#( yikes that took forever sorry X_X )

[the-thieves-gambit]

This family never ceased to amaze her in how close it was, and how much they cared for each other. As much as Wally made her feel like she was in a dream, it was everyone else that made her feel like it was a fantasy. Thirteen years, tradition. What was that like? Well, she would find out soon, but she still felt like an intruder when included in things like this.

❝ No ick here, ❞ She chuckled. ❝ Anyone who doesn't expect some sort of a mess when being around kids doesn't know kids. No, you sound like a great mom.❞ It was said with great sincerity. Someone whose birth mother and whose stepmother raised her the way she had, she had a bit of experience in knowing what bad parentage was, once she learned the difference that was. ❝ Believe me, I would know and I'm sure that you and your sister would totally win the Mom Olympics. Leave them all in the dust. ❞

❝ No, I've been to hotter places, I just didn't stay long. So being here for a heat wave finds me ill-prepared. ❞ Looking at some other things to try on, she couldn't help the laugh that came from her. ❝ Well, there's still time to scare me away if you need to. Yeah, he's so boring, that's why I'm here with you. ❞ The matching made her smile, she had t-shirts with cartoon characters and tv shows she only knew because of her godson and only wore when he was with her. ❝ The only time I ever match is when I'm with Orion and for that very reason, I'm always afraid that I'm going to blink and he'll be running down the way at something that interests him. I think dressing up with Di might be up my alley as long as its nothing too out there, might consider letting you two make my closet over. ❞

Shaking her head at the sibling's playfulness, she sent a simple smile and heart emoji back before placing her phone back into her pocket. It wasn't until Lena had placed her hand on her shoulder and confirmed that, that she had realized what she said. Part of her was preparing herself to be reminded her that she wasn't family, that she was just here for a short time, something other than what the other said. ❝ Yeah, ❞ she said softly taking the moment for what it was. It meaning more than it had any right to.

Like sisters do. Part of her wanted to tell her she had one, but didn't know what that was like. But this wasn't the time or place. She would accept this, a good friendship, and build some semblance of a sisterhood that she had once longed for. ❝ Pockets is a big must and I'm sure that will look great on you. ❞ She agreed before looping her arm into Lena's, the way Lena had done to her before. ❝ I think I got some good options here, ❞ she lifted her other arm with the handful of things she had found that she might like. ❝ And if anything we could always try another shop. ❞ As they made their way to the dressing rooms, she found that she was actually rather enjoying herself doing this.

@clubsmarties

"Every summer and this will be our thirteenth year. It's become tradition now when my brother isn't on location. This year may be a bit wonky since he's out on the field for a few months so I'm hoping we can at least do it after. Knowing us we may travel to him to keep the tradition alive. It's a whole family event so I'm sure Wally is going to tell you about it soon as we have a plan in motion." It was no secret to anyone close to them that not having everyone in one place was hard. Her brother and sister in law being out of town for a bit wasn't fun for any of the siblings. It also wasn't super hard to understand why Wally had taken on more home cases than ever. He had promised her daughter if any of her aunts or uncle were ever out of town that the compromise would be that Wally wouldn't leave home. At the time it seemed a bit silly but now Lena was glad that tiny little rule was in place. She couldn't handle not having more than one set out of town. Lena's smile widened and nodded her head. ❛Isn't it precious? I know a lot of people especially ones who don't like kids feel an ick about having them tug or pull or lay a hand on any part of their body. But I love it. I see it as them leaving prints of their creativity. ❜ She laughed, ❛I totally sound like one of those insane moms don't I? I feel like that in itself is an Olympic sport or it should be. How to not get dirty when you're running after little ones? Though I think I won at least silver running after my brothers and they were double trouble. Though now I feel like I'm slacking with my baby sister.❜ She mused as a laugh trickled out of her.

With a small glance up at her she smirked as she heard her repeat it. She was sure Liz would come to find no clothes month to be quite fun. Especially when they all had kid roulette. ❛What if frolicking on the beach somewhere? Is the hot climate bothersome to you? I'm glad you're here actually glad you're with us and we didn't scare you away. We're a fun bunch except Wally. ❜ She joked, knowing out of everyone he was the most fun. He catered fun and adventure to everyone's liking and was the biggest kid at heart when he was surrounded by the kids. They wouldn't have checked off things off the bucket list if it weren't for him and his ideas.

❛Don't let Di hear you. Otherwise you're closet will be stuffed with matching outfits. Though it does make it easier to find each other in a crowd. It's fun though maybe we can match colors for the festival. Would you like that?❜ Lena asked not wanting to make her uncomfortable if she didn't want to. Agreeing to her dibs she clapped her hands and smiled. ❛Perfect. Let me just text him and say ha ha sucker. ❜ She giggled and opened her phone to text Wally and smiled when he sent back an twenty second audio clip to her and then sent a cute note to Liz. The competitive nature in the family was alive and well.

Lena smiled feeling a sense of relief at her words. Though her blue green eyes sparkled when she heard family. It seemed like Wally was rubbing off on her. With an extended arm out she placed a gentle hand on her shoulders and grinned. ❛That's right. We also stick together. ❜

She looked down at the skirt dress in front of her and nodded. ❛I don't usually do denim but I like this one. It looks cute and has pockets which is what I look for. You try that on and ill try this one out. See what we both think? Do it like sisters do. ❜

[non-un-topo]

⭐

Ohh hello, I am LATE!! (per the ask game about "director's commentary" on a fic of the author's choice. Sorry it took so long for me to respond to this omg... got busy writing my latest fic and then school x_x <33)

I think I want to talk about Dying of the Light (totally not because I just re-read it on a whim and I'm having Feelings about it). It was one of the first Old Guard fics I wrote, back in January, but I didn't end up finishing it and posting it until several months later. I had 12k written, but then I just... absolutely gutted it and rewrote it and only kept about two scenes (A little bit of dialogue in the abandoned cabin, and the Pond Scene (and I'm SO glad I did. The original was about Nicky's relationship to God--or lack thereof--instead of his grief and terror from losing Quỳnh (her--and his own--"vanishing"). Basically the theme was entirely different. Plus the original was just... excruciatingly boring).

I originally had Nicky write Joe letters throughout the whole story (obvs not sending them, because he couldn't), and it was sort of through them that we saw his gradual deterioration. I almost wish I'd kept that, because the letters are lovely and gushy and all, but ehh, blegh.

Some cropped examples (that I'm v shy about but anyway):

As for the final version, I was just really curious about exploring some good old psychological trauma from intense, unresolved grief (and a wee bit of religious trauma ofc) and how that works with an immortal (and Nicky's whole putting-others-before-himself thesis that the fandom might have made up? [citation needed lol] But I love it). I packed SO many themes and motifs into that fic, I won't bother anyone with it now dfghjgfds.

Of course, I also really wanted to write a Booker & Nicky fic because at the time, there was only like... one other on ao3 and I love it so muuuuch, but there needed to be more! This was before the script came out and we all met script!Nicky and learned he and Booker act like ten year old brothers gfdgsdf.

And since I'm here, I have to share all the music I listened to while writing this!! <3

This bad boy inspired the fic from the very beginning (long af video, excellent ambience).

On the Nature of Daylight, I listened to while writing That dream Nicky has just before the Pond Scene.

The Interstellar theme.

And this beloved song which destroyed my heart. <3 Listened to while writing the dream / reality bending scenes and the ending.

Even though I wrote the whole thing in one night (minus those kept scenes), I think, like Tangerine and Roc, it's one of the fics I'm most proud of... I was deeply worried about writing something so angsty, but the responses I got to the fic just.... my heart exploded?? <33 It was the first fic I wrote that got really wonderful comments, and I'm forever thankful. Many tears were shed. Cosmic horror is one of my favourite genres and although it's hard af to write, it's sooo much fun (I... might have a thing for putting Nicky in horror stories??? Looking at my latest fic. Look, it suits him!).

Anyway, GOD do I ever talk forever. Yikes. THANK YOUUUU so much for the ask, you are lovely and wonderful, many many kisses to you!!!! <333