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theflowerofthecommonwealth · 17 days ago

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Power Armor Punch Part Sixty Nine

Masterlist

Aaaaaaaah, encore!!! We baaaaaaaack!!!!

(Note: I’m editing Rosalinda’s backstory heavily, so now she’s more Mexican and grew up in Texas. So is her family at the Lighthouse So bare with me at all the changes lol)

⚠️TRIGGER WARNINGS AS USUAL!!!!!!!⚠️

Nick: *tenderly takes her hand in his right* Don't worry. My sealants still seem to be intact... *Mutters, thinking about all the times Lucille led them into a flooded building* So far...

Jasmine: (Still eyes up her Dad with concern, blinking slowly at the patches and worn down skin on his neck and face)

Gardio: Got it... And none of these would be damaged or tainted easily with radiation?

Donovan: (Shakes his head) “Nawh, the crates and containers they are in are sealed tight. Should be all good.”

Gardio: *starts moving the the crates to their new and proper homes as Donny instructed. Taking great care not to drop any of their precious belongings*

Teshteal: The place that turned me into this. The place that made my life hell the moment I stepped in it- *the slits of his eyes narrow with dread as the sound of commands, shouts, and manipulative sweet urgings grow louder and louder*

Joyce: (Timidly, taking and squeezing Gertie’s bundle to her chest) “Teshteal? You okay…?”

Teshteal: No. I'll never be okay... *Spiralling* Why would I deserve that? I've always been a terrible excuse for a person. I couldn't even do simple tasks without messing up! How have I survived this long? Are the people on the boat spies? Soldiers operating on a code word? Is everyone in danger? Are they after me-?

Nick: *sees where she's eyeing and waves it away, as if shooing a fly* Eh, cosmetic... Don't worry yourself with it. *Wry laugh* I'll get it replaced, one day. Haven't seen a need to, yet... *Readjusts his hold on her so she's more comfortable* How about you focus on getting some sleep and I'll think about that, hm?

Jasmine: (Is now also focused on his bad hand that she seizes and brings up to her face, playing with his fingers curiously)

Nick: *softly hums* Try not to pinch yourself on the joints... *Keeping his hand slack so she can play as she likes*

Donovan: (Goes outside to bring in more crates, walking a bit slowly)

Gardio: *soon as most of the items neatly stacked where they need to be. He starts getting in a rhythm with Donny, taking them from the younger man's hands and eventually noticing his slow pace* Are you alright? You seem sluggish with a few of these packages.

Joyce: (Gets even more worried and stops walking) “Teshteal? No- you'll be okay, you’re not a terrible person…”

Teshteal: *crouches in the middle of the path, his tail swishing wildly* Th-then why do I keep getting these thoughts to kill or hurt everyone around me? Why do I want to act on them?! Do I actually love you? *He grips and tugs at his hair* Or is that just a means to a horrific end?! Why do they still control me-?!

Joyce: (Swallows hard, her voice shaking. She wants to be able to spit out something wise for her boyfriend to ponder, but she can’t find the right words. So she goes back to what she only knows) “Teshteal? Can you take some deep breaths? You’re safe here….” (Wonders if she should run and go find Gardio or Nick)

Teshteal: *he tries to take a deep breath, but somehow chokes on it and swears between coughs. Despite this, he keeps trying to breathe deeply, eventually succeeding*

Donovan: “Hm? Oh, I’m alright…. Just thinking about things….” (Gives Gardio another forced smile and nod) “I’ve gotta help Ma set up the large clawfoot tub they brought for her in her master bathroom, I want her to be able to have that spa bath she talked about.”

Gardio: Would you like some help with that? I can install the tub, too. It wouldn't be a problem at all for me in fact. *flashes a confident but also helpful smile* It's the least I could do to repay you all for housing us.

Donovan: (Looks at Gardio with partial astonishment) “Really? You can do that?”

Jasmine: (Toys with his fingers, tilting her head curiously while humming a note in question, wondering what happened to the skin on his hand)

Nick: *sensing the question hinted at by that solitary hum* Lost that doing repairs on Diamond City. Or at least that's what I would say if it weren't from another model. Seems we generation 2 synths can't keep the skin on our bones.

Jasmine: (Nods her head slowly to show that she understands, then lightly runs her fingers near the gash on his neck, her eyes flickering to him expectingly)

Joyce: (Breathes a sigh of relief when she sees that it’s working, lightly petting his messy hair) “You’re okay…. We’re safe here…. We can go inside and get you a cup of some nice cold water.”

Teshteal: *flinches a little, not expecting the comforting gesture. He leans into it, much like a cat headbutting their owner's hand. Softly* Okay... I'm sorry...

Gardio: Of course! Wouldn't be the first time I've hauled a tub up a set of stairs. I did that in my old settlement a few of times for folks. *Gestures vaguely with a tilt of his head as he hauls another crate to the kitchen* Just point me to the tub, where you want it, the plumbing supplies, and the water supply and a I'll have it done by the end of the day!

Donovan: (Rubs the back of his head) “The tub is probably still on the dock and you can ask someone to help you wheel it in. The tub goes into the bathroom in Ma’s room and I’ll let her know so that you don’t give her a fright. The rest of the stuff should be in a little utility room in the basement.”

Nick: That's a combination of a lot of hard detective work, living in the ruins, and, you'd guess it, fixing up Diamond City... *Pets her head with his good hand*

Jasmine: (Looks up at her Dad with her sparkling amber eyes that catch the sunlight and reflect beautifully, smiling at him, still toying with his bad hand)

Nick: *taken back by the honey colored eyes before fondly smiling at her. Again, he's just happy to see that she's in such good spirits for once.*

Gardio: Understood. *Flashes a confident smile as he makes his way to the door. As he passes by the pair, his look shifts to concern. He doesn't stop walking, keeping mind of his deadline*

Donovan: (Waves him off and just kinda stands there in the living room for a moment, taking a deep breath)

Joyce: “It’s alright, here….” (Holds out her hand to him with a gentle and understanding smile) “Let’s go inside.”

Teshteal: *slowly takes her hand and lets her head him to the house*

Joyce: (Shifts the little bundle in her arms, gently squeezing her boyfriends hand, leading him back to the house)

Jasmine: (Cutely scrunches her nose, whatever that light was surely brightened her soul back up, it’s even reflected in her eyes that aren’t resembling a haunted doll at the moment)

Nick: *wonders if this is the most she's been this calm and hopeful since they first met, not counting the trip through her memories*

Teshteal: *face goes red, looking at their joined hands, both flustered and embarrassed simultaneously. Flustered because of the contact. Embarrassed for his breakdown just moments before*

Joyce: (Leads him inside to the kitchen, opening the fridge to browse what’s inside, deciding to take out a small pitcher of what appears to be lemonade) “Want some of this too? Or just water?”

Gardio: *reaches the dock and eyes the huge crate containing the tub. He approaches the crew working the boat with a wave* Mind if I get some help hauling this to the lighthouse? *He thinks he hears the brush rustle behind him, but shrugs it off as a gust of wind blows through the nearby treetops*

Crewman: “Yup. It’s too bad we don’t have our forklift.” (Motions for everyone nearby to gather around the crate that’s on wheels so they can push and pull it with rope)

Gardio: That is a shame. *Clucks as he walks along the tub* I'll push. *Gets behind the crate and braces himself against it, squatting so his legs do all the work* When you're all ready.

Jasmine: (Softly, and hoarsely because of her screaming and crying earlier) “You okay?”

Nick: I'm more than okay- you seem to be doing better and that's done me a world of good in itself!

Jasmine: (Searches her fathers eyes for a moment before nodding, glancing down at herself, then their surroundings, trying to catch up on what the hell is even going on)

Teshteal: *sniffs the pitcher. It's definitely lemonade adjacent* I'll take it.

Joyce: (Takes out two glasses and pours herself and Teshteal some lemonade, handing him his glass with her still warm smile) “Here you go!”

Teshteal: *accepts the glass, his hand trembles but he feigns a smile as he sips the tangy drink*

Lucille: *heaves a deep, relieved breath, the pressure worked out of her system* Thank you, Mama Evie...

Ma: (Tenderly, stroking Lucille’s head) “You’re welcome, sweetheart.”

Lucille: ...I think I'm ready to get out of the bath, now...

Nick: If you're wondering why you're up here, you crawled onto the roof from the window.

Jasmine: (Looks like she’s about to ask more questions but then she hears voices coming from the bottom of the house and she gets spooked since she’s underdress, snagging Nicks coat that Ma had brought up earlier to throw over her, curling up to her dad for safety)

Nick: *laughs a little and rubs her shoulder* Don't worry, doll. I got ya... I think I'm the only person in earshot if you're wandering what's going on.

Joyce: (Takes and squeezes his hand in hers, beaming at him as she drinks her lemonade)

Donovan: (Comes up from the basement where he was putting away more stuff)

Crewman: “Alright then. One…. Two…. Three!!!” (With that they all start pull on the crate to haul it up to the lighthouse with Gardios help)

Gardio: *with his strength they make short work of it. Before they know it, they're at the doorstep* Good work! Thank you for the help! *Considers talking to Donny to see if there's anything they can do to pay them back extra for their service*

Crewman: “No problem. Anything for the good mother.” (Starts to walk back the house with the others to finish the rest of the stuff)

Gardio: *goes down to the basement, quickly locating the utility room and fetching a crowbar to free the tub from its wooden prison. It isn't long before he's on the front step again and doing just that*

Ma: (Nods and rises from the chair to grab a large towel for Lucille, offering her arm for support) “Okay honey, just move slowly for me and don’t put pressure on your ankle.”

Lucille: *wry laugh at that* I've walked on worse- *Attempts to rise but nearly falls over from the shooting pain in her ankle. She supports herself with the side of the tub*

Ma: (Firmly) “But under my watch you won’t. Come here.” (Puts her arm under Lucille’s so she can guide her out of the tub and onto the chair)

Jasmine: (Shivers with fright and because she’s actually cold for once, huddling up to the warm safety that is dad. She peeps just her head out so she can look up at Nick and breathe better, tightly clinging to him)

Nick: Cold? I think this broth here is still warm enough to do some good if you'll take it... *Jerks his head at the bottle as he rubs the small of her back*

Gardio: *props open the door then takes in a few deep breaths and lifts the giant tub on his own, occasionally grunting as he carries it through the house to its final designation*

Teshteal: *blushes again, his ears pricking up a little... Quietly* I get so flustered around you... *Takes an awkward small sip of his drink*

Donovan: (Had walked into the kitchen and raises a brow at the two) “Having a drink?”

Joyce: (Giggles and nods, balancing Gertie’s bundle in the crook of her arm) “Yup- drinking some of the lemonade I helped Mama make.”

Teshteal: *turns an even darker shade of red as he keeps the drink to his mouth, hoping it can hide his face. He doesn't even remember if Donny knows about their relationship*

Gardio: *managed to get it all the way up to Ma's bathroom. He heaves a sigh of relief once it's out of his arms. He wipes his hands together and presses them on his hips as he assesses the situation before getting the tools*

Ma’s Room: (Pretty large since it’s the master bedroom and well decorated, a distinct scent of flowers in the air. There’s a big bed with colorful embroidered luscious pillows and sheets positioned at the left wall with two nightstands on each side of it, but only one of the nightstands is full of stuff while the other remains strangely bare besides a lamp. Her rocking chair is besides a large collection of books, a TV, and holotapes of what seem to be playlists of songs from the labels that are either titles of full albums or specially mixed playlists, in both English and Spanish. Also a few movies and shows are mixed in there. There’s a large vanity besides the walk-in closet that’s lined with different perfumes and other ladies trinkets. She also has a sewing station set up complete with a high grade sewing machine and an adjustable mannequin. The rest of the room is decorated with a rug and a few decor items and her walls are plastered with photos of different people of varying ages from infants to older folks, sometimes Ma is in posing those photos with Donny also making an appearance)

Ma’s Bathroom: (A dreamy vintage pink bathroom with patterns of hearts on the walls. On the floor are matching bath mats and matching towels are hung up on the walls. There’s a empty spot in the little indent meant for a tub that had long been removed to make way for the new one)

Gardio: *a little awestruck when he can finally fully view the room upon return. He feels like he just stepped into a movie... Then has to remind himself that over 200 years ago, people had lusciously decorated and populated rooms like these... He takes a moment to admire the sewing machine, the TV and holotapes, the records, and bed. It almost brings a tear to his eye. He doesn't know why- the whole house is a snapshot of life before the bombs... He sighs as he looks at all the photos with a nostalgically sad smile*

Lucille: *hangs onto the older woman for support. She mentally curses the state her body is currently in- unable to support its own weight*

Ma: (In one fast and fluid motion, she wraps Lucille in the towel and plucks her out of the water, seating her in the chair) “There we go, now you may dry off and get dressed.”

Jasmine: (Blinks up at Nick, her eyes getting a light mist to them) “Tainted….?”

Nick: What? Tainted...? *A horrific realization of what she means dawns on him, but instead he firmly shakes his head* I doubt Donny would do that to you... But it if makes you feel better, I'll test it for you *Reaches for the bottle, tips it, then massages the top. A couple drops of the broth lands in his mouth. He mimes chewing to get a better sense of the flavor then tilts his head* No, not tainted. There's a bunch of salt and herbs. But other than that, it's your run of the mill beef and bone broth. *Offers the bottle to her*

Jasmine: (Stares at her dad almost in astonishment now) “Donny….” (Covers her mouth and mumbles something into it that sounds foreign, then giggles as she closes her eyes) “Donny….” (Opens her eyes with a disoriented expression, banging the side of her forehead with the palm of her hand, trying to get herself to process things better. Her head hurts and so does her stomach, but it’s probably hunger at this point. She takes the bottle into her mouth and slowly starts to suck, looking like she’s thinking very hard about something)

Nick: *glad to see she's drinking something without much fuss. He does wonder what's on her mind but he's not going to interrupt her*

Donovan: (Chuckles and waves a teasing finger at Joyce and Teshteal) “No closed doors.”

Joyce: (Rolls her eyes) “I’m not twelve! Plus- Gilbert wouldn’t allow anything anyways.”

Teshteal: *panicking a little. He's definitely stronger than a ferret and there's always the risk of losing himself to the programming looming over his head. He just keeps sipping his lemonade, pretending everything's fine. He's caused enough trouble, for now.*

Donovan: (Gestures at Gertie in her bundle, approaching so he can see the new little one) “Aaawww, she’s so precious.” (Reaches out to gives the baby some scritches on the top of her head)

Gertie: (Leans into it and closes her eyes, licking her nose again)

Joyce: (Excitedly, lemonade dribbling down her chin) “I know!!! She’s more adorable than I ever could’ve imagined!!!”

Lucille: *blinks with slightly wide eyes. For a moment she reexamines all the scars on her body, then she reaches up to her hair and lets out a mild gasp... It's gotten a bit longer since she's cut it, last.* Another thing I'm going to have to take care of later, I guess... *Starts to reach for her clothes*

Ma: (Offers Lucille some lotion if she wants it) “I could give you a haircut later, honey. I have all the tools, but you did just take a shower. Unless you’re one of those who don’t feel like ants are all over them after a haircut and don’t have the need to take a rinse.”

Teshteal: *notices the lemonade dribbling down her chin and finally puts down the cup, dashing for a hand towel then, with a surprising delicate and gentle touch, dabs the liquid dry from her face. Sweetly* Swallow next time before you speak... Okay?

Joyce: (Crinkles her nose at Teshteal) “Okay I’ll try, but no promises.”

Donovan: (As he gets himself a glass of water) “She does the same thing with snacks, which is why Pirate always hovers near her feet when she’s talking.”

Pirate: (Is in fact hovering near under the table)

Teshteal: *light chuckle. Something about that reminds him of himself*

Lucille: Yeah, you're right. I would get pretty itchy. *Accepts the lotion and starts to rub it on herself before putting on her clothes completely*

Ma: (Strokes Lucille’s damp hair) “Would you like me to call your father to come help you, or would you like some crutches to use?”

Jasmine: (Settles down against Nicks chest again, eyes still locked up on him) (Signing) “Speak, please.” (Wants to hear his voice right now since it’s so soothing)

Nick: Heh. Want to hear my thoughts? I could ask you the same, honestly. How's your memory from the last day or so?

The Photos: (Are all in uniquely decorated photo frames, each one lovingly handcrafted for each photo it holds)

Gardio: *fond smile despite not knowing any of them. He decides to get started on installing this tub, only heading out for a moment to turn off the water then back up to attach the pipe to the tub itself, plumbers glue, caulk and all. Part of him wonders if he should fashion a shroud for the pipe so it doesn't look garrish against the emaculate bathroom, but he finds it's well hidden with some adjustments to the plumbing and position of the tub*

Donovan: (Pats Joyce’s shoulder) “I need you to help me with getting some of the smaller broken down crates back to the dock so they can take them back.”

Joyce: (Sets her glass down) “Okay!” (Holds out Gertie’s bundle to Teshteal) “Do you mind watching her for me while I help Donny?”

Lucille: Get me some crutches. I'll figure out how to get to the attic. *Finally fully clothed... Though she does miss some of the secure feeling her armor gave her*

Ma: “Oh sweetheart, if you’re going back up to the attic after this, then there are a lot of stairs to get back up. I’m sure your father wouldn’t mind coming back down to help you.” (Gently cups her cheek and tilts her face up to hers) “He wouldn’t want you to fall, and neither would I.”

Lucille: I'm sure I could get back up. I'm sturdier than that... Besides he's probably busy with something. I don't want to bother him-

Jasmine: (Makes a so-so motion with her hand, shaking her head) (Signing) “Foggy.”

Nick: Do you remember where we are...?

Jasmine: (Raises her head a bit more to slowly look around, eyes going up to the lighthouse where she had previously put a gun to her own head, the pieces hardly clicking in her head) (Quietly) “Donny….”

Nick: I take it from that look, you do- at least a little. *Nods his head at the bottle* Looks like you still have some broth left...

Gardio: *fiddling with the pieces of pipe he brought up to make sure he has all the right bends and connections and that they're the right size for the tub... It's not like he can just go down to the hardware store and buy more pipe.*

Teshteal: *takes Gertie and holds her close to his chest* Sure! Be careful out there!

Joyce: “I will be, don’t worry!” (Walks off to grab some of the crates off the counter and carry them off.”

Donovan: (Quickly follows after her after a wave to Teshteal over his shoulder, mind occupied with something else already)

Teshteal: *blinks before looking down at the tiny ferret resting her head just outside of her bindle* She'll be okay, right...?

Gertie: (Licks her nose some more and yawns, blinking up at the gremlin like the baby she is)

Gardio: *fitting the connectors together then test fitting them to the tub and water line*

Ma: “Love, what did we just discuss, hm? That your family is here to help you, that it what families do.” (Starts to walk to the door, looking at the young woman over her shoulder) “I’ll go find your father, your wellbeing never should be a bother to him.”

Lucille: *frowns at her feet. No one bothered to simply reach out and help her when she was over encumbered or injured in the past two years. Sure there was the occasional offer to lighten the load, but often they had too much on their hands as it was. Unless her companions were fighting something on her behalf, there was hardly any assistance if she was injured... The only exception was when she lost a limb and an eye. Or her wife gave her a stimpak for her troubles*

Donovan: (Sees Ma leave the bathroom just before he goes back outside) “Detective Chapel is helping with your bathtub.”

Ma: “Oh really? How sweet of him.” (Smiles and quickly heads up the stairs to find Gardio. She lightly knocks on her own door so she doesn’t startle him entering) “Detective Chapel?” (Steps into her room and walks over to her bathroom)

Jasmine: (Nods her head at the bottle and continues to drink while staring at Nick with interest)

Nick: *looks lost in thought about something again. He wonders if she even remembers her outburst at Lucille. Now probably wouldn't be a good time to bring it up*

Jasmine: (Still wants to hear her Dads voice so she lightly taps on his shoulder for his attention)

Nick: Hm? Sorry, I was thinking of Lucille... What is it, Rosie?

Lucille: *thinks about trying to stand but then she remembers the struggle of getting up in the tub. She grunts in annoyance. She already feels like a terrible person but now she's just pathetic...*

Teshteal: *licks his own nose in response and giggles* Yeah. She'll be fine. *Pokes the bridge of Gertie’s little nose playfully*

Gertie: (Cutely nibbles on Teshteals finger)

Teshteal: *laughs* Hey, that tickles! *Attempts to remove his finger* You're such a wittle baby! Yes you are! *Pets the top of her little head*

Gertie: (Gives Teshteal a bunch of little licks with her itty-bitty tongue)

Gardio: *has the tub pulled out at an angle so he can reach the pipes. Currently he's fastening then to the wall, glue and caulk already applied* Yes, ma'am? *He fastens the last section of pipe to the wall*

Ma: (Leans against the doorway of her bathroom) “Your daughter needs some assistance getting back upstairs, she’s done bathing and is waiting in the bathroom.”

Gardio: Oh? *Finishes securing the pipe, then pivots the tub back in place so he can attach it properly when he gets back* I'll be right down. *Rubs the sweat from his brow before wiping his hands on a work towel he snagged from the utility room. He approaches Ma just before leaving* Thank you for letting me know. And thank you for taking care of her...

Ma: (Steps out of the way so he may pass) “You’re more than welcome…” (Sighs sadly) “May I add- you should have a talk with your daughter about her current life arrangements centering around her settlements. The poor dear sounds like she’s shouldering a lot more than one should on her own, and I do not think it’s helping her mental state.”

Gardio: *concerned frown but gives an understanding nod* I'll see what I can do... *As he walks past her, he pauses to look at her once more* Perhaps she can discuss trade with some of your allies in the future. *He continues to walk out of the room*

Ma: (Nods her head after the glowing ghoul, watching him leave for a moment before she decides to go downstairs herself and get things ready for Rosie)

Lucille: *tracing one of the scars on her arm, idly*

Jasmine: (Face crinkles with disdain when she hears Lucille’s name, securing her fathers coat more over herself) (Signing) “Talk to me, please.”

Nick: About Lucille? Are you sure? *Raises an eyebrow* I don't think now is a good time for it.

Jasmine: (Shakes her head at that, scowling through the bottle) (Signing) “About ANYTHING else.”

Nick: *sighs* Fine, fine... What about that thing you were trying to reach out to? Looked like a bit of haze on my sensors. Thought it was some sort of glitch but Detective Chapel sensed it, too. Even poor Dogmeat was confused.

Gardio: *knocks on the door* Lucille? Sweetie? Can I come in?

Lucille: *looks up* Yeah, Dad.

Gardio: *walks in* How are you feeling?

Lucille: ... *Looks flatly up at him* Like I'm causing nothing but trouble.

Gardio: You aren't. Trust me.

Lucille: *eyes the rag looped through his belt* You were busy with something.

Gardio: *crouches next to the chair, facing her side* It can wait for a moment. I can finish it when I'm done taking care of you. *Puts one arm under her legs and the other behind her back, scooping her up*

Lucille: *sighs* I'm an adult.

Gardio: And adults still help each other. Parents still help their adult kids all the time. At least, even in this world, they should.

Lucille: *frowns at herself. She wonders how Shaun... Or rather, the synth child based on him... Is doing*

Gardio: *carrying her up the stairs* Besides, we need to talk about your settlements.

Lucille: *a chill runs down her spine at the thought of trying to untangle herself from them*

Teshteal: *takes to just sitting on the couch again, waiting for his girlfriend to return, letting the baby ferret nap in her bindle against his chest*

Ma: (Goes over to the med room to get some fresh bandages ready for Rosie, then goes into the empty bathroom to clear it out)

Jasmine: (Hums softly, getting a dazed look in her eyes while she thinks of the misty haze of warmth that kissed her) (Softly) “Mamá….”

Nick: Your mama...? *muttering to himself in confusion* Has she been watching this entire time? If so, why hasn't she stepped in sooner?

Lucille: You shouldn't concern yourself with tha-

Gardio: I will if it means you can have time to actually live. When's the last time you had a vacation?

Lucille: *grumbles* People don't get vacations in the wasteland. That's not a luxury-

Gardio: Bullshit.

Lucille: *taken aback. looking up at her father and tilting her head in shock* I'm sorry...?

Gardio: Bullshit- I've lived for over 200 years. People do take breaks, even if it means having someone on guard to keep the rest of the group safe.

Jasmine: (Blinks at her dad, tears suddenly welling up in her eyes, pulling away from the bottle) “Cause…. I told her to go away. I made her go away…..”

Nick: *carefully wipes her tears away with his thumb on his good hand. Sadly* Oh Rosie...

Ma: (Sighs to herself when she remembers yet again that she must clean up the top of the lighthouse to get rid of all the blood and glass…. She’ll have to set time aside for that later. And work up the heart to actually do it)

Lucille: *frowns in disapproval* I can't just drop everything without having someone to take my place! Who's going to gather the materials to build? Who's going to repair the settlements? Who's going to build them up???

Gardio: You have hundreds of people living on Settlements and none of them have thought to build up their homes on their own?! None maintain the buildings?! None build them?!

Lucille: They don't know HOW-

Gardio: How do you know that? Have you asked?

Lucille: *goes quiet*

Gardio: You haven't, have you...?

Lucille: No...

Gardio: *sighs as he enters the attic and carefully sets her in bed*

Jasmine: (Sniffles on her tears, clutching onto Nick tightly for comfort while she shakes) “Daddy….”

Nick: *rubs the top of her head, gently brushing her lovely curly hair with his good hand*

Ma: (Comes out of the bathroom after it’s cleaned up and smiles at Teshteal on the sofa as she walks outside to ask Nick if he wants to take Rosie to wash up himself or allow her to do so)

Gardio: Lucille, I think you need help-

Lucille: From? You? Nick? The Minutemen?!

Gardio: *even more perturbed* Are they not??? I thought that was part of their job.

Lucille: No! I'm always leading the charge to gather settlements for the Minutemen! That's my job as the General... *mutters* I don't even know why Preston appointed someone he just met-

Gardio: *huffs through his nose* And where is Preston?

Lucille: *looks up at him, concerned* Dad, please don't go on a rampage on my behalf.

Gardio: I'm not. I'm just-! *takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales* I'm just trying to understand the gravity of the situation. Now... Where is Preston?

Lucille: At Sanctuary... *looks away with slight resentment* Like he always is...

Gardio: That's not very fair to you...

Lucille: ...I know...

Jasmine: (Squeezes Nick even tighter, allowing herself to be comforted and feel safe in his arms)

Ma: (Strolls outside and up the stairs on the side of the house slowly so that they can hear her coming up)

Jasmine: (Gets frightened anyways and pulls up Nick's coat over her head while scrunching into a smaller ball, whimpering quietly)

Ma: (Approaches the two on the chair) “How are you two doing up here?”

Nick: *calmly and reassuringly* It's alright, Rosie... Just Mama Evie. *lifts the jacket just a little so she can see her aunt. To the woman in question* She's feeling a little better. She drank quite a bit of broth- I'm proud of her for that. *smiles back down at the now trembling girl*

Gardio: I think we should call on the minutemen more.

Lucille: *looks up in shock* More...?!

Gardio: I don't mean you! I mean the rest of the minutemen- which I assume are the settlers you've recruited?

Lucille: *slow nod, then hesitates* They might get killed, though...

Gardio: *sad sigh* If they truly care about the people they're building up the settlements for, then it will have been for a worthy cause. The weight isn't for you to bear alone, Lucille...

Ma: (Smiles warmly at the girl) “Hi there princess, are you enjoying the sun?”

Jasmine: (Just stares at Ma with her wide doe eyes that are filled with fright, curled up to Nick like a scared little fawn)

Ma: (Tries not to let her sadness over the teen being scared of her show on her face) “The bathroom is open if you would like to take her down to get dressed for the day.” (Approaches a bit more) “Or if needed, I can take the little one and tend to her instead.”

Jasmine: (Shakes her head at that last idea, turning her gaze up to her father)

Nick: I think it would be a good idea for her to reconnect with the rest of her family without me there. It would probably be healthier. *looks up at Mama Evie again* Why don't you take her. I really oughta check in with the others.

Lucille: But I promised them they'd have protection-

Gardio: And how has that been working out for you, my dear?

Lucille: *thinks about how many times she's received word that the settlements got ransacked because she couldn't make it in time, or she was down in a cave or labrynthian building or Vault looking for supplies. Or another settlement* ...Not very good.

Gardio: *nods* Which is why it shouldn't be on one person to do the job of several.

Jasmine: (Looks utterly heartbroken upon hearing that, as if Nick had just said he’ll dump her on the side of the road despite the fact that she’ll be going with her aunt who’s aided in taking care of her and her siblings from birth. She couldn’t be in safer arms)

Ma: (Carefully sits down on the end of the lounge chair, reaching out a hand to rest on Jas’s cheek)

Jasmine: (Allows her adoptive aunt to do this, staring into her eyes like a kicked puppy, years of heartaches and horrific trials reflecting in her eyes)

Ma: (Tenderly strokes her face) “C’mon babygirl, let’s get you changed into something nice and pretty. Then we can go and see if we have something fun for you to play with.” (Tucks some curls behind the girl’s ear, letting the child get used to her touch again in hopes Jas will remember their shared times together)

Jasmine: (Her heart lurches for a moment when she looks into Ma’s warm expression and gesture, but she doesn’t reach for her to take her, much rather wanting to stick to her Dad like glue since so far he’s the only person who can truly make her feel safe. She’s skeptical to leave his side, what if he disappears while she’s away? What if she blinks again and he’s gone? She can’t take that kind of heartache anymore…)

Nick: It's okay, Rosie. I'll come back for ya. *rubs her back reassuringly with his good hand* I'll still be somewhere in the house if you need me, doll. *gently, as softly as he can make his voice* I trust Mama Evie will take good care of you.

Lucille: ...There aren't enough people I trust to care for them.

Gardio: Not even the Minutemen?

Lucille: *scoffs* The Minutemen barely have the numbers to keep up! I'd have to build more robots to guard every settlement!

Gardio: *hums thoughtfully, followed by a slow but heavy sigh. She talks as if there are hundreds of settlements* How many of them do you manage alone...?

Lucille: *eyes widen* How many....? *She scans her sheets as if searching them for the correct answer before growling in frustration and covering her face with her hands* Too many to count!

Gardio: Can you give me an estimate...?

Lucille: *shakes her head, then almost as if the mere thought of them wore her out* ...30? Maybe 45? *rubs her face desperately but keeps it hidden behind her hands* Including Hangman's Alley-

Gardio: *shock, then rage jolts through him* 45?! Alone?! Lucille- Sweetheart! That's a lot for any one person to handle without help! I'd dare say it's impossible!! Have you asked for help?! Has Nicholas?! Anyone?!

Lucille: Nicholas...? Wait- you mean Nick? Why would he? *looks up for a moment and immediately looks away at the sight of her father's glare* I-it's not up to him. Why would it be? I made the decision to take on this many settlements on my- *she hesitates, her father's hand gently taking hers*

Gardio: I know you did. But you should have asked for help and if Nick cared about your well-being, he should have said something. It's not fair to you.

Lucille: *speechless at that. She isn't quite certain that she doesn't deserve the workload she's found herself under...*

Teshteal: *petting the little baby ferret, occasionally tickling her nose with the tip of his tail. Currently, not a single terrible thought can be had looking at such a sweet little face*

Jasmine: (Now looks at Nick with her big wet doll eyes, pointing at Ma with one hand while parting her lips as if she’s going to say something, but then stops because she realizes that she can’t)

Ma: (Continues stroking the girl’s cheek with one hand, the other she uses to ruffle her curls)

Jasmine: (Leans a bit more into the touch of her aunt because she’s missed it after all these years, her eyes of uncertainty remaining on Dad)

Nick: *encouragingly* She's not going to hurt you. *glances up at Mama Evie to confirm that he's right on that* She just wants to give you a nice warm bath. Wouldn't you like that?

Gertie: (Napping like a little angel noodle, a little ferret smile on her little face)

Joyce: (Is still helping her brother with dragging back the boxes and chatting with some of the crew members)

Teshteal: *wonders if he should go and help... but that might put the little baby ferret in danger... He trills thoughtfully about it. Typically he'd just jump at the opportunity to help but he'd hate to hurt the little noodle on his chest*

Lucille: It doesn't matter if it's fair. In fact, I shouldn't be resting right now- there might be repairs I have to make here! *tries to move to get up but winces when she remembers her leg, freezing her escape from the sheets*

Gardio: Don't worry about that! Worry about yourself!

Lucille: Why should I? At least I'll have died doing something productive.

Gardio: Please don't talk that way... Why must you punish yourself for something you can't help...?

Lucille: *goes quiet. She's not quite sure why she believes she deserves any of this...*

Gardio: *sighs and wraps his arms around her and kisses the top of her head* We can work all this out. You aren't alone anymore... *rocks her from side to side*

Lucille: *tears prick the corner of her eyes as she lets her father hold her. She isn't sure how anyone could possibly help... isn't this her burden to bare? What's her father going to do? He isn't even part of the Minutemen...* Is it even doable?

Gardio: Currently, on your own, no. But I'm certain we'll figure something out.

Ma: (Nods along) “He’s right muñequita-…”

Jasmine: (Winces like she did last time she was called one of her nicknames in Spanish)

Ma: (Corrects herself) “He’s right sweetheart, I would never hurt you like that.” (Gently wraps her arms around the girl so Nick can hand her off when he feels the timing is right)

Jasmine: (Still looks uncertain with tears on her face, but she’s not clinging to Nick while screaming to be left with him)

Nick: *slowly but carefully begins to withdraw so she doesn't feel like he's suddenly leaving her* You're not going to be left alone. She just wants to help, Rosie... *another reassuring rub on her back- this time towards her shoulder- very lightly nudging the girl more into Mama Evie's comforting arms*

Gardio: Perhaps we could ask our hosts for help. They seem to have a few resources up their sleeves.

Lucille: I don't want to put them out...

Gardio: If it's a fair trade, no one will be putting anyone out. Besides, we have to start somewhere- even if it's just getting more information. *strokes her hair*

Jasmine: (Holds Nick’s coat tightly around her shoulders as she’s transferred into Mama Evie’s arms, sniffling softly, her gaze never leaving Dad)

Ma: “C’mere babygirl.” (Smiles warmly down at the girl as she holds her close, still leaving room for Nick to comfort his daughter)

Jasmine: (Instinctively nestles up to her aunt like it’s second nature- because it is. She’s been cared for by Mama Evie since she was a newborn, so aside from her mother, Tía Evita is the closest maternal figure she has)

Teshteal: *starts bouncing his leg, the stillness beginning to get to him. He's just waiting... but it feels so agonizingly slow... A second feels like minutes. Minutes feel like an hour. An hour becomes an eternity. Gertie is asleep, and he can't just leave a baby ferret on the couch- can he? She's just a baby. What if the dogs eat her? What if a hawk bursts in through the front door and snatches her?? Do hawks even exist anymore? Maybe a wolf? isn't a wolf just a big dog? He holds onto the bindle tighter, protectively, and hopes he isn't squeezing her too tight*

Joyce: (Can be heard giggling from outside the window, her eager footsteps approaching the house)

Donovan: (From a distance) “Don’t fall!!!”

Joyce: “I wooooont!!!”

Teshteal: *head snaps up from his mini spiral of runaway thoughts he gets up, possibly startling Gertie, and scrambles to the door and opens it*

Lucille: *reluctantly nods. She knows her father's right about that. Unless there's something nefarious behind the scenes, the worst that could happen is going back to the way things currently are* ...Okay...

Gardio: Just rest for now, okay?

Lucille: *quietly nods. She feels silly for putting up such a fuss over this...*

Gertie: (Squeaks when she’s suddenly jostled around, wiggling around in her little burrito bundle)

Joyce: (Bursts in with a big box in hand, unable to see Teshteal clearly from behind it) “They gave me some new clothes and stuff!!! Mama ordered it for me!!!”

Nick: *slowly moves his hand from the teen's shoulder to her arm, gradually reducing the comforting rubs so Mama Evie can take over comforting the girl*

Jasmine: (Whines and closes her eyes, curling up into a ball against Mama Evie to hear her heartbeat, her lips trembling)

Ma: (Rocks back and forth to soothe the girl, increasing her back rubs in place of Nick’s as he withdraws, nodding at the father to reassure him that she’s got the little girl)

Nick: *nods back and gets up to leave, deciding he should check in with Lucille first*

Jasmine: (Somehow presses herself even closer to Ma, silently crying faster, both because Nick is leaving and because she’s missed Mama Evie’s hugs…. She still can’t get over how long it’s been even though Ma has hugged her multiple times already)

Ma: (Seems to be thinking alongside what Nick is planning) “And may I add- perhaps it’s best that you have a talk with some of the other members of your group to clear the air…. Before the situation, that I’m sure everyone here senses, bubbles out of hand.”

Teshteal: *nearly gets knocked over but hops to the side. He notices the poor little baby noodle's distressed wiggling and immediately regrets moving so fast* Oh! I'm sorry! *strokes the top of Gertie's little head* I didn't mean to startle you... *he turns his attention to Joyce* I wonder what kind of clothes she ordered- *excitedly, trying to match Joyce's energy without spooking the baby again* Maybe we could do a fashion show!

Gertie: (Doesn’t look too happy about being woken up like that, she’s now a grumpy little sausage)

Joyce: “Yeahhh!!! Normally, Mama makes me all my clothes, but some of her other kids wanted to pitch in and give me some new stuff!”

Donovan: (Enters behind Joyce) “It’s cause you’re the newest addition to the family, they wanna spoil you to welcome you.”

Joyce: “I ought to meet them all to say thank you!” (Starts waddling over to the stairs)

Donovan: (Mumbles to himself when he thinks about how many siblings he has) “That might take an eternity…” (Shakes his head) “Are you sure that you don’t need help?”

Joyce: “No- I’ve got it!” (Tries and fails to get up the first step, almost falling over)

Donovan: “NOPE! I’m helping you! Chivalry isn’t dead, and I don’t want you to die falling down the stairs!” (Rushes in to grab the box from her)

Joyce: (Huffs to blow some hair out of her face as the box is taken from her)

Teshteal: I can help... *reaches out to Donovan, but stops, remembering he has a restless little noodle in one hand that he so rudely woke up from a nap. Instead, he returns his attention to Joyce, resting his hand on her shoulder* Are you okay? You didn't pull anything, right?

Nick: *stops and looks back at her with a frown* I'm sure you've noticed, I think we might be long past the point of this bubbling over. *resumes his journey to the stairs and eventually disappears from sight*

Ma: (Watches him leave with a somber look, stroking the child’s hair)

Jasmine: (Whimpers quietly when she senses Dad is truly gone, squeezing her eyes shut as tightly as she physically can)

Ma: (Rocks faster, deciding to wait a moment before standing up to get Jas into the bath) “It’ll be okay, sweetness.”

Jasmine: (Bites her bottom lip, because Dad being gone means her shields are down against the voices… And they waste no time in making themselves known. But at the very least she has Tía Evita to comfort her)

Dogmeat: (Has his big puppy eyes on the two, deciding that it was best to stay with the little one that Nick loves as opposed to following his owner)

Joyce: (Smiles at her boyfriend) “No I didn��t!” (Reaches out to pet Gertie) “Hiya Gertie!!!”

Gertie: (Licks her nose, still very much fussy)

Teshteal: She's all squirmy cause I ran to open the door... *hands Joyce the bundle followed by a tiny kiss on the cheek*

Nick: *makes his way to the attic, sighing somberly when he sees Gardio comforting Lucille* How's she doing?

Gardio: Better. But we should talk, Nicholas.

Nick: *furrows his brow at the formal form of his name. Nevertheless, he walks across the floorboards more briskly than he'd prefer* Someone's not happy...

Gardio: And why should I be? From what I've heard, Lucille's had to manage 30 or MORE settlements without so much as a suggestion of assistance!

Nick: What do you mean?! I've asked her to take breaks!

Lucille: ...That's true... He has... *looks down at her sheet-covered legs* I brought it on myself-

Gardio: *defensively* Even so, you shouldn't be doing it all yourself. Someone- *he glares at the detective* Should be helping you in more ways than just giving guidance.

Nick: Detective Chapel, why is that my responsibility? She could have asked for help herself.

Lucille: *her shoulders slump in defeat at that. Of course, she could have*

Gardio: *holds his daughter a bit tighter* When would she have the time, Detective Valentine? Between gathering, building, and fighting on behalf of the entire Commonwealth? What were her options? Ask raiders for help? The Institute? The settlers that sit idly by while she waits on them hand and foot?

Jasmine: (Stops biting her lips since she’s starting to draw blood, swallowing hard)

Ma: (Kisses the top of Jazzy’s head) “Sssshhhh….”

Jasmine: (Feels an empty pit open up inside of her, a dark void that’s ready to swallow everything she holds dear despite her efforts to stop it) (Hoarsely) “….It is all in vain.”

Ma: (Startled for a second) “….Hm?”

Jasmine: (Shakes her head, her heart sinking down to her stomach) (Pained) “It is all in vain.”

Joyce: (Takes the bundle that is her new baby, swaying from side to side) “Ooooh, you poor thing!”

Gertie: (Tries to get out of her bundle)

Joyce: “Soon, you’ll meet your big brother!!! Hopefully he gets over his jealously sooner rather than later!!!”

Teshteal: Sorry I couldn't keep her calm. I was just so excited to see you again.

Joyce: “That’s fine, we can calm her down before she goes to meet Gilbert.”

Nick: You act as if Lucille didn't have a choice in the matter. She could have said no.

Gardio: She could have but did anyone remind her to? That's what I'm angry about- that no one stepped in to pick up the slack or looked out for her to ease her burden on the settlements. Survival is already trying enough as it is in the wasteland.

Nick: *bitterly* Again. I did ask her to not push herself so hard. She's stubborn like Rosalinda- rushing everywhere to accomplish something she won't tell anyone about until she's exhausted herself-

Lucille: *resentfully, not looking up to meet his gaze* Of course...

Nick: *raises an eyebrow then leans to the side to look at Lucille* Hm?

Lucille: *trembling with rage* It's always Jasmine. Or Rosie. Or whatever she's going by now.

Nick: No it's- why are you so jealous of her? She's a kid that's-

Lucille: *her head whips up, her breath heavy as she seethes* Been through a lot?! I'm very aware of that, Nick. Extremely aware. But I can't help feel abandoned and looked down on since Vault 88!

Nick: *angrily, in that tone only a parent could achieve* There might be good reason for that, Lucille. You've haven't exactly been helpful since we left-

Lucille: *frustrated scream as she nearly claws her way out of her dad's embrace to bore holes between Valentine's eyes with her own* I'VE BEEN MORE THAN HELPFUL, NICK!! I GUARDED EVERYONE WHILE THEY SLEPT!! I'VE HELPED FIGHT OFF RAIDERS!! I DON'T GET ONE SCRAP OF GRATITUDE FOR IT, THOUGH!! JUST GLARES THE MOMENT I OBSERVE ANYTHING ABOUT JASMINE!! LIKE I'M MIRELURK SHIT!!

Ma: (Softly) “What is, honey?”

Jasmine: (Coughs, her throat feeling dry and like it wants to close in on itself) “I will…. Never measure up.” (Hides away against Mama Evie with the coat pulled partly over her face, not daring to look up) “I will always fall short…”

Ma: (Adjusts the girl so she can hide better, her strong and loving arms holding Jas securely and protectively) “No baby, that’s not true. You’re precious inside and out, no matter what.”

Jasmine: (Doesn’t give an acknowledgment that she hears her aunt, she only shivers) “It is all in vain…”

Teshteal: *jumps hearing fragments of Lucille's angry tirade. To ease his mind he pulls Joyce to his side for comfort like a teddy bear*

Donovan: (Had just finished putting the box in Joyce’s room when Lucille erupts like a volcano from the attic, and he freezes misstep)

Pirate: (Alerted bark from the couch, perking up her head, attention drawn to the staircase)

Joyce: (Eyes widen with alarm)

Nick: *briefly taken aback before taking up a stern composure* You need to calm down-

Lucille: *still screaming, tears streaming down her face* WHY?! BECAUSE I SAID SOMETHING ABOUT HOW I'VE BEEN TREATED LATELY?! BECAUSE I'M AN ADULT AND ONLY JASMINE GETS TO SCREAM AND CRY WHEN SHE'S IN PAIN?! BECAUSE I'M BEING JUST AS LOUD AS YOUR APPARENT ONLY DAUGHT-

*SLAP*

Nick: *as he retracts his hand* I can't explain why if you won't quiet down-

Gardio: *grabs his hand by the wrist* That wasn't extremely unnecessary, Valentine. How would you expect Jasmine to react?

Nick: I don't have to imagine it to know. I've seen how she would. And this is exactly how Lucille handled a similar situation back in 88.

Lucille: *stunned, tracing her cheek*

Gardio: *growling* Whether or not Lucille's actions were called for is not reason enough to respond in kind. Rosalinda may be your child, but it's clear to me Lucille's considered you a father figure in my absence!

Nick: *furrows his brow. Tersely* You're right. I was out of line. Sorry. *A little more sincerely* Both of ya.

Lucille: *quietly* ...I don't accept it...

Ma: (Looks out into the distance. They can sort of hear all the drama happening below, not very well, but just enough that she can tell that things are not going well inside)

Jasmine: (Sneezes and shivers some more, her leaky eyes continuing to dribble silent waterfalls)

Ma: (Knows that trying to convince Jas that what she said isn’t true would be fruitless, so she simply moves her focus into getting the girl back inside since she’s cold, then into the bath) “Let’s get a move on, hm? A warm bath will do you good, and you can choose something cute to wear beforehand.” (Slowly stands with the girl held close)

Jasmine: (Whimpers at the sensation of movement, her brain flashing white)

Teshteal: *flinching at Lucille's yelling. Wants to hide behind Joyce or in her arms. Considers even kissing his girlfriend to distract himself from the upstairs drama*

Donovan: (Comes down the stairs while shaking his head, stopping when he sees Teshteal clinging into his sister)

Joyce: (Worryingly) “Are they okay up there….?

Donovan: (Glances behind him) “….I dunno.”

Teshteal: *clinging to Joyce for dear life* They aren't going to come down here, right?

Nick: Lucille-

Lucille: *hurt* Go back to your daughter, Nick.

Nick: We should talk about this-

Lucille: There's nothing to talk about. I'm not your kid. I'm just another finished case to you. Another partner left to the wayside. You'd sooner close the agency.

Nick: *as he pulls his hand out of Gardio's* That's not true!

Lucille: When's the last time you've taken a case that wasn't related to her? When's the last time you've actually looked at me with any sort of pride of having me as a friend after Jasmine entered our lives?

Nick: .... *At a loss for words*

The radio, somewhere: *a song about what it takes to be a happy man ends and the radio DJ chats excitedly on the air* That was Trouble Man by Jungle and you're listening to Kickin' it Back with Ciddark Kick! Up next is...

Nick: *quietly despondently* Have I wronged you that badly...?

Lucille: *turns her head completely away from him* Come back when you know the answer.

Gardio: *gently rubbing her shoulders and arms* I think you should go for now, Detective Valentine.

Nick: I think... *Pulls out a cigarette and places it in his mouth, taking care to resist the reflex of lighting it then and there* You're right. I need some time to mull this ordeal over. *Sighs then turns to leave. He pauses before climbing down the stairs* I... hope we can patch this up...

Lucille: *doesn't respond. Simply leans into her father for comfort*

Donovan: (Gives a concerned look at Joyce, but for a different reason, stepping closer) “Joyce…”

Joyce: (Looks at Teshteal when she hears the warning form Donny, hugging him back, frowning at her brother) “I don’t think they are coming down here, Teshteal.”

Teshteal: *sighs with relief at both the news and her holding him so protectively. He purrs and nuzzles her neck affectionately* That's good...

Jasmine: (Wouldn’t know how to explain the state she in if anyone ever asked, it’s like she’s both blissfully unaware of reality, but also painfully aware of it. Somehow she’s both, probably her subconscious fighting to stay awake while her brain tries to shuts down to protect her from anything else traumatic. It’s exhausting, and painful, especially with the tortuous voices that sound like they are trying to break out of their containment…)

Ma: “I’ve gotcha, sweetheart. I’ve gotcha…” (Rubs the poor girl’s back as she carries her down the stairs and towards the side door, ensuring that she’s covered with her father’s coat)

Dogmeat: (Follows close behind Mama Evie, attempting to sniff Jas whenever he gets a chance)

Nick: *climbs back onto the roof to light his cigarette an reflect for quite a while*

Lucille: Still think he cares about me?

Gardio: To an extent.

Lucille: *grunts in disagreement*

Gardio: Be reasonable... He seemed to regret his actions.

Lucille: Uh huh. Just wait until I take note of something regarding his precious daughter...

Gardio: *sighs then kisses her forehead* It's hard to balance your personal life with parenthood, sweetheart.

Lucille: *rubs her face in her father's chest* Can we just drop it? I'm tired of everything, Dad.

Gardio: Sure...

Ma: (Enters through the side door and into the laundry room, climbing the little staircase in the corner to reach the loft above where she stores all the extra clothes, and she has A LOT)

Jasmine: (Nose wrinkles slightly at the smell of so many garments from different places. Her sense of smell isn’t overly sensitive like Teshteal’s, but it’s still stronger than it should be)

Ma: (Balances the girl on one hip so she can rummage through the section of clothes that she sorted for young girls) “What do you want to wear? A dress perhaps?” (Carefully peels back the coat so Jas can see)

Jasmine: (Blankly stares at all of the clothes before her, her eyes not locking on anything in particular) “…………….”

Ma: (Encourages the girl to participate in choosing her clothes by taking her little hand so she can feel the dresses) “This one is real soft, and it’s your favorite color, pink. There’s also this lovely sky blue one, and this pretty leafy green.”

Jasmine: (A single big hot tear goes down her tear stained cheek, not daring to look behind her or off to the side. Because she hears laughter, and she knows better than to turn her gaze to see what it is. She can only nuzzle against her aunt to hide, that’s all she can do)

Donovan: (Protective brother voice) “Don’t you think that you’re a little too close to her, buddy?”

Joyce: “Donovan!”

Donovan: “If you don’t say it, the I will!”

Teshteal: *blinks in confusion and lifts his head* I got scared and wanted comfort... *his tail raises and swishes slowly, nervously*

Nick: *replaying the past week's events over in his head, trying to isolate them to moments where Lucille was involved...*

Ma: (Rakes her fingers through her niece’s curls, swaying from side to side) “Sssssh…..” (Picks out a cream puff pink dress) “We’ll go with this one for now, since I know you adore pink and flowy skirts. But if you want something else later, we can change that.” (Also takes a white pair of shorts and some underwear that she figures will fit the girl. She knows that wearing the right clothes will help someone who’s been beaten down regain their confidence and dignity)

Jasmine: (Coughs again, hard enough that Mama Evie has to pat her back to help clear her airways, her face damp with fevered sweat and tears)

Ma: (Frowns, then whisks away to get the child to the bathroom quickly so she can have that warm bath)

Donovan: (Crosses his arms) “And she’s young- she doesn’t have the capacity to keep you and herself afloat. She wants to- she has a sweet soul, but she can’t.”

Joyce: (Stamps her foot) “Donny!!! I’m not a little girl!!!”

Donovan: “I never said you were! But you’re still my little sister, and we’ve been through this before!”

Teshteal: *eyes widen as he stares in fear at Donny, his now trembling grip on Joyce loosening. Memories of being talked down to by not just THEM but his colleagues on the force for being a "nuisance" or a "burden" flood his mind. Softly* I didn't mean to make her suffer...

Joyce: (Quickly tries to comfort him) “No no no- it’s okay! You didn’t make me suffer-…”

Donovan: (Firmly) “Joyce, for both of your sakes, don’t lie. I know you want to help everyone, but you don’t have the emotional capacity or stability to be an anchor rock.”

Joyce: (Scoffs) “You don’t say anything about me and Teshteal yesterday!”

Donovan: “Because tensions were high and I assumed that you were both just finding comfort in each other in the moment- but now I see that there’s a problem stemming deeper in him and I don’t think you’re equipped to deal with it!”

Ma: (Has to enter the living room to reach the only bathroom with a working tub, and the door to this bathroom is right next to the staircase the intervention is taking place)

Jasmine: (Whines when she senses the tension, throwing Nick’s coat back over her head so she can hide)

Donovan: (Faces softens slightly when he sees that Mama Evie brought in Rosie, but he’s still upset)

Teshteal: *has the sinking feeling he's been caught for... something. His mind screams at him to run away but instead, he simply lets go of Joyce and slowly starts to back away* He's right... I'm always a problem. My issues are way more than anyone can handle...

Nick: *He almost swears at everything Lucille did around Jasmine back at 88. Where does she get off lecturing him about his actions when she couldn't control her own anger towards the traumatized teen? It's not the end of the memories, but he's got half a mind to storm back into the attic and remind the woman exactly what she did back then*

Donovan: (Looks Teshteal over) “As it currently stands, yes it is. And for both your sakes you need to tone it down a notch until you get some stability.”

Ma: (Rocks the crying child while bouncing her) “What’s going on here?”

Joyce: (Gets tears in her eyes as she grabs onto Teshteal) “Donny is butting into my personal life!!”

Donovan: “I’m trying to be responsible and guide Joyce away from making another mistake that will send her crying again!”

Jasmine: (Sobs with alarm, latching onto Mama Evie with her tiny yet mighty arms so that she’s clinging as tightly as she possibly can)

Teshteal: *freezes when Joyce grabs onto him. He's torn. He wants to hold onto Joyce for comfort but he also just had his personal fears confirmed- that he's too much to be around her- no ANYONE. He just stammers out an obedient, yet stilted* Y-yes sir... I'll leave her alone. I won't cause any more trouble for anyone.

Joyce: (Eyes widen, tears dribbling down her pale and rosy cheeks) “Donny! You’re scaring him!”

Gertie: (Looks fearful in her little bundle)

Donovan: “And he’s weighing you down! Maybe not on purpose, but someone has to step in before you both-…”

Ma: (Holds out a hand) “I want everyone to-…”

Jasmine: (Screeches and wails loudly, kicking her feet as she squirms to break free, the walls around her closing in, the laughter and voices getting LOUDER)

Ma: (Has to use both of her arms to keep the girl from wiggling free)

Teshteal: *feels like the world is spinning, Rosie's screeches pelting him like stones. He glances at Mama Evie with an almost empty look in his eyes. Almost robotically, methodically, hauntingly calmly* Please don't worry... Just take care of Rosie... Everything will be fine... *internally- without me here to make everything worse*

Nick: *slowly blows smoke, frowning at what he's seeing. Lucille isn't exactly wrong... but she also isn't exactly blameless either, especially since she broke her promise to stay by Rosie's side earlier. He wonders if they should talk once cooler heads prevail. Not a lecture. But to set differences aside. He flicks the ashes off his cigarette and reviews the memories again*

Ma: (Has a hard time answering because she’s trying to contain a screamy Jas) “Alright, I think everyone needs to take a step back to calm down, then regroup once we do.”

Joyce: “Mama! But-!”

Donovan: (Reaches down to grab his little sister and pull her away from Teshteal- not liking his sudden robotic demeanor) “Jo-Jo, I’m not telling you that you need to break up with him, just slow down.”

Jasmine: (Takes in a sharp breath, and screams her lungs out, putting her hands over her ears, like she’s trying to outdo someone in a screaming contest)

Dogmeat: (Barks with alarm at this)

Pirate: (Also joins in, standing on her hind legs)

Teshteal: *overwhelmed. Scared. He's withdrawn into himself further at the dogs suddenly barking and Rosie's screams. Trembling anxious whisper* Just help Rosie... She's scared. This situation is scaring her. Just help her...

Gardio: *his head jerks up from resting on Lucille's* What's going on down there?

Lucille: *tiredly* ....Sounds like Jasmine is having another episode. It's hard to tell if it's related to what Donny is shouting about, though.

Gardio: Hm. Maybe I should go see if I can do anything to settle the situation.

Lucille: *doesn't comment on that*

Gardio: *retracts his embrace then gets up* I'll be back, soon. Try to relax while I'm away.

Lucille: ... Okay. *Lays down and curls up in bed as best as she can with her leg being injured*

Teshteal: *Wants to reach out and reassure her but with everything happening around him, he's in a state of decision paralysis. Instead he leans against the wall and collapses into a ball* I promise I'll behave if you help her. *Sniffles* I'm sorry. For making everything harder.

Donovan: (Is torn between going over to his mom to help her settle Jazzy, and getting his sister away from trouble) “Joyce, step back.”

Joyce: (Tugs to get back to Teshteal) “No!!!

Jasmine: (Eyes are glassy and unfocused but her gaze is fixated on the wall besides Mama Evie, her chest uncontrollably heaving in and out, desperate choked sounds emitting from her lips)

Demonic Voice: “Kill. Kill. Kill.”

Jasmine: (Stills for a moment and blinks twice, lifting her head to look at what she tried to avoid looking at earlier, the thing that she felt escape her head where she tried to confine it)

Demonic Figure: (Slowly starts to smile at her from the corner it’s in, cackling darkly. It’s a tall and bulky figure that resembles somewhat of a man, its face uncanny with white dots as eyes, a sharp toothed smile, and just vague hints of other facial features)

Ma: (Tries again to be the voice of reason while managing the hysterical girl) “Donny-…” (Suddenly yelps in pain as something slashes her arm and side, crumbling to her knees, her mother instinct not allowing her to drop the child)

Donovan: (Practically flies across the room) “¡MAMAITA!”

Jasmine: (Grabs a nearby lamp on a side table, smashing it against the wall, giving her access to several thick shards that she hurls like throwing knives to the spot she sees the demon)

Joyce: (Screams and covers her mouth)

Dogmeat: (Howls and bolts forwards)

Pirate: (Aggressive bark at Mama Evie being hurt)

Gardio: *freezes on the stairwell* What's going on down here?!

Teshteal: *clutching his head at the sound of the dogs and Gardio's shouting* I don't know! They won't help her!! *Completely lost track of what they were originally arguing about only that good vault sibling needs help and he can't do anything about it. No one is doing anything about it*

Gardio: *not sure what to make of that. Does he mean Jasmine or Mamá Evie? He looks between Joyce and Donny with concern before noticing the girl is swiping at a specific spot in the air* Hmm... *He starts humming gently and sweetly before reaching out to rub the teen's small back. He'd disarm the girl but that would only escalate her panic*

Donovan: (Practically trips over himself to reach his mother) “¡MAMÁ!”

Joyce: (Actually trips over herself in front of Ma, crawling the rest of the way over to be as close as possible to her)

Ma: (Winces, doing her best to stay upright and hold onto the girl, crimson blood staining her dress) “Rosita!”

Jasmine: (Does a choked cry when she feels her back being rubbed by someone her brain briefly tells her is a safe person, tears taking over her vision again)

Demonic Figure: “Them, or you. Them, or you. Them, or you. Them, or you.”

Demonic Figure 2: (Manifests besides the other one, chanting its own string of words) “Blood! Blood! Blood!”

Jasmine: (Struggles again, down to her last shards. She can��t get rid of the figure, and she feels the uncontrollable surging rage filling her, one that she’s supposed to use as fuel to make a bloodbath)

Demonic Figure: (Growls darkly) “PICK ONE.”

Jasmine: (Turns the shard on herself and tries to stab to literally make herself the sacrificial lamb as opposed to her family surrounding her…. Because it’s like the voices say- it’s her or them, just like it always is, which is why she ends up turning the blade on herself… Just like when Lucille told her to kill herself)

Demonic Figure: “YOU OR THEM PATHETIC C*NT!!!!”

Demonic Figure 2: “BLOOD! BLOOD! BLOOD!!!”

Gardio: *quickly intercepts the glass and pries it out of the teen's hands, letting it fall to the floor. He then takes hold that same hand in the same swift motion. He pauses his humming for just a moment. In the same gentle tone* Officer Rammstein. I need you to disarm whatever is attacking Rosie. *Resumes humming sweetly into the girl's ear, increasing the volume and adding the tiniest amount of pressure to his curricular rubbing.*

Teshteal: *blinks hearing Gardio giving him an order. It's like a knife cutting through the indecision in his brain. Takes one last sniff as he looks up at where the girl is swiping and clawing* Oh- Yes sir. *He gets up and starts approaching the specters on all fours, swishing his tail like a cat*

Jasmine: (Cries out in alarm when she’s disarmed, her cut on her chest and stomach not deep enough to satisfy the voices. She starts throwing her entire body around to try and break free so she can grab the shards again)

Ma: (Takes in a controlled breath as she’s tousled around, ignoring her own pain to keep balanced) “Rosalinda! Please, baby!”

Donovan: (Realizes that his mother is bleeding a lot) “FUCK!” (Turns and runs to get a Stimpak from the med room)

Demonic Figures: (Close in on the shivering girl)

Jasmine: (Panicked and pained, blood dribbling from her nose) “Nooooooo!!! It is coming!!! It is coming!!!! Nooooooo!!!”

Demonic Figure: (Grows bigger and bigger) “YOU OR THEM!!! CHOOSE ONE!!!”

Gardio: *lets go of Jas's hand and pulls the girl out of Ma's arms* I've got her.

Teshteal: *pounces as Jas is pulled away and slashes furiously at the demons she was trying to swing at. He chitters and growls at them* Leave her alone!!

Gardio: *Holds her similar to how her aunt was, using one arm to support her legs and the other on her back where he continues the gentle motions* Ssh... See? Teshteal is trying to fight them. *Bounces her slightly like a baby* He wants to protect you.

Ma: (Holds out her hands to the girl as Gardio takes her, a fearful look in her eyes)

Donovan: (Comes running back and grabs his mother) “Hold on, Mama. You’re bleeding a helluva lot…” (Carefully injects her with the Stimpak where she’s hurt the most)

Jasmine: (Whines at the transfer, kicking her feet, then she watches as Teshteal tries to fight her monsters…. He’s literally missing every hit on them because they aren’t real, but he’s trying his best) “No-!!! They will-…! They will-…! Nooooooo!!!!” (Tries to crawl over Gardio to protect Teshteal and the rest of her family) “Please!”

Demonic Figure: “KILL. KILL. KILL. KILL.”

Demonic Figure 2 “KILL THEM ALL!!!”

Gardio: *holds her still* It's okay. Look- he's not getting hurt. And they definitely won't hurt me. I'm too hard to kill.

Teshteal: *still swiping and biting at them like a cat chasing a laser pointer*

Gardio: *gently, as if hushing a baby* You don't have to listen to anything they're telling you. Whatever you're seeing can't physically touch us. Not really.

Jasmine: (Whimpers like a feeble child, sneezing and then coughing on the blood in her nose and mouth, Gardio’s soft words a vivid contrast into the dark world she’s stuck in)

Demonic Figures: (Cackle some more, slinking back into the shadows to watch the girl from afar as they always have done. The damage has been done for now, Jas has been reminded of what she’s meant to be doing, what she actually is)

Jasmine: (Tenses and locks her limbs, then tries to continue to kick her wild little feet while twisting her wrists, wanting to run and hide so the monsters can’t find her or her family again)

Donovan: (Cradles his mother as he waits for the Stimpak to work it’s magic) “You’re gonna be alright, Mama…”

Joyce: (Is huddled around Mama Evie as well, her hands holding her’s)

Ma: (Her focus is still on Rosie, not caring about herself at the moment because her mother instincts are too strong) “She’s covered in ghoul blood-! And she has open wounds!” (Worried about blood-borne diseases possibly transferring to the girl since she herself is a ghoul and they don’t know what could happen)

Gardio: Then we need to clean her wounds. *Looks to Joyce* Can you get Detective Valentine for me so we can give her a bath?

Teshteal: *pauses, realizing the fight's over* Anything I can do?

Gardio: Help Mama Evie and Donny. Gather some supplies for her wounds. *Starts heading to the bathroom with Rosie*

Joyce: (Stands up on shaky feet with a look of determination on her face) “Got it! Where is he!?”

Ma: (Holds onto her son) “I believe outside, probably back on the roof or the porch, my dear. If he’s not, check the pastures.”

Joyce: (Nods and turns to run outside, calling out as soon as she gets out there) “Detective Valentine???�� (Runs around the porch to confirm that he’s not around there, then heads up the stairs to the roof)

Donovan: (Guides Mama Evie up onto her feet, his stomach doing flip flops at the sight of all her blood. He hates to see his dear precious mother get hurt….) “C’mon Mama… We’ll clean this up later… You come first.”

Jasmine: (Squeals fearfully when she’s carried off, scrunching up as much as she can into a ball up against whom her head tells her is still a safe person, unsure of what the hell is going on, or who is even holding her. All she knows is that Gardio smells, sounds, and feels somewhat familiar, but she doesn’t have a strong profile of him since she hasn’t been held much by him. She hasn’t even known him that long)

Gardio: *enters the bathroom, still holding and comforting the traumatized kitten* Let's get some nice, warm water running in the bath, hm? *stoops down a little to turn on the faucets, letting his knee replace the arm that was supporting her legs and rear. He starts testing the water with his hand to gauge the temperature so she doesn't get burned or freeze to death*

Teshteal: *Sprints in carrying a bag filled with gauze, needles, stimpaks, suture thread, and anything else they might need to replace her bandages and patch up possibly reopened wounds on his tail and a basket of bath supplies in his mouth. He sets both near Gardio and Jas* Brought a buncha stuff for ya, boss!

Gardio: *to Teshteal* Ssh... Not so loud. *taking Rosie's hand gently in his as he slowly rises and leans over the tub with her still in his arms* Would you mind testing the water a little for me? I don't want you to get burned when you get in, kiddo.

Nick: *glances over his shoulder when he senses Joyce. He was so lost in his head he barely registered the scuffle downstairs. When he sees her panicked expression he nearly spins on his heel to address her, cigarette dangling between his fingers* Is something wrong?

Joyce: (Trips on the last step, falling on her knees, hoisting herself back up using the railing so she can look at Nick and urgently point down the stairs) “Everyone is okay and alive, but they need you downstairs in the bathroom to help with your daughter. And quickly, please.”

Donovan: (Brings his mother to the med room) “Irradiated blood pack?”

Ma: (Touches her side, then looks at her arm) “Yes mijito…”

Donovan: (Rushes to get things prepped for an IV catheter insertion)

Jasmine: (Absolutely freaks out when she’s brought near a tub of water, choking on her spit and blood, making her think she’s drowning for a second) “AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!” (Clings to Gardio like a baby koala and tries to hide away in his shirt, her hands pawing desperately to be held tighter by someone who she thankfully can feel safe with even if she can’t tell who they are)

Gardio: Oh- I'm sorry- I didn't mean to frighten you. *holds her a little tighter so she feels more secure* I promise. I won't let you drown.*rubs her back some more* How about this- I get Teshteal to get a cup so we can test it more easily? No way you can fall into that, right? *nods at his gremlin partner*

Teshteal: *does a dramatic salute and darts to the kitchen*

Nick: Got it. *crushes the cigarette in his hand, snuffing it out thoroughly before tossing it aside in a rush* Thanks for letting me know! *a quick pat on Joyce's shoulder and he's running downstairs*

Joyce: (Steps to the side so that Nick can rush by her, watching as he flys down the stairs)

Teshteal: *already back in the bathroom with a glass cup* Got the cup!

Gardio: Good. *takes it from him, then stoops low again before he scoops some of the water out of the tub. He lightly brushes her arm and cheek with the side of it* Does the side feel too warm? Nod if it is.

Jasmine: (Babbles incoherent words like a baby just learning how to talk, shying away from the cup because now she thinks she’s being offered some water to drink. She puts her thumb into her mouth so she can’t be forced to drink, biting down)

Dogmeat: (Waiting outside the bathroom door, whining softly)

Pirate: (Doing the same but outside the med room, but she can see into there, though she knows she’s not allowed to enter)

@lucilleandherrobots

#Yeah we know. This chapter is a looooong one.#Took forever to edit. But it’s fiiiiiiine.#fallout #fallout 4 #fo4 #nick valentine #fallout oc #fallout original character #fallout role play #fallout4 #fallout 4 oc #fallout 4 original character

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lena-in-a-red-dress · 9 months ago

Text

Musician Age Gap AU Pt 14

True to Lena's plan, while the paparazzi on site hounds them for information on Kara, the rest of the world is too taken by the new song to speculate much on who Lena's *current* beau is.

Kara proves to be little more than an escort, following Lena from event to interview to even a hospital to visit the childrens ward. Even so, Kara doesn't mind. She has no thirst for the spotlight at her age, and is content to let Lena be front and center.

At the hospital, however, as she's lurking out of sight from the press cameras (legitimate press, looking for staged candids for the hospital's future use), Kara feels a tug on the hem of her shirt. Looking down, a frail little girl trailing a tattered blanket stares up at her.

"Can you read me a story?"

Without hesitation, Kara reaches for the girl's hand, and they manage to find a relatively isolated corner to huddle in. With a skinny children's book in her hand and the little girl tucked against her side, Kara reads aloud in a low voice, doing her best not to draw attention to herself.

Her efforts are for naught. When she glances up towards the final pages of the book, Lena's gaze is locked upon her, her gaze warm with something indecipherable. Upon being caught staring, she smiles, and cocks an eyebrow to check in. Kara nods, and Lena, satisfied, returns to the gaggle of kids crowded in around her for photos.

Lena is wrangled into a standing meeting with her mother once the children are returned to their nurses and caretakers, leaving Kara to linger on the periphery. To her surprise, Jess is the first to approach.

"Hi!" Jess chirps softly. "Lena has a few friends in town, and they want to take her out tonight before we fly out tomorrow."

Kara's eyebrows lift. "Okay...."

Jess leans in conspiratorially. "My guess is she'll invite you, but by out I mean clubs, bottle service, etc."

At that, realization dawns. "Ah. Thanks for the warning."

She won't mind declining, or spending an evening alone, especially in Paris. As eager to spend as much time with Lena as possible, she's loathe to infringe on Lena's time with friends--

"I don't suppose you brought anything.... appropriate?" Jess continues. "For the club, I mean."

Kara blinks, then barks a laugh. "Hah, no."

Jess nods, grinning. "Thought as much. I can pick up a few options for you, if you'd like..."

After a moment's consideration, Kara nods, smile growing on her face. "I'd appreciate that, thank you."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all! It'll be in your room by the time you get back this evening--"

"Jess?" Kara cuts in, a thought occuring to her. "Could you also pick up some workout gear for me? And maybe... keep all of it a surprise?"

The young woman brightens. "Sure-- do you prefer looser clothes, or more form fitting."

"Tight on the bottom, loose on top, if you can mange it?"

Jess makes a note on her phone, nodding. "Got it." She winks. "We'll put the rack directly in your suite."

"Thank you, Jess, truly."

"Oh," Jess grins, "it's my pleasure."

----

Lena approaches her shortly after, head tilted with an imminent check-in. "Doing okay?"

Kara nods. "Of course. Jess has been taking good care of me."

"Good," Lena purrs. She leans against Kara's chest, kissing her languidly. "I have a question for you."

Guessing it has something to do with the information Jess had imparted early, Kara feigns curiosity. "Uh huh?"

"I'm planning to go out with some friends tonight. Would you.... want to come?"

Kara acts out a thorough consideration of the prospect. In the end, she hedges. "Can I think about it?"

Lena nods. "Of course. And no worries if you'd prefer to take advantage of the time alone. I know this week has been..."

"Wonderful," Kara fills in, bringing a smile to Lena's face.

"Yes," she agrees, "but also a lot. I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to decompress."

With a nod, Kara leans in and kisses her again. "I appreciate that."

---

Lena's day continues until well into the evening, with the final interview wrapping up just before nine. Only the thought of seeing Lena in a new environment, with people who were not her mother, keeps Kara from groaning at the thought that the night was really only just beginning.

They split upon returning to the hotel penthouse, intent on refreshing with their own showers. When she steps out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her, Kara makes her way to the rolling rack of clothes standing next to the closet.

She bypasses the workout clothes, noting only that Jess had fulfilled her request to a tee. The other half of the rack takes more consideration. Hanger after hanger displays dress after dress, all short, all glitzy. Lifting one of the hangars, Kara holds it against herself in front of the mirror, studiously regarding the figure staring back at her.

This is going to be interesting, she thinks to herself. Then she grins. No, this is going to be *fun*.

An hour later, Kara's putting on her shoes when she hears a soft knock on the door joining her suite with Lena's. "It's open," she calls.

"Hey," Lena issues quietly as she edges into the room. "Just checking in, have you made a decision about..."

Lena's words fall away as Kara rises from the edge of the bed, pulling herself up to her full height-- plus another four inch heels now strapped to her feet. Her hair is loose around her shoulders in waves that glint in the light, and her dress is short and layered with gold fringes.

Kara hasn't looked this good since college, and she feels the difference. She feels sexy, and powerful, and *thrilled* that Lena clearly sees it too.

"Oh," the younger woman breathes. Lena herself is clad in a rhinstone studded mauve dress. It comes to mid-thigh, but hugs every curve of Lena's body like a glove. Her sleek black hair is up in a high pony, the tail straight and shimmery. But her eyes are on Kara, and nothing else.

Kara slowly struts towards Lena with a sultry smile. "Does your offer still stand?"

Lena blinks, dazzled by Kara's beaded fringes. "Huh?"

Reaching out with one hand, Kara tilts Lena's chin up to meet her eyes. "Up here," she says quietly.

"Right. Sorry. Just--" Lena clears her throat. She shakes herself out of her daze. "I guess you're coming."

"If you'll have me."

Lena grins. "I'll have you right here if you'll let me..."

"I think I've been hogging you enough lately," Kara returns. "I wouldn't want to keep your friends waiting."

Even so, Kara takes Lena's hips with both hands, tugging her close enough for a kiss. Lena moans.

"Fuck 'em."

Kara chuckles. "I think that would make a bad impression."

Lena looks at her for a long moment. "You really want to meet them, don't you?"

Brow furrowing, Kara nods. "Of course." She pauses. "Is.... that okay?"

Lena's smile warms. "Yeah. It's just... new." Before Kara can ask what that means, Lena steps free, snapping her clutch shut. "Let's get out of here."

---

The club is glamorous, and clearly catering to a high end crowd. There's a cordoned area for paparazzi, allowing both photographs and unobstructive ingress to the establishment. When Kara slides out of the SUV, she's careful to immediately twitch her skirt down so as not to give the tabloids something new to talk about.

As always, she lets Lena set the pace. Lena takes her hand and leads the way into the club. Her free hand lifts towards the paparazzi as they walk the roped sidewalk to the building, in a wave or to shield her eyes or hide her face, Kara isn't sure. Before she could decide whether to do the same, the door opens to admit them, releasing a wave of music and voices from within.

When the door closes behind them, Lena takes a moment to scan the crowd. No one seems to recognize her, or, more likely, don't care. It allows Kara's gaze to catch on a tall, slender brunette at a both in the back, standing on the bench seat and waving them over.

Kara nudges Lena and points. Lena nods. "That's us!" she calls over the din. "Let's go!"

Lena tugs her through the crowd, and Kara soon finds herself watching as Lena throws her arms around the brunette. The hug is tight but brief, before Lena turns to pull Kara closer. "This is Sam!"

Sam thrusts her hand out, gripping Kara's hand firmly as she leans forward. "Kara! Nice to meet you!"

"And this is Jack!" Lena continues. "And Veronica-- who invited you?"

"Fuck you too!" Veronica returns easily. She eyes Kara up and down. "You're hot! Wanna dance?"

In an instant, Lena's arm loops through Kara's. "Sorry, taken! Bye!"

And then, Lena leads her back to the dance floor. Kara doesn't have the presence of mind to be upset at the introductions being cut short-- not with the way Lena's body soon moves against hers. Her movments aren't choreographed, but they may as well be with how quickly it melts Kara's insides.

For her own part, Kara struggles to find the beat. She eventually tries to mimic the bodies around her, but remains a half beat out of tempo until Lena gently grabs her wrists and guides Kara's hands to her hips.

It's too loud to even attempt to talk, but Lena's actions speak loudly enough. Her body moves sinuously, her hands resting atop Kara's, and with their bodies pressed together, Kara finds herself falling into step with her partner's. Soon, all that exists is the heat of Lena's body, the pulse of the heavy music, and the scent of Lena's perfume.

They dance for two songs before Lena calls a time out. They return to the booth only long enough to collect the others, before they all relocate to a second floor Kara hadn't noticed, where there's just enough air for Kara to hear herself think.

"We're gonna talk," Sam says, leaning in to murmur in her ear. "Later."

There's no malice in her voice, which prompts Kara to give an easy nod. She looks forward to knowing more about Lena's friends-- even if it means she gets a shovel talk or two.

Once they collapse in a booth, a server takes their orders for drinks and food-- for which Kara is grateful. She doubts the hunger in her belly will be sated by small bites from the bar, but it could perhaps tide her over until she and Lena returned to the hotel.

"Well," Jack says pegging Kara with a pointed look. "After that display, I think we deserve to hear how this happened." He gestures towards the pair of them, and Lena giggles.

"Kara barged into my dressing room," she delivers. Her fingers lace between Kara's under the table as she continues to relate the story of their meeting. When she finishes, Jack whistles.

"Quite the whirlwind for you then," he says to Kara. "How are you holding up?"

"Lena's been taking good care of me," Kara says with a smile. "It's been amazing to see her work."

Lena beams back at her. "You've been amazing." She shoots a look towards Jack. "Don't you dare scare her off."

"Only if you give me a dance, darling."

Lena sighs. "All right. Come on, before the food gets here."

Kara slides out of the booth for Lena to exit, and as she sidles past Lena kisses Kara's cheek. "The things I do for you."

"My hero," Kara grins. Lena isn't at all put out by the idea of dancing with her friend, and for all the warning Lena gave him, he didn't seem to be antagonistic about their relationship. She watches them go, glad that Lena has the chance to reconnect with her friends.

"Kara!" Sam calls. She waves Kara back to the table. "Come sit!"

Kara obeys, only for Veronica to slide out. "I'm going to find the restroom. You two have fun!"

Bracing herself, Kara turns to Sam-- who laughs and waves away her tension. "Relax... I'm not Lena's keeper. She's clearly into you, and you don't seem to be an asshole, so. I'm good."

"You're Sam Arias, right?" Kara asks. She hadn't been sure before in the strobing lights, but sitting so close she now recognizes the actress from some of the movies Esme likes.

Sam nods. "I'm filming in Florence right now, so I figured I'd stop by while I could. Jack has a cover shoot in Vienna, so we figured we'd make a night of it."

Warmth floods Kara's chest. She's seen how hard Lena works, and how solitary she's been since Kara met her. The fact that she has friends willing to bend their schedules to make time for her when they can speaks volumes.

"Mind if I ask you something?" Sam asks. Kara nods for her to continue. "What do you want out of this?"

Sam's not the first to wonder. The difference is that she's asked, rather than assume like Lillian has.

Kara shrugs. "Nothing Lena isn't willing to give." Sam looks at her, waiting for more. "I'm comfortable. I don't want her money, or her fame."

"Then why drop everything to go on tour with her?"

"Being with her makes me happy."

It's a simple truth, but a truth nonetheless. She can return to National City whenever she likes; Lena has placed no pressure on her to stay. But in National City, Kara's thoughts would stay with Lena, so why condemn herself to being stretched between two locations, when she has the freedom and means to simply stay?

"God, that's refreshing," Sam drawls. She takes a sip of her drink before she gives a broad smile.

"Positively saccharine," comes a dry voice from behind Kara, making her jump. She turns to find another tall brunette lurking over her shoulder. This woman's gaze, however, is far sharper than Sam's.

Sam doesn't seem all that surprised to see their visitor. "Andrea," she greets.

"Samantha."

Andrea sits on the edge of the bench, worming her way in so that Kara is forced to scooch to accommodate her.

"What's interesting," Andrea continues, "is that Lena finally found someone who has absolutely no impact on her career."

Though ostensibly that would be a good thing, the relish glinting in the woman's gaze suggests something much darker.

"Before she's chosen industry people. Singers, actors, reps and so forth. The kind of people who, if crossed, could end her career in a heartbeat. Untouchable."

Andrea leers at Kara, her smile tight and predatory. "But you... mmh."

Kara's features settle into a solemn glare, defensive. "What about me?"

"You're nothing," Andrea responds, as though it's the most obvious thing in the world. "So when you inevitably break her heart, which you absolutely will..." Andrea leans closer. "I'll be able to absolutely demolish you."

"Funny," says Lena, reaching between them to snag her drink. Her face is flushed, upper lip glistening with sweat, but her features are placid. "If only you had put that much care into our relationship *before* it ended."

Andrea blanches slightly, but her features remained solidly antagonistic. "Skimming the gutter, are you, Lena?"

"And happier than during the two years I spent with you," Lena returns smoothly. "Imagine that."

"Get lost, Rojas," Veronica drawls, approaching from the other direction. Andrea is cornered, and she knows it.

She rises stiffly. Moving to leave, she pauses at Lena's shoulders. "Lena--"

Lena scowls. "Please leave."

Andrea hesitates a moment more, but ultimately decides now was neither the time or place to push further. She leaves, and Lena watches her leave with a glower on her face, before she settles onto the bench seat next to Kara.

"Ignore whatever she said to you," Lena says stiffly.

Kara softens. "She cares about you."

"She doesn't get to," comes the sharp retort. "Not anymore."

The message is clear-- Lena does not want to discuss Andrea Rojas.

The mood lightens as Lena's friends expertly steer the conversation away from Andrea's interruption. It's not long until Lena's hackles ease, and she's once more laughing and having fun. Kara relaxes as well, accepting every one of Lena's invitations to dance.

When they leave, it's at Lena's request. Kara's surprised-- Lena's trademark energy still relatively untapped-- until Lena captures her gaze with a heady one of her own. They're on the dance floor when it happens, and Lena leans in to shout into Kara's ear.

"Wanna get out of here?!"

Kara hesitates only a moment, conscious of how Sam and Jack had crossed international borders to see Lena, before she sees Sam not too far off. The brunette's features are astute and smirking, confirming the she understands-- and approves-- exactly what Lena intends.

Before she nods, Kara turns her head to capture Lena's lips as she pulls away. She kisses Lena deeply and soundly, and when she breaks away Lena lists after her. Heavy eyes look up at her, dazed and hungry for more.

"What about your friends?"

"Sam says I've been eye-fucking you all night," Lena calls back. "I'd rather be fucking you for real." She grins. "Respectfully!"

Kara laughs, the sound lost in the music. "Uh huh," she says, mostly to herself. "Then let's go!"

Lena waves at her friends, earning cheeky grins from all three in return. Kara's surprised to see the time is already past 2am. Her blood buzzes in her veins, arousal and anticipation electrifying her nerves.

Kara enters the suv at Lena's slight push, which means when Lena climbs in she plants herself firmly in Kara's lap, hiking up her skirt to straddle Kara's thighs.

"You are so hot tonight," Lena murmurs. "I couldn't keep my eyes off you." She grins. "I wasn't the only one."

Kara blinks. She hadn't sensed anyone staring at her. Then again, she hadn't paid much attention to anyone but Lena.

"I didn't notice."

"I know," Lena purrs, leaning down. Her tongue laves across Kara's throat, before she engulfs all of her senses in a searing kiss. "So fucking hot...."

Kara glances frantically towards the front, hesitant to put on a show for anyone but Lena, but finds that the driver has already rolled up the privacy screen. Kara doubts the screen provides any amount of soundproofing, but it's enough for her to slide her hand under Lena's hitched skirt, cupping a bare ass cheek in her palm.

"Fuck," Kara groans. Her groin tightens, warming with arousal that leaks past her own thong. "Lena--"

"Let me, baby," Lena murmurs beside her ear. She suckles the column of Kara's neck, even as her hand deftly delves under Kara's dress. "I'm gonna make you feel so good..."

Expert fingers find Kara's clit and pause, pressing gently against the throbbing bud. Lena's fingers are warm, but still cooler than the heat between Kara's legs. She curses again, hips bucking ever so slightly.

"Not so fast," Lena croons. "I want you to enjoy this."

Kara's breaths are already coming hard and fast, as her higher brain functions swiftly cease to function. She grunts, pulling a smile to Lena's lips.

Long fingers slide tenderly across Kara's arousal-slicked opening, circling almost carelessly-- except Kara understands Lena knows exactly what she's doing.

"I want you to wait," Lena whispers. "Can you do that for me? Can you wait until we get to the hotel?"

Kara's teeth grind, lassoing any shred of self control she has left, even as Lena's fingers dip between her labia. She enters almost enough for Kara's walls to grip her fingers, but Lena is quick to react, withdrawing before Kara to gain any purchase.

"Answer me," Lena says.

"Y-yes," Kara stammers. "I-- I can wait-- ungh!"

A high, pitiful sound escapes from Kara's throat, wild and unexpected. She feels her cheeks tingle, and knows they would have turned a vivid red if she weren't already red from the exertion of the club.

Lena kisses her, long and slow and deep. As she does, a fingernail lightly catches on Kara's clit, making her gasp. She tastes the warm air and alcohol from Lena's breath, savoring it for a short moment before another stroke of Lena's fingers makes her huff in frustration.

"You're doing so good," Lena tells her. Her free hand strokes Kara's breast, teasing her through the dress until her nipple hardens and stands at attention. "Oh my god, Kara-- you are so beautiful..."

Kara moans plaintively. "I-- I wanna touch you... more--"

"Not yet," Lena chides. She rests their foreheads together, even as she continues her ministrations under Kara's dress. "Do you know what I'm going to do when I get you upstairs?"

Kara grunts, gasping for breath. She's on the verge of coming, and has to force her inner walls to relax lest she climax right then and there.

"I'm going lay you down on my bed," Lena continues, scissoring her fingers inside Kara and smiling sweetly when Kara squirms. "I'm going to lay you down, and then I'm going to ask you to spread your knees as far as you can. I'm going to make you stretch for me...."

Kara's thighs tense under Lena's, hungry in anticipation. Lena leans in close then, speaking low into Kara's ear.

"And then I'm going to put my mouth on you." Teeth scrape Kara's earlobe, sensitizing it for when Lena makes another pass, this time nibbling sharply. Kara throws her head back hard enough to bounce off the headrest.

"Would you like that, baby?" Lena asks, smiling languidly. "Do you want me to lick you dry? Suck on your clit until-- uh uh," comes a stern warning.

Lena withdraws her hand just before Kara climaxes. Kara gives a shuddering sigh, grateful even as she resents the sudden stillness. Her core gapes, walls flexing in search of something, anything to grip.

"You promised," Lena reminds her.

Kara nods, breathless. "S-sorry," she gasps.

"Shhhh," Lena soothes. Her hand returns, playing idly with Kara's clit. "You're doing amazing, baby."

She retracts her fingers again, less cruelly this time, and lifts them to Kara's mouth. Understanding her intent, Kara kisses Lena's slick fingertips, then parts her lips in invitation.

Lena carefully inserts her first and middle fingers, and Kara lets her tongue curl around them. The salt of her own arousal only heightens her senses further, and the pleasure in Lena's features only makes Kara want to perform perfectly, whatever Lena asks of her.

"I--I want...."

"Tell me," Lena murmurs. "Tell me what you want..."

Before Kara can find the coherence to answer, the car slows to a long stop. Lena's eyes flick up to glance out the back window. With a smile, Lena bends back down to capture Kara's lips in a soft kiss.

"You made it," she says. "We're at the hotel."

Lena wipes her damp fingers across her dress to dry them, then clasps Kara's hand and all but drags her out. If there are paparazzi waiting for them outside the building, Kara doesn't see them. She doesn't register much of anything until her dress is a pile on the floor, and Lena pushes her gently backwards. Her legs fold against the edge of the bed, and she sits with a thump.

"Lay back, baby."

Lena kneels, long ponytail spilling over one shoulder. "Let me take care of you."

And oh, does she.

Kara comes in moments, but Lena doesn't relent. She suckles Kara's clit, and licks ardently, endlessly, until Kara comes again and again.

She doesn't relent until Kara breathlessly pats somewhere near Lena's head, unsure if she actually makes contact. Nevertheless, Lena disengages and crawls over Kara, gazing down into her eyes with satisfaction and adoration.

"Worth the wait?"

Kara mutters a curse. She reaches up to snag Lena by the edge of her jaw, pulling her down to a deep, languid kiss.

"Do that again," Kara warns, "and there's no guarantee I won't explode on the spot, if that's my reward."

Lena beams.

"That was so hot. You-- Lena, I...." Suddenly, Kara's brain catches up to her. "Why are you still dressed?"

"I was a little busy..." Lena grins. Her chin is still slicked with arousal, which she wipes salaciously with her fingers.

"Fuck that," Kara growls. She fumbles for the zipper behind Lena's neck, but doesn't find one. "Off... off, off, off."

"Easy, tiger..." Lena casually reaches under her arm, and undoes the side zipper. Then Kara is treated to the sight of Lena peeling the dress up and over her head. Her boots, at least, are already off, leaving Lena utterly, delectably bare.

Lena tilts her head in a tantalyzing tease. She leans down, and the end of her ponytail tickles the hollow of Kara's throat. "How do you want me?"

"I want you so wet I could drown in you," Kara murmurs. Lena's cheeks heat in a ready flush. Carefully, Kara repositions them so that she was the one straddling Lena. She rubs the top of her thigh between Lena's legs, earning her a sweet mewling as Lena wriggles down to try and increase the pressure.

Rather than tease, Kara plants her knee in the mattress, a grounding rod for Lena to grind against.

"What do you need?" Kara asks simply.

"Drawer," Lena says breathlessly. "Under the scarf. There's a-- ngh, jeezus."

Now it's Lena's turn to be frustrated, and Kara finds that she enjoys the picture she paints. She enjoys it very much.

Kara gamely pushes off the mattress and pads over to the short dresser on the far wall. Fishing under the aforementioned scarf, she pulls out a dildo already fitted to a harness.

Lifting an eyebrow, Kara lets it dangle from her finger by one strap, shooting Lena a suspicious glance.

"Planning ahead, were we?"

Lena gives a cheesy grin. "Can never be too prepared," she teases. Her own eyebrow lifts in challenge. "Think you're up for it?"

Kara crosses back to the bed with dildo in hand. Lena returns to her back, and gazes up at Kara with eyes glazed by desire. She inhales sharply when Kara presses the shaft of the dildo between her legs.

"Tell me what you like," Kara urges, her voice low. She kisses her way up Lena's sternum, the licks the hollow of a slender throat. When she pulls back, Lena whimpers. "Tell me."

"I want you," Lena starts, her eyes hooded with want, "to hold me down, and fuck me senseless."

An all new wave of desire floods Kara, making her insides quake. She leans in close to Lena's ear, and feels her partner's breath catch.

"Challenge accepted."

#supercorp #musician age gap au #its a looooong one #but if you like smut stick around

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theshipshipper · 1 month ago

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all eyes on us - part 32/?

Track the fic here or on AO3!

#sorry for the looooong delay guys #been having a rough time irl #didnt have a lot of reasons to laugh and much less to try and be funny for fic purposes #but hopefully this ones funny? hehe #thanks for the patience!!!!#jonsa #jon x sansa #jonxsansafanfiction #jonxsansaff #actuallyjonsa #jonxsansa #jonsa social media au #jonsa sm au

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whump-galaxy · 4 months ago

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Thinking about a “villain” capturing the smartest teammate. They want to team up with the heroes, probably not for all altruistic reasons, and wanted a…captive audience.

They appeal to the smartest’s ego, saying they’re the only one who’d be able to see their reasoning. The only one they could convince. The smartest doesn’t believe this, until the villain offers them something. Something important. And the villain gives it to them outright. No dangling it above their head, no carrot on a stick. They’re even free to leave with it, right now.

The smartest’s reasoning is completely overloaded. None of this makes sense. The villain is helping them take down The Big Bad Whumper? Why? And why let them say no?

The smartest asks for time to think. Even if they do believe the villain, they’ll have to convince their team. What if they think they’re being betrayed? What if they’re acting as an unknowing traitor?

All they can do is hold onto the important thing they’ve been offered, and try to sleep on it.

#sad little Judas goat #whump #fear #angst #captured #injured #whump prompt #whump tropes #whump ideas #team #caretaker #my idea is the villain can release one of the teammates that was captured a looooong time ago #and the thing the smartest is holding is the indicator of them being moved to the villain’s facility-where they’re at

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what-aboutno · 7 months ago

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An analysis on c!Owen and his behaviour throughout the Outsiders SMP series!

Some disclaimers before I go into this. There will be spoilers up ahead! I would like to warn anyone reading that this post will mention some blacklisted members from the smp because their characters play a role in showing us about cOwen.

For convenience, all the members mentioned are the characters, not the actual ccs themself. Some of this might seem all over the place, but when the characters learn random parts of themselves at different points it's bound to happen.

Owen has changed a lot as the series has progressed and many find his personality to have changed entirely towards the end, however, this isn’t really the case. When we go over his character, we can see his core values have stuck with him throughout the series, so in this post, I will go over how exactly he has changed over time and his character in general.

To make it easier, I’m gonna split it into 3 parts. Early maze days, the introduction of clearing 2, and post memories.

During the early maze days Owen establishes his character very early on. Right from the beginning, Owen arrives with the demon Rasbi. They are notably one of the three pairs that come up, with most coming up the elevator alone. The first time we see him, Owen immediately takes up a role as a protector, asking if Rasbi knows how to fight in case there is danger up ahead.

In this first section, we can also see that he acts a lot more childish and naive. He’s very emotional and easily upset by his past. He can be seen jumping on rocks with Mohwee and the others and crying on his first night over his loss of memories. The overwhelmingness of the clearing gets to him. This isn’t to say he is some weak, stupid or soft character though.

Owen may be naive in believing things should be played in certain ways according to his rules but there are many instances where we can see he’s not stupid. First episode he can immediately recognise what knife Oeca is holding “Hey that’s a throwing knife right? No that’s a dagger”

After getting more settled in the maze he asks about the maze’s agriculture, he mentions everyone is unarmed despite fearing the dangers in the maze. He starts asking about protection, armour, shields and notably, “So this place is safe on the inside? It's safe to walk at night?” He’s already worried for everyone’s safety here, he knows the maze is dangerous so is there anywhere that’s safe?

Very early on his past also becomes a very important aspect of his personality. He is probably one of the first to remember anything significant about his past. By episode 2 he is getting flashbacks about how to make a bow. But he makes a javelin first, noting “I think I was a hunter. No, I was an archer. I was a hunter. I was a soldier? I was good at this.” He then proceeds to aim the javelin at Oeca’s name, because at this point he can’t fully trust Ocea. He is very quick to violence, although he doesn't want Oeca dead, he certainly can’t trust in him.

Another important note is that Mohwee is one of the people in the clearing he respected and saw as someone with the ability to act. Which is why we get this interaction where Mohwee calls out “Owen.” and Owen replies with “yes sir”. His past even without his memories is important and ingrained enough he still acts like this, and this only continues as we go through this section.

The first time they go in the maze as a group is when Apo arrives. This is a very important moment for Owen because their first trip in the maze solidifies his personality throughout this section and maybe even the series. Oeca is shot because Mohwee was careless and brought anyone in. When the group comes back, Owen asks Graecie, “How many entrances are there to this maze?” After finding out this is the only one that opens, he refuses to let anyone get hurt again and starts blocking it off.

Trust and promises are very important to Owen here too because it's one of the key reasons he blocks off the entrance. It’s not just Oeca getting hurt, it’s the fact he promised Graecie he wouldn't go in. “I broke my promise.” He also takes Apo’s word very seriously in the mine when he tells Owen he didn’t pull the lever. Also because of this he only trusts himself to go in the maze.

When the entrance is blocked off Owen is quick to violence and threatens people if they try to get past him. After finding the old battle axe he starts using it to threaten and intimidate people. “Anyone who goes past this (the gate) i will attack”

“Anyone else that will, I will just cut down” are some of the things he says. He punches Mohwee for trying to get past him. When Oeca comes back after Mohwee’s disappearance, Owen follows him with that battle axe trying to talk.

Owen then goes on to say “I’m not looking for violence” and “I'm not collecting weapons this was instinctual (points at bow)” he doesn't want people to think he’s dangerous and he knows people are scared of him.

Even if he seems aggressive he still wants to protect others. Owen goes back in the maze to look for Mohwee after he randomly disappears on their way back. “My job is to protect people and I will do that to the best of my abilities. At every possible stage”

When Mohwee disappears Owen takes a massive risk to stay in the maze overnight to see if the gates would open. “The only thing I remember about my life Graecie, is that I was raised to protect people. That's all I remember. And I know it was dumb and stupid to go in the maze but if it got us a step closer to finding Mohwee. I was willing to make that risk”

So we’ve established that Owen cares about the people in the clearing even if he doesn't trust all of them, he wants to protect them and he will do it no matter what. It's the purpose he has given himself in order to be useful.

He knows it doesn’t work how he wants it to. People are scared and wary of Owen’s protection. There are multiple instances where he tells his voices, “They don’t get it,” because he knows people don’t trust his methods. His method of control is disliked by a lot of people.

Ori is one of the main characters to go against Owen. Owen hates this because not only does it risk the safety of others but it goes against his main purpose he gave himself. He takes this job very seriously. So when Ori goes in the maze it’s no wonder Owen becomes very violent.

“Ori I'm seriously sorry I will break your legs and I'm very close to it. Are you gonna make me. “

He doesn’t see himself to be super aggressive though “People think I'm being really aggressive when I talk like ‘oh hey if you come near me I'm gonna break your legs’ but I'm saying it in the most friendly way I can, you understand that right? I'm not trying to be aggressive with that”

“I'm saying like if you do step in here I will have to break your legs. In like a very gentle and I'm very sorry I hate to inconvenience you but I do have to break your legs.”

When Ori sneaks into the maze, Owen talks a lot about his purpose. Things like “Don't, I'll fail them. They'll kill me. My entire purpose here is to stay by this door and stop you from coming in.”

Owen hates to know he is failing the purpose he has given to himself “When I discovered I was a soldier that's what I set myself to (protecting others) but what do I have to show for myself? I have tried my hardest to protect these people. And get they look at me and tell me I'm a tyrant” “you're not in control, who are you to say what happens?”

He would do anything, even if it meant sacrificing himself. As shown before when Mohwee disappears but also as he protects the gate after the second lever gets pulled he says “I'm going to protect them if I die in the process so be it”

Another note before this section ends is that it’s not just Ori who opposes Owen. Sillvia also talks about Owen’s method of leadership.

Sillvia about Owen: Owen I think you would be great. If not for the fact that you have a militaristic mindset. I don't want to see your leadership spiral into a place where Apo wants. Owen I fear you and I want you to know that. I actually fear you and I don't say that about many people. And ruling should not be through fear. You are a terrifying individual and to see you be in a position of power would be a slope we cannot afford or gamble slipping down. We've seen you tussle with Ori. I know you're a strong individual. You could lead us quite well but it's the risk that comes with your leadership that I am not willing to risk.

The perception Owen has of himself differs from how he comes off. It becomes more of an issue later but we can already see this happen.

So as clearing 2 is introduced this is what we know about Owen. He was a soldier once, he wanted to protect people in the clearing even if it meant sacrificing himself. He’s nice to others but his methods are still aggressive and violent, ready to hold a weapon to someone if needed and Owen cares a lot about trust.

With the introduction of clearing 2 we can see how Owen changes and develops. He’s very cautious of clearing 2 members because for all he knows they could have led the creature that destroyed half their clearing in on purpose.

Owen also faces betrayal from Apo. We know trust is something Owen values a lot. It’s mentioned in the early days, and it’s a major part of why he feels so strongly about Apo lying. During the scene where Owen faces Apo after finding he pulled the lever that killed the second clearing, his main issue with Apo isn’t the fact that he killed people. It was the fact he lied to him.

“You lied to me. Why did you do it? No no no I don't care about the lever. Apo why did you lie to me? You're my friend I trusted you. I stayed there. I held your back when oeca said it was you. I put my name on the line. Because we stood together in the mine and I asked you to swear to my face that you didn't do it. And you lied to me. Im meant to be your friend and you lied.”

You can also see what Owen values in a person when they discuss Apo’s punishment and Owen says there's 3 main things he did

- went into maze without group consent

- pulled the lever

- he lied

Owen only adds on at the end that he left Squidney.

With all of this too we see Owen for the first time back away from the job he gave himself. He backs away from leadership, we start to see how tired Owen is from the stress of it all. His reasoning has to do with his trust being broken.

“What's the point they're all liars. This entire place is filled with filthy liars. Every single person. All I've ever done is tried to protect them”

“Forget it. I'm done. I'm don't helping people. No I'm not villain, I'm not a hero I'm nothing.

From now on there is no leader of the maze. They put me in charge. My word means nothing to them I'm done.”

“How am I meant to protect them when I try and stop them with physical force im made out to be some kind of monster. When I try to reason with them I'm made out to be soft.”

Owen being viewed as soft has always been something he’s aware of. People tend to think because he’s kind that they can do whatever they want (sneak into the maze etc) and this perception Owen is a soft person develops. Even if he’s emotional and kind we’ve seen before in early maze days he is not soft.

Owen tries to ignore all his problems but with it he grows more aggressive than before. His tone changes when he speaks about other people to his voices.

“To visit him would be to acknowledge he exists. And right now the last thing I want to do is consider the fact that this thing lives and breathes and eats and sleeps under my feet. The sooner he wastes away and fades into nothingness the better. I don't see a life going forward with him in it” - Owen about Apo

“The more I look around these stupid 4 walls the more I'm reminded that he that. That I trusted him.”

"he's everywhere. It's like a disease. Like it festers. The outside looks fine and you look just below the surface and it's rotting vile and it's him”

Apo: Just give me a chance.

Owen: why should I? So you can have another tick to the long list of times Owen has naively believed there is some good in the people that infests this clearing? Oeca, mohwee, Bekyamon, Magic, Graecie, Ori, you, liars. All of you.

I’m not just putting quotes here just for you to see oh trust is important! But more so for you to see that Owen changes when his trust has been broken or when he sees someone as a threat. Some of these things sound very similar to what Owen would say when he gets his memories back. Because to Owen trust and protection are 2 very important values. When that is broken he can’t be certain someone isn’t a threat.

With this change Owen does become more aware he isn’t the most approachable person due to his methods. I do want to bring up this quote first though

"Can I kill someone? Ive been thinking about this recently I say I'm a soldier. But I've never actually killed anyone. All my life in these 4 walls I've spoken about security and fighting and I can't remember a time I've actually taken someone's life. What if I have to. What if it comes to that I don't think I could stomach it either. I doesn't feel like me. It's not me it's not who I am. No I can't. I'll only attack this person if they do something first. And even then I'll just aim to incapacitate" - Owen about Ash

This is an interesting quote from Owen knowing his later actions but it’s not that out of character. If we look at every flashback he’s had so far we can see the life of a soldier is not one he’s always wanted.

Owen to his dad: What if I'm not ready to be your protector? No It's what you've always wanted! What if I wanted to do something else? What if I don't want to be a soldier what about me when do I get to look out for myself.

However he is always ready to attack if he needs to, if it comes to it he would do anything to protect someone. I think that means to kill even if Owen doesn’t think so at this point.

His notebook btw

Another note about his behavior is that because of how others view him he almost dies from the creature’s venom. Ayngel even said before Owen is more angry. Other people even though it sounds jokingly say Owen gets grumpy when people disrupt him, leading to no one but Soup to check up on him when he gets stung.

When Bek comes back he doesn’t hesitate to do the things he did before. He does what he thinks is right and protects Magic by aiming a javelin at Bek. He says he’s not violent but anytime he feels like he’s in danger he pulls out a weapon. He did it when he was in Soup’s basement, he does it anytime he hears about someone potetially harming Rasbi, and he did it when he heard Oeca attacked Graecie.

Owen in general is a fighter at heart. Even if he says he doesn’t want to kill anyone he is still ready to attack.

Owen: this isn't you Ori. You fight. That's what you do.

Ori: what are you talking about?

Owen: you fight people. When you don't get your way you fight. You and I are the same

At the end of this section, the group decides not to go back in the maze. They had lost Squidney, Oeca, Mohwee, with the presumption that Red, Apo and Graecie were either dead or dying. Owen is tired of it all “Every Time I've tried to protect someone they've ended dead Kyle” he tries to hope but he is so tired. This tiredness also explains some things that happen when he gets his memory back.

So to summarise before looking at Owen when he gets his memories back, this is what we know about Owen. He wants to protect his friends, he believes in trust a lot, he is both seen as more aggressive and angry these days and soft at the same time, he wants to be a good leader but other people don’t listen. Not much has changed since the early maze days, but it’s a more solid character now.

When the reunion comes around Owen in the story has finally had a moment to think about everything that happened between him and Apo. His main regret in the series was how he treated him even if he broke his trust.

Owen loves to contradict himself a lot but it’s a very human trait he has. He has complex feelings about Apo, and Beks and a lot of people. Yet he’ll still offer his protection to them. It’s because of this the ‘sudden’ shift in personality he has becomes very shocking to the audience.

Since right before he sees Apo, Owen is very emotional here. Very similar to how he was in the early maze days. It’s out of his character to hope for something like seeing Apo because he knows it’s very unlikely he’ll see him again. However he gives himself this hope, one more chance.

When Owen regains his memories the tone shift is obvious. He acts less emotional, he seems more mature. But we do need to consider this is someone who just had a lifetime of memories shoved back in his head and his core values are so strong that Owen doesn’t hesitate to act the way he used to.

There’s lots of similarities to Owen here to the one we’ve known. Like his purpose. He sets one for himself immediately after arriving in the clearing. Even as he talks to Apo about his past he talks about his purpose

“I had a purpose once. I was useful, vital, adored. And suddenly everything changed. The world grew tired of blood shed. When all you're good for is violence, when you've been breed into a killing machine, a nation of peace will toss you aside like a spent torch”

There’s an obvious difference here right? The man we’ve watched in the maze who wanted to protect his friends just killed his best friend. This is definitely a different person right? Yes and no. Owen hasn’t changed that much, and I'll explain why after we go through some more things. But it’s important to note that this isn’t a completely new person, this isn’t something that is unexpected when we go through the information we already have about Owen.

“I know what you are, you are everything wrong in the world has to offer. You are the amalgamation of all the gluttony and lust of humans with the evil and cunning of demons. You stand as a testament to everything vile. You are a disease on the face of this earth and I am it's curse”

Apo: this isn't you you've changed

Owen: incorrect, this is me. The man you manipulated and lied was nothing more than a puppet driven by the instinct to survive.

Owen wants protection for his friends. He goes to extreme lengths to keep people safe, so when he remembers demons as this evil creature that will hurt people for their own gain he wasn’t going to stand around and do nothing right?

Surprising or not this is very in character for Owen if we look at everything else we have from the series. To him, he is still doing his job, the one he’s done since day 1 in the clearing. Just now the threat isn’t just the maze and the occasional person, it’s demons.

The way Owen became a demon hunter is essential too. He used to live in comfort, and based on past flashbacks he was training to be a soldier even if he didn’t fully enjoy it. His mother was a poet and his father was a general. He had grown up hearing all about how terrible demons are, and he didn’t understand until his village had been burned down.

One negative interaction with demons had put this deep hatred in his heart for them. Before his memories returned he was ready to forgive Apo, he knew he wasn’t as dangerous as he made him out to be. But when the sudden influx of memory comes, he has this past knowledge that Apo is a threat.

Since Apo had hurt Owen before this only adds to it. Remember Owen really values trust. Apo has broken that trust in the past, so everything combined and letting go of the final restriction it’s no wonder he kills Apo.

Despite this ‘massive personality change’ Owen has, when he returns to the clearing he still makes sure Magic is safe. He doesn't tell people about the lava rising so he wouldn’t cause panic. He still cares about these people.

But Owen starts to view all the demons as a threat, every demon in the clearing has done something to suggest they could be dangerous. The reason Owen kills Guts is because they poisoned the food at the feast, which led to Magic being poisoned. He carries out this duty for protection

I think another thing people tend to forget about Owen is that he's been slowly breaking apart trying to fit what others want from him as seen in the last section. And it took a major toll on him. His outburst at Magic is one of the ways shown to us how much stress he’s been under. Perhaps even guilt he’s been feeling.

Magic: if you don't you're just putting everyone danger by not leading us… in there…

Owen: danger? You want to talk about putting others in danger? All of this coming from who exactly? The woman who's clearing burnt down under her leadership? The woman who lied about that previous position of leadership as she lacked the spine to correct her friend when she lied? The woman who was tied up and left for dead by that same friend? The woman who swore to protect a stranger only to them shot down in front of her? What the woman who stood still as her friend was ripped apart beside her? Oh yeah the magnitude of your failures Magic is deafening. Do you hear it? When you fall asleep at night, do you hear the screams of the dead who's blood stain your hands? How do you cope? When you find out be a good friend and let me know would you? Been looking for a way to shut them up.

Owen does try to justify his actions to his voices even if they don’t listen. He knows people here aren’t good. He’s known this since clearing 2 was introduced, but with his memories back he feels like he has to carry on this duty by killing the threat. That’s the only way to keep people in the clearing safe right?

Owen to voices: have you stopped to think why I'm doing this? You seem so attached to these creatures, why? What good have they done? These people aren't good people. None of us good people. We're all in here for a reason. Just because you haven't taken your rose tinted glasses off to see that doesn't mean the rest of us haven't.

Like before he won’t let anything stop him, even if it means hurting a few people. He doesn't hesitate to pull out a weapon when he hears Ayngel might know him. He can’t risk anything ruining his plans because he can’t afford to. He’s so tired. I think at this point anyone that was a major threat to him he would kill.

Ayngel: I feel like I recognise you. You and your face from somewhere

Owen: oh? (Starts to pull out knife from his bag)

Ayngel: I've been having this thought and it's got me thinking (Owen pulls out a knife in case)

Ayngel: actually, honestly forget it. It's all a dream and I'm overthinking

The only exception to his thinking is Rasbi. Rasbi actually hasn’t done anything wrong to him personally. She’s one of the few people that didn’t break his trust but he still kills her. Why?

First off he doesn’t see her as the friend he wanted to protect but instead as something he protected only to kill in the end to fulfil his duty. Her sister is the reason why he ended up in the maze, so even without Rasbi directly harming Owen in any way it’s enough for Owen to kill her. I’m sure any small mistake or detail would have led Owen to killing any demon, because it only proves his thinking.

Owen barely survives after Rasbi attacks him. So as Owen starts planning how to kill Krow he starts going a bit insane. His room is a mess, his mind is a mess and he can barely stand it anymore. We really start to see him fall apart here

Owen: this yolk is a burden is a burden I can't carry for much longer. I'm tired. I want to rest. But I took a pact, I made a promise. A glorious death is his for who his country falls and either I or they thing will have to die before I stop.

Something that’s brought up when discussing the idea of ‘Maze Owen’ is the fact that we can see ‘glimpses’ of him in different interactions. For example when Owen and Krow go out into the maze and Owen spots Puddy he makes sure Puddy doesn’t die by keeping him away. Even if he’s aggressive in the scene the fandom interpretation is the care he has for Puddy as ‘Maze Owen’ slipped through. But It’s not out of character for him to still show care for people after his memories are returned based on everything we’ve seen.

Before ‘killing’ off Krow, Owen does say this “There's no escaping who you are” Which is really interesting since most characters he’s interacted with will tell him in the maze you can escape who you used to be. Owen knows for a fact no matter what he does in life now he will never have anything outside the maze. Because the world doesn’t need him anymore. He kills the demons as his final act of service to the world because he has nothing else to offer.

When Krow finally comes back and Owen gets hit in the head he says to the rest of the group “I was protecting you all.” and “You don't know what they're like! You haven't seen the outside world.”

Looking at his final moments we see that everyone that Owen has cared about doesn’t trust him anymore. They don’t believe his protection was needed. He’s told that he will not get out of this cell. He’s left alone in the silence of the cell. Finally with the time to think. He starts experiencing multiple flashbacks and it makes it hard for him to think.

We’ve seen in the past how Owen deals with multiple flashbacks. It gives him a headache or causes him pain in some cases. He also becomes really emotional afterwards. This follows the same case. Except he starts to realize some things.

Krow: I know those eyes. That glint of desperation for approval but knowing it's never coming. We're more similar than you let yourself believe you and I

(Flash back ‘i was an archer.?’ ‘i was a hunter?’ I was a soldier)

“I was a tool. Used.”

He knows he’s going to die soon and he starts to panic. The most important line he says is

“So what now? This is it!? I deserve to die in battle. I killed them. It was what I. Its just what I was meant to do. I was trained. Should i have? I should have. I should have. I can't think inside my head, it's split in two”

“So what voices? What was I before then huh? Was that me? Is that who people trust? People trust that one. Old Owen. Yes? It wasn't me. That wasn't me” flashback about Apo first coming up

“I can't think. I can't. They trusted him. They trusted him but not me? My head…”

After this he pleads with Magic to let him out. Owen claims “I hurt them, I hurt my friends. Rasbi, Guts. And Apo, Krow I don't know why I did those things” He pleads and cries. And he's desperate

Owen: “No magic it's me please.”

Magic: “You kill people owen”

Owen: “It wasn't me I'm sorry. I just wanted to keep people safe.”

Owen: “Magic please don't go… no… magic. You can't do this.”

Magic: “I can and I am”

I think when we look at these final clips there’s a very important thing happening. Owen is separating himself from the past. He can’t understand why his friends don’t trust him. Even though nothing has changed. To him his eyes have been opened to the dangers of demons and he fulfilled his purpose.

Why does this separation even happen? This is where we move to the final part of this long analysis and look at theories. There’s no way I can say for sure this is right or this is wrong. I can only tell you what I think based on the material already there.

So before I go into this I have to emphasize I am not saying you can't refer to earlier Owen as maze Owen to explain Owen at different periods of his life. I'm saying when we really look at it, maze Owen doesn't exist since they're the same person.

So what am I talking about? The concept of ‘maze’ Owen has been around for a long time. Even ccOwen talks about his character like that. The idea that just because Owen didn’t have his memories that he was some sweet, soft guy that needs to be babied is something that affects a lot on how you view him as a character.

'maze' Owen doesn't actually exist because it's a way that Owen has come up with to justify to himself how he could have cared for demons without shattering his ideals. This is confused with Owen have distinct personalities and missing how he hasn't strayed from his ideals since the start with his idea of protecting everyone.

To separate that period of Owen's life in the maze ignores the fact that the characteristics you see in Owen post reunion are the same from before but taken to the extreme.

He's always been capable of ‘evil’'. It's the same as every other character in the series. We don't separate them like we do with Owen. Every character in the series is inherently morally gray, they do things out of desperation to survive. You can never say someone is 100% good or bad.

Owen’s same mindset of 'I need to protect the people I care about because they're in danger now' carries through. After the reunion in his head demons are no longer part of that group he wants to protect.

The separation of 'maze' and post reunion Owen forgets even in the post memory phase he had the ability to love like 'maze' Owen had. He released Puddy, he started a small farm, he started to relax. It's all part of him.

In his final moments he says a few important things to note. The first being "I was a tool. I was trained. Should I have... I should have." And then right after "I can't think in my head it's split in two"

It seems some take this as 'maze' Owen coming back and fighting with Owen on should he have killed Apo and the others. However rather than 'maze' Owen coming back i think it's this internal conflict he has with himself and his ideals.

Before he says this he's getting flashbacks to the early maze days where he showed kindness to demons. Something he would never let himself do in the past outside the maze. And something he would never do after he remembers it all.

Then he says to the voices "Is that who people trust? Old Owen" while those memories are playing. The voices respond saying they miss that Owen and he replies "Yes? That wasn't me" this is possibly where it further adds to the whole 'maze' Owen is a different person thing.

Rather than facing the fact that his thinking doesn’t make sense anymore he separates himself from those memories. As soon as Owen accepts that demons are not these creatures that betray and kill you at any moment, his life has no purpose.

Owen’s thinking comes from the manipulation and propaganda he's been fed. In his final episode we get these quotes which show just how much his thinking revolves around protection and also showing what years of training did to him.

He understands he was a tool that was used. He's well aware everything he is doing may not have a purpose and yet he still plays this part. He can't break away from that thinking because if he lets himself, Owen has to face the fact that his whole life had no true meaning.

That is a terrifying thing to do. He has been in this environment for so long you can’t just take him out of it.

Going over everything you can access in Owen’s pov, we know that before gaining his memories Owen is a person that cares deeply about his friends, he risks himself to protect them, he won’t hesitate to hold a weapon against someone he sees as a threat. Owen thinks trust is an important value to have, he takes it very seriously. But we also know that not everyone likes Owen and his leadership. He’s seen with a military mindset, people don’t want to upset him and it nearly costs his life.

Now let’s compare that with the Owen we get to know after his memories return. He wants to protect the people he deeply cares about, he risks himself to protect them, he doesn’t hesitate to hold a weapon against someone that he sees as a threat, only now the threat is demons. When we start looking at these differences, yes, Owen when he regains his memories is different, his tone changes, he murders people. But those core values we’ve seen throughout the series stay with him.

It’s one of the reasons why Owen can’t understand why no one in the clearing is on his side. He protected them against the threat they didn't know about. That is his purpose, and that’s what he’s good for. Remember right at the beginning of the series Owen sets his purpose to protect these people, now this is still the same. He views demons as a threat because he hasn’t had good experiences with them. Even if Apo became his friend in the clearing, Apo ends up lying to Owen, and betraying his trust. Guts became his friend but Guts tried to poison Magic. Owen has never fully trusted Krow and that distrust only furthers once he knows what Krow is capable of based on his experiences with demons.

So let’s go back to the previous question: who was it there? You’re probably thinking well how do you explain maze Owen and the chips. ccOwen has mentioned before that it's a possibility for the chips to alter memories. Maybe Starr suppressed those memories and maze Owen was there again. Or he was hit hard on the head right? Maybe his chip was damaged and it altered his emotions and memory.

There is too little known information to us as an audience about the chips in their head. We know they can supposedly make the outsiders lose track of time, alter their memories, their emotions and change how they act. But if the chips in their head is the explanation for everything then why does Owen remember killing his friends when he talks to Magic? He says it like he wasn't the one doing it, like he watched someone else do it. How do you explain his behaviour then? If the damaged chip really made him act like that then why do flashbacks still occur when he's in prison? He seems to have no control over those, so the chip must still work fine?

I think when we look at his character the maze has already changed him whether he likes it or not. There’s more doubt in him than before. He lets Apo go with extra time. He hesitated before he ran after him. No matter how small, he has changed.

But when Owen talks about himself in the past he makes this separation. The voices in his head won't stop calling for the guy they used to know, even though he's right here. I think Owen doesn't even want to acknowledge at one point he was friends with the demons he hated so much.

In that prison cell all his ideals and values are facing him. Everything he's done and he's known has been a lie. I think he knows this but can't bring himself to acknowledge that. Would you admit what you thought for your entire life was wrong? That you killed countless for nothing?

When faced with death Owen becomes desperate. Which I think explains his behaviour with Magic. That is his last hope and he knows people like the older version of him. I don't think he's fully lying though when he says i don't know why I did those things. Not because maze Owen came back or anything but because in the maze he no longer has this duty but he still carries it out. He's so tired from it all and he wants to leave it behind but he can't.

So let's go over his death scene one more time. “My head it's split in two” I think the explanation for this is that he was just hit with a bunch of flashbacks of his first days. Right before this he also says ‘I was a tool. Used’ I believe in his final moments where he has a moment to think he starts to fight himself. Should he have done all this for a country that throws him away the second he's useless? He was trained to do this. But should he have really? That's what I think is making him say my head it's split in two. He's fighting his own views and alongside these positive memories it makes him confused. And overwhelmed.

It's important to note Owen doesn't have a single bad flashback about Apo and Rasbi. He doesn't think about the levers, he thinks about his friends that he met. That he protected.

The more flashbacks he gets the more defensive he becomes. “I'm right here you can't convince me otherwise” He doesn't understand why the Owen in his memories is trusted so much, even though they're the same person. In his mind he's doing what he's always done. protect.

“It wasn't me I'm sorry I just wanted to keep people safe” everything he says to Magic is half genuine and half lie. I don't think even Owen knows which parts are which. It's easier if he separates himself into the nice trusted Owen and who he is now.

No matter what in the end, that was Owen. Not Maze Owen but Owen who is desperate to live. He's tired of it all. He's finished his mission and he won't even get to see what he thinks will be an honorable ending for him.

Remember what Owen says to Apo? "The man you manipulated and lied was nothing more than a puppet driven by the instinct to survive."

So of course he'll do anything to survive even if it means playing up the truth.

It's hard to separate Owen into these neat boxes and say for sure that was Maze Owen at the end or that was full manipulation. Because like Owen everything is a bit grey here. Maze Owen wasn't the best person, he hurt his friends, people were scared of him. And post memories Owen isn't some misunderstood guy that needs babying either.

My final thoughts on this debate is that in the end the one that pleads for his life is just Owen. To separate him and say it was Maze Owen doesn't allow you to understand how complex Owen is as a character. And continues to let you believe that Owen can't do anything wrong. Not understanding sometimes a good person is capable of this evil. To the end Owen still believed he was doing what was right and that was protecting the ones he cared about. So has anything really changed since the start?

#zara rambles #outsiders smp #outsiders smp spoilers #owengejuicetv #okay if you read this whole thing just know this was about 6k words sjdfhsd #i spent a looooong time writing this mainly cause i started in july got busy with school and continued it last week. along with rewatching #owens pov to get everything here. the original document with all my notes is like 12k long because cOwen looooves to talk #i'm open to other people's opinions obviously like i said i could be wrong but this is just how i see it based on the episodes we have on y #it's kinda unfair to expect people to know random knowledge buried deep in some 4 hour vod from 2 years ago so everything here is from yt #with the exception that one fighting cOri quote since Owen deleted that section from his yt series. but it was originally there #idk what else to say really. i'm not the biggest fan of the whole 'maze' owen thing as you can tell by this and many other posts of mine #i think its fine to call him that but you gotta understand there aren't actually 2 different people. thats the tldr #anyway ty for reading wish me luck when i post this on twitter #oh sorry for no videos tumblr hates those so you guys only got the quotes 😔 still the same stuff though so it doesn't really matter sjdjdj

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