my people skills are rusty

a multi fandom blog. i also write things. sorry, i don't take requests for writing. ALL of my fics are 18+ mobile masterlist desktop masterlist writing challenges icon credit

[thran-duils]

Active Fanfics as of 10/13/25

The posts I have on my mobile masterpost list won't let me edit them anymore. I'm going to keep this post pinned with all the chapters linked for the active fics and fingers crossed it won't block me from editing in the near future!

Key to the Garden

(Completed)

Dark!Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader, Dark Witch!Tony Stark x Fem!Reader, Dark Witch!Helmut Zemo x Fem!Reader, Dark Witch!Sam Wilson x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

Part Fourteen

Part Fifteen

Cut Your Teeth

Dark!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader, Fem OG Character x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Seduce and Destroy

Dark!Thranduil x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Shallow Waters

(Completed)

Dark Biker!Tony Stark x Fem!Reader, Dark Biker!Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader, Dark Biker!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader

Intro

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

Part Fourteen

Part Fifteen

Part Sixteen

Part Seventeen

Part Eighteen

Part Nineteen

Part Twenty

Part Twenty One

Run Into Trouble

Dark!Bandit Tony Stark x Fem!Reader

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

In My Heart, In My Head

Fae!Bucky Barnes x Fem Fae!Reader, Dark Fae!Steve Rogers x Fem Fae!Reader

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Wicked Games

Dark!Tommy Shelby x Fem!Reader

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five

Part Six

Part Seven

Part Eight

Part Nine

Part Ten

Part Eleven

Part Twelve

Part Thirteen

[sergal]

my favorite mashup emoji is this one and i wish it was real so bad

[coastal-mangos-one]

[anxeious]

an edward bawden calendar 1930

[maidthings]

science history is so full of stories of men holding humanity back by not believing women who discovered something only to take credit for it when they're finally convinced 10 years later

[maidthings]

you gotta wonder how many breakthroughs never happened because a woman found some anomaly while toiling through menial calculations, and her boss just assumed she fucked up the math 4 times in a row. maybe she just made the numbers look right the 5th time like he wanted.

[maidthings]

Getting terfs on this so I want to say that like any other group of marginalized women, this goes doubly so for trans women. I know a number of trans women in academia who tell me about how their colleges will frequently ignore them, and outright refuse to credit them for their contributions when they finally bother listen. Trans women are women, your feminism will devolve into reactionary drivel if you cannot accept this

[logray]

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH! HORROR + Black Leads — @giftober 2025 | Day 12: Diversity

[thran-duils]

My husband mid rant about how Eli Manning beat the Pats and I said, "yeah, but your rings are relics now". He stopped and then burst out laughing

[thran-duils]

Title: Wicked Games (Part Thirteen)

Pairings: Dark!Tommy Shelby x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is a ballerina who has a personal stake in politics for the working class. Having come up from poor roots, she hasn't forgotten the struggle of the working class and uses her spare time and influence to try to push agendas for them. Her efforts catch the eye of Tommy Shelby. And once he sees her dance, he is eager to preserve that beauty for himself.

Warnings: Stalking, emotional abuse, confinement, yandere behavior, alcoholism, dubcon -> noncon, drugging

Part Twelve || Current fics

“We aren’t going to go back right now?” you questioned nervously when Ada announced that she would still like to take you to the restaurant.

“It would be suspicious if I said I was taking you to lunch and you didn’t eat,” Ada pointed out, standing up and snatching her bag off the floor. “Plus, maybe it’ll make Tommy less angry if you bring him back a sandwich or something.”

Polly snorted at that. “Still be quick about it. Don’t drag it out too long.”

“You’re not coming?” Ada asked, pausing.

“No,” Polly shook her head, “Got company coming…”

There was a glint in her eye.

“The painter?” Ada questioned. Polly only finished off her drink, not saying a word. Ada exhaled and looked over at you. “Guess it’s just the two of us then.”

<><><>

Thomas closed the car door behind him, going up the drive to the front door. Johnny stopped outside the car, lighting up a cigarette and staring off over the grounds.

Upon entering the house, Thomas found the entrance hall empty. He slammed the door behind him, trying to catch someone’s attention. One of the maids walked in to greet him, keeping her head down, which he thought was odd. He pulled his cap off, holding it out to her and she took it. His eyes followed her as she also took his coat from him and went to hang both in the coat closet.

“I assume dinner is on schedule?” he asked, breaking the awkward silence.

“Yes, sir,” she answered, her back to him. “Elsie got a fine cut from the butcher and she’s working on cooking it with Sandra.”

Thomas noticed the tenseness in her frame and he faced her fully.

“How’s Y/N? Eat breakfast and lunch?” he questioned. “Or is she sulking?”

Maisie turned around, her face drained of color. Timidly, she said, “I know she ate breakfast, Mr. Shelby. Elsie brought it to her earlier in the morning. Plate was empty when I retrieved it before tea.”

“Didn’t want lunch?”

Maisie looked panicked, not answering him.

Annoyed at the beating around the bush, Thomas demanded, “What?”

Maisie shifted uncomfortably, hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Um. Miss Ada came around…” Thomas’ expression hardened, not liking where this admittance was heading already. “Round 11:30 or so, sir. Made Miss go with her to lunch.” Maisie gulped, her voice even quieter when she said, “They’re not back yet. So… I don’t know if she had lunch, sir.”

Thomas was eerily quiet, eyes piercing her. Maisie averted her eyes, hands wringing slightly. Stalking to her, Thomas remained silent. When he stopped in front of her with purpose, she flinched.

Sucking his teeth, he asked slowly, “You are telling me that my sister came, someone unlocked Y/N’s door – I’m assuming that someone is you since Elsie was gone – and allowed her to waltz out of here unattended? Am I hearing correctly?”

Maisie looked too scared to speak.

“Answer me!” Thomas said sharply.

“Y-yes.”

Thomas rose his eyebrows, scoffing in disbelief, before exploding, “FUCK!”

Maisie winced away from him. “I’m sorry, Mr. Shelby. I couldn’t’ tell Miss Ada no—"

“Fuck!” Thomas roared again, turning around, fists clenched. His chest rose and fell rapidly, staring at nothing, jaw ticking.

He whipped back around, getting in her face. “Where did they go? Answer me!”

“I—” she started to say but the front door banged open and Johnny rushed into the foyer.

He looked quickly between the two, confusion evident. “Tom, I heard shouting—”

“TELL. ME. Where she went!” Thomas shouted at Maisie, ignoring Johnny.

Tears welled up in the corners of Maisie’s eyes and Johnny tried to intervene again, louder this time, “Tom, you’re scaring the girl. What is going on?”

Thomas was not relenting his looming, eyes wild, waiting for her to answer.

“Mr. Shelby, she said – Miss Ada – that she was going to her favorite place,” Maisie blubbered. “I-I assume that’s in Bir—”

“So, not only did you let her leave,” Thomas snarled. “You have no fucking idea where they went?”

Maisie’s lip warbled, hunched in on herself.

“Un-fucking-believable,” Thomas spat, pulling away from her.

“Tom,” Johnny said firmly. “What’s going on?”

Thomas exhaled slowly, trembling, trying to keep himself under control. After a few moments, he said, “Ada came to take Y/N on a trip to have lunch. When I explicitly said she was to stay in her room. All fucking day.”

Johnny cleared his throat, “Well, Tom, it’s just Ada.” Thomas shot him a glare and Johnny pointed out, “She’s probably trying to bond with Y/N. And the poor girl,” meaning Maisie when he gestured at her, “Can’t tell Ada no. Wouldn’t be proper.”

“Why is everyone making excuses?” Thomas asked himself more than anything, giving a scornful laugh.

He stopped the moment he heard a car approaching outside. And did not wait for anyone else before storming out towards the front door. Tossing the door open, he found Ada parking.

<><><>

“He’s home,” you told Ada nervously.

“Well, so are you,” Ada said confidently. “And with his favorite sandwich.”

The front door of the mansion flew open, and you turned your head away quickly to look back at Ada as she parked the car.

“Of course he doesn’t look happy though,” Ada said, less confidence in her voice, sneaking a look over towards the direction of the front door. “Smile, like I told you a joke. Follow me.”

She moved to get out of the car, and you did the same, clutching the bag of food as if it was going to protect you.

When you laid eyes on him, he was almost to you, jaw set and eyes ablaze. His charge slowed as Ada said, “Oh Tommy, you should have seen it. This calf escaped off its pasture down the road and the farmer’s hands trying to corral it off the road was hilarious. I’ve never seen a cow move that fast. When did you get back?”

Thomas’ eyes were moving between the two of you, looking immensely distrustful. He was calculating, that much you could see. You did your best to keep a calm expression on your face.

Ada looked at him expectantly when he did not answer. “You alright?”

“About 15 minutes ago,” he finally answered.

“Hmm, almost perfect timing,” Ada commented lightly. “Took Y/N to Birmingham. Out to lunch. And she’s so sweet. Asked what you liked most and we got it for you.”

You took the cue and held out the bag to him.

Thomas looked down at the bag before taking it from you. He peeked inside and you said, “Should still be a little chill.”

He was silent again, staring into the bag and your hope that this would placate him was beginning to dwindle.

That is until he looked back up and smiled tightly, “Thanks, love. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He held out his hand, and you took it. His grip was tight, latching on and you hid a wince. “Well, Ada, thank you for bringing her back. I’m sure it was a fun outing.”

“Did you think I was gonna leave her on the street?” Ada snorted. She held up a finger and then said, “I did bring some port to go with dinner.”

She went back to the car to fetch it.

Thomas said tightly, “I’m not sure the staff prepared enough food for more than the two of us.”

“Well, good thing Y/N brought you that,” Ada said over her shoulder as she leaned into the backseat to grab the bag. Thomas licked his lips angrily and shot you a look. You reactively shrugged as Ada came back over. “I’m sure you’d be happy to share your portion with me. I am the youngest after all.”

“Right,” Thomas muttered, turning and pulling you with him.

You did not miss the way Ada watched him tug you along.

<><><>

“So, what was so important in London today?” Ada asked, bringing her spoon of soup up to her lips.

“Had some bill to look over in person the Torys wrote. Edited it. But, I was recruiting,” Thomas answered and she cocked her head in curiosity. “Needed a new assistant in the office at work. Actually, went to Y/N’s friend, Henry, to offer the job.”

You almost dropped your spoon. Ada to her credit, kept her face neutral.

“H-Henry?” you stammered. “He’s not got office experience.”

“He’s got stage-hand experience. That's a lot of management,” Thomas returned. He ashed his cigarette before taking a drag. “And being as he doesn’t care much for politics, it’s perfect because he won’t babble to reporters or the other side of the aisle. Plus, with him recovering from his accident, he needs something less strenuous than dancing and heavy lifting of equipment, right?”

Your mind was racing, trying to figure out Thomas’ angle. Was he trying to make it up to you that he had beaten the life out of Henry?

Shrugging when you realized you had not answered, you said, “I mean, I… suppose?”

“Thought it was the nice thing to do. You care about him so much,” Thomas returned, eyes locked on you. “So troubled when he was hurt.”

No, you did not think it was an attempt to make amends with his words and the way he was looking at you.

“I was,” you admitted. “He didn’t deserve it.”

Thomas’ smile did not meet his eyes. “Well, the government pays better than the theater too.”

“Kind of you Tommy,” Ada cut in. Thomas turned his attention to her, and she took another spoonful of soup. After swallowing, she added, “Surely you need to go back and train him on how to do things though? You didn’t just throw him to the wolves.”

You saw the wheels turning in her head already, how to get him back out of the house. She was as clever as Thomas was.

“There is another assistant to help him along. But I’m sure I’ll need to train him to do things the way I like them,” Thomas responded and you tensed. He looked back at you and said, “I also stopped by your landlord. Paid the rent but let them know we would be moving your things out within the next month. We’ll need to make a trip to go through your things.”

You opened your mouth to argue but remembered you were playing the long game.

“Right,” you said instead compliantly. “Of course.”

Thomas' eyes did glisten with amusement this time when he smiled at you.

Taglist: @jbrownta @alexakeyloveloki @quincessimus @sassybearfire

[alexakeyloveloki]

Bless Ada, she could have become an actress. Tommy seriously need to chill the fuck out.

[thran-duils]

Bro was about to have a menty b

And then I imagine him looking like this between Ada and the reader like "....am I overreacting?"

[peakyblinderstho]

[thran-duils]

Title: Cut Your Teeth (Part Eleven)

Pairings: Fem!Reader x Dark!Steve Rogers, Fem!Reader x OG Fem

Summary: Lord Rogers oversees multiple villages in the country side and is on his yearly rounds of collecting taxes from his constituents. Y/N’s family has recently moved to one of his villages from another part of the country and is eager to please him. Her family’s offering of two goats and a bag of coin pales in comparison to the payment he really wants though as soon as he lays eyes on Y/N. He orders her to return with him and upon being in the municipality capitol, Y/N finds herself faced with a woman her age that sweeps her off her feet, pulling her away from the powerful man that wants her hand in marriage.

Fic is 18+!

Warnings (more may be added): Non-con, homophobia, forced relationship, violence, domestic violence

Part Ten || Current fics

You adjusted, trying to get some room in your dress. Your breasts were tender and growing. Despite the new stays, it was still mighty uncomfortable. You wished you could take the damn thing off and forgo it completely. And get out of the church. Being trapped in this cathedral with so many others, even with the cold weather outside, was making it unbearably stuffy.

A hand patted yours lightly and you found Saskia giving you a comforting smile. You smiled back, trying to relax.

After the service, the lot of you went to lunch. Blessedly because you were famished. Your appetite had increased tenfold. Although it was normal, Steve kept a hawkish eye on you to make sure you did not “overindulge”. He even had the gall a couple of times to remind you of your figure these past months. As if that mattered when you were growing a human. You had found a fine line of what would not result in chastising from him while also satiating yourself.

The holidays were approaching and the talk was regarding a dinner involving multiple households – each holding a different course of the meal. With your state, Steve’s estate had been selected for drinks. That was easiest by far and if you happened to get fatigued, you would not be responsible to be hostess at a later course.

Dessert was to be held at Bucky’s estate. When you had learned of this, it had taken immense effort to not crack a smile. Thinking of how sweet Lettie was to you.

The two of you had been able to meet alone only twice since the night of your shower and you were growing tired of having to satisfy Steve. He had not let up, despite how much you had grown. It actually seemed to please him and encourage him more. His touch was more delicate but not any less hungry.

Perhaps you would have a moment alone at the dinner. It was not as romantic as kissing her in the park far away from others like last time – which had been a risk. But you were coming to realize small crumbs were what you were going to be given to quench your love for her.

<><><>

Slamming the carriage door closed, Steve let out a hard exhale. He ran his hand through his hair, staring out the window at the other folks leaving Lord Stark’s estate. Lord Stark had imbibed quite a lot before the festivities had started and had only continued. He was second to last with the second course. Lady Stark had not only had to check in with the nanny but make sure the course was well, running on course, because Lord Stark had been in your opinion, making a fool of himself with his intoxication.

“Well, I don’t know if Tony will be joining us at Bucky’s,” Steve commented, it seemed more so at himself.

You made a small noise of acknowledgment. He had wanted you to respond though because he looked over, narrowing his eyes.

“Are you feeling up to it?” he questioned.

Straightening up quickly, you nodded fervently. “Yes, I am. I heard there was a honey-based confection I am eager to try.”

Steve snorted, “I should not have questioned the prospect of a sweet would deter you.” You said nothing, lips in a straight line. He adjusted himself and you looked away, hoping he was not about to ask you to please him in the carriage. “I do not intend to stay long. We have an early meeting. Important one. Unlike others, I’m taking it seriously and do not have intentions of showing up either tired or hung over, or both.”

“I understand,” you told him. And you felt relief that he was seeking an early night. It meant you would be able to go to sleep freely. “It is admirable to be serious about your work.”

“Have to make sure my child and you are taken care of.”

You forced a smile, “It is highly appreciated. We are blessed to have you.”

He studied you for a moment before stating, “I daresay maybe pregnancy is putting you into a better temperament. Keep it up.”

The forced smile on your face hid the words you actually wanted to say to him.

<><><>

Halfway through the party, Lettie approached Steve beside you, giving him a light curtsy. She was not his equal… at least not yet.

“My Lord, do you mind if I show Y/N the latest dress I am working on?”

Butterflies erupted, happy that she was trying to take you away. She had not been close all night. It had almost been like she was purposely avoiding you, uncomfortable, quick smiles whenever you two had locked eyes. It had unnerved you a bit.

Steve waved her off, “Yes, that’s fine.” To you though, he said, “Remember what I said. Early. It is approaching the time.”

“Of course,” you told him, leaning over to give him a peck on the cheek for show. His eyes followed you as you stood and followed Lettie away.

Lettie led you away from the party and back to the chambers where she lived. In the receiving room, you walked into her workroom. You had never been in here before, never been given the opportunity. It was overwhelming but not disorganized. Tools, fabrics, sewing machines. Many finished or half-finished garments were displayed on mannequins. You ran your hand over the closest one, smiling at the delicate care she had taken with the silk. You had seen her work before but this felt so much more intimate, being so close to her sleeping room.

Turning to her, your smile faded seeing the look on her face. She was wringing her hands, a guilty expression painted on her face.

“What is it?” you questioned, coming to her quickly, and taking her hands in yours. She inhaled shakily, deflecting her gaze. You repeated, “Lettie, what is it? Has someone hurt you?”

She gave a strangled laugh. “Oh, Y/N… no. No, no one has hurt me.” She met your eyes with a sad smile. “I am glad that you are so ready to defend me though.”

Running a hand over her hair, you said, “Of course.”

“I… I don’t know how to say it,” she started unsteadily.

“You can tell me.”

“I know I can,” she said quietly. “I just don’t want to.” You stayed quiet, waiting for her to speak. She squeezed your hands and admitted, “Peter is going to propose to me tonight.”

You felt your heart drop and your grip went lax on hers. Which only made her hold on tighter. “Saskia told me. He’s asked Bucky – not my parents. I’m to be available for him. He wants it to be a grand affair. The ward of his estate betrothed to the ward of Lord Stark’s estate.” A ragged breath left her, “I wanted to tell you. But I was only told two days ago, and I haven’t seen you since.”

The weight of it sunk in. She would be engaged and engaged in planning for the wedding and being a wife, a lady running an estate. And eventually a mother if this society had anything to say about it. Your lives would change dramatically.

Yet… you knew how it could improve her life as well.

Biting back your sadness, you gripped her hands again and leaned in. “This is what you need.” She looked confused, and you explained. “You’ll be settled. You’ll be able to become the seamstress you’ve wanted to become. You’ll get your internship!”

“But—”

“And if you are a part of society, truly, that means we could be alone like Saskia and I or Lord Wilson and I could be. Out in public. Without question.” Realization dawned in her eyes and you pressed, “It would change things but not all for the bad.”

Slowly, she started nodding her head. You smiled nervously, coming closer. She murmured, “It could make things so much easier for us…”

“Yes,” you agreed.

A smile broke out on her face and she reached up, grasping the side of your face. “I’ve been so worried. Thinking about how awful this would be. Pretending to love him… laying with him. Making house for him—”

“Okay, you don’t need to list off all the terrible things right now. Relish in the good,” you laughed quietly.

Lettie caressed your face, staring adoringly into your eyes. She leaned in and your lips met softly, moving in tandem. The kiss deepened, the happiness of what the future could hold enveloping the pair of you.

The door opened behind the two of you quickly and your eyes popped open. You scrambled back from her and faced the door.

“Let…” Bucky had started to say, but faltered. He was staring at the two of you incredulously, frozen.

The hope you had shattered as his face hardened. He walked in, slamming the door behind him.

He snarled, “What the hell is this?”

[bob-belcher]

PARKS AND RECREATION (Season 6, Episode 11)

[paetrichor]

I just narrowly escaped a proposal of marriage. From George Lomax. What do you think about that? Well, the more pertinent question would surely be, what do you think about that? I don't really want to think about it. Don't like it one bit.

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S SEVEN DIALS - 1.03 “The Finger Points”

[justarandomgirly]

How do fanfic writers feel knowing that people might have been masturbating to their work?

[starfieldcanvas]

do you think we write hardcore erotica by accident

[thran-duils]

Title: Wicked Games (Part Thirteen)

Pairings: Dark!Tommy Shelby x Fem!Reader

Summary: Reader is a ballerina who has a personal stake in politics for the working class. Having come up from poor roots, she hasn't forgotten the struggle of the working class and uses her spare time and influence to try to push agendas for them. Her efforts catch the eye of Tommy Shelby. And once he sees her dance, he is eager to preserve that beauty for himself.

Warnings: Stalking, emotional abuse, confinement, yandere behavior, alcoholism, dubcon -> noncon, drugging

Part Twelve || Current fics

“We aren’t going to go back right now?” you questioned nervously when Ada announced that she would still like to take you to the restaurant.

“It would be suspicious if I said I was taking you to lunch and you didn’t eat,” Ada pointed out, standing up and snatching her bag off the floor. “Plus, maybe it’ll make Tommy less angry if you bring him back a sandwich or something.”

Polly snorted at that. “Still be quick about it. Don’t drag it out too long.”

“You’re not coming?” Ada asked, pausing.

“No,” Polly shook her head, “Got company coming…”

There was a glint in her eye.

“The painter?” Ada questioned. Polly only finished off her drink, not saying a word. Ada exhaled and looked over at you. “Guess it’s just the two of us then.”

<><><>

Thomas closed the car door behind him, going up the drive to the front door. Johnny stopped outside the car, lighting up a cigarette and staring off over the grounds.

Upon entering the house, Thomas found the entrance hall empty. He slammed the door behind him, trying to catch someone’s attention. One of the maids walked in to greet him, keeping her head down, which he thought was odd. He pulled his cap off, holding it out to her and she took it. His eyes followed her as she also took his coat from him and went to hang both in the coat closet.

“I assume dinner is on schedule?” he asked, breaking the awkward silence.

“Yes, sir,” she answered, her back to him. “Elsie got a fine cut from the butcher and she’s working on cooking it with Sandra.”

Thomas noticed the tenseness in her frame and he faced her fully.

“How’s Y/N? Eat breakfast and lunch?” he questioned. “Or is she sulking?”

Maisie turned around, her face drained of color. Timidly, she said, “I know she ate breakfast, Mr. Shelby. Elsie brought it to her earlier in the morning. Plate was empty when I retrieved it before tea.”

“Didn’t want lunch?”

Maisie looked panicked, not answering him.

Annoyed at the beating around the bush, Thomas demanded, “What?”

Maisie shifted uncomfortably, hands clasped tightly in front of her. “Um. Miss Ada came around…” Thomas’ expression hardened, not liking where this admittance was heading already. “Round 11:30 or so, sir. Made Miss go with her to lunch.” Maisie gulped, her voice even quieter when she said, “They’re not back yet. So… I don’t know if she had lunch, sir.”

Thomas was eerily quiet, eyes piercing her. Maisie averted her eyes, hands wringing slightly. Stalking to her, Thomas remained silent. When he stopped in front of her with purpose, she flinched.

Sucking his teeth, he asked slowly, “You are telling me that my sister came, someone unlocked Y/N’s door – I’m assuming that someone is you since Elsie was gone – and allowed her to waltz out of here unattended? Am I hearing correctly?”

Maisie looked too scared to speak.

“Answer me!” Thomas said sharply.

“Y-yes.”

Thomas rose his eyebrows, scoffing in disbelief, before exploding, “FUCK!”

Maisie winced away from him. “I’m sorry, Mr. Shelby. I couldn’t’ tell Miss Ada no—"

“Fuck!” Thomas roared again, turning around, fists clenched. His chest rose and fell rapidly, staring at nothing, jaw ticking.

He whipped back around, getting in her face. “Where did they go? Answer me!”

“I—” she started to say but the front door banged open and Johnny rushed into the foyer.

He looked quickly between the two, confusion evident. “Tom, I heard shouting—”

“TELL. ME. Where she went!” Thomas shouted at Maisie, ignoring Johnny.

Tears welled up in the corners of Maisie’s eyes and Johnny tried to intervene again, louder this time, “Tom, you’re scaring the girl. What is going on?”

Thomas was not relenting his looming, eyes wild, waiting for her to answer.

“Mr. Shelby, she said – Miss Ada – that she was going to her favorite place,” Maisie blubbered. “I-I assume that’s in Bir—”

“So, not only did you let her leave,” Thomas snarled. “You have no fucking idea where they went?”

Maisie’s lip warbled, hunched in on herself.

“Un-fucking-believable,” Thomas spat, pulling away from her.

“Tom,” Johnny said firmly. “What’s going on?”

Thomas exhaled slowly, trembling, trying to keep himself under control. After a few moments, he said, “Ada came to take Y/N on a trip to have lunch. When I explicitly said she was to stay in her room. All fucking day.”

Johnny cleared his throat, “Well, Tom, it’s just Ada.” Thomas shot him a glare and Johnny pointed out, “She’s probably trying to bond with Y/N. And the poor girl,” meaning Maisie when he gestured at her, “Can’t tell Ada no. Wouldn’t be proper.”

“Why is everyone making excuses?” Thomas asked himself more than anything, giving a scornful laugh.

He stopped the moment he heard a car approaching outside. And did not wait for anyone else before storming out towards the front door. Tossing the door open, he found Ada parking.

<><><>

“He’s home,” you told Ada nervously.

“Well, so are you,” Ada said confidently. “And with his favorite sandwich.”

The front door of the mansion flew open, and you turned your head away quickly to look back at Ada as she parked the car.

“Of course he doesn’t look happy though,” Ada said, less confidence in her voice, sneaking a look over towards the direction of the front door. “Smile, like I told you a joke. Follow me.”

She moved to get out of the car, and you did the same, clutching the bag of food as if it was going to protect you.

When you laid eyes on him, he was almost to you, jaw set and eyes ablaze. His charge slowed as Ada said, “Oh Tommy, you should have seen it. This calf escaped off its pasture down the road and the farmer’s hands trying to corral it off the road was hilarious. I’ve never seen a cow move that fast. When did you get back?”

Thomas’ eyes were moving between the two of you, looking immensely distrustful. He was calculating, that much you could see. You did your best to keep a calm expression on your face.

Ada looked at him expectantly when he did not answer. “You alright?”

“About 15 minutes ago,” he finally answered.

“Hmm, almost perfect timing,” Ada commented lightly. “Took Y/N to Birmingham. Out to lunch. And she’s so sweet. Asked what you liked most and we got it for you.”

You took the cue and held out the bag to him.

Thomas looked down at the bag before taking it from you. He peeked inside and you said, “Should still be a little chill.”

He was silent again, staring into the bag and your hope that this would placate him was beginning to dwindle.

That is until he looked back up and smiled tightly, “Thanks, love. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He held out his hand, and you took it. His grip was tight, latching on and you hid a wince. “Well, Ada, thank you for bringing her back. I’m sure it was a fun outing.”

“Did you think I was gonna leave her on the street?” Ada snorted. She held up a finger and then said, “I did bring some port to go with dinner.”

She went back to the car to fetch it.

Thomas said tightly, “I’m not sure the staff prepared enough food for more than the two of us.”

“Well, good thing Y/N brought you that,” Ada said over her shoulder as she leaned into the backseat to grab the bag. Thomas licked his lips angrily and shot you a look. You reactively shrugged as Ada came back over. “I’m sure you’d be happy to share your portion with me. I am the youngest after all.”

“Right,” Thomas muttered, turning and pulling you with him.

You did not miss the way Ada watched him tug you along.

<><><>

“So, what was so important in London today?” Ada asked, bringing her spoon of soup up to her lips.

“Had some bill to look over in person the Torys wrote. Edited it. But, I was recruiting,” Thomas answered and she cocked her head in curiosity. “Needed a new assistant in the office at work. Actually, went to Y/N’s friend, Henry, to offer the job.”

You almost dropped your spoon. Ada to her credit, kept her face neutral.

“H-Henry?” you stammered. “He’s not got office experience.”

“He’s got stage-hand experience. That's a lot of management,” Thomas returned. He ashed his cigarette before taking a drag. “And being as he doesn’t care much for politics, it’s perfect because he won’t babble to reporters or the other side of the aisle. Plus, with him recovering from his accident, he needs something less strenuous than dancing and heavy lifting of equipment, right?”

Your mind was racing, trying to figure out Thomas’ angle. Was he trying to make it up to you that he had beaten the life out of Henry?

Shrugging when you realized you had not answered, you said, “I mean, I… suppose?”

“Thought it was the nice thing to do. You care about him so much,” Thomas returned, eyes locked on you. “So troubled when he was hurt.”

No, you did not think it was an attempt to make amends with his words and the way he was looking at you.

“I was,” you admitted. “He didn’t deserve it.”

Thomas’ smile did not meet his eyes. “Well, the government pays better than the theater too.”

“Kind of you Tommy,” Ada cut in. Thomas turned his attention to her, and she took another spoonful of soup. After swallowing, she added, “Surely you need to go back and train him on how to do things though? You didn’t just throw him to the wolves.”

You saw the wheels turning in her head already, how to get him back out of the house. She was as clever as Thomas was.

“There is another assistant to help him along. But I’m sure I’ll need to train him to do things the way I like them,” Thomas responded and you tensed. He looked back at you and said, “I also stopped by your landlord. Paid the rent but let them know we would be moving your things out within the next month. We’ll need to make a trip to go through your things.”

You opened your mouth to argue but remembered you were playing the long game.

“Right,” you said instead compliantly. “Of course.”

Thomas' eyes did glisten with amusement this time when he smiled at you.

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[thran-duils]

Just sat thru an hour and a half POINTLESS meeting

[pt-anderson]

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) dir. Quentin Tarantino Licorice Pizza (2021) dir. Paul Thomas Anderson

[tarmairons]

AGATHA CHRISTIE'S SEVEN DIALS (2026)

[lindadarnell]

Louis Jouvet and Jean Gabin Les Bas-fonds (The Lower Depths) 1936 | Jean Renoir