#oh well might as well just build nicole then

[rubywolf0201]

I’m probably not going to get Zhu Yan anytime soon but she’s kind of funny and cool.

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 272. brb x oc

a/n: baby boy, baby AGAIN BECAUSE I LOVE THIS GIF(comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

/253/254/255/256/257/258/259/260/261/262/263/264/265/266

/267/268/269/270/271

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

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@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

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-

Evelyn was waiting for Beatrice outside her building, with JJ in her arms. Beatrice blinked as she helped Nicole out of the car, grabbing the toddler’s hand as she tilted her head towards her friend, “You are outside?”

“Yep.”

“Oh,uh…well,why?” Beatrice knew, from her face, that Evelyn was annoyed.

Evelyn stood there with JJ in her arms, looking exasperated as she answered Beatrice's question. "Well, Beatrice, I want to get out of my house because,” she laughs dryly, “My relatives might be coming over later and I want to say I’m too tired to see them.” she mutters, glaring back at her building, ‘From both my maternal and paternal sides.”

Beatrice’s gaze softening, understanding the need for a temporary escape from the chaos of family gatherings. After all, she knew how her family was "I get it, Ev. Relatives can be...a lot to handle. So…a mom hang out day?"

Evelyn shifted JJ in her arms, his little hands reaching out to grab at Beatrice's hair. "I thought it would be nice to hang out with you today and give you some company."

She smiled warmly, appreciating Evelyn's thoughtfulness. "That's really sweet, Ev. I wouldn’t mind and I’m sure Nikki wouldn’t either." Nicole looked back up at her when she heard her name, hair whipping because of the head moving but she grinned up at the two women, “Where do you want to go then,Ev? Any place in mind?”

Evelyn considered their options, her gaze thoughtful as she looked around the neighborhood. After a moment, an idea seemed to spark in her eyes. "How about a little adventure in the park? We can take a leisurely walk, let Nicole explore, talk…anything of that.” she says with a shrug, then nods to JJ’s booster seat, “I can drive my car if you want.”

“No,no, no, come on Ev.” Bea scoffs, “It’s fine, the seat fits in the Jeep. It’s spacious enough and Nikki wouldn’t mind.”

Evelyn looked so relieved,her grimace finally dissolving into a smile. "We can take our time, enjoy the fresh air, and let the little ones explore to their heart's content." her son gurgled in her arms, “Well…sort of.”

“I get it, come on.”, and with that settled, they headed towards the nearby park.  JJ was a fresh baby in Nicole’s eyes and she couldn’t help but crane her neck to look at him with curiosity as her mother and Evelyn sat in front.

Beatrice looked up from buckling in when she heard Evelyn’s heavy sigh, “...when did they get here?”

“Who?”

“Your relatives.”

Evelyn laughs tiredly, rubbing his eyes with her fingers, “Two days ago, they’ve been spending the time at my parents and a hotel. My grandmas both stayed back, so it’s just my aunts and uncles.” she sighs again, rubbing her eyes harder, “And I’m not…in the mood for it.”

She started the engine and began driving to the park, giving Evelyn a supportive smile."I get it, Ev. Family gatherings can be so...chaotic sometimes. Do they visit often?"

Evelyn shook her head, letting out a groan. "Thankfully, no.” and she throws her hands up in relief “They come once in a blue moon, but when they do, it's like they bring a storm of chaos with them. You know how it is, right?"

Beatrice chuckled, glancing at Nicole through the rearview mirror, who was still quite intrigued by JJ's presence. "Yeah, I do.Waaay too well, you remember how it was back then,right? Before I dated Roos."

Evelyn nodded, her features softening as she looked at JJ. "Absolutely…I'm glad you're up for this. It's been a while since we hung out just the two of us, hasn't it?"

"It has," Beatrice agreed, "A few weeks I believe, maybe a month? Anything else has been going on in your life lately?"

She leaned back in her seat, her eyes still fixed on her baby boy through the mirror. "Well, you know how it is with a newborn. JJ keeps me on my toes. I can't remember the last time I had a full night's sleep." she clears her throat, rubbing her forehead, “Jake does help, don’t get me wrong, he’s doing great but…JJ is a mama’s boy.”

"Of course he is,” she smiles while turning the car to the left, “It's exhausting but so rewarding, isn't it?"

Evelyn chuckles tiredly  "I wouldn't trade this chaos for anything in the world. Even the sleepless nights are worth it when I see his little smile." JJ, sensing his mother's attention, gurgled and waved his tiny fists in the air.

Beatrice's heart warmed at the sight of the happy baby. "He's such a cutie, Ev. He looks a lot like you.” her friend gave her a disbelieved look, “He does! It’s true.”

“He’s like a curly haired Jake.” she mutters, falling back on her seat, “Even the blonde hair, like a little angel. He’s exactly like Jake.” Evelyn looked back outside, following the buildings that went past their eyes, “Even if he denies it. He thinks JJ is more like me.”

"Well, I guess he has a bit of both of you in him, but I do see the resemblance to you as well."

Evelyn couldn't help but smile, her eyes never leaving her son. "Yeah, a bit of both of us." She paused, then her expression turned more serious. "How about you and Rooster, Bea? How have things been for you guys?"

Beatrice's eyes sparkled with warmth as she thought of her husband, and she couldn't help but smile. "Things have been great. We're preparing for his deployment, and it's tough knowing he'll be away for a while, but we're making the most of the time we have together.."

Evelyn nodded, her voice gentle. "Of course." the obvious tone wasn’t ignored by Beatrice, who just chuckles back, “The twins are finally coming back,right? After his birthday?”

The park came into view, and Beatrice found a parking spot near the entrance. “A few days after his birthday,yeah.” She turned off the engine and stayed inside with all of them for a little bit, “...he’s a bit upset he won’t see them, but–”

“Yeah,I know.” Evelyn says, unbuckling herself and turning her eyes towards the two babies on the back, “But,at least, he has seen them before he does go.” Evelyn shifted her attention back to JJ, who was now cooing and trying to grab the stuffed animal that hung from his car seat. She gave a soft chuckle and gently swayed the toy for him. "You know, these moments...they make the goodbyes a bit easier."

Beatrice smiled, scoffing softly, “Don’t make me cry yet,damn it Ev.”

“Gonna try my best.” Evelyn smirks, “Time to get them out,ready?”

"Ready," Beatrice replied as she unbuckled her seatbelt, prepared to help Evelyn with the little ones. She was excited to spend the day with her friend and the babies, babies that were somewhat meeting each other again. Nicole was still very interested in JJ, her eyes never leaving him.

Evelyn opened the car door and carefully unbuckled JJ's car seat, holding him gently in her arms. "All right, buddy. It's time to go to the park. For the first time!"

JJ, always curious about his surroundings, looked around in fascination, his eyes capturing all the vibrant colors and shapes of the park while his mother waited for Beatrice and Nicole.

Beatrice got out of the car and rounded to the other side, where Nicole was sitting contently in her car seat, a toy in her hand, her eyes only moving from JJ when she noticed her mother on her left. “Hi,baby girl.” She unbuckled the little girl and lifted her out, eliciting a happy giggle from Nicole. "We're here, sweetie. You are going to love this park." she then turned to the trunk and pulled out the foldable stroller.

“That’s pretty nice.”

‘Isn’t it? My sister got it for me.” she pauses, “...You have one for JJ? If you don’t, I can give this one to you. Nikki is already walking after all.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah,” Beatrice smiles, “He’s the youngest of the two, besides, I have my kangaroo with me in case Nikki gets tired,” cue to Nicole voicing how she wanted to move forward, tugging her mother’s hand, “Which…won’t happen so soon,I think.”

“Aaa!”

“I know,Nikki, in a little bit.” Beatrice pushes the stroller towards Evelyn, “There you go,Ev.”

Evelyn nodded with a grateful smile and gently placed JJ in the stroller, ensuring he was securely fastened. The baby boy was still taking in the new environment, his bright blue eyes full of curiosity. 

"Alright, buddy," Evelyn cooed, adjusting the shade to shield JJ from the sun, "you're all set."

Beatrice stood next to Evelyn but her eyes on Nicole, who was already pointing at the playground with an eager expression. "Nicole's excited. This is going to be a wonderful day."

-

Rooster knew there were a few other things he had to do before the deployment, he knew he already checked everything but one more time wouldn’t hurt…that is if Mav wasn’t sitting in front of him on the mess hall, staring at his nephew while chewing his food slowly, “Rooster.” he tries, but the younger pilot’s eyes are far away as he thinks, “Rooster…Brad!”

His eyes snap towards Mav and his face relaxes, “Hm? What?”

Mav arched an eyebrow, his eyes filled with concern as he leaned closer. "What's on your mind, Rooster?"

Rooster sighed and rubbed his forehead. "I've just been going over everything in my head. The deployment, leaving Bea and the twins behind, all the preparations. I’m okay, just making sure I don’t forget anything."

Mav blinked at him, then chuckled, “Fuck, you are Goose’s son through and through.” he mutters while folding his napkin, “Relax, it’ll be alright. I thought we went through this before? You talked to Bea’s brothers already didn’t you?"

Rooster nodded, his eyes dropping to his own food. "Yeah, I did. And I talked to Bea about it too. She understands, but it's still tough, Mav. Leaving her and the twins behind, especially when Nicole is so young...it's not easy."

"I know it's not, Brad. You’ll be back home before you know it."

Rooster gave Mav a small smile. "Thanks, Mav. I appreciate it. “ he purses his lips with a little frown, “You really aren’t joining us in this one?”

"No, I'm not joining this one. I've been on too many missions in recent years, and the higher-ups decided it was time for me to step back for a while.” he rolls his eyes as he says that “Nothing new.."

Rooster frowned, disappointment evident in his eyes. "Right…you…are you still thinkin about…retiring?”

Mav pops a fry in his mouth, then supports his elbow on the table, “...Maybe,I dunno. I’m still thinking about it.”

His nephew sighed shakily. He didn’t want to hear, from Mav that yes he was retiring and yes he was never going to show up again. “When you do and if you do, you are going to tell me,right?”

Mav looked at Rooster for a moment, studying his nephew with a thoughtful expression. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Brad, you know I'm not getting any younger. I've been in this business for a long time. Retirement is definitely on my mind, and if I decide to go through with it, I promise I'll tell you." he taps his fingers on the table, “You know very well that if I could,I’d stay here forever.”

“I know.” Rooster replies, “...what will you do then? Since you’ll stay behind this time?”

Mav leaned back in his chair, his eyes drifting toward the ceiling for a moment. "Well, Brad…that’s a great question.” he says, snapping his fingers, “Give me a few days and I’ll answer to that.’

“...really?”

“Yep.”

His nephew just chuckles, shaking his head before crossing his arms and looking around the mess hall. His smile drops when he notices Mark a few feet away, not looking at them but clearly…close. Maverick notices Rooster’s obvious glare and clears his throat, “You know, you should…not glare too much, You two will be deployed together.”

“You said it yourself that being deployed with someone you are annoyed with helps pass the time.”

“I did?”

“Yes.”

“Huh…” Mav purses his lips, “I’m just saying…you two will be together for three months so…”

Rooster nodded, his expression tense as he watched Mark from across the mess hall. "I know we'll be deployed together, Mav. Doesn’t mean…that I will like him.” he sighs, “...Listen,I’ll be fine,alright? I won’t do anything to jeopardy the mission. As long as he does the same.”

“If you say so.” both of them watch Mark walk away and talk to a few other officers, before looking at each other one more time, “It’ll be alright,Brad. Believe me. I’ve had my fair share of…shitty colleagues.”

Rooster nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching in a reluctant half-smile. "Yeah, I know, Mav. I'll keep my head down, focus on the mission.” he taps his fingers on the tray, “And you know, remind myself that once I come back I’ll see the kids.”

“Yep.”

He checks his phone to see if Beatrice sent any messages, smiling once he saw there was one. A text that read ‘we are at the park! talk to u soon <3’ but he doesn’t put his phone away, “...I did tell you about what I want to do,right?’

“About?”

“Bea.” he pockets his phone finally, “I asked Payback to help me too, but…I just wanted to give her something more before I left, you know?”

He smirks, holding his head in his hand and then arching his brow "I'm sure she'll appreciate the thought and effort you're putting into it. What are you planning to do for her?"

Rooster looked down at his tray, contemplating how to put his feelings into words. "I was thinking of having a quiet evening, just the two of us. Maybe a nice homemade dinner, some candles, and a handwritten letter... I want to remind her how much she means to me, especially now that I'm going to be away."

“N’aw.”

“Shut up.”

Maverick nodded approvingly, a small smile on his face. "What? It’s cute, come on Brad.You know I tease you,but you two are…what does Shells say? A good daily dose of serotonin." his nephew rolled his eyes, “When do you plan on doing that?”

“Before my birthday, hopefully wednesday." he says, “I’m just waiting for the flower shop to call and let me know, then I can…set everything up.”

“You need someone to take care of Nikki?”

“Could you?”

Mav smirks, “I’d never say no to my grand-niece,I hope you know that. Is she okay sleeping away from you guys?” he asks quietly, “I know she hasn’t done that often.”

“Well,she slept with Bea’s parents.”Rooster says, scratching his nose “And she did fine. She,amazingly, she handles things much better now. I think it’s because she always remembers she’ll come back home after so she doesn’t cry that much when she’s led away from home.”

“Got it.” his uncle said, “I can always call Penny to help me out.” “Good, good…but Mav, please,please keep your mouth shut.” he begs, arching his brows and lowering his voice, “It has to be a surprise.”

[amazing-spiderling]

For the fic writer asks,

🌿how does creating make you feel?

💝what is a fic that got a different response than you were expecting?

💥find your least kudos'd fic - say something wonderful about it.

🧿what steps do you take to not take things personally if a fic doesn't do well, or if your writing/posting/sharing experience isn't going how you'd like it to?

<3

🌿how does creating make you feel?

Ahh... wow... well, sometimes during, a little stressed, ngl. That's probably why I enjoy working on projects with friends and sharing things so much- having someone to bounce ideas off of and work with helps take some of the pressure off, but I also don't want to let them down, so it keeps me engaged even when things get challenging. Then after a project gets shared/posted, there's an immediate sense of relief- like whew! I can take it easy for a day. (Or the, "nobody ever ask me for anything ever again" feeling haha). And over time, that relief turns to satisfaction, especially as I look back after a long time and thing, "Wow, yeah. I did that."

💝what is a fic that got a different response than you were expecting?

I wrote a fic for a recent Metal Gear Solid zine called, "Dance Like You Want to Win", (an Evangelion reference I've been dying to use in an MGS fic for years). It was based on an idea I had for a story that was over a decade old, and I actually found part of my original draft collecting dust in the bottom of my google docs. I hadn't written for the fandom in a LONG time, and I was really worried about my characterization, the world-building, and having to write *action* scenes in a mission fic, neither of which are my forte. I was really worried people were going to read it and think I'd lost my touch.

But in the end, people liked it! I actually got compliments on the banter and overall, way more love than I was expecting, even some comments when I finally posted it to AO3. It felt like old times, and that really warmed my heart. <3

💥find your least kudos'd fic - say something wonderful about it.

The story in question is "Kind of Cool" which is a mashup of sorts of two webcomics by Kieran Thompson, "This is the Worst Idea You've Ever Had" and "Cuanta Vida" which was a TF2 fancomic. I had to read over it, because I'd forgotten what it was about, honestly. XD

The TLDR is that two characters in TITWIYEH (a modern magic story) had a few familiar faces from Cuanta Vida (with names! and much happier fates), so I had two characters discussing their non-serious theory that linguistics professor Jordi Betrand was actually a French spy- the joke being that the man is so softspoken and gentle, he's clearly nothing of the sort. I did get a chuckle from myself at this

The young man shook his head again, running weary fingers through his shaggy blonde hair. "Nicole, Professor Jordi Bertrand has got to be the most unassuming and boring man on the entire planet. I doubt he's ever experienced anything more exciting than a birthday party in his entire life- and not even a surprise party! Like a regular one with invitations where everyone knows when and where to go."

A lot of the humor in this fic is reliant on people having read both comics... which explains why it has a whopping 2 kudos, but even after a decade, the easter eggs are still pinging in my brain, so I guess that means I hid some good ones. XD

🧿what steps do you take to not take things personally if a fic doesn't do well, or if your writing/posting/sharing experience isn't going how you'd like it to?

Oh, gosh. Hm. Sometimes, I'm a big believer in "being the change you want to see in the world" when it comes to fandom and creative works. If you can't find the thing you want, make it- and that includes your own hype. If I want a story to get a little more attention, I might do some artwork for it (or commission some if I'm able) to hopefully pique people's interest. I might also do stuff like record podfics or something. But usually, the "next step" is to just move on to the next project and hope it gets a warmer reception.

I've found that trying to work too hard to cater to other people's wants just to get the reception I want doesn't always go to plan- or worse, I might get lots of comments and kudos, but it feels hollow because I feel like I'm being told, "you're really good at knowing what we will like" instead of "you are really good at writing and expressing this idea"- so over time, I've gotten a lot more comfortable making things for me. That way I'm guaranteed at least one person will like it, in the end. And even my "weird" fics are eventually found by people who appreciate them- and that really means a lot.

[skyfcx]

[ :// Tails. ]

It's Metal Sonic! .... wait- it's Metal Sonic. Appearing literally just outside his window while he's working on his workshop!

Oh no, was he under attack? Wait, that wouldn't really make sense, would it? He would have taken to hostilities if that were the case! Metal Sonic stares at him. It's so uncanny that it might as well be horrific with or without the violence... then, suddenly, he demands; [ :// Tell me what kind of movies Amy Rose enjoys. ]

     It comes as a disembodied voice speaking formally on speakers high and unseen...

     《 "Warning — (1) Hostile approaching. Entity identified as: Metal Sonic." 》

     Well. That probably wasn't good.

     The biplane the fox had been tinkering? He'd get back to that later. Right now, the mind was more focused on what was required of him to survive the encounter seconds away from him.

     Let's see... his Blast Cannon was online and ready to be called down. Nicole and T-Pup have their energy cells charged and are fully prepped for battle. The defensive shields of his workshop should be reset after his latest tests. A quick check and... yes! Blast Shields are reintegrated and prepared for activation at a moment's notice! —Wait, wait. Shields... shields! His Slap Shields! Needed a fresh stock of them, and quickly! A scurry to a rack of them, and...

     ...It's safe to say that there was quite a sudden flurry of motion about the workshop. Nicole's voice gave chiming notifiers of how close the killer robot was to the building all the while, and it's with a stash of slap bracelets tucked under the cuff of the glove that a determined brow is furrowed. Battle-ready and set for anything. Let's see what sort of message Eggman was trying to send today.

     Immediately, it's an interesting approach the machine had taken. Straight for the window, huh? The garage door was closed... perhaps the other was simply here to deliver some ominous missive? Tch, he'd figure that out soon enough. It was pointless to speculate now.

     The cold bite of metal, it brushes up with his workshop and utters the kit's name. In response, an arm cannon is lifted, off-hand clutching the top of his weapon's red-shined shell. It thrums with energy begging to be built and ultimately released.

     "What."

     Metal Sonic... then requests Amy Rose's preferred watches for movie night.

     "...What?" Tails just fully undoes the window's latch and throws it open after that, an arm leaning on the windowsill like Metal Sonic had pulled up to a drive-thru. Bafflement barely comes close to describing the level of confusion on the fox's face.

     "Sorry, think the addrenaline's gettin' t'me, could'ja run that by me one more time? Y'came here lookin' for movie reccs'? Why do you need to know what kinda movies Amy likes? Is this some kinda... diabolical... movie-based... Eggman trap? Is she gonna get zapped into a Western where if she dies in the movie, she dies for real?"

     A blink... "That doesn't mean she likes Westerns, by the way. Most of'em aren't plot-driven enough. She likes stuff where there's a bunch of underlying meaning and symbolism. Stuff that you can discuss about and theorize over with the group after the movie's—"

     —That sly dog, he got him monologuing! POINTS AT HIM. WHIPCRACK SOUND EFFECT.

     "Forget everything I just said! Why do you want movie recommendations for Amy!?"

[thecagedsong]

I am incredibly curious about your world building for fics. In The New Keith Route you mentioned Valem. I'm wondering if you would mind expanding on it a bit? If you want :)

I'd love to!

I focus mostly on consistency when it comes to my world building. Usually I'd stick more to canon countries, but I was halfway through writing this story, somewhere in the midsummers chapters, when the pirate game came out and I caught up with Cezar Dahl in the light novels.

But I had already mentioned a couple of cultures, so I stuck with referencing those as the story progressed. Although Madam Taelin was going to be an unspecified "Torenese" woman from Lorna, but I changed her to being from Ethenell since I really wanted to have a black female dressmaker take on Sophia's unique coloring, and also be in a wealthy enough position to be generous.

Valem had scattered mentions throughout the story, more than the other places. Nicol has visited Valem once before with his father, we learn when the Ascarts have their city date. When Katarina teases Keith about remembering Maria's favorite food, he goes "I can remember all the queens of Valem for classes, of course I can remember what food Maria likes" as his oh so perfect defense.

These two details from early in the story tell you two things. Valem has close ties with Sorcerie if the Prime Minister goes for visits and brings his son. And Valem is a likely somewhat Matriarchal if Keith is memorizing their Queens for classes. Also indicating a close enough tie that their history is important enough to the nobles of sorcerie.

When Katarina is looking at the ships with the Ascarts, they identified a woman from Valem based on the style of her dress. The cultures aren't so mixed that they share the same styles, but they are familiar enough that even the less fashionable (though reading oriented) Katarina and Sophia know where the style is from.

That's all I mention about Valem until Mary's resolution.

I knew Mary was going to have to leave the country pretty early in writing the story. She was going to poison Geordo since, like, the golem slaying arc. (A wonderful suggestion from my sister when I was info-dumping about my plans for the fic) And once she crossed that line, she'd recognize that she was out of hand and need a break from Katarina that she couldn't go back on. It would also make Katarina react to her friend being 'exiled', which I wanted.

But I didn't decide where she was going to go until after the midsummer's arc. My options were:

Gaul: Nicol wants to go there for some cool wind mage shenangins and archeological sites. Speak a different language. High tensions with Ilyian (Prime Minister didn't spend much time with kids over break trying to soothe over the Gaul and Ilyian delegations).

Monia: Volcanic Islands. Katarina is fond of them because they might be like Japan and bountiful the way tropical islands tend to be. A noble at the Claes ball has a greenhouse that grows plants from Monia.

Bai: Sophia wants to go there because rich folk lore and possible magical creatures.

Lorna: People there are darker skinned, Cezar, close neighbors to Gaul.

Gaul would have been harder for Mary with a language barrier, war tensions, and she wouldn't be drawn to the same things Nicol was on her own.

Monia would be hard because everywhere would be a reminder of Katarina and how much Katarina wanted to go there.

Ethenell also wasn't Mary's scene. They had too many issues with royal family political tensions and I just don't see her and Cezar meshing well.

Bai and Lorna I just hadn't mentioned as much, didn't have as much of an idea for their cultures.

But Valem. Since I wrote it as a matriarchy, I always kinda imagined Valem Queens had female harems in the past, usually a mix of their friends and/or lovers, nobody's business which was which. Valem had a close enough relationship to Sorcerie and no set mentions of political turmoil.

Sorcerie is rather egalitarian for having such strict ideas of gender roles, likely because noble women have had magic they can use to crush men if they get too stressed. But Luigi and Dan have very equal relationships with their wives, and the recent penance King Owen has had to make to show that he was different than his father. This change has actually brought Sorcerie and Valem closer in recent years.

Despite the narrative showing no particular danger or stigma to m/m or f/f relationships, Mary herself has had to hide her sexuality to some extent because of her engagement to Prince Alan and because Katarina is really, really slow and Mary couldn't risk outing herself to early because Katarina might reject her on principal rather than based on her true feelings. Because Katarina's dumb as rocks sometimes.

I had this matriarchy sitting in the back of the details of this story, with non-straight relationships as a norm. It would be a place Mary wouldn't have to hide her sexuality. It would be a place where Mary wasn't inherently below a male of higher status, like her reincarnation dream said she hated, and a place where women were expected to be politically savvy as evidenced by the history of female rulers.

And since it's outside of Sorcerie, it has a lot less magic users. But since Valem works closely with Sorcerie, in the past, the queens sometimes took consorts from Sorcerie nobility, bringing magical talent into their royal family, affirming and reinforcing their status as royalty. Mary would be special there, not second best. Learning that she doesn't have to exist in someone else's shadow or scrape and fight for recognition/affection, that's going to do her a world of good.

Mary's most interesting arc has always been giving her everything she wanted, and watching as she has to learn how to stop fighting now that there's nothing else to claim. I don't think she can, not easily. If Katarina fell into her arms and said she wanted to be with Mary forever, Mary would turn all her focus from obtaining Katarina to protecting the relationship, attacking anyone who got close and flaunting it over the others. She and Katarina would have to really work at slowing Mary down and turning her brutal work ethic elsewhere.

I don't think I'm the person to write that story, straight white girl that I am. I struggled writing Mary every time in this fic. But I like to think that Mary goes to Valem and ends up with the things she's always wanted. Affection from a sunny, happy girl that appreciates her, knows her, and is not bound by sorcerian societal ideas of womanhood. A sister that apologizes and tries to mend their relationship. Somewhere she can be smart and ruthless and be admired for it, and at the same time be somewhere she doesn't always have to be on the lookout and ready to seize the slightest opportunity to get ahead.

Let Mary stop wearing 20 lbs of silver and gold coins, secreted in her dress, for the moment she might convince Katarina to run away. Let her put that burden down and wear a summer dress, smudged with dirt, and let her be unsure if the sun is brighter, or the smile of the girl beside her.

[cathygeha]

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Being on the ARC readers list for an author can sometimes provide a collection of authors that include new authors along with tried-and-true ones. This shifter short-story/novella collection includes a variety of types of shifters who meet their match in a number of different and sometimes surprising ways. It has plenty of tropes and fun stories to devour.

BEAR CLAW BAKE OFF by Robin O’Connor

What could a hedgehog and a bear have in common and how WOULD that work if they were to be fated mates? Joe, a bear shifter needs money to fulfill his dream and build a bakery while Neely the hedgehog just wants to do something well enough to impress her family. Little did the two know that their off the charts chemistry would see them winning more than they thought they would!

MISS SHIFTER AMERICA by Lisabeth Chretien

Miss (human) America has nothing on the pageant put on by the shapeshifting women. I can’t imagine what such a gathering would be like and how just one could be selected from so many! Elle and Poppy are there to win a crown but might win much more than that when they finally spend some time together.

RENOVATIONS PRINCESS by Minda Knight

A princess with a bad social persona and a horrible fiancé is required by her mother to co-host a reality TV show. Princess Lucinda and her co-host Asher are in for a lot of surprises and when the attraction hits in a no-win-forbidden situation…well…can a commoner and a royal find a way to be together?

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Serafina Jax

This one reminds me a bit of Survivor, Hunger Games, and the Bachelor-ette TV shows but with shifters in starring roles. Nova is a strong Alpha who has a bad hand to play and a dilemma to deal with before she can save a few she loves and claim her mate(s).

And…the rest will be read at another time…perhaps one a night as my bedtime story.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes

Did I find authors I would read again? Yes

Thank you to the authors and The New Romance Café for the ARC – This is my honest review

4-5 Stars

BLURB

Lights, Camera, Shift. Oh, you sexy beast. Sparks (and maybe fur) fly when you mix the drama and competition of reality television with sexy shifters. Whether they are racing toward love, baking their hearts out, or surviving being stuck with the competition, you’re going to want to tune in and watch what happens! Find out more in this spicy PNR collection containing exciting stories from USA Today best-selling and award-winning romance authors curated by The New Romance Café. Contributing Authors: Hannah McKee Nicole Sondelle Serafina Jax Lisabel Chretien Heather K. Carson & Heather Carson Jade Thorn Wynter Ryan Chele MacCabe Minda Knight Caryssa Cole Suki McMinn Annee Jones Gabbi Black Sabrina Silvers Robin O'Connor Harper Michaels Kataya Moon Aurelia Foxx

[mi4012ayodyarajakaruna]

Lion

Synopsis -

Saroo's story is a real life account of a young boy from India who becomes separated from his family at a train station. After finding himself lost and far from home, he is eventually taken in by a caring couple in Australia. As an adult, Saroo is driven by his haunting memories to embark on an incredible quest to reunite with his biological family, relying solely on fragments of his childhood recollections and early internet tools. This story highlights resilience, the unwavering strength of family bonds, and the everlasting flame of hope.

Release Date:

World Premiere: September 10, 2016 (Toronto International Film Festival)

Limited Release (North America): November 25, 2016

Wide Release (US, Australia, UK): January 2017

Director: Garth Davis

Cast:

Dev Patel (adult Saroo Brierley)

Nicole Kidman (Sue Brierley, Saroo's adoptive mother)

David Wenham (John Brierley, Saroo's adoptive father)

Rooney Mara (Lucy, Saroo's girlfriend)

Sunny Pawar (young Saroo Brierley)

Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Rama Iyer, who helps adult Saroo)

Filming Locations:

India (primarily Kolkata)

Australia (mainly Tasmania.

Garth Davis

Garth Davis, the Australian film maker behind the emotional and inspiring movie "Lion", started his career in commercials and advertising. Born in 1974, he made a significant shift to directing films, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail in every frame. Not only does he create visually stunning experiences, but he also builds strong connections with his actors to bring out raw, emotional performances that deeply resonate with audiences.

The success of "Lion" in 2016 marked Davis's debut as a feature film director, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Based on Saroo Brierley's true story, the film takes viewers on a moving journey of loss, hope and the importance of family. Davis's exceptional direction led to six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, establishing him as a rising talent in the industry known for handling complex and emotional narratives.

After the triumph of "Lion", Davis expanded his horizons by working on various projects. He directed episodes of well-received series "Top of the Lake" and later directed the biopic "Marry Magdalene" in 2018. His most recent film was the 2023 science fiction film, " Foe", featuring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal. With each new project, Davis showcases his versatility and dedication to creating impactful stories that leave a lasting impact on audiences. As he continues to make his mark in the film industry, Garth Davis proves to be a promising director who delivers compelling narratives with striking visuals and powerful performances.

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

We got a small activity to do in the class which was to list down the characters in the movie. I wrote about every character I remember.

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

Also Dinendri asked how did we feel about the ending of the movie and what did we think was going to happen.

For me, the movement I saw a child with rags in the beginning of the movie, I knew I am going to sob my eyes out. And when Saroo got separated from Guddu, I knew he was going to get adopted. Oh my Noor!! I had my doubts that Noor had some hidden intentions when she was treating Saroo so nicely but didn't expect that she was going to sell him for a man. Anyways I thought Saroo might get adopted by the guy who was in the cafe who took Saroo to the police station. Anyways I never expected Saroo was going to be adopted by a couple in Australia and will have such a good life. When adult Saroo was searching for his blood family, I thought he would definitely find them but I expected his mom to be dead not Guddu.

[servin-up-surveys]

survey #190

Did you enjoy high school? In some ways yes, in many others, no. There were days in high school where I wanted to be dead, like I was extremely depressed, but I also enjoyed having a social life. I miss old friends, I cherish times we laughed together and were just kids, but I would also never go back. I had good relationships with my teachers, too, so that helped.

What’s an unusual food combination you like? Waffles lightly slathered in peanut butter with normal syrup on top of that. It's fucking heavenly.

What’s the longest stretch of time you’ve spent completely alone? A few weeks, somewhere close to a month. This was when my mom went to New York while her mother was dying. I can't remember what it was, but it was a new YouTube hyperfixation that let me get through such a long period by myself; I tend to get lonely if I'm by myself for merely one full day, but I was totally fine during this period because I was into something.

Did your parents allow you to drink soda when you were a kid? By a certain age, but definitely not regularly.

Did you ever go through an emo or goth phase? Emo for sure, but I still consider myself a goth at... heart, lol, because I definitely don't have the money to dress like one, nor do I wear makeup. My heart's there though, haha.

How many times have you stayed at a hotel in the past year, and where? Not even once.

Do you take a walk every day? No.

Who was your favourite musical artist when you were 15? Do you still listen to them? Ozzy Osbourne, and yes, he's my favorite artist of all time.

When was the last time you ate at a food court and what did you get? Oh jeez, I have absolutely no idea.

How do you like your eggs cooked? Scrambled, especially with cheese.

What's your favourite place to go on vacation? I don't go on vacations enough for this.

Have you ever done your own compost? No.

Would you ever get a tattoo on your hand or foot? Yes; I already know I want some on my hands, and feet will probably happen eventually, at least little stuff. I've never really seen foot tattoos I like, but with how many I want one day, it'll likely happen.

Do you open your doors and windows on warm days? We tend to keep our back door out onto the porch open if it's nice out, because it's a meshed-in porch that Roman absolutely loves sitting out in. We'll open windows if there's a nice breeze and we're kinda hot.

Are the blinds/curtains in the room open or closed right now? I keep them open during the day because it helps my depression to feel less closed in.

Were you mean to anyone in high school? No, I minded my business and treated others how I wanted to be treated.

Have you ever accidentally started a fire? Not me specifically, but as a child, we once tried doing that over-the-stove popcorn and it set on fire; I remember Mom or Dad had to use the fire extinguisher.

What is the last note you edited in your phone's notes app? One where I have gift ideas for Girt.

Who is your favourite coworker? You can tell me about one from your past if you don't have one right now. I have so little job experience that I don't really have an answer.

Do you know anyone who's adopted a child? I have an old school friend who was adopted, but I don't know anyone who did adopting. Well, my sister's husband legally adopted her daughter from another relationship, but I don't think that's what you mean when talking about adoption.

What was the last video game or board game you purchased? I think the last game Mom was kind enough to buy me was SOMA.

Are any of your siblings taller than you? Bobby's way taller than me, and Ashley is a bit taller than me. I think Nicole is right about my height. I know Misty is shorter, and I thiiink Katie might be too?

Name a song that reminds you of a past relationship: "Another Life" by Motionless In White. Once upon a time I couldn't listen to it, but I can now, I just feel an ache.

Have you ever seen a building on fire in real life? Yes, a house burned down in my childhood neighborhood.

Have you kissed anyone and their first name started with an F, D, or L? A "D."

Have you ever been in therapy for anything? I've been in therapy since the 6th grade.

Is there any part of your sexual/romantic history that you have not told your current significant other about or that you will not tell future partners about? "I mean, I haven’t told him every detail, but not because it’s a secret or anything, it’s just not relevant to our relationship." <<<< This, it'd be weird if I just dumped random details on him that had zero bearing on our relationship. I wouldn't keep anything secret though, I think couples should be very open about their sexual pasts for safety reasons.

Have you ever developed feelings for someone whose sexual orientation was incompatible with yours? HAHA YEAH, kinda. In middle school I think I mighta liked this guy William, who ended up being gay. I was never totally sure if I liked him more than a friend, though.

How many relationships have you been in that actually got sexual? Three-ish, barely.

Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know? My mom, easy.

Who’s the most romantic person you ever went out with? Jason.

Last person to tell you that you smell good? Probably Girt.

Last person you told that they smell good? Girt.

Who did you have your first kiss with? Do you remember what color his/her eyes were? Jason when I was barely 16, and yeah, brown.

Which edible flowers have you tasted? None that I know of.

What was the last video you added to your favorites on YouTube? It was some photography advice.

Do any of your family members have an upcoming birthday? No, no more birthdays in the family 'til mine next year.

Is your favorite animal endangered? No, oh my god I don't think I'd be able to function if meerkats were endangered, lol.

What is the middle name of the last person you texted? Marie.

Have you ever come close to drowning? No, thank goodness.

What’s the cutest thing your S/O does, but denies it’s cute in any way? He's such a scaredy-cat with horror stuff and it's honestly adorable, brooding six-foot man can't get past the first Necromorph scene in Dead Space 'n' shit like that lmfao.

Have you ever dined alone at a restaurant? No.

Have you ever changed in front of the last person you kissed? No, I'm too self-conscious.

Have you experienced any severe side effects of medications? Yes; a few have made me vomit, and a certain form of Wellbutrin makes me manic and also causes frequent bodily spasms for me.

Have you ever had a big YouTuber reply to a comment you left on their video? I don't think so, but I do know I've had some heart or pin a comment.

Have you ever given a lap dance? No.

Do a lot of people tell you that you are funny? I wouldn't say a lot.

Have you gone to a tanning bed lately? I've never been to one once and I never will.

What did you do on the Fourth of July? Mom, Girt, and I made hot dogs with corn on the cob, we later made s'mores outside, and we watched some Black Mirror.

Do you have nice legs? No.

Have you ever been to Ohio? Once, yes. That's where my dad is from.

Do you like The Goonies? I remember nothing about it now, but I did like it when I saw it.

Do you prefer hardly toasted at all or burnt toast? Very, very barely toasted.

Do you have any unusual skills? Not really.

Do you have any bug bites right now? No.

Is there anything annoying you at the moment? No.

Are there any forms of art you personally find pointless? I don't think they're objectively pointless, however I personally don't get a lot of abstract art. Like, stuff that looks like random paint splatters on a canvas and costs thousands of dollars and stuff.

Do you have any projects on the go right now? Not really, no.

Are you a hat person? Nah.

Has anyone ever approached you in the street and asked to take your picture? No, I think that would freak me out, though from a photographer's perspective I know it should probably be a compliment lol

What song's stuck in your head? None currently.

Do your feelings get hurt easily? Kinda, yeah.

Have you ever seen a cougar in the wild? No.

When was the last time you took a selfie? Idk, it's been a very long time.

Do you have any nieces or nephews? I have quite a lot, but only three are regularly in my life. That doesn't disqualify the others or mean I don't love them too, but my relationship with Ashley's children is definitely different than, say, Misty's.

Do you have a good relationship with your cousins? No, I barely even know my cousins.

Are there any upcoming events for you to look forward to? Yeah, this weekend Mom and I are going to a family friend's surprise party.

How many siblings does your significant other have? One sister.

Have you ever done three or more shots in a row? I've never done shots, I know I'd absolutely hate it.

What was the last zoo you visited? Sylvan Heights Bird Sanctuary, if that counts.

[stevenbasic]

GITJ Post 244: Monday Staff Meeting, p2

Omg do I look chubby in that one haha i wonder what he’s thinking is he thinking about me seeing me today? I know this meetings importnt i know there listening watching haha its going to be so funnnn...

+++++++++++++++++

KLCTV File 67:PHP30000.9

Transcript, Partial: Staff Meeting EP_Site_004 

23.10.20¥¥ 05:59:10 “BREAKROOM”

:: see also accompanying video file 844:CAM003.0988 ::

PRESENT

Agent KLCTVxxбвкоуы/0FHMA003 | Subj F000013a-KK aka “Kathy/Kathe Klix”

Agent KLCTVxxбвгджз/0FHMA005 | Subj F000018a-MH aka “Morgan Horvath, APRN”

Agent KLCTVxxбвклмн/0FHMA006 | Subj F000021a-KV aka “Katarina Vacek”

Agent KLCTVxx0038цч/0FHMA007 | Subj F000025a-KK aka “Karen/Karina Katasova, APRN, CANS”

Agent 0FHMA004 | Subj F000009a-VM aka Vida Mendes, APRN

Agent 0FHMA008 | Subj F000023a-EE aka Emily Emerson

Agent 0FHMA009 | Subj F000026a-NA aka Nadia Asisi

Agent 0FHMA010 | Subj F000017a-BB aka Bianca Beres

Agent 0FHMA011 | Subj F000024a-AS aka Alexis Samuels

Agent 0FHMA012 | Subj F000022a-MM aka Mallory Martens

Agent 0FHMA013 | Subj F000023a-NO aka Nicolle Otero

Agent 0FHMA014 | Subj F000020a-SH aka Samantha Hanes

Agent 0FHMA015 | Subj F000027a-SB aka Silvia Braccio

Subj MM1-A aka Melissa Monroe

Subj F000001a-AE aka Amelia Ekland

Subj F000002a-LV aka Lakshmi Vallurupalli 

Subj F000003a-MV-*V VARIANT* aka Marisela Vazquez

Subj F000004a-RM-*B VARIANT* aka Randi Mongillo

Subj F000005a-AH aka Aubrey Henson

Subj F000006a-CC-*ANOM* aka Cynthia Carlisle 

Subj F000007a-BJ aka Brittni Jackson 

Subj F000008a-BJ aka Bobbi Johnson 

Subj F000010a-JJ aka Josephine Jensen

Subj F000011a-SW aka Stephanie Wojcik 

Subj F000012a-JB aka Julia Blair 

Subj F000014a-SS aka Shanette Stevens 

Subj F000015a-AW-*ANOM* aka Angie Wade 

Subj F000016a-KO aka Kathleen O’Rourke

Subj F000019a-BB aka Bessie Bensen 

Subj F000028a-KK aka Korinne Kleinman

+++++++++

::excerpts from File *level 8 classified* PHP30000.10

06:15:25

Subj MM1-A aka Melissa Monroe: “So first I wanted to really update everyone on the construction. It’s going so well! Atrium is coming along, exam rooms, pool, new offices. Might be done well enough in the next few weeks for us to move in and do our grand opening!”

Subj F000001a-AE aka Amelia Ekland:“Good this place is getting too small.”

Subj F000003a-MV-*V VARIANT* aka Marisela Vazquez: “Yeah there’s more than 30 of us here.” 

Subj F000012a-JB aka Julia Blair:”Will we have a bigger meeting room in the new office?”

Subj F000010a-JJ aka Josephine Jensen: “Haha we’re going to need a bigger everything!”

Subj F000004a-RM-*B VARIANT* aka Randi Mongillo:“Yeah did anyone hear some of the things that giant Russian girl at the party was saying? ‘Long term growth’? ‘Goddess Event’...?” 

F000001a-AE: “...‘Attack of the 50-ft Woman’?”

F000010a-JJ: “Haha I heard about that. She was joking of course but omigod so hot right?”

F000010a-JJ: “...she was joking right?”

F000004a-RM: “Joking? Did you see the size of her? Or…just Look at Cici. I don’t think she was fucking joking.”

Subj F000006a-CC-*ANOM* aka Cynthia Carlisle: ”…ummm…”

Agent KLCTVxx0038цч aka “Karen Katasova”: “Haha totally joking! Don’t worry girls no one’s going to be, like, breaking out of their bedrooms anytime soon! But If anyone has any concerns I’m here to help...”

06:23:07

Subj F000002a-LV aka Lakshmi Vallurupalli: “Hey so has anyone seen that the building next door, where the, like, insurance office was, is vacant?”

Agent 0FHMA010 | Subj F000017a-BB aka Bianca Beres: ”Yes yes Evolution knows about it. I know they’re looking at new property and sending someone to check it out.”

Subj F000015a-AW-*ANOM* aka Angie Wade:”huh really? Would the new building be for us? What for..?”

06:31:57

MM1-A:”Okay so I’m supposed to tell you guys that now that, like, the…what do we call it?”

F000003a-MV: “The clinical trials?”

MM1-A: “Right yeah. The clinical trial’s been officially approved, and we start seeing their patients on Thursday.”

Agent 0FHMA004-VM aka Vida Mendes: “Oh, right, Missy. I spoke to Gianna yesterday. That’s been moved up to today.”

F000004a-RM: “Today?!? Haha he’s going to freak.”

F000003a-MV: “Yeah he doesn’t like surprises.”

Agt 0FHMA004-VM:”Someone’s going to have to clear his regular schedule for this afternoon.”

F000004a-RM: ”On it. I’ll have Cici do it.”

F000006a-CC: :”uh, okay…”

F000002a-LV: “Um, so I know - who did they want on the study team for his MA’s again..?”

06:52:33

MM1-A: “Okay what’s next…? Hmmm…Oh yeah! Everyone order their outfits for next week?”

Subj F000016a-KO aka Kathleen O’Rourke: ”I have the link if anyone still needs it.”

Subj F000014a-SS aka Shanette Stevens: “I love Halloween!”

F000001a-AE: “I have a feeling he’s going to feel the same way.”

MM1-A: “Omigod I’m so excited! Are you two still good handling the catering..?”

07:12:40

Subj F000011a-SW aka Stephanie Wojcik:“So are we going to talk about what happened on Saturday? I was at the gym…”

Subj F000008a-BJ aka Bobbi Johnson: “Oh the surge-y thing? Me and Brittni were, like, freaked?”

F000001a-AE: “Yeah haha I think it made me ovulate.” 

F000003a-MV: “It did a hell of a lot more than that to me.”

F000011a-SW: “Seriously you guys do realize how all our cycles have aligned?”

F000002a-LV: “That’s kinda normal, right? Us all working together?”

F000011a-SW: “Yeah but the way we’re doing it?”

F000001a-AE: “Face it girls. We’re becoming sex objects for him.” 

MM1-A: “If we want to succeed, to continue to grow as a group, we have to protect Dr. J, care for him. We have to, like…”

Agt 0FHMA004-VM: “We have to insulate him.”

MM1-A: “Yes exactly! So it’s more than just sex objects. I heard what happened at the gym, Steph. Or what you were able to do, Marisela, with the new software. We’re becoming…a lot more than that.” 

F000010a-JJ: “Can I, uh, ask then - what’s happening to him?”

Agt 0FHMA004-VM:“Yes, yes, right - he’s getting smaller…”

F000001a-AE: “Fucking twerp…”

Agent KLCTVxxбвгджз/0FHMA005 aka “Morgan Horvath, APRN”: “But ladies I have seen it in the before. His needs they are the growing. He needs Melissa. He needs the all of us.”

MM1-A:”Omigod yes girls. His needs are growing, so let’s indulge them. He needs us.”

F000003a-MV: “He neeeeeds us…”

F000010a-JJ: “neeeeed…”

F000002a-LV: “oh my god he neeeeeeds…”

7:15:22

MM1-A:”GIRLS.”

MM1-A: “…thank you!”

Agt 0FHMA004-VM: “Okay…okay thanks Melissa. Okay haha is everyone back? Let’s get down to real business…Melissa?

MM1-A: “Yes right. Um. Kathy, you had some things to share..?”

PHP30000.10>

========================

much more GITJ and tangent stuff, if you're into that sorta thing, at my Patreonnnnn

[ninja-muse]

July was a month of quality, not quantity, reading-wise. I read some truly excellent books, they just largely happened to be thick and take a fair bit of brain power. And one of these months I’ll manage to get to more than a single book off my physical TBR, I swear. Oh well. At least I only bought one book again? (In my defense, it was only $4.) Oh, and my Sherlock Holmes-via-podcast read-through finally did The Sign of the Four! This feels like a milestone, somehow.

Outside of reading, this was a pretty good month! I saw friends for the first time since the fall, I went to outdoor live theatre for the first time in three years and finally got to see Something Rotten!, and I attended my first official Pride event, which went about as well as I expected it too, in that I talked to two people in three hours. I never socialize with strangers and I’ve been trying to build up my people-confidence after two years of “talking to another person could literally kill you”, so this is a big win.

I need to do better about reading Canadian for the rest of the year, though. I feel like I’ve been letting that seriously slide. And I’m very hopeful that a lot of my anticipated new releases will come in for me at the library soon!

And as always, in order of how glad I am to have read them, my July reading list:

Babel - R.F. Kuang Robin was taken from his home as a child to be trained as a translator. Now at Oxford, he’s torn: scholarship is wonderful, but it’s used for all the wrong reasons. One person surely can’t change the system…. - Chinese-British main character, Indian, Black, and East Asian secondary characters, Chinese-American author, #ownvoices - warning: deals with colonialism, racism, and classism; contains death and torture

Queer - Frank Wynne Queer writing throughout history, largely from the 19th and 20th centuries - 🏳️‍🌈 authors, authors of colour, 🏳️‍🌈 editor, #ownvoices - warning: homophobia, transphobia, AIDS crisis, dead gays

Siren Queen - Nghi Vo She’ll do anything to be an actor, including selling her soul to a studio. Films have power, after all, and a certain kind of (dark) magic. - Chinese-American main character, 🏳️‍🌈 main character, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters, Vietnamese-American author, 🏳️‍🌈 author, #ownvoices

Let's Do It - Bob Stanley A history of Anglo-Western pop music, from the early 1900s to the 1970s. - warning: anti-Black racism in a historical context, including slurs

That's Not My Name! - Anoosha Syed Mirha goes to kindergarten, where everyone thinks her name is hard. - Muslim main character, Pakistani-Canadian author, 🇨🇦

Comeuppance Served Cold - Marion Deeds Dolly gets a job as a sober companion for a wealthy bride-to-be. Dolly is casing the house. A 1920s heist fantasy. - Black secondary characters, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters, blind secondary character - warning: classist and racist characters, violence against women

The Hallowed Hunt - Lois McMaster Bujold A prince has been killed and Ingrey must bring his killer to justice. Arguing self-defense might save her. Her accidental spirit animal might doom her. And there’s much more afoot. - warning: misogynist characters, attempted violence against women, animal death

The Undertakers - Nicole Glover Someone’s been setting fires in Black neighbourhoods and it seems to be connected to Hetty and Benjy’s only unsolved case. - Black cast, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters, Black author, #ownvoices

Downton Shabby - Hopwood DePree A movie producer discovers his distant family’s English estate is crumbling and decides to do something about it.

Hawkeye: Kate Bishop - Marieke Nijkamp with Enid Balám, illustrator Kate Bishop takes a job on her way home from LA. It’s at a resort. For her sister. And there are evil clowns? - 🏳️‍🌈 author

Death by Bubble Tea - Jennifer J. Chow When her cousin comes to town, Yale finds herself drafted into co-running a stall at the LA Night Market. Then one of their customers turns up dead. - Chinese-American cast, Chinese-American author, #ownvoices

Currently reading:

Mint Chocolate Murder - Meri Allen

Riley’s hired to serve ice cream at a gallery opening at a local estate, only for the star photographer to be found dead in a dungeon. - major Black secondary character

Aces Wild - Amanda DeWitt Jack and his asexual support group decide to take down the casino owner who put Jack’s mom in jail. - 🏳️‍🌈 main character, 🏳️‍🌈 secondary characters

The Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle Victorian detective stories - major disabled character

 - warning: colonialism, xenophobia

Stats


Monthly total: 11
 Yearly total: 90 + 1
 Queer books: 3
 Authors of colour: 5
 Books by women: 8
 Canadian authors: 1
 Off the TBR shelves: 1
 DNFs: 0

January February March April May June

[faetedwill]

Sketch Ya Later! || Sloane & Nicole

TIMING: Current. LOCATION: White Crest National Park PARTIES: @faetedwill​ @nicsalazar SUMMARY: Nicole happens across Sloane's notebook and draws conclusions about what's inside. Sloane doesn't try to mitigate her fear until Nicole shares the reason for her apprehension.  CONTENT WARNINGS: None

Sloane glanced up briefly from her sketchbook, pencil knocking against her chin as she squinted towards the bird’s nest that sat high above her in the branches of a greening tree. Spring had already taken its leave, leading to a warming summer sun. While Sloane wasn’t particularly fond of sweating, she enjoyed the way that the sun felt against her skin. To lay out beneath it was one of the simplest things a person could do, and so she did just that. She’d opted out of taking summer classes, but she still managed to pour over the assigned readings that’d been posted on the forum for students who had decided to enroll for the session. It wasn’t necessary, but it made her feel ahead of the curve. 

After a while, Sloane put the books away and decided to do some sketching. The blanket she laid over the hood of her car was beginning to warm, too, which meant it was nearly time to take her leave and retire to a cooler place. Venturing further into the green had crossed her mind– find a shady spot to stay, lean against a tree, maybe. But she had decided against it after a lecture from her mother. You need to be careful now more than ever. So Sloane listened, and she stayed atop her car. Sloane lifted her water bottle, a frown pulling at the corners of her lips as she realized it was empty. Lucky enough for her, there was a small fountain and restrooms that weren’t too far from where she’d parked her car. Sloane slid off of the hood of her car and walked to the rest area. After filling her water bottle and rounding the small building – walls made of some kind of white concrete that’d begun to grow slick with pollen, she noticed that there was another car in the lot now, and a figure was looking down at something in their hands, just next to Sloane’s car. 

Nicole thought she’d be alone in the lot. Picked the little spot behind the buildings for exactly that reason. It was one those hidden gems around town that she preferred visiting when she was desperate for some peace and quiet. Though by the looks of it, it wasn’t so hidden anymore. Her gaze was drawn to the empty car as she climbed out of her truck, Pax leaping behind her. On top of the hood she spotted a few abandoned items. And shit– the setup was intriguing enough for Nicole to have to battle her curiosity. What if something happened to the owner? Who would leave their things and vanish?

Almost as if she was meant to get involved, one of the books slipped down the hood, falling onto the ground. Pax was the first to approach, sniffing around the mysterious book. Without a second thought, Nicole walked over to pick it up, maybe search for a name or something regarding its owner’s identity. Crouching by it, something else caught her attention before she could flipped through the pages. The sketchbook was open, so technically she wasn’t snooping. 

Bottom lip worried between her teeth, she scanned the drawings in front of her. Were they good? Metzli might have a more qualified opinion on the matter, but Nicole thought they were pretty good. Except– Having affinity for bones and carcasses was bad, right? Yes, it was bad. Had she not learned anything over the past two years? Hell, the past few weeks? 

Nicole was not going to get involved. It was none of her business. Which is why she was going to put the sketchbook right where it slipped from and continue with her day. Whoever the owner was, they were a wildly creative person, and that was all that mattered. Pax pulled her out of her thoughts with a bark, alerting her of another presence behind them. Oh. A young woman. Too young to be drawing all of that creepy shit. Well, she was concerned now. And involved. She gave her dog a soothing pat on his head before she stood, turning towards the girl and showing her the book she had just found. “Yours?” She held it open, displaying one of the most disturbing drawings. “It’s…uh– it’s really… something”.

Sloane looked onward, taking note of the dog, and then the woman. She wondered if she approached, would the dog smell Steve and go ballistic? Or was that just her dog who happened to lose all composure at the immediate sense of another dog, as if Sloane had meant to betray him. Twisting the lid of her water bottle, Sloane approached them, anxiously screwing it and unscrewing it. Finally within ear shot, Sloane nodded and took another step forward, setting the water bottle onto the hood of her car. She took the sketchbook back and dusted some dust off of the corner of the page. “Yes, it’s mine.” Sloane looked up at the stranger, immediately taking note of the way she spoke about her sketchbook. 

“I like anatomy.” This wasn’t anything she hadn’t dealt with before. In art class in the seventh grade, she remembered how the drawing she had turned in for a final grade had been torn apart by her teacher for being too gruesome. Her mother had been called, and of course, there were no repercussions. They don’t know the talent you hold, or how important your connection to what you draw is, Mo grá. So even as the stranger stood in front of her, clearly disgusted by what Sloane had drawn, she decided she didn't care. Had decided on it a long time ago. “Is there something wrong?” Sloane tilted her head to the side as she closed the sketchbook, setting it back onto the hood of her car. The dog’s tail wagged, a rhythmic thump against its owner’s leg. “You have a cute dog. My dog’s name is Steve, but he’s at home right now.” Maybe she should just be as off putting as possible, creep this person out even more. Served her right. After all, why was she allowed to look down on Sloane? “Or, at least that’s where I think I left him.” 

“It fell” Nicole was quick to clarify, in case she hadn’t arrived on time to see her picking it up. She couldn’t have her thinking she was checking her personal items –which she was– for no apparent reason. Once the sketchbook was back with its owner, she stepped back, keeping a comfortable distance. She supposed that was it. They both could continue with their lives. She didn’t get to head back to her truck before the girl spoke again, explaining her drawings. 

Nicole glanced at the notebook again. “Ah” she clenched her jaw, hopelessly trying not to overthink this random encounter. Anywhere else, a passion for anatomy would’ve been exactly that. And it may have been the case for the small woman in front of her too. But in White Crest things were never so simple, and bones were always attached to some kind of trouble. She met her gaze when she heard the question. Was there something wrong? Nicole hoped not, for the kid’s sake. Maybe she should just come out and ask the stupid question she had in her mind, and risk looking either incredibly paranoid or possibly insane to this woman. Are you in a cult, or are you supernatural? More than anything, she wanted to be able to help. If help was something the girl required. So burning that bridge so quickly wasn’t the best idea. “I don’t know yet,” she said honestly, eyes flickering from the hood of the car, back to the woman. You tell me. “How long have you liked anatomy?” It couldn’t hurt to ask Leah about death obsessed people when she stopped by later. If she didn’t leave this encounter at peace with herself, that is. 

“Oh. This is Pax,” Nicole glanced down at him with a smile. The dog sniffed around some more until he finally decided to approach the stranger. “He’s pretty friendly, just a little shy”. Not that he looked it at the moment, searching for some extra pets. She had been smiling at the interaction, but it vanished as soon as the girl mentioned her own dog. Eyebrows knit together, she shot her a curious look. “You– you think? Is…is that a thing you do? Leaving things and just–”

Sloane searched the stranger’s features, immediately taking note of how tense she looked. It wasn’t new, the feeling of creating unease. Maybe if her sketchbook hadn’t been looked at, Sloane could offer her a slightly less intimidating smile. Maybe she would even ask her how her day had been, or ask about the best trail. But instead this stranger had decided to judge her, and for no reason other than her own discomfort. There were things to worry about in White Crest, that was for certain. But at the moment, there was very little harm that Sloane could commit against the park ranger. A part of her felt as though she recognized her, but it was something in the back of her mind. She couldn’t be certain. The town was busy enough, but it was small enough too, and with the amount of people who … ceased to exist, it was a little easier to keep track than say if she’d lived somewhere with a higher body count. 

Though, even Sloane is surprised by the question that breaks between them. She’s almost too confused to answer, but she quickly regains her composure. Sloane cleared her throat and shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest. Not necessarily a defensive gesture, but not a friendly one either. “A while. I like other things too. I guess you didn’t see those, huh?” 

“Pax.” The name is short, sweet. It fit the dog if Sloane were being honest. It sniffed around at the ground and slowly approached her, its head kept low but tail still wagging. Sloane leaned down to pet him, fingers stretched and scratching just behind the dog’s ear. “Sometimes he goes to work with my dad even though he’s not supposed to. Sometimes he goes to work with my mom. That’s allowed, since it’s inside.” She wouldn’t feed too much information to this woman, if not for her own gratification that it was clear there were questions that hung between them. 

Nicole almost laughed at the woman’s retort. Thankfully, her facial muscles still resisted that sort of carefree action. She kinda deserved that one, didn’t she? “It fell” she repeated, bowing her head to accept the judgement. “I picked up. Didn’t really choose what to look at. I’m not nosy” that was a fucking lie, and she knew it, but there was no reason for the girl not to believe her. “So… you’re some kind of artist, then? Is… is that–” she nodded at the sketchbook, trailing off. That would make sense, she supposed. And it was possibly the best case scenario. It dawned on her how quickly she had jumped into conclusions based on one creepy drawing. But could anyone really blame her? 

“What– what, uh… other stuff you got there? Cause… I mean– I saw it, sorry. You’re really good”. Nicole had come to understand that sometimes, people treated her differently. For whatever reason, whether it was her struggle to speak eloquently or the perpetual confusion carved into her features, people took pity on her. So maybe, it wasn’t a bad thing to take advantage of, from time to time, no? Throw in a genuine compliment and hope for the best. Right? She sure hoped it was enough to make up for her transgression, at least.

She kept a watchful eye as the girl and her dog interacted, giving them a few seconds before she walked over to her truck to grab the leash on her seat. Her dog didn’t show any further signs of apprehension with the stranger, which allowed Nicole to relax. A little. She called for him, kneeling by his side to hook the leash as she listened to the girl talk about her dog. “I see” she nodded. Sure, it seemed like an incredibly obvious answer. Maybe she had overreacted. Again. She brushed the top of her dog’s head gently, before looking up. “Well… um, Pax’s is always happy to meet new friends. What– what was his name again?”

Sloane narrowed her eyes, but decided to let up on the stranger. What was the point in insisting somebody was doing something they wouldn’t take ownership of? Maybe it wasn’t that deep, and maybe Sloane was being too defensive. It was hard to tell, the lines were so blurred these days. “You’re not nosy. Got it.” Sloane offered the stranger a tight-lipped smile. At her question, she shrugged. “Is that what you got from the book? Or do I seem like a wannabe.” She knew her art was good, but the fact that she was being asked at all meant that the woman had her doubts. Whether it was due to the content, or the skill, was left to be determined. 

“I guess it depends on what I feel like drawing each day. Each page has something. What you landed on might not have been your speed, and my mom told me that not everything will please everyone, so I should just keep doing whatever as long as it’s not hurting myself or others.” Her mom had also told her to flip the bird to anyone who suggested Sloane act any differently, but depending on how receptive this woman was, Sloane would tuck that away for later.

The dog was cute. Not as cute as Steve, or even Luna, but he was cute. She scratched behind his ears a moment longer before he was retreating to his owner’s call. She was only mildly disappointed. Sloane folded her arms across her chest and leaned against her car. “Steve can be kind of a lot, but he likes new friends, too.” It was smart, probably– the way this woman decided to leash her dog. Being this close to the woods, it was hard to tell what wouldn’t pop out and steal something of value away. “What’d you say your name was again?” Sloane asked in a roundabout way, no intention of taking the brunette’s name, but wanting to know it all the same. “I’d like to know who to attribute all of this judgment to when I decide to put it in a gallery later.” as if she’d ever do that. 

“I’m… not” Nicole confirmed, nodding solemnly. Maybe if said it enough she’d believe it herself. Her gaze drifted to the book again as she thought of the girl’s question. If she got another look then she’d be able to answer more truthfully. But a second peek seemed impossible right now. “I’m not… I don’t really know how to tell those two apart. Haven’t drawn since…middle school, probably” and they were never anything to write home about. “But they… it looked good. So even if your’re…even if you’re not an artist, maybe you should consider it” she clenched her jaw at that. Okay, she was trying a little too hard.

“I see” at this point it felt like Nicole was spending more time with her eyes fixed on the top of the hood than anywhere near the girl’s face. Really, if she could just get another look, then all her worries would be eased. “Solid advice” the corners of her mouth stretched into a bittersweet smile, remembering how she had stopped following any of her mother's words. She wondered how disappointed she’d be if she knew she turned into… whatever she was now. Definitely not the strong girl she raised. “Sounds like a smart woman” she settled for, after letting out a wistful sigh. 

“Great– then, maybe… maybe they could meet one day” Once Nicole made sure there was nothing to worry about regarding this woman, of course. After leashing Pax, she rose to her feet, wiping dirt from her jeans. “I didn’t– I’m Nicole, You?” despite herself, a chuckle did escape her lips this time because of that comment. The woman wasn’t going to let her off the hook so quickly, and she deserved it. “Can I– can I be honest?” it wasn’t something she liked to be most of the time. Withholding information always felt the safest option. Sometimes being honest meant speaking about things that still tortured her. Other times, being honest could lead to conflict, which she always she ran from. But since she had been apprehensive with the girl for no reason, she supposed honesty was something she could grant her. 

Sloane wasn’t sure if the pained expression on the woman’s face was because of the drawing, or because she just really hated doling out compliments. Whatever it was, it was only slightly satisfying to Sloane. She didn’t like when people lied to her, not because of her own inability to lie, but because she preferred it when people said what they actually meant. When people hid their truths, it only lead way to … well, difficulties. Okay, so maybe it was because of her own inability to lie, but it wasn’t like this woman knew that. “Anything can be art if you want it to be.” That much was true. Who was Sloane to say what art was and wasn’t? Especially when her own talent had been built on a hobby, not out of necessity or want. 

“She is.” Sloane watched her for a moment before crossing her arms over her chest, bag forgotten on the hood of her car, blanket laying lopsided overtop of it. It had already begun to become bleached by the sun from the amount of use she’d put it through. Her mom would have her head– it was one of her favorites. 

Admittedly, the banshee hadn’t anticipated the stranger offering another point of meeting, especially after the way she had reacted to the drawings. Sloane looked at her with mild interest as finally gave her name. Nicole. That was pretty, but not the kind of name that Sloane would’ve wanted to take. And besides, it wasn’t like she was doing anything that bad. Yet. “Some would call me Sloane, some would call me Kennedy, but really it’s up to you. Are you chill, or are you one of those weird formal types who only calls people by their last name?” Sloane hummed under her breath as she turned around, grabbing the strap of her bag and pulling it over her shoulder. The blanket fell sideways and she quickly began to fold it up again. At Nicole’s question, Sloane tilted her head to the side. “I mean, it depends. Can you?” She searched the brunette’s expression before letting out a sigh. “Yeah, go for it. You think it fucking sucks, don’t you? Not a big deal, but it would’ve been nice if you hadn’t funneled me with false compliments. At least let me down easy.” Jokes on jokes, Sloane rounded her car and shoved the blanket through the open window. 

“That sounds a little– no, a lot like bullshit. Anything, really?” Nicole doubted that to be true. Wasn’t art supposed to follow rules too? People studied it. Musicians learned to compose or interpret intricate melodies, painters had to learn about brush techniques, or color combination. And, that was probably the most she had thought about art since high school. Save for the guitar her mother taught her to play, sports were always her preference. 

“Am I… Am I chill?” Nicole blinked, taking a few seconds to register the word. It was one of those new terms kids liked to use. But she wasn’t lost, she could understand it by context. It happened to be the funniest assumption in the world. “Not really” she was very much on the opposite side of the chill spectrum. Anxiety-ridden. “But I’m cool with any name… Sloane” the name felt strange on her tongue, not because it was a bad name. She thought using someone’s name came with an associated familiarity. A familiarity she didn’t have with this girl.

Nicole glanced down at Pax with a smile, asking a little more patience before they could go on their walk. “Oh no, no— not about the drawings. They’re great, really” at least in her opinion, but they had established she was no expert. “I didn’t realize–” she fidgeted with the pink leash in her hand, gaze following Sloane as she folded and put away her things. “Right. I’m…I’m gonna say it and you’ll think… you’ll look at me weird but,” it was okay. It’s not like she was letting the girl down. Sloane’s opinion of her couldn’t be too high anyway, not after she peered into her sketchbook. And maybe not caring was part of her progress. “When I– My first thought when I saw those drawings was that… you were in some kinda…cult” she scrunched up her face, anticipating the laugh that was sure to follow. Could anyone blame her though? It seemed like every week there was a new cult around town. 

“I mean, there are literally splashes of paint on a wall in a museum. Somebody tied a banana to a string and had it just swinging around on a fan. Everyone calls it art.” Sloane shrugged. Really, she was perplexed as to why those things counted, especially when there was so much talent out there, but who was she to judge them for what they found beautiful? Though, the banana part really confused her, and so did the smashed tin cans that wrote out SWEET! That she had seen on a museum’s website. She was sure it was New York. It was almost always New York. 

The part of Sloane that was confused by Nicole’s counter-question quickly became amused. If she was so hilariously taken aback by the art in her notebook, it was no wonder that she wasn’t chill. Sloane needed a little more fuel to spin Nicole in circles, but it was clear that she was just generally confused, or maybe concerned about something that Sloane couldn’t see. To be fair, White Crest was a place where most should be cautious. She’d gone years judging those around her for not being more careful 

Once Nicole started to backtrack, Sloane felt herself relax. If it wasn’t about the art and how bad it was (even though Sloane knew it wasn’t), then what the hell was it about? Nicole seemed nervous, her expression reflecting it not only in the visible knot of her eyebrows, but her body language, too. “I’m already looking at you a little weird, and you’re looking at me a little weird. We’re a couple of weirdos on the outskirts of the woods, big whoop.” Sloane folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head to the side as she waited for Nicole to reveal what it was that bothered her so much. Once the words split through the space between them, Sloane’s eyes widened slightly before she let out a laugh. “I’m a lot of things, but I can guarantee you that I’m not in a fucking cult.” Could being fae be considered in a cult? Maybe some people would think that way. “I really just like art and weird things that maybe some other people are like, yucked out by, it’s not some weird conspiracy thing.” Sloane grabbed her notebook again and shoved it towards Nicole. “You can look through the whole thing if you want. There’s a lot more than just bones and dead animals.” 

“That’s not…” Was it? Nicole narrowed her eyes, searching for signs that Sloane was lying. And though she could never be completely sure, it didn’t look like it. Which was even more concerning. “That can’t be true, right? People fall for that shit?” A banana and a string. If that was the case, then her kitchen counter was filled with art. 

 It wasn’t something Nicole randomly came up with, being in a cult. Ever since that damn tree, she felt as if everyone was talking about new insane figures to worship at all times. And though she looked completely ridiculous or paranoid to this kid, in the end, it was worth it just to see how completely baffled she appeared to be by the assumption. She winced slightly at her laugh, embarrassed, but the pressure in her chest eased. Sloane was safe. 

“Well… good,” Nicole chewed on the corner of her bottom lip, toying with the leash. Her tongue grew heavy as she contemplated assuring Sloane that cults weren’t in her mind for no reason. But that would mean– “I, uh. Almost lost…my best friend. To a cult. Sort of–” she murmured before the familiar urge to build her walls could conquer her. The truth was a lot more nuanced, as was often the case. Solomon had been a victim yet offender too, she knew that. It was better to simplify it. She didn’t want Sloane to think ill of him. “He got sucked into one of those. Almost didn’t make it”. She clenched her jaw. He didn't, her memory cruelly reminded her. She held his charred heart in her hands. Help bury him in Virgil’s garden. For weeks, she was consumed by her grief until, against all expectations, he was reborn. She let out a breath, throat tightening at the memories. Her body and mind agreed that it was all she could say. “So, I’m– I’m…I’m glad you’re just a kid who likes art and weird shit. Really” she forced a smile, surprisingly relieved to have a notebook shoved in her face. 

“I’ll take your word for it,” Nicole said calmly, taking a moment to appreciate the drawing before her eyes. Again, she was no expert, but anyone who could draw with that much detail was an artist in her mind. Fuck bananas and strings. “Or maybe you can show me more when…” what was his– “Steve. When Steve and Pax meet to play”. If being a weirdly paranoid woman had not scared off Sloane yet, of course.

“People fall for anything.” Sloane shrugged. That wasn’t a lie. “It’s called… subjective. I think that’s what people say. I just say people like what they like, even if it’s a banana flying around from a ceiling fan on a string.” Nicole still seemed fairly perplexed by the idea of art, but it wasn’t her job to explain the ins and outs, even if Sloane herself didn’t actually know or care about them. 

Just as Sloane was about to ask Nicole if that’s all she had to do to convince her that she wasn’t in a cult, her mouth snapped shut. She hadn’t anticipated such openness from the woman, especially given her cautious nature. Even if Sloane thought of the question as outlandish, it was clearly a sore spot for Nicole. Sloane wanted to pretend that she didn’t actually feel remorse for creating a joke out of it in her head, but there was slight remorse. “Oh.” The word tasted sour. She should say more than that. The promise of fate lifted to the roof of her mouth and flattened against her tongue, her mother’s teachings clouding her ability to make sense of the situation as anything other than what it was; sad. “I’m sorry that you had to go through that— that your friend had to go through that.” Sloane shifted uncomfortably beneath Nicole’s gaze. Sloane could be empathetic, she was capable of it, but there was something that tugged at her. If it was meant to be, it was meant to be. “I’m glad that… everything is… better now?” Sloane offered. Was it? She watched Nicole carefully before nodding. Sarcasm was absent from her tone as she spoke. “I’m just a girl who likes to draw. No weird… cult things here.” 

Nicole’s expression shifted and Sloane relaxed slightly. She was surprised to hear that Nicole actually wanted to meet again. She thought that was out of politeness. Sloane shrugged before a small, but soft smile pulled at her lips. “Uh, sure.” No, that wasn’t right. Sloane cleared her throat. “I mean, yeah, that sounds… nice. Steve likes people more than he likes other dogs, but he knows how to be polite.” Sort of like herself. “I’ll bring my other sketchbook. It has less dead things and more birds and people. Maybe I can draw Pax for you.” Sloane smiled at Nicole, still taken slightly aback by the change in tone and the way that she had shared such a big part of herself. 

Nicole only hummed. Partly in agreement, partly because she had ran out of things to say. Maybe she was being too judgy. She had fallen for dumb shit in the past too. It was possible that everyone needed something to hold on to, to made them feel things, even if it escaped her understanding. Maybe that something was a string and a banana. Even though it sounded—

Sloane’s reaction almost made her want to turn around and leave. Nicole’s stomach sank with dread. Pity. That’s why she hated opening up. Why it was always preferable to keep everything lock inside. But she inhaled slowly, taking in the discomfort, bearing it for a little longer. There was more room for it nowadays. She needed to feel the weight of that awkward stare, get familiar with those sympathetic words, over and over again. Or else being open would never get easier. “He’s okay” she lied, mind drifting to his current situation. One that again, she could do nothing about. Despite swearing she would. Same fucking mistake she made last time. But she didn’t let the anger flare again, because this was about the girl and the relief she should feel knowing there were no cults involved. “Thank you, though”.

Which meant moving fast, closing those vulnerable conversations and focusing on the superficial ones. Nicole had gotten better at that too. “I’d like that” she looked down at Pax, who had done a good job being patient and deserved to go on his promised walk. He’d look cute as a drawing. “My second impression is a lot better, promise” she wasn’t sure if that was the case, but coming prepared always reduced her general anxiety. Eyes flickered to the hood of the car on last time, before finding Sloane again. She gave her nod. “Keep your books safe” there was a playfulness to her voice as she offered one final piece of advice, before heading towards the park. And shit, she really was starting to sound like Leah, wasn’t she?

[goldentournesol]

Twin Flames

(Spencer Reid x Reader)

The one where Reader deals with the aftermath of Maeve while she struggles with her intense feelings for Spencer.

Length: 4.3k

A/N: lots of angst...like lots of it. Big thanks to @hopefulfangirl24​ for requesting. i totally broke my own heart writing this. ENJOY!

masterlist

Sometimes the hardest part isn't letting go, it's starting over. -Nicole Sobon

Starting over.

What did starting over even look like for Spencer? Will the dread and guilt ever stop washing over him as the sun melts into the horizon and the moon takes its place? 

It was starting to feel like he could never move on from the pain of losing Maeve. Day and night, he stared at the four walls of his apartment wondering what could have been if he had said something different. He wondered if the outcome would be the same. He wondered whether fate had ever been kind to him in at least one of the infinite universes that might exist, giving him the ending he so desperately wanted. After so many years, Spencer finally allowed himself to be brave enough to fall in love and oh how he wished he regretted it, but falling in love was anything but regrettable. Falling in love meant being vulnerable, and he knew that, but he didn’t know just how much it would hurt. The purity of Spencer’s soul allowed him to love so deeply, so intensely, and with all his heart which made it all the more easy to hurt so deeply and so intensely.

He yearned to become unfamiliar with the feeling of heaviness. Everything was so heavy, his heart, his stomach, his tears. Each of them weighing on him like anvils that he couldn’t lift no matter how hard he tried. In theory, he knew the anvils could be lifted with help from others, but that was too much of a strenuous task to tackle right now. He’ll handle the anvils all on his own for now. 

The world seemed eerily desolate and Spencer couldn’t seem to remember what it looked like before it turned into the dull, washed out version he became acquainted with now. Penelope had tried to add some color back into his life, but her actions were futile against the monstrosity of grief. The entire team had tried to reach out and while he appreciated the gestures, he had no capacity for anything other than the agony that consumed him. 

Derek left what seemed like a thousand messages on his phone, but he still checked to see who called every time his phone rang. Which is exactly why it was unprecedented to see a different name pop up at the sound of his ringtone in the middle of the day. A name which belonged to a person he’d held very dear for so long. They haven’t spoken in months, maybe a year and if Spencer’s mind wasn’t currently overcrowded with thoughts, he’d definitely be able to recall the exact amount of time between speaking to her last and now. Why is she calling him now? What if something was wrong? Did she know about what happened? No, how would she find out? His curiosity had possessed his body, making him answer the call.

“Y/N?” He croaked, clearing his throat, having not used his voice in days.

“Spencer! How’s my favorite genius doing? I didn’t know if you’d changed your number or something, but I’d just thought I’d call anyway! Are you at work? Sorry, I can call you back later if-” She shouted excitedly into the phone, but Spencer was quick to end her worries.

“No, no. I’m not at work.” Spencer said curtly.

“Oh, is everything alright?” She asked, concerned. She could tell by the tone of his voice that something was not right.

“Did Garcia put you up to this?” Spencer deflected defensively. 

He knew Garcia was aware that Y/N was the only person he’d never turn away from. Not after all they’d been through. She was the one person who never left his side. She and Spencer were undeniably connected by some sort of un-explainable, otherworldly force. Call them soulmates, twin flames, mirror souls--whatever. That was what they were. It didn’t matter to them if they were romantically involved or not, the connection between them had surpassed the simple stages of romance. Spencer often found himself wondering what could have been if he’d never left Vegas. If he’d never left her.

“Garcia? The tech analyst? No, why? Spencer, did something happen?” She recalled meeting the eccentric woman when she visited Spencer in Quantico a few years back. 

Spencer’s brow furrowed and his mouth spoke before his brain could tell it not to, “Then why are you calling me?” He spat impatiently, pinching the bridge of his nose, already wishing he didn’t have to prolong the conversation.

Y/N was taken aback through the phone at his retort but her heart ached for him, knowing that something dreadful must have happened for him to act so out of character, but she took the phone off her ear to check if she had dialed the correct number anyway. She had.

“I just wanted to catch up with you. Is this about not calling you recently? I’m sorry, Spencer, I got caught up with work and I moved into a new apartment, and things have just been really hectic lately. Are you okay?” She worried through the phone and Spencer could practically feel her disquietude seeping from the speaker.

“So, you really don’t know…?” Spencer trailed off, already feeling the guilt bubble up in his chest, still avoiding the question. He didn’t even know what okay meant anymore.

“Know what, Spence? Oh God, is Diana okay?!” She shrieked, her mind snapping to the worst case scenario.

Her genuine reaction had made Spencer ease the frown that had been permanently etched onto his features for days. It wasn’t a smile yet, but it was something. She and his mother had always shared a bond that he never really understood, even as an adult. That was how compassionate she was, she was able to instantly connect with people and she would do it so well. It used to baffle Spencer when they were children, but perhaps that’s what drew her to him. Their souls were tied together with an invisible string.

She heard him release a huff and some shuffling was heard from his side, “My mom is fine.”

She let out a sigh of relief, “So, what’s going on?”

He paused, debating whether or not to tell her. She sighed again, knowing it must have been something terrible if he wasn’t willing to talk about it.

“Spencer?” She called softly when he fell silent. She was already browsing for plane tickets from Las Vegas to DC.

“I...I couldn’t do it, Y/N. I couldn’t save her.” He sniffled into the phone and her heart had practically escaped from its place in her chest and landed in the pits of her stomach. Her arms and shoulders were immediately overtaken with chills. She didn’t know who he was referring to, but the dread set in quicker than she imagined. She could tell this was bad, even for Spencer and his line of work. Whatever happened had ripped him to shreds and she was not about to sit idly in Vegas.

Two days later, she struggled to haul a small suitcase out of the cab she took from the airport to Spencer’s apartment complex. The flight was way more exhausting than it should have been. She placed the suitcase on the ground with a huff and spotted two blonde women descending from the stairs that led to Spencer’s apartment as she neared the entrance. She quickly recognized them as Spencer’s beloved coworkers, Garcia and JJ. Garcia’s eyes found hers and let out a surprised gasp.

“Hey, I know you! You’re Spencer’s friend--from Vegas! Y/N, right?” Garcia announced as Y/N entered the building, stopping right before the stairs.

“Hi, Penelope.” Y/N said expectantly with a playful smile. Garcia was pleasantly surprised when she remembered who she was and pulled her into a warm embrace.

“Hi, JJ.” she smiled as she gave her a hug, “Any luck with Spencer?”

The two women shared a look and sighed deeply.

“No, he hasn’t even spoken to us through the door.” JJ said with a heavy heart before she continued, “How did you know? Did he call you?”

Y/N shook her head, “No, I called him.”

“And he picked up?!” Garcia exclaimed, eliciting a half-laugh from Y/N.

“Yeah, he did. I don’t know how it happened, I just, you know when you get a feeling like in the pit of your stomach? It felt like he needed me all of a sudden--sorry, that sounds so weird.” She apologized, shaking her head slightly.

“No, it’s okay. Maybe you can get through to him. We’re all really worried about him.” JJ explained and Y/N nodded.

“I still don’t really know what happened, was it...that bad?” Y/N felt silly for asking. The two shared another look. A look that held so much shared trauma and empathy for their friend. Y/N’s heart sank as she let out a shuddered breath at their silent reaction. She glanced up at the stairs helplessly, wondering if she was strong enough to help him through the turmoil he’s experiencing.

“He’s refused to see anyone for the past two weeks, please let us know if anything changes.” Garcia pleaded and they proceeded to exchange numbers to keep in touch. Y/N nodded and smiled gratefully at them before making her way up the stairs and facing Spencer’s door. 

She took a deep breath before knocking. Spencer held back a groan as he dropped his copy of The Narrative of John Smith into his lap, bringing his hands to his face in an act of exhaustion. He wanted to scream at them to leave him alone, but he simply didn’t have the energy to do so. He’d settle on ignoring them for now. The knocking carried on, but it was paired with a gentle voice that Spencer knew all too well. JJ and Garcia watched from the bottom of the steps, bouncing with anticipation.

“Spencer? It’s Y/N. Can you please open up?” She called through the wooden door. 

Spencer froze in his place. Was he finally asleep and dreaming? Did she really come all this way for him or was he imagining it? Was fate finally giving him a taste of kindness? A kindness he so desperately wished for? He suddenly retreated into the darkest corner of his mind, the dark place which never failed to remind him on an hourly basis just how unworthy of love he really was. Not hers, not Maeve’s, not anyone’s. His thoughts were interrupted yet again by another insistent knock. It sounded too clear to be a figment of his imagination. He forced himself up from his place on the couch and made his way to the door. She heard shuffling from the other side and bit her lip. JJ and Garcia made a move to leave before they heard the sound of the door opening. They shared an excited look, not even caring that they were almost half an hour late to work at this point.

Spencer’s sullen eyes found her bright ones immediately. She gave him a soft smile and he swore the world around him withered away slightly.

“Hey, genius.” She spoke with her signature tenderness and Spencer didn’t hesitate to engulf her in a long awaited embrace. She let out a breath at the sudden force but welcomed him into her arms anyway. JJ and Garcia grinned at each other, a newfound wave of relief hitting the both of them. They left for work, grins of relief never leaving their faces.

“You’re....you’re here? You’re really here?” Spencer mumbled as he stuffed his face into her neck, her presence filling him with a sense of familiarity, one he so hopelessly craved.

She nodded into his shoulder, squeezing him impossibly tighter, “Yeah, Spence, I’m right here.” 

She felt his chest expand against hers and he released a deep, heavy sigh. He suddenly felt a sense of security wash over him, his arms tightened around her waist, lifting her off the ground slightly as he squeezed his eyes shut, hoping to relish in her warm embrace for just a few moments longer. Relief flooded his chest, and he felt like he could breathe again. He was inexplicably glad that the first thing he could breathe in again was the smell of her perfume. He vouched to never allow himself to forget the level of comfort she brought again. Spencer momentarily forgot about his sorrows in her arms, but the agony was far too unforgiving and the moment of bliss didn’t last. His chest clenched again as he set her down and pulled away from her.

“Y-you didn’t have to come all the way out here.” He frowned, struggling to hold himself together in front of her.

“Stop that, you know I’d drop everything in a heartbeat for you.” She attempted to smile despite her eyes welling up with tears at the sight of his suffering. He nodded and they both stepped into his apartment, her dragging her suitcase in with her.

“You came from the airport?” He said with a small voice as he saw her pull the bag in. He had expected her to stop by whichever hotel she booked a room at first.

“Yeah, I came as soon as I landed. I needed to see you first.” She said, pulling him to his couch by the hand, careful not to step on any of the books that lay on the floor.

“Do you…” he paused, swallowing his tears, “do you have to stay at the hotel?”

“No, Spence, I don’t have to. I can stay here if you want.” She gently stroked her thumb across his knuckles.

“Please? Please...stay?” His voice cracked and suddenly his face scrunched up in an attempt to suppress a sob, but to no avail. 

A heartbreaking sob escaped from his lips and she wrapped herself around him without a second thought. Cooing at him lovingly and rubbing his back, reminding him every so often that she was right there. Once the floodgates had opened, they had no idea when they would stop. She held his shaking body tightly to hers as if she could somehow absorb some of the pain he felt and tried not to let any of her own tears fall onto him. It broke her heart to see him so saddened. 

She pressed kisses to the side of his head as he calmed down, threading her fingers through his messy, tangled hair. Spencer’s ear was now resting against her heartbeat, he focused on the steady sound and he felt his eyes droop with the exhaustion of days without sleep. She smiled slightly and soon fell asleep, making up for the sleep she missed on the flight over.

Hours later, they awoke and moved around the apartment in silence. Or rather she moved in silence while he stayed on the couch, looking for anything to drown out his sorrows. She focused on making him a balanced breakfast, despite the fact that it was almost 3 pm. 

“Spencer? Come eat. I made coffee, too.” She called out, already eating off her plate. She hoped she wouldn’t have to physically drag him off the couch. She smiled when she heard him drag his feet all the way to the kitchen. They ate together in silence, although Spencer was thankful for the warm food.

“Do you know why I joined the FBI?” He asked after a while. She stared at him curiously and he continued, “I joined the FBI to protect people. That’s the whole point of the job. I wanted to protect her, I wanted to save her, and I failed. I failed, Y/N. What’s the point of me being an FBI agent if I can’t even protect the ones I love?” He ranted as he looked at her for answers.

“What is the point of loving anyone if I can’t protect them?” He frowned, tears pooling on the inside of his eyes. She frowned in response, clutching the cup of coffee tight between her hands.

“Do you want to start from the beginning?” She offered and he quickly realized she had no idea who he was talking about.

“Her name is...was Maeve. She was the geneticist who helped me get rid of my migraines. I sent her my brain scan and she was the only one who actually helped. I never actually met her, though, all our communication happened through payphones or letters because she had a stalker. She didn’t know who they were, just that they were dangerous. I’d call her every Sunday and we’d just...talk. We sent letters under pseudonyms. It was nice. It was more than nice, actually. It was the first time I ever felt appreciated for who I am, I didn’t have to worry about her judging the way I looked. I-I fell in love with her before I even saw her. We planned a date, finally, but I sent her home because I thought I saw her stalker. So stupid. I was so stupid. I was so paranoid, Y/N. Good things just don’t happen to Spencer Reid, I should have known.” He paused, shaking his head and holding back tears.

“Anyway, she was abducted by her stalker. We thought it was her fiance at first, but it wasn’t. It was his girlfriend...Diane.” He shuddered as the name left his lips. “She was a grad student at the university Maeve taught at and she rejected her thesis. Can you believe that? I lost the one good thing I had over a thesis?” He laughed bitterly, tears streaming down his face. It was deeper than that, but he didn’t care to explain. 

“I only got 2,412 hours of communication with her. Even though I remember every word, it’ll never be enough.” He aggressively wiped at his cheeks. “I told Diane I’d die for her...for Maeve. I meant it, too. I would have died for her!” He slammed a frustrated hand on the table, shaking the tableware. 

“Apparently that was the worst possible thing to say because it set her off. She...she shot herself in the head and the bullet...the b-bullet--” He cut himself off with a sob, unable to finish the sentence, the grief hitting him like it was a tsunami and he was an unsuspecting beach town.

“It’s okay. It’s okay.” She repeated as she rushed to crouch down in front of him, taking both his hands. She kissed his knuckles before wiping her own tears. 

What kind of world did they live in where they had to worry about tragedies like this? She suddenly had a brewing hatred for the world around her. How could it let something so terrible happen to someone so good. Spencer Reid was good, and he deserves nothing but good things in his life. As much as the story pained her, she couldn’t begin to imagine the pain he was feeling. 

“I know you blame yourself, Spence. It’s gonna be hard not to at first. But you have to understand that none of this is your fault. You didn’t pull that trigger. She did. I’m so sorry, Spence. I’m so, so sorry. This should have never happened to you, or to anyone. The pain is gonna suck, grief is not easy, but you don’t have to go through it alone. You know that right?” She spoke softly, trying as hard as she could to keep her voice steady for him. He looked at her and saw the truth in her eyes. He nodded ever so slightly and sniffled.

“I know.” He squeezed her hands once and she smiled reassuringly. Her smile made him feel a little bit better. He didn’t want the team’s help, they’d all just treat him like a wounded puppy. She was so unconditionally compassionate and loving, he never wanted to stray far from her again. She got up from her crouched position and pulled him to stand with her. She wrapped her arms around his back and leaned into his chest. He squeezed her tighter, tears soaking into her shirt once again. “Thank you.” He muttered. She nodded. “How long are you staying?” His heart clenched, not wanting to see her go.

“I’ll be here for as long as you need, love.” She rubbed circles across his back. He pulled away to face her.

“What about your job?” He frowned, wiping a hand over his face.

“Don’t worry about that, I’ve got lots of vacation days saved up.” She reassured, “Besides, I’d rather be here with you than at that stupid job anyway.” She rolled her eyes, thinking of her impossible boss. Spencer suppressed a smile.

“Wait, you’re still working for--”

“Yup, same asshole.” She laughed and Spencer smiled. 

He smiled! 

He remembered all the times she would complain about her horrible boss over the phone.

“So, you said you moved?” Spencer asked, leading her back to the couch.

“Yeah, I really hated my old apartment.” Spencer nodded, “I’m really sorry for not calling you. I missed you so much and I thought about you practically every day...it’s just, you know, it’s easy to get caught up in all the little things.” She apologized, feeling guilty.

“It’s just as much my fault, I haven’t called either. And...I missed you too.” Spencer said.

“It’s alright, we’ve both been busy.” She smiled at him.

“You would have loved her.” Spencer trailed off, frowning. She let out a sigh.

“I’m sure I would have, Spence.” She mirrored his frown.

“She reminded me of you in a lot of ways now that I think about it. She was kind and compassionate. She was funny, she liked to make puns and she was good with words.” He reminisced sadly. All she could do was smile halfheartedly. On one hand, she was glad he got to experience such a love, but on the other, she found herself fighting off a feeling of jealousy.

“I never thought I’d get over you.” He admitted, fidgeting with his hands and avoiding her gaze, yet he said it as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Spencer had already bared his soul to her, what was this one confession in the grand scheme of things?

“What?” She whispered, completely caught off guard. He glanced at her to see her shocked face.

“What? Don’t act like you didn’t know.” He scoffed lightly. He was right, she always suspected his feelings for her but she never wanted to entertain the idea of it in case she was wrong. She’d been hurt so many times that she didn’t even want to think about being hurt by the one person she’d loved more than anyone else.

She loved Spencer. She knew that. There was no doubt in her mind. They were twin flames. They danced around each other and separated, but never burnt out.

“In fact, I don’t think I could ever get over you, Y/N. I’ve always loved you.” He spoke quietly. “You don’t have to say anything right now, I’m not expecting you to. I think I’m so upset over Maeve because, of course, I loved her, but in so many ways she reminded me of you. And if I can’t protect her, then I can’t protect you.” 

“I, um, I don’t know what to say.” She stammered. She knew he was overwhelmed with emotion so she tried not to take his words too literally. But the confession hit her like a truck. She didn’t know what to do. He’s mourning the loss of his girlfriend, it would be completely selfish for her to take advantage of his feelings. It’s not like he was asking anything of her, he was just hanging it all out to dry. He was so vulnerable right now, she couldn’t act upon her own feelings. They both knew that.

She felt her throat run dry at all the words she wanted to say, but she settled on, “We should talk about this later, Spence.” 

He gave her a half smile and nodded, the numbness setting in.

The next few days blurred into each other. They consisted of Y/N cleaning up around the apartment, making food, doing laundry. Spencer was doing his best to help her out, but he found too much comfort inside the walls he built for himself. She didn’t push him to do anything he didn’t want to do. She’d convinced him to leave the house twice, both times going for a walk in the sunlight. She made sure he brushed his hair and shaved his face. Honestly without her, he’d probably still be stuck in his spot on the couch. She updated his coworkers daily, letting them know that he was doing better. She even held him at night when he cried for the love that was ripped too soon from him. 

“Y/N?” Spencer called one morning as he walked in on her in the kitchen.

“Yeah?” She turned away from the coffee machine to face him. She still looked as beautiful  as ever even under the light coming from his dodgy kitchen window.

“I just want to thank you. For all you’ve done for me. It couldn’t have been easy for you.” He smiled shyly. She smiled brightly at him, moving closer to wrap her arms around him tightly.

“You don’t have to thank me. You would have done the same for me.” She looked up at him and into his honey colored eyes. The eyes that have shed buckets worth of tears in the past few days.

“Yeah, I would have.” He joked, finally feeling like himself again, resting his hands on her waist. “I meant what I said, by the way.”

She nodded, “I know. But we’re not in any rush, are we? I’d wait for you forever if I had to, Spencer Reid.”

And he wouldn’t have to worry, because twin flames always find each other.

[vro0m]

vro0m’s rewatch - 89.2/301

2011 Abu Dhabi GP - PART 2

After this emotional build-up, let’s get back to the GP. It’s race time!

Again, two DRS zones here.

Formation lap.

And they're racing!

Good start from Seb, Lewis stays second, in front of Jenson while Alonso overtakes Webber for 4th the first corner. A Mercedes has run wide. Oh, a Toro Rosso comes sliding sideways oh wait no. It's not a Toro Rosso, it's a RedBull. It's Sebastian Vettel! He has a puncture! Lewis is in the lead! But Alonso attacks Jenson, he's second now. How is this Ferrari so quick all of a sudden? The Mercedes are very very close to each other.

Now Rosberg has overtaken Schumacher to get his position back. Seb is finally in the pits from 24th ah... It's over. The car is turned off. He damaged more than his tyre. Webber overtook Jenson in the first DRS zone but Jenson overtook Webber in the second DRS zone.

10 laps in Lewis sets the fastest lap, he's 2.5 seconds ahead of Alonso which is not enough to be comfortable. Jenson complains of a problem, but we don't know what. A little while later Webber attacks him, there's some contact but he retakes his position. Massa pits.

Lewis pits and Ferrari reacts immediately by pitting Alonso right behind him. Very good pitstop for McLaren, Lewis is ahead. They're double pitting, Jenson is right behind. Oh and Redbull just fucked up Webber’s stop : 9.4 seconds!

Oh also we learned that Jenson's problem is his KERS doesn't work. Alonso is still close to Lewis who's caught in traffic. This race isn't over though not much is happening.

Massa overtook Webber for fourth place. We're more than halfway through the race. Lewis has now managed to get some space from Alonso who's 5.5 seconds behind. Jenson is 16 seconds behind him, followed by Massa and Webber.

Maldonado got a drive through for not letting the leaders pass him under blue flags and he's doing it again. He's now under investigation again, along with Alguersuari, for the same reason.

With 20 laps to go, Webber stops a second time from fifth. Jenson also pits. Senna gets a drive through for ignoring blue flags as well. Lewis comes in with 14 laps to go. Amazing pitstop again. The Ferrari mechanics are ready as well. It's Massa in the pitlane as Alonso has kept going. Maldonado will be investigated after the race for his second infringement. Alonso pits. Lewis is ahead, comfortably.

Annnnd

It's the end of the race!

LEWIS WINS! Alonso P2, Jenson P3!

Aaaah it's good to see him win again, both in 2010 and from 2022. Oh he's dedicating the win to his mom who's here for her birthday 💜

Schumacher has stopped somewhere on the track after completing his last lap because of lack of fuel.

Oh ho Lewis does the illegal thing and jumps the barriers to go hug his team. Oh he also went to shake his mom's hand. Charlie Whiting came to get him lol he's not happy about it. I actually learnt this season that they don't like them doing that because they need to be weighted and they worry team members might slip stuff in their race suits to increase their weight.

Ah Brundle says Lewis said on BBC the day before he didn't wanna stay single for too long and didn't like this. It ties into what I was writing about earlier, the loneliness and the on and off relationship with Nicole. I wonder if he's been in actual relationships since then that we didn't hear about (not in the gossip sense but I doubt he's been single since then especially given that he seems to crave for support and love.) ANYWAY.

He hugs Alonso. Weird. And he hugs Jenson which yayyy

He's so happy 💜

His mom is in the crowd applauding with all she has I love it

Press conference time! It's great to be able to win when her mom is here for her birthday. He feels fantastic. He's happy he was able to hold one of the best drivers of the world behind him throughout the race as it was very tough. You can tell he really is in a very good mood because he's complimenting Alonso lmao. The team did a fantastic job with the pit stops. He can get on his flight tonight and smile.

[myonechicagoworld]

CHICAGO FIRE – LEADERS LEAD (S01E22)

Kelly Severide: A promotion, huh?

Tara Little: You need to stay away.

Kelly Severide: You get a promotion, and meanwhile, I could go to

                           jail?

Tara Little: Get away.

Kelly Severide: They’re talking about filing criminal charges. Why

                           the hell are you doing this? I didn’t do a damn

                           thing to you.

Tara Little: I said to stay away.

Man 1 (Shopper): Are you okay, ma’am?

Kelly Severide: She’s fine.

Man 1 (Shopper): Ma’am?

Kelly Severide: We both know nothing happened that night.

Man 1 (Shopper): Hey.

Kelly Severide: Tara!

                                        [car door shuts]

                                              cutscene

Matt Casey: I have a request.

Hallie Thomas: Yeah? What’s that?

Matt Casey: [groans]

Hallie Thomas: Jeez.

                                            [chuckling]

Matt Casey: We don’t move from this spot for the entire day.

                                        [kissing sound]

Hallie Thomas: And you skip your shift?

Matt Casey: Hmm? I’ll just have truck pick me up here if we get any

                     calls.

Hallie Thomas: Tsk. I don’t think these boxers are going to stand up

                           against a fire.

Matt Casey: I’ll just call out orders from this spot. “Cruz, grab a 2 ½.

                     Mouch put down the sandwich.”

                                         [kissing sound]

Hallie Thomas: At 24 hours and 1 minute, I wanna be right back

                          here.

Matt Casey: Deal.

                                            cutscene

                                        [car door shuts]

                                         [kissing sound]

Matt Casey: See you later.

Peter Mills: I’m happy for ‘em.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, me too.

Peter Mills: Are you?

Gabby Dawson: Without a doubt, yes.

                                [Mills & Dawson chuckles]

Peter Mills: Good.

                    So, um, this might be a weird time but um… I was just

                    thinking this whole two rent thing, it’s… it’s crazy.

Gabby Dawson: The two rent thing?

Peter Mills: I mean, you know, you’re basically living with me

                    already, and we don’t call each other to say, “Hey, I

                    mean are you home yet?” So… how about I give you

                    a key, we make it official, you move in? I realise…

                    that was the complete opposite of being romantic.

                    Um…

Gabby Dawson: No, no.

Peter Mills: No, look, I know I’m really, really bad at this. I-I keep

                    beating around the bush all the time. Look, I love you.

Gabby Dawson: Uh…

Peter Mills: I think we should live together.

Gabby Dawson: I’m…

Peter Mills: Oh, God. God, that was awful. That was really awful.

Gabby Dawson: [chuckles] Yeah, it was.

Peter Mills: Look, take the time you need to think about it. Let me

                    know. No pressure.

Joe Cruz: [groans]

Christopher Herrmann: All right, hey! Peter Mills, hurry up! ‘Cause I

                                         gotta take your money after I finish with

                                         Cruz here.

Peter Mills: [sighs] Okay, duty calls.

Leslie Shay: What up, sunshine?

                                     [station alert and buzzes]

                                         [ambo door closes]

(Over PA): Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61. Building collapse, 800

                  South Carpenter Street.

                                             [sirens wail]

                                           [horn honking]

Leslie Shay: He loves you. That’s great news, right?

Gabby Dawson: I don’t know.

Leslie Shay: Out with it. What?

Gabby Dawson: I… [groans]

                            I still haven’t come clean with him about Boden

                            and his mom. And it just… it feels like this dark

                            cloud hanging over us.

Leslie Shay: Over you, you mean?

Gabby Dawson: Well, to be fair, yes.

Leslie Shay: Okay. So repeat after me. “It’s not my business.”

Gabby Dawson: Shay.

Leslie Shay: I’m serious. That is between Boden and what’s her

                     name.

Gabby Dawson: I just feel guilty is all I’m saying. A lie of omission is

                            still a lie. And if we’re gonna be getting this

                            serious…

                                     [sirens continue to wail]

                                     [indistinct radio chatter]

                                    [background commotion]

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): Chief. All the schools are on spring

                                                break, big party. We were here on

                                                D&D when we saw the whole thing

                                                collapse, one porch on top of

                                                another.

Police Officer (Nicole Sermons): There’s at least a dozen trapped.

                                                       Just tell us where you need us,

                                                       Chief.

Chief Boden: Get the surface victims first. Set up cribbing columns.

                        K-12, sawzalls to cut away the timber.

                        (into radio) Battalion 25 to Dispatch, we have a three-

                        story deck collapse, multiple victims. Give me an

                        EMS Plan 2 and two extra truck companies for

                        manpower.

Dispatch: (over radio) Copy that.

Woman 1: No! No, God! Oh, God.

Chief Boden: Ma’am?

Woman 1: Oh!

Chief Boden: Ma’am, stay back. Come back, come on.

Woman 1: No, let me go. Let me go!

Chief Boden: Okay. Look at me.

Woman 1: No.

Chief Boden: Look at me, look at me. We are gonna do everything

                       in our power to help your friend.

Woman 1: Paul. His name is Paul. He’s my fiancé. Tell me he’s not

                  dead. We were just talking [cries]

Chief Boden: Okay, Katie.

Woman 1 (Katie): [sobbing] No.

Chief Boden: I need you to listen to me.

Woman 1 (Katie): [sobbing] No. Please don’t say it.

Chief Boden: Katie, he’s gone. He’s gone, he’s gone.

Woman 1 (Katie): [sobs] No!

Chief Boden: Katie, you gotta stop. You gotta stop.

Woman 1 (Katie): [sobs] No!

Chief Boden: Okay?

Woman 1 (Katie): [grunts]

                                       [slapping sound]

Woman 1 (Katie): You did nothing! [cries]

                              You did nothing! [cries]

                               [sobs]

                                        - title screen -

                             [victims yelling in background]

Victim 1: [sobs]

Joe Cruz: I got one!

Victim 1: [sobs] I’m gonna die.

Gabby Dawson: You are not gonna die, ma’am.

                            You are not gonna die.

Firefighters: Watch that.

                      Yeah, I’ll get it.

                      You got it?

Gabby Dawson: She’s got an impalement in her chest and lots of

                            blood. We gotta get her free enough to transport

                            her and this piece of wood.

Victim 1: I can’t breathe.

Peter Mills: Take slow breaths, okay? Slow breaths. Slow breaths,

                     all right?

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): Hey. We got one.

Leslie Shay: We need some more hands!

Victim 1: I’m not gonna… I’m not gonna… I’m not gonna…

Gabby Dawson: Hey, what’s your name?

Victim 1: Valerie.

Gabby Dawson: Valerie, you’re gonna make it. You have to believe

                            that, okay?

Victim 1 (Valerie): Don’t lie to me. You’re not telling me how bad it

                              is.

Peter Mills: Okay.

Kelly Severide: Okay, Valerie. Keep still.

Victim: [whimpers]

                                       [saw whirring]

Victim 1 (Valerie): Aah!

Kelly Severide: All right, clear.

Gabby Dawson: All right, let’s get her on the backboard! Now!

                                         [siren wails]

                              [monitor beeping slowly]

Gabby Dawson: Heart rate’s dropping.

                                  [monitor flat-lines]

Gabby Dawson: She’s crashing, Shay!

Leslie Shay: (into radio) 61 to Lakeshore, we’re coming in hot with a

                     trauma victim. 20 years old, impalement injury,

                     respirations are dropping.

Dispatcher: (over radio) Copy that.

Gabby Dawson: [heavy breathing] Come on.

Hallie Thomas: I need a crash cart. Call for respiratory and blood.

                          Let’s hang units of o-negative. Let’s get x-ray and

                          CT standing by.

                          Push an epi now.

                                      [pumping ambu bag]

Hallie Thomas: Stop compressions.

                          We got a pulse! Let’s get her into trauma! Let’s go!

                          Nice work, Dawson.

Leslie Shay: Wow.

                                               cutscene

                                            [truck beeps]

Mouch: Could’ve been a hell of a lot worse. Two DOAs and I bet we

              saved a dozen or more.

Joe Cruz: That right there is what it’s all about.

                                        [Japanese on TV]

Christopher Herrmann: All right.

                                        Hey.

                                              [clapping]

Otis Zvonecek: What are you doing?

Christopher Herrmann: I’m supposed to speak to Luke’s class

                                        about fire safety. So I’m gonna rig one side

                                        of the house with flammable materials and

                                        then the other side with flame-resistant

                                        type stuff. Then, I’m going to demonstrate

                                        the difference. Kids are gonna love it.

Otis Zvonecek: Oh. What could possibly go wrong?

Joe Cruz: Guys, guys, I have an announcement to make. Please, I

                  need everybody’s attention. Today, I came across

                  something so upsetting that it literally shook me to the

                  core. I was in the laundry room. I was pulling my stuff

                  from the washer to the dryer, and I discovered these left

                  inside.

Everyone: Oh!

                  [chuckling]

Christopher Herrmann: Don’t look at me. I’ve been a fruit of the

                                         loom man since 1975.

                                            [laughter]

Mouch: 20 bucks to whoever finds the owner.

Joe Cruz: Lieutenant!

                                   [roaring with laughter]

Joe Cruz: No!

Matt Casey: First, they ain’t mine. Second, these don’t come down

                      until the owner steps forward. I can’t unsee this.

                      Someone has to pay.

Otis Zvonecek: He who smelt it hath dealt it.

Joe Cruz: You’re nuts. Those look like something that a Russian

                  would wear on his wedding night.

Otis Zvonecek: They’re not mine, but I will put my money on Capp.

Mouch: Keep deflecting, Otis. That’s a good strategy.

Otis Zvonecek: Oh! Whoa! Whoa!

                               [dog whimpering and barking]

                                    [extinguisher spraying]

Christopher Herrmann: Maybe I’ll just let the kids wear the oxygen

                                         mask.

                                    [extinguisher blows]

Woman 2: Excuse me?

Christopher Herrmann: Yeah.

Woman 2: Hi. Uh, I was wondering, um, do you guys allow kids in

                  here to take a picture on a truck or something?

Christopher Herrmann: Yeah, of course we do. Where are the kids?

Woman 2: Oh. Um, I’m just checking. Some other time.

Christopher Herrmann: Okay.

                                               cutscene

Chief Boden: You confronted her in a parking lot.

                                          [water running]

Kelly Severide: I’m facing criminal charges. Damn right I confronted

                          her.

Chief Boden: You are not helping yourself.

Kelly Severide: Chief, I did nothing wrong.

Chief Boden: You did today. You strengthened her case.

Kelly Severide: Whose side are you on?

Chief Boden: I am trying to help you here.

Kelly Severide: Well, it doesn’t feel like it. I’ll handle this myself,

                           thanks.

Chief Boden: No, no. You contact her again, you go within 100 feet

                       of her, you will force me to take away your Squad.

Kelly Severide: That’s your way of helping?

Chief Boden: Yes.

Otis Zvonecek: Hey, Chief. Taking bets on the red skivvies from the

                           laundry. You interested?

                                              cutscene

Gabby Dawson: My dad used to tell me, “You have a choice. You

                            can either choose to be in a bad mood…”

Leslie Shay: Right.

Gabby Dawson: “Or you can decide to be happy.”

Leslie Shay: Where is this going?

Gabby Dawson: Uh, at first, I… I wasn’t sure about Mills, right? Was

                            he too young? Was I just rebounding? Did we

                            move too fast? But then I realised, damn it, he’s

                            good to me. Be happy.

Leslie Shay: So you love him ‘cause you choose to?

Gabby Dawson: [laughs] No. Because I do.

Leslie Shay: Aw. My little Dawson’s all grown up.

Gabby Dawson: Oh, shut up.

Leslie Shay: What about the mom thing?

Gabby Dawson: I don’t know.

                                    [ambo door shuts]

                                [station alert & buzzes]

(Over PA): Ambulance 61. Man down from unknown causes.

Gabby Dawson: Looks like it’s one of those days.

                                        [siren wails]

                         [thunder rumbling, siren blares]

Gabby Dawson: Hey there, bud. How you doing?

                            Hey.

                            His pulse is fast. Let’s sit him down and check his

                            heart rate. Come on.

                            All right.

Leslie Shay: Oh.

Gabby Dawson: Here we go, bud. All right.

Leslie Shay: Okay… Virgilio Ventura. Welcome back, pal.

Victim 2 (Virgilio): [groans]

Gabby Dawson: You had a couple cocktails today?

Leslie Shay: No, I think something a little heavier. What’s your

                      flavour, Virg? A little H?

                      Huh. He’s clean. What’s up with you, buddy?

Gabby Dawson: Okay.

                                    [monitor beeping rapidly]

Gabby Dawson: His heart rate’s racing at 150. He’s in SVT. We’re

                            gonna lose him if we don’t stabilise his rhythm.

                                             [shirt ripping]

Gabby Dawson: Cardioverting at 100. Stand back.

Leslie Shay: Dawson, wait! His ears. Look at his ears. Look.

Gabby Dawson: Shay, he’s got an electrical burn.

                                           [clothes ripping]

Leslie Shay: His shoe’s missing. It’s a third degree burn. He’s got

                     an exit wound.

Gabby Dawson: He was hit by lightning. We can’t shock him. His

                            heart’s had too much trauma. 6 mils of adenosine.

Leslie Shay: Yeah, yeah!

                                   [monitor continues beeping]

Gabby Dawson: Hang in there. Hang in there.

Leslie Shay: Okay.

                      Ready when you are. On three. One, two, push.

                                          [monitor flatlines]

Victim 2 (Virgilio): [gasps]

Leslie Shay: Okay, it bought us some time. Let’s get him out of

                      here.

                                                cutscene

                                        [thunder in distance]

Christopher Herrmann: What is it?

Chief Boden: Ah, nothing. Rough shift.

Christopher Herrmann: Yeah.

                                            [car door shuts]

Christopher Herrmann: Hey, what are you doing for dinner tonight?

                                         I’m doing all the cooking now that Cindy’s

                                         in the home stretch. So it’s either gonna

                                         be pizza or steak. It’s your call.

Chief Boden: Well, I can never turn down a Herrmann steak.

Christopher Herrmann: All right. Great.

                                         Bring the beer, all right?

Chief Boden: I will.

Christopher Herrmann: All right.

Chief Boden: Thanks.

Peter Mills: Hey! Excuse me, Chief! Um, I was wondering, can I pick

                     up a couple shifts next week? Maybe pull 48?

                     These-These Squad classes are breaking the

                      bank, so… I just need the extra money.

Chief Boden: What did your Lieutenant say?

Peter Mills: Check with you.

Chief Boden: Well, we can make that happen.

Peter Mills: Yeah?

Chief Boden: I’ll talk to second watch.

Peter Mills: Thank you.

Chief Boden: Okay.

Kelly Severide: I’m not exactly one to sit on my hands, you know.

Leslie Shay: Yeah, well, you shouldn’t.

Kelly Severide: Yeah, well, that’s not what the CFD is advising.

                           I’m running out of options here, Shay.

Leslie Shay: I’m telling you, the more I think about it, the more I

                     think that she targeted you specifically. She knew

                     your background, and she took what, all of two

                     seconds to start flirting up a storm? Anyone do a

                     background check on her?

Kelly Severide: I’ve-I’ve been on my heels this whole time, no.

Leslie Shay: Yeah, exactly. It’s time to turn it around, go on the

                      offensive.

                                       [car door shuts]

                                        [engine starts]

                                            cutscene

Gabby Dawson: You thinking about jumping?

Peter Mills: Hey.

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

Peter Mills: You made it.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, bearing carbs.

Peter Mills: I see.

Gabby Dawson: Hey.

                                         [kissing sound]

Gabby Dawson: What is it?

Peter Mills: You never answered my question. I know that I’m… I’m

                     moving too fast. I…

Gabby Dawson: Peter. I love you too.

Peter Mills: Really?

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, really.

Peter Mills: [chuckles]

Gabby Dawson: I just got one question for you. Am I gonna have to

                            borrow Antonio’s pickup, or are you gonna help me

                            move?

Peter Mills: I will help you move.

Gabby Dawson: Yeah, that’s what I thought.

                                        [kissing sounds]

                                             cutscene

Antonio Dawson: Hey.

Kelly Severide: Hey, man. Thanks for meeting me.

Antonio Dawson: You sure you know what you’re doing?

Kelly Severide: Tsk. Like I told you on the phone, I’m-I’m feeling out

                           of options.

Antonio Dawson: Well, it might be worse than you think. I called the

                               Assistant State’s Attorney. That Rutkowski’s

                               testimony landed, and they won’t be accused of

                               playing favourites for a firefighter. They’re gonna

                               approve criminal charges. I ran a background

                               check on Tara Little. She worked at an ad

                               agency. There were criminal charges filed and

                               then withdrawn.

Kelly Severide: Against her?

Antonio Dawson: No. A fellow employee there named Clay White.

                              There’s an address in there.

Kelly Severide: I appreciate it.

Antonio Dawson: If I was smart, I’d tell you to let a lawyer handle it

                              from here.

                                             cutscene

                                          [bell chimes]

Man 2: May I help you?

Kelly Severide: Are you Clay White?

Man 2 (Clay White): I am.

Kelly Severide: I was told to talk to you about Tara Little.

Man 2 (Clay White): A-Anything you wanna say about her, you can

                                 tell my lawyer. Now get the hell out.

Kelly Severide: It’s… it’s not like that. I-I need your help.

Man 2 (Clay White): I was a mid-level executive at Ramsey-Cole, a

                                  high-end ad agency on Michigan Avenue. Tara

                                  was one of 20 graphic designers we had on

                                  staff. Tara and I had hit it off. Was it

                                  inappropriate? She was game, and I wasn’t

                                  married. It was all consensual. We had some

                                  fun but went in different directions, ended

                                  totally civil. Then we lost an account. The

                                  rumour mill started flying about downsizing.

                                  Next thing I know, Tara makes a claim, says I

                                  took advantage of her, it was a hostile working

                                  environment. I was fired and ostracised by the

                                  whole industry.

                                  I’ve got an MBA [chuckles]

                                  And this is what I do to pay my mortgage. She

                                  got a nice settlement from what I heard.

Kelly Severide: Sounds familiar. Would you consider coming

                          forward?

Man 2 (Clay White): I signed a non-disclosure agreement, so she’d

                                  drop the criminal charges.

Kelly Severide: You didn’t answer my question.

                                              cutscene

Hallie Thomas: Let me take a look at him

Patient (Miranda): [winces]

Hallie Thomas: Wow. What happened?

Patient (Miranda): [sighs] I was texting on my phone, and I walked

                                into a damn tree.

Hallie Thomas: Oh, that’s a new one. All right, I’m gonna walk you

                          back to a bed, where we can get that thumb set.

                          You can walk with me?

Patient (Miranda): Yeah.

Hallie Thomas: No texting while you do it.

                                          [chuckling]

Hallie Thomas: One sec.

                           Thanks.

                                       [door buzzes]

Hallie Thomas: Hey.

Matt Casey: You used to always drop by the firehouse with lunch,

                      so… I’m returning the favour, if you have time.

Doctor (Margaret): Got you covered.

Hallie Thomas: Come on.

                                       [door buzzes]

Hallie Thomas: I’ll show you around.

Matt Casey: Okay.

Hallie Thomas: We have five beds. But we can stuff eight in here if

                           we need to.

Matt Casey: All right.

Hallie Thomas: Um, a couple of visitation rooms, a couple of

                          offices. There’s where we keep the meds. This is

                          our bathroom. One bathroom, mind you, for all of

                          us, including the patients.

Man 3: Hallie.

Hallie Thomas: Oh, Steven Goody. He started the clinic. This is

                           my… this is Matt.

Man 3 (Steven Goody): Hey. Nice to meet you.

                                        Listen, Hallie, do you think you could help

                                        us out on Sunday, maybe, uh, noon to

                                        5:00-ish? Dr. Arend can’t make it.

Hallie Thomas: Yeah, I think so. I just have to check my schedule

                           over at Lakeshore.

Man 3 (Steven Goody): Great. Just let me know, okay?

                                        Nice to meet you, Matt.

Matt Casey: You too.

Hallie Thomas: One sec.

                                          [door buzzes]

Hallie Thomas: Huh. That’s weird.

Woman 3 (Bridgette): What?

Hallie Thomas: Uh, well…

Woman 3 (Bridgette): Oh, yeah, I know about this. I’ll take care of it.

Hallie Thomas: Okay.

Matt Casey: Everything good?

Hallie Thomas: Yeah. I’m starving. Let’s go.

Matt Casey: You really like it here?

Hallie Thomas: Yes. When I was away, I remembered why I got into

                           medicine in the first place. I remembered a lot of

                           things I wanted to reclaim for myself when I

                           returned.

                                              [laughter]

                                              cutscene

                                    [overlapping chatter]

                              [video game in background]

Christopher Herrmann: All right.

Herrmann Kids: Look it, look, look, right there.

Christopher Herrmann: I won! Yes! Turn that thing up. Screw the

                                         neighbours [chuckles]

Chief Boden: Uh, uh, no, no. Doing the dishes is my specialty.

Cindy Herrmann: You’re sweet, Wallace.

Chief Boden: Anyway, ain’t you supposed to be in bed?

Cindy Herrmann: You think I’m going to trust Chris alone with those

                               monsters?

Herrmann & Boden: [laughs]

Chief Boden: Get outta here.

Boden & Cindy: [chuckles]

                                     [glass bottles clinking]

Christopher Herrmann: So?

Chief Boden: So?

                       Okay. I, uh… I think I’m losing the respect of an

                        important man in the house.

Christopher Herrmann: Severide?

Chief Boden: Between this Benny and this Tara thing… I think he

                       thinks I’m the bad guy here.

Christopher Herrmann: Eh. What’s that you always say? “Leaders

                                         lead from the front.”

Chief Boden: Yeah. Sounds like me.

Christopher Herrmann: Up front can be lonely, that’s for sure.

                                        But… it goes with the territory, don’t it?

Chief Boden: Yeah. Thanks.

                                       [bottles clink]

Chief Boden: Again.

                                           cutscene

Matt Casey: Otis. Ready to lay claim to your undies?

                                          [chuckling]

Otis Zvonecek: Yeah, you wish.

Mouch: Just come clean, Otis. No one will judge you. This is a safe

              room.

Otis Zvonecek: [sighs] You know what? No. I-I can’t stand to look

                           at these another shift.

All: Oh!

                                           [laughter]

Mouch: That’s it. Now I know they’re yours.

                             [station alert blares & buzzes]

(Over PA): Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61. Vehicle accident.

                                        [sirens wailing]

                                         [horn honking]

Woman 4 (Bystander): The Taurus there was just pulling out of the

                                       hotel parking lot, when, bam! The trailblazer

                                       hit it straight on.

Matt Casey: Thank you.

Kelly Severide: We’re on the trailblazer.

                           He’s DOA.

                                           [indistinct chatter]

Matt Casey: Ma’am, try not to move until we get you collared and

                      braced.

Victim 3 (Lady): I need the report to say we’re just co-workers, and

                           we were coming from a lunch when that jackass hit

                            us!

Matt Casey: We don’t report that kind of stuff, ma’am.

Victim 3 (Lady): I gotta get out of here.

Matt Casey: Ma’am, you need to remain still.

                      I need that collar!

Peter Mills: Here you go, Lieutenant.

Matt Casey: Thanks.

Chief Boden: (into radio) Struts, wedges, and cribbing. Stabilise that

                       car so you can get that woman out.

Kelly Severide: You heard him. Get that cribbing in place. Capp,

                           centre part!

                                        [glass shattering]

Kelly Severide: Get it piped down. How are we on the other side?

                                         [metal clanging]

Joe Cruz: Almost there.

Chief Boden: Good. Let’s cut that roof away.

                                        [machine whirring]

Kelly Severide: Watch for sparks.

                           Roof’s clear.

Christopher Herrmann: C-collar.

Leslie Shay: Copy that. Flying in.

Kelly Severide: All right, you ready?

Leslie Shay: Take her out as straight as possible.

Victim 3 (Lady): Where are you taking me?

Gabby Dawson: Lakeshore.

Victim 3 (Lady): Will you call my husband and tell him you found me

                           by myself?

Gabby Dawson: Ma’am, you’re gonna have to take that up with the

                            doctors at the hospital.

Victim 4 (Man): [groans]

Kelly Severide: Hey, I’m gonna need you to cover for me for an hour

                           when we get back to the station.

Harold Capp: You got it.

                                            cutscene

Tara Little: You’re supposed to stay away from me.

Kelly Severide: Am I?

Tara Little: [scoffs] You’re finished. You hear me? I am about to

                   scream so loud.

Man 2 (Clay White): Hi, Tara.

Tara Little: [scoffs] He can’t. He signed…

Kelly Severide: A non-disclosure and confidentiality agreement?

                          What else can you take away from him? I checked

                          with the union attorney, and it turns out in cases of

                          fraud, the courts don’t care much about those

                          agreements.

Tara Little: Fraud?

Kelly Severide: Maybe we take you to criminal court, get testimony

                          on the record or you retract your lie, quit this job.

                          We never see each other again.

                                            cutscene

Woman 2: Excuse me.

Christopher Herrmann: Yeah.

Woman 2: Hi. Um, I was the one that asked about the pictures.

Christopher Herrmann: Aw, yeah, of course. How are you?

Woman 2: Hi.

Christopher Herrmann: Hey.

Woman 2: Uh, this is my husband, Roger…

Christopher Herrmann: Hey Roger.

Man 4 (Roger): Hey.

Woman 2: And our daughter, Charlotte.

Christopher Herrmann: Aw.

Woman 2: Would you mind?

Christopher Herrmann: Naw, no. No problem at all. Come on

                                        Charlotte. I’ll show you around here.

                                        Come on.

                                        How old is she now?

Joe Cruz: One, two, three.

Woman 2: Uh, 12.

Christopher Herrmann: That’s incredible.

Joe Cruz: Tighter, tighter.

Woman 2: Yeah, plus today is her birthday. So here we are. She’s

                   really something.

Christopher Herrmann: Yeah.

Joe Cruz: Hey, one more. Let’s do one more. Everybody smile…

                  hold it.

Christopher Herrmann: Hey, do you have a few minutes. Because I

                                        think we can do something a little better

                                        than a couple of photos.

Joe Cruz: Great.

Woman 2: Sure.

Christopher Herrmann: Yeah? All right.

Woman 2: [laughs]

Joe Cruz: Get in there.

Woman 2: Okay.

Christopher Herrmann: Hey, Chief. We got a kid’s birthday party in

                                        the common room, and they’d like to see

                                         you.

Chief Boden: You tell little Danny or Billy or Leo happy birthday for

                        me, but I have a mountain of paperwork that I need

                        to get through.

Christopher Herrmann: This one’s important, Chief.

Chief Boden: Okay, where are the other kids?

Christopher Herrmann: Well, it’s not that kind of party, Chief.

Joe Cruz: Later I’ll grab all the guys from the truck, take a picture

                 together.

Chief Boden: Hey.

Girl (Charlotte): Are you Chief Boden?

Chief Boden: Yes I am. And are you the birthday girl?

Girl (Charlotte): Yeah.

Chief Boden: And um, what’s your name?

Girl (Charlotte): Charlotte.

Chief Boden: Charlotte. And how old are you, Charlotte?

Girl (Charlotte): 12.

Chief Boden: Well, Charlotte, happy birthday [chuckles]

Girl (Charlotte): Do you recognise me?

Chief Boden: Um, I’m… I’m sorry. No, I don’t.

Girl (Charlotte): 12 years ago today, I was left on the doorstep of

                            this firehouse. He said you were the fireman

                            who found me.

Chief Boden: I always wondered what happened to you.

Girl (Charlotte): I was adopted. I live in Indiana now.

Chief Boden: Look at you. Don’t you look great?

Woman 2: She’s always wanted the truth.

Girl (Charlotte): When my mom and dad told me where I came

                           from, I had to come here.

Chief Boden: And I am very glad that you did.

Girl (Charlotte): Thank you.

Chief Boden: No, thank you, Charlotte. ‘Cause you have made this

                       Chief… a very happy man today.

Christopher Herrmann: Okay. Here we go.

All: Happy birthday to you; Happy birthday to you; Happy birthday

       dear Charlotte; Happy birthday to you.

                                [applause and cheering]

                                            cutscene

Otis Zvonecek: You’ll still pay a $20 bounty on these briefs?

Mouch: If you’re ready to admit they’re yours.

Otis Zvonecek: You wanna know something curious? I looked at

                           the tag here. Interesting that they’re a Japanese

                           brand of underwear not sold in the United States.

                           Japanese. The same language you’ve been

                           studying.

Mouch: That… that doesn’t…

Otis Zvonecek: Japanese. The same proverbs you’ve been

                           spouting for weeks, one of which you used to

                           fleece me out of 20 bones.

Mouch: Fine.

Otis Zvonecek: [chuckles] Thank you… very much.

Mouch: [sighs] Go ahead. Go, tell everyone. Get a good laugh.

Otis Zvonecek: Oh, I will. I will.

Mouch: I’ve been dating a Japanese woman. I’m doing everything I

              can to impress her, because quite frankly, I’m not getting

              any younger. Now, she mailed me the underwear as a gift.

              So that’s a good sign, right?

Otis Zvonecek: Wait, wait. Mailed? From where?

Mouch: Well, we’ve been uh… our relationship is, uh… we haven’t

              actually met yet.

Otis Zvonecek: An Internet girlfriend.

Mouch: I’ve talked to her on the phone…

Otis Zvonecek: Hmm.

Mouch: A lot.

Otis Zvonecek: Right, right. How much have you spent on her?

Mouch: Eh, not much.

             Yeah a little.

Otis Zvonecek: [chuckles]

Mouch: Please don’t bust my balls on this, Otis.

              Otis!

                                               cutscene

Chief Boden: Hey, just the man I was coming to find. I don’t know if

                       you’ve heard, but miraculously, Tara Little has quit the

                       fire service and recanted her testimony against you.

Kelly Severide: Did she?

Chief Boden: What’d you do?

Kelly Severide: Well, I-I…

Chief Boden: You know what? I’d rather not know.

Kelly Severide: It was on the up-and-up, Chief. I promise you that.

Chief Boden: Kelly. Throughout all this, never doubted you. I want

                        you to know that. Just had to be a Chief.

Kelly Severide: I know. I appreciate it.

                                             cutscene

Gabby Dawson: Can we talk?

Peter Mills: Yeah.

Gabby Dawson: Uh, not here.

Peter Mills: Yeah.

Gabby Dawson: Apparently, it happened during a time when your

                            mom and dad were already separated. Boden 

                            and Ingrid got together, but Boden backed away

                            as soon as he found out that your dad and mom

                            might reconcile. And I didn’t know what to do

                            with the information. And I didn’t think that it

                            was my place to tell you, so I just sat on it. But

                             the more I thought about how close you were 

                             getting, the more I thought that maybe I should-I

                             should just tell you, so…

Peter Mills: Boden and my mom? [sighs]

                    And you knew about this how long?

Gabby Dawson: Since the big banquet.

Peter Mills: [sighs]

Gabby Dawson: Look, I know I should’ve told you sooner. I know it.

                            But you have to see it from my point of view.

Peter Mills: Oh, do I? Is that what I need to do, Dawson?

Gabby Dawson: Peter, I’m sorry. If I’d have known you’d have this

                            kind of reaction, I would’ve just come right home

                            and told you then.

Peter Mills: But you didn’t, okay?

Gabby Dawson: I didn’t know.

Peter Mills: Yeah. I need to be alone.

                                [station alarm buzzes & blares]

(Over PA): Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51, Ambulance 61. Building

                   fire, 3331 West Halsted Road.

Matt Casey: That’s Hallie’s clinic.

                                        [horn honking]

                                        [sirens wailing]

Matt Casey: Oh God.

                                   [indistinct radio chatter]

Kelly Severide: Let’s go! Why aren’t those hydrants open yet?

Christopher Herrmann: We’re gonna need this vented. Get that

                                         aerial to the roof.

Police Officer (Nicole Sermons): My partner, Barnes, he went in

                                                       further. He found a woman, but he

                                                       couldn’t get to her.

Matt Casey: Hey. Back door is there.

Kelly Severide: Fan out! Look for victims. I’ll stick with Casey.

                                           [coughing]

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): [coughs] I couldn’t reach her!

Matt Casey: Where?

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): [coughs]

Matt Casey: Get him out of here!

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): [coughing]

                                     [siren wailing]

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): [groans]

                               [ambulance beeping]

                                    [car door shuts]

Kelly Severide: Fire department! Call out!

Matt Casey: Hallie!

                               [metal cage shaking]

Matt Casey: Hallie!

Chief Boden: (into radio) This is an oven. Everyone out!

                                  [metal clanging]

Mouch: Hallie’s in there.

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): Who?

Leslie Shay: His girl.

Matt Casey: Hallie!

Chief Boden: (into radio) Casey, where are you?

Matt Casey: No! No! No!

                     [whimpers & groans]

                                  [wood creaking & splitting]

                                                [explosion]

Chief Boden: (into radio) Casey, where the hell are you?

                       (into radio) Casey. Casey!

                                       [explosion continues]

Chief Boden: (into radio) Talk to me. Where the hell are you?

Kelly Severide: We got her! We’re coming out!

Chief Boden: [sighs]

Gabby Dawson: Get oxygen on her and into the ambulance now.

Police Officer (Jim Barnes): We’ll lead the way.

Matt Casey: I’m coming.

                                        [ambo door shuts]

                                             [sirens wail]

Matt Casey: [heavy breathing] Breathe, Hallie. Breathe.

                      Damn it, baby. Breathe.

                      Come on! Breathe.

                      Breathe. Damn it, girl.

                      Breathe.

                                      [ambo door shuts]

                                        [sombre music]

Matt Casey: [sniffles]

                     [sobbing]

                     No!

                     No! [sobs & wails]

                                              - end -

Definitions:

D&D = Drunk and Disorderly

K-12 = Fire/Rescue saw. It can be used for forcible entry, ventilation, USAR (Urban Search and Rescue – technical rescue operation that involves the location, extrication, and initial medical stabilisation of victims trapped in an urban area, namely structural collapse due to natural disasters, mines and collapsed trenches), RIC (Rapid Intervention Crew - team of two or more firefighters dedicated solely to the search and rescue of other firefighters in distress), and vehicle extrication

Sawzall = Term often used to describe any brand of reciprocating saw. These saws cut in a back and forth motion, similar to a handsaw that’s just downed four espressos

EMS Plan 2 = 5 Ambulances, 1 Paramedic Field Chief, 1 Deputy District Chief, 1 Command Van, 1 Triage Van, Media Affairs Unit

SVT = Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a condition where your heart suddenly beats much faster than normal

Cardioverting = An electrical cardioversion is a treatment which aims to get your abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) back to a normal pattern. It’s done by sending controlled electric signals to your heart through electrodes placed on the chest

Adenosine = Used to bring your heart back into a normal rhythm

[imagines-r-s]

sticking it - j. farabee

chapter 3

a/n: um, so, here’s this. enjoy it. there’s not much to say, just that this is super cute tbh and that farabee definitely knows his Megan :))

taglist: @butgilinsky​ @barbienoturbby​ @sunsetholland​ @lovenhlboys​ @sortagaysortahigh​ @hockey-racing-fubol​ @oopsiedoopsie23​ @iwantahockeyhimbo​ @bbbbruins​ (if you want to be added, just let me know)

warnings: fluff, this chapter has a lot to do with mental toughness of an athlete, swearing, nothing else i can think of

sticking it masterlist

wc: 3.0k

BZ: hey, i’m outside whenever you’re ready

You grabbed your gym bag and made your way downstairs, finding Joel standing outside his car holding a smoothie and granola bar, “I figured coffee might not be the best thing for you right before practice, so I’m hoping you like smoothies.” 

“You might be surprised how many times I made that mistake when I was younger,” you added walking closer to him, watching as he opened the door for you, “oh wow, a true gentleman.”

“I have to get on your good side. Especially if I want to see you in my jersey again,” he said before shutting your door, “do you have good music taste?”

“I like to think I do?”

“Ok, well you seem somewhat confident with that answer, so you can have aux if you want,” he handed over his phone that was already opened to Spotify. Unsure of what he would like, you decide to put on your pre-practice hype playlist that featured Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Chance the Rapper, and Meg Thee Stallion. 

Deciding to just hit shuffle, ‘Captain Hook’ by Megan Thee Stallion was the first to play. You expect Bee to just sit there and let you play your music without objection, but you were shocked when you heard him say, “real hot girl shit.”

“Do you know the whole song or just that?” but as he continued to sing the rest of the song, with the obvious censorship, you were shocked to say the least, “wasn’t expecting that one.”

“I love Meg, not even going to lie to you,” Joel said, shrugging his shoulders. 

“Don’t we all, don’t we all.”

Eventually the two of you made it to your gym, Joel bidding you a quick farewell and waited for you to get in the building before driving away. As soon as you entered the gym, you put your gym bag in your locker and joined Nicole and your other teammates on the floor. “Ok, ladies. For warm up today, we’ll be doing 15 minutes of running outside, two ab circuits, and two rope climbs. Nicole and y/n, we need to speak with you right after.” 

“Not the ‘Nicole and y/n, we need to speak with you’,” Nicole said, getting her running shoes on. 

“I’m more concerned about the cardio, babe,” you said, grabbing your running shoes from your gym bag. 

The two of you were the first ones to finish the run, doing your ab circuits and rope climbs as quickly as possible, and went straight to Michelle and Marcus. “Alright, so, your performances at the American Cup were amazing and we’re super proud of you both. But with there being about two months until the US Classics, we want to make sure both of you are practicing safe routines, and safe landings especially,” Marcus said. 

“Right now, we just want you two to get a few full out routines a week and marking the rest. Obviously, we will dedicate time to our dismounts and tumbling, etc., it’s just not safe to be going all out and overworking yourselves,” Michelle added,”Nicole, you’re free to go, you’ll be starting on bars with Coach Collins.” 

Once Nicole had left, both Marcus and Michelle looked towards you, Marcus being the first one to break the silence, “we assume you heard about Kathryn working the dismount?”

Simply nodding in response, Michelle quickly spoke up,”look, we’re going to be honest with you right now. There is a possibility she isn’t going to compete it and just posted it to scare you, but we do know that you have been cleared to work on twisting dismounts, we just want you to start off doing a single full and the highest you’ll go this week is double twists. We’ll continue working towards the triple and eventually the 3.5, but we’re going slow and most won’t be an actual landing.”

“We have a plan in place we think will work, but you have to follow the plan. It’ll only work if you agree to pace yourself correctly,” Marcus added. 

“So, we’ll start week 1 of 8, easing back into twisting. So, twisting drills, lots of twisting into the pit, but we stick with just doing fulls. Week 2 of 8, is going to be starting to work on twisting off the beam, we will just stick with 1-1.5 twists, maybe try a double, but nothing more. Week 3, is going to be getting doubles consistently, and maybe try a 2.5. Week 4, is consistent 2.5 twists and try more drills to get the triple twisting back. Week 5, we do the triples for real and getting them consistent. Week 6 will be working on getting back to doing 3.5 twisting. Week 7 and 8, will have less focus on beam and just work on getting everything else consistently in time for the Classic,” Michelle told you, showing the board that had all of this marked on there. 

“Keep in mind, we are just working on getting the dismount back, but that doesn’t mean you only do beam, we have to do other events, too. And you have to follow this plan, do you understand?”

“Yeah, I understand,” you replied. 

“Alright, today you start on floor and end on beam.” 

…..

The first week was easy enough, you were just doing drills that you had been doing since you were younger, but you knew these next two months would not be as easy as you wanted them to be. Eventually, you had to start working towards the actual dismount. With week two, it was a lot harder than you expected. Although you were doing a skill you had had for years, the idea of doing anything similar to what hurt you still scared you. 

Once you were able to get your single twists back consistently, it was onto adding more twists. By week three, you were working on double twists, which was something you used to do as warm-up and now here you were standing at the edge of the beam, unable to move towards the landing mat on the other side. You knew that if you didn’t get it at some point this week, it would push back the plan, which was something you couldn’t afford. 

Somehow you got past doubles and 2.5, working triples by week 5. Week 5 consisted of doing the dismount into the pit, which was something you were able to do, but you were stuck in the same spot as you moved onto week 6. 

At the start of week 6, Kevin took note of how you were getting home later than he was even after his practice. He took note that you seemed a lot less excited about going to practice, hardly talking to anyone, other than a few spare texts here and there. “Kev, you still planning on coming to the lake with us this weekend?” Carter asked, as the team headed back to the locker room. 

“Yeah, I think so. I have to make sure y/n/n is okay though. She’s been overworking herself again and we all know what happened last time she did that,” Kevin replied. He was familiar with how you were able to invest so much time into your sport, and although he was happy that you were able to after so long, he knew that it could be your downfall. 

“If she wants to take time off, there are enough rooms at the condo, she’s welcome to come. Plus, I’ll ask Teeks to bring Karly, so she has someone there,” Carter offered. 

Kevin appreciated the offer, but he still felt bad. This was a ‘guys’ weekend that had been planned months ahead of time, but he also knew it was an amazing option for you to come and be away from the gym. “Check with the other guys first. I would feel awful ruining the plans we have.”

“Yeah, of course, I’ll ask them as soon as I can and let you know,” Carter answered just as Nolan, Travis, Morgan, and Joel walked into the locker room. He quickly called them over, “Ok, so Kev noticed that y/n/n has been overworking herself and is worried about leaving her here, would it be cool if she came with us? I already offered, but he wanted to make sure it was cool with you guys.”

A series of yes’ echoed through the group. “I can see if Karly wants to come, too, just so y/n/n doesn’t have to deal with all of us by herself,” Travis added, “I can tell Beezer is a little bit too happy about this one.” The group turned towards Joel, who was now sporting a huge smile on his face. 

“Listen, I just like spending quality time with my team and their family. Team bonding, you know,” Joel replied. 

“Mhm, that’s definitely it,” Nolan said rolling his eyes, “don’t forget the PowerPoint.”

As Kevin left the rink, he checked the time and realized now was the time that you were usually at lunch, he decided to head to the gym to talk to Michelle and Marcus. “Ah, Kevin, it’s so good to see you. Congrats on a good season so far,” Marcus stood up from his desk to shake Kevin’s hand. 

“I need to ask something. I know y/n has been overworking and it’s concerning me. Now, I get if this might not be a mutual concern, but if it is, I wanted to ask if she could have the weekend off?” Kevin said. 

“Oh my god, please get her out of here. I know if we let her, she would sleep here, but right now, she needs to play it safe or else she’ll get hurt,” Michelle said as she walked through the office door towards the pair.

“Would the lake be playing it safe or no?”

“As long as she doesn’t follow after you and your friends, she’s making somewhat smart choices,” Marcus said. 

“That’s valid, I respect it. I’m coming to pick her up from here tomorrow morning during her private lesson with you guys,” Kevin said, to which both of your coaches nodded. 

After making some more small talk with your coaches, Kevin made his way back down to the parking lot, running into just the right person, “Nicole, I need a favor.”

“Oh, hey, Kev. How are you? I’m great, thank you for asking. What’s up?”

“Can you possibly sneak into y/n’s apartment tomorrow while she’s at her private lesson and pack her a bag for a four day trip to the lake?”

“Oh, thank God, you’re getting her out of here. And yeah, of course. She’ll get here at 7, so what time do you plan on leaving your place?”

“Well, she’s supposed to be here til 10, so I’ll leave at like 8:30, so just drop the bag off at mine?”

“Yeah, that works. I’ll see you then.”

…..

Shortly after you left for practice, Nicole made her way to your apartment. You had given her a spare, so she had a way in. She quickly grabbed all your hair stuff, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and then 5 outfits, 4 swimsuits, socks, shoes, and anything else she thought you might need. 

She made sure to water your plants before leaving towards Kevin’s apartment. Knocking on the door, Nolan was the one to answer, “Hey, Nic.”

“Hey, Nol. I come bearing gifts - well if you consider all my friends stuff I took from her apartment to give her a break from her stubborn self - then Merry Christmas.”

“Nicole, thank you so much. I owe you one,” Kevin said as he rounded the corner. 

“Don’t worry about it, I’m here to help her out,” Nicole stated simply,”her chargers are in the side pockets and everything else is in the main part of the bag. Ok, I have to go now, have fun this weekend.”

Nolan and Kevin got the rest of their necessities together before jumping into Kevin’s car and heading to your gym. Michelle was the one to let the pair into the gym, having locked the doors for the private lesson. 

They took their time, watching as you were working on some drills with Marcus, but when Marcus’ eyes found Kevin’s he stopped what he was doing. “Hey, look. You’ve been working yourself a little bit too hard recently, so we’re letting you take this weekend off,” Marcus said, guiding you towards Nolan and Kevin. 

“I don’t need time off, I’m fine. I- what are they doing here?”

“You’re going with them to the lake for the weekend,” Marcus continued guiding you closer to them, knowing you would try to make a run for it. 

“Hey, y/n, we have a bag packed for you already, so c’mon,” Nolan said, calmly. 

“I’m not going,” you protested. 

“You’re going,” Kevin said, walking closer to you before picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder. Nolan picked up your gym bag from the ground and followed behind Kevin. 

“Guys, what the hell? This is like kidnapping or something?” 

“We love you,” you heard Michelle say as Kevin made his way out of the gym with you on his shoulder. As soon as you got to the car, Nolan opened the backseat doors and Kevin pushed you in there. You assumed that as soon as they left you would be able to just open the door and run, but you were quickly denied that option when you saw that the child locks were still on. 

“The child locks? Seriously?” 

“We knew you’d run. C’mon, your coaches said you needed to stop working so hard, so it’s not just us saying it. Now we have about a four hour drive, so I say either sleep or just go on your phone, but please just take this time off peacefully,” Kevin said. 

“How am I supposed to do this peacefully when you kidnapped me?”

“Ok, well, that sucks. But Karly is coming too, so you can rant to her when you get there.”

“Bee will be there, too,” Nolan interjected. 

“Thanks for the warning.”

“Don’t act all tough, sweetie. Not all of us are blind,” Nolan said, looking towards Kev. 

“I’m not blind, I just choose to ignore it,” Kevin replied. 

…..

“So, you and y/n, huh?” Karly asked Joel while Travis and Carter were over by the grill, Morgan still inside unpacking. 

“I mean I don’t know,” Joel responded honestly. 

“Do you want there to be?” Karly quickly took note of the slight blush and small smile that gathered on his face. 

“I wouldn’t object, if that says anything,”Karly laughed at the fact that both of you had similar responses to the same question, “what? Did I say something bad?”

“No, hun, no. You both are just a lot alike, that’s all. I think you’d be good for her though, she deserves something good in her life.”

“Yeah, I agree with you on that one,” Joel said, hearing his phone go off, “oh, guys, they’re here, but they need help with their bags.”

As the boys made their way outside to go help with bags, Karly waited inside for you to come in, only to see Kevin carrying your sleeping form with Joel following close behind with your bag. 

“Awe, babe. Did you see Bee carrying y/n/n’s bag? That’s so cute,” Karly said when Travis returned. 

“Awe, babe, how come you never carry my bag?” Travis said, only earning an elbow to the rib from Karly. 

“y/n has been out most of the way home, so we honestly don’t know when she’ll be up,” Nolan said, walking towards the pair. 

…..

Shortly after dinner was served, the group made their way close to the deck, Joel quickly finding a spot on the hammock after pushing Morgan off. Travis and Karly sitting near the edge of the water, Morgan sitting right next to the hammock near his best friend, and Nolan, Carter, and Kevin standing and talking. 

You had woken up in the familiar room of the condo, quickly changing into comfier clothes and attempting to find the others in the house. When you saw that the house was silent, you quickly came to the assumption that everyone was near the docks, so you got a bottle of water and made your way over there. 

“Ah, sleeping beauty has finally arrived,” Travis said, seeing you make your way towards the group.

“Fuck off, dude,” you yawned, “I was tired.”

“Awe, poor baby,” Joel said from the hammock, earning an eye roll from you. 

“Bee, you’re in my usual spot right now, I would watch it if I were you.”

“You’re free to join me,” he said, a smirk evident in his voice. 

“Oh, wow, the girls are fighting,” Morgan’s voice could be heard from beside the hammock. 

You eventually made your way over to the hammock after those on the deck started their conversation up again, “Bee, can I sit by you?”

“Awe, babe, I am going to need to speak up,” Joel said, cockily. 

“I’m not doing that again,” you said, walking towards the hammock and quickly pushing the hammock to the side, which caused him to fall out, “awe, babe, it looks like you fell.” 

You quickly got back up on the hammock, expecting him to push you over the way you did him, but were shocked when he simply laid right on top of you, his head on your chest and arms wrapping around you, “plot twist,” he said, softly. 

“Your face is in my boobs right now,” you stated, causing him to lift his head to look at you, you kept one of your feet towards the ground to keep the hammock moving. 

“Your heart started beating faster when I laid down, so either you’re about to have a heart attack or I make you nervous. But honestly, if you want me to move though, I will.” 

“No, no. You’re fine,” you spoke softly as he rested his head against your chest once more, your hand finding its way towards his head to play with his hair. 

“Hey, we are still over here by the way,” Kevin yelled towards you two. 

“Kev, stop. They’re adorable, let them be,” Karly quickly scolded him.

“I’m just going to move, so that way I’m not third wheeling again,” Morgan grumbled. 

[riveramorylunar]

The Stepmothers

Pairings: Rory Evanson x Reader x Morgan Evanson

Warnings ⚠️: Mentions of abuse, mentions of killing, bruises, cuts & fluffy ending

Nicknames: Sweetie, Darling, Ro Ro & Morg Morg

A/N: This story is on my Wattpad but I will be adding some stuff to it on here!!!

Hey I'm Y/N and well my mother passed away 6 years ago when I was 11 and I was put into an orphanage because I didn't know who my dad was until I was 18. He took me to his home and it was huge. When we arrived at the house I was shocked it was a mansion. When we got to the front door it opened and revealing a tall woman wearing a red silk robe. "Jack what are you doing back I thought you were going away on a business trip" the woman said and I looked away. "I came to drop my daughter off I just picked her up from the airport and she'll be living here from now on so please be nice as well as your wife" he said and I frowned raising my eyebrow. He looked at me and saw my confused expression and sighed. "Y/N this is my wife Rory and her wife is around here somewhere and her name is Morgan" He said and I was still confused. He looked at his watched and his eyes widened in shock. "Well I got to catch my flight I'll see you guys in couples months and Y/N please be nice and I enrolled you into one of the richest schools here you'll be starting tomorrow" he said kissing my forehead and then kissing Rory's cheek before running back to his car and driving off.

"Well don't just stand there I don't have all day I got places to be" Rory said and I grabbed my bags and walked in hearing the door shut behind me. "Darling who was at the door" I heard a woman's voice and I looked up to see a woman with Ash Blonde hair that faded into black. She had emerald green eyes and a scar on her right eyebrow. Rory had all black hair and sky blue eyes that were behind a pair of reading glasses. "Oh who might you be" Morgan said looking at me. I saw Rory walk past me and towards Morgan whispering something into her ear before kissing her on the cheek and walking away.

I was getting ready for school the next day. After I finished getting ready I walked out of my room and heard laughing coming from downstairs.

I walked downstairs to see Morgan sitting besides Rory with her legs on her lap and they were cuddling. I just walked past them and into the kitchen minding my own business. I ate some cereal before brushing my teeth and walking back downstairs and to the front door with my backpack. "Can one of you drive me to my new school please" I said and they both looked up from their spot on the couch. They both stood up and walked over to the front door.

They drove me to school and when we arrived I got out and my mouth dropped. "Have fun Y/N" Morgan said and I nodded smiling before I walked towards the building.

I walked into the school and saw kids laughing and talking while leaning against lockers. I saw some kissing each other making me cringe. "Hey you" I heard someone shout and I looked up to see who I assumed was the cheer captain and her two of her team member. She walked up to me and she was probably two inches taller than me

"You're the new girl right" she asked and I nodded as she held her hand out. "Well nice to meet you I'm Nicole and these two are Tessa and Juliet" she said and I took her hand and shook it. "Y/N Y/L/N" I said and she let go of my hand. "Come on me and the girls will show you around " Nicole said and I thanked her as she slung an arm over my shoulder. We started walking and I saw boys and girls looking at me making me nervous.

They showed me around the school and they were actually pretty nice everyone was well besides the jock. They never change they always think their better than everyone else. "Well that's the end of the tour Y/N oh and here's your classroom" Nicole said and I thanked her before walking in and everyone looked up at me making me gulp. "Ah you must be Y/N Y/L/N am I correct" The teacher asked and I nodded and he told me to introduce myself. "Oh uh I'm Y/N I'm 17 and I moved here from London" I said and everyone welcomed me making me smile.

After school I was waiting on the steps of the school when I saw a familiar car pull up and rushed up to it and got in shutting the door behind me. "How was school Y/N" Morgan said and I told them both it was amazing and told them how nice everyone was besides the jocks. Morgan smiled at that and I saw a hint of a smile on Rory's lips.

The next day at school I was swarmed with students to date them but I kept declining them. "Hey Y/N wait up" I heard the football team captain say and I stopped and he ran in front of me stopping. "What do you want" I muttered and he just smirked before pulling out a bouquet of lilies and my eyes widen in shock. "Will you be my girlfriend" he asked and I looked up at him in shock. I just looked away and walked away embarrassed. I was roughly grabbed by my arm and turned around to be face to face with Darren. "Don't walk away from me" He whispered and pulled me into an empty room. He pinned me against the wall and whispered into my ear. "I suggest you be my girlfriend unless you want your friends lives to be a living hell" He whispered into my ear and I started tearing up. "Alright I'll be your girlfriend only for my friends though" I whispered out and I felt him smirk before shoving the lilies in my arms before kissing my cheek. "Oh and don't tell anyone or you'll regret it" he said before leaving shutting the door behind him.

I slid down to the floor and burst into tears as I got my phone our and messaged Morgan and Rory asking if they could come and pick me up right now. A minute later my phone started ringing and I answered it. "Hello" I said between sobs, my breathing was uneven and my voice was shaky. "Y/N are you okay what happened" I heard Morgan's voice and I tried to say something but all that came out was a choked sob and I heard a car start. "We'll be right there alright meet us at the front of the school okay" Morgan said and I whispered an okay and she stayed on the phone as I walked out of the classroom and saw there was nobody in the halls. I ran to the front of the school and out of the building to see their car speeding into the parking lot and stopping right in front of the school building. I threw the lilies onto the steps and ran towards the car and jumped in shutting the door behind me and buried my head in my knees as I continued to cry.

I felt the car stop and heard the doors shut. "Y/N can you get out" I heard Rory say and I slowly got out of the car. I ran into the house when one of the maids opened the door. Before I could run up the stairs I felt a hand grab my arm. I was pulled into Morgan's body and I just broke down again. "Can you tell us what happened sweet girl" I heard her whisper softly. I shook my head no and she sat down on the steps. I was sat on her lap facing away from her as I just held onto her forearms. I felt Rory's hand stroke through my hair and I looked up to see her kneeled down in front of us. "Tell us when you're ready alright" she said and I nodded slowly. She leaned in and kissed me on the forehead.

After that day my life became hell since I became Darren's girlfriend. I've been doing all his homework and if I didn't well he would hit or kick me repeatedly until I would do it. I have tons and tons of bruises scattered all over my body now because of him.

I was sitting in my seat in English class when I felt a sharp pain shot through and I covered my mouth trying not to make a sound. "Miss. Y/L/N please sit up and pay attention" I heard the teacher say and I just stayed the way I was. "Miss Y/L/N did you hear me" the teacher said and I just nodded trying to sit up straighter but I cried out in pain. "Someone take Miss Y/L/N to the nurses office" I heard the teacher say and I was pulled up immediately making me wince as I felt two arms wrap around my waist. I slowly looked up to see Tess and Juliet. They helped me to the nurses office and sat me down on the bed.

The nurse walked in a couple minutes later and Tessa told her what happened. "Can I lift your shirt up a bit Y/N" she asked and not remembering what Darren said I nodded my head and she gasped when she lifted my shirt up a bit. I finally started crying and caved in telling them everything and the nurse called the principal to her office. He came in a couple minutes later and the Nurse told him everything. "Call her parents" He shouted as he stormed out and the nurse looked at me. She called my father but he didn't pick up so she turned to me and I looked at Tessa and Juliet. Tessa held her hand out. I handed her my phone as I winced in pain and I watched as she unlocked my phone and dialed Rory's phone number and it started ringing. She handed it to the nurse and I heard the other line get picked up. "Y/N what's going on you should be in class" I heard Rory's rough and velvety voice making me start calming down. "I'm sorry this is the school's nurse your Daughter is currently in my office because her boyfriend has been beating her up and she has cuts and bruises all over her body. I tried to call her father but he didn't answer " The nurse said and I heard something shatter making my eyes widen in shock. "Miss is everything al-" she was cut off by Rory's shout. "She's not my daughter she's my step-daughter and her father is away on a business trip so me and my wife will come and pick her up and take her home" Rory stated and the nurse gulped and she jumped when she heard a door slam shut really loudly. "Can I talk to Y/N" I heard Rory's voice and the nurse handed me my phone before leaving as well as my friends. "Rory" I whispered my voice cracking a bit. "Y/N why the hell didn't you tell us this shit I'm seriously gonna kill that jackass" she growled out make me whimper. "Please don't I don't want to lose you to if you go to jail I can't lose another person in my life I already lost my mother and other people I care about" I cried out and heard her sigh before saying okay making me smile.

I hung up after that and heard the door open to see Nicole, Ashton, Luca, and Andy with tears in their eyes. I saw Tessa and Juliet behind the four of them.

"Guys move out of the way" we heard the principal said and they moved out of the way. "Y/N the police will be here shortly to take Darren away he'll be in jail for the rest of his life" my eyes widen in shock and I stood up and stumbled but Andy caught me and I thanked them as I slung an arm over their shoulders. "Can I watch him get arrested" I said and the principal nodded before leading the way and my friends followed outside to the front of the building to see Darren and the assistant principal standing with him. "YOU BITCH" he shouted and charged at me but the principal and his assistant held him back as he screamed at the top of his lungs. I saw a police car and Rory's car speed into the parking lot and in front of the school. The doors to Rory's car opened and I saw Rory and Morgan step out shutting the doors behind them. They looked up and their eyes widen in shock as the police car doors open and two police officers step out.

I heard commotion behind us so I looked over to see all the students looking at the scene. "Y/N YOU'RE GOING TO REGRET THIS WHEN I GET OUT OF JAIL I-" he was cut off when Rory's fist came into contact with his face and he stumbled backwards and onto the ground. The police officers pulled him up and cuffed him. "WHAT THE HELL YOU FUCKING BITCH WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE" he shouted and Rory just smirked before putting a hand on her hip and tilting her head up a bit. "I'm Rory Evanson daughter of Richard Evanson oh and the biggest CEO in New York" she said and his eyes widen in shock and I heard gasps. "No wonder she looked so familiar" I started hearing whispers. "And this is my Wife Morgan Evanson the second CEO of my company" she said making me smile. "You made a big mistake when you laid a hand on my Step-daughter she's the most kindest person I have ever met and you had the audacity to hit her" Rory said and I immediately started tearing up again. She laughed and grabbed him by the jaw. "Your parents will know about this and immediately be fired from their jobs and it won't be my fault if they become homeless it'll be yours do you understand" Rory said and Darren nodded frightened as can be. "Good" she said and shoved his face away. I watched as he was shoved into the police car and it drove off. Rory looked at me and her face immediately turned from pissed to worried. She walked over and thanked Andy before she helped me to the car.

When we got home Morgan carried ey up to my room and sat me down on my bed slowly taking my shirt and pants off. There were bruises and cuts scattered all over my body. My neck to my stomach, shoulders to my hands and Hips to my ankles. "Come on let's get you in the bath and clean those cuts up okay" she said softly and I nodded as I started to hear water running.

They helped me wash up and dry off before rubbing ointment all over my back and the back of my legs first. They did it a couple of more times on the rest of my body before putting my pajamas on me. "Get some rest now we'll be downstairs if you need us" Morgan said and I grabbed both their wrists. "Please stay I don't want to be alone I'm scared" I muttered out and they looked at each other before climbing into my bed and I cuddled up to Rory and I felt Morgan's arm wrap around my waist making sure not to put any pressure on my waist. I slowly started to fall asleep until I was in a deep sleep.

I woke up in a pair of arms and I bolted up and panicked. "Y/N" I heard Morgan's voice and I looked over to see her looking up at me and I breathed in and out calming down. I laid back down and buried my head in her chest as I wrapped an arm around her waist. "I'm sorry I thought you were Darren" I muttered out and felt her hand stroke through my hair. "Hey hey he won't hurt you anymore I promise you" She whispered softly making me relax a little. "That's it breath in and out" she said and I kept doing it until I felt safe in her arms. I felt her smile against my head and I slowly started to fall back asleep while listening to the sound of her heartbeat.

I woke up the next day about to get ready for school when the door opened and Rory walked in. "What do you think you're doing" she asked with a raised eyebrow and I told her I was getting ready for school. "You won't be going to school for awhile Y/N you need to heal" she said and I sat back down on my bed and sighed. "Come on let's get you downstairs and something to eat Morgan will be home later" Rory said and I nodded as she helped me downstairs.

We spent the whole day together and it was pretty fun. I was laying back against Rory and she had one arm wrapped around my waist while the other stroked through my hair as we watched a movie when the door opened and I looked up to see Morgan walking in looking tired. "hi baby how was work" I heard Rory say and I tried to sit up but Rory's grip tightened around me. "It was tiring I missed you though I missed you both" Morgan said falling down onto the couch after kicking her shoes off. She was laying her head on my stomach with her eyes closed. I shifted a little bit and Morgan looked up at me with a raised eyebrow making my gulp. I gasped when I felt her knee push between my thighs. I threw my head back against Rory's chest and closed my eyes tightly. I felt her hot breath against my neck making me shiver. She just chuckled before kissing my cheek and laying her head on my chest while wrapping her arms around my waist. "you're cute when you're flustered" I heard Rory say making me huff and roll my eyes.

It's been a couple of weeks and I've almost been completed healed and they told me they both had to go into work so they brought me along.

I was in their office while they were in a meeting next door. I was sitting on top of their desk swinging my legs back and forth when I heard the door open. I looked up to see a blonde woman wearing glasses and a blouse tucked in a tight skirt. "Mrs. Evanson I have the p-" she stopped when she spotted me. "Oh who are you and where's Mrs. Evanson" she asked and I just smiled. "I'm Y/N" I said and her eyes widened in shock. "So you're their partner" she said and I frowned raising my eyebrow in confusion. Before I could say anything the door opened and I saw Rory and Morgan walk in looking at the woman.

"Oh Olive you're here where's the paperwork" Rory said and the woman supposedly named Olive handed Morgan the paperwork before walking out and shutting the door behind her. "Rory what did she mean by partner I'm yo-" I was cut off when she grabbed my jaw roughly and yanked me off her desk towards her. "If you say step-daughter I'll slap you" she growled out making me gulp. "Rory darling let her go and relax will you" Morgan said and Rory let go of me and I rubbed my jaw. "Damn you got a strong grip" I muttered and I felt hands on my face and I looked up to see Morgan looking at me with a worried expression. She let go and then turned around and hit Rory on the head and started shouting at her. "Morgan stop shouting I'm alright I promise" I said and she stopped and looked at me. I grabbed her face and rested her forehead against mine. "See I'm alright" I said and closed my eyes. My eyes widened when I felt lips against mine. "Hey I thought we said I'd kiss her first" I heard Rory's voice and I pushed Morgan away flustered as can be. "Why did you do that" I stuttered out and heard Morgan laugh as well as Rory. I felt an arm sling over my shoulder and a finger under my chin making me look up to see Rory. "Oh darling because we can is there a problem" she husked and I immediately shook my head no making her smile. "Good girl" she said before kissing me on the lips roughly making me groan and melt into her arms.

Taglist: @blckwidowsbf

A/N: should I make a part 2