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amberlynnmurdock · 4 months ago

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The Good In You (Chapter 6)

Pairing: Benjamin “Dex” Poindexter x Reader

Chapter Summary: She goes to the gala expecting Dex to be there too.

Genre: Fluff and some light angst

Words: 4.6k

Notes: Finally updating this series! Now after this I can really follow Season 3... ahhh! Hope you guys like it :)

Ao3 Link

She sat at her desk in front of her mirror, brushing her face with foundation and the makeup she used for special events. Music played on her TV as she set the mood to get excited about tonight's FBI Gala. She just couldn’t shake the feeling of anxiety in her chest.

Earlier that day, Dex came to say hello in her office.

“Maybe I’ll see you tonight?” She called after him as he was halfway out the door. He paused and looked over his shoulder—enough she could see his perfect profile.

“Maybe,” Dex said quietly.

Whether Dex came tonight or not, she was hopeful the gala would be fun. She’d try to find Nadeem immediately so she could sit at the same table as him and his wife, Seema. Despite it all, she still hoped Dex would make an appearance tonight. She wasn’t going to bet on it, though.

After she had finished her makeup, she went to her closet and pulled out the dress she had bought specifically for tonight. It was a long, dark blue, one-shoulder dress. In the light, it sparkled, and the material was close to velvet. She slipped it on easily and fixed it in the mirror so it didn’t scrunch. When her phone lit up, it showed the time—and one glance was enough for her to quickly throw on her black heels, grab her purse, and call a taxi to take her to the venue.

It was luckily a warmer fall night—there was still a chill in the air but not enough for her to be freezing with her light jacket. As the buildings passed by on the way there, her anxiety increased in her chest. Suddenly, she realized that she would be feeling very seen by all the agents and their significant others. It dawned on her that she wasn’t close with that many people in the office. It also dawned on her that the person she was closest with likely wasn’t going to be there.

“We’re here,” the taxi driver announced. “Do you need help with the door?”

“I’m okay. Thank you,” she smiled and paid her fare. She saw people she recognized from the office walking up the steps into the venue, all dressed up and out of their typical FBI uniforms. Her eyes scanned the groups of people, hopeful she’d see a familiar face. When she didn’t see him anywhere, she began her trek up the steps.

Upon arrival at the door, a few security officers with metal detectors were standing at the entrance. She walked through the clearance and checked in with a venue employee.

The ballroom was grand: high ceilings and low lighting. The tables were round and numbered. It didn’t seem like there were assigned tables, which was a relief. She went to the coat check and gave her jacket to the kind man behind the counter. She was mindful that the keys to her apartment were in her pocket. She clutched her purse and took a deep breath as she scanned the room in front of her.

Nadeem was waving to her from a table near the center of the room. Relief washed over her when she saw his familiar face—and Seema, right next to him.

“Oh my gosh, __, it’s so good to see you!” Seema beamed as she got up from her chair to embrace her.

“It’s good to see you too, Seema. Ray talks about you and Sammy whenever he’s in my room,” she said. “I tell him to keep me posted on Sammy’s sports ventures.”

“Oh, Sammy’s just so excited for tryouts. I’m glad we got a sitter tonight so we could enjoy the gala.”

“You look beautiful, by the way,” she told Seema. After letting his wife speak first, Nadeem made his way to greet her.

“You look stunning yourself,” Nadeem kissed her on the cheek in a friendly manner. “I don’t think the tables are assigned, so I hope this one’s okay. And if you don’t mind sitting with us.”

“Of course not, are you kidding? You and Dex are the only people I really talk to at the office,” she replied, her heart sinking at the mention of Dex.

“Speaking of, where is he?” Nadeem asked, looking around at the swarm of people.

“I’m not sure if he’s coming,” she answered, masking her disappointment as best she could.

“The night is young,” Nadeem said. “He’s the type to make a last-minute appearance.”

“I hope you’re right.”

◎◎◎

After about an hour, anyone who planned to show up to the gala had already arrived. She made it a habit of looking over her shoulder anytime someone new walked through the giant doors—and each time, she was disappointed that it wasn’t Dex. She was so distracted by his potential appearance that she mindlessly said yes each time a server came by with a new glass of red wine.

“__, you look beautiful,” a voice came from behind her. As she was mid-sip, she turned and looked up to see Tammy Hattley. Hattley placed her hands on her shoulders and gave her a light squeeze.

“Oh, Tammy, thank you! So do you!” She got up to hug Tammy. “It’s nice to see everyone all dolled up and relaxed for once.”

“You’re telling me,” Hattley laughed. “I’m sitting by Special Agent Winn and some others from Professional Responsibility if you want to say hi.”

“Will do,” she smiled. Others had joined her at the table with Nadeem and Seema—some friendly agents she was familiar with at the office who had been treated by her before. She kept her bag on the chair next to her—just in case.

Friendly conversation, meeting coworkers’ significant others, and passing appetizers to each other at the table: a vision she hasn’t been a part of in a while. The hospital she worked at before rarely had events like this; she appreciated the FBI for hosting something like this so everyone could take the mask off, just for a night, and rejoice in all the hard work they’d put in the year before.

Even Nadeem seemed lighthearted tonight: no looming worry of a delayed promotion over his head. Of course, coworkers talk, and she was aware of the trouble it brought home, so it was pleasant to see Seema in good spirits as well. Even better, another thought just dawned on her—there was no Beckett to worry about at an event like this. Goodness, she could only imagine the annoyance he would’ve brought if he was still at their office.

Of course, the group of men that he socialized with were all at the same table, directly across from hers, across the dance floor. She didn’t bother to say hello—perhaps she had a certain bias against them for their treatment of Dex. It didn’t matter anyway. Her people were at this very table, namely Nadeem. Just one person was missing.

The pop music playing quietly faded out when Hattley got the microphone at the front of the room.

“Good evening, fellow agents and staff. It’s time we start our recognition awards part of the evening,” she spoke into the microphone that at first echoed then returned to normal. “I’m very glad to see you all tonight with your significant others. We have a lot to celebrate and for good reason. It’s been a tough year, but our agents are the best and persevere through any situation.”

It was at that moment she realized how much she had drunk in two hours. When she turned in her chair, she felt the warmth of the effects of the wine hit her face, and everything around her swirled. She giggled at the feeling and suddenly felt a little self-conscious. She straightened in her seat and took a deep breath—her heart always started to race after she had been drinking. She reached for her glass of water and finished it.

Hattley began to read a list of names to honor this evening—names she didn’t recognize or names she didn’t often see in her exam room. Despite it, she happily clapped along at each agent, genuinely happy to be a part of an organization that recognized hard work. Part of her thought that Nadeem should be up there accepting an award. She glanced over at him and saw his attention glued to the front, showing nothing but admiration on his face. Seema whispered something to him, and he smiled.

When she returned her attention to Hattley, she was already walking back to her seat. The DJ took hold of the microphone.

“Agents, it’s time to party!” He shouted into the microphone, turning up the music to an R&B song. Some agents and their dates were walking up to the dance floor.

“Come on, nurse,” Nadeem nudged her shoulder. “Let’s take a shot and then hit the floor.”

Who was she to say no? It wasn’t often (actually, ever) that she had an opportunity to drink with coworkers. Who better to drink with than Nadeem and his wife? Seema took her hand and led her to the bar, towards the back center of the venue.

“I don’t ever indulge,” Seema said to her, “but tonight feels the first night in a while that Ray is genuinely happy.”

“There’s no shame in a little indulgence,” she replied, squeezing Seema’s arm with comfort. “Tonight’s a night for celebration.” Walking towards the bar with her and Ray, her senses were completely thrown off by the wine. She gave herself some grace—she never drank like this.

Ray ordered three shots of tequila from the bartender and passed them over to Seema and her. Raising his glass, he smiled.

“To another year of kicking ass and loving my wife!” He shouted. With cheers, the three of them took their shots. It took her a moment to swallow the burning liquid and let it settle in her stomach. Every part of her body felt warm to the touch, but she wasn’t complaining.

Seema led them both to the dance floor, where other agents joined. Even Hattley came out with her husband, dancing—or at least moving with the music. She didn’t want to worry about the anxieties of the next work week or wonder where Dex was. She turned those thoughts off and continued dancing with her coworkers—well, now she could say, friends.

◎◎◎

Perhaps she had too much to drink.

She made her way to the bathroom from the dance floor, sweating from the heat or liquor that filled every sense of her body. She’s a nurse, she knows how to handle herself in situations like this. It’s just that it’s been a while since she’s found herself in a situation like this.

She was not going to throw up.

She leaned over the sink, staring at the tap dripping, watching each drop of water go down the drain. Three seconds breathe in, three seconds breathe out. Not at a work party. Not at a work party. Not at a work party.

She looked in the mirror—at least she looked better than she felt. Still, she patted the concealer under her eyes and fixed the shoulder strap of her dress. She reached into her purse and reapplied the lipgloss she had on. For as nice as a venue it was, it sure was hot as hell in the bathroom.

Air. Fresh air. That’s what I need.

She politely pushed past some agents on her way out of the bathroom. One of the male agents—friends of Beckett—stopped her in her tracks.

“Need some help?” He asked with an amused smile on his face.

“No,” she said under her breath, “please don’t touch me.”

When she was out of the crowds, walking past couples talking to each other, she finally made it outside in the chill New York City air. If she weren’t a little sloshed, she’d be freezing, but the cold air felt cooling in all the best ways. She leaned on a pillar and closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths. It was helping her regain stability.

When she opened them, her eyes landed on someone sitting on the front steps. Dirty blonde hair, black suit jacket, sitting alone. It can’t be. When he turned his head, revealing his side profile, she couldn’t help the gasp that escaped her lips.

“Dex!” She shout-whispered as she lifted her dress to walk faster toward him. Looking at him took a weight off her chest she didn’t know was there. “Dex, you came!”

Dex immediately stood up, catching her eyes. “Hey, Doc. Better late than never?” His dark hazel eyes squinted as he smiled.

As she was about to answer, her heel slipped on the stair approaching him—but with his FBI-like reflexes and training on anticipating moves, Dex grabbed her waist and kept her from falling, pulling her into him.

“Oh my, God,” she laughed and steadied her hand on his chest. “I’m so sorry. I think I’ve had enough to drink.” Dex placed her carefully in front of him and let go of her waist.

“It’s okay,” Dex said, shaking his head. “Having fun in there?”

“Yes, but—how long have you been out here?”

“About an hour, maybe?” Dex scrunched his brows, thinking about how accurate his answer was.

“Why didn’t you come in? I’ve been waiting for you all night,” she exclaimed, happy and surprised to see him. When she finally took the time to look at him, she noticed how dressed up he got—a black suit and black tie. He looked handsome and a little shy. His whole look was endearing to her.

“I don’t know,” Dex answered truthfully. She noticed that it was his turn to take her in—and suddenly, she felt very self-conscious. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” she blushed, incredibly hard, and looked away. She was terrible at hiding her emotions when slightly buzzed. “I’m happy you decided to come. You missed dinner. Oh, but do you want to get a drink? I think the bar is still open.”

Dex shook his head and looked down. “No, it’s okay. I don’t drink.”

“Oh,” she said, embarrassed for assuming. “I’m sorry.”

Dex met her eyes again, a smile on his face. “No need to be sorry. I’m glad you’re having fun.”

“Too much fun,” she felt her words slur again, and she took a deep breath. “Do you want to say hi to Nadeem and Seema?”

Dex looked over her shoulder and saw agents starting to trickle out. He checked his watch and saw it was nearly 11 PM.

“I think people are heading home now,” Dex said with relief. “Looks like the party is over.”

She underestimated just how many people worked at the bureau—hundreds of people were walking out, and she couldn't spot Nadeem and Seema to say goodbye. Dex suddenly wrapped his arm around her and brought her in close to him as people bounded down the steps. He kept his arm around her waist and led her down the steps, away from the crowd.

“Can I take you home instead?” Dex asked in her ear. Feeling his voice against her skin made her shiver.

“Yes, that’d be good.”

◎◎◎

They walked a few blocks before Dex hailed a cab. Unfortunately, that last shot of tequila she took with Nadeem and Seema was catching up to her. She stumbled so much in her heels that Dex had to hold her steady at the corner of the block. She was shivering against him, but the cold felt good—it made her feel more sober than she was.

A taxi pulled up, and Dex opened the door for her, letting her enter first. She slid on the leather seats and tucked herself in the corner of the cab. She immediately rested her head on the window. She felt Dex’s warm hands reach around her to buckle her seat belt. She looked at him as a thank you.

She whispered her address to Dex, who then told the driver. Dex leaned back in his seat and looked at her—her eyes were closed as her forehead rested on the window. He looked forward and watched as the taxi driver drove toward her apartment.

Upon arrival, Dex paid the fare, hopped out of the cab first, and opened her door to help her out. She took his hand and stepped out of the cab, mustering all the strength and focus she could. Dex held her steady as he walked her behind the cab to the front doors of her apartment.

“Thank you,” she said under her breath. Dex pushed the front door open and let her walk inside first. He trailed behind her and naturally looked at the entire lobby. He’d never been inside her building before. There were a few elevators and an empty front desk. The doorman was standing by the desk. Dex made eye contact with him and nodded his head in acknowledgment. She smiled at the doorman and wished him goodnight.

Inside the elevator, she focused on the numbers on the panel and clicked her floor number: four. She leaned in the corner of the elevator and felt dizzy suddenly. She gripped the handles in the elevator.

“Thank you, Dex,” she whispered, forcing her eyes to stay open. “I’m sorry you had to take me home.”

“You keep saying sorry when you haven’t done anything to be sorry about,” Dex smiled and spoke softly. “It’s okay. I wanted to. We’re almost there.”

When the elevator dinged, the doors opened to her floor. She reached for Dex’s hand absentmindedly, and he reciprocated by letting her lead him down the hall. When they approached her door, she rummaged through her purse. She gasped so loud it even startled Dex—which never happens.

“Oh my, God,” her heart sunk in her chest as anxiety crawled on her skin, “Oh my, God, oh no, no, no!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Fuck,” she cursed to Dex’s surprise. “I left my keys in my jacket, and my jacket is still at coat check at the venue!”

“Do you have a spare key?”

“I should, but I’ve put off getting it copied,” she placed her hand on her forehead. “I’m such an idiot.”

“They don’t have them at the desk downstairs? The doorman can’t help?” As an agent, it was in Dex’s nature to consider all possibilities until there were none left to accept defeat.

“No and no,” she sighed. “I’ll have to wait to go to the venue in the morning and get my jacket. I’m sure it’s closed by now.”

Dex stood for a moment contemplating. He looked at her in her not completely sober state and saw how frustrated she was. She probably already felt bad making Dex come all this way. What was she to do now?

“You can sleep at my place tonight,” Dex offered.

“Oh, Dex—“

“It’s okay,” Dex shook his head at her protests. “I’ll take my couch,” he reasoned.

Truthfully, she would’ve argued more had she not felt buzzed and nauseous from drinking. But in her agreement to go to his apartment, she put up a new wall—she didn’t want to give Dex any ideas about anything happening. She immediately felt the anxiety of the uncertainty. And apparently, it was written all over her face.

“Just to sleep,” Dex reassured her softly. “Nothing else.”

She held a soft gaze—she didn’t know if it was the liquor in her or the way he looked so earnest, but she decided to trust him.

◎◎◎

Her apartment was nowhere as clean and organized as Dex’s. It was small, about the same size as hers, but very well-kept and bright. From the marble countertop to the white walls, it was spotless. There wasn’t much for decoration, save for the fake plants in the corner that probably came with the apartment when he signed the lease and a picture on the wall near the front door. As Dex brewed a fresh pot of coffee, she looked at the photo.

It was a group photo—Dex standing on the far right smiling. Behind the group was a banner that read: BROOKLYN SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER.

“Did you work there?” She asked Dex with interest. “The Suicide Prevention Center?”

“For about a year,” Dex nodded. The coffee started to drip into the pot. “Shortly after I left the army and right before I started at the FBI.”

“Wow,” she replied. “What was that like?”

“Wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding, as they say,” Dex said.

“Do you still keep in touch with the people you worked with? It must’ve meant a lot to you to have this hanging in your apartment.”

“Not really.” Dex shook his head, leaning on the counter. “I just like to have it as a reminder.”

She moved towards the counter and sat on one of the stools. She held his gaze for a moment.

“A reminder for what?”

“They teach you how to talk to people who are struggling. Sometimes you gotta take that advice for yourself.”

“I bet it’s even harder as an FBI agent. You’ve probably seen a lot of stuff you can’t unsee.”

“That’s why you compartmentalize it all.” The coffee was brewed and Dex poured two cups. She let the aroma of the coffee fill her nose as a way to calm down. She blew on the steaming cup and took a sip.

“How do you feel?” Dex asked.

“A little buzzed, but this is helping me settle down.” She took another sip and leaned against the counter. “I’m sorry, Dex.”

“Stop saying sorry,” Dex replied.

“You don’t have to give me your bed. I can sleep on the couch,” she suggested, in hopes of making light of the slightly awkward situation. Dex shook his head.

“It’s okay. I’m not arguing with you,” Dex said gently. “You can shower if you’d like, too.”

“Now you’re just being too kind,” she smiled behind her cup.

“You can borrow a shirt. As beautiful as that dress is on you, I can’t imagine it being comfortable to sleep in.”

She looked away, unsure of what to say.

“I’ll set it up for you now.”

◎◎◎

Dex quickly changed in his room while she occupied his shower. This wasn’t something he ever did—bring someone to his home. This was his space—his privacy. Part of him felt like he shouldn’t have done it; the other part was glad he did. He assumed by the end of the night, he’d know which side was right.

He waited on his couch and stared at the empty coffee table in front of him. When he heard the shower turn off, he shifted in his seat to make sure he wasn’t looking at his room. His door was slightly ajar. He saw her expression when he offered to sleep at his place: nervous, apprehensive. Dex wasn’t like that, whatever it was she assumed.

He heard her step out of the bathroom and into his room. He laid a plain white shirt and shorts for her to wear. He glanced at the clock. It was nearly one in the morning. Somehow, Dex didn’t feel exhausted at all.

“Dex?” She called his name from behind the door. Dex stood up and paused before entering his room.

“Yes?”

“Do you want me to leave the towel somewhere specific? I don’t see a hamper in here,” she said, peeking out from the door. Dex took it as a sign that it was okay for him to enter. He pushed it open and saw her in her natural state—no makeup, freshly showered, damp hair dripping on his carpet. Wearing his clothes. Holding his towel.

“It’s okay, you can leave it in the bathroom. Shower good?”

“Amazing. Thank you,” she smiled sheepishly. “And thank you for letting me stay. I really appreciate it.”

“Of course,” Dex nodded. “I’ll let you settle. If you need more blankets, they’re in—“

“Dex,” she gently cut him off. “I wish you had come to the gala tonight.”

“I did come,” Dex scrunched his brows, unsure what she meant.

“Right at the end,” she said.

“I was there earlier. You just didn’t see me until the end.”

“Touche,” she sighed, looking at the floor. She looked up at him again. “I missed you.”

“You can’t miss me.” Dex gave her a sideways smile.

“I did,” she gently argued. “I feel like you always think no one wants you there. Whatever the other agents say or think about you… It doesn’t matter. I wanted you there.”

Dex looked away from her now, feeling his throat tighten with…regret. “Well, I’m here right now,” he said. His voice was as dark as his eyes looked. But unlike normal darkness that pushes her away, it only drew her in more.

She traced her fingers on his forearm, sliding them up the length of him to his shoulder. He sighed at her touch—he suddenly couldn’t remember the last time he was in her office and was this close to her.

“Dex, I really want you to kiss me,” she whispered.

“So do I,” he replied.

She dropped the towel to the floor as Dex placed both his hands on either side of her face, closing the distance between them with a kiss. Gentle at first—he couldn’t remember the last time he kissed someone or if he was doing it right. But he did know that he liked how her lips felt on his—he liked being connected physically this way. He held her gently in his hands, like she was the most delicate thing he’d ever hold. In a way, she was.

She placed her hands on his chest as he deepened the kiss, holding her right where he wanted her to be. She’d touched his skin before, but never like this. He felt soft and tough as leather. She wondered how she felt to him.

She tugged on his shirt and began to walk them backwards to his bed.

Suddenly, he stopped.

“No,” Dex pulled back, eyes shut and lips wet from the kiss. “We can’t.”

“I know,” she shook her head in agreement. “I just wanted us to be more comfortable.”

“I’m comfortable here,” Dex smiled. He nuzzled his nose against her cheek. “It might be too much there. Not when you’ve had a few drinks.” Restraint was another thing they taught him in training.

“Okay,” she nodded. “That…means a lot.”

Dex kissed her again, slowly, savoring every second. “It’s late,” he said. “Do you want water?”

“Yes, please.”

Dex slowly pulled away from her. When he turned his back, she slowly crawled into his bed, under the covers. By the time he came back with a tall glass of water, he saw that she had fallen asleep.

He smiled to himself. She took his side of the bed. Dex placed the glass of water on the nightstand, quietly enough so it didn’t clink. He brushed her hair out of her face and took one more look at her before turning the lamp off.

As he laid on his couch, he positioned himself in a way where he could see her sleeping through the small opening of the door. It was hard for Dex to fall asleep. But watching her peacefully sleeping was enough to lull him to sleep too. So, he stayed up a little, watching her breathe deeply in her sleep. Every slight movement she made as she slept. Not even a troubled expression her. Just peace. Safety. He didn’t know if it was envy or admiration he felt. Envy for the bed which got to experience her; admiration for how easy it was for her sleep. Soon enough, Dex’s eyes felt heavy, and he closed them.

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if-not-now-tell-me-when · 2 years ago

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Semi paraphrased from another post about Crowley’s portrayal in the Good Omens book versus the show. On the importance of hope, even when you don't have optimism.

Crowley as written in the early 1990s called himself an optimist. Crowley in 2023 is very much not an optimist, and I think this reflects what the audience for this story needs now. (And keep in mind, I'm an American writing from my personal, individual American worldview. I'm aware that there are other countries besides America).

The 1990s were a time of optimism in the West. The Cold War was over, the threat of nuclear armageddon was finally lifted, the economy was booming. It was a pre-9/11 and pre-Columbine world, a world in which you didn't have to pass through metal detectors and x-ray scanners to board a plane or enter a government building. Readers in 1990 had reasons to be optimistic in their future.

We in 2023 do not. We live in a very dark timeline. Climate change is barreling down on us, and time is quickly running out to stop it. We've emerged from the wreckage of the War on Terror, and we've realized just how much we were lied to in order to justify 20 years of war. Rent is soaring and wages are stagnant. Income inequality is at historically bad levels. Fascists openly march in the streets and storm our houses of government.

So why would we carry on? Why would Crowley of 2023 carry on? Because he has to. We have to.

Be brave. Do the hard thing. Do it anyway. Do it while not being an optimist in the slightest.

Even in the face of impossible odds.

Especially in the face of impossible odds.

There is nobody coming to save us. All we have left is each other. So we must keep on loving, and keep on living.

All is not lost.

#good omens #good omens season 2 #good omens book #neil gaiman #terry pratchett #good omens characters #good omens meaning #crowley #anthony j crowley #aziraphale #stories are vital #stories are important

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elumish · 2 years ago

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Things to keep in mind when writing stuff involving (U.S.) federal offices/federal employees/federal contractors:

You need a badge to get in. If you don't have a badge you will at minimum have to go through a metal detector and have your stuff be x-rayed and sign in and then have an escort. You might get a guest lanyard, a temporary ID badge, or a wristband. At maximum you just won't get in.

You can potentially get in with a badge for a different agency, but you will still likely need to sign in and be let in manually, because your badge won't have building access to swipe you in past security

It can take a long time to get a badge, and it's way worse for contractors. For contractors it can take anywhere from days to over a year to get badged.

Working for the federal government doesn't necessarily mean you have a security clearance. A lot of civilian agencies just require a public trust, which generally involves much lower requirements and a much less invasive background check but can involve the equivalent of a Secret clearance background check (namely if you have a law-enforcement sensitive public trust).

You need to get fingerprinted, which may happen at the actual badging office or at a random contracted fingerprinting place. Basically all fingerprinting is digital at this point.

You need to get fingerprinted even if you have already been fingerprinted/badged elsewhere. They generally don't talk to each other.

Having a clearance can make it a bit easier/faster to get a public trust elsewhere due to reciprocity, but it can still take a while.

Federal buildings are often set pretty far back from the road and/or they have barricades in front of them.

It's not uncommon in some agencies to see mix of people in uniform and people not in uniform. Not all uniformed services are military. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps are both non-armed uniformed services.

Most federal employees operate under the General Service (GS) pay scale, and people will sometimes be referred to as a GS-X (e.g., GS-13, GS-14). This is an easy reference of relative position.

Some federal employees may operate under other pay scales, such as the Federal Wage System for blue-collar workers. High-ranking federal employees may be under the Senior Executive Service (SES) which is above the GS scale. Other agencies (e.g., the SEC) use their own pay scales.

#u.s. government #executive branch

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themafiadebt · 3 months ago

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That Time When I Tried To Bring A Foot Long Knife In My Cabin Bag On An International Flight

You know flights. For at least a few generations already we have had a privilege of travelling through air, which is statistically one of the safest means of transportation, but when shit goes wrong, it goes wrong in a particularly spectacular manner and being the dumb fucks we humans are, spectacular failures (such as acts of terror) register as more plausible ones in our stupid monkey brains. This is a digression, but, as the title of the post suggests, not an untangential one.

In any case, there used to be a time in my life when international flying was just a regular thing for me, getting on a plane and immediatelly getting some monday-morning shut-eye even before the take-off to teleport a few thousand kilometers away was just a fact of life. Two of my russian-speaking (but also fluent in my mother tongue) team mates doing some contract backend web development for a foreign fintech startup with me as a "team lead" (in quotes, because we have always been egalitarian) were as accustomed to flying as I was. Security checkpoint, it seemed at that time, was something we knew intimately, not necessarily to the point when we referred to the agents by their first names, but rather we knew which shoes are going to have to come off and the exact amount of change to trigger the metal detector. It was, as we all understood it, a dog-and-pony show in a post 9/11 security theater where water in your belly was qualitatively different from the water in an unopened bottle, which is technically true, but it never even made anyone feel safer as a passenger or less safe as a potential criminal (like my white ass getting "randomly checked" five times in a row for "traces of explosives"); it usually went as a well-choreographed routine of retrieving a laptop from an easily-accessible part of your backpack, unbuckling your belt, taking off your coat, putting clothes, backpack and electronics into separate trays and proceeding to waltz through the SCARY GATE in a steady pace all the while smiling in a friendly manner to the agents, maintaining Just Enough eye contact to establish connection but not come off as challenging and refraining yourself from making any meta commentary throughout the whole ordeal.

Easy.

Imagine yourself in my shoes when my backpack comes out of the x-ray about 1.25 seconds later than usual. There's a warning light going off silently at the back of my head as I wait for my belt to come back to me so my pant's don't slip off my fat white ass as much, getting brigher and turning into a bangbang double exclamation mark emoji and starting to emit avionic warning sound as the security agent pulls the tray with my backpack aside.

"Sir is this your bag?"

"Yes, it is"

"It seems you have a knife in there"

At this point I am more amused than perplexed.

"Yes, that is true," - I say smiling incredulously - "but it never caused any trouble anywhere."

I'm thinking about my trusty pocket victorinox (with scissors that are incredibly good for trimming my nails on the go) attached to my RSA OTP generator.

"Oh." - the female agent replies dryly, putting the vynil gloves on - "may I please open your bag, sir?"

"Sure!" - "May I retrieve The Object, sir?" - "Please go ahead".

And I watch, with increasing horror, my eyes widening, as I see the very remotely familiar handle that stirs something in the depths of my memory, the blade emerging in slow motion and going oh-so-slowly to what seems like forever until the whole footlong thing is out, pinched between two fingers of the agent who looks at me as memories of a town several hundred kilometers away rush back to me: the hunger, the yearning, the NEED for a simple kielbasa-and-bun sandwitch, both kielbasa and a freshly baked bun in my hands in a middle of a shop with no way to cut neither kielbasa nor the bun and the footlong steel monstrocity being the only possible option of instruments capable of cutting. Did I unpack my bag or I simply throw it aside when I got home is a question with an answer so obvious it immediately unasks itself.

"Sir?" - a female voice brings me back to here-now. - "I said, shall I discard of it, sir?"

I struggle for a moment to regain control of my motor function and nod. I think my mouth is slightly agape and I have no control of my vocal cords. A single elongated vowel escapes my throat.

"Thank you" - she says, handing my backpack over to me. My colleagues also stand frozen, their eyes wide in disbelief. - "You may proceed, sir"

"T-thank you" - I stutter as I shuffle away with my backpack in one hand and my belt which I retrieved just prior to the whole incident in another, pretty sure I've gotten damn lucky once again.

I never bought another trio of bun, kielbasa and a big fuckoff knife abroad again.

#story #Berlin-saga

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thesims4blogger · 4 months ago

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The Sims 4 Expansion Packs 2025 Survey: New Official Themes!

A brand new The Sims 4 Expansion Packs Survey has surfaced the internet, revealing seven intriguing themes that EA and Maxis are considering for development. To our surprise, there are THREE Sims 4 Expansion Pack themes which revolve around Cars and Mobile Vehicles.

The Sims 4 Ocean Exploration

“Live at the sea shore and breathe in the cool, misty air each morning in your fully-equipped houseboat. Take a long stroll on the beach, seeking small, metallic valuables with your new metal detector. Make crafts with driftwood, sea glass, and other trinkets. Embark on your vessel as a sea captain, hunting for crabs and lobsters, or chartering your boat for sightseeing, whale watching, fishing, and scuba diving trips.

Delve deep as a master diver in vibrant marine ecosystems, brimming with life, while making new discoveries, like hidden treasures and ancient secrets. Catch lovely fish and other creatures to populate a new aquarium venue. Bring your finds to the surface and exhibit your skills in art and artifact restoration. Display the rare items to your museum, sell them at auction to the highest bidder, or even negotiate trades with shady antiquities dealers.”

The Sims 4 Community Careers

“Welcome to a charming world built around community and neighborhood antics where Sims embrace exciting new active careers!

Tour the local fire station and learn preparedness skills, or become a Firefighter / EMT, tackling neighborhood emergencies like fighting fires, rescuing stranded pets from trees, or freeing a toddler whose head is stuck in a stair railing. Enjoy the comforts of the station with fellow firefighters until a call comes in, then gear up, ride out in a shiny firetruck, and be ready for anything because whether your Sim is braving the career or the one calling for help, there’s never a dull moment when the alarm bells ring!

When the kids come home with gum in their hair, get out the shears to practice home haircuts before opening a professional salon. Expand offerings with luxury shaves, advanced braids, and custom wigs as the shop goes from a gossip-fueled salon to the cornerstone of sage advice and transformational style.

Open a dentist office for teeth cleanings, x-rays, and extractions. Level up to specialize in creating perfect smiles from braces to new teeth to a shiny grill. From replacing lost dentures or fixing a cracked tooth from a schoolyard brawl, the dentist always saves the day! Patients leave with a smile and a lollipop to ensure return visits.

With each career, Sims can choose to give back to the neighborhood, build up community skills, and discover the day-to-day lives of the locals, whether on the job or unwinding at the neighborhood barbeque.”

The Sims 4 Car Life

“Enter the ultimate pack that weaves cars into the day-to-day stories of your Sims! Start by sparking kids’ love for cars with playful collectible toys and a mini mechanics toolbox. Express imaginations while racing RC cars and playing with epic toy car tracks. Join an afterschool gearhead club, or climb into the racing arcade simulator and go head-to-head against friends.

Send your teens to driving school so they can get their license and gain independence with their first car, with every choice reflecting your Sim’s personality and aspirations. Enjoy a movie at the drive-in theater with friends and family or share intimate moments at a scenic overlook under the stars with your sweetheart.

Send your Sims off to work as gig worker, car salesperson or professional race driver, or take on an active profession as a mechanic working at the local garage. As your Sims grow their income, elevate their status with celebrity limos & luxury cars.

Whether they’re pretending to drive the couch or fixing up a broken down jalopy, every Sim can find their dream ride. Get ready to fuel your Sims’ passions with their dreams to drive and explore the world of cars in The Sims like never before!”

The Sims 4 Work on Wheels

“Celebrate the spirit of community and innovation, and make every neighborhood come to life with mobile businesses, where your Sims can explore dynamic careers on wheels. Transform an old truck into a thriving mobile business—be it a food truck, mobile salon, or even a party bus!

Customize and upgrade your vehicle inside and out with your unique flair to stand. Host or participate in lively festivals, collaborating with local events to boost your brand. Navigate real-world challenges like vehicle maintenance, the needs of demanding clientele, and fierce competition. What will you do to gain the edge: Boost your skills, undercut prices, or sabotage your rivals?

Inspire the little ones, with a Kids Mobile Truck Playset, spark creativity and fun. Recruit your teen to work the register or spin a sign for some free marketing. Whether you’re crafting gourmet menus, styling hair on the fly, or bringing the fun to town with party bus, every day offers new adventures and storytelling opportunities.”

The Sims 4 Reality TV

“Enter the world of reality TV as a contestant! Sims must survive the social dynamics of being in competition with others strong personalities to win a large Simoleon prize and notoriety.

While on the show, Sims complete challenges, stoke drama, and can form alliances. Each challenge is a chance for Sims to discover something about themselves, whether a new perspective on life to an unexpected allergy. Keep Sims on their toes and put their skills to the test through baking challenges, physical trials, and social experiments. Each week your Sim earns points based on challenge outcomes and audience approval rating. Will your Sim come out with lifetime friendships, arch nemeses, or a new sense of self? Find out!”

The Sims 4 Suburban Living

“In the heart of suburban life, every day is an adventure in work, play, and a greener lawn than your neighbor! Unleash your potential at a trade school, learning to be a cosmetologist, auto mechanic, truck driver or become the ultimate house-spouse with top-notch homemaking expertise. Imagine owning a gas station and mechanics shop where you fix up cars, trucks, and motorcycles with your skills and unique flair. After a bustling day, grab a quick bite from the fast food drive-thru. When the weekend arrives, will you kick your feet up in your plush recliner or tackle that ever-growing to-do list? Teach your teen auto repair in the driveway or share laughs and drinks with neighbors. Maybe you’ll finally mow that wild lawn (or hire the kid next door), much to the delight of the nosy neighbor! Send your teens to work as a fry cook, babysitter, tutor, car washer, or a lifeguard at the community swimming pool.

But how well do you really know the neighbors? What’s hiding behind the seemingly idyllic façade of suburbia? Societal pressures may lead to dark secrets, hidden relationships, and even criminal activities. Will you shake the foundation or help maintain appearances in this dynamic suburban playground?”

The Sims 4 Van Life

“Embark on a thrilling journey of self discovery and freedom! Jump into your fully-customized dream travel van and explore breathtaking destinations. Experience whimsical adventures as you meet fascinating people, swap stories, jam on new musical instruments, and share crafts and delicious recipes. Whether you’re at truck stops or campgrounds in vibrant national parks, you’ll encounter intriguing folks everywhere—even on the roadside when you pick up a friendly-looking hitchhiker.

Embrace the minimalist lifestyle on the road: tackle challenges like refueling, fixing a flat tire, or testing your mechanic skills with a roadside repair. Imagine waking up to a new, stunning location every day, like quiet beaches, perfect for serene paddle boarding and surfing. Whether you’re traveling with your partner, family, friends, or going solo, hitting the road will weave rich, generational tales as you live freely and celebrate your wanderlust.”

#news #the sims 4 #ts4 #sims 4 #sims 4 survey

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ceasarslegion · 11 months ago

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You guys are memeing about crowdstrike update system crash but I work in an airport if anyone should be memeing on it it's ME. I work the night shift in a low- to mid-range international man we arent even supposed to have flights between 1am and 4am like that's when we do the equipment testing and get the ramp agents in the checkpoint completely closes but because of this crowdstrike bullshit we got a bunch of flights all delayed until like 2:30am when there's 12 of us in total and 6 of those officers are busy running around with testing items making sure the x rays are x raying and the metal detectors are beeping and the body scanner doesn't think a guys magnum dong is a gun meanwhile Three Piece Suit In An Airport is screaming about how he has nexus and therefore refuses to do anything as if a 50 dollar card will roll out the red carpet and fix all issues forever and we'll never ask him to take his laptop out of his bag (which is a grave offense. We might as well have called him a slur). God forbid I ask some overtired iPad kid to put his phone in the bin or he'll have a tantrum and mom will yell about how it's our fault the airlines are cosplaying Y2K now. Put your kid who is definitely too young to be loudly watching markiplier FNAF videos in public without headphones on through the x ray next time if this is how youre gonna act. Who give a shit

#crowdstrike #sorry for the block of text LMAO #its part of the bit #work tales

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astrylx · 4 months ago

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Supernatural S.5 Ep.2 - Good God, Y'all! - Liveblog

Welcome back welcome back, let's get started liveblogging. This appears to be a somewhat Castiel centered episode based off of the episode summary, and that makes me happy because his character really intrigues me!

Dean is struggling with the idea of Bobby not being okay it seems. Which I can understand. It's never easy to deal with the struggles of a parental figure, and we've seen how everything with John impacted him. I can understand why he just wants everything to be okay.

The X-Rays of the ribs are really cool. Is it bad I kind of want a scene where when can see the actual ribs, not just the X-Ray of them? Like, one of the brothers gets their chest carved open? I just really want to look at those ribs and study them...

Cas is cut off from Heaven. That's what I expected after what happened with the archangel. I do feel bad for Bobby though, because I know he was counting on Cas being able to heal him.

"I'm gonna find God." That's. Yea. Maybe some people on tumblr need to take one from you and do that too (I SAY JOKINGLY)

Seriously though, you know how a few posts ago I said moments in this show make me feel sacrilegious? That's the start of one. Not that I can't watch religion based shows, or shows that satirize and criticize elements of religion, but sometimes there are moments they make me, as a pretty religious person, feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Castiel not understanding sarcasm, I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE-

Watching Castiel lose his faith, have to kill his brothers, only for Dean to criticize his desperation, oh Castiel you are a stronger man than I am, Dean would be on the FLOOR by now.

"I did all of it for you" I know what you are I know what you are I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE

The necklace Sam gave Dean is basically a God metal detector? I love that- I knew it was going to be relevant. I'm honestly surprised he's giving it away so willingly.

ELLEN!! I missed her. Very glad to see her again. She seems mad at them. Does she know? Does she know they started the apocalypse? Oh never mind, she was holding it safe because they were outside.

Dean doesn't trust Sam... That's what this is about. Ouch.

Demon blood... I fear this won't end well. It's not that I don't trust Sam or believe in his strength but... Please don't do it, it's not worth it. Please, Sam. The scene is done really well though. I can see the distrust in Dean's eyes. I don't like seeing that look.

To Dean, Sam shoving him was basically proving his point... Ouch I don't like these episodes, I don't like what they're doing to me. I don't like seeing Sam and Dean fighting.

Wait I'm confused. Jo's eyes are black but she seems to think Ellen is possessed?

Sam is kidnapped. Why do I get a feeling they're going to uh... donate some blood, so to speak...

Wait what? I'm actually very confused right now. They seem to think that Sam and Ellen are demons, but are they not demons themselves? What is happening?

Oh I get it. Someone/something is manipulating the situation. Making them think the other is/are demons. I'm wondering about this dude.

The four horsemen- That makes sense that makes sense! I'm a little disappointed I didn't get it to begin with...

The horseman toying with Sam, calling him out on how he wants blood. Jared's eyes are so emotional in this scene, I normally hate eye contact but I'm actually struggling to look away. The slight tremble in his facial muscles, I always adore this kind of acting and Jared is doing it so well.

Okay so they cut his fingers off and got the ring, where did War go? How do they destroy it.

OH IS SAM COMING CLEAN? He is- Oh Sam...

No- No this can't be the end- They can't be separating- No- I hate this-

Fuck. I was expecting a Castiel episode and instead all I got was an emotional wreck. This fucking sucks.

I don't know if I can handle this season, this is hurting my feelers.

#spn #supernatural #spn liveblog #sam winchester #dean winchester #spn first watch #castiel #stryl watches spn #spn 5x02 #good god y'all

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toast-in-a-cowboy-hat · 8 months ago

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I'll never get over Tex asking Michael if he has a brain chip, then immediately saying that Outlaw can take it out, and everyone acts like its The Most Casual suggestion one could ever have

Like yeah man, come on, it'll be fine, don't worry about it, just slap down a towel, get some of Outlaw's Backyard Brain Surgery, don't make such a big deal out of it

We can do it in the living room, you can watch some TV, Bluster might come in and say hi, just lay back and relax!

Also I assume he knows the general area that the chip wold be in, but also you need to know exactly where, so does he have an X-Ray Machine, or he just whipping out a metal detector in the middle of all this, homing in on it like "Hmm it's beeping real loud, let's try here... ah, nope, that's a beer tab, well we'll keep lookin', it's in there somewhere"

And I know maybe this is something to be done with a Calculator, but referring to it specifically as Brain Surgery and Michael saying he doesn't want Ty poking around his brain implies that its just regular (well "regular") surgery and so like...where did Outlaw get the equipment for this??

Where in the world is he getting this stuff, did he steal a copy of the Compound's equipment on the way out, is he going up to random hospitals like "Hey don't mind me just gonna duplicate your MRI Machine" or is he cobbling shit together in the basement??

Like you walk in and this man's defibrillator is made outta someones old toaster got some kinda machine in the corner partially made out of an old doodlebug hood, the computer screen's from 1995, but then again that's high tech compared to some hospitals so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Also I imagine this is a Base only kinda thing, but what if Tex's just down at the bar offering people free surgery like it's on the same level as a ride home?

Can you imagine being in a bar with your buddies, you just went to the doctor, they said you need some kind of heart surgery, and you're there talking like 'Oh it needs to be done but god, its so expensive, my insurance only covers so much, the bills are just gonna kill me, etc, etc ...' Only for some other guy that you may or may not know to pop up, go "Oh, hey, I got someone that can help you out with that", call someone else over and be like "This is my guy-of-indeterminate-relationship, he's a scientist, he can probably hook you up with a lil open heart surgery, no problem :)"

Scientist guy asks you what the problem is, you explain it, and he's like "yeah, we can do something about that, gimme a couple weeks to get everything together, I'll give you a call when it's all ready"

And you're just like, yeah sure, why not, Weird Cowboy Scientist's gonna do my heart surgery, sure. Is he gonna buy the implant you need? Does he just have one lying around? Is he stealing it?? Who knows, you'll find out, it's fine, sure

2 weeks later, you do the finding out and apparently none of your guesses were right, turns out he's building all this shit himself, but hell, it's faster than a doctor's appointment and free to boot, so! Why not! Sure! Let's do it, definitely not gonna be getting any organs stolen, this is all completely normal!!

And then its actually fine.

Nothing bad happened, no infections, no internal organs missing (as far as you can tell), it was a basic surgery, everything went fine.

You go home. You decide you don't need to know. You decide you don't want to know.

You go to the bar with your buddies again, the guy is there, you buy him a beer, have a little chat, leave the conversation thinking "Wow, what a fucking dork", and on life goes.

And I mean, I guess it could work in their favor, like, folks around get to knowing about him, and he's out doing something odd or seemin' suspicious or something and someone asks about him, they can be like "Oh no, don't worry, don't mind him, that's just Outlaw, he's Tex's... bestie? boyfriend? sugar-baby-boytoy-situationship-type-deal??? ...British Friend, and yeah he's weird n' all, but it's cool, he's nice, he sometimes help's out with folk's health problems when they can't afford it, and Tex's band plays at the bar, which is cool, so ya know, we don't question the weird shit they got goin' on, like it works out, it's all good"

Like, there's just....

So much, so many things there, I could go on, as you can tell, I have many a thought but like, I just - it's - yeah

#God gave me the ability to prattle on endlessly about things that are neither that deep nor that interesting nor that funny.#and ill be damned if i don't go putting that skill to use #so please #enjoy my nonsense :)#woe.begone #w.bg #ty betteridge #outlaw ty #w.bg tex #tex and outlaw

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blueiscoool · 8 months ago

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Massive Find of 500 Bronze Age Relics Acquired by Scottish Museum

The National Museums Scotland has snapped up the 2020 find known as the Peebles Hoard.

When metal detectorist Mariusz Stępień’s detector pinged in the Scottish Borders in 2020, he could never have guessed he was about to uncover one of the most extraordinary archaeological finds in Scottish history. Now, three years later, this remarkable collection of Bronze Age artifacts—dubbed the Peebles Hoard—has found its permanent home at National Museums Scotland, where it continues to astonish experts with its secrets.

The Peebles Hoard contains over 500 bronze and organic artifacts dating back to 1000–800 B.C.E. The collection includes several items never before found in western Europe, promising to transform current understanding of Bronze Age Scotland, after lying undisturbed for three millennia.

Among the hoard’s most significant finds are two rattle pendants—the first ever discovered in Scotland. These intricate objects, typically found in Denmark, northern Germany, and northern Poland, consist of interlinked bronze rings and pendant plates that would rattle when attached to horses or wooden vehicles. Their discovery demonstrates Scotland’s participation in a broader North Sea trading network during the Bronze Age.

The treasure trove’s preservation is nothing short of miraculous. A sword still snug in its wooden scabbard, delicate bronze buttons still threaded on their original cords, and intricate decorative straps that look almost ready to use, though their exact purpose remains a mystery.

An extraordinary hoard called for extraordinary excavation measures, requiring the use of an innovative retrieval process. The entire hoard was removed from the ground as a single block and underwent CT scanning at the University of Southampton’s µ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre. This revealed some of the earliest evidence of lost-wax casting in Scotland, a sophisticated bronze-working technique rarely documented in Bronze Age Britain.

“The Peebles Hoard is exceptional,” said Matthew Knight, senior curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, in a statement. “It’s an utterly unique discovery that rewrites our understanding of both Bronze Age communities in Scotland and our prehistoric international connections.”

The scanning itself proved to be no simple feat, according to Ian Sinclair from Southampton’s µ-VIS X-ray Imaging Centre. “CT scanning the hoard was certainly a big challenge due to the scale,” he admitted, but his team relished bringing their engineering expertise to such a remarkable historical find.

Now, National Museums Scotland faces its next challenge: raising funds to preserve these priceless artifacts for future generations. With delicate organic materials threatening to deteriorate, conservators are racing against time to unlock all the secrets this extraordinary collection has yet to reveal about the ancient world’s international trade, craftsmanship, and style.

By Adnan Qiblawi.

#Massive Find of 500 Bronze Age Relics Acquired by Scottish Museum #The Peebles Hoard #metal detecting #bronze #ancient artifacts #archeology #archeolgst #history #history news #ancient history #ancient culture #ancient civilizations #bronze age #ancient art

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wooahaeruby · 1 year ago

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Chapter 2: Umbrella to Stand Under, Together

Chapter Word Count: 3,230

Possible "triggers" but not really All unrealistic government stuff, hacking, coding, etc. Don't take that shit serious, I just needed to add it because I needed the filler and for context later for jokes.

Master List | Prev | Next

The rain let up. It was the fourth day that it pelted the ground without fail and drenched the city in gloom.

You weren’t surprised. Long, random bouts of rain weren’t uncommon but were definitely unwelcomed by you and any passerbyers on the busy streets.

It was early, as it typically was when you left for work, and the fog that shrouded the city only added to the drowsiness that was taking over your senses. Your heels were no match for the rain but you were smart enough to pack them in a tote and wear flats to better traverse the slippery sidewalks and subway tunnels. Peak rush hour had you stressing yet your steps never faltered as you squeezed into the subway car and stood with your hand grasping the railing for stability.

You flatten out your dress pants the best you could, shivering at the small wet patches that dotted the fabric from the rain. You’d hate to have to walk home in them unless the sky magically opened up to the warmth of spring sunlight. The long sleeved, powder blue blouse you wore wasn’t any better, barely keeping in warmth without the jacket you slung on as you hurried out the door. A lot of work needed to be done today at the office and you shook off the annoyance that you held, not needing to be huffing over stupid clothes when you’d be behind a computer all day.

The office building wasn’t too far from the subway entrance, it provided your much too short daily need of exercise since you wouldn’t bother driving a car in the overpopulated streets of the city.

At the top of the steps, you were ready to weave through the busybodies that lined the street when a hand stopped you, gently holding your elbow.

“Don’t you want a nice umbrella to walk under, honey?” The voice caught you off guard but familiar nonetheless. It was silvery and bright, laced with a bit of teasing and a heavy drop of sarcasm. “Can’t have you getting soaked in the rain.”

Another day, another act.

You hummed and let your arm be linked at the elbow with the man, taking in his sharp nose and long, handsome face. “I’d love that, nice to see my husband is always caring for me one way or another. Though I wonder, how did you manage to be here early enough to catch me?”

“Ah, well you know, the early bird catches the worm and a loving wife keeps my head down from the clouds to remind me to pamper her.” He held the umbrella above you, hoping it was enough of a shield to keep the both of you mostly dry from the never ending rain.

“Good morning, Seokmin.” You properly greeted, a smile on your face as he laughed to himself.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Seokmin hummed, letting his usual long strides match up with your smaller ones. “Thought I’d be nice since you almost always forget your umbrella when it rains.”

“Not sure if you are calling me dumb or being thoughtful so thank you either way.”

You shared a laugh, the conversation settling for the loud patter of rain and the rush of feet hitting the pavement. Stepping into the building, you parted to remove your backpack and tote bag, sending them through the x-ray machine for security. You waited to be ushered forward through the metal detector, clearing it without an issue. Gathering your things, you waited for Seokmin, walking side by side through the second checkpoint where you each scanned your badges to pass through the gates.

“Email said we have a lot to do today, is it on SVT or is it stuff regarding the governor?” You asked, letting him press the button on the elevator.

“Depending on how fast you work, we are still running confidentiality on something for the governor and if you get it all done, maybe you can try and go back into finding information on SVT.”

Huffing out a sigh, you pouted. With new elections coming up, you had been swamped with cyber threats and finding the faults in them to send the proper authorities once identities were discovered. Your division worked mainly for the governor and mayor, however you were tasked with deep diving the web for any and all information you could find on the elusive underground group. SVT was hard to track, always covering their behinds and hiding behind thick firewalls that were ever changing. Any given day investigating them was tiring and fruitless.

One of the most frustrating parts of your findings was the encryption integrated with the firewalls. In college you majored in cybersecurity investigation and cryptography, you knew how the codes were written, how to solve them easily, but whoever was running point on SVT’s knew what they were doing and did it well. Each code was unique and almost a thumb print into who the person behind the screen was. You spent years looking over codes from your classmates, you could point out almost all of them just by their coding alone. The code for SVT…it felt familiar, you don’t know how it did but you thought you had seen the encryption code pattern previously and you’ve mainly kept that fact to yourself. Honestly you thought you were just going mad from staring at the screen too long and needing something to keep you focused.

Stepping off the elevator onto your level, Seokmin walked you to your office, letting you unlock the room and flick on the lights.

“I’ll email over what I need from you by the end of the day.” He gave a small wave, flashing a bright smile before making his way towards his office but backtracked and leaned against the door frame for a moment. “I can drive you home later if it’s still raining. Like I said, can't have you getting soaked .”

Fixating your eyes on his, you raised a brow. “I’m sorry, boss , are you flirting with me? On company time?”

“Always, honey.” He left you with a wink and walked off once more.

You hung your coat on the wall hook and pulled out your heels to slip on, knowing if you didn’t do it now you’d forget and you wouldn’t hear the end of it from your older coworker who were sticklers about how you dressed to work. As you sat down at your desk, you turned on your computer tower, one with some of the best specs you knew, seeing as it was fancy government money that provided it. Once you had joked that you would steal it and replace the gaming PC you had with it since it ran so smoothly.

Awaiting Seokmin’s email, you reviewed tasks and projects needing to be finished by the end of the week with your team outside of your work from Seokmin. Simple encryption and reviews were needed in regards to them but it was just a repeat of almost every project provided by the upper management. Occasionally it was different with a breach in security walls and needing to repair and strengthen them but it was more rare than what anyone in the media depicted with multiple teams watching over the servers.

Once the email hits your inbox, you set to work. It was easy work, really only needing to spend a majority of your time layering encryption to protect the assets data. The layer of code took the longest, having to skim through line after line to make sure your work was clean even though it was yet just wanted to double check. With your desire to finish and move from the first task, you skipped lunch and snacked on a protein bar from the top drawer of your desk. At some point you closed your office door and opened the blinds the slightest bit, a signal to your coworkers that you were focused and if they needed you they would need to knock and wait.

Slumping back in your chair, having kicked off your heels and sat criss-cross, both hidden under your desk, you were satisfied with the work you finished. Did it take a majority of the day? Most definitely, but it was done and a quick email told Seokmin you were moving onto the SVT firewall and diving into any dark web clues.

SVT wasn’t your company's main focus. As a subcontractor company under the bureau of investigation, you mainly worked for the state and the governor's office, however with the city and the rings that ran under the night’s sky, your company also tried to assist in searching up any leads on them. If you were to be honest, it was your favorite part about the job. The group had come to light in May 2018 when you were just finishing your second semester of college and while you didn’t condone their actions, you were intrigued by how fast they grew under the police’s nose.

It only further pushed you to top your classes to find a way to work for a division that even looked into them a little bit. You wanted to stay in the city after college and got a job at your current place of employment after finding out you would be getting paid decently. You were overjoyed when you got your first assignment against the infamous group. It felt even more fulfilling when Seokmin, your boss then and still now, complimented you on the work and the speed you got things done.

Speaking of the devil, he knocked on your office door later in the day. You called out for him to enter, taking note of the time close to clock out for the day.

“Anything juicy?” He asked, knowing you well enough to have an idea of what you were already diving into.

You shook your head and looked back towards your screen as he closed the door and rounded your desk. “A forum is making a comment about bringing down their business but I’m not really sure what that is aside from a silly threat they probably wouldn’t take seriously. The profile attached to it isn’t interesting, similar comments are made for other gangs so I’m not really interested in it.”

Seokmin peered over at your screen, watching as you scanned another few comments and huffed.

“I get a headache anytime I try breaching their servers. It’s like they know I’m trying to get it and add another layer to keep me out.”

“Ah, don’t think like that!” Your friend rested against the back of your chair. “Maybe they are just trying to keep their stuff strong so no one gets in, who knows!”

You leaned your head back, looking up to Seokmin who looked down at you with his dazzling smile. Breathing a sigh out from your nose, you closed your eyes. You weren’t satisfied with your findings so far and needed to get something solid to report to your higher boss just to ease the slight obsession you had.

“Come on, let’s get out of here.” He patted your shoulder and spun you in your chair, laughing at your sitting pose and the lack of shoes. “Tomorrow can be a new day and a fresh start.”

He gave you little time to get out of your desk and clock out, muttering something about changing your clock out time just a little bit with a wink.

Seokmin, ever the gentleman, something you joked about since he started playfully flirting with you a few weeks into your start at the company. He found your curiosity with SVT interesting and liked you even more when you joked with him in return. Other colleagues within your division were absolutely under the impression the two of you were dating no matter how much you denied it.

In the nearly two years you’ve worked with him, it felt like a blooming friendship since day one. While Seokmin was your boss, he was only two years and some months older than you. He never made you feel uncomfortable or misheard in the mostly male dominated workspace and never let the friendship you nurtured interfere with either of your work. He was a person you could rely on, someone who you didn’t feel like a burden to when traversing adult life or needing help.

Most surprising was how ready he was to be there for you. A year into your friendship he had said that if you ever needed anything or needed help with a situation to give him a call.

You took him up on that offer once last summer when you had a date go downhill and you camped out in the bathroom of a nice restaurant until Seokmin showed up, dressed in dark jeans, a fitted black shirt, and a shiny pair of boots. The guy that asked you out was a major dick that had some very…controversial opinions on women and you didn’t feel safe just walking out of the place alone. You hated that you didn’t notice the red flags prior. Seokmin had promptly escorted you out and into his car, locking it and going back in to pull the man outside to speak. He didn’t tell you what was said between them when got back in the car, but he told you that the guy wouldn’t be bothering you anymore.

In a fit of coping with the situation, you joked the entire way back to your apartment that he was living some double life and was all cool and some hotshot outside of the smiles and teasing you had received at work. He neither confirmed nor denied it, but the next day at work he had brought your favorite morning pastries and coffee with single rose, saying that any man that tried to date you wasn’t worth it. It warmed your heart that you had someone care about you platonically like he did.

He took you home from work, bugging you if you needed to stop anywhere since he was driving you. You insisted that, no, you didn’t need anything and you just got groceries delivered to your house the night before so everything was set. With the best hug you could provide over the center console as your parting gift, you quickly left and hurried your way across the sidewalk and into the apartment building you called home.

It didn’t…seem right. As you tried to process the encryption and the message hidden behind it, you leaned a bit too close to the screen and squinted.

Just a series of coordinates, a date, and time posted? Tonight?

This couldn’t be right but you were unsettled to say the least.

Quickly you wrote down the information on a sticky note, having looked up the location and jotting it down alongside everything else. As fast as heeled feet could take you, you hurried out of your office and down the hall towards Seokmin’s office. A quick peek inside showed him only typing something on his computer and you knocked hastily, trying to catch your breath.

Hearing his signal to come in, you pushed the door open and scurried behind his desk, slapping the sticky-note down on whatever papers were in front of him.

“Good afternoon to you too, what is this, honey?” The teasing in his voice was laced through each word. He sat back in his chair, raising an eyebrow at both you and the note.

“I found this while intercepting some messages between some people while sifting through SVT leads. Do you think it means anything?” Your voice held hope as you asked.

Seokmin peered over the note, moving his head side to side in thought. “I can send it over to my supervisor and see what he thinks. Don’t know if it will be worth it though. Did it come with any message or just this?”

“Just this.”

Nodding, you watched his face morph between two faces you couldn’t properly place but they both faded into a small smile. He gave a small pat to your arm, “I’ll keep you updated on it, try and get some more digging done if you can. It is a Friday though so don’t expect anything from the higher ups.”

You knew it was right and the grimace and roll of your eyes you gave showed just how annoyed you were. When you read over the coordinates and looked it up, you had a nerve wrecking gut feeling that it meant something, even if it was simply a distribution of products. Maybe you could even look into it more yourself…

“But Seokmin-”

He cut you off with a click of his tongue and a stern look. You’ve seen him serious before but never this serious. Seokmin had set his jaw some and squared his shoulders, sitting up straighter in his chair.

“You know how it goes, you give the information, I relay the info, then the feds try to handle it.” He paused, words direct. His gaze turned hard, almost like he could read your mind. “Don’t do anything stupid, Y/N. I know you too well and this doesn’t mean you do more than what your job is.”

Honestly you should feel offended, but staring down at him from your standing position, you could see the tension in his shoulders. You bit at your bottom lip and sighed out your nose. With him holding your gaze, you nodded, letting your shoulders drop and sighing once more.

“I just think it’s really important, I haven’t had this feeling in a while since we found that a few cops aligned with them but were killed not long after we found out and the feds sent people to look for them…”

Seokmin’s face softened, letting the tension ease from his body and he took your hand, gently patting the back of it and nodding along to your words. He had seen how disappointed you were when the department saw the news that the cops died.

“I know, beautiful. Let me pass this on and hopefully they will do something about it.”

Returning back to your office and shutting the door, you sat behind your desk, staring at the clunky screen of your computer monitor. Your mouth twisted and contoured as you chewed on your lower lip, thinking over what Seokmin said. With how your management has worked before, a part of you already concluded that they would think the information was lacking and wouldn’t investigate it at all. They’d probably think whoever found the message was an idiot since it had nothing backing it aside from being in with SVT leads. In a fit of rebellion, you wrote down the information and slid it into your backpack.

You had declined Seokmin’s offer to take your home and opted for the subway, needing a bit of time to think. He had told you that no supervisor took the shred of information seriously, as expected, and that you should simply move on from this lead and wait for another to come forward.

You couldn’t accept it if you were being honest with yourself. Why would all that information, albeit so little at the same time, be sent?

It didn’t make sense, it really didn’t.

Pacing about your apartment, stepping through each room while lost in thought, you debated whether to do something extremely stupid or not.

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dr-spencer-reids-queen · 7 months ago

Text

Face Reality

Pairing: Jennifer Jareau x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~1.9k

Warnings: minor angst at the end, minor violence

Summary: Time to put Banksy in jail, and the team is counting on you to help them. Meanwhile, you realize you’re using Banksy as a way to stall telling JJ about your new business opportunity in London. It doesn’t quite go according to plan.

There’s Beauty in Tragedy Masterlist

Square Filled: "This is going to hurt." for @mfbingo

Author’s Note: any and all comments are greatly appreciated <3

You stand in front of your floor-length mirror and admire the dress you picked out for the auction. It flows nicely down to your ankles, and it’s a rich deep purple that compliments your skin tone. Black strappy heels adorn your feet, and you smooth down your dress from nerves. You’ve been to plenty of auctions but never one where a serial killer is. You’ll do anything to help JJ’s team, but it’s normal to feel a bit jittery.

“You don’t have to do this, you know.”

You lift your head and look at JJ’s reflection in the mirror.

“I’m the only one who can.”

“I think what you’re doing is brave.”

You smile slightly. “What if he’s there?”

“He most likely will be, but this is a track-and-report mission only. If you see him, alert us and we’ll make our move. Hotch is getting in touch with the curator right now.”

“Okay,” you whisper. You turn to face her and smile. “How do I look?”

“Gorgeous as always.” She pulls you in and kisses you. “Come on, they’re waiting for you.”

As soon as you two get to the BAU, you’re taken into the empty briefing room where you’re fitted to a wire. Emily and JJ make sure that the wire is hidden so that no one suspects you’re working with the FBI. Afterward, Hotch, Spencer, and Penelope walk into the room with a pair of black-framed glasses.

“These have a camera that will be in tune with our channel here so that we’ll see whatever you see,” Penelope says. “Just don’t get them wet.”

“Here is an earpiece that will be used to communicate with you. You’ll be able to hear us and talk to us if you need to,” Spencer says and hands that over.

You grab the earpiece and glasses before putting them both on. You rarely wear glasses so it takes a second for your eyes to adjust to the lens.

“This is a track-and-report mission only,” Hotch says. “When you get there, you will be on the lookout for any and all paintings done by Banksy. We will see what you see. If you can, bid on at least one of them and win. We’re betting on him being there and when you see him, that’s when you call us in.”

“Okay,” you whisper.

“Come on,” JJ says.

She escorts you to the town car that’s waiting for you outside the BAU. Before you can get in, you pull her in for a kiss.

“Let’s hope I make it out of there in one piece.”

“You will. I’ll be in your ear the entire time. I’ll be right outside.”

“Okay,” you nod.

You get into the car and the driver takes you to the same auction house as when you bought the watch and cabin for JJ. You get out and walk inside where guards are checking in guests. You set your purse and phone into the small bucket that goes through their X-ray detector, and you walk through the metal detector when they want you to.

The wires you’re wearing don’t set off the alarm because they don’t produce enough of a magnetic field to be caught by them. You grab your items and accept their pamphlet before walking inside the main room. The place is already filled with a bunch of people, so you quickly find your seat. You sit down and look through the pamphlet that has every item that will be auctioned. You find the art section and spot two of Banksy’s paintings. The fact that you know the paint is made up of human blood makes your stomach churn but you keep a straight face.

“Look at that. They’re selling two more paintings,” Derek says.

“Touch your nose if you’re doing okay,” JJ instructs. You do but make it look like you have an itch. “I love you.”

You bite back a smile and cross your leg over the other. The auction starts soon after, and you straighten when they start the bidding. One by one, each item gets sold to each person until they get to the art section. The first painting is brought out which is one of Banksy’s.

“From an anonymous artist known as Banksy, the bid will start off at five million dollars.”

“Five million,” you say and raise your paddle.

“Six million,” another bidder says.

“Ten.”

“Fifteen.”

You’re not going to let someone else win this. Not after you’ve gone through all this trouble. “Thirty million dollars.”

The woman backs down and allows you to have this win, and you hold back from grinning in victory. The next painting is the second one from Banksy, which you win as well. Altogether, eighty million dollars you know you won’t spend on them. Like hell, you’re going to give him any more of your money. You might have lost twenty-five million on the other painting but you won’t be giving him any more.

“Alright, that was the last of our items for the evening,” the announcer says thirty minutes later. “For those of you who won, please meet with the sellers in the next room. The payment will also be handled there as well.”

Instead of going straight to the room, you make a beeline for the bathroom. Potentially seeing a serial killer face-to-face is making your anxiety skyrocket.

“Y/N, are you okay?” JJ asks.

“I’m sorry, I’m just so nervous.”

“It’s going to be okay. We’re right outside. We won’t let him hurt you. All you have to do is meet with him. Do not engage in informal conversation.”

“I’ve got this,” you whisper to your reflection. You leave the bathroom and enter the room where the sellers are. There is a spot in the back, kind of hidden, where Banksy is. He paces back and forth in front of his booth until you approach him. “Hi, I’m the one who bought both your paintings.”

“Thank you. I hope you like them.”

You shouldn’t do this but you figured if you can get him to talk about what he uses, you’ll catch him in a lie and incriminate him more.

“I do. I’ve never seen that kind of paint before. I love the way it drips down the canvas. What kind of paint did you use?”

“What are you doing, Y/N? Track-and-report only,” JJ says.

“Acrylic,” he says, distracted.

“I have mostly acrylic paintings and none of them do this kind of drip. I swear, I’ve never seen anything like it. Come on, what kind of paint is it?”

You roll your shoulders and the straps of your dress fall down, exposing the wire. Banksy sees it and immediately becomes rigid. You two, just for a few seconds that seem like hours, just stare at each other. He knows you’re with some kind of authority. You know he knows. He’s not sticking around to see what happens.

The only way to the exit is through you, and he doesn’t care if he has to hurt you while doing it.

He pushes you down and runs past you and through the exit door. You fall on your ass which causes the glasses to fall off your head. The BAU doesn’t have any eyes on the culprit but the earpiece is still working.

“It’s him. He’s here.”

“Do not go after him,” Hotch says.

When are you ever good at listening?

“I can catch him.”

“No, do not chase after him,” JJ says.

Screw this. You’re not letting him get away. You get off and take off running in the direction he went in. Your heels are slowing you down so you stop to take them off, but you keep them in your hands and continue to run. Banksy doesn’t wait for the elevator and takes the service stairs instead. You bust through the door and chase him all the way down to ground level. He pauses which is his mistake, and you crash into his body. He breaks your fall, and you wrestle him to keep him pinned beneath you.

“You sick son of a bitch! You’re not getting away with this.”

“Get off me!!”

“This is going to hurt.”

You take the sharp end of your heel and bring it down on his face. He cries out in pain just as the BAU comes rushing into the basement with their guns drawn. Derek pries you off the man while Hotch and Rossi arrest him.

“I told you not to go after him,” JJ says.

“He might have gotten away if I didn’t.”

The paramedics are called even though you feel fine. Beside a bruised ass, you feel okay. Still, JJ demands that you get checked out by the paramedics. As soon as they clear you, Hothc walks over with a hard look on his face.

“You disobeyed us.”

“I’m sorry, hotch, but I couldn't do nothing.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good, I promise. I’m just glad you got the guy.”

The BAU still has to figure out where he keeps his victims, but your part is done. The BAU can relax knowing the man is behind bars and won’t be hurting anyone else. You and JJ go home that night, already exhausted by the day’s event. Still, you made yourself promise that after this case was over, you’d tell her about London.

You just don’t know how she’s going to take it.

“I’m glad he’s off the streets,” you say with a glass of wine in your hands.

“Yeah, me too.” You take two big gulps of your wine and sigh. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine. I was waiting until the end of this case to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?”

“I want to expand my business, like open a new branch somewhere else to reach more customers. I’m working with my architect on the blueprints.”

“I think that’s a great idea. Where?”

“I was thinking… London.”

At first, she doesn’t say anything. You look up from your glass to see the gears turning in her head.

“Okay, what does that mean?” she finally asks.

“Well, I’d have to hire a whole new staff, more lab personnel, and jewelers. I just wanted to know your thoughts on what if we lived in London for a while?”

“Are you kidding me? You just bought that gorgeous cabin for us. I have a job here. I have my friends and family here.”

“I know you do,” you sigh.

“Do you have to do it in London? What about in the US?”

“I’ve gotten countless calls from people living in London about my jewelry. It’s only sold in the US. I think it could be beneficial to open a branch over there.”

Again, JJ is silent. “Do you have to go?”

“I have to oversee the progress. JJ, I don’t need an answer now. Just think about it, okay? I completely understand if you don’t want to move there, so maybe I can do a hybrid schedule where I’m over there and over here.”

“How long would you be gone?”

“I’m not exactly sure, but when I opened my branch in Los Angeles, I had to be there four days of the week.”

“Four days?” she asks with a soft gasp.

“JJ, I haven’t made a decision yet. I wanted to talk to you about this first.”

“It sounds like you already have. You have everything figured out.”

“JJ…”

“I’m going to bed.”

She leaves before you say anything more. You sigh and set your glass of wine on the counter. There was the slight possibility that she wouldn’t be on board, but you didn’t know she’d react this way. Her happiness and well-being are first priority, but this is something you’ve been thinking about before you met her. You want your company to be known all around the world. It’s been a dream of yours when you first started the company.

Maybe she’ll come around… She has to.

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