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hwanghyunjinenthusiast · 2 years ago

Text

Between the pages

AN: Shoutout to Indigo for violently thrusting me back into my Namjoon feelings. This has been a long time in the making.

Synopsis: If anyone asks, Professor Kim is definitely not crushing on the pretty librarian he spends all of his free time with on campus.

Heads up: Kim Namjoon x Fem! Reader, friends to lovers, so much pining, Non-Idol AU, University professor! Namjoon, Librarian! Reader, Reader wears glasses and Namjoon thinks it's hot, alcohol and alcohol consumption, Reader kisses Namjoon without his explicit consent at first, dirty talk, fingering (f. receiving), Reader sucks on Namjoon's fingers post fingering, praise kink (f. receiving), unprotected piv sex and creampie.

Word count: 4535

I will block you if you are a minor and/or have no easily visible indication of your age on your blog if you interact with me in any way.

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Namjoon tries to convince himself that the reason a smile immediately graces his face when he enters his department's library is because of his love for knowledge. That's it. That's all.

It definitely has nothing to do with getting the opportunity to see and talk to the very attractive head librarian. Nope. Nothing of the sort.

"What's got you all smiley? Found a new favourite philosophy journal?"

Namjoon studiously ignores the way his heart stutters in his chest. He turns around to face you directly and is once again caught off-guard at how ridiculously attractive you manage to look in a simple pencil skirt and flowy blouse. Your glasses framing your warm eyes, and your glossed lips quirked upwards in amusement.

God, he had it so bad.

"Am I not allowed to simply smile for the sake of smiling?" He asks with a grin of his own, the two of you seamlessly falling into step as you make your way to your office where he was initially headed.

"Answering a question with a question is deflection, Professor Kim," you respond with a good-natured poke to his arm. He jokingly rubs the spot, "Violence and referring to me as Professor Kim? Y/n I thought we were friends. I'm hurt."

He doesn't miss the way you roll your eyes with that unfairly pretty smile on your face as you hold your office door open for him, "I never took you to be one for dramatics, Namjoon."

Namjoon feels little better than a schoolboy with his first crush. Warmth flooding his face at the way you say his name. He just hopes his body wouldn't hate him enough to make his blush obvious or, you'd give him the curtsey of not mentioning it.

"Clearly you don't know me all that well then, Miss y/l/n. Seems like all this hiding out in each others' offices might've been for nothing," he retorts, making himself comfortable on the lounge chair by the window you'd both unofficially agreed upon was his. He tries not to think too deeply about that.

Typically you'd join him by the window, but you opt to prop yourself up on your desk, and Namjoon's tongue turns to sand in his mouth. Your already figure-hugging skirt sits tighter on your hips and thighs somehow, even riding up enough for Namjoon to feel the need to take a generous sip from his trusted water bottle.

"Wow really? My surname? Now you're being petty, Joon," you say before taking your first bite of your lunch.

It had become a habit for the two of you to meet for lunch whenever possible. Usually alternating between offices or whoever was closer to the other's side of the campus on a particular day. Namjoon thinks it's partly during these lunch sessions that the seeds of his feelings for you were planted. Though he hasn't quite decided how to unpack that can of worms yet, he wouldn't trade these moments with you for the world.

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Namjoon can't stand these end of year functions, but he attends because he knows it'd be a terrible look if he didn't. He does have other people in the department he's friendly with, but they definitely don't outweigh how tedious these functions can be.

He's standing somewhat awkwardly in the back of the room nursing a glass of juice (because of fucking course they wouldn't be serving any alcohol) when he first spots you. Namjoon knows you're beautiful. It's a fact that he's violently reminded of every time he sees you. However, he's never seen you like this. He thought your pencil skirts were form-fitting, but the way the red dress you're wearing now cups your ass and hugs your hips has the blood rushing to his dick at record-breaking speed. He's never seen so much of you at once, a hint of cleavage peaking out and the dress coming to a stop mid-thigh. To make it all worse (or better, depending on one's perspective), you're still wearing your glasses.

Namjoon is just happy he hasn't spontaneously combusted yet, honestly.

The bright smile that spreads across your face when you spot him and make your way over to him makes him feel more nervous than he has in ages. Which is saying something considering how tongue-tied he gets around you in general.

"Joon, thank god. I'm so happy you're here. These functions are always so boring," you say as you pull him into a hug. Instinctively, he wraps an arm around you, his body moving before his brain can fully process you pressed against him and your perfume invading his senses. God, you smell delicious.

"I'm glad to see you too. Yeah, I've been entertaining myself with a glass of juice for the past 30ish minutes. Having the time of my life," he responds sarcastically but makes sure he's not loud enough for anyone to hear him other than you. These functions may suck, but Namjoon has no desire to sour his relationships with his colleagues.

The mischievous smile that graces your face makes his palms sweat, "Want to get out of here? I have a bottle of wine I've been saving in my office."

"Wine in your office? That's pretty unprofessional of you, Miss Librarian," he responds with a grin.

"Well, I've been keeping it for a time like this. Unless you're content to sip on juice all night and make small talk about semester plans," you retort, mirth twinkling in your eyes.

"It has been almost 2 hours, so it wouldn't be a bad look if we excused ourselves now..." he reasons, and honestly he could use a drink right now.

"Glad to see you're on board. You're always so serious and responsible, I'm a little surprised you agreed," you say with a small snort, grabbing his arm and steering him towards the door.

You two say goodnight to everyone who crosses your path, and Namjoon resists the urge to roll his eyes at the grins and thumbs ups that Hoseok and Seokjin give him.

"I'm not that uptight," he argues a little defensively when you two are finally by yourselves.

"There's nothing wrong with being responsible. It's a big reason why I think you're such a loved and respected professor. I just think you could stand to let go sometimes," you say and, Namjoon's heart is trying its best to beat out of his chest.

You think he's loved and respected? You think he's a good professor?

He knows he doesn't need your validation, but it means the world to him all the same. The genuine sincerity and concern in your voice making it challenging for him to find his words.

"I plan to let go a little tonight. I think you're a bad influence," he jokes, playfully shoving you with his arm.

"I'm a fantastic influence. That's why you spend so much time with me," you retort with another one of those cute, amused snorts. Unlocking the door to the library when you two arrive quicker than Namjoon expected.

"I spend so much time with you because Hoseok's unending optimism and positivity drains my energy," he fires back, closing the door behind him once you enter the library before him.

"Hoseok's a sweetheart. You're just grumpy and overly jaded," you respond, leading the way to your office.

He tries not to feel too jealous hearing you refer to Hoseok as a sweetheart. You're not wrong. It's fair to refer to him as such, but it's still not exactly pleasant to hear.

"Me? Grumpy? Overly jaded? I'm delightful!" He says in mock offence, settling himself in his chair and watching you pull out the bottle of wine and two coffee mugs. Biting back a groan when he takes in how amazingly your dress hugs your ass.

"I never said you weren't delightful. I wouldn't be offering my treasured wine stash to you if I didn't at the bare minimum like you," you argue with a light laugh as you fill up your respective mugs.

"You just used the wine to bribe me to sneak out with you. I'm flattered nonetheless," he says with a laugh of his own, graciously accepting the generously filled mug you offer. He's severely unprepared for you to take a seat on the arm of his chair, your thigh brushing against him as you get comfortable.

Namjoon is starting to think this isn't a smart idea after all.

"Have you spending time with Seokjin? Is that why you've been so theatrical lately?" You ask with a smile before taking a generous sip from your mug, your pleased hum affecting him more than it had any right to.

"I'm just seeing this for what it is," he says, taking a swing from his own mug. Sweet. Seems like you enjoy your rosé. He makes a note of that for any future gifts.

"Sure, Joon," you respond, patting his shoulder. Taking another sip from your glass, licking your lips to chase the remnants of the wine. The wine is only worsening the hazy sensation he feels seeing the action and the slight smudging of your lipstick.

"Your lipstick looks nice," he spits out and immediately cringes at himself. Resisting the urge to rest his face in his hands as warmth floods his face. What the fuck was wrong with him? Surely it wasn't the singular sip of wine he took.

"Oh," you say, sounding surprised, "Thank you. You know I'm not one for make-up, but I thought why not since it's a special occasion. I'm glad you like it. I didn't take you for one to notice," you finish, playfully nudging his arm with your thigh.

Namjoon takes a generous sip of his wine before responding.

"I always notice these kinds of things when it comes to you and, you look pretty," he says before panicking at the implications of his words, "Not that you don't look pretty without the lipstick. You look pretty all the time. It's just-"

"I got it, Joon," you laugh, taking a drink from your own mug, and Namjoon definitely doesn't notice how appealing your neck looks. He needs to get his shit together. He's too old to be this flustered talking to a pretty woman. Well, you're more than just that, but that's besides the point.

"I'm flattered that you think I'm pretty. I didn't know you thought of me that way," you say so quietly that Namjoon has to strain to hear you. You look almost...shy? Completely unlike the sarcastic, confident woman he's become familiar with. It's cute. You're cute.

"I think you're beautiful honestly but, it's not exactly like I can just drop it in casual conversation," he says, surprised by his own confidence but, he's already called you pretty. What more does he have to lose?

"Kim Namjoon, are you flirting with me?" You ask with a smile behind your mug, but he can still see what he thinks is shyness in your expression.

"Is it so bad to flirt with the prettiest librarian on campus?" He asks, taking satisfaction in the stunned look on your face, your lips parting as you sit there just staring at him.

He watches you flounder with your words, a very private part of him enjoying being the one to fluster you for once.

"You think I'm the prettiest librarian on campus?" You ask quietly, as if you can't quite believe what's he saying to you right now. In your defence, he can't quite believe what he's saying to you right now either. He has the feeling that he's reached a crossroads now. Whatever he says to you now might change the nature of your relationship entirely, and Namjoon is tired of being a coward.

"I think you're the prettiest librarian I've ever met," he says with so much seriousness that there's no possible way you could misunderstand his words for lighthearted bantering. His heart bouncing off the walls of his chest as he waits for you to say something. Anything.

"Namjoon," is all you seem to muster at the moment, wide eyes still locked on him.

"You don't have to reciprocate my feelings, y/n. I've liked you for some time now, but I'd never put my feelings before yours and before this friendship. You mean too much for me to do that. I'm so sorry if I made you uncomfortable -" you promptly shut Namjoon up by cupping his face and pressing a searing kiss to his lips.

Well, it seems like it's his turn to be stunned.

His eyes widen as you seemingly pour everything you have into his kiss, your hold on his face tightening momentarily before you pull away. All Namjoon can do is stare at you. Looking unfairly attractive as you struggle to catch your breath and your glasses look slightly askew.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have just kissed you. I just-I couldn't find the words to tell you that I like you too in the moment. I'm sorry," you say in a single breath, and Namjoon has to strain to catch all of your words. However, panic hits him when your words do finally register.

"No, hey, it's okay. I was just surprised, is all. It's not every day the woman of your dreams kisses you. Give a guy a minute to recover," he jokes, reaching for your smaller hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. Your hand squeezes his back, and frankly, Namjoon is just impressed that he's managed to remain conscious through this all.

"Woman of your dreams? Namjoon, please," you whine somewhat embarrassed, and that just endears you to him more.

"It's true," he says and means ever word of it.

"If you keep looking at me like that and speaking like that, I might just have to kiss you again," you respond playfully, resting your mug on the small coffee table.

"Is that a promise?" He fires back with a grin of his own, following suit.

"You're so annoying," you retort with an affectionate eye roll before you press your lips against his once more. This time, he's better prepared and more than ready to reciprocate. One of his hands tentatively resting on your thigh as angle yourself better to deepen the kiss. The feeling of your tongue against his own sending sparks down his spine. Arousal pooling in his gut, fed by all the little moans and whimpers you let out.

"Is this okay?" You ask breathlessly when you straddle him, your chair barely big enough to fit the two of you, but Namjoon isn't going to complain any time soon. Your soft thighs press against his and he's almost completely certain that your panty covered pussy is pressing against him.

"Yeah," his brain pulls itself together enough to spit out before weaving his fingers into your hair and, tugging you down for another earth-shattering kiss. Months' worth of desire and frustration pouring out of him. His other hand tentatively holding your hip in place all while he hopes his erection isn't too obvious to you.

He can tell the moment you feel it because you still against him momentarily. "Shit, I'm sorry. We don't have to do anything you don't want. It's just a natural reaction-"

"Joon, breathe. It's okay," you giggle, pressing a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth. "I want this. I'm just as excited as you are," you breathe, taking his much bigger hand in yours and guiding it up your ridiculously soft thighs. A quiet moan falling from your lips when his fingertips make contact with your wet panties.

Namjoon wonders what heroic acts he committed in his past lives to find himself here.

"You're already so wet," he breathes, fingers lightly running along your slit. Lidded eyes taking in the way your lips part to let out moans and your hips buck into his touch. Your fingernails digging into his shoulder when he's certain he's found your clit and uses that information to his advantage.

"You don't have to ah say that out loud, y'know," you respond, but any sarcasm that would typically be present in your voice is replaced by breathy whimpers. Namjoon thinks he much prefers them. As much as your quick-wit is one of his favourite aspects of your personality, he's finding that he immensely enjoys rendering you speechless.

"Why not, baby? You are so wet for me already, though. I could always stop," he trails off, stopping the movement of his fingers and keeping them pressed against you. A smirk spreading across his face when you whine and squirm in his lap.

"You're being mean," and fuck if the desperate edge to your voice doesn't shoot straight to his dick. Deciding to be merciful this time around, his fingers continue rubbing over your wet slit over your panties. Kissing along your jaw and neck as you whimper and grind against him in search of friction.

"Joon, please. Touch me di-directly," you hiccup, pressing yourself firmly against his fingers. Your nails digging into his shoulders. He had no idea you'd be so needy and desperate. He briefly wonders if you're always like this or if this is all because of him. His self-esteem certainly hopes it's the latter.

"You're so cute when you're needy," he rumbles against your throat, canines brushing the skin there while his fingers push your panties to the side. He thinks he'll remember the strangled gasp that flies from your lips when his fingers make contact with your clit as long as he lives.

He knew you were wet before, but he's severely unprepared for the effect feeling said wetness for himself has on him. His cock already leaking pre-cum where it rests untouched underneath you. Teasing you is a double-edged sword. You're not the only one becoming desperate here.

"Namjoon," you whine, "Please, please let me feel your fingers. It hurts. Please-" your begging is cut off by a sharp moan when he finally concedes and pushes two fingers inside of you. How can he say no when you sound so beautiful for him? He's just a man.

He tugs you into another messy kiss while he fucks you on his fingers to distract himself. He feels like he'll lose his mind soon if he doesn't feel you around his cock soon. Groaning into your mouth at how harshly your velvety walls grip his fingers as he familiarises himself with the spots that make you moan louder and hold onto him tighter.

The whimper you press against his lips when his thumb finds your clit and rubs slow circles against it is immaculate. In the dead of night when he'd fantasised about having you like this, he hadn't considered how sensitive and pliant you are. Reality is significantly better than any of his dreams.

"Joo-Joon, I- ah I'm," you whine out, your glasses slightly skewed and foggy on your face while you ride his fingers and chase your release. Namjoon doesn't think he's seen anything more erotic in his entire life.

"Are you going to cum for me?" The gruff edge to his voice or perhaps the question seems to do it for you because before he knows it you're holding onto to him for dear life and he has to slot his mouth over yours to silence your suddenly sharp cries. His cock pulsing as he feels your walls hold onto his fingers so tightly that he can barely move them anymore and, your wetness drips down his palm.

"That's a good girl. You did so well for me," he says, kissing your neck and shoulder softly as he waits for you to come back to him. He takes notice of the way your walls momentarily clench from what he assumes is the praise. Well. He'd happily give you all the praise you wanted.

"You're ridiculously good with your fingers," you mutter, cupping his face and kissing him as though you have all the time in the world. Something dangerously close to love for you swells in him from the affection you pour into the kiss. You rest your forehead against his when you pull away, a small smile playing on your bruised lips.

"Thank you," is all his brain can come with right now with his fingers still nestled inside of you and being harder than he ever has been in his entire life.

"Would it be okay if I sucked you off?"

You're trying to kill him. This is what this is. An elaborate plot to end his life in an instant.

His cock very much likes the sound of that, however.

"You don't have to do that,"

"I know. I want to,"

He closes his eyes and tries to gain his bearings for a few seconds.

"Maybe next time. I don't want to cum in your mouth right now,"

The pout on your lips is surprising and unfairly attractive, "Why not?"

You really were going to make him spell it out for you, aren't you?

"I'd rather cum while I'm inside of you,"

His jaw clenches when he feels your walls clamp down on his fingers once more, a barely there whimper falling from your lips, "Kim Namjoon, you're going to be the death of me."

Funny you should say that because the feeling is mutual.

He does laugh at that. Pressing a kiss against your cheek, "And you think I'm dramatic. We can just stop here if you don't want to. Plus, I don't have any condoms on hand. I wasn't exactly...anticipating all of this."

"What in the world would make you think I'd want to stop now?" You ask, sounding genuinely baffled, "And on the topic of birth control, I'm on the pill."

His eyes close then, and he can't bite back a groan. You would really let him fuck you raw? He's not sure if you're insane for suggesting it or if he's insane for seriously considering it.

"If you're not comfortable with that we can just stop here. I'm not in a rush," you reassure him, pressing a soft kiss to his temple and it's then that Namjoon thinks he may lose his mind if he doesn't have you right now.

Without a word, he pulls you into another earth titling kiss, grinning against your mouth when you grip his fingers like a vice when he tugs on your hair and nips your lip. "You really don't know what you do to me," he breathes, easing his fingers out of you and chuckling darkly at the way you whimper from the loss. He might be pushing his luck here, but "Open."

He watches through lidded eyes as you eagerly suck on his fingers coated in your wetness. Your lashes fluttering behind your glasses and, your soaked slit grinding down on him in search of some sort of friction. "Such a good girl," he praises, kissing you while his hands fumble with his belt and the buttons of his pants. Relief coursing through him when manages to finally free himself. His cock slapping against his shirt covered stomach unceremoniously.

Your reaction to seeing him does fantastic things for his ego.

"You're...bigger than I anticipated," you breathe out, your eyes laser focused on his dick while your hands absentmindedly tug on his hair. "You thought about my dick? I'm flattered," he says with a smirk likely a touch too smug but, he can't help it. It's not every day the woman of your dreams casually mentions that she's fantasised about you and you have her spread out across your lap.

"I've thought about more than your dick but, it's featured in a fantasy or two," you laugh breathlessly, squirming in his lap.

"Well, I shouldn't keep you waiting any longer then,"

When you slowly start to sink down on him, Namjoon knows he's a goner. His hands grip your soft hips for dear life as your warm, wet walls gradually accommodate him inch by inch. He's not sure where he wants to look more. Your pretty pussy stretching around him or the blissed out look on your beautiful face right now.

His hand impatiently tugs your dress down and he takes a hard nipple in his mouth both to distract you from the discomfort and, for the simple want to. His head spins when your pussy clenches around him at the contact. Needy hands tugging on his hair while you moan from the sensations.

"Nam-Namjoon," you moan out so brokenly and, he's pretty sure he's never heard a more beautiful sound. He might be inlove with you actually but, he shoves that thought aside as soon as it arises.

He grits his teeth when you slowly rise up and sink back down on him again, your nails biting into him as you try your best to establish a steady rhythm. "You're so beautiful," he groans as he watches you bounce on his cock. He didn't intend for that thought to slip out but, he doesn't regret in the slightest when he watches your eyelids flutter and your pussy tightens around him.

You can't even coherently respond to him. Too lost in your own pleasure and the feeling of his cock to string together a sentence at the moment. Not that Namjoon can really blame you. Your walls are like a vice around him, and he feels his release approaching dangerously quickly. There's no way he's going to cum without atleast getting you to cum for him one more time.

One of his hands tugs on your hair to pull you down for another heated kiss. All teeth and tongue and spit. While the other reaches between your thighs, the corners of his mouth ticking up when you gasp against him as his fingers draw quick circles on your clit. Thankfully, he's a fast learner.

He nearly bites down on your lip when you cum. Velvety walls clenching and spasming around him while you cling onto him for purchase. I mean, is it really a shock that it doesn't take much more than that for him to follow suit?

Groans and stuttered curses leaving his lips when pulses inside of you. The symphony of your sounds of pleasure and heavy breathing all that can be heard as he fills you. Holding you to him while he rides out his intense release. He doesn't think he's ever cum this hard in his entire life. Guess that's what happens when you cum inside the love of your life.

Pushing that insane thought aside once more, he loosens his hold on you when he regains feeling in his body. The sticky combination of your releases dribbling out of you and down his groin but, he can't bring himself to care at the moment.

"Usually, people go on dates first, no?" You ask still sounding breathlessly but, he can hear the smile in your tone.

"Mmm yeah, usually they do but, I don't think there's anything wrong with doing things a little out of order,"

"You're not wrong. I hope you know this is my roundabout way of asking you out,"

The laugh that forces itself out of him is hearty and more carefree than he's felt in a concerningly long time.

"I'd love to go out with you, y/n."

#kim namjoon smut #namjoon smut #rm smut #bts smut

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lostryu · 1 year ago

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i need gay rights because literally not a single self-proclaimed cis/het 'ally' understands the alienating experience that comes with being the only gay person in the workplace.

i am a gnc butch lesbian. i use he/him pronouns. when i came out to my manager regarding my pronouns (i had been an open lesbian since the moment of my hire), she told me that she supported me, but she could not enforce or ask our clients to use the correct pronouns for me. she told me it was something i would have to learn to deal with. she never uses the correct pronouns for me unless a person from a different department (who also happens to be LGBT+) is present. she is our HR in addition to manager.

none of my coworkers in my department ever remember to use my pronouns. if i remind them, they go over the top with the "im sorry's" and the "im still learning" and "you know i try my hardest's!" and "i swear im not homophobic!", it has been over 6 months since i came out. if i say nothing, they continue to use she/her (unless that other lgbt+ person from the other department is present, then they miraculously get it right).

sometimes they call me 'girl'. they always flounder and correct to "man-boy-uh youknowwhatimeanright". they laugh it off. they never bother to ask what terms i am comfortable with, or if i even cared in the first place. they don't care about my gender, they never bother to ask. somehow the subject gets changed every time i try to tell them, or set a boundary.

once in a while in a slow shift, the conversation will hop to our dating lives. somehow, it always jumps to how men suck and how dating a woman must be so much easier. they wish they could be gay and not straight. every time, they'll stare at me expectantly, like i am an animal at the zoo. no matter what i say, positive or negative, i must be lying. i cannot be that happy in my relationship, or if i have any issues, they must be minor. if i say 'why don't you try dating a girl then' to their remarks, they'll laugh, say something like "there is no way i possibly could" with that special tone of disguised disgust.

i am a prop, at work. they tell me about how much they love their kids. how they could bring anyone home and they wouldn't care. "they could be black, brown, or purple," they'll say "it could be a woman or a man! I support gay rights!" Then they will talk about how hungry they are, and how they will be going to Chick Fil a for the 4th time this week. 'as a treat'. it is thursday. they talk about going to Hobby Lobby again for christmas decorations, or another sale. sometimes i think i can taste blood.

its june. they talk about the pride parade and how excited they are to see the queens and their 'funny costumes'. they talk about how fun it is to go and watch, how they like the free things the corporations hand out. they don't want to bring their younger kids though. they're not old enough. they do not know that the first pride was a riot. they do not know what happened during the AIDS crisis, how many died. they don't really care when i try to tell them, they'd rather focus on the fun parts of the parade. the spectacle.

i wear a pronoun pin, to make it easier. still somehow no one can get my pronouns right. a client notices it. commends me for "being brave" and "coming out." she never uses my correct pronouns. i stopped wearing the pin after the 11th person asked me if my name on my name tag was my real one, and after the 45th person went out of their way to use incorrect pronouns every sentence. my manager, the HR, did not care.

i need gay rights, but somehow everything got resolved when they allowed us to marry in 2015. to our allies, the work is done. somehow i am left more alone than when we started.

#lost.txt #lesbian loneliness #like idk how to describe it but it sure is loneliness and alienation #somewhat of a vent post #like yes we have made it so far #but our 'allies' have grown very complacent #in their own support and ideology #reminder that being gay is still considered spectacle

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fyeahnix · 4 days ago

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Ok lemme talk about this season of Arcane, the ending, and most importantly, Sevika. If you don't want spoilers, back away now but I'm leaving this open because people have a tendency to not open or read my posts with read more cuts after them 🙃

[SPOILERS BELOW]

First off, I will say that I like Arcane a lot. Like a LOT. I've watched the first season 4 times (rarely do I watch anything more than once) and I think it's a masterclass in adult animation. Fortiche really put everything into this series.

That being said...

While I did like season 2, I don't think it was enough. Animation wise it was phenomenal, writing wise...I think it could have been better. As I've learned through doing research for my Sevika fics, the League of Legends universe, lore, and worldbuilding is fucking MASSIVE and even if I don't give two shits about that community or game, I have to give it props in that department because they really put a ton of work into it to make it feel alive. Maps? Short stories? Timelines? Race and culture? Apex could never...

That ofc is why it's hard for me to say that the writing is amazing. We had far too many characters to keep track of in season 2 with far too many plot threads to finish in two seasons. I think ideally, this series should have been 3 seasons instead of 2. Acts 1 and 2 could have been its own season, and Act 3 could have been its own season. If not that, then at least one more episode per act would have helped a lot. Things just progressed and wrapped up far too quickly for my liking.

Also not a huge fan of how quickly video game related media tends to dip into the whole timeline and multidimensional business. It def works well for some games but here? Idk I guess it was bound to happen given some League character's abilities, but the stakes just elevated far too quickly for me. Not a fan of Viktor becoming one of the main antagonists at all, and DEFINITELY not a fan of the conflict between Piltover and Zaun being sidelined for an "enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing with the war against the Noxians. It makes sense, I just wish "war with the Noxians" came at a later date so we could focus on the twin cities.

And speaking of the generational conflict between Piltover and Zaun, let's talk about Sevika.

As I said before, Sevika is the most qualified person to become the leader of Zaun and I stand by that even after the ending. But first....what about her found family? Isha sacrificed herself and Sevika gets no on-screen reaction? The last two episodes just progressed SOOOO FAST that we and some of the characters didn't even have time to breathe. Did Sevika even get time to mourn for Isha? What about Jinx, who is now gone? Sevika barely even encountered Vander! I would have loved to see some of the aftermath there because I think season 1 did a better job of allowing characters time to process their emotions and grief, even if the pacing was still kinda fast. It was acceptable!

I am sad af she didn't get more lines, but remember, Sevika has always been a side character in this series. An important side character but a side character no less. The promo shot of her now feels like...what was the point? (more on that in a sec) but considering how many characters and plot points and plot threads they had to account for, I am not surprised she didn't get more screen time. Hell, Vi and Caitlyn didn't even get a chance to have a full conversation on eveything that happened and Caitlyn didn't even apologize on screen. The fuck bro.

Now about Sevika's ending....I am very happy she isn't dead. Like dawg, you have no fucking idea how happy I am about it. SHE FUCKING LIVED. But....

I am seeing some people saying they're not happy or they're confused or that her ending doesn't make sense. And I just disagree with those points. Let me explain why.

I posted something earlier today about it, but again, as people don't open my read mores, I'll repost it here:

We absolutely do not know how much time passed between the war and the final few shots of the season. So Sevika joins the council. I DO NOT THINK she would do this unless there's a good reason for it, and that's why I'm guessing she will be Zaun's ambassador on the council. That war probably significantly changed the relationship between Piltover and Zaun and while old wounds will take more than a fucking war to heal, her being on the council now means she directly has a say in Zaun's future. Remember, the council was literally about to hand Zaun their independence before Jinx blew it up, and Mel was in support of it. As I said before, Sevika is respected down there at a bare minimum with all the factions. She would know better than anyone how to lead Zaun at this point. So yeah I get the hesitation, but it makes sense in my eyes. And it makes it likely that Sevika could show up again in a future League animation, if not become a whole champion.

I like her ending. I am sorry but it just makes fucking sense. Sevika is extremely loyal to her home and her people of Zaun. We've seen that time and time again. She was willing to go to war and die for those people not just against Piltover but also the Noxians, so why on fucking earth would anyone believe she's making a bad choice here?

She is now in the best possible position anyone in Zaun could be to advocate for their independence and support their growth. She knows the chem barons and brought them to peace, she gained the respect of the Firelights with Scar leading them in Ekko's absence, and she even got the Jinxers together with them before the Noxian attack on Zaun. Sevika has experience, she has the ear of the people, she knows what it's like down there, she is made to lead and help advocate for them!!!!

Believe me I get that whole "changing things from the inside" angle doesn't work more often than not, but this doesn't feel like "changing from the inside," it feels like "let me advocate for my people's actual independence so we have a starting point to become self sufficient." Again, Piltover was literally about to let Zaun gain their independence, and while none of the previous council members that agreed to it are there, Mel is/was. Who's to say she didn't help negotiate for Sevika to sit on the council and start (or complete!) the Zaun independence process before she left for Noxus? I can't imagine Sevika would just show up to the table and sit there if she didn't have a damn good reason. Like come on now. This woman has seen first-hand what Piltover is capable of and does not like them nor looks like she wants to be there. But she's seen what Piltover has done to her people first-hand, and after learning from both Vander and Silco, this is how she feels she can best protect her people.

She IS the new leader of Zaun and their ambassador at the council.

And lastly, we've been told that some characters will be returning in future League animations. Mel seems like an absolute given, but what about Sevika? Zaun's story is only just beginning, and yeah they said they'd like to branch out to other regions, that doesn't mean a cameo or maybe another medium can't be used to continue that story (a book, perhaps??).

Anyway yeah those are my thoughts...

#Arcane #Sevika #Arcane spoilers #spoilers #spoiler

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starrayblogs · 4 months ago

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Hey hey, first off, very excited to see someone writing for Aphmau characters!! It’s been a while since I watched my street but I will never forget how upset I was when Laurence disappeared (Goodnight sweet Prince)

As for fanfic request stuff, could you do a friends to lovers with a reader who’s super confident in everything except love? Like, knows they’re cool and look good but they’ve never really been confessed to, just something real fluffy. Not necessarily shy just not willing to risk confessing even if they know the other person feels the same (preferably fem reader)

For the character(s), if you take requests for multiple people then Cole Ninjago and Laurence MyStreet (separate) and if not then just Laurence will do :))

Any format works too, headcanons, one shot, go wild

thanks so much for the ask! this is such an interesting scenario and i had a loooooong time writing this ehe TuT

however, since the characters you requested are from different fandoms- i think i'll write the other pairing on a different post (hope u understand TmT) . also i'm soooo sorry in advance if laurence is ooc, i haven't really thought about him in a while...

anyway, likes and reblogs are appreciated! i hope you enjoy ✩

pairing: mystreet laurance x fem!reader

will include: fluff, friends to lovers

"You know what's the craziest part in all this?" Katelyn points out, drawing a circle with her index toward you.

"What?" You raise a brow, placing your hands on top of each other on your crossed leg.

"That I still don't get how you haven't confessed to Laurence." She answers quickly, and you react by immediately uncrossing your legs and throwing your hands in the air.

"It's not that easy!" You exclaim.

"How? You're the most confident person ever!" Aphmau points out from her side of the couch. "Second to Laurence, of course." She adds, which receives a collective 'yeah's and 'that's true's from the other girls.

You sigh as you slump in your chair.

It's another girls night, which means another night for updates on your crush on your close friend, Laurence. Only the girls, who are Aphmau, Katelyn, Kawaii~Chan, and Lucinda, know your crush on him.

"Seriously, you're so confident when it comes to other guys. I never thought I'd see Travis of all guys stutter when you flirted with him for a dare." Lucinda chuckles from the other end of Aphmau's couch, swirling her glass of juice.

"Because, Laurence is different..." You pause for a second before sighing again and combing a hand through your hair. "I've never felt this type of connection with anyone else, and I'm scared that if I do confess, it'll ruin the friendship I have with him." You frown as you intertwine your hands together. "I don't wanna lose him if it ends out like that."

"What happened to "don't be afraid to try new things" because you said being confident is all about being secure with yourself enough that new things don't scare you as much?" Katelyn asks, bending at the waist and propping her elbows on her thighs.

"I agree! You always say that and that's how you helped Kawaii~Chan start her maid cafe!" Kawaii~Chan smiles at you. You spare a smile before looking down to your fiddling hands again.

"Love is an entirely different department of confidence. My past relationships didn't end well, and," You bite your lip for a second, "I'm scared." Your eyes glance up to look around the room, which was filled with surprised faces from your girl friends. "I'm scared that if Laurence and I do become a... thing, that the universe is going to wreck it somehow and he'll cut me out of his life." You confess.

Aphmau gets up from her seat and ushers Lucinda to scooch to the other side before taking her seat. She places her hands on top of yours and your head moves up to meet her eyes. Her lips curl into a smile as her hand squeezes yours, giving your reassurance not only with her gaze.

"You're not going to lose him. I know Laurence is a relatively silly guy, but when it's something serious, he doesn't play around." She says softly. "He's a mature guy when he needs to be, and I can never imagine him actually hurting any woman's feelings on purpose." She adds with a light chuckle before exhaling deeply. "Otherwise, if he did, I'd have his head by now."

You comically blink at her last sentence before breaking into a laugh. The weight of the situation gets lighter, even for just this moment, and you give Aphmau a smile. "Thanks, Aph." You nod in her direction. "Thanks for being so supportive about this, girls." You turn to the other three in the living room.

"Of course, no problem!" "No biggie." "Kawaii~Chan can't wait for her ship to sail!"

Everyone turns to Kawaii~Chan with concerned looks, which she replies with a shrug. "What? Kawaii~Chan thinks they're end game!" She exclaims nonchalantly. Your cheeks flush as you try to change the topic for the night.

It was pouring down heavily today. You were outside early before the sun came up for a quick jog around the town, as you usually did. However, on your way back, you felt droplets of rain fall down on you and dismissed it for a light shower.

Now, you're stuck under a random bus stop. Turns out, you were jogging on a completely different street on the way back home. You guess you absentmindedly took one wrong turn on the way back, too busy listening to your music.

You were pretty soaked in your attire and you were started to get cold. Your phone dinged in your pocket and you brought it out, curling your hand across the top of the screen to stop the rain from straying onto your phone.

It was Laurence. He texted asking you how you were against the rain, and followed it with a picture of a flooded basement. He said his room got flooded and you snickered, typing a reply back on how only he would get stuck in a situation like that.

He replies with a few laughing emojis and you think for a while before opening your camera, taking a selfie of yourself. Your hair was wet and clinging to your skin, your clothes were also wet (even your socks), and you were pretty sure you would get sick after this.

You sent the selfie to Laurence, telling him how you're stuck outside in the rain while you were in the middle of jogging back home. He didn't reply after that and you thought it up to how he had his own problems to handle, which was his flooded basement.

You hugged yourself as you sat inside the bus stop, hoping the rain would stop. You didn't want to risk jogging back home either because you were on a street you didn't know and you were pretty sure you'd get even more lost in such weather.

You don't know how long you waited but it felt like hours.

Then, you heard your name in the distance. You turned to the direction of the voice and saw a figure far away. You squinted your eyes to get a good look on who it was, and you gasped.

It was Laurence. Running in your direction and holding up an umbrella above his head.

You can't explain how relieved you were to see him. You watched as he ran up to you and as he panted for a few minutes to catch his breath. You hoped he thought that your red cheeks were some indication of a starting fever, instead of you blushing because he was here.

"Laurence?" You whisper his name and he inhales deeply, pushing himself up from his knees.

"Are you okay!?" He exclaims, stepping closer inside the bus stop to you. "Oh my Irene, I'm so glad I found you. Come on, let's get you home." He offers his hand out and you slowly reach out for it.

Once your hand was in his, he gripped you tightly and pulled you under the umbrella. "How'd you find me?" You ask softly as you begin to follow Laurence's lead.

"Your selfie showed the bus stop map. I just had to zoom in to see which one you were at, and I came running to find you." Laurence says, like it was no big deal. Yet, you could hear your heart beating loudly in your ears as your cheeks grow redder.

"... Thank you, Laurence." You say softly, smiling towards him. He glances his eyes to you, and he smiles back.

"Don't mention it." He replies, and you almost just notice how he squeezes your hand just a bit tighter.

Laurence led you back to your house in gentleman-like fashion. You were screaming in your head the whole time the way back, but deep down you were happy. Extremely happy.

On the way home, Laurence explained that Zane somehow managed to drain the water from the basement and that's when he immediately left the house to get you.

You felt so cared for. On the way home, you would look down and stare at your intertwined hands. You couldn't believe someone would go out in the windy, strong rain just to fetch you and bring you home- and you couldn't believe it more when you remember it's Laurence who did that.

... You're almost brought to tears when you remind yourself that he's doing all of this as your friend as you come down the stairs.

When you don't notice Laurence in the living room, those thoughts are immediately reinforced. Of course, he did his job in bringing you back to your house, so what other reason would he have to stay?

"You done showering? I made some chicken soup!" A familiar voice yells from the kitchen. You hurriedly make your way there in disbelief, to see Laurence about to carry two hot bowls of soup.

"Laurence," you pause, "you're still here." You sound like you're out of breath.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Laurence comes up to you with a sided smile, nodding his head to your dining table to indicate to take a seat. "Someone's gotta take care of you once you inevitably get a fever after being out in the rain for so long." He subtle scolds you and you pout.

"I thought I could wait it out..." You murmur, taking your seat.

"Yeah, for a day, sure." He sets your bowl down in front of you before taking a seat next to you, while pressing the back of his palm on your forehead.

You quickly pull away to look down to your bowl and immediately pick up the spoon. So, you could hide your blush (obviously). "I don't have a fever, Laurence." You tell him, taking a scoop of the soup and bringing it to your lips.

Only, of course, to burn your tongue and slam the spoon back down on the table. "Hey, hey, slow down!" Laurence gets up from his seat to quickly pour you some water. "Are you okay?" He asks while you basically chug the water.

You nod your head while drinking before setting the glass down. "Uh, thank you... again." You avert your eyes nervously.

"Are you sure you don't have a fever?" He raises a brow as he returns to his chair.

"Y-Yeah! Yeah, I'm sure." You slide a hand behind your neck out of habit.

Laurence's eyes furrow and he leans in towards you. "You're lying."

"What?"

"You're lying?"

"No, I'm not." You chuckle.

"Yes, you are. You put your hand behind your neck when you lie." He states, like a matter of fact.

You blink at him with awe and disbelief. He notices the small stuff about you too.

Your mind passes to the thoughts of your feelings towards the brunette. The fact he ran in the middle of practically a storm today just to get you, the fact he remembered your small habits, and the fact that he's here. He's here and he's taking care of you.

It makes you feel warmer than the soup he made. He's always made you feel like. It's like a cozy fireplace whenever you're next to him, like you're rocking on a chair with a knitted wool blanket while holding your favorite drink.

You're at the height of your emotions and it overtakes your rationality. You inhale and blurt,

"Laurence, I like you." He blinks at your words. You clear your throat and look down, intertwining your hands to keep them busy. "I've liked you for a while, actually. A few months after we met, I developed feelings for you. I... I never told you because I was scared of losing you." You close your eyes when you feel the tears begin to well in your eyes. "I know how dumb it sounds especially because of how confident I am, but when it comes to you, I am so scared because the bond we have is so special to me a-"

You were cut off by a kiss. You open your tear-filled eyes and see Laurence's face. His eyes are squeezed shut and his cheeks were slightly tinted if you paid enough attention, and you did. He pulls away.

Apparently, he had lifted your head with his hands on your cheek and pulled you in for a cheek. "I..." He smiles as his thumb wipes the tears away from your cheek. "I like you too. For a while, now." He confesses softly. "You caught my eye the day Aphmau introduced you to us because you were so confident with yourself." He glances down to your lips before looking at you again. "At first, it was because you were beautiful," he pauses, "I still do."

You chuckle and he does too, before pulling your focus back on him.

"Then as we got closer, I thought about how much I wanted to keep seeing you... be confident." He says. "And wanted to be the one that makes you confident too." He adds, nodding his head to the side. "Of course, only if you'd let me."

You sniffle and nod your head frantically. You laugh lightly as you begin to chuckle. "Yes!" You whisper. "Yes, Laurence, I-"

He cuts you off with another kiss. Only this time, you kiss him back.

#✩ starraywrites #aphmau mystreet #aphmau mystreet story #aphmau laurence #aphmau laurence x reader #laurence zvahl #mystreet laurance #x reader #i miss him #he was one of my favorites #sorry if he's ooc!

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crumb · 5 months ago

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There's a poll in the Passenger community about what cigarettes you think Benson smokes and I just gotta word vomit real quick.

So, flat out, I think it's up to interpretation. Why? Because (I'm 99% sure) the pack used in The Passenger is a pack of greeked Honeyrose herbal cigarettes used for filming.

It's a bit hard to tell, but to me, these definitely look like Honeyrose herbals with some nicely placed stickers to make it look more like real world cigarette packaging. One, because the actual cigarettes shown are not lights and yet the packaging has many of the signs that they should be lights. Lights typically have white filters and have packaging that are more white/white framing than non-lights. Honeyrose herbals sells all their screen ready cigarette packs in almost all white packs unlike real tobacco cigarettes.

The packaging, or what we can see of it on the body, funnily enough, looks like Newport Golds, though again, these are lights and would not have the yellow filter. They have white filters. The logos on the top and the front-top of the lid also do not match (the front flap logo does maybe look like the Honeyrose crown logo though.) But also, there are many reasons to not feature a real world brand of cigarette in a film so I don't think we're going to find an exact match. But the idea that Benson drives a Chrysler Newport AND smokes Newports is honestly so funny I kinda love that. But I think even he would be like... wtf? lol (Though I kinda wanna write that into one of my fics now. Randy finding a pack of Newports in his car and is like "...Really? You drive a Newport and you smoke Newports?" and Benson tells him to shut up and that they were just on sale 😭)

Another thing I noticed, the packaging between the first pack he has and then gives to his Ma and the pack he gets from the gas station (which we never really see except for the tiny glimpse of it tucked into his door) makes it almost look like they're two different brands/types. Maybe Benson/Kyle stuck the pack in upside down, I don't know. But the second pack seems to be missing the sticker on top that the first pack had. So? Honestly who the fuck knows, this really comes down to the prop/art department and if they made multiple packs with slightly different packaging or if Kyle stuck the pack in weird into the door OR the sticker just fell off, I don't know! BUT the second pack reminds me of Marlboro Blend 27s. It's got that brownish gold coloring on the front with a white border. And again, usually white borders are a sign that the cigarettes are lights, or maybe mediums (though Marlboro mediums are red instead of a brown-gold and I think that would be easy to tell if it was a bright red), but Marlboro 27s have these packaging features but aren't lights and they have yellow filters.

So again, who the fuck knows. Maybe we can headcanon that Benson usually goes for some cheap brand but after giving his last pack to his Ma, and with the day he was having and probably knew how it would end, maybe he splurged for a nicer, more expensive brand at the gas station. (Although, Marlboros would not fit into that category unless he usually smokes an even cheaper brand like Senecas or something lmao) or Kyle shoved the pack into the door upside down (idk why he would though, the lid would most likely open upon pulling it out and that would be a disaster) or the top sticker fell off so it just looks like a different brand AHHHHH IDK. It's up to you! lol these are just my thoughts.

#the passenger #the passenger 2023

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pattypanini · 9 months ago

Text

Lay All Your Love On Me

Chapter 1- Trust Fund Baby

Josh Kiszka x Reader

Word Count: 2,257 (Short one, sorry guys)

AN: Hi everyone! Here is the first chapter of Lay All Your Love On Me from me and @mar-rein12! We hope you enjoy and please leave comments or feedback, we want to learn on what we can do better. This is a short one so prepare for more chapters soon!

Warnings: 18+, Angst, Flirting, Cursing, Degrading, NO smut yet... be prepared for the near future though.

Late March 2023- Spring Semester- Junior Year

“Okay let's run that scene one more time. We're gonna pick up with y/n’s first verse and continue through it. And please, more passionate guys give me some emotion. And 5, 6, 7, 8…”

The instrumental begins to play and you prepare yourself for the worst scene with the most insufferable guy you’ve ever met, Josh Kiszka. You get uncomfortably close to him, getting ready for one of the more enjoyable parts, pushing him into the artificial rock wall. He takes an extra step towards you, closing the gap even more. You push him hard and begin to sing and Josh gives you a cocky ass grin as he props his body up against the wall, watching you intently as you walk towards him. He’s disgusting.

You reach up to grab his face. Slowly, but painfully, you drag your hands down his chest not being able to ignore his toned body beneath his thin, white shirt. Without a doubt, your disgusted look was written all over your face and was easily recognized.

“CUTTTT. Stop the music.” Dr. Coleman, the director shouts, slamming her papers onto the table in front of her.

The music stops and Josh lets out a frustrated groan and both of you turn to Coleman who is furiously walking towards the stage, flailing her arms.

“What the hell was that? Sky and Sophie are madly in love, you both look like you're about to throw up on each other. We have been working on this since February and you guys still can’t get your shit together.” She slams her hands on the stage looking up to the two of you.

You look to Josh to get a read on him, seeing if he agrees or not on what Dr. Coleman just said. Turning to him, inconspicuously, you see a look of annoyance.

Since freshman year Josh has always thought he was the best thing since sliced bread. He thinks he should either have the lead role, or that the other actors around him weren’t good enough to work “alongside him.” And that may lead back to the fact that his daddy gives a generous deposit to the music department at the University of Michigan every year for the musicals. Josh has always been told that he's been the most talented man anyone has ever seen, by directors, family, and many others. But to you, he was just an egotistical, trust fund baby.

“I don't even want to see the crawl, something needs to be figured out here before we move on next week. There is no chemistry or love, I'm not buying a bit of it. We're done for the day, rest up for next week everyone.”

As everyone begins to clear out Josh looks at you and furrows his eyebrows, “Yeah mama, why don’t you love me?” His hands clutching his heart. “Show me some love y/n.” A shit-eating grin plastered across his face.

“Fuck you.” You mutter under your breath as you walk away from him.

“I know you want to.” You hear from across the stage while grabbing your stuff. Without looking, you knew his body would show he was enjoying the moment way too much. Cocky little shit.

“Y/n, get back here. Rehearsal is not over yet for you two,” The director motions to Josh. “We have a long weekend since everyone is off on Monday, so you two NEED to build a connection with each other, hangout or something, or else someone is losing their part.” She says sternly and begins to walk away leaving you two to talk it over.

“... Its not gonna fucking be me, so you better start lovin’ on me, y/n.” Josh whispers, feeling his warm breath against your ear.

“In your dreams, Kiszka.” Rolling your eyes towards him, grabbing your bag and leaving before this situation could get any worse.

As you walk back to your dorm late that night, you prepare to be interrogated by your curious roommate, Charlotte. Putting in the pin to your dorm you walk into the shared living space and see Charlotte working on her English paper that she, of course, pushed off until the last minute.

“Procrastinating again I see?” You joke as you put your backpack near the door.

“Of course, what else would I be doing? But now I have an excuse to stop because I need to know the tea. How was the rehearsal?” She says shutting her laptop and turning herself to you on the couch.

You debated lying to her and just saying it was good and move on, but you needed to rant.

“Pretty awful actually. I’m being threatened that my role might be given to someone else.” You flop onto the couch next to her.

“What! Why? I thought you were perfect as Sophie?”

“I am.” You try not to sound cocky. “But my ‘love interest’ and I don't seem to have the connection the director is looking for.”

“Josh Kiszka?” She says with a smirk.

You roll your eyes, knowing what's about to happen.

“But he's sooo hot, how could you not be attracted to him? I’d kill to be in your position right now.”

You weren’t going to lie. He was a very attractive man, but he's so stuck up.

“He’s such a dickhead, Charlotte. He's too cocky for his own good. And I know that if the chemistry isn’t there it'll be my part taken away, not his, since his dad practically buys his parts for him.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“The director wants us to get to know each other and form some type of ‘connection’ but I don’t see that working out.” You scoff.

There is a moment of silence before it is broken by Charlotte's horrifying idea.

“You guys could fuck, break the tension a little, you know?” She says elbowing you in the side.

“WHAT, no fucking way. I don’t want to even kiss him in scenes, let alone fuck him.” You think about the idea and have to physically stop yourself from gagging. You cringe, as a shiver travels down your spine.

“Well I would gratefully take the part from you to get a little Josh action, or from any of the Kiszkas.” She giggles.

You begin to think about it and a pang of jealousy washes over you. You didn’t know why, but you didn’t like the feeling.

“I’ll figure it out, I might have to be the bigger person and reach out to him over the weekend.”

You grab your bag, dropping it off in your room and walk to your bathroom, needing to cleanse yourself of the negative energy from tonight. As you begin to take off your clothing, you think about what Josh would look like without his shirt on during the actual performance.

It's one thing to feel what's underneath, but seeing it is another. Subconsciously, you get a shiver all over your body, hardening your nipples. What is going on? You never thought about him like this. Maybe because you really never thought about him much at all?

Freshman and Sophomore year had been a breeze, only having to play side characters, but this is your first main role as Sophie.

When Coleman came to you before winter break and told you about the spring musical that would be put together by her with her ‘best students’ you got excited. You were happy to be considered one of her best. You studied that movie and musical all until the last moment before auditions that were held a week before winter break was over. They were very small due to the limited people chosen to get a chance at a role. You and Sophia ‘Bitch’ Michaels, or that's at least what everyone in the theater department liked to call her, were trying out for Sophie. When the cast list was posted on the department's website, you were ecstatic. But some weren’t. You got many threats from Sophia that night, but that was shortly followed by you blocking her number.

Not having many roles in romantic plays you were inexperienced, but in real life, it was no problem. Most weekends, you often wake up to new, unfamiliar faces in random beds, but it wasn’t any secret. You wanted to have fun in college and get experience with lots of people, and didn’t mind that people knew.

You wondered if Josh knew. But why should you care? You never cared if anyone else knew, so he's no different. You hop into the shower, having many thoughts about the night and what would happen in the future. As you finish rinsing the soap off your body, you wrap yourself and hair in a towel. You step out from the shower and scurry back into your room.

Your room showcased you perfectly. Many posters of your favorite musicals and some dance awards you earned throughout highschool. You connect your speaker to your phone and play some music quietly to not disturb Charlotte from her work. As you close out of Spotify you look to see one notification on messages.

11:12pm Josh: So do you want to figure this out or do you want me to text Coleman now and start looking for a new lead, or do you want to do that yourself?

11:16pm y/n: Simmer down Josh. It's not my problem, I have to work with a pretentious piece of shit! 🙂

11:18pm Josh: Someone seems to be bratty this time of night.

11:19pm y/n: Did you text just to be an ass or did you actually have something important to say?

11:22pm Josh: Well I was going to see what you wanted to do about this so we don’t have to find someone new for your part.

You scoff at the fact that he's so confident that it would be you getting booted.

11:24pm y/n: Oh so you don’t want me gone, is that so?

11:27pm Josh: I just don't want to have to learn how to work with some new moron that doesn’t know how to act for shit.

11:28pm y/n: Aw so cute Josh, you admitted I can act 😘

11:30pm Josh: Don't get a big head y/n. So what do you want to do?

You sat there and thought about it for a moment, and it always went back to Charlotte's comment earlier.

“You guys could just fuck, break the tension a little you know?”

11:39pm y/n: Do you wanna go out or something? We can go to that bagel place down on the main street, their everything bagels with lox are so good.

11:41pm Josh: That's so cute y/n, you wanna go on a date with me? 😏

11:44pm y/n: Well do you have a better idea?

11:48pm Josh: You can come to my place, work on some stuff. We can watch the movie so you can see what real passion and love looks like, seeing that you’re the ‘campus slut.’

God he's awful, but this role is important to you.

11:51pm y/n: Jealous that you don’t get any Josh? Are you pussy deprived?

11:57pm Josh: So when do you want me to send the text to Coleman? Now or do I wait til tomorrow?

11:58pm y/n: Fine, when do you wanna do it?

12:01am Josh: Tomorrow at 8. I live in the apartments next to the dining hall, apartment 322. My brother will be gone at band practice, so we will have the place to ourselves.

12:03am y/n: Okay, and how long will he be at ‘band practice’ for?

12:04am Josh: Well his BAND PRACTICE is from 8-10, and then he’s staying at his friend, Scotts, apartment for the night to work on some music or something.

12:06am y/n: Was that orchestrated by you?

12:07am Josh: I’ll see you tomorrow at 8, goodnight.

As you stare at your phone, you are in disbelief at the conversation you two just had. There was tension, and not the kind you had expected. As you sit in your towel, you're brought back to reality when you realize Heartbeat by Childish Gambino is playing.

“I might just text you”

You thought over how he was making you think and feel…

“Turn your phone over”

Things you didn’t want to feel from him…

“When it's all over”

You had a feeling of desire…

“No settling down,”

A feeling of wanting to be desired…

“My text go to your screen”

Specifically…

“You know better than that”

From Josh Kiszka.

“I come around when you least expect me. I’m sitting at…”

You quickly shut out of Spotify knowing that was your sign that you were done for the night. You change out of your towel and into your Michigan T-shirt and plaid PJ pants.

You walk out to see if Charlotte had retreated to her room or was still working on her paper to share what had just happened.

“You still working, Char?”

“I think I’m done for the night, I’ll take the points off for not having citations.” She laughs while closing her laptop. “ Did you reach out to Josh?”

“No…no not yet. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, I guess.. Good night Char.”

“Night y/n.”

With that you tuck yourself into bed with one thought only, Josh Kiszka.

#gvf smut #greta van fic #greta van fleet fan fiction #greta van smut #gvf fic #josh kiskza fanfic #josh kiskza smut #josh kiszka x reader #josh gvf #josh kiszka #gvf

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loganwritesprobably · 5 months ago

Note

– Reiju with the 2° genre, prompt (f.) 🪼✨

I love Reiju. I love all the Vinsmokes actually, but Reiju and Niji are top tier I love them dearly. This is also SUCH an interesting prompt for her and I think this'll be good fun

I don't generally see Reiju ending up in a situation like this in canon, so take some Modern AU ✨

Content/Warnings: Reiju/GN!Reader, modern AU, hurt/comfort, getting together, rivals/enemies to lovers, Reiju's partner (not reader) is abusive and threatens suicide (you only hear Reiju's response to this)

You and Reiju had never gotten along. You worked in Germa's lab, specifically working in Reiju's department. Three of the departments were headed by Judge's children, and you worked in chemical engineering, one rank below Reiju. She was a menace. She did her job well, you couldn't deny that, but she loved causing trouble far more than working.

Often, during the day, she'd leave her station to wander around the lab and usually find you, propping herself up against your station just to watch. She'd remain there, silent, just observing. At first it'd been off putting but you'd become used to it over time. Occasionally she'd make comments, sometimes about your work but more frequently about you.

"Still single?" "Interesting outfit choice." "Is that.. a new cologne? It's.. bold." "Your car looks worse for wear, I'm sure father pays you enough to do something about that." "Are your shoes definitely lab safe? They look like they're about to fall apart."

Insult after insult. She'd comment on your lack of money, your possession of only the most basic necessities, your lack of social life outside of work. You were lacking in everything she had an abundance of and she just had to point it out. For a long while you were even on only one thing: neither of you had a partner. So, you could bite back.

"Still single?" "Same as you I'd wager, with that attitude." Until one day it didn't work. "Best pay up then, because we made it official last night." And now she had everything to lord over you. You didn't much care for whoever her new partner was. She didn't tell and you didn't ask. The two of you just didn't get along and you didn't think you ever would.

You hadn't realised things were changing for at least a few weeks. Reiju began to bother you less, and you'd been so busy working that you hadn't really noticed. But then it'd been days since she'd so much as visited your station, and it felt strange. You were unsettled by it. Sure, she'd been a bother, but it was your routine and you were confused by the shift. The issue was you couldn't ask why, she'd accuse you of having a crush on her or being needy, and even if she didn't you weren't friends, you didn't care. It was pure curiosity. So you didn't ask.

Your productivity increased with Reiju minding her own business at her own station, but so did your boredom. You almost came to miss her presence. Yes, she'd been insulting you, but she'd never made comments on your character or elements of your appearance that were unchangeable. It'd almost been fun before she'd stopped, once you'd adjusted to it and come to expect it.

Then, one day made everything change again.

Reiju was late. She was never late, but she was the daughter of the CEO so you knew she wouldn't be reprimanded. She'd dropped down heavily into her station, head in hands, and her phone began to vibrate. Then it stopped. Then it started again. Then it stopped. Then it started again. Reiju then moved with a grunt and the vibrations stopped - on silent you figured. You didn't ask.

The next day, she didn't seem like herself. More subdued. Her phone rang frequently through the day and sometimes she'd slip away to answer it, before returning slowly to her work.

That continued for a week, and then another, and then another. Reiju was far from being your friend but clearly something was wrong and if nobody else was going to ask her about it or make sure that she was okay, then you supposed that was your job.

That day, she was very late, having already missed half the day. Her phone rang within the first few minutes, and this time she answered from inside the lab, the others still out on lunch. Only you and Reiju were in the room.

"I'm not dealing with your bullshit today!" She roared, "I've missed half my damn work day and I've only just arrived you have no reason to be calling! I don't care that you're anxious - I come to work every day and come home just the same! Stop using that stupid excuse!" You sat at your own station, silent, minding your business as much as you could with her yelling like that.

"Dad is threatening to lower my salary, and move me to a different department because I've been working so badly! You know why that is? Because of you! You make me late every day, crying that I'm leaving you whenever I try to go to work! You call me every fifteen minutes to make sure I'm "being faithful" when you know I'm at work cause you have my fucking location!" You hadn't realised just how bad it'd become.

"I'm hanging up now and I'm turning off my phone."

"Do it then! Kill yourself! I'll ring the police when I hang up and they can come check on you!" There was a brief silence and then rather than turning off her phone Reiju tossed it across the room with all her strength, causing it to smash on impact. She took some deep heaving breaths and collapsed into her chair. You'd expected her to cry, but she didn't, just sat there staring.

You waited for a few minutes before approaching her station and leaning up against the surface, like she used to do to you.

"Hope you can afford a new one." You commented, nodding in the direction of her now broken phone. "I'm not in the mood." She mumbled, rubbing her hands over her face with a sigh. "I've let you off the hook for too long. Come on, dish some back. Might help you feel better." You insisted, and Reiju glanced up at you with an angry expression but tears brimming in her eyes. "Seriously I'm not in the mood today." She said, clearly barely holding on to her composure. "Your partner is an asshole. Hell, I could treat you better than that, and we hate each other." You said with a sigh, hesitating for a moment because 1. What the fuck was that and 2. What were you supposed to say next? Thankfully, Reiju huffed a soft laugh. "I know." Her voice was just a whisper, still desperately trying to hold on to her composure. "Want some help with catching up on work? Hopefully we can avoid that salary decrease." You offered, nudging her gently, and Reiju just nodded - both of you were more than relieved to be back in normal, safe conversation territory. You spent the rest of the day sitting at her station, working together side by side. You were ahead on your work anyway, you could afford to spend a day helping her out.

-·–·-–-·–·-

Things with Reiju changed after that. A few days after the incident she confirmed that she'd split up with her partner, and both your dating lives were off the table for joking about for a while. You returned mostly to normal, but your joking shifted from mean to friendly, even if they were still jabs at each other. You more often worked together on things, making up for each other's lackings and therefore both worked faster and better. You even got a raise.

It was what seemed like another normal day when Reiju approached you in the break room.

"I have a confession." She said the moment she sat down. "Hello to you too, Reiju. I'm having a good day, how's yours?" You replied with a raised brow and a small smirk. "Shut up I had to work up the nerve to do this and I just need to say it." Reiju said, and you just nodded for her to continue, not making any further comments. "I'm really glad we're getting along now but.. I was never insulting you to begin with. I've never really had friends and I struggle with what to say. I was trying to be nice, and interested in your life," already, your life was turning upside down and she wasn't finished, "and I wanted you, the whole time. I got with my ex because you didn't want me. I thought it'd make you jealous or something, that's the last time I'll take advice from Yonji." The two of you sat there for a long while just looking at each other, you bewildered and her slightly embarrassed.

"That's.. a lot to take in." Reiju just nodded. "You don't need to say anything back. I just wanted you to know." She shuffled a little, uncharacteristically nervous, and after a moment made to stand. You reached out and took her wrist in your hand, which stopped her for just a moment. You knew you needed to do something, so you let your impulses take over and you leaned in and pressed your lips together in a quick kiss.

The two of you separated, both surprised by what had just happened.

"You have weekends off too, right?" You asked, and Reiju nodded, visibly swallowing hard, a pink flush on her cheeks, "Saturday, be ready at eight. Wear something nice."

Requests are open! See below links for my other works, and how to leave requests. I write both canon/canon and canon/reader requests for your enjoyment

AO3 | Fanfic Masterlist | Request Rules | Fic Trades Guide | WIPs

Tags: @claryeverlarkf

#one piece #fanfic #writing #reader insert #loganwritesficlets #loganwritesrequests #vinsmoke reiju #reiju x reader #one piece x reader #reiju/reader

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pinksilvace · 1 year ago

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A few weeks back, I made a comment to the effect of, "Belos views himself as the single human character in a muppets production." It has since then spiraled into an entire AU in my head that refuses to leave me alone. A few weeks back, I made a comment to the effect of, "Belos views himself as the single human character in a muppets production." It has since then spiraled into an entire AU in my head that refuses to leave me alone.

The basic premise:

Caleb and Evelyn found a weekly children's program ("The Boiling Isles") that features puppets; little Philip is featured as the one human, and since the episodes with him do much better than the ones without, he grows up into the role and eventually becomes a big part of the production staff as well

When Caleb and Evelyn die in an accident, Philip inherits the show

Some of the main (puppet) characters are named Luzura, Willow, Amity, and Augustus (you can see where I'm going with this). Philip would be able to stand these puppets on their own BUT

In promotional materials and interviews, he is ALWAYS asked what it's like to "work with" Luzura/Willow/Amity/Gus. Philip is absolutely INFURIATED by this because they're PUPPETS why can't anybody see that they're PUPPETS don't you care about the STAFF or the ARTISTS or the LIGHTING MANAGERS why does everybody pretend that the PUPPETS are REAL PEOPLE and why does HE have to pretend that the PUPPETS are when he responds??? He's convinced that some of the interviewers genuinely believe that the puppets are alive and tries to patiently explain that, no, they are just puppets. The interviewers always refuse to break the immersion.

Expanded AU thoughts are under the cut.

Caleb and Evelyn meet at an arts college. Evelyn is a film student, and the show's prototype is her capstone project. Caleb offers to bring Philip in as an actor and it sticks. Caleb also helps make some of the first puppets.

Little Philip's identity is protected by 1) the presence of a mask, and 2) the stage name "Belos". The name sticks around for his on-screen appearances.

While sticking around the set, Philip learns a lot about the different areas of production. He especially likes building sets, backdrops, props, and puppets, though he finds the writing process interesting as well. When he's old enough to help out with paperwork, he takes over the logistical side of things because tbh both Caleb and Evelyn are helpless when it comes to that

By the time Philip takes over, he's basically the head supervisor of every single department. His management makes the show's popularity explode

Philip is definitely the best at building and controlling puppets. Every now and then, he makes an extra-large "final boss" sort of puppet that only he is physically capable of controlling, and some of them end up in museums

Philip raises Hunter, but he's sort of the neglectful sort. He's ultra-focused on keeping the show his brother put so much thought, effort, and love into alive, and it makes literally any semblance of life he might have had outside of the show suffer

Similarly to Philip, Hunter grows up on set, but not as an actor. The production staff looks after him. When he's old enough, he also becomes a part of the test audience

The production staff is composed of the Emperor's Coven members in canon; i.e. Darius is in charge of lighting and wires, Raine is the sound director, Eberwolf is the lead puppet master, Hettie is the on-site medic, etc.

Luz and Camila are also a part of the test audience. I'm going to pretend that Philip and Camila are good buds in this AU. Philip inserts Luzura into the show as a character based on Luz

Basically most of the ire that Philip has in this AU is directed toward the puppets because they're not REAL why are THEY getting the GLORY can we PLEASE not pretend that these PUPPETS have thoughts and feelings and personalities???

He also doesn't leave because 1) the aforementioned attachment to something Caleb loved so much, and 2) he's put too much effort into this show already and he knows that no replacement could ever be so proficient at his job

Let's be real, Philip's work ethic is super unsustainable, and it DEFINITELY keeps him from grieving properly

When Hunter reveals that he does not, in fact, want to inherit the company that Philip has built, it's CRUSHING to Philip, who feels like giving it up would be disrespecting Caleb's legacy, unaware that he's staring Caleb's legacy in the face

Ideally Philip's arc (which I have hardly described here) would end with wealthy retirement and him being able to say "goodbye Boiling Isles" and never having to appear alongside those godforsaken puppets ever again

#my art #belmup au #mullet caleb mullet caleb mullet caleb #I'll be honest the art was just an excuse to talk about this au but mullet caleb will forever live in my heart #the owl house #toh fanart #caleb wittebane #philip wittebane #emperor belos #toh au #evelyn clawthorne #also yes all of the puppets are left handed :) that was very important to Evelyn #fernart

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hellfirenacht · 1 year ago

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Being in Hellfire Club HCs

These are mostly for myself to have consistency in my fics.

-Eddie is the one to approach any potential new members. He's been recruiting for 2 years now, and he's very selective. But he can also sniff out a freak a mile away.

-Being part of Hellfire comes with a certain level of protection. Eddie is more than happy to be the big bad wolf to protect his sheep members. Most people leave Hellfire alone because they think Eddie will snap.

-There are the core members of the club (Eddie, Jeff, Gareth, Mike, Dustin, and un-named member who I am calling Zack), as well as subs. Subs are people who were curious and usually approached Eddie first. They have a passing interest, but not enough to risk being associated with the freaks.

-Everyone in Hellfire has cut class at least once to take a nap in Eddie's van.

-Everyone in the club knows that Eddie deals but unless they have intent to buy they keep their mouth shut.

-Eddie won't sell to freshmen. Period.

-The club doesn't do much outside of school. Of course, Corroded Coffin has band practice but that's about it.

-Once in a blue moon they will do "side quest day". The club will go to the arcade and play games and if they manage to impress Eddie, he might give them a buff or inspiration for the next session. This rarely happens though.

-Eddie runs a very tight ship with Hellfire. If you're committed to being part of the club outside of being a sub, you better take it seriously. You absolutely are required to wear the shirt during the school day. He's definitely given out punishments for not wearing the shirt

-He isn't unreasonable though. If you can give him a good reason why you can't do something he's willing to work with you. Eddie has the respect of his club for a reason.

-They absolutely are not allowed to be lighting candles in the prop department, but they do anyway.

-Eddie's chair is his and his alone. Don't try and sit in it. (*If no one else is around you might be able to get away with it. Just don't try it in front of the whole club.)

-Everyone got really into playing cards at lunch for about a month, betting snacks until a teacher shut that down. Sometimes they'll still try and play after school.

-Most of the club has been playing the same character for years from level one. Eddie prefers a clean slate character. Subs are able to create characters closer to where everyone is.

-if you're joining late in the game, you can create a leveled character, but you'll be a few levels behind everyone until you prove yourself.

-If you need to get up and move around a bit during the session, that's alright, but there is a clear line that you can't cross. Try and peak behind the screen and you're in trouble.

-You don't need to have the Advanced Dungeons and Dragons handbook memorized, but he expects at least basic knowledge if you're serious about the club. You absolutely need to understand your character race and class

-Eddie is not afraid of 'rule of cool' if you can sell your point hard enough. He isn't a full rules lawyer, but he isn't here to make this easy. Fun? Yes. Challenging? Frustratingly so.

-There has been a blow out fights over rules before. Tensions were running high with midterms and everyone having a shitty day. Someone's character died, Hellfire was cut short that night as everyone went and cooled off. That was the one time that Eddie scrapped a session and agreed to a do-over.

-Eddie is easier to talk to one-on-one outside of club. He's genuine with his love for Hellfire, but he's more likely to let his walls down when it's just him and someone else.

-He used to skip class a lot, but has been genuinely trying to graduate now. Now he only skips maybe once or twice a month.

-Gareth isn't allowed to have his drumsticks at the table anymore.

#hellfire club #eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #nacht post

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callsignfate · 1 year ago

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Strawberry Cream Cheese Bagel.

Laswell x Wife Fluff written for all of Laswells wives who need some soft Fluff! This was written for fun, so it's a small little blurb again. I have more to post, though, so don't worry! There is tons of content for today!

Tw: None, just some soft fluff.

Masterlist/ More like this/ Request

♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡

Your tired eyes flittering open and closed slowly as you waited patiently at the counter in front of the toaster with the butter knife in your hand. You leaned over the counter using your elbow to prop yourself up while you waited.

You always set your alarm for this shockingly early of an hour so you could do your 'normal'. So you could listen to the soft morning rain, snow, or fog, depending on the day. You always woke up on the first loud chime of the alarm and shut it off quickly, looking over to see Kate still sleeping soundly, as always.

You snuck out of the room carefully, grabbing the set of pre-picked out clothes by the door so you wouldn't make any more unneeded noise that would wake her up.

You always used the bathroom next to the kitchen, usually deemed the guest bathroom, so the lights and doors being opened and closed wouldn't wake your wife. You had learned the hard way over the years that using the bathroom attached to your bedroom always woke her up.

Next you started the coffee maker, putting in her normal coffee pod, filling it with water, and putting her favorite cup you washed moments before in the sink, under the spout of the coffee maker and hitting the same small worn out button, no text to tell you what it did, but it didn't matter.

You then cut the bagles you always bought, the same ones for the past five years. Grabbing the cream cheese from the fridge, also the same. One you had tried and liked once, strawberry. The flavor always tasting like strawberry candy on top of the same sweet bagel.

You always cut two, always pushing down the both sides of the toaster at the same time, the same level. Not that the small dials or buttons had their numbers on them, they worn off over the years of use. It was a ritual you adored. You never would explain why, not to anyone.

The bagels finally popped up, tearing you away from your thoughts. You slathered the bagels quickly in the strawberry cream cheese before moving to sit at the end of the table that was closest to the hallway, your wife's coffee already in her cup waiting for her next to your plate of untouched warm bagels.

Kate finally came rushing in, still throwing on her jacket and adjusting her belt as she mumbled a quick 'good morning' with the morning groggyness and a slight hint of urgency in her tone. She grabbed her cup, twisting on the lid and giving you a quick kiss on your temple.

Her hand moved to grab the bagel off of your plate, the same bagel you always made, taking a bite and trying to get the same departing words she always said with her mouth full of bagel.

"Love you, I'll be home soon, call me if you need me."

Her mouth was full, but you already knew them well enough to know what she had said. The silence washed over the house as you picked up he bagel and took a bite, chewing slowly as you smiled. You hated strawberry cream cheese. When you first bought it to try, Kate took the first bite and said it was delicious, like strawberry cake her mother made when she was a kid.

The taste for you over the years became repetitive, but you refused to change it to try to find a new flavor. You considered many times to replace it, looking at different flavors every time you'd go to buy the same one. Contemplating even going back to the bland flavor of normal cream cheese, you knew that you wouldn't get the same memory every time you bit into one, every morning.

The soft smile as she took a bite, the surprise and joy as she told you about the flavor reminding her of her birthdays and childhood because she swore it tasted exactly like the cake her mother made. Watching her eyes light up as she would talk about the frosting decorations, the intricate designs her mother would put on just for her.

It was the first time she had talked much about her mother, her childhood, and you refused to let it go, you refused to change the cream cheese even if it meant driving to different stores out of the way to find it.

Her eyes light up the same way every time she would 'steal' a bagel off of your plate, not knowing you made one for her. Knowing otherwise, she wouldn't eat, knowing she would say she didn't have the time.

So every morning, you make sure you're there in the same spot with her bagel and coffee so she can sleep in and get as much sleep as she can. You make sure to get the same exact brand of cream cheese so she can enjoy the memory, the feeling one more time, so you can witness her bite into bagel and get that same soft smile.

♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡

Masterlist/ More like this/ Request

#kate laswell #kate laswell x reader #laswell #cod laswell #laswell cod #call of duty laswell #kate laswell x wife #laswell mw2 #kate laswell x fem!reader #kate laswell fluff #laswell fluff

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turtlesocksv2 · 11 months ago

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Liveblogging DFF Ep 2

It's time for Dead Friend Forever episode 2!

Ok I have to say this but it cracks me up every time i watch a Thai show and we get that little disclaimer at the start saying "we do not condone any characters/jobs/actions in this show it is for entertainment only" like what kind of 2003 FF.Net "Please don't sue me i am poor and only playing with these characters like dolls" ass thing to see in front of Mafia Dramas (Kinnporsche), Serial Killer hijinks (Dead Friend Forever) and fucking bittersweet adult midlife crisis vibes (Moonlight Chicken).

Top is absolutely losing it, and they need to leave poor Fluke alone. He is trying his best! What more do you expect from him?!

Oh, Tee is the first to break off from the group. RIP Tee, we'll see how that works out for you.

The mask the killer wears really is very freaky. well done, props department.

Phi the only one awake. I see you. I support you in your killings.

Oh I really thought Top was donefor there. Phi taking control of the group is so interesting. The way he leads everyone down what investigation paths...

Alright just what did you guys do to Non last time??? thank god the 3 newbies to the group are having a little sidebar asking that question. Clearly whatever it was was awful for the group to jump immediately to Non is Dead and his Ghost is Cursing Us and He Wants Us Dead Too for What We Did. But also, i think this rules out All Three Newbies working together to I Know What You Did Last Summer the group, otherwise this scene would make no sense. We'd have another Gossip Girl Dan situation where actions taken when they're alone don't add up to the reveal. So at least 1 of the newbies is not involved.

LOL at Tan trying to get Fluke to spill what the core group knows. If i was Fluke I'd be feeling very very threatened right now. "You think you're going to be next. I'm worried about you." and now Jin is being mean to Fluke too! for the love of god, Fluke is trying! just because he wants to be a doctor doesn't mean he can perform surgery in a cabin in the woods! Leave him alone!

"a good-mouthed and good-hearted man like you doesn't need to remind me" yessss. kill him.

lmao Por has old fucking floppy disks. are these people old enough to have used a floppy disk in their lives. but i know i've got old floppies around somewhere so it makes sense there'd be some at a like summer vacation house that gets used rarely. but also, did i miss that Por hid the footage last episode? because otherwise wouldn't the harddrive that had the footage still be in the room they were all in when Phi hooked it up to the TV?

Was that a mystery medicine bottle in the closet? 👀👀 yeah i'm gonna need someone who can read Thai to to screenshot and tell us what that says.

Oh i really don't need the squelching noises from Fluke tending to Por's wound, please.

Ok, that Por jumpscare with the balcony door got me. and How the fuck does Por have the strength to strangle someone when he's been bleeding out all night?! Obviously a hallucination or something but what caused the hallucination?!

Thank you, White, for bringing back up that they are in the Cult Sacrifice Woods and this might be a Cult Killer or have to do with the cult. a very important thing to remember.

I would absolutely be looking at that footage the second Tee and Top turned their backs, the fuck. No you don't get to act that sus about what happened three years ago and play it off! Phi fighting the fight to keep that footage intact and eventually seen. Tan trying to gently break the idea that the group was bullying Non to White.

oh SHIT the way Uncle Deng got fucking GOT by that wire i screamed! i knew something was going to go down because obviously they couldn't escape the valley mansion in episode 2 but jesus. fucking. christ.

Tee finally remembering he has a boyfriend that he abandoned to the serial killer lmao. Tee and Top keep almost getting away and then going back. they are being herded like cattle. but also, it's kind of sus.

No PhiJin and barely any TeeWhite stuff this episode, which makes sense in that they are busy they don't have time to fuck, but i do find it interesting that PhiJin seem to be on the same page the episode with like no relationship tension between them just situational worry considering Jin was literally biting Phi's dick last episode. Putting aside grudges to stay alive: i'm proud.

anyway that was a really good episode! Tee and Top are the worst. Fluke needs to get the fuck out of this toxic friend group. White needs to dump Tee and get the fuck out of this toxic friend group. Phi and Tan can kill whoever they want i support it. ❤️

#dead friend forever #dff the series

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ficjoelispunk · 11 months ago

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Ch 11 - Love & Hate

You can find all the chapters available here

<< Previous Chapter | Next Chapter >>

A/N: HEY GUYS! I was very anxious for this chapter. I received help from a genuinely kind person, she made the revisions for me and the corrections in this chapter... I’m so grateful, @angelofsmalldeath-codeine you’re amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. So, basically this chapter will be more pleasant to the reader, without grammatical errors due to translation. I hope you like it. ❤️

The Cali cartel wouldn't let it slide. They would respond accordingly.

A single slip on a whim was enough. Pablo's mother went to church on Christmas Eve. The Castaño brothers managed to follow her and attack Pablo's family forcing hem to flee.

Pablo would be against attacking. It was just a matter of time. And a war would start on the streets of Medellín. Sooner or later.

You just received a letter informing that Blackie's girlfriend's family had been murdered. It was Christmas Eve. They killed a pregnant woman. Pregnant. Los Pepes acted again.

You asked Trujillo to deliver the letter to Peña. You didn't want to have to see him.

"¿Estás bien?" Trujillo asked.

“I don't want to see this kind of thing anymore..." your eyes were full of tears.

You left the department as fast as you can. You warned Javier that this would get out of control. If you saw him, you would end up losing your mind.

"Esto acaba de llegar" Trujillo delivers the letter to Javier.

He closes his eyes after reading the information. Knowing that you saw that.

"Esto se está saliendo de control, Peña"

Javier runs his fingers down his chin. He reaches for his gun and leaves.

He goes to the crime scene. The place is quiet, just the noise of the team collecting evidence, death scattered throughout the room in the house. All dead. Blood.

***

It was already late at night, you are reading, the dim light of the lamp next to your bed, with a baby pink nightgown, with lace on the hems and neckline.

You hear someone knocking on the door of your accommodation.

You frowned. You hesitated.

Three more beats.

You get up and walk to the door.

Javier Peña, propped up with his big hands on the frame of your door.

You freeze at the sight of him . It takes a few minutes to process, and remember how to speak.

"What are you doing here?"

Javier's eyes dance on your body from head to toe. Seeing you with this night gown falling on the curves of your body was the only thing that could turn off his mind.

"Can I come in?"

"No. What do you want?"

Javier's eyes were deep. And you knew that in addition to the lust that waved at you, he was sadder than indecency.

"Enter"

You turn your face away, letting the air out through your mouth.

"No, I don't want to talk to you, I don't want to see you, and first of all, I'm just doing what you asked me to do"

"I..." Javier hesitates "I just wanted to talk"

You look at him.

"You're stinking of cigarettes and exhaling alcohol from your pores" you try to argue.

Anything not to have him in your room, because you know where it would end.

"Please, it's Christmas"

"So what? Do I look like Mrs Claus or something ?"

Javier stares at you. And you know he wouldn't get out of there if you didn't give in.

You roll your eyes. And pushes the door making room for him to pass.

"Thank you" Javier comes in.

It was stupidly ridiculous how you always ended up doing what he wanted. You close the door, and turn to Javier crossing your arms.

"What do you want to talk about?"

That was a good question.

Javier was watching your room. He walked to the bedside table, reached the book you were reading. Killing time. The last time he was in your dorm you were missing.

The truth is that not even Javier knew exactly what he was doing there. After leaving the crime scene. It was as if his head was connected to yours by an invisible wire, which pulled him to you. He just needed to be with you.

You were like a refuge for him in stressful times and shitty days at work. It was you who could turn off the noise of the world around. You were someone that made him comfortable. He wanted to be with you. He wanted to be part of you.

His legs automatically walked to your door. He didn't know exactly what to say, how to say it, but he wanted to be with you.

He scratched his nose, ran his fingers through his mustache. The hand on his waist, while looking at you.

"I didn't regret it," he said.

You frowned confused.

"What?"

"In the cleaning room, you said I regretted getting involved with you," he explained, "I didn't regret it"

You're froze for a while.

Javier Peña listened to you after all.

His eyes begin to dance on you, your hair stuck in a messy bun at the top of your head, go down your neck, your collarbone, the volume of your tight breasts in your arms crossed in front of your body. The curve of your hip contrasting with your waist. Your bare legs.

Javier runs his tongue through his lips. You were mouth-watering. He looked at you with devotion.

You blink a few times trying to concentrate.

"And what does that mean?"

Javier sighs.

"I just didn't want you to think you didn't mean anything to me. Because..." he hesitates "you do mean something to me”

What was going on?

"Look, Javier, I don't want you to think that just because we have sex you owe me something. I just want you to respect me"

"I respect you"

"You avoid me, and pretend I'm invisible if I arrive too fast not giving you a chance of you running away at the first opportunity"

Javier closes his eyes, and presses his fingers over them.

You were right. From the moment he realized the effects you had on him. From the moment he realized that he didn't want to and couldn't get involved with another woman, no matter how much he tried. That if he was with another woman, it was you he was thinking of .

An idiotic defense mechanism began to whistle and take control of his attitudes towards you. Out of fear. Afraid of what he was feeling.

"I'm sorry" Javier's voice was low and low.

You frowned again, tilting your body slightly forward towards him.

"Who are you? And what did you do with Javier Peña?"

He smiles blandly.

"I'm serious," he stares at you.

You sigh.

“You're sorry, Javier, you don't owe me anything”

He nods. And he stays silent for a while. Making you anxious. Uncomfortable. You didn't know what to expect.

"Where do you intend to go with this conversation?"

"I don't know what I'm doing, but the only thing I know for sure is that I'd like to be with you, I'd like to be good to you"

"So you want to be with me, be good to me, telling me to disappear? I can't understand you"

"I just wanted to keep you away..."

Your mouth opens in surprise, Javier was talking about feelings, obviously the effect of alcohol.

"Well, then, congratulations, you did it"

"I don't want to hurt you"

"Javier, I'm already hurt, mentally and physically"

He stared at you, frowning. There was silence for a while.

Slowly Javier begins to walk towards you.

His big and firm hands sliding through the greeting of your arms.

You drown into the puppy's eyes as he stares at you. He approaches by reducing the distance between you.

"I tried to ignore it. Pretend it was just an attraction. But nobody’s made me feel that way..."

Javier's fingers slide the strap of your night gown down your shoulders. Chills run through your body. You are unable to move.

"Nothing has this effect you have on me"

Javier's fingers slid smoothly along the contour of your face.

"Javier, you just want sex" you held his fists.

"Maybe. But I want it with you, only you"

You feel a knot in your stomach, it seemed like you were being hit by something right in the middle of your chest.

"You're drunk"

"I'm telling the truth"

You looked at him over his eyelashes.

"You made me sad, you wanted to make me sad, you left me alone" your voice was a whisper.

Javier slides his fingers into the curve of your breasts, your hardened nipples mark the fabric of your nightgown, you feel your mound throbbing.

"I'm sorry"

His fingers come down sliding your breast and you stiffen. Close your eyes.

"You only look for me when you need to forget the shit you're doing" you hesitate when you no longer feel his fingers caressing your body, opening your eyes.

"You make me feel good" he holds your chin.

"Where do you want to go with this?"

You weren't able to process what was happening. The things Javier was talking about. What was the point of that?

Javier leans over you towards your lips. Warm hands around your face, you close your eyes. Your noses leaning against each other.

"I want you" he whispers.

Your breathing is irregular. Your head seems to be foggy. Nothing is clear. It's all messed up.

You put your hands on his chest, trying to get some kind of control over him.

"You just want a distraction from your problems" your lips were so close that you felt the pinching of Javier's mustache on your skin.

He shook his head.

"No..." he walks away so he can look at you "When it's over, I always want to leave. But with you..." he hesitates, studying your face "with you, I want to stay"

Your stomach drops. The blood seems to have been drained from your body. You're silent for a while.

What was that? A Christmas miracle?

"Javi..." You close your eyes and shake your head, trying to organize the thoughts "this is not right"

"Look at me" he tries to hold your face in his hands .

You bite your lips. Javier's smell was like some kind of drug, a psychoactive made especially for you.

"Please..." was almost a whisper.

You obey.

"I'm telling you the truth. I tried to deny it, but..." he tries to find the words, his eyes dancing between your mouth and your eyes "I can't..."

You hold his fists again, around your face.

"You make things difficult for me, doing the wrong things, acting recklessly, without thinking about the consequences, being a total asshole..."

He interrupts you.

"I can solve this" he frowned.

You release the breath you didn’t know you were holding. .

"You can, but are you going to?"

Javier’s hand grabs your waist, pulling his body against yours hot, big, hard, you feel his cock already hard behind the jeans.

His eyes darkened with desire, hunger, with all the things he wants to do with you, half-closed.

"Yes," he murmurs, moving your hair out of the way, moving to your neck.

"Yes?" You repeat more than you really ask.

"Yes" he whispered in his ear.

You don't need much convincing, you easily lose all the determination, in fact, very little determination you left when trying to stay away from Javier Peña. Your mind totally goes blank at the touch of his soft lips on your neck. Feeling his heavy breath on your skin.

His hands reach for your back, pulling you as close as possible. Your pussy clenches around nothing.

There you were, the lust and desire, the two pillars of your relationship.

Javier's mouth runs down your neck slightly while the other hand slides down the fabric of your nightgown, you do not resist. You just feel a tingling heat radiating on your stomach.

The fabric of your clothes slipping down your body releases your breasts, leaving them naked, exposed. Javier's fingers smoothly ghosting over your nipple, your body stiffens. His warm hand massaging your breasts.

"You're beautiful” he whispers.

Javi keeps nipping down till he reaches your breasts and takes a nipple in his mouth. Your hands quickly reach for Javier's hair. His tongue dances softly over your perked up nipple, you let out a satisfying moan down your throat.

He knelt down, and slid the rest of the fabric of your night gown off your body, pooling it on the floor around your feet. You are naked in front of Javier as he is kneeling.

He looks at you with devotion. His hands holding your waist firmly, his fingers sinking into your flesh.

"You're like a Victorian painting" his tone is almost like worship. He draws a path of soft kisses down your stomach. Working his way down.

Your fingers slide through his soft hair. His hands move from your waist to grab your ass.

There was no turning back. You would let him do whatever he wanted to you. You are pliable to his will. Completely surrendered. Javier was the first man who made you feel this way.

Javier inhaled your scent while the roughness of his mustache contrasted on your soft skin. His lips found their pile, you grasp for air with an open mouth.

"Let's go to bed" you manage to say.

Javier stands up, his eyes hooded and dark with desire, trained on you, overflowing with sire. You take off his jacket, sliding over his broad shoulders and unbutton his shirt, both ending on the floor. Your hands go down Javier's defined chest, sending chills through his body, making him twitch, your fingers make their way down until they reach the waistband of his jeans.

Javier kisses your forehead, tilts his head to the side, to fit your lips into his, pressing a warm and firm kiss. You unbutton his jeans and undo the zipper.

You trail down Javier’s abdomen with soft kisses until you reach his underwear, quickly removing it. His cock is hard when it springs free, it’s leaking precum already. You removed his jeans and underwear with a swift movement. You get on your knees with your gaze trained in him.

Your hands hold the base of Javier's cock, you open your mouth, without breaking eye contact with him, you put the head of his cock in your mouth, wrapping your lips around him.

"Fuck" Javier was panting.

You could see his chest go up and down fast. You started sucking, lowering your lips along his length, until you felt his head in your throat, your hands held his leg, and you started working his shaft with your lips. Javier's hands went to your hair, holding it between his fingers. Your tongue began to curl around him, pressing his length, as you moved your lips, his hands began to pull your head, you increased the pace, but he pulled your hair, taking your mouth out of him.

Javier threw his head back.

"Fuck, babe! You're so good to me..." he was panting "I don't want it to end like this"

Javi pulled you up, passing through your waist, go down to your ass, to the back of your thigh, lifting your body to be on your lap, your two legs cross around Javier's waist, as he walks to the edge of your bed, putting a knee on it, and leaning to lie down.

You crawl to the middle of the bed, and open up to him. He positions his shoulders behind your thighs, his hands on the pulp of your ass, while looking at your pussy shining at him.

"Hermosa" he mumbles

You lean on your elbows, watching Javier bite his lips, and leaning over to prove you.

He moans as he dips his tongue into you, feeling your warmth and its bittersweet taste, his fingers open you to him, before you feel his tongue sliding once again to your rigid and tensioned clit, making your body spasm with the contact. Shivering. Your head falls backwards.

Your hands stick on the sheet under you, while Javier's tongue works in your middle, making your body squirm in response.

His hands firm on your hip, in an attempt to keep you still, you whine, Javi presses his lips around your clit sucking it the heat of his mouth, his tongue on you. He was eating you as if it were his favorite meal.

"Javi..." your hands ran through his hair.

Javier is looking at you, his eyes narrow, watching your mouth open as your back begins to form an arch, he circles your clitoris with his tongue, and slides two fingers into you, working together in tandem with his tongue.

Your hip starts to move back and forth on his face. It was Javier Peña, and he knew exactly what to do with you. His fingers are dexterous, reaching the place he knows makes your breath. You turn your head to the side in an attempt to drown out your moans in bed. While Javier reaches the sp spot inside you that he knows makes you melt.

You don't take off and you are soon swinging on your thighs around Javier's head, you tremble and he knows you're close. You cum with a strangled moan, the wave of pleasure that radiates through your body, your pussy squeezing Javier's fingers, your goes dark.

His hands caressed your stomach with a slight pressure, calming you as you come do your high , he feels your body relaxed on the bed, his lips kiss the inside of your thigh.

As soon as your breathing stabilizes, Javier holds his cock, writhing when he sees you melted for him.

He was beautiful under the yellow light of your lamp. The pink tip dripping precum, the thick vein of his length, Javier leans over to kiss you, as you feel his weight on your body, skin with skin, so for the first time, lying down, naked bodies on a bed.

A warm, soft, needy kiss, his tongue licking into your mouth, you feel your taste on his tongue.

You around his waist, holding him into you. Your hips moving in a desperate attempt to slide his cock into you.

"Easy, babe," he smiles, bringing his hand to guide him to your entrance as you lift your head to watch him.

But Javier slides into you, sinking his cock, in your tight heat, until his body was totally over you, your hips together, your pussy throbbing.

He moves his lips a sharing ing at you, his heavy breaths, sharing the same air, you run your fingers through his hair, caressing, Javier closes his eyes, feeling your affection, you two seemed to be one , his nose brushed yours , you felt his cock writhing inside you.

"Javi, please" your hip moves looking for him. Wishing for something, you were sore, desperate for him to possess you.

"Please, what?" He murmured over his lips.

"I need to feel you..."

Javier touches his forehead against yours, and somehow he pressed painfully deeper on you, and retreated, slowly, redoing the path, you moved your hip, in his rhythm, he began to sink into you more firmly, opening you to him, building your orgasm at a painful and electrifying pace. You feel your hips meet with his obscene noises.

You throw your head back sighing with your lips open. Your hands pull his body, your legs hold around him, all so that he is as close as you can manage to.

Your pussy clenches Javier's cock, while he makes his way inside you. As much as this is not the first time you feel his cock sink into you, you are sure you won't get used to how big and thick he is.

"Fuck, babe" he murmurs between your neck "it looks like you were made for me"

And it was real, you moved as if you knew where you needed to be, hands, lips, legs, the heat and weight of Javier's body on top of yours, it was intoxicating, and the more you had, the more you wanted, it was a hunger that did not go away.

You moan, unable to find words, while your room is filled with heat and dizzying noises.

Javier's cock hitting deep inside you, reaching places you didn't know could be reached, making you feel the pressure forming again in your core, ready to cum for the second time for him.

This time you feel Javier more cautious, a gentle caution that borders on affection and need.

It is difficult for him to hold on when he is inside you, the path to his release is so short and satisfying that being inside you becomes a torture so that he does not cum so fast.

He feels you squeeze around him. Javier slides completely out of you, leaving your pussy throbbing with desire.

You're whining.

He turns you on your back and bring your hips up. You open your legs so that it stays around his knees. He is squeezing your ass.

"This is certainly the vision of paradise," he murmurs, as he pushes his head to the mattress, leaving you prancing for him.

And he pushes his cock into you slowly getting used to this new angle.

"Goddammit.." he says with gritted teeth. If it was difficult before, now it was much more.

The position left free access to Javier's cock, and he could get deeper into you. He could perfectly see your pussy swallowing his cock, while grabbing your ass perfectly pulling you against him.

You took a deep breath when you felt it hit your cervix. The noise of both your hips when he pushed so deep into you, that you became one. Your hand slides to your clitoris, touching yourself as he moves his hip with obscene sounds.

You start to move too, chasing your orgasm. Javier gets paralyzed when you start rolling in front of him with his cock inside you.

"Fuck, hermosa, that's..." he releases the air, without words. "I love feeling you like this..." he was panting "you're going to cum, just relax baby, let go"

He moans almost a cry of adoration, when he feels your pussy squeezing his co as you moan his name desperately, cumming on his cock.

"Yeah, cariño, that’s it" Javier's hands go down your spine, while your body suffers from pleasure. And he can't hold back any longer, he pressed himself into you, holding his cock as deep as possible, faltering over your impulses, you feel him swell and pulse inside you, with a primitive and animalistic sound behind you, whispend filled y dripped down your leg.

Your vision has darkened, with so much pleasure, and how his orgasm drains your energy. As soon as you realize that Javier's pulse has calmed down, his legs slide down the bed. Javier slips out of you with a moan.

His hands slip down your leg collecting what leaked from your pussy, his fingers pushing inside you. You moan. Just opening your leg to give access to his fingers.

Next to you, Javier slides two of his fingers back into you, you are oversensitive after two orgasms.

"You want more" he kisses your shoulder.

You shake your head. Unable to do anything else.

"Mhmmm" overwhelmed.

The sensitivity makes it easier, you are smooth with him dripping from you, then Javier inserts his third finger, making you moan an even more pleasurable song to his ears.

"You get one more babe..." he encourages when he feels your needy pussy squeezing around his fingers again “just relax and give me one more Hermosa”

He kisses your back, your shoulders...

So tight, sucking his fingers, that they writhe inside you to get to the point where he knows it makes you see stars. You chase his fingers with your ass up.

"Relax cariño, just relax and come for me, I know you can" he says in your ear.

It doesn't take long for your body to start squeezing in hard spasms, you release the air through your mouth in worship. The third orgasm passing through your body, leaving you seeing white.

"Javi..."

He chases your orgasm, until he stops feeling your body shaking.

Javier lies next to you, he puts his arm under your head. His fingers fixing your hair. You are jelly, Javier needs to pull your body, completely soft with pleasure.

He kisses your forehead.

"Merry Christmas, babe" he speaks softly, while fixing his body pressed to your body.

You didn't know it was possible to achieve this level of pleasure. He was the first to get it out of you. He was the only one who could do it.

Your head on his chest, the smell of Javier clouding your mind, still troubled by orgasms. Your breaths calming down, together. Javier's fingers sliding down your spine.

"What do you want from me, Javi?" You murmur, your lips slipping the warm skin of his body, leaving a kiss on his chest, sighing.

Javi is silent for a while.

"Is it just sex for you?" He asks.

It takes you some time to process. Javi feels like you've been frozen.

"Why are you asking me that?"

He shrugged.

"I want to know how you feel"

What if you said something wrong and he just disappeared?

You two were adults. The truth will always be your choice. If he can't handle it. May he get better.

"I..." hesitates "I don't know, at first yes, but..." you get up, supporting your elbow next to him on the bed, he "is it just sex for you?" You repeat the question to him.

He smiles, releasing the air through his nose. Javier looks at you, and passes a stir of your hair behind your ear, his fingers sliding down your jaw.

"That's what we just did. It's definitely not just sex"

You blink at him. Running your eyes for his peaceful expression after sex. So, here and now, his face was clear, without expression marks, the crease on his forehead, always apparent, disappeared.

Your hand over to hold his face, and caress him with your thumb, your chin rests on his chest.

"What are we going to do?"

Javier's fingers caress his hair.

"I want you" he speaks softly, as if it were a secret.

"Javi..."

You knew he was a man of several women. You've never seen him date anyone. Don't even take anyone seriously. Which way was he trying to go?

"No, cariño, I thought I would never find someone like that, for me, but you've been here all this time. I know I'm an idiot most of the time, but I can't excuses when we just made love as if we were going to merge our bodies into each other."

Make love. The day has comd when you heard Javier Peña say he makes love.

You smile. Without being able to hide it.

"What is it?" He smiles too.

"You're messing with hard drugs" you remember the day he said he didn't love.

He smiles, and pulls you up, so he can be close to your mouth. The fact that you are warmed by a strangely contagious happiness is too much to hide, to contain. You tried to deny yourself, keeping busy as long as you can so as not to think how much you wan all Javier Peña for youself.

And now he was there, delivered like a Greek god to his beloved human, in your bed.

His eyes study you. You press a soft kiss on his lips. While you run your fingers through his hair.

"I would do anything for you, I know I can be good for you," he murmurs on your lips.

"You are a good man, Javi"

"Come here" he opens his arms, offering you his chest for you to lie down "can I stay?" He asks.

"Yes" you settle in his body, intertwining your legs in him.

***

You wake up before Javier. He looked peaceful, sleeping like a baby. He was so big that your bed was too small for him.

You got away of him slowly so as not to wake him up. You always woke up earlier and arrived earlier, he could sleep longer if he wanted to, you didn't want to wake him up.

You took the opportunity to observe him lying on your bed, to keep it in your memory. That was one of the best nights of your life. You already slept together, but now it was another scenario. You bit your thumb between your teeth, remembering how he spoke to you yesterday, each word a blow to your heart surrendered to Javier.

You hear a noise on the floor, and startles in a fright. Running your eyes on the floor, looking for the sound, as fast as you can.

Coming from the clothes you discarded the night before, you move the floor, quickly in the hope of not waking up Javier.

It was his cell phone ringing.

"Peña" you say, still crouching on the floor, without worrying what they would think with you answering his phone at the first hour of the day.

"It's Don Berna"

You freeze, your legs softened. Your stomach fell.

Don Berna. You heard that name. You met this man. He was responsible for your kidnapping.

"I need to discuss business with Peña, is he there?"

You're still on the floor. The heart racing.

Javier sat on the bed looking at you, sleepy. He gestures asking who it was.

Watch your hand falling slowly holding the phone.

Javier noticed your expression as if you had seen a ghost, pale, you are crouched on the floor. Your mouth slightly open.

He frowned. And he gets up, reaching for his pants on the floor putting them on, as he walks to you.

He reaches for the phone in your hand.

"Peña"

"It's me, Berna, I need to talk to you"

Javier hangs up immediately. He presses his lips in a thin he. Now he understands the reason for your shock. He kneels down to reach you, putting his hand on your shoulder.

"Don't touch me" you push his hand.

It was as if Javier's touch burned your skin. His eyes were snapped.

Did you know that Javier was involved with Los Pepes, some cartel, some drug trafficker enemy of Pablo, could turn a blind eye to it, because although they are an unscrupulous group, and knowing that this could trigger a disaster, they were after Pablo Escobar.

But Javier and Don Berna? No. Not him. This man kidnapped you. He left you 9 days in the hands of disgusting creatures. Taking you to extremes of fatigue. Fears. Traumas. There was no way you could get over it. The simple memory of what you went through, awakened what was worst in you. You feel betrayed.

They tried to rape you and Javier was meeting the man who threw you in the lion's den?

Your hands cover your body, as if Javier wasn't in you the night before. You reach for your nightgown on the floor.

"Cariño, I can explain"

"Don't call me that."

You couldn't breathe. Just dress as fast as you can and run to the other side of the bed.

Javi gets up as soon as he sees you basically running from him.

He tries to reach you.

You back off. Your arms wrapped around your body.

"Are you afraid of me?"

"Shouldn't I? Are you doing business with the man who kidnapped me, what do you want me to do?"

"No..." Javier shakes his head, keeps the tone low, patient.

"Did you participate in this? Did you have any involvement with my kidnapping? Did you offer me in exchange for information?"

Javier froze with your assumptions.

"What?" He frowned "no! Of course not, I never..."

"So what is it? Do you know where he is and are you going to arrest him?" You're a little hysterical.

"Listen to me"

"No" you're in denial "I can't believe you... how could I be so stupid? You used me..." you were sobbing, and you're not sure when it started.

"What? Babe, please…" Javi was surprised "No... I don't..." Javier advanced towards you, but you retreated until you were leaning against the wall.

"Stay away from me"

"Babe..." he seemed to feel some pain.

"Is that what I was for you? A fucking currency of exchange for information. That's why you didn't give me access to the files... everything makes sense!" You had your hands on your head while squeezing your body, as if you wanted to get rid of your skin. "How can you?" You stared at Javier, continuing with your daydream.

He was perplexed. He didn't know if he was sad that you found out like this. Or because you make these assumptions of him. He would never use you.

"Get out" you point to the door.

"No. You need to listen to me" he walks up to you, stretches his hands in front of his desperate body "please believe me or not, I would never negotiate you for information, never..."

"So you're going to arrest him? Are you going to turn him in?" Tears flowed down your face.

Javier feels desperate.

"Babe, IIt's not like that, you know, I can't..." he murmurs.

You smile ironically, looking at the ceiling. Sticking your nails to your arms.

You walk to the pile of clothes on the floor, reach for his shirt on the floor, and throw it to him.

"I’m not your babe. Get. Out."

"No, we can't stay like this, I would never do something like this to you, please, you need to believe me..."

"I trusted you" you were inconsolable sobbing "I trusted you and you used me..." you couldn't finish

Javier shook and advances holding you in his hug, you try to let go but you can't.

"Please babe, I'll never..."

You push his chest hard.

"Don't touch me!" You screamed. Wiping your tears with the back of your hand, your breath, trying to get back together "How could I be with you when you're working and cofor ng up for the man who kidnapped me?"

Javier looks away.

"Is that how you want to be good to me? Getting involved with the man who locked me in a room, leaving me there to be raped by the son’s of the cartel bosses?"

Javier shook his head. Prosecuting. You were right. He put on his shirt. His body was sore, tense. He felt an eagerness to do something but there was nothing he could say or do to fix it. He walks reluctantly to the door.

"Sorry," he says, and leaves his room. Martyring yourself.

You feel tears of anger and pain running down your face.

Stupid!

With Javier it was like that. You went from 0 to 100 in seconds. From love to hate.

***

You meet a man when you mess with his family. And Pablo Escobar was capable of hatred, revenge and terror.

How could he not directly attack the Cali Cartel, after attacking his family. He attacked the legitimate business of the Cartel. Gilberto Rodrigues was smart, and used a network of pharmacies to launder the money from the traffic. Escoba the buildings sending whoever was nearby into the air. There were dozens of explosions around the city.

People were terrified. He was sending a direct message to the government. If we continued to ignore the actions of Los Pepes. We would suffer the consequences.

Terror attracts terror. And Los Pepes responded accordingly.

What was the purpose of all that? It was hell on earth.

Javier pulled the chair to sit at the usual table that Don Berna used, in the same cafeteria they were in.

"I won't collaborate with you anymore," he murmured.

"Didn't you like something we did?"

"From the killing of innocent civilians, to begin with"

"I don't decide whether they are innocent or guilty, that's for the priests, right?"

Javier leans over the table.

"The Castaños are getting more and more crazy. That wasn't the plan"

"But it's working"

"Not if I stop giving you information"

"Your girlfriend doesn't want to help us anymore, is that it?"

Javier hit the table.

"She has nothing to do with it, she never participated in anything"

"I can talk to her if that's the case"

Javier got up, pointing the indicator to Don Berna.

"Don't go near her! Stay away from her. Can you hear me?"

"All right Peña, let's do the following..."

Javier knew you were right from the beginning. But seeing his co-workers being punished, and dying because of Pablo Escobar, and nothing happened, left him blind for revenge.

He wanted Pablo to pay. That justice be done by him, or by whoever was willing to fight against drug trafficking. And unfortunately it happened to be just the man who kidnapped you.

Javier went there with his mind made up. It had to end. He couldn't risk losing you, now that he had finally found you. Now that he knew you could only be his. There would be no room for anything else if it weren't for you.

But Don Berna was quick.

"I don't agree with the Castaño methods, but Pablo's men are hidden like rats. They're scared. Including Pablo's lawyer, my men attacked him with an automatic machine gun, and these kids didn't hit any shots, can you believe it? I need you to help me find him, so Pablo doesn't have a spokesperson. And we're done with that, you help me and I guarantee your girlfriend will be safe."

It would be the last thing he would do. And then he'd be out.

Javier asked Edward through Central Spike to track down Fernando Duque, Pablo's lawyer.

Edward requested the requirements, but Javier passed over you, the authorizations of Messina and the Ambassador.

Pablo's family tried to leave the country. The government couldn't stop them from leaving. But Pablo had a bad past with the airline. When he blew up a plane in the air in the past. And the company made sure everyone knew that the family was trying to take off.

You had to go to Bogotá urgently. A meeting was called with the president of Colombia, ambassador Crosby and Messina.

The president reported that Escobar bought 8 tickets to different places in the world on behalf of the family.

"We need to keep them in Colombia," Crosby said.

Legally there was no way to prevent them from leaving the country. But with the right support, they would not be accepted in other countries.

Your job was to contact all eight possible destinations of the family, and negotiate requesting support so that the family would not disembark. With the family in Colombia, Escobar would have to be cautious, and this was an asset that you could not lose.

You called the DEA agents, and prayed that Javier wouldn't answer.

With all this turmoil, you didn't have time to think much about things with Javier. And you were deeply grateful for the massive amount of work occupying you to be disturbed by the affective memories of the last night they had together.

The worst thing was that Javier's smell was still on your bed, on your pillows, on your sheets. It was difficult when you were so submerged in the deep sea that it was Javier Peña, and everything he caused in your body. At the same time, he was the person who supported and incited by giving the information to a group of vigilante assassins, in partnership with a cartel that kidnapped you and made you wish death, to continue living in the conditions in which you stayed for days.

Murphy answered the phone.

Thank God.

"I need you to get your passport and go to the airport. Escobar's family will try to leave the country, and I need you to follow them, wherever they go."

"Yes, when?"

"Now."

Javier was worried about studying the tension of his partner's body. He knew you were in Bogotá, it was already a nuisance not to have you where his eyes reached, and seeing the way Murphy looked, anxiety took over his body.

"And, Murphy?"

"Yes?"

"Don't tell anyone. Anyone. Did you hear me? Nobody. Do you understand?"

Yes. Murphy understood. He couldn't even talk to his own partner. Since he was an informant. And it wasn't more reliable.

"Who was it?" Javier asked.

Murphy said your name, as he reached for the coat to go out, and picked up his passport in the drawer.

"Where are you going?"

" Out" Murphy was already going up the stairs.

"With your passport?"

"Yes"

"Are you just going to say that?"

"Yes"

And he disappeared.

TAG: @harriedandharassed

#pedro pascal #narcos #narcos fanfiction #javier pena x y/n #javier pena fluff #javier pena x you #javier pena x reader #javier pena smut #javier pena fanfiction #javier pena imagine #javier pena fic #javier pena narcos #javier peña

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starseneyes · 2 years ago

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Chenford - Lucy Chen / Tim Bradford - The Rookie - Season 5 - Ep 10

"The List" Or, as I like to call it, "Lucy has the giggles".

Y'all, this one SLAYED me, and I can't wait to jump in with you!

SPOILER ALERT: This Meta will spoil every delicious second of this episode and reference past material from the show (and will majorly spoil the end of the film Serenity. Sorry about that). Please proceed with extreme caution... or don't, if you are ready to be spoiled.

Shall we? Let's get things started!

Fashion Barbie Runway Show

Look, I had a couple Barbies growing up. And while they weren't my favorite toys, I understood the draw of dressing up your handsome Ken doll and fashionable Barbie in fun outfits. And, let's be honest, Barbie always had more variety than Ken.

So, it seems fitting that Lucy and Tim are struggling to choose the perfect outfit for their last first date ever.

Yes, I said it. Tim and Lucy are on an Endgame path, and they are completely aware of it.

Anyway, we see Lucy pull up every significant outfit she's ever worn around Tim (special shout out to the costume department for keeping those around and not selling them off, yet). There's the double date dress, the dance dress, and later the green dress from Lopez's wedding. It's a feast for Chenfordians.

SIDE NOTE: And we have to talk about Tim's bedroom. The crew put a lot of thought into it. Remember, Tim's been married before, and got to keep all the furniture. So, everything matches in tasteful, boring beige (as compared to Lucy's flamboyant, color-filled apartment).

I love that Tim has slippers. I don't know why that detail made me so happy (and the clothes sticking a little haphazardly out of his laundry basket in the closet), but those details help paint a side of the man we've never really seen before. Domestic Tim.

Tim's going through a smattering of the exact. same. shirt. in seventeen colors. And, look, I'll give him props that he has some variety in color to match whatever his date's wearing, but it's terribly on-brand to me for Tim to find the shirt that works and run with it.

Plus, this MUSIC!? "I was overthinking. Are we linking?" Tim and Lucy are definitely overthinking.

Side Note: I am LOVING how they are both tossing the discards on the bed rather than re-hanging them. Because they are so indecisive that they can't bring themselves to completely rule something out, even if they tell themselves that's not the one.

And Tim with the store-bought hangers that he never replaced? Because he probably thinks they're, "Perfectly fine hangers"? I was rolling.

Tim's finally had enough and he picks up the phone to dial Lucy.

Watch. Lucy's. Face.

Girlfriend knows she is taking forever to pick her outfit. She opts for the lie.

"Hi. I'm almost there." "No. No, you're not."

Look. At. Her. FACE! Look at that glee on her face. Because he knows her. She doesn't have to lie to him and worry what he'll think or how he'll react.

"No. I'm not. Sorry. Um, are you?" "No! Uh, look, does this restaurant have a dress code?"

See that twinkle in Lucy's eyes? It's the same twinkle when she laid hands on Tim's radio a few episodes back when he was newly single and she was about to be. Lucy's quickly cooking up a plan.

"Uh, no. I mean, you could wear cargo shorts, if you wanted."

Evil, evil girl. But, oh, how I love this. We're seconds into their first conversation of the night, and they are establishing right away that Tim and Lucy are still Tim and Lucy.

Yes, they're adding a layer to their relationship, but the underpinnings that have been so painstakingly stitched together over the past five-ish seasons remain.

"Really?" "Yeah, I mean, what does it matter as long as your comfortable?" "Nice try." *giggles*

Did. You. Hear. Her. GIGGLES?!

I know I'm pausing a lot on this Meta (and we're about a minute seven into screentime), but that's because this is so insanely delicious that I can't help myself.

I'm the girl who watched in agony hoping for Janeway and Chakotay to have an open-ended end to their romance only for the show to hook him up with 7of9 at the eleventh hour. Besides Mulder and Scully, that was my first major ship. And, to be honest, both left me with some serious trust issues.

So, I went into this episode hoping I would be wrong about so many things. And, folks, I was wrong about so many things. But, we'll get to that later.

Right now, our girl Lucy Chen is giggling because she tried a "gotcha" and he called her on it. And she is so relaxed in this moment that she can embrace the giggle without worrying about any of the boundaries.

Though there are physical boundaries in place (we'll get to those later), the emotional boundaries have completely come down. They're flirting. They're teasing. And it's all out in the open (at least between them) without restraint.

This is unhinged, untied, undone Tim and Lucy from an emotional standpoint. And it's f'ing beautiful.

Also, can we talk about Tim Bradford? I mean, we've seen him happy in relationships, before, but have we ever seen him beaming like this? I don't think so.

"That was clearly a test, and you should know better than to test the master."

Lucy's face is pure, "Yup, that's my boyfriend. He thinks he's so fly" and I am here for it!

Also, Tim in Gold Toe Socks?! I'm fairly sure that's what he's wearing, and that little detail of having super durable, super comfortable socks is so bloody Tim. We don't usually get to see his socks, and I LOVE these little details.

"What are you wearing?" "Yeah, uh, I don't know, yet. But I do have a lot of outfits that I am not going to wear. So..." "Look, well, we are running low on time. Traffic's getting ugly."

Oh, Los Angeles, how I detest your traffic. I once flew into LAX and my ride was two miles away when I called them from the street. Two miles.

One hour later they picked me up. I kid you not. Los Angeles traffic is some of the worst I've ever seen. I remember we went into the office (one of my clients) and it was a ten mile trip that took almost two hours. I am not built for LA traffic, and Tim's line sent a shudder of remembrance down my spine.

Lucy, my lady, it's time to pick a damn dress.

"Yeah, totally. I, it's silly, I just need to make a decision... Ah, yes! The green dress. It is decided."

It was the dress she wore the first time he asked her to save a dance... the first time she had the flicker that he was interested in her as anything other than a fellow officer and former boot. This dress holds significance between them, and it'd be lovely to rewrite its history so it's no longer the dress she wore when Jackson was murdered, but the dress she wore the first time she went out on a date with Tim Bradford.

"Great. Well, I'll see you soon."

He's imagining her in that dress. Remembering her in that dress. He couldn't help himself, even back then. He'd drank in every move of her hips, every hug of fabric against her skin as it swished toward her.

You can see that smile, again. The dazzler. He's dazzled by her, and they aren't even in the same room. That's the power this woman has over him. And he's done resisting its pull.

"Okay. Bye."

She hangs up on him and the music is soft, gentle, hopeful.

Then... nope. She yeets another dress onto the pile and we're back to square one.

The Most Romantic Restaurant in Town

Look, I don't know if this was the director or the script, but sweeping in on all those couples, and the flower arrangements, and the hanging, but dimmed lights? This is a couple's place. This isn't where you take your work friend for dinner. This is where you take your future wife.

And Tim's brought his future wife. But, oh, the boy is feeling awkward now that they're finally out together. Tim sneaks a look at Lucy and she chuckles. She can feel his unease.

"It's good bread." "Yeah. It's such a nice assortment."

Y'all. The Rookie team... we see you! We see you calling out the fan-created Crumb-o-Meter that made my first episodes watching this bloody ship all the more delicious. If you wanted us to know you're stalking our psychotic, borderline-obsessive *ahem* tweets and posts... message received. We'll keep up the good work!

But, seriously, in this moment the awkwardness is on point.

Transitions in life are tough. I'll be honest that with most of my boyfriends, I dove in. With Ernie, he asked to kiss me and we dated for two months (before he dumped me on my birthday over the phone the week of prom). With Sean, he said there was something between us and kissed me in his kitchen. That relationship lasted two weeks because he was moving away.

And before the summer ended, I was locking lips with Travis—whom I'd just met—and I dated him for over a year before realizing we had absolutely nothing in common and I was a stooge for jumping in without taking stock of the situation, first.

So when I met Matthew in the middle of my breakup with Travis... I wanted to do it differently. We spent the summer getting to know one another as friends. I took a romantic relationship completely off the table. Through emails (yes, email), AIM messages (I know... totally dating us), and group dates, I got to know him better and better. We had a budding friendship by the time we finally started dating.

Not the three or so years of Lucy and Tim, but I knew there was something different about my relationship with Matthew from the go. We took everything slower. And I'm so glad we did. It gave me time to savor every second.

Lucy and Tim both know that this is different, and there's a level of awkwardness there as two friends attempt the transition.

"Why is this so weird? We've eaten together literally hundreds of times." "Because our other meals only ever had the promise of being shot at afterwards, you know, not naked time."

I have to be honest with y'all, I did not see Tim saying that. This line leaked early via a journalist with an advance copy (so saying that it "leaked" isn't exactly true since it's the journalist's job to hype up the fanbase). But the journalist didn't attribute the line to either of them. I was shocked to find this came from Tim.

But in the face of the awkwardness they're feeling, it makes sense that he would be searching for words and land on the least romantic ones, God bless him. (Yes, this might seem like a variant on "God bless his heart" but, trust me, in the South they are two very different things. I truly feel for the guy!)

"Naked time? Please, I mean, we've seen plenty of naked people after we ate." "That's not what I-" "No. No. No. I know. I know. I know. I feel like I might... I might just need you to reset your expectations a little bit. You're not going to see me naked for... a while."

I have to stop this here for a couple of reasons. One, Lucy touches Tim's arm when she's saying, "I know". We watched in 5x08 where she struggled not to touch him when they were sitting together outside. Here, on their date, she isn't shying away from that. There's an ease between them, even as they're discussing what might be considered a delicate topic.

Two, I love the way that Tim smiles with her after "a while". There's an ease to it. I can see him having some naked time expectations after she bloody invited him in when they were both seeing other people. But he's listening to her, and he's accepting what she wants wholeheartedly, without question.

So, I don't think Tim was unreasonable in his thought process, originally. However, what I love about this is what happens next.

Also, I love the way that Tim reacts the same way he did to Chris saying he wanted Tim's thoughts—surprised, but ready to listen. It's those little details of this reset that mean so much to me.

"I mean, I don't want to rush into that. I wanna take things slow... go on this date, maybe a second date, have our first real kiss. I just don't think we should jump into bed together just because we know each other so well. Right? I mean, do you?" "No, I... Agreed."

I'm puddling on the floor right now. Y'all, you don't know what consent means to me. I have too many stories for this Meta (y'all'd be running away from me so fast because I wouldn't get to the Chenford for another six pages or so if I got started). But, as a victim of abuse, this is so important to me.

Lucy is setting the expectations here for her and Tim. And he's accepting and agreeing to them without question. This is how it should be, people.

Also, Lucy starts with telling Tim that he's not going to see her naked for a while, but she's also simultaneously telling him that someday he will. This isn't a short-term thing for either of them, and she's making that abundantly clear.

The one thing about Tim is that he knows about all of Lucy's previous relationships (save Nolan) that have happened during her time as an Officer. He knows that with Emmett it was all physical, basically. With Chris, they were "great together" but there was no substance. He's seen how she treats relationships, and, honestly, she hasn't done it with the greatest care or eye toward longevity.

In this speech, Lucy isn't only defining parameters for their physical/sexual relationship. She's also subtly communicating to Tim that she wants to put care into this relationship. She wants to build it up together, the same way they have their friendship. Lucy is telling Tim, "I'm in this for the long haul".

Watch his face just before he says, "Agreed". It's about more than just agreeing to what she's saying, and offering her that much-needed affirmation. It's about making their first major decision together as a couple.

She didn't have to ask him to chime in. Her body is her body and her choice. But she wanted to know that they were on the same page, and he had the opportunity to show her that he is.

In a long-term relationship, communication is the most important binder. Romance is great, but sometimes when you have flames coming out of your ears, you're not that interested in stolen kisses. Passion is great, but when you're cowering on the floor, breaking in half over tragedy, it won't get you anywhere.

Solid communication is the most essential building block to a relationship that lasts. And in this scene, Lucy has told Tim that's what she wants with him, and he knows enough to realize what she's saying beneath the words.

Lucy's face is filled with the same consternation as it was on "it's not worth the risk". She's worried how Tim's going to react. And both times, he reassures her.

It's so brief, so brief, but watch Lucy's eyes after he agrees (and this is all Melissa O'Neil). She's relieved.

As soon as they started talking to one another instead of making small talk, they returned to what has made them great all along—their foundation of understanding one another deeply, and not being afraid to call the other out, or reset the expectations.

Watch the awkwardness evaporate with that… It's the lack of communication that put them on edge. Well, almost all the awkwardness.

"Are you worried someone from the station's gonna walk in?" "What?" "You are!" "No, I-" "Wow." "What are the odds?"

I love this so much. Lucy's calling Tim out, and he's actually a little embarrassed. It's adorable. Tim and Lucy have completely gotten over the awkwardness.

Just in time for... I'm sorry. Are you for real? Seriously? I was just enjoying this adorable couple and y'all couldn't wait for the guests to leave for the night before having it out in the kitchen? Yes, the kitchen is a volatile place, but these two are dating here! Ya know?

Fine. Fine. Have your bloody knife fight. But did anyone else notice how Tim really really didn't want to get involved? He kept hoping for an outcome that wouldn't require them, but the second that dude grabbed the knife, Tim whipped out the gun and badge while Lucy went for a cloth napkin for the wound.

Truly, these two are a power couple, already!

"What are the chances someone from the station walks in now?"

And, too fast for real life (but perfect timing for the joke), the blue and red lights catch Tim and Lucy... red and blue handed.

Look, these two have got to stop racking up reports with both of their names on it when they're not supposed to be together. First Lucy's apartment when Chris was bleeding out, now the restaurant attack.

What on earth will Angela have to say to Timothy now!? (please, please let us find out, soon!)

And what is with these two and knife-attacks-to-the-arms ruining their moments? It's not a good trend.

But can we talk about Lucy's dress? YOWZA! When she stood up and I saw all the amazing back cut outs in addition to the front, I just thought, "Wow, Melissa O'Neil is FIT" and "Lucy looks incredible on this date".

Tim's no slouch, either! The patterned shirt he went with was the best thing in his closet we saw, and I'd kill to have a stomach as flat as Eric Winter's. Well, not kill. I don't want to be arrested while commenting on a cop show. That'd be a little too on the nose.

Before We Move On: I have seen a lot of feedback on the interwebs of people accusing Lucy of inconsistency between 5x01's "Do you want to come in?" and 5x10's "I want to take this slow."

First off, a human being can change their mind about a situation at any time and it not be considered a character flaw or "out of character".

Some nights I'll tell my husband, "As soon as the kids go to bed, you are mine" but by the time the kids go down, I'm too tired to move, let alone engage in "naked time". Does my husband accuse me of being an inconsistent character? Hell, no!

Listen, you can always change your mind about wanting or not wanting sex. We need to get rid of the mindset that if you were hot and bothered one time you're supposed to be permanently hot and bothered, or you're a tease or something. It's an insane way to interpret the situation.

Secondly (yes, I'm finally getting back to the Chenford), Lucy in 5x01 didn't know Tim was emotionally invested. She knew he was physically attracted to her, and she decided to take a leap in the moment. To live in that moment based on the information available.

Even when she's confessing in 5x08 that she's afraid of leaving her "safe" relationship for Tim because it could ruin the most important relationship in her life, she didn't know how he felt.

Yes, she is the one who shut down that talk in 5x01, but that's because she was assuming instead of listening and letting him finish. And assumption is when these two get in trouble (see "naked time" above).

So, in the fullness of her new knowledge, Lucy has made a different decision. She knows that this is endgame as much as he does (though I think he's still so surprised to see Lucy so at ease with all of it considering her history of keeping guys at arms-length after her ex cheated on her while she was living with him).

And it's perfectly okay to change your mind. Lucy changed her mind. Tim amended his expectations to match her wishes because when he does make love with her, he wants her to give herself fully with no trace of anxiety or fear holding her back. He wants her to feel completely cherished, and loved, and he'll wait until the moment she is ready. That is the magic of the moment.

Lucy Chen said, "Not, yet" and Tim said, "Understood. I'm not going anywhere" without saying so many words.

Tim went in with the knowledge that she twice jumped him (girl can be thirsty/assertive), and that she once invited him in.

It was definitely a possibility that they were getting naked after this romantic dinner. He was looking forward to peeling that skin-tight dress right off of her.

But the second she said that wasn't the plan, he rolled with it. And that's sexy as hell.

"This is not strange. Coworkers eat together. It's a thing." "At the most romantic restaurant in town?" "Right."

Our intrepid duo is scrambling. Lucy was making fun of Tim's paranoia over them being caught together, and within thirty seconds they were caught together.

And now it's the fallout. Before, there was no obligation to tell anyone anything or come up with a cover story. Now, they have a choice to make.

And I need to shout out to the director and DP for the staging of this scene. I love Tim and Lucy in their little spot, slightly removed from everyone else, and the sweeping shots where the noise picks up of the chatter of their fellow officers.

The fact that they have Tim and Lucy backed against the wall (heh) means that nobody can cross behind them, and the camera's positioned so we don't have people crossing in front of them. It allows us to focus on them singularly as a pair versus everyone else in the mosh-pit of police work.

"Well, I mean, we could come clean."

Watch Tim's face. It's not that Lucy's had to hide her previous relationships (besides Nolan... and I keep hoping Tim knew something at the time and didn't say anything because he doesn't want to talk about personal stuff in the Shop). But, Lucy's not one to bring dates to events and whatnot.

They've been on one half-date that was interrupted by an assault that resulted in an arrest. And Lucy's talking about letting everyone know that they are officially a couple. That's huge.

Tim can't believe what he's hearing. And even if it's not the right decision right now, it says something to him about how Lucy sees this... that she's not letting one botched date get in the way of them. She's not going anywhere. For goodness sake, she was the first to make them a "we" here!

But... still... there are some issues with coming clean.

"Are you ready for that? Are you ready for Smitty's commentary on us dating or the "ohs" every time we walk into the roll call room together?" "Or, we could lie."

Oh, honey, no. Look, you're a killer UC. We know that. But, when it comes to the people you know and love, you are a terrible liar.

My mind immediately flashes back to Season 1. "You're good at a lot of things. Lying isn't one of them." "You think I'm good at things? Can I get that in writing?"

Like, Lucy, honey. Nooooo. Let Tim do the lying for the both of you. He lied to himself for ages about how he felt. He's a much better liar.

And, to clarify, I understand why they feel they need to lie right now, and it's their relationship. But Lucy shouldn't be the one talking when they do it.

"Uh, yeah, we were there, uh, investigating a tip and then this whole other crime popped off." "Yeah, Lucy's C.I. was convinced they were dealing drugs." "What?" "What?" "Nothing."

Maybe neither of you is good at lying. Yikes.

"Boss wants to see you. Have a safe one."

Oh, Nolan, you don't even realize how scared these two are of walking into that office.

And, I must say that I was wrong, again. Look, folks, I admit when I'm wrong. It's hardwired into who I am because of how I grew up. When this scene dropped, I thought something might be missing, but now I see it was the way they edited the two shot to alternating one-shots that made me think I was missing something.

So, The Rookie, 2. Rachel 0. (and I'm going to lose again, at the end. Stay tuned!)

Tim holds the door for Lucy as they make the transition. I saw on Twitter that Eric Winter insisted on this, and looking back at their relationship, there have been several other instances where Tim has held the door for Lucy. So, this is absolutely in character, and I love that EW insisted upon it. Those little details make the character.

"I think you know how I feel about coworkers dating."

Yikes, Grey! Not even letting them settle into their stances before ripping the band-aid off. And, yes, I'm creating this commentary based on my first time watching the pan-and-scan version of this scene from Twitter.

Because, Rachel was not prepared.

Tim and Lucy glance at one another. Here we go.

"When I started, no one thought much of it. But things have changed. We're more aware of how power dynamics can skew things. Even the most innocent of relationships can be a distraction."

Watch Tim's hand slip off his watch as he fidgets. Tim can be very controlled, and very good at hiding his emotions. But I don't think he was ready for this conversation this soon. Lucy resettles over and over, pressing her lips together as the listens.

And this two-shot is so much better than the split screen they had to do for Instagram formatting. I love seeing the two of them together, united, but mirroring one another's positions while facing Grey—the authority figure behind the desk.

Right now, there's an inequality between Grey's position and theirs. Tim and Lucy are unable to sit and he is permitted to sit and lord over them, like royalty. Grey is the final word, and he's staring down at two very nervous officers.

"Hey, trust me, I get it. We spent 12 hours a day together. Feelings are bound to develop."

Tim looks over to Lucy. She feels his gaze and looks back.

"But we can't afford even the hint of impropriety." "We couldn't agree more."

"We". There it is, again. Some people put a lot of weight into this, wondering if Lucy is afraid that Tim is going to break it off. But I don't think that was ever the issue.

They both know eventually they won't be able to work together as they have... it's impossible. But they want this to last as long as it can.

Tim is saying "we" couldn't agree more. Not "I". Lucy doesn't have to worry about him giving up on her. But I think she knows he's willing to do whatever it takes for something he believes in—and he believes in them.

"Good. Look, I don't want to be the old guy interfering with peoples lives, especially their love life, but this whole Aaron and Celina situation has me worried." "The Aaron and Celina situation."

Tim's surprised face is adorable, but Lucy rolls with it fairly well. They turn to look out at Aaron and Celina. As they do, the camera shifts to a three shot, Grey now standing behind them. They're on a more level playing field, here, flowing with the scene.

Gosh, I love Robert Bella's style as a director. He really lets the camera breathe with the script. I haven't been this excited about a television director since Robert Duncan McNeil started working on Chuck after debuting as a director on Star Trek: Voyager.

Lucy sneaks a glance at Tim, trying to gauge his response before they turn around. He finally meets her eyes with a quick, "Well, that was close" look as they turn back to face Grey.

And, look, I think Grey is on to them. He's not a fool. But, he's also outlining a lot of thoughts in this scene, if we try to see it as him sending them a message.

He's not saying don't date. But he does remind them of the power imbalance (Tim's her SO and a Sergeant). Yet, he calls out the need for Aaron to establish his reputation and for Celina to get through her Probationary period without distractions.

Tim and Lucy will have to deal with their power imbalance.

"Oh, the irony." "Are you gonna talk to Aaron?" "About his love life? Can't wait." "When are you gonna talk to Celina?" "I can't tell her not to date a cop. That is so hypocritical. Oh, I'm gonna get Nolan to do it." "That's cheating." *giggle*

This whole exchange makes me so happy. Here are Tim and Lucy operating as a duo, tasked with a job, and Lucy finds a way to get out of the uncomfortable situation. Tim's "That's cheating" hearkens back to every bet they've ever made.

The subtitles have Lucy saying "mm-hmm", but I swear the first time I heard it (first thirty times I re-watched the scene), it was a giggle. I'm going with giggle.

Because this is the episode where Lucy has the giggles.

"You and Celina dating?"

And Tim, with the subtlety of a Rams fan at a 49er's bar on game-day, reminds us why there's no personal talk in the Shop. Tim's really bad at it.

I'm not going to transcribe Aaron's full response, but I love the way it set Tim on edge. I've talked, before, about how Eric Winter is one of those actors who acts through his fingers and toes. Bruce Willis is one of those, too. Just watch his feet in the early scenes of Die Hard. It's beautiful.

So, when Aaron starts talking about direct reports in a not so subtle hint that he knows all about those types of relationships, Tim gets nervous. It's not that he's afraid of being found out. But the more he's reminded of their biggest issue—one of them will have to leave.

And, don't get me wrong, the show'll probably find a way to work around that by taking Tim out of her chain-of-command but keeping him largely tied to the established team. But right now, Tim's fidgeting on the wheel.

And I swear when I watched it live I thought I heard the engine speeding up with Tim's anxiety.

"Remember this morning when dating in secret was our biggest problem?" "That feels like a million years ago."

Excuse me, ma'am, but isn't your camera on your chest recording everything you say!? I've always been worried about what they say near cameras, but Lucy's throwing caution RIGHT out.

"Did you talk to Aaron?" "Yeah." "And?" "He neither confirmed nor denied." "But?" "But he pointed out that it wouldn't be problematic because he's not her superior and doesn't fall in her chain of command." "Oh."

I get why they don't want to face it. Right now, they only see that as a separation. Those 12 hours a day where they've gotten to know one another, and have been able to see one another, and check on one another, and keep tabs on the other's welfare... gone.

It's a lot to lose even if they get to keep each other.

"Are you sure about this?" "I'm sure he's gonna kill her if we don't do something. Where's my distraction?" "It's ready and waiting."

I can hear Lucy in my head, "I don't like Plan B." But she understands that this is what needs to be done, and that this is their job. Sometimes, they have to put themselves in harm's way, and that a tragic occupational hazard.

But I love how this illustrates that they can still work together, even with the new layer to their relationship. Tim and Lucy are still Tim and Lucy.

"That's the signal."

And the trust that Lucy would be the one to hear the signal, and get everyone else ready to go. They've worked side-by-side for years. They have a natural rhythm there that's been earned. I totally understand why they don't want to lose that.

But it's inevitable... that day is coming. And neither can face it just yet.

"We both can't get out at the same time." "Okay, then you go first." "There's only room for one of us to be a hero, here, and I outrank you." "Sir, with all due respect, Lucy will kill me if I let you die, so I'm dead either way." "Get out of the Shop, Aaron!"

We've seen Aaron comment on the Tim/Lucy thing directly and indirectly, but this is flashing neon lights compared to those other times. He's basically saying, "She will literally murder for you, and I know it, and I don't want it to be me."

And I have to stop to applaud Aaron's ingenuity in finding a way to save Tim, too. Tim accepts his fate. He's military-trained, and he's a seasoned cop who understands the risks he takes every day.

But it wasn't his day to die, my friends. Not today.

"Well, I'm glad you didn't die."

This. Transition! I'm salivating over that transition from one scene to the next, through the glass. I'll admit, I'm a big fan of scenes that overlap and allow us to trade from one conversation to the next. It has always made me feel more like the world was real, and we were walking through it rather than bouncing around through non-stop scene-shifts.

No, you can't do this all the time. It'd become tired out. But, I love the choice, here. Again, I don't know if it was the writer, the director, or someone else who saw the opportunity and seized it, but I'm so glad they did!

"You owe me a redo on our date." "It's what gave me the will to live."

He's needling her. He's so needling her and it's so adorable. I know they have a lot of incredible scenes in this episode, but this one gave me all the feels.

This is secret dating era at its finest. Walking side-by-side and speaking words just for the other while knowing there's so much more going on under the surface. And I am here for it!

I love how he looks at her, waiting to see if he's going to get a reaction. Oh, she gives him a reaction!

"In my mind, I'm hitting you right now." "That's good to know."

Heart. Exploding. The cuteness!

PAUSE: Before we get to the end scene, can we talk about Nyla and James choosing Angela and Wesley to raise their daughter!? As soon as the conversation came up I was screaming at the television, "Pick Angela and Wesley!" And I'm so glad they did.

The power couples of The Rookie really got to show up and show out this week, and I wanted to acknowledge these four, too, even if they're not the focus of our Meta.

"I've been falling apart these days," says the music as we transition to a crane shot, establishing twinkle lights in trees (and those hanging bulb-style ones that I've been coveting for my new backyard ever since we moved in).

We sweep past the... is that a food truck!? Was I actually right about one thing in this bloody episode!? My only prediction that came true was that Tim and Lucy would try to have their date, things would go wrong, and they'd end up at a food truck. I'll take the win since everything else's been a loss for me, predictions-wise.

The Rookie 2, Rachel 1.

We sweep over to Tim and Lucy in the most casually-intimate (it's a thing) position with those high stools. Tim's got his let completely wrapped on the other side of Lucy's, and one of hers is crossed with a foot on his chair.

They don't wear fashionable clothes. Lucy's hair isn't styled. The conditions are less structured and more beautifully chaotic, like the twinkle lights dangling just shy of perfection—but no less perfect in that imperfection.

Tim and Lucy are at ease.

This is the heart of Tim and Lucy's transition. Before, they were trying to do it without all the information on the table, and within the confines of what they thought they needed.

Instead, they've found themselves in metal chairs exposed to the elements, facing the less-than-romantic view of a parking lot, and they couldn't be happier.

I must observe that they don't eat or drink a thing during this scene. The props are simply props, and I always find it fascinating when a scene calls for actual eating versus the implication of eating.

"Streets of Vietnam." *giggle* "That's where we ended up."

For some reason, the caption says "Treats of Vietnam" even though Eric Winter clearly emphasizes the "S" on "Streets".

But, if you're following along and hard of hearing or deaf, I wanted to make that clarification. His words, indeed, do match the signage on the food truck.

And Lucy is giggling, again.

"So, I guess this is our official first date." "Mmm, last night was. For sure. I mean, it's a better story for the grandkids."

Watch. Tim's. Face. He dated Ashley for ages before finding out she had no interest in marriage or kids—two things that mean a lot to him.

And Lucy, beautiful Lucy, is telling him on their second date that she can't wait to share this story with their grandkids.

And I've seen people say, "Oh, what happened to taking it slow?" Welp, you can be in an emotional place separate from a physical place, and that's just fine. She wants to savor every second of this.

This relationship is full of "last firsts". Last first date. Last first kiss. Last first time sleeping together.

If you knew that going into a relationship, wouldn't you want to savor every second? Really live in the moments to form lasting memories rather than rushing through?

"We've got grandkids, now." *giggle* "Nice."

Ooooh, the giggling has got me in a chokehold!

And I'm floored by the confidence Lucy has with Tim. Before, we saw so much hesitation from her in taking big steps, especially with Chris. Hell, I don't know that I recall her ever calling him her "boyfriend".

With Tim, none of that exists. Yes, they had some butterflies to get through in the beginning. But part of what makes this relationship work is how it has been earned and built.

They didn't start day one of their Rookie/TO relationship making moony-eyes at one another. They built layers over time, like the most beautiful crepe tower cake.

Yes, I know it's a weird metaphor, but I like baking shows. And the best part about a crepe tower cake is that you make each crepe one at a time before binding it to the others to form a stack. And sometimes the crepes aren't the prettiest. You might burn one a little. But it still goes into the stack, and it still helps build a beautiful finished product.

Tim and Lucy have built this relationship bit by bit. That's why everything rings true so effortlessly, now.

"Do not break into that car."

I. Started. CACKLING. Much as the cold open had me in stitches, this is the line that slays me every time. Crochety, worn-out Tim comes out on that line.

It's like, "Look, do you see this stunningly gorgeous, amazing, tough-as-nails woman beside me? I'd like to have one date, just ONE where I'm not pulling out cuffs for work purposes".

"Hey, moron!"

Foley artist, I love you. Or if it was recorded audio at the scene, I love whoever did that because even the SOUND of the metal clanging as the perp retreats had me in stitches. This was such a beautiful moment for so many reasons.

First of all, Tim is always going to be Tim. Thank God. I abhor when shows destroy the characters the second they get in a relationship (no, I'm not naming names... Metas make you squeel and laugh. We don't need the negativity, here).

Second, Tim just made the choice to be a man instead of a cop in this moment. Now, if it was a dangerous criminal, I'm sure Tim would have done something, as he did on their first date. But, for Tim "Supercop" Bradford to choose the girl... it's such a huge metaphor for what's coming.

Tim's job has seemed like the most important thing for so long, especially since he finally went after Sergeant, and continues to work despite being eligible for Retirement. But some things matter more.

Friends, Lucy matters more.

"You know, he's just going to break into a car in a different neighborhood." "Well, then some other cop can arrest him."

Pause. Just pause right here and look at Tim's face as he gazes upon Lucy. That twinkle is back in his eyes. And, yes, I'm aware it's probably studio lights set up for this shot. Don't ruin my magic!!

But Tim Bradford is finally looking into the eyes of a woman who will love him as much as he will love her. She will call him on his bullshit, care for his wounds, follow him into the fire, and stand by his side through whatever life throws at them.

They both knew that when they took this leap, they could never, ever go back. It's a constant plunge into the unknown, and with every level deeper they go, it only cements their bond.

Tim and Lucy were never going to work as friends-with-benefits, or a casual thing. They're Endgame. And they both know it.

He reaches for her face with his left hand. The same hand that wanted to hold her face the first time they kissed, but hesitated. He's telegraphing his moves and giving her space to pull back, to tell him to stop, to let him know she's not ready.

But Lucy is ready for this next step.

His right hand resting somewhere between her knee and thigh, the other hand tangling in her hair as he gently tugs her toward him, he leans in for their last first kiss—together.

And Lucy smiles before their lips touch, because this is so damn sweet. This is the beginning of yet another phase for them. And as they share that beautiful moment, we fade to black.

And here we have the last thing I was wrong about—the episode didn't end with Lucy covered in blood.

Look, I called the kiss (so I hope that balances things out a little), but I have a lot of ship trauma. For goodness sake, look at Wash and Zoe from Firefly/Serenity. He wasn't a leaf on the wind... he was a corkboard for the world's largest push-pin.

So, I was pleasantly surprised we faded out to black with our favorite couple intact and happy.

One thing that The Rookie has done really well with its core relationships is allowing them to face issues as a couple.

Nyla and James were rockstars at the bank, but they also worked through the very real issue of who should care for their child in the event of their death. That's something all parents grapple with.

And then Wesley and Angela working through the conversations of when (and whether) to add children to their family. I suffer from infertility, so all three of our children were planned for, prayed for, and provided by nice doctors with catheters and egg timers (I wish I was joking about that last part).

So whatever Tim and Lucy are going to face, I have confidence that they will face it together. They aren't going to suddenly stop communicating, break up, and date other people. This is Season 5B and as of yet, there's no assurance of a Season 6. It's the perfect time to cement them as a couple, explore the obstacles they overcome, and allow the fans to bask in the breadsticks (double breadsticks according to the Roll-o-Meter).

Because, y'all, we ATE.

As always, thank you for reading. This one was a lot of fun to watch and write. And, special shout out to my husband who let me squirrel away for the hour (which is right at our kids' bedtime) so I could squeal in real-time!

See y'all on the next!

#Chenford #Tim x Lucy #Lucy x Tim #Tim Bradford #Lucy Chen #The Rookie #Eric Winter #Melissa O'Neil #Chenford Meta #The Rookie Meta

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