#carmen sandeigo fanfic

[domxmarvel]

Next time,Red

Masterlist

Pairing: Carmen x Female!Black cat!Reader 

Prompt: Don't pretend it's such a mystery Think about the place where you first met me

The museum was crowded as everyone gathered to look at the gems on display. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity,and these gems would be worth a fortune. With notebook in hand you made note of where all the security cameras were. Already forming a plan and calculating how much money you could get from the gems and diamonds. You tried to get a glance at the security room and plant your bugs,but as you rounded the corner bumped into someone. A beautiful red haired woman,you quickly apologized.

"I'm so sorry,I wasn't looking where I was going. Are you alright?" 

"I'm fine" She smiled at you,before running off. You almost forgot why you were here,but you quickly noticed that your notebook was gone. Still you planted your devices and left to get ready. 

***

You snuck back in and made new notes,quickly leaving before anyone noticed you or looked to close. You dismantled the security system and made your way in,but the gem was gone. 

"Looking for something?" You turned to see the red haired woman from earlier today,holding the gem you were after. 

"What are you doing here?" She didn't answer,instead she said. 

"I did think it was weird that you were more interested in the security" 

"Says the one who also broke in. Why are you here,if not for the diamonds?" You moved closer,retracting your claws. "I'm not unreasonable,you can have half" 

“They’re not yours to share,they belong to everyone” You lunged at her,but she doged you. 

“Hand them over,this is your last chance. I’m not in the mood for games tonight” She ran off with you quickly chasing her,and managing to pin her down. You got distracted by how pretty she looked pinned under you,maybe those gems weren’t worth it. “I’ll let you keep the diamonds in exchange for one thing” 

“What do you want?” She asked,calmly. Pulling her up by the collar of her jacket you kissed her. You stood up and walked off. 

“I’ll see you next time,Red”

[citrineleaf]

As a kind gift for my fellow ADHD friends; Player? Neurodivergent. Hotel? Trivago.

@playerappreciationweek

Summary:

During a 'routine' prisoner psychological intake examination on Carmen Sandiego's favourite little hacker, Maelstrom finds something. Something Player isn't too happy to learn.

--

Alternatively: Maelstrom takes one look at Player and immediately clocks him as neurodivergent

(Made for Player Week Day 4 "I'm happy here in my dark little cave.")

[the-ghost-17]

Do you ever just think about how Zach and ivy could've been vile agents?

Like they fit the bill alright, orphaned, desperate, and without any money

Just think, if they didn't decide to go into racing, they could've became one of viles elite operatives working alot like the mechanic and the driver, ivy would've been saira bellums protégé and Zach would've been cleos.

They most likely would've even met blacksheep at some point too.

Idk I've just been thinking about this alot idk.

To think these little cuties could've been vile operatives 😭

Im glad carmen got to them before vile.

[wolfthatroamsshadows]

Watched Hazbin Hotel, read Chaggie fanfic, and must've turned a wrong corner because I found myself back with Carmen Sandiego and Carulia. How did this happen?

Anyway... I wrote this short snippet. Takes place directly after the very last shot of the vary last episode of Carmen Sandiego. Cause, let's be honest, Carmen and Julia not ending up together... makes me sad. This is just a little, probably ooc, goodness. I don't even know if I should put it up on AO3.

Fandom: Carmen Sandiego (2019) Ship: Carmen/Julia Words: 709

Julia let out an exhausted sigh as she stepped out of the hotel's elevator. She had called it a day after they had brought in Paper Star. The paperwork would be there for her in the morning. She just wanted to get to the hotel and relax. It had been a few hectic days.

She unlocked the room and stepped into it. Closing the door behind her, she unbuttoned her blazer and discarded it on the back of a chair next to a bright red coat, before even acknowledging the figure lounging on the bed.

"Thank you for the gift. Nice wrapping." Julia smiled at Carmen.

"Just thought you guys would appreciate it." A lithe movement and Carmen stood in front of Julia, her hands on Julia's hips.

Julia looked up into the steely grey eyes of her companion. "It was. But you know what I would appreciate much more?" She leaned closer and put her hands on Carmen's chest. "Visiting a museum when it's actually open." Julia shoved Carmen back onto the mattress and straddled her.

"And whose fault is that Miss I-have-to-work?" Carmen laughed her hands settling on Julia's thighs.

"Oh, shut it you." Julia said good-naturedly and leaned down.

The door behind them burst open. "Carm!"

Julia sighed and dropped her forehead onto Carmen's chest. She had hoped she'd had more of a head start, but she should've known the twins' aversion to paperwork would mean different.

"Oooohhh! Are we interrupting something?" Ivy sing-songed teasingly.

Julia could practically hear Carmen's eyeroll. She sat up and swung her legs over to sit on the edge of the bed looking sternly at her colleagues. "Not anymore, you aren't. What do you want in here anyway?"

"We wanted to say hi to Carm. We missed her." Zack said with half a snack from the minibar in his hand.

"We just hadn't realized you had called dibs on her first. Should've put a sock on the door handle or something." Ivy smirked.

Julia sighed. She liked the twins, really, but she didn't know how Carmen had put up with their antics for that long. "Zack, please don't empty the minibar, ACME doesn't cover the bill and I doubt your paycheck allows for it. And Ivy, I did not call dibs…" She was getting worked up, but Carmen put her hand on the small of her back and she found her calm again. "…because I simply didn't feel it necessary to do so. I thought it was obvious. At least to two people who claim to be as capable as they are as Agents."

That got the attention of Zack and Ivy. They stood up straighter, ready to defend themselves. "But I must've been mistaken. Maybe you spent too much time with Devineaux. Who knows. He, at least, has learned to knock before entering a room." Julia smirked. Devineaux had learned the hard way to knock before barging into a room, after he had walked in on Carmen and Julia once. That was an occasion none of them wanted to ever repeat.

Julia got up and walked to her suitcase. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable. And then I just want some dinner." She straightened again after grabbing her clothes and looked at the other three in the room. "With my girlfriend. Alone. Understood?" Her eyes fixed the twins specifically who nodded and swallowed. She turned and entered the bathroom. Closing the door behind herself, she smiled. Being a senior agent had some perks. Or it was just that Zack and Ivy had realized, after working with her, just how much damage Julia could've done to their operation if she had wanted.

She could hear the excited talk of the twins in the other room. A fond look stole itself on her face. For all the teasing and jabs that happened, they were still family. Somehow. She shook her head and left the bathroom after changing.

"Where do you want to go?" Carmen asked.

"I don't know. Let's just see where we'll find ourselves."

Carmen offered her arm, Julia accepted.

Carmen leaned down to whisper in her ear. "You alright, Jules?"

"I am now. Thank you." Carmen pressed her lips to Julia's temple, before they left the room together.

[jackie-shitposts]

om nom nom

[stealurheartsandiego]

Based on this fic. I kinda wanted to do art for it. (Also a present for the author). might to more of these "gifts" for other authors. ALSOO i focused on my coloring for once so this piece is def my fav at the moment.

[zuzufromtheafterlife]

For Now, She Is Safe

Shoved into the corner of the box-like room, Carmen sat tucked away with her arms wrapped around her knees, almost rocking herself back and forth as she waited for the hours to pass.

She had just left V.I.L.E. She had actually done it.

With no one to turn to she stayed hidden, biding her time until she would either be found or it would be safe enough for her to move, her mind telling her that even the slightest tap of her heel would bring the attention of all agents to her location. She just had to wait it out, that's what she kept telling herself because no matter what there was no going back.

She could almost feel regret blossom inside her chest. Maybe she should've waited until she had more training; Maybe she should've waited until she had more contacts from the outside world; Maybe she shouldn't have done it at all but there was no turning back at this point. She had made a mockery out of V.I.L.E and once they found her she would surely have hell to pay.

For now, she was safe. She may be in an episode of paranoia, but she was fine.

Read here on ao3 @fandom-free-bingo @eclipsingbingo

[toxicruins101]

Too much for the soul to take.

(commission, feel free to ask in DM's or pinned post for a commission)

Tag: @wishlist022

Carmen Sandiego and Gn! Reader

Tw: character death, angst, hyperventilating, existencial crisis, funeral.

Rear at your own risk.

Everyone knew it was a risk.

That it might be too much this time around, yet they pressured on.

And look at the consequences.

Carmen yelling and crying, player trying to comfort her over the comms.

The twins stayed silent while tears fell, not saying a single word.

Chase and Julia hadn't been told yet, granted they wouldn't have such a heavy reaction as the others, but it still hurt.

And you? You stayed silent, saying nothing as Carmen yelled at you.

You should have done more she exclaimed, her hurt voice booming around the bases walls as she did so.

It all started with a simple stealth mission, get in, get the information, and get out, but the universe has a tendency of messing up things that aren't supposed to be messed up.

The alarms blared, the white walls stained with red from the flashing lights.

Carmen and you ran as fast as possible to get out of there.

The yelling of urgency from everyone was almost too loud to hear and understand, but the fear in their voices was more than audible.

Carmen managed to run out the gates as they were being forced down, you weren't as fast as her, guards running after you.

You heard a gun shot, missing you just by an inch of your hair. It took you by surprise, your feet stumbling on each other, making you fall to the ground with a harsh thud.

The sound of rapid footsteps and someone helping you up was the only thing audible to you right now, your vision blurring in and out.

You blinked a few times, you were so close! So close to the outside.

Just as the person who was helping you stepped foot outside the barrier, you both came crashing down.

Gasps surround you, slowly blinking your eyes open at the feeling of a warm runny liquid staining your skin and clothes slowly.

Your vision un blurs.

"Shadow san.."

You whisper shocked, the gate had closed down, leaving you and the team alone in the silence.

There he laid, dead, in a pool of his own blood and it was all because of you.

A month had passed, yet the tension was obvious.

It was a shiny day on the wrong occasion, you watched as they carried out the casket, and put it underground.

Player even flew out to the team in order to mourn Shadow san properly, guilt clouded your heart and sadness your mind.

Nobody said it, or mentioned it, but they didn't need to. Their cold looks told you everything you needed to know.

That if you had been faster, quieter, more skilled, Shadow san wouldn't be buried 6 feet underground as you mourned.

People dressed in black surrounding you, familiar and non-familiar faces alike surrounded you.

White roses, each slowly but surely dropped into the casket until it was finally Carmen's turn.

She walked up, her steady pace slowed down with hurt. She took the only red rose and laid it with the others, right in the center.

The casket was covered up again, and it was done, everything was done. Shadow san was officially gone.

Carmen broke down, falling to her knees but refusing for anyone's help except Players.

You felt so bad, so so bad.

To know the death of such a loved person was caused by your recklessness, your stupidity. If you had known you would've never tagged along for this mission.

Yet you did, and not even a God could fix this now, if you repented for all your sins and found the holy light, nothing could fix this.

Nothing.

"you have to understand, Carm is..."

One of the twins start out, trying to help out like they could.

It had been two months since the funeral but everything was just too cold now, to empty.

"Mad? Yeah I figured as much. I killed her only family. There's not much I can say to make it better."

You say with a sigh, looking down at the ground.

"Just give her some time yeah? Maybe she'll understand eventually. This is hard for her like it is for all of us, let's go inside, mate. It's freezing out here."

Their voices ringed in your head, lies, all lies.

"they are useless! What happens when they screw up another mission huh?! When more lives are lost because of their idiocy!!"

Carmen yells angrily, her voice booming off the walls as she yelled back and forth with a nervous Player on the comms.

Tears brimmed your eyes and you ran, not knowing where to or when to stop, you just ran.

You panted, looking around at the secluded part of the city, you looked down at the floor and your knees buckled under you.

You held in a sob and wrapped your arms around yourself in an empty embrace.

You just wanted to be reminded what it felt to be loved again, to be part of a team, but then it got messed up, and there's nobody to blame but yourself.

You sobbed on the ground, desperate to scream and yell.

Breathing un-tense and useless as you wailed on the lonely ground, slamming your fists down in sadness and anger until you bled.

You doubted your existence, if not even Carmen could see your use, what were you good for?

Maybe she was right, you think.

You shouldn't be on the team, more death will surely follow your unlucky path and anybody that crosses it.

Your tears ran cold against your face, the on-coming cars seemed almost invisible as they edged ever closer to your shivering frame.

It isn't anger or happiness that makes the soul breakdown, most of the time it's pity for oneself or the pity towards others.

At the end of the day,

Sometimes guilt is just..

Too much for the soul to take.

[random-lil-illing]

off topic but uh. im writing a carmen sandiego fanfiction. specifically a 'the characters react to the show' fanfic. maybe you should check it out :] (im shit at advertising)

it has scene kid player in it :)

[dayenurose]

Written for @playerappreciationweek

A Distance Measured in Time by DayenuRose

Summary: Though they are rarely in the same time zone, Player and Carmen have a friendship which spans the globe—literally. Or, 5 times Player and Carmen were in different time zones and one time they were in the same one.

Excerpt from Chapter 1 - Four Hours:

[Location Unknown] — 8pm Western European Time (UTC +0) Niagara Falls, Ontario — 4pm Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4) Player fidgeted at the table as he filled out the answers on his homework. Technically all his school work was homework, but that didn’t make it less frustrating. He was pretty certain his usual level of diligence was slacking, but what could he do? It was taking most of his concentration to keep from checking his phone every point two-five seconds. His best friend always called around this time, but the recent change to Eastern Daylight Time meant the call he usually got at three would be coming in at four instead. An hour earlier, he’d forgotten about the time shift and had been distracted waiting for the call. At three he was in his room pretending to work diligently on his homework. Of course, that would be when his mom decided to check on him and was—well, let’s just say—less than satisfied with his progress. Thus resulting in the change of locations. Bother. He darted anxious eyes at his mom where she worked at her computer in the living room. She was just as focused on her work as he was supposed to be on his. Muffling the desire to exhale loudly, he returned his focus to his school work. This was his last assignment, then he’d be homework free for the next ten days. Pulling up the browser on his computer, Player began sorting through facts on Switzerland. He was suppose to put together a report for his French class on a different French speaking country. Then give a presentation, in French. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach at the thought of giving an oral report. What was he suppose to do? Just share facts about Switzerland? Well, when it put it that way, maybe it wouldn't be so bad. He could just pretend he was talking to—

Continue Reading:

Chapter 1 [ao3] [ff.net]

Chapter 2 [ao3] [ff.net]

[myimaginarymary]

There was a show in the 70’s based on a true story, but the name of the show is perfect for here…

The Black Sheep Squadron

[fluffytheocelot]

CHAPTER 3 BAYBEE

y’all i have literally been planning this one for so LONG omygods.

anyways art from the chapter is under the cut

Carmen is straight up not having a good time

also i drew these like. 6 months apart jssksk thats how long this has been in the works y’all

[the-ghost-17]

come closer

I need...

I need a...

I need a juletheif smut fic

But like seriously send me recommendations

[citrineleaf]

It’s Player Week time, folks!!! Get your gremlin hackers ready!!! @playerappreciationweek

(Written alt prompt 1, "Get ready to rack up more frequent flyer miles!")

Summary:

Coarse ropes bite into Player’s skin, cloth fabric covers his eyes. His bindings are tough, knotted by expert, practiced hands. He’s not the first person they’ve done this to, and if history repeats itself, he will not be the last. Some have escaped, others haven’t, but both were far more skilled than Player. He’s no operative, he’s no trained thief, he’s a tiny, scrawny little hacker, and he’s- “Oh, calm down, Player!” He squawks as an arm wrap around his neck, inhibiting his ability to breathe as his attacker drags him closer. “You’re being so dramatic!” -Been kidnapped. By his own friends.

-- Or, alternatively:

For his nineteenth birthday, all Player wants to do is curl up in bed and sleep. Unfortunately for him, he ends up kidnapped by two overzealous red-heads.

[haveaclock]

ehe

Template:

[diana-bookfairchild]

@fluffbruary Day 16

“Finally!” Zack called dramatically, collapsing on Ivy, who shook him off with a disgruntled warning not to bother the driver. “That one was hard!”

Carmen spun the box containing the La Peregrina Pearl in her hand. “Mmm, not particularly. For one of the most famous jewels in the world, security was sadly lacking.”

“Only for you, Red,” laughed Player onscreen. “I’d say a hundred guards plus the no-oxygen room, not to mention the thumbprint and iris scanner would be enough for anyone else. Be careful with that,” he added. “It bid for more than 11 million dollars, you know.”

Carmen clicked her tongue. “It’s a good thing Countess Cleo will not be getting her hands on it then.”

“She would certainly love this,” Shadowsan agreed. “We must be careful for a while. The only thing the Countess treasures more than her jewels and clothes is revenge.”

“They’ll never get us, Carm’s too good,” Ivy scoffed. “Bro, if you elbow me one more time, I’m tossing you off this ship.”

“Chill, Ives,” Zack drawled. “Player, any idea what our next mission is?”

Player had his thinking face on, clearly having switched the screen to go through the hard drive. “Honestly, it’s a wait-and-see game at this point. They’ve been trying to switch up their missions and agents recently.”

“Probably because they know boss will come and get them,” Zack said. “And her suuuuper awesome crew. Hi-yah!” He did a terrible imitation of a kung fu chop. “Sensei, when will my training continue?”

“When you’ve displayed any aptitude for the martial arts,” Shadowsan retorted dryly. “In the meantime – or for the rest of your life, seeing as that seems more likely – I would suggest remaining the get-away driver.”

“The get-away sailor this time,” Ivy commented. “And it’s me, and not him! Ha.”

“Want me to make you a little paper captain’s hat sis?” Zack chuckled.

“I’ll smash it over your head, bro.”

“It might be a good thing to have a break between this and the next caper,” Carmen was telling Player as Zack and Ivy continued their argument and Shadowsan continued to bemoan all the life choices that led him to witness it, “We could have some rest. And you could pay attention in school. And do your homework. And go to sleep on time, for once.”

“You sound like my mom,” Player complained, leaning back with his hands behind his head. The tension always in his voice when he guided them on missions – responsible for his team, his family – bled out as he enjoyed a conversation with his best friend. “Besides. I have absolutely no doubt that you’ll find a way to get into trouble even without any capers. I’ll need to stay up late anyway!”

“Don’t sound so happy about that,” Carmen chided. “Seriously, Player, you need to learn to take better care of yourself. Have you eaten today?”

Player waved a plate of noodles and fork mockingly at the camera.

“Something other than that breathtakingly unhealthy stuff?”

“The unhealthy stuff’s what’s tasty, boss,” Zack chimed in. “I don’t get how you don’t like junk food.”

“I grew up on VILE Island,” Carmen replied amusedly. “Not much time for junk there unless it’s valuable or evil.”

“Coach Brunt set a very specific diet for Carmen growing up,” Shadowsan nodded. “I remember Dr. Bellum contributed – most probably why you were allowed any sweets at all.”

“Weird to think of that huge Coach being a mom,” Ivy commented.

“Carm doesn’t need any moms,” Zack snickered. “She’s got Player.”

“Player’s clearly the mom friend,” Carmen agreed.

Player made an outraged noise. “I’m the mom friend? Red, remind me who was just nagging me about bedtime and food like I’m in preschool?”

“Red, did you just get knifed? Where did she get you? Are you sitting down? Did you take the knife out? How much is it bleeding? Do you know how to clean it? You know the rate of people dying of knife wounds in Canada is 0.49 in a hundred thousand people? And you’re like that with someone who’s been trained all her life to deal with things like knife wounds,” Carmen imitated Player’s concerned fussing teasingly.

“You got stabbed!” Player cried indignantly. “That’s different!”

“You’re like that every time someone’s hurt, Player,” Ivy said. “Also, I don’t get how the stats help.”

“Yeah, what’s with that? D’you reckon knowing how many people die of that particular thing will help us recover from it?" Zack asked, puzzled.

Player flushed. Carmen knew perfectly well he ranted without thinking when he panicked, and that solid hard statistics was his favourite thing to recite. “It’s better than your typical habits, Zack,” she saved him from answering.

“Anything’s better than lil’ bro eating his feelings,” Ivy mocked.

“Ow, that hurts, Ives,” Zack said, sniffing exaggeratedly. “More than VILE’s ego after boss kicked their ass for the thousandth time, I’m sure.”

“Nothing could sting more than that,” Shadowsan smirked, for once joining in on the joking.

“Not to mention the rubbing of salt in the wound when we make the return of the goods public and donate the money to charity,” Carmen added lazily, putting her legs up on the couch, keeping an eye on the surroundings. The boat was still rather in the open, and she didn’t need Devineaux and ACME interfering with a successful caper.

“Speaking of which, we need to decide on whom you’re going to be giving the Pearl to, Red,” Player said, stretching his hands forward and typing. “On this one you’ve liberated. . . . Drumroll, please. . .” Zack and Ivy obliged. “Eight-hundred thousand euros from VILE!”

“Woohoo!” Zack and Ivy cheered, and even Shadowsan cracked a smile. Zack began beatboxing, and Ivy began to sing. “The best thief - in the world? Yeah, it’s Carmen Sandiego. Where in the world is – Carmen Sandiego? Where - will she go next – no one ever—”

“So, any ideas?” Player asked over the music and Shadowsan’s annoyed grumblings.

“Jules, obviously, for the Pearl,” Carmen said, leaning closer to the monitor in order to see her friend better. “And just pick a few non-profits from the list, Player. Though preferably an orphanage, for this loot.” Her face darkened and she turned away.

“Hey. Not your fault, Red. You can’t save everyone,” Player consoled gently, referring to the orphan who had gotten killed by VILE simply for being a bystander.

“No, but it would be nice to save someone,” she replied with unusual bitterness.

“You do. You save loads of people,” Player said insistently. “Think of how many people this money will help. Think of how many trees whose oxygen you’ve saved by making sure Tigress won’t be speaking for a week at least!”

That got a smile. “Fair enough.”

Player watched her carefully, even as he quickly arranged for the wire transfers. She seemed okay, but he’d have to keep an eye out. “I’ll book a flight to wherever Juuuules is,” Player extended the name teasingly. “You do realize you’re the only who calls her that?”

“It suits her,” Carmen said nonchalantly. 

“Yeah, and you’ve got a crush,” Player said delightedly. “Black Sheep’s got a crush! Carmen’s got a crush!”

Carmen reached out and tapped the screen, mock threateningly. “Quit it, Player, or I’ll tell Zack all about your antics at the gaming tournament at age eight.”

Player mimed zipping his mouth. “Shut up. Got it.” He couldn’t resist another jab though. “You know you always drop whatever you’re doing to go see her, even on capers?”

“Are we talking about Julia Argent?” Zack said bluntly.

“And Carmen being very obviously smitten with her?” Shadowsan added. Carmen glared at him in betrayal.

“No, we’re discussing how the lot of you are interfering traitors, who are blighting my very good day,” she drawled. Her eyes caught on another boat. “And speaking of blights. . .”

Player caught on, tapping a key, eyes sharpening. “Well that’s a vile blight on the landscape.”

“It is quite a landscape isn’t it?” Shadowsan said, getting up and readying himself. “A perfect spot for taking down more agents.”

“Awesome!” Zack said, tumbling to his feet. “Time for our training to continue, Sensei!”

“Not the time, bro!”

Carmen slipped the Pearl into her pocket, zipping it tightly shut, before taking a flying leap from her boat to the other one, taking two out with a roundhouse kick.

“Grunts!” Ivy called. “Couldn’t send any of the better agents, could you? Haven’t seen the goat for a while.” She blindly swung a club and somehow managed to take one down. “Ha! There’s one!”

Shadowsan efficiently thinned the crowd. “And mine’s six.”

Carmen ducked the blow from the sword, before using a maneuver Coach Brunt had once taught her and managing to knock the owner out with it. “And there’s the last.”

Zack pouted. “I didn’t get a single one.”

“Aw, Zack,” Player said in the intercom. “Don’t worry about it. I didn’t either.”

“Hear that, Zack? You’re being compared to a kid sitting a whole continent away.” Ivy laughed under her breath, swinging an arm around her brother’s shoulder as they climbed back on their own boat.

“I believe this calls for a toast.” Shadowsan proclaimed.

“So it does,” Carmen agreed. “Player. ACME?”

“On its way,” he said in satisfaction. “Good day’s work, team.”

“I think this calls for some alcohol,” Ivy said. “Tada! This one’s supposed to be the best around here. Get the glasses, I want to taste it.”

“Cool, sis,” Zack grinned, opening the cupboard to produce the glasses. “Good thing you’re not here Player.”

Player knew he shouldn’t take the bait. He knew.

“Why?” He said anyway.

“’Cause a little guy like you couldn’t drink, and then you’d be all left out!” Zack said melodramatically. “It’d be really sad.”

“Carmen!” Player said in agitation.

Carmen laughed, watching her family bicker.

“Far from VILE Island, is it not?” Shadowsan asked quietly, sipping from his own glass.

“Quite a bit,” she agreed, taking her own glass and holding it in a toast to her best friend who was still angrily ranting at Zack. “And I couldn’t be gladder for it.”