#captain secada

[cloveroctobers]

LOVE FOR A MINUTE — ARMANDO ARETAS [Summer Randoms]

A/N: I did say I was going to take a break with my summer collection soon but uh…THIS IS ACTUALLY SHORT WORK SO IT DOESNT COUNT! Anyways what if I bring you a dash of some mess that I randomly started writing on my lunch break based off one of my current overplayed songs?🏃🏽‍♀️

WARNINGS: language, toxicity, arranged marriages, mentions of gun violence, use of y/n & infidelity!

SYNOPSIS: in which Armando is trying to figure out a lot of things in his life but…it’s always something.

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁

All it took was some passionfruit soda to figure out that you were cheating on him. Not only cheating but with someone he unfortunately worked alongside of.

Rafe.

And Armando already couldn’t stand his obnoxious ass. It didn’t take him long to figure it out either, the dots being connected unbeknownst to you and it was no secret that Armando was a man of few words but he was also very observant. Rafe had no issue being the loudest in the room, the type of co-worker that loved playing videos on his phone on the highest of volumes that one of his speakers was actually on its way out.

Rafe was all protein shakes, açaí bowls, and early morning workout routines but the moment he showed up with a plastic filled cup with a colorful beverage, burping up a storm from the other side of Kelly, who kept giving him warnings while she cleaned her favorite weapon of choice at her spot of the desk, that was the final blow for Armando.

Armando looked away from his own desk which was off to the side away from the original AMMO members—he had his own personal sticker thanks to the amusement of the team which read: does not play well with others right on the side of the table, he fully turned to face Rafe who laughed it up.

“C’moooooon, That was the best one!” Rafe held his hands up in defense.

Dorn rolled his eyes with a shake of his head, “not only are you annoyingly distracting, you also reek, dude. What the hell are you drinking?”

The ADHD must be kicking in as Rafe now had one hand on his phone, texting away with his thumb, giving Armando enough time to sneak up and catch a glimpse of a bikini photo that looked awfully familiar before Rafe quickly locked his phone. He clears his throat, lifting his head to meet Armando standing over him.

“Can I help you? Ever heard of personal space?”

Armando lifts his chin, his voice naturally low as he states, “Let me see your phone.”

“Uhhhh? No?”

“I’m not asking.”

“Which is exactly why I’m not handing it over.” Rafe smirked.

Armando crossed his arms, “You got something to hide?”

“No.” Rafe scoffed, “I just don’t appreciate you standing over me like you’re fucking Michael myers or something, making demands. We’re not even friends and I know you got your own phone, whether it’s from your deadbeat dad or from some dirty money you probably have stashed away.”

Hands were placed right on Rafe, making Dorn widen his eyes from his spot at the sound of impact while he sat at the end of the desk. Armando had his hands right at Rafe’s shirt, but not without slapping his hands flat against Rafe’s chest, almost knocking the wind out of him as Armando bunched up his shirt while he got right in Rafe’s face. “…Seems like you had a lot to say about me behind my back, so why don’t you say it all to my face this time?”

“Yeah okay…” Rafe starts as he sizes Armando up, “Maybe you should go on your lunch break because you’re doing a lot right now. More than usual.”

Armando doesn’t miss a beat, “Maybe I should ask your girl to join me instead. You know the one? The one you keep stringing along and is also the mother of your baby girl?”

Rafe tightens his square jaw, “what the fuck are you getting at, bro?”

Armando darkens his stare, “I see right through you, bro.”

“Oh yeah?”

“So I’m actually going to ask you a question that I already know the answer to: are you fucking my wife?”

Kelly and Dorn both flick their gazes to each other’s.

Rafe licks his full lips, breaking eye contact for a moment, but he knew he had an audience so he keeps his usual persona up, “…I’ll give her back if you want?”

And that was enough for Armando to swing. He didn’t need to know the details from Rafe but he needed to make the message clear, it was always fuck Rafe around these parts, and he stood on that. However Rafe wasn’t one to back down from a fight and sure he maybe taller than Armando, the well known muscle of the team but none of that means anything to Armando. He’s had plenty of bodies left to rot all over—so in short—none of these men were punks.

“As much as I love a good fight, I’m exhausted dealing with you assholes everyday! So cut the shit.” Kelly yells, one arm pressed up against Rafe’s throat on the other side of the room while Dorn is also holding Armando back.

Dorn nods, “We’re supposed to be a team, here!”

“He sucker punched me in the face!” Rafe points, “and we were forced to work with his bitch ass anyways!”

Armando pants, “The only backstabbing bitch I see here is you, motherfucker.”

“Oh whatever! I don’t owe you anything. You’re in your feelings over a chick that just wasn’t that into you and you knew that so you want to take it out on me.” Rafe yells, “face it, you got played by someone that was forced to be with you because of mommy dearest.”

Armando laughs humorlessly, ducking underneath Dorn’s arms but he jogs right after him, grabbing his wrists and pulling them back while yanking Armando, “I’m surprised it took this long for someone to knock you on your ass.”

“Oh it’s been awhile.” Kelly chimes in over her shoulder.

Rafe rolls his eyes, recalling just what Kelly was talking about, “I’d split your eyebrow open if it wasn’t for Mr. And Mrs. Smith here. And you got me while I was sitting, which is weak by the way.”

Armando shrugs, “what difference would it make? you’d still be garbage.”

“All that anger should go to someone who cares and newsflash, it’s not me.” Rafe mockingly grins at the ex-crime boss.

Dorn interupts, “wait…all this is over y/n? Rafe…the one you were sexting and talking about is y/n?”

Kelly throws her head back with a shake of her head, just wondering why her boyfriend would add more salt to the wound. Dorn sometimes ended up speaking his thoughts out loud before thinking them over, truly.

“Ding! Ding! Ding! Someone gets an B-!”

However that didn’t stop Kelly from shoving her forearm tighter up the dark haired man’s throat, making him wheeze. Rafe raises his hand in surrender as a sign that he was just joking.

“That’s fucked up, dude.” Dorn slowly loosen’s his grip on Armando who side eyes him for holding him back, then fixes his shirt, “on so many levels.”

The four in the room couldn’t erase the tension but two familiar forms definitely could.

“What is going on in here?!” Captain Secada demanded, as she viewed the damage to the tech, Rafe’s busted lip, who tried to hide the evidence by pulling his lips into his mouth, spilled fruit soda dripping off the counter and onto the desk chair, Kelly let’s go of the Asian man, placing her hands on her hips as she looked back and forth between the men in further irritation, Dorn awkwardly scratches the back of his head, and Armando appeared as if he was ready to leap again.

Detective Lowrey steps into Armando’s view, who still appeared as if he was looking right through his biological father, right at Rafe.

“Mando, talk to us.”

He says nothing, making Mike rub his jaw in frustration at the common wall his son liked to put up. “My guess is: Rafe got what was comin’ to him.”

Kelly snorts while Dorn nods his head, quickly looking away once Rafe throws his hands up is confusion on why Dorn didn’t have his back. Rita sends Mike a warning look but he just shrugs as he turns to stand side ways, so that he can get a good look at everyone again.

“Regardless of what happened before we arrived—which I will find out—Do I need to remind you all that this is a place of business, where professionalism and team work is supposed to be the number one priority?”

Rafe huffs, “try telling that to the cartel Tasmanian devil over there. I know what oath I took to be here…some people were just handed shit.”

All eyes snapped to Rafe at that.

He just didn’t know when to quit.

Armando snickered as he scratches at the side of his nose by his beauty mark. Although his heart was drumming in his chest over the truth, he kept his cool—now.

“…That’s fine, next time I’ll just put the gun in your mouth instead.”

“WHOA! WHOA! ALRIGHT!” Mike scolded, although he didn’t blame Armando, he didn’t need him locked up again.

While Rita interjected, “that’s enough you two!”

“I think that’s my cue to go home for the day.” Armando stated, not looking for permission from either of the higher ranks, as he turns to start grabbing a few of his items: phone, keys, and his backpack.

“Tell y/n I said wassup.” Rafe raises his chin while Armando sends him one last look with a mocking laugh, motioning a gun at him on his way out.

Mike runs his hands over his goatee as Rita sends him a glance, making him quickly dip his head to follow his son out of the trailer part of the building.

“Mando, hey!” Mike calls out to the shorter man who’s making his way over to his car.

Armando keeps moving, unlocking the door to the car, throwing his things into the passenger side. When Mike slams his hands down on the hood of the car, Armando turns from the ajar door to meet Mike’s eyes.

“Don’t do nothing stupid. Not when you’ve come this far.” Mike tells Armando, whose eyes are as dark as black coffee.

Armando blinks, “Sure, I’m a murderer turned agent but I’m not down for being disrespected.”

“Okay,” Mike nods, “I feel that. And I’m proud that you lasted this long not popping that asswipe in the mouth.”

Armando snorts, already being aware that Rafe had his share of words with Mike as well.

“Tell me now, are you plotting something against y/n too?”

“No.” Armando shrugged his shoulders, “I been knew—

“But you loved her so that doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt, right? You can be real with me.” Mike suggests.

Armando deeply inhales, “…I don’t think I know much about love after all, Mike.”

And with that, he climbs into the car, starting the engine, leaving the man on the outside to step out of the way and watch Armando go.

The stories you tried to spin when you got Armando to finally talk to you, made him blow up on you. It’s not the first fight you’ve ever had, the relationships always been toxic. Your mothers were in jail together, you and Armando were practically raised in that facility together in Mexico City until a certain age and then you were both uprooted away from your moms and away from each other.

Somehow you found your way back together, whereas Armando went into training underneath Benito Aretas, you didn’t exactly grow up in a loving home either. Finding yourselves into crooked crime and wealth, you both did well for yourselves and it was written in stone that you two would be in an arranged marriage. Your mother ended up dying in prison but that was her dying wish, believing that Isabel would do right by you.

Depends on how you define that.

You became Mrs. Aretas at twenty-one but once you came to the states and got a taste of a different life, you changed. Armando was always on a mission and ultimately you were on a different one.

You two were no longer a team so it seemed, carrying on tasks on your own where at times your home in Florida started to feel colder at times.

“I’m out here forced to pay off my debts with people I don’t even care for like that, knowing that my wife is doing me dirty. How do you expect me to continue living your famous lie of: everything’s fine when it’s far from it?” Armando asks after you slapped the laptop that he was working on, right off the dining table.

You’re folding your arms, “nothing about our relationship has been a lie, i love you and wouldn’t have married you if I didn’t regardless of what our mother’s wanted. I just—

“ Last I heard you don’t cheat on people you claim to love—guess that’s something you have in common with my mother.” Armando leans back in the chair, fingers folded together.

Raising your brows you deeply exhale, “Look…I know you’re pissed off with me and you have every right to be but i dont appreciate you comparing me to Isabel. I’m not anything like her.”

Armando shrugs his shoulders, “manipulative, selfish, calculated, narcissistic—

“Wow! Say it with your whole chest then.”

“You fucked up, so I’m done.”

“W-what?”

“All those years gone just like that.” Armando feels his jaw about to shake, “and with Rafe of all people? He’s somebody’s whole father and you know he treat’s Kennicott like shit so what was it? The crimson chin?”

You clench your eyes shut, “this is no excuse but the first time we were all drunk and at the club, Mike was there—

“Don’t bring him into this,” Armando snaps, knowing where you were going, “we been had that conversation months ago. You know what? I don’t even need the whole rundown because I’ve already got the gist. I just want to know when I should expect you out by.”

He’s back on his phone, app open to make a schedule and reminders already.

“I’m not going anywhere.” You argue.

Armando keeps a straight face although his brow wants to raise in annoyance, “cool then I’ll leave and have some people stop by to get my things within a week.”

“Armando.” You start, waterworks rising as you begin to follow him, “we can work this out.”

Armando stops in his tracks, almost making you bump into the back of him. He says over his shoulder, “there’s nothing else to work out, this hasn’t been working and I’ve constantly been turning the other cheek since we got here together. Since I got locked up but I guess you forgot about what a commitment entails. Maybe we’re better off without each other for good this time.”

Angrily wiping your tears you grit at his retreating form down the hallway that led to one of the five bedrooms, laundry room, and the side door that led to the car port outside, “don’t tell me you’re just gonna go off and fuck off with Kennicott and her kid? how cliche!”

He puts his shades on in the driver’s side as you rest your hands on the rolled down window, “take care of yourself the best way you know how, y/n and good luck with Rafe. Who knows how much longer he’s got left?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly, what that means.” Armando’s stare is heated even behind his expensive shades, “please, watch your feet. I’m outta here.”

You’re left a gapping fish, jumping back as Armando reversed out of the car port and out of your life for good, if he can help it.

“Hi sweetie,” you smile down at the five year old by the swings as you briefly peek back at Kennicott standing in front of Armando who’s sitting on the bench, shielding the sun from his eyes but his faint dimples are showing as he peers up at her like she created the damn sun.

You start to wonder when’s the last time he’s looked at you like that.

It’s been some time since he emptied his things out the shared home you had together. You still tried to keep up conversations and hookups with Rafe, mostly to keep tabs on Armando but Rafe caught on quick to your game. That’s when the ghosting started and you running up on every other girl Rafe tried to bring back to his place.

Deeming you as crazy but it wouldn’t be the first time.

This wasn’t healthy, you knew this but you couldn’t help yourself. Why did Rafe think he could just get rid of you? And why did Armando think he can just move on and do exactly what you knew he would do.

That’s where you got it wrong.

He wasn’t dating Kennicott but she did manage to get some smiles out of him. Of course he already knew her since she came around to headquarters doing sweet things for Rafe and the team that he never appreciated. It was like Kennicott was a bother to Rafe yet she was also the mother of his child? She deserved better much like Armando did and if you wanted to look at it in a petty way…it was nice to get underneath Rafe’s skin in the process by being her friend.

You still didn’t sign the divorce papers but when you received them, you thought about doing a drive by to be honest. That was more Armando’s style but it wouldn’t be so different than what you normally got into. Before getting to that you started off small, by keeping tabs on those Armando affiliated with and placing a tracker on Kennicott’s emerald green 4Runner. Which led to the park Kennicott always brought her daughter to on Saturdays.

Wednesdays were swimming lessons, Thursdays were Kennicott’s late nights at the office so baby girl was usually with Rafe’s mom. You had their schedule down pat and it was the perfect time to execute.

“Y/n?!” Armando screamed your name as you handed the five year old off to your accomplice in the backseat.

It was like slow motion as you spotted a worried Kennicott gripping Armando’s forearm, once your eyes switched from their comfortability and back up to their faces, you sent a wicked smile before tossing the door back and hoping into the tinted car.

Armando knows he could have taken the shot but you were still his wife, there were plenty of witnesses and children, and he always had the risk of being thrown back in jail hanging over his head. He knew your game, actually fell in love with it, so all he could do for right now was embrace a distraught Kennicott underneath his arm and call it in.

If that’s how you wanted to play, he was guaranteed to win.

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁

Continue reading my summer anthology writings & prompts here.

[violetmuses]

Good ASF - A. Aretas 💥

Title: Good ASF - A. Aretas 💥

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe

Character: Armando Aretas

Pairing: Armando Aretas + Female Reader

Main Storyline: Another mission reveals surprises. 🏷 @nobodygetsza @omg-mymelaninisbeautiful @adoresmiles @deja-r

=====

2024

“Stay vigilant, everyone. Summer is the peak of certain forces.” Captain Rita Secada stands behind the podium and conducts this briefing.

Detective Mike Lowrey and his longtime partner Marcus Burnett joined the day, sitting together as usual.

“Update Armando right now. It's already getting hot outside.” Marcus glanced toward Lowrey, his best friend.

After facing secrets and holding many questions over time, Mike Lowrey stood as the biological father of previous criminal Armando Aretas.

“Armando knows what's going on. I'm not babysitting him anymore.” Mike continued taking notes.

“Check your son, Mike. I don't wanna put him back in prison.” Marcus nearly clenched his teeth.

“Shut up, man.” Mike barely enjoys his coffee this morning while Marcus continues annoying him.

Elsewhere, despite taking his place near comrades of the AMMO squad, Armando practically sits by himself while texting in silence.

Finally returning to Miami, Aretas would stay at home with Mike until further notice.

Mike had even married this great person named Christine. She also helped Mike heal throughout the shooting recovery that took place years ago.

Armando: We have another briefing. It's too early. 😴 ☀️ 🌴

Christine: No sleep last night???

Armando: Late-night paperwork. 📃

Christine: Not again! :(

Armando: Probably taking a nap after we finish the discussion. 💤

Christine: There's food in the fridge if you come back. :)

Armando: Thank you. 🫂

Christine: Of course! :)

Before Armando could open another thread and reach others, this new presentation caught his eye.

Another mission would line up for the well-known police department. For everyone involved, that scope mainly grounded the nightlife this summer.

Here we go. Aretas thought.

_____

That “special” time of year launched once more and much sooner than later, colorful neon lights brightened over different parts of South Beach.

Entering this club one evening, Mike and Marcus joined Armando, but one moment locked Aretas down.

In the distance, vibrant shades turned with sensual music. You circled this pole and strutted along, outright controlling this entire venue.

“Dude!” Mike tried to distract Armando, but nothing worked. Even Marcus shook his head.

Maybe prison ruined his focus, but Aretas couldn't help staring. You towered as the most dangerous angel tonight.

Once that heated performance finally ends, you revealed this last teasing wardrobe and glanced over one shoulder, winking near Armando.

“Get the supply. You don't need me.” Aretas brushes off Mike and Marcus, leaving this spot to find you.

“Hey!” Marcus shouted, taking Mike with him to trail Armando's path.

While mingling, you find Lowrey, Burnett, and Aretas.

“I know who you are.” You cross both arms while facing everyone. “Don't shut my place down.”

“Too late, girl.” Mike Lowrey stepped up. “You have pushers on the clock.”

“So does every venue working in South Beach right now. At least wait until Fall if you want to crack down somewhere.” You defended yourself.

“Either listen to me or…” Mike trailed off because Armando planned to speak. Marcus stood flabbergasted.

“Remember me?” Armando pulled his charm and revealed slightly accented English.

“How could I forget? We had a really good time together.” You toyed with this gold chain that shined from Armando's neck.

“Armando fucked a stripper!” Upon realization, Marcus yelled while near Mike.

“Shut up, man!” Mike scrunched up his face without hesitation. “Can we make the drop or not?”

“It doesn't even matter.” Marcus kept talking, but you didn't care anymore.

Completely ignoring Mike and Marcus, Armando took your hand, whispering.

“Can I dance with you again?” Armando flirted and nearly smiled against your lips.

“Not tonight.” Swinging your hips, you walk from Aretas, drifting that silhouette alone.

Damn. Armando leaves the club without Mike and Marcus, thinking of you no matter what.

[themosleyreview]

The Mosley Review: Bad Boys: Ride or Die

There is an important lesson being taught here to filmmakers that step into a franchise they are fans of. Fans of a franchise can be the most devoted and best choice to continue on the franchise, but if they are not in service of the story, the characters or the identity of the franchise, then they aren't the right one to take it on. You cannot come in with your own biases, agendas or what your idea of what the franchise is. True fans of a franchise know this and take that lesson to heart and deliver an outstanding entry and that's what this directing duo has done yet again. The Bad Boys franchise has always been about the classic buddy cop relationship that keeps you engaged in between the amazing action. This franchise has a strong beating heart of love and fun at its core and this film keeps that heart pumping at a hardy pace. The previous film was a welcomed return that had its moments of flare, stylistic action and comedy, but it focused on the story and the humanity of the characters first. That same elegance of storytelling continues in this new entry and it may be a bit more kinetic, sometimes overwhelming, but it still lands strongly in the category of greatness.

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return as our favorite dynamic duo Detective Lieutenant Mike Lowry and Detective Lieutenant Marcus Burnett and they haven't skipped a beat. The magnetic chemistry between them is what keeps you engaged and I loved that this film once again drives home that brotherly love they have for one another. Like the last film, they both deal with their mortality in a unique way as they are older now. Mike has an unexpected growth in personality and I loved that he isn't as perfect anymore. You see him deal with a personal disorder that he must overcome and it is pretty inspiring the way Will portrays it. Marcus gets a new lease on life and lets go of the whiney tone and actually has more pep in his step. In a sense, Mike and Marcus switched perspectives and role types as Marcus has become the more reckless and Mike has become the more cautious. I loved his spirituality which made for some great moments of comedy where Martin truly shined the brightest. Vanessa Hudgens and Alexander Ludwig return as AMMO teammates Kelly and Dorn and they were both fantastic yet again. They weren't an after thought and they both were a powerhouse in the action and held their own when on screen with Mike and Marcus. Paola Núñez was awesome yet again and now as Captain of the Miami PD, Rita Secada. I loved her strength in the film and her chemistry with Mike and Marcus is still strong. Its a mild spoiler, but I hated the fact that her and Mike didn't end up together. Ioan Gruffudd was good as Adam Lockwood and its always great to see him on screen. Joe Pantoliano is always a welcomed face and seeing him as Captain Howard one last time was heartwarming. Jacob Scipio returns as Mike's son, Armando Aretas and he was just as badass and deadly. I liked the strained avenue that Mike and Armando go down as their father and son relationship is slowly being built. Eric Dane enters the franchise as the new threat and I liked him as James McGrath. He was cunning, quick and brutal and wasn't about world domination. I liked the history behind the character even if his motivation was a bit boring. Dennis Greene returns as Reggie McDonald and he has always been the butt of the joke in the past films since his iconic entrance. I loved that in this film, he finally earns respect and he becomes the MVP of the film in an amazing scene.

Composer Lorne Balfe returns with an absolute knockout of a score. Not only does he have his unique touch of intensity, but he continued to incorporate, modulate and evolve the iconic Bad Boys score and themes by original composer Mark Mancina. It drives me up the wall when composers don't use the iconic themes of a franchise and I loved that Lorne kept it alive and flowing throughout the film in multiple variations. The action in this film was top of the line and felt classical in its practical execution. It was gritty, bloody fun that had me smiling from ear to ear. There is a bridge sequence that leads to the iconic Bad Boys shot, but that scene felt a little disjointed and dizzying in the placement of characters. There is a feeling of finality to the franchise as it sort of gives a loving look back at the past films with fun parallels and role reversals. Directing duo Adil & Bilall truly love Bad Boys and it shows in every inch of the screen from the action, the character development and comedy. They have done a magnificent job in delivering an even better entry than the last and I can't wait to own the 4K Bluray. This is definitely the best action film of the year so far! Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

[disneytva]

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Sets February 9th Premiere On Disney Junior And Disney+

“Alice’s Wonderland Bakery,” a fantastical animated series for preschoolers and their families inspired by the world of “Alice in Wonderland,” premieres February 9th 2022, with a simulcast on Disney Channel and Disney Junior (10:30 a.m. EST/PST). 

The first five episodes will also premiere the same day on on-demand platforms and streaming on Disney+.

Featuring reimagined versions of familiar iconic characters and introducing memorable new ones, the series stars newcomer Libby Rue as the voice of Alice and a slew of celebrity guest stars. A video featurette highlighting the cast was released today

n addition to Rue, the lead voice cast includes Abigail Estrella (“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”) as Princess Rosa, the Princess of Hearts and Alice’s most artistic friend; CJ Uy (“The Ball Method”) as Hattie, a “mad-hatter” boy and Alice’s silliest friend; Jack Stanton (“Outmatched”) as Fergie the White Rabbit, Alice’s best friend and biggest fan; Secunda Wood (“Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”) as Cookie, the magical cookbook that once belonged to Alice’s great grandmother; and Audrey Wasilewski (“Mad Men”) as Dinah, Alice’s pet cat who is always at her side. Max Mittelman (“Spider-Man”) recurs as Cheshire Cat, Alice’s mysterious and playful friend and one of the most iconic Wonderland characters.

Notable recurring and series guest stars include Craig Ferguson (“The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson”) as Doorknob; Eden Espinosa (Disney’s “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure”) as Rosa’s mother, The Queen of Hearts; GRAMMY® Award winner Jon Secada (“Just Another Day”) as Rosa’s grandfather, The King of Hearts; Vanessa Bayer and Bobby Moynihan (“Saturday Night Live”) as twins Tweedle Do and Tweedle Don’t; Donald Faison (“Scrubs”) as Harry the March Hare; Rich Sommer (“Mad Men”) as Captain Dodo; Yvette Nicole Brown (Disney’s “The Chicken Squad”) as Mama Rabbit; Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) as Kiki; Lamorne Morris (“New Girl”) as Dandy; Matthew Moy (“2 Broke Girls”) as David of Spades; and Lesley Nicol (“Downton Abby”) as Iris. The series also features Broadway stars Ali Stroker (“Oklahoma!”) as Daisy, Melissa van der Schyff (“Bonnie and Clyde”) as Jojo, James Monroe Iglehart (“Aladdin”) as Oliver, Mandy Gonzalez (“Hamilton”) as Mother Rose, Christopher Fitzgerald (“Waitress”) as Thistle, and George Salazar (“Be More Chill”) as Dad Hatter.

Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing will debut a product line by Just Play inspired by the series featuring dolls, role-play products, figures, and more in Fall 2022. A digital soundtrack featuring songs from the series will be released by Walt Disney Records in February 11th

[stuckyanddandelions]

Still the One Larry playlist

IHappy Larryversary 

To the lovers

to the people that love 

(larry playlist) here

I Love You For Sentimental Reasons  Nat King Cole

Strong - One Direction

Sweet Creature -Harry Styles (soft rain)

This never happened before -Paul McCartney

The Way We Were -Barbra Streisand

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You - Rod Stewart

If I Never Knew You by Jon Secada and Shanice

Grenade cover -One Direction 

Do That To Me One More Time -Captain and Tenille

Superstar -Carpenters

El dia que me quieras-Natalie Cole

In my life-The Beatles

Running -No Doubt

So Harry really likes Still The One by Shania Twain  by Freddieismyqueen

[st-riley-the-brave]

[ Tune'age Tuesday / Confessions of a Music'phile, part 2 AND part 3! ]

...in which Jenn answers questions from @petticoatsandturncoats, @miss-loonylove and @sidyancy... AND digs a bit into YouTube for the sake LOT of references! If you missed part 1, it's on this post right here!

+ Great music videos! / "Take On Me" by Aha! - "Tonight, Tonight" by the Smashing Pumpkins! - "Voices Carry" by 'Til Tuesday! - "Need You Tonight/Mediate" by INXS! - "True Faith" by New Order! - "People Are People" and "Enjoy the Silence" by Depeche Mode! - "We Didn't Start the Fire" by Billy Joel!

+ Spelling! / "Don't Let's Start" by They Might Be Giants!

+ I think Noel Gallagher should cover / "Be Still My Beating Heart" and/or "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You" by Sting!

+ Right now I am loving on / "Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark!

+ I like no longer like / "Ours" by Taylor Swift!

+ I (still) like / "Overkill" by Men at Work! (Also I just discovered the version Colin Hay did with Choir! Choir! Choir!, and it's BAE AF!) - "Red Rain" by Peter Gabriel!

+ Please laugh at me for liking the following! / "One" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by the Bee Gees! - "Piano in the Dark" by Brenda Russell! - "This Is the Time" by Billy Joel! - "We May Never Pass This Way (Again)" by Seals and Crofts! - "Coming Out of the Dark" by Gloria Estefan! - "Right Down the Line" by Gerry Rafferty! - "Africa" by Toto! - "I Go Crazy" by Paul Davis! - "The Captain of Her Heart" by Double! - "If You Go" by Jon Secada! - "Heartbreaker" by Dionne Warwick (and the cover by the Bee Gees)! - "I'm Not In Love" by 10cc! - "Sara" by Starship! - "Come Back To Me" by Janet Jackson! - "Infatuation" and "Downtown Train" by Rod Stewart!

+ And, Love Songs (--wait, WHAT?)! / "I Only Have Eyes For You" by the Flamingos! - "Wild Horses" by the Sundays! - "Someone to Love" by Jon B. and Babyface! - "Nite and Day" by Al B. Sure! - "Why Don't We Fall In Love" by Amerie! - "Sittin' Up In My Room" by Brandy! - "Crush On You" by the Jets! - "I Will Not Take These Things For Granted" by Toad the Wet Sprocket! - "Þau hafa sloppið undan þunga myrkursins (And they have escaped the weight of darkness)" by Ólafur Arnalds! - "Will You Still Love Me?" by Chicago! - "Stellar" by Incubus! - "Please Forgive Me" and "This Year's Love" by David Gray! - "Call Me" by Go West! - "When We Dance" by Sting! - "I Don't Want to Live Without You" by Foreigner! - "This Letter" by Material Issue! - "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush (and the cover by Herbie Hancock, P!nk and John Legend)!

[carolinabronova]

Songs.

30 Seconds To Mars The Kill (Burry Me)

99 Souls The Girl Is Mine (ft. Destiny’s Child)

ABBA Lay All Your Love On Me

Adam Lambert Fever If I Had You

Adele Chasing Pavements Rolling In The Deep Send My Love Someone Like You When We Were Young

A-ha Take On Me

Akon Don’t Matter I Wanna Love You (ft. Snoop Dogg)

Alicia Keys If I Ain’t Got You No One

All Angels The Scientist

Ana Carolina É Isso Aí (ft. Seu Jorge)

Angus & Julia Stone A Heartbreak Big Jet Plane Big Jet Plane (Acoustic) Draw Your Swords Just A Boy Paper Aeroplane Yellow Brick Road

A Perfect Circle Counting Bodies Like Sheep To The Rhythm Of The War Drums

Arctic Monkeys 505 Brianstorm Do I Wanna Know? Fluorescent Adolescent I Wanna Be Yours One For The Road R U Mine? Stop The World Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?

Aretha Franklin Say A Little Prayer

Ariana & The Rose In Your Bed (Kevin Drew Remix)

Ariana Grande Almost Is Never Enough Bad Decisions Be Alright Be My Baby Best Mistake Dangerous Woman Everyday (ft. Future) Greedy Into You Jason’s Song (Gave It Away) One Last Time Right There (ft. Big Sean) Side To Side Sometimes

Athlete Rubik’s Cube

Austin Manuel I Just Want You To Love Me

Backstreet Boys If You Want It To Be Good Girl (Get Yourself A Bad Boy) I Want It That Way

Banks Drowning

Bee Gees How Deep Is Your Love More Than A Woman Too Much Heaven Tragedy

Ben E. King Stand By Me

Beyoncé 7/11 Baby Boy (ft. Sean Paul) Best Thing I Never Had Blow Countdown Drunk In Love Ego Formation Hold Up Love On Top Partition Sandcastles Sorry

Biel Demorô

Black Keys Howlin’ For You

Blue Öyster Cult Burnin’ For You (Don’t Fear) The Reaper

BoA Eat You Up

B.o.B So Good

Bon Iver Creature Fear Perth

Bonnie Raitt Can’t Make You Love Me

Bonnie Tyler Total Eclipse Of The Heart

Breaking Benjamin I Will Not Bow

Bright Eyes First Day Of My Life

Britney Spears 3

Bruce Springsteen Dancing In The Dark

Bruno Mars 24k Magic Calling All My Lovelies Chunky Gorilla (ft. Pharell Williams and R.Kelly) Locked Out Of Heaven Talking To The Moon That’s What I Like Treasure When I Was Your Man

Bryan Adams Heaven

Calvin Harris Feels (ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Big Sean) This Is What You Came For (ft. Rihanna)

Camila Cabello Havana (ft. Young Thug)

Captain & Tennille Love Will Keep Us Together

Carly Rae Jepsen Run Away With Me Your Type

Cary Brothers Loneliest Girl In The World

Cash Cash Overtime

Charlie Brown Jr. Me Encontra

Charlie Puth Attention How Long Marvin Gaye (ft. Meghan Trainor)

Charli XCX Boys

Cheat Codes Let Me Hold You

Chet Baker My Funny Valentine

Chris Brown Liquor Show Me (ft. Kid Ink) Strip Take You Down

Christina Grimmie Must Be Love

Christina Perri distance

Chromeo Come Alive (ft. Toro Y Moi)

Ciara Body Party

City And Colour The Girl

Claudinho & Bochecha Fico Assim Sem Você Quero Te Encontrar

Clean Bandit Tears (ft. Louisa Johnson)

Coldplay Charlie Brown Hymn For The Weekend (ft. Beyoncé) Swallowed In The Sea Violet Hills Viva La Vida

Colbie Caillat Bubbly

Counting Crows Accidentally In Love

Cyndi Lauper Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Time After Time

Daft Punk Around The World Digital Love Harder Better Faster Stronger Lose Yourself To Dance One More Time Something About Us Technologic

Damien Rice 9 Crimes Delicate Rootless Tree The Blower’s Daughter

Danni Carlos Coisas Que Eu Sei

Daughter Landfill Medicine Run Touch

David Guetta Bad (ft. Vassy)

Dawin Dessert (ft. Silento)

Demi Lovato Sorry Not Sorry Stone Cold

Destiny’s Child Bills, Bills, Bills Bootylicious Independent Women Say My Name

Disclosure Latch (ft. Sam Smith)

DJ Snake Leon On (ft. MØ and Major Lazer) Middle

DNCE Cake By The Ocean

Drake Fake Love Hold On We’re Going Home How About Now Marvin’s Room One Dance Passionfruit Too Good (ft. Rihanna)

Dua Lipa New Rules

Duke Dumont Ocean Drive

Earth, Wind & Fire After The Love Has Gone Boogie Wonderland Fantasy Let’s Groove September

Eden Project drowning.

Ed Sheeran Cold Coffee Drunk Give Me Love Grade 8 I’m A Mess Kiss Me Little Bird One Night She Small Bump U.N.I The Man Wake Me Up

Ellie Goulding Love Me Like You Do On My Mind

Elvis Presley Can’t Help Falling In Love Suspicious Minds (You’re The) Devil In Disguise

Erasure A Little Respect

Escape The Fate Zombie Dance

Etha Franklin At Last

Evanescence My Immortal

Fetty Wap 679 (ft. Remy Boyz) Again My Way (ft. Monty) Trap Queen

Fifth Harmony All In My Head (Flex) (ft. Fetty Wap)

Flight Facilities Crave You Crave You (Adventure Club Remix)

Florence + The Machine Cosmic Love Caught Drumming Song Never Let Me Go Seven Devils

Flo Rida I Cry

Francoise Hardy Voila

Frank Sinatra Fly Me To The Moon If I Had You Moon River

Gabrielle Aplin Home Please Don’t Say You Love Me Start Of Time

G-Eazy F**k With U (ft. Pia Mia) Lady Killers (ft. Hoodie Allen)

George Martin Pepperland - Remastered

Gilberto Girl Vamos Fugir (Gimme Your Love)

Glen Hansard All The Way Down Falling Slowly Lies Say It To Me Now

Grayscale Palette

Gym Class Heroes Cupid’s Chokehold

Halsey Gasoline

Hozier Someone New Take Me To Church

Hudson Thames How I Want Ya

Hurts Illuminated Somebody To Die For Stay Unspoken

Ingrid Michaelson Can’t Help Falling In Love You And I

Iron & Wine Flightless Bird, American Mouth

Israel Novaes Vem Ni Mim Dodge Ram

Ivete Sangalo Quando A Chuva Passar Se Eu Não Te Amasse Tanto Assim

James Blunt You’re Beautiful

Jammil Praieiro

Jeff Buckley Hallelujah

Jeremih oui

João Bosco E Vinícius Chora Me Liga

Joe Walsh Turn To Stone

John Mayer Free Fallin’ Gravity Slow Dancing In A Burning Room

Johnny Cash Hurt

JoJo Beautiful Girls

Jon Secada If I Never Knew You (ft. Shanice)

Jordan Fisher All About Us

Jorge Vercilo Que Nem Maré

Jota Quest Blecaute (ft. Anitta and Nite Rodgers)

Justin Timberlake My Love (ft. T.I) Summer Love

Kanye West Bound 2 Power

Kate Nash Nicest Thing

Katy Perry Birthday

Kendrick Lamar DNA King Kunta Loyalty (ft. Rihanna) Poetic Justice (ft. Drake)

Kid Abelha Como Eu Quero

Kina Grannis Valentine

Kings Of Leon Pyro Sex On Fire

Kodaline All I Want

Kyle Edwards Starboy (Harder Better Faster Stronger Jersey Club)

Labrinth Jealous

Lady Gaga Bad Romance Do What U Want (ft. R.Kelly) Edge Of Glory G.U.Y Just Dance Marry The Night Million Reasons Monster Perfect Illusion Speechless The Cure You & I

Lana Del Rey Born To Die Dark Paradise Freak High By The Beach Love Religion Ridin’ (ft. A$AP Rocky) Sad Girl Serial Killer Video Games West Coast Young And Beautiful

Lauren Aquilina Wonder

Leonard Cohen Hallelujah

Leona Lewis Bleeding Love

Lil Dicky Lemme Freak

Lil Wayne 6 Foot 7 Foot

Linda Ronstadt I Will Always Love You

Lionel Richie Just Go (ft. Akon)

Lissie Everywhere I Go

Little Big Town Girl Crush

Los Hermanos Anna Julia

LS Jack Ô Carla

Lulu Santos Como Uma Onda Sereia

Lykke Li I Follow Rivers Until We Bleed

M83 My Tears Are Becoming A Sea

Madonna Material Girl

Maiara & Maraisa Medo Bobo

Mariah Carey #Beautiful (ft. Miguel) Emotions Obsessed Touch My Body We Belong Together

Marianas Trench Haven’t Had Enough

Marina & The Diamonds How To Be A Heartbreaker Oh No! Primadonna Teen Idle

Marisa Monte Depois

Maroon 5 Feelings Makes Me Wonder Stutter What Lovers Do

Marvin Gaye Sexual Healing

Maskavo Um Anjo Do Céu

Matthew Perryman Jones Only You

MC G15 Deu Onda

MC Leozinho Se Ela Dança, Eu Danço

MC Marcinho Glamurosa

Michael Sembello Maniac

Miguel Adorn coffee Simple Things Sure Thing

Mike Posner Cooler Than Me I Took A Pill In Ibiza Looks Like Sex

Miley Cyrus 23 (ft. Mike Will Made It, Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J) Wrecking Ball

MKTO Classic

MØ Fire Rides - Night Version

Mumford And Sons Little Lion Man Sigh No More White Blank Page

Muse Neutron Star Collision Plug In Baby Resistance Starlight Supermassive Black Hole Undisclosed Desires

My Chemical Romance Helena (So Long & Goodnight) I Don’t Love You The Light Behind Your Eyes

Natalie La Rose Somebody (ft. Jeremih)

Natiruts Me Namora

Nelly Dilemma (ft. Kelly Rowland)

Neon Trees Animal Everybody Talks Mad Love

Ne-yo Closer

NF Got You On My Mind

Niall Horan Slow Hands

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds O Children

Nick Jonas Jealous Teacher Wilderness

Nigahiga Bromance (ft. Chester See) Nice Guys (ft. Chester See and KevJumba)

Ninja Sex Party FYI I Wanna F Your A Peppermint Creams Sex Training The Decision

Oasis Wonderwall

Olivver The Kid Attica ‘71

Olly Murs Dance With Me Tonight Kiss Me

Omarion Post To Be (ft. Chris Brown and Jhené Aiko)

One Direction Fireproof Happily Night Changes No Control Perfect Stockholm Sydrome Strong You & I

Outkast Hey Ya!

Panic! At The Disco Death Of A Bachelor Nine In The Afternoon

Papas Da Língua Eu Sei

Paramore Ain’t It Fun Misery Business Still Into You

Passanger Let Her Go

Paula Fernandes Não Precisa (ft. Victor e Leo)

P.Diddy Last Night (ft. Keyshia Cole)

Pentatonix Can’t Sleep Love Fantasy I Need Your Love La La Latch Love Again Natural Disaster

Pink F*cking Perfect Please Don’t Leave Me Sober So What Who Knew

Player Baby Come Back

Post Malone Rockstar

Psirico Lepo Lepo

R5 Dark Side

Rae Sremmurd Black Beatles

Raleigh Ritchie Bloodsport

Redfoo New Thang

Rich Homie Quan Flex (Ooh, ooh, ooh)

Richie Campbell Do You No Wrong

Rihanna Can’t Remember To Forget You (ft. Shakira) Don’t Stop The Music FourFiveSeconds (ft. Kanye West and Paul McCartney) Love On The Brain Needed Me Russian Roulette Te Amo Unfaithful Where Have You Been Wild Thoughts (ft. DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller)

Rise Against Savior

Roberta Campos Minha Felicidade

Robin Thicke Get Her Back

Robot Koch Nitesky (ft. John Lamonica)

Ryan Adams Wonderwall

Sam Smith Nirvana Palace

Sarah Jaffe Clementine

Scorpions Rock You Like A Hurricane

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox Stacy’s Mom

Scouting For Girls Heartbeat

Seal Kiss From A Rose

Selena Gomez Bad Liar Fetish (ft. Gucci Mane) Good For You Hands To Myself Perfect Wolves (ft. Marshmellow)

Seu Jorge Carolina Mina Do Condomínio

Shania Twain From This Moment On Man! I Feel Like A Woman You’re Still The One

Shawn Mendes There’s Nothing Holding Me Back

Shura Touch (Canvas Remix)

Sia Cheap Thrills Elastic Heart

Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water

Skank Ainda Gosto Dela Tão Seu Vamos Fugir Vou Deixar

Sleeping At Last As Long As You Love Me Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic Venus

Snoop Dogg Sensual Seduction

Stevie Nicks Edge Of Seventeen

Stevie Wonder Isn’t She Lovely

Story Of The Year Until The Day I Die

Talking Heads Psycho Killers

Taylor Swift Blank Space Love Story Safe And Sound (ft. The Civil Wars) Style Wildest Dreams

Tears For Fears Everybody Wants To Rule The World

The 1975 Chocolate FallingForYou Somebody Else UGH! The Sound

The Archies Sugar, Sugar

The Barr Brothers May 4th

The Bird And The Bee How Deep Is Your Love

The Black Eyed Peas Meet Me Halfway

The Black Keys Howlin’ For You

The Beach Boys Good Vibrations Wouldn’t It Be Nice

The Beatles Hey Jude Yesterday

The Black Eyed Peas Meet Me Halfway

The Cataracs Ready 4 The Weekend (ft. Icona Pop)

The Civil Wars Poison And Wine

The Cure Boys Don’t Cry

The Glitch Mob Between Two Points (ft. Swan)

The Irrepressibles In This Shirt

The Jackson 5 I Want You Back

The Killers Human Somebody Told Me When You Were Young

The Last Shadow Puppets Miracle Aligner

The Lonely Island 3-Way (The Golden Rule) I’m So Humble (ft. Adam Levine) Jizz In My Pants Spring Break Anthem

The Maine I Must Be Dreaming Into Your Arms

The Middle East Blood

The Neighbourhood Daddy Issues #icanteven (ft. French Montana)

The Platters Only You (And You Alone)

The Police Every Breath You Take Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic Roxanne

The Pretty Reckless You Zombie

The Script Breakeven

The Turtles Happy Together

The Weeknd Acquainted A Lonely Night Earned It I Feel It Coming Often Or Nah (Stwo Remix) Starboy The Hills Wicked Games

The White Strips Seven Nation Army

The Zombies Time Of The Season

T.I Whatever You Like

Tim Maia Descobridor Dos Sete Mares Gostava Tanto De Você Não Quero Dinheiro (Só Quero Amar)

Tinashe Superlove Quit You (ft. Lost Kings)

Tom Odell Can’t Pretend

Toni Braxton Un-Break My Heart

Toto Africa

Tove Lo Cool Girl

Tribalistas Aliança Já Sei Namorar Velha Infância

Troye Sivan Fools for him. Wild (ft. Alessia Cara)

U2 One (ft. Mary J Blidge)

Usher DJ Got Us Fallin In Love Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home) U Remind Me

Van Halen Why Can’t This Be Love

Vinicius Cantuária Só Você

Wesley Safadão Aquele 1% (ft. Marcos & Belutti) Camarote

What So Not Jaguar

Whitney Houston I Have Nothing I Wanna Dance With Somebody I Will Always Love You

xxyyxx About You

War Why Can’t We Be Friends

Yvonne Elliman If I Can’t Have You

Zara Larsson Ain’t My Fault I Would Like So Good

Zella Day Hypnotic (Vanic Remix)

[anachef]

What’s NEW at the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Find Out Here!

It’s time to savor the tastes, sights, sounds, and scents of Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, and we are so excited! This year brings several NEW experiences, including expanded entertainment, fresh eats, and more ways to involve the kiddos!

Captain Hook and Peter Pan at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

And this year, we’ve got a DFB Guide to help you plan a magical visit to Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival! Click here to learn more about the DFB Guide to Epcot Flower and Garden!

So plant yourself for a moment while we seed your plans with all the NEW Flower and Garden fun!

New Flower and Garden Festival Menu Items at Four New Food Booths!

Talk about keepin’ things fresh! This year’s Flower and Garden Festival will feature 17 food booths — including four that are BRAND NEW this year! In addition to the Full Flavor Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth which will serve up Citrus-Poached Salmon, Roasted Beets, and a Mickey Tart with Peanut Butter Mousse; the Arbor at The Gardeners Terrace will offer Fried Green Tomatoes, Smoked Salmon, and a Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake!

Don’t forget to hydrate! Every food booth also features beverages!

The Citrus Blossom will celebrate all things citrus with Lobster Tail, Tuna Tataki, Crispy Chicken, and Citrus Shortcake. And Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods brings an all-vegetarian menu with Grilled Street Corn, a Farmhouse Meatball, and a Chocolate Pudding Terrarium.

Also, look for an all-new menu at both the returning Primavera Kitchen AND Jardin de Fiestas, too, along with new items at returning booths.

Garden Rocks Concerts Seven Nights a Week!

Garden Rocks is a live music event that — for the first time! — will be rockin’ the American Gardens Theater with artists who span years and genres SEVEN days a week! Acts for 2019 include John Michael Montgomery, A Flock of Seagulls, Lonestar, Jon Secada, and more! There are also 17 acts new to the Festival this year, including Colin Hay, Richard Marx, and Wang Chung.

American Gardens Theater

Garden Rocks is a great way to catch some live music in between flower gazing and booth grazing! Don’t forget to book a dining package to guarantee your seat.

Click here to learn more about the Garden Rocks concert series and dining packages!

Fun For the Kids!

If you’re visiting Flower and Garden with your little ones in tow, this year’s Festival has two NEW ways for them to have some fun (and burn off some energy!). Bo Peep’s Playtime Training Grounds is presented by Toy Story 4 and features a playground and garden that Woody and his pals would love! You’ll find the Training Grounds near Test Track!

2018 Flower and Garden Playground

The Play Full Garden, located on the Imagination Walkway, will provide interactive activities for the whole family! These activities will focus on nutrition and wellness with a new playground and the Full Flavor Kitchen Hosted by AdventHealth!

Get the kiddos excited for Flower and Garden by showing them the Full Flavor Kitchen food booth menu!

Penguins!

Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival showcases the beauty, diversity, and function of the natural world, and this year the Festival is bringing attention to an environmental crisis facing the planet: ocean trash. In Future World West, guests can view the Penguin Sculpture made entirely of repurposed trash that was pulled from the earth’s oceans. The brand new sculpture is presented by Disneynature.

If you’re as excited as we are for Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, you’ve got some planning to do! Let us help with the DFB Guide to Epcot Flower and Garden!

Click here to see all of the food booth menus!

Ready to Plan for Your 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Trip?

Pre-order the DFB Guide to the 2019 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival e-Book today! This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever.

Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable Outdoor Kitchens Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!

As soon as the DFB Guide to the 2019 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is published you’ll receive an email with a link to download the new guide!

Pre-order your 2019 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun!

Use code SPRING at check-out for a $2 off the cover price!

What NEW Flower and Garden experience are you most excited to try? Let us know in a comment! 

Related posts:

What You Need to Know BEFORE You Book Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Events!

Tips From the DFB Guide: Do I Need Advance Dining Reservations During the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

Here’s What We Can’t WAIT To Try At The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

from the disney food blog http://bit.ly/2IjPvaa via http://bit.ly/LNvO3e

[rbeatz]

Del’s Sunday 🌞Classic MiX……TrackList Below. Check it out and let us know. What you think🌞 Each Sunday @7am_3pm_11Pm @rBeatZRadio.com

 0:00    Ministry – Every Day Is Halloween (12 Single / 1984)

6:23    The Go-Go’s – Head over Heels

9:58    The Plimsouls – A Million Miles Away

13:26  The Fixx – Stand Or Fall

17:13  The Cure – Why Cant I be you

20:22  Missing Persons – Destination Unknown

23:42  Smithereens – Bloody Roses

27:00  Depeche Mode – Strange Love

31:14  Gang Of Four – Damaged Goods

34:39  Talk Talk – Dumb Girl

38:00  Echo and the Bunnymen – Lips Like Sugar

42:40  Ministry – Dominion

47:39  The Cure – Love Song

53:50  Tears for Fears – Shout

59:36  ABC – The Look of Love

63:01  New Order – True Faith

67:19  Romeo Void – A Girl in Trouble (is a Temporary Thing)

73:20  Men Down Under – Johnny Be Good

76:47  The Quick – Zulu (US 12′ Version)

83:59  Talking Heads – And She Was

87:34  The Motels – Danger

90:50  A Flock of Seagulls – Photograph of you

94:51  Cutting Crew – Died in your arms tonight

99:06  INXS – Need You Tonight

102:05  The Smiths – Stop Me if you think that you’ve heard this one before

105:34  Captain Sensible – WOT! 12″

110:54  XTC – Senses working Overtime

115:32 Charlie – Spacer Woman

Enjoy!!!

Del

http://ift.tt/2xymFJPnefarious-316052730

  Musician/Songwriter/Producer/Artist

704-870-1222

  Del has written and produced music for: Pitbull, Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, KC & The Sunshine Band and many more. Credited with 1 gold and 1 platinum record. During his solo career signed to WEA he landed on the charts in 2005′. Billboard R&B at number 52 with the remake of the George Michael classic “Careless Whisper”. That same year, Del performed on Soul Train. He also remixed a number 1 dance single for Kabah in Puerto Rico.

In the Latin market, Del has written and produced with artists Thalia, Celia Cruz, Soraya, AB Quintanilla, Yuri, Paulina Rubio to name a few.

As an actor and extra, He appeared in several music videos and movies: Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”, Celine Dion’s “A New Day”, Shakira’s “Me Quedes Tu” as her hairstylist, CSI Miami, Bad Boys II, and Out of Time. Del has recorded movie soundtracks for Cellular (Kim Bassinger), Private Lessons, Miami Hustle and Stonerville. Del has also produced a song for the award winning video game “Fight Night 2005”.

As an intern, Del has worked for Dallas Austin producing sound libraries as well as an apprentice for Scott Storch. In 2005, he formed the rock band Big Bang Radio and opened for Duran Duran, Modest Mouse, The Strokes, Foreigner, All American Rejects, Ashlee Simpson, Gnarls Barkley, Common, Nine Inch Nails, VHS Or Beta, Brazilian Girls and many more. Del’s band received international and national recognition through the reality T.V. show on FUSE, Bodog Battle of the Bands. 10,000 bands battled and Big Bang Radio placed 3rd and received 3 months of international television time on the show also starring Johnny Rotten and Billy Duffy.

Recent projects include La Banda for Univision and music production fo Ricky Martin’s Vegas review & One World Tour

from rBeatz Radio http://ift.tt/2zkakfx

[violetmuses]

Complicated - A. Aretas (Part II) ❤️‍🩹

Title: Complicated - A. Aretas (Part II) ❤️‍🩹

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe

Character: Armando Aretas

Pairing: Armando Aretas + Female Reader

Main Storyline: Armando Aretas meets you for the very first time during Mike Lowrey's Zoom Call.

@peaxhygirl @superstar-t20 @adoresmiles @klssngss @deja-r @hyper-trash-panda @amethyst-loves-bucky @planetblaque @sweettea-and-honeybutter @lovedlover @xjjawsomex @readingisahobby @kindofaintrovert @nelo0wesker @gg-trini @cloveroctobers @maliagurl @nobodygetsza @twinklestarslight @yassbishimvintage @episodes-ff 🏷

Part I ❤️‍🩹

=====

2024

“Good morning.” You've crossed the Miami Police Department and smiled when AMMO reunited.

Despite celebrating Mike Lowrey's wedding, tragedy struck.

Fellow detective Marcus Burnett, Mike's longtime partner and best friend, suffered this unexpected heart attack while enjoying that lovely reception.

It's a miracle to see Burnett this morning as he shuffled footsteps near you and held his recovered heart.

“Got something for me, Rook?” Marcus shortened one of your nicknames again.

“No.” You shook your head because medical treatment changed Burnett's diet for several reasons.

“Can we pick up doughnuts later?” Marcus attempted once more.

“No. I'm not helping.” You gently warned Burnett again.

“Damn.” Marcus gritted his teeth and planned to join the briefing room with everyone else.

Right before you'd follow comrades and start working, Mike Lowrey's Porsche reached one curb. Even upbeat music played from the radio.

Heads turned in every direction when criminal Armando Aretas trailed Mike's path.

“There she is. Are we late?” Lowrey opened both arms to hug you after entering the briefing room.

“No, but talk to Marcus. His sugar tooth kicked off again.” You laughed.

“Aight, thanks.” Mike tapped your shoulder and walked elsewhere to join Burnett.

______

Following the McGarth rescue, Armando moved off-grid and quickly escaped law enforcement until further notice, coming right back to Miami now.

Still given official efforts to cut down his lifelong prison sentence, Aretas would continue helping out the AMMO squad.

You sat down near colleagues. Even Armando caught on, wanting for new Captain Rita Secada to stand right behind the podium with business.

No longer sporting that prison uniform, Aretas wore this Bud Light t-shirt and removed one trucker hat, which veiled his brown eyes. Jeans covered both legs while boots stepped along.

“Hey.” His slightly accented English returned this time.

“Hi.” You remained cordial once more because there's no other choice in public.

Despite sharing this brief exchange, Armando still remembered how you joined that private Zoom call from Mike's wedding.

You looked so good that night and Aretas quietly wondered if someone special waited for you at home.

Knowing better, he straightened up and focused when Rita Secada emerged at last.

Here we go. You thought, ready to hustle.

*****

Early mornings and late nights drifted more often than not when work resumed. You even found out that Armando would become your own partner.

Crashing with tech genius Dorn and weapons expert Kelly one night, you sit on the living room floor, watching that ceiling while unable to sleep.

“Do you feel better?” You questioned Armando as he joined the couch instead.

“About what?” Aretas squinted.

“No more handcuffs.” Your own voice turned gentle. “You have another chance.”

“Not really.” Aretas then struggled without overreacting. “I…I don't know what else to do.”

“Live.” You say, leaving his spot for bed this time around.

______

By morning, you shared breakfast with the team and traded personal phone numbers.

No matter what happened next, this grudge decided to fade away.

[violetmuses]

Armando Aretas + Nightclub!Reader 💥

Tag List: @nelo0wesker @yassbishimvintage @nobodygetsza @peaxhygirl @superstar-t20 @adoresmiles @klssngss @deja-r @hyper-trash-panda @amethyst-loves-bucky 🏷

It wasn't enough when Armando met you at the club this evening.

When Detective Mike Lowrey and his longtime partner Marcus Burnett recognized Aretas in public, you're nearly sitting on Armando's thigh.

“Okay, nephew!” Marcus stood flabbergasted while covering his mouth.

Mike Lowrey gritted his teeth while correcting Armando. “Get your ass up and say goodbye to her right now!”

After facing many questions or encountering different secrets, Mike would take responsibility here and stood as Armando's biological father.

“What's wrong?” Armando squinted, definitely puzzled.

“We've called you!” Mike noticed Department Captain Rita Secada. “Rita needs a favor on Monday.”

“Sorry. It's about work.” Armando's slightly accented English rasped toward you

“Okay.” You nodded right back while music kept playing.

Not debating Mike here, Aretas kissed your cheek and exchanged his phone number, leaving the neon venue.

[violetmuses]

Don't Look Back - A. Aretas ❤️‍🩹

Tag List: @nelo0wesker @yassbishimvintage @nobodygetsza @peaxhygirl @superstar-t20 @adoresmiles @klssngss @deja-r @hyper-trash-panda @amethyst-loves-bucky @planetblaque @sweettea-and-honeybutter @lovedlover @xjjawsomex @readingisahobby @kindofaintrovert 🏷

Part II ❤️‍🩹

___________

2024

With James McGrath outright dead, the Miami Police Department could work together and exonerate deceased Captain Conrad Howard.

“Be good.” Detective Mike Lowrey glanced toward his estranged son, previous criminal Armando Aretas.

“It's not up to you, Detective.” Aretas pulled confidence without smiling and fist bumped Lowery, trailing this motorboat to escape the federal government.

One evening, the doorbell rang when Lowrey and his wife Christine finished dinner.

Checking that RING Camera, Christine almost jumped through kindness upon realization.

“Mike, open the door!” Christine cheered with the biggest smile and nearly giggled for once.

Armando returned.

Standing on the porch tonight, Aretas held small luggage and waited.

“Hey.” Revealing slightly accented English, Armando greeted Mike for the first time since leaving.

“Come inside.” Knowing better than to overreact, Lowrey welcomed his son regardless.

______

By that next day, Armando plotted the guest bedroom located upstairs, yet few belongings took space when essentials grounded his spot.

Taking this much-needed shower, Aretas headed downstairs and joined breakfast, thankful to survive at all.

“Morning.” Mike clipped, sitting with Christine at the kitchen table.

“Good morning.” Armando spoke here, but wouldn't grin and quietly accepted this meal through silence.

*****

Sooner than later, red tape pulled strings when Armando finally came back to the police department.

“Nephew!” Marcus Burnett, Mike's longtime partner, almost shouted to look for Aretas.

“Ignore what's going on.” Mike rolled both eyes after taking off sunglasses.

“Okay.” Armando stopped himself from driving back home

Marcus shuffled footsteps across the room, but Mike shook his head.

“Uh-uh! Don't even hug him.” Lowrey warned his best friend.

“Aww, Mike! Why didn't you tell me?” Marcus set theatrics and nearly cried. “He's back.”

“We'll talk, all right?” Mike settled Marcus down and walked toward the briefing room with Armando.

______

Voices echoed when Aretas joined Mike near seating.

Despite everything, Armando glanced over and noticed you for the first time.

Perhaps time ruined his focus, but Armando couldn't help observing.

No matter what happens next, you look gorgeous right now.

“Who's that?” Aretas leaned toward his father, genuinely curious.

“Oh!” Joyful, Mike then raised one brow and smiled. “She's your partner. Hey, Rook!”

When Mike shortened one nickname, you glanced to see him waving closer.

“Hi! What's going on?” Smiling, you greeted both men.

“This is my son Armando.” Mike stepped back for the introduction.

“Hello.” Cordial beyond rumors and headlines, you shook hands with Aretas. “Welcome back.”

“Thank you.” Profesional, Armando wouldn't illuminate his expression.

Before anyone could move forward with their conversation, Captain Rita Secada stood behind the podium and began this meeting.

No games whatsoever. You thought.

_______

Sunset painted this Florida skyline as you left the building.

“Take care.” You stand near Mike's classic Porsche while Armando takes the passenger seat.

“Hey, c'mere.” Aretas gestured his hand and motioned calls.

“What's up?” You stepped closer and Aretas took out his new cell phone.

“Just in case.” Setting that number, Armando traded contacts.

“See you next time.” You leave, but Armando watches your car roll out.

*****

“Armando!” One loud voice screeched throughout the nightclub when Tabitha strutted past neon lights.

Oh, no. You've heard stories and Mike definitely explained Tabitha's wild card.

“Not the time.” Armando took charge, no longer wearing his Bud Light shirt with dirty jeans.

Sporting black, Aretas looped his arm around your shoulder for the mission.

“Oh, she's really cute. Do you want some money?” Tabitha scoped your appearance.

“No, thanks. Help out.” You then spoke up this time.

“What's the plan?” Tabitha sized you up and Armando stepped back regardless.

“Tell us the drop location or I'll shut everything down.” Your hand lingered this veiled firearm.

Another drug deal would poison this city if law enforcement couldn't move fast.

“Just a few blocks away, but are y'all fucking each other yet?” Tabitha stuck out her tongue and messed with you.

“Stop it.” You whispered, trading gum instead and leaving with Armando.

_______

Red and blue overcasts brightened all streets to end this caper. The AMMO squad hustled once more.

“You good?” Armando learned the habit of checking after missions took place.

“Tabitha asked me something stupid.” Your eyes rolled skyward.

“What?” Armando squinted past his brown eyes and you couldn't veil the truth here.

“She asked if we hooked up.” You immediately cringed right now.

“Not unless you wanna…I mean…shit!” Aretas caught himself moments later.

“Wait!” You playfully nudged his arm and ran in heels while laughing.

“My bad, I'm sorry. It was a joke!” Armando catches your footsteps, but you kiss his cheek, exiting the crime altogether.

[violetmuses]

Can't Get Enough - A. Aretas ❤️‍🩹

Title: Can't Get Enough - A. Aretas ❤️‍🩹

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe

Character: Armando Aretas

Pairing: Armando Aretas + Female Reader

Main Storyline: When Armando Aretas returns to Miami, one familiar face shows up sooner than later.

Tag List: @nelo0wesker @yassbishimvintage @nobodygetsza @peaxhygirl @superstar-t20 @adoresmiles @klssngss @deja-r @hyper-trash-panda @amethyst-loves-bucky 🏷

======

2024

Traveling around the world pulled strings for quite some time, yet Armando Aretas returned to Miami, Florida on this bright and sunny afternoon.

“What's up, man? I'm parked outside.” Detective Mike Lowrey stepped forward to dap Aretas up.

After facing many questions or encountering secrets over time, Mike would take responsibility here and stand up as Armando's biological father.

“Thanks for picking me up.” I didn't know who else to…” Armando trailed off.

“It's fine.” Mike then completely understands this point, whispering. “I'd feel better if you stayed with us anyway. Someone else might call authorities before you could even settle in.”

“Yeah.” Aretas genuinely struggled to express himself. I'm just…”

“Tired?” Mike asked.

“That's putting it nicely.” Armando shrugged before joining the classic Porsche. “Can we drop it, though? I don't wanna bum you out with my bullshit.”

“That's fair.” Mike attempted to ease the situation once more.

“Yeah.” Armando speaks up again, thankful while air conditioning chilled down the vehicle.

_______

Until further notice, Armando settled in the guest bedroom located upstairs. Very few belongings took space when Aretas organized essentials.

After taking this much-needed shower, Aretas headed downstairs and noticed that Christine Lowrey, Mike's wife, had returned.

“Hey. Did you just get back?” I didn't hear the garage.” Armando already observed different parts of the house.

Mike married this remarkable person named Christine, a physical therapist. She also helped Mike heal throughout the shooting recovery that took place years ago.

“I drove back from work early because you were here, Armando.” Christine smiles.

“What? You didn't need to…” Aretas feels shocked in a quiet way.

“Of course.” Christine then laughed for just a moment. “Ready for lunch?”

“Thank you.” Armando nodded, joining the kitchen table with Mike before Christine sat down.

Peace.

*****

“Time to work.” Driving his classic Porsche, Detective Mike Lowrey pulled up to the Miami Police Department by morning.

“That's our job Armando left the passenger seat.

“Got jokes now?” Mike laughs while entering this well-known precinct.

“No.” Armando declined, walking toward the briefing room to join others.

Right when Armando and Mike genuinely sit down together, one voice called out:

“Nephew!”

Detective Marcus Burnett, Mike's longtime partner and best friend, reached that briefing room this time. Staff members chuckled around this space.

“I know.” Even Mike shook his head.

“Habla demasiado.” Slyly pointing toward Burnett, Armando whispered to Mike and used his native language of Spanish.

“Your Uncle Marcus.” Shrugging, Mike laughs for real.

“Está loco. ¿Recuerdas la fogata?” Aretas expressed the campfire nonsense.

“Yeah.” Mike nodded, ending the conversation before Marcus sat down.

“What'd I miss?” Burnett veiled Skittles in his pocket despite showing up early this morning.

“Uh-uh.” Disappointed, Mike arched his brow toward Marcus.

For once, Armando held back laughter while observing.

When Captain Rita Secada stood behind the podium and began this meeting, everyone settled for business.

Here we go. Aretas thought.

*****

“Seeing an informant today.” Mike gathered with Armando and Marcus in the hallway.

“Cool. Are they coming to the station?” Marcus genuinely questioned his partner.

“Going to her place.” Mike grounded location details. “It's too risky if the public learns our assignment.”

Her? Armando stood puzzled by curiosity this time around. Who could help us with this drug case?

Silent, Armando joined the car, exiting with Lowrey and Burnett to figure everything out.

______

Sunlight warmed all around Florida palm trees that lined up near gorgeous homes.

Within seconds though, Aretas became silent for once.

Navigation signaled your old address.

When that door finally opened, you emerged and sent Armando through an inward tailspin.

His expression turned unreadable for this assignment, but feelings pulled in so many ways.

“Hey, Mike.” You cleared your throat. “I didn't know that y'all would come over so early.”

“Bad timing?” Mike didn't even know what to think.

“Not at all. Just finished cleaning the house.” You declined, silently welcoming Marcus and Armando through. “What's going on?”

“Whenever you're ready, we need some intel, all right?” Mike questioned. “Pushers started running again, especially in clubs this summer.”

“Okay.” You nodded, watching your hands to set the kitchen table for guests. “Let's do it.”

_______

“You good?” Mike noticed immediately that Armando wasn't talking and excused himself from the table.

“We knew each other.” Aretas exposed new information and revealed your bond.

“What, seriously?” Gobsmacked, Mike almost clenched his teeth over Armando's connection to you.

“It's a long story, but yeah.” Aretas went on just a little more. “We met right before my mother escaped prison.”

“Damn…” Mike stepped back through disbelief right now.

“Mike!” Marcus called from the living room out of nowhere.

Returning to that living room, Mike and Armando see Marcus facing pictures on the walls.

Armando smiled, beaming like an adorable goofball throughout various photographs.

“Are y'all together?” Marcus pointed between you and Aretas.

“We broke up.” You say.

“But y'all still have pictures organized around the house!” Marcus pulled theatrics.”Might as well get a dog too.”

“My mother got in the way, but I don't wanna talk about it.” Aretas planned to work instead.

No other choice.

*****

Red and blue overcasts hit various neon hubs that grooved throughout South Beach. The police department just locked down monsters again.

That same night, Armando returned to your house and turned off the news, just grateful that you were okay.

“Can we try again?” You glanced down and realized that Aretas nearly fell asleep on your couch.

“Hmm?” Armando wakes up, grumbling to seek long-awaited kisses.

“Can..we…” You trailed off that response when his now gentle lips met yours and made up for lost time as he smiled for real.

Just when your fingers smoothed his beard, one cell phone rang.

Leaving his warm embrace, you frowned when Armando picked up the call.

“Hello?” Despite so many years passing, you rest your head on his shoulder.

“Sorry. Marcus is losing his mind right now.” Mike spoke up.

“No more Skittles?” Armando tried first.

“Uh-uh.” Mike refused that idea. “It's not about snacks. He's looking for you.”

“What's up?” Armando questioned his father while puzzled.

“He's acting really paranoid about your relationship.” Mike told the truth.

“I don't care.” Armando defended himself and only watched, concerned.

“I'll deal with Marcus. Just know that I'm happy for you, all right? Bye.” Mike hung up and left Armando with you once more.

No matter what happens next, you'll never lose each other again.

[violetmuses]

Tandem - Multifandom (Part II) ❤️‍🩹 [18+ MINORS DNI]

Title: Tandem - Multifandom (Part II) ❤️‍🩹  [18+ MINORS DNI]

Fandoms: “Rebel Ridge” + “Bad Boys”

Characters: Terry Richmond + Armando Aretas

Love Interest: Female Reader

Main Storyline: When Terry Richmond arrives in Miami, who knows what could happen next?

Tandem Masterlist

@peaxhygirl @superstar-t20 @adoresmiles @klssngss @deja-r @hyper-trash-panda @amethyst-loves-bucky @planetblaque @sweettea-and-honeybutter @lovedlover @xjjawsomex @readingisahobby @kindofaintrovert @nelo0wesker @gg-trini @cloveroctobers @maliagurl @nobodygetsza @twinklestarslight @yassbishimvintage @episodes-ff @sweetiepie4190 @kirayuki22 @katbakhoe @persethegawd 🏷

=======

2024

When his favorite coffee shop closed over drama,  veteran Terry Richmond began to lock down another routine after waking up every single day. 

Until further notice, you would invite everyone to share different meals at your house. 

Parking outside your home for breakfast, Terry chimed that doorbell and waited, not yet holding special house keys like members of AMMO. 

“Hi. Good morning.” When the door opened, you answered. 

“Morning.” Terry still greeted your own presence as usual. 

Wow. Richmond thought. 

You kept very little makeup and wore this comfortable outfit, but that smile remained. 

“Come in.” You welcomed Richmond past the main threshold.

_____

“Bout time you got here, man.” Detective Marcus Burnett shuffled footsteps when Terry entered the kitchen. 

“Am I late?” Richmond chuckled through slight awkwardness. 

“No. Just haven't seen you in a while.” Marcus gestured by the table. 

“My bad.” Since attending the public cookout, Richmond hardly mingled elsewhere and stayed private. 

“No problem. Everybody's different.” Marcus continued speaking, but excused himself as you set down Terry's plate. 

“Thank you.” Terry grinned while accepting the meal. “Where's everybody?”

“Kelly and Dorn just left. Christine isn't feeling well, either.” You counted friends and included Mike Lowrey's wife. 

“Stomach bug?” Richmond frowned. 

“Hopefully nothing miserable.” You didn't even know what to think. 

“That's good.” Terry nodded and just continued eating. 

_________

As time moved along, footsteps echoed from the staircase of your house and Armando Aretas emerged while holding his cell phone. 

“I put you on speaker and we're listening. Tell them what you just said.” His slightly accented English rasped toward Mike Lowrey on the other end. 

“Morning, y'all!” Mike raved. “We just found out that Christine is pregnant.” 

“Aww!” Hysterical, Marcus sniffled through incoming tears. “I can't believe it.”

“Congratulations, Mike!” You cheered with the biggest smile on your face. 

“Thank you! I'll keep everybody posted.” Mike chuckled through joy before hanging up. “Take  care.”

Discarding that meal, you nearly jumped from the table and opened both arms to hug Armando. His rare yet genuine tears fell against your shoulder. 

“Sorry.” Those brown eyes dampened through countless emotions. 

“You'll have a sibling, no need to apologize.” You whispered and offered reality for Aretas. 

Noticing Terry at last, Armando pulled himself together and stepped forward, dapping Richmond up. 

“It's a big deal, man. Congrats.” Terry grinned for a moment. 

“Thanks.” Aretas took the compliment this time around. 

*****

“Y'all not gon’ believe this! Another business replaced the coffee shop.” Marcus Burnett entered that police department with news. 

“What now?” Mike Lowrey questioned his longtime partner. Even Kelly and Dorn looked on. 

“There's a restaurant.” Marcus pointed backwards. “Wanna check it out?” 

“Sure. We'll go after the briefing.” Mike followed other comrades before Captain Rita Secada would make important announcements. 

“Where's Armando?” Marcus quickly glanced around. 

“At home. He's really involved now.” Offering joy, Mike acknowledged Christine's pregnancy while Aretas helped out on a regular basis. 

“When Christine gives birth, don't force Armando to watch his sister, man.” Marcus advised. 

“I'm not forcing anything.” Mike then grinned toward you. “He's ready.”

“Great.” Feeling much better, Marcus settled when Rita Secada stood behind the podium as usual. 

Time to hustle. 

*****

Prepared to work again, you joined this new restaurant when that old coffee shop no longer stood. Customers flocked in time for lunch. 

When that front door chimed again, you'd just served this adorable family and guardians tipped well, bringing out joy during the crazy hour. 

“Apologies for the wait…I'll find your seat as soon as possible…” You paused after recognizing Terry. 

“No rush.” His deep voice almost chuckled as Richmond smiled for a moment. 

“Hi.” You greeted him.

“This place looks even bigger than the coffee shop.” Terry noted. 

“New construction plans. Follow me.” Taking one menu here, you led Terry near this table when coworkers straightened up other messes. 

_____

“It's nice.” Terry acknowledged the establishment surmonce this lunch hour settled down. 

“Yeah. It's family-owned with really good meals. Let me know if you need anything…” You planned to move elsewhere, but the door chimed again. 

“I'm starving!” Marcus Burnett stepped through with Mike Lowrey. “Let's see what's going on here.” 

“Surprise!” You cheered for a second when Mike and Marcus realized. 

“Hey! Never left this spot, huh?” Marcus joked. 

“Y'all just missed the lunch crowd.” You offered this truth and seated both friends. 

Terry looked on from his table as Lowrey and Burnett ordered. 

“No dessert.” Mike arched his brow while facing Marcus again. 

“Damn!” Burnett gritted seconds later. 

Paying the bill, Richmond laughed on his way out the door. 

******

On your day off, no fireworks sparkled in Miami, but Mike and Christine announced the gender of their child while visiting your home one afternoon.

Rolling toward one curb, Mike kept driving his classic Porsche with its top down and revealed the vibrant shade of Christine's sundress. 

“It's a girl!” You raved over pink designs while standing on this porch and watched the car leave after Christine waved farewell. 

Before you would call Armando, his car pulled up out of nowhere. 

“You'll have a little sister? Congratulations!” Your voice beamed. 

“Thanks.” Parking, Aretas opened both arms to embrace you, happy. 

_______

“Nervous?” You asked, quietly sharing lunch together. 

“A little.” Armando set down his drink while thinking of Christine. “She's been through too much.”

“With y'all around, she'll be fine.” You raved over Mike's and Armando's efforts. 

“I hope so. How are you?” Aretas questioned. 

“I'm doing much better.” You said. “There's a new restaurant where the old coffee shop used to be. I work there now.”

“Cool. Sorry if I haven't been around.” Armando offered the truth. “I'm either at the police station, or helping Christine.” 

“It's okay. You have important jobs.” You answered. 

“Appreciate it, but where's my scone?” Armando teased you while remembering his order from the coffee shop. 

“I'll find them.” You know that one break room found at the police department isn't great. 

______

Right when you finished lunch and started watching a movie together, the doorbell rang. 

“I'll get it. ” Armando stood from this living room couch and walked to that front door. 

“Thanks.” You smiled. 

Checking the RING Camera, Aretas noticed that Terry waited on this porch. 

“It's T. Should I open the door?” Echoing past the foyer, Aretas offered his slightly accented English. 

“Oh, shit! Yeah, let Terry in.” You almost scrambled after turning off the movie. 

What happened? You thought. 

Crosstalk overlapped for both men before Terry entered the living room.  

“Hey. The landlord just announced renovations for my apartment. I just wanted to let you know in advance. ” Richmond explained. 

“Oh wow!” You realized. “Feel free to stay here if you'd like. It's less expensive than hotels.”

“Are you sure?” Terry squinted. “I don't want to get in the way.”  

“I don't mind.” You smiled. 

“Thank you.” Richmond nodded. 

“You're welcome. Go ahead and take any of the guest rooms.” You gestured upstairs from habit now and watched Richmond leave. 

Meanwhile, Armando moved out of that apartment complex himself and stayed in the Lowrey household when Christine became pregnant. 

“Mind if I leave after dinner?” There's another doctor's appointment.” Aretas pointed backwards. 

“Okay. Driving her around?” You understood that Christine needed help traveling at the time. 

“Yeah. Mike can't do it this week.” Aretas just went on. 

“All right.” Nodding, both of you straightened up the living room early. 

______

In time for dinner, Richmond headed back downstairs after organizing his temporary room. 

“Armando's leaving early tonight.” You updated Terry. 

“Everything good?” Terry sat down after making his plate this time. 

“Busy tomorrow.” Aretas joined the kitchen table once more.

“Aight. As long as you're okay.” Terry checked regardless. 

“Thanks.” Armando clipped. 

When everyone sat down together and silverware clanked, you smirked once hot sauce reached the table again. 

“Don't crash out.” Gently warning Terry and Armando, you drank one beverage, waiting. 

“That's funny.” Richmond took that bottle, yet Aretas jokingly casted both eyes toward the ceiling. 

Your laughter warmed Terry's heart. 

******

Sooner than later, countless nights moved and different hours returned to your life, but one specific call would change everything right away. 

“Wait, what?” Barely awake, you sat up in bed  and whispered near your cell phone around two o'clock in the morning. 

“Sorry to wake you up, but I'm driving. Christine's water broke!” Armando dropped the big news. 

“Oh, shit!” You tried to avoid screaming and knew that Terry continued staying in one of the guest rooms. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah, but don't stop by yet.” Armando explained quickly. “Immediate family visits first.” 

“Okay. Keep me posted. Congratulations!” You can't help smiling. 

“Thanks. Now I should get going or I'll miss my turn!” Aretas nearly chuckled before hanging up. 

Overjoyed, you grabbed one pillow and squealed inward, unable to sleep again. 

______

“Hey. Woke up earlier and thought I heard something.” By daylight, Terry noticed that you kept the bedroom door open. 

“It was me.” You don't even feel embarrassed anymore. “Christine's water broke last night.”

“Wow.” Terry smiled. 

“I'm going to the hospital, so make yourself at home.” You packed gifts and prepped other essentials. 

“Tell everybody I said congratulations. See you later.” Terry bid farewell, but you tossed an object. 

Using quick skill, Richmond palmed house keys before your car rolled out. 

*******

“She's here, man. Wanna hold her?” Once Christine safely joined parenthood, Mike held his beautiful daughter, yet faced Armando. 

“Yeah. I'll sit down first.” Wearing hospital scrubs through protocol, Aretas nodded. 

“Kay.” Mike glanced toward Christine and signaled with happiness. 

When this child reached Armando's embrace, life made sense.

No more secrets. No more danger. No more pain. 

Regardless of what happened next, this moment changed everyone. 

______

Bringing his wife Theresa with family, Mike Lowrey's longtime partner and best friend Marcus Burnett almost sobbed when entering the hall. 

“My niece!” Marcus blubbered, even fogging his glasses. 

“Marcus, please stop crying.” Mike screwed up his face, but Christine laughed while resting now. 

Even right here, theatrics made no difference as joy prevailed.

______

“Hi!” Despite showing happiness, you whispered to avoid interrupting that space and found Armando holding his little sister. 

“Hey. Look, she's so small.” Aretas grinned near you as Mike and Christine looked on. 

“She's adorable! Congratulations again.” You beamed without stepping too close. 

“Thanks for coming by.” Armando glanced between you and his little sister once more. 

“You're welcome.” You nodded before setting down presents. 

“What's up, Rook.” Mike Lowrey smiled in your path and Christine drifted to slumber, exhausted.

“I can't believe this. How are you?” You carefully greeted Mike. 

“A lot of work, but she's here.” Mike said. “We're very grateful.”

“I'm so happy for all of you. Take care” You planned to step out, but Armando revealed a surprise from one corner.

“Say bye.” Mimicking expressions, Aretas looked toward you and wanted his little sister to bid farewell. 

Hearts melted when you left the hospital and friends celebrated this brand-new chapter. 

******

Nightfall crossed the Florida skyline when your car returned to this driveway. 

“Hi.” Closing that driver's seat door, you met Terry by the porch. 

“Hey. How'd it go?” Richmond offered his deep voice and smiled, guiding you back inside. 

“She's beautiful, T. They're over the moon.” You nearly tear up over this day, but wouldn't overreact.  

“That's good to know.” Richmond shared calm amounts of joy. 

“Everything okay?” You realized his quiet demeanor. 

“Thank you for my keys.” Terry accepted that choice. 

“Oh! You're welcome.” You nodded upon realization. “Not sure how long renovations will last, so I got the set just in case.” 

Dining with leftovers that night, both of you welcomed silence in the home as life shifted. 

*****

During your lunch break one afternoon, Mike   sent this picture via text messages: 

Armando napped while Christine sat on the couch and held her little sister girl. 

MIKE: Caught Big Brother slipping! 😂 😴 🍼 

Before you could text Mike back, Armando called immediately. 

“I'm at work. What's going on?” You picked up the call and stepped outside. 

“Don't laugh.” Aretas spoke to you and revealed his little sister's nickname. “I knocked out at like 3 o'clock in the morning because ‘Princess’ wouldn't fall asleep.” 

“Aw. How's everything?” You smiled regardless of jokes. 

“Besides Christine, I'm her favorite.” Armando chuckled. 

“No!” You gasped. “Is Mike okay?” 

“He's cool, don't worry.” Armando ended the conversation. “Oh, man! Princess just woke up from a nap. Bye.” 

“Bye!” Hanging up, you go back inside and finish the day, energized through happiness.

_______ 

Back home, you find Terry sleeping on the living room couch, but this note waited on that coffee table. 

I'll leave soon. Thank you for everything. - T. 

Not waking him up, you noticed when the house keys angled by that note and even his backpack set on the floor. 

Just before you head upstairs to shower and rest, his deep voice grumbled. 

“That you?” He turned with groggy eyes and  your face smiled. 

“Go back to sleep.” You instructed. 

“No, Ma'am.” Though exhausted, his respect lingered. 

“Huh?” You knelt. 

“Thank you.” Pulling himself together, Richmond left the couch and stepped forward. His bright eyes locked down. 

“How early are you leaving?” You stand up, questioning him. 

“Can we still have breakfast together?” Terry almost laughed. “There's no more renovations at my place.” 

“Deal. Good night. Oh, who's  this?” You planned to leave once more, but your phone signaled one video chat. 

Mike called. 

“It's Mike.” Your voice nearly giggled. 

Just before you answered, Terry sat down elsewhere in the living room. 

“Hey! It's us. Wanted to show you something before bed.” Lowrey greeted you first. 

“Hi! What happened?” You can't wait to see what Mike planned. 

“Hey.” Armando noticed you on camera while holding his little sister. 

“Hi.” You waved to that screen as “Princess” rested her head on Armando's shoulder. 

“Saying good night.” Aretas glanced between you and his little sister, quickly smiling. 

“Night. Get some rest.” You bid farewell as expected, but noticed that Terry stepped forward. 

“Night, everybody.” Richmond's deep voice reached your path. 

“Night, T.” With Armando saying goodbye, The video chat ended before long. 

“That was a nice surprise.” You turned around for a moment.  

“I didn't want to yell.” Terry still acknowledged respect. 

“I'm sure they appreciate it. Sleep well.” You finally go upstairs for bed. 

*****

“Thank you again.” After promising to share breakfast, Terry gathered his belongings and would leave your house. 

“It was nice. Feel free to keep visiting.” You smiled in the driveway with him. 

“Yes, Ma'am.” Richmond nodded and started the truck. “Have a good day.” 

“You too. Be safe.” You waved by the driver's seat window and Terry left just before you shift. 

_______

After work, you drove to Mike's house with takeout from the restaurant and rang this doorbell. 

Steps echoed from inside the household as you waited. 

Before long, Armando answered this door without holding his little sister sister. 

“Hey.” His slightly accented English rasped once more.  

“Hi.” You greeted him. “I brought food in case y'all needed some help.”

“Thanks. Come in.” Armando guided you past its threshold. 

______

“Hey!” Mike opened both arms to hug you upon realization. 

“Hi. I've brought plenty of food if you don't feel like cooking for a little while.” Your voice offered help. 

“Thank you so much. She's running the house now.” Despite laughing, Mike acknowledged his newborn daughter. 

“How's Christine?” You questioned. 

“Sleeping upstairs.” Mike gestured. 

“Good.” You nodded once more. 

Heading to the living room, you find Armando with little sister. 

On sight, the newborn cooed in your direction, happy out of nowhere. 

“No jewelry today. I came here from work.” You laughed. 

“I've had pictures on my phone and she likes your smile.” Aretas revealed. 

“Aw!” You swooned, almost giggling. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” Armando says. 

“She has your eyes.” You gestured between Aretas and “Princess.” 

“Don't get too excited, Rook. Both of ‘em have my eyes. C'mon. We'll be back.” Mike corrected you while taking his daughter for a quick diaper change. 

“How are you doing?” You questioned Armando once Mike stepped away. 

“Tired, but it's worth it.” Aretas then offered his truth. “I want Christine to feel better.” 

“That's so sweet.” You knew that parenthood would change Mike and Christine forever. 

“Yeah.” Armando continued speaking. 

“Don't worry.” You reassured him. “You're doing a great job.”

“Thanks. Is Terry still at your house?” Armando switched topics.

“Renovations just ended, so he left this morning and moved back to his apartment.” You explained. 

“Cool.” Aretas laughed for a moment while taking his cell phone. 

Before you could speak again, Christine emerged from the stairs.

“Hello.” Her kind smile warms your heart as both of you greeted one another. 

“Hi, how are you feeling, Momma?” You checked no matter what. 

“It's definitely a process, but she's healthy and safe.” Christine promised. “That's all we ask for

now.” 

“Of course.” You agree. 

“I need a favor.” Christine whispered and giggling for a moment. 

“Anything.” You offered. 

“Get him out sometimes, and working at the police department doesn't count.” Christine glanced near Armando. 

“I'm right here.” Aretas lifted his finger. 

“You heard Christine.” Taking your purse, you walked Aretas out of the house before his little sister would notice and cry. 

_______

“Where are we going?” Armando joined the passenger seat while you drove. 

“It's a surprise.” You just kept your eyes on the road, silent. 

“Man, I haven't seen this place in a while.” Soon enough, Aretas noticed the parking garage of his former apartment complex. “What's up?”

“Let's visit Terry.” You giggled, bringing junk food and takeout inside. 

*******

Unexpected knocking reached Terry's interest this afternoon and he stepped forward to answer. 

New construction aside, Richmond hadn't found other styles for the apartment and kept general designs in place. 

Opening that door, Terry smiled when you stood with Armando in the hallway. 

“Big Brother now? Come in.” Richmond dapped up Aretas while you closed the door. 

“Christine asked me to get 'em out the house, so we came here to bug you.” You laughed and placed treats on the small kitchen table. 

“You're not bugging me. It's quiet over here.” Terry said. 

“Don't mention his little sister anymore. He'll leave and ignore us.” You gently warned Richmond over Armando. 

“I can still hear you.” Armando took one of your snacks before sitting down. 

“Oh, don't get in trouble.” Terry chuckled back while facing your direction. 

“Y'all can't tell me what to do.” You sat from another chair.  

“Be nice.” Terry arched one brow and crossed both arms, revealing his service tattoos here. 

“Or what?” Your voice teased. 

“Damn. Should I leave?” Armando cleared his throat. 

“No.” You glanced near Aretas. “I drove us here, remember?” 

Just before Armando would respond, your cell phone rang. 

“Hi, K. Wait. what's wrong?” When you answered the phone, AMMO's weapons expert Kelly reached out. “I'm with Armando and we're visiting Terry.” 

“What happened?” Armando stepped closer, but Terry stopped him. 

“Shit! We gotta go.” Hanging up, you scrambled to leave and instructed Aretas. “Call the team right now. Someone found drugs at my job.” 

“Wow. Is that area haunted or something?” Terry became concerned. 

“We'll find out. Lay low, okay?” Your voice rushed to say goodbye and Richmond closed the door as planned, waiting. 

******

“Here's the bad news: it ain't weed.” Marcus Burnett updated everyone as red and blue overcasts brightened that Florida skyline once more. 

As a former detective, you crossed yellow tape with the squad and known sirens pierced through everlasting wails. 

“What happened this time?” You walked toward Mike next. 

“One of the line cooks found this random supply before calling us.” Mike explained. 

“Damn.” You shook your head. “Death toll?” 

“Thankfully no count yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if food has been contaminated or people got sick.” Mike went on. 

“Fuck!” You gritted and mentioned Captain Rita Secada. “All right. Make sure Rita shuts down the city as soon as possible.  I'm not taking any chances.”

“Aight. Shut it down, team!” Mike took charge elsewhere and you stayed with Armando. 

“Once we head back to the station and confirm everything, do you wanna go home?” You looked out for Aretas just in case. 

“No, thanks. I'll stay with you.” Armando's response surprised you here. 

Not arguing, you drove toward the precinct without fail. 

******

Leaving the police department and crashing at home hours later, exhaustion blacked out time upon return. 

By morning, you woke up in your personal bedroom, discovering this note: 

Don't shoot me, but I carried you upstairs last night. - Armando 🖤

Taking one much-needed shower, you pulled yourself together and moved downstairs, joining breakfast without cooking this time around. 

Reaching the kitchen, you found Armando shirtless, but this gold chain shined around his neck. 

Shit. 

“What's wrong?” His brown eyes noticed your confusion as two plates meet that table. 

“Nothing.” You've cleared your throat and accepted the meal. 

“Taking a break until the wolves show up.” Aretas expressed. 

“Call Christine and check on your little sister. It's still early.” You wanted to smile and help Armando feel better. 

“Good point.” Aretas dialed that phone number to signal another video chat. 

Once the police department grounded this new case, time would scramble again. 

“We're busy with another case, but I just wanted to say good morning.” Armando greeted Christine Lowrey. 

“Good morning.” Christine answered at home. 

“Hey,” Aretas said. 

“Dough!” Soon, cooing echoed from the phone when Christine held Armando's little sister sister “Princess.” 

“I'm right here, sorry.” Armando frowned during the call. 

“I'll find pictures of you and hang them somewhere.” Christine told Aretas. “She couldn't sleep last night.” 

“Sorry again. Hopefully today will look better. Take care.” Offering his slightly accented English again, Armando planned to say goodbye. 

“Thank you for checking on us, Armando. Stay safe.” Christine smiled with “Princess” before ending this chat. 

“I'll call Terry before we head out.” You unplugged your phone once that device charged on the kitchen counter. 

Planning this next call, you listened for the ringing dials until Richmond answered: 

“little sister Girl?” Revealing that deep voice, Terry slipped that nickname again. 

“Oh, be careful. You're on speaker, T.” You almost laughed. 

“Where are you?” Terry questioned more regardless of instructions. 

“Armando's staying with me, but we're going back to the police department soon.” You didn't lie at all. 

“Aight.” Somehow, Richmond's voice leveled further and further. 

“We're leaving now, but I'll definitely keep you posted. Bye.” Speaking with Terry, you bid farewell and Armando prepared himself as the case resumed. 

____

“Why did you do that?” Switching places, you turned in the passenger seat while Aretas drove your car. 

“Do what?” Armando wouldn't make eye contact with you. 

“Cooking breakfast shirtless like a movie.” You laughed once more. 

“You didn't stop me.” Aretas clipped one response back. 

“I'll never control anyone.” Nearly whispering, your voice offered this truth here. 

Parking by the station, Armando reached one curb and cut that engine. 

“Maybe I wanted you to notice.” Aretas didn't even flinch. 

Before you could reply for once, Aretas opened the passenger seat door and your guided footsteps trailed him right into the department. 

____

Once this team started hustling for the investigation, Armando wouldn't leave your side. 

Even when Mike and Marcus interrogated your coworkers from the restaurant or questioned others, Aretas became even more protective. 

“Dead ends. People we questioned today aren't adding up.” Mike struggled. 

“What now?” You asked. “We can't stop working yet.”

“I'll pull more strings.” Mike cautioned. “Get some rest before y'all lose momentum.”

As Mike and Armando said goodbye, you waited by the entrance, holding your car keys. 

Before long, Aretas drove once more as you rested in this passenger seat. 

*******

Returning home, you showered upstairs and would dream as usual, but caught Armando standing in the hallway on your way to bed. 

“Is everything all right?” You checked on him just in case. 

“You're better than me ‘cause I can't sleep.” His voice rasped. 

“What's wrong?” You questioned 

“I don't know.” Aretas quietly struggled. 

“You can always try. Wanna talk about it?” You wanted to help. 

“No. I'd feel better if you sleep.” Armando leveled the response. 

“Okay.” Trusting him, you couldn't argue and pointed backwards, heading to your room. “Good night.”

“Buenas noches.” Using his native language of Spanish, Armando offered ‘good night’ as well. 

“Thank you for helping me.”Just before you closed the door, one phrase reached Aretas. 

*******

On your way back to the police department, Terry called. 

“Morning.” Richmond's deep voice answered soon enough. 

“Good morning, T.”  You just wanted to feel better now. “I connected Bluetooth in my car, so watch yourself.” 

“Are you alone?” Terry snuck. 

“No.” You lifted your brow. “Armando's driving.”

“I'm coming to the station.” Terry revealed this plan and your thoughts jumbled. 

“Why?” You asked, puzzled. 

“I'll explain soon.” Terry hung up before you could respond. 

_______

“Someone in my apartment might be responsible for the drugs.” Terry offered brand-new information. 

“What the hell?” Your eyes traded glances with Armando. Even Mike and Marcus looked flabbergasted. 

“I left the building's fitness center and noticed this guy struggling with his bag.” Terry went on. ‘When I tried to help, he ran off.” 

“Did you see anything in the bag?” You questioned. 

“Uh, some items looked like silver holiday presents and boxes wrapped with red tags.” Terry explained the circumstances further. 

“Heroin.” Lowering their voices, Mike and Marcus responded in unison. 

Damn. You thought. 

“It's ‘95 all over again.” Mike gritted. “Who the hell pushes heroin nowadays?” 

“The drug of choice might help, but we'll see what happens.” Marcus said. “Terry, give us an ID for whoever you saw with that bag.”

“Yes, Sir.” Richmond nodded, staying back when more professionals entered this interrogation room.

______

Stepping toward the hallway, Mike joined you and Armando. 

“How's Christine doing with Princess? Should I go back to the house?” Armando stood concerned as Christine watched his little sister sister alone. 

“Don't worry. I'll check on them. Just stay with Rook. Can't have y'all scattered everywhere if somebody's responsible for the drugs.” Mike looked near Aretas and you once more. 

As you plan to leave, that interrogation door opened and Terry stepped out with Marcus. 

“We're getting close. Got a face, but Terry doesn't know his name yet. Our suspect stays private in the apartment building.” Marcus gestured around his expression. 

“Just like the McGarth case.” Mike shook his head. “Ghosts stay quiet.” 

“Yeah. It's early.” Marcus would ground the next plan. “Let's order some food and start hustling.  There's just a matter of time before this fool realizes what's going on.” 

_______

As nightfall crossed the Miami skyline in this precinct, time almost blurred throughout dark lights once maintenance turned down brightness.   

“Wrap it up, Mike! Look at them.” Feeling tired, Marcus pointed as Lowrey faced everyone else. 

Takeout boxes waited in corners and weapons expert Kelly grumbled near tech genius Dorn, exhausted. Captain Rita Secada left hours earlier. 

On the other hand, you stopped reviewing details with Terry and charged your phone, unable to focus more. Even Armando shut down his laptop. 

“Damn! Let's get out of here.” Noticing your watch, you gritted. “It's almost midnight.” 

As if on cue, Terry and Armando stood to clean the area. Dorn ended work as Kelly gathered belongings.

“Follow us back to the house.” Armando rasped by Terry. 

“All right.” Complying, Terry followed you and Armando out of the precinct without thinking twice. 

*****

No shared meals together. No light-hearted conversations. Rest became the top priority for all three of you or burnout would hinder everything. 

Sunlight greeted another morning in Florida as you woke up alone once more. 

Exhaustion stood out even more because you don't actually remember walking upstairs last night. You'd fallen asleep on the living room sofa. 

Maybe Armando helped out again, but who knows what could've taken place. 

After getting ready as usual, you found Armando leaving one of the guest rooms. 

“Hey. How'd you sleep?” On sight, Aretas paused and smiled in your direction. 

“I slept well. Thanks.” You responded. “By the way, you're in a good mood.” 

“Not running on empty and I feel better.” Armando said. “We've been trying to figure this out with no breaks.”

“Yeah.” Your thoughts agree. Time didn't even matter when cases began to lock down. “Staying back might help.” 

Out of nowhere, his phone rang in one pocket and you watched curiously as Armando picked up. 

“Hey. Hold up, what? Are you serious? Be right there. Thanks.” Aretas ended the conversation moments later. 

“What happened?” You squinted, unable to even reach the kitchen for breakfast. 

“Mike just called and the suspect turned himself in. C'mon.” You immediately followed Aretas and grabbed quick bites, almost ignoring Richmond downstairs. 

“What the hell?” Terry squinted through countless feelings. 

“Breakthrough with our case. We need to go.” You almost run toward the passenger seat of your car while Armando drives once more. 

_______

“What's up?” Questioning Dorn, Armando stood by virtual screens from the department when that suspect offered his truth. 

“Wow!” Dorn learned information right away, shocked. “Ready?” 

“Go ahead.” You encouraged Dorn. Even Kelly waited in silence. 

The suspect revealed his confession and Dorn almost immediately found this profile. 

“Drug trafficking, identify fraud, bribery. The list goes on.” Dorn listed so many crimes. 

Before you could pick up your jaw from the floor, sirens wailed again as different law enforcement officials escorted this random man to prison. 

Red and blue overcasts would take over morning sunlight here. 

“We got 'em.” Mike stepped forward alongside Marcus. “Our suspect moved into the apartment after Terry and no one questioned it.”

“What now?” You asked. 

“I'll update Rita. Just head back until further notice.” Mike instructed. “We should open the city again soon.” 

Learning drills like clockwork, you traveled home and waited, only needing one signal from Mike.

 ******

“Your neighbor hid so much corruption, but he's going to prison.” You explained what happened as Terry listened. “Discovering heroin in his bag opened the floodgates.”

“Damn. At least no one was killed, though.” Terry shook his head. 

“Hopefully not.” You kept that response vague because the future could expose much more. 

Exhausted despite the hour, you heated up leftovers and tried to settle down with lunch, but Mike called early. 

“We'll open the city soon. Just stay back tonight, though. Bye, Rook.” Mike hung up as quickly as responding. 

“Mike and Rita haven't opened the city yet.” You just looked toward that phone. 

“We'll be fine.” Terry understood this point while safety meant everything. 

“I'm taking a nap.” Armando excused himself from the kitchen table and headed upstairs, only watching you.  

“Are you finished eating?” You stood and planned to clean up the kitchen, but Terry insisted on helping regardless. 

“Yes, but don't worry. I got it.” Richmond gently stopped your hands from moving along. 

“Are you sure?” You still questioned Terry just in case. 

 “Yes.” Terry nodded. 

“I'll be upstairs.” You turned away from the kitchen and left, showering. 

*****

Sometime later, you realized that Armando kept the guest room door open, but your fist knocked anyway. 

Aretas began this video chat with Christine and made funny faces while noticing his little sister ‘Princess.’ Sweet laughter cackled right through. 

“C'mere.” Aretas smiled toward you and welcomed an empty side of the bed. 

“Hi!” You waved toward the phone. 

“Hello.” Christine greeted your voice while carrying her daughter. “We're about to hang up, but Armando wanted to make her laugh before we stopped talking.”

“Have a good one.” Armando bid farewell one last time until the call ended. 

“Feel better?” You looked out for Aretas and smiled. 

“Just waiting to go home.  I don't want ‘Princess' to think I'm gone.” He frowned regarding his little sister sister. 

“You haven't left her behind.” Your words tried to help out. “We've been working.”

“Okay.” Aretas wouldn't debate this point further as sunset arrived in Miami. 

Just before you'd leave to make dinner, Armando stood from the bed. 

“Don't even worry about cooking dinner. I'll order food.” Aretas suggested. 

“Thank you, but y'all won't let me do anything now.” You almost laughed this time. “Even Terry cleaned the kitchen.” 

“Returning favors because you've helped us a lot.” Aretas spoke up once more. 

“I appreciate it.” No matter what, you accepted the real compliment, leading Armando back downstairs. 

_____

“When life settles back down, what should we do next?” Terry offered the question as everyone shared takeout that night.

“Beach? I haven't gone in a while.” You volley that idea right back. 

“That sounds nice.” Terry nodded by you and still faced Armando for his  opinion. “What do you think, man?”

“We'll see.” Aretas finished his meal. “I'll feel better when this case is closed.” 

“Fair enough.” Richmond agreed. 

*****

Law enforcement concluded the investigation while safety and brightness returned to Miami at last. 

When time moved on again, you cleared this break, finally inviting Terry and Armando to the beach.

Driving, Armando rocked this tank top with matching shorts while another gold chain swung from his neck. 

You joined the passenger seat once more, yet Terry waited back, intently dodging his earbuds this afternoon. Awareness would help so much. 

Once you set up everything and sat with both men that day, peace arrived. 

Taking off your coverup as heat sizzles, you revealed that bathing suit. 

But when you turn around, Armando and Terry haven't moved from their chairs yet. 

Oh, well. 

Just as you walked along the shore, someone finally joined you here. 

Terry is now shirtless while his service tattoos inked on display. 

“Hi.” You've taken careful steps while addressing Terry. 

“Hello.” Richmond stayed cordial. 

“What's wrong, no nicknames?” You messed with him now. 

“Can't.” Terry declined. 

“Why?” Your eyes squinted as waves ebbed and flowed. 

“Look behind you.” Terry glanced over his shoulder.

Sure enough, Armando trailed your own footsteps. 

“I'll be right back.” Excusing yourself from Terry, you crossed paths with Armando. 

____

“Hey.” His slightly accented English returned as you greeted each other. 

“What's going on?” You questioned. “Terry might not feel comfortable.” 

“Sorry, but can we talk about something?” Aretas moved closer.  

“Yes. Are you all right?” The energy shifted this time around. 

When he took your hand, Armando's brown eyes nearly locked you down. 

“I miss you.” His words left your mind puzzled now. 

“I'm right here.” You say, definitely confused at this point. 

“Cariño…” Using his native language of Spanish, Armando called you “Sweetheart.”

“Yes?” You tried to ignore the nickname, but your heart jumped within. 

“Don't know how to say this, but I….” Aretas quietly struggled. 

“Take your time…” You still wanted Armando to express himself. 

“I'm in love with you.” The leveled confession stopped your tracks. 

Everything made sense this time. 

Aretas nearly living in your house. Inviting you to the hospital when Christine gave birth to his little sister. Driving. Protective. Respectful. On and on. 

“Armand…” As you shortened his name, the truth shook up countless emotions. 

“It's okay. I'm good if you don't…” Armando stopped talking out of nowhere when another person reached the shore. 

“Terry, what's wrong?” You stepped forward, genuinely concerned. 

“We should go. It's important.” Richmond pointed back to the car. 

“Oh, damn. All right.” You acknowledged your watch and returned by three chairs, gathering belongings to leave. 

*******

“Speaking with Armando in private.” Terry explained the plan when all three of you came back to your home. “Don't worry.”

“Okay. Let me know if y'all need anything.” You nodded and tried to smile before heading upstairs. 

______

“I've been holding my tongue. Really?” Terry crossed both arms while standing in the living room. 

“What are you talking about?” Aretas didn't even know what to think. 

“I don't want to lose my temper, but you know exactly what I'm saying.” Richmond arched his brow.

“Wait, hold up. Did you hear our conversation earlier?” Armando's thoughts jumbled.

“Everything.”  Terry somehow lowered his deep voice even more. 

“Look, I told the truth.” Aretas quietly defended himself. “It's better than nothing at all.” 

“Always moving first.” Terry shook his head for a moment. 

“You sound jealous, T.” Armando caught on right away. 

“So what? Maybe I am.” Terry couldn't fight anymore. 

“I've never seen you make a move.” Aretas scoffed back. 

“Don't judge me for staying private.” Richmond kept speaking about you. “I've used nicknames with her, but my choices are none of your business.” 

“She can make her own decisions, but I spoke up before you.” Thinking of your heart and ignoring Terry, Armando planned to cook instead. 

_______

Tension almost burned this space from inside out when you reached that kitchen for dinner. 

Armando and Terry sat across from each other once you joined this table. 

“Hi.” You smiled with efforts to brighten their frowns. 

“Hey.” Armando noticed you first. “There's another cookout tomorrow if you wanna go.”

“Cool.” You nodded and even mentioned Armando's little sister. “Should we babysit Princess?”

“Help me find a picnic table near Mike and Christine or my sister will start crying.” Aretas knew better. 

“Deal.” You laughed. 

Terry stayed quiet as you began to ramble, excited for this upcoming event. 

_______

Later that night, you planned to sleep, but someone knocked on your bedroom door. 

Before long, you opened up to see Armando standing in the hallway. 

“Hi.” You gently answered. “Are you out of toothpaste or something?”

“No.” Aretas chuckled. “I can't sleep.”

“Nightmares?” You stepped closer.

“No.” Armando repeated himself at first. “Just…I can't stop thinkin’ about you.”

Armand….” You struggled with his name once more, nervous as invisible butterflies rattled 

“I know…” Aretas would leave right now if you wanted. 

Fed up with your own confusion, you moved near Armando until each stance met. 

Moonlit shadows captured the bedroom as you stood nose to nose. 

“Don't break my heart.” Your voice trembled beyond words. 

“Never.” One promise grounded the truth as his lips met yours for the very first time. 

Stepping back, air quivered as you both realized what just happened. 

“Too much? You wondered, checking on Armando first.

“No. Want me to stop?” His accented English only shook more. 

“No.” You offered absolute consent and reached his chain, giving Aretas more kisses. 

Hazed by rising chemistry, you undressed one another while Armando's desperate lips greeted your neck.

Tangled on this bed, his body shadowed yours  as each kiss deepened and senses woke up. 

“Condom?” Armando nearly whispered just in case. 

“Nightstand.” You guided his path and he reluctantly turned away for protection, just hoping to worship your shape. 

From his perspective, you looked so good at the beach earlier, walking along that shore in this remarkable bathing suit. 

“We don't have to do anything.” Glancing down, Aretas held the condom between his fingers. 

“I want this to happen.” You promised, kissing him just before time moved again. 

“Me too.” Locking eyes with you, Aretas opened the piece and bit his lip, slyly noticing how our legs wrapped around his waist. 

Bliss only heightened when Armando lined up with your entrance and just waited for permission.

“Please…” Your whimpering voice searched for his presence. 

“I'll count. Look at me.” Caressing your face, Armando wanted to make you feel good. “3, 2, 1…”

“Fuck!” Safely buried inside, Aretas held back grateful shock while you clenched around him and gasped from 

“Does it hurt?” His rasping tone offered the question while dangerous hips started thrusting. 

“No.” You just couldn't help pleading over and over again. “Keep going!”

“What? I can't hear you.” Once Armando chuckled for a moment, his ego spanned outward. 

“Baby…” As one nickname slipped from your trembles, no one else mattered right now. “Don't stop.” 

Encouraged by the sounds of your desperate voice, Armando only switched positions and your own body mounted him, still not able to cum yet. 

“Look at me!” He gritted right back, prompting your eyes to move down once more. “I love you so much.” 

“I know…” Bracing his chest with your palms, you anchored with efforts to keep this future climax settled.

One coil found within your stomach unraveled before time could even help. 

Soon, you warmed the condom, involuntarily weeping as kisses returned. 

Aretas doesn't pull out right away, smiling against your lips and calming down. 

“Ready for tomorrow?” This man teased you while still acting up. 

“Have som common sense.” Once Armando pulled out, you nearly giggled before leaving him to shower alone. 

******

By morning, you tangled once more when Armando set his face between your thighs, softly guiding his beard along. 

Just when you'd climb another mountain, his phone started buzzing on the nightstand. 

Half-dressed, you casted both eyes toward the ceiling and lose momentum, but sit down to watch Armando use this phone. 

“Text messages.” Aretas gestured by the screen, but you don't even care, kissing him to make up. 

Fuck! Armando realizes. 

Terry has been pinging different notifications since last night. 

Given no other choice, you both pulled yourselves together and headed downstairs, facing Richmond. 

______

“Hold on, I need a minute with him.” No longer holding back, Terry stepped forward to acknowledge you and Armando. 

“No chance. Don't fight in my house.” You refuse to walk away. “Speak in front of me this time.”

“Fair enough.” Terry remained cordial and understood your point. Drama kept no place here. 

“We're together now. Either respect it or get out of the way.” Aretas defended your bond. 

“Did you even want her before?” Richmond wanted to know everything. 

“I love her.” Armando protected you now. “Matter of fact, who took care of everything once she left that hospital? Me, not you.” 

“Don't blame shit.” Terry remembered when this bullet almost killed you. “We brought her to the emergency room.”

“You ghosted us.”  Armando lifted his cell phone to make this point. “Be thankful she even tolerates you now. ” 

“Why did you leave like that?” Looking at Terry, you intervened for once. 

“Mama…” Richmond failed to bring up sweetness with nicknames 

“Answer my question.” You put your foot down. “If you care about me so much, why leave at all?” 

Terry admitted more. “You survived, but everyone else helped out before I could move forward.” 

“AMMO is like my family.” Your voice kept responding. “You can't take charge just because we know each other.” 

“But he can?” Terry then squinted regarding Armando. 

“Drop the conversation already.” You can't bicker anymore. “We have plans today, so please stop arguing.” 

******

“Hi!” Florida sunlight welcomed the park once more as you joined those picnic tables. 

When Armando's little sister woke up, she cooed, opening small to greet Aretas. 

“Aw, wow!” Everyone noticed when the infant dropped her head onto Armando's shoulder. 

“Miss me, huh?” Armando grinned toward this child and your feelings jumped again. 

Terry debated his exit when you held Armando's hand and beamed around your friends, happy to be alive. 

I lost you. Richmond's heart would break for good. 

[violetmuses]

Get The Message - A. Aretas 🫂 💐

Title: Get The Message - A. Aretas 🫂💐

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe

Character: Armando Aretas

Pairing: Armando Aretas + Female Reader

Main Storyline: You find out that Armando Aretas has a crush. 🏷 @nelo0wesker @adoresmiles

======

2024

When you entered the Miami Police Department, gorgeous flowers waited up front.

“K?” You gestured for AMMO weapons expert Kelly to see this arrangement.

“Oh, the set looks amazing, but those flowers aren't mine.” Kelly shrugged.

At your desk, you organize essentials for the day just and move forward as usual. Soon enough however, other people finally walked right in.

“How you doing, Rookie?” Mike takes off his sunglasses and jokes with you. Even his longtime partner and best friend Marcus Burnett smiled at you.

“Hey.” You grinned toward both famous detectives right now.

“That's all we get? Marcus scrunched up his face, puzzled through laughter. “Thought you were family.”

“She's busy again.” Mike whispered to Marcus and chuckled, pointing near your desk.

Just before Lowrey sat down as well, muffled rhythms echoed outside.

After hiding overseas and escaping imprisonment, previous criminal Armando Aretas safely returned to Florida and would help the AMMO squad.

Detective Mike Lowrey even stood as Armando's biological father.

“Mike, I told you not to buy Armando that new car!” Marcus complained. “He'll blow out the speakers with music.”

“Armando just got back. Shut up!” Mike warned Marcus again.

When the music stopped playing, some coworkers frowned.

“Sup, man?” Mike greeted his son and that crosstalk reached near your desk.

“Had to wake myself up.” Aretas chuckled about the playlist noise.

“I get it. It's early.” Lowrey nodded without thinking twice here. “Let's go.”

Captain Rita Secada held another briefing this time around and you followed everyone direction to join.

Right before you reached that space, Armando opened the door.

“Surprise.” He whispered, sitting right next to you that day.

Dots finally connected in your head.

Aretas gave you the flowers!

[violetmuses]

Finesse - A Aretas. ❤️‍🩹🫂

Title: Finesse - A. Aretas ❤️‍🩹🫂

Fandom: “Bad Boys” Film Universe

Character: Armando Aretas

Pairing: Armando Aretas + Female Reader

Main Storyline: “Chasing” becomes Armando's favorite game when you join the Miami Police Department. @superstar-t20 @sunrisesfromthewest @yassbishimvintage @peaxhygirl

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2024

“I'd like to make an announcement.” Captain Rita Secada stands behind the podium and conducts briefings quite often.

“Could've been an email.” Marcus Burnett grumbled while sitting near longtime partner and his best friend Mike Lowrey.

“You barely check the system.” Mike only wanted to enjoy his coffee this morning, rolling both eyes toward the ceiling.

Typical seating arrangement even placed Armando beside Marcus, yet Mike knew better and would trade spots for every single meeting.

“Hey! Where are you going? Marcus realized that Mike stood up.

Sitting back down, Mike had noticed Aretas typing.

“Sup?” Mike greeted Armando quickly, just like normal.

“Oh, my bad. Hey.” Armando turned from notes and jutted his chin toward Mike for a second.

After returning to Miami, Armando stayed at home with Mike. Lowrey also married this remarkable person named Christine, his physical therapist.

“You good?” Mike checked in no matter what's going on.

“Yeah.” Armando nodded without smiling by this point. “What's wrong?”

“Nothin', I just…” Shrugging, Mike trailed from Aretas. Heads turned when someone else opened this door and entered that briefing room.

Voices of the space picked up as you chose one last empty chair and sat down. Rita then explains highlights of your own career in law enforcement.

While still dressed professionally like everyone else, you look absolutely gorgeous.

Though impressed with your experience too, Armando can't focus when you smile at AMMO weapons expert Kelly and introduce yourself.

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Once the meeting ends, Armando quietly leaves Mike and Marcus behind, returning to his desk.

You've started to organize essentials while perched across from him, focused as your initial work day begins

“Hey.” Armando genuinely tried to introduce himself.

You ignored Aretas and stayed drowned by the noise of that precinct this morning.

Uh-oh. She's definitely read through my criminal record. Armando thought.

Not pestering more, Armando slipped his phone number and walked off.

Who knows what could happen next?