#chemistry resource masterlist

[er-cryptid]

Chemistry Notes (December 2021)

Acid-Base Equilibrium Side Ex 1

Acid-Base Equilibrium Side Ex 2

Arrhenius vs Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases

Calculating [OH-] with Kw Ex 1

Change in Entropy for a Change of State Ex 1

Classification of Amines

Complex Lewis Structure Formal Charges Ex 3

Constitutional Isomers Ex 1

Finding Percent by Mass Ex 2

Identifying Functional Groups Ex 2

Intermolecular Force of Water

Moles of Product Ex 1

Naming Cycloalkanes Ex 1

Naming Cycloalkanes Ex 9

Nonmetal Listing Order

Order of a Reaction Ex 2

pH from [OH-] Ex 1

Products of an Acid-Base Reaction Ex 1

R,S Naming of Fischer Projection Ex 1

Spin Quantum Number

Stereoisomers with Multiple Chiral Centers Ex 1

Stronger Acidity and Electronegativity Ex 1

Vanadium (III) Oxide

Weaker Acidity and Electronegativity Ex 1

Weaker Acidity and Electronegativity Ex 2

[a-shade-of-blue]

Masterlist of Vetted Fundraisers from the Palestinians who directly contacted me (15-18 August)

17 August

Ghada Ashraf ( @ghadaashrafsousi, @ghada-ashraf-sousi): Ghada is a French teacher. Her daughter Maria has not been able to get vaccinated and complete her treatment because of the genocide. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/094016c9) (Vetted by association. @amalashuor (#175 on the verified fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) has stated that Ghada is her friend, see post here for proof) (17 Aug: LOW FUNDS! Only €155 raised of €30,000 goal (9 donations!).)

Maria (@maria-gaza1): Maria is a pharmacy student from a family of 6. Their home has been destroyed and they are displaced. (https://gofund.me/b297b689)(vetted by association. She's a friend of @/wafaaresh (shared by 90-ghost) and @/mohiy-gaza (shared by 90-ghost). See post here for proof.)

Basel Ayyad (@basel1995s, basel-1995): Basel is 28 years old and from a family of 8. His daughter has suffered from a disease that impacts her growth and sight, and with the lack of medical resources in Gaza, her health is getting worse and she is gradually lodging her eyesight. They are tyring to evacuate out of Gaza and get her the treatment she needs. (https://gofund.me/0e9c79b3) (This campaign is vetted twice(!) by el-shab-hussein and is listed as #214 on the vetted fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Mohammed Aldeeb (@mohammedaldeeb): Mohammed is a medical professional specializing in emergency care who worked at the Al-Shifa Hospital for years. Both his home and the hospital have been destroyed. He is from a family of four. They have managed to evacuate and are now trying to cover their living expenses in Egypt. (https://gofund.me/8906146e) (vetted by el-shab-hussein and is #212 on the vetted fundraiser spreadsheet by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Tahani El-Shorbage & Wissam (@weesamshorbaji, @tahanibaby): Tahani studied chemistry and digital marketing and was an assistant professor at a uni that has now been destroyed. Tahani’s children have contracted hepatitis from water pollution. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/de78bf6f) ( #112 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi. Also promoted by nabulsi here.) (Tahani’s IG: tahani_marketing)

16 August

Karam Al-Madhoun (@karamalmadhoun0): Karam is a 20 year old graphic design student. He is from a family of five. Their house has been destroyed and they are now displaced. They are trying to evacuate to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/903d0086) (#109 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) (his IG: karam_almadhoun7)

Ahmed Abu Al-Rish (@ahmadresh): Ahmed is 19 years old and wishes to study photographic design but was unable to due to the genocide. He and his family’s house has been bombed and they are now displaced. They wish to escape from this genocide. (https://gofund.me/cecba331) (shared by 90-ghost. Ahmad has also been confirmed as @/mohiy-gaza's brother (see post here))

Ahmed Abu Omar (@ahmedabuomar, ): Ahmed and his wife has 3 children: Omar (11), Ibrahim (10) and Ahmed (4). They have been displaced and are trying to evacuate out of Gaza to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/a4e4c8d7) (Shared by apollos-olives, who states that @/ahmedabuomar is a friend of @/ahmedabuyamin (ahmedabuyamin's gfm is listed as #264 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi))

Ahed Al-Ankara (@aahed255): Ahed and his wife Maysoon have 3 children: Fatima (9), Iman (6), and Nour (1). Their have been displaced for more than 10 times. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/1e35b377) (This campaign has been shared by @/mohammedalanqer, whose gfm is #174 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) (16 Aug: LOW FUNDS! Only €215 raised of €40,000 goal (8 donations))

15 August

Hazem Khalil (@hazempalestine): Hazeem has not been able to see his family who live in Northern Gaza since 2018 due to the difficult situation there. Their home has been destroyed and he is trying to evacuate his family of 7 (including 2 children who are his younger siblings. (https://gofund.me/55f0129e) (vetted by el-shab-hussein. He is also a friend of Bilal-Salah0. Listed as #281 on the verified fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Lina Zeyad (@lina-zeyad): Lina is an attorney and has 3 sons -  Abdullah, Yazan, Youssef, and a daughter who is married and pregnant. Her youngest son Yousseff has contracted Hepatitis C after having to drink contaminated water. (https://gofund.me/de10f8c6) (vetted by nabulsi.)

Amna Marwan (@gazaway13): Amna is a mother of 3 children: Ahmed(8), Adam (6), and Ayla (4). Their home has been destroyed and they are displaced. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/36e10d4b) (#247 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Abdallah Mousa (@abdallahblog0): Abdallah is a 20 years old uni student. He dreams of becoming a doctor. His house and university has been destroyed. He and his family are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gogetfunding.com/your-help-is-the-only-hope-to-save-abdallah-his-family-from-genocide/) (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RawanMous) (shared by 90-ghost.)

Mahmoud Ziad (@mahmoud-ziad): Mahmoud is 24 years old. He has been displaced with elderly mother and father, his brothers, and his brother’s wife. (https://gofund.me/0aaeecea) (shared by 90-ghost)

Abood and Maria (@maria-abood, @abood-gaza2, @maria-abood2): Abood and Maria got married 5 months ago during the war. Maria is currently pregnant. They have been displaced more than 10 times. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/7a4d8d0a) (vetted by association. (Maria's husband Abood is the brother of @/mohiy-gaza. See post here. Mohi's gfm has been shared by 90-ghost.))

Ahmed Khader (@ahmedpalestine): Ahmed is in Belgium but his family is still in Gaza. He is trying to evacuate his family of 12, including 8 adults and 4 children under 16 years old. (https://gofund.me/42d81684) (Ahmed's campaign is promoted by Bilal-Salah0. Bilal's campaign is listed as #132 on the verified fundraiser spreadsheet vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi. Bilal's campaign has reached its goal and he has said that he will ensure the legitimacy of the campaigns he promotes (see post here).)

Ayaa Mahmoud (@ayoosh-gaza, her brother:@ahmad-gaza): Ayaa is a 24 years old children’s teacher . She is living with her parents and her 8 siblings. Their home has been destroyed and they are trying to evacuate to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/87a0fa9f) (Vetted by association. Ayaa is the sister-in-law of @eslamfamily (shared by @/90-ghost, #175 on the Bees and Watermelons spreadsheet). See post here for proof. Here's her IG: ayaa_mahmoud_99.))

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 13 July - 25 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 26 July -29 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 30 July - 1 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 2 August - 5 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 6 August - 10 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 11 August - 14 August.

[theheightofdishonor]

GL Recs Masterlist

I've watched a couple hundred gls now and so I thought i'd put it to good use and help other people find some. There's not enough gl rec lists anyway

First things first, I'll like to direct you to https://mydramalist.com/list/1xrpwdW3 which is a gl rec list on mdl with more than 200+ titles + links. It's an EXCELLENT resource, kept up to date and even tracks upcoming titles.

Now for stuff that I've watched and thought are decent. I'll link all of these to their mdl page and the links to watch the show can usually be found in the comments. If you're new to gl, be warned that a lot of these are pretty short, ranging from 1-30 minutes.

1 in 10,000 (2018) Korea. This is a soulmates piece told in 3 parts following two girls through different parts of their lives. I think this got more confusing as it went on but I really liked Act I and I think it's worth watching. It's beautiful and angsty and a bit artsy. I'm pretty sure it has a happy ending but don't quote me on that.

Afraid of (2019) Korea. A short film about a girl struggling with her sexuality. Yeah, I know, there's a THOUSAND of these but I do like this one. It's beautifully shot and there's a lot of heart.

Am I the only one with butterflies? (2018) Korea. A girl blogs about falling in love with the manager at her new job. I like part ii better than part one but it's just cute and the pining is very similar to het kdramas.

Anonymous high school girl (2022) Korea. A low stakes love triangle. Good chemistry, low budget, awful kisses.

The Beauty of the Law (2023) China- If you're not familar with chinese gls, I think it's certainly something to get used to. This is like in the top 1% of the category. It's an ad for Adolph Shampoo and i'm going to let you know that they're going to appear often on this list because they make excellent gls. It's a historical about a female unlicensed lawyer trying to help a woman escape her abusive marriage. Makes great points about gender imbalances and women's historical lack of legal rights in China. (f you like this one, Sheng Wei, one of the actresses stars in 50%+ of all chinese gls, check her out)

Beguine (2018) Thailand - It's if the school dancing scene in My School President was a 30 minute sequence with two girls. No plot but adorable.

Cat in the eastern palace (2020) China - Watch this just to have the surreal experience of seeing like 3 whole cdrama arcs which normally take 20ish eps executed in a 7 minute timeframe. Also because it stars laoji who's in the other 50% of chinese gls. As for plot, it's about a cat spirit and a girl pretending to be the crown prince.

Clasper (2021) Thailand - And they were roommates! I liked the production, the dialogue and the acting was pretty decent.

Couple of Mirrors*** (2021) China- Wait to watch this because it will ruin you for everything else. This is like typical thai bl length, like 12 45~min episodes. It's a historical mystery about a wealthy woman who finds out about her husband's affair with her bff and the photographer she enlists to help her. If you watch one thing out of China, watch this.

Dear My Girlfriend (2021) Korea - A group project ft love triangle. It´s pretty classic. A girl starts dating someone who likes her only to realize she might instead be in love with her best friend. The editing is cute. It's a touch angsty as love triangles are and pretty well done.

Dear Uranus (2021) Taiwan. Another school love triangle. Does feature an adorkable female character, you know a bit awkward, a bit cutesy, if you hate this archetype, ignore this one. Personally I think the chemistry for the lead couple was lacking (genuinely shocking considering taiwan tends to be great at this) but both the love interests are hot and I am not immune to hot women

The Demonic lord and the virtuous cultivator (2021) China - Avoid this if you don't like toxic yuri. I personally love it so this is 10/10 for me. Orphan gets taken in by a benevolent benefactor who turns out to be her parents' killer and eventually....you know what go watch it.

Encore Martha (2021) Taiwan. One of the few gls about older women. A tomboy reunites with her first love. This one's only available on gagaoolala so you'll either need a subscription or sometimes they promote it for free. If you can find it though, it's worth a watch.

Family Plan (2016) Korea. This is a bit of an odd one to describe. The first half is two high school girls who are dating. And then the second half is their relationship as adults where they marry guys and use it to have a kid that they raise as theirs. I liked how this examined how two gay people would go about their relationship in in a world where they can't freely be with each other.

Favorite Girl (2022) Thailand. Very standard plot about a girl suffering from a breakup and her roommate but something about it stuck out to me.

Five steps to accept farewell (2016) Korea. Warning for unhappy ending. This is all pure angst, a 9 minute snapshot into a breakup. I like how it's done and the messiness of the situation.

Fragrance of the first flower (2021) Taiwan. A beautifully shot, beautifully acted, slightly too short show about two ex-lovers reuniting ft. all the angst about living in a homophobic society. It stayed in my head for weeks after I first watched it.

Girls Blood** (2014) Japan. A movie about 4 "girls" in an underground fight club. warnings for rape, trauma, domestic assault. One of the main characters is a trans man. There are sex scenes. It's very queer and I highly recommend.

Girls Love** (2016) China. Pre-censorship China had some very wonderful queer work and one of them was this movie It's about a girl who falls in love with her hot butch roommate ft all the tropes AND we get to see them function in a relationship instead of the movie ending when they get together. Warning for both characters being forcibly outed at the end. (nothing bad really happens to them after though). Also do NOT watch the sequel. If you go to mdl, everyone else will also tell you not to watch the sequel and I foolishly did not listen to those people because I liked these girls so much and I suffered for my mistake.

The Girls on Rela (2016) China. It's an anthology of short, I wouldn't say stories, more like moments, sponsored by a lesbian dating app. Each one's really short but the acting and scripts are all pretty good.

The Girls on Rela Season 2** (2016) China. This is sponsored by the same company but it's a totally different format. It's one long show about two girls cohabiting. Pretty well executed if a bit slow.

Graduation, Present + Propose (2021) Korea. A short about a high school girl giving a graduation present to her crush. What it does it does well. It's pretty.

The Handmaiden (2016) Korea. Historical set movie about a conman and thief girl who plot to steal a heiress’s fortune. I make it sound boring but that's only because it's a pretty popular movie and everything to be said about it has already been said.

Happy to have you here (2021) Thailand. Two friends have a sleepover and figure out their feelings. This is definitely in the top 20% for this trope, even though they rushed just a tad into the kiss.

Hello, spring is coming (2019) Korea. I'll let you read the synopsis for this one. What you need to know is that it's pretty, well acted, has good chemistry and is as brightly colored as a lollipop. It's a bit disorienting, parts of it doesn't make a lot of sense but it's a fun time.

I broke up because of you (2023) Korea- A bartender and their client catches feelings for each other. The dynamic is nice, the kiss less so but it can be forgiven.

I’m her weapon (2022) China- It's kinky, it's angsty, it's 3 minutes long and still fits in a separation arc. I would pay money for an extended version.

Kanojo no Kuchidzuke Kansensuru Libido (2022) Japan - two girls fall in love in a hospital. I like the tone of this one.

The L Bang** (2015) China- Another Rela production. It's a 4 episode comedy about a bunch of lesbians + (1) gay man who live in the same apartment complex. It's got queer friendship, queer acceptance and queer love. It's just wonderful. It feels like 2000s American sitcoms but queer and Chinese.

Led Astray by Love (2022) China- Fairly long for a cgl. A girl gets transported to a manhwa and falls in love with the ruler. Sunshine/grumpy. This baby is 52 minutes long and covers like the same amount of plot as word of honor does in 30 something episodes.

Legend of Yunze (2021) China - A human and a half demon vanquish demons from a village. It has a second season and a special that I haven't watched yet.

The Lost World** [Xia Ye Zhi Dao Feng De Tian] (2023) China - After watching as much cgl as I have, I was shocked to see Laoji in a modern piece. This is a college setting running-into-a-childhood-friend trope. The pacing and chemistry are both pretty good. It's one of my favorites from her.

Love in the Tinder Age** (2019) Korea- A black comedy about a bullied lesbian's failed suicide attempt ft psychics, ghosts and a teacher/student relationship. It's not really a gl because the main character doesn't get a romance BUT it's really fun so you should watch it anyway.

Love of Secret** (2022) Thailand- More of a slice of life than a love story but it's cute and fluffy and the main character very much is in a relationship. The actual plot is about a med student who's hiding both her relationship with her best friend and her dreams to be an idol. I found it positively charming.

Lover’s Concerto** (2002) Korea- Calling this a gl is a stretch. It's more just queer? The girls were most likely in love but they don't end up together and the movie itself doesn't really have a happy ending. I did find it beautiful though.

Mayfly angel (2024) Korea- Classic discovers-feelings-for-bestie-after-a-breakup plot. Warning that this is angsty and they don't end up together. But I found it realistic and I liked that they felt like two real people. Take that how you will.

Miss shen and the woman warlord (2023) China- a woman cross-dresses as another young woman's fiance and they fall in love. Despite how i describe it, there's a decent amount of plot and some political commentary.

More or less than 75 celsius (2019) Korea- A tea master and her supervisor fall in love. It's sparse and short but cute.

My Dear (2021) Thailand. A drunk girl confesses to her friend and luckily for her, it's mutual. It's 5 minutes long but it uses its time well and the acting is nice. It feels a bit like gmmtv's confessions. If you like it, the production company ShakeShoulder makes TONS of gl shorts and i'd recommend checking them out.

No distance left to run  (2022) Hong Kong. a 15 minute short film about how fame causes issues in a pop star's relationship. Unhappy ending. The song's a bop though and it's well done.

Nü er hong** (2023) China. I forgot to mention but this one, the legend of yunze and the lost world are all produced by the same studio. They do a lot of fairly long chinese gls. The story is about these two beings from an alien world who crash land on earth and are hunted. One is a healer and the other is a killer, they're in love, the killer goes insane so her lover kills her. Unbeknownst to them, they're immortal so the killer wakes up with no memories 200 years later. The pacing is better than some of their earlier stuff but it's not quite perfect here yet. It is one of my favorites from the studio though and it ends happily.

Our relationship ended before it began (2022) Korea. A barista falls in love with her manager at a coffee shop ft gender roles, miscommunication and the classic "cool one picks on the nice one to show affection" trope.

Pyramid Game** (2024) Korea. This is more gl adjacent like Devil Judge and Beyond Evil. There is a secondary gl couple that's more explicitly canon though. If you've watched other kdramas about school bullying, this is pretty similar except it's an all-girls school and everyone is so gay. It's got so much heart and is one of my favorite shows of the year.

Really, Lily? (2019) Korea. A 6 minute short about two girls who visit a cafe and beats up two men who were making homophobic remarks about them. It's surprisingly comedic and the coloring is bright to match. Features a pretty decent kiss. Watching it, I wished it was longer but what's there is still good.

Secret of us (2024) Thailand. The only longform thai gl that i've liked enough to finish. It's about an idol who comes back to win over her doctor ex. It falters from ep 6 onwards but until then, the show is really good at showing the emotional thought processes of the characters and the way they construct the story is compelling, even though I don't even like second chance romances.

Shackles (2023) China. Another one from the Chinese shampoo ad. The pairing itself is not my favorite but it's so cool that this is basically a warning against nuclear pollution AND features chinese mythology that's used in the brand's marketing. Like a 3 in 1. It's so interesting.

She Makes My heart flutter (2022) Korea. Baby lesbian finds out her aunt runs a lesbian bar and starts working there. It's so goddamn cute but it has this weird relationship with homophobia where everyone in the show is apparently 100% ok with queerness but a lot of the aunt's actions is so driven by her being a queer person in an unaccepting society. A bit like how Moonlight Chicken deals with Jin and Li Ming's different attitudes towards being queer except they don't dwell on why the aunt is the way she is or what she's been through. Anyways, it's worth a watch.

Sleep with me (2022) Philippines. A 6 episode series about two girls who are disabled in different ways fall in love. One of them can only sleep during the day and the other is in a wheelchair and the show does a pretty decent job at showing how these disabilities affect their lives and their relationship

Soshite, Yuriko wa Hitori ni Natta** (2020) Japan. If you follow me, you may have seen me talk about this show earlier this year because I found it and promptly fell in love. It's not quite gl but Mizuki's actions are all driven by the fact that she's in love with Yuriko. It's queerer than you would expect, less queer than you might want. It's a supernatural-adjacent school horror about a girl who's new school has a weird thing where every year, a girl named Yuriko becomes "Yuriko sama" and rules the school while everyone else in that year with the same name mysteriously dies. Yuriko's best friend Mizuki plots to make the sweet innocent Yuriko the newest Yuriko-sama to save her life. It's weird, there's plot holes everywhere by the end, it definitely vilifies it's gays and the ending is weak but it's such a compelling watch.

Stand-in love (2023) Philippines. 2 best friends have a ‘stand in’ relationship where the straight one helps the lesbian one learn how to court someone but they end up falling in love with each other. Like 20 min long and I love it.

Ti Shen** [The substitute] (2017) Taiwan. The mdl synopsis can describe the plot better than I can but it's a romance between an idol and a normal girl that's split into two parts. The first half is about them meeting in high school, the second is when they reunite later on a movie set where one of them is the other's stunt double. I think the first part could've been a bit longer but it's a great movie.

Transit Girls (2015) Japan. Stepsisters. Happy ending though and it's fairly long. I liked this mostly because I like Japan's moody stuff. I also liked how they handled the male love interest.

Truth or Dare (2022) Korea. A 10 minute short about two girls who like each other playing truth or dare. It does a great job at building tension and revealing things without saying it.

Tsukuritai Onna to Tabetai Onna** (2022) Japan. A woman who loves to cook comes to an arrangement with her neighbor who loves to eat. Japan does food-centered dramas better than everyone else and this is no exception. The romance itself is slow and you watch how their dynamic changes through this and the season two that came out this year.

The Twelve flower gods: Camelia (2020) China. A xianxia romance about a girl falling in love with a flower but it's a minute twenty so I promise you're not watching for the plot. You're watching to witness the ridiculous amount of innuendos that they manage to fit in under two minutes.

Twin souls of destiny (2023) China. Xianxia romance between two elves, one who is made from the memories of the other's past life. I want someone else to watch this so we can discuss whether or not this is selfcest. The color combination is interesting because I very rarely see lovers in red and purple. The time travel is confusing but it's a good time and laoji is in it.

Until Rainbow Dawn** (2018) Japan. Movie about two deaf girls falling in love ft homophobic parents. The director is a deaf lesbian herself so the movie does a wonderful job in how it depicts deafness and their relationship. It's really well done

When the light pours (2022) Korea. A girl's boyfriend wants her to sing him a song so she enrolls in guitar lessons and ends up falling in love with her teacher. The girls don't get together and I really wish they had! So if you watch this, don't watch the ending and pretend that they did end up together.

[senorabond]

Rumor Has It: Chapter 8 Peña x f!reader x Pike

Pairings: Javier Peña x f!reader; Marcus Pike x f!reader; future Peña x f!reader x Pike

Chapter 8 Summary: Before going any further, you set some ground rules with Javi. Then it's fucking game on.

Rating: 18+ (Minors DNI), Explicit sexual content, additional warnings may be added for future chapters

Chapter Warnings: no use of y/n, previous relationship (Marcus x f!Reader), flashback, slowburn that got hot, workplace romance, ohh the yearning, fake relationship, keeping it secret, unprotected PIV sex (stay safe, folks), Dom/sub dynamic, use of Daddy, slight degradation kink (you’re a good little slut/whore), rough sex, possessiveness, cuckolding if you squint (I really don’t know how to describe it), dirty talk (Javi has a filthy mouth), light titty/ass spanking (2 light, 1 harder), hair pulling, spit, talk about anal, very light cumplay/eating, aftercare, soft!Javi, a bit of feels. 

Reader/Character notes: Reader is fem!afab; No mention of Reader’s body size, shape, composition, or skin color. Reader is short enough to notice a difference in height without heels and has hair long enough to brush aside and pull back.

Words: 8.1k

Author’s Note: THEY FINALLY FUCK - Jeeeeesus. Took them long enough, huh? Please let me know if I missed anything I should add to the warnings, I feel like I took a kinky bag of scrabble tiles and just dumped them out on the floor with this chapter. This is easily the filthiest fucking thing I’ve ever written, and I’m actually really proud of myself. My new taglist is at the end! If you’d like to be added, just send me a DM or say so in a comment. ❤️

A ginormous thank you to my darling beta, @kilamonster. I could not have written this without your neverending support and tutelage. I can’t wait to write more smut in Spanish with you! Also, I’m not sorry for sending you periodic updates and random questions about the thots running wild in my head. 💋💜 

Also, for anybody else like me who wants to write more smut in Spanish, @kilamonster sent me this incredible resource written by the amazing @urmomsgnocchi. Representation is so important, and this is just one of the many ways writers can do their part to represent different languages and cultures in their work. Please like, comment, and reblog the post so more writers can benefit!

Dividers by @saradika!

Masterlist || Previous Chapter

“Okay, ‘grown ass woman,’” he says, and you let out a small laugh. “I’ve got a choice for you to make.”

“Oh, yeah? And what’s that?” 

“Your place or mine?”

~*~*~*~

Later That Night Texas

You chose your place. Javi says he’ll give you a half hour head start to avoid any suspicion from the other agents. You’ve put your blazer back on and fixed your hair, but the wet heat between your legs remains. 

The gallery event wraps up, and Javi tells the others to report to the conference room the following morning for the official debrief. You check in with Diaz, who is still at the hospital, and are glad to hear that Bateman is already in post-op recovery and doing well. 

Standing in your kitchen back home, old, familiar feelings wash over you. The adrenaline of the night has worn off, leaving you off balance. Marcus comes to mind, and his calm, grounding energy. You groan in frustration. You can’t let thoughts of Marcus creep in and ruin what is happening with Javi. 

What is happening with Javi? Obviously, the sexual tension between you is off the charts; and the chemistry – oh God, the chemistry. Your heart rate goes up just thinking about how it felt to have his mouth and hands on you finally, his hardness pressing into you through his pants… 

Taking a deep breath, you mutter to yourself, “I need a drink.”

Glass of wine at the ready, you kick off your heels and hang up the blazer in your closet. You feel as taut as a harp string and take a large gulp from your wine, hoping it will relax you. Rolling your neck and shoulders, you hear your phone buzz on the kitchen counter.

Setting the glass down, you take a deep breath and pick up your phone. 

It’s a text from Javi. Maybe he changed his mind, or decided sleeping together wasn’t worth the risk to the case or your careers. Unlocking the screen, you read the text only to see that he’s giving you a final chance to change your mind.

I’m here. Do you still want me to come inside?

Peeping through the blinds, you look down at the parking lot outside your apartment building. The streetlamp casts just enough light to see Javi’s Jeep parked in one of the visitors’ spots. The man himself is in shadow, pacing a bit and fidgeting with his phone, presumably waiting for your reply. You smile, realizing that he might actually be a tad nervous too.

Opening your front door, the light from your apartment spills across the walkway outside and catches Javi’s attention. He stops and looks up expectantly to where you stand, backlit and beckoning to him from the second floor railing. Pocketing his phone, Javi makes a beeline for the stairs and takes them two at a time, reaching you in less than a minute. 

The first thing you notice is the difference in your height, now that you’re barefoot. He’s smiling down at you, fingers dancing at his sides. 

“Touch me,” you reply softly, “please.” 

His tongue pokes out and wets his bottom lip.

“Inside.” Javi’s voice is strained, but firm. 

Turning, you lead him inside your apartment, then hear him shut and lock the door behind him. You start to face him, but he interrupts. 

“Don’t. Stay like that for me.” 

Footsteps approach slowly from behind, making a coil tighten in your lower belly. You feel his presence at your back before he even touches you. Goosebumps erupt across your flesh as his fingers lightly graze your shoulders and upper arms. 

A hand sweeps your hair to one side and off your neck. You tilt your head in the same direction, hoping to feel his lips on your sensitive skin. Javi’s hands still and he leans over to speak low in your ear. 

“If we do this, I only have one rule.” 

You smirk, remembering the first time he said that. 

“You make the rules?” You start to turn your head to look at him, but his grip on your upper arms tightens just enough to hold you in place. His mustache twitches against the shell of your ear as he smiles, sending delicious signals to your already peaked nipples.

“No.” He takes a breath through his nose, smelling your hair. “You do.”

You let out a surprised Oh. 

“You’re in charge of this; you decide what we do or don’t do, and how far this goes.” He walks around to face you, and you’re surprised to see how gentle his eyes are. They’re round and sincere, serious but not stern. You can’t wait to see them looking up at you from between your legs.

“Understand?”

You nod and he cups your face, running the pad of his thumb over your mouth and parting your lips.

“Use your words, cariño. I need to hear it.”

“I understand,” you say, then drag the tip of your tongue against his thumb. He lets out a pleased hum. 

“Good. Now, tell me your rules.” His other hand strokes your lower back, sending shivers up your spine.

“Oh. Um, I – I don’t know,” you stutter. 

He drops his hands and takes half a step back. “We’re not doing anything until you set the rules.”

“But–”

“This is important, cariño. I’ll give you a moment to gather your thoughts.” 

And just like that, Javi’s walking away from you and sitting on your couch. What the hell is happening here? 

He’s right, of course, damn the man. You want to be mad, but don’t know what to be mad about – how respectful he is? Letting out a deep sigh, you go back to the kitchen and pick up your glass of wine. 

“Can I get you anything to drink while you wait?” Your voice comes out a bit more caustic than intended, and the sound of Javi’s throaty chuckle from the living room makes you bristle. 

“Whatever you’re having is fine.” 

The man sounds so calm and unfazed you want to throw something at him, but instead, you pout like a grown up and pour another glass. You set it on the small end table to his left and start pacing back and forth in front of the coffee table. 

Stuck in a quandary like this, you used to be able to call Marcus up and talk it through, but that sounds as appealing as lemon juice in a paper cut right now. Besides, even if Marcus would help you get laid, he’s probably busy with his girlfriend.

Sighing, you sit down next to Javi and face him. In this position, the hem of your dress rides all the way to the top of your hip, but you’re in no mood to be modest. Javi takes a sip of his wine and turns slightly in your direction. He puts an arm along the top of the couch, and you try not to notice the way his suit jacket opens, revealing his broad chest sloping down to hint at a soft belly. His thighs splay invitingly, and you bite your bottom lip. 

“Cariño?” Javi’s eyes sparkle with mischief. 

“Right. The rules.” You set your glass of wine down and try to focus. Javi waits patiently, but you can see his fingers toying with the fabric on the back of the couch. He’s just as anxious to get this part over with.

“Rule number one: nothing at work. Ever. Not even after hours or in the parking lot. Nothing.” 

Javi nods in stout agreement. 

“Rule number two: it’s just sex. We’re simply two consenting adults with insane chemistry, privately enjoying the hell out of each other’s bodies.” 

“Enthusiastically consenting,” Javi smirks, and sets his glass of wine next to yours so he can stroke your bare thigh. The hunger in his eyes is distracting, but you manage to pull your thoughts together one last time.

“And lastly, but most importantly – rule number three: what happens undercover stays undercover.”

Javi’s hand stills on your skin and he looks at you curiously. “You mind expanding on that a bit?”

“Our cover is just that; a story, playing pretend. We don’t let it blur the lines of whatever we do outside of the investigation. We have to compartmentalize.” 

Javi takes a moment, considering what you’ve said, then nods. Looking you over, he slides his hand up to your hip and leans in, closing the space between you on the couch. 

“I guess that means we better get out of these clothes.” 

“That's a great –” You don’t even get to complete the sentence before his mouth is on yours again. In seconds, his mouth is devouring yours again, his hands feverishly roaming over your hips and ass. 

Javi takes his hands away just long enough to shrug out of his suit jacket while you make quick work of removing his tie. He tries to pull the straps of your dress down, but they get stuck on your shoulders. Grunting in frustration, his hands try locating the zipper of your dress on your back. 

You might have let him struggle a bit more simply for the fun of it, but your skin is on fire, desperate to feel more of him. 

You pull your mouth away from his long enough to gasp, “On the side. Here,” and point to the thin zipper hidden in the ruched fabric. 

“You’re lucky you said something, I was about to rip this thing off you,” Javi growls, making you giggle. “Does that amuse you, cariño? Making me suffer?”

“Maybe a little,” you admit with a small shrug, but your voice is breathless. He’s moved his mouth to your neck, where he licks a swath of skin across your fluttering pulse.

The zipper is finally down, and Javi tugs the straps of your dress and bra down at the same time, pinning your arms to your side and freeing your breasts. 

“Jesus,” he breathes, taking in your exposed flesh. He pulls you up so you’re kneeling before him on the couch, your breasts level with his face. Leaning in, he stops just shy of one pebbled nipple, his hot exhalation warming your sensitive skin. Your hands itch to grab his hair and pull him in, but the suspense is delicious. 

Javi palms your other breast and glides his thumb over the nipple, making you whimper. He lets out a strangled sound in his throat before latching his mouth onto the peaked bud in front of him, sending an electric current straight to your pulsing core. 

Your head falls back with a gasp, and Javi pulls your body closer, moaning around your nipple. Javi is too engrossed in giving your other tit the same treatment to notice you straining at the straps of your dress and bra. 

“Please,” you whimper. He pulls off your breast with a small pop and looks up at you, still massaging and caressing the flesh in each hand. His eyes are dark in the dim light of the living room, but you can see them glazed over with lust. 

Javi watches you expectantly, waiting for you to voice your request.

“Please let me touch you.” 

He smiles, giving you a small thrill. 

“You asked so nicely.”

It's not the yes you wanted, so you wait. He leans in to kiss the tops of your breasts and traces a line up your clavicle with the tip of his tongue. 

“Stand up, cariño.”

With his assistance you get up off the couch and face him, standing between his knees. The straps of your clothing are loose enough now to pull yourself free, but you wait for Javi to give his assent. He smiles softly at you from his seat on the couch, openly admiring your body on display for him. 

“Take it off,” he instructs. “Slowly.” 

You shed the form-fitting dress like a second skin, taking care to pull it down slowly and exaggerating the wiggle of your hips, before dropping it to the floor.

“The bra, too,” Javi amends, his breath coming out a bit labored. The bra joins the dress at your feet, and you kick the garments to the side, standing before Javi in only your panties. 

You love seeing that he’s just as affected as you are. He rubs sweaty palms on his pant legs, and grips the edge of the couch cushion to keep from launching himself at you. He likes this game, too.

This is the feeling you missed – letting go of all your thoughts and worries, pleasing a partner so much by obeying simple commands, trusting that partner to not take advantage of the authority you allow them to have over you. This kind of power feels intoxicating and freeing all at once. 

He lifts his hips slightly to adjust himself, and the small thrust draws your attention to his lap, your eyes widening at the clear bulge in his pants. A discoloration on the fabric, left there by your own arousal, is the only evidence of how this all started back at the gallery.

Standing there, nearly naked in front of a fully clothed man, even one with as commanding a presence as Javier Peña, doesn’t make you feel as vulnerable as you thought it might. 

“Ah ah,” Javi tuts when he sees your fingers toying at the waistband of your last scrap of clothing. He gives his hard cock a squeeze with the hand in his lap, then draws a small circle in the air with one finger. “Turn around, hermosa.” 

This is what makes you feel vulnerable, being unable to see Javi or know what he’s doing behind you. What you felt earlier when Javi stood behind you in the entryway of your apartment is nothing compared to the intensity of this moment. 

The couch creaks, and you know he’s standing behind you – is it a change in the air pressure, or the heat emanating from his core? 

Javi leaves mere centimeters separating your bodies, his breath the only sound you hear over the whooshing of your own heartbeat in your ears. Goosebumps spread again across your shoulders and down your spine, as though your skin is doing whatever it can to get closer to him. Tingles arc across your scalp, and you shut your eyes tight against the sensations your body conjures in the absence and anticipation of his touch.

The hairs on the back of your neck prickle and you flinch a bit when he gently sweeps your errant locks to the side, careful not to make contact with your skin. An elusive tickle at the shell of your ear has you tilting your head to the side. The bristle of his mustache sweeps across the tender area as he speaks, low enough to bring a tremor to your sternum. 

“Are you going to listen to me, cariño?” 

Your mouth pops open into a small ‘O’, and you nod. 

“Use your words, hermosa. I won’t tell you again.” There’s an edge in Javi’s voice, and you’re not sure if it’s the edge of authority or desperation. 

The walls of your pussy grasp around nothing, and your clit throbs in time with your pulse. Digging fingernail crescents into your palms, you make fists at your sides and curl your toes into the plush rug under your feet. 

“I–” Your mouth is dry and you swallow thickly to form the words he needs to hear. “I am. I’m going to listen to you.” 

Javi wraps an arm around your middle, pinning you to the wall of his chest, as his other hand snakes down to cup your sex over your soaked panties. The sudden contact pulls a moan from deep in your throat and the relief makes you sag against him.

“I know you will.” The murmur in your ear is soft and warm, reassuring. The hand of the arm wrapped around you cups your breast, while the other presses the heel of its palm into your mound over your clit. 

“Javi.” His name is an exhalation. “I need you.”

Your body has a mind of its own, and right now you are a slave to its impulses. Your hips move involuntarily, trying to rock into Javi’s hand, large enough to engulf your whole sex, then grind back onto his cock pressed hard against your ass. 

“I know, I know.” 

Javi’s words are both balm and incendiary. A small whine comes out of your mouth, and you press a hand over Javi’s, trying to increase the pressure over your clit.

“Mierda, cariño, you’re so eager.” He rolls your nipple between thumb and forefinger, giving it a pinch hard enough to make you gasp. “You better take me to bed, then.” 

On unsteady feet, you lead Javi to the master bedroom. Standing at the side of your bed, you feel a bit bashful and unsure of what to do with yourself.

“Sit down.” 

You obey and perch on the edge of the mattress, then wait for his next move. Javi saunters over, fingers going to his belt buckle, and stops in front of you. Your eyes flicker between his hands and his face, peering up at him through your eyelashes. 

Javi palms himself through his pants and your mouth floods with saliva. You suck your bottom lip into your mouth and bite it a little to keep from drooling. 

“So, this is it, huh?” He unbuckles the leather belt, then pulls it free from the loops around his slim waist in a single movement, catching you off guard.  

“This…what?” 

“This is your bed,” he reaches out and strokes your face, then holds your chin in his hand. “Where you let Pike fuck you.”

Abashed, you don’t answer right away, feeling the heat creep up your neck and bloom across your chest. You remember that Javi wants you to answer him, just the way Marcus did, by using your words.

“Yes, he fucked me in this bed.”

Javi strokes your chin with his thumb, then removes his hand to start unbuttoning his shirt. Your eyes glaze over slightly, your breath feels shallow. Javi’s gaze feels hot on your skin, and you can see his pulse beating on the side of his neck. 

Keeping your arms straight behind you, you put your tits on display, hoping to entice Javi to put his hands back on you. Spreading your knees apart, you want him to see the scrap of wet fabric covering your pussy. 

He lets out a deep breath through his nose that’s almost a growl, and strips his shirt completely off over his head, not bothering to finish unbuttoning it. Javi stands there, gripping his cock over his pants. 

“Show me.” His words rasp in the back of his throat.

Slowly, deliberately, you pull the gusset of your panties to the side, exposing yourself to him. Chest heaving, he doesn’t say anything for a few breaths.

“Lie down on the bed. Now.” Javi’s words have a bite to them, and you scurry to follow his command. 

You scoot backwards towards the middle of the bed, not willing to take your eyes off the man for a second. Pulling the covers back, Javi helps you locate the fitted sheet and move the comforter out of your way. He palms his dick one more time before taking off his pants, eyes glued to the apex of your thighs. 

“Take them off.”

Hooking your thumbs into the waistband, you lift your hips enough to slide your panties down, then kick them off the side of the bed. Unconsciously, your knees fall open more when Javi pulls his underwear off and you see his cock spring out of his boxers. 

Javi fists his hard length and gives it a couple strokes, precum pearling at the tip. You swallow, wishing you could take him in your mouth and taste the saltiness. 

“Touch yourself for me.” He sits on the side of the bed next to you, and his cock twitches in his hand. “Show me what makes that pretty pussy feel good, cariño.” 

Settling back on the pillows, you slide your hand over your breast and abdomen, down over your mound to your weeping center. You’ve barely touched your swollen and tender folds before you let out a whimper. 

“That’s it, querida,” Javi’s voice, filled with hunger, urges you on. 

Dipping a finger into your core, you use your own slick to glide between your lips, your breath coming out in sharp huffs. Touching the bundle of nerves at the top of your slit is like touching a live wire. Using the flat pads of two fingers, you apply gentle pressure to your clit, gliding easily now with your abundant arousal, closing your eyes from the intensity. 

A warm caress on the inside of your knee and thigh is Javi’s only touch, but it’s enough to make you moan and thrust your hips up into both your hand and his.  

“So impatient,” he remarks. His tone doesn’t match his mocking words, and you open your eyes again to see him slowly stroking his cock as he watches your fingers. 

“Javi, please.” Desperation laces your plea as you writhe into your hand, increasing the pressure on your clit. Using your other hand to play with your tits, you pinch and roll your nipples. “Please touch me.”

“Don’t stop touching yourself.” 

Javi leans over to kiss your breasts and stomach, then moves to kneel between your feet, firmly grasping the base of his cock. He lays down between your thighs, adjusting his cock so it’s pinned between his body and the mattress. 

“Please-please-please,” you whisper like a prayer. 

“You sound so sweet when you beg.” He takes your fingers off your clit and sucks them into his mouth.

You wonder if his resolve has finally cracked, because he wastes no time pushing your hand out of the way and licking a thick stripe from dripping hole to pulsing clit. 

“Fuck, Javi!” Your startled cry doesn’t deter him or slow him down, if anything it only spurs him on. He places a hand on the back of one knee and pushes your leg back, allowing his tongue easier access. The rumble of his deep, satisfied groan only adds fuel to the fire burning in the pit of your belly. 

He turns his head to kiss and nibble at your inner thigh long enough to say, “Jesus, you taste better than I imagined,” before returning to lap at the flow of your arousal. The hair on his upper lip is a sharply contrasting sensation to the thick, languid stroke of his tongue on your oversensitive flesh.

Javi’s broad shoulders under your thighs push your body up the mattress with every eager thrust of his tongue. Reaching behind you with one hand to brace against the headboard provides a bit of resistance, giving you just enough traction to bump your clit against the arch of his nose. It’s not enough, though, you need more. In vain, you try lifting your hips up to meet Javi’s face. 

A heavy arm wraps around your hip and pins you to the mattress. Whining in frustration, you look down to see Javi’s eyes trained on your face. Those large, dark orbs are fixed in a determined glare. Seeing them look up at you from between your thighs is a sight to behold.

Feeling bold, but mostly curious, you tentatively reach down and thread the fingers of your other hand through Javi’s thick hair. His eyes almost flutter closed for a moment, and the hand holding your leg back eases. You keep the knee bent, though, holding yourself open for him. 

Jaw slack, you watch transfixed as Javi captures your clit between his lips that are wet and shiny with your own slick. He circles his tongue around the engorged bud, the very tip sliding gently under the hood and making your hips spasm up to his face, again and again.

Panting, eyes squeezed shut, you focus on the feeling of his tongue, bordering on too much. With Javi’s hair clutched in one fist, you cling with the other to the slats of the headboard and undulate up against his plump lips. 

A thick finger prods gently at your opening, moving around to get the tip wet. Javi’s lips and tongue never leave your clit, and you resist the urge to pull his head into you by his hair, scared he’ll stop if you do.

The finger slips in, stopping at the first knuckle. 

“You want me to fuck you, cariño?” Javi’s voice is rough. “Is that what you want?” 

“Uh huh.” It comes out with a moan as the finger slips in all the way. “Hnh, shit…yes – yes, I want you to fuck me. Please fuck me.” The rest of the words tumble from your mouth.

“Then I’ve got to get you nice and ready for my cock.” He returns to giving your clit the attention it craves. Javi’s finger starts pumping in and out, stretching your walls around its thickness. 

“Fuck...fuck,” you curse and moan in time with each thrust. The beginnings of your orgasm begin to unfurl deep inside.

Javi keeps moving his finger in and out of you until it’s sliding without resistance, then starts teasing your entrance with the tip of a second. With his other hand, he spreads your lips and holds you open. 

“Christ, would you look at that?” You open your eyes to see Javi watching his two fingers sink into you, drawing out a moan from deep in your belly. “Fucking beautiful. Can’t wait to watch my cock split you open like this.”

You let go of Javi’s hair to grip the pillow under your head. You’re lifting your hips up in time to meet every thrust of his thick fingers. 

You can’t tell what’s more obscene, the sounds coming from your mouth or from between your legs. Turning your face into the pillow, you try to muffle some of your moans.

“Don’t cover your mouth, baby. I want to hear every fucking sound you make.” 

“But,” you gasp, trying to form the words, “neighbors…” 

“I want them to hear how good I make you feel, too.” He keeps his fingers buried to the knuckle inside you and crooks them just right, making you arch your back and moan. 

“Thaaat’s it, let me hear you.” Tension coils, your pussy clenching down on the continuous movement of his fingers pumping and curling. 

“Relax for me, cariño. I’ll never fit my cock inside you if you keep squeezing my fingers like that.” 

The filth spilling from his mouth has got you wound up so tight, it’s a wonder he can still move his fingers at all. He sucks your clit back between his lips, but your hips are bucking so hard he can’t keep a good hold on it. Instead, he drips saliva at the top of your slit, then spreads it with his thumb, around and around, letting your rolling hips determine the pace and pressure.

“Javi,...I’m–fuck, I’m getting close.” 

“Is this how he got you ready? Hm? Would he make you cum first on his fingers and tongue?” 

“Wha– unh, god.” What the fuck is he saying? Your mind is so fuzzy, the pleasure leaving almost no room for thought or reason.

“I bet he would. I bet he’d get you nice and wet, then work you open for his cock.” 

He’s asking about Marcus again, you realize. You feel the mattress shift and realize Javi’s rutting into the mattress in time with your hips. Knowing how turned on Javi is, it’s almost enough to tip you over the edge right then. 

“Yes, he– he made me cum first.” 

“Hard?” 

“Yes! God, Javi, that feels so good – please don’t stop.” You’re white-knuckling the pillow and headboard, getting closer to the edge, the pleas falling from your lips without thought. 

“He must have been something, for you to still be hung up on him. Still hungry for his cock.” 

Javi spits again, more lewdly this time in his excitement, and increases the pressure of his thumb over your clit.

“Fuck, I feel it – I know you’re getting close, cariño.” Javi’s hips keep rocking into the mattress. “Are you going to cum for me?”

Your breath comes out in gasps, you can only nod in response, eyes shut tight. 

“That’s it, hermosa, cum for me.” Javi’s words have you teetering on the edge. “Cum for me so I can give you my cock.”

With that final push, your fluttering walls spasm and pulse around Javi’s fingers, and he works you through it, groaning as he watches you writhing on his hand. 

Javi doesn’t even let the final shudders or your orgasm subside before he’s licking your cum off his fingers like an indulgent dessert. He gives your mound a kiss, then your belly, ribs, and breasts, getting on his knees between your thighs and leaning over you, murmuring praise in a heady mixture of English and Spanish.

“That was so good, cariño, you were so good. Eres tan bonita, y sabes pinche dulce.” Leaning on one elbow, he traces your lips with the fingers that were inside you. 

“Have you ever tasted yourself?” You nod, opening your mouth and licking the tip of one finger. Javi slips it past your lips, he lets out a sigh and says, “I’m going to have a lot of fun with that mouth.” 

Moaning, you begin sucking eagerly at his fingers, showing him what he could look forward to. He fucks them into your mouth a few times before pulling them out, much to your disappointment. 

“Another time, cariño. I need to be in that sweet pussy now.” 

Javi kisses you deeply, the taste of your cum mingling on your tongues. His mustache is wet with your slick, and you run the tip of your tongue along the ridge of his upper lip, the hairs tickling. He shudders and pulls away with a low grunt.

“Condoms?” Is all he can get out in between ravishing your neck and breasts with kisses.

“Drawer.” You gesture weakly to your nightstand, running your fingers through his hair. He stretches to pull the drawer open and pulls out the unopened box of condoms you’ve had there since you moved into the apartment.

“A brand new box, just for me?” His tone is teasing as he sits back on his knees. He tears the box open and rips off a condom from the strip, tossing the rest back in the drawer. 

“Um–” You get distracted watching him fist his cock. With a clearer head after your orgasm, you finally have the wherewithal to notice he’s thick and uncut. Biting your bottom lip, you think about how much fun you’ll have with him in your hands and mouth once he gives you the chance.

“Cariño?” Javi fixes you with an authoritative eye that makes your stomach flip. 

“It’s not new, exactly. I just haven’t needed to open it yet.” 

He looks at you curiously, and you start feeling a bit anxious. 

“Are you telling me you haven’t had sex since you moved here?” 

Letting out an exasperated sigh, you say, “It’s not like I haven’t tried.” 

Feeling a bit self-conscious, you look away and pull your knees together slightly. Javi’s hand on your thigh stops you. His eyes have softened.

Javi settles between your thighs, bracing himself while he leans down and kisses you slowly. His chest is firm under your hands, and the steady beat of his heart feels grounding. He places light kisses along your jaw up to your ear.

“The last time you had a cock inside you,” he pauses to take a breath, “was with Pike?” 

You give a small nod, both of you breathing so heavily your chests press into one another on inhalation. Javi pulls back to look at you, his eyes shifting between yours and keeping you in focus. 

“Can I fuck you bare, cariño?” 

He’s not asking this lightly, and you know without him having to say that he will gladly accept whatever is your decision. You clench at the prospect of feeling all of Javi inside you and nod vigorously.

“Yes.” 

Javi kisses you deeply and holds your face in one hand, pressing his forehead to yours. 

“Thank you for trusting me,” he murmurs against your lips, his voice deep and a bit rough. You know he’s trusting you just as much.

You continue to kiss, your hands running across his shoulders and upper back, then into his hair again. He groans into your mouth as you stroke your fingers through his thick locks. 

You tilt your hips and spread your legs a bit wider, opening yourself up for him. Balancing himself on one arm, he guides the head of his cock between your folds, then slides it slowly up and down a few times, gathering your slick. You’re so wet, he’ll have no trouble entering you.

“Javi...” 

“I know, I know.” Javi presses the head of his cock at your entrance and groans. “Are you ready to take my cock, cariño?” 

He sits back on his knees to watch your response, his breath short and labored from holding back when you know all he wants is to plunge all the way inside you with one thrust. You roll your hips up, moaning as the tip of his swollen cock head nudges inside you. Javi grunts and pulls back a bit, gripping onto your hip. 

“Fuck, look at you – you can’t wait to feel my cock filling you up.” 

“Please, Javi. Please give me your cock. I need it,” you beg breathlessly. 

“That’s my girl, tell me what you need,” Javi soothes his hand over your flesh, rocking his hips forward and slipping just an inch inside you, then back out. In and out, until the head is fully inside.

“I need your cock.” He pushes a bit more inside you each time he rocks his hips, caressing your belly and breasts with his other hand. “I need you to fuck me with your cock.” 

“You’re still so tight, baby.” Javi huffs through flared nostrils, gritting his teeth, barely holding himself back.

“Javi, please–” Your whine chokes off with a sob as he plunges forward with a grunt.

“Fuuuuuck,” he rasps, pulling out half way, then burying himself fully in your cunt. “Is that what you needed, cariño?” He thrusts, watching his cock disappearing inside you again. 

“Yes,” you whisper, letting your head fall back limply onto the pillow.

“Are you happy now that you have my cock?” Javi’s keeping his thrusts slow, but full and deep. He’s breathing heavily from his pent up lust, still not fully letting himself go. 

“Yes.” The stretch of him inside you was mind numbing.  

“I knew you’d be good at taking my cock, baby. You’re opening up so well for me.” Javi hooks one of your legs over his arm. “You ready for me to really fuck you now?” 

“Yes, Javi – fuck me, please.” 

Javi’s hips start picking up their pace, snapping forward to fill your pussy. For a few moments, you and Javi are lost to the sensations, moaning in unison every time he bottoms out inside you.

“You feel so good wrapped around my cock, hermosa.” His grip on the leg over his arm tightens. You pull your other leg back, allowing him even deeper and he swears. “I can feel your pussy sucking me in.” 

He leans over, holding himself up with a hand beside your head. The change in the angle makes you gasp and clench around him.

“Mírame – look at me, cariño.” 

Javi is a vision above you with his forehead furrowed and mouth open. 

“What did he call you?” He slows his thrusts. “Hm? What did Pike call you when he was fucking you?” 

You look at him with wide eyes, mouth agape. He smiles, and slows almost to a stop. 

“Dimelo…” He grinds his hips into you, making you whine. “Tell me – now.” 

“I was his good girl.” Your pussy walls contract involuntarily with your confession, making Javi moan. 

“Fuck,” he starts thrusting again, “I bet you were so good for him. Were you?” 

“Yes. Yes, I was his good girl.” Javi moves the leg over his arm up to his shoulder, holding onto it for leverage as he fucks into you. 

“And what did you call him when you were his good girl?” His words come out a bit unevenly. Javi waits for your response, but you’re distracted by how deep his cock is. 

A swift but light slap lands on your tit. “Answer me.” 

You gasp, but he has your attention now, rolling your nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

“I called him Sir.”  

“Mierda, you’re drenching my cock right now. I bet you’re thinking about how his cock felt in your tight pussy, how it filled and stretched you.” 

“Oh, god–” You brace your arms over your head, using the headboard for resistance against the onslaught of Javi’s thrusts. 

Thoughts of Marcus and Javi swim together, the memory of Marcus’ touch with the reality of Javi’s. The walls of your pussy begin to flutter as your second orgasm of the night starts to build. 

Javi’s heavy breathing is surpassed by the sound of his thighs and balls slapping against your ass with every thrust. 

“Well, if you were his good girl, then you’re my slutty little princesa. You’re my little whore. Me entiendes?” 

“Yes, yes – I understand.” Your eyes are practically rolling into the back of your head when you feel Javi suddenly stop and pull out. Gasping, your eyes fly open in shock. He’s panting, and his neck glistens, flushed a beautiful shade of crimson with the veins prominently standing out. 

“Roll over – c’mon, on your knees.” You obey, desperate to have his cock buried in you once again. 

“Hands up here, flat.” He taps the headboard. His commands are light and natural, easy to follow. 

“If you’re going to be my little whore, I’m going to fuck you like one.” 

Assuming the position, Javi uses a knee to nudge your shaking legs wider, then pulls your ass back so you’re bent slightly over. 

“So what are you going to call me, huh?” He smooths your hair back off your face, sweaty at your temples, and gathers it loosely in his fist. He gives it a gentle tug, prompting you to answer his question.

“I don’t know,” you gasp, and arch into his touch as he smoothes a hand over your ass. He guides his cock and slides back into your cunt in a single thrust, making the headboard sway close to the wall. 

“I said keep your hands flat,” he reminds you, and gives your ass a small smack for good measure. 

Your fingers flex, and you spread them wide, straightening your elbows for balance. His free hand fondles your breasts one at a time, kneading them before pinching your nipples. 

“C’mon, princesa,” he urges, voice low behind your ear as he starts fucking you again. Your head gets tugged back by your hair in his fist at the nape of your neck as he fucks you harder. The angle of his cock hits that sweet spot inside you, making your eyes roll back. 

“What are you going to call me when I’m fucking you like my little slut?” His hot tongue licks over your pulse point. The filthy words spilling out of his mouth are making you dizzy. “Huh? When I’m pounding this pussy so good, you can’t fucking help yourself?” 

“Daddy.” 

It comes out in a soft, timid whimper. 

Javi smacks your ass with a stinging hand and growls in your ear, “Louder.” 

“Daddy!” 

“Theeere it fucking is.” Javi groans deeply in satisfaction, then licks his fingers and rubs them over your clit in time with his thrusts. “What a good little whore, taking Daddy’s cock so well.” 

He lets go of your hair to grip your shoulder where it meets your neck, pulling you back onto his cock. There is no way your neighbors can’t hear the noises coming from your mouth now. You’ve completely surrendered over to Javi, and you’re certain that if he were to take his hands away you’d fall over lifeless like a doll. 

“Daddy, I’m close.” 

The intensity of Javi’s hands, cock, and filthy mouth is so overwhelming, you can barely get the words out.

“Are you going to cum on Daddy’s cock, princesa?” Javi’s voice is ragged, his hips stuttering. 

“Imagine what he’d say – unh – if he saw you like this – absolutely wrecked, being someone else’s fuck toy.” 

He must be getting close too as his cock throbs inside you, his pace faltering.

The thought of Marcus watching you get railed by Javi has you on the very brink. You can’t hold back the moans now and Javi increases the pressure and speed of his fingers over your clit. Your cunt spasms, and his cock throbs in response.

“Mierda, you’re choking my dick. Damelo, princesa – give it to me, cum for Daddy.”

Your orgasm rips through you like a freight train, all while Javi talks and fucks you through it. 

“Fuuuck, yes – that’s it, cum all over Daddy’s cock. You’re squeezing me so tight.” 

Javi’s thrusts slow during your most intense spasms, and the fingers on your clit still, but maintain their pressure. You ride it out, reaching back to stroke Javi’s hair while you spasm around him.

Your head begins to loll a bit, exhaustion setting in after the two mind-melting orgasms. He wraps his arms around you, then slowly lowers your upper body onto the mattress, draping his body over yours. You hug a pillow to your chest, supporting yourself while he starts fucking into you, slow and deep. 

“What a good little slut.” He grunts softly in your ear each time his cock bottoms out inside you, fucking little whimpers out of you with every thrust.

“So good for Daddy.” Javi kisses your neck and the back of your shoulder. “You took Daddy’s cock so well, gonna give you my cum.” He’s beginning to get a bit breathless, his thighs shaking, thrusts getting erratic. 

In this position, you’re able to reach a hand back and spread your fingers on either side of his cock as it moves. A bit further, and you’re grazing his balls every so lightly and feel them beginning to tighten and retract. 

“Unh – fuck, yeah…” Javi groans through gritted teeth, then nips lightly at your shoulder making you gasp.

“Daddy, please cum for me. I want your cum. Please give it to me.” 

You’re babbling, your senses focused solely on the sound of Javi’s labored breathing, the feel of his cock twitching inside you, chasing that high with him. 

“Where do you want Daddy’s cum, princesa?” His words are strained now. He rises back up onto his knees, supporting himself with a hand between your shoulder blades.

“Anywhere you want, Daddy.” You contract the walls of your cunt around him for emphasis and he moans.

“Fuck, baby, don’t tempt me, I’m so close… But I think I want something else.” He grabs the globes of your ass with both hands, squeezing them, pulling them apart to see everything. 

“You ever let Pike fuck your ass?” 

You involuntarily clench around Javi. You and Marcus had certainly discussed it, experimented a little, but he’d never fucked you there.

“No...” 

“Mmm, good. Then I’m gonna paint that ass with my cum. Esta cosa es mía ahora. It’s fucking mine.”  

Eyes wide, you stretch your neck to watch Javi over your shoulder as he starts fucking you at a frenetic pace. His face, neck, and chest are flushed and gleaming with sweat. His brow is furrowed deep in concentration, teeth bared into a grimace. He lands a rough slap on your ass that makes you moan.

“Yes, Daddy – my ass is yours, only yours.” 

“That’s right, princesa – all mine,” he wheezes. 

Just when you think he’s about to burst inside you, Javi pulls out and starts furiously jerking his cock. Thick ropes of cum land in stripes across your ass and lower back, each spasm pulling a deep, breathy moan from him. He takes deep gulps of air into his lungs, milking every last drop of cum. 

Clenching around nothing, you moan with the pleasure of bringing him to release. You’re secretly thrilled at seeing Javi brought to this degree of vulnerability. 

Javi leans over and licks a small drop of cum that landed on the swell of your cheek. He bites the flesh then sucks, letting go with a pop. It’s done without inhibition or hesitation, just an impulsive, erotic claim of your body.

“Next time, princesa,” he pauses to smear the pooling cum lightly over your asshole, “I’m going to watch that beautiful face when I make you cum on Daddy’s cock.”

“Mm, I’d like that,” you say softly, and close your eyes, the adrenaline waning. Staying still for a moment, you take a deep breath, enjoying the familiar, empty ache between your thighs that can only come after an amazing fuck. 

You start to lower your legs to lie in a prone position, but Javi wraps his arms around you as support, lowering you gently to the mattress. 

“I’ve got you, cariño.” 

You’re vaguely aware of Javi stepping into the en suite bathroom and returning with a warm wet washcloth. He gently wipes you clean and fixes the covers. 

A few moments later, you feel the mattress shift as he climbs into bed next to you. Strong arms pull you into a warm embrace. A light kiss to your forehead tickles with the soft hairs of Javi’s mustache.

Sighing, you roll your body against his, resting your head on his shoulder and draping an arm across his chest. He smooths your hair off your forehead and brushes a soft kiss to your head, stroking your arm. With the steady rise and fall of Javi’s chest, the last thing you remember before drifting off is his whispered, “Sweet dreams, cariño.”

~*~*~*~

Javi doesn’t even crave a cigarette. And he can’t remember the last time he stuck around this long after sleeping with someone. Once you fall asleep in his arms, he doesn't want to risk waking you, and there is no way in hell he’s going to sneak out on you. 

He reasons that he’ll relax for a bit, then wake you up to say goodbye. But the feel of you in his arms is better than he let himself indulgently imagine these past few weeks. The softness of your curves, the weight of your head on his shoulder; the implicit trust you placed in him this evening, and the ease with which you fell asleep with him holding you… 

It doesn’t take long for him to fall asleep too. At some point in the night he stirs, and realizes you’re out of bed, but doesn’t know what time it is. The apartment is dark now, and the only light comes peeking out from the bottom of the bathroom door. Groaning, he stretches his legs, knowing the soreness in his knees will plague him for the next couple days. 

The light in the bathroom flicks off and the door opens, creaking a little. Your nude form appears, lit only by the ambient light coming through the window from the streetlamps. You pad softly across the carpet and he whispers a soft, “Hey,” so you know he’s awake. You jump just slightly then smile in relief. 

“Hey, yourself,” you whisper in return, then walk to the other side of the bed and climb in. 

“What time is it?” Javi rolls to face you and props his head on his hand. 

“Late – or early, depending on how you look at it.” 

Javi leans over to kiss your lips, then your forehead, trailing the tip of his nose down yours. You hum in that way he’s already familiar with, making him smile. 

“How late-or-early?” 

“Three-ish.” You kiss him, muffling his surprise. 

“Shit, I didn’t mean to fall asleep that long. Sorry.” Javi is about to make his excuses to leave, before you speak again.

“We better go back to sleep now. The debrief is early and I want to get up in time to bring something in for the team.” 

Yawning, you roll away from him and drag his arm around you. Javi smirks, and settles in to spoon your body with his own.

“I guess I don’t need to ask what your rule is about sleeping over, then?” He kisses the back of your shoulder and you press back into him.

“Shut up and go to sleep, Javi.”

“Okay, cariño.”

Chapter 9 - Coming Soon!

Additional Author’s Note: Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all the lovely comments and reblogs! I can’t tell you how much they mean to me. As always, I would love-love-love to know what you think. I really want to become a better writer, so any and all feedback is welcome! Thank you for reading! 💜

No-Pressure Taglist: @kilamonster @half-moon16 @for-a-longlongtime @pedroswife69 @pedroshotwifey @angiewatson @morallyinept @peepawispunk @i-wanna-be-your-muse @marysucks-blog @guelyury @connectioneverywhere @sunshinehaze1 @drewharrisonwriter @venturawriter @survivingandenduring @thetriumphantpanda

[film-noir-nosferatu]

🔪🫀🎬🍷🦷🦞🥃🥩🩸☕🧠🤍

May 20th, 2024: In the middle of the night, I felt immediate inspiration and the craving to draw these two. Watching and listening to them, while drawing them, is therapeutic in its own way. Something about the Hannibal show is just so therapeutic... anyone who has seen it through, beginning to end, will tell you the same. It's a transformative experience to watch, all the way through. I watched 'Dolce' and 'Digestivo' (two episodes, midway in season 3) to immerse and feel something. It was great. Just a little something impulsive and inspired, after a very hard and painful evening. It was therapy, it was my comfort, it was my safe place, it was my healing. Hannibal has been a huge tool in my comfort and coping while enduring a hell, and a therapeutic source for me before I had that resource available to me. I do now, too!!

I am extremely proud of this peice, as it went off complete feeling and no reference photos at all. It was just... book and TV show Will and Hannibal, from my mind. Heavy on the show. This is the VERY first time I drew Will (portrayed himself and Hugh Dancy, the first time I drew Will I drew myself: him), and my second time drawing Hannibal. Er... Second time drawing Mads Mikkelsen, too, but this one was with no reference. It's simply, Hannibal and will, and their Cat and Mouse chemistry. The hunt, of both, closing in around one another. Trapped in their mutual, locked in sights. Only fixed, upon one another.♥️🥀🀄

ALSO!!! I GOT MY TICKET TO MY VERY FIRST HANNIBAL CONVENTION, RED DRAGON CON 7, THAT WILL HAPPEN IN 2025!!! SEE YOU SOON, ENGLAND! SEE YOU SOON, MADS & HUGH! SEE YOU SOON, TO THIS HUGE DREAM!! And you best believe I'll be cosplaying Will Graham and my version of Clarice Starling. 🔪🥩🥗🫀🦞🍷🥖🥃🦪 I'm starved and ready to EAT, SLAY, and SERVE! 🎬🧠🎫🀄💮

>>> See Art Masterlist? <<<

[paingoes]

Destroyer - Thorns

(Masterlist)

(Content: physical abuse, verbal abuse, living weapon whump, degredation, dehumanization)

Weeks passed, the majority of them spent upon the freshly mobilized battleship. Paris had named it Thorn, but in every briefing it was translated to “Splinter”. He’d wanted to move away as quickly as possible, but the ship was being pulled back into the bay for repairs every other day. The typical ambiance of the active craft was now frequently punctuated by the sound of construction. It grew worse by the day, just as bad for the passengers as it was for their enemies. Paris learned to sleep through the depressurization alarms.

Delta was adjusting to the new space. His new room was smaller than his previous one, but it was still spacious. Beyond that, he was often allowed to leave it. Paris said he wanted to know where Delta was all hours of the day, in theory, but he often so busy he forgot to check up. It was the most freedom of moment Delta had been given in a long time. He walked the ship’s floors silently, haunting it. The people aboard know who he was and they left him alone. He was glad.

When they did eventually get the ship up and running, capable of more than sprints, most of the crew had already been debriefed on the new management. Delta had received training from the maid service in some basic housekeeping tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and sewing. For some reason, this greatly upset both his handlers. Simon saw it as a waste of Delta’s time, while Martino saw it as undignified for his rank. The latter confused Delta; it was the only time the doctor ever seemed to care about his dignity. Nevertheless, they convinced Paris that it wasn’t right for Delta to be used as some interchangeable staff. Paris relented, agreeing that Delta would only serve him and his court, keeping all things within the dynasty.

The upshot of this was that Delta spent a lot more time in proximity of Paris - and was kept under much closer watch. Paris did not always need or even want him around, but much of Delta’s day was structured around this arrangement. By the first month, they’d settled into a tentative schedule.

When Paris didn’t have any mission in mind, which was most days, Delta was dismissed to go train. He’d find Dr.Martino, who would run the first round of tests on him, checking vitals and his blood chemistry, seeing how conductive his veins were to the electricity that pulsed through them. Then, he got passed onto Simon to run drills.

The psionic drills had to be done in a closed environment. On the ship, they had to go for low intensity, so as not to cause damage to the hull. But Simon made up for it, forcing Delta to do high-precision and high-focus work. An exercise that Simon had grown very fond of was having Delta stick blades into the walls, arranging them in different shapes. It required him to focus and manipulate dozens of blades at once and move them independently, without causing them to crash into each other. It also required forceful stabbing, which was a good skill to have at that point.

It wasn’t the kind of outburst that would cause him to faint, but it did exhaust him. Simon would force him to go at it for several hours, stopping at his own leisure, never Delta’s. He’d only be released in the late afternoon. Before, Simon would take the time to tutor him, but now lacked both the resources and the energy. He still gave Delta any books he thought he would need, which would have been fine if he had the time to read them. Delta barely had enough time to eat before Paris would summon him again.

Paris called him into his room or into his office. He’d order Delta to kneel and keep him there most of the night. If Paris was busy, Delta would sit in silence, nothing more than an ornament for the room. Paris would smack him if he fidgeted too much, but that was all.

“I should make you wear a bell,” He joked whenever Delta couldn’t hold still. Delta, of course, did not see the point of this. It was on nights where Paris had nothing better to do that he got his explanation.

On slow nights, Paris would rake his fingers through Delta’s hair, placing them at the base of his neck. Delta shivered at the touch, which would only cause Paris to tighten his grasp. Paris looked over him like he was an insect, a mix of contempt and curiosity. His voice was low.

“I know what you’re doing.”

Delta didn’t respond, which was all the confirmation Paris needed. He took a fistful of Delta’s hair, yanking him closer. He tsked, “There’s that fucking face again. Admit it. You think you’re too good for this.”

Delta winced. There was no answer Paris would accept; he knew that. The whole point of this was to break him down. “I do, yeah,” Delta admitted, seconds before Paris smacked his head into the desk.

“Fuck,” Delta muttered to himself. Paris kicked him onto his back, not even moving from his desk chair.

“I knew it,” Paris smirked, crossing his legs, “It’s okay, though. It doesn’t matter what you think. You’re an object. The way you feel about your position has no bearing at all on the way you’ll act. You’re still gonna do what I say, right? Or I’ll have to remind you how this works?”

Delta rubbed his head, not looking at him. Stupid. Just an exercise in futility. He never needed reminding, never had. He couldn’t tell if the prince was actually that insecure or if he was just messing with him. It did not come off as a serious exchange. Paris was nothing like his father.

“Sit back up and fucking answer me,” Paris said.

Delta crawled back onto his knees. “Yes, Your Highness,” he answered wearily. Paris moved to slap him again and he flinched.

Paris withdrew his hand.

“Good. You’re dismissed.” He nodded. After a minute, he added. “Go put ice on that, I don’t want your face to swell.” .

“Yes, Your Highness,” Delta got to his feet, lightheaded. He brushed his hair back into place, sparing no further looks.

[billiemillee]

ESCAPE. pt I

Roman Reigns x Fem!Reader

PT Il | Masterlist

This is a yandere/dark work and it may contain triggering content so please READ THE WARNINGS before. Do not read if minor!

WARNING: angst | mentions of manipulation, cheating, and depression | toxic relationship

Roman Reigns and Y/n had always had an interesting relationship, to say the least.

Y/n and Roman had been friends since childhood but there was always something that seemed a bit off about their friendship.

Roman was becoming increasingly possessive of Y/n. He began to make demands of her time and resources, establishing rules and regulations that she had to follow. He would call her at odd times of the night to check on her whereabouts and accuse her of seeing other men.

Y/n tried to keep things professional whenever they were in the public eye. But it never seemed to be enough for Roman, he was always pushing her to do more and more. As the months passed, Y/n started to feel trapped in the pairing. She tried to break away from the toxic relationship but Roman didn't take it too kindly.

He would often resort to manipulation, making sure that if Y/n were ever to go public with her story, her career in the WWE could be over. Y/n felt scared, confused and isolated throughout the experience, all the while trying to navigate her way through the web of lies and deceit that Roman had spun around her.

Roman's controlling behaviour had taken its toll on Y/n and she was slowly sinking into a deep depression. She was ashamed of herself, feeling like she deserved all the bad things he had said to her.

It was like she was in an invisible web and no matter how hard she tried, she could not escape Roman's grasp. He had a hold on her that could never be broken. Y/n felt completely helpless and miserable and her hope was lost.

Despite her efforts to be faithful, Y/n was unfortunately tempted by the intense chemistry that she had with Roman’s cousin, Jey Uso.

Y/n tried to bury her feelings for Jey but it was too late and it soon led to her cheating on Roman. She felt guilt-stricken and tried to keep it a secret. She made sure that Roman would never know what happened.

Well…she thought…

[dc-and-arfrona]

Steal your Coffee

—-

Nightwing x GN!Reader

Type: Fluff

Word Count: 900+

Masterlist

Summary: You steal the great Nightwing’s coffee.

—

The city buzzed with activity as you rushed through the crowded coffee shop. Your mind was occupied with a million things, and all you wanted was a quick caffeine fix to keep you going. In your haste, you accidentally grabbed the wrong cup and hurriedly left the counter, oblivious to the mix-up.

It was only moments later, as you took a sip of the coffee, that you realized the mistake. You had stolen someone else's order. Panic surged through you, and you turned around, spotting a familiar figure standing near the counter, a quizzical expression on his face.

Nightwing.

You froze, caught red-handed in your unintentional coffee theft. The last thing you expected was to have an encounter with the masked vigilante himself.

His blue eyes met yours, and he arched an eyebrow. "I believe that's my coffee you have there."

Your face flushed, embarrassment washing over you. "I... I'm so sorry. I was in a rush, and I must have grabbed the wrong cup."

Nightwing's stern expression softened into a playful smirk. "Well, I guess I can let it slide this time. But next time, make sure to double-check before you run off with someone else's caffeine fix."

You chuckled nervously, grateful for his understanding. "I promise, it won't happen again."

In that moment, an unexpected connection formed between you. It was a lighthearted encounter that defied the boundaries of masks and secret identities. As you handed the coffee back to Nightwing, your fingertips brushed against his, sending a jolt of electricity through your veins.

"Thank you," he said sincerely, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

With a nod, you replied, "You're welcome. Enjoy your coffee."

As you turned to leave, a thought crossed your mind. Gathering your courage, you glanced back at Nightwing. "Hey, if you're not busy, would you like to join me? We could grab another coffee and chat for a bit. Consider it my way of making up for the mishap."

A genuine smile spread across Nightwing's face, lighting up the room. "I'd like that. I could use a break from the night's patrol."

And just like that, an impromptu coffee date was born. As you sat together, sipping freshly brewed beverages, the initial awkwardness melted away, replaced by easy conversation and shared laughter. Time seemed to lose its meaning as you discovered a surprising connection, finding solace and companionship in the most unexpected of encounters.

From that day forward, your paths continued to intertwine. Each meeting, whether in the darkness of the night or over a cup of coffee, brought you closer. You unraveled the layers of Nightwing's persona, discovering the man behind the mask—compassionate, dedicated, and fiercely protective.

In turn, Nightwing admired your tenacity, wit, and ability to see beyond the surface. Together, you balanced the chaos of vigilantism with moments of stolen coffee breaks and stolen glances, forming a bond that surpassed the boundaries of hero and civilian.

Because sometimes, a simple mistake can lead to extraordinary connections, reminding us that even in the midst of chaos, love and understanding can blossom, one stolen coffee order at a time.

As the days turned into weeks, your bond with Nightwing continued to deepen. Coffee dates became a regular occurrence, providing moments of respite from the relentless demands of crime-fighting. You discovered shared interests and passions, forging a connection that extended beyond the masks you both wore.

Together, you faced the challenges that Gotham City presented, supporting each other through the darkest nights and the most formidable adversaries. Nightwing's unwavering bravery and resourcefulness inspired you, while your unwavering support and understanding offered him a sense of grounding amidst the chaos.

The chemistry between you was undeniable, and yet, you both hesitated to acknowledge the growing romantic feelings that simmered beneath the surface. Each stolen glance and lingering touch spoke volumes, but the fear of complicating your already complex lives held you back.

Until one fateful night when Gotham's darkness seemed particularly relentless. In the midst of a perilous battle, as you fought side by side, an unspoken understanding passed between you. The adrenaline and shared danger pushed you to confront the truth that had been brewing between you for so long.

When the chaos finally subsided, you found yourselves perched on a rooftop, gazing out over the city. The moon cast its gentle glow, illuminating Nightwing's face as he turned towards you, his eyes filled with a mixture of longing and uncertainty.

"I can't deny what I feel for you any longer," he confessed, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "Every moment we spend together, every smile, every touch... it's become clear to me that there's something deeper between us."

A rush of emotion swelled within you, and with courage, you met his gaze. "I feel it too, Nightwing. Our connection goes beyond friendship. It's something special, something worth exploring."

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips, his hand reaching out to gently brush against yours. "I've spent so long protecting my heart, afraid of the consequences that love might bring. But with you, I'm willing to take the leap. I want to explore this connection, to see where it leads us."

In that moment, as your fingers intertwined, a new chapter began. Love blossomed amidst the chaos of Gotham, intertwining with your shared purpose and unyielding determination.

Together, you navigated the complexities of a secret relationship, finding solace in stolen moments and quiet embraces. The support and understanding you offered each other became an anchor in a world where danger lurked at every corner.

And so, Nightwing and you embarked on a journey—a journey that would test your resilience, challenge your boundaries, and strengthen your love. In the face of darkness, you found light in each other's arms, an unwavering beacon guiding you through the trials and tribulations of heroism.

Because sometimes, the greatest battles are fought within the heart, and the love that blooms amidst the chaos is the most resilient of all.

[mimilind]

A Magical Classmate - Part 2

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Reader

Rating: T

Chapter Word Count: 2500

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Next Part > ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

Your new classmate is an excellent lab partner, and turns out to be a resourceful ally at a party as well. Especially if someone tries to mug you…

2. Lab Partner and Party Protector

The next morning you hauled out your cleanest jeans and best t-shirt, and spent far too long in front of the mirror before you rode your bike to campus. But when you arrived at the lecture hall you found that Catrine and Martin had already monopolized Drake, taking the seats on either side of him.

Feeling defeated, you realized he was probably a lost case, and felt embarrassed for dressing up like you had. As if he would ever notice you when there were attractive, fun people like them to hang out with. 

Morosely you took a seat in the row behind the trio. You knew you were overly dramatic and silly for feeling so jealous and left out, but couldn’t help doing it anyway.

During lunch break, Drake went to a nearby restaurant while the rest of you sat in a student lounge to eat your packed lunches. 

“I wish I could afford to eat out every day too.” Catrine took a bite of her dry cheese sandwich. 

“It’s not very healthy though,” said Filip, the only vegan in the class.

You had brought leftover macaroni and meatballs and ate them in silence, still feeling a bit low. When you had finished you decided to indulge yourself and bought a chocolate bar in the vending machine to cheer you up.

It didn’t help.

Drake returned in the afternoon when it was time for labs, and to your surprise and delight he chose you as his lab partner. You tried not to look smug when Catrine and Martin gave you long, jealous looks.

“Whew, saved by the bell,” he murmured. “Is Catrine silent, like, ever?”

You grinned. “Rarely.” Just like that, your mood had changed from glum to cheerful.

“Even if I had understood Swedish I wouldn’t have caught one word of today’s lecture with her prattling in my ear the entire morning.”

“I still don’t get why you attend lectures.”

He shrugged. “Bored, I guess.”

It was time to begin and you tried to translate the lab instructions. Drake turned out to be adept at practical chemistry as well – except for a few very strange instances. The first one was when you had to help him turn on the light and the fan in the fume hood. Apparently he didn’t understand that he had to press the red button with ‘on’ printed on it. 

His next difficulty was with the magnetic stirrer. This time he found the power switch, but didn’t put the plug in the socket.

”You need to plug it in,” you said, trying not to smile.

”Oh.” He turned the appliance over with a perplexed look. 

”Here.” You helped him again.

First when you began the titration, Drake showed how talented he really was. He claimed to have never done it before, yet managed to create perfect solutions every time, and his calculations – written down with the neatest handwriting you ever saw from a guy – were made with ease. Though you wondered a bit why he used an old-fashioned ink pen.

A gleam drew your attention. From under the lab coat, Drake’s shirt sleeves peeked through, and you saw he wore actual cufflinks. 

Seriously?

He had a matching silver ring on his index finger, with a serpentine pattern. It struck you he had really nice hands. Large but with a soft touch; he had no problem handling the fragile equipment.

”Wow, we’re already finished,” you exclaimed, looking around and finding that nobody else was done by far. ”Can I always be your lab partner?”

He just grinned and shrugged.

”Let’s go make the lab report now.” You figured it would be a win-win combination; he knew what to write in it, you knew Swedish. 

As you went to a study area and sat around the small, round table, Drake removed his suit jacket and loosened the tie so he could open the top button of his shirt.

Your stomach flipped and filled with flutters. Damn, what a body he had! He must work out a lot. You wondered why he kept hiding it under suits and dress coats – all muscular guys you knew wore tight t-shirts to make it show.

Then you began on the report, leaning your heads over the paper. His semi-long hair fell forward and made his face look softer, less controlled.

Sitting so close, his pleasant perfume filled your nostrils and you had to refrain from sniffing him like an enthusiastic dog. It was increasingly hard to focus on the report.

There was no denying it anymore; you had to admit to yourself you were getting a huge crush on this guy. He was just so perfect in every way!

You were nearly finished when Catrine and Martin joined you. Like you, they hadn’t quite understood the lab and had many questions, which Drake seemed glad to answer. In the end, both the reports became mostly his doing, but since you others had translated and written them you figured you weren’t really cheating. Much.

Unsurprisingly, after that, Drake became everyone’s favorite lab partner. He took turns and changed partners each time, and though you were disappointed, you weren’t really expecting anything else. He had no reason to single you out. 

A couple of weeks passed and Halloween was coming up. The following Friday there would be a big costume Halloween party hosted by Chalmers, the city’s famous university of technology. Since it was open to other academic departments as well, Catrine, Martin and you decided to go, and she managed to convince Drake to tag along. 

“But remember this will be Swedish Halloween, not American,” said Martin. “Here we only dress up as evil and nasty things, like vampires, ghosts, witches and stuff.”

“Ah. Then I can dress as a dark wizard,” said Drake with a wry smile you couldn’t quite interpret.

The evening came, and as arranged you went to the Karl IX statue which was where everyone met up in this city. You had spent a long time picking your outfit – wanting to wear something that both matched the Halloween theme and made you look good – and at last settled on a bat face mask and a wide, black cloak that flowed around you dramatically as you walked. 

Shortly afterwards, Drake arrived. “Neat!” He indicated your cape. “You look a bit like a dungeon bat I know, but much cuter.”

The compliment filled you with a pleasant warmth. 

Drake also wore a black cloak, his with wide sleeves, and held an old-fashioned broomstick in one hand. He had used makeup to make his face paler, except for dark red shades around his eyes, and with his blond hair snugly combed back it gave the impression of a skull. His attractive smile took away part of the effect though.

“You look great too,” you said, meaning it wholeheartedly. He was exceedingly handsome no matter what he did. “Only a bit too nice for a dark wizard.”

“Nice?” His smile disappeared and he lowered his eyebrows, piercing you with a dangerous, sharp look. He loomed over you, a hand menacingly hovering near his sleeve like he prepared to draw a gun from it.

You took a step backwards, a nervous throb in your chest. The transformation was uncanny. Drake suddenly looked lethal.

He relaxed and grinned widely, his face perfectly friendly again. “Were you afraid?” he teased.

“Of course not!” you lied, laughing sheepishly. 

Now the others had arrived and the four of you walked up the Avenyn boulevard. Along the way, you passed a beggar with a cup in front of him. 

Drake stopped, pulling out his wallet.

“Don’t,” whispered Catrine. “He will just buy booze.”

He shrugged and put a hundred-crown note in the cup. “Then so be it.” 

The beggar’s eyes became round and he grinned toothlessly, quickly snatching up the note. “Tack så mycket,” he repeated several times.

“It means ‘thanks a lot’,” you translated.

Drake chuckled. “I figured.”

“Are you always this generous?” asked Catrine, giving his thick wallet a speculative look as he put it away. You were all poor students and she probably hoped he would offer to share with you also.

“Nowadays I am.”

“But not before?”

He looked uncomfortable. “Shall we continue?” 

The Halloween party was held in a large student union building and the loud music met you already outside. Drake got that same pained look you had seen at the pub the other week. 

“Don’t you like pop music?” you asked.

“It’s just a bit loud. But I suppose I’ll get used to it.”

Soon your group was swept along by the many cheerful partygoers, each more scarily dressed than the other, and it didn’t take long until you got separated. Catrine and Martin wanted to dance, and you too, but Drake disappeared before you could invite him.

Biting down the disappointment, you danced with your friends instead. At least you felt unusually cool and interesting in your outfit. You were not used to drawing others’ looks, but tonight a random guy even bought you a drink unprompted. 

It had become quite late when you finally saw Drake again. He was standing outside the entrance, talking with your classmate Andreas who was a bit of a lone wolf. 

“There you are!” you said.

“The volume was more bearable here,” Drake explained. “Is it time to leave soon, you think?” He had a longing tone in his voice.

You immediately decided it was. “I’ll fetch Catrine and Martin.”

Catrine was easy to find, dancing like there was no tomorrow in her demon costume, and after a while you found Martin too, closely embracing a handsome ginger guy. 

“We’re going home. You coming?”

“Don’t wait for me; I’ll be sleeping elsewhere tonight,” he said with a proud grin. 

Secretly very pleased, you returned to Drake. Martin had always appeared to be your most serious rival for the object of your crush, so it was a relief he had found himself another guy.

A few blocks away, the silence was nearly deafening after the noisy, crowded hall. The fresh fall air was cool against your heated face, with a light drizzle making the dark streets glisten. 

Andreas had been tagging along, now he fell into step with you. “He is such a nice guy,” he murmured in Swedish, nodding discreetly at Drake. “I didn’t see anyone I knew at the party and felt out of place at first, but then he came. He kept me company all evening, and even tried to match me with a girl I found pretty.”

“He’s super nice,” you agreed. “How did it go?”

“Well, she only had eyes for him, so not good unfortunately.” He smiled wistfully. “Still, I had a lot of fun for a change.”

His words gave you a pang of bad conscience. Andreas had been nearby when Catrine and you others asked Drake to come with you to the party – why had neither of you thought to ask Andreas too? Perhaps he wasn’t a lone wolf, just lonely and left out.

You decided to be more like Drake and be kinder to fellow students from now on.

After a while, you noticed two strangers following you. Something about them made you uneasy, and you involuntarily increased your step.

The strangers did likewise.

Drake had seen them too, and cast many nervous glances across his shoulder. He had become tense and alert.

Suddenly he stopped, turning to face them. “What do you want?” he asked in a low, threatening voice very different from his usual one. He looked dangerous. Like a tiger ready to pounce. 

“Oo an English tourist,” sneered the bigger of the two. He wore a frayed leather vest and his bare arms were covered in tattoos. A biker.

“We just want to talk,” said his companion. You suddenly noticed he had a knife in his hand.

Cold to the marrow with fear, you tugged at Drake’s sleeve. “Let’s go!”

“Don’t worry,” he said calmly. “These gentlemen were just going to leave.” For some strange reason his stance had become less taut, as if he found a couple of professional criminals no big deal at all. As if he had expected someone worse.

“No we aren’t, you little shit.” The big one drew a knife too. It looked nasty.

“I’m calling the police,” said Catrine in a trembling voice. She was fumbling with the buttons of her Nokia.

“Don’t.” Drake didn’t take his eyes off the thugs. “You go ahead. I will catch up with you.”

When you hesitated, heart pounding, he swiftly turned around. “I said go.” There was a steely edge to his tone. 

“But–”

“Get the hell out of here,” he growled, looking so stern and intimidating you didn’t dare disobey. 

Together with Catrine and Andreas you scrambled away a few meters, but then stopped again. You couldn’t just cowardly flee when your friend was in danger!

One of the bikers charged and Drake caught his knife with his bare hand. Blood trickled between his fingers. 

You yelped, hands flying to your mouth. 

Drake said something in a foreign language and his other hand moved too fast for you to see what he did. 

The bikers cried out and dropped their knives with a clatter of steel against asphalt. Their voices changed pitch, becoming shrill as they turned around, stumbling over each other in their hurry to run away.

You dashed to Drake’s side, shaking with excess adrenaline. “How are you?”

“Fine. They were just bullies.”

“Your hand…” Your voice trailed off, breath hitching. His hand was uninjured. No blood, nothing… but you had seen it!

“What about it?” He calmly flexed his fingers. There was not a mark on them.

“I can’t believe you scared them away,” said Catrine, joining you. “How did you do it?”

“Oh, I just… what’s that technique called, uh…”

“Martial art? Karate?” Andreas suggested.

“That’s it, yes. That’s how I scared them.”

You shook your head, trying to clear it. You had a few drinks at the party, perhaps you had seen wrong… the injury and the blood must be your imagination.

Warm relief filled you then, making your legs go weak. Drake was alright! You were all safe!

“I’m sorry I yelled at you,” he said, voice again soft and kind. “I was afraid they would go for you too if you stayed.”

You looked at him mutely, at the same time immensely grateful and awed over how heroic and selfless he was. Your throat constricted with emotions and you couldn’t stop yourself from giving him an impulsive hug. “Thank you,” you mumbled against his cloak. “That was so brave.”

At first he stiffened, then he hugged you back. “It was nothing. I’ve trained for this, you haven’t.”

You shyly drew back, wiping your eyes from tears that had appeared out of nowhere. 

He patted your shoulder soothingly. “It’s alright.” The motion made his cloak sleeve slide up, exposing the cuff of the black shirt he wore underneath.

That was when you saw it: there was a drop of fresh blood on his silver cufflink.

A/N:

Oops hehe. He should have been more thorough with his scourgify, but I suppose he was a bit in a hurry…

Thanks (or 'tack så mycket!') for reading! :)

Parts: [ < Previous Part ] [ Next Part > ] [ Masterlist ]

Full story: [ AO3 ]

[er-cryptid]

Chemistry Notes (Sept. 2023)

Full Notes:

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation Ex. 4

Proposed Lewis Structure Ex. 5

Red Blood Cell Disorders

Solution Equations

Steroids

.

Note Cards:

Amphipathic Compounds

Characteristics of Helices

Dynamics of Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions

Essential Amino Acids Mnemonic

Structure of Nucleosomes

.

Patreon

[a-shade-of-blue]

Masterlist of Vetted Fundraisers from the Palestinians who directly contacted me (15 - 17 August)

17 August

Ghada Ashraf (@ghada-ashraf-sousi): Ghada is a French teacher. Her daughter Maria has not been able to get vaccinated and complete her treatment because of the genocide. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/094016c9) (Vetted by association. @amalashuor (#175 on the verified fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) has stated that Ghada is her friend, see post here for proof) (17 Aug: LOW FUNDS! Only €155 raised of €30,000 goal (9 donations!).)

Maria (@maria-gaza1): Maria is a pharmacy student from a family of 6. Their home has been destroyed and they are displaced. (https://gofund.me/b297b689)(vetted by association. She's a friend of @/wafaaresh (shared by 90-ghost) and @/mohiy-gaza (shared by 90-ghost). See post here for proof.)

Basel Ayyad (@basel1995s, basel-1995): Basel is 28 years old and from a family of 8. His daughter has suffered from a disease that impacts her growth and sight, and with the lack of medical resources in Gaza, her health is getting worse and she is gradually lodging her eyesight. They are tyring to evacuate out of Gaza and get her the treatment she needs. (https://gofund.me/0e9c79b3) (This campaign is vetted twice(!) by el-shab-hussein and is listed as #214 on the vetted fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Mohammed Aldeeb (@mohammedaldeeb): Mohammed is a medical professional specializing in emergency care who worked at the Al-Shifa Hospital for years. Both his home and the hospital have been destroyed. He is from a family of four. They have managed to evacuate and are now trying to cover their living expenses in Egypt. (https://gofund.me/8906146e) (vetted by el-shab-hussein and is #212 on the vetted fundraiser spreadsheet by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Tahani El-Shorbage & Wissam (@weesamshorbaji, @tahanibaby): Tahani studied chemistry and digital marketing and was an assistant professor at a uni that has now been destroyed. Tahani’s children have contracted hepatitis from water pollution. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/de78bf6f) ( #112 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi. Also promoted by nabulsi here.) (Tahani’s IG: tahani_marketing)

16 August

Karam Al-Madhoun (@karamalmadhoun0): Karam is a 20 year old graphic design student. He is from a family of five. Their house has been destroyed and they are now displaced. They are trying to evacuate to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/903d0086) (#109 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) (his IG: karam_almadhoun7)

Ahmed Abu Al-Rish (@ahmadresh): Ahmed is 19 years old and wishes to study photographic design but was unable to due to the genocide. He and his family’s house has been bombed and they are now displaced. They wish to escape from this genocide. (https://gofund.me/cecba331) (shared by 90-ghost. Ahmad has also been confirmed as @/mohiy-gaza's brother (see post here))

Ahmed Abu Omar (@ahmedabuomar, ): Ahmed and his wife has 3 children: Omar (11), Ibrahim (10) and Ahmed (4). They have been displaced and are trying to evacuate out of Gaza to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/a4e4c8d7) (Shared by apollos-olives, who states that @/ahmedabuomar is a friend of @/ahmedabuyamin (ahmedabuyamin's gfm is listed as #264 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi))

Ahed Al-Ankara (@aahed255): Ahed and his wife Maysoon have 3 children: Fatima (9), Iman (6), and Nour (1). Their have been displaced for more than 10 times. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/1e35b377) (This campaign has been shared by @/mohammedalanqer, whose gfm is #174 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi) (17 Aug: LOW FUNDS! Only €225 raised of €40,000 goal (9 donations))

15 August

Hazem Khalil (@hazempalestine): Hazeem has not been able to see his family who live in Northern Gaza since 2018 due to the difficult situation there. Their home has been destroyed and he is trying to evacuate his family of 7 (including 2 children who are his younger siblings. (https://gofund.me/55f0129e) (vetted by el-shab-hussein. He is also a friend of Bilal-Salah0. Listed as #281 on the verified fundraiser list by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Lina Zeyad (@lina-zeyad): Lina is an attorney and has 3 sons -  Abdullah, Yazan, Youssef, and a daughter who is married and pregnant. Her youngest son Yousseff has contracted Hepatitis C after having to drink contaminated water. (https://gofund.me/de10f8c6) (vetted by nabulsi.)

Amna Marwan (@gazaway13): Amna is a mother of 3 children: Ahmed(8), Adam (6), and Ayla (4). Their home has been destroyed and they are displaced. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/36e10d4b) (#247 on the verified fundraiser list vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi.)

Abdallah Mousa (@abdallahblog0): Abdallah is a 20 years old uni student. He dreams of becoming a doctor. His house and university has been destroyed. He and his family are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gogetfunding.com/your-help-is-the-only-hope-to-save-abdallah-his-family-from-genocide/) (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/RawanMous) (shared by 90-ghost.)

Mahmoud Ziad (@mahmoud-ziad): Mahmoud is 24 years old. He has been displaced with elderly mother and father, his brothers, and his brother’s wife. (https://gofund.me/0aaeecea) (shared by 90-ghost)

Abood and Maria (@maria-abood, @abood-gaza2, @maria-abood2): Abood and Maria got married 5 months ago during the war. Maria is currently pregnant. They have been displaced more than 10 times. They are trying to evacuate out of Gaza. (https://gofund.me/7a4d8d0a) (vetted by association. (Maria's husband Abood is the brother of @/mohiy-gaza. See post here. Mohi's gfm has been shared by 90-ghost.))

Ahmed Khader (@ahmedpalestine): Ahmed is in Belgium but his family is still in Gaza. He is trying to evacuate his family of 12, including 8 adults and 4 children under 16 years old. (https://gofund.me/42d81684) (Ahmed's campaign is promoted by Bilal-Salah0. Bilal's campaign is listed as #132 on the verified fundraiser spreadsheet vetted by el-shab-hussein and nabulsi. Bilal's campaign has reached its goal and he has said that he will ensure the legitimacy of the campaigns he promotes (see post here).)

Ayaa Mahmoud (@ayoosh-gaza, her brother:@ahmad-gaza): Ayaa is a 24 years old children’s teacher . She is living with her parents and her 8 siblings. Their home has been destroyed and they are trying to evacuate to Egypt. (https://gofund.me/87a0fa9f) (UNVETTED but seems legit. Here's her IG: ayaa_mahmoud_99.)

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 13 July - 25 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 26 July -29 July.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 30 July - 1 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 2 August - 5 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 6 August - 10 August.

Click here for my Masterlist for fundraisers from 11 August - 14 August.

How does vetting and verification work? See post here.

[jalwoorideul]

yeona’s relationship w/ the performance unit

full masterlist | yeona’s masterlist

hoshi (yeoshi)

Yeona’s partner-in-crime, whether it be in their personal antics or in dancing. Like her admiration for jihoon, she also appreciates soonyoung’s hardwork and passion for dance. And while she always helps him direct performances and creating choreographs, she also doesn’t fail to remind him to take a break and to look out for him when he’s been working too much. She fully supports him on his Tiger agenda, even if she hears it almost all the time, because this is where he’s happy.

→ memorable moment:

During a practice video, when everyone just finished doing one full run of “Crush”, the camera was able to capture Soonyoung pulling Yeona off of the floor despite her asking for 5 more minutes. Once he was able to do so, he gave a big hug which only made Yeona push him away due to their sweat.

jun (yeonhui)

Yeona was mesmerized the first time she saw Jun. She thinks he was extremely attractive and was intimidated to approach him at first. But when they became closer, Yeona would always look for his warm presence whenever he’s not around.

→ memorable moment:

Jun loves to teach her about Chinese culture and Yeona loves sharing Korean and American culture to him as well. On their days off, Jun would invite her for shabu-shabu or to go out to eat at a new restaurant.  When they talked about Jun’s love for hotpot in “In the Soop”, Jun also mentioned that Yeona gifted her tools and resources he can use for his hotpot adventures, and he always manages to invite Yeona with him.

the8 (yeonhao)

One of the members Yeona took a long time to get close to. Other than the language barrier, they were both very timid people that no one between them would start a conversation. Not until they began talking about how much they missed China and the US, and their love for arts and fashion.

→ memorable moment:

It’s a well known fact that Minghao loves going to museums and art spaces. During a Vlive, he talked about whenever they go to a new city, Yeona would always research museums and art spaces for Minghao and how they plan to go together whenever they have the time to do so. On top of all of that, they also plan each other’s outfits when they get the chance.

dino (chanyeon)

If Mingyu acts like the annoying older brother (despite being the same age), Chan loves to act like the annoying younger brother. She gains energy during practice by watching him because he looks like he never loses energy when dancing. Yeona felt so proud to watch him grow up. And she doesn’t want to admit it, but she secretly likes it whenever she teases him and he whines “Yeona Noona” to make her stop,

→ memorable moment:

Dino invited her to do a danceology with him and all to possibly, the whole experience was one of the most memorable ChanYeon moments, because carats got to see more of their chemistry apart from the usual sibling energy they give of.

[makabunni]

Study Masterpost

I spent a whole lot of time on this... tumblr post length limits KILL me when I make masterposts  ૮₍ ˃ ⤙ ˂ ₎ა! I will update this with more resources, subjects etc until i run out of room. Make sure you check the tag “makabees masterposts” to find the updates. Feel free to send requests to my inbox for subjects  ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)! Most of these are free resources..

MATHEMATICS

✧*̥˚ algebra*̥˚✧

khan academy’s free algebra course 1 / 2

OGT algebra playlist

Cliffnote’s algebra notes

Mathplanet for free textbook and videos

edx’s entire selection of algebra courses for free

brilliant’s algebra practice

thriftbooks algebra for dummies

✧*̥˚ calculus*̥˚✧

OGT calculus playlist 

Khan academy  precalculus course

Brilliant’s calculus course

Professor leonard calculus lectures

Caclulus MITOCW textbook (workbook?)

Calculus full course vid

✧*̥˚ physics*̥˚✧

pocket physics app (ANDROID ONLY)

intro to physics pdf

college physics openstax textbook

stanford: understanding einstein special theory of relativity course

SCIENCE 

✧*̥˚ psychology*̥˚✧

sparknotes psychology

psychology 150 notes

simplypsychology guides for students

psychology crash course

coursera psychology selection

alison psychology selection

principles of neuropsychology pdf

MIT intro to psychology textbook

YALE intro to psychology lectures

✧*̥˚ biology*̥˚✧

khan academy bio courses HS / AP

STANFORD human behavioral bio lectures

MIT introduction to biology lectures

Biology sparknoets study guide

Thebiologynotes online bio notes for students

bio lectures

introduction to marine life course vid

marine biology at home playlist

marine biology lectures

marine biology lecture notes

✧*̥˚ chemistry*̥˚✧

general chemistry playlist

cliffnotes chemistry

khan academy chemistry

organic chemistry playlist

chemistry textbook pdf

✧*̥˚ neurology*̥˚✧ (brain stuff)

MIT open courseware cellular neurobiology

MIT ENTIRE NEUROSCIENCE OCW COLLECTION

neurology: divisions of the nervous system

neurology videos/playlist

HARVARD opencourseware neuroscience pt 1 / pt 2

✧*̥˚ astronomy*̥˚✧

astrobiology : exploring other worlds course

crash course astronomy playlist

YALE astronomy lectures

CALTECH astronomy lectures

general astronomy lectures

caltech the evolving universe course

journey throught he universe documentary

✧*̥˚ cosmology*̥˚✧

STANFORD cosmology lecture collection

understanding modern physics: cosmology and relativity

the beginning and end of the universe documentary

caltech physical foundations of cosmology pdf

intro to cosmology pdf

✧*̥˚ ecology/environmental*̥˚✧

MIT open courseware Ecology 1: The earth system

MIT open courseware Ecology 2: engineering for sustainability

MIT open courseware oceanography

Elements of ecology thriftbooks

netflix our planet playlist

✧*̥˚ geology*̥˚✧

engineering geology and geotechnics

geology 101 lectures uni of hawaii

MIT OCW intro to geology notes

geological sciences lectures

✧*̥˚ archaeology*̥˚✧

osteoarchaeology: the truth in our bones course

the archaeology of disease documented in skeletons

introduction to archaeology lecture

archaeology lectures playlist

ENGLISH/LITERATURE/ARTS

✧*̥˚ grammar*̥˚✧

grammarly handbook

purdue writing lab

✧*̥˚ literature*̥˚✧

Thriftbooks entire literature section for cheap lit

creative writing specialization

plagues witches and war: the worlds of historical fiction

✧*̥˚arts*̥˚✧

MIT open courseware Intro to art history

lecture at MFA

prehistoric art lecture

my art ref masterpost

list of pdf books that might help artists

✧*̥˚mythology*̥˚✧

greek and roman mythology pdf

greek and roman mythology course

old norse mythology in the sources course

[furious-rogue-stuff]

Heat Chapter 25: Heightened

A super-sized chapter due to being quite plot-heavy, so definitely hoping it’s not pushing the envelope into chore-reading 😬  

If you’d like to be added to the tag list, please let me know~!

Pairing: Javier Peña x OFC | Javi x Querida

Disclaimer: Written in 2nd person narrative, you can safely assume our heroine and love/lust interest is a Latina, written by a Latina. Here's my philosophy on my writing, for further context.

Rating: Mature/Explicit 🔞

Word Count: 23,000+

Summary: You both have so much to look forward to, so when challenges arise to derail Javi, you find yourself struggling to keep both of you afloat from going under. Will your unflinching love be enough to shelter each other from the impending tumult?

Warnings: The WONDERFUL Javier Peña, graphic depictions of oral (f receiving) and unprotected sex. Mentions of menstrual cycles, period sex, rough intercourse, dom/sub play, cum play, size kink, dirty talk, and praise kink. Some Dom!Javi, Wrathful!Javi, and Possessive!Javi. In the vein of Narcos being a bilingual show, and Javier Peña being fluent, I felt it was apropos to include Spanglish and Spanish throughout.

Heat Masterlist

Previous chapter - Chapter 24: Chemistry

Chapter 25: Heightened

You have to admit it. Coming into work from Javi's is so much better than having to slog a half hour from your side of town. Even with traffic, his place is ten minutes away from the embassy, which is wildly convenient on a day you risked being a few minutes late to your staff meeting. Thankfully, you make it up with enough time to deposit your purse and tote in your office and stroll down to the conference room without looking harried.

It would be a salacious lie for you to pretend you're not still alight and aflutter after your heart-to-heart with Javier earlier, though, so you do your best to mask your giddy joy from your savvy subordinates. Of course, Ellis eagle-eye-spies it in you regardless, and during your late morning meeting catch-up in your office, he tries peppering you with leading questions.

"—Fancy night out later?"

"Nope."

"Oh, quiet dinner at home?"

"…Perhaps."

"His place, or yours?"

"Ellis, quit it," you scoff and wave him out. When he pouts and gives you a doe-eyed beckon, you sigh. "I'll be more amenable to answering during lunch," is your relenting musing as you direct your attention to your laptop screen, typing away.

He actually fist-pumps in triumph before sobering with a grunt of, "Oh, by the way – Crosby's office asked for a meeting with you tomorrow. I had to move the conference call with the field offices to end of day."

"Huh, that should be fine," you remark, glancing up and asking, "Any mention as to what the meeting is about?"

"Zilch, but I heard there's a big inter-agency thing with CNP that is gonna be a prickly affair early tomorrow, so maybe it'll be to fill you in on that?" he theorizes, shrugging before looking at his watch. "Gotta run. Lunch in here later?"

"Sounds good," you chime and smile, watching him lope out before returning to your work.

Meanwhile, Javier's on cloud nine. His usually brooding and curt demeanor is stowed, making him easygoing and approachable today, which has the attentive members of his staff taking notice, especially Stoddard. Even when Javier accidentally pinches his fingertip in his desk filing cabinet drawer hard enough to bruise his nail, he only hissed a swear and sucked on his forefinger instinctually instead of react like a furious bull as he would've normally from the inconvenience. The younger man walks in with the latest in surveillance logs, and rather than the scowl he usually gets from the seasoned agent, he gets a friendly nod of acknowledgement as he places the files in his boss' hand. "The latest from the field offices, sir. Just need you to review and sign before I submit them," he recites before segueing to, "I spoke to Deputy Rose, and he mentioned having a progress session with the resource whose been managing the pilot program onboarding. I'll know if there's any continued resistance from our team later today."

"Great. Make sure you flag to him that any other issues should be communicated to you as soon as they happen," Javier instructs as he reaches for a cigarette, surrendering to the urge after not having one last night or eating breakfast earlier. It should curb his appetite until lunch, or so is his justification for lighting up. "Also," he remarks before exhaling the puff of smoke and sitting back in his desk chair. "Any developments on the wiretap?"

Shaking his head, Stoddard replies, "Nothing yet, boss. But based on the conversations, I doubt he's going to mention his location."

"Regardless, keep 'em your top priority. They're our only lead," Javi grumbles, eyeing the clearly hesitant man. "Any word from Feistl or Van Ness?"

"Just a check-in about trying to get a CNP chaperone to take them to some locations they wanted to vet. Feistl seemed testy," he tells Javi, and when he just deadpan stares at him, Stoddard clears his throat and states he'll stop back to collect the logs when he's through with them.

Once he's alone, Javi shakes his head and finishes his cigarette. He can sense that Stoddard's about to buckle, but he hopes he does it after they get Jurado's location. While he puts out the bud in the ashtray in order to dive into the logs before his next meeting, you're just getting out of your staff training a while later. Starved, you and Ellis heat up your lunches and sit in your office.

"So…I officially have a drawer and closet space at his place," you volunteer aloofly as you eat your stir-fry, smiling when Ellis whistles. "We'll probably alternate between both our apartments, though. But I have to admit, the 10-minute commute was fantastic."

"He'd mostly spend time at your pad, then?" Ellis asks before taking a bite of his sandwich. When you nod, he follows up with, "You know that's pretty legendary, right?"

"What is?" you chortle before sipping from your can of soda.

Leaning in conspiratorially, Ellis whispers, "You, domesticating the infamous Javier Peña – notorious ladies' man and reckless action hero—"

"You could've just said heroic, brooding man-slut," you jibe, earning a choked grunt of amusement from Ellis. "It's not like we're getting a place together. Just finally spending the night at his place for a few nights out of the week. Seeing how long it'll take until he gets sick of it," you joke, tone light and musing as you idly rub at your sore lower back, hiding your discomfort from your menstrual cramps easily.

Ellis squints at you. "Kid, c'mon. You don't honestly think he's liable to be a dick like that, right?" he inquires, tone becoming serious when you just blink bemusedly at him. "Seriously. If he ever makes you feel bad like that—"

"It's not like that, I promise," you chuckle meekly. "He's been nothing but amazing about it. Honestly…it kind of took me off guard," you confide, and whisper, "I'm just afraid of falling back into old habits."

Your friend and deputy frowns, setting his lunch aside to pull the chair closer to where you're perched daintily on the couch. "Does he know? About what happened with that gutless sonuvabitch?" he mutters, and when you nod and shy your gaze away, he reaches over to platonically squeeze your forearm. "Good, so he'll know just as well as you, that the past doesn't predicate your future. That was a bad situation that doesn't define you. Just like you're not letting his bad rep discourage your feelings for him, or wanting to be with him," Ellis assures, being the voice of reason you desperately needed.

"Thanks, Rose," you fondly muse and grin when he hums pleasantly. "By the way? He made me this last night," you chirp and hold up the container with the stir-fry.

"See? He's fucking smitten, girlie. Got him wrapped around your little finger," he chuckles good-naturedly and bounces his brows at you.

While you continue to banter light-heartedly in your office, Javier is exiting his latest meeting and dying to get through the rest of the logs so he can skip out early enough to beat you home so he can surprise you with dinner. Unfortunately, different commitments force him to end up having to spend the rest of his afternoon at his desk, poring over statements and logs, signing off on requisition forms – all the things he loathes about his job.

Once finished with all that, he deposits the signed stack of logs onto Stoddard's desk and inquires about the big meeting tomorrow. The younger man flicks his gaze towards Javier's office, indicating it'd be best to discuss the details in there, so they both go in and hash out what his deputy has gathered on the tenor of the meeting.

Still, Javi can hardly care. The damage was done, and he wasn't going to take it back or apologize for going after Cali, so he changed subjects to the session Stoddard was supposed to have with Ellis.

"Ah – yes. Deputy Rose confirmed the resources in question have fallen into line with the training. Everything should be copacetic for the status report with the director next week."

"Excellent. Let me know if anything else crops up with that," Javier responds and nods when Stoddard gestures he's going to hop to it with the logs on his desk.

When his end of day conference call goes later than he'd hoped, Javi spends most of the meeting thinking about you. It's unavoidable, after all. Especially when you'd told him some of the most consequential, poignant things. He replays your radiant expression as you'd declared how he was the love of your life and the best man you'd ever been with. The tender feeling his reminiscing stokes in his chest is so potent that he almost misses addressing the others on the call when it comes around to him.

While Javier is dying to wrap up the call, you're triumphant as you park in the garage and see you're the first to arrive, so you hustle up to the apartment and let yourself in with your key. It's still fairly early for the end of the day, so you decide to get out of your work clothes and put on the casual mauve t-shirt dress from the dresser drawer before going in search for a hamper to put your work outfit in. Said search becomes a scavenger hunt in the chilly air-conditioned abode, and after a few minutes of opening closets, cabinets, and looking in nooks, you balk at Javier having no freaking hamper. Befuddled, you wander out of the bedroom and spot the louvered doors adjacent to the kitchen.

Opening them, you are pleasantly surprised by the stackable washer-dryer unit, and finally find the hamper shoved into the corner next to folded up ironing board leaning against the machine. Grunting, you pull it out and end up noticing Javi stuffed laundry into the washer. Shaking your head sardonically, you go back to the bedroom, dump your clothes into the hamper you place in the corner by the closet doors, and go to the pile of laundry he shoved hastily in the corner, tucked out of sight by the dresser.

"Oh my god, this man," you snicker to yourself as you dig through the piles and separate items that can be washed from garments that require dry cleaning. Then, you make sure to check the bathroom and the bedroom closet for any possible laundry stragglers. "Huh, wonder if he has dirty clothes in you," sardonically, you absently muse out loud, as you take the duffle bag from the closet and go to empty its contents out on the bed. Sorting the items into your separated piles, you're humming to yourself as you rifle through the pockets. When you slip your hand into a hidden pouch in the interior of the bag and fish out your used pair of panties – the ones he'd pilfered from your apartment after your first night together, you balk in horror. "Eww!"

Tossing the offending undies into the hamper, you remember that Javier had another pair you'd given him in Medellín. Casting a glare around the room, you decide you must find them and wash them, regardless of how sulky he'll get. You look in every drawer, in the nightstands – even under the bed, and have no luck, so you sit on the soft surface and huff.

"If I was a filthy, naughty beyako, where would I hide my skanky jerkoff panties…" you mutter to yourself, pondering while grumpily stretching out on his side of the bed. Then, as you're lying on your back and staring up at the ceiling, you instinctively skim your hand down the edge and wedge your hand under the mattress. "Oh for the love of god," you cackle as you pull out the sought-after panties. "I can't fucking believe it," you impishly chuckle, sneering as you stand and deposit them into the hamper. "Blegh," is your acerbic grimace as you dust your hands off before moving on back to the original task at hand.

By the time you have the second load of laundry in the wash and the first in the dryer, you're in the kitchen, seasoning the chicken you plan to fry up for dinner. It's still early, almost an hour before the time Javi had said he'd be home by, so you'd started the rice and beans and now leave the seasoned chicken to marinate. You then busy yourself with padding around barefoot as you peruse his apartment.

You get to catalogue all the things you haven't noticed the few times you'd been over before. His walls are bare, and there aren't any tchotchkes – no family photos, or really anything that spoke of his life in any way. But then you spot a few books aligned on the bottom shelf of the entertainment system, so you go over and pluck a thick textbook out and fan through it. The criminology book is worn, and there are several folded pages and highlighted sections throughout it. Intrigued, you look at the other books in his collection.

There's a just as well read History of Colombia, a paperback of Cien Años de Soledad, and a copy of Open Veins of Latin America. Impressed, you return everything in it's previous alignment on the shelf before going to check on the stove. Glancing over at the credenza, you smile at the vase of now-wilted roses, and go over to tidy up – sweeping the spent rose petals that had fallen onto the top in one hand while you hum at the lack of any other plants in his abode. You're idly trying to remember if he had any potted plants at his old apartment while you're disposing of the flowers and washing out the vase. You leave the spherical vase to dry on the dishcloth while humming a jaunty tune as you decide to make yourself a drink.

Once the dryer dings, you take the piping clothes out and set up the ironing board to tend to items that require pressing. In not much time, you have all of Javier's dress shirts ironed and hung up in the closet while you steam the wrinkles out of his ties. You're ridiculously content as you busy yourself with the domestic tasks your boyfriend clearly hates doing for himself, and in no time, you're sorting the remaining load out of the dryer. Your now-salvaged undies are folded and neatly stored in the top drawer of the dresser while you iron, roll and fold the other garments to be stored in their proper place.

Stowing the iron and board away, you start organizing some of the sheets of paper strewn on the counter as you sip your drink. One of them lists the instructions from the in-building dry cleaning service downstairs. Humming, you see they're open for ten more minutes, so you hurry over to grab Javi's suits.

Sitting on the bed while you quickly check all the pockets of each blazer and pant, you fish out some receipts, a few coins, spent gum packets, and the occasional cigarette cellophane wrapper. You're digging into the left pocket of a muted-brown blazer when you pluck out a slightly crumpled note. Furrowing your brow, you notice the dark, bold penmanship and unfurl the paper.

A cold chill runs down your spine, breath stuttering while you stare at the note, rereading it over and over in a vacant attempt to try and make sense of it.

When Javier comes through the door a while later, he can't help call out in a cheesy croon, "Honey, I'm home," with a bright smile on his handsome features, demeanor carefree – until he sees you sitting on the couch.

The apartment is dimly lit. The kitchen light is on, but you've only switched on a lamp in the living room, seeming to favor sitting in the din with what looks to be a stiff drink resting on the coffee table. Tossing his keys onto the credenza and shirking the empty lunch container to the counter, Javi strides over to you. "Querida, what's wrong?" he asks as he nears, pausing when you hesitate and fiddle with something in your hands. He can smell the aroma of your delicious rice and beans, and he hears the air conditioning kick on, but everything seems odd when juxtaposed with your uneasy glance – with how you curl into the sofa cushions worriedly.

Taking a fortifying breath, you pat the empty spot next to you, beckoning him to sit. Once Javi plunks down and his stare only intensifies, you sigh and show him the paper in your hands. "I was sorting through the laundry to take down to the dry cleaners, when I found this," you say, watching intently for his reaction.

YOU BROKE IT, YOU BOUGHT IT. ASSHOLE!

His jaw sets, clenching tightly. "This? It's nothing," he tries to dismiss, tossing it down onto the coffee table as he pivots to nuzzle you and flippantly drawl, "That's what's got you all tense? You should see some of the memos I get—"

Shying away, you stand and pad barefoot across the apartment to grab your purse from the counter, digging through it judiciously before producing something and walking back to him. Holding his confused gaze with your dubious stare, you hand him the folded piece of paper. "This was left on my desk earlier in the week," you tell him evenly as he takes it and opens it.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE FUNDING. LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING TOGETHER SOON.

Javier sees red. You watch on, disarmed, as his hands curl into fists while his shoulders broaden and square up. He bows his head, tucking his chin down to hide the furious expression contorting his features as he grapples with his blinding rage.

"That pinche cabrón," Javi growls in a gravelly pitch, blood pressure shooting up and anger welling in his chest. "That bastard—" he snarls – warring with the dizzying wave of impotent anger zinging in his veins when he finally looks up at you and sees the bewildered trepidation in your face. He reins himself in and pulls you over to sit next to him. "Fuck, I'm sorry—"

"Stechner wrote that to you."

Javi tenses, and when you just insistently stare at him, he gruffly confirms, "Yes. He slipped it in my folder during the meeting with the Colombian officials at the National Palace, after we captured Gilberto Rodríguez…"

Absorbing that, your brows knit together in brooding thought. This was clearly an attempt by the CIA station chief to size you up in some way, and the fact he left that note after Javier had thwarted his plans could not be downplayed.

"I should've known," you muse out loud, adding thoughtfully, "I didn't think of him until I saw this note. But I should've suspected him sooner."

Javier's expression shutters in at how calm and clinical you're being about this. "That motherfucker has no cause to be hassling you, and I'm going to tell him so tomorrow—"

"You will do no such thing, Javier," you suddenly snap and glare seriously at him. "That's exactly what he wants you to do. Don't play into that prick's hands, please," is your resolute sneer, grabbing both notes and folding them together before marching to the counter and storing them in your purse.

That riles Javi, so he stands and emphatically rails, "I don't give a fuck! He can try pissing on my plans all he wants, but he's not going to retaliate against me by harassing you."

"He's not harassing me," you dismiss curtly and turn to stare impatiently at him. "This is his attempt at rattling my cage and seeing if I'll take the bait. I will not, so I expect you not to go más macho and confront him, which will only prove he can get to you by bugging me," is your sharp assessment as you stride back to him when you see him only wind up with frustrated anger. Caressing your hands up his chest to slip them under his blazer so you can knead his shoulders and intensely stare up into his smoldering glare, you murmur gently, "He's a supercilious, self-important, limp dildo, Javi."

That is such a ridiculous description of the smarmy bastard Bill Stechner that Javier scoffs cynically and snorts when you playfully grunt and shake him by the shoulders. "Yeah, well, I don't want that fucker bothering you," he grumbles gruffly and pulls you against him, nuzzling a kiss to your hairline.

You want to assure him that no such thing will occur without ending in a very well planned outcome that will backfire on the facetious man, but decide to muse light-heartedly instead, "He won't, mi amor. Let's forget about him so he doesn't spoil any more of our night, ok?"

Surly, he grunts, so you huff and start kissing him relentlessly until his scowl dissolves and that irreverent smirk quirks his pillowy lips. "I won't argue with that," he chuckles and squeezes your ass cheekily before stealing a flirty kiss from your lips.

Smiling, you backpedal impishly away towards the kitchen as you chime, "Good! Now go get comfy while I fry up the pollo."

He's about to snicker when he notices you've tidied up the counter and the louvered doors are open. Shit, did she…?

Loping into the bedroom while he shrugs his blazer off, Javi sees the hamper tucked by the closet and his empty duffle on the bed. The piles of clothes in the corner are gone. Then, it dawns on him, and he rushes to the duffle and digs into the hidden pocket.

You're merrily smirking to yourself as you tend to the chicken when you hear Javi complain gruffly, "Oh c'mon!" from the bedroom, hearing him fling the duffle to the floor before the protesting of the mattress as he lifts it to find the other hidden pair of panties gone. "Really?!" his exclaimed scoff has you giggling as you fry the drumsticks.

Javier's footfalls amble in from the bedroom a few minutes later. "Just got two more minutes of frying and then we can eat, babe," you innocently lilt as you keep your gloating features hidden.

"Who told you to clean, by the way?" he crisply grumbles, but you can hear the amusement in his baritone, poorly hidden away as he mutters, "You would have a fit if I went through your stuff—"

"Oh my god, you did though," you exclaim irreverently and whirl on him, quirking a derisive eyebrow at him while he rolls his eyes and his shirtsleeves up to his elbows. He's shoeless and tieless, shirt collar unbuttoned and belt removed from his slacks. "Remember?! You went snooping in my nightstand like, the next morning after our first time, malcriado. You're just mad I washed those disgustingly skanky panties—"

"They were not disgusting," he lamely counters and actually gives you a pouty glare as he puts his hands on his hips.

You wrinkle your nose derisively and drawl, "You know they were, so stop being a silly beyako and go set the table for me, please?"

The corner of his mouth twitches in a lewd smirk before he husks, "I'll just steal a pair when you're not looking," before loping into the kitchen to retrieve the napkins and cutlery. You turn back to the stove to hide your amused reaction, which gives Javier the opportunity to teasingly brush up against you, and add raunchily, "Maybe the ones you're wearing right now, even."

It's incomprehensible how wet he gets you just from telling you something so shameless. The ache in your lower back is replaced by the pulse of arousal that thrums between your thighs now, leaving you ridiculously turned on as you take the last pieces out of the frying pan and shut the stove off. He sees the apples of your cheeks flush, and he knows it isn't from the heat in the kitchen, so he smugly sets the table and smiles when you fan yourself and go to get a hair tie so you can fasten your locks up in a messy bun.

Dinner is wonderful – spent merrily eating and catching up about the day. When you notice the bruise on his finger, you tut and take his hand so you can affectionately kiss it. "Who'd you piss off to slam a drawer shut on your poor finger?" you lament, smiling when he scoffs and caresses your cheek.

"Just myself, with that goddamn filing cabinet drawer. Wasn't paying attention," Javi huffs dryly. He wants to add that it was partially your fault by distracting his thoughts – that he spent every spare moment replaying what you'd told him that morning. Instead, he steals a kiss from your lips as he gets up from the table and collects your dish, and true to his promise, when he finishes clearing the table and washes the dishes, he smugly declares, "We're having dessert in the bedroom, querida."

Snickering, you finish your drink and lean over the counter separating you from him to contrarily muse, "It'll have to be a one-sided dessert tonight, stud."

He shakes his head charismatically. "Nonsense," Javier croons and turns to face you while he dries his hands. "Not after I've been thinking about you all damn day – going without you and coffee—"

"You are such a dork," you giggle and toss your napkin at him, which he catches and deposits in the trash before sighing noisily and pursing his lips at you.

Javi starts unbuttoning his shirt open as he walks around the counter to get to you. "I've been called many things, but dork is a new one," he jokes as he tugs his shirt loose from his slacks and finishes unbuttoning it. Your coy smile becomes an alluring smirk when you grab both ends of his open dress shirt and guide him close.

His scent is even better now that your senses are heightened by your hormones – warm spice of his skin making your blood vessels expand in tantalized attraction, seeking out more. So, you press your nose to his chest and get lost in his musky, spiced and salty smell, on delay when his hands yank you up against him by the backs of your thighs so he can effortlessly carry you into the bedroom. You hum contentedly as you nuzzle his neck and kiss his pulse. Javier lays you on the bed and climbs over you, intending to stay on his propped hands and knees when you protest and pull him down on top of you to meet your hungry kiss.

You both languidly make out and enjoy the feel of each other – how warm his chest and back are when you wrap your arms around him and trail your touch under the shirt. Javier caresses a hand up the contour of your side to hike your soft dress up, but you thwart its assent and mewl into his mouth. "I can't tonight," you whisper against his lips when he sits up enough to stare intently with lusted eyes at you. "Let me just take care of you," is your breathy murmur as you slip your hand down his body to reach for his fly.

He gently redirects your hand up and kisses the inside of your wrist. "Don't be silly. I told you, it's nothing to be skittish about—"

"Pfft, I can't really stay in the mood if I'm bleeding all over the bed, Javier," you counter grumpily, plush lips pouting when he sits up and arches a sardonic brow at you. "It's not sexy, and daresay, it's actually really embarrassing—"

"But it's normal and nothing to be embarrassed about?" he contradicts and affectionately traces your jawline with his fingertips. "If you want to…we can. Don't go without because you think it'd bother me, is all I mean."

Sighing bashfully, you chew on the inside of your cheek. After all, this was a first for you both. Peculiarly enough, your relationship had been so on-and-off that you'd rarely had your time of the month while Javier was around. He'd either be coming back from Medellín right after your period or you'd spend a solid week together right before it. Stars aligning and full moons cresting in your favor, you suppose.

Now though, as you try avoiding being flustered, you stretch out under him before mustering the gumption to query, "You wouldn't be grossed out? For real?"

He reassuringly chuckles, "Christ, of course not, cariño. It's just sex, well, with maybe a towel over the bed, but really, it's no different than dealing with cum, if you think about it," Javier muses wryly, but when he sees you look a bit dubious, he sobers and assures, "But if it bothers you that much—"

"Once, when I was at a house party, I went up to a bedroom with a really cute guy my age, and in the middle of sex, I got my period," is your interjection, confiding in a self-deprecating stream of consciousness, "He saw the blood and freaked. I was so embarrassed. I wasn't supposed to get it for a few more days, and then there I was, bleeding over some Upper East Siders' expensive Egyptian cotton sheets with this jock acting like the elevator from The Shining opened up between my legs," you explain and cover your face self-consciously. "It was so mortifying!"

Rolling onto his back and tugging you along with him, Javier groans while consolingly pulling you into his arms to tut, "What a fucking idiot."

You laugh and shake your head. "That was the last time I hooked up with anyone I went to school with. Didn't save me from all the gossip and taunts, though," you sigh flatly and huff at yourself as you bury your face into his chest.

He's angry at hearing that, wishing he could retroactively take that pain from you and exact it on someone more deserving.

"So?! How are you so cool with the prospect of period sex, then?" you suddenly ask and sit up to squint adorably down at him when you think you're looking judiciously bossy.

He snorts and stretches out under you so he can fold his hands behind his head. "I grew up with lots of girl cousins. A few were older than me, and at family gatherings, I would hear some crazy girl shit," he tells you earnestly, and you crack an endeared smile. "My cousin Lucía once told the other girls that the best way to get rid of period cramps was to ride a guy and get fucked side saddle," Javier remarks without an ounce of shame while you dissolve into startled giggles.

"They'd talk about that around you?!" you ask, still laughing in shock as you absently tuck the rogue strands of hair that have escaped your bun behind your ears.

"I mean, I might've been eavesdropping around the corner of the barn, but yeah," he remarks aloofly and shrugs a shoulder.

"How old were you?!" you chortle, smile silly and intrigued.

"I don't know, maybe 11 or 12? I was the only boy for a while until my cousin Danny was born," Javier remarks warmly while you start giggling at the mental image of a little Javi hearing girl talk and gaping in round-eyed horror. "So? Let's shower, and if you're in the mood…" he suggests in a tentative, no-pressure drawl before cupping the small of your back and rubbing his fingers soothingly in massaging circles there.

Nodding, you acquiesce. Once you've taken your earrings off and shed your dress, you go to the bathroom while he strips out of his suit, and after you've removed your tampon and used the facilities, you hop in the shower and get joined by Javi a few minutes later. He's ridiculously tender and sweet with you – rubbing his hands down your body and kneading his thumbs gently into your achy lower back, kissing the shell of your ear while you rinse the soap off your skin. He's even behaving while you affectionately lather his chest up and wash him sensually. And the kisses he steals from your lips are soft, albeit tender with desire.

Once dry and back in the bedroom, you can't deny how enticed and worked up you are, cunt yearning to be split open on his thick cock, regardless of your previous insecurity. So, you lay the dark towel down on the bed and stretch out over it, completely nude and feeling tingly for him. Javier takes the unspoken assent and sheds his towel to admire you from the front of the bed. You're tempted to suggest he use a condom, but you don't have a chance when he ruggedly pulls you to the foot of the bed by the backs of your knees, and pushes them gently up and apart.

You inhale a charged breath and blush, keeping your hands down on the bed and staring demurely up at Javi. His hands glide down to caress your inner thighs, and you get lost in the tickling tingle his touch ripples through you while you gaze up at his golden skin and start to really yearn for him to be inside you. Javi's brown eyes capture your sultry gaze as he trails his touch through the soft curls of your mound before brushing his thumb over the hood of your clit while his other hand keeps one of your thighs butterflied open from you arching and mewling.

"If at any point you want me to stop, tell me," he murmurs to you and keeps his dark coffee gaze on yours.

You nod and bite your bottom lip, anticipating his hands to nudge your legs completely open so he can nestle between them and press into the cradle of your pelvis to rut his thick, engorged cock you're now staring at into you. Instead, Javi surprises you by bowing over your torso to kiss and suckle an incandescent path from your sensitive nipples – both of which he purses his mouth over to lave and tease the pebbled morsels – to the crest of your sex before his hands push your hips up so he could angle your pelvis up to his greedy worship.

The gasp you let out when he licks the seam of your pussy before suckling over the hood of your clit sounds pitchy and floored to your own ears, but you instinctively arch back and rock your hips up higher to him, seeking more. Your face burns with anxiety, but it's becoming muddled under your mounting arousal as Javi hums in desire at your reaction and sweeps his tongue through your folds.

"Ah, Ja-Javi," you mewl and start to tremble in anticipation of the worst. That he'll recoil from your ripened womanhood, or you'll gush into his mouth, but just as you start to get taut from the fretting, Javi groans and buries his tongue into you.

The feral delight that dings in Javier at the heady-yet-tender feel of your pussy engulfing his tongue makes him wild and eager for more, so he swipes the talented appendage around your fluttering slit and glances up at you to make sure he's not misreading your cues. You're quivering now, eyes glossed over with awed lust as you pant and gasp in nervous excitement. Smirking up at you, Javier uses the flat of his tongue to lave a long lick up your pussy before flicking it over your clit. You let out a startled moan and writhe, cheeks burning with your blush.

"Jesus, you taste so fucking good," he growls and plants a sloppy kiss to the inseam of your thigh. "Just wanna bury my face in your pussy, baby—"

"Ja-Javi, you can't," you giggle and press the back of your hand over your eyes, overwhelmed and bashful about it. He rumbles in protest, so you huff a flustered sound before looking at him and seeing he's genuinely into eating you out and savoring your heightened warmth, scent and taste. It makes your core melt down into cloying desire, enraptured by the hunger you see in his eyes as he toys his lips along your cunt. With a breathy sound, you beg, "Please, n-need you inside me."

Javier needs no other prompt. Effortlessly, he shifts you up further on the bed so he can plant his knees on the soft surface – strategically keeping you both placed over the towel you laid out – and hitches up between your thighs before skimming his throbbing, thick erection over your mound. The weight of his length against you has you groaning lustfully – the anticipation of having it buried inside your heated and syrupy sheath has your pussy weeping with excitement. He's trying to keep control of his own desire and not miss any sign of your unease or discomfort, so he gives you an intent and appraising once over while his hands soothingly rub the tops of your thighs.

He takes you in. Flushed cheeks, plush-panting lips, blown out pupils staring gorgeously up at him. Your skin is several degrees warmer than usual, running hot and feeling sinuous. Your usually taut tummy is supple and soft, and he finds himself skimming his fingertips over your womb, admiring how smooth and warm you are there as you wistfully relax and sigh. Javier thinks how beautiful you'd look with a round little belly and it takes his mind a second to register that and snap him back. Fuck me, where did that come from?!

You let out a soft giggle when his touch starts to tickle, so he leans down and plants a kiss on your sternum, between your breasts, before he purrs, "Mi hermosura, tan tierna y calientita."

The delight he sees crest your alluring eyes settles a warm ache in his chest. "Deja de tentarme, amado," you breathily whine and reach for his hand so you can trail his fingertips along your mouth before suckling the pad of his index and middle fingers. You watch his gaze get heavy with want, so you murmur, "Give it to me, Javi…please. I want it."

He groans and caresses your jawline as he guides his cock to part your folds and press into you. His thrust breaches you and feels amazing, punching pleasure so swiftly into your pussy that it blows apart the menstrual cramping and aches in your lower back. For Javi, it feels like your tight pussy is molten – clutching him lushly and rippling like velvet, wet heat around his cock. Planting his hands on either side of you, Javi snaps his hips into you and groans a husky sound as you grab his triceps and hike your pelvis up to encourage him to thrust deeper. So, with a feral growl and possessive nuzzle, Javi slams home and hits that devastating point inside you before he sets a toe-curling pace in his piston-like strokes into your melted silken vise.

You'd be utterly mortified by the messy and obscene sounds coming from him pumping his ramrod cock through your squelching pussy if him fucking you like this didn't feel so insanely good. The boisterous pleasure that sears up your body to fizzle delirious rapture into your throat has you dizzy, escaping you as a delectable moan Javi's never heard you make before, so he suckles a hungry kiss into your neck as he shoves his hand under you to tilt your lower back up on his next pounding series of thrusts.

Gasping incandescently and clinging to Javier now, you moan, "Oh fuck-oh my fucking god!" He can feel your cunt flood over and wring around his pulsing cock just as you toss your head back and sob, "Javi!" when you climax hard, so wrecked and overcome by the ecstasy of sensation in this fertile state your body is in that you hike your knees instinctively up to grapple with his sides and bury your face in his shoulder. Your fingers are clutching at his back as he groans and prolongs your bliss – slamming his cock over and over into you while ravished mewls fall from your gasping lips.

He keeps rocking into your luscious cunt as you tremble from the waves of pleasure crashing through your insides, so when you whimper overwhelmed little sounds, Javier soothes you with, "I got you, querida. Not going anywhere. J-Just let go and don't worry, mi tiernita. K-Keep you safe."

Your eyes well with tears and you surrender to the soul-shattering feeling of trusting someone so utterly and fiercely. He feels you relax, hears your satiated little sighs as he tries to regain his own breath from the staccato, shallow panting it's become. His cock is throbbing, but he's concentrating on you, making sure you're not anything but satisfied as he nuzzles your temple and caresses his hand along your side.

"Javi?" Your voice sounds soft and breathy, so he sits up on his propped hands on either side of you again to gaze down at you. He sees how smoldering your expression is, flushed and sultry with the promise of sinfulness. "Please, mi amor, fuck me again," is your smoky petition, hungry and shameless as you bat your lashes and caress an open-mouth kiss over his forearm.

Javi's cock throbs in response inside you, enthralled features becoming lustful as he smirks and nods. "As you wish, guapita," he grouses and leans down to kiss you.

The feeling of being railed by Javier is just short of heaven for you right now, any previous unease or embarrassment discarded for the exhilarating and heightened pleasure you're in. He flipped you from your back onto your knees before he speared back into your molten cunt from behind, hands on the small of your back and pressing you to bow into the bed to just let him dominate you like this. For his part, Javier is loving how wired and raw you are in your pleasure, savoring the luscious clutch of your pussy swallowing his cock greedily while you moan and give yourself over to him.

The sight of you coming and writhing under him with your ass up against him has his cock straining and swelling with an impending release, but it's your reaching a hand blindly behind yourself to grip his wrist while begging, "Fucking fill me with your cum, Javi, please, please please!" that sends him over the scintillating edge of a ferocious orgasm.

He shouts out and barrels mindlessly into your molten cunt over and over until his climax surges in thick bursts to saturate your already melted insides with his spend. Shivering, his thrusts stutter in rhythm as he groans charged, hoarse sounds of completion before he clumsily folds over you and gasps into the nape of your neck.

You're drunkenly smiling into the bed, elated and the most fulfilled you've ever felt in your life. You can feel the debauched mess seeping out of you, but you can't muster the shame or concern, so you lie under Javi until he comes to his senses and regains his awareness.

"Shit, baby, you ok?" he mumbles and shifts to roll you both onto your sides, staying nestled inside you and pressed up against you while he encircles your body and spoons you.

"Mmm…" you respond sensually and pull your knees up closer to your chest so you can feel like a curled up sated thing, warm and coiled against him. "I've never felt better," you sigh contentedly and interlace your fingers with the hand he has resting over your womb.

Javi grunts proudly and nuzzles you in the spot beneath your ear. "Want me to pull out?" is his mellow chuckle, and you shake your head, making a little sound to protest the suggestion. "Mmph, you're so warm. Feel so good," he mumbles on a wistful exhale and kisses the side of your neck.

Your mind is recovering from a flashflood of lust that numbed all your shame and inhibitions, and now that the flood has ebbed and left you dazed in its wake, you can't muster any fretting thoughts. Instead, some primal little spark in you hazes at the vacant musing that Javi could've easily gotten you pregnant after something that heady and primordial – pill or no pill. And the anxiety the thought coaxes free from the lust-logged recesses of your mind shakes you loose. However, the thought of such a happening doesn't well cold terror in you like it did the last time, but it gives you pause.

Squeezing his hand, you whisper, "I'm kind of scared to look."

He snorts and kisses the sloping juncture of your shoulder before he eases out of you and shifts. The aftermath of your lovemaking is a crimson-tinged mess that's pooling on the dark towel, but definitely nothing to make him reconsider having sex while you're on your period. Really, he looks forward to doing it again,since it feels that good for the both of you. Agilely, Javi gets off the bed and cleans off before tending to you and helping you wriggle up off the sullied towel. A quick shower later, and you both get ready for bed.

He can't hide the adoring smile quirking his lips while he watches you tug your stretched out tour shirt-turned-pajama nightgown down over your cotton-panty-clad derrière before you shake out your hair from the messy bun and finger comb it. Glancing over and catching his flirty glance, you playfully leer at him while he charmingly climbs in his nude glory under the covers and pats your side of the bed. Slinking onto the bed, you kiss his cheek and smile when he pulls the bedding back for you to slip under with him before he shuts the lamp on the nightstand off.

Once under the covers in the dark, you cuddle into his side and murmur, "You're the best cramp reliever of my life."

Javier laughs heartily at that before wrapping his arm around you and rumbling, "We gotta try that side saddle business next time."

Now your turn to chuckle, you kiss his cheek and settle comfortably against him. "Maybe tomorrow?" you suggest as you teasingly brush your fingertips from his forehead down the etched bridge of his nose before thrumming them playfully over his mustachioed lips.

He kisses your impish digits before drawling, "Fuck yeah, I need something good to look forward to."

You sober at that. Caressing his cheek, you let your eyes adjust to the penumbra of the room so you can trail your touch up to his forehead, where you brush his rogue wisps of hair back. "That meeting?" you ask gently.

He sighs. "I know it's not going to go well. Vargas is on the surrender, keep things status quo, side of the argument. I fucked all that up for him and the rest of the Cali cronies," Javier grumbles dryly. "I've never been good at dealing with the political sleight of hand shit."

Absorbing that as you continue to caress your touch along his handsome countenance, you inquire, "And Crosby isn't on your side?"

Javier huffs flippantly. "His concern is about destabilizing relations with the Colombian government. He's given me shit, but has backed me up in front of officials, when it's come to a head," he remarks and idly caresses his hand along the length of your side. "I can't help suspect he's just shepherding shit along and doesn't care for actually taking down the cartel," is his sulky musing. He's dying for a cigarette, but with you nestled against him? The last thing he wants to do is get up to smoke right now.

"Well…maybe that's the case," you retort thoughtfully and feel Javi grunt in displeasure. "Crosby is one of the most pragmatic people I've ever met. There are other agencies in the building other than DEA," you can't help razz, and when he turns his head to glower at you? Your eyes twinkle as you give him a lopsided smile. "I'm serious. Not all of them have the same goals. Most of the time, agencies have competing interests. His job is to make sure none of that jeopardizes the standing of the U.S. here, on top of not pissing off the locals," is your judicious remark before you kiss his cheek and jibe, "If you're thinking the only goal is pursuing something for the greater good, you're gonna ruffle a lot of feathers."

He grunts at that, unable to take umbrage. It's insightful and objective – which is what he desperately lacks in his current circumstance.

Sitting up to kiss his forehead, you drawl, "Go have your cigarette."

Javi scoffs and fists his fingers through his hair. "How the hell did you know?"

"I know you, chulito," you giggle and playfully flick your thumb over his nipple, laughing when he inhales a sharp sound and taps your ass in retaliation. "Plus, your fingers start to fidget when you're craving a smoke," is your sardonic lilt.

He sits up in bed and pouts, shaking his right hand out and huffing sarcastically. "You should've gone into law enforcement with how good you are at spotting tells," he quips in a purring bass. "I already know you're a crack shot—"

You snicker and adjust to affectionately lean into him. "Ah-hah, keep it up, burlón. If you and I were partners on the job, I'd show you up," is your sassy retort, to which he makes an, 'Oh yeah?' drawn out grunt, so you nudge him bossily out of bed. "You know I would. Murphy would have nothing on me, and bonus: I'd take you home after work and handcuff you to the bed," you brazenly chime and goose him.

The yelp Javier gasps out has you grinning. "Tan atrevida," he growls derisively and moseys over to the dresser to get a pair of pajama pants to put on. "…I might take you up on that," he drawls as he pulls the bottoms on and shoots you a saucy wink before loping out of the room, quickly returning with the pack and lighter. "Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind putting you in the cuffs instead," Javi quips as he pulls the curtain back from the windows so he can open the center pane before lighting up a cigarette and exhaling the smoke away into the night air.

Propping the pillows up behind yourself so you can lounge more comfortably and shoot him a playful look, you deadpan, "I'm sure."

Chuckling, he takes a long pull from the cigarette before exhaling. "Maybe this weekend?" he queries and bounces his brows at you.

You giggle and shake your head amusedly as you grab the ashtray from the nightstand and hold it out to him so he can flick the ash into it. He takes it from you and does so as you remark aloofly, "Only plans I have are to make that lasagna for Ellis. Perhaps I can pencil you in for some kinky fun at some point."

He hums intriguingly at that as he stubs his cigarette out and shuts the window. "How magnanimous of you," he remarks goadingly as he pulls the curtain back into place. "Shit, I still have to find something to wear to that fancy art thing Monday night," Javi blurts as he places the ashtray back on the nightstand and saunters to the bathroom to brush his teeth. "Unless you wanna sort through my closet and judge more of my clothes," is his cheeky callout to you before you hear water start to run from the faucet.

Amused, you take the chance to lotion up your elbows and knees while you hear him gargling. "You know what? I think I'll do that tomorrow. Sort through all your clothes and organize them by 'cute and can stay' to 'horrible and must burn' categories," you're remarking glibly loud enough for him to hear. His haughty scoff echoes down to you just as he dries his face before shutting the bathroom light. "Worst case scenario will be taking you to a tailor to get your measurements so I can get you a nice outfit—"

Javier dismissively huffs at that as he saunters back into the room and tosses himself down on the bed to frown in faux-outrage at you. "I know how to dress. I'm quite a snappy dresser, if I do say so myself," he grumbles ruggedly and playfully tugs you close by your hip. "Shit, I know for a fact you like how I dress—"

"I do, but everyone could use a bit of sprucing up," you tease and kiss the corner of his mouth when he twists his lips in a pouty grimace. "But button-up shirts and 'fuck me' jeans aren't appropriate for every outing—"

" 'Fuck me' jeans?!" he balks and stares comically at you. "Is that what you call 'em?"

"Oh my fucking god, Javi. Your jeans contour to you like they were sewn on! They barely leave anything to the imagination, so is it any wonder I'd call 'em your 'fuck me' jeans?" you cackle irreverently and squeal peels of laughter when he starts relentlessly tickling and kissing you.

"But you like them, right?" he growls while you giggle and squirm against him.

"I love them, Javi, now quit it – quit it!" you exclaim in between peels of laughter, so Javi loops his arms around you and hoists you to lie on top of him after he flings himself backwards into the pillows. Mirthful, you giggle, "You don't have to worry about me chucking any of 'em away, let's just put it that way."

"You better not, traviesa," he grunts bossily and squeezes you affectionately. "Now, quit keeping me up and go to sleep."

You scoff and wriggle to sit up and straddle his lap so you can playfully swat him lightly on his bare chest. "Mira quien habla," is your sassy huff before you daringly tousle his hair and nimbly scamper off of him to slide under the covers.

He chuckles and rolls to tug you against him so he can spoon you and suckle doting kisses into your neck. "Goodnight, bravita."

Turning to brush your lips in a silly peck next to his nose, you chime, "Buenas noches, chavón."

Settling down, you both easily doze off, lulled by well-achieved exhaustion and the tranquil comfort of being together – of feeling completely safe with each other. Any anxious feeling Javier had about his upcoming day had been quelled by you, making sleep come heavy and serene for him. So much so, that when he stirred awake a few minutes before the alarm clock was meant to go off, he was drowsy and lethargic as he rolled over to reach for you.

Finding your side of the bed empty, Javi dully wondered if he'd dreamed you, before his brain kicked on completely and he sat up in bed. Grunting, he scrubbed his hands over his face and let his senses sharpen. He finally picked up on the sound of shuffling around out in the main room, so with a labored grumble and stretch of his back, he kicked the covers off and got up.

Javier finds you cooking at the stove, wearing your fluffy cream robe and matching slippers, with your hair up in a bun as you intently tend to the sausage links you have in the pan before shuffling back to the bowl you're using to crack some eggs into and whisking them briskly, then seasoning them with salt and pepper. The domestic sight has that funny feeling of warmth wriggling in Javi's breastbone. When you go to turn to retrieve the container of butter from the counter, you freeze and innocently blink at him.

"Ugh, I didn't mean to wake you," is your pouty whisper. "Was gonna surprise you with breakfast in bed."

The beaming love he feels has him tangled up with what to say, so he just stands there and melts with charmed, albeit flustered awe. But then, you smile, endearing and sweet, and before Javier knows it, he has breezed over and wrapped his arms around you to capture your lips in a reverent kiss. You grunt in surprise and then giggle when he presses you up against the edge of the counter, which nudges his morning wood into you.

"Babe!" you chortle and fumble to nudge him back with how possessively affectionate he's being, so you pat his ass and nip impishly at his lower lip to get his attention. He jolts and leans back with those irrepressibly adorable brown puppy dog eyes. "You're gonna make me burn the sausages," you wryly admonish as you herd around him and expertly turn the links to the opposite side.

Before Javi could grumble a response, the alarm clock starts going off in the bedroom, so he begrudgingly goes to shut it off. By the time he comes back, you're already buttering the pan for the scrambled eggs. "You get the munchies when it's your time of the month?" he can't help quip when he hitches up behind you to nuzzle a kiss to the nape of your neck.

"Hah, sometimes, but this is for you, because I know you're going to neglect eating today," you muse sagely as you pour the eggs into the pan before turning your head to plant a kiss on his stubble-covered cheek. "I saw you have some Bustelo in the cupboard. Want me to brew a pot of coffee?" you ask as you fold the eggs before you start to fluff and scramble them.

"I'll take care of that," he retorts and caresses your robe-covered hip before going to do just that. "I never bother with it; brewing coffee here. Got me spoiled with Don Gilberto's stuff now," he warmly muses and glances at you, smirking when you shrug, as if to say, 'Well, naturally!'

Once the food is ready, you plate breakfast and sit at a stool at the counter next to each other to eat. Javi has such a healthy appetite when you cook for him, knowing his bad habit of not taking care of himself in keeping himself fed, which is why you push food on him like this. Watching him scarf breakfast down in a few minutes makes you feel less guilty about being so pushy, though.

Sipping from your mug, you sigh. "This is all right, but I just love how smooth and rich the other coffee is," you remark while he polishes off his plate and chugs down his orange juice. "Think you'll have a break to sneak down for a coffee date today?" is your flirty query as he dabs his mouth with a napkin.

"The meeting is first thing at CNP Headquarters, but I should be back in the office around lunchtime," he retorts smoothly and finishes his coffee before collecting all the dishes and taking them to the sink. "Got a lot of work today?"

"Yeah, just finalizing prep for the system that's coming in next week, and I have a meeting with Crosby later in the day," you remark and stand to cutely shuffle over to shut the sink off so you can bossily tug him to the bedroom. Javi grunts amusedly and follows, letting you shove him to sit on the bed so you can slink onto his lap and encircle your arms around his shoulders. Hugging him tight, you murmur, "You'll let me know how it goes?"

Exhaling, he nods and caresses your back. "I will, querida," he husks near your temple before nuzzling you.

Reluctantly, you both go through the morning chores of getting ready for work together. The quickie in the shower has you both smiling and bantering playfully about the raunchy fun to come over the weekend, which helps keep your collective worries at bay.

Once you're slipping on your chic heels, Javi's all dressed, albeit fiddling with his deep red tie with oblong blue circles outlined in gold dots. Smiling, you waltz over and adjust it for him, fixing the knot and straightening it to fall smoothly over his crisp white dress shirt. While you do so, Javi takes the opportunity to admire your emerald chiffon blouse and tailored pencil skirt with the back split that shows a sliver of your supple thighs when you walk.

Glancing up at him through your long, dark lashes, you smile and purr, "To your liking, mi patrón?"

"Fuck…you can't say sexy shit like that to me when we're about to walk out the door, guapita," he growls and fondles your ass while he dips down to brush an open-mouth kiss along your neck.

You shiver and playfully grip his waistband. "Then quit looking at me all hungrily like that," is your smoky sigh as you cup his cheek and guide him to meet your lips for a chaste, doting kiss.

"Hmph," he grunts dryly and taps your ass before letting you strut over to grab your black blazer and slip it on. "Want to go out for dinner tonight?" Javi asks as he grabs his watch from the dresser and fastens it on.

"Oh, it'll have to be after happy hour," you retort and brush your hair back over your shoulders once you've shrugged the jacket in place comfortably. "It should be done by 7:30pm. Meet here around then and go together?" you suggest as you strut to the main room to grab your purse and tote while Javi follows and pockets his wallet, keys, service weapon, and grabs his obnoxiously large satellite phone.

"Sounds like a plan, preciosa," he drawls in a velvety tone before stealing a kiss from your lips as you both get to the door.

You snicker at the gesture when you both know that if the elevator is empty, you're going to make out all the way down to the garage. After locking up and escorting you to the end of the hall, you end up doing just that – kissing the entire ride down until the doors slide open. You know Javier's trying to prolong leaving, because he walks you to your car and opens the door and leans down to kiss you wistfully. So, you grab the lapel of his suit jacket and hold him from stepping back from the open door.

With a gentle smile, you murmur, "I love you."

Soulful eyes crinkling warmly at the corners, Javi husks, "I love you too," before stealing one last kiss from your lips.

Parting ways, you both drive to the start of your hectic days, hoping for the best.

Of course, things aren't that simple.

Especially not for Javier. The moment he walked into the conference room and saw how jam-packed with people it was, the cold chill of anxiety trickled down his spine. Sitting across from Crosby and seeing the glacial stare fixed stoically on him while the meeting was opened up by some of Vargas' tenientes didn't help his wariness dissipate either. So, when the general at the head of the conference table went in on his supercilious recounting of events up to date, and made it appoint to emphasize the unilateral operation that did not have his blessing, Javier knew he was poised to get a verbal dagger thrown his way.

What Javier did not expect was to get directly called out.

"Well in that case, I will turn things over to the man who's responsible for this situation. Maybe he can walk us through his path to victory. So Agent Peña, what comes next?" When Javier looks over at the man, he gives him a thin smile before adding crisply, "The floor is yours."

He'd be lying if he said stark panic hadn't seized him at being put on the spot in such a flagrant manner. Javier's pulse jumped and anxiety wrung in his chest, so after self-consciously caressing his hand from his cheek to then press over his mouth, he quickly collected his thoughts in order not to end up the piñata of the meeting.

In a smooth musing tone, Javier answered, "I appreciate your candor, general. But I believe that the remaining capos will be liable to make more mistakes without the leadership of Gilberto Rodríguez. Their security apparatus might scale up, but that can't be achieved without bringing attention to their operation, which will no doubt create internal strife where the 'stabilizing influence' of Gilberto Rodríguez wouldn't have allowed for before."

"That is a very optimistic assessment," General Vargas flatly remarks and glances over at Crosby. "It does not take into account the 'volatility' of when that internal strife could spill out externally to the public."

"Our sources have assessed that had begun to happen before the raid, general," Crosby answers neutrally before glancing over at Javier. "The surrender plan was spearheaded by Gilberto, but there was some resistance from the other heads of the cartel."

"That, and now with his capture, will put pressure on them to regroup in a way they've not been willing to do prior, which will give us the advantage in our pursuit of the other capos," Javi remarks and gives Vargas a steely look. "One down, three to go. With your cooperation and the backing of the Minister of Defense, I believe we can successfully capture the others before any fallout can occur from the dismantling of Cali's operations."

Vargas looks annoyed, but gives them both another thin smile as he diplomatically drawls, "I would like to hear more about Minister Botero's thoughts on the matter. Perhaps once you've briefed him on your intentions?"

Goddammit. Javier knows he has to hustle his ass to do just that as soon as possible, for fear Vargas will start tainting things to his superiors who will then take it to Botero.

So, as soon as the meeting concludes, Javier huddles with Crosby in the corner of the hall, just outside the conference room, and tells him he's going straight to Botero's office. "Fine. I'll put in a call and ask that he take a meeting with you," the ambassador grouses as he starts dialing on his secure cell phone. "Just do me a favor and don't piss him off as bad as you did Vargas."

By the time Javi's marching across the sprawling plaza towards the regal building the minister's office resides, he can't help feel his day is about to go to shit, and then Feistl calls him. It's the last thing he needs to hear right now – about how Cali CNP got him and Van Ness on lockdown. How they won't let them off the base without an escort, but there conveniently was no manpower that could be spared to provide them said escort off base. Javi adds it to the list of shit he needs to manage now, and is seething by the time he climbs the steps and hustles into the building to meet with the new Minister of Defense.

Pleasantries aside, Javier senses the man is ambivalently on the level, but chooses to keep his cards close to the vest. He makes sure to keep his flippant sarcasm at a minimum as well, and manages to assure Botero that his only agenda is to take down the Cali cartel, and asks his help to lift the restrictions on Feistl and Van Ness. He doesn't expect the stoic man to suggest he find a witness who can testify against the cartel if he wants Gilberto Rodríguez to remain in jail. It feels like a warning more than a suggestion, so Javier rushes back to the embassy to just that.

You've just gotten back from a marathon of morning meetings when you walk into your office and sigh wearily as you sit in your desk chair, plopping your things on the desktop and checking your watch to see it's almost lunchtime when your cell phone rings. Reaching into your purse, you answer it.

"Hey," Javi's raspy baritone sounds tense, so your brows immediately furrow with worry. "Sorry for the short notice, but I can't do coffee today. I'm heading back to brainstorm over this Jurado thing with Stoddard."

"It's ok. How'd the meeting go?" you ask coolly and fiddle with a pen.

"It was a raking over the coals," he tells you acerbically, and you frown. "I went right after to meet with the new Minister of Defense. He basically told me Rodríguez could get out of prison if we don't find a witness against him and the cartel's operations," he sighs gruffly before muttering, "Need a break on Jurado's location."

Chewing on the inside of your cheek, you get up to swiftly close your office door and sit on the couch to ask in a hushed tone, "Well, what about his wife?"

"…What about her?" he asks, perplexed.

"I mean, if you catch Jurado, you'll have to give him immunity and protection for his cooperation, right? Which naturally will extend to his wife, so, why not put pressure on her to tell you where he's at?" is your suggestion, and you hear Javi exhale a bemused sound along with what you imagine is cigarette smoke. "I know you'll play your hand that you're looking for him, but the longer you wait to get him, the bigger the chance he'll just go MIA – or the cartel will take him out," you remark, adding, "The wife is likely the only thing keeping him tethered here."

Javi can't help hum thoughtfully as he drives towards the avenue that leads to the embassy's main security gate. "See? You should've gone into law enforcement," he jibes wryly, smiling as he flicks his cigarette out of the window and chuckling when you snicker a silly sound. "I gotta go. I'll see you tonight."

"Good luck, agente," you purr in his ear, and heat flares down into his groin. "Bye."

He's in a better mood when he gets to his office ten minutes later and pauses at the sight of a to-go coffee cup waiting for him on his desk. Smirking, he picks it up and takes several sips as he unloads his bulky satellite phone to the desktop. Once he's chugged enough of the delicious brew, he places the cup down and makes a beeline to the makeshift audio room Stoddard's in currently listening to the latest of the wiretaps. Unfortunately, the man has no good news about Jurado's location, so Javi's stuck pondering a risky maneuver before deciding it's his best play, under the fucked circumstances. He doesn't even feel like a dick when Stoddard finally asks to talk about the legalities of the wiretaps and he flat out rhetorically tells his deputy to think about his career and whether having the conversation will help or hurt his chances of getting there.

Javier does feel like a dick when he rushes home to change out of his gray suit for a red wool blend button shirt and well-worn cool-toned brown velvet jacket, brown belt and blue jeans. Slipping on his favorite leather boots, he wonders if he should call you – let you know he's going to take your advice and approach Christina Jurado, but decides against it. He second-guesses himself once he's tailing her from her condo to an upscale high-rise bar in the city, though. After all, it's been a while since he's had to approach a target like this, and back when he did so, he'd been single and industrious. Flirting his way in was his specialty, but it'd mostly been with working girls – not a married gringa who didn't know her life was about to be upended.

Plus…he didn't really want to flirt her up, but under the hasty circumstances, he didn't have another idea in mind. Sitting at the end of the bar now, he watched her drink her martini, how she plucked the olives into her mouth from the wooden stirrer and seemed desperate for some kind of respite. She was an attractive woman, he couldn't deny that, but he struggled to find a decent enough throughway to hook her and get her talking. So, he told the bartender to send her a martini, courtesy of him.

Hell, he could be charming when he didn't want to be, so, he loped over and turned it on, going for charismatically dashing.

She was not buying it.

To his chagrin, Javi couldn't help be reminded of Lorraine. Of how she could shut him down with a tepid smile and a scathing squint of her blue eyes. Christina Jurado was clearly a loyal wife, and with his window of opportunity about to close with her strutting off, Javi relents and drops the act. She is none too please or willing to cooperate, dismissively storming off with a parting, 'Enjoy your drink, Elliot Ness,' shot that leaves him feeling like a righteous jackass.

"Fuck," he swears under his breath before turning to the bar and asking for the bill with an impatient tap on the bar top.

Regrouping, he goes to his car and calls Stoddard, ordering him to make sure to pull the wiretaps for all calls in the next few hours and have them ready for when he gets back to the office. Deciding a second run at Christina is necessary, Javier goes to the Jurados' luxury condo and has the front desk call up that an Elliot Ness is there to see her. Once up in the apartment, he sits down and gives her the hard sell. What seems to rattle her bitchy façade to flint away is the idea that no matter how things play out, there would be no future for her or Franklin if he didn't help the DEA out.

"I didn't plan on living like this. It…it was a mistake, not stopping it sooner. Have you ever done anything like that?" Christina rambles and asks.

"I have." His tone is sincere but no-nonsense.

He doesn't ask her for his location.

Fearing doing so would scare her off to calling and warning her husband, he decides it's best to bait the line and see if she and Franklin take it. After all, he'd rather get the jump on the guy than risk him getting cold feet – to him cutting and running. So, Javier leaves his card and tells her to think it over, but the look in his stern brown eyes tells her not to take too long.

While he hurries back to the embassy, you're going into your meeting with the ambassador. When he looks up from his desk as you walk in, he grins at the sight of two to-go coffee cups held in your hands.

"Bless you for having the foresight to know my ass is dragging today," he snickers as you hand him one of the cups before sitting across from him in front of his desk.

"It's been a hectic week for everyone, sir. I think coffee is the only thing keeping the place from folding down," you chuckle before taking a sip.

He hums over the rim of his cup after taking a long draw and placing his coffee aside with a raspy exhale and weary smile. "Well, I hate to make it any more hectic for you, darlin', but I wanted to give you a heads up that CIA is a little jealous of DEA getting to be part of the pilot before them. Bill Stechner's been impressed with your operation, and let me know he wants in on it," Crosby tells you in a put-on conversational tone.

You're internally bristling at the thought of that fucking asshole poking around, but you tactfully smile and retort, "I'd be happy to discuss it further with him, sir—"

"I'm going to speak plain now," Crosby cuts in and leans forward to confide, "Bill doesn't report to me. And while I don't report to the CIA, we both know they have a lot of pull down here. I know you dealt with resistance from the agency in the past, but he's got a different mind about things. I wouldn't be surprised if he expects your department to fall in line with his wishes, but I want you to know that is not coming from me. I will leave it to you to decide how much leeway you want to allow the station chief…but just know that he's a treacherous son of a bitch when he wants to be."

Not betraying a flicker of shock or worry, you nod curtly. "I appreciate the advice, ambassador. So, should I go up to the top floor and set up a meeting with him?"

"Nah, he doesn't actually spend much time up there. He has a tendency to show up out the blue, so don't be surprised if he just pops into your office at some point," Crosby answers mildly before picking up his coffee cup and reclining in his chair. "Anyway, in better news, the funding is being fast-tracked to the State Department next week, so let me know if there are any issues with the finance team."

"Will do, sir," you stand and offer him a kind smile as you muse, "Have a nice weekend, and give my regards to Mrs. Crosby."

By the time you're back in your office, you're simmering with anger. Stechner's play is still a mystery to you, but you know he's a bastard who uses people and has no qualms about tanking careers if it strikes his whim. You're distractedly ruminating over it as you sit at your desk and review some of the requisitions, trying to find anything that would've been an in for the station chief to poke around in, when Francesca pops her head into your office.

"Hey! Is it a good time to run something by you?" she asks, and you wave her in, so she closes the door and rushes over to take a seat across from you. "I have all the prep done for next week, and was wondering if you needed me to come in? Since it's a school break, I'll be free."

"Oh, that would be great! I can have you sit in on the system launch stuff too," you remark and smile at her. "What about Monday night? Got everything set?"

"Yeah, I got my questions prepped, and a disposable camera so I can snap photos to add to the report," she chimes affably and leans over your desktop to cheekily whisper, "And I even got a nice dress I'm kinda gonna borrow from my roommate without her permission, but she's going to be away, so no harm done!"

"Hah, I'm glad. Do you need a ride to the museum?" you ask as you nurse your coffee.

"Actually, my dorm is only a block away from MAMBO, so I'm all set," Francesca remarks and adjusts her glasses onto the bridge of her nose.

You're about to retort when a knock raps on your door before it's opened and Ellis pokes his head in now. "Hey, kids! Private meeting? Just wanted to check if we're still on for happy hour," he inquires.

"Yeah, I won't be there until late this time, though," you answer as you wave him in. "Francesca and I were chatting about next week."

As the three of you chat pleasantly, Javier is painstakingly reviewing the wiretaps with Stoddard, forcing him to rewind and fast-forward sections for him and adjust the audio quality when needed. He can hear the tense desperation in Christina's voice, and just hopes she doesn't completely fall apart and spook Franklin. But it's on the next playback that he hears the clue he needs, and with a surge of hope, he rushes out of the audio room to dig for the number of the language guy at SLS. Said guy informs him 'Danki masha danki' is Papiamento, so based on that, Javier searched Caribbean nations that would have a luxury resort with an island villa for rent.

Curaçao. It made so much sense, and he kicks himself for not having thought of it before. Once he's rushed out to Stoddard and given the man the instructions, Javier goes back to his office to call Crosby and give him the heads up.

While Javier starts working on a plan of action, you're trying to wrap up a few things in your office.

Wearing the eyeglasses you use when your eyes are straining from staring at the computer screen for too long, you're furiously typing away, entering your clearances to sign off on field offices' requisitions and running an assessment of their pilot program hours. Ellis and the rest of the staff had already headed out to the bar, and you'd assured him you'd be maybe fifteen minutes more when he'd loped out, so you're checking your watch and seeing you have a few more minutes to spare when a knock on your open door stirs you to glance up from your laptop.

"Bad time?"

You have to will your features into a stoic, placid regard upon seeing the CIA station chief taking up space at your doorway. "Not at all," you reply as you remove your glasses and shut your laptop before standing and gesturing to a chair while you ask, "Would you like to have a seat?"

"Ah, that won't be necessary," he casually waves off before loping into your office in a perusing pace, as if you're there for his amusement. "I take it you spoke to the ambassador?"

"Yes, and he informed me of your interest on having CIA on boarded to the pilot program," you retort and sit on the corner of your desk, which discourages him from loping any closer. "I know you rarely keep office hours, Agent Stechner—"

"Call me Bill," the smarmy man lilts and gives you a mild smile. "And I trust you to know the right resources that should be brought on to the pilot, but I have a list here," he remarks as he fishes out a folded piece of paper from his blue corduroy blazer's pocket and hands it to you. "These are my top guys – and gals – that I would like to have first shot at the program. If, they meet your requirements, of course," is his drawl as he flicks his deriding eyes from the paper to your gaze.

"Absolutely," you answer, deliberately avoiding addressing him at all by his title or first name. "Would you like me to set up a status report with your deputy?"

"I don't have one, but, like I said: I trust you," he muses glibly, slipping his hands in his dark slacks and shrugging his corduroy-clad shoulders before he turns and lopes to the door. "Oh, by the way," he says as he pauses at the threshold and turns to glance sidelong at you. "I hope you thanked Agent Peña for putting in a good word with the Senators. I doubt you would've gotten any of the funding you requested otherwise," he jabs as he toys his tongue along his bottom lip thoughtfully before adding, "Although, seeing as he spent his afternoon personally tracking a target and flirting her up at the bar, I guess you wouldn't have the opportunity to give him your thanks."

His steely blue eyes flicker over you, but instead of a haughty flare of temper, you serenely smile at him and remark, "Well, next time I see him, I'll be sure to thank him. He's been quite a busy man recently, after all."

The dig earns a quirk of his lips before he aloofly snickers, "You have a good night, director."

"You as well," you remark and stand to return back to your desk chair, making a point to dismissively open your laptop and go back to your work.

You can feel Stechner get a bit miffed that you don't track his exit, but when you distantly hear the chime of the arriving elevator out in the main hall, your poker face becomes a glower. Fucking asshole really has it in for Javi…I'm going to have to vet things quicker than planned…

As soon as Stoddard confirmed that Willemstad Police had a track on Franklin Jurado's location on the island, Javier instructed him to book a flight out for him ASAP, so once his deputy informed him the next departure was in a couple of hours, Javier told him to lock it in. He's rushing home a few minutes later, needing to pack his duffle with a few changes of clothes in anticipation of spending several days with the Cali moneyman once he's captured and processed in Miami. When he arrives in the garage and doesn't see your car, he frowns and hurries up to the apartment while he preemptively dials your cell phone number.

"Hello?" you answer, and he can hear a lot of ambient noise in the background.

"Hey, baby. Where are you?" Javi asks as he enters his apartment and turns on the lights before striding to his bedroom to grab his duffle.

"I'm at happy hour with my staff. Is something wrong?" you retort.

"Fuck…that's right. Sorry, I forgot," he grumbles while he starts packing clothes into the duffle. "Listen, something's come up, and I'm flying out to Curaçao, so I might be gone a few days—"

"You found him, then?" you ask, and he can't quite place your tone. "When is the flight?"

"It's in over an hour. I'm at my place packing and heading direct to the airport—"

"I'll leave now—" you begin to tell him.

"No, that's ok," he assures, although he would love to see you before he goes. "Don't come rushing over on my account. It'll only be a few days, and I'll call you when I can," Javier assures as he tosses his travel toiletry case into the duffle and zips it up. "I'm sorry about dinner."

You make an easy-going sound in response. "It's fine. Just promise me you'll let me know you've landed and are safe?" you petition, sounding like you've stepped outside to talk without the ruckus of the bar chatter and music. "And, promise you won't go cowboy down there?"

"…I can promise the former, but can't commit to the latter," he tells you honestly, and you huff into the phone. "Querida, I got my guys in Cali, so I'm going solo on this. I might need to do some cowboy shit," is his grouse as he shoulders his duffle and starts heading out.

"What happened to 'I'm not a field agent anymore? No more getting roped down into shit'?" you counter, which has Javi internally swearing while he locks up before stalking down to the elevator. But then, you let out a rescind hum. "Sigh…be careful, mi amor."

His frown becomes a rueful smile. "I will, cariño. I'll call you when I'm at the hotel. Ok?"

"You better," you growl at him, and that familiar flare of arousal coils in his apex at your bossy tone. "Have a safe flight, hermoso. I love you."

"Love you too, guapita. Talk soon," Javi purrs before ending the call and getting into the elevator.

Sighing worriedly, you lean against the banister of the bar's foyer, heartache already welling in your chest. You only stay half hour longer before making sure Ellis will settle the tab. "—And I'll come over to your place probably late afternoon with the lasagna," you're telling him as you shoulder your purse.

"Awesome! I'm salivating already," he quips and gives you a farewell hug before you pat Francesca on the shoulder and wave to the staff as you head out.

Javier's at the airport bar when Christina Jurado calls and assures that she can get Franklin to agree to cooperate – that she just needed more time. He's too tired to linger on the irony of the harried woman professing to something he knows is bullshit and was currently en route to rectify, but once his 2-hour flight to Willemstad lands, he snickers to himself. Even though he crashed and burned at the bar, approaching her had been a good play after all. The thought of telling you the story makes him wonder if you'll razz him, maybe even punish him for not quite following your suggestion. Fuck…she's got me whipped.

Any acerbic humor he nurses is snuffed the minute he steps off the plane and feels the Caribbean heat press into him.

By the time he's checked into his hotel room, Javier is hastily tearing his jacket off and stripping free of the rest of his clothes as he stalks to the small bathroom and gets the shower running. Even after the cold shower, he ends up standing in front of the air-conditioning unit's vents in his towel, baffled by how drastic the shift in climate could be. Deciding to stay parked in front of the blowing cold air for a bit, he grabs his satellite phone and dials your number.

You're just shuffling into his bedroom in your warm robe and slippers when your cell phone rings in the charger. Rushing to grab it, you answer in a playful chime, "How's that Caribbean night air treating you?"

"I'm sweating my balls off," Javi rasps laconically, and you giggle impishly as you sit on the bed. "Literally sitting in front of the air-conditioner's vent to try and not melt."

"Oof, that means tomorrow's likely to be humid," you tell him and idly kick your legs in a silly rhythm. He grunts peevishly, so you chuckle, "I thought you were made for heat, remember?"

"This is muggy hell, burlona," he drawls, but you can hear his smile. "Anyway…I'm sorry about today. But we finally heard Jurado say something that gave us a lead, and it was just fast and furious to align an operation and get here—"

"It's fine, Javi. I know how important it is. Just catch him and come back so we can do all the naughty things we talked about," you silkily murmur as you lie back on the bed to stare up at the ceiling.

His enticed groan has excitement fluttering in your core. "I will, preciosa. So…what're you wearing?" he purrs in that lower octave that has you shivering.

"Well, right now? My robe," you chirp simply as you sit up and add, "I haven't had a chance to lotion up, so nothing else underneath yet…"

"Fuck. You just had to put that mental image in my head, didn't you," he rumbles hotly, and you give him a silly hum in response, so he sighs, "All naked and smooth in your bed—"

"Oh, I'm actually in your bed," you remark offhandedly before hopping off to pace towards the closet as you muse, "It was closer, and I promised to peruse your wardrobe for you—"

As you're telling him and looking through his hung up clothes, Javi can't help but sit on his bed and smile at the idea that you went to his place – that you feel comfortable enough to stay there even when he's out of town. It makes him happy – lifts his spirits. Tossing his towel aside so he can settle more comfortably on the bed, he listens to you describe a particular dress shirt you're suggesting for him to wear.

"—Ah, I think it'll look nice with this dark charcoal suit," you're telling him as you hold out the black dress shirt and tuck it behind the lapel of the charcoal-colored suit jacket, admiring the contrast. "Hopefully you'll be back by then," you find yourself saying out loud as you keep pulling items to complete the ensemble together, cell phone propped strategically at your ear by your shoulder. The pleasant chatter is nice, and Javi's grunts sound relaxed and content.

You decided not to tell him about what Stechner had said. It didn't seem like something you should bring up with everything going on today, and you don't want to add any stress to Javier when he's got to keep his focus on catching Franklin Jurado. It also might have something to do with wanting him to mention the supposed flirt session with who you're guessing was Jurado's wife, and feeling it should be something he discloses—

"I'm confident we'll get him in custody tomorrow. The unknown is how long it'll take to process and finalize his cooperation agreement when we get to Miami," Javier is telling you, pulling you back from your absent styling. You're hanging the outfit you've picked out for him on the top of the closet door when he asks, "Oh, how did your meeting with Crosby go?"

"It was interesting," you find yourself remarking as you go now to the fridge and decide to snack on some of the fruit. You'd nibbled on appetizers at the bar, so you're not very hungry, and want the distraction of making yourself a treat as you continue, "He said the funding is being fast-tracked, so it'll be in next week." He hums, and you can tell he's getting sleepy, so you smile and purr, "You cooled down finally?"

"Mmhmm," he mumbles over the line. "Sorry, baby. Fucking exhausted…going to the police station first thing to coordinate things."

"It's fine, chulito," you say and smirk when he grunts at the nickname in half-asleep umbrage. "Good luck tomorrow, and…stay in touch, or else I'm going to punish you," is your alluring command.

Javi stirs and smiles broadly at the tone of your voice. "I'll call you tomorrow, querida. Promise…but I might be into getting punished anyway when I get back," he tells you in a husky purr and stretches out more comfortably before he murmurs, "I love you."

"Love you too, Javi. Goodnight."

He places his satellite phone to charge and then rolls over, lulled to sleep by the oscillating hum of the air-conditioning unit. While he's seguing into a deep slumber, you're chewing on the last piece of fruit and washing the dishes in the sink before shutting the lights out, shedding your robe to lotion your skin, and getting in pajamas before crawling into his bed, alone.

You can't help worry about Javi as you doze off to sleep, and even when you wake up, you lie in bed, cuddling his pillow to take in his scent as you fret over the possibilities that this will finally be the end of the cartel. What would happen once Jurado testifies? Would all the dominos fall in place? Is everything going to get better or worse for Javi?

Would you two finally be able to plan your life together beyond who's staying over at whose?

Annoyed with yourself, you get out of bed, make it, and start getting ready for your day. Once you're locking up the apartment and heading down to the parking garage to go to the market for some fresh ingredients before heading to your place to start the lasagna prep, Javi is checking in with Crosby.

He's just set out to trail Jurado once he'd coordinated a plan with the head of the Willemstad police, and while he's aggravated by the allowances he needs to make in not grabbing Jurado outside of a bank, he assures the ambassador that he doesn't anticipate any issues in capturing the man.

"Good, because I got everyone waiting in Miami on confirmation of the capture so they can start the proceedings. Keep me posted, Peña."

Javier ends the call and sits back in his seat in the car, watching the front of the bank they'd seen Franklin go into. He allows himself a cigarette, having skipped breakfast and feeling his gut start to roil from the anxiety. The two officers sitting up front are mumbling in Papiamento to each other, so he'd decidedly on the oust as he stares out the window behind his Aviator shades. It's hot as sin out, and even in his light cotton faded salmon-colored short-sleeved button up, Javier is sweating. He can't blame it completely on the heat, though.

When he spots Jurado walk out of the bank and waits for his chauffer to pull up, Javi taps at the back of the driver's headrest and tells him to follow him, but lag back so it isn't obvious. The man in the passenger's seat radios his commander and lets him know they're in pursuit. Tossing his cigarette out the window, Javier rolls it up as they start to tail the silver car towards the restaurant district of the city.

While he starts preparing for the possible confrontation, you're merrily popping the two lasagna trays into the oven. You're free now to catch up on chores, and once you've started on the laundry, you decide to call your grandmother and check in. She fills you in on all the latest, and starts in about needing you to take time off so you can help her shop and prep for your cousin's wedding as well as the actual event. You promise to carve out a few days so she and you can go shopping for the reception. Once she rushes off the phone, you snicker and continue with your to-do list.

Aside from being in decent spirits even though you're worried about Javi, you're relieved to be able to go tampon-free once you'd found you're no longer bleeding or even spotting. His dick really was the ultimate period reliever, you think crassly to yourself before chuckling as you water your plants before tidying up the kitchen.

You've just finished folding your laundry – dutifully setting Javi's shirts aside for ironing – when scratches at your balcony doors are followed by a yowl. "Hah, well then, come in, missy," you open one of the doors to the black cat who meows a bunch at you, as if recriminating you for not being around the last few days. You pet her before breaking out the tuna and plating it. The phone rings as you just placed her food and water down for her, so you hurry to answer the call.

"Well, don't you sound spry! I thought there'd be a chance you were still in bed, ketsele," Sasha's velvety drawl earns a snicker from you.

"The days of sleeping in until noon have long been over," you jibe. "You make it in ok? How do you like Colombia so far?"

"It's very nice. I was a bit jetlagged, so I haven't seen much, but I'll be at the museum today and tomorrow to supervise the installation. You're still able to come on Monday?" he asks, and for some reason, you can picture him pacing, and toying with his earlobe – all his nervous tells you'd catalogued after years of friendship. Maybe it's the musing tone in his voice?

"Yes! I'm so excited to see you and get a look at what's so top secret," you assure warmly. "It's still alright to bring all the people on my list?"

"Of course. They're already on the VIP list," there's a pause. "So, which one is your date?" he rasps, tone hitting a huskier note as be purrs, "I'm guessing it's the one with the gallant-sounding name. What was it? Javier Pena?"

"Peña," you correct, pursing your lips at his teasing grunt. Sitting on your couch and staring at the cat as she lounges like the Sphinx, you add, "And yes, he's my date. Although, he might not be able to make it—"

"Not so gallant then after all…" you hear him disparage under his breath.

"He's currently out of town, and might not be back in time, bub," you answer aloofly, which always gets Sasha's attention. "So? You going to give me a hint as to the theme of this collection?"

"Ah, I want to see your reaction, so no, you'll just have to be surprised, darling," he husks in a deep chuckle. "I have to run. The car is here. I can't wait to see you, krasivaya," Sasha purrs.

"Looking forward to it, velvel," you chime, and grin when Sasha scoffs haughtily at your nickname for him, reserved for times you truly want to bug him. You still remember the time you'd asked his sister, 'What's wolf in Yiddish?' only to turn around and purr into Sasha's ear while on the way to a night out clubbing, 'My blue-eyed velvel…'

"If your date is a no-show, I'm going to get you back for that, ketsele," he growls, and you just laugh irreverently, so he grouses, "I mean it!"

"Go to your car already!" you order playfully. "Goodbye."

He gives you one parting growl before hanging up, and you just chuckle to yourself as you go back to your chores.

As you're currently checking on the lasagnas in the oven, Javi is walking up to the restaurant he'd seen Jurado go into. The Willemstad police commander pulled up in his own patrol unit and joined him at the curb before silently communicating he'd go in first. They both strolled in, and the moment Javi loped towards the bar and then looked at the dining room to his right, he locked eyes with Franklin – and the bastard booked it.

Giving chase, he sprinted through the kitchen and out to the callejón at the back of the block. The fucker was an agile and fast runner, even in the blazer and dress shoes, making a quick sprint around the corner and up into a building with Javi and the other officers right on his heels. By the time Javi gets to the top of the stairs, he's worried Jurado gave them the slip, so he orders the officers to check the back while he dips into the next room. But his sixth sense has him rushing back and running to the balcony to spot Franklin exiting and rushing down the street.

"Fuck!" Javi snarls as he bounds over the balcony's railing and maneuvers his frame down enough before he lets go to drop hastily down to the sidewalk below before continuing his ambling sprint after the Cali moneyman. Even with the head start, he manages to gain on him once Franklin ditched his jacket and tried to mingle into the crowded, tourist-laden plaza. But Javi spots him when Franklin is spiraling in the middle of the crowded promenade when he sees the patrol units pull up and cut off his escape.

The look in the man's eyes tells Javi he's desperate, so he mutters, "Don't run," as he holds up his weapon, but when Jurado tries to scramble away, Javi shoots four warning shots in the air, which instantly has the man quaking in his leather dress shoes and stopping while the panicked onlookers disperse. Marching gruffly up to him, Javi, in a commanding, albeit winded tone declares he's being extradited for money laundering and racketeering as the officers detain Franklin and put the cuffs on him.

"My wife. You need to make sure—"

"She's in Bogotá. She'll meet us in Miami," Javier cuts in before gesturing to the officers to take him away.

While they put him in the back of a squad car, Javier's adrenaline finally comes down and he realizes he's sweating buckets, so he wipes at his brow and his upper lip as he dials the ambassador's office. He updates Crosby, who assures him everything is in the works and to let him know once Jurado's started talking so he can update the Department of Justice.

"Agent Peña. Good work."

The praise has Javi feeling raw and outside of his skin. He chalks it up to being fucking exhausted, out of shape, and sweating like a damn pig after the chase in the muggiest heat he's dealt with. It sticks with him once he's back in his hotel and splashing water on his face before wringing a damp towel and using it to wipe the sweat from the back of his neck, throat, and chest. Grabbing his duffle and checking out, he rushes out without taking the shower he desperately needs to instead hop into the patrol car that's escorting him to the airport so he can get en route to Miami with Franklin first thing.

While they're loading the man onto the private plane and chaining him to his seat, Javi sneaks off to the side to call you.

"Hey! Are you alright?" you ask, tone teeming with worry.

"Yes, everything's fine. I got him," Javier tells you, idly running his fingers through his hair. "I'm on my way to Miami. Hoping he starts talking as soon as he's processed, that way I can be on the first flight back with the intel."

He hears you sigh in relief. "I'm so glad. Call me and let me know once you're there?"

Looking back when the air marshal signals they're ready for him, he nods at him and starts loping over to the plane's steps. "I will," he says, pausing at the bottom step once the marshal has re-entered the plane in order to purr a covert, "I love you."

"I love you too. Now hurry up and get back," is your charming demand, and he can hear your sultry smile in it, which has his pulse skipping a beat.

So, as he climbs the steps, he laconically drawls, "Yes, boss lady," before saying goodbye.

Standing outside on Ellis and Anita's patio, you let out a cleansing breath and lean against the wrought-iron railing. You'd been in the middle of an animated conversation with your friends over lasagna when your phone rang in your purse and you'd practically sprinted for it and rushed outside for privacy.

When you come back in, Ellis eyes you intently, trying to read if you're upset before he asks, "Everything ok?"

"Yeah, it's all good. Sorry for rushing out like that," you meekly retort before sitting back at the table. "That was so rude of me—"

"Well, make it up to us by passing me more of the sauce?" Anita diverts your self-deprecation and smiles when you grin and hand her the bowl. "So, we were talking about the dress code Monday night?" she redirects back to the previous conversation.

"Ah, just a nice cocktail dress should suffice," you answer before the conversation veers into the plan for you all going together to the art show.

A few hours of good company later, and you and Ellis are sitting at the now-cleared table just chatting idly about the office while Anita made the mistake of going to sit on the couch after all that lasagna. Once she passed out, you both nursed your drinks and talked in hushed tones. He's discussing the latest he'd heard from Devon and Jackie when you remember the interaction with Bill Stechner the night before. Begrudgingly, you decide to fill him in. You don't tell him the contentious backstory between the CIA station chief and the DEA country attaché, but you do tell him how the smarmy man seems to have an axe to grind against Javier.

"I mean, Samson once mentioned something about him derailing things Mil Group had in the works. Shit, I think Benson once made a crack about Stechner being the one behind that story," he pauses and eyes you keenly. "The Miami Herald thing."

You nod, figuring it wouldn't hurt to divulge just a little more to Ellis. "The source? She'd been Javi's criminal informant, and while on the way to record her testimony against the Cali cartel, Stechner had his contact put her on a plane and ship her off to do that hit piece instead," you tell him, tone clinical while your gaze narrows in retroactive anger. "She flipped to be a CIA informant, and since they weren't supposed to be going after the Cali cartel, Stechner had Messina and Javi rotated out," is your elaboration as you swirl your drink idly and stare into the glass. "I'm sure he's going to use Javi as a scapegoat again to obfuscate the shit he's really doing. I just don't know what his play is towards our department."

"Well, I'll ask around. Vet the names he gave you," Ellis remarks and drains his glass of scotch. "Do you think he knows about you two?" he asks and watches you flick your gaze back up at him and ponder something silently.

"…He knows about us. So, he could potentially use that to interfere with us at the embassy," you admit before finishing your drink. "But, oddly, I don't get the feeling that he's going to expose us. I just can't figure out what his angle is towards me…"

"Maybe he just wants to fuck you," Ellis blurts derisively, and you comically grimace at the prospect. "I mean, I know plenty of guys at the embassy that would definitely be bummed at finding out you're with Peña," he can't help snort.

While Ellis keeps razzing you until you haughtily change the subject back to work, Javier is charged up with exhilaration as he briefs the Department of Justice lawyers who've met him at the processing checkpoint.

The flight to Miami had been a contentious one until Jurado had staked his terms: He won't say a word until he sees his wife. Once that's done, Javi will have his witness. So, once they'd landed and were deplaning, he's flippant with Christina. After all, she's calling, all frazzled, and running away from Stoddard and the security detail he'd had sent to her place rather than just fucking cooperating already. As they're taking Franklin and loading him into the back of an SUV, he tells her that he's been arrested. His patience with her has worn out, and he tells her this is it – to get to the embassy immediately and not talk to anyone.

Now, as he's walking the corridors and giving the interrogators the instructions of exactly what he needs them to get out of Jurado, he can't help feel a little guilty about how impatient he was with her. But the moment he turns the corner and sees into the interrogation room, those sentiments evaporate and are replaced by the cold anticipation of defeat that's welling in his gut.

Fucking lawyers, he can't help think before the smug bastard waltzes out of the room and tells him Franklin isn't cooperating. But what feels like the gut punch is the unscrupulous man telling him glibly that his wife 'met with Jurado's employers' and had a change of heart. Rocked, Javi frantically calls the embassy and finds out no one ever arrived under the name Christina Jurado, and when they patch him into Stoddard's line, his deputy gives him the real shitty news:

"—Found a vehicle with a dead female driver, and Christina Jurado's purse was in the front seat, boss. They must've been trailing her this whole time, and the minute Franklin's arrest hit the wires, they moved on her," Stoddard theorizes glumly.

Javier's never felt more demoralized in his life. Not even the switcheroo Stechner pulled on him with Judy Moncado had left him reeling as bad as he is now, standing on the tarmac while they prep the private jet for him back to Bogotá. Vacantly, he stares at his satellite phone before mechanically dialing the number.

You're humming a song to yourself as you iron a dress shirt while watching the variety show on the TV in your living room when your cell phone rings. Smiling, you set the iron down and rush to answer it. "¿Bueno, cómo le va, mi patrón?" you singsong silkily. When you don't hear his amused or enticed grunt in response, you sober and strain your hearing. It sounds like he's outside, but you can't make out where. "Javi?"

"…I'm flying back tonight."

Alarmed, you sit in the chair in front of the coffee table, feeling nervous about his emotionless tone. "What's wrong?" you ask, and when you can feel his tension even over the line thousands of miles away, you decide to press tentatively, "Tell me what happened, mi amor."

There's a foreboding pause that has you trembling with fear of the worst – heart racing and breath catching in your chest when you finally hear him exhale a lonesome sound.

"We fucked up. Jurado was going to cooperate only if we could get his wife out of Colombia and let him see her, but she got taken before my people could secure her," he tells you in a hollow drone, and you cover your mouth to stifle your gasp. "I'd fucking just spoken to her right when we landed! I told her to get to the fucking embassy, and in less than an hour, she got grabbed—"

You're absorbing everything, and the shock is quickly set aside by your tactical, clinical nature kicking in and immediately analyzing all the contingencies and worst-case scenarios. When you hear his tone getting that irascible edge, you cut in, "This isn't your fault, Javier."

"…I have to go."

The sadness that curls in your chest has your bottom lip trembling. "Ok…I love you—"

The dial tone interrupts you, and you listen to it for a beat too long, processing things before you end the call.

Javier's gone on autopilot. It's the only way his mind can stop him from succumbing to the blinding rage that's suffocating him. The wrath helps keep the self-loathing at bay. It also keeps him awake and numb as he sits on the plane – alone – and flies back into the clusterfuck that is his assignment. He helps himself to a double whiskey neat, and stares off into space while his fury roils him. He'd already told Crosby the shit news, and rather than chew his ass out, the man had just icily told him to get the fuck back and start dealing with the shitshow that'd erupted while he'd been babysitting Jurado all day.

It's after midnight by the time he lands, and the drive to his place is filled with the quiet rage of his thoughts. You fucked this up. Why didn't you put her into protective custody?! Have a fucking escort tailing her?! Snarling, he reaches for a cigarette, and by the time he gets to his apartment and parks in the garage, he's in full self-loathing mode. The bitter taste in his mouth only gets worse when he thinks about how badly this whole fuckup has set him back, and with the snarky update Crosby gave him about the assassination attempt in a crowded club during the height of the Feria de Cali, he feels boxed in by all the new obstacles he's now having to surmount.

Dejectedly exiting the car, he stubs the cigarette butt out with the tip of his boot before grabbing his duffle and walking to the elevator. He's making a mental list of all the things he'll need to deal with in the morning while he trudges down the hall towards his apartment door, feeling like shit when he realizes he'd been a callous asshole on the phone with you. Annoyed with himself further, he unlocks the door and enters his place.

He's bemused to find the living room dark, save for the ambient glow of the television sitting on. Adjusting his tired gaze, he realizes there's a form curled up on the couch. Shutting the door and quietly placing his duffle down by the credenza, he lopes closer, and once his eyes have adjusted to the lowlight, he makes you out.

You're asleep, curled up on your side under the throw blanket. Something fragile wriggles in his chest, making him feel afflicted and hopeful at the same time. Before he's able to confront the dueling feelings, he's gone to sit on the edge of the sofa so he can admire your sleeping features. Reaching his fingers to gently brush your hair from your face, Javi gets calmed by the serene softness of your countenance in this state.

Tucking the rogue strands behind your ear is what makes you stir. Groggily you unfurl under the throw and murmur, "Javi?"

"…I didn't expect you…to be here," his halting murmur stirs you fully awake, and you go to sit up. The throw slinks down from your shoulders and reveals you're wearing his favorite nighty – the one with the slit up the thigh. His eyes linger on the delicate fabric clinging to your breasts, which distracts him long enough for you to shift up and throw your arms around him.

Hugging him tight, you bury your face in his neck. "I'll always be here for you," is your murmur, and you feel Javi go slack, so you give him a fortifying squeeze. "You can't just hang up on me and not expect to find me waiting for you in the dark of your apartment," you quip.

Javi lets out an acerbic snort and encircles you, pulling you close. He nuzzles your soft hair and breathes in your enchanting scent. "I'm a fucking asshole," he tells you in a rumbled drone.

Frowning, you pull back and cup his face, staring deep into his loathsomely frowning, dark brown eyes. "You are not," is your counter, and he flicks his gaze away. "Mírame, Javier." When he slowly looks back into your fierce stare, you tell him, "I will not let you wallow in this."

"…You don't have to do anything—" he begins to dismiss as he nudges you back so he can stand.

Literally shoving him back down and straddling his lap to keep him pinned in place, you imperiously glare at him. "I'm not going to let you beat yourself up," you declare in an exacting tone, eyes boring into his with conviction until he surrenders. "You want to vent? Go ahead. But you're not going to swallow up your anger and turn it around on yourself."

Disarmed, he tosses his head back and wrings his hand over his features before pressing it into his eyes with exasperation as he collects his thoughts. You take the moment to catalogue how tense his muscles feel under your touch. His scent teems with briny, dried sweat, the remnants of his overworked deodorant and cologne, the clinging whiff of chain-smoked cigarettes, and the spice of whiskey on his breath.

"…Do you know how fucking maddening it is to get the guy – to have chased him like a fucking old dog running after the meat wagon – only to have a cartel-retained lawyer tell you before your own people that the bargaining chip you had got fucking snatched right out from under you?"

You calmly sit on his lap while he drops his hand moodily to the armrest and glares up at the ceiling.

"…Is that why you have such a ripe tufo on you?"

Javi barks out a laugh and looks at you. "I thought you liked how I smelled?" he drawls as he scratches at his sweat-permeated hair.

"I love how you smell, but right now, you stink," you chime and shrug innocently, trying to lighten the mood. "You chased that fucker in humid heat and stayed in these sweaty things all day?" is your faux-aghast lilt as you tug on his shirt and wrinkle your nose cutely at him.

Javier scowls. "Alright, I get the point," he grumbles and nudges you onto the couch so he can stand. "I had more important things to do than smell good for anyone today—" is his grouchy huff as he stalks over to snatch his duffle bag up and heads with it to the bathroom.

"Ok, so, let me amend something to you," you cut in and adjust to sit up on your knees on the couch so you can glare at his back. "You don't get to beat yourself up, or take your shitty mood out on me, Javier," is your sharp remark when he pauses in the hall.

Ashamed, he nods before rushing into the bathroom and shutting the door.

You frown, feeling that familiar ache in your heart. Your temper flared and got the best of you when you should've just understood how low he feels right now. Lying back down on the sofa, you listen to the hum of the shower running, and before long, you doze off for an unmeasured period of time, before you feel yourself being lifted up off the couch.

Javier carries you in his arms to his bed, still warm and dewy from the shower, so you cuddle into him and mumble, "Sorry…" He pauses at that just as he was going to set you down, so you stir fully awake and curl your arms around him. "I shouldn't have snapped at you—"

Shaking his head, he sets you down on the bed and starts trying to tuck you in. "You didn't," he huffs and goes to move away, but you grab his hand, so he gruffly exhales and sits at the side of the bed. You realize he's only in a towel that's wrapped snugly around his hips. You're still a little drowsy, so you're having a hard time deciphering his mood, but when he squeezes your hand, you sit up and lean into his back, rubbing your palm soothingly along the curve of his shoulder. "I…whenever I've dealt with something like this, I just…" he trails off, brooding thoughts weighing heavy on him. He doesn't have the gall to say that in his lowest moments, he'd drink himself into a stupor, or seek out the company of women he could fuck his anger away with. The shame is like an anchor tied around his neck, and he suddenly bows his head and vacantly rubs his hand over his moustache before blurting, "I just want to take this out of me."

You jolt at that and shift to wrap your arms around him from behind. "Take what out?" you query on a thin whisper.

Javi shakes his head in disgust with himself. "Just forget I said that…" he rasps and shies away from your embrace.

Wounded, you lean away and try not to let the knot forming in your throat break loose the tears you feel welling up there. "I—I'll give you your space then," you whisper and amble to the foot of the bed in order to retrieve some clothes from the drawer.

Your breath catches in your chest when his hand grabs your upper arm and pulls you around to face him before he tugs you close. "Goddammit, I don't—I don't want to be alone…I fucking just—I don't fucking trust myself," he growls in terse frustration, usually soulful eyes fraught with conflicting emotions. "I'm so fucking tired of being angry…"

That strikes such a chord in you that he's taken aback by the fire that flares in your smoldering gaze as you slink up against him and grip your hands at the back of his neck. "Then fucking do something about it, querido," you hiss and nudge your cheek into the side of his jaw in a primal sign of wanting to rile him. His breath hitches, and he stares ambivalently down at you, so you decide to give him another push.

You whip his towel off of his hips and suckle a hard kiss to the top of his left pectoral before murmuring haughtily, "Fuck me already, Javier."

The intensity you see ignite in his dark eyes sends a flutter into your womb, and before you can blink, Javier has whisked you up into his arms and tossed you onto the bed before pouncing down on you. Your gasp stutters when he smothers your mouth with his and kisses you like nothing in the world matters. His tongue sweeps into your mouth and claims you with ravenous hunger as his hands possessively clutch you to him – warm skin pressing down on you and the firm press of his cock grinding into your inner thigh.

No words pass between you as he suddenly snatches you up and hikes your nighty off in an impatient yank before he tugs you around to face the foot of the bed while he hitches up flush behind you and suckles wanton kisses into your neck and shoulder. You moan and arch back into him, feeling alight and tingling wildly with anticipation when he sweeps his fingers through your folds and feels how hot and wet you are, how your desire drips slickly over his digits while his thumb grinds against your clit.

"Ah!" you whimper and cling to his arms when he plunges two fingers into you and curves them while he nuzzles you dominantly before nipping at the delicate spot just under your ear. His cock is digging into the plump ridge of your ass while he continues to tease your clit, fill your cunt with his fingers, and suckle greedily down the length of your neck before he fondles his other hand from your waist to squeeze your tit and pluck at your studded nipple.

You gasp and squirm in delight, feeling overloaded by all the pleasurable sensations when he suddenly yanks his fingers out of your clenching cunt and sucks them into his mouth while he shoves you down onto your hands and knees before his hand grips your hip to pivot your pelvis up to align for the spear of his cock. The sound you let out when Javi thrusts into you to the hilt from behind is needy and alluring, which helps rein in his feral concentration.

The sight of you bowing into the bed with your lower back arched up – ass high and right, where he can see his cock getting swallowed by your tight pussy? That primal desperation rakes up in him, a lewd urge he's always tried to keep at bay when he's with you but now feels it overtaking him with a demanding fury.

You're not prepared when his hand latches to your shoulder and yanks you up from the bed while he ferociously tugs your hip back to slam you full-force onto his cock. Gasping, you instinctively reach a hand backwards to cling to the wrist of the hand gripping your hip and setting the pace of his now relentless pounding thrusts while the other grapples for balance on the bed. You whimper when his fingers knead into your hip – feeling like he's imprinting them to the sinew, so you toss your head back on a reedy mewl and catch your reflection in the mirror above his dresser.

You've never seen Javi look so wild. His shoulders are rolled back, chest puffed out – looking intensely broad, with every muscle bunched up as he unfocusedly stares into the back of your head while he grunts and growls with every pounding slam of his cock into you, lips curling back from the brutal force of him trying to take his pleasure by pounding his savage need in you.

The feral fervor etched into his features – that's ticking his jaw and making him bare his teeth after a particularly deep slam of his cock – has you blooming with something primordial and intense. He's never fucked you like this, never been so rough, and rather than scare you, it has you coiling up with a searing desire. So, you suddenly shift your knees for better purchase and rock your hips backwards to meet his next thrust, then the next, and the sounds you've been biting back? You let them out, no matter how heady and obscene they are echoing in the room over the squelching slap of skin-on-skin.

The blown-out, unfocused stare flits away from Javi's ferocious features and he gasps as you dig your fingertips into his wrist and watch him fuck you in the mirror. He follows your gaze and sees the lurid display of you both reveling ardently in each other for the first time, and the hoarse growl he lets out has you clenching and flooding with arousal until your thighs are damp with it.

It's all too much for him to not chase and plummet headfirst into, so he hammers his cock into you and clutches you protectively against him when you cry out, "Javi!" in a drawn out sob and climax all over his apex while he continues to pound your pussy until it clamps down on him. You're deliriously mewling and writhing, mind gone the minute his cock drove into you with such force you would swear he punched up into your womb. So you're unconsciously reacting to him hauling you up to be pressed against him while he groans a fierce sound just as his cock swells and he shouts out his orgasm. You moan at the sensation of Javier filling you with cum after such a fierce coupling, shivering as he prolongs the exhilarating sensations tumbling wildly inside you.

You cling to his hand when it grips your ribcage to pin you in place against him, and moan in satisfaction when the hand gripping your shoulder curls at the side of your head and laces its fingers into your tousled hair there to tilt your face up so he can press his face into you – to dominantly nuzzle your temple, cheekbone and jaw.

He shudders, hips stuttering the remnants of his powerful ecstasy as he exhales a panting grunt and buries his face into your neck while he holds you possessively. You're coming down from the prolonged bliss, sweating and throbbing and feeling the most alive you've ever been. So it's disarming when Javier seems to jolt against you and starts to reel away.

Now in his right frame of mind, Javier is prodded by the sense memory of the last time he'd done this – lost himself in pounding his fury away in the throes of rough sex until he was no longer anything but the angry thing he tried so hard to keep locked down deep in himself. It's like a scalding déjà vu, and he's retreating back from you as anxiety springs up in him. Fuck, no, fuck, what did I do?! Jesus Christ, I never wanted to do this with her—

You don't know why he's suddenly skittish, but you intuitively sense this is something loathsome and harsh he's become tangled up in, so you turn and grab his face. Hands firmly gripping and pinning him in place from shifting away, you're searching his startled expression. You're both panting, still recovering from the animalistic coupling, and even though you are literally a ravished mess, you look deep into Javi's dark brewed eyes and see something you don't expect.

"Don't run away," you whisper and press closer to him, and he shudders. His shoulders droop as the shaky exhale he lets out has his frame trembling with something he's trying to keep control of. "You don't have to hide anything from me," you murmur and pull him close, looping your arms around his shoulders and kissing his cheek while he silently wars with himself, so when you see him squeeze his eyes shut and huff tensely, you susurrate, "I love you, Javi. Please, don't push me away…just let me in."

Javier dissolves at that. Internally crumbles at the profoundly overwhelming tumult warring in him. Falling back to sit on the bed with his knees butterflying askew, he hunches protectively, completely ashamed as he buries his face in his hands and stutters a weary breath. You can't take seeing him like that, so you straddle his lap and wrap your arms around him, hugging him with all your might as you press your nose to his hair and kiss him. His hands move around to grip you desperately to him as he hides his face in your neck.

You hold him for a quiet beat, concentrating on listening to his breathing and feeling his muscles relax the longer you dotingly kiss his head and squeeze and rub his shoulders.

"You don't have to hide your anger from me," you find yourself murmuring softly. "It doesn't scare me. You don't scare me."

He shifts to rest his forehead to your cheek, but doesn't say anything, thoughts racing through the quicksand of his mind.

"And no – that wasn't scary or overwhelming or too rough," you tell him in a quipping tone, and he lets out his breath in a charged huff. "Talk to me, mi amor."

"…I-I never wanted to do that…only did that…" he's haltingly grasping for words, but is utterly ashamed – tongue-tied and wary of voicing the truth.

With a sigh, you turn to kiss his temple. "Only with women like that Gabby and Vanessa – with just working girls," you fill in for him, and when he stirs and leans back to stare in open, unguarded shock, you cup his cheek. "I told you what I would do when I would get so angry that I just couldn't handle ignoring it, right?"

Javier nods. "But that was different," he croaks.

"No, it wasn't," you reply and rest your forehead to his. "I'm not this fragile, delicate thing you can't be raw with. You can vent with me, Javi."

"Is that what we're going to call that?" he blurts before shying his brown puppy eyes away. "…Venting?"

"We can call it 'doing the caveman,' if you want," you jibe, and he actually lets out a startled laugh. "I mean, look at us. We clearly enjoyed it—"

"Jesus, querida," he snickers and covers his nervously beguiled face with his hand. "I was fucking cringing that I went too goddamn far—"

"Have I ever let you do something I didn't like?" you cut in and bossily pull his hand away so he can see your confident smile. "Or not told you when something did not feel good?" When his brows crinkle from him trying to think back, you roll your eyes and deadpan, "Remember 'mamita'? Or when you plowed your cock into me that one time on the kitchen island—"

"Fucking hell, yeah…I remember," he grumbles, a bit exasperated, so you growl and shake him by the shoulders until his sulky pout is replaced by a lopsided smirk. "So you're saying you liked it, and it wasn't just something you went along with for my sake?" he presses, that little furrow in between his brows getting deeper when he adds, "It didn't hurt…at all?"

He has to ask. After all, Gabby had remarked offhandedly once how she would probably have a hard time walking after one particularly rough session.

You kiss his lips and give him a sweet smile. "I mean, it was that exhilarating kind of thing where pain and pleasure are entwined together" you answer honestly and nudge him down to lie back on the rumpled pillows so you can lounge on top of him. "It felt great, babe," is your sultry purr as you caress his hair and smile at his enthralled stare. "I'm kinda annoyed you've been holding back on me, actually—"

"Fuck me," he scoffs sardonically and runs a hand down his face in flustered intrigue.

You giggle and kiss his chin when he dips his head back into the pillow. With a sobering sigh, you keep caressing his hair as you admit, "I would want to feel anything else but the anger. The way that worked the best and didn't involve getting sloshed, or doing really reckless adrenaline-junkie-kind-of-things was to get lost in the feeling of sex," you pause when he exhales worriedly and caresses you protectively. Smiling, you rest your head on his shoulder and continue, "Sometimes it'd be me using a guy…I think that's what happened with Luke – with most of the guys in my past…"

Javier is silent, but he hasn't stopped caressing you, and when you hesitate in continuing, he kisses your temple. "I ever made you that angry?"

"Yes," you admit. "I missed you so much…was so angry that I would never see you again. So I just…I just surrendered to getting lost in any other feeling, would ask him to be rough – to fuck me with abandon. But, he and I…I don't know. I didn't want anything but the distraction, so I don't know what would've happened had he not been reassigned," is your stream of conscious as you nose his neck. "I probably would've pushed him away…"

"Because he didn't really do it for you?" he can't help grumble as he runs a hand over your mussed hair.

"Because I really only wanted to be with you," you declare simply and nuzzle him under the hinge of his jaw.

Absorbing that, Javier can't help feel completely at ease now. He always felt alone and ashamed by his coping mechanisms, by how he went about shaking free from his loathsome fury. But right now, he doesn't feel alone anymore. It's also resonating deeply with him, hearing you confide to him these things you've never shared with anyone. It all has him bowled over. And, the fact that you have opened up so much to him in his lowest moment has anchored him, saved him from the tempest of his anger. So, he sits up and kisses you adoringly.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

The weighty murmur gives you pause and makes your heart swell. "Javi…" you hiccup, feeling overcome with emotion as he gazes deeply in your eyes and caresses the back of his knuckles along your cheek. No one has ever said that to you, and the reverent look in his eyes makes you feel filled with vast love. His expression softens as he leans down and kisses you with toe-curling passion. You cling lovingly to him as you both stretch out and cuddle into each other, before you snicker despite yourself. When he looks into your eyes with concern, you meekly mumble, "We're both so sticky."

He laughs, and with a wonderful grin, Javier sits up and literally picks you up to march gallantly to the bathroom. "Quick shower, and no funny business," he drawls, and you try not to melt.

Once you're both warm and dewy, thanks to Javi hastily drying the both of you, he picks you up and carries you to bed. Slipping under the covers with him never felt better, and before you know it, you're fast asleep in his arms. Nuzzling the top of your hair, Javi relishes your comforting smell, as he gets lost in thought about everything that's gone wrong. It's like his work is destined to always get derailed – to constantly be racing to a result before failure inevitably sets in.

Part of him still feels scared that the turmoil will impact things with you. That seeing any more of his dark, furious moments will alienate you from him. The heaviness in his chest when he worries about losing you only subsides when he recalls what you'd told him previously.

"You, Javier Felipe Peña, are the love of my life. I've never been happier, and more hopeful than I feel right now, being with you."

Consoled by the recall, he closes his eyes and dozes off to the hope that he'll be able to live up to making you happier and inspiring more hope to bloom inside you for the future.

Unfortunately, it won't be that simple.

________________

Read Chapter 26: Art

Spanish-English Glossary:

Beyako = Puerto Rican slang for horny/naughty guy; akin to "horn dog"

Querida = Affectionate term for a female, akin to expressing one's want and desire

Pinche cabrón = Fucking asshole

Más macho = More manly; akin to saying "the most manly man"

Mi amor = My love

Pollo = Chicken

Malcriada/malcriado = Brat/spoiled

Cariño = Darling/sweetheart

Mi hermosura, tan tierna y calientita = My beauty, so tender and warm

Deja de tentarme, amado = Stop tempting me, beloved

Mi tiernita = My tender little girl

Guapita = Sassy/foxy/daring/testy lady

Chulo/Chulito = Cute guy; little cutie

Burlón = Joker; teaser

Tan atrevida = So daring [woman]

Traviesa = Naughty/Mischievous girl

Mira quien habla = Look who's talking

Bravita= Tough girl; feisty girl

Buenas noches, chavón = Goodnight, pesterer

Mi patrón = My master/boss

Preciosa = Gorgeous; precious

Tenientes = Lieutenants

Agente = Agent

Gringa = American woman

Hermosa/hermoso = Beautiful (female); beautiful (male)

Burlona = Joker (female)

Callejón = Alleyway

¿Bueno, cómo le va, mi patrón = Well, how's it going, my master?

Mírame, Javier = Look at me, Javier

Tufo = Stink

Thanks for reading! Please consider leaving a comment and sharing your feedback. I would be eternally grateful.

[spideyspeaches]

You're worth it ↬p.p

A/N: I'm in my sick feels so here's some sick whiny Peter 😔😔✨💔 also I wrote this at 2 am in like 20 mins lol so rip.

Wc: 1.3k

Warnings: uhh general sickness, Peter being a dramatic lil bitch.

Pairing: college!Peter Parker x Avenger!Reader (with a lot of platonic MJ)

Masterlist

Peter was pretty sure he was dying. No, he wasn't being dramatic.

In all the years of being Spider-Man, he could count on his fingers the number of times he had gotten sick. And it was one.

He remembered when he got bit by the radioactive spider on the field trip to OsCorp, the week later which he spent in bed, sweating on every surface and a fever so high the doctors wondered how his brain hadn't melted yet.

Even when all the resources were exhausted, they couldn't find a cause, and the miraculous recovery with a plus of the sudden appearence of abs and growing biceps had been more of a relief than a dismissal by the doctors, each of them releasing a sigh of relief, neither of them noticing the strange behaviour Peter seemed to be exhibiting when he opened his eyes to the bright, technicolor world after seven days of brutal bouts of vomiting and brain splitting headaches.

So yes, Peter Parker didn't get sick. Not after the fateful spiderbite that made him who he was. Even Dr. Banner had been fascinated by his body chemistry, and if he hadn't been lost in his fangirling that the Bruce Banner wanted to do more check ins of his body, he would have noticed that he could, in fact, get sick. His immune system may have significantly increased, but he was still not entirely immune to college kids germs who wore their underwear inside out to save laundry money.

"You look like a zombie." MJ deadpanned in true MJ fashion, pointing her pen, the bright pink plastic fake diamond a brief distraction from the headache pounding in his skull. It made him go squint eyed, inevitably increasing the headache when he saw past the blurry outline of the diamond.

"Thanks Em, appreciate it." He muttered, raising an eyebrow to look at her smirking face. He suddenly remembered about You. You and MJ had the same smile, he noticed, a lump of misery forming in his throat.

His mood dropped even more when he felt his throat burn with a strong sense of nostalgia. You weren't in college with him due to your job as a full time avenger, so sue him that he really fucking missed you. It's not like you never talked, but his head was killing him and he was really touch starved and college just really fucking sucked.

"I'm not being mean, believe it or not, but you look dead on your feet and your girlfriend will kill me if I bring you in more than one piece." She said, her voice softer than it had been before.

"I'm fine MJ, just do the project." He sighed, looking at his course book, trying to catch the sudden onset of magenta and green lights in his vision. Huh, maybe he was having a stroke.

Rubbing his left eye in frustration, he groaned, throwing his textbook across his room, flopping on the college issued bunk bed that he swore was going to give him back issues before his spidey shenanigans could.

"Y/N won't kill you, she respects you too much for that." He said, fiddling with the threads hanging on his sheets, a hand behind his head as he looked at the ceiling. Chills were starting to set in his bones, and it was not just by MJ's scrutinizing stare.

"You're sick." She stated, smirking as he rolled his eyes, rolling over and burying his face in the cool pillow.

"No shit Sherlock." He huffed, sitting up to take in a breath the pillow was restricting, the lump in his throat growing. And before he knew it, hot tears were rolling down his cheeks, a strange choking sound coming from his throat, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment, and the heat of his fever wasn't making it any better.

"I- I miss y/n so much." He sniffed, his words sound clogged with the mucus stuffed in his sinuses and nose. Wiping a hand across his nose, he choked out a sob, burying his face deeper in his pillow.

"Hey, oh man, hey Parker! Oh god please don't cry, shit ok-" MJ rambled, her shuffling making him cry harder as he whined at the contact of her cool palm, "shit you're burning up! Oh man who do I call who do I call? Of course I'm an idiot."

Her mutters were kind of soothing, but he was too embarrassed to admit that as he brought the pillow closer to him, imagining it was you instead of a stuffed cotten pillow, trying to feel your fingers running through his hair as you repeatedly kissed his forehead.

Sniffling, he blinked hard, watching MJ pace as she talked on the phone with someone, his brain too disoriented trying to get the heat to expel from his body to notice who she was talking to. She looked frantic, her palm over her mouth as her muffled words made his eyes droop, and just like that, he was out like light.

~

"Hey, wake up baby, I came bearing gifts." Your soft voice rose him up from his unrestful slumber, groaning as sudden noises bombarded his ears.

He gave a sigh of relief when he felt a familiar pair of headsets on his ears, the noises quietening. He opened his eyes, slowly at first to see a vague silhouette of you, wondering if this was some kind of fevered dream.

You and Peter face timed a lot, but you rarely visited due to the long drives. You had visited just this weekend, so he was surprised to see you here, his head cushioned on your thigh as your fingers ran over his hair.

"Am I dreamin'?" He croacked, a smile forming on his face as he heard you giggle, warmth spreading in his chest as you leaned in to kiss his forehead.

"No dummy, you just have a temperature high enough to burn Satan." You smirked, booping his nose softly.

"That's pretty hot. I'm so hot." He snickered, turning around to dig his nose into your thigh.

"Yeah, you're the hottest. My hot dum dum." You said. Shifting slightly, he heard the rustling of bottles, immideatly knowing those were his super painkillers Dr. Cho had brewed specifically for his metabolism.

"You didn't have to come all over here baby, did you use your suit?" Peter asked, getting up from his position. Wincing, he cracked his neck, groaning as his body reminded him of his current condition. He felt like a giant bruise, slumping next to you as you wrapped your arm around his shoulder.

"You're worth it Petey. I would go wherever you go." You whispered, brushing his curls back. Getting up, you reached for the filled glass you had kept at the bedside, handing it to him along with the pills. He took them gratefully, gulping the pills and the water down at once.

Leaning on your shoulder, he kissed the exposed skin of your shoulder, rubbing his forehead over there as he thanked you silently, a random chill shooting up his spine, making his muscles spasm.

"Where's MJ?" He muttered, looking at you through his lashes.

"Dunno," you muttered back, "said something about not wanting your germs or something."

"Probably just went to room with Harley. She's got a huge fucking crush on him, just won' admit it." Peter said, smirking from his position.

"Really? I didn't notice!" You snickered, rolling over to squish his cheeks.

"Please, I bet he'll ask her out by the end of this semester."

"This semester? I bet that's gonna happen by the end of this month."

"Bet's on then."

Laughing at the crack oh his voice, you pushed him back lightly by his chest, scratching his sweaty scalp as he sighed under your fingers.

"Y/n?" He asked, holding your fingers to his chest.

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for coming so soon."

"Of course I came dummy."

Smiling at his dimpled face, you wiggled a little to fit next to him, wrapping your hand over his chest and throwing your leg over his.

"Y/n?" He asked again.

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."

A/N: this is so self indulgent 😋😋 lol. Leave a comment if you liked it! 💞💞

[dc-and-arfrona]

Studying Dates

Tim Drake x GN!Reader

Type: Fluff

Word Count: 1.2k+

Masterlist

Summary: Meet Cute of this list!

—

The library was your sanctuary, a place of quiet concentration and endless knowledge. It was where you sought solace during exam season, surrounded by stacks of books and the whispering voices of studious individuals. Today was no different as you settled at a table, ready to dive into your study materials.

You glanced around, observing your surroundings, and noticed someone at a nearby table pulling out the same set of study resources you had. Your curiosity piqued, you couldn't help but be intrigued by the coincidence. With a small smile, you gathered your courage and decided to strike up a conversation.

"Mind if I join you?" you asked, motioning to the empty seat across from them.

The person looked up, their gaze meeting yours, and a friendly smile graced their features. It was Tim Drake, a fellow student renowned for his intelligence and dedication to academics.

"Not at all," Tim replied, his voice warm and inviting. "I could use some company. The more brains, the better, right?"

You chuckled, taking a seat opposite Tim. As you organized your own materials, you couldn't help but notice the familiar textbooks and notes that adorned his side of the table.

"Looks like we have the same study resources," you remarked, gesturing towards the overlapping books.

Tim's eyes lit up with amusement. "Great minds think alike, I suppose. It's always comforting to know you're not alone in this sea of information."

And so, your study session began. Questions were asked, concepts were dissected, and ideas were shared. It felt effortless to engage in conversation with Tim, his intelligence matched only by his genuine interest in learning. Together, you explored complex theories and debated interpretations, fueling each other's passion for knowledge.

As the hours passed, you realized that the connection extended beyond academics. The conversations veered into personal anecdotes, hobbies, and aspirations. Tim's enthusiasm for detective work and his drive to make a difference in the world ignited a spark within you. There was something about him that made you feel understood, a sense of shared purpose that transcended the boundaries of studying.

The library became a backdrop to your growing connection, a place where minds intertwined, and hearts began to recognize a deeper affinity. It was in those stolen glances and subtle gestures that you sensed something more, a mutual attraction that blossomed amidst the intellectual exploration.

Tim, too, seemed aware of the shifting dynamics. His smiles became more lingering, his laughter laced with a hint of something unspoken. There was an undeniable chemistry, and the air crackled with anticipation.

As the evening drew to a close, the library announced its imminent closure. You gathered your belongings, a mix of reluctance and excitement coursing through your veins. Tim stood up, mirroring your movements, his eyes never leaving yours.

"Would you like to continue our studies elsewhere?" Tim asked, his voice soft yet brimming with hope.

A smile tugged at your lips as you nodded, feeling the weight of the unspoken invitation. "I'd love to. Let's escape the confines of textbooks and discover something beyond the pages."

And just like that, you embarked on a new chapter together, one that extended beyond the realm of studying. With each passing day, you unraveled the layers of Tim's complex persona, finding solace and understanding in each other's arms.

Studying became a mere pretext for your meetings, a mere guise for stolen glances and whispered confessions. Your connection flourished, bridging the gap between intellect and emotion, sparking a love that blossomed amidst the pursuit of knowledge.

So, in the quiet corners of the library, amidst the weight of academic pursuits, a love story unfolded—two souls intertwined, brought together by the serendipity of shared study resources and a mutual thirst for understanding. And together, you and Tim Drake embarked on a journey of learning, love, and endless possibilities.

After weeks of stolen glances and growing affection, the time had come for your first official date with Tim Drake. Both of you were eager to explore a new dimension of your connection, outside the confines of study sessions and library walls.

Tim had planned a surprise for the evening, promising to show you a side of Gotham you had never experienced before. As you stood outside a charming café, Tim's eyes twinkled with excitement.

"I hope you're ready for a night of adventure," he said, extending his arm for you to take. "We're about to embark on a journey through Gotham's hidden gems."

With a mix of anticipation and curiosity, you laced your fingers with his and followed him into the heart of the city. Tim led you through winding streets and alleys, pausing occasionally to point out unique architecture or share intriguing historical tidbits.

The air buzzed with anticipation as you arrived at an enchanting park, tucked away from the bustling city. The park was illuminated by soft, twinkling lights, casting a magical glow upon the surroundings. Tim's thoughtful gesture did not go unnoticed.

"This place is beautiful," you whispered, your voice filled with awe.

Tim smiled warmly. "I thought it would be the perfect spot for our first date. A place where we can escape the chaos and just be in each other's company."

You settled on a bench beneath a canopy of stars, engaging in heartfelt conversations that delved into your dreams, fears, and passions. Time seemed to stand still as you shared laughter and moments of vulnerability, cementing the connection between you.

As the evening progressed, Tim revealed another surprise—a picnic basket filled with delectable treats and a selection of your favorite snacks. He had taken note of your preferences during your study sessions, showcasing his attention to detail and consideration.

As you enjoyed the scrumptious spread, the conversation effortlessly transitioned from lighthearted banter to deeper topics. You discovered shared values and aspirations, a harmonious blend of intellect and emotional connection.

With the night still young, Tim invited you to a nearby rooftop. Together, you marveled at the breathtaking view of Gotham's skyline, the city's heartbeat pulsating beneath your feet. The tranquility of the moment was punctuated by stolen glances and gentle touches, each gesture a testament to the burgeoning romance.

Lost in the intimacy of the rooftop setting, Tim mustered the courage to express his feelings. He confessed that from the moment he saw you in the library, his curiosity had transformed into something far more profound—a deep admiration and an undeniable attraction.

You reciprocated his sentiments, expressing your own growing affection and the joy he brought into your life. In that suspended moment, surrounded by the city's twinkling lights, you sealed your connection with a tender kiss, igniting a spark that promised endless possibilities.

From that night forward, your love story continued to flourish. Tim and you embarked on countless adventures, discovering hidden corners of Gotham, indulging in shared hobbies, and supporting each other's dreams. Whether it was solving mysteries or simply relishing quiet moments together, your bond grew stronger with each passing day.

The first date served as a catalyst, igniting a love that would transcend the boundaries of ordinary life. And as you looked into Tim's eyes, you knew that your journey together had only just begun—an exhilarating path paved with love, passion, and the unwavering commitment to explore the depths of your connection.