#drunk jesse my beloved

[jessefadenfbc]

You know something I haven’t seen that I’m really surprised I haven’t seen, drunk Jesse Fadden head cannons, you got any of those?

OHOHOHOHOHO im glad you asked!!

Jesse is a LIGHTWEIGHT. She cannot hold her alcohol at allllll. One glass of wine and shes gone laskjdklad

When Jesse’s drunk, she’s extremely giggly. 

She also schemes

And by that i mean she tries to pull pranks and shit

Shes the one to draw a sharpie mustache on the passed out drunk guys

When she gets to the FBC, normally thats Arish

Sometimes when she got drunk before finding the Bureau, she’d hook up with a random guy just to feel something

She would also steal some of their food

When she gets to the FBC, she suggests karaoke

Emily is like “ayo what” and Arish is 10000% down

Jesse and Dylan go up on the stage and sing together

Mostly rock songs from their childhood

She tries dragging Emily up too

But emilys shy saldkjsakljd

She DOES get Arish up there tho and theyre just chaotic best friends the entire time

BONUS: Emily takes Jesse home (before Jesse gets an apartment of her own; Dylan has been staying with Arish bc i ship them) and Jesse suddenly gets really shy

Emilys like “hey you alright?” but Jesses like “i think i have a crush on you but i dont want to ruin our friendship so im scared to tell you and sleep in the same bed as you”

She said that out loud btw

And emilys like :O 

But theyre both drunk 

So they dont like. Do anything

Jesse is lowkey sobering up at this point but still dizzy as they lie down

Anyway i love these two if u couldnt tell

Also, Jesse makes Bad Decisions when shes drunk

By bad decisions i mean she’d get a tattoo while drunk

the end

Thats all i got for now ksajdklasjdalk thanks for the ask!!!

[livelovecaliforniadreams]

We got to see like two of the things I feel like Jake Johnson does really really well, which is play that drama. He knows how to do it. He knows how to like be real in those moments, and he didn't get a ton of them in New Girl. He got a fair share, but not a ton, And this one is basically the entire thing. And we get to see Jake Johnson play drunk which is always the greatest thing, ever. -Hannah

[gummy-sharks666]

slumber

[thatonebirdwrites]

L-Corp and chilled scotch

The scotch pours into her cup, the chill saturates through the glass, and the temptation to just throw the glass and drink directly from the bottle taunts her yet again. She resists.

Unlike her ability to resist Kara.

Kara Danvers or rather Supergirl, the hero that is the beloved of National City.

And a habitual liar.

She throws back the scotch, the cool temperature a balm across the burn of the alcohol. Hope sits on her desk, a swirling cubical sculpture, that offers up yet another simulation for Lena to attempt.

Or would have.

The doors swing open with a bang, and Samantha Arias stands there, an expression of fury on her usually smug or gentle expressions.

"Lena Kieran Luthor," she snaps. "I am sick of you dodging my phone calls."

"Oh?" She pours herself another drink and wishes she'd told Jess to not allow anyone into her office. She'd forgotten Sam had full access to her still.

"Normally I'd just roll with it." Sam slams the doors shut, marches over and plucks the glass right out of Lena's hands. "But to ghost Ruby? Your goddaughter?"

So that's the source of Sam's fury. Lena crosses her arms over her chest.

"Now that I won't allow. Ruby adores you, Lena, and you do not get to ice her out like this."

"It's better for her," Lena starts to say, but Sam does the unthinkable. She dumps the scotch into the garbage. "Hey! That's damn good scotch you're wasting!"

"I don't want to have this talk if you're drunk." Sam sighs and presses flips her hair over her shoulder. "I think it's time Ruby and I returned to National CIty, Lena."

"No, you're will not." Lena scowls. "You have Metropolis."

"And what good is that if my best friend is currently ghosting her goddaughter, drinking her life away, and apparently mismanaging L-Corp's funds?" Sam stabs her finger at Lena's chest. "Don't think I haven't noticed that either. What the hell has you this worked up? Is it Kara?"

Lena attempts to school her face in time but the shock of Sam's very accurate guess slips out for a brief second. Long enough for Sam to catch it.

"It is Kara." The fury that Sam rode in with switches to concern. "Lena, whatever happened? You don't have to face it alone. I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you."

"You don't know what I've done, Sam," Lena says flatly. She doesn't want Sam's pity. "Would you want a murderer interacting with Ruby?"

Sam flips her hair over her shoulder again and does a rather dashing pose that reminds Lena far too much of Reign. "Guess whose body murdered dozens and destabilized Earth's climate? Yup, that's me!"

"It wasn't really you," Lena protests.

"Does it matter?" Sam gestures to the sofa, and when Lena doesn't move, she, far more gently than Lena deserves, pushes her down and settles next to her. "Reign, in my body, tried to kill Ruby. There are times Ruby looks at me, and I see fear in her eyes. That's not something we can just erase from her memory, Lena. My hands are coated in blood regardless of who did it. I must live with that, so whatever you've done? It can't be worse than that."

"I killed my brother, Sam," Lena blurts out, and is appalled at herself. She's never said it out loud like this before. Not since she shot Lex, saw his proof of Kara Danvers = Supergirl, and then lit the whole bunker on fire, sealing it forever in concrete and metal with the DNA lock. "Took my pistol, and shot him right in the chest. My own brother. And I did it thinking I was saving Kara, saving the world. But I was a fool." She looks away and reaches for the scotch.

Sam puts it out of her reach and grasps her hands instead. "You're not a fool," she says, softly. "You did what you thought was right."

"Right," Lena sneers. "What even is rightness? Do you know what it feels like to hold the pistol in your hands, Sam? To feel its heft? To smell the gunpowder, hear the bang, the gush of blood? What of that metallic smell? The acidic smoke of a body burning?"

Sam continues to hold her hands, her thumb rubbing back and forth, but she says nothing. Only tilts her head, listening.

It infuriates Lena, but she doesn't want Sam to let go. She feels unmoored, her entire body vibrating with a vicious energy, where she wants those that hurt her to bleed. But Kara can't bleed. She stronger than goddamn steel. No, she can only rip Kara apart, so that Kara has nothing. Just like Kara's damn secret did to Lena's heart.

"As he coughs up blood," she uses the most descriptive language she can in hopes it'll convince Sam to give up on her, "he dragged himself to his computer, turned on the TVs, and showed me exactly who Kara Danvers is. Lex with his dying breaths, his blood filled lungs, said I've been a goddamn fool. Unable to see what was right in front of my eyes." The tears sting her eyes, and that makes her even more angry.

Still Sam doesn't say anything.

"Say something, Sam!" Lena snaps. "Tell me that I'm a monster! A murderer. A villain! It's apparently what Kara thinks. She lied to me again and again, and this whole time she was Supergirl. Probably keeping me, the Luthor, close to make sure I stay in line. So let's be honest, let's lay it all out, don't we? I'm a villain. My family are villains, that's all I'll ever be."

Sam sighs. "No, Lena. No you were never the villain. You've always been the hero. I wouldn't be here if not for you. Ruby wouldn't be here. None of us would. You've saved so many a thousand times over." Her words rain onto Lena's desiccated heart, and the tears threaten to overflow. "And no you are not like your family. I don't know what Kara's deal is. Why she kept that truth from you, but I do know you. And you can't and won't ever be a villain."

"I killed my own brother, Sam," Lena argues.

"Yes, you told me. That doesn't make you a villain." Sam leans closer, her brown eyes intense. "I know that can change a person. Taking a life like that? It's not easy to bear. It sucks, I know."

"You don't even remember what Reign did," Lena says, irritated.

"I do actually. Not all of it, but..." The haunted look in Sam's eye floods Lena with guilt and a hint of disbelief. "When you were working to find the cure in your lab, before Supergirl barged in on us, I -- I started to recall bits and pieces. Then you somehow got both of us in that other dimension. Reign tried very hard to convince me to let go and embrace her. She pushed the memories on me. The crunch of bones in my hands, the nauseating metallic scent, the lifeless eyes still wide with fear. That -- that doesn't leave me."

"Oh." Lena's anger slowly fades into a confusing mire of bitterness and worry. "You didn't mention it."

"How could I?" Sam blinked away her own tears and gave Lena a pained smile. "I was panicking. I remember how you held me. How you reassured me that you would find a cure. You gave me hope that I wouldn't be just an alien weapon. So no, Lena, no matter what you've done, you can't be a villain. You saved me and the world, and I'm not going to let you forget it."

Lena looks down at their hands. She still hasn't pulled away from Sam's gentle touch. "Even if I'm plotting revenge? To make Kara hurt like she hurt me?"

"Even then."

"Revenge is for villains," Lena protests. Sam gives her a look that spells out how she definitely doesn't agree. Frustrated, Lena pushes forward. "Look, I've even dragged Andrea into my plot--"

"The one who viciously betrayed you?" Sam's eyebrows rose.

"The one and same. Gave her Catco." Lena couldn't hide her bitterness from her voice. "I bought it for Kara anyway. Might as well give it to someone who isn't qualified to lead it. Let it tank. Let Kara feel the pain of it. Then I'll unveil her true identity at her damn award ceremony, so the whole world can see her lies."

"Okay." Sam wraps an arm around Lena's shoulders. "So when is this ceremony?"

Lena blinks at Sam, surprised. "You're not going to talk me out of this?"

"I know you, Lena. And I know your heart. When the moment comes, you'll do the right thing. You always do." Sam smiles and the warmth of her arm melts some of the chill that had coated Lena's heart since her brother's death.

"So you're helping me." Lena isn't quite sure what to make of this development.

"I said I got your back, and I meant it."

That fractures Lena just enough that the tears escape. Sam draws her into a hug, and for the first time in weeks since her brother's death, Lena weeps.

***

The Pulitzer ceremony happens in the Art Museum downtown, their theatrical stage converted into a cocktail party. The dishes mostly variations of either French cuisine or potstickers. Thanks to Sam's assistance, Lena wove herself into the planning committee and convinced them to let her give the speech and the award to Kara herself.

Far too easy. At least for the planning portion. Andrea showed up several times to try to convince Lena to give away the surprise sooner, but Lena's firm handling of Andrea shut that down. She'd sent Andrea to Sam for an exclusive interview.

Sam, who would soon become the next CEO of the entirety of L-corp, while Lena stepped down into a pure research consultation position.

That had been Sam's idea, mostly to fix the hemorrhaging of funds issue, so Lena didn't end up investigated by the FBI. Last thing she needed right now, so instead, she'll use her private wealth and L-Corps science grants to fund her projects.

Today, she stands on the balcony, her fingers tapping through the evidence she'd found on the last of Lex's servers. The rest of his servers she'd hacked and deleted until all that was left was what she had stored in this particular tablet.

The rest of her plan involved a carefully written speech about honesty and truth, so when the news breaks, the juxaposition of her words against the truth of Kara's lies will surely destroy her like Kara's lie had destroyed Lena.

She'd practiced her speech in front of Sam and Ruby, though Ruby still had no idea why Lena was so bitter toward Kara. Sam didn't convince her to alter any parts of it, though she did ask one question that haunted Lena still:

"Is this your truth or a half-lie for Kara's sake?"

Lena had scoffed and said the latter, but Sam tilted her head as if not believing her. All her years of Luthor upbringing could not fool Sam, who somehow pierced through to her real feelings with just one look.

Now she overlooks the guests who mill about the extravagantly decorated room. The scent of savory food wafts up from below, the wine already heavy in her stomach. Kara keeps looking up at her from where she speaks with Alex and Kelly, and Lena does her best to ignore each glance.

Every time Kara looks away, Lena looks down at her and wonders. Was anything Kara shared real? Was it all an act? Those questions haunt her as much as Sam's, and she turns and walks into the backstage area.

To her dismay, Kara finds her there. Of all places for Kara to show up. Lena schools her features into delight for Kara as she speaks of how she plans to give the award speech.

Except Kara does the exact thing Lena assumed she'd never do.

She takes off her glasses. "I'm Supergirl!" Words tumble from Kara's mouth in an avalanche. "And I'm so, so sorry. I should have told you ages ago, but I loved being just Kara with you. And I was afraid to lose you, and I can't lose you. So I thought I could be just Kara with you, and I convinced myself I wouldn't lose you then.... but I've been a fool. So selfish. I've been lying to myself too. I thought I was protecting you, but I've been hurting you, haven't I? And I can't bear that. Gosh, Lena, I'm so sorry." Her tears smudging her makeup, and the repeated apology sear into Lena.

For once in her life, Lena has no idea what to say or think. Is this also an act?

"Please, Lena, say something," Kara begs.

And yet, Lena can't.

Kara apologized. Kara finally told her the truth.

What can she do with this? Surely it's not real. Just another ploy. Kara must know Lena knows. She must have slipped up somewhere, given away a clue.

And yet, the earnest grief in Kara's expression, the way she says "I just wanted to be Kara with you. Just Kara. I'm so sorry. I was wrong to lie to you all this time."

The way she begs Lena to speak, it all collides with Lena, and she feels breathless, on the verge of tears.

What does Kara even mean? To admit the wrongdoing? To admit she was being selfish?

Lex would never do such a thing. Lillian would scoff at the idea that she could be wrong.

So what does it mean for Kara to admit she was wrong? To admit she lied? To admit she had hung with Lena to play the role of human? The apology, the tears, the desperate longing in Kara's voice is unlike any apology Lena has ever heard.

She can't process it.

The host catches Lena's eye and taps his wrist. "It's almost time."

Lena takes the opportunity and steps around Kara. Her feet move for her, and she follows the host to the back of the stage, hidden by the red curtains. She hurriedly wipes the tears from her eyes, and touches up her make-up.

The truth in the tablet weighs heavy in her hands. She steps onto stage at her cue and places the tablet on the podium. The send button glares up at her, and her fingers hover over it.

The crowd lines up in rows in front of the stage. Kara stands next to Alex and Nia. Kelly, Brainy, and J'onn stand off to one side, and in the corner of the crowd, leaning against a pillar, Sam stands.

Kara's eyes are still red from her tears, her make-up fixed.

The speech rolls off Lena's tongue like sour candy. She's practiced it enough that the emotive moments come out as planned.

It's Sam's expression that cuts Lena far more than the rising hope in Kara's. Sam's expression burns with an intensity, as if she sees into Lena's soul, knows exactly her indecision.

Lena's finger hovers. One tap and the whole world will know the truth.

And yet her finger refuses to touch the screen.

Kelly glances between her and Kara, her brow furrowed. Does she know?

Alex knows definitely.

Does Brainy? He stands rigid slightly behind Nia, where the young reporter smiles up at Lena. Did they know?

J'onn has his arms crossed, and surely he knew.

Was any of her 'friends' real?

Beyond them, the crowd shifts and edges closer. Dozens of faces upturned to hear her speech, to hear her speak of the virtues of Kara, to listen to her extol on honesty and truth, and to lay that at Kara's feet.

As if Kara was truthful and honest. As if she truly deserved this award.

And yet, her heart betrays her. She drops her hand next to the tablet. Pauses to take a breath. This is it. She needs to do it now, but her hand doesn't hit send. Instead, she exits the program, picks up the award from its case, and steps out from behind the podium.

"And so I present to Kara, the Pulitzer Prize, for her truthful reporting of my brother's deadly actions, and for unveiling the reality of bigotry against alien communities." She stresses 'alien' and looks at Kara.

Kara, the one person who somehow broke through all her defenses, her stole away her heart faster than anyone prior. Even with Jack, the love had been a slow build, but with Kara? Lena had fallen for her in that first meeting in her office.

How could she not? Kara's warmth, how she'd admitted to understanding Lena's situation, an understanding Lena thought she'd never have beyond Jack and Sam.

Memories of their times together deluges Lena, and tears escape. She wants it all to be real so badly.

Kara steps forward, hope in her expression, and that tears Lena's heart even more.

With shaking hands she gives the award to Kara. In front of everyone, in front of the cameras, in front of the world watching this very moment, Kara grasps her arms instead.

"Lena," she says, her voice trembling, "Lena, thank you. I -- I couldn't do this without you. I can't do this without you."

The words leap from her lips, unplanned, unscripted. Her heart betraying her yet again. "You will always have me as a friend."

Kara sweeps her into a hug, presses a kiss to Lena's forehead, and she can't help but sink into the warmth.

She wants this to be real.

Oh god, she needs this to be real.

But the pain of the lie overshadows her, and she struggles against tears. Struggles to hold back her grief, her agony.

Her shattered heart cuts her to pieces, her body a betrayal, and yet she doesn't want to let go. Doesn't care who sees her. She wants this to be real.

She needs this to be real. She needs Kara.

And yet, Kara destroyed her. Destroyed her more than the gunshot to Lex's chest.

She pulls back, her body trembling, and she presses a kiss to Kara's cheek. Kara's sharp intake of breath slices deep, coils in Lena's belly. How can she resist Kara?

Why can't this be real?

The universe takes pity on her. An alien bursts into the room through a bubbling silver-blue portal. Energy arcs toward them, and Kara shifts them so it hits her back. They tumble in a heap to the ground, the wind knocked out of Lena's lungs. Her tablet goes skidding into the curtains. She gasps as pain briefly shoots up her back.

Kara sweeps Lena to her feet, and pushes her into the curtains. They stumble out of sight.

Kara rips off her glasses. Nanites ripples over clothes, and the supersuit -- pants edition -- blooms over her body. "I got this. Please, get to safety, Lena."

Alex and J'onn calmly give orders, while Kara -- as Supergirl -- bursts out from the curtains to tackle the other alien.

Lena snags her tablet and stumbles through the backstage, dazed. Her head spins from where she'd hit the floorboards. Her path takes her away from the clamor of fighting, and she tumbles into a side gallery. There a growing crowd, guided by Alex and several security guards, stream toward an exit sign.

Kelly reaches her side before Sam. "Are you all right?" Kelly looks her over with the practiced eye of a medic.

Lena nods, but when Sam wraps an arm around her as if sensing her unsteadiness. She lets herself lean against Sam. Lets her and Kelly guide her to safety. Behind her, the crashes shake the floor under them. The walls crack.

Alex orders the guards to continue evacuating, pauses only to kiss Kelly's cheek, and rushes into the other room.

This isn't real.

Whatever she has with Kara, it can't be real.

Kelly turns to her, and her question cuts through Lena's shock. "Where's Kara?"

Lena stares at Kelly.

"Wasn't she with you?" Kelly scans the crowd, worried.

Kelly doesn't know. The truth takes the breath from Lena's lungs. Kelly doesn't know.

Lena isn't the last after all.

Sam puts a hand on Kelly's shoulder. "I'm sure Alex reached her."

Kelly shook her head. "How? She was guiding the others out."

Lena watches herself say, "Kara is safe. She ducked backstage." A lie that protects Kara and only leaves Kelly further in the dark.

"I'll send security her way then. She needs to get out safely." Kelly turns and snags a guard.

Lena watches Kelly say, "Can you look for Kara Danvers? Last seen backstage." Watches and says nothing.

Sam's hand grips her shoulder. "You kept her secret," she whispered.

Sam doesn't know what Lena did with the tablet. Lena looks down at the tablet still in her hand. She could still do it. Andrea waits for her transfer at Catco.

Instead, she slams the tablet against the wall. It cracks the screen. Again and again she shatters it. The pieces tumble to the ground, only stopping when Sam grasps her hand and pulls the wrecked tablet from her grip.

Numerous people have turned to stare at her, but a guard breaks the sudden stillness with a sharp command, "Move now!"

Another boom shakes the side room, and the panicked whispering, the urgent rush begins again.

Sam takes her arm and leads her to the exit.

Kelly follows, and they tumble out of the museum into daylight. The chorus of the city saturates Lena's senses, and the words from Sam and Kelly are drowned in the rumble of engines, calls of birds, panicked cries from the crowd, the yelling of fervent guards.

Lena sees only the look of hope in Kara's eyes. She closes her eyes, sways, and the moment overtakes her. She faints.

***

Sam and Kelly sit on the lip of the ambulance, while Lena endures the examination of a paramedic. She says nothing, doesn't explain her faint, only deals with the tests.

The IV fluids chill her veins, but she doesn't refuse like normal.

Why did she lie to Kelly? Why did she keep Kara's secret?

Andrea will be livid. She has nothing to give Andrea now. The only evidence lay on the destroyed tablet.

Why? She has no answer to her own question.

Someone speaks to her, but the words dance around her. It takes several long minutes before the words collapse into meaning in her brain.

"-- possible shock." The paramedic speaks.

"I know." Sam sounds tired and worried. "But she's very much against hospitals. I can take her to her private doctor for those tests."

"I'm a certified medic," Kelly adds. "I can handle it if she won't go in." She gently puts a hand on Lena's shoulder. "Unless you are all right with --"

"No." The word comes with great difficulty. "I do not need the hospital." She feels as if she watches someone else speak with her lips.

Sam takes control and tucks her into her car.

Kelly rides with them, and they head to Lena's private doctor. Despite her worry for Alex, Kelly stays with Lena. Speaks to her gently. Offers kind words of support. Briefly texts Alex, but Lena sees the text and it contains nothing about Lena's situation.

"Thank you." Lena shivers and wraps the blanket tighter around herself. It's white, the fabric scratchy, but its from the ambulance so she doesn't expect any better. "I --" Lena can't finish the sentence.

She feels caught in a loop.

Why couldn't she do it?

The plan had been flawless. Perfect.

And yet, here she was, keeping Kara's secret. She was now an accomplice, and this time it was Kelly she kept in the dark. Unless Kelly too was an actress. No, she can't let that continue, can she? Can she truly do this to another?

Wouldn't keeping the lie only hurt Kelly like it hurts Lena now? No, she can't do that to Kelly.

She waits until the blood tests are taken, until after her doctor looks her over and orders to take a few days of rest, until Kelly and Sam lead her into her penthouse.

As soon as the door shuts, she turns to Kelly and asks the fateful question. "Did you know Kara is Supergirl?"

Kelly blinks and stares at Lena. "What?"

"Did you know too? Did everyone now but me?" She wants to be angry. To draw forth the pain into a blade of fury, but her words come out broken.

She wanted Kara to bleed and yet she'd failed.

Kelly shakes her head. "Are we talking about Kara Danvers? Her?"

Sam sighs. "I'm making us tea. Rest means laying down, Lena." She points to the sofa.

Lena frowns but dutifully sits down.

Kelly stands in the entryway still. "Alex never said," she says, finally.

"Kara only told me today," Lena admits. For that is the truth. "Right before my speech."

"I see." Kelly meets Lena's gaze. "I had no idea. I'm sorry, Lena. Are you all right? To learn something that jarring about your girlfriend? I -- I know how painful that can be."

Girlfriend? Lena stares at Kelly. Girlfriend?

Kelly thinks Kara and her are dating?

Lena's thoughts screech to a halt. "No," she says and lays down. She rests her arm over her eyes, and shuts out everyone. Whatever Kelly or Sam say, she ignores. She refuses food, refuses everything, and curls up under the shitty blanket.

***

Two days huddled on the sofa, and Lena feels like a truck has driven over her back again and again. Her sofa is perhaps the worst thing in the universe for sleeping, but Lena hadn't felt like getting up.

Sam stayed. Ruby joins them, and between the two of them, they coax Lena into eating and drinking some juice.

Sadly, no scotch. Sam hid it.

At one point, Kara shows up, but Sam turns her away. Alex comes by next, and Sam turns her away too.

"Aunt Lena," Ruby sits next to her as they watch a documentary on the wall television. "Are you feeling sick still?"

Lena looks at the thirteen year old. Is that what Sam told Ruby? In a sense, she feels like death warmed over, even if it's not a physical illness. The anger that had fueled her plan had collapsed into a malaise so deep that Lena wishes she could just cease existing.

"Yes." It's the most she's spoken in two days.

"We can make your favorite soup again. I've gotten better at it. Mom's been teaching me." Ruby attempts a smile. "And I made you something. Maybe it'll help you feel better?" Ruby digs into her backpack, that sits at her feet, and pulls out a framed drawing.

Lena takes it and tears overwhelm her.

It's a drawing of Sam, Ruby, and herself in the L-Corp office. The colors are vibrant, the expressions emotive, and it's beautiful. The last time someone had given her art was Kara.

"What do you think?" Ruby's words hold uncertainty.

Lena grasps Ruby's hand. "It's beautiful," she says, softly. "Thank you." The pre-teen grins, and the pain, for a little while, recedes. She lets Ruby pull her up, plays along with finding a home for the drawing, and together they hand it above the mock fireplace. The same place where her photo her herself and Kara had sat.

She doesn't deserve this kindness.

That evening, Sam convinces her to finally go to bed. "Your back will thank you."

Lena gifts her a faint smile. "Fine."

"And I'll handle L-Corp. Don't worry about a thing, okay?" Sam shakes a finger at her. "You need to rest. Doctor's orders you know."

Normally she'd scoff and dismiss it. Normally, she'd buckle up and go in anyway. Normally, she'd push aside her emotions and work herself to the bone.

But the malaise has sunk its fingers deep. Lena only nods, and slips under the covers to hide once more. For the rest of that day, she reviews events. Reviews emotions. Reviews what she can recall.

What is real?

Can she ever trust Kara again?

She loves her still, and it hurts so much. Hurts more than even her brother's death.

She's stained, her heart fractured, and she doesn't know what to do next.

If only she could cut the pain out of herself, to stop the dishonesty so no one else will suffer.

For the first time in days, she leaves her room and takes out her laptop. She types up a tentative plan, works out a simulation, and sends it to Hope, her AI.

Sam finds her deep in coding at the dining table. It's late, the sun long set, and shadows etch across her walls. The television hums with a game as Ruby plays in the other room.

The soup Sam sets down smells delicious, but Lena only glances at it.

"What are you working on?" Sam pulls up a chair.

"What if I could code a way to end suffering?" Lena asks. Her fingers dance across the keys as she looks over Hope's simulation data. It didn't go as she hoped, so she's altering the algorithms. "To make it so no one lies, no one hurts another."

"A code to end suffering," Sam repeats. "Lena, are you suggesting mind control?"

"As if." Lena frowns and glances at Sam. "People can still do what they want. This would just prevent them from hurting anyone."

"That's still mind control."

Frustrated, Lena slaps her laptop shut. "Then what do suggest I should do to end suffering?"

"I think you're asking the wrong question," Sam says gently.

"Oh?" Lena crosses her arms and glares at Sam. "And what should I be asking?"

"I don't know." Sam stirs the soup and pushes it toward Lena. "You should eat. Ruby says you haven't touched any food today."

"I'm fine, Sam."

"Are you? It's okay to not be okay, Lena. You don't have to be strong for this. That's why we're here. You can lean on us. You can be honest with us. We're not going anywhere."

Sam's earnest words sear into her, and Lena looks away, unable to bear the sincerity, the kindness.

"I'm a murderer, Sam," Lena murmurs. "And I'm running simulations that you claim is mind control. I think we should be honest. I'm a villain after all."

"No, you're hurting, and you being, well, you, you're trying to science your way out of the pain. But that's not how it works." Sam gently pushes a lock of hair from Lena's face. "How about this. Let's brainstorm new projects. The more ridiculous the higher the score. I bet I can beat you." She smiles. "I'll even wager money on this."

Lena stares at Sam. "Wagering money that you can beat me on generating ideas? Sam, you'll lose. I'm the queen of ideas."

"Oh? Then prove it." Sam stands and snags several pads of paper. She shoves one at Lena with a violet pen. "Get generating, Lena. Because you're about to be out..." Sam pauses then grins, "... out a hundred dollars."

"Two hundred that I'll leave you in the dust," Lena snaps, unable to resist the competition. She's the one with the two degrees, while Sam only had an accounting degree. How dare Sam claim she can generate better ideas than Lena herself.

"Two hundred and fifty I'll beat you in volume."

Lena growls and furiously starts to write. For the next four hours, she and Sam pit their wits against each other. Papers get taped to the wall, doors, and windows. Ruby cheers them on and makes popcorn as Sam and her shout more and more unhinged ideas.

When Lena suggests nanite-made clothes that instantly clean when dirtied, Sam shoots back an idea of nanite cloth competitions for the most dazzling display of fashion prowess.

Lena tacks to the wall an idea to build a massive portal to send ships to Mars or the moon for colonies and lessen the stress of overpopulation on the ecological systems of Earth.

Sam ups her with portals to other solar systems and documentaries to showcase the work of the mechanics and scientists.

Lena throws the suggestion of science competitions amongst other planets, and the winner gets a grant to build whatever they desire.

Sam suggests competitions to build the biggest train in the solar system, one so big that it fits the moon inside.

Lena counters with an engine that could power such a massive train.

Sam slaps onto the wall her idea of a massive party on such a train, to bring the wonders of pop and rock music to the corners of the galaxy.

By this point, Lena is laughing and tempted to tape her Sam's mouth shut. They've reached an impasse, for each idea Lena generates, Sam twists it to something silly, and even Ruby struggles to decide who wins the round.

"Fine!" Lena throws the last of her pad into the air. "We're tied."

"Are we?" Sam turns to her daughter. "Ruby, as our judge, what is your assessment?"

Ruby spends several minutes tapping her lip as if deep in thought. "I declare...." She pauses for dramatic effect, "A tie. Both your list of ideas are fantastic, and I kind of hope you do some of them Aunt Lena."

Lena looks at the mess that is now her penthouse, how so many unhinged schematics adorn the walls, the lines of ideas that overlap each other, and it's so against her Luthor upbringing that she laughs. Laughs and laughs at the absurdity of her situation.

She decides to keep the ideas where they are.

To remind herself that even in moments of great pain, nuggets of joy can still be found.

Though she will not be building a massive space train big enough for moons, just for all the celebrity popstars to host concerts for other solar systems. No matter how much Ruby and Sam beg.

She has some pride, thank you very much.

[arson4kids]

𝒜𝓇𝓂𝓎 𝒟𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝓈 ⋆

warnings: sorry y'all this fic is ANGSTY, multi-part series (it's gonna get better trust), bad writing (sue me), mentions of heavy drinking & (light) drug use, mentions of depression, mentions of blood & death, PTSD/panic attacks, ellie needs a hug, more closed off ellie and reader, ellie and reader were never really friends, reader isn't masc or fem (sorry), eventual smut. NOT PROOF READ.

wc: 1620

approx. read time: 12.5 minutes

a/n: sorry i disappeared to those who follow me/read my fics on occasion. i've had zero motivation to write lately. this is more to set the stage for the rest of the series so there isn't much dialog. go easy on me yall i barely write stuff on here.

synopsis: Ellie, having been gone in Santa Barbara for so long, doesn't get the warm welcome she was hoping for. In fact, she's become more of a stranger in her own home that she wonders if she should have never come back. Without means of escape from this new hellish reality...she turns to you for help.

The day she came back couldn't have gone worse. Everyone thought she had died, and you were starting to wonder if people wished she did. Her arrival into Jackson was met with nothing but hostility. Dina refused to speak to her, let alone look at her. The sight was surely something to behold. A once beloved member of the small survivor's community now shunned and shut out. You couldn't say you were surprised.

The day she had left Dina had taken up her things and her young son and marched right back into Jackson. She wasted no time telling everyone exactly what happened. It was safe to say Tommy and Maria didn't last long after that. People stopped regarding Ellie as a mourning girl trying to find closure. She was looking more and more like a monster in the eyes of the town the longer time passed. People began to blame her for the death of Jesse and Dina's growing depression. Some people even came to blame her for Tommy and Maria's separation. The town was already in shambles before she came back. And it was safe to say her return didn't help.

Now, you couldn't say you knew her personally. Sure the two of you hung out and got drunk on occasion after patrols. She would invite you over every once in a while to watch cheesy action movies with her. You'd help her in the stables when she needed it. You considered her a friend of sorts, but you two weren't close by any means. You couldn't even recall her favorite colour. But that didn't prove to soothe the dull ache in your chest as Maria yelled at her openly out in the town's square. You swore you saw a tear drop from the auburn haired girl's eye. She had gone through so much, but who were you to comfort her? That wouldn't get you anywhere. Once Maria finished speaking Ellie held her head up despite everything, marching past you and the others without a second glance. You didn't know how long this would last. Hopefully not long.

.

.

.

Despite her efforts, she couldn't do anything anymore. She was forbidden to go on patrols. Maria even refused to put her on farming rotation. She was forced to live fully isolated from everybody. Even when she did leave the house, nobody treated her like they once did. A passing glance from an older woman. Children bowing their heads and diverting their gazes. Dina pulled her curtains shut when Ellie so much as looked in her direction. Even Kat was avoiding her like the plague. So when you were the last one on the block that wasn't turning and running...you gave her a small smile.

At first, she didn't seem to care. She'd bow her head or give you a small nod. Possibly a passing grunt. But as time went on she began warming up to you. Maybe it was because she had no one else. Maybe she was desperate. Whatever it was, you were all she had. Well, not really. All she had in her mind was her whiskey and her thoughts to keep her company. You could smell it on her breath when she walked by. You could sometimes even pick up traces of...weed? Was she ever sober anymore? You doubted it. You almost couldn't blame her.

The days began to fade into weeks and Ellie got no better. She barely left the house anymore, when she did it was merely to get wasted and go back home. You could feel your stomach twisting into knots whenever you saw her stumbling back out onto the streets some afternoons after your patrol. She barely looked like herself anymore. She was thin. Her once fair skin now holding a sickly glow to it. The circles under her eyes only got darker the more she drank. She'd surely drink herself straight to the grave at this rate. Could she even care? You couldn't be sure.

Despite your friend urging you not to, you followed the pale girl into the bar one evening. You had to see the end of this. You couldn't give a flying fuck what people thought about you after this. You weren't going to sit by and watch this once spirited girl drink herself away just because everyone else could. How could you live with yourself if you did?

It didn't take you very long to spot her once you were in there. The bar was mostly empty as it usually was on weekdays, only a few drunk men were silently slumped over tables or aimlessly chatting each other up. The dull buzz of conversation didn't distract you as you watched her sitting alone in the back corner. Her hand on her cheek, she sat silently as she tried to eat some crackers, an already empty glass of whiskey by her left hand. The sight was so pitiful in itself you almost couldn't watch.

Taking a deep breath and forcing all your doubts aside, you slowly approached her table. Her eyes were quick to follow you even before you got close enough to speak. It made you uneasy as you took the seat across from her. She furrowed her brow, maybe out of confusion. You couldn't tell. You quickly cleared your throat to hopefully ease the sudden tension between the two of you. It hung heavily in the air, much like the smoke of an old cigar. Overbearing. Suffocating.

"Hey." You finally forced yourself to choke out, trying to play it cool. Ellie set her cracker aside, meeting your gaze.

"Hey." She replied, her tone much like yours. Unsure. You felt bad for her. How could you not.

"How's it going?" You asked, as if it wasn't already obvious. You wanted to kick yourself as you heard the auburn haired girl scoff and straighten herself out in her chair. You half expected her to yell at you and tell you to leave her alone so her response caught you off guard.

"Y'know. Just great." She laughed bitterly. Your heart swelled with guilt. Maybe this went deeper than you thought.

"Do you maybe want to talk about it?"

"About what?"

You thought a moment before responding, swallowing a lump in your throat you didn't even know was there.

"What happened...out there."

Ellie furrowed her brow as you spoke. You could hear her tapping her heal against the cool wooden floor of the bar.

"You mean in Santa Barbara?" Ellie simply shook her head.

"I don't think so."

Her response, while you were slightly disappointed, was expected. You didn't expect her to open up to you.

"Well is there anything I can do so you don't have to do this?" You asked, gesturing to the empty glass of whiskey. Ellie glanced up at you. She almost seemed surprised you brought it up. A nervous pit formed in your stomach as the silence returned. Her sudden shift in attitude told you all that you had to know. She couldn't trust you. And you wouldn't force her to. You stood to leave and almost yelped when you felt a sudden warm hand clasp around your wrist. You were saddened when you met Ellie's near desperate gaze when you looked back over to her. Her grip on you tightened as her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.

"Please..." She nearly whimpered. "Don't leave me alone."

You never expected this from her, considering how aloof she was normally. You gently loosened her grip on your arm.

"Do you want to come home with me? We can watch Jurassic Park or some shit."

.

.

.

When you invited her back to watch a movie, you didn't think it'd end with her sobbing into your chest as she spilled all the gruesome details of the past few years to you. She told you about Joel's death and how that led to the events of Seattle, her time at the farm with Dina and how she thought she would stay there forever before she left for Santa Barbara. With each of her hot tears against your skin brought a new story from her. You almost thought she was having a panic attack thanks to how much and how long she had been sobbing. You didn't have the heart to stop her. All you could do is hold her against you and hope that you were providing her with a small amount of comfort just by being there. You would have sat up with her all night if she asked you to. You almost did until the poor girl ended up falling asleep right in your arms from sheer exhaustion. You didn't have the heart to push her away.

.

.

.

From that night on, Ellie stayed with you. She had made herself at home slowly in your guest bedroom. She finally started to heal. People were starting to lessen up on her, even if it was only slightly. That almost didn't matter to her anymore thanks to your ongoing support. She even had the chance to formally talk to Dina and see her son again. All of this started to lull Ellie into a form of peace she never thought she'd reach again. It brought you peace as well.

While all of this was going on, you couldn't help but notice how much closer Ellie was getting to you. It started with friendly greetings and holding your hand to her talking to you late at night while she played with your hair. You were stating to question what she meant to you. What you meant to her. You almost felt guilty for thinking you were anything more than just a friend to her. But, only time could tell, right?

[saltnsugarbear]

saltnsugarbear's promptober masterlist!

okay hi hello I've decided to do my beloved Olive's bearblr promptober and we're almost done with September wish me luck!!

to start, I've marked off a few I personally am not interested in because they're not things I'm personally into!

second, feel free to ask for whomever! this is not strictly for The Bear or Shameless! I will write for whoever is on either of my fandom lists!

if there isn't a name by it, the prompt is fair game! (unless striked out)

pumpkin divider by one @strangergraphics

1. scary movie - Lip Gallagher

2. choking - Richie Jerimovich (18+)

3. apple picking - Victoria Neuman

4. temperature play

5. vampire - Fiona Gallagher

6. carving pumpkins - Lip Gallagher

7. orgasm control - Heretic!Lip Gallagher (18+)

8. autumn leaves - Jess Mariano

9. impact play

10. rain soaked - Heretic!Lip Gallagher

11. corn maze - Richie Jerimovich

12. blindfolds

13. hot cocoa + baking -

14. somnophilia

15. free space!

16. bonfire

17. dumbification - Fiona Gallagher (18+)

18. candlelight - Carmy Berzatto

19. only one bed - Carmy Berzatto

20. slow morning - Fiona Gallagher

21. spiked cider (drunk confession) - Sydney Adamu

22. costumes - Richie Jerimovich

23. dacryphilia - Carmy Berzatto (18+)

24. haunted house - Sugar Berzatto

25. size kink - boxer!Lip and camboy!Lip (18+)

26. coffee shop

27. nightmares - Sam Riordan

28. sick day - boxer!Lip Gallagher

29. corruption - Lip Gallagher (18+)

30. sweaters (sharing clothes) - Carmy Berzatto

31. trick or treat - Richie Jerimovich

[saltygilmores]

Thoughts While Watching Gilmore Girls: Season 2, Episode 17, "Dead Uncles and Vegetables", Part 3

Part 1 Part 2 All Episodes

Please, sir, there is nothing I wish to see more than Miss Patty drunk with power.

How big was it again, Babette?

Nothing brings me greater pleasure than when Luke and Jess exchange silent glances like “Can you believe this corny shit?” The meeting is being held to discuss the feud between Taylor and the Hippie with the farmers market. This seems like a personal dispute that could have been an email.

At the meeting Taylor Karens harder than he's ever Karen'd before.

Why don't you mind your god damn beeswax, Rory-No-Job-Gilmore. This is getting old and frankly kinda weird. I’m really raring for one of those delicious scenes where Jess or Dean takes her down a peg.

After the meeting adjourns, The Convention of the Male Karens + a wildly out of place Kirk meet outside in order to remind Luke what a piece of shit his uncle was and that they’re not going to his funeral. Taylor sure sounds confident that the people of Stars Hollow won’t also spit on his grave and sing a happy song when he croaks. Frankly I don't even think there will be a grave. I've always envisioned Taylor being stuffed into a sack and tossed over his beloved bridge to become swan food along with Shane, who Jess slaughtered after the Dance Marathon.

There isn’t enough rock throwing in this show. In my gritty unrated Gilmore Girls reboot titled The Hollow, more people will throw rocks at Taylor Doose.

I paused just so I could enjoy a few moments of anticipation before she reveals what the exciting Early 2000's internet application is.

Golly! I miss this early 2000's optimism about a Future with Internet.

It's streaming in right now, but sorry Lorelai, she can't send you any pictures of Prague. Corporate tech overlords have deecreed that picture taking is forbidden and must be blocked with a blacked out screen of death. No Prague for you.

Omg.

Out of Context Gilmore Girls.

Sookie: Your mom is getting me 50% off of everything. Lorelai: Yes, but 50% off of loads of money is still loads of money. You don't have that much to spend. Pretty rich coming from “Miss orders take out and diner food 3 times a day."

But when is it ever the WRONG time for you to meddle in people's business? It's a 24/7/365 job for you. And your daughter is quickly on her way to being crowned the next Little Miss Meddler. Sookie understandably has some questions about why Jackson would go to Lorelai Gilmore for wedding planning concerns. Sookie also realizes she can't afford the grandiose wedding that Emily got her into and tries to run damage control. Lorelai tells Sookie that her mother brainwashed her. That's rich coming from Miss "Brainwashed By Dean Forrester".

DIS BITCH IS LEAVING WORK AGAIN! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!

She’s leaving work to help Diner Guy look at coffins!!! Get HR on the phone!

That's what he said.

Scott Patterson without a hat is...mildly off putting.

Is this what you wanted Rory? Are you happy now? Baby is miserable! But you got your damn coffee servant, now start tipping him! I made a video clip of this delightful interaction so please check it out. Milo's "No's" are so acidic they could strip paint off the wall. He needs to win in an Emmy for his No's. They are so good. You can watch my Jess Says No compliation here.

Jess Mariano: Toils in the coffee mines every day and night before and after school for sub minimum wage and eventually, on top of working a second job, minds his business, dutifully pours your coffee, no chit chat, all business. No one tips him. Lorelai Gilmore: Does a mediocre job taking orders for 1 hour and gets a 4 star Yelp review because she's Quirky. Lorelai to me, TWWGG: What's a Yelp? Me: Nevermind.

Rory, I mean this in the kindest, gentlest way possible, because I know you are a sensitive soul... Fuck all the way off. Fuck you and also your boyfriend and your mother (okay, she's not that bad in this episode). The "Get back to work" routine wasn't cute the first time when he was trying to enjoy a few precious moments to himself before school, but now he's literally working. He's like a foot away from you. Let the boy go upstairs and jerk off, sheesh. What a weird z-plot.

Rory works a job for two days and becomes drunk with power.

I really hope that when Lorelai goes back to work, Michel has some choice French curse words for her after leaving him in a lurch to cover her shift 3 times in a week for Diner Guy.

Hey look Rory, a job opening! You gonna apply or what?

This was really sweet.

So many things are throwing off the balance of the Gilly Girls Universe lately. Rory gets a job and becomes a control freak. Rory pays for her food. Lorelai dispenses reasonable advice. Lorelai's meddling is at a minimum. Lorelai is uncharacteristically pleasant. Dean is nowhere to be found (is that why Lorelai is so tolerable?) Scott Patterson without a hat.

[percsane]

ˋˏ 𝐂𝐀𝐍’𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐏 𝐌𝐘𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅 ˎˊ

𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐈: 𝐅𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃

— pairing: ellie williams x black coded!reader

— story synopsis: after meeting joel and ellie in pure coincidence, you tag along with the pair, having nowhere else to go. ellie doesn’t seem too fond of you, but something about her dares you to see why.

— chapter synopsis: while joel and tommy are patrolling, Y/N is left with ellie and jesse.. but when the pair take too long to come back, she’s left restless.. until she isn’t.

— story warnings: angst, fluff, eighteen plus only content, tlou2 ellie, marijuana usage, death, suicide mentions, mean!ellie, nicknames used: ‘babe’, ‘sweetheart’, etc. father figure!joel

— chapter warnings: angst, spoiler warning for tlou2, mean!ellie, death, heartache, mentions of violence, mentions of cheating.

THE MORNING’S COLD shook Y/N awake, letting her eyes focus into the light surrounding her bright room.

“Shit… what time is it.” low grumbles escape from the heavy-eyed girl. Rubbing her eyes to help her adjust to being awake, she turns over, looking at her clock.

“Shiiiiitttt.” she lets out a defeated groan, already knowing how late she’s woken up.

And right as she thinks that,

“KNOCK KNOCKK, GET UP KID! GOT SOME SHIT TO SPILL!” Jesse knocks.

‘God I can hear the smile in his voice.’ she thinks, throwing her pants and jacket on.

Once she opens the door, she’s met with a smug-faced ass Jesse.

“Get inside, go go!” He urges, chuckling to himself.

“Boy, what is it?” She asks, putting her stuff in her bag.

“So, two things. One, our beloved Ellie got into a little.. schwabble with Seth. But! But.. it gets even better. Get this, Ellie and Dina kissed last night.” Jesse spills, pacing around her room.

Jesse, Maria and Joel were the only people who knew that Y/N didn’t exactly… hate Ellie.

“And why do I need to know this, Jess?” She sighs impatiently.

“Just thought you’d wanna know about how my girlfriend and your girlfriend are hooking up- HEY!” He winces, after having a book thrown at him.

“Jesus christ, Jesse! Shut the hell up, she’s not my girlfriend if she can’t even stand to be in the same room as me for whatever fuckin’ reason.” She rolls her eyes, wanting to say more but biting her tongue.

“And, dude, Dina’s not ya girl no more.” She chuckled, having the same book that was thrown at Jesse, thrown back at her.

“Yeah.. yeah I know.” He shrugs it off.

Y/N could tell he didn’t want to not be with Dina, but she knew that he’d be okay.. it was mutual, they both thought being friends would be best.

She would never admit it out loud, but the thought of Ellie and Dina made her.. upset. She hated this, hated her.. hated that she couldn’t.. wouldn’t have her.

”Alright! You got everything?” Jesse asks, having you nod in confirmation.

As the two walk into town, they start continuing their conversation.

“You know, El’s like the talk of the town right now.. her and Dina that is.” Jesse exhales, watching the liquid form of his breath make mist in the cool air.

“Are you really cool about that.. I mean.. Ellie’s ya friend..? Why would you be okay with her kissing up on Dina like that.” She scoffs. rubbing her cold hands together.

“Well.. for one.. Dina kissed her.. for two, they were drunk.. annddddd I don’t really know the third reason.. I guess I’m just not really that bothered by it.” He shrugs.

She takes notice of his calm nature, it’s strange how he doesn’t care.. before the whole.. outbreak, in your own little world, things like that mattered. Loyalty was shown in order to consider someone your friend where she was from.

Jesse had shown her more loyalty to last a goddamn lifetime.

“And well.. I talked to Ellie. Promised her everything’s alright. Her and I are cool, alright Y/N/N? You don’t have to worry..” Jesse smiles as they approach the tavern.

Once the pair walks in, they’re immediately met with Maria, Ellie, and Seth. They look towards each other before snickering amongst themselves, looking back at the trio.

Y/N watches the awkward encounter with Seth and Ellie, cringing to herself.

Once the two settle whatever beef they had, Seth hands Ellie two sandwiches. Ellie, already noticing Jesse and Y/N handed them to Jesse, and of course Jesse being Jesse, he proudly accepted.

As they all leave the tavern, Y/N can feel eyes staring holes into her back.. when she turns around she sees Ellie looking at her with a complacent look on her face, making Y/N scoff, turning her head back around.

Once they’re out the tavern, Maria asks Jesse to switch positions with Joel and Tommy, though Y/N isn’t engaged in the conversation, she is listening.

“Well I already planned to check the creek trails, so someone is gonna have to cover that for me if I switch positions.” Jesse presses his lips together with a shrug.

“Well.. Y/N knows the area better than I do.. maybe she should do it with Ellie?” Jesse smirks, bumping your side as you take one headphone out, giving him a stink look.

“I guess..” Ellie shrugs.

“Great! You two can come over to the stables.” Maria smiles, rubbing Y/N’s back comfortingly.

“Hi Shimmer.” Ellie coos softly, rubbing her assigned horse.

Y/N pets Sage, her assigned horse with a smile.

“Alright, here. You two are gonna need these.” Jesse hands the two rifles for their trip.

Jesse gives the scouts usual protocol and whatnot, making it clear that if anything pops off, to return back immediately.

Once Jesse’s done, Y/N hops on Sage’s saddle, giving Jesse a small smile.

“You gonna be okay? You don’t have to do this y’know.. I know you haven’t really patrolled in a little while so.” Jesse frowns, displaying his concern.

“I’ll be fine, Jesse, promise.” She smiles softly, waving off as she leaves along with Ellie.

The way to the creek trails was silent, neither girls speaking to one another.

“So… how come you aren’t talking to Joel?” Y/N asks, trying to at least start a conversation, can’t hurt right?

“None of your damn business.” Ellie spits, catching Y/N off guard.. guess it could hurt.

”I mean, I was just curious.. you two seem close. Way closer than him and I at least.” Y/N shrugs.

“What is that about anyway? Why are you so talkative around him? What, do you like him or something?” Ellie questions, almost making Y/N feel interrogated.

“.. Ellie I’m 18 going on 19… I’m literally BARELY legal.” Y/N stops, scrunching her face in disgust.

“I just see him as a father figure, and a friend. He’s nice company.” She shrugs with a small smile.

“Oh.. well.. We aren’t talking over something small, don’t worry too much about it.” Ellie grumbles, leaving Y/N content with the new information.

After killing all the infected at the creek trails, Ellie and Y/N head back to Jackson.

Once they get back, Y/N goes to look for Joel, running into Jesse instead, she’s set back.

“Yo Jesse, where’s Joel? I gotta talk to him about something.” She says with an anxious smile, once she noticed the atmosphere, she’s concerned.

“Jesse..? Where’s Joel at?” She asks hesitantly, eyes squinted.

“Joel and Tommy.. never made it back..” Jesse sighs.

In nothing but silence and widened eyes, Y/N turns around, heading back to the stables. Jesse’s calls for Y/N fall onto deaf ears.

“Why are you back here? We just got back..?” Ellie says with a “duh” tone.

“Joel and Tommy never came back, I’m boutta go get them.” Y/N says curtly, hopping back into Sage. “Well shit hold on, I’m coming with.” Ellie murmurs, hopping onto Shimmer.

“JOEL…. TOMMY?!” Y/N yells, her voice cracking as she does. “Please be okay..?” She whispers to herself, Ellie not too far behind her.

“Shit, Y/N! That’s gotta be it.” Ellie whisper yells. The two hop off their horses and run along the snow. “The question is .. how the hell do we get down there?” Y/N asks, voice laced with fear and confusion.

“Here!” Ellie grunts, jumping down off a mini cliff, having Y/N jump down soon after her. The two start running for a couple of minutes, Y/N whispering to herself that Joel’s okay.

Once they make it to a big house, Y/N’s heart rate quickens, fear lacing her veins, anxiously hoping Joel’s okay. The two make it inside through a patio, once inside they scan the room they’re in, until they hear a distant scream.

“Joel..?” Y/N whispers, mainly to herself. She tries to stay as calm as she can, knowing that Ellie’s probably freaking out as well.

Y/N pulls her gun out, shaky hands holding a grip tight as they make it down the stairs.. the cries of pain getting louder, only making fear grow in their hearts.

Y/N opens the door in front of them, hearing grunts on the other side, which confirms that Joel is there. When she cracks the door she immediately regrets it.

The scene is splayed out for her, Joel on the floor near the window, bloody as ever.. as a girl with long hair holds a golf club above him, swinging it at him.. seeing him lay there defenselessly killed her.. killed Ellie.

She felt herself getting hot with anger, cocking her gun back and ready to shoot before a man grabs her and Ellie, catching the two off guard.

Y/N can hear distant talking, hearing a woman yell to pin them both down. Y/N and Ellie both fight back as much as they can, yelling at them guys to get off of them before being kicked in the stomach.

“I SWEAR, YOU’RE GONNA FUCKING DIE.” Ellie spits, blood leaking down her nose and her chest heaving.

“Let him go.. please just fucking let him go!” Y/N screams, voice broken as she sees the man who took her in, the strong man who helped her through her heartaches, who talked to her, guided her, acted like a real father to her… as she sees that man on the ground defenseless.

She pants as she sees more people come in, her blood and tears mixing on the ground below her.

“Joel… Joel get up.” Ellie shakily speaks. “JOEL GET THE FUCK UP.” Her voice starts to shake.

Y/N sees the long haired girl raise the gold club, anxiety striking, striking hard. “Please stop..” She begs, straining from being pinned to the ground.

“Joel please get up, cmon.” Ellie yells at him.

The girl raises the golf club high again, smashing it down onto Joel a last time.

For the first time.. in a long time.. her heart.. really fucking hurt.

All Y/N could hear were distant screams from Ellie, she couldn’t even scream.. thats how bad it hurt.

“I’ll.. I’ll fucking kill you. All of you.” Was the last thing you could muster, sobbing till your heart ached, hearing nothing but muffled voices till it went black.

Ellie heard a couple knocks at her door as she sat on her bed, in silence. Eerie silence at that. The knocks continued and she got up with a sigh, going to open the door.

”Hey..” Y/N stands with her bag in her hand, a lopsided smile coating her face. “Hey, Y/N.” Ellie says, quite dismissively at that.

“I just.. I wanted to check in on you.. see how you were doing.. y’know.” Y/N awkwardly paces around her room. “What is it, Y/N?” She sighs.

“I just- I wanted to ask you something..” Y/N fiddles with her hoodie, nerves filling her.

“What?” She asks, tilting her head to one side. You could really see the drastic change in her… she didn’t even wanna fight with you.

“Did you mean what you said.. when you those people who did what they did to Joel were gonna die. Cause.. I did.. and if you’re going to kill ‘em.. I’m coming with you, so.” Y/N shrugs, arms crossed around her chest.

Ellie lets out a light chuckle, shaking her head. “Hell yeah I meant that shit, kinda surprised you wanna do it with me though.” She leans up on her bed, using her elbows.

“Joel was.. an amazing guy. He didn’t fucking deserve that, so that bitch with the long hair, is fucking dead.” Y/N exhaled, feeling like she hasn’t been able to breathe correctly.

“Alright then, guess we’re doing this shit.”

© 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦. 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲-𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐬 𝟐.

[hellhound5925]

Cyare Verd *Beloved Warrior*

Chapter Two

We finally reached the door, the Captain pressed the keypad, and nodded for me to head inside. He followed closely behind me.

This must have been one of their training rooms as there were desks and chairs all over the place. Among these chairs and tables were 7 men in similar blue and white plastoid armor to Captain Rex.

Their buy'ce (helmets) were scattered around the room. I noted subtle differences in each of the men, who had not seemed to notice we entered the room due to being in deep conversation.

Captain Rex cleared his throat, causing one of the two ARC troopers to turn and face us. Realization waved across his face as he snapped to attention, causing the other ARC trooper to do the same, with the rest following suit.

"At ease boys" I laughed. "Lucky for you I have no rank here". The room seemed to immediately relax.

The first ARC trooper (one with the typical buzz cut, however he also had facial hair) came over grabbing my hand and kissing the back of it.

"I'm ARC Trooper Fives, at your service" the rest of his comrads snickered. The second ARC trooper, one who appeared to be much more mellow than Fives, playfully shoved his vod (brother) out of the way.

"Sorry about that. I'm ARC Trooper Echo. Fives and I are twins from the same batch." He said, shaking my hand while glaring daggers at his brother.

"It's alright" I laughed.

I could sense Captain Rex become tense behind me. I turned to look back at him, noticing he had taken his buy'ce (helmet) off as well. He looked like his vod (brothers) but with one feature that without a doubt had my attention. Rex was blonde. I have never seen a blonde clone as an adult. Nor was I ever attracted to a clone but I found myself staring for a moment. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck likely picking up on the fact I was taken back by his hair color. I felt so embarrassed suddenly which was not common. Osik.....stop staring you di'kut (idiot).

Rex spoke "That's Jesse, Kix our medic, Tup, Dogma, and Hardcase." and at that, each of them waved as their name was called.

"It's really an honor to meet you all. I've heard some of the stories of your missions. I look forward to getting to know you all better." I smiled at them.

They were a proud bunch and vode (brothers), to say the least.

"You should join us in the mess hall for lunch," Echo said, pulling me from my thoughts.

"How about dinner? I need to go unpack and make a call." I replied.

"Orrrrrrrrr-" Fives began before being cut off.

"No Fives we aren't taking her to 79's her first night here...not only that it's during the week you di'kut (idiot) and I'm not carrying your drunk sheb (ass) home." Scolded Jesse.

I giggled "79's must be a bar?"

"Only the best bar in all of Coruscant!" Harcase beamed.

"I'll make you boys a deal, dinner tonight and at the end of the week we hit 79's" I smiled at them. "Just make sure you boys can keep up" I finished winking.

Five's jaw might actually hit the floor tehehe. I think we will get along just fine, me and the boys.

——————

Back in my quarters, I pulled up my com link on my watch and commend Ordo, hoping he was with Mereel.

Come on please pick up....

"Rav'ika (little Raven, Like little sister)!!!" I heard from the other end of the link.

I sighed with relief "For a moment I was beginning to think you weren't going to pick up."

"Mereel....MEREEL" I hear Ordo yelling on the other end. "That di"kut (idiot). Sorry he's out tinkering with Maker knows what at this point."

I laughed "Typical Mereel. I just landed in Coruscant and have met my squad."

"Oh, good. Kal'buir (papa Kal) has been bugging me since you left to find out when you would arrive." He responded.

There was a loud noise and another voice that came over the link. "What do you want Ord'ika (little Ordo, like little brother)?" Followed by a pause..."Rav'ika?! Is that you?" Mereel says.

"Su cuy'gar (Hello) Mer'ika" I say smiling.

"I am assuming that means you landed safely?" Mereel asked.

Ordo chimed in "If you had come when I called you would have heard her say she did and she met her squad."

There was a moment of silence which I could assume was my vode (brothers) giving one another a death stare.

I rolled my eyes...I love may vode (brothers) but sometimes they drive me crazy.

I broke the silence, "I should probably get going, I just wanted to let you know I was here. I've still got to unpack and go catch up with the rest of the boys for dinner."

"No worries Rav'ika we will let Kal'Buir know you are safe." Replied Ordo.

I sighed "Keep him safe too will you? I understand why, what he is doing is important but gar shuk meh kyrayc (he is no use dead)."

Mereel scoffed "You're telling me...Ret'urcye mhi vod'ika (Goodbye little sister)"

"Ret'urcye mhi Rav'ika" said Ordo.

I replied "Ret'urcye mhi vode (goodbye brothers)".

With that I turned off the link and began to unpack my things. I began with my cloths, putting them into the dressed and closet before pulling my case out from under the bed to inventory it.

Inside lay my beskar armor...black plates that are worn in some areas where I had been hit likely sparing with my vode (brothers) or during some of my fights, showing the natural sheen of silver underneath the paint. I had hand painted my armor quite sometime ago and initially my vode (brothers) made fun of me for choosing black (considering the GAR had chosen white). I ended up accenting it with blue and purple not to please my vode (brothers) but more for myself. My name is Raven after all...might as well make it look like a raven...

I carefully removed the armor looking it all over carefully before placing it back inside the case. Ending with my buy'ce (helmet), I picked it up and stared into he visor for a moment....

Kal'Buir is be proud of me for how far I've come. Making a name for myself to the point where the Jedi counsel has asked me to work alongside the 501st. However, I can't help but feel I should be helping them find a cure for the accelerated again those aruetiise (outsiders) created in my vode (brothers) and the other clones. All clones deserve a life as long as the rest of us. Ironic coming from a Mandalorian whose focus is on the battle today not tomorrow. Yet we still value life, even cloned life...

I place my helmet back into the case, closing and locking it. I then grab a change of cloths (black bantha leather jacket Kal'Buir gave to me a long time ago, black pants, a blue v-neck shirt, and my boots), before heading out to the mess hall.

Masterlist

[stewyhosseini-bf]

3, 7, & 12

3. favorite rarepair

Interesting one! I don't know that I have one of those? I enjoy willashiv posting but other than that I'm not sure... not really a rarepair at all but on tumblr it could be considered that: I actually really enjoy Kendall/Naomi.. I think they have a really interesting thing going on and I LOVE the self-recognition through the other thing happening w them and the way she's very clearly a narrative mirror and kind of the implications of that .. also i love that she genuinely really cares about him. plus i just like their scenes together! maybe doesn't answer the question at all but...

7. season 4 predictions? (/is it futile to even guess?)

this is interesting obviously bc we know some stuff from what people have gathered from the shooting. but okay some of my thoughts:

stewy is gonna be approached by the siblings and I think (hope) there's gonna be a double-agent kind of situation going on where he acts as their informant from the inside while obv still acting as if on Logan's side (as he really doesn't have a choice abt the latter part). maybe that's just wishful thinking, though

i've been THINKING about whose queer friend that we know has been cast is gonna come to Willa & Connor's wedding. My bet is, for some reason, on Willa or Kendall. Idk. This is based on nothing but vibes, either way can't wait for that to come up

I have some more spoiler-y thoughts that I think are pretty plausible based on what we've seen (and i think most ppl know about but anyway) and I don't wanna put here in case someone doesn't wanna know.. idk! honestly never know what jesse armstrong could even possibly come up with

12. favorite succ fanfiction/fanart/fanvid/uquiz?

this one's really hard to answer because no way can i just pick one, i'll just give you a collection. everything in my #art tag is so fucking cool. this shiv drunk walk home edit fucks really hard. the editing on this tame impala succ edit is so good, and it's pretty underrated imo. HAVE to mention cousin greg babooshka edit that changed my life in that it made me start watching the show a year ago. Lorde kenstewy edit my beloved <3 Succession relay edit, edit of ALL TIME. this tomshiv failmarriage edit means. so much to me. ken ideal husband edit <3 no he would not make the ideal husband, no i don't care <3 also this tomshiv marina edit !!! very good! THEE super rich kids roy siblings edit of all time. OHH Also good time to mention one of my youtube faves, the shiv everything I wanted edit. so good!! this one is incredibly, truly incredible as well. lastly of course THEE last kenstewmas edit.

[waiting-for-motivation]

hii your fics are great, do keep up the good work, you're doing very well! id like to request a head canon/fic of how different clones (rex, fives, jesse, hunter, crosshair) would be when they're jealous about something concerning their s/o, with feminine pronouns. thank you for feeding us with your work 🙏

awwww this is so sweet. You have no idea how these kind words inspire and motivate me to write! Thank you so much honey 💕 Your wish is my command! Btw I would love to make more of these so if you got any more ideas, requests are open :)

they are jealous

Rex - He is a total sweetheart, so he is only jealous on rare occasions. One time, Fives openly flirted with his love while the Captain sat next to her. And nothing happened because Rex trusts his love so much that he knows she would never abandon him. Above all, Fives wanted to tease his friend. But one time a shiny was so drunk he thought he could actually have the girlfriend of the 501st Captain. Although she tried to fight back, his hands were all over her body. Rex only had to step between them, frown at the shiny, and they could peacefully return to their booth.

Wolffe - He gets jealous easily. His loved one could joke around with Sinker and Boost, and Wolffe would glare at them until they leave. It‘s difficult for him to see his love with others because he always fears she might leave him. So Wolffe likes to scare people away before that happens. Sometimes he even growls at the strangers in a bar to keep their eyes and hands off his beloved. Deep down, he knows that she would never leave him for these strangers, no matter what the dark voices in his head whisper.

Fives - If someone starts flirting with his love then Fives is at her side in the blink of a second. He gets very affectionate and clingy. One arm is always around his loves waist while the other either plays with her hair or caresses the soft skin of her cheek. And if the rude person is still trying to flirt, Fives would pull his love close and press his lips on hers. The kiss is rather passionate and intense. His hands start to wander under her shirt. Eventually, the other person will leave because Fives likes to deepen the make out session till it‘s too much for the public eye.

Jesse - He is very protective. If someone is openly trying to flirt with his love, Jesse gets furious. It‘s not that he would start a bar fight with the person, but he would. Jesse has no clue what to say to the rude stranger, so he lets his fists speak. Fortunately, most of the time it‘s enough to stand so close that Jesses armor touches the person. They will run away, frightened for their live. After that, Jesse will always turn around to check on his love for any injuries caused by the stranger.

Hunter - Whenever his love is feeling unwell in the presence of a stranger, Hunter likes to pull her close. Just like her warmth keeps him sane, his touch seems to have the same effect on his beloved. Most people will turn around and leave, frightened by Hunters skull tattoo. But a few stubborn ones stay and continue talking to the Sergeants love, not minding Hunter at all. “Why don‘t you go back to the boys, cyar‘ika? I will handle this.“ After his love left to the booth where his brothers watch them, Hunter pulls the stranger out of the bar by his collar, warning him to never talk to a woman again.

Crosshair - As a sniper, he likes to watch first and act second. So when he sees someone approaching his beloved, his eyes stay on the person for any suspicious movements. Soon, he realizes that this is no normal conversation, but rather some direct flirting. His love seems to be uncomfortable because her eyes wander around, probably looking for him. Therefore, Crosshair walks towards the two and lays a protecting arm around his love. “You look like you were heading somewhere? Why don‘t you leave this lady alone?“ The stranger eyes Cross, takes a deep breath and then leaves because he saw the rifle leaning against the snipers shoulder.

taglist: @lightning-wolffe @gwenebear @caswinchester2000 @skippyhopperwisdom @jojos-trooper @rex-meshla @tkachuk-dubois

[vronism]

oc profile

i was tagged by @bnbc my beloved and im passing it to @kojottek, @ssevth, @siennamain, @tireddemigod, @silverhandsass but take it easy and join if you want to <3

General

Name: Jesse Virginia Diaz

Alias(es): the Vulture, V, Vivi (exclusively by Kerry for some reason), Bullseye

Gender: Female

Age: 23 as of 2077

Birthdate: April 15, 2054

Place of birth: Peach Springs, Arizona

Hometown: Vista del Rey, Heywood, Night City

Spoken languages: Native in English and Spanish

Sexual preference: panromantic, asexual

Occupation: little bastard thief (2065-2070), merc (2070-2075) retail worker and a tattoo artist (Atlanta, 2075-2077) merc, again (2077-2078), missing person (2078-??????)

Appearance

Eye colour: complete heterochromia in both eyes, right eye is brown, left eye is washed-out green, she never wore lenses to cover it up

Hair colour: naturally dark brown, went through array of colors up to 2077

Height: 5′3″ / 162 cm

Scars: A lot, the most obvious is the one on her face, she got it while the drunk partner of her mother hit her with a broken bottle when she was a kid, then she has some street brawling scars here and there, a scar across her stomach from her first confrontation with the Scavs, and a lot of self-h*rm scars all the way down her arms and thighs, mostly covered by tattoos.

Favourite

Colour: violet, purple and rusty red

Hair colour: mmmm on her the one she had in 2077, this pinkish violet mess she dyed herself

Song: I'm not sure she has a fav one, but likes indie rock hehe

Food: shes a raccoon, she eats every trash but likes burritos a lot uwu

Drink: Silver Tequila cherry coke

Have They...

Passed university: never went to school lmao

Had sex: yes

Had sex in public: probably, who knows what was going on when she was on drugs as a teen

Gotten pregnant: oh nonono, shes disgusted by the idea, the first "body mod" she's ever gotten was literally getting spayed

Kissed a boy: absolutely

Kissed a girl: aplenty

Gotten tattoos: absolutely. did tattoos herself. got tattoos tattooed by her on her own thighs

Been in love: unfortunately

Stayed up for more than 24 hours: obviously, a trash mammal through and through

Are They...

A virgin: nope

A cuddler: only in the morning

A kisser: not really

Scared easily: naw

Jealous easily: nope

Dominant/Submissive: tough question, but I'd say she falls exactly in the middle of the spectrum. she does as she pleases, to be honest, so she's whatever she feels like in any given moment.

In love: yes

Single: I... don't think so

Random Questions (TW: Self harm/suicide mention)

Have they harmed themselves: absolutely, a lot, unknowingly carries self-destructive tendencies to this day

Thought of suicide: yepshe does a lot tbh

Attempted suicide: overdosed on drugs she was taking at the time, but her body said "we ain't having that here"

Wanted to kill someone: yes and she did for the first time when she was 10 years old :)

Have/had a job: yeah, sure, all the way from being a paid assassin to a customer service worker

Have any fears: death and being alone

Family

Sibling(s): twin half-sisters, she doesn't know them though, they were a year old when she was ten and out of the house.

Parent(s): Gabe Diaz, indigenous Hualapai, her dad; Isabela Guadalupe Pérez, Mexican, mother; also her mother's partner in Night City, Dan Tucker, whom Jess singlehandedly murdered

Children: nonononono

Significant other: Johnny Silverhand

Pet(s): Nibbles the cat and Huckleberry (aka Turnip), a honest-to-fucking-god mustang horse

[littlefreya]

December in Writing ❄

🎃 Henry Cavill

My Immortal Beloved -  Henry Cavill x OFC (18+, smut, rpf, sex, feels, creampie.)  Some romantic, lovemaking smut basically

Hunger - Henry Cavill x Reader ( 18+, RPF. Smutty smut, fingering, unprotected sex, profanities, primal play, risky creampie, breeding kink, fluff at the ending.) Henry surprises you in the middle of the night, in more than one way.

Bedhead - Henry Cavill x Reader (fluff) - in which you play with Henry’s curls

Signet Ring - Henry Cavill x Reader (fluff, suggestive) - finding out you have some new kinks with Henry  

Drabbles

Henry with a non-native English speaker

Henry the human furnace 

Imagine Henry kissing your neck

#Freya and Skye drabble - Collab of drabbles with @viking-raider​ the great!

🎃 August Walker

Poison Honey - August Walker x Reader ( Passion, romance, sexual innuendo, a “thrill of the chase” if this may trigger anyone and mild alcohol use.) Everyone around you is too busy getting drunk and making out, while you are just dying for this dreadful Christmas party to be over. But just as you plan to leave, you catch the eye of a very hungry August Walker.

Velvet Chains - Soft!August x Reader (18+. August Walker as a sex-worker, sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, loss of virginity, a depiction of bodily fluids, soft!August themes, a tinge of angst) - In which August is a male prostitute who specialises in deflowering virgins.

Midnight Special - Artie Walker x Reader (Romance) The end of the summer annual BBQ is usually boring, but this one is about to take an interesting turn.

Drabbles

August and a knife kink

August and nipple piercings 

August loves to bite

Benji insulting August’s moustache and princess protecting him

🎃 Walter Marshall

Santa Baby - Walter x Reader (Some sexy themes but mostly fluffy floof fluff.) You find out that Walter has a past in modeling career for erotic novels covers  😰

🎃 Hellraiser Mike Drabbles

Sub!Mike going down on you at the backseat

Some more FuckBoi Mike

🎃 Captain Syverson drabbles

Jess giving Syverson oral during an important phone call

Multichar headcanons

Henry’s characters reacting to their girl being tattooed

Henry’s characters accidently walking into the room while you are changing your clothes :O

Happy New Year and thank you for reading!

[scoopsgf]

hiiii. the latest chapter of twwc was amazing. dave the fav was back. jess and dave are literally the best. drunk dave and the four core. loved it. but can i just say idk if ur foreshadowing but eli takes over for luke??the best idea ever??? whatever u do i will love it please let CONSTANCE THE QUEEN and eli be happy. love ur writing!

DAVE THE FAV HELP. YEAH. literally every day i just want dave back so this was therapy for me. also i won’t get that far in the story but yeah, eli will certainly be there whenever luke decides to retire <3 and tbh stars hollow is just so perfect for him and he’s perfect for it. the kind of guy who remembers everyone’s names and just wants to help out and also is small town levels of nosy/invested in everyone’s business. i love he. AND constance ugh my beloveds <33333

[sserpente]

Pastel Blue (Chapter 6)

A/N: I hate how I have barely had any time to write lately! In all honesty, moving to a different country is quite  the challenge! 😂 I hope you enjoy the new chapter, I can’t wait to dive back into writing excessively, haha! ♥

Jess breathed out, watching how the warm air turned into fog. It was way too chilly down here. She had asked Mobius to install some radiators months ago but he wouldn’t listen. Loki on the other hand seemed to have no problem with the cold at all. He strutted next to her like he owned the place, with his head held high and a dark expression on his face.

M had a point. Despite the collar, it was a risk bringing Loki to a party of all things. But then again… she would be sure to laugh if he jumbled up the celebrations. Dave deserved it, kind of. Frankly, he could be a dick sometimes.

Loki smirked to himself. Her dress was green, with thin shoulder straps and a heart-shaped neckline. He offered her his arm when they stepped into the cafeteria, bathing in the mistrustful looks the whole of TVA eyed them with.

Mobius was stood at the buffet table, holding a glass filled with vodka and a green olive swimming in it in one hand while the other was buried in his pocket. The tawdry music, the chatting and the constant clattering of plates and cutlery made it nearly impossible for him to make out what the senior manager was saying now.

Warily, Loki glared him down. He was either oblivious to his excellent hearing, stupid enough to discuss such clandestine matters in the hallway or… or he meant for him to eavesdrop. Loki held on to the thought. He trusted him to feed him pathetic bits and pieces of information to keep him on his toes, to throw him small bones like a starved dog.

What if he was cleverer than he assumed he was? If he had incited Jess to spend time with him, make him believe she was on his side when she secretly ran off every day to tell Mobius about his behaviour like a child in day-care? If he used her to keep him on a leash in this godforsaken place? Loki gnashed his teeth.

“Look what the cat dragged in.” He mocked when he spotted him. The Trickster narrowed his eyes at him. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Jess rolling hers. Either way, he would not allow them to manipulate him and instead turn the tables. He was the master of mischief, after all.

“Enjoy yourself while you still can, Loki.” Dave added. “There’s a high chance you’ll kick the bucket next week.”

Jess rolled her eyes once more—or perhaps she was still rolling them, Loki was unsure. His eyes darted over to Mobius again, noticing with both dismay and an odd feeling of satisfaction making itself comfortable in his guts how the senior manager studied their interlinked arms.

A thin smile formed on his lips. Oh yes. Whatever your play is, I will turn it against you and I will burn this entire place to the ground until all you have left is a pile of ash and Jess—lovely and delicate Jess—will help me do so whether she is willing or not.

“Suck it up, Dave.” Jess barked. “Do you drink coke?” She continued sweetly then, directed at Loki.

“I beg your pardon?” He leaned forward slightly—close enough for her nostrils to be filled with his scent like she was some goddamn predator sensing its prey. If anything, Loki would be the predator in this scenario. She was but a lamb compared to him—a lamb who could kick his shin but a lamb nonetheless.

“Coke. Black fizzy drink, very sweet, spiked with Whiskey—not normally but definitely tonight.” She cleared her throat and winked at him and, much to his own surprise, his heart skipped a beat upon the flirty gesture. Perhaps this was the very reason he let her grab his arm and drag him away from both Mobius and Dave to plunder the bar.

“Don’t let her get drunk!” He heard Mobius call after him. Loki frowned.

Whoever was playing bartender tonight and doing a terribly slow job with that, Jess paid them no attention. Unceremoniously, she leaned over the counter, grabbing two glasses and a bottle of Whiskey. Granted, Loki knew nothing of Midgardian drinks and how there were properly mixed, he had a feeling, however, that more than half of the glass filled with Whiskey was not the proper way to mix a delightful alcoholic refreshment.

At least, so he had to admit, the view was a rather delectable one, with her backside wiggling around right before his eyes. He suppressed a dark chuckle.

Once she had tapped the faucet pouring a dark brown liquid to mix with the Whiskey and handed him one, she grinned, heaving herself up onto the counter completely and resting her feet on the barstool.

“Skål!” She announced, winking once more. Loki took a sip to conceal how thickly he had to swallow. As expected, the coke-Whiskey-mixture tasted horrible. His face distorted, making Jess laugh.

“There’s no Asgardian ale in this place, I’m afraid. Do you dance? You’re the God of Mischief, you must be dancing.”

Loki raised his eyebrows in response. “Is that all you will do at this so-called party? Drink and dance and then drink some more?”

Jess shrugged. “Never let anyone tell you that alcohol is not the solution. I’ve had some amazing nights forgetting my own name. So?” She downed her drink, slamming the empty glass on the counter so forcefully he feared it would break under the impact. “Do you dance?”

The music, whatever it was, was too slow for Jess’ taste. She’d much rather listen to some techno hits, and some Hip Hop and Dubstep hits to move her body to. It almost felt a little like space. A place to lose herself in, utterly and wholly, a place making her stronger rather than taking her energy away from her.

But Dave had always had a very uninspiring music taste and, given it was his anniversary, the music was unlikely to change anytime soon. Loki’s lips parted when she took his glass from his hand and downed it too. Neither of them expected the jolt of electricity rippling through them when she took his hand and entangled her fingers with his to pull him towards the middle of the cafeteria where Minutemen of all departments, scientists and even some of the security were moving to the music.

“That’s an interesting development after all, don’t you think?” Loki heard Dave say. Jess swirled them both around, her blue eyes closed in an attempt to dream herself into a reality where she could go out with her friends and lose her mind in a dimly lit nightclub surrounded and desired by both men and women alike. She would drink until she had forgotten about her parents and until she had lost her grasp on reality to enter space and be free and independent. Jess did not allow herself to dream often these days, for when she did… the urge to escape this place once more and turn her back on Mobius rose to an extent it brought her physical pain to resist.

“Well, he is charismatic. That doesn’t mean anything, does it? Jess has a weakness for bad boys and Loki is pretty much the definition of that.”

“Please. Thor’s little brother, how strong could he possibly be without his beloved sceptre?” Dave snorted.

“I wouldn’t underestimate him, especially not this variant. I wouldn’t have brought him here if I didn’t think he’d be of use. He’s smart. He doesn’t trust us.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mobius shrug. “We have a good reason not to trust him either. Not yet, at least. I’ve studied his entire life, remember?”

“You are not seriously thinking about removing that collar at some point, are you?”

Loki growled, lest he could not decide whether it was because of how good his palm felt against the small of Jess’ back or the way Dave and Mobius kept talking about him behind his back.

“Now I thought you said he couldn’t possibly be that strong without the sceptre?” Dave replied nothing to that. He did not need to. Mobius had made it clear enough that he was the figure of authority here. There was no way, however, he was going to be able to concentrate on this devilish bureaucrat and his ridiculous attempts to manipulate him as long as Jess’ body was rubbing against his in the most wicked ways. This woman, human or not, knew exactly what she was doing, regardless of the alcohol already clouding her system.

He smirked when another song ended and there was a moment of silence in his heart upon the lack of a loud bass reverberating in his chest. Jess opened her eyes in an almost luscious manner and took his hand once more to pour herself another drink.

He liked the way she took charge. Apart from Sif, she was so unlike all the Asgardian women he had known during his time in the realm he grew up in. Jess was neither offering him her devotion nor was she withholding her affection. His heart jumped upon remembering how she had hugged him in the bathroom. Peculiar.

While she emptied another repulsive coke-and-whiskey-mixture, his eyes caught another buffet table positioned at the other end of the room—one he had not seen upon first entering this absurd get-together.

“What is this?” Jess spun around.

“What is what?”

“This.” He pointed at the table. The cooks had outdone themselves with the number of bowls full of fruit neatly chopped up—the highlight, however, was the massive chocolate fountain bubbling away peacefully and luring every passer-by into tasting it.

“Have you never seen a chocolate fountain before?”

Loki frowned, making Jess chuckle. Heavens, if he keeps doing that, his face might stay like that, she thought.

“Come on, I’ll show you.” Once within reach of the buffet table, she treated herself to a strawberry that she stabbed with one of the provided plastic toothpicks and coated it with chocolate. She grinned when Loki’s smirk returned and copied her with the sole difference of picking a grape instead.

“How does this thing operate?”

“Well, I’m not an engineer but as far as I’m concerned, you pour molten chocolate into the fountain, which is electric, and the pump inside will make sure to keep it flowing. Apparently, Asgard is not as advanced as I thought it was. Chocolate fountains are extremely important for one’s emotional wellbeing, you know.” Jess downed the Whiskey glass she had taken with her. “And so is alcohol. Are you gonna stay here all evening now?”

“I just might.” Loki winked.

“Suit yourself.” She announced, holding up her empty glass. “I’m getting another drink.”

The God of Mischief rolled his eyes and snatched her upper arm, holding it tightly enough for to gasp—and not in a terrified or intimidated way, so he noticed. But either way, he was not going to let her poison herself.

“You’ve had enough, don’t you think?” He snarled, snatching the glass from her.

“Excuse me? Give that back.”

“No. I said you’ve had enough.”

“I’m supposed to supervise you, not the other way around! Now give that back.”

Loki scoffed. “You’ll do a marvellous job with that, all drunk and out of your mind.”

Heavens, not again. Jess gasped for air—a desperate sound swallowed by the loud music and the bass vibrating in her chest. Loki caught it nonetheless. There it was, this figurative magnet, this invisible rope tying him to her like a bloody lap dog.

It was genuine concern purling in his stomach, he did know this much. Regardless of Mobius’ half-hearted request, Loki certainly did not want Jess to get drunk and damage her liver beyond repair. Mortals were fragile as was and yet here they were, stuffing themselves with ridiculous amounts of sugar and fat, spending all day watching silly TV shows and pouring alcohol down their throats like it was water from Mimir’s fountain itself.

“I dare you…” He murmured, his composure on the edge of a steep cliff threatening to overwhelm him, rip all control from him. Jess leaned back some more, a feeble attempt to escape his advances that she did not wish to refuse altogether. “I dare you.” He repeated, jumping in at the deep end if anything to quench the curiosity and feel what his body and, for Heaven’s sake, even his mind had been longing for. What had he to lose? “Kiss me. I know you have been thinking about it.”

He pulled her close again and this time, he was certain to have heard a whimper. Loki’s cock stirred, even more so when she turned her head away and his nose brushed against her cheek.

“Is it Mobius?” He purred. Jess struggled to form a proper sentence in response or even breathe evenly. Eventually, she nodded. “I believe… I believe we have both had enough of this party, have we not?”

Jess bit her lower lip and glanced behind herself. M was engrossed in a conversation with Ravonna Renslayer, the badass time judge she never interacted with much. Well… she certainly was none of her concern now.

“Quick,” she breathed out, “before they notice us leaving.”

 ~*~

You are a grown woman. Loki is a handsome man. It’s obvious the chemistry between you is right. You’re sexually attracted to him and he just confirmed that the feeling is mutual. This is not your first one-night stand. It might not be your last. God, I hope it’s not my last. That man is literally not from this world.

“What are you doing?” Jess snapped herself out of her thoughts when Loki stopped in front of one of the control rooms. The walls were made entirely of glass, revealing a bored security officer staring at about a dozen computer screens in utter darkness. “He’ll see us!”

Loki narrowed his eyes and huffed when he found what he was looking for—the camera monitoring Jess’ unit. Ah… this was indeed perfect. Just like he had suspected. He could see the sofa and the unmade sheets on top of it, and the coffee table with countless peanut bags on it. But even without his powers, nobody would see him sneak along the wall and into Jess’ bedroom.

“Loki?”

“There is a dead angle in your unit.”

“So?” He winked again, making her lower regions clench. When he simply kept on walking, she rushed after him like a cat knowing it was about to be fed.

~*~

A/N: Muhahaha. In case anyone is interested what song Loki and Jess danced to, you can find it right here!

[bonafidehero]

You've mentioned some fics recently but haven't made a fic rec list in a long time. Could you give us one... please?

Hey! I sure can! Though I gotta warn you. I’ve mostly been reading daredevil fics recently, but I’m sure I can find some Twilight fics I’ve read since reccing last if that’s why you’re here—I also have some Twilight fics that are WIPS that I’m reading when they’re updated of course.

If anyone is interested in any HMC fics I can rec those in the future, but I don’t have time to go looking for those today.

And up first are two that blew me away most recently.

What They Wouldn’t Do by Ashevillain

“Sarah is a secretary at Orion, a shady company previously owned by Wilson Fisk. When Daredevil begins investigation Orion, Sarah accidentally discovers his true identity, and he’s not pleased. Despite her best efforts to avoid him after figuring out who he is, she quickly finds herself on the receiving end of a Daredevil interrogation in a dark Alley. Post S1, slow burn, Matt/OC.”

Fiction T, Romance/Hurt/Comfort, 42 Ch, 492,295 words, WIP.

(Matt’s pretty horrible in the beginning, a little OOC in my opinion but it’s important to the growth of their characters so just stick with it and I promise they get better. Lol)

The Red Thread by Pastafossa

“It's said that every soul is connected to another by a red thread, and that these two souls are destined to meet. The thread, though it may tangle or stretch, will never break. That's not your experience, lucky or unlucky enough as you are to see the strings that bind people together. A red thread is developed and grown, not born, and you've worked hard to weed out any semblance of crimson that might cling to you. You pay your bills, you keep your head down, and you find whatever lost people or items you're hired to sniff out.

Then the Devil of Hell's Kitchen tags along on a job, and your plan falls apart.

Starts prior to Into the Ring, and loosely follows the canon timeline. There will eventually be smut, so enter at your peril.”

Explicit, Matt/OC/Reader, 49 Ch, 353,019 words, WIP.

(I was pretty hesitant to start this one, since insert/reader fics aren’t usually my cup of tea but I promise it’s worth it. Reader has an amazing backstory and power. There is a hide and seek scene that alone makes this fic worth reading. It was equally exciting and hot. LOL)

Undertow by Edwardskhakipants

“Edward Masen has just been adopted by a young couple with a heart for orphaned teens. When he discovers life as the shiny new toy to the even shiner Cullen family may be worse than life as a faceless nobody, he finds comfort in the oddest place: in the dark eyes of a stranger, as deep and mysterious as the ocean itself. Will he find the solace he had been always searching for in this strange, quiet girl, or will he find something greater than he could ever imagine?”

Gen, romance, Edward/Bella, 13 Ch, 51,667 words, WIP.

(Super sweet story! Bella has a fun secret.)

Murdocks Never Quit by Lluvia185 & Pikkulef

“Instead of being killed, Jack Murdock ends up in a coma and he wakes up almost 20 years later.”

Gen, what-if/angst/family drama, 16 ch, 35,900 words, WIP.

(Really love this concept. Fun to watch Jack get to know his son.)

Devils Kindred by Moonlitdaze

“Iris Murdock is finally returning to Hell's Kitchen, her childhood home, after years away. Unfortunately, the city she left behind is home to memories of her father's murder and a brother who thinks she abandoned him. As she struggles to reconcile past, present, and future, her beloved little brother's own inner devils threaten to steer her life on a new, terrifying course.”

Fiction T, Family/Crime, 91,648 words.

(A really fun idea. I love Iris and Matts relationship. I read this a while ago so I can’t really remember any specifics I really liked… I just know I liked it. Lol There are more fics in the series: Devil’s Penance and Devil’s Alliance, that ones still a WIP. )

Vagary Hop by Brandywine421

"Is it true you show your face to kids so they don't get scared?" Sister Maggie asked, conversationally, but not really. Matt knew her well enough by now to tell the difference.

"Oh. A few times, yeah. If they're really scared already, I don't like making it worse. Why?"

"No reason," she lied, steering him for another circuit around the block. Longer coffee break initiated. "Just curious."

(Read this a while ago, can’t remember anything specific but I always love a Maggie and Matt fic)

A Body of Water and Bones by Littlest Cactus

‘"It was a good distinction to make. I wasn't Bella, but for the time being, I could be Isabella." Because time marches on and waking up as Bella Swan is unfortunate, but it's not the end of the world. Only the end of her's. [SI-OC]’

Romance/Drama, Edward/OC, 92,700 words, WIP.

(One of those “OC wakes up in the Twilight universes.” I always get excited when this is updated.)

Some one shots:

Lazarus Open His Eyes by BrownieFox

“Jack Murdocks wakes up in a coffin, six-feet under, very much alive.”

(Do you like torture? Read this! It’s a super fun idea and great start to what could be a fun multi-chap story but it looks like this is all the author plans to do for it. Can you tell this is a trope I love?)

Penny and Dime by Gremlinny

“"You take down druglords and do parkour, Red, but you're tellin me you can't cook?"

"Jeez, why don't you find me a measuring cup that's ADA compliant?"

OR

Frank is helpful and Matt is kinda drunk”

(God, I just really loved this one because I love soft!frank, okay?)

Carry You, Sustain You, Rescue You by Beguile

“Matt's in the hospital; Jessica is called in to babysit.”

(It’s got Jess in it… what more could you want?)

These are just some honorable mentions—authors who I generally like all of their fics and can’t rec all the ones I like because then we’d be here all day. Lol

ScreechTheMighty

Tryptorphan

Pixelbypixel

That’s all I have time for today, friend, hopefully there was something in there to tickle your fancy!