Tumgik
#Sports facilities Near me
samvedschool · 22 days
Text
School admission Bangalore 2024-2025
Samved School’s journey began in 1967 as A.V. Education Society with 50 children in a rented building in Jayanagar, Bangalore. 
We have over 1000 happy children enrolled currently. It has been accredited by the Department of Education in Karnataka to follow the State’s S.S.L.C. Syllabus from Standards I to X.
Tumblr media
Visit the following site to learn about the admissions process: school admission Bangalore. 
To register click the following link: Samved School
Contact
No.13, 17th Cross, 20th Main, J.P. Nagar 5th Phase Bangalore, Karnataka 560078
080 2659 0952 080 2659 0017 080 2649 1248
0 notes
holyangelschool · 29 days
Text
Holy Angel School: Nurturing Excellence in CBSE affiliated schools in Dehradun
Tumblr media
Located amidst the serene hills of Dehradun, Holy Angel School stands as a beacon of educational fineness in the region. As one of the premiers CBSE affiliated schools in Dehradun, Holy Angel School is committed to provided that a holistic learning experience that fosters academic fineness, personal growth, and social responsibility.
At Holy Angel School, we believe in development the potential of every student, guiding them towards success in academics and beyond. Our prospectus, allied with the CBSE standards, emphasizes a complete approach to education, combination traditional values with modern methodologies to cater to the diverse requirements of learners.
Academic excellence is at the core of our mission. With a team of dedicated and experienced faculty members, we struggle to create an inspiring learning environment where students are confident to explore, inquire, and innovate. From the foundational years to senior secondary education, we offer a robust academic framework that prepares students for the challenges of the future.
Beyond academics, Holy Angel School places a strong stress on holistic development. We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and music, drama, and community service, to make sure the all-round development of our students. Through participation in these activities, students hone their talents, build confidence, and develop necessary life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication.
Tumblr media
In line with our commitment to innovation, Holy Angel School integrates technology into the learning process. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, including smart classrooms and multimedia resources, enables interactive and engaging teaching-learning experiences. We leverage digital platforms to facilitate modified learning, allowing students to learn at their own pace and style.
The calm environment of Dehradun provides an ideal setting for learning and growth. Surrounded by nature's beauty, our campus offers a peaceful and conducive atmosphere where students can focus on their studies and connect with the world around them. Our eco-friendly initiatives instill a sense of environmental consciousness and responsibility among students, nurturing a deep appreciation for nature and sustainability.
In conclusion, Holy Angel School stands as a hallmark of quality education in Dehradun, offering a nurturing and inspiring environment where students flourish academically, socially, and emotionally. As a CBSE affiliated schools in Dehradun, we are committed to empowering our students to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and sympathetic leaders who will make a positive impact on the world. Join us on this transformative journey towards excellence and if you are more information, visit our website https://holyangelschool.org
0 notes
balbharatidwarka · 1 month
Text
0 notes
erinmillssoccerclub · 1 month
Text
 The Erin Mills Soccer Club (EMSC) in Mississauga is a revered non-profit organization known as the Home of the Eagles. With a 20,000 square foot indoor facility, EMSC offers premier indoor and outdoor soccer programs for all ages and skill levels. Our club, boasting over 1,500 members and 200 professional coaches, holds the Gold Standard Award for Club Excellence from Ontario Soccer. With six national championships and 53 Ontario Cup victories, EMSC has a rich tradition of excellence. Our offerings include outdoor youth and adult leagues, development programs, competitive clubs, summer camps, and recreational opportunities. Join us and be part of a community committed to safe, healthy, and inclusive soccer development.
1 note · View note
playisa · 2 years
Photo
Tumblr media
Camps and Clinics – Youth Baseball Camps 2022 |  PlayISA
ISA holds youth baseball camps & Clinics year-round all over the world, and it is available for all ages 6u-18u and divided up by specific age groups.
0 notes
welcometomyoasis · 4 months
Text
Beach house holiday with seventeen
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Synopsis: How seventeen would spend their holiday at a beach house with you, their s/o.  Svt x gn! reader | fluff, est. relationship | 1.1k words | warnings: one mention of heat exhaustion, water, food, slightly suggestive, slight possessive behaviour | requested by anon A/n: i’m actually really stressed rn. Yes, this is me projecting especially on the 95 line
Tumblr media
Preamble: After months of busy work schedules, you and your boyfriend agree to take a vacation together. To your surprise, your boyfriend insists on planning the vacation. When you arrive at your destination, you see that he has booked you both a holiday at a…
𓇼𖦹 Beach house located within an all inclusive luxury resort 
Seungcheol, Jeonghan, Joshua, Mingyu
⛱ He wants to spoil you rotten. You’ve been such a supportive partner during all these months when he’s been working. No matter how tired you are, you always put his needs first. So, you better believe he’s whipping out all the stops for your vacation this time. 
⛱ Luxury flights, luxury room (actually no, he booked you both a private villa with your own private pool), luxury clothes, luxury couples spa treatments, fancy dates at famous restaurants. He’s going to whisk you around to make sure you feel all pampered and loved. Although you have your own private butler service, he will personally wait on you hand and foot. Sure, it’s his vacation too, but he takes great pride and pleasure in being able to repay you for all you’ve done for him. Besides, he knows you’ll make sure he feels just as relaxed as you are. 
⛱ Obviously, you do enjoy what the resort has to offer like the all-inclusive water sport activities, cocktail hour at the lounge. But for a good portion of the time you’re there, you both spend the time in the room relaxing. That’s why there is a private pool. No, it’s definitely not because he’s possessive and doesn’t want other people to admire you at the shared pool or the beach. Kisses while having a bubble bath in the tub big enough for two, picnics with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries on the deck overlooking the gorgeous view of the ocean. Cuddles in that little hammock tucked near the trees. Sunbathing on the beach right outside your room. Room service at all hours of the day where you can eat in the privacy of your room wearing only your bathrobes. You’re both going to savour each and every moment spent together.
⛱ He promises to take you somewhere even more extravagant for your honeymoon. Wait, what do you mean that all this is too expensive and too much? Nonsense, he’s waving away your worries with his hand. It’s all paid for and it’s not like he can’t afford it. Let him spoil you and don’t worry your pretty little head over these trivial matters. 
𓇼𖦹 Secluded beach house with its own private beach
Wonwoo, Woozi, Minghao, Vernon
⛱ It’s a vacation. You’re supposed to be able to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You’re not necessarily going completely unplugged (please only Minghao would survive that), but it’s his way of getting you both to disconnect from the rat race, and his way of helping you both to reconnect with each other. 
⛱ Honestly, it took him a while to find this beach house, though once he did, he knew it would be the perfect place to take you. It was secluded enough that no one else would disturb you. The house was equipped with great facilities. There was a kitchen, a large bedroom for breakfast in bed. That then connected to the bathroom with an outdoor shower and bathtub/ jacuzzi area. There was a big lounging area where you could waste the day away cuddling and watching movies. The view was spectacular. During your vacation, you would wake up snuggled against your boyfriend to the sound of the waves and the view of the sun peaking out from the horizon. Interestingly, morning soaks in the outdoor bath turned into lazy beach days filled with all the kisses and cuddles you could possibly want. The plans for hiking during the day or exploring the area around the house were all soon forgotten. 
⛱ And the best part of all? It was a private beach. You wouldn’t need to share or fight for the space. No rowdy tourists, no one screaming, no stray beach balls. It was just the two of you. Also, because it was just the two of you, you could admire each other and soak in each other’s presence without being disturbed. Every single little gaze, each touch, each flattering comment, it was like you were rekindling the spark that you had from the early days of your relationship (not that it ever went out to begin with). By the end of the holiday, let’s just say you both were thoroughly tuckered out, very happy, very relaxed and very giddy from spending a lot of time with each other.
𓇼𖦹 Beach house located not too far from the city and the beach
Junhui, Soonyoung, Dokyeom, Seungkwan, Dino
⛱ To him, a beach house holiday is always fun. There’s so much to do at the beach like frolicking in the sand, building sand castles, making sand angels (?), playing volley ball, having a picnic, skinny dipping, letting the water rush over your feet as you squeal and run away because it’s way too cold. The list could go on. 
⛱ But the thing is, there can be a thing as too much beach. So he’s being practical. He plans a holiday where you both will have plenty of options in terms of activities that you can do. The beach house is in a practical location. It’s not too big and not too luxurious since he knows you’ll be spending a lot of time outside. The view is great though. Not too near the beach where you’ll have to suffer through the glare of the sun. And it’s not so far that you can’t admire the glistening ocean waves. The house is near enough to the city as well so that you can go into town whenever you want for shopping, cafe hopping, groceries etc. Afterall, it’s a new town you’ve never explored together before. 
⛱ In other words, the whole week to him is one big extended date. From the time you wake up to the time you go to bed and even then, you’re stuck to each other. Your hand is always in his, your arms are always around each other. You’ll probably spend the week making up for all the time and dates that you’ve had to forgo because of the demands of your jobs. Months worth of couples activities will be cramped into this time. It’s busy and it’s rushed and it’s exhausting (you might not sleep much either in favour of star gazing from the balcony of your beach house), but every single moment you’re able to spend with him is worth it. 
Tumblr media
taglist: @weird-bookworm @wonijinjin @babyleostuff @wishing-fieshes @kwanienies @mayashu @megseungmin @porridgesblog @haecien @mirxzii @scoupsofcherries @eightlightstar @brownsugarbaybee @zaggprincess2 @nonononranghaee
476 notes · View notes
bitchinbarzal · 7 months
Text
3945 Miles | T Meier
Tumblr media
summary: when the space between you is 3945 miles misunderstandings are a given.
-
This thing between you was going on two years now.
You’d spend the entire summer together; vacations in ibiza, sleeping in his bed, fancy dinners in town. Then when he had to leave for New Jersey you’d both have emotional goodbyes at the airport.
He never made you his girlfriend. You were just a person in his life who he adored but would never confirm it with something.
You were exactly 3945 miles apart and it killed you.
You’d call every other day to talk about his games you’d stayed up late to watch, your job and what was going on back home.
After receiving really exciting news at work the first person you thought to call was Timo. You called him and before he could say anything you exclaimed
“I have amazing news! I got a promotion!”
Timo stutters “I-Oh that’s amazing schatz”
You frown “What’s wrong?” You can hear it in his voice he’s distracted.
“Nothing, nothing just a long day” he sighs
“Oh I’m sorry I shouldn’t have called”
“No, no don’t apologize! I’m glad you called tell me about-“
Then you heard it in the background, a woman’s voice
“Timo, are you coming? I’m waiting”
On the other end Timo freezes, realizing you’d heard her voice “Y/N….”
You shook your head “No, I’m- you shouldn’t have answered Timo”
He sighs “Please just listen-“
“Have a nice night T” and hung up.
Timo sat in the corridor of the healthcare facility with his head in his hands “Timo?” Lucy, the trainer called again “I haven’t got all night buddy, Luke is coming in for his ankle”
The news you hadn’t managed to tell Timo was that by next month you’d be working in your new office in New York. How you’d be closer now but it appeared he didn’t need you near.
You moved, never calling him to let him know. You assumed his mom would pass on the information considering you’d dropped by to hand her your key to Timo’s house.
“Sweetheart just keep it! I’m sure you’ll need it in the summer” she exclaimed to which you smiled softly
“No Mama Meier I don’t think I will”
You made it to New York without a hitch, settling into your apartment nicely and finding friends in the city.
You’d been in the city for a month when one of your new friends had invited you out for a night. The invite was broad and consisted of “sports”
The particular sport in question you hadn’t even thought it would be hockey. Your friends hadn’t mentioned they even liked hockey.
You’d driven to Jersey and were sat in the prudential center, right on the glass.
Your friends were decked out in rangers jerseys and hats for their team while you were dressed in nothing to do with hockey.
You watched the intro on the jumbotron, watching Timo’s face appear on the screen. That smile you missed oh so much.
You watched the team warm up, every so often he would skate past you. He never noticed you but he felt eyes on him somewhere.
Throughout the game your eyes were glued on him, from the bench to the ice.
Your friends had noticed your attention had been divided throughout the evening.
“Hey Y/N you like what you see?” One of the boys, Ross jokes with you.
You smile softly “Um, no I actually know him”
They all gasp lowly “You bitch! I paid like $500 for all these tickets and you had an in the whole time?!”
“No, no we aren’t friends. Not anymore anyway” you explain. They don’t push, sensing your overall sadness in your words.
“Hey, look!” You were snapped out of your thoughts when Ross poked you and pointed to the jumbotron where you and him were on the kiss cam.
You shook your head mouthing ‘we aren’t together’ while Ross instead grabbed your face and kissed your dramatically, pulling away with a laugh “Gotta give the people what they want!”
You smiled and laughed along, completely unaware that Timo sat on the bench with his mouth dropped open and his heart broken.
After the game you’d hung around for the crowds to disappear, knowing how hectic it would be. As you and your friends began walking out your phone rang.
It was Jonas.
“Hallo?”
“You’re here…”
Butterflies filled your chest when you heard Timo on the other end of the phone. You instinctively turned to the ice, as if he was behind you and there you saw him standing by the benches holding the phone to his ear.
“What do want?”
“Come down here, please, I need to speak with you”
You grumble “Will your little girlfriend be there?”
He suppresses the smile that wants to erupt at your sheer and outright jealousy “Just come here? Bitte?”
It felt welcoming and warm to hear your home language, nobody in the city speaking it.
“Hey guys just drive back without me, I’ll catch a ride” you explain, making your way down the stairs to where you used to meet him in your past visits.
He was there waiting for you, anxiously tapping his foot until you appeared and he let the security guard know you were with him.
When you got past the groups of arena workers wrapping up and into a more secluded spot Timo took his opportunity to hug you, no words needed exchanged.
He held you, swaying from leg to leg “I missed you”
“T, you can’t do this anymore-“
“Can you listen? Please?” He pleads, pulling back to look at you “Whatever happened on the phone that was a misunderstanding!”
“Timo…” You mumbled, giving him the ‘I’m not stupid’ look.
“No, no Schatzi listen! I’m tired of this game we play! I can’t be 3945 miles away from you any longer, it is bad for my health to not have you by my side all the time- why are you smiling?”
Your smile grows as you say “You counted exactly how many miles is between your house in Jersey and my house in Herisau”
He looks at you as if what you said was ridiculous “of course I did, for the last two years I’ve wanted to close every single mile”
“What about the girl on the phone?”
“Our trainer, Lucy” he gestures towards the medical hallway before his hands land on your face, making you look at him
“You are my only girl”
You take a moment to drink those words in, words you’d waiting forever to hear. In those words all of the fights, the breakfasts in bed, the fancy dinners and the lazy nights in.
You were his girl.
“11 miles” You mumble and Timo frowns
“Huh?”
“It’s 11 miles from your house in jersey to my apartment in Manhattan”
A smile spreads onto his face and he dips down to kiss you, kissing you like he’d never done it before.
“I’m going to work on making that 11 miles 0” he mumbles once he pulls away.
“Oh yeah? How so” you smirk
“Me, You… my bed”
“I like the sound of that”
285 notes · View notes
anundyingfidelity · 2 months
Text
I'M A RUIN — Soldier Boy/Ben (Part VII)
Tumblr media
Series summary: After the events of the Seven Tower, you present Grace Mallory a new secret project you're working on already to develop a cure to Compound V. The only problem? You need Soldier Boy for that.
Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x female reader.
Word count: 3.2k.
Warnings for series: set after S3 (spoilers), some OOC!Ben, some depressed!Ben, angst, hurt/comfort, eventual smut, slow-burn, language, PTSD, reader has Compound V (she's no Vought supe tho), Soldier Boy being an usual asshole, reader is a fucking liar.
Warnings on this chapter: sexual tension, suggestive stuff.
Notes: bonding chapter of this slow burn aaaa thanks again for reading :D
this fic tags: @k-slla @syrma-sensei @mostlymarvelgirl @cheynovak @drasticemotions @soldirboy @deans-spinster-witch
☕ if you like my writing, support me with a ko-fi !
get yourself in the taglist!
Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI | Part VII | Part VIII
GEN MASTERLIST! — SERIES MASTERLIST!
Tumblr media
Part VII: No More Doubts
When you left the motel early after a quick and dull breakfast, Ben was a pain in the ass as he kept asking question after question on the road. You knew he could just leave you alone but it wasn’t really something you’d like him to do. He was a fugitive, so were you. Soldier Boy knew better than that and he only had to stay by your side as much as he hated the idea. The only thing you could truly answer was that you were driving to a safer place. At least you were hoping it was. When you pulled the car after driving hours between the grove, Soldier Boy was waking up from his nap. You thanked heaven for that.
“We’re here,” you announced, turning off the engine.
Ben stirred on his seat, taking in the view of the house and nature and got out of your car, following you to the front door. He couldn’t help but to look around in somewhat awe. It was a large cottage-style house decorated with earth tones, great walls and columns. The place was surrounded by countless trees, making the weather bearable and somewhat nice due to the hidden location. The leaves climbed on some of the windows and the plants and flowers rested on the ground perfectly neat. He assumed you came here often. But it wasn’t really the place you used to come by and sleep every single day. It was too far away from the facility. As you unlocked the door, Ben followed inside, not without taking a last glance at your surroundings. No homes were near, nothing was to be seen. Only you and him inside this big fucking house.
The indoors were no different from the impression he got first. The decoration, the expensive sofa where you threw the sports bag, and the paintings and pots all over the place were saying you were rich. Of course, a fucking rich whore you were, he thought to himself. And he wondered where your real place was located.
“So, I’m gonna show you a guest room and then around, please don’t screw my house,” you said, giving him the sports bag.
“Got something to drink?” he asked, a smirk plastering on his face as he stepped closer to where you were standing.
“Water I do.”
Ben chuckled for a bit, eyes not leaving your face. “You’re so fucking boring, you know?”
“Yeah, well, alcohol is not really an important supply. Just follow me and maybe I’ll get you some later,” you said, turning around to get to the stairs.
You knew he did as you asked when his big steps echoed around the place. Once you were on the second floor, you motioned him to the next room a couple of feet away from yours and gave him directions about the bathroom and the manners. If he was going to be in your place, then he had to behave.
“I told you already, I’m not a fucking animal,” he complained after hearing your orders.
“Sure,” you dragged the word, eyes narrowed. “Because last night you were so civilized in the bathroom.”
He scoffed and then chuckled. “Did I get too loud?”
“You fucking tell me,” you replied with a much annoying smile on your face to match his own.
“Could’ve joined me. We’re not patient and doctor anymore,” 
“No.”
Just as the last word fell off your lips, your phone rang. Quickly you took the call, realizing it was Grace. You left Soldier Boy in his room and walked down the stairs a little too fast.
“You made it?” she asked on the other line.
“Yeah, arrived just minutes ago,” you answered, checking the stairs in case he followed. “Where are you, Grace?”
“That doesn’t matter. I have something for you.”
“Okay, tell me.”
“I will text you an address and an hour. Today. Don’t miss it.”
Your phone buzzed, announcing the information had arrived.
“I won’t.”
“I’ll keep calling through different phone numbers. Do what you have to do to complete the cure,” she said, like if she knew what was happening between both now.
Soldier Boy was unbearable but you had to keep him on track. Luckily, you were back home again and you’ll be working on the Anti V soon, praying the last bits of information and results of the last test were there for some reason.
“I’m doing my best,” you sighed.
Grace hummed.
“Good.”
Tumblr media
“Any updates so far?”
Ben’s smooth voice woke you up from your daydreaming while you sat together in the dining room.
You had been able to make something quick for lunch after Grace called and you found yourself all jittery and tense, hoping Soldier Boy wouldn’t notice. But he did sense something different from you. So he kept insisting on what was going on.
“I don’t know,” you whispered, taking the last sip of water from your glass. You avoided his eyes, looking away.
He rolled his eyes and narrowed at you. “Has your office contacted you?” 
You shook your head.
“So they’re dead,” he said. Not asking, but affirming it.
A heavy sigh left your lips, your eyes going back to his harsh ones. “Leaving was the best.”
“Who’s that you keep in touch with?”
“What?”
Ben groaned slightly before snapping back with a low voice. “C’mon, Y/N. You called yesterday on the road, and now you receive a call. Who the fuck is it?”
His question is not just an inquiry anymore. He’s demanding to know. But you also know he hated Grace Mallory for putting him to sleep again, confined to a chamber where he’d be a trophy for the government to do whatever they wanted, how they wanted. Until you appeared, offering him empty words. Just like everyone.
“My superior.”
Your answer hit him like a truck. He knew it was Grace, but he didn’t like hearing it from you. 
The truth was, Ben didn’t like you… Not that much. Sometimes he did, sometimes he didn’t. Sometimes he wanted to kill you, sometimes the small common sense he still had on his head would say you’d be better alive. He had been thinking of going away, but not he didn’t really want to. He knew you had been working with Grace, he was no idiot. So maybe staying close should get him even closer to Homelander and Vought. He also thought of Ryan back in the cell you had put him in. He was so damn afraid Ryan would become like his father. And since the brat has been protected before by many people, finding would not be easy. That’s where your contacts and network would be a help to him. He was hoping to find something at your place to find them and the information he craved.
“Right,” he said, alarmingly calm and quiet. He took the last bite of pasta on the plate and swallowed down in silence under your gaze. You didn’t know what else to say.
“So, these powers of yours,” he continued, drinking the last sip of juice. “How’d you get them?”
“Why do you want to know?”
He shrugged. “I mean, they’re pretty fucking useless against me,” his words made you chuckle. Of course you knew that. “But I’m just wondering if you’d be with them.”
Your face turned back to a somber demeanor. “The Seven?”
He gave you a nod.
“Well, it’s not like all supes dream of that,” you uttered. “I just wanted to be normal.”
Ben raised a brow at your sudden confession. “Someone exploded everyone’s heads at the CIA. Sorry to say, sweetheart, but you suck at being normal.”
“Yeah, details I have to work with.”
“I take it you never went to them,” he continued and saw confusion on your face. “Vought.”
The word made you shudder for a slight moment, and you quickly tried to collect yourself to avoid him noticing.
“No, I never did.”
He scrutinized your eyes, hearing the poor increase of your heartbeats. They were enough to tell him something was wrong. But he decided to play along, so he nodded and gave you a rather compassionate look.
“Must be thankful they didn’t fuck up your life then.”
He had no idea.
Tumblr media
You had parked the car outside an abandoned gas station; it was one of the nearest grocery stores to your home years ago. The now wasteland was almost two hours away, with a gas station around ten miles elsewhere. You had been waiting for Grace outside the car, leaning against the hood. Bored, you checked your phone again. When you arrived it was already past three o’clock. When twenty minutes went by, you wanted so badly to drive and get inside the next store you see and buy yourself food and supplies enough to survive a week or two with the idiotic supe now staying at your home. Grace said would be calling through a different phone but you received no calls so far. You’ve been waiting for more than an hour and the drive home wasn’t going to be shorter. Suddenly another car came into sight, pulling over near yours. Two men came out of it.
“Doctor Y/N?”
The stranger with the unknown voice and a weird accent caught your attention. Soon, you found the two tall men standing in front of you in the parking lot.
“We’re here on behalf of Grace Mallory,” the man continued.
He wore a long dark trench coat, looking rough and intimidating. The total opposite to the younger one, who gave you a kind smile once your eyes settled on him.
“How-”
“We have something for you,” the younger man continued. “I’m Hughie. Hughie Campbell,” he introduced himself, giving you a hand and fixing the backpack on his shoulder with the other one. You took it after a moment of hesitation. “He’s Billy Butcher, we’ve worked with Grace before.”
You nodded. “I thought she was the one coming.”
“She’s not in shape for that,” Billy answered. He realized your face changed at his words and quickly explained himself. “Vought’s cunts are looking for her, not safe.”
“Fuck,” you mumbled under your breath. “Great, awesome. So what do you have for me?”
“We, uhm, we made it to your facility and thought these could do some help,” Hughie took out a pouch and gave it to you.
With trembling hands you opened the pouch and sighed in relief. Five test tubes of the Anti V prototype were laid there. “You found them.”
“And we found a little bit more,” Butcher continued. “Victoria Neuman exploded the heads of your employees back there. We believe Vought had been sneaking and getting spies for themselves.”
“Victoria is a supe,” you voiced out. “A supe is running for vice president…”
“Yeah, long story,” Hughie commented. “She’s obviously linked with Homelander and Vought. Everyone was dead when we arrived; lab assistants, guards, agents, the supes… We believe her mission was to just let you and Soldier Boy out, besides stealing information about the cure you’re working on. Probably to give it to Vought.”
“Anything weird happen there before the attack?” Billy asked, not giving you time to swallow Hughie’s words.
“Uhm, yeah. Actually my lab assistant… She tried to warn me and, well, she was crying and asking me to leave. I didn’t know why until her head just- you know…”
You choked a little with your words. The picture of her body and the last seconds of her life were all you got. Everything was equally horrible that day.
“I’m sorry,” Hughie whispered.
“It’s fine,” you cleared your throat. “And I assume you didn’t find anything else? Information? Files?”
“Computers were destroyed. No files. No info. Nothing,” Butcher answered. “Grace says you’re the leader of the project. You have copies, right?”
“Why everybody keeps fucking asking me that? Of course I do!” you almost yelled, eyes full of rage staring at him.
“Easy there, doc,” Butcher lifted up his hands in surrender. “We just wanna get rid of those cunt supes as much as you want. Nothing wrong to make sure.”
“Well, I do have them,” you replied with a cocky smile. “Thank you very much for your concern, Adele.”
Butcher rolled his eyes, sharing a look with Hughie before switching his attention back to you.
“Yeah, sure you do, luv.”
Tumblr media
It was already seven o’clock when you arrived home with supplies and food. Ben, as usually, acted like a fucking caveman claiming he was hungry and you had to act like the housewife, serving him a fucking hamburger and a glass of wine. That was the only liquor you bought. Despite his complaints, his hunger was greater and he devoured the greasy food with no table manners at all.
“You could chew your food like a fucking human being, you know,” you said, eating the last french fries you had. 
He turned his eyes to your face, pointing with his finger. “You were gone for like five hours.”
“So? There’s fruit in the fridge.”
Ben narrowed his gaze, like if he had been offended.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know how to serve something for yourself,” you teased. He didn’t say a word, and you giggled. “That’s fucking pathetic.”
He leaned towards the dining table, eyes locked on yours. “No, you just don’t know your fucking place, woman.”
“I just saved your life, Ben. At least say thanks,” you beamed, having too much fun by seeing him upset for mundane things.
“No, you didn’t.”
You rolled your eyes and took a sip of your wine. “Fine. I didn’t. Let’s go past this and start over. If you’re gonna live here, for now, then you’ll have to learn how to respect me.”
His brows raised. “I thought I already did.”
“Offering yourself to fuck me in a cheap motel is not respectful, Soldier Boy.”
“Well, I didn’t try anything, did I?” Ben finished his sentence at the same time he finished his dinner.
He waited for a smart comeback from you but it never came. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and a stupid grin appeared on his lips. “Unless you want to.”
“No, we’ve been through it. My answer is still no.”
“Then, mind to fucking tell me if you found something by now?”
He changed the topic swiftly. His playful demeanor switched immediately and you sighed, knowing he might have to hear anything to keep him down.
“You’re in danger.”
“I’m the strongest supe ever, that doesn’t make any damn sense,” Ben scoffed.
“Listen, we need to hide from Vought. Hide and not leave a trace, because now I’m involved with you and they’re absolutely looking for your ass,” you gave him a stern look as you went on. “If I fall, you go with me. And if you fall, then I don’t know if they’d still want me. But you’ll be fucked anyway.”
Ben nodded. In his mind, it didn’t sound like a bad plan. In the end, that’s what he wanted; to get closer to Vought and Homelander to get over with them. The world didn’t deserve those fuckers. And as much as Homelander was created with his own DNA, he knew better than to let a scum like him walk around the planet. You already gave him something, a clue. He had to play along for now. If they took you in first, then he might probably bargain to be him instead. It was only fair. He was the one that mattered anyway.
“Okay, I get it. I’ll stay here. But I don’t want those fucking therapies anymore,” he expressed, his gaze not moving away from the surprised look on your face. “Understand?”
You blinked a couple of times, shifting on your seat and chuckling under your breath. “It’s fine, believe me. I can’t stand you more than you do.”
Ben held your gaze, daring you to try something else. Instead, you smiled and got up and took your empty dishes to the sink. His eyes followed your moves, focusing on your small shorts and the softness of your legs. And you knew he was definitely checking you out when you talked.
“By the way, you’ll have to help me wash the dishes.”
He stood up, plates on his hands and walked behind your figure, putting them on the sink as you opened the faucet. His arms surrounded you once he did so and you flinched a bit. Ben smirked, feeling the reaction of your body trapped against his.
“Get away,” you ordered in a whisper, unable to move.
“I’m helping you, Y/N,” he breathed your name against your neck, his hand wrapping on yours gripping on the edge of the sink.
The only sound now was his hot breath on your skin and the water flowing. You quickly turned the faucet off, but you didn’t try to push him away.
It was the second time during the day he had said your name, ever. And you wouldn’t deny it sounded fucking delightful. He had only addressed you as his ‘doctor’, but now it was different. Though, you didn’t want to give into him. He was a huge douchebag and you were basically forced to spend time with him, in your home, without really wanting him there. You felt his lips ghosting over the sensitive skin of your neck, and the primal part of you yearned for his touch, but the rational one won over and you freed yourself from his arms.
“Stop doing that,” you warned once you were face to face. His eyes were dark already and had a sparkle you knew too much since the day before.
“Alright,” he nodded.
“Just- let’s just wash these. I want to sleep.”
Tumblr media
With a tired sigh, you walked down the basement. It was already midnight and Ben was locked inside his room, probably jerking off or something since you, once again, rejected him in your kitchen. Inside the dark room, you found the metal door that let you inside the bunker and unlocked it with the code. When you stepped in, you made sure to turn on the power and lights that illuminated the room and the small lab in the back. The computers started to run and you sat down on the main monitor, leaving the pouch with the Anti V tubes on the side of the desk.
Yeah, you might have told Butcher and Grace you had copies of every detail of the project. But you were afraid of the last stuff you discovered just before the attack. You knew well how the information was protected and encrypted, but it didn’t really assure you the profile of Solaris would be there. He was the first and last supe who had his powers off for a couple of hours at least and the feeling of losing it all had been eating you the last few hours after meeting with Grace’s messengers.
It took you a while to decrypt the system, something you had been already used to doing every time you got there to keep working on it, just to make sure no one would steal it. Hopefully, Vought hadn’t discovered it before destroying the facilities, you thought. And after a while, you found the last updates of the last test your team ran. Solaris profile and test was there. Not just in written letters, but the footage of the test and the exact formula that was used too. Now, you were so lucky.
“Well, thank you, Bianca. Wherever you are,” you whispered to yourself and took a tube from the pouch the men gave you earlier. You had a busy night ahead.
109 notes · View notes
onceuponaoneshotfanfic · 11 months
Text
Something There (Chapter 1)
Ahh I'm excited to start this story! I hope you enjoy!
8.0k words Roy Kent x Reader Warnings: Language, brief references to breasts, enemies-to-lovers totally not taken right out of Pride and Prejudice, mentions of alcohol, me not knowing a thing about the Women's Super League and not letting it ruin my fun, Roy not being super excited about women's sports (but it's only because he's grumpy), Reader has a nickname
Series Masterlist
Tumblr media
“What the fuck is a whippet?”
Rebecca stared at Roy as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “It’s a dog very similar to a greyhound, but smaller,” she explained simply. “And it’s the official mascot of W.F.C. Richmond.”
Roy, Beard, and Nate sat across from Rebecca, who was flanked by a very excited Keeley. Nate’s expression was wide-eyed and intrigued, while Beard looked pleased and almost proud as he listened to Rebecca’s news. Roy, on the other hand, sat there with his brow furrowed and arms crossed.
Not that the manager’s body and facial language deterred Rebecca; on the contrary, she was far too used to his sulky disposition. However, considering this was a project near and dear to both her and Keeley’s hearts, she had very little patience for his lack of enthusiasm today.
“Where’ll they be playing then?” Roy asked, doing his best to show the support that he knew Rebecca was craving from him. He respected her far too much- both as a boss and a, dare he say, friend- to let her think he didn’t care, not after she and Keeley had done a whole song and dance to present the news to the gaffers: a women’s team. A women’s team for Richmond.
Keeley and Rebecca exchanged looks. Keeley’s expression was one that involved raised eyebrows, as if to say You tell him. Rebecca’s, with her mouth in a straight line, communicated something more along the lines of Shit, do I really have to tell him?
With a deep breath, Rebecca turned back to Roy. “Here, of course,” she answered, her voice steady and nonchalant, seeming to presume her response was obvious to everyone in the room.
Roy furrowed his brow, the corners of his mouth dipping downwards. “But we play here,” he said dumbly. His mind raced. Holy shit, is Rebecca selling us? Is it because we didn’t come in fucking first last year? It was my first fucking season managing, no one could have expected-
“We’ll be sharing the facilities,” Rebecca answered, interrupting the thoughts racing through Roy’s head faster than he used to run on the pitch. Her voice reminded Roy of the voices of Phoebe’s teachers: patient, calm, explanatory. It made Roy feel small.
Coach Beard leaned forward. “I can help Higgins set up a schedule of who gets to use things at certain times, so we don’t have to worry about being on top of each other,” he offered helpfully. Roy knew his assistant coach was trying to distract Rebecca from Roy’s less-than-excited response to this news.
Nate quickly got on board. “Have you hired a manager then?” he asked with a smile.
Rebecca’s shoulders relaxed. At least two of the Richmond coaches were reacting the way she’d hoped. “I have. Another American, actually,” she chuckled, winking at Beard. “Feels like we need at least two of you running around Nelson Road.”
Roy decided to do his best to follow the other men’s examples. “What’s his name? Maybe Beard knows him,” he joked.
“You can read all about her here,” Keeley quipped, handing Roy a folder branded with that familiar red and blue rearranged around an outline of what Roy initially thought was a greyhound. Internally, he quickly corrected himself; it was a whippet. “This is a little report on W.F.C. Richmond just to give you boys some more info,” Keeley continued, passing identical folders to Nate and Beard. “A bit about the manager, her assistant coach, some of the players, things like that. Just so you all don’t look like proper fools in front of her when she pops in tomorrow. Reading it would be a grand idea.” Keeley gave Roy a scolding glare; they both knew that Roy was not one to read reports, even as manager, a fact that drove everyone insane.
With a huff, Roy nodded. “I’ll read it, I’ll read it.”
Everyone knew that was a fucking lie.
~
I looked around my new apartment- flat, Keeley Jones kept calling it in that accent I had to stop myself from grinning at- and smiled. It was definitely bigger than my old place, and I wouldn’t have to share it with any roommates. Sure, it was in a whole new country where I didn’t know anyone, but that was fine. This was fine.
Alright, so I’d sort of miss being on the same continent as my friends and family. But this was such an incredible opportunity that I simply couldn’t pass up. Rebecca Welton was wealthy, and the salary she’d offered me was more akin to what the coaches of men’s teams made back in the U.S., not what we made in the women’s league. The chance to build a program from the ground up was a thrilling challenge I was dying to sink my teeth into. England’s passionate soccer culture- football, I reminded myself- was something I’d found lacking back home, even amongst my own family and friends. And, more than anything else, I jumped at the opportunity to leave and not look back. I was ready for something new, and different, and far away from the places I’d called home for the past few years.
The vibration from my phone tore my attention away from the redecorating I’d spent the afternoon doing, enjoying my last day of normalcy. I grinned when I saw the name on my phone.
“Coach Lucas,” I greeted. “What’s up?”
“Hey,” the familiar voice on the other end answered. “You settled in alright?”
Lucas Austen was the one piece of home I’d brought with me. We’d been pals since my days playing college soccer, when he was our brilliant assistant coach. While he was the first to admit he wasn’t much of an athlete, the man was a great coach, who’d found himself promoted to head coach of our college team a few years ago and even had the men begging him to switch to their side but declined in favor of leading my alma mater to multiple national titles. When Rebecca Welton had asked me about potential coaching staff during one of our million Zoom sessions, Lucas was the first name out of my mouth. She didn’t hesitate to sign him after hearing my gushing reference. And, incredible friend that he was, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.
I could picture his smiling face as I plopped onto the couch. “All good. Yourself?”
“Peachy keen,” he assured me. “Want to do something tonight? Not too tired to go out?”
“Let’s see.” I leaned back and hugged the fluffy pillow I was positive Keeley Jones had selected herself. “Sit inside all night and fret over starting a new job in a new country or go out and actually enjoy that new country? Tough choice.”
His laugh eased some of the anxiety in my chest. “Pick you up at six.” He paused. “Six London time,” he added jokingly.
We hung up, and I gave a little stretch, thinking about how insane we were for doing this- something we’d heard a lot in the last few weeks. If nothing else, Lucas and I were going to have a grand old adventure.
~
Roy sighed and gripped his beer tighter. He’d really let Jamie talk him into going out with him. Even worse, he’d let Jamie talk him into going to a club. Roy hated clubs; but to be fair, Roy hated most things, including Jamie. But the young player had promised his coach they’d have a good time and, more importantly, that there would be alcohol, all paid for by Jamie.
And sometimes, free alcohol was all Roy needed to hear.
So, there he was, leaning against the bar, pretending it was because he looked cool and intimidating and not because his fucking knee was bothering him. Again. He wondered how much longer he’d have to stand here before he could leave without Jamie turning into a whining twat.
“Excuse me.” A woman squeezed by Roy and gave a little wave to get the bartender’s attention. She let out a frustrated little huff when she was ignored. “Dammit.”
Annoyed at how close she was to him, Roy cocked his head. “Oi!” The bartender quickly turned in their direction. “She’d like some fucking service!”
In a flash, the bartender was getting the woman’s order and set to work making it. While she waited, she glanced up at Roy.
“Thanks for that,” she called over the music. “I’ll have to learn how to use my voice like that. Might come in handy at work.” There was a joking lilt to her voice.
If Roy had been paying attention, he would have been caught off guard by her distinct way of speaking, and if he’d been in a good mood he’d have even asked where she was from. Instead, he gave a little grunt and a nod, turning his gaze back to the dance floor, where Jamie had disappeared with some gorgeous girl.
Drink now in hand, the woman nodded to Roy. “Thanks again.”
Roy ignored her as she walked away. He glanced at his watch. 9:30. About his bedtime, and Jamie’s too if the prick knew what was good for him. He was in training, after all.
As if he knew his coach was looking for him, Jamie appeared, adjusting the stupid pink headband he’d worn because it matched his fucking shoelaces.
“Oi, don’t you think the bar can hold itself up, Coach?” Jamie asked good-naturedly, nudging Roy. Roy only grunted in response, so Jamie continued. “Get yourself out there. Dance. Live a little.”
Stuffing his free hand into his pocket, Roy rolled his eyes. “Yeah, me, dancing. Sounds fucking right,” he huffed. “Just let me sit here and drink my beer, yeah?” He spotted Jamie’s dance partner, who was clearly waiting for the young footballer to return to her. “Go on, poor girl’s waiting.”
A smile crossed Jamie’s face. “Cute, eh?” He nudged Roy again. “Go on, let’s find you someone. What about that girl I saw you talking to right now? She was fit. Ask her to dance.”
Roy rolled his eyes. “No fucking thank you. I don’t need some young thing in a tight outfit trying to grind on me just so she can go tell her friends that she danced with Roy fucking-”
“Who said I wanted to dance with you?”
Unnoticed by Roy, the woman had returned to the bar, her face and voice both sour now.
Jamie put on his best smile, clearly trying to diffuse the thick awkwardness that even he could feel. “Hi there!”
The woman paused, quirking an eyebrow at Jamie. “Hey yourself.” Her eyes flickered to Roy for a moment before returning to Jamie. “Your buddy always this friendly?”
Jamie nodded towards Roy. “He’s just awkward around pretty women,” he tried. “He really does want to dance with you.”
“No, I fucking don’t,” Roy blurted out before thinking, thankful, for once, for the stupidly dark lighting in this club for hiding his slight blush.
The woman’s eyes lingered on Roy’s face for a moment, something turning behind her eyes, before wheeling back to Jamie. “As charming as your friend is, I’ve got someone waiting for me. Maybe teach him some manners, hmm?”
In the back of his head, Roy noted that she was pretty. Really fucking pretty. Her eyes sparkled with a teasing gleam, even with her annoyed tone, and her red lips formed a perfect smirk that a younger Roy would have tried to kiss after buying her a drink.
 But he was too embarrassed and annoyed to think about that right now.
Roy sighed, damning himself for how fucking rude he could be sometimes. “Listen, I just don’t want to fucking dance-”
She shook her head and waved him off. “Hey, it’s not like I was dying to dance with someone trying to dress like Johnny Cash,” she quipped, gesturing towards Roy’s totally black ensemble. “I was just grabbing some water. Not every girl walking around a club is dying for some guy to hit on her.” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Even if he’s-” She stopped herself, shaking her head. “Never mind.” She nodded to Jamie. “Have a good night.” She glanced back at Roy. With a small hum of amusement, she grabbed a water bottle off the bar and was off.
Roy watched as she approached a guy, probably about his own age, and whispered something in his ear as she handed him the water bottle. The guy, his eyes widening for the briefest moment, looked over at Roy and Jamie, then back to the woman. They both broke into fits of laughter as they went off, probably to find somewhere far away from Roy and Jamie. Mostly Roy.
Jamie clapped his hand on Roy’s shoulder. “Looks like she’s got a fella. Tough break, Coach,” he said with a sympathetic click of his tongue.
Roy glared at Jamie. “Fucking asshole,” he mumbled, taking a swig of his beer.
~
“Alright, here we go, it’s just the most important day of your life so far,” I murmured to myself as I stared at my reflection.
Lucas and I were due at Nelson Road, our new home, within the hour. We’d finally meet Rebecca Welton face-to-face after hours of Zoom meetings, get a tour of the ‘Dog Track’, see our new offices that we’d be sharing with the men’s side, and get to meet the men’s team, the Greyhounds.
Considering that this was the first impression I’d make on everyone, I opted to dress up a bit. Some nice black slacks, a dark blouse my mom had bought for me as her own misguided way to wish me luck before playoffs one year, and a pair of heels. As I put on some bright red lipstick and pondered whether I looked badass or clownish, I heard a knock at my door.
Lucas raised an eyebrow at me as soon as I opened the door. “Shit. I should’ve known you’d be dressing up.” He wore a pair of Dickies and a button-down shirt; not sloppy, but definitely a step down from my style choice.
“You’re fine,” I assured him with a huff. “I’m probably overdressed if we’re being honest.” I took off the blazer I’d been debating all morning. “There, a little more casual?”
He shrugged, an amused grin on his face. “I mean, you look great. You’re the head coach, not me, you should look professional on our first day. They’ll all see you in sweatshirts and shorts soon enough.” He gave a small nod. “Nice color by the way.”
My hand flew to my mouth. “It’s not too much?”
“Nah, it’s just enough.” He gave a little nod towards the door. “Shall we?”
Not wanting to deal with walking directions on our first day, we opted to take a car to Nelson Road. The ride was much quicker than I expected, and I felt my stomach knot up as I grabbed my messenger bag while Lucas paid the driver.
I’d seen photos of the stadium, having made countless Google searches as the big move got closer. But now, being there in person, everything suddenly felt so real. This was it; my new home, where I’d get to help make history- hopefully a history we’d all be proud of.
A man in glasses waved to us from the entrance as soon as our car took off. “Good morning!” he called excitedly.
The moment I realized who it was, I couldn’t help but smile. “Leslie Higgins,” I laughed. As we approached, I resisted the urge to hug him. We’d seen Higgins in almost as many meetings as Rebecca Welton, and I loved him. He was kind, silly, and went above and beyond to make sure Lucas and I would be comfortable during the transition we were about to face. I knew already that he’d provide a father’s touch as we settled in.
Lucas high-fived Higgins as we approached. “Leslie, what’s shaking?”
Higgins chuckled as he shook my hand. “We are so excited that you’re here,” he gushed. “Honestly, we’ve been twittering like little birdies all morning. Tweet, tweet!” He nodded towards the entrance. “Let’s head on up to Rebecca’s office first, hmm? She’s so thrilled to finally meet you.”
We made our way inside, with Higgins cheerfully asking us about our flight, our new living arrangements, how we were adjusting to the time change so far. It felt like chatting with an old friend, and I was so engaged that I barely even noticed we’d arrived at Rebecca’s office. The door was wide open, so Higgins gestured for us to go on in.
Dear Lord, she’s freaking tall,I thought to myself as I finally stood in Rebecca Welton’s presence. She was exactly who I’d met on all those Zoom calls: gorgeous, poised, dignified, confident, and, more than anything, warm. Before I could extend my hand to her, she’d already wrapped me in a hug.
“Welcome to Richmond!” she gushed before letting go. She cleared her throat and straightened her skirt, furrowing her brow. “That wasn’t weird, was it?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Just a smidge. But it already feels like we’ve known each other forever, so it’s fine.”
It was true. We’d spent so many hours talking on video calls, and on the phone, and even more emailing and eventually texting back and forth, plus I’d done some light online stalking, so that Rebecca felt like a dear friend at this point. Each time we spoke, I felt more and more excited to come to work for her and help her build something special.
“My turn!”
I was smothered by a blonde vision in pink and squeezed like a teddy bear. “Hi, Keeley,” I sputtered out, returning her embrace.
Keeley Jones had been the first person I’d spoken to about any of this. She’d called me, seemingly out of the blue, and gotten straight to the chase, telling me all about how impressed Richmond was with my career as both player and coach and oh would I be interested in leaving the United States, moving to England, and helping build their brand-new women’s team? Her bubbly charisma and enthusiasm had stopped me from laughing into the phone and hanging up, chalking it up to some joke. Instead, I let her reel me in until I was walking into work and handing in my resignation, saying tearful farewells to the incredible athletes I had come to love like sisters, those goodbyes even harder than the ones I said to my family and friends. But the tiny blonde with the fast way of talking had charmed and emboldened me to do this terrifying, thrilling thing.
Lucas quickly shook hands with the two women, escaping the displays of affection that they’d shown me. I glanced at the chairs behind the women, assuming we’d sit and chat for a bit before anything else.
But Rebecca had other ideas.
“Does anyone need a water before heading downstairs?” she offered, gesturing towards her fully stocked bar. “Or tea? I know it’s not your country’s favorite, but…” She trailed off, waiting for an answer.
“I’ll take water,” Lucas said, filling the silence.
“Uh, I’m good,” I murmured, shaking my head. The only thing I could focus on was getting started.
Rebecca quickly handed Lucas a bottle of water and gestured to the door. “This way.”
She led us out of her office and downstairs, excitedly chattering about the men’s team, about the amazing coach who helped build the club into what it had become (a fellow American, she was excited to tell us), how much she adored the current coaching staff, and how she knew they’d be very helpful to Lucas and myself.
“Now, I know it’ll be a bit of a squeeze, having two clubs in the same facilities,” she went on as our little group continued its stroll. “But I know we’ll all just do our best, hmm?”
Lucas spoke up, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “Oh yeah. If it’s anything us Americans are known for, it’s sharing and selflessness.”
Everyone gave a light chuckle as we entered the locker room.
Two men stood in the middle of the room, decked out in A.F.C. Richmond gear. Rebecca quickly introduced Lucas and I to them.
“And this is Coach Beard,” she said, pointing to the one wearing a baseball cap. “And Coach Nate Shelley,” she continued, gesturing to the other man. “Coach Beard is from America as well,” she added with a tiny smile.
It took a moment for everyone to shake hands and offer awkward hellos and nice to meet yous.
Rebecca looked around, frowning. “Where’s-”
“Fuck, fuck, sorry, I was-”
A bearded man in dark clothing jogged in, looking absolutely ragged. His gaze darted around the room at everyone as we all stared back. When his eyes landed on me, they widened.
“Oh fuck.”
~
It was her. It was fucking her.
Roy felt like crawling into a hole and dying. He felt like turning around and running out of the room and not stopping until he reached Scotland, or he collapsed, whichever happened first. He felt like his knees were about to give out, and not because he’d just sprinted through the building, which he knew was a stupid idea. More than anything, he felt like a fucking idiot.
Standing in front of him with one eyebrow arched in amusement was the girl he’d talked to at the club. The one he’d been admittedly rude to. She looked so put together in her outfit and heels and red lipstick, while Roy was in his Richmond shirt and slightly sweating from dashing in from the pitch after he’d finally seen Keeley’s text to come to the changing room. He felt like an even bigger arse than he did the night before.
Rebecca cleared her throat, cool look on her face. “And this is our manager for the men’s side, Roy Kent.” She gestured to the woman and man- who Roy now recognized as the one she’d been giggling with at the club- and told Roy their names.
The woman stepped forward with a small smirk on her lips. “Roy Kent. Nice to officially meet you.” She extended her hand towards him.
Furrowing his brow, Roy reached out and shook her hand. “Right. So, you’re the-”
“First-ever manager of W.F.C. Richmond, yes,” she finished for him. She gave his hand a small squeeze before letting go. “I’m glad to report that I survived the pain of being rejected,” she half-whispered.
Rebecca’s eyes darted between the two as the man- Lucas, apparently- held back laughter. “I’m sorry, have you two already met?” Confusion filled Rebecca’s question.
“Hmm?” The new coach turned to Rebecca. “Kind of. We bumped into each other last night while out on the town. I received a very warm welcome.” She raised a mocking eyebrow at Roy before looking back at Rebecca, all friendly smiles. “Should we continue?”
The group- Rebecca, Higgins, Keeley, and the Americans- exited the changing rooms through the offices, with Rebecca explaining how they’d be sharing: the Greyhounds in the larger office, the Whippets in the smaller one, since there were only the two of them. As their voices faded and left the offices, Beard gazed at Roy’s pale face carefully.
“Alright there, Coach?”
Roy grunted. “Was a bit of an ass when we bumped into each other at a club last night,” he admitted. “Didn’t fucking know it was her.”
Beard’s brows furrowed. “So, you didn’t read Keeley’s report.” Not a question; a statement. He gestured for Roy to follow him into their office, now holding three desks, and handed him the W.F.C. Richmond folder Keeley had given them, Nate trailing in after them.
Roy flipped through a couple of pages before finding the manager profile Keeley had probably worked hard on writing. Sure enough, there she was: the woman from the club smiling up at him, her name in big letters at the top of the page. The profile contained information on her college career, her time as a professional player, her success as a manager in the American women’s league, even her Olympic and World Cup appearances. Definitely not just some “young thing” trying to get five minutes of fame by flirting with him. Roy felt like a right prick skimming her remarkable career.
“She’s really impressive,” Nate chirped, as if it needed to be said. “We could probably learn a lot from her, hmm?”
Tossing the folder back on Beard’s desk, Roy gave another grunt, refusing to admit his embarrassment. “We’re fine,” he responded in a short tone. “Let’s get back out there, alright? I left Isaac and Jamie in charge, so they’re probably having a fucking break-dancing contest at this point.”
~
Lucas and I sat at my dining room table eating the dinner he’d brought over. It had been a busy day; touring Nelson Road, meeting the staff, making sure contracts were signed and players were ready to start training at the end of the week. The next day, we’d be going in for a press conference to introduce ourselves to the public. To prepare, I was drinking the largest glass of wine I could pour.
“Are we gonna talk about it?” Lucas raised his eyebrows at me.
I put down my glass. “Talk about what?”
Lucas rested his face on his hands, gazing at me like a gossiping teenager. “Roy Kent.”
“What about Roy Kent?” I took another gulp of wine. “It’s not like we’re going to be coaching together. Does it really matter if I like him?”
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” Lucas hummed, earning a glare from me. “Hey, I’d be pissed too if he was rude to me.” He took a bite. “Can’t believe he didn’t know who you were.”
I shrugged and went back to my food. “Clearly the man didn’t read his report. I mean, he had to get one about us, right? We got one about them.”
I’d spent about half my flight to England reading and rereading the packet Keeley had sent us about A.F.C. Richmond. It was great: a short history of the team, a bit about each member of the coaching staff, brief player profiles. A perfect way to get to know our new neighbors before moving into Nelson Road. Not that I hadn’t done a little research on my own as soon as Rebecca sent me an official offer to lead the Whippets; indeed, I’d done a particularly deep dive into Roy Kent’s Wikipedia page and watched more than a few clips of him on YouTube, fascinated by his career and transition into coaching. Heck, I’d even pondered if maybe we could become friends eventually.
But he’d put a nail in that coffin at the club.
Whatever. Like it even mattered, I told myself. All I had to do was exist in the same space as the man, no more, no less. And I could handle that.
Right?
I’d get to find out the next morning. Again dressed professionally and deciding to continue rocking that red lipstick, I carried a small box of things into Nelson Road. Since the press conference wasn’t until late in the morning, I had decided that I could take advantage of what would probably be my last bit of free time to set up some things in my office, while my assistant coach opted to relax and take his time getting ready.
As I entered the locker room, several players were already in there, in various states of undress. All of them nodded or waved in friendly greetings, having been introduced to Lucas and me yesterday. They had been extraordinarily enthusiastic, especially considering they now had to share their stadium. I waved back, noting the big smile on one Jamie Tartt’s face- the one who’d been with Roy Kent at the club, the dreamy star player I’d read all about. I grinned at the men, relieved that at least they were friendly.
On the other hand, when I entered the coaches’ office, all talking ceased immediately.
From his seat, with his feet atop his desk, Roy Kent glanced at me out of the corner of his eye, his mouth in a perfectly straight line beneath his beard. He’d been saying something to the other two but had halted as soon as I entered. I raised my eyebrow at him in response, feeling like those muscles in my face would be getting a good workout in the coming weeks.
“Morning,” I hummed, mostly to Beard and Nate. Nate waved cheerfully while Beard gave a friendly salute. Only Roy continued to ignore me.
Before I could step through into my new office, Nate’s voice called out, “Got your press conference today, right?”
I turned over my shoulder and looked at him, a little surprised by his friendly tone and the genuine interest on his face. “Yeah, not til later this morning though. Figured I’d set up some things in the office, make myself at home.”
Beard leaned back in his seat. “If you need help with anything, just ask. We’ll be in the weight room this morning.”
“Thanks,” I said with a nod. Okay, so not all the Greyhound coaches sucked. That was good to know.
I strolled into my new office, wrinkling my nose when I realized my desk had a direct view of Roy Kent’s desk, where he continued to avoid looking at me. Ignoring my observation, I set down my box and started pulling things out, arranging them the way I’d had them in my old office: soccer ball-shaped pencil holder a friend had bought me back in high school, framed photo of my family, my first ever AYSO trophy.
My heart skipped a beat when I pulled out a frame. It held my prized possession: the Sports Illustrated cover featuring Brandi Chastain, on her knees, black sports bra exposed, celebrating her penalty kick that won the 1999 World Cup, signed by the woman herself. It had hung in my bedroom, my college dorm, and eventually my office. It had served for many years as motivation, as something I aspired to. Now, it was my daily reminder of why I loved coaching- to help others achieve their big dreams.
I looked back in the box. Crap. I’d tossed in a couple nails but had forgotten to grab a hammer.
“Hey, Coach Beard?” Clutching the framed magazine, I poked my head into the Greyhounds’ office. The only one in there was Roy, who was thumbing through a notebook and mumbling to himself.
His eyes flickered up at me. He gave a small grunt of acknowledgement and went back to his notebook.
I sighed, not surprised by his lackluster greeting. “Do you guys have a hammer? I’m trying to put something up.”
Still not even glancing at me, Roy walked around to one of the other desks, yanking open a drawer, and pulling out a hammer, slamming it on top of the desk. “There,” he muttered.
“Thanks.” I stepped over and grabbed the hammer. Deciding to play his game of not looking at each other, I let my eyes flitter over to the wall behind his desk. I choked a little trying to hide my laughter. “What the fuck is that?”
Roy’s eyes followed mine to the… anatomical drawing behind his desk, a black strip of tape over it. “My niece drew it,” he answered matter-of-factly. “She’s eight.”
My eyebrows flew up. “Your eight-year-old niece drew the best tits I’ve ever seen in my life?”
A snort flew out of Roy’s nose, the friendliest noise I’d heard from him. “And just how many tits have you seen?”
Unable to help myself, I smirked. “I was a professional soccer player,” I reminded him. “I’ve been in plenty of locker rooms with other women.”
“Is that why you’re hanging that thing in your office?” He gestured to the magazine in my hands.
I raised an eyebrow at him and scoffed. “That’s Brandi Chastain,” I answered plainly. “She’s an Olympic gold medalist.”
“Right.” His steely gaze finally met mine, sending a jolt to my system that I did my best to ignore. “American, I assume?”
“Obviously,” I answered, feeling that defensiveness I had as a kid, arguing against the boys on the playground about whether I could play sports with them at recess. “Only the best women’s soccer team in the world.”
He snorted again. “Can’t be that great if you can’t call it the right fucking name.”
I narrowed my eyes at him, unsure if my tone was friendly or defensive. “Oh, I’m sorry, where’s your Olympic gold medal? Because mine’s in my living room, but I could bring it in if you’d ever like to see one in person.”
Something in his face changed, effectively ending the almost-nice interaction we were having. “Leave the hammer when you’re done,” he mumbled, turning and trudging out of the room, not looking me in the eye.
“Alrighty then,” I mumbled to myself, twirling the hammer in my hand. With a shrug, I turned back to my office, wondering if Roy Kent was capable of having a civil conversation.
~
Roy lumbered into the weight room, where Beard and Nate were supervising various workouts. His body felt heavy, and his chest felt tight. The Dog Track suddenly felt too crowded, too filled with her and her ego. That was it: her cockiness. Roy found it off-putting. That’s what had him feeling so twisted. The feeling in his stomach had absolutely nothing to do with that red lipstick she wore or the fact that she smelled far better than any other coach he’d ever met. Like fucking vanilla.
Both coaches nodded to Roy as he approached.
He grunted in place of a greeting. “Sorry, someone needed a fucking hammer. And then couldn’t shut up about her fucking Olympic gold medal.” Roy ignored the fact that, if he had one, he’d never stop talking about it. Hell, he still managed to bring up his time playing for England in casual conversation whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Beard continued to observe the workouts, only half interested in Roy’s complaining. “What’d she need a hammer for?”
“To put up some poster or some shit.” He folded his arms, scowling. “Didn’t know we were allowed to nail things into the fucking walls. Thought we were supposed to use that putty shit. Not leave holes in the walls.”
Now he had Beard’s attention. “Roy, you’ve punched holes into the walls.” To punctuate his point, Beard nodded towards the patch of recently fixed wall that still needed to be painted over.
Trying to keep things light, Nate piped up. “What was the poster?”
Fucking really? “Dunno,” Roy grumbled. “Some lady footballer.”
Beard raised an eyebrow. “Mia Hamm? Megan Rapinoe?”
“Fuck if I know,” Roy muttered, secretly racking his brain for the name she’d mentioned. “Didn’t really care enough to fucking listen.”
Pulling his cap over his eyes, despite being inside, Beard let out a little hum. “I’m sure you didn’t.”
“Oi! Turn up the volume, bruv!” Isaac called from his treadmill. “Wanna hear this.”
The guys paused their workouts to turn their gazes to the television, where the W.F.C. Richmond press conference played on the screen.
Roy narrowed his eyes as he observed the way she was dressed, in her blazer and red lipstick. She looked professional. More professional than he ever looked at press conferences. He found himself wondering if that’s how she dressed for matches, and whether that meant he should dress better on the pitch too. And fuck, she looked confident in front of all those cameras. He had yet to figure out how to look that comfortable.
A reporter’s voice filled the room. “You just made a big move, leaving the NWSL to come start a brand-new team. Why’d you do it?”
She looked thoughtful. Almost pretty with the way her eyes lit up before she spoke. “Well, let’s be really honest. The United States has the greatest women’s soccer team in the world-” The reporters hollered playfully at her. “Hey, sorry, it’s true!” She chuckled. “So, we’ve got the best team in the world, World Cup and Olympic champions how many times over, incredible athletes. But no one cares. Over here, though, soccer is a freaking religion. It’s everything. I’m excited to be in a place where people love the sport as much as the players on the field do. Who love it as much as I do.”
There was a murmuring of approval among the guys in the weight room.
Except for one person. Roy scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Fucking soccer,” he muttered. “It’s football, fucking Yank.” He glanced at Beard, who shot him pointed look, reminding Roy of his own nationality. “Sorry,” he mumbled, properly shamed.
“What do you think you’ll bring to the new club? Why are you worth importing from the States?”
Roy snorted. Great, an opportunity for her to brag about herself.
Sure enough, a cocky expression crossed her face. “Is it cheeky or just plain arrogant if I say my gold medal and World Cup title?” There was good-natured tittering both from the journalists on television and among the Richmond players in the weight room. “No, actually I think in this case my coaching record really speaks for itself more than my time playing. I’ve been fortunate to lead my team back home to some great successes, and I’m looking forward to doing the same with Richmond.” She looked reflective for a moment. “And I’m young. I started as one of the youngest coaches in the U.S., in both men and women’s soccer. So, I can only keep growing as a coach. I’m only going to get better, get smarter. And this guy here?” She gestured to Lucas, who sat beside her, pride shining in his eyes as he watched her. “Incredible coach. Coach Lucas Austen has been the best kept secret in college soccer for years. I’ve played for this man myself, so I speak from experience when I say he’ll bring out the best in each and every player, as well as everyone lucky enough to watch his magic, most especially myself.”
Nate gave out a low whistle. “She’s fabulous to listen to. So at ease.”
Not willing to acknowledge Nate’s praise, Roy turned to Beard. “Are she and he… are they…?” He nodded towards the television, where the two Americans exchanged smiles as Lucas now sang the young manager’s praises, telling some charming story from his time coaching her.
Beard scoffed. “I doubt it, she’s not exactly his type.”
It took Roy a moment. “Oh. And is he… her type?” Roy couldn’t figure out why he was asking. He didn’t really care. Right?
“She’s dated men, if that’s what you’re asking,” Beard said, looking at Roy with skepticism. “There are straight and bisexual women in sports, you know.”
“I know.” Roy hated the way Beard was looking at him.
But apparently, Beard wasn’t done educating Roy. “And men and women can be just friends. Look at Ted and Rebecca. You and Keeley. Leo and Kate.”
“Leonardo DiCaprio is absolutely in love with Kate Winslet,” Colin shouted across the room, where he was leaning against a wall with Sam, eyes still glued to the television.
Roy scowled. “Back to your fucking workouts before I have Will shove all your boots up your arses!”
Poor Will, who happened to be strolling by the open door on his way to the boot room, picked up his pace, unsure if he preferred doing as Roy demanded or telling the manager “No”. Both sounded horrifying.
With the workouts resumed, Roy turned back to the screen, scowl deepening when his eyes lingered a moment too long on her smiling red lips.
“Are you bringing that nickname of yours over to this side of the pond?”
Her smile widened. “Only to make your jobs easier. ‘Coach Bucky gets lucky’ is a great headline.” She winked, a sight that caused Roy’s breath to stop for a moment. “Although I’d hate to think what else you all could find to rhyme with Buck.”
“What kind of fucking nickname is that?” Roy mumbled to himself, eyebrows furrowed.
As if reading Roy Kent’s mind, a reporter called out, “Where’d the name come from anyway?”
Wistfulness crossed her face as she paused for a moment. “My grandfather,” she answered quietly. She spoke slowly, hesitating for the first time. “When I started playing, he kept calling me ‘Plucky Bucky’, because of my positive attitude. Said he liked the way I never gave up when things got hard.” She let out a soft breath. “Silly. But my teammates and coaches picked up on it so….” She shrugged. “Coach Buck remains. It’s a nice reminder of the man who made me fall in love with the sport.”
Something tugged in Roy’s stomach at the word “grandfather”. Maybe it wasn’t such a stupid nickname after all.
“I think we’ve got time for one more question.” Keeley’s bright voice brought Roy’s attention back to the television.
A reporter piped up. “What’s your goal this year? Brand new team, are you just looking to get comfortable, get your bearings?”
The manager grinned, that cocky look in her eye again. “We’re not here for comfortable. We’re here for greatness.” She cleared her throat, smirking at Lucas before facing the cameras again. “We’re looking to be the first Richmond team to win the whole damn thing.”
~
Keeley, Lucas, and I exchanged high-fives as we walked out of the press room. Doing press conferences wasn’t unusual to me at all, but doing one in a new country was a bit overwhelming. But Keeley had prepared me well, and the journalists weren’t as intimidating as I’d expected. Of course, we’d see how they were once the season was underway and the Whippets were actually playing.
“You were great, babes!” Keeley assured me as we made our way to the coaching offices. “Seriously, if you do that in every press conference, you’ll make my job so easy.” She attempted an American accent as she continued, “We’re not here for comfortable, we’re here for greatness.” She shook her head. “Perfect soundbite!”
Lucas nodded. “Especially that part about being the first Richmond team to win the whole thing? Excellent. Not sure if the guys’ll like it, but I loved it.”
I cleared my throat as we passed the weight room. “We’ll see,” was all I could manage. I hadn’t thought of whether those words would offend the men’s side.
“Oi! Coach!” Jamie Tartt poked his head out of the weight room. “Great job in your press conference!”
“Thanks,” I replied, unable to stop myself from returning his bright smile, which assured me that I’d at least avoided insulting him. “Glad you guys caught some of it.”
Another man joined him, his hair tied in a bun at the base of his neck. Dani, if I remembered correctly. “May we call you Coach Buck too?” His eyes shone with excitement.
His boyish earnestness made me laugh. “Um, yeah, if you guys want to.”
“Sick!” Jamie interjected, sticking his tongue out. “Roy never lets us give him nicknames. Although I like to call him-”
“Oi!” I ignored the way Roy Kent’s gruff voice made my heart skip a beat. “What the fuck are you two doing?” He marched over, his scowl only growing when he saw me. He turned to his players. “Is our fucking training interrupting you two ogling over the shiny new toy?”
My own brow furrowed as I stepped closer to him, our quickly reddening faces inches away from each other. “Shiny new toy?” I sputtered, feeling his breath against my face and not caring that he could feel mine or if he could hear my heart slamming against my chest. “Wait a fucking-”
“Stop distracting my players,” he continued, his eyes dark. At this proximity, I could see the laugh lines on his face, evidence that he actually knew how to smile. “Worry about your own fucking team.”
Before I could say another word, Keeley hooked her arm through mine and gave a tug. “Alright, coaches, lovely chat but we should get going,” she hummed, clearly trying to diffuse whatever the fuck was happening between me and Roy Kent. “Greyhounds, we will see you later, yeah?”
With a deep grunt, Roy turned back to the weight room. “Whistle!” he bellowed. “Everyone on the pitch! Jamie’s leading you in fucking burpees!”
The sound of groaning filled the halls as Keeley yanked me away, Lucas on my heels looking amused. Keeley didn’t stop pulling until we were back in my office; the walk had done nothing to calm me down as Keeley leaned against my desk. Lucas sat in his chair, watching me with raised eyebrows. My pounding heart felt as if I’d just sprinted from one goal to another.
“Well, that was fun,” Lucas finally said in a light tone after watching me pace silently back and forth for a minute.
“Yeah, what was that?” Keeley squeaked. “I know Roy can be a bit rough. But that was…. interesting.”
Lucas smirked now. “I think someone’s still mad Roy Kent didn’t recognize her at the club. And didn’t want to dance with her.”
That broke my silence. “As if,” I scoffed, folding my arms across my chest indignantly. “I wouldn’t dance with Roy Kent if he was the last man on earth, with his fucking black clothes and fucking growling and-”
“Wait, wait, what’s this about a club?” Curiosity covered Keeley’s face.
Before I could answer, Lucas spoke up. “Alright, so we went out the night before we started here, just to relax a bit. And this one went to grab a drink and ran into none other than Roy Kent himself.” He chuckled. “And Kent had no idea who she was, he thought she was just some girl who wanted to dance.”
I cleared my throat. “To be fair, it took me a moment to realize who he was too. Stupid dark lighting and all.”
Lucas continued. “Then she overheard him tell Jamie Tartt, that, oh what was it?” He looked at me expectantly.
He’d finally gotten me to crack a smile. “I don’t need some young thing in a tight outfit trying to grind on me just so she can go tell her friends,” I growled, doing my best impression of the man I now officially couldn’t stand.
Even Keeley snickered. “Shit, that’s pretty good!”
“And he just kept digging himself into this hole,” Lucas went on. “Until finally, she compares him to Johnny Cash, says she’s not interested, almost tells him she knows who he is but decides not to give him the satisfaction, and struts off.” He wrapped an arm around me. “Then of course she surprises the hell out of him the next morning. Leaves him with his jaw on the floor while she’s cool and collected. It was stunning, truly.” He gave me a squeeze. “Plucky Bucky indeed.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, fun story, but no, I’m not bitter about not being recognized. I didn’t even get recognized back home when I was on a World Cup winning team, it’s hard to expect people here to give a shit who I am.”
“They will,” Keeley piped up. “You start winning, they’ll care. You’re gorgeous and charming and a world champion. And an American to boot, that’s always amusing. All you need now is a winning record on this side of the pond. Rebecca and I think you’re going to put W.F.C. Richmond on the map, and hopefully raise interest in women’s soccer in general while you’re at it.”
“No pressure,” Lucas added with a chuckle.
I sighed. This move was hard enough; leaving behind my home, my country, my family, my team. Leaving behind things I’d spent years building. And now, I was in a brand-new country, building something from scratch with wonderful strangers and the one person who knew me better than anyone else. Add to all of it the burden of being a woman in sports and the desire to have people take it seriously, and I was already feeling the pressure.
And Roy fucking Kent wasn’t helping with any of it.
301 notes · View notes
lordgrimoire · 1 year
Text
The Goonion would Like a Word, Chapter 2
“You have GOT to be kidding me.” Samuel Kincaid hissed as he pressed himself flat to an alleyway wall. Along the wall behind him was a dozen Goons, mostly members of the Red Hood Gang and it’s subsidiaries, meaning they were packing some serious heat. But! Kincaid had spotted a Bat, and all of it’s Birds, staking out the building they were about to raid. He thought for a minute before uttering a ‘fuck it’ and turning to his compatriots. “Gonna get their attention, if they’re looking into it...” The mob behind him uttered agreements, some cussing qiuetly as Kincaid picked up a stone and slung it up at the Bats, hiding in the little shadows there were. He was rewarded with the Big Man himself appearing faster than he should have, staring him down as Samuel straightened up slightly.
“Hood tell you about Miss Jazz?” The Batman nodded, still staring at him, his jaw set in a firm line. “Good, we were just gonna storm the place, still gonna, I think a few of us are willing to get bruised up if we can find out what’s going on.” Batman stared at him for a moment, eyeing him and the two dozen men and women behind him. 
“You have ten minutes, if you can avoid killing do so, but I want to be able to obtain information from their files.” Kincaid nodded and turned, everyone gave signs that they understood, from Old Hannson, grey all over and lugging a mean looking baseball bat as old as he was, to the youngest muscle they had, a man boy really named Charles, though he went by Charlie, still wet behind the ears and sporting a blade as long as his forearm. They all knew the new parameters. When he turned around he saw The Batman clamor back onto the rooftops. 
“Alrighty, LETS DO THIS!” The first thing the GIW Guards heard was his shout, they never saw the full force that came spewing out of several alleyways, as the cameras had been hacked and the gate guards had been knocked out by cast stones.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce stalked through the GIW Facility, it had been better defended than first assumed but Jason’s Gang had been disturbingly well prepared, if faced with a reinforced door they had blasting charges, if faced with armored opponents they brought forward weapons with longer reach, by the time the Bats and Birds arrived in the facility one of the Red Hood Gang’s cliques had gotten to the core of the Outpost and captured the commanding agents, now they just had to gently fight their way to the center, thankfully the Gangsters were quick and quiet enough that there could be plausible deniability, especially when one of them set off a C4 charge to open a new entry into the outpost through which a majority of the Cliques escaped.
Only one group had stuck around, under the headmanship of Samuel Kincaid.
“We found something, looks to be kicking still, don’t know how to open it and help it out.” Bruce nodded, allowing the short man to guide him through the chaos to a room near the center of the Outpost, which had formerly been tenements. Within the clean, VERY bright room they found a cage, and within it was a haggard looking figure that Bruce was struggling to keep an eye on, his shadow seemed to flicker every now and then. 
“Oh great, here to rip more of me off you jackwads? Wait, who are you?” The cage, with glowing green bars that reminded Bruce more of Kryptonite than anything else, shone a light on the blond teen in the cage. 
“I am Batman, do you mind telling me who you are?” Kincaid had vanished as soon as Bruce had nodded to him, the man likely gathering his people to beat a hasty retreat, they already looked rough from their entry into the building.
“Johnny, friends call me Johnny, I call myself Johnny-Thirteen, Your not a Guy in White are ya? Not with them that is?” Bruce huffed slightly as he began searching the cage, looking for a padlock, or even a scanner. 
“Obviously, how’d you get captured?” Johnny flinched slightly as Bruce found the keypad. 
“I promised a friend I’d check out Gotham, it’s a possible safe spot until a new portal to the ‘Realms opens up, hell there might be a proto portal cooking here, I can feel it. But my friend, his parents kicked it, his sis apparently found some good folks out here so I came to take a look, they actually picked me up in Metropolis, thought I was one of the Supers, which is kinda fucked, they had stuff all set up for “Kryptonian Subjects” Yeash!” Bruce found the lock, it was complicated, and there likely wasn’t a key, so he began trying to lockpick it, with both a digital device and the old method.
“Would you’re friends sister happen to be named Jazz?” The Ghost started slightly, eyes frantically staring at him. “Don’t worry, your friend and his family will be safe here. You have my word on it.” Johnny stared at him for a moment before looking around. 
“Do the Camera’s still work?” 
“No, why?” Bruce looked at the now slightly sheepish ghost.
“Well er, Ghosts, we like our secrets, but we like talking about what our living family is up to, how they’re doing, Your Grandfather, He’s proud of you, your parents weren’t near enough Ectoplasm and didn’t become Ghosts, but Old Man Wayne is proud of you, when he found out I’d be coming around he asked me to “Find the Batman, tell him his Grandfather is proud of the man he’s become, and that hopefully I can visit some day.” Guy’s always  creeped me out a bit, though most folks killed by the Court of Owls have some stuff, wrong, with em.” Bruce was floored, sitting completely still for a moment before resuming his work.
“Thank you for the message, do you have anywhere to stay?” Johnny chuffed as he pulled himself out of his squatting pose, pushing the lid of the cage off after hearing it’s click. 
“Not really, Kitty, my girlfriend, she’s around somewhere, I can feel her, sorta, she’s got my bike, we may just hang out, might cause some havoc via teenage rebellion, it’s our schtick.” Bruce raised a brow at him. “Oh don’t be a dad at me like that! Fine, fine, we will try not to break anything, heck we won’t even do possesions, but there will be chaos!” And with that, Johnny vanished, leaving Bruce confused but happy to have freed the Ghost.
----------------------------------------------------------
[Ring Ring, Ring, Ring Ring, Ri-CLICK]
“Hood here, go ahead Kincaid.”
“Hey Boss, we got a new couple of friends from that raid, Bat’s update you?”
“Yeah, I can assume our new Friends are of the Spooky variety?”
“Yessir, Johnny and Kitty, good kids, if distrusting, good reasons to as well. We’ll get em set up, call back when you’re back from your flight, we’ll be comin off our, third maybe fourth raid today by then.” 
“Thank you Kincaid, stay safe out there, these guys don’t follow any rules.”
“Well we’ll just have to chuck ours when they stop following em won’t we? See ya later boss.”
[CLICK]
[Ring Ring Ring, Ring Ring Ring, CLICK]
“Walker Residence, Alicia speaking.”
“Code Wings of Pandora is in effect.”
“Thanks again bub, I’ll tell ‘em.”
“Thank you.”
[CLICK]
535 notes · View notes
samvedschool · 1 month
Text
School Admission in Bangalore 2024-25 | Samved School
Samved School’s journey began in 1967 as A.V. Education Society with 50 children in a rented building in Jayanagar, Bangalore. We have over 1000 happy children enrolled currently. It has been accredited by the Department of Education in Karnataka to follow the State’s S.S.L.C. Syllabus from Standards I to X. We are currently rated as one of the top 10 schools in south Bangalore out of 1500 schools.
Tumblr media
We are accredited by the Department of Education in Karnataka to follow the State’s S.S.L.C. Syllabus from Standards I to X. We are currently rated as one of the top 25 schools among the best state board Schools in JP Nagar Bangalore South.
ic.pics.livejournal.com
Our top 3 students – SSLC 2023
1. Shravani S Beliya
Marks Obtained – 98.56%
2. Shreya A
Marks Obtained – 96.48%
3. Prathiksha K
Marks Obtained – 96.48%
Enroll your child for development on all fronts. The 2024–2025 admissions process has begun.
Visit the following site to learn about the admissions process: school admission in Bangalore.
To register click the following link: Samved School
0 notes
t3ag3rs · 2 months
Text
g e n s o - 0 9.
Tumblr media
you lay in bed tapping your fingers rhythmically against your chest.
geez i thought this break wouldve been good for me, but i cant stop thinking about the incident.. you think sighing softly. 
you sit up as you fidget with the wrap still secured around your arm. "i cant wait to go back to school so i can be distracted from all of this.." you mutter. 
hearing a low grumble from your stomach, you look at the clock "its only been 4 hours since i last ate a snack..  i cant eat something else right now again.." you grab your water bottle and start chugging to get rid of the hunger.
 "just a couple more hours and ill be back to school..!" u groan slumping back down in the bed.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
you sit quietly deadpanning as everyone speaks about the incident, nevermind... i hate this school- let me go back home you grumble leaning back. 
suddenly you feel a slap to the back of your head "ouch.." u grit glaring at the blonde boy behind you. "what was that for?" you ask agitated.
 "for invading my personal space genso" he grins playfully, "i dont want your body anywhere near mine."
 "glad we both agree on one thing" you remark as you roll your eyes. "remind me to do the same thing to you the next time you get to close- but with a boulder instead." you state smiling as you turn around.
 before bakugou could start spewing curses at you mr. aizawa walked in. ironically, this time he wasnt in a sleeping bag- but instead wrapped in bandages from head to toe.
man he must be sweating buckets under there..' you think as he stands behind the desk.
 "as you all know.. the UA sports festival is just down the corner.." starts mr. aizawa before the class butts in.
 "wait.. wouldnt that be a bad idea after the villians snuck into to our training facility..?" asks jirou as she raises her hand lightly, " i mean- what if they do it again? we'll all be in the same place so it'll be easier for something bad to happen.. " 
 "yes, but the administration thinks it'll be a good way for us to show that we handled the situation fine and our school is safer than ever," he pauses, "plus this is a huge deal for UA students and so it cant be cancelled because of a couple of villians.." he looks down, "our schools sports festival is watched all around the world; not only by fans but by pro heros themselves. this is the opportunity to show off what makes you unique and why your a good candidate to be a hero. this festival allows students to be scouted as side kicks which therefore helps on their way to becoming future pros." he narrows his eyes, "that means none of you should be slacking off on any of your training. class is dismissed." he waves before walking out.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
you let out a sigh staring at your hands as mr. aizawas words repeat in you head. i cant let any opprotunity to train go to waste from here on out.. its my chance to strengthen my control over my quirk and show it off to the pros..! but.. i dont have much time, and theres so much to do.. you close your eyes and lay your face in your hands.
 "hey y/n- everything alright?" asks kirishima as he puts a hand on your shoulder. you look up and quickly put on a fake smile as you nod. "dont stress out too much man.. we have time to train- and besides youre already one of the best students here..!" he exclaims showing off his sharp teeth.
 "thanks kiri... that means a lot.." you smile before standing up and grabbing your bag. "eat well.. ill be in the gyms if anyone needs me" you add before walking off.
─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
as you walk out of the gym lockers and into the main room, you let out a quiet prayer requesting that bakugou wouldnt walk in like last time. you take a quick sip of water before putting on your headphones and walking to the squat rack.
finally..! a long awaited leg day! u think happily as you rack up your weights on to the bar. stepping in front of the bar you reach back and wrap your hands around the cool metal bar, letting out a quick breath you lift it off the machine and ready yourself to squat.
as you squat, you dont hear bakugou walk in since your music was blaring into your ears. you set the bar back into the machine and add another 10lbs to each side of the bar before repeating your squats.
unbeknownst to you, a pair of eyes were watching you from behind as you squatted (at that fat gyatt fr-). you put the bar back to the machine and step away from it. you shake your legs out as you turn and realize bakugou was in the room next to you.
 "how- how long have you been there..?" you ask breathlessly. you fidget with the end of your shorts as you pull the ends down slightly awaiting his reply.
 "since you started squating on the machine.. " he replies unbothered, "but im here to fight you." he restates.
 you let out a groan, "this again? bakugou- for the last time im not fighting you..!" you throw your hands up frustrated, "your wasting my training time by pestering me with these questions of yours!" 
he takes a step towards you, "strength training will do nothing for you during a fight other than make you hit harder. but to hit a person you have to know how to get there first." he runs his hands through his hair, "you cant expect to let your quirk do all the work for you and pass out after overusing it all the damn time.. " 
you hated to admit it, but he was right. you were relying solely on your quirk to get out of situations and it wasnt benefitting you in any way. "okay maybe you arent wrong- but im still not fighting you. next thing i know ill end up burnt to a crisp." you chuckle.
 he lets out a grin, "thats why we're gonna do hand to hand combat- no quirks allowed. just pure combat wisdom and power" he gives you a challenging smirk, "sound easy enough now genso?"
 you let out a low curse as you feel the competitive urge come to you, "fucking.. fine!" you look at him, "but we dont kill each other all right?" 
 he nods, "yeah, yeah whatever.." he waves his hand dismissevly. "lets just get started" he lets out a predatory smirk before getting into a fighting stance.
god what have i gotten myself into..?
Tumblr media
previous parts: pt. 0 0 / pt. 0 1 / pt. 02 / pt. 03 / pt. 04 / pt. 05 / pt. 06 / pt. 07 / pt. 08 next part: pt. 10 / pt. 11 / pt. 12 / pt. 13
89 notes · View notes
balbharatidwarka · 1 month
Text
Nurturing Growth: The Vital Role of School Environment in Child Development at Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka
Tumblr media
In the realm of education, few names resonate as strongly as Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka. Renowned as one of the top CBSE schools in India, Bal Bharati Public School epitomizes excellence in academics, sports, and holistic development. Central to its success is the meticulously crafted school environment, which serves as a catalyst for nurturing young minds and shaping their holistic development.
At the heart of Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, lies a commitment to providing unparalleled academic excellence. Recognized as one of the best schools in academics boasts of a curriculum that is not only rigorous but also innovative and dynamic. Within the well-equipped classrooms of BBPS Dwarka, students are encouraged to explore, question, and delve deep into their subjects, fostering a love for learning that extends beyond textbooks.
Moreover, the school environment at Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, extends far beyond the confines of academics. With a focus on holistic development, the BBPS Dwarka offers a plethora of opportunities for students to excel in sports and extracurricular activities. From state-of-the-art sports facilities to comprehensive training programs, Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, stands as a beacon of excellence in both academics and sports.
One of the defining features of the school environment at Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, is its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Students from varied backgrounds come together in a harmonious environment, fostering mutual respect, understanding, and empathy. This inclusive culture at one of the top CBSE schools in Delhi, not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students to thrive in a globalized world where diversity is celebrated.
In addition to promoting academic and extracurricular excellence, the school environment at Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, prioritizes the holistic development of students’ social-emotional well-being. Through comprehensive guidance and counseling programs, students receive the support they need to navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and resilience. Furthermore, mindfulness practices, peer support groups, and workshops on stress management equip students with essential life skills that go beyond the classroom at BBPS Dwarka.
Central to the success of Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, is the nurturing and supportive ethos that permeates every aspect of the school environment. Teachers act not only as educators but also as mentors and facilitators, guiding students on their educational journey and providing individualized support when needed. This strong teacher-student relationship at BBPS Dwarka, fosters a sense of belonging and security, empowering students to unleash their full potential.
Moreover, the school environment at Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, promotes a culture of innovation and critical thinking. Classrooms are dynamic spaces where inquiry-based learning is encouraged, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. Students at BBPS Dwarka, are encouraged to think critically, analyze information, and explore real-world issues, preparing them to become lifelong learners and active contributors to society.
In conclusion, the school environment at Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, plays a pivotal role in shaping the holistic development of children. As one of the top CBSE schools in India, Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, excels not only in academics and sports but also in fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child can thrive. By recognizing the importance of the school environment in child development and continually striving to enhance it, Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, remains at the forefront of excellence in education, empowering future generations to succeed in an ever-changing world.
0 notes
betterbemeta · 4 months
Text
I think something interesting about the star trek world is its combination of both replicator and holodeck technology. I understand these are literal 'plot devices' to explain the availability of food, materials, and the ability to visit locations for sci-fi premises that can't be found on an alien planet. However, they are worth thinking about in terms of how they change the world.
(Let's assume 'ideal' circumstances where we have a stable renewable non-polluting source of lots and lots of energy and aren't rationing it like on Voyager or something)
Replicators can use energy and raw materials to configure items, and presumably dis-configure items. While the potential for '3D printing' basically anything so long as its materials aren't too rare is really cool, it is also a near-perfect recycling machine. Beyond making sure your replicated dishes and cups don't infinitely pile up, that's SO IMPORTANT. Not only does that mean many items are 'temporary' that otherwise would be 'forever', you can instantly refresh the wear on many items without having to replace them and generate trash.
For example, tennis balls. It's currently really hard to recycle tennis balls, and serious players wear them out extremely quickly. Every serve you make after the first will be with a slightly worn, degraded tennis ball until you replace it, which generates trash. The production facilities to make all those tennis balls have to exist, they have to be shipped, the space to store them exists, the space to store their waste exists, the waste must be transported to a tennis ball recycling facility or a landfill...
but with replicators, you could play tennis without owning/paying a club to access a single tennis ball, without wasting a tennis ball.
And then there's the possibility of holodeck sports where you don't even need to make ANY material items. You could program the tennis ball to never run out. As long as you have the power to run it, maybe the most you'd need to 'own' is a tennis outfit. I am not sure if it's consistent that holodecks can 'dress you' or if you always must bring in costumes from the outside. And the costume itself could be replicated and then recycled!
There's a vast amount of stuff that we retain as personal property that just has to do with accessing activities or amenities. It's not really property that has emotional significance to us, but we still have attachments to it as its a facilitator of our active identity. Our dishes and cookware. Sports equipment. Certain kinds of clothing items. Some types of personal care items. Non-heirloom/generic holiday decorations. Stuff that is usually sacrificed first when we become homeless, when losing access to what they enable is more devastating than the items themselves.
If we could basically conjure and dismiss these things at-will, or access them on a temporary basis for free, we wouldn't need to own them or keep them around in our homes. No supply chain would be dedicated to them. Their waste would be completely eliminated. Ideas of 'what stuff I need to have as a person, to have a dignified life' would change completely.
It wouldn't surprise me if there were people in the star trek universe running around on earth with basically nothing we consider permanent physical property. Not because they're homeless and have no place to put them, and not because they're rich and their assets are liquid-- because the only reason to 'keep' mundane items, even something as complex as a communication device or computer, might be because they are emotionally important to you. And not everybody has 'stuff' like that at every time in their lives.
68 notes · View notes
lostinwoso · 1 year
Text
Mood Changer (Alexia x Reader)
Tumblr media
Made from this request.
Everyone on the team knows how serious Alexia takes everything that has to do with football.  As soon as she steps her foot into the training facility or on the field, it’s like a switch is being turned, and the midfielder means business with not much space for anything other than being concentrated about her favorite sport.
That seemed to change a little though when you joined the team last season. Of course Alexia was still serious and concentrated, but every time you were near her concentration shifted a bit towards you and the serious face the captain usually held throughout the entire training session softened a bit. 
Whenever someone mentioned the little change and started to tease her a little on having a crush on their new teammate, the midfielder was quick to shut them down, her tone full of authority and the look on her face left no space for further teasing or jokes. 
But the team was right, she did have a crush on you and knowing that her serious and more closed off behavior during training could possibly scare you off a little, she decided to tone it down a bit but only when you were near.
To her luck, she also caught your attention. So with some encouraging words from your shared teammates it didn’t take long before you two went on the first date together which led to a few more and not long after has turned into an official relationship.
___
With training starting in 15 minutes some girls were already in the locker getting changed, Alexia of course being the first of them to be there while you were still on your way, having slept at your place last night due to having an old friend over for the next few days.
Tying her hair while looking in the mirror, the captain's expression is serious as usual, when suddenly something hits the back of her head. Turning around, she glances around the room before looking at the floor where a crumpled up piece of paper now sits at her feet. Bending down, she picks up the paper before returning to her standing position and glances around the room once again. 
Her eyes lock with Pina hers, raising her eyebrow in a silent question, the young forward immediately shakes her head ‘No’, signaling to the midfielder that it was not her who threw it at her. Raising now the other eyebrow as well she keeps the eye contact and not long after Claudia gives in and signals with her own eyes to the defender sitting a few meters away, who is watching the scene go down. 
Mapi realizing that she got exposed, stands up, “You snitch!”.
“You know how scary she can be!”, the young forward defends herself. 
“And then you throw me under the bus?”, Mapi questions Pina while side glancing towards Alexia, who watches the scene go down with an unimpressed look on her face.
The midfielder listens to them argue for a moment longer before clearing her throat loudly, putting their banter to an immediate stop. 
“So, are you going to tell me why you threw the paper at me?”, she speaks up after a moment of silence, the serious expression on her face making the defender nervous.
“Well I-”, she starts off before you make your way into the locker room, with a loud greeting.
“Hello everybody!”.
Alexia’s attention immediately turns to you, and before she knows it, she has a full on smile on her face. No trace left of the annoyed look she held before as she makes her way over to you. 
All the other girls exchange looks with each other, surprised by how quick Alexia her mood changed as soon as you arrived. As if the scene that went down just moments earlier never happened. 
“Hola mi amor.”, Alexia greets you with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. 
“Hey love.”, you greet her back, accepting the hug before having to pull back to continue getting changed into your training gear. 
“Did I interrupt something when I came in?”, you question, remembering how everyone was staring at your girlfriend when you rushed inside. 
“No, you didn’t.”, the midfielder replies as she sits down next to you, waiting for you to tie your boots so you could go outside together. 
“Are you sure? You looked as if you were ready to teach them a lecture.”.
“Nothing happened, we were just playing around.”.
Mapi’s eyebrows raise at that claim from their captain, being pretty sure that the captain was not playing around just moments ago, but she decides against saying something, happy with the fact she already found a way out of her having to explain why she threw the paper at Alexia earlier thanks to your arrival. 
As soon as you are ready to leave, Alexia and you make your way out of the locker room, the midfielder holding you close to her with the smile still present on her face. 
“Did that just really happen?”, Mapi speaks up once you two are no longer in hearing range. 
“As if a switch got turned.”, Claudia says, snapping her fingers while talking to showcase how quick Alexia her mood changed. 
___
From this day on the team kept a closer eye on how your presence affects their captain. And every single time the same thing happened. Alexia’s mood would switch as soon as she would see you or hear your voice. Mapi is even swearing on the midfielder's mood once already changing just from hearing your hurried footsteps in the hall from where you were almost late. 
They even started to joke around with one another that someone has to make sure that you were always there, so that they could annoy Alexia without having to face any consequences. 
But one day when Alexia made her way inside the locker room with her expression serious as always, their joking wasn’t as quiet as they thought they were.
“Someone make sure Y/N is here soon, Alexia looks even more serious than usual.”, Patri quietly says, earning a few giggles from the other girls. 
“What did you say?”, the voice putting an immediate stop to the giggles. Everyone turns to look at Alexia, who seems to be clearly confused by her teammates' words.
No one says anything for a moment, the room being in complete silence until Alexia speaks up again, “What does Y/N not being here have anything to do with how serious I look?”.
Mapi clears her throat, gaining the attention of Alexia, “You know, it’s just uhm every time she is here your mood switches immediately into this happy and silly person.”, the defender explains.
“That’s not true.”.
Alexia’s answers earns a couple of scoffs from her teammates.
“Yes it is! Your mood goes like”, Claudia starts but stops to snap her fingers, like she did the first time it happened, before continuing, “It’s like a switch is being flipped!”.
“No.”, Alexia denies once again, but a light blush starts to form on her face.
“Yes! Don’t you remember how you were literally like 5 seconds away from stumping Mapi into the ground for throwing the paper at you but then Y/N came and BAHM, you forgot about it.”, Patri replays the event that happened a few weeks prior, gesturing wildly with her hands while doing so.
“I didn’t forget about it, my girlfriend is just more important than Mapi thinking she was being funny.”, the midfielder explains with an eye roll, but the blush is still present, and a light smile starts to form from just thinking about you.
“I am fu-”, Mapi starts off but stops when Claudia loudly speaks up again with her finger pointed at their captain, “See! Just thinking about her changes your mood!”.
Alexia quickly suppresses the smile, opening her mouth to deny everything that was being said once again when you walk into the locker room.
“Good morning!”, you greet happily but come to a halt when you see your girlfriend cornered by your shared teammates, “Uh, what’s going on here?” 
Your eyes flicker between your teammates and your girlfriend, while your teammates eyes are sorely set on Alexia, wanting to see what happens now that you are here. 
The midfielder tries her hardest not to break into a full on smile, but one look into your eyes is all it takes for the smile to come out, which earns a lot of reactions from the rest of the team.
“Not true my arse.”.
“See! Like a switch.”, that reaction followed by a snap.
“You were saying?”.
Alexia tries to ignore the comments as she makes her way over to you, but the blush on her face was now clearly visible, so as soon as you were in reach she pulls you into a hug to hide her face in your shoulder. 
“What is happening?”, you whisper to her, confused on what you walked in on.
“Nothing, ignore them.”, your girlfriend whispers back to you. 
___
During training, a few teammates kept making comments about what happened in the locker, trying to annoy their captain as much as possible. Except that this didn’t work because every time Alexia looked towards you in training everything around her fades into the background, and she can’t find herself getting annoyed at anything, too occupied with you on her mind, the smile not leaving her face once during the day. 
851 notes · View notes
llamahologram · 8 months
Text
Tumblr media
camp halfblood, redesigned by me!
in honor of the new show, now available on etsy at ArcadiaBays, print and digital versions (hd & without watermark!)
changes from canon:
• expanded and redesigned cabin area. Annabeth Chase and other Athena and Hephaestus campers redesigned each and every cabin for the new generation of campers. Each cabin is intentionally designed and placed, with a designated expansion zone as more minor gods are added to camp. I also added a cabin for Hestia near the cabins’ campfire area- I felt that she needed to be represented, and that Percy would insist on some sort of honoring of her presence. Note: dionysus cabin is missing in this version, but in the version on my etsy his cabin is between hermes and hebe!
• each cabin now has bathrooms and showers within the cabin. The old camp bathrooms have been repurposed into guest facilities for any visiting roman campers, etc
• more campfires! There are now two campfires- an informal one in the middle of the cabins, and the main campfire where everyone gathers for smores and singalongs.
• the camp is set up less like a summer camp and more like a small village- more open space, etc
• I added “Memorial Circle,” a place for the camp to recognize campers who have passed away. The outer wall has every fallen camper’s name carved in, and there are five statues placed in a semicircle. Each statue display changes on a cycle to display a carved figure of every lost camper. Memorial Circle was designed and created in a joint effort between the Athena, Hephaestus, and Apollo cabins (with additional help and input from everyone else, of course)
• there’s a small art market next to the arts and crafts center where campers, nymphs, and satyrs can sell or display their work!
• there’s a soccer field next to the volleyball field now, so the campers can have a variety of sports
• some other details I like: apollo and artemis are the “twin pillars” welcoming you to the cabin area, matching and yet different. Hebe cabin (goddess of youth) has a small fountain in the center (fountain of youth). I LOVE the design for the demeter and hecate cabins, they just fit so well! zeus and hera have their own little section, still with the others but kind of given a place of prominence within the layout
94 notes · View notes