#i have no dog in this race i'm a pens fan

[kittleskittle]

listen i am ONLY posting this here for the niloy server (because we've pretty much all adopted Drakka as our dirty little desert boy) and it's not going to make much sense if you haven't read my Aloy/Nil/Drakka hockey AU fic State of Love and Trust (it's the most self indulgent thing i've ever written but it's also my best writing ever, so)

anyway here's a speedpaint of modern AU Drakka as the Toronto Maple Leafs' starting center forward. He's also the captain. Why hockey? The mullet and also he has hockey bro vibes. Why the Leafs? because he feels like a Leafs fan. That's all.

[katie-luvr]

🌸 Peach 🌸 ~ katie mccabe x reader

an ~ this is the first one! thank for your service @lessi-lover! love you lots 🫶🏻

(katie mccabe x arsenal!reader)

~

today marked the beginning of a new chapter in your career; your very first official training session as one of two latest signings to the arsenal women's team, fresh of the high after being dubbed as 'the one to watch' during the 2023 world cup.

just a few days prior when the documents had been signed formally at the grounds, you had been given the chance to meet up with a couple of your national teammates, a handful of them already signing for london clubs.

moving to arsenal just made sense. it was always red and white for you. you were dressed in the red london kit before you could even walk, and the fact that you already had so many teammates living in england just made it all the easier to pick up the pen and sign.

you truly felt like you were on the top of the world, signing for your day one club, it was truly the height of your career and you still had so much longer to go.

having a quick breakfast with two of your older teammates in town, you felt more than assured by their words that you and your other teammate kyra, were going to create an incredible impact towards winning more titles and trophies this year.

the girls explained to you that this season they wanted to use the new signings to create more depth in the squad, become a stronger team and create a more meaningful connection with the clubs fans, and overall keep their reign as one of the most prominent clubs in europe.

"you excited to meet the girls, peach?" the aussie forward asked you, as she scanned her eyes over the menu. "they can't wait to meet you, peach. i've already got beth and jen lining up to go house shopping with you next week!" the other aussie added, fiddling with the leash connected to her dog's collar.

"peach?" caitlin worriedly questioned, as she watched you zone out of the conversation. "off with the fairies again this one." steph giggled as she poured you a glass of water. "yeah. yeah, of course i'm excited." you answered, although the hesitation in your voice was hardly convincing.

"it's okay peach. every footballer no matter how talented would be nervous to move to one of the most esteemed clubs in all of europe." she bragged, patting your shoulder, as your eyes widened further.

"not helping!" steph scolded, jabbing the side of her teammates arm, as she leant over to place a more comforting hand on your shoulder. "anything you want to tell us peach?" caitlin said, now with a more understanding tone as she spoke. "nothing its stupid." you responded quickly, shifting your eyes downwards nervously. "hey nothing you ever think is stupid, peach."

"we're your teammates, your caretakers and most importantly your friends. you can tell us anything that's bothering you, okay?" her gaze supporting, her hand moving comfortably up and down your arm.

caitlin nodded in agreement beside her teammate, genuine concern in her eyes, as they both waited patiently for your response. "no, don't worry about it." you quickly interjected, waving off their concern with a forced smile. "i can manage on my own. really, I appreciate the concern, though."

"alright, peach," steph said with a gentle nod, a silent look towards your other teammate that you would speak again whenever you were ready to share. "just remember, we're here for you. no pressure, no rush. when you're ready, we've got your back."

~

"you excited? you excited? you excited?" echoed the relentless voice of a young australian in your ear, each sentence coming with a jab to the side of your arm. talking in the back of your teammates car, you found yourself staring nervously out the window, a pointless attempt to quiet your thoughts as they raced rapidly through your head.

turning towards the blonde, you gave her a deadpan look, "kyra cooney cross, what do you mean, 'am i excited', of course i am!" you mocked, poking your finger into her chest with every word.

you tried desperately to put on your signature fearless persona, however your voice betrayed you as you trembled out the last few words.

kyra having already been signed for at least three weeks now, awfully tried to console your nerves even hitting you with, "hey, if they don't like you, you can always move countries." this only made you feel even worse, and you let yourself sink into your car seat.

"oi, peach, ky, we're here." caitlin said as she turned off the car engine. taking a deep breath, you released all your nerves. steph opened the door from beneath your elbow, causing your body to fall backwards, almost completely onto the ground. a sharp chill ran through you, as a gust of wind brushed past your skin.

the london weather was already making you want to book the first flight home back to sunny australia. you brushed down your clothes, feeling steph pat the top of your freshly washed hair.

"hey, watch the hair, i need everything to be perfect today!" you said in a a stern voice as caitlin and kyra exchanged a glance over your shoulder. "peach your gonna be just fine, i'm telling ya, no ones gonna care if a few pieces of your hair are sticking out." caitlin assured you.

"your going to be just perfect." ~

now dressed in your new kit, you made your way over to the gym. as today was the start of the season, you had been told that these strength and conditioning sessions would be a primary part of your program for the next couple of weeks. the anticipation of the waiting season filled you with a mix of excitement and nerves.

walking out the changing room, you felt as if you were living in a dream, although the high slightly out of your reach. the sound of your sneakers slid against the floor of the hallway, your body swirling with different emotions. "you ready peach?" kyra asked, lifting her arm over your shoulder as you walked.

"is katie a nice person?" you responded frantically, as you and kyra made your way through the building. you bit the side of your mouth anxiously, nervous that kyra would only further prove your thoughts. "yeah. i've only known her for a couple of weeks, but she's really funny!" kyra answered enthusiastically. nodding her head, as she fixed her sleeves.

the last time you had encountered the irish girl was back in august at the world cup, australia versus ireland. you could say this game left quite the impression on you, even if you spent majority of the match on the bench.

the intensity of the game, the clash with your close friend katrina gorry, had you painting a picture in your mind that was hard to shake no matter how hard you tried to move on. although, hearing your best friends words of her fellow teammate, painted a picture in your head that was at odds with your expectations.

but before you could ask more about kyra's experience with the brunette, steph suddenly appeared next to you, a bright smile on her face. "some of my best mates are headed over to meet you!" the defender exclaimed in an excited voice, grinning from ear to ear.

the introduction of several of her teammates did nothing to calm the turmoil of feeling racing through your body. if anything, it only made your heart race further, and your excitement heighten. a group of girls made their way over to you, dressed in the training kit, their faces smiling.

as they drew closer, you felt your nerves settle, as each player kindly introduced themselves to you. "hey, you must be the one and only peach!" says a loud blonde, as she wraps her arms tightly around your body, engulfing you in a hug. "beffy don't scare her away!" a tall brunette said, her scottish accent shining through her words.

"it's so great to finally meet you! we have heard so many amazing things about you." a girl spoke, the number thirteen in bold on her top. you felt your cheeks heat up, the tips of your ears burning at the attention you were receiving from your new teammates.

a couple more girls made there way over, many of them familiar with you over the course of your world cup journey as you properly met a series of players from the swedish national team. then came the english girls; leah, alessia and lotte, before viv and laura also came introducing themselves and sending you a small welcoming wave.

moving into the gym, you completed a series of intense exercises, the gym alive with the sound of chatter, weights clanking on the ground, shouts of encouragement, and the collective huff of your teammates pushing their limits.

it was in the middle of an exercise, one in which you were paired with a very irish girl for a partner drill. the realisation that you hadn't introduced yourself to her hit you like a pile of heavy bricks, your mind short - circuiting and delaying your thoughts. you hadn't spoken directly to her, and of course it was your fate that partnered you with the one person you'd hoped to avoid.

as she walked over to you, you attempted to greet her, "heyyy... so im uh, umm-" you stuttered awkwardly, your face flushed a deep pink. "peach?" she finished off, voice laced with amusement. using your nickname, sending you a wink as she lifted weights onto the bar.

"so, why do they all call you peach?" she asked, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity as she lifted the bar with such ease. you felt the blush creep further up you face, almost spreading over your whole body. "its a long story but-." you mumbled, fingers fiddling together. "she just can't help it. she always blushing, so the aussie girls named her peach." caitlin interrupted you, giggling as she watched you redden once again.

the rest of the training session was what could be described as pure discomfort for you both, as katie tried desperately to keep the conversation going to fill the awkward silence you had created. the both of you moving around each other with such difficulty that you'd wished you just stayed completely still.

finally it was as if the trainer had heard your prayers, he rung the bell to signal that the session was over.

quickly you rushed on over to the water station, swiftly grabbing a clear water with your name bolded on it. "-want to come with the girls tonight?" as you twisted open the cap, a distinctive accent caught your attention. turning around with your bottle in hand, you were faced with your earlier partner, a hopeful look on her face.

"care to join the girls tonights? beth's organised a small get together at a quiet bar downtown." she asked, her words accented with her signature cocky grin, as she lifted her shirt upwards to wipe her sweating face.

the brunette had invited you to go for dinner with her and the team. your face lit up brightly, as a smile took over your face. "of course, wouldn't miss it." you responded eagerly.

it was in that moment that you finally felt complete. as if all your hard work to get into the team of your dreams had finally paid off. a feeling of belonging fluttered in your chest. "perfect. see you there, peach," she grinned.

you felt like a gunner, you felt like you fit in and you couldn't wait to prove yourself to your team.

~

"hey y/n!" you heard a voice call out from the carpark. turning around, you saw your teammate alessia, quickly hurrying out the door to catch you before you left. although, before the the blonde could reach you, she stumbled clumsily over the curb, landing flat on her face, her bag falling freely out of her arms and onto the pavement.

"less! are you alright?" you questioned, rushing to her side to lift her to her feet, as she picked up all her things. "never better. are you coming tonight?" she asked urgently, a sense of anticipation in her voice. "yes, katie asked me a while back. i'll be there." you answered. smiling up at the tall girl, as you watched her break out into a cheeky smile that you couldn't quite place.

"can i come over? see the new house... and maybe.. i don't know.. pick your outfit?" she requested, but you missed the mischievous glint in her eyes that came with it. "alright less," you giggled, brushing a strand of your hair back.

driving your way through the busy streets, you handed alessia your phone, the blonde responding with a smile as she entered her number. "so how do you like london?" she asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "london? it's incredible." you replied, letting your eyes rake over the various tall city buildings.

"the clubs, the players, the city, the buildings, the people, - it's amazing. it's exactly what i dreamed of."

the striker nodded at your words, her eyes sparkling with her shared agreement. "i know what you mean, it's as if the city never sleeps. i just have to show you some of the special spots around here." you chuckled, nodding your head that you would have to go out sightseeing eventually.

pulling up to your apartment, you guided alessia up the elevator and into your living room, a series of unpacked boxes littering your floors. "steph and cait were meant to come over to help me unpack, but they just spent their time with whiskers." you explained to the blonde, as she explored your house.

"whiskers?" she questions, her brows furrowing, as she tried to understand you. "whiskers!" you yelled out, your voice bouncing off the walls. "oh." you said contentedly, gesturing to a small grey cat curled up in the corner. "he's friendly, you can go up and say hello if you want." but you weren't even halfway through your sentence as the english girl raced over to greet him.

~

"hm. what about this one?" alessia asked holding up a sparkly dress with a hopeful expression. the striker having poured the entirety of your freshly organised wardrobe all throughout your bedroom, clothing and shoes littering the once clean floor.

"it's just dinner, less. i hardly think a tight black dress is casual enough." you chuckled, body flopping backwards onto you bed. "oh cmon! i'll even wear something similar! all the girls will wear them."

she tried to convince you, waving the small dress around in front of you face. "less.." you mumbled, frowning up at the standing blonde as she faced you. "oh please!" she begged, her mouth forming an upset pout, as she clutched the dress close to her chest.

"oh fine" you agreed begrudgingly, sighing as the striker smiled at you. rolling your eyes, as her face lit up in excitement, a cheeky grin plastered on her lips. "you're going to look amazing! we're going to have so much fun, i promise!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.

"blush, less?" you asked, gesturing to the light palette in your hands. "if you don't mind!" she answered, taking it from your hands with a wink. sitting down at the vanity, you both began to get ready, although you're sure you spent more time talking rather than anything else.

giggling over the blondes stories of her england camps, and your own, you both bonded over each others individual stories. "you just started choking?" you breathed out, laughter stuck in your throat, as alessia told you stories of her younger self, from when she was first called up to the U15 teams.

"and you wouldn't believe the looks i got when my own coach had to help me spit the meatball out! it was so humiliating!" she chuckled, her face flushed in embarrassment as she recounted the story. "only you could manage that, less." you giggled, the sides of your mouth turned up in a cheeky grin.

"only you could manage that!" she said cockily, continuing to apply a light amount of makeup to her face. "what do you mean, less?" you responded, brows furrowing inwards as you tried to understand the blonde's words.

"i mean only the one and only y/n could receive a follow from the devil herself you know." she answered, waving your phone in your face. you could see a notification at the bottom of your screen, 'katie_mccabe11 started following you.' you frowned at the message, although you quickly went to follow her back.

"you got the devil part right." you sighed, switching off your phone to rest beside your elbow. "she's coming tonight ya know." the striker nods, again the mischievous glint in her eyes appeared, which only spurred you on further.

"i know. she invited me actually." you confirmed, body turning to face her, as you caught her smirk in the mirror. "really?" she grinned, shaking her head, whilst you sat there confused. "didn't think she'd have the guts to ask you out!" the blonde laughed, her hand falling against her chin, smiling at herself.

"what do you mean, less?" you said, pushing away your makeup, as you tried to pull the distracted girl's attention towards yourself. "oh nothing. just that she has the biggest crush on you, like ever!" she blurted out.

"oh my god! you didn't hear that!" she said worriedly, her hands coming up to slap against your ears, a look of true regret in her eyes, as she tried desperately to make you unhear her words. "uhh." she mumbled anxiously.

"that didn't happen! none of this ever happend! i- uhm! i was never here!" she shouted, racing around your room to pick up her belongings, as she raced out the front door. your chest tightened, a familiar feeling settling in your chest that you couldn't quite place.

you felt a slight tinge of a real blush coat your cheeks, the tips of your ears burning at the blonde's confession. "no way." you whispered dismissively. katie rarely ever talked to you, and there was doubt in your mind that your friend was just making things up.

surely katie didn't actually like you?

~

[glimmcr]

𝑽𝑨𝑵𝑰𝑻𝒀  𝑭𝑨𝑰𝑹  𝑷𝑹𝑬𝑺𝑬𝑵𝑻𝑺   ...   A  LIE  DETECTER  TEST

"  we're  going  to  be  taking  a  lie  detector  test  today.  you  will  be  hooked  up  to  the  machine,  and  we  will  ask  you  a  series  of  questions  -  whether  you  tell  the  truth  or  lie  is  up  to  you,  but  the  test  wil  be  able  to  snitch  out  any  lies."

"  we're  going  to  be  taking  a  lie  detector  test  today.  you  will  be  hooked  up  to  the  machine,  and  we  will  ask  you  a  series  of  questions  -  whether  you  tell  the  truth  or  lie  is  up  to  you,  but  the  test  wil  be  able  to  snitch  out  any  lies."

"  to  start,  what  is  your  first  name  and  what  city  are  we  in  ?  "

“maggie    rosario  –  wait,  do  i  have  to  say  my  full  name?  i  didn’t  lie  did  i?  oh,  right,  we’re  in  nyc.”  

"  thank  you.  how  are  you  feeling  today  ?  "

“i’m  peachy!  thanks  for  asking!”

"  understandable.  how  about  an  easier  one  -  what's  your  favourite  colour  ?  "

“lilac,  it’s  also  my  favorite  flower!  you  just  know  spring  is  finally  here  when  they  bloom!”

"  and  your  favourite  film  genre ?  "

“musicals.  or  rom-coms.  how  can  i  choose?”

"  let's  see  -  what  is  one  thing  you  wouldn't  be  found  without ?  "

“a  pen.  you  never  know  when  inspiration  will  strike!  i  used  to  constantly  look  for  one  so  i  started  carrying  one  with  me.”

"  keeping  it  light,  what's  your  drink  of  choice  ?  "

“tea.  hot  or  iced.  i  prefer  spicy  teas,  though.”

"  which  of  the  following  have  you  attended,  and  would  you  attend ?  "

bold  what's  been  attended,  italicize  what  would  attend  /  attend  again.

the  ballet.  the  met  gala.  the  horse  track.  the  race  track.  a  yacht  party.  the  opera.  the  orchestra.  a  broadway  show.  a  shakespeare  production.  a  concert.  a  comedian.  an  (  american  )  football  game.  a  soccer  /  football  game.  a  documentary  film.  a  film  premiere.  a  polo  game.  art  museum.  wine  tastings.  nyc  sightseeing  tour.  celebrity  sightseeing  tours.  haunted  tours.  charity  galas.  fashion  shows.  fashion  week.  disneyworld  /  disneyland.  a  basketball  game.  a  hockey  game.  a  baseball  game.  a  boxing  match.  a  cricket  match.  the  golf  course.  the  olympics.  

"  oooh,  we're  jumping  into  something  a  bit  heavier  now.  what  is  the  one  thing  you  want  to  achieve  in  life  ?  "

“i  think  i  just  want  to  be  remembered.  doesn’t  have  to  be  by  a  ton  of  people  but  i  want  to  make  an  impact,  i  think  that’s  why  i  like  writing  so  much.  creating  worlds  that  will  outlast  me.”

"  who  knows  what  the  fates  ​​​​​​​have  ​​​​​​​in  ​​​​​​​store.  ​​​​​​​how  do  you  feel  about  reputation.com ?  it's  ​​​​​​​all  ​​​​​​​anyone  ​​​​​​​seems  ​​​​​​​to  be  ​​​​​​​talking  about  lately."

“oh,  i’ve  read  some  things  on  there  but  i  don’t  put  much  stock  into  it.  even  if  it  is  true,  it’s  not  my  business  so  i  shouldn’t  pry.”

"  everyone  is  entitled  to  their  own  opinion,  i  guess.  what's  the  weirdest  /  craziest  headline  you've  read  about  yourself  there  ?  "

“that  i’m  married.”

"  what's  something  you  are  currently  working  on  ?  "

“ooh,  is  this  where  i  get  to  shamelessly  plug  my  next  book?”

"  i'll  look  forward  to  it.  one  last  official  question  -  and  it's  an  easier  one.  cats  or  dogs ?  "

“i  like  both  but  i  do  have  a  dog  so  i  guess  i  gotta  say  dogs.”

"  personally,  i'm  a  dog  fan  anyday.  anything  else  you'd  like  to  add ?  "

"when do we get to hook you up to this thing?"

"  well,  thank  you  so  much  for  joining  us  today  ​​​​​​​-  can't  ​​​​​​​wait  ​​​​​​​to  ​​​​​​​have  ​​​​​​​you  ​​​​​​​back  ​​​​​​​with  ​​​​​​​us  soon."

[yurisorcerer]

I normally love Dowman Sayman but this is a miss.

It has all of the guy's hallmarks; really unique art, good character designs, a particular bizarre and wacky sensibility, etc. But it doesn't really work in this format and with this subject matter. I can think of a couple problems here.

For one, isekai as a genre is so ridiculous already that it's hard to parody. Despite clearly *actively trying* to present as unhinged and off-the-wall as possible, this is still markedly less stupid than something like My Instant Death Ability Is So Overpowered That No One In The Other World Stands a Chance Against Me (which I believe is that anime's actual title), because it's clearly trying to have actual like, structure and shit. There is an intentionality to the jokes. Mostly in service to Saymans' very gonzo sense of humor, sure, but it's still there. Dowman Sayman is almost *too competent* to make a convincing narou-style isekai; he understands the basics of plot and composition too well.

For another, and maybe I'm projecting here but I don't *think* I am, I kind of just get the sense that he doesn't really want to be writing this? Again, I could be reading my own intentions onto the work, but there is a notable air of resentment coming off of this, and this is the first thing I've ever read by Sayman that did not seem entirely 100% the product of his own deranged mind specifically. A lot of the humor comes off as more meanspirited than is the norm for him, and that's keeping in mind that the guy's comedies don't tend to be sunshine and rainbows at the best of times. Also a good chunk of it just really isn't that funny; some of it pushes so far into "god, what??" territory that it successfully crosses the line twice, like a bit about a sweet magician girl named Hime getting her face shredded off (it reads better in-context, I swear), but a lot of it either doesn't go far enough or just lands with a thud. Jokes about how terribly isekai tends to treat its non-human fantasy races would have more of an impact if the joke wasn't just that these characters also treat them terribly. (It's admittedly a *little* funny that the kobolds look like pugs instead of the usual kinds of dog-person, but only a little.) And then, as said, some of it just fumbles the execution. There's a literal dead baby joke in here, and while you can have all sorts of reactions to that, the one thing it should NOT make me feel is "nothing," which is exactly how I feel about this one.

So is there anything of worth here? Eh, maybe? Tracking the development of Sayman's art style is always interesting---it's more cartoony than ever, here---and as mentioned, I like the character designs, and the two leads have a fun dynamic. But this is perhaps the least essential serial he's ever penned, which is pretty sad as a longtime fan.

The good news of course is that Sayman rarely sticks with any single manga for super long, so he will probably be onto something else in a year or two at most.

[all-hallows-evie]

My intel tells me that you have been actively seeking me out, my love. That the mere thought of me has your heart racing, the way your cheeks brighten; don't think I haven't noticed.

Perhaps you should join me, privately, in my office. Away from prying eyes and loud whispers. You can join me on my couch as we drink the night away and maybe even more some. A little dove has told me you wish to sit in my lap, is that all you'd like to do? Maybe we should explore what we both desire.

What do you say, my dear? Don't keep me waiting too long, you don't want to know what will happen if I have to come get you myself

~Silco

Evie traces the jagged S at the bottom for what feels like the hundredth time as she drinks her coffee.

She is livid.

She is livid that he has somehow managed to sneak past her dogs in the middle of the night to drop off this cursed letter at her home and she is livid that he is absolutely right. Her face feels hot and her heart won't stop racing as she considers her next move.

Would she take him up on the invite? In a heartbeat, the part of her brain infatuated with everything about the man pipes up, but that last little bit of the letter is just as tempting.

"...if I have to come get you myself...hn."

She knows she shouldn't be playing with fire, but it's just a little flame at this point she convinces herself as she flips the note over. She puts her coffee down and goes hunting for a pen. She finds one buried deep in the back of her junk drawer and starts to write out what will probably be her death warrant:

Dear Sir,

It has come to my attention that you've been given bad intel.

I'm not one for "my sweets" or "my loves", but a five letter word that was never trained to heel. As tempting as your lap might be, I'm afraid I'm much better on my knees...

P.S. Tell your goons to wipe their feet next time, my floors are a mess.

-- 💜💜

She fans the ink with one hand while finishing her coffee, a dumb grin plastered on her face.

This was such a bad idea, fun, but bad.

As soon as the ink dries she grabs her bag and heads for the door. She tucks the letter into the corner of the frame and locks the door behind her, pinning her response like a flag in the corner before heading off to work.

....such a bad idea.

[thebluemallet]

Immediate thoughts on Bridgerton Season 2, Episode 2 ("Off to the Races). Spoilers below the cut:

Kate, Mary, and Lady Danbury are all speaking on behalf of Edwina now. She even looks over at Kate before voicing an opinion. Yeah, Edwina's going to find her voice before the end of the season and it will not be pretty when she does.

The new heir is making himself at home and it seems like "questionable styling choices" is a family trait, even for those who married into it *cough*Portia!*cough*

Kate controlling the line of suitors and not letting Anthony cut ahead was funny. Takes me back to season 1 and how Anthony acted with Daphne. It's time for him to get a taste of his own medicine.

Thomas Dorset and Edwina are just trying to distract Kate and Anthony to get them to stop bickering over the horses. Their banter is legendary. I was disappointed that Dorset was actually a setup from Anthony, but I do believe that Dorset genuinely liked Kate.

Philippa and Mr. Cheese are finally married! I was rooting for them.

Poor Edwina is going to be used as a pawn throughout this season, isn't she? Anthony's intentions are not 100% honest or honorable and now the Queen is using her to help track down Whistledown.

Anthony probably needs his ego knocked down a few pegs with how confident he is that he will emerge "victorious" in his courtship of Edwina. The boy just did the 19th century equivalent of buying Edwina a Ferrari. One of my favorite quotes from this season is in this episode, though: "I assure you, Miss Sharma. This is a very real horse. I would not recommend trying to climb inside."

And even though it is clear he is not in love with Edwina, props to Anthony for calling out Kate about making this about what she wants and not what Edwina wants. Props as well to Violet for calling out Anthony when he complains about Kate accusing him of playing games.

"You are Pen. You do not count." Colin, you ASS. I know you didn't mean it maliciously, but still. You ASS.

I'm not a fan of the new Lord Featherington attempting to court Cressida Cowper. Cressida is Penelope's worst bully in the books and having her be the new Lady Featherington would be Penelope's worst nightmare.

Anthony stealing Ben's poetry and claims it as his own.😒 At the very least, he admits it. But it's all still part of a grander scheme to try and convince Edwina to be his viscountess so it's still very underhanded to me. The benefit to Anthony's scheme was that Edwina actually stands up for herself a little bit with Kate instead of taking her sister's word as absolute gospel. She's formed her own opinion and she's going to trust that one. I don't blame Kate for running from the room, though. Especially when Anthony smirks at her like that.

I feel sad and sorry for Kate that she has resigned herself to a life alone. She doesn't seem truly happy with her choice. I think she's trying more trying to convince herself that she's happy with her choices more than anything. She's a lot like Anthony that way: trying to convince herself that she's doing what's best for everyone instead of being selfish for her own happiness. Lady Danbury has a point: the difference between her and Kate is that Danbury has actually lived a life and hasn't given up on it like Kate seems to have done. Lady Danbury seems sad to see Kate giving up already. I think, despite the rough first impression and the dog, she really likes Kate. This season might be more about exploring Kate's insecurities instead of her trauma. Or maybe it's her insecurities that have been brought on by her traumas.

I thought that Madame Delacroix would figure out who Lady Whistledown was, thanks to the promo photos, and I-along with everyone else-was RIGHT! The most unrealistic part of the book series was that Penelope got away with it as long as she did. And that it took over ten years for someone to put any real effort into discovering her identity. And once one person knows...others will find out.

[thesunflowerinyoureyes]

Lust and Greed -Michael Gray

Summary: Where Michael has a really big crush on the reader and shows it the wrong way - making her hate him. Michael says to her face that she shouldn't go out with so many men, making her angry. But on one particular night, she starts seeing his words in a different light...

A/N: Poorly written but I did my best : ) -ALY

You wanted to rip your hair out as you stared at the piles of work Tommy had left for you to do that day. Your glasses that sat dangerously at the end of your nose, your unbuttoned dress showed that you were not in the mood for talking to anyone today. As you delved more into your work, the more you wanted to scream. This bullshit doesn’t even make any sense. How the hell am I suppose to get this done today? You put your head on the table, throwing your glasses onto the desk. After a couple seconds, you brought your head off of the table - the only motivation going through your head: If I get this done today, then I won’t have to do it tomorrow. As you picked up your pen, you started scribbling on the paperwork, your eyes skimming but meticulously looking through the words. You were getting on fine until the door of your office slammed open, revealing the person you really didn’t want to see today. It’s Michael fucking Gray. Fuck sake. The only guy that doesn’t knock on the door like a normal human being. You didn’t even bother looking up from your paperwork, knowing that his handsome face had a well known scowl on it, just for you. Yeah it was true. You did find him extremely handsome. But his annoying and extremely disgusting manner towards you didn’t make him an exception for you to be kind to him. Silence filled the room as you carried reading the papers right in front of you. Ignore it, (Y/N). It might go away if you ignore it. Sadly for you, that wasn’t the case. 

“Oi (Y/L/N) How long are you going to ignore me like this?” He asked in the tone he only used with you. His normal velvety tone to the other women was never shown to you. Instead he gave you a low, menacing one. 

“I’m not in mood for talking, especially if it’s with you” You snapped at him, your eyes never leaving the paperwork. Just leave me alone for fuck sake. He didn’t respond to you but he did something which made you wished you looked up at him from the minute he walked on. The paper that you were reading was suddenly covered by a pile of other papers. You looked up in confusion, seeing a smirk tug at his lips. You can’t be fucking serious.

“What in the actual fuck is this?” Was all you managed from the anger boiling inside of you. He cocked an eyebrow at your balled fists - something that you did unconsciously. 

“Some lovely paperwork for you to do. This is has to be done by tonight." He spoke in an amused tone but you weren't finding this funny. You practically jumped out of your seat to close the door. After slamming the door, you turned to look at Michael, who was now leaning against your desk.

"Look, Michael, I don't know what the fuck your problem is with me but I definitely not going to be able to finish that paperwork off tonight. I've got places to go-"

"You're always going places (Y/N) I could care less" Michael said, cutting you off. You scoffed out loud by the man's ignorance. This little bitch.

"Excuse me? Me? Always going out? You must be stupid to think that I'm anything like you" You spat in disgust. But you instantly regretted it. You'd never seen a face dropped so quickly in your life. The once smug look on his face, had now been replaced by a stone cold look. He grabbed your waist a little harshly, pulling you towards him. A gasped left from your red lips as your face was inches away from his. His hot breathe fanned your face as he looked, for a split second, at your lips and then your eyes.

"Listen here, (Y/L/N). I'm only saying this to you because you work with me. Some of those men that you call "friends" are not always what they seem to be. The way they swoon over your looks and particularly at your body is probably something that you like to have. The attention. The way you act practically screams it. But as your colleague, I think it's my job to tell you, for your own benefit, to stay the fuck away from them. Understood?" Michael locked eyes with you intensely for a couple of seconds, before letting go of your waist and walking out of the door. Michael had never been the one to scare you - not in the slightest. But after that little fiasco, you couldn't help but feel a bit of anxiety rising up in your stomach. He basically called me a slag. He thinks I'm a fucking prostitute. You swallowed the lump in your throat and looked at the stack of the paper he left for you. You inhaled a sharp breathe and pushed the stack off your desk in a angrily manner.

By the time the end of the day came, you miraculously had actually finished the work that Michael had given. That'll show his bitchy ass. You smirked at the thought of Michael's face when you were to hand in the work. You grabbed the papers and headed to his office. You knocked. There was no answer. You knocked again but no response came from the room. You walked in and saw that Michael wasn't in his office. So you went and dumped the papers right in front of his desk, leaving a note saying "Happy now?" You looked back at your work once again and left the office to finally have some fun. Or that's what you thought it would be.

You had arrived at the Garrison and saw your group of friends already drinking away. You saw a guy sitting next to your friend that you didn't recognise. They didn't tell me that they were bringing someone. Especially as hot as him. His jet black hair was slicked back, as his eyes that were ocean blue like Tommy's had wrinkles forming by the laughter that was escaping his pink, plump lips.

"Hey guys" You said as you sat down, flashing a smile at the guy.

"You're finally here, you slag! God knows why you fucking work there! They always make you work over time!" Your friend shouted, completely intoxicated by the Irish whiskey that she was consuming. You rolled your eyes playfully, grinning at your friend.

"And where is that you exactly work Miss...?" The handsome man spoke up while he locked eyes with you. You felt your heart racing, his alluring eyes making you feel attracted to him.

"It's okay. You can call me (Y/N). I work at Shelby Company Limited. And you are?" You responded while you brought the whiskey up to your lips, looking at him through your long lashes.

"It's Liam and it's interesting how such a ravishing woman like yourself work for dogs like them" He replied with a chuckle, eyeing you up closely. The last bit of the comment wasn't something you were pleased but you just shrugged it off. Michael is a bitch.

After some light flirting with Liam and gossiping with your friends, you went into the back room to grab some more whiskey. You heard someone open the door and lock it behind them. You turned around to find Liam standing inches away from you.

"Oh hello Liam" You said sweetly, smiling at him. He smiled at you but didn't utter a word. Instead he closed the gap between you two and pressed his lips onto yours. You immediately fluttered your eyes closed, moving your mouth in sync with his. His hand travelled downwards on your back while his other hand tried to unbutton your dress. Ew what the fuck? You broke away from the kiss and moved back from him, anxious and annoyance bubbling together.

"What the hell are you doing?" You barely managed out, as you stared at him wide eyed. He simply scoffed and smirked at you. He slowly made his way to you, every step of his making you take a step backwards - until your back hit the wall.

"Who the hell's gonna save you now? Your pathetic little friends are out there, pissed drunk and there's only you and me" He whispered in a husky way, pinning your wrists to the wall. You tried to hit where the sun don't shine, but his legs had trapped your thighs together. Oh shit. This can't be real. You whimpered slightly when he kissed your neck in the most grotesque manner, moving downwards. Please. Anyone save me. Please just save-

You were knocked out by your mental pleas when the door slammed opened. There stood the guy who you thought was the least person to come and save you. There stood Michael who had his necktie undone completely, his fists balled and a wild look on his face.

"Let her go right now" He said in an raucous voice, his voice livid. You watched Liam roll his eyes and he let go. But instead, he grabbed you harshly by the arm, making you moan quietly in pain, as he made you stand next to him in front of Michael.

"Or what?" Enquired Liam in an amused voice.

The next few moments took a bit of time for your brain to process. One minute you were staring at Michael's raging face and the next moment he tackled Liam to the floor, punching his face. You watched as Michael continuously punched Liam, a pool of blood starting to stain the floor. You stood there, your mouth agape to what the hell was happening. Get him off of him. Before he kills him.

"Michael stop it now!" You shouted at him as you tried to pull him off by grabbing his arms. Michael obliged to your touch, surprisingly, and got off from the man. You gasped at the bloodied face of Liam, blood dripping from his mouth.

"Michael...we can't just leave him like that we have to-" You were cut off by him grabbing your wrist and dragging out of the back room. He carried on dragging you out of the Garrison and pulled you into his car. None of yous spoke a word as he sped down the road, reaching his house. The uncomfortable silence was something that made you want the earth to swallow you up. He got out first, slamming the door with force and opened your one. He grabbed you again and dragged you into his house. Well I'm dead. When he shut the door of the house, Michael's inner temper was released. He took a sharp inhale of breath as he turned around and looked at you. You didn't dare look at him, as you felt the anxiety rushing towards your stomach.

"What the fuck did I tell you (Y/N)" He whisper shouted angrily, his hot breath fanning your face once again. You didn't look up and neither did you respond. You heard him exhale a long sigh. When can I go home man? You flinched when he lightly but firmly grabbed your chin to meet his eyes. You were surprised to see Michael have a gentle look on his face and a softness in his eyes.

"He didn't hurt you did he?" He spoke softly, as he examined your face. You shook your head slightly and then dropped your eyes back down to the floor. He let go of your chin and did another unexpected thing. He gently wrapped his arms around your waist, resting his chin on your shoulder. You felt your heart skip a beat, a bit of blood rushing to your cheeks. You slowly wrapped your arms around his body as well, leaning into his touch.

"Are you okay (Y/N)" He mumbled into your hair, his velvety tone melting your heart. But then it did hit you. He was right. Everything he told me today was true. You felt tears start to form at your eyes, which then left you to have soft sobs escape your mouth. Michael broke off the hug and cupped your cheeks.

"It's okay now (Y/N). You’re safe with me.” He said while wiping away the tears running down your cheek with his thumb. You inhaled a sharp breath and looked at him with blood shot eyes. 

“You were right Michael” You said in a raspy, broken voice. You saw the confusion in his eyes and then you watched his face drop, registering what you meant. He opened his mouth to say something but you beat him to it. 

“You were fucking right and everything you said in my office today was a fucking foreshadow. And it’s all my fault” You chocked out, trying hold back another sob. You opened your mouth to say something else but this time Michael beat you to it. He crashed his lips onto yours, a small moan escaping from your lips. You flutter your eyes closed, as your wrapped your arms around his neck. I can't believe I'm kissing Michael fucking Gray. He slowly broke away from the kiss, his tongue trying to savour the taste of your lips. He leaned his forehead against yours, your heart beating wildly and your cheeks feeling as if they were on fire.

"What I said today was bullshit okay? I didn't mean anything I said. I just have a very hard time expressing how I actually feel...my damn past has created me a cold, foolish idiot. I hate that. And I also hate how all these bastards crave any bit of your love because they don't fucking deserve it. I love you, (Y/N) (Y/L/N). I've loved you ever since the day I saw you walk in with Thomas, wearing that light blue dress and your loose curls making you look like a fucking angel."

You looked at him with slightly wide eyes, never ever expecting those words to escape from his mouth. You tried to process what he just said to you, not giving him a reply.

"(Y/N)? Please give me a reply. I know I'm a fuck up but-" You cut off his rambling with pressing your lips onto his softly, Michael immediately responding. When you broke away from the kiss and opened your eyes, you looked into his. His eyes glistened with happiness and a sort of vulnerability. You smiled at him and bit your lip, taking in his features. But the minute you bit your lip, you saw his eyes have a sort of glint. A glint of lust and greed.

"Don't bite that fucking lip, (Y/N)" He said in a flirtatious way, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Or what Michael?" You questioned seductively, wrapping your arms around his neck.

"God you make me go crazy" He whispered as he hungrily kissed your lips. You responded with much passion, as you wrapped your legs around his waist. Well. I guess it was a good thing...