Sorry to make everything x reader 💔 (although it could be Jeri’s assistant from the show?) but imagine Jeri with her own assistant except instead of jealousy they’re looking for a third (or another couple 👀 Val 👀) to play with 💞 really up the jealousy on Val’s side and maybe also ignite Mel’s??
No! Don't be sorry. I love x reader and, if anything, you're improving the x reader ecosystem with this ask.
Okay!
I love this.
You're essentially changing this into a new category-like - RECRUITING. I'm reading this as Mel also being jealous? So, imagine Jeri's assistant hitting on Val and Jeri doing the same to Mel. Tag team dynamic. Reader and Jeri.
Picture it.
Reader and Jeri are matching right. They have to be. I bet Val clocks it instantly when they interact wjth them. Mel, sweet oblivious Mel, just blinks up at them like "oh wow they’re friendly."
Meanwhile the Hogarth duo is over there radiating "poly power couple looking for a pretty new additions" energy and Jeri is shameless about it.
Jeri gives Mel one appraising glance (think like she’s checking the stitching on an expensive designer dress) then says to her own assistant, loud enough for Val to hear-
"She’d fit beautifully."
Val does not like that. BUT She's gotta keep her composure here.
Mel recognizes now what's going on. Doesn't comment.
Jeri and Reader sees opportunity.
Because this isn’t just flirting, remember? This is recruiting.
Then there's the way the assistant appraises Val. Reader wasn’t prepared. No one is prepared for Valentina Allegra de Fontaine in person. But they straighten themselves out. Fixing their blazer before holding out a hand to Val.
"Director Fontaine," they says, all sweet.
Mel corrects them, "it's Director de Fontaine. You forgot the de."
Reader just nods and turns their attention back to Val. "Apologies Director de Fontaine. I was blindsided. You’re much more stunning in person."
Val blinks. Slowly. Mel stops breathing.
Jeri immediately bites back a grin because she knows exactly what game her assistant is playing. And she’s not stopping them. She’s observing. She’s studying Val’s reaction and Mel's. Becsuse they're a tag teaming duo (I'll let you decide what that means behind closed doors💞)
THEN Jeri’s assistant steps closer. Too close. A shade within Val’s personal space.
"If you ever need help with… anything," they say, "I’m available. Professionally. Or not."
Mel nearly drops the tablet. She feels it like a punch. Just this gross jaded, jealousy, hot under the ribs. Her vision whites out for a second.
- not sure how the rest would go. Probably more flirting. And at the end Mel and Val have this funny conversation of-
Val: "Wipe that look off your face."
Mel: "…what look."
Val: "The jealous one."
Mel: "You were jealous first."
Val: "I don’t get jealous."
And then- you know, Jeri is probably, most likely, detrimental to their case. They would have to weigh their options right? Mel would probably not like it but Val suggests a night. Just one. You know, to help their case. They could do it together. (But really I'm not sure where you want this to go, jealous Mel clouded my thoughts 💞)
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