#makeitastrength

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy birthday to one of my favorite people @makeitastrength. You’ve become one of my closest friends. I love our shared Chenford brain, our brainstorming sessions and just chatting every day. I hope your birthday is as amazing as you are D ❤️ Love you and here’s some yummy Tim for your bday baha

[thesassywitchofthenortheast]

Alright, time for a new question: what are your favorite Tim Bradford quotes/lines of dialogue?

This is actually so hard. I’m mad at you now lol

1.

2.

3.

4.

Well actually the “I am who I am, in spite of you” but I couldn’t find a gif of that

5.

Bonus favs:

[sisterofficerlucychen]

I know we’re all struggling with this endless hiatus and the lack of new content, so I thought it would be fun to resurrect the #chenfordchats that were circling around the fandom earlier this year. We previously did a question on favorite Tim Bradford quotes, so this time let’s do Lucy! What are your favorite 3-5 (or more if you want) Lucy Chen quotes from the entire series 😊

oooooh~~ i love this question ♡ i feel like she has so many good ones!

some of my favorites that are the biggest mood:

"Wait, do I get a trophy? I love trophies"

"Can you believe the nerve of that guy, calling me dramatic?"

favorite funny ones:

"What would you like this "Go-fer" to go for first? A tainted coffee? A moldy donut?"

"Uh —  It's not poverty. Aaron!"

"I have to look amazing in a dress tomorrow. Nobody cares what you look like. He's huge. I am not fighting him"

then specific chenford ones ♡

"With all due respect, sir, you're a pain in my ass"

"I mean, it’s a better story for the grandkids"

"You're gonna make a really great dad one of these days"

[zadien]

I know we’re all struggling with this endless hiatus and the lack of new content, so I thought it would be fun to resurrect the #chenfordchats that were circling around the fandom earlier this year. (I can’t remember if you were participating before, but you can search that tag to see what it’s all about… it’s basically just a Q&A.) We previously did a question on favorite Tim Bradford quotes, so this time let’s do Lucy! What are your favorite 3-5 (or more if you want) Lucy Chen quotes from the entire series 😊

Ooh! I'm excited for this! I was a baby fan when these were happening - even though I was lurking for over a year by that stage and had voraciously devoured so much fanfic. I went over the 5... Lucy has great soundbites. Sorry, not sorry. (also a good Lucy line!) "You're gonna steal my car? The one that broke down two blocks ago?"... "Officer Chen, reporting for duty." "With all due respect sir, you're a pain in my ass." - This one scratched an itch in my brain because in my previous fandom this was my version of I love you, so when Lucy said this I jumped on board the ship train! "Short Sleeves!" - mainly because I cheered this just before she said it; it was so nice to see Lucy win, especially when Tim went out of his way to cheat on the bet. "I did not need saving" - Lucy to Emmett, which I think is pretty much sums up Lucy in general - she'll find a way to save herself. "We're all gonna make it because we're gonna have each other's backs no matter what." Peak Lucy supporting everyone and being the glue of the group. "My first day as a Rookie, I thought you were going to be my Doug." - helping Tim realise his attitude in season one was not good. "Surround yourself with people who support, value, and energise you which... may have to wait until later." "What do you wanna bet that if we went to your house we'd find your DNA all over your stuff too." And then immediately undone by: "Was that too mean?" "To be clear, I'm still mad at you, okay? This doesn't change anything." ... "Are you okay?" Sass, so much sass incoming:

"Oh, so we are in a relationship?" "I would never do that. It's is now my lock screen." "There's no technically about it, a debt is owed" & "you owe me" "Terse nods, mainly." "Rinse, wash, repeat."

[chenfordsource]

Gif request, because I can’t get over the foreshadowing: Lucy saying “I do” in 5x09 and tim down on one knee in 6x02!

This was such a good catch! Thanks for the request - here you go!

[chenfordfanficquotes]

And while that’s a slightly more valid reason for not wanting uproot her life, the main reason she isn’t willing to leave LA is the one she can’t admit to Chris. A reason with light brown hair and blue eyes and a loving heart that has been broken far too many times. One who has saved her life and, until a few months ago, was one of her closest friends and confidantes.

- Just give me a reason by @makeitastrength (submitted by @chenfordspiral)

[chenfordsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas in July! 🎅

We're still a couple months away from the kickoff to #chenfordsecretsanta24, but to get you into the holiday spirit, we're here to share a master list of all of last year's fics!

Short and sweet, or long and epic. Fluff and romance, or angst and drama. Canon compliant, canon divergence, alternate universes. There's something for everyone!

Dive into the list under the jump (or find the whole collection here), enjoy some great fic, and hey, comments make great gifts 😉

A Warmth I've Never Known by @onlymylovesurvive

December 26th by @girlintotv

Did You Move In? by Chenfordlover13

Sergeant Santa by @littlesnafu

Saudade Season by @silverskull

Tis the damn season by @centralperkchenford

His Only Duchess by @westwingwolf

All My Love Is Gift-Wrapped by @bluenet13

Santa honey, there's only one thing I really need by @aprendimos-el-idioma-del-amor

I'm jealous of the way you're happy without me by AllMyTomorrows

Snowed In by @mamadoc

If you fall, I will catch, I will be waiting by @secretlysassydream-blog

All I Want for Christmas Is You by @chenfordsrollisi

'tis the season by @dolohov29

So This is Christmas, Baby by @angelbutterfly-writes

All I Want for Christmas (Is You) by @ellitheria

Christmas Lights Glisten by @hrts4chenford

Secret moments in a crowded room by @makeitastrength

The Best Laid Plans by @fuzzywuzzywuzzawriter

comfort and joy by @wheelsupin-azarathmetrionzinthos

snowflakes in my stomach by @buckymfknbarnes

The Best Gift of All by @wanna-be-bold

If we can make it through December... by @roguetwelve

Not this year, blondie by @chry5alis-05

i'll be there if you're the toast of the town (or if you strike out and you're crawling home) by @queseraone

Baby, Please Come Home by @lovingmoose

Now It's Christmas Eve At Last (And I'd Be a Fool To Let It Pass) by @theawkwardanglophile

you can call me babe for the weekend by @timandlucy

12 Golden Pears by @my-shields-are-down

'tis the first of many seasons by @chenfordspiral

I want your midnights by @itsgrangerweasley

Aunt Genny by @imperiumwifestrikesagain

i would be happy just to hold the hands i love by @itsoneofthemuses

Give that special gift to me by @roguetwelve

hold on to the memories (they will hold on to you) by @sisterofficerlucychen

Out With a Bang by @girlintotv

two hears that beat as one (our lives have just begun) by @chenfordspiral

Better Late than Never by @come-rain-come-shine

i've got my love to keep me warm by @queseraone

[theflyindutchwoman]

Do you think Tim has been acting OOC lately? Breaking up with Lucy, what he did in the army and lying to Grey and West so easily : I can't help but think it came out of nowhere. Old Tim would never have done that. What do you think?

Old Tim would never have done that. I disagree. Not only would have Old Tim done exactly that, we know he actually did - @makeitastrength and @roguetwelve made some very good points on that subject yesterday. The difference is that we didn't see it play out in details like in 6.06. But Old Tim lied to IA about Isabel's addiction. That was why Detective Murphy was so gung-ho against him in 1.16 : he knew about her addiction but didn't report her. He covered for her to protect her. Just like he didn't immediately warn the detectives about the kilo of drugs in Isabel's apartment after she confessed. He was even ready to steal that piece of evidence for her before he came to his senses and realised that it wouldn't help her in the long term. And it definitely wasn't the first time he lied to Grey. Remember that time he went rogue (with Lucy) in 2.14? Granted, there was no IA inquiry but he still officially lied on a report and to Grey's face (with the rest of the team). Or that time he made Lucy lie in a report after he instigated a fight with the bikers or by not mentioning Isabel?

Also, not to be that person, but the man has mentioned several times that he did some work with the CIA in the past… and, well, no offense, it doesn't get shadier than them - which is kind of hilarious when you think about it, considering how black & white Tim is. Let's not forget that Guatemala op too : it was never sanctioned to begin with, they used a black-op branch of the DIA and it's pretty safe to say that they covered it up after getting Angela back. The biggest difference is his motive. Tim claims that he did what he did back then for his career, which sounds far less noble than saving his BFF or fighting for his country. It would be interesting to see if that's true though or if it was the self-loathing rewriting history. But either way, he has done some shady things in the past and we knew about it.

As for Tim breaking up with Lucy… It is very much still in-character, unfortunately. This is the same man who decided to divorce Isabel because he thought that it would help her, not because he wanted to. He was terrified of being a walking reminder of her addiction and didn't want to hold her back. In that regard, his decision to break up for Lucy because she deserves far better (his words, not mine) is not that different. So, no, I don't think Tim was acting out-of-character. If anything, that's what makes this storyline so painful. Because it feels exactly like something Old Tim would have done. Because it feels like he just took a huge step backward, practically erasing his growth. And for me, that what makes it so real and interesting. Personal growth is rarely linear. Sometimes you take a step forward and sometimes you take a step backward. Sometimes you need to touch rock bottom before you can get better. Life is messy that way. We thought Tim was doing better - and in many ways, he was. But he never really dealt with his trauma. He simply tried to move forward and forget. Only now, his past has caught up with him and he's stuck in this self-destructive mode.

I fully understand disliking this arc. I also fully understand being frustrated by that 'regression'. But that doesn't mean he was written out of character. Because, unfortunately, that was the most Tim Bradford he ever did. Like the man said, he is "a man of principles and contradictions".

[mostowa]

Castle's Charm

So finally, after almost 4 months (The Olympic Games and an enormous life change) I finished binging Castle. And well, yeah, I'm late to the party like 7 to 10 years or something, but I was still hype'ing and loving the journey. And now I think this is one of the best series I've ever watched. Here is the list of reasons. It's gonna be tl;dr, as always!

Thanks @makeitastrength for making me do this ;)

Castle/Beckett dynamic is absolutely timeless. It has Darcy/Lizzy's initial disdain turning into respect and trust, it has Sherlock/John-level crime solving and mutual understanding, it has Meredith/Derek's drama and my beloved Chenford's level undercurrent emotions. And so much more!

There is something unique about them, too. This is one of the most important things that I learned from the series. It's the simple fact, that one can make annoyance a love language. I absolutely love how much childish Castle can be and how much Kate just... lets him be one, without giving up her own boundaries. You can be annoyed at your partner and secretely love that about him/her. Kate Beckett, thank you for showing me how to stand my partner's dad jokes. Or just really really bad jokes.

There is no doubt that the series is about those two (and it's a little bit of a shame for me, I'll explain further). And what made it very enjoyable for me was the fact that I've never doubted they are endgame. Their love and fact that they like each other very much was never in doubt on my side (except for the beginning of course). Even at their worst moments I was sure they will find a way to each other. I kind of wish it was the same with Lucy and Tim. Because, well, that made me continue to wanting to watch Castle, despite Rick being an absolute 5-year-old ass sometimes ;)

Someone here on Tumblr wrote that great series is not about will they do it as it's always about "how they do it" - without breaking major relationships apart etc. Castle is a great example for that and I had that in almost every episode. Pretty much no MCD and it still kept me on edge of my seat for most of the drama!

Castle will be my ultimate reason for the fact that I love watching series in which characters like each other. Be it The Good Place or The Rookie or Castle, I always love exploring relationships and different kind of -ships, where there is very little cheap miscommunication drama and where characters grow without sacrifacing each other. This is one of the best examples. Both for Castle/Becket, Castle/Alexis, Castle/Mom, Ryan/Esposito, Esposito/Lanie, name any relationship there, honestly.

I wish Kevin Ryan had more storylines. Because this Irish undercover episode was one of the best in the whole series with Kevin taking unexpected (but very much in-character) risks and used relationship he created to strengthen himself. I think Kevin is my favorite character, despite being underwritten for like 95% of the time. :D

I wish all Ryan and Esposito and Alexis and Lanie got more storylines. They were wonderful characters ready to be explored and while I understand the characteristics of the show was to explore Castle/Beckett, but sometimes it was just tiring :)

I absolutely loved the concept of the show with repetitive episodes and funny episodes and serious episodes and then (mid)season finales blowing our minds off. The Rookie kind of repeats the same pattern, but short seasons don't really work with that.

It was great how they made the series set in New York by different problems and storylines. I loved all mentions of Broadway, all cases connected to sometimes very crazy things connected to this one-of-a-kind city. And let me just say at the end that my favorite episode was the Old Haunt one. It made me realise how sentiment is a strong part of my husband's personality and how it can be a really lovable and charming thing.

Well yeah. Kudos if you made it that far. And if you did, let me know if you agree :)

[mamadoc]

I don’t know a lot of details right now, but if you’re a Rookie writer you may want to sign up. I saw this on Twitter/X.

Tagging some people to get the word out. @makeitastrength @arch78 @centralperkchenford @chenfordspiral @fuzzywuzzywuzzawriter @imperiumwifestrikesagain @intelligentfan @jennahbennah @my-shields-are-down @mostowa @poppypickle @queseraone @randomlittleimp @rookieoneil @silverskull @thesassywitchofthenortheast @wanna-be-bold @westwingwolf

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Monday wonderful fandom :) I can’t believe we’ve reached the finale I’m in shock we're here. This has been my side hobby for 9 plus months. I started these to get through the extended hiatus. I wasn’t even sure anyone would even read them. The response I got was so lovely. I adore this fandom. So welcoming to any new Chenford content.

So thank you to everyone who’s read these especially those who've been with me since the very beginning. I can’t explain how much it has meant to me. Whether it was likes, reblogs or comments. Special shout out to my tumblr bestie @makeitastrength and @northern-neighbor You both commented on every single one of these. Thank you so much for your insight and sticking with me this entire time. Means more than you'll ever know.

I’m planning to do mini reviews during this new season. Then this same kind of thing during our hiatus hopefully we’ll have S7 locked in by then. *fingers crossed* I finished this before S6 which was my goal. We are only 8 days away which is unreal. Eeeee. Let us get started.

5x22 Under Siege

This episode starts off with all kinds of anxiety. Aaron and Celina kill me with not calling the noise in WHY.... Why didn’t you call it in? Ugh. Celina lying on top of Aaron protecting him till they arrive. Rip my damn heart out right off the bat why don't ya? I’m going to cry. I love Tim and Lucy showing up to the scene together. They’re clearly off shift and showing up to the scene with each other. I love these little details they make my heart so happy.

They’re a packaged deal now and I couldn’t be happier about it. Also like to note looks like Lucy is wearing one of his jackets. Maybe they were at his place when they got the call? The sleeves look long on her and I adore it. Basically living together at this point. I can’t get over it. Just casually showing up to scenes now. Ain’t no thang. This thought is where I live till S6 LOL

Anyways Tim says he heard it was Aaron. Grey confirms this is true. GSW to the back. Looks like the same spot Jackson was shot. Eerily so. Three masked men and they were ambushed. The painful parallels to Jackson’s death in this one getting me in the feels. Grey has them start to work the scene. Lucy looks incredibly upset but is trying to keep it in check. Probably feeling the Jackson vibes too.

Our couple arrives at the hospital with an update. Once again arriving together. I love the quick looks we get as they approach. That silent communication of their's ever present. Also she is wearing the necklace I must comment. It’s popping against that shirt she is wearing. Like to also point out how look at each other while the other speaks. It’s the little things I love so very much. Getting massive 4x01 vibes from this scene too. Reminding me of the scene is Wes's living room night after the hug. The height difference, the way Lucy is looking at Tim as he speaks. United front power couple vibes.

So much can change and things like this stay the same I love it. They’re reporting back their CI’s have nothing. No one has heard back about a gang targeting cops. Lucy has also hit a dead end with the masks. Their next idea was Elijah but Tim says nothing out of prison confirming that. Angela and Wes are working on the riddle. Grey tells them to head home they’re not getting anywhere tonight. Once they've all left Grey turning to Luna saying he can lose another. Ugh getting me in the feels so early in this episode. More Jackson feels.

Lucy and Tim get home late. The minute they’re back Lucy’s walls are down. Tim can see how upset she is. Another great callback to 4x01. To that hug. Only this time Lucy doesn’t have to ask for it. Tim seeks her out. See’s how now that they're home her work walls are down. She is visibly wrecked and can't hold back the tears any longer. I love how he pulls her right into his arms. Being the exact comfort she needs in this moment. He can't stand to see her upset. Wanting to make it better.

Tim grabbing her instantly is so lovely. Lucy crashes into him and falls apart. He gets to comfort as much as she needs now. How very far we’ve come. It’s been a beautiful journey to this point. Lucy is ready to fall apart in her safe place. Knowing Tim will be there pick up the pieces. Shield her from the PTSD this must be bringing up for her. I love how he encases her fully. One hand around her back the other gently cradling her head to his chest.

Tim closing his eyes wanting to absorb her sadness. The swaying and his chin on top of her head. *squee* I love her being fully enclosed in his arms. Also never be over the fact Eric improvised the kiss to her head. Forever squeeing about that fact. Our ship King is the best. Oh captain my captain. How damn intimate and sweet it is as he does as such. Then resting his head back on hers. Telling her ‘It’s ok.’ His hand in her hair rubbing her back soothingly. I cannot. Lucy was alone last time. Grieved alone and dealt with everything solo.

Now she never has to be alone again and I wanna cry at that thought. Getting emotional at how beautiful this hug is. Lovely ray of sunshine in a rather dark finale. I love this scene so much it made my chest hurt. You want to see outstanding chemistry in a short amount of time? Watch this scene. Melissa and Eric are glorious together. We truly are so lucky to have them as our ship. This is such a soft and gentle moment.

Tim pulling her in and wanting to comfort her has me all in my feels. Lucy has this wonderful man to catch her when she falls now. To be able to absolutely come apart in his arms. Knowing he’ll be there to comfort and keep her together when she does. Gah I love them so much. Also A + to whoever does the music. The song in this moment is adding to the emotional depth of the scene. Amazingly good. It’s been so on point in this season. They need a raise whoever does this.

They finally have some suspects to track down. Violent felons that have connection to the station and to them as a group. Lucy offers to check on one by herself. Grey says no and Tim offers to go with her. Because he loves her and wants to keep her in his sights. They’ve all been attacked at this point. Except for him and Lucy. No way he’s letting her go solo. It’s not cause he didn’t trust her to handle herself. He can’t handle her going alone. His instincts on high alert.

Lucy telling Tim he should be out knocking down doors with Metro. Tim tells her 'He’s good'. As good as he can be without letting her out of his sights during this. Only they could so effortlessly flirt while on duty. In the middle of an intense OP. Lucy letting him know she doesn’t need him to protect her. Tim is very aware of this. Says he knows. Lucy turning this moment into some very cute light banter. Saying he is telling her he needs the protecting. Tim being sassy right back with his reply above. God I love them.

Their teasing and banter is iconic. Lucy’s next line is fantastic. I know we haven’t had an official ILY you yet. But they’ve said it so many different ways this season. In moments such as this. When we do officially get it not gonna be a shock to either of them. Tim telling her 'Back at you.' Making me all emotional. They are such a power couple and the next portion of this episode proves that. I’ve always said watching them in the field is poetry in motion. This next battle scene is literal proof of such.

It’s a good thing Tim came with her. I don’t want to think what would’ve happened if she’d been alone. The creepy crowd coming at them. My stomach dropped. First Tim willing to sacrifice himself for her so she could get away. *heart clutch* Man would die for her and not even blink in the decision making process. Lucy of course will not allow this whatsoever. Valiant or not he’s not falling on his sword for her.

We get a nice call back to 1x18. Not only with Lucy saying they need to go to higher ground. Like he taught her in that ep but to show no mercy. Tim instructing they hurt as many as they can and then retreat upstairs. Lucy getting exactly what he’s saying because they’re simpatico. This entire scene shows that. Also LOVE Lucy saying they only stand a chance TOGETHER. Theme of this season right here. They're better together. Damn right.

What a bad ass battle couple we have. Look at this scene. Lucy calling the audibles in this moment and Tim following her play. Repeating it back and saying 'Copy that.' Gah I love this so very much. Tim trusts her gut without question. Not a doubt in his mind to go with it. The amount of respect he has for her in the field is immense. He was going to stay behind she said no. Then Tim instantly followed her lead after that.

Damnit I love them so much. Tim’s instinct is to always protect Lucy. Where her's is to protect them both in this moment. It’s never because he thinks she can’t handle it. Tim just can’t handle the idea of losing her if he doesn’t. Started from the bottom now we're here and I’m emotional. Also the song once again killer during this epic scene.

Love her touching his arm before they engage in battle in that first one. Look at them in the final two above. I know Eric said they had a blast filming this. They are so damn in-sync. It's such an amazing thing to watch them take these people on. Like I've sad many times before poetry in motion when they're in the field. I love getting to watch the well oiled machine that is them. This was that on steroids ha

Eric was so excited for us to watch this scene and I can see why. It so fun to watch. Taking these guys apart together one at a time. I LOVE Lucy taking that guy out and then grabbing his riot shield. Tim is starting to get overwhelmed and she makes work of what's around her. Running towards Tim getting that guy off her man. With a very impressive shove might I add. Sends him flying down the stairs with the others. They have to start retreating up the stairs after this. They are slowly running out of ammo as well. Backup has yet to arrive and they're battling the best they can to stay alive till it does.

Harper and Nolan finally arrive on scene. Nyla tells John to get to them. She is going to get her sniper rifle even the odds a bit. Unfortunately even with higher ground they’re getting ambushed from all sides now. It's now all melee combat at this point without ammo. Tim takes a guy out with pepper spray and gets a guy off his girl.

Who is literally choking the life out of her. Tim dispatches this guy with any remaining rage he has left. Smashing this guy's face into the wall. Making sure he can't get up to get back to her. All the while Harper being a bad ass snipping people left and right for Tim. This scene is epic af. I love it so much. One of my all time field scenes for sure. They did a damn good job with this holy cow.

Then we get an other beautiful parallel from 1x01 to now. When Lucy pulled Tim to safety mid battle. We get to see Tim do the same for her. The way Tim scoops Lucy up and carries her to safety. I’m not crying you are.... Power couple since day one they just didn’t know it yet. The way he picks her up and then shields her with his body. Gah it’s so good.

When the door opens Tim is worried it’s another bad guy. He shields Lucy with his body. Ready to take a hit to keep her protected. Not willing to let them get at her again. I’m sobbing everyone. The instinct to always protect one another. I’m drowning in feels over here in the best way. Nolan ushers them to safety. Never been happier to see John Nolan in my life LOL

They make it to the stairway battered and bruised. Gasping for air as they try to recover from what just happened. Let’s look at the no space between them when they land on the stairs. Tim reaching out for her instantly. Placing his hand on her thigh checking on her. TWICE might I add. He touches her twice there. While checking around to make sure they’re truly safe. Lucy reaches out for his hand on the first touch. Also their heads touching as well in that first gif. Gah this mini moment has so much to it.

Tim is grounding himself in this moment through those touches. Making sure Lucy is breathing and he can stand down to catch his own breath. Such an intimate moment after an incredibly intense battle. He almost lost her so he is reaching out and making sure she’s ok. He also needs to touch her to settle himself. It was to tell her we’re ok now’s and to confirm to himself she was as well. Damnit it's so good. Don't tell me one of Tim’s biggest love languages isn’t physical touch. It for sure is.

Our last shot of the season for them. Just a BAMF couple post battle. Height difference that I love so much. The check in’s they do walking away knowing this could've been so much worse. Battle worn and bruised. These shots always hit harder knowing they’re together. I would like to think they would fuss over each other's wounds at the hospital. Or at home. We shall see what S6 brings for that if anything regarding it. If not sure someone will write a fic. LOL

The lack of personal space as they walk from the scene always floors me. As close they can possibly be at the moment. Sure Tim is thanking his lucky stars he came with her. I don’t wanna imagine what would’ve happened had he not. Or what Tim would’ve done had something happened. They looks so exhausted they’ve earned a good snuggle and some alone time. Sadly they're still in the middle of case so that's a no go.

Look at our power couple everyone. They're ours. We get to have them. And have a season to look forward to. I was so nervous about the season ending. Knowing this strike could last a long time and it did. Luckily we are coming out of it. Light is at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to S6 and all the squeeing to come with it.

~~~~

Side notes non-Chenford

This episode one giant stress. One of them being when they try and take Harper’s daughter. The panic in my soul for her. My goodness this finale was great.

All of Celina's scene with Aaron pulling at my feels as well.

Thank you everyone once again who supported these reviews. They started out as a way to fill time between S5 and S6. Became a truly fun hobby for me. Kinda sad the ride is over but like I said at the beginning I’ll do mini reviews each week for s6 won’t be rid of that easily ❤️❤️ Can’t wait to delve in S6 with you all :)

[thesassywitchofthenortheast]

Okay so now that the season is over and the dust has settled… and also to give us all something to do over the hiatus: what are your five favorite chenford scenes/moments from season 6?

Oooooo there’s so many good ones 😭

Okay, in no particular order:

Lie detector

Wedding dance

17st trophy

Hospital room

Final elevator scene

[girlintotv]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA!!! @makeitastrength

Hope it’s a great one!

I wanted to give you a spicy little something to celebrate you on your day: https://archiveofourown.org/works/56948644

[chenfordsource]

requested by @makeitastrength

[chenfordfanficquotes]

She just… she understands him, in a way no one has in a very long time. Maybe ever. It should frighten him. And it does, a little. But at the same time, it feels so natural. Dancing with Lucy. Smiling and laughing with Lucy. Being comforted by Lucy. Tim flops back onto his bed, rubs both hands over his face as the realization settles over him. He’s not sure when it happened or how it happened, but he can’t deny it to himself any longer. He’s falling in love with Lucy Chen.

-We could have it all by @makeitastrength (submitted by @mamadoc)

[cfr749]

Hi! I’m new to this fandom, just finished binge watching all 5 seasons. Who do you think had feelings first - Tim or Lucy? Also who realized it first? I always felt that Tim realized it first when Lucy was taken by Caleb, but then he was ready to marry Ashley so idk 🤪 Would love to know your thoughts 😊

Hi anon!

I feel like a massive jerk for sitting on this, and taking so long to welcome you to the fandom!

But also... it's kind of your fault for asking such an impossible question to answer simply because canon is riddled with examples of things like you mentioned above and trying to figure out what they were thinking in seasons 4 and 5 feels like this (to me):

It's worth mentioning that there are amazingly thoughtful people in this fandom that have done an incredible job of filling in the blanks; @theflyindutchwoman and @makeitastrength come to mind off the top of my head, but I know there are many, many others as well (feel free to drop any faves in the comments) .

Unfortunately, I have a brain that really struggles to let go of inconsistencies, which has resulted in a wildly volatile love-hate relationship with this show for me.

I was hoping if I held on to the ask, I'd be able to give you a thoughtful answer, and I'm not sure that this is it, but for what's it worth, I'll just share where my head was at some key points, beginning with the early days...

Early Chenford Era (S1-3x07):

My headcanon here has always been that there was some level of a mutual attraction, first physical and then emotional. Not anything either would act on, but a level of chemistry between them nonetheless.

As far as awareness, I'd score Tim as somewhere between oblivious and so highly compartmentalized that even if it had popped into his head on occassion, he never gave it any actual space to breathe or grow.

For Lucy, I think she was generally somewhere between mostly compartmentalized but also aware of the fact that he's hot and it's fun to push his buttons because he's such a hardass. So possibly a bit of awareness of the attraction, but zero intention to do anything more than have a little fun with it in an attempt to soften him up a bit. And zero belief or desire that it would be anything more than that.

GIF Credit: @thesweetnessandthesarcasm

There's definitely an awareness of the fact that aren't afraid to test each other's limits -- sometimes it's intense and other times it's fun and flirty, but either way, it starts to build some delicious tension.

But in moments of high stress or vulnerability, we got glimpses of just how much their emotional connection was growing, whether they were willing to admit it or not.

Needless to say, this was my favorite Chenford era. I think it was beautifully executed (even if it was all by accident 😂). I think the development was organic and believable and what the very best slow burns are made of.

Thanks for the thoughtful and kind ask, anon! If this is at all interesting to you, feel free to drop me another ask and I will continue in a separate post with my thoughts on the infamous feelings prank and what followed.

Welcome to the fandom!