#such a nice rest after 2X06 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jeniffercheck · 4 months

Text

hairline fracture (is it me that you'd run after?)

shivlina oneshot: argestes, but have roman and shiv switch places -- set during 2x06 (argestes), shivlina are established affair partners, closely follows the canon of s2. CWs below the cut.

words: 9k

for @shivvroys as part of the shivcord winter fic exchange xx

read here or on ao3

cw for domestic violence & implied/referenced domestic violence. It is a prevalent theme throughout the entire fic & injuries are described quite a few times but it does not get graphic. the shown domestic violence does not stray from canon. please let me know if you think i've missed anything!

Karolina grips her glass loosely, a lousy mix of the worst 2000s house beats and party guests shouting over the music reverberating through her ears. Shiv stares at Tom across the room, her eyes turning into something more of a scowl compared to Karolina’s entertainment.

“You’d think he’d have a little more tact than trying to get with a competitor,” Shiv says.

Shiv is obviously using a loose definition of the word competitor, the woman being some executive from a privately owned firm that Karolina can’t recall ever being involved in news or theme parks, but she laughs quietly at the comment, unable to ignore the irony in the complaint.

“The fact that he’d even consider speaking to another woman in public in a way that could even hint at a business deal—” Karolina says. “It’s horrifying.”

“Whatever,” Shiv says, taking a sip of her drink. “We’re different.”

“Because…” Karolina lets the word hang in a question, not one that she really needs an answer to, but one she’d like to indulge in anyway.

“Because, I don’t trust them,” Shiv says, finally tearing her eyes away from Tom. It’s the unsaid that Karolina revels in when she pokes and prods, this time around being that Shiv trusts her.

“Although—” Shiv starts.

“Here we go,” Karolina sighs, bracing her arms on the table for impact.

“At least Tom has the decency to laugh at everything she says,” Shiv looks over at the pair again, and Karolina follows her gaze, an animated Tom laughing obnoxiously at whatever the woman has just told him.

Karolina leans closer to Shiv and whispers delicately in her ear, “Maybe she’s just funnier than you.”

She bites back a smirk as Shiv looks at her again, eyes sharp and eyebrow quirked.

“You think I’m jealous,” she states.

Karolina shrugs. “Are you?”

“No,” Shiv says immediately. She rests an elbow on the table and leans her head into her hand, an insufferable smugness taking over her features. “There are more pressing matters in front of me.”

Karolina lets her hair fall in front of her face, if only to hide the growing redness from the eyes of the surrounding crowd. If anyone were to ask, she’d say it was the alcohol. If anyone were to know, well, they’d know that Shiv Roy has Karolina Novotney wrapped around her fucking finger; annoying conversations about her husband be damned.

“Glad you came?” Shiv asks.

While glad is certainly not the word that Karolina would use for her last-minute attendance at the Billionaire Boys Club annual reunion—waking up to the news that her employer has hundreds of accounts of heinous crimes and illegal cover-ups headed right to the press is really not her preferred way to start the work week—it’s always nice to spend time with Shiv in a place that doesn’t feel so shrouded in secrecy. Still, there’s work to do, whether she wants to have that conversation or not.

“I’ll be glad if we can make it through this panel in one piece,” she admits.

“Well,” Shiv says, suddenly agitated. “Take that up with Kendall and Roman.”

“I’ll be taking it up with all three of you tomorrow,” Karolina says. “I need you all on your best behavior.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Shiv says. “Regret, responsibility, and remedy. Condemn and move on. Are we missing anything? Maybe, daughter and doormat?”

Karolina frowns. She’d assumed Shiv’s being here was something she wanted—a strategy to stay in the game, not another instance of being walked over. Karolina lowers her voice, suddenly conscious of their position in the room, a pit of wandering eyes and ears.

“Shiv, I won’t let them make you the face for this, you know that, right?” she asks. “If it all goes crashing down—”

“You wouldn’t,” Shiv says, her expression softening. “But I can think of about ten other faces who would.”

“Every one of those faces would have to go through me,” Karolina affirms.

Shiv is weary in her silence, and despite her instincts, Karolina grabs her hand from underneath the table.

“It’ll be fine,” she says. “All of them know how integral it is to have a female voice on the panel tomorrow. We can’t have Rocket Man and Rape Me fronting a situation like this, can we?”

Shiv looks down, worrying her lip slightly.

“What is it?” Karolina asks.

“It just—” Shiv shakes her head, “It feels like I’m losing favor. This can’t go wrong.”

Although Karolina’s entire job is influencing public response—she’s not entirely clairvoyant. She can’t know what people are going to think about Shiv Roy stepping into the role of the spokesperson for a company she doesn’t work for without it looking entirely pandered, and she doesn’t know how it’s going to look internally—despite the fact that nobody’s opinion below the executive floor matters much anyway—but, she does know that this is a huge deal, and huge favor, and the people who really matter shouldn’t take it lightly. Shouldn’t is always the keyword.

“You’re ready,” Karolina says. “We’re going to murder board the hell out of you three tomorrow. You’ll have a response to everything. Just stick to the script.”

“Stick to the script,” Shiv says. She leans in closer, suddenly smirking, “Got any other scripts you want to show me?”

Karolina squeezes her hand and then drops it, biting back a smile as Shiv shifts in impatience.

“If this panel goes well, I might just think of something.”

If.

“You sure there aren’t any we can workshop right now?” Shiv asks. She lowers her voice. “I’d really like to see that murder board you mentioned.”

“No,” Karolina says, though she knows she doesn’t sound confident. “We’re getting up early tomorrow.”

“Oh, come on,” Shiv says. “You really want to spend the rest of the night watching Tom cockblock himself?”

“And here I thought I was in the clear of hearing about him for the rest of the night.”

“You know he’s been talking about buying a vineyard?” Shiv asks.

Karolina downs the rest of her drink.

“If I take you to my room, can we please stop talking about Tom?”

Shiv can’t hide her smile.

“Only one way to find out.”

—

Karolina isn’t sure how it starts.

From her perspective, the panel goes well. It’s not entirely what they planned, what, with three conflicting personalities sharing one stage, but it worked. They got the message across: Waystar is taking the matter seriously, and they’re not leaving it in the hands of the same kinds of people who buried it under the rug all those years ago. Simple, effective. Condemn and move on. Except, if there’s one thing about the Roy family, it’s that none of them know how to fucking move on.

She’s in the corner of the room with a few members of her team, working on their rapid response plan for once word of the panel inevitably gets out. She’s only half-listening when the siblings re-enter, unsurprisingly still arguing about the events onstage. It’s the usual, Kendall mad at Shiv, and Shiv mad at Kendall, and Roman instigating so it seems like he did anything at all, the conversation not grabbing Karolina’s attention when Marcia’s voice peaks out from the group, a scolding for Shiv, of all people.

Karolina makes her way to the other side of the room, but there’s a building chaos in the short walk and she knows she’s too late to calm any of them with positive public response or statistics. It’s several voices escalating in volume until Logan’s rises above them all, and then there’s a loud crack, and suddenly Roman’s holding Kendall back, a jumble of “Don’t fucking touch her!” and “What the hell, Dad?” and Gerri’s eyes are flitting between Logan’s and Karolina’s, a frantic sort of resolve seeping out of her as she asks, “It played well, right Karolina? They’re saying it played well.”

“It played well,” Karolina automatically confirms, her heart pulsing through her throat as she shifts her eyes on Shiv, hunched over and gripping the side of her face. She doesn’t know what to do with her hands as Kendall and Tom attempt to inspect the wound, a futile effort anyway as Shiv finally regains some composure.

“It’s fine—I’m fine,” Shiv says, dodging the flurry of worried arms and voices as she escapes the room. “Someone get him a fucking Quaalude.”

Broken bits of Shiv’s, now fallen, champagne glass crackle under Tom’s steps as he trails behind her, and it’s only a few seconds between the door slamming shut and Gerri taking charge. Marcia takes Logan away—where to, Karolina doesn’t want to know—and Karolina feels a light tugging on her elbow, and suddenly Gerri’s pulling her into a corner. Gerri looks annoyed, and Karolina wonders if it’s at all similar to the seething sort of rage that’s simmering around in her at what they were just forced to witness, or if it’s closer to inconvenience—another tally on Gerri’s shit-list that she’ll never actually do anything about.

Gerri searches her eyes and under the scrutiny, Karolina crosses her arms, if only to hide the light tremble that she knows is coursing through her hands. Gerri, knowing her better than anyone, knows this as well, reaching out and gripping Karolina’s forearm. She rubs her thumb soothingly up and down, a peace offering before the barking of orders.

“I need you here,” Gerri says softly. Karolina clears her throat.

“I’m here,” she says. Gerri looks guilty for a moment after she’s said it, and Karolina can imagine why, because this isn’t the first time they’ve been in this situation—Karolina troubled by the Logan of it all and Gerri silently pleading with her to keep it together for just another hour—and it’s not unlike the other times Gerri’s sent her the same apologetic regret, as if Karolina’s career at Waystar is something she should’ve stopped all those years ago rather than encouraged. She didn’t always understand it, Gerri’s self-imposed debt felt owed to Karolina, but she thinks she’s starting to now.

Shiv never would’ve been here today if it weren’t for her. She never would’ve been on that stage, saying those things, pissing Logan off enough to do that, if it weren’t for decisions that Karolina had made, had said were good, foolproof even. She’s at fault, a backhand by proxy that she can almost feel pulsing in her own knuckles—an apology she’ll never be able to fulfill, a regret she will never live down.

“I’m here,” she says again, if only to ground herself, and Gerri looks wary, but she nods anyway.

“Okay,” Gerri says, sighing. “Okay, just—go see if Tom needs any help. He still has appearances to make if it can be helped, so—”

“I’ve got it, Gerri,” Karolina says. “Comms will get started on Logan’s statement regarding the panel, if asked. Once that’s briefed, we need everyone on the same page.”

Gerri’s visibly relieved at Karolina’s assertiveness, and she uses that reaction to anchor herself further as Gerri squeezes her arm once more and returns to the leftover crowd, giving everyone firm orders as Karolina leaves the room.

She spots Tom a few halls down, knocking repeatedly on a door that’s clearly not going to be opened.

“Tom,” Karolina says, his worried gaze meeting hers. She doesn’t know what he knows, doesn’t know what he suspects, but he doesn’t look at her with the same kind of threatening contempt he usually does. Right now, it’s just concern. Karolina speaks low, not wanting to be heard through the door. “She say anything?”

Tom shakes his head. “Hasn’t said a word.”

“Okay,” Karolina sighs. “Look—obviously this is, extenuating, but Gerri is requesting that continue the conference as planned—”

“Karolina—”

“Tom—”

“I’m her husband,” he hisses, and they both freeze. Karolina doesn’t want to say it, doesn’t have to say what she is to Shiv, because it’s her hesitation and his response to it—that flash of recognition that if it were Tom, Shiv wanted, he would’ve been through that door already. She’d almost feel bad for him if he wasn’t actively keeping her from getting Shiv help. “Just—keep me in the loop.”

She waits until he’s gone to knock on the door.

“Shiv?” she calls out. “It’s just me.”

It’s a little while before the lock clicks, and Karolina opens the door carefully, unsure of what she’ll find. It’s not entirely unexpected—bloodied towels on the counter, a disheveled Shiv going back and forth between rinsing out her mouth and attempting to apply pressure—but Karolina doesn’t think any amount of bracing could’ve prepared her for the sight anyway. She locks the door behind her.

“Here to serve the gag order?” Shiv asks, and Karolina has enough humility left in her to feel ashamed that it’s not out of the realm of possibility. Still, she doesn’t dignify the comment with a response.

“To check on you,” she corrects. Shiv pauses in front of the sink, her hands resting on the porcelain bowl. The injured side of her face is hidden from Karolina’s view, and if it weren’t for the splotchy mascara and the red tint of Shiv’s nose, Karolina might not have known anything was wrong at all.

“He meant to hit Roman,” Shiv says, as if it makes the situation any better. Karolina’s not so sure it does, but Shiv sounds sure of it, as if the knowledge that the backhand was meant for someone else can somehow absolve her of experiencing it like she’s the one who got hit. But she was.

“Okay,” Karolina says, even though she doesn’t believe her, and she’s certain Shiv doesn’t either as she turns on the faucet, eyes focused fervently on her hands as she scrubs at imaginary filth. The blood is already gone, so it must be the feeling.

Karolina makes it about fifteen seconds into Shiv’s erratic scrubbing until she can’t watch any longer.

“Shiv,” she says calmly, placing a hand on Shiv’s back. Shiv falters slightly, tensing under Karolina’s touch but not stopping, scrubbing at her nail beds as if she’d spent the entire day digging. Sometimes it’s all Shiv seems to know how to do; dig until her fingertips are raw and her head’s gone too far under far too quickly for Karolina to keep up. By the time Karolina gets there, the hole’s been filled. Whatever Shiv has buried is deep, and whatever Karolina hopes to find will take a lengthy excavation of her own, but that’s usually. This time around, Karolina doesn’t have to search for what Shiv’s trying to bury. It’s red and it’s angry and it’s in the shape of a human hand across the side of Shiv’s face, and Karolina saw it happen. Shiv knows she saw it happen.

Karolina shuts off the faucet before she even really thinks about it, and Shiv pauses, her hands still hovering in the sink. Karolina reaches around her and grabs a clean towel, drying Shiv’s hands wordlessly. She’s surprised that Shiv lets her, surprised that Shiv hasn’t run off already, adamant that she doesn’t need this, that she doesn’t need Karolina, and she’s surprised when Shiv turns around, her arms crossed and thousand-yard stare piercing the entirety of Karolina’s gut. She can see the wound in full now, harsh on Shiv’s pale skin and only getting worse by the second.

And what can she say? I’m sorry he did that. I’m sorry he used you in the face of scandal and then got mad when you tried to make it better. I’m sorry that you were only doing what you were told. I’m sorry that I’m a part of it. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry.

How many times can she apologize for the things she can’t control? How many times will she have to look Shiv in the eye and apologize for being a bystander to it all anyway?

“Can I look?” she asks. She doesn’t think she has to; the sound of it was enough to know that the hit would leave a mark, and though it’s not a lot of blood, she wasn’t expecting as much as there actually is.

“Please?” she tries again, like Shiv would be doing her a favor. She thinks Shiv would be, because it’s Karolina at fault here—Karolina’s fault they said yes to the panel, her fault they even let Shiv on that stage—and Shiv lets out a deep, uneven breath and turns slightly, allowing Karolina access to the injury. She winces as Karolina pokes and prods, opens her jaw when Karolina asks her to open it, closes it when she asks her to close it. She discovers the main source of the blood—a loose molar and a chunk of skin missing from the inside of Shiv’s cheek, both of which feel terrible to call lucky, so she doesn’t call them anything at all.

She grabs the wet towel, slowly dabbing at Shiv’s face to clean the lingering mascara and blood, and Shiv closes her eyes, letting Karolina work.

“You did everything right,” Karolina eventually says, because she can’t bear to bring up blame.

“Doesn’t fucking feel like it,” Shiv mumbles.

“I know,” Karolina says. She sets the towel down, her hand coming to rest on the unharmed side of Shiv’s face, thumb grazing the soft skin lightly. Shiv opens her eyes, narrow and distant in the name of resolve, and it’s only a moment before the weight of it all catches up to her and takes her down. She drops her head into the crook of Karolina’s neck, her cries coming out like silent pleas to just make it fucking better, and Karolina doesn’t know what to do, doesn’t know how to start helping beyond the logistical mess of it all.

If they started driving now, how fast could they get back to the city? Should they charter a helicopter instead? How long before the pain sets in Shiv’s brain catches up to the loose molar? How soon could they get something heftier than extra-strength aspirin? Should she take something non-drowsy? What if she has a concussion? Can she take a fucking horse tranquilizer? Is there something that can make her forget? Something that can send them back in time and do everything differently, change whatever’s allowed them to make it to this point?

She holds Shiv tighter, like maybe the more of her that’s touching Shiv, the better she can absorb all of the hurt and replace it with something else. Dull it, at the very least. She’s still unsure of what to say, the right things all seemingly evading her. The simple ones come to the forefront, like what you’d ask a child with a freshly skinned knee, screaming their head off in the middle of the street. Are you injured or are you shocked? But Karolina’s not a mother, and nobody ever bandaged up her scrapes and bruises. It’s a level of comfort she dreads being asked of, something she and Shiv had successfully avoided throughout their entire entanglement, but Shiv didn’t ask for this, and Karolina doesn’t think she’s ever really had anyone to bandage up her bumps and bruises either, so if Karolina is the person Shiv’s letting through that locked door, she’s going to do what needs to be done.

“Does it hurt?” she asks once it seems Shiv’s calmed down a little. She’ll do the job; she just never said it wouldn’t be done poorly.

“What do you think?” Shiv says, pulling away.

Karolina sighs, pulling out her phone. “We need to get you to a dentist.”

“No,” Shiv immediately says. “No—I’m not going to some fucking hokey emergency dentist out here in Bumfuck. I’ll go to my dentist in the morning.”

Karolina doesn’t have to do the math to know that’s far too long to sit with a loose tooth without any medical intervention. Beyond the possible concussion, or jaw injury, or infection risk—

“We need to get you checked out, Shiv,” Karolina says. She must sound serious, because it’s enough for Shiv to lock eyes with her, and it takes all of Karolina’s resolve to stay calm as the tears begin to pool in Shiv’s eyes again. Somehow, she holds her gaze, ignoring the light drum in her stomach when Shiv huffs, her eyes moving to the ceiling.

“As if this isn’t already humiliating enough,” Shiv mumbles. She looks back at Karolina, a wordless sort of pleading that Karolina doesn’t know how to say no to. “I just want to go, Karolina.”

Karolina grips her phone, swallowing down her concerns. She nods, knowing it’s not the time to pick a fight.

“Do you want to see Tom first?” Karolina asks. Normally, she’d be thrilled by Shiv's response. Right now, it’s just sad.

“No,” Shiv says.

“Shiv—”

“It’s fucking embarrassing,” Shiv whispers. “Okay? I just—I just want to leave.”

It’s the unsaid that Karolina clings onto, that somehow Karolina has positioned herself in a place where Shiv is comfortable, a place where the embarrassment is dulled and she’s free to feel, despite Karolina’s perceptions of herself, despite her job, despite her role in all of this, and she won’t let Shiv down. Helicopter, she’s decided.

“I’ll go talk to him and get the flight situated,” she says, but then she stops at the door.

“Shiv—” Shiv looks at her, and Karolina doesn’t know if this is the first time this has happened, if every strike that was meant for Roman actually went to him, or if this is just another occurrence on an itemized list of occurrences, but words sit at the tip of Karolina’s tongue, things she wishes someone had been around to tell her all those years ago, things she wishes she could have understood sooner, first time or not. “It’s not humiliating. It feels that way, but—they all care about you. They do, and they don’t think any less of you.”

Karolina leaves before Shiv has to come up with a response, and she’s grateful that their exile goes smoothly. In some twist of fate, Tom still has to show face at the conference, so she lets him feel useful by having him call in an emergency fill of a narcotic for the ride. She’s hedging her bets on no concussion, supported by the fact that Shiv hasn’t had any claim of a headache and by her refusal to even stop by the summit’s medical staff for a quick check-up. Shiv’s out by the time the helicopter is in the air, and Karolina tries multiple times to get some rest herself with no success, her eyes continuously drawn to the sleeping bundle of red hair on her shoulder, not in her lap because she dazedly agreed to at least wear the seatbelt on the flight if she was going to make Karolina commit fifty other acts of negligence in one night.

Shiv wakes drowsily when they land, and she gets her way in the car when Karolina lets her forgo the seatbelt in favor of resting her head in Karolina’s lap. Karolina spends the duration of the ride brushing her fingers through Shiv’s hair, careful not to touch the swollen skin as it stares up at her. She has the driver go straight to her apartment, because she doesn’t know where to go, but Karolina’s place seems like the safer option, away from prying eyes, away from Tom.

Karolina knows they’ve been distant lately, half of her conversations with Shiv filled with verbose rants over him. If she were Tom, she’d feel pretty shitty right now, but she can’t blame Shiv. It’s hard to seek comfort from someone who’s got one hand in yours and the other in the one that hit you. She’s not entirely sure what makes her different from Tom in this case; they both know that if what happened tonight leaks it’ll be Karolina crafting the narrative, it’ll be Karolina reminding the world that Logan Roy is a tremendous father and while he’s been recovering smoothly, we’d all do well to remember what a strain the past year has been on Mr. Roy’s health.

A confused old man accidentally hits his daughter. It’s a tale so old she actually thinks it might be better for the Roy family if it did leak, tugging on the heartstrings of the American public in the midst of a scandal. See? They’re victims too. All of them. Then, the car runs over a hefty pothole just a block down from Karolina’s building and Shiv winces deeply in her half-slumber, the pads of her fingers digging lightly into Karolina’s thigh, and Karolina regrets thinking it at all.

Maybe that’s the difference; if Karolina were to dig deep, she’d be one hand in Shiv’s and one hand adjacent to Logan’s, and right now, the hand that’s adjacent to Logan is full of a shaking kind of vitriol that she doesn’t think Tom could ever stomach holding over him. Condemn and move on. How can Karolina move on from this? The thing that isn’t, finally in front of their faces, and splattered across Shiv’s in shitty red splotches.

When they pull up in front of Karolina’s building, she drags her feet waking Shiv up. Her doorman gets their bags, and she waits until she imagines he’s about halfway to her front door when she starts kneading her hand into Shiv’s arm, murmuring a soft, “We’re here,” as she does so. Shiv stirs slowly, and Karolina instantaneously feels bad as Shiv’s brows furrow, her whole body tensing up in Karolina’s lap. That means it hurts, and there’s not much else they can do about it at this hour.

“Can you make it up?” Karolina asks, silently hoping that the answer is yes, because the only other alternative is Karolina tipping her doorman to carry Shiv up, and she isn’t so sure which one of them would hate that more.

“Yeah,” Shiv says, her voice nearly sick with pain as she slowly rises from Karolina’s lap.

Karolina steps out of the car first, relieved when the change in lighting seems to have no effect on Shiv. She holds out a hand and Shiv takes it, eyes hanging low as they make their way up to Karolina’s apartment. When they get in, Shiv’s got the bathroom first, Karolina digging around in her medicine cabinet for anything they can mix with what Shiv’s already taken.

Her mind wanders to how normal it is, Shiv’s toothbrush hidden in a drawer, Shiv’s extra clothes with their own shelf in Karolina’s closet, the side of Karolina’s bed that grows colder every night she spends alone. It feels normal, except Karolina’s rummaging around in her medicine cabinet to find a suitable secondary painkiller so Shiv doesn’t spend the entire night writhing in pain because her father nearly knocked her teeth out. Karolina takes a deep breath as she pours out a dose. Her phone lights up out of the corner of her eye every few minutes, likely texts from Gerri and emails from her assistant, and she puts it in her pocket without glancing at the screen, taking the pills and a cup of water to the bathroom.

She finds Shiv with a clean face, inspecting the damage under the harsh light. She sets the water and the pills on the counter, engulfing Shiv in a hug from behind. Shiv instinctively closes her eyes, leaning some of her weight against Karolina as they stand there. Karolina finally has a better look at the fully bloomed wound as well, Shiv’s skin a myriad of different colors trailing from her jawline toward her cheekbone. The worst is on the lower half, swollen slightly, no doubt in part due to the loose tooth. Karolina wishes she were good for anything more than damage control, better at anything other than closing doors and sweeping under rugs, but reasons that’s maybe what Shiv does need—someone to help her clean up the mess.

“Take these,” Karolina says, holding the pills in front of Shiv. Shiv sighs as she grabs them from Karolina, not meeting her eyes through the mirror, and she washes them down with a wince that Karolina assumes is downplayed based on the fact that Shiv didn’t even open her jaw wide enough to let anything more than the pills in. Karolina tries not to dwell on it. She kisses Shiv’s unharmed cheek lightly, and Shiv squeezes one of Karolina’s hands before escaping the embrace to go into the bedroom.

Karolina takes her time as she cleans up, somewhat selfishly she feels as she listens to Shiv rummaging through drawers all alone in her bedroom. It’s not the violence itself that’s still making her hands a little too clammy and her heart beat a little too fast, maybe more so the reminder. It’s like you’d ask a child, are you injured or are you shocked? Karolina would venture to say shocked. Fathers hitting their daughters, a tale as old as time, but it’s not so much a tale when it’s right in front of her. And now it’s in her home. It’s snuck its way under her door frame and into her bed, and it feels somewhat like the first time, a ripe eight-years-old and powerless as her mother cries, so confused as to why any of this is happening at all and terrified to so much as make a move, might she make it all worse somehow. In this case, the only thing she can do is keep moving, keep going forward in the event that something she does can make it better.

Shiv is already in bed by the time she returns to the bedroom, drowning in one of Karolina’s old sleep shirts, and she shakes off the feeling of yet another thing being tainted—her bed, her mirror, her shirt, her pillow, her Shiv. It doesn’t feel fair to say, because Shiv has always been wounded and it’s never changed much. She’s always walked around with a gaping hole in her chest whether she ever wanted anyone to notice or not, but the difference now is that she can’t hide it, and Karolina can’t choose to not look at it.

She climbs in bed next to Shiv, careful not to disturb her too much as she settles down, unsure of how close she’s wanted, but Shiv immediately leans back into Karolina and she assumes she’s wanted plenty, dropping a light kiss to the crown of Shiv’s head.

“How does it feel?” she asks.

“It’s bearable,” Shiv says, and bearable doesn’t mean that it doesn’t hurt, so Karolina just smooths Shiv’s hair, waiting for Shiv to fall asleep.

—

Shiv doesn’t talk about it. Not really. She wakes up the next morning and she makes an emergency dentist appointment, and she doesn’t even ask Karolina to go with, not in those words entirely, but she does say they’ll likely have to put her under, and Karolina doesn’t have to think twice before saying that she’ll call the driver and go with, just in case.

It’s a uniquely infuriating kind of feeling, having Shiv curled up on her couch with perpetually teary eyes and an ice pack hiding a mess of bruising that had only gotten worse overnight. Karolina had felt sick when she woke up and saw it, as if she’d been tricking herself into believing it wasn’t as hard of a hit as it actually was, a lighter bruising even pooling under her eye.

Karolina’s grateful that it’s a scheduled travel day for the executive team, hoping the pseudo-day off will give her the time to figure out how she’s going to face Logan when she returns to the office. How she’s going to pretend that Shiv doesn’t mean anything to her this time around, that her loyalty is to Waystar and by extension Logan, and that his image her top priority even though every time she thinks about him the only thing she can see is her own father’s backhand racing down for a strike. She knows it’s a mess of her own making. No one gave her the handbook, but she saw the signs, and she stayed. She welcomed it into her life and made herself a part of it. She tricks herself. She lets Logan yell at her until her legs feel like Jell-O and her tongue is crawling down the inside of her own throat and then an hour later, she laughs about it by the coffee cart as if it’s just all just some small misunderstanding. They all do it, they downplay and they pretend, because it’s easier than dealing with the truth.

Even now, molar hanging on by a literal thread, any emotion Shiv’s carried over from the night previous has been replaced with an it’s fine, it’s not that bad, and Karolina knows that’s what Shiv is accustomed to. Knows that Shiv shutting her eyes tight and talking as normally as she can through a tight and swollen jaw while on the phone with Tom is all she knows how to do. To satiate everyone else completely. Forget that it’s a big deal, just move on.

Karolina doesn’t understand how not to make this a big deal, but she doesn’t want to make it more difficult for Shiv. She doesn’t shove another ice pack in Shiv’s face when she gets off the phone, doesn’t question why the pills she left out are sitting untouched on the nightstand, doesn’t even bother to tease Shiv over wearing another item of clothing from Karolina’s closet like she normally would; she barely wants to breathe, afraid to mess up whatever semblance of equilibrium is left in Shiv’s orbit in case anything at all turns out to be the last straw.

She briefly wonders if it’s worse this way, dancing around the hard truth that Shiv Roy is a human, not immune to having pierceable skin and breakable bones, but she figures this is how Shiv wants it; downplayed. If Shiv doesn’t take a pill, then Karolina doesn’t have to know that it hurts.

The only thing is that Karolina does know that it hurts. She can feel the sharp pain that splinters from the hinge of her jaw to the base of her neck. Understands the earache, the weary, tired eyes, the persistent taste of iron in her mouth, and the way that everything seems to move a little slower, feel a little less real. She knows so much yet so little, because she’s not inside Shiv’s mind and she can’t tell what Shiv’s thinking, so she doesn’t hover. She just does what she’s asked, and she does what she can, and she doesn’t pressure Shiv into doing what she can’t.

She ignores the too-pale hands that clutch around her arm on the way down to the car, doesn’t pull out her phone when it buzzes a dozen different times because she doesn’t want Shiv to see all the names of the people who have let her down in the last thirty-two years as they come up on her caller-id, and puts on her most dazzling smile inside the dentist’s office as Shiv recounts the story that’s caused her ailment; an embarrassing tumble during some turbulence on the private jet. I should’ve listened to the stewardess—guess it’s one way to make time for the dentist, right?

Karolina makes sure to write the cover story down in her notes. It’s not the first she’s ever had on file for a Roy, and it’s not even the first that’s left her feeling wrong and wondering if she’s ever had any morals to begin with, but it is the first that she can’t reason with. She can’t decipher a why she’s doing it at all, the only lingering explanation is that it’s for Shiv. She’s doing what Shiv wants. What Shiv needs. She recalls Shiv’s quiet confidence walking into the examination room with the dentist, like she hadn’t been squeezing Karolina’s hand up to the very point that the car door opened outside the building, and she wonders what else she’s missed, how many other things she’s allowed Shiv to shrug off without question.

She swallows down the thought, settling into the private waiting room that she imagines the hokey dentist in Bumfuck wouldn’t have had. She pulls out her phone, searching for one voice on the other end of the line.

“Prognosis?” Gerri asks. Karolina’s relieved to hear her voice, relieved to hear anything beyond Shiv’s pain-induced silence and her own racing thoughts. She can hear fading voices in the background of Gerri’s end, meaning they’re likely not on the road yet.

“That we don’t get paid enough,” Karolina can’t stop herself from saying, even though she knows deep down that at this point, there’s no world where her debt with Shiv requires any payment at all. Because wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that she was wiping blood from Kendall’s nose? Getting him blow because even though they all know he should be the last person contacting shareholders, she did it anyway? She’s a cacophony of transactions, but she’s losing sight of a number that excuses any of it. Gerri sighs on the other end.

“Negotiations are off,” she says.

Karolina knows it’s wrong that her immediate reaction is satisfaction, because she also knows how much this is going to impact the shitstorm that’s already clouding each of them, but she can’t help it. It feels like some sort of check and balance in the name of a restorative justice that will never be served, and she holds onto it. It’s something.

“And the article?” Karolina asks. Gerri makes no note of the fact that it’s Karolina’s job to know.

“We’re moving to internal investigations,” Gerri says. “We’ll be outsourcing a firm—no word yet on who our lucky match will be.”

“Great,” Karolina says, and even though it’s a private room, she still speaks lower. “Your bases are covered, right?”

“Blindsided by the article,” Gerri feigns. It’s another painful reminder of who they are and what they do, and though Karolina was blindsided, a part of her always knew. The rumors about cruises were inescapable in the PR department and there are no rumors at Waystar that come without basis.

“I don’t know when I’ll be in the office, but there’s no official communication that doesn’t go through me,” Karolina says. “We have enough messes.”

She hates to refer to her current predicament as a mess, because it’s nothing she feels burdened to clean up. Nobody’s forcing her to sit in this dentist's office, and certainly nobody’s forcing her to open her apartment doors, and her bed sheets, and her top left dresser drawer, but she can’t say that. Not even to Gerri.

“How’s our archeologist?” Gerri asks.

“Undergoing a root canal,” Karolina says. “They can save the tooth, so, some good news, I guess.”

“Good,” Gerri says. Karolina can hear papers shuffling in the background, and she’s dreading the amount of catch-up she’s going to have to do just from missing one day in the office. “Where’s her head at?”

“I think she’d like to pretend it never happened,” Karolina admits. Shiv hasn’t said it yet, but she can’t imagine this being the hill that Shiv Roy would choose to die on. Gerri hums on the other end, and Karolina can guess how the rest of the trip is going. She can only hope someone did actually get Logan a fucking Quaalude.

“Logan would be pleased with that,” Gerri says, and even though she says it sarcastically, the sentiment alone is enough to crack Karolina’s outward indifference.

“Well, as long as Logan’s pleased,” she snipes. Gerri’s silent on the other end for a moment and Karolina waits for the usual lecture, that Karolina cares too much and you’re not their babysitter, Karolina, just do what’s in your purview and nothing more, which is always cheap talk coming from Gerri anyway, but it doesn’t come.

“And how’s your head?” Gerri asks.

Karolina sighs, running a hand over her eyes. They both know this call was never about business. “Haven’t had any complaints, Ger.”

“Very funny,” Gerri says, and Karolina can’t find it in herself to be too satisfied, but she can picture the look of fond disdain in Gerri’s silence, and she finds a little bit of comfort in the image. “Seriously, Karolina…if you need the cavalry to step in—"

“It’s fine, Gerri,” Karolina says. “I’m fine.”

Because Gerri knows. She’s heard the stories and she’s seen the remnants herself. She’s the first pair of eyes on Karolina the second Logan’s a little too aggressive and the first voice in her ear when she thinks Karolina’s about to crack, but it’s different this time. It’s not about her, it’s about being there for Shiv.

“She’s not your responsibility,” Gerri finally says. It’s an act of protection, Karolina knows this, and she can rationalize Gerri’s point of view—Karolina inserting herself into a ticking time bomb of a family, putting herself right at the center of something she’s spent her entire adult life trying to escape—but Karolina had never done anything to earn Gerri’s protection. It was something Gerri decided on, something she felt she could give, and it shouldn’t be any different for Karolina. Gerri’s right, Shiv isn’t her responsibility, but Karolina still owes her something. There’s a sense of security that Shiv is now cashing in. If Karolina were to break that, what would it make her?

“I think we both know that’s not true,” Karolina replies.

Gerri doesn’t have anything to say to that.

—

Karolina’s created an entire action plan for monitoring news about cruises and drafted up about four different press releases by the time Shiv gets out (her favorite is the one where she’s announcing Hugo’s retirement).

Shiv seems to be in a lot less pain after the procedure, hunkering down on Karolina’s couch as soon as they get back to the apartment. Karolina’s still trying her best not to hover, but there’s also a part of her that can’t settle down, so she compromises by sitting on the couch adjacent to Shiv and opens her laptop for the first time in over twenty-four hours. She forwards the action plan to her team for review and does a few indirect searches regarding Waystar and the news. It’s not as bad as she was fearing. There’s a bit of a rocky perception from the conference that’s mostly shrouded in inconsistent messaging, but it’s nothing she can’t work with.

It’s a while before Shiv stirs, and Karolina doesn’t take the time for granted, ordering soft groceries and panic-searching everything she can about root canals and molar splinting and if there’s somehow still a risk of concussion even though it’s been a full twenty-four hours and Shiv has never even once complained about a headache.

She left a pair of pills out on the coffee table, a light prescription from the dentist should Shiv need it, and she pretends not to watch when Shiv finally sits up and analyzes the display as Karolina types away. Shiv takes them, Karolina glad that she’s no longer participating in whatever emotionally charged abstinence she was displaying earlier in the day. Shiv leaves the room wordlessly, and Karolina distracts herself with work while she waits for Shiv to return, careful to listen out for any signs that might make her needed. She’s about to give in and check on Shiv when she appears back in the living room, a pillow from Karolina’s bed in her hand, and she lays down right up against Karolina. Karolina instinctively drops a hand in Shiv’s hair, scratching lightly as Shiv gets comfortable again.

“You need anything?” Karolina asks.

“Just this,” Shiv says quietly. “And to not have wires poking my cheeks like I’m fucking fourteen.”

“I can only help with one of those things, unfortunately,” Karolina says, brushing back a lock of hair.

“Really?” Shiv hums. “You’re supposed to be a fixer.”

It’s not meant to be a jab, but Karolina can’t help the way it hits her. Fixing something like this is out of her depth, no matter how much she wishes it wasn’t.

“How’s the rest of it?” Karolina asks. The dentist checked out Shiv’s jaw, figuring it was most likely just sore from the hit, but did refer Shiv to a specialist in case there are any lasting issues. Karolina, naturally, is on edge about the possibility of another complication, but Shiv doesn’t need that from her. She needs reassurance, a strong hand to hold. Not shaky.

“Hurts,” Shiv says. “Maybe Dad’s true calling was the ring.”

Shiv can’t see Karolina, so she doesn’t even attempt feigned amusement. She doesn’t think that’s what Shiv was going for anyway, what, with the deadpan tone and the fully deepened bruise. It’s then, that Shiv’s phone rings from the coffee table. They both look at it, Dad, popping up in big bright letters on the caller ID. Shiv’s knuckles pale as her hand clenches into a tight fist, her thumbnail worrying itself into the skin of her fingers.

“You don’t have to answer it,” Karolina reassures. Shiv nods, digging a hand into her eyes. She must hit her bad eye the wrong way, because she yelps out in pain before her entire body goes rigid under Karolina’s hand.

“What is it?” Karolina asks worriedly, sitting up. Shiv exhales slowly, her body releasing some of the tension as she does so, but her face still clearly expressing the discomfort she must be feeling as she attempts to breathe through the pain.

“I just—moved too fast,” Shiv says.

“Okay,” Karolina says. “That’s okay, let’s just take it easy. I’m going to get some ice.”

Shiv nods and Karolina carefully gets up, once again pushing back the immediate concern that comes with Shiv not denying care. She returns to the living room with the ice pack and kneels in front of the couch, brushing a thumb across Shiv’s forehead as she hands it over. Shiv hesitantly holds it against the side of her face, and Karolina continues to brush Shiv’s hair, waiting patiently for her breathing to return to a normal pattern, and she’s relieved when it does.

“Why don’t we get comfortable in bed?” Karolina asks, and Shiv shakes her head lightly right away.

“No,” Shiv says. “Can we—will you stay here?”

“Of course,” Karolina says. It’s not often Shiv asks her for anything—she’s barely asked anything of Karolina throughout this entire ordeal—and even if she did, Karolina would never say no. “I’m wherever you want me.”

She gets back on the couch, and Shiv settles against her once more. Karolina draws light patterns along her side, only pausing when her laptop dings with an email, and she closes it before they have to hear any more.

“I’m sorry,” Shiv says, her voice thick with exhaustion.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Karolina says. “And you don’t have to talk to me right now, either.”

“It’s fine, I just—forgot about my eye,” Shiv says. Forgot. As in, Shiv’s not used to having shiners that she has to be careful not to touch, and she shouldn’t be. She shouldn’t even have one to be careful with in the first place. Karolina tries not to dwell on that part of the conversation, doesn’t want her anger to seep through the comfort that she’s supposed to be supplying.

“Just, don’t push it, Shiv,” she ends up saying.

“That’s my big skill, Kay,” Shiv says. Karolina’s heart lurches at the nickname, Shiv’s voice far too frail and far too defeated.

“You did what was asked of you,” Karolina says. What I asked of you. “You tried to make things better.”

“I don’t even know why I did,” Shiv says. “I should’ve just let Kendall have his fucking moment.”

“With that plausible deniability bullshit?” Karolina asks. “You said some hard truths, Shiv. That isn’t a crime.”

And the punishment certainly didn’t fit the bill.

“Still, I should’ve known better,” Shiv argues lightly.

“Should’ves won’t get you anywhere,” Karolina says. “You could’ve read a script Logan had written himself, and this still would’ve happened.”

Shiv is silent as she mulls over the words. They both know Karolina’s right, that nothing is good enough for Logan Roy unless it’s his words coming out of his own mouth. Shiv removes the ice pack and Karolina reaches out to put it on the table for her. She intertwines their hands, shivering slightly at how cold Shiv’s is.

“I don’t know where to go from here,” Shiv eventually says. “What to say to him.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Karolina tells her. “This isn’t your mistake to fix.”

“You don’t know what it’s like with him. Everything is our fucking fault.”

“I know what it’s like—”

“To work for him,” Shiv interrupts. “Not to have him as a dad.”

Karolina brings Shiv’s hand to her lips gently. Shiv’s skin still smells like the lavender body wash she likes to steal out of Karolina’s bathroom, and it’s nothing like blood, or sweat, or angry fathers.

“I had my own dad, Shiv,” Karolina says. “Nothing was ever good enough for him, either.”

Shiv stills, her fingers fidgeting in Karolina’s hand.

“I mean, but did he…” Her voice trails off, but Karolina doesn’t have to work very hard to figure out what the question is supposed to be.

“He did,” Karolina says quietly. “And thinking about everything that I should’ve done—it never made anything better. There’s no world where he wanted to be anything other than what he was. It took me a long time to accept that.”

Shiv sits up and Karolina meets her troubled eyes with a calm gaze. Shiv looks her up and down as if she’s inspecting her, like she can’t quite imagine the Karolina she knows ever having any man-made imperfections. Karolina knows when a light scar catches Shiv’s eye, remnants of a thinly split brow in ’98, one that’s difficult to notice unless you’re searching. It was a humiliating affair that left her facing reality for the first time when she was a doe-eyed intern at Waystar and a certain member of the legal department who’d taken her on as some sort of mentee inquired why she came back from the Thanksgiving holiday roughed up. Karolina said she had brothers; her background check didn’t add up.

(Then came a small note on the inside of her planner reading that she’d have to get better at cover-ups if she wanted a future in PR. The next half was an address, and an open invitation for the winter holiday should she choose not to spend it with her brothers.)

Shiv brushes her thumb across the scar, faded and not Karolina’s biggest takeaway from that period of her life, and Karolina grabs the hand, bringing Shiv’s knuckles to her lips once more. Shiv’s eyebrows are furrowed in a pitiful sort of sadness that she doesn’t mind too much coming from Shiv. Coming from someone who understands.

“What are you thinking?” Karolina asks.

Shiv shakes her head lightly and sniffs. “That I’m tired of this bullshit,” she says, attempting to keep the tears at bay. “That I don’t know if I can walk away.”

Karolina takes a deep breath, attempting to not let the conversation get to her the way it feels like it is, poking and prodding at her gut.

“You don’t have to,” Karolina says. “You don’t have to do anything. All of it, it’s your choice.”

“But you walked away?” Shiv asks, as if Karolina has the right answer. She wishes she did.

“Shiv, my father…there was no room for conversation,” Karolina says, unable to control the slight shake in her voice. “If I kept going back—”

She doesn’t like to think about it, the way his anger kept building the less it seemed she needed him. Just like she doesn’t indulge in should’ves, she doesn’t like to think about the what ifs. Staying just wasn’t an option.

Logan seems to carry the same propensity for rage, but with a level of regret that sucks everyone back in. She doesn’t know what she would do in Shiv’s position either; it’s not hard to go back to someone who understands that they’re supposed to say sorry. And maybe that’s why she’s put up with Logan for so long herself. It’s nice to imagine a father who knows what he does is wrong, even if that doesn’t make it right.

“I’m sorry you went through that,” Shiv says, but the words sound wrong coming out of her mouth.

“I’m sorry, too,” Karolina says. Then a nagging question appears on her tongue, one that’s been eating away at her from the moment she stepped into that bathroom. “You said—that he meant to hit Roman?”

Shiv looks away then, as if guilty of something.

“He wouldn’t—I mean, it wasn’t often, but he—” Shiv stumbles through her words. “I mean, we were kids. It wasn’t like this. It wasn’t me.”

Her voice cracks at the end, and Karolina gently pulls Shiv into her, holding her tightly. She can imagine how confusing it must be, to go your whole life feeling some sort of distance from the violence, even if it was occasional. It’s not like Shiv has been spared any of Logan’s mind games, but even then, there’s a level of comfortability that she most likely reached in it. Whatever her normal was with Logan, he destroyed that.

“Have they just been carrying this with them their entire lives?” Shiv asks.

It’s a loaded question, one Shiv deserves an honest answer to. Karolina doesn’t like to believe it’s something she’s always carrying. It’s there, and it affects her in ways she wishes it didn’t, but she doesn’t think it has total control. She laughs, and she cries, and she still can’t stand the scent of Lucky Strike Reds without it making her skin itch a little, but she loves the scent of the Marlboros Shiv loves to pull out at the end of a long and drunken night at a Waystar event. It’s give and take, things come and go, but she’s still her, regardless of what she’s carrying and how much.

“Shiv, it all fucking sucks. Whether he’s spitting your name or spitting in your face,” Karolina says. She rubs a comforting thumb along Shiv’s arm. “Haven’t you already been carrying things your entire life, too?”

The question brings a discomfort to Shiv that she can Karolina immediately. It’s not normally her place to point out the flaws in Shiv’s upbringing, and it’s not a topic they’ve ever broached until tonight, but it needed to be pointed out. Shiv thinks this is the first time she’s suffered under Logan’s hand. Karolina would argue that Shiv doesn’t know what it’s like to not suffer under him.

“What do you think I should do?” Shiv asks, ignoring Karolina’s question. Karolina hates when Shiv does this, when she looks at Karolina like she has all the answers. Like whatever thing she’s about to say is an absolute that Shiv will let herself be ruled by, despite acting like she doesn’t ever really want anyone’s input at all. That’s where her responsibility lies, in being honest with Shiv. She thinks Shiv knows that, or at least, Karolina hopes she does.

“I think that wounds heal and scars fade,” Karolina says, piecing together her thoughts. “I think…that your father isn’t someone who’s going to change, but I think he might say that he’s sorry. It’s not a bad thing, if you’re willing to let it go. It’s not a bad thing if you can’t forget it, either.”

“I’m tired of being terrified of him,” Shiv whispers through a teary breath.

“I know,” Karolina says.

“If—if I walk away,” Shiv swallows, “What happens to this?”

This. Karolina’s not even sure she can define what this is in the current moment, but she can still recall her life without Shiv in it, and Karolina knows one thing is certain.

“Absolutely nothing will change.”

#tumblr user jeniffercheck posting a shivlina fic in the year 2024???#we lived to see the day #shivlina #shivlina fic #shiv x karolina #karolina novotney #shiv roy #succession fic #duskfalls

30 notes · View notes

blacklister214 · 3 months

Text

Honesty and Codology: Chapter 1 (Eejit)

I've had Scarnash on the brain since 4x06 and a strong hankering to write a POV fic for Patrick. This one takes place in the middle of 2x06 while Patrick is recovering in the hospital. I may do more chapters, but I have to warn you, my muses are fickle. Replies, questions, and reblogs are always appreciated! Apologies in advance for the typos I'm certain I missed. Enjoy!

___________________________________________________________

Patrick shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable on the lumpy mattress. There had been times when he’d slept on much worse, but the feathered bed he'd used for the past five years had spoiled him.

The nurse had administered the pain medication, so his leg was no longer leaving him in constant agony, but the ache was still there. Perhaps it was better to focus on that, than the disquiet of being alone in the hospital room. Patrick never liked silence. It gave him too much time with his thoughts.

He’d had his men stake out every entrance to the building, so he could, theoretically, go to sleep without endangering his own life. Unfortunately, some instincts were harder to overcome than others. How much did he really trust his men? If the bribe were right, would one of them allow his would be killer chance to finish the job? Such contemplations made it rather hard to relax. He closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and willed the medicine to send him into a peaceful slumber.

“Hello Patrick.” Patrick’s hand immediately dove beneath his sheets to where he’d hidden his pistol. He tried to blink the blurriness from his vision as he aimed his weapon at the figure in the visitor’s chair.

Black bowler hat. Worn green waistcoat. Pocket watch. Fond, but vaguely disapproving expression on his face. It was Michael, exactly as he’d been the last time Patrick had seen him alive.

"That laudanum must have been strong.” He’d been warned about the possible side effects of the drug, but he didn’t recall seeing spirits as being one of them.

“Interesting way to greet your brother.” Patrick realized that he was still pointing the gun at Michael…no not Michael…at the empty chair where he was imagining Michael to be. Still, best to return the gun to its hiding spot before a nurse returned and caught him with it. Strictly speaking patients weren’t allowed weapons, but he’d gotten Clarence to smuggle one in.

“You’re not my brother. Just a hallucination, brought on by painkillers.” It was important for Patrick to state it out loud. He’d enjoyed reading A Christmas Carol as much as anyone, but he did not believe in ghosts.

“Does that mean you’re not pleased to see me?” The vision raised one eyebrow in a manner that was so familiar, so perfectly Michael, that Patrick had to swallow hard to keep tears from welling in his eyes. To see a memory animated before him was a miracle he’d never dreamed he’d witness.

“Nice to have visitors of any sort, I suppose.” Patrick frowned. He’d been aiming for nonchalant, but that had come out a bit self-pitying. He didn’t need a constant stream of people bothering him while was trying to rest.

“Clarence stopped by.”

Patrick almost asked about how Michael knew about Clarence, since he’d been hired after Michael’s death. Then he remembered he’d already decided that “Michael” was a product of his own brain. Whatever Patrick knew, Michael would as well.

“He needed me to sign some papers. God forbid my being shot interferes with the running of the accounts.” Clarence was a good employee. Loyal, hardworking. Certainly one of Patrick’s shrewder hires. Still, it wasn’t like they had a friendship. Employer and employee was a difficult line to cross and frankly they didn’t have much in common beyond a desire to see Nash and Sons succeed.

“Maggie would be here, if you’d bother telling her what happened. Eamonn, as well I suspect.”

The tone of gentle chastiment was all too familiar to Patrick’s ears. Whenever Patrick has caused mischief, and he had quite frequently, it was always the same. Why Patrick? Why did you leave a dead mouse in your teacher’s desk drawer? Why did you throw Liam O’Toole’s fishing pole in the river? Why did you steal the tart off Ma’s tray, when she told you to wait until after supper?

“No point in worrying them.” He’d gotten to know the witnesses to his brother’s murder over the years, and Patrick liked them both. Still, the dark history that bound them all together made him reluctant to form any tighter bonds. He was convinced he’d only survived his brother’s death because of Nash and Sons. He poured everything he had into the business, into making Michael’s dream a reality. Patrick couldn’t have done that with regular reminders of what he’d lost.

“True. What are a few bullets in a leg in the grand scheme of things? You have two, after all.”

Patrick has a strong impulse to cross his arms over his chest. He was no longer a child attempting to stand his ground with his much older brother. Patrick realized with a jolt that they were the same age now. Good god, seven years had flown quickly. What once seemed an impossibly large chasm was no more.

“The situation is well in hand. I have the best investigator in London working the case.” He considered qualifying that statement, with “outside himself”, but rejected it. “Michael” was in his head, and Patrick had no illusions about how he rated against Eliza Scarlet.

“The lady detective.”

There was something odd in Michael’s inflection when he used the sobriquet. Perhaps a slight emphasis on the word “lady”? Patrick doubted that even a Michael of his imagination would take issue with a female PI. Their own mother, God rest her, had had a commanding presence that generals would envy.

Perhaps it was the poshness the title implied. Patrick himself had made the mistake of dismissing the “Lady Detective” for that very reason. Women of the middle and upper classes, as a rule, hadn’t much in the way of grit. The only ambitions they were encouraged to nurture were of a matrimonial bent.

“She’s very good. Tenacious. Ambitious. Clever. Hoodwinked me, more than once.” St. Clair had been furious when he’d shown up at the office, ranting about “that woman” making fools of them both. Patrick had agreed to buy up every available copy of the circular just to calm him down. Months later and Patrick was still using the story of his humiliation as tinder for his fires.

“That must have been quite the experience for you.”

Patrick looked down, smiling to himself at the memory of surprising her at her home. She had been confused by his smile and words of congratulations. She had a right to be. By her own admission her trick had hurt his relationship with St. Clair, embarrassed him in the eyes of the public, and potentially stuck him with a lawsuit. By rights he should have been furious with her…but he wasn’t.

The fact was, he couldn’t remember a case where he’d enjoyed himself more. As he’d told her, he loved a challenge, and Eliza Scarlet was nothing if not challenging. Any anger he felt at the outcome was overpowered by the swell of admiration for her and the intense desire to make her a part of his agency.

Patrick, glanced back up, suddenly aware he’d been musing to himself for over a minute. That was rude, even to a figment of his own imagination. Michael did not seem at all perturbed at being ignored. On the contrary, he was smirking at Patrick in a disconcerting manner, as though he were enjoying a joke at Patrick’s expense.

“The point is, she’ll find out who was behind it.” Who had shot him, and why? A difficult question to answer. Someone he’d put away? A source of information he’d squeezed one time too many? A jealous husband? Not, of course, that Patrick would deliberately dally with a married woman. Too much trouble. But it wouldn’t be the first time a woman claimed widowhood a bit prematurely. Then, of course, there was always the possibility it was O’Driscoll. He had received no word from Eamonn or Maggie, but ships came in and out of the docks every day. It was possible his brother’s killer had avoided them, choosing to have Patrick removed before eliminating the more vulnerable targets.

“Does it trouble you that you’ve angered so many people, you haven’t a clue who wants you dead?”

Patrick looked at Michael sharply, the memory of O’Driscoll coating his tongue with bitterness.

“You’re a fine one to talk.” An old anger blossomed in Patrick’s chest as he returned to that night in his mind. Michael had gone to the docks alone that night, rather than wait for Patrick. If Patrick had ever done something so foolish, Michael would have tanned his hide.

“That’s unfair.”

“You should have taken me with you.” They were supposed to stick together. That was the deal they’d made. Michael, for the first time in his life, had broken his word, and he’d left Patrick all alone.

“You weren’t there when the tip came in.”

A fact continued to haunt Patrick to this day. He hadn’t been there. He’d been down at the tavern drinking and flirting with lasses.

“We’d worked for two weeks straight on the case for next to nothing. I needed a break!” The words felt hollow, even as he said them. Selfish. As hard as Patrick worked, Michael had worked double. He never complained either. He had been so good. He’d always been so good. Patrick sometimes wondered if his being born was the universe balancing things out.

“I never said you didn’t. I told you to go, remember?”

Of course he did. Michael had forever been Patrick’s greatest advocate. Smallpox took both their parents when Patrick was only 8 years old. Michael had kept them both housed, fed, and clothed, working odd jobs until he was old enough to join the Royal Irish Constabulary. When Patrick was old enough, Michael had given him a recommendation. Patrick had been drummed out for insubordination, and Michael had immediately resigned his post. He’d gotten them passage to London and worked menial jobs until they’d saved enough to open Nash & Sons.

“You should have come with me.” Just once, couldn’t Michael have been selfish? Ignored responsibility for a single evening?

“I couldn’t. I’d made a promise.” Patrick briefly closed his eyes. He remembered the look on the faces of Maggie’s family, desperate for their daughter’s return. Did he really blame Michael for not wanting to waste time tracking Patrick down? No. Not with Maggie’s life on the line. In his heart of hearts, he knew where the blame truly lay.

“You and your honesty.”

“You and your codology.”

Their old refrain. He remembered returning to their very first office with a small sign engraved “Nash and Sons.” When Michael had pointed out neither of them actually HAD sons, Patrick had explained that they were the “Sons.” The name implied that business was inherited, with a legacy of success, rather than an upstart agency. Michael had shaken his head in exasperation, but allowed Patrick’s his way.

Patrick had often joked that if it bothered him so much, he could find himself a wife and have some children. Michael had always smiled and said, “Or you could.” Then they’d both laugh at the likelihood of that happening.

“You’ll be pleased to know I have been a bit more truthful of late.” The look on Michael’s face was skeptical.

“Oh really?”

“Miss Scarlett. I offered her a fair rate for referring cases to her, rather than just taking my finder’s fee off the top.”

Today had actually been something of a success, bullets in his leg notwithstanding. His months of careful planning had paid off. Sending cases her way. Paying Detective Phelps for news regarding Inspector Wellington. He’d waited for the perfect moment, then struck.

At first his proposal had not had the warmest of receptions, but in the end she had capitulated. Not totally, of course. Not yet. And naturally she’d managed to rest a small victory of her own from the encounter. Still, being out an extra month’s pay was more than worth the exhilaration that came with going toe to toe with a worthy opponent.

“A noble gesture, I am sure. Not in the least self-serving.” Patrick rolled his eyes at the rebuke.

“I didn’t grow our business to what it is today by being altruistic. Besides, Eliza despises charity. I would have mortally wounded her pride.”

Her disgruntled tone when she decried needing his help told him everything he needed to know on that score. She could accept a business exchange, but under no circumstances did she want his pity. She was a unique woman, who was more offended by chivalry than chicanery.

“Eliza?” Patrick realized that he’d unintentionally used her first name. Odd, that.

“I meant Miss Scarlett. A slip of the tongue.”

“That would be a first.” Michael wasn’t wrong. Patrick's words were his best weapons and he usually wielded them with great care. Patrick shook his head and attempted to shrug it off.

“I am, as I mentioned, on rather strong medication.”

Michael made a non-committal sound and rose.

“Perhaps it's best I leave you to rest then.” He turned toward the door, as though he were a flesh and blood visitor, not a phantom of Patrick’s mind. Phantom or no though, Patrick wasn’t quite ready for him to disappear.

“Michael?” His brother paused and glanced back at him, “Why now? After all these years, why am I dreaming of you now?”

Michael scratched his beard.

“I thought you said it was the laudenum. That I’m just in your imagination.” Patrick supposed Michael had a point. Any answer Michael gave would ultimately come from himself. Still, he wanted a response.

“I’m curious about what I’d imagine you to say.” That same mysterious smile from earlier returned to his brother’s face.

“You’re the detective. Has something changed in your life lately? Something you’d want to talk to me about? Or someone?” Patrick’s eyes widened as Michael's implication suddenly dawned on him. Eliza Scarlet. Somehow she had triggered this…encounter.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Michael. What exactly was he saying? That he fancied her? She was strong and clever and funny and pretty and a man would be mad not to be drawn toward that. And yes, she had a disturbing tendency to make him want to be more fair and honest, at least with her. All that though, was besides the point.

His affairs with women were uncomplicated things. He was interested in experienced women who enjoyed occasional companionship, but didn’t want the burden of a husband. That suited him perfectly. He didn’t have time for anything else. Besides, it was clear to anyone with eyes she had her heart set on Inspector William Wellington. Not that the fool deserved her, but that wasn't the main issue either. The issue was that she was going to be an excellent asset to his business, and he would never do anything to compromise that. Nash and Sons came first. Always.

Though he had to admit, it had been nice, when he’d opened his eyes and found that she’d stayed with him from his transportation to the hospital through the surgery. It was nice to have someone who cared, at least a little. Feck.

Patrick glared up at his brother.

“Eejit.” Since when had Michael been the one to stir up unnecessary trouble? That was Patrick’s role and he’d thank his brother to remember it. The corners of Michaels’ lips tilted up at the insult.

“According to you, you’re only talking to yourself. Now, get some sleep.” Patrick’s eyelids suddenly felt impossibly heavy and began to close. Fighting against his stupor, he managed to get out the words he hadn’t been able to say all those years ago.

“Good bye, Michael.”

“Good night, Patrick.”

#patrick nash #miss scarlet and the duke #fanfiction #eliza scarlet #michael nash #scarnash #eliza x patrick

14 notes · View notes

areseebee · 27 days

Note

🪲🐝 🍄

🪲 ⇢ add 50 words to your current wip and share the paragraph here

just shared my response to this in this ask! it's kind of a boring WIP share, sorry. i'm not at a very exciting part of the draft.

🐝 ⇢ tag your biggest supporter(s) and say one nice thing about them

i mean @derrygirlstrash and @imstressedx are the original homies who have listened to me talk about my writing for at least ten thousand hours and have been beta readers and thought partners and good friends. many of my fics wouldn't exist or wouldn't exist as they are today without them!

but i would truly be remiss not to mention @private-bryan who is the best model of fandom that we've got for the small derry girls corner of the internet - he writes and crafts and binds fics and creates community in doing it. he's the first commenter on mine and so many other's fics, he is always actively sharing from the derry girls tag, and always seems to come at it all with real joy. we should all approach our fandom spaces like PB and the derry girls fandom is lucky to have him.

🍄 ⇢ share a head canon for one of your favourite ships or pairings

i have a headcanon (that is referenced in this ficlet) that after the carrie moment in 2x05 and james attempting to leave derry in 2x06, erin makes more of an effort to spend time with him and does so under the facade of wanting to watch horror films with james. for fun, i wrote bits and pieces of a counterpart to erin's diary for derrygirlstrash which i called "james's journal," which is where james details erin approaching him about the horror films. here's a couple of excerpts:

Erin is coming over soon. Michelle's not here, so it's just us two. We're going to watch Scream. Ever since Mae's Carrie stunt, Erin says she wants to watch more horror films because she thinks there's a lot to be learned about life in stories where people are facing down their worst fears. I thought Scream would be perfect. Michelle liked it so much and it really subverts so many horror tropes in a clever way. I think she'll really like it.

Erin liked Scream, but she got really scared at a couple of parts. I tried to talk during the parts that were going to be scary, or warned her, but she still grabbed my hand once when Tatum got killed in the garage door. I didn't realise she'd do that. My palm was a little sweaty. I hope she didn't mind. But even though she was scared, she said it's good, like exposure therapy. She wants to watch another horror film next week.

eventually they start on the halloween series, which then gets the rest of the girls interested (to erin's obvious chagrin), but when halloween III rolls around, everyone dips out again (as it is a notoriously controversial installment; this is the film that's referenced in the ficlet i linked above). eventually james begins to suspect that it might not just be about horror films, and is an initial way that james and erin begin to spend more alone time together leading into series 3.

writers truth & dare ask game

#ask #ask game #my fic

5 notes · View notes

ssweeneys · 5 months

Note

what were your thoughts on the episode! i can't wait to hear them

Okay so.... let's unpack this episode.

Euphoria meta under the cut. This is old and I never posted it but, its interesting how deep I dove into these characters.

I will say Rue and Nate have had the best development this season and were the only two who really saw some resolve in this finale. Rue, with her drug addiction and Nate with his dad.

This whole season for Rue was a roller coaster. She finally came to terms with her father's death and is recognizing her toxic traits and behaviors and making an effort to fix them. Not just for her sake but for her family's. I think Rue is finally gearing toward redemption. As a drug addict, she's still got a long way to go but it was nice to see her take a step back at her life and recognize what needs to change in order for her to live a happier, healthier life. She looked much more happy this episode. I loved her scenes with Lexi and their heart to heart. I think she's realizing she needs to grieve in order to get sober and stay sober. In ep 6, Ali said Rue needed to find hope and it was up to her to do it and it seems like she's found it (through watching Lexi's play). She's much closer to it than she was a couple episodes ago. The season ended with her voiceover saying she stayed clean the rest of the school year so I'm guessing season 3 will pick up in the new year and carry on from there.

I really, really, REALLY loved Nate's scene with Cal this episode. Listen, everyone can say what they want about Nate. That he's a horrible person, he should go to hell, etc. He's done some terrible things but what I like and can respect about his character is... at least, he owns them. He doesn't play the victim and accepts that he's a bad person, he has anger issues, etc. He says to his dad what his mom pointed out in 2x06 that he got all of his father's worst traits and what the two of them share in common is that they get off on when they hurt other people. I don't know if that's necessarily true since Nate does show remorse at times for his actions but he is very toxic and he acknowledges that. Tbh I wasn't expecting him to turn Cal in and after talking about him with @tommaden, it makes a lot of sense. Between, the last two seasons and Nate's nightmare last episode, all these factors triggered this climax. It was nice to see Nate acknowledge the tapes and how badly they fucked him up to the point he OPENLY admits he has night terrors about his father fucking him the way he's fucked everyone on those tapes. It really goes to show how discovering those tapes at such a young age has messed with Nate's psyche and his perception/view of sex. But not only that, his relationships. He doesn't know what a healthy relationship looks like considering the whole time he's kept his father's secrets. He explains his motivation for everything he's ever done by stating all he wanted was to protect his dad and his family since he kept it from his mom and Aaron and instead of his father loving him for that, he hated him. But Cal says he does love Nate, he regrets not being the father he should've been. Nate, however feels as though it's too late and in a way, it's easy to feel that way? Because it's like... why apologize now? Why blow up their lives, put Nate through all that trauma and doubt only to leave and admit he's happier now than he's ever been? Idk if I would believe him either after all of that. To Nate, it feels unfair. That they were subjected to Cal's mistakes and left to pick up the pieces while his dad gets to go off and live his life meanwhile they're all damaged. It's why he says he wants revenge. To him, Cal doesn't get to be happy while they're all miserable and so he turns his father in. Obviously, Nate's emotional about it. He too, wishes things could've been different but since they can't... this is his way of finally liberating himself from his father, the dark shadow he cast over Nate's life and everyone else's. This is Nate trying, imo, to break the cycle. Now will he be a bigger person? Idk, probably not. Those toxic traits don't just go away. However like Rue, I think this is Nate's turning point. This is his shot at redemption and we'll just have to see what he does with it.

In terms of Cal's arrest though... Idk what was on the usb. Nate says everything and Jules was the only one (we know of) that was underage so, it's unclear if there was a point to giving Jules the tape when another copy exists. As for the Maddy scene and traumatizing her for the disc back. I think regardless, Nate probably would've done that to prevent Maddy from being the one to out his dad. As nice of a moment as it would've been for Maddy to give the tape to Jules, for Nate's development... it had to work out that way. The symmetry of finding the tapes and Nate being the one to finally put this contest between him and his dad to rest is really interesting. I liked it. It is unfortunate though, how it had to happen.

Sadly, we didn't get much Maddy, Kat, Jules, Ethan, or Elliot this episode so I don't have much to say about them. (Maddy a little bit when I get to Cassie's part)

Lexi also experienced some growth this season and this episode. Not just with the play and taking control of the narrative through her eyes but her convo with Rue shed more light onto how Lexi copes with her father leaving. How, she feels like she has to step up and be the responsible one because that's just who she is despite being the youngest and the one that should be protected by her mom and her older sister. It's nice to see Lexi come into herself and find a voice and an outlet for her feelings since too often being quiet means she's overlooked and her feelings aren't as valid when they are.

She didn't have to do Cassie like that tho lol. Not with the carousel scene. Like there's a lot of elements in the play that weren't necessary and did seem like digs towards Cassie. Especially when Cassie is already going through it and suicidal. One thing I didn't like about that whole ordeal is that no one took her seriously. Cassie was really about to stab herself with a corkscrew and people just shrugged it off and laughed about it. It's kinda gross imo. That's not something that should be treated lightly or glossed over. If someone you love is expressing those kind of erratic behaviors and stuff, get them help! My god.

That aside.... in terms of Cassie, I kind of wished after the blowout with Maddy we would've gotten a bit more from her. I was hoping for Cassie to show some remorse. She seemed more concerned with Nate breaking up with her than her long standing friendship with Maddy ending as they're both cut up and bleeding. It was very anti-climatic imo. I started doing a deeper dive into Cassie's psyche and she went through being sad/lonely/pathetic in s1 to full fledged villain/antagonist in s2. That transition sort of needed to happen for storytelling purposes. Cassie needs to spiral in order to find her redemption and resolution. I think what bothers people so much about her this season is... they think Cassie uses her daddy issues as an excuse for her behavior. When that's not the case. The fans might but, Cassie has never said "I did this because my dad left" she hasn't even acknowledged her trauma outright. She did a little bit when she squared off with Lexi saying that Lexi judges everyone but she hasn't lived. Cassie has put herself out there. She's been used, abused, manipulated, taken advantage of, been hurt, etc. And all of that and all of her insecurities were being mocked. Its very exposing. Sydney says that Cassie's super insecure. But people look at her and see a body or label her the "hot sister" and don't let her become anything but that. I think deep down Lexi and Cassie admire and wish they had qualities of the other. Lexi wishes she was "hot" while still having all of her other qualities and Cassie wishes she was respected and loved and accepted the way Lexi is now after the play. I think this is common between siblings and teenage girls in general. You always tend to compare yourself to others and want what qualities you seem to lack.

Cassie was wrong for hooking up with Nate the way that she did. Saying they weren't together isn't an excuse for her behavior either. I feel like more people would respect Cassie if she admitted she was wrong. She did betray Maddy by sneaking around with Nate behind her back. I feel like Maddy still would've been pissed but she seems more mad about the fact that Cassie did what she did and lied to her about it. Maddy gave Cassie a chance to come clean when Rue let it slip, and again after Cassie locked herself in the bathroom. Maddy never intended to get violent with Cassie. She only did after Cassie called her a cunt and kept on with that "they weren't together" excuse. Cassie's wrong, point blank. We can still root for her and love her and acknowledge that. Sam makes a very good point at the end of the season saying that his only hope for viewers watching is for them to love and root for these characters despite their flaws and mistakes. Rue says it many times throughout the season, that people shouldn't be reduced to a mistake they'd made because it's not the mistake that makes or breaks a person, it's how they grow and learn from it and we have to give them the benefit of the doubt. We can like them and still not agree with the decisions they make.

I think thats a strong point for everyone this season. So many of the characters have done terrible things this season. But they aren't defined by that. And a lot of them are growing. While others were set back this season and have a longer way to go.

I'm sad about Ashtray and Fez. But, I get why Ashtray did what he did. I think he knew no matter what he wasn't getting out of this life alive. Fez, on the otherhand has hope for that. I knew it was going to happen and I'm still fucking upset about it.

#THIS IS NOT A DEBATE. DO NOT REBLOG TO OFFER YOUR OPINIONS PLEASE.

0 notes

beeexx · 3 years

Text

The missing Tarlos scenes from 2x06

Word count: 4.8 Read on ao3

.......

“You know you need to tell him this, right?”

“No, no, I really don’t.” TK protests loudly, by banging the frozen bag of chickens into the counter, hoping they will shake loose with the excess force he is using. Carlos lifts an eyebrow from where he is standing in boxers and an old tank top, too much skin on display for it to be good for TK’s health, cutting onions into small, stupidly neat pieces on the chopping board.

“TK….” Carlos begins, in that voice of his and TK turns around, eyes flashing.

“Carlos.”

Carlos huffs.

“Babe, this is clearly bothering you, and taking it out on our poor dinner isn’t ideal.” He points out.

“Oh, sure Carlos, I’ll just tell my dad that him having another kid is a terrible idea because I’m a prime example of how they messed up with the first one.”

“TK…”

“Oh and while I’m at it I might as well bring up how I am feeling about it and make it all about myself like I always do, that ought to go down really well.” He snaps and Carlos sighs.

“You don’t make everything about yourself.” TK lifts an eyebrow and Carlos snorts. “Okay, sometimes you do, but often not without a legit reason and this is definitely a situation I feel you’re entitled to feel whatever it is that you’re really feeling and express that.”

“Okay, well if we’re on the subject of telling parents what we really think then why don’t you take a page out of your own book and tell your parents that you have a boyfriend, oh, or better yet, the way you’ve been feeling for years about them refusing to acknowledge that you’re gay.” As soon as the words leave his mouth TK regrets them and he winces at the wounded look Carlos sends his way at his harsh words.

Fuck.

“That’s not the same thing.” Carlos mutters, he sounds bitter about it and were it not for the deeply thoughtful look also making its way across his features TK would take the words back immediately.

“I could have gone about that differently, sorry…. But, but isn’t that exactly the same thing as this is though.”

“We were talking about you.” Carlos points out in an attempt to deflect and TK just chooses to let it go because he doesn’t have the energy to have an argument about two different things at the moment. His head is enough of a mess as it is.

“My point still stands, talking to your parents about all the ways they have hurt you is fucking hard, okay?”

“Yes, okay I will agree with you on that.”

“And if you really want to make this all about me this time then fine. Try telling my dad, Owen Strand, Captain of the 126, adored by his crew, envied by even more, hero, cancer survivor, the list could go on for a long time Carlos, yes try telling that person that oh yeah by the way dad you neglected me as a child and now I have both abandonment issues, self esteem issues and a constant fear that no one is ever going to love me because I am not worthy of it, that will go down real well.”

He hits the bag three more times against the counter and lets out a triumphant sound as the frozen chickens finally rattle loose inside and he turns to hold it up to Carlos, a sly little smile at the corner of his lip, because his tactic did work even though Carlos had doubted it would. Carlos isn’t smiling though, he’s frowning, concern written all over his face, eyebrows pinched together and TK drops the bag in confusion.

“What?”

Carlos puts the knife down and takes the bag from TK, throwing it lazily, without looking in the direction of the kitchen sink before he steps up close, wrapping his arms around TK and pulling him close. TK lets out a huff of air, taken aback by the fierceness of the action.

“I hate it when you do this to yourself…” Carlos starts and TK sighs, wraps his arms around him back and nods against Carlos’ neck, can’t help but breathe him in, feeling the calming effect of it already working through his system.

“Sorry.”

“No, no don’t apologise.” Carlos leans back and TK looks up to meet his stormy eyes. He opens his mouth but he isn’t sure what to say.

“I love you, okay? So much and I wish I could hit that into your thick skull sometimes but I can’t, so I’m just going to have to spend every day in this relationship proving that you are indeed worthy of love and no past damage or mistakes will change that, okay?” TK can only nod, his throat suddenly thick with emotions he doesn’t know how to express.

“With that said, you’re not very good at keeping things bottled up, especially not for a long time and especially not something this big, so you should probably really think about what you actually feel about this whole situation before you choose to do that.”

“Judd said I was jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Yeah, something about me wanting to push the baby down a well or something because I couldn’t handle not being the only child anymore.”

“He said what now?” TK chuckles at Carlos’ incredulous look and he shrugs.

“It was some biblical reference I don’t know. Prodigal son?”

“Oh, like Cain and Abel, like a lesser known older brother and the jealousy that stems from it because it’s natural to resent the baby because you’re scared it’s going to take your place.” Realisation dawns on Carlos’ face and his eyes light up like they always do when he gets to talk about things he knows, which at times is a surprisingly big amount of random shit.

“Yeah, yeah, exactly that.” TK says sarcastically, gives Carlos a curious look.

“What? I read.” He shrugs and smirks proudly. TK hums. ”Well Judd is good at a lot of things, maybe giving advice isn’t his forte.”

“And yours is?” TK lifts a challenging eyebrow.

“I am an excellent advice giver, I’ll have you know. The issue isn’t me, the issue is everyone else and no one listening to what I’m saying.”

“Oh, so you have a lot of experience then, giving advice?” TK bites down his smile as Carlos glares without heat.

“I chased Michelle around for years when she was getting in trouble searching for her sister. I definitely have a lot of experience.” TK chuckles and leans up to kiss his nose. It wrinkles adorably and TK’s heart tugs in his chest. He loves Carlos so much.

“I love you too, so much. And I’m sorry for bringing up your parents again, that wasn’t nice of me.” TK apologizes and Carlos nods and watches back with quiet brown intense eyes.

“It’s okay, you were right though.” He grudgingly admits.

“Maybe, but there is no pressure, as I’ve said you can take all the time in the world that you need to figure it out and I’ll support you either way.” He promises and Carlos gives him a soft beautiful smile.

“Thanks.” Carlos whispers, grateful and TK nods, and gently starts scraping his knuckles against Carlos’ scalp, pulling at his curls in a way that makes his face soften immediately, eyes falling shut in contentment and his arms tighten around TK, breathing heavily. His reaction tells TK that Carlos feels really comforted by the way he is touching him and that he needed it more than he let on.

TK has always responded well to touch, Carlos picked up on that a lot quicker than most, but it’s also not uncommon for Carlos to like it as well. He just doesn’t always express it, so TK’s taken to doing it when he senses it’s something Carlos needs, while not always being aware of it himself. It’s these small gestures TK’s learnt, that you do for the other person and that they do for you that love really is.

Carlos’ eyes are closed and he’s letting out soft sounds of pleasure, it’s distracting as hell, and it’s making it even more difficult being this close to him and not kissing him, so TK does because he feels he can’t not do it, and angles Carlos’ head down and captures his lips in a searing hot kiss. As always when they kiss like this, starting out soft, but then growing with intention and heat, the slowburn of arousal starts to make its way through his veins, electric energy flooding his system. Only Carlos has this effect on him.

When Carlos reaches to grab at his hair and then bites at his lip it makes TK whine and chase after him when he moves back.

“Dinner, remember?” Carlos reminds him, but with his curls standing up unruly and his pupils dark with want, it’s very hard for TK to remember the reason why he can’t skip dinner all together and eat Carlos out instead. Carlos huffs and his hands tighten around his sides like he can read TK’s mind.

“After dinner.”

“Is that a promise?” TK asks slyly.

“Yes.” Carlos reassures and the slow self satisfied grin tugging at his lips is fucking obscene and TK cheekily grabs his ass in retaliation. Carlos knows the effect he has on him.

“You know cooking in boxers can be a fire hazard.” He points out.

“Good thing I know an excellent firefighter then.” He says and kisses TK hard on the lips before he steps away, walking back to his mostly finished chopped up onions, giving TK a very nice view of his ass in the black tight boxers he’s wearing. God, his boyfriend is hot as fuck.

The rest of the evening is so nice in fact that for a moment he doesn’t think about his parents or the baby, or anything other than how much he loves Carlos and how lucky he is to really have him in his life.

…….

TK unlocks the door to Carlos’ place, throws the bag towards what he hopes is the direction of the shoes, and puts his keys down in the bowl by the door, where Carlo’s are already lying. He steps inside and almost jumps out of skin when he sees his boyfriend sitting on the stairs, frowning and very clearly waiting for him. Most of the lights are off and it casts his features into stunning relief, even when angry, Carlos is too good looking for his own good.

“So, you heard?” TK gulps and Carlos nods.

“Yes, yes I did hear, from the group chat, but not just that, every goddamn news station in the state is covering how two firefighters jumped through a minefield to save two boys that were hurt.”

“Well, only one of them was hurt.” TK shuts his mouth when Carlos levels him with a deeply unimpressed look and he takes a slow step forward and tries again.

“In my defense, I am certified and I was qualified to do it.” TK stops, draws in a sharp breath, backtracks. “Are you mad?”

Carlos lets out a deep breath, and his features soften slightly before he shakes his head, scrubs a hand through his face and when he looks up his eyes are wide and sad.

“No, no, of course I’m not mad. Just extremely worried.”

“Oh?” TK asks, feels confused, scrambling to catch up with the change, having been expecting that Carlos would be upset with him. Carlos huffs and opens his arms and it’s all TK needs for him to take a few steps forward before he sits down between Carlos’ legs, wrapping his arms around his neck, pulling him close. Carlos plants a kiss in his hair, and tightens his grip around TK, almost unconsciously starts stroking his hands down his back and TK lets him, can’t push away the guilt that’s come on so strong, mixing badly with the elevation he’s also feeling after the day he’s had. But when his boyfriend reacts like this it can’t help but leave an acid taste in his mouth too.

“I’m not sure whether I want to never let you leave my arms ever again or brag to everyone that I am for sure dating a hero.” Carlos says and were it not for the slight tremor of his voice that he tries to conceal, TK would laugh.

“I wouldn’t mind never leaving your arms.” He admits because it sounds appealing, especially now, when adrenaline is starting to make way to exhaustion instead.

Carlos huffs.

“You’d get bored after a day or two.” He points out and TK shakes his head.

“You underestimate the excellent sex we do have, I’m sure I could be convinced for three days or so.” Carlos laughs, but then one of his hands wrap around TK’s wrist, feeling out his pulse, comforted by the steady thumping of it. TK lets him, allowing himself after the hectic day he’s had to tuck his face into the crook of Carlos’ shoulder and neck to breathe him in. They both have different ways of calming themselves down when the other one is near and on certain days they need it a little more than on others.

“Your pulse is beating insanely quick.” Carlos points out after a while and TK hums against Carlos’ neck, gives himself a moment before he detaches himself slightly so he can look at him.

“Adrenaline.” He shows Carlos his hand that’s still trembling slightly and Carlos’ eyebrow pinch in concern.

“I’m sorry -” TK begins because he really does hate it when Carlos is sad but Carlos shakes his head and interrupts.

“No, no, this is on me. I know you have a dangerous job that sometimes requires that you take risks, I just wish they didn't have to be this big, a minefield, that’s just insane.” TK nods, he understands.

“But also really cool.” He can’t help but let slip out, eyes alive in excitement and smirking. Carlos snorts and pokes his nose, a little hard maybe, but only a little.

“Yes and designed to give me a goddamn heart attack, you know I’m not even 30, by this rate I’ll be going grey before I hit 35.” He points out, gives TK a look that speaks volumes about how offended Carlos seems to be over that. He laughs and reaches for Carlos’ hair, tugging gently on it.

“I think you’d suit grey really well to be fair.” Carlos wrinkles his nose in distaste and it’s so adorable that he can’t help but laugh again and Carlos distaste slowly melts into something much softer and he sticks his tongue out instead like a mature 26 year old that he is. “And if we’re pointing fingers, remember that hostage situation a while back where an office was shot and I thought it was you because you wouldn’t answer your phone?” Carlos winces and he looks momentarily guilty about that because TK had been so fucking worried he could barely even do his job that day and when Carlos hadn’t answered by the time they were both off shift TK had lost it a little bit.

“Not my finest moment.” Carlos admits.

“No, so don’t go pointing fingers.” But he’s mostly joking even though that day had been scary as fuck, he so very much understands Carlos’ worry today, he really does. Carlos hums.

“How was it then?” He asks and TK bites at his lip, trying to figure out how to word everything. He turns towards Carlos and sits up on his knees, bringing him eyelevel with him and wraps his arms around his neck. Immediately Carlos’ hands come to rest on his waist, his fingers slipping underneath TK’s jumper to trace skin.

“It was incredible, well the minefield aside which was scary for sure, but after that I’ve been feeling like I’ve been on this incredibly long lasting high ever since.” Carlos lifts an eyebrow at the metaphor and TK shrugs sheepishly.

“Yeah, but it’s an apt metaphor for the feeling. I guess I haven’t felt good like that in a while.”

“No?” Carlos asks and there is no trace of judgement or anything in his voice, just kind and curious eyes looking at him. TK nods.

“The only other times I’ve felt this kind of high is you know actually getting high and when I’m with you, I guess the job’s been missing that spark for a while.” Carlos smiles and leans forward to plant a kiss on his nose.

“I’m not totally sure about comparing this relationship to a high.” He points out and TK snorts.

“I’m not, I’m comparing the feeling. Being with you is like pure happiness you know? I feel, just, like I’ve never felt before and even when it’s tough it’s worth it because I love you so much and I know deep down that you love me too and I never don’t want to spend my time with you, so yeah, the feeling is addictive for sure. I really just love you.” He goes quiet and Carlos' eyes have softened and he’s met by a look of pure love and a breathtakingly beautiful smile breaks across Carlos’ face before he pulls TK close and kisses him softly and slowly, making TK’s toes curl inside of his shoes.

“Fuck.” Carlos whispers against his lips. “I love you too, so much.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Carlos says with adoring eyes and voice full of love before he runs his hand through TK’s hair and gently pulls him close, kissing him hard on his lips again. It’s TK who pulls back though making Carlos lift an eyebrow in surprise because it’s unexpected for TK to be the one to do this, so before TK can chicken out he blurts out the words.

“But I might have done something stupid…”

“Oh?” Carlos asks, amusement dancing in his eyes like he’s totally expecting it.

“Yeah, I might have handed in my resume to Vega for the position to become a paramedic.” He rushes the words out, hates the silence between them and can’t help but feel ridiculously nervous all of a sudden waiting for Carlos' reaction. Carlos opens and closes his mouth a few times then shakes his head.

“Okay, wait, I think you need to back up a few steps here so I can follow.” He says, confusion evident in his eyes. But he’s giving TK an encouraging look at TK takes in a deep breath.

“The minefield was not fun and the thought of what could have happened to me and my dad while out there was really scary. I’m not trying to take massive risks anymore, not when I have you to come home to.” Carlos smiles, lovingly, and gives him an encouraging look spurring TK on. “But I knew someone had to get to the kid and with the help of my dad and Vega that I could do something about it, so I volunteered. And the elevation afterwards, that all came from saving the kid. It just… it felt really good to save someone, to be the one to actually do it.” TK confesses loudly for the first time since his shift ended and he in the spur of the moment added his name to the pile in Vega’s office, and saying it makes him feel a little calmer than he has ever since walking off the field.

“Oh, okay.” Carlos says, not fully understanding yet what TK is trying to say, and yet being so patient with him, waiting for TK to figure it out.

“I don’t know, I sometimes feel like I’m not doing enough in the field, like I could do more... and while I also know that’s not the case because every day we all go out in the field doing our best together. But I think I’ve been carrying this with me for a while now, it’s just that this year has been a lot, and even when there is a pandemic going on people still forget to turn their stove off, and they get into car accidents or have their cats escape up in trees unable to come down. The world hasn’t stopped, it’s been moving and I’ve been moving with it without having the time to reflect a lot on myself and the job. But today, I don’t know, I felt like something just clicked while out there and when I could really help him...I guess, I really liked doing it.” TK blushes because he’s been ranting and he’s averted his eyes but they move back to Carlos by their own accord and Carlos’ eyes have cleared from all earlier confusion, instead understanding has taken over and he nods his head thoughtfully.

“And that’s why you handed in your resume? Because you want to continue doing it?” Carlos fills in and TK nods biting his lip.

“D-do you… Do you think it’s a good idea?”

“It’s not up to me to tell you what to do babe, but you know what?”

“What?” TK asks, hanging onto every word he’s saying.

“I think you’d be good at it.”

“Yeah?” He asks, hopeful, and Carlos smiles.

“Of course, you’d be amazing at it, if it’s what you want.”

“It is yes, it’s what I want.” TK says with certainty. It’s just clicked, like all that has been shaking loose and upended recently inside of him finally settle a little more.

“Then yes, it’s an amazing idea. You’re going to be so good.” Carlos grins and TK melts because while he doesn’t depend on Carlos’ approval for this it’s so nice to see him be actually happy for him.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” Carlos promises and TK releases the breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding and his own face breaks into a relieved smile.

“I think I could be good at it too.” He confesses a little shyly and Carlos beams and pulls TK slightly forward, his forehead resting on his and everything just settles for TK because nothing beats this, nothing beats Carlos.

“I’m proud of you.” Carlos says and TK can’t bite down the smile. But it falls off his face after a moment and he moves back, looks a little unsure again.

“I might have done something else that wasn’t very smart.” Carlos huffs, lifts an eyebrow, so ever patient with him.

“What did you do now?”

“I didn’t tell my dad…” He trails off and Carlos grimaces but then a look of determination takes over and he shrugs before he gently grasps TK’s face between his hands, stroking a thumb lovingly along his cheek.

“Well, you know what I think?” TK shakes his head. “I think it’s not any of his business really.”

That surprises TK to be honest and he lifts an eyebrow.

“W-what? I mean really?”

“Yeah, I mean maybe you should have told him before you just went and did it, but it’s your life and not his. And as long as you’re not doing it for someone else then it’s not really his choice to make.”

“I’m doing it for me, it’s what I want.” Carlos’ lip lifts in a proud smile and he nods.

“Good.”

“But, what if he’s not happy?”

“I don’t think he will be unhappy, maybe a little surprised and maybe give him a moment. But if he knows you like I do, then he will realise it’s a good thing.”

“Okay, I hope so.” TK musters up a wane smile, still can’t push away the spikes of anxiety about the conversation he’s going to have to have with his dad. But it can wait, for a little while at least.

“You know Vega is going to bust your ass right?” Carlos jokes, eyes full of mirth, smirking and TK snorts.

“Yeah, yeah I know.”

“I remember when Michelle started training under her, the stories she would tell me, Vega is badass and she taught Michelle who is also a badass, I’m expecting she’s going to do the same to you.”

“I’m already a badass.” TK reminds him and Carlos chuckles.

“True, I think she will do you some good though. Challenge you and allow you to really thrive under her, she has that effect on people.” TK nods.

“It’s a tough job…”

“Yeah, but as you said, you’re already a badass, you’re going to do great.”

“It will be nice to be the paramedic, rather than calling one.” TK says and it grows a little more serious between them.

“I mean -” TK clears his throat at Carlos’ silence. “I have experience of being on the other end and I know what it’s like being helped. I guess a part of me is looking forward to doing the helping.”

“I see, well you care so much about people and if you get a chance to show that, to show them this.” Carlos' hands move to cover TK’s heart and it flutters in his chest, warmth spreading to every cell of his body and he smiles shyly. “Then, well, you’re going to be very good at it.” TK bites his lip and nods.

“It feels… I don’t know, just right.”

“Good, that’s amazing.” TK doesn’t know what to say but he’s grateful, more than how he knows to express at the moment but in the way Carlo’s face softens, maybe he can read between the lines.

“Have you talked to Owen about the baby yet?” TK groans, can’t help but glare, the moment between them broken suddenly, like a bucket of ice cold water has been thrown at him, and he moves his head away, hiding in the crook of Carlos’ shoulder and neck and nibbles at his skin making Carlos chuckle, twitching in his arms.

“No, not yet…” He says though, voice muffled by Carlos’ skin.

“Well, do you want to talk about it?” TK sighs but takes his head away and meets Carlos’ eyes.

“I feel… I mean I am happy for them of course but...” He bites at his lip, hard and Carlos reaches forward with his thumb to gently stroke it over the swollen redness making TK stop the action. He takes in a deep breath instead.

“But they always do this, and I don’t even think they are realising it, but they get so single-minded and focused on themselves that they forget everything else. The fighting isn’t fun, I’ve been in the middle of it and I know how lonely and unwanted you can feel when it happens. What they’re doing, it feels like they are just falling into the same patterns as before without even realising that they are, and it’s not going to last if they do it that way.”

Carlos looks thoughtful and TK feels annoyed and frustrated because he can’t help but think it makes his parents feel so irresponsible and it’s hard to come to terms with that because his parents in their own right are extremely competent people, it’s just when together, they aren’t always.

“I support you, I always will and your feelings here are valid and to be worried is honestly a sign of growth.” Carlos begins.

“Oh, you're calling me mature, that’s unusual.” TK jokes, changing the subject.

“I mean you’re definitely a hot mess, a terrible terrible driver for sure.” Carlos easily fires back.

“God, did Judd text you?”

“And filmed some of it. This is why I’m never letting you drive my baby.”

“Hold on, I thought I was your baby, and here I find out you have someone else on the side?” Carlos’ arms tighten around him, biting his lip, the smile threatening to take over.

“What can I say, I really like that car and I paid a lot of money for it.”

“It’s a terrible car for making out in.” TK reminds him and Carlos smirks, reminded of the few times they’ve gotten frisky in it.

“True, still not letting you drive it.” He teases and TK glares.

“Rude.”

“Maybe, but I care too much about the possibility of my greying hairs to get here sooner than I’d like to, to get into a car where you are driving us.”

“Well I might be a paramedic soon, so at least you'd be with someone where your odds are fractionally better if you were to get in an accident.”

“Still not letting you drive it Strand.”

“Worth a shot.” TK laughs and Carlos smiles.

“So, do you want dinner or?”

TK shakes his head.

“No, I’m good, but I’m getting too old to sit on my knees like this.” He grumbles and shifts to get the blood running again. Carlos chuckles and makes it all the easier by just scooping him up in his arms. TK yelps and Carlos grins, delighted by the sound. TK wraps his legs around Carlos’ waist, tightens his arms around his neck.

“Please don’t drop me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it baby.” Carlos reassures grinningly. “So, bed?”

“Bed.” TK agrees.

He lets Carlos carry him up the stairs and into the bedroom, feeling so safe in his arms, that whatever conversation that’s waiting for him tomorrow with his dad, doesn’t matter as much anymore.

#911 lone star #9-1-1 lone star #tarlos #tarlos fic #tk x carlos #911 lone star fanfiction #911 lone star fic #tk strand #carlos reyes #tarlos fanfiction

102 notes · View notes

lovecolibri · 3 years

Text

Friendly reminder, "banter" is to "talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way" and is not one person being catty, rude, or malicious and the other person just taking it. I really enjoyed Michael and m*ria’s banter in season 1 but since the point they hooked up in season 1 she has not had anything nice, kind, or even neutral to say to or about him, and most importantly, especially in these first 2 episodes, we don’t see him bantering back. He just takes the criticism and snark and continues with what he’s saying. We aren’t seeing that “fun banter” that we got in season 1, we are still just seeing m*ria being snappy, talking down to Michael, and being catty about Alex when we know that SHE knows at the very least that Alex has been out of town and nowhere near Michael. Plus given that we’ve already seen her saying she wanted to marry Alex, and after what happened in 2x06 with her trying to force Michael to choose her over Alex, her having any kind of snappy response about when Alex and Michael are getting married especially when she knows they aren’t even together is just deeply uncomfortable and comes off as a really catty and mean thing for her to say, and it’s made all the more so by Michael’s reaction which was not to laugh and joke about it and banter back but to mention that she’s making things awkward. I don’t know what the reasoning is behind doubling down on her character acting this way, but it is a really bad look and I don’t see any way they can fix it at this point. It’s either going to be who she is and how she acts for the rest of the show, or, they are going to try and handwave it away with either a personality transplant that no one mentions, or tie it to her mind deteriorating to garner sympathy but given that no one has called her out for it or mentioned that she’s acting weird means it’s hard to buy that as a reason. Anyway, I’m not sure what I’m dreading more, that they just won’t address this at all, or that they will address it and handle it poorly. They really had the opportunity to subtly deal with last season by not having Michael or Alex interact with her, which easily could have happened until the roof scene, but they are making a point to have Alex mentioning her, putting her with Greg of all people, and having Michael thanking Max for keeping an eye on her like she is in any capacity his responsibility, especially given that we were told in episode 1 that she hasn’t seen him around so they haven’t been interacting. I’m just...baffled by these choices and I am dreading everything about her character that we have been shown coming up/

#roswell nm #season 3 spoilers #anti maria deluca #2x06 mention #can you believe people are still referring to their scenes as 'm*luca' scenes?#and that their banter is cute and fun?#like???#michael is clearly not having a good time talking to her this season at all #he looks so uncomfortable and unhappy in all of their interactions #what about that says cute or fun to you?!

24 notes · View notes

female-overlord-3 · 3 years

Note

question, does it bother you seeing the 2x06 malex kiss in edits? bc as a editor im like hmmmmm about bc ewwwww it from that scene but then hmmmm bc its ✨malex✨ but then back to ewwww that scene. i am conflicted. like do you think seeing it in edits would make people uncomfy or would they not care? and what are your feelings about it?

I only briefly saw some edits when it aired then after and while I was not a fan and was warned, I did/do try my best to avoid m*luca content but its gonna be there and it was kinda everywhere after that episode.

The thing is I'm kinda crazy and don't blacklist tags 😅 cause I'm too lazy and I've been able to create a nice little corner for myself. Like I'm fine if I see it but it's so random and very unlikely unless I'm going through the Roswell New Mexico tag or malex tag (which not cool if it's not malex related. THOSE WHO KNOW KNOW 😂 Thank god I'm not that delusional) so like if it's an edit to shade that scene or anything M*luca or M*ria, I can endure 👀👀👀 this is me blatantly asking and if so SEND IT TO ME!!!!! I'm getting sidetracked.

There will be people that care and those that don't so I guess the main thing would to properly tag and have a warning or mention if possible. That's honestly the best thing you can do because while tumblr tags aren't the best they are at least there.

I totally get that whole situation is conflicting because it combined Malex and M*luca in a way that's just (for me personally) so gross and toxic. It was something I love with something I hate into something I want to burn to ash. So please be kind to yourself anon!!! I hope this helps!!!!

Edit cause it's late and my brain got all hyperfocused: the Malex kiss specifically is nice and splicing that baby from the rest of that awful event is always a good thing in my book! For me personally of course but ya still tag and warn.

#alex manes #malex #michael guerin #roswell nm #anti maria deluca #anti miluca #respect the tags people #mentions of 2x06 rnm #anon ask

14 notes · View notes

aimmyarrowshigh · 3 years

Note

Dark Greetings this Spooky Season Ms. V. Can we get a list of your favorite Halloween movies and specials? I know you have seen *everything* and I am trying to go beyond my usual rewatches this holiday month.

V. AIMMYARROWSHIGH’S CRITERIA FOR HALLOWEEN EPISODES

Does the Halloween element combine convincingly with the usual universe of the show (ex: Lizzie McGuire 2x09 “Those Freaky McGuires” is not good as a Halloween episode because it changes the rules of the Lizzie McGuire universe, whereas Community 2x06 “Epidemiology” is a GREAT Halloween episode because it manages to logically introduce zombies to the regular Community universe)?

Does the Halloween element advance the plot of the episode/series (ex: the reason Boy Meets World 5x17 “And Then There Was Shawn” is literally the best Halloween episode ever made is that it uses the horror movie tropes it satirizes to provide a CRUCIAL turning-point to the plot of the show)?

Is the Halloween episode in the forefront enough that it’s clearly a holiday episode (ex: HAVING ONE JACK-O’LANTERN ON A DESK DOES NOT A HALLOWEEN SPECIAL MAKE, LAW & ORDER 16x03 “GHOSTS”! You gotta go ALL-IN, like Bob’s Burgers 3x02 “Full Bars”!)?

Does the Halloween theme balance well between spooky and warm-n-fuzzy (ex: Criminal Minds 11x21 “Mr. Scratch” is too fucking bleak, but Criminal Minds 12x06 “Elliott’s Pond” has a joyous/celebratory tone to the ending despite being a genuinely scary episode)?

Is it generally a well-written, acted, and designed episode of television (ex: Saved by the Bell! 3x26 “Mystery Weekend” is seriously, not exaggerating, the worst thing I’ve ever watched in my life; Psych 1x15 “Scary Sherry, Or Bianca’s Toast” is a triumph of the medium)?

THE BEST, bar none, Halloween special ever made is Boy Meets World 5x17, “And Then There Was Shawn.” Period. There can be no argument, except MAYBE Community 3x06, “Epidemiology,” but I like “And Then There Was Shawn” better because the parody and homage as less… biting? And because I think it continues and addresses the emotional core of the regular BMW season better than “Epidemiology” does for Community s3. “Epi” DOES plant the seed (…heh) for the Season 3B major plot arc of Shirley’s pregnancy and Chang Deciding To Murder, but it gets some major minus points for mocking Yvette Nicole Brown’s weight with other characters’ responses to her costume, tbh. And “And Then There Was Shawn” is just fucking iconic. It is THE Halloween episode manual, IMO, if there were to be a textbook on how to write a perfect Halloween episode for your sitcom.

HOWEVER, I also have to give major props to Bob’s Burgers and Psych, as complete series, for their CONSISTENTLY excellent Halloween episodes. A lot of series that have multiple Halloween eps really phone it in after one or two, because they don’t have any more ideas for how to incorporate Halloween pastiches while maintaining the overall feeling of the series (tbh B99, while the Halloween Heists are excellent in general, is/has been coming very close to this line, and I think that if they HADN’T had to switch out the Heist to Cinco de Mayo in s6, they would have jumped their Heist Shark [and I think they know it, too, because it was lampshaded in the episode itself]) or they just straight-up don’t have any more ideas for what or how to have the characters they’re bound to parody or pay homage to a Halloween thing after they’ve already done one or two. And let’s be real: those one or two have probably been either The Shining or Rear Window, because those are pretty much the two that every show starts with.

Bob’s manages to make every Halloween episode feel very fresh and organic to the series, which I think they do have some leeway to do because of the nature of cartoons keeping the Belchers living a kind of loop of never aging, yk, but amazingly they’ve only done the “Tina feels too old to trick or treat, maybe? Nope, she’s not 14 yet, so there’s still time!” thing in a way that felt tropey once (in 3x02 Full Bars). They’ve been able to address Tina being 13/in 8th grade, and worrying about it being almost too late for her to keep trick or treating, in ways that were in-character and added to the overall episode in 4x02 Fort Night, 5x02 Tina and the Real Ghost, and 9x04 Nightmare on Ocean Avenue Street, without me rolling my eyes at the screen and going “TINA, EVERY SINGLE SHOW WITH A TWEEN IN IT HAS ALREADY DECIDED THAT THE AGE AT WHICH YOU MUST STOP TRICK OR TREATING IS FRESHMAN YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, COME ON NOW” which… at this point, is a Feat. Because like, I’ve POSTED over a thousand Halloween episodes, right? But I’ve watched and screencapped ::checks folder:: 3,905 Halloween episodes since 2014. Which is, um, a. lot. The ACTUAL BEST Bob’s Burgers Halloween episode is 6x03, “The Hauntening,” which is just… achingly perfect television. I know I’ve posted about it before (probably a couple times tbh) but the way that it aired originally back-to-back with The Simpsons 27x04, “Halloween of Horror,” so that the evening of Sunday cartoons juxtaposed eight-year-old Louise whose family worked so hard to scare her like she wanted with nine-year-old Lisa’s family working so hard to keep her from being too scared and make sure that she felt safe… reader, I FUCKIN CRIED. Little girls being deeply loved while also Spoopy Things!!!!!! IS WHAT HALLOWEEN SPECIALS ARE!!! FUCKIN!!!!!! ABOUT!!!!!!!

Psych, though, has the benefit of not really having any, like… central tone to the series? Beyond “friendship” and “having fun with joking,” tbh? So it’s able to do what a lot of series get docked “points” for in my Foolproof Halloween Special Ratings System That Is Completely Subjective To My Tastes And Mood, which is really just run full-tilt into parody and homage without really worrying about overall tonal connection to the rest of the season or series. 1x15, “Scary Sherry, or, Bianca’s Toast,” while it DOES fall victim to the way-too-common Halloween episode trap of making mental hospitals into a Scary Thing (they are a medical normality and a necessary thing for health for many people and should not be feared), is delightful Spooky Fun AND has the benefit of having Shannon Woodward in it.* We all know by now that if an episode of any show has Shannon Woodward as the guest star, it will by default end up being one of the best, if not THE best, episodes of that series. It’s just how having Shannon Woodward as your guest star rolls. I also really like, with Psych’s Halloween episodes, that quite a few of them understand the underlying thematic scope of Horror, which is “The Monstrous Feminine Is A Thing And All Horror Tropes Are Actually About Women’s Interior Lives Because Men Can’t Write Women And Fear Women Always,” yk, in a way that is neither TOO Actual Horror, which I am too afraid of to Do, or too trite and demeaning, which is the other basic trap that Halloween stuff falls into A Lot. Like, Scary Sherry is very much about women villainizing other women, avenging other women, and being in very specifically-female pain, even though Shawn & Gus are still the lens through which we solve the mystery, and so are 4x04 The Devil Is In The Details And The Upstairs Bedroom and 6x03 This Episode Sucks. But they give their Monstrous Females dignity and breadth, which is impressive, ESPECIALLY since they’re one-off guest characters. Also, 3x15 Tuesday the 17th is just plain funny and well-done, like, just give it props for the title alone.

*(Speaking of Shannon Woodward, another amazingly good Halloween episode is Raising Hope 4x07, “Murder, She Hoped,” which is among my very favorite Rear Window homage episodes and has probably the funniest gag in ANY Rear Window ep, in Martha Plimpton floating across the screen in the Grace Kelly silk nightgown and peignoir and announcing that it was on sale at Walmart, can you believe?! and honestly, yes. Perfection.)

Also excellent:

• The Addams Family (1991) + Addams Family Values (1993) • Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School (RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU WERE GAY FOR SIBELLA AS A CHILD!) • Scooby-Doo and the Witch's Ghost (RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU'RE GAY BECAUSE THE HEX GIRLS!) • Halloweentown + Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge • Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire! • Z•O•M•B•I•E•S (to a lesser extent, Z•O•M•B•I•E•S 2) • Clue (1985) • Coraline • Corpse Bride • 6teen 2x00 Dude of the Dead • Arthur 21x00 Arthur and the Haunted Treehouse • Lamb-Chop in the Haunted Studio • Arthur 8x04A Fern-kenstein's Monster • Arthur 10x02 The Squirrels • WandaVision 1x06 The All-New Halloween Spooktacular (I KNOW YOU, SPECIFICALLY, DEAR @plavoptice, HATE MCU!WANDA AND I DON'T BLAME YOU, YOUR REASONS ARE VERY VALID! But this is a good Halloween special so I'm putting it on my list In General.) • Boy Meets World 2x06 Who's Afraid of Cory Wolf? • Ghostbusters (2016) • Gravity Falls 1x12 Summerween • Leverage 4x02 Ten L'il Grifters Job • The Loud House 2x40 Tricked! • Mockingbird Lane 1x00 Unaired Pilot • It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! (Classic, etc.)

I'm SURE I'm forgetting some that I'll rewatch this year myself. I'm a big Halloween Baking Championship fan, tbh, which is on Discovery+ now so I recommend that if you like mostly-relaxing nice people baking cakes that look like bats and such.

I'm also IMMENSELY INTENSELY EXCITED for The Muppets' Haunted Mansion on Disney+ next week!!!

#halloween #**halloween

10 notes · View notes

i-hate-everything-except-fandoms · 3 years

Text

Okay, so that was actually... nowhere near as bad as I expected.

To get the whole poker thing out the way first, as much as I think we can all agree that level of PDA in front of the Ohana is... not ideal, she had been drinking, and, after having not been with someone in so long, Juliet is probably pretty touch starved too, so it does make sense for her to be excited and way more touchy around Ethan than we had expected.

And hey, Higgy's happy, so I can't really complain. But I must agree with the rest of them and recommend they get a room when they have moments like that.

Juliet in Thomas' room is an interesting first. Back in season one, we had her send Kumu to go and fetch one of his shirts - she didn't go herself - so it's nice to see that she's more comfortable with entering his space, albeit to pour a glass of water over his head. Also, you know I have to point it out, but she definitely checked him out whilst he was still asleep. 😏

Another thing in this episode I enjoyed was Magnum impressing Higgy and Ethan with his medical knowledge. It makes sense for him to have known what Ethan was talking about - afterall, he once went undercover as a vascular surgeon - and their expressions in response were priceless. Thomas Magnum 1-0 Ethan and Juliet. 😂

There's another thing I would mention now, as it links to what I'm about to say, but I'm going to leave that to the end, because it was an overarching feature in this episode. Higgy mentioning Abby and asking how much she knew about her was a surprise, but I actually really appreciate the fact that there has been another reference to her, because I literally don't think she's been mentioned since 2x07 (the episode after they broke up). It's also interesting that Magnum denied having told Abby much about Higgy, considering the fact that she clearly knew that Juliet knew him better than she ever would - which is pretty much the entire reason they broke up.

I'd still like for Thomas to mention at some point that Abby had said that he'd find someone who knew him better than anyone else, because I think Juliet would quickly remember what she'd said in the van, and realise that Abby had been talking about her - I think it'd be interesting to see how she'd react to that. But I digress.

The case felt a little more like old times this episode, seeing as so far, in almost every episode our dynamic duo has either been in serious peril, or they've got into trouble without even being on a case, which can get kind of monotonous. I don't mind that it was Ethan who came to them with a case because it's actually quite a nice parallel to 2x06 when Abby enlisted their help, albeit slightly unwillingly after the case was handed off to them. So overall, I enjoyed the plot of the case.

Rick and TC's storylines this episode felt pretty minimal, but it's nice to have something more about the military incorporated into the show, especially because I feel like a lot of people who sign up do so because their family have been involved in the military, and I like that they pointed out that wasn't necessarily a good enough reason. However, in the end we didn't get a good resolution to that, so it feels a bit unresolved.

In terms of Rick's storyline, it's nice to have a minor character in one episode come back to have a bigger role, and it would also be nice for Rick to have a love interest, because there isn't enough love going around for the boys right now. So I'm excited to see where that goes, and whether Rick will disregard the rule of, "don't date someone who works for/with you."

Last, but most certainly not least, we're going back to Thomas' insomnia. As soon as Ethan mentioned giving him a prescription for it, I cringed, because I knew he was going to be upset that Higgy had shared that with him. But, the more I thought about it as they went through the episode, I realised that Juliet did it for the right reasons, and that it was coming from a place of concern, and honestly, it was really sweet of her to try and help.

I was waiting for that final scene because I knew they were finally going to talk about it, and I love that Higgy referenced their conversation in 2x08 where he told her, "If you're not honest with me about how you feel, it's not fair to me. Not if this is going to work." Because she's right - it does go both ways.

So Thomas explaining that he doesn't want to hide things from her just because he's afraid she'll share it with Ethan is a really vulnerable but beautiful moment. Juliet's apology is beautiful too, as is her promise that she won't share anything private, but does tell him that he will inevitably come up in conversation because he's an important part of her life - I love that. And I love even more that Thomas said the same in return, even if not in as many words.

Plus, them sat there drinking beer in front of the sunset? It's so beautiful?? I love it! I love them! And I surprisingly enjoyed this episode a lot!

#thomas magnum #juliet higgins #orville 'rick' wright #theodore 'tc' calvin #ethan shah #abby miller #magnum x higgins #miggy #magnum pi #mpi 3x08 #magnum pi spoilers #long post

35 notes · View notes

buckleysjareau · 3 years

Note

I saw you were taking prompts 🙈 perhaps a meet cute between Maddie and Chimney prior to 2x06, maybe he helps her get out of an awkward situation at a bar? 🥺❤️

I hope I did madney justice for you! :)

After a month and a half living in LA, Maddie’s finally starting to feel settled. She still feels uneasy at times, often feels the need to look over her shoulder to check that Doug isn’t behind her, even while she’s at work. She’s cautious but starting over, finally setting a new routine and making new friends, she felt like she could breathe for the first time since Doug had hit her for the first time in their too big Boston apartment all of those years ago.

Having her brother back, by her side, it certainly helped settle her unease just a little. Her guilt for not leaving Pennsylvania with him lessens just the smallest amount when he tells her stories about his team, his family, and the way his face lights up could light a football field. He found himself, and now he’s helping Maddie do the same.

She finds herself alone at a bar that’s usually frequented by firefighters and cops, and though she’s a first responder, she feels— she feels weird. She’s waiting for Buck to arrive with his team, and nervous was an understatement to how she was feeling. She was going to meet the people who were there for her brother when she couldn’t be and even though Buck tells her she doesn’t have to be nervous, she can’t help it. This feels important. It is important.

“Well I know I haven’t seen you around here before,” she hears from behind her and she tenses. “I definitely would have remembered such a pretty face.”

She’s tense, with anxiety and with utter annoyance.

“What’s your name, sweetheart?” The man asks and she clenches her fist as she turns to see who the guy is.

“Uh, Mad—Madeline.” Lying seems like it would be the way to go, tries to be polite as possible as to not make the situation escalate. People can be unpredictable, and even though things have been going fine, she doesn’t know if she could handle the way a situation like this can end.

“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.” Maddie fights to urge to roll her eyes. “Can I buy you a drink?”

“Thank you, but I’m waiting on someone so we can order together.”

The man has the audacity to pout. “Aw, man, not even one? It’s on me, promise. What can I get you?”

“Really, it’s fine. I don’t need you to buy me a drink.” The polite tone she tries to keep is getting more noticibly forced, but the guy is too focused on her chest to hear it.

The guy moves his hand a little too fast and a little too close and she tenses, even more when his hand rests on hers atop the bar.

Then she hears someone clear their throat. “Maddie, so sorry I’m late!”

She spins around and she recognizes someone from Buck’s team, if the memory of scrolling through Buck’s Instagram serves her correctly.

“You know how LA traffic can be.” He chuckles and subtly— not so subtly— scoots in between Maddie and the guy then flags down the bar tender. She has to snicker at the look on the guy’s face as he’s practically pushed back. She almost loses it when Buck’s friend— practically her savior— turns to face the guy. “Oh, sorry, didn’t see you there. You mind if I sit here? Just got off a twenty-four hour shift, I’m sure you understand.”

The guy goes to rebuttal but Buck’s friend cuts him off when the bar tender walks over. “Hi Charlotte! How are you?”

Maddie looks to the guy, to Buck’s friend, and back to the guy and she can’t even remember his name for life of her but she can tell they’re going to get along great.

“Same old, same old. And how are you, Chimney? Who’s your friend?”

Chimney.

The guy clears his throat. “Can I get a double shot of—”

The bartender, Charlotte, turns to him and cuts him off. “I’m sorry, sir, I’m busy taking someone else’s order right now. Please wait your turn.”

This has the guy finally leaving the area, grumbling under his breath about things she probably didn’t want to hear.

Chimney turns to her. “I’m so sorry I just cut in like that, you just seemed uncomfortable and he didn’t seem to be going away.”

Maddie giggles. “No, no, I’m glad you stepped in when you did. You’re one of Buck’s co-workers, right? Chimney?”

“Whatever he said about me, it wasn’t true.” He defends before turning back to the bartender. “Oh, sorry. Charlotte, this is Buck’s sister, Maddie.”

Charlotte nods. “Ah, it’s nice to meet you, Maddie.”

“You too!”

Then Charlotte seems to realize she hasn’t taken their drinks down yet and grabs her pen. “Forgot I was supposed to be doing my job for a second, woops. What’ll it be?”

Maddie tells her what she wants and Chimney follows with his own order. Maddie’s heart speeds up when Charlotte asks if it was going on the same tab and Chimney says yes.

“You don’t have to pay for my drink,”

“It’s fine, really. Besides, Buck lost a bet so he’s picking up the tab tonight.” Chimney smirks and Maddie thinks he’s so cute.

“Ah, well, if it’s Buck’s money...” She jokes. “Speaking of Buck, where is he? He’s the one who’s actually late.”

“He’ll be here in a few. Him and Eddie just had to stop by Eddie’s for a second before coming here.”

Hm.

“So, tell me more about the mysterious Maddie Buckley.”

She missed the sound of her maiden name more than she ever thought she would and it sounds so... pleasant coming from the man beside her.

“Mysterious? I wouldn’t say I’m mysterious.” Maddie grins with an eyebrow raised.

“To be fair, we didn’t even know you existed until you showed up. Buck is mysterious, too.” Maddie must be making a face because Chimney starts to backtrack. “Mysterious is good. I like mysterious.”

The soft way he says that has Maddie’s cheeks heating up and for once, she feels comfortable enough to share about herself.

“Alright. What do you want to know?”

—

Maddie hasn’t smiled this hard since she watched Buck graduate from high school. Her cheeks are starting to hurt, she feels the lightest she’s felt in years and she hasn’t stopped laughing since they started talking.

She feels like there’s something just pulling her in and the thought should scare her, and it probably will at some point in the near future, but instead she just feels comfortable.

She doesn’t realize they’ve been talking about a half an hour until someone clears their throat behind them. She turns around to see Hen, that she knows from the few photos she’s seen from both Chimney and Buck.

“I’m sorry to interrupt but I’ve been standing here for two minutes and figured I had to get your attention or I’d be waiting a long time.” She’s smirking at Chimney but gives Maddie a warm smile. “Hi, I’m Hen. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise, I’ve heard so much about you already.” Maddie stands up to hug her.

“So hugging is a Buckley thing, okay, okay.” Hen laughs.

Not necessarily a Buckley thing. A Buck and Maddie thing, really.

Sometimes Maddie still misses the way her parents were before Daniel died. Misses the hugs and attention she’d been brought up with. She resents the fact that Evan never got to know their parents the way Maddie had so she made up for it with countless hugs and reassurances and love.

Buck ended up becoming as much of a hugger for it.

“He got it from me.” Maddie laughs, even though it’s stilted with the random wave of emotion.

Eventually, Buck arrives with Eddie and they all end up at a table. Even with her brother there and everyone else, she seemed to stick by Chimney’s side the entire night, having side conversations away from their friends.

Chimney was just easy to talk to. Their conversation flowed smoothly and he could make Maddie laugh like a hyena, and that’s what made him feel special to Maddie.

He’s special.

They’re special.

#this is so late you sent this like months ago i’m sorry i just got madney INSPO #the end is so like WHAT CHILL MADDIE U JUST MET #but they do be soulmates tho #also I don’t like the way this flowed #but whatever #maddie buckley #chimney han #hen wilson #evan buckley #911 #madney

25 notes · View notes

welldressedllama · 3 years

Note

“Good Trouble” and “All American” for that show/fandom ask thingy por favor??

Wow, you really just came out swinging huh? Asking about my two favorite shows. Go off I guess.

Did you guys ask for explanations? No. Are you going to get them? Abso-fucking-lutely. And by explanations, I mostly just mean me rambling.

“Good Trouble”

Favorite female character - Alice Kwan. That woman is fucking hilarious. And very kind. She deserves the world.

Favorite male character - Gael Martinez. Duh. I mean *waves hand in the general direction of our resident sexy bisexual artist with a heart of gold.* I rest my case.

Favorite season - Season 1. Season 2 was great, and season 3, because this show is just phenomenal, but season 1 was really interesting. Watching Callie deal with her clerkship and the trial and with Marianna forming Byte Club? A+. Plus it was when we were first introduced to all these wonderful characters so for that I will forever be thankful.

Favorite episode - Okay, any episode with the moms is equal parts hilarious and heart-warming. The birthday episodes never fail to be a hoot and a half. I am partial to Malika’s birthday episode though, 2x06 “Twenty-Fine.” No, it is not purely because of Gael dancing to “Hot-N-Fun.” Yes, it is largely because of that. I am but a simple human, do not judge me.

Favorite cast member - I don’t particularly know anything about any of the cast members. I follow some of them on Instagram, and they all seem nice I guess? Sherry Cola’s funny.

Favorite ship - Gael and happiness. My guy has had a real rough go of it for the last *checks watch* ever. Alice and Ruby are kinda cute though.

Character I’d die defending - Alice, because we all know she ain’t gonna do it herself.

Character I just can’t sympathize with - Jamie I s’pose?

Character I grew to love - Davia. I wasn’t a big fan of her in the beginning. She could be rude and annoying, but over the course of the series we’ve seen her big heart and good intentions. And she’s funny, and something about her relationship with her mother just reminded me of me with my parents, so that helped a lot.

NOTP - Callie and bad decisions. Which is a shame, because that’s her most recurring ship. I honestly quite like Callie, and I think she largely has the best intentions, but her execution often leaves something to be desired.

In terms of actual ships though, I’m actually not a fan of Callie with Gael or Jamie. I don’t think I would call either a full notp, and between the two I like Gallie more than Jallie, but I still don’t particularly like Gallie. Callie and Jamie have similar lifestyles and interests, sure, but they’re values are so different. Why the hell is resident progressive Callie Adams-Foster dating ex-Republican-turned-Independent-but-still-very-conservative Jamie Hunter?? Like, it’s always been clear they don’t see eye-to-eye on a lot of things.

“All American”

Favorite female character - Olivia Baker. She has such a big heart and is so human. And Samantha Logan portrays her flawlessly.

Favorite male character - Jordan Baker. No, it’s not just because of his face. I really like the Bakers y’all. Baker twins interactions are the best interactions.

Favorite season - They’ve all been really good? Maybe season 1. This sounds crazy, because I honestly couldn’t care less about football, but I kinda liked how it really followed the team in their journey to state while still showing the other storylines. It felt a bit more straightforward. Seasons 2 and 3 got a little complicated, which makes sense, but there was just something about the simplicity of season 1 that makes me feel all warm and nostalgic. Season 1 did the best jobs balancing all the characters, football, and the drama.

Favorite episode - “Protect Ya Neck” - 2x10. So much happened this episode. A lot of drama, but also, that cotillion?? So much fun. We got to see some rarer dynamics, which was cool. But mostly just for the dance, because hello. And Baker family hugs, my greatest weakness.

Favorite cast member - I don’t know a lot about any of them really. I’ve watched a lot of Daniel Ezra’s “The Hangout” videos with the other cast members, and I think they’re all funny and entertaining and really enjoy their interactions.

Favorite ship - This is not a romantic ship. But a pair that I always really enjoy is actually Laura Baker and Spencer James. It’s rare we really get to see them really interact, but the little things like her hugging him immediately, her saying “the one thing [Billy, Grace, and I] can all agree on is how much we love you” to him in the season 2 premiere, her inviting him to family dinners even after he moves out? Beautiful. It’s very much a familial dynamic, and I just really appreciate it.

Character I’d die defending -

Character I just can’t sympathize with - Asher’s dad. I think his name’s Harold? Either way, he’s just the worst. No explanation needed. Grandpa Willie isn’t great either.

Character I grew to love - ??? Honestly, almost every character on that show has my heart. I can’t think of one I love now but didn’t in the beginning.

NOTP - Honestly, maybe Ashlivia? Like, don’t get me wrong, they are both very pretty, and they have some cute, fun moments together. But they also have a lot of issues. I’m honestly not a big fan of Asher. He has a lot of potential, but I feel like he doesn’t live up to it. He has a lot to work through, and until he does, I don’t particularly want him with my girl Olivia. I did really like them as friends though.

#good trouble #all american #alice kwan #gael martinez #olivia baker #jordan baker #the baker twins are the best twins #llama says #laura baker deserves all the good things #anti jallie #I guess??#a lil bi furious #mutuals

5 notes · View notes

sanoiro · 4 years

Text

Lucifer 5x08 - Spoiler Alert - Spoilers & Speculation (Midseason Finale)

Warning! There is always the possibility that certain scenes might have been mixed up under their non-respective episodes.

Written By: Chris Rafferty

Directed By: Kevin Alejandro

Chris Rafferty has written/co-written the episodes:

1x09 - A Priest Walks into a Bar 2x06 - Monster 2x13 - A Good Day to Die 3x05 - Welcome Back, Charlotte Richards 3x07 - Off the Record 3x15 - High School Poppycock 4x04 - All About Eve 5x08 - Spoiler Alert

Cast: Tom Ellis as Lucifer, Lauren German as Chloe, DB Woodside as Amenadiel, Lesley-Ann Brandt as Maze, Kevin Alejandro as Dan, Scarlett Estevez as Trixie, Rachael Harris as Linda Martin and Aimee Garcia as Ella.

Season 5 Recurring Characters: None Officially Announced Guest Cast:

David Figlioli…Les Klumpsky

Behind The Scenes

youtube

The midseason finale…

In order to go through the S&S of the Midseason Finale, we will have in many points to go back to the rest of the S5P1 episodes, especially the 5x07, but also explore a part of 5x09 which up to this day remains untitled due to the spoiler it seems to give away.

This episode can be better explained as the action and effect pattern. Whatever you do in due time it will catch up with you and that seems to be the theme here. We are not talking just about consequences although there will be plenty however the fact that in this episode we will probably realize that Lucifer’s decisions brought him to this point and the same applies for Chloe’s existence in his life and perhaps her entity as well. But I get ahead of myself…

Okay so as you have noticed throughout the season we have several subplots going and most of them will give way to 5x08 which in turn will lead us to the second part of S5.

First, we need to talk about the bracelets. I have mentioned many times that 5x08 will provide a permanent solution to whatever is going on with them and active seekers of that solution seem to be mainly Amenadiel and Maze. That is because most probably little Charlie provides part of that solution. If I’m correct then Charlie exhibits something that aids Lucifer and Daniel to a point but the real answer lies on 5x04. Additionally do remember that Dan seemed to be able to battle the influence of Azrael’s blade so keep that to the back of your head as well.

As promised to many I will not reveal nothing of the script but I’ll provide you with a prop that laid in plain sight yet only the people who knew what it was about could decode it. That will be mentioned at the end of the episode as it is also connected to 5x09 so be sure that the bracelet issue will be out of the picture in this episode but we have so many things to cover still.

Second, comes the Serial Killer who appears in the episodes 5x07 and 5x08. It is true that on Twitter we were informed that Chloe and an Officer are in a very small freshly painted room and they had to act distresses and shaken. (I contemplated on hiding the name but then I decided against it mainly because she has already tagged Lauren in her posts. I’m still a bit uneasy about this to be honest).

Many believe that Chloe gets kidnapped and that would be a good explanation yet as I have mentioned before do not expect her to die or at least to have a conventional ‘death’ believe the writers will not take that route. In this story we either get Lucifer to act impulsively and reclaim Chloe from death or in a very uncommon fashion we get that Chloe is more than a Miracle but do not go again to this poignant discussion she is an angel etc. Let’s speculate that Chloe is something more connected to Lucifer’s past and we will get how only at the end of 5x08 perhaps even in 5x09…

So enough with the small S&S of the two main subplots and let’s gate to what is happening during the episode!

Let’s talk locations something that I didn’t do in 5x07 because I wanted to focus more on the ones in 5x08.

- Precinct

- LUX

- WB lot house

- Bronson Caves

- Linda’s house

- Freshly painted room

In order to break down the locations we need to see who is working with whom in this episode.

First, let’s start with Amenadiel and Maze. For the past episodes they have come very close and in this episode, they once again aim to deliver. There is a dedication there a need to protect their newfound family. Charlie, Lucifer, Dan and of course the rest of the not so much affected parties from the multiple threats they face in S1P1.

We know that there is something like a fight breaking in at the precinct. A crowd gathers quickly I believe from the interrogation room to the main area. I believe it is mainly related to Chloe and the Officer being stuck in the small room (notice here she said room not cave) but that remains to be seen.

Lucifer and Maze seem to be rather pissed at least Maze that is and leads to probably the photo where Lucifer is behind an officer (the actor is a friend of Kevin Alejandro) where Lucifer shows him something (a photo? a number? a location?) and threatens to have some results. You can see that Maze is at the left side of that photo.

Of course, the above scene might be happening somewhere else but my gut at the moment tells me that Lucifer has had enough and wants answers. I do not believe he ever recovered completely from 2x13 so that opens the proverbial can of worms…

If I’m correct about this then Lucifer is wearing blue at the beginning of the episode and then purple. The reason for that speculation is because in one of Lesley-Ann’s videos Ellis’ stunt wears a purple shirt while Lucifer when he demands answers from that officer/security he wears the dark blue so I guess that the purple shirt is what we will see at the second half of the episode. PS I love the silver cufflinks on the blue shirt arrangement. That is also supported by Ella’s t-shirt in the precinct and then the car meaning Lucifer and Maze go in the precinct and then he leaves with Ella.

So perhaps that’s when Ella finds out? I’m not sure but it\s nice to suppose she does in 5x08.

Btw Alejandro here reminds me so much of James Marsters aka Spike in Buffy :P

Maybe today Satan... :D Rafferty was always a great tease...

In this episode, we have also seen Lucifer with some bullet halls but his shirts in 5x08 do not seem to fully support that incident in that episode as he wears deep purple and midnight blue shirts. Of course, that scene might be happening early on the episode but I could be cautious here.

Now probably after the precinct scene, we had Amenadiel and Maze patterning up and of course Lucifer and Ella. Amenadiel and Maze seem to be again preoccupied with the bracelet mystery but also we have a scene where Maze is at Linda’s house with the same clothes and we also have Charlie in a beautiful onesie in light blue with moons and stars.

^The baby proofed ceiling...

At the same time, Lucifer and Ella with his car pay a visit to a house at the suburbs which we know it’s at the lot and might or might not be connected to previous episodes of S5 yet I’m not certain about that one. In order for that to happen

Okay so! We know that at some point Lucifer and Maze end up at the Bronson caves. Now here is a not so secret secret. Lucifer this season has three stages and many sets are constructed in order for the cast to not leave the lot often and for the requests of the writers' room to be easier to be full field. Of course, that has happened before with the country bar that was constructed in 4x04, or the hospital in 3x16 where Lucifer gets Abel’s soul back from Hell but in S5 they are doing some spectacular things with the props. Actually, one of the parts of the cave has been built in the stages so Lesley-Ann’s photo at the cave is in reality at the stages not on location.

So we have Lucifer and Maze and also their stunts there (Well at least Lucifer’s that is). I do not know if the small room is supposed to be in the caves or somewhere completely different but for the most part of the episode our leads are trying to resolve the issue of the bracelet combined with Chloe and the Serial Killer.

You can see that on location they changed the arrangement of the rocks a bit adding some bigger rocks to look perhaps like a planetary system. Also in Lesley-Ann’s photo, you can see at the right some stairs. I wished it was part of the prohibition tunnel Lucifer claimed LUX to be full with but only time will tell if that is true or it’s simply part of the cave system of the Bronson Caves.

Notice the difference between the rocks that were placed from the production and down how the arrangement was a day before the shot on location.

A small trivia here. The Bronson Caves is mainly known as the Batcave as it was used as the Batcave for the Batman series back in the 1960s. Originally a quarry it remained unused in the 10th century and use for series and films have earned it a spot as an L.A. landmark from the state f California.

Moving on!

The last acts of this episode will be interesting to see… We do have some unbelievable revelations and consequences in my opinion and in Lucifer series fashion we should be ready to perhaps welcome a hard to swallow, truth.

Lucifer in this season had an unparalleled growth. If you seek for Deckerstar romance I’m not sure we will get to have them in a relationship just yet and although that saddens me, in 5x09 it’s promised to finally move on towards that. Yes, they are in love and they appear to be also committed to each other but I do not think we have enough evidence to claim they are in a relationship but then again what happens in the stages between Ellis and Lauren as Lucifer and Chloe almost never gets out.

Concluding the 5x08 episode we should expect the following. Sure the serial will be killed or arrested with the probability laying on being killed but when have the writers ever played fair? I do not think that the officer who was with Chloe will make it either but here is into hoping! Usually, the reoccurring character that is mentioned or has few lines goes unsung into the light or fire…

We expect that Charlie will manifest an interesting side we were expecting since S4 but will become more prominent in S5 and even though it is expected it will probably catch us by surprise.

As I have said to expect Dan to be now aware of what is going on and who Lucifer actually is.

There is a young girl in the cast which I have no idea what her role is. Also, there is a small LUX scene in this episode for which we know next to nothing I’m afraid as it must be something really quick.

Another information is that there was a bts with a flying harness. The bts says for floating only and I’ll believe that but I cannot swear to you it will be used for Lucifer. Sometimes stunts are employed in different jobs or have different routines so although I’m positive about it I cannot guarantee it’s for our show. Plus, we know that there is a lot of CGI happening in this episode.

Now the last part I want to talk about before adding a small mention to 5x09. I have said many times that everything in this season is connected. When I saw that prop I wondered whether to not mention it or to do so with the minimal effect possible. So I did the second. I covered the extra spoilers around it and I left two things. Lucifer’s suit jacket and the engraved ankh on that prop. When the season drops you will get the whole thing but for now it.

Borrowing some lines from Wikipedia you will probably realize where this is going:

This sequence was found in several Egyptian words, including the words meaning "mirror", "floral bouquet", and "life". In art, the symbol often appeared as a physical object representing either life or substances such as air or water that are related to it. It was especially commonly held in the hands of ancient Egyptian deities, or being given by them to the pharaoh, to represent their power to sustain life and to revive human souls in the afterlife.

Early versions bear a resemblance to the tyet symbol, a sign that represented the concept of "protection". In many respects the tyet resembles an ankh, except that its arms curve down. Its meaning is also reminiscent of the ankh, as it is often translated to mean "welfare" or "life" it’s also a symbol that came to be connected with the goddess Isis. In some decorative friezes in temples, all three signs, or the ankh and was alone, were positioned above the hieroglyph for a basket that represented the word "all": "all life and power" or "all life, power, and stability”.

For the ones who fear I have gone too far, fear not. Even with the above the actual plot is still well concealed but two things are exposed.

1) Everything at some point backfires.

2) AGN might have been into something.

That’s, of course, a spoiler based speculation but the spoiler is still there. The supernatural aspect of S5 rearranges things and views on people, reals and even entities. When they ask me - no idea with what authority I can answer those question as I’m but a fan - whether one will live more or they will both die or even if they will grow old etc the reality lies on a very simple truth.

Most fans envision of Deckerstar and the series finale is based to what we know not what S5 introduces us to. New episodes mean new information and new facts to take into consideration. Above all? Lucifer as a series is not a regular show that abides to human rules meaning time, life, death and procreation. It goes beyond that and that is why we can rarely speculate about where it leads us as that damn Lightbringer shines too bright for any of us to see clearly where that path leads us.

Finally, I would like to add an observation from 5x09 but without bts. In one bts we saw that Lauren had certain marks but none noticed the deathly pale make up. 5x09 does not support Chloe’s death as you know but Deckerstar moving forward with also a romantic scene on location at Grand Park of L.A. So why should we so worried about?

Nothing really aside from the fact that Chloe was probably wrong as was Lucifer. Past and Present seem to be merged and new realizations arise thus giving our leads an equal footing but the consequences have most probably hit Chloe at the beginning of 5x09 not in a bad way necessarily yet enough for the whole mess of Dan, Charlie, Lucifer and Chloe to bring forward God’s appearance in 5x10 for some answers to be finally given as new problems once again plague the main storyline of the series. Nothing drastic ever brings forward only good or evil. Sometimes it makes you Fall, sometimes it makes you Rise Sometimes both happen and sometimes, sometimes everything is reinstated to the preconceived era of everything.

Spoiler Alert indeed…

^That photo is placed chronologically at the time Lesley-Ann posted her stage ‘cave’photo.

#lucifer spoilers #lucifer speculation #lucifer 5x08 #Lucifer 5x08 - Spoiler Alert #Sanoiro S&S

42 notes · View notes

iamthegaysmurf · 5 years

Note

Just because I love your writing so much and I'm feeling soft, would you be willing to write a short little fic about Nicole taking care of Waverly on her period?

These two went pretty well together, so I combined them. I hope that’s okay.

I’m sorry these are taking me so long, but I promise I’m still working through all of them, however slowly it might be.

Also, once again, I demonstrated my inability to write a “short ficlet.” This one is very close to 5k words. WHOOPS.

—–

Set during Season 2, after the events of 2x06, but before the beginning of 2x07.

—–

“…right on my front lawn.”

If disdain could take a tangible form, Mrs. Berg would be dripping it all over Nicole’s desk. She’s been carrying on like this for over thirty minutes already, and Nicole knows that Nedley recently reminded her about the importance of protecting the ordinary, innocent citizens of Purgatory, but she’s hard-pressed to believe that this is what he’d had in mind.

“And then…”

She continues droning on, but Nicole is no longer listening. Waverly just entered the station, heading for the Black Badge office, and Nicole can immediately tell that something is… off. Setting aside the fact that she’s over an hour late, Waverly’s hunched forward as she walks, her eyes downcast, and the bag she has slung over her shoulder seems like it’s weighing her down in more ways than one. Her entire body sags under the burden of it, and it looks like she’s dragging ass so badly, Nicole is sure she’s leaving tracks behind her.

There’s usually only one thing that can harrow Waverly to this extent, but given the recent pregnancy revelation, Wynonna has actually been on her best behavior the last couple of weeks.

That only leaves…

Nicole subtly glances at the calendar on her desk to confirm her suspicions: it’s that time of the month, and from the looks of it, Mother Nature is dragging Waverly over the coals this time around.

All Nicole wants to do is go and take care of her disheveled girlfriend, but instead, her attention snaps back to Mrs. Berg as her spiel finally draws to a close.

“And that is why I’d like to file a formal complaint against Ms. Doucette and that… that… hell hound of hers.” She clutches at her farmer’s market necklace as though it’s some heirloom string of pearls. “Honestly,” she continues to mutter under her breath, “spawn of the devil, that thing is.”

It takes all of Nicole’s finely-tuned control not to roll her eyes right in front of Mrs. Berg, and Ruthie’s blatant snort from across the room is not helping. Ruthie and Miss Linda have been friends for over sixty years, and Rosie – Miss Linda’s springer spaniel mix – is the furthest thing from a hell hound Nicole has ever seen. And she would know, because she’s pretty sure she had a run in with a real hell hound out behind the old boot factory a couple of months ago.

Still, Nicole knows she has to keep a straight face and take this complaint just like she would any other. Nedley told her he had big plans for her future, and part of being a good Sheriff is knowing how to keep the peace for all of her citizens. Even the ones who think they’re somehow above this backwater town they’ve chosen to live in. At least Waverly is teaching her how to master the smile and wave.

It’s perfect for situations like this.

“Of course, Mrs. Berg,” Nicole says patiently, letting her dimple show as she smiles warmly at the hag of a woman standing in front of her. “If you could just fill this out for me. In triplicate,” she adds, handing Mrs. Berg the complaint forms for Bylaw 23M2006, the Responsible Pet Ownership ordinance.

“You’re saying I have to fill out all of this paperwork myself?” Mrs. Berg asks, clearly offended by the notion.

“Oh, yes,” she answers. Despite the fact that Ruthie is snickering from her desk again, Nicole manages to put on her best serious face. “I’m afraid it’s protocol, ma’am. All official grievances must be filled out and signed by the complainant, otherwise they’re null and void.” She holds the forms out again, doing her best to hide the smug grin that’s fighting to break through. “You can have a seat over there and use one of the clipboards if you’d like to get started,” she continues innocently, pointing at a row of chairs with cracked vinyl coverings lined up against the wall on the other side of the counter.

“I don’t have time for this nonsense,” Mrs. Berg scoffs, pushing the papers back in Nicole’s face. She grabs her faux-designer handbag off the counter and practically stomps back down the hall to the front door, her high heels clacking dramatically all the way.

“Have a nice day, ma’am!” Nicole calls after her, unable to help herself, and Ruthie finally loses it completely.

“Well, that’s one way to handle the bullshit, kid,” she manages through her cackling, and Nicole doesn’t even try to stifle the little giggle that bubbles up as she slumps back in her chair, pinching the bridge of her nose.

“Honestly,” she sighs. “Rosie is the sweetest dog I’ve ever met. The kids love her, the officers love her… everyone loves her.” She drops her hand and shakes her head, looking over at Ruthie. “How could anyone want to file a complaint about Rosie or Miss Linda?”

She makes a note to bring some extra treats for Rosie the next time she checks in on Miss Linda. Maybe even a new bandana for her to wear around her collar.

“Listen, Haught. There’s something you’ll learn reeeeal quick about ol’ Laura Berg.” She leans in, like she’s about to impart one of life’s greatest secrets. “That woman is so full of herself, she’s nothing more than pompous old blowhard.”

Nicole snorts, not expecting that kind of candor. Ruthie’s never one to hide her opinion, but she’s not usually so blunt about it. Nicole raises a curious eyebrow, and Ruthie waves her hand dismissively.

“She’s been like this since we were in school. Used to call her Hexie when she wasn’t around because she’s such a witch about everything.”

“Seriously?” Nicole chokes out, unable to hide her laughter any longer.

“Still call her that most of the time,” Ruthie answers with a wicked grin. “If you don’t believe me, just ask Mama Lou when you head over there to get your girl some coffee.”

“Wh-what?” Nicole was certainly planning to run across to Mama Lou’s for some fresh coffee and maybe a snack, but unless she’s completely lost her mind, she’s pretty sure she hadn’t actually said anything about that yet.

“I’m not stupid, kid,” Ruthie laughs at the face Nicole is making. “I saw you watching her from the moment she set foot in here, and she definitely looks like she could use a pick-me-up. You know I’m not wrong. I’ve told you before… I know everything.”

“Right. I’m beginning to believe that…” Nicole mumbles, her face burning red as she scratches at the back of her neck. “Well, uh… can I get you anything while I’m out?”

“Nah, I’m good. Just steer clear of Hexie. Wouldn’t want her to cast a spell on you,” Ruthie says, wiggling her fingers dramatically.

Nicole crumples up a Post-It and throws it at her on her way out.

“Mmmm… You smell good…”

“Thanks,” Nicole chuckles, leaning down to kiss the top of Waverly’s head. She’s been standing in the doorway to the Black Badge office for several minutes now, but Waverly was too focused on the books in front of her to notice. “But it’s not me this time.”

“It’s not?” Waverly finally looks up, confused. Nicole can see the bags under her eyes, and immediately feels something squeeze in her chest.

“Well, I suppose it technically is,” Nicole considers for a moment before dropping a small, white paper sack on the desk next the coffee she just placed in front of Waverly. “But I brought you some vanilla donuts from Mama Lou’s. You looked like you could use them.”

“Thanks, baby,” Waverly says with a weary smile, sagging slightly against the desk. “I’m just so exhausted lately.” She digs into the sack, making an obscene noise when she bites into one of the donuts.

“I know. It’s that time, isn’t it?” Nicole asks, taking a sip of her own coffee.

“Yeah,” Waverly sighs. “But it’s usually not quite this bad. I think I’m just rundown from everything else that’s going on, too.”

“Hey,” Nicole says gently. “You’re allowed to need a break, baby. Nobody expects you to go balls to the wall, twenty-four-seven.” She places another kiss to Waverly’s temple. “Can I rub your back for you?”

“God. Yes.” Waverly slumps forward, resting her forehead on the desk, exposing the litany of knots that run up and down along her spine and across her shoulders. “Please,” she grunts, when Nicole’s fingers find their way to the small of her back.

Nicole spends the next fifteen minutes carefully working out the knotted muscles, the silence only broken by the occasional short gasp or drawn out moan. She half expects Wynonna to come crashing through the door at any second with a smug look on her face when she thinks she’s performing another Wynonnus Interruptus. For once, she’d be completely wrong, and Nicole would love to give her some shit for it.

“I hope you’re not drooling on that page,” she finally says after checking her watch.

Waverly grumbles and shoves at her playfully, but wipes the back of her hand across her mouth just the same.

“As much as I wish I could stay here and do this all day, I’ve gotta get back to work, baby.” Nicole strokes her fingers through Waverly’s hair a few times. “My break’s over, and I’ve got a lot to do before my shift is over.”

“Everything okay?” Waverly asks, suddenly concerned.

“Yeah, it’s nothing bad,” Nicole reassures her. “Just Nedley giving me a few more responsibilities around here ever since he mentioned the…” her voice drops to barely a whisper, “…the Sheriff thing.” She looks around before continuing, as if anyone else would be in the Black Badge office with them. “I’m taking my new duties seriously. I don’t want to let him down.”

“You won’t,” Waverly says, her voice going soft to match the look in her eyes. She reaches out to take Nicole’s hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m so proud of you, Nicole.”

Nicole melts a little at that, a warmth blooming in her chest. She dips her head and smiles up at Waverly. How did I ever get so lucky?

“I think we’re both the lucky ones, baby,” Waverly answers, still squeezing her hand, and Nicole realizes she must have said that last part out loud. She blushes and moves to hide her face, but Waverly tilts her head up for a proper kiss, and Nicole could never deny her that.

“I’ll be right out here most of the day if you need me,” Nicole says when they break apart. “Unless a call comes in, but Ruthie will know how to find me if it’simportant.”

“It’s okay, baby,” Waverly says, smiling softly again. “Go be the best Sheriff-in-training you can be.”

“Shhhh…” Nicole giggles quietly. “That’s not common knowledge, you know.”

Waverly grins and pulls her in for another kiss before shooing her toward the door.

“Gotta go make sure no one casts any spells on Ruthie and me,” Nicole says, letting a hint of conspiracy creep into her voice.

“What? Someone’s casting spells?” Waverly’s already half out of her chair before Nicole can raise a hand to stop her.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” she assures Waverly. “There’s no spells. It was just a joke we had from this morning.”

“You sure?” Waverly narrows her eyes, but settles back into her chair.

“I promise,” Nicole says, making the Scout’s Honor sign. “How long are you planning on working tonight?” she asks, her hand dropping to rest on the doorknob.

“I’m not sure,” Waverly sighs. “Until I figure this out, I guess.” Her eyes drift across the stacks of books spread out in front of her.

“Well, I don’t have any plans for the evening. I’ll be back to keep you company when my shift’s over.”

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Nicole pauses in the doorway. There’s more she wants to say, but they’re not quite there yet, so she hesitates for a moment and then blows Waverly a kiss as she pulls the door shut behind her.

There may be a lot of things she’s still learning, but there’s one thing Nicole knows for sure: Her girlfriend works way too damn hard.

“I’m 10-24 from this last patrol, Ruthie.”

“10-4, Haught. Everything secure?’

“All good. You need anything before I head back in to call 42?”

“Negative. Stanton is already 41, so you can do the handoff when you both get here.”

“10-4. Mark me as 10-7 while I pick up some dinner on my way in, and then I’ll be there with these patrol logs.”

“10-4.”

Nicole had already called in her order before starting the walkthrough for the final security check on her list, so it only takes a matter of minutes for her to run in to Golden Moon, pay the bill, and pick up the brown paper sack full of fresh, hot Chinese food.

Her stomach rumbles at the smell, and she’s fairly certain Waverly hasn’t eaten anything since the donuts she brought her earlier. She just wants this day to be over so she can get back to her girlfriend, and though she’s normally very by-the-book about these things, she allows herself to drive a little faster than usual on her way back to the station.

The handoff with Stanton goes smoothly, given that there’s not really much to catch him up on. It had been a slow day – a rarity in Purgatory, which makes them all the more appreciated. Nicole had not only been able to finish up several reports, but was also able to spend some time working on a list of guidelines for the new visibility directive that she and Nedley had recently discussed. She’d even had time to complete the entire first round of security checks on the daily patrol log that she’d worked out with several of the local business owners.

By the time she’s finished filling Stanton in, Ruthie has already said her goodbyes for the evening, and Nicole pops her head in to the dispatch office to say hello to Cooper and wish him a good shift. With all of that out of the way, she can finally sit down for some dinner with Waverly.

“Hey, baby. I brought so–”

Nicole stops dead in her tracks, halfway through the door to the Black Badge office. Waverly is still in exactly the same place Nicole had left her this morning, with several books open and spread out in front of her, and a pen in hand, poised above the pad of paper that she’d been scribbling notes on.

Except that she’s fast asleep.

Her other elbow is resting on the table, with her hand propping her head up, and she’s fast asleep. Mouth hanging open, quiet little snores, and all.

It would be adorable if it wasn’t so goddamn heartbreaking.

“That’s it,” Nicole mutters, backing out of the office quietly, shaking her head as she hurries out to where her cruiser is parked just outside the door. She slides into her seat long enough to secure the bag of takeout in her center console and turn the key in the ignition, making sure the heat is on and the vents are all pointed at the passenger seat.

Back inside, she kneels down next to Waverly, not wanting to scare her when she wakes her up.

“Hey, sleepyhead…” she says softly as she reaches out and brushes some of the hair out of Waverly’s face.

Waverly jerks awake with a snort, startled, eyes wide as she tries to place herself in her surroundings.

“Easy, baby,” Nicole coos. “Easy. It’s just me.”

Waverly’s body immediately relaxes at the familiar voice, her confusion melting into a sleepy smile.

“Hey,” she rasps, her throat dry. She clears it a couple of times, grabbing the bottle of water next to her on the table. It’s gone warm, and she frowns, wondering how long she’s been out.

“It’s time to go,” Nicole says, rising up to kiss Waverly’s temple before reaching out to close the musty tomes so she can start stacking them up.

“What?” Waverly asks, her brow furrowing. “We can’t go yet. I have so much work to do…”

“Not tonight, you don’t.”

Waverly opens her mouth, but Nicole presses a finger to her lips before she can say anything else.

“No arguments,” Nicole says firmly. “All of this will still be here in the morning. But tonight, I’m taking you home, and you’re gonna let me take care of you.”

“But, I–”

“Nope,” is all Nicole says before leaning forward to silence Waverly with a kiss.

Waverly allows herself to get lost in it for a moment, and when she finally pulls away, she nods breathlessly.

“Good,” Nicole grins. “Now let’s get you bundled up.”

She grabs Waverly’s coat and scarf from the other chair they’re draped across, and once Waverly has found her feet and buttoned up, Nicole locks the Black Badge office behind them on the way out to her cruiser. Waverly sighs happily when she settles into the passenger seat, soaking up the warmth from the vents that have been running this whole time.

Nicole rests her hand on Waverly’s knee, and smiles warmly when Waverly absentmindedly laces their fingers together. It’s only a short ride to her house, and before long, she’s depositing the takeout on the kitchen table and hurrying back to help Waverly strip out of her coat and boots.

“Why don’t you head up and take a hot shower to loosen up those muscles a bit while I warm up our dinner?” Nicole reaches out and takes Waverly’s hands in her own. “You know where the, uh… supplies are in the bathroom, and you can grab something to wear from my dresser when you’re done.”

“Are you sure?” Waverly asks, frowning slightly.

“Of course, baby. Tonight is all about giving you a well-deserved break.”

“Thanks, Nic,” Waverly sighs wearily. She pushes up on her toes to kiss Nicole’s cheek and then begins trudging up the stairs. “I won’t be long. I promise.”

“Take your time,” Nicole says, waving her hand as she starts back toward the kitchen. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Blankets, blankets… Need more blankets…”

Waverly reappears on the stairs less than twenty minutes later, just as Nicole is finishing up her preparations for the rest of the evening.

Nicole loses her train of thought for a moment when she looks up and sees Waverly standing there in a baggy UBC basketball hoodie and pair of her old sweatpants with the waist and legs both rolled enough so that she’s not walking on them, still drying her hair with a towel and looking slightly more rejuvenated.

“Feeling any better?” she finally asks, shaking herself out of her stupor. She’s seen Waverly wear her comfy clothes before, but it never ceases to have this kind of effect on her. Every damn time.

“Just what the doctor ordered,” Waverly grins, padding softly across the floor to join Nicole at the end of the couch. “What’s all this?” she asks, pointing at the pile of blankets on the cushion and the covered tray on the coffee table.

“Just trying to make sure you have everything you need,” Nicole answers with a shy half-shrug.

“You’re everything I need,” Waverly murmurs, stepping closer to pull Nicole into a tight hug. Nicole’s arms immediately wrap around Waverly’s shoulders, cradling her as she buries her face in Nicole’s chest and stays there for nearly an entire minute without moving. It makes Nicole feel warm all over as she rests her cheek on top of Waverly’s head.

When Waverly finally steps away, she settles into the corner of the couch, tucking her feet up under her.

“Whatever’s on that tray smells amazing,” she says, rubbing at her belly. “I didn’t realize how hungry I am.”

Nicole lifts the cover to reveal a large bowl of sweet and sour soup with a little cup of peanut butter resting next to it. There’s also a bowl of egg drop soup and an order of crab rangoon, all of which are producing little columns of steam that twist and curl around the lid in Nicole’s hand.

“I know soup is your favorite when it’s your time, so I hope this is alright for tonight?” Nicole asks hopefully.

“Baby,” Waverly says dramatically, her mouth watering. “It’s perfect.”

“Good,” Nicole breathes, slightly relieved. She hands Waverly a bottle of water and a couple of Midol. “I’m just gonna go jump in the shower real quick. Just long enough to wash away the smell of the station. But you go ahead and get started, and I’ll be right back, okay?”

“I can wait…” Waverly says, chewing on her lip.

“Don’t be silly.” Nicole rolls her eyes and grabs one of the wooden TV trays she keeps next to the couch. “I’ll just be five minutes. Eat,” she says, pushing a spoon into Waverly’s hands after she’s taken the painkillers.

Waverly giggles as Nicole grabs the nearby blankets and wraps them around her until she’s just a bundle with arms and a face. She sets Waverly’s soup on the tray in front of her, gives her a quick peck on the lips, and hurries up the stairs.

True to her word, she’s in and out of the shower in just over five minutes, throwing on her academy sweats and hoodie as she heads back down the stairs to join Waverly on the couch. She pretends not to notice that one of her crab rangoons is missing, but Waverly teases that she took it as a “tribute.” They make quick work of what’s left of their dinner and Nicole hops up to clear away the empty containers.

“Nooooo…” Waverly whines, making grabby hands at Nicole as she starts to walk by. “I need my bonus blanket!”

“Your bonus blanket will report for duty in just a minute,” Nicole laughs, stealing a kiss as she goes. “Just stay right there and don’t move.”

Waverly pouts, but acquiesces, and Nicole scurries off to the kitchen. She sets some water to boil in the kettle and pours some milk into a mug and sticks it into the microwave. It doesn’t take long before she gets a beep and a whistle in short succession. She quickly adds her cocoa powder to the milk and leaves the marshmallows to melt across the top before turning her attention back to the kettle.

Nicole hates tea. Hates it. Most of the time, she can’t even stand the smell of it.

But Waverly loves tea, and Nicole loves Waverly, so she keeps an entire shelf in one of her kitchen cabinets stocked with all of the teas she knows Waverly likes, just in case she ever wants any when she’s over.

Tonight calls for something special, so she reaches to the back of the shelf and pulls out the small canister of Whittard Dreamtime instant tea she keeps hidden back there. It’s one of Waverly’s favorites, and she orders it special from the UK, so Nicole started keeping a small stash of it on hand for special occasions.

Waverly told her once that the special blend of honey and apricot and vanilla gives it soothing properties, like a lullaby in a mug. Nicole wrinkles her nose while stirring in the tea, much preferring her own French vanilla hot chocolate with marshmallows, but if ever someone needed a lullaby in a mug, Nicole figures Waverly deserves one tonight.

“I hope this was worth the wait,” Nicole says when she returns to the living room, carefully setting Waverly’s tea on the tray in front of her.

Waverly reaches forward to wrap her hands around the steaming mug and leans in to take a deep breath.

“You made me Dreamtime tea?” she asks, gasping slightly. “Wow, you’re really pulling out all the stops tonight,” she grins.

Nicole’s shoulders sag slightly as she sets her own mug down.

“Sorry,” she mumbles. “I was just trying to help.”

“Nicole,” Waverly breathes, reaching over and resting her hand on top of Nicole’s. “Thank you. I love it. Everything is perfect,” she says seriously, her eyes soft and genuine.

“Yeah?” Nicole looks back up of at Waverly, her cheeks red.

“Yeah.” Waverly leans in and kisses Nicole, stroking her cheek gently in the process.

“I thought maybe we could just curl up and watch something tonight?”

“That sounds great,” Waverly says, leaning her head against Nicole’s shoulder. “What do you want to watch?”

“Anything you want, baby.” Nicole kisses the top of her head. “I’m all yours.”

“Hmmm…” Waverly ponders, tapping her chin. She takes a sip of her tea while she thinks. “God, that’s so good,” she groans, her eyes slipping closed like it’s a religious experience.

Nicole can’t help but chuckle as she sips her own hot chocolate. She reaches out and toys with Waverly’s hair, still slightly damp from the shower.

“Oh!” Waverly says, her eyes going wide. Nicole jerks her hand away, afraid she startled Waverly or something. “What about Big Little Lies?” she asks, her face lighting up with excitement. “We keep saying we want to see that, but we never have time!”

“That sounds like an excellent idea,” Nicole agrees. She loves watching shows that let her sharpen her deduction skills. She loves them even more when she gets to watch them while snuggled up with her girlfriend.

Waverly sets her mug back down and claps gleefully while Nicole finds the remote and navigates the menus until it’s ready to go. She glances at Waverly, who gives her an enthusiastic nod, and she presses ‘play’ before settling back into the couch next to Waverly.

They remain upright so they can both still enjoy their tea and hot chocolate, but Waverly shuffles closer until her leg is pressed along Nicole’s, and she draws random patterns on her knee while they watch the opening scenes of the first episode.

At some point, they finish their drinks, and Nicole sets the mugs aside and folds the tray down so it’s not in the way. She has Waverly turn slightly next to her and begins running her fingers through her hair, gently parting the strands while they continue to watch. By the time the first episode is finished, Nicole has folded Waverly’s hair into two matching French braids on either side of her head.

“Thanks, Nic,” she whispers, tipping her head back to kiss the underside of Nicole’s chin. “Now where is that bonus blanket you promised me?”

“Bonus blanket, reporting for duty,” Nicole laughs, but stands next to the couch and holds out a hand to pull Waverly up next to her. Waverly looks confused, but Nicole just continues to grin as she rearranges the blankets on the couch.

“How about this?” she finally asks, lying down on her back with her head propped up on the armrest. She opens her arms wide, indicating for Waverly to join her.

Waverly’s smile could blind the sun as she climbs on top of Nicole, stretching out along her long body and resting her head on Nicole’s chest. Nicole reaches over and pulls the blankets on top of them, making sure Waverly is completely tucked in.

“Comfortable?” she asks when everything is settled. Waverly nods against her with a happy sigh. “Can you still see the TV?”

“Yep.”

“Good. You ready for the next episode?” Nicole asks, grabbing the remote.

“More than ready,” Waverly says, squeezing Nicole slightly in the best attempt at a hug she can manage from the awkward position.

“Okay, here we go.” She hits play and reaches behind her to click the lamp off, leaving them happily snuggled up in the soft glow of the television.

Nicole keeps one of her arms wrapped around Waverly’s shoulders, making sure she’s still secure and not going to roll of the couch, and she lets her other hand gently rub soothing circles into her lower back. Waverly’s body radiates contentment, and it’s all Nicole could have asked for tonight.

They start out discussing the episode as it plays, but it doesn’t take long for Waverly’s comments to peter out, transitioning into mumbles more than anything else. The episode isn’t even half over before Nicole hears the first soft snore.

It melts her heart, thoroughly and completely.

She’s hooked on the show, but it’s something they really wanted to watch together, and she’d never keep going without Waverly. Careful not to disturb the sleeping lump lying on top of her, she stretches out her arm toward the coffee table, just barely able to grab the remote with her fingertips without having to actually move from her position as a combination bed and bonus blanket. She flips through the channels quickly until she finds the one she’s looking for.

At least the Raptors are playing tonight.

#prompt fill #my fiction #wayhaught #wynonna earp #ask and answer #anon #writer asks #writing #mine

133 notes · View notes

kcwcommentary · 5 years

Text

VLD2x08 – “The Blade of Marmora”

2x08 – “The Blade of Marmora”

Team Voltron is heading to the headquarters of the Blade of Marmora. Hunk comparing Ulaz’s base being in a pocket of space to a space taco wasn’t funny the first time, it’s not funny when he does it again now, and they even push it further to space jelly donut and a space éclair and space cheese blintzes. I really wish this show hadn’t been so reductive and one-note with most of its characters.

The base is located at two black holes and a giant blue star. Hunk analogizes the temperature differential to microwaving a frozen burrito. The writers just can’t stop. To the science, or more specifically the visual depiction. I admire the choice to have this involve black holes and a supermassive star being consumed by them. Here’s the problem: the planar orientation of the accretion disks around the black holes. The star sits in the middle of the two black holes, but the accretion disks around the black holes run perpendicular to the line that runs between the black holes through the star, kind of making an uppercase H shape. The accretion disks are the two vertical lines and the line that runs through the star is the horizontal line of the H. That is not how accretion disks work. The visuals this episode is using has the matter of the star being absorbed by the black holes moving into them along the horizontal line of the H, making the accretion disks completely disconnected from the stellar matter being absorbed. That’s not how it works; accretion disks are made out of the matter being absorbed, not separated from it the way the show’s depicting it.

Keith gets a little too aggressive when there’s a suggestion that they not actually go to the base after all. Shiro just looks at Keith like he’s trying to put together what’s resulting in Keith’s sharp reaction. The base contacts the Castle Ship, and they announce themselves as Voltron sent by Ulaz. The base will only admit two people to go. Lance gets cocky and suggests, thinking of himself, that Shiro should take someone who can “stay cool.” Shiro agrees and declares Keith is coming with him. Lance responds by ranting, proving his lack of cool.

On the trip in to the base, Shiro asks Keith about his loss of composure earlier. Shiro then goes on talking about Keith leading Voltron someday. Of course, this is the show setting up killing Shiro at the end of the season. I have trouble viewing this objectively, analyzing it for being useful foreshadowing or whether it’s too heavy-handed (I tend to view it as the latter though) because I know it comes out of the EPs wanting Shiro dead. He’s in the way of their desired ascendancy of Keith to the head of the show, an act of writing that invalidates the work the show’s done to establish Shiro as the head of Voltron and Black Paladin. It mostly just angers me. Shiro’s bit of a calling out about Keith and Allura leaving the group in 2x06 is a nice return. This show rarely bothers to handle any kind of fallout or consequences for behavior, so Shiro’s polite, but firm, yet still relatively quiet challenge on Keith’s behavior here is narratively welcome. They eventually make it to the base.

Meanwhile, Thace is on Zarkon’s ship and oversees a Galra being taken to be questioned by Haggar. They’re still looking for the saboteur.

Shiro and Keith meet Kolivan, the leader of the Blade of Marmora. Kolivan does not approve of Ulaz’s sending them there. Shiro defends Ulaz’s honor by citing his sacrifice. The Blade somehow knows that Keith is carrying one of their blades, subdues him, and takes it from him. Like the knife salesman last episode, they accuse Keith of stealing it. Keith counters that he’s had it his whole life. Kolvian tells them to leave. Keith demands answers. Kolivan responds to the idea that Keith seeks knowledge. Keith must undergo the “trials of Marmora.”

The trials are said to result in either “knowledge or death.” This is clearly meant to mirror the standard Galra philosophy of “victory or death.”

Keith begins, and a member tells him to surrender the blade. The two fight. Shiro observes. The Blade tells Keith if he surrenders the blade then the pain will cease, Keith refuses, and the Blade lets him go and advance through a door. In the next chamber, Keith fights two Blades. They repeat the lines of the first fighter: “Surrender the blade and the pain will cease,” and when Keith says no, “You are not meant to go through that door.” The next chamber is three Blades to fight. Then five, then seven. Shiro and Kolivan speak in observation, Shiro expressing that he knows Keith will not quit.

The rest of the crew on the Castle wonder what’s going on and think of a plan to connect with the Red Lion’s sensors.

Thace continues his work as saboteur and is told Haggar wants to talk to him.

Keith, beaten and nearing exhaustion, thinks of a different action as he watches the hatches in the floor close after the next set of Blades rise into the chamber. He throws his blade to wedge open one of the hatches and fights to get down into the hatch. “Guess I really wasn’t supposed to go through that door,” he says, having made it to some other chamber of the facility. He’s hurt badly enough that he passes out. When he comes too, he sees Shiro, who tells him he doesn’t have to keep fighting, that he can just give them the blade. Keith says he can’t. And we get to see the real Shiro, who asks if the Shiro Keith sees is a hologram. For some weird reason, the suits the Blades wear can create a “virtual mindscape, reflecting its wearer’s greatest hopes and fears.” While I get how that can be part of their trials, why their suits in general would be able to do that I don’t know. Keith’s suit looks the same as ever Blade’s suit, but maybe his is specific for these trials and the other Blades’ suits can’t do this?

“At this moment, your friend desperately wants to see you,” Kolivan tells Shiro. Awe!!!

Keith talks with virtual-Shiro, saying the blade is a connection to his past. That he doesn’t feel he knows who he is and thinks the blade can help him find out. Virtual-Shiro says the Paladins are all the family Keith needs. I think that’s harsh and restrictive. Keith says Shiro’s “like a brother” to him. Virtual-Shiro is uncharacteristically unShiro-like, essentially calling Keith selfish “as usual.” That’s so sad that this is what Keith thinks of himself, or at least what he thinks everyone else, even someone he’s super close to like Shiro, thinks of him. I haven’t seen Keith do anything whatsoever that seems selfish. Keith says he’s made his choice, and virtual-Shiro responds, “Then you’ve chosen to be alone.” This touches on Keith’s fears of abandonment. The drive to find belonging is not uncommonly spurred by a person’s fears of abandonment, so this characterization makes a lot of sense. Virtual-Shiro walks away, and after a moment of thought, Keith runs after him, only to see himself standing in his old home back on Earth.

There, Keith talks to his father, who keeps telling him everything’s fine though Keith hears explosions outside. Keith looks outside and sees a Galra ship blasting the landscape. Keith says he has to go help, but his dad presents the idea that he can get answers if he stays. He says Keith’s mother gave him the blade. Keith’s really still unconscious on the floor. Shiro’s defends of Keith, saying they can’t let Keith die. Keith’s dad tells him if he exists their house, he’ll never find out who he is, but Keith can’t let people be hurt, so he leaves, his dad still holding the blade.

Haggar questions Thace. He lies. She seems to believe him, and declares he’ll help her find the traitor.

The Red Lion attacks the Blade’s base, and Shiro says that it’s doing so because it knows Keith is in distress. Team Voltron can tell that the attack is happening, but don’t know what all is going on. They turn to Allura for leadership, and she very decisively tells everyone to maintain their focus. Given that the show eventually takes leadership away from Allura, it’s sad to see her having such a strong moment as that line. The voice acting behind something as simple as saying “stay focused” is so well done here.

Shiro helps Keith stand. The Blades still won’t let them leave with the blade, saying Keith “failed to awaken it.” The Blades move to attack, and Shiro activates his arm in defense. Keith, rather than see Shiro and the Blades fight, offers up his blade. The real world mirrors the vision world Keith was in; like he left the blade with his father to help those being attacked by Galra outside, he’s willing to give it up here. He proclaims, “It doesn’t matter where I come from. I know who I am.” If defeating Zarkon requires him to give up the blade to get the Blades as allies, then he’s willing to do it. His blade starts glowing and grows longer. The Blades say that it would only be possible for that to happen if Keith was at least part Galra. I don’t like the conflation of action (Keith initially failing to awaken the blade) with genetics (needing to be Galra to awaken it). The genetic component somewhat invalidates the idea that the blade awakens because its wielder has passed the trials.

The tensions calm. Shiro and Keith return to the Castle Ship, bringing Kolivan with them. Kolivan bows to Allura, expressing gladness that she’s alive. Kolivan informs them that they’ve learned the Galra have become aware that there’s a spy in their midst (Thace). This necessitates an acceleration of their activities’ timetable.

This is a really good episode. There is so much character revelation and development in it, particularly for Keith. The episode does a lot of world building too, showing us Blade culture. It’s definitely one of the best episodes of the series for me. As much as the show eventually put Keith in the position of Black Paladin, even with this episode foreshadowing it, his character arc is not that of someone in that position. By connecting Keith to the Blades, that establishes his position within the show as being the link between Voltron and the Blades. By also making Keith Black Paladin later, the show places too much on one character. Being a connection to the Blades and being Black Paladin are two significant spaces within the framework between characters and the narrative. By placing both on one character, it causes the scope of the overall narrative to narrow. Had the show kept Shiro as Black Paladin and let Keith’s significance be that of his connection to the Blades, the narrative wouldn’t have become as exclusionary as it eventually does and strangle itself.

Right now, the position of Black Paladin for Shiro and the member of the Blades for Keith positions them both in connection to the antagonists of the show. This is wholly lost by the end of the series, where the fight ceases to have anything to do with being a Paladin or a Blade. I really wish this show hadn’t lost this connectivity between character and plot.

#voltron legendary defender #voltron #vld #voltron criticism #vld criticism #voltron critical #vld critical #vld season 2 #vld 2x08 #commentary

14 notes · View notes