#And yes. Lalo and Nacho were in love there.

[v7n5]

Feel like pure shit, just want a smutty multi-chapter Howard Hamlin fanfic that recounts the many secret sexual affairs that he has had with different people throughout the course of his life, most of which he sought out to recompense for the lack of intimacy in his marriage because both him and Cheryl were iron-closeted and only got married out of familial pressures (things took a turn for the worse after the fight that ended with Howard moving into the guest house). Ultimately, none of them could fulfill his wants and needs because they're all cold and distant in their own ways: there were the handsome strangers he met at some gay bar like Nacho who were emotionally unavailable and only wanted to dick and dash like they're in denial themselves; Jimmy whom he was smitten with and trusted to be able to keep a secret, but it didn't take him long to realize that Jimmy being selfish and cruel and rougher than Howard had liked and not paying any mind to Howard's own pleasure in bed was his way of getting back at him for being a jackass of a boss; Chuck whom he'd got especially close with ever since he was still studying pre-law, so close that he would make up any excuse to be alone with him and suck him off in his office from time to time to seduce his mentor because the daddy issues that had been developing throughout his father-absent youth came to fruition the moment a wiser and older man gave him a sliver of attention, Chuck allowed him to live out his fantasy but never reciprocated in that sense but they remained really good friends, hence Howard's desperation for his approval and affection and the idea of "I still have a chance" kept brewing in his mind even when he could see Rebecca out of the corner of his eye (the incident at the end of ss3 scarred him for life and talking about the intimate details of their relationship before it in therapy did not help). The latter half of 607 didn't happen because he decided that he was in fact the bigger person and the right thing to do was to drink himself into reflecting back on his life choices and wallowing in his own self-pity. Though he didn't storm Mcwexler's condo, the whole ordeal was still his Joker moment, so he put his foot down, got a divorce and resigned from his CEO position because fuck you, he deserves to do that. And maybe after a year or so, he met a certain Salamanca who got out of a certain shoot-out unscathed (haven't determined if Howard happened to stumbled into El Michoacáno or he went back to the gay bar), their chemistry was through the roof, they bonded over the loss of families/ lovers and "being a nepo baby is oh so hard", their romance blossomed because Lalo was textbook definition of charming and exactly Howard's type. One date led to another, and Howard ended up getting the best pipe he'd ever had while trying to hold back the tears stemmed from indescribable emotions. Would Howard find out who Lalo actually was? Would it matter? Would they last? Those are problems for future them.

Like literally that's all I want tbh.

#howard hamlin #He's my girl. My fucking princess. #Idc like he's still rightfully owed a soft dom who's gonna take good care of him and appreciate him #(as much as I feen for power bottom Howard) #The slutification of this middle-aged man HAS to be riddled with angst or else I'll die #1 of the worst things that could ever happen to me is getting ideas that I think are good but cannot for the life of me do anything about it #That and becoming a **** ****** but we're not trauma dumping today #Being a bilingual with an English-leaning brain is not the W that people made it out to be #Honestly Nacho came into the picture when I was deadass half unconscious. I was like 'Ariana what are you doing here???' #But it's hot. And I kinda wanted Nachoward to win a bit #I also wanted to squeeze Gus in there too but in my head it'd be an 'admirer from afar' type of deal. Like Howard would have a crush on him- #-but decided against making a move cuz he would think Gus is out of his league or sth #This is essentially a Howard x everyone who I think could be compatible with him fanfic #For clarification. Cheryl and Howard don't hate each other. if anything they're each other's emotional support system #But I feel like there's only so much pretense you can put up you know #And yes. Lalo and Nacho were in love there. #Ok I've got it all out there now. Time for me to go marinate in shame #nacho varga #jimmy mcgill #chuck mcgill #lalo salamanca #better call saul

[sheena-isa-punkrocker]

nacho varga x cartel!reader hcs

[pt 2 here]

he was a bit surprised when he first met you

you were a bit younger than the rest of his drug dealers and a fresh face. he honestly didn't think you were gonna last long

you proved him wrong. you proved that you were a person that had zero tolerance for bullshit, was incredibly intelligent, and actually brought in more money at check ins at michoacan than the other dealers

this piqued his interest in you 👀👀

he started giving you more jobs to do other than drug dealing like picking up money, setting up drop offs, spying on people that could be dangerous to the operation

you excelled at all these tasks and eventually gained his respect

nacho started trusting you ( as far as business goes ) and began letting you in on what moves the cartel was making

overtime he became quite fond of you 💜

he began looking foward to seeing you check in at michoacan, the only highlight of his day on those days

he started actually liking going on stake outs but only if you were tagging along

your blunt sarcastic humour made nacho smirk and chuckle, maybe offer a witty remark back

your intelligence also enticed him, nacho loved that he finally had someone he could have deep conversations with

the nail in the coffin for him was when you told him about your family, and how you were doing all of this for them even if they couldn't see it that way

talk about arrow to the heart!!! this man is so down bad for you 😩😩😩

can't help but sneak looks over at you whenever you're both at parties with other members

gets so flustered when he sees you in your party outfit ( he always thought you were pretty anyway but still 💜💜 )

flushes in the face when you compliment his button up shirts but tries to hide it ( fails miserably lol )

the other members pick up that he's crushing on you, especially lalo lmaoooo he ships you two~

they often tease nacho when he's gonna ask you out

"when are you finally gonna hit that, man?" "still making goo goo eyes at them eh nachito???" "dios mio just ask them out already!!"

nacho obv shushes them

he has to work up the courage to ask you out but can never find the right time

you're just so special to him that he wants everything to be right

it was a quiet starry night when he finally asked you

you both were on a stake out, supposed to be watching someone lalo deemed suspicious ( he didn't, he made that up for yall two to be together sdfcdjf )

you were both sitting on the edge of his dad's old truck bed, eating takeout that you had brought over

nacho looked over at you, seeing the stars in your eyes and how the moonlight hit you perfectly, how you laughed at a joke he made

he couldn't take his eyes off of you, he never wanted to be anywhere else but at your side

mentally he said 'fuck it' and asked you out then and there. to a PROPER date ( even thought it kinda seemed like yall were already on one lmaoo )

of course you said yes <3

#better call saul #better call saul x reader #nacho varga #ignacio varga #nacho varga x reader #ignacio varga x reader #nacho varga hcs #bcs #netflix

[bettercalllacho]

End of Lachoweek2023 but not the end of this brilliant fandom.

I've been a huge fan of Nacho and when Lalo appears in 4x8, when it first aired I got the sense he would be another type of Salamanca. I felt immediately deeply fascinated by Eduardo. My favorite in BB was Gustavo Fring and Lalo Salamanca in BCS is "the Gustavo Fring of BCS", I'm talking as the main villain and his level of smartness, cunningness, charisma, charm. He's so badass!

I've been a fan of Nacho and Lalo separately then, felt that underlying tension between them. Yes Nachito was already "marked" in BB as the traitor and in BCS we cried with him, knowing he made mistakes but was good at heart. He wants a new life, with his dad. Who could not stand with Nacho through the seasons ?

"It wasn't me, it was Ignacio"

But I was wondering, what would happen, will Lalo learn the truth about Tuco and Hector ? No because he was really too blinded by Nachito. Funny knowing Lalo is so smart, the creators of BB/BCS even compared him to Hank Schrader but from the Cartel.

I saw the beginning of Lacho fandom and his continuation, and I've loved all the eras when S4, S5, S6 aired. And even when the show ended, there were still new fans, wonderful people and artists. We've got theories, analysis, fanfictions, arts, videos...

I want to thank you all for your devoted past and present works in this community of fans. This week eased a bit of my pain, because I've lost someone dear to me recently, in a tragic way. So seeing all these fan works was helping me to think a bit about one of my passion.

I can't wait to see lachoweek2024 after lachoweek2023. Love you all and take care of you and your relatives.

#lacho #lalo salamanca #nacho varga #lachoweek2023 #sorry for the mistakes #i didn't took the time to correct me #french fan here #and also a bit disturbed #and sad recently #love you all #lacho forever

[wfhwfhwfh]

This isn’t about history but Lacho head canons 👀

okay so uh uhm uhm okay uhm

It's kinda obvious that Lalo's love language is giving gifts (Hector with that annoying ass bell and Don Eladio's goofy frunk car) but I feel like Nacho would hate receiving them. He just feels like the kinda guy thats gifted something and either starts fucking perspirating because HE didn't get something for the other person or simply because he doesn't want... more, yk? The man's had enough of more but he takes it anyway bc they're LITERALLY IN LOVE OMG GUYS!!!!!!

And okay yes I love soft lacho but boy let's be honest... Lalo doesn't really give a shit. I think, based on trying to look at his behavior psychologically, he's devoid of most feeling and likes toying around with other people to see their emotional reactions, which is albeit usually... negative, because he's curious (i picture a dog attacking a smaller animal, wanting to play with it but just ending up hurting the shit out of it😭😭) to see the responses he himself doesn't experience or some shit like that idk man I'm not a psychiatrist but he's clearly not all there. Anyway, if lacho were, say, REAL real, then I think Lalo would do a lot of hurt to Nacho (more than he had already done canonically), simply because Lalo's empty, and Nacho's not, and Lalo wants a part of it/to see it happen. He's also just a sadist psycho.

But then Nacho always comes back for more either cuz he feels he deserves it or he thinks theres nothing better for him or there's some fucked up part of him that just wants it to happen too

But for funny haha lacho i literally just see Nacho as a stressed out wife trying to hold on to his husband's leash it's canon too don't tell me it's not😭😭

Unrelated but Lalo's 1000 charisma sweet talking manipulation gaslighter skills holy shit OIGJIUHHO😩😩

I wish I could say more but I am so afraid that if I come up with a headcanon that isn't creative enough I will get shot in the back of the head... don't ask... I just know it's gonna happen

#I'm genuinely freaking out about that sniper rifle I know it's there #lacho!😁 #headcanons #Lalo salamanca #nacho varga

[idkelly]

RED NAILS

• Lalo salamanca x fem!reader, with some nacho too (best of both worlds), HEAVY on slowburn, and i love hurt comfort so bear with me

PREVIOUS CHAPTER

CHAPTER TWO

The casino was a safe space, for (Yn) at least, because it was her favorite skill—gambling and playing with predictions and percentages. She was known for it, and everyone knew her hands always pulled the best cards in the game.

Yes, the new Mexico casino was nothing like the one back home in Mexico, but business is business. Walking in, she didn’t grab any attention, which was better for her sake at the moment.

Only her father and brothers knew of her existence right now, plus Mike and a few others. but to the outside world, the new family was long gone from the public’s eye.

She hummed along to the music as she made her way to the back office, opening the door slowly, "Pa?"

“Hola bonita," as always, a cigarette was between his fingers and a book was spread in front of him. The lights were pretty dim, and the doctor told him it was better for his eyesight.

"I found him."

"Varga?"

"Hmm, when’s the next step?"

 "Tomorrow"

It was perfect. The plan and her needs were aligned. Her car needed a checkup, and she herself needed to check up on someone.

She found herself at the front desk of Ignacio's dad's workshop, and she was quite surprised he had some good business going despite his age.

 “Hola," the old man greeted her as soon as he heard the bell ring.

 "Hola.  ¿Cómo estás?" 

"Welcome. How can I help you?" He switched to English so fast, do I really look that white-washed?

"I was hoping to get a checkup on my car."

He nodded and turned to the back, where he yelled his son's name, telling him to go up front.

(Yn) couldn’t help but smile when she saw the look on his face when he recognized her; his steps slowed for a second as he gathered his thoughts as to what she was doing here.

The man brought his son only to be a translator between the two; therefore, Yn  didn’t need to show her ability to speak Spanish.

 In the middle of talking, the dad was called back in. with an apologetic look, he said, "I'm sorry, Senorita. My son will help you, okay?" and with that, he walked off.

 "How’d you find me?"

 (Yn) scoffed, looking to the side, though she could feel Ignacio's stare burn holes through her skull.

"Why are you here?"

"I can't get my car checked out now?."

 The man kisses his teeth in annoyance. What the hell was she doing here? "We both know you’re not here just for that."

 "Well, a little birdie told me that not only you’re a drug dealer, you’re also a card thief. I mean, shit, if you wanted some, I would’ve given you my Pokemon collection; it’s very exclusive."

 If someone were to animate the view from (Yn)’s eyes, they would’ve drawn steam out of Ignacio's ears.

 "I'm just saying you underestimated how big of an idiot you were. He went to the police for those cards, and now they’re snooping around."

 "Sounds like you have a problem, young lady," he said, taking a step back, ready to leave.

 "First of all, it’s an us problem; second of all, I'm pretty sure I'm older than you," he continued along his way until she stopped him dead in his tracks.

 "Are you really not that scared of Tuco Salamanca?"

 And there he is again, right in front of Yn, with his hands crossed over his chest.

 "I know you don’t play ball, so to speak, and Tuco finds out about your little side business. I think we both know the end to that."

 "Who are you?" he finally asked; that question had been on his mind for the whole day yesterday.

 "Me? I'm nobody," same dumb smile she always uses.

 "To put an end to this before it even starts, you give me the baseball cards, 10,000 in cash, and you net roughly $60,000."

 Ignacio chuckled then went back to his serious face, "And how exactly does that work?"

 (Yn) stayed quiet for a bit, saying, "Before I continue, you really have amazing eyelashes, im jealous."

Well, that took him by surprise; he didn’t show it obviously, but still, it startled him. However, his thoughts were soon interrupted by her continuing her speech.

He was impressed by her plan, and more so by her way of convincing him so easily to take part in it.

What stood out about her to him was the way she held eye contact; sure, it was common in the business to establish power and shit, But with her, it was almost more to get even with whoever she was looking at. He couldn’t put a finger on how he felt about it, her.

(Yn) wasn’t there when the final deal was happening, but Mike was, and she told him about the plan as she dropped him off near where he worked; it wasn't hard to find that one either.

The rest of the day she spent at the casino with her brothers; her father was now back home. The place was her brother's, where she was carrying out her business, which was her casino back in Mexico.

Here, the family was invisible, though; it wasn’t common knowledge who owned this place.

After a few hours, Yn  finally decided to head back home to her cat and maybe watch a movie while cuddling. The woman’s schedule was really, really empty; she could do as she pleased day and night.

As she unlocked the door, she could hear her cat calling her through the kitchen, but instead of coming to her, she had to fully realize who was sitting down on her sofa.

hard eyes.

 "Do you want coffee or tea?" she said as she kicked off her shoes and walked over to the kitchen.

 "Is this really your response to finding a stranger in your home?"

 "A stranger is someone you don’t know."

 A scoff could be heard, along with footsteps indicating he followed her to where she was; to his surprise, she was already making dinner, pasta, he presumed. with two plates set on the table.

 Was she serious? "Well, I don’t know you."

"So you willingly barged into a stranger's home, pretty clever," she laughed. "Did you follow me?"

“No, I dug a bit and found you," she couldn’t help but laugh more at his attempt.”I noticed the van that was following me yesterday, plus, if you dug around about me, you wouldn’t be here."

"Why are you here, anyway?" she said as she filled up the two plates with salsa and set the remaining in the middle if either of them had wanted seconds.

 He sat down, examining the dish. It was nicely made and fairly appetizing, especially after a long day of work. On the other side of the table, she sat leaning over to him, and there it is,  her stare.

 "Why do you do that?"

 "Do what?"

 "Stare"

"Does it bother you?"

 It was definitely a no, but he couldn’t say that, and on the other hand, he couldn’t say yes either.

 "Does Tuco not pay you enough so you make money on the side?" With that, Ignacio let out a big sigh and set his utensils aside.

 "The problem isn’t my salary or anything; Tuco is a ticking time bomb; he didn’t mind putting a bullet between a guy’s eyes just because he got a weird look from him, let alone me."

 "Your face has good bone structure; keep it that way," she said as she slipped the pasta into her mouth again. He didn’t know if these were compliments or not; she didn’t say them in a flirtatious manner, definitely more like she stated facts from a powerpoint presentation.

 After a moment of silence, he said, "Your cooking is amazing; where’d you learn it from?" She could tell he liked it by how he was devouring what was presented in front of him.

"My father’s an amazing cook, but I was the only one who got his talent; my two brothers

They learned to gamble from me instead."

 So she does have a family. Though she was an orphan or something.

"gamble?"

"Yes! My favorite hobby is real. I could do it for hours, plus I know all the tricks."

"okay show me sumn' "

 "I’m in a good mood today, so I'll  show you a few."

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and jokes. (Yn) gave the guy a lesson on games and cheats while his eyes filled with interest in what she was showing him, but either way, they both knew the night had to come to an end.

As Ignacio was at the door, ready to step out, he looked back to the woman who had greeted him goodbye a few seconds earlier, sitting on her couch peacefully petting her cat while watching TV. He really forgot why he came here in the first place.

Yn'’s mind filled with what she could do now to avoid her boredom, but as soon as she received a certain voice call from a specific person, she knew the next few days were going to be eventful.

She watched as Krazy-8 walked out of that door looking like his legs were about to give out at any given moment, yet he was sure fast enough to drive away in his vehicle. giving Yn her moment to shine.

She dresses nicely for the occasion for once, letting her hair down and doing her makeup, just taking care of herself before this whole shitshow goes down.

Parking her car next to Tuco’s and purposely bumping into it a little bit was the easy part; now she has to go in and embrace what’s going to happen.

Tuco was already staring at her in disbelief; he definitely saw what happened through the big classroom window, looking absolutely furious, while Nacho turned around after a few seconds and did his heart drop— is she everywhere?

"Hey!" She heard Tuco call out when she walked by their table to the register, but she pretended she didn’t hear them.

"Hello! Um.. can I get the number four, please, on the go?" She said this while smiling to the man before her, who went to work right away in order to avoid the scene that was about to happen.

"Yo chica, hey," she felt a hand guide her to turn around as she was met by none other than Tuco, who stood beside him, Ignacio. "You just hit my car."

"Huh? I hit your car?" Tuce chuckled at Varga. This bitch’s acting dumb.

"See, that car that you parked your piece of shit next to?" That’s mine, and you’ve just run into it."

"Oh well, I guess I could’ve and I didn’t notice, so my apologies, sir," she smiled and turned around, collecting her order and mumbling a small thank you before rushing out.

She could hear Tuco yelling not to get away from him, but the altercation needed to happen outside.

"Don’t you walk away from me!" Ay, puta!"

All the talking was done by the salamanca, while Varga stayed awfully quiet. Even Tuco noticed a slight change in demeanor on his end.

"You see that! You did that!" he said, pointing to the tiniest dent known to mankind.

"That’ll buff right out, now if you’ll excuse me—

As she was getting ready to open her car door, she felt a hand grab her by the shoulder and swing her all the way around, face to face with Tuco.

"You’re not leaving until you pay for this."

"If money is all you need, I've got great insurance."

Once again, with his hand that’s still glued to her, he shakes her to stop talking that nonsense.

"I ain’t messing around with no insurance, bitch, cash."

"Listen, I've barely got cash on me, so if you just give me your information, I’ll send it to you through insurance."

Thud.  Now (Yn) was sandwiched between Tuco salamanca and a wall; her head began to hurt already; maybe doing this herself was a bad idea, but she knew Mike would follow up with the deal, and she couldn’t let that happen; it won’t help her in the long run, and she needed all the salamanca alive.

So she'd have a black eye from one of them—not a big deal.

"You’re pretty, but a pretty awful liar." "I saw your wallet earlier; you've got plenty."

"That’s for my rent; it’s due today, and I can’t— ugh

Tuco’s ring was sure to leave a mark on Yn'’s cheek. Her head is already spinning. Why do I do this to myself?

"Just give him the money." This time it was Ignacio who spoke; no emotions were displayed, though his voice was almost like a whisper.

(Yn) looked at him and then forward to meet the loco eyes of Tuco Salamanca. she chuckled.

"I ain’t giving you shit."

The police sirens could be heard coming this way. "It’s time to bounce," Ignacio said, but his partner didn’t budge; instead, he ordered Nacho to leave and let him finish this business.

#lalo salamanca #lalo salamanca x reader #lalo salamanca smut #ignacio varga #nacho varga #nacho varga reader #better call saul

[asgardianangel]

One missing piece - chapter two - Ángel

Warnings: Jealousy, cyberstalking

On Sunday you were invited over to the Salamanca home to meet with little Marco for the first time and enjoy an amazing meal Lalo boasted about cooking. 

Upon arriving Ignacio waited for you by the front door taking off your coat for you “Marco is so excited to meet you” he said hanging it up. Before dinner started Ignacio guided you to Marco’s bedroom and opened the door the boy was playing with a massive train set Ignacio called out his name. 

His hair was dark and had the most adorable brown eyes he resembled that of Lalo for certain. 

“Hey buddy this is Y/N” he introduced Ignacio nodded to you and you stepped closer to him kneeling down on the floor “Hello Marco how are you?” he awkwardly looked at you and went back to playing and you decided on a different approach “you know Marco I had a similar train set when I was younger not nearly as big as this” you giggled. 

“You like them?” he asks shyly, and you nod “I love them especially the green ones” he gasps “like this one-you can play with me?” he asks holding out a toy train. 

You looked back at Ignacio who’s smile beamed at the sight of his son finally engaging conversation “Y/n can play trains after dinner your papa is waiting” you got up “can I hold your hand?” he asks to which you offered it to him “sure thing” 

The three of you made your way downstairs to get comfortable in the dining room Ignacio pulled the chairs and kissed Marco’s head. The smell of food already awakened your senses before even seeing it. Lalo entered the room carrying a big dish of what looks to be enchiladas “Lalo is the chief of the house” Ignacio comments with a smile from a smile from his husband. “I don’t trust you in the kitchen Nachito” Lalo teases and you laugh a little “Nachito?” you asked  

“When I met him his nickname among our friends was Nacho and that’s my special name for him” Lalo explained handed out food to everyone’s plates. “Looks so good thank you” you complimented. A faint blush casts on his cheeks when he sat down placing his hand on top of Ignacios. 

After dinner Lalo told you that him and his husband were going out on a date sometime during the week and asked if you could take care of Marco and you happily agreed.  

- 

Before you went home the couple added you to a group chat to save the nuisance of sending emails. Sitting in your room there was a ping looking on your phone you saw a message from the chat from Lalo 

‘Hope you have a good night querida(darling)’ 

And you wished him a good night too. 

Before you went to bed there was a ring sighing checking your phone again you saw your best friend Leah video calling you, so you answered getting into bed. 

“What’s up?” the blonde girl asked you smiled.  

“I got the job I think” you replied mused.  

“Oh my god I’m so happy for you- so what are they like?” she asked. 

“Friendly and pretty amazing parents you should have seen their son's room-and their whole house is just wow!” you said thinking about it. 

“What’s his dad like- is he hot?” she suddenly asks, and you laugh. 

“Leah!” you scolded your shameless friend. She throws her arms up and down dramatically. 

“What? I’m curious” she asks. 

“Yes, they both are” her eyes widened in surprise. 

“Both?!” she exclaims, and you nod. 

“They look so happy together to” you awed thinking about their affection for one another. You hoped to achieve a relationship like that in the future.  

“Aw you lucky girl you and not one but two hot dads” you roll your eyes. 

This girl. 

“I’m not a home wrecker Leah and they aren’t attracted to me” you replied. 

“Hmm not yet” she giggled, and you sighed with a grin. 

“Anyway, I’m coming up to Alburquerque this weekend and I want us to go out and get drunk. Sound good?” She asks. Leah comes from a wealthy background and your father worked alongside hers and that’s how you became best friends. She was always supportive and gave you the confidence for the big move promising to always visit no matter how far away you are. 

And that’s why you love her so much. 

“We’ll see I need to know if I’m working by then” You smiled. 

“Let me know, okay?” she sighed. 

“Will do” 

- 

Lalo sat in his study glass of decanter in hand staring at the screen of his computer. He had spent hours looking through every private social media account he could find of yours (and like the sweetheart you are you befriended him on there). Admiring every picture, you had posted bikini ones, family ones and a few to which you appeared dressed sooo provocatively on nights out. 

He could tell what kind of girl you were and no you weren’t some scandalous sort you were tagged by a ‘friend’ by the name of ‘Leah’ to be. But an angelic creature that his precious son Marco and not to mention his own husband to have taken a liking to.  

Knowing every detail of your life Lalo knew you craved affection and attention from someone even though you came from a well-known rich familia you just wanted to be normal person. Respected of who you actually were and not from where you came from.  

“Hmm ángel” Lalo hummed to himself already liking the sound of his little nickname for you. 

“Have you found her?” Ignacio asked walking in, and his eyes were set on a partially picture of you shyly posing with a guy whose arm was wrapped around you in an almost romantic way. Jealously instantly got to them both.  

But more to Lalo. 

Lalo looked at his husband with burning eyes and Ignacio knew what he was thinking. Not wanting him to anything hellish yet Ignacio kissed his husband deeply and whispers to his ear. 

Lalo slames his glass down on his desk and walks out in a huff. Ignacio soon follows him out the study to make it up to him. 

“No hagas nada todavía bebé, podría ser solo un malentendido.” (Don't do anything yet baby, it could just be a misunderstanding.) 

 

 Like, follow, and comment for more

#lacho #lacho x reader #better call saul fanfic #nacho varga #lalo salamanca #one missing piece

[zolusbian]

The Captive Cartel Prince Part 1: My Betrothed

for @lachowedding2023​ i present to you: a rough kingdom au where they kinda have modern stuff like air conditioning and the internet (but it’s called the medianet because it’s an Alternate Universe and it sounds like medieval, get it) where nacho has to marry lalo for political reasons and mike is driving the bus. it’s short and silly and supposed to be funny, so i hope you guys like it! if you do, i might continue the series :)

It was Nacho’s first time in a carriage, and he wished it wasn’t as exciting as it was. He was draped in gold and jewels and satin cloth and he wished he didn’t look as he did. Unfortunately, he looked damn good, and the carriage was luxurious, a smooth ride over cobblestone streets and the air conditioning on high.

Though there were no lack of attractive, young, noble, marriageable women in the Kingdom of Albuquerque, Nacho—the lowly son of a common tradesman dad and a common dead mother—had been chosen due to Prince Lalo’s tastes. Men. Prince Lalo liked men. And Nacho was a man, yes, but also a man who liked men—and a man who could hold his own. The time he had been caught kissing another one of his dad’s apprentices in the shop, and the fact that he’d given the other guy who caught them not one but two black eyes, all those years ago, had now put him in his present situation.

 “He might be dangerous,” is what he had been told about Prince Lalo by Royal Advisor Mike, who met with him without Nacho ever once seeing the king. They were in an office, Nacho leaning against the desk Royal Advisor Mike stood behind. Serious men never sat, Nacho had noticed. “This is a gesture of good faith, but we cannot make alliances on good faith alone.”

Nacho had said nothing, just touched the bridge of his nose and looked away.

 “This is a favor,” Royal Advisor Mike had then reminded him. “It’s this or the hangman. Attempted murder is not taken lightly.”

“Attempted murder of high-ranking figures, you mean,” Nacho had responded, unable to bite his tongue. That was the other thing that had lead him here: an assassination attempt at a high-ranking Albuquerque figure who was trying to get the king to pass a law which would have lead to more money going to the Treasury and less to his dad’s pockets. The attempt, like the law, had failed. Nacho had thought they would have blamed the poisoning on the man’s kitchen staff, but it had lead back to him anyway, and now lead him here.

Royal Advisor Mike had scowled and crossed his arms. Even with his age, Nacho knew he was far more of an even fight than Nacho wanted to admit. “Watch it,” Royal Advisor Mike said, and the hard set of his eyes said even more.

Now, the morning of their wedding—or, more accurately, the morning afore their wedding night—and Nacho still had not seen Prince Lalo. He had seen pictures of the guy, of course, all over newspapers and the Medianet, but not in real life. He had watched videos of him speaking. He had a certain charm to him—a way that he smiled and moved his hands, maybe. He was handsome, with a trademark gray streak in his curly hair and a wide smile, straight teeth. It annoyed Nacho. An uglier man would be easier to deal with, insecure and manipulable, but handsome men who knew they were handsome tended to be insubordinate and stubborn. Nacho himself would know.

Nacho had also not seen the King of Albuquerque in person, either. Only Mike, who now sat across from him in the carriage. He was dressed in his finery, including a large, plumed hat, but nowhere near Nacho’s level of luxury.

 “You look like you’re going to a funeral,” Nacho commented. He was normally not one for small talk, but anything would be better than the tense silence and reflection on his circumstances. Nacho loved a good self-pitying navel-gazing, but maybe he should avoid that on the morning of his wedding day.

“I might be.”

Nacho shifted, his layers of gold jangling against his skin. “Is he really that bad?”

Mike shrugged. “If the rumors are to be believed.”

“Do you believe in rumors?”

“There’s always some truth behind them.” Mike looked to the side. The carriage window’s had been draped with thick velvet curtains—to keep a fair lady’s skin fair, surely, but Nacho was not a lady. That was sort of the point.

Nacho had seen the rumors in his research on Prince Lalo. Most of it was mindless talk about his sexuality that painted him as some sort of depraved beast with a taste for men’s blood, tears, and other unsavory bodily fluids, but there had been an undercurrent of murder and arson. Supposedly, he had had a minor kingdom burned entirely at a small offense. Unpalatable, but not unreasonable—for a man like him, and Nacho knew how men like him worked. Nacho had lived his whole life under men like him.

He would be living under men like him in a different way, now.

 ~ * ~

The actual ceremony was a political fanfare that had Nacho grinding his teeth and fighting sleep at the same time. He was not even sat near Prince Lalo, instead across the table from him, flanked by Royal Advisor Mike and some others. King Gus was still not in attendance; Mike was in his stead. To this, Prince Lalo had said, King Hector took offense, and therefore sent another Prince, Tuco, in his stead himself—and Tuco was loud, foul-mouthed, and quickly drunk on the night’s spirits before the long, long ceremony was over and the party had begun. If Nacho had not proven a failed assassin, Tuco might have been his next target—before Prince Lalo himself.

Nacho felt ridiculous, dressed as a bride, as a showpiece, an object of worth, literally wearing gold coins, among men in their normal fancy clothes. Lalo assumed a similarly ridiculous get-up, what Nacho assumed to be Salamanca Prince wedding attire, but he made the clashing patterned fabrics, long-toed jewel-toned alligator-skin boots and necklace of skulls seem natural.

Released from the ceremony, which was more men reading long, long papers that addressed minutely changing borders and other boring geopolitical dealings and had less to do with ever-lasting love—Nacho had not even spoken a single word—and Nacho and Prince Lalo were still not to meet. Instead, Nacho was ushered to a bride’s chamber, where attendants were already lighting candles and incense and pulling back a sheer curtain on a divisor in the room. There was a chair on either side of the divisor, which rather reminded Nacho of a bank teller.

 Mike accompanied him; Nacho guessed this was because he didn’t have any ladies-in-waiting with him. “Can’t I just meet the guy?” he asked Mike. “Really, is all this necessary?”

 “Salamancas love tradition.” The set of Mike’s mouth let Nacho know he was none too delighted with this, either. “This is the formal acquittance room.”

“We make our formal acquaintance after already being formally wed.”

One of the attendants, a skinny woman with blunt bangs, lighted at this, looking up from where she had been rolling down some sort of ceremonial cloth around Nacho’s chair. “We like to think your souls have already met on the astral plane,” she informed Nacho cheerfully, before blushing and looking back down towards her station

Without the woman able to see his face, Nacho grimaced. He supposed this was, indeed, and in a certain way, fate.

  ~ * ~

 “My betrothed,” began Prince Lalo, taking his seat. He was still in his ceremonial garb, and Nacho his. The blunt-banged woman had instructed Nacho the proper way to sit, which Nacho had promptly disregarded, and he doubted the casual knee slung over one another on Lalo was very formal, either. “Great to finally meet you. There’s not much about you on the Medianet.”

“I keep a low profile. Social media is for losers.” Nacho spoke without even considering it, then he added: “My, uh. Betrothed.”

Prince Lalo threw his head back and laughs in short, wolfish barks. “Drop that shit!” he announced, snapping his head forward again. He moved his hand around fancifully, as if casting a spell. Nacho wondered if the rumors about the Salamancas being witches was true, too. He wasn’t feeling very charmed. “Look, Medianet presence or no, I had my guy tail you for a few months. You’re boring.”

Nacho sat up a bit straighter. “I’m boring?” he repeated, too offended to fully absorb the whole strangeness of the situation.

“All you did was work, eat with your father…not even a secret lover to mourn losing to an arranged marriage.” Prince Lalo shook his head. “But they tell me you’re smart. Levelheaded. Think you can command armies, do you? Some of my advisors say so.”

“I’m sorry, you want me to command your armies?”

 “Eventually. Maybe.” Prince Lalo uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, clasping his hands in between his spread knees. The strong incense burning started to nauseate Nacho, or maybe it was the suddenly serious look on Prince Lalo’s face. “If I wanted a pretty hole, I could have my pick. Gus knew that.”

 Nacho had never heard King Gus referred to as Gus outside of the most derivative of street performers and political pundit talk show hosts, but Prince Lalo’s—Lalo, if Nacho was going to treat him the same way— lack of formality came as no surprise, in all the five minutes Nacho had had so far to get a grip of the man’s personality.

Nacho angled, letting his gold ornaments drape over his chest, his most attractive feature, if the other men and women he’d bedded before were to be believed.  “Do we have to fuck now, or can it wait until later?”

Lalo rewarded him with another one of his barking laughs. “Later,” he says. “We have to feast. I will not be eating much, though, for obvious reasons.”

 Nacho raised his eyebrows—he had not expected this turn of events—the great Prince Lalo, a bottom? He shifted once again in his seat, tempted by the idea, though he had nothing to say.

 “You’ll be expected to fulfill those duties, of course,” Prince Lalo continued, undettered by Nacho’s silence, as he relaxed once again. “Though I also have my concubines and whores and such. What’s more important is that you fulfill your role as a Consort. The beloved face of a nation.”

Nacho grimaced.

Lalo laughed again. “My tail also told me you’re not very talkative or eloquent. That’s fine; you’ll have writers write your speeches for you. Just smile that nice smile of yours and wave a little at the people, alright? They’re sheep. It doesn’t take much.”

“Why not pick somebody with more, ah. Stage presence?” Nacho could not help but ask.

Lalo narrowed his eyes at him, seriousness flashing once again. He was like a jester who could change the entire mood of a performance with a flip of a mask. “I could have. But that wouldn’t have been as fun.”

“You think I’m fun.”

“I know you’re fun. Show me that later, eh?” Lalo grinned, then looked at the sheer curtains pulled over their talking window. “The wait is fun, too, isn’t it? I love this tradition. Makes the heart grow fonder and the loins stir.”

Nacho balked at him.

 “Anyway, the ladies will be back in to get you ready for the feast.” Lalo stood. “We get to sit together!”

“Great Really looking forward to it.”

“You’re funny,” Lalo said, no sense of irony or sarcasm at all in his voice.

  ~ * ~

The ladies saw that Nacho was ready, which meant rearranging his clothes to be slightly more capable of walking, eating and generally existing in and spritzing him with perfume, and then he was led to a banquet hall. A long wooden table sat at the front, draped with red and black cloths and roses which did not match Prince Lalo’s turquoise and plum get-up nor Nacho’s glittering gold, and Nacho was finally sat on a throne aside Prince Lalo.

Neither King Gus nor King Hector attended the feast, either, and nor Royal Advisor Mike, who seemed to have left Nacho stranded in Salamanca territory without a word. It made Nacho’s marriage feel even more fake than it already was, outside of the law and without known approval of the Kings, even though they had both given their personal signatures to the documents that had been read aloud at the ceremony. He wondered what his name was now, if he had to assume the Salamanca name, or if it was added to the end of his own. Varga. A common name, but one he was proud to bear, given it was the name of his father’s business--the one he was supposed to inherit, the only son, but now never would. He had a feeling his father was disappointed in this, even if Nacho had made just about the biggest upward social move that could be made. Nacho tried to force these thoughts out of his mind and not let them spoil the feast, but they kept coming back to him, not even dulled by the night’s various events.

Several men made speeches, including Prince Lalo himself, who wept with sentiment as if he and Nacho had been childhood sweethearts. They toasted to the sacrament of marriage and the beauty of love. Poetry was sung. Drinking contests were had. Coke was snorted. Nacho developed a headache that the ample available spirits were helping and, thankfully, Tuco had fallen asleep snoring headfirst in his pile of food.

Throughout the ceremony, Prince Lalo’s knee rested against Nacho’s own. Prince Lalo dined lightly, as he said he would, but Nacho helped himself to traditional Salamanca kingdom fair. The food was stupidly good and stupidly luxurious, of course, far from the commoner’s stuff Nacho had been eating.

Once again, Nacho said nothing much besides a few answers to Lalo’s comments—he was a gossip, it seemed, and liked to lean to whisper something in Nacho’s ear while holding his own wine glass aloft and laughing. His mustache tickled Nacho’s ear and neck. It was not an unpleasant sensation.

There were no women around, Nacho noticed at one point, beside the attendant girls who scampered around like scared mice. He made a note to ask Lalo about this later—he had a feeling it was not so much Salamanca tradition as it was Lalo’s personal preference.

The feast ended in the wee hours of the night with Lalo standing up from the table abruptly. Despite all that Nacho had seen him drink and snort, he was not drunk, and instead rather steady on his feet. His constitution was sort of attractive, especially from this angle. He was so tall standing fully, and the low light of the lamps highlighted his strong nose, twinkling eyes. Nacho was actually starting to look forward to the winding down of the night, and what would come once they were truly alone. If they were to be truly alone--he had heard some nobles had attendants with them at all times, including lovemaking and anything else he’d rather do in private.

Lalo surveyed the room and the rowdy men, some of whom had followed Tuco in passing out, and announced, “Time to end the evening, gentleman. To the prosperity of the Salamancas, now and forever!”

“The Salamancas!” responded all but a silent pair of twins who spoke even less than Nacho did and were seated at Lalo’s other side. Lalo had told him they were his cousins, minor Princes, and to treat them with respect. Nacho gave them a nod of understanding after giving his own cheer, which he hoped was more heartened than he felt.

The servant girls came to get him after the feast again—three of them, the blunt-banged one from earlier, a blonde girl, and a girl with black pigtails. They lead him to the bridal chamber, a closet outside of the royal couple’s room, and tried to help him shed his clothes, but he swatted them away. “What are your names?” he asked them as he started to remove layer and layer of gold.

 “I’m Amber,” the one with the bangs said, “and this is Nikki,” the blonde, “and Jo,” the pigtails. “We’ve been assigned as your personal ladies.”

 “Great,” Nacho said sarcastically. “You guys know I’m not noble, right? I’m a commoner.”

The girls nodded. “The Salamanca Royal Family have asked that we treat you as if you were noble,” Amber explained.

“I don’t need that.” Nacho set aside all of his jewelry, now left in his silk robes. Nikki and Jo brought him another robe, sheer and lined with fur, and held it out in front of him, while Amber tried to undo the ties of his current outfit. He once again moved out of her way, took the robe from Nikki and Jo, and laid it on the back of a table. “Really, girls. I can do this myself.”

“You don’t have to,” Amber said.

Nacho touched the bridge of his nose. “I’m not some spoiled, noble-born brat,” he said again. “I can wipe my own ass.”

The girls, to his surprise, giggled a bit at that, though they immediately suppressed it, their eyes going wide. He smiled, trying to show them it was okay to laugh.  “Do I really have to wear this?” he said more softly, gesturing at the robe. “Did Prince Lalo request it?”

The girls looked at one another. “No,” Amber said, and it seemed she was the one who tended to speak for them. “It’s just what the brides normally wear.”

“I’m not a bride,” Nacho reminded them. He untied the silk bridal robe he was wearing to emphasize that point, leaving him in his usual black shorts. “I’ll go just as this. Thank you, girls.” Then, giving the only command he will ever give to them as long as they serve him: “Take the night off.”

The only thing left to do was enter the room and whatever else might be waiting for him in there.

#lacho #better call saul #lalo salamanca #nacho varga #lachowedding2023 #tccp #bcsfic

[nanabrainrot]

Could you write about Kim confronting Lalo and / or MC about the relationship dynamic ? I just know she’d want to help MC

YESS ive been a bit busy this week but heres the version with Kim confronting reader - if u want a kim vs. lalo focused version u can just send an ask about it! But here it is </3

Solamente Una Vez

Summary: Kim just has a question. HMMC True Route WC: 1168

There were less grotesque horror movies, Kim was convinced, looking at the sight. You didn’t go out much, this was abundantly clear in the way you posed yourself against him, looking lightheaded and unsure with flitting eyes and a jittery posture. You looked distraught and lost alone, but only really at ease with another woman. It was depressing.

It took a lot of convincing that the men needed to be alone to have Lalo have you in a room he wasn’t in, but it was okay since it was a mild-mannered married woman like Kim was. She watches you, like a hawk, the way your shoulders lower and heighten calmly in a fashion different from the way you carry yourself with Lalo: stiff. The basic muttering through the wall about business between Saul, Nacho, and Lalo is far off with the intent Kim has; it’s like a scientist observing an endangered animals in the little room. You sit on a chair by her shared bed, sipping some tea with cream and sugar. Quiet. Wordless.

Silent.

“So, how was your day, Mrs. Salamanca?” the blonde gulped, trying to tug a smile out of the other woman.

“Good,” she replied shortly, “and yours?”

“Good,” Kim replied, almost gulping with a brief nod of her head.

Sip.

Wordless, quiet, silent.

“How long have you and Lalo been married?” Your face twists a little, doing the math in your head. A pause.

“Twenty-four years, since 1980, Ms. Kim,” you responded, before sipping again.

“How about you and Mr. Saul?” you mumble, almost like a whisper in case Lalo could hear you through the wall. It goes noticed.

“A few months.” You hum, acknowledging it. Your brows knit, perfectly plucked and the tails filled in.

“First few months are really hard… hope you’re okay, Ms. Kim.” A sip. Noticed.

“It isn’t really. Same as before but a ring this time,” Kim replied. A sip. You seemed to really savor every sip of the tea, like it was a dessert. Your mousy face seems to remember something, then put it down.

A clank.

“Why are the first months hard for you, Mrs. Salamanca?” A hum, no clank nor sip, but your face seems to twist in displeasure at the thought but only for a fleeting moment before replaced with a face of contentment.

“I didn’t really have any boyfriends before Lalo. We got engaged within a week and got married a day or two later. It was hard not knowing what to do or living with a guy you don’t know well, but it turned out fine,” you grin, so hopelessly stupid, “I love him now.”

Every word was dripping in honesty and you meant every word; you loved him so much but every piece of context to your relationship only made her gears turn faster and grimmer. The hum of the men talking next door feels like the hum of an airplane taking off: deafening.

“Only a few days you were engaged?”

“Yes.”

“Was that normal, where you’re from?”

“Mexico? No, it just…” you seem to pause, looking for the word, “happened.” The consideration of what happened crosses your face, so brief you could blink and miss it as the contempt immediately transitioned to gratefulness, like reminiscing a happy memory.

“Do you love him?” It leaves her mouth before she can consider it, the implications and the man next door. Brows knit, mouth twitching.

“Twenty-four years and I love him. More then my life,” your voice cracks. A quivering of the lip.

Her eyes widen, realizing the territory she was breaching before stuttering, “I-I didn’t mean it like that. I was just thinking of you guys not really dating before -“

“I didn’t need to date. He already to chose me before I realized,” you quip, gathering yourself. Cross of the legs, the sundress bunching at the thighs and the thin fabric brushing your ankles. No part of you was out of place, the way she carried herself at work was the way you carried yourself permanently. There was no waver in you any longer; any moment of weakness was immediately covered up and veiled with the prim and proper pout of your pretty face.

“Is he good to you? You can’t look Saul or Ignacio in the eye for him and this is the second time I’ve seen you and you look so withdrawn,” Kim starts quietly, “do you think you’d be this withdrawn or stiff if he didn’t - treat you a certain way? Don’t you want to act like yourself without worrying about what a man thinks?”

 It is a feeling of fear, like when blood runs cold, Kim admits to herself internally. Your brows knit, then relax, eyes squint, then relax, lips purse, then relax. Your throat bobs with a gulp. You have this look of contemplation and consideration about it; every action revolved around Lalo. It was natural as breathing. To consider Lalo was integral to your routine as if it was brushing your teeth. Did he like this dress, the fabric and color? Did you smell like his favorite peachy perfume? Did you chew gum or mints before he came home to kiss you? 

Did you drop everything at a word to keep him happy?

It is a consideration, but it leaves you only with a sense of agitation. Of course she couldn’t understand. The lady with her college degrees and husband whom she was free to leave if she pleased and survive alone dragging any decision you made through the mud of her judgment thinly veiled as concern. She would never understand that there was no real choice with Lalo. In the forced marriage and the decades that passed were lost to the wind. What else could have been done? College? Dates with boys or crushes on tutors or waiters? Picking foods at the farm? It all seemed mundane and ludicrous to consider. To brew on the concept of shaping your own identity seemed pointless, redundant, and insulting. 

Loving Lalo was like winning the lottery, you surmised around year 9 on the marriage.

The crickets chirp a little louder as the door opens, your eyes glued to Kim until Lalo’s voice chimes in: “Ready to go home?” 

Your frame subtly relaxes, something that only puts a sense of unease in Kim as she watches you as your breaths level like you were finally calm. Being around Lalo was as natural as a fish in water or breathing air. 

It was depressing.

“Si,” you replied, smoothing the black sundress as you rose. The clavicles pressed taut against your skin and the flesh of your decolletage was framed by the low dip of the dress clinging on like a second skin. There’s the letter ‘E’ dangling off a chain and hovering over your heart. 

It’s like watching a magnet draw to another, the way he holds out his hand with tentative fingers like about to pick up a rose with thorns and careful to prevent pricking. 

He does look like a man in love and she looks like a woman in love 

It’s sickening.

#nana writes bcs #hmmc true #hmmc ask

[peachyxboy]

A Love so Sweet, it Hurts 🥀 - Stay Ready (What a Life)

Casa Tranquila - Albuquerque, New Mexico

It pained Lalo to see his uncle in such place. A Salamanca stuck in a place for old timers abandoned by their children while their dementia, or whatever ailed them, slowly rotted their brains. He wasn't sure how or why, but he knew the Chilean was involved. Somehow, someway he caused his uncle to be like this. He approached his new wheelchair-bound uncle and felt pity for him, but didn't let it show. Paralyzed or not, this was still Don Hector, patriarch of the Salamanca family, and the right hand of the Juárez Cartel. 

"Hola, Tio Hector. Soy Lalo (Hello, uncle Hector. It's Lalo)," He smiled a little, crouching down a little to meet his uncle's line of sight, "Te acuerdas de mí, ¿no? (You remember me, don't you)?"

He looked over and saw the slight movement of his uncle's index finger, as if he was pressing a button, then turned of Nacho: "Uno 'sí' (One is yes)?" 

"Nada es 'no' (Nothing means 'no')."

At least there was some part of his uncle still in there. "Quien no tiene los huevos más grandes de todo michoacán norte sureste y oeste (Who's got the biggest set of balls north, south, east or west of Michoacan)" he grinned and laughed upon seeing his uncle tap 'yes', "Seguir adentro (I knew you were still in there)."

Lalo pulled up a chair and pulled out the box that held the real reason he was here. A...keepsake one could say. He thought about that night from here and there. It was one of the first times his Tio brought him along for business, and it was a night he would never forget. The way the owner begged and pleaded for his Tio to stop, which he did, only for his Tio Hector to hand the pliers over to him. He even gave him his first cigarette that he tossed into the trail of kerosene that lead back to the hotel. It was nice, the fire was comforting, as if he was camping and roasting marshmallows. His Tio let him stay and watch while he went back to the car-and in his dumb teenage mind-he wanted, no needed, something to remember it by. So, he ran inside, feeling like he was in an oven as the first thing he saw was the bell. Stupidly, he grabbed it with his bare hands and burned his fingertips, before taking off his jacket and using it to scoop the bell up and ran back before he was trapped inside. His heart was beating so fast, he thought it was burst out of his chest. When he caught his breath, he looked down at the bell in his hands. There was a little soot and ash, but it was otherwise undamaged. When it cooled down enough and the hotel was nothing but rubble, Lalo stuffed the bell in his coat pocket before walking to the car where his uncle was waiting. 

When he opened the box to show him, he knew his uncle recognized it immediately. It was the perfect gift for his uncle's limited movement, Lalo couldn't be more proud of himself. He was overjoyed as Hector repeatedly rang the bell, getting the attention from a few residents nearby. He finally had someway of communication aside from subtle grunts and tapping against his wheelchair. Lalo paused before looking towards Nacho, "Hey, why don't you go get some Jell-o."

He said nothing and slowly walked off, giving the two some privacy. "Tío, hablemos del chileno (Uncle, lets talk about the Chilean)."

Nacho watched from afar at first, but he could tell this was gonna be a long conversation, so he opted to wait outside the door. Not long after, Lalo sauntered out, "Same ol' Hector, just wants to kill everybody."

It took everything in Nacho's power not to roll his eyes at him as they walked back to the car. "Back to the restaurant?" he asked as he unlocked the door.

"Not yet, I have a quick errand to run."

Nacho already had a feeling what that meant.

Lovelace Hospital - Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Tala didn't really know what to do after her 'not a date' with Lalo. If she was being honest with herself, it was totally and completely a date no matter how she spun it. And, as much as it pained her to say it, it was one of the best ones she went had in a while. There wasn't any bullshit of trying to fuck after, or allude to getting married and have 8 kids together. Lalo and her just had a good time together and went their separate way after. Though, deep down Tala knew that she didn't want things to end just there. 

It was a rare day for Tala, as today wasn't that busy. She actually was planning on leaving early this afternoon, meaning she was gonna sit on her couch with a bottle of wine and binge-watch the Nip/Tuck marathon. But, first she would have to get through the day which meant: coffee.

The baristas were nice, though most were college students who were kids of doctors or nurses who were most of the time invested in a Friedrich Nietzsche book. She did get along with Julia, a freshman at UMN who was studying engineering, mostly because she got her order right from the start. "Let me guess: a large hazelnut latte with whipped cream?" Julia said as she started on grinding the beans.

"Wrong. I'll take a caramel macchiato with extra caramel."

The barista just laughed and continued with the hazelnut latte. Tala just smiled and leaned against the counter, "How's school?"

"Going," she remarked with a sigh. 

Tala chuckled, "It gets better."

"Does it?"

"Honestly, not really."

They both smiled and laughed a bit. "How's your boyfriend?" Julia couldn't help but ask.

Tala rolled her eyes, "Who else knows about this?"

She shrugged, "About half the hospital, and growing."

"He's not my boyfriend, we're not even dating-"

"She's not, but I am."

Tala nearly jumped out of her skin as she turned to see Lalo standing there. "Doctora," he greeted as he smiled down at her.

"Lalo," a grin found itself on her lips as well, but she tried not to let it show so much. "I thought you were gonna stop stalking me at work if I had dinner with you." 

"Actually, I agreed to not cause a scene anymore. And, I realized I never got your number the other night," he asked, leaning next to her.

"You didn't ask," she said cheekily. 

He chuckled, "I'm asking now."

"I don't have a pen.

Which was a lie. Tala always kept three pens in her pocket; one for when she forgot it at the nurse's station, the other for when she forgot it on someone else's clipboard, and the last one that actually stayed in her pocket. "I do!" Julia said cheerfully and reached over the counter, pen and blank receipt paper in hand. 

Tala sighed, of course she was listening. "Thanks," Lalo smiled at her before taking the pen and paper, scribbling down his number, "Here. You can call me. Speaking of which, you should call me later to night around 7."

"And if I don't?" 

Lalo just looked her in the eyes as he placed the paper in the pocket of her lab coat, right next to her pens. 

"I'll wait."

Somehow, someway Lalo always seemed to know the right words to leave her speechless. He took Tala's hand just like their date before and pressed kiss to her knuckles, lingering just a second too long before pulling away. "I hope you do call tonight. Till next time, Doctora."

He left, leaving Julia and Tala watching in awe of his presence that lingered before following him out the door. Julia was the first to break the silence, "You're gonna call him, right? Like, you have to."

"Julia. The milk." 

The barista looked over at the milk scalding over, "SHIT!"

Dr. Velasco's House

Later that day

Tala got home at 6:00 pm and, after a long bath, she contemplated on actually calling Lalo. She poured herself a glass of wine and stared at the number she left on her coffee table. It was taunting her. It knew she really wanted to call him and invite him over, but she wouldn't do it. She shouldn't. This was stupid. Why should she even bother calling him? He didn't deserve her time or effort, he was a Salamanca. The cartel. Insert bad guy adjective here. 

Then again, Tala thought about their date and how sweet and charming Lalo was. No one's made her smile or laugh like that in a while. Tala sighed and shook her head. Fuck it. She snatched the paper and boldly marched over to her landline, quickly dialing the number: One ring. Two rings. Three rings. Dread began to bubble up in her stomach. What if he didn't answer? Then she'd look like an idiot who fell for-

"Hello?"

Tala froze, words unable to leave her mouth. "Helloooo?"

Just as he was about to hang up, she found herself again. "Lalo."

There was a pause and she could just hear him smirk through the phone, "Doctora. I didn't think you would call." 

"Neither did I," she murmured, tracing her fingertip around the rim of her wineglass, "But I figured I shouldn't leave you waiting too long."

"For you? I don't mind. Any plans tonight?"

"Currently: sitting on my couch all night and watching Nip/tuck, while drinking wine and ordering Chinese food."

"Sounds exciting. I thought after dealing with patients and doctors all day, you'd stay away from hospital shows."

"I guess I like to imagine my life was as exciting and dramatic."

He chuckled a bit, "Would you like some company?"

This time Tala was grinning. She should just say no, it would be dangerous for Lalo to know where she lived. Then again, he already knew where she worked. Would it be that bad for him to know a little more about her? Probably. But, Tala really wanted to see him. "If you can pick up the to-go order on your way."

"Which restaurant?"

Tala never could imagine herself befriending a Salamanca, let alone watching one of her favorite shows with one. Yet here they were, bellies full off of beef chow fun and wine as they watched the doctors slice into their patients. Lalo sat at one edge of the couch while she had her legs outstretched, leaning into his side with his arm around her. Admittedly, the alcohol had taken the edge and initial awkwardness off, and she was actually able to relax. "I'm starting to get why you like this show," he said, unphased by the gory scenes. 

"It had blood and sex, what's not to like?" she teased. 

He chuckled, "So do all doctors sleep with their patients?"

"All the time. A locked exam room door is the equivalent to a 'do not disturb' sign."

She felt comfortable around Lalo in her inebriated state. She didn't think about possibilities out of her control, or how dangerous he could be. They were in their own little world again, the problems and issues of their every day life were unable to get through their little bubble. Tala actually felt like herself with him. 

Lalo gently ran his fingers through her hair, mindlessly tucking a lock behind her ear, when he felt the warmth from her cheeks. He glanced down and just laughed a little, seeing how red her cheeks had gotten. "Never thought you'd be a lightweight."

"I'm not," she defended, looking up at him, "Just a little....toasty."

They laughed, Lalo looked down and traced his fingertips against her cheek down to her jaw. He still couldn't get over how beautiful she was, even like this with her hair amess and wearing sweats after a long day of work. He liked seeing her this way. Tala searched his face for any indication as to what he was thinking and couldn't come up with anything. Just as she was about to speak, he leaned down a pressed a kiss to her forehead. Her already rosy cheeks burned scarlet red as she felt her heart start to stutter. Her stomach did flips and a thin sheen of sweat began to seep from her pores. 

Oh no.

Tala broke away and ran to the bathroom, barely falling to her knees in time to throw up their dinner in the toilet. Lalo hurried after and knelt down next to her, gently rubbing her back. "Sorry, I didn't think my kisses were that toxic," he teased, attempting to make her feel better.

But, she felt even more embarrassed. She reached for a hand towel and wiped her watering eyes and corners of her mouth. "I'm sorry...I shouldn't have invited you over."

"Hey, it's alright," he said in a comforting tone, pulling her close against him, "Let's get you to bed, okay?"

Tala just nodded as he helped her up. She brushed her teeth, and Lalo lead her over to her bedroom. She climbed under the covers as he pulled them up to her chin. "I'm sorry things turned out like this," she murmured.

Lalo gave a half-hearted smile, "I wouldn't have it any other way, doctora."

Her heart fluttered a bit as he tucked her in. Just as he was about to leave, Tala reached out and caught his hand. She was unsure at first, but boldly asked:

"Will you stay the night?"

#lalo salamanca #lalo salamanca fanfic #lalo salamanca x oc #better call saul fanfic #eduardo lalo salamanca #better call saul lalo #better call saul #peachyxboy #a love so sweet it hurts

[flintism]

everybody in the tags of that gifset talking about how much nacho hated lalo….. yes but also they were in love you don’t get it like i get it 😔

#it DOES require a bit of imagination i’ll admit #anyway one day i’ll write my nacho/lacho thesis and everybody will understand

[seraphtrevs]

#it's genuinely baffling to me#that people like or dislike characters based on whether or not they'd be good people irl yes thank you! I've been consuming media for as long as I can remember. From video games, series to films of all kinds and was able to promote my critical thinking. I'm in the BCS and BrBa fandom and I've never been accused of being a bad person because I love Lalo, Gus, Walt, Jimmy, Nacho, Mike, etc. However, in the Stranger Things fandom... oh boy. I'll just say, that meme you reblogged recently is spot on let me tell you.

The Stranger Things fandom seems beyond toxic - I'm really sorry you've had to put up with that. Not to sound old (again), but this was never a problem when I first got involved with fandom. Everyone took for granted that of course villains would have fans, and of course it didn't mean the fans condoned evil in real life. Don't know how the line between fiction and reality got so blurry for a lot of people, but it's way more immoral to think harassment is righteous than it is to like the "wrong" character. I'm assuming a lot of these harassers will grow out of it eventually, but the damage they've done to their fellow fans (and actors and creators) is real and will linger.

I've always been a villain fan, ever since I was a kid. I'm beyond a goody-two shoes in real life, but there's something very fun about watching fictional characters flaunt society's rules and revel in their worst impulses. Plus lots of villains were (and are!) queer coded, which of course is ~problematic~, but it also explains why a lot of people are drawn to them. Without villains, there literally wouldn't be a plot. A flat, boring villain makes for a flat, boring story, so they're often the most exciting characters. And they almost always get defeated in the end anyway, so you think that would assuage the purity patrol as far as setting examples for the children. Alas.

Anyway, I stay far, far away from any fandom that centers around young characters or caters to an all-ages audience, because those fandoms seem to be the worse. (And also because I just don't have a lot of interest in characters who are under thirty anymore anyway adfkjs;dafj)

#asks

[llycaons]

I may have watched only five new movies this year, but I started or finished at least ten new shows. what can I say, I'm a TV gal*

SHOWS I've watched in 2022 (scored but unranked)

Breaking Bad: 9/10

everyone was obsessed with this show in 2012 or whatever and my older brother still raves about it so I thought, what the hell. and what do you know, it was really good! it was funny! I watched in fascination as a story about an egotistical, immature maniac destroying his own life and the lives of the people around him continued to be a comedy for much of its run

definitely not perfect (treats its Latino characters horribly, kills off too many women, and it got a bit clumsy by the end plotwise) but overall writing is absolutely incredible. I may or may not ever rewatch

Better Call Saul : 6/10

this was a very well-written, critically acclaimed show that for various reasons, I didn’t like as much as I had hoped to. I found the main character whiny and insufferable, some of the scenes were incredibly boring and drawn-out, and some of the acting for minor characters was so bad as to genuinely disrupt the experience (looking at you, stacy). and somehow it took characters I really enjoyed from brba (saul/jimmy and mike) and made them so unlikeable as to be unwatchable

despite my personal tastes not really gelling with the show, I really loved seeing more gus, and new characters like kim, lalo, and nacho were a delight. rather mixed on this one, but I’m ending it with higher than a 5 because I think the ending was pulled off really well

Extraordinary Attorney Woo: 7/10

I’m only halfway through this show because I haven’t had time to go to the gym, which is where I watch it, but it’s a very beautiful story with a strong aesthetic and I’m enchanted by the main character

I‘ve hit a very slow series of episodes with cases I do not care about at all (the railroad through the town) and I’m finding it hard to get the motivation to continue. I’m neutral on most of the side characters. I do really like the love interest, though. and I think I’ll cry when I hit the ending....I saw some gifs and 🥺 I love you woo young-woo

I will have a more complete review when I finish it, but I think the fact that it’s scored higher than bcs is very funny

The Bear: 6/10

this show could have been so much better than it ended up being. ah, what potential! the concept was interesting, the acting and chemistry was great, the stress and misery of a kitchen disaster was very well-executed, the core cast was (mostly) engaging, the humor was (mostly) on point, and the plots were genuinely very compelling

what let the bear down was 1. having an extremely shitty guy in the main cast but not really dealing with how shitty he was beyond well, he sucks but he’s a good dad and he’s one of the guys! he gets it! 2. the ending. instead of an earned, bittersweet, realistic finale appropriate to the story of a man losing his brother and feeling tremendous guilt and responsibility over it, and struggling with both substance use and keeping a small business afloat, there’s this....fairytale wish-fulfillment at play in which all problems are solved through an implausible discovery of hidden treasure. like....what? there’s also  some minor character elements that I found were done clumsily, but these were the big two flaws for me

Interview with the Vampire: 10/10

ohhhh WHAT a show. yes, I’m ranking it higher than breaking bad. I think I actually personally enjoyed this one a little less than brba because I don’t love the storytelling structure or the themes of unreliable narration/storytelling/memory. also I was let down by the armand bait-and-switch and I don’t know why the show kept in louis’s family’s history of owning a plantation at all, but in this case I think that the rest of the show was good enough to make up for it

what can I say that hasn’t already been said? the bold reimagining of a racist old book series into a contemplation on race and identity centered on the experiences of a Black man in 20th century New Orleans, the explicit and very well-executed sexual and romantic relationship between the leads, the lighting, costuming, and set design, the research into the setting, the chemistry between the leads, the dialogue, the incredible acting of all cast members, especially JA and SR, the drama, the gore, the horror, the tragedy, the ending, the perspective from the future - wow! wow!

the best possible type of adaptation from a series with compelling aspects but many issues - I feel grateful to everyone involved that that this show was created and I cannot wait for season 2

Our Flag Means Death: 0.5/10

yeah, I did watch this show, and hated almost every minute of it. followers may remember me forcing myself to just get to the next episode because it was so popular and beloved, I figured there must be SOMETHING there and I felt bad for being a killjoy. TW’s comedy really doesn’t do it for me (I didn’t love WWDITS movie and never watched the tv show), I disliked the acting, the romantic dialogue was overrated and clumsy, and I hated the lead character very deeply

I ended up liking some things about it, but by the end some things were coming to light about the character that TW based the show off of and the most important consideration here is that it’s a rosy, ahistorical view of literal plantation owners and slave traders, and I hope it falls into obscurity as fast as possible. also TW is antiblack so I’m not going to be supporting any of his projects in the future anyway

Kinnporsche: 0.5/10

dear reader, do not watch this show

Can Lan Jue (Love Between Fairy and Devil): ?/10

ohhhh boy. this one is a challenge for me. the main character is a marvel. the humor is phenomenal. the set designs are rich and indulgent, and the costumes are varied and interesting - a feast for the eyes. in many ways, it’s a lovely and relaxing show to go to sleep to, and I have a lot of fondness for it

this current plot I’m in (shenanigans in the mortal world) has plenty of twists to keep it interesting, and surprisingly heartfelt dramatic performances from mainly comical characters

where I really struggle is the plot and character interactions. it had a decently paced beginning, but it slowed down afterwards, and at 23 (of 38) episodes, the plot is finally picking up again. I only watch this show once every few days, so the pacing probably isn’t as glacial as it feels, but it’s still slower than I usually like

the romance has had a very rough start, which I’m looking forward to improving, but which upset me so much that I quit the show more than once, because I find it difficult to be comfortable with couples who have such a history between them

also I want the leads not to date each other and instead get into gay relationships with the mortals they’re trying to set up. but alas. this romcom scenario will end in het marriage (or death? remains to be seen)

final ranking: we’ll see

Mó dào Zǔ shī: 7/10

I cannot remember when I watched this and my search function is failing me, but it’s going here

edit: I watched this in 2021 but fuck it, it was december so close enough

this is also a mixed bag because the first and third season were very strong, but the second season was so bad that there must have been some kind of production issue so I’m not going to hold it against the creators even if it was really comedic in how poor the quality was

right off the bat - I know the characters look like that and I don’t like it either, but you stop noticing after a while. I am much more bothered by the animal designs. like those rabbits??? kind of freaky. the in-show ads for cornetto ice cream were honestly quite funny so I don't mind them. they added to the character of the show

anyway, the donghua was mostly quite good and a fun experience. it captured a lot of the powerful moments from the novel while maintaining more of the original plot than cql did, which made it arguably more coherent than the drama. the animation allowed it to really go ham on the effects like glowing red eyes and flocks of green crows without looking incredibly silly like it would in a live action, which would have marred some of the dramatic tension

the music was absolutely stunning, the backgrounds were meticulously painted, it was well-paced (with exceptions), and the character dynamics were organic and engaging. although censored, there was palpable romantic and sexual chemistry between the leads, and it gave them a sweet ending with a slight twist on the novel. many of the choices for lwj surprised and pleased me (like smiling instead of getting jealous in that one scene). I enjoyed the characterization choices for myu and jc, and the added details for wwx, which were often quite charming (like when he welcomes little apple back with open arms saying how much he missed her, aww)

on the other hand, due to the faithfulness to the novel, some of the scenes come off as confusing or downright silly without proper context, and there are still several homophobic jokes and uncomfortable scenes. jyl is barely a presence, I feel neutral on wen qing’s different personality, and for the most part the characters outside the core cast where pretty blah. and as I said before, the second season is such a disaster that it really hampers the entire story. I don’t know how much sense the plot would make to someone not familiar with the story because so much was cut out and the rest was so rushed and clumsy. but it’s something I would watch again for sure (though it is unknown how much I’d like it)

The Great: 9/10

this one is wild. you really need to be prepared for a LOT (animal cruelty, burning people alive, gore, eye horror, abuse). it’s very good, and I enjoy the acting, costuming, plot, and humor quite a lot. but I haven’t finished it so this ranking is premature, and I feel strangely reluctant to do so now that catherine has actually gained power. it’s emotionally quite draining.

Hunter x Hunter: 8/10

please don’t ask me to talk about this show anymore. I’ve been doing it for over a year now. it was good and I liked it but it had some flaws. I will likely not watch it again. read the manga. that is all <3

*gender-neutral

#cor.txt #this is fun I should do it every year

[ocalaghan]

Just my usual end of TV show round-up, this time for Better Call Saul. <3

Better Call Saul was better than Breaking Bad for me. The only downside being no Jesse. But it was just soooooo fucking good and I'm so sad it's over (and sour asf they never won any Emmys!!! THEY WERE ROBBED!!!).

I think it ended pretty perfectly. All the years I've been watching it, I had no idea how I wanted it to end or how it was going to end but it makes the most sense that Jimmy finally got caught.

My boyfriend thought he was going to die in the final episode, especially after the foreshadowing of his silhouette in the grave in the episode that Jesse and Walt guest-starred. But I thought that, combined with the final episode being called Saul Gone, was more a hint that Saul was going to die, not Jimmy. I'm really glad I was right because I would've been mad if he died lmao. Watching him put Saul to bed in the courtroom with Kim watching was just... chef's kiss. Admitting his guilt in his brother's death. Absolving Kim. Just. YES. Obviously his fellow inmates referred to him as Saul, knew him as Saul, but the Saul we knew and that Jimmy carefully crafted was gone.

I was also scared I was going to hate Jimmy by the end, much like Walt, but thankfully it didn't go that way.

I like to think that Kim will continue to visit him. Not all the time, but now and then. I love her so much, just want her to be happy. And hopefully she is happy in her very mundane life with her new man... and that Jimmy's input in the courtroom means she won't get successfully sued to within an inch of her life lmao. I think she'll be amazing volunteering at the pro bono legal firm. I had fears that maybe she would die in the final season but I kept thinking it hopefully can't be true because I think Jimmy would have lost the will to live if Kim had died. I would've rioted if they killed off Kim too tbh.

As for Jimmy, I guess the options are die in prison or submit an appeal and maybe he gets out early. Maybe he gets out on good behaviour. But his life in jail didn't look like it was going to be too awful for him; the other prisoners seemed to have a lot of respect for him so at least he's got that going.

The final season was just excellent in every way. I loved every second of seeing Mike. Lalo was an incredible villain. Nacho was BEAUTIFUL and I am so sad he died but I knew it was going to happen. And I fully screamed when Howard got shot, didn't see that coming.

Literally want to talk about this for hours but FUCK WHAT A SHOW.

Perfect conclusion to the Breaking Bad universe.

#better call saul #saul goodman #kim wexler #jimmy mcgill #breaking bad #tv: better call saul

[jtem]

Better Call Saul Season-6 Predictions

#1.  Lalo dies

The buzz online is that Lalo survives Better Call Saul and is still running around, unseen, in the Breaking Bad world.

Don’t believe it.

Most of this buzz seems to be emanating from the same source. I’ve watched more than one Youtube video speculating about Season-6, for example, which pretty much mirrored each other. We’re talking little or no difference in content from supposedly unrelated people! So that’s not a Buzz, that’s the studio setting expectations.

Anyhow, the buzz points back to an Episode in Breaking Bad, Season-2, where Walt & Jesse kidnap Saul in an attempt to pressure/scare him into not making any deals with the DEA no matter how beneficial they would be for his client. Anyhow, they succeed in scaring Saul, he thinks they’re drug cartel henchmen, and pleads for his life insisting “it wasn’t me” and “it was Ignacio.”

Ignacio is the Nacho character’s real name in Better Call Saul.

So the Buzz is claiming that the scene in Breaking Bad, WHICH TAKES PLACE AFTER SEASON-6 OF BETTER CALL SAUL, means that Lalo is still alive & walking around, and none of this makes sense.

“Family is everything.”

That’s a Salamanca family creed, heard in Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul both.

There were at least four Salamancas alive in the Breaking Bad universe at the time Saul Goodman was pleading for his life and none of those Salamancas were Lalo.

Hector. Not very active, post stroke, but not dead.

Hector’s two nephews (the psycho twins), later done in by Hank Schrader, but still very much alive at this point.

Hector’s son, who is eventually killed by Jesse in Season-4.

So we don’t need Lalo alive for Saul to fear retribution, we’ve got Salamancas enough for that,  and... And... AND...

Lalo doesn’t kill Saul. If Lalo was alive and had reason to murder Saul, Saul would be dead. 

But, again, Lalo isn’t in Breaking Bad. The last of the Salamancas dies in Season-4 of Breaking Bad and none of them are Lalo. Gus visits Hector in the nursing home, after poisoning the cartel’s leadership, taunting him with the fact that they’re all dead and the Salamanca name dies with him (Hector).

We watched all the Salamancas die. None of them were Lalo.

#2.  Kim Wexler

Ever notice that Kim’s enemies are all men? She hates Howard. She hates Kevin at Messe Verde. The victims of her little play con games were men. She’s a loner, she doesn’t seem to have any friends except for Jimmy, and Jimmy appears less a man in her life than a surrogate mom. Which doesn’t make sense because she didn’t seem to get along with her mom too well. But we don’t really know much of that story so maybe Jimmy/Saul is that loving relationship she never had with her mom, maybe Jimmy/Saul is a place holder for the dad we never saw... 

Kim’s mom was unreliable and pretty shady it seems. That implies Jimmy but who knows? Still I have to make a prediction so I’m saying that Jimmy is Kim’s way of trying to have an emotional relationship with her mom.

I don’t think we’ve seen “The Real Kim” in Season-5. 

“Opposites Attract.” Kim is far more similar to Howard and Kevin than she is to Jimmy, which may explain her negative feelings towards them. She’s beating on herself? By beating on them she’s beating on herself?

Anyway, I think the journey for Kim comes full circle, and the Jimmy Experiment ends. I don’t think she dies, I think she walks. That, the love and attention from whatever parent she never got growing up she now gets from Jimmy has served it’s purpose. It fulfilled her needs.  And, she realizes this. She doesn’t hate Jimmy, it’s an experience she had always wanted, and Jimmy is never going to stop loving her but their paths diverge in Season-6.

Would be a hoot if she winds up with Howard... Probably what I would have done with the story.

#3.  Jimmy/Saul

At some point Jimmy fully transforms into the Saul Goodman character of Breaking Bad, and I’m guessing it’s the departure of Kim Wexler from his life that makes it happen.

Supposedly “Slipping Jimmy” had been trying to recast himself, and rebrand himself, from the beginning of the series, and he drew most if not all the inspiration from Kim Wexler. It was her rise from humble mailroom beginning to Power Attorney that prompted Jimmy to try the same. It was Kim, or Jimmy’s emotions for Kim, that drew him away from the path of Slipping Jimmy and towards that of Kim’s... and his brother’s. 

Anyway, I see Kim as Jimmy’s anchor. He’s a moth drawn inexorably towards her flame. The moment that flame is gone there is nothing to oppose Slipping Jimmy, no reason to fight it, no incentive to try much less actually change.

So that’s how I see it:  Kim walks and Saul Goodman snaps back hard into the Slipping Jimmy traits. He becomes the Saul Goodman of Breaking Bad.

#4. Nacho/Ignacio

I suspect that he dies. If I was writing for the show I would certainly write that in, his death, see if it stuck. I mean, he clearly has no future in the Better Call Saul universe as he doesn’t appear as Nacho/Ignacio. 

Could he just run? Of course. That’s what he wants to do. He wants out of the drug cartel, he wants out of his life of crime, he wants to run and he could certainly do that. He could run. And that could be why the character is not in Breaking Bad. It could be. It could happen that way. Or he can die. I’m going to say he dies.

#5.  Francesca

I don’t know. I really honestly don’t. She was an employee of Jimmy’s and Kim’s, they loved her, she was a great worker and then in Breaking Bad she seems like a mostly angry and corrupted person. On Breaking Bad she often comes across as somebody who is compromised and doesn’t like it, but she clearly is not lifting a finger to stop being compromised...

So I don’t get it.

Francesca returns to Saul Goodman sometime between Season-6 of Better Call Saul and Season-2 of Breaking Bad. I’m assuming we see her in Season-6. So, um, I guess that’s my prediction? We see Francesca again?

#6.  They overlap

Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad. It happens first. Right?

Not necessarily.

The two shows could run concurrently.

Saul Goodman doesn’t make his first appearance in Breaking Bad until Season-2, Episode-8. So that leaves the entire first year and just over half the second for a Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad crossover.

We’ll definitely see more Breaking Bad characters pop up in Season-6. The money is on Walter White making an appearance.

#10.  The Breaking Bad Movie

So Breaking Bad ends and Walter White is dead, right? No. Wrong. All we saw was him collapse, presumably unconscious. But he could have been alive. People survive gunshot wounds all the time. So Walt is alive, in prison and the first act of the film is Walt’s stupendous breakout! We’re talking Mission Impossible & MacGyver all rolled into one! Walt engineers the most brilliant escape EVER, and then goes hunting for his $80 million that the Neo Nazis stole from him. He doesn’t know where it is but unlike everyone else on the planet he knows that it exists.

What do you think? Ground penetrating RADAR? Maybe inferred to search out changes in surface temperature, revealing hidden doors or tunnels?

AND THEN he needs to go after Gretchen & Elliot. Walt hated them, yes, but if you recall he dropped all of his money on them with instructions to gift it to his son, Walt Junior. Gretchen and Elliot agreed, of course, but after Walt’s capture they turn it all over to law enforcement, double crossing Walt. So Walt needs revenge on them, but he also needs a flight out of the country because he’s sick of trying to hide his cash, and he doesn’t want to go underground. No, Walt wants to retire someplace where he can live out his life as a free man, spend his money without care and Gretchen & Elliot just happen to own a private jet!

See how that works out?

Now, is Jesse involved in any of this? Jesse now knows that everything he was thinking about Walt was wrong, that Walt never double crossed him but he had double crossed Walt.

Jesse’s turning point -- against Walt -- when he was waiting to “The Vacuum Cleaner Repair Man” to help him to disappear, start a new life. Jesse seems to believe that he was being set up but in El Camino he spots the exact same mini van parked at the vacuum cleaner’s shop, so he knows that Walt was legitimately trying to help.

So, maybe now Jesse wants to help Walt. Or maybe law enforcement caught up to him and he just wants to escape and start a new life somewhere else, like Walt.

Is Saul Goodman in prison? How does Season-6 end? We know that in Season-5 he got made by a cab driver who seems intent on some sort of “Reward” i.e. blackmail. Maybe he puts Saul in prison. Or someone else recognizes him. Anything. So by the end of Season-6 Saul may be behind bars with Walt or even Walt & Jesse.

I think I’d rather see Walt reunited with his family on Gretchen & Elliot’s plane, instead of Saul. And the movie might need a sequel anyway, and Saul is as good a reason to have one as any,  so there’s that...

#Better Call Saul #Breaking Bad #Predictions #TV Series #Fandom #Binge watching #Kim Wexler #Slipping Jimmy #Walter White #text post #Txt Post

[zolusbian]

lana del rey songs ranked by how lacho del rey they are: born to die (paradise edition) PART ONE

strap in this shit is crazy

born to die: 10/10

this is post 5x10 nacho reflecting on lalo in the hotel room. it's not even worth picking out lyrics because they all apply. honestly i should make a music video to this.

off to the races: 10/10

honestly giving both ottr and btd the same rating is a little weird to me because ottr is, personally, to me, more lacho. but only because it is the lacho that lives in my head where nacho fully succumbs to the lana-ification and becomes the man he was always meant to be, i.e., lalo's sugar baby. i also personally like interpreting it from nacho's pov because "my old man is a bad man" is insane, he has a broke-down life but an la crass way about him, he's putting his red dress(shirt) on, etc., but i know some people like to think of it as lalo pov, and that's valid, too! anyway i legitimately have a full music video of this in progress.

blue jeans: 4/10 (nacho pov) vs 9/10 (lalo pov)

this one gets a discrepancy because it makes less or more sense depending on who you imagine. blue jeans white shirt walked into the room made my heart hurt is obviously lalo in the famous fit:

like this could be an album cover. but the other stuff doesn't fit from nacho's pov as well.

BUT from lalo's pov we have it!!! we do have nacho in a blue jeans white shirt but lalo never saw that and it's not very nacho-esque anyway ): also it's not like lalo to cry over nacho. but the sentiments of loving you more than those bitches before (amber and jo -- sorry women, you're not bitches, but we put the feminism away for lana del rey time) and "But when you walked out that door, / A piece of me died / I told you I wanted more, / But that's not what I had in mind / I just want it like before / We were dancing all night / Then they took you away, / Stole you out of my life / You just need to remember..." is very lalo-realizing-nacho-worked-for-gus. as is the rest of the song. if only gilligould would let lalo be textually gay instead of subtextually gay.

video games: 2/10

look, video games is the first ldr song i ever heard and i love it and it's my life whatever, but it's, unfortunately, not very lacho. lana is too happy here. lalo is old and doesn't understand video games. it does get points for "I heard that you like the bad girls / Honey, is that true?" (nacho is a woman) and the lines about holding in big arms and playing pool and wild darts.

diet mountain dew: 5/10

the aesthetics are on point, but it's a pretty general song and really could be applied to any toxic relationship. also neither of them drink diet mountain dew. a few things stand out, though. the usual riding in old cars, smoking cigarettes, mention of jesus, etc, that lana is famous for, of course. this is a white pontiac heaven:

i think it's a bit too old school for the lacho aesthetic, unfortunately. they're more 60s/70s cars than 50s style. though i could imagine lalo keeping a couple of 50s around for nostalgia, but that's headcanon. (imagine little lalo riding in a car like this with his dad and his mom in a headscarf through mexico city or something...)

and no, nacho, i have never seen a girl so pretty as you.

anyway, too general. next!

national anthem: 9/10 (lalo pov) and 10/10 (nacho pov)

god, they are both so handsome! national anthem blah blah blah lalo is mexican and nacho is chicano and they probably tease each other about that. there’s already an fanvid to this but i can’t find it. a link would be appreciated! so since you guys already have it from lalo pov, i’ll do nacho.

here’s a bugatti veyron, which if nacho was alive in 2012, he definitely would have one:

“ Money is the reason we exist” yes, you are in a cartel. “Um, do you think you'll buy me lots of diamonds? ("Yes, of course I will, my darling")” nacho get over yourself and let yourself be a sugar baby!!!

seriously, you can be his housewife. you don’t have to cook and you don’t have to clean because you’ve got that wet ass pu-

dark paradise: 9/10

one that is unequivocally from lalo’s pov. i knocked a point off because we don’t have lalo canon mourning nacho and also he has no friends to tell him that he’s wrong. their relationship is definitely a dark paradise though!

nacho is dead. :(

radio: 2/10 (canon) 10/10 (the secret good version of lacho that lives in my head)

the 2/10 for canon comes from this:

nacho’s father is an immigrant who believed in the american dream and if i talk about it too long i’ll get sad, which is not the point of this. moving on!

again, nacho, give in. this could be your life. you could be sweet like cinnamon. your life COULD be like a dream you’re fucking living in. YOUR DAD DOESN’T EVEN LIKE YOU. GO TO YOUR NEW DADDY.

carmen: 0/10

this is not lacho at all. good song though and definitely applicable to other blorbos.

million dollar man: 5/10 (nacho pov) 8/10 (lalo pov)

first of all, this is a great title. i should save this for a fic. lalo is a million dollar man. he’s a seven million dollar man, actually.

i’m getting a bluebell tattooed on me i swear.

anyway, lalo didn’t break nacho’s heart so it’s not as applicable from his pov, even though he IS the most exotic flower and lalo IS screwed up and brilliant and looks like a million dollar man. here’s the fun part, though: so does nacho! therefore, it is actually better from lalo’s pov, as nacho did leave his heart broke ): 

summertime sadness: 4/10 (nacho pov) 7/10 (lalo pov)

alas, if only nacho had lived to see the summertime. he could be putting on his red dress and dancing in the pale moonlight. but he killed himself so. it is kinda applicable if you think about it as being right before his suicide, but also he told lalo he was a soulless pig and not “baby, you’re the best” so. 

but this is very lalo if lalo had the emotional ability to let himself feel sad over the betrayal. but he doesn’t! 

now if this was what comes next ‘verse....10/10 for both of them <3

this is what makes us girls: 0/10

nacho is a girl but he was hustling as a teenager, not whatever this is, so 0/10. also my least favorite song on the album.

#i'll publsih part one anyway ugh #lacho #better call saul #bcs spoilers #lacho del rey

[the-seventhmoon]

To The Ex

Hi M,

It’s been a while since we broke up. Ilang years na ba? More than 2 years na ‘no. A lot has changed sakin and I’m sure sayo rin. From what I’ve heard, you’re already a sales manager. I’m so proud of you. Soon licensed civil engineer naman. Alam ko namang kaya mo. Tita still messages me up to now and sometimes I miss your fam. I miss Monique, your two brothers (Kevin & Gab), tita, ate Ange and even your dad na binibigyan ako ng perfume kahit sinabi mo naman sakanya na di ako nagpeperfume. Hehe. I miss how you guys welcomed me to your family. How tita calls me anak too. How one plate of nachos is for me lang while the others have to share. I still talk to Monique sometimes. I miss her the most. I remember crying noon because I realized I won’t get to see her anymore. Wala narin akong cheesecakes from tita. I wanted to thank your family for treating me extra extra good. Naalala ko on our 1st anniversary, ate Ange messaged me when she learned na I won’t be able to join your fam’s swimming. I told her na I was planning to surprise you and she was ecstatic. I remember how they helped me surprise you. I remember your brothers hiding me so you won’t see me agad. Most importantly, I remember your reaction when you first saw me that day. Siguro ganun nalang tayo ngayon no? puro “I remember” nalang. You’re a good memory, Mark. You and your fam. So I would like to say na I’m grateful na nakasama ko kayo for some time. Your gf is so lucky, M. They’re very maalaga. :)

Writing this was not easy. I thought it would be but no, it brings back the pain, the memories and the what ifs. What if we didn’t broke up? What if kinaya ko pa? What if I stayed strong for us? Nag pplan na kaya tayo ng wedding ngayon? I’m sorry that I didn’t give you the proper break up that you deserve. That kinda explains why nahihirapan akong icompose to. I was planning to talk to you after ko sa thesis but a lot of things happened. By the time na medyo nakacope na ko, I felt that it’s too late to contact you.

Since I opened that topic, let me catch you up. After we broke up, I found out that my mom has a massive debt. I will not go into numbers na. My world shattered. I was coping with our breakup, stress sa school and then, yun nga, the debt. She came into my room one day tapos she just cried. We got into the point na we have to pawn her jewelries, as well as the house. The car’s gone too. Ang hirap noon, Mark. Wala ka na sakin, may problema pa sa bahay. Nawalan ako ng gana sa lahat. Ang hirap nung transition cos hindi ko naman naramdaman noon na wala kaming money. So ayun. Parang bumagsak lahat. Nothing felt right. Simula nung nawala ka sakin, nothing felt right. I was in no position din naman cos I was the one who ended things satin. Ayun.  I was supposed to graduate ng November noon, kasabay ko dapat si Monique but since nawalan na ako ng will, hindi na ako nagfunction. Hindi na ako lumaban. I even got mad kay mama. Parang twice a week, umiinom lang ako. Sometimes pumupunta lang ako ng Intra to drink. That was how I coped. Lumaban ako the next term. It helped a lot na nandyan sila Che. The girls got my back. They supported me. I swear to God kung wala sila feeling ko walang mangyayari sakin. Eventually, I graduated. I was with Ten back then. Ten was my girlfriend noon. Odiba, told you madaming nagchange sakin. Haha. I was with her then but I can’t help to think yung what ifs. Ikaw kasi kasama ko sa buong struggle ko noong college. You were the one who received my late night phone calls only for you to listen to me cry. You were the recipient of my frustrations. You were there when I failed my subjects. You were there to cheer me up whenever I’m having a hard time believing in myself. You were the sole reason why I want to move forward when everything’s shit. You were my go-to person. You were my home. You were there when I had to stay late at school for my presentations. You waited for me. Isang beses lang yun pero hinding hindi ko makakalimutan yun. You were there all the time. Maybe not physically pero I never felt alone noon. You believed in me. You validated me. You made me feel na I can do lots of things. Na ang galing galing ko kahit hindi naman talaga. You kept my heart full. Sinamahan mo ko pero hindi tayo umabot sa dulo.

M, this is the first time I’m actually addressing you. I didn’t give much thought into our breakup probably because I don’t want to have any regrets. Ayokong isipin na mali ung decision ko. Siguro kasi mapride akong bata. Alam mo naman ako. Hehe. But seeing you successful and happy, I felt like tama yung decision ko. Feeling ko rin naman at some point we will go separate paths - may pumapasok na what ifs lang talaga sa isip ko minsan. I can’t help it especially cos you’re one of the best things ever. Narealize ko lang after those failed relationships. Walang nakalamang sayo, M. You’ve treated me so good na hinahanap hanap kita minsan. Minsan nacocompare ko na kayo. At some point nasabi ko na “my ex treated me right kaya alam ko paano ako dapat itreat”; for that, I thank you. You showed me how I should be treated but I guess may mga bagay na hindi ko napalagpas noon that led to our breakup. I’m sorry, M if I didn’t give you another chance. I felt so tired noon. Naisip ko kung ito ba yung gusto ko. I’m sorry napagod akong intindihin ka. Napagod akong mag adjust. I felt so neglected that time. Naramdaman kong dagdag ako sa iisipin mo noon and that’s the last thing na gusto ko. And that became my baggage up until now. Feeling ko istorbo lang ako sa tao, nakakabother lang ako ganun. Sinabihan mo rin ako ng konting tiis pa, hindi ko makakalimutan un kasi birthday ko yun. Malungkot ka kasi wala kang mabigay sakin kada birthday ko and honestly okay lang naman. Ramdam kong you were trying. Nagpaka selfish ako noon, M. Inuna ko sarili ko. Hindi kita inisip. Iniwan kita I’m sorry. Hindi ko maimagine hanggang ngayon ung pain na nacause ko sayo. Sabi ni tita, madalas daw mainit ulo mo noon. Sabi naman ng friends mo, di ka raw nag kkwento kaya sakin sila nag tatanong. Eh alamo namang di rin ako nag kkwento. Haha. 

Nung nagbreak tayo, nahirapan ako. Sympre wala na yung everyday ko, wala na ung routine ko. And I can’t say sa mga tao noon na mahirap at masakit kasi ako yung nang iwan. Pero alamo ba, naglakad lakad ako sa mga usual places na tinatambayan naming magkakaibigan... hindi kita maalala doon. Narealize kong ako pala ung madalas nasayo. Madalas nasa school mo or malapit doon. Sa usual na pinupuntahan mo, sa inuman, sa bahay ng friends mo at kung saan saan pa. Sa bahay niyo which is understandable naman since di ka pa pwede sa house. When I realized that, mas naging strong ung decision kong wag ka nang pansinin. Na I wanted this for myself naman. I wanted to put myself first as I’ve given you all of me and I want to take myself back. I guess di ko nagawa yun. Sabi ni Lyle, after us, I had troubles giving my 100% sa relationship kaya daw nagfafail. It’s probably bcos nabuhos ko na sayo lahat. Parang ayoko na rin, M. After you, ayoko na. Napagod narin ako and hindi ko alam kung hanggang kelan ung pahingang kailangan ko. Ang hirap hirap Mark pag binigay mo ung lahat sa isang tao tapos di nagwork out. I try to go on with life pero bumabalik balik ako sa dating tayo. Namimiss ko yun. 

Meron lang ako isang question. Bakit hindi mo ko pinuntahan that night? Nasanay ka bang lagi akong okay sa mga away natin na hinayaan mo nalang ako? Ang lungkot lungkot noon, M. I felt so taken for granted na I have to take myself back.

I’m sorry for leaving you, M. Mahal kita at feeling ko hindi na mawawala yun. I will always look out for you. Siguro kung wala si Ryan noon nung nagtry kang mag reconnect sakin, baka nga nagkabalikan tayo. Akala ko nakalimutan mo na ako noon but you said nag aappear ako sa dreams mo. Gustong gusto kong mag catch up sayo. Gustong gusto kitang kamustahin, sila tita, mga friends mo at kung ano na bang mga bago sayo. Sobrang gusto ko but I don’t know why I didn’t. Again, it must have been the pride. The way you talked to me that time, ganun ka parin. You still think highly of me. Naniniwala ka parin sakin at sa mga kaya kong iachieve and honestly, hindi ko alam kung magkakaroon pa ba ako ng katulad mo sa buhay ko. Minsan namimiss kita lalo pag umiiyak ako sa gabi. Wala akong matawagan. Wala nang makikinig sakin. Kung tulog ka naman na, wala akong mabombard ng messages para lang gumaan pakiramdam ko. Namimiss ko bestfriend ko, M. Ikaw yun dati. We spent 7 years together and ang hirap kalimutan pala nun. Ilang taon na yun pero minsan namimiss parin kita. Naalala ko apologetic ka pa sakin kasi pag nagkkwento ako wala kang reaction. Sabi mo ayaw mong mafeel kong di ka nakikinig. I was over the moon whenever I’m with you. Namimiss kita - yung tayo. Yung isang message mo lang ng ‘Baby.’ alam ko nang magpapaalam ka sakin uminom. Yung magigising ako sa umaga sa mga messages mo, kinukwentuhan mo ko abt your night, sa nangyari sa inuman niyo na parang kasama mo rin ako kasi gusto mo wala akong mamiss na part. Yung walang mintis mong good morning tapos pag wala akong nareceive, panget na morning ko. Namimiss ko yung ganun, M. Yung ganung klaseng relationship. Sometimes, I miss us. Our relationship. Yung support natin sa isa’t isa ;pero we let each other do our thing. Namimiss ko yun. Pwedeng hindi na ako magkaroon ng ganun pa, pwedeng parating palang. Hindi ko alam. Kahit ano man dun, thankful na akong I get to experience that kind of love. :)

M, you’re amazing. Yes, you’ve caused me so much pain yet ikaw rin nagmahal sakin ng sobra. Unimaginable. Thank you. I don’t know if you’re my one that got away. The one na hinayaan kong lumipad palayo sakin. Pero I’m sure na you’re my one great love. Swerte ako na dumating ka sa life ko. You taught me a lot of stuff and pinatibay mo ko. I am who I am right now because of you. Sayang lang na kung kelan I’m free to date anyone, wala na tayo. Naiimagine kita pag kasama ko friends ko. Makakasundo mo sila Rg. Maiiwan kita sakanila. Masasama kita sa inom with dad. Nonstop planning siguro tayo sa mga lugar na gusto nating puntahan. Plano natin yun noon pa. Lagi mo siguro akong kasama sa mga alis niyo ng friends mo esp pag beach yan. Alam ko namang sad ka noon pag di ako nakakasama e. Nakakausap ko parin sila, btw. Si EJ, Mickee, Sid etc. Minsan tinatanong nila ako kung wala na ba talaga and kung may chance pa. Ako parin daw gusto nila for you. Hehe. Ayoko sabihing meron pa kasi baka makarating sayo. Pero honest naman ako sa naging sagot ko na baka pag sakaling magkita tayo at magkakwentuhan ulit, hindi na ako yung Steph na nakilala mo noon. At baka hindi na ako yung Steph na minahal mo noon tapos di mo na ako magustuhan :) if that happens, baka masaktan lang ako kasi naghope ako. Kaya umiwas na ako.

Masaya ako ngayon, M. I have my sad days pero masaya ako sa kung sino ako ngayon. I’m proud of myself and I think you will be too kung alamo lang yung mga nasurvive ko. Haha. Masaya rin ako para sayo. Sa mga naachieve mo. Deserve mo yun dahil alam ko kung gano ikaw kahard working. You're living a dream now. Di na ikaw ung nahihirapan gumalaw kasi wala kang money. So ngayon, goods ka na. I hope. Kung sakali mang magkita pa tayo ulit sana ngitian mo ako. At least alam ko lang na hindi masama loob mo sakin and somehow you still remember na ako ung babaeng nagpasaya sayo for 7 years. I pray na you will be happy with your life choices, deserve mo yun eh. Sana alagaan kang mabuti ng gf mo; more than sa pag aalaga ko sayo. Alagaan mo rin siya nang mabuti more than sa pag alaga mo sakin. Ibigay mo ung mga bagay na gusto mong ibigay sakin noon pero di mo nagawa. Make her happy. Take her to the moon for me, M. Ramdam na ramdam ko ung linyang ‘you built a man for someone else”. Haha. Basta galingan mo okay. Wag mo akong papahiya. At kung dumating yung panahon na lumapit ka sakin and asks for another chance, tignan natin. Hindi ko na isasara yung pinto para sayo. Pero for now, be happy M. Always always believe in yourself. Alam ko na malayo mararating mo. Hindi naman nawala ung tiwala ko sa abilities mo. I will always pray for you and your happiness. I hope you fulfill everything. Bahay, sasakyan at kung ano ano pa. Makukuha mo yan. Wag ka lang magmadali at mastress masyado sa buhay. Dont get easily discouraged. Lumaban ka lang lagi. Wala man na ako para palakasin loob mo at icheer ka pero I will always pray for you. Wag kang papadala sa emotion mo. Maging mabait ka narin kay tita. Siya naman nagpalaki sayo. Wag kang magpaconsume sa galit. I know you have the purest heart, don't let anger consume you. Mahal kita, M.

Maraming maraming salamat at mag iingat ka parati. Nandito lang ako lagi para sayo. :)

- S.T