#lex is one bad day away from snapping a pen in half

[briarrosesinthornes]

Okay, so imagine this:

Tim Drake never becomes Robin.

He doesn’t join the Batfam, doesn’t put on a cape, doesn’t swing across rooftops at thirteen.

Instead?

He grows up watching them. Documenting them.

Obsessed with the truth, with the people behind the masks—though, keeps it under wraps when he knows it's not in his place to expose such sensitive and private information.

( We love a reporter who knows what boundaries are )

So he becomes a reporter. Because of course he does.

And then his boss is like,

“Hey Tim. We’re sending you to Metropolis. Go write a feel-good piece about LexCorp’s new Superman.”

And Tim’s like: “Absolutely not.”

Also Tim: is on the train in 10 minutes with a bag full of sarcasm and trauma. “Cool. I’m gonna rip this entire operation apart.”

And THEN— Then he meets Conner Luthor / Superman 2.0

Like. The one that popped out of no where. The PR golden boy. The poster child.

This boy walks out of a press conference like a Disney prince.

Full sunshine smile. Messy black hair. Tight suit.

He’s been genetically engineered to be The Next Superman™.

He’s perfect. Like weirdly perfect. Too perfect.

And Tim IMMEDIATELY is like

“Fake. Corporate. Corperate-made boy scout.”

But then Conner looks at him and just goes:

“You’re the only person my age who hasn’t tried to ask me about my abs.”

AND TIM MALFUNCTIONS ON THE SPOT.

And then Tim asks him,

“What do you want to be?”

And Conner just stares at him and goes,

“I don’t know. No one’s ever asked me that before.”

LIKE—??!??!?! HELLO???

It’s so much worse because—

Conner? He’s not acting.

He’s sweet. Earnest. So painfully sincere it hurts.

He wants to help people. He wants to be good.

AND YET—he still gets flustered when Tim talks fast.

He still stares at him like he hangs the stars.

He flies Tim to the top of a radio tower just to watch the sunrise.

like sorry?? what do you MEAN the science experiment fell for the journalist with commitment issues and a hero complex

Cue rooftop talks.

Cue sneaking around LexCorp.

Cue Tim finding classified documents he was not supposed to see.

Cue Conner breaking through reinforced steel doors to save him.

And that’s when Tim Drake, journalist first and disaster gay second, realizes:

He’s not just in love with the story.

He’s not writing a story anymore.

He’s living one.

And the worst part?

He’s in love with the headline.

Inspired by multiple cliche love songs, love stories, and the dream I had months ago ( yes, I wrote it down )

[butmakeitgayblog]

“ I hope you like the new chapter “?? You kidding right

Cuzzz believe me dude.. we will read it with PLeasUrE! I mean come on Demon!lexa???

God i’m so excited, and I’m excited more that you said it will be a LONG chapter! Awesome.

Anyway i’m waiting the pain and pleasure in this story that i lovvee.

Ps : you promised us for 😆sneak peek 😆just a reminder don’t say I didn’t remember 🏃🏻‍♀️

Oh yeah you're totally right. And yeah it's now over 11k and I still have probably at least, at 👏 the 👏 least 👏, another 6k to go. But I'm betting more like 8k. Heyo ok anyway, happy last day of pride! Cheers to us queers 🍾🥂🏳️‍🌈

Snippet for chapter 8 demon au, forgive mistakes it's unedited and might change a bit between now and posting

Also go give love to sassymajesty it's her birthday today

/////////////

"Oh my God."

"You're very bad, Ms. Griffin."

She could only whine in agreement. 

"Look at you. You're not supposed to be enjoying this this much."

Clarke clenched down at the loud slap to her ass. She hissed at the sting of it, rocking her hips on the silicon that pumped into her from behind. 

Hands gripped at her waist and pulled her back into each rapid jog of hips, the clap of skin on skin ringing in her ears. Forehead pressed to the cool plastic of an industrial copier, she groaned and shook when the punishing rhythm quieted enough for her to breathe as sharp snaps of the strap slowed to deep, rolling thrusts. 

Clarke arched at the feel of a hand smoothing up her spine to wind into the sweat sodden hair clinging to her neck. At a gentle tug, Clarke moaned and let herself be guided up, using the palms of her hands to support the weight of a warm body draping against her.

"Still good?"

Half delirious with a laugh and wiggling to get back the friction she had lost, Clarke felt herself dripping at the warm breath in her ear. "Mhm. Just fuck me, Lex."

"I think you mean 'Ms. D'Angelo," Lexa whispered, nipping at the fleshy skin of her lobe. "Remember, now. We keep things professional at the office..."

Clarke smiled to herself, biting her lip as she envisioned herself being pushed face-down back onto the copier. She checked her watch and glanced at the door, tapping her foot alongside the whirs of its rhythmic back and forth blinding neon light.

She thought of exactly how good Lexa's ass looked bound in buckles and strips of leather. How the harness they'd gotten the week prior sat in just the right way that it accentuated the lovely bubble-esque quality that made it all the more kissable. 

Or biteable. 

It really just depended on her mood. 

A few solid raps sounded through the door as Clarke leaned back on the table beside the copier, a satisfied grin stretching across her face as she chirped a bright, 'Come in.'

The door opened and then slammed shut in a flurry of motion as a wild wave of chestnut slungshot into the room. Clarke let out a surprised yelp of laughter as the small space was crossed in two giant strides and hands cupped her face, pulling her into a messy kiss. 

Lexa's groan was loud enough that Clarke worried for a moment that someone might hear. But the thought fell away just as quickly when fingers trailed to Clarke's hips, squeezing tightly and lifting her onto the table. 

Clarke wrapped her legs around the waist that pressed into her, thanking last night's self for selecting such a forgiving dress.

"You… are driving... me crazy," Lexa breathed between kisses, pulling away just often enough to let fresh oxygen into Clarke's lungs. "What are you doing in here?"

"Making copies," Clarke smartly shrugged as dark eyes glistened in the low light. 

"I am with a client," Lexa said with a needy sigh, resting her head against Clarke's as her hands mindlessly caressed thighs, hips, and chest. "A client and his father."

Clarke burst out in a poorly stiffled laugh. "Oh shit. My bad."

"Fuck, gorgeous," Lexa breathed, pulling Clarke's hips to the edge of the table and rocking onto her. "You are so bad."

A low moan rumbled through Clarke's chest as the words sparked fresh visions of her deviant daydream. 

"What?" Lexa asked with dark eyes and an excited hum. 

"Just something I was thinking about before," Clarke said, brushing a few curls from Lexa's face before letting her arms rest over her shoulders. 

"And what were you thinking about?"

"You."

"Well that's certainly a relief," Lexa smirked as she peppered kisses across the dip of Clarke's chest. "It'd be awful for my ego if you were in here making me wet while thinking about someone else."

Clarke just grinned, sifting her fingers through the fine hairs that sat on the nape of Lexa's neck. "I thought that might get your attention."

"What has gotten into you today?"

"Boring day. Kept looking at those pictures you sent the other week. Wanted to kiss... Wanted to see you in this shirt again. Take your pick," Clarke said as she pulled Lexa back onto her lips. She swallowed Lexa's sigh and licked into her mouth only to have Lexa twist away with a wet pop. 

"I have a client sitting in my office waiting to sign a contract."

"I can be quick."

"I don't want quick," Lexa shook her head as she grabbed Clarke's wandering hand that had been snaking its way under the belt of her skirt. "Let me finish this and we can take lunch right after. Go back to my place--"

"You have court at 1," Clarke sighed, deflating on the spot on the table. 

"Fuck." Lexa hissed the curse as her eyes screwed moment for a minute, biting her lips as they popped back open a second later. Her breath picked up as she looked hungrily over the expanse of Clarke's body, hands squeezing once more at the swell of Clarke's thighs. "Okay… Okay. Come with me."

"What?" Clarke asked as Lexa took her hand and quite literally dragged her off the table. 

Lexa leaned around her and grabbed a fresh pen from a box at random before tugging them toward the door. "Come with me to my office. We can pick this up when they leave. I'll just say I need a witness for the signing or something."

Clarke frowned as Lexa dropped her hand and flung the door open. "Uh. But you don't."

"Well they don't know that," Lexa whispered as she waved for Clarke to keep up with her pace toward her office. 

"You're serious?"

"Yes. You stand there and look… God," Lexa swallowed as they pulled to a stop just outside her office door, eyes dipping down to the hint of cleavage that peeked out of Clarke's dress, "just like that. And then you conveniently remind me I have court in ten minutes so I can get them the hell out."

Before Clarke put up any sort of protest, Lexa turned the knob and glided back into her office with a flourish. 

"Here we go," she announced, holding up the new pen in one hand and ushering Clarke inside by the small of her back with the other. "This is Ms. Griffin, a legal secretary here in the office and she'll be helping us today."

"I just wanna get this over with."

"Don't we all," Lexa sighed with a strained smile as she walked around her desk, leaving Clarke to stand awkwardly in the center of the room. "Now, you just sign these, and then Ms. Griffin and I will handle the rest. Sound good?"

A grunt was Lexa's only answer as she handed the pen over and pushed the stack of papers under his nose, Clarke reigning in a grin at the roll of her eyes. But still, Clarke waited patiently, hands idly picking at the hem of her blazer as she took in the pair sat in front of her. 

A boy no older than possibly 17 sat hunched over and small to her left. Sandy hair buzzed in a high and tight cut and clothes starched to within an inch of their life, he looked as though he'd be more at home in a military school than in the confines of their humble law office. He didn't move, barely breathed through the scratching sound of his father's writing as Clarke watched him all but sink through the seat of his chair. 

"You better thank your lucky stars this lady is willing to do this for you."

The low growl of words had Clarke frowning, shifting her eyes to the older man scribbling furiously through the stack of papers. His shoulders flexed with each rough flip of a page, his muscular body broad and tall enough Clarke wondered if he'd fit through the door without ducking. 

"The pleasure's all mine," Lexa waved him off when the boy tipped his head lower and stayed quiet. "He's a good kid. Just at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Well that's the fuckin' problem, now isn't it," the man snapped as his head swiveled around to stare at his son.

And Clarke's stomach bottomed out at the sight.

The man from the street. 

The temperature of the air inched upward as Clarke's eyes shot to Lexa, only to find her already looking back. A pleased smile played at her lips as a perfectly trimmed brow flicked upward. Clarke worked to control her breathing, jaw locked and hands balling full of the hem of her blazer as she tried to parcel out exactly what the hell Lexa was up to. 

She knew Lexa always had her reasonings for doing what she did. 

Always had a plan.

But fuck all if Clarke hadn't realized she was going to be a part of it. A damn courtesy heads up would've been nice. 

"-- which is exactly the problem with you, boy," the man kept going through Clarke's silent freakout. "You don't get it. You can't seem to get a single thing through that thick, useless lump you use a goddamn hat rack."

And with no warning, he reached out a hand and slapped the boy over the back of his head. 

"Mr. Trikru."

Lexa's voice echoed through the office, sharp and simmering with a quiet rage as they cut off his tirade. 

Clarke halted in place from where she'd taken a few stumbling steps forward, dropping her hands that'd whipped forward as though to forcefully pull him away from the child who'd barely flinched at the blow.

Lexa's hand was steady as she plucked her phone from its base. "Finish signing the papers. Now." Her tone left no room for argument, eye dark and glued to the man who threw a final glare at his son and went back to writing. 

A moment passed as Lexa murmured softly into her phone, holding up a finger when the last page was flipped and the pen tossed aside, before hanging up and folding her hands expectantly on her desk top. Clarke felt her chest rise and fall with a kind of confused and indignant rage because seriously what the hell was Lexa playing at?

Clarke nearly jumped at the tiny knock against the door, whirling around to see Raven's head pop through the opening. 

"We all done in here?" Raven asked, her mask of professionalism firmly in place. 

"Yes, we are. But I need to speak to Mr. Trikru for a moment alone," Lexa said with an easy smile, up and around the edge of her desk in just a few fluid steps. "Why don't you take this young man to the break room. Get him a snack or something."

Lexa all but yanked the kid up by his arm, ignoring how he tried to glance back at his father as she shuffled him toward the door. She coo'd a few pleasantries and assurances that it'd just take a moment, telling him to go crazy as she shoved a small fold of ones into Raven's hand and passed him off to her. 

Clarke took a measured step back when the hulking man rose from his seat as Lexa shut the door and flipped the lock. 

"What the hell are you doin'?" he thundered and crossed the office. 

He stopped short when Lexa turned on her heel, eyes black and lips stretched in that increasingly familiar sinister smile. 

"Teaching you some manners."

The sickly crack of her knuckles against his jaw made Clarke's stomach roll. She watched in stunned, horrified silence as Lexa punched him hard enough to send him reeling back. His knees buckled and he hit the ground with a dazed shake of his head. 

A fist wrapped in the collar of his shirt before glassy eyes could stop rolling in his head. Another punch split his lip. Another caused his head to whip painfully sideways. 

Lexa yanked him up by his shirt, slamming him into the wall beside the door. A growl vibrated through the thick air as her fingers wrapped around his neck and squeezed. 

"Lexa," Clarke exhaled, her entire body shaking so badly she wasn't sure if she could walk. 

But then she watched the hand clamped over his airway flex and lift him upward. His feet kicked uselessly and his eyes bulged from their sockets, his hands grasping and scrabbling at the locked arm holding him up.

Clarke's mind jumped into gear as his face became redder, his gasping more sporadic, his movements turning jerky and less desperate. She lurched forward, staring at the side of Lexa's face.

"Lex, let him go."

The growling only deepened. 

"Lexa, let go of him," she snapped, raising her chin when black eyes turned to her with a snarl. 

She licked her lips and steadied her breathing and said the exact first thing that popped into her head.

"You hate cleaning up messes at work."

The growling stuttered as Lexa's eyebrows furrowed together, her head tilting in obvious confusion. 

"You told me you hate cleaning up messes at the office," Clarke rushed out, grabbing onto the one thing that Lexa had ever really complained about and riding the thought process to hell and back. "If you kill him right now, think about what you're going to have to deal with. There's gonna be an upset kid. Everyone's gonna freak out. Ambulances, witness statements. A literal dead body in your goddamn office. Think about it."

Lexa stared at her for a long moment, her jaw ticking in annoyance though, thankfully, the growling had stopped. And then without pause, Lexa loosened her hold and let him drop.

He crumpled to the floor in front of them, hacking coughs racking his body and his hands moved to massage his neck. Lexa squatted down, elbows resting on her knees as she leaned into his face.

"I think you should thank your lucky stars this lady was willing to do this for you, Mr. Trikru," Lexa spat in a harsh whisper. "But make no mistake... I will be seeing you again."

/////////////

[fluffyllamas-23]

*Drops new OCs and runs*

I would apologize for this, but at this point I just have to accept it XD 

Shoutout to @taylor-tut and @emeraldthread for helping me with my characters

“Jenna, you’d better be dying,” Cassie says into the phone, eyes never leaving her notes.  

She’s been cramming for this stupid test for weeks now, and she’s panicked over it. She’s given her sister and friends strict instructions not to call her unless someone is bleeding or dying, and she’s slightly irritated she’s getting a phone call at all.

“I need a favor,” Jenna rasps, her voice sounding like she’s been screaming all night.

Cassie looks up in surprise, her pen falling onto the page, “shit, you sound awful, I didn’t actually mean that. Are you alright?”

“Children are germ factories.  Emma had this last week and I thought I had escaped it, but...ugh, it’s miserable,” she coughs.

Cassie winces, “so what’s this favor you need?”

“Em has soccer practice in like...an hour? Could you take her?”

“Jenna,” Cassie groans, “I have to study-”

“I know, I know, I just... James is still out of town, and I’m exhausted...and I could honestly use a nap.”

Cassie chews on her bottom lip, “how long is her practice?”

“Hour and a half.”

“Okay,” Cassie mutters begrudgingly. “I’ll be there in a few.”

“Thank you,” Jenna breathes, “wait, you don’t have to be here for like forty five minutes.”

“But you’re sick...do you still need to get all of her stuff together?”

“...Shit...yeah.  I knew I was forgetting something.”

“Dude, you never forget things.  Ever.  I hated you for it when we were kids.  Are you okay?”

“Uh...I might be running a fever...I don’t know...I just feel really out of it.”

“Damnnit,” she hisses, slamming her textbooks and notebooks shut, “yeah, I’m coming over.”

“Okay,” Jenna mumbles, “see you soon.”

When Cassie gets to her sister’s house, she walks through the door and then stops in her tracks when she sees what a mess it is.  The last time her house was this messy was three and a half years ago, when Emma was born. “Uh...Jen?”

“AUNTIE TASSIE!” Emma shrieks in excitement, running into the room.  She flings herself at Cassie, who catches her with ease and then wraps her up in a tight hug.

“Bug!” Cassie cries happily, burying her face in the three year old’s neck, “oh, how I’ve missed you.”

“Are you here to play with me?”

“Yeah! I’m going to take you to soccer, and then we’re going to go have dinner, and then I’m going to bring you back and we can play all night, how does that sound?”

“Good!”

“We’re going to have so much fun. Maybe we can make cookies, too.”

“YEAH!”

“Now, where’s your mommy?”

“Momma feels yutty,” Emma says, making a face, “she’s in her bed.”

“How about you play for a little bit so I can go see her?”

Cassie kisses her cheek and then sets her down before she goes in search of her sister.

“Jenna?” Cassie says, walking into her bedroom.  

“Oh, hey,” she croaks, blinking at her tiredly.

“Not feeling so great, huh?” She asks, climbing onto the bed next to her.

“No...I’ll be fine, though,” Jenna sighs, snuggling up to Cassie and resting her head on her shoulder.

Cassie presses a hand to her forehead, “mmm...you’re burning up.”

“I figured.”

“How long have you been sick? Because your house is a disaster.”

“A few days...I miss James.”

“I know you do...but hey, I’m here,” she says, brushing Jenna’s blonde hair out of her face.

“You have to study.”

“I know, but I can study tonight when you’re asleep.”

Jenna sniffles, “you’re sure?”

“Oh absolutely. I’ll help you with Emma, I’ll take her to dinner afterwards...I’ll give her a bath and put her to bed.  The whole nine yards.”

“That would be nice...do you know how hard it is running around after a three year old when you feel like death? Pretty damn hard. I really think this is how it ends, I think I’m actually dying.”

“Alright, drama queen.  Are you done whining, or should I pull up a chair?” Cassie smirks.

Jenna looks at up her, unamused, “well I’m glad that my misery is so amusing to you.  Love you, too.”

“What do you need? Have you had any medicine lately?”

“Uh...no.”

“You’re a nurse, and you haven’t taken any medicine?”

“Just because I understand the importance of it, doesn’t mean I’m gonna do it.”

“You’re hopeless. Medicine still in the same spot?”

“Mmhmm,” she mumbles, eyelids drooping.  

She manages to get Jenna drugged up and her temperature taken (101.2, not terrible, but not great, either).  

“Alright, I’m going to go get her stuff together-”

“Her bag is in the garage...she just needs some water...her water bottle is in the cabinet. Make sure you put it in the Cinderella one or she’ll lose it.”

“Cinderella water bottle.  Got it, I’ll do that, and then I’ll take her.”

“Oh, one more thing.”

“Yeah?”

“Her coach is hot, you should definitely bang him.”

“What the fuck, Jenna,” Cassie laughs, rolling her eyes.  “You’re married.”

“Yeah, I know, but I meant for you.”

“I’ve already resigned myself to being a crazy cat lady.”

“But-“

“-I’ve been single my entire life. I just honestly don’t think that it’s in the cards to get a boyfriend,” she says, sadness seeping into her tone, “but it’s fine. Just have more babies, I’ll be the cool aunt.”

Jenna goes into a coughing fit, and then lets out a croaky groan, “yeah, okay...James and I want another, by the way, so you might get your wish soon.”

Cassie grins, “hopefully the next one is a boy.”

“Mmm...James wants a boy, too...I don’t really care.”

Cassie grins, “alright, well I’m going to go. We’ll be back in a couple of hours. Get some rest, text me if you need anything.”

*

“Toach Tay Jay! Toach TAY JAY!” Emma squeals, running ahead of Cassie.  

She looks up to see Emma jump into the arms of a man who was so attractive, she had to take a literal, physical step back.

Who the hell actually looks like that?

When Cassie finally makes her way to her niece (and her super hot coach), she’s slightly out of breath, and she can feel butterflies in the pit of her stomach.

“Hiya, Emma!” He chirps happily, hugging her tightly before setting her down.  He looks up at Cassie, and inhales sharply once before standing up straighter, “hey...I’m uh...Keegan-KJ...you can call me either.  You must be her aunt...Jenna texted me she was sick and you’d be bringing her. Is she alright?”

She nods, the movement jerky as she tries to get herself under control, “yeah, she’ll be okay, she’s just not feeling well.  Um...I’m Cassie.”

“Uncle, Keegan,” a little girl about Emma’s age says, tugging on his shirt.

He crouches down to her level, “what’s up, Lex?”

“I’m hungry.”

He chuckles, “you’re hungry? You just ate on the way over here.”

“I know, but I’m hungry.”

“Your mom packed you a granola bar, it’s in your bag. Why don’t you and Emma go over there, and I’ll be with you guys in a second.”

Once the girls run off, Keegan turns his attention back to her, and her heart skips a beat.  

“Sorry.  Nice to meet you...you can just go sit on the bleacher with the parents...uh, not sure what your sister said but it’s about an hour and a half, and uh...yeah,” he says anxiously, shooting her a nervous smile while he rubs the back of his neck.

As Cassie watches the practice, she grows more and more (irrationally) agitated.  Who gave him the right to be so cute (and good with kids)? What was the fucking catch? Because there has to be something.  

He probably has a super hot girlfriend, because guys who look like that - jawline that could cut diamonds, high cheekbones and smile lines that are enough to make her melt...brown eyes the color of melted chocolate - aren’t single.

He’s fairly tall, (compared to her, at least), and is built eerily similar to Captain America - broad shoulders, muscled arms and back, slim waist - and Cassie realizes that Jenna wasn’t kidding.

He is hot.

He’s just...exactly her type, and her type always has a significant other.

She wants to think he’s an asshole if he’s not taken, because honestly, there’s no other explanation.

She tries to focus on her studying, but she finds herself staring at Keegan.  He meets her eyes often, and everytime he does, she looks away as her cheeks flush.

Get it together, Cassie, she thinks to herself, staring down at her notes in frustration. So what if he’s the hottest guy you’ve ever seen in your life...so WHAT? He’s just a person, and nothing is ever going to happen, so stop it.

Practice comes to an end, as do her stupid, self-loathing thoughts, and she looks up with a smile as the tiny blonde with uneven pigtails comes running at her.

“Hey, bug! Are ya hungry?”

“Yeah, can Lexie and toach Tay Jay come, too?”

“Uh...yeah, I...yeah, I guess I can ask.”

When Cassie makes no indication that she’s going to move, Emma pulls on her hand with both of her’s, “let’s GO, auntie.”  

She groans.  Now she has to talk to him?

“Hey, um...K-keegan?” She says, walking up to him.  He turns around, and when he sees her, a huge grin spreads across his face.  

“Cassie, right?”

“Yeah, uh...I’m taking Emma out to get some food, and she was wondering if you and Lexi would want to come?”

“Yeah, we’d love to.”

“I’m hungry!” Lexi squeaks from beside him.

“And Lexi is down, too, I guess,” he chuckles, putting a hand on top of the brunette’s head.  He looks down at her with a grin, “babe, you’re always hungry.”

Once they figure out where they’re going, and Cassie gets Emma all loaded up in the car, she dials Jenna’s number.  

“Hey,” she croaks weakly into the phone.

“Hey...how’re you doing?”

“Uh...I’ve beend better...really dond’t feel well...s’finde, though.”

“You sound worse.”

“Condgestiond is worse, but I feel about the sambe.”

“Did you get any sleep?”

“A little...I’mb mbostly just layi’gg ind bed watchi’gg mbovies.”

“Do you need anything?”

“Ndah...how was her practice?”

“It was fine.  I’m taking her to get some dinner, you want me to bring you home anything?”

“Ndo, I’mb ndot that hungry.”

“So, soup?”

Jenna sighs in exasperation, which turns into a nasty sounding coughing fit, “I guess.”

Cassie winces, “you sound really bad, Jen.”

“I’ll be finde.  I think I’mb goi’gg to go back to sleep.”

“Good plan.  We’ll be home in a little bit.”

“I’m pissed off at you,” Cassie snaps at Jenna later that night, pacing the floor at the foot of the bed with her hand on her hips. Emma has been asleep for half an hour, and Cassie has been obsessing over this ever since they left the restaurant.

“What? What did I do?” Jenna croaks, confusion lacing her voice.  

“You did this to me...you made me...have a crush on a stupid guy.”

Jenna grins, propping herself up on her elbows,  “I told you.”

“Why can’t he be an asshole,” Cassie whines.

“I’mb sorry...you wandt himb to be onde?”

“Yes, because it would make it easier when we don’t work out,” She groans, flopping down face first onto the bed. “His girlfriend is probably beautiful and nice and just...ugh.”

“Aww, dond’t be like that.  He’s single, I asked.”

“He’s what?!” She cries, looking up.  

“He’s...single? I dond’t understand what your problem is? Amb I mbissi’gg sombethi’gg?”

She groans, “he’s cute, and nice, and funny, and good with kids, and he’s studying to be a doctor...and now you’re telling me that he’s single? He’s too cute to be single.���

“Alright, but you’re single, and you’re the mbost gorgeous persond I’ve ever mbet.”

“Shut up,” she grumbles, going red.

“How was dinnder? Did you guys hit it off?”

“I don’t know...he’s really easy to talk to.”

Jenna grins tiredly, “Emmba loves himb.”

“I know, which makes it worse.”

“And you said I was drambatic.  Dond’t you have to go study?”

“...yes.”

“Good.  Go do that.  We’ll talk about this mbore whend I wake up, because as mbuch as I would love to condtindue this condversationd, I’mb exhausted.”

She groans, “yeah, okay.  Do you need anything before I leave?”

“Ndo,” she mumbles.

“I’ll be right downstairs if you need something.  Just text me or something.”

“I kndow that law school is stressful, but thank you so much for helpi’gg mbe with Emmba.”

“Don’t go getting all emotional on me,” Cassie teases gently when Jenna’s eyes start watering. “Of course I’m going to help you, I love you guys.  And how many times have you dropped everything to help me out? Just feel better, okay?”

Jenna nods, drifting to sleep.  

As much as Cassie wants to stop thinking about Keegan (things never work out with guys she likes), because she has to focus on studying for her test in the morning, she can’t help it. Her thoughts drift back to him every few minutes, making it impossible for her to focus.

And she knows she’s doomed.  

[lizartgurl]

Waiting (Torpedo/Aquarocket)

Word Count: 1900+ Characters: Raquel Ervin/Rocket, Kaldur’ahm/Aqualad, Amistad Ervin, Zatanna Zatara (sort of), Nightwing (sort of), Artemis Crock/Tigress (heavily mentioned) Set during the invasion. Raquel knows Kaldur’s secret. Written for @sand-son and anyone else who’s wondering who the fate Raquel’s getting married to, whether it be lady or gentleman.

---

"You're getting married!?" Karen squealed.

Raquel nodded, grinning as she held up the hand with the diamond ring sparkling for all her friends to see.

"When's the big day?" M'gann asked.

"Who's the lucky guy?" Zatanna added.

Amistad burbled loudly, and spit out half a dozen bubbles from his spot on Artemis's knee. the women all laughed, and Zee turned on him, her fingers wiggling threateningly.

"Maybe you can tell us, Ami. Who's your new dad gonna be?" She tickled his ribs, and Raquel smiled as her little boy laughed.

"You'll just have to wait and see."

-------

Amistad was put to bed and Raquel poured over a draft with a critical eye, tapping a pen against her gritted teeth. She should be getting some rest too, Amistad rarely slept, but she had English homework to finish, and that was almost as important as sleep.

A tapping at the window made her jump, literally, out of her train of thought. And then she saw who was at the window and smiled.

"Hey, fishface," she said, helping him in the window. He'd ditched the suit, opting for an inconspicuous hoodie and jeans.

"Hello my dear," Kaldur took her hands in his and kissed her on the lips.

"Oh lord, I missed you," She gasped a moment later, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"And I missed you," Just as he was about to kiss her again, Amistad started whining.

Raquel was annoyed at being interrupted, but Ami was too cute for her to stay mad at him for long. If Kaldur was annoyed, he didn't show it. He obediently followed Raquel to the nursery helping her tend to their son.

"You are wearing the ring," he observed, handing her a warm bottle of milk.

"Well yeah, did you think I wasn't?" She asked, bouncing Amistad gently as she tried to coax the bottle into his mouth.

"Didn't people ask questions?"

"Well sure they did, but I didn't tell them. Look, I know it's a risk, but I want to wear it. I want people to know that I'm taken, that I'm yours," she squeezed his hand.

"Besides, it's fun to see the looks on the girl's faces when I refuse to tell them who I'm getting married to," she grinned.

"Raquel Ervin, you are too much."

"Don't pretend you don't love it," She sang, walking Amistad up and down the hall while she burped him.

Kaldur smiled to himself, watching her pace and coo at their son.

"Yes," he said quietly, "that is why I proposed to you."

-------

Zatanna had just called to tell her about Malina island the next time she saw him. She made up an excuse about Amistad being fussy, hung up, and quickly let him in.

"I just heard," she said, noticing his heavy breathing. She helped him stumble into a chair at the kitchen table and got him a large glass of water. Amistad was sitting in his high chair, and banged his tiny fists against the tray. He was always excited to see Kaldur.

"I couldn't save them," Kaldur said, staring at the glass Raquel placed in his hand. "I couldn’t save the Kroloteans.”

He raised his glass half-heartedly. “But at least Manta has sealed his place within the Light and I have won his trust," he said sarcastically. Amistad cooed, raising his arms like KAldur did and flinging food everywhere.

"I know, I know, don't beat yourself up, Kal," she squeezed his empty hand. "You did all that you could, I know you did. And that's all we can do."

Kaldur set aside his cup, and kissed Raquel, much to Amistad's delight.

"I love you, Raquel Ervin."

"I love you too, Kaldur'ahm. Even if you are a hopeless idiot. Now help me feed the baby before he tosses out all his food."

-------

The next visit was much shorter than the last two.

"I have to report to my father, but had to tell you-"

"Artemis and Wally are in on it and you had to win the trust of the other Light whackjobs. Nightwing told me." She told him, placing her hand on his chest.

Kaldur held her close, kissing the top of her head. "It's getting more dangerous. Nightwing thought that sending Artemis undercover would give me a boost, she has more knowledge of the criminal world workings than anyone else."

"Well you cost me my best babysitter, Fishface. You owe me." She warned.

Kaldur leaned down so that their foreheads touched. "Then let me make up for it."

-------

She felt guilty having the bridal shower Karen and Dinah threw at her, both keeping the identity of her fiance and the knowledge of Artemis's survival from them, from her friends, the ones who loved her so much they put together a bridal shower for her without even knowing when the wedding would be or just who the heck she was getting hitched to.

"To the bride!" M'gann cheered, wearing that same smile she used to give everyone years ago, back when she was still that peppy cheerleader that Raquel only found slightly annoying.

And as everyone toasted her a happy marriage, Raquel made her own silent prayer that she'd actually get to be married.

-------

She left Amistad with the elderly next-door-neighbor and barged into the team's makeshift base the moment she heard.

"What the heck happened, Nightwing, you tell me right now!" She shouted, lifting him by the collar of his kevlar suit. Rick looked to Connor for help, but the boy of steel was staying out of it.

Impulse, Beast Boy, and Wonder Girl had gathered at the commotion Rocket was causing, and long story short that's how Nightwing's plan came out to the rest of his team.

"Tigress- who is Artemis- took M'gann to help Kaldur. So long as the three of them have each other, I think they should be okay." He finished up. "All we can do is wait."

"You think!?" Raquel snapped as the freshman watched in terrified awe. "You're the freaking boy wonder, Richard John Grayson, you'd better darn well know that they'll all be safe the next time you try to pull a stunt like this."

-------

Zatanna visited that night, finding Raquel on the couch watching informercials with Amistad asleep on her lap, the two surrounded by unfinished homework and empty junk food containers.

"Oh, Raquel," she whispered, taking Amistad from Raquel to let her friend curl up and cry.

"I knew it was gonna be like this when I said yes, why did I say yes?" she sobbed as Zee rubbed her back in circles. "He could be dead right now! And so could M'gann and Artemis!"

"They aren't, you know they aren't!" Zatanna insisted. "Artemis is a fighter and M'gann is so incredibly powerful, they won't let anything happen to Kaldur. And now that we know that he's not evil, neither will the rest of us."

"So you know?"

Zee giggled, "You're not the only one with an affinity for bad boys," She admitted.

Raquel leaned her shoulder on Zee's head. "I miss when we were on the team, back when everyone trusted each other."

Zee kissed her forehead in a totally platonic but completely loving way. "I think I know just what you need."

-------

She came home from Zatanna’s suggested mission to Bialya tired and sore, pondering if she still had some ice cream left over in the fridge or if she had enough energy to take Amistad out to the frozen yogurt place down the street. She said good-bye to the sitter, and then the tapping came at the window.

With Amistad still propped on her shoulder, she ran back to the kitchen. And there he was, still there, still alive.

He opened the window himself, whispering her name over and over as he held her and their son in his arms.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you too," she sobbed. Then Ami started crying too. Kaldur took him without hesitation, carefully bouncing him and rocking him as he'd seen Raquel do.

"So what happened?" She asked at the two sat on the couch, watching Amistad play on the blanket with his toys from Auntie Dinah and the rest of the League.

"M'gann was able to fix what she had destroyed, I feel fine, nothing out of place, and my memories are still intact-" he paused suddenly, looking at Raquel's hand.

"Why do you have a ring on your finger?"

Raquel grabbed pillow after pillow and lobbed them at him. "And you said I was a tease!" She spluttered as they both laughed. Amistad gave a laugh of his own.

Kaldur blocked her pillows with his arms, and grabbed Raquel, holding her in his arms.

"Soon, my dear," he promised soothingly, "The team is pulling Artemis and me out in a few days. You do not have to wait much longer."

-------

Like any good mother, Raquel made sure her boy was far from the danger of aliens threatening the world. She put him on the Watchtower with Catherine Cobert and Simon Carr to watch him, while she and literally every other League member, team member, and ally gathered outside of Lex Luthor's building, of all places, to stop the Reach's Endgame.

She stood by Kaldur's side, while Luthor droned on, holding his hand so tightly you'd think the heavy winds would suddenly carry him away from her again.

They were each put on different squads, Kaldur with his old friend Lagoon Boy, and Raquel with the, er, strange Doctor Strange.

"Good luck," He whispered, quickly kissing her forehead. Dang, he looked so good back in his old red-and-black uniform again.

"Go save the world, Fishface," she smiled at him.

And they did.

-------

Raquel had been waiting for six months. You'd think that two weeks would be easy.

It. Was. Torture.

Since they didn't really know when Kaldur would finish his job undercover, and since Raquel couldn't quite tell everyone exactly who she was engaged to without blowing his cover, plans that would have spanned over a few months or maybe even a year were crammed into those two weeks.

Raquel wanted to just have a plain and simple wedding to get it over with, but then Dinah and Oliver stepped up and offered to pay for the whole thing, and she couldn't refuse that. And then there were Atlantean and surface cultures clashing where both Kaldur and Raquel each wanted their partner to be able to have their culture represented as much as possible.

Somehow, it all worked out.

It was held in a small church in Dakota city, on the edge of the street where she grew up. Atlanteans and metas and normal human friends crowded the tiny white building, each fighting for a better view of Augustus helping Amistad walk down the aisle as the ring bearer, or Roy Harper carrying his daughter and her basket of petal bombs which she promptly pelted at the guests more so than the floor, and of course, the beautiful bride herself.

Raquel met eyes with Kaldur as she entered the chapel, watching his face glowing and his smile growing as she approached him step by step.

After all she'd been through and all the time she'd waited, the ceremony flew past, and soon enough they were kissing and people were cheering and Amistad was clapping his chubby little fists as he was handed back to his parents.

"So was it worth the wait?" Kaldur whispered lowly, kissing her again.

"Oh it was, Fishface," she grinned, "Worth it and more."