏| 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 🪼| 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 ☘️ | 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭🍦| 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 💉 | 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 2 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 🎻 | 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 🔌 | 𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟 🧸

☆ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬/𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬/𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 ★

*𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣

☆ 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬/𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ★

☆ 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 ★

[bittersweetimaginings]

Before sending a request for the characters listed below, please read the following: Disclaimer & Rules.

*I only write for the animated series versions of the following characters:

Atom Eve • Samantha Eve Wilkins

One-shots:

-

Fanfics:

-

Headcanons:

-

Imagines:

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Invincible • Mark Grayson

One-shots:

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Fanfics:

-

Headcanons:

-

Imagines:

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Omni-Man • Nolan Grayson

One-shots:

-

Fanfics:

-

Headcanons:

-

Imagines:

-

* I only write for the Robot version up to episode 6 of the first season of Invincible the animated series (the machine version of the character played by Zachary Quinto) and the adult version of the character in the comics. NOT FOR THE KID VERSION

Robot • Rudolph "Rudy" Conners

One-shots:

-

Fanfics:

-

Headcanons:

-

Imagines:

-

[garciajey]

[starry-mist]

Realizing that the reason I like the Sam and Nolan dynamic is because they remind me of Josh and Donna. Not in the early seasons with the weird power imbalance (one of the things about TWW that did not age well, but I digress) but definitely in the later seasons with the solid mutual respect.

[wannabesewcrafty]

Fandom: Law & Order (2022)

Notes: Set directly after the end of 22.10 with major spoilers for the episode. Could be described as Samantha-introspective followed by worried Nolan. Featuring The Couch in an innocent capacity.

Samantha swiftly left McCoy’s office, but she walked without a destination in mind. She just had to get out of there. She felt numb but her mind screamed at her. Soraya and Injila were already back in Lebanon?

Something had to be done. Couldn’t it? That simple question brought her up short outside the door to her and Price’s office. What recourse did she have? The mother and daughter had been sent back to their country of origin after having been caught by authorities for entering the U.S. illegally. Sam could pick up the phone, call the immigration lawyer she had found, hash it out with them, and end up right back at the beginning. What was the use? Still, the bitter sting of the underhandedness of it all, along with her sense of having failed to help some decent people, propelled her to open the door in front of her.

Their office was empty. Nolan must have gone home for the night. Maybe he was consoling himself with the fact that Wise had been found guilty. They had won the case and thwarted a despicable, powerful man from harming anyone else. She felt marginally cheered by that fact.

With a sigh, Sam sat down on the brown leather sofa that she and Price shared, but which she privately thought of as his. Years of sunlight and use had worn and faded its cushions to a soft, cracked texture that yielded under her weight. She suddenly felt very tired. Slipping off her heels, she tucked her knees under her and lay on her side, turning her back to let it mold against the couch. She closed her eyes, trying to blot everything out.

-*-*-

Price found her there almost an hour later, after receiving a call from his boss while in a cab heading home.

“You might want to check on Miss Maroun,” Jack had said. “This was a tough one for her.”

The D.A. had read between the lines. He had heard about the fate of Soraya and her daughter through the fast-traveling lawyers’ grapevine, and could only imagine Sam’s anguish.

He had tried texting his colleague, and when that received no response after a few minutes, he gave her a call. It went to voicemail, which made him start to worry. He dutifully left a message and then decided that the best course of action was to retrace Sam’s steps. He asked his cab driver to pull over and wait for a few minutes, then called Jack and asked where he had last seen Sam.

“My office. You can’t reach her?”

“I’ll keep you posted.” Nolan ended the call and directed the taxi driver back to his office building. He ascended the steps going up to the building two at a time, navigated the interior stairs and hallways at a jog, then burst through his and Sam’s office door, which had been left partly ajar. He knew he had closed it behind him when he had left earlier.

His breathing was fast and shallow when he entered the room, only relaxing when he found Sam asleep on the couch he himself had often used to think or to catch a quick nap.

He sent Jack a text. Found her. He hesitated, wondering if he should add more. Maybe “I’ll keep an eye on her?” Or “I’ll make sure she gets home safely?” Finally, he settled for She’s resting.

McCoy simply answered, Good, which relieved Nolan for reasons he didn’t want to examine too closely.

The younger attorney let out a soft sigh as he put away his phone and stood looking down at the sleeping woman before him.

When he caught sight of Sam’s stocking-clad calves and feet, Nolan slid his arms out of his suit jacket and draped it like a blanket over her sleeping form. She shifted slightly, reflexively grasping his jacket and pulling it over her shoulder, but she didn’t awaken.

Nolan placed a chair close to the wall across from her and sat in it, leaning back until the back of his head rested against the wall behind him. He would sit with her until morning or until she woke up, whichever came first. He felt it was the least he could do.

[maguloser]

I can't take these two idiots anymore....

I am a WHORE for “the love is requited, they’re both just idiots”

[callsign-dexter]

I'm Fine

Request: hey love I just saw your angst starter sentences list and I don’t know if you are still doing it so if you aren’t just ignore me lol I have a few so you can pick and choose(or if you don’t like any of them you don’t have to do them no pressure)

maybe with Tim Bradford and daughter you could use

-you’ve been crying, i can tell.

Starter- You've been crying, I can tell.

Pairings: Tim Bradford x Daughter!Reader

Warnings: angst, cussing, assault to a minor, hospitals, inaccurate medical talk, abusive coach

Masterlist

miscellaneous angst starters

A/N: Thank you to the person who sent this in! The same request from the same requester that had three different starters. The other two fics can be found here: Jake Seresin x Daughter!Reader and Maverick x Daughter!Reader.

It was rare for Tim Bradford to take a day off but ever since you, his 17-year-old daughter, was born you he had been taking more of them off and you were glad for that. One you got your dad and two he actually had time to wind down and focus on himself along with taking care of himself. He had just arrived home early in the morning, 6:30 AM, on Thursday from work he knew that would be getting up soon and you would be starting your routine of getting ready to go school and then softball practice right after. He started to get your lunch and then he was restocking your cooler with ice and drinks and some snacks that you had in your Trailblazer, once he was done, he picked it up and grabbed your keys and headed out to put it in your trunk so you didn’t have to carry too much at once. When he went back inside, he heard the shower running and smiled. He made himself busy with things in the kitchen and the laundry room where he went and got your practice clothing out and made sure they were dry and then put them in your bag. By the time he was done you had walked down the stairs with damp hair and when you saw him you smiled. “Hey, Dad.” You said and he looked up, smiled as you walked over and hugged him.

“Good morning, Sweetheart.” He said and kissed the top of your head as you buried your face into his chest. “Sleep well?” He asked and you nodded and then released him from the hug.

“Yea, I did. Did you have a good shift?” You asked as you moved to make yourself something to eat as he leaned up against the counter and watched you. “Coffee?” You asked and he shook his head.

“No, thank you. I’m planning on falling asleep as soon as you leave.” He said and you chuckled as you poured yourself some.

“So… have you confessed your love to Lucy yet?” You asked him smirking as you took a sip of your coffee made just how you liked it.

“Y/N.” He said with a warning tone and you rolled your eyes but still smirked.

“Oh, come on. Everyone can see you are in love with her and she is in love with you.” You said and when he didn’t say anything you knew you had won, sort of. You had met Lucy a few months back and saw the immediate heart eyes they had for each other. You and her really clicked.

“Don’t you have to get to school?” He asked as you looked at the stove and set your coffee down.

“Fine. We’re not done talking about this.” You said as you went to collect your backpack, lunch, and softball bag.

“Yes, we are.” He said and again you rolled your eyes.

“Whatever.” You chuckled “I have practice after school.” You said already dreading it because you hated your coach and he tended to overwork your team to the point of any of you getting hurt or sick from the little to none water breaks and the running without stopping and again no water.

“I’ve already packed the cooler and put it in your Trailblazer. Now get going before you're late. Be safe and I love you.” He said and pulled you into another hug and kissed your head again.

“I love you too.” You said and released him from the hug and you were out the door heading to your Trailblazer and off to school.

You had arrived at school, with plenty of time to spare, you parked next to your friend’s, Samantha Nolan, John Nolan’s daughter, your friend and fellow softball team member, 4Runner. You and her have been friends since the start of middle school and often stayed with each other. It was just a coincidence that your father’s worked together. You just sat in your Trailblazer just trying to mentally prepare yourself for the day and what is to come at practice. Lately your wrist and shoulder had been hurting and with you pitching it made it much worse and then batting made it worse. You tried to say something to Coach Theo Morgan about it but he just said to suck it up and deal with it. Your trainer Amanda Fender and assistant Coach Liam Colt just looked on with sorrow in her eyes, she tried to help but Coach Morgan wouldn’t listen to them and would threaten to fire them if they were brought up again. Several parents were complaining about how bad Coach Morgan was and how their children were breaking down to Coach Colt and they had even compensated by pulling their kids from the team. You haven’t told your dad about it because you didn’t like conflict and he had enough on his plate to begin with. You absolutely loved playing softball but lately you’ve been dreading even playing and starting to hate it.

When you looked down at your Trailblazer’s clock and saw it was time to start heading in, you killed the engine and grabbed your backpack and lunch and headed inside. You were quick to meet up with Samantha. You both had pretty much all of the same classes together which helped a lot. “Hey!” She said and hugged you.

“Hey.” You said and winced a little bit when your shoulder moved the wrong way and she frowned when she released you.

“You, ok?” She asked and you shook your head.

“No, my shoulder hurts when I love it a certain way and so does my wrist.” You said and she looked at you as you both began walking to your first class of the day.

“Have you told your dad?” She asked and again you shook your head.

“No, he has enough on his plate. You know how it is.” You spoke

“What about Coach Morgan?” She asked but knew the answer when you gave her a look.

“You know he doesn’t give a shit about us. All he cares about is winning.” You said and she made a face and nodded agreeing with you. “Even if I told Amanda about it, she wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.” You added and again she nodded in agreeing with you. You both arrived at the classroom and went and sat down in your seats, which were right beside each other, and then a few minutes passed and the school day started.

The rest of the day went by quickly, maybe a little too quickly for your liking because now you had to face Coach Morgan and the hell that he was going to put you through. The softball field was just a little bit behind the high school so it was only a short walk to the field. When the last bell rang everyone was let out and you had gone to your Trailblazer along with Samantha, who was parked next to you, and you both traded out your school backpack for your softball gear. You both headed to the locker rooms chatting away. When you arrived, your other teammates were there doing the same thing and everyone greeted each other and then started to complain about how today was going to go and how shitty of a coach that Coach Morgan was.

Once everyone was changed and had grabbed their gear you all were heading down to the field. Everyone started to warm up and had to wait on your coach, who never seemed to care to actually show up on time so your assistant coach, Coach Colt, started your practice. He was a better coach than Coach Morgan because he actually cared about his team members. Practice started easy and it was actually fun then the pitching and batting started and as soon as you threw the first pitch your shoulder screamed in pain and so did your wrist and your pitch was off and this concerned both Coach Colt and Trainer Amanda enough for both of them to walk up to you. “Are you ok?” Coach Colt asked and you nodded not wanting to say anything even though Coach Morgan wasn’t there. They gave you a look and you believed you could trust them.

“No, my shoulder and wrist have been killing me.” You said and they nodded and Trainer Amanda started to press around and when she got to a point you winced and drew back.

“How long has this been going on?” Coach Colt asked

“Since last week.” You said and they gave you a look and a frown “I tried to tell Coach Morgan about it but he just said to suck it up and get on with it.” You added and they had a look of anger on their face.

“Why don’t you go sit down and we’ll get the relief pitcher in.” Coach Colt said and you nodded and went to sit down as your other friend Elizabeth Summers walked up to the pitching mound after giving you a sad smile. You were just glad to have some rest. 30 minutes into the practice Coach Morgan showed up and when he saw you sitting on the bench, he grew furious and stormed over to Coach Colt.

“Why the fuck is Bradford sitting on the bench and not on the fucking pitching mound?” He screamed and everything was silent and everything halted. Nobody liked Coach Morgan and were terrified of him.

“Her pitches were off because her shoulder was hurting and so was her wrist. So, Amanda and I are giving her a rest.” Coach Colt said defending you and trying to keep calm.

“I don’t give a fuck if she’s hurting. You have to work through the pain. No pain, no gain.” Coach Morgan said “I want her back on that pitching mound this instant.” He said and turned to you as you were picking up your glove and heading to the mound looking at Elizabeth who gave you a sympathetic look. You were a great pitcher and because of that you worked harder. They walked away from you to stand on the side “Now begin!” He yelled and you clenched your teeth and got ready to throw the ball already filling your shoulder scream in pain. You took a deep breath and wound up and threw the ball and as you released it tears came to your eyes and they clenched shut but opened them quickly, it had made it to the catcher’s, Samantha, glove like you planned it but it still fucking hurt. Samantha threw the ball back to you. This exercise went on for about 2 minutes just to get you warmed up and each time your shoulder and wrist screamed in pain. “Ok, I want to go onto the next drill!” Coach Morgan yelled “Coach Colt will be hitting the ball to different positions and everyone will be throwing it just like in a game.” He yelled and everyone nodded. You stayed put as well as everyone else as Coach Colt walked up and started the drill. Each time you caught it and threw it your shoulder screamed in pain and you were throwing some wild throws and that just pissed him off. “Time out!” He yelled and stormed over to you and grabbed you by the arm and practically drug you off the field and started laying into you. “What the fuck was that?! It’s like you’re not even trying! You’re supposed to be my best pitcher and you’re pitching like shit! I don’t give a fuck if your injured, you work through the pain!” He yelled and tears stung your eyes. Off in your peripheral vision you could see everyone looking and grouped together. Everyone knew you were hurt and tried to do something but they got punished or threatened to be kicked off the team. You weren’t paying attention to him and that pissed him off “Are you even fucking listening to me?!” He said and shoved you and then grabbed the front of your shirt and got up in your face.

“I am. My shoulder really hurts.” You tried to defend yourself and then he let go of your shirt and you thought it was over but then he raised his hand and slapped you in the face which made you step back and crash into the fence and head hitting the pole, you looked up holding your face and tears actually fell from your eyes.

“I don’t fucking care! How do you expect to become a professional?!” He said and grabbed you again and you were terrified and your face showed it and about that time Coach Colt and Amanda were rushing to your aid and Coach Colt pulled Coach Morgan off of you as Amanda shielded you.

“That is enough. Her shoulder and wrist have been hurting for weeks and you simply ignored her and threatened to kick her off the team if she said anything. That’s right we’ve heard all about it.” Coach Colt said

“That is not an excuse!” Coach Morgan yelled

“Yes, it is. Any more pushing and she could damage her shoulder and wrist for good and she won’t be able to play at all.” Amanda said as she held your crying form. Coach Morgan huffed and stormed off and left. Coach Colt turned to the rest of the team.

“Practice is over. Go home and rest, we’ll let you know when the next practice is.” He said and everyone nodded and started to gather their stuff and head to their cars not bothering to change then he turned to you and Amanda. “Are you ok?” He asked and you shook her head which you must’ve hit because shaking it caused it to throb and you had some blood running from your temple and your ear was ringing. “Here let me see.” He said and put a comforting hand on yours and slowly moved it and he grew angry. You had a handprint from where Coach Morgan had slapped you and his wedding ring must've got you too because you were bleeding from your cheek bone and bruising along with some swelling started to form. “I fucking hate that guy.” He said “You really need to go get checked out.” He added.

“I just want to go home. I’ll get cleaned up there.” You said

“Are you sure? One of us can take you to the hospital.” Amanda said and you nodded “Is anyone home with you?” She asked and you nodded. They knew Tim and Nolan were police officers and knew their schedule.

“Yea, dad is home.” You said in a quiet voice. Just then Samantha walked up with yours and her stuff.

“I’ll make sure she gets home safely.” Samantha said and that made you jump because you didn’t hear her walk up. That concerned them.

“Thank you, Samantha.” Amanda said and she smiled as she threw an arm around your shoulder and began your trek to your cars.

“You are not ok to drive.” She said and you looked at her.

“No, I am. I just want to be home.” You said and she nodded.

“Ok, just take it nice and slow, ok.” She asked and you nodded.

“Ok.” You said as you both put your stuff in your cars and then both got in and started your drive home. As you were getting closer to your house your vision was starting to get blurry with tears and a little bit of double vision was starting. Lucky for you, you had just pulled into your driveway next to your dad’s truck. You killed the engine and started to bawl. After a few minutes you wiped your tears, grabbed your backpack and softball bag and headed inside. You were moving slowly but straightened up and tried to walk normally. You turned the handle of the door and walked in being met with the TV on and your dad in the kitchen. You say your stuff down by the front door and then walk in with your head down and he smiled at you.

“Hey, Sweetheart. How was school?” He asked

“It was good.” You said and he frowned because he noticed how your voice croaked.

“Are you ok?” He asked and you nodded.

“I’m fine. I’m just going to head upstairs and get ready for dinner.” You said and you didn’t give him a chance to say anything as you rushed upstairs. When you got to your room you looked into the mirror and saw the damage, the handprint had darkened and there was more running down your face. Your shoulder and wrist hurt. It wasn’t even 2 minutes later when you heard a knock at your door.

“Can I come in?” He asked

“Yes.” You said as he opened the door.

“Y/N are you ok? You’ve been crying, I can tell.” Tim said

“How can you tell?” You asked with a scratchy voice.

“Your voice croaked like it always does when you’ve been crying. Also, you're my daughter I know these things." He said with a chuckle and you had let out a little one. You had your back to him and when he turned around, he instantly became angry.

“Who the fuck did this to you?” He asked as he walked up to you and gently grabbed your chin to look at you.

“Coach Morgan.” You said quietly

“That son of a bitch. Why did he do this to you?” He asked releasing you.

“My pitches and throws were sloppy because my shoulder and wrist had been hurting for weeks and he got angry and pulled me off the field. He cussed me out and then turned violent and then slapped me hard enough to push me into the chained linked fence hard. His ring cut him and my ear has been ringing ever since. My head hurts too from hitting the pole.” You said and Tim was angry but not at you. He had released your chin when you had begun talking.

“I'm taking you to the hospital and I’m going to take pictures of this and do something about it.” He said and you nodded and he pulled out his phone and began taking pictures of your face. When he was done, he ushered you out of your room and down the stairs to his truck where he was helping you get in and then he got in himself and started the engine, he pulled out of the driveway and started driving towards the hospital.

When you both got there, he made sure to park close by and then he killed the engine he first got out then he walked over and helped you out. On the way to the hospital your vision had doubled, the ringing intensified, and you had become dizzy to the point of almost throwing up. You were almost in the hospital when you suddenly went to the trash can and threw up. “Woah.” He said and rubbed your back after you were done you wiped your mouth and headed inside where he told you to go and sit down. Tim walked up to the front desk and got a forum to fill out. You had told him you were dizzy and having double vision. He walked over and sat down next to you and began filling out what was needed, answering the questions with ease. You leaned against his shoulder on your non-injured side. 

“I don't feel good, Daddy.” You said and he turned to look at you. You had turned pale and looked overall exhausted. “Wanna go to sleep.” You said and he shook his head.

“No can do. Not until we get you checked out by the doctor.” Tim said and you nodded trying your best to stay awake. He was quick to fill the rest of it out and stood up causing you to sit up and took the clipboard to the front desk. He went and sat back down and you cuddled into him. Thankfully the ER wasn't that busy and you were getting called back quickly. They were put in a room and then Gino Brown, Jackson West’s boyfriend, walked in and stopped.

“Officer Bradford, pleasure seeing you again.” He said with a smile then turned to you “Y/N, what happened?” He asked as he began taking an assessment and hooking you up to a monitor. 

“Coach Morgan hit me and that caused me to slam into a pole.” You said slurring your words. 

“He really did a number on you.” He said, “I'm gonna shine a light in your eyes.” He said and you nodded but squeezed your eyes shut from the moment.

“I'm sorry.” You apologized, opening your eyes and he shook his head.

“No worries.” He said and shined a light in your eyes and your pupils were slow to react. He sighed and turned towards your dad but could still see you “I think she has a concussion but I want Dr. Sawyer to confirm.” Gino said and he nodded he was about to leave when you spoke up.

“I think I'm gonna be sick.” You said and they could've sworn you had turned green and Gino was quick to grab a bucket and you threw up. When you were done you were catching your breath when all of sudden your eyes rolled into the back of your head, you tensed, and you began to seize, which was not normal.

“Woah! Ok.” Gino said and was quick to roll you on your side and then instructed Tim to help as he stepped outside “I'm gonna need some help in here!” He yelled out and two other nurses and Dr. Grace Sawyer rushed in.

“What happened?” Grace asked, quickly taking over Tim's place as the other nurses were quick to get an IV in and you hooked up on fluids. “Give a push of Midazolam. Are you ok with us giving her a sedative just to let her brain rest?” She asked calmly and Tim nodded truly scared for his daughter.

“We were talking and she was slurring her words and I was about to come and get you when she got sick. When she was done, she was catching her breath and then her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she started to seize.” Gino said after pushing the medication in and you stopped and then he pushed a sedative in and they saw you visibly relax.

“Get her hooked up to a monitor and get her admitted. I want her to get a CT scan as well.” Grace said and everyone nodded and then she turned to Tim. “Now what happened to make her look like this?” She asked.

“She said Coach Theo Morgan, her softball coach, hit her and that caused her to slam into a pole.” Tim said as she motioned him to walk with her. 

“Him. We have had a lot of kids come in with shin splints, stress fractures, broken bones, and concussions. Y/N is the worst case we've had. We've never had one come in slurring words, complaining of dizziness, getting sick, and then seizing.” Grace said as they arrived at the CT scan normally, they wouldn't let anyone in the viewing room but seeing as Tim was a police officer, they let him. They watched the screen scan your brain. “Everything looks good from the scan. The seizure sometimes happens with a concussion. I want to keep her out and here for a few days and recheck in a couple of days.” Grace said and Tim nodded. “I also want to take an x-ray of her shoulder and wrist since it said on her paperwork about them hurting her.” She said and again he nodded.

“Can I get all of this in a report and the others? I'm gonna do something about this once and for all.” Tim asked and Grace nodded.

“Of course. I want this guy to go away.” She said as they moved you out of the CT scan and then they followed you to the x-ray room. They took the x-rays and it turns out that you did have a stress fracture to the wrist and a dislocated shoulder along with a stress fracture in it as well. Tim was outraged. You would need surgery before having your shoulder moved back in place.

When they got you changed into a gown while Tim made some calls. He walked back into your room; he saw you sleeping, he looked over your injuries and grew enraged. It wasn't long until Lucy was knocking on the door and he looked up surprised. Sure, he had texted in a group chat that you had made and he reluctantly was a part of, but he was surprised that anyone had shown up.

“Lucy, what are you doing here?” He asked surprised as he stood and she walked into the room and she hugged him.

“I saw the group chat and figured that you shouldn’t be alone so I came down.” She said and they released from the hug.

“Thank you, that means so much to us.” Tim said and offered her his chair while he grabbed another.

“So, what happened?” She asked and he told her all about it and how this wasn’t Coach Morgan’s first-time harming kids. “That is awful. Are you going to press charges?” She asked and he noted. 

“Yes, and I’m going to take him to court. This isn’t his first-time harming kids.” Tim said just then Grace walked back in and smiled and greeted Lucy.

“She’s going to wake up soon.  When did she last eat?” She asked

“Last time she ate was in the afternoon at lunch.” He spoke. It was 8 PM now so it had been 8 hrs.

“Since it has been 8 hrs. we can go ahead and run some bloodwork and then get her in surgery in the morning.” Grace said “I just need your permission.” She added.

“You have my permission.” He said and she smiled and nodded.

“Gino will be in here in a minute to take the samples. The sedative should wear off here in an hour.” She said and Tim nodded and she left the room. A few minutes later Gino was walking in and getting samples and then sending them off to the labs. 

“He really did a number on her didn’t he?” Lucy asked and Tim nodded

“Yea he did. It pisses me off.” He said and then it fell silent. Like Grace said an hour later you were waking up. Tim and Lucy were up in an instant.

“Daddy?” You asked groggily.

“You’re ok, Sweetheart. You’ve been admitted.” He said and then you looked around and saw Lucy and smiled.

“Lucy.” You said and she smiled and walked over and bent down and kissed your forehead.

“Hey, Mini Tim.” She said and Tim rolled his eyes. You had gotten the name because you were just like your father in more ways than one. 

“Sweetheart-” Your dad began “Your shoulder is dislocated and fractured and your wrist has a stress fracture in it. You also have a concussion and you had a seizure.” He told you and you took in the news. “You’re having surgery on it in the morning and staying here for a couple of days.” He said and you looked at him.

“Will I ever be able to play softball again?” You asked 

“That’s a question for Grace.” He spoke 

“Grace is my doctor?” You asked and he nodded and you smiled.

“Gino is your nurse.” Lucy said and that made you even more happy. A few minutes later Grace and Gino walked in and smiled when they saw you were up. 

“It’s good to see you up.” She said “I’m sure your dad already told you what is going on.” She added and you nodded “I ran a CT Scan on you to make sure nothing was damaged after the hit to the pole and there wasn’t anything.” She said “We ran bloodwork and everything looks good and we have you scheduled for tomorrow morning to fix your shoulder. Do you have any questions?” She asked and you nodded.

“Will I ever be able to play softball again?” You asked and she smiled.

“After physical therapy we will reassess but I highly believe that you will be able to.” She said and you smiled. 

The rest of the night was filled with talking and then Lucy had to leave and now it was just you and your dad. You stayed up for a little bit longer until you fell asleep and then after he made sure you were good and asleep, he allowed him to sleep your heart monitor luring him to sleep. 

——————————————————————

The next morning Tim was being woken up by a knock on the door and Grace and Gino were walking and he smiled. They began talking and that had woken you up. They greeted you and then began the process of talking to you about prepping for surgery and what they planned on doing. After a few minutes they were wheeling you into the prep room and had you count down from 100 and before you got to 88 you were out like a light and they were wheeling you into surgery. 

Tim was a nervous wreck; he had let everyone know what was happening and he wasn’t surprised that they had shown up. Wesley, Angela, Nolan, Lucy, Jackson, and Talia had showed up, they asked how it had happened and he told them. He told them how he was going to press charges and take him to court. Wesley said that he would be your lawyer. He also had called your school and let them know what was going on and then he called your assistant coach and trainer and they were down in an instant. They told him that they tried to tell Coach Morgan to back off but they were threatened to be fired and they watched the entire thing happen. Tim told them his plan and they supported him and said they would testify and knew other parents would too. 

1 hr. later they were done with surgery and Grace was walking out to them. “Everything was a success and she is to make a full recovery.” She said and she left and Gino and a few other nurses were wheeling you into your room. You were groggy and slept a lot. When you fully woke up you noticed Coach Colt and Amanda there and you smiled.

“Hey.” You said to them and they greeted you back. Every now and then you would nod off and they let you sleep as much as possible and Gino along with other nurses were in and out checking on you. They had put a few screws in your shoulder and fixed your dislocated shoulder. 

On your third day of being in the hospital your dad had to leave for a few hours but Lucy said she would stay with you. You both gossiped and you even talked about her being in love with your dad and how he wouldn’t admit it but he was so in love. When your dad came back you both acted like nothing happened but he had his suspicions.

On the fourth day you were finally released and were given instructions on how to take care of your shoulder and what exercises to do to keep your wrist and elbow from locking up. Your dad also told you that he had pressed charges against Coach Morgan and to take him to court as well and he talked with the sports director at school and the principal. 

 ——————————————————————

Court day arrived and you were dressed up and so was your dad. You walked into the courthouse and met Wesely and he hugged you gently. He obtained all the medical records from you and other cases and Tim had given him the pictures he had taken. Court started and it was tough going at first but it was turning in your favor when Wesley presented medical records from you and others along with the pictures and had you along with other team members and passed team members testify along with parents. Coach Colt and Trainer Amanda both testified.  It was a long-drawn-out process. There was a break for the jury to decide if he was guilty or not and it didn’t take them long. They came back and gave the judge the verdict and when they said guilty it was all over. Relief washed over you. Wesley turned to you and smiled. Coach Morgan was arrested for harming and putting a minor in the hospital and he was banned from coaching for life. You thanked Wesely profusely. “Thank you so much.” You said and he smiled.

“You’re part of the family and this family sticks together.” He said and then gently hugged you and kissed you head and then left. You and your dad left after talking to the others and Samantha, who had come and testified she also had provided a video that she secretly took and gave it over to evidence. Tim and you sat in the truck and you sighed in relief and he looked over and smiled.

“Everything is going to be ok now. He’s gone and can’t hurt you or anyone else anymore.” He said and leaned over and brought you in for a hug and held your head and kissed it.

“Thank you, dad. For everything.” You said and he smiled.

“Anything for my girl.” He said and then you smirked and he raised an eyebrow. 

“So, when are you and Lucy going to get together?” You asked 

“Not this again.” He said and you laughed and that made him smile. One of these days you were going to get him to admit it.

Tag list:

@kmc1989

@els-marvelvsp

@atarmychick007

@nyx2021

@grandstrangerphantom

@angenu01-blog

@talesofreading

[inevitablemoment]

You drew stars around my scars

[elinorasims]

Lookbook | Summer Falls

Hair

Please Hair - Short n' Sweet | Daylife Sims

Face/Body

Aveira Eyes | RheallSim [Alien] Mouseyblue's Dust Alien Eyes Conversion | plumblobs

Chronos 2.0 Skinblend | MagalhaesSims [Alien] Skin - Heartlines | Pyxis Misc Face Details | okruee Face Shader | Faaeish Eyelid Overlay - N2/N15 - A Thousand Nights | Northern Siberia Winds [Alien] Neck Shadow N1 - Baby Face Kit | Northern Siberia Winds [Alien] Face Structure Overlay | Faaeish

Eyebrows - GPME-GOLD - G24 | GoppoIsMe Lashes - Maxis Match V1 | MMSIMS [Alien] Lashes | Learxfl

Vanilla Teeth | Saruin [Alien] Antenna | Simbience Nails - Victorian Gothic | Feyona

Makeup

Eyeshadow - On the Ground | Anonimux Simmer Eyeliner - Acorn | Merci Blush - Phia Collection | Chewybutterfly [Alien] Blush - 1 | MMSIMS Lipstick - Amine | RemusSirion [Alien] Lips - Sadderdaze | Pyxis [Alien] Facepaint - Stargazer | liahx

CC Links

1, 2, 3, 4 ; Gaiter Boots - Naughty Doll | Blue Craving 4 ; Skort - Goth is Rock | Blue Craving 5 ; Candy Top - November Collection | arethabee A-Type Shorts - Girl's Vintage | JoyceIsFox Western Boots - Collection 05 | Jius 6 ; Shirt, Blazer + Shorts Set - Gift Box 17 | RIMINGS Marfa Boots - Hazelnut Set | Serenity 7 ; Stefanie Top - Apple Set | Serenity Samantha Jeans - Sophomore Collection | Sentate Socks - Peak Performance - Adrenaline Set | Joliebean Birkenstock Boston Shoes | Charonlee

CC Links

1, 3 ; Gaiter Boots - Naughty Doll | Blue Craving 2 ; Rosalia Ball Gown - Rosa x Alba | RUSTY'S Claudia Boots - Poison Set | Serenity 4 ; Dress - Girl's Vintage | JIUMIQAQ Western Boots - Collection 05 | Jius 5 ; Candy Top - November Collection | arethabee A-Type Shorts - Girl's Vintage | JoyceIsFox 5, 6 ; Simple Heels | Arltos 6 ; Dress - Old Gift Box 14 | RIMINGS

CC Links

2 ; Sookie Dress - Heartbeat Collection | Serenity 3 ; Tara Bikini Coverup - April 2022 | Sentate 4 ; Ocean Wave Swimsuit - Cruise Collection | Joliebean 5 ; Kuina Top | Miss.Valentine Gaiter Boots - Naughty Doll | Blue Craving 6 ; Barbara Sweater | Caio Bicycle Shorts - Sunday Sleepwear | Nolan-Sims 6, 7 ; Socks - Peak Performance - Adrenaline Set | Joliebean 7 ; Phoebe Dress - Fade Set | Serenity

CC Links

1 ; Gaiter Boots - Naughty Doll | Blue Craving 2 ; Ashley Dress | Caio 2, 3, 4 ; Celestia Boots - Starry Night Set | Kimiiri 3 ; Shirt + Shorts Set - Gift Box 17 | RIMINGS 4 ; Candy Top - November Collection | arethabee A-Type Shorts - Girl's Vintage | JoyceIsFox 5 ; Stefanie Top - Apple Set | Serenity Samantha Jeans - Sophomore Collection | Sentate Birkenstock Boston Shoes | Charonlee

CC Links

1 ; Gaiter Boots - Naughty Doll | Blue Craving 2 ; Shirt, Blazer + Shorts Set - Gift Box 17 | RIMINGS Tights | Arltos 2, 3 ; Marfa Boots - Hazelnut Set | Serenity 3 ; Aspen Jacket - Equinox Set | arethabee Samantha Jeans - Sophomore Collection | Sentate

DOWNLOAD >> ALIEN SIM DUMP - STRANGERS PT I >>

[ossified-hypothesis]

Current Things

Tagged by @evenaturtleduck (thanks! ☺️)

3 ships: idk I’m not really much of a shipper! We were just talking about ships in the October Daye discord though - my favourites to come out of that convo were August x Nolan, Oberon x Sylvester (aka the Disappointing Dad Duo™️), and Toby x Literally every knowe she meets 😆

[Edit: sorry I lied a bit I forgot I’m shipping Outlaw Ty and Texas Michael after the latest WOE.BEGONE episode 😅]

Last song: decadence by woe.begone (the fact I was listening to a track from the cowboy album is pure coincidence, my music was on shuffle lol)

Currently reading: ok so I was reading The Truth by Terry Pratchett when a bunch of my library holds became available. So now I’m also reading System Collapse by Martha Wells (Murderbot my beloved 💕), Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire, and A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon 😅

Last movie: I think it might have been Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (lmao) - I remember a distinct lack of decent telly on over the holidays so I’d decided to watch this mostly out of nostalgia

If you mean in a movie theatre then I don’t think I’ve been back to the cinema since Barbie in the summer - I want to go see the boy and the heron but need to find the time lol

Currently watching: Delicious in Dungeon! And also the new series of The Great Pottery Throw Down (think bake off but for pottery). I need to watch season 4 of what we do in the shadows when I get the chance as well

Currently craving: Sleep! And maybe a cup of tea

Currently consuming: food or media?

Food I consumed this evening was leftover quorn korma with fruit and nuts, followed by a bunch of chocolate I got for Christmas

In terms of media the podcast brainrot is still going strong lol. Namely WOE.BEGONE and Hello from the Hallowoods but The Grotto and Jar of Rebuke deserve honourable mentions!

Tagging @flamefirenut, @boopblep, @felixcosm, @forbidden-fungi, @mocha-moth, @discursivetacenda and anyone else who wants to take part! (no pressure though!)

[garciajey]

Imagine an interaction between these two.

For those of you wondering who this character is his name is Kid and he's a living organic ship with the ability to rebuild destroyed planets.

He made his appearance in a futuristic Space movie Titled Cosmoball.

[s1r3ns-c4ll]

Request Rules/Who I Write For/Masterlist Link

 Hello hello! the name’s Siren and here’s the post where you can see what you can request, who I write for, and eventually a masterlist as I start putting up requests and my own little writing blurbs! You’ll Find all my Hogwarts Legacy and RWBY fics on the masterlists and the tags #Siren HL and #Siren RWBY

Masterlists:

Hogwarts Legacy RWBY (Coming Soon)

Fandoms I Write For (Might Expand Eventually):

Hogwarts Legacy

RWBY

What I’ll Write:

x Reader (GN will be the default if not specified, but I will write fem/masc reader focus if requested!)

Platonic

Poly

Non-Explicit Mature Themes (teasing explicit themes, but not actual smut will be written)

Headcanons

Ships

Angst

Hurt/Comfort

Fluff ( I love fluff with all my heart ;) )

What I WON’T Write:

Works glorifying S/A themes

Rape/Non-Con themes

Abusive themes (I can elude to pat experiences but will never explicitly write works with abuse being the focus)

Smut

Illegal age gaps

Incest

Hateful content that paints another character in bad light (ex: “Can you write something where [sweet character] does [bad thing] to [sweet character] and reader helps them through it?”)

Extremely dark themes

Hogwarts Legacy Characters:

Poppy Sweeting

Natsai Onai

Samantha Dale

Imelda Reyes

Anne Sallow

Garreth Weasley

Ominis Gaunt

Sebastian Sallow

Note: I’d love to write for every Hogwarts Legacy character! But on Tumblr, there is a heavy focus on Sebastian, Ominis and Garreth (Mainly the two Slytherin). So I don’t discourage requesting them, but please do send requests for our lovely women in the game :)

RWBY Characters:

Team RWBY:

Ruby Rose

Weiss Schnee

Blake Belladonna

Yang Xiao-Long

Team JNPR:

Jaune Arc

Pyrrha Nikos

Nora Valkyrie

Lie Ren

Team CFVY

Coco Adel

Fox Alistair

Velvet Scarletina

Yatsuhashi Daichi

Team SSSN(N)

Sun Wukong

Scarlet David

Sage Ayana

Neptune Vasilias

Nolan Porfirio

Atlas ACE-OPs

Clover Ebi

Marrow Amin

Vine Zeki

Harriet Bree

Elm Ederne

Others:

Winter Schnee

Emerald Sustrai

Penny Polendina

Ilia Amitola

Neo

[starry-mist]

Excuse my momentary screeching about one of my other hyperfixations, but:

SOMEBODY PLEASE FUCKING HUG SAM MAROUN FOR FUCK’S SAKE.

(Preferably Nolan Price, but good lord this woman needs a hug, I would accept anyone after this episode.)

[sageglobalresponse]

FULL LIST: BAFTAs 2024 winners

The 77th edition of the British Academy Film Awards, popularly referred to as the BAFTA Awards, took place on Sunday, February 18, 2024.

Outstanding national and international films from 2023 were recognised at the event held at the Royal Festival Hall, situated within London’s Southbank Centre.

According to a post shared on Monday on the X handle, @BAFTA, the event was attended by the President of BAFTA, HRH, The Prince of Wales, K.G. K.T. and also the BAFTA CEO, Jane Millichip, and BAFTA chair, Sara Putt.

Below are the BAFTA Awards full lists of winners and nominees:

Best film

Oppenheimer (WINNER)

Anatomy of a Fall

The Holdovers

Killers of the Flower Moon

Poor Things

Leading actress

Emma Stone – Poor Things (WINNER)

Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple

Sandra Hüller – Anatomy of a Fall

Carey Mulligan – Maestro

Vivian Oparah – Rye Lane

Margot Robbie – Barbie

Leading actor

Cillian Murphy – Oppenheimer (WINNER)

Bradley Cooper – Maestro

Colman Domingo – Rustin

Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers

Barry Keoghan – Saltburn

Teo Yoo – Past Lives

Supporting actress

Da’Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers (WINNER)

Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer

Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple

Claire Foy – All of Us Strangers

Sandra Hüller – The Zone of Interest

Rosamund Pike – Saltburn

Supporting actor

Robert Downey Jr – Oppenheimer (WINNER)

Robert De Niro – Killers of the Flower Moon

Jacob Elordi – Saltburn

Ryan Gosling – Barbie

Paul Mescal – All of Us Strangers

Dominic Sessa – The Holdovers

Director

Oppenheimer – Christopher Nolan (WINNER)

All of Us Strangers – Andrew Haigh

Anatomy of a Fall – Justine Triet

The Holdovers – Alexander Payne

Maestro – Bradley Cooper

The Zone of Interest – Jonathan Glazer

EE Bafta Rising Star Award (voted for by the public)

Mia McKenna-Bruce (WINNER)

Phoebe Dynevor

Ayo Edebiri

Jacob Elordi

Sophie Wilde

Outstanding British film

The Zone of Interest (WINNER)

All of Us Strangers

How To Have Sex

Napoleon

The Old Oak

Poor Things

Rye Lane

Saltburn

Scrapper

Wonka

Film not in the English language

The Zone of Interest (WINNER)

20 Days In Mariupol

Anatomy of a Fall

Past Lives

Society of the Snow

Animated film

The Boy and the Heron (WINNER)

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Elemental

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Documentary

20 Days In Mariupol (WINNER)

American Symphony

Beyond Utopia

Still: A Michael J Fox Movie

Wham!

Original screenplay

Anatomy of a Fall (WINNER)

Barbie

The Holdovers

Maestro

Past Lives

Adapted screenplay

American Fiction (WINNER)

All of Us Strangers

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

The Zone of Interest

Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer

Earth Mama(WINNER)

Blue Bag Life

Bobi Wine: The People’s President

How To Have Sex

Is There Anybody Out There?

Original score

Oppenheimer (WINNER)

Killers of the Flower Moon

Poor Things

Saltburn

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Make-up and hair

Poor Things (WINNER)

Killers of the Flower Moon

Maestro

Napoleon

Oppenheimer

Costume design

Poor Things (WINNER)

Barbie

Killers of the Flower Moon

Napoleon

Oppenheimer

Production design

Poor Things (WINNER)

Barbie

Killers of the Flower Moon

Oppenheimer

The Zone of Interest

Sound

The Zone of Interest (WINNER)

Ferrari

Maestro

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Oppenheimer

Cinematography

Oppenheimer (WINNER)

Killers of the Flower Moon

Maestro

Poor Things

The Zone of Interest

Editing

Oppenheimer (WINNER)

Anatomy of a Fall

Killers of the Flower Moon

Poor Things

The Zone of Interest

Casting

The Holdovers (WINNER)

All of Us Strangers

Anatomy of a Fall

How To Have Sex

Killers of the Flower Moon

Special visual effects

Poor Things (WINNER)

The Creator

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Napoleon

British short animation

Crab Day (WINNER)

Visible Mending

Wild Summon

British short film

Jellyfish and Lobster (WINNER)

Festival of Slaps

Gorka

Such a Lovely Day

Yellow

Bafta Fellowship

Samantha Morton (WINNER)

Outstanding British contribution to cinema

June Givanni (WINNER)

The top films

7 wins – Oppenheimer

5 – Poor Things

3 – The Zone of Interest

2 – The Holdovers

BAFTA Awards…

PUNCH Online reports that the BAFTA Awards are presented in an annual ceremony by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA).

These awards honour outstanding achievements in the film industry, both British and international, and are considered among the most prestigious film awards globally.

The BAFTA Awards were first held in 1947, making them one of the oldest film awards ceremonies. The awards ceremony usually takes place in London, and it attracts a significant amount of attention from the film industry and the public.

On categories, BAFTA Awards are presented in various categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and many technical and creative categories like cinematography, editing, and costume design.

BAFTA Awards eligibility and voting…

Meanwhile, films eligible for consideration are not limited to British productions; they include international films released in the United Kingdom during the qualifying period. BAFTA also has specific categories, such as Outstanding British Film, to recognize and celebrate British cinema.

The winners are determined through a voting process involving BAFTA members, who are professionals across various branches of the film industry. The voting process is designed to ensure that the awards represent the consensus of the industry.

While the BAFTA Awards are prestigious in their own right, they are also seen as influential in the larger awards season, including the Oscars. Many films that perform well at BAFTA often go on to receive nominations and accolades at other major film festivals and awards ceremonies.

The BAFTA Awards ceremony typically takes place in February, with nominees and celebrities from the film industry attending the event. The ceremony is popular for its red-carpet arrivals, speeches, and celebrations of outstanding achievements in film.

It contributes significantly to the recognition and celebration of excellence in the film industry, providing a platform for filmmakers and artists to showcase their work and receive acknowledgment for their contributions.

[wannabesewcrafty]

Genre: Fanfiction

Fandom: Law & Order (2022)

Fictober prompt: 1. “I chose you.”

“So, we’ll have to start digging into their financials,” Nolan began as he led Samantha through the corridors to their offices.

“Uh, I can’t tonight.”

He glanced at her in surprise.

“Frank asked me to go to the policeman’s ball. It’s tonight.”

“Cosgrove?” He blinked, wondering when that had happened.

“Yeah…is that a problem?”

“No! No. You should go.” They entered his office, where Nolan set down his briefcase and shuffled through some papers on his desk.

“Are you sure?” Sam waited, knowing that combing through financial records would go faster with two people.

“I’ll be fine,” he assured her with a smile.

-*-*-

She went to the ball. Cosgrove wore a tuxedo for the occasion, and Sam had changed into a strapless navy blue gown.

They chatted and danced and sipped champagne and ate hor d’oeuvres but the young prosecutor was distracted. The police detective noticed.

“You okay, Sam?” Frank asked, watching her eyes scan the ballroom as she sipped from her third champagne glass.

“Yeah…I just…I’m sorry, Frank, but…I have somewhere else I need to be.”

He nodded knowingly. “I’ll call you a cab.”

“No hard feelings?” she asked, wishing she could avoid hurting him with her exit.

Now, he shook his head. “Hey, I took a shot,” he said easily. “And if I hadn’t asked you here tonight, Velasco in Special Victims might have, and now Shaw owes me forty bucks ‘cause I not only asked you but you said yes.”

She was a little affronted at having been the subject of a bet, making her cock an eyebrow at him. “You’ll split that with me, right?”

He placed a hand over his heart in a gesture of agreement.

“Thanks, Frank.” She gave him a soft smile and handed him her empty champagne flute.

She had only taken a few steps when Cosgrove called her name again, and she turned to look back at him over her shoulder.

“He’s a lucky man,” Frank said. “If he ever wises up,” he added with a smirk, to which Maroun could only shake her head.

-*-*-

Price’s shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows as he sifted through stacks of paperwork in the conference room. He blinked rapidly, feeling like the printed text and figures he was seeing were all starting to blur together, when he heard the clicking sound of heels coming down the hallway.

He glanced up as the conference room door swung open, revealing Samantha in her formal ballgown. A relieved smile broke out across her face. “Good. You’re still here,” she breathed. “Need a hand?” She nodded toward the piles of paper, smoothing her expression into one of neutral professionalism.

“But—what about the ball? Cosgrove…” Nolan trailed off, his forehead wrinkling in surprise and confusion.

“This was more important. I chose you. And the case,” she finished.

He nodded while surveying the records on the table before them. “Well, pull up a chair,” he urged, handing Sam some file folders he hadn’t looked through yet. While she settled in at the conference table, Nolan put a carton of still-warm Chinese takeout within her reach, and she smiled to herself as she began to read through her first folder.