#i know Sara is just a poor scared kitten

[kennys-friend]

If I were Jim and Tabitha, I would NOT let my kids go anywhere in town without me since Sara is still roaming free, you know, the girl who tried to murder my 9 year old son.

Bet they don't even know their daughter is hanging out with the resident who held Kenny at knife-point and had Donna tied to a tree as night approached.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #445

“you’ve got a lot of nerve, but not a lot of spine”

Have you ever created a fake internet persona for yourself? No. Do you enjoy going to weddings or showers? What is it that you like or dislike about them? Not... really. They're triggering for me. And I don't use "trigger" lightly. They legitimately, deeply affect me. It's part of the reason I've lost a lot of interest in being a wedding photographer. Is there a person in your life whom you support by showing up for the sports games, concerts, or other performances? This question, uh... sucks. Because I'm that awful aunt that doesn't go to her nephew's t-ball games while everyone else does. It's the heat that does it, but still... it shouldn't. How many video games do you have? A lot. We have a big case of them. Why did you take the last pill you took? My heartburn is especially awful today. Has a girl ever stayed up with you all night? A guy? A girl, uhhh... maybe? Idk. A guy, yeah. Do you think guys look good with makeup? Hell yeah. How long would you wait to become sexually active with someone you’re dating? That would just depend on how quickly we deeply bond in a relationship. I wouldn't go that far before I knew I was in love with them, though, so it definitely wouldn't be quick. Do you enjoy a good debate or prefer keeping the peace? klasd;jkla;jfklwdj I HATE confrontation, so I strongly prefer to keep that peace. Debates rarely ever stay civil, anyway. Can you ever see yourself and your ex back together? One, easily. The other... I wish. But it won't ever happen because I fucked that relationship up way too much. Are you thinking about anything that’s upsetting right now? Yeah. My PTSD is being really bothersome. Would you ever want to ride in a canoe? Yeah, sounds fun and peaceful. So long as I'm not rowing, ha ha. When did you last see an attractive member of your preferred sex? Did you speak to them? Do you think you’ll see them again? Two days ago. Yeah, 'cuz he was my personal trainer. I don't plan on quitting the gym, so I'll probably see him around there now and again. Have you ever tasted baby food? How about pet food? Save for when I was a baby, obviously, no. I once tried a guinea pig yogurt treat, ha ha. How many times have you had your heart broken? Once romantically, twice overall. Actually, no, four. Quite a jump, I know, but Teddy and Jason's mom both dying was nothing short of heartbreaking. Think of the person you fell hardest for. How many people has he/she been in love with, besides you? One, before me. I don't know about since. Find 5 people on your Facebook friends list, whose names begin with K. Who are these people, and how did you meet them? Katherine: an online friend. We met on YouTube. Kim: she's my stepmom. I met her through my dad, obviously. Kelly: a high school friend. We met in art class. Katelynn: was Jason's old friend's former girlfriend. We met through said friend when we all hung out together. Kieley: she's the wife of who I call my "big bro," a close gaming friend. We met through Sam, the aforementioned friend. Sometimes do you wish you lived in a fantasy world? Yeah, who doesn't? What would you say if the ex who hurt you the most told you they hated you? "I don't blame you" or something to that effect. Have any of your friends dated an ex/previous crush of yours? I don't think it's accurate to call her my "friend," but Jason's first girlfriend and I are friends on Facebook. I'd love to get to know her better and actually be *real* friends. One word to describe the last person you kissed? Strong. Has anyone ever cheated on their boyfriend/girlfriend with you? You could say that. Does your hair have layers? No, not anymore. Who was the last person you cried in front of? My mom. Have you done something recently that helped someone else, in any way? I don't know. Which Disney princess do you think is the most beautiful? Why? Probably Jasmine. I just think she's really pretty. If you’ve had a bad experience in a past relationship, did you find that you were scared to get into another relationship, in case the same thing happened again? I'm terrified to this day to start new romantic relationships. I had so many panic attacks about losing Sara when we first started dating. If you were going to buy a present for the person you love/like, what would you generally choose? Absolutely something Frieza-related. If you met the celebrity that you most admire, what would be the first thing you’d say to him/her? Probably just "oh my god, thank you" and start crying lmao. Is there something you generally always ask for help with? I'm sure there's something, yeah. When was the last time you cried? Today. Do you like sausage? Yep. Ever held a newborn animal? Kittens, yes. Do you know anyone with a dual citizenship? Uhhhh maybe? Have you been called a bad influence? Yeah. Like she had ANY room to talk. Do you get stage fright? Yes. Would you be excited or annoyed if your favorite book was being made into a movie? Both of my favorite books are also movies, and they're wonderful. Do you need structure in your life or do you prefer to just go with the flow? I require structure, for sure. Without it, my anxiety goes rampant. Change is something I do not cope with well. Post a picture of you from one year ago. No. Have you ever written a fan letter? If so, who was it to and did you receive a response? No. What trait(s) would you not want your children to inherit from you? My mental illnesses, primarily depression. I have A LOT of reasons for not wanting kids, and my poor genetic makeup is even one of them. I don't want to pass on all the shit I deal with. What is the worst place you’ve woken up? Waking up in a shitty bed at the ER while waiting to be transferred was never one of my favorite things... Are you the type of person who has to study to make good grades or does it just come naturally to you? Aha... I was lucky in that once I heard something in school, it had a tendency to stick. I didn't need to study very much at all - usually. When on YouTube, what types of videos do you mainly watch? Mostly let's plays. What was the last conversation you had with someone about? Sara and I were kinda fangirling over how cute Maieykio and Rumours are, ha ha. Do you have any currency that’s not your native country’s? No. Can you describe your father in one word? Complex. Do you still watch movies intended for children? Yeah. Hell, I probably tend to prefer them. Who is your favorite stand-up comedian? That's living, probably Gabriel Iglesias. What is your strangest phobia? Probably whale sharks. Which part of your state/province do you live in [upper,lower,middle]? I live on the eastern side. Who in your life can you count on the most? My mama. Would you rather eat your pizza cold or hot? It depends on what I'm up for. Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? No, I'm not a fan. Last thing you drank? Pink lemonade. Have you ever thought you were going to marry someone? Sure did. The belief was clearly mutual. But I ruined that. Who are your favorite people to talk to when you’re down? Sara or my mom. Have you ever thought you liked someone, and then found out that you really didn’t? See: Girt. Describe the last dream you had that you can remember. It was actually... really fucked up, so the squeamish beware. I don't remember the details, just the shocking part: a little bird flew into me, and I thought it was a bug, so I crushed it in my hand. Heard and felt the bones break and it was just... ugh. It's nauseating to recall. I'm sick and tired of dreaming of only awful things. Any current family issues? Not any big ones that include everyone. The only "issue" that really exists in my family is how my mom feels like Ashley (my older sister) avoids her, and therefore Mom doesn't see the kids nearly as much as she wants. She feels very overlooked. Whose room of the opposite sex were you in last? When? Uhhh, probably my nephew's? Sometime when I visited my sister's house, idk. The last movie you watched with a friend? Elf, I think. Have you ever played with fire? Uh no, because I'm not keen on being burned. What industry do you want to be a part of when you’re older? Art, in some form. Who do you usually text the most? Since Sara and I started chatting mainly on Discord, definitely my mom. Have you ever been surprised with breakfast in bed? No. Llamas or sheep? Sheep. Have you ever seen anyone famous in the street? No. When do you plan on moving out? Whenever I'm in a long-term, stable, happy, and healthy relationship. I really don't at all think it would be healthy for me to live on my own. What’re you going to be for Halloween? I'd actually love to dress up this year seeing as I've really been feeling the holidays, but the money to like... make a recognizable costume isn't really with us. So I'll ust answer as if I had it, in which case it would be a handmaid from The Handmaid's Tale, but with fake blood splattered over my stomach region. Will you buy a cake for your next birthday? We always do for b-days. Do you like brownies? BITCH I love brownies. Have you ever dressed up as a witch on Halloween? Yeah, as a kiddo. Have you ever been to a masquerade? No. Do any girls like the last guy you kissed? Maybe, I don't know. Do you have a second mom? I have a stepmom, if that's what you mean. When a bee is coming close to you, do you stand still or run away? Ngl, I gtfo. Do you ever hang out with someone of the opposite sex? I haven't hung out with Girt in around a year. Really need to change that. When you go out to eat, what sides do your order with your food? Fries. What is your winter coat like? ... I actually don't know if I have one? Did you do well at fitness testing in grade school? I did fine. Are art museums interesting or boring to you? Interesting. Inspiring, even. Do you know how to use an ATM? ... No. :x How about write a check? uhhhhhhhhhhh... Are you Italian? Not to my knowledge, no. We don't know my dad's heritage. When was the last time you talked to one of your siblings? I commented on one of my sister's Facebook posts earlier. Are you interested in photography at all? Very much so. Do you own an acoustic guitar? I don't believe so? Ashley had one when she was waaaay younger, but I haven't seen it in forever. I think Dad might have it. Can you talk to your parents about anything without them judging or bickering at you? Because you said "bickering," no. Mom knows how to pick fights on a lot of things... Who was the last person you took pictures with? My sister when she came to visit a few months ago. What is the wallpaper on your best friend's cell phone? I'd be willing to bet it's either her and Jem or Frieza. Do you melt butter to put on your popcorn? No. We get the movie theater butter kind. Do you consider flirting cheating? Sure do. Have you ever been on probation? No. What is normally on your Christmas list (if you celebrate it)? A tattoo and meerkat stuff. Do you like KoRn? They're one of my favorites! When you were little, did you pick up worms? Do you pick worms up now? Ha, I did. I would sometimes dig just to look for them, especially if I knew Dad was going to take me fishing later that day. I don't like touching worms nowadays. Would you ever go see a stand-up comedian? Yeah, I think it would be fun. Do you have any best friends that you only know online? BEST friends, not current ones, anyway. I've met my current best friend. Have you ever gotten into a physical fight? Nope. Do you have a problem with swearing? No. What do you do when you see a spider? My reactions vary. If it's a tiny little thing, I tend to ignore it. In most cases, admittedly, I get my mom to come kill it. :x I really, really want to get on a level where I can just cup the spider and take it outside. I want a few types of spiders one day (tarantulas, jumping, and velvet), after all, so I really should get used to interacting with them. I know in my gut they're nowhere near as dangerous and scary as your head makes them seem, but it's so instilled in you (most "you"s, anyway) from a young age to stay away from spiders, so it's fighting almost like instinct. Do you have big dreams? Meh... When is your father’s birthday? Sometime in April. The 16th, I think? Maybe. Are you interested in anime? Yeah. They can have some great stories. Do you eat three meals a day? Most days. Are you part German? German and Irish make up most of my heritage, yes. Do you dream of being a porn star? Uh, I can confidently say no. Have you ever been on a farm? I have. What is your favorite type of muffin? Blueberry, I think. I like the moisture it adds to the muffin. What is the last type of salad that you ate? Just your normal one with iceberg lettuce and ranch. What do you usually put on your waffles? A layer of peanut butter and then some syrup. You NEED to try it. Would you rather have a cottage on the beach or in a forest? A forest! Name all the people that you talked to today. Online, through texts and in person. Mom and Misty are all, I think. Do you know a schizophrenic person? My half-sister. Did you ever watch Sailor Moon? If so, who is your favorite? I did. I don't think I had a favorite character. Name the last 3 people you kissed and list one nice thing about each one. Sara: she's very loyal. Girt: he's funny as hell. Tyler: he, uh, cares a lot, I guess? When was the last time you felt EXTREMELY depressed? Why is that? Yesterday, actually. I was passively suicidal just over... a lot of things. Would you ever dye your hair pink? I want pastel pink hair anyway.

[sasskarian]

Romance Ask: 1, 6, 15, 25, 29 for Ryder/Jaal and Ryder/Evfra

Ryder/Jaal + Ryder/Evfra

1. What drew your character to their LI and vice versa?

So, I think the main thing that drew Ryder to Jaal was a sense of kindred spirits. At least at first. Both of them are from relatively high status families— Ryder has her dad, who was a big deal before the whole AI thing, and her mom, who literally helped pioneer biotic research. Jaal talks about his family and how he doesn’t feel like he fits in well. And that’s something Ryder really gets. Later, Jaal’s dual nature as both a lethal warrior and a gentle scholar is a grounding experience for Ryder, who starts (like most of my protags, let’s be real) experiencing some Title-Based depersonalization. There’s Pathfinder Ryder, who isn’t allowed to be anything but the best of humanity, and then there’s Sara E Ryder, chronic fuck up trying her best. 

Ryder approaching Evfra was actually Jaal’s idea for the most part, although she starts softening towards him in chapter five. (In an AU I’m considering making canon?) Jaal knows that Ryder and Evfra are more alike than either of them likes to admit: they’re both prideful, stubborn as hell, and a little egotistic. But Ryder is less jaded than Evfra, and while Evfra may not be a ‘friend’ of Jaal’s, he does respect the hell out of him, and carries an affection that could easily turn into friendship if Evfra allowed it to. He knows Evfra is hurting, and that he doesn’t feel like he can show it to the Resistance, but Ryder is good at drawing people in and letting them just… be. 

(Also, I’m poly as hell, so. I tend to write poly stuff.)

Quote:

“Bringing my men treats again, Pathfinder?” Evfra growled, hands planted on his desk and menace coiled in a shroud around his body. He didn’t bother to look up, tabbing through two different datapads and thundering against her senses like a storm-head. “We aren’t pets for you to tame.” The ice in his voice slid down Sara’s spine and sent goosebumps rippling down her arms.

“I’m not trying to tame you,” she replied softly, “and I mean no insult with my gifts. You know that.”

Evfra did drag his gaze up at that, all narrowed eyes and slitted pupils. If she only looked with her eyes, danger shrouded him, like a bull about to charge, ready to bellow with rage. But there was a tremble in the current he gave off, bouncing wasp-like and angry against her ribcage, and the muscles around his eyes and mouth had a tight, bloodless look she knew stemmed from too little sleep and no real rest.

On another day, Sara might have been tempted to give him something to fight face to face, something to purge himself on. There were days like that for her, when the pain and loss became salt in a dozen open wounds: Scott, her father, Raeka. All the people waiting on her to find them a home and suffering more each day she failed. The prejudices that were supposed to have been left behind and instead were flourishing. The false, failed promise of the Initiative, the proverbial brochure that said Come, find a home. Come and start anew.

She knew that dark anger, struggled to keep it buried so that the poison wouldn’t splash out onto everyone else— those were the days that she sparred with Drack or Cora, or sought out impossible-looking Asari biotic exercises. Those were the days she pushed her body until she dropped, chasing mindless exhaustion and trying to purge the anger, the sorrow, the resentment. And for the first time, Sara looked at Evfra and saw a reflection of her buried self that no one knew.

The weight on Evfra’s shoulders was at least as heavy as hers, probably more so— and with that realization, whatever impulse she had to smart off at him, or indulge another childish pissing contest, died. For good.

She swallowed hard and stepped closer, setting the last piece of paripo on the corner of the desk. A moment passed between them, his eyes staring into hers. Part of her wanted to reach out with a gentle biotic touch, a proverbial hand on his shoulder. Something to say, I understand. And I’m sorry. How can I help? But she knew it was the wrong moment for that; trying to dismantle their cold war had to wait until Evfra didn’t need that icy distance to keep the losses from becoming overwhelming.

Still, even though she kept all of her empathy to herself, something in Evfra… not precisely softened, but resettled in a slightly-less-hostile fashion. The cords in his neck slowly smoothed out, some of the tension in his face loosening, and— almost as good a sign of some sort of victory, like the tipping of a king in a chess match— the scarred corner of his mouth gave the tiniest of quirks. It wasn’t quite a smile: the day was too solemn for that. But it was something she could build on later.

“As you will, then,” he rumbled, turning his eyes back to what Sara recognized as scrolling casualty reports. The words should have sounded like a sneer, and an hour ago? They might have. But Sara knew something about Evfra now, a new layer to the boogeyman-like persona he projected through the Resistance— and the statement just sounded tired. Leadership became a heavy burden, deciding who lived and who died and wondering what to do if their family asks why? And that, they had in common. He fought against the eradication of his species, and she fought the slow death of the entire Initiative.

Who knew? She thought, stepping back and taking Jaal’s hand. Maybe common ground isn’t so hard to find after all.

6. Who is the big spoon?

Jaal is absolutely the big spoon. Those shoulders are so good for hugs. 

15. Does their view of themselves differ from their partner’s view?

Jaal has stars in his eyes for Ryder. Ryder thinks Jaal walks on air. Neither of them sees themselves as the other does, and yeah, they have some insecurities from it, but they’re trying.

25. Share any headcanons about their relationship. 

Jaal likes animals, aside from that damn pyjack. When the Initiative settles down and pets start being bred, Ryder comes home with the tiniest ball of fluffy kitten she’s ever seen. At first, she was worried that Jaal or Evfra might scare the poor bab, given that they’re large boys. But the kitten, named Sam for maximum hilarity and joking with SAM, warms right up to both of them. (The first time the kitten stands on wobbly little legs and rubs Evfra’s hesitant hand and makes his face fill with wonder is something Ryder will never forget).

29. What are your favorite moments that happen between them? 

KISSES. ALL THE KISSES. I headcanon that biotics and angaran bioelectricity are at least semi-compatible, given that it’s hinted that Ryder and Jaal can feel each other’s presence. So I made memory-kisses a thing, where bioelectricity ignites neurons and can allow for memory/sensation sharing.

Romance Asks!

[diannaphantomfiction]

Karivarry LifeSwap AU Writing Prompts. Prompt 12/♾: Day in the Life

Prompt requested by Anonymous

Kara, Barry and Oliver and their interactions with their teams + how they live their civilian lives

____________

“You can’t be serious.” Kara stared at her manager, sorry former manager, in shock.

“I’m sorry, Kara. The owner didn’t give me a choice. She said the police called. That you lied about your criminal history?”

It had taken Kara weeks to get a job at this stupid theme diner. She hadn’t even wanted it, but she needed the work desperately. So, during the day she stuffed herself into the stupid uniform (A pink dress with a fancy black apron tied around her waist and a pair of kitten heels), plastered a smile on her face, laughed at customers’ bad jokes, and hoped her feet wouldn’t be bleeding at the end of her shift. It wasn’t a good job per say, but they paid her minimum wage before she got her tips and gave her daytime hours.

And Maggie had lied to her boss and cost her it.

“I was never convicted of anything! They let me go every. Single. Time.”

“I’m sorry, Kara. You’re a good worker, but…”

Kara sighed, “You need a job too.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. I’ll change out of my uniform.”

“Thanks, Kara.”

Kara changed out of her uniform and returned everything, before leaving the building. She shoved down her anger and marched to the nearest bus stop. She was running out of options. Sure, she still had her inheritance, her mother had removed the excess requirements when Kara had come home broken and mentally scared. Cat Grant may have believed in hard work, but she wasn’t a monster. She would never leave her daughter to the streets if her PTSD prevented her from working. So she had a nice apartment, more than enough money to take care of Carter as his guardian, put food on the table, and pay for anything they would need, but she wanted to work. She hated sitting around doing nothing and John had literally pushed her out of the “Arrow Cave” a few times because “being the Arrow 24/7 isn’t healthy”.

Unfortunately, no one wanted to hire a girl with a BA in Anthropology. She supposed she could go back to school somehow, get her Master’s and PhD. But, the idea of field work made her heart race, her organs to chill, and her stomach to flip. She was actually terrified of it now when before it had excited her, and she wasn’t willing to admit that. Kara waved down the bus and rode it until she reached her favorite coffee shop. Apparently it was time to start looking for jobs. Again. So, that’s what she did, applying to everything she came across that she’d be able to do for hours until it was time to go home. She’d be there just long enough to fix dinner and wrangle Carter into homework and sleep before she was due at the Arrow Cave.

“Hey kid.” Kara said, ruffling Carter’s hair as she walked past him on the way to the kitchen. He was working on his Math homework, which would give Kara plenty of time to throw together something mostly healthy for them to eat.

“Hey Kara. I thought you got off work earlier today?”

Kara paused. Damn it, this kid was too smart. “So chicken or fish tonight? I think I have some Cod in the fridge…”

“Did you get fired again?”

Kara turned away just long enough to pull the cod and some vegetables out. “Yeah.”

Carter didn’t say anything for a few minutes, letting Kara work on cooking as he half-focused on a Math problem. As soon as the food was left to simmer, knowing that all Kara had to do was watch it, he spoke up again.

“You know you don’t have to work right? Mom said that if your PTSD was too bad…”

“Oh Car…” she turned to face him, “It’s not that simple. I like working. I like keeping busy. If I don’t work, it will just keep getting worse. Staying busy helps. Besides, what would I do with myself all day if I didn’t have a job?”

Carter shrugged. “I don’t know. I just...I don’t want you to end up getting hurt because you’re not ready for something, Kar.” Kara smiled at the old nickname. It had been a joke from Alex that had stuck. Her baby siblings: Kar and Car. Eventually the two of them had claimed the names for themselves, Carter actually declaring that only Kara was allowed to call him that.

“I’m glad you care, but it’s not your job to worry about me. I’m the big sister and you’re the teenage boy. It’s your job to do stupid shit and make mistakes and learn and it’s my job to worry about you.”

Kara was extremely glad that Carter was old enough to be left alone as she slipped out of the apartment to go to her “second job”. Kara had told Carter it was a managing job at Lena’s club and it was a good cover...for people who didn’t know who was on staff at Lena’s club or what was in it’s basement. So, Carter believed it. He was a smart kid, but he didn’t have all the facts and Kara was going to make sure he didn’t until he was older. Kara walked down to find John and Winn arguing about something lightheartedly, Lena elegantly stuffing her face with french fries, Mike and James arguing about something significantly less lightheartedly, and Kaldur and Artemis sparing.

“Kaldur! Artemis! What have I told you about sparing right before a planned patrol?”

They stopped. Kaldur at least looked reasonably chastised, he released his hard water construct swords, but not back into his water pack or as water vapor. No, he just let it fall to the ground. He then looked more embarrassed and even more chastised, luckily he realized his mistake and touched the puddle with a finger, he made his markings glow and evaporated it into the air.

Artemis on the other hand, just rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. Kara loved Artemis like a little sister, she really did, but that girl had more bitterness in her pinkie toe than the rest of Kara’s team combined. Kara would never blame her for that, no teenager should have to suffer through being raised in the League of Assassins. Unfortunately, it did make it difficult to act as her mentor. Kara had learned that, for the most part, Artemis needed to make her own mistakes and Kara let her as long as the mistakes wouldn’t get her killed. So if it had just been Artemis going some intense training, Kara would have let her, lecturing her after she tried to spin kick someone with a sprained ankle and wouldn’t be able to walk on it for a couple weeks. Kaldur didn’t learn like that though and if he’d pulled a muscle or gotten hit wrong during sparring and injured himself more in the field, it would only serve to put him in a funk and it could take him days to get back to normal.

“I want you two on petty crimes tonight. And remember; back here by 2:30, back home by 3:00.”

“Petty crimes? Again?” Artemis snarled, “We’ve been on petty crimes all week!”

Kaldur bit his lip. He clearly thought something similar, but was thinking up a way to say it more respectfully. “We’re just...concerned you’re going easy on us. How are we supposed to learn if we aren’t challenged.”

Kara’s shoulders slumped. “I know. But...what we’ve been working on...I’m trying to make sure everyone comes out alive. You’re both extremely talented and skilled, but the man we’re fighting won’t hesitate to kill you, even if you are just teenagers. I want you both alive, and if that means keeping you on the sidelines for a while, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Neither teen looked particularly happy about that, but they didn’t argue. Simply nodded and sulked off to do their job.

“That’s probably going to come back to bite you.” Winn said, spinning just a little too hard in his chair and taking a couple extra circles, which almost completely undermined his point.

“They’ll get over it when they’re still alive,” Kara said, walking over to her suit. “So, have we found something more about Ra’s Al Ghul?”

“Nothing more than the usual chatter,” John said.

“You know if Alex was here…” Mike stops as everyone glares at him.

Kara stares him down for a few seconds. “Wildcat. Petty crimes.”

“What?”

“You’re on petty crimes. Mentioning my dead sister is in very poor taste and if you’re not going to provide meaningful contributions I’m going to treat you like one of the teenagers. Petty. Crimes.���

Mike stared at her, but eventually he left to join the teenagers on petty crime duty. Kara turned to the rest of her team and zipped up her leather jacket.

“Alright. Let’s get to work, then.”

----------

Oliver sat at his desk at the courthouse, mindlessly clicking through a form as he waited for his lunch hour. Usually, Oliver was busy. Criminal Psychologists who were willing to work for one city were rare. They were always sending him “insanity defenses” to examine, children to interview, or even sending him to Iron Heights to do prisoner interviews. Today he just had to interview a couple of “unstable” defendants (off his meds and mad because a cop pulled a gun on her ten year old) and fill out some forms. The computer didn’t move at super speed or he’d have been out of here hours ago. It was days like this Oliver hated his job.

“Knock, knock, big brother.”

Oliver looked up from his computer. “Sara? What in the world are you doing here? I’m sure I would have known if Captain Cold was on trial…”

Sara laughed. “Please. I would totally wear my parka to my own trial. I’m just here as a character witness.”

Oliver looked over her tasteful slacks and light blue blouse. “...For who? Are you going to perjure yourself for one of your girls?”

Sara waved her hand dismissively. “I’m not going to tell you. You wouldn’t believe me if I said no and you’d have me arrested if I said yes.”

“Because you would have left me no choice, Sara. Honestly. Do you not understand any of our jobs?”

“Meh.” She shrugged.

Oliver sighed, “Why are you in my office specifically?”

“I’m grabbing you and Laurel for Lunch.”

“...You’re just going to walk into the DA’s office and invite your sister to lunch?”

“Well how else would I do it?”

“Are you forgetting that you are Captain Cold?”

“No one can prove that.”

“You literally don’t wear a mask.”

As it turns out, Sara could just waltz into the DA’s office by changing her body language, speech patterns, and letting her hair down. Gone were the familiar hard lines around her eyes, the sarcastic lift in her voice, the confident swagger, and the tight ponytail. Instead she was walking with more swing in her hips, had pulled her hair down and fluffed it so it looked wavy, wore a smile that just didn’t look right, but did make her look younger and sweeter, and spoke in that way Oliver was sure women only did when they wanted something.

But, it got her past security without anyone questioning her. Somehow.

Laurel barely glanced up from her paperwork as they walked in. “Hey Oliver. Sorry, I can’t talk. I just got assigned a case from Major Crimes and I’m pretty sure they think I’m some sort of miracle worker.”

In an instant, Sara’s body language shifted back to normal. Her smirk and sarcastic lift returned as quickly as she relaxed back into her usual self. “Come on, Laurel. Even ADAs get lunch breaks.”

Laurel froze and looked up suspiciously, already stuffing the paperwork back into files and locking her computer. “Sara? How did you even get in here?”

“She walked. It was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen and I hope I don’t see it again.” Oliver said, completely serious.

“Come on,” Sara said as she tugged Laurel from her seat and out of her office, “If we hurry we can help Roy play hooky. Have a real sibling bonding experience.”

Laurel and Oliver exchanged a glance as they followed her, too familiar with her antics to try to fight her or stop her.

“You know, if you just told her…” Laurel started.

Oliver glared, “Shut up. Why don’t you tell her?”

Neither of the two superheroes had an answer to why they didn’t tell Sara as they followed their super villain sister to lunch.

It took a grand minute and a half for Thea to crash right into a wall and knock herself out. Oliver winced as he slid into a stop next to her. That was a new record. Her mask was off center as well, they’d have to fix that so it wouldn’t slip off or accidentally blind her.

Her eyes flickered open and she tried to shake her hair out of her eyes and failed. “Mr. Queen? Did I win?”

Oliver smiled and sat down beside her. “No. Sorry. Don’t worry, turning is hard at first, you lasted a long time. Well, a long time for a speedster. Come on, sit up. Caitlin will be down soon to force water down your throat and check you for a concussion in a few seconds. And I imagine your father will be freaking out.”

Thea sat up with a groan as she pushed her mask up onto her forehead, messing up her hair even more, which she would definitely complain about once her concussion passed in a couple hours.

Oliver has never expected to have a mentee of his own, not really. He’d seen Kara’s protégées training as she watched, shouting out corrections and encouragement at them. They were brilliant, Kaldur was fast, silent, and smart, Artemis was creative and her aim was nearly as good as Kara’s. Oliver hoped he could be as good a mentor to Thea was Kara was to Kaldur and Artemis.

The air chilled as Caitlin walked into the speed lab, her white waves bouncing and her blue lips pursed in the disappointment Oliver knew all too well from the dozens of times he had hurt himself and she had to patch him up.

Mac was right behind her, his usually blank, hard face was awash with worry and concern. When anyone except Thea was in trouble, he showed his care with anger and frustration. It was strange, but oh so Mac. None of them would have him any other way.

“What happened?!” Mac demanded.

Caitlin rolled her eyes and kneeled down, ignoring Thea’s flinch and hiss as Caitlin’s ice cold hands cupped her chin.

“Thea still hasn’t figured out how to make sharp turns. It takes some time to figure out.” Oliver assured Mac, placing a gentle, comforting hand on Thea’s shoulder.

“Why isn’t it like normal?” She moaned.

“Because we’re really, really fast. It’s like a cheetah. It takes extra thought, extra energy.”

Thea groaned. “Stupid…”

Oliver merely laughed. Yeah. It kind of was.

Caitlin was asking Thea the standard concussion questions and shining a light in her eyes.

“Why are you so cold?” Thea whined, pulling away with a shiver.

“My people are from a frozen planet.” Caitlin said dryly.

“Shouldn’t you have fire powers then?”

“That’s not how we evolved.”

Thea huffed and everyone else shook their heads and chuckled. Caitlin pulled back and nodded. “You’ll be just fine with some rest and some food.”

Mac sighed and scooped his daughter up. “You know, if you’re going to be doing this you're going to have to be more careful.”

“Hmmm...I love you too, Dad, but I’m very very hungry.”

Oliver chuckled as he and Caitlin followed the father and daughter. Now that he thought about it, he was also very, very hungry.

----------

Barry was bored. He was absolutely, positively bored out of his mind. As Dr. Tina McGee’s executive assistant, he was supposed to be paying attention and taking notes. Instead he was unprofessionally trying not to fall asleep in the middle of a board meeting that started at 5:30 and still wasn’t finished after lunch. Barry startled himself awake and adjusted his wire framed glasses as he tried to look like he’d been focused on his tablet. It probably didn’t work considering Dr. McGee gave him a fond look.

“I think that’s enough for today, gentlemen. Clearly we aren’t going to get any further and I think we all need a break.” She rose to her feet and left the room, Barry quickly stumbling to his feet and following after his boss.

Dr. McGee sighed and ran a hand through her hair. “Well, that was a waste of time. How much did they screw up my schedule, Barry?”

“Uh…” Barry clipped on his tablet with his stylus. “Very. The minute it went past eight I set up automatic alerts asking one of the receptionists to reschedule your appointments.”

“Is Wayne Enterprises still on the schedule?”

“Yes ma’am. They’re going to be here in an hour and a half.”

Dr. McGee nodded. “Alright. Well, after that disaster of a meeting I need caffeine and sweets. Would you head down to the nearest Starbucks and get me something? Oh, and get something for yourself too. You looked dead on your feet in there.”

Her smile was kind, clearly making an excuse to give Barry a chance to get some much needed caffeine. What Barry actually needed was sunlight, but he quite liked the idea of a Frappecino. It would be a nice treat. So Barry sped walked down, the balance between “I’m totally a normal human” and “I’m literally not a human being” led to him looking very, very clumsy as made his way to the nearest Starbucks.

Barry ordered two very sweet iced coffees and hopped back upstairs, giving Dr. McGee her drink before returning to his desk to send emails and do other assistant things. It was very, very boring and Barry wished, not for the first time, that his keyboard could withstand super speed. And that he wasn’t in full view of everyone. It would make his life so much easier. Luckily, he only had to make it through that one last meeting and then he’d be able to go to his real job.

“Your patrol route for the day.”

Barry smiled at Len as he took to the tablet. “Hello to you too, Len”

Barry was already in his Superboy suit, having flown over, his hair windswept since he wore his longer than Clark’s and didn’t include a pound of hair products. Len, currently in his human form smirked and rolled his eyes, fondly. Barry’s route was outlined in blue as usual and intersected occasionally with Iris’s (gold) and Ronnie’s (orange). The routes were randomly generated by Cisco every day as a way to avoid a pattern that their enemies could pick up on.

Barry memorized his route quickly and handed to tablet back to Len. “I’m going to check in on everyone first.”

“Go right ahead, Bar.”

Barry smiled at his friend and mentor before running from the room. Bette shooed Barry away from Cisco because apparently they were in the middle of an assignment, but Barry had managed to catch up to Iris and Ronnie as they were getting ready for patrol.

“Rondi! Iris!” Barry called.

They turned. Ronnie Raymond, a Tamaranian whose real name was Rondi’ander, but was better known to the public as Brightfire, smiled at Barry kindly as he came up.

“Bar-El, how was your day?”

“Long and boring. You?”

“Jax got upset and he has set our television room ablaze.”

Barry winced. Jaxin’ander, or simply Jax, was Rondi’s younger brother and he had the same problem all teenagers with dangerous powers seemed to. Namely, control. That was why they had Jax, Wally, and Jessie all training together under whoever was willing to lend a hand. Usually it was Len or Barry, sometimes Bette felt comfortable enough to lend a hand and every once in a while Clark would show up. One time he even brought Diana with him. Barry was pretty sure they like Diana more than the rest of them combined.

“What am I? Chopped liver?” Iris asked. She was already sitting on her motorcycle, but her mask, which usually covered her lower face, was around her neck and her goggles were sitting on her forehead.

“Of course not!” Barry hugged his sister, smiling brightly again. There was a reason people called him a golden retriever. “How was work?”

“Fine. They’re bugging my to get an interview with Guardian.”

“They want you to interview...yourself?”

“You see my problem? Maybe I should ask Clark for advice, he interviews himself all the time.”

“I think he actually has Lois ask the questions.”

“Hm. That’s not a bad idea. Well, I’m good to go if you two are,” Iris said, tugging her mask and placing her goggles on her eyes.

Barry smiled and nodded and the three of them headed out to work.