#Lani Kent | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

onceuponaoneshotfanfic · 8 days

Text

I'm Setting Off, But Not Without My Muse

I'll Write Your Name Chapter 7

Roy Kent x Latina!Popstar!Reader

4.8k words

Warnings: Language, heavy kissing, pining

Keeley lounged on Roy’s couch, looking comfortable and familiar with crossed her legs and messy hair. She smiled when Roy handed her the soda he’d brought from the kitchen, throwing Roy back to all those lazy days they’d spent together on that couch, days of kisses and laughter and love. Days he missed.

“My sister should be here soon,” he murmured as he threw himself down on the couch beside Keeley. “Remind me what you and Phoebe are doing again?” He resisted the urge to grab her hand or press his palm to her thigh, the way he used to.

Ignoring or missing Roy’s pining, Keeley grinned and sipped her soda. “We’re going to a museum,” she explained slowly. “And we’re going to take turns closing our eyes and trying to draw the art we see. Whoever does the best wins, and loser pays for lunch.”

“Where the fuck did Phoebe get money from?” Roy snorted.

Keeley blinked at him, as if it was obvious. “You, you dolt. Girl’s a little millionaire with all your swearing.”

The sound of knocking at his door stopped Roy from retorting; not that he had a defense, to be fair. His wallet was constantly empty thanks to Pheobe. Maybe the knock at the door saved him from admitting Keeley was right, he thought to himself as he opened it.

Those familiar eyes sparkled at him. “Hey, Roy.” She stepped inside, looking comfortable in a simple sweater and jeans. The moment she saw Keeley on the couch, it was like a switch flipped. Her hand was on Roy’s hip, tugging him to herself so she could plant a lingering kiss to his cheek. “Missed you,” she hummed.

Roy froze. Even after all this time, all the kisses, he still had moments where her seemingly easy affection caught him off-guard, rendering him frozen like a statue. This was definitely one of those moments, with his ex-girlfriend on his couch watching with quirked eyebrows and amused eyes.

Just as suddenly, she stepped back and smacked her palm to her forehead. “Shit,” she chuckled awkwardly, her eyes focusing on Keeley again. “I’m so sorry. I forgot I don’t have to do that in front of you.” She adjusted Roy’s shirt where she’d grabbed him. “My bad, Kent.”

“Don’t stop on my account,” Keeley teased, shooting them a wink. “Kiss him all you want. I doubt he’d complain too much.”

“Keeley-” Roy started to growl, wondering if both women could spot his heavy blush and the way his fists clenched at his side.

But Keeley wasn’t focused on that. Instead, she patted the spot next to her, urging the popstar to sit beside her. “So, have you two planned your holiday yet? I know Lanie’s been on your ass about it.”

With a glance at Roy, the singer settled by Keeley, noticeably stiff compared to the former model. “Uh, Roy found some spot in this little lakeside town,” she said quietly. Roy wasn’t sure he’d ever heard her sound so timid. What the fuck had her so shy? “That’s why I’m here,” she added quickly, eyes on Keeley. “So we can finish planning everything.”

“That sounds lovely,” Keeley said in a soothing voice, almost as though she was trying to comfort the singer. “I think you and Roy-o are going to have a great time.” She shot Roy another wink. “Sounds very romantic.”

Roy cleared his throat. “I think it’ll be a great writing spot,” he said. “She can focus on the album, I’ll get some reading done.”

There was that smile, that small grin that made Roy soften. “I’m excited,” she admitted to Keeley, although her eyes were still on Roy. “If nothing else, it’s nice to get away before the tour begins. Because now, with this album, I’m not going to get to relax much before it starts. At least I’ll get to relax a little on this trip.”

“Or not relax,” Keeley hummed with a wink.

Roy didn’t know what he hated more: Keeley implying he’d be interested in anyone other than her, or feeling embarrassed in front of his fake girlfriend. Probably the latter, he realized when he saw the alarmed look that appeared on that pretty face. Now she was going to spend their little getaway worried that Roy was going to make some sort of move on her, he panicked with silent groan.

Fucking Keeley.

“Shit, sunshine, what’s in this one? Bricks?”

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the admittedly heavy backpack out of Roy’s hands. “Old notebooks,” I corrected. “I’ve gotta dig through these things to find some usable lyrics, remember?”

Roy’s little grunt was the only answer I got. He loaded my suitcase into his giant black car before taking back the backpack and tossing it inside. He squinted at my empty hands for a moment before gazing back at my house. “I made sure the place was pet-friendly, you know.”

“Okay,” I said slowly, cocking my head. “What, did Keeley make you rent a dog for our vacation? Make us look all domestic?”

“No,” he huffed, obviously fighting the growing curve in his mouth. “For Sydney. I figured you’d be bringing her along.”

My heart melted as I blinked at Roy. I knew he liked my cat- and she, amazingly enough, liked him in return- but I wouldn’t have expected him to include her in our plans. Most of my real boyfriends tolerated Syd well enough, choosing to mostly engage in mutual indifference. Roy, on the other hand, seemed to genuinely like having Sydney curled up in his lap during Scrabble games and was keen to feed her if he woke up before me.

Stupid thing better not get too attached, I thought bitterly as I mumbled something about going to pack Sydney’s things really quickly. He won’t be around forever.

As I gathered some cat food and toys and urged Sydney into her travel carrier, I wondered if I was worried about Sydney or myself. With Roy’s help, I packed the cat and her things into his car, reminding myself all the while that this was a business trip of sorts. We were going for publicity, I scolded myself as I buckled into the passenger seat. This was for work.

My reminders were interrupted when Roy turned on his car and my own voice suddenly filled the vehicle.

The tips of Roy’s ears were red as he quickly turned off the car stereo. “Phoebe,” he mumbled simply. “She always turns it up way too fucking loud.”

I fought the smile that was desperately trying to break through. “Sure, Kent,” I chuckled. “You weren’t blasting my song on your way to pick me up. You absolutely didn’t sing every word at the top of your lungs. Totally believe you.”

Damn, why did he have to wear bashfulness so well? “Fuck off, sunshine.”

Slouching in my seat and defeated by the smile on my face, I turned to him. “What is your favorite song by me? If you don’t mind me asking.”

His fingers tapped the steering wheel as he turned off my street, off on our little adventure. “D’you think I have a favorite?”

“Of course you do,” I scoffed. “I saw the way you sang Our Song. You’re a bigger fan than you let on, Kent.”

“Touche.” He bobbled his head as he stared straight ahead. “You’ve got some really good songs. Nothing New was phenomenal. I’ve listened to it a few times and it just leaves me fucking breathless.” A frown crossed his face. “But it might be Happiness,” he said quietly.

My eyes traced his profile. “Why that one?”

He sighed and tightened his grip on the steering wheel. “It’s mature,” he said slowly. “Accepting the end of this relationship, acknowledging the good and bad of it all, hoping for forgiveness that goes both ways.” He sighed. “I’ve got to admit, I used to think you were just… fluff. I mean, Pheebs always likes your sugary pop stuff, that’s what’s on the radio. But after Nothing New-” He shook his head. “I went and listened to some of your other things, and fuck, you’re a great songwriter.” He glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes. “And I liked the Gatsby references, sunshine.”

I tried to tell myself that my warm cheeks were the result of feeling humbled by kind praise, not feeling flustered because Roy was telling me he liked my song. “Thanks,” I murmured. I picked at the hem of my shirt. “It was kind of a hard song to write. Emotionally, I mean. But it felt really good once I’d finished recording it.”

“I bet,” was all he said.

The rest of the drive was calmly quiet. I rested my head against the window, watching the city fade away and become green, green, and more green. Roy didn’t say much, other than ask how Sydney and I were doing. After a while, I took out a notebook and began jotting down some words, words that just kind of flowered onto the page before I could even really comprehend what they were saying.

Roy eyed me curiously as I scribbled. “Lyrics?” he asked simply.

I nodded, scribbling down the last couple of words. “Just a few lines,” I admitted. “Who knows if it’ll become anything. But you never know, so I’ve gotta write everything down. Sometimes the silliest little lines can become something special.”

“Read it to me.”

I swallowed hard, staring at the words I’d jotted down. “It’s just a couple little scribbles-”

“Come on, sunshine.”

Unable to say no to his gentle tone, I cleared by throat and slowly read, “Wait for the signal and I’ll meet you after dark… show me the places where the others gave you scars… Now this is an open-shut case, I guess I should’ve known by the look on your face… Every bait-and-switch was a work of art.”

When I dared to look at Roy, he wore a large, infectious grin. “What the fuck,” he chuckled, smacking the steering wheel. “What kind of a mind d’you got in that pretty little head? You just came up with that right now? Out of fucking nowhere?” He let out a sharp breath. “Fucking amazing.”

His words were overwhelming, drawing a deep blush to my cheeks. He sounded so real, so genuine as he praised the couple of lines I’d jotted down. I decided to believe he really meant it. Friends could gush over each other like that- right?

I also decided to ignore him calling me pretty.

“Thanks, Kent,” I murmured, slouching into my seat. “Dunno what it’ll become but…”

“Well, whatever it is,” he said, “it’ll be fucking great.”

He knew he’d guessed right when he saw the smile on her face at the sight of the instrument. She turned to him, eyebrows raised and cat in hand.

It was a nice house. Bright and airy with a gorgeous view of a lake, a couple of cozy bedrooms, a sweet little kitchen, and, most importantly, an inviting sitting room with a piano. As soon as Roy saw a photo of the instrument online, he booked the house, figuring it would be a perfect spot for some songwriting.

“There’s a piano,” she said simply.

Roy nodded, warmth in his chest as he took in her pleased reaction. “Figured between that and your guitar, you’d be all set,” he explained. “Is it fine? The piano? I didn’t know what kind you like, or if this one’s any good.” He was blabbering now, suddenly anxious that he’d done just the wrong thing.

But she shook her head, letting Sydney go so she could approach the little bench. She sat and began plucking at the keys, creating a simple little melody that Roy felt like he knew. She glanced at him, the music never stopping. “You ever play?”

“No,” Roy scoffed. “Only thing I’ve ever played is football.” Not knowing what came over him, he strolled over and sat beside her, watching her fingers move with ease over the ivory. “Is this one of your songs?”

She nodded and opened her mouth, letting her sweet voice fill the house.

Roy nodded along. He’d heard this one before; it always sounded so childish when he heard it over the speakers, and half the time he skipped right over it, ignoring Phoebe’s complaints about ever skipping her songs. But maybe it was hearing the authoress in person, or maybe it was how down-to-earth it sounded like this, or maybe it was the way the setting sun was hitting her pretty face, whatever it was, Roy thought the song sounded nothing short of charming.

School bell rings, walk me home

Sidewalk chalk covered in snow

Lost my gloves, you give me one

"Wanna hang out?"

Yeah, sounds like fun

Video games, you pass me a note

Sleeping in tents

It's nice to have a friend

She turned to him, still playing, and nodded to the keys. “You try.”

“Fuck no, I-”

All it took was her raising her eyebrows expectantly, and Roy found his fingers touching the cool keys. She paused, freezing her fingers and nodding down at them.

“Set your fingers like this,” she instructed. When Roy had taken the same position, she looked at his face. “Just copy my movements.”

She moved her fingers slowly, delicately, and Roy did his best to mirror them. He hit some wrong keys, and he was so stilted and awkward, but he created something resembling music. Slowly, the tension in his shoulders started to dissipate, all the embarrassment in his head gone, making room in his brain for the simple melody they created together. A quiet, almost domestic bliss settled over the two of them, the kind of quiet that didn’t need a single word. He tried to remember the last time he felt such a calmness; probably with Keeley. He didn’t realize how much he missed it, just the pleasure of someone’s company.

And Roy definitely wasn’t complaining about the glowing little smiles she offered him.

It was nice to have a friend, indeed.

It was the sun, I told myself as I forced my eyes back to my notebook. I was suddenly feeling warm because I was lying out in the sun. That had to be it.

The sun felt good on my face, warm and inviting. I was supposed to be diving through an old notebook and searching for usable lyrics, but Roy kept distracting me. Not on purpose, of course. He just stretched out on our picnic blanket, eyes on the book he’d brought along, pausing only to take a sip of beer or grab a piece of fruit to pop into his mouth. But I couldn’t stop glancing over at him. He looked so incredibly relaxed, kind of like he had the night of his championship celebration, and he had this tiny grin on his face as he read, as if he was amused by the book in his hands. And then I noticed his hands, how strong and firm they looked holding the book open. And today he’d opted to wear shorts, showing off muscular legs I rarely got to see.

“Alright there?”

That gruff voice had me snapping back to reality. “Fine,” I choked out, shaking away thoughts that I really shouldn’t have been having. “How’s your book?”

Roy shrugged and flipped through the pages. “It’s good. I’ve read it before, but it’s nice to revisit?” He raised an eyebrow. “Like you and Gatsby, I guess.”

My eyes scanned the cover I hadn’t paid much attention to earlier. “A Wrinkle in Time,” I read aloud. “I’ve heard that’s a good one.”

“You could borrow it sometime. If you want.” Roy grinned. “When you’re not being pressured to write an entire album of love song for a man you’re not really in love with.” He shook his head, missing way I squirmed at the ‘L’ word. “Freaking Keeley, making you do this. You’re a trooper for saying yes, you know that, sunshine?”

“It’s fine,” I assured him with a little chuckle. “Who doesn’t love a challenge?” I paused, picking at the grass at the edge of the blanket. “Speaking of Keeley…” I let out a little breath, suddenly even warmer in the face. “She didn’t, er, send you any messages recently, did she?”

Something in Roy’s face fell for a flicker of a moment before relaxing again. He quickly shook his head. “No. Did she send you something?”

“Yeah.” I rolled my eyes, pretending my heart wasn’t slamming in my chest. “She says we’re both way too hot to be so… chaste when we’re out together.” I offered an awkward grimace. “She wants us to, like, get caught being hot and heavy.”

The choking sound sputtering out of Roy’s mouth had my face burning even worse than it already was. “Oh.” He blinked a few times, the gears in his head almost visibly turning. “Do you… want to make out then?”

Despite the absolute mortification I was feeling, I couldn’t help laughing at his words. “Jeez, Roy, that’s so high school of you,” I managed between chuckles.

The corners of his eyes crinkled as he finally joined me in laughter. “Fuck me, that was terrible, wasn’t it?” He shook his head, offering a sheepish grin. “But I mean…” His eyes shifted somewhere over my shoulder. “That papps Keeley tipped off is over there somewhere. Probably has a clear view of us.” He raised his eyebrows. “Unless…”

The laughter left my lungs as I looked into those brown eyes, just as unsure as I suddenly felt. This shouldn’t be difficult; we’d been kissing each other for a couple of months now. And I’d filmed plenty of kissing scenes for music videos, I reminded myself. Steamy ones, even. Surely, I could manage to get a little heavy with my supposed boyfriend, couldn’t I?

“Anything for the job,” I joked, suddenly hating the way that had seemed to become our motto.

“For the job,” Roy echoed with a smirk.

Without warning, he grabbed my hips and tugged me onto his lap. A surprised squeal slipped past my lips, prompting a chuckle to rumble in his chest. His hands skittered up and down my back as he smiled up at me.

“This alright?” he hummed. His eyes were on my mouth.

I managed to nod as I rested my hands on his shoulders. “Sure.” I hoped my voice was casual and unbothered.

“Good.”

His lips felt so comfortable against mine, warm and familiar now. I let myself settle onto his lap and closed my eyes, focusing on being as natural as possible. Roy pulled me close, chest to chest, until I felt his heartbeat against my body; he could probably feel mine slamming against my ribs. He tasted like the beer and fruit he’d been enjoying all afternoon, a beautiful, summery combination I wanted to taste forever. Without thinking, I gave a gentle grind against his lap. His grip tightened on me as a curious little hum vibrated against my mouth.

My body was buzzing, on fire, drunk on Roy’s mouth and hands and body. While the little voices in the back of my mind kept reminding me this was an act, this was all pretend, the rest of my mind was screaming Roy’s name, wanting to take him back to the house and make this real.

Taking him back to the house felt like an especially good idea when his hands began to slide down my back, lower and lower.

“Should I…?” he rasped against my lips.

I nodded, refusing to open my eyes and break the spell I was under. “Probably.”

Roy’s hands cupped my ass tentatively, as if he was waiting for me to snap at him; he was probably remembering the night we “met”, where I warned him about his hand placement. Oh, how far we’d come since that night of snarking at each other and trying not to roll our eyes. Trying to assure him he was fine, I pressed down against him again, swallowing back my reflexive groan when I felt the beginning of a bulge against my increasingly needy parts.

Apparently he understood the permission I was giving him, because Roy’s grip on my ass tightened, fingers digging into the material of my jeans. I tried to remember the last time I’d been kissed like this- in public no less. It felt like something was waking up inside me. No, it wasn’t arousal from the kiss, from Roy’s hands on my body like he wanted me. It was a feeling that was settling deep in the pit of my stomach, a feeling that was making itself right at home as a melody and words began to bloom in my mind.

Dammit, it might be love.

For the last few decades, Roy Kent had spent plenty of time around impressive people. Politicians and rich people who made him want to barf. Actresses and models that looked good on his arm and in his bed. And, of course, some of the most famous, talented athletes in history, athletes he was proud to play against and stand beside. Hell, he was a legend in his own right, something he seemed to conveniently forget.

But he couldn’t help being impressed watching an artist at work, something he hadn’t had the opportunity to witness before now. He was a little nervous for her heading into this holiday, wondering if she’d be able to work under so much pressure. But once they arrived, it was like a dam had broken. She was constantly in her notebooks, scribbling furiously and scrambling through old pages. Or she was strumming away at her guitar or picking at the piano, creating melodies that Roy found himself humming as he relaxed around the house.

She didn’t play much for him, just little snippets here and there that she quickly critiqued and went back to work on. Still, he kept asking her to play him something; but they weren’t ready she insisted. Roy didn’t care; he found himself craving pretty tunes and a prettier voice.

A couple days into the trip, he was in the little kitchen, making some dinner while Sydney padded around, meowing up at him and drowning out the twinkling sounds of the piano. He mumbled back to the cat, reminding her that her owner would not be happy if he snuck her a treat without checking first. But the cat kept chattering, so Roy finally threw his hands up in defeat.

“Fine,” he huffed, unable to believe he was having a conversation with a cat. “Let’s go ask your mum if you can have a bit of fucking carrot.” He scooped up Sydney and let her climb onto his shoulders- a spot he had quickly realized she liked- and made his way into the sitting room.

She looked so comfortable in her sweats, her hair up in a sloppy hairstyle. She was so engrossed in her music, she didn’t notice Roy leaning in the doorway, a ghost of a smile on his face as he listened to her quietly sing.

Sydney’s little meow caught her attention. She stopped playing and looked up at the duo in the doorway, eyes a little wide. “Oh, hey,” she chuckled, smoothing down her wild hair. “Sorry, too loud?”

I spy with my little tired eye

Tiny as a firefly

A pebble that we picked up last July

Down deep inside your pocket

We almost forgot it

Does it ever miss Wicklow sometimes?

They said the end is coming

Everyone's up to something

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they're push and shoving

You're in the kitchen humming

All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

“Not at all,” Roy assured her, reaching up to scratch Sydney behind the ear. Damn cat, interrupting his private concert. “That’s really fucking nice. You should keep going. I’d love to hear it.”

A tiny smile graced her lips when she saw the earnest way Roy was looking at her. “Fine. But you stay over there. I want to pretend you guys aren’t here, alright?”

Roy did as he was told, staying in the doorway as she picked up that sweet little melody and focused her eyes on the notebook in front of her, the words almost indiscernible; she seemed to be able to read the rushed writing with ease.

She took a deep breath and snuck a glance at Roy before continuing to the bridge- her strength as a songwriter, Roy recalled from Keeley.

On the way home

I wrote a poem

You say, "What a mind"

This happens all the time

'Cause they said the end is coming

Everyone's up to something

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they're push and shoving

You're in the kitchen humming

All that you ever wanted from me was nothing

Her smile grew as she went on, looking less like a glamorous popstar and more like a girl, alone in her room, playing with music as if it was a toy, creating something out of nothing but emotions. It was nothing short of magical, Roy admitted to himself. This album was going to be something special, he realized.

Industry disruptors and soul deconstructors

And smooth-talking hucksters out glad-handing each other

And the voices that implore, "You should be doing more"

To you, I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it

And he’d have to take credit for being its muse.

She looked straight at Roy, not hiding that radiant smile as she sang-

They said the end is coming

Everyone’s up to something

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they’re push and shoving

She played a sweet little outro, eyes still on Roy. Once finished, she offered him a tiny shrug, eyes bright with curiosity. “What d’you think?”

Roy’s in the kitchen humming

All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

They said the end is coming

Everyone’s up to something

I find myself running home to your sweet nothings

Outside, they’re push and shoving

You’re in the kitchen humming

All that you ever wanted from me was sweet nothing

“Fuck,” Roy laughed, finally walking over to sit down next to her, letting Sydney slip down into his arms. “That was lovely. Really lovely.” Before he could stop himself, the question he dreaded asking blurted out of his mouth. “Who’s it about?”

He felt so sure he’d stepped in it when her eyes flickered down, away from his gaze, before looking at him again. “Well, when I originally started writing this one, it was about my mom,” she started slowly. “I had been thinking about this time my parents visited, and we went to Ireland together. It was amazing, getting to show them places they never thought they’d visit.” She shook her head, as if the memories of that trip were fluttering through her mind. Then her eyes found his again. “But it’s also… well, about you, Kent.”

Roy nearly dropped the cat. “Me?” he asked incredulously. “Fuck d’you mean me?”

She chuckled awkwardly, rolling her eyes a little. “What you said about my mind, when I was writing in the car,” she explained. “And how you’ve been just, I dunno, really sweet about everything I’ve been working on here. And, I don’t know, you’ve become a really good friend.” She reached out and placed a hand on his leg, giving a small squeeze. “So I guess this song’s about the people who make me feel safe, happy, despite all the idiots in this world.” She wrinkled her nose. “Does that make sense?”

His heart felt like it stopped dead in his chest. It was such a candid, honest answer- and not the one he expected. He knew she’d have to change lyrics to fit him before finalizing songs, but he didn’t think she’d write about him. Roy wasn’t sure he’d ever been so… flattered? Sure. Flattery. That was the warm feeling nuzzling in his chest, the same warm feeling that was spreading to his cheeks as she blinked at him, waiting for him to say something, probably to assure her that he liked being her muse.

“Oh,” was all that came out of his stupid mouth. “Wow.”

He saw it. He had seen it when he brushed her off the first time she talked to him about The Great Gatsby. He saw it when he walked brusquely out of the room when she first played Nothing New for him in her living room. And he was pretty sure he saw it when he ignored her at the Greyhound’s celebration to pay attention to Keeley.

It was some mix of disappointment and hurt. Something that made Roy wish he was capable of being someone other than himself.

Still, she put on that tiny, shy smile and removed her hand from Roy’s leg. “Yeah,” she chuckled. “Anyway, sorry for interrupting your cooking.” She cleared her throat and stood, scooping Sydney out of his arms. “I better go feed her.” Not quite looking at Roy, she walked out, leaving him all alone at the silent piano.

Taglist: @infinetlyforgotten@ladygrey03@book-of-roses@thatonedogwithablog@misshall14@wibblywobblyvampywolfystuff@akornsworld@itswhateveripromise@purecinnamonextract@oceanncurrent@dearvoidgoodnight@hopefulromances@respondingtoshowerthoughts-blog@hotleaf-juice@emmy2811@captainorbust-blog@preciousbabypeter@shion-ah@royalestrellas@eugene-emt-roe@littleesilvia@teenwolf01@sisinever@yagotgames@queen-of-the-downtown-scene@emmaallisonann@mrdsturd@confessionsofatotaldramaslut@charkachow@mrdsturd@littlepinapple@sunfairyy@shadowzena43@uhmidkmuch@imsoluckyeverythingworksoutforme

#roy kent i'll write your name #roy kent iwyn #he's here he's there he's every fucking where #roy kent #roy kent x reader #roy kent fanfic #roy kent fic #roy kent fanfiction #roy kent imagine #ted lasso fanfiction

71 notes · View notes

hausofanya · 5 months

Text

┈─ 𖧷 i think i knew you in a past life . every time my soul sees yours, it trembles with knowing . AKA F8TE, an eight ( including cléo ) member friend group consisting of producers, dancers, idols, actors, and more who found each other through each other and are now affectionately dubbed by fans as THE REAL HOUSEWIVES ( & HUSBANDS ) OF SOUTH KOREA.

XAVIER KENT ⸝⸝ aries. ‘98. rapper & producer under JYP ENTERTAINMENT. stage name : KNIGHTX ( can be pronounced as either knights or knight x. ) resident sweetheart, big hugger, has had a ‘minor’ crush on cléo that fans think isn’t very minor due to fans figuring out cléo voices his producer tag. 1/3 of the STAR TRIO. with cléo and moniq.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CLÉO? ‘ was introduced to her by family when i was around eight years old. you know, kids in the same age group play together and all that. we pretty much stuck to the hip after that. but she’s always been more than just a family friend to me. she’s been a fixture in my life for years. ’

MONIQA LE FLEUR ⸝⸝ leo. ‘98. soloist under JYP ENTERTAINMENT. stage name : MONIQ. ( pronounced as monique. ) unanimously voted as group mom, has a soft spot for both cléo and xavier. dotes on cléo so much fans also believe something romantic is happening between the two. 1/3 of the STAR TRIO with cléo and xavier.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CLÉO? : ‘ we’ve been best friends since we were babies. we practically slept in the same crib — she’s my other half. i’d do anything for her, and i know she’d do the same for me. ’

MALAKAI ST. JAMES ⸝⸝ gemini. ‘99. vlogger, ‘part time actor’. online persona : SAINT KAI. the group ‘trouble maker’, though it’s mostly because he finds himself in odd situations as an odd sort of superpower. famous online as ‘that one guy who didn’t flinch while playing five nights at freddy’s’ and regularly has beef with at least one character in the games he plays. ( ex : bonnie. ) when he’s not gaming, his vlogging channel is complete 180 to his other, depicting a peaceful life and many, many plants. started his acting career when he tagged alongside a friend to an audition and wooed the casting director enough to land a minor role, catapulting him to even higher heights of fame.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CLÉO? ‘ xav introduced us when he heard she watched my fnaf play throug. we originally bonded over two player games, and our friendship’s been going strong ever since. sweet kid, but don’t let her cute face fool you. she wiped the floor with my ass in smash once and i still haven’t recovered. she’s kind of a beast, haha. ’

MALANI ROSE SINCLAIR ⸝⸝ libra. ‘99. leader, main vocalist, and lead dancer of five member girl group HONI under JYP ENTERTAINMENT. stage name : LANI. everyone agrees that if cléo wasn’t known as the youngest of the group, she could definitely be mistaken as such. soft voiced with a big heart, but fiercely protective of those she holds dear. mess with lani and HSK will bury your body and put you on a tshirt.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CLÉO? ‘ she had debuted before me and i was just looking for friends, honestly. the idol industry is huge and daunting without a friend. that was cléo for me. she would smuggle snacks in and we would escape to the roof and just talk about everything under the moon. ’

DANTE ANDERSON - LEWIS ⸝⸝ scorpio. ‘99. a part of an impressive dance crew called THE ROYAL FAMILY. one look at him and you can tell the mischief in his eyes and smile go way beyond tricks and pranks. self titled ladies’ man, whatever that means, and flirts with anyone. ( the rizzness was written about him. ) known to fans as ‘that one guy who gave cléo her first dating scandal’ much to his delight and her poorly hidden fondness masked as exasperation.

HOW DO YOU KNOWN CLÉO? ‘ we worked on a stage together. a really sick production. was a backup dancer for many of her stages beforehand but we hadn’t really connected until then. she handed me a water bottle after practice and asked to go over the routine one more time, and the rest was history. ’

XIOMARA MAWUSI ⸝⸝ taurus. ‘00. main dancer and lead singer and rapper in six member girl group VIX ( also read has 6IX ) under BE:LIFT LAB. stage name : XIOMARA. this girl is a force to be reckoned with, from her stage presence to her alluring flow in both singing and rapping. she’s the hardest to get a grip on in the group, preferring to be shrouded in mystery, but behind closed doors can be the most caring person you could ever come across. even if her actions can be questionable at first.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CLÉO? ‘ met her through her twin, which was kinda creepy at first. like my first thought was, ‘why did alexei come back in a wig?’ sweet girl, makes killer cookies. could solve world peace with those. they’re what won me over, honestly. let me not even lie. ’

ALEXEINDRE TORELL ⸝⸝ cancer. ‘00. main rapper and lead dancer of six member boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER. stage name : ALEXEI. cléo’s twin brother who loves to tout that he was born mere minutes before she was, much to her dismay. the two get along ridiculously well despite what they show on camera, and they often claim telepathy as the reason why they act so eerily similar. most of their synchronized interactions aren’t planned though, so they prefer to render their audience speechless the fun way.

HOW DO YOU KNOW CLÉO? ‘ how wouldn’t i know cléo? it’s unfortunate, really. sometimes i wish i ate her in the womb. the bane of my existence. i would kill for her. don’t listen to niq when she claims to be her other half. i’m literally right here and breathing. ’

24 notes · View notes

ejzah · 2 years

Text

When I first started watching The Rookie, I started compiling a list of actors I’ve seen in other shows/movies. I never had time to catch everyone, so if you want to add anyone, feel free.

And for reference, I list where I recognize the actor from specifically.

***

As most people are fully aware, John Nolan played by Nathan Fillion, also appeared in Castle.

Wesley Evers, played by Shawn Ashmore. Technically, it was his twin, brother, Aaron Ashmore, (someone just recently pointed this out to me) who appeared as Jimmy Olsen on Smallville but I’m still counting it as a sighting.

Captain Zoe Anderson, played by Mercedes Mason. Appears as Talia Del Campo on NCIS: LA.

Yvonne Thorsen, played by Tamala Jones. She appeared on Castle as Lanie Parish.

Doug Stanton, played by Brandon Routh. Also played Clark Kent/Superman in The Return of Superman and Ray Palmer in a variety of CW shows.

ADA Sean Del Monte, played by Michael Trucco. Also played Detective Tom Demming on Castle (I’m seeing a pattern here).

Nora Valdez, played by Natalia del Riego. Plays Rosa Reyes on NCIS: LA.

Detective Murphy, played by Alicia Coppola. Also played Agent Lisa Rand on NCIS: LA and a guest role on Castle.

Chaz Bachman, played by Seamus Dever. And of course, also plates Ryan on Castle as well as a guest role on NCIS: LA

Antonio Hernandez, played by Julian Acosta. Also appeared on NCIS: LA and Castle in guest roles.

Caleb Wright, played by Michael Cassidy. Once again, played a (less creepy) guest character on Castle.

Agent Michael Banks, played by Bailey Chase. Guest starred as Will Sorensen on Castle.

Evelyn Dyer, played by Annie Wersching. Also appeared on Castle as Kelly Nieman. Thanks for the addition, katherinesdoris!

Lou Ferrigno Jr. played guest rolls on the Rookie and NCIS LA.

This took me way too long to do and I know there’s people I’ve missed. If you have any to add, please do.

#the rookie #the rookie cast #yes I have time for this

17 notes · View notes

444names · 1 year

Text

world countries + american forenames

Aacque Aarlebby Aartielay Albarnonn Alberinige Alberria Alfren Aliamy Allydia Allyn Alpher Alucilace Alvian Amarl Ambil Amensthle Ancessie Andraisty Andregoldi Andrel Aneigh Annatterra Annicath Anter Anuatro Apolis Arathel Aresovia Arshle Arvia Auline Bahris Baryannet Baryle Becia Bella Berick Beris Berla Berry Bertrathy Bhuthia Bildredia Bobbillene Bobbis Bonga Bouguat Bricar Brietty Brinn Brisalisa Bulie Bulingera Calan Calind Carde Cargie Caric Carly Caroya Cattie Changor Chatie Chrialada Cinicia Cisey Cliba Clizab Coberiangie Codne Colaite Corobel Couis Crafasha Cranlebon Critne Crola Cuand Cynda Czecton D'iva Dacell Dagne Daguy Dandana Darle Darlyn Deannissie Dearosonie Desia Diteroly Dommi Donacecia Dorea-bique Dorosey Dovandy Dovie Dwarie Dwistin Eanniam Echri Edgenthaney Edrestine Elbertacky Equelin Errya Esotte Eughan Eulil Eundro Felinetchra Fingo Flois Florazann Florey Fraquel Fredwil Fredwindix Fritterthan Galeend Ganne Genice Geonique Geredne Geriete Geris Gernanda Gerry Gerton Gland Gleene Glends Gor-lernia Goregor Greanua Greateron Groon Guaric Gueli Haelie Hanceycey Harait Hareddia Harent Harmann Heliene Hellaus Hellice Hellomarl Herbel Herly Holanya Howarrie Hunier Huria Icheillawna Irafren Irencelia Irgie Iricamon Iscily Jacoma Jacque Jaind Jamill Jamyanya Jandia Jandy Japalie Jasey Javetha Jeandren Jeann Jeatand Jeffell Jefferta Jeffor Jefinda Jeney Jenrithaele Jerondy Jesieline Jesloly Jestanie Jesti Jibabevalte Jibia Jikelly Jillica Joanda Jodnathunie Jodnee Johallis Johan Johnn Johnna Johnnetteva Johnnia Jonna Joren Joriamau Josca Joshertoyd Josie Juandriscan Juank Juathon Julial Julipe Julis Karettermau Karleene Karya Katen Kathark Kathon Kattan Kayssicarl Kazegren Kazil Kazilaul Kelia Kelleney Kente Keycharry Kinda Kistisra Koranda Koristis Kosheridita Krasomerd Krianda Kricton Krictor Krinanla Krioloydia Kritnet Kurinie Kurtim Kuwarge Lando Lanie Laniftoy Lanthance Latel Lelaran Lesia Lessa Leste Litine Lixie Lizann Lliber Loldrey Lomelia Lored Loria Lorie Loronya Lorwazan Loutallip Loutine Luperry Maguan Malasoley Malia Malie Malize Malla Mandanya Mandredone Mangent Maniecili Maraq Marced Marine Maristinet Marmallyn Maron Marray Matium Matrianda Matricey Mauda Maulia Maurtifri Mellawn Mered Merna Misie Moniet Monighae Monio Monya Morahanna Morda Moricarace Mormabony Moroccante Namoth Nelie Nestifforg Nezuelyn Nitris Norellyn Norgameg Nortie Olaurk Paicton Pakimela Pakirent Pakisyra Pakity Pambia Paminez Panda Parve Pathurkel Pattim Patvinata Paudie Paulianne Pedgam Peghae Penna Poree Portne Portune Qatellen Racey Rafgh Raithandra Ralley Razecubya Razere Razil Ressanna Rinevend Roanda Robarna Robbis Rolarren Rolatacque Rolatan Romelleall Ronighan Rooke Rosaymorild Rostandon Rotsyrae Roxana Rucel Runda Runes Runia Rusie Rwaystina Sabis Sable Saithrisey Salben Salgary Sambil Sambit Sandaijango Sanesloista Sanne Saosa Seangie Semace Sephian Shawille Sheandroxan Sheles Sheli Sheristas Sielip Solourmara Somel Soneandy Sonew Sonjaven Sovindia Sravisa Stamell Stannez Stemyrgel Styrice Sudia Suelia Suellarly Surictorthy Sustica Sustie Suzbelordo Swith Syleinar Syrosove Tance Tanlette Tannala Tannez Tannya Tarrayn Telsemoneg Tembeline Thadoldia Thath Thrill Thugle Thylvivan Tinaosti Toiri Tomarus Trasepalu Tugari Turidgerie Turta Ughte Ukrith Unine Vakisarcill Valuist Vandannei Vantogo Vellenn Vennalarcur Verma Vetthawin Vialysidne Vidgene Vindsamina Vinisterta Vistat Waitandy Waray Warla Wayemori Wigharley Wigua Wiguan Wilin Yvonsta Zilta

#444 names #444names

1 note · View note

marcmarcmomarc · 5 months

Text

RWBY: The Holiday Special

Taking place after the series, we get a look at what the holiday season is like on Remnant.

Starring the voices of:

Lindsay Jones as Ruby Rose

Kara Eberle as Weiss Schnee

Arryn Zech as Blake Belladonna

Barbara Dunkelman as Yang Xiao Long

Cast:

Dawn M. Bennett as Elm Ederne

Jen Brown as Pyrrha Nikos

Sena Bryer as May Marigold

Ashley Burns as Coco Adel

Burnie Burns as Taiyang Xiao Long

Tiana Camacho as Glynda Goodwitch

Cam Clarke as Bartholomew Oobleck

Colleen Clinkenbeard as Jinn

Amber Lee Connors as Vernal

Aaron Dismuke as Oscar Pine

Michele Everheart as Fiona Thyme

Dave Fennoy as Dr. Pietro Polendina

Gavin Free as Scarlet David

Caitlin Glass as Willow Schnee

Anna Hullum as Raven Branwen

Samantha Ireland as Nora Valkyrie

Michael Jones as Sun Wukong

Mick Lauer as Marrow Amin

Morgan Lauré as Summer Rose

Cherami Leigh as Ilia Amitola

Marissa Lenti as Joanna Greenleaf

Jason Liebrecht as Qrow Branwen

Yuri Lowenthal as Mercury Black

Miles Luna as Jaune Arc

Joe MacDonald as Yatsuhashi Daichi

Aaron Marquis as Nolan Porfirio

Penny Layne Matthews as Zwei

Elizabeth Maxwell as Winter Schnee

Shannon McCormick as Professor Ozpin

Taylor McNee as Penny Polendina

Lani Minella as Rowena Sunnybrook

Max Mittelman as Fox Alistair

Katie Newville as Emerald Sustrai

Jessica Nigri as Cinder Fall

William Orendorff as Hazel Rainart

Josh Ornelas as Sage Ayana

Neath Oum as Lie Ren

Tara Platt as Kali Belladonna

Anairis Quiñones as Harriet Bree

Jason Rose as James Ironwood

Anthony Sardinha as Peter Port

Kerry Shawcross as Neptune Vasilias

Keith Silverstein as Professor Theodore

Melissa Sternenberg as Maria Calavera

Valentine Stokes as Ambrosius

Karen Strassmann as Gretchen Rainart

J. Michael Tatum as Klein Sieben

Cristina Vee as Robyn Hill

Howard Wang as Whitley Schnee

Caiti Ward as Velvet Scarlatina

Christopher Wehkamp as Clover Ebi

Casey Lee Williams as singing voice of Weiss Schnee & Neopolitan

Kent Williams as Ghira Belladonna

Todd Womack as Vine Zeki

Anne Yatco as Xanthe Rumpole

Additional Voices:

Orion Acaba as Harold Mulberry

César Altagracia as Crimson

Amalee as Ivy Thickety

Yssa Badiola as Ciel Soleil

Laura Bailey as Amber

William Ball as Saber Rodentia

Ryan Bartley as Arslan Altan

Eric Baudour as Forest

Brian Beacock as Roch Szalt

Dawn M. Bennett as An Ren

Laila Berzins as Starr Sanzang

Grace Bono as Nebula Violette

Jen Brown as Red Haired Woman & Lisa Lavender

Reba Buhr as Lily’s Younger Sister

Billy B. Burson III as Branwen Bandit 2

Paige Campbell as Dew Gayl

Bruce Carey as Captain

Dani Chambers as Iris Marilla

Clifford Chapin as Shay D. Mann

Luci Christian as Lil’ Miss Malachite & Fria

Greg Chun as Green

Lucella Wren Clary as Adrian Cotta-Arc

Alfred Coleman as Merchant

Kate Daigler as Atlas Soldier Officer

Adam Ellis as Cardin Winchester & Tukson

Dorothy Fahn as Slate

Melissa Fahn as Lily

Erin Fitzgerald as Rae Noire

Flynt Flossy as Flynt Coal

Jim Foronda as Russet Ka

Sandy Fox as Ariadne Guime

Scott Frerichs as Mata

Grant George as Ivori

Blaine Gibson as Brawnz Ni

Christopher Guerrero as Dudley & Blacksmith

Claire Hogan as Octavia Ember

Victoria Holden as Mata’s Mother

Xanthe Huynh as Claret Berbere

Chad James as Asher Mora & Councilman Sleet

Chris Kokkinos as Fenix Nemean, Spider Bodyguard 2, Branwen Bandit 1, & Crew Member 2

Anjali Kunapaneni as Cye Ayu

Skye Lafontaine as Olive Harper

Aleks Le as Nadir Shiko

Judy Alice Lee as Ruda Tilleroot

Mela Lee as Caroline Cordovin

Marissa Lenti as Oscar’s Aunt

Alex Mai as Dee

Joel Mann as Drunk Mann

Bryan Massey as Bertilak Celadon

Dustin Matthews as Drinking Buddy

Kyle McCarley as Sky Lark

Mike McFarland as Mayor

Daman Mills as Leonardo Lionheart

Ryan Mitchum as August Caspian

Cassandra Lee Morris as Kandi Floss

Kim Newman as Higanbana Waitress

Richard Norman as Fenix Atar

Brooke Olson as Mantle Child

Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Thumbelina Peach

Bryce Papenbrook as Russel Thrush

Jack Pattillo as Hei “Junior” Xiong

Paul St. Peter as Edward Caspian

Kyle Phillips as Nubuck Guards

Anairis Quiñones as Councilwoman Camilla

Eden Riegel as Elektra Fury

Sam Riegel as Finn Asturias

Jon Risinger as Bolin Hori

Cindy Robinson as Ann Greene

Patrick Rodriguez as Shopkeep & Cyril Ian

Kristi Rothrock as Zure Ayu

Andrew Russell as Kobalt

Ian Russell as Mossius Berbere

Alejandro Saab as Dove Bronzewing & Henry Marigold

Lindsay Seidel as May Zedong

Kerry Shawcross as Pyke Rite

Lindsay Sheppard as Saphron Cotta-Arc

Michael Sinterniklaas as Roy Stallion

Jamie Smith as Terra Cotta-Arc

Gus Sorola as Fiona’s Uncle

Laura Stahl as Roane Ashwood

Christine Stuckart as Grandmother

Kaiji Tang as Li Ren

Jenn K. Tidwell as Mother & Spider Bodyguard 1

Alexis Tipton as Bianca Prisma

Maggie Tominey as Miltia & Melanie Malachite

Meg Turney as Neon Katt

Natalie Van Sistine as Cerise Claire

Erin Winn as Reese Chloris

Kimberly Woods as Olive Gashley

Yunhao Xhong as Crew Member 1

Laura Yates as Arrastra Skye

Christian Young as Rhodes

Mylissa Zelechowski as Gwen Darcy

Molly Zhang as Mikado Lem

Derreck Ziegler as Matte Skye

#rwby #rwby: the holiday special #team remnant #the remnant alliance #merry christmas #happy holidays #monty oum #miles luna #kerry shawcross #eddy rivas #kiersi burkhart #Spotify

0 notes

this-is-a-love-story-isnt-it · 4 years

Text

Some pics from the Farscape 20th Anniversary panel at Wintercon today.

#farscape #wintercon #ben browder #claudia black #rockne s o’bannon #anthony simcoe #gigi edgley #lani tupu #kent mccord #krista goes to wintercon

22 notes · View notes

books-in-a-storm · 6 years

Photo

April Wrap Up

Books Read In April 2018

I’ve read 30 books this month. Read some new types of book this month too. Here are some of them.

Angels' Blood And Archangels Kiss By Nalini Singh

Shopping for a Billionaire Series Books 1-5 By Julia Kent

Two of Lani Lynn Vale’s books

North Ridge Series By Karina Halle

Skid Row Kings Series and other books by Winter Travers

Romance, Bikers, Shifters Billionares and Angels. This month was a good haul.

#books read #books read this mouth #booklr #bookblr #adult booklr #recommendations #nalini singh #julia kent #lani lynn vale #karina halle #winter travers #bookworm #roxanne st claire #harper sloan #may 2018 #books

12 notes · View notes

arrowverse-next-gen · 1 year

Text

Lanie exclusively calls Jon, DJ since about the time time she was 4. (Wes and Jon have been dating pretty exclusively for nearly a year at this point).

Wes used to kind of correct her, and go 'honey its Jon.'

She'd just say. 'Duh daddy. But that's what you call him'

So when they're looking to move into a new place, Lanie insists on the one with a chicken house out back for DJ. Wes tried to explain that Jon isn't moving with them, and she pouts and says 'if DJ isnt moving to the new house she isn't either'

He calls Jon to ask his advice on what to do, to which Jon flies over (sometimes dating a superhero has its perks).

He tells Wes that he wants to do things at the right pace for them and Lanie, but he also sees his future with Wes.

Wes reminds him he lives in Smallville, and fights crime in Metropolis. To which Jon points out he also just few to Star City in under a minute, so it's not that long of a commute.

'Lanie wants the house with the chicken coop,' wes says. 'She says you can clean the gross parts'

'If Lanie wants me there, I'll be there. But you have to want it too.'

'Of course I want you there,' Wes replies. 'You, me, and Lanie, it's all I want.'

'Are you asking me to move in?'

He kisses Jon, and then smiles. 'Yes, I am.'

#arrow next gen #jon kent #wes chase #superchase #lanie chase-kent

11 notes · View notes

onceuponaoneshotfanfic · 6 months

Text

And All the Pieces Fall Right Into Place

I'll Write Your Name Chapter 2

Roy Kent x Latina!Popstar!Reader

3.7k words

Warnings: Language, adults drinking adult things, a smidge of slut-shaming, sexual references, immature adults, Roy being Roy

Holi Dani! I’m back in town. Let’s get together tonight! I miss you!

Under April’s watchful eye, I typed my text to Dani Rojas and hit send. I knew full well that the Greyhounds had a game; Keeley Jones had sent me their schedule, after all. Step one of the most insane idea in the world was officially in motion.

“Remember, you can’t seem too desperate,” April reminded me as we lounged in my living room. “We don’t want it to be obvious that you’re fishing for an invite. Just be really subtle, like ‘Oh you have a match? Wow I’ve never been to one.’ You know?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I know, I know.”

Bzz!

Dani’s quick response would have been surprising if it was anyone else; but Dani Rojas was the friendliest, most accommodating person I knew. Since we first met at a party for some tequila brand back in L.A., Dani and I immediately clicked. Our paths crossed frequently enough in London, and I considered him one of my favorite people in England. We bonded over our shared desire to find good pan dulce in London and how much we missed our big, crazy families when we were away. It wouldn’t be too hard to finagle an invitation to his game, right?

Aww chula, I wish! I’ve got a fútbol match tonight.

Just as I was crafting a text that would score me a ticket to Nelson Road, another message came in.

You should come!

“Well, shit,” I laughed, showing April my screen. “That was almost too easy.”

My assistant- sidekick and soulmate, I preferred to call her- chuckled and started typing on her own phone. “I’ll let Keeley and Lanie know that our mission is complete. And I’ll take care of getting your ticket. All you have to worry about now is looking hot and having a good meet-cute.” She paused, pursing her lips. “You and Kent… you two can flirt with each other, right?”

“The heck’s that supposed to mean?” I snorted as I texted Dani back, letting him know that I would love to go to his game.

She shrugged. “You two just didn’t seem to like each other very much.” Her matter-of-fact tone held no emotion. “You’re going to have to pull some Daniel Day-Lewis level acting for this to work.” April grinned at me. “I mean, your goal is to get an EGOT, right? Maybe your Oscar will be for acting.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle as Dani texted me back, all excitement. “Well, just call me Meryl, because that’s how good my acting will have to be to get people to think I’m into someone like Roy Kent.”

April’s face softened. “You’ve gotta admit,” she said slowly, “he’s pretty cute.”

“Cute?” I rolled my eyes. “I mean, sure, I could see how he could be considered handsome by some people. I could totally see him with models and shit. But if you’re worried about me falling for the guy, don’t stress.” I slouched further into my couch. “No way in hell am I falling for Roy freaking Kent.”

Keeley grinned and showed her phone to Roy. “She got Dani to invite her!” she hissed to the manager as they ate lunch together in his office. “Everything’s going according to plan.”

“Yeah,” Roy muttered flatly as he poked at his food. “Great.”

What the fuck had he gotten himself into? He hated this kind of shit, the paparazzi and attention. And he hated her party-girl lifestyle, always out at clubs. And what the fuck were they supposed to talk about on the dates Keeley would surely make them go on? He liked football, hanging out with Phoebe, reading… What did she like? Flirting with scrawny rockstars? Stealing her best friend’s boyfriend (according to the tabloid he’d noticed at the store that morning)? Her Malibu Barbie Dreamhouse, or wherever it was she lived when she was in Los Angeles? And he was going to have to endure months of this. Fucking hell.

But it was for Keeley, he reminded himself as he watched the blonde munch happily on her salad. She’d asked him to do something, something she knew he’d hate, and he said ‘yes’ without complaint. That had to mean something, right? Surely that would earn him a few points with her, maybe even enough to forget about the whole ‘pick one’ shit he and Jamie had pulled. She’d definitely see how above and beyond Roy was willing to go for her and remember why she had loved him, wouldn’t she?

Besides, seeing him with an admittedly gorgeous popstar on his arm might even make Keeley a smidge jealous.

“It’s gonna work.” Keeley’s reassuring voice penetrated his thoughts. “I know it is. You wouldn’t believe who’s gotten away with this scheme. You know that actor from-”

I’m drunk in the back of the car and I cried like a baby coming home from the bar

Roy stood, frowning in the direction of the suddenly bolstering changing room. “What the fuck is that?”

Keeley grinned as she hopped up and followed his gaze to the sight of Jamie and Colin and a few other guys shaking their hips and singing along. “Your new girlfriend,” she whispered with a wink. “Come on, Roy, you know this one. It was only her big hit last summer.”

“Hmmph.” Yeah, he recognized the catchy tune that still seemed to always be on the radio all these months later; Phoebe’d made him play it about twenty times in the car just that week. But why the fuck was his team screeching it while they got ready for their afternoon training?

Jamie’s smile widened at the sight of Roy and Keeley. “Oi! Did ya hear Dani’s news?”

“What’s up?” Keeley asked, as if she didn’t know exactly what Jamie was about to say.

Sure enough, Jamie pointed in the direction of Colin’s little speaker, where the music was blasting from. “She’s comin’! To our game tonight!” He looked just about ready to do a cartwheel. “Apparently, she and Dani are buddies, and he invited her to watch us! Can you believe it?”

“You’re kidding!” Keeley gasped convincingly, smacking Jamie on the arm. “How the fuck did he never tell us they’re friends?” She glanced at Roy before turning back to Jamie. “D’you reckon he’ll get her to go out with you boys tonight? Or is she too famous for our little Greyhounds?”

Richard appeared over Jamie’s shoulder. “I hope so,” he sighed. “She recently broke up with her boyfriend.” He waggled his eyebrows. “She’ll be looking for a rebound, no?”

Roy rolled his eyes. Shit, was this going to be an even bigger distraction than he thought, he realized. For the millionth time since he stood in Keeley’s office and signed the NDA, Roy was regretting this decision. But when he saw the excitement shining in Keeley’s eyes as she watched the Greyhounds dance around, he couldn’t help the soft sigh he let out.

Fuck, he hoped it was worth it.

I took one last look in the mirror. Little jean skirt, black leather jacket, boots. April had assured me that the outfit was perfect: casual enough for a game, stylish enough for a night out with the team, hot enough to catch the attention of Roy Kent. Or at least, look like I’d caught the attention of Roy Kent.

The car ride to Nelson Road was quicker than I’d expected, and the walk to my seat was a blur of phones taking photos and my name gasped out of people’s mouths. I wondered if, with all the time I’d be spending at Nelson Road in the coming weeks, the reaction would die down. Or if, like Keeley Jones had implied towards the end of our first meeting, my presence would lead to a spike in attendance.

She seemed to be hoping for the latter, because she made sure my seat was very visible: right by the pitch, close to the Greyhounds’ dugout. Even if I wasn’t the biggest soccer fan, I had to admit it was exciting being so close to the field; I quickly snapped a few pictures to send to my family, who would appreciate the view much more than I ever could.

When the team came out, I joined in the enthusiastic cheers and screams, shouting Dani’s name loudly. His face lit up when he spotted me, and I saw him nudging his teammates and pointing in my direction. Keeley had warned me about their reactions; indeed, they were grabbing each other and making faces similar to the ones my nephew made when he saw Mickey Mouse on his first trip to Disneyland.

“Whistle!”

The two syllables slammed against my ears. There he was, no longer in the black leather jacket I’d met him in, but instead wearing a dark blue Greyhounds jacket. One of the players- Jamie Tartt, I remembered- started animatedly talking to a very bored-looking Roy Kent. With one of those eyerolls that I knew I’d have to get used to seeing, he turned in my direction.

Despite my initial instinct to roll my own eyes, I instead forced myself to hold his gaze for a moment. A horrified thought suddenly struck me: Could Roy Kent pull this off?

Then his mouth tugged upwards in the corner, forming an admittedly sexy little smirk. In return, I let my eyes wander down his figure, taking in the way his jacket hugged his muscular arms and the way his pants hugged thick thighs. Damn. If I hadn’t already met him, if I hadn’t already discovered what a cranky and irritable grouch Roy Kent was, I’d probably be attracted to his smug expression and athletic build. He wasn’t my usual type, but I couldn’t deny that he was, frankly, kind of gorgeous.

He gave me a curt nod of acknowledgement before turning back to his team and shouting at them, his sharp yell reminding me that I was here for a reason. Remembering Keeley’s instructions, I pulled out my phone and snapped a couple of photos of the pitch, making sure to get Roy and the other Greyhounds in the frame. I quickly posted the picture to my social media and tagged Dani in it, as Keeley had suggested.

With the “official business” out of the way, I relaxed in my seat and prepared to at least appear to look like I was enjoying the game. Figuring that there were eyes and cameras pointed in my direction, I made myself steal several glances at Roy Kent; he must have been thinking the same thing, because more than once, he was already looking over at me.

Roy sighed when he looked over at the corner where most of the Richmond players were assembled, practically falling over themselves to get in a word with her.

It was a bit perplexing, honestly. These men were professional athletes. They regularly dated models and actresses. But this singer, this popstar, had them falling all over themselves trying to chat her up. Sure, Roy thought, her level of fame was pretty fucking impressive. She’d won a couple of Grammys, her songs were constantly on the radio, and he’d heard her latest tour was practically impossible to get tickets for. So maybe some of their fawning was justified.

He glanced at his phone, wishing he was at home in bed already. With a deep exhale, he made a beeline for Dani; the sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could leave, he reasoned.

“Oi,” Roy grunted as he approached the striker. He nodded towards the swarm of players, doing his best to keep his trademark disinterested expression on his face. “You going to introduce me to your friend?”

Dani’s eyes sparkled knowingly. “You too, eh Coach?” He chuckled and clapped Roy on the shoulder. “Vámonos.”

Roy’s heart stuttered in his chest as he followed Dani to the corner of the club, where he saw, of all people, Jamie sitting close to the singer, murmuring something in her ear. She laughed at whatever he said and responded with a smile on her face. Her eyes flickered to Roy as he approached; was that… disappointment he saw?

If it was, it was only there for a fraction of a second. Just like on the pitch, her eyes trailed over his figure, a small smirk forming on her lips. If he didn’t know better, Roy would be intrigued by the boldness on her face, the uninhibited way she eyed him. In the back of his head, he couldn’t help feeling a bit smug when he saw the way Jamie’s brows furrowed as the striker looked back and forth between the two.

She kept her eyes on Roy as she stood up and stepped away from Jamie and the guys. She batted her lashes at Roy before turning to Dani, her eyebrows raised expectantly.

Shit, Roy thought. She’s good at this.

“Chula,” Dani said, smiling at his friend. “I want you to meet my coach, Roy.” He turned to Roy. “Coach, this is-”

Roy reached out and took her hand in his and shaking it slowly. “Only an idiot doesn’t know who you are,” he hummed, raising his eyebrows. “You caused quite a stir with my team, you know. You enjoy the match?”

She nodded, giving his hand a squeeze before letting go. “I did. Sorry if I was a bit of a distraction.”

“I think you actually brought us luck.” Fucking hell, when was the last time Roy flirted like this? Was he doing it right? “You should come again sometime.”

Her smile widened as she tilted her head coyly. “Well, if that’s an invitation, maybe I will.”

Desperate to end this charade, Roy cleared his throat. “Have these fellas bought you a drink yet?” When she shook her head, he rolled his eyes playfully. “Fucking hell, guess I need to remind them what fucking manners look like.” With that, he placed his hand on her lower back and nodded towards the bar. “Come on, then.”

She winked at Dani and let Roy lead her to the bar, keeping that coy smile plastered on her face. Once they had ordered, she looked up at him, still smirking.

“Kent,” she hissed through gritted teeth. “Watch your fucking hands.”

Sure enough, Roy realized that his hand was dangerously low, just above the curve of her ass. Shit.

Despite his embarrassment, Roy scoffed, although he did remove his hand. “You’re a natural at that flirting shit,” he all but sneered. “Then again, I’m sure you’ve had plenty of practice, with all your shaggy little rockstar pricks.”

Her eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second as the bartender slid over her drink. Still, she kept her expression neutral; to anyone watching them, she looked as though she was enjoying their conversation. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Her snarky tone contrasted with her sweet face. “Tell me more about the women who sell stories about your dick to the press and steal your watches?”

“Oi,” Roy growled as he picked his beer up off the bar. “That happened once, alright?”

“You mean it got into the papers once,” she grumbled, sipping her drink. She raised her eyebrows at him. “So, what’s the plan?”

Roy frowned. “Fuck d’you mean? We’re doing the fucking plan.”

She shook her head. “Like, are you going to ask me to dance? Are we taking off and going to a restaurant or some shit?” Roy avoided looking at the way her lips wrapped around her little straw as she sipped her drink. “Keeley said it’s up to us, just no going home together on the first night.” The little snort she gave would’ve been adorable coming from anyone else. “As if.”

“Well, I guess if we dance, we don’t have to fucking talk,” Roy muttered, doing his best to mirror her amiable expression; it was challenging, he realized, looking cheery while feeling irritated as hell. He downed the rest of his beer and practically slammed the empty bottle on the bar. “One song, alright? I don’t usually fucking dance.”

“Trust me,” she hummed, finishing the last of her drink. “For me, you’d make an exception.” Flashing what he assumed was her most winning smile, she took Roy’s hand and led him to the crowded dance floor.

On the dance floor, she pressed her body close to his, her movements teasing and natural. Everything about her- her hips, her smile, her eyes on his, the way her hands played with her hair flirtatiously- would have normally had Roy’s chest feeling tight with attraction.

She brought her lips to his ear, looking as though she was probably flirting with him. “I swear to God,” she hissed. “If you get a boner, I will fucking kill you.”

Yeah. Right.

Officially introduced? Check.

Flirted? Check.

Had a drink together? Check.

Danced? Check.

We’d gone through enough of the motions. There was no way I was going to spend more time with Kent than I had to; we’d be thrown together enough in the coming weeks once the “dating” began. Besides, Keeley had warned me that Roy didn’t like to stay out late anymore. He was probably even more ready to call it a night than I was.

Sure enough, after a couple of songs, he gave a small grunt and looked at his phone.

“Should get going,” he grumbled.

“Why?” I huffed, fluffing my hair. “Will you fall asleep right here on the dance floor soon?”

He narrowed his eyes at me. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a real ball of fucking sunshine?”

“That’s an improvement from nightmare.” I exhaled and tugged at his jacket. “C’mere.”

Roy’s eyes widened. “Why?”

“So I can say goodnight, you idiot. Someone’s bound to take a photo of this.” Not waiting for an answer, I pulled his face close to mine and planted a small, lingering kiss on his cheek. His face was warm, a little itchy from his beard, and now carried a little red mark from my lipstick. I smiled up at him and released his jacket. “Goodnight, Roy Kent,” I hummed.

He cleared his throat and gave a curt nod. “Right. Goodnight, then.” He reached down and gave my hand a squeeze before turning and walking away, his movements stiff and almost robotic.

Fighting the urge to childishly wipe my mouth on the back of my hand, I returned to the corner where the Greyhounds were gathered. Dani’s face lit up when I slid into the booth next to him and stole a sip of his drink.

“Did you have fun dancing with Coach Kent, amor?” he asked, his voice dripping with teasing.

I smirked at my friend. “He was very nice,” I declared with a playful eyeroll.

“Roy doesn’t normally dance,” one of the players- Colin- informed me. “And he usually doesn’t stay out this late.” He waggled his eyebrows at me over his beer. “Wonder why he came out tonight.”

Putting on my best coy smile, I leaned forward. “What about when his girlfriend comes out with you all? Doesn’t he dance with her?”

Immediately, all the men at the table shook their heads. “Roy doesn’t have a girlfriend,” Isaac, their captain, clarified. “He actually hasn’t really dated anyone since….” He glanced around the table. “Well, since he broke up with his serious girlfriend, Keeley.”

“Keeley?” I echoed without thinking. “Keeley Jones?”

Dani’s smile widened. “Oh, how do you know Keeley?”

Shit.

“I don’t,” I lied. “But I’ve heard of her. We’ve got some mutual friends. She’s a model, right?”

Isaac nodded. “She’s moved into PR, actually. Runs her own firm, works with the club. She’s brilliant.”

“And once upon a time, she and Roy were our OTP,” Colin sighed dreamily. “But they’re good friends now. Them and Jamie and their weird little dynamic.”

“Jamie dated her too,” Dani explained. “Before her and Roy got together.”

I nodded, slowly piecing together the story. “Jamie dated her too?” I chuckled, wondering why I felt like I should have been told all this ahead of time. “Gosh, she has a type, doesn’t she? Dating two guys from the same team.” I put my hands up and quickly added, “Not that I have the right to judge. I dated bandmates once, did not turn out well for the band.”

The guys laughed good-naturedly. As I was about to feign interest and ask another question about Roy, Jamie Tartt approached, plopping down on my other side and setting down a drink in front of me, his arm behind me on the booth casually.

“Finally escaped from Grandad, eh?” he joked, eyes twinkling playfully.

Damn. Normally, his pretty-boy looks and admittedly annoying swagger would be exactly what I wanted, and we’d probably have a fun couple of weeks in each other’s beds. But I needed to stick to the plan; besides, wasn’t I done with guys like this?

Offering the athlete nothing but a polite smile, I turned back to Dani and took my friend’s hand. “It was fun watching you play today,” I hummed. “Think I could come again? Become a Greyhounds fan?”

“Yes!” Dani kissed my forehead. “Please, amor, come to more of our games.” He nudged me. “I’m sure Coach Kent would not mind one bit.”

Hoping my smile was shy rather than obviously fake, I giggled. “He did tell me I brought you all luck,” I said slowly. I batted my eyelashes at Dani. “Don’t suppose you could pass along my phone number to him? I’d love to know which game he’d like me to bring luck to.”

The table fell into a dead silence, all eyes wide and mouths agape. After the guys exchanged looks that could only be described as utterly shocked, Colin finally cleared his throat.

“I’m sorry,” he started, “are you asking Dani to give Roy your phone number?”

Feigning innocence, I nodded. “Sure,” I chirped. “Is that alright? You all said he’s single, so…” I shrugged and turned to Dani. “Unless you think it’s too weird, chulo?”

“No, no,” Dani assured me. “I can give him your number.” He tilted his head at me. “You… you liked Coach Kent, then?”

Nope. Not at all. Not one fucking bit.

“Sure,” I giggled, hating myself. “I mean, as much as I can like a man after one drink and a couple of dances.”

His smile lit up the entire club as he lifted his drink. “Well, then Coach Kent is a lucky man. I will give him your number tomorrow, how does that sound?”

I tapped my glass to Dani’s. “Sounds like a plan.”

114 notes · View notes