#lillian at seattle grace

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Greys Anatomy AU-- Lillian at Seattle Grace Pt 2

As Lillian's guest stint at Seattle Grace continues, Lena does her best to avoid her mother in both the halls and the operating room, and limiting their inevitable exchanges to relaying patient information.

To her surprise, though the other interns continue to bully her, the residents actually rally behind Lena. Meredith, of course, understands the pain of an inattentive mother, and once she gets behind Lena, the others do as well. They remain courteous to Lillian, perfectly professional, but never engage beyond that.

Lena keeps increasingly to herself, rarely seeking comfort from Lexie and the residents, and never doing so at work. Still, Lexie keeps an eye on her, especially when Lillian corners Lena at the nurses station, while Lena and Lexie are updating their patients' charts.

Lena makes no move to greet her mother, not even lifting her gaze as the taller woman starts making notes in her own charts. The nurses all stare surreptitiously, but Lexie thinks she might be the only one to see the stiffness of Lena's posture.

"You'll be glad to know your brother is doing well," Lillian delivers succinctly as she scribbles notes with an elegant hand. "He's even taken over your father's role in the company. Not that you've bothered to ask."

Lena closes her chart with a snap sharp enough to make Lexie and the nurses jump. Without looking at her mother, she grinds out a terse "I have rounds" through a clenched jaw before turning on her heel and stalking away.

As the days pass, and Lena's tension and anxiety around her mother starts to build, she starts sharing more with Lexie. About her family. How her father had been a raging alcholic, and how her mother had always been brilliant, had always put her career first, and her son second. How Lena had always seemed to fall off her list of priorities.

Lena never truly blamed her, she tells Lexie one night. When her older brother was diagnosed with cancer, it made sense that Lillian's attention would be focused on Lex. She practically lived with Lex at the hospital, leaving Lena to be raised by nannies and other staff. Even when he was home, Lex's condition seemed to consume everything.

There isn't a single happy memory Lena has that isn't punctuated by Lex and his health. Piano recital? Lex's first seizure. Honor roll ceremony? Lex collapsed halfway through congratulating her, resulting in an ambulance ride to the hospital while the driver took Lena home alone.

Even when his cancer went into remission, something else always seemed to pop up in it's place. Lena can't remember a single time Lex has been healthy and pain-free. But even as she says it, a darkness creeps into Lena's voice, the tone of a secret.

"What is it?" Lexie asks.

"On my fifteenth birthday, we had dinner together, as a family. By that point, it was rare for us all to be in the same room, and I was so, so happy. No one was angry, or worried. Everything seemed like it would be all right for once."

Lexie takes Lena's hand, giving it a squeeze. "But..."

"But," Lena confirms, "right as I was about to open my first present, Lex had another seizure. It-- it was a bad one. He fell out of his chair, and hit his head on the way down."

"Oh, Lena...."

"That's not-- that was normal, by then," Lena explains with a shake of her head. "We all knew what to do. When it was over, I was holding Lex's hand while our mother called the hospital, and he..."

Lena trails off, her gaze unfocused, lost in memory. Lexie waits, letting Lena set the pace.

"He smirked at me."

Lexie blinks. "What?"

"He smirked at me," Lena repeats, so quietly it's almost a whisper. "He was usually groggy after a seizure, but before Mother returned, he looked me dead in the eye, and smirked like he had won something."

Lexie watches Lena carefully. Only one thing comes to her mind at this revelation, but she hesitates to voice it out loud. Munchausen.

"I know what you're thinking," Lena says quietly. "And the answer is, I don't know. All I know is that on that day, in that moment, Lex faked that seizure."

"Did you... talk to your mother about it?"

At that, Lena frowns, her gaze darkening. When she nods, the movement doesn't quite hide the quiver of her chin.

"She, uh..." Lena looks down into her coffee cup. "She smacked me, accused me of being selfish, and cruel for even thinking such a thing, and then just... went back to Lex's hospital room."

Lexie leans into Lena's side, offering comfort without interrupting.

"I didn't see her again until my dad's funeral three weeks later. I don't remember much about that day, but... I don't think she looked at me even once."

"So when she missed your white coat ceremony..."

"I didn't need to ask what happened," Lena confirms. "Real or faked, Lex had some sort of episode, and she stayed with him. Just like she always did."

When Lena takes a deep breath, Lexie can hear the heartache and exhaustion.

"I don't know why she's here," Lena whispers. "All I know is that if she stays... I can't."

[bigboxcar]

Mugshot Monday - "Banned Books" heat changing coffee mug by Out of Print with Ethiopia Single Origin Light Roast by Peace Coffee

Happy Presidents' Day for those who celebrate. I have the day off so I slept in and might chill with a good book and a cup of coffee in my classic Banned Books coffee mug from Out of Print.

It's a heat changing mug with the titles of banned books redacted. The titles appear when you pour a cup of delicious hot coffee.

Some examples are To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, 1984 by George Orwell, A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

When I was in school, it felt like the act of banning books was from "back in the old days". Literary censorship was a thing of the past, right?

Well, some states run by MAGA Republicans are bringing back book banning in unique and disturbing ways.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis has been championing this effort with his "Stop Woke Act".

It's a confusing and intentionally vague bit of legislation that "prohibits educational institutions and businesses from teaching students and employees anything that would cause anyone to 'feel guilt, anguish or any form of psychological distress' due to their race, color, sex or national origin."

One consequence is that certain books that fit the act's description of "woke" are not allowed in schools. Teachers aren't sure which books will get them disciplined, so they've been instructed to take ALL books out of the classroom.

That's really messed up.

The names of books that are banned is starting to be documented, including a list of 176 books banned in Duval County, Florida.

A few of the titles from that list are Dim Sum for Everyone! by Grace Lin, Brother Eagle, Sister Sky, by Chief Seattle and Susan Jeffers, and Black Frontiers: A History of African American Heroes in the Old West, by Lillian Schlissel.

Do you sense the vibe of what is being banned here? It's non-white cultures. Other banned topics are sexual orientation and gender identity.

Lawsuits are being filed against the bill, so here's hoping this all gets shut down sooner than later.

I tried to envision how big a new Out of Print mug would need to be to include ALL the titles of banned books in Florida. Damn. That's no joke.

See also my 670+ photos from the Mugshot Monday project here: www.MugshotMonday.com – Every Mug Has A Story

[naturecoaster]

Lillian Allen: A 1900s Woman of Adventure Who Helped Grow Dade City

Have you ever noticed the “Muller Apartments” on Meridian when driving to Dade City? The architecture is graceful and timeless, part of a contribution of sixty-five structures that were designed and constructed by Lillian L. “Lilly” Sparks Allen, and her second husband, Frank P. Allen. Lilly contributed to the architecture, culture, and hospitality of Dade City, but her story begins with risk, danger, and adventure... Lilly Sparks was born August 16, 1876, to Benjamin and Carrie Sparks in Ashland, Wisconsin. She had nine siblings. One can only speculate on why (and perhaps how) her adventurous family migrated from Wisconsin to Chico, Washington when Lilly was eleven. They platted a homestead and Lilly continued her schooling at the Manette Peninsula School. Getting to School by Guided Canoe The only way to travel to her school was by water so her parents arranged for the grandson of Chief Seattle of the Duwamish and Suquamish tribes, Moses, to escort Lilly and her brother to school and back each day by dug-out canoe. On one of their canoe rides home from school, a sudden storm overturned the canoe. Moses was able to save Lilly, but her brother drowned. An example of the dugout canoe that Moses Seattle piloted to take Lillian Sparks Allen and her brother to school in Washington State. Image courtesy of https://depositphotos.com Lilly explained, “I learned many things…that Indians were not savages, and if you shook hands with them and were kind, they would give you baskets, beads, and the most wonderful shells.” At age 22, Lilly married forty-two-year-old James E. “Sam” Crawford in Kitsap County, Washington. From all indications, they had a cohesive and loving marriage, operating an insurance and real estate business. Sam died in 1918 with no other heirs, so Lilly inherited ample property and resources. Lillian Allen Valued Serving Her Community Lillian "Lilly" Sparks Crawford Allen Abrams in 1954. During her marriage to Crawford and after his death, Lilly was also active in local government, serving as the first woman in the state of Washington to hold a public office. She was also the only woman in the Lion’s Club, receiving an honorable lifetime membership due to her assisting a member who was very ill. On May 3, 1920, Lilly married Frank P. Allen, age 48, at the Baptist Parsonage of King County, Washington. They had met from their mutual interests in real estate, and they soon decided to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure by moving to Dade City, Florida. Lilly and Frank Allen moved to Dade City Florida in the early 1920s This second chapter of Lilly’s remarkable life paralleled the huge real estate building frontier in 1920s Florida. Literally traveling from what was then the most northwestern point to the most southeastern portion of the continental United States, the courageous couple began their new life together, creating homes, subdivisions, and even commercial buildings that can be seen in Dade City’s historic downtown today. Lilly and Frank Allen were partners in erecting or remodeling sixty-five buildings in Dade City including the Miller apartments and the Highland’s Motor Company building. The Allen Mill and Lumber Company, Miller Apartments, Allen Subdivision, and Highland's Motor Company were all Built by Lilly and Frank Allen By 1924, the couple opened the Allen Mill and Lumber Company on Fifth Street next to the old ice plant that now houses TECO in Dade City and hosted an open house. Lilly Allen was a qualified bookkeeper and partner, designing some of her own construction projects such as a four-room bungalow. The initial office was at the Allen residence but as their enterprise expanded, the old commissary building of the tourist camp next door, was converted and she served as secretary of the firm. Images courtesy of fivay.org and Gail Stout. Advertisements in the “Dade City Banner” mention that the mill perfected building techniques such as the use of sheetrock, hollow core bricks, and bungalow architectural styles. With what appeared to be incredible luck, they sold the Allen Mill and Lumber Company in 1925 before the real estate bust in 1926 and continued to build houses for a few additional years. “The Miami Herald” reported, “Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Alen, former owners of the Allen Mill & Lumber Company, a thriving business institution in Dade City, gave a charming farewell banquet to their employees, last Saturday at Frank’s Café in Dade City.” (now Olio’s Restaurant) In 1923, they were in a partnership with R.A. Snyder for real estate in Dade City, and by 1926, Frank formed a real estate partnership with R.H. Sumner entitled “R.H. Sumner-F.P. Allen and did quite a bit of buying, selling, and developing. Lilly Allen and Frank P. Allen divorced in 1930. Frank moved to Pensacola, Florida where he continued as a prolific builder of bungalow-style homes. By 1935, Frank was stricken ill, and moved back to Eugene, Oregon to convalesce. He died on August 23, 1939. The Crescent Theater, which Lilly Allen managed while it added equipment for screening talking pictures! Image courtesy of fivay.org The Dade City Banner did a front-page acknowledgment of Frank Allen’s death on September 8, 1939, stating “Mr. Allen has many friends in Dade City who regret to hear of his death. He was a very prominent citizen during his several years of residence in Dade City.” His design styles still linger, the article said that he (Allen) planned and built 65 houses during 1924 and 1925, as “he was particularly interested in planning houses to conserve space and introduced the style here of built-in features. Several subdivisions in Dade City bear his name…” Lilly remained in Dade City until 1945 and was incredibly active with many aspects of the community while she continued to manage holdings and rentals. She was the president of the Crescent Theater Company on 5th Street, managing it while it was closed for installation of the latest equipment for talking pictures. Lilly Allen was an Entrepreneur and Humanitarian who Contributed to Dade City The Dade City Tourist Booth that Lilly manned to help welcome visitors to the area. Image courtesy of fivay.org Lilly manned the newly built Chamber of Commerce Information Booth on Meridian as the new highways were being built. She was very active with the ‘Good Will and Cooperation Club’ to sponsor social events and assist needy folks. She lobbied for clean-up and housing for the African American community with the Dade City Woman’s Club in 1929, hosting the May Day event that same year, and being active in the Civic League. She was named secretary of the Tourist Club as they advocated for a recreational center. In 1938, she was a board member of the Chamber of Commerce as they worked on how to deal with the problems of wandering cattle in the city during open range. In 1941, she was proposed as a candidate for city commissioner. An active bridge club member, Lilly Allen appears on the registry for social events and was a well-respected citizen and Dade City businesswoman for twenty-five years. Lilly Allen was an incredible entrepreneur, humanitarian, survivor, and even a historian! We sure are grateful for all her contributions to Dade City. Read the full article

[traumahqs]

The clouds that usually reign over Seattle’s skies have parted, the rain is gone and the sun is shining. And with that comes HEAT. According to every radio station in the city it’s the hottest day that Seattle has seen in years, and the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West have certainly felt it. Sweating their way through rounds and parking themselves in front of fans on their rare breaks, this shift has been an even greater hell than usual. And then BANG, the hospital was plunged into darkness. The unexpected heat wave has caused A POWER CUT. It takes a couple of minutes before the backup generators kick in, and each member of staff receives a page that is clear: there is no telling how stable this power source is, do not use any unnecessary electricity and stay exactly where you are. The power cuts intermittently as the engineers work in the basements below and the heat is still unbearable, but I hope you’re comfortable because this might be a long night.

OOC INFO:  Welcome to event number two!! This is a little more complex than the gala. Below you will find that we have sorted your characters into eleven groups and given each of these groups a location. Your character must stay in this location throughout the event, the only people they can face to face interact with are the others in their group. We will be allowing them to use cell phones to contact others. Why your characters found themselves in these locations and how they react is completely up to you, so get plotting with your group members! This event will run from Monday 6th of July (5PM EST) to Friday 10th of July (5PM EST)

GROUP ONE: Elevator

Possibly the worst place to be during a power cut, the elevator stopped immediately and the generator isn’t powerful enough to get it back up and running. Even if they tried to open the door, it’s occupants would find themselves trapped between the second and third floor.

Addison Montgomery

Miranda Bailey

Elle Cohen

GROUP TWO: Elevator

Slightly more fortunate than the others, this elevator isn’t stuck between floors. However that seems to be where their luck ends. They’re still unable to get the doors open and have been ordered to stay put just like everybody else.

Sam Bello

Trixie Cuddler

Cormac Hayes

Derek Shepherd

GROUP THREE: Obstetrics and Gynaecology Ward

As if being plunged into to darkness during childbirth wasn’t enough for these labouring mothers, they do not need to be told that the backup generators aren’t a reliable power source. The hardest task for these doctors might be ensuring that this floor remains calm.

Lizzie Shepherd

Violet Turner

Lexie Grey

Izzie Stevens

Carina Deluca

GROUP FOUR: Pediatric Floor

The children on the peds floor aren’t any more receptive to the sudden power outage than the expectant mothers on obs and gyn, and their worried parents aren’t helping matters either. As if the heat wasn’t already making their patients uncomfortable enough, it’s up to the trapped staff on the floor to make sure that they remain in control.

Valerie Jones

Elena Sloan

Maggie Pierce

Ryleigh Lincoln

Lillian Grayson

GROUP FIVE: Chief of Staff’s Office

What should have been a standard meeting with the chief of staff has turned into a nightmare given that even those in the office are not exempt from the temporary lock down. At least the coach is comfortable, but with the air conditioning failing and nowhere to go, the room might start feeling smaller than usual.

Charlotte King

Alana Cahill

Nancy Shepherd

GROUP SIX: Cafeteria

Whether you were having a late lunch or an early dinner, it looks like you’re stuck in the canteen for now. At least there’s plenty of room to space out, but with tensions likely to grow as the heat rises nobody can tell how long that will be helpful for.

Levi Schmitt

Daniel Shepherd

Margot Lincoln

Meredith Grey

Ryan Kerrigan

John Davenport

GROUP SEVEN: Intensive Care Unit

The ICU can be a hard enough place without additional elements. Patients often struggling to pull through and families emotional about their loved ones current outlook. A power outage affecting the machines that are keeping those patients alive is not what anybody wants.

Callie Torres

Teddy Altman

Lihua Miller

Max Armstrong

GROUP EIGHT: Operating Room Four

Unpredictable things often happen in surgery, but a power cut wasn’t something this team were prepared for. Facing an operating room that keeps plunging into darkness, they have some hard choices to make for the care of their patient.

Mark Sloan

Andrea Martinez

Jillian Johnson

Esme Harrington

Marisol Sanchez

GROUP NINE: Emergency Room

The pit can be chaos at the best of times, but between the patients being admitted for severe dehydration and the effects of the power cut it’s all hands on deck. Usually they’d call down some more interns, but it looks like the staff here have to handle this one on their own.

April Kepner

Caleb Morgan

Jamie Martinez

Atticus Lincoln

GROUP TEN: Supply Closet

This group couldn’t move anywhere even if they wanted to, finding themselves locked in the tiny supply closet. Their only hope at a little respite from the heat is if they can get an old fan working again or the small chance that somebody might unlock the door before they have to spend the night.

Naomi Bennett

Amelia Shepherd

Leah Murphy

GROUP ELEVEN: On Call Room

Who would have thought trying to take a nap during your shift would mean missing out on so much? It was already hard enough to sleep in the heat, but adding in the constant flickering of the lights and the forced companionship it’s possible these doctors wish they’d just had another cup of coffee.

Andrew Deluca

Kathleen Shepherd

Stephanie Edwards

Ashton Abrams

[streiknine-blog]

Task 001.

BUT RED WAS WHAT YOU WRAPPED AROUND YOU. BLOOD RED.

—Ted Hughes

BASIC INFORMATION.

Full Name: Vincent James Ouellet Nickname(s): Vin, Vinny, Strychnine, Striker; Strike Age: 28 Date of Birth: 13 February 1990 Hometown: Québec, Québec, Canada Current Location: Dertosa, California Ethnicity: white Nationality: Vincent is Canadian, but his mother was American, so he’s got dual citizenship Gender: cis male Pronouns: he/him Orientation: Vincent is bisexual — but also fun fact he’s never had sex Religion: agnostic — he doesn’t think too hard about it, but I could see him going for something like Roman Reconstructionalist if he actually put thought into it. Political Affiliation: (I don’t know stateside politics and neither does Vincent) Occupation: full-time Poison babey — see also: hitman Living Arrangements: he’s got a small apartment with sparse decorations — really what he was looking for when he got it was somewhere that he’d be able to relax and cook.

The kitchen is the most put-together part of the one-bedroom place, with well-loved pots, pans, and bakeware. A couple nice dishtowels in a white with navy stripes pattern hang from the handle of the oven, and a much more ragged bleach-worn dishtowel is usually seen on the counter (used for wiping up messes as they happen). Little (fake bullet) shell casing salt and pepper shakers sit on the back of the stove, along with a little porcelain rooster — “You have to have a rooster in the kitchen.” Vincent would say, “It’s good luck.” — which its paint is chipping from how old it is.

The living/eating area has a navy and grey rug that looks like he’s had it since he was in his early twenties (and, honestly, he has) and a dark-stained wooden table with four chairs — the insert to make it into a six person table for if he ever had the Poisons over sitting against the far wall, in plain sight — and just a single placemat, that is pastel and multi-coloured and looks like he stole it from a sixty year old’s kitchen décor, sitting on the table at all times.

He’s got a small, grey, apartment-sized couch that he likes to curl up an nap on, so there’s a throw blanket and a single pillow always on it.

Language(s) Spoken: English; French Accent: Light buzzing on ‘TH’, ‘Z’, and ’S’ sounds — a holdover from his Québécois upbringing; for the most part has a fairly neutral “Seattle accent” that he’s taught himself as a consequence of being around Americans and wanting to sound less ‘different’. Still has a light Québécois accent tinging his words.

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE.

Face Claim: Zane Holtz Hair Colour: dark brown Eye Colour: blue Height: 6’1” Weight: 220ish lbs Build: lorge Tattoos: n/a Piercings: n/a Clothing Style: Simple, dark sweaters (navy, forest green, maroon, black), white dress shirts (buttoned to the top), dark sports coats, charcoal or black slacks are the standard, but he’ll wear dark wash jeans occasionally. Usually the jeans are paired with a crisp dress shirt (in any of the sweater colours) that may be rolled to to the elbows. If he’s doing the sweater + dress shirt + jeans outfit, his favourite combination is his maroon sweater with a navy dress shirt. He thinks he looks fancy in it. He’s not opposed to wearing light, airy colours (like powder blue, or dusty pink) but he gets a bit self-conscious when he wears them — thinking that they don’t suit him well enough for him to pull it off. So he sticks to dark colours and neutrals. They’re easier to hide bloodstains anyway, and the white shirts can be bleached.

Fan of French cuffs but never wears them because cufflinks are easy to lose at a scene. When he’s not on the job he’s totally breaking out the French cuffs and his silver cufflinks. There’s the occasional t-shirt + sweatpants combo but usually reserved for when he isn’t going out anywhere/not seeing anyone but the other poisons or the flower he’s booked.

For accessories, he’s got a dark grey tungsten carbide band that he wears on his left ring finger.

Usual Expression: neutral, vaguely aggressive leaning. His eyebrows make him look mad when he’s not holding them up in some form of expression. Distinguishing Characteristics: I’d say his biggest distinguishing characteristic is that he is tall and wide — like not only is this kid over six feet tall, he’s jacked as shit too.

HEALTH.

Physical Ailments: needs glasses, and he’s nearsighted — it’s partly why he prefers knives to guns. Neurological Conditions: nothing I can peg but I’m sure there’s Something. Allergies: n/a Sleeping Habits: king of the cat nap, and honestly whenever he can knock out he’s gonna. He snores too. Eating Habits: he eats a Lot and he’s decently healthy… please see his favourite food section for a more detailed food thing. Exercise Habits: Boy loves to workout — gotta keep fit for murder, y’know? He’s fond of free weights, and bars… boy loves a heavy deadlift, and he’s gotta bench press his friends at least once. He’s also one to do sprints for his cardio, especially resistance sprints. Gotta go fast.

He works until it burns and he’s comfortably sore. Totally one to have a protein shake with oats added after a hard workout.

Emotional Stability: Vincent isn’t necessarily the most emotionally competent but he’s also not especially volatile. He’s got his moments — blind fury or just enjoyment of a kill can cause him to go a lil overboard. When he laughs it’s a whole body laughs — boy’s gonna feel things all at once if he’s going to feel them at all. Sociability: He likes to be with other people but he is just so painfully awkward. He doesn’t quite realize sometimes that he’s making jokes that aren’t funny and that he should stop making poisoning jokes to the flower that is eating the meal he prepped himself but, hey, we can’t be perfect and Vinny certainly isn’t. Body Temperature: I’d say he’s a slight onto the warm side — summer is hell for him. Addictions: can I say the high of a kill? But nah he ain’t a straight up murder-obsessed guy, he just really loves that feeling. In all honesty, he loves sweet things. Drug Use: Never Alcohol Use: Rarely drinks — he doesn’t like the feeling of being drunk/tipsy, but he will go for a lite beer or two, or a mixed drink that is “light on the alcohol, heavy on the mix, please.”

PERSONALITY.

Label: the aggressor; the cold-blooded; the loyalist Positive Traits: Fearless, determined, willing Negative Traits: Ruthless, detached Goals/Desires: his biggest thing is having a balance to things, it’s a driving force behind his actions. Fears: spiders — too many legs they creep him out. Hobbies: cooking, reading, watching movies Habits: absently rotates his wrists/cracks his fingers when he’s focused on something. Mutters in French under his breath if he’s trying to figure something out.

FAVOURITES.

Weather: cold, crisp winter day with large snowflakes floating down lazily — not a flurry, just pleasant and relaxing. Probably around -15C / 5f. Colour: navy and light blue Music: top 40 hits — 22 year old Vincent was the type to sing along to ‘Call Me Maybe’ in his car by himself. Movies: comedies, supernatural themes, French and Québécois cinema. Sport: Lacrosse; hockey (fan of the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs) Beverage: Hot chocolate!

He’s one to pick the drink up from a coffee shop on the way to an appointment, or to make himself a fresh one after he’s back home. He has several different kinds of it — from those hot chocolate wands, to tins of powdered mix, to single-serve portions of it for a on-demand coffee machine — and he’s not picky. He likes the sweetness of it, and, if he’s getting one from a coffee shop, makes sure to ask for extra chocolate sauce. At home it depends how tired he is. It’ll either be basic, with just hot milk and melted chocolate or fancier on his days off with tiny marshmallows or peppermint syrup. He especially likes to make hot chocolate for those he considers friends.

Food: He’ll give most things a try, honestly.

He’s definitely fallen back on the ‘pan seared broccoli with wild rice and baked chicken breast (with smoked paprika, thyme, and black pepper)’ as a basic dinner meal for when he’s feeling lazy. If he’s not feeling lazy the sky is the fucking limit. He’ll make everything from a whole chicken or a roast with accompanying veggies, to stir-frying tofu and veggies. For lunch he’s usually eating something he’s packed — quinoa, lemon-dill salmon, asparagus; rare steak, sweet potatoes, broccolini; Cobb salad with an extra hardboiled egg or two; homemade “instant” ramen in a jar — and for breakfast he’ll either just straight up have a protein shake with oats and fruit, or some of the egg muffins he makes every few days (mushroom, cheese, ham,, quinoa) or he’ll really go all out and have French Toast or waffles.

Homemade stovetop mac n cheese is a comfort food he likes if he wants something quick (25 minutes, start to finish), but if he’s gonna make a comforting meal to distract himself he’s totally the type to go with a braised lamb sort of deal.

Animal: dogs

FAMILY.

Father: Étienne Jean Ouellet (53); president of an insurance brokerage Mother: Lillian Grace Ouellet née Richardson (51); homemaker Sibling(s): none Children: n/a Pet(s): n/a Family’s Financial Status: solidly upper-middle class. Don’t you know the insurance business is practically a license to print money?

EXTRA.

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius; 13 February 1990 MBTI: ISTJ Enneagram: type 8 — the challenger Temperament: melancholic Moral Alignment: totally pegged him as a Lawful Evil — uses murder to get his ends tidy, but has a strong sense of needing balance for things. Not one to just willy-nilly McMurder. Primary Vice: Wrath Primary Virtue: Charity Element: Earth

[nsula]

Spring 2019 President’s List

           NATCHITOCHES – Five hundred and sixty-four students were named to the Spring 2019 President’s List at Northwestern State University. Students on the list earned a grade point average of 4.0. Those named to the President’s List listed by hometown are as follows.

 Abbeville -- Kayla Marceaux;

Alexandria -- Lili Bedoya, Leslie Bordelon, Destiny Dotson, Selena Elmore, Claudia Gauthier, Ian Grant, Martha Hopewell, Jordan Johnson, Allison, McCloud, Madalyn Mayer, Madeline Mitchell, LaShanda Moss, Madeline Pharis, Jennifer Prevot, Sailor Reed, Zachary Roberts, Elaina Williams, Samantha Wynn;

 Amite – Sidney Polezcek;

Anacoco – Kinsley Blakeway, Karington Hood, Cassandra Osborne, Seth Ponthieux, Kayla Stephens, Casey Williams;

 Arlington, Texas – Samantha Bell;

Arnaudville -- Zachary Leboeuf;

 Atlanta –Deanna Guidry, Alexis Hanson;

 Austin, Texas – Skylar Besch, Anuj Patel;

 Baker – Katelyn Kennedy;

 Ball – Joseph Reynolds;

 Bastrop – Anna Akins, Taylor Gabell, Haleigh Vollmar;

 Baton Rouge – Meagan Barbay , Jasmine Davis, Hannah Knoff, Elizabeth Ledet, Bethany Lee, Henrietta Mercer, Madalyn Mullins, Mary Pourciau, Sarah Talbot;

 Baytown, Texas – Norma Trejo;

Belcher – Victoria Hebert;

 Belle Chasse -- Annie  Wright;

Belle Rose – Thomas Daigle;

 Benton – Victoria Berry, Bridget Miller, Jessica O’Neal, Finnley Plaster, Megan Rainwater, Ty Whatley;

 Bossier City – Christian Baker, Brittant Batchelor, Katie Briggs, Courtney Brooks, DeMontre Evans, Hannah Gates, Candace Guillory, Peyton Harville, Cayin Head, Ashanti Hill, Jodi Hill, Nicholas Hopkins, Brandon Larkin, Chelsea Laverdiere, Arielle Martignetti, Katherine Parson, Taylor Powell, Melissa Raley, Jenna Rambin, Jami Rivers, Jalyn Robertson, Winnifred Robinson, Tori Spraggins, Savannah Stevens, Courtney Wilson, Eric Zheng;

 Boyce – Bo Bowers, Katelyn Brister, Dylan Frazier, Jodie Martin;

 Branch – Elizabeth Sonnier;

 Breaux Bridge – Shayla James;

 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma – Madeline Drake;

 Brookeland, Texas – Paige West;

 Brussels, Belgium – Leyla Fettweis;

 Bunkie – Emily Arnaud, Brett Baker;

 Burleson, Texas -- Addison Pellegrino;

 Calhoun – Grace Cummings, Robert Mccandlish;

 Calvin – Erin Price;

Campti – Alisha Bedgood;

 Carencro – Jasmin Thibodeaux;

Cartagena, Colombia -- Valeria Correa Meza, Veronica Perez Espinosa, Hassik  Vasquez Narvaez;

 Carthage, Illinois – Nicole Clark;

 Castor – Brittany Sampey;

 Center, Texas – Chelsea Henderson;

 Church Point – Meghan Bearb;

 Clifton – Brittany Shackleford;

 Colfax – Alyssa Coleman, Elizabeth Slayter,

 Colorado Springs, Colorado – Morgan Linson;

Columbia -- Melissa Robinson;

Converse -- Haleigh Sharrow;

 Cottonport – Rayne Canoe, Zachary Gauthier;

 Coushatta – Sydney Anderson, Kaylee Antilley, Mary James, Sidney Jones, William Lee, Carmie Williams;                          

Covington -- Justin Brogdon, Andrea Mier;                            

 Custer, South Dakota – China Whitwer;

 Cut Off – Allie Soudelier;

 Cypress, Texas – Alexis Warren;

 Dallas, Texas – Natalie Robledo;

 Denham Springs – Jenson Wall;

De Ridder -- Delia Amadiz, Tabitha Deer, Ashleigh Fedderman, Rebekah Frantz, Shydae Hammond, Nickolas Lane, Briana March, Jessica Mullican, Rebecca Richmond, Shynikia Roberson, Mikalyn Russell, Summer Thomas, Jessica Wheeler, Tracy Wilson;

Des Allemands – Emily Blanchard, Claire Schouest;

 Destrehan – Hannah Boquet, Stephanie Webre;

Deville –Allison Deglandon, Alyssa Kline, Aubree Lampert, Maci Mayeux;

Diamondhead, Mississippi – Melissa Boyanton;

Dry Prong -- Jared Boydstun, Ashlee Elliott, Christy Gough;                          

 El Paso – Christopher Barron;

Elizabeth – Amanda Cloud;

Elmer – Halston Rachal, Joseph Rachal;

 Endicott, New York – Tonya Rackett;

 Fairmount, Georgia – Amanda Stephenson;

Florien --Connor Arthur, Ashley Carter, Shayla Duhon, Noah Parker, Ashley Ross;

Forney, Texas -- Jayden Wheeler;

Fort Myers, Florida – Andrea Smarsh;

Fort Polk -- Amanda Dhondt, Shaunda Gordon, Pierce Matthews, Maria Neumann, Christian Wood;

Fort Sill, Oklahoma -- Iryana Burrus;

Fort Valley, Georgia – Pittard Chapman;

Fort Worth, Texas – Corban James;                              

 Franklin -- Alison Guidroz;

Freeland, Washington – Paul Aune;

 Frierson -- Brittany Furrow;

 Frisco – Caroline Shepherd, Adam Trupp, Kalee Williams;

 Garland, Texas – Sierra Stone;

 Geismar -- Kristi Contreary;

Gheens -- Samantha Clark;

Glenmora -- Precious Goins, Tiara Baker;

Gloster -- Emmaleigh Cleary;                            

 Goldonna -- Harley Godwin;

Gonzales – Addison Adams, Kristina Gipson, Ryan Gremillion, Legand Lilly, Rebecca Marchand, Molly Moran, Bailee Ramey, Zoe Tapp;  

Grand Prairie, Texas -- Clayton Casner;

Grapevine, Texas – Margaret Black;

Gray – Cassie Becnel, Tevyn Johnson;

 Greenwell Springs – Cheramie Kravitz;

Greenwood -- Char'Tarian Wilson;

Gretna – Chloe Johnson;

Hammond – Andrea Hidalgo;

Harvey -- Christiana Johnson;

 Haughton – Brittony Cole, Bethanie Couch, Alexis Hoeltje, Victoria Lodrini, Jamie Phillips, Amber Simmons, Logan Turner, Morgan Webb;                            

 Heath – Megan Lohmiller;

Heflin -- Haley Garrison;

Henderson, Texas -- John Floyd;

Hermon, Maine -- Allessa Ingraham-Albert;

Hessmer -- Lacee-Beth Cazelot;                            

 Hineston -- Tylee Stokes;

 Hornbeck -- Emma DuBose Rogers, Joshua Hughes;

 Houma – Sarah Lajaunie;

 Houston, Texas – Oai Lee Huynh;

 Iowa – Matthew Phillips, Marvette Williams;

 Irving, Texas – Darria Williams;

Jefferson --Jaleia Parker;

Jena – Christian Aymond, Teacy Kendrick;

 Jennings – Aimee Boothe, Alyson Brown, Janee Charles, Rachelle Edwards, Wesley Simien, Lydia Williams;

 Jonesboro – Jordan Winston;

 Jonesville – James White;                          

 Keatchie – Susan Laws;

 Keithville – Cora Procell, Janae Richardson;

 Kenner – Brooke Petkovich;

Kentwood – Jenna Morris;

 Kerens, Texas – Brandon Brumbelow;

Killeen, Texas – Arlyn Johnson, Nathalohn Nanai;

 Kinder -- Jonathon Villareal;

 Lacombe – William Simpson;

 Lafayette – Natalye Bradley, Abbey Broussard, Rachael Bryant, Amari Carmouche, Madison Duplechine, Ashley Guidry, John Irion, Joy Newman, Jordan Redd, Brittany Robinson, Andrea Saelios, Dante Saelios, Chynna Theriot;

 Lake Arthur – Nicole Andrews;

 Lake Charles – Shawn Becton, Derek Fields, Ashtyn Hare, Rebekah Nicholas, Sarah Sargent;

 Lake Providence -- Brandy Chapman;

Lantana, Florida -- Christopher Mccormac;

Las Vegas -- April Ficarrotta;

 League City, Texas – Kennedi Carter, Emily Ornelas;

 Lecompte -- Allison Williams;                          

 Leesville -- Victoria Carbaugh, Carter Coriell, Brittany French, Geoffrey Goins, Kimberly Henley, Leigha Jackson, Kelsea Mckinney, Joseph Orchi, Heather Snell, Alicia Stanford, Jessica Tebbetts, Kristin Whistine;

Lena – Juan Gonzalez;

Little Elm, Texas -- Hunter Gagnon;                            

 Lockport -- Courtney Cedotal;

Longview, Texas -- Samantha Morris;

Loreauville – Tiffany Trahan;

Lumberton, Texas -- Joshua Terry;

 Mabank, Texas – Dustin Huffman,

 Madisonville – Alyce Lis;

Mandeville – Shannon Roussell, Sheridan Smith;

 Manito, Illinois – Sarah Picken;

Mansfield – Samantha Powell;

 Many – Skyler Ezernack, Alison Garcia, Emily Holcomb, Heidi Knight, Jaleah Lee, Shelbie Martinez, Toni Mitcham, Samantha Simmons;

Marble Falls, Texas -- Sarah Lewis;                              

 Marksville – Zachary Moreau, Madeleine Morrow;

 Marthaville – Dillon Hagan, Frank Lester, Emeri Manasco, Hanna Pardee,

 Maurice – Adam Courville, Jenna-Clair Courville, Adele Vincent, Elise Vincent,

Merryville – Courtney Jennings;                          

 Metairie -- Sadye Treadway;

Minden -- Aubry Dennis, Abigail Reynolds, Kirsten Sibley, Heather White;

Mississauga, Ontario, Canada -- Kayla Bomben;

Mobile, Alabama --   Sarah Dempsey;

Monroe -- Caleb Horton, Aaron Hunt, Ashley Jackson Franklin, Jameelah Sanaany;

Monroe -- Kristin Hutchins;                          

 Morgan City -- Jeremy Orgeron;

Morrow -- Kiante Mouton;

Morse -- Kierra Linden;                            

 Murphy, Texas – Bronte Rhoden;

 Natchez – Patricia Wise;

 Navarre, Florida -- Alexandria Morales;

Napoleonville -- Elizabeth Coleman;

Natchitoches -- Sarah Aviles, Brock Barrios, Dylan Bennett, Gracie Bennett, Keaton Booker, Keyana Brown, Deasia Burrell, Savannah Bynog, Maria Carmona-Ruiz, Gilda Chan, Leanna Coy, Whitney Crooks, Haley Dahlhoff, Jacob Dahlhoff, Elliot Davis, Jordan Durio, Abbie Gandy, Kara Gandy, Laura Guzman Rodriguez, Hannah Haigh, Dylan Hale, Kaitlin Hatten, Aura Hernandez Canedo, Ashlyn Hogan, Anthony Jones, Kelsey Jordan, Mary Keran, Lyndon Knueppel, Clayton Larimer, Lindsay Lee, LiZhang Matuschka, Jordan Mitchell, Jorgia Nevers, Brooklyn Noe, Kevin Nutt, Anthony Pastorello, Abigail Poe, Kevin Price, Melissa Remo, Maria Rushing, Madison Shade, Madeline Taylor, David Thibodaux, Shayna Tilley, Kaleb Usleton, Madysen Watts, Sarah Kay Whitehead;                        

 New Iberia -- Tara Bonvillain, Madison Castille, Emily Neuville, Madison Romero;

New Llano -- Reaz Khan, Collar Wilson;

New Orleans – Faith Burke;

Oakdale – Adrian Brown, Alyssa Cole, Katelyn Johnson, James Obrien;

 Olla – Brianna Corley, Cierra Evans, Kaycie Posey, Kristen Smith;                            

 Opelousas – Lauren Hebert, Keshayla Jackson, Alexia Rubin, Jaylen St. Romain;

 Pelican – Mary Myers;

 Pflugerville, Texas -- Zoe Richardson                        

 Pineville – Malak Abdelhadi, Raegan Brocato, Amber Edmisson, Katlin Ernst, Sarah Flue, Brooke Gongre, Connor Littleton, Cade Mitchell, Johnna Odom, Cinnamon Player, Wendi Powell, Peyton Spurgeon, Wesley Williams;

 Pitkin – Mattie Stewart, Grace White-Rainger;                    

 Pollock – Tanner Brazil, Hannah Gaubert, Jadynn Giles, Megan Gypin, Samantha Wilber;

 Port Allen – Makayla Lacy;

Port Arthur, Texas -- Eryn Sandwell;

 Port Barre – Skylar Guidroz;

Prairieville. – Roy Cobb, Chloe Lambert, Sarah Makin;

 Princeton – Micah Larkins;

 Provencal – Rachel Head, Bailey Scarbrough;

Quitman – Cassie Tucker;

Raceland -- Megan Parks, Paige Parks, DQuincy McGuire;

Ragley -- Elizabeth Jaycox, Cole Spooner;

 Reeves – Kayla Rider;

 Reno, Nevada – Olivia Marazzo                            

 Roanoke, Virginia – Tessa Burse;

 Robeline – Jessica Clark, Hunter Dubois, Cody Hamous, Alyssa Maley, Lillian Rachal, Caleb Wester;                            

 Rowlett, Texas -- Daniel Miner.

 St. Amant -- Kylie Nix;

 St. Francisville – Jordan Bringedahl, Ryan Reed;

St. Martinville -- Alli Douet;

St. Rose -- Alexis Mancuso;                            

 Salado, Texas -- Reagan Rogers;

Saline – Madelyn Cheatwood;

 San Antonio, Texas – Hayden Brown;

Scott -- Sydni Larriviere, Kristie Leger, Kristen Prejean;

Seattle, Washington – Zeynab Inaimi;                            

 Shreveport – Maria Awwad, Erin Batts, Maddison Benge, Hallie Bloxom, Jessica Bourne, Erin Brown, Rakeisha Brown, Kaysie Burgess, Kaylan Campbell, Kathryn Carroll, Kristen Ciconte, Abigail Davis, Jackson Driggers, Caleb Elkins, Jenna Fielder, David Fitzwater, Peyton Gamble, JaSae Gatlin, Leah Gould, Elaina Guerrero, Madyson Istre, Carly Johnson, Damion Johnson, Brett Kessel, Elysia Lanier, Alaina McMillian, Katherine Mckay, Maxey McSwain, Alexis Mason, Mary Murray, Kelly Moody, Aaron Navarre, Hannah Nicholls, Annabelle Parker, Michael Phelps, Taylor Poleman, Christopher Schimberg, Mary Sibley, Shelby Sowers, DeAndre Stevenson, Tim Whatley, Cara Wineinger;                      

 Sibley -- Julianna Schober;

 Simpson – David Marquis, Christina Snider;

Slidell -- Jacqueline Coleman, Shakera Dixon, Ayrianna Edwards, Parker Gwaltney, Kha Nguyen, Theresa Sharp, Olivia Warren;                          

 Spring, Texas – Rebekah Wilson;                            

 Springhill – Raegan Ferland;

Stinnett, Texas – Dalin Williams;

 Stonewall -- Brooke Meade;

Sulphur – Tiffany Lyons, Bryttani MacNamara, Elisabeth Perez;

 Sunset -- Lindsay Thibodeaux;

Texarkana, Texas – Sydney Cowgill;                            

 The Woodlands, Texas -- Tyler Rapp;

Thibodaux – Sheridan Duet;                              

 Tickfaw -- Colten Addison;

 Trout – Zachary Long, Deanna Poole, Devon Smith;

 Ventress – Racheal Gaude;

 Vidalia – Charles Johnson;

 Ville Platte – Alex Gautreaux;

 Vinton – Kelsie Rayon, Madison Zaunbrecher;                            

 Vivian -- Hannah Campbell, Steven McRae;

 Winnsboro – Samantha Browning;

 Walker – Johnny Brister, David Kolb, Brittany Marten;                          

 Washington -- Madelyn Dupont;

 West Monroe – Julianne Roan, Candyce Steele;                            

 Westport, Kentucky -- Sara MinkTaylor;

 White Castle – Cassidy Blanchard;

Whitehouse, Texas -- Jackson Allen;

Winnfield -- Tamierrea Alexander, Jermesia Anderson, John Collins, Simona Curry, Joshua Goins, Kayla Jones, Maggie Womack;

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – Tyra Duma;

 Winter Springs, Florida -- Justin Garretson;

Woodworth -- Christian Jeansonne;

Wylie, Texas -- Alexis Perry;

Youngsville -- Brandon Granger;

Zakopane, Poland -- Patrycja Polanska;    

 Zachary – Lydia Johnson;

 Zwolle – Holly Laroux, Courtney McDaniel, Chyna Sepulvado.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Greys Anatomy AU - Lillian at Seattle Grace Pt 3

In the following days, Lena's apprehension about her mother filling the vacant position solidifies more and more into reality. Lillian gives no indication of leaving, and the chief's increasingly cheery mood tells the whole hospital that he believes it's a done deal.

When Lena requests a meeting with the chief, he's oblivious to her discomfort, and begins their conversation raving about Lillian, and her accomplishments.

"With your mother on the team, Seattle Grace is going to have a mighty comeback, you'll see!"

Lena gives a hollow smile. "I don't doubt it, sir," she says. "And I wish you and the hospital the best."

Only then does the chief pause and blink, fully taking in the sight of the nervous woman before him.

"Dr. Luthor?"

Lena leans forward, sliding a single slip of paper across the desk towards him. "My letter of resignation."

The chief frowns. "Lena..."

"Sir, I don't blame you for wanting my mother on your team," Lena says softly. She scoffs. "You'd have to be stupid not to. She's brilliant, and innovative, and everything you could hope to find in a surgeon. But I can't work in the same hospital as her. I won't."

"You've earned your own spot here, Luthor," the chief says, incorrectly assuming the nature of Lena's discomfort. "Your peers may not see that, but the people who truly matter do."

Lena presses her lips together for a long moment. "Be that as it may, my decision stands. As cliché as it sounds, it's her or me... and I don't expect you to choose an intern over a surgeon who's won the Harper Avery Award, thrice."

The chief gapes at her, earning himself another mirthless grin.

"I appreciate the learning I've gotten here at Seattle Grace, Dr. Webber. You have an amazing team. I look forward to seeing what new heights you'll achieve without me."

With that, Lena excuses herself, closing the door softly behind her, and leaves Dr. Webber staring after her, wondering what in the hell just happened.

---

Lena goes home after the meeting, without a word to anyone. When Lexie doesn't see her for the rest of the shift, it's not a long leap to connect the dots. When Lexie makes her way to Lena's apartment later that night, all she feels is sympathy.

"You resigned," she surmises when Lena answers the door.

Lena nods, then leans into the door as she looks beseechingly at Lexie. "You mad?"

Lexie sighs, then steps across the threshold to cup Lena's face in her hands. "I'm proud of you," Lexie counters. She kisses Lena softly. "For doing what's right for you."

Lena nods, relieved. "I'm going to apply to Mercy West," she murmurs. "We could still--"

"We don't have to worry about that tonight," Lexies assures her. "Tonight, it's just us, in this moment, okay?"

A sigh answers her.

"Okay."

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Greys Anatomy AU-- Lillian at Seattle Grace Pt 1

Perhaps Lillian and the chief were classmates or something, because they go way back, and it's evident to everyone that he's pulling out all the stops to try and engage her interest in Seattle Grace.

Inevitably, Lena starts getting the kind of attention she hates.

Her fellow interns suddenly start speculating that maybe she didn't earn her spot in the program as organically as everyone else. Lexie doesn't join in the ribbing, but she doesn't stop it either. Lena doesn't engage past the occasional searing glare at the interns as she excuses herself from eqch exchange, and makes no effort to defend herself.

Until one night after a particularly bad day of challenging patients, aggravating interns, and dodging her mother, Lena storms over to Meredith's with a stack of files in her arms. Meredith takes one look before tilting her head towards the kitchen, where Lexie is munching on a late night snack.

Lena smacks the stack down on the table in front of Lexie, who stares first at the files, then up at Lena. "What is this?"

"My records," Lena clips with a glare. "Every transcript, every internship and letter of recommendation. From secondary to undergrad to med school. I thought you might want to see them, since you don't seem to believe I earned my spot."

Lexie gives an appeasing, exculpatory grimace. "I didn't say that--"

"You haven't defended me either!"

Never in all the time since they've met, has Lena raised her voice. Shock jolts through Lexie at the sound of it, before her guilt does its best to deflect.

"I didn't think you cared what they thought," Lexie points out.

"I don't!" Lena shouts. Lexie gapes at the outburst, causing Lena to scoff. "Fuck those guys!"

That rankles Lexie. "Then why are you here??"

"Because I care what *you* think!"

The silence that follows sits thick between them. Lexie stares, shrinking a little in her seat, chastised. Lena deflates.

"I care what my girlfriend thinks," Lena echoes, softly now. "Because I love you, and... the thought of you thinking any less of me--"

"I don't," Lexie blurts, rising sharply from her chair. She rounds the end of the table between them, but stops short of reaching for Lena, when Lena pulls away.

"I *don't*," she says again, more fervently. She waves towards the stack of folders. "And I don't need those to tell me how brilliant and amazing you are. I already know."

Lena's lips tremble in spite of herself. "Then why?"

"I don't know," Lexie confesses quietly. "I think I was hurt. That you didn't tell me." She looks at Lena beseechingly. "It's kinda the sort of thing you'd tell your girlfriend, isn't it? That your mom is a super genius surgeon?"

A muscle twitches in Lena's jaw, but she doesn't respond.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Lena folds her arms defensively across her chest, plainly uncomfortable. Lexie almost expects her leave, but to her surprise, Lena responds.

"The day I took my oath as a doctor," she says in a low voice, "I looked into the audience, and didn't recognize a single face."

Shame and pity fill Lexie's chest. "She wasn't there?"

Lena shakes her head. "That was the day I went low contact with my mother.... which turned into no contact, when she didn't even notice that I'd stopped calling."

Her voice cracks on the last word, and Lexie can't help but reach for Lena. Lena finally allows the tender touch of Lexie's palm against her cheek. She leans into the contact, as a tear slips from the corner of one eye.

"I don't know why she's here, or what game she intends to play," Lena murmurs. "But whatever it is, I want you in my corner."

Lexie exhales, stepping close enough for their foreheads to rest together.

"I am," she vows. "Always."

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

My watch of Greys Anatomy has sort of paused, but I'm still thinking about my Lena/Lexie AU. For example, what happens when renowned surgeon Lillian Luthor shows up as a potential new hire for Seattle Grace?

None of the doctors or interns recognize her on sight, especially not when she's in her civilian clothes, but when a grand willowy woman starts walking around with the chief, people take notice and start to wonder about her identity.

I imagine that Lena might hear that the chief is courting a new attending to try and bring up the hospital's standing, but doesn't realize who it is until she walks around the corner towards the nurses station and stops short in shock.

"Mother?"

As the crowd of speculating doctors stare, Lillian turns around, chin high with a smile that's not quite kind.

"Hello, Lena dear."

[graveyardshiftcryptid]

Im living for these btw

Greys Anatomy AU-- Lillian at Seattle Grace Pt 1

Perhaps Lillian and the chief were classmates or something, because they go way back, and it's evident to everyone that he's pulling out all the stops to try and engage her interest in Seattle Grace.

Inevitably, Lena starts getting the kind of attention she hates.

Her fellow interns suddenly start speculating that maybe she didn't earn her spot in the program as organically as everyone else. Lexie doesn't join in the ribbing, but she doesn't stop it either. Lena doesn't engage past the occasional searing glare at the interns as she excuses herself from eqch exchange, and makes no effort to defend herself.

Until one night after a particularly bad day of challenging patients, aggravating interns, and dodging her mother, Lena storms over to Meredith's with a stack of files in her arms. Meredith takes one look before tilting her head towards the kitchen, where Lexie is munching on a late night snack.

Lena smacks the stack down on the table in front of Lexie, who stares first at the files, then up at Lena. "What is this?"

"My records," Lena clips with a glare. "Every transcript, every internship and letter of recommendation. From secondary to undergrad to med school. I thought you might want to see them, since you don't seem to believe I earned my spot."

Lexie gives an appeasing, exculpatory grimace. "I didn't say that--"

"You haven't defended me either!"

Never in all the time since they've met, has Lena raised her voice. Shock jolts through Lexie at the sound of it, before her guilt does its best to deflect.

"I didn't think you cared what they thought," Lexie points out.

"I don't!" Lena shouts. Lexie gapes at the outburst, causing Lena to scoff. "Fuck those guys!"

That rankles Lexie. "Then why are you here??"

"Because I care what *you* think!"

The silence that follows sits thick between them. Lexie stares, shrinking a little in her seat, chastised. Lena deflates.

"I care what my girlfriend thinks," Lena echoes, softly now. "Because I love you, and... the thought of you thinking any less of me--"

"I don't," Lexie blurts, rising sharply from her chair. She rounds the end of the table between them, but stops short of reaching for Lena, when Lena pulls away.

"I *don't*," she says again, more fervently. She waves towards the stack of folders. "And I don't need those to tell me how brilliant and amazing you are. I already know."

Lena's lips tremble in spite of herself. "Then why?"

"I don't know," Lexie confesses quietly. "I think I was hurt. That you didn't tell me." She looks at Lena beseechingly. "It's kinda the sort of thing you'd tell your girlfriend, isn't it? That your mom is a super genius surgeon?"

A muscle twitches in Lena's jaw, but she doesn't respond.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Lena folds her arms defensively across her chest, plainly uncomfortable. Lexie almost expects her leave, but to her surprise, Lena responds.

"The day I took my oath as a doctor," she says in a low voice, "I looked into the audience, and didn't recognize a single face."

Shame and pity fill Lexie's chest. "She wasn't there?"

Lena shakes her head. "That was the day I went low contact with my mother.... which turned into no contact, when she didn't even notice that I'd stopped calling."

Her voice cracks on the last word, and Lexie can't help but reach for Lena. Lena finally allows the tender touch of Lexie's palm against her cheek. She leans into the contact, as a tear slips from the corner of one eye.

"I don't know why she's here, or what game she intends to play," Lena murmurs. "But whatever it is, I want you in my corner."

Lexie exhales, stepping close enough for their foreheads to rest together.

"I am," she vows. "Always."