#give me 'say hello clark' 'hello clark'
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meanbeantoe · 1 year ago
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why is my brain suddenly obsessed with social media personality!girlfriend of clark kent like posting vlogs and meme content with clark in the background
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shewhowillwrite · 6 months ago
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Dead on Main AU Prompt Fic
Edit: i use @shewhowillrise
The Justice League was choosing their head engineer. They had a few contenders. One being the top student in engineering at Gotham University, even has a scholarship through Jason Wayne’s Scholarship for Underperforming Students. Bruce Wayne has started it after adopting Jason and seeing how smart he was but also how much he struggled in school.
Daniel Fenton lived on the same street as the Monarch Theatre, the same street he found Jason.
Batman couldn’t help but think Daniel was what Jason could have been if he was able to finish school and head off too college.
Batman knocked on the apartment door, not at all surprised at how fast it opened. When setting up the meeting, he could hear the excitement over the phone.
“Hello Batman Sir!” Daniel greeted, holding out a hand. He had a strong firm grip, reminded him of Clark’s. Possibly a meta, which is a plus. With what the kid might encounter while building or making repairs, a meta gene would be good to have, especially strength.
And over the meeting Batman fell more and more in love with the kid’s enthusiasm. Without the guarantee of the job, the kid was ready to give some ideas (that would amazing) incase the League would need them.
The meeting was supposed to be an hour but soon he noticed that the sun was low.
Batman sat up straighter upon hearing a key turn in the lock.
“Oh that’s my partner, sorry, I would I have warned you but I didn’t realize the meeting was going to be this long,” Danny (only creepy billionaires call me Daniel) said, which Batman also noted that he tried his best not to blame Batman for going over the allotted time. Kid’s respectful too.
“Hey Stardust how’d the meeting I’m not supposed to know about go? I’m sure whatever words you stumbled over the Bat didn’t hold it against you for being nerv-” the disembodied voice walks into the dining room, and freezes in surprise before collecting himself, an easy smile going on his face while wiping grease stained hands on his grease stained jeans and stuck one out to shake.
“Hi, I’m Jaylad Peters,” he says but Batman doesn’t take the hand offered. He doesn’t react at all.
In front of him is his baby boy, the one that died in his arms, the one he buried in Gotham Cemetery, near Thomas and Martha. His Jason.
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frownyalfred · 1 month ago
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Lois finding out Bruce's secret identity and using/abusing his expertise on crime and weird combat shit to ask him questions for background on random pieces she's assigned to.
"Hey hotshot. Quick question. Hypothetically, can you, or can you not, die from a punch to the throat."
"Hello, Lois. Nice to hear from you again."
"No, I don't think you heard me. Throat punching. Is that a thing?"
"A thing?"
"Can someone die if you punch them hard enough in the throat? Google says maybe."
"Looking it up on Google. That's a new low for you, isn't it?"
"The new low for me was thinking you'd take this conversation seriously. I need a yes or no answer, Bruce."
"..."
"I can hear you typing. Are you Googling it now?"
"Give me some parameters."
"I don't know, hard? If you punched them hard enough, could they die?"
"There would be some edema present, subsequent to blunt force trauma. Shortness of breath. Other delayed sequelae."
"So no?"
"Maybe."
"What if I punched them really really hard? Would it be instantaneous then?"
"Lois, I'm getting the impression this isn't much of a hypothetical anymore."
"Completely unrelated follow up question: can you break someone's neck if you punch them hard enough?"
"Lois."
"I just need a yes or no on this one. Promise."
"Lois."
"I'm not asking if you've ever done it, I'm asking if it's possible."
"...What does Google say?"
"To suck my dick, I'm on deadline."
"That new AI is testy."
"Are you going to be like this every time I call you?"
"Like this?"
"Yes or no answer, Bruce. Five seconds. I know you're holding it back. You're dying to tell me."
"I'm dying to tell you something you can Google?"
(five minutes later, Bruce's phone buzzes with a screenshot of a text conversation between Lois and a very confused Clark whose only response was "...I think so??? ask B")
Lois: final chance, yes or no
Bruce: Running to Clark is a choice.
Lois: oh god, you text with periods too?
Bruce: Yes.
Lois: yes throat punching or yes you text with periods?
Lois: Bruce
Lois: BRUCE
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deadsetobsessions · 7 months ago
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Hi! Party Planner! Danny has struck again.
——
Danny clambered onto the top of the building, eyes fixed onto the dimming Gotham City sky line. Electric blue eyes froze in concentration as his targets grappled into view. he quickly scaled the last rungs of the fire escape ladder to stumble onto the roof. Danny waved his arms, and his targets, catching sight of him mere moments later, began swinging towards him. Danny adjusted his bag strap.
“Hello, concerned citizen, what do you need assistance with?”
Danny faltered. Who the fuck was wearing Batman’s cowl?
Robin (with a sword) scowled at Batman before turning his attention back to Danny.
“Uh. Right,” Danny muttered, giving ‘Batman’ the most obvious and glaring side eye he could. Regardless, if the little Robin did not protest this Batman’s presence… it was good enough for him. “I’m a party planner.”
Robin spoke before Batman could. “And what of it?”
“The… uh, League of Evil or something, wait,” Danny fumbled while opening the bag and pulling out some papers. “Ah, Legion of Doom. Them.”
Little Robin and fake-Batman perked up. Fake-Batman tensed visibly. Danny grumbled. “Anyways, they’re contacting me- by they, I mean Lex Luthor- to see if I could plan a party in… God, why are Gotham’s names for shit so depressing?”
“Get on with it.” Little Robin snapped. Danny was reminded of Dani instantly and let it slide.
“Ah, right, they want me to plan a party in “Slaughter Swamp” on the seventh of next month. So… keep an eye on that, okay?” Danny asked Robin.
“Are you supposed to be telling us this?” Fake-Batman asked.
Danny shrugged, running a hand through his hair, practiced fingers brushing aside that little white streak of hair he got from the portal.
Little Robin’s gaze snapped up to his hair.
“It’s fine. They haven’t had me sign an NDA yet.” And, well, the devil is in the details but Danny is the devil.
“I’ll handle it.” Fake-Batman promised. Danny threw him a skeptical look.
“Uh-huh. Right.” He turned back to sword Robin, who looked torn between the supposed slight towards Batman and pride at Danny’s apparent trust in his abilities. “Look, here’s the stuff I have on them- copied them- and good luck and all that.”
He handed the file and some data in a usb stick to Robin, dipping away as soon as he could. He had a party to plan, and matching Luthor’s purple-gold aesthetic to Cheeta’s yellow and black spotted material wasn’t going to get done by themselves.
——
“Even the civilians outside of Gotham could tell you’re not Batman.” Damian scoffed as he watched their party planner slip back into his apartment.
“Hey, I thought I did pretty well!”
“I do not claim to know what hallucinogens you’ve inhaled, but do not come near me. I don’t want your stupidity to catch everyone else unawares.”
“Hey!”
“Get it together, Kryptonian. We still have half the night to patrol.”
Damian swung off, mind whirling along side Kent’s little hamster wheels for a brain. He’ll have to inform father. And Timothy. Red Robin had a grudge to settle with Scarecrow and will aid in Damian’s plot to obtain sugar gliders in exchange for the information. Yes.
——
Clark, thinking his Batman acting was bad: :(
Danny, has never met Batman: this can’t be Batman, he’s being midwestern polite
——
Also, I just want to say that the Flash has Georgia State patrol energy.
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angelicqsa · 5 months ago
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༊*˚➶ 。˚ ☁️ 𝖶𝗂𝖼𝗄𝖾𝖽 𝖦𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌
𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 | 𝖡𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺𝗆𝗒 𝖡𝗅𝖺𝗄𝖾 𝗑 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋
𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮 | 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝖻𝖾𝖾𝗇 𝗌𝖺𝗌𝗌𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗁𝖺𝖽 𝖺 𝖺𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗍𝗎𝖽𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗈𝗇𝖾. 𝖮𝗇𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗒 𝖡𝖾𝗅𝗅𝖺𝗆𝗒 𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗌 𝖿𝖾𝖽 𝗎𝗉 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝖾𝖼𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝗉𝗎𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗂𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗉𝗅𝖺𝖼𝖾.
𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 | 𝗌𝗆𝗎𝗍, 𝖻𝗅𝗈𝗐 𝗃𝗈𝖻𝗌, 𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒 𝖽𝗂𝗋𝗍𝗒 𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗍, 𝖼𝗎𝗋𝗌𝗂𝗇𝗀
𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙨 | 𝖨 𝗆𝖺𝖽𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗂𝗇𝗌𝗍𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗈𝖿 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖱𝖺𝖿𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒 𝗂 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾… 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗂 𝗆𝗂𝗌𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 100, 𝗂 𝗆𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗐𝖺𝗍𝖼𝗁 𝗂𝗍..
˚ ༘ ೀ⋆。˚
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You had always been a little snarky to everyone. To Clarke, to Bellamy, to Abby and Kane. Everyone. But no one seemed to mind it, a lot of people found your comments and your attitude amusing. No one had time to worry about your comments since your friends were missing and presumed to be kidnapped by the grounders. But Bellamy always had time. He'd always yell at you saying 'shut up' or if he's a little more annoyed it'd be 'shut the fuck up now.' and you'd always keep going because what would he do? nothing.
You and Bellamy strongly disliked each other. You didn't like the fact he was always so worried about your comments, and he didn't like your attitude or snarky comments, which caused a lot of tension between the two of you.
You two were always caught arguing and everyone attempted to help you two move past the hate for one another but it just couldn't happen, the tension and frustration between you two were just too strong.
You leave your room and start walking towards Raven and Wick's workplace. You walk in greeting both of them and plan to stay the rest of the day there.
"Hello to my favorite mechanic!" You say obnoxiously while making kissy faces in Raven's face.
She lets out a small chuckle and gives you a playful disgusted look. You smile at her and make your way over to Wick and give him a half-five while looking at the new device he was working on.
"Whatcha workin' on Wick?" You way with a smirk knowing Raven was gonna tease him for it or call him dumb. They've had a lot of tension between them, you can tell anytime you walk into the room. Silence, heaviness. That's the only way to describe it, kind of like you and Bellamy after having a small argument.
Wick simply holds it up like you were supposed to know what it was. "What the hell is it? You're holding it up as if I asked if it was a book or something.." You say with a hint of attitude and Wick just rolls his eyes while Raven chuckles.
Raven holds up a walkie-talkie and asks Wick if something is on. you had no idea what they were referring to and just thought it was a nerdy engineer thing.
Raven then turns to you and explains to you the plan to go find Finn and Murphy who were out looking for Clarke, who somehow escaped Mount Weather, and that was where our friends were located. You nod in agreement to the plan and join them.
You and Raven say your goodbyes to Wick and you help Raven get her crutches and hand her the bag of extra ammo that she planned on giving us and start making your way to the secluded part of camp Jaha. It took you two a little while because of Raven's leg and how the crutches slowed her down, but you two made it.
You see Bellamy and Raven set down the bag with the ammo on the boulder and say to Bellamy 'Scored you a couple clips'. Clarke then walks up and says "Hey. Mom's in surgery, and the team going after Kane just left. We should too."
Bellamy then asks us if we found Octavia who's summoned upon hearing her name, she walks up and says, "No. I found you."
She then proceeds to say, "I'm not letting you leave here without me." You all blankly stare at her then Clarke tries to speak up, "Octavia-"
Octavia then cuts Clarke off and does a little rant, "Finn and Murphy are headed for Lincoln's village. I've been there. Have you?" She points to Bellamy and then says "Has she?" She then points to Clarke, Bellamy is just looking down letting her talk, and then he finally picks his head up and says "You done?"
Octavia looks at her brother and does a small shrug, Clarke hands Octavia's pack to you and you throw it at her softly.
She looks at you with curiosity and asks "Whats this?" and Bellamy responds for you with, "Your pack." He then smirks and says "Lead the way."
Octavia attempts to walk towards the barbed wire and Raven holds out her crutch and you say "Woah there Pocahontas, you might get electrocuted." Bellamy rolls his eyes at your remark and Octavia just looks confused.
Raven touches the barbed wire with her crutch and a group of sparks ignite upon the spot Raven touched, we all jump back in surprise. Clarke whispers anxiously to Raven and says "I thought you sa
id it was handled." Raven responds "It is." Then she raises her walkie-talkie and says "Shut her down Wick." After a few radio beeps, Raven touches the fence again and this time sparks don't ignite.
Raven smirks at Clarke and nods "Handled." You all nod. Octavia throws her pack through the fence and crouches through, then Clarke follows, then Bellamy, and finally you. But before you follow, you turn to Raven and smirk at her "While I'm gone, I suggest you han-" You get cut off by Bellamy saying "Hurry up, we don't have all fucking day." You stick your middle finger up at him and continue your statement to Raven, "Back to what I was saying, I suggest you handle that 'frustration' with Wick or try to work it out before I get back." You send her a wink then crouches through the fence.
Raven then yells with a smirk "I suggest the same to you with you know who!" You look at her with slight confusion then it dawns on you. Bellamy. Your face quickly turns sour and you turn towards the rest of the group who was wearing a look of confusion.
You start walking with the Octavia while Clarke and Bellamy are a little behind. She looks at you and says, "I know Raven was talking about my brother." You simply roll your eyes and say "I have no idea what she's talking about." Octavia smirks and says "It's very obvious there's tension between you two, always going back and forth over the smallest things." You shake your head and stay silent. Octavia just shakes her head with a laugh and you all continue your journey finding Finn and Murphy quiet. It turns into night time and you guys decide to camp in an area with many twigs and logs to create a fire.
Octavia and Clarke are asleep and it is only you and Bellamy awake. He stares at Octavia, then his gaze shifts to Clarke's sleeping figure, and then his gaze lands on you, he rolls his eyes feeling annoyed with your presence.
You look at him and how beat up he was with all the bruises and cuts on his face after the battle with the grounders. You couldn't help but feel a little upset that someone did that to him. But why did you care? You two hate each other right?
You scoff at his reaction to just your presence completely forgetting the feeling you just felt regarding his bruises, he glares at you and says "What?" You just shake your head and say "You hate me that much? My presence bothers you?"
He shakes his head and sighs then softly mutters "I don't hate you." His voice and his comment was a complete contrast to how he'd always treat you.
You look at him with wide eyes, completely caught off guard with his answer. "Then why are you always so rude?"
He claps back quickly and says "Why do you always have something snarky to say?"
You roll your eyes and say "Why do you always have to respond? You can be normal and ignore them like everyone fucking else!"
This seems to ignite anger in him and he says "Because someone always needs to put a bitch in their place."
You get upset and mutter a quick "Fuck you asshole! this is why we never get along!"
He says "We never get along because of you!" You roll your eyes and say, "Listen I don't wanna argue okay? I was asking you something I'd always been curious about."
He looks at you with a look you could partly explain, it had some guilt, some softness to it and he just nods at you then does completely unexpected and out of character, he rubs your arm and mutters 'Goodnight'.
You are shocked, but quickly hide it by turning your back to him and nodding, then lays down.
Clarke then stirs awake and they have a conversation you can barely comprehend because you are slowly drifting off to sleep until you feel someone putting their jacket on you. And it had the musky scent of Bellamy.
An hour later you're shaken awake by Octavia telling you that the group was getting ready to keep walking and look for Finn and Murphy. Octavia then says "Is that my brother's jacket?" You look confused at first then remember he gave it to you last night.
You quickly walk away from Octavia and hands Bellamy his jacket back without saying a word, you then walk back to Octavia and continue on your journey.
You guys had been walking for a couple of hours and finally spotted a village. You all hear gunfire and Bellamy grips his gun and starts running towards the village. You stand there a little shocked but then start following after the group.
You felt out of breath once the three suddenly stopped. You walk up closer to see what caused the sudden halt.
You regret even coming to find Finn and Murphy, you slowly approach the village full of blood and dead bodies of the grounders who once resided there. You felt like puking, you felt repugnant as your eyes searched for the corporate of this bloody scene. And your eyes find Finn, holding a gun with blood.
He looks at us in shock, meanwhile, the grounders who hadn't been killed started weeping for their loved ones who weren't as fortunate as them. Your hand is suddenly taken in by another and squeezed. You look up to see it was Bellamys hand. Tears started coming out of your eyes once you heard the grounders weeping and screaming. It tore something out of you.
Clarke hops down and starts slowly making her way to Finn while looking around at the mess he caused. You and Bellamy start following her and move at her pace.
Finn just looks at us with a shocked look not even caring about what he's done. He walks towards Clarke and she backs up one step every time he takes one step. You and Bellamy look at each other and then down at your hands that are still connected, you two quickly detach and move away from one another.
Finn finally whispers after a pregnant silence, "I found you" He says while staring at Clarke, Clarke just shakes her head in shock.
It had been two days since that happened and you hadn't been yourself, seeing those deceased grounders took a toll on you.
You walk to the mess hall where Bellamy and Clarke are gathered to talk about Mount Weather and getting in. You simply sit and look blankly at the map, not saying a word to the pair.
Your attention is finally gathered once you see they both were looking behind Bellamy at something, you then look and see they were looking at Finn who was staring back at us. You quickly turn your head in disgust.
Bellamy says "Guess the inquisition is over." He turns back to Clarke and says "How's Finn doing anyway?"
Clarke looks down and says "I haven't talked to him since we got back." You roll your eyes and say "Who the hell would want to talk to that monster after what he did?"
Clarke nods at your statement then shakes her head, "I don't know what to say" Her voice is heavy with sorrow.
Bellamy attempts to defend Finn and says "We're at war Clarke. We've all done things."
You shake your head at his statement and say "But we haven't done things like that. Not even you." Finn starts to walk up "Here comes the monster.."
Bellamy glares at you and mouthes 'Cut it out' Finn mutters to all of us 'Hey' and Bellamy is the only one to verbally respond. You respond by getting up and walking toward the bar.
Bellamy stands up and follows after feeling the tension between the couple. He comes up next to you in the bar and just looks at you.
You glare at him and say "What the fuck are you looking at?" He scoffs and says "What the fuck is your problem? I hadn't even said anything yet!"
You shake your head and roll your eyes at him. He scoffs and whispers heatedly to keep the conversation between the two of you, "I don't know what the fuck is your problem, but I'm fucking tired of it. The snarky remarks, the rudeness. You are such a bitch."
You glare at his nasty words and slap him. You really slap him. He looks at you with wide eyes while he holds his cheek.
"You are such a bitch! I don't fucking get it!" He says even angrier than he was. You both are silent and glaring at each other, he then thinks for a moment, then grabs you and starts dragging you somewhere.
You try to get out of his grip but his grip is too tight. "Get the fuck off of me Bellamy!" You yell while some people look at you two like you both are crazy.
You see Bellamy's room and he quickly unlocks the door then throws you in the room and promptly turns and locks the door.
He moves quickly to the other side of the room and grabs you again. You yell at him, questioning what the hell you were doing there but your yells fell on deaf ears.
Bellamy pulls you closer to him, so close to the point he didn't have to move to whisper in your ear, "You wanna act like a bitch hm? I guess that means I can treat you like one…"
He turns you over and backs you up against the wall. Words couldn't describe how you were feeling. Horny? Like your skin was being ignited? You didn't have thoughts, you knew you wanted to fuck him. But then it suddenly dawns on you, that the reason you felt so frustrated with him and always argued with him wasn't because of hate. It was because of lust.
You are staring at the wall eyes blown with complete lust. Bellamy turns you around and smirks at your expression. "Now you finally don't have anything to say hm?" You stare at him at a loss for words. He chuckles then starts kissing you roughly but full of passion. You two fight for dominance, tongues swirling together and tasting each other.
He smirks as he finally dominates the kiss, he pulls away and moves onto making love bites on your neck; licking, sucking, and biting. All you could do was throw your head back and let out little whines.
Bellamy slowly massages your breasts and plays with them, agonizingly slow. He completely switches it up and drags you to the bed.
He rips off your shirt and unclamps your bra with one hand while leaving more love bites. He then stops and looks at the sight of you, messy hair, puffy face, pretty tits. He looks at you in awe then he says "You are so fucking beautiful for being a whore.." You smirk at him and say breathlessly "Like what you see Bellamy?" He looks high off of lust, he responds "Of fucking course I do slut." He starts devouring your breasts, sucking, licking, biting. And you were enjoying every single bit. Moaning and whimpering when he bit your nipples.
"Fuck Bellamy. Please just touch me." You say whining at the lack of attention your clit was getting. You desperately tried grinding on his leg or the bed. Something. He slaps your ass hard for attempting to grind on something.
"See now.. sluts don't get to cum. You are gonna please me. Do you understand" He says as he grips your hair roughly to look him in the face. You stay silent, feeling disappointed. He slaps you and says "I know you fucking hear me. Now do you understand?" You nod feeling your right cheek turn red.
He smirks at your obedience and starts taking his pants off and sits on the edge of the mattress he had. He spreads his legs slightly and orders you to sit in between his legs as if you were a dog. You were really in for it now.
He was left only in his boxers, he stared down at you and then he says, "Take them off and suck." He says pointing to his man area.
You quickly obey feeling your panties start to dampen at his commands. You pull his boxers down and free his member, he lets out a subtle groan since you finally freed his hardness.
You scoot closer and look up at him, making eye contact while you start slowly licking his tip tasting his precum. You then spit on his tip and start jerking his member and letting the spit and precum mix and it goes down to his shaft. Bellamy throws his head back in pleasure and groans.
He then grabs you by your hair and says "Open your fucking mouth." You quickly obey and open your mouth, and he quickly fills it with his penis. He starts bobbing your head up and down slowly at first, he then starts groaning at the pleasure, then increases the pace. Now you're completely deepthroating his dick while he's just enjoying the pleasure and enjoying how you make him feel.
You take his dick out of your mouth and catch your breath for a few seconds, you then continue the assault and start to circle his tip with your tongue again while making eye contact. He looks down at you and pushes your head down once again, but this time he says "I'm close baby.." He throws his head back and starts thrusting into your throat. A few thrusts later you feel a hot creamy substance go down your throat. Bellamy groans loudly as he cums and rambles 'What a good girl', 'Fuck.. you did so well.' You smirk at his praise and he reaches down and grabs your jaw and says "Swallow." And you swallow the rest of the cum that had not reached your throat.
He looks at you in satisfaction and you sit there on your knees waiting for him to reward you with the same pleasure you rewarded him. But there hadn't been any reward. No nothing. Bellamy rises and pulls his boxers and his pants back up and says, "I know you're waiting to be touched…" He chuckles and bends down and looks you in your face, "But you aren't getting that satisfaction." You look at him angrily, feeling upset that you aren't receiving that same satisfaction. You thought he'd change his mind, but you thought wrong.
"You are the biggest asshole, Bellamy!" You whine, and he just smirks and taps your chin. "Get dressed." You follow his command and collect your disregarded bra and ripped-up shirt.
Bellamy throws you one of his shirts, remembering he had ripped the one you originally came with.
You start to walk out but he pulls you towards him and says "I hope you learned your lesson, gorgeous girl." You look up at him with a newly found feeling that was foreign when it came to Bellamy, despite not getting touched you felt content. "I might need another sometime soon.." You say with a smirk and Bellamy laughs and says "Maybe I'll give you one sometime soon.." He leans down and kisses you slowly and passionately.
You break the kiss say your goodbyes and walk off to your room. You open the door and gets welcomed by Raven sitting on the bed fiddling with your books, she looks up at you and smirks.
"Look who's finally back.." She looks at your appearance and says "Had a rough day huh?" She looks you up and down. You quickly walk to the mirror and see all the marks Bellamy left and your disheveled appearance.
"I see you took your advice. I can only assume it was with Bellamy." Raven laughs.
"Shut it, Raven! I-i have no idea how it even happened.." You say while reminiscing the events that happened only moments ago.
"You're also wearing his shirt. How good was it." You gasp at the end part and slap Raven's arm with wide eyes. Raven just laughs at you and you can't help but also start to laugh.
You start to think about Bellamy again and how you really wouldn't mind if something like what just happened with you two happened again.
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𝘞𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘎𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 💓
ִֶָ𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ🐇་༘࿐яєqυєѕт!
─────⋆˚࿔𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐪𝐬𝐚𝜗𝜚˚⋆─────
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fallstaticexit · 2 months ago
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The Art of Being Seen - a Nancy Landgraab story
୧‿̩͙ ˖︵ ꕀ⠀ ♱⠀ ꕀ ︵˖ ‿̩͙୨
𝔓𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔗𝔴𝔬- 𝔘𝔫𝔦
Prev / Next / Beginning / Pillowfort
Part II - Uni -After a traumatic outing that tears her away from her first love, 19-year-old Nancy Landgraab turns to her faith and her relationship with Geoffrey as a way to cope with her longing for Vanessa. Just as she starts to put up her walls, she meets five women, each teaching her valuable lessons about herself and about life.
Transcript under the cut
Transcript:
Nancy: Heavenly Father, help me to find peace in Your love and wisdom.
Nancy: Grant me the courage to resist temptation and to stay true to my faith. Help me understand Your will for my life and to trust in your plan. Help me...
Nancy Narrates: [For two years, I prayed until my voice grew weak]
Nancy Narrates: [Until my knees bruised from kneeling]
Nancy Narrates: [Until I forgot the color of her eyes]
Nancy: Ok, we can go now.
Geoffrey: How do you feel?
Nancy: Like I’m going to throw up. I hate crowds.
Geoffrey: You’re going to do great, Nancy.
Nancy: Are you a bettin�� man?
Geoffrey: I am now.
Nancy Narrates: [The tenderness I’ve developed for Geoffrey over the years surprised me]
Nancy Narrates: [When he returned from holiday break, I was suffering from a heartbreak I thought would kill me. All he could do was hold me as I mourned]
Nancy Narrates: [In the end, he was all that I had]
Nancy Narrates: [Loving him was the least I could do]
Becca: Hello! Have you accepted Jesus Christ into your heart? No? Think about joining our bible study group! There’s free pizza every Thursday!
Darling: I don’t know shit about this club if I’m being real with you. Coach is making me do it. Something about building your resume, don’t ask me. You joining or what?
Siobhan: A Landgraab on campus? Now that’s a treat.
Becca: [squeals] I know you! I can’t believe it’s really you!
Nancy: I’m sorry? Do I know you?
Becca: I’m Becca! Becca Clarke? I won the Landgraab Foundation Scholarship! You’re the reason I’m even here!! I am freaking out right now! My Nana will not believe this!! [gasps] Would you be interested in joining my bible study group? Of course you would! Is this your boyfriend? Sooo handsome!
Becca: Can I just say, that the Foundation is a true blessing from God. The opportunities you give to people like me is- [sniffles] sorry, I’m getting emotional.
[muffled voices]
Nancy: I- I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I thought you were-
Morgan: It’s cool, I get mistaken for all the other freaky witchy chicks that go here. [smirks] That’s a joke, by the way. I’m the only one. I’m Morgan Fyres. Interested in tarot card reading?
Nancy: Fyres? Is your father the owner of the hotel chains? Dominic Fyres?
Morgan: STEP father, actually.
Siobhan: If you’re looking for real Fyres royalty, then look no further. Siobhan. No need to introduce yourself; I know exactly who you are, Nancy Landgraab.
Morgan: [grumbles] Annnnd cue the cameras.
Siobhan: I’m the president of Theta Omega Pi, the same sorority Queenie Landgraab pledged to. She proudly hangs in our hall of fame, so it would be a privilege to welcome a true legacy into our sisterhood.
Becca: Hey! I found her first!
Morgan: How about you two back off? You’re bringing bad vibes to my stand.
Siobhan: Relax, creature of the night. I was going to discuss Nancy’s future with Theta.
Morgan: Maybe she wants to start tarot reading? This isn’t some business opp, fake Barbie wannabe.
Becca: T-t-tarot!? The devil’s board game!? The Landgraabs are Christians! She wants nothing to do with that, right, Nancy?
Siobhan: [sighs] Find your own Landgraab, Virgin Mary. Grown-ups are talking.
[distant bickering]
Darling: The fuck is a Landgraab?
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urfavlarry · 8 months ago
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Hello...I am currently obessed with school bus graveyard and there's not enough fanfics for me😭
So can i please get a jealous!Aiden clark x Female!reader?
jealous!Aiden Clark x Fem!reader
summary: you and Aiden went on a date to the Arcade and someone decided to hit on you
warnings: swearing, bad grammar, a bit short and rushed
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It was a sunny morning, you woke up in your boyfriends arms after staying up for a long time watching movies. You looked up at his sleeping figure and leave kisses on his face, making him smile and open his tired eyes. He pulls you on top of him and he looks at you with a tired smile, cupping your cheek. “Good morning love~” He pulls you closer and kisses your soft lips. You hum and pull away, resting your head on his chest. “How about we go to the arcade today? Spend the day together?” He asks and you chuckle; “We always spend time together.” You joke but nod your head; “But that sounds fun! We should go!” You say enthusiastically and stand up and grab some spare things you have in Aidens wardrobe you left here since you sleep over quite often. He watches you with a loving gaze and you change into some casual clothes. He comes up behind you and hugs you from behind. He hides in the crook of your neck and you go on your phone, both of you just standing there for a few minutes.
The time of you guys going to the arcade arrived and you were beyond excited! It was a long time since you went to the arcade so it was refreshing to go there after so long. You pull him to the dance machine and you both give each other a playful glare. To say you both were competitive was an understatement. You won and Aiden chased you around trying to get revange but you guys ended up getting yelled at by some staff and you mumbled a quick ‘sorry’ and go on with your day.
A few hundred tickets later you guys decide to rest for a bit, counting them and try to decide what you should buy with them. Aiden tell you he will be right back and grabs the tickets, leaving you alone in the dining area of the arcade. You bring your knees to your chest and go on your phone, watching random things until he gets back. You heard footsteps and you thought it was Aiden coming back but you see an unfamiliar pair of shoes walk up to your booth so you look up to see a boy around your age. He had dark skin and black curly hair that went down to his shoulders. You didn’t recognize him but he surely did. “Hey you’re Y/N right? You go to my school.” He says snd sits down next to you. You nod awkwardly and force a smile. “Haha I guess so.. who are you?” You ask and try to move away, backing against the wall. He smirks at you and looks you up and down, leaning closer; “Well, what is a pretty girl like you doing alone? You know I can treat you better then that guy that stood you up.” He says and completely ignores your question making, you look at him confused, shifting uncomfortably in your seat. You pray for Aiden to come back as soon as possible when you feel a hand on your waist; “Come on~ I just wanna take you ou—” He gets pulled away and falls onto the ground with a loud thud. He grouns in pain and quickly runs away once seeing who pushed him.
You look at Aiden and he looks at you, and he looked pissed. He glared at you and the stuffed animal in his arms was literally getting strangled. The scene was pretty funny since you never saw him get angry and he looked cute with the stuffed animal in his hand. Aiden drags you out of the arcade and walks with you to an unkown place. You walk in silence, Aiden squeezing your arm like it was a stress toy and leads you to his house. He unlocks it and runs to his room, you walking slowly behind him. You close the door of his bedroom and you get tackled into a bear hug. You stumble back and you fall on the ground, Aiden burying his face in the crook of your neck. He mumbles swears and curses, calling you his and that the guy was stupid to think he could get with you.
You smile and lay there, playing with his hair as he leaves kisses on your face. You smile at him, the scene really was funny, it was like a child having a tantrum. He looks down at you, hoisting himself up on his elbows and speaks; “You’re mine.” He says sternly and kisses your cheek. He then frowns for a second and looks back at you; “You wouldn’t have went with him right?” He asks and you quickly shake your head ‘no’ and sit up. “Never! I was so uncomfortable the whole time, I was quite literally praying for you to come back!” You say and that makes him smirk, apparently boosting his ego.
“Aww, you waited for me to come and protect you~ I knew you..—” He goes on and on about you needing him and that the guy never stood a chance and you just let him ramble, finding it cute. You chuckle at his antics and he noticed this, his smirk growing a bit, sadistic. He slowly walks towards you and you notice his hands going a bit too close to your sides. Your eyes widen and you jump to your feet, literally jumping over the bed to get away from him. “Nope!” You yell and put your hands on your side to protect them. You smiled softly, glad that everything was going back to normal. Aiden managed to get to you, but we don’t talk about that, the redt of the day was spent with Aiden rambling about random topics while you were listening, always with a smile.
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live-laugh-lenney · 2 months ago
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Can you please do a fic where the reader and George Clarke absolutely hate each other they always argue but she’s best friends with Chris, and she goes on a night out her girl friends leave her and she’s drunk and scared men are hitting on her hard so decides to ring Chris but he’s asleep and George answers his phone and comes picks you up it ends up them two arguing but also something where they hook up (wether that’s the same night or different) please??
the ending to this feels almost rushed but i know i've promised this a few times... let me know what you think!
"come on."
the words come out of yn's mouth as a low grumble but it was loud enough to catch the attention of the guy stood beside her in the pub's smoking area. the time on her phone said it was quarter to two in the morning, the street on the otherside of the road was empty and baron of people walking passed, and the pub was becoming less and less busy as people got into their taxi's and uber's and went off home to nurse hangovers in the morning.
yet, here she was.
stuck in the middle of the london, all by herself and in a vulnerable state, as she tried to call the one guy she wanted to see in her moment of need. her best friend. who was, no doubt, asleep because he was sensible and chose to stay in that night rather than spending it getting drunk.
"everything okay?"
"yeah," she mumbles it lowly to show her disinterest, her eyes staring at the screen of the phone in her hand as she scrolled through all of her contacts to find christopher dixon's home number because calling him mobile number hadn't worked, "i just can't get hold of a friend, i kind of need him right now."
"can i be of any assistance?"
"no," she responds bluntly and she could feel the way he was taken aback by her abrupt answer, "i just want to go home. my friends have left me here by myself, i have no way of getting home and no one wants to answer their phones to help me."
"it is almost two in the morning."
"yeah, i know that," she scoffs it out sarcastically and she rolls her eyes, landing on the home landline to chris' flat, "no offence but i don't need any company right now. cheers but-"
"not just gon'a leave a pretty girl in a pub by herself," the guy says and, for the first time since she heard his voice, she looked at him - dressed in jeans that were too tight for his legs and a shirt that he definitely chose in hopes to pick up girls with the way he had his muscles on show - as she held her phone to her ear and listened to the dial tone beep through the speaker as the other end rung through the flat, "i'll take you home."
"yeah... no thanks," she shook her head, her face contorted with a look of pure disgust at the repulsive invitation he was insinuating; what had started out as a girl's night was always going to end as a girl's night, not leaving with a bloke she had never met before and waking up in an unknown bed the next morning. "We all know how that invitation ends and i'm not after that, thanks."
"oh, come on-"
"no," she shook her head and took a step to the side, furthering herself away from him to give him a hint of how she was over being nice to him and how she was over the conversation that she never wanted to start. her attention turning towards the phone that was warm against her ear. "answer the phone, idiot."
as she was about to give up and press the red button in the bottom corner, coming to terms with the fact that he was most probably asleep and completely dead to the world, the sound of someone picking up brought some comfort to her racing mind.
"hello?"
"chris, it's yn."
"newsflash, it's george. you know, one of the other guys who lives in this flat and got rudely woken up by this call."
"oh."
she gulps thickly, the lump in her throat aching, and she really wished she hadn't bothered. it wasn't that she hated goerge; it was the exact opposite... he hated her, for some reason, and she had no idea why. she wanted nothing more to be friends with him, making it three out of three successful friendships that she'd made through chris... except he was having none of it.
"i'm so sorry, i just-"
"i told you, babe, you can always come back with me."
yn's eyebrows furrowed as she tried to hold back the upset tears that were threatening to spill from how scared she was, the interruption making her lose her train of thought, and it was only when george spoke down the line that she felt a little intimidated.
"who's that?"
"just some guy-"
"is he bothering you?"
yn sighs and takes a glance out of the corner of her eye, checking to see if the guy was still standing close to her, already knowing that he was listening intently to her conversation and hadn't any plans to go elsewhere.
"yeah, a little," she responds and, on the other end of the line, she could hear him rustling around and moving in a pace that she could tell was quick and in a rush, "i just, my friends left me alone in this pub round the corner from waterloo and i'm all by myself right now and the pub is closing and i'm out the front and he's just here and i don't know who he is and-"
"okay, alright. i'm coming to get you, okay?"
"i don't want to be a bother, george," she heard him grunt back in response to her and she could feel a tear slip down her cheek, "i was trying to get hold of chris but-"
"chris would rip my bollocks off if he knew i didn't help you when you called. especially when you're on your own in london, drunk, with some creep standing with you."
"but-"
"i'm leaving now, okay? send me your location and i'll be there as soon as i can, yeah?"
she couldn't tell if it was the happiness to know she was being looked after or whether it was the scared feeling that had overcome her - or both - but she struggled to keep back the tears that were burning her eyes.
"thank you, george."
it came out as a wet sob and she didn't care if anyone who looked at her and thought she was too drunk and weird. her previous problem of being hit on by someone she'd never met before, the same guy, didn't seem to want to leave her as he slowly sipped on the pint he had poured into a plastic cup.
"just stay safe until i get there, okay? go find a bouncer or someone from the staff and just say your taxi is on its way. stay away from the guy who's bothering you and keep to places where people can see you."
-
"yn?"
her head snapped up from where she was staring at her phone, to see george walking quickly down the street , his hoodie pulled over his head and he'd matched loose cotton shorts with it yet skipped out on pulling socks on as he opted for sliders, because he was in a rush to leave the house and had no time for trainers.
"yn. that's such a pretty name," she heard the guy say but she was no longer interested in anything he had to say, moving from her place on the bench she had chosen to wait upon and grasping the strap of her bag upon her shoulder, "oh, babe, it's a shame you chose him over me. he's got nothing to give you."
george felt his fists curl up under his sleeves yet he chose to not make the situation worse for her.
"when a girl says no to you, she means no," george calls out over to him, staring with a look of dark anger behind his eyes, "back off and maybe try being less of a creep, lurking around drunk girls, and you might just get lucky."
"george-"
"come on," he grabs her hand and tugs her away from the direction of the pub, desperate to get her away from the stare of the guy that was bothering her, "why the hell didn't you call any of us sooner? you were there for how long, by yourself, before you realised?"
"not long," she admits, "i'd only just realised as they were kicking us all out. i went to look for them at the booth we were in and they'd left."
"how many times have we told you to not hang around with those girls? they've been nothing but trouble for you," he reminds her and she rolls her eyes, legs burning from trying to keep up with his long strides back to the tube station, "what kind of friends do that to their other friends? bad friends, yn. they're not your friends-"
"i'm not a child, george," she interrupts him and pulls her hand free from his grip, standing still in the middle of the pavement as he came to a halt from her sudden movement, "don't speak me to like i am one."
he sighs heavily and brings his hands to his face, rubbing his eyes with his fingertips before dropping his arms back down to his sides, watching as she swayed to and fro from the way her world must have been spinning from alcohol.
"alright," he held his hands up in surrender, "i'm sorry."
"you should be," she retorts, "stupid."
"don't backchat me like a teenager and i won't speak to you like a child," he insists and turns on his heels, wanting to hop back into the warmth of the underground station and get back home as soon as possible, "now come on, i want to go home."
"my home. take me home and then go home yourself."
"no, my home," george calls back, hearing her scuffing behind as she tried to keep up with his pace so she wasn't left behind and out of his sight, "i'm gonna look after you, you can have my bed, and you can talk to chris in the morning because he's gonna have some choice words for those girls."
"i don't need you to make me feel worse."
"i'm not trying to make you feel worse."
"you are."
"yn," george sighs, "i'm too tired to argue with you, okay? can we just, we just need to get on the tube, do a couple of stops, then we're home. i'll argue with you tomorrow."
"i don't want to argue with you anymore," she frowns, "i just want to be friends with you. i don't like it when you're angry all the time with me. i've done nothing to you to make you treat me so badly."
"we are friends, idiot."
"no, we aren't. you're always moaning at me, you never say anything nice to me. i'm surprised you even came to get me," yn says, "only you, george. every other one of chris' friend's like me... television is my favourite but you-"
"i do like you, yn," george sighs heavily, "but this is a conversation we don't need to be having in the middle of the road, outside the train station."
"i want to have this conversation-"
"no," george shakes his head, "it's a conversation for when you're sober and not full of whatever alcohol you've ended up spilling down yourself."
he stares at her for a moment and she squints her eyes back at him, in a feigned annoyed look, feeling the chill in the air and the alcohol mixing in her system and as well as her belly. and she couldn't bring it in her to argue even more.
"fine."
-
yn stumbles through the front door and into the darkness of the flat belonging to the boys and she was thankful she wore flats opposed to the heels that were her second choice shoe for the night. a click of the lock filled the quiet as george closed the front door behind him, keys jingling with his keyrings as he dropped them in the bowl in the entryway, shuffling further into the room. as she slid her shoes off, not knowing where she was leaving them, a lamp flicked on and she took in the living space around her.
"you could have taken me home."
"not a chance," george grumbles lowly, shrugging off the over-layer he chose to brave the night air and draped it over the back of the sofa in the middle of the room, "i think chris would have murdered me in my sleep."
"i wanted to go home."
"and i wanted to get a full night's sleep but here we are," george shrugs his shoulders and she folds her arms across her chest, like a child in a tantrum, "you can have my bed, i'll sleep on the sofa."
"george-"
"please don't argue with me, okay? i'm giving you my bed, don't make me change my mind," he warns her and the interruption was enough for her to close her lips and forget about what she was about to say to him, "i don't know what you think is happening between us but i do care about you, okay?"
she could hear her heartbeat pounding behind her chest in the quiet of the room and she looks at him, properly, for the first time that evening.
"you don't show it."
"i don't know how," he scoffs and it's more aimed at himself than at her, his feet take him across the stretch of empty space before he stands before her, "you're chris' best friend... i'm not going to be the one to step in the way and ruin that."
"you could have treated me better. spoke to me nicer. actually made me feel like you wanted me around."
"you're not listening, are you? i like you, you idiot."
for the first time that night, she couldn't find the words to come back to his response. she stared at him, dumbfounded, with wide eyes that couldn't tear away from the way he was walking towards her. and she didn't realise her mouth had gaped open until his hand came up to cup her cheek, thumb pushing her the bottom of her jaw, lingering his touch that had her tilting her head into his palm.
"but-"
"you've always got something to say, haven't you?" and if he didn't have a smile twitching at his lips, hidden beneath the growing facial hair that grew from his upper lip, she would have taken offence to his words, "i wanted this conversation with a sober yn. not slightly drunk, in a mood because her friends abandoned her, in the middle of the night and stood in the middle of my living room."
"you-" she gulps back the lump in her throat and he smiles softly, "i don't believe you."
"are you trying to push my buttons?" he asks her, the gap between them slowly closing, "because it's working."
"and what happens if i push the last one?"
"i think you know already," he says it so softly yet it held so much behind it and yn couldn't stop the tingle in her belly that brought goosebumps to the surface of her skin and the way his breath washed over her face, warm and minted from when he'd done his nightly routine before bed, had her weak at the knees, "go on, push it."
her eyes dart between his, that stayed focused on her face, and the way his lips looked so inviting and soft. teasing and taunting her. her tongue slipping out between her lips and licking her own because they felt dry.
"what if chris finds out?"
"you're a grown woman," george mumbles softly, "i think you can make your own decisions, huh?"
it's the first time she feels a tremble in her hands as she brings her arms up, resting her forearms on his shoulders and letting her fingers comb through the hairs at the back of his head. soft strands so gentle against her cold hands.
and george seizes the opportunity to test the waters of the situation by pressing his lips against hers in a peck, quick and messy, before he pulled away and waited for a response... a verbal response... yet it never came.
because it came in the form of a reciprocated kiss, fingers digging deeper into his hair as she pulled him closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as he brought her into his chest and held her tight in a hold that made her melt. he wanted her to have control, on her own terms, to test herself out in what was happening.
"chris is going to kill me," she says softly, "you guys were off limits."
"he'll get over it."
yn laughs softly and drops her forehead to his chest, his arms still tight around her waist and just couldn't let go of her, and there was a comfortable silence that swallowed the two of them. the previous moments playing on their minds.
"fancy sharing that bed tonight?"
he grins at her question, hearing the hidden desire in her voice, and presses a kiss to her head.
"i'd love that." x
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felassan · 4 months ago
Text
Transcript of the DA:TV ‘Meet The Companions’ panel @ SDCC.
Update: this post has now been updated into a full transcript.
BioWare have said that they are going to share a recording of the panel at a later date. In the meantime, here is a transcript of it. When the recording is available, I will update this post further if required. This is a word-for-word transcript (in as far as it was possible to make one, it was quite a noisy room with lots of people in it), but a few bits were not clearly audible - these are marked as "[...]". listening to the original source in audio/video format, when it’s available, first-hand is of course always advisable, in case of any mis-hearings or missing things out etc on my part!! :>
there are other things from the panel here in this BioWare blogpost, collected in this compilation post, and also in this Tumblr post.
The panel was moderated/hosted by Lucy James. In attendance were creative director John Epler, creative performance director Ashley Barlow, and the actors of Lucanis, Neve, Emmrich, and Harding - Zach Mendez, Jessica Clark, Nick Boraine, and Ali Hillis respectively.
----
[panel begins]
Lucy: Goodness me, there are a lot of you. Hello everyone. Hello San Diego. But more importantly, hello Dragon Age fans! Give yourselves a cheer! Now welcome to a panel that I am so excited to be moderating today. A little bit of, what do you call it, a little bit of, I'm just gonna say it, we're doing Q&A at the end. There is a microphone right here. I will give a warning - housekeeping was the word I was searching for. We're gonna be doing Q&A at the end. I will give you a warning to come up and ask questions to this incredible panel of developers from BioWare and actors from the brand new Dragon Age game, The Veilguard. I'm Lucy James, I'm your moderator for today, but you're not here for me, you're here for these incredible people, so let's go down the line and see who we have on the panel today. We have creative director John Epler. Creative performance director Ashley Barlow. The poised and pragmatic assassin, playing the role of Lucanis, Zach Mendez. The necromancer Emmrich, we have Nick Boraine. Absolutely did not mean to skip, but we have different, different lineup over here. The voice behind the private detective Neve, Jessica Clark. And returning franchise favorite, you know her as Lace Harding, the lovable Scout, Ali Hillis. Now, we all love Dragon Age games for multiple reasons, whether it is the combat, the impactful decisions that we get to make, the romances - I know my [...], I know my - but the heart and soul of every game is always the companions, and so we are gonna be doing a deep dive into some of the new cast as well as, like I said, returning franchise favorite. So I'm gonna kick off with you, John.
John: Awesome.
Lucy: Can, you know, you've been at BioWare for a couple of years now.
John: Yeah, seventeen years as of this year, so.
Lucy: Wow. Can you tell us a little bit about your history with Dragon Age?
John: Absolutely. So as mentioned, I've been at BioWare for coming up on seventeen years now. I worked as a QA tester on Dragon Age: Origins, moved into cinematic design, did that [...] Dragon Age II, Dragon Age: Inquisition, and then became lead cinematic designer for Dragon Age: Inquisition - Trespasser, where I worked closely with Trick Weekes, building out that story. And then now as creative director on Dragon Age: The Veilguard, which has been just a fantastic project to be a part of.
Lucy: Now, I assume pretty much everyone in this room has gone frame-by-frame through the trailers and gameplay videos and every BioWare social post about Dragon Age, but just in case there's anyone in the room who is unfamiliar, give us the quick overview of Dragon Age: The Veilguard?
John: Absolutely. So Dragon Age: The Veilguard is the latest entry in the Dragon Age franchise. It takes place approximately ten years after the end of Inquisition. You start the game hunting for Solas. It's a game built on some core principles of: be who you want to be, in a world worth saving, and with characters who matter. So, again, companions always at the heart of Dragon Age, they're at the heart of this one as well.
Lucy: And so, I mean, why is this team coming together? You mentioned it a little bit there, and like, what's bringing this, kinda 'rogues' gallery' together?
John: I mean it's the end of the world, and each character that you bring into your party understands that the world's ending, that they need to stop that, and you're really building, what I would say is more of a found family. These are characters who may not start off liking each other, may not even start off liking you, but over time, they grow to understand the importance of what they're doing and just, how critical it is to stop the elven gods.
Lucy: Now we were chatting a little bit before the panel, and you kinda said, like, a bold statement which was that this is one of the best groups BioWare has ever written. I say 'bold', cause we all have our favorites. What makes you say that? What's going on with The Veilguard that makes them so special?
John: Yeah, I mean, I think that every Dragon Age game the companions we write and create for those games are the best companions for that one. And I think in this case, what's really fascinating and what I've really loved to see come out through the game, through its development is, the way these characters form relationships, not just with you but with each other, so, whereas, you know, sometimes characters maybe don't interact as much. Each one of these has a relationship that extends beyond Rook, the protagonist, but also some become friends, some become lovers, and some become rivals. And it's just, the way that they learn to get over their differences, or put them aside, has really been fun and exciting, because they all represent a different part of the world of Thedas.
Lucy: I am very excited to see how these family dynamics come together, avoiding my real life family for my virtual family. Ashley, you’ve been playing a huge role in helping bring these characters to life. Can you tell us a little bit about your role at BioWare?
Ashley: Yeah. I’m the creative performance director, so I get to cast all of these characters, with the team at BioWare, of course. And then work tirelessly in the booth with them, I mean, they just met like this weekend. I just silo them off, and they do their work, and they listen to each other, and, you know, 3000 hours later, and then they get them back around, and we can iterate on it, and they can say, ‘oh, oh that’s what everyone sounds like!’, now they get to play off of it. So, it’s a big road-trip in a VO booth. From my house.
Lucy: A big road trip. A big deal. A big game. Where do you even begin with a behemoth like this?
Ashley: We, we audition our companions. We have to make sure that our leads can play off of each other, that compliment each other, that juxtapose each other. Like John said, it’s kind of like a family, an un-chosen family, and so we need them to, you know, it’s, you need to create an ensemble, a diverse ensemble, so that the players get the choice of who they want to bring on this hero’s journey. And so, we brought them all in, you know, and they, we do motion capture, so we need to see how they move, and how they walk, and how they talk, and how they can act like heroes. And they all carry themselves so well. Now, it’s tripping me out, because they all look like their characters to me.
Lucy: Now, there are plenty of returning faces in The Veilguard, but there are new companions that we will get to know and love. Let’s start with Lucanis. John, can you give us a little quick overview of his background, and what’s his deal?
John: Absolutely. So Lucanis is the stylish assassin from the Antivan Crows, you know. But, not bloodthirsty, more, as he sees assassination as a job, one that he is extremely skilled at. Over the course of the story, you learn more about him, more about his character, more about his relationship, not just within The Veilguard, but also with the Crows and with other characters in the world. And I think, it’s fascinating to see how that grows over the course of the game.
Lucy: Now Zach, you are the voice. I mean, how do you approach this? Where did you […]?
Zach: Well, when I first found out I got the role, I read Tevinter Nights, which is the book, that came out [...] and you should read. And I read The Wigmaker Job, in which Lucanis is featured. I read it about three times, and after I closed the book I realized, ‘this might be the coolest guy I ever get to play’. I mean, not only is he a smooth assassin, not only is he determined - yes, he can kill you a thousand different ways, but what struck me was, his mind is as dangerous as his knives. I mean this is a guy who takes in the environment with all five senses. He’s constantly attuning himself to the kind of shifting terrain of every mission. And also, he’s kinda hilarious. I mean, if you look at his relationship with his cousin Illario, in The Wigmaker Job, they’re constantly giving each other crap. But there’s a lotta love there, so I got to pull, you know, from my relationship with my brother. Because we love each other dearly, but we can be ruthless with each other. And so, it was really easy to play in that way.
Lucy: I mean, yeah, you mentioned being a comedian there. Ashley, how was working with Zach?
Ashley: Yeah.
Lucy: Harnessing that and bringing it to the character.
Ashley: Zach’s one of the funniest people I know. And that’s a lot to live up to. But, you know, he came in as one of the most adaptable actors. And, you know, we did a lot of motion capture during 2020, 2021, 2022, even 2023, and so Zach stood in for like, Assan, and Varric, like all the characters [...] just mostly, most - [a scene plays on the screen behind the panel of the actors doing mo-cap. Zach as Assan hops along the ground like :D over to Davrin, Rook and another character. Davrin is happy to see him and scratches him under the chin. Davrin motions to Rook, who then bends down and hugs Assan] - I mean I’m pretty sure [...] a huge inspiration for the cinematics. Once you see this scene that this is, like - remember it, 'cause [...] -
Zach: Just know, when you’re hugging Assan, you’re hugging me. That means a lot.
Ashley: It’s true! But, yeah, but, for Lucanis, Zach was able to bring, I mean once you get in the game and you meet Lucanis, you’ll know that he’s, you know, a murdering Crow, and then, is a […], you know, there’s a darkness. [there is a rumbling noise in the background and the panelists look around confused]
[?]: I think it's just thundering.
Ashley: It’s thundering, let's, let's do a -
Zach: The darkness.
[...]
Ashley: But in the darkness -
Zach: Prepare yourselves. [background noise continues]
Ali[?]: It’s coming.
Zach: Seriously, what is that? What’s happening?
A person off to the side: Other rooms!
Zach: Okay, okay, okay, thank you.
Ashley: Okay, thank you. [...] think you were doing it. As you can tell, he brought like a, he brings a lightness to it, ‘cause you can’t always be that heavy. I don’t want to be scared or crying in the booth all the time. And thank God the writers, John included, and all of the writers of Lucanis really brought some fast, quick-witted writing. So he’s quick as a whip, he really lightened it up, and can’t wait til you guys get in and play it and romance this sucker! Sorry! Sorry not sorry!
Lucy: I was going to say, how does it also feel to play a romanceable character?
Zach: Oh, I’m quite excited about it. Ashley has promised to give me the stats of how many people romance me. I'm really looking forward to that.
Lucy: No pressure, gotta get those numbers up!
Zach: Yeah, I know. But, that’s the great thing about Lucanis, is that, you know, he’s extremely smooth, as an assassin, but, and, yes, he does have a heart, he does have a soft side, he’s not completely adept at always dealing with other people and interactions of that such, you know, he’s extremely stubborn and stuck in his ways, so it’s really hard for him to let people in sometimes, so I’m really excited for fans to get to meet him, and, you know, help him open up.
Lucy: And before we go to the rest of your illustrious cast members, what’s, what was, what’s been your highlight of working on The Veilguard? Is it, you know, this moment getting to see everyone in person? Was it a story from on set one day, or an interaction with one of the devs?
Zach: Well, you know, I did, before the first day of shooting, I did kinda get an idea about how passionate the fanbase was, which made me really excited. I don’t wanna say nervous, because I don’t say I’m nervous, I say I’m excited. And so before the first day of shoot, I was very excited. And luckily, you know, Ashley and them, didn’t have me do too much on the first day. I played a lot of darkspawn. I darkspawn-ed my ass off, though. I want you guys to know, I really –
Ashley: Oh he did, yeah.
Zach: – and when I got home, I thought to myself, you know, ‘Zach, did you darkspawn hard enough?’ I was just worried! You know, and within an hour I got a text from Jeff, who’s a part of this cast as well, and Jee, telling me what a great job I did. And then, I’ll never forget. I got a call from Ali Hillis down here. And I will remember that conversation, because for thirty minutes, she made me feel like I was welcome in the Dragon Age family, and it gave me so much confidence moving forward. So thank you Ali, so much, I still remember that, God bless you.
Lucy: That is lovely. See, the family stuff coming up already. I’m very excited.
Ashley: [...]
Lucy: Right, let’s move on. Coming to the private detective, Neve, who we actually got a glimpse of in the gameplay reveal from a few weeks ago. Let’s take a quick look. [a scene plays on the screen; the scene when Rook meets Neve in the prologue with Varric and Harding, that we saw in the gameplay reveal video] Now John, can you give us a quick overview of Neve?
John: Absolutely. So Neve, as you can see in the video, is one of the first companions that you encounter in Dragon Age: The Veilguard. She’s from Tevinter, Minrathous specifically. And anyone who’s played Dragon Age before knows that we’ve always talked about Minrathous, we’ve always talked about Tevinter, so we wanted to have a character who showed, not the parts of Tevinter that we’ve touched on before, you know, obviously slavery is a big part of it, it’s a mageocracy, but somebody who was pushing back, fighting back against that. And Neve’s shown up in the ancillary media as well, in the comics The Missing. And it’s just, she is that, you know, somewhat cynical detective with a bit of a heart of gold, bit of [a?] romantic, and just seeing her character evolve over the course of The Veilguard, over the course of the game, because again, she’s one of the first people you meet, is. Always fun seeing Neve’s character bounce off other the followers, banter has been super fun, just the way that she, what she brings to the table is always, it’s always so interesting to me.
Lucy: Jessica, I mean, what was it like getting that call to find out that you were gonna be in Dragon Age?
Jessica: It was slightly terrifying, and it was, I just felt really honored immediately, because I feel like, to be, I feel like they entrusted me with such, something with such significance and such importance to so many people, and so I just really wanted to honor that, and bring everything that I could to this fabulous character that I had been gifted. So yeah, that was.
Lucy: And I understand that you are kind’ve newer to the kind’ve voice acting, kind’ve realm. How was it different from more traditional roles?
Jessica: I am pretty new to it. I’ve barely done anything as significant, Dragon Age is enormous. It was very freeing honestly, I mean, like Ashley said, they auditioned and auditioned and auditioned and auditioned us. Like, every time I was brought in, I was like, ‘oh I didn’t get that’, you know what I mean? And then three months later there was another audition, and. But it was just so interesting and so freeing, because it really is sort’ve, it almost felt like play pretend, like when I was a little girl, you know? And it’s like what you dream up in your imagination. Because they, you know, they give you this character, and they give you some of the dialogue and then they really wanna see where you go with it and how you move and how you embody her and how you react to dragons that aren’t there because you’re in an audition room. You know, like all of that. So, and then, also, playing Neve, it really allowed me, and being a voice actor, it really allowed me to sort’ve step into my power a bit more, because, you know, I’m very tall, and things like that. And so, in a lot of my, sort’ve, more traditional television and film work, they kind’ve want you to be the girl, and I have to raise my voice, and be a little softer, and you know, kind’ve, not diminish myself, I don’t wanna say that, but just be very conscious of my physicality. And then Neve, it’s completely the opposite. You know, so Ashley had to work with me literally on dropping my register and things like that, and it was so confusing at the beginning, and then it was so amazing, to kind’ve have that opportunity, so I’m very grateful.
Lucy: Yeah. I mean, what drew you, what’s your favorite thing about Neve? – get that applause going, go on, let's go!
Jessica: I love her loyalty, I love her dedication, I love how much she loves Docktown and its people and how she really sees a different vision for Tevinter than, as John said, than what’s previously been depicted. And she’s really really fighting for those people, and she loves those people, and so yes she’s cynical, and yes she’s kinda tough and brusque and all these other things, but when they say there’s a heart of gold, there really, like to have that kind of a passion and dedicate your life to something like that, I think that, that’s my favorite part about her.
Lucy: And what were some of your highlights from, I mean, is it, is it kind of strange to record a video game, because I assume you’re doing things in different orders -
Ashley: Yeah.
Jessica: Oh yes.
Lucy: - working with some people some days and other people different days - tell me about that?
Jessica: I mean in terms of that, I just trusted Ashley and John, you know, and they know, and I was there to learn and embody and kind’ve grow into that. But I think my favorite thing, even though we were all separate disembodied voices a lot of the time, we kind’ve really all bonded in the way that we were intended to, you know? And that’s why we’ve been so excited all week and all weekend, because we can be like, ‘oh my god, you’re here, oh my god you’re here, you’re here, you’re here’, finally, you know? And you know, I know on a lot of projects, people are like ‘oh yeah, we’re all like, we love each other’, but we really do, we really really do. And it just evolved so organically. And there was something magical about it just being our voices in the beginning. You know, like sort’ve taking anything else out of the -
Zach: Equation.
Jessica: – you know what I’m saying. I’ve run out of words.
Ashley[?]: Yeah, it’s like an audible penpal. […] speaking to each other for so long.
Jessica: Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Ashley: It's nice with Jess, [...] she hit it on the head, you know, voice acting, you know, I hate to say it, I don't wanna put Jess - Jessica’s obviously a beautiful woman, but in the booth, it doesn’t matter. We just, pulled out the power and the range that Neve has, and it’s limitless, and as a woman to see that kind of writing and that kind of performance ability is, I know for a lot of us in the room, probably, pretty badass.
Lucy: Jess, I wanna, I'm gonna come back to something, because you mentioned, like, you’ve been messaging, and that the cast, you know, really loves each other, is there a Veilguard groupchat?
Jessica: There are several.
Lucy: Hold up. Who sends the most memes, who is the person who only reacts with the thumbs-up emoji?
Jessica: I, I would say Jeff is the most active, who plays one of the Rooks, I would say, in that respect, and to bounce off what Zach said, just an incredibly generous actor. And then, Ali, like it’s so true, like I had that story too, like literally even being back there, I was like, [gasp], I was like, she’s like, ‘it’s gonna be okay’, she’s like, ‘it’s good, it’s like, you’re gonna love it, it’s gonna feel special’. She literally like held my hands and like looked into my eyes and was like [inhale, exhale], you know? [looks at Ali and reaches out to her] I love you.
Lucy: I was gonna say, if we’re doing an Ali love-in, she did that for me too. So.
[?]: She does that for everyone.
Lucy: She’s done it for everyone? Fantastic!
Ali: Guys, you’re making me cry!
Lucy: We didn’t expect, hang on, we did expect one of our companions to be - a stone cold gray fox. BioWare treating us well. Emmrich has been driving the internet wild. And so, John, can you give us a little bit of background there?
John: Absolutely.
Lucy: Where did Emmrich come from?
John: I mean honestly, I will say like, we expected a great reaction to Emmrich. Went beyond what we expected for sure. But it’s been fascinating to see, because again, Emmrich is this character, he’s more of the professorial, more, he brings a wisdom and kind of a calmness to the group, so even when things are at their worst, there’s that one person in the group who’s kind’ve like, ‘okay, you know, we’ve got, let’s figure it out, slow, take a deep breath’. And just his journey through his character arc and his interaction with the others, it’s been fantastic to see. Even just finding opportunities for him to bounce off the other characters, you know, the way he talks to Bellara, the way he talks to Neve, it’s all so different, but it’s all so just, again, based around this core of this warm, kind-hearted, professorial necromancer, which again is not something that you see a lot of in media, usually necromancers are depicted a very specific way. But it’s been, just awesome to see how Emmrich has grown and just, really one of the most, one of my favorite experiences has been just working with Emmrich’s writer and working with Emmrich as a character.
Lucy: And Nick, you are the voice behind Emmrich.
Nick: I am.
Lucy: How did you prepare for the role, you know, what were you told about him before you got into the booth for the first time?
Nick: I think I’ve been preparing for Emmrich all my life. I was very attracted to the role initially. And I was so, I was overjoyed when I got it because I think it was, the writing of Emmrich is really fascinating. It’s this, this man that is obsessed with death, on one hand, but on death as a comfort, death as a transition, death as something that is not scary, and that ability to enable people to transition, and the investment that he gives in that sphere, which we don’t give in our own lives. I was immediately attracted to that and I thought that that was – I’d never seen that before, and so to go in these two ways, to talk about death and to talk about it in a way that is kind and that the transition becomes a kind transition, that was fascinating to me, and I think, will be fascinating to you too, yeah.
Lucy: And I hear as well that Emmrich gets, I mean, you’re all gonna get some fantastic lines, but I hear that Emmrich has some quite spectacular ones. You, Nick, you and Ashley, I would love to hear about the process of, was it difficult to get like some of those tongue-twisters, and?
Ashley: Yeah, Sylvia the lead writer basically was like, ‘Ash, you’re gonna need a dictionary for all of the sessions with Emmrich’, it’s like, 'Okay!'. And we get there, you just nailed them all, like 'shduhfejdkjjdhdjdhfjehfjkhehe into the Fade'.
Nick: Well, I don’t know if I nailed them all, that’s very kind of you. But, there was some serious tongue-twisters there, and, but it’s great, it’s great to be in the booth, and to be given a challenge like that, and. Yeah, it’s fantastic, I mean that’s what I love to do, so it was great to be just gifted that.  
Ashley: You’re such a natural nerdy scientist. […]
Nick: It's my inner self.
Ashley: It's your inner secret.
Nick: Yeah.
Lucy: Now I love that, and I think, I think the, I, I’m drawn towards with Emmrich is that like, he loves learning.
Ashley: Yeah!
Lucy: It’s very clear, like, it seems like you’ve really just thrown yourself into this role and the world of Dragon Age. You know, I asked Zach a similar question and it’s like, you’ve been working on this for so long, what’s it like now that people have caught a glimpse of your character, it is just a glimpse, but people are desperate to know more?
Nick: I mean it’s so interesting that this character has kind of caught fire a little because, when I did it I thought ‘okay, well everyone else is like so sexy and like, it’s just amazing, and I’ll just be this kind of professorial kinda guy chatting in the background, having fun, you know, dealing with death, and you know, on the side’, and suddenly it became this thing of like, no, this is actually really interesting. And I think people have found it interesting, and I love that! I love that you guys have also found it as interesting as I have as because, it’s, it's a fantastic character, he’s a fantastic character, honestly.
Lucy: I mean, Ashley, working with Nick, any other highlights to share about your time in the booth, or?
Ashley: Oh man, every, Nick is the most consistent person I’ve ever met in the booth – or in his garage.
Nick: Yeah.
Ashley: Recording booth, he’s really like [a hippy in art?], so I, so it’s kinda trippy, seeing you again in person and knowing what your character looks like.
Nick: Yeah.
Ashley: But yeah, you’ve just been so consistent with Emmrich and bringing this grounded-ness, and I’ve learned so much working with you, and. Yeah, now, you tell me, what, what good really looks like.
Nick: Oh wow, thank you, thank you. Appreciate that.
Lucy: I mean obviously, there’s Manfred too.
Nick: [gasp!]
Lucy: Played by Matt Mercer. What was it like kind’ve having another character to [...] bounce off of?
Nick: Oh man! I mean that is such a hard question because Matt and I have never met.
Ashley: Yeah.
Nick: And we worked completely separately, and. I mean I know that the rapport is really great, but it’s in the ether, I mean it is just, the magic that these guys create, telling us how to respond, how to do that, but it’s, I can’t wait to meet Matt.
Ashley: We recorded, basically before Manfred.
Nick: Right.
Ashley: All of before Manfred.
Nick: Right.
Ashley: And so Manfred got to play off of your straight delivery -
Nick: OH he did? I did not know that. Oh man!
Ashley: I know!
Nick: He got the easy part!
Ashley: Yeah, totally! So you set him up, just to knock it out of the park –
Nick: Right!
Lucy: Okay, so you got to set the tone. You get [...]
Ashley: Yeah, yeah […]
Nick: Right right right right. I set the tone!
Lucy: And, finally. Last but certainly not least, Ali Hillis returning as Scout Harding. Please [indicates for applause]. Now, I’m so excited because, she’s one of my favorite Dragon Age characters period and it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of her. But what has she been up to, John, between Inquisition and The Veilguard?
John: So I mean, if you’ve read the comics, you know that Scout Harding has been working with Varric to track down Solas. So she has been on his tail for quite some time. The game starts just as they finally - tracked him down, figured out where he is, but she’s been working with the remnants of the Inquisition, working with Varric, and then also working with Rook and Neve. Again, if you read the comics, you know that Harding has met Neve, they have a […] relationship before the events of the game. But yeah, she is dedicated to taking someone who used to be a friend, someone she considered, you know, even if they weren’t close, because Harding wasn’t part of the Inquisitor’s core companions, somebody she knew, somebody who treated her with some amount of respect, and knowing what he’s up to now, knowing she has to stop him, so.
Lucy: She was in the core Inquisitor’s, of my heart, so.
John: That’s right, well, I mean, she had the light romance, so.
Lucy: I tried to flirt with her every time. Never went anywhere. Ali, you are no stranger to playing beloved BioWare characters, obviously, Doctor Liara T’Soni.
Ali: [in her Liara voice] It is very nice to see you all today.
Lucy: What’s it like to be returning as Lace Harding?
Ali: First of all, it was a complete surprise. I don’t know if it was for you guys, but it was for me. So I was so excited when I got that call, because I had no idea it was coming. And after recording the last Dragon Age, and going to cons, much like this one, and having the line in front of me and all my pictures spread out, and every few people, someone would come up and say, well, ‘Where’s your Scout Harding photo?’ I was like, ‘oh, I didn’t bring one! Like. I didn’t realize! Okay!’ So I started getting more into the idea that this was a really beloved character, and I didn’t realize! And she was so much fun to create because BioWare gives us so much freedom as actors, it’s such a collaborative effort, both with Liara as well as Scout, I remember getting in the studio for the very first time to record these characters. I do a lot of voiceover, I do a lot of amazing games, I don’t always remember the very first day in the studio with a project, and I do for both of these projects. Because they were so poignant in my life, because it was, it was, a group of people coming together, they had already obviously conceptualized these characters. There was art, there was writing, brilliant writing that we are only so lucky to chew on in these voiceover sessions with such expert direction. The material that we are given to work with, only, just blasts us off this planet, in the acting world. But, just, knowing that when we went in to create Scout Harding to begin with, and one of the ideas I remember us talking about was, like, ‘well, I wonder if she’s kind of a character whom, when she talks, maybe she draws in the dirt with her toe?’ You know, coming up with these little tiny bits of yumminess to create a character and build it, the fact that they give us that honor to work with them on it, you know, is incredible. So when I heard that she was coming back, I was thrilled from the inside out, because I felt a part of this whole thing, so thank you, guys, for bringing her back. You! [to the audience] You! [to BioWare devs' direction] Thank you.
Lucy: I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we are thrilled.
Ashley: Yeah.
Lucy: You know, a lot has changed in the time since Dragon Age: Inquisition. I mean, what, how, for you has the experience of recording changed, like, technology-wise? Obviously, a little thing happened in 2020 we don’t have to talk about, but how has it changed for you?
Ali: Yeah, and speaking of that little thing that we’re not supposed to talk about, but the way that this company pivoted and, I mean, we were working on something, we had a project in the works, and somehow, every single person had to deal with this big thing in the world that we’re not talking about -
Lucy: We can talk about it.
Ali: - and somehow produce a game! So when you guys play this, just know that the amount of effort that went into this one, you know, maybe exceeds every game I’ve ever worked on because, we had to, everyone had to pivot, you know, suddenly we’re working from our garages – me too – and usually we’re wearing pants. And, and, you know, when I worked on past games with BioWare, everybody was in Edmonton, pretty much, and then everyone just kinda dispersed and I didn’t know where anybody was, and Ash was working out of her house all the time. It was incredible because we just did it, we pivoted, like all of you did, like all of us did, and we all came together and we made it happen and I was really really proud of that. Anyway, I know we weren’t supposed to talk about it, but it was magical, and powerful, and incredible. And I’m so sorry, back to the original question.
Lucy: No, I mean, how has the process changed for you?
Ali: The process has changed for me? I got to do p-cap! I got to be her! I got to physicalize, they gave me that, I got to physicalize her this time, which I didn’t get to do last time and I did not get to do in Mass Effect. And I really had a great time with it! Because, just like these guys have all talked about, we all come from different acting and theater backgrounds, I think Ash as well, and different types of performance, and it was cool to get on the volume - the p-cap stage -because, it’s like a theater.
Ashley: Yeah.
Ali: You have freedom! It’s better than a theater because you can turn around backwards and talk like this and everybody still knows what’s going on, so, it’s freedom in acting and we get to really bring the character to life outside of being behind the microphone and envisioning all of it, we actually get to perform. So that was one big difference for me in this game particularly. That, and the, doing it from my home sometimes in voiceover, or studio, it was, we kinda just, went with the flow.
Lucy: Is it easy to come back to a character that you kinda know inside out, or is it kind of like a mental block about it because you’re returning to something, or is it easier to come up with something new to […] What was it like getting back into the shoes of Harding?
Ali: That’s a really good question because it had been a minute. I mean, I’m so excited this game is releasing, how about you? Woo! You know what, with her, again, just kind of like Liara, because we came about this character so organically, I did ask, I remember asking to hear voice-bytes, I just wanna make sure we were in the same ballpark. But also, you know, there’s been an evolution.
Ashley: Yeah, you’ve seen some shit.
Ali: Yeah. We can’t really talk about it, you guys’ll have to find out for yourselves. But there’s been an evolution, so.
Ashley: Yeah.
Ali: So, yeah, it’s, it's, I can’t really say anything else about it without giving stuff away.
Ashley: She comes back with such, like, a veteran voice, y'know?
Lucy: Yeah, I kinda noticed that, like, she’s, she’s got a little bit more of an edge to her.
Ashley: Yeah.
Ali: Yes.
John: Well, she’s been chasing Solas for almost a decade, so.
Ali: And I love that, that is an amazing relationship that you guys created. And then I’ll stop talking about that. Damn!
John: No more!
Ali: I’m so excited!
John: I know!
Ali: I defer to these guys!
Lucy: I mean, question, kind’ve for all of you. We kind’ve touched on it a little bit, the challenges, and you know, the fact that the game is almost here, Fall 2024. I’d love to know, down the line, and just, you know, what’s been kind’ve your guiding light for all of you on this project?
John: I mean for me, it’s always been about, Dragon Age has always been about the people. I mean, the companions, the villains, the allies you make along the way. And for us, making sure that that stayed central, that that was still our guiding light. We really wanted to focus the game, the story, the gameplay, always around yourself as a character, but also the other characters in the world, not just, again, how they relate to you, but also, having these relationships, having this idea of this world that exists, with people that exist, not just as kind’ve a theme park for the player character to go through. But they have lives, and they have internality, like they’ve got an internal life of their own, that cause them to act in ways that may not always be predictable, but is always fascinating, and makes them feel real, even if you’re only getting a few dozen lines, they feel like real people.
Lucy[?]: Yeah.
Ashley: Yeah. I think that was my guiding light, like, I’m, have to find logic in these, you know, over hundred thousand lines in the story and over 700 unique characters you can meet. And I, in this fantasy world, I, we’re all still looking for the truth. What is the truth? How can we ground this? Do I believe it? Do you believe it? Are we in it? And that was always my North star. And, you know, often times I’m in the booth, and sometimes I’ll just, ‘I don’t buy it, I don’t buy it’, or, and, so, it was my job to be the gatekeeper, I felt, in the booth, to make sure, that I buy it, so you will all buy it.
Zach: I made the mistake, before we started shooting, of checking out the Reddit of Dragon Age. Not a good idea. It was a bad idea. But what I did, what struck me is that these people, these fans, have the same passion for this game that I have had for a hundred fantasy worlds. You know, places where I’ve gone into and discovered different parts of myself through. through, following these stories. And so I felt an, I felt so, it was so incumbent upon me to put as much effort as I could into this game. And I really do feel like the fans inspired me to pour my heart and soul into this, and I just cannot wait for you guys to play it, I really cannot.
Lucy: Jessica, what about you?
Jessica: I would say for me it was the dialogue, honestly. I loved the writing, Brianne was my writer, and Ashley, and John, and she’s right, like it’s, you gotta go deeper, and like we’re trying to find it, and we’re trying to find it together, and sometimes we’re not there, and sometimes we have to come back to it, you know, there was, I could tell there was such an evolution in my work, and part of that was because I just kind’ve gave it over to the writing. And whenever I did get to play off the other actors, you know, sometimes they’ll have, you can play in with their lines, and that was just such a joy, and I got to like discover other little parts of the game that I had no idea about, you know, because we’re doing it in isolation. So that was kind’ve the joy for me, and just honestly trusting, trusting the team and Ashley and John, so.
Lucy: Nick?
Nick: Yeah, I mean I’d have to say narrative as well, I think what the writers have done on this show, you don’t get in other games, you just don’t. You don’t get the level of, the depth of character. And character makes story. And that is what they focused on here. And I just kept coming back into that booth going, ‘I’ve never, I’ve never, experienced this before’. And just one last thing as well, I think the fact that we were separate, and I’m only just sort’ve putting this together now, the fact that we didn’t see each other, the fact that we didn’t know each other, has created a kind of magic that, I think is extraordinary. You can’t see somebody and you have to listen in the dark for cues and signals, and you have to put it together. That, that is magical. And I think, out of the chaos of 2020, 2021, 2022, which was exactly when we were recording and trying to figure this out, that’s when the magic came together, that’s, and I think we all feel that here, and I really hope you guys do too.
Lucy: Ali?
Ali: Well I feel like they’ve kinda covered it. I was gonna speak to kinda like what John said. One thing I really like about this game particularly, and I think you guys will find this as well, is you really find yourself in it.
Ashley: Yeah.
Ali: And the relationships, not only with the player and the people you bring along, but the team with each other, it’s just, it’s so well-written, the relationships are so conditioned that you really get lost in the moment. And I love when I’m at a con signing somewhere and someone comes to the table and says, you know, ‘this is a game that took me away from something I was dealing with in my real life, and I’m so grateful for it’, and I feel like, this is one of those games. This is gonna take you into a world that’s gonna blow your mind. And, I was just so honored to be a part of this group, again, again, I’m just gonna echo everything everybody said. But when I would hear their voices in my cans, in my headset, and I don’t get to see their faces, there is something so specific and so intimate about that experience, when you’re not seeing each other, and you’re just hearing, they have this amazing system where we get to hear each other. Whoever’s recorded first is played, if I’m having a conversation with these guys, if they’ve recorded first, I get to hear them and talk back. Acting is reacting. So it’s really nice that I actually get to react honestly off of these guys with expert guidance. So, I was really appreciative that we’ve conditioned these relationships in a fantasy land and also in real life, and I think you guys will feel that when you play.
Lucy: Now we do have time for Q&A. I'm gonna ask the panel another question, but if you wanna start lining up, we have, people are jumping to their feet already, this is great. We have a microphone right here. Before we go to Q&A, I suppose, what's the big, the biggest takeaway you want when people actually get to play later this year?
John: For me, honestly, it's just, how much this project has just been a team effort in a way that, everyone is working collaboratively with each other, everyone is bouncing off each other. Everyone was talking earlier about the writing, but I think what's fascinating for [...] has been so awesome to see is, the actors also shaping these characters as we built them. Seeing, like, how, Nick delivers a line, how Zach delivers a line, how Jessica delivers a line, how, and then, bouncing off that and then forming the character, shaping the character, so. We realize, okay, so, Ali has this, you know, has this, says things in a very specific way. Maybe we, let's re-write a few things, let's really lean into this, you know, what she brings to the character, and it's just. That's true across the entire team. It's not just the actor, it's not just the writer, but everybody who has worked on it, has a little piece of themselves in it. And to me there's just this excitement that that brings, and just this amazing passion that you can see in everything that's been built in this game.
Ali: It's so cool, I was gonna say, when we were recording, and I know we gotta get these questions, when we were recording during the pandemic and we were at home, I didn't realize sometimes that on the Zoom call I'd only see Ashley's face, or sometimes, you know, whatever, whatever she puts up. And then suddenly I'd have a question, 'hey, so in this line, this and this?', suddenly, like, John, or somebody else would just pop in, and talk about the line, so, we were always collaborating, it was just amazing, I was very grateful to have you guys ever-present.
John: Thank you.
Lucy: Alright. Shall we go to our first question? We all ready?
[?]: Yeah.
Lucy: Alright.
Audience member: Hello. [...] fan of Dragon Age since Origins. Oh, I must say, I am very disappointed with this panel. You've failed to mention a very important part of the game! The factions!
John: Mmm!
Audience member: So I would like to know, what can you tell me about them, and, can you join them, or do you just interact with them?
John: So, you start the game, you get to choose which background you go with. Each one is tied to one of the major factions. But one of our principles from the start was the concept of 'characters not causes'. So we didn't wanna just give you, 'here's the Grey Wardens, they're just kinda this group that exists in the world', we wanted to attach characters to them. So I can speak to the Grey Wardens in particular, anyone who's read comics and any of our short stories know Evka and Antoine, they kind've represent your connection to that faction. And you can work with them throughout the story, you can help them out. And decide how much you want to spend time with them. But each one of them [...] represents these important forces in the world that you need to get on your side if you're gonna stop the end of the world, so.
Audience member: Looks good.
Lucy: I was gonna say, Zach, you've done, you've done your research, so how exciting was it for you to kind've see and hear all these factions coming into play?
Zach: What, I'm sorry, can you repeat the question?
Lucy: You did all your research, so.
Zach: Oh, yeah.
Lucy: How exciting was it for you to hear about these factions and then hearing about how they'll come into play in the game?
Zach: Well, I don't think they kept my voice for Antoine, but I did my best French accent, I think it was pretty painful for everybody else on set, I really did. Oh yeah, the Grey Wardens are a barrel of laughs, those guys, they're absolutely wonderful. Well, yeah, so I had to play a bunch of characters, so I had to really steep myself in the understanding that, okay, the Grey Wardens go a lot, go through a lot, actually, doing what they do. They make a pretty intense bond in order to carry out exactly what they do. So, I tried to bring that as best I can to the physicality when I did do the motion capture and whatnot, but I cannot wait to see how it plays out in the game.
Lucy: Next question.
Audience member: Hello, I've also been a fan of Dragon Age since Origins. So, I've noticed in pretty much all of the games, there's a lot of influence from classical fantasy and mythology. So I was wondering, general question for the whole panel, what was your first exposure to fantasy or mythological storytelling, and do you use any of that in your voice-acting?
John: Hm. I can speak to mine but I can't speak to the voice-acting part, obviously. I mean I read Lord of the Rings at a very young age, and everything that you read that you, any piece of art that you enjoy, engage with, it's obviously gonna have an influence on yourself and also what you do.
Ashley: Yeah, there's a [depth?], in it, you know, to the fantasy world, that acting, it's kind of timeless, right? It can be anything, anywhere, and I feel like when we were doing the voices, we, you know, we didn't want it to be in 2020 or 2024 or whatever, so I think that's how I was most influenced, is, what's the most universal sound or a language, or a mixture of those, that can feel like nobody knows what it is?
Zach: I mean I was obsessed with, I think it's Theseus and the Minotaur, that story, when I was young. Did I just put my foot, I think it's Theseus, it could be Perseus, I can never remember okay?
Audience member: It's Theseus.
Zach: It's Theseus? My man! Thank you. I appreciate it. But I love the symbolism in those types of myths, right? Like, the Minotaur is this half-man, half-beast, who sits in the middle of the labyrinth, and the labyrinth is, of course, your mind, and you are also the Minotaur, and you are also Theseus. But so, getting to see the symbolism that's represented in Dragon Age, and how deep the meaning is, like that, those the stories I've always wanted to tell, ever since I was young, so I, it was a real honor to get to bring this to life.
Jessica: I also, my first, was Lord of the Rings, but I also was very interested in Greek mythology growing up. And, yeah, I think it's that, as Zach said, the symbolism, that you see, and like, I think you really see that in Dragon Age, and I know you know, right, you all, like, know the lore, and go looking for things, and that's really exciting to me. And then, just, yeah, the limitless possibility, right? You're not limited to what people look like, or whether you're human, I don't know, you know what I'm saying, like, that can really can take your mind and the world and the depth of the world anywhere and everywhere. And that's so exciting.
Nick: Yeah, I mean, for me it was The Hobbit, as well, my mom read me The Hobbit, and I would go, 'stop, stop!' And I would run to her closet and put on a pair of her boots, these shiny boots, and wear a cape, and I would go 'okay, okay, carry on' [...], you know, just, I would just, I would just be so in it. And then I'd go like, 'stop, stop, I'm gonna read that bit, I'm gonna read that bit'. And, you know, it was just, it absolutely informed why I'm sitting here today.
Ali: I wish I had better answers. Talking about, instead of yesteryear, talking about recently, I was travelling, and we were in Greece, and I feel like I saw Dragon Age everywhere. Just like an inspiration to travel and look back and, I'm now infatuated with castles. So, actually, it's brought me into this world, instead of me discovering it, you know, a long time ago, this has what's really brought me here.
[?]: Thank you very much.
[?]: Thank you.
Lucy: Thank you for your question.
Audience member: Hello, thank you for answering questions. For the new companions, if you could romance, from your companion's perspective, which older companion would you romance?
Ali: This could get embarrassing!
Zach: I kinda have a thing for The Iron Bull. Yeah, I saw him for the first time when I was looking up some answer to some question I had when I was reading the books, and I was like, 'oh, that awakened something inside of me! Huh! Look at that!' - You guys are gonna leave me hanging after I said that I want to have sex with The Iron Bull?
Jessica: [...] Um, I, I, don't know, honestly, I'm overwhelmed by that question, so [...]
Nick: I guess I'm a little overwhelmed by that question too. I have a particular fondness for Manfred, but, you know that's, that's a very particular relationship. I would say, like, I think what you've done with Solas is really sexy [...]
Zach: Dorian is really cute too. Yeah. [...] the mustache. Dig that guy.
Ali: Well, he's sitting right next to me, so this is a little embarrassing, but every time I heard Emmrich in my cans. Just, woooo. I might be on-board with all of the fans out there for Emmrich. If you'll have me, if you'll have me.
[?]: Thank you.
Panel: Thank you.
Audience member: So, the first game I played was Inquisition, and, this is not a knock, but, because, my reference would be Mass Effect, and I love that series. For Mass Effect 1 to Mass Effect 3, it seems the games was more streamlined. I'm getting the same feel from Inquisition to this one. Does that, what you can expect from gameplay-wise?
John: I mean, I don't think there's any, I don't think it's streamlined, it's. Again, each Dragon Age has been fundamentally different in its gameplay. We've tried things, seeing what works, seeing what didn't. In the case of The Veilguard, just like the other games, you wanna keep that tactical, strategic complexity and make that the centerpiece. And each one we focused on a little bit differently. In the case of this one, I think our skills in particular are some of the best we've done. There's some exciting combinations you do there, so.
Audience member: Thank you so much.
John: No worries.
[?]: Okay. There we are, okay.
Audience member: I was wondering what your favorite aspect was of the character you voiced?
Lucy: Ali, should we start with you this time?
Ali: I mean, so many layers, man, we're talking BioWare characters here! I think some of my favorite things about Lace Harding are the little things. Like, she loves her mom, you know, she loves to write letters home, she's always talking about her mama's soup and stuff like that. I love that relationship. She likes plants, and raising plants, which is inspirational, since I kill them. But just the texture they add to the characters, that's, in general, but for me, yeah, it's those little things that really kinda give me a bunch of stuff to work with in my brain, for bringing these characters to life.
Zach: I love the fact that Lucanis is a good cook. I just imagine him finishing a job and then going home, and, you know, cooking him a meal to kind've calm himself down, but with like the same knife he just used to murder somebody. He cleaned it of course, he cleaned it, but at the same time [...] -
Ali: I recommend my mama's soup.
Jessica: I really enjoyed, we sort've worked to bring, like, a noir element to Neve, and her being a private investigator, and so I really enjoyed leaning into that. And then she's just so dry, you know, like, things really mean a lot to her, but she's not necessarily gonna let you know that, you know what I mean? You have to kind've, like, discover that underneath. And, so I, I related to that, and I love that about her.
Ali: I was gonna say, 'I don't know anyone like that'.
Nick: I loved the, the fact that the writers just took Emmrich and explored the whole idea of death. The whole idea of necromancing, and, I really responded to that, I got into that, and bringing kindness into it, I know that sounds crazy, but it's to not have this idea that death is vulgar or kind've to be, something to be terrified about, but something to actually engage with on so many levels. I just thought the fact that the writers had the courage to do that in a game like this, I thought, it just blew my mind.
[?]: Thank you for the question.
Lucy: I think we have time for a couple more quick ones.
Audience member: Hi, okay, so first of all. Okay, hi, again. So, first of all, my dad just died, so [...]
[?]: Oh, I'm sorry.
Audience member: [...] Thank you. [...] So, [...] what you said about your take on Emmrich, really, really, I appreciated that. So, my question, to, I guess, John, would be, so, lore-wise, mechanically, not like story-telling-wise for the lore, how do you decide what lore goes in what games? Like, just, okay, so like, what decides what goes in Dragon Age 3, what goes in Dragon Age 4, what goes in Dragon Age 90-bajillion? Not from like a story perspective, right, but from, like a, what do we want to do, right?
John: Mhm. I mean it really does come down to, each one, as we build, it's, it's hard to say it as [...] something that we come [...], it's like, 'okay, we're gonna do it this way, this way, this way', mechanically, but, we kind've, we always know the base lore of the franchise, of the IP, and as we start to build the story, we start to see these opportunities to again, [...] speaking mechanically, bring certain elements in that make the most sense with the characters we're building and the story we're telling. We try not to overwhelm by saying a bunch, having a bunch of lore included that's not necessarily critical to the understanding of the story, but we always wanna expand the universe, and expand the IP, so.
Audience member: Thank you.
John: You're welcome.
Ali: And, can we please have a Dragon Age 90-bajillion?
John: I'd like that.
Ali[?]: That'd be amazing.
Audience member: Hi, I'm Matt. I've been a fan of Dragon Age since, actually, The Stolen Throne book, before I even knew there was like a game. And my question was, for the voice actors, one of my favorite things is the party banter. Was there any, like, lines of party banter that you recorded that you can say that just made you just, like, laugh, 'cause some of the party banter is pretty hilarious. Like, is there a certain thing that just sticks in your mind, whether you can say what it is, or just who it was with, like, so I can be on the lookout for it?
Ashley: I have one, it's so not appropriate. Do I have permission to say it?
Ali: That's what I was gonna say.
Zach: Yeah, say it.
Ashley: Listen for "hand-to-bone combat".
Lucy: I mean, do we end it there?
Ali[?]: And, scene.
Lucy: Well thank you so much everyone for coming to the panel. Thank you [...] Fall 2024.
[panel ends]
--
[source: DA:TV ‘Meet The Companions’ panel @ SDCC. BioWare have said that they are going to share the recording of the panel at a later date].
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sweetbans29 · 3 months ago
Text
Pups - CC
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Pairing: Caitlin Clark x Reader
Summary: You and Caitlin just keep missing each other until she decides it's been long enough (based on THIS request)
Warnings: just fluff
Word Count: 2.8k
Sweetbans Masterlist
AN: I am switching the request up a little to make it fit a little better since it is set post-college for Caitlin and Kate, I hope it makes sense when you read it!
When you moved to Indiana for work, the first thing you did was head to the local animal shelter. It was your first time living alone and you hated the idea of being truly alone. You walked in expecting to come out with a sweet pup and ended up walking out with two, Pebbles and Bam Bam. When you learned they were surrendered together, there was no way you were going to separate them.
Bringing P&B home was nothing shy of eventful. The second they walked through the door, they were already making it their home. They are the reason your single ass upgraded from a queen bed to a king bed, ensuring the three of you would all have enough room to sleep comfortably together. Considering they were both medium sized dogs, you didn't really understand how you all didn't fit on your queen but your love for your two fur-babies was enough to make the switch.
Your two companions were the sweetest. They typically don't bark inside and are excellently trained.
Since you live in an apartment and work from home, you take them out often to make sure they stay active and so you don't go stir crazy. It works out well. You have found several local restaurants that love Pebbles and Bam Bam and have even met several people who frequent the same places as you. They have helped you build a little community in a place that is starting to feel like home.
It is late Tuesday morning when you take P&B out for their second walk of the day. As you set outside of your door you feel a immediate tug on Bam Bam's leash. You have just enough time to close your door before you are being guided in the wrong direction.
"Bams, chill out," you say as you gather yourself and adjust their leashes.
"Why hello there," a voice says. You look over to see a young man standing holding a trash bag. Bam Bam at his feet sniffing his shoes. Pebbles is much more reserved and looks at the man as if she doesn't quite know what to think.
"Hi," you say thinking the man was talking to you. You quickly realize that his full attention was on Bam Bam who is now running in circles greeting him. The man looks up and smiles lightly at you.
"Hi," he says, attention now on you. "I'm Colin, I believe I am your neighbor."
Colin looks to be a few years younger than you. Your first impression is that he is well-mannered and doesn't shy away from conversation.
"Hi Colin," you say and then introduce yourself. You extend your hand to shake his and you see P&B sitting politely as if they were waiting for you to introduce them.
"Your dogs are very well mannered," Colin says looking down at them.
"They are. I don't know how I was able to end up with them but it was almost as if they chose me when I walked into the shelter," you say with a little laugh. "This is Pebbles and Bam Bam."
"May I pet them?" Colin asks as he sets the trash bag he is carrying down and squats in front of P&B.
"Oh yes! Of course! They would love that," you say.
Colin puts his hand up to let the two dogs sniff it before he begins petting them. Bam Bam being the friendlier of the two has no problem with Colin right our the gate. Pebbles on the other hand, is still friendly but is more skeptical about the new person in front of her. She sniffs his hand but just stares at him.
"The one on your left is Bam Bam, he loves everyone and will be your best friend. Pebbles is on your right and she takes a little longer to warm up to people but once she does, she is a sweetheart and won't leave you alone," you say as Pebbles looks up at you.
"Are they Australian Sheppards?" Colin asks giving all his attention to Bam Bam who is eating it up.
"They are," you say. "I was surprised to see them in the shelter but they weren't there long. They were surrendered just a few days before I went in - sounded like their previous owner passed away."
Bam Bam now has Colin sitting on the ground while he sits right next to him, absorbing all the pets. Pebbles is still sitting at a distance but has laid down, now just observing Colin. You let them interact and watch at how much Bam Bam loves him.
"Bams is a fan of yours," you say. "Give Pebbles a few meetings then she will be just like Bam."
Pebbles stands and stretches as she hears her name, looking at you as if she is saying she is ready to walk.
"I sure hope so! They are already my favorite out of everyone I've met in the building," Colin says and you pretend to be offended. He laughs.
"I can't blame you, they are my favorite too," you say as you both head to the elevator. The two of you talk on the ride down and only part ways after Bam Bam says goodbye to his new friend.
You get back to work when you return from your walk. It is only Tuesday but your week has started off to be a good one.
Caitlin gets home and is exhausted from morning work-outs. When she enters the door she sees dog hair by the entrance and is curious as to where it came from. She just cleaned on Sunday.
"Colin!" Caitlin yells as she makes her way to the kitchen. "Why is there dog hair in the apartment?"
Colin emerges from his room with a smile on his face.
"It is probably Bam Bam's," he says as if Caitlin should know what that means. She gives him a questioning look.
"Bam Bam is the Australian Sheppard that lives next door. He has a sister, Pebbles but she hasn't quite warmed up to me yet. She will be in no time though." Colin says.
"Pebbles? Bam Bam? What are the Flintstones living next door or something?" Caitlin asks.
"Ahhh! That's why the names sounded familiar. I remember when mom and dad would put that on before school," Colin says. "And no, their owner was not apart of the Flintstones."
Caitlin laughs.
"You would love Pebbles and Bam Bam," Colin says. "They are the sweetest. Their owner was also pretty cute too."
Caitlin raises her eyebrows at her younger brother. "A cute neighbor?"
"Ya, not my type but she is cute. Honestly seems more up your ally but we only talked for like 10 minutes," Colin says.
"I don't have a type," Caitlin says with a little scoff. Now it is Colin's turn to laugh.
"You so have a type," he says as he makes his way back to his room.
Caitlin stands at their kitchen island and thinks on if she has a type. She wouldn't say she does, she doesn't feel like she has dated enough to have a type. Colin is just instigating. Yeah, that's it - her brother is just trying to get in her head about the cute neighbor. Caitlin tells herself that before heading into her room.
The next time you run into Colin is on your way back into the building. It is a few weeks after your first encounter with him and Bam Bam goes crazy.
"Bams!" You yell as your pup takes off sprinting to Colin. Both you and Pebbles follow closely behind.
"Bam Bam1" Collin says with the same excitement Bam is greeting him with. Colin immediately sets down his bag and pets Bam.
"I've missed you buddy," Colin says as Bam wiggles his butt in excitement. Pebbles also goes up to Colin, sniffing his knee then looks up at him. Colin takes notices and holds one hand to meet Pebble. She sniffs him as her behind starts to wiggle a little in excitement. Colin begins to slowly pet Pebbles and she lets him for a little before making her way to sit right next to your foot.
"Well that is nice progress," you say with a little laugh. Bam still going crazy over seeing his best friend.
"Hey, I will take what I can get with her," Colin says.
The two of you talk on your way back into the building. He talks about how he is only here until his school starts up again and you talk about what you do for work.
"Is your apartment empty when you aren't here?" You ask as the elevator reaches your floor.
"No, it is actually my sister's apartment. She is here full time, I am only here when I am on break," Colin explains.
"Ahhh, I see. Well don't tell Bam Bam that, he is going to be really sad when you head back to school," you say.
"Just one more semester and then I will be here full time!" Colin says with an innocent excitement. "So he doesn't need to be without me for long!"
You laugh.
You end up inviting him on a Saturday hike with the pups which he immediately accepts. He mentions how that is something his sister loves to do but has work the Saturday that's planned. You mention having her join next time and he agrees.
The two of you build a friendship and you find yourself really enjoying Colin's company. Almost as much as Bam Bam does but you don't think anyone could match the excitement Bams has when he sees people he loves.
Pebbles, like you said, warmed up to Colin. She still greets him with hesitation but lets him pet her and love on her.
Colin tells Caitlin all about you and your pups. Little to your knowledge you are a hot topic in the Clark household. Every time Caitlin gets back from practice, Colin is quick to talk about your most recent outing. He starts off by talking about something cute that Pebbles and Bam Bam did then always goes into how cool you are as a person. It has Caitlin's desire to meet you grow into something she thinks about everyday when she passes your door. She will sometimes slow down in front of your door to see if she can hear you talking to your pups. That is when she realizes that she might actually be jealous of the time that Colin is spending with you. Hell, she hasn't even met you and is jealous. She blames Colin for saying that you are her type after first meeting you.
During Caitlin's next off day, she is determined to meet you. That isn't hard to do considering Colin has plans to go on a walk with you and the pups and she has every intention of crashing it. When Colin calls out that he is going for a walk, Caitlin immediately pops out of her room ready to join.
"I think I will join you today," she says already in athletic shorts and a t-shirt.
"Great!" Colin says. "Bam Bam will love you, he is the softy when it comes to meeting new people. Pebbles will be skeptical at first but just give her some time and she will warm up to you."
Caitlin nods and follows him out the door. Colin walks up to your door and give it a special knock.
"It's open," you yell from the inside and Colin moves to open the door. Caitlin didn't realize the two of you were on such close terms. Leaving your door unlocked for anyone to enter is wild to her considering she has to take so many precautions being who she is.
Once they step through the door, they are greeted by who Caitlin believes to be Pebbles and Bam Bam. Bam Bam makes his way directly to Colin and starts running in excited circles. Who Caitlin suspects to be Pebbles, sits and waits for Colin to come up to greet her.
Once Colin is done saying hi to Bam Bam, he make his way over to Caitlin. Caitlin crouches down and begins to pet the fluffy pup who is excited to meet her. She can't help but fall in love with him on the spot. Pebbles, like Colin said, was much more reserved. She sat at a distance from where Cait stood and just observes her. It is almost as if she is interrogating Caitlin and seeing if she is worthy of knowing her human.
"I'm ready," you say as you pop out of nowhere but head straight to the kitchen. Caitlin barely catches a glimpse of you before you are out of sight again. Colin is already putting Bam Bam's leash on. It's as if he has done it several times before, which he has.
"My sister is coming with us today, if that is okay," Colin says as he struggles with Pebble's leash as she looks at him knowing his struggles.
"Awesome! I finally get to meet her," you say as you grab water for the pups. You finally make your way to the front door with a big smile on your face. Caitlin reciprocates it when she realizes how beautiful you are.
"Hi! It is so nice to finally meet you," you say.
"Same to you, I have heard so much about you and these two little ones for months now but Colin has been keeping you all to himself," Caitlin says and wishes she could have met you sooner, a hint of jealousy reveals itself as she eagerly shakes your hand.
"Wait," you say stopping dead in your tracks. "You're Caitlin Clark."
Caitlin's smile widens at the fact that you know who she is, something she usually tries to avoid when she goes out to preserve any sort of normalcy she can. But when it comes to you, it makes her heart jump.
You turn to Colin and hit him on the shoulder.
"You didn't tell me your sister was Caitlin Clark!" You say to him and he puts his hands up in surrender.
"It is not something I usually go around announcing," he says.
"I don't blame you," you say after thinking for a second.
"Well it is so nice to meet you Caitlin Clark," you say as you reach out your hand to shake hers, introducing yourself. She smiles and repeats your name and it is in that moment that Colin knows he was right about his older sister having a type.
"I see you have already met Pebbles and Bam Bam," you say looking down at your babies. Bam Bam is still getting pets from Colin and Pebbles is sitting in between you and Caitlin while she stares up at her.
"I have, Colin has given me the run down," Cait says with a laugh. You join her with a laugh.
"Good, Pebbles will get there eventually - she is just very protective," you say and Caitlin looks down to see how Pebbles has made it clear that she will be staying in between you and Caitlin.
"Well, I look forward to earning her trust," Caitlin says.
The three of you head on the walk. Colin is holding Bam Bam's leash and is a few steps ahead of you, Caitlin, and Pebbles. Pebbles walks right in between you and Caitlin, only moving to sniff something and relieve herself.
You and Caitlin talk the whole time causing Colin to whisper to Bam Bam, 'I told you they would hit it off'. When you get back to your apartment Caitlin wishes the walk was longer.
"Would you and the pups like to come over for dinner?" Caitlin asks, surprising both you and Colin.
"Are you sure about that?" You ask, knowing some people don't like having animals in their home because of the hair.
"Ya, I wouldn't have asked if I wasn't sure," she says. You nod.
"We would love that," you say with a smile.
"Great," Caitlin says matching your smile. "Why don't you come over around 6ish."
"Sounds great," you say as you enter your apartment. "We will see you tonight!"
Caitlin and Colin head into their apartment and Colin gives her a look.
"You hate when I bring dog hair into the apartment," Colin says. Her inviting you and the dogs over will surely be a cause for there to be more hair than ever before.
"A little dog hair never hurt anybody," she says as she begins to go through the cabinets and fridge to see what she could whip up for dinner.
"Mmmhmmm, I'm pretty sure I remember you saying how it was going to be a 'pain in the ass' to clean when I first started bringing it in," Colin says teasing his older sister.
"Ya well, it's worth it," Caitlin says thinking about the way you eyes smile.
"It's worth it or she's worth it?" Colin asks.
"She's worth is," Caitlin says without hesitation.
AN: Okay but this is absolutely adorable and if you think otherwise, you are wrong. But still, let me know what you think! And as always, thank you for your love and support
380 notes · View notes
zhvakinnn · 7 months ago
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Hi i hope your doing fine but i was wondering if you can do a SBG head canon
Where the reader is terrified of lightning and thunder and how they would react to the reader getting scared during a bad storm
Thank you
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Two requests same content let's gooo!!
@na0ay
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Warnings: none
Characters: Logan, Aiden, ben
Part 2: Ashlyn, Tyler, Taylor
✨as always i don't know much English so if something is wrong correct me✨
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Logan fields
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You were all having a sleepover at the bus graveyard
You happen to woke up when a thunder was heard you bolted up sitting down when you heard it again you covered you're mouth then ears
You want comfort but they were all asleep so all you did was hid somewhere the sits and covered your ears
You suddenly feel like you were running out of air, shaking, crying, you were startled by a hand
It was Logan it looks like his more panicking than you
"are you ok?... Why are you?.. did you get hurt"
You look at him then looking at the clock you were all passed out early
Then you looked at him again we was shaking aswell with a worried face
You were about to answer when another thunder was heard
You quietly yelp and hugged Logan, you were now sobbing while hugging him
"don't cry I'm here okay?... Look i was scared of them aswell but my grandparents made it better, just count how many number before the thunder like this, 1...2...3...4-"
Then the thunder was heard again
Logan started to count again
You both kept counting till you need to sleep
"only 3 minutes"
You both smiled at each other then hugged
Aiden Clark
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Let's say you were all awake here on Ashlyn's backyard it was not raining but there was a thunder
You perfer rain than thunder, you were tense by it you were just frozen in there
Everyone was chatting laughing while you were panicking you usually cuddle up a pillow or a stuff toy but it's not here
"why hello there my nugget"
"stop calling me that" he giggled then said
"you good?, you look a bit tense?"
You nodded at him
But you flinch when there came a thunder
Aiden noticed it, he then go get his bag and went back to you sitting next to you
You asked him what's inside and he said "you'll see"
He called everyone to play bored game instead
They all agree and went to play
You wanna focused on the game but the thunder won't go away from you're mind
"here" he said giving you a nugget kind of pillow?
You almost tear up and smiled at him
He kept patting your back ti'll your relax and forgot about the thunder
Ben Clark
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You both are in a music room in the school while he plays the guitar you sing along with him
Not until you heard a thunder
'looks like its gonna rain..' Ben thought as he looked at you
You were panicking you're chest raise up and down but fast he tried to comfort you Patting your back, holding you close but you were now crying
Then he remember you should just listen to music but when he checked his pocket, his bag hell even under his ass its not there
He started to panic when other thunder came making you jump from its loudness
He then sat down the ground and hold your ears and let your head rest in his chest
To your surprise he started to hum song
You two stay like that for an minute then you fell asleep but he didn't stop humming incase you woke up from another thunder
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nimmie-nugget · 7 months ago
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Hello :3
Can I request?
Logan x reader but the reader is good at martial arts and protects logan? :3‼️
It can be taekwondo, or hapkido or anything u can choose :3‼️‼️
(I love ur stories abt sbg sm bro skdkkwkdk)
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。 ⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚⋆⋆ 。
Note#1: Anonnnnnnn🥺👉👈 M’SO HAPPPPYYYYYYYYYY(unless u requested to the wrong person😭🫶) recently just started writing abt em😼💪 Ego go boom boom, just don’t remind me of the Aiden fic I wrote💀🫶🫶—Enjoy!
Note#2: I LOVE LOGAN PLSSSS, I WANT SOMEONE SMART AND KIND IFHHHHHHHJEHDHSNDJ
Note#3: I didn’t really specify the fighting style or anything so you can just leave that part up to the imagination :3
Upcoming: Ben Clark X Bullied Gyaru!Reader.
Warning: I apologize prior for any Grammer, Spelling+etc errors. Cringe?? Logan may be OOC >:(
。 ⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚⋆⋆ 。
Logan would honestly love you so much!! You’re genuinely the first person who hung out with him!! Eventually leading to a romantic relationship!!
“[N/N], is it alright if I watch?…I feel so entranced watching you practice.” He muttered to you, fiddling with his fingers as he blushed, looking down at his shoes, wanting an excuse to hang out for the time being.
Logan would have to call out on you to be careful when you pew pew around Mother Nature. He does hold some passion for it after all.
“[N/N]?…could you watch out for the bush please? I heard apples will grow on it soon and I’d really like some..!” He says, nervously smiling as he walked up to you and securely held your hand, enjoying the warmth and protection you give off.
Logan who’d always cheer for you silently when you go up against other people, even if you lose it doesn’t matter to him! He supports you no matter what.
“Nothing to be sad about, you tried your best right?” He reassured, wanting you to feel better about yourself and not think about the defeat. Grabbing your hand with tender and planting a soft, passionate kiss on your lips.
Logan just knew that he could always come to you if he ever felt uneasy!! Always came to you after dealing with Barron daily.
“Be careful?? Please? I don’t want you to get hurt..” He said with concern as he frowned, his hands holding onto your arm with immense grip, shaking.
Logan who’d always scold you and patch you up at the same time if you get injured.
“Please never do that again? You had me so worried!! Think about what your actions before you do it!!” He scolded with concern, dabbing ointment onto your wound with a cotton swab.
Logan who learned how to fight by observing you, wanting to protect you too but it’s always the other way around.
“Like this?” He questioned, looking to see your nod of approval as he practiced.
Logan when he first ever beat up Barron and the group, he ranted to you about it with a hint of anger remembering everything Barron had done.
“You can’t just go bullying others for no reason!! Ugh..” Logan said annoyed, quite out of character for him but you were definitely proud!!
Ruffling his hair as you planted a kiss on his forehead, by that he instantly calmed down and snuggled into you, looking at you as he blushed.
Logan knew that you’d go to Savannah if he ever told you about what happened.
“I know you are strong but…I don’t want you to get hurt.” He muttered to himself anxiously as he glanced at you with fondness.
。 ⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚⋆⋆ 。
Lil Note: Hearts, Comments and Reblogs are Appreciated💙
。 ⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚。⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚。⋆ ⋆ ˚⋆⋆ 。
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overrboarrd · 1 month ago
Text
sanctuary [3]: kick off
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firefighter!roman reigns x azure clarke [oc]
warnings: brief mention of spousal loss, light drinking, lots of football
word count: 5.5k
a/n: hello my beautiful peoplee <3 sorry this update kept getting pushed back, i've been annoyingly busy these past couple weeks. this chapter is a chill one, but i really hope y'all like it! the next update may be delayed a couple days cause my birthday is next weekend and i'll be outsideee 🤪 but yeah, i appreciate y'all always! thanks for reading <3
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Azure stood at the kitchen counter, pulling a few dishes from the small box she had finally decided to unpack. It wasn’t much—just some mugs and plates—but it felt like progress. The morning sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a warm glow over the bare kitchen. She leaned against the counter, staring at the mess of cardboard and packing paper, absentmindedly turning over a mug in her hand.
She pulled out a few plates, stacking them on the counter, then paused when her phone rang. With a soft smile, she picked up the phone and answered, cradling it between her ear and shoulder. “Hey, Jade.”
“Hey girl! You settled in yet or still living out of boxes?” Jade teased, her voice bringing a bit of comfort to Azure’s morning.
“Definitely still in the 'living out of boxes' phase,” Azure laughed lightly. “I’m unpacking the kitchen right now, but it’s dragging.”
“Ugh, I hate unpacking,” Jade groaned. “But you doing okay? I’m sorry I didn't call sooner, my father in law’s birthday was this past weekend, and you know how Reggie is when it comes to going to his parents’ house.” 
A soft smile spread across Azure’s face, “It’s okay sis.” Her teeth captured her bottom lip in contemplation. “I’ve actually met a few people,” Azure admitted, trying to sound casual, but she knew Jade would pick up on any hesitation in her voice.
“Oh? Do tell.”
“Just some neighbors. They helped me move some boxes.”
“That’s good!”
 “Yeah, they’re... really nice. Two guys, twins, Jimmy and Jey. Invited me to a cookout later on today.” 
“Wait, twins? And they already invited you to a cookout?” Jade teased, a playful edge to her tone. “That sounds promising.”
“It’s not like that,” Azure laughed. “They’re really nice but definitely married. And then… there’s their cousin,” she hesitated. “Roman.”
“Okay…” Jade’s voice trailed. Azure swore she could hear a hint of a smile as Jade continued. “Tell me more about this Roman guy.”
“We talked a little. He welcomed me to the neighborhood, but I think I might’ve rambled. I was telling him about my day at work, how Dr. Rollins pulled me aside because I was running late.”
Jade hummed thoughtfully. “And?”
“And, well… I don’t know. Roman just seemed kind of tense when I mentioned Dr. Rollins. I might’ve made things awkward.”
“Girl, you did not make it awkward. You were just trying to spark up a conversation, right? You haven’t talked to new people in a while… it’s going to feel a little weird. But that doesn’t mean it was bad.” Jade’s voice softened, offering the kind of encouragement Azure needed. “Maybe he’s just one of those quiet shy guys, you know?”
“Maybe,” Azure said, biting her lip. “It’s just—I don’t know. It felt like I was rambling, and he didn’t say much.”
“Azure, stop,” Jade said firmly. “You’re doing great. You’re starting to meet people, and that’s good. Just because it wasn’t a perfect conversation doesn’t mean you blew it.”
Azure sighed, knowing Jade was right but still feeling that small nagging doubt. “Yeah, I guess.”
“And what’s this about the cookout?” Jade’s tone shifted, playful again. “Are you going?”
“I don’t know if I should. Jey and Jimmy invited me, but I feel like it might be too soon, like I don’t really know anyone well enough to go.”
“That’s exactly why you should go! You’re invited, Azure, and it’s a cookout. You’ll meet more people, and it’ll give you a chance to see Roman again. Maybe even smooth out any awkwardness from yesterday. Come on, you gotta go.”
Azure leaned against the counter, cracking a few of her knuckles. “I don’t know…”
“No ma’am. No excuses. You’re going. Next time you see the twins, tell them you’re coming,” Jade insisted.
After a long pause, Azure sighed with a small smile. “If I see them, I’ll let them know I might be there.”
“I guess that’s better than nothing. You’ll have a good time, I promise.” Azure heard Jade exhale a deep breath before she continued. “Azure...” Jade’s voice softened, “I know it’s scary. You’ve been through so much, and it makes sense that you’d want to protect yourself. But you can’t close yourself off forever. You deserve happiness, too. And maybe that happiness is waiting for you in this new place, with these new people.”
Azure’s eyes stung with tears. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear that. “It’s just... hard. Every time I think I’m ready to start over, it feels like…” A lump starts to form in her throat. “Like I’ll forget about him.”
“You’re not going to forget about Derrick,” Jade said firmly. “You’re honoring him by finding a way to live again.”
Azure swallowed, her emotions swirling. “Thank you for that sis.”
“Of course girl,” Jade said, her voice lightening. “And remember, I’m always here if you need to talk, okay?”
“Thanks, Jade. I really appreciate it.”
After they hung up, Azure looked at the small kitchen box she hadn’t quite finished unpacking. Jade was right; she needed to put herself out there, even if it felt strange and unfamiliar. Jade’s words echoed in her mind, but the fear remained. She had come here to start over, but every step toward something new felt like she was leaving pieces of herself behind. She wanted to blend into the newness of this place, to feel the laughter, the warmth, the life around her. But what if it hurt too much? 
What if joy felt like a betrayal? 
Could she really open herself up again?
The thought of Roman tugged at her, though she quickly brushed it aside. 
Azure strolled out to the front porch. With a sigh, she pocketed her phone and made her way to the car; the gentle warmth of the Pensacola morning wrapping around her like a light blanket. The street was quiet, a slight breeze rustling the trees overhead as she unlocked the car and leaned in to retrieve a bag of things she had left the day before.
As she pulled the bag out, she heard the familiar rumble of a car engine from across the street. Glancing up, she noticed Jimmy pulling into the driveway at Roman’s house. He hopped out first, his usual energetic self, followed by a woman she recognized but had never formally met. Jimmy’s wife, she assumed, was stunning, her dark hair framing her face perfectly as she moved with an easy confidence.
Jimmy noticed Azure first. He waved enthusiastically before leaning over to say something to his wife, who looked in Azure’s direction and smiled. 
“Aye, Azure!” Jimmy called out, his voice warm and friendly as always.
Azure froze, caught in his enthusiasm. She smiled politely and gave a small wave. “Hey, Jimmy.”
Without missing a beat, Jimmy nudged the woman, and the two of them started walking across the street toward her. “Thought we’d come say wassup before we head inside,” he flashed her a grin.
“Hey, I’m Naomi. We haven’t officially met, but I’ve seen you around.” Naomi smiled brightly, her energy as vibrant as her husband’s. Azure nodded, feeling a bit of the tension ease as she introduced herself. “Yeah, I’ve seen you, too. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
Naomi’s eyes sparkled, and she gave a quick glance toward Roman’s house. “We’re getting ready for the cookout at Jey’s, and Jimmy mentioned you might be coming?”
Azure shifted her weight slightly, unsure how to respond. “Yeah...I was thinking about it.”
Jimmy chuckled, nudging Naomi with his elbow. “What’d I tell you? She’s still on the fence.”
Naomi swatted his arm, turning her attention back to Azure. “You should come. It’s gonna be fun—nothing too big or formal. And Jey always makes sure everyone feels welcome.”
Azure bit her lip, feeling a mix of nervousness and uncertainty. “I appreciate the invite. I guess I just feel... out of place since I don’t really know anyone yet.”
“You won’t be out of place at all.” Jimmy chimed in again, his tone playful but sincere. “We all family. Besides, if you ever need someone to talk to, you got us.”
Naomi seemed to sense her internal debate. “Hey, no pressure. If you decide to come, we’d be happy to see you. If not, there’s always the next one.”
Azure glanced down at the bag in her hands, weighing her options. She didn’t want to keep feeling like she was isolating herself, not after Jade had basically given her an entire pep talk over the phone.Yes, it was just a cookout, just an afternoon with her neighbors. But it was more than that. It was a choice, a small crack in the armor she’d built around herself, a chance to remember how to belong again. Finally, she took a breath and looked back up at Naomi and Jimmy. “You know what, I’ll come. I could use some fun.”
“Great!” Naomi’s face lit up. “You won’t regret it, I promise.”
“Yeah, we’ll have a good time,” Jimmy added with a wink. “Glad you’re coming.”
Azure felt a weight lift off her shoulders. It wasn’t much, but agreeing to the cookout felt like a step forward. “Thanks y’all, I’m looking forward to it.”
“Here, give me your number.” Naomi said, pulling out her phone. “That way, if you need anything or want to come over early, you can text me.”
Azure quickly rattled off her number, feeling more at ease while Naomi typed it in and smiled.
“Alright, we’ll let you get back to it,” Jimmy said, giving her a quick wave before heading back to Roman’s with Naomi.
“See you later!” Naomi called over her shoulder with a friendly smile.
Azure watched them go, feeling lighter as she stood by her car, a small smile tugging at her lips.
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Roman stood in the doorway of Audrey’s room, watching her small figure nestled under the covers. The soft rise and fall of her breathing filled the quiet space. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he leaned against the doorframe, taking in the sight of his daughter. She always slept so peacefully, a contrast to the whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities that often swirled around them.
He took another sip of coffee from his mug, savoring the warmth. His mind drifted back to his conversation with Azure the night before. She’d been so open, talking about her day at work and how Seth had checked in on her. Her words replayed in his mind: “He pulled me into his office just to make sure I was adjusting okay.”
A familiar tension crept into his chest, his grip tightening around the mug. Rollins. Even just hearing his name brought up old resentments, ones he hadn’t realized were still buried so close to the surface. But this wasn’t Azure’s fault; she didn’t know the history, and she definitely didn’t need to bear the weight of it.
The sound of soft footsteps broke his thoughts, and Roman looked down just as Audrey appeared at the doorway, rubbing her eyes.
“Mornin’, angel,” he murmured, setting his mug down on the side table. He scooped her into his arms, her tiny body warm and heavy with sleep, her head nestled against his shoulder.
“Morning, daddy,” she mumbled, still half-asleep.
He ran a gentle hand over her back. “Did you sleep okay?”
She nodded, her cheek pressed against his shirt. “I dreamed about Uncle Jey’s dog. He was chasing Kitty around the house.” A little giggle escaped her, and the sound brought a lightness to his chest he didn’t realize he’d needed.
“Oh yeah?” Roman chuckled, hugging her tighter. “You think Kitty’s ready for the cookout today?”
Audrey perked up, her eyes brightening as she pulled back to look at him. “Are we going to Uncle Jey’s?”
“Mhm. Uncle Jim and Auntie Naomi are comin’ over soon to grab some stuff for the party. You’ll get to see everyone.”
Audrey wriggled out of his arms, a new energy lighting her face as she ran back into her room, ready to find the perfect outfit for the big day.
A smile still lingered on his lips as he made his way downstairs, only to hear a knock at the back door. He set down his coffee as Jimmy strolled in, his familiar grin lighting up the kitchen, Naomi right behind him.
“Morning big uce!” Jimmy called, already heading toward the fridge. 
“Morning, Roman,” Naomi added warmly, giving him a quick hug before playfully swatting Jimmy’s hand away from the orange juice.
Jimmy leaned on the island, his grin unfazed. “Thought we’d swing by early, help you grab the cooler and some extra chairs for later.”
Roman nodded toward the garage door. “Should have everything in there, but let me know if you need an extra set of hands.”
“I’ll handle it,” Jimmy said, sauntering toward the garage.
Naomi took a seat on one of the barstools, resting her elbows on the counter as she looked at him with a curious smile. “You ready for today?”
“After all this work I’ve been doin’, I definitely need a break.” he admitted, but his thoughts wandered back to Azure, and the tug of their conversation lingered in his chest.
Naomi’s eyes sparkled knowingly. “Oh, by the way, Azure’s coming to the cookout.”
Roman looked up, surprised. “She is?”
Naomi’s grin grew wider, clearly enjoying his reaction. “Yep. She was hesitant, but I convinced her. Got her number and everything.”
He exhaled, trying to act indifferent, but his gaze softened. He hadn’t meant to come across as distant last night; he was just... caught off guard. The last thing he wanted was to make her uncomfortable.
Naomi must’ve noticed his thoughtful silence because she placed a comforting hand on his arm. “Want me to help Audrey get ready?”
“Yeah, that’d be great,” Roman said, the slight edge in his voice fading away. “She’ll be excited to see you.”
As Naomi left, Jimmy returned with the cooler and a few chairs. He noticed Roman’s thoughtful expression and raised an eyebrow. “I was gone for two seconds, uce. What got you lookin’ like that?”
Roman shook his head. “Talked to Azure last night. She mentioned Seth.”
“Rollins?” Jimmy’s face shifted, his casual demeanor replaced with a more serious look.
“Yeah,” Roman murmured, the bitterness creeping back. “Can’t believe he’s still tryna charm his way around. She doesn’t know, though. She doesn’t know what went down with him… with the chief.”
Jimmy rubbed his chin, his gaze sharp. “You still holdin’ onto that?”
Roman didn’t answer immediately, instead staring at the floor. His muscles tightened with a memory he wished he could bury deeper. "It’s hard not to hold onto it," he said quietly. "You know what almost happened. That mess with the chief… my career was on the line. All because of him."
“Yeah, I remember.” Jimmy grimaced, the weight of the past hanging in the air. “But come on, that was years ago. You made it through. Hell, you got promoted after all that.”
“I know, but it wasn’t easy.”  Roman shook his head. “I had to work twice as hard to get back in their good graces. The way Rollins played it, he could’ve ruined me. I can’t  just forget that.”
Jimmy crossed his arms, leaning back against the counter. “Look, I get it. Seth fucked you over, no doubt. But that’s his problem now, uce. You moved on, and you been solid ever since. He don’t get to mess with your head every time his name comes up.”
Roman met his cousin’s gaze, his grip on the mug loosening. “It’s just… hearin’ her talk about him like that— like he’s some kind of good guy? I can’t stand it.
Jimmy grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. “You’re protective of her already, huh?”
“Not like that.” Roman’s voice was defensive, though he felt a flicker of something he couldn’t name. “She’s new. Tryna be neighborly, s’all.”
“Sure, uce.” Jimmy clapped a hand on his shoulder, bringing Roman back to the moment. “Just remember, today’s about family. Rollins can’t mess with that.”
A soft sigh fell from Roman’s lips, finally feeling a bit of the tension drain away. He nodded, letting Jimmy’s words settle over him.
As Jimmy took the cooler outside, Roman took a long breath, listening to the house come alive around him—the sound of Audrey’s voice drifting down the stairs, Naomi’s laughter mixing with it, and the faint hum of the van outside. Today was supposed to be about family, about finding peace in their little corner of the world.
But as the day unfolded, he couldn’t shake the feeling that seeing Azure again would bring more than he was prepared for.
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The late afternoon sun bathed Jey’s backyard in a warm, golden light as the cookout got underway. Azure felt the humid warmth settle on her skin as the smoky, savory aroma of grilled ribs and burgers filled her senses. The laughter and familiar scent made the yard feel like a haven she hadn’t realized she needed. Picnic tables were scattered around, some with folding chairs and coolers brimming with drinks nearby. The end-of-summer air mixed with the distant sounds of football from the TV inside, made for the perfect backdrop to the Saturday afternoon. Kids ran across the grass, their voices blending into the hum of the adults chatting around them.
Azure arrived a little after two o'clock, gripping the strap of the small bag that hung over her shoulder. Her steps were careful as she approached the yard.  Her eyes scanned the familiar faces of Jimmy and Jey, who were already loud and welcoming, laughing as they teased each other near the grill. Watching Jimmy and Jey bicker lightheartedly made her smile, but a small pang of loneliness crept in, a reminder of the family gatherings she missed back home.
 Roman, she noticed, was there too. He leaned against the wooden fence a bit further back, but still near his cousins with a beer in his hand. As soon as Roman caught sight of her, he offered a small, friendly smile. It was a polite acknowledgment—nothing more, nothing less—but enough to make her stomach flip. She smiled back, feeling his eyes linger on her for a moment longer than needed, but he didn’t approach.�� She quickly moved to Naomi, who was arranging plates and utensils on the table. 
“Hey, girl!” Naomi greeted her warmly, her bright smile infectious. “You made it! Jey was starting to think we’d have to send Jimmy over to drag you out the house.”
Azure laughed, feeling some of the tension melt away. “Ixnay the wellness check y’all, I‘m here in the flesh.”
“There you go!” Jey happily chimed in from the grill, flipping a row of burgers with exaggerated precision. “Stick around—it's gon’ be a great time.”
Jimmy sidled up beside the women, grinning ear to ear. “And don’t forget the game! It’s the best part of the cookout. You watch football?”
“Here he goes.” Naomi shook her head smiling while she finished setting up.
Azure smiled sheepishly. “I might be a little into it. I usually watch a lot of the games with my dad.”
“Aye, that's what we like to hear!” Jey exclaimed, transferring some of the food off of the grill and into an aluminum pan. “We take football very seriously ‘round here.”
Naomi rolled her eyes, though the fondness in her voice was undeniable. “That’s one way to put it. These two are like little kids whenever football's on.”
As they continued to talk, Azure felt a little more at ease. She enjoyed the lighthearted banter between the twins and Naomi, appreciating how they welcomed her. Naomi, especially, seemed attuned to Azure’s hesitance and kept things easygoing.
Roman, who had been watching them from a few feet away, finally stepped forward, offering a drink. “Hey, Azure,” he said quietly, though his voice carried easily over the noise. “Glad you could make it.”
Azure looked up, meeting his gaze. “I almost didn’t.” She admitted, accepting the drink with a gentle smile. “Y’know, your family is very persuasive. But this,” she gestured to the yard, “It’s nice.”
“They are.” He gave a firm nod in agreement, though his tone remained soft. “And I get that. Sometimes, meetings’ new people feels… complicated.” His words carried a weight she understood, a vulnerability that was subtle but genuine.
“Yeah,” Azure replied, pausing as she gathered her thoughts. “Especially when the past tends to follow you wherever you go.
Roman’s eyebrows rose just a bit. “Yeah, exactly.” There was a moment of silence between them, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Instead, it felt like an unspoken understanding, a quiet space where words weren’t needed.
“So, yesterday-”
“Man what kind of play was THAT?!” The sound of Jimmy shouting at the TV drifted over from the back door of the house, interrupting Roman.
 Azure chuckled nervously, nodding in the direction of the commotion.
“They weren’t playing when they said they took football pretty seriously, huh?”
Roman let out a small laugh, glancing toward the house. “Oh yeah, it’s basically a family requirement. You’re either all-in or on the sidelines, and there’s no in-between. But-” 
“I think I’m gonna head inside, the game sounds like it’s getting pretty good.” Azure gently tapped her fingers against the glass bottle of her beer, cutting Roman off.
“Right,” he replied, her heart racing slightly as she stepped away from him, grateful for the excuse to avoid the conversation. I’ll see you in there?” 
“Yeah, definitely,” Roman cleared his throat, watching her with an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
•────────────────•
Inside the house, the game was in full swing, and Azure eventually found herself in the living room, drawn to the TV. She smiled as she watched the players race down the field, her heart speeding up with the game’s intensity. 
A little girl soon wandered over to her, eyes wide with curiosity as she plopped down beside Azure on the couch. "Are you watching the game too?" The girl asked, her voice small but full of interest.
Azure looked up, recognizing her immediately. Roman’s daughter. "I sure am.” Azure grinned. “Do you like football?"
Audrey nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Uncle Jimmy and Uncle Jey always watch. Daddy watches sometimes too."
She hadn’t even noticed the little girl mimicking her movements, sitting cross-legged on the couch and watching the game with the same focused expression. It was hard not to smile at the sight.
"I bet your uncles get really into it, huh? They’re over there shouting louder than the TV." Azure smiled, her eyes flicking towards the open back door where the twins were already deep in a loud debate over a recent play. 
Audrey giggled, her eyes lighting up. “They do! Uncle Jimmy says the refs are ‘blind as bats,’ but I don’t know what that means. And Uncle Jey is always yelling.” Azure laughed as Audrey went on about her time with her uncles, with a mix of childlike intensity and joy.
Azure noticed Roman from the corner of her eye, catching his gaze for a brief second before looking away. Her heart raced, the conversation from the previous evening still lingered between them, but the last thing she wanted to do was embarrass herself even more.
“Aye, uce! You just gonna stand there and look moody all afternoon, or you gonna go inside with everybody?” Jey yelled across the yard.
“See.” Audrey added, causing Azure to to suppress a laugh.
Roman chuckled, shaking his head as he made his way over to the group. As he settled onto the arm of the couch next to Audrey, he glanced at Azure, the playful spark in her eyes meeting his own. 
“Think you’re stealin’ our cheerleader here.”
Azure raised an eyebrow. “Maybe she just knows a good team when she sees one.” She glanced down at Audrey, who giggled and nodded in agreement.
“Oh, I see how it is,” Roman said with mock offense. “Guess I’m just the backup then?”
“Looks like it,” Azure shot back, a glimmer of humor in her eyes. She relaxed against the couch, her hands resting on her lap as she kept a slight distance.
“Careful, Roman. You might lose your spot for good if she keeps this up,” Jimmy teased, settling in his own seat as he glanced at the game on the TV.
“I don’t know, uce.” Roman rested his arm on the back of the couch. “I think I can handle the competition.”
•────────────────•
Throughout the afternoon, Azure caught him watching her more often than she expected. Their eyes would meet and there he’d be—his gaze lingering on her, studying her. It’s just curiosity. She told herself. Just the same polite interest people held when meeting someone new, yet there was an intensity to it she couldn’t ignore.
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the yard, the cookout started to wind down, with people moving inside to clean up or grab their last plates of food. Azure decided to stay behind in the kitchen to help clean up some of the dishes. She saw Roman out in the yard, gathering up plates and empty cans, her eyes following him as he stepped through the sliding glass door and joined her at the counter. The sound of clinking dishes filled the silence between them for a few moments before Roman spoke.
"Thanks for helpin’ out," he said, his voice low but sincere.
 "No problem. It’s the least I could do." Azure looked up, setting a plate back down in the sink.
“You mentioned Seth Rollins yesterday," he started, his jaw tightening slightly at the name.
“I didn’t mean to bring up anything uncomfortable...”
“It’s fine,” Roman paused, drumming his fingertips on the marble counter before continuing. “Let’s just say we had some...disagreements in the past.”
Azure’s gaze softened as she watched him, noting the tension that crept into his eyes. “You don’t have to tell me if it’s too much,” she said gently, sensing the weight behind his words.
“It’s not that,” He stared down at the plate in his hand, his voice measured. “I just don’t want you gettin’ blindsided by him if he decides to get involved in anything…beyond work.”
She furrowed her brows, curiosity blending with concern. “Involved how?”
Roman lowered his voice before leaning against the counter, facing her. “Seth’s got a habit of getting close to people, making them trust him, and then…things go south fast if he doesn’t get his way.” His gaze flickered to hers, a shadow passing through his eyes before he glanced down.
“Sounds…complicated,” Azure chose her words with caution. She could sense this was something he didn’t open up about easily.
He shrugged, though a glimpse of hurt still lingered in his eyes. “Just be careful. I’m pretty sure you can handle yourself, but he’s… persuasive. And I wouldn’t want you caught up in his web.”
She nodded slowly.
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the room felt smaller, the noise from outside fading into the background. Roman’s gaze softened as he looked at her, a hint of something unreadable in his expression. “Just… watch out for yourself, alright?”
Azure’s voice softened in response. “I will.”
The intensity in Roman’s his expression faded to something warmer. “I have to admit,” he said, crossing his arms casually, “I didn’t expect you to be such a football fan. You might even give Jimmy and Jey a run for their money.”
Azure laughed, a sound that seemed to light up her whole face. “I don’t know about that. Those two are intense,” she replied, glancing toward the yard where the twins were laughing loudly and nudging each other as they sat at one of the tables, sipping their beers. “I just grew up around it, so it sort of stuck.”
“Oh yeah?” Roman raised an eyebrow, looking intrigued. “Your family must be football people then?”
“That’s definitely an understatement,” Azure nodded. “Every Sunday was a huge thing growing up. My dad’s a big fan of it, and I’d just sit there with him, getting into the game and the whole atmosphere.” Her eyes softened a little, lost in thought. “I guess it just… reminds me of home.”
Roman watched her carefully, noting the brief flicker of nostalgia in her eyes. “Well, you came across the right people,” he said, gesturing to the yard. “Between the twins and Audrey, they’re all in serious need of someone who actually knows what’s happening on the field. I swear Audrey’s been pickin’ up their bad habits.”
Azure chuckled, shaking her head. “She’s already got a bit of Jey’s attitude in her cheer, I can tell.”
He glanced back at the living room where Audrey was napping. "So you’ve converted my little girl to your team, huh?" he teased, still leaning casually against the counter.
Azure raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. “I can’t help it if Audrey has good taste. Besides, she was all in after a few plays.”
“I noticed.”  A bit of pride evident in his smile. “But I can't help but feel a little jealous that you stole her away from me today."
Azure placed a hand on her chest, playfully taking offense. “I would never! Maybe you should join us and see what it’s like to be on the winning side for once.”
Roman raised his hands in defense, playing along. “Oh, it’s like that, huh? Careful, you might just end up recruitin’ me to your team.”
Azure’s smirk softened, her eyes holding his for a second longer than she’d intended. She liked this playful side of him, a glimpse into something that felt less guarded. “Not sure you’re up for the challenge,” she shot back.
Roman chuckled, his usually stoic demeanor breaking with the smallest of smiles. “Tell you what,” he said, reaching into his pocket for his phone, “maybe next game day, you can give me some pointers. Since you’re so sure I’d lose.”
Her eyes widened slightly, the offer surprising her. She paused, then nodded, taking her phone out too. “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she said, her fingers hovering over her screen. “And if Audrey sticks to my team, you’ll know why.”
Handing his phone to her, Roman watched as she keyed in her number, a spark of warmth flickering between them. When she handed it back, he gave her a small nod, glancing down at the new contact saved on his screen. “Guess I’ll just have to work twice as hard to win her back,” he said, his voice low, but his smile hinted at a more personal admission.
 Azure gave him a playful side-eye, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”
•────────────────•
Dear Brother I know I said I’d write to you sooner, but I keep finding it hard to put everything into words.  I feel a lot  worse than I let on, and it dredged up so much I’d been burying. I couldn’t take it anymore—the control, the way everything's been twisted to make me feel guilty. I thought putting distance would help clear my mind, but the past just won’t stay in the past. I hate feeling like this, and knowing that there’s nothing I can do to change it. Oh, and about that person I met a while back…it’s been…really good, actually. It’s comforting and freeing in ways I hadn’t imagined. And I didn’t realize how much I needed that until now. I think this might be something real, and that thought scares me but also excites me. You two would be the best of friends, I know it. I just wish you could be down here with me. I love you, always.
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outercrasis · 16 days ago
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Workplace Hero
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Pairing: Clark Kent x GN!Reader ++ Word Count/Rating: 1.5k / T
Summary: There's never a dull day working at the Daily Planet.
A/N: This is pure fluff and flirting. It's also not based on a specific version of Superman/Clark, so feel free to picture your favorite one!
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Some days you hate working at the Daily Planet. Most of the time it's fine – occasionally bordering on mundane – and then there are days like today. You've worked here long enough to know that if the lights go out it's time to leave the building or hide. You aren't getting paid nearly enough to face off against whatever threat has stumbled through the doors, windows, or sewers of the building.
Today you find yourself tucked in a supply closet near the reporter's bullpen. You had come in here for pens and sticky notes when you heard the telltale clunk followed by darkness and a faint scream. Knowing better than to move, you sat on the floor to wait. Thankfully you chose to wear comfortable pants this morning.
Not long ago this would have terrified you. Hyperventilating, crying, the whole nine yards. Now you just find yourself annoyed. There are so many meetings and deadlines you're going to have to move around. You'll definitely have to cancel your weekend plans.
Your biggest regret right now is leaving your phone at your desk. If you had it, you could have an idea of what's going on. Perks of working at a paper – there's always some reporter looking to have the first scoop. You could also pass the time with social media or some rounds of solitaire.
With nothing better to do, you lean into a corner and close your eyes. If you're lucky this will all be over soon one way or another.
***
“Um, hello? Are you alright?”
Bright light fills your eyes, forcing you to blink rapidly. The person who woke you slowly comes into focus. Blue and red fill your vision.
“Superman?” you ask, eyes still bleary.
The man gives an awkward and uncomfortable chuckle. As your eyes adjust, he comes into clearer focus. Black pants, blue button down, and a red tie that's slightly askew. His hand moves down from his glasses.
“No, just me,” he says.
You smile, accepting his hand to help you up. It's sure and steady around yours. “Sorry about that, Clark. Guess I wasn't fully awake yet.”
“No worries. I'm just glad you're okay. What were you doing in here?”
“Oh you know, just sleeping through another crisis at the Planet,” you joke, dusting off your pants. You miss Clark's amused expression.
You gather your things and go to leave the room, only to immediately stumble. The position you were in made your leg fall asleep, but it was still too numb for you to realize it. The pens and sticky notes fly out of your hands and just as you brace yourself for impact, it never comes.
Instead, a strong arm pulls around your middle and you find your face tucked into Clark's chest instead of the floor. His scent fills your nose – citrusy but warm and the traces of ozone. You desperately hope he can't feel the rapid pace of your heartbeat.
You stay there for a moment too long before coming to your senses and backing away. Clark keeps a steadying hand on your upper arm, making sure you don't fall again.
“You sure you're okay?” he asks, genuine concern written across his face. There's a small chance that being caught up in today's crisis would have been preferable to this burning embarrassment.
You do your best to play it off. “I'm alright, feeling is coming back to my leg now.” You give it a couple slaps and immediately cringe. Hopefully Clark doesn't form any impressions of you based on that. “Thanks for catching me. You've got fast reflexes.”
The pink flush on Clark's cheeks is adorable. “It was nothing, instincts really.”
“Lucky me then,” you say. “Lois may have Superman, but I've got Clark Kent.”
You then quickly scoot out of the supply closet and beeline back to your desk. Did you really just say that? You weren't even able to catch his reaction. Was that weird? That was probably weird and now Clark is never going to speak to you again. Great.
Back at your desk you try to quickly bury yourself in your work. Sentences and paragraphs can't sense your embarrassment, even if your deskmate Irene can. Before she asks you any questions you pop in your earbuds – blocking out the office and focusing on the words before you. While your nap was refreshing, it also put you an hour behind in your work. At least you won't have to move as many deadlines around.
Fate would only have it that the next article on your plate to edit is one of Clark's. Whatever god is running things these days has a cruel sense of humor. 
The small upside is that Clark's articles are usually easy to edit. He makes few spelling or grammar errors – most of his corrections are related to creating a more natural flow for the reader. With any luck you'll have this done and be onto the next article in 30 minutes.
The article is a heartwarming read. It's about a new dog shelter in Metropolis, focused on rescuing and caring for dogs that are displaced in the aftermath of superhero battles. They hope to reconnect as many dogs with their original owners as possible and Clark's article will give them additional publicity to do just that. It warms your heart that he's written an article on something like this when he could have easily spent that time tracking down his next big interview.
You don't really know when your crush started to develop, but it's only grown bigger since you noticed it. It's like you're a teenager again with everything he does and says making your heart race. Reading about his obvious care for animals isn't helping anything.
Sighing, you close your eyes and rub at your temples. This is getting out of hand. You can't even get through an article without imagining disgustingly domestic scenarios of going to the dog park with him.
A tap on your shoulder pulls you from your swirling thoughts. You jump slightly when you see who's waiting for you.
“Clark?”
He smiles sheepishly, setting a mug down on your desk. “Sorry to scare you, I thought you might need some caffeine.”
“I- No worries. I just wasn't expecting you.”
“I hope my grammar mistakes aren't giving you too big of a headache,” Clark says, rubbing his neck. You look towards the coffee as a distraction from his criminally large bicep. He gave you his own mug emblazoned with the Smallville High logo – not one of the communal Planet breakroom ones. 
“Don't try to play modest, you know us copy editors like reviewing your articles best,” you tease. 
“I like making your job easier.” Coming from anyone else you'd consider that pure schmooze, but you can feel Clark's genuine honesty.
You're more than flustered. He didn't mean just you of course, he meant the entire editorial team. But then why did it feel that way?
You notice Clark's messenger bag is slung over his shoulder. “You heading out?”
“Yeah. I was tapped to go to a LutherCorp press conference.” He looks less than thrilled. 
You imagine the rest of the reporters in the bullpen are chomping at the bit to get this assignment. Based on his expression, you think Clark would be happier spending the rest of his career writing about dogs than covering Lex Luthor. There are plenty of reasons to dislike the man, but you do wonder why Clark's is so palpable. 
“I'm surprised Lois isn't covering that.”
“She's in Europe covering a UN meeting.”
You throw him a questioning look, curious why he wouldn't be there as well. Perry often prefers sending two reporters to events like those – Lois and Clark being his favorites, not that he'd admit it.
“It's Ma's birthday this weekend,” he says, a light blush dusting his cheeks. “I couldn't make it to both.”
God. As if you weren't completely gone on him before. Choosing his mother over a massive byline. You don't know a single other reporter in the building who would do something like that.
There's a sudden yell across the office. “Clark! Come on, we have to go now or we'll be late.” Jimmy points at his watch, reiterating their tight schedule.
“Sorry, I gotta go. I'll see you around?”
You nod. “Thank you for the coffee. I definitely needed the boost.”
“Oh! I almost forgot.” Clark opens his bag, putting something more onto your desk. “Here's your pens and sticky notes. You forgot them in the supply closet earlier.”
You can feel the heat radiating from your cheeks. Clark apparently didn't hear the way that sounded as he runs off towards Jimmy with a smile and wave.
Irene gives you a pointed look that you ignore. No need to add fuel to the flames of the gossip mill. An adamant denial will only make her more steadfast in her assumption. 
You take a sip of your coffee. It's exactly the way you like it.
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katelynnwrites · 1 year ago
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We’ll Be A Fine Line (We’ll Be Alright) | Felicitas Rauch
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warnings: descriptions of blood, injury and general angst along with mentions of smut
word count: 4612
summary: feli accidentally injures you during an international game
a/n: happy monday. i’ve actually always wanted to write this prompt so i’m pretty excited about this. also i couldn’t resist adding that last part, i’m not sorry 😂
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You love international breaks. The chance to represent your country on the world’s stage is not something you would ever take for granted.
After you made the move to Germany, to play for VfL Wolfsburg, international breaks become even more special.
They become one of the few times you’re able to be in the country of your birth, with the friends you have grown up with.
This time, you’ve been given an even more special chance, a rare opportunity to play against your German, Wolfsburg teammates.
You’re especially looking forward to playing against one particular teammate.
She’s a defender and you’re a striker. It’s a cliche really.
Ahead of the upcoming Arnold Clark Cup, your girlfriend had bet you that you wouldn’t be able to score against her and you had countered her bet with your own, that she wouldn’t be able to prevent you from scoring.
The reward of the bet is interesting, that the winner will be able to do anything she likes with the other.
And you really really want to win. The thought of being able to have your way with a certain Felicitas Rauch being more than enough incentive for you.
******
England playing against Germany is the last fixture of the tournament so playing against Feli isn’t really on your mind yet.
You do however, text her frequently and in return, receive a constant stream of TikToks that she has found funny.
You’re laughing at one of them when Georgia plonks down in the seat next to you.
‘What’s so funny?’
‘Nothing Georgie.’
‘Aw come on! You’re never here anymore and now that you are, you won’t even tell me what you’re laughing about.’ Georgia pouts.
You soften at her words and quickly unlock your phone, showing her the video Feli had sent you.
The Manchester City player chuckles.
‘That is funny.’ She says and you laugh again.
‘I didn’t know you had a dog though.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes you? Your lockscreen is a brown poodle.’ Georgia says in confusion.
‘Oh! She’s not exactly my dog.’
‘Okay…’ Georgia’s confusion only increases and she makes to ask more questions only to be unable to do so because Sarina starts giving instructions.
As you listen to your coach, you glance down at your lockscreen of Cinnamon before unlocking your phone once more, this time to look at your wallpaper.
It’s a good thing Georgia had only seen your lockscreen because your wallpaper, a photo of Felicitas kissing you would have been a lot harder to explain.
******
It had completely slipped your mind to tell your England teammates about Feli.
There had just been so many things going on, your recent move to Germany, a new apartment for you to settle, a new style of play for you to adapt to and your struggle to learn a new language.
Your relationship with Feli had started amongst all that and before you knew it, months had passed by.
How could you tell them about your German girlfriend now?
******
On the contrary, Feli’s national teammates know all about you.
So many of them played at Wolfsburg with you and the rest have heard all about how head over heels Felicitas is for you.
They would never miss an opportunity to tease Feli who is usually reserved and a tad shy.
The perfect opportunity lies in whenever she calls you.
Somehow even when you are countries apart, you always manage to make your girlfriend blush.
Her German teammates love you for that and you frequently get sent photos of Feli’s red cheeks during the international breaks.
******
Having headed up to your hotel room early, you make the most of your roommate’s absence to call Felicitas.
She answers almost immediately, her smile being the first thing you see.
‘Hi my love.’
‘Hello.’ She greets, cheeks already dusted with pink from the term of endearment.
You grin, ‘How’s England treating you?’
‘Good but I miss you.’
‘I miss you too Feli but we’ll see each other tomorrow.’
‘I can’t wait.’ Your girlfriend murmurs.
She adjusts her phone, giving you a glimpse of her surroundings. It looks like she’s out on her hotel room’s balcony.
Having finished propping her phone up, she cheekily asks, ‘Ready to lose?’
You laugh, ‘You wish.’
‘Liebling, being able to do whatever I want to you is pretty good motivation. There’s no way that I am losing.’ Feli states.
Confidently, she adds, ‘I’m sure you’ll like what I have planned.’
‘Well as nice as that sounds, I think that both you and I will prefer what I have in mind for when I win.’
There’s no mistaking the tone in your voice.
Feli swallows hard, her blush intensifying as she stammers, ‘S-Sorry liebling. No can do.’
You giggle and your girlfriend looks away in embarrassment, clearing her throat.
‘I love you but I won’t be losing. You’ll see.’
‘We’ll see.’ You agree.
You’re content to just look at her but you hear the door of your hotel room opening.
‘I’ll see you tomorrow. I love you Felicitas.’
Feli nods, having heard your roommate from her end of the call.
‘Ich liebe dich. I’m really excited to see you.’
She ends the call, just as your roommate enters the room fully.
‘Who were you talking to?’ Leah asks curiously.
‘A teammate from Wolfsburg.’ You answer honestly.
‘She speaks German to you?’
‘She’s trying to teach me to pick it up faster. I’ve not been too good at it so far.’ You laugh self deprecatingly and your roommate giggles.
‘Are you feeling okay about playing against your club teammates tomorrow? It must be a little weird for you.’ Leah asks, unintentionally slipping into her role as captain.
‘It is but I’ll be okay Lee. We had a conversation about it before I left Germany. We promised that there would be no hard feelings and we’re actually quite looking forward to it.’
******
Sarina and the other coaching staff had asked you about how your German teammates at Wolfsburg played. You had given them as much as you could, telling them about your personal experiences with their playing styles.
They have also come up with their predictions for Germany’s starting lineup.
It’s no surprise to you that they think Feli will be playing.
Your girlfriend had gone from being left out of the 2019 World Cup to being Germany’s starting leftback and you could not be any prouder of her.
You see the work she puts in day in and day out and you know that she deserves to be there.
When you arrive at the stadium, you see that Sarina is right. Feli is starting for Germany and as you line up near her in the tunnel, you give her a brief hug that lets her know that you are proud of her.
You know that the extra tight squeeze she gives you in return means that she understands and is proud of you too.
******
Ellen White scores first, with you assisting her goal.
You can’t help but smirk at Feli as you walk back to your position.
She rolls her eyes at you and later when you’re within earshot, reminds you that you haven’t won the bet yet as you weren’t the one who scored.
******
The rest of the game goes as expected, with Germany playing physically and England playing the ball forward as much as possible.
Your Wolfsburg teammates have landed quite a few tackles on you but have helped you up each time.
You don’t take it to heart, having expected it already. It’s not like you have not done your fair share.
Playing in Germany has rubbed off on you and you now have a tendency of being a little more physical.
You haven’t had any direct contact with Felicitas though, the defender being kept occupied by your English teammates.
By the 94th minute, you know you’re going to win. While you yourself have not scored, Millie and Fran have added to England’s goal tally.
Lina Magull scoring in the 41st minute is not enough for Germany.
You’re thinking about ways to somehow convince your girlfriend that you’ve won the bet anyway as you begin lining up for a corner.
It’s in Germany’s favour but you’re not particularly worried, knowing that Mary has the safest hands around and that this corner will probably be one of the last actions of the game.
Feli’s taking the corner and you focus back on the game just in time to see the ball fly.
You jump up, along with everyone else but Leah is the one who gets her head on the ball.
She clears it and then you’re off, sprinting clear of the other players. Maybe you would be able to win your bet properly.
The ball gets passed to you and you make a run for the goal, only to be taken out a fraction of a second later.
You scream.
There’s no other way to express the horrific pain you are in.
You’re not even aware of the way your body curls in on itself or the way your hand blindly clutches at your injured ankle.
Sobbing into the grass, you cry out again as gentle hands turn you over.
If your eyes weren’t squeezed shut, you would see that your girlfriend looks like she’s about to throw up.
‘I didn’t mean to. Oh my god I never meant to hurt her.’ She repeats, over and over again.
Feli is inconsolable, shaking all over as she looks at you on the ground.
Your English teammates push her away, in their rush to get to you.
She doesn’t register Keira shouting at her or Lucy holding the ginger back.
Laura grabs her and moves her aside, just enough so that she can still see you but not be in the way of the worried England team.
‘She’s going to hate m-me.’ Felicitas stutters.
‘Hey Feli she won’t. It was an accident.’ Laura tries but Feli isn’t hearing any of it. She trembles harder when Laura hugs her tightly, the Eintracht Frankfurt player doing her best to keep her friend’s breakdown from the cameras.
The German players gather around Felicitas, helping Laura to block her.
Your English teammates are trying to do the same for you.
You’re still crying, unable to answer any of the questions the medical staff are asking you.
‘Feli.’ You whimper.
‘Felicitas.’ You plead again.
Leah squeezes your hand. You hadn’t even realised that she’s holding your hand.
‘Yes. It’s Felicitas Rauch that tackled you.’ Leah tells you, thinking that it’s what you want to know.
It isn’t.
‘I want Felicitas. I want my girlfriend.’ You beg.
Leah blinks but doesn’t question you, knowing that you are in no shape to properly answer anything.
She just gets you your girlfriend.
******
‘She didn’t mean it.’ Alex Popp states, as Leah approaches.
‘I hope not. Rauch needs to go to her girlfriend now.’
‘No. I can’t be near her. She won’t want me there.’ Feli cries, furiously shaking her head.
Leah glances at you and then back towards her before firmly saying, ‘Look I don’t know you. But she’s in a lot of pain and asking for you so I’m bringing you to her whether you like it or not.’
******
‘Liebling, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I should never have gone in for that tackle.’ Felicitas rushes out.
‘Feli…’ You gasp and your girlfriend chokes back a sob, taking your hand in hers.
‘I’m sorry.’
‘It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean to but Feli it really really hurts.’
You’re trying your hardest not to cry more but a few tears slip free anyway.
The expression on your girlfriend’s face looks like heartbreak but she whispers, ‘I know. I know. You’ve got to let the medics take you off the pitch now okay?
Trying to be brave, you nod and the medical staff takes it as their cue to put you on the stretcher.
‘Please don’t leave me.’ You beg and Felicitas scrubs her tears off her face. She angrily thinks to herself that she doesn’t have to right to cry.
‘I promise. I’m right here liebling.’
Her gaze remains on your face but the briefest glance at your bloodied and bruised ankle, now visible thanks to the medical staff who had removed your boot and rolled down your sock makes her want to be sick again.
Feli’s face is pale and tear stained but she never lets go of your hand.
She’s right beside you, holding your hand and walking off the pitch with you.
The referee decides to end the match there but that doesn’t matter to your girlfriend who would have walked off the pitch anyway, regardless of what the referee and coaches had to say.
******
Your girlfriend is carefully stroking your hair, doing her best to soothe the pain she had unintentionally caused you.
The bed you are sitting up on is cold but Feli’s hands are warm. You try to focus on that, letting her familiar touch give you some comfort.
The medical staff are examining your ankle now but by just looking at it, you think that there’s little chance you would escape with a mild injury. You are sure you would be on the sidelines for a while.
When your team doctor looks up at you and gives you a little head shake, you know your suspicions have been proven.
‘I’m really sorry but you’re definitely going to have to go to the hospital now. We’ll contact your club and let them know.’
‘How bad is it?’
‘A few months out at least. Your ankle is badly sprained and the hospital will give you a more thorough x-ray but from what I can tell, it’s been fractured.’
Your face crumples and you bury your face in Feli’s shoulder. Her arms wrap around you, holding you close.
‘I’ll give you a moment.’ The doctor murmurs before leaving.
‘I’m so sorry.’ Felicitas breathes.
You cry even harder, the throbbing pain in your ankle doing you no favours.
Your girlfriend inhales shakily, kissing the side of your head before beginning to pull away.
You stiffen the instant you feel her loosening her grip on you.
Your eyes widen in fear and you panickedly ask, ‘Feli w-where are you going?
‘Don’t you want me to go? I’m the reason you can’t play let alone walk. I hurt you liebling.’
‘No. You didn’t mean to. Stay please. I need you. Please Felicitas, don’t go.’
‘I won’t.’ She whispers, her heart breaking all over again as she realises exactly how vulnerable you are.
‘You promise?’
Your girlfriend hugs you close, ‘I promise. As long as you want me here, I’m here.’
******
You don’t want Felicitas to leave your side. You think she understands as well because she’s still sitting by the side of your bed and holding your hand when you wake up.
Her Germany kit has been replaced by a hoodie and shorts so you think that one of her teammates must have helped her out.
The German player’s eyebags have always been pronounced but the sleepless night she has had have made them so much darker, like bruises under her eyes.
‘You’re awake.’ She mumbles, when she feels you moving around.
You frown, trying to wiggle your toes only to fail. The new cast on your leg sees to that.
You don’t remember it being there so you assume that the doctors at the hospital must have done it after you had taken the painkillers which knocked you right out.
‘Felicitas? Does this mean I’ve won my bet?’
‘The bet? Liebling, that’s what you want to talk about right now?’ Feli’s tone is incredulous and surprising to you.
‘Why not Feli?’
‘Because I hurt you. My mistimed tackle broke your ankle.’
‘Fractured.’ You correct but your girlfriend winces all the same.
‘You are here because of me. You won’t be playing for three months. Can you please yell at me? Be angry at me liebling.’ Felicitas insists.
‘No.’ You answer simply.
‘No?’
‘I’m not mad at you. I know that it was an accident. You would never hurt me intentionally.’
‘I would never and it was an accident but please be angry at me. I deserve to have you hate me.’ Your girlfriend begs.
‘No. I will never hate you Felicitas. I love you. You’re the love of my life.’ You easily say.
The words come naturally to you because it’s all true. You know it in your heart.
Felicitas bites back a sob, ‘I love you so much. You’re the love of my life too.’
‘Don’t hate yourself Feli. It really was an accident. An unfortunate one but an accident nevertheless.’ You softly plead.
Your girlfriend exhales shakily, leaning in close and pressing a kiss onto your forehead.
You shiver, closing your eyes and soaking in the feel of her lips on your skin.
‘Feli?’ You breathe.
‘What is it?’
Your request is barely audible, ‘Can you kiss me please?’
Felicitas kisses your cheek carefully in response.
‘A proper kiss Felicitas. I-I haven’t had one of those for weeks and I miss it. I’ve missed you.’
You’re so shy that prior to the events of the last twenty four hours, Feli would have teased you before showering you in as many kisses as possible.
But now she quietly checks, ‘Are you sure? I have missed you so incredibly much but I don’t want to cause you more pain.’
‘You won’t. Felicitas I know you won’t.’ You swear fervently and your girlfriend gives in.
Her lips brush against yours gently and so tentatively that it makes you want to cry.
‘More. Please Feli please.’
Felicitas can’t deny you. She has never been good at doing so but now she finds herself completely unable to even try.
Her hands cradle your face tenderly and she gives you the most loving kiss she can.
You would have cried if the door of your hospital room didn’t open. As it is, Feli pulls away from you with a sharp jerk.
‘Okay then…Is this a bad time?’ Leah asks.
Behind her, Alessia and Tooney’s faces are tomato red from the display of affection. It makes you giggle.
‘No. I’d say come in but you’re already inside.’ You joke.
Leah laughs and places the bouquet of flowers she had been holding on your bedside table.
‘They’re beautiful, thanks Lee.’ You genuinely tell her.
The England captain smiles at you, ruffling your hair in the manner that only an older sister does.
Alessia and Ella settle themselves onto the couch along the side of your hospital room and you give them a warm smile.
Felicitas stands awkwardly beside you and as Leah starts telling you about how the other England girls will be along any minute, she murmurs, ‘I’ll give you a moment liebling.’
‘No don’t go. Stay. I’d like you to meet my national teammates.’
Your girlfriend hesitates and you add, ‘They’ll be nice to you, I promise. You can tell them what the doctor said because I was asleep for most of it.’
‘Okay…’ Feli sits back down by your bed and you grin, reaching out to intertwine your fingers with hers.
Leah looks at you expectantly and you sheepishly grin at her.
‘I’m sorry for not telling you earlier but this is my girlfriend. I always meant to introduce you guys to her but I guess she made her own introduction.’
All three of your national teammates chuckle at your sense of humor.
‘Nice to meet you.’ Feli cautiously says.
‘It’s nice to meet you too Rauch. Next time have a less dramatic introduction okay?’ Leah teases.
You laugh and Feli has a tiny smile on her face when she agrees.
******
You think your hospital room must be the noisiest one around. You’re actually worried that the nurses would kick all of your fellow players out.
When Laura Freigang arrives, bringing a pack of Sharpies along with a couple of other German players, the noise level gets even higher.
Your friends argue over who gets to sign your cast first but you put a stop to it.
‘My girlfriend gets to go first.’
Laura hands the Sharpies over without protest.
Felicitas takes it and after a reassuring nod from you, goes over to the end of your bed, where your injured foot is propped up on a pillow.
Gingerly, Feli begins to draw.
She sticks her tongue out in concentration and everyone in the room can see your obvious heart eyes.
Kathy takes a photo subtly.
Felicitas finishes soon after, pressing a kiss onto your forehead before sitting back down at your side.
There’s a small grin on her face and you look at your cast to see a brown dog.
‘Is that meant to be Cinny?’
‘Yeah.’ Feli’s smile widens and you laugh.
‘Thank you.’
There’s a moment where it’s just the two of you in your little bubble before Tooney loudly says, ‘My turn now!’
******
As your fellow players continue to talk, you can see that your girlfriend is exhausted. She rests her head on top of her folded arms that are on your bed.
The dark circles under her eyes are worrying you.
You know she hasn’t slept since before the match so you decide that despite how well meaning your England teammates and Feli’s national teammates are, visiting hours for you are over.
It doesn’t take much convincing on your part. All you had to do was tell a half truth and say that you are tired.
Leah wrangles the English players out and Sara Doorsoun shepherds the German players out so that you’re left alone with your love.
Feli anxiously smooths loose strands of your hair out of your face.
‘You’re tired? Do you want to sleep more liebling?’
‘Only a little and I wouldn’t mind another nap but that’s not why I asked them to leave. I asked them to leave because you need to sleep.’
‘Me?’
‘Yes you. Now get in with me.’ You insist.
The hospital staff had informed you that you wouldn’t be discharged till later in the day so you could let your girlfriend get some rest first.
Felicitas hesitates, eyes flicking down to your injured foot. Your friends have seen to your cast, ensuring that it is now thoroughly decorated.
‘You won’t hurt me. There’s a pillow propping it up so I’ll be okay.’ You assure her, already shifting to the side of your hospital bed to make space for her.
It takes you lifting the covers and staring at her expectantly for her to tentatively settle down beside you.
‘I missed you.’ You mumble into her shoulder.
‘Ich liebe dich.’ Feli promises and you give a contented sigh once you bury your face into her neck.
Inhaling deeply, you begin leaving little kisses on her tanned skin.
Your girlfriend lets out a soft moan.
‘Liebling…now’s not the time or the place.’ She breathily says.
Drawing back slightly, you sheepishly mumble, ‘Sorry.’
Felicitas carefully scoots closer to you, so that your back is pressed against her.
She kisses your shoulder, pushing your hospital gown to the side so that she has access to a larger expanse of skin.
‘Feli this isn’t fair.’
Your voice is tight and it’s taking every ounce of your self control not to turn around and kiss her silly.
‘I thought you said that this isn’t the time or the place?’
‘I’m sorry.’ Your girlfriend apologises but you can feel her smile against your shoulder so you know that she isn’t sorry at all.
Felicitas presses another kiss onto your skin and you audibly groan, ‘My love you’re supposed to be sleeping.’
‘Soon. But first I need you to know.’
‘Know what?’
‘You win the bet. I’m yours.’
You smile, turning to face her with some difficulty.
Your girlfriend’s smile matches yours and you can’t resist tracing her dimple with your finger. It makes Feli smile wider.
‘I had a plan but it’s got to wait a while.’
‘What did you have in mind?’ Feli asks curiously.
You blush furiously and quietly admit, ‘I wanted to fuck you in the shower.’
Your girlfriend giggles.
‘Shower sex? Liebling, that's what you want?’
‘You don’t have to if you don’t want to. Don’t feel like you owe me anything, especially sex.’ You quickly tell her.
‘Liebling no. I want to. I just- You didn’t have to make a bet to have sex with me. In the shower or anywhere else. It’s actually kind of hot.’ Feli murmurs.
She brushes a feather light kiss against your nose.
‘You’re really hot and I kinda sorta am always at least a little turned on by you.’ Your girlfriend happily confesses.
Your eyes widen and your blush that you don’t think can get any darker, does.
‘How about this? When your ankle heals, you can fuck me in the shower as many times as you’d like. But when we get back home, as your ankle is healing, I’ll give you the shower sex that you want.’
‘Really?’
‘I promise liebling.’
‘Okay. Now I’m really looking forward to getting home.’ You breathe.
‘Me too.’ Feli agrees.
You can’t resist kissing her affectionately.
Her eyes shine a little and you find yourself kissing her again, whispering against her lips, ‘Felicitas it wasn’t your fault okay? It was an accident.’
‘Okay.’ Feli quietly answers.
‘I mean it.’ You emphasise, wanting your girlfriend to know that she doesn’t have to blame herself.
She gives you a tiny nod in response, ‘I know you do.’
‘Are you gonna sleep okay? I’ll be here if you have nightmares…’
Your girlfriend exhales in surprise. There’s no way you could know that unless Sara had told you.
And her friend had.
When Feli had been distracted earlier, Sara had taken full advantage and confided in you that when she brought a change of clothes for your girlfriend, Feli had admitted that she could not sleep without hearing your scream of pain.
Her guilt ridden nightmares are the main reason for the dark circles under her eyes and you needed to help her see that she had absolutely no reason to feel guilty.
Feli takes your hand in hers, ‘I won’t. I know I didn’t mean to injure you and I know that you aren’t angry at me. It wasn’t my fault but I will definitely be working on my slide tackles from now on.’
‘Good.’ You whisper, giving her another kiss.
You try to pour all your love for her into it, needing her to know how much she means to you.
Felicitas must feel it because she sighs into your mouth, her entire body relaxing.
She wraps her strong arms around you, letting you find comfort in her embrace and in her effortless ability to make you feel safe.
And loved. So incredibly loved.
The painkillers have eased the throbbing pain in your injured ankle but it’s Feli’s presence that helps you get through the remaining ache.
Your girlfriend takes in a deep breath, soaking in the moment.
It’s brought to an end by her yawning loudly.
She tries to stifle it but fails, the resulting tinge of pink on her cheekbones making you giggle.
‘Love, get some sleep please.’ You instruct and Feli huffs a laugh, kissing your forehead protectively before finally, finally letting her eyes slip close.
******
If she spends the flight home thinking about how best to pin you against the bathroom wall and fuck you gently with her fingers, all while making sure that you keep your weight off your injured ankle and are in no danger of slipping, well she would just say that she’s being thorough with her preparation.
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German Translation:
liebling - love
ich liebe dich - i love you
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georgeclarkewifey · 5 months ago
Text
Inconvenience | g. clarke
Chapter 5 - The Bach and Arthur Podcast
Summary: Noa spills all in an eventful episode of her favourite podcast
Word Count: 1.3k
Warnings: swearing (I think that’s all of them? lmk if you think there should be more xxx)
noamurphy
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liked by arthurtv, italianbach and 18,938 others
noamurphy Issac wouldn’t smile for the photo :(
but hey, catch me on the Bach and Arthur podcast where I talk about literally anything and everything (sorry Chris)
Comments open
italianbach i look so cool
chrismd10 what do you mean sorry Chris??
⮑ noamurphy guess you’ll have to watch and find out ;)
⮑ chrismd10 Noa…
⮑ noamurphy Christopher…
arthurtv best episode yet id say
⮑ noamurphy yeah bc I was there
⮑ maxbalegde useless hotline when??
⮑ noamurphy 👀
⮑ fan NOA WHAT DOES THIS MEAN????
fan1 the silence from George is LOUD
⮑ fan2 yes!!! Bc why is the entire uk yt scene following her except for him???
⮑ fan3 speculation 👏 means 👏 nothing 👏
⮑ noamurphy fan3 speaking facts
gkbarry_ everyone prepared to get jealous bc I’m meeting her tomorrow
⮑ noamurphy giggling and kicking my feet like a child
⮑ arthurhill can confirm this
⮑ taliamar can I come 🥺👉👈
⮑ gkbarry_ noamurphy odds on making it a London girlies meet up?
⮑ noamurphy let’s do it x
⮑ gkbarry_ freyanightingale consider yourself invited
⮑fan4 this meet up is going to be legendary
“Welcome back to the Bach and Arthur Podcast, where we have a very special guest, please welcome the very cool Noa Murphy!” Arthur introduced, grinning as Noa moved onto the set.
She sat opposite Arthur and Issac, relaxing into the plush sofa. “Hello hello, thanks for having me.”
“You’re very welcome, to be honest I’ve wanted you to come on ever since you moved.” Arthur said.
“What can I say, I’ve got some great stories to tell of our childhood in Jersey.”
“Please tell me you have embarrassing child Arthur stories.” Isaac begged, adjusting the microphone in front of him.
“Oh of course I do.” She replied, grinning mischievously at Arthur, who closed his eyes.
“How am I regretting having you on already?” Arthur asked.
“Maybe you should give yourself a small introduction, so those who are watching who may not know who you are?” Isaac suggested.
Noa nodded, and waved at the camera. “Hi! I’m Noa, I grew up in Jersey with Arthur, and the even more famous Chrismd, and I’m currently working as an architect.”
“God you’re instantly cooler than all of us.” Isaac replied, glancing at Arthur and shaking his head.
“I mean I’ve got a law degree-“
“But you’re not an actual lawyer.”
“But I trained-“
“But you quit two months in.”
Arthur sighed. “Fine.”
“So, growing up in Jersey? What was it like?”
Noa smiled fondly, leaning back in the chair. “Even though it was small, I did really enjoy my childhood ya know? There’s been times where I’ve thought I was a bit hard done by, like missing out on being near London, and all the cool stuff there, but at the same time, as a kid who was fond of the outdoors, being able to run around in fields for hours on end was really good for me.”
“All fine until you encounter a bull.” Arthur added, grinning like a Cheshire Cat.
“I’m sensing a story…” Isaac said, leaning closer to the mic with a smile.
Noa rolled her eyes playfully and looked at Arthur. “Shall I tell the story or do you want to?”
“You’re the guest, all yours.”
Swiping a few stray hairs away from her eyes, Noa smiled fondly and set about telling the story. “So, next to the roads where Arthur, Chris and I lived, there were loads of farmers fields - some had crops in, but the majority of them were grazing pastures for cows.”
“Jersey cows, one of the main things we’re known for.”
“Exactly. And so as kids, we’d run around these fields whenever they were empty, which would be a couple of weeks to a month on rotation. The farmer knew we did this, he didn’t really care so long as we weren’t in with the cows.” Noa said, exchanging knowing smiles with Arthur.
“So one summer, I think I was about 12? So Arthur and Chris were 15,16 maybe, and we’re running around these as we do, with the other kids in the neighbourhood. And it’s getting late, so before we go home, what we would do is we’d go up to the fence within the field, to try and feed the cows, Arthur even had a favourite.”
“He what?”
“Oh my god, Moovis! How could I forget about her!”
“You named a cow, Moovis?” Isaac asked, slowly turning to look at Arthur.
He shrugged. “She was cute, and she liked me, so I thought why not?”
“So we went up to this fence as usual, but for some reason the herd wasn’t in the adjacent field, which we all thought was weird, so we decided to investigate.”
“Hindsight shows that we should never have done that.”
“So we all climb over into this field, and start exploring. I think we got about halfway across when we realised why there weren’t any cows in that field.”
“I’m really scared about what’s going to happen next.”
“There were bulls. No cows because there were about five bulls in the field.”
“Honestly, it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life.” Arthur insisted, nodding furiously. “The fear that went through me was insane. I think I’m still apprehensive to go in fields with cows now after this.”
“So we then have to get out, but we’re trying to creep backwards in the hope that they haven’t seen us, and that we can escape without dying.”
“I’m guessing that something went wrong?” Isaac asked.
“So as we’re backing it towards the fence, this fucking massive bull spots Chris, who’s wearing his bright red Arsenal shirt, and does the normal thing and starts charging. Which prompts the rest of them to start charging us. So, we are all scared to death, sprinting for our lives - I’m pretty sure Kelly, Chris’ sister and Chris were both holding my hands and dragging me along, because eleven year old me could hardly keep up.”
“That sounds deeply traumatic.”
“Trust me, it was.” Arthur said, looking a little pale.
“Then as we get to the fence, I reckon they were about ten metres behind, so we throw ourselves over, and as we tumble over, poor Chris landed headfirst into a cowpat.”
Isaac’s jaw dropped, and slowly formed into a grin as he looked between Noa and Arthur. “You’re kidding.”
“She isn’t.” Arthur confirmed, biting his lip in an attempt to grin too much. “He then started screaming about how he had cow shit in his hair and all over his face.”
“So we did the sympathetic thing and laughed at him, because we were all so high on adrenaline and were just happy to be alive.”
“That might just be the best story that’s been told on the podcast yet.”
“I think I have to agree, poor little ChrisMD.”
“He complained the entire way back, and then to make it even better, we had to hose him down, because his mum didn’t want him coming inside with shit covered hair.” Noa added, grinning. “He stank for a couple of days though, he had to play Sunday league smelling like a cow’s arse.”
————————————•————————————
“So, Noa - the question everyone wants us to ask, are you ever going to do content creation?” Isaac asked, glancing over to Noa, who was happily curled up in the chair, cupping a fresh mug of hot chocolate.
She sighed. “It’s a complicated thing - I’ve obviously got my regular job, to which I am very happy in - my project is going well, which is always a plus.”
“For those who don’t know Noa is a really cool architect.”
“Arthur is exaggerating, I’ve just started at my dream firm and this is my first proper project.”
“But you’ve got a Masters degree, yeah?”
Noa nodded, rolling her eyes at Arthur. “Yes. Distinction in Modern Architecture with a Special Specialisation in Greco-Roman Architecture, is the full title I believe.”
“And it’s from Cambridge.”
“And that.”
“So, vlogging, TikTok? Are we going to see you there in the future?” Isaac questioned, trying to steer the conversation back onto the right track.”
“Right, yeah. I have considered it definitely, seeing as nearly everyone I know is a creator. But I’ve really considered the pros and cons, the biggest factor being that I don’t know how to edit, and I don’t really have it in my budget right now to pay an editor.”
“But if you found something that you were good at would you?” Arthur pressed, exchanging a glance with Isaac. “Because we must admit, we both think you’d make really good kinda micro-vlogs, or just really minimalistic ones.”
“Yeah, like they’re only like, ten, fifteen minutes long and it’s just your entire week, and it’s just you doing your normal routine.”
Noa raised her eyebrows. “You guys genuinely think that people would watch that?”
“Hell yeah! Even if there’s hardly any voice over, and you kinda just have some gentle music over your soft footage almost?” Arthur suggested.
“I mean, I’ll consider it. If people would genuinely watch it then yeah, I would probably start doing something like that.”
“You’d want it to be manageable.”
“Oh for sure, because it’s got to come after my job, and I’d also feel a bit weird if I become that one coworker that does YouTube or TikTok.”
“I mean, that was me. And I was working at a law firm.” Arthur added, trying to convince Noa more.
“Well on that subject, how did you get into architecture? Was it something you were always into?”
Arthur gave Isaac a slightly panicked look - this wasn’t something they had planned to talk about. He glanced at Noa, who didn’t seem too phased about the question.
“I mean, kind of? It was my special interest as a kid, aside from other things, and it was always fostered whenever we’d go on family trips to literally anywhere, because I’d just be walking round a city staring at all the buildings. That’s also how I was nearly run over by a bike as a child.”
“Stepped into the road without looking?”
“Indeed I did. Always look where you’re going kids.” Noa said, pointing down the camera lens that was focused on her. “So yeah, when I was applying for uni I knew that it was what I wanted to do.”
“That’s pretty cool. Would you ever design a house for one of us? You know, if we paid you enough?” Isaac questioned jokingly, raising an eyebrow at her.
Noa huffed, taking a sip of her hot chocolate. “Maybe? It would have to fit the style of what I enjoy designing, but maybe.”
“You hear that Sidemen? You want a new house, get Noa to design it.”
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author speaks: hello! I’m back! Sorry for the break in updates, moving out of uni took a lot of my time, therefore hardly any time to write :(
but I’m back now, so we vibin 😎
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