#if hey donna didn’t exist maybe i’d feel more like i was reaching but i know i’m not

[leprosycock]

the reach,, context man, he said it was annoying that everyone in the event was drunk and he wasn't, not that qt was annoying herself. you guys will do anything to feed yourself this narrative i 😭 god knows i adore jlud but reality is reality

he hastens to make his way over there after qt has been shrieking for like almost a minute straight. no, he doesn’t say explicitly that it’s just her, but he says it’s annoying how everyone is drunk but him right after he’s reached his limit. they still don’t like each other anyway 😭 qt couldn’t stand touching him during the awards, the entirety of their hey donna episode together was like pulling teeth, and j sidesteps her and refuses to talk to her unless he has to (and vise versa) during the entirety of beerio kart urself. i’ll feed myself the narrative all i want crunch crunch munch mmmmmmmm delicious i love it i looovveeeee the narrative yummy

[portals-to-a-new-world]

Chapter 2: Georgia On My Mind

Summary:

Day 1: Met the McCoys, may or may not have scandalized one of them. (In all fairness, she had it coming)

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Six weeks raced by in a flash, and now that you found yourself stepping out onto Georgia soil, the nerves finally kicked in. Len seemed to notice, and he wrapped an arm around your shoulder while placing a gentle kiss on your temple. You took a deep breath before looking up to see him smiling down at you so warmly your heart felt as if it might leap straight out of your chest. You returned the smile with one of your own, his growing wider at the sight. He leaned down to plant his lips on yours when a young voice cried out.

“DADDY!” His head shot up towards the voice, barely having time to remove his arm from around you before Joanna slammed into him in a hug.

“Oof! Hey, pumpkin!” He cried as he lifted and spun her around in the air a few times.

“I missed you!” She giggled. His grin was contagious as he finally set her down.

“I missed you too, Shug.” She stepped back and turned her gaze to you, smiling just as brightly as her father. “Since you call her more often than you call me nowadays,” He said jokingly as he stepped back to place a hand on your back. “I’m sure I don’t need to introduce (y/n).” You offered a small wave as you stepped forward, but she met you halfway, throwing her arms around you nearly as enthusiastically as she did with Bones. You laughed as you returned the hug.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you in person, (Y/n)!” She said as you parted.

“You too! I brought you some of the books we talked about,” Your heart glowed at the way her face lit up, reminding you of yourself at her age.

“Really? That’s awesome!!” Her excitement was contagious, and you soon lost yourself in the conversation. Much like her father, she had a pure heart of gold, and she was wickedly intelligent to boot. You probably would have stood there all night had a voice not called out to the two of you.

“Are you two nerds coming in or not? El’ says dinner’s almost ready.” Somehow, you’d managed to miss the arrival of Jim, and just to get on his nerves you turned around to yell out

“Supper!” However, you were underestimating the McCoy family, as every single one said the same thing with you, causing Jim to nearly jump out of his skin. You and Jo ended up in the grass, clutching your sides as you laughed, losing it every time you looked at Jim’s confused and indignant expression. Eventually, Leonard came out to drag you both inside, failing to hide his own smile. As you walked past Jim, you reached out and patted his face gently. “Welcome to the South, Jimbo,” He smacked your hand away jokingly.

“Yeah, whatever. Can’t believe I thought it would be a good idea to invite you two.” You started to reply when he grabbed you by the arm and quite literally dragged you into the living room. “Bones! Why don’t you introduce her to Donna?” Taking his cue, Len wrapped an arm around your shoulder as he walked you towards the couple sitting on the couch. He quickly let go, however, as the woman stood and pulled you into a near crushing hug.

“Oh my lord, it’s so nice to finally meet you! Jo’s told us so much about you; which is more than I can say for her father,” She gave Len’s shoulder a playful shove before turning and gesturing to the man now standing behind her. “This is my husband, Fred,” You reached out to shake his hand.

“Pleasure to meet you, (Y/n),”

“You as well!” A look of confusion passed over everyone as the doorbell rang.“Are we expecting someone else?” Donna shook her head as she slipped by you to go see who was at the door. As soon as the door opened, the newcomer started squawking.

“About time!” Donna didn’t even have time to protest before a woman pushed passed her into the house. You knew something was off when Leonard tensed upon spotting the old woman, but you smiled politely anyway and tried to play nice. Well, at least until she opened her mouth and spoke.

“Leonard.” He nodded stiffly at her. She looked you up and down. “I see your taste in women has gotten worse in your age,” The tension in the room could have been cut with a butter knife, and only rose as you laughed aloud. Leonard looked down at you with wide eyes, confusion and hurt lurking in them.

“Aw, bless her heart, Len! If she thinks you’re old, imagine how she’s gonna react when she looks in the mirror.” You couldn’t help but grin at the emotions flashing through his eyes, starting with confusion, then relief and pride, and finally settling on that mischievous glint that always meant trouble. His hand reached out and grabbed one of yours as you stepped forward to murmur in her ear. You giggled as you stood back up to place a kiss on Leonard’s cheek as his eyes darted between you and the older woman, noting the way her mouth hung open in an absolutely scandalized expression. “So nice to meet you, ma’am,” You spun as a new voice rang out.

“My God, is that really my big sister left speechless?” Eleanora McCoy stood in the doorway, presumably that led to the kitchen, with a smirk on her lips. Your mind caught up and began to panic as you realized who the lady behind you was. Before you could reply and apologize, she spoke out.

“How dare you! I was nice enough to come out here and-”

“And insult my son’s girlfriend? Belle, I think we have very different opinions on what constitutes as nice.” Belle isn’t quite the name I would have given her. You thought. 

“This is my house, and if you plan to stay, then you’ll keep a civil tongue in that sawdust mill you call a head.” The tension finally broke when Belle turned on her heel and stormed out the door, nose held high. “Well, I’d say don’t mind her, but clearly you didn’t,” Eleanora said as she walked over with a warm smile.

“I hope I didn’t cause any trouble-” She waved you off.

“Please, if anything, you saved us all from an evening of passive-aggressive comments,” She continued as you still looked concerned. “Trust me, even I know how much of a hag my older sister is. If there’s one thing Belladonna is good at, it’s causing trouble by sticking her nose where it ought not be, and anyone who can shut her up is more than fine by me.” She turned to look at Len. “Leonard,” He stood a little straighter at his name. “You’ve got quite the keeper.” He beamed with pride as he looked down at you.

“I know, Ma.” She clapped her hands together, and he gently looped his arm through yours.

“Well, come on, y’all. Food’s getting cold,” As you all made your way into the dining room, he pulled you off to the side.

“What in the hell did you say to make her blush like that, darlin’?” You bit your lip to stop a smirk as you replied.

“Just that I’m glad I know you now, cause I doubt I could’ve handled your youthful stamina,” His eyes widened, and he dropped his head on your shoulder as he laughed.

“God, I love you.”

“Damn right, you do,” You started to lean up for a kiss, but per usual, Jim’s voice cut in.

“Will you two get in here already?? I’m starving!” Shaking your head, you settled for a quick peck just to spite Jim.

“To be continued, then,” A smirk graced your lips as you turned and walked into the other room, knowing Leonard’s eyes would be glued to your hips.

“It damn well better be,” His growl sent a shiver up your spine, but as you walked into the dining room, Joanna took your hand and pulled you towards the head of the table where Eleanora sat. Three seats were empty, and Leonard took the one beside you while Jo sat across from you. As you sat down, his hand found yours, and he traced patterns on your skin as you conversed with everyone.

“Hey, dad? Do you think we could go out to the lake tomorrow?” Sensing his hesitance, you spun to look at him excitedly.

“You never mentioned a lake! You have to show me.” You shot a subtle wink in Joanna’s direction. Jim was the next to speak up.

“Yeah, Bones, it’s been a while since we’ve been out there. Could be fun.” Knowing he was outnumbered, Leonard rolled his eyes dramatically. You shared a look with Jim, fully expecting Len to put up a fight.

“I don’t see why not, Shug.” Hmm. Maybe coming home was putting him in a good mood after all. “It’s supposed to be a blazer, though, so don’t forget your sunscreen this time, Jim.” He hid a smile at Jim’s frustrated sigh.

“That was one time, would you let it go?” Jim’s amusement was cracking through his attempt to be annoyed, and everyone burst out laughing. By the time everyone had finished eating and cleaned up, the exhaustion from your trip finally caught up with you, and your head barely hit the pillow before you were asleep with Len following close behind.

Notes:

Fun fact, the supper thing has actually happened to me. As always, thank you so much for reading and if you liked it please feed my attention-starved soul and hit that kudos button ;) Nah but seriously though you guys are the reason this came into existence so thank you a thousand times over for your support.

If you have a suggestion or something you'd like to see happen during the story feel free to drop a line in the comments, or stop by and say hello on tumblr (pandaqueen7799 is my main blog)! I'm always looking to make some new friends so don't be shy! Last but certainly not least, thank you to @bakerstreethound for being an awesome friend and giving this ol nugget the once over :D Go stop by her blog if you get a chance cause she’s awesome. 

Love y'all <3

[thorne93]

Stan Lee University (Part 17)

Prompt: What would the Avengers be like in college, more importantly, what would they be like if Y/N existed around them?

Word Count: 3331

Warnings: drama, language, welcome to fluff town

Notes: This is based on a HC from @carryonmyswansong. They helped brainstorm and write part of this series. In this AU, no one will have powers, everyone is a normal human. Beta’d by @carryonmyswansong

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

January tenth, and Stephen was set to be back home. Due to your excitement, you couldn’t sleep in, so you woke up fairly early. You got a little dressed up, and ran up to the airport to eagerly await his arrival.

Finally, after an hour, his plane landed. You’d been watching the board like a hawk, anticipating an early landing. 

You waited at the departure terminal, barely able to contain yourself. You hopped from one foot to the other, glancing to every single face that passed by. You tried looking over people’s heads until finally, there he was, in all his glory.

In an effort to keep from squealing, you waved your arms excitedly. He smiled at you and waved back before walking more quickly to meet you. As soon as he was within reach you slammed into him, knocking the wind out of him. 

“Jesus,” he gasped as you clung to him.

“I missed you,” you said defensively. 

“Clearly, that’s why you’re trying to kill me,” he joked, his arms wrapped around you. 

“You should know by now that’s how I show affection,” you teased, still squeezing him. 

“Alright, maybe we should go get my luggage?” he suggested.

You moped and sighed. “Fine.”

He laughed. “We’re about to share almost every day together.”

“But I’ve missed you.”

He took your hand as you two walked, kissing the back of it. “I know.”

“I read all your letters. Twice,” you informed, a little sheepishly.

“Glad you like them.”

“I loved them. They’re on my nightstand. I read one a night before I go to bed.”

“I’m you’re only source of literature? That’s sad,” he noted.

You laughed. “Not for long if you keep that up, asshole.”

The two of you grabbed his luggage, got him loaded into the car, and you drove him straight to his house. 

“Well, here you are,” you noted, getting a little sad. You hadn’t met his family yet, and you didn’t know if he wanted to do it just yet. 

“Yeah, here we are,” he echoed. “Hey, do you think you’d have time to come in? Meet the folks?”

“You...actually want me to meet them?”

“Do you need your hearing checked? Is that not what I just said?”

You looked towards the front door. “Well, yeah, but I wasn’t sure if you were ready or if we were ready or…”

“I’ve met pretty much all of your family. You’re important to me, so I think it’s time my family met you.”

Swallowing, you nodded.

He started to retract his statement. “Look, if you aren’t up to it or don’t want to, I won’t force you. I just thought it’d be nice…”

You slowly bobbed your head. “Okay, yeah. Let’s do it.”

“Cool.” He jumped out of your car and grabbed his bags from the trunk. You grabbed his carry on and followed him inside the house. “I’m home,” he called out, but no response came at first. He walked into the kitchen and found his mom and you assumed his brother. 

The woman looked to be middle aged, a short dark brunette bob, and she was wearing a brown blouse, tan slacks, and gold jewelry. His brother was blonde, in a checkered button blue button down with a red tie and nearly white pants. 

“Ah, there he is, back from New York,” his brother noted.

“London…” Stephen corrected evenly.

“Welcome home, darling,” his mom greeted kindly. “Who’s this?” 

“This is Y/N,” he introduced. “My girlfriend. Y/N, this is my mom Beverly and my brother Victor.”

You extended your hand, shaking both of theirs. “It’s so lovely to meet you both. Stephen’s told me all about you.”

“Really? We haven’t heard one word about you,” Victor noted.

You pursed your lips, unsure how to respond.

“That’s because you’re never around,” he snapped. “Speaking of, why are you here?”

“To talk to Dad, but he’s in his study on the phone. Wanted to run an idea by him,” he informed. 

“Right,” he remarked. 

“How was your trip, dear?” Beverly asked, trying to stop the feud between them.

“Cold, drizzly, informative,” he rattled off and you couldn’t help but frown slightly. Stephen told you something new every day, telling you all about his time at the hospital. But he gave his mom three words? You knew they weren’t close but this house felt just as empty as when his family wasn’t here. “I was wondering if Y/N could stay for dinner? Thought she could meet Dad…”

“Well, I suppose so,” his mom sighed as she picked up her wine and nursed it.

He just looked at his mom and his brother and then shook his head slightly, gesturing for you to follow him upstairs to his room. The two of you began unpacking his things. 

“Jesus christ,” he groaned, clearly agitated as he threw pants into his dresser. “I wish for fucking once they could be decent.”

You remained quiet.

“Victor, I get. He’s always an ass. That won’t change. The only thing he cares about is black credit cards and cars to match.”

“Was… he always that way?” you wondered.

“Shit, I don’t know. We weren’t really close growing up. We got even further apart after… after Donna died.” 

“Maybe he can’t stand the idea of being close to anyone, for fear he’ll lose them. So if he makes himself distance and cold and aloof, he won’t have to face any pain if something happens.”

Stephen stopped unpacking for a second and sat on the bed. “Yeah, maybe. Hell, I don’t know. It just -- you’re the first person I really give a shit about and they can’t give you two seconds. Hell, your whole family talked to me, asked about me. My mom didn’t even ask for your last name, how I met you, or anything.”

“Could you just tell her? Without an invitation? Maybe she doesn’t know what you do and don’t want to share.”

“It’d be a moot point, I honestly think all girls sort of present themselves the same to her. So she doesn’t care.”

“If this is true, then why am I here for dinner?”

“Because you’re important to me, you’re going to be around, I figured they might want to know who’s coming in their house.”

You nodded. 

“And your Dad?”

He scoffed. “Fuck, Dad won’t even notice you’re here.” with that, he got back up and continued unpacking while you helped.

“You know, when a family loses a child--” 

“Don’t,” he slightly warned. “I’m not trying to be a dick, but I know all about the grief cycle, how it affects families. Just please… don’t give me the brochure version, alright?”

You nodded. “Alright.” You weren’t hurt. It wasn’t your place to lecture or “analyze” them, but you thought Stephen might appreciate the practical approach. But this was an emotional issue, logic wouldn’t do here. 

“It’s just… I know it hurts. I know. I miss her every single day, and I feel like it’s my fault she’s gone, but… they seem to forget they’ve got other kids. Everyone just went their separate ways after she died and I hate it.”

“That happens a lot with families.”

“Yeah,” he said with a humorless laugh. “Just don’t get why. Isn’t that the time to come together? To be together? To bond? I mean, you already know our time is short here and we never know when the day is going to be our last… Seems like they’d want to make the most of our time.” 

“Not everyone can focus on what they still have. Sometimes it’s hard to look past what you lost.” 

“That’s definitely true,” he agreed with a nod. “Well anyway, enough of the Strange pity party. Let’s just try to get through this night.” 

All you did was nod, seeing as you weren’t sure what else to say, or that you should say.

In an hour and a half, Beverly texted Stephen telling him dinner was ready. 

The two of you descended the stairs where you met his father, a balding man who already had his attention fixed on a tablet. You and Stephen sat on one of the long sides of the table, while Victor sat across from you. Beverly sat on one of the short ends, opposite her husband. 

Beverly was still bringing the food to the table when Stephen piped up, “Uh, Dad, I’ve got someone I’d like you to meet,” he noted. 

A grunt came from his father, he didn’t bother to look up. 

“Dad… Did you hear me?” he asked again.

“What?” he finally asked, seeming to snap out of his own head. “Ah, you’re back from… Europe. How nice. How was it?” 

“Fine. Great. Learned a lot. Anyway, I want you to meet Y/N, my girlfriend.”

His eyes slid to mine. “Nice to meet you.”

“Is this one going to stick or should we just wait for the next one?” Victor wondered.

“Would you even notice the difference if there was a next one?” Stephen snapped and you just reached over and slowly grabbed his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He took a deep breath and said, “Well, dinner looks great, Mom.”

“Thank you,” she said, sitting down.

“Yes, thank you so much,” you said, turning to her. 

“Not a problem.”

Everyone began to dish food onto their plates, but you waited until the family had gotten theirs. 

“Anything interesting today, Dad?” Victor asked.

“Looks like the DOW is down,” he noted in a gruff.

“What a shame, hey, I found out some good news about that stock you invested in last week.”

“Mmm, good, send me a report in email,” his dad ordered before taking a sip of his water, his eyes still never left the tablet. 

Victor seemed to suppress a sigh as he worked on his food. 

“Uh, Mrs. Strange, this food’s great. Have you been cooking long?” you wondered.

“Just since Eugene and I got married,” she informed. 

“Oh, interesting. And Eugene, you work in finance?” you asked, turning your attention to him.

“Yes.”

“If the DOW is down, how will that affect your business?” 

“Poorly.”

“Oh, well I’m sure it’ll look up soon. What with the way the low interest rates that are about to hit on the market.”

Suddenly, his dad put his tablet down and looked at you. “Come again? You know stocks?”

“I dabble. My mom’s a bit of a risk taker. She likes to gamble, but she likes to gamble using stocks.”

“And you think it’ll go back up?”

“Oh, sure, just look at the trend it’s been in,” you informed, launching into the past four months of data, comparing it to other trends. Eugene asked you several questions and even Victor seemed to want to test your knowledge. 

“That’s impressive, Y/N. Not many people your age know that sort of knowledge. You thinking about finance for a career?”

“No, uh, actually going to medical school like Stpehen here, but instead of neurosurgery, I’m interested in psychiatry.”

“I bet you’ll do great in that. It’s a shame though. I’m sure I could get you a spot on our firm now, with your knowledge. You wouldn’t make a lot at first, but if you stuck to it, I’m sure I could get you some promising figures.” 

“Thank you, that’s very kind, but I am happy with the path I’m on. If that changes, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Yeah, Dad, Y/N diagnosed a patient that we were having trouble with in London. She saved her life. Works down at that clinic with Dr. York now as a consult.”

“Is that so?” he asked, his face beaming as he nodded, smiling at you. 

“Yes, sir,” you stated. 

“Well, it’s clear you’ll do just fine no matter what avenue you pick. Good for you.” 

“Thank you.” 

The rest of the dinner was eaten in comfortable silence before everyone disbanded and seemed to go their own ways. You and Strange got up to his room and he shut the door.

“My dad has ever talked to guest that long, ever. I don’t even think he talks to the cable repair guy that long.”

You shrugged. “What can I say, parents love me.”

“I didn’t know you knew stocks.”

“I didn’t know your dad was in finance.” 

“Is there anything you can’t do?” 

“I apparently can’t make the best pizza sauce,” you joked. 

“Well that’s true. I guess I have that over you.” 

------------------------------

The next couple of nights, Stephen came over to your house to meet your family officially. They all gushed over him and everyone but your dad gave him a hug. Your mom sat with him and practically learned his whole life story in one sitting. Everyone was hanging on his every word, all while you just held his hand and stared at him in awe. 

They all seemed to really enjoy having them around and he smiled quite often while he was at your house. 

This weekend, Stephen was packing for his dorm. You two got dorms next door to each other this semester and you were thrilled. He was taking a break to shower though, so you two could go see a movie. 

You decided to go wander around the house while he did that and you ended up out in the backyard where his mom was. 

“Hi,” you greeted as you came up beside her.

“Oh, hello there,” she returned as she worked on a little garden bed. She had white shorts, a sun hat, and a blue shirt on. 

“What are you planting, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Bachelor buttons, hopefully they’ll come up in time for spring.”

“Oh, I love those.” You glanced around the garden, noting the different vibrant colors. “Oh, your wisteria is gorgeous.”

She smiled. “Thank you. It’s one of my pride and joys.” 

“It’s stunning. Would you like some help?” 

She looked up at you, a curious expression on her face. “Sure. You can start digging the hole for the canna lilies, if you don’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. Where would you like it?” 

“Right over here is fine,” she said pointing about a foot away from the area she was working on.

You picked up the shovel and sat it where she pointed it. “Right here?”

“That’s just fine.” 

With that, you got to work, digging easily in the soft soil.

“So how did you and Stephen meet?” she casually asked as she unpackaged the bubled plants. 

“We were actually physics partners for lab,” you informed. 

“Oh, well that’s nice.”

“Mhm. We seemed to hit it off. He came to my pre-med club, and we became good friends.”

She made a noise of admiration. “Mmm, all good loves come from good friendships. It’s a great foundation.”

“I think so too.”

“And you’re going to medical school too, hmm?”

“Yes, ma’am, that’s the plan.”

“Will you go where Stephen goes?” 

This question threw you for a loop for a moment. 

“Oh, I’m not sure. We haven’t really discussed it at all,” you informed honestly. “We’re still only juniors so we’ve got a little bit of time.”

“Right, absolutely,” she agreed. “Well you seem like a very sweet, well to-do young lady.”

“Thank you very much. And Stephen is a great man. You and your husband did a fantastic job raising him. He’s very sweet, brilliant, and funny.” 

She paused and looked up at you. “That’s a very kind thing to say, thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” 

“He’s lucky to have found you. He’s been so closed off from everyone since… well… I don’t know if he told you about the accident.”

You were done digging so you sat the shovel down and sat down in the grass across from Beverly. 

“About Donna? Yes, he did. I’m so very sorry for that. I know my words don’t help, but, know it pains me to know that tragedy hit your family.”

She nodded. “I appreciate that. Ever since then, he’s been so… isolated. I wish I could reach him. He left his old school, all his friends… At least he’s closer to home now, but he still wants to live on campus. I guess I can’t change that.”

You gave a soft, half smile. 

“You seem to be good for him though. He smiles a lot more now that you’re around,” she mentioned. 

“I hope so.”

“Do you know if he’s… happy?”

You bit your lip as that was a loaded question. “I… know he misses his sister every day. And I know he feels responsible. But he misses you all,” you remarked carefully.

She sighed. “I miss him too.” 

“What’s going on out here?” Stephen asked as he walked up.

“Oh, just girl talk. Me and Y/N here were getting to know each other a little better. She’s helping me plant some flowers,” she informed with a kind smile at you. 

“That’s dangerous. Alright, Y/N, let’s go,” he said quickly. You got up and dusted your pants off.

“I hope I helped,” you said sweetly.

“You did,” she assured, and you weren’t sure if she meant the gardening or with her son…

As you two got in Stephen’s car he said, “You don’t have to do that.” 

“Do what?”

“Try to bond with her. If it makes you uncomfortable--”

“I like trying to get to know you’re family,” you assured. “I think it’s nice.” 

“I’m glad someone thinks so.”

--------------

The two of you went to the movies and when you returned, you said you had to use the bathroom. Suddenly, Beverly spoke to her son.

“I like her, you should bring her around more often,” she noted as she worked on chopping carrots.

“I’m sorry, what?” he said, as if he didn’t hear her. 

“You heard me,” she informed evenly. 

“Wh--Well, alright, I will.” 

“Good. I think she’s a good addition to the family.”

At this, he smiled and nodded. “I think so too.”

“She doesn’t just lock herself in your room like some of your old friends and girlfriends did.”

“No, she’s not like any of them at all.”

“Which is a good thing,” she sternly noted. “Why don’t you have her and some friends over next weekend, you know, after school starts? A little party?”

“And… Dad’s okay with that?”

“I’m sure your father would be delighted to have some energy back in this place.”

“Alright, I’ll see what I can do,” he promised just as you exited the bathroom. 

You greeted Beverly and offered to help her with dinner but she declined so you two went into the living room. 

--------------------------

Time around Stephen’s family was tense at first, of course, but you tried to balance time between your homes. Friday nights you went to your house, Saturday nights at his place, then you alternated on Sundays. 

It seemed that when you were around the Strange’s the atmosphere sort of picked up. You made sure to check in on Beverly every time you came over, seeing if she would like help around the house or if she she just wanted to talk. The few times Victor popped up, you tried to be kind to him as well. Eugene was always thrilled to see you and eventually you made your way from talking about stocks to horse racing to bartending to economy. He always seemed really intrigued with what you had to say and took you very seriously. 

Stephen always thanked you for being patient with them, and he thanked you for seemingly helping them get out of their rut. Eugene no longer locked himself in his study, unless he really had a lot of work to get done, and Beverly seemed to not grab a glass of wine every night with dinner. 

For whatever reason, your presence seemed to instill a new hope, a new energy into the house. 

And for the first time in a long time, they enjoyed spending time together as a family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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[or-something-better]

June 26, 2022

(Nightly RP – End of  the Dark Hunters Storyline)

(Ruby played Jody for this outline)

Gabe

walking into Jacques living room

Cass

Well this isn’t ominous

Dean

follows inside

Jacques

brim of my hat pushed down over my eyes, I watch as everyone enters. I can feel the power coming from a few of the newcomers. Turning to the one in a trench coat I speak   I recognize a few here, but you… and a couple of your friends… you radiate power… who are you?

Gabe

I’m Larry this here pointing to Cass is Moe and that gorgeous creature with the long blonde hair is Curly

Donna

walks in right behind my love, gun ready. soft giggle!

Sam

I'm the last one to go inside and I stand at the door to the room they've gathered in, keeping our escape in view, just in case we need one in a hurry.

Gabe

And who might you be?

Jacques

chuckles nice try… But I’ve got some trust issues so hear me out. I’m Jacques… I take care of these parts here…

Dean

Jacques these are my friends. Gabe this is Jacques he’s the guy we were telling you about

Donna

nods

Gabe

Trust issues ….oh wait I know you snapping as if remembering  you’re the guy who left my family to die

Jacques

I was fighting a bigger evil… they were faced with some daimons… I located the nest. They said they were experienced hunters, I thought they could handle it

Dean

Gabe... He helped with a lot of information too...

Gabe

Trust me friend if any of them have died you’d have never seen an evil like I’d have rained down on you personally. I’m Gabe my wife Donna and my special needs brother Cass

Cass

Hey! Shut up ass hat

Gabe

Shhhhhh or I’ll turn you back into an alpaca

Dean

He helped us find.... stops talking

Jacques

chuckling again good to meet you. Your team asked for more information on what it is I’m fighting here. I assume they called you to ask for some help?

Donna

Well I all I know, I’m … fucking over Artemis…. ARTEMIS AND HER holier than thou attitude is trying to mess with the natural order of things and what about the fates…. What will they think???? What the world and their death!

Jody

Donna’s right. You’ve heard of the butterfly effect. Only this would be on a major scale.

Cass

No they reached out using angel -

Gabe

Not literally Yes

Jacques

nodding I didn’t understand the deal I accepted when Artemis came to me. I had watched my family killed in slaughter by enemy soldiers… they invaded my home. It was the war of 1812…. I was seconds from death when Artemis offered me a chance at revenge, at a price. I did get my revenge…. But now I’m cursed to never meet with my family in heaven because now…. I cannot die

Gabe

I can remedy that

Sam

Pulling out my notepad in case there are things we’re being told that might be valuable later on. I know I’ll have them accurate, things this big need to be documented.

Dean

stands leaning on a door frame listening

Jacques

We need to stop her, and then I can go peacefully. This whole thing is a petty fight between Artemis and her twin… Apollo

Charlie

But she won’t stop as long as daimons exists

Gabe

I mean we could do this now easy peasy. Little hand of Gabe weapon and you’re riding the friendly skies

Dean

More god temper tantrums always lead to fun....

Ruby

Anything I can do, I'm willing to help

Gabe

Just one

Sam

Maybe we can help you find a way out of all this, might be a loophole you can exploit with her

Jacques

I’m bound to Artemis… as long as she lives…. So do I

Dean

So how the hell can we help end this?

Gabe

raising hand  I have a question

Jacques

Anything… I want to end this once and for all

Gabe

Oh not you I’m just curious why we’re helping someone who left our family to die

Jody

I'm ready to help any way I can. This wouldn't be my first family squabble, even if they are gods

Alex

agree pretty tough lady and  pretty smart

Dean

He apparently claims he helped save us while he was gone doing something else remember?

Cass

She’s really good

Jacques

If you really want to help end this I guess you need to know what started it … Apollo was close friends with Loki for years… one day he disappeared. Apollo got lonely so he made friends…..

Jody

I wink at Cass

Cass.

awkward smile looking down

Jacques

Zeus caught wind… called Apollo weak for needing friendship. Said a god didn’t need anyone. So he cursed them. Artemis wanting to win her father’s favor decided to hunt them… she wanted to kill them all off…. Now we are cursed to this existence until we complete her mission.

Cass

Isn’t he married? Seems to need someone as well as his minions

Donna

puts her gun away, looking around and listening

Cass

It’s all bad?

Gabe

smiles as he leans against the wall contemplating and listening

Jacques

You need to get Apollo to stop creating Appollites so we can abolish the daimons. Only then will Artemis stop… but what she will do next I can’t predict

Ruby

How do we go about completing the mission?

Gabe

I think I could talk to Apollo

Jody

Sounds like a job for a god

Cass

Whatever we need to do to help I’m in

Gabe

Thanked for the push Jodes

Alex

Nod

Ruby

Pats him on the shoulder Any time What can the rest of us do?

Gabe

You’re so helpful I’ll remember that laughing.

Alex

Look over ruby and look back

Dean

listening to them talk what are we able to do to help with all this?

Sam

I can't be just ending the Daimon that are here...

Ruby

Hard to say at this point.

Donna

listen looking around, starting to play with her hair

Ruby

It's about getting Apollo to STOP making more isn't it?

Alex

What we do? look around her team

Jacques

I can’t get near Apollo, god of the sun….. I will burn. If you can stop him from making more… maybe, we can finally get rid of them all. The last of them will be turning this year which means he will create more

Dean

And how are we going to get a GOD to stop doing anything?

Gabe

Having another god? He’s a minor god Deano Wait they are on earth? Not Olympus?

Sam

Jacques, What?...so all of these Gods are right here on Earth? Looks over at Gabe And you didn't already know this, how?

Dean

My point is how are we humans gonna be useful in this? And how did you not know they are here?

Gabe

We’ve always had an understanding with the minor gods like Zeus etc .

Cass

We could sacrifice you to them

Jacques

nodding  I don’t know their exact locations but they reside somewhere here in the city… disguised as humans. Much like…. Well… you… looking Gabe

Jody

Sounds like somebody decided to change that understanding

Dean

Funny Cass!

Gabe

It does and trust me I’ll, we’ll put them back in line

Sam

Leans over and whispers Not helpful Cass

Cass

Those gifs liked human sacrifice

Gabe

Gods

Dean

Yeah that’s totally the answer rolls eyes

Sam

Great.. well who do you think we'd do best to approach first?

Ruby

Why don't we check out Artemis first? She might listen.

Gabe

Personally pushing himself off the wall  I’d say Apollo

Dean

Ok great lets go talk to the gods and fix their feud

Gabe

That’s true too

Donna

Wellllll, fuck why aren’t they were they belong? I bite my lip

Gabe

Maybe we should hear them out he looks to Jacques  two sides to every story

Donna

But? But!

Gabe

But?

Donna

Fine. We can hear him out. crosses arms getting heated!

Gabe

Okie dokie

Ruby

I can check it out. I've gotten good at being stealthy over the years. Hell is still looking for me.

Alex

Rise her eyebrows my eyebrows and gasp ohhhh that make sense since she is a goddess of hunt!

Jody

What about Apollo?

Sam

I agree. I think we should meet all the players in this shit show for yourselves. Who's going where?

Alex

Look over Gabe

Gabe

Sam, Ruby jo you guys are with me snapping his fingers we vanish

Gabe

we appear in another house and pointing to the man sitting at the mirror

Ruby

Wonders what it is he's looking at

Sam

Lookin around at the new place, really doesn't look all that different from the house we'd just come from. Approaching the man sitting in front of the mirror, I clear my throat and speak calmly Um.. hello?

Jo

looks around for a bit then looking at the man sitting in front of mirror

Dean

Apollo appears in the mirror looking at all the people who just appeared in my house can I help you? Ah Gabe my old friend!

Sam

Hi.. didn't mean to startle you... I'm Sam and these are my friends Jo, Ruby and I guess you already know Gabe. We'd just like to ask you some questions about the Appollites... if that's okay..

Donna

taps toe we need to get world back to its natural order!

Dean

I jump up and turn quickly to meet my eyes with Gabe’s

Gabe

Apollo approaching  it’s been a lonnnnnng time grinning offering my hand  this is Sam Ruby Alex and jo

Alex

Hello Apollo

Ruby

Can you tell us about the early death?

Dean

take your hand in my how have you been? looking to the others my pleasure to meet you all im sure. Any friend of Gabe is a friend of mine... I think?

Jacques

My curse is until all of the daimons are defeated… I am cursed to live. Until the Appollites cease to exist there shall always be daimons

Gabe

shaking your hand  oh you can trust these guys

Jody

how are we going to do it?

Cass

Maybe we should wait for the others to get back before we go off half cocked?

Donna

Better get your affairs in order because it going to happen! pats my gun!

Jacques

Because Zeus found him weak for needing friendship he cursed the Appollites to live for only 27 years. To exceed that they must take human souls…. They do it from fear… but Apollo only makes more to ease his loneliness.

Gabe

When did you get here?

Alex

Look over Gabe rise my eyebrows

Dean

smiles hearing the girl who I sense is a little different than the others the early death? What do you know about that? My father.... I just wanted friends and he called me weak for wanting them. So I created them only for him to curse them. Then my sister... She’s so jealous that witch of a goddess. She hates me you see. She is the God of hint so she created the dark hunkers to kill my creations. She hates that I found favor with all the other gods of Odyssey because of my beauty. Sadly she’s jealous. So she kills everything I create

Jody

Texting Sam Are you returning soon? We're on our way.

Sam

I'm listening closely to everything being said. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I take it out to see a message from Jody asking when we might be back. From the gist of the conversation, I text her back that we shouldn't be much longer and hit send

Dean

Apollo the Appollites are the only thing I have to friends aside from Gabe here so I have to repopulate when she kills them. Dad’s curse doesn’t help anything either

Gabe

Alright how about you point us in the right direction, we kill them all and everyone has a drink?

Dean

Apollo Kill who? My friends? Or my sister? And her dark hunters that won’t leave my creations alone?

Gabe

Yes Them too I’m in a murderous mood

Ruby

Let’s  head back to the bunker so we can prepare to hunt down Artemis. I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.

Dean

Please by all means kill my sister and her dark hunters but I need my friends.

Gabe

Never is but that’s a great idea. Meh mine just bring me hassle laughing

Dean

You dont expect me to let you kill my Appollites or stop making them do you?

Gabe

Yep All done with all of them

Dean

And why would I do that? Who does that benefit? And what benefit do I gain my friend?

Alex

Gabe how we going to do that? Look at Gabe

Sam

Alex, Ruby might be able to help us with that. Looks over at Ruby knowing that I'm putting her on the spot again She's been pretty helpful in us finding people in the past

Ruby

Sure....I'd be happy to

Gabe

Us not killing you too. Where’s your sister?

Alex

Look over how we do that Sam?

Dean

Fair you’re my friend anyway, right? I’m not sure exactly I’m still trying to figure that out myself but will keep in touch and let you know when I do find her. And I propose you do the same?

Gabe

We will looking around  alright guys let’s get back snapping we vanish.

Alex

Yes sir

Gabe

appearing back in the bunker  well Apollo didn’t have much beyond what Jacques said, no idea where his sister is either

Sam

Happy to find us all suddenly back at the newest Bunker. Interested in what the other’s have found out.

Dean

Dean looks up well so that leaves us where we were already at? Did he agree to stop creating more of the Appollites so there won’t be any more Daimons?

Sam

Not exactly... of the daimon are created then he has to make more. It's a never-ending loop

Alex

How we going to find Artemis?

Ruby

With Cass’s and Gabe’s help I may have a way since I won’t have any item that belongs to Artemis. I can use a mirror to scry with. I can use my power to locate her but it comes with caution. She might be able to see me as well. Gabe and Cass help may be able to keep her from sensing me.

Sam

Apollo didn't seem much concerned about us going after his sister or her creations. Just admonished us not to hurt his friends. Once she's out of the way, he's okay about standing down

Charlie

That might be a bit too risky. You’ve done a lot of magic lately Ruby, and it takes a lot out of you; we need you strong.

Ruby

I think with Gabe and Cass I should be able to do this.

Gabe

You with Artemis being a god I might have a safer way

Dean

Surprising he actually agreed eventually. What he want from Gabe?

Gabe

Smite his enemies same old same old

Ruby

What do you suggest?

Sam

I can help... well maybe.

Dean

I agree too dangerous we almost lost you last time

Ruby

I appreciate the sentiment, but we don't have much choice

Dean

You forget the last one that almost took her down? Gabe spoke said he has a safer way let’s hear it

Sam

I'm for a safer way, if possible

Gabe

You guys do know if I concentrate, I can pinpoint anyone right? All over the worlds, heaven, hell purgatory etc? I just like watching you guys come up with ideas it’s cute

Alex

Nod ok

Jo

Alternative would be a lot safer

Alex

Agree

Dean

We try not to take you for granted but the last magic stunt she did almost killed her made her too weak

Sam

Nods and go over to sit next to Jo

Ruby

Using Gabe's and Cass's power for the largest use of magic will cover what I need

Gabe

No worries I got it

Dean

Ruby. Gabe just said he’s got it.

Ruby

Yes, I did see that

Gabe

closing my eyes and blocking everything out I find Artemis  got her let’s finish this

Donna

FUCK YES! Finally!!!!

Dean

Damn that fast! Awesome!

Donna

grabs my archangel blade!

Sam

Gabe, anything special we need to know when going up against a lesser god?

Dean

gets duffle ready

Donna

This bitch is going DOWN!!!

Gabe

Don’t die?

Sam

O...k... got it Goes to check my weapons, takes everything

Alex

Awesome let do this

Ruby

Foregoes the satchel, meets with the others

Gabe

Listen this isn’t like vamps and werewolves even as lesser gifs they are stronger than anything you’ve ever faced

Alex

Grab my weapon and I pack

Ruby

Is everyone wired up?

Sam

And her creations, we won't have the sun this time or even a comet tail... its heads off to kill 'em

Dean

Yeah stronger than the daimons we had to fight which were also different from what we faced?

Alex

Get all wired up

Gabe

We ready?

Alex

Yes sir hold on to Gabe

Ruby

Putting on the equipment Charlie gave me Ready

Jo

gets everything together ready

Sam

Ready Hope it’s true

Donna

Fuck yes!

Ruby

Tucks a blade in my waistband

Donna

Be on your toes everyone!

Alex

Yes ma’am

Charlie

I’m gonna hang back here everyone grab wires and earpieces and mics I already have everything set up so we can communicate and I can tip you off to anything out of the norm

Gabe

offering my hand  let’s do this

Sam

Chuckles Remind me never to cross you Donna

Donna

slips my hand into yours! let do it! Payback finally!

Sam

Takes the equipment and gets it set up

Alex

Hell yeah let light this candle

Donna

Will do Sam!

Dean

takes equipment handing out to everyone and put on my own Here alex putting the wires, earpiece and mic on you Lets do this!

Ruby

Ready

Alex

Thanks you Put it on and hold on to Gabe

Gabe

kissing cheek abracadabra, we all vanish appearing in front of a waiting Artemis

Jody

I get ready... for anything and hope it's enough

Alex

Damnnnnnn

Ruby

Seeing Artemis waiting sends a chill down my back

Sam

Feet once again on solid ground. I look over and see that Artemis was expecting us and am instantly on alert of attack

Donna

my yes get huge the Urge to attack pills every cell in my body!!!

Dean

Artemis well well of course you would come with them! seeing donna smiling and you! snaps fingers as daimons surround the group blocking everyone from me figures my brother would send you pathetic excuses to come after me

Ruby

I take my blade out and get in a ready stance

Alex

Pull my blade and ready to fight

Donna

You absolute self entitled bitch of excuse of Goddess!!!!

Gabe

crossing my arms smirking  really that’s how you greet us?

Donna

Hope you are ready to die because today is FUCKING DAY!

Dean

Artemis why can’t he just leave well the hell enough alone. Dont, you have more important things in heaven to worry about than our feud?

Jody

Nervously I watch the daimons

Gabe

darlin right now as beautiful and amazing as you are your only human right now baby help

Alex

look over and took a deep breath and look back at Artemis

Donna

You expect any less from the excuse for a bitch! takes a big sigh youre right

Sam

Blade in one hand and machete in the other, I move closer to Jo and Alex, trying to close up out ranks against the Daimon

Gabe

shaking head  your problem became mine and that’s against the rules, you attacked my family

Donna

but we aren’t alone!

Gab

marks calendar

Dean

why dont you just make it easy on all of us and just end this stupid temper tantrum squabblefest bitch?!?

Gabe

nope we’re not

Jo

pulls her gun out ready to fire

Alex

Gasp look over Sam and look back at Artemis you are going down Artemis!! Sage advice one should follow

Donna

Lol

Gabe

Dean do you enjoy having vocal cords?

Dean

Artemis yeah that will be the day. And I didn’t attack your family they came in butting into my business that had absolutely nothing to do with them this is me and my brother and his stupid little things he calls friends. I would much more rather destroy him and his oh so beautiful face that gained all the respect in odyssey that left me basically nothing! what? What’d I say? Would be easier and less of a fight

Donna

Oh ya you did you bitch! Quit pretending!

Gabe

It’s so weird you talk about your brother that way. Why do I have so many sibling love feats in my life? Annnnny old who, you can end this peacefully or you’ll just be something written about in books and forgotten by history. You’re no match for us

Jody

Nods my head, agreeing with Gabe

Gabe

Last warning

Alex

What Donna said Artemis Glare at Artemis

Donna

peacefully MY ASS!!!

Sam

Wishes they'd just fight or call it off. The Daimon look pissed and ready

Gabe

looking at your ass I’m rather fond of the whole thing

Cass

This isn’t going to end well

Alex

Nod

Dean

Jacques you all know this isn’t going to end well for many right?

Gabe

Never does

Donna

soft inside giggle gawd I love you!

Gabe

I love you too

Alex

Took a deep breath

Ruby

I can feel the battle coming shortly Be careful Sam. You too Alex!

Donna

my hand tightens on my blade. Rage building inside!

Alex

Yes ma’am

Sam

I give Ruby a smile and a nod

Dean

Artemis if I remember correctly I almost killed you before and I can make a promise I will finish it this time

Alex

Donna please be careful

Ruby

Gripping my blade handle tightly, I wait

Donna

eyes glaring I want to see you try!!!!

Gabe

Did you just threaten my?   claws sliding out of both hands eyes blazing blue

Artemis

raising my bow and shooting the first arrow let’s do this then, wench

Gabe

snapping the arrow away

Donna

my heart skips a beat I love when you defend me!

Alex

Gulp watch Artemis

Donna

Bring it on Bitch!

Artemis

shooting 4 arrows at a time they go in various directions, striking Jo Alex Donna Ruby SPN

Sam

I could see this was going to be the outcome and I didn't have to be told twice! With a yell, I charge the nearest Daimon and swing my machete for its neck

Ruby

I feel my eyes turn black as I feel an arrow hit me in the arm

Jody

Ducking, I wield the machete at the nearest daimon

Gabe

heading for Artemis  as much as I like a good cat fight I prefer mine in jello snapping a pool of jello behind Artemis I jump kicking her in the chest knocking her in

Cass

moving to fight next to Jody

Charlie

the daimons start to close in, 4 grabbing Sam and holding him while one approaches to feed

Ruby

Seeing the arrow is sticking out the other side, I grit my teeth and break off the end, pushing it through with a scream

Ruby

Heading for Sam, I slice and dice my way in

Dean

begin fighting daimons as two jump me I flip one and slice my blade through the throat of the other

Sam

Pressing forward, I knock away an attack from the side and get one trapped between the sofa and the bookcase. The demon killing knife of the Kurd's didn't end the create, but shoved into his chest it held him in place while my machete removed his head

Alex

felt went through my shoulder ahhh! Reach and try pull it out

Ruby

Stabbing the daimon in the neck, I throw it off Sam

Cass

seeing a raining heading Jody throwing my angel blade it sticks it through the heart

Ruby

Looking over at Cass, I mouth a thank you, and turn to resume battle

Dean

I run over helping Ruby and Sam with the Daimons attacking them

Charlie

3 Daimons grab and hold ruby while more approach Sam

Artemis

taking aim with 3 more arrows I hit Dean Cass and Jody

Cass

nodding I pull my blade from its chest and rush back into battle

Alex

No! I run front Jody and Cass and arrow hit me ahh

Sam

Seeing Dean moving my way, I try to keep the path clear for him. As one moves on him from the rear, I rush forward Dean! Look out!

Ruby

Using my telekinesis, I throw off a daimon and fight the other two

Jody

I rush forward to help Alex

Sam

It was difficult to see how many were actively engaged in battle, they seemed to be everywhere I looked

Cass

Nice save Alex pulling the arrow out I heal you  back to it bear eat them

Ruby

Stabbing at anything not from our group, I kill a few more

Dean

an arrow pierces through my side as I’m attacking the daimons and I yell out in pain FUCK! I Look down as the adrenaline kicking in I break off the end of the arrow and keep fighting the daimons

Alex

Ahh Turn into Bear thanks Cass

Gabe

snapping 8 tentacles reach out of the pool of jello pulling Artemis under

Charlie

Daimons start to surround the bear

Dean

I rush over to help bear fight the Daimons

Alex

Bear growling bite

Artemis

stabbing the tentacles with my arrows, I free myself from the pool and find higher ground. Taking aim an arrow hits Gabe in the right shoulder

Cass

healing dean I grab a daikon smashing its head against the wall

Dean

Bear! Duck! I swing my blade in a line hitting some of the Daimons killing them

Alex

Bear bite and claw his face

Sam

Ending another I try to locate all the members of our group, unable to locate Donna, I get a rush of adrenaline and call out Donna?!

Gabe

a dozen warrior penguins jump on Artemis

Ruby

Ducking another arrow, I look around and see Alex being surrounded. Running at them, I keep swinging. hoping to connect to a daimon

Alex

Bear duck

Dean

Thanks Cass! continue fighting daimons while trying to dodge anymore arrows that may come my way

Charlie

several daimons lay defeated on the floor, with several more making their way in, Sam gets held down again as a young daimon tries to feed

Gabe

Son of a grabbing the arrow I pull it out creating clones to help belle I jump towards Artemis claws out

Alex

Bear jump and back flip and kick and bite ear and rip ear off and

Ruby

Heading straight for the daimon holding Sam, I bring my blade around and slice his throat

Gabe

as Artemis moves to attack I vanish

Artemis

eyes wide I put seven arrows in my bow all aimed at Gabe 4 making contact, three more striking the daimons

Dean

SAM! runs to you trying to fight the daimons off

Ruby

Helping Sam up, I ask You OK?

Sam

Trying to kick loose, this was just a terrible repeat of the last time and I wasn't about to lose my soul a second time! Yes! Fine Turns and gets right back into it

Alex

Bear claw him and bit and eat

Gabe

appearing behind Artemis I shove my blades through her heart  you should know better than to insult my wife!

Ruby

Taking a second to look around. I see daimon bodies all around.

Charlie

the young daimon gets close, a small blue ethereal thread leaving your mouth

Ruby

Turning quickly I slit the daimons throat

Dean

I run towards Gabe to fight off the daimons and I see his blades go into Artemis

Donna

on the floor having been hit, breaks off the arrow, rage flooding my veins. Hit by the arrow but keeps going, not even caring there as arrow in my arm shoulder!

Artemis

as the claws pierce through me a red light shines through the room, filling it and then I vanish. The daimons run

Gabe

Finish them

Ruby

Suddenly the daimons are in full retreat

Sam

The red light blinds me for a second and I shield my eyes

Gabe

snapping all exits closed

Alex

Bear look around

Dean

I run after the daimons that are retreating and attack jumping on the back of one as I slice his head clean off its shoulders and drop with it and attack another

Gabe

CLOSE YOUR EYES!!!

Alex

Bear close my eye

((the daimons are trying to escape))

Sam

Unable to leave the room, the Daimon have no way to run. Attacking at will, I take one after the other down

Gabe

my body starts to glow brighter and brighter the light filling the room

Dean

hearing Gabe I shield my eyes as I get attacked by daimons and get bit and one is holding me down and I feel it start sucking my soul

Ruby

Leaning over I offer my hand to Sam

Donna

closes eyes

Gabe

Hey that’s mine, the soul was Pledged to me

Charlie

as Gabe gets brighter the daimons begin to smoke… until bursting into a bright blue ash

Sam

Closing my eyes, I cover them with my arms as well to help block the light that I know if coming

Alex

Close her eye

Ruby

I throw my arm over my eyes. It's too bright!

Charlie

the daimons scream in agony

Gabe

brighter and brighter until it reaches sunlight levels

Donna

Kill babe. If it’s not me. You! KILL HER!!! blocking out more of light

Dean

I am losing my strength as my soul leaves my body

Alex

Cover her up

Charlie

daimons all explode…. Leaving a blue ash all over the room. Across town a familiar face, finally goes to rest a thank you escaping his lips as he too, turns to ash

Dean

as the light gets brighter the daimon screams put and it explodes my soul slowly returns to my body

Gabe

the light fading from my body

Dean

I take a sudden breath and wake up sitting up looking around I look over at Gabe a bit weak now I know how Sammy and henry felt last time

Jody

Looks around at all the blue ash. I can't believe we made it!

Sam

Goes over and offers Dean a hand up

Alex

Look around and turn back blink whoa!

Dean

look up at you hey! reach a hand out to you

Sam

Pull you back to your feet and slap you on the back You good?

Gabe

What do you say we head home and recoup?

Dean

stands and takes a breath bit of a headache yeah Sammy I think I’m good

Sam

Looks around to make sure that Jo and Alex and Ruby and everyone are okay Looks like we did alright...

Alex

Is everyone is ok?

Dean

That sounds like a plan. The bunker here right?

Ruby

I'm good. I look at my arm Well a hole, make that two. One in one out.

Alex

That good my shoulder hurt

Sam

Is concerned You got shot? Didn't hear a gun go off

Ruby

I pat him on the cheek...arrow

Gabe

The bunker nods

Dean

Arrows Sam I think I was healed by Cass with a piece of one still in my side laughs

Alex

Walk over wait where Donna? Worries

Gabe

taking Belles hand  let’s go home

Alex

Hold on to Gabe let go home guys

Cass

I can get them back to the bunker before Jody and I head back to the beach

Sam

I agree with that Alex

Alex

Make sure you wear sunscreen

Jody

I stand by Cass

Donna

nods gawd yes please!

Dean

You actually wanting to go home home?

Sam

Back to the Bunker Dean, away from all this

Alex

Phew glad you are ok Donna

Cass

vanishing with Sam, Dean, Jody, Jo, and Alex

Gabe

they all appear back in the bunker

Ruby

I pop back to the bunker

Donna

Just a flesh wood I’ll be okay!

Alex

That good Donna

Gabe

taking your hand and kissing your cheek  abracadabra we vanish home

Sam

Thanks Cass Pats his shoulder Appreciate it

Alex

Bye Gabe and Donna

Cass

You got it Sam! Ready Jody?

Ruby

Capable demon

Dean

appearing back in the bunker glad to be back in this place hey Sam what do you say we go check out more stuff here

Ruby

Whenever you are feathers!

Dean

thanks Gabe

Sam

Yes you are Grabs your good arm But now you need Charlie to take a look at that arm

Alex

Went to my room check her kiddo

Cass

taking Jody in my arms we vanish

Dean

Thanks for helping too Cass

Ruby

Pushy

…………………………………………….

1. Jacques meets them in the living room, and can sense the power coming from Cass, Gabe and Donna so he asks who they are. The three identify themselves and then ask him the same question. Dean starts to tell them this is the guy when Gabe silences him and listens to Jacques. Donna is irritated with the idea that Artemis is trying to mess with the natural order of things and fears what fate may think, or if the implications on their world caused by death. Jody echoes the sentiments, and the others admit they hadn’t thought of that.

2. Jacques explains that this isn’t what he wanted, he really didn’t want to live forever but at this point had no choice. Sam, Dean and ruby all chime in asking how they can help. Jo comments that one good turn deserves another. Jacques tells the team that he appreciates their kindness but with Apollo and Artemis at each other’s throats- his position wasn’t exactly a priority. Jody asks more about the feud since she feels pretty well equipped to resolve family conflict- even if they are gods.  Alex agrees that her mom is a pretty tough lady and pretty smart.

3. Jacques gives in and agrees to share what he knows, and during his tale he tells the team where to find the twins. They’re surprised to learn that they reside on earth and not on Mount Olympus like they were supposed to. Donna is upset by this, as she had believed for the most part they had made peace and had an agreement with the Greek pantheon. Everyone gathers in and offers to give help in whatever ways they can.  Gabe says they should at least hear them out to find out what exactly was happening.

4. Reluctantly Donna agrees with her husband. Sam asks who they should see first.  Ruby suggests Artemis, but Donna quickly turns and says she’s a bitch. Jo is a little surprised at that reaction and asks why. Donna explains how she is typically pretty vindictive, and also kind of sneaky. Ruby comments on how stealthy she can be, and Alex says that would make sense since she is the goddess of the hunt. Jody asks about Apollo and Jacques says he has never met him. Donna says she hasn’t either and Cass says well maybe they should. Sam agrees with that and asks who is going. Gabe snaps his fingers taking Sam, Alex, Ruby and jo with him.

5. Appearing in another home, they walk in toward a man who is sitting and staring into the mirror. He doesn’t even notice them until Sam clears his throat and speaks. He jumps at attention and seems to know who Gabe is. Sam asks him about the Appollites. Ruby listens and then asks about the early death- Apollo tells a story about his father and how he cursed them, and said he was weak for needing friendship. And how Artemis enjoyed killing them off.  Meanwhile the rest of the team is back at the bunker and reading through the files with Jacques as he shares his own curse. Donna is adamant that they end it and return the world to its natural order. Jody asks how they are going to do it, and Cass says they need to wait for Gabe and the others. In agreement on that, Jody sends a message to Sam asking if they’ll return soon, saying they are on their way

6. Gabe and Apollo come to an agreement to stop the creation of more Appollites. Ruby suggests they head back so they can prepare to hunt down Artemis. Apollo states he's not sure of her whereabouts at the moment so she may be tough to find but he will be searching and be in touch if he finds her. Apollo asks Gabe to keep in touch if they happen to find her. Alex asks how they are gonna do that. Sam says Ruby may be able to assist with that. Jo agrees. Gabe tells everyone to get ready as he pops everyone back to the bunker.

7. Once back at the bunker Gabe fills everyone in on how things went. Sam and Ruby add to it. Alex asks how they are going to find Artemis. Ruby says with Cass and Gabe’s help she may have a way. Charlie speaks up that it may be too risky since magic has been effecting her a lot lately. Gabe asks what all it involves. Ruby and Sam explain. Dean pipes up its too dangerous asking if there's another way. Gabe states he may have a safer way with Artemis being a god. Jo agrees that an alternative would be safer. Henry Sam and Alex agree.

8. Artemis is located via Gabe’s way. Everyone gets ready packing up to go. Gabe and Donna explain this is gonna be harder than other battles. Charlie says she can set up her equipment and wire everyone so she can monitor and watch and warn of any danger. Everyone agrees it’s a good idea. Once everyone is wired up and ready, the team leaves. (Driving or popping whichever). Artemis is awaiting their arrival.

9. Donna shares her thoughts and feelings with Artemis. Gabe reminds her she’s merely human with no baby grace to help her this time. Dean speaks up demanding her to end her feud. Gabe silences him again. Jacques comments this isn’t going to end well for many. Artemis reacts to all. Gabe reminds them they are here to talk things out first and foremost. Cass and Jody agree while Cass senses it isn’t going to end well.

10. Battle with Artemis ensues. (free run)

[onceuponanolicity]

This chapter encompasses an entire year plus. It starts with the summer Felicity heads out to go to MIT through part of the next summer.                                   

This chapter is NSFW. Just a warning for anyone who might decide to open it up and read. It may seem benign in the beginning, but you'll understand as you continue reading.

                                              Everyone experienced loneliness in their lives and Felicity was no different, but this was… It was like living in a vacuum. All her friends were in Starling City, partying through the summer like normal teenagers tend to do, while she was here a country away with class after class to run to. She had a workload that would cripple most kids her age, but she relished it for something to keep her brain occupied. It was those times when she found herself at loose ends that were the worst, because it left her with time to think. Those thoughts tended to find their way back to her last meeting with Oliver Queen. A memory that she was sure was permanently etched into her subconscious.

           Laying back on her bed with her Java book on top of her chest as she stared up at the ceiling of her dorm room, Felicity was trying to block it all out when there was a knock on her door. She glanced over at it debating whether to get up. With a sigh, she did. One of the luxuries of being a minor was that she had a room all to herself. It was great except for when she didn’t feel like stopping to check to see who was at the door.

           Opening the door, Felicity saw a familiar face. It was a girl who shared two of her classes, but Felicity had never really paid attention to her name. “Hi.”

           “Hi. Felicity, right?”

           “Yeah,” Felicity said with a nod.

           The girl jerked a thumb over her shoulder. “Me and a few of the other students are having a small get together downstairs in the lounge. We were wondering if you’d like to hang out.”

           Glancing over her shoulder at the school work that screamed for her to finish it, Felicity debated her choices. Be alone and finish her work or actually try to make something of her college experience and get to know people. If this girl had been Sara, there would have been no choice to make. Felicity would have definitely gone. But here she had been at MIT for three weeks and she knew absolutely no one. She needed to give herself the chance to open up and meet other people who might become friends too. “Sure.”

           “Great,” the girl said with a smile. “C’mon.”

           Felicity grabbed her keys, locked up her room and pocketed them. “I haven’t caught your name. Sorry.”

           The frumpy girl in an overly large t-shirt and cutoff jeans gave her a buck toothed grin. “Tiffany.” The girl laughed and pushed up her tortoise shell glasses. “Yeah. I know I look nothing like a Tiffany. They’re supposed to be bubbly cheerleaders or something.” Tiffany grimaced. “Like my younger sister.”

           “What’s her name?” Felicity asked to make conversation.

           “Bertha,” Tiffany said with another laugh. “She was named after our great-grandmother. I guess we were supposed to be switched. Anyway, she goes by her middle name, Anne.” Tiffany glanced over at Felicity as they entered the elevator. “You have any siblings?”

           “No.” Though there were a few people who liked to think they were. Thank you very much Tommy Merlyn and Oliver Queen.

           “You’re lucky.”

           Sure, Felicity thought silently. She rode down the elevator with Tiffany as she debated that fact. Ever since she met the Lance sisters, Felicity had wanted that kind of someone even if it included all the bickering. But then there was Oliver Queen on the opposite end of that spectrum. The guy from the moment she had met him had set himself up as some sort of big brother figure. He was anything but. Mostly because Felicity could never think of him that way. Maybe because of those feelings, there was something that pushed them from reaching a comfortable point where they could co-exist. She still didn’t know if that coexistence failed because of him or her. Now, Tommy, especially in the last couple weeks before she headed out to MIT was the epitome of big brother. Annoying and supportive.

           The elevator doors opened and Tiffany yelled out to some people who were walking in the front door, inviting them down one more level to the large lounge in the basement where bigger crowds hung out.

           One of the guys caught Felicity’s interest. He was lanky with thick brown hair. When they arrived downstairs she discovered his name was Cooper when some other guys called out his name. The guy smiled and waved before heading in their direction.

           Tiffany led Felicity around the party and introduced her to some people. That took a good twenty minutes and Felicity found herself relaxing. By the time the regular food was being cleaned up and dessert was being brought out, Felicity was laughing and having a good time.

           “Hey, Felicity,” Charlie called out as he came over to join them. “You want dessert?”

           Felicity smiled up at the muscular blonde. He had been really sweet the entire night, almost taking her under his wing. She had learned he played lacrosse in high school and was supposed to be on the MIT team come that fall. He wasn’t in any of her classes seeing as he was a year ahead of her, but he mentioned how a couple of his classes were next to hers and that maybe they could walk around campus together. Felicity liked that idea and the fact that she had made a friend. “I’d like that.”

           “Great.” He led her over to the dessert table. Charlie handed her a plate. “I recommend the brownies.”

           “Thanks.” Felicity grabbed a piece of apple pie, because well it was pie and she loved pie, and a brownie.

           “Bold choice.”

           Felicity looked up and found Cooper standing there next to her with a smile on his face. He nodded down at the brownie. She frowned up at him, unsure of what he meant by that.

           He held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Cooper Seldon.”

           Accepting the proffered hand, Felicity shook it with her free hand. “Hi. Felicity. Smoak.”

           Cooper leaned back against the table, careful not to make it move out from under him. “You a freshman?”

           Felicity nodded. “I wanted to get a head start.”

           “Me, too,” he said with a smile. “Mostly because I’m going to miss spring semester because my parents want me to graduate with my high school class and attend things like prom and all that.”

           “Me, too.” Felicity blushed a little. “I mean I’m graduating this spring from high school, too. Though I’m still going to be taking tele-classes whenever I can.”

           Cooper studied her for a moment. His eyes swept her up and down as if trying to figure her out. Finally another smile emerged. “You’re cute.”

           “And taken.” Charlie came over and swept an arm around Felicity’s shoulders. “Cooper.”

           “Charlie.” Cooper barely gave him a nod. His face lost all traces of a smile.

           “Felicity, let’s go join the group over there,” Charlie said nodding at a group that they had been talking with before. “They’re waiting for us.”

           Glancing up at Cooper, Felicity smiled at him. “It was nice meeting you.”

           “Yeah. You too.”

           As Felicity walked off with Charlie, she wondered what the tension was between them. It was almost as tangible as hers with Oliver. With an inward shrug, Felicity lifted the brownie up to her lips and immediately regretted the decision. Grabbing a hold of Charlie, Felicity began to choke as her throat began to close and her eyes watered. The entire plate landed at her feet but she didn’t hear any of it. All she could hear was the rushing of blood in her ears as her vision began to narrow.

           Nuts. There had been nuts in her food. That was the last thought she had before her world went black.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           Oliver moped over his beer. He and Laurel had gotten back together officially over a week ago and he screwed up again. What was so wrong with him that he had to seek comfort out of every other woman but Laurel? She had never done anything to deserve it. In fact, she almost always forgave him. Which, if Oliver was honest, only made it worse.

           Glancing around the party, he spotted Sara running through the crowd in a panic. Setting his beer down, Oliver became hyperaware of every movement she made. Sara made her way over to an intoxicated Tommy and whispered something in his ear. Tommy, who had been half-sprawled across two well-endowed females, shot to his feet as if someone had hit him with a large dose of adrenaline. Panic lined his features.

           Oliver knocked the table over, sending his beer crashing to the floor. It smashed and spilled and he did not care one ounce. There was something wrong. Seriously wrong. He had to run to catch up with the two of them as they hurried out of the Merlyn Mansion.

           Reaching out, Oliver captured Sara’s arm as they reached the front doors. “What’s going on?”

           “Felicity. She’s in the hospital, Ollie.”

           “No.” Oliver stumbled backwards. He had to release Sara because he would have knocked her back with him if he hadn’t.

           “We’re heading over to the airport,” Tommy said to him. “I already texted the pilot to ready one of Dad’s Gulfstreams to take Donna up there.”

           “I’m coming,” Oliver said once he regained a little of his breath.

           Tommy grabbed onto Oliver’s shoulders. “I need you to stay here and deal with this.” Tommy nodded back into the house. “Sara already told Donna to meet me at the plane.”

           “No.” Oliver shoved his friend back. “Damn it. I’m going.” Something was wrong with Felicity. They couldn’t expect him to stay here and do nothing.

           Sara grabbed a hold of Oliver’s arm. “Ollie, you’re upset. You can’t go like this. We don’t even know what is wrong yet. Donna was too upset to tell me over the phone.”

           Oliver stared down at her. Sara would be the first to know, outside of Donna, what was wrong with Felicity. “You’ll tell me as soon as you know?”

           Sara nodded. “As soon as I know, I’ll call you. Text you even if I have to. I’m sure my parents will be fine with the charges if it’s about Felicity.”

           “I’ll pay the damn charges.” Oliver swept a hand through his hair. He needed to calm down. This was exactly why they were telling him to stay here. “If you need anything… If Felicity…”

           “Don’t go there, Ollie.” Sara hugged him. “Felicity is strong and I don’t need to start crying again.”

           Oliver had no choice but to watch his two friends get into Sara’s car and drive away. He felt bereft of life. He needed to do something because he had a feeling he was going to be on auto pilot until he knew what was going on.

           Walking back into the mansion, Oliver found a bottle of scotch and poured himself a large glass. It sat in his hand. He had no intention of drinking it just yet. Oliver might be needed to drive somewhere to get to Felicity’s side. But it sat in Oliver’s hand, just in case.

           It was over an hour later when Sara called. They were on their way to Massachusetts. Donna had spoken with the hospital again. Felicity was in recovery. She had ingested nuts, something she was deathly allergic too and forgotten to warn people about her allergy. Too make things more complicated, there had also been drugs in her system. Pot to be exact.

           Oliver slumped against the wall of Malcom Merlyn’s study. Felicity was going to be okay. He hated to think that their last interaction had been him walking away from her as she screamed at him in anger. Even if that anger was well deserved.

           He might not have acknowledged her but Oliver had heard every word she had thrown at him. It did not even matter that he had not done anything after all of that, because she would never know.

           Oliver wanted to see her, but Sara had said that Felicity should be released in a day or two and that she and Tommy were just going to head back home after they dropped Donna off. There was no need for him to come.

           In Oliver’s head, he felt every need but he also knew he would not be welcome. Oliver had caused Felicity enough grief. He needed to stay back for a while. Even if it killed him. He hoped that time would cure some of the problems between them. Not that he wanted time. What he wanted was to know that Felicity was happy and safe. That meant more to him than anything else in the world. Maybe even more than his own family. Even if that meant that he would not be around to see it.

           A laugh escaped Oliver. Life was already laughing at him, he might as well join in. It made him crave things he could not have. He might be one of the richest teenagers in the country, but would never fill the void that Felicity left behind.

           Oliver finally gulped down the Scotch that had been his constant companion since his friends left. He was not in love with Felicity. He could not be, because that would have been the stupidest move he ever made in his life.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           Felicity was so happy to return home to Starling City. She needed a break from the pressures that college placed on her. But more than that, she needed to get away from Charlie. He had begun to stalk her after she had rejected his multiple advances. She had never been so creeped out in her life. It took Tommy to pick her up in his jet with the threat of a long, expensive litigation to get the guy to finally back off.

           But now, Tommy was gone. He had to leave to head back off to college only a day after her arrival. Oliver had already left to go back to the college he had spent the spring semester at. The only people left were the ones that were about to head back to high school the following week.

           The high school where Felicity had just returned from after speaking to her counselor about her classes. Apparently, she discovered that she could actually graduate early. By Christmas, Felicity would officially be a graduate and go on to college full time. It was exciting news. One that she had to share with someone. And since most of her Computer Club friends had been banned from her life that left Sara.

           Her friend had been beyond excited for her. They laughed and squealed like the teenagers they were. After hours of excitement, they finally settled down and discussed the possibilities. Felicity realized that she had a lot ahead of her. Luckily, Sara pointed it out. It gave Felicity things to think about. Which she did throughout her long drawn out school year.

           But, summer eventually rolled around again. The counselor at MIT warned her about burnout. She recommended that Felicity take the summer semester off. There would be plenty of time to get back on the program once the fall started up again.

           That left Felicity with a whole summer with nothing to do. Something she wasn’t used to anymore. Classes kept her busy and out of trouble. But, a summer in Starling City seemed like it might bore her to tears after the load she normally carried. She’d just have to suck it up and deal with it. Life couldn’t be as hard as she pictured.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           “I don’t want to go back to Starling,” Oliver complained as he lay on Laurel’s sheetless bed while she packed.

           “Well, we can’t stay here,” Laurel told him throwing a bunched up sweater in his direction. “I’m not registered for summer classes.”

           Oliver held up the sweater examining it. “When did you buy this?” It was red and sexy as hell. “And why haven’t I seen you in it?”

           Laurel grabbed the loosely crocheted sweater out of his hands. “You did. You just didn’t let me wear it long after you did.”

           Snapping his fingers, Oliver remembered. It was about a month ago when he escaped the Queen Mansion after another resounding lecture from his father about Oliver’s lack of ability to remain in a college. He had come to Laurel’s dorm room frustrated with life. And when he knocked he found her about to go to a club with her roommate in that very sweater.

           Oliver had taken one look at that red sweater with the black bra peeking at him from underneath and he had drug her inside locking the door behind them. They hadn’t left the entire weekend, barely coming up for air in order to get some food delivered.

           “I see you remember,” Laurel teased as she continued to stuff things into boxes.

           Oliver jumped off the bed and scooped her up into his arms. He set her on the built in dresser so he could stand in between her legs. “Forgot the sweater. Definitely remember the weekend.”

           Laurel wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “You do, do you?”

           “Every detail.” Oliver leaned down and began to suck at her neck.

           Laurel laughed. “Says the man who just admitted that he forgot the sweater. That’s perjury, buddy.”

           “I can think of a way to make you forget that detail, counselor.” Oliver leaned in and kissed her thoroughly.

           “Umm,” Laurel mumbled against his lips. “What were the charges again?”

           “Yuck! Is there ever a time when you two aren’t going at it like bunnies?” Laurel’s roommate entered the room. “I’ve spent over half of spring session crashing on the dorm floor couch. And let me tell you, that thing probably has seen as much action as the two of you. So, I really don’t know what is worse.”

           Laurel tapped Oliver on the shoulder so that he would set her down. “Sorry, Bibi.”          

           The exotic black beauty reached out and hugged Laurel. “I’m going to miss you. Are you sure you want to head to that fancy college next year?”

           “I’m much more likely to get noticed by Harvard Law from there,” Laurel apologized to her friend. “And I’m going to miss you, too.”

           “How about me?” Oliver teased with a pout. “Are you going to miss me?”

           “You, no,” Bibi said with a fake frown. Then she leaned to the side to stare at his butt. “Your naked ass, probably.” Bibi shook her hand as if she touched something hot. “Can’t find a much finer ass than yours, Queen.”

           Oliver frowned at her, but held back the laugh that threatened to erupt. “I’m just a piece of meat to you.”

           Bibi reached out and hugged him. “Nah. You’re more like filet mignon.”

           “Who’s filet mignon?” Tommy asked as he entered the room.

           “Me.” Oliver laid a finger against his chest. “One of us has to be.”

           Bibi began to walk out the door with a smile. She pinched Tommy’s ass and made him jump. “Don’t worry, Tommy boy. You’re Kobe beef,” she told him with a wink. “Worth more and harder to find.”

           With that the woman left laughing down the hallway. It felt nice to have the whole gang together again. If there was one good thing about summer break, it was that they could all get together for at least a short time without all of the familial responsibilities that the holidays usually encompassed.

           “So, how long until you clear out?” Tommy asked Laurel from the doorway. “Because I have plans for the three of us and the jet is getting prepped for our departure.”

           “Should we be scared?” Oliver teased. “Last time you had a surprise trip the two of us ended up in a Las Vegas jail for two days until your dad showed up.”

           Tommy held up his hands. “No jail time, I promise. I couldn’t hurt Laurel’s future plans like that.”

           “Thank you,” Laurel said with a smile at him and a condescending look at Oliver.

           “But I hope you have your passports,” Tommy told them with a humongous grin.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           “Felicity, over here.” Sara rose from the bench seat she sat in and waved her over.

           Making her way over, Felicity felt old as she noticed all the young teenagers that roamed around Big Belly Burger. Funny because she was still more their age than Sara’s who had only just graduated three days previously. “Sara.”

           Sara came over and hugged Felicity tight before they both landed in the booth on opposite sides. “I can’t believe you’re home all summer.”

           Felicity waved at the table. “This is me now.”

           Reaching across the table, Sara swept part of Felicity’s hair away from her face. “Is that a piercing?”

           “Yeah.” Felicity tucked the strand of hair behind her ear so her friend could completely see the new industrial piercing. “Mom said I could get it. I just had it done yesterday. It’s still kind of swollen and hurts.”

           “I love it,” Sara said with a smile. “I wish my parents would be cool with something like that.”

           “They’re cool. In their own way,” Felicity defended the Lances who had always been good to her.

           “Whatever.” Sara tossed a menu in her direction. “You have any idea what you want?”

           Felicity groaned and leaned back. “I could really go for a Big Belly special. I’ve been dying to get my hands on one for a month.”

           “Don’t tell me there’s no Big Belly Burger near MIT?”

           “I wish,” Felicity said with a sigh. “There’s a similar chain but it has nothing on the special sauce here.”

           When the waitress arrived, the two girls placed their orders before they settled in for a chat about what all had changed while Felicity was away at school. Subjects ranged from Sara’s latest boyfriend to the one that dumped her right after prom to Oliver and Laurel’s Oscar worthy breakup to their rebounded relationship to Tommy’s party over spring break that almost had a group of them arrested. Finally, it landed on the fact that Oliver had been kicked out of school again.

           “I don’t want to talk about him,” Felicity said as she dropped her last French fry back in her basket. “I’m beyond full.”

           “Two Big Belly specials will do that to you,” Sara said with a resounding laugh.

           “If you ate what I’ve been eating while I went through finals you would have been starving too.” Felicity pushed her basket to the side. “Anyway, I’ve been meaning to ask.”

           “Yeah?” Sara asked as she took a drag of her soda.

           “What are your plans for the summer?”

           Sara shrugged. “Not sure. I mean I know I have to get things ready by the end of it to go to SCU, but other than that I thought I’d just wing it.”

           “Would you want to go to Vegas?”

           Sara sat up straighter in her bench. “Vegas?”

           Felicity took a deep breath. “Yeah. Mom and I are heading out that way for like two or three weeks. Mom’s been talking with one of her old employers and they are debating about hiring her back. So, Mom’s thinking to going back out there and checking things out. She asked me if I wanted to invite you along. We’ll be staying at a friend’s house who happens to be out of town. Mom has to housesit.”

           “Vegas?” Sara said with a little more excitement. “Hell, yes.”

           Felicity laughed. “So, I guess we’ll be heading to Vegas together then.”

           Sara reached over and grabbed onto Felicity’s hands. “I swear you even think about leaving without me, I will rescind your best friend status.”

           “Okay,” Felicity said with a laugh. “We’ll be heading out in two and a half weeks. Do you think your parents will be cool enough to say yes?”

           “To go to Vegas? No. But guess what? I just graduated high school and about to go to college. I can begin to make my own choices.” Sara jumped up and pulled Felicity to her feet as well before hugging her tight. “We are so going to Vegas.”

           Felicity couldn’t help laughing at her friend.

           “And we’ll show Ollie and Tommy what it’s like to really party.” Sara stuck her tongue out toward the window into the universe where Oliver and Tommy resided.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           It was about two weeks into their stay in Vegas when Felicity walked into the room she and Sara shared and screeched at the top of her lungs as she slapped her hand over her eyes. “What are you doing?”

           “Gotta go,” Sara mumbled to someone. “Okay. You can look now.”

           Felicity peeked through her fingers and saw Sara pulling the robe tighter around her body. She closed the laptop that rested at the end of the bed and smiled sheepishly up at Felicity.

           “Hi.”

           “Hi,” Felicity replied back unsure if she wanted to ask about what she just walked into. Then it hit her exactly what she walked in on. “Oh my God! Were you naked Skyping with your boyfriend?” Felicity scrubbed her hands across her face. “I am never going to be able to burn that image out.”

           “It’s wasn’t just naked Skyping,” Sara said with a laugh as she rose from the bed. “And why? It’s kind of fun.”

           Felicity circled around unsure of where she wanted to go. “I’m going to try to forget this whole thing ever happened.”

           “Felicity, you need to live a little. It’s freeing.” Sara picked up her laptop and set it on top of the nightstand. She reached in the drawer and pulled out a bag filled with tissue paper. “I was going to give this to you before we left, but now is as good a time as ever. Happy birthday.”

           Staring down at the bag, Felicity wondered what was inside the bright red bag. Considering their conversation, Felicity had to admit to being a little scared. “What is it?”

           “You won’t know until you open it.”

           Felicity stared down at the purple cylindrical object in her hand as she pulled it out. Her eyes rose to Sara’s. “What is it?”

           Sara began to laugh. “It’s so sad that you have to ask.” Sara walked over and whispered in Felicity’s ear.

           “Oh. Oh!” Felicity almost dropped the object on the floor. “Really? Isn’t it a bit big?”

           “Depends on the guy.” Sara continued to laugh at Felicity’s shocked face. “Some are long and slim, others thick and short.” Sara nodded down at the vibrator in Felicity’s hand. “That’s about perfect if you ask me.”

           Felicity held it with two fingers, frowning at it. “What am I supposed to do with it?”

           “Do I really have to tell you that part?” Sara stared at her dumbfounded.

           “Well, no. Yes. Maybe.” Felicity felt all of her blood race to her face. “If my mom knew I had this…”

           “She helped me pick it out.”

           Felicity groaned and fell back on the bed. She tossed the vibrator to the side. “Oh God!”

           Sara sat next to her. “You know. I have a great idea.”

           “I don’t want to know,” Felicity told her covering her face.

           “Yes, you do.” Felicity raised her head and Sara was all out grinning. “You are going to Skype me while I’m in the shower while you play with that thing. It’ll be fun.”

           “I am not going to stare at you in the shower.”

           “Of course not, silly.” Sara punched at her. “I’ll just have the computer on so you think that someone is there, but no one will be watching. I promise.” Sara made a motion to cross her heart.

           Sara went down on her knees in front of Felicity and grasped her hands. “You trust me?”

           “Yeah. Of course.”

           “You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I’m not going to push you. You can just roam around the room for all I care, but you need to try this.”

           Felicity looked over at the offending purple object and let out a sigh. “Okay. I’ll try. But I’m not promising anything.” Sara jumped up and clapped. Felicity rose and pointed a finger at her. “I swear if you watch…”

           “I won’t.” Sara snatched her laptop and ran off toward the shower. “Whenever you’re ready,” she called out.

           Felicity went to get her own computer and set it on the desk that was set up in the room. It was the one Oliver gave her for her birthday a couple of years ago. She swept a hand across the top of it. It seemed like so long ago. It was exactly two years as of yesterday.

           With a sigh she opened up the computer and began to sign into Skype. “I guess if I’m going to try this, now’s as good a time as any other.”

           A Skype link popped up. Felicity barely paid it any mind since Sara said whenever she was ready and clicked to link up to it. Setting the volume to mute, Felicity began to slowly remove her clothes as she sang an off key version of Happy Birthday.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           Oliver gave up trying to call Sara on Skype. For the past thirty minutes all he received was a busy signal. Sending a text out to Tommy, Oliver asked him for Felicity’s Skype address. Once Tommy responded back, Oliver powered Laurel’s laptop back up and sent out a request.

           Amazingly, it was answered almost immediately. Kind of. No sooner had she answered the call, Felicity began to walk away from the screen.

           “Felicity,” Oliver called out to her, but she did not seem to be able to hear him. Even after he yelled her name a few other times and made sure the microphone was on.

           After that Oliver lost his voice. It was stolen from him because he was pretty sure he swallowed his tongue. Felicity roamed around the room running her finger over things as her clothes slowly fell to the floor. Pretty soon she was there in front of him in nothing more than a white lace bra and a pair of purple underwear that crept up the curvature of her ass.

           She stood there in her full glory as she began to stretch back and forth. Oliver felt parts of himself stretching right along with her. He told himself to look away. To hang up. But he couldn’t.

           It was like watching a scary movie. You’d cover your face and still peek out through your fingers to see how bad it could really be. Only this movie featured a girl who too often found her way into some of his more erotic dreams. They had nothing on the scene in front of him though.

  ��        Oliver could only watch as Felicity lay back on a bed fitted out with lavender colored sheets. She pushed herself up to the pillows only after grabbing something from the end of the bed. Whatever it was, she seemed unsure about it as she stared down at it within her small hands. But with a small shrug, she raised it up to her lips and licked it. Straining his eyes, Oliver tried to see exactly what it was, but there was no way he could tell. Damn, he wished he could zoom the screen in.

           After a couple of passes with her tongue, it went inside her mouth. Oliver let out a breath. It was just some sort of candy. Thank God. But damn if the actions didn’t have him almost blowing his load. Only, Oliver wondered what kind of candy would strain her mouth so open. It had to be some sort of jawbreaker on a stick. That had to be it.

           Only that jawbreaker was not a jawbreaker unless you counted the fact that Oliver’s mouth almost hit the floor when she rubbed the object down her stomach. Her knees fell open as her head fell back. Her delicate purple painted fingers rubbed against the spot that Oliver had only dreamed about. But another purple object joined in.

           Oliver fell out of the chair as he realized that she held a vibrator to herself. Fuck! She was going to kill him. She slid the vibrator under her underwear but then seemed to give up. Oliver watched as she set it to the side before reaching and pushing her underwear down to her ankles. The vibrator ended up back in her hand and down to the area of her that Oliver was drooling over.

           He wanted it to be his mouth and not some purple monstrosity there. Her head fell back and even though there was no sound, Oliver heard her moan right down to his bones. It did not matter that he was half a world away in France, he knew the sounds that were falling out of that heart shaped mouth as she bit her bottom lip.

           Fuck! Oliver looked down and found his own hand wrapped around himself despite the disgusting amount of clothes he had on.

           His eyes latched back on the computer when he noticed she had pushed one of her bra cups to the side and gripped ahold of her breast. Her finger dipped in her mouth before it went to circle around her nipple. Then her hand grabbed onto it tight and pulled. Oliver saw her back arch off the bed. He wanted to be there. If there was a God then he would have been able to jump through the screen and take care of her the way he always dreamed that he could.

           Scrubbing his hands over his face, Oliver turned away. This was crazy. He needed to stop this madness. Turning back, more filled with will power, Oliver reached for the power button determined to do a hard shut down when he saw Felicity fall apart. Her climax was a beautiful thing that he was glad that he didn’t miss out on.

           Her whole body flushed as she went limp on the bed. The vibrator fell to the bed as her legs clamped together around her hand. He watched as she rode the waves of her orgasm. It made him long for his own.

           As stiff as he was, Oliver knew it wouldn’t take him long to reach the edge himself. Making sure that he was definitely off screen, Oliver dropped his pants and took himself in hand. It was exquisite torture to see Felicity laying there in all her glory while he rubbed off.

           “Fuck, yes. Felicity,” Oliver groaned. “Tighter. Faster.”

           Oliver had to lean back against the desk, the corner of his eyes still on that precious screen as he found his release. Strings of cum circled his hand as he tried to keep it from shooting out all over the floor.

           Damn. He had not masturbated in a long time. There hadn’t been any need. But what still filled his screen was some of the hottest stuff he had ever seen in his life. And all she was doing now was laying there practically naked and satisfied, her black hair laced in purple streaks spread out around her.

           Hearing something at the door to the penthouse he and Tommy rented for the summer, Oliver ended the Skype call and quickly shut down the computer. He needed a shower. Looking down at himself, Oliver realized he was still hard despite how much he had come in his hand.

           Felicity did that to him. She made him shoot off and still want more. No other woman had ever accomplished that. Not even Laurel. Felicity who was not only not in the same room, but not even in the same country. What would happen if she actually landed in his arms? Nothing good, was his answer. The two of them were still all wrong for each other.

           In that moment, Oliver knew the truth. He could not be anywhere near Felicity. Ever.

           Oliver ran for the bathroom just as he heard Tommy and Laurel in the living room. His friend and his girlfriend could never know the reason why, but Oliver knew he’d have to ask for their help if he ever thought to accomplish his goal of keeping Felicity out of his life.

OQFSOQFSOQFS

           “Well, someone looks satisfied,” Sara said as she came out of the shower drying her hair.

           Felicity pulled the covers tighter over herself and blushed. “Yeah. Thanks.”

           “For what?” Sara asked her as she came to sit on the edge of the bed.

           “For the Skype thing.” Felicity nodded toward the desk where she had set up the computer. “I didn’t think I could do it but I did.”

           Sara gasped and jumped off the bed, racing to the computer. She slapped it shut hard. “I didn’t call you. It was busy.”

           “What?” Felicity sat straight up in the bed unmindful of the fact that the covers slipped down. “But, I… it said…”

           Sara walked toward her. The hair towel forgotten on the floor. “What did it say, Felicity? Try to remember.”

           “It said Lance. That’s all I caught before I answered it.” Felicity stared at her computer as if it had suddenly grown horns. “I assumed it was you and never acknowledge the computer after that. If I did, I might have noticed and stopped.”

           Sara groaned and sunk back on the bed next to Felicity. Her head went down to her hands. “I’m really hoping right now it was my sister and not my parents.”

           Felicity face blanched. Either way was a complete disaster. “If… if it was your parents…” Oh, Felicity could not even go there.

           “Right.” Sara nodded. “If it was them, they would have called by now. Your mom probably would have been in here already and all hell would have broken loose.”

           Felicity swallowed hard. “I don’t know how comfortable I feel knowing it could have been your sister either.” Felicity did not even want to consider the possibility that not only Laurel but Oliver or Tommy could have witnessed her complete humiliation since the three of them were together in some winery area of France. Grabbing onto Sara’s arm, Felicity begged her. “Promise me. You have to promise. If no one mentions this, we won’t ever talk about this again.”

           “I promise.” Sara agreed with a nod before running her fingers across her mouth in a zipping motion.

           “Thanks.” Felicity fell back on the bed. Maybe Laurel called. Maybe she hung up the second she realized that Felicity wasn’t talking. Maybe Oliver Queen had not been there to witness her getting off on the thought that he was the one there touching her, giving her the birthday present that she really wanted.

@almondblossomme @lovethishealthylife @sunshine0977 @1106angel @miriam1779

[gotta-livethislife-blog]

Jax Teller Imagine

Request for anon -

Jax imagine, were the reader used to go to school with Opie and Tara but only ever spoke to Opie because of shared classes. Years later you meet up with Jax only to discover he has always liked you. This is my first request, so hope this is okay! :)

It was just gone six when you finished work for the day and headed to the grocery store. You were tired from being on your feet all day but you decided to do your shopping now, so tomorrow you could enjoy your only day off. You worked as a make up artist at the Mac store at the local mall in the town next to Charming. You loved your job, but man sometimes it could be stressful!

You were just about finished as you crossed the parking lot to your car when one of your several bags snapped, sending your groceries rolling in all different directions. “Shit”’ you muttered as you bent down, trying to locate everything as you balanced your shopping in your arms. “Need some help with that darlin?” You heard, as you turned to see where the voice had come from. Behind you, now bending to pick the last of your tomatoes up was Jax Teller. You smiled gratefully as he handed them back to you. You were just about the thank him as Opie Winston caught up with his friend. “Oh hey Y/N!” Opie exclaimed as he tried to give you a hug, dropping more of your shopping in the process. “Opie, how are you?” You laughed as both guys now helped you put your shopping in the trunk. You hadn’t seen Opie in years, you’d heard he’d done time but that was about it. You knew Opie from way back in high school, during your last year most of your classes had been the same, over that year you’d become good friends. After graduation you never really saw him again properly. You certainly weren’t in his social group so the friendship just fizzled out. But you were always fond of him as he was of you.

Charming was only a small town, growing up here all your life you knew exactly who Jax Tellor was without ever having spoken a word to him in your life. Despite being Opie’s best friend and being in your year in school you doubt he ever knew you existed. You weren’t clever like Tara who you’d known in passing and you weren’t exactly cool back then like the rest of the girls they used to hang out with. But that was then and this is now. You were happy and confident in yourself now you’d grown into an adult and you sure as hell thought you were a lot more attractive than you were back in your spotty teenage years. You stood talking to Opie for a good 20 minutes catching up on each other’s news, him telling you all about Donna and the kids, you telling him all about work when you realised the time. “Shit, is that the time” Opie muttered “Talking of Donna, I’d better get back soon!” He said “But why don’t you come the the club house tomorrow night, we’re having a party. It’d be great to catch up some more!” He suggested “Yeah, sure” you replied, it had been so nice talking to him again, and tomorrow was your day off anyway. “7pm, I’ll see you then!” He said with a smile as you climbed into your car.

As you started the engine you watched them in your rear view mirror as they walked away, well more specifically you watched Jax. You’d always had a bit of a crush on him. But as you’d stood there talking to Opie, he hardly said a thing. Maybe some people don’t change that much from high school after all you thought, as you reversed the car and headed home.

You spent the next day, literally doing nothing. It was so nice to finally feel like you could relax and not worry about work! Until tomorrow anyway. At about 5pm you started to get ready for the party at Tellor Morrow. You’d never been to a party there, and you didn’t really know anyone apart from Opie. But you thought you’d go along and catch up with Opie some more. You were working tomorrow anyway so you probably wouldn’t stay late.

Two hours later you were ready to go. You had decided on a pair of ripped blue jeans, an off the shoulder white Bardot top along with your favourite white wedges. You still had a tan from the nice weather a few weeks back so you felt good. You kept your make up simple with a slight smokey eye and nude lip. You swept your hair up off your face in a loose bun on top of your head leaving a few dark curls falling down to frame your face. You grabbed your bag as you shut the door and set off for the club house. It was about 7.30pm when you arrived. You parked up and walked inside. As you walked inside you were greeted by Opie who was talking to an older guy with a scar on his face near the door. “Y/N you made it!” He said before crushing you in another bear hug and passing you a bottle. You spent most of the night chatting with Opie, he introduced you to some of the guys and you actually started to enjoy yourself. By about 10pm you were just finishing up a game of pool with a funny guy called Juice. When you finally spotted Jax at the bar talking to Opie. You hadn’t seen Jax all night, despite the fact you’d secretly been searching the room for him. A few moments later Opie approached you and said he had to go, something about a baby sitter, anyway you didn’t mind, you would probably leave soon yourself. You hugged your friend goodbye and headed to the bar to get one last drink. “What can I get ya darlin?” Jax asked from behind the bar as I sat down. “Just a beer please” you said as you sat down watching Jax flick the top off another one. He handed it across the bar and came to sit next to you. “You enjoying yourself?” He asked as he took a sip from his bottle. “Yeah” you replied “it’s been so good to catch up with Op, I haven’t seen him in forever.” You said as you leaned forward onto the bar. “Mm he mentioned that” Jax said as he leaned forward too. You were now quite close. You could smell the smoke and leather. Up close Jax was even better looking than you had remembered, you could definitely see why you had a crush on him all those years ago. “You know Y/N back in high school, I used to see you with Opie” he said while pushing a strand of blonde hair out of his face. “I used to wonder if you’d ever speak to me.” He said with a twinkle in his eyes. You laughed “You didn’t even know who i was until yesterday” you joked while taking another sip from your bottle. Jax then put his bottle down on the bar as he pulled his stool even close to yours “Are you kidding?!” He exclaimed “I’ve always known who you are!” He said while pointing at you. At this point you started to think he’d probably had one too many. You looked at him, suspicion in your eyes. “I wanted to talk to you for years.” He continued “But I just always thought someone like you would never be interested in someone like me.” He laughed but the smile didn’t really reach his eyes. You started to think maybe he was telling the truth. “So what, you actually liked me all those years ago?” You asked looking at him with surprise. “I liked you back then, I like you even more now darlin.” He whispered, holding your gaze. As his hand reached up to hold you chin. “I like you too.” You breathed as he pulled you into a gentle kiss. You broke away when a strange man with no hands started asking Jax about the vodka or something, you weren’t really paying attention. Your head was still spinning. Jax Teller actually liked you. Jax Teller had just kissed you. By the time Jax had gotten rid of the strange guy it was time for you to leave. Jax walked you out to your car. As you were about to leave he grabbed your arm and pulled you back into another kiss. This one was different from before, it was a lot more urgent from the last. You moaned into his mouth as he bite your bottom lip gently. Pulling away you both tried to control your breathing before he started to laugh. “You have no idea how many times I wanted to do that over the years.” He said with a mischievous grin spreading across his face. You grinned back as you got into your car, giving him a wink. Maybe some things do change after all you thought as you drove away. Something told you that wouldn’t be the last you saw of Jax Teller.

[theworstbob]

yellin’ at songs, week forty-four

reviewing the billboard debuts from 11.08.1997 11.10.2007 11.11.2017

11.8.1997

32) "Spice up Your Life," by Spice Girls

There was a Spice Girls movie made. We don't talk about this enough, but at one point, someone looked at Spice Girls and came up with an idea for a feature-length film. We don't do this with modern pop stars, but I'm sitting here listening to this song I never wanted to listen to, and now I'm wondering, what would a Lil Uzi Vert movie look like? I may find him uninterestingly dark, but I at least find something in him worth remarking on. I think that's enough for a feature-length film based on his works. It'd be the black Donnie Darko. That might be worthwhile, certainly more worth exploring than any of his songs, or this Spice Girls song you already knew was bad.

60) "Breaking All the Rules," by She Moves

This is the shallow bouncy pop music I signed up for. I never wanted 21 Savage. I just wanted subtly sexual pop songs I'd forget about seconds after listening to them. I wanted songs by artists for whom the dance moves mattered as much as the vocal work. Not Imagine Dragons, never Imagine Dragons. This. Solid stupid fun. I'm going to write my Congressman a link to this YouTube video and urge him to do something.

73) "At the Beginning," by Richard Marx & Donna Lewis

I'm sorry. I'm sorry! I didn't realize, months ago, when I started whatever this was, that I would have to opine on the fucking love theme from the seventh-best Don Bluth movie. I wasn't prepared to think about Anastasia in any way, form, or fashion, ever, for any reason, in my life. Anastasia was a VHS buried deep within the linen closet. I'm pretty sure it was an Easter basket filling. Did anyone else's family do Easter presents? We got chocolate, yeah, of course we got chocolate, just because my parents didn't love each other doesn't mean they were heartless, but my parents said, "I mean... We can't just give them chocolate. They should also get a present. But the present can’t be more than like $15. Hey it's a cartoon about a girl, have fun girl children." This was an afterthought, and now it's a duringthought for me. I don't. It's fine? It's the love theme from a Don Bluth movie, which means it's less well-written and has slightly worse singers and is a degree cheesier than the love theme from a Disney movie, and in the live-action reboot it’ll be covered by the seventh-place finisher from season seven of The Voice and either Nico or Vinz.

76) "I Don't Ever Wanna See You Again," by Uncle Sam

you have no idea how happy it makes me that this is a 1997 joint and not a 2017 joint because a song with this title with this credit would be sooooooooooooooooo much worse. it's bad? but it's not politically bad, it's just bad because an R&B man got a letter. so many '90s r&B songs begin with someone receiving a letter. the dude is now vocalizing over an orchestral swell, if anyone's wondering in what specific way this song is bad.

88) "All of My Days," by Changing Faces ft./Jay-Z

this is cool in the way a lot of '90s r&b is cool. like, there's the over-emotional uncle sam r&b, but then there's the hyper-chill stuff like this, music to which you can kick it, just settle into a groove and listen to again and again. stuff like this is so dope. like, it's chill, but it's compelling enough that you wanna stick with it.

92) "Baby You Know," by The O'Jays

this is the most disappointing thing i've ever heard. you see the artist name, you think, hey, this is gonna be a throwback jam. you don't think that this is going to sound like '90s r&b slo jamz because why would you think that, no one would want to think that because it would be a bad thing. but. that's what this ended up being. this song is what they did instead of buying a leather jacket and a motorcycle.

95) "Kiss the Rain," by Billie Meyers

I needed this after The O'Jays. I'm just gonna try my best to articulate something about the actual music, because gosh the drums on this track do some work. From the start, it's a really cool drum part, but the transition to the guitar solo and then the drumming under "As you fall over me, think of me, only me" are absolutely insane, really sell the climactic moment. Obviously, Billie Meyers is a phenomenal singer, she has as much to do with the moment as the drums, but I just really like drum parts. Apparently the drummer on this track also did the drums for one of the two Avril songs I like. I wish there were more dedicated Wikipedia editors who'd make full discographies for studio musicians, because I'm now curious how many pop songs I enjoy feature Kenny Aronoff's work.

96) "Da Joint," by EPMD

This was OK! I would like to take this time to note EPMD's discography. That is... certainly a thematic throughline. Do you think they got the idea to follow up Strictly Business with Unfinished Business and then felt they were kinda shoehorned in to putting the word Business in every album title? I feel that's what happened. Like, there's no going back after naming album three Business as Usual, and by the way, Business as Usual? HORRIBLE album title. Way to tell fans, "Yeah, this is the same shit as the first two albums. Y'all know the drill." I suppose it's a better title than None of Your Business, but I'd go with something like New Business or Business Is Boomin' or, if they wanted to do a collab with Jeezy, No Business Like Snow Business.

11.10.2007

89) "Watching Airplanes," Gary Allan

just another pop/country song with the word 'truck' in the first line

91) "Low," Flo Rida ft./T-Pain

There are people out there who don't like this song and those people are living the worst lives. What a joyless, horrible existence, feeling anything about this song other than "this is a hot party jam." Like, even when I was a pretentious 18-year-old trying to convince himself and others he liked Bright Eyes, I knew this was an undeniable banger. This is a perfect pop song. It's loud and dumb in all the best ways, disposable without being forgettable, and that hook. That's the sort of hook where, once you come up with it, you have to know you've got something great on your hands.

94) "Winner at a Losing Game," Rascal Flatts

What's the shelf life on a song like this? I'm not trying to make fun of country music here, I'm trying to make fun of any mid-tempo ballad. How much mileage can you derive from some slow song about a break-up? You can find ten or eleven of these on the chart at any given moment, and you can definitely reach a few hundred people who're going through a break-up at the exact time this song comes on, but time passes, and you think about the ex less, then think about the song less, and this isn't the sort of song people are gonna dredge up at karaoke or something ten years later unless they're REALLY not over it, nor are any country stations gonna throw it into any sort of classics bloc because there are, going by Billboard, 21 songs from 2007 alone more notable and the classics bloc only gets an hour, so what life did this song have after 2007? Is this the first time anyone has talked about this song in any way in the last ten years? Again: "Low" was disposable, but it was disposable like a Kodak, you throw it away but keep the memories. This is a wet wipe. It does one thing for three seconds and is flung into a pile where it rests forever.

96) "I'm Like a Lawyer with the Way I'm Always Trying to Get You Off (Me & You)," Fall Out Boy

I love that funk-tinged guitar in the verses, that's a dimension of musicality heretofore unheard from Fall Out Boy, and that line "I only keep myself this sick in the head 'cuz I know how the words get you off" is kind of tragic. There's a lot more to this song than being the first Fall Out Boy song to sound like a love song (even if it's not quite that), but I'll save the deep dive for the other, dumber blog I've fallen behind on updating.

97) "Empty Walls," Serj Tankian

Something you realize while watching a music video with very, very subtle references to the Iraq War: there haven't been any political songs in 2017, despite the fact Trump is a significantly worse president than Bush. No one's making protest music. And that's fine, I guess, maybe we don't need pop stars at the vanguard of political change, and we have seen strong performances from Kendrick and Kesha who maybe aren't making protest music but nonetheless are expressing strong beliefs in their music, but there's not a "none of this is OK" song like this. It's kind of a bummer.

99) "Dreaming with a Broken Heart," John Mayer

imagine having to tell yourself that this is a song you are proud of having written and a song you want attached to your name and a song you want people to associate with you from now until the end of your cultural relevance. imagine wanting to be known for making this song. if you're not sure whether or not you're a psychopath, i would recommend closing your eyes and picture yourself receiving a royalty check for this song. what emotion did you feel? if you felt pride, seek therapy.

100) "Another Side of You," Joe Nichols

at least this pop/country song doesn't have the word 'truck' in it. it even says that the girl traded in her sports car for a minivan, and this acknowledgement of a woman's ability to drive makes this maybe the most feminist country song there's ever been by a male artist.

11.11.2017

13) "Gorgeous," by Tay Tay

"There's nothing I hate more than what I can’t have/I guess I’ll just stumble on home to my cats.” Fuck off, dude. I’m glad there’s a Tay Tay single in 2017 that's mostly good, but that line just throws it completely off track. "I'm just a regular girl who's intimidated by hot boys! At least my kitties understand me!" That schtick doesn't work when there's reason to believe you haven't felt an honest human emotion in five years.

50) "Patek Water," by Future & Young Thug ft./Offset 62) "No Cap," by Future & Young Thug 68) "Feed Me Dope," by Future 77) "All Da Smoke," by Future & Young Thug 92) "4 Da Gang," by Future 100) "Three," by Future & Young Thug

I was kinda excited for Super Slimey, but having listened to the album I realize it is wrong to ever be hopeful. The problem with this collaboration is that the two personalities are dissimilar in ways that don't feel complimentary. Future isn't the most unconventional artist; he has a sound of his own, but it's a sound with a clear place in hip-hop's evolution, part of a direct line, whereas Young Thug is just his own thing. Future's great because he's direct and blunt, you never leave a Future song unsure of what the song was, and Young Thug is great because he's completely out there and doing his own thing, and these are not complementary traits.

61) "Meant to Be," by Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line

i wished so hard and so long for a duet, i must have made a thousand wishes on a thousand monkeys' paws, and the ONE TIME i forgot to make sure the paw wasn't cursed is the time the wish came true

84) "Candy Paint," by Post Malone

"God damn, I love paper, I'm like Michael Scott" "Baby I'm the boss, like I'm Tony Danza" Someone get Post Malone more current pop culture references. I also find "You don't know me, homie, you don't want war" to be a toothless threat given that Post Malone's songs to this point have all been about how he loves to smoke weed and feel bad about himself. Like, I don't doubt that Post Malone could take me in a fight, I'm weak and my leg sometimes hurts for no reason, but I do doubt his willingness to actually fight me. You could poke Post Malone in the arm for at least 20 minutes before he half-heartedly tried to swat your hand away, then he’d immediately resume napping because there’s nothing in this world he cares about except getting enough sleep.

88) "Wolves," by Selena Gomez x Marshmello

"I've been running through the jungle/I've been running with the wolves/To get to you." ...Um? Hey. Guys? Look. I know, we're all just trying to have fun, this is pop music, we're trying to keep it light, trying to keep it breezy, these are just sounds we're hoping will please as many people as possible, could you PLEASE not say wolves live in the jungle. Could you not do that. Could you find a better animal for this line in the song.

98) "Bedroom Floor," by Liam Payne

I liked this. It's not like the best song in the world, but it's breezy, it has a nice line in the chorus, and Liam Payne makes a telephone noise multiple times and I think that's delightful. Not everything can be a titanic, world-changing pop music event. Sometimes, you just want a hot boy to make telephone noises. This song hits that incredibly specific spot in my heart.

Who won the week?

Not 2017 because the best song was the “hot boy makes telephone noises” song. Um... I hate to be uncreative here, but I think 1997 had the best total offering. I’d be willing to hear an argument for “Low” deserving much more consideration than I’m giving it, but you also have to argue that everything 2007 offered is better than everything 1997 had to offer, and if you gave me a choice between Spice Girls and the three 2007 country songs, I am cursing whatever put me in this position and going with Spice Girls. 1997: best overall song this week, least bad support.

Current standings: 1997: 18 2007: 12 2017: 14 With five wins in the last six weeks and eight weeks left in this incredibly essential project, 1997′s starting to pull away. But there’s hope for the other years yet, as 1997 offers no classics, whereas 2007 has one song I remember! 2017 has very 2017 things. 2017 is gonna 2017 it up, no doubt.