#hexed hearts

[covenofagatha]

Hexed Hearts (Part 1)

Pilot

Agatha Harkness is the ruthless executive producer for the reality dating show Hexed Hearts, where you've been a PA for two years, but you want more

Word count: 2.7k

Warnings: none yet

“Alright, people, thirty minutes to showtime! Season thirteen! I need our suitress out front, makeup on, and a smile on her face. I need the limos—where the fuck is limo three?—I need Billy out there, and who the fuck changed the lights in the pool to be green? Do we want it to look like an algae breeding ground? Come on, everyone, this isn’t amateur hour!” Agatha Harkness barks at the production team, sending them scrambling in different directions like a flock of chickens. 

“Um, Agatha,” one of the producers says timidly, visibly wincing when Agatha turns to her, annoyance radiating, “Limo three ran out of gas. I just got off the phone with the driver.” 

Agatha scoffs and you see the vein in her forehead bulge. “Why the fuck are you telling me that? Do you want me to fucking walk to them with a can of gas? Figure it out, Carol!” 

Carol just stares blankly at her and you silently will her to do anything but stand there. Even you could tell her that she should take a company van to go get all the contestants from the limo. Problem solved. 

“Look, Carol,” Agatha sighs and moves her black glasses from her face to resting on the top of her head. You want to look away, knowing what’s coming, but you can’t. “This isn’t going to work if I have to hold your hand. You’ve been here for what? Three years now? I need you to be a producer, not a child who needs a babysitter. Get out. You’re fired.” 

Carol splutters out something in disbelief, but Agatha is already walking away and waving her hand to get your attention. As if you aren’t always watching her.

“Get me a coffee,” she says, tone still laced with some exasperation and you purse your lips before running to get her one. 

Agatha Harkness, the executive producer for the reality dating show, Hexed Hearts, is known for her ruthless and no-nonsense style of leadership. She practically wrote the book on manipulation and knows exactly how to get anyone to do whatever she wants. 

You heard that once on the show, seven of the contestants got into a literal fist fight all because Agatha suggested that the suitor liked women who weren’t afraid to go for what they wanted. 

It’s honestly inspiring. 

You’ve been a personal assistant for the show for two years, going into your third now.

The first season you worked here, it was a total bust. Agatha had thought it would be a good idea to do a Winter Wonderland, except have it set in Greenland where it was actually freezing. It was the first time a season had ever taken place not at the mansion in California, where it would’ve been practical and budget-friendly and fake snow definitely would’ve been better than real snow. 

You still have calluses from all the shoveling you had to do and three of the contestants got hypothermia because Agatha insisted that they take off their parkas and film in bikinis in the below zero temperature. 

“It’s just for like two seconds,” she had said. “Think of the ratings for the hard nipples. People will go wild.” 

Luckily she had the foresight to put in their contracts that they couldn’t sue due to weather-sustained injuries, and the girls were completely fine. The network told her that the show could never be filmed anywhere but the mansion ever again. 

So the next season, Agatha had to get creative—and she did. Season Twelve: Double Trouble.

One suitress. Sixteen sets of twins. 

No one could tell anyone apart. The suitress called her date by his brother’s name more often than not. Brothers got into fights with each other. Some of them leaned more into it than others; you remember one of the producers asking you to go get Frank and finding him fucking the suitress, Lilith, while she gave his twin brother a blowjob. 

Twitter had a field day after that was revealed—once again, a well placed tip to the rest of the men courtesy of Agatha led to a huge blow up on set, and even better, on camera. 

As the season went on, it became clear that Lilith had a favorite, Adam. And no one was more upset about this than Adam’s twin brother, who decided that he would lock Adam in the bedroom closet and impersonate him. 

It took about a week before anyone noticed and that week’s episode had the highest rating in seven years. 

Growing up, you never cared for reality television, always finding it trashy and immature, but behind the scenes, there is so much more to what meets the eye. You were never able to tell how much of it was real or scripted. 

Almost none of it is scripted. But most, if not all, is orchestrated. 

Producers stir the pot, use clips that paint the contestants a certain way, exploit and mold however they want—whatever it takes to get the best ratings for the network. Your end goal is to become one, and you might have the perfect opportunity right now, with Carol fired.

This year, Agatha decided that she wanted to have the first season of reality television that was all queer women. The network had been incredibly reluctant to greenlight the idea, but when Agatha revealed that she had gotten Rio Vidal to sign on to be the suitress, they couldn’t say no. 

Rio Vidal, the heiress to the Vidal Oil Company, is known for her bad-boy reputation and the trail of broken hearts she leaves in her path. She desperately needs to work on her public image before taking over the company, so her parents paid a fortune to get her on the show. Even you had to admit she was easy on the eyes so you figured there would be no problem getting thirty-two women to fall in love with her. 

The problem would be getting her to pick one. You have no doubt that this season is going to be filled with scandal after scandal, which brings in the best ratings. 

Your phone starts to buzz and you swear, setting down the full cup of coffee to pull it out of your pocket. You roll your eyes—it’s your mom. 

“Hey, mom, I can’t really talk right now,” you say, raising it to your ear quickly. “Is something wrong?” 

She sighs heavily. “Just wanted to check in on my only daughter, I didn’t realize that was a crime.” 

Of course she’s pulling that card. “It’s not, mom, it’s just not really a great time, we’re about to start shooting.” 

“Still on that show?” She makes a disapproving sound, even though she knows full-well that you are indeed still working for Hexed Hearts. “When are you going to get a real job? I mean, a personal assistant? Sweetie, you are so much better than that, and so much better than reality TV in general. Why don’t I give my friend at the school a call, see if she can—” 

“Got to go, mom, talk to you later,” you interrupt abruptly before furiously pressing the disconnect button and shoving your phone back into your pocket after putting it on silent. Taking a deep breath, you unclench your fists and pick up the cup of coffee. 

It always goes that way with your mom. It feels like no matter what you do, she’s never satisfied with anything. 

“Has someone rescued limo three yet?” Agatha yells from inside her office and your hand holding her cup jolts, spilling burning liquid on your skin. 

“Fuck,” you mutter, grabbing some napkins and wincing. 

One of the producers, Marie, jogs to Agatha's door to open it slightly. “Hey, yeah, Alice went to go get them. They should be here in about ten minutes. We’ve got Rio outside by the gates with Billy, the other vans are outside, we’re thinking we just go in order of one, two, four, and then hopefully three should be here by then.” 

“Yeah, yeah, that’s fine, we just need to get all the introductions done by midnight so we can get about six hours of B-roll and interviews before the sun rises,” Agatha says dismissively and you awkwardly hover behind Marie, who’s still blocking the entrance to her office. “Is there something else?” 

Marie shifts and looks down at her feet. “Um, who do you want to take over Carol’s girls? I’m not sure Alice, Lilia, and I can take anymore. I can call Carol though, I don’t even think she’s left—” 

“Oh, fuck that,” Agatha snaps. Each producer gets eight contestants to handle, but usually by the end of the first night, they only have four to six left, given how well they produce their people. “Do not call Carol. I’ll figure it out. Where is my coffee?”

“I have it,” you say, finally pushing past Marie and walking to set it down on her desk. Agatha is dressed in a maroon pantsuit, her hair in a bun held together by two pens. She’s scribbling on a piece of paper while glancing between her open laptop screen and the television on the wall. You pause to look at what she’s watching. 

Agatha’s own TV inside her office are directly connected to the cameras that show Rio getting some last minute touch ups on hair and makeup. She’s wearing an earthy green dress that pairs nicely with her flawless pale skin and dark hair that falls a little past her shoulders. Her lipstick is a muted pink and she has on minimal eyeliner that accentuates her hazel eyes. 

“What do you think?” Agatha asks, watching you carefully. 

You look at her, surprised. It’s not often she asks you for your opinion. “I think she’s good, yeah. Everyone will be all over her.”

Agatha nods, musing on it. “I think you’re right. I’m going to need you to do a bit more around here tonight, with Carol gone. I’m going to have to step in and take over her eight so I need you near me at all times, ready to do whatever I need.” 

“Well, I mean…” you trail off. Are you really about to do this? Agatha raises an eyebrow at you, urging you on, and you swallow roughly. “I could produce.” 

She laughs like she’s actually taken aback. “Honey, are you asking me for a promotion right now? The body isn’t even cold yet—Carol hasn’t even left the building!” She leans back in her chair and her tongue pushes against the inside of her cheek while she regards you with something akin to amusement. “Well, let’s hear your pitch.” 

You take a deep breath. “This is my third year on this show now, and I’ve really learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes and I have ideas for this season. I’ve watched the way you manipulate and create situations and get results, and I know I can do it too. I’m a hard worker, I’m responsible, I know how to work with these people—I know people. I understand what they want, how they think, how to get them to think that they want something. I really want this job, Agatha, and I know I can do it.” 

“Bravo, honey,” she says with a hint of sarcasm and slowly claps. Your stomach squirms under her scrutinizing gaze. “How long have you been practicing that little speech?” 

You shrug and take a sudden interest in your shoes. 

“How badly do you want this?” 

Brows furrowing, you meet her blue eyes again. Is she asking what you would do for it? “I want it really badly, I mean, I’ll get on my knees and—”

“Sleeping your way to the top?” she coos condescendingly and your cheeks heat up, maybe at the implication that she’d think you would do that, but also at the thought of sleeping with her. “That’s so ten years ago of you.”

“—beg. I’d get on my knees and beg,” you finish and wipe your palms on your jeans. This is not going the way you wanted, and now you’re probably going to be fired. You can only imagine what your mom is going to say. 

But Agatha jerks her head to the bulletin boards with thirty-three headshots on it: Rio and the contestants. There’s a few bullet points written under each picture with the most important information about them. You made flashcards out of them once the roster was released so you could memorize them all. 

“You said you have ideas?” Agatha prompts. 

You could go through this in your sleep so you walk over to the boards and point at Rio. “Our suitress is a player, there’s no way around that. So we get her to play. She keeps five, six people on her line at all times, head over heels, but Rio’s telling them all the same thing: ‘Oh, baby, can’t wait to take you home to share my fortune with; whatever you want? It’s yours. You’re so perfect.’ Audiences can’t decide if they love or hate her, because she’s so charming.” 

Agatha doesn’t look impressed. “That’s the whole point of the show.”

It doesn’t even falter you. “Yes, but while Rio is off doing that, we introduce another lead. Someone much more real, someone who isn’t just looking at everyone as toys. Helen Troywick.” You point at the picture of the blonde with warm brown eyes and a crooked smile. “Pretty in an unsuspecting way, works with animals, donates to charity. Only been in one relationship her whole life.” 

“A foil to our bad boy,” Agatha says, nodding like she sees the vision. “You want Helen to—what? Steal the other contestants?” 

“I think a main part of this season could be the rivalry between Rio and Helen. Rio sees how authentic Helen is, and how easily she can win over everyone, so Rio has to change. Or, they get into a big fight. Either way, it’s a win for America.” 

“And what happens if Rio just eliminates her?” 

You shake your head. “She won’t. Because Helen is the one who’s going to win. Think about it. Helen is the perfect girl to help rehash your image, the perfect girl to bring home to mommy and daddy to get their approval. Rio won’t cut her because she knows that she needs her. And if she doesn’t see that, then we just have to make sure we do.” 

Agatha’s eyes narrow. “You know, I’m almost impressed, honey. And villains?” 

Every good season of reality television needs someone to root against. “I’ve picked out a few, but I think Wanda Maximoff could be a good one, or Cassandra Infidelis. Wanda is the token milf with twins, control freak, perfectionist but I sense some anger under all that. Start to take away her control? I bet she goes crazy. And Cassandra has had a lot of issues in her past so I don’t think it would be too hard to get her to the point where she snaps.” 

She chews on her bottom lip and then stands up out of her chair and walks over until she’s a foot in front of you. You’re completely frozen to the ground and you can feel her hot breath on your lips. 

It takes everything in you not to look at her mouth. 

“I can do it,” you whisper. “I know I don’t have any experience, but I want to learn. I want you to teach me—produce me.”

Agatha smirks knowingly and tucks a stray piece of hair behind your ear. “Well done, honey. Looks like you just got yourself a promotion. Now get out there and do everything I say, exactly how I say.” 

“I will, I promise.” Tension crackles between you and electricity pulses under your skin. It feels like you just got everything you wanted while simultaneously selling your soul to the devil. 

Her voice lowers and her eyes rake over your body with a heat in them. “I’ll make something out of you, don’t worry.” 

@lostbutlovely33 @diorrxckstar @whoreforolderfictionalwomen  @katekathry @onemansdreamisanothermansdeath @tayasmellsapples @natashashill @mybraininblood @mysticalmoonlight7  @cactuslover2600 @loveem0mo @readysteddiero-nance @lonelyhalfwitch @lesbiantortilla @crescendoofstars @sol-in-wonderland @ahsfan05 @gbab09 @sasheemo @agathaharness @live-laugh-love-lupone @chiar4anna @fuckedupforkhahn @lowlyjelly @sweetmidnights @n3bula-cats @m1vfs

[rainingriversofyou]

Viktor x Jayce - Arcane: League Of Legends - Artist: 6_teh

[sabellart]

i never draw metal but i had to make an exception for the hex-trampstamp

[asgardian--angels]

there's meta to be had about just how much of viktor's arc is about loneliness and the blatant visuals they use in his evolution about metamorphosis, butterflies, cocoons, in utero, etc, as he molts from a soft, vulnerable larva who keeps getting hurt in his bids for love and acceptance, into a hardened final form complete with an exoskeleton acting as both physical and emotional armor. a shield keeping his emotions in and the pain of loneliness and rejection out, until it's cracked and his humanity is forcefully exposed. like. sorry if it's just the entomologist in me but this was blatantly obvious the very first time i watched the show and I've been continually surprised that no one's really pointed this out. as a certified lonely person it struck such a deep cord with me, when he accepted his fate, his path ahead, to be one he'd have to walk alone, finally putting up that last seemingly impenetrable wall around his soft parts (but keeping the blanket, this signal that he never asked for this, and that he's not unreachable). So much of his s2 arc centered around not just his desire to right his wrongs and help the world, but to connect with others and not feel alone, both of which got twisted by the hexcore. His attempt to create a hivemind where no one would ever suffer loneliness or rejection or loss, and he would feel their souls with him as well (even though that was an illusion in the end, he truly believed it). The whole 'I now speak with all their voices' but he's just floating in an empty space. And for the consequence of the glorious evolution to be eternal solitude, it just drives home how that's the worst possible fate imaginable for Viktor.

[psychogirlfiend]

Destiel Fic Prompt. If you want it, you can take it!!!

So Cas is back from The Empty and things are good between him and Dean. Dean doesn't love him back like that, but he didn't really expect him to anyways so-- it's fine. He can love Dean and not need Dean to love him back. As long as they're still best friends. Then there's a case. People dying from broken hearts. It's a witch and TFW take the witch down. Only Dean gets thrown into a shelf and knocked unconscious, covered in broken glass and spilled potions. Cas makes sure he's okay, gets him to wake up and-- the first look Dean gives him immediately tells him Dean's under an enchantment. Worst of all, Dean's under a love enchantment.

The curse works like this: The person is put under this curse and falls in love with the first person they see. However, they're not normal about the love. They become obsessive. Constantly craving more and more. Even if the person they 'love' returns the affections in the beginning, they'll fall out-of-love when the person becomes too much. Too clingy, too obsessive, too fucking weird for them to handle. They'll leave them, say they don't love them anymore, that they don't want this anymore. And the cursed dies of a broken heart from the love of their life rejecting them. So Cas, having Dean in love with him, CAN'T reject him. He has to play along to keep Dean alive. Keep Dean safe. And it's torturous hearing the man he loves say all these beautiful things to him knowing Dean doesn't mean it. That Dean will be humiliated & embarrassed of the way he acted once Cas & Sam find the way to break the spell. And how awful Cas feels for even sometimes selfishly enjoying the way Dean looks at him like he's the most important thing in the universe. The way he's dreamt of Dean looking at him for years. They lift the spell after too many days (maybe weeks) of Dean being in love with Cas. Dean puts walls around him. Barely looks at Cas in the aftermath. Doesn't even stay in the same room as him.

If their friendship wasn't over before, it's over now. Cas can't bear it, so he decides to leave the bunker. Find a new place to live. Dean won't mind, he wants him gone clearly. It's okay. Cas thinks he's found a house he can make for himself. He'll learn to live without Dean Winchester. No, he'll learn to survive without Dean Winchester.

[insert happy ending. you choose how it's resolved]

[coolnonsenseworld]

I've heard there are people who don't know what HEX klance is...... so lucky.....

linktr.ee/mezzy

[silverware-is-interesting]

have some kinitoPET content, 'cause why not

a version with YOU

+ a thing and a few YOU doodles

[cardinal-hexation]

Stealing hearts 💔

[madfoxx]

THEY GAVE THE GUIDE HER OWN LITTLE PICTURE SEGMENT IN THE INTRO MONTAGE!!! SHES FINALLY RECOGNIZED AS A FIXED PART OF THE GANG!   <3 <3 <3

[loveedwardlevaincois]

forever slumber 💔🌹

For the last time

I love you 🖤

[alwayshinny]

Hinny 💗 - The One Where Harry Let's Ginny Know How Much She Means to Him

Leaning against the post, he tenderly tucked her hair behind her ear before gently taking her left hand. Locking eyes with her, he carefully removed the ring from her middle finger, sliding it onto her ring finger. "When I think of my future, the only thing I'm certain of is you," he confessed softly.

Her heart felt like it was going to explode, but before she could respond, Ron called out behind them, "SMILE!" and took and snapped a shot of them with his new camera.

[covenofagatha]

Hexed Hearts (Part 2)

The Interviews

The contestants are introduced and it's your first night as a producer—will you make Agatha proud?

Word count: 3.2k

Warnings: mentions of drug use and homophobia (using it to get a rise out of a contestant), manipulation, slowburn, agatha and reader aren't good people lol

“Welcome to season thirteen of Hexed Hearts,” Billy says, speaking right into the camera with Rio smiling next to him. This is his fifth year as the host and he’s just as cheesy as all the others. “Thirteen—what some may consider to be an unlucky number. But for our suitress, Rio Vidal, this may be the luckiest eight weeks of her life.” 

Agatha snorts and you glance at her from where you’re perched on the edge of her desk. She let you stay to watch the opening scenes in her office before the real work begins. “Did he just imply on live television that our girl is going to be drowning in pussy the next two months?” 

“I don’t think that’s what he was trying to do,” you hastily say, brows furrowing as your brain rakes over the double meaning. 

“I’d cut and make him redo it but I really don’t care,” Agatha sighs. She grabs her walkie-talkie and presses the button. You wince at the static. “Do we have limo three yet? The first one is pulling up right now, so if we don’t, you have about fifteen minutes to get me three or you’re fired.” 

Someone sputters out a “Yes, ma’am, they just got onto the property” and the line goes quiet. 

Agatha shakes her head and pinches the bridge of her nose. “For once, I’d like to work with people who aren’t complete idiots.” You shift awkwardly on her desk and she winks at you—is she telling you that you aren’t a complete idiot? 

You should stop reading into things. 

“Alright, these will be your girls,” she says, nodding at the first limo that stops at the top of the roundabout driveway on the screen. 

Billy turns to Rio and gives her two thumbs up. Agatha swears under her breath behind you. Her long-standing annoyance with the hosts on this show is one of your favorite things about her. “He’s so fucking embarrassing,” she mutters and you stifle a laugh.

“Now, Rio, your true love could be sitting in one of these four limos. Are you ready to meet them?” he asks and Rio’s eyes flash with sarcastic excitement. 

“God, you’d think after all we’re doing for her, she could manage to look like she actually wants to be here,” Agatha says and you hum. “We should’ve put you on the show instead.” 

Your head whips around to her. “Me? Be the suitress?” 

Her smile is teasing but she leans back in her chair and raises an eyebrow. “You’re pretty, you’re young. What—don’t tell me you wouldn’t like having thirty-two women all over you?” 

There’s no way your cheeks could get any hotter. “Um, I mean, it’s not—I work here and I’m not really looking for anything right now.” She chuckles at your stammering and sits up to pat your hand. You swallow roughly to ignore the sparks that shoot through you. “What about you? You could definitely be on it.” 

“Oh, yeah?” she says, smirking, and you inwardly kick yourself. First, she thinks you’re trying to sleep with her because of your comment about getting on your knees and now you’re basically telling her that you think she’s attractive. 

Thankfully, the first contestant gets out of the limo, sparing you the humiliation of having to think of a response to her. 

It’s Helen Troywick, your pick to be the wife. She’s wearing a long blue gown that accentuates her curves perfectly and her blonde hair falls in loose curls down past her shoulders. The graphic on the screen says she’s from Orlando, Florida and her fun fact is that she owns three dogs, two cats, and four chickens. 

“Who is in charge of these facts?” Agatha scoffs. “No one gives a fuck that she lives in a petting zoo.” You shoot her a bemused look and she shrugs. Helen gives Rio a polite hug and you see Rio check out her ass when Helen goes to stand behind them. 

Next is Valerie Chase, a tall redhead from Chigaco, Illinois in a white gown. Her jaw is square and her eyes are wide. 

“Please tell me that doesn’t actually say she’s allergic to shellfish,” Agatha groans. You have a sneaking suspicion that someone is getting fired. 

Cassandra Infidelis, from Charleston, South Carolina, steps out after, with thick lips and bushy, dark hair, in a well-tailored green suit. Agatha makes a quip about how that’s not the color she would’ve chosen. You’ve never really heard much of her commentary, always too busy running around with errands during this part of the show, but you’re realizing just how funny your boss is. Cassandra timidly shakes Rio’s hand and you know you’re going to have to do a little work with her. 

“She had a bad drug problem,” Agatha murmurs. “Went to rehab for a year. Hasn’t touched anything since then, not even alcohol. Why didn’t they make that her fun fact?” Cassandra apparently has traveled to thirty-five states; a fact fun to assuredly no one watching the show. 

Jennifer Kale, from Trenton, New Jersey, follows in a pink dress and a determined look on her face. Her fun fact is that she’s an expert in aromatherapy. She struts right up to Rio and grasps her hand. “Jennifer Kale. Your future wife.” 

Agatha slowly claps at her boldness. “Alright, at least someone came to play. Unlike Miss I-don’t-know-my-right-shade over there.” Cassandra is standing next to Valerie off to the side, looking rather dejected, and you sigh. 

“Cassandra's definitely not wife material, but maybe she has villain potential?” you offer and feel Agatha’s eyes on you. “You know, bored and uninterested, we probably could use her to start some feuds.” 

She makes a noncommittal sound. “I think we break her. Audiences love watching contestants go crazy. You use her history, poke around, get her feeling emotional—bonus points if she cries on camera—and then bam. Either Rio looks like the jerk who cuts the recovering addict, or she keeps her around and Cassie becomes the ticking time bomb. No matter what, we’ll have a great sound byte for the promo.” 

You swallow roughly and turn back to the screen, a pit starting to form in your stomach. Of course you knew that manipulating and preying on the contestants’ emotions was part of the job, but it’s still a tough thing to actually do. 

“Hey,” she says, uncharacteristically gentle. Her eyes soften when you look at her. “I’ll help you the whole time, okay? I know you’re new, I don’t expect you to be perfect right off that bat. I know you won’t let me down.” 

It makes you feel better and you nod. She smiles. After the next few contestants, they all start to blur together—even Agatha gets bored and stops making comments, except for a few here and there. 

Once everyone’s out of the limos, Billy leads them on a quick tour of the mansion, shows them their room assignments, and then takes them out back to the expansive backyard, complete with a pool, a buffet of finger foods, and a fireplace. 

This is where you come in. While the cameras get B-footage, it’s your job to get Agatha moments that she can use. 

“Alright, superstar,” she says, pulling an earpiece and a walkie talkie out of a drawer and setting them down next to you, “let’s see what you’re made of.” 

You gulp and put the piece into your ear and adjust it before clipping the walkie talkie to your belt. Agatha gives you a tight smile and you walk out of the office, through the control room, and outside. The air is humid and you swat at the flies swarming around you. 

The girls might get eaten alive. If there’s one thing that isn’t sexy, it’s bug bites. 

Shouldering open the heavy door to the mansion, you marvel at the high ceilings and the marble tile and the columns that shape out the living room. Even though you’ve been in here a million times, it never gets old. You make a beeline for the French doors out to the patio when you hear high heels clacking down the staircase. 

It’s Rio. Your hand pauses on the handle to watch as she descends, carefully holding her gown up. Why isn’t she outside?

When she reaches the bottom, she finally looks up and sees you. Her eyes rake over you, taking in your tattered jeans and hoodie, and a slow smile spreads over her face. “Must’ve missed your introduction earlier,” she says, voice smooth as honey. 

Your cheeks flush. “Oh, I’m not one of them. I’m a producer.” 

“Could’ve fooled me,” she smirks. Is the suitress of the reality show you work for flirting with you? 

“Either get a room or get out there and do your job,” Agatha scoffs in your ear and you jump. You forgot she could listen to everything. 

“We should both probably get out there,” you tell Rio, opening the door and getting hit by a blast of heat. 

She rolls her eyes. “Why, so I can be pounced on by thirty-two women?” 

Agatha was definitely right about her attitude. “You know that’s the point of the show, right? And you’re sending nine home tonight, so you need to get out there so you can make your choice.” 

“Ooh, the kitten has claws,” Rio mocks, stepping closer until she’s two feet away from you. “You already know who you want me to send home, don’t you? Why don’t you just tell me the right answers and then we can sneak off? You know, I have my own private suite as the suitress.” 

“What the fuck are you doing?” Agatha exclaims in your ear. You wince. “If you’re seduced by her I swear to god I will fire you so fast.” Her lack of faith is disheartening—does she really think you’d be swayed that easily by a known womanizer? 

Rio reaches out to touch you but you step back. “It’s up to you to decide who stays and who goes,” you say robotically, “which means you need to get out there and talk to them. And try to look like you’re enjoying yourself, yeah?” 

She pouts petulantly. “But you’ll be there the whole time right?” 

You jerk your head in the direction of the pool and Rio sighs before hiking up her dress and walking outside. A dozen of the contestants flock to her immediately and you can’t help but feel a little bad for her. 

It must take a lot of attention and a lot of energy to be the suitress on a show like this and Rio clearly doesn’t want to be here. You can understand her desire to please her parents by trying to work on her public image, but there must’ve been a better way to do it than a reality dating show. 

“There we go, hon,” Agatha says and there’s a flicker of heat in your stomach. “Now get out there and start talking to your girls. Get them spilling secrets and ready to drop their panties. I’d start with Cassandra.” 

Cassandra is sitting on one of the sofas all alone, munching on some grapes. There’s a group of five girls standing about ten yards away and they keep looking over at her and giggling. 

On your way over to her, one of the other contestants grabs your arm and pulls you to the side. It’s Jez St. Clare, one of Lilia’s girls. You rack your brain for anything about her but come up empty—she must’ve been one of the throwaways. 

“Hey,” she hisses and you wrench your arm free of her grasp. “What’s the read on Rio? How do I get her to like me?” 

You plaster a fake smile onto your face. This isn’t one of your girls and you’re not too fond of her just based on this interaction. “Oh my gosh, I was just talking to Rio actually and she is totally into you,” you gush in a falsetto. 

Jez gasps. “Are you serious?” 

Nodding eagerly, you clasp her hands. “I’m so serious. Now, here’s what you need to do. Rio’s used to making the first move—big time player, always the chaser, you know the type. You need to turn the tables on her. Take the initiative, show her just how interested you are in her. She lives for grand gestures of affection so don’t be shy.” 

Maybe this will get Rio off your back as well because you know that she’s only going to get you into trouble with Agatha. 

Jex smiles and squeezes your hands. “I know just what to do, thank you.” You watch in amusement as she sashays over to where Rio’s lounging in the middle of six women and drapes herself on Rio’s lap, arms moving around her shoulders. 

Rio looks taken aback but finds your eyes across the patio and you can see a glint of recognition on her face. She tips her head down as if to acknowledge it. She might be smarter than you or anyone on the show realized. 

“Sabotaging Lilia’s girl. I like it,” Agatha purrs, and then laughs loudly when Jez squirms in Rio’s lap, reaches up under her own mid-thigh length dress, and slides her underwear down her legs. Rio all but pushes Jez off her lap when Jez offers her the panties while there’s a mixed reaction of wolf whistles and disgusted looks from the women around. “She’ll be gone tonight. Let’s make sure we get something good from her when she gets cut.” 

You smile to yourself, pleased with Agatha’s validation, before making your way to Cassandra, dodging the others trying to get your attention. 

“Hey, Cassandra, could I steal you for a second? Just want to get a quick interview?” you ask and she agrees in a light southern accent, uttering the first words she’s said all night. You pull her off to the side and motion for one of the camera guys to come over. The gaggle of girls inches closer to hear what you’re talking about. 

Cassandra picks at an imaginary lint on her suit nervously and Agatha tells you to start with some softball questions before getting into the tough stuff. 

“So Cassandra—Cassie?—Cass? Do you have a preference?” 

She shrugs. “Any of them are fine.” 

“Okay, perfect. Um, so why don’t you tell us a little bit about how excited you are to be here, why you wanted to do this, you know—just a little bit about you.” 

Nodding, she takes a deep breath. “Yeah, so I grew up in Charleston with my family and then moved away for college and then went back. I work at a diner in town and being from the south, I haven’t had much luck finding love and my friends told me I should do this. They actually sent in an application for me, so I didn’t know I was on the show until like two weeks ago.” 

Your eyebrow raises. That might explain her stoic demeanor. “So, your friends and family, they’re supportive?” 

“Nice segue!” Agatha chirps in your ear. 

Cass shifts uncomfortably and fixes the lapels of her blazer. “My friends, yes. My family…not so much. They do try, you know, but they’re very religious and there’s not many people like me back home. They’re pretty big fans of this show but I know they’re not watching this season.” 

“Get her talking about the drugs.” You swallow roughly at Agatha’s command and your fingers twitch against your jeans like you want to fight against it. “Ease her into it. I know you can do it, honey.” 

You straighten up and nod imperceptibly. “I imagine that must’ve been pretty tough, growing up with that. Was it hard to cope?” 

She seems to slouch into herself and you watch with bated breath. “I mean, yeah, it was kind of tough. I didn’t have the healthiest ways of managing the stress I was feeling and I regret some of the things I did.” 

“Come on, hon, finish strong. You’re almost done and you’re doing great.” 

“Like—” There’s a lump in your throat and you cough. Cass is staring at you, waiting for you to continue, but you’re not sure you can. It’s too cruel and you wonder if it’s worth it. 

“Honey,” Agatha says warningly, “don’t disappoint me. I went out on a limb making you a producer—show me I was right. I know you won’t let me down.” 

You meet Cass’s eyes and slowly exhale. “Like drugs?” 

She visibly flinches and the group of girls eavesdropping gasps loudly and then starts muttering among themselves. Cass’s breathing gets heavy and she stands up. “What? I don’t know what you’ve heard but that is not true. I don’t do drugs! I haven’t—you—you’re a fucking bitch.” 

All it takes is a wave of your hand and the cameraman runs after her as she storms off, flipping over a tray of fruit that’s resting on a table. You sag onto the couch you’re sitting on and try to ignore the hushed whispers and the gawks from the surrounding contestants. 

“Very good job,” Agatha croons in your ear. “I knew you could do it. You have so much potential and I’m going to help you unleash it. You’ll be one of the best producers we’ve ever had. Now come back, I have to show you something.” 

It helps slow the churning of nausea in your stomach, but you still feel weak as you stumble back to the control room. When you walk inside, Agatha claps and motions for you to stand right next to her. Lilia glares daggers at you from a corner, apparently mad about the stunt you pulled with Jez. 

“How do you feel?” Agatha asks.

“That was tough,” you admit. You’re not really in a rush to go do that again and you know Cassandra will definitely hate you now. 

She points at one of the TV screens. “Check out the promo though. Tony, play it.” 

The video starts to play, starting with the footage of Billy and Rio standing outside the gates. “Welcome to season thirteen of Hexed Hearts,” Billy says. It cuts to an aerial shot of the backyard filled with everyone dancing and having fun. 

“On this season of Hexed Hearts, will our suitress Rio Vidal be able to find love?” the voiceover announces. “Will the contestants rise to the occasion—” the clip of Jez showing Rio her underwear plays, “—or will they crack under the pressure?” 

“I don’t do drugs!” Cass exclaims on the screen, wild and tearful. “You’re a fucking bitch.” 

The camera follows her all the way back into the mansion where she crumples on the floor in a crying heap. Cut to the group of girls giving each other knowing looks, smirking, and whispering about what a lunatic Cassandra is. 

“Tune in Saturday for the season premier,” the voiceover says before the TV screen goes dark. 

Agatha puts an arm around your shoulder and pulls you against her solid body. “This is one of the strongest promos we’ve ever had, and it’s all thanks to you, honey,” she murmurs. “I’m very proud of you.” 

And you finally start to relax into her, the tension from your interview slowly sleeping out of your muscles. 

It might be worth it, you think, if this is what it gets you. 

Taglist: @lostbutlovely33 @diorrxckstar @whoreforolderfictionalwomen  @katekathry @onemansdreamisanothermansdeath @tayasmellsapples @natashashill @mybraininblood @mysticalmoonlight7  @cactuslover2600 @loveem0mo @readysteddiero-nance @lonelyhalfwitch @lesbiantortilla @crescendoofstars @sol-in-wonderland @ahsfan05 @gbab09 @sasheemo @agathaharness @live-laugh-love-lupone @chiar4anna @fuckedupforkhahn @lowlyjelly @sweetmidnights @n3bula-cats @m1vfs @agathascoven1 @vyvvycg @angel-kitten-babygirl-u-choose

[rainingriversofyou]

Jayce x Viktor - Arcane: League Of Legends 🦠

Artist: primavera_1903

[gummi-stims]

🦇💀😈Hex Your Ex😈💀🦇

From peachyslime on tiktok!

[significant-narratives]

someone less sleep deprived than me has to make a post about how clearly this year’s tandem has managed to unlock the ancient leafs goalie magic that has been laying dormant for several decades. my working theory is the ever hungry and powerful magic that lurks beneath the ice of sba saw two beautiful boys who refused to break or give in to despair despite everything fate has thrown at them and went ‘oh finally. i’ve been waiting for you.’

[scarlet--wiccan]

Tommy and David's whole relationship was treated so unseriously throughout Krakoa and their breakup has been completely swept under the rug in NYX-- in favor of a character who, by the way, has contributed nothing to the plot. I'm grateful that Scarlet Witch was able to squeeze in some kind of post-mortem from Tommy's perspective, but it was pretty slight. If there ever is a legitimate Young Avengers reunion, I want them to finally air out some actual sincere feelings. And I want Billy's messy ass to get in their business.