#wow okay lois slow down

[exposestruth]

repost and bold everything your muse has done  !

broken a bone | gotten stitches | had a serious illness | had a near-death experience | killed someone | tried and failed to kill someone | invented something | been hungover | kissed someone | slow-danced | been in a long-term relationship | had sex | had sex and regretted it | had a one-night stand | had a threesome | experimented with their sexuality | had a kid | gotten married | gotten a divorce | self-harmed | traveled to another country | been in a play | received an inheritance | been in a car wreck | lost a loved one | been dumped | dumped someone | smoked | gotten high | been slipped something in their food/drink | won a contest | won an election | joined a sports team | gone skydiving | gone hunting | been in a band | had a job | been fired | been in a wedding party | owned a pet | seen a ghost | skipped class / work | learned an instrument | gotten a noticeable scar | sued someone | been robbed | been mugged | been kidnapped | been sexually assaulted | been brainwashed / hypnotized | gone more than one day without eating | had a recurring nightmare | been bullied | bullied someone | seen someone die | attempted suicide | been tied / chained up | shot someone | stabbed someone | saved someone’s life | cheated on someone | been cheated on | had a stalker | been betrayed | been in a fight | been arrested | been to a funeral | had surgery | broken someone’s trust | gotten a piercing | gotten a tattoo | used a fake name | been tortured | been abused | been blackmailed | had an attempt on their life | gotten away with a crime | gone on a road trip | been in love

tagged by:  @maidmagic​

tagging:   @knightcowl​, @falsegcd​, @killedbyvoldemort​, @cacciatriice​, @shedetect​ + you!

[deadbiwrites]

99 Drunk Balloons

(For @nieladasdenani )

Okay, so look.

Kara’s not, like, a prude when it comes to alcohol. She’s down for sneaking a nip of Alex’s whiskey, if only to laugh at her sister’s indignant squawking when she spots Kara’s plunder. She’s cool to drink ridiculous, fruity nonsense with Nia, and to crack open a beer with Clark after choring (read: heckling him from the porch with Lois) on the farm. She’s especially fond of wine with Lena, the way her eyes get brighter and her laughs louder and her lips wine-stained and irresistible- not that Kara is really all that resistant to those lips, anyway…

So yeah, Kara’s no teetotaler. She can handle her alcohol, no problem.

Obviously.

Alien booze, however… she doesn’t have a ton of experience with that. She’s only ever really tried it the one time, and Mon-El had given her the strongest possible shot (like an asshole), and the resulting awful hangover had kinda soured her to the whole thing.

But Lucy is in town for the night, and she’s managed to smuggle not only herself and Vasquez but a bottle of alien booze out of the desert base, and she’s so proud of herself for it that Kara knows that the gig is up before it’s even cracked open.

 

Lena’s stuck at work, because… something. Kara didn’t- she was paying attention, okay? It’s just that none of the words sounded like real words. But the gist of it was that Lena’s not coming. Which is cool, she’s busy and important and she’s always trying so hard to be everywhere for everyone else that Kara doesn’t have it in her to be upset. Even when it’s, like, super lame.

Ha! Super lame!

“What was that, Kara?” Lucy asks with a devilish grin.

“Nothing. I’m just funny,” Kara informs her, taking another (less than) dainty sip of her drink.

“But are you funny on purpose?” Alex muses.

“Everything I do is on purpose,” Kara sniffs, promptly spilling her drink across the table. A bit fuzzy, but still clear enough to feel the weight of stifled giggles and knowing smirks, Kara rights her empty glass and nods. “See? I was finished with that.”

“Oh my god, she’s wasted,” Nia cackles, delighted.

“I am not!” Kara shouts, instantly shushed by her giggling friends. “I am soberly perfect.” Kara’s brow crinkles, and her head tips to the side. “Oh, wait, no…”

“Oh, honey,” Alex coos at her, pulling Kara snug against her side. Kara briefly considers shrugging her off, but being cuddled is like, her favorite thing in the world, so she decides to roll with it. “Where’s your wife?”

Kara huffs loudly. “She’s not my wife.”

“Not yet,” Lucy says. “What is it, three more weeks?”

“Four,” Kara corrects with what is definitely not her ‘dopey Lena smile’, shut up, Alex. “That’s why she’s stuck at work, I think. Doesn’t wanna worry about stuff before the wedding. Except for, like, the wedding. Hey, d’you think I could get her to do the Cupid Shuffle with me?”

“Only if it’s horizontal,” Lucy says seriously. Kara nods thoughtfully at this.

Alex snorts wine out her nose.

 

The night continues, the drinks keep flowing, and now they’re all laughing and no one seems to really know why, exactly, but they also can’t stop.

Kara’s butt is vibrating, currently, which is at least a small part of why she’s laughing, because it tickles and oh. Oh! It’s her phone! She fishes it out with no small degree of difficulty.

“Kara’s pants! How may I direct your call?” she chirps.

There’s a soft laugh in her ear. “Hey, love. Are you having fun?”

“Lena! We’re having the most fun of anyone! Alex spat wine everywhere, and Nia might be- yup, she’s asleep. Nia! But yes! Hi! Hello! How is your work going?”

Lena snorts. “It was fine, I’m done now, just about to get in the car and head home.”

“Yaaaaaaay!”

“Have you been drinking a little?”

“Nope! I’ve been drinking a lot,” Kara says with a grin.

“Do you want me to come pick you up on my way?”

Kara positively beams. “Heck yeah, please! Vasquez left, and Nia is asleep and Lucy said something about ‘paratrooping’ that made Alex all red and spit more wine…”

Another snort. “Alright, I’m on my way. You’re at Alex’s, right?”

“Yup! Oh hey! I didn’t tell you the best part!”

“What’s that?”

“I get to see you!”

There’s a huff of what Kara knows after several years to be fondness. Or exasperation. Really they’re one and the same, in her experience. “Oh, lord. You’re a flirty drunk, aren’t you?”

“I have no idea! Am I? And is it working, because I would not mind seeing a boob this evening. Would probably really make this night a ten out of ten, for me. Because boobs are great. ‘specially your  boobs. Like, wow.”

“Gross, Kara!” Alex yells, shoving Kara sideways so she flops off of her sister and onto the floor.

“Ow.” Kara turns on her best puppy eyes, though they’re wasted on the non-video call. “Alex hit me.”

“I’m sure she’s sorry.”

Kara hums suspiciously before whisper-shouting, “Are you sorry you hit me?”

“Nope!” Alex says, swatting her on the butt.

“She’s not sorry at all!” Kara gasps. “She hit my butt, and I did not like it! Why do you like that?”

There’s dead silence on all sides before Lucy rolls her head enough to give Alex a shit-eating grin. “You owe me $50.”

“My ears!” Alex wails, immediately grabbing the nearest bottle and upending it into her mouth in the quest for amnesia.

“Okay, so… that just happened. I’m gonna come up to get you, and then we’re gonna go home and I’m gonna not see your sister for a few days. Okay?”

“Okay! She’s mean, anyways.”

“Yes she is.”

***

Lena knew what she was walking into. She’s dealt with drunk people before- she’s been a drunk person, probably with far more regularity than is entirely healthy. She’s handled drunk girlfriends, even.

However.

Drunk Kara is another matter entirely.

 

“Baby!”

This is Lena’s only warning before her arms are fully of a warm, wiggly, very drunk Kryptonian. Lena manages to catch Kara and herself, barely, only stuttering half a step backward at the impact. “Hi there.”

Kara snuggles deeply into her embrace, pressing her face to Lena’s neck and breathing deeply. “Y’smell so nice. How d’you always smell nice?”

Lena coughs, fighting the good fight against the flush creeping up her neck. She ducks her head to the side, smiling sheepishly and giving the still-conscious occupants of the room a wave. “Hello.”

Lucy offers her a lazy half-wave and Alex glares while Nia snores away. “Hey hey, Luthor. Gonna take her home?”

“Well I’m not flyin’, that’s for sure,” Kara laughs, and Lena suppresses the urge to shudder as Kara’s hot breath puffs against her neck.

“Can’t have Supergirl knocking a jetliner out of the sky,” Lena says with a smile. “That’s a lot of paperwork for you.”

Lucy waves that away with a slow grin. “Nah, I’d just make Alex do it.”

Alex, without looking over or breaking the seal of her lips on the bottle, stretches her leg out, plants her foot firmly to Lucy’s side, and shoves hard, sending Lucy flying.

And with Kara now mouthing wetly at her neck and murmuring things in Kryptonian that she’s extremely glad only she can hear, Lena gives them a parting wave and starts to struggle her way down the hall with Kara’s weight heavy against her side.

“How are you so heavy?” she groans playfully, shifting a bit so Kara’s arm is thrown over her shoulder and hers is wrapped snugly around Kara's waist.

Kara pouts at her, the new position preventing her from being able to reach Lena’s neck with her mouth. “You saying I’m fat?”

“I don’t think anyone on Earth could call you fat. You are shockingly heavy for being as thin as you are, though. I wonder if your bone or muscle structure is denser than ours? Or if it’s a result of Earth’s gravity…”

Kara’s pout deepens. “Sounds like you’re calling me fat with science.”

Lena huffs at her affectionately. “Don’t be a brat. Did you have fun?”

Kara’s face lights up. “We had so much fun! We played games, and Nia learned why she shouldn’t play shot poker with Lucy and Alex, and it turns out that Lucy mixes really good drinks with the stuff I drink- d’you think she practiced? I bet she practiced. We should go ask!” Kara turns on her heel, only stopped when she feels Lena tug her backward by a belt loop. She tips her head back until she can see her upside-down girlfriend- nope! Wait! Fiancee! “No?”

“No. Not unless you want to learn what paratrooping is,” Lena chuckles.

Kara’s nose wrinkled. “I prob’ly don’t.”

“Probably not.”

“Can we get balloons? I just- I really think I need to get a balloon, y’know? You ever just really need to have a balloon?”

Lena grins. “I can’t say that I have, but sure. We can stop and get you a balloon.”

“You’re the best fiancée anywhere, ever. And I’d know, ‘cause like, I’ve been to other anywheres and other evers. And yeah, you definitely win the fiancée contest. By a mile. Because nobody else got their fiancée balloons.”

“Deeply impressed that you managed to say fiancée correctly three times when you can’t walk straight.”

“That’s ‘cause it’s fun to say! And fun to think! We’re almost married! That’s nuts! Who said we were allowed?”

Lena pops onto her tiptoes to plant a sound kiss to Kara’s flushed cheek. “We did, I think.”

“Oh, yeah, right. We’re so smart, for doing that. ‘Cause now you’re my fiancée. Which is fun to say. Know what else is fun to say? Balloon. Balloon, balloon, balloon. Y’ever do that thing, where you say a word so many times that it doesn’t even sound like a real word anymore?”

“Synergy. Margins. Quarterly…” Lena laughs as they finally, mercifully reach the elevator. “Pretty much any time I have a board meeting, at least one word sounds made up by the end.”

“That makes sense. Hey! I bet I can be a balloon!”

“What do you- Kara!”

Kara grins down at her, hovering a foot or so off the ground. “This is fun!”

“Kara, you can’t be a balloon right now, what if someone sees you?”

“They’ll think they’re drunk.”

“That only works when they are drunk. Right now the only drunk one is you.”

“’m not drunk, you’re just blurry,” Kara giggles. “Cute blurry.”

Lena hooks her finger through Kara’s belt loop again when she starts to float too high, relieved when it brings her closer. “Can you be a balloon closer to the ground?”

“I dunno, ‘m just a balloon, Lena, duh.”

Lena snorts, tugging her into the elevator when it arrives, resigned to her fate. “You’re a very talkative balloon.”

“Am I being a bad balloon? You gonna pop me?”

Lena raises an eyebrow. “Is this… supposed to be a euphemism?”

“What’s a euphonium?”

“Right, not a euphemism, got it.”

Kara blinks at her, eyes too-bright in that way they get sometimes when she’s overtired (or, apparently, drunk). “Am I annoying you?”

“No more so than usual,” Lena grins. At Kara’s crestfallen look, she pulls her close until she can wrap her in a proper hug. “You’re not being annoying, love, just funny. And I’m really happy that you had such a good time with your friends, especially since I feel so bad about bailing on you last minute. I’ll carry you home any day of the week, Kara Danvers, because I love you.”

“Even when I’m bein’ a balloon?”

“Nobody I’d rather have on the end of my string,” Lena confirms, thumb tracing over the braided metal band of Kara's betrothal bracelet.

Kara nods with a big, goofy smile, pressing a kiss to Lena’s mouth that tastes… not quite like anything Lena’s ever tasted before. Something sweet and sticky and not exactly unpleasant. “Awesome. Love you too. Can we still go get a balloon?”

Lena laughs loud and bright in the tiny, snail’s pace elevator. “We can get you a dozen balloons.”

 

(Kara remembers none of this the next morning, and emerges from their bedroom squinting and questioning the large bouquet of balloons emblazoned with messages ranging from 'It's a Boy!' to 'Get Well Soon!'.

Lena is only too delighted to remind her.)

[queerbutstillhere]

Still doing Prompts? How about an AU where nobody knows their fellow heros identities, except for family of course, and Superboy saves Damian Wayne, instantly smitten with the youngest Wayne. Meanwhile, Damian is annoyed at this trespasser for breaking his father's no meta in Gotham rule, but unable to do a thing cuz he's in civvies.

Jon had just been flying past when he heard the screaming. He was skirting on the edge of Gotham, because, ya know, no metas. But the screaming was more important. He looked over, using his super vision to locate the two people falling from what appeared to be an observation deck on a clock tower or something. They weren't vigilantes or anything, just two men, grappling as they tumbled through the air.

It barely took him a second of thought before he was shooting across the boundary set around Gotham. He knew it would activate the meta alarm, but it didn't matter. He shot through the air, a Sonic boom sounding in his wake. He caught up to them easily, and then took a moment to evaluate their speed and match it. He grabbed one by the foot, and then wrapped an arm around the others waist, immediately slowing his speeds.

"Hey!" The one who was pressed into his side complained. "Superboy!"

"That's me- oh."

Oh because he was currently holding Damian Wayne against him, and Damian Wayne was very. Very. Very attractive. He quickly glanced down at the man dangling by his foot and noticed the solid black clothing and body armor.

"Are you okay mister Wayne?" He asked, looking back over.

There was a pause, and then Damian Wayne nodded rapidly.

"Yes! Thank you, this man attacked me and pushed me off!"

"He was trying to kill you?"

"Or kidnap me!"

"Okay. Okay, hold onto me," Jon instructed, adjusting his grip on Damian quickly.

The older teen obeyed, wrapping his arms around Jon's neck tightly.

Jon gently lowered them to the ground, where people were already gathering. Jon was just setting down when he noted something odd. Damian Wayne's heart was barely accelerated, in fact it was at what Jon considered to be a resting heart rate. He gave him an odd look, and discovered that he was being glared at.

"Mister Wayne! Are you okay!?" A man who looked like private security exclaimed as he rushed out of the building.

"I'm fine," Damian said with a small smile, pulling away from Jon.

The private security immediately started drilling him with questions, meanwhile Jon just flipped the assailant right side up to find him foaming at the mouth, dead.

"Wow, okay, Gotham. Goodness," he grumbled, sighing and laying him down.

"Superboy."

Jon turned to face the gorgeous Damian Wayne, who looked annoyed.

"Yes?"

"Thank you, for coming to my rescue," Damian told him, a smile coming over his face.

"Oh, yeah, you're quite welcome!"

He heard police sirens and remembered he wasn't supposed to be here.

"Next time, try not to get tossed off buildings, yeah?"

"I never plan too."

Damian stepped over, up to the slightly bigger teen. Then he kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you."

The police cars were pulling up. Jon stared at Damian with wide eyes as he stepped away.

"You should go, before the Batman gets you," Damian said with a grin.

"Right!"

Jon started flying. He waved slightly and then shot off, to shouts of "freeze!" From the GCPD.

He flew home as fast as possible and barreled through the front door, running up to his room to get his phone, only he crashed into Lois on his way.

"Hey, kiddo! Slow down there!"

"Sorry Mom!"

"What's got you in a rush?"

"I need to text Kathy!"

"Why?"

"I just met Damian, freaking, Wayne, mom!"

"Wait. You were in Gotham?"

"Just for a little bit, he was falling and I swooped in and caught him! And he kissed me on the cheek!"

"Jon, you can't be in Gotham!"

"I know Mom, but I couldn't just let him fall!"

Lois sighed, staring at her smitten teenager.

"Well, don't go there again."

"I won't!"

"Father, he was in Gotham! His kind isn't supposed to be here!"

"This coming from the boy who kissed him on the cheek."

"I was playing a part! Did you want me to blow our cover?"

Bruce sighed, looking back at Damian, who was angrily doing push-ups.

"Damian. He didn't do anything worth concern, he saved your life, and then he left. Superboy is honestly the least concerning of that family."

"Father!" Damian protested, pushing to his feet.

"What do you want me to do? Call Superman and complain?"

"Maybe! There needs to be repercussions for breaking the agreement you made with them."

"No."

"Father!"

"Drop it, Damian. I'm not going to punish Superboy for saving a civilian's life, not when Batman and Robin weren't there. And especially not because that civilian was you."

Damian glowered after Bruce as he walked away. His father was right, but it pissed him off. Next time. Next time he would not be so nice.

[labyriinths]

Rules: Pick 5 shows, then answer the following questions. Don’t cheat. Tag some people. Tagged By: @gentleheartcd  & like 2 other people x’D

Smallville

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Friends

The Office

House

Who is your favorite character in 2?  There’s so many well-written characters!! But honestly, it’s almost a tie between Mo and Tobin, but in this case, I choose Tobin ♥ There’s a beautiful way of honesty and comedic timing that Kapil is masterful at. I honestly would love for him to have more air time in Season 2 -- it needs to be renewed NOW.

Who is your least favorite character in 1?  Yeesh? Least? Lana, I guess because I feel like they had a chance to write her well? But they failed her. Her character became annoying after a while and it was really hard to relate or like her. I blame them trying to recycle the whole Lana/Clark bit over and over because Lana on her own was pretty strong-willed and nice. 

What is your favorite episode of 4? Wow, well this is a pretty impossible one because they’re all so great! The first that comes to mind would have to be Season 8, Episode 4 The Garden Party. Just because Dwight calling out the names as they enter is like taking over my brain right now. But there’s so many more amazing with Steve Carrell actually in it x’D.

What is your favorite season of 5? Quite Honestly? The first season because that’s what hooked me into it so much. It was the first medical show I splurged on the boxed sets.

Who is your favorite couple in 3? Monica & Chandler. It was a slow burn and I love that they gave them little moments in the back story because Ross & Rachel obviously were the first ship and this one kind of came out of nowhere and when it settled? It was so freaking beautiful. Made me love the characters even more. 

Who is your favorite couple in 2? Zoey & Max *--------*. I’m totally fine with them having a slow burn as long as they’re endgame. Max is so ready to be everything for her, but I’m not sure if she’s ready to be everything for him yet. Especially with Simon looming around and her own life being so out of sorts. ‘Hurt people, hurt people.’ So as much as I want them to be together like RIGHT NOW. Zoey needs to mature to be the girl that deserves Max. And if that means for her to make a few mistakes along the way? Great. Because the potential of those two? Uff. *Chefs kiss*

What is your favorite episode of 1? The first episode that Lois is introduced. Erica Durance’s version of Lois Lane was hard to pinpoint when she first came around but she put so many psychological quirks? That its one of my favorite portrayals of Lois Lane ever.Love her, even more, the more I rewatch Smallville.

What is your favorite episode of 5?  Any episode of House with Alvie. 

What is your favorite season of 2? Right now it hasn’t been renewed? But something tells me Season 1 will always be my favorite because of the amount of times I’ve rewatched :’)

How long have you watched 1? Oh man. Since the original broadcast. That was my jam! Especially with all the great music?? I lived for it.

How did you become interested in 3? Honestly when the last season was airing it was such a big deal. So I would watch the late-night reruns and got so hooked.

Who is your favorite actor in 4? Steve Carrell. He is the only man that could have created a softness to Michael Scott that made him so likable annoying and adorable at the same time. It’s the little quirks that always get me. Meaning well, but something going inevitably wrong along the way.

Which do you prefer, 1, 2, or 5? Zoey’s is absolutely climbing the charts. :) The gift of writing from the heart! & Of course, the cast is second to none!

Which show have you seen more episodes of - 1 or 3? 3! I’ve rewatched Friends so many times. It’s such a feel-good show that it is effortless in comedic timing. 

If you could be anyone from 4, who would you be?! I’ve put a lot of thought into this because at my job we’re all big office nerds and this has come up several times. I’m truly a hybrid of the characters, but because of that I’ve come to the conclusion I’m Karen Filippelli.

Would a crossover between 3 and 4 work?  I mean Chandler did work as a transponster. hahaha. They’d fit in well. 

Pair two characters in 1 who would make an unlikely but strangely okay couple? This show mixed character ships so many times? But I guess Chloe and Lex would have made an interesting mix when he was showing more of his human side. Don’t think they dove into that one. And since she was written to be a ‘lois-like’ character and lex and lois have been paired before. it looks promising. 

Overall, which show has a better storyline, 3 or 5? Overall? That’s a tough one, but I think with all its complexities and no for sure happy ending? House was a far better tragic story to watch while Friends was more feel-good everyone wins kind of show. So I choose complex.

Which has better theme music, 2 or 4?  Hahaha. Zoey’s hands down!.

Edit: I misread the question. The theme song from The office wins hands down because you can actually jam to it before the show starts. xD. Songs overall? Zoeys.

Tagging: So many people have already done it? But I'm going by who hasn’t been tagged? @valucble @lovestoostrong @theindieflash @caudexiism @orumad @astormofagirl

[dream-beyond-the-fantasy]

Thoughts on Rewatching Supergirl Season 3

While I did watch most of this season, it was kinda where I dropped off of watching the show.  I just to be too busy and some of the story.

I still freaking miss Cat being on the show.  But I love that she became Press Secretary for President Mardin.

Even though I love Adrian Pasdar, I hate Morgan Edge.  He is a mix between Maxwell Lord, Lillian Luthor, and Donald Trump.

Love having more Lena.

I don’t like mopey Kara.  But I get it.  She loved Mon-El, who had to leave Earth in order to live.  But James is right - Kara needs to get her head on straight and not just be Supergirl 24/7.

While I like James being more CatCo-oriented in this season opener, I really miss Snapper Carr.  Especially since Kara just quit.  You know Snapper (and Cat) woud be pissed and disappointed in her because they spent so much time teaching and mentoring her as a CatCo reporter.  I feel like Clark would understand, but still be a bit disappointed.

Glad that Alex called Kara out on her pity party.

Ooh, Kara just foreshadowed the breakup of Alex and Maggie.

Awww, super sweet moment between Alex and J’onn when she asks him to walk her down the aisle in place of her father.  Too bad it never happens.

While I like Erica Durance and loved her Lois on Smallville, I don’t like her Alura.  I am too attached to Laura Benanti.

I love the mother/daughter relationship between Sam and Ruby.

Well, we know why Eve is a big fan of Lena’s.  She’s a member of Team Luthor.

I am glad that Lena bought CatCo, but she and James have an interesting transition ahead of them.

I think the beginning of the end for Maggie and Alex was Maggie’s dad.

I liked meeting J’onn’s father.

I like the girls spending time together: Kara, Lena, Alex, Maggie, and Samantha.

Not as much James and Winn bonding as the last two seasons, which makes me sad.

I hate cult (and religious) storylines.  Ugh, to the Cult of Rao and Thomas Coville.  I like Chad Lowe, though.

I wonder if they will keep Alex’s desire to be a mom for future seasons.

Morgan getting back at Lena by harming children is truly disgusting.

And Mon-El is back... from the future!  Yeah, like we didn’t know that was going to happen.  But couldn’t they have waited a season or two to bring him back and do the Legion story?

Mixed feelings on “Crisis on Earth-X”.  Nazis are overdone, though can be relective of the time.  Earth-X Oliver & Kara = ewwww.  Oversaturation of main Arrowverse characters in the Supergirl episode.  Yeah, I know I complained that there wasn’t even crossover last season.  Not enough Winn, or I should say Earth-38 Winn.

Alex and Sara are a pretty hot couple.  Too bad they were only a drunken hookup at a universe-crossing wedding.

I love Kara and Barry’s friendship.  They understand each other’s problems, both of the superhero nature and the strains of relationships.

I love General Winn Schott of Earth-X

I like Ray Terrill aka The Ray, but wasn’t a fan of his CW Seed animated series.

Supergirl in distress during this crossover was a bore, but I liked Alex having a leading role in The Flash part of the crossover.

The most interesting thing about Overgirl is her dying of a solar radiation meltdown.

Imra Ardeen, Saturn Girl, is pretty and nice, but why bring her in when she is treated as a disposable wife to Mon-El, who isn’t even her canon love interest?

J’onn’s father is the most adorable man, er, Martian.

Still feel like James and Lena came out of nowhere.  Still missing James and Kara’s squandered potential.

Brainiac 5 seems endearing, but I feel like the costume/makeup is a bit off.  I felt like Seasons 1′s Indigo fka Brainiac 8 looked better.

I love it when there is an all-girl team episode in almost episode in almost any show.  So, naturally I liked Saturn Girl and villainesses Livewire and Psi joining up with Supergirl to fight Reign.

I hated losing Leslie aka Livewire.  She was so much fun.

I hope to see Psi again.

Umm, I don’t remember this karaoke scene... wow...

Aww, poor Winn.  His dad was a bad guy, but he did love his son, in his own way.

And so we meet Winn’s mom.

Yeah, I would say that he wanted to go out with a bang.

M’yrnn J’onzz having the Martian equivalent of dementia is the saddest story of the season.

Oh, God.  Mon-El cannot sing.  At all.

I love the new, or rather revised, costume Mon-El wears.  Very comic-accurate.

Honestly, not too interested in the other Worldkillers.

My poor Winn.

I like the conversations between Sam and Reign inside Sam’s head while Lena is trying to help her.

I like Brainy with the image inducer.

And I guess this is where we start to see a division between Kara/Supergirl and Lena.

Yay, Winn made Alex a battlesuit with modified weapons!  I love when the techies upgrade the heroes.

Ha, I love Lena showing up Brainy on the Legion ship.

While I didn’t care much for the Worldkillers story, what was the purpose in having two more along with Reign if you weren’t going to utilize them?

I will say that I like that Julia overcame the Purity personality and killed Pestilence before succumbing to her injuries.

I like that James tells Lena the truth about him being Guardian and that he broke into her lab to make sure there wasn’t anymore kryptonite.  And Lena admitting that she made the kryptonite.  Being honest and trusting others goes along way.  Something that Kara still needs to learn.

Brainy and Winn’s “goodbye” is awkward and funny.

I feel bad for Imra.  Yeah, she helped save Kara and the people of National City.  Yeah, her sister is alive now because Pestilence is dead and can’t become Blight now.  But still the Mon-El/Kara awkward relationship rears its ugly head.  Imra is too nice and cool to be forced onto the sidelines.

I’m surprised that they brought back Sam’s adoptive mother.  Not surprised that she was killed by Reign.

And James gets outed as a hero/vigilante.

While I like Alex and Ruby spending time together both before and after the Sam/Reign secret was out, I feel it just hurts Alex more.  She gets to play mom to this girl who is soon out of her life and then Alex doesn’t seem to be any closer to finding love after Maggie or a new chance at motherhood.

Argo City!  Alura is alive.  Mother/daughter reunion.

Nice going, Winn.  Make the near-orphan feel worse because you are stressed.  She has it worse, honey.  Your late father was a minor supervillain in comparison to what is a part of her mother.

I love the mentions of Astra and Non when Kara brings her mother up to speed.  It’s also nice to hear Alura say that she was wrong in some of her decisions regarding Fort Rozz and Krypton.

While I understand Kara’s wish to go live in Argo, it would have been way too easy.  Plus, 

Poor James and Winn.  Bored with slow days of patroling.

I like that they are bringing up the gun debate.

Wow, it astounds that Eve is more than the blonde secretary stereotype.

I wasn’t surprised by Selena being the leader of the Kryptonian witch cult.  We had already seen visions of the priestess.

How could they not see it was a damn trap?  Kara spent years on Earth.  She should be genre savvy enough to know when the Big Bad speechifies about their plan, it means they are trying to kill the heroes.  Duh.  She should have known before then.

While I like Brainiac 5 and I understand why he can’t go back to the future, I hate that Winn is being sent in his place.  I am so going to miss Winn and looking at Jeremy Jordan.

Alex asking herself the hard, very real questions.

For a season-ending battle, it was pretty good.  I do like that Kara tried to stick to her morals.

Glad that Sam will be okay.

Sad to lose J’onn’s father.

I’m not surprised that Alex is being made the Director of the DEO.  It has been hinted at since Season 1.

I like Alura’s fight suit.

This sweet, sad goodbye.

Mon-El will have his hands full with Winn.

Not sure how I feel about J’onn leaving the DEO.

Oh, Lena.  What have you gotten yourself into?

And the Season 4 tease is a Kara clone(?) in Siberia.

So glad that I finally finished that season.  Because I totally missed those last few episodes.

[whumpbby]

Okay, you got me on board the Jason Todd/Jimmy Olsen rare pair train and I am dying to know anything you are willing to share about the abo idea you were thinking of! 😍 (No pressure. I feel like I am pressuring, but this pair. 😭)

Oh gosh, would Jimmy be the alpha or Jason? Or would they both be omegas? Or Jimmy an alpha that everyone mistakes for an omega or Jason an omega who everyone mistakes as an alpha or vice versa? Oh, the shovel talks from the respective friends and family! Would there be shovel talks? Wait, why do I see Jimmy helping a pregnant Jason? Like Roman or someone gets Jason pregnant and Jimmy steps up to help him with the pup since Jason is on the outs with the family and Roman is out of the picture?

Hope you don’t mind me putting them both into one post because NOW WE’RE COOKING!! :O

I was thinking all kinds of scenarios, but now I am thinking it would be cool of both were omegas. And Jimmy is a very traditionally raised one, meek and agreeable, but also trying to be stronger, to be like the person he looks up to - Lois Lane, hardass omega reporter. So, he’s trying, but it’s going slowly - he has none of Lois’ grace and smooth-talking skill and is a bit too honest to weaponize his designation like she does when necessary. He was always considered a ‘homely’ type, the kind of an omega that will do best by finding himself a mate and taking care of them and the household. Not in a medieval way or anything, but everyone that knows him knows that Jimmy is just not made for the cutthroat world of investigative journalism. 

And Jimmy agrees, he wants to have a mate and a family sometimes, but he also wants more, he wants to do more, be strong enough to do good for others and being a journalist seems like the best way left to him. So, he’s trying his best to get better and stronger, but it’s a slow-going process. Perry hired him as a photographer, hoping that the boy will stay out of trouble and Lois is gently encouraging the kid, but knows that he needs to get his act together quick if he wants to survive in the world he wants to look into. 

And Clark - poor Clark - is in constant conflict about Jimmy. He loves that kid and wants what’s best for him, and with the frequency he gets into trouble sometimes the best option seems to be cutting that whole journalist business in the bud and encouraging the kid chose a safer profession. But then again, Clark would never dare to do it, because Lois would bite his head off and he does want to support the boy’s dreams... it’s just that he worries so much. 

And then one day, Jimmy, who was slowly coming to the realisation that he may be not good enough for the job, happens upon the Red Hood. He was in Gotham due to the yearly charity gala at Wayne’s Tech as a photographer, and while he was there to take shots of the rich and affluent, he overheard something shady and went in to investigate it in his reckless way. And he ended up in a bit of hot water - hanging off the beam in a warehouse surrounded by Black Mask’s man who are trying to decide what to do with the drugged up omega. Give him to the boss? Do away with him now? The kid has seen a deal going down, he needs to be silenced, even though he’s kind of cute...  

And that’s how Jimmy meets Mr Hood in person for the first time - over a pile of beaten up thugs and crates of weapons - the vigilante taking him off the chain, careful hands checking him for injuries and a gruff voice saying “A photographer? Wow kid, you have no sense of self-preservation, do you?” before the familiar red cape appeared out of the dark and he was picked up by the familiar arms. “Whoa, Supes, I didn't do squat to your little pal so clam the fuck down! I’ve just saved his damn skin!” which was true and Jimmy wished he could confirm it. “Yeah, maybe keep of your damn omega on a shorter leash then!” which was not very true and Jimmy wished he wasn't drugged, so he could explain how he wasn't a damn pet! 

And that’s how Jimmy became obsessed with Gotham’s darkest vigilante - first finding him to thank for the rescue and give him a piece of his mind, and then with uncovering the truth about him. And he did it, Jimmy uncovered the Hood’s real identity - and then spent a weekend in his room, staring at the wall, because that... that seemed impossible and so, so terrible. And it was his first successful piece of investigative journalism and he could tell no one about it - because once you got one thing right, other followed - the ever-revolving door that were Robins, suspiciously corresponding with Bruce Wayne acquiring new ‘sons’, the Batwoman disappearing roughly at the time Barbara Gordon was crippled, Bruce Wayne’s erratic behaviour and, frankly, his ridiculous persona... it all made sense and yeah, Jimmy was going to go to bed and wake up in a basement, surrounded by rich people who will disappear him form the face of the Earth.

It’s a complete accident when he happens across Red Hood again - and it’s even more of a coincidence that once more he’s inebriated and loose-tongued, and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is “Gosh, Mr Todd, you grew up so tall!” and it nearly gives Jason a stroke. Some sobering time in an underground safehouse later, Jimmy spills the beans and the Red Hood just - laughs. This deep, rich chuckle, and he’s like “I knew Tim could not be the only person able to connect the damn dots!” and it’s all the confirmation Jimmy needs to know that he’s about to be executed mafia-style. 

Except, Mr Todd doesn't execute him. He tells Jimmy to shuffle back to Metro and if you won’t tell, I won’t tell and you can walk free, kid. Which is a very good ending to that whole story.

Except it isn't an ending, because now Jimmy is curious and invested, because Mr Hood isn’t a bad person everyone wants to make him to be. Another startling discovery is that Mr Hood (Seriously, Olsen, stop with the Mr!) is an omega.    

An omega who takes no shit from anyone and is strangely invested into convincing Jimmy that he doesn't have to take it either! An omega that’s big and strong, and so terribly imposing that even Batman doesn't intimidate him and most of the alphas get out of his way, and... and that’s a very compelling image to hang in front of poor Jimmy Olsen, who night have realised that he may be a bit gay.

Oh dear.                

[coeurdastronaute]

Either/Or: Firsts

Can you write sweet/fluff Supercorp making love for the first time they beinh so eager but trying to be careful about Kara's superpowers? I love your writing!

There were steps to everything in life. Different milestones were reached and things followed a systematic order which was, despite all other confusing parts of being alive, somewhat of a relief to the youngest Luthor.

At sixteen she got her driver’s license, and subsequently, a new Aston Martin that was used primarily by her driver. At seventeen, she graduated and started college, moving away from her family and starting new. At eighteen, Lena voted in her first election and fell in love for the first time. At twenty-one, she got legally drunk. At twenty-three she took over her family’s company due to complete negligence on the part of a homicidal megalomaniac she once called brother. At twenty-five, she met Kara Danvers.

Just normal, everyday milestones that every growing girl experienced.

There were also dating steps and rituals which helped Lean keep her life in order. She craved balance and some kind of sorting of the chaos of her family and the city and the times in which they were living. But there were rules to everything. She loved rules.

Date number one was the Get To Know You date. And despite being friends, they did just that, eating really good Chinese food in the back of a slener restaurant that had four tables and too many knicknacks. They got to know each other in a different way, in the dating kind of way, with giddy smiles and furtive glances and bitten lips and soft blushes.

There were supposed to be two ends to a date like that, a first date. There was a kiss and promise of more, or a polite “thanks for the good time,” type of ending. Lena got ditched just as they were about to get the check, which left her confused.

But three hours later, Supergirl showed up on her balcony and apologized, before kissing her deep and purposeful, leaving Lena in a daze before fluttering off with a grin.

Date number two was the Flirt and Hold Hands date. And despite being busy, they each carved out time and spent it at the museum before a longer kiss goodnight. It got damn near dirty even in its intensity.

Date number three was the Accidental date. Kara showed up with dinner when Lena was busy on the end of quarter numbers for a board meeting. It ended with a quick, blushing kiss as Kara excused herself to let Lena get back to work when they finished.

Everyone knew that if date number four came without anything more physical, that it was the sex date. Lena knew it. She expected it. She prepared for it. And then it came to that time and she was ditched in favor of a fire on the highway.

Date number five then. That was it.

It was date number five and Lena was ready to fireproof the whole city and pay every bad guy to behave themselves. She couldn’t help it. Kara whimpered and bit her lip and kissed her neck and had those abs and liked to squeeze Lena’s ass from time to time as she pushed their hips closer together.

“If you leave a mark, I swear,” Lena murmured as lips moved to the base of her throat, already sucking on her neck. A small chuckle came with a slight shift.

Straddling Kara, the meal Lena prepared herself was forgotten in the dining room. The candles were burning in the large penthouse apartment, so that there was just a gentle glow about the living room. Lips dipped to her cleavage and hands gripped her hip as she ground into Kara’s lap.

“You are so sexy,” Kara complained.

There was a breathless whimper as Lena found some friction, her movements growing faster. Kara kissed back to neck and melted as Lena’s tongue took control.

With shaky hands Kara tugged at the shirt until she played with the creamy skin of Lena’s back and ribs.

“Darling, can we take this to the bedroom,” Lena moaned as cool air met heated skin on her chest.

“Wow,” Kara leaned back and gulped, finally coming through the haze to see the black bra on Lena. “You’re… you’re… wow.”

“Your a fan of boobs, aren’t you?” she grinned, sitting back slightly and appreciating the way Kara looked at her. That was new and fun and made her feel oddly confident.

“And this.” Kara squeezed her ass and smiled.

As if taking the challenge, Lena reached behind her back and unhooked her bra.

The hands on her hips tightened as the lace slid down her arms and fell to the floor. She watched Kara’s eyes grow bigger, watched her pupils dilate.

In just a second of perfection, Lena immediately started to wince and feel pain on her hips until she yelped and wiggled until the hands on her hips released and she found herself rolled over to the couch itself as Kara stood up quickly and moved away.

“I’m so sorry. I’m so so sorry.”

“I’m fine. I’m fine. What happened?”

“I didn’t… I forgot.”

Lena looked down at her hips and saw bruises forming already. Her muscles hurt with Kara’s grip that tightened like a vice. She looked back at the shaken girl backing away from her in the living room.

Kara turned around refused to look at the topless beauty that she’d made feel pain.

“I’m sorry. I have to-- I should-- I’m going to go.”

“Kara, wait.”

“No no, I can’t. I’m sorry.”

Before Lena could do anything else, Supergirl was gone, and she was left, half naked and with an oddly painful waist, and ten individual bruises forming on her pale skin.

It was in that moment, as she looked at the purpling there, that she realized that dating Kara Danvers was a whole new milestone, and thus didn’t have any rules at all to help her navigate it. But the look she’d given Lena before she left meant it was all worth it.

For nearly a day, Kara avoided her phone completely. She knew that waiting on it would be missed calls and texts from a certain CEO, and after what she’d done, she couldn’t bring herself to see such easily given forgiveness when it could have been so much worse.

And it could have. Kara could lift a car and toss it into the stratosphere. She could bend steel and break bones with flick of her wrist. And she’d almost done that with Lena. She let herself forget that she wasn’t human.

It happened so naturally. Their relationship had already been moving at a very slow and reasonable pace, of which she was eternally grateful. And it did seem natural and good for a half-naked Lena to end up in her lap. But Kara would never be prepared for the actual appearance of it. She’d never experienced want like that, and she didn’t know what it meant.

So she flew away and tried to figure out what it all meant.

“Well this is a nice surprise,” her cousin greeted her as he adjusted his bag and made his way toward reception. Immediately, his face lit up and his smile eased upon seeing Kara. In a second, she was swallowed up into a large hug.

“I as in the area.”

“Right,” Clark nodded, searching her face. “Nothing else?”

“Do you have time to get lunch?”

It was harder for Kara to adjust to earth. It was a lot more of changing her fixed patterns and life on Krypton. Clark didn’t have any of that. He was from Earth, regardless of how much anyone wanted to claim he was an alien.

Sometimes, it infuriated Kara, and yet, it was situations like the one she found herself stuck in, that she was grateful for his expertise.

“Oh man, Kara, I’m not sure I’m the right person to talk to about this,” he winced upon hearing her babbling confession of what happened.

Kara sipped her drink and leaned back in the chair at the table on the corner. They had a pizza split between them that wouldn’t last long. She blushed.

“There’s no one else. Believe me. I would have rather gone anywhere else.”

Clark set his jaw and nodded, prepared to be the guiding light, or at least try. Both were uncomfortable and antsy with the conversation about personal matters. Intimate matters.

“So you were getting serious with someone, and you got a little overzealous with your powers?” he checked, earning a nod. “And then you ran away without talking to them about it?”

“I apologized.”

“Was she okay?”

“She said she was, but there were bruises,” Kara swallowed and shook her head. “I did that to her.”

“You know how to be careful. What happened?”

“I mean, I looked at her, and without clothes. It was a lot,” she shrugged. “Did you ever mess up before?”

“Yeah of course,” he promised. “You just have to remember to hold onto anything else. You be as gentle as possible. Let them tell you when to add more. And talk to her. You’re going to have sex with her, you should be able to talk about it.”

“Easier said than done,” Kara snorted as she grabbed another slice of pizza. “We’re friends. This is all new. And I really like her. I like her so much.”

Taking some pity on his cousin, Clark sighed and sipped his drink before attempting to be more helpful.

“You won’t hurt her. You won’t. Humans aren’t made of glass and paper. Just be careful. I know its a lot to think about, but also maybe tire yourself out first? When Lois and I started… dating… I would do laps around the planet before a date. I’d lift planes and punch concrete until I couldn’t move, to avoid hurting her. But I grew used to her. Comfortable.”

“I can do that.”

“It’s just at first.”

“Can we pretend this conversation never happened?” Kara asked, nervous still with this new knowledge.

“God, yes.”

After two days, there really wasn’t anything Lena expected from Kara Danvers. In fact, she was almost convinced that she’d run Supergirl out of town.

With a slight wince, she ran her hand absently along the healing bruises that were nothing more than faint shadows on her skin. She sipped her wine and flipped through a boring report a second later, annoyed that such good sex bruises were wasted by a good little hero who thought she spooked easier.

After two days, Lena tossed her phone down one more time and huffed, very annoyed and honestly just wishing to hear from her friend again.

“Before you say anything, I have to apologize,” a voice began, speaking quickly, nearly making the CEO choke on her wine.

The doors to her balcony blew open, almost after Kara appeared in front of her.

“I really need you to knock or at least not do the zoom thing,” Lena shook her head and tried to catch up.

“I’m so sorry I hurt you, Lena. It scared me. And I’m sorry I just left,” Kara ignore her and kept talking. “You are just so pretty, and I couldn’t think straight. I just wanted to hold on. I can’t say I won’t hurt you again, only that I don’t want to ever do that, but you’re dating a Kryptonian and if you want to… you know… I think we should talk, and Rao, this is painful, but you’re worth this intense embarrassment I’m feeling.”

The quiet came swiftly, and Kara felt earnestly terrified of looking up at the girl she’d just confessed her entire life to and who now had the power to make her stomach keep twisting or settle. But she did look up to a surprised face and a quiet smile.

“We can talk, if you want,” Lena offered quietly. “I might need more wine, but I don’t want to scare you away because I’m just human.”

“Scare me away?” Kara scoffed. “No, no no no. You couldn’t. I just… I can’t… when we… I am very afraid of you, Lena Luthor.”

“I suppose I should be gentle with you then,” she smirked and earned a gulp.

There were rules that defined all parts of life. Not one thing fell outside the scope of some kind of regulation, and being in love with Supergirl, though a definite rarity and singular situation, sounded like it should have been utter chaos, Lena learned that it was just a lot of different rules.

They set terms, so to speak, after a very awkward and blush-filled conversation that lasted well into a second bottle of wine for Lena. The terms were easy to understand, and Lena knew that she had to be careful of the apparent power she had over the hero.

But just a few nights later, slightly sweaty and almost exhausted, Kara appeared on her balcony for a date, claiming to have exhausted her body to the point of not wanting to move. She asked to take a shower and Lena ordered dinner.

The night followed a familiar course of events though.

Tentatively, Lena kissed Kara’s neck and earned a happy hum. Her hand slid under her shirt and felt the muscles there. She smiled at the reaction she’d earned and continued to taste as much skin as she could.

“I just need you to relax,” Lena whispered. “Can you do that, darling?”

Once more, hands gripped Lena’s hips as they moved together in her bed, already taking the middle of it for themselves.

Dinner was forgotten in the living room. Lena’s pants were somewhere else and Kara’s shirt was on the floor, just out of reach.

“Not when you feel like this,” Kara disagreed. “You are just… goodness.”

Lena didn’t care though. She had a mission. With another kiss she moved to Kara’s chest and earned a moan.

“Let me help you relax.”

“I don’t know-- Oh!”

Kara jumped as a hand slid between her legs. Lena didn’t stop though. Instead, she just continued her mission.

“I’ll be gentle,” Lena promised, earning a gulp.

[jaybeartodd]

Colleagues Pt. 15/17 -- Jason Todd x fem. reader

Warnings: some cursing, mostly just a fluff monster before I ruin everyone’s lives with the finale (jk well maybe not sure yet)

Tags: @sarcasmismyfirstlove @tsctd @multi-fandom-dumpster @wordsmusicandchocolate @cattwomannn @itstoastytodd @nicunt @browneyedangel @amnahs9695 @mad-hatter-has-nothing-on-me @prancingdestiel

Permanent Tags: @vividmjs  @alohabucky

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17

A/N: As per usual, I want to thank everyone for the amazing support. You are amazing and I hope everyone is doing great and I love you bunches <3<3 Enjoy!

“What do you mean it isn’t as impressive? We are literally underneath the police station. For months they were up there searching for me and I hid underneath them. Not to toot my own horn but that is pretty damn cool.” Jay declares waving his arm. His other arm is tucked under your head creating a barrier between you and the harsh concrete floor. You curl in closer to him feeling exhaustion press at your eyelids.

“I am just saying, the Batcave has more shock factor,” you mumble poking at his ego. “Also, it is at least attached to a house he can sleep in.”

“Y/N, I have an apartment. I am not a complete animal.” he laughs and it reverberates through his chest. A smile stretches its way across your face in response to a sound you never wanted to lose again.

“Could have fooled me,” you mutter into his chest. Your mind starts to drift along with your eyes as you slowly fall...You jerk yourself awake out of habit and his arm tightens around you.

“Wow, Y/N? You okay there?” Jason asks concerned. You sit up and blink your eyes.

“Yeah, I, um, just almost fell asleep. I really should be getting back. It’s late,” you say and start to gather your things.  

“Stay with me tonight,” Jason proposes. You bite your lip pondering the situation. He sits up on his elbows and strokes your cheek with the back of his hand.

“Come on, Dopey. You look like Mr. Sandman dragged you through hell and back. And I know you sleep on that dingy-ass sofa. I have a real bed and I am so great at fighting nightmares. Expert, really.” he flashes his pearly whites and raises his eyebrows.

Your fatigued body screams at the opportunity and your brain has given up its fight a while back.

“Yeah, sure, that actually sounds really nice,” you say with a sigh. His eyes grow wide and he grabs your chin gently.

“Damn, you must be really tired. Not a single argument?” he kisses your cheek and stands up fist pumping the air.

“Jay, don’t make me change my mind...”

“Exactly! I didn’t have to! That is what is so astounding.” he says giving you a sly grin as he shrugs his shirt on. 

You shrug Jason’s leather jacket closer to your body as you both walk hand-in-hand in the cool Gotham night air. Your sling makes it harder to wear the right sleeve so he zipped it up front to keep heat from escaping.

“I’m so used to seeing the city at night through a helmet. It’s...” he looks up thoughtfully and a pang hits your heart at the relaxed expression on his face.

“Peaceful.” You say quietly. He turns towards you with sparkling eyes. You yawn and lean your head against his bulky arm.

“Almost there, Doll,” he says softly. His lips curl into a grin at what you said. Peaceful. He hadn’t felt that in so long. But that is just it. Having your red cheeks pressed against his arm meant you were here. With him. Safely. And he felt a deep reassuring sense of peace.

You finally arrive and you are genuinely impressed by his apartment. You toss your stuff on the couch and rub your bloodshot eyes.

“Bed is in there, feel free to borrow my clothes,” you nod sleepily and make your way towards his bedroom. When you don’t notice him behind you, you turn around.

“Are you not coming?” you ask and he nods. 

“Just give me a sec,” he says. You wave your hand not awake enough for further inquiry. You saunter in and after foraging for a clean shirt you exchange your own clothes.

Your brain can’t process anything except for how amazingly soft his bed is and before you know it you drift off. Only to be struck with a nightmare moments later. Jason enters the room and crawls in next to you.

“Shh, Doll. It’s okay. It’s only a bad dream. They are only scary if you let them be,” he whispers in your ear and pulls you close. You rest your head against his chest as your breathing slows back down and let yourself fall back to sleep.

The sweet smell of cooking wafts through the room and wakes you up. You blink your eyes open and feel around the unusual softness of your couch. Once you realize where you are, you stare wide-eyed at the previously occupied area of the bed next to you and the events of the night before come flooding in.

“Seriously Y/N? All it took was seeing him one more time?” you groan standing up. You rub the bandage on your arm wincing slightly at the pain. It does admittedly feel slightly better than yesterday. You grab the sling and wrap it around your neck.

All-too-aware of the conversation needed this morning, you take your sweet loving time padding over to the door. You peek outside to see Jason pouring batter into a pan explaining the enticing smell that you woke you to. He looks very concentrated with his spatula as he watches the pancakes sizzle.

Taking a deep breath you open up the door and step out. He looks over his shoulder at the noise. His eyes take you in greedily at the sight of your sleepy eyes, tousled hair and your body being swallowed up by his shirt.                                                                                              

“Morning Dopey. Pancakes?” he gives a boyish smile while holding up a plate stacked high with pancakes.

You look at him amusedly. “Sure but don’t be disappointed when I can’t scarf down all five pounds of them.“

He flips the last one onto the plate and sets them in front of you as you take a seat on a barstool.

“I have seen you eat, remember? Plus I can pick up your slack,” he says handing you a plate and fork. You dish off two from the top and take a bite. Surprisingly good.

“You should really put an apron on. Cooking etiquette and all that,” you say with a smile while pointing with your fork at his sweatpants and lack of shirt. 

“Alright, Gordon Ramsay. Would you sit there and just eat,” he says rolling his eyes. He stands there with his fingers clutching the counter staring at you.

“Are you going to come sit?” you ask curiously. He sighs and reaches down.

“Actually I was thinking since I have your attention,” he tosses folders at you, “You could explain this.”

You stop chewing and set down your fork when you recognize the evidence you have been collecting.

“How did-” you search for your bookbag and see it lying at his feet, “Did you go through my stuff?!”

“You are avoiding the question, Y/N.”

“And you are ignoring mine.” You both stand there defiantly until you sigh and finally look away.

“You didn’t honestly think I would just lay back and do nothing.”

“Of course not, hence why I went through your stuff. But Y/N,” he pushes the papers towards you, “This is a little extreme even for you. What were you planning on doing with all of this evidence? Maybe tell Bruce his employees are working behind his back?”

You scoff at the irony of this.

“Says the boy who goes out of his way to disobey his orders.” Jay picks up the spatula and points it at himself.

“Yes, because I am the impulsive one who makes questionable decisions. You,” he points the spatula at you, “are the responsible one.”

You open your mouth to defend yourself but your phone starts vibrating in your bookbag holding off the conversation for the moment. You pick it up and the caller I.D. reads Nick’s name.

“Nick, hey,” you say into it and are immediately bombarded with questions.

“Y/N! Are you okay? Where are you? Why did you call? Is everything okay?”

“Nick, chill. I am fine. And I called because I was stranded but I was, uh, helped,” you glance at Jason to see him on a barstool shoveling pancakes into his mouth,” by someone so I am good. I am sorry I didn’t come home last night but I will be home in a bit.”

“Okay, I’m here so I will see you then.” You take another look at Jason and he looks up with a mouthful of food and curious eyes.

“Hey, Nick. Make sure you are free for dinner tonight.” Jay’s eyes narrow catching on quickly.

“Uh, okay, sure,” he says and you say your goodbyes before hanging up.

“Y/N, what is churning in that pretty head of yours?” Jason asks suspiciously.

“We are all going to have dinner tonight, together,” you say and shush him before he can protest, “You guys have to get along.���

You walk over to him and straddle his lap. He grabs ahold of your hips while you wrap your arms around his neck. His lips are set in a hard line of skepticism.

“You are the most important men in my life. I need you to get along. And he hasn’t done anything else for Mask, ” you press your forehead to his, “So, please do this for me.” You bat your eyes for extra measure and he blows out a puff of air in resignation.

“Fine, I will be civil,” you smile and peck him on the lips.

“Now we can enjoy our pancakes,” you chirp and start to slide off his lap secretly cheering on the fact that you distracted him from the previous conversation.

“Oh no, I don’t care how adorable you are,” his hands tighten on your waist, “We are talking about this. What was the plan, Nancy Drew?”

You brush a stray lock of hair from his face and look into the probing blue eyes.

“Fine, I was planning on exposing them in an article, Lois Lane style,” his face scrunches up at this, “Oh ok and breaking every bone in their bodies is a much more reasonable alternative.“

He shakes his head, “No, I am sure this will be effective. I personally believe that breaking bones is always the answer but that isn’t my problem with this plan.” His eyes grow dark and he gently holds both sides of your face.

“I am worried about you. There will have to be an investigation before anything legal will happen and that will be a window of opportunity to retaliate against you. And I already failed to protect you once,” you grab his arm and stroke it tenderly.

“Jay,” you begin softly, “I know you are worried but I can publish it anonymously which will give me time. And honestly, there isn’t much stopping him from attacking me again now.” Jason flinches at this and his hands slide back down to your thighs.

“This is the only way to put an end to all of it,” you whisper and tilt his chin up to look at you. “And you didn’t fail anyone. Don’t you dare blame yourself Jason Todd.” Your voice becomes stern and the left side of his mouth turns up in amusement.

“Or what?” he teases your leg and you kiss him hard while sliding off his lap.

“Easy there tiger. We have some pancakes to eat.” you say and plop down in the seat next to him.

“Yes, I suppose we do,” he grumbles and you laugh at his pouty face.

“I don’t know, Y/N. The guy obviously doesn’t like me. He freaking attacked me,” Nick whines and you rub your face in exhaustion.

“Nick, it was in a moment of anger. And he feels bad about it,” not exactly true, “Please. You both mean a lot to me and I need you to get along. Can you just do this one thing for me. You owe me.”

He turns sorrowful eyes towards you but your gaze remains unrelenting.

“Fine. Where are we going?” he mutters.

“We are going to a restaurant with a bar so there will be plenty of opportunities to drink.” you say patting him on the shoulder.

“Hey, did Clarissa call you?” he asks quietly and you stop on your way towards the shower.

“No, not yet Nickie,” you say gently and walk back towards him. His face falls and he rests his head in his hand. You take a seat next to him and pull him in for a hug.

“I really screwed up Y/N. Now I’ll never see Trey again.” he cries into your shoulder and you rub his back comfortingly.

“I’m sure she will come around. We will see him again.” you whisper reassuringly. But doubt lingers behind your words and you fight back tears of your own. 

Noise from the enormous Saturday night crowd overwhelms you as you step into the restaurant with a reluctant Nick following closely behind. A crowd is laughing at a bar while couples dance in the open space next to them. Eventually your eyes wander over to the collection of tables and you see a familiar leather clad man tapping his fingers anxiously on the table. You start towards him and he looks up matching your smile with his own. He stands up awkwardly and you give him a peck before sitting down. He sticks his hand out towards Nick who takes it hesitantly.

“Good to see you man. I am really sorry for what happened in the hospital.” Jason says as if he is reading off lines. You can picture him rehearsing it and the gesture makes you smile.

“Um, no need to apology. I have made a lot of mistakes,” Nick says clearing his throat. You grab his hand and give him a heartwarming smile.

“But we are all safe and healthy and together now. And that is a win in my book,” you beam. Jason smiles down at you and the boys take a seat. 

Jason’s hand grasps yours on the table as he talks animatedly about some movie he and Nick both happen to love. You feel a sense of calm rush over you as Jason and Nick carry easy conversation. No fists through walls or through each other’s faces so silent applause.

“I have to use the bathroom, I’ll be right back.” Nick says rising from his seat. You smile at his departing figure.

“Thank you, Jay. It really means a lot,” you gleam at him and his heart gives a pang at your genuine radiance. 

“Anytime Doll,” he whispers and kisses your hand. You both jump at the abrupt ringing coming from Nick’s coat. 

“Oh, that might be Clarissa about Trey!” you say excitedly and reach into his pocket.

Your fingers clasp around the buzzing phone and your face pales at the blocked number written across the screen.

“Y/N, what is it?” Jason asks concerned.

“It’s him,” you say between gritted teeth. Before you can think about it you slide open the phone.

“What the hell do you want?”

“Ah, nice to hear from you Y/N. How’s the arm?” he asks and your fingers tighten around the phone.

“What the hell do you want?” you enunciate the words this time hoping to really convey your message.

“Or more importantly, how are the nightmares? Are they everything they are hyped up to be?”

“Stop calling. My family is not helping you anymore.” you speak firmly and hear chuckling in response. You end the call and it immediately begins buzzing in your fingers again so you slam it down on the table.

“Y/N? What did he say?” Jason asks with anger lacing his words to match your own.

“Nothing, we aren’t doing this anymore.” You stand up abruptly. “I am ending this now.”

“Wow, Y/N, let’s pull a brake before you do something stupid.” Jason says following suit and grabbing your arm gently.

“No. I am tired of overthinking. I am tired of taking the long way. And I am tired of it never actually mattering. I am ending this and you are either with me or not.” You fix a hard glare to indicate no budging and he lets go of your arm to run a frustrated hand through his hair. He groans in exasperation knowing firsthand how stubborn you are. You are doing this whether he likes it or not.

“What is going on?” Nick’s hesitant voice approaches from behind. You grab his hand.

“We are going home.” you take a step but Jason’s strides outmatch yours and he steps in front of you impeding your path.

“No,” he says and you open your mouth for an angry retort but he interrupts, “No, I mean you are going to do this, nothing on this forsaken planet will stop you, but I am not letting you out of my sight anytime soon.”

“Well there isn’t exactly room in our apartment for a third person. There’s barely enough room for the two of us.” 

“I wasn’t talking about your apartment,” You scrunch your nose.

“Us three in your apartment?”

“Not exactly,” he says with a sly grin that never measures up to any good.

“I cannot believe I agreed to this,” You say with a duffel bag slung over your uninjured shoulder while standing in easily the biggest apartment you have ever been in. One hallway leads into another which leads to another and the amount of space is honestly dizzying. Bruce gave it to the two of you promising security but forgetting to provide a map of how to navigate the damn place.

"Home sweet home baby,” Jason yells dropping the heaping mass of bags he refused to make a second trip for on the ground. You wince at the echo of his voice and the bags smacking the ground. This place is ridiculous.

“Bruce seriously didn’t have a smaller hideout?” you ask slightly irritable. You are not upset at the size of the place you are just upset you aren’t with Nick and Trey. Especially when they are in danger.

“Look, I know you are frustrated with the situation,” Jason says and saunters up behind you. He wraps his arms around your waist and puts his head on your shoulder. “But Nick is incredibly safe with Roy and we have someone looking out for Trey. They will be fine and we get some quality time in a huge ass apartment. And”

“We are better off separated because it means more work for Mask’s, what did you call them-”

“Murderous Roadies,” he responds diligently. 

“Yeah, whatever. I get it just doesn’t mean I like it.” Jason chuckles tickling your ear. 

“Alright, Grumpypants let’s get cracking on your story,” he says and kisses your cheek before plopping down on the couch.

The rest of the night ends with you both sprawled out on the floor with your laptop and various notes in an array. With only a brief intermission to see how many pieces of popcorn Jay can catch with his mouth, you worked relentlessly on the article with Jay filling in some gaps of your story.

“Are you nervous?” Jason’s voice grows husky with exhaustion. You are resting comfortably in the crook of his arm. You have just finished reviewing the article for the last time and hit the send button but neither one of you has made a move towards a bed. 

You ponder his question for a split second.

“Actually, no. I mean I am nervous the newspaper won’t take it but once they do, I don’t know. I will just be...”

“Relieved” Jason finishes for you. You snuggle closer to him and let out a deep breath.

“Yes, relieved.” you tilt your head up so you can see his face. “Do you think this will end it, honestly?”

Jason sighs and looks off absently.

“I sure hope so Doll.”

[mccrps]

We’ll Always Have Tinder | A Theo Raeken AU

A/N: WOW SOOOOOOOOO! I got THIS request and I honestly love it, it’s hella cheese & corn & I love you anon for requesting this.

Warning: Some language, me attempting to be funny, nothing really.

Word Count: 1,552

Ding!

You eyed your phone curiously, already getting used to the tone associated with the terrible app called Tinder. You had downloaded it for laughs,but you knew exactly what the app was. A hookup app. And you had no intention of hooking up with anyone. You had just gotten out of a messy relationship a few weeks prior so dating someone -- hell even meeting up with someone was out of the question. So you’d decided while yes you wanted to have some fun, you were definitely not leaving your house to do it.

Then you saw this video of some girl trolling guys on Tinder and you knew exactly how to occupy your time. As soon as you set up your account you sat there for hours at a time, looking at everyone���s profile, some cute guys, some not so cute guys. Your camera roll was filled with the screenshots of the hilarious convos you’d sent to your friends. 

You were having fun for the first time in a long time. This was just a game to you, there was no pressure, no awkward silences in front of people you didn’t know. No potential heartbreaks. Just cocky guys who thought they ruled the world. 

Jeremy, (age) 10 miles away

Info

6′3″

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - “A perfect gentleman.” - Anonymous Tinder woman

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - “Made 50 Shades of Grey seem as a tame as the teletubbies.” - Anonymous Tinder woman

⭐ - “Stop asking me to review you weirdo.” - Anonymous Tinder woman

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  - “So sweet.” - Jeremy’s mom

The bio alone made you swipe right, a soft snort escaping your nose as you did so. You looked through his pictures and he wasn’t a head turner, but he clearly had a sense of humor, something you saw as a plus for a person. Not that you were looking, but if you were going to spend all of your time on this app, you’d at least spend it with people who would keep the laughs coming.

You were on your couch, a forgotten movie playing in the background as you mindlessly swiped left and right on some new profiles, not even bothering to look at their bios anymore. You were getting bored of it. It had only been a couple days but your terrible pick up lines to the guys you’ve matched with and their sad excuse of holding a conversation just weren’t amusing you like it did in the beginning.

And then you stopped on one profile. You didn’t know why you stopped. His pictures were of low quality, a tell-tale sign that he was probably a catfish. His bio only had a few sentences. Nothing catchy, nothing extravagant. Just a normal guy.

Before you changed your mind you swiped right, your screen lighting up to tell you you’d matched. 

You went to your messages, seeing his name at the top.

Theo. 

You quickly typed a corny pickup line, not really caring that you’d used it a million times already.

“If you were a cat, I’d spend all nine lives with you.”

You sent it and placed your phone down, trying to get back into whatever movie you were watching. 

Ding!

Your eyes fell on your phone again. There was no way he answered so quickly. It must’ve been another guy with some dumb reply. 

“And how exactly do I die each time?”

You blinked at your phone screen, unable to believe or even process what he had said. Not only was it uncommon but no one had tried to make a conversation out of it. 

None until now.

You completely spaced for a moment, not prepared for this situation at all. You had just guessed the guys on here would write you off as a troll and completely ignore your antics. And yet, here was the one who didn’t.

Opening your phone, the keyboard waiting for your reply. 

“Well, basically we crash someone’s wedding and we’re in the middle of a conga line, floors wet because someone spilled alcohol and you fall and crack your head open. There’s the first.”

“Wow. For some reason I always knew a death of mine would be alcohol related. I just never imagined it like that though.”

“These are tough times, Theo. Tough times. You decide your next death.”

You saw the gray dots as he typed his next message, for some reason you were anxious to see what he’d say. 

“Nickelodeon brought back the TV show figure it out and we get our first taste of the green slime. After that I become addicted to slime and overdose within the next two weeks. You tried to stop it from happening. But I’m stubborn as hell. I die. Next life.”

You hadn’t realized it then, but that was the exact moment that Theo stole your heart. 

You sent a bunch of crying emojis as you laughed, typing up your next reply.

“FIGURE IT OUT OMG. That brings us to death number 3. The villagers from the legends of hidden temple kidnapped you and never released you. Your bones are on display at Universal Studios.”

“Wow I can’t believe those sick bastards would keep the skeleton of a cat.”

You keep messaging back and forth, the outside world was irrelevant for one tiny moment. You talk about mindless things, like Pokemon Go and what you both do for a living. You debated on whether McDonalds or Wendys was better. Obviously the golden arches won because you were quote unquote all about those 20 piece nuggets. 

“Alright, alright. How about this. If my Pokedex is lower than yours then you let me take you out sometime. And by that I mean McDonald’s drive thru and if you are extra cute maybe I’ll drive to Wendy’s too.”

“You’re an idiot. But tell me. What’s your Pokedex look like?”

“It’s not that much, my phone broke and I didn’t get a new one for the two weeks during the hype. I’ve only caught 69. And no I didn’t type 69 to be a weird creepy douchefuck.”

“First off, what the hell is a douchefuck? Second yours is definitely lower than mine.”

“So.....McDonald’s or Wendy’s?”

“Do you take all the girls to either Wendy’s or McDonald’s? Just curious.”

“Only the special ones like you bae. Cause you deserve it.”

“Lmao. You’re an idiot. Well what are you doing now?”

“I’m actually at work right now. In my hiding spot. In the bathroom.”

“In the bathroom???”

You couldn’t help but laugh out loud to that, trying to picture it in your head.

“Yeah so I’m in the stall and the person next to me has a bad case of constipation and was definitely weirded out by me laughing. Pretty sure he thought I was laughing at him but it was just the thought of death #8. I wanted to explain it to him to cheer him up but I don’t think talking to a coworker about how I’m dying 9 times with a girl I just met would go over well.”

“We’re close to the end of the list.”

“I know. This is sad. Do we just stop messaging each other after death #9?”

“We could and then constantly come back to this convo and sigh while thinking, well, we’ll always have Tinder.”

He sent a heart over, making you smile a little.

“JK we’re making another list, pshh.”

“I might retire from Tinder after this convo just so it always stays on top.”

You rolled your eyes at his charm, a thought crossing your mind. 

“How long have you been on the app?”

You were curious to know the answer not that it mattered.

“A while. But this is the best conversation I’ve ever had on here. It’s your turn.”

You were satisfied with his answer, knowing that his time on there didn’t matter, not really. 

“Okay. Death #9. We’re watching Family Guy and it’s the episode where Peter is on the roof in a shopping cart and Lois comes out yelling and he’s like get back in the house Lois we’re being Jackass and he looks into the camera and he’s like I’m Peter Griffin and this is shopping cart roof...roof shopping cart. And then he falls off the roof and his neck is all distorted. So we placed a bet that you could do it and not get hurt. You bet you wouldn’t. I bet you would. Obviously I won but I couldn’t collect my winnings because you landed funny and broke your neck just like Peter did.”

All he sent back to you was the ring emoji. Making you laugh even more.

“Just say yes.”

“You haven’t even properly asked me out on a date. You can’t just throw a ring emoji to any girl.”

“What? I thought we had a date planned. 20 piece did that mean nothing to you?!”

You just sent back a bunch of laughing emojis, shaking your head.

“I think we’re moving too slow. I’m sorry it’s just not working out.”

“Oh silly me and here I was planning our whole life together. My bad.”

“We’ll always have Tinder.”

“We’ll always have Tinder. Also sidebar. Really? Only 69 Pokemon caught? Wow you’re terrible.”

You smiled to yourself, not exactly sure what was going to come out of this but pushed those thoughts away quickly, looking at the gray dots as Theo typed. 

[argyle-s]

SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS CHAPTER 12/?

Rating: Mature (For Later Chapters)

Read at Ao3

Start at the Beginning

Cat and Kara go on their first date

Chapter 12 - Once Upon a December

Cat felt slightly ridiculous. She was almost fifty years old, and she felt like a teenager on her fight date. Kara had texted her near the end of the work day, apologizing for missing her that morning and asking if she’d like to go out. Cat had jumped at the chance and was about to get Eve to make reservations when Kara had texted her back saying only ‘I’ll make the arrangements. Expect a late dinner. Dress is formal. I’ll be wearing green.’

She had chosen an electric blue tuxedo with black satin lapels and paired it with black lace pumps with an ankle strap. She’s skipped the tuxedo shirt, opting instead for a simple black silk camisole under it. It wasn’t a look she sported often, because one shouldn’t break out the big guns every day, but she knew it looked good on her, and as silly as it was, given that Kara had seen her at her absolute worst, she wanted to impress, and she knew this outfit would do it. But her hand still shook when she reached for the door knob.

Cat opened the door and felt like the breath was knocked out of her, because breathtaking was the only word for how Kara looked. She was wearing an ankle length sleeveless emerald green gown with a Queen Anne neckline. Her hair was twisted into a fancy up do held in place by green lacquered hair sticks, and even the usual glasses had been replaced with a pair of elegant green cat’s eye half frames.

“Hi,” Kara said as she reached up and adjusted her glasses. Cat felt herself relax as all the awkward charm she loved was reflected in that one simple gesture.

“You look lovely, dear,” Cat asked.

“You look amazing,” Kara said. “I mean, not that you don’t always, but the blue and the black and the shoes and just… wow.”

Cat laughed. “Eloquent, as always,” she said, feeling a tiny blush touch her cheeks at the open admiration from Kara.

Cat saw the decision in Kara’s eyes, and felt a slight shudder run through her as Kara’s hands came to set on her hips. She tilted her head back in anticipation as Kara stepped closer, and closed her eyes, moaning softly as Kara leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was soft and slow, and she parted her lips, welcoming Kara into her mouth when she felt the touch of Kara’s tongue on her lips. The kissed seemed to last forever, which meant it was far too short, but Cat pulled away when she found herself toying with the pull of Kara’s zipper, and knew she was going to unwrap her like an overdue Christmas present if she didn’t step away for a moment.

Her willpower was sorely tested just a moment later when she opened her eyes and found herself staring into the vivid blue of Kara’s gaze, but she used the same iron will that had built and empire to keep from leaning forward and kissing Kara again.

“Isn’t that supposed to come at the end of the date?” Cat teased.

“You know me,” Kara said. “No patience when I see something that looks good enough to eat.”

“Oh,” Cat said, “someone’s feeling brave.”

“I think it’s the company,” Kara said, grinning. “Knowing the most beautiful woman in the city has a crush on you is a huge confidence booster.”

“Darling, please,” Cat said. “I’m Cat Grant. I don’t have crushes. I do, however, from time to time fall madly in love with absolutely extraordinary women who take my breath away the moment I meet them.”

“Oh,” Kara said. “How often does this happen?”

“So far, only twice,” Cat said. “So, you might have a bit of competition around my eightieth birthday.”

“I’m not worried,” Kara said. “I can take her.”

“I’ll bet you can,” Cat replied. “So, as nice as this is, I hope you didn’t have me get dressed up just to make out in the doorway all night.”

“No,” Kara said. “That part was just me realizing I’m allowed to kiss you whenever I want now.”

“Well, maybe not during board meetings,” Cat said.

“Not even if they are really boring?” Kara asked.

“That would be all of them, Darling,” Cat said.

“Good point.” Kara gave a dramatic sigh. “I guess we should actually leave the building. After all, the tickets were had to come by.”

“Tickets?” Cat said. “You’re not dragging me to a Disney movie, are you?”

“No,” Kara said seriously. “Disney movies are strictly third date material.”

Cat glared, but Kara just grinned back at her.

***

Cat sat next to Kara, riding in companionable silence in the back of the limo. Cat has asked where they were headed, but Kara would only say that she wanted it to be a surprise. Normally, she would have badgered a date until she got an answer, but Kara had just given her the sad puppy dog eyes, and Cat had folded like a cheap suit, and taken Kara’s hand, holding it and soaking in the contact.

There was so much she wanted to talk to Kara about, so many questions she wanted to ask, but for the first time ever, she felt like she had time. Before Kara, even her best relationships had always felt like they were on a ticking clock. If she was honest, it was almost a relief. Lois was the only person before Kara she’d actually wanted a forever with, but it had never felt like it was in reach. With Kara, it felt like it was. It wasn’t that she wasn’t afraid, she knew she was terrible at relationships, it was just that she felt hope. Kara had already seen her at her worst, and by some miracle, was still there, and maybe, just maybe, she always would be.

“We’re here,” Kara whispered as the limo pulled over and came to a stop.

“Mmmm…” Cat said. “Ready to tell me what you’ve got planned?”

Kara shook her head. “You’ll find out in a second anyway.”

One of the attendants opened the door, and Kara let go of her hand long enough to climb out of the Limo, then offered Cat her hand. Cat took it, letting Kara help her to her feet. She glanced up, smiling as she realized they were outside of the Swan Theatre. Then she saw the poster for the show in the “Now Playing” display.

“I thought you said Disney movies were strictly third date material,” Cat teased.

“Anastasia was Fox Animation,” Kara said, grinning, “And this isn’t the movie.”

“Oh,” Cat said. “I stand corrected.” She smiled at Kara as Kara lead her towards the entrance to the Theatre, but the smile faded almost immediately as a thought occurred to her. “Kara, darling, I appreciate the thought, but do you know what this show is about?”

Kara turned to her, as the fondness she saw reflected in those gorgeous blue eyes made her heart melt all over again.

“Yes,” Kara said, “but thank you for asking.” Kara leaned over, kissing her softly on the cheek. “Thank you for taking care of me,” she whispered after the kiss.

Cat just squeezed her hand in reply.

Normally, Cat liked to be in control, but she let Kara lead them, first to the merchandise table to get the collector’s program, then to the obligatory stop at candy counter, where they got a small bag of M&M’s for Cat, and two bags of Reese’s Pieces for Kara before heading in to the theater. The seats were excellent, eighth row orchestra center, and Kara had timed their arrival perfectly.

“I didn’t realize there was a tour of this show,” Cat said as they settled in. The show had only been open on Broadway a few months, and it normally took a year or more before the shows started touring.

“There’s not,” Kara said. “This is something special.”

Cat raised an eyebrow, and started to reach for her program, but before she could, the lights when down. Kara took her hand, giving it a small squeeze as they settled in to watch the show.

It only took a few minutes to figure out what Kara meant about the show being special. She wasn’t the biggest fan of pop culture, but she remembered enough of the movie, which had been a favorite of Carter’s as a child, to recognize that Dimitri had been replaced in the performance by Dimitria. There was a small scene where she and her partner Vlad argued over whether Dimitria should pretend to be Anastasia, but it was decided she didn’t look enough like the missing little girl to pull it off.

The story moved on, moving quickly from number to number. During the second song, Cat felt Kara shift slightly. It wasn’t much, but Cat glanced over, and caught the glistening of tears on Kara’s face. She let go of Kara’s hand and slipped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close, and holding her. Kara leaned into her, and they stayed that way right as they watched Dimitria and Anya prepare for and then travel to Paris, while slowly falling in love. Cat only let go after Anya had finished singing her way through working up her courage to confront her past and the curtain fell, signaling intermission.

Cat took the lead once the lights came up, guiding Kara to the restroom.

“Are you okay?” Cat asked.

Kara nodded as she washed her face. “I am,” she said as she started washing her face. “I know it might not look like it, but I’m enjoying the show.”

If it were anyone else, Cat wasn’t sure she would believe them, but she could always tell when Kara was lying, and she wasn’t, so Cat just rested a hand in the small of Kara’s back, and rubbed gently as Kara washed her face and reapplied her makeup.

***

Cat held Kara as they watched the second act, rubbing her shoulder softly through Once Upon a December, and smiling at the grin on Kara’s face when Anya and Dimitria finally kiss at the end. There was another brief stop in the bathroom to freshen up Kara’s makeup a second time before they left the theater and headed to dinner at a small, elegant Asian Mexican fusion restaurant Cat had never heard of called el Buda.

By the time they arrived at the restaurant, Kara was back in her Supergirl mode, leading the way to a private dining room, bathed in candlelight.

“I’m almost afraid to ask how you arranged all this on such short notice,” Cat said as soon as the sommelier had left them to fetch a bottle of wine.

“What kind of supportive sister would I be if I didn’t have every gay cultural even in national city for the next five years memorizes, along with details on who to contact to get tickets incase my sister needed a place to take a date on a moment’s notice?” Kara asked, preening just a little.

“A normal one,” Cat said. “But normal has never been your style, has it?”

Kara blushed slightly and dipped her head. “I wish it was, sometimes. Not so much, since Supergirl, but even back on Krypton, I used to dream of being normal.”

“Being exceptional is hard,” Cat said, reaching out and taking Kara’s hand again.

“I don’t want to sound like I’m whining,” Kara said, “I had so much. A family that loved me, anything I needed. Wealth, power, access to anything. But it was lonely, sometimes.”

“Tell, me?”

“I was gifted. I moved through the learning courses quickly, and even on the advanced work, I always achieved top marks. I was the youngest person in the history of the Science Guild to be offered full membership. I spent more time around adults than I did people my own age. I didn’t have any friends on Krypton, except for my aunt Astra. Then, she was gone, and the Council was angry with Jor-El, and no one wanted anything to do with us, towards the end.”

“Sometimes, I feel guilty,” Kara said. “When I got to Earth, Eliza and Jeremiah were so scared I’d draw attention, that it gave me an excuse to hide what I could do. I kept my grades up, but I didn’t do anything extra. I focused on trying to make friends, which I was actually terrible at.”

“Well, you’ve come a long way in that department,” Cat said.

Kara smiled. “That was all Alex,” Kara said. “Towards the end of high school, we were both outcasts, but we had each other, and she taught me so much. When we went to college, I started doing better, making friends. It was still hard, because I had to hide so much, but I was happier.”

“You did better than I did,” Cat said. “I’ve never been good at making friends. I think Oliva’s my friend despite any efforts I might have made, not because of them. And Lois��” Cat shrugged. “We’re friends, because when you’ve cared that much about someone, you’re only options are to keep caring, or hate them. And appearances to the contrary, I could never hate Lois.”

Kara started to say something but stopped and glanced towards the door. A moment later, the waiter entered, carrying the bottle Cat had selected. They took a moment to order. Cat order for the seared tuna appetizer and a kale wasabi chicken fajita Caesar salad, while Kara ordered the family sized pots stickers appetizer, the Peking Duck chimichanga, and the chicken massaman chalupas. The waiter disappeared, and Cat turned back to Kara.

“I want the whole story on Lois at some point,” Kara said.

“I’ll need a fresh bottle of Scotch for that,” Cat said. “What made you chose that show?”

“Other than the obvious?” Kara said.

“I expected a dinner date. Maybe a flight around the city.”

“Did you enjoy it?” Kara asked nervously.

“I did,” Cat assured her. “It was wonderful.”

Kara smiled. “I love the story,” she said. “When I got here, I watched a lot of TV. It helped with my English. Eliza and Jeremiah still had the VCR hooked up. They’d updated most of their collection to DVD by that point, but one weekend I found all of Alex’s old VHS tapes. The entire Disney library, along with a bunch of others. I think Anastasia was the first movie I ever loved.”

“I think I scared Eliza with it. When I first found it, I just sat and watched it over and over again, the whole day. I think I cried the whole time. She tried to get me to turn it off. Jeremiah too. I think that’s the first time Alex did anything nice for me. She convinced them to back off. I don’t know if she ever realized I heard her telling them to leave me alone.”

Cat could see it. Of course the story would appeal. A young girl who’d watched her family die, a chance at a reunion with a loved one. She could imagine the catharsis.

“I feel like I should apologize though,” Kara said. “I didn’t expect to cry through the whole show. It’s been years since I did that.”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Cat said. “I’m honored that you felt like you could share something so personal with me.”

Kara lifted Cat’s hand to her mouth, kissing the back of it. “I want to share everything with you,” she said, “but it seemed especially appropriate tonight, because I finally understand the ending.”

“What do you mean?” Cat asked.

“I mean, as much as I loved the story, I could never understand why Anya didn’t stay with her grandmother at the end. I would have given anything to have my family back. Even later, as much as I came to love Alex and Eliza and Jeremiah, the idea of having anyone from Krypton back in my life was powerful, and I couldn’t imagine a reason I would give it up. Not until I heard you say you love me.”

“But making the choice she did… It was about moving on. Not living in the past. If she’d stayed with her grandmother, the past would always define her. Going with Dimitri gave her the chance to be free of that. She was choosing to become her own person. Something she wouldn’t be if she’d stayed.”

“I love Alex, Eliza and J’onn, but all of them, but they forget who I am sometimes. I know they’re trying to protect me, but they treat me like I’m this fragile thing, and I love that you don’t. You take care of me, and you give me space to grieve, and to be broken when I need to be, but it never seems to make me less to you. I know it scares you when I go out there. I can see it on your face, hear it in the way your heart beat changes, but you tell me to go instead of arguing.”

“You said you didn’t know what I would want from you, but that’s it. You love me, but more than anything else, you respect me enough to treat me like an adult. You might argue with me if you think I’m wrong, might try to change my mind, but you always allow me the dignity of my choices. You let me choose who I want to be, and that’s something I never had before, even on Krypton.”

Cat tried to say something but found it difficult to speak past the lump in her throat. She took a moment, letting her emotions settle, before she spoke. “Look at that,” she said. “Leaving me speechless twice in as many days.” She pulled her hand back, drawing Kara’s across the table so she could hold it in both of hers as she brushed a kiss over Kara’s knuckles. “I know everyone asks so much of you, and I don’t ever want to add to that. You carry so much. All I ask is that you always try to come back to me. I like who I am when you’re in my life.”

Kara smiled at her, and if both of them had eyes that were a little watery, neither of them were going to point it out. “I promise I will always try, Cat,” Kara said, and really, that’s all Cat could ask for.

[theragingthespian]

sun’s first light [3/?]

part one, part two 

Krypto’s breaths are heavy against her hand. Warm and slow, she thinks he’s probably fallen asleep again. The street is quiet below. Too late- or early?- for people to be out and about.

The lights are faded out when she looks outside. The city as close to silent as it can get to her.

(She knows loud.

Knows it’s Eliza’s hands that tugged down a blanket over her head, pressed headphones over her ears every day those first few weeks, and then at least once a week after. Jeremiah’s chest warm and solid under her cheek, heart thumping too fast, too fast, but they were trying to help.

Always trying to help.)

It’s quiet, but she still- she has to ask again, because she couldn’t have heard him right. “What?”

Clark’s eyes are so, so blue even in the dark, and oh, they’re so similar to Lara’s. He grabs her hand, thumb smoothing down the back of hers to bring her attention back to him. It’s too late to be seeing ghosts in his eyes, in his movements tonight. “I can’t take him.”

Krypto’s paw jumps against her leg, kicks out. She clears her throat, folds a hand over his head until he stills. “You can’t,” her jaw shuts tight. Too tight, too hard, too tense. She forces a breath out, pulling her hand away from Krypto just in case. “Why?”

“I would like to.” He looks down at Krypto, a small smile tugging at the edges of his lips. “Trust me.” 

(She wonders what he sees when he looks at Krypto.

A chance to buildup the image of Krypton he has? Thoughts and ideas founded upon the robots and archives he searches through. The Krypton presented to him is cold and advanced. To him, to humans, Krypton is alien.

Does he think the same of Krypto? Of her?)

He leans back, frame too large for the place they’ve taken on the floor between the table and couch. She almost laughs at the picture of Superman hunched over on the floor, puppy curled near his side. “I’m off world so much. Or even when I am here, I’m protecting the city. I can’t-” He rubs at his jaw. “And if he develops powers? What then?”

“We’ll deal with that when the time comes.” Clark shakes his head, sighs out Kara. “Clark, where else can he go?”

(She almost says that he can’t go anywhere else.

That there’s no one prepared to take on a super powered dog. No one who wants that burden. Other than them- or maybe just her.

Then again, she wouldn’t have thought anyone would have wanted her either though, but there the Danvers were.)

“The DEO. They’d be able to take care of him, and he’d be safe.”

“He can’t live there Clark.” She thinks of cold tables and grey walls and barely lit corners. Of aliens locked up floor after floor. The sun only filtering in through the entrance and nowhere else. She squares her shoulders. “If you can’t take him, then he’s staying with me.”

“Kara,” Clark’s voice is soft, almost pleading in a way and she thinks they’re just talking at each other. “You don’t have to,” he stresses.

“It’s not an obligation.” She runs a finger down Krypto’s nose, smiles when it crinkles. He huffs a little at her fingertips, wriggles away. “He’s family.”

“I looked to see if there was any information on him in the Fortress.” Clark smiles, and oh, that? That is Martha’s smile, friendly and content tucked away in the corners. “I can’t translate it completely,” Clark seems irritated by that, but for her, it strikes, cold and sharp, right at her heart, “but I think they had just started training him. Whatever he knows, you’ll probably only find out by speaking Kryptonian.”

“I will.” She leans against Clark. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” Clark pushes off the floor. “Okay.” He takes a step out to the escape, glances over his shoulder. “I’m here if you need me. You know that, right?”

(He means it. His voice earnest and eyes gentle. 

But looking at him, halfway in her apartment as he steps out, she can’t help but think it’s a good depiction of them.

Almost there in time. Almost raising him. Almost living with him, learning with him, teaching him. Almost.

Almost but not quite.)

“I know,” she murmurs back. “I’ll call you if I need you,” even though her hands itch for Alex’s presence beside her, unwavering faith in her where Clark is unsure. 

“Lois used to have a dog.” He shrugs his shoulders. “I’ll see if she has any tips.”

“I’ll call her up when he starts flying then.”

He laughs, shoulders shaking in turn more for her than actually feeling the laugh. “I’m not sure what use we’ll be with that.”

“Goodnight Clark.”

“Night.”

And then he’s gone, slipping off and into the air.

Heart heavy- she presses a hand against her chest just to make sure it’s still there, because it feels like it’s dragging down- she scoops Krypto up and walks back to her bed.

“Just one night,” she reminds him as he stumbles to the pillow she isn’t using and pads around before dropping down. 

(She texts Alex before she pulls the covers over her head.)

The knocks on her door sound one hour later.

Alex is muttering outside her door. Hands on her hips and foot tapping. “Hey, maybe next time don’t send me a text in mixed languages and then not reply.”

Kara grimaces, glancing over to her phone to see it lighting up faintly. Kicking back the covers, she decides to float up rather than disturb Krypto. She just barely keeps her hand from slipping through his fur, looking incredibly fuzzy from where he’s sprawled out. 

She rummages through her drawers for Alex’s clothes, ignoring the tapping that’s steadily getting louder in her ears. Taking her time getting to the door, Alex is pacing by the time she opens it. “I fell asleep.”

Alex makes an agreeing noise that really doesn’t? It doesn’t sound like she’s agreeing, more like she’s just humoring her. The narrowed eyes she gets cements that. Boxes are pressed into her hand as Alex takes the clothes from her hands. “I’m pretty sure you’re the only reason that pizza place is open 24 hours a day now.” 

She opens the box, breathing in the smell and sighs. “Did you know you’re my favorite sister?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Alex takes one box and puts it in the fridge, waving off her grabbing hands. “No, it’s like four. One is enough. Save this one for breakfast.”

“Fine.” She makes a point to grab the pizza Alex is reaching for, staring at her sister as she bites down. “Did you just get off work?”

“Yes. And we,” Alex says pointing between the two of them, “are going to eat and talk and then I swear if you don’t go to sleep, I’m knocking you out.”

“We can just go to sleep.” Alex’s movements are ranging from slow to jerky, blinking more than normal. “You’re tired.”

“I’m also worried.” Her hand settles on the box and shuts it. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” Alex shifts beside of her, hand grabbing hers and squeezing. She shuts her eyes, feels Alex breathing steadily beside her, hand warm in hers. “Clark came.”

Alex’s face falls. “Okay,” she says slowly.

(There’s always a hint of steel in Alex’s voice whenever they discuss Clark. She’s friendly enough but still reserved when it comes to them interacting. A boundary between the two that Kara isn’t sure can ever be mended.

Alex’s hugs are always tighter after those visits.)

Kara shoves the pizza away from her, nose crinkling at the scent. It was nice at first, familiar and comforting, but now, it’s too much. Alex’s breaths holding in her lungs longer than normal as her sister watches her warily. Krypto’s nails scratching against her sheets. It’s all pressing in on itself, and she just- she just wants to go to sleep. “Can we go lie down first?”

“You okay?” Alex reaches out a hand, keeps it just shy from touching her arm until Kara leans into it. She nods, but it must be too jerky, too fast, because Alex’s frown twists deeper. “Come on.” 

She doesn’t think to use her speed. It’s dark and Alex is stumbling around and she follows clumsily after her. Sleeping feels odd now, a weird mix of wanting and needing it so desperately while avoid it at all costs.

(She only remembers the chill. The cold biting at her fingertips until it spread and then- then it stopped, the numbness seeping into in its wake. 

There was warmth too though. Of being so close to Rao’s light, of knowing her family would be okay as her last glance was of the stars and the home she had made.

She’s as conflicted now of it all as she was then. Waking up to wires and Alex’s face hovering over her and I got you, it’s okay. Waking up and knowing that she was happy there despite it all.)

Alex’s boots scuff across her floor, harsh when she comes to a stop at her bed. “Krypto’s here.”

Kara drops her chin to her chest. “I know, I know. James said not to let him sleep in the bed, but you try saying no to,” she throws up her hands and settles on pointing at Krypto, because oh, how does she describe him?

“No, I mean,” Alex turns to her, brown eyes searching even though Kara’s half pressed to believe she can’t really see with the lack of light. “You said Clark came.” Alex’s heartbeat picks up, and oh, wow, that’s going to give her a headache. “Oh, Kara.”

It’s said with so much sympathy that tears start welling up in her eyes before she can think to stop them. “It’s fine.” Alex presses her lips into a fine line, tilting her head. “I just- I’m glad he’s here. I just thought that maybe Clark would- or that we’d do it together.”

Alex sighs, “I know.” She takes quiet steps towards Krypto and stares down. Doesn’t say anything for so long that Kara starts rocking on her heels, and it probably hasn’t been that long, but gosh, it feels like it. “So we don’t have to share him on weekends. I can work with this.”

That startles a laugh from her. One she silences quickly when Krypto’s ears perk up. 

Alex takes her hand and pats at her knuckles once, twice. When Kara grins and shakes her hand, Alex rolls her eyes, pats it one last time. “We can do this. Me and you.” She looks to the ceiling. “And James and Winn. J’onn was definitely swooning at how cute Krypto is, don’t let him tell you different.”

It’s as comforting as the hug Alex pulls her into. Tight and with so much love that she buries her face into Alex’s shoulder to brush away tears. “I love you.”

“Love you.” Alex turns back to her bed, clicks her tongue. “He’s in my spot.”

“He’s barely taking any room up, just share.”

“Easy for you to say when it’s not your pillow he’s commandeered.” 

Kara shoves Alex down- keeps her hands open and fingers splayed, just enough pressure to tilt her sister forward- and pulls the covers over them both. “Don’t be a baby.”

“I’m not.”

“Well,” Kara starts coolly, “you could always just take it from him.” Knows her sister acts tough, but oh, every glance she directs towards Krypto softens immediately, her fingers stretching out as if to pet him.

Alex freezes beside her. “I could if I wanted to,” she snaps, pinches at Kara’s side when she laughs, “but I’m not.”

She coos, “You can’t take it from the cute little puppy.” Kara flops onto her back and throws a hand to her forehead. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen.”

“Go to sleep Kara.”

Kara waits for it, but when it doesn’t come, she pokes her finger into Alex’s side. “Goodnight, Alex.” 

“Goodnight.” Alex slaps her hand away and groans. “Now go to sleep. Please.”

(She remembers it being the first routine the Danvers insisted on. While learning the time meals were- even though it changed so often it was more frustrating than securing- and that the popcorn wasn’t going to explode the microwave, goodnights were said every night.

Even when they were all tired or busy. Especially on the nights there were fights. It was familiar and constant, and oh, it reminded her every night that she had a family again.

Even when Jeremiah wasn’t there to say it as he pressed a kiss against her head like usual, they said it.)

“Goodnight Krypto.”

[myheartisbro-ken]

Hi! 💙 I hope your are doing well. Congrats on the article. The reading will probably be okay. Are you a fast or slow reader? I read rather slowly, especially if I'm enjoying what I'm reading. It sticks with me better that way, but it takes me longer to do things. 😅 My semester ends next week, then have finals period. l'm taking Summer courses tho to get ahead. I get what you mean. I don't party, but around TH and F there's a certain restlessness about some of the students to drink/part. (Pt 1)

Ugh, I hate group work. 😐 Best of luck to you. Maybe your for a decent group. Anyway, I prefer morning courses. I get up at an obnoxiously early time to attend though. I’m fine with it though because it lets me take my courses in a block with out breaks, so once I’m done, I’ll be done for the day. 😥 Probably an unpopular schedule though. Oh, so My Immortal can actually be constructive to writers. That makes sense. It’s what a writer shouldn’t ever do. About JK, I think it’s an attempt (pt 2)(pt 3) Lowkey don’t recall my train of thought..Anyway, wow, I definitely agree with your statements about Lena knowing Kara’s dual identity. Snapper knowing wouldn’t help anything, since he’s too minor a character to do anything useful with information. Lena knowing would create more depth, tension, plot possibilities etc., which is why’d it would be a shame for her to be left in the dark. Also, I feel her not knowing (or at least theorizing Kara’s supergirl) is ooc. I suppose the writers– –haven’t had an issue with that based on what they’ve done to Alex. :-/ Hmph. I’m still so annoyed about that. Partially, because I’m a SuperCorp shipper, but mainly because it’s an insult to Alex’s personality to force her to advocate on Mon El’s behalf. Who was your favorite character from S1, btw? I’d probably go with Kara, but for S2 it’s definitely Lena. Anyway, yes Lena looks so amazing in the trailer! Heh, I intended it to be a soft FMK…I was going to make it all Katie, but wasn’t–(4)–words, words, something, but wasn’t going to be that cruel to you. (Hopefully that fit with my previous thing). Smh, you’ve no qualms though do you? ;-) I’m kidding. Your answers were well thought out…even though you didn’t kill anyone. I can’t blame you though. I don’t think Red K! Kara is all that bad, but she’s definitely intimidating, so is Kate. Anyway, let’s see FMK: Lena, Morgana,and Kate… :-/ 3 M'kay, that’s hard, especially since I love them all and ship SuperCorp. (5 TBC)–words, words, something, but wasn’t going to be that cruel to you. (Hopefully that fit with my previous thing). Smh, you’ve no qualms though do you? ;-) I’m kidding. Your answers were well thought out…even though you didn’t kill anyone. I can’t blame you though. I don’t think Red K! Kara is all that bad, but she’s definitely intimidating, so is Kate. Anyway, let’s see FMK: Lena, Morgana,and Kate… :-/ 3 M'kay, that’s hard, especially since I love them all and ship SuperCorp. (5 TBC)(6) Uh, let’s see. I’m going to assume they are all brought to current times, so the 21st century. I would marry Morgana. You know what? I’d marry Morgana S1 or S5 because I’ve so many emotions for her and what she went through. I’d want her to know someone would be on (*cough* and by *cough*) her side. Also, she has magic that’s cool, but not the point. I don’t really want Supergirl to kill me or be sad. I wouldn’t kill Lena as of now; she’s not done anything wrong. Also, her company is (TBC)(8?) So, yes: M:Morgana, F: Lena, K: Kate. Hmm, I see yours and raise you: FMK: Lucy, she’s a vampire now but has some control over it | Kara Danvers, more so S1 in personality, but she’s still elects to become a reporter and encourages you | Lena, before she met Kara and is still learning to be a CEO…I guess that’s a younger!Lena? Idk. Okay, that should work. I hope you have a good day and night. Do you read comics? I don’t, but was curious if you did. U seem to know some lore. :-)

Heyyy! I’m not so sure I’m a fast or slow reader, it depends on my state of mind, if I take my meds and external interruptions. Usually I can read pretty fast if it’s something I’m interested in but I tend to miss things and have to read it again, with school things I’m the worst. I still have things from last year that I never got around to read and one of them was about superman (I miss studying cinema because we could have an entire class about superman and co and then write fanfiction of the world as an activity). We don’t have summer classes here, that sounds interesting, it’d be nice to get ahead, also it’s about to be winter here so after July we’ll get maybe a month off and then it’s back to being unresponsible adults. I’ve nothing against drinking and partying, I like drinking (parties are usually weird but sometimes it’s cool) but don’t freaking leave class to do it, go after the class, how disrespectful is it to leave the poor teacher there waiting 20 minutes to see if the rest of the class will show up or they’ll have to do with six or seven people? Also you pay over 1.000 bucks a month to study and you don’t give a shit about being in class? it’s throwing money away and it’s disrespectful to whoever is paying school, even if that someone is yourself. I’m not those kids that say you should only do what’s right and never skip class never drink or do anything because you have to study instead of throwing your life away. But school is expensive and respect is something you should have for everyone (unless someone is a jerk, because it’s not murder if the person is a jerk…jk)

I never liked studying in the mornings but it’s sort of better, however, my classes only exist at night, there is morning journalism classes, but it’s in another neighborhood and we have to cross the bridge and there’s no cool campus. I like my campus.

group projects are the worst. They end friendships, they end marriages, they end happiness, they lead to murder… it’s never fun. I always imagine that scene with the guy getting pizza and coming back to the place on fire and people bleeding, or that one from Mean Girls with the fighting over Aaron Samuels in animal style. Those are the only representations of group projects that are realistic.

I love how you just started to talk about JK, had two words in and

Honestly Alex has been so ooc this season it’s almost sad. No offense to Sanvers, but I think even that relationship is a bit ooc. Not the fact that there is a relationship but how it is being handled. Not gonna go into it cuz I don’t want to rant here. but I would ship Sanvers if they had put a bit more of effort into getting them together not ‘I don’t want a baby gay rn, so let’s be friends. PSYCHE I just got shot in the most harmless area of my entire body, let's make out!’

The same Alex that thought James wasn’t good enough for Kara and decked Maxwell Lord for existing would never make excuses for someone that is basically the dumb alien version of Lord with worse hair and more aggression and more pretending to be a #goodguy who’s just trying so hard and changed because after 9 months on earth as a grown man he decided to read a book, feed himself and clean his own mess… or pretend to clean his own mess while Kara actually does it and he just sits there and says she’s annoying because she doesn’t want to run away from her problems. (hey look, ranting… she said with surprise in her voice for some reason)

My favorite character was definitely Cat… and Kara. Both at the same time, I can’t choose between them, please don’t make me. and now it’s Lena… and still Kara even though she’s basically dead inside and that girl who cries because her boyfriend is moving away and it will destroy her life because that person she knows nothing about and met 9 months ago when he tried to kill her and has been lying to her and shoving her self-esteem down ever since is apparently the most important person in her life and she can’t live without him. he cooked her breakfast so he can’t move away and face his responsibilities, she’s the best thing he’s ever known, not person, thing. That woman in the best thing… god, this is so gross I cannot continue even to joke about this. so yeah, Kara is SUPER ooc this season, but I still love her and have faith she will recover from this terrible illness and come back to us, I miss her.

Yes! I would totally still marry Morgana even season 5 Morgana. poor thing just needs a hug and a friend to tell her she’s not a monster for being born different. I might start crying now so I’ll change topics. 

Definitely Marry Kara, no questions asked. Fuck Lena because, I mean, just look at her. And Kill Lucy, my poor bby, but she’s a vampire so she has to go, control or not, ‘vegetarian’ vampires are dumb.

I do read comics, not as much as I’d like, but I also watched all of the DC cartoons (minus Legion because it looks dumb) most of Smallville and Lois & Clark and when I want to know some more I read about the storylines and all, like even when I don’t read the comic itself, I read about the comic. I won’t say I know all about everything, but I can hold my ground, I guess, I’m also not above admitting I don’t know/haven’t read enough about one subject/character and reading about that on one of the sites I trust. Also watched a lot of Marvel cartoons and most of the movies aaaand I read a lot of Marvel comics, specially Balck Widow, Hawkeye, and Young Avengers.

Did you watch any superhero cartoons? They were a pretty big deal in the 90′s and early 2000′s.

Hope you have a great day and night 💙😊

[renaroo]

Rena Roundups

Late into the night, I have finally finished my Roundup! Just in time to say it’s not late. By like 9 minutes. But can you blame me? Just look at how many amazing comics I had to read through and then give my opinions on! I’ll tell you how many -- a lot. And you know what? It’s one of the absolute best weeks in comics I have had since I started doing Roundups. 

So let’s jump right into it...

Marvel’s All-New Wolverine #17, DC’s Detective Comics #950, DC’s Gotham Academy: Second Semester #6, DC’s Superwoman #7, DC’s Titans #8, IDW’s Transformer: Till All Are One #7, DC’s Wonder Woman #16

Marvel’s All- New Wolverine (2015- ) #17 Tom Taylor, Djibril Morissette-Phan, Michael Garland

For those who don’t know, I have been a fan of Laura Kinney/X-23/Wolverine since literally her first appearance on what was my personal introduction to the X-Men, the animated cartoon X-Men: Evolution. Laura has just been one of those characters I’ve adored and even when I’m taking one of my frequent breaks from Marvel (out of annoyance more times than not), I keep tabs on my favorite mutant. 

And I have to be straight up: I a d o r e the All-New Wolverine. It’s probably my favorite thing Marvel’s done in years, and while it was difficult at first to really catch onto Taylor’s characterization for Laura, I very quickly “got” it and soon became so enamored with this series, its direction, and just the general love that goes into really addressing Laura and her history in recent storylines.

The conclusion for this story in particular tests what’s become one of my favorite relationships of the series -- that of Laura and Gabby -- but also takes on one of the more... difficult aspects of Laura’s history and one of her most distinctive weaknesses when compared to Logan -- the trigger scent that has haunted her character from the beginning. 

I have complicated feelings toward the trigger scent, and likewise I have complicated feelings about its resolution now, and whether or not that’s a huge detraction from what’s made her character so different from Logan over the years. But I enjoy this comic and its relationship building so much I’m willing to wait and see how this plays out in the long term. 

Especially since, with the new Logan movie putting a spotlight on Laura like she’s never had before, I’m wondering how this will play out for her image overall. 

DC’s Detective Comics (2016- ) #950 James Tynion IV, Marcio Takara, Alvaro Martinez, Eddy Barrows,  Raul Fernandez, Eber Ferreira, Dean White, Brad Anderson, Adriano Lucas

This morning when I was talking to Iz and Steph before I had to scurry off and pretend to be an adult-type person with responsibilities and what not, I made the comment that the venn diagram demographic targeted by this issue of ‘Tec and my personal interests and tastes are a literal circle. 

After months of feeling yo-yo’d by my opinions on ‘Tec and the various storyline and character choices, we get to this landmark issue of #950, a double sized issue, and the beginning of our Cassandra-specific arc. 

I am. ELATED. 

Nearly everything about this issue had me breathless and joyful. This is, easily, the most head on, great characterization of Cass that Tynion has managed since her arrival in BaRE. She’s tragic, she’s loving, she’s tormented by her position, she’s aware of the fear she inspires and hurt by it. She is concentrated on the people around her and their view of her and it’s just so, so damn good. 

Cass is alive in this issue. And while there’s arguments to be made about the power of allowing these moments to play out without narration in her original series versus having it spelled out for us by Tynion’s third person narration in this issue is going to be personal preference, I can dig it. I can see it working out. 

There are two back ups in this issue as well, one with Batwing and Azrael debating religion, which depending on your sensibilities will probably either intrigue or repulse you -- personally, as a very religious person who enjoys hearing these debates in real life, I found it to be interesting and well rounded for both characters. 

And then the second was Tim and Bruce. Which was set up for SOMETHING in the future and that’s about it. We’re back to Bruce as the Great Manipulator. hmmmmmmmmmm Don’t know how I feel about that. Other than I am wary because I’m not eager to relive 2000s Bruce characterization.

I just. Wow what an issue. I had my socks knocked off, really truly. 

DC’s Gotham Academy: Second Semester (2016- ) #6 Brenden Fletcher, Karl Kerschl, Becky Cloonan, Adam Archer, MSASSYK, Sandra Hope

I’m so glad that we got back to what Gotham Academy does best as a series -- the interpersonal relationships and the general mystery of the Academy grounds themselves. While it’s difficult to add onto what I’ve already said in the previous issues about my disgruntlement with a few things, I will say that seeing some progression on Colton and Kyle’s storyline, as well as FINALLY getting into the bowels of the school’s ongoing mystery is immensely satisfying.

And I’m so glad my distrust of Olive’s roommate has been on course this whole time. It’s interesting to see Olive being slowly led down a believable negative trail in her life and how the kind of company she’s keeping very much influences that. It feels very real to how these things actually occur in middle school and high school and reminds me very much to how I related to similarly preteen-aimed comics of my own life like Young Justice that bothered to tackle “girl cliques” and the toxic nature of those with the nuance they actually have. 

Once this storyline’s complete, I’m going to give my final verdict on whether or not I’m moving this series to Trade Wait, but so far so good. It feels like we’re finally back on course. 

DC’s Superwoman (2016- ) #6 Phil Jimenez, Jack Herbert, Matt Santorelli, Hi-Fi

SHOCKING TO EVERYONE, I’M SURE, LOIS LANE DIDN’T DIE. Glad we took 6 issues to clear that up and we’re faking out Lana’s death now to keep that very bizarre status quo. 

Okay, it’s no surprise at this point, I really love this book. I love the full embrace that Jimenez gives the 90s/early 2000s SuperFamily, how the emphasis from the start has ben the relationships, how all the ladies of the Superfamily are getting to shine usually for the first time in about a decade from Natasha Irons to Traci 13 to Lena Luthor and Maggie Sawyer. 

Everything about this book really speaks to me personally as a fan. 

But it’s difficult to defend the bait and switch of the original issue’s promise to be about Lois Lane only for things to turn around on us. I understand Lois fan reactions but... I’m reading multiple Super books right now and that’s a sympathy that’s... difficult to maintain when she’s got big parts in multiple books right now. And I know that’s not fair, bt especially with this ending and with what is obviously the promise of Lois’ eventual return to co-sharing that forefront with Lana, I’m still going to hold off final judgments until the whole picture is shown. Which’ll probably be in about two issues, if we’re going by subscription notifications.

DC’s Titans (2016- ) #8 Dan Abnett, Brett Booth, Norm Rapmund, Andrew Dalhouse

From what I can gather, there’s some real back and forth in the reception of this current Titans run from longtime fans of the team, and that at least initially was part of why I but off getting caught up on the series because I figured if I was going to give it a try, I should give it at least a full storyline to warm me up to it. And that’s when, a few months ago, I chronicled my reading of both Titans Hunt (2015-2016) and of the first storyline of this series. 

I have been a very longtime fan of the Titans, and specifically of the Fab Five and their previous growth in the preboot universe. Wally and Dick are both two of my favorite characters, I’ve talked endlessly about my protectiveness of Donna and other Amazons, I’ve talked even more about Roy (and Lian but that’s a rant waiting to happen), and oddly enough there is one other component here that I would have never guessed would come back into the DCU.

I’ve always been a fan of Lilith Clay, literally one of the only superheroes I can think of who’s originally from Kentucky. 

For me, having the Fab Five plus Lilith back, bringing in Mal and Karen. It really does feel like a love letter to the things I always loved about the Titans and Teen Titans. Especially when we get whole issues worth of relationship building and character development like what this story was. 

And, honestly, this felt like the most “my” Dick Grayson I’ve read since the New 52 reboot. 

I enjoyed this issue. It was slow, character driven, and set us up for that cliffhanger finale and you know what? That’s exactly what kind of storytelling I look for in my Titans and Teen Titans books and have been missing for a long time. 

It’s not going to be for everyone, and there’s some... awkward word balloon and panel positioning that got distracting a few times, making some of the conversations difficult to read the first time through, but overall I really enjoyed this comic and am glad to finally be caught up enough to add it to my subscription list. 

IDW’s Transformers: Till All Are One (2016- ) #7 Mairghread Scott, Sara Pitre-Durocher, Joana Lafuente

So nothing assures me more of my decision to drop the Optimus Prime solo than to read Lost Light and Till All Are One one week after the other. Because, damn are these comics exactly what I want to read in the Transformers universe. Honestly, things are so heated and tense right now I’m not sure if I’m more excited to learn how this storyline concludes or how the next issue of Lost Light goes. 

I’ve always felt there is just so much potential available with Windblade’s character, and I obviously focus on her quite a bit in my own stories and fan works, but this issue really confirms the hardheadedness and defiance that I have felt from her from her first appearance. 

She’s lost her innocence, and there’s the very real possibility that she’s made a mistake by agreeing to Starscream’s plan rather than trying to leverage her personal relationship with Carcer and Elita One more to figure out just why they won’t wake their Titan. 

But at the end of the day, are they things she would do differently given the very dire straits they are in? Well, Windblade answers that for herself right here in this issue. 

“I would die for our people in a spark-beat.”

Bumblebee and Starscream’s ominous conversation to each other does not bode well for our favorite cityspeaker -- true heroes really do so often die in this fiercely cruel world. And of course the reveal of who “Carcer” truly is should worry some Transformers fans, for sure!

DC’s Wonder Woman (2016- ) #16 Greg Rucka, Bilquis Evely, Raul Fernandez, Andrew Hennessy, Mark Morales, Romulo Fajardo Jr.

I mean, you run out of good things to say about Greg Rucka’s run on Wonder Woman after a while so other than talking about my usual stuff, like how he’s basically rescued one of my favorite characters from the depths of Haedes that she’s been slogging through for the past seven years. 

Instead let’s talk about Veronica Cale.

So, can we just start by solidifying the fact that giving Veronica an actual reason to hate the gods and Diana rather than it being purely motivated by jealousy and the anger of Diana’s perceived naivity? Because that always bothered me in the old canon. And I was more than a little worried about how much it was carrying over with what little we’ve seen of her in the “current timeline” storyline of Wonder Woman. 

Now I feel like without losing those points, we also now have an understanding of Ronnie beyond just “grr other women taking the spotlight grrr” And it’s such an improvement. 

I mean. It cost us a STEM woman with a serious case of fried brains and a cute little faceless girl. But with something as woman-packed as this series, I actually have less qualms with these points than usual. It’s also interesting seeing Phobos and Deimos show up! 

Anyway, it’s a solid issue, even if I don’t think it’ll quite take the cake just yet. Hard to beat what Rucka and Scott managed with Year One. 

So my best of the week has never been tighter. I really truly would recommend any one of these comics to all of you if you have tastes anywhere remotely similar to mine. But as close as it is to make a call, I’m going to go with Detective Comics. I flat out adored every minute I spent reading and rereading this issue. And I can’t remember the last time I felt like Cass’ characterization was just so right on the spot, and so excited at the possibility of more queer representation.

Actually, I really need to point out how much amazing queer representation I had in my comics this week. After such a tough couple of weeks personally, and being really scared about my place in the world and the future, it was something extraordinary to see so many examples of queerness in comics, across franchises and properties. It means a lot.

But I’m really excited to hear from you guys? Disagree with what I have to say? Got any other comics you think I should check out? Let’s start a conversation! And if not, I’m excited to share more with you next week ; ) 

[canis-literatus]

Eventually, laying low and being idle starts to make me stir crazy. Something about cabin fever that really isn’t any fun at all. So I pose the idea to Delilah about taking a walk and exploring what all is around us. Delilah agrees to this, and we get dressed before beginning our journey. The hotel we are staying at is on a fairly busy thoroughfare, so there are all sorts of shops and eateries close by.

As we are headed out, I turn to Delilah, “Pick a direction. That seals our fortune.”

She pauses and looks around, “Uh…”

“No looking. Just close your eyes and choose. Wherever we happen to go, that’s where we will end up.”

Delilah closes her eyes, “Left. Let’s go left.” She then opens her eyes.

“Right. We’ll go left.”

Off we go. Past the main office of the hotel. When we get to the sidewalk, we turn in our chosen direction and amble that way. Delilah has her arm in mine, as we chat about the scenery. Or the buildings. Or the traffic. Whatever topic hits us to talk at that moment.

The first complex we encounter is a strip mall. It has a little taqueria, a shoe store, a jeweler, and a grocery store. We elect to stop in the grocery store to get a beverage for our walk. Delilah gets herself a bottle of water. I choose a sports drink. We continue on our walk, discussing the architecture, and the shop selection.

The second complex we encounter has a video game store, an adult store, a barbecue restaurant, a electronics store, and a pawn shop. For all of my curiosity about the adult store, Delilah and I choose to continue on without stopping. So, we venture forward.

The third complex we come upon has a bookstore with a coffee shop, a clothing shop, an ice cream parlor, a bakery, and a drug store. I head toward the bookstore, dragging Delilah with me. There’s something about bookstores. Once in, Delilah and I head in separate ways. But we make plans to meet at the coffee shop, before we go back on our excursion. With that in mind, I venture off.

At first I start in the entertainment biography section. Just looking to see if any one book jumps out at me. There are a couple about older actresses that I like. As well as a few on musicians I enjoy. But, really, beyond that, it’s slim pickings. So I move on to the novels. Maybe I’ll find something worth reading here. There are a few books by authors whom I have enjoyed in the past. But nothing is really clicking with me. It is, at this point, where I realise that I feel like something is pulling me onward. It’s almost like an invisible tether. So, I let it lead me where it may.

Ultimately, I find myself in the philosophy and new age sections. I’m half glancing at books on Existentialism and Absurdism, but nothing is really catching my eye. So I move onto the new age section. Upon moving sections, I find myself staring at this book on spirit animals. It’s a brilliant red cover with gold lettering. Just eye catching. I grab it and start looking through. While I stand there looking through the book in my hand, I feel a presence join me, and immediately move to give room. As I feel movement pass me, I shift back into the place I was previously. Still engrossed in this book, about spirit animals, I am ultimately oblivious to my surroundings. Finally, I feel a heat on my skin. The kind you feel when someone has been watching you. I break from reading, and take a look around me. I don’t see anyone else around me, except for the presence I felt previously. I take a closer look at this person. Well, judging by what looks like a gingham sundress, I’m assuming I’m looking at a girl. She has slender, but muscular legs. And toned arms. Her skin looks tanned, as though she spent a lot of time laying out by a pool. And as I follow up, I get distracted by her choice of books. A book of runes. While I am in the midst of watching her, without subtlety, she slides her book down slightly and looks up at me. The combination of blonde hair and green eyes hits me immediately. I know her!

As her eyes meet mine, we both stop. Almost to the point of dropping our respective books. We both open our mouths to speak, but nothing comes out. So we stand there, trading looks at each other. Trying to convey this familiarity that we both appear to be experiencing.

I finally break the silence, “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

“Yeah, I’m getting the same vibe.”

“Well I should introduce myself. My name is…”

We both speak together, “Dean.”

She closes her book, and sets it on the shelf, and takes a step back, “Whoa.”

“Yeah. Me too.”

“I’m…”

Again we speak together, “Ava.”

She sighs, “Fuck.”

“Whoa. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Ava.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Dean.”

I put my book back on the shelf, “So – How do you know me?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Please. Try me. It can’t possibly be as weird as how I know you.”

Ava takes a deep breath, and fixes her eyes on mine, “I had a dream about you last night.”

“No way! Really?”

“Yeah.”

I start to get a bit fidgety, and my nervousness shows, “I had a dream about you last night, too.”

“No way!”

I can only nod. The moment is a little too surreal for me. Apparently, the same can be said for Ava. She looks like she’s trying to figure out how to say something, but she’s frustrated because her words fail her.

After collecting my thoughts for a moment, I finally speak up, “Would it help or hurt to know that in my dream, you were my wife?”

She stares at me, almost in disbelief, “You can’t be serious.”

“I am. Why?”

“In my dream, you were my husband.”

It’s my turn to stare at her in disbelief. While the shock registers on both of our faces, our bodies gradually sink onto the floor, where we sit adjacent to each other; processing this information is proving daunting.

I speak up again, curious but apprehensive, “Were there other details to it?”

Ava is looking at the floor, then her feet, then the bookshelf next to me, “What kind of details are you thinking of? I suspect I know already though.”

“Well, there are 4 specific details about my dream that stood out to me.”

“Did two of them involve children?”

I sigh, “Yes.”

“A girl and a boy?”

“Yeah.”

“The other two involved your birthday.”

I close my eyes for a moment, visualizing the moment in the dream for my birthday. When I open them again, and look at Ava, she’s smiling at me. I chuckle to myself, “You had the same dream.”

“It appears so.”

“Wow. Talk about unexpected.”

“Yeah. No kidding.”

I slowly start to get up. Once I’m to my feet, I reach my hand down to help Ava to her feet. There’s a moment, when she’s standing and she’s close to me, where time just stopped. Eventually, we release each other’s hand.

I start laughing, “There’s a part of me that’s glad that your sundress wasn’t polka dots.”

Ava laughs a little herself, “The first one I picked out to wear today, interestingly enough, was.”

“No way.”

She nods, “Yep. Part of me, now, thinks that I should have stayed with it.”

“I dunno. I like the one you’ve got on now.”

“Gingham?” I’m neither a rockabilly girl, nor Dorothy from Kansas.”

“It works for you.”

“Thanks. So tell me more about your dream.”

“Well, the kids gave me something each, to put on my desk at work.” I see Ava nod to this. “You gave me an mp3 player with digital copies of all of the vinyl I own on it. Because you wanted me to have my collection with me, wherever I went.”

“Yep.”

“Should I address the elephant in the room?”

Ava looks at me curiously, “What elephant?”

“The birthday blowjob?”

She blushes deeply, “Oh. That. Yeah.” She’s visibly frustrated and embarrassed.

Blushing myself, I can only say, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.

"I really didn't expect for you to be real."

"Yeah. I could easily say the same about you."

"The kids, from the dream, do you know the significance of their names?"

"Not a clue. I don't remember if it was addressed in the dream."

"It wasn't. Their names, Bill and Minnie. William Powell and Myrna Loy. And their nicknames for each other."

"That's cute."

"Thanks. I love Old Hollywood. And Myrna is one of my absolute favorites. And she had an amazing chemistry with William Powell."

"Wonderful. I suspect I should remember that."

"Awesome."

About that time, Delilah walks up behind me, and hugs me. "Oh, here you are. I've been looking for you. Ready to head back to the hotel?"

I notice Ava start to look a bit uneasy, and a bit put off by Delilah's presence. I turn to Delilah noticing she has a purchase to make, "You go pay for that, and I'll join you momentarily." Delilah heads off to pay for her books, and I turn my attention back to Ava, "Sorry. That's my friend Delilah. I'm helping her shop for a gift for her husband. Would it be okay if I got your number? Something that's bigger than me brought us together. I want to see how this all plays out. You know what I mean?"

Ava sighs and nods, "Yes. Me too. It's weird that something like this happens. I'm curious to see it out, as well. Give me your phone." I had my phone to Ava, watch as she types her name and phone number into my phone, then takes a photo to save as a contact photo. "Here you go. Call me." I hit the call button, and her phone immediately starts ringing. She answers and quickly hangs up, "There. Now I have your number. Now smile, I want a photo to be able to see your face when I hear from you." I smile and she snaps the photo. "There. Got it." She leans in, like she's going to kiss my cheek, then puts her hand on my chin and turns my face to her, then moves her hand to the back of my head as she gives me a deep kiss. I close my eyes and take it in, and when she breaks from it, I'm slow to open my eyes. She's beaming when I make eye contact.

"Thank you."

I move to turn to meet Delilah, but Ava stops me long enough to lean into whisper in my ear, "Here's to hoping that's the first of many, Deano." She then grasps my hand, squeezes it, then lets go.

When I turn to walk away from Ava, my head is swimming. I'm floating. I'm drunk. I'm experiencing a high I didn't expect. I meet up with Delilah, completely lost in this buzz. I look back for Ava, before I walk out the door. I see her, and she looks up and smiles at me. I smile back. She winks and blows me a kiss, before I walk out the door. As soon as I'm out the door, I stop and sigh.

Delilah pokes me in the ribs, "So. Who was that?"

"Her name is Ava. I had a dream about her last night."

"Oh, is she why you were poking me, this morning?"

I blush, "Probably."

"She's cute. Did you get her number?"

"Yeah." I reach into my pocket and pull my phone out. I go to her contact, and look at the photo. It's her looking like she's going to kiss the camera. It's cute and surreal at the same time.

Delilah has to poke me again to get my attention, "What did she do to you? I've never seen you so spellbound."

I look over at Delilah, and blink a few times, "Nothing really. Just lost in just how weird that it is. I mean, how often do you see someone you dream about, that you've never met before? Especially considering the contents of the dream."

"Uh oh. What happened in the dream?"

"Well, it was my 42nd birthday, and she woke me up with a blowjob. Then she brought the kids into give me gifts. Bill and Minnie. When I woke up next to you, I was curled up against her in the dream, going back to sleep."

"Uh..."

"One of the gifts was a coffee mug with Bill and Minnie's photo on it. The other was a little owl statue."

"Those are very specific details."

"That's not the half of it. Ava got all of my albums, apparently I have an album collection 15 years in the future, converted to a digital format, and put on an mp3 player for me. Because she wanted me to be able to enjoy them anywhere."

"Whoa."

"Yeah. No shit."

"If you don't marry this girl, Dean, I will."

"I don't know that everything will play out as it had in the dream, Delilah."

"So?"

"I mean, I want to see how everything plays out. But what happens if the reality doesn't match the dream?"

"What do you mean?"

"What if the reality doesn't match the fantasy?"

"Again, so?"

"That's the rub, isn't it? There's no guarantee."

"Honey," Delilah reaches her hand up to cup my face, "What did she do to you?"

Without breaking eye contact, "She kissed me, Delilah."

"Okay, I missed something here."

"She had the same dream, Delilah. The kids. The gifts. The blowjob. The whole shebang."

"Whoa."

"Yeah."

"Did she use tongue, at least?"

"No. Just pressed her lips to mine, pretty damn deeply." I sigh again.

"Fuck. Wow. That explains why she's got you spellbound."

"Yeah."

Delilah hugs me tightly. She grabs my hand, "C'mon let's get back to the room and figure out what we're going to do from here."

[theragingthespian]

strangers in the bright lights

@randomthingsthatilike123 prompting a superlane meet up at Clark’s and Lois’ engagement party

Lucy gets the call a day before the party.

(She almost thinks it was on purpose. Just so Lois can say she asked only for Lucy to turn her down.

She’s not sure who was more shocked when she agreed to come.)

It’s a small place, Lucy almost stepping past it if not for the music echoing out of it. Round tables with candles and a band in the corner, it all screams Clark Kent.

She’s got codes and statutes to memorize for her exam. Spending her night here is pressing on her schedule and Lois probably didn’t even want her here and-

She still came.

(She still came.

There was a hint of, oh, it did almost feel like Lois wanted her to come. A part of her wanted to say no, to take that hope and crush it under the heel of her boot just like Lois did every time she promised to visit and Lucy was left waiting by the door until her father called and get a move on Luce.

A smaller part, the part that won out, said this was her sister getting married and growing further and further away. 

It feels a little like holding on. Or maybe a little like closure.)

“Lucy?” She squints in the dim light, pressure clutching just enough at her chest, because she hadn’t recognized her sister at first. She could blame it on the lights, too warm, too low, but then again, when was the last time she’d seen Lois in person?

(Before she went off to college.

Before their father had sat her down with forms and applications and this is the plan, if you can handle it?

Before she did, she handled it- everything, she handled everything- without anyone’s help. Without anyone but their father’s pressing need for weekly status reports.

Before Lucy shut the door firmly on ever having what they once had, an old picture that’s smeared out on the edges of them and their mother now in her nightstand instead of in her pocket.)

“You came.” The surprise is clear, Lois almost seeming beside herself with shock. Lois grins, and oh, it knocks against her ribs, trying to settle at her heart with the familiarity of it. “Early as usual.”

“I know you don’t believe it, but typically when people give times, you’re not supposed to show up fifteen minutes later.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Lois goes to step forward before tilting her head and gently laying a hand on her shoulder. “I’m glad you’re here.”

(Lucy almost, almost thinks Lois was about to hug her.

The hand at her shoulder is nice and warm, but oh, maybe she would’ve welcomed a hug just as much.

But Lois doesn’t. Neither does she.

A constant push and pull with neither of them knowing what’s enough or what’s too much.

Lucy would’ve liked a hug.)

“I had to make sure Kent is in his right mind before you two seal the deal.”

Lois laughs, her hand slipping away to clap her hands together. “Right, right. Is, um,” Lucy studies her sister, hands wringing as Lois peers behind her. She’s never, she’s never seen Lois nervous before. “Is Dad coming?”

“No.” Lois’ face falls just so, fast enough that she could’ve blinked and missed it, but oh, she didn’t. “Lois-”

“It’s fine.” She sniffs, presses her tongue to her cheek as she scratches her nose. Lois’ tells are far too blatant for someone who claims rather obnoxiously to be good at poker. “Everyone else will probably show up soon, but for now, you can sit with Clark’s cousin.” Lois points to the side where Clark stands beside a table, his large frame hiding whoever sits there, “They’re over there.”

“Okay.”

Lois’ hand grabs her, their shoulders brushing as she stops. “I am,” Lois’ fingers tighten over hers before letting go, “happy you’re here. Really.”

“Me too.”

(It doesn’t feel as empty and false when she says it as she thought it would’ve.)

“Lucy!” Lucy blinks and then she’s surrounded by- god, couldn’t he have found something different- plaid as Clark engulfs her in a hug.

(He’s so affectionate despite only seeing her a total of maybe four times.

She had been surprised when they first met, before she left Clark had held out his arms before glancing nervously to Lucy and Lois and is a hug not okay?

She had been surprised her sister would go for that but then-

Maybe Lois needed someone to be there too.)

“Yes, hi,” Lucy pats at- his arm? Maybe? There’s so much of him, and she hates standing beside him because she has to tilt back her head so far. “Let me go.”

“Yes ma’am!” He smiles, broad and cheery before ushering her into a seat. “Glad you could make it.” He gestures to the girl who’s been watching them silently, “This is Kara. I’m gonna make sure everything’s good to go.” He knocks their shoulders together- Lucy has to grab onto the table to keep upright in her chair- and smiles down at her, “Try and have some fun, okay?”

“Sure.”

He hums along with the band- is it? it’s fucking country, of course- before turning, “You too, Kara.”

“Already am.”

Lucy’s about to roll her eyes when Kara smiles, brighter than Clark’s and a small laugh sounding afterwards. She stares down at the table, thinks it’s stupid someone could have that good of a smile.

She sticks out a hand. “I’m Kara.”

“Right.” Lucy takes it, and oh, she’s got a strong grip. “Lucy.”

“It’s nice to meet you.”

(It’s almost robotic. 

Kara nods to herself after she says it, like she’s checking off a list of do this and don’t do that.

Lucy thinks of her father, thinks she can relate to that.)

“You too.”

For a night that Lucy thought would be filled of tight smiles and false pleasantries, it seems like anything but that now.

Lucy has been quietly staring at her for the past ten minutes.

Kara’s been through two baskets of rolls as she continues to just stare, barely managing to swallow as she murmurs excuses, sentences that range from I didn’t eat much today to I haven’t eaten in three days.

(Make sure you don’t let anything slip Alex had said over the phone as Kara got ready to leave.

So far so good.)

“Clark’s never said he had family.”

Kara’s chewing slows as she turns the words over in her head. Oh. There’s a sharp pang in her chest at that, breath seizing in her throat. She presses the glasses against her face, reassures that they’re there because everything seems louder all of a sudden. The band, the heartbeats, the breathing, the laughter between people as they eat and drink and-

A finger brushes hers. “I’m sorry,” Lucy mumbles. Her hand hovers over Kara’s before she draws it away with one last barely there touch. “That came out wrong.”

“It’s fine.”

(She can’t say she expected differently but oh, she did, she did.

She expected Clark to be happy to have someone to share in their customs but-

They’re her customs and her planet that died and Clark only dons the House of El’s name when he puts on the suit.)

Lucy shakes her head. “No. You could say the same to me,” her eyes flash in the candlelight, a bright green that makes Kara’s hands itch for her paint, as she leans close, “I doubt Lois advertises she has a sister much.”

Kara has to think for a moment, but Lucy’s already smiling as she opens up her hands as if to say see? Her eyes crinkle with the force of it, and Kara has to sit back, a little breathless and wonders if she should call and tell Alex she feels off. “She misses you,” Kara says finally, thinking back to the moments Lucy’s name was mentioned and Lois had fallen silent. 

Lucy ducks her head, nail tapping against the table and doesn’t say anything in reply.

(It's like she doesn't know what to say.

At first, she was upfront, eyes meeting hers unquestionably. Words clipped and certain. Now, she scratches lightly at the table, head shaking just so as she scoffs.

It's like the thought never even crossed her mind.)

“Um,” Kara hunches over the table, wincing when it creaks, “I’m sorry for eating all the bread.”

“Twice.”

“Twice,” Kara agrees. She hears Lois and Clark greeting people as they slowly drift in, but none of them sit at their table. She’s glad for it though, likes the widening smile Lucy’s directing towards her and the steady gaze that makes her palms tingle.

Lucy’s eyes drag away from her as she nods behind them. “They’re happy, right?”

She turns around to see Clark pulling a reluctant Lois out to dance, but oh, when they do, Lois is smiling as he spins her around before holding her close. Their smiles are bright even in the low light.

(Clark looks so much like his parents.

She remembers that exact smile, those happy eyes staring down at Clark when he was small. They were so happy, so proud.

Kara has to blink back tears at the thought.)

“I think so.” Kara nods, feels Clark’s low laughter settle firmly in her chest. He looks happy.

(He can take off into the sky, feel the wind slide across his skin. He has someone who knows and doesn’t have to live in secrecy from her or give excuse after excuse.

She wishes she could too.)

“You’re not like Kent.” It’s not framed like a question, but it’s there in Lucy’s eyes. How they narrow fractionally as if she’s trying to solve something. “You’re different.”

“My sight is a little worse.” Kara swallows. She shouldn’t have ate all the bread, should have left some to stuff her mouth with later, because Lucy’s shoulders are tensing and Kara feels caught without even saying anything. “Do you,” oh this is a stupid idea but Lucy seems like the type to push and push, “do you want to dance?”

Lucy’s mouth drops open, and Kara’s not sure if she should excuse herself and hide in her embarrassment or be proud that she’s managed to trip her up. “You know what? That was- I’m just going to-”

A hand covers hers. 

Lucy’s smirking at her when she finally manages to take her eyes off their clasped hands. It’s playful, and oh, Lucy winks- she winks- at her as she stands up. “Well, come on then.”

It’s only after Lucy’s standing in front of her, looking up expectantly does Kara remember the last time she danced with someone, she broke their toes. 

“Um actually-”

“And here I was thinking that maybe you weren’t shy.” Lucy’s hand finds hers as her other flattens over Kara’s shoulder. Her nose wrinkles. “You’re tall.”

“I think you’re just short Lucy.” That earns her a huff. The hand at her shoulder slides to the back of her neck, nails tracing over the skin there and okay, wow. 

She makes a noise of frustration as they try to shuffle back and forth. “Do you have two left feet?”

“Is that possible?”

“I,” Lucy shakes her head, “it was a metaphor?”

Oh, right. Kara resists the urge to type it into her phone. She knows she’s learned that one before. “No. I don’t.” She squints down at her feet just to be sure. Maybe Kryptonians do have two left feet. “I’m just trying to be careful.”

Lucy’s fingers clench, press against the nape of her neck. “Come here. You’re trying to dance with five feet between us.”

Kara follows Lucy’s urging, stepping closer, and oh, Lucy’s heartbeat is steady and she’s warm and the band doesn’t sound quite as loud as it had before. 

(If Kara curls her fingers over Lucy’s hip before spreading them out, Lucy doesn’t mention it.

Kara returns the favor when Lucy leans up, chin barely able to graze her shoulder and breathes this is nice.)

“Do you know what happens at these?” Lucy arches an eyebrow. “I was sure Lois would have made a drunken speech by now.”

“I’m not sure.” Her crash course in human rituals never covered engagement parties. She wasn’t exactly sure what it was until Alex explained it to her the night before.

(She doesn’t think about how out of place she is in this culture.

Doesn’t think about that she knows none of this, where on Krypton, it would have been a time of celebration and involvement. On Krypton, it would have been done differently.

But Clark didn’t ask her. He didn’t ask how to propose or announce his engagement to Lois in their ways- her ways. 

All she received was a neat, little card in the mail giving her a time and place.)

“I think now is the time I cut in, and maybe you can stop your sister from doing that- I’m sure lovely- but drunken speech.”

Lucy groans. She bumps her forehead against her shoulder before pulling away. “Isn’t that your job?”

Clark hums, holding his chin in his hand. “Nope, I don’t think so. You’ve got that,” he traces a frown over his smile, “that Lane frown. Real scary but it works.”

Lucy rolls her eyes. “Sure.”

Kara smiles when Clark picks up her hand and immediately starts moving them across the floor. “Since when did you know how to dance?”

Clark gasps. “Excuse you, I’ve always been great at it.” 

“Right, okay.” He tips up his chin proudly when she doesn’t push the issue, knows for a fact Lois laments over his lack of dancing ability. “Are you happy?”

(It slips out.

She needs to know though, needs to be sure he’s satisfied in his life. Even if she didn’t, couldn’t be there, she wants to know-

Is he happy?)

His eyes soften, and oh, Kara doesn’t need to look across the room to know he’s looking at Lois. “Yeah. I am.” His hand squeezes hers. “Kara, do you- it’s not fair of me to ask, but-”

“Clark,” she says softly.

“-Do you think they’d,” his voice becomes hushed at that, “be happy with this. For me?”

“I think,” Kara looks up, sees Lara’s eyes and Jor-El’s smile, “they’d believe in any decision you make.”

(She wonders if she had made it on time- if she hadn’t been trapped years in the cold and quiet- if Clark would be asking was she happy for him.

If she would have gotten to see Clark and Lois fall in love.

If Clark would have called her, out of breath, but oh, so happy to tell her of their engagement instead of finding out through a piece of paper that tore in her hands.

She wonders if she would have been a part of Clark’s life.)

“You two were dancing like middle schoolers. I had to send Clark in to establish that two inch distance rule,” Lois says as she holds up her hands and flattens them together. 

“I don’t need a chaperone Lois.”

Lois shrugs one shoulder. “Apparently I do?” She points to her drink that Lucy keeps firmly in her hand despite her sister’s wriggling fingers against her palm. 

“Kent thinks so.”

Lois grumbles at that, a jumbled mess of fragments with the only clear word being farmboy. 

“Lucy, why are you here?”

It catches her off guard. Lois’ buzz almost disappearing as her eyes focus intently on her. Her throat feels tight. “Because you asked me.”

“I’ve asked to see you a few times.”

Lucy studies the drink in her hands to avoid brown eyes that she knows so well. Not well enough. “Then you can call us even.”

“Lucy.”

“I don’t know Lois. You asked, I came. That’s it.”

(It’s that she thought she could come and avoid this one on one. She could be around her sister without it dissolving into their usual arguments about their father as they sidestep the issues between them.)

She presses the drink into Lois’ hands. “I’ve got to go. It’s getting late, and I have school.”

“Lucy,” Lois calls as she walks away. Her sister’s hands are clenched in fists by her sides, and oh, she looks- Lucy’s not sure if she’s right or not but- heartbroken. “I am glad you came. Whatever your reason.”

(How many times will Lois have to say it before she believes it?)

Lucy steps out into the street, tugging up the collar of her jacket and rounding the corner-

Her nose slams into something hard as her body rebounds from the impact, feet stumbling under her.

“Oh! Gosh,” arms wrap around hers, fingers curling at her elbow, “sorry. I was just- sorry.”

Lucy blinks up to bright blue eyes. “Kara?”

“Hi.”

“Hi.” Lucy looks down at Kara’s hands. Her thumbs swiping across her arms. “You can let go now.”

“Oh, sorry.” Kara steps back. Takes another step back as she opens her palms wide. “Sorry, again.”

“You’re fine. I wasn’t watching were I was going.” Lucy stops and looks around the street. “What are you doing?”

“Just,” Kara points upward, “looking at the stars.” She touches the edge of her glasses before tugging at her collar, “It was getting a little stuffy in there.”

“I definitely understand.” She thinks of Lois’ quiet goodbye and Clark’s heavy hand at her shoulder. “Do you need a ride home?”

“Oh no, I fl-” Kara frowns up at the sky. “I don’t live here. I’m in National City, but thank you.”

“No problem.” It’s quiet. Cars passing by as the city settles in for the night. Kara keeps replacing her feet and rocking back and forth. “I guess, I should go.”

Kara’s fingers circle her wrist, easing open her hand to press a slip of paper in it. “If you’re ever in National City, just call me.” She sucks in a breath. “I mean, you don’t have to wait or actually be there. You could always just call me just to call me. Or-”

“Kara,” Lucy laughs, not even surprised after tonight for how easily it bubbles up in her chest, “give me your phone.” Kara hands it over mutely, but oh, she smiles when she sees Lucy type in her number. 

(Lucy stares at the number once she gets home. Before she can type out a text, her phone lights up. A series of exclamation points pop up along with Kara’s name.

Lucy smiles.)

[theragingthespian]

strangers in the bright lights [2]

I both cite and blame @randomthingsthatilike123 -again- for this. 

part one

She finds Kara in the same place as they met.

(She remembers that night, walking in and fighting back the urge to shout when she saw the dark silhouette on their couch. 

She had calmly shut the door- made her steps after that soft and gentle once the girl had flinched- and walked over to the, the kid.

She was just a kid- Lois can’t get over that, after she finds out, after she knows of a shared, destroyed world- hunched over on her couch and dripping water on the new rug she had just bought that Clark despised. The rain continued pelting the windows as the girl shivered, but when Lois reached out to lay a hand on her shoulder- before it was jerked away- she was so warm.

She was so warm, and Lois would know those blue, blue eyes anywhere.

The girl’s voice had been stilted, a hint of a barely there accent as she whispered, “He forgot.”)

This time, she’s not shaking, not dripping wet from a long- too long, too dangerous- flight in the rain. This time, she’s smiling at Lois before she even steps fully past the door.

“You could turn on the lights, Kara.”

“There’s a lamp on.”

Lois clicks her tongue, stares at the lamp and, oh, it’s so ugly. “That’s courtesy of your cousin. It barely puts off any light, but Clark leaves it on all the time. Says it makes a warm atmosphere.”

“It does,” Kara says, and Lois wonders what she thinks of when she gets that look, lost in concentration, out of place, “The light.”

“Do I need to call him for you?”

“Nope.” Kara leans into her when she sits beside her, one arm curling around her shoulders. “I called him already. He’ll be here soon.”

Lois looks down, pressing her nose in Kara’s hair and breathing in the sky that clings to them. “What’s got you flying out here by yourself?”

“She never said she was alone, Lois.” Lucy hops on the couch’s arm, holding- why is she holding that? “Why do you have a chicken in your kitchen?”

“Don’t start.” She grabs the- it’s a rooster, Lois, look- chicken statue and puts it on table. Clark will get upset if she manages to break another one. 

(Not that her breaking them was the reason for him getting upset. More that she purposely knocked it off the counter and acted none the wiser.)

Kara laughs. “Chicken in your kitchen.” Lois is about to ask her to please, please stop, because she heard that from Clark for a week, but then Lucy’s laughing quietly with her. 

(It’s not that she hasn’t heard her sister laugh. Of course she has, even if it’s been awhile.

She’s just never known her to laugh at something like that. To look at someone with this soft gaze, breath rushing out of her with something akin to awe.)

“Lois, what are you doing with Chuck?”

Lois doesn’t even turn to the window, just scoffs. “You named it Smallville?”

“I thought it would help you grow more of an attachment to it.” Clark jabs a finger back to the open window. “So maybe I wouldn’t find his remains in the alley below.”

She can’t help the sigh of relief she lets out when Clark’s hand falls on her shoulder as he kisses her head.

(Kara she can handle.

Kara only wanted love and somewhere safe to stay and belonging. She would laugh at Lois’ jokes and listen to her stories and leave before anyone got too overwhelmed.

Lucy though, Lucy is when she has no idea what to do.

Lucy is unfamiliar, is this separation between her and her father. She’s smart and rash and everything she couldn’t be for him. Now, she’s not even that, stepping away from both her and their father, and being Lucy.

She’s their mother when she smiles.)

“Kara,” Clark says warmly even as Lois sees the hesitancy in his movements when he pulls her into a hug before ruffling Lucy’s hair and acting wounded when she punches him. “Lucy. How are you?”

“We’re great. Wow, we’re so good.” Kara sighs happily. “It’s just the greatest. We’re so-”

“Kara,” Lucy arches an eyebrow, pats at her shoulder before turning to them. “We needed to talk to you two.”

“Okay.” Lois eyes Kara’s nervous wiggling, Lucy’s carefully maintained poise even as she breaks it every few seconds to stare- more slowly blink in this way that makes Lois only think love- up at Kara.

“I didn’t want you two to find out through a- a,” Kara bites her lip, and Lois feels like there’s something else to her thought but it’s not finished. “Well, we’re,” they hold up their hands.

“Holding hands?” Clark scratches at his jaw and rocks back on his heels. “Is that something new? After years of dating, you’d think-”

“Clark, no. I mean, the,” Kara points to, oh, there’s bracelets around their wrists. Thin strips of metal that shine brightly. “This.”

Lois almost says matching bracelets aren’t really cute anymore, but the near pleading look in Kara’s eyes has her falling silent and glancing up to Clark. He doesn’t look like he knows anymore than her, shoulders lifting briefly before falling.

Lucy steps forward, and oh, it’s almost unnoticeable the way she puts herself just slightly in front of Kara. She tips up her jaw, green eyes sharp as she says- says something. Says even more when they continue to stand there confused.

(Lois doesn’t recognize it at all.

Clark though, he winces.

She’s not sure why. Whatever language it is sounds nice coming from Lucy, low and smooth, and oh, Kara looks so, so proud.)

Clark breathes unsteadily, his hand coming up to rub at his face. “Really?”

“You didn’t know what they were?”

(There’s something in how Kara speaks. In how she can go from lighting up a room to sounding so impossibly hurt.)

Lois tugs at Clark’s sleeve. “What did she- what is it?”

“They’re engaged.” Clark clears his throat. “I think- I mean, it’s a custom.” Lucy mutters because I said that under her breath. Kara’s wringing her hands until Lucy takes one in hers. “On Krypton.”

“You’re getting married?” Kara smiles, but oh, it’s watery. Lucy only nods before there it is, a slow smile directed up at her.

(She remembers when they were small. When Lucy was always looking up to her, eager smile and scrambling limbs as she tried to climb everything in sight but always trusting her to catch her if she slipped.)

“That’s,” she brings them both into a hug, shoves her face into Kara’s shoulder when Lucy falls easily into it- something she wouldn’t have done even a year ago- ignores the prickling feeling in her eyes. “That’s wonderful. Congratulations.” 

Warmth presses against her back as Clark pulls them all to him, chest rumbling before he laughs. “It is.”

Kara pulls away, hand swiping under her eyes. “We just wanted to tell you in person.” She shakes her head, a small laugh sounding. “We’re having a party? I mean, just small. Everyone who knows.”

“We’ll be there.”

Clark holds Kara’s shoulder. “Tell me how it went? Who proposed?”

Lucy nudges Kara forward, their hands slipping away but not before their fingers hook around each other’s and squeeze tightly. They watch the cousins walk into the kitchen, and Lois knows she’s going to have to do a grocery store run even though she just went.

Lucy’s eyeing her quietly, and oh, there’s an uncertainty in it that makes it difficult to swallow. She takes Lucy’s face in her hands, rubs her thumb over a small scar over her cheek.

(She doesn’t even know how it got there. Doesn’t know why her sister’s hands are so rough, why she tips her head back and meets everything she says as a challenge.

She doesn’t know her sister.)

“We will be there, Lucy.”

Lucy shudders, turning into her hand. “Okay.”

“I’m proud of you,” she insists. Lucy chokes back a noise of surprise, but oh, Lois says it again, because she’s tired, tired of holding back and being unsure while her sister stands right there.

(Lucy has always felt so far away. 

Even when Lois lived across the hall from her. When Lois moved out, but there was nothing stopping her from visiting. When Lucy moved to Metropolis.

There’s always has been a distance between them.

It’s only taken her this long to realize that they were the ones keeping it there.)

Kara’s counters are filled with food.

Lois’ fingers pinch at his side when he maybe lingers on it a little too long. “Not now.”

He still swipes a cracker, because it’s always a good time for food.

“Everyone is already here. I’m still trying to see what game we’re playing.” Kara frowns as she pushes plates in their hands. “Winn is whining that playing monopoly isn’t a good way to start a marriage.”

“We’re not even married.” Lucy bumps her hip against Kara’s. “You should get used to losing.”

Kara doesn’t pay the teasing any mind, just smiles. The hologram he’s seen of Zor-El always seemed colder to him, not as there, until he saw Kara’s smile, saw the blue of her eyes in his hologram. “Yet,” she adds, bending down to bump her head against Lucy’s gently, both of them grinning at each other.

“Hey, hey!” Winn wiggles in between. “Don’t, don’t do that. Lucy you’re on my team, remember?” He points two fingers at his eyes. “No lovey eyes at the competition.”

She slaps a hand against his stomach, smirking at his wheeze of breath. “They’re no competition Schott. Breathe.”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Big talk,” he holds his hand over Lucy’s head, “for someone, so you know.”

Lois’ hand slips from his back as Kara drags her over to Alex, and Lucy aims a shot to his gut when he’s not looking.

He’d think it’d hurt if he wasn’t Superman, and he makes a show of holding his stomach. Winn grabs his own chest, looks like he’s been there if the paling of his face is any indication. “I’m glad they finally taught you how to punch at the DEO.”

“I’m the Director,” Lucy grins, sharp and oh, he’s glad she’s never managed to trap him in their training room, “I’m the one teaching them to punch.”

“Well, if you ever need any help, just give me a shout.”

Lucy looks over her shoulder, Kara waving at them before talking to Alex again. “I’m pretty sure I’ve got all the help I need, but thank you.”

“Anything for my favorite in-law.”

Lucy sucks in a harsh breath, blinking up at him with something of suspicion and shock.

(When Lucy’s not being overtly hostile to him- something he thinks she does for Kara- she’s funny and smart, and it’s easy.

It’s such a contrast to Kara.

Kara who is a dead planet and culture and parents. Who looked up at him, and it had taken him an entire minute to even understand what she asked him. Her language flowing and natural in her mouth where it’s formal and cold to him.

Who are you?

Superman, he thinks, sees Kara struggle to speak and move and live, and still, still he leaves her. Leaves her with people who can become her family, because he, he can’t.

Not Kryptonian.)

“I mean,” he adds, “the only other person in the running is your father, so-”

“Shut up, Kent.”

“Hey Clark,” Kara calls, taps under her ear. “Wanna help?”

He listens for a moment until there’s just a hint of sirens that grows to a wail in his ears as he focuses. He tries not to pout, because James has already went on and on about how Kara- she flies so fast man, faster than you- out fly him, but can she out hear him too? “Sure.”

It’s an easy job. A little bit of freeze breath and the fire’s out, but afterwards, they land softly on Kara’s roof. He grabs Kara’s hand, folding both of his over hers. “You’ve found your place here.”

Kara nods, tilts her head to the side. “I’ve made it.” 

“Without much help from me.” Kara freezes, and oh, maybe it’s not the time for a super power joke even though he’s tempted. “I don’t- I don’t know many Kryptonian customs especially not for weddings.” Kara’s hand shakes in his until he rubs a thumb over them. “But if you tell me- if you teach me then,” and he hears a sob catch in Kara’s throat, and oh, he should’ve said this much sooner, “I’ll do everything you ask.”

Kara bobs her head and darts forward to wrap her arms around his shoulders. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” He nods his head down. “We should get back before Lois cheats again when I’m not watching her.”

“Even x-ray vision can’t catch a Lane.” Kara pulls away and walks towards the door. Stops and turns around. “I’ll always have a place for you, Kal-El.”

(Maybe the worst thing about that- the only bad thing about that- is that Kara means it. She says it in the same way she says I love you and khao-shuh. 

She means it, that he will forever have a place beside her.

She says that, and all he can think is-

He hadn’t for her.)

Lucy and Kara are curled up on the couch, Lucy holding her cards away from Kara as Alex slaps one on the table and yells, “Uno!”

There’s a chorus of yells that only get louder when Alex is hit with a plus four. Lois sighs and leans back against Clark. “Look at them.”

He hums quietly. Lois taps her hand against the counter, listens to the laughter, and oh, it’s so warm.

(Never did she think Lucy would have this. That they’d be in the same room as games and laughter and smiles so hard that their eyes crinkle with the force of it.

That Lucy would find this group and come out of it with a family.)

“They did good.” Clark grins down at her when she huffs, leaning to kiss her cheek.

“Yeah,” she agrees, watching Lucy slip an arm around Kara’s waist as Kara throws one around Lucy’s shoulders to bring them closer together, “they did.”