I have… a LOT of thoughts about this episode. Unsurprisingly, the majority of them are Chenford related, but I had a LOT of West and Lopez feels too, so. Here we go. I started to try to get my feelings out, but it just became me copying quotes that I either laughed or had other feelings about, so…
“Grey’s busy, and Smitty’s getting a back tattoo.”
“That’s –”
“Don’t ask.
– When I say I laughed out loud. Jackson and Smitty’s relationship is one of the best callbacks this show does, and every mention of that ridiculous man is hilarious.
“But it’s super important she doesn’t get shot today.”
“No promises. You ride with me, you ride the rollercoaster.”
– Nyla Harper is my favorite person. She was excellent in this episode, from the very beginning to the sweet moment at the end (that ending scene did NOT need to be about Nolan, this should have been solely focused on Lucy and Jackson and what they accomplished today, but I can’t say I’m surprised. But Harper made it better.)
Tim tossing the list out the window immediately.
“You know, littering is a $250 fine.”
“Worth it.”
Lucy pulling a backup list right out. They know each other SO well.
– HILARIOUS. Although I’ll admit my guard was up the moment she pulled that list out and used the word “trickery.” It worked out differently than I thought it would, but… well. We’ll get to that.
“I knew my TO would be important to my career. But I don’t know. I didn’t realize how important you’d be to my life.”
– I should have been more prepared for the Lopez and West feelings today. Their relationship probably started out the rockiest of all the TO/rookie pairings, and maybe rightfully so… but it’s become the least complicated, the closest to friendship the fastest, and their bond is just really something. Jackson was right - a LOT has happened in their 13 months together (yes, show, I remember exactly how long it’s been – do you?) and they’ve both grown and changed in such wonderful ways. Angela looked sentimental the whole episode (while still being her badass, hilarious self) and West looked SO relaxed, it was such a lovely bookend to their first days together.
“I wish someone taught me how to be in this one.”
“Oh, so we are in a relationship.”
– All the references to a relationship were good, if not entirely baity. But Tim’s delivery of that line was amazing and made me laugh out loud. He sounds so long-suffering and very much like an exasperated husband, and it really pinpointed one of the ways they interact that just WORKS so well. It just feels natural, and Eric Winter’s delivery was great.
“Tell me the truth – Am I gonna poop myself?”
– This entire conversation was so randomly hilarious (but added levity they all clearly needed then). Harper and Lopez are hilarious together and I truly wish the show gave us more of that.
“Don’t worry – I will personally stand watch over your kid until you leave the hospital.”
– Jackson West. I love you.
“I really hope our last shift together doesn’t end with that.”
“Yeah, me too.”
– EMOTIONS.
Tim distracting her with her list. The man KNOWS her. And him acknowledging that she’s been to hell and back. Again, I say – EMOTIONS. It was such a good callback to him knowing she needs to focus on work and order and process to remain calm in some situations.
“One look from you could send me into a tailspin.” And one day, it will again – in an entirely different way, I am SURE. The way they both knew she was referring to Plain Clothes Day was great.
“I dunno. Smitty is surprisingly maternal.”
“That is the most horrifying idea I’ve ever heard, and I want it to be a reality show so bad.”
“Right? I would watch the hell out of that.”
– Lowkey this was the most hilarious exchange of the night. I would also watch the hell out of that reality show. All these little moments made me miss Lopez and West together so much. Their scene at the end of the episode was lovely. All the times he thanked her. Please still let them interact often. The show NEEDS it.
“We did it.”
“No. You did it.” THE MOST TIM BRADFORD THING I’VE EVER HEARD.
“Office Chen impressed me with every decision she made today. I will miss riding with her.”
The callback to the evaluation in Plain Clothes Day. My heart skipped a beat, honestly. The way that Tim was looking at her in this scene while she read the note was… it was a lot, and apparently too much for me to process currently because that’s the most intelligible thing I’ve got to say about it.
“You don’t let anyone ever tell you you can’t do something. Not even me.”
– WHILE HE HELD THE HANDSHAKE. This one line tells you all you need to know about Tim Bradford and his RELATIONSHIP with Lucy Chen, honestly. He knows she’s “as tough as they come” and has “been to hell and back” and he knows, even if it scares him, even if it gives him flashbacks to Isabel, that she can do it.
Her gift to him was such a nice callback. For a show that doesn’t seem to track or care about its actual timeline, they’ve done a wonderful job with callbacks especially this season, and especially Tim and Lucy related ones. All the Caleb/Rosalind stuff. All Isabel mentions. Multiple mentions of Plain Clothes Day and their first day riding together, etc.
Every. Single. Time. He has called her Lucy this season, I have had to compose myself, none more than in this episode. I do kind of wish they’d waited until that last moment to have him call her Lucy (to her face, we all know I don’t think the phone call scene from season one, although one of their very best moments, counts)… it might have felt slightly more impactful (although the moment in the season premiere was great in its own way.)
Honestly, it was a little weird for me watching the show tackle their final moments as TO/rookie because I’ve written so many versions of that myself? (And look, I’m not gonna lie, their version gave me feelings, but I liked mine better). I wish that truly lovely garage scene hadn’t come on the heels of that “confession” scene, but it did help make up for it.
You might have noticed that I specifically skipped over that “confession” scene in the shop. As soon as he started talking about lying and UC work, I said “ugh” and then immediately wrote the scene in my head – down to her laugh, it was that predictable once you got the gist. And I’m going to be honest – if I had written it, I would have deleted it.
I KNEW going in – and I think most people will agree – that this was not going to be a true confession. That we weren’t going to get a Chenford love confession tonight (and please, can we discuss that ‘canon’ and ‘endgame’ are not interchangeable for just a sec.) But the way it happened just felt SUPER ship baity, and using it in the promo even more so. I just felt super pandered to in a ridiculous way that didn’t leave me with the most pleasant feelings about the writers… the garage scene at the end definitely helped, but overall the confession scene left a sour taste.
The thing is – the things she said? How he saved her? How the reason he’s protective of her is that he might have feelings too? Those are all valid things! And things that, at least in fic, I believe. But watching that scene, me, someone who can read something shippy in the TINIEST glance? I didn’t FEEL those things. I wasn’t nodding along like “yep, yep, that’s all true” – there wasn’t a moment during that scene where they looked at each other and I thought “yes, this is hitting too close to home for one of them.” Maybe that’s just me. I don’t know.
And I don’t know if that’s because I was too in my feelings about being badly pandered to, or if it just wasn’t there, or what. But… just overall I’m left with a feeling that it was just an entirely unnecessary scene that probably didn’t serve the ship well, just judging by some reactions I’ve seen.
Those feelings though? The ones I wanted to feel in that confession scene? I FELT THOSE, every single one of them, in the parking garage scene at the end.
Every look was perfect. Every pause, the handshake (a hug would have truly saved the confession mess, let’s be honest, but can’t be picky), the way he looked at her as she read, THAT is the writers do SO perfectly right for Tim and Lucy (and I know the majority of that credit goes to Eric and Melissa, because the moments that are the most impactful are the looks that just can’t be entirely scripted.)
Do I still ship them with every fiber of my being? Yes, and nothing the writers do or don’t do will change that. Will I still (eventually again) write a million words about them falling in love how I think they should? Yes. Do I need the show to stick to moments like in the parking garage – real, honest moments between them? YES. That is what the show gets right about their relationship. If they can just stick to those moments – and somehow continue them and make them believable even if they’re no longer riding together – I’ll be happy.
Am I worried about their interactions now that they’re no longer riding together? Yes. Their chemistry is honestly the best thing on this show. Giving less screen time to Lopez and West together has been rough – not only on the relationships aspect that so much drives the show but on the timing/pacing as well – and I worry that their best characters/best ship not sharing as much screen time will not help either of these issues.
Maybe they’ll surprise me. I hope – I think – they will.
(Random, but things I still need from this season: A Rachel mention? Don’t get me wrong, if they want to forget her, I’m cool… but it feels like (even a fake love) confession should have been the right time to be like “I know this is awkward, you’re dating my friend…” Come on, show. I don’t care about her, but you tried HARD to sell us on her last season, so at least give her a two second mention to update us on what is actually going on. The Lopez-Evers wedding. (Do I think it’ll be THE Chenford event most people are hoping for? No. But I’m ready to be proven wrong.) A continuation on Harper’s love life. UPDATE ME on my girl.)
Quiet Light by coveredinthecolors / itsnotacrimetolove
Rating: E
Summary: Caroline Forbes sets off to the Bahamas with her boyfriend, Elijah, where she’ll finally meet his brother for the first time. But as it turns out… she knows Klaus Mikaelson a little too well.
YOU GUYS. DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I HAVE WAITED FOR THIS MOMENT?
IT’S FINALLY HERE!!! The Carolijah/Klaroline fic I have BEGGED for, A.K.A. Flippity Flops. 😭💖 I had already read the first chapter and yet, somehow, it’s even BETTER than what I remembered! It’s glorious! It’s everything I ever wanted, written by one of my fave fic writers of all time! It’s my bday but it’s truly a gift for the whole fandom!
I don’t wanna say too much because this is a multi-chapter and I don’t wanna spoil anything, but this is like the very best kind of rom-com story and even though it’s just the first chapter, the build up is already irresistible. I have SO many thoughts! And the last line! !!!!!!!!! Luiza is truly a magician!
Also, Elijah. 😭😭😭 He’s so perfect. He’s just perfect. I’m weeping because he’s perfect, that’s it.
AND THEN THERE’S THIS BEAUTIFUL MOODBOARD!!! 😍😍😍 Done by Miss Natalie Eve ♻s, who’s turning out to be SUCH a great fanartist! Look at those colors! I love the feel and the softness and the combination of blue and light pink. I love Caroline at the beach and I love Klaus’ little shit face there and Elijah just being a gorgeous sad boi. 🥺 This is truly, truly stunning! It’s not my gift, technically it was Luiza’s, but I am still in awe of how gorgeous it is and the fact it goes with this fic! 💖
I cannot believe that Luiza Beyoncé Lula da Silva has started writing a multi-chap and posted it for my birthday. I feel truly honored and so happy. 😭😭 Best bday ever!
Author’s note: This was written for @klaroline-event Klaroline AU Season, 2021 - Week Two: March 24-30 – Close Proximity. It was supposed to be just another shift in the ER, but then they brought in a convict with stomach pain…and an escape plan.
Slick and Tired
The handcuffs were going to be a problem. Not to mention the way he kept lazily flicking his gaze over her, as though seducing Caroline was a foregone conclusion and all that remained was the awkward redressing and shuffling toward the door. Turning to the prison guard, she said, “You need to remove these cuffs so I can do a proper exam on my patient.”
She’d been at the end of her 12-hour shift at Mystic Falls General when the call came in from Whitmore Penitentiary. Hospital protocols dictated that only senior staff interact with the occasional inmate from the maximum-security facility upstate, which is how Caroline unexpectedly found herself staring at the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Those cheekbones could cut marble.
Anyone with a TV knew who Klaus Mikaelson was — the grisly murders he’d been convicted of did nothing to detract from his rabid fans who swarmed the courthouse during his trial. The ridiculous media circus continued when multiple jurors had to be dismissed because they were caught trying to pass their phone numbers to him.
“I see my assumptions were correct; handcuffs aren’t appropriate for a first date.”
I just loved that drabble of yours, where Caroline is an FBI agent and Klaus brings her into his mob family. It is just so good and literelly made me cry. Thank you for such a great drabble! But I just want to ask... is there any chance to second part?
This is by far the most requested sequel to Reflection, and I really hope this stands up to expectations. It almost went a far darker route, but I’m really glad I don’t have to warn for character death here (and I hope everyone agrees). @accidental-rambler and @my-light-into-the-darkness also dropped notes in my inbox for this continuation, and I’m super nervous you all have higher hopes than what I can deliver. BUT, here you go and I hope you like it!
Retribution || Klaroline
The pearls hung heavy in her ears as she finished her makeup, the harsh lights of the bathroom exaggerating her pale complexion. Her reflection stared back at her, and Caroline morbidly wondered if this what she would look like at her funeral - beautiful, sallow, dead inside.
A knock at the door distracted her from her musing. With a deep breath, she turned off the lights and mentally prepared herself for Stefan’s worried expression. “I’m ready,” she sighed, opening the door to find her handler nervously pacing the hallway. “Calm down, Stefan, the trial’s over. It’s just the sentencing today.”
“Are you sure you want to go,” he asked, running a hand through his hair. “Rebekah-”
“Can’t do anything to me without adding ‘assault of a federal officer’ to her list of impending charges,” Caroline pointed out, locking her apartment behind her.
Shaking his head, Stefan made sure to keep close as they joined the sidewalk traffic on an otherwise normal Tuesday. “Klaus confessed to everything, meaning the family won’t be charged,” he revealed, making Caroline stop short. “Rebekah Mikaelson is a free woman with a nasty vendetta against you.”
I'm glad you liked Reflection and Retribution, but I think I'm done with that universe. Could I interest you in Private Investigator!Caroline hired to infiltrate a criminal organization instead?
Also, many thanks to @recyclingss for being a kind ear and a supportive voice as I try to find my writing groove again. Thanks for the love, lovely (and sorry it’s not a new chapter of Burned)!!
Wanted || Klaroline
A squeak of hinges was all she had in the way of warning. Hurrying to tuck the files she'd been snooping through back into their respective cabinets, Caroline needed an excuse for her presence in the boss's office - and she needed one fast.
To give herself a bit more time, she slipped into the private bathroom. Her purse was lighter than her usual go-bag for an investigation, but that was the peril of working undercover. She shuffled through it anyway, only to find the makeup she needed to reapply between shifts, her wallet, car keys, and Taser. Fortunately, she had learned to be resourceful, and a plan quickly formed with what she had.
Unfortunately, the plan could go very wrong. As footsteps sounded through the door, however, her time to improvise had run out. Slathering on a fresh layer of lipstick for luck, Caroline fluffed her hair and made her presence known. "Sorry to intrude, Mr. Mikaelson, I just— Who the hell are you?”
Her winning smile had fallen flat at the stranger making eyes down the line of her mostly bare leg. True, the outfit had been meant to draw attention, but he wasn't her intended target. She'd been expecting the fastidious Elijah Mikaelson, with perfectly tailored suits and a too polite charm that just screamed serial killer underneath. This guy was far messier with untidy curls and the paint-splattered jeans. Cute, though. And that smirk.
"Mr. Mikaelson," he answered cheekily, "but please, call me Klaus." Making himself a drink from the bar cart, he poured a second glass for her. His brow arched when she refused. "Come to ask favors of the boss, but you won't drink his liquor. I assure you, he only buys the good stuff."
"I'm fine, thanks." She narrowed her gaze as he draped himself over one of the armchairs, giving her another appreciative look. "I thought the brother's name was Kol?"
His nose scrunched. "Unfortunately, there are five Mikaelson brothers. A sister, too. Nosy for a dancer, aren't you? Most of those 'Lijah keeps on the roster know to mind their business."
A mild panic took over; she was usually better at playing it cool. Now, she was going to get busted for asking too many questions. If she couldn't handle the unexpected brother, she really had no chance at taking on the mob boss himself. "Not a dancer yet," Caroline answered, aiming for sheepish with her hands tucked into the tight back pockets of her shorts. "I'm just a waitress until a stage shift opens up."
Ideally, she would be long gone before that happened, if only to avoid breaking an ankle in the heels. Not even her most rigorous pageant training could have prepared her for the skill those things took to work. That, and she needed to tidy up this case fast to get Damon Salvatore off her speed dial. And Stefan - she never would have accepted the job had he not played the friend card. Her only solace was the fact they agreed to double her usual rate for a job like this.
The tips were pretty great, too. Even just waitressing had earned her some nice spending money to splurge on clothes and pampering. Had the high-end strip club not been a front for Elijah Mikaelson to launder his ill-gotten gains, she might seriously consider moonlighting once the gig was over.
With the way the boss’s brother was eyeing her, though, that might happen sooner than she’d like. It wouldn’t do to get found out before she could track down what Damon asked her to find, and she did not relish the idea of handing back the hefty check he’d already given. Bristling, she crossed her arms, hoping to annoy him off the scent of her subterfuge. “Can I help you?”
Klaus, however, seemed unperturbed by her attitude. “If it’s better pay you’re after, I might have an opportunity for you.” When she gave an outraged splutter, he merely waved her off. “Not quite what you’re thinking, love, though I apologize for any offense. I’m in the market for a new model.”
“For your burgeoning porn empire? No, thanks.”
“I’m an artist, I would like to paint you,” he clarified with a wry grin. Leaning forward on his knees, he lowered his voice as though letting her in on a secret. “Any wardrobe choices — or lack thereof — would be entirely up to you.”
Sensing his interest wasn’t entirely aesthetic, Caroline figured she might as well learn what she could from the cad. “Don’t try to play me. The girls at the club talk, you know. I heard a rumor the Mikaelsons were, like, connected. The whole starving artist thing doesn’t really add up, so I’ll pass.”
Again, his gaze focused on her in an assessing way, lips still curled up. He took the bait. This was almost too easy. “I do alright, family connections aside,” he joked. “Perhaps you’d like to see some of my work...” Trailing off, he left her with an expectant look.
She pretends to cover a flattered expression with irritation. “Candy.”
“And if I were to check Elijah’s meticulous hiring paperwork?”
A beat passed. “Candice,” she relented with a sigh, reminding herself to buy Bonnie something gorgeous to thank her for crafting a bulletproof identity, complete with an otherwise authentic Social Security card and active social media accounts. “Candice Moore.”
That smirk of his spread to a full smile, and she was a bit stunned to see the utter delight on his face. “Funny,” he said, standing to move closer. Without meaning to, she swayed toward him in return, only to catch herself when he gave a teasing tug to her tousled braid. All her attention snapped to the mere foot between them, then to the intense blue of his eyes. "You look more like a Caroline to me."
Rearing back, she blindly reached into her bag. But Klaus was calm and collected as he plucked the Taser from her grasp. "Now, no need to panic, Ms. Forbes. I merely want to talk."
"Bullshit," she huffed. "How—”
He sat back in his chair, watching her with obvious amusement. "You're good. The cover might have worked had your application not been flagged by my security team. Don't feel bad, they're very thorough.”
The pieces were falling into place faster than she realized they were even missing. Unfortunately, she couldn't make herself focus past the first big answer. She finally took the drink he'd poured for her and downed it in one gulp. More potent than she thought, her voice was hoarse after a bracing cough. "Your security team."
His smirk was positively evil. "You seemed determined to learn the particulars of my organization, sweetheart, though I'm sorry to disappoint that Elijah's file cabinet wasn't able to satisfy your...professional curiosity. I, however, am more than interested in your questions."
With a snap of his fingers, the office door squeaked, and Caroline caught only a peek of the guard she hadn't even noticed lurking outside before the lock clicked into place. Alone with an underground kingpin without a weapon, she fell back into the other chair like the sitting duck she was. "I don't suppose I could distract you by accepting the modeling offer," she tried with a weak laugh.
Ever the surprise, he chuckled with her. "Always. But if you tell me what I want to know, I can offer you a far more lucrative employment. Good private eyes are hard to find, and you're the first to get this far without ruffling feathers."
"I ruffled yours, didn't I?"
If his smirk was evil, his bright smile was disarming. "Who hired you? I believe I owe them a nice thank you for this introduction."
Caroline watched him carefully, confused at the game he was playing. "My clients pay for results and discretion," she answered politely. "If you were to secure my services, with a healthy retainer fee—"
"Of course."
"—I would promise you the same. Unfortunately," she sighed with a pout, "I think this little mishap constitutes a conflict of interest. But thank you for your interest in Forbes Investigations. Can I go now?"
He leaned forward on his knees, his hands folded in front of him. "You know, I might be of some help to your current clients. Were I to assist in your investigation, there would be no conflict at all. The opposite, in fact."
Chewing her lip in thought, she shook her head and decided to cut her losses. "It has nothing to do with the business, not really," she promised. "I've been tasked with finding someone, someone I thought your brother might be supporting with some creative accounting. That's all."
"Don't tell me," Klaus groaned. "Katerina conned your clients then clawed her way back into Elijah's good graces to hide from the consequences of her own actions."
She scoffed. "Says the guy who lets the world think his brother is a criminal mastermind while he's pulling the strings behind the scenes."
Smirking, he didn't seem offended in the slightest. "Elijah's better with paperwork, but his decision-making is unreliable. I think Katerina is example enough of that."
"Fair." Caroline only met her once, but everything she had learned since Damon hired her painted quite the picture. That, and the fact she all but disappeared after he gave her an heirloom engagement ring, despite the fact she was openly gunning for Stefan throughout their entire relationship. "But it sounds like this was a surprise to you, too, so you probably can't be of much help to me in finding her."
"Reverse psychology is beneath you," he flirted. "And I've already offered to help. You're the one being stubborn."
With a roll of her eyes, she finally stood to pour herself another drink. "Yeah, I'm the stubborn one. You probably have a hundred investigators already on staff. What do you want with little, old me?"
He just smiled. "You want my secrets, you'll have to earn them, love. Now, do we have a deal?"
Oh, she was going to regret this; if only she wasn't so damn intrigued. Draining her glass, she set it on the table between them with a thunk before stretching out her hand. "Deal."
Klaus shook her hand with a firm grip, the contact distracting to say the least. Then, he just had to open his mouth. "The modeling job is a standing offer, by the way."
Summary: A Klaroline mafia AU in which, following the death of her father, Caroline finds herself married to Klaus. Naturally, she tries to kill him on their wedding day.
For AU Week 2021: Rebellion.
Warnings: arranged marriage, general mafia attitude towards women, mentions of violence
Click here to read on AO3
Summary: She skipped bail and he’s tasked to track her down. As a seasoned bounty hunter, it’s a fairly routine job on paper for Klaus Mikaelson but then he meets Caroline Forbes and has no idea what to do with her.
Reason to Read: Klaus is a bounty hunter, isn’t that enough? No? Caroline being a witty and hilarious fugitive? No? You want more reason? Well, let tell you that this fic is misssophiachase gold. Caroline is fleeing the state because she committed a crime. Klaus is chasing after her not only because of his job but due to an uncomfortable situation with a non-ex-girlfriend. Klaus is clever but Caroline is just about five steps ahead, quickly figuring out who Klaus is.
There are only four chapters and I am hoping the author updates soon (but no pressure). This fic is hilarious and has the foundation for a good cat and mouse game mixed with the hallmark vibes. I cannot wait to learn what Caroline had done and see the two of them fall in love…..and most likely be idiots because of it.
tomorrows that follow by @little-miss-sunny-daisy
Rating: Mature
Summary: How was she supposed to know that the cute guy she had seen on her morning run was a prince? That’s what she gets for deleting her Instagram.
Why you should read: Okay, yes there is only one chapter BUT it is so worth it. The first chapter of such a promising fic is GOLD. Honestly, I was dying. the entire way through of happy feels and it was the pick me up I honestly needed. Caroline recently moves to the UK and is a morning runner. She passes Klaus or Nik in this, everyday but has no idea who he is.
Just that he works for the government. Lmao……sure, Nik. Sure.
Being smooth that he is, he asks her to dinner and that is where I’m sure the story will take off. So many things could happen and I am here for it. The chapter is filled with great one-liners that had me cackling. I’m so excited for where this is going to go. I know it is loosely based off of Megan and Harry, so I am HERE FOR IT. The author has said that this is light angst so I hope that means this is a good pick me up for when things get shitty in real life.
Also very important: SHE HAS A DOG NAMED OLLIE.
That is enough reason right there for you to read.
@klaroline-event
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