#house of cards fanfiction

[storiesofsvu]

A Redemption Earned Ch 7

Heather Dunbar x reader Warnings: language.

After a long day of work Heather finally found herself on the couch, small glass of wine poured as the evening air breezed in through the open windows. A full week had passed since her little sleepover at Becca’s and she still hadn’t managed to figure out how to approach you again. She wanted to come off as if she was asking you out, because she was, but she didn’t want to come on too strong. On the off chance she’d misread the signals she wasn’t opposed to having you just be a friend and she didn’t want to scare you off. Finally, after a series of text messages with Becca she figured out what she was going to say and opened up a message to you.

Then she stalled yet again.

How was she supposed to ask you to dinner if she didn’t know where she wanted to take you?

It was another near half hour as she searched her brain for her favourite places around Washington. It took a little bit of google-ing too, some of the places shut down, others under new management, others simply renovated terribly or missing the best menu items. She finally settled on Iron Gate, while it was a little on the pricey side she had plans to be settling the bill already, it may be more than coffee, but you had said the ‘next one was on her’ so it worked, right? It was fancy enough that a first date seemed fitting, but also not too fancy, that if this was just two friends navigating adulthood friendship and settling in to a new city there wouldn’t be a weird vibe because of the setting.

She caught herself picking at her nails as she stared at the phone screen, immediately stopping, preoccupying herself with a large sip of wine. She limited herself to one or two drinks nowadays but was finding that she still needed a bit of liquid courage to get through this, cursing herself out that she was struggling with something she used to complete easily and with such finesse. Reading back the words she had typed out she scoffed at herself, it sounded like she was setting up a business meeting. Shaking her head, she deleted the drafted message and finally used Becca’s suggestion of coming off super casual.

‘Happy Friday. If you’ve had the chance to try the dumplings I recommended, I’ve got another place in mind for a great dinner.’

She said a quick and silent prayer and hit send, immediately taking another sip of her wine to calm her nerves.

*

You were still in your classroom, marking a handful of spelling tests, it was later than usual, but you knew if you left the school on a Friday you would slip into weekend mode and leave everything to the last minute on Sunday, so, here you were. The faster you worked, the faster you could get home to a beer and relaxation. You only had about two left when your phone buzzed, vibrating against the desk and your head tilted, wondering who would be texting you right now as you picked it up.

You smiled at the message, a warmth soothing its way through your chest, knowing that Heather was thinking of you, and continually thinking of places to eat around the city.

‘You were right. Best dumplings I’ve ever had. What’ve you got in mind?’

*

Heather nearly jumped when her phone pinged, relieved that the reply had come in so quickly. She scooped up the device, holding her breath while she slid the notification open to reveal your message, letting it out as she read it.

‘I suppose it’s a little late to ask if you’re free sometime this weekend?’

‘Heather…’ you let out a little laugh, ‘I’m new to the city, remember? I have more friends that are under the age of ten than adults. And they’re not exactly allowed out past six.’

She laughed at the way you were nearly making fun of yourself, the smile remaining on her cheeks as she typed out her next message.

‘There’s a place called Iron Gate downtown, they’ve got a butternut squash lasagna that is just to die for.’

‘Intriguing. I’m down.’ Heather felt her heartrate pick up at the idea, laughing at herself for previously thinking this was going to be so hard. ‘Though probably not tonight, I’m still at work and I doubt a nice place like that would appreciate the amount of paint I’m covered in right now.’

‘Oh?’

‘Fingerpainting gone bad.’

‘Can’t say I miss those chaotic accidents.’

‘Tomorrow then? I’ve got a couple of things during the day so dinner would work best.’

‘How does seven sound?’

‘Perfect.’ You smiled at the screen as you waited for the next message to come in.

‘I guess I’ll see you then.’

‘I look forward to it.’ You added on a little smiley face at the end of the message that made Heather catch her breath in her throat, Becca had been right, there was definitely a flirting undertone to your words. It was perhaps that you were both on the same page, but not wanting to overstep if the other one wasn’t interested in something more. She figured she’d find that out tomorrow.

**

You were glad you’d looked up the restaurant online before getting ready, though you had a feeling if you were meeting Heather in person, it would be a fancier place than Dumplings. It was a cute, just a large enough bistro, but had a posh vibe going on. Originally you’d been in jeans, thinking a nicer shirt with hair and makeup done would be enough, but after your search you’d swapped out for a cute casual dress, and you felt a hell of a lot more comfortable stepping into the restaurant.

You spotted Heather chatting with the hostess, a polite smile on her face as she did so. Though the bell over the door pulled both of their attention to you and you let out a bright smile as she gazed over at you, feeling your cheeks heat at the way her eyes flicked down and up your form as you approached.

“Hey. Sorry if I’m late.” You greeted.

“Oh no, not at all.” Heather smiled warmly at you, “just doing a bit of catch up.” She stepped back from the hostess stand as they helped out another couple, “you look adorable.”

“Thank you.” This time you were sure your cheeks flushed, quickly dropping your gaze to try and compose yourself. Before you could speak again the hostess spoke,

“Ladies did we want inside or out?”

“Oh, uh..” you glanced between each other for a moment, “It is a nice day out.” You suggested and Heather nodded.

“I have been trapped inside all day.”

“Perfect. Right this way.”

The two of you were lead through the restaurant and out onto the cozy back patio. Small tables littered around it, half pre-set with glassware and napkins, lantern candles in the middle of all the tables and strings of fairy lights strung through the roof. You thanked the hostess after she ran through a couple of the drink specials with you after settling into your seats. A comfortable silence took over as you glanced through the drink menu,

“I have to admit I’m not the biggest wine snob, so this all means basically nothing.” You admitted with a small chuckle and Heather raised a brow.

“Please don’t tell me you drink boxed shit.”

“I said I wasn’t a snob, didn’t say I was an uncultured swine.” You teased with a laugh and Heather couldn’t help but let out a bark of a laugh.

“Do you prefer red or white?”

“Usually red. And I know it like, depends on what you end up ordering food wise or whatever, but I’ve just never really been that particular.”

“Stick with what you like.” She smiled gently, “well if you wanted to share a bottle I am more than happy to order for us, but feel free to have a cocktail or a beer instead.”

“Nah, I like the idea of sharing a bottle.”

When she glanced back over at you she felt a jolt run through her, your elbow was perched on the table, chin resting in your hand as you smiled softly over at her, a small grin on your cheeks and she had to do her best not to blush. You looked absolutely radiant in the glow of the setting sun and it was taking everything in her power to not admit that to you right then and there. Thankfully before she could start to process what to say next, you spoke again.

“This place is really cute. Menu looks really good too.”

“Yeah.” She let out a small hum, “Rob – my ex—and I used to come here pretty frequently.”

“Nice little date night spot.” You mused, and Heather was thankful for the pause in conversation as the server came over to introduce themselves and take drink orders, explaining how the chef’s family table menu worked and if you had any extra questions. Heather placed the order for a nice bottle of red, and upon first sip you were certain that you would always trust her recommendations when it came to wine from now on in.

“How was your first week back post spring break?” She asked, setting down her own wine glass and you hummed.

“A little chaotic. Moods anywhere between bummed to be there, tired to have to get up in the mornings again and the opposite end where they didn’t burn off all the energy and are way too excited to tell stories of what they got up to.”

“God to have that much energy again.”

“Right?” You laughed, “I’m amazed I can keep up with them most days.”

“How many kids are in your class?”

“It can range between nineteen to twenty five. It’s not too bad, I’ve heard of numbers reaching the thirties and that’s just completely unmanageable.”

“Jesus.” She muttered over the rim of her glass, “I could barely manage two and we had help.”

“Grandparents around a lot?” You asked and she shook her head.

“Nanny. And a housekeeper, well… a couple of them.” She felt her cheeks heat at the admission.

“Ahh…so little miss fancy pants lawyer was rich before she started practicing law.” You teased and she laughed.

“Ever heard of Dunbar cars?” She asked and suddenly your brow furrowed, your head titling as you realized something.

“Yeah actually… that was the company they used to shuttle us around in Japan.”

“Really?”

“I’m surprised I didn’t make any connection before.” You laughed, leaning forward against the table, “guess our paths crossing was meant to be.”

Heather was once again, caught at a loss for words, ever so thankful for the platter of appetizers arriving, plates filled with focaccia, doe run willow cheese, roasted dates, a mixed brassica salad and roasted baby beets. You followed her lead on what to try in what order and what to mix with each thing, dip the bread in and what to not miss out on even if it wasn’t your first pick. She had been here enough times before, and after the wine you were sure you would trust her judgement.

A few bites in your server came around to check how things were and to make the main course orders. The two of you had already discussed ordering both one of the Iron Gate Mixed Grill that came with a variety of meat protein, and the Grilled Seafood Kalamaki and sharing a few options off both since you couldn’t quite decide which route you’d wanted to go. Your server explained that the table would also get the ricotta gnocchi and a deluxe salad on the sides, and Heather spoke again,

“I know it’s not on the menu right now, but I did mention the butternut squash lasagna and she was eager to try it.” She gestured across to you, “I don’t suppose there’s any way we could maybe get a small side of that too?”

“For you, Ms. Dunbar? Of course.” The server smiled, giving both of you a quick nod before they headed off to ring everything in.

“What?” She sheepishly asked as she turned back to the table, taking in the expression on your face.

“Excellent restaurant choices, even better wine choices, and well connected and known by the staff? You are officially stuck with me.”

Heather let out a laugh, busying herself with a few bites of food while she tried to collect her thoughts.

“Believe me, well received does not apply to every place in the city.”

“Ex get custody of a few places in the divorce?” You half teased and she huffed.

“Can’t get too close to capitol hill without ruffling some feathers.”

“Okay but politicians can be a fucking drag, so you’re not missing out on much there.”

“You only say that because you’ve never been to Monocle.”

“That would be accurate.” You replied with a laugh, “do they do delivery?”

“Only pick up.”

“Guess you’re lucky I drive. I can be your personal delivery driver.”

“That would be nice.” She smiled, ducking her gaze to her food for a moment before you spoke again.

“You said you started in political law, right?” A small nod, “considering you were in D.C did you ever consider a career in the White House?”

“Yes.” She stated bluntly, figuring that one; being honest and upfront was a decent decision, and two; all it would take was a quick google of her name for you to know absolutely everything about her, “after a few years of political law, with the connections I actually ended up solicitor general.”

“I have literally no idea what that means.”  You replied and she laughed. It was so unusual to have someone in her life be so unaware of politics, especially someone who lived in Washington, she constantly had to remind herself that you lived very out of the country for a very long time.

“Basically I represented the federal government in the supreme court.”

“So like if there’s some scandal within the government, that’s like, something right up your alley.”

“Exactly.”

“That sounds like the biggest fucking headache in the world.”

“It really was.” She laughed, pulling a small one from you.

“I can see why you transferred out.”

“I did set my sights on other opportunities.”

“Well I’m glad that they ended up bringing you back to Washington… and into my classroom.” You murmured softly, risking the glance up at her and she smiled back at you.

“Likewise.”

You fell into a comfortable small talk as you finished up your appetizers, little stories here and there about your lives. Heather was particularly interested in your time overseas, especially Asia and having actually lived over there. She’d done the occasional Europe trip or cruise with family, but it was always the ritzy places or somewhere their family had timeshares. You’d backpacked your way through Europe and learnt far more about the culture and thus you had some of your best friends scattered all across the globe, which she thought was completely amazing. She was so intrigued by the fact that you’d managed to mix both career and personal travel so well, getting to explore both those parts of your life before settling down in Washington.

When your entrée’s arrived you easily split up the couple of pieces that you knew you wanted to share, digging into the delectable bites. You let out a soft groan over a bite, and one that Heather hadn’t mentioned wanting to try previously,

“Okay, I know you said you weren’t interested in the bison but you have got to try this.”

Heather expected you to slice off some onto a side plate, her eyes widening every so quickly when you simply stabbed into a small piece with your fork, lifting it across the table to her, your free hand curved underneath as to not drip onto the table cloth. She did her best not to be hesitant, lips wrapping around the meat and pulling it from the fork. She couldn’t help the groan that escaped her as the flavours burst over her tongue.

“Oh my god!” She mumbled.

“Right?” You laughed, “if you want more, help yourself cause it’s fucking delicious.”

“I will gladly trade you some extra scallop.”

“Deal.” You laughed, the two of you swiftly swapping over a bit more of the desired food. “You know…” you murmured over a bite, doing your best to finish it before you actually spoke, “you’ve got quite the incredible taste in food. I would not complain at all if this ended up being a weekly thing.”

“Just wait until you’ve tried my lobster risotto.” She smirked across the table, “that paired with a good lamb chop….”

“Stop!” You nearly groaned, “we’re out for dinner right now and you already have me drooling.”

“It’s my go to.” She simply shrugged and you laughed.

“Deluxe go to maybe.” You teased with a grin, “I take it you didn’t rely on a home chef too on top of all that help then?”

“From time to time.” She sighed, “I kind of found a bit of peace in the kitchen. It was nice to know I was actually doing something for myself for once. My parents did shit all while I was growing up, neither did Rob’s. I’ll admit it was much more for just the two of us once the kids were away at school, dishes that were outside of their palate. I couldn’t really be bothered with learning how to make mac and cheese the kid approved way, they always had something to complain about unless it came from a box.”

“Kids are like that.” You smiled, “would rather have chicken nuggets than anything else.”

“Not that there is anything wrong with a good chicken nugget.” Heather pointed out and you laughed.

“Good taste but also realizes the importance of comfort food. I’m liking you more and more.”

Heather chuckled, distracting herself with her food for another moment. Tonight truly was a whole world of difference for her, she was so used to plucking whomever her prey was from the crowd and settling in on them, making sure they were groomed exactly to her liking. Tonight was actually a date, on equal basis, something she hadn’t done in over thirty years, her last real first date was with Rob when they were still teenagers. She wasn’t entirely sure what the feeling in her stomach was, nor how to act toward everything. But she was certain of one thing, this was definitely a date, and you were more than ready and willing for a second one.

By the time dessert was finishing up she was actually a little bummed that it felt like barely any time had passed. She wanted nothing more than continue talking to you, getting to know more about the adventurous life you’d lived, and was more than willing to open up about little pieces of her own. So far, you’d been very accepting of the things she’d told you, and she felt like you were a safe person to slowly admit to about her past and that you wouldn’t judge her too harshly. Then again, maybe that was just the wine and the butterflies talking.

You only protested once about her settling the bill, considering your agreement was that it was her turn, even if yours had been only coffee. She smirked at the way you checked how much she tipped, making sure it was at least a solid twenty percent, nodding when you discovered it was well over that. You promised you would pick up the tab the next time you went out and she assured you that that was more than okay. Begrudgingly the two of you gathered your coats and purses, lingering probably longer than usual at the table before making your way out of the restaurant, thanking the host staff as you did so.

“Did you drive?” Heather asked, suddenly glancing up from her phone where she was summoning her car, “I can have you dropped off?”

“I did actually.” You smiled, nodding towards the parking lot, “but thank you.”

“Anytime.” She smiled and you laughed,

“Well I sure hope so from the woman who owns the world wide car company.” You teased, nudging her in the ribs. The way she nearly flinched at the contact didn’t escape your attention, nearly frowning at it, though maybe she just wasn’t expecting it.

“If you’re ever in the market for a new vehicle….”

“Honestly,” you glanced up at her, noting the gleam in her eyes as she looked at you, deciding to take the chance, you linked your arm in hers. Internally you frowned at the way she tensed ever so lightly before relaxing against you, “this bugger’s got me through a lot but I might need something now that I’m driving every day again.”

“Just let me know.” Heather smiled, letting you take the lead as you began the walk back to your car. You let out a small hum, smiling at her as you moved through the parking lot. You let the silence take over until you were at the trunk of your car, gesturing to it to let her know this was basically the end of the date.

“I had a wonderful time tonight.” You admitted, your voice softening as you leant back against your car, “I’m really glad you texted me.”

“So did I.” She smiled, her cheeks flushing, thankful that you probably couldn’t see that in the darkness of the lot, “I hope you mean it about taking me up on next time.”

“Oh believe me, I do.” You laughed, “I’ve got some lobster risotto to look forward to remember?”

You prodded at her side, the two of you laughing, Heather nearly rolling her eyes at your playfulness. Though she was about one minute away from caressing your cheek, running her thumb over your lips and kissing you senseless. Instead, she caught your hand as it hit her side, her fingers tangling with yours for a moment as you laughed, tracing the patterns on your palm. There was a soft moment of silence as you both felt your breath catch in your throats, eyes darting up at each other, Heather’s tongue slipping out to wet her lips. Just as you were about to step forward the car one over from yours burst out in alarm, causing the two of you to jump, wrenching away from each other in a panic. A loud swear and apology called out as the owner of the car called out from across the parking lot, jogging towards the vehicle to stop the alarm from inside before they jetted off. Right as you were about to continue your moment, Heather’s phone pinged, causing her to jump once again.

“Ah… my car’s here.”

“Okay.” You smiled up at her, “see you soon.”

“Yes.” She cast you a grin, “you get home safe, okay?”

“Promise.”

“Will you text me to let me know?”

“Of course.” You replied with a smile, moving towards the driver’s door.

“Goodnight.”

“Night.”

You gave her a small wave, watching as she crossed back through the parking lot, making sure she got into the SUV before you slipped into your own car.  

______________

@ms-calhoun @naturalxselection @yesterdaysgone @hbkpop @giftedchildturns40 @anya-casablanca @svulife-rl  @swimmingstudentchaos891 @alexusonfire @jamiethetrans @natasha-danvers @oliviaswifey @mysticfalls01 @cmmndrwidw @bumblebear30 @svushots @yourtaletotelll @cerberus-spectre @emskisworld @ex-uallyactive @addictedtodinosaurs @imaginaryoperagloves @multifandomlesbianic @annegilletteslostwh0r3 @bookpillows @drduckthief @whimsicallymad @mmmmokdok @ladysc @momlifebehard @mmemalwa @holycrapraewth @poisonedcrowns @wannabe-fic-reader @when-wolves-howl @dead-of-niight @fighterkimburgess @lannister-slings-and-arrows @borg-queer

[pinemai]

Jackie Sharp X Remy Danton, Smut Oneshot

“Do you… shall we go upstairs?”

Remy hesitated, gaze flickering over her eyes, her posture, her.

“You know what…”

(TLDR: fluffy hotel sex.)

[lastoftruebeliever]

Political Animals

Padme Amidala is a young and dangerous senator who knows the difference between money and power.

Anakin Skywalker is a nearly-there political journalist with shaky morals who will publish whatever Padme tells him to.

And Obi-Wan is stuck in the middle (House of Cards AU)

[liamthemailman]

♠️♥️House of Cards♣️♦️

Act Two Part Two - Deal

CW: None

The way to King’s office was a distance away from the medical bay, unfortunately. It only meant more bright lights and noise from passing foot traffic that Ace had to power through. It was good enough that he was stable on his feet as he tried to ignore the thrumming pain in his head, and the curious looks directed to his neck.

His mind strayed as he walked, wondering why King had called him into his office. In addition to that, Ace couldn’t make sense of King’s summary of the incident. It was vague and left more questions than answered, and Ace dreaded whatever conversation that was awaiting him. 

Ace would like to think that King had decided to go easy on him, perhaps already over the fact that he had attacked his wife, figuring Queen would have already told him by now. Though how much truth was in Queen’s reports was up for debate.

Ace nears a corner leading to King’s office, feet brisk and light. Just as he turns around the corner, he sees a captain exit King’s office. He watches as the man closes the door behind him, readjusting the boonie hat that sits on his head.

They pass each other in the hallway. Ace bowed his head a little as he caught the eye of the superior officer. The captain nods back, his mutton shops stretching into a polite smile, and they part ways walking in opposite directions. Ace looks over his shoulder as the higher-ranking soldier disappears around the corner.

Ace brushes the short lived interaction away and knocks at King’s door. 

“Major Hansley, it’s Lieutenant Doe. May I enter?” Ace waits for a response as he listens to muffled paper shuffling on the other side before hearing King telling him to come in.

The office lights were a little dimmer than the overhead fluorescent lights, Ace’s headache already reducing as his eyes adjusted to the change in light. He steps closer to King’s desk, straightening up, his hands locked behind his back.

“At ease, Doe, you act like you’re in trouble.” King chuckles as they lock eyes again, eyebrows raising as he takes in Ace’s rigid posture. “Have a seat.”

The chair drags a little as Ace seats himself on the wobbly chair, pulling himself closer to the desk. King gives another short laugh as he notices the puzzled look on Ace’s face.

“Am I not, sir? I figured Captain Tudor would have reported what happened in the safehouse.”

“Trust me, Lieutenant, Elize did not spare me the details,” King sighs. He picks up a folder and puts his reading glasses on. “From what I’ve heard, you’ve caused a bit of trouble.. But before we start..”

Ace watches as King slides a form towards him. Ace furrows his eyes at the paper, leaning closer to read the text.

“Transfer forms,” King says, leaning forward in his office chair. “Another captain has requested your transfer, if you’re up for it, of course.”

Ace picks up the papers, swiftly skimming over the details of it before placing them back down on the desk. His eyes meet King’s again as the other man awaits his answer. A pause stretched between them as Ace debated his choices. Given, he had his issues with the team, but Ace found that they didn’t necessarily call for a transfer. 

“...No thank you, sir, I’ll stay where I am.”

“Very well,” King hums, taking back the forms and setting it aside. “So, regarding your.. Slip up during your last mission.”

Ace tenses as he waits to be chewed out. It was only natural, seeing that he admittedly did strike Queen first. He had no excuse for his actions and Ace doubts he could even reason with King about it anyway.

“Queen has suggested a.. Uh, immediate dishonourable discharge for you, seeing that your records aren’t exactly clean either,” King states, opening the folder and flipping through the pages, his glasses sitting on the edge of his nose. Ace subconsciously holds his breath as King skims through the papers, unnerved by how nonchalant he seemed even as he referenced Ace’s time as Mad Dog.

“However, your skills are too valuable to let go-” King continues, causing Ace’s shoulders to relax a little. “-and given your last count of insubordination was well over five years ago, with your previous team no less, I’ve decided not to process her complaints.”

Ace let out a soft huff of relief, shifting in his seat as King continued to flip through the pages. He released his fists, seemingly having clenched them unknowingly. 

“Thank you, Major, but-”

“Please, Doe, it’s just us. No need to act like there’s a stick up your arse.” King hums, earning a sigh of frustration from Ace. He shuts the file sharply. He places the file back down on his desk.

“Okay.. Again, thank you, Hansley..” Ace says, forcing the words out of his mouth. “Though I must ask, what’s the catch?”

His words cause King to bark a laugh, finally making him look back at Ace. Ace tensed as he caught the slight gleam in King’s eyes, only confusing him further.

“Sharp as ever, eh, mate? You’re not really off the hook since I can’t let you walk away scot free, you understand.” King says, sliding the folder towards Ace, silently cueing him to pick it up. Ace flips through the pages. “So here’s the deal. Just take care of this thorn in my side for me, and we forget it ever happened. Deal?”

Ace’s eyes flit over to the objectives. It seemed simple enough. A solo mission. Doing some reconnaissance for upcoming mission operations and simple maintenance on a satellite ground receiver. Everything was right up Ace’s alley, which was perfect since it made his life easier.

“Deal.”

“Good man, Ace,” King says, leaning back, his chair squeaking under his massive weight. “Wheels up at 0500 hours.”

With that, Ace was dismissed.

Quicksaving...

[dankovskaya]

I haven't even thought about att*ck on t*tan in so long because that shit still makes me mad as fuck and the ubiquitous popularity finally died Baruch Hashem but I finally actually looked up how it ended and how the fuck is it literally even worse than I would've guessed

[orangecoluredsky]

Art for the House of Nott 2023 Tarot Card Fest! Temperance

Sister Fics for this Card: By sobsinashell: Forced Bond

By tifatronic: Home is with You

[chloelucia13]

Cody Fern Characters Masterlist (Discontinued)

✴ = angst︱❁ = fluff︱✿ = smut︱✂ = trigger warning (listed in warnings)

Michael Langdon

The Love you Need ❁ 

Xavier Plympton

Come Back to Me ✴ ❁ 

Being a Ghost With Xavier Headcanons ✴ ❁ ✂

Jim Mason

All That I Want  ❁ 

Series

World Alone: Jim Mason x Reader

-Part 1 ✴ ❁ ✂

Jim x Duncan x Michael x Reader 

Series

Three Men and a Baby: Jim x Michael x Duncan x Reader (not poly)

-Part 1 ✴ ❁ ✂

-Part 2 ✴ ❁ ✿

[slytherinlizzy]

Lee and Seamus are the biggest card players in the entire Gryffindor house. You cannot change my mind.

[ludi-ling]

HoC and its sequels... was it always intended to be this epic story or did it take on a life of its own while you were writing HoC?

Oh wow! Well, that is a LONG story. To put it all in a nutshell - no it really wasn't planned to be even a single story.

Originally, back in 2006, I started writing scenes that just popped into my head. I think the first scene I wrote was the sex scene in Chapter 13 of HoC. Eventually I had so many scenes written, that a story started forming around them, and I just started writing the whole thing. It really didn't have a plan. It literally just formed as I wrote it. So yeah, it really did take on a life of its own!

Sometimes I like to think of it as an archaeological dig - the story is there, and it's always existed - I'm just uncovering it, and giving it life. 😊

Anyway, I finished HoC in 2007, and that was that story done for a long time.

Then, in about 2012-2013, a sequel just started to form in my head. And this time, I wrote everything - both Twist of Fate and Arrow of Time - all in one go. Everything became very clear to me, and I really couldn't stop writing. So the two unintended sequels happened very suddenly and unexpectedly. I really hadn't intended to write them at all. But those Romy plot bunnies just came and started beating me round the head. And I really just wanted to play with the ultimate Omega forms of Rogue and Gambit. Because IMHO, canon had made them way more powerful than so many people give them credit for, and in really interesting ways.

TL;DR: No, HoC wasn't always meant to be an epic trilogy. And yes, it totally took on a life of its own! 😅

[7-wonders]

Per Aspera Ad Astra (Duncan Shepherd)

Summary: Two years later after facing death at the hands of his uncle, Duncan is preparing to do the most difficult thing he's ever done.

Word Count: 2.2k

A/N: Here it is babies, the epilogue of Memento Mori. I'm happy with how it's ended, and I hope you are too! Let me know your thoughts, and thank you so much for reading.

Per aspera ad astra—Through hardships to the stars.

All prior chapters

Two years later…

The small park near the Potomac that Duncan Shepherd finds himself in could barely be considered a park. With D.C.’s money funneled into the areas surrounding the main attractions of the city, this little patch of land with a few trees and benches has been all but forgotten by the general public. There’s people that frequent the park, to be sure, but it’s just deserted enough to make it feel like he’s alone no matter where he is. Maybe that’s why he likes it so much.

Not only is it a nice, secluded park to be alone with one’s thoughts, but it’s also a nice, secluded park to have clandestine meetings at. Duncan waits under a tree that he’s so often been under in this position for, on the lookout for a contact for some sort of information exchange or other deal. As he checks his watch, noting that it’s now 4:33 when they were supposed to meet at 4:30, he’s reminded of when he was 18 and standing in this very spot, having been trusted to oversee an evidence exchange between himself and a cop on the family’s payroll.

He had been so nervous on that day. Today, he’s feeling those same nerves all over again.

Finally, a dark figure appears from the parking lot. Michael Langdon, dressed in all black with a dramatic red scarf wrapped around his neck, walks along the cracked sidewalk like it’s a runway at Paris Fashion Week. For Michael, most everything is his runway. Duncan has never met someone whom the saying “all the world’s a stage” applies to more than his oldest friend, his brother in everything but blood. Duncan can’t help but smirk as he shakes his head, crossing his arms over his chest and trying his best to look like he’s disappointed.

“We agreed on meeting at four-thirty,” Duncan says. “Does the sanctity of a set meeting time mean nothing to you?”

“Sorry. I have a good excuse, though.”

“Which is?”

“I didn’t want to be here.”

Duncan laughs and shoves Michael’s shoulder, the two getting into a small tussling match before remembering that they’re both grown adults and they should probably act like it. After they’ve straightened up, Michael looks at him.

“Well then? Do you have it?” Michael asks.

Duncan rolls his eyes, feeling almost affronted at the mere suggestion that he doesn’t have it. “Of course I do. You think I brought you out here for nothing?”

“Still a little confused as to why you had to bring me out here in the first place.”

“It’s not exactly easy to keep secrets from or around our family, Michael.”

Michael doesn’t even need to say anything, because Duncan’s right. The Shepherd family is great at keeping secrets from those that aren’t family, but within the family? If Annette were to find out about any of this a moment too early, she would immediately ruin the secret that Duncan has worked so hard to conceal. It would be out of love, he knows, but he still wants this to be perfect.

He needs this to be perfect.

Reaching into his jacket pocket, Duncan carefully grasps the small box that he’s carried around with him for over a week now, too paranoid to attempt to try and hide it anywhere in his apartment. At this point, the box’s very dimensions are familiar to him, with how many times he’s opened the box or simply held it for reassurance.

Duncan glances around both ways, paranoid that he’s being watched even though there’s no possible way and, as far as these types of meetings go, this is probably the most low-stakes one he’s been on. Once he’s sure that his fears have been assuaged, he opens the box for Michael to look into.

The ring is still just as beautiful as it was the first time that Duncan saw it. He had been looking for the perfect engagement ring for months, and was becoming increasingly frustrated at designs that, while certainly pretty, weren’t a ring that would fit Y/n’s personality. Nothing was totally right: either the design on the band was wrong or the diamond was too big or it just didn’t look like something that she would wear.

Finally, he finds the one, in an antique store that Y/n’s dragged him to on a cool September weekend. While she’s looking through collections of old photos and trying to convince him that the Victorian child of indeterminate gender is surely not going to haunt him if the photo ends up being bought (it won’t, not if he has any say), he spots it in a display case. A golden ring with delicate filigree twining around the band, small leaves fixed against the prongs in which a simple diamond is set.

It’s certainly not a traditional ring, but nothing about their relationship has ever really been traditional.

He had grabbed it while she was still distracted by the spooky, definitely haunted photos and faked having a work call so that he could escape to the front of the store and purchase the ring without her knowledge. The woman minding the shop was unable to stop smiling once Duncan whispered that this was going to be an engagement ring and asked her to ring the purchase up as quickly as possible. He was just thankful that she didn’t accidentally mention anything when he again came to the register, where Y/n purchased a couple of old photos that, while questionable, didn’t have any figures in them that would haunt their home.

From there, everything had gone smoothly. Duncan already knew Y/n’s ring size, and the jeweler he had used before was all too happy to provide a quick turnaround on resizing and fixing the minor imperfections on the ring. And once it was returned to him safely a week ago, he hadn’t let go of it.

Michael appraises it for a long moment, his face infuriatingly blank. Duncan shouldn’t care about Michael’s opinion on an engagement ring, but he does, because Michael is one of two people he’s closest to in the world. Finally, finally, Michael meets Duncan’s eyes and smiles.

“Perfect. You found it at an antique store, you said?”

“Yeah.”

“Even more perfect, because that means it’s unique.” Duncan puts the box back in his pocket, satisfied with the answer. “You did good, Duncan. She’ll love it.”

“You’ll be my best man, right?” Duncan blurts out suddenly, his mind apparently deciding that it’s now or never. When Michael doesn’t immediately respond, Duncan panics and tries to stutter out an explanation. “I mean, you’re really the only person who I could think of to stand by my side on the most important day of my life. You’ve been by my side for all my other important days, and–”

“Dunc,” Michael stops him with a hand on his shoulder, “of course I’ll be your best man. C’mon, did you even have to ask?”

He smiles. “I didn’t want you to think that you had it in the bag.”

“If you dared to even ask anyone else, I would kill them.” That’s not a joke, and they both know it. Still, they laugh. “But you know she has to actually say ‘yes’ first, right?”

Duncan nods, because of course he knows that.

And three hours later, as Duncan exits the restaurant with Y/n, still his girlfriend, he doesn’t think he’s even going to get the question out so that he can potentially be turned down. He had a plan. He was going to order her favorite type of wine, she was going to ask what the occasion was, and then he was going to get down on one knee and make her cry with his poetic proposal.

But then the restaurant didn’t have Y/n’s favorite type of wine, because he didn’t think to ask in advance if they could reserve a bottle for his table as well. And the suit that he had planned on wearing, the suit that he wears for every big event, wasn’t ready for pickup at the dry cleaners. And then he was late because of fucking traffic. At that point, when he finally made it to the restaurant to see her waiting patiently for him, he was already so upset at his plans being derailed that he decided to cancel his entire proposal idea for the night.

Y/n is none the wiser as they walk through the National Mall, chatting happily next to him about the latest book she’s been reading and the controversy surrounding the author on “BookTok.” The sun is beginning to set behind the buildings, casting a beautiful golden glow across everything it touches. The light catches Y/n’s eyes as she looks over at him to catch his reaction, and Duncan’s taken aback by how his breath catches in his throat at the sight.

This is it, he realizes. The moment that he’s been waiting for. It’s not what he had planned, but he knows it’s now or never, because there might never be a moment for him that screams “proposal” again.

“Y/n,” he calls her name, gently pulling her to a stop in the Constitution Gardens.

“What’s up?” she smiles at him, like she just knows he’s nervous about something. She probably does know, because she always knows.

“This…isn’t how I imagined any of this happening.” His hand goes into his pocket, and he grasps the box. “But then I thought, when has anything in our relationship gone according to plan?”

Her smile widens as she starts to get the hint of what’s happening. When Duncan gets down onto one knee, her mouth falls open. “Dunc,” is all that she can say, her tone warning that this had better not be a joke. As if he would ever joke about anything like this.

“I’m not the best with words, and you know that–I tend to talk with violence. We’ve been through so much together, and I can’t think of anybody else I’d have wanted to do any of the last three years with. And, after these three years, there’s nothing I’m more sure of than knowing that I want to do the rest of my life with you. So,” he opens up the ring box, “will you marry me?”

He’s barely finished asking the question before Y/n’s nodding and pulling him up to his feet and kissing him with a laugh. “Did you even have to ask?”

“Is that a yes, then?” Duncan’s grinning, already getting the ring out of the box and grabbing Y/n’s left hand so he can place the ring where it belongs.

“Yes. Of course I’ll marry you, Duncan.”

They kiss again, and then one more time for good measure. Y/n pulls back briefly to admire the new ring on her finger and how it’s glinting in the evening sun, and Duncan thanks the sunset for staying around for as long as it has.

“Y’know, I thought that you were going to propose at the restaurant.”

Duncan laughs like that wasn’t his plan and shrugs it off. “You really want to get married to me?”

“As if we’re not basically married already?” Y/n kisses him again, and Duncan’s sure that this is the best day of his life. “The only thing that changes after this is that now I can’t be forced to testify against you in court.”

“Is that right?” Y/n nods. “I should have put a ring on it two years ago, then.”

“You’ve rectified the mistake now, my love.”

Duncan grabs Y/n’s hand and swings her towards him, running his thumb over her ring.

“Should we head home, fiancée?” he asks. Y/n grins, pleased at the new pet name, and Duncan immediately files that away to use all the time now. “I’m sure there’s a lot of people that you want to call and tell the good news to.”

“That,” Y/n raises her eyebrows, “and we’ve got a lot of celebrating to do.”

She laughs as Duncan immediately nods, picking up the pace to get home now. Still, she’s not complaining, in fact, she’s jogging next to him, challenging him to actually break decorum and race her home. For her, he would.

Duncan Shepherd has worked hard to get to where he currently is in life. He’s quite literally shed blood, sweat, and tears in the process, and nearly lost his life multiple times. He’s faced heartbreak and loss, anger and grief, and thought that there would never be anything more for him than his work. Nearly running down the street with the woman who’s now his fiancée, both of them giddy with love and eager to get home and show each other just how much love they have, he knows that it’s all been worth it.

It’s all led him here, to the beginning of the rest of his life.

//

Tag List: @sammythankyou @girlycakepops @ultragibbycentralworld @ajokeformur-ray @nana15774 @queencocoakimmie @lichellaw @grim-adventures58 @trimbooohgodplsnoooo @everything-is-awesomesauce @michaellangdon @jimmlangdon @omgsuperstarg @queenie435 @sloppy-little-witch-bitch26 @kahhlo @storminmytwistedmind @1-800-bitchcraft @langdonslove @born-on-stgeorges-day @xavierplympton @michaelsapostle @venusxxlangdon @wroteclassicaly @idespac @tcc-gizmachine @dyns33 @hexqueensupreme @youngandfleeting @lambofcairo @myluciferiscody @ladyren33 @ladyrindt @hecohansen31 @dark-mei-rose @blakescoven @9layerdevilfoodcake @angelicmichael @takingback-thecrown @etherealsxnder

[kookies2000]

One reason I love The Owl House, LGBT+ representation of course. And this has obviously been said over and over before with everyone telling their own reason and story, so here's mine.

I didn't know what homosexualilty was until I was 16 years old and in theater. I saw a poster that said pride club and I had a lot of questions. I asked the master of our house and they said that homosexualilals were people of the devil so I shrugged and listened. Said what they wanted me to say. Long story short, theater class was full of homosexuals and they weren't as bad as my house hold described them to be. Heck, they were the most accepting people I ever met. Once I started warming up to the LGBT+ community, I made a transgender OC in a story I was writing. Still remeber writing a fan fic for FNAF and I made a trans girl as an important part of the story. My little brother asked about my story and I happily introduced my trans girl to him. Why was she trans, the story was about identity and knowing who you are. She was gonna be this confident girl who knew exactly what she wanted and who she was. Her purpose in the story was gonna be to help others find out who they are. I was so excited to write my story and my brother shared that excitement. To the point where he told all about my trans charater to a family member in our strictly Christian house hold. He was only five at the time. I had a massive talking, long bible lesson and punishment for it. So I threw away my story and my very first trans charater. Not to mention I was told to reject all homosexuals at my school including my theater class. I wasn't allowed to watch shows like Steven Univers or The Owl House either.

A few years later, graduation came and I still have connections with some theater kids and haven't cut any connections with my gay friends even after being asked to. Though, I'm still nervous about my very first bisexual charater and my first asexual/demi romantic charater. There's many reason's my Ducktakes story "Don't Back Down Again" has been on hiatus, but this reason is my #1 reason.

Some already know I manage to leave that house hold recently but that doesn't mean I'm not effected by what I was taught. I'm just nervous about continuing my story because I'm getting into the territory where I explore my first bisexual charater. Along with my first asexual/demi romantic charater. Maybe it's the memory of throwing away my first trans charater and the punishment that it came with. It's still there and it's keeping me from continuing from writing.

Heck, I remember always seeing Lena as a lesbian and wanting to write her as one. But I never did out of fear. Same for Violet being trans.

Though, I've been feeling more and more comfortable with writing LGBT+ characters now. The Owl House has grabbed my attention from how accurate it portrays religious abuse and manipulation through religion. It just tells our story beautifully and I couldn't help but want to write a fan fic for it. Writing down my outline and charaters, I'm starting to get use to making LGBT+ charaters. I'm excited to introduce my first lesbian couple and first gay OC. And maybe I'll be able to add a trans character as a call back to my very first LGBT+ OC.

What I'm saying is, The Owl House is a giant inspiration for me in writing. Not just telling the story of religious abuss and those who are trying to break from it, but making others feel more comfortable with them selves. I was never open about being in the asexual and aromantic spectrum until I started watching The Owl House. Lilith is incredibly important to me. Aroace lady who broke from away from her manipilator and trying to fix her wrongs, that's incredibly relatable and inspiring. These are the charaters I inspire to write and that's why The Owl House is so important to me.

[storiesofsvu]

okay besties!

taglists have been updated completely! if you filled out the google form prior to today (dec 25) you are on there!

i also went through and changed urls for those of you who have done that recently. (you're welcome)

i also took off any dead links, people who signed up yet NEVER interacted, and people who are changing their url's every other week. It's impossible to keep up with.

SO.

if you're suddenly not getting tagged for a character, that is why.

I do this because you can only tag up to 50 (i think) per post and I'd much rather it be people who are actually reading things, and esp for those who reblog and interact. if you're signing up to get tagged and just sitting there not even liking the post, imma think you're a dead blog.

Taglist HERE! if you want to sign up/add more characters. send me an ask to be taken off anyone's lists pls!

happy holidays!

[oceangirl24]

Heads Up, 7 Up

I'm behind on everything it feels like. Wi-Fi issues are not helping.

So @mrsmungus tagged me twice. Here are the last 14 lines I wrote for Birthday Wishes and Valentine Kisses.

Tagging to play: @mikaharuka @mrsmungus @kayedium-writes @lena-hills @tsunderewatermelon @winterlovesong1

“Not my job,” Jon said looking at his cards.

Topanga eventually stomped back into the kitchen, glared at Cory, then took her chair and cards to sit by Dana.

The next few rounds passed uneventfully until Jon played a green Draw 2 on top of a blue 8. Audrey initially missed this because she was quick to advert what happened to Topanga by throwing down her own Draw 2 card. The two went back and forth putting down Draw cards until Audrey ran out and was faced with a 32 card draw.

“How many decks are we playing with?” Topanga asked. She was now in a better mood.

“At least three,” Shawn grinned.

Dana stared at the card pile. “You can’t play a green card on top of a blue one.”

Audrey’s mouth fell open and she gave Jon an accusatory glare.

“What?” he asked grinning at her. “You didn’t catch it.”

“You cheated!” she cried as she went back through the card pile.

Dana was right.

“Unbelievable!” Audrey cried, jumping up from the table.

The game dissolved into a mass argument that ended with everyone, but Dana holding twice as many cards as they started with.

It was a confusing and chaotic experience as she didn’t see the fun in fighting that they all seemed to enjoy so much.

And in the middle of it all Cory and Topanga somehow got back together .

[lastoftruebeliever]

POLITICAL ANMALS : CHAPTER 3

Anakin heads to Lower Coruscant track down Watto as requested by Padme. Using his knowledge of the region and people from growing up there, he's able to locate Watto at his junk shop in Mos Espa.

However, Watto is initially hesitant to share any information, distrustful of outsiders. Anakin will have to use his persuasive abilities to gain Watto's confidence. He may have to reveal personal details about his past to build a connection.

[liamthemailman]

♠️♥️House of Cards♣️♦️

Act Two Part One - Recovery

CW: Minor injury description

White light flooded Ace’s vision as his eyes fluttered open, immediately blinding him. He hissed sharply as a searing pain throbbed at the back of his head. If it wasn’t for the distinct smell of the medical bay, Ace would have assumed he had woken up in heaven. 

Ace sat up before he rubbed the ache at the back of his head. He inhaled as his hand trailed down to his neck where his fingers came into contact with the cotton gauze around his neck. He sighed, a soft groan slipping past his lips as he recalled the events that transpired in the safehouse. His back still hurts from the scuffle he had with Queen. He groaned audibly, already dreading the ramifications that followed.

Ace stretches his neck, testing his limits and feeling the raw skin stretch beneath the bandages. It felt itchy and rough, burning against his flesh, suffocating almost. He took a deep breath, feeling the urge to tear the dressing off. It felt like a collar. An uncomfortable one at that.

It didn’t seem like Ace had been in here long, maybe a day or two at best. He figured he wasn’t out that long as he continued to nurse his head. A nagging thought eats at him as Ace wonders how he even managed to end up where he is now.

The privacy screen screeches against the metal rails as it’s drawn, the sound sending another awful pang to Ace’s head. Ace flits his eyes over at the intrusion, glaring at the form as they step in. 

“Major.” Ace relaxes his gaze, raising his eyebrows at the towering man.

“Lieutenant,” King returns the greeting, gruffing as he closes the privacy curtain behind him. “I see that you’ve finally woken up.”

“Yes sir..” Ace hums, nodding. He straightened up despite the strain in his back. He returns his eyes to King, a silence falling between them. It was tense as Ace anticipated. Before Ace could ask anything, King broke the silence.

“Elize had been put to desk duty while she recovers from her sustained injuries.” King says, answering Ace’s question as if he had read his mind. Ace nods silently, still waiting to be chewed out for being the cause of the assault.

“Sir, I-” Ace opens his mouth to speak but falters as King holds up a finger, silencing the shorter man instantly.

“Relax, Doe, the situation is being taken care of.” King interrupts, earning an odd look from Ace, the man’s brow furrowing. “Awfully shameful situation, really, but we know Private Kyle has always been a loose cannon.”

King’s tone left a sour aftertaste in Ace’s mouth. He frowned, but had expected the disdain coming from the Major. King was never fond of Jack to begin with. While Jack was careless, calling him a loose cannon seemed rather harsh.

“Where is she?” Ace finally asked. He was answered with a short scoff from King.

“They ran off, that coward,” King rumbles, folding his arms across his chest with a scowl distorting his face. This only further confused Ace, but he felt his stomach drop at the reveal.

Without prompt, King continued,“Long story short, the young punk attacked you from behind. That’s how you got your little injury there.” King says, gesturing vaguely to Ace’s neck. “Luckily, Elize managed to step in just as you got knocked out, but not without having to fight him off.”

Ace fell silent at King’s explanation. He had a feeling there was something wrong with it. He couldn’t actually place what had happened, though the nagging feeling at the back of his mind only grew more. Ace didn’t say more, having no grounds to suspect anything. 

It felt frustrating, but Ace surrendered, choosing to just nod along to whatever King was telling him despite it not making sense at all.

King cleared his throat again, his foot tapping against the ground, disturbing the otherwise peaceful silence.

“Well, enough chit chat, Lieutenant,” King rumbles. “Get back on your feet and meet me in my office as soon as you do.”

Metal screeches again as King pulls the privacy screen open, stepping out before Ace could even mutter a ‘Yes, sir.’ 

Ace sighs, and finds himself alone with his thoughts. As his mind mulled over the timeline of the confrontation, his hand strayed back up to his neck. He mindlessly picks and itches at the bandage, pulling at the material. 

His lonesome doesn’t last long as King’s presence is replaced. In walks a nurse, gently pulling aside the screen, holding a tray in hand.

“Don’t do that..” The nurse scolds softly, swatting away Ace’s hands from his neck. Ace stares at the nurse as they present the tray to him.

“These are some paracetamol pills, both for your head and neck. Do take them when needed within six hour intervals-” the nurse drones on with Ace barely paying attention. He hums, absentmindedly scratching at his neck again.

“Okay, thanks but uh..” Ace points to his neck. “Any chance I’m allowed to take it off?”

The nurse stops before they rattle on again, turning their attention to Ace’s neck. They paused. “Well, you can but-”

“Wonderful, darling,” Ace cuts in again, already undoing the wrap, practically ripping it off much to the dismay of his nurse. Ace hops off the lumpy medical bed, pocketing his prescription bottle and swiftly walking away, leaving behind a bewildered and flustered nurse.

Quicksaving...

[pinkpluswhite]

kinda want seth and finns match at summerslam to be no DQ but i imagine jey and romans will have a stipulation too so i dee kay 😭😭