#harold finch x john reese

[capfalcon]

"You moved the bed," Harold observes, hanging his coat by the door. He'd insisted that John get a coat rack, had it delivered himself. John doesn't use it, but he likes to indulge Harold sometimes, when he can.

John shrugs a shoulder. "It's better this way."

Harold raises an eyebrow at him as John meanders to the kitchen, pulling out a pan. He's hungry, and there's food in the fridge, enough for the two of them.

"Can I inquire as to why?"

"It's safer," John says, offering no explanation. Harold is still looking at him, John can tell, but it's easy to avoid eye contact. The real explanation is far more damning than John cares to admit, even to Harold himself.

"It's safer..." Harold says, trailing off. "Turned around? With the headboard facing out?"

John sighs as he turns on the stove, waiting for it to click and ignite. "Yes."

"Let me get this straight, Mr. Reese-"

"-John," he interrupts. "We're at my place, Harold. John." It's a new rule, but one John feels strongly about. Their...relationship evolving hadn't exactly taken him by surprise, but there have been some changes that John has insisted on. It's small, but he doesn't like when Harold calls him anything else in his apartment, that Harold bought for him. They aren't Mr. Reese and Mr. Finch here, they're...John and Harold. It's sentimental, the kind of thing Kara would have eviscerated him for, but Harold isn't Kara, and John allows himself these things, now.

"John," Harold repeats. "You turned the bed around."

"I'm aware, Harold."

"May I ask why you believe it to be safer?"

John sighs mentally before deciding that this is a battle that isn't worth spending too much time on. If they're going to continue like this, working and eating together and coming home together, this isn't worth being secretive about.

"You sleep on the left side of the bed." John eventually says, pushing the leftover food around in the pan, warming it up. He turns around just in time to see Harold's look of confusion, his eyebrows scrunching together. Privately, in the security of his own head, John finds it sort of endearing. When that look fails to clear, John sighs out loud this time and turns the stove to low, walking over to Harold.

It still takes a bit of courage to reach out and place his hand over Harold's, a tentative touch. It's been a couple weeks and he still can't faintly believe that he's allowed this, this simple, unrestrained pleasure.

"If someone came in the door, you'd be vulnerable on the left side. I didn't want to ask you to move, so I...moved the bed."

The slow smile that takes over Harold's face is a joy to watch, the way his eyes brighten, crinkling around the corners. "You turned your bed around so I wouldn't have to change which side I sleep on?"

John shrugs in response. "Essentially."

Harold's smile continues to grow, until he's beaming. "John, have I ever told you how you are one of the most fascinating people I've ever met?"

John allows himself to smile, to grin back at Harold, so filled up with brightness it feels like he could float. "I don't think you have."

"A grievous mistake on my part," Harold says, sliding a hand up to take hold of John's suit lapel. He pulls John towards him, slow, asking. It's been so long since John's done this, flirted, been flirted with, with genuine sincerity and affection.

"Should we test it out then?" John asks, raising an eyebrow as Harold presses a kiss to his stubble, his neck.

Harold hums against his skin in question.

"Your side of the bed. To make sure it's safe."

Harold laughs, resting his head against John's shoulder. It's a great sound, echoing slightly in the large space. "Gladly, John."

The food burns, but only a little, and they're both hungry enough that it doesn't really matter. They eat it in bed, facing the wall, and they both have small, private smiles on their faces as they turn to watch the city they protect go on beside them.

[aheroinasuit]

Stories written for @rinchfest 2023

A Promise to Commitment [G]

Summary:

Harold couldn't understand why John had taken this road to keep them warm. He wasn't complaining, but he didn't understand. Until he did.

Prompts used:

Huddling for Warmth • Belly • Nesting The Oh of Realization • Hurt/Comfort

Surviving and Found [G]

Summary:

After John's death, Harold found himself among people and in places he loved. Real or not, he kept searching for whom he had lost, until he found him.

Prompts used:

Family • Flowers • Food/Drinks/Cooking Time Travel/Loop • “Always”

Mending Broken Hearts [G]

Summary:

Neither could tell what it was they felt, and it was annoying and painful and left them alone, giving affection from afar. Until they finally, finally, find themselves at the same page.

Prompts used:

Mutual Pining • “Five+1”

Putting Down Walls [G]

Summary:

Everything started when Harold refected about how John respected his boundaries. More than anyone else, while he was determined to break every little one down. That reflection led to today... and today was the start of a new life. And a trip to Prague. To begin with.

Prompts used:

 Boundaries •  Wedding/Marriage

Creature Comforts [G]

He had led a life without indulging in anything other people loved. The exceptions of the things he loved to do were known only to him. Or so he thought. Harold would make certain John had everything he desired. And by everything, he meant everything. Everyone as well.

Chapter 1

Prompts used:

Pets/Animals • Music

Chapter 2 (written for catch up day)

Dancing • Bookshop • Declaration of Love • Retirement

Chapter 2 was partly inspired by @ununpredictableme's Flight of Fancy (The bookshop part)

[tenrose]

I told you to move your arsenal.

I was going to.

When? After the whole place has blown up?

[thaern]

My God, just fuck already

[saudrag]

boys desperately kissing somewhere in naples

[lemonpepperworld]

Person of Interest is my favorite show even this many years after it concluded

And the fans online have made the BEST EDITS

Here is one that I am obsessed with? The way that the scenes are spliced together with the song lyrics and the lines from the show?? Specifically Root on the building ledge almost falling right after a clip of Shaw saying “you know that thing that made you flinch?” Follows up with “I don’t get that”

ITS SO GOOD I CANT EVEN

I am just obsessed with the number of clips they had to splice together to make it so fluid—WHAT MAGIC GOD DID THEY HAVE TO SACRIFICE TO??

[onceandfuturemoron]

John Reese and Arthur Pendragon: *pushing Harold and Merlin out of the way first thing upon facing danger (mostly behind themselves, shielding them)

John and Arthur: hurt me all you want but touch him and I'll burn you

Merlin and Harold that are basically criminals and very dangerous when they want to be: my boyfriend will destroy you bitch

[i-used-to-be-a-spy]

[primaryasset1]

Do you ever wonder if Reese just stares at Finch sometimes when they're in the library together? Reese just siting quietly, eagerly taking in every detail about Finch and filing them away as Finch reads or types or something.

And it's not like Finch doesn't know, but he lets Reese do it -doesn't look up because if he does he knows Reese will quickly glance away as if he'd been caught doing something wrong- and he knows that watching him somehow soothes Reese, so he lets him stare. Encourages that moment of blissful peace as they sit quietly together because if anyone deserved something good -to feel safe, happy and loved- it was John Reese.

Who is soft and kind and unapologetically bright despite the fact that he's had life try to smother that light. Who will go out of his way to make sure Finch is comfortable even if he has to bend over backwards to do it. Who brings his favorite tea and pastries from the shop he likes. Reese, who would die for him without Finch asking, but instead lives for him because that’s what Finch needs. So if he could give Reese this one thing, he would, every single time.

[bookwormandsci-fifanatic]

How team Machine met one another. I couldn't find a good picture for Bear or Carter

[willowmosby]

Listen I told my self that I wasn't going to get invested enough in Person of Interest to talk about here but here I am anyway. It was chugging along being a good background show with Some really fun, if a little trope-y, cop characters and watching Harold Finch and John Reese act kinda gay and stop crime. I'm a big Amy Acker fan ( that's actually why I even started the show) so I wasn't upset about the shift in focus towards Root and Shaw a little bit as I entered season 3.

The problem I have actually run into is fucking season 3 episode 9: The Crossing. It just made me angry at a show's choices in a way I haven't felt in a while - please note I haven't watched past that episode as of writing this but I will eventually do so.

An the assumption that she really is dead( that looked pretty fucking fatal) I will miss Joss Carter a lot but that's not necessarily what made me angry. It seemed to me that the writers knew that the actor wanted out of the show from the start of the season as the whole season 3 arc was a seemingly slow moving suicide. It wasn't poorly written but it was obvious that this was a different type of Joss Carter than season 1 & 2.

No my problem wasn't necessarily her death. It's the "romantic" declarations of the episode. Now before you look back at the start of this and post and think I'm just mad because it wasn't my very unlikely to ever be a cannon ship that got confirmed, well you're only partially right.

Yes I'm a Rinch shipper( if follow my blog at all you've probably put together that I often root if the queer ships) but I genuinely would have been fine resigning myself to fanfiction while they get hopelessly paired up with some unsuspecting women. I understand that's how crime drama TV operates. And you know I actually like John and Zoe as a ship, if they were developed a bit more I think they could've been a lot of fun.

My problem is not that the whole you "saved me from commiting suicide" speech John gives Carter is equally, if not more, applicable to his relationship with Finch. Well, okay my problem is not only that. My problem is where was any of the romantic build up between Carter and John, like literally anything? They work great as narrative foils when Carter was still on the "the law is the only law" train. And they work great as friends as Carter steps more into the "some minor crime for the greater good is okay" camp. But not once did I think " oh these two are about to fall in love". Not even when Shaw asked about it earlier in season 3 did I think the show was going to actually pair them up like this. Now I hear you when you say that there are examples of characters with less chemistry have become couples. It's just, I'm not sure what the narrative gain is here. They had to know they were killing off Carter that same episode and this "revelation" doesn't add anything to the character. If anything it doesn't make sense with the revenge for Cal Becher (Beacher? Beecher?- You know who I'm talking about) angle that the writers have been using all season. And if it's about furthering John's character that's just dumb. I wouldn't consider it fridgeing as I'm pretty sure this is an actor who wants an out of contract situation(feel free to correct me if I'm wrong), but that doesn't excuse it as a narrative choice. John unequivocally cares about Carter and would be upset about her death regardless or romantic inclinations, as would Lionel and Finch. They already have an in on the revenge story line (which is where I assume they are going with this). Why bother with the romance especially when John already has the lost love story in his background. Like what Jessica isn't enough of a dead romance they needed to shoe in Joss as well.

Anyway I also wish this was like a mid season finale not episode like 9. Like bro why are you putting away one of your biggest villains so far and this is only a third of the way in the season.

And I wish that Lionel wasn't just suddenly back in the plot, like I know you have a bigger cast now and I m glad he's here but build the guy up a little bit better please.

I also think the Root in a cage thing is a little weird like I know all of these people are chugging the " the ends justify the means" juice but it still seems like there are other options Finch would choose. ( that being said Root and Finch's conversation about the machine somehow come off like " I had sex with your daughter, and I don't care if you know” which was hilarious to me)

Anyway sorry for the rant thanks for listening and I do hope the show gets back into a groove.

[imaginesforfandom]

Person of Interest Masterlist

John Reese

Healing Hearts Under Fire:

During a dangerous mission, John Reese gets shot in the arm, and Y/N's concern for his safety turns into frustration. Y/N passionately lectures John about the risks he takes and the importance of their team's well-being. To reassure Y/N, John gently holds their face in his hands, which leads to a charged moment of vulnerability between them.

Shy Hearts Entwined:

In the bustling city, John Reese and Y/N are on an undercover mission, posing as a couple at a high-profile event to gather information on a criminal operation. Y/N's shyness around John is noticeable, despite their usual confidence. As the night progresses, their connection grows, and amidst the glamorous facade, their hearts race when their fingers brush or their eyes meet. On a balcony overlooking the city lights, John reassures Y/N that they don't need to be nervous around him. Their vulnerability deepens their bond, and they admit their feelings. The story culminates in the quiet of the library, where they hold hands, and John confesses his feelings, marking the start of a new chapter filled with romance and love.

Undercover Hearts:

Y/N and John are going undercover for a mission and things go side ways. Y/N ends up getting hurt and John helps them, although he is upset about it. While lecturing Y/N, he accidentally let's his thoughts slip.

Shadows of Justice: A Connection Unveiled:

{currently writing}

John Reese Having A Crush On You Would Include

Dating John Reese Would Include

Harold Finch

Coding Connection: A Partnership in the Shadows:

In the digital age, where information reigns supreme, a chance encounter with the enigmatic Harold Finch leads a brilliant computer whiz into a world of hidden surveillance, vigilantism, and moral complexity. As they work together to protect lives flagged by the Machine, a sentient AI, a deep connection grows between them. Despite the weight of their mission and the secrets they hold, a unique bond emerges, one that transcends the digital realm and sparks a love that blossoms in the quiet moments between lines of code and flashes of brilliance. "Coding Connection: A Partnership in the Shadows" is a tale of justice, trust, and the profound connection that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Sameen Shaw

Unspoken Connection:

Summary: In the bustling world of espionage and intrigue, a chance encounter sparks an unspoken connection between the enigmatic Sameen Shaw and an unsuspecting reader. As they navigate the complexities of their dangerous profession, they find solace in each other's presence and discover a bond that transcends words. "Unspoken Connection" explores the unspoken understanding between two individuals drawn together by fate in a world filled with secrets and uncertainty.

Root

Close Call:

Summary: after a high-stakes mission, the reader becomes angry at Root for not taking better care of herself when they discover Root has been injured. To calm the reader's anger, Root surprises them with a passionate kiss, conveying both her apology for not being careful and her gratitude for the reader's concern. The kiss brings the reader's anger to a halt and strengthens their bond, with Root promising to be more cautious in the future and assuring the reader that she'll always come back to them.

[aheroinasuit]

Harold was cold, and lost, and didn’t know what to do. He felt like floating in water and being pulled down by a heavy anchor in the dark waters simultaneously.  Maybe there was an iceberg he had hit on. He shivered in the cold and loneliness when he felt a body behind him, strange, but also familiar. Strangely familiar.  “Mr. Reese?” Because who else could it be? “Yes, Harold?" John’s voice was strange, thicker than usual, raspier eveen, if that was possible.

Read more at A Promise to Commitment [G] in AO3

Written for @rinchfest Day 1

Huddling for Warmth • Belly • Nesting The Oh of Realization • Hurt/Comfort

[glitterandflowercrowns]

I rewatched PoI recently and went into full brainrot. The result is a short daemon AU/character study of our main heroes. John’s POV, but of course there’s Root/Shaw content in there because they’re my best girls even 7 years later 🥹

[drarreckyninja]

Sameen, crushing on Joss: H-how do you ask someone out? John: Well, first- Harold: Don't ask him, he asked me out in a McDonald's parking lot. Sameen: ...And you said yes?

[lovelycatdraws]

John tries to confess his feelings and gets sidetracked. Forgets and doesn’t try again for a week.