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spaceorphan18 · 1 month

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The Lady Whistledown Papers: 1x06 - Swish (Part 1)

Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

I actually really like this episode... well, the Polin parts of this episode. There's so much to sink into!

Announcement

Before I jump into what's going to really occupy our time during this episode, I need to mention Simon and Daphne. Because there's this whole Whistledown commentary that sets the episode up, and the narrative talks a lot about how much Simon and Daphne are going to be missed now that they're married and hanging out in the country.

And I think it's a little funny -- in that the Daphne and Marina stories, until Daphne gets involved a little in the next episode, really have zero to do with each other. Colin ends up a little bit intertwined with stuff during the whole duel thing. But does Penelope ever have a conversation with Daphne? ...or the Duke? And I mean, I know we get Penelope watching with interest a little off in the sidelines, and we learn next season how much she loves being a part of society. But there is a real disconnect, sometimes, when it comes to what Lady Whistledown is saying and what is going on with Penelope.

It makes it a shame that Daphne didn't come back for Season 3. I would have loved to have seen Daphne's reaction. And I can't help but wonder what Penelope's relationship to Daphne actually is. She and Eloise are bffs -- and Daphne is the next closest in age. There are so many holes to fill in here.

That said, their stories are going to converge, at least thematically, at the end of this episode.

Anyway...

Interesting that Penelope is in wearing pink here -- when Marina is the one in Featherington yellow. Her sisters are, too, so I assumed it's a Portia mandate. But she looks so different here. (Also, Colin is in his solid Bridgerton Blue.)

Penelope is, as always, looking on from the sidelines. It's kind of hard to really pinpoint who she's looking at due the the cuts -- on one side, there's Colin and Marina, and Pen knows. She just knows stuff is going on that's going to make her sick. And then there's Eloise. Pen and Eloise have not made up yet. But Eloise is dying to talk to Pen. Because the Queen has asked her to find Whistledown. There's all of this news and speculation to be had. And it's hard for Eloise to be this on her own. She and Penelope have been inseparable for so long, and unmasking Whistledown is supposed to be both of their thing. But I mean, now is not the right place or the right time.

Colin gets everyone's attention to make a 'small' but 'rather important' announcement. It's just an interesting way to phrase it. It's important to him and his life and his dreams but isn't necessarily there to draw attention to himself (or Marina). Engagements are a really huge deal in this society, but I don't think Colin thinks his news is all that worthy of everything else that's going on. (Also, it's a literally short announcement, so maybe I'm reaching a little here.)

It's also interesting how contained he is here. It is a more formal setting. He's doing this whole announcement somewhat by the books, and therefor he does need to show some restraint. But also, while he is definitely happy, he doesn't necessarily understand the depths of joy he'll feel when he truly understands what love means.

Meanwhile, Marina is... fine. She's playing the part she's supposed to play and sells it as she should, but she's not over doing it. She's happy for her the fortune of her situation. But beyond fondness for Colin, there's no real affection, which makes this whole interaction feel so much more performative than genuine. (And it's supposed to feel that way. We, the audience, know this isn't going to work - and that slight edge of discomfort is there for a reason!)

(Also, quick note -- it is calculated that he does this out in public. It's so that it can't be rebutted. It's out there. People know. It's happening. And to suggest otherwise, especially in public, would be somewhat scandalous. And Colin knows this -- which is why he handles it this way.)

The Featheringtons are all overjoyed. Except, you know, the one who is going to break down crying. Notice Penelope is standing far away from the rest of her family? She is not a part of them. Nor is she a Bridgerton. She's on her own and absolutely devastated. (But she is not without power. She's having her emotional reaction now -- but this just pushes her further to figure out a way to stop it from happening.)

She's not the only one who isn't happy. Neither Violet or Anthony are thrilled by this news either. But they're both older and wiser and probably understand that Colin's youth is perhaps a reason for such a hasty announcement. (One that wasn't communicated to either one of them before, so it feels like a shock when they hear about it now.)

Which leads us straight into the next scene, which might be one of my favorites in all of Season 1...

Anthony

So, I really love this argument, it's so rich with stuff to break down.

Alright, so, Anthony hauls Colin into his study, and notice the first thing is their stances? The first thing Colin does is go to his chair and slouch down -- like a child being hauled into the principal's office, waiting to be yelled at. It also speaks to the fact that Anthony has probably been, and felt like, a father to the rest of his siblings. Anthony might be going through his own things, but he does still care, and he does feel responsibility for all of them.

This is probably not the first time Anthony's brought him in there to scold him, either. And in fact, Colin was waiting for it. When Anthony asks what he was thinking the first thing Colin does is play it off flippantly, stating he knew Anthony wouldn't care to hear it. And Anthony calls him out on not taking it seriously. Because as much as Colin thinks he is being serious (and more on that in a moment), his attitude and demeanor suggest otherwise, and Anthony knows this.

Colin, being the third child, is trying to find his place, and trying to assert some independence by not only asking Marina to marry him without consulting anyone else, but by announcing it the same way. He doesn't want Anthony's permission because he doesn't feel like he needs it. He wants to establish himself on his own, away from his family.

Anthony also brings up that Violet didn't take it that well. It's funny that Colin says that his mother was fine, and accepts whatever kind congratulations Violet gave them while they were out in society. But Anthony knows Violet isn't thrilled, not matter how much is wanting to accept her kindness.

But all this conversation about what is and isn't good for the family is somewhat besides the point...

Anthony states at the beginning of this conversation that Colin barely knows her. And that is true - despite Colin's protests otherwise. Sure, they've been courting for some weeks, but Colin is only seeing what he wants to see. He doesn't really know Marina (and she's really fine with that).

Anthony then asks, basically, if he's fooled around with her and this is why they need to get married and we get one of my favorite Colin lines "certainly not, I'm a gentleman". He's so cocky and smug about it. It cracks me up every time.

But this whole following argument I just love, because not only does it show the differences between Anthony and Colin, and how Colin feels differently from his brothers (and probably a lot of the rest of the young men of the ton) but Anthony is speaking truths here as well -- in that Colin's inexperience is going to be his downfall.

Anthony asks if she isn't compromised, why is he doing this, and Colin simply states -- for love. The interesting part is that he frames it as if everyone just marries for love. Because that's what his mother has been drilling into him for forever. Because that's the type of guy he is, love is the most important thing, and why would anyone not marry if not for love? It's a simple thing to Colin.

And that is one thing that does make him different from his brothers and from his 'friends'. He has no desire to do what Anthony (or Simon, or Benedict, or Fife...) is doing, fooling around with girls, not having any desire for real attachment. It's something that Colin craves. The basis of his romantic fantasies is a grounded love.

However, Anthony is going to have a valid point coming up. He calls Colin green. And he is. He's inexperienced with relationships. He doesn't really know what love is yet. He is young, and full of fantasies, and while eager to settle down and have a family the way his parents did is very much a goal, Anthony isn't wrong when in his commentary. It is important for Colin to gain some experience when it comes to matters of the heart.

(And honestly, this is why I do love the developments of Season 3 Colin. This is why I think it is important that he got to have those experiences, and learned what he really does and doesn't want. It's also why I think it's important he's going to get his heart smashed here soon. Because he's going to gain both growth and perspective through it.)

The thing about Anthony, though, is that he's crude when dealing with his brothers. Mentioning brothels, calling sex 'wetting your wick' and sowing wild oats has Colin rolling his eyes hard. But then outright calling Marina a chit is really the last straw. Anthony's also not wrong that in his warning that marrying the first girl you have feelings for isn't the best choice. But the way he dismissively goes about it is why Colin gets so angry, and why it's going to backfire on Anthony.

Colin wants to be respected. He wants to be taken seriously. He wants his feelings to be taken seriously. And Anthony isn't doing any of that. On top of that, Colin has seen how Anthony is with women, and calls Anthony out on some of his own shit -- claiming he can't fathom true attachment. Obviously, that's not entirely true -- Anthony's issues are a bit more complicated than basic commitment issues. But it is an observation that can get under Anthony's skin and Colin knows this.

Anthony calls Coin a child. Colin throws back that Daphne is younger and she's married now, but Anthony claims that it is different. And it is. Daphne is more emotionally mature at that point, and probably does understand matters of the heart on a more realistic level. (That's even ignoring all the societal differences between men and women, too.)

And I want to mention how the power dynamics of the scene have shifted. Colin gets up, he's been flippant and chill up until Anthony calls Marina a 'chit' but then Colin is up in arms in anger. He is very protective about those he cares about. But then Anthony is the one to sit and stay calm. Anthony is the one firmly in control, while Colin is the one being over emotional.

But Anthony does get in a heated moment back at Colin -- calling him immature. And the two of them realize they've reached an impasse in the conversation.

Notice, after Anthony raises his voice, they both settle into a more formal speech pattern, and adhere to more formal roles. Colin apologizes for not doing things properly, and wishes for his brother's blessing. Anthony won't give it, and Colin states he's disappointed. They both knew this is how the conversation would go, but they're going through the polite formalities of it now.

Colin is truly disappointed, though. He does wish his brother would see him as his own independent person. He does wish that people would recognize he sees the world in another way. And he does feel different than the other men in his world. And reconciling that is sometimes hard.

Ah man, this is such a great scene, and I love it to pieces. It sets up so much about Colin (and Anthony) as a character, and is a great starting point, in a lot of ways, as we're going to see it develop. Colin's going to change, but the basis of who he is -- his drive to find his place in life, his big, romantic heart, those are a part of who he is. He just... as Anthony is somewhat stating in this scene, needs to grow up to really figure it out.

#bridgerton #polin #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #penelope bridgerton #polination #the lady whistledown papers #i think this is the first time i've talked more about colin than penelope?#such great stuff here though -- love digging into colin's psyche #i wish i didn't hve to run to work - i may have spent more time on this one #ah well #i'll have to come back to it

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bridgertonandchocolate · 2 months

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Still living in my Polin era. Not leaving anytime soon. But since they announced Benedict will be the focus on season 4, which came as absolutely no surprise and didn’t really probably warrant an announcement at this point in time since we’ll be waiting forever for the next season, I decided to start making a list of potential spin offs that Shondaland and Netflix should take advantage of and make for us.

I hope they have something planned similar to Queen Charlotte but who knows. Queen Charlotte is definitely very different because it was more based off actual history and to me it still feels very separate other than bringing in Violet and Danbury that sticks more to the Bridgerton side of things.

Anyway here’s some ideas that could be added to the Bridgerton collection:

1. The Featherington story. I’d love to see Portia’s origin story. We got a big glimpse of it this season and I’d love to see her originally as maybe a very carefree debutante and realizing just what is expected of her and the choices she made. And maybe combining this with current timeline with a new heir. This would be more dramatic. I also wouldn’t mind seeing the Featheringtons in a comedy because they’re hilarious.

2. Edmund and Violets story. We know how this one ends and honestly I don’t know if this would ever be explored now because we have seen Edmunds death and we saw a young Violet so it just might not be an interest. Or it would’ve probably be a very long series. I think they could draw on the aunts and uncles of our Bridgerton siblings. We know Francesca stayed with her aunt in Bath and Julia Quinn does have her whole prelude to Bridgerton series so…I’m not opposed.

3. Bridgerton Christmas. I stole this idea from a few people I saw on TikTok. It wasn’t anything I had thought about before but it would be an easy way to keep production costs low. Would be more of a movie than a season with multiple episodes. Very similar to what shows like Downton Abbey have done that they have where they have a special I think this could be something fun to hold people over.

4. Lady Whistledown. Something. Season 3 had the opportunity to delve into the origin of LW and have some flashbacks and didn’t do it. They did explain why Penelope started the column but I think it would have been interesting to see more to see how in the world she created this empire. There was also mention of other gossip columns in the first episode of season 1 so the competitiveness of this. The danger Pen put herself in could lend itself to something. There probably isn’t enough here for this idea to become a spin off.

5. The servants. Anyone love Footman John? Yeah we all do. Want to know more about Varley or Wilson? Or season 3 MVP Rae?! Taking a note from shows like Downton Abbey this could be an interesting story to tell from the servant “downstairs” point of view. This would be unlikely. They haven’t delved much into this side of things so not many people probably do care about these side characters plus if they stick with Sophie being a ladies maid for season 4 that probably wouldn’t be likely at this point. Maybe after season 4 but they’d have to dig more into these side characters and bringing them into the more prominent storylines.

Kudos to you if you made it through that list. Mostly I just want more Polin so they could get their own spinoff, a film series, a travel series. Or just cast Luke and Nic in some rom coms for me so they can go on more press tours that’d be great.

#bridgerton #polin #bridgerton season three #it’s polin season #romancing mister bridgerton #bridgerton season four #luke newton #nicola coughlan

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greg-montgomery · 2 years

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Hey!! I've become such a big fan of your writing and I absolutely adore you ❤️

I've got a request and it's absolutely fine if you're not interested but here it goes:

So the reader and Aaron broke up (they loved each other but maybe it was the schedule issue or something like that) and one year later she meets Penelope, Emily and JJ in New York (or whatever) while they are on the case there and she moved in there so they decide to go for drinks later. She asks them not to tell Hotch they saw her but of course they gather everyone (except for Hotch) in the hotel to decide what to do. And they decide that Dave should invite Aaron for a couple of drinks but when he comes he sees her and he's stunned. The reader sees him and is shocked too and she asks the bartender for two whiskeys, then she looks at Aaron and asks: "or it changed? "and without missing a beat he goes:" nothing has changed"

Yes, i wrote this whole request just cause this last phrase makes me absolutely mushy and warm inside

Thank you and have a lovely day <3

you are such an angel, thank you i love you <33

♡ ♡ ♡ ♡

“You kids always have something to say,” Rossi complained as the girls dragged him towards the hotel lobby. “What is it now?”

“Yeah, seriously guys what’s going on?” Derek added.

“Shh…” Penelope signaled him to be quiet with a finger on her lips. “We’ll explain everything.”

“We saw Y/N,” Emily said, after checking that Aaron wasn’t around.

“What?”

“Yeah…She lives in New York now,” JJ replied. “We had a little chat and we invited her for drinks later.”

“Wow…Is she doing good?” Derek asked. You had always been his favorite - after Penelope of course; and he was worried about you. They all knew how much you and Aaron loved each other. Just like they knew that this love was still very much there.

“She seems to be doing okay,” Garcia said. “But I saw her expression when she mentioned Hotch. I might not be a profiler like you guys, but I can recognize a woman in love.”

“Wait, she mentioned Aaron?” David asked.

“Yes. She asked us not to tell him anything.”

“We’re obviously ignoring that,” Penelope said.

“You know what that means.” Emily’s words were directed at Rossi.

“We’re counting on you to bring Hotch to the bar.” JJ smiled, and hit his chest playfully.

“I don’t understand why you were so persistent about this,” Aaron said, walking next to Rossi and into the bar.

The rest of the team was already there, including you.

“The case went well. Why not celebrate? You need to loosen up, Aaron.”

“Fine,” he replied, scanning the place for familiar faces.

“Oh look at that,” David said, putting on his best show to seem surprised. “That’s-”

“Y/N,” Aaron finished his sentence with a soft breath.

“Small world,” Rossi said.

Aaron walked towards you, blinking slowly as if he was under a spell. He hadn’t seen you in almost a year. You looked more beautiful than ever. Everyone else had disappeared for him; it was only you there…you, who looked like an angel but who weren’t his anymore.

It was obvious that you were startled too. He always thought you looked cute with a surprised face. It almost made him laugh.

“Aaron,” you said.

“Hi,” he said softly, not even acknowledging anyone from the team that was around you. Nothing else really mattered besides you.

“Hi,” you said back.

You couldn’t help but smile around each other. He missed you like crazy. How could you have left your stupid schedules get in the middle of the magic the two of you shared?

The team didn’t have to try to stay away from you to give you privacy. You had separated from the rest without realizing. Talking, laughing, filling each other in with news from your lives.

He showed you pictures of Jack so you’d see how much he had grown and he could swear he saw you tear up.

It felt like a first date all over again. But it also felt like you had picked up from where you’d left off.

After a while you got up to get a drink, so he followed you.

“One whiskey, please” you said to the bartender. “Actually,” you glanced at Aaron, “make it two.” You walked closer to him so only he could hear your next words. “Or it changed?”

“Nothing has changed,” Aaron replied immediately. “Nothing.”

“Good,” you smirked.

Penelope giggled against Morgan’s arms staring at you from afar. “It’s working!”

“Of course it is,” Rossi said. “They’re still crazy about each other.”

They did their best not to interrupt you all evening. And if you joined Aaron in his hotel room later that night, no one said anything.

#aaron hotchner #hotch #aaron hotchner x reader #hotch x reader #criminal minds #hotch 🪐#ask

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ughmyreality · 4 months

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Anti Polin overview / Rewrite

Here's a dedicated longer post, now that I’ve watched all of part one, as to my problems with Polin. Although, I don’t think it’s completely beyond repair, so in the later half, I’ve shown how I would have preferred their romance to go. (SPOILERS ahead)

They tell us a lot but hardly show us anything. We’re supposed to believe that Penelope and Colin are friends but they barely interact with each other. When they did, I often felt like Colin was only doing that out of obligation to Eloise. Like ‘this is my sister’s best friend after all’. Not because he wanted to be her friend.

Neither character has shown what they like about the other. Penelope has apparently liked him for so long that we should just be satisfied knowing that. There is no real depth as to why she does. Colin does a 180 and besides her physical appearance we also don’t know what changed for him to like her.

Colin doesn’t have enough personality for me to root for him. He’s just kind of there on the sidelines. In comparison to Penelope, he hardly talks at all. Going back to the tell but not show, we get the talk from Violet about his character traits but he doesn’t act that way. He’s not very memorable and he needs more time to establish who he is.

Penelope can’t help lying and instigating. Unlike Cressida, Penelope wants to keep up this innocent victim act. There’s nothing wrong with Penelope liking to stir the pot, but she just needs to own up to it. If they were going to make her a morally gray character, then I wish she would go full out instead of acting like she’s the one always wronged.

I’m all for the new outfits and hairstyles but it kind of feels like Colin only likes her because she changed her outward appearance. It’s lust instead of love. This isn’t helped by the fact that Colin has two separate sex scenes in the span of four episodes. Not only that but the lustful innuendos, for example the frosting thing with Penelope. He only seems to think about sexual appeal rather than a true connection.

Penelope has absolutely zero self confidence when around him. Let’s say that Colin courted her in her first season out, she wouldn’t know how to take it. She has him on this unreachable pedestal and she doesn’t find herself worthy of him. Yet she can’t stand the idea of him with someone else.

She is too possessive over a man that is not only not hers, but never showed interest in her. Her reading Colin’s writings of his escapades in France and then spiking with embarrassed jealousy is a prime example. Penelope has no right to act like Colin owes her anything.

Colin never considers that Penelope might have liked Lord Debling. Even if she didn't, she's still reeling after what she thought would be a proposal. He doesn't take her feelings into consideration and assumes that he's the best there is.

Moving on to a positive note of how I would have preferred it to go.

Polin would have actually been a slow burn friends to lovers. They would have had more moments between season 1 to 3. However, if for whatever reason, this wasn’t possible:

Penelope would have no one to turn to and admit to herself that she doesn’t have any friends. The entire first half would be Colin and Penelope developing their friendship with no romance. Get rid of the entire “lessons” plot and instead shift over to Colin trying to teach her that it’s ok to be yourself even if that means being alone.

There could still be some conflict with Eloise and Colin. Let's say that she gets mad that Colin is trying to befriend Penelope because she thinks that he’s only doing that to spite her. Eloise confides in the rest of her siblings and they start picking sides causing even more discourse. This can be why Colin doesn’t talk to his siblings very much rather than he just can’t be bothered.

Colin and Penelope develop their friendship outside of the “My best friend’s brother” trope and become genuine friends.

After finally feeling like she has someone to confide in, she would feel guilty about keeping secrets and reveal that she’s Lady Whistledown. Which then would actually lead to a suspenseful end for part two.

Part two would start with Penelope alone at a party after Colin gets rightfully upset. She meets Lord Debling and they start their semi-romance.

Francesca would be on Colin’s side and give Colin the chance to be close with one of his siblings. (Side note- I think every sibling has a somewhat favorite A-D, B-E, G-H, that only leaves out Francesca and Colin) It would also serve as a way to get more insight on Francesca. She would tell him what's been going on with Penelope and Lord Debling and the suspected proposal.

Colin runs off to find her but it’s too late and Lord Debling is in the mist of proposing. In a surprising turn of events Penelope tells him that she can’t marry him and runs off in embarrassment. Colin follows and she asks what he’s doing there, he confesses that he loves her. They both apologize for the things they’ve done.

At this point, we're probably running out of time, so to move things along, let’s say they get caught kissing by Violet and she assumes that they’ve been courting for a while. She jokingly asks when's the wedding and Colin takes that as an opportunity to propose. They get married… THE END.

#anti polin #anti penelope featherington #anti colin bridgerton

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wallflowers-in-the-wind · 4 months

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Season 3 of Bridgerton

An analysis of part 1 and theories of part 2

To say this season has been long awaited would be an understatement and I am proud to say that from what I have seen it has met expectations with some lovely surprises.

While it was well known that this was to be Colin and Penelope’s season I did not expect to see Francesca fall in love this season let alone become the diamond. For those who read the books we never got to meet her first husband and to get this chance in the show is quite interesting and I wish to see more of this relationship as it progresses against the Queen’s wishes.

It was also a welcome sunrise to see Lady Violet potentially finding love after such a long time since her husband’s passing. She is certainly one who has seen many hardships and deserves to find love again.

Meanwhile, Colin has returned from his adventures in such a roguish fashion and while he was certainly charming I have found myself more captivated by Lord Debling. Perhaps it is his acting skills or how the writers presented him but he is truly a fascinating character when he is on screen. He is also the first suitor to treat Penelope with any sort of respect when courting her which was a welcome change. That is not to say Colin wasn’t kind to her but it was from friendship rather than romantic interest until near the end of part 1 of Season 3 when he finally faced his feelings.

Penelope had also redeemed herself this season beyond the cruel actions of Lady Whistledown which I found was handled very well. However while I found myself wishing for her to marry Lord Deblin that quickly changed when she silently admitted to not loving him. Out of all the characters Penelope is certainly one who deserves a love match this season.

But what I found most surprising was the turn around for Lady Cressida. Through her friendship with Eloise we were allowed to see a new side of her. While she does have some of her old habits of bullying Penelope (and I do wish for an explanation for that) I don’t not wish for her father to marry her off to the highest bidder. Even Lady Cressida does not deserve to be married off like cattle to the slaughter.

However, with part 2 set to release June 13th I am hoping for the best for all of our favorite characters I do wish to see Lady Cressida married to Lord Deblin. Their match seems to be the most agreeable after everything that has happened to both of them and she genuinely shows interest without another suitor she is secretly in love with.

With so many plots, romances, and much more I wonder if season four will follow the formula of season 3 and have not only Benedict finding his love in our yet to be seen Cinderella at the masquerade (much like in the books) but include Eloise and her romance with Sir Phillip Crane. However that will mean that Marina will be gone. Of course that depends if the writers chose to continue with that romance plot.

I know some fans of the show are sensitive to Marina’s situation however it is something that we should not be afraid to discuss. She is a lovely character and her actress was phenomenal in the show but for those who read the books it is heartbreaking knowing what the future may hold. One that I am unsure if the writers on the show will be comfortable working with. But we will never know until season 4.

#random thoughts #bridgerton analysis #francesca bridgerton #violet bridgerton #penelope featherington #colin bridgerton #marina crane #eloise bridgerton #cressida cowper #lord debling #this season certainly is interesting #I wonder how it will end

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someonexsomeone · 3 months

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BRIDGERTON SEASON 3 SPOILERS

AND ONE MORE THING!! There was much to be desired this season, which makes me super sad with how long we waited and the hype around it. Here are some of my valid (and not valid) critiques:

- Polin. Why oh why did it play out like that?? Not only did we not get to see some flashbacks of their budding friendship (which would have been so perfect and it’s not like Bridgerton is against flashbacks) but we also spend most of their relationship in a fight. Of the eight episodes, there’s less than 3 hours of Polin content despite it being THEIR season. Penelope is a great character, but Whistledown took so much focus away from the both of them. Don’t even get me started on the Balloon Scene - there were so many ways that could have been done better and the fact that there was literally no consequence from it is the reason why it’s cringy for me

- the Queen. She should not have demanded Penelope reveal herself, because as soon as she did, the game was over. Allude to you knowing, pry a little, but it’s no longer a game if both of them know what the other is capable of and who they are.

- the Mondrich family. They would have been the perfect off season show. A Queen Charlotte style show where we follow the likes of this new family that we only know vaguely, and their struggles to join the nobility. The fact that they were so prevelant in the first half, then all but disappeared in the second, makes me think the showrunners had no clue what to do with them. Love them, but not for this season. (Also, I’ve been seeing that maybe Mondrich will be Hyacinths love interest, which is interesting, but did we need them to be seen now?? That’s like 3 or 4 seasons away???)

- Penelope. The Whistledown drama was always going to be a focus of her season, but they way they went about it was crazy to me. Her giving up everything she built for Colin? That just doesn’t seem like her. I sincerely thought that Penelope was going to outwit the Queen once more and name a successor (not the way the books did it, but with the way Whistledown is a clear and nearly a figurehead for the show means the writers would want to keep her around). It was why I thought the Mondriches becoming a sought after family, after their successful ball, would make Lady Mondrich a perfect successor. Penelope would help her write it, giving her information she learned in friendly letters, and LM will fill in the rest with her new connections. That way, should the Queen try to pin it on Penelope, she wouldn’t be able to, and she would never suspect LM because she’s new to their world.

- Eloise. What was going on here??? Eloise has always been an interesting character for me because she straddles the line of classes and depicts herself as different than other women her age. She clearly does not have interest in what people think she should, and basically goes out of her way to be different. Her relationship with Cressida was not only interesting because they themselves are so different, but because Eloise finally had someone who stood up for themselves and didn’t let her walk all over them. And then, for someone who is so admantly against marriage, to ignore Cressida in her time of need?? That was so wild to me I went from liking Eloise to nearly hating her. (Also her victimizing herself to Penelope and then NOT HELPING AT ALL???)

- Cressida. Keep everything the same in the show if you must, but have Colin reach out to Lord Debling and bring him to Cressida as an option. Have her see that not everything is something you do on your own. Have Penelope emphasize the point that women are pitted against each other BECAUSE of men, and have them have a genuine conversation about the weight of expectations. Having her shipped off was a crazy decision, and makes me worried she’ll come back as the villain again down the line.

- Violet and Francesca. This was so so so so good, Francesca making her mom realize that she wasn’t going to have the BOOM love she had. I only wish Violet’s love story would happen in tandem with Francesca’s season, as they compliment each other so well

- Micheala. Love that the show wants to give more diversity in the cast. I HATE that they made Micheala be introduced as an IMMEDIATE love interest for Francesca, after she spend most of her time this season trying to convince her Mom that what she feels for John is genuine. Also, Eloise has the perfect book story and tv set up to change the gender of her love interest with little to no reprecusions.

- the 2 parts. Listen I get it. You want people to continue to talk about your show, and not immediately forget after binging. But a show like Bridgerton would be PERFECT as a once a week release. The time between episodes would allow for discussion, without the long pause in the middle. It also helps the show feel less disconnected. I really hope they do this for next season.

#sxs media review #bridgerton season 3 #bridgerton spoilers #bridgerton

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alaffy · 3 months

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Bridgerton, Ep. 3x05 - On the Clock (spoilers)

There were so many ways I was thinking about writing this episode and then the last 10 minutes happened. I am interested in where this story is going. As the story moves further and further away from the books, I am interested in….well, I know Colin and Penlope will get their happy ending, I just wonder if it will be this season. Maybe this one time it doesn’t end on a happy note? At least, for now.

The biggest reason is that Colin, unlike what happened in the books, has a real good reason to be angry with Whistledown. And it’s not really the Eloise thing, although that doesn’t help. The thing about Eloise’s story is that; it can easily be resolved (as strange as that sounds). After all, Penelope wasn't being vindictive when she was writing about Eloise. She was getting Eloise out a far worse situation the only way she knew how. Well, I mean, yes she could have admitted she was Whistledown. But then the question is, should Penelope have to come forward and risk everything, when it was Eloise's own actions who got Eloise in trouble. Especially, when Penelope had warned Eloise she was headed down a dangerous path. Which is a debate in itself.

Getting back to my point, the biggest problem is Lady Crane. Yes, tricking Colin into a marriage to protect herself and her child was wrong. And Colin deserved to learn the truth. But, had Lord Crane not come to take care of his brother’s affairs, Lady Crane would have been cast out to God knows where. And Colin clearly wouldn’t what her cast out, even though she hurt him. So, I don’t know how this one is resolved.

But going into the episode (and this will be less a recap, more jumbled thoughts). Anthony and Kate are back because….pregnancy achieved! They’re so happy to tell everyone, until they find out what’s going on. Kate suggests waiting a bit, but it’s because she wasn’t quite ready to tell the news.

Benedict is still with the widow.

Will is starting to realize what he’s missing out on while running his business instead of being with his family.

Lady Danbury’s bother is still here.

Francesca’s story so cute. I love the way Lord Killmartin explains to the family just how special Francesca is to him.

Lady Featherington is taken to task by Colin for her treatment of Penelope. I could watch that scene on repeat.

Colin and Penelope together for the first time. I loved how sweet it was. Also, I like how Penelope may not completely know about sex, but she’s not afraid to voice her opinion on what she’s wants.

Everyone is happy for Colin and Penelope, except Eloise. She tells Penelope that Colin deserves the truth (and she’s right). But she’s also questions Penelope about how long she has loved Colin? Again, this kind of reminds me of what I said a few posts ago, about how Penelope and Eloise have been written from the beginning as friends who are drifting apart. Like the way Penelope acted around Colin should have been a dead giveaway.

And then we have the whole thing with Cressida and Eloise. First, she rants to Cressida that she thinks Penelope was only a friend to her to get with Colin (ok, you need to calm down). She comes down slightly when she hears of Cressida’s own problems (get to that in a moment). But as the episode goes on, and we do see this with Eloise in season 1 and 2, when she gets into her own feelings or obsessions, she has a tendency to just tune everyone else out (which is kind of what, scratch that, is exactly what gets her into trouble in season 2).

And then, on the night of the engagement party, she decides to give Penelope an ultimatum; tell Colin the truth by midnight or I will tell him. I really don’t like this; it’s clear she’s not doing this for Colin. Part of her wants to hurt and humiliate Penelope by telling Colin in front of everyone. That part of her does not recognize or does not care that the truth is going to hurt Colin and he also will be humiliated. Still, given her behavior at the party, it is clear that there’s another part of Eloise that realizes that she’s going about this the wrong way. Hopefully, that Eloise wins out.

And then there’s Cressida, who had the most surprising storyline. Cressida finds out she’s going to be married to a man who somehow is worse than Lord Danbury. At the same time Cressida also finds out that the Queen has announced a reward for the identity of Whistledown. Cressida tells Eloise that she’s going to find out who Whistledown is so that she can collect the reward and go live in another country. And I figured that’s what her story was going to be in the next three episodes, finding out who Whistledown is. And while I might have disliked Cressida vs. Penelope given how Cressida has treated her…I, uh, her potential husband is horrible and I can’t say I wouldn't do the same.

But then the shocking twist happens. Everyone starts talking about Whistledown and the notoriety. But that she would also be famous. And, most importantly, no one would ever marry her. And the look on Cressida’s face is like, “oh hell, this is a lot easier.”

So, we get to the last minute of the episode. Kate and Anthony tell Violet and Lady Danbury they’re expecting. Penelope is so overwhelmed with anxiety she starts to have a panic attack. The clock strikes midnight. Eloise tries to tell Colin about Whistledown, but he’s clearly not interested in what she has to say as his Fiancé is clearly about to pass out. Kate and Anthony somehow miss that whole scene and are about to announce their good news to all, when Cressida announces she’s Whistledown. And then Penelope passes out.

#bridgerton #bridgerton spoilers #penelope featherington #colin bridgetron #eloise bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #kate bridgerton #violet bridgerton #lady danbury #cressida cowper #francesca bridgerton #lord kilmartin

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rathockey · 11 days

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so how's criminal minds going so far?

gimme any thoughts on the characters, episodes etc <3

oh i have many thoughts hee hee and im super supposed to be asleep right now since i have to get up at 530 for hockey but i can’t sleep so you get them all

i am on season 3 about midway through so post gideon (and i do miss gideon even though i think he was my least fave of the squad, i still really liked his character, i think i just wanted more)

i now kind of get the obsession with spencer reid he is a very fun character and i enjoy him a lot but i don’t think he’s my FAV character. but he IS my favorite guy to be put in a situation. more situations for him

penelope garcia my absolute beloved answering the phone like an absolute queen and doing it like nobody else. love her.

jj i am in love with you. enough said.

hotchner i really did not expect to like but i am super into him actually, i think its the eyebrows.

derek morgan my other absolute beloved, probably my fav character (him or garcia) my man is so full of compassion and care and he is funny and hot and honestly what more could you want. icon.

emily prentiss is still kiiiinda new to me but i enjoy her. no real interesting thoughts or opinions so far

gideon, as stated previously i feel like i wanted more from him but idk how or what. very interesting character and well played (ofc shout out mandy patinkin)

rossi is also still too new for me to have a real opinion but i’m intrigued

i really liked elle when she was around but i didn’t love her exit, i feel like it could have been better

EPISODES okay any episode where reid goes through it is a win in my book so the revelations episodes are good, I enjoyed the episode after penelope got shot as well (hm maybe i do just enjoy when these guys are put in situations)

overall i’m very much enjoying it I think its a pretty good show even if its not my usual style of procedural and i do get a lot of mileage out of my own personal game of “omg where have i seen that guy before” a game where almost every episode i recognize someone who was in an episode of house/spn/teen wolf/nancy drew/etc one time to the point i really should have the criminal minds imdb page bookmarked (i am exceptionally good with faces and terrible with names)

also morgan and garcia should be together forever and i stand by that forever thank you

#okay i do need to go to bed now #will i be able to? unlikely #i woke up at 10am today and also took a nap at 3pm for like an hour so everything is fucked up forever #sigh #thank you for the ask sam!#atlas answers #sam

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seanofbeankeep · 3 months

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Head canon/shower thought shipping bees buzzing in my mind at or against each other today are:

Tl;dr

Dahlia sellswords like story arc plz before reuniting with Artemis

Scratch that: Dahlia chooses to be with Xenk instead who’s safe to be vulnerable with, as she finishes her business with Szass tam (remember when she was a powerful red wizard)

Scratch that. Have her bond with Catti-brie where faith crisis ends with Catti ditching Mielikki. They were both exploited by Mielikki and Lolth in that fight and more. Mielikki only helps CB when it’s godly business linked, realms chosen are exploited/manipulated even by good gods. They can help eachother with resolving their past with those two goddesses

If not that then Thay exile fire primordial god drama with Dahlia and Catti-Brie in the forefront.

Bonus why no fan art or official art of Penelope Harpell.

The ideas and hopes rattling in my head for ages

I’m big jartamis fan but I want Dahlia and Artemis to refind eachother and start again once they both had their own space to grow some more. Like I don’t want trope that love fixes all, they can grow on their own adventures and rekindle later. Like they were vulnerable and deeply cared with each other but it was very new to them at the time. In life I’ve had friendships break or drift and reform after time and personal development. Too many fans who hate her would grumble but Dahlia having her own book should happen like her own sellswords. Kinda messed up how much love Artemis gets and how much hate she gets for same character things.

But against this I also love my head-cannon that Dahlia would choose to date Xenk. Like I want only good things for her and someone who can love her fully that the others couldn’t do and maybe he can be that for her. Someone where being vulnerable around them is safe, maybe Artemis can’t be that person. Drizzt clearly wasn’t good for her either. If Artemis can have redemption arc she should too in her own terms, like her going back to finish business with Thay and Xenk/harpers joining her to stop her former boss Szass Tam. Since their stories overlap with Thay. Like it’s been completely forgotten she was a high ranking red wizard and her conflicts with other wizards was more likely Szass making sure his minions fought eachother than him. But she’s free now and could weaken his hold on thay with the right crew to back her up.

Also if we do get her helping looking for her as it’s hinted in the books. I want Catti and Dahlia to get along more outside their story being only about Drizzt and Artemis all the time.

Catti likely having a upcoming crisis over her goddess happening with Dahlia would be so interesting. Both goddess used them as puppets to fight, why can’t they talk about that bullshit. Dahlia is someone who could help Catti-brie with dealing with the fact her goddess has used her body without permission or care. Like Mielikki is meant to be good but doesn’t respect Catti-bries autonomy or consult her in godly plans if that’s what she wants. She’s done few big nice things for her but overall gods in realms really use and exploit their chosen. Dahlia walked away from so much of this in her life, Catti could open up to her about it.

Or her and Catti teaming up to deal with primordials since they have that overlap (lore wise guess what Thay exiles worship a fire primordial god!). Add in Penelope harpell too. Dahlia and Penelope duo plz (like they both dates all genders in book I prob overlooked this for her for my ships) . As I’m here, why is there no official or fan art of Penelope. I’ve looked and never found it.

I know at some point a fan fic for Dahlia is coming especially if what happened to her in the books doesn’t satisfy me. Maybe combine all of the above, adventure with Xenk and then Catti and then decide what feels right after that.

I saw someone hint that ‘maybe she’s pregnant and that’s why she left and ditched her dangerous staff’ and I dunno I’d hate a tropey ‘being a mother for the second time is focus of her big character development to kindness’ urgh. If we get that I’m shaving my head and growing a single pony tail and buying a tazer before I write my own canon. Let’s not make a woman’s character development be based around fertility and motherhood. There’s hope it won’t go this way cose RAS isn’t perfect but he has given Catti adventures after she gave birth. Like she has a life and wants/needs outside her motherhood. So there hope he would write that for Dahlia too.

#legend of drizzt #Dahlia Sin'felle #catti brie battlehammer #Penelope harpell #artemis entreri #xenk yendar

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snailsandpuppy-dogtails · 2 months

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I Do, Do You? chapter 7: Helping

WC: 6,875 Ao3

Another week passes with Luke going in to work, but also coming home in the evenings, no active away cases. They take Roxy on morning walks through the park and around the neighborhood at night. He holds her hand and he holds her waist, he holds her when they sleep, and when he forgets himself, he kisses her fingers and her cheeks…but he always stops short of kissing her, much too much loaded behind it now.

As much as she tries not to think about it, not let it bother her, she can’t help but wonder why he hasn’t...and if he will before their time is up. She’s been quite patient and they’ve had much less time than other couples on the show, but even by regular relationship standards she would have jumped some bones by now.

Still, she believes him when he’d said he finds her attractive, that he has “lots of feelings” for her… she holds on to that, holds on to the bits of himself he gives.

It’s a Thursday afternoon, Penelope’s getting dressed and ready in the bedroom for a late park walk when she hears Luke talking on the phone in the living room.

“What about Alvez’ new wife?”

He had mentioned off-hand to Tara and Matt that Penelope was highly skilled with computers, he’d told them about her expertise (he might have been bragging), and alluded to her past, but he made sure to leave out her identity.

She left that life behind, he wanted to respect her privacy, that was for her alone to tell. He knew they’d still want her if they knew, knew the bureau could dream up charges to get her to agree...

“Ha. Tar, I know you’d love nothing more than a chance to see her again, and if things keep going the way they are, maybe I’ll have her meet me for lunch so you all can gawk from that fishbowl before we vanish into the elevator, but I am not bringing a civilian into what we do. Definitely not her.”

He’s on a group call, the team in the office, Luke at home, day four of testing out his ‘working from home unless absolutely needed’ routine, a new compromise from Prentiss to make up for all the away cases they’d had since the wedding now that things have gone into a lull.

When he told Penelope about the offer she jokingly declared she was going to write thank you notes to the whole of the BAU and the director of the FBI and send them along with a batch of each of their favorite cookies, he chose to ignore exactly how she was going to get that information.

Penelope thinks it’s nice having him around, someone to talk to and banter with, a chance for them to get closer. She’s enjoyed showing off her work with SOAR, and baking for them (he especially likes her chocolate chip cookies, and her dog cookies for Roxy). She’s hopeful the temporary arrangement will help more with the needed work/home mindset adjustment he’s had such trouble with, that it’ll continue to ease him into a better balance, maybe even make him realize other things can be important too… maybe even more important sometimes…

Luke, however, doesn’t think blending work and home have been a good idea, he’s felt on edge running background on cases remotely, choosing his words carefully so that other ears don’t overhear, always keeping the cursor primed to minimize a screen should something be up and she walk by. This phone call, what his unit is now trying to goad him into agreeing to has only added to the “bad idea” camp. To him this phone call is the start of the end.

“Luke, she does sound like an excellent resource-”

“My WIFE is not a resource,” The comment is sudden, and volatile, and about her? Piquing her interest, her head angles up and her body leans towards the door from in front of his dresser mirror. What follows is quiet, but can only be compared to a roar in intensity, “she is a person who did not ask to be around what we see everyday!”

“Luke, no one is saying-”

“No, no one is thinking,” he counters angrily, “She volunteers at an animal rescue! She runs a support group for grieving families. She doesn’t even eat meat! Prentiss- She’s. No. I, I get it, she has very valuable skills, ones that would-”

“That could break this for us.” Prentiss finishes in her maddeningly even voice. “She’s compassionate, right? Then Luke, we’ll shield her… but if she’d be willing to do some deep digging…Help us nail this guy…We can protect her, Luke. But if she’s really that good, think about the victims that could be saved, the ones that could be prevented… Aren’t they worth it?”

Penelope tiptoes on her stockinged feet to the door, positioning herself in a better spot to eavesdrop on the fractured conversation.

“Absolutely not. No. I already told you I will not ask her. She will not do it.”

Balancing work and his personal life was already proving to be a battle, combining the two in this way was a sure-fire recipe for disaster, he just didn’t know which would blow up first.

“Luke, you know we’re down, you know this could help. We’ve been after this guy for months-”

“Don’t- don’t do this to me Lewis, don’t push that line- Find another way. Find. Another. Person.”

The words are chillingly cold. Penelope bites her lower lip, peeking out from the crack in the door and jerks back, swallowing a squeak as he erupts in a furious growl, pitching his phone at the armchair across from himself.

She’s never seen him so mad, seen this side of him. Knowing it had something to do with her, that he was being protective over her, ignites a part of her she’d just as well not acknowledge and makes her all the more curious as to what exactly was being asked on the other end.

Timidly, she opens the door and comes out sittings on the edge of the couch closest to where he now slumps in the other orange chair. “Another case?”

There’s an intake of breath before he answers, “-Sort of,” he sighs, defeated, unable to look at her, not wanting to fall back into how things were, knowing that eventually he’d have to anyway, and preparing for the disappointment she’s about to unload and the disappointment of letting down his team.

She had gotten him to open up a few days ago while making dinner, maybe if she prodded gently, he’d be willing to do it again. Taking a page out of his book, Penelope reaches out, covering his hand with hers, then positions herself, kneeling in front of him, settling back on her heels, “…Can I ask who won’t do what, or is that top secret?”

Luke looks down at her with a wry smile, this magical woman, this genius funny sexy talented woman he didn’t deserve sinking to her knees in front of him, looking up at him like that; wide eyed, innocent, trusting, glossy lips and blushing round cheeks and blushing round...

His eyes zip back to hers, pleading, entreating. There was a god, and he was evil, “You.” he says after a struggle that feels like millennia, “The team… they want me to ask you to help us. Tara remembered what I said about how good you are, your specific talent-”

“You talk about me?”

“Penelope-” The genuine perplexity of it is a knife digging neatly into his chest, the fact that she thought she could be so easily out of sight, out of mind. Was it everyone before him, or was it just him who had made her feel that way?

She kneels up, wiggling as she waves a hand dismissively, “Nevermind, it doesn’t matter. Go on.”

Despite the situation he smirks in response. “My boss feels someone with your skills could really help us. But I told them no. I don’t want to put you in that position. -It’s too much of a ris-”

“I’ll do it.” The words are out before he has a chance to finish his sentence.

“No, I’m not-”

Kneeling up again she places a single polished finger against his lips, “Luke. SHH. If it’ll help, I’ll do it.”

He hesitates, he doesn’t want to make her aware- more aware of that world, of his world, he doesn’t want to put her in that position, but even he had mentioned how they scout for individuals who specialize in doing what she can do and she’d be the first to tell you, she is the best. He knows if she’s willing, it isn’t up to him, still he wants to make his position clear, "Penelope, I am not asking you to do this, don’t feel like you need to-"

Removing her finger, she caresses his cheek, thumb stroking and smoothing the concern at the corners of his eyes. He brings a large hand up to cup her own, holding it to his face, eyes closing. Luke nuzzles into the warmth of her, holding her to him he turns his head, she holds her breath, stomach knotting as he places a soft kiss to her palm.

Penelope’s tongue unsticks her lips, “You’re not asking me, I’m volunteering. This isn’t for you,” she lies, “You told me before, I’m like a superhero…well, superheroes work together. I want to help.”

Working together on something he deemed important would bring them together, they were still trying to connect, to catch up… they needed to take opportunities as they came, and this would let them learn more about each other. “I want to do this. Luke, I like helping people and I know I'm the best.”

“You don’t even know what it is yet-”

She shrugs, feigning indifference, “Like I said, I’m the best. We can both be superheroes.”

—

What had started out as Penelope tracking and compiling everything they needed with unparalleled speed, quickly morphed into the situation Luke had predicted.

They were already exposing her to the dark and sordid imagery of Congressman Whitt’s digital footprint -not shielding her from it like Prentiss suggested was possible- And they still needed to make sure their case was solid, prove without a doubt he’d abducted, restrained, drugged, and raped those women- all on a live-streaming platform with “customers” paying for the privilege of assault by proxy… But the only way to take down someone so well connected would be to catch him in the act.

“Sorry to be the bearer of awful news to all you very beautiful, very in need of therapy people, but it looks like he’s planning on snatching someone tonight.” Penelope stood in their small conference room in front of a flatscreen tv frowning over her findings. On the screen she displayed the decoded message she found that had been sent out this morning to creeps in the know. The group of agents watched in awe at the depth and detail of what she’d been able to discover and how quickly she’d been able to do it.

“Alvez, you weren’t kidding” Tara hums.

“Ms. Garcia, you have been an invaluable help, thank you.” Prentiss says, gesturing for her to join them at the table.

Penelope responds with a quickly vanishing pleased look and passes off the remote, sitting in the chair next to Luke. He snatches her hand, catching her eyes when she meets him, “Hey,” he whispers low, “are you ok? I’m sorry you had to see that-” he’d noticed her shudder and blanch at the new countdown she’d popped up for them to see.

His thumb caresses the back of her hand, she notices he hasn’t stopped petting and stroking her, keeping in contact with her, since they entered the building. Even in the office they’d set up for her he came in, hands on the top of her chair finding their way to her neck, her shoulders- it reminds her of their wedding day- small brushes of finger tips, his gaze never leaving her. “It’s fine, we’ve all seen the ID channel,” she says, brushing it off. She could be strong, she doesn’t want them to think she can’t handle it.

Luke frowns giving her a look, Penelope smiles back, insisting, “I’m fine-”

“Alright, we knew he was going to be at tonight’s gala, and now thanks to Ms. Garcia’s skilled work, we know he’s teased another stream, which means he’s planning on finding another victim tonight, likely at or around the dinner.”

“-It would be great if we knew who the target was,” Matt says.

“Well, we do know he’s an opportunist and likes to have a few options to offer up, so he won’t have a victim picked out, which we could use to our advantage if we had someone on the inside. But on such short notice and with all the additional security being distributed around the city, we definitely won’t be approved for that, you all know the director isn’t especially supportive of this-”

Penelope watches as they continue to talk through their options, talk through a plan, ignoring what she feels is an obvious solution sitting in the room with them, until finally offering, “…I can do it-”

“Not a chance.” Luke shuts the idea down so fast she can only assume it had been on his mind as well, maybe even quietly hoping it wouldn’t get brought up.

Prentiss, hesitant about using a civilian with no prior experience on such a dire case, looks between the two of them, “Iiiii don’t know…”

“I’m his type, right? Blonde, bubbly, and I have been told- entirely sexy-”

“Penelope-” He was definitely hoping no one would bring up the similarities between Penelope and the victims, suggest…

What he got instead was his wife using his -private- admissions as ammo against him in some bullheaded effort to prove… he didn’t even know what she could be trying to prove.

“Luke! It’s not up to you, it’s up to her,” Penelope says, nodding to Prentiss standing hunched over the table, “and you need someone-”

“But not you” he grits through clenched teeth, a hand moving to her knee as he turns to her, the other still covering her hand on the table. He could give two fucks about anyone else in the room right now, it was only her he was having this conversation with.

“Why not? You trust them, don’t you? I trust you. Plus, I do theater, so I can keep up a front-” this she says to the team at large.

Penelope doesn’t say the other part that she’s thinking, that she’s already had experience being a victim of attempted murder once, so a second time with supervision shouldn’t be that bad.

The…experience was something she still hadn’t told him about.

She had thought about telling him a few nights ago, telling him she understood why his job was so important, and not just because she had JJ and Derek in her life, but because of what she’d gone through…what she wouldn’t have survived without them. She knows if she had told him then, there’s absolutely no way he’d allow her to do this, he’d make sure, so secretly she’s thankful it hasn’t felt like the right time.

The team watches the exchange play out, Luke dead set against her involvement, Penelope insistent she’s capable.

Despite Luke’s protest, Emily can’t help but weigh the offer; she was right here willing to do it, knew about the unsub, had helped them endlessly…but she was also a civilian they’d just met who had a history of circumventing the law in accordance with her own morals, she had no formal training, they didn’t know how well she’d be able to play this off…and Alvez would clearly be compromised during the operation.

But if it worked, they could catch Whitt tonight.

Mind not yet made up, she breaks in, “Even if I said yes, we still couldn’t get approval… or tickets-”

Penelope looks away from Luke, grinning up at his boss, “Of all the tricks I’ve pulled today, those are going to be the easiest…and the most fun”

He can tell Penelope has no intention of listening to him, her mind already made up. Relenting, he changes tactics, “I’m not letting you go alone. If you go, I go.” Luke turns his attention to Prentiss, finishing, “-every step of the way.”

If she insisted on doing this, if Prentiss approved, there was no way he was letting her out of his sight. Just the idea of her talking with the congressman, being in the same room with him, on that cam footage for all those creeps to see, made Luke broil. She was serving herself up on a platter after seeing what he’d done to women who looked like herself. He would be sure it didn’t go that far.

Penelope strokes his cheek like she had this morning, gazing at him, “You’re the only one I know, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

There’s little time, but Penelope manages to secure a group of suites in the city near the gala, forge tickets, and change the guest list to include two agents and herself, all while being coached by Luke’s boss and his teammate Tara on what to do and how to respond. The day goes by quickly leaving no time to process, dwell, and allow nerves to build.

Stings, she gets the impression, don’t normally come together so fast or out of the blue. On tv she knows it’s either months of planning every detail, or quickly throwing someone in in the moment. Maybe that last type isn’t quite true for them.

She also gets the feeling that his boss, Prentiss, is worried about the subject of their sting. He’s a big deal in DC, a man with deep pockets and friends in high places, someone who doesn’t need to be paid to do these horrible things, a defense they’d no doubt rely on. She already wanted to show Luke she could handle what his world was, that she could take on some of his burden and he could open up to her, but watching those videos, reading what those men wrote, hearing those girls…she wanted to help them, and if that meant dressing up, she was more than willing to do it.

The dress they gave her to “up” however was….hideous.

It would need much much “upping” if she were to be irresistible enough to inspire a chatroom full of subhuman cowards to….want her. Unfortunately, the bureau wouldn’t let her wear her own clothing (maybe for her that was a good thing?), something about rules, and there was no time to go shopping with all the sleuthing and forging and convincing and prepping and practicing. So instead she’s left with this.

Penelope examines the shapeless reflection in the mirror impressed there is a garment capable of so wholly camouflaging her more prominent features. She considers one last appeal to the bureau to let her wear something from her own wardrobe…something more flattering.

She’d insisted that her closet was chock full of goodies for every occasion, but she would have to agree, her closet certainly didn’t (and never would) have a dress like this.

Black-tie indeed. The floor length, black dress had all the appeal of a graduation robe. She’s matronly and generic and if she were going to be the prime choice tonight, this dress would not do.

Twisting left and right, pinching at fabric and checking seams, she quirks her mouth thoughtfully, glad she’s up to the task of dressing it up. All those years transforming her own things finally had a use beyond personal esthetic.

Hacking off the high round collar, she winces and hopes this doesn’t constitute destroying federal property as she morphs the neckline into a perfectly cleavage framing low V (modeled after one of her tried and true f-me dresses). She lifts and brings in the waist, fitting the skirt through her middle in gathers, softly draping at the narrowest part of her, and finally she takes the elbow-length bell sleeves and carefully pleats and folds them like origami rings at the high point of her shoulder, leaving her arms bare. She’s wearing her best push-up bra to help push all that cleavage right to eye level, and she thinks about stockings, but ultimately decides against them, the dress covered her legs anyway…though she was very tempted to add a thigh high slit.

Looking at the transformation, she should be uncomfortable. This moody, vampy thing reminds her of her past, of someone she no longer is…someone naive and angry and desperate to fit in…someone trying to find their place. Their peace. She should be uncomfortable in that Penelope’s skin, but she isn’t, and maybe it’s because that person was the right one to be tonight…Maybe that’s how she can get through this undetected. The changes she’s made to the matte black silk, she’s sure are more than enough to make her stand out in a sea of predictable sparkling navy and red DC housewives, but if they aren’t she’s sure she will be.

Penelope curls her hair and removes the large white cube necklace she’d been wearing earlier, exchanges the alien earrings and mahjong tile bracelet for a cleavage dusting lariat and a malachite point tipped gold horseshoe bangle, and lastly, takes the 8-ball ring off her pinky leaving only her wedding ring.

Twisting the emerald, flicking the band left and right, she knows she can’t leave it there if she plans on being desirable bait (a missing married woman would be too quickly noticed), but she’s struggling with the thought of taking it off.

Like ripping off a bandaid, she quickly plucks it from her finger placing it on the dresser, but just as quickly she snatches it back up. Penelope frowns thinking about how stupid it is to feel so attached to a piece of jewelry, feel so wrong. Old Penelope, The Black Queen, certainly wouldn’t have, and after all, she doubts he wears his all the time, he’s only known her, been married, for almost six weeks.

But not wearing it feels…like betrayal…like a slap.

Instead she places it on her right hand. At least this way it’s still with her. If he notices when he comes to get her, she’ll just explain, though if she’s being honest, she’s hoping for some visual confirmation that her handiwork has made her as distraction-worthy as she feels.

Thinking back to every one of his slow outfit appraisals, the quickly averted, heated looks that set her skin on fire, she’s looking forward to tonight’s reaction the most. How he would feel about this side of her, this part that was so much of her for so long. Would he be put off? Would he laugh when he saw her, be mad she altered the dress? That she was revealing so much of herself…for them. Would he be so overcome with passion and possessiveness that he’d take her in his arms, unable to control himself any longer and pin her to the door, crush his lips, his body, to hers? Immobilizing, determined to show her she was his, his bulletproof vest firm against her under his tux, his thigh pressing her legs to spread…kissing her furiously, roughly kissing down her throat, toothy hands hiking up her skirt…up her thigh….

Focused on the fantasy playing out in her head, Penelope shrieks in surprise at the ring of the door bell and quickly applies the finishing touches of makeup- some pink blush and candy red sheer lipstick before hurriedly snatching her clutch and scurrying to her waiting husband.

But opening the door she’s only met with disappointment. Behind the door there is no ego boosting, jealously wandering eyes from the mouth watering husband she’d so well imagined, in fact, there’s no mouth-watering husband at all.

What she finds on the other side of her door is instead a different unfairly beautiful person.

Tara, now dressed to the nines, is waiting to escort her to the SUV that will drive them into DC. She can’t help but notice how, unlike what Penelope was first given, Tara’s dress doesn’t make her look like an 80s schoolmarm.

Tara, narrowing her eyes, inspects Penelope, “That’s the bureau’s dress?”

Smoothing her hands down the sides of her skirt, Penelope responds as evenly as possible, “Yes.” It wasn’t a lie, she wasn’t lying to a federal agent. This was the dress, she just improved it is all. Improved their chances of her being picked. And anyway, they gave her that one.

“Right.” Tara smirks, “We should get going. Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.” Penelope closes and locks the door behind her, she’ll just have to settle for hot husband glances on the way there.

In the vehicle however, there is no Luke either.

He had said every step of the way, didn’t that include picking her up and going to the city?

She doesn’t admit that she’d fantasized anticipated him drinking her in, his expression turning parched, eyes wide and tracking like she’d caught him doing so many times before…but finding only Matt, Penelope, can’t stop herself from asking, “Not that the two of you aren’t gorgeous and delightful and I’m sure very great company, but…where’s my- Where’s Luke?”

She doesn’t want them to think she’s not brave enough for this, she is, or that she’s clingy and needs him around- she’s not some sad husband reliant trad-wife. She’s independent, she has her own life, she had a very full life before he was matched with her and she’d have one after- She didn’t need him to protect her, she had volunteered, insisted because she knew she could do this- She would be fine…she just…wanted to know.

Matt looks back at her in the rearview, smiling, “You don’t look too bad there yourself, Garcia, sorry Luke couldn’t be the one to see it-“ Tara jumps in explaining the last minute change of plans. Matt, looking more the part of a gala attendee, swapped roles with Luke, Luke and Prentiss went on ahead to set everything up at the hotel and gala.

It’s then that the scope and specifics of the situation really click. Her life is in the hands of strangers, their success is in hers, things can change at a moment's notice and her being the odd-man out, not an FBI agent, they are under no obligation to consult or inform her. Luke was possibly even instructed not to inform her. She isn’t familiar with how they operate, how they handle things on the fly, and the person she’s the most familiar with, she’s only known for a few weeks at best. Penelope flexes and stretches her fingers, willing the needles forming to vaporize. She’s capable of handling herself, she’s been in worse situations alone before and come out fine, she could do this, just like she’d told them.

“It was a pretty big blow-up actually,” Tara goes on, “He was insistent on being here with you.” She doesn’t want Alvez’s new wife thinking this was on him, that he’d lied, “…It’s just…not always up to us. Prentiss felt he wasn’t going to be able to keep himself in check, and he kind of proved her right with how he reacted… But looking at you, I don’t know that making him play catering staff will make a difference.”

The rest of the way to DC is filled with review, last minute prepping, and cues, Penelope watching the landscape and sky change from the passenger window as Tara continues to test and prime her.

At the hotel, Tara shows her an ear piece and small camera she’ll be outfitted with, Penelope distracts herself by setting up a laptop with a fake account, joining the congressman’s watch party, and adding a backdoor server to record everything undetected. There’s still no Luke and no Prentiss, they’re at the event space double checking physical layouts to Penelope’s found blueprints and giving as few people in charge a heads up as possible, but there is that Anderson guy. She shows him how the chats and servers work and what to do if certain tech-related scenarios come up, and writes it all down for him just in case on some turquoise sticky notes floating in her bag.

“What happened to the Bureau’s dress, Ms. Garcia?” She hears it in her ear. This is the sound check Tara told her about, Prentiss must have seen what she did to the dress when Tara was showing her the camera pin. Thankfully, she hears what she thinks is a hint of amusement in the question and decides to use that opening.

“Funny thing, I put it in the wash, and wouldn’t you know, it shrunk!” Tara, Matt, and Anderson snicker from around the room.

“Let’s be sure it doesn’t happen again, we want you to be picked, not picked apart”

“Ma’am.”

“-Don’t- call me ma’am.”

Two agents and one former hacker pack up and head out to an extravagant evening none of them are bound to enjoy. The nerves start to creep in.

From one of the rooms Penelope secured, Prentiss runs laptop surveillance along with Anderson, keeping track of the feed that’s streaming through a lens in Whitt’s boutonniere. “So far he’s signaled between the caterer near the north end of the patio, the musician who just excused herself to the lady’s, and Ms. Garcia” she gives a rundown of the targeted options to the four at the Gala through their earpieces.

A muscle turning feeling crawls beneath Penelope’s skin at the information that she’s made his notice, a shudder jerking her from the shoulders down hearing the confirmation. Three hours into the night, three hours. Was that all it took? Even the knowledge that Tara and Matt were triangulating the room with her, keeping an eye on Whitt and the possible would-be victims, that Luke was here too, ready should anything happen, didn’t feel like enough.

“He can’t do anything, I'm right here,” comes in cooly, seemingly right next to her. His voice like a string lacing and constricting her chest.

Luke’s been tracking her since their arrival, though the woman he sees walk in looks more like the devil on a shoulder version of his wife than the living jawbreaker- tough ball of rainbows- he’s used to seeing. He’s not complaining though, the inky black dress contrasts her pale skin and makes her blonde hair glow gold, and the shape, the cut, how she fills it out- she looks devious and sultry and perfectly wicked in just the right way. But he wonders how much of this is some shield or wall, something to just get through tonight, and if it is, is he wrong being this enamored with a side that isn’t a side at all?

“Penelope, remember, we want them to pick you, you need to make yourself more present” this time it’s Prentiss breaking through the space in her ear.

She doesn’t speak but she slowly nods her head. Duh, that’s why I chopped up the dress...

She knows from the recordings it’s not that easy, if she approaches him, they won’t like it, won’t like her. She needs to be aloof, but confident, a little brash, and flirty. She needs to make them want her, want to punish her, to have a powerful man put her in her place. Closing her eyes, she channels her other persona, the one who’s smart and sassy- a bolder, more forward version of herself. The person she used to be…but that’s not who she is any more and she’s not sure she can muster it fully… remember her intricacies. What if they see through her? Worse yet, what if one of them knows her? Would they recognize her after all these years? Was she dooming the sting before ever entering his orbit? This was so stupid, she should have thought this through, created a better disguise. What if they were using her?

Entirely worked up and filling with self-doubt, Penelope drifts across the room, mentally repeating that she’s safe, that no one recognizes her, and even if they did, she’s in a well-lit place in a crowded room and there are agents and security all around, Luke, though she’s only heard him...

Looking around, she spots a group of younger, strong jawed men adjacent to the congressman. They look the type to have been on Crew at Yale or Harvard, the type to drink too much, and get too handsy- politicians sons, the perfect group to be noticed with.

She drains her champagne, joining them, flirting. It’s a tactic that works like a charm, no sooner had she joined the group of men, laughing and touching, squeezing biceps and brushing lapels aside, did Whitt approach.

“Champagne?”

The voice isn’t the congressman’s though, it’s the one in her ear, but it isn’t from the piece, this time it’s behind her. Penelope turns, feeling the wash of relief at his warm eyes finally where she can see them.

Luke had positioned himself between Penelope and the congressman, creating a physical barrier. If any man was approaching his wife tonight, he would be the first.

Irritated at being cut off from his target, Congressman Whitt picks up two flutes from the proffered tray and with a slick sleight of hand drops sedatives into one. Sidestepping, he reaches past Luke, ignoring his presence, and offers it to Penelope.

She grins wide, placing her empty glass on the tray, one hand sliding out to slip around the slim crystal stem, the other sliding down Luke’s hip, not so discreetly squeezing his ass. Luke’s eyebrows jump in surprise, but quick reactions allows him to catch himself before his arm and tray swoop.

Her eyes never leave the congressman as she delivers a coy smile, “What a gentleman, I do like to keep my hands full,” Penelope purrs, taking the spiked champaign.

“Nice job, Garcia- they really did not like that, the comment section is lighting up,”

Luke’s free hand slips down covering her own, giving it a brief, reassuring squeeze back before removing it.

She hears the buzz and watches Whitt check his phone, his eyes careful not to fall on her as he reads, careful to keep his expression neutral.

“You’re on, Penelope.”

From that point on it’s a waiting game filled with tension, everything seemingly pulling back before the slingshot forward.

After some small talk, Whitt politely excuses himself. The less time he’s around her, the less outward interest he takes in her, the less likely he is to be suspected when her dead body’s found in the park tomorrow morning.

With the congressman now making himself noticed schmoozing across the room, Tara reminds Penelope to keep her head in the game, timing is crucial. He’ll wait for the drugs to kick in, wait until his victim is weak, wait for them to seclude themselves, wait for everyone else to become suitably drunk and high and otherwise distracted, then when they’re too incapacitated to put up a fight, he’ll strike. If she succumbs too soon he could get suspicious, if she takes too long, he could change his mind. Waiting for the timed signal, Penelope continues to make sure she’s seen flirting and flitting with every man in the room, at one point even feeling up the delectable Matt Simmons, coining him ‘Biceps’ as she batted her eyes and teased him, much to Luke’s displeasure.

Pantomiming working the room, Whitt watches from a distance incrementally simmering with rage until Penelope, given the direction, feigns going under. Swooning and swaying, fanning herself, she stumbles to the patio, alone.

She holds onto the gritty cement balustrade, eyes closed, cold of the night hitting her, sucking down air, stomach knotting with the knowledge that this was the plan, but the plan put her in direct physical contact with a tortuous murderer. Her body swoops, -the act just a little too good- knees going weak from the anticipated attack. Before she can regain any kind of composure she feels a thick clammy hand on her back and hears his drawling voice, “Hey there Cinderella, had a little too much to drink?”

She swallows, not wanting to look at him, not wanting to think about where he plans on this going, but thinking about the women before her she forces her eyes open, forces the lazy slipping grin of an easier, unperturbed seductress unaware of the horrors that await her. She shrugs, slowly batting her lashes and sways again.

Luke keeps eyes on her from the far side of the ballroom, Tara and Matt from a point in the garden, the act is good, too good. The trio start to worry, had she slipped up and accidentally ingested the spiked champagne?

How much control did she really have? Was she this good of an actress? He shouldn’t have ever allowed Prentiss to approve her, he shouldn’t have told Penelope at all.

Whitt’s hand moves holding her more firmly as he braces around her side, “Why don’t you come with me, I can help-” Penelope tries to get it out, but the words won’t come, fear stuck in her throat, she resists, but he’s quick. All of a sudden she feels the tip of a knife pointing into her other side, “You can fill your hands with something real-” is hissed into her ear. She tries to push away, but freeze takes over, hyperventilating, panic. She’s alone and she can’t move, she whimpers at the sharp pull, Whitt grabbing her by the hair, the hand with the knife wrapping around her. She feels the zhhht- zhhht- zhhht of the blade zig-zaging up her dress, feels the sharp tip find and press to flesh, “I said let’s go you fucking whore-” He pulls her against himself, her back to his chest, she struggles against his grip. He’s taking her and they’re not here, no one is doing anything to stop him, there’s no Prentiss in her ear, no Luke-

The moment he sees Whitt touch her his hand flinches, reaching for his gun.

“Alvez, stand down, we don’t have anything yet-” she’s disconnected Penelope’s radio, not willing to risk Whitt overhearing them through it.

“Prentiss he has her-”

“I said, wait!”

His stomach churns watching the blade slide up her chest, Penelope’s head jerking back and her mouth dropping in a cry.

Every muscle in his body compresses, tenses, braces, “Prentiss, god damn it, he’s taking her!”

There’s urgency in his voice, a thread of distress, Whitt’s actions are alarmingly bold given the setting, but obediently Luke holds back- for a breath-

Whitt’s arm tightening around her.

Then two-

Penelope’s heels dragging back on the flagstone.

Waits until it feels too long

waits until-

“-Fuck this-” shatters. In one fell swoop the silver tray is replaced with a handgun, Luke rushing in a crouch to the patio doors, peaking around the curtain, lining up his shot, “Cover me-”

He steps out into the dark terrace, gun trained, stance even, level, voice ringing out against the din of the party, “Congressman Whitt, FBI, let her go-,” a clear command.

There’s a glimpse of Luke before her head is snapped back, vision pulling to the dark sky above, her body propelling forward. The sharp sound of a knife clattering to stone is like a gunshot, the second she hears it Penelope’s stumble turns into a run and in no time flat she’s colliding heavily into Luke’s chest, his open arm, their bodies rocking with the force, the commotion behind her unintelligible, the others apprehending and arresting Whitt.

Matt steps in front of the congressman, kicking the knife away and reading his rights as Tara roughly takes him by the arms, clicking the cuffs into place. "This is all a misunderstanding, I don’t know what you think you saw- This poor young lady is clearly unstable- She was trying to kill herself! I was trying to stop her! Maybe she was drugged! Put up to it- She was with some young men earlier, I bet they slipped her something-" He bellows and blusters the revisionist story ignorant to the fact that he’d been set up, that they have the whole thing on tape- his own feed.

Tara and an officer escort the protesting congressman to a waiting patrol car. The whole time Luke keeps one arm secure around Penelope’s back holding her to him and the other with his gun trained on the congressman being led away, ready should he make a single move.

“Prentiss, Anderson, you get everything?” Luke feels her arms constrict around his waist when he asks.

“We’ve got it. Unless Ms. Garcia thinks anything needs to be done with this tonight, she can get some rest- Alvez, we’ll talk tomorrow.”

“Fine.” He hears the finality, the awaiting reprimand in her voice, he can’t bring himself to care.

Holstering his gun, he pulls out the ear piece, bringing both arms to circle Penelope tightly. His chin hooks over her shoulder as his hands run up and down her back, “Penelope” it's a prayer on her neck, tangling in her hair.

#criminal minds #garvez #fan fiction #i do do you #case fic this chapter #tw: assault #tw: ptsd ignored #penelope garcia #luke alvez #emily prentiss #tara lewis #matt simmons #angst #some fluff #snails tales #ao3

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parisian-nicole · 3 months

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GarVez Ficlet: The Fishing Expedition

I had started working on a completely different fic where after hanging with the team at a bar, Luke and Penelope were heading out together. He was being a gentleman and walking her to her car which she had parked down the street. She had started to ask him if he thought Tyler had felt sad or left out because they hadn't invited him. Luke was of course bothered and rolling his eyes as she went on, but then he noticed Tyler and some woman a little ways ahead of them standing on the curb looking very cozy. Luke lies about leaving something behind to try to get them to go back to the bar before Penelope noticed, but she caught him. Penelope bravely walks right over to Tyler and the mystery lady (much as she had in the last episode when she saw Tyler w/ his ex Teresa) and introdues herself. I hadn't decide yet if I was going to make the lady in my story Tyler's pregnant fiance or have them married with a newborn son. After last week's episode I scrapped that fic. But This new one came into my head. I hope you enjoy it.

****

“That was fun, right?” Penelope Garcia said with a smile, as she and Teresa Campos walked through the parking lot of the café they had just left.

“Mhm-hm,” Teresa replied through pursed lips that curved at the corners to mimic a smile.

“We should definitely do this again sometime,” Penelope proclaimed as they finally stopped at their cars which were parked next to each other’s.

“Yeah, no, I don’t think so,” Teresa spoke out and her words sent a gut punch to the woman standing in front of her, whose face was crestfallen.

“Why not?” Penelope asked as she rapidly blinked to stave off the tears that were suddenly stinging her eyes seeking release. Even the slightest rejection from others always seemed to cut her deeply.

“Because I don’t like fishing,” Teresa stated and her words made Penelope’s brows furrow in confusion. “And tonight, you took me on a big fishing expedition just to find out if I am hooking up with Agent Alvez,” She added on and Penelope’s eyes widened in surprise as her mouth opened as if to protest but then quickly clamped shut because she was never at ease with lying to others. “Don’t get me wrong, I did enjoy hanging out with you and it was fun for the few moments that you weren’t talking about Luke.”

“I’m sorry,” Penelope apologized as she bowed her head a bit and stared down at the asphalt.

“It’s all right, I am not mad or anything,” Teresa said. “I mean I get it, there is a serious vibe between you and Luke. I picked up on it within a few seconds of being in the room with you two.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Penelope huffed out and hugged herself as if shielding herself from an attack. “Luke and I are just friends.”

“And you’re telling me that you’re not at all interested in being more? Didn’t you two, date?” Teresa asked as she crossed her arm against her chest and allowed her backside to rest upon the backend of her car. She was interested in hearing this story.

“It was just one date, and it was uncomfortable, and we both realized that we’re better as friends … and how do you even know we went on a date, anyway?” Penelope rambled as a blush crept down her neck and spread across her chest.

“Luke told me and he also told me that he loves you,” Teresa threw out to gauge Penelope’s reaction.

“Wait…what?” Penelope squeaked out as her face held a wide-eyed, mouth-gaping look that Teresa could not discern as shocked or horrified.

“Ha, I knew he was lying when he said that you knew he loved you,” Teresa said and at these words she could clearly decipher that Penelope was shocked by what she was hearing, not horrified.

“Why would he tell you that and …” Penelope’s words died on her lips as her mind still reeled from what Teresa had just stated.

“And not tell ‘you’?” Teresa completed the question and Penelope nodded. “Because he’s a chicken shit. I called him out for not being brave enough to tell you how he felt about you, and to shut me up, he said that you already knew. I knew better but it was none of my business so I let it go. I’m surprised you didn’t already know. The guy is ga-ga for you which is why I have decided to steer clear of him. After going through hours of therapy that has put me over two thousand dollars in debt, I’m learning to not fall into old patterns. And hooking up with a guy who I know is not mentally or emotionally into me, just because he’s super-hot, and he smiled at me was a major pattern with me. Although I was tempted by Luke, I even flirted with him about dating. I mean, the man is drop-dead gorgeous, sexy as fuck, and Latino,” She said this with a smile that Penelope matched as she also nodded in agreement to everything Teresa had listed. “He’s also kind, super sweet, and has such a big heart, which completely belongs to you. So, I have to ask what the hell is wrong with you? What I mean is, why are you pining over Tyler when you have a man like Luke who would do absolutely anything for you?”

“Luke and I work together and it could make things complicated and messy. Also, Tyler’s a good guy and … and you also dated Tyler,” Penelope defended.

“Yeah, and I got to know him pretty well, and as nice as he is he's also selfish. We both know that he has experienced trauma due to his sister’s murder. It’s hardened him in ways that will not allow him to be ‘mentally and emotionally’ available, and I think he prefers it that way. You know, not letting anyone get too close out of fear, they will get taken from him, like his sister. And he always used his sister’s murder as an excuse whenever he did something wrong, like getting drunk at a bar, picking a fight, getting arrested, and then calling me to bail him out of jail. Or my personal favorite, going off the grid for days not calling or answering the dozens of concerned messages I would leave him,” Teresa went on and the words made a lump form in Penelope’s throat as déjà vu washed over her. “Hey, sorry,” Teresa spoke more gently as she could tell that her words had upset Penelope. “I know this is really none of my business, but I just have to tell you as someone sort of on the outside looking in, I can see that you are a ‘helper’ and a ‘fixer’. I mean, you didn’t know me except that I was the ex-girlfriend of a guy you’re interested in, but you still jumped head-first into trying to help me. You fixed a problem that Tyler created in my life, and I greatly appreciate that. But you have gotta know that you cannot help everyone and you cannot always fix their problems,” Penelope averted her eyes to the ground as she listened to words that she had been told on numerous occasions in the past but had not ever heeded. “Don’t spend your energy trying to help fix Tyler Green, because I can tell you from my own experience it’s a waste of time. Also,” Teresa reached over and placed her hand against Penelope’s arm which prompted Penelope to look up at her. “Don’t let the ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda’s’ stop you from starting something more romantic with Luke. He is truly an amazing man and the way that he looks at you … Dios mío, chica. He would try to give you the world, the Moon, and the stars if you would let him,” Penelope couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face at hearing a stranger affirm things that she sometimes wondered about. “Here,” Teresa began rummaging through her purse, she then pulled out a card and held it out to Penelope, who took it and read it. “That’s my therapist, she’s really good. Maybe she can help you learn what your bad patterns are and how not to fall into them. Anyway, thank you for the free food and drinks,” Teresa joked while she moved and opened her car door as Penelope smiled at her. “Next time,” She tossed on and Penelope’s eyes lit up at the prospect that she and Teresa could actually try to be friends. “No talk of Luke, Tyler, or any guy for that matter, deal?”

“Deal,” Penelope agreed as she eagerly nodded her head. She remained standing at her car watching as Teresa drove off. She then pulled out her cell and dialed a number. “Hey, Luke, are you doing anything right now?” She asked and remained silent awaiting his reply. “Would you like to have a late dinner with me?” Penelope questioned and then bit her bottom lip as if preparing for his rejection. “You would, great,” She gushed out with a big bubbly smile. “And you’re sure I’m not interrupting anything?” She nodded as he spoke. “Yeah, you always say that I’m never bothering you, but…” Her words ended as he said something else and made her giggle. “All right, well, I’m just a couple of minutes from you. You know that café that’s one block over from your place … Yep, that’s the one. Okay, I’ll be waiting for you inside, see you soon,” Her smile got broader as she ended the call and then turned to head back inside the café. She had only taken a couple of steps before her phone pinged and alerted her that she had a message. She looked at the caller ID and her smile faded a bit as she saw the name ‘Tyler’ displayed. She opened and read the message:

~ Hey, I need your help.

~ What happened?

~ I’m at some bar right now. I’m not drunk but I’ve had enough drinks that I probably shouldn’t be driving. Do you think you could come pick me up? I could really use a friend right now. It’s been a bad day.

Penelope knew that today would likely be a bad day for Tyler, it was his sister’s birthday. So, she hadn’t been surprised when he had been MIA at work and hadn’t acknowledge the three calls and six text messages she had left him. She also wasn’t surprised that he had gone out drinking or was now texting her seeking some solace, and there was a part of her that wanted to race to him and comfort him any way she could. But there was also a voice screaming in her head that this was the ‘pattern’ that Teresa had just been talking about. She took a deep breath and started typing.

~ Sorry, but I can’t I’m about to have a dinner date with Luke. I can call you an Uber if you drop me your location.

~ No worries, I’ll call an Uber myself. You enjoy your ‘date’ with Luke 🙁 and tell him I said hello.

~ Ok, good night.

Penelope hurriedly placed her phone back in her purse and stood there a couple of minutes more as she waited for the guilt to kick in. If it did, she would ask Luke to go with her to get Tyler. That would be her insurance that Tyler would not end up back at her place for the night. As she thought about it more, she was sure that had been his intention in contacting her. If he had ‘needed a friend’ he could have reached out to her before going to some bar to drink. She was not just some booty he could tap whenever he wanted a distraction and comfort. She was better than that.

“And I deserve better than that,” She mumbled out as her brows furrowed and she frowned a bit. Penelope had been so deep in thought that she hadn’t noticed that Luke had arrived, parked, and was making his way over to her.

“Hey, Chica,” He called out just before he stopped to stand right in front of her with concern showing on his face. “Is everything okay? I thought you were gonna wait for me inside. What are you doing out here?”

“Oh, everything is fine. I actually just met up with a friend here before I called you and they just left,” Penelope stated and the look on Luke’s face and the way he nodded while averting his eyes prompted her next words. “It wasn’t Tyler,” He didn’t say anything but his relief was written all over his face as a smile tugged at his mouth. “I’ve decided that I can’t pursue a romance with Tyler.”

“Right, because he works with us now and you have your rule about dating someone you work with,” Luke offered.

“No, it’s because we never really had anything real,” She countered. “I mean, it was definitely real for me, but we all know that he only came into my life so he could get help tracking down Voit so he could kill him to avenge his sister’s murder. Also, he got some amazing sex for good measure.”

“I was kind of, sort of, starting to get along with the guy, but now I wanna beat the shit out of him again for how he treated you,” Luke huffed out and Penelope could tell by the way he clenched his hands into a fist that what he said hadn’t been in jest.

“Luke, you don’t need to defend my honor.”

“No, but I want to,” He said this with such conviction as he stared intensely into her eyes that another blush swept across her chest.

“Because … you love me, right?” She cautiously probed seeking confirmation to what Teresa had told her.

“Yeah, I do,” He nodded as he frowned up and he looked like he was offended that she even had to ask him that.

“Are you in love with me, too?” She asked and his eyes widened a little and she could tell by the way he kept swallowing that he was nervous. As he silently stood before her, she also became nervous thinking that Teresa had been wrong about his feelings.

“Yes, I am,” Luke finally confessed as Penelope gasped and her mouth gaped in her surprise. “But hey, you don’t have to worry about it. It doesn’t have to be a big thing-”

“What do you mean, you just said that you’re in love with me and that’s a huge thing, Luke,” She squeaked out as she clutched her left hand across her chest. Luke was becoming panicked by her reaction.

“Fuck! I’m sorry, Penelope, I never wanted you to find out. It doesn’t have to change anything between us.”

“It changes everything,” She stated as a single tear slipped from her eyes as she looked at him bewildered.

“Look, I know that you don’t have romantic feelings for me-”

“But I do,” She cut off his words and the current fear running through his mind where he was thinking he was going to lose her friendship now that she knew the truth.

“You … you do?” Luke was shocked and his bulging eyes and open mouth was the testament. “But on our date, you said…”

“I said the truth,” Penelope interjected and her words made Luke’s face become a mask of confusion. This was how she constantly made him feel; hot and cold. Sometimes she’d give him a look or say things to him that would have him thinking she was interested in him, but then she’d become cold and distant with him again. “Our date was awkward for me and I really didn’t know how to talk to you at that time without dunking on you. I realize now that it was all on me, my old hang ups from when I was in middle school all the way through college. It was like a broken record with me; the superhot guy who I’d have the biggest crush on but I knew was way out of my league, would ask me out. But it would always end up with them trying to molest me or get me into bed. I started developing these lovely ladies when I was eight,” She pointed at her breasts but Luke hadn’t even registered the move as his face hardened in anger at knowing that was how she was treated.

“I would never, ‘ever’ do that to you,” He defended. “In fact, I really want to track those guys down now and beat their asses.”

“I know you’re not like that, Luke, I really do,” Penelope said this softly as she gently placed her right hand against his left arm in hopes to placate his madness. “But the night of our date that’s all that was playing through my head at first, because I really had no idea that you had true romantic feelings for me. I just thought that you thought it would be your last opportunity to get me into bed before I left the B.A.U.”

“Penelope, I had been in love with you years before our date. I mean, I can’t tell you the exact moment it happened, but I do know the exact moment that I realized I was in love with you,” These words stunned her.

“You do?” She asked him as a slight smile graced her lips and he reciprocated the smile as he nodded his head, but then his face grew somber as he remembered.

“Yeah, it was at Phil’s funeral,” He confessed and she would have never suspected that that would have been the day of his revelation. Her face scowled up in confusion but she remained silent to allow him to continue. “You were the only one from the team who came, and I know the others didn’t feel comfortable because none of you knew him that well and you hadn’t been invited by his family. Even Lisa didn’t come with me for the same reasons, but not you. You came, partly to pay your respects to Phil but I knew that you mostly came to give your support to me. Standing there at Phil’s graveside funeral, when I felt your hand grasp mine and I looked over and saw you standing there, right at my side, mami …” He paused and shook his head a bit as his mind and heart became bombarded with the emotions he had felt in that moment years ago. “I knew without a doubt that I was in love with you. I had always been attracted to you from the second I had laid eyes on you, but I seriously could have dropped to my knees right there in that cemetery and proposed marriage because I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I loved you and wanted to spend my lifetime loving you.”

“Oh, Luke,” Penelope softly sobbed out as her tears fell which he quickly reached out and wiped away. “I didn’t know that that was how you felt.”

“I know, and the timing was so shitty not just because it was at my best friend’s funeral but also because he really liked you. And I mean in a romantic way. He had been asking, no, it was more like harassing me to hook you two up, ever since we brought him Lou and he first met you. I didn’t know I was doing it at the time but I was totally cock blocking him, because I didn’t want him anywhere near you. And I’m sorry I lied to you when you asked me if Phil had asked about you.”

“Boy, we’ve both been going about things the wrong way by not being more open with each other about how we feel, haven’t we?” Penelope stated as she sniffled and wiped away more tears that had slipped out. “I mean, we’ve missed out on years of what might have been a happily ever after for us.”

“Well, the story is still being written, and ‘this’ right now could be the beginning of our happily ever after, right?” Luke asked tentatively. He inwardly sighed in relief as she slowly smiled while nodding her head.

“Yeah,” Penelope agreed.

“Yeah?” He repeated as he also smiled.

“I would like to find out where the story leads.

“So, would I, but can ‘this’ be our official first date and that other one we can say it was just a test run?” Luke joked.

“Definitely,” She concurred as she giggled and nodded in agreement.

“Shall we?” He shifted to stand beside her and offered her his right arm, which she linked with her left arm.

“Luke,” She stalled his movements before he walked them to the café. He looked down at her curiously and awaited her next words, but instead he experienced a pleasant surprise when she leaned up and deliberately pressed her lips upon his. His reaction was instinctive as he swiftly wrapped his arms around her waist, pressed her flush against his chest, and deepened their kiss. The need for air finally pulled them apart but neither relinquished their hold on the other. “For this to work I’m going to need two things,” Penelope panted out as she gazed directly into his eyes. “One is exclusivity because I am a very monogamous person-”

“Me too, and I don’t plan on sharing you with anyone else so I’m going to need you to make Tyler aware that we’re now dating, or I will have to,” Penelope hurriedly nodded to this.

“I kind of already did when he texted me right before you arrived, but I will talk to him to make it crystal clear, so there’s no room for doubt or confusion. And that leads me to the other thing I’m going to need in order for this to work between us. We can’t hide things from each other. We will need communication because I’m not always good at reading between the lines or seeing the obvious, so I will need you to talk to me. We both need to always be open, honest, and receptive to each other, no matter what.”

“Absolutely, I can do that,” Luke concurred. “Soo, are you agreeing to be my girlfriend?” He questioned as he casually tossed his right arm over her shoulder and moved them towards the café.

“Only if you’re agreeing to be my boyfriend, ‘and’ if things don’t work out romantically between us, I get to have unrestricted visitation rights with Roxy,” She replied with a cheeky smile and Luke’s head fell back as he laughed while agreeing. He never would have anticipated that this would be how his day would end up. He had been happy when she called him, elated when she asked him out to dinner, and now he just felt overjoyed and truly blessed.

“Boy, I need to go fishing more often,” Penelope mumbled to herself as they stood at the door to the café that Luke was pulling open for her to enter first.

“What was that, my beautiful girlfriend?” He asked teasingly as he had not made out her words.

“Oh, it was nothing, my handsome boyfriend,” She teased back while feeling contentment as well as excitement about what their future held.

****

Fin

****

*Fic art made for entertainment purposes only*

#garvez #garvez fanfiction #criminal minds evolution #garcia x alvez #garvez fic #criminal minds fic #luke alvez #penelope garcia

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