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forensicated · 2 months

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Information for use in fan fiction and anything else related to The Bill. This will be added to and edited every so often and please feel free to comment if you want to add or edit anything.

Part 1

The Bill is set in the fictional Sun Hill which makes up part of the also fictional Borough Of Canley. It's roughly set around the areas of Whitechapel, Stepney, Shadwell, Spitalfields, Portoken, Limehouse and parts of Aldgate, Bishopsgate, Shoreditch and Mile End. It's also known as the Tower Hamlets area. Maps of Sun Hill show the Isle Of Dogs area.

The station address is: Sun Hill Police Station, 2 Sun Hill Road, Canley, London, E1 4KM. The telephone number is 020 7511 1642.

The caution: I am arresting you on suspicion of (OFFENCE: eg murder or sexual assault). You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say will be given in evidence.

This MUST be said, IN FULL, each time someone is arrested and officers MUST make sure that the person understands it ALL.

Vehicle Call Signs:

Area Car (Sierra 1, Sierra 1-2, Sierra 1-7, Sierra Oscar 21 and Sierra Oscar 22)

Van (Sierra 2)

CID Cars (Sierra Oscar 5 to 9) (Sierra-1-1 has lights/siren hidden like below but they have a magnetic light to stick on top like below)

TSG (Sierra Oscar 1-3)

IRV (Sierra Oscar 2-3)

Panda (Sierra Oscar 8-4, 8-5, 8-6, 8-7)

Officer call signs:

Sierra-Oscar 5-2 - Superintendents used this so it was the call sign for Brownlow (and Derek when he was acting Super), Chandler, Okaro, Prosser, Heaton and finally Jack Meadows.

Sierra-Oscar 5-4 was for Chief Inspectors so Derek, Cato and Stritch but the call sign and roll was retired at Sun Hill after Derek was killed.

Sierra-Oscar 5-5 was the call sign for DCI's so this is Kim Reid, Frank Burnside and Jack Meadows.

Sierra-Oscar 7-5 was used for Frank Burnside when DI

Sierra-Oscar 3-3 was used for Roy Galloway when DI

Sierra-Oscar 7-0 was used for Neil Manson when DI.

Sierra Oscar 7-1 was used for Sam Nixon when DI

Need to check on those for Johnson, Wray, Haines and Deakin if required but they can just use rank/surname as described below.

Sierra Oscar 3-2 was used for DS Geoff Daly (In All Change)

Sierra Oscar 6-7 was used for DS Don Beech (In All Change)

Sierra Oscar 2-8 was used for DS John Boulton (In All Change)

Sierra Oscar 3-6 was used for DC Will Fletcher

Sierra-Oscar 9-8 was used for DC Gary Best

Sierra-Oscar 4-2 was used for DC Grace Dasari.

Sierra Oscar 223 was used for DC Rod Skase (in All Change)

Sierra Oscar 613 was used for DC Duncan Lennox (In All Change)

CID would most often use their rank and surname too.

Sierra Oscar 1 was used for all inspectors at the station from Deeping, Kite, Frazer, Monroe, Matt when he was acting Inspector, Gina, Smithy when he was acting inspector, Rachel and then finally Smithy when full inspector. (Smithy was 833 as PC and 54 as Sgt)

SO25 - Rachel Weston

SO30 - Callum Stone

SO33 - Craig Gilmore

SO46 - Jo Masters (after moving from CID to uniform)

SO48 - June Ackland (SO643 when a PC)

SO48 - Diane Noble for one night (she was supposed to return but the ITV cut backs and the show moving to one episode a week meant her two-parter return was edited down to one episode and new scenes filmed to explain she was transfering to Barton St.)

SO54 - Smithy (833 as a PC and Sierra 1 as an Inspector)

SO54 - Jane Kendall and Tom Penny

SO55 - Ray Steele

SO61 - John Maitland

SO66 - Sheelagh Murphy (SO661 wheb demoted to PC)

SO79 - Matt Boyden

SO82 - Joseph Corrie

SO87 - Nikki Wright

SO92 - Bob Cryer

SO95 - Stuart Lamont

SO96 - Alec Peters

SO99 - Phil Hunter (during short punishment stint in uniform)

SO101 - Taffy (Francis Edwards)

SO128 - Lewis Hardy

SO134 - Phil Young

SO139 - Timothy Able

SO140 - Nick Klein

SO148 - Mel Ryder and Yorkie (Tony Smith)

SO149 - Gary Best (Changes so SO 9-8 in CID)

SO158 - Honey Harman

SO171 - Reginald Percival Hollis

SO201 - Dave Litten

SO202 - Kerry Young

SO201 - Pete Muswell

SO212 - Millie Brown

SO217 - Laura Bryant (was SO7667 when a PCSO)

SO218 - George Garfield

SO227 - Viv Martella

SO235 - Roz Clarke

SO249 - Gemma Osbourne

SO251 - Jamila Blake

SO258 - Beth Green

SO275 - Roger Valentine

SO294 - Danesh Patel

SO298 - Yvonne Hemmingway

SO315 - Dan Casper

SO330 - Robin Frank and Ron Smollett

SO335 - Donna Harris

SO340 - Dave Quinnan

SO342 - Abe Lyttleton

SO351 - Malcom Haynes

SO354 - Arun Ghir

SO355 - Cameron Tait

SO358 - Gary McCann

SO361 - Emma Keane and Vicky Hagen

SO362 - Luke Ashton (for his return post 2002)

SO363 - Steve Loxton, Lance Powell and Kirsty Knight

SO408 - Nick Slater

SO416 - Sam Harker, Ken Melvin and Gabriel Kent

SO432 - Luke Ashton (for his first 97-99 stint) and Des Taviner

SO437 - Leela Kapoor and Leon Taylor

SO452 - Adam Bostock

SO469 - Polly Page

SO483 - Diane Noble (was SO48 for her one night stint as Sgt)

SO487 - Cathy Marshall and Rosie Fox

SO510 - Billy Rowan (though poor love lasted half a shift)

SO517 - Mike Jarvis

SO518 - Cass Rickman

SO543 - Will Fletcher

SO561 - Debbie Keane

SO570 - Cathy Bradford

SO577 - Barry Stringer

SO595 - Tony Stamp

SO600 - Jim Carver

SO643 - June Ackland (SO48 as Sgt)

SO659 - Suzanne Ford

SO661 - Sheelagh Murphy (SO66 as Sgt)

SO682 - Di Worrell

SO686 - Sally Armstrong

SO740 - Ben Hayward

SO743 - Pete Ramsey

SO759 - Steve Hunter

SO795 - Ben Gayle

SO800 - Richard Turnham

SO832 - Delia French

SO833 - Smithy (SO54 as Sgt and Sierra 1 when Inspector)

SO876 - Nate Roberts

SO876 - Nick Shaw

SO888 - Amber Johannsen

SO943 - Andrea Dunbar

SO988 - Eddie Santini and Ruby Buxton

FED REPS: Federation Representatives support and advise officers if they've been accused of something or matters like pay, rights, allowances, conduct, equality and development etc. It's often mocked, mostly when Reg is in the position as everyone's favourite busy body, however it is a responsible position and Reg was very good at it if only due to his nitpicking and love of the rule book.

Fed reps: Reg Hollis, Barry Stringer, George Garfield, Nick Klein, Leela Kapoor

The Area Car can only be driven by the officers who are qualified to drive them for example: Roger Valentine, Tony Stamp, Kirsty Knight, Callum Stone, Ben Gayle, Gemma Osbourne, Yvonne Hemmingway, Matt Boyden, Vicky Hagen, Gina Gold, Steve Loxton, Mike Jarvis, Will Fletcher and Des Taviner.

Civillian Staff:

Jonathan Fox - Senior Crown Prosecutor and one time boyfriend of Gina Gold. He left Gina because she wouldn't commit right as she was about to commit to him. She tries to tell him this when he returns during her cancer fight but he's moved on with someone else... she can't handle just being friends so asks him to leave.

Matt Hinkley - Senior Crown Prosecutor

Eddie Olosunje - CSE

Lorna Hart - CSE

Audrey ?? - A CSE who checked Gabriel's clothes and is very friendly with Gina - they play poker together.

Dean McVerry - CAD

Marilyn Chambers - SRO - Reg was about to propose to her and was waiting for her where they had their first date when Colin Fairfax drove his van into the front of the station.

Julian 'JT' Tavell - SRO

Robbie Cryer - SRO (SRO's used to be Front Desk Officers)

DOPA Mia Perry (Press Officer) - Mickey's girlfriend who cheated on him with John Heaton

Margret Barnes - Cleaner who was obsessed with Ramani

Special Constable Terry Knowles (Killed on his first day trying to be like Des)

PCSO Colin Fairfax - Racist who drove a van into the front of the station, killing Ken, Marilyn and Andrea.

PCSO Laura Bryant - Became a full PC.

Marion Layland - Charles Brownlow's long suffering PA.

Rochelle Barrett - Drugs Referral Officer

Tom Kent - FME in the early 90's

Important Reoccurring Characters (Police):

Guy Mannion - Chief Super to Brownlow and then Borough Commander. Pain in the arse.

Trevor Hicks - DAC/Assistant Commissioner

Georgia Hobs - DAC

Roy Pearson - DAC. Neil Manson's father in law and user of rent boys. Murdered by one after attempting to retrieve a video that was being used to blackmail him.

Lisa Kennedy - Commander (Her son is involved in an altercation that leads to disaster at a football match)

Jane Fitzwilliam - Borough Commander

Louise Campbell - Borough Commander

Ian Barrett - Borough Commander - tried to blackmail PC Dan Casper into ending his affair with his wife, Rochelle. Ended up getting Dan held at gunpoint and left Sun Hill alongside his wife.

Amanda Prosser - acting Superintendent whilst Adam took time off following the death of his family in an RTA. Upset a bereaved father who then took her hostage at gunpoint and caused a siege at Sun Hill (second live episode)

Rowanne Morell - DI/DCI who came in to investigate a case and then came in as cover for Neil whilst he took some time off after his father in law's death/end of his marriage.

Andrew Ross - DCI if I remember rightly he was part of MIT and kept coming over for murders - the Serial Killer/Des's Fire bombing/Cathy's murders etc.

Frank Keane - DCI from MIT. Rubbed everyone up the wrong way and thought the sun shone out of his daughter - Emma's - arse.

Karen Lacy - stuck up DI from SO15 who immediately alienated most of Sun Hill after Emma's death by refusing to let her friends in uniform help and would only let them man a cordon and then told Jack that CID could only help if EVERYTHING was ran through her and came back to her and her alone.

Tom Baker - TREV which was a fan coined term that stands for Totally Reliable Extra Veteran'. Tom was an outstanding back up CID member for over a thousand episodes. He's even in the Guiness Book Of World Records for it.

Terry Knowles - Terry was a Special Constable who idolised Des and wanted to be like him. He tried to copy how he'd seen him pick up a woman and flirted at a blonde in a convertible. Unfortunately it all went wrong when she stabbed him in the neck and severed his jugular and he died, leaving a 2 year old son fatherless.

Doug Wright - husband of Sgt Nikki Wright. Nikki transferred to Sun Hill when she got fed up of the confusion over two Sgt Wright's and then having to work opposing shifts. He's based at Sun Hill but they cross over to police a football match. Sadly Doug ends up getting stabbed and they realise there's a Cop Killer on the loose after he taunts them and goes on to murder new recruit Billy Rowan on his very first day.

Mark Rollin - Lance Powell's Boyfriend/Fiance/Civil Partner/Husband. Mark is a Sgt in CO19 and keeps his sexuality hidden to avoid the banter and bullying. He goes to pieces after shooting dead Jeff Clarke and he and Lance separate - only for Lance to go out drinking to try cheer himself up and be murdered.

Steve Hodges - an irritating little man who was the Detective Superintendent at CIB at the time that Claire Stanton was undercover trying to get information to prove that Don Beech was corrupt. He expected Claire to pull evidence out her arse and moaned constantly.

Rachel Kitson - Crime Scene Photographer who murdered old school friend turned Super Model Cindy Statham. She got away with it and someone else was accused and locked up...but then Jo went back and looked at the footage again as she had a niggling feeling. Rachel realised she was on to her and took her hostage at gunpoint. It was Stuart getting suspicious when he received a text calling him 'hun' and realising that something was very wrong that saved her life with seconds to go.

Important Reoccurring Characters (Civilians):

Rod Jessop - June's second husband after Jim. He is a headteacher and a good man who has 2 children of his own. At first June isn't too sure as she thinks he's a little too keen but she warms to him and they fall in love and take early retirement together.

Irene Radford - Mother of Karl, Wayne and David Radford, a large crime family with a history going back decades with Gina. She takes Gina hostage at one point and she and David are literally seconds from killing Smithy and Kerry at another point!

Louise Larson - Wife of Pete Larson. Unhappily married but settled until she met Smithy. Feisty, sarcastic and full of one liners, she kept him on his toes and they wanted to leave after she agreed to give evidence (Pete was arrested after almost murdering Smithy. I'm sensing a theme here).

Abi Nixon - The cause of Sam shrieking "MY DAUGHTER!!!!!" Had a fling with Matt Boyden - as you do. Then ended up pregnant and engaged to Hugh Wallis - a profiler - who manipulated Abi into it as revenge. He forced Sam to think her daughter was a victim of the Serial Killer. She keeps the baby and her relationship with her mother improves.

Cindy Hunter - Phil Hunter's wife who sees all he does on the side and - usually forgives him, even when a major criminal demands he be allowed to sleep with Cindy. Gregory doesn't force her to sleep with him but does take degrading pictures of her to wind Phil up. She still forgives him... but she can't get past finding out he has a daughter with another major criminals wife when they are trying for a baby of their own and they finally split.

Jenny Delaney - The girlfriend of George Garfield at first, Jenny is the nurse who looks after Dave Quinnan when he is attacked and left for dead in a youth club. She and Dave fall in love and have an affair which ends up in George leaving Sun Hill. They marry but do not get their happily ever after as Dave and Polly grow closer... and closer...

Kristen Shaw - Drug dealer who Zain goes undercover to catch and he ends up falling for her. She accidentally murders Honey by shooting her when the gun goes off in a struggle (Honey was trying to get Zain to do the right thing and arrest her with him). Zain reluctantly puts Honey's body in the water and they try to escape but in the end he can't go through with it and refuses to get on the boat with her to escape. He removed the bullets from her gun and so both end up arrested.

James Tennant - The father of Amy Tennant. This storyline goes on forever for over a year and Neil and James get close and become good friends through it before Amy is found.

Scott Burnett - Scott is the husband of a woman who is found murdered. At first his best friend is charged with it and as his FLO, Honey helps support him through it. They fall in love and in a whirlwind romance they get married.... only for Honey to realise that Scott actually murdered his first wife!

Laura Meadows - Jack's long suffering wife who put up with a lot, including affairs. It comes to a head when Jack - in full midlife crisis mode - thinks he's in love with Debbie McAllister and wants to support her and her new baby. Debbie thinks of him mostly as a father figure and is horrified when he finally puts the moves on.

Lilian Rickman - Cass' mum is devastated when her daughter is killed by the Sun Hill Serial Killer. She travels down and bonds with the team and later invites them to the funeral in Liverpool which some travel up to and then have to go straight on shift once they get back to London. She later returns to tie up the sale of Cass' flat and she and Tony grow closer and end up sleeping together.

Marie Graham/Carver - The bereaved mother whos daughter killed herself after being accused of sleeping with underage students. She's an alcoholic who seemed to understand Jim and all his problems... and then started to abuse him 2 days after their marriage. (he should have known it was a bad omen when he and June almost kissed the day of the wedding when trapped with Polly and Tony!)He is accused of abusing her before he ends up in hospital (Gabriel hit him over the back of the head with a vodka bottle - long story) and he cracks under accusations and shows his many wounds. He leaves Marie and goes on to recover and get back together with June... only for Marie to turn up on THEIR wedding day and cause a scene at the reception and then fall down the stairs and knock herself out. Jim, with a sprained ankle, ends up going into hospital too!

Pauline Smith - Smithy's mum seen in Killer On The Run. His father was an abusive drunk who used to knock her and Smithy around until Smithy was old enough to go out with his friends. Smithy has little to do with his unnamed father and next to no contact. She adores her son and is very proud of him. They are close and Smithy has a key to her house. He also had an unnamed little brother as a PC (mentioned in Soft Talking) but this seemed forgotten when he returned as a Sgt.

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icy-blue-eyes · 1 month

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The burgundy on my t-shirt

when you splashed your wine into me,

and how the blood rushed into my cheeks,

so scarlet, it was Maroon.

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ellieslaces · 5 months

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DANCING WITH OUR HANDS TIED.

part I ; part II ; part III ; part IV

featuring: prince!leon x princess!reader (royalty au)

synopsis: the Crown Prince, Leon, had never desired to marry, but obviously the decision was never up to him. his mind is slowly, and ultimately changed when he meets you, his betrothed

content warnings: harsh language; mentioned violence; strangers to lovers; mutual pining; little angst; misogynistic themes; eventual smut (more detail in later chapters)

notes: royalty au; Leon is an Italian Prince; user is British/English; some old English dialect; misogynistic themes bc this is based on old views of royal women’s only purpose to bare children; Leon’s family’s palace is based on Palazzo Ducale in Venice

word count: 2.83k

chloe talks: yeah ok, I caved. a royalty au has been on my mind for a little bit and while listening to Dancing With Our Hands Tied by Taylor Swift on the way to my endocrinologist appointment today, I had to write this. this is partially inspired by a bot on c.ai by wesker420 and another royalty au fic on here by @hispg so I don’t take full credit for the idea. but anyways, enjoy

playlist

Leon had never desired to marry, he never believed a happy marriage was in the cards for him. Especially when his mother and father were the only example set for him all his life. He was content with a life of politics — council and war meetings, endless nights spent in local taverns, his bed warmed by women who didn’t mean anything to him. Until he met you.

You were a princess from the North, a born and bred English noblewoman. And you were terribly single and of marrying age. Your country and Leon’s country were in dire need of allies, so naturally you were introduced to each other as betroths.

Of course, this was far from an easy process for either one of you. Leon did not wish to marry at all, and you wished to marry for love, not convenience. This was a damning future for the both of you.

And it only became increasingly worse as your marriage date was pushed closer — a fortnight away now. Your family traveled to Leon’s castle, staying there for the next two weeks. Your family was set to leave the night of the wedding, leaving you completely alone with a man you were forced to spend the rest of your life with and his family.

This arrangement was far from ideal for you. You knew next to nothing of the Crown Prince. And he knew nothing of you either. It was an unfortunate affair — two young nobles who could have anyone or anything now tied down to each other by pressing expectations. It was truly a tragedy.

It became increasingly apparent to Leon that you were miserable in this arrangement the day you arrived a fortnight before the wedding ceremony. He and his family greeted your family in the throne room — much more lavish and beautiful than your own at home — and he could so clearly see how dismayed you were.

Hell, he couldn’t blame you. A young woman, beautiful and intelligent, brought up with the best opportunities available to her was now being sold off as a piece of property. All for peace among nations. Leon supposed he could complain, but he was a man. He wasn’t tied down by the duties of being a wife as you would be. He felt bad for you — even if some small part of him resented you for this sickening arrangement.

Soon enough, you were carted off to your chambers where you would reside until the night of the wedding ceremony. Your mother tried her best to console you, saying it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. It was futile though, you were set to be miserable. To be resentful of how your parents could sell you off to the highest bidder for a bit of political gain.

Though, the palace grounds were beautiful. High ceilings covered in extravagant artwork, glass windows, the grand canal right outside the Eastern side of the palace. There was much to explore in the two weeks you’d spend there — or the rest of your life.

You spent the first week of your stay exploring the castle. Looking at the array of artwork, the different rooms. You did this mostly alone, your mother would occasionally join when she was not required to sit through perilously long political meetings. When she was not able to join you, your handmaiden — and best companion — Maria, would walk with you.

Always a few paces behind to keep up appropriate appearances. Though, Maira more than often would end up walking beside you.

In fact, it was three days after your initial arrival that Leon saw you for the first time, alone. You had decided to take advantage of the pleasant Italian spring day and explore the West gardens. Maria was walking beside you grinning, hands folded in front of her as she informed you of the latest gossip among the grand palace’s servants.

That was also the first time Leon had ever heard you laugh. You had a gloved hand covering your mouth, the sudden sound of your lilting laughter causing him to immediately stand as you rounded a corner of the hedges.

Leon has simply come outside to study a leather bound book of political speeches his father had written, sitting on the bench to also enjoy the weather. At the sudden sight of the prince, Maria stopped in her tracks, eyes wide and bent at the waist in a bow.

Maria’s sudden prostrate position caused you to pause as well, dropping your hand and looking up at the prince — your betrothed.

You as well, curtsied, face ground-ward as your smile fell in an instant. “Your highness.”

Leon almost smiled then, at the sight of your sudden respect and change of attitude. He bowed his own head as you straightened, offering the same sign of respect. “Princess. I hope you are enjoying the grounds.”

“Yes, your highness, I am. Thank you.” You nodded, your eyes hesitant to look in his direction. It didn’t go amiss to Leon that your cheeks had been painted in a pink tint as well.

“Good,” he nodded, at a loss for what else to say. His eyes darted to Maria, your handmaiden who had righted herself and taken a few steps back. He nodded to her as well, offering a kind smile.

This was the first time you’d felt any form of warmth for the prince. His subtle kindness to your handmaiden, whom any other noble would dutifully ignore. It brought a small smile to your lips, eyes finally meeting his as he looked at you.

“What are you reading?” You questioned, eyes flicking to the leather bound book in Leon’s hands. An awkward attempt to be polite.

“Just some political notes my father wrote up for me to review. He has been pushing me to be more involved as of late, my future quickly approaching as he likes to say.” Leon’s head tilted to the side, motioning to the book.

To his surprise, your interest had seemed to pique. “Anything interesting?” You asked, voice soft yet filled with an element of excitement. A princess interested in politics was not something the prince had ever come across.

“Not particularly, just some civilian requests and meeting reviews.” He shrugged, seeming bored. However, you seemed anything but.

“I see.” You stepped forward a bit, seeming to be a bit hesitant but foraging on nonetheless. “I do hope I am not being forward, but, I wonder if you would mind informing me of anything you hear in the meetings.”

Leon frowned at this. “You are not invited to meetings?” He didn’t realize you may not have a place in the political side of royalty.

You shook your head, a small look of annoyance gracing over your gentle features. “No, my father says it isn’t a princess’ place. He believes I am far too delicate for such heavy matters.”

Leon could tell how much it annoyed you, despite the fact that you never explicitly said it did. He frowned, nodding to himself.

He looked back up at you — his lips pulled into a devastating smirk that nearly took your breath away. “Well, princess, you have my word. I will inform you of anything I hear from future meetings.”

You hadn’t expected him to actually agree. Most men would have said you were being silly and had no need to hear such trivial matters. It made that prior spark of warmth blossom into a small flame in your chest.

He was kind. Not just handsome — horribly so, which you and Maria agreed upon — but he had a good heart. No matter his seemingly rough exterior, you could see the prince meant well.

“Well, thank you, your highness. I deeply appreciate it.” You smiled, that pink tint on your cheeks ever present as the prince stepped forward to you.

“Of course, princess. If there is anything I can do to make your stay any more pleasant, please do let me know. We are going to be married, are we not?” He offered with a half smirk, bowing his head again.

“Thank you, your highness.” Your own lips pulled into a small smile as Leon gently gripped your gloved hand, pressing his lips to the back of it with a whisper of a kiss. He smiled again, dropping your hand and walking away, through the hedges of the gardens.

He was kind, you’d somewhat expected that, but you hadn’t expected him to be so romantic. At least, that’s how you would put it. You’d met your fair share of suitors, each appealing in their own way. But none had ever offered you the kindness or grace Leon had. It was dizzying.

And those dizzying thoughts plagued you always. The kindness in his eyes, his devastating smirk, his gentle voice — it all stayed in your mind. Never leaving you a moment to breathe. Maybe, he wasn’t so bad. It was entirely possible that you wouldn’t be miserable here. However, you decided to make that decision upon whether or not Leon kept his promise.

And to your surprise, he had. Two days later, you awoke in the late morning to a small stack of parchment on your nightstand. The top sheet displaying your name in what could only be Leon’s swirling handwriting.

You’d laid in bed for two hours that morning to read through the notes of every meeting for the past week that you’d been there, missing breakfast. It wasn’t in Leon’s hand script, but in a neater script. The official royal note taker, you assumed. But it was all so interesting.

Never had you been informed of any such political activity before, unless it was pressing or dangerous. It was a refreshing feeling to be informed. To know things like anyone else.

You’d read over the papers, soaking in each word until your eyes hurt. Until you committed each event listed and discussed to memory. In sudden realization of how kind the act truly was, you racked your brain for a way to thank Leon. It was possible he could be punished for this, you didn’t know exactly how confidential this information was.

It wasn’t until dinner the following night after you’d received the papers that you saw the prince again. You had been seated beside him for the first time — probably due to visiting political figures. It was quiet between the two of you, a bit awkward, because what were you supposed to say? The men were all conversing about the situation in the West, Leon looking bored and not caring much to weigh in. So you took your chance.

“I wanted to thank you for the notes.” You spoke up, quiet as only Leon could hear you as you pushed the food on your plate around.

The prince paused, his glass raised to his lips as he sipped the maroon wine. “I trust you enjoyed them?”

“Very much. Thank you, it means a lot to me you did that.” You looked at Leon as he set his wine glass down, offering him a smile to display how much you truly did appreciate the kindness.

“Of course, princess. I am just glad to offer you some solace here. Whether it be politics or roses.” He joked, blue eyes glimmering in the bright candlelit dining hall.

You set down your fork, sipping from your own glass before looking at him again. “I do hope I did not get you into any trouble.”

“No. And even if you did, it would be worth it. So long as you are happy here.” Again, the prince’s kindness was overwhelming. You smiled, cheeks tinged pink again.

“You flush a lot. Is this normal for you, or is it just me?” The prince questioned with a teasing lilt.

A small laugh fell from your lips, shaking your head. “I am afraid it is just you.” You nodded to him, head tilted to the side.

The prince offered you another smile, sipping from his glass before his father began to speak to him, in a way forcing him to engage in conversation. For the first time in your life, you could listen to a discussion of political issues and know what was happening. And it was all thanks to a kind prince.

You sat through the dinner, a small smile taking permanent residence on your pink lips. Eyes sparkling with quiet knowledge.

It was then Leon realized he liked your smile. And it was then you realized you could fall in love with Leon.

2023 ©️ellieslaces please do not repost, rewrite, translate, or submit my work to AI or any other platform. please support your creators by reblogging, liking, and following!

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#leon s kennedy #leon kennedy x fem reader #leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy x you #leon kennedy #resident evil 4 #resident evil #royalty au #leon #kennedy #prince leon Kennedy #resident evil 4 remake #leon kennedy x y/n #leon kennedy re4 #Taylor Swift #dancing with our hands tied

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cheddaryouthanme · 6 months

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“Taylor Swift should date an NHL player to grow the game!” I’m sorry but we all know that there was one player and one player only who was simple and attention-hungry enough to be up for that job and it’s this man here. Our time has passed, sorry hockey Swifties.

#tyler seguin #dallas stars #nhl #nhl players #hockey #hockey players #taylor swift #travis kelce #himbo #like can you imagine leon dealing with swifties he wouldn’t last 30 seconds

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alexiagrahamleon · 3 months

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FC Barcelona (taylor’s version)

Cap a bilbao

Pt. I

🎨 IG: cowcreta

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Drop some love on ig please 🙏🏽

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storiesofleftoverghosts · 3 months

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dating RE2R!Leon Kennedy... and what Taylor Swift songs it would be like

pairings: Leon Kennedy x GN!Reader

warnings: just your typical canon violence mentioned, Leon's trauma is discussed.

requested?: nope!

word count: 2343

a/n: guys i'm sorry for being gone for so long! i said i was gonna post this on sunday but i have commitment issues. so yeah this is my take on Leon Kennedy. specifically RE2R!Leon. i want to do all eras (if you will) of Leon but i'm nervous that i'm gonna like...BUTCHER his character. so sorry if he's out of character or anything! also this is a long one so buckle up.

also if you're new to my blog then these are headcanons mixed with Taylor Swift inspired blurb type of thing at the end.

okay being honest y'all

dating Leon before and after Raccoon City are way two different experiences (because duh trauma and all that good shit)

so let's start with before Raccoon City

a common thing I see is that he's like a puppy dog which ok yeah

but I'd like to put my own spin on him ok?

anyway

even before Raccoon City, Leon is definitely traumatized from his family yknow…

being brutally murdered

which makes him hesitant to get into a relationship

but when he first meets you, he’s already absolutely smitten

I picture Leon to be a very awkward yet sweet lover

like sure he's had partners before you but I think you'd be the first person he sees a realistic future with

he doesn’t want to ruin anything with you

he may be a 21 year old man

but romance and being in love makes him feel/act like a blushing high school girl

what can he say? he's a hopeless romantic

he's the type to remember small anniversaries at the beginning of y'all dating

and makes somewhat of a big deal out of them

"happy 4 months babe! I got us dinner reservations at (your favorite restaurant) :)"

oh yeah he loves to use pet names

babe and honey are the names he uses the most

chivalry isn't dead when it comes to Leon

always holding doors for you

getting you "just because" flowers

definitely is the type of guy to wait for you to tie your shoe while everyone else is walking ahead

his love language receiving is physical touch and giving love language is words of affirmation

knows you can stand up for yourself but won't hesitate to put someone in their place for you

taking things super slow because he doesn't want to rush into things

didn't actually kiss you until the fifth date

and he asked for permission of course

holds your hand every time you guys go out together

his favorite types of dates would be walks through the park and picnics

it's cheesy sure but classic and he loves to hear you talk

also loves to make you laugh

one of his favorite sounds to exist

has tried to cook a romantic dinner for you once

but got distracted by how beautiful you are and almost burnt the place down

yes he almost died from embarrassment but eating take out and cuddling with you was worth it

mans is such a supportive boyfriend and your #1 fan

he loves to imagine your guys’ future together

when he gets into the police academy he's a bit worried about the relationship

but when he sees your eyes light up and the way you squeeze him once he tells you the news

he wants to laugh at himself for having doubts in the first place

dating while he was in the academy was tough but y'all made it work

was shocked when you agreed to come with him to Raccoon City

but happy nonetheless

wow! everything he's ever dreamed of is coming true

your guys relationship is stronger than ever and you both are on the path to success

what could go wrong??

...Raccoon City is what could go wrong.

so your relationship after the events of Raccoon City is... different

you weren't there with him during that unfortunate night in Raccoon City

he thanks God or whatever higher being for that

truthfully you were one of the things that got him through that fateful night

whenever it felt hopeless, he thought about your smile and the way your eyes crinkle when you do

that kept him going throughout the horrors he saw

also just the fact that he wanted to tell you “I love you” one last time

trying not to throw up when you hear about Raccoon City

not being able to get ahold of Leon was one of the worse things you'd ever been through

finally getting a hold of him and the both of you sobbing into the phone

"I thought you were gone and I was going to be alone-" "I would never leave you. Never in a million years."

when you finally see him, you give him a long hug

you were careful about touching his shoulder of course

he's not exactly the Leon you knew before

the light that used to sparkle in his eyes had been put out

but he still looks at you like you hung the moon in the sky

being there by his side during nightmares and calming him down

helping take care of his shoulder wound for a while

studying up on PTSD to understand him better

squeezing his hand when he gets that faraway look in his eyes

patience and understanding becoming your best friends

doesn't open up right away with what happened in Raccoon City

if/when he does, it's a loooong night of him slowly opening up and talking about it

and you of course listening

holding him and being gentle with him when he eventually breaks down

sometimes he lashes out at you when he's in that headspace

but he immediately apologizes after and that brings him out of it

constantly reassuring him about things

the date nights y'all have now consists of ordering take out and cuddling on the couch

binge watching cheesy sitcom series becomes another way of spending time together

it’s a way of trying to hold onto the sliver of normalcy between you two

he feels bad about not being ready to go out in the world yet but again you reassure him it's okay

embarrassed that you take care of him because he thinks it should be the other way around

he was already protective of you before Raccoon City

but he becomes even more protective after

mans is like a guard dog okay?

he's not trying to be overbearing, he just wants to know where you're going out to incase something happens

reminiscing on his favorite memories with you before everything happened

having you by his side helps ground him when he feels a panic attack coming on

communication becomes more important than ever (even if it's the hardest thing he can do sometimes)

him thinking you deserve better than him

yet being so in love with you that the thought of losing you makes him physically ill

makes sure to tell you that he loves you at least once a day because that’s all he could think about during Raccoon City

no he doesn't tell you about how the government threatened yours and Sherry's lives if he didn't join

that isn’t your burden to shoulder

he tries to do his best with keeping certain details from you

mostly because it makes him sick to think about and he doesn’t want you to worry more

you're the last thing he has from his life before Raccoon City

he wouldn't dare dream of letting you go

can't imagine his life without you

Okay so this was a bit tricky for me! I personally think that Fearless (from Fearless (Taylor’s Version)) and The Great War (from Midnights) fit RE2R!Leon the best. For those who aren’t familiar with Taylor’s music, Fearless is about the start of a relationship and the fearlessness of falling in love. I think that it’s a happy and upbeat love song and perfectly fits RE2R!Leon before Raccoon City. The Great War is about a couple having a rough patch in their relationship, but promising each other they’ll stick together throughout it. Which if that doesn’t scream post Raccoon City Leon then I don’t know what does.

…

Leon may have physically survived that devastating night in Raccoon City, but mentally, huge pieces of who he was had died. No longer was he that bright eyed rookie ready to help change the world. Now he was an ex cop who got an unwanted promotion that only reminded him of the horrors he witnessed.

Hopelessness was something that hung in the back of his mind every day. His smile didn’t reach his eyes anymore. It had only been two months, but he was still constantly on his guard. Even when he attempted to get some sleep, he couldn’t allow himself to relax. Nightmares of what happened in Raccoon City had constantly plagued his dreams. Sometimes he swore he could hear that monster’s loud footsteps down the hallway in the shared apartment.

One of the only things that seemed to keep him pushing through the dark was his partner. Being around you helped calm his racing mind. You were like a warm blanket in the cold darkness his mind had been in the past month. No matter what, your hand was the thing he had constantly been reaching out for.

Small things would trigger unpleasant flashbacks which made his stomach turn. A week ago you had accidentally dropped a pan you were reaching for, and the loud bang sounded too much like a gunshot for comfort. One moment he was in his apartment and the next he was back in Raccoon City. He could smell the rotting flesh and hear the groans of the undead. His breathing had quickened, and he immediately got ready to defend himself from monsters that Guilt ate at you as you attempted to calm him down.

"Leon honey, it's okay. You're at home with me. You’re having a flashback." Your honey coated voice reminded him. This wasn’t the first time he had an episode and it wouldn’t be the last. After a few minutes of reminding him to describe his surroundings and breath, you finally managed to coax him out of that state of mind. It had become second nature for you to remind him that nothing from Raccoon City could get to him anymore. When he finally was able to calm down, he immediately reached for you. Tears had brimmed his eyes and seeing that broken look on his face crushed your heart. Why must good people like him go through the worst things?

The worse thing for Leon is when he would unintentionally lash out at you. He couldn't stop the venomous words that accidentally left his mouth. Punishing for things you never did left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Jesus Christ, just leave me alone for a moment!" He'd snapped the other day when it had been particularly hard to get out of bed. You had been asking him questions about how he was feeling, and if he needed anything. Just being a caring partner. God the look of hurt that had flashed upon your face was one he could never forget. Apologies had never escaped from him faster than that moment. It was like putting Band-Aids over bullet holes (no pun intended) and he knew that these outbursts of his weren’t fair to you.

You were an angel sent down from heaven, this was something he was sure of. Why did he have to keep flying off the handle over the smallest things? Realistically he knew that you were only human and made mistakes. He knew you were just trying to take care of him. Dark circles had begun to form under your eyes from the lack of sleep you had been getting. That was because of him and his night terrors. His heart ached for you, and he had never hated himself more for that.

Leon was so caught up in his thoughts about you and everything that he hadn’t noticed you enter the small living room. The first thing you had noticed was that faraway look in his eyes. You had called out his name before making your way to sit by him on the leather couch. Hearing your voice made him come back to earth, and his thoughts grew quiet once he saw you.

“Hey love. You alright?” Your voice was gentle as you reached for his hand. He hadn’t hesitated to grab it. Of course you knew he wasn’t okay. Leon usually wore his heart on his sleeve. Your thumb gingerly rubbed his knuckles as you waited for his response. Leon was hesitant to tell you everything he had been thinking. After an internal debate, he figured it’s the least he could do as your boyfriend.

“I’m…sorry for snapping at you the past couple of months.” He finally responded after a moment. You furrowed your eyebrows in response. As much as you had appreciated his apology, it felt like it came out of nowhere. What the hell had triggered this?

“I’m sorry about being the reason you haven’t slept well, and just sorry in general. You deserve better than me.” Words were overflowing from his mouth before he could stop it. He squeezed your hand as he continued. “I don’t know why I’ve been so… awful towards you and there’s just-“

“Leon stop.” You interrupted him. For a moment he seemed like his old self as he looked at her with those puppy dog eyes of his. “Look, I appreciate your apology. But you also just went through a traumatic experience. You’re not gonna just bounce back.”

Scooting closer, you wrapped your arms around his waist. Your head rested on his chest and you could hear his heartbeat. It was a soothing sound, reminding you that your boyfriend was alive and here in your arms. His arms fell into place on your back.

“I don’t care if you think I “deserve better”. You’re what I want, no matter what. I will always be yours.” Pulling yourself back, you cupped his cheeks into your hands. Hearing you vow your love to him like that made his heart flutter. Leaning forward, you planted a soft yet tender kiss on his lips.

Yes, Leon knew that there was no way in hell you guys could return back to the way your relationship was before. He wasn’t the same person as before, but he was slowly realizing you weren’t the same person either. In this moment with you, he knew you guys would survive this war zone inside his head.

He would make sure of it.

#leon kennedy x reader #re2r leon x reader #re2r leon kennedy x reader #leon kennedy #resident evil #resident evil x reader #reader insert #taylor swift inspired fanfic #taylor swift #elliessodashop

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forensicated · 2 months

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Later:

#the bill #alex walkinshaw #dale smith #smithy #leon taylor #dominic power #nate roberts #ben richards #mel ryder #rhea bailey #eddie olosunje #jason barnett #powerless #terry perkins #bruce byron

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hello-god-its-me-sara · 6 months

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the swiftification of cillian murphy

#cillian murphy #the swiftification of cillian murphy agenda #taylor swift #jonathan breech #patricia kitten braden #breakfast on pluto #disco pigs #raymond leon #in time 2011 #jonathan crane #dunkirk #robert fischer #inception #jackson rippner #neil lewis #watching the detectives

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icardigan · 1 year

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soluners · 18 days

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ㅤㅤㅤㅤ 💬 moni's new message : meme icons!

☽ like/reblog if use! don't repost!

#120x120 icons #icons #spirit fanfics #memes icons #random icons #shitpost #my little pony #tyler the creator #taylor swift #leon kennedy #joker #pearl #120x120 #soluners

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nottodayjustin · 4 months

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December 26th 2023 best hockey tweet(s) of the day

Category is: some Swifties need to get a grip and would crumble into dust if they ever watched hockey.

#hockey twitter #nhl #nhl hockey #florida panthers #ottowa senators #tkachuk brothers #leon draisaitl #pissy leon #taylor swift #travis kelce

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ultimateanna · 1 month

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Ada?!

#resident evil #biohazard #manga #resident evil: death island #resident evil death island #biohazard: death island #death island manga #leon s kennedy #leon scott kennedy #leon kennedy #jill valentine #claire redfield #rebecca chambers #chris redfield #ada wong #dylan baker #maria gomez #antonio taylor

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soiwatchyougo · 9 days

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The Black Dog

Ingrid Engen x Mapi Leon

(A/N- The Black Dog is a stereotypical British pub, so imagine it seamlessly fitting into Barcelona. I spent the whole weekend listening to TTPD, so I recommend listening to that while you read- apologies in advance for the angst!)

Warning- Language

The Black Dog was their bar.

After every match, they migrated there. It never mattered if they’d been thrashed or won victoriously; the bar stayed the same. The tables were always on the wrong side of sticky, their once light brown wood darkened with age and spilled beer. Coasters littered the tables, their grubby presence normally forgotten. Instead, rings of condensation formed on the table, leaving the water to slowly seep into the wood. The wooden counter of the bar was chipped with age, but the shining attraction of the beer taps soon made up for its imperfections. Rickety bar stools lined its length, even the slightest movement making them wobble precariously. There was barely any room to manoeuvre around the bar, the floor a sea of bags and chair legs, not perfect for stumbling messes three drinks deep. It was always slightly too hot despite the air-conditioning that whirred quietly in the background, drowned out by excited chatter and raucous laughs. As the revellers started to filter out, the music started to play as the staff cleared up, wiping away any remnants of their presence.

Ingrid and Mapi’s figures were such a presence at the bar that the owner joked that he should put reserved signs on their seats. Over time, they had slowly claimed the two stools at the end of the row of stools, slightly secluded from the rest of the celebrations. All that was visible was their two heads bowed together, always in quiet conversation. Sometimes Ingrid would throw her head back laughing but they were in their own bubble, undisturbed by drunken chants or crying children.

The bar had seen them win the Champions League together, the locals crowding around the small television in the corner. When the final whistle blew, the owner declared that all drinks were on the house for the rest of the night. The celebrations had continued long into the morning, the bar staying open until the champions returned home for a victory drink.

It had also seen them lose the same competition the next year. When they dejectedly returned from the final, the bar was the first place they headed to, its familiarity healing some of their hurt. Their drinks were already waiting by their seats, and for once, The Black Dog was quiet when they entered.

It was eerily silent, and it took everything in Mapi not to burst into tears again. She felt like she hadn’t just disappointed her team, but her community also. As they settled into their seats, a singular clap broke the silence. Soon the bar was overpowered with clapping, and for the first time since the match ended, she felt hope again.

When their parents met for the first time, there was only one place the couple thought to take them to. The Black Dog watched as Ingrid hesitantly translated for everyone and Mapi nervously fiddled with the hem of her shirt, one of the only times the fearless defender’s hand shook as she picked up her drink. Ingrid reached out and placed a comforting hand on her thigh, and the look that passed between them spoke more than a thousand words. Their parents watched on admiringly and the squeaky door helped them leave in fits of laughter, content that both their daughters had made the right decision.

The patrons joked that they should hold their wedding there, and the couple just smiled shyly, their future together inevitable. Even as they moved in together, they never replaced the bar for drinks at home. They spent practically every moment together, yet the routine of settling into their seats at the bar made them feel like teenagers on their first date again.

The Black Dog also watched as the distance between their bowed heads slowly became larger until they were both sitting up straight, staring intently at the condensation on their glasses. Mapi’s mouth stopped running at a hundred miles an hour, and for the first time since they entered the bar, there was silence between them. Any attempt of conversation was shut down, so they resigned themselves to listening to the clink of glasses, the noise that had seemed so insubstantial now assaulting their ears.

Gone were the inside jokes and teasing touches, or the half-finished glass deserted on the countertop for more important activities. The bartenders observed the couple with a worried interest, sharing whispered rumours over the dishwasher. Their routine seemed more like a chore, but neither of them was willing to give it up, so they wallowed in their unhappiness together.

Until one day, they stopped.

The bar watched as their seats remained unoccupied after a win against Levante. Every time the door swung open, their eyes lit up, only to be replaced by disappointment. Dusk started to settle, and the bar became busier until their stools were the only empty two. The bartenders stared at them forlornly until they unanimously admitted defeat, dejectedly gesturing for another couple to sit in them. The couple lowered themselves down with a smile on their faces, and it felt so wrong that they were nearly evacuated immediately.

They still waited expectantly after the next match, but it was no use. Rumours of their breakup spread throughout the bar, but no one could pinpoint the exact moment it started to go downhill. Maybe it was when Mapi injured her knee and struggled onto the stool, and no matter how much Ingrid tried to help her, she wouldn’t accept her supportive arm. It could’ve been when Ingrid nearly fell asleep on the countertop and Mapi tried to help her home, except she couldn’t because of her crutches, and the owner had to assist her. There was the night when one beer turned to five and Ingrid stormed out of the bar, Mapi hopping helplessly behind her. She called her name, but the Norwegian was already out in the cold air, and Mapi deflated against the wall, tears forming in her eyes.

The signs were there, but no one wanted to believe it.

You couldn’t fabricate the way they used to look at each other, eyes brimming with admiration and love. It was them against the world, and everyone knew it. Even through the worst of losses, they were each other’s rock, a type of unwavering support that very few were lucky to receive. It was the type of love that couldn’t be captured in a photo but only felt in the way they constantly orbited each other, incomplete without the other.

The patrons brushed off their troubles with a swig of beer, shaking their heads in disbelief at those who claimed they would fail. If any couple could weather a rough patch, it was them.

But as it turned out, they weren’t strong enough.

The couple couldn’t identify an exact reason, and that’s what made the break-up even more painful. They tried to work through the reasons for their hurt, but the pain clouded their minds and tinged everything they did. Weeks of silent resentment turned into full-blown screaming matches, only ever ending with slamming doors and helpless sobs. No matter how much they tried to have moments of happiness, Mapi could feel Ingrid slipping away. The Norwegian stopped sharing her feelings, and the more Mapi pressed, the angrier she got. Mapi was frustrated about her knee and apologising for her moodiness only made Ingrid retreat further into her shell. They couldn’t even talk about mundane things without one of them snapping.

The fighting exhausted them until they had no love left to give.

Something had broken, and although they both desperately wanted it to work out, they couldn’t continue like this. Somewhere along the way, they forget why they fell in love in the first place, and trying to force the feeling only made it hurt more.

They had everything, and now they had nothing.

Ingrid went to Norway for a National camp, and when her flight arrived in Barcelona, she hesitated before giving Rolfo’s address to the taxi driver. Mapi waited for the click of the door, but it never came, and she collapsed onto the couch in a flood of tears. Ingrid had finally done the brave thing and left, and Mapi was too much of a coward to stop her. She knew she wasn’t making Ingrid happy anymore, and maybe only by losing each other could they find their way back together.

Ingrid ignored her at practice, her cold gaze failing to mask her red-rimmed eyes. She said she needed space, and Mapi tried to respect that. Her knee healed, but her heart was still torn in two, a type of pain that no type of surgery could heal. Their forced proximity only reminded Mapi of how stupid she had been to let the Norwegian fall through her fingers, but she couldn’t do anything about it, not when every time she approached Ingrid she was shunned. It didn’t seem like Ingrid missed her, which was impossible for Mapi to comprehend. She couldn’t believe that the same woman she had a ring hidden for in her dresser could so easily forget her.

They were so close to having it all. Before Mapi injured her knee, they were perfect, stupidly obsessed with each other. After weeks of deliberating, she went into the city centre and visited a jewellery store. Surrounded by hundreds of beautiful rings, there was only one that she knew Ingrid would love. The extortionate price hadn’t phased her, and she had left the shop grinning and planning the proposal.

The next week, she tore her meniscus, and everything went to shit.

During their arguments, Ingrid would sometimes reference the fact they had been together for nearly half a decade, yet they were still only girlfriends. Mapi wanted to run to her dresser and show Ingrid the ring, but she knew the Norwegian deserved a perfect proposal. She told herself that as soon as they got better, she would get down on one knee and show Ingrid how much she loved her.

Except, they never got better.

She thought space was meant to heal all wounds, but it only seemed to tear hers open. Sometimes she was overwhelmed by grief that she couldn’t leave her house, and Alexia had to steal her spare key just to make sure she wasn’t dead. Nothing could lift her spirits, and months after their breakup, she was still struggling to get through each day.

Mapi allowed herself one indulgence; checking Ingrid’s location. It used to be a source of pride to see their icons constantly together, but now Ingrid’s was fixed over the other side of the city. Mapi waited for the day she turned it off, but it seemed the Norwegian had either forgotten or wanted to punish her. Either way, Mapi couldn’t stop herself from clicking on the app and zooming in on her icon, a picture of her smiling face. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting to find, but clinging onto the last physical reminder of their affection stopped her from completely burying their relationship.

It was another night of cooking for one and crying into her dinner when Mapi checked her phone, her brow furrowing in confusion. Ingrid’s icon was moving along the street until it stopped in a bar, a bar that Mapi knew very well.

The Black Dog.

It killed her to see Ingrid alone in their bar. She had never been in that bar without Ingrid, and she knew it was the same for the Norwegian. She couldn’t help but think that it was a sign, a way of Ingrid extending an olive branch without words.

Even if it wasn’t, Mapi wasn’t going to let her go without a fight this time.

She rushed to pull on her shoes, and as an afterthought, headed to her bedroom. Rooting through her dresser, she pulled out the ring box and zipped it securely into her pocket. She wasn’t sure why, but her gut told her if she didn’t do something, she would lose the chance.

Running down the stairs, she only had one thought on her mind. She sprinted along the street to The Black Dog, covering the short distance in mere minutes. She barely registered the way her lungs gasped for air or her knee ached as she pushed open the door, the bustle of the bar making her physically recoil. The memories overwhelmed her as her eyes immediately looked for Ingrid at her usual seat.

The patrons stared at her as she made her way to the bar, the top of Ingrid’s head just visible. Pushing her way through the final few obstacles, she finally reached the object of her affection.

Ingrid was drawing patterns on the condensation of her beer glass, and before Mapi could even ask if she could sit down, the bartender was placing her drink on the mat in front of the stool. Mapi swallowed and hesitantly sat down, her arm brushing against Ingrid as the chair wobbled.

Ingrid looked up from her glass, her green eyes filled with tears. She smiled tightly at Mapi, but she showed no real sign of being pleased with her presence.

“I can leave if you want,” Mapi said softly, her brow furrowed with concern. Ingrid looked so broken that Mapi was starting to regret ever checking her location. These stools no longer reminded her of their love-struck first years, but the pain of their final couple of months.

“No,” Ingrid whispered, clearing her throat, “I want to talk to you.”

Mapi nodded and took a sip of her beer. She hadn’t drunk this beer since the breakup, the mere smell of it transporting her back to the bar, and inevitably, back to Ingrid.

“Me too,” Mapi said, her body thrumming with nerves. Even though Ingrid knew all her secrets and had seen the worst parts of her, Mapi was still petrified to open up to the Norwegian again. They had said some unthinkable things to each other during their fights, and some words cut deeper than others.

They sat in silence for a moment, enshrouded by the hum of the bar. Ingrid looked like she wanted to speak, but every time her mouth opened, no words came out.

“How did you know I’d come?” Mapi asked, her eyes flitting between Ingrid’s face and her beer.

“You’ve still got your location on,” Ingrid said with a shrug, “figured if I was checking yours every day, so would you.”

Mapi nodded. Even given the space between them, Ingrid still knew her better than anyone else.

“Fuck,” Ingrid said hopelessly, “this is harder than I thought it would be. I had a whole speech planned, but...”

“Would you like me to speak first?” Mapi tried to add helpfully, her heart breaking at Ingrid’s distress.

The Norwegian nodded slightly, her eyes downcast.

Mapi took a deep breath, “I’m sorry. I could spend all night listing all the things I’m sorry about, but I think the bar would kick us out. I’m not trying to make excuses, but you should know what was happening in my fucked-up head. After I tore my meniscus, I was a wreck. I was so sad, and I felt useless. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t do anything. I spent all day lying in bed and sleeping while you went to training, and I couldn’t bear it.”

“I started to resent you,” Mapi continued with a frown, “but you were under so much pressure to be a perfect centre-back, and I didn’t want to add anything else to your plate. I used to be so happy, so bubbly, and I felt like I was pulling you down with my negativity.”

“I should’ve told you how I was feeling, but I was terrified. Keeping it inside didn’t help, and you seamlessly fitting into defence made me feel replaceable. I had lost my job, and I was slowly losing my happiness; the easiest thing to blame was you.”

“Why?” Ingrid asked with a hint of anger in her voice, “I was nothing but supportive. I was by your side throughout surgery, and you repaid me by ignoring my efforts to help you. All I wanted was for you to be proud of me, to love me, but you couldn’t even smile at the games. That was fucking selfish, Maria.”

Mapi flinched at the use of her full name. Ingrid used to say it during intimate moments, and it always made her heart swell with affection. But the way the Norwegian spat it out made it very clear it was not a term of endearment, but an insult.

“I know. I wish I could take it back. I was trying to live up to a perfect image, but I was too blind to see that was useless.”

“It sure was. I never needed you to be perfect, I just wanted you to be honest. We had been together for nearly half a decade, and you didn’t trust me. How do you think that made me feel? The love of my life was slowly wasting away, but she wouldn’t talk to me about anything.”

“I was an idiot. By the time I realised that I needed to get my shit together, I think you were already gone. I had pushed you away, and I hated myself so much that I basically self-destructed. I should’ve fought, I should’ve done something, but I couldn’t see a way out of the hole that I’d dug for myself.”

Mapi’s voice was helpless. They were the worst couple of months of her life, and even reminiscing about them caused a pang in her chest.

Ingrid sipped her beer with a grimace, “I should’ve pushed you to get some help, but I was so angry with you that, honestly, I thought that leaving was the best option. I needed to get away, to re-evaluate what I wanted from our relationship because it wasn’t working anymore.”

Hearing Ingrid voice her reasons for leaving made Mapi wince, reminding her of her past mistakes. She hadn’t wanted to admit that they were broken, her last spark of hope tying Ingrid down until the Norwegian finally found the courage to break away.

“You’re right. It broke me when you left, but I knew I needed to work on myself and let you find your spark again, which wouldn’t happen with me. I loved you, Ingrid, but I lost track of that somewhere along the way.”

“I loved you too,” Ingrid bit back, “I wanted nothing but the best for you, but I couldn’t be with you like that. You made me feel like I was an inconvenience, and that wasn’t right.”

Ingrid huffed and shook her head in defeat. Tears were slowly running down her cheeks, and Mapi could barely look at her stained face without a wave of guilt crashing over her.

“You deserved so much better than that. I should’ve shown you how amazing you were every day of your life because you are. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I felt like the rest of my life was just waiting to find you, and when I finally did, I felt complete. One look at you, and I was hopelessly in love.”

“So was I. But you gave up, Maria. Did you really care that much if you let go that easily? I waited for you to prove your love, but all I got were empty confessions. I died waiting for it to return to how it was at the start, for those days when you were utterly obsessed with me, but nothing. You said you loved me, but where was the evidence?”

Tears streamed down Ingrid’s face. Mapi’s heart cracked, and she unzipped her pocket, revealing the velvet box. Ingrid gasped as Mapi opened the box, revealing a stunning diamond sitting on top of a silver band.

“It was in my dresser. I wanted to marry you, I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. But then I got injured, and I chickened out. I wasn’t going to use marriage as something to force you to stay when I knew you’d probably say yes out of obligation because you were tired of waiting for a proposal. That wouldn’t fix our problems.”

“Fuck Maria, it’s perfect. I prayed for some romantic gesture, and all the time you were hiding this?” Ingrid shook her head in disbelief, “I wish I would’ve known.”

“I still love you, princesa. I always will, and I’m sorry I messed up so badly. But I don’t think I can carry on like this, not having you in my life. It’s been torture. I can’t change the past, but I’d be an idiot if I didn’t at least try and get you back. You deserve better than me, but if you can find it in your heart to give me a second chance, I promise you’ll never doubt my love ever again.”

“That’s quite a guarantee,” Ingrid said with a chuckle.

Mapi smiled for the first time that night, “I know, and I wouldn’t be making it if I didn’t believe that I couldn’t keep it. I’m not saying I’ll be perfect, but I know I don’t have to be now. All I want to be is the best partner to you.”

Ingrid sighed, “I love you. I love you more than anything else, but you really hurt me. If we get back together, that’s it. I can’t go through another break-up with you, I can’t take any more sadness.”

Mapi nodded, her eyes pleading. She felt hope again, a slither a light that made her think that Ingrid didn’t hate her.

“But” Ingrid continued, “I’m not ready to give up on our love just yet. Some things are worth fighting for, and I think we are.”

“Think?” Mapi said with a quirk of her eyebrow.

She wanted to make sure Ingrid was certain. If they were going to try again, it wouldn’t be a half-hearted effort or something the Norwegian was doing out of obligation for her past self.

“Know.” Ingrid said firmly, “We are worth fighting for. I’m not saying I can jump straight back in but love like ours only comes around once in a lifetime.”

Mapi breathed a sigh of relief, the Norwegian’s words lifting a weight off her chest.

“That’s fine. I’ll wait for as long as you want, but when you’re ready, I’ll be here. I’ll always be here for you, Ingrid.”

Mapi’s voice was sincere, and she reached out and clasped Ingrid’s hands in hers. They were soft and slightly wet from the condensation on her glass, but they felt like coming home. Ingrid smiled and bit her lip in thought. Her startling green eyes were blurred with tears, but Mapi could sense their cold edges softening, starting to be filled with something akin to affection. The bar was still bustling around them, but in that moment, it was just them again.

Ingrid tilted her head towards the ring, “Don’t wait too long to get that out next time.”

Mapi laughed, “I’m not making that mistake twice.”

She shut the box and placed it back in her pocket. She hoped one day it would sit where it belonged on Ingrid’s ring finger, but until then it would stay in her dresser, a reminder to not lose sight of the most important person in her life again.

“So,” Ingrid said, “How about we start things off with a drink?”

Mapi had barely touched her beer, but she knew the weight of Ingrid’s words. It was the Norwegian’s way of showing that she forgave Mapi, that although things may be strained for a while, the fabric of their relationship was still unchanged. The love was still there, but it just needed to be coaxed out of hiding, slowly revealed to themselves and the world.

The Black Dog waited expectantly after the next match for the door to swing open. They held their breath as Ingrid entered...followed by Mapi. The patrons erupted into cheers as the blushing couple made their way to their seats, now adorned with a little gold plaques, installed by Mapi. It may have only been a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. Their relationship may have changed, but The Black Dog always reminded them of why they fell in love in the first place, and why they shouldn’t take each other for granted. They were the lucky ones, and if the sticky tables taught them anything, it was that you didn’t have to be perfect to be loved.

The Black Dog was their bar; it always had been.

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