#Regina Chess

[zibaldone-di-pensieri]

Do you (know how to) play Chess?

[fioredivenere]

Beth Harmon

Ho passato la mia vita dubitando delle mie capacità, screditandomi e concedendo agli altri le mie vittorie. Non ho mai seguito una costanza nella disciplina, solo nella mia insofferente autodistruzione. Il finale della Regina degli Scacchi risuona nelle mie orecchie come un monito, non di eccellenza ma di autoefficacia. Quando lei ha creduto veramente di potercela fare da sola, senza i suoi metodi alternativi che toglievano la convinzione nel suo talento, solo quando si è trovata di fronte all'ostacolo più grande lei ha sfoderato ciò che ha dentro veramente. Quel soffitto così vasto e pieno di possibilità. Ha nella sua mente tutto ciò di cui ha veramente bisogno, talento, determinazione, ferocia e soprattutto alla fine anche autostima. Certo, l'aiuto degli altri è fondamentale. L'umiltà di accoglierlo però non è da tutti. Devo dire che questa miniserie mi ha colpito davvero nel profondo. Il senso di perdita, di smarrimento, di mancanza di protezione da parte delle persone che avrebbero dovuto, e infine l'aiuto delle persone più inaspettate. Certo che ogni sua azione masochista, distruttiva, dannosa e irriverente la rendono ai miei occhi più umana e imperfetta, più simile a me nella sua fragilità e follia. Il dubbio di aver distrutto ogni dono della sua mente, il feroce vuoto dentro di lei e la possibilità di cambiare e perseverare nei suoi obiettivi. Io non ho aspirazioni così gravi come quella di essere il migliore a livello globale. Le mie aspirazioni sono più modeste ma affronto le mie sfide allo stesso modo. Lampi di intuizione, improvvisa irrequietezza e periodi di ozio e suicidio dell'animo. Non ho mai visto questi con mio affine senso di sconfitta riuscire a vincere e soggiogare i propri demoni e vizi tanto come ci è riuscita lei. Ammiro questo personaggio e tutti coloro che vi si rivedono.

[a-simple-imagine]

Perfectly Pathetic

synopsis: when you take an interest in the new girl, regina takes an interest in you

pairing: regina george x plastics!fem!reader

words: 4.6k+

A/N - in the nicest of ways, please DO NOT read this if you don't want to read about toxic relationships. you have been warned. I don't want a repeat of last time. also we need more fics where regina is actually mean so

WARNINGS - swearing, alcohol use, general toxicity, toxic relationships and bullying/vague reference to weight

Buy me a ko-fi

the clash of plastic trays and idle chatter brought alive the fragile student body of North Shore High School. on the outside this may seem like any other lunch room but inside it was a carefully crafted game of chess. every move was calculated. each person has their place and if you stray too far you're at risk. you're sat next to Gretchen Weiners. known for big hair and keeping secrets, she knows everything about everyone. opposite her is Karen Shetty. she... tries her best and looks adorable doing it. a ray of sunshine if you get to know her. and before you sits the most beautiful woman you have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Regina George. effortlessly perfect but needlessly cruel. she was the most popular person in school and one of your best friends.

perfectly manicured nails stab into the skin of your cheek as your head is yanked in her direction. razor-sharp eyes stare back. "are you even listening?" the answer was no but you didn't want to say that. "what are you staring at?"

a flash of blonde as she looks behind her. you push against her grip to look too. across the room sat Janis 'imi'ike and Damian Hubbard. you hardly ever spoke to them but you were lab partners with Damian. he was funny. today, however, there was a new addition with strawberry blonde hair, a blue checkered shirt and brown pants. you knew everyone at this school to some degree. a curse of popularity. but you had never seen her before. "seems they've got themselves a new friend"

"who cares," her nails dig a little deeper drawing a pained expression as she pulls your head back to face her. She holds your gaze for a moment. a silent challenge. before fingertips glide across your cheek and she goes back to leading the conversation across the table. you pick at the food on the tray with a fork but you can't help but be intrigued. North Shore was boring and predictable. a direct result of being under Regina's control. but this girl was new and you couldn't help but be drawn to that. to the unknown. to the possibility. three pairs of eyes as you push up from the table and march across the room.

"I haven't seen you around here before." was all you could think to say as you approached the end of the table. Janis and Damian share a look before settling on... confusion. You weren't ever particularly mean to others but you were guilty by association. people mess with you. they mess with Regina.

"oh," by the look on her face, she already knew who you were or at the very least your friends. "it's my first day."

"Where did you transfer from?"

"uh... Kenya," she seems unsure. you put it down to nerves.

"you sure about that?" a curious raise of your brow. "'cause you don't sound-"

"we're leaving" stated firmly as three girls breeze past. the blonde leads the way. the other two are just a step behind.

"so what made you move all the way here from Kenya?"

"my mom got a new job."

"couldn't find one-"

the sound of your name echoes through the room bringing the world to a stop. a weird silence settles over the room. "come. now." growled through gritted teeth and paired with snapping fingers. you were being summoned like a naughty dog ignoring their owner. a sigh as all eyes fall to you. waiting to see what you'd do but make no mistake, they already knew the answer.

"I'll see you around." a flash of a smile before you scamper after Regina.

"so your ears do work." is all the girl says as she shoves you through the door. you bite back any comment because that was how this worked. you may be top of the food chain to everyone else but Regina led the pack.

as the final bell for the day rings, you're shoving things in your locker when you spot the new girl. she seems to be struggling to even open it. you watch her for a moment. a smirk settling. this was another chance to talk and this time Regina couldn't demand your presence. "need some help?" it seemed to take her by surprise as a handful of papers drifted to the floor. a small chuckle, you reach down to collect her work and hand it back. "how's your first day going?"

she shrugs, taking the papers. "it's alright."

"anyone giving you any trouble?" you ask, falling to lean against the lockers. people around here were not nice and took every chance to show it. some more than others. She shakes her head. "you sure? if anyone does anything, I can sort them out." you give her a knowing look and she offers a sort of amused smile. "so you do know how to smile, it's cute. are you gonna tell me your name or am I gonna have to guess?"

"it's cady. Cady heron."

"well, cady heron. the trick to these," you tap her locker door with your knuckle. "is to push in and pull up before trying to open it. annoying, I know but they're old." you watch her try again and this time it swings open. "see."

"Thanks." you linger as they shove some of their stuff inside. you notice a few stray stickers on the locker opposite.

"no problem." you push up from the metal. "I can show you all types of tricks to get through this hellscape if you want?" she shuts her locker and you both start walking towards the exit. "number one tip, avoid Regina."

"Isn't she your friend?"

"yeah," you nod. "that's why I said it. She can be... a lot. surely Janis told you that."

Cady looks at you for a long moment. "something like that." you let out a chuckle. Janis probably told her what a massive bitch Regina was. they had a less than favourable history.

"I should go. I'll see you around Cady Heron." as you both go your separate ways, you can't help but glance at her as she walks away.

having a study period just before lunch was both an absolutely ridiculous idea and the best thing to happen to your schedule. it basically guaranteed you didn't do any work whatsoever and felt more like a two-hour lunch period. seems you shared it with the new girl because she was sitting at a table scribbling in a book alongside Janis who was doing her normal embroidery or whatever.

"if it isn't Cady Heron," you comment, taking a seat on the bench. her face brightens at the sight.

"where's the rest of the coven?" Janis asks, not even bothering to look up from her work. "wait- don't tell me, a house fell on them."

"you're so funny Janis," an exaggerated sarcastic laugh.

"I think I can hear children singing... ding... dong the witch-"

"So Cady, how are you enjoying north shore?" you interrupt loudly and the 'song' trails off.

"It's fine."

"you don't talk much huh?"

her mouth opens but falls silent as Gretchen approaches the end of the table. she shoots you a less than favourable look. your brow furrows a little.

"Can I talk to you," pitch a little too high to say no.

"Sure," a shrug. you look at her for a long moment waiting for her to continue.

"in private," Gretchen urges. with a roll of your eyes, you stand up. flashing a smile at Cady, Gretchen grabs your hand and drags you away before you can say anything.

"what are you doing?" whisper yelled at you.

"I was just talking." god this girl was dramatic. you take your usual spot. she sits opposite.

"to the art freaks?"

"dude, it's fine."

"no it's not." she urges quickly, shaking her head "You know how Regina gets."

"Regina isn't here?" and she wouldn't be until lunch. only you and Gretchen share this free period. usually, you spend it listening to her gossip about people. she could not keep a secret to save her life at least not when it came to anyone outside of you and your friends; even then it's dicey. fun for you though.

"All I'm saying is you need to be careful,"

"don't worry. I was only interested in the new girl."

"that's worse," you just roll your eyes. "Regina doesn't like her."

"Regina doesn't even know her," you argue. "none of us do. she's been here like a week."

Gretchen thinks the idea of even wanting to talk to Cady is blasphemy. that it's better to avoid her but you think she's overreacting. Cady hadn't established herself at this school yet. right now she is with Janis but tomorrow who knows? she could be cool. it's a matter of perspective.

a pretty perfect smile does little to distract from playful eyes as you approach her jeep. the blonde is in the driver's seat. one hand rested over the steering wheel. the other typing something on her phone. She had sent a message telling you to hurry up but on arrival, neither Karen nor Gretchen were even here yet. you toss your bag in the back, climbing into your usual spot behind the driver's seat. Karen is usually next to you. "sit in the front, weirdo," she comments. you don't bother with a comeback, just moving to the front passenger seat.

"Where are the others?" you ask, glancing at her. the soft glow of the afternoon sun kissed her skin beautifully. black shades hang on the end of her nose. She really was something to be admired. Regina shrugs and then tosses her phone down. the car roars to life and you're starting down the road before you can think any more about it. it's pretty silent at first. the sound of the radio filling the space. the lack of your two other friends acting as a buffer was sitting weirdly. this wasn't your first time alone with Regina but she's been so grumpy lately. whatever you say feels like an invitation.

"so you like the new girl?" asked casually as she came to an abrupt stop at a red light. you just forward, the seatbelt digging into your neck. it drags up a quick cough but that could also be from surprise. other than that first interaction where she'd summoned you from across the room, you had never spoken to Cady when she was around. Gretchen may be dramatic but she probably wasn't wrong and you really didn't feel like risking it.

"Sorry?" feign confusion was... a choice but it seemed like the better option here.

"you like the new girl," repeated calmly; her eyes drift to you as yours move towards the traffic light. was this the longest red light in history? "right?"

now it's your turn to shrug. you find Cady intriguing but you're not entirely sure if it's interested in the way Regina is implying or just because you were so bored of the every day. "she's cool." a scoff as she pulls away continuing down the road. "you've hardly spoken to her."

"don't need to," Regina didn't miss a beat. Cady definitely didn't fit into what she'd consider cool but then again, neither had you. not entirely anyway and now you're here. you hang out with the most popular people in school. went to the hottest parties. you were currently being driven around by the Regina George. you never understood why or maybe you did and just refused to accept it was that simple. you know what everyone else says. that it's because of the attention you show her. you wouldn't necessarily say they're wrong but everyone gave her attention. She did always say there was something special about you. "I thought you at least had standards."

the rest of the car ride is silent as you think over what she said and Regina keeps to herself. the music is the only thing, keeping you sane until you pull up at the George residence. you always forget just how big her house is until you're there. As you walk inside, her mum appears abruptly startling you a little.

"hey, ms. George."

"hey girls," she singsonged. "how was school?"

"fine," Regina shoots back.

"well if you need anything? a drink? some snacks? advice? I'm here,"

"I'd actually love an iced-"

"we're good," growled as she grabbed your wrist hauling you up the stairs. "don't bother us." a confused look but she didn't let go until you were firmly inside her bedroom. door slammed shut. the blonde tosses her bag down.

"you should really be nicer to your mom, she adores you," you say idly taking a seat on the end of her bed, placing your bag down.

"you should shut up because it's none of your fucking business."

jesus christ. you kinda regret the decision to come over. "I just wanted an iced tea. maybe a little snack."

"god knows you don't need it," Regina comments. wow. okay. she was in a mood.

"what's up with you?"

"I'm fine," she responds. "you're just being so fucking annoying recently."

"I haven't done anything?" you've not been acting any differently so you have no clue what she's talking about.

"just absolutely drooling over the new girl. it's embarrassing." she declares, taking a seat on the bed.

"I..." you stop yourself because you're more confused than anything else. "we've spoken like once."

"liar" she responds. "I know you've been talking all the time," fucking Gretchen. "do you think she's pretty?"

"Cady?" Regina nods. you shrug. "I guess."

"prettier than me?" her head tilts. you can't tell if she was jealous or fishing for compliments; neither was her style. so it was probably a trap.

"no." you wanna say she's being dramatic but that wouldn't end well. She doesn't say anything, hardly even reacts. just cold eyes. Is she expecting you to say more? "of course not." you're waiting for the ball to drop. for her to make a snide comment or something. anything was better than nothing. but it just never comes. she takes out her phone and starts typing. you fall back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. you both just sit in the quiet. you're worried about saying anything that'll lead to more insults. god knows what she is doing on her phone.

"you're so pathetic." Regina eventually says. you'd take offence if you weren't used to it; basically a term of endearment at this point. you can hear her moving but don't bother looking until she's towering over you. dark eyes and a small smile that would seem genuine coming from anyone else. a hand cups your cheek but no nails follow; it's gentle and slow as she runs her thumb over your skin. what was happening right now? "do you ever think about me?" you blink a few times trying to make sense of everything. why was she being so nice? why was she being so gentle? why did she ask that?

"what do you mean?"

a roll of her pretty eyes. "you know what I mean." you did but surely not.

"I... don't know what to say."

"Because I think about you," your breathing hitches as you sit up. looking at her properly. "those pretty eyes," she moves closer. "these lips," her thumb runs over your bottom lip. you swallow hard. "do you wanna kiss me?" you just stare back. a smirk as she ghosts your lips.

"say you wanna kiss me." this felt cruel. you lean in and she pulls back slightly. a finger pressed against your lips. her expression is colder now. sharp. "say it."

"I... wanna kiss you," you dare and that smirk quickly returns. removing her finger, Regina leans in and connects your lips. it's soft and slow. not at all like you imagined kissing Regina George would feel like... until the girl pushes into you and it's exactly like you imagined. fast. forceful. like she wanted to devour you. A hand pushes you back against her massive bed and she moves to straddle your hips. your heart is beating so loudly you wouldn't be surprised if she could hear it.

"still thinking about the new girl?"

"I never-" You feel her press a little harder against your chest so you change your answer. "no." Regina tosses her hair over one shoulder, and a finger under your chin pushes your head up.

"I don't think you should talk to her anymore," Regina states before leaning down to connect your lips once more. "understood?"

you're too caught up in the moment to really gauge how serious she was being so you nod. "good girl." whispered against your lips.

Regina George had always been a lot. She always demanded attention and you often gave her it. you weren't ashamed of that. She knew you'd do anything for her. As did most of the school.

"Hey," Cady suddenly appears beside you in the hallway. she seems a lot more relaxed around you which was nice to see. however, you have not spoken to them since that weird night with Regina. She wouldn't like it. plus Gretchen would probably snitch on you immediately. "so we should probably figure out a time to work on our project." you've been paired up for an assignment in American literature.

"We can do it today after school if you want?" she nods. "I'll meet you out front."

"hey Cady," Karen slides up beside you on the other side, instantly looping your arms. ever the pleasant company. you wonder if she just wanted to see you or get you away from Cady. probably the former.

"I'll see you later," you say to the new girl before turning to your friend. "what do you want?"

"you're coming to Connor's party Saturday?"

"Obviously,"

"I have the perfect-"

"no," you respond instantly. you loved Karen. she was genuinely the sweetest person you know. but at every party, she tries to give you a Karen Shetty special aka a makeover. and every single time you have to say no.

"but I have the perfect outfit for you."

"is it actually perfect for me or just slutty."

"Both," Karen states excitedly. "please," pleading eyes as she draws you closer, hugging your arm. "please please please."

a loud groan. "fine."

"Really?" her eyes light up and circulation quickly returns to your arm. you nod at her which leads to excited clapping. maybe it wouldn't be so bad. maybe it was the perfect outfit for you but also sexy enough to satisfy Karen.

"oh here," you reach into your bag and produce a homemade friendship bracelet. you'd been tutoring some younger students for extra credit but sometimes you just hung out with them. "made them with some of the kids so,"

"ah thank you," she takes it eagerly. you had one for Gretchen and Regina too. only one of them would appreciate it though.

"why were you chatting with Cady?" Karen asks, sliding on her bracelet as she takes your arm once more.

"we're doing a project together," you explain. "you were literally just in class with us Karen."

"oh yeah," she smiles brightly. "I'm starving." you chuckle a little and allow her to eagerly pull you towards the dining room.

you're sitting on the grass. Cady is talking in your ear as you stare into the distance. most students had gone home already. The rest were working on homework or projects or extracurricular activities. you arranged this meeting but god were you bored. no offence to Cady but you kinda wish you'd been paired with Karen so you could be fucking about right now and then rush the work the night before it's due.

"are you going to the party Saturday?" you ask idly.

"What party?"

"oh shit." you forgot she was hanging out with Janis and Damian who definitely wouldn't have been invited. "connor mckay is having a party. The dudes a mess, big house though. you should come,"

"don't think I was invited,"

"I'm inviting you."

"not sure that's how it works."

"Just come Cady," you insist. "you can bring Janis and Damian too if you want. everyone will be too fucked to notice."

"uh, thanks then" she smiles a little, glancing back at her textbook. "I'll think about it."

"you have to think about attending your first high school party?" you question. laying down on your back. "I'll be there," you turn your head to look at them. "it'll be fun." you watch her carefully and soon she smiles.

"Okay, yeah."

"well that was easy," should have just started by stating you'll be there. "Be careful, Cady." you tease, looking back to clouds passing by but you can't help but smirk a little. "I'll start thinking you like me."

sat in the back of Regina's jeep as she fixes her hair in the overhead mirror, Karen inspects your face while Gretchen is copying Regina by fixing her hair. "can we just go in," you insist, slapping Karen's hands away. "before I regret coming."

"Why would you regret coming?" Gretchen questions, looking around at you.

"I feel stupid,"

"you look amazing," Karen urges. "perfect."

"you would say that."

"stop whining," Regina insists. flipping up her mirror. "you look hot. now let's go."

finally. "I'm gonna get so fucked up," you state as you step out of the car. walking beside Regina with Gretchen and Karen a step behind. the party is already alive. started at six. It was eight.

you reach the point in every party where you just don't want to be there anymore pretty quickly tonight. you're suddenly so aware of how annoying everyone is. sat on the kitchen counter, you swing your legs back and forth as you sip whatever was in your cup. Gretchen gave it to you. the party passes around you like you're not even there until an all too familiar blonde appears. "you look sad," you'd mistake that for genuine concern if it wasn't Regina "Already at sad drunk, that's impressive."

"what do you want Regina?" she had basically ignored you since you arrived so why she suddenly thought you were worthy of her presence, you'll never know. Shane was the object of her disgustingly public displays of affection tonight. "thought you'd be too busy with Shane."

"god, you're so obsessed with Shane," a roll of her eyes as she takes the cup from your hand to help herself. you watch her as the red cup comes to painted lips. not a hair out of place. so perfect. Regina was perfect. it was annoying

"I invited Cady tonight," you state, snatching your cup back.

"ew. why? I thought we agreed you weren't going near Cady anymore," technically you did. practically it wasn't that deep. who cares.

"And Janis and Damian but mostly to get Cady here,"

"desperate to hang out with losers," Regina sighs. "is she here?"

you shrug. "too many people. too big a house. I haven't looked, to be honest."

"Well," a hand finds its way to your thigh, running up and then down softly. "if you're good tonight maybe I'll give you a little treat."

"don't," you push her hand away. "go back to your boyfriend."

"he's not my boyfriend,"

"well whatever he is," you jump down off the countertop. "you made it very clear that I'm not what you want."

"you're so dramatic," she pushes up too. "I hate when you get drunk."

"Whatever."

"fuck sake," Regina responds. "you act like I said we're together or something."

"you're such an asshole," you huff. "I'm gonna find Cady."

"good luck with that,"

there are so many people at this party. you're not sure who half of them even are but they all seem to know you as you stumble around after the new girl. a constant barrage of 'hellos' and 'you look hot' in various forms. it's tiring. annoying. and you're about to give up and go find Gretchen so she can rub your back to make you feel better when you spot her. She was looking as awkward as ever. "you came." shouted over the thump of the music

"yeah," her face lit up. "Damian too. Janis said she'd rather jump off a bridge than come so..."

"That sounds... exactly like her," you nod. "I like..." you glance at her outfit. Regina would hate it. you don't love it. "your outfit. very school teacher chic."

"Thanks," she replies. "I didn't have anything to wear so,"

"it's cool. I'm just happy someone here isn't gonna irritate me- do you want a drink?"

"Sure," she nods. "do they have juice?"

"uh... probably somewhere." who asks for juice at a party? "I'll check. stay here."

you wander off back to the kitchen in search of some juice. your first stop is the fridge which is very stocked. you briefly scan for anything open, sweet and edible before just grabbing a carton of fresh orange and deciding that will do. pouring her a glass before heading back. she's still in the same spot only a particular blonde in the tightest little black dress has decided to strike up a conversation. you immediately know something is wrong. Regina can't stand Cady. it's why you told her you admitted to inviting her so easily. You wanted to piss her off. you can't make out what is happening but as you make your approach the redhead leaves. Regina turns to you with a sugary sweet smile betrayed by her eyes. "hey baby girl, feeling any better?"

"What did you say to her?"

"why do you have a glass of" brow knitted as she tapped her nail against the glass. "orange juice?"

"What did you say to her?"

"who?" you let her have the glass and she takes a sip. a visible look of disgust. "is there anything in this?"

"It's just fresh orange,"

"what the fuck? are you trying to sober up or what?"

"it was for Cady," you explain. "what did you say?"

the blonde shrugs. "she just had to go. not my fault." you don't believe her. why would you? She has a track record of being a conniving person who'll make trouble just for the sake of it. it'd be naive to think she didn't do anything."

"Why do you have to be such a fucking bitch all of the time," you grumble loudly. a hand snaps around your wrist and suddenly you're yanked closer to her. hot breath sending a shiver down your spine.

"I let you off before because you were all sad and tragic but don't think you can ever talk to me like that," growled in your ear before she abruptly shoved you away. "Cady left. get over it."

"she only left because you said something,"

"she left because she realised you don't like her," the blonde snapped. such a pretty poison came in the form of Regina George as she turned her gaze on you. She was pissed but kept it quietly contained to just beneath the music so nobody else had a clue. "that you've just been stringing her along. pretending to be her friend. all because I wasn't showing you enough attention," she's close again. too close. she wasn't physically that tall but right she seemed massive as she loomed over you. her eyes flicker to your lips and back up. did she wanna kiss you or kill you? neither seemed smart. "she realised that you belong to me."

"I'm not a dog Regina."

"you sure about that," a mean glint in those pretty eyes. "you wanted my attention. you got it." she shoves the orange juice back in your hand. it's contents splashing your hand. "don't cry about it now." and with that she turns on her heel and disappears into the crowd

// NEXT

[faeryarchives]

savanaclaw with a furina - like female reader!

the "regina of all waters, kindreds, peoples and laws" is deeply loved by all. under her flamboyant and imprudent facade, lies a girl holding an unbearable weight and guilt on her shoulders to save her people. note: as requested and i love furina sm hihi i will also write for other dorms warning: major spoilers for genshin archon quest other fics: heartslabyul with a furina-like reader & i'm not jealous !! & to my beloved & more than words

-‘๑’- leona kingscholar

"huh? what is the esteemed dorm leader of savanaclaw doing in front of my house?" "... why do you look like you didn't sleep for days? nevermind, take back your pets - they've been following me the whole day and poking me with water." "oh my archons, they like you!"

leona knew different kinds of people, faes and beastmen but never a god! not that you broadcasted it to the world - of course he heard it while grim was chatting away from the garden

so this lion observed your moves and to be honest, you were just like an ordinary person

"what are you doing hiding behind me?" "ahem! you know, i don't really know the forest that much so i would appreciate if i would put myself behind yo- ahhh! what is that?!" "it's just a branch, herbivore. i never knew you are scared of branches."

he actually gained another chess player buddy - he discovered it at the cost of being drenched in water from your water familiars

never he would imagine how on earth did you not go crazy standing in for your archon and acting for so so long? and despite belittling you and your friend group, he couldn't believe his ears when you stood up for him against the other dorms

"what leona did was wrong but how would you feel if all the trainings and efforts were all in naught and overlooked by the people you considered as family? imagine if your fate has already been sealed before you were even born?"

oh, he didn't expect you of all people to do that honestly + not so bad at all so expect a lot of sweets everyday curtesy of this lion

don't tell anyone but with you acting just as yourself and discovering your passions with him as a witness - leona feels proud like a lion watching his cub succeed

extra: you and cheka really go along well to the point that leona thinks cheka might replace him with you someday

-‘๑’- ruggie bucchi

ruggie trusts his skills in sneaking around and swiping things if needed and he will bet that no one could ever discover him immediately

"after pulling a prank on grim and my salon members, you must think that i am much of a gullible fool?"

now you both did really met at a rough start - the hyena thought you would be more snobbish and not to mingle with people below his level especially after hearing you being a god

but seeing you shielding him during leona's overblot and regularly visiting him during his recovery at the clinic made him questioned his thoughts about you

"why are you always visiting me? i thought you hated me?" "...? where did you get that nonsense? if i do hate you, i would go out of my way to buy these doughnuts for you."

well look at you two now! close like two peas in a pod - you really enjoyed spending time with ruggie because you were seeing the world in a different perspective

having hard time picking your new macaroni menu for the day? no worries, ruggie will make sure you will be able to cook other meals than this. not good with bargaining with sam? hold his groceries, he have this in the bag.

"more interesting trinkets for me~!" "oh you collect trinkets? why didn't you say so?"

omg new trinket collector buddy 🥺 whenever you give him something such as a bracelet or even a hairclip he will wear it like a badge of honor

it's alright to help other students but he is worried that being to kind in nrc might backfire on you

"you shouldn't be too trusting here. i know you just want to help but like your friends said - you should also help yourself at times."

while he might not look like it but ruggie can sense your mood change accurately especially when it involves the topic of your past

this one whole year on nrc might not be comparable to your 500 years of living but ruggie will make sure that it will be the best one

-‘๑’- jack howl

other than the adeuce and grim team - jack is the person you actually vibe with!

maybe its because his sense of justice and responsibility reminds you of a dear friend back home and it actually comforts you to see it + makes you feel less homesick

this man is very used to his little siblings so expect him to come off as a brotherly vibes + probably makes you an exemption to touching his ears and letting your salon members put some design in his hair

"... do you think these three would be great teammates during magift competitions?"

"hmmm, i must say they do make a great team. what if we bring it up to leona, i think these three will enjoy it very much."

well the dorm leader liked the idea but seeing how they acted during the practice - it's safe to say it is very risky because they only listen to you, jack and leona

ANYWAYS jack sometimes come to the ramshackle dorm just to wake you up knowing you probably stayed up late reading your novels

he tried inviting you to his morning run only to see you the next day already tired and carrying you on his back after one run

"you can't blame me okay! i was born to drama and directing not in running!"

speaking of carrying you on his back he sometimes do it just because he wants to especially when jack knows too well how much you overwork yourself

while he can read you very well, you can also read this guy by the book through his ears and tail movement

"... jack what are you doing here so late?" "…what? it’s not like i was waiting for you or anything." "i never said that though?" "hmp." while he look away, his tail would impatiently wag and hit the wall behind him making you laugh "uhuh, whatever you say. let's go back to our dorms now big guy."

it turns out that while spending the whole afternoon up to evening, jack wanted to accompany you back to the dorm safely - worried that someone is bullying you because you were down for days.

he is not that expressive with words - but just know that jack will always be your friend despite your upbringings or not being open to tell your past, he understands it pretty well

[deliriumsdelight7]

Thinking about when Belle and Rumpelstiltskin first meet in Skin Deep and he says “I’m not looking for love.”

Everything he did his whole life up to that point was for love, and it always blew up in his face. He gave the magic bean to his father so they could have a good life together, and was abandoned for it. He crippled himself to be there for his son in the way his own father never was, and his wife loathed him for it. He sold the life of his unborn, unconceived child (who he thought would never exist because of his wife’s aforementioned loathing) to save his son, and it just cemented her hatred. He took the Dark One Curse to save his son’s life again, which led to their ultimate separation.

Everything he did after that point was a game of 4-D chess to get his son back. Every deal he made, every price he demanded, every person he cheated - all of it was done for love. Even the one time he faltered - when he let himself fall for Cora - was for love. To have a wife and a daughter. And, as usual, it blew up in his face.

There was only one deal he made prior to Regina’s casting of the dark curse that wasn’t motivated by love. One deal that was made out of petty selfishness. And that was the deal that brought love back into his life.

[names-boops-gabriel-boops]

hcs for goodest boy adolin kholin?

I may have added angst 😭😭😭

Adolin Kholin headcannons

- Great cook

- It’s cannon that he’s into fashion and was giving syl advice

- But I think he would like take shallan and kal on a shopping trip and give them a makeover, a la Regina George Get in loser we are going shopping.

- Got really good at chess or the Roshar equivalent of it to teach Renarin

- Gives me heavy dumb but really smart

- For Shallan’s birthday try’s to draw a picture of her and it’s bad

- As tough as he is, he’s a softie and he would like to be treated like a princess

- Secretly a very famous fashion influencer

- Does drag and/or wears a dress sometimes (maybe in secret or privately but that’s up to you)

- Dog energy

- Probably cuts Kal and Shallans hair

Some angst???

- Feels left out as the only member in his close circle without a spren

- Despite his confidence he has crippling anxiety about himself

- Cries himself to sleep in fear that he won’t be good enough for Shallan (and Kal if your a shkaldolin shipper)

- Has had body image issues his whole life

- Tries so hard to be perfect older brother for Renarin

[pad-wubbo]

All AAI2 official English character and case names rated based on whether I think they're better or worse than the fan translation equivalents:

Di-Jun Huang > Di-Jun Wang - It's the same.

Horace Knightley > Bronco Knight - Worse.

Ethan Rooke > Bastian Rook - Worse.

Nicole Swift > Tabby Lloyd - Much better.

Raymond Shields > Eddie Fender - Slightly worse.

Jay Elbird > Rocco Carcerato - Much better.

Simon Keyes > Simeon Saint - Slightly worse.

Sebastian Debeste > Eustace Winner - Sounds worse, fits better.

Justine Courtney > Verity Gavèlle - Much better.

Sirhan Dogen > Bodhidharma Kanis - Much better.

Patricia Roland > Fifi Laguarde - Much better, they've already done "patrol" twice.

Jeff Master > Samson Tangaroa - More unique, less punny. Not sure.

Katherine Hall > Judy Bound - Slightly worse because no food pun.

Isaac Dover > Artie Frost - References his nature as an artist, better.

Pierre Hoquet > Paul Halique - Same as Japanese name, no longer parrot.

Dane Gustavia > Carmelo Gusto - Worse, doesn't sound as awesome.

Delicia Scones > Delicia Scone - It's the same.

Karin Jenson > Florence Niedler - Much better. Florence Nightingale and needles.

Bonnie Young > Hilda Hertz - Better, because alliterative.

Jill Crane > Rosie Ringer - Better, alliterative. Different nursery rhyme.

Blaise Debeste > Excelsius Winner - The absolute Winner among these names. It's so pompous, contains "celsius" and "excel" and just sounds like he went to Oxford.

John Marsh > Shaun Fenn - It's the same. Shaun means John and fen means marsh.

Amy Marsh > Amelie Fenn - It's the same.

Dai-Long Lang > Da-Long Lang - It's the same.

Jack Cameron > Alf Aldown - Better, only because it's a Deid Mann tier awful name rather than a boring realistic name.

Turnabout Target > Turnabout Trigger - Better, sounds more like a presidential assassination attempt.

The Imprisoned Turnabout > The Captive Turnabout - Better, less long-winded.

The Inherited Turnabout > Turnabout Legacy - Better for same reason as above.

The Forgotten Turnabout > A Turnabout Forsaken - Sounds more pretentious, but probably better because less confusion with The Lost Turnabout, where Phoenix forgets.

The Grand Turnabout > Turnabout for the Ages - Worse, I think. It sounds cooler, but doesn't have any chess connotations. They should have called it "The Grandmaster's Turnabout" or "Turnabout Checkmate", I think.

Also, have updated case cards to help you get used to the new names.

EDIT;

Some extra things:

* iFly Airlines in AAI1 has been reverted to its Japanese name of "GoYou". This was probably done because iFly is the name of a real Russian airline with global sanctions against it since 2022.

* As a result, Hugo Ifly is now Ugo Hughes and the tanuki called Mr. Ifly is now Captain Ugo.

* Moozilla is now Taurusaurus, which I think is a better name.

* The Grand Tower is now the Bigg Building, suggesting that Big is not merely its size, but a Mr. Bigg is its proprietor.

* The Zodiac Hall galleries are now referred to as seasonal "Wings" rather than "Palaces". Makes more sense.

* Edgeworth Law Offices is now referred to as Edgeworth and Co. Law Offices, the Co. being Eddie Fender (aka Ray Shields). Again, makes more sense.

* Rocky the bear is now Teddy, since his owner is now already Rocco as a Rocky reference.

* Anubis the hunting dog is now Helmut, a lame pun on "hell mutt".

* Astique the elephant is now Azea, like an "Asian" elephant.

* Ally the alligator is still the same. Regina Berry is not very good at naming animals.

[visionsoffutile]

The queens curiosity Chapter 3:

The cafeteria at North Shore High was buzzing with the usual lunchtime chaos, but today, it felt quieter than usual to you. Maybe it was because you were sitting alone at a table near the window, absentmindedly picking at your salad. You weren’t used to eating alone, but the new school year had come with a shift in the usual groups and cliques, and you hadn’t quite found your place yet.

Your mind kept drifting back to yesterday’s encounter in gym class with Regina George. The way she walked up to you, flashing that signature smile that could mean anything—charm, malice, or something in between. The entire conversation had felt like a chess match, except you weren’t even sure if you were playing the same game as her. And the way her eyes lingered on you for just a moment too long—it sent a shiver down your spine.

You stabbed at your salad again, trying to brush the thoughts away. But the more you tried to forget, the more vivid the memory became. Her voice, her confidence—it was like Regina had imprinted herself in your mind, and no matter how much you wanted to stay out of her orbit, it was impossible to ignore her gravitational pull.

"Hey, do you mind if I sit here?"

You looked up, startled out of your thoughts. Standing in front of you was Gretchen Wieners, clutching a tray of food and offering a hesitant smile. You blinked in surprise, glancing around the room. The Plastics’ usual table was in full view, and there she was—Regina George herself, talking to Karen but occasionally casting a glance in your direction. Your stomach knotted, but you managed a nod.

"Uh, yeah, sure."

Gretchen slid into the seat across from you, setting her tray down. You had no idea why she would leave the comfort of Regina’s side to sit with you of all people, but then again, this was North Shore High. Nothing ever made sense when Regina was involved.

"So, how’s the second day of school treating you?" Gretchen asked, taking a bite of her sandwich like this was a normal conversation.

"Fine, I guess," you replied cautiously. You tried not to glance over at Regina, but it was hard not to feel her presence from across the room. "Why are you sitting here, though?"

Gretchen looked a little taken aback by your bluntness, but she quickly recovered with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

"Oh, I just thought it’d be nice to get to know you better. You know, we don’t really talk much, and you’re new here, right? It can be tough finding where you fit in at North Shore."

The explanation sounded rehearsed, almost as if Gretchen had been sent on a mission. You couldn’t help but wonder if it was Regina pulling the strings, especially after yesterday’s encounter. Still, you decided to play along, at least for now.

"Yeah, I guess it can be," you said, trying to sound casual. "So, what do you want to know?"

Gretchen’s eyes flickered with interest. She was eager, clearly not expecting you to engage so openly. "Oh, just the usual stuff. You know, where you're from, what you like to do for fun… anything, really."

You raised an eyebrow. "Anything? That’s kind of vague."

Gretchen laughed nervously. "I mean, Regina—" she stopped herself, glancing down at her tray. "Well, we were just curious. You seem, um, interesting."

There it was. Regina George had sent Gretchen to find out more about you. But why? What did she want? You couldn’t shake the feeling that Regina’s sudden interest in you wasn’t just friendly curiosity. You could feel it in the way she looked at you yesterday, the way her presence had lingered long after the conversation ended.

You glanced over at Regina’s table again, catching her eyes for a split second. She was smiling at Karen, but there was something in the way her gaze briefly flickered toward you that sent a chill down your spine. Like you were part of some game she was playing, and you had no idea what the rules were.

"I’m not that interesting," you said, turning your attention back to Gretchen. "Just another junior trying to survive the school year, I guess."

Gretchen nodded, but you could tell she wasn’t satisfied with your answer. "Well, if you ever want to hang out, just let me know. The girls and I are always around."

You forced a smile, unsure of how to respond. The invitation felt more like an obligation than a genuine offer, but you couldn’t deny the curiosity bubbling inside you. What was Regina George up to? And more importantly, what did she want with you?

As Gretchen got up to leave, she flashed you one last smile. "See you around?"

"Yeah, see you," you replied, watching her walk back to the Plastics’ table.

Your appetite was gone now, replaced by a knot of unease in your stomach. Regina’s eyes met yours again, and this time, her smile was more subtle, almost calculating. You had a feeling this wasn’t the last time Regina George would cross your path, and something told you that whatever game she was playing, you were already a part of it—whether you wanted to be or not.

Previous

[iambicpentameterhamster]

What i think of you based on your favourite Six of Crows character

Matthias Helvar:

You probably read a lot in the fantasy genre and take yourself too seriously (no offense) probably busy daydreaming about profound things and writing poems that you'll eventually delete. You love bleak and gritty stories and you listen to Coldplay, Conan Gray or The Tortured Poets Department. No shade though, you guys are probably great friends with value for loyalty. In summary, i think you're all either really intense and ernest or totally shy and quiet. You're probably heterosexual to be honest.

Nina Zenik:

I think people who's favourite is Nina don't tend to be much like her in real life, but are the type of people that would really want to befriend her. I'd say you're more introverted and quietly friendly, but then you act totally different and comfortable with the right friends. Technically disapproving of gossip, but turn into Regina George if the rumour is juicy enough- secretly judgemental but it all comes out to your best friends. You have a good sense of humour and probably quite a cynical/pessimist mindset overall. I know you like campy films like Legally Blonde and Clueless. Oh, and your favourite subject is definately history.

Inej Ghafta:

If you're drawn to the steady and honest beat of Inej's thoughts, I think you're quite an anxious or scattered person who enjoys how safe and comforting she feels as a character. I'd say you're a sensitive person with a keen eye for colour and art. Your favourite chapters in SOC are definately the backstory and romance chapters. You cry often at films and music and just when you feel bittersweet or happy. You have Hozier, Mitski or Radiohead on your playlists. You're either artsy smart or english smart, there's no way your a science/maths kinda person.

Wylan Van Eck:

This one is split. You're either one of those people that infantalises and simplifies his character and reduces both him and Jesper to their ship and nothing else, OR you're literally the best person ever. If you're the latter, you're probably super empathetic and appreciate depth as well as a good laugh, and i severley doubt you yourself enjoy maths and chemistry despite loving that look for Wylan. I've also never met a Wylan stan who wasn't a HARDCORE fan of SOC in general. You guys are the loudest complainers about Shadow and Bone being cancelled, and honestly, power to you. I bet your room is a bombsite right now too- pick up those dirty clothes, for christ sake.

Kaz Brekker:

All Kaz Brekker fans are somewhat infatuated with him. Your favourite chapters/scenes are absolutely the action and sexual tension scenes. All about high stakes and excitement, and you love to be surprised. That or you have a big thing for the bad boy trope. I think you have "dark achademia" or grunge-ey pinterest boards that don't match your real life style. I also think you think chess and piano are really sexy but play neither yourself. You and your friends probably read terrible Wattpad stories for a joke. Generally, you're somehow relaxed and simultaneously intense as fuck. 70% of you are Queer women people, other 30% are intensely heterosexual.

Jesper Fahey:

You have Queen on your playlist. Queen or Gorillaz. You're probably a quite casual person who is taken with Jesper's charm and humour, and you appreciate the comedic relief as you don't enjoy too much grit and heavy stuff with no humour breaks. But despite being not the most sensitive person in the world, Jesper's backstory caught you off guard and it HURT. I think you love comedies and action, you're decent at school and you're quite popular with a good circle of friends. A social person. Potential theatre kid, but minor roles/tech, and the only musical you really like is Hamilton lmao. You are generally a funny person, but you've definately experienced that moment where you tell a joke and nobody laughs.

Anybody else:

Non-existent.

[no-phrogs-in-hats]

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Regina Mills x Fem!Reader

A/N: Hey bitchessss here's chapter 3!@#$%^ Don't expect a full come-back. I'm just high asf rn and wanted to write this small chapter for you pookies<33

Chapter 3: I’m a Troubled Teen (Going Up North to be a Lady-In-Waiting)

Many years ago

The Enchanted Forest

“Your highness, the King and Queen request your presence.”

Oh, God.

It was never good when your parents “requested your presence”. Most of the time it meant you had done something wrong. The last time this had happened, you had jumped off the side of a royal navy ship in your underclothes and satin slippers. 

You shut your book and set it down on the side table in the library, standing up and dragging your feet as you followed one of the advisors. When you approached the door to the “good parlor”, as your mother called it, he knocked three times. You thanked him and after he shut the door a tense air thickened around you.

Your brother, Eric, sat at a chess table with your father while your mother sat by herself in the loveseat practicing her embroidery. 

“What?” you said.

Your mother smiled. “We just wanted to know where you were.”

You looked around awkwardly. “I was in the library…Why did you ask for me?”

“We wanted to spend time with you,” your father said. “It feels like we haven’t seen you in ages!”

“What’s the real reason you asked me here?” you asked.

Still partaking in her embroidery, your mother smiled and looked up at you from the sofa. “We have some news…You remember King Leopold, right?” 

“Sort of.”

“Well,” your mother said, continuing, “his wife, Queen Regina, is looking for a new lady-in-waiting…and they’ve asked for you.”

Your stomach sank. “What?”

“It’ll give you a chance to observe how a kingdom runs,” your father said. “And, it forms an alliance between King Leopold and our kingdom.”

“But–But, Eric is next in line!” you protested. “Shouldn’t he be doing the observing? He’s going to be ruling this kingdom within the next few decades, but instead he’s out on a ship sailing a–”

“Enough!” your father shouted. “This decision is final! The ship sets sail in a fortnight. Queen Regina, King Leopold, and Princess Snow are already expecting your arrival. I won’t hear any more protests from you. It’s time you learn some responsibility and this is the best way to do it.”

__________

Present Day

Storybrooke

You knocked softly on the door to Regina’s home. Waiting a moment, you glanced over to see a sliver of her finger parting the fabric curtain in the front window, just in time to see it quickly close again.

The deadbolt in the door clicked and the door cracked open slowly.

“Hi,” you said quietly.

Regina seemed stand-offish. When the door opened further, you could see it in her eyes that she had been crying.

“Can I come in?” you asked.

She nodded and let you in. You had only been in her home a handful of times–mostly dropping off Henry after school–but it was still as beautiful as you remembered. Instead of admiring the dark hardwoods and the tall ceilings, you focused on her–and now you were admiring much more.

There were still tears in her eyes and wrinkles sat scattered over her navy pantsuit. Everything was becoming so clear in this short amount of time–every dream, every vision, the vague images of your parents in your head. A part of you wanted to yell at her. She took so much from you, but, god, it was hard to be mad at her.

“Um, Regina,” you murmured when she closed the door. “I just wanted to say–”

And there was that feeling–her lips. They encased yours so perfectly. You could feel her strong hands grasp your biceps as you leaned into the kiss. You took a few steps back, bracing yourself against the wall when Regina pulled away. “What?” she huffed. “You wanted to say what?”

You searched her eyes. “Nothing, it can wait for later,” you said, grasping at her shoulders as your lips met again for the first time in 28 years.

[valeriefauxnom]

The Only Tierlist that Matters(tm)

'Best in Element' this, 'Best character that'...

Here's the only thing that you need to know about Dragalia and its lore: who's the best at Alberian Chess.

A fair portion of this is both evidenced and guesswork. Evidenced guesswork? I'll just walk through my analysis for anyone going ??.

In short, I think Leonidas is the best chess player shown. Leif outright states him to be a 'particularly cunning opponent' in comparison to Chelle and Phares, whom he both considers very skilled. Leonidas is the only one to have beaten Leif.

So if 1st and 2nd are locked, I'd say it's a more blurry picture between Phares and Chelle. Chelle I put lower just for the fact she explicitly finds Alberian chess a bit 'too restrictive' in rules and thus might not be quite as studious or caring of its games, and with Phares seemingly capable of getting Leonidas heated while appearing calm himself in "A Royal Tea Party", I think he might be better by at least a little bit. We know the current Chelle vs. Leif meta is a Leif win (though starting to tax/surprise him), but alas, we've no Phares-Chelle or Phares-Leif matchup to settle the big dog league for good.

A tier brings in Regina, who is only A just because I don't have any evidence to suggest how she might stack up against our formidable S-tiers. She's also native in a different variety of Alberian Chess, which further complicates how she could adapt against the southern rules most other players use here. In her own league, who knows? She could be S.

Discount Deku-looking-creature- er, Eugene, is shown to be a very skilled player, and yet his record is 0-2 vs. Leif, Leif not feeling incredibly threatened both times, and so A he goes.

Valyx here is mostly from a lack of evidence, as we never really see him play chess to my knowledge, but Leif at least will endorse him to be a skilled player. For Leif, no.2, that counts for something, and so into A he goes. We would need more sibling match-ups to see how he stacks up against his elders.

Ilia is similarly fuzzy in exact placement but we do know that Leonidas does not feel threatened by her, implying at least some tangible gulf in talent that I think bumps her down at least one tier. That being said, he also compliments her as skilled in reading his intent in chess, which, since Leo is no.1, having good reads on him is likely a very strong point to succeeding in Alberian chess. Besides, if it's 'Alberian' chess to begin with, she very well might have only recently learned the game, as Alberia as a state only started to exist 700 years after her time. That she's this good already is impressive!

Aurien provides some distinguishment between himself and Eugene by losing against him. He's still high up because Euden is very surprised he lost, and had made it in the chess tournament far. He seems to be pretty keen on the strategic understanding of the game, as well.

Falling all the way to D, we've Pinon, who understands some of the principles of strategy, etc, but still is inclined to making big mistakes for players like Regina to exploit. Even when she tries to bring back and challenge Regina with the southern rules she's learned from her travels there, Regina can still beat her comfortably.

Euden just wanted to be in 'E' tier because of his name No, it's mostly because he only just started learning at Gala Leif time in canon. And Euden... doesn't exactly seem to have a natural gift, as, per him when learning:

Or, more eloquently,

In short, he's not quite 'moving pieces at random' F tier for a complete novice, but we just have no evidence he's grown since. He's simply too busy fighting a war and having identity crises and stopping the Halidom from being blown up for the 3rd time today to have much time to practice, either. That being said, since Leif was the one to first start instructing him, he might very well have an edge when it comes to getting better over time!

[toxinoire]

Convincing people to read my Mean Girls au idea of what Mean Girls would be like if Regina lived with her emotionally unavailable piece of shit father instead of her outgoing and crazy, but loving mom with the what I currently have on the draft.

~~~~~

Talk less, smile more. Don't let them know what you're against or what you're for.

Regina doesn't mean to sound so...theatrical. This mindset is simply something she's taught to incorporate in her daily life. Something her father taught her to do.

Daniel Edgar George, her father, is a business man--a CEO to be specific. And this man has made it his life's mission to teach Regina the chess game that is business politics, and how to use it anywhere and everywhere.

"Manipulation is the means to an end." He once told her. "Being King doesn't cut it, be the player. That's how you win the war."

And as much as Regina hates herself for it, she still listens to him. She hates doing it, but she can't fucking stop.

It's not like her father actually gives a shit about her. Not at all. It just so happens that Regina's the eldest daughter, making her the heir of his stupid business. So, he has to teach her. He needs to keep her alive.

And in return for doing so, her father expects her to be perfect.

And here's Regina, a sixteen year old with a lot of issues she should probably talk to a therapist about.

She's not going to, she's not ready for that.

Regina wonders how Kylie's doing. Their mom can be a bit much...okay, a lot. But at least she actually loves and cares for them.

Anyway, fuck that.

Today's the first day of hell school.

Ah fuck.

~~~~

That's all I got for now.

[chiefdirector]

Photographing | Tim Bradford | The Rookie

Act One | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20

(Y/N) spun on her chair, waiting for the computer to make its move in the latest of a string of chess games. The Sergeant in charge of the detectives, Caradine had been drying her out when it came to cases, leaving her nothing but time. The computer moved its King to B7. 

Rolling her eyes, (Y/N) debated moving her bishop only to be cut off by Grey approaching her desk, a small box neatly tucked under his arms. 

“Are you really playing computer games right now?” He asked incredulously. 

She quickly closed the tab. “No…?”

“Don’t you have a job to do? Or are you still left behind? Because if you are, I can speak to Sergeant Caradine, get him to ease up on you.”

“No. Thank you though,” She shook her head, turning in her chair to fully face Grey, “As much as I appreciate it, I don’t need special treatment. Especially right now. I need to earn Caradine’s trust again…. Not that I had much of it in the first place. But onto another subject, what brings you over? Super cool secret crime to fight?”

Wade laughed, placing the box down in front of (Y/N) “Not quite. This was dropped at the front desk for you. Smitty tried to open it, so I rescued it.”

“I didn’t order anything.”

(Y/N) carefully picked up the box, examining the outside for a return address. The only text was her details for the postage. No stamps, no indication of where it came from. 

“Who dropped it off because clearly it didn’t go through USPS.” She stood up, taking a step back from the desk. 

“Right,” Grey said, reaching for his radio. “I’m calling the bomb squad.”

“Don’t!-“ she cut him off before the order could be given. Instead, she moved for the second drawer in her desk, pulling out a pair of latex gloves. “You held it. It’s far too light to be any form of explosive. It felt almost empty.”

Grabbing the Swiss Army Knife from the pocket of her jacket, she flicked the blade open, slicing through the top layers of tape, leaving the flaps of the cardboard loose. Gently, she opened both at the same time and peered inside. 

The box was empty save for a single photograph. It was a polaroid image of (Y/N) and Tim leaving their home for work yesterday morning. He held her hand, shielding her from the outside. She was almost invisible save from her hair flowing out from behind her. 

Flipping it over, (Y/N) silently read the message inscribed in red ink. All my love, R.D. 

“‘R.D.’ Regina Diaz. She’s trying to mess with me.” (Y/N) passed the photo over to Grey, “she also sent me the other photos using polaroid.”

“This was yesterday. Look, you’re wearing the same thing. Did you see anything when you left?” He asked, pacing the photo back into the box. 

“No, Tim might have. I’ll call him now.”

Grey raised his hand, moving to take his radio out. “Don’t. You’ll only panic him.” He lifted the radio to speak into it. “Officer Bradford, it’s Sargent Grey, I need you to report back to the station A.S.A.P.”

The radio buzzed with static as Tim replied. “We’re about fifteen minutes out. What’s up?”

“Just need an opinion on something. Meet us in my office. Have Chen go to help on the front desk.”

As Grey spoke to Tim, (Y/N) gestured to her empty cup, signalling that she was going to get a coffee. She rolled her eyes once again as Grey nodded at her, knowing that he wanted one too. 

----------

(Y/N) sipped on her coffee from her pink mug, closing her eyes to relish the taste. There was little she enjoyed more than coffee. 

“You look like you’re about to propose to the cup there.” Grey said, looking at (Y/N) over his own mug. 

“What happens between me and the contents of the mug is none of your business,” she smirked, resting the mug on Grey’s desk in front of her. “Besides, you look just as invested.”

Greg looked like he wanted to respond when he looked up at the sound of knocking on his office door and someone entering. “Bradford, come in. Take a seat.”

Tim complied, sitting down next to (Y/N), sending her an inquisitive look. He reached forward for her mug only to have his hand slapped away. 

“What’s going on? Is everything okay?” Tim asked, looking back and forth between his wife and the watch commander. 

“Did you see anything strange yesterday morning when you left the house?” Grey asked, picking up the Polaroid picture, passing it over to Tim to look at. “This was delivered to the front desk this morning. Smitty tried to open it.”

Tim rolled his eyes, “Of course he did. But I didn’t see anything. Any idea who sent it?”

“I’m having Lopez look at security footage now. But the back says it’s from an ‘R.D’.”

“Regina Diaz.” 

“That’s what I thought,” (Y/N) said, reaching for her coffee again, “but I had a look at the other Polaroids. It only matches the handwriting of one of the pictures. The other is completely different.”

Tim placed his hand on (Y/N)’s thigh, squeezing it softly in reassurance. “So you think that this could be the other person, posing as Diaz?” 

“It’s a possibility. But until we figure it out, I want you two to be careful. Who knows what’s waiting out there for you. But at least we know that there is a threat now, we have something to look out for.”

“So what now?” Tim asked.

“I’m going to make a few calls, update the case file with this development. See if I can figure anything out.” (Y/N) said, finished off her coffee, placing the empty cup back down on the desk. “Then go see where this photo was taken, see if any cameras could’ve picked up who took it.”

“I can do that. I’ll take Chen when she’s done with the footage.”

“Take her now,” Grey said, standing up to guide the two Bradfords out of his office. “I’ll have Lopez check the cameras. We can all report back here when we have something.”

(Y/N) nodded, moving out of the door, Tim hot on her heels. She weaved in and out of the officers to go back to her desk. Sitting down, she gestured for her husband to perch on top of the surface. 

“I don’t think this is anything.” She broke the silence, watching Tim’s expression change to confusion at her words. 

“How so? This is clearly a warning, if not a threat.”

(Y/N) hummed, leaning across to take one of Tim’s hands in hers, using the  moment to find the right words. “No. I think it was meant to throw us off our tracks. Have us chasing our tails. Psych us out, you know.”

“I know,” he said, getting down from the desk, before leaning over to give (Y/N) a quick kiss. “Just be careful anyway. I can’t let anything happen to you.”

“Okay. I promise, but only if you do.”

“You know me, Mogs, always careful.”

(Y/N) looked down before nodding, watching as her husband left to find his Rookie. Tim hadn’t called her ‘Mogs’ in years, he only did when he was worried, not that he would admit it. 

Chapter 20 | Chapter 22

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Tags: @xceafh @kmc1989 @buba424 @salty0cracker @iamasimpingh0e @malindacath @agentred27 @hufflepuffwhore13 @tessalynni @anaferreira-4

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[julietasgf]

Hi Vicó! I hope your doing well! I was wondering if you have any particular headcannons/ ideas surrounding my favorite manfailure Strabo Plinth? I’m addicted to how you characterize him

hiiii grace!! tysm for the ask 🥹💖 I'm doing alright, and I hope you're doing well too!! an of courseee, let me list some (also I'm so glad you like how I characterize him <33)

I have the hc that strabo dropped out of school to be able to sustain his home, so he didn't finish it and neither have high education. it's one of the main reasons why he insists so hard for sejanus to study in the academy and have a capitol education, even if he's suffering with the treatment he receives at the academy; strabo really thinks it's worth it and sejanus should be grateful for having that chance;

still on it, I wrote in some fics before the small detail that in his office he has plenty of books around mechanical engineering he bought and probably never read, but he keeps them there for visits;

sometimes when sejanus was a baby, strabo would hug him so tight vesta fr thought he would break his bones by accident, and would take the baby away from him;

I mentioned before, but I love the hc that he's hard of hearing since his youth because he's too stubborn to use ear protection (strabo to me is just the type of person that would refuse to use security things because he believes they are non-sense and all his family have been doing things on the old way);

he knows how to play chess and is actually really good at it; I think he would adore any game involving strategy, except that if someone wins, he gets bitter and tries to find excuse to justify that there's a very rational reason why he didn't win (he's just a sore loser who HATES to lose, so board games and card games are banned from the plinth household)

he's extremely mean (regina george level type of mean, no wonder he has no friends) and probably traumatized crassus snow plenty of times because that man was definitely not expecting that type of comeback (I think his dynamic with crassus is so so so interesting, because crassus was always used to people sucking his dick all his life, while strabo really couldn't give a fuck abt him! he simply can't get over the fact that a district man is much more smarter than him)

he doesn't drink because of his trauma regarding his father, but ironically smokes A LOT; I def think sejanus associates the smell of cigarettes with his father

knows how to dance the basics solely because of his lovely wife who adores dancing and wanted to dance with him; he would do everything for her, including bringing the moon to her if she asked for it

he doesn't believe depression is real and would refuse to go to therapy 😭

[umi-no-onnanoko]

10/06/25

Day 10 of 100 days of productivity challenge

I rested well last night, but despite that, I feel exhausted. I dont understand why, since I also went to bed early (maybe too early?).

My blood pressure has been almost consistently low lately, which certainly doesn't help me feel full of energy. However, after journaling and Duolingo for my usual German lesson, I dedicated myself to Pilates. I still can't hold a plank for very long, but I hope to improve my endurance over time.

For lunch, since we still had the ingredients, we made rice salad again, so that was great.

In the afternoon I watch a video on YouTube from my favourite Youtuber and than a crime show on tv and in the meantime I drink some tea.

I drove for about half an hour, came back, and had a snack and another hot tea. I know, I'm crazy, but taste good. (Love using my Friends tote bag 😍)

Playing chess while watching Alessandro Borghese on tv before having dinner that's all of I need for finishing this day.

𐙚 Currently reading: La Regina degli inferi: il mistero di Persefone 𐙚

-umi-no-onnanoko ( @umi-no-onnanoko )

[byronnight2]

Non poteva mancare l' ennesima batosta a scacchi. ┐⁠(⁠￣⁠ヘ⁠￣⁠)⁠┌

Sì,lo so...non sempre perdo clamorosamente.

Oggi non c'è stato nulla da fare.

La Regina Bianca mi ha fatto scacco in due mosse.

Credo che le taglierò la testa e la seppellirò!!!

Il mio antagonista sta ridacchiando...😤

La prossima volta ti batterò! 👊🏻

#chess

#maledettaRegina

#perdereNonMiRendeSimpatica

#byronnightisback