hi there McDreamy.
how would the RO`s(+poly) react to reading an article about their and MCs relationship (not written by the MC). maybe while MC is also present? also: what headlines would cause the respective reactions of the RO`s?
thank you for your answers.
Ohh I love that question! I’m going for the topic: mean and scandalous✨
Ace: Headline: “CRD’s Poster Girl/Boy Playing Dirty: Decorated Agent Caught Trading Confidential Intel For Pillow Talk With The Leech Reporter” Ace scrolls through the article on their phone at the CRD office. Other agents pretending not to watch. You’re sitting across from them. Stomach already sinking.
“‘Trading confidential intel for pillow talk’—” Ace’s thumb stops scrolling. Sets the phone face-down on the table hard enough that it smacks. “For this case I‘ve never leaked a single case detail to yuh. Not once.”
“Ace—”
“They quoted Sanchez.” Ace‘s jaw tightens. Finger drumming nervously on the table. “Sanchez. Who mi barely speak to outside briefings.” Drags both hands down their face slowly.
“It’s not even accurate,” they finally complain. Meeting your eyes. “Mi work is mi work. Yuh work is yuh work! Okay… mostly.”
Ace sighs defeatedly. Reaches across. Pulling your hand into theirs. Tension easing into something wry despite it all.
“Guess we’re Sordia’s worst kept secret now.” You try to joke lamely. Ace can’t help but agree.
Arden: Headline: “Death’s Partner: Is Sordia’s Ice-Cold Leech Sleeping Their Way Into Covering Up Inconvenient Autopsies?” Arden reads it once. Silently. One finger tapping the screen slowly. “‘Sleeping their way into covering up autopsies.’” Flat. Unimpressed. “I’ve never altered a report in my life. Not once. Not for anyone.”
“Arden, that’s not really the part that—”
“And this photo.” Turns the phone toward you. Tapping the image. “My posture looks terrible here.”
You stare at them. “You’re not upset about the accusation?”
Arden pauses, studying your expression more carefully now, something shifting as they finally register what you’re actually asking. “Should I be? It’s poorly researched, badly sourced, and the photo’s mislabeled. Articles like that don’t really face me.” Then, quieter, noticing the tension in your shoulders: “You’re upset.”
“A little.” You sigh reluctantly.
“Then I’m upset too.” Thumb brushing your knuckles once. “By association.”
E: Headline: “Han Family Disgrace: Heir Apparent Caught Slumming It With the Leech Reporter — Sources Say The Board Is Already Circling” E reads the article in silence that stretches too long. Doesn’t slam anything. Sets the tablet down with unnerving calm. “I knew this would happen eventually,” E hisses annoyed. “I simply hoped for more time.”
“E—” You try to calm them down.
“‘Insiders question my judgment.’” Voice dangerously calm. “Which insiders.”
“E—” You try again. But you know it’s useless when they’re like that.
“I want names.” Already pulling up their phone. “This is defamation. Actionable. I’m calling legal. They used a photo from the gala. Someone on my security team leaked this.” E’s typing rapid-fire messages. Expression now murderous. “This ends today.”
“I will destroy every source. Every name attached to this piece of —.” You watch them dismantle someone’s career via text message when suddenly their phone buzzes. It’s the first time E stops. Glances at the screen. Goes very still. “My mother.” Shit.
E answers immediately. Listens. You only hear a single clipped “Yes, Mother,” then E hangs up. They turn to you slowly. Expression unreadable.
“She wants us both at the house. Tonight.” Sets the phone down. “Wear something appropriate. She’ll tear us apart.”
Luz: Headline: “Sordia’s Butcher Gone Soft? Has Luz Finally Found Someone Worth Keeping Around That Is As Bad As Them?” Luz reads the article with visible amuses. Occasionally reading lines aloud in a dramatic voice. “‘Sources describe the relationship as intense, possessive, and frankly terrifying.’” Grins at you. “They’re not wrong.”
“Luz, this is supposed to be bad publicity—” You groan. Hating this whole situation you’ve been placed in.
“Tesoro, there’s no such thing as bad publicity in my line of work.” Keeps scrolling. Thumb pausing on a photo. “Oh, this is a good photo of me. I should frame this.”
“You’re missing the point.” You complain.
“Am I?” Sets the tablet down. Reaching over to brush your cheek with their thump. Expression turning almost soft. “They called you ‘the only person who’s tamed Sordia’s most feared crime lord.’” Pulls you into their lap. “I quite like that title on you.”
“That’s not a compliment to me, that’s terrifying—”
“It’s accurate though.” Kisses your forehead. “Should I have Neo track down the journalist? Send flowers? I can’t decide if this deserves a thank you or a warning.”
Ace/Arden/MC: Headline: “Two-Timing The Law: Reporter Caught Bouncing Between A CRD Agent AND The Mysterious Underground Doctor — Is Anyone Actually Investigating Crime Anymore?” Ace reads it out loud at the kitchen table. Voice climbing with every line. Arden reads over their shoulder. Arms crossed. Expression flat.
“‘Bouncing between’—” Ace sets the phone down hard. “That makes it sound like yuh playing games with us.”
“At least attempt a clever headline,” Arden mutters, tapping the screen in disapproval. “This is beneath even tabloid standards.”
“That’s yuh takeaway? The writing?” Ace turns to stare at them flabbergasted.
“‘Is anyone investigating crime anymore’ implies I’m incompetent at my job. That’s factually insulting.” Ace groans. “I’m more upset they’re calling me a two-timer,” you cut in. Arms folding as you lean against the counter. “Like I’m hiding either of you from the other.”
Both turn to you at once. “That part’s inaccurate too,” Arden says immediately. Pulling you reassuringly against their side.
“Least it’s not just your name in the headline for once,” Ace mutters to you. Leaning their head against your shoulder.
“Give it time,” Arden replies dryly. Arms coming around you both.
E/Luz/MC: Headline: “Sharing Isn’t Caring: Han Heir and Crime Lord Locked In Twisted Custody Battle Over The Same Reporter — Which Monster Wins?” E reads it with barely contained fury. Luz reads it with barely contained glee.
“This is defamatory,” E snaps.
“This is fun,” Luz says simultaneously. Already saving screenshots.
“‘Han Heir and Crime Lord Locked in Twisted Custody Battle Over the Same Reporter’— we should get that put on something. A mug perhaps.” Luz snickers. Their red eye glowing strangely.
“Do not encourage this.” E hisses. Already furiously typing something into their phone. “I’m not encouraging it, I’m enjoying it.” Luz turns the tablet toward you. “Look, they even got a decent photo of the three of us at the gala.” “I’m calling legal.” E hisses sharply.
“You’re always calling legal.” Luz waves a hand dismissively. “Let the people have their scandal. It’s good for business. Fear and gossip go hand in hand in my line of work.”
E looks like they might actually combust. “It’s bad for my business.”
“Which monster wins, they ask,” you cut in. Stepping between them and grabbing E’s wrist before they hit call. “Neither of you, apparently, since you’re both about to give me a headache.”
Both stop. Look at you.
“Then let me handle the journalist,” Luz offers pleasantly. “I have creative solutions.”
“That’s worse, Luz—” Your headache only continues to grow.