Chapter 5: Salvatore
Monday, November 10, 2014
7 am
You’re completely soaked, lying on the hood of his car. He’s hovering over you, his lips on yours. His tie in one of your hands, you want him as close as possible. The other hand is in his hair. He bites your lower lip and you moan. His left hand is under your dress, your only source of warmth as it rains. His other hand grips your waist. His lips move to your neck, then your breast. He stops slightly, out of breath. He holds your face in his right hand and whispers, “Me haces arder de deseo cariño.”
You jolt awake as the alarm goes off. Yet another dream about how differently that night could’ve ended. You remove Chase’s arm from your stomach. He’s so fucking clingy. Why is he here every day? His place is better than this shoebox. I totally get why couples slept in different bedrooms in the past. You shower and get dressed. Chase has been driving you to and from work. He insisted, “I never get to see you otherwise.” Truthfully, it made avoiding Nick and an awkward conversation easier.
Chase pulls up to the precinct just as Nick crosses the street with two cups in a coffee holder. He smiles at you and says good morning, then his eyes notice Chase. You both get out of the car. “Hey, man. I’m Chase, the boyfriend. You must be one of her coworkers.” Wait, did we discuss labels? You might as well go with it.
“Nick Amaro, her partner. Nice to finally meet you.”
You gape at your watch and loudly say, “Would you look at the time? We’ve got to get in there. I’ll see you later.” Unfortunately, you decide to point a finger gun at your boyfriend while saying this.
In the elevator, Nick turns to you and remarks, “Jace seems like a great guy. I don’t know if he’s really your type though.”
His name is Chase and Nick knows that. You don’t dignify whatever this was with a response, you just smile.
Olivia tells the squad there was an anonymous report about domestic abuse in the Upper East Side. “Fin and Rollins, I want you to check it out. Talk to the couple separately, canvass the neighbourhood.” She then turns to you and Nick, “You’re testifying against Michaelis tomorrow. Barba wants to prep you two in court today.”
You return to the squad room after being grilled in court and watching Nick suffer through the same, for almost two hours. Liv, Fin, and Amanda are in Liv’s office discussing something when you and Nick walk in. “Did you have fun?” Amanda teases.
“So much fun, I didn’t want it to end.” You reply.
Fin fills in the blanks, “We got nowhere with the Hastings. Then, they practically kicked us out. They said they’re busy planning a big charity ball and don’t have time for a ‘witch hunt’.”
“We can try to infiltrate their social circle, maybe find out if they know anything.” Rollins suggests.
“These people don’t turn on each other easily. And even if we could pull any gossip out of them, how do we get near without raising alarms?” You add.
“Why don’t we ask your boyfriend?” Nick interjects while staring at you.
You furrow your brows, “Excuse me?”
“He has connections to these people, right? He could get us invites.”
“Through his parents, maybe.”
“Then it wouldn’t hurt to try.” Liv declares. Damn you Amaro.
Everyone returned to their desks after the discussion was over. You ended your call with Chase, “He’s going to talk to his parents and he’ll let me know.”
“Rollins and Fin can’t go undercover to the ball because they’d get recognized. That leaves you and me.” Nick observes. “Do you think his parents would recognize you?”
“I’ve never met them.”
“Really? Huh.” He puts his hand under his chin.
“What?”
“It's just, you’ve known him for a long time.”
“Yeah, but we just started dating.”
“I’m just saying if I liked a girl, I’d want my mother to meet her.”
You tease, “So do you take Cesaria to meet all your dates?”
“You’re not funny.”
You sigh and place a hand over your heart, “You wound me, Nick.”
Saturday, November 15, 2014
9 pm
You and Nick sit in the backseat, watching as guests arrive in their town cars and rented limousines. He’s wearing a three-piece black tuxedo, with a burgundy bow tie. His bow tie matched the colour of your dress, a floor-length, sleeveless dress with a sweetheart neckline.
He pulls out a $1 ring and takes your left hand, “Will you be my fake wife?”
You wipe away an imaginary tear, “I thought you’d never ask.”
While Nick gets you a drink, you are approached by two middle-aged women. “We haven’t seen you here before.” They observe.
“We’re new to Manhattan, just moved from Miami.”
“We?”
You show them your ring briefly, “My fiance and I.”
Before you can watch around for Nick you feel a hand on your lower back, and he whispers in your ears, “Caio, amore.” Oh great, he remembers that I said that. “Here’s your drink babe.”
You introduce him to the women while his hand stays on your back. Your hand hugs his bicep. They leave to continue socializing and you whisper, “We should try to blend in.”
“Do you want to slow dance?” He asks. “So we don’t draw attention to ourselves.”
You feel curious eyes on you as Nick slowly dances you around the room.
He takes your right hand from his shoulder and holds it in his. He asks, “Are you cold?”
“I still haven’t returned your coat.” You realize.
“I know.” He says as he takes off his tuxedo jacket and helps you into it.
“Why didn’t you ask?”
“I have others. Besides, you look better in my clothes than I do.”
You wish he wouldn’t utter things like that. It makes you stupid and hopeful. You pretend to fix his hair, he leans down to kiss you and you let him. A newly engaged couple kissing, no one is going to suspect anything. We’re just kissing to protect our cover. There is nothing unprofessional about this situation at all.
In your peripheral vision, you notice two women who interacted with everyone including the Hastings, head to the bathroom. “I bet those two chatty-cathys know something juicy that we can probably use.”
“What’s your plan? Follow them to the bathroom and hope for the best?” Nick asks.
“Exactly.” You deadpan, as you take his hand and try to subtly follow. Please don’t get caught.
whatever (it's eating away at my soul)
THIS
Adding my contribution.
Thoughts and premiums to the UHC ceo🖕
I’m going to end it all over the ending of he’s just not that into you
rip luke castellan you would've loved luigi mangione
this might be niche but journey to the past from anastasia is one of the best soundtrack songs in the universe from now until forever thank you
"Fictional crush this" "Fictional crush that" OH YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT FICTIONAL CRUSHES SURE!!
I HAVE WANTED DIMITRI FROM THE 1997 ANIMATED "Anastasia" MOVIE BIBLICALY SINCE I WAS 6 YEARS OLD!!! I WANT HIM AND I WANT WHAT HE AND ANYA HAVE DAMN IT!!
"We live in a country where people think vigilante justice is okay." No. We live in a country where vigilante justice is the only form of justice being served. We live in a country where vigilante justice is necessary. People's reactions aren't indicative of a moral decline amongst average citizens, they're indicative of a moral decline amongst the government.
Don't be surprised that the working class is taking things into their own hands until you understand how much they've suffered at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them.
okay i just finished oceans eight and i can confirm im not straight
The Ladies of Ocean 8
hey sapphics so i am finally watching ocean's 8 and um. not to be a lesbian but uh. h.oly ffuckign shit ohmyjessus goddamn um,.:P:E@PO()* the whole cast is just !@)I#K{DE@OF{}<:
Chapter 4: Born To Die
Saturday, October 25, 2014
1:22 am
You were still in the car with Amaro, staking out the abandoned building that Michaelis walked into almost an hour ago. Nick’s phone rings, “It’s Fin.” After he hangs up he says, “Barba managed to wake up a judge, they’re at the hotel with CSU. They’ll let us know if they find anything incriminating.” You get a text, it’s from Chase so you ignore it. You’re not avoiding him, You’re just working. Your phone rings, and you send it to voicemail.
“Aren’t you going to get that?” Nick asks.
“It’s not important, I can reply later.” You reply, hoping he gets the hint to drop it. You turn on the radio, One Direction plays in the background.
“So, you don’t like him?”
I guess Nick wants to talk. “What makes you think I don’t?”
“You said the date was fine.”
“Well, we were interrupted…”, you reply playfully.
“You’ve known him for a while, you never felt anything for him?”
“Well, I don’t know what that would feel like, I never had a serious relationship.” And I've never been in love or had sex with anyone else. I'd never admit that you weren’t sure if it was worse to be a prude or to be a slut.
“Do you feel safe with him? Do you think you could wake up in his arms for the rest of your life and feel like you belong?”
“Nick, it's the first date. I’m not marrying the guy,” you laugh; “besides he makes pretty good coffee.” you add jokingly.
There was a look in his eyes, but it was gone before you could decipher. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that.
You sit in silence for eternity. Although the clock shows only ten minutes have passed. Nick’s phone rings. “Fin again.” he observes before answering. “They found the victim’s hair in this room, do you have your gun?”
You pull your firearm out of your purse, “Always.”
You and Amaro had begun searching the building. The first floor was empty. “He’s probably in the basement, upstairs doesn’t offer any coverage.” Nick starts towards the basement. You enter what you reckon is an old locker room, it's dark and you can’t find a light switch. You turn a corner and see a shadow move. Crap I’m gonna die in a basement because of my stupidity. At least I look hot. You try to back away quietly, then you hear Nick call for you. “I’m over here!” you yell back. Not so famous last words. In a split second the shadow lunges at you but before you can react, Nick slams him into the nearby locker. It’s Dean Michaelis. Nick tells him he’s under arrest and reads him his Miranda Rights as you cuff him.
Dean starts protesting, “What are you stalking me now? I’m an American, you can’t treat me like a thug!”
Nick remarks, “You might want to exercise your right to shut up.”
You ignore them as you continue in the darkness, you eventually find a light switch; then, an ajar locker. You open it and gasp, it contains blood-filled clothes, broken phones, jewelry, and other accessories. Trophies. “We need CSU over here.”
An hour later, it’s raining and Nick is dropping you to your apartment. You’re exhausted but so happy the case is going to trial. Dean kept requesting to cut a deal, not realizing there was enough evidence to prove he was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nick stops the car in front of your building and casually asks, “So are you going to text that guy back?”
Why does he remember that? “Maybe. I just want to sleep right now.” I don’t want to think about anything now.
“You don’t seem sure about him.”
“I don’t have to know right away.”
“Yeah I know, it's just… I want you to be happy. He might…”
“He might what?”
“He might not be right for you.”
Saint Nick knows best, who am I to question his infinite wisdom? “You don’t even know him.”
“I know you. I know you don’t think you deserve good things but you shouldn’t settle.”
I should’ve known my big mouth would come back to bite me in the ass. You want to die of embarrassment yet you try to smile, “This is different, I’m happy I promise.” Liar liar, dress on fire. “I’m just tired.”
“Hmm.” He doesn’t believe me.
“Do you think it’s gonna stop raining soon?”
“You love the rain.”
“Yeah, from the comfort and safety of my bed.”
He starts rifling through the back seat.
“What are you doing?”
“Zara left her umbrella back here a few days ago.”
When he finds the umbrella, he opens his door and the umbrella. Then he comes over to your side and opens the door, “I wouldn’t want you getting wet,”
Well, I am.
“and catching a cold.”
There was something so hot about a grown man holding a Frozen umbrella.
He walks you up the stairs to your building, while holding the umbrella over the both of you.
I could fuck him hard, right here in the pouring rain. “Thank you.” He turns to face you, your noses would touch if you tiptoed. You want to kiss him. He starts to lean down. He’s going to kiss me! Am I dreaming? Then, you panic. Oh no, he’s going to kiss me. This won’t end well. You wish you could just turn your brain off. I’m just going to say good night and leave before it becomes awkward. You move away from the umbrella and stand under the roof of the entrance. “Ciao.” What the fuck. “Uh, good night.” You walk away, not wanting to look him in the eyes.
You take off your heels in the elevator and check your phone. You see a missed call from Chase and two messages.
“I’m headed to ur place right now”
“I’m outside, are u ok??”
He’s sitting outside your door with your coat on his lap and as you get closer, you realize he’s asleep. You can feel the guilt churning inside you. He jolts awake and stands up before you reach your apartment.
“Chase, hey I’m so sorry I got so caught up with work.” He pulls you in for a hug and kisses your hair.
He stares at the coat you’re wearing, Nick’s coat but he doesn’t mention it. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Nick saved me from almost getting my ass kicked by a serial predator but I won’t mention that. “We caught the bad guy in the end.”
“That’s good.” he says as he hands you your coat.
“Do you want to come inside?” Please say no, I’m so not in the mood to have sex with you.
“If it's okay with you, it's a long drive back home.” There’s that guilty feeling again. Cool. Cool cool cool.
even his mugshot is lethal
capricorn things
missing mike dodds up in this bitch :(
Mike Dodds. That's it. That's the tweet.
did u mean: daddy?
#mood
Chapter 3: Brooklyn Baby
Friday, October 24, 2014
6:03 pm
You look at the text from Chase announcing “omw see u in like 20 mins” You tried to make excuses every time he suggested going to dinner in the last few days. Eventually, you just caved and said yes. You’ve known him forever, maybe this would be good for you. You apply red lipstick to your lips and touch up your makeup. You zip up your black dress, it was a simple midi type, with a split and v-neck. Yet, you were worried. Is this considered a first date? Would Nick like this dress? Would Nick even look twice at me, he’s like a real adult. Maybe that’s why he’s so nice, he probably thinks I’m too young. Just a dumb girl who's hopelessly in love with him. Shut up! What was his name? Chase? Would Chase like this dress?
There’s a knock on your door twenty-five minutes later. You slide on your heels and buckle them. The restaurant is uptown, closer to Chase’s place. Yet he drove all this way to pick you up, you note, maybe add that to the pros list. He made a seven o'clock reservation. He peers over at you again, “You are gorgeous.” he comments for maybe the third time. Is he practicing his adjectives? He continues, “So I was thinking that we should start over?”
The only sound you manage to get across is “huh?”
“Yeah, we didn’t exactly start on the most romantic note. I want something real this time.” You study at him, really look at him. This is good, I could really be happy with him. I just have to stop thinking.
At the restaurant, he asks “So where are you from?”
You give him a look, then “Right, we’re starting over.” You clear your throat and try not to laugh, “Uh, I was raised in Brooklyn, you?”
“Upper East side, my dad’s a plastic surgeon. I think he’s disappointed I didn’t choose such a noble career. My mom’s a former swimsuit model.”
“My parents divorced when I was 11, so my dad mostly raised me and my brothers. My mom moved to Florida to start another family. Anyway, what do you do?”
“I’m in a band. Your mom leaving must have been hard for you.”
“Honestly, I don’t think it really affected me. They weren’t happy and I just had to adjust.” She feels like a stranger. “So a band? That’s pretty cool.”
You continued the small talk for a while, which was surprisingly not the worst thing. Then your phone beeps, it's Nick. Am I being haunted? Wait no it's probably work, don't be a dramatic bitch. You answer and Nick tells you he’s sorry for disturbing you on a day off but he’s at a new crime scene and you tell him to send the location. You apologize to Chase, “I’m sorry, it’s work. Raincheck?” He tells you he gets it and kisses your cheek. You leave and get into a cab.
In the cab on your way to the crime scene, you realize you left your coat. Crap now I’m gonna be both unprofessional and freezing. You text Chase and tell him to keep your coat for you. He replies, “I’ll bring it to u. Can I see u after you get off work?” You ignore his text.
“So our victim is… was a high school student. She was found in the garbage bin by a restaurant staff. Possibly raped and beaten to death. The autopsy will reveal more” he states. “Wow.” You look up to see him staring. “You look nice,” he says whilst taking off his coat and draping it over your naked shoulders.
“I forgot my coat at the restaurant.” No! Why did you just say that? Okay just don’t make it a big thing.
“Were you on a date?” Why did he look at you like that?
You shrug, this coat smells good. “Just catching up with someone from college.” Not a lie.
“So like an old boyfriend?” What’s with the third degree?
“We never dated.” Also not technically a lie.
“So how was it?”
“Fine, I guess. Um, so walk me through the crime scene.”
Nick explains how the restaurant employee was taking the trash out at the end of his shift when he saw a dead body in the bin. He didn’t notice anyone lingering. Uniformed officers were canvassing the neighbourhood right now.
“It’s got to be Michaelis, how is he still walking freely?’’ you ask, frustrated.
“The school bailed him out, they claim the NYPD has an agenda and no proof.”
You roll your eyes. ‘The NYPD has an agenda’ is every predator’s favourite excuse. “What about the DNA samples?” You wonder if the defense will be arguing: middle-aged creeps are being denied their right to rape!
“The lab’s backed up, it’ll take a few more days.”
You got off the phone with Liv, having updated her on the situation. “We can’t arrest him again without probable cause, but we can keep an eye on him until Barba gets a warrant for his hotel room and car. Maybe we’ll find her DNA.” You and Nick were told the prep was still in his hotel room so you stake out the hotel lobby. You were sitting closely so as to not draw attention, Nick’s left hand on your thigh. You glance down to his hand on your bare thigh to notice he wasn’t wearing his ring. When did that happen? What does this mean? Was he dating again? He notices you staring, “I talked to Maria, we’re getting a divorce.”
You rub his arms, “Nick, I’m so sorry.” You really were.
“It’s getting easier to accept. Ever since I punched her shrink, I’ve been trying to deal with my anger better.” You remember everything he told you, he thought his wife was cheating and he handled it badly. “I just don’t want to be the kind of man that speaks with his fist.”
You gently stroke his face, “You’re a good man, and Zara is so lucky that you’re her dad.”
You stare at each other for what feels like forever, that you almost don’t see Dean Michaelis as he heads for the door.
this is the height of romance
Thank youuuu Gregory Eddie for representing those of us who Do Not like pizza
abbott elementary deserved the emmy for the delivery of “sir, you are bald” ALONE
Music To Watch Boys To (WIP)
AN: Set in 2014, canon adjacent. Mostly writing this as a coping mechanism.
Warnings: angst, implied trauma, self criticism, implied alcoholism, slow burn
You Belong with Me
Fuck it I love you
Brooklyn Baby
Born to Die
Salvatore
High Infidelity
Chapter 7