#thomas x veronica

[littlcfreaks-archive]

@midnightsaboteur

he shrugged, a soft chuckle leaving his lips, "i wouldn't call myself a lech, but i am only a man." he was joking back with her - mostly. they were friends, but she was good looking, and more importantly (to thomas at least), he genuinely enjoyed her company. But, if she was going to broadcast her assets and put them on display, he would certainly take advantage of that.

He kept her close to him, his hands on her lower back, pulling her into him, "ah, good. hope they all know to leave you alone now." he chuckled, his breath hitting her skin, "wouldn't want them trying to take you away from me. how would i ever get through the work day?" he couldn't help but laugh at her observation, "they wouldn't be wrong. i happen to be enjoying myself very much." as if to prove his point and to the others around him, he pressed a soft kiss to her jaw, "you think that'll help keep 'em away?"

[sasakisniko]

Veronica Mars could have started with Veronica vowing never to get married and ended with her marrying Logan Echolls. That is, if Rob understood the beauty of the story we were watching and weren't so desperate to force it to become the grimdark story he couldn't tell on the UPN.

[kyleetryme]

Wheres the heathers au.....

OG under this..

[raisedbythetv89]

Listen the angst of seasons 1 and HALF of 2 is MORE THAN ENOUGH. By season 3 I’m beyond ready to see them happy and at peace within their relationship with the only conflicts coming from outside their relationship that they deal with together and NOT from Veronica’s friends or family because Logan is still so young he deserves a fucking chance when he’s getting the love and support he needs and is free of his abusers. And I don’t care if that’s unrealistic, the whole show is unrealistic lol if they can experience more trauma in a season of television than some people do in their entire lives they can also magically have their love for each other be enough to make them feel secure and trusting at least with each other. So Skipping the entire cassidy plot twist and therefore V isn't doubly sa’d and skips all the trauma of that night of thinking Keith died, no kendal there in the morning after alternaprom and so LoVe comes back together because Veronica is able to be brave and Logan is ok being alone and give Veronica a little time to process. Not because trauma forces their hand. No piz, no parker, no madison, no mercer, no break ups, Keith isn't psychotically overly involved and mistrustful of logan, they move in together, no 9 years of radio silence, NO NAVY, no corporate law and no tragic ending. LET THEM BE HAPPY THEY’VE BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH.

[veronicamarsconfessions]

The Unfortunate Pattern Of TV Shows Lying To Fans

Showrunner Dick Wolf is in hot water this week with fans of Law & Order: SVU on Twitter. Digging into the complaints, the current outcry isn’t really a surprise. Take a ship that’s been working on a slow burn for almost a quarter of a century, add in some bait-and-switch advertising, and you have a perfect storm.

While it’s true that showrunners have the right to run their shows how they see fit – and while fandom teasing is pretty much a staple of the medium – no fan appreciates being lied to. And there is very much a difference between teasing fans and lying to them.

Shippers of Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) have been hanging in through thick and thin for almost 25 years. Their dedication seemed like it was about to pay off, as promos for the most recent episode teased that this couple might finally – finally – kiss. Ultimately, not only did a kiss not happen but the shot featured in the promo – with Benson caressing Stabler’s face – was cut from the episode entirely.

Things happen in editing shows, and sometimes things get cut. So is this a case of “teasing fans” or lying to them? After almost a quarter of a century, it’s hard not to feel like this isn’t the latter.

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist showrunner Austin Winsberg earned the fandom’s ire in the show’s second season when he promised the end of the dreaded love triangle. Only to very much keep the love triangle alive. Now, in this case, this was a case of the showrunner genuinely misunderstanding what “love triangles” mean in fandom spaces. He seems to have interpreted “fans hate love triangles” as “fans hate arcs in which a character can’t or won’t decide between two romantic prospects.”

Failing to realize that “making one choice and then later making another choice, and then later going back to the first choice” is, indeed, being unable to decide. Still, the promise of “no more love triangle” was followed pretty quickly by the return of the love triangle leaving fans feeling intentionally misled.

The case of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist is a good argument for shows to have fandom consultants for showrunners who have probably not engaged in fandom spaces the way fans do and thus may mistake how things will be perceived. Winsberg professed the entire problem to have been a massive misunderstanding on his end. Perhaps that’s why fans of the series were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and successfully fought to save the show from premature cancellation.

Veronica Mars showrunner Rob Thomas got into similar trouble for handling the show’s last season. The Logan/Veronica ship (LoVe) had been a major focus of the series and subsequent movie. It was no wonder, then, that they were outraged when the fourth season ended with Logan’s death. Adding insult to injury, Rob Thomas explained the decision by basically saying that Veronica is “boring” when she’s happy in love and not traumatized and that he wanted to completely change the concept of the show moving forward.

Veronica Mars was a particularly special case of showrunners lying to the fan base because of the unusual nature of his salvation. Fans – a large number of them LoVe shippers – had directly been responsible for funding the Kickstarter that got the film sequel to the prematurely canceled series green-lit. Which led to the show’s subsequent pickup on Hulu. And Thomas knew how invested these fans – fans he directly called upon to resurrect his series – were heavily invested in LoVe. There was even an entire series of promos featuring Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring reading LoVe fanfiction leading up to the fourth season.

Teasing fans is a natural thing for shows to do. It keeps fans engaged. It creates buzz. But, as evidenced by Veronica Mars, when fans feel like teasing has become lying, they may not stick around to give the show another chance.

[littlcfreaks-archive]

"these are at least better than the weekend retreats." he should have known better than to try to surprise veronica - she was basically superhuman. as he walked around to face her, his eyes inspected her outfit, his eyebrows raising slightly, a soft whistle coming from his lips. "well - veronica... i can see why." he motioned to her exposed chest, his own eyes having trouble dragging away from her cleavage. he wasn't passionate about his current job, but it had paid more than his last job. veronica was the bright spot in his workdays - sometimes extending to ensuring his happiness at home as well.

thomas was a hopeless romantic at heart, but was usually alone, leaving him feeling empty sometimes. his eyebrows raised at her suggestion, mulling it over in his head quickly. on one hand, it would give him an excuse to be close to her and it would help her, on the other - he wasn't sure if it was generally a good idea. after a moment, his desire to help won out and he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her into him. nuzzling his nose into her hair, he whispered in her ear, "are they still looking?"

@sakurapizza

“These corporate events bore me so… if it wasn’t a requirement for me to be here, I’d be at home instead,” Veronica mused, her words coming as soon as she felt Thomas’ presence behind her. She had an instinctive knack for being able to tell when someone was close, and even to the extent of identifying them without so much as a glance, as she could do with someone she cared for like Thomas. The financial analyst was perhaps her only friend in the company, whom she served as Chief of Security. Veronica had never seen herself in the corporate life, but the paycheque had been too good to turn down and the job had also been a way of escaping consequences for some of her more risque actions in her past as a private investigator. 

“I don’t care if the wine here is good. There’s so much here that pisses me off, not least those old assholes trying to get a glance at my tits every few seconds,” Veronica added, briefly looking down at her chest before returning her gaze to Thomas. True, Veronica had worn a dress that deliberately accentuated her cleavage, but equally, she thought that she could dress in a way that made her feel good without being slobbered over constantly. “Do me a favour, doll, and pretend like we’re sleeping together, so they hopefully look away,” Veronica finally mused, a slight smirk gracing her features at the suggestion.

[mrs-jamesbbarnes]

I can’t believe season 4 episode 8 of Veronica Mars is only 43 minutes and 12 seconds long that’s crazy.

[sociguess]

“our love is god”

[homemade-ghosts]

the worst writers are the ones who never learn when to say goodbye

[yall-batman-fanfic]

Cats | Bruce Wayne/Batman x Magician!Reader ft Selina Kyle/Catwoman

Synopsis: Vivian recalls the first time she meets Selina Kyle, their brief conversation, and how the woman remained a part of their lives.

“Bruce, are you sure I look alright?” Vivian looked down at her dress a little conscious at how underdressed she was. It was her own fault, Bruce told her that they were going to this party he was invited to by one of his close friends, Thomas Eliot. She knew the Eliots as one of the powerful families in Gotham, so she knew it was going to be filled with Gotham’s elite, but Bruce told her it was going to be a simple gathering, nothing serious nor too glamorous, especially when Thomas booked some – in her friends’ words – rich-man��s golfing club.

So, she dressed in something that was, what she considered, smart casual, but the moment she saw the place she felt underdressed. That was no ordinary golfing club at all, it looked like she was going to visit the Queen or something. Her modest blue cocktail dress felt plain and too casual from how the women walking to the entrance dressed. 

“Yes, Vivian, it’s fine,” Bruce reassured her. He took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s just a simple party, no press.”

Vivian let out a breath. “Okay, I just feel like I should have fixed up more. I mean, I look like someone who just got out of work.”

“You just did.”

As soon as her last class ended, she changed into her dress, applied a little make-up, and decided to set her down when nothing seems to work. She was fine with her dress but then she saw Bruce’s black suit and she felt this outfit was just wrong for the occasion.

“And so is everyone in there” Bruce continued as he took off his tie and unbuttoned the first button of his shirt.

“Why did you do that?”

“See, casual,” Bruce shrugged.

She appreciated his attempt to ease her nerves and it made her laugh to think removing a tie and unbuttoning his shirt was enough. The man was wearing a tailored suit! 

The sight of her laughing made Bruce smile. “Do you want to mess up my hair to really make a point? Or should I untuck my shirt?”

Vivian shook her head. “That’s more than enough. No need for you to look like a drunk at your friend’s party. Thank you.”

To give her a little more courage, Bruce leaned close and placed a kiss on her forehead. “You’re perfect, Viv,” he murmured.

Vivian closed her eyes and just felt him. Everything there was of him. Seeing she was calming down, Bruce pressed his forehead on hers and watched as she slowly felt comfortable in the place and in herself. She didn’t know it but Vivian was letting her magic envelope around them, something she only does for Batman, and considering Bruce Wayne wasn’t supposed to know about her magic, he didn’t mention it and only enjoyed the feeling it brought to him. The serenity she always brings to him. 

The knock on the window pulled Vivian and Bruce from an innocent and intimate moment. Turning their attention to the window behind Vivian, they were greeted by the sight of Veronica Vreeland, or Ronie, who was grinning mischievously and gestured for Vivian and him to come out. Bruce sighed but kept his smile, “We haven't even gotten out to meet our host and she already wants to take you for drinks.”

Just as Vivian said, “You don't even know if it's drinks she really wanted,” Veronica called out to them, “Bruce, I just got back from a business trip and I want my drinking buddy! Come on, Viv, I got you something from my trip, I wanna show you!”

Vivian laughed, “Come on, we should get out.”

When Ronie won't stop knocking on the window, Bruce called out, “Alright, alright!” He turned off the car and opened the doors. “She became more demanding after meeting you.”

“Oh, so it's my fault, huh?” Vivian teased him. Coming out, she greeted Veronica Vreeland with kisses on the cheeks, and she was immediately pulled towards the club where the woman kept a tight grip on their hooked arms. Bruce had to keep up with them as Ronie dragged her inside where they were greeted by a couple of guests.

“How was Amsterdam, Ronie?” Bruce asked.

“Enlightening,” Ronie replied.

“I guess it’s not the business trip you're referring to.”

Ronie rolled her eyes. “Business was good, Bruce. Sealed the deal. But for Vivian,” she went to the bar where she leaned over the counter. Vivian and Bruce had to cover her up as her dress was hiking up as she reached at the other side of the counter. When she got back up, Vivian helped with pulling down her dress, “I got something for you.”

“Thank you, Ronie,” Vivian accepted the fancy paper bag. “I'll look at it when I get home.”

“Open it now, I wanna see your reactions!” Ronie opened the bag and reached inside where she pulled out a laced garment. “Nice, huh? I got a couple for myself too!”

Vivian quickly hid the garment in the bag and smiled awkwardly at everyone who had a glimpse of the present. “Thank you, I will — let's just hide this for now! Maybe I should put it in the car?” 

“I'll do it,” Bruce said. “I'll have it brought there. And this is very much appreciated, Veronica.”

“I know you'd be the one to enjoy it more, Bruce,” Ronie teased him.

Bruce ignored her as he asked one of the valet to take the gift to his car. 

“How’s work? Has this one asked you to marry him yet?” 

“No!” Vivian jumped at the question, which also caught Bruce's attention. “No, no he has not. I mean,” she turned to Bruce and saw his stunned face. “You haven't asked and I think it would be too early to ask since we just started dating for the past few months.”

Bruce smiled, understandingly, and rubbed her hand. “It's too early to talk about such things. And I would appreciate it if you don't scare her away, Ronie.”

“But if I do, and we have to go through the picking on whose going to stay friends with who… sorry, Bruce, I gotta go with Viv.”

“Noted,” said Bruce.

The call of Veronica's name had the woman groan as she faced her Father who was giving her a look to approach his side. Sighing, Veronica said to the couple, “I gotta go. But do not leave me here with these people, promise?”

“He’s kind of my ride back home,” Vivian pointed at Bruce.

“Bruce, do not get too excited with that gift and leave me in this place.”

“We'll see,” Bruce said. 

Before she left, Veronica took a glass from the passing server and then transformed from “fun Ronie” which Bruce and their friends in university would call, to “Vreeland's Perfect Princess” as she approached her father and met with his partners and some men who looks like were trying to impress her with something but are failing. 

“I hope what Ronie said isn't going to scare you away,” said Bruce. “But just out of curiosity, are you open to that possibility?”

Vivian took a breath. “We've only been dating for a while, Bruce.”

“Just humor me,” he then ordered a glass of scotch for her. When it came he handed it to Vivian. 

“Yeah. I've had that thought. Having a ring on my finger, have a partner,” A laugh left her lips as a thought passed her mind. “There was a time, after I broke up with my then fiance, I thought of just having someone who I can have intellectual conversations, who is willing to stay up all night so we fold laundry while talking about our latest research. I didn't care if it was romantic or platonic too.”

“I'll take it as a yes,” Bruce smiled.

“As long as he lets me keep my name.”

“I'm sure that won't be a problem.”

“Again — this is just out of curiosity, right?”

Bruce laughed. “Just out of curiosity,” he was about to lean down and kiss her when a feminine laugh caught the group of three's attention. Standing by the bar, drinking a martini, was a beautiful woman with pixie-cut hair, a short black dress, and when she turned to them, Vivian saw her green eyes. 

“Be careful with the hypotheticals, you'll never know if he's still bluffing,” said the woman.

The name that left his lips brought a chill down Vivian's spine. “

“Selina?”

Selina Kyle. Vivian knew about Selina Kyle. She was Catwoman, a thief, but more than that she and Bruce — rather, Catwoman and Batman had something intimate. When Bruce spoke of her as Selina Kyle, she could see in his eyes that she meant something to him. Something more than what she would call simple friends or a fleeting romance. She won't lie about it, she felt jealous and a little scared with the what if: What if Selina Kyle returned?

Will Bruce leave her to get back to Selina?

If he does then what?

She shouldn’t really think that there won't be a possibility of something that would break them up considering they’ve only been dating for the past few months, especially with their secrets. But for the past few months they were together and she has found a home in him. A partner she can depend on and to protect. A partner who brings out the best in her. 

She told him then that if he ever disappears it will be like an ocean drying up around her. 

“I didn't know you came back,” said Bruce.

Selina shrugged. “Didn't know I had to check in considering…” her gaze went to Vivian.

Bruce turned to Vivian and saw the stoice look she's been forcing herself to have to hide what she was really feeling. He could read her easily, like an open book. Placing a hand on her arm, he pulled her from the daze she had and looked at him. He smiled at her, reassuringly, and said, “Yes. Selina, I want you to meet Professor Vivian Pryor. She's —”

“The girlfriend,” Selina held out her hand to Vivian. “Selina Kyle.”

Vivian put up a smile and shook Selina's hand. “It's nice to meet you, Selina. And Vivian's fine. Bruce has told me a lot about you.”

“Did he now?” Selina sent Bruce a knowing look. “So, tell me how you two meet?”

“During a book launch,” Vivian focused on her drink.

“It was her book launch. Vivian has also been writing about the Wayne family histories recently for her new thesis.”

“And here I thought Bruce Wayne is mostly into the beautiful and dumb, but I guess you raised your standards now, huh?”

“Selina,” Bruce warned her.

“A joke! Still stiff as ever. Is he like this behind close doors too?” 

The sudden call of Bruce's name by Thomas Eliot had the man sigh.

“Go,” Vivian told him. “I'll stay here with Selina.”

“Viv.”

“I'll be fine, Bruce. Go.”

“Don't worry, Bruce. I'll take good care of her,” Selina ordered another drink, martini for her and scotch for Vivian. “Don't worry, honey, I don't bite.”

Vivian chuckled. “Go, Bruce. Or are you scared that I'll be left here with an ex?”

Selina laughed. “I like her. I like her more than the last ones.”

“Alright,” Bruce leaned down and kissed her temple and squeezed her shoulder before leaving to greet Thomas Eliot. 

Alone at the bar with Selina Kyle, Vivian took a seat beside the woman and accepted the drink she offered. 

“So, how is he? How's dating billionaire-Bruce Wayne?” Selina asked. “Has he taken you to yacht trips? Trips to Paris? Fancy restaurants?”

“Fancy restaurants, but I did take him to Little Italy last week. And is visiting the marine biology part of the museum considered as a trip to see the dolphins?”

Selina laughed, really laughed, “Wow, so he hasn't been pulling the big guns, huh? No runway dates? How about galas?”

“Yes.”

“You don't sound too happy about it.”

“I am. I like going to galas with him, but Alfred's right about there being too many and too long. The first one was really just for PR control.  Right after one of our dates, someone posted a stolen shot of us on a date in the museum. Actually, he just went to the museum while I was working and asked for a private tour of the wing I handled. The next day, I got Gotham's press blocking my apartment door and they were camping outside my place of work. It took us a while to get that down.”

“Gotham has an obsession the private lives of celebrities and the non-celebrities those celebrities date. I’m glad it didn't scare you.”

“Trust me, it takes a lot more than the press to scare me.”

“I know. I could see it. It's in your eyes. Someone whose seen it all,” Selina reached out and held her hand. 

“What about you? How was dating Bruce?” Vivian asked Catwoman.

Selina chuckled and took a slip of her martini. “Secretive… it was fun but there's also… there are some clashes of priorities.”

Vivian hummed in thought. “And philosophies.”

Selina agreed. “His code.”

“I used to own a gun.”

“Really?” Her head perked up in surprise. “You a good shot?”

“Yeah. My stepfather was a member of the SAS, he taught me how to shoot.”

“You’re just getting more interesting by the second… did Bruce find it?”

“Yes. He did.”

“And?” 

Vivian took a swig. “He was livid. First real fight we had. And I thought that was it. He didn't talk to me for a while –”

“He tends to do that.”

“-- and then he came back. Asked if we could talk at my place, then as a sorry he gave me a taser gun.”

“What happened to your gun?”

“I sold it back. But I kept my license.”

“Good,” Seline clinked her glass with hers. “And considering you're both still here, you forgave him.”

“Yes. Dating Bruce has its ups and downs, but after a couple of failed relationships, and after being here in Gotham for a while now, there's no one else I want to go through all of that with.”

Selina finished her drink. “There's a reason why it never worked for us… too much clashed, there was something but so many things clashed too. Mostly priorities,” she looked over Vivian's shoulder and saw Bruce watching them from the door which he to. “But I think things will work out for you both.”

“Why do you think so?”

“Because you're both are the same… and he smiles more when he's with you. Take care of him, Vivian,” Selina squeezed her arm and left the club. Before she left, she called out to the bartender, ��Put that in Mr. Wayne's tab!”

Alone at the bar, Vivian drank the rest of her whiskey and let out a long breath. The sudden touch and warmth that came with Bruce wrapping his arms around her made her smile and lean back to him. 

“Sorry it took so long,” he murmured against her shoulder.

“It's fine. I had a nice chat with Selina,” said Vivian.

“And?”

Vivian turned to face him and cupped his face, “You don't need to worry, Bruce. I'm not going anywhere.”

“Good because neither am I,” he leaned down to kiss her softly. “Let's go home.”

“We promised Ronie we'll wait for her.”

“I made no such promises, besides, she's already interviewing husband number two,” he nodded at the direction across the room where Veronica Vreeland spoke fondly with a man by the mantle. 

“Well, if she's taken cared of, let's go home indeed. Too bad I didn't get to meet your friend, though.”

“You’ll have other opportunities,” Bruce took her arm and led them back to where they entered the club. “I won't be able to stay over too long tonight.”

As soon as the car was brought to the front, and Vivian got in, she said to him, teasingly, “So, it's a fuck and run, Mr. Wayne?”

“Viv, you know that's not –”

“Kidding! Wow, Selina is right, you are kind of stiff.”

“What else did she tell you?”

Vivian shrugged.

“You're not going to tell me, aren't you?”

“Nope. It's between me and her.”

“Glad to see you're befriending one of my exes.”

“Speaking of exes, anyone else I need to know about, considering she mentioned about a certain type before me.”

Bruce glanced at her for a moment. “Nothing too serious.”

“Bruce, Gotham's socialite is a small community. I need to know so I don't make a fool of myself in front of them.”

He remained quiet.

“Fine, I'll just ask Selina then.”

“What, you both exchanged numbers now?” Bruce mocked her.

“No, but she did leave me this,” Vivian showed the napkin that had a written mobile number on it and the initials S.K.. “I guess she'll keep in touch.”

Yes, she will, and soon Vivian met Catwoman and their relationship grew more as friends and confidants.

~ Many Years Later ~

There was a box outside the manor door. Confused, Alfred picked up the box and brought it inside where everyone was gathered for their movie night before patrol. Well, movie late-afternoon before patrols. 

“What's that Alfred?” Tim asked.

“A parcel for Ms. Vivian,” said Alfred.

“For me? From who?” Vivian got out of Bruce's embrace in their shared seat and went to see. A smile crept to her face when she saw the note that was taped on the lid. Taking it she showed it to Bruce. It was a cat paw. “Selina's in town.”

“She is?” Bruce got up to see what Catwoman left them. Rather, left Vivian. 

“This is interesting,” Jason grinned.

Opening the box, Vivian grinned at the sight of the gift while Bruce frowned. Reaching in, she pulled out a black kitten with one blue eye and one green eye. It let out a small “meow!” and looked at Vivian before leaning down and pressing its nose on hers. The kitten meowed again. 

Damian jumped from where he sat with Alfred the cat in his arms. “She got you a cat?” Damian smiled at the sight of the kitten.

“She did. Aren't you a cutie?” Vivian tickled the kitten's neck.

Bruce sighed. “I guess this one's staying, huh?”

“Yes!” Vivian and Damian exclaimed and gushed over the kitten.

Turning to Alfred, Bruce asked if he could schedule a vet visit for the kitten soon. Then he turned to Ace who sat at the corner with his favorite toy, the toy which Vivian would always play with him. Bruce went to their dog and patted his head, “Yeah, I guess that one's taking our place in the bed soon.”

Ace whined.

“You had your run… and just as we were not getting fur on the bed.”

Thanks a lot, Selina.

[kyleetryme]

that one scene from dgw....

[iamnotathornbird]

"a long time ago, we used to be friends, but i haven't thought of you lately at all..."

No hardcore fandom has ever died so quickly and so completely as Veronica Mars. This is the story of its murder.

They should study Veronica Mars in Hollywood. I’m serious. It’s an incredible story of how to go from “loud, passionate fanbase with its own fandom name that campaigns and advocates constantly for it” to “absolutely zero fucking interest” damn near OVERNIGHT with just ONE epically terri-bad decision.

If you weren’t there, you don’t understand: From 2007 to 2014, the fandom — the “Marshmallows,” as they called themselves — were everywhere in the Internet’s geek spaces, my friends. They routinely beat the drum about the series’ three seasons and its excellence, lamented its cancellation, pushed others to give the show a try, and always - ALWAYS - proudly and loudly called for the series to be revived.

FULL DISCLOSURE/CONFESSION: I’ve not even watched that much Veronica Mars, frankly… ? Yeah, I’m sorry! it does seem pretty good from like the four-or-five hours I’ve experienced firsthand. I just never took the time to sit down with it. Regardless, I find fandoms and their dynamics — both how they operate internally and how they display to others externally — deeply fascinating. And I honestly find them easier to study from the outside than the inside. Like, if I’m IN a fandom, I’m more likely to stay in my corner and ignore places that seem negative. But being on the outside lets me just… absorb what’s out there, looking into every forum without judgment. It’s like studying pop-culture sociology or something? And it helps that I’m very close to some serious(-ly burnt) Marshmallows. It makes it so much easier to find and absorb the gamut of the fandom.

Besides: There is NO fandom story I’ve ever seen that’s anything like what happened to Veronica Mars and the Marshmallows.

(Time to insert a brief explainer for the uninitiated: Veronica Mars was a TV series that aired from 2004-2007 on the now-deceased UPN network wherein Kristen Bell played the titular character, a high school girl whose single dad was a private detective in the fictional community of Neptune, California. She grew up working “unofficially” as his assistant, which meant that she herself was effectively a teenage private detective.

The three core elements of the series were: 1) Veronica investigating each week’s big mystery with plenty of quips and snark, 2) Watching Veronica’s various relationships develop and shift, with most of the focus given to a) her relationship to her father and b) Her romantic pursuits (which began as the Veronica/Duncan/Logan triangle before eventually becoming focused on the slow-burn, off-on Veronica/Logan love story), and 3) The gradual development of that season’s “mytharc” — the overarching BIG MYSTERY that doesn’t get resolved or wrapped until the season finale. So it went over the course of two seasons that took place in high school and the third, shorter season that was at the start of Veronica’s collegiate career.)

Just how big and how passionate were the Marshmallows? WELL! When series creator Rob Thomas (not the Matchbox 20 guy) and star Kristen Bell announced the Kickstarter campaign for the Veronica Mars movie in March 2013, it achieved its heretofore-unprecedented goal of TWO MILLION GODDAMN DOLLARS within less than 12 hours. At that time, it was the biggest Kickstarter goal to ever succeed — and certainly the fastest to reach that kind of height. Fans fell OVER themselves to pay out for it. Hell, my own significant other was DEEP in the tank for VM at the time and invested enough to get multiple t-shirts as backer rewards as well as a disk copy of the movie when it eventually came home.

And AFTER the movie hit in 2014? It was thankfully beloved and embraced! The once-teenage characters were adults who were actually out living on their own and working for a living, but the fandom had grown up with them, so it wasn’t like they were begging for them to stay young students. They embraced Adult Veronica and her new adventure. The fandom rejoiced loudly and continued to be all over the geek side of the Internet… where they, of course, still wanted more. Sure, there were new novels in the aftermath (which were written by the creator of the series), but most of the Marshmallows were calling for more movies or a streaming revival.

And then, at long last… season four was actually announced. And there was much (premature) rejoicing yet again.

Yes, Veronica Mars returned for a fourth season on Hulu in 2019. It was just eight episodes, and it was heavily centered on one season-long mystery instead of sprinkling that amongst a bunch of smaller ones, but it would still feature the same ol’ Veronica. They promised a new, more “adult” mystery/investigation plus a strong focus on Veronica and Logan’s love story.

New Hulu purchased the rights to the first three seasons and hyped up its presence on the platform while marketing the return for the new run. The marketing team played up the most popular quips from the show’s history plus put out TONS of stuff centered on the Logan/Veronica ship to pump up the fans.

The season was dropped all at once using the classic Netflix “binge” model in July 2019. And then… afterwards?

There was a brief explosion of LOUD RAGE from the Marshmallows at what series creator Rob Thomas had to done to burn and spite the fandom and ruin his own goodwill.

SPOILERS FOR SEASON 4: See, at the end of the movie, Veronica and Logan finally entered into a long-term relationship. In season four, they’ve been dating for years, and Logan proposes marriage. But of course there has to be drama/obstacles: In this case, Veronica isn’t sure she’s ready to marry… or capable of being in a marriage. Ah, but of course she eventually realizes how much Logan means to her. The two are married, and, in the season finale… Logan is killed by a car bomb in the penultimate scene. The final scene is a flashfoward to a year later, where Veronica leaves Neptune alone.

For most fandoms, that’d be a memorable point of pain. A big ol’ speed bump that ultimately throws some people off the bus, leaving only the die-hards. But the fact that fans had been invested in this relationship for literally 15 years and that Hulu (and creator Rob Thomas) had heavily marketed the new season as being a big romantic event for the ship… it was too much. Unlike the aftermath of the Star Wars sequels, there was no lingering group of die-hard fans who were open to whatever was next — at least no significant one. I did some Googling and could only find TWO people who still wanted another season.

Funnily enough? Critics LOVED this. Vanity Fair infamously penned an editorial about how Veronica Mars had “finally grown up” with the finale. (The same editorial also featured the author openly hating on Veronica ever being in a relationship because it causes “arrested development” and declaring that the movie – which was acclaimed by both critics AND fans alike, I remind you – was a lame dud. So. The writer must be a reeeaaaal fun person.)

But a series doesn’t live based on critical acclaim, as it turns out. The fandom was murdered overnight. “Marshmallows” stopped appearing in geek spaces online entirely. No one expressed interest in seeing the next season or the next movie. The constant flow of fan AMVs on YouTube and fanfics on AO3 dried up to nothing.

Since 2019 ? Nothing. Chirping crickets. An intensely dedicated fandom of 12 years was just… vaporized.

I’ve never seen anything like it before OR since.

That’s why it’s so fucking fascinating.

So what went wrong?

Creator Rob Thomas was adamant about two things: ONE, the series was intended to be a noir show, which meant there couldn’t be any happiness for its protagonist. And TWO, the death of Logan was necessary to evolve and grow the series.

Thomas thought that having Veronica in a relationship would be holding her back, and that a marriage would absolutely kill the series and leave her stagnant. It never even occurred to him that marriage isn’t the end of a character’s life and growth. It never occurred to him that plenty of drama can be had AFTER someone is married, or that development/growth could be that the characters mature enough to be capable of maintaining a committed relationship. Thomas’ view of his own universe was so myopic that he couldn’t conceive of any possible way that Veronica could still be a private detective involved in life-threatening investigations AND be married at the same time. Futhermore, he felt that fans just wanted Veronica to become a pregnant housewife, which is about as far from what Marshmallows were after as you can get without straight-up killing Veronica and/or Logan. He managed to do the only thing wronger than what he wrongly thought was their insistence.

On top of the above, Rob Thomas only viewed “noir” as a vehicle for total fatalism… despite the fact that many of the most famous noir stories are cynical and full of moral ambiguity, but they still feature a positive outcome. The Big Sleep still has the protagonist get the girl. The Set-Up arguably ends with the happiest possible ending in spite of the beating the hero receives.

Perhaps most importantly? Despite Thomas own insistence that Veronica Mars was always “noir,” the majority of both TV critics and fans did not think that designation ever truly applied. I suspect that’s the reason why Thomas decided to go as dark and fatalistic as possible: He wanted to be noir, and he was being told that he wasn’t. So he went so far into noir that he killed his own most popular property.

He was adamant that it was the only way for the series to grow. But as it turns out, it was instead the only way for the series to permanently end. Without that season four finale, a passionate group of fans would still be begging for more. With it? It’s over. Nobody fucking cares now.

That’s kind of amazing.

[lily-radiance]

Random fic headcanons and ideas:

TWD season two Daryl Dixon with an S/O who's in trouble

Both loners

MC is not from Georgia

Early 20s MC dating mid-30s Daryl

She knows how to shoot archery bows but not crossbows

Touch-starved

Andrea considers MC like another younger sibling

Everyone advises Daryl not to go for you and vice versa

When Rick, Hershel, and Glenn go to the bar, MC accompanies them. Daryl only goes when Lori tells him that you are in danger.

Carol gives him advice

Andrea and Lori warn him if he breaks your heart, he's a dead man.

RE4 Leon with a high school best friend who became an Umbrella Scientist.

MC was initially training for the force with Leon but dropped out to find another passion

She wants to help people but gets pulled into Umbrella’s dark research

Leon caught a glimpse of her at the end of RE2 but couldn't be sure if it was her.

Ashley doesn't trust MC, but Leon ignores it

Both have combat experience and have undergone physical conditioning

MC does not have Las Plagas

Krauser spars with MC, causing Leon to jump in.

Krauser asks Leon to choose between you and Ashley.

IDK if Leon would be sweet here or a Yandere.

Arkham Movie Trilogy Jonathan Crane, Harley Quinn, and Poison Ivy x Psychiatrist reader

This story is currently in progress!!!

Reader works at Arkham Asylum

Friends with Bruce Wayne

Knows about his alter ego and occasionally helps him solve cases

Reader believes Bruce should do more with his money to benefit Gotham

Combines Heath Ledger’s Joker with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn

The reader was in the same major as Harley in college, and the two dated briefly

Harley constantly teases the reader when she catches wind of a new crush

You try to ignore her, but eventually can't as she warns you that the doctor is deadlier than he lets on

You brush it off, too fond of your coworker to accept the notion that he can hurt you

Bruce doesn't like your new counterpart, picking up a destructive energy that screams guilty

In defiance, you decide to bring your beaux to one of many parties and get on your friend’s last nerve.

A kiss is shared in front of the crowd, some murmuring complaints while others smile. You wish to stay in Jonathan’s arms, but the moment is interrupted as Bruce pulls you aside

Naturally, two upper-class socialites fighting in front of an audience calls for bad publicity, but not on your part

“If you keep this up, you'll become a sewer rat criminal just like the rest!”

Luckily, you decided to wear a few rings to accentuate your outfit. Not only do you look stunning, but you reel back and land a brutal slap on his cheek. Yet that doesn't hurt as much as your following words.

“How dare you, Bruce. How dare you scrutinize what you can never understand. Thomas and Martha would be ashamed of you, and you, of all people, know they were difficult to rattle. Next time you need anything, ask someone who gives a shit.”

Your friend has to watch in shock as you exit the home, arm linked with a man he despises. Even in disagreeable situations, you manage to exhibit grace and elegance. It's the beginning of a new era and the opportunity to forget the complex life of the wealthy.

“Is your hand alright, (Y/N)? Better yet, are you okay?”

Never underestimate a psychiatrist to get into your head. He walks you to the car, watching your lips tremble in the darkness. You meet his stare, and one thought crosses your mind: kissing him sounds lovely. The doctor is efficient at picking up social cues, leaning down to meet your lips, and extinguishing the frigid temperature.

“As long as I'm with you, Jonathan. I can do anything with you by my side, no matter the risks.”

I want to make the reader an anti-hero vigilante with the “Grim Reaper” theme. Supernatural powers in Batman don't really occur so I will brainstorm. Most villains are the work of genetic experiments gone wrong so maybe I'll work with that?

JD(Heathers 1989) dating the reader

You are friends with Veronica and the despicable Heathers

Instead of going along with their charades, you often argue and challenge Heather Chandler

She constantly threatens your social standing but knows that the campus would easily choose you over her.

Purple color coded

JD can't help but admire your tenacity as you begrudgingly follow Veronica to the table, attempting to stop the girl from doing Heather’s bidding.

When you walk over, he seems uninterested in the girl speaking to him, instead transfixed on your disinterested attitude. Unknowingly, you lick your lips, tasting lip gloss and wiping some glitter away. When you lock eyes, you swear your heart stops beating, drawn to his carefree attitude.

Veronica says a few words to you, trying to convince you to let her administer the lunch poll

As she talks, you playfully roll your eyes, causing the delinquent to smirk in your direction. He hides a chuckle from breaking out, finding your careless joking funny given the circumstances. When Veronica walks off, it allows you to sit across from the newcomer, albeit a little too eagerly.

“Mind if I ask for a smoke? I'm dying from boredom.”

“Sure, I could never say no to a girl like you. I’m guessing you’ve been trying to break from those devils all day.”

He lights your cigarette as you take it between your teeth, enjoying the visual more than he lets on.

“It's all thanks to you, my knight in obsidian armor.”

[hotdilfs11]

Mafia Boss-Thomas Shelby x Reader pt 1

Rest of the parts

✩summary: The Shelby knew this girl when she was very little. However, when her mother passed away (at 16) everything changed and everyone drifted away from each other. Now after seven years Veronica is a mafia boss in her fathers business. Her father. sent her to Birmingham on business, will this play off well?

✩pairings:girl named Veronica(POC) x Thomas Shelby

✩warnings:mention of death

—————————————————————————

I’m a mafia boss, or soon to be. My father is the boss of The Hawthorns Estate, along with my brothers, who are my father's right hand. A little backstory: I grew up in Birmingham with my mother. I was always around the Shelby boys, especially Thomas ever. since I was a little girl. They were all older than me. John was 17, Thomas was 18, and Arthur was 21. Anyway, Tommy and I were so close that anytime I had a complaint about anyone, he'd be the one to back me up and protect me. However, that changed drastically when my mother got ill when I turned fifteen years old. She never got better and died a year later, after my sixteenth birthday. It was devastating to watch my mother die slowly. The Shelbys were there for me when she passed away, and they were also willing to take me in since I didn't know who my father was.

DAY OF FUNERAL IN THE CEMETERY

As the Shelbys and I started walking through the cemetery to put my mother to rest, Four black cars pulled up in a straight line before my mother's funeral. Two Jeeps, one BMW, and one big Land Rover Polly was behind me, reassuring me. She had her right hand on my shoulder and her pocketbook in her free hand. Tommy was beside me on the left, close to me, making sure no one could hurt me, then John and Arthur on the left and right behind me. All four of them were ferociously protecting me.

"Who the fuck is that?" Polly said with a mean British accent. She didn’t want anyone to bother me at all, especially at my mother's funeral. Poll and Thomas looked at each other in concern as the cars started parking one by one in the line at the cemetery. “Tommy, sit here with her”, Poll said as she started walking up to these mysterious black cars. Tommy nodded and stood closer to me. He put one of his rough hands around my waist. I felt the warmth radiating off of his hands as he squeezed my waist letting me sink into him.

"WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?" Poll screamed at the parked cars. As Poll was walking up to the cars, two men started getting out. Big, bulky, and scary, in black suits with sunglasses. The men began to open the doors of the BMW and the Jeep. Four other men climbed out of the cars with suits on. One had curly hair, was dark-skinned, slightly built, and tall; he kind of looked like me. The other two had olive-colored skin, jet-black hair; they were also tall; however, one was a little bit shorter with a strong build, and the other was tall with a medium build. Then the last guy He was old, maybe fifty years old, pale, big-boned, and also tall; he had to be about “6’7”.

Tommy pulled me a little bit closer to his warm, muscular body; he was practically hovering over me. John and Arthur also inched closer to me, also standing behind Tommy.

"Who the fuck are you?” Poll says she is concerned about realizing how tall all of these men are, but she doesn't let that stop her one bit.

"Who the fuck are you, I may ask?” the older one said in a heavy Italian, New York.

"I asked you first," Polly said, walking up to him.

"That girl over there, I’m her father, and these are her brothers now; what are your relations with my daughter along with those three boys over there?" He says

Poll looked back at us, concerned, and then looked back at the guy she was talking to with a brave look painted on her face. "What’s your name, I might ask?" she says, looking up at the older gentleman.

"My name is Hamilton Hawthorn; these are my sons," he says as he starts pointing at each of them.

"My oldest Ambrose," he said, pointing to the one with the curly hair. "My second oldest Cyrus," he pointed to the tall one with the jet black hair, and finally, my youngest Alexander," he pointed to the shorter one with the slightly bigger build.

"Now my daughter over there is the second oldest out of all of them. I’ve come to get her; she’s coming to New York with me.” Hamilton demands

“Fuck," Polly whispers to herself, looking at her feet.

She turns away from Hamilton to look back at all of us. "Veronica dear, come please!" she yells in a sorrowful voice.

I hesitantly started walking to Polly; however, I got stopped by Tommy. He grabbed my hand, tightening his grip, and gave me an unsure expression along with the other Shelby boys. Polly sees what’s happening and yells, "It’s okay, boys." Tommy slowly lets go of my hand as I start to walk over to the strange man. I was feeling apprehensive as I got closer and closer to Polly, unsure about what was about to happen.

When I got to Polly, she grabbed my shoulder and gave me a weary smile as she said, "This is your father, Hamilton, and these are your brothers. Ambrose, Cyrus, and Alexander"

I frowned at Polly in confusion. "So that means..."

"It means you're not staying in Birmingham, dear. After this, we’ll have to say our goodbyes," she says as tears start to form in her eyes, but she still keeps a brave face.

"But I,I, no Polly,” my voice started to crack, scared for what was going to happen. I look back to see the Shelby boys standing there for one last time, and then I look at Polly with sadness painted on my face. Polly stands in front of me with a fearless look on her face. She grabbed both of my shoulders tight and said, “You are the bravest girl I’ve ever met. Braver than me when I was your age, and braver than those boys up there. I’m so bloody proud of you and what you've become." We both start to tear up, and we gracefully hug each other for a long time, not wanting to let go of each other.

When the funeral ended, I said my heartfelt goodbyes to each of the Shelbys and went off to New York.

[juancarlos-ortiz]

Marked for Carnage - Chapter 1 (Juice Ortiz x OC Fic)

Marked for Carnage Masterlist

A/N: This is chapter 1 of my Juice Ortiz x OC multi chapter fanfic. I am hoping to mesh this story line with all 7 seasons of SOA. This is an 18+ fic so if you are under 18 please do not interact or read. The themes may not hit 18+ for a few chapters but I intend them to as the story progresses. I apologize that there isn't much Juice x OC in this chapter, I was really wanting to set a foundation for my OC and how she is tied into this world. My asks are open if anyone has any questions about my OC. Also I aplogise if there are any errors, I have a toddler and a baby so I'm doing this on the fly. I hope you enjoy :)

Word Count: 2390 words

If there was one thing that Veronica Winston wished for it was that she had taken the job offer from Mercy General rather than St Thomas. Sacramento was close enough to Charming without being too close, but - being the push over that she was - she had let her father talk her into moving home. "Nothing's more important than family," he had stated, using her brother's recent release from prison to really drive the point home. Now here she was, stalking the hallways of St Thomas Hospital, the scent of antiseptic flooding her nose, as she followed the directions given to her by the admin staff to the nearest elevator. She had just about ran from the desk when the lady behind it asked if she was related to "those Winston's."

She pulled her long, dark hair out from the ponytail she'd put it in, hoping it would provide some kind of barrier between her and anyone who may recognize her. It had been nearly 10 years since she had last stepped foot in Charming. Her stomach had been lead weight since she had driven past the welcome sign at the edge of town. She jabbed the elevator button as she stopped in front of the closed doors, tapping her foot impatiently. She quickly scanned the area behind her, regretting the action as soon as her eyes met his. Jax Teller. Quickly she looked away and hoped that he hadn’t seen her.

"Ronnie?" She sighed when he called her name. Shoving her phone into the pocket of her scrubs she turned and smiled at him. "Hey Jax," she sent a silent prayer to the elevator gods that the stupid thing would hurry up and arrive. "Jesus, how long has it been?" he asked, pulling her into a quick one armed hug. "Nearly 10 years," she shrugged, kicking the toe of her shoe on the linoleum. "Yeah I guess so… your Pops didn’t say anything about you being back in town?" he asked, adjusting his cut. Her eyes found the Vice President patch sewn there. She raised her eyebrows. "I ah… asked him not to tell anyone. Ope too." Jax cocked an eyebrow and angled his head in question. "Alright…" he murmured. "I'll keep this under wraps then." Ronnie smiled appreciatively.

 "You visiting someone?" she asked. His face dropped and suddenly she regretted asking him. "My kid is up in the NICU. He had surgery last night." Ronnie sighed and shook her head. "Shit Jax, I hope everything's ok." He shrugged and glanced down the hallway. "He's looking ok. Strong little guy. Shit with Wendy ya know…" he shrugged. "Damn, she still not got her shit together?" she asked. Jax shook his head. "Well he is a Teller. I'm sure he will pull through." Jax grinned proudly and nodded. "Well, you should come by Gemma's place sometime. She's still in the same house. I'm sure she would love to see you," Jax began to make his way down the hallway, throwing a wave behind him as he left. "Yeah, sure," Ronnie mumbled half heartedly. The elevator doors finally opened and Ronnie got in, pressing the button for the bottom floor. She found the doors she was looking for, the sign above indicating that she had reached the morgue. Of course, it would be strange to admit that she felt at home in a morgue. Which is why she never said it out loud. But it was true. Pulling her hair back into it's ponytail she walked through the doors, ready for a fresh start.

10 hours later Ronnie stood in the parking lot, stretching her back as the balmy early evening air settled around her. It appeared that being an assistant medical examiner in Charming wasn't going to be as fast paced as her previous location. She had spent part of her morning reviewing the one case they currently had open - a hit and run that had happened in the Charming jurisdiction although only by literal centimetres - and then the rest of her time she archived historical paperwork and counted down the minutes until her scheduled breaks. Ronnie groaned at the pain in her back, cursing herself for sitting with shitty posture for her whole shift, when suddenly someone cleared their throat. She turned and spotted the row of Harley's parked against the curb.

A guy around her age, with golden brown skin and a mohawk with two tattoos inked either side of it, sat on the bike at the very end. He was sporting one of the most gorgeous smiles she had ever seen and he was directing it at her. Ronnie's stomach buzzed, but she told it to pipe down when she spotted the cut she was wearing - one with a patch identical to her brother and fathers. She looked around in case he was looking at someone else, but they were the only two souls in the lot. "Nice ink," he said, jutting his chin in her direction. She looked down at her right arm, as if noticing the various designs tattooed there for the first time. Feeling her face warming, she met his stare. "Thanks, you too," she murmured, before walking to her car and hastily getting behind the wheel. Putting the key in the ignition she started it up, cursing and looking back at the man on the bike in her mirror as the engine coughed and sputtered before starting up. Pulling out of the lot, Ronnie began her journey home.

Juice smirked as he watched the black Toyota SUV pull out of the hospital parking lot. He had never seen the woman who had driven it away before, but the fullness of her hips and the soft curving of her waist had him wanting to see more of her. Juice would admit that it didn't take much to rev his engine but the way she had raised her eyebrow at him in indifference, how her tattoos covered the soft looking skin of her arm and the groan she let out as she stretched her back… almost had him adjusting himself in his pants. "Hey idiot," Tig smacked him up the back of the head. "What's got you so goddam happy?" Juice only grinned and shook his head. "Just thinkin' about Sack and that deer." Tig laughed and pointed straight at him. "Bet you're glad you're not the bottom of the food chain no more, huh?" Juice nodded as he watched the rest of his brothers exit the hospital, strapping his helmet on and starting up his dyna.

Ronnie sat on the small sofa in her loungeroom, an open beer on the coffee table and a microwaved dinner on her lap. She aimlessly flicked through channels, stopping briefly on the local news channel when she saw the headlines "San Leandro Warehouse Fire, Multiple Deaths." "Jesus Christ," she mumbled, taking a sip of beer. Suddenly, her phone ringing pulled her attention from the tv. Flicking it open, she saw her father's landline number and answered. "Hey Pop," she smiled. "Hey sweetheart," her father's rough timber came through the receiver. "How was your first day?" Ronnie smiled. She had missed this. Her father only really called once every couple of months when she had been gone from Charming, and she was certainly guilty of avoiding calling him. But since being back he seemed to really be interested in what was happening in her life.

"It was good dad, same shit different state really." Piney laughed. "Well that's good to hear, Ron, good to hear." She rolled her eyes at the nickname. "Listen, I was going to head over to Opie and Donna's place for dinner. Why don’t you come too? See the kids and say hello," Piney trailed off, leaving the buzz of the phone line ringing in Ronnie's ears. "I don’t know dad, I mean… I've already had dinner and," she paused, blowing out a sigh. "I don’t think Ope would want me there." Her father grunted on the other end, no doubt rolling his eyes identically to the way she had moments beforehand. "He's your brother. Of course he wants you there," he said. Ronnie closed her eyes. "Alright, I'll come see them. Do you need a ride?"

Ronnie pulled up out the front of her brothers house, parking her car next to Piney's trike. She made her way up the path to the front door, wringing her hands together in anxiety. She tersely rapped her knuckles against the door, her stomach in knots. Donna pulled the door open, her eyes widening at the site of her sister-in-law. "Veronica!" she exclaimed, glancing back into the house. "I didn’t know you were coming," Donna said, awkwardly smiling. "Oh, shit sorry, I thought dad might have said something. He kind of… invited me I guess," Ronnie said. Trust Piney to not say shit. "It's fine," Donna stepped aside, motioning for Ronnie to enter. "Come in. I've just served dinner, are you hungry?" Ronnie shook her head as she entered the house. "Nah I already ate. Thanks though." She continued to blindly follow the hallway, hoping she was going the right way.

The hall opened up into the dining room and Veronica stopped short as she saw Piney, Opie and her niece and nephew, Ellie and Kenny, sitting at the table with plates in front of them. "Hey," Ronnie cleared her throat. "Hey Ope. Hi Ellie, Kenny." She waved at the kids. They awkwardly waved back, glancing at their dad. Opie dropped his fork, making Ronnie and the kids jump as it clattered against his plate. "Ope?!" Donna started from behind Ronnie. "Not hungry," he grunted out before he made his way out the back door into the backyard, slamming the door behind him. The silence in the room was deafening as Ronnie internally fought with what she should do next. She smiled at the kids again before she followed her brother through the door. Opie sat on a porch swing that was in the back corner of the backyard, a lit cigarette between his lips.

Ronnie made her way over to him, her black boots scuffing along the short patched of turf and dirt. "Those things will kill ya, you know," she motioned to his cigarette. Opie ignored her, taking a long drag. "Look, Ope…" she began, pushing her hands into her pockets. "I know you’re not my biggest fan right n-" "You really think you can just come back like you didn’t just drop off the face of the earth for 10 years?" he cut her off. Ronnie sighed, running her hand over her hair, gathering it over one shoulder. "Dropping off the face of the earth is slightly dramatic, don’t ya think?" Opie met her eyes, his mouth a hard line. "Dad was already sick before you left and you just disappearing only made him worse. You missed my wedding!" he took a another draw of his cigarette. "My kids hardly even know their Aunt…" he laughed without humour and shook his head. "And you just walk in and say hi? You really think that would be it?"

Ronnie sighed and sat next to her brother on the porch swing. "I'm… I'm sorry Ope. I couldn't stay," she cracked her knuckles, habit her mother always scolded her for when she was little. "I honestly didn’t realise I'd hurt you this bad." Opie shook his head, knocking his knee against Ronnie's. "You're my baby sister," he mumbled. "We already had so much time apart after mom and dad divorced. It felt like I had gotten you back for a little while and then you just took off." Ronnie's heart sank. She never gave her brother much credit for just how much he loved his family - although he didn’t always show it. "Shit Ope. You know I didn't do it to hurt you. I had to get away. Away from," she swallowed thickly, her skin crawling. "Him." Opie scoffed. "You know we wouldn’t have let him put his hands on you. Me, Pops. Shit even Jax would put a bullet in his head before he let you get hurt."

Ronnie shook her head. "But he did put his hands on me Ope. Distance," she sighed. "Distance felt like the best option. And this place. This town," she motioned with her hand. "Everywhere I went it felt like him. Felt like he had tainted it somehow. Even being back now," she shivered, running her hands up and down her arms. "I'm sick to my stomach Ope. He could pop up anywhere." Opie turned to his sister, his stare cutting her off. "You see one glimpse of him, you tell me. I won't let that shit stain near you." Ronnie smiled flatly, patting Opie's back and standing. "Yeah yeah, I'll put you on speed dial," she smiled. Opie huffed a laugh and stood.  Ronnie smiled and pulled him into a brief hug. "Still not okay with you going ghost," he said. She nodded, pulling away. "I know. But I'm here now. And I'm gonna make up for these last 10 years."

Ronnie walked arm in arm with her father to where their vehicles were parked. "Well after your brothers tantrum, that all seemed to go okay," Piney said, leaning over to kiss his daughter on the head. "Yeah Pops, you know Ope. He's soft at heart. Won’t be long and I'll be back in his good books," she smiled, watching Piney climb aboard his trike. "You working tomorrow sweetheart?" he asked, buckling his helmet on. She nodded, unlocking her SUV. "Yeah I'm always working." Piney smiled, his old heart warming knowing there was no longer distance between him and his two kids. "Alright, I'll follow you home. Make sure you get there safe." Ronnie began to protest and then remembered her conversation with her brother. "That would be great, thanks Pop." She slid into the drivers seat of her car and tried to start the engine. The car coughed and chugged once before it conked out completely. "Piece of shit," she slammed her hands against the wheel. Piney lifted his arms in a questioning manner. She jumped out. "Car won’t start." Piney motioned back to Opie's house. "Get your brother to drive you home, I'll get someone from TM to come tow your car to the garage tomorrow." Ronnie sighed and bid her father farewell before she made her way back up the path towards Opie's house.

[allmyfandomwoes]

My babies! But especially my sweet, sweet boy!

veronica mars & logan echolls

“come back to me.”

“always.”