#Cass has both and switches between them.

[amarachno]

Gotham City can be a terrible place to live but at least it has a nice skate park. It wasn’t always that way but ever since Bruce Wayne started his free space repair program all kinds of free activities for city kids had opened up. In Tim Drake’s opinion, the skate park was the best. Conveniently placed near Gotham Academy AND in the direction of Tim’s house? It was perfect. The best part? Sometimes, Jason Todd showed up with his older brother. What’s cooler than one Robin? Two!

Not that either boy knew Tim existed, of course. Tim Drake was fantastic at getting peoples eyes to glance right over him. Janet Drake had trained him to become invisible, after all. But really, it was too cool to watch. if a little funny at times. Dick Grayson was a wonder in the air, but finding your balance of skateboard is a bit different than finding your balance on a beam. Jason wasn’t much better about it but hearing him laugh at Dick falling on his butt after attempting a kickflip always brought a warm feeling to Tim’s chest.

Sometimes, Tim was tempted to go over and try to teach them, but he always chickened out at the last moment. He settled for helping out the seven year olds who always fell off their scooters. There had been a few times where he picked them up and out of the way right before they could get run over but it was all in a days work.

Tim usually managed to visit the skate park for an hour or two after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the other days he had extracurriculars Or had to be home in time to check in with Mrs. Agnes, the house keeper. Heaven forbid he gets home even a minute too late. Her pointy fingers always left his arm sore when she marched him up to his room.

where was Tim going with this again? Oh yeah, school is finally out and it’s time to visit the skate park. He had debated bringing his camera this morning, but ultimately decided that it wasn’t something he wanted to carry around all day.

He couldn’t help but wonder if he would see Jason and Dick there that day. Usually, they went around every three weeks after school. One of the nicest parts about seen him there though, was a heads up that Nightwing would be out that night. Nightwing was so fun to take pictures of. he was an entertainer after all. His movements fluid and quick. Once, Tim had gotten a picture of him falling from one of the higher buildings in a pose that almost perfectly made it seem like he was flying through the air. Arms spread, feet together, and chest out. A stark contrast to the way he windmilled and gracelessly fell at the skatepark, though Tim was pretty sure he only let himself fall because it made Jason laugh. The ride from school to the skate park wasn’t long, thankfully. It would be such a hassle to have to bike to the skate park and carry his board too. upon arriving to the park, he glanced at who was present that day

The good news, was that Jason was there! Not so cool news, Dick wasn’t. Jason seemed to be in a bad mood either way. Usually, Tim wouldn’t butt in. Usually he would’ve just made sure that Jason got back safe. But… Tim had a bad feeling. He hadn’t seen Robin out with Batman the day before. or the day before the day before that. Tim knew he couldn’t just leave this alone.

“So, where is your older brother?” Tim blurted out as soon as he was next to Jason

Jason blinked, looking mildly shocked before furrowing his brows. “Who’s asking? And why d’ya wanna know?”

“Uh” Tim said unintelligently. “I see you around here a lot and usually you don’t go by yourself.”

Jason stared for a moment, looking conflicted.

”Oh! I’m Tim, Tim Drake. We’re um, we’re neighbors.” Tim’s palms felt sweaty. This was painfully awkward.

“I guess that makes sense. Not that it’s any of your business.” Jason said hesitantly, taking a deep breath and then speaking again. “So, you skateboard?”

“Yeah, I guess, a little” Tim stuttered out. “You never answered my question.” Before clapping both hands over his mouth. he did not mean to say that out loud.

“He’s out of town for the month, ya nosey little shit. He lives in Blühaven.” Jason gave a wry grin. “He’ll be back soon.” he opened his mouth as if to say something else, but closed it again and looked away.

let it be known Tim is just as stupid as he is smart. He knows that once he starts talking, there’s no stop. It’s why he never talked to Jason or Dick before. Despite that, he opened his big, dumb, mouth. “Hey I’ll raise you to that ice cream place around the corner. Whoever loses has to pay.”

Jason grinned maniacally, “Alright short-stack, you’re on!” And then Jason shot off like a blur. Tim yelped out a “Hey! No fair!” before running after Jason.

Tim lost, not that there is really any competition, Jason’s legs were longer anyway.

One Neapolitan bowl and one Superman cone later, (courtesy of Tim’s wallet, of course) Jason and Tim headed back to the skatepark. they wound up wandering around, talking about anything and everything, laughing at the college kids who fell on their faces and the pigeons who attacked some guy for his fries. (The random dude was fine but he seemed creepy anyway so Tim couldn’t bring himself to feel bad.)

One hour turned into two and two turned into four. Soon enough, it got late and it was just about time to head home. The older kids were showing up anyway, and usually it wasn’t a good idea to stick around.

Tim was about to mention this, but when he turned to look at Jason, he paused.

“Not sure why I’m tellin’ ya this. But, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders.” Jason murmured, “I was gonna run away tonight.”

“Oh.” breathed Tim.

“My- I found my bio mom. I’m um- I was, that is, staying with Bruce Wayne.” Jason turned to stare out towards where Tim knew Wayne manor was. ”But, he thinks I did something I didn’t. something I would never do.” Jason swipes furiously at his eyes. “I found my birth certificate. The woman I called my mom all this time was actually my stepmother.” He turns back, making eye contact with Tim, a determined look on his face. “Her name is Sheila Haywood. I was going to fly to Ethiopia to meet her.”

Tim inhales sharply, “Alone?” he asks breathlessly.

“Yeah.” Jason replies guiltily. “I didn’t think Bruce would believe me.”

Tim pauses, thinking it over. “And, how much research have you done on this?”

Jason tenses, “Enough.” he snaps defensively. “I found a way there and back. I have enough to find somewhere to stay for about a week. But, if everything goes well then I should be able to stay with my mom.”

Tim laughs a little, a short exhale through his nose. “Oh no, I know you can take care of yourself. I’m talking about how much you researched into your mom. it would be smart to know why she moved. I don’t think a lot of people move to Ethiopia just for a change of pace. What if she were involved in some kind of-“

“She would never!” Jason exclaimed. “She’s an aid worker there.”

“Okay, I believe you.” Tim reaffirmed “ it was just an example. my point is just that, having all the facts is an important part of every plan.”

Jason relaxed at Tim’s reassurance, “Oh. That makes sense I guess.”

“Maybe I could help!” Tim squeaked out nervously. “ you could come to mine I’ll get my laptop out and we can look into her public records. Maybe we could do a little bit more digging and see if there could’ve been an outside situation.”

Jason considered it for a second, tilting his head back.

“If you sleep over at my house tonight, you don’t have to see Bruce.” Tim added quickly.

Jason whipped his head to look at Tim, nodding vigorously. “Yeah that would be great. Um, maybe we can stop by really quickly though just to tell Alfred and pick up my clothes for tomorrow.”

—>

With Tim’s help, Jason found evidence that Sheila was involved with the Joker. He never went to Ethiopia, he does tell Bruce about his bio mom. Batman goes to investigate it, finds out about the Joker’s plot, and stops it in time. Jason Todd doesn’t die. But he doesn’t see much of Tim anymore either.

Tim Drake saves his favorite Robin. Who knows what would’ve happened had he actually gone to Ethiopia? Especially since the Joker was there. Nothing good obviously. Jason and Tim stay friends for a little while, but don’t stay that way for long, only occasionally seeing each other in the hallways at school. Jason was busy with personal matters anyway, not much time for the skate park. Or for Tim. Eventually, Dick and Jason show up again, bringing Cass, Steph, and Damian along to teach them how to skate. Tim keeps his distance, content to watch.

Sometimes. Sometimes he wishes he could join them. Not that he’d ever say that out loud, of course. It’s the same way with their nightly activities too. It’s selfish. Tim has everything he could ever need. A roof over his head, food in his pantry, and two living parents. Even though they aren’t around. he has his hobby, chasing shadows around Gotham, taking pictures. That’s what Tim was meant for. He wasn’t meant to be a brother, or even a friend.

[warmilikeit]

Yandere Batfam x Camp half-blood (Neglected reader)

Dc x Pjo

Part 5

________________________

Diana is seething, she's filled with rage, the lies Bruce fed her?

"I'm very worried for their wellbeing..."

"I miss them very much"

"they're so young, I don't want anything bad to happen to them"

Asshole.

She kicked the door of the justice hall down, startling the kids who had gone back on patrol from trying to find (Name)

"hey what gives?" Flash asks

Superman raised his eyebrow "you left so suddenly, mind telling us where you've been?"

She looks at batman's sidekicks and then at him, while staring him straight in the eyes "the kid is dead" she says

"what?"

A silence washing over the entire room

"the lady who attacked your house, that wasn't an ordinary lady, in the eyes of mortals she may look normal, but in the eyes of divine beings... It's a monster, that monster was an empousa, a poisonous fire breathing monster who feeds on the blood of mortals and divine beings alike" Diana thinks about how she'll explain everything to J'onn later, but figure that he's probably reading her mind right now

Her suspicions are confirmed as J'onn nods at her

"your kid, (Name), they're a demigod, because of that they're a target for monsters, they're gone, eaten, sorry Bruce"

Crap Diana thinks, was she too harsh? She was just too angry

Ignoring the fact Diana just announced Bruce slept with a god, Superman placed his hand on Batman's shoulder "My condolences Bruce"

Everyone was giving their apologies to the bats

She didn't look at the widened eyes of batman's sidekicks, she noticed but chose to ignore the sound of Dick collapsing into a chair, she heard didn't pay attention to the footsteps of Damian who had to run out of the room

Cass stiffened up, she trembled as if resembling a cracking statue, Steph wants to cry, but she knows very well that she doesn't deserve to cry over you, Barbara just- it's like she just stopped working

As much as she feels so cruel right now, she knew it was the only thing that will keep you hidden, if not, they'll keep trying to find you

Green arrow crossed his arms, but it was clear he was disturbed by the death of a 12 year old kid "Diana, please elaborate"

"Bruce here, had intercourse with a god, that led to (Name) being born, monsters attack demigods, people who are half god half human such as myself, without proper protection monsters kill demigods easily, and (Name) suffered that fate, monsters attack demigods while they're young and tasty and leave them alone as they grow older, they don't feed usually on humans, just animals and demigods"

It seemed like Batman or more appropriately for this situation Bruce wasn't even listening, his mind still stuck at the announcement of your death

"If it'd make you feel better, you can take a break for a while... I know what it's like to lose family, we all do, let yourself grieve Batman, you might be a hardcore vigilante but you're still a father" (to everyone but name) Barry suggests

Starfire has been trying to calm Dick down, his breathing has become irregular and unstable, switching between deep and short breaths

_________________________

Jon runs after Damian, it looked like any second, the unbeatable demon spawn fell to his knees

"Damian! Are you okay!?" Jon asks

"I-i thought it'd only last a few days... Maybe a week if they're incompetent, or maybe months if we're unlucky" Damian started to cough

He took off his robin mask and took a deep breath "Since there was no body, I was fine, I thought they're okay, maybe a few injuries here and there, but they're alive so it's fine, but- the reason there was no body... Was because she was eaten- by stupid, how'd -" Jon didn't know what to do, between the both of them, Damian was the composed one

Then two of his siblings came, Jason and Tim

"what the fuck? Demon spawn?" Jason was surprised, and immediately glared at Jon, accusingly looking at him for making his brother this way

Jon put his up defensively "I didn't do anything, promise, I'm trying to comfort him!"

Tim knelt down with Damian "what happened?"

"(Name) is dead"

And suddenly it feels like nothing matters anymore

____________________________

"okay! And this'll be your bed!" Selina ended the tour of the cabin

Selena Beauregard, Daughter of Aphrodite, she was your sister, Gosh you have a sister! And she was nice! She wasn't like Cass who for some reason, closed her eyes everytime you tried to communicate with her

Barbara pretended to be busy, too busy, what do you mean you have to work? Didn't your workplace get burned down by two-face two days ago?

Steph- at least she was honest, she straight up told you she' didn't want anything to do with you

A guy with blonde hair and blue eyes walked out of the bathroom, a nice change from the black and blue eyes you're used to

"hey! You're our new sister! The one who was flirting with that Hephaestus kid-"

"Aster! (Name) Told me they were just friends and if they were flirting what's wrong with that? Love is love" Selena came to your rescue

Aster tilted his head confused with the way you're shifting "what's wrong?" He asked

"aren't people in Greek mythology who are named after flowers turn into them?" You nervously fiddle with your fingers

With that some of your siblings who are in their respective spaces burst out laughing and Aster is hugging you laughing whilst explaining that in Greek mythology "the people came first, not the flower"

That seemed to calm you down a bit, then another girl, whose name is Drew spoke up "so (Name) who's your mortal parent?"

You freeze up at this question but the other kids seemed normal about it

"don't worry (Name) it's some game we play, cause mom's standards are high, we compare mortal parents" Another one one your brothers said, his name is Castillo, he had a faded hair color of blue to purple that reminded you of Ramona flowers

(this is actually canon in Pjo, lmao)

He continued "my father was a famous k-pop idol" he bragged

A little girl then shouted "My dad was a model for Designer clothing!"

Selena rolled her eyes "So whose your dad (Name)?"

You didn't want to answer that, but at the same time- this is the first sibling playing you've ever been in, you're included here!

"my dad is Bruce Wayne... You can look me up on Google- but he, he really wasn't the best- umm dad"

"THE BRUCE WAYNE?" Someone gasps

"i thought his name was Brucie?"

You hear in the background

"I didn't know he was an asshole" Aster muttered

"come on bro, the guy parties all day and he's with children, how could you ever think that guy's a good father?" Castillo shrugs his shoulders

"that's okay (Name), a lot of mom's lovers are vain, taking it too seriously in their heads that they slept with the goddess of beauty, that's why mom stopped revealing herself, there are rare moments, but they're rare" another sister of yours says

You honestly feel so at home here...

________________________

I'm now realizing that the "Neglected daughter" fandom is literally so small, I just saw like three of my readers in another fic I was reading XD

Let's support each other!!!! :3

Also the characters without description are canon characters, people who are actually in pjo

The one with descriptions are OC's!

So Drew and Selena are canon characters! :3

Callisto and Aster aren't

I hope you enjoy the chapter!

@wpdarlingpan @mountvesuvu @nathaly36 @delias-stuff @vanessa-boo @bat1212 @sadslasher13 @ellaprime7

[pacificwaternymph]

I think the funniest scenario I can think of with the Wayne family being multilingual is the arguments.

Like to my understanding, everyone in that family knows and/or at the very least understands 5-6 languages, minimum. There is definitely significant overlap between many of them, but all together I imagine each of them have like two languages in common with each of their siblings, excluding English. So you've got a nice, wide mix.

Which is all fun and games, right up until something sparks an argument and the entire family gets swept up in it.

Everyone is shouting. They've switched languages four times in half as many minutes. They each only speak about half of them. Poor Cass shut down from too much input about a minute and a half ago. Jason and Dick are both shouting at each other in languages they know the other doesn't understand. Steph doesn't even know what they were arguing about in the first place because it started in Portuguese, which she doesn't speak. Tim can't remember the word for cat in Arabic and has taken to trying to poorly describe it.

Everyone walks away from the conflict with entirely different conclusions.

Of course could just return to the original topic of debate (if any of them could even remember what it was) after they've all had time to cool off like reasonable adults. But they won't. Because god forbid they make anything easy on themselves.

[demonic0angel]

DPxDC Next Generation Kids (click for clarity)

Continue reading for notes and introductions :)

1) Jove Bryce Wayne (11) - Steph and Cass’ adopted son. He trains under Cass and Bruce, and is widely admired by the other kids for creating his own fighting style with the dancing skills he gets from practicing with his mom (to his delight). Fun fact, he is albino!

2) Marillyn “Mari” Maddy Grayson-Nightingale (10) - Dick and Dan’s daughter. She was an accidental pregnancy, but both of her dads love her very much. Fun fact, she gained her baba’s personality and is rather rebellious and mischievous, which causes Dick to feel sympathetic for Bruce.

3) Elinor “Ellie” Catherine Nightingale (9) - Jason and Jazz’s eldest daughter. She, along with Mari, train under Dick, Jason, and Jazz in order to protect themselves. Fun fact, she looks and acts just like Jason when he was young.

4) Thomas “Tommy” Bruce Drake (5) - Tim, Dani, and Kon’s oldest son. He is an evil genius who uses his cuteness to take over the world. Fun fact, the entire PhantomBat family have given up on convincing him not to, so now they’re just trying to instill morals into him and stall for time (they still love him tho).

5) Marianne “Ann” Talia Nightingale (5) - Jason and Jazz’s youngest daughter. She is Alfie’s twin and is the fun and sunshine to Ellie’s seriousness and Alfie’s gloominess. Fun fact, she got her blonde hair from Sheila Haywood, but she doesn’t know that.

6) Alfonso “Alfie” B Nightingale (5) - Jason and Jazz’s youngest son. He is Ann’s twin and is rather gloomy and antisocial compared to his sisters. Fun fact, he supposedly looks like Bruce when he was young, so he gets away with a lot when dealing with Alfred.

7) Rain Axel Nightingale (4) - Danny and Valerie’s son. He is Misty’s twin and can be rather mischievous, often causing trouble and chaos for the fun of it. Fun fact, he often teams up with Mari to prank everyone in the most ridiculous ways possible.

8) Misty Lilith Nightingale (4) - Danny and Valerie’s daughter. She is Rain’s twin, and is even more shy than Alfie and can start crying when stressed. Fun fact, although she can be anxious easily, her temper is even worse than her mom’s.

9) Ken-el / Kenneth “Kenny” Clark Drake (1) - Tim, Dani, and Kon’s youngest son. Since he is the youngest, he is doted on the most. Fun fact, he has already unlocked most of his halfa abilities due to his Kryptonian heritage.

Notes:

+ Jove’s name relates back to Cassandra’s because they are both names of mythological characters. Jove is another name for Jupiter (AKA Zeus).

+ Both of Mari’s names are actually a weird, mashed up version of Madeline and Mary (and also inspired by Mar’i cough).

+ Jason and Jazz’s daughters are named after Elinor and Marianne from Sense and Sensibilities and their middle names are from Jason’s mother figures in life. I imagine that Jazz had a falling out with Jack and Maddie, so she didn’t really care.

+ Alfie’s name is inspired from Alfred and his middle name is only “B” because Tommy was born first and Tim took the “Bruce” middle name.

+ Alfie and Ann, and Misty and Rain are inspired by Misty and Jackson, the canon kid characters of Sam and Danny. Both pairs of twins have an 8 month difference of age.

+ Why so many twins?? I used the twin idea first for Jazz and Jason, but when I thought of Danny and Valerie, I kept switching between ideas, so I eventually settled on twins for them too. Trust, it was a weird coincidence for Danny and Jazz too when they had twins at nearly the same time.

+ Misty and Rain’s middle names come from Tucker and Sam (Axel Foley and the episode “Life Lessons”). Their first names are inspired by Misty Fenton and I just found another name for Rain to match the theme.

+ Tommy and Kenny technically have different dads, (Tommy is Tim and Dani’s, and Kenny is Kon and Dani’s), but it doesn’t really mean anything, since they don’t pay attention to it.

+ The idea of Tommy, who is like Tim’s clone and absolutely evil, was so funny to me. He’s prob my fav child OC. His entire family know about his manipulative tendencies but he loves them so they let it go. (Damian and Dan have already pledged their allegiance to their future overlord.)

+ The short period of time where Jazz, Dani, and Valerie were pregnant at the same time was hell on earth for everyone.

+ Technically, Bruce only has 7 grandchildren (he cries when he thinks about it a little too hard), but bc they’re so close to Rain and Misty, Bruce thinks of them as his grandchildren too, so he always says he has 9. Danny and Val are like ??? But Rain and Misty totally believe that he’s their grandpa (which he is delighted about).

+ Damian is married to Jon and they have no kids, unless you count the farm they inherited and all of the animals that Damian adopted as his fur babies. However, Damian was young when the kids kept coming, so he became the designated babysitter and then the favorite uncle, which all of the other Batboys despise and are jealous of.

+ Marillyn's age, as well as Misty and Rain's existences, might still be changed by me, just bc at times, it doesn't suit my headcanons or just doesn't make sense in the timeline. So those are susceptible to change.

[yeetus-feetus]

we need more Cass and Dami interactions. Like they have quite a bit in common, and I also think Cass would love being an older sister. And I think she would be a cuddle bug, and Damian let's her cuddle him- she knows his boundaries though, can read when he doesn't actually want the hug and respects that. I think Damian would secretly enjoy the hugs most of the time, act like he doesn't like it but Cass knows he does and just ruffles his hair playfully until he pushes her away.

I think they'd enjoy going on stakeouts together. They like it because they're both doing something important to them, while also spending time together. They don't need to talk, just sitting there together is comfortable, and if sometimes Damian leans his head against his big sisters shoulder no one has to know. If they get Bat Burger together afterwards well, Alfred doesn't need to know.

I think Cass would learn verbal compliments and art even some art terms so she can compliment Damian's art and listen to him talk about art techniques and understand. I think Damian would draw things for her to show his affection, and Cass definitely hangs them in her room.

They're absolutely the most competitive at Mario kart to the point the others give up on playing with them, so they regularly compete against each other instead. They get so fired up over who wins that week and gets the bragging rights that Cass even curses at both him and the game whenever he's winning.

Sometimes, Cass will open his door and stand there in the doorway, not knowing why, until Damian looks up from whatever he's doing to acknowledge her. Then she'll walk away and leave the door open just to annoy him. She doesn't know why she does this. (It's a sibling instinct)

Damian, likewise, likes stealing her clothes: hoodies, jackets, sweat pants, ect. This annoys her too and, if it's a hoodie or jacket, she'll sneak right up to him and yank it over his head and off him in the middle of whatever he's doing, sometimes startling him. With sweat pants she's less likely to ever get them back, because most of them are black and most of Damian's are also black, and they're roughly the same size right now (Dami is 14 and Cass is short).

I can also imagine them doing each other's nails, damian always gets his done black and Cass switches between yellow, purple, and sparkly black. It's just another way for them to spend time together and sometimes Stephanie will also join them in this activity, which Damian doesn't usually mind.

And of course, Dami is super supportive of Cass and Steph's relationship. He doesn't say it outright, but since Stephanie had started dating his big sister he's been tolerating her a lot more and even spending time with her occasionally too. That's not to say he didn't give her the scariest shovel talk he could possibly muster up. That's his big sister and he'll be damned if anyone hurt her.

Similarly, Cass is just as protective of her baby brother (Damian doesn't like being called baby brother, he's not a baby, but she still insists). When Jon gets to handsy with Dami around her she gives him her signature death glare to make him back off, usually with his hands up as a show of surrender, while her death threat had a lot less words the descriptive actions are not something he'd like to risk. And Damian will always scoff and roll his eyes every time this happens.

[sunkissedscribbles]

Prejudiced - Chapter Fourteen

this is only a part of the series, the previous and next chapters can be found here 

A/N: nothing just cass' pure frustration WORD COUNT: 1.4k TW: swearing, blood, mentions of sex probably

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Valentine’s Day. Something I’ve dreamt so much about as a kid. I used to think I’d have someone by now to spend the day with. But clearly, I don’t, and I don’t want to think about what my five-year-old self would think about me if she saw me.

Pathetic?

Probably.

She’d be disappointed, and she’d doubt how much I’m worth. How much she’s worth.

Valentine’s Day. Kiara’s disappeared to god-only-knows-where, which isn’t even a surprise anymore, not these weeks. Theo’s shagging someone, probably. Maybe Kiara. And Mattheo? He went on a date. With Marietta Edgecombe. A Ravenclaw. Who isn’t me.

Why did I write that?

Valentine’s day. The day I, yet again, spend alone.

I don’t seem to be able to relax, even for a bit. I’m restlessly switching between playing the guitar I finally got back from Ki, fidgeting with whatever I find and cringing over what I’ve written into my diary before.

Why is there so much written about Mattheo?

Pat-he-tic.

Taking a walk doesn’t help, either. Partially because I can feel the portraits’ eyes on me as I walk through the quiet corridors. I can feel them judging; ‘Poor Black doesn’t have a date for her pathetic ass.’

Or I’m just paranoid.

Oh, that’s a great song.

No, I’m just going mad.

And partially, because turning into another corridor, I collide with the most irritating human being to ever walk the earth.

Cormac

Bloody,

Shitty,

Frustrating,

Punchable

McLaggen.

“Ah, Cassandra–“

“Cassiopeia,” I correct him.

“–long time no see, pretty girl. I miss patrolling with you.” That obnoxious grin. Bah.

I can’t help but zone out as Cormac keeps talking and talking, endlessly, and my mind takes me to when he called me Cassandra in Mattheo’s presence, how the latter–

Merlin, I shouldn’t think so much about him. What is wrong with me? He’s out with a Ravenclaw, on a date. I have no right wishing he thought this much about me too.

“...so what are you doing in the castle, all alone, on Valentine’s?” McLaggen’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts and I look up at him.

“What are you doing inside on Valentine’s?” I roll my eyes at him, clearly not in the mood to tolerate his bullshit.

“Talking to a pretty girl,” he grins, completely unaware of my mood. “How about we skip courting and have a bit of fun?” he grins devilishly and I step back with a disgusted expression. But he’s aware and reached out after me to grab my elbow. “C’mon Black, don’t be such a prude.”

“Let go, fucker,” I shake his grip off my arm but that doesn’t help too much, he grabs ahold of it again and I freeze for a second, not knowing what to do. “What is it, not having the balls without your boyfriend here?” He mocks and my blood boils as he dares to even talk about Mattheo, who isn’t even my boyfriend. “Are you really that much into snakes? They bite, do you know that? Especially Riddle. Has he shown you his Mark yet?” he keeps pulling me against my will and I try to reach for my wand, my blood boiling further and further.

I manage to free a wrist, not caring about the red spots his fingers sunken into my flesh have caused, but just as I swing an arm to take revenge on him for his words, his head yanks forward as an external force pulls him from behind, and before I know it, Enzo is wrestling Cormac on the cold stone floor, both bleeding and throwing curse words at each other. “Don’t you dare talk to her like that! Don’t you fucking dare touch her!” Enzo growls, beating the other boy up, and I need a few seconds to register the situation before stepping between them.

☆☆☆☆

“What was that for?” I scoff as I pull Enzo away in the direction of the infirmary.

“Where are we going?” he ignores my question.

“The infirmary,” I scoff, taking my hoodie off to press it against his bleeding nose.

“No. My dorm,” he insists, reluctantly holding my hoodie to his nose after I reassure him I don’t care about the blood stains.

I stop. “Your do- what? Why?” I frown, already having pictures in my mind of him trying to do whatever to me in there. I still don’t trust him after the incident with the black book, for which we still haven’t made up.

“Please,” he turns back to look at me with pleading eyes, his voice slightly muffled by the hoodie.

I clean the wounds on his face in complete silence as he’s sitting on his bed, looking up at me once the bleeding of his nose has stopped. The only sound is a mix of our breathing, the ruffling of clothes and his hissing as the alcohol touches and skims over his wounds.

The silence between us is all-consuming, almost too loud, too frustrating.

“Cass,” Enzo starts in a broken voice.

“It’s okay,” I cut him off with a low murmur, throwing the alcohol- and blood-soaked cotton buds into the rubbish bin before a step closer to the door of the dorm where I once loved to be.

“No,” he springs to his feet to gently but firmly wrap his fingers around my wrist, to have my attention, “It’s not okay, and you know it. You’ve been avoiding me ever since–”

“Yes, ever since,” I scoff, freeing my wrist. “You were my best friend.”

“No, that’s Kiara,” he objects with a mirrored scoff.

“No, you too.”

He lets out an incredulous, bitter snort and shakes his head. “No. I’ve been second to Ki all these years. Everyone says I’m their best friend, too, but it’s clear as day you’d choose Kiara over me any day, as she would you, Mattheo Theo and vice versa.”

His words hit like a ton of bricks because I know he’s right.

“I made a mistake, I know. Have I been sleeping around? Yes, but so has Mattheo. He suggested the bet, too, and you two seem to be attached by the hip. You think I haven’t noticed all the times he disappeared after a nightmare and came back the next morning? You think I don’t know who he went to?”

My eyes widen. He knows about his nightmares?

“I know,” he lets out another broken little huff that makes my heart ache. “I know everything. Just because I changed I didn’t become an obnoxious bastard.”

“Oh, haven’t you? Then how about Ki’s name in the black book? How about mine?” I retort with an incredulous scoff.

His facial expressions harden again at the mention. “I fucked up, I know. I was inconsiderate and–“

“Why’d you do it?” I cut him off, my voice trembling slightly.

“I was jealous,” he admits, and my eyes widen just ever so slightly. “Of Mattheo. He came along and you forgot about me. You started spending all your time with him when you weren’t with Kiara, and fuck, I wanted you to kiss me, not him.”

“But–”

“I fucking loved you, Cassiopeia Apollonia Black,” he lets out another bitter chuckle, the painful sound only making my heart ache more and more. “I loved you, and you had no idea, hell, you still don’t know. And I was a possessive prick, I wanted you all to myself. I wanted you to see how I could treat you right, but my plan backfired with the bet and all. I’m sorry, I loved you.”

My heart stops beating for a second, trying to process his words, and I can feel my feet wanting to run away because hell, this is a really big problem. This is a question of love which my head can’t make sense of.

Enzo’s hand reaches out to hold the door closed as he sees the twitch in my right foot, and I hesitantly meet his eyes after a few seconds.

“Do you… still–?”

He shakes his head. “No. Not like that. I love you, as a friend. And I miss you. Miss my best friend.”

A tear streams down my face after all these weeks of drowning emotions, and just a second later, I see a pinky finger rise in my direction. After my confusion dies, I let out a chuckle in a sob, and link my pinky with his.

“Friends?” he asks with a hopeful, apologetic smile.

“Friends,” I nod, though I’m still a bit untrusting after the black-book thing, but my heart feels lighter already.

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[necrotic-nephilim]

Is you think each of the batclan is a dom or a sub in bed (also add if they're a top or bottom if you want)

oooh good question. typically my answer depends entirely on the fic i'm writing and just. what makes the most sense for the scenario, so i don't see any of them as hard and fast subs or doms bc that's the joy of fanfic. *but* if i'm ignoring ships and just headcanoning based solely on the characters themselves, these are my thoughts-

Bruce Wayne: dom/top. it's the boring answer, but it's the true one. that man demands complete control of every situation and i think that extends to his wants and needs during sex. sex can be a lot like fighting in the way you take control.

Dick Grayson: switch, but i think he prefers bottoming whether he's the dom or the sub. he'll top if his partner prefers that, bc his nature is to be a giver. but he prefers bottoming and really enjoys getting to ride his partner.

Jason Todd: sub/bottom. listen. in fic 90% of the time, i *will* write him as the dom bc i *love* him as a mean dom. but Judd Winick did not tell us that Jason Todd cries during sex just for us all to make him an emotionless dom. he insists he's a dom and will dom, but deep down, he's a sub. i think he both wants soft praising sex and fucked up CNC shit, just for different reasons.

Tim Drake: dom/bottom. power bottom Tim. that's the whole headcanon. much like Bruce, i think Tim needs control in sex. i'm obsessed with him being fucked but still having *complete* control of the other person. controlling when they get to come, how they fuck him, etc. it just. suits him.

Damian Wayne: i can really see Damian go either way. but given i'm a fan of Damian having a mommy kink, i think my answer is sub and vers. he talks big game but he folds like a house of cards the minute you get your hands on him.

Stephanie Brown: sub/bottom. i think Steph just wants to be taken care of during sex, yk. she would enjoy bratting and sparring a bit as foreplay, but in the end she does want to be forced to submit and just give in to the person she's with.

Cass Cain: dom/vers. soft dom Cass supremacy. that's the whole take. i think it's fun for people to expect her to be a sub bc of her inexperience, but when Cass wants something, she'll take it. and she likes having control of her own body, it makes her more comfortable.

Helena Bertinelli: dom/top. idc who she's with but she's wearing a strap. she will fuck anyone. i think she'd be willing to bottom for the right partner, but she'd have *no* interest in being submissive in bed for anyone she's dated.

Jean-Paul Valley: he's tricky for me, bc if we count the Azrael personality, then dom/top. but if we're talking Jean-Paul, sub/bottom. he likes being told what to do and how to do it. also just. worshipping his partner bc brrr religious kink.

Alfred Pennyworth: dom/top. i think Alfred should be included in the batcest scene more. i wanna see him dom ppl. something about the control a dom has not needing to be physical but instead mental fits Alfred very nicely in my opinion.

Barbara Gordon: dom/bottom. similar to Tim, i think Babs prefers being in control from the bottom the most. giving clear instructions and telling her partner how to please her. for her it's less about the control and more about having someone submit under her that's fun.

Kate Kane: sub/vers. i feel like this is my most controversial take. but i think Kate is a sub. Kate gives energy of someone who talks *big* game about being butch but ends up a pillow princess in bed. i cannot explain it. it's just a vibes thing.

Bette Kane: switch/vers. either she's a very bratty sub or she's a very mean dom, there's no in-between. i think she genuinely enjoys both and likes to mix it up for fun. like Bette just gives me vibes she'd get bored of sex being the same every time.

Duke Thomas: switch/top. i think Duke prefers to top, but he's fine with going with the flow of what his partner wants. he gives me vibes that he slightly enjoys domming more, but still enjoys getting to sub for the right person, it just requires a lot more trust.

Harper Row: she's harder to pin down for me, but i would say switch/vers. Harper gives me "I'll try anything at least once" energy, even if she thinks she won't like it, she's willing to experiment a lot. bc of that she has a lot of weird experiences and enjoys whatever her partner does.

Luke Fox: he depends entirely on who he's with, i think. but i do think he leans toward being a dom/top just because of the energy he has in relationships. he easily takes control in the bedroom unless it's challenged by his partner, he'll default to assuming he's the one in charge.

Onyx Adams: dom/top. listen that's the only answer that makes sense for her. she takes what she wants when she wants it and i respect her for that. i think she just enjoys having someone underneath her, at her whim.

Julia Pennyworth: sub/bottom. definition of a woman who's convinced she's a dom until someone actually fights her for it and she folds like a pancake. she's not even a brat, she 100% is a service sub but does not realize it.

Claire Clover: also sub/bottom, similar to the above. except she is a brat and will make you earn topping her. she seems like the type to like violent sex that's a fight as much as it is fucking. like she's subbing but she is going to be kicking the whole time. very CNC vibes.

Minhkhoa Khan: dom/top. pretty sure this one is just canon. no notes this man is just like that. he fucks for meditation. does he look like a bottom.

Carrie Kelley: sub/vers. i could see Carrie being a switch, depending on who she's with. but mostly she just likes to give and serve her partner, giving them control. she wouldn't mind spicing it up in the bedroom every now and then tho.

Helena Wayne: this can depend heavily on the version of Helena Wayne, but i'm going to go broad and say dom/vers. most versions of Helena very much have dom energy, *especially* New-52 and JSA (2022). she 100% enjoys a "fight for dominance" type sparring match to decide who gets to dom, except she literally always wins bc she will play dirty.

[pansy-picnics]

No idea if they would since they all live in a castle but how do you think the uknighted parents each would deal with empty nest syndrome?

AUDJSJSD NGL I’VE KINDA BEEN HOPING FOR A QUESTION LIKE THIS BC!! they DO. and they are NOT good at it. AT ALL.

ukd are very adamant on giving their kids the freedom they never had growing up, so as long as they’re managing their own duties they’re basically free to do whatever (though eugene can be a Little overprotective sometimes he means well). of course bc ilmari’s adopted and isn’t of any royal blood they end up being the first to leave the nest… i’ve already discussed that vaguely here, so this time i’m gonna talk more abt ryder!!

being the eldest of the twins ryder is technically supposed to take on the throne to corona, and people have a LOT of high expectations from him, especially other nobles/those who were….less than pleased with rapunzel’s approach to ruling. he’s basically seen as the “light” of corona and has been held on a pedestal since he was very young, which leads him to repress himself and puts a lot of strain on his relationships for many years- especially with alina who’s often left in his shadow (and he doesn’t mind it per se!!! but he does feel like her life is pretty directionless, and she’s always been rather dependent on ryder bc of it).

all this to say, eventually on their 18th birthday everything boils over and leads to a nasty fight between the twins. they both kinda realize that they need to grow up and branch out in their own ways- and ryder in particular realizes that he rlly just needs to get Away for a while. so going to help edmund in the dark kingdom seems like a pretty good way to gain some new perspectives!!

after all the pressure she was under herself, rapunzel understands this more than anything…..but that doesn’t make it any easier for her (or cass and eugene, for that matter) to accept. :’3

idk if any of you guys watched steven universe future, but i think they’d all be like this final scene like. ALMOST WORD FOR WORD LMFAO

in fact as soon as ryder even suggests the idea to rapunzel shes awkwardly slipping out of their painting session and running to cass and eugene in TEARS and they cry for a good 3 hours but obviously they want to be SUPPORTIVE and STRONG for their BOY!!! so they pull themselves together and when he brings it up again at dinner they’re like. “omg thats great!!! ^_^” and ryder is just like ?????????

and ryders almost a little hurt that they seem so unfazed so he tries to prod them like. Aren’t you guys upset. but they don’t budge. and so obviously right at the end as he’s saying goodbye to everyone and they’re STILL nonchalant abt it he just bursts into tears like “WHY AREN’T YOU GUYS SAD IM LEAVING :(“ and IMMEDIATELY the three of them all jsut run to him BAWLING

ryder rlly enjoys his time in the dark kingdom actually. obviously edmund and the brotherhood have a Lot of flaws in their approach to ruling….but that’s not rlly what ryder needs anyways. i think they’re very goal oriented and focused on what they can do as a unit rather than what other people think of them, and that’s a lesson ryder definitely needs to learn. not to mention he brings a lot of color to the place (both in a literal and metaphorical sense).

alina pretty much stays in corona tho…which her parents certainly aren’t complaining about. i think he really needs some time to stand up and take on more responsibility without ryder stepping in for him. the twins wont be taking on the thrones anytime soon, but i think when they do, they’ll end up switching- so ryder will be the king of the dark kingdom, and alina will take on the role as queen of corona. alina’s always had deeper ties to her kingdom than ryder did…not to his fault, but the pressure he’s had put on him just made it hard for him to focus on the things that Mattered, yk? he’s ended up being very stuck in his status, while alina has been a lot more down to earth and has always felt a closer connection to the public, if that makes sense… :3

but ryder and ilmari still visit all the time, and ilmari will take over the library one day too…like, raps, cass and eugene haven’t been Perfect parents by any means, but they’ve never failed to make sure their kids know just how strong, capable and loved they are. even though it hurts to see them go (and poor alina definitely has to deal with their theatrics and coddling for YEARS while her older siblings are gone), it’s very clear that no matter where they go, their kids will always know their home is with them, yk??? they love their parents so much and it just makes me so emo😭😭😭

additionally, i think uknighted dream kind of do some equivalent of fostering long after their own kiddos leave the nest… the three of them do a lot of community work, they have a lot of programs instilled for struggling families and kids alike. they end up helping pretty closely with a lot of the orphanages, not only with funding but also by putting in their own work. they visit a lot, come to tons of events…they end up forming a lot of bonds with the kids individually, or occasionally take them in when there isn’t anywhere else for them to go.

sometimes they know these kids for years, sometimes only for a few weeks…but they always try to stay in contact with them regardless. and even when that isn’t possible, they never forget about any of the kids they’ve met….so by the time they’re all old and grey, they basically have hundreds of pseudo-kids and grandkids all across the seven kingdoms, and in a way, their nest never really feels completely empty 🥹🫶

[kiragecko]

Names Used: Cass Summary

(See the other posts HERE.)

(See these charts, and others, in a screen-readable format HERE.)

In many ways, Cass’ use of names is very simple. You get a codename or a civilian name.

The complexity comes from the fact that, usually, you don’t get a name at all.

Cass ONLY uses names when there might be ambiguity. While these tendencies lessen as she gets more comfortable with speech, she remains much less likely than others to use names all through the comics.

If she's talking directly to a person, she might use their name to get their attention, but is much more likely to just ask a question or make a statement, assuming they’ll be able to tell she’s addressing them.

She will refer to a third person by name, if needed, but is still more likely to point to something related or just stare at the person she's speaking to until they figure it out.

Fascinatingly, she does not usually even THINK of people by name unless she's recalling information from the Bats' databases. So if she sees a crime on the street, she is very unlikely to think about any of the people involved by name, even if they say them. She'll use pronouns, and if there's too many people for pronouns, she usually stops referring to them at all - she's much less likely to have an internal dialogue in crowds, instead switching entirely to the moment and body reading.

BUT, if she is meeting an ally for the first time, or following a suspect that she found by using Babs' system, she'll often think their full name and alias to herself.

(An early exception to this is Commissioner Gordon. I'm not sure if it was a different authour, Cass just considers Babs' dad to be a special case, or if it's related to hearing about the crime through the news, but when Gordon gets shot she is CONSTANTLY thinking his name while she tries to figure out what happened (Batgirl 12, Mar 2001).)

-

For every one time Cass says Babs or Bruce’s names directly to them, they say her name between 5 and 8 times. (Babs is 114 to Cass’ 24, Bruce is 55 to Cass’ 8).

Meanwhile, Tim and Steph don’t even manage to use her name TWICE as often. (45 to 27 and 29 to 17, both add up to 1.7 times as often.)

Alfred has a similar fraction to Babs (14 to 3, which is 4.7 times as often), and Dick is also similar (12 to 3, 4 times as often).

Damian and Cass have one appearance together, and both address each other 3 times, while Jason and Cass never talked in the preboot.

-

Cass likes teasing people, but rarely does it through nicknames or other references. These are the only times I’ve recorded Cass using something other than a codename or civilian name:

Tim – she calls him ‘Bait’ twice (I’m not sure when), and indirectly refers to him as a ‘Little Kid’

Babs – she calls Babs ‘Baby’ once after she starts watching soap operas to get better at colloquial speech (Jun 2004).

Bruce – she uses a few teasing references to Batman, like ‘Ultimate Loner Superhero’ and ‘Creature of the Night’, after her comic ends (ie. after Apr 2006)

Alfred – she describes him as ‘A … Friend of the Family’ to her civilian friend Brenda, while trying to convince Brenda that he wasn’t a client and she isn’t a sex worker (Apr 2005).

That’s it.

-

So on to the details!

-

With almost everyone, Cass is more likely to use a codename than a civilian name.

With Damian –

uses a codename directly 3 times (100%)

Bruce –

codename directly 7 times (88%), indirectly 27 times (82%)

name directly 1 time (13%), indirectly 4 times (12%)

Babs –

codename directly 18 times (72%), indirectly 13 times (77%)

name directly 6 times (24%), indirectly 4 times (24%)

Dick –

codename directly 2 times (66%, one as ‘Nightwing’, one as ‘Batman’), indirectly 10 times (100%, all ‘Nightwing’)

name directly 1 time (33%)

Tim –

codename directly 14 times (52%), indirectly 17 times (85%, never as ‘Red Robin’ for either, only ‘Robin’)

name directly 11 times (41%), indirectly 2 times (10%)

Jason –

codename indirectly 1 time (50%, as ‘The Second Robin’)

name indirectly 1 time (50%)

Steph –

codename directly 7 times (41%, 2 were ‘Robin’, the rest ‘Spoiler’), indirectly 7 times (47%, all ‘Spoiler’)

name directly 10 times (59%%), indirectly 18 times (53%)

Alfred –

name directly 3 times (100%), indirectly 2 times (67%)

(Reminder: Babs and Bruce are in the VAST majority of Cass' 73 issue run, as well as a variety of other appearances. Steph and Tim are major parts of her life, who she's interacted with a BUNCH. Alfred is less frequent, and Dick, Damian, and Jason have few on panel interactions with her, but the low numbers here are generally NOT because of a small amount of sources. She just doesn't use names.)

-

Cass rarely switches between multiple forms of civilian names. People are either their full given name OR the nickname they were introduced with. ('Tim' and 'Dick' get nicknames, everyone else ('Barbara', 'Bruce', 'Stephanie', 'Alfred', 'Jason') is full given names.) As I mentioned before, if she’s introduced to them by full first and last name (often through their computer profile) she may think of them that way for quite some time, before switching over to just a given name.

Steph was ‘Stephanie Brown’ from Batgirl 20 to 53 (Nov 2001 to Aug 2004), when she switched to ‘Stephanie’.

(Steph is the only exception to the ‘given name OR nickname’ rule. After her death, Cass starts switching between ‘Stephanie’ and ‘Steph’ (Oct 2005). While this corresponds with a sharp drop in writing quality, it may still be meaningful.)

Bruce was ‘Bruce Wayne’ in 24, ‘Wayne’ in 27, and not ‘Bruce’ until after the series ends, but he’s a different kind of exception. Cass only knew him as Batman until later in Batgirl 24, and only uses ‘Wayne’ when talking to someone else who doesn’t know he’s Batman. At no point does he suggest she use his name, or she express interest in doing so. It’s only much later that she starts seeing him as a person separate from the costume.

-

And that's everything about this girl's speech. Basically, if you're writing her, try to remove everything but the very heart of what she's trying to say. Describe her body language. If it's from her perspective, stay very in the moment. Don't use names unless you have to, and keep them very basic.

-

Timeline of Cass’ speech and socialization:

Batman 567 (July 1999) – Cass introduced, has just learned to speak her first word –  ‘Stop’ - which she says to her father

Batgirl 4 (July 2000) – her vocabulary has grown to around a dozen words – very simple things like ‘Me’, ‘No’, ‘Shutup’, ‘Yes’, and ‘Ssh’.

Then a telepath downloads language into her brain, reorganizing things to make it fit. Cass is very pleased, until she discovers that her fighting ability is one of the things disrupted.

Cass now THINKS in words, as well. Before this point we had NO internal narration.

Despite understanding language now, she still struggles to use it, as her mouth and throat have no practice forming the sounds

Batgirl 7 (Oct 2000) – Cass first thinks of someone by name – ‘Shiva’. She also goes shopping for clothes and nail polish with Babs, and they tease each other. (Babs: “Hm. Black. Interesting choice. Thanks … but I don’t wear lipstick.” Cass, looking over the sunglasses she’s trying on with a shit-eating grin: “Don’t … DATE … either. Maybe … SHOULD.”)

Batgirl 9 (Dec 2000) – Cass first refers to someone by codename – ‘Oracle’ and ‘Batman’.

Batgirl 12 (Mar 2001) – Cass first thinks of an ally by given name – ‘Barbara’.

Batgirl 20 (Nov 2001) – Cass gets Steph to read a note for her, and they team up.

Batgirl 24 (Mar 2002) – Cass actually learns Batman’s civilian identity. By accident. Because he’s been accused of murder. She continues to only think of him as ‘Batman’.

Batgirl 28 (July 2002) – Steph convinces Cass to train her while Bruce is mysteriously missing. (He’s wanted to murder.) (Steph: “Pretty please? I’ll be your best friend?”)

Batgirl 30 (Sept 2002) – Cass first actually addresses Babs by given name – ‘Barbara’.

Batgirl 38 (May 2003) – Cass and Steph fight. Cass ignored Bruce’s orders to stay away from Cass, but DOES agree with his assessment that Steph isn’t good enough to be in the field. (Cass: “Still … friends?” Steph, leaving: “Friends don’t turn their backs on each other.”)

Batgirl 39-44 (Jun – Nov 2003) – A terrorist/freedom fighter starts flirting with Cass, and she’s not sure if she’s intrigued or uncomfortable. She ends up going out on a date with Superboy to explore her feelings. They realize that they are NOT attracted to each other, and happily part as friends. She continues to struggle with her feelings about flirtation and attraction, but lets them go underground after the terrorist/freedom fighter dies.

Batgirl 51 (June 2004) – Cass starts watching TV (specifically soaps) to improve her casual speech. She starts saying things like, “You bet ya sweet patootie, Baby!”

Batgirl 58 (Jan 2005) – Cass starts keeping an audio journal, because she wants to ‘learn to … think better in words, because … all I’ve ever known is “movement.”’

Batgirl 61 (Apr 2005) – Cass is visiting diners by herself and trying to carry on conversations with the owner. She’s also trying to navigate ordering without being able to read the menu.

Batgirl 63 (Jun 2005) – Cass is going out to dance, and flirting with interesting guys. She’s also experimenting with fashion and self-expression.

Robin 150 (July 2006) – Cass now speaks perfectly, is leading the League of Assassins, and tries to murder Tim. From this point on, Cass’ growth needs to be inferred - we don't get a well written Cass back until January 2011.

[waspsarebetterthanbeesanyways]

Only the Dead 7

part 1

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Damian stiffens, eyeing Phantom warily. ‘Prince?’

Phantom gets a foot underneath himself and pushes himself upright, and then into the air. “Fright Knight,” he says.

“My prince,” says the ghost possessing Red Robin. “We feared you’d passed on! It’s been months without word, and even our best trackers were unable to locate you!”

Phantom wraps both arms around his chest. Fright Knight watches the movement closely, frowning at the green blood spreading through Phantom’s jumpsuit. “Mm,” hums Phantom. “The hunters got me.”

“They did to you as what they did to the subsapients they’d captured,” Fright Knight says. It’s not a question, and Phantom stays silent. “I see.” His hands tighten around the grip of his sword. “That is an act of war. King Pariah will doubtlessly order me to slay them all, and I must admit it is a relief to know they have brought it on themselves.”

“Do not,” Phantom hisses. “I am not in accord with Pariah Dark. The people of this city are innocent. I am more to blame than them.”

“No!” Fright Knight barks. “You are a child, not even old enough to assume the throne! No matter your responsibilities, you are not to blame for the actions of evildoers!”

“Yet how many child ghosts has Pariah Dark created today?” Phantom asks.

Fright Knight looks away. “My prince, I have no desire to fight you. But you know my duty. I am enthralled. I cannot disobey King Pariah’s orders.” Fright Knight looks to Jason, hogtied, squirming and helpless. “He is my quarry. Leave now, my prince. I will not tell King Pariah I saw you here today.”

Phantom steps between the bats and Fright Knight. His eyes glow a vivid blue, and a rapier of ice forms in his hand. “You know I can’t do that.”

“Then stop me!” Fright Knight lunges.

Phantom parries with a grunt. He glances at Damian from the corner of his eye. “Take Red Hood and go! I’ll hold him off!”

Though his hands are slick with blood and the pain makes tears prick in his eyes, Damian draws his blade. He didn’t become Robin to let an unknown fight his battles for him, and he didn’t become Robin to leave Drake, his brother, for dead. Next to him, Cass raises her fists, batarang in hand. Together, they leap into the fray.

Still sword locked with Phantom, Fright Knight ducks beneath Damian’s swipe. With his free hand, he reaches out to catch Black Bat’s fist, but she deftly twirls around him to land a strong punch to his shoulder, knocking him backwards. He is only barely able to dodge Phantom’s follow up stab.

Fright Knight rapidly slashes at Black Bat. “Don’t let his sword cut you!” Phantom cries. She ducks an overhead swing and nimbly jumps over a low feint.

Damian slinks behind Fright Knight and thrusts an elbow towards his spine. Fright Knight staggers forwards. Black Bat jabs at his throat, and though Tim’s body gasps and wheezes, the Fright Knight is undeterred. He twists inhumanly and strikes Damian in the cheek with a hard backhand.

Phantom leaps in with quick, graceful stabs. The Fright Knight parries them, seemingly without effot. Phantom switches to a wide slash, which the Fright Knight blocks with a forearm, but it was a feint, and Phantom backflips smoothly, coming up with the point of his blade aimed at Red Robin’s throat. Damian’s breath catches, for an instant convinced he is about to see his brother die, but the Fright Knight easily knocks his thrust aside.

“You’ve gotten rusty, my prince,” the Fright Knight says, lashing out with a kick to Phantom’s gut. Phantom goes flying, but he twists in midair to land on his feet.

“I’m a bit out of practice,” Phantom pants.

“Nonetheless, it seems you’ve surrounded yourself with capable allies,” the Fright Knight says. Cass leaps out of the shadows, throwing a batarang. The Fright Knight knocks it away with his sword, but it seems like he’s too slow to block her follow up punch. Before it connects, however, a second, heavily armored arm emerges from within Red Robin’s arm to grab her wrist. Cass’ eyes widen. “Unfortunately, they are no match for me.” He twists her wrist harshly, and Cass screams as it audibly snaps. The Fright Knight then throws her into the slide hard enough to make it collapse. She doesn’t get back up.

Enraged, Damian lunges at the Fright Knight. He easily blocks Damian’s strike with his sword, and then with a twist of his wrist he sends Damian’s blade flying out of his blood slicked hands. With his free hand, he grabs Damian by the throat, and hoists him into the air with strength greather than Red Robin’s body should be capable of. Damian grabs the Fright Knight’s wrist and kicks at Red Robin’s body, but the Fright Knight doesn’t even seem to feel it. Desperately, Damian tries and fails to inhale.

Fright Knight brings his blade up to Damian’s throat. “I apologize, but I must do this.”

“You don’t!” Phantom cries. “He isn’t your target!”

Fright Knight casts a long look at Phantom, then unceremoniously drops Damian. Damian gasps. “You are correct,” he says, turning towards where Jason lays. “It seems I’ve gotten carried away-- ah--“

At the Fright Knight’s stutter, Damian looks at Jason. Cass is there, and Jason is slung over the shoulder of her broken wrist. She pulls out her grapple with her uninjured hand. “Retreat,” she says, and grapples up to the nearest roof. She swiftly disappears into the shadows.

Fright Knight takes a step to follow, but Phantom intercepts him. “Go!” he shouts at Damian. “I’ll catch up!”

Damian grits his teeth. Retreating rankles like nothing else, but Damian is injured and tired, and even if he were at his best the Fright Knight would be a difficult opponent.

“Don’t kill Red Robin,” Damian tells Phantom.

“Of course! What do you take me for?!”

Damian retrieves his blade, turns, and runs.

_____

@coruscateselene @somecrappyclone @quirky-gardener @undead-essence @gin2212 @the-archer-goddess @learning-to-fly-on-my-own @krzys2000 @thegreawizards @luckykittens198 @violently-lovely @wackyattack @0j-9 @darkhinauniverse @just-for-dpxdc @jotaroslooseeyebrowhair @fisticuffsatapplebees @ saltyladynightmare @all-mights-asscheeks @icedbluesoul

[violent138]

batfam road trip headcanons

Tim, the resident insomniac caffeine addict, would alternate between shouting he's bored, needs the bathroom, or passing out.

Damian would get really irritated by everyone, scold people periodically, and/or start talking about a special interest for hours.

Cass, the one forced to sit between Tim and Damian, lets them both fall asleep against her while making little braids in their hair. She has to deal with their bickering until Steph growls at them.

Steph would totally be a massive backseat driver, demand how much longer 'till they get there, and argue over the music.

Dick would play peacekeeper and try to get everyone to join games, pouting when they're all sarcastic and half-hearted, and keep asking to pull over so they could see cool things. He'd probably attempt to confiscate phones (and fail)

Jason would keep fucking with the music to annoy everyone. And if anyone asks to change it, he'd say "Over my dead body". He'd also be the only one having the time of his life annoying everyone.

Bruce would occasionally threaten to turn the car around, and wince when he switched lanes too fast and a row of sleeping kids tumbled like bowling pins. He'd keep trying and failing to have League meetings over Bluetooth without his kids being menaces.

[azrielsshadows42]

A Court of Scales and Fire VII

Dividers by @tsunami-of-tears

Warnings: Swearing, some vulgar language, if you blink, you miss it, judgement of dog names, some fluff with Eris and best friend Cass (Separately), and brief mention of murder. lmk if I missed something

Chapter 6 Character Moodboards

Word Count: 3.7k

Italics = Thoughts

Bold = Draconic

Both = Mind speak (Colour will vary)

Y/n's Pov

I returned to my room to find that while I had dinner with Fire Newt Eris, my room had been cleaned, all the outfits I'd strewn about had been neatly packed away. I had been planning to clean it up when I returned but now I felt bad that whoever it was, probably Daphne had to do it for me, she must think I'm a snob.

Everest hadn't returned yet, the bond between us peaceful. I knew that if anything were to happen, she would say something, but I couldn't help myself. Hey Ev, is everything alright?

More than, this evening has been quite successful.

Oh? Everest sounded quite pleased with herself, so she either caught something really nice, or she found a clue as to where the smugglers could be.

Y/n, they have ponderosa trees everywhere! It's amazing, I love this place! I chuckled at her reaction. Ponderosa, like most pine trees, have edible bark, but unlike most that have a bitter taste, this specific one is spicy and flavourful. They are quite rare in Rask as it doesn't have the soil to sustain it, so growing them is a pain, on top of that, the bark is toxic if not processed correctly, which is a long and gruelling task. This, however, does not affect Everest, and she loves the taste of it.

More importantly, I heard some chatter about strange people going through being very secretive about their contraband.

You found a lead!

Damn right I did, anyways, I'm just going to get the lay of the land here and explore, see if I can find any other clues.

Alright, just come back soon, it's getting dark. Mother hen. Yes, Everest is a dragon and can take care of herself, but she's my friend, and I worry, she will just have to deal with my affection, there is no escape.

I started going through my nightly routine, I looked around for any traps or hidden weapons, made sure the was nothing behind the mirrors and then finally started to relax. This room didn't have the pool of a bath the night court had, but that's not exactly a deal breaker, as long as they have clean water that I can heat up, I'm good.

I slipped on the pyjamas provided, they were warm and fluffy, I might just have to get a pair for myself to take home. Switching off the main fae light left just the desk lamp to cast a warm glow around the room. I got into bed with my notebook to write down the missions' progress for my report. I went to bed, and just barely registered the small breeze from the window where I assume Everest had just entered. She hopped onto the side table like a cat, blew out the candle, and snuggled up next to me for the rest of the night.

The Next Morning

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the rustling of trees, mist blanketed everything outside so the harsh light of the early morning sun was dulled to a comfortable level. I carefully uncurled myself around Everest as to not disturb her, then begun quietly preparing for the day. I got dressed and then washed my face, while in the bathroom, breakfast was brought in and left on the desk by the door along with some tea.

Everest woke up at the smell of bacon, she stretched her legs and wings while yawning, her breath visible in front of her. Everest took a piece of french toast and a strip of bacon, nibbling on it tiredly, eyes drooping. She is not a morning dragon.

I wore the burgundy puffy coat hanging in the closet over my armour so Everest could hide in it, though with the dragon scales already being a good insulator of heat when the temperature wasn't sub-zero like in Illyria, plus Everest radiating warmth and a coat over that, it was dreadfully hot.

Fire Ne- Eris, didn't say where to meet him, so I decided to wait in the courtyard, it took me a while to find it, and I got lost trying to retrace my steps several times because the place is a maze, but I made it to the doors. The air was nippy on any exposed skin, a relief to the sweltering heat of my outfit, leaves were scattered across the ground though every branch was adorned with bright, fiery colours. The Autumn Court is certainly true to its name.

I heard footsteps behind me, a few pairs, too many pairs. Turning around, I saw Eris standing there accompanied by his General, Madoc, if I remembered correctly, and at least eight sentries. I raised a single brow. "What's with the entourage?"

"They're coming with us" I almost wanted to retort 'No shit, I can see you obviously think that' but I prefer not being banned from the court. I eyed them sceptically, even if it wasn't for the fact that it would just be more difficult to have Everest around with them there, I still wouldn't want them tagging along. This is a stealth mission, and while I'm sure the armour protects them, it's exactly the type of clothing that will warn them of our arrival miles before we even get close to them. Especially with so many, eleven people in one group to track down something is far too many.

"Look, I appreciate the help, but I don't need a babysitter, much less ten of them" He looks highly unimpressed with my comment. "General Madoc will not be joining us" Right, and nine babysitters are so much better than ten. "And they are not babysitters, they are back up, if the organisation truly is as large as you say, we'll need it."

If this is what you bring to take down an entire organisation, then he's either stupid, has waaay to much confidence in his soldiers, or has a personal vendetta against these specific males and wants them to die.

"Ok, fair, but this is a stealth mission, eight fae wearing loud, clanking armour is the opposite of stealth, and besides, I'm not trying to take them down today, that requires preparation and planning. I'm just trying to find their camp, when I do, then you can bring in a battalion, but until then, they'll just be a hindrance. Maybe just one or two of them can change into something quieter and tag along"

With only two pairs of eyes on her, it will be easier to 'accidentally' leave them behind, then I can let Everest loose, and we can track them together, just like originally planned. I could see the gears turning in his head, he knew I had a point.

"Alright, you make a good argument, three of my best tracking hounds and I will come with, the sentries will return to their patrols" Not what I meant.

"With all due respect, don't you have better High Lord things to do?" His fierce eyes pinned me to the spot, it felt as though he was inspecting my thoughts, it made an unwelcome heat spread through my body.

"As High Lord I have many things to do, but what could be more important than ridding my Court of a serious threat?" He's got me there.

"Another fair point, but we won't be doing any 'ridding' yet, you'll just be walking with me while I do the tracking, so I fail to see why one of your sentries can't do that while you sort out whatever court things need to be sorted out" His gaze narrows.

"Because, little witch, I don't trust you, and you're putting in a suspiciously large amount of effort to get rid of me, so I'm going to keep my eye on you" He got closer to me, leaning down, his voice dropped lower, these words clearly not for everyone else's ears. "You bested me once female, it will not happen again"

So all this fuss is because he has paranoia and a bruised ego cause he was bested by someone who doesn't have a dick?

It would seem so, Ev. On the bright side, at least it's only one person I need to get away from, only one pair of eyes I need to escape.

True, but in your unfaltering optimism, you have failed to factor in that the pair of eyes you need to escape belong to those of an eagle.

I turn my gaze to him, walking past me to get his hounds, he holds himself with the poise you'd expect from a High Lord, then amplify it with the grace of a cat. He's tall, even for fae, and has a lithe body. Eris suits this place so well, from his hair to his clothes and to the very way he breathes, no one could question whether he belongs here. He doesn't just rule Autumn, he embodies it.

Are you done drooling?

I was not-

Yes you were, do not embarrass yourself further by denying it.

...Shut up

Madoc and the Autumn sentries left, and it wasn't long before Eris returned with three hounds trailing him. Not just any hounds though, smoke hounds, a rare and highly sought after breed here, known for their speed, tracking ability and long lifespan unlike those of most dogs that humans keep as pets.

"So, Little witch, where do we begin?" He said the words casually, or as casual as a High Lord can, but the words had this element to them that made me feel like I was being watched, hunted, it sent a shiver down my spine, though I ignored it.

"Not a witch, but we should start with asking the traders if they know anything, if they saw where they broke off from the group to do their own thing. Maybe find something that your smoke hounds can trace" Eris didn't comment, just merely nodded.

We had walked in silence for the entire trip, Eris hadn't made any attempt at conversation, so neither had I. We talked to the traders but nothing they told us was fruitful, we were currently following the path they had taken to try and find a scent for the smoke hounds to track.

I was of course, very focused on the mission, but it was impossible to resist admiring the nature around us. Sure, back home, my brother and I literally lived in a forest, constantly surrounded by trees and shrubbery, but we lived in an evergreen forest, so all these colours were unusual, new and exciting.

The vibe of it was also differed greatly, ours had this ancient ominous magic atmosphere around it that you had to get used to, the trees were huge, so large if five full grown fae were to wrap their arms around the trunk, you still wouldn't be able to touch the other person. But here, the forest was welcoming, and some had branches low enough that children could climb them.

I hadn't seen the ponderosa trees Everest had told me about, but that was another great thing about this place, it had such variety, you just had to walk a few hundred metres to see a different kind of tree, back home, you could walk a thousand kilometres and you'd be lucky if you saw a different sub-species.

The only thing I missed was the wildlife, if you stood in any spot and looked in any direction, you'd see at least three different animals, bird, insect, mammal, a little bit of everything, this was not the case here. The wildlife was shy here, timid, you had to search for the squirrels and birds, if you happened to see a fox, or deer, it was there one second and gone the next.

Everest had crawled out some time before we reached the merchant camp, taking a different route than us to cover more ground, so far, she hasn't found anything. I breathed in deeply, enjoying the smell of the vegetation, however I was interrupted as Eris spoke to me for the first time since this morning.

"For an 'expert tracker' you aren't doing much tracking" His voice was laced with accusation, and his face was painted in irritation.

"That's because we don't have any physical tracks, once there's an actual trail for me to follow, you'll see me do some tracking, but because of my injury upon arriving, they've had time to cover up anything I would have found had I not needed to recover. These people are evil, not stupid, they're not gonna leave any evidence, especially not this close to the Forest house. Hey, what's with the Forest house anyway, why's it underground." Eris doesn't answer.

"I suppose it makes it harder to break into, less entrances to consider and guard, and with fire magic, lighting isn't really a concern. Wait, who keeps all the torches lit? It must be magic fire, otherwise smoke from a normal fire would accumulate and suffocate everyone inside, or at least gather at the roof and make everything smell of smoke." Eris's eyes scan me sceptically, as if searching for a way I could use this information to harm him.

"The High Lord"

"Really? All the time?" He nods "From what I understand, power shifts to the worthiest son when the High Lord dies, right? And the magic takes a few minutes to transfer to the next fae, so, is there like, a short period of time when the High Lord dies that majority of the Forest house is just in complete darkness?"

"Planning on killing me?" the words were said with, dare I say, some mild form of amusement.

"Nah, too much hassle, considering after this I'm never going to see you again, and it wouldn't affect me at all in the long run" I felt a dull ache bloom in my chest, though I was unsure of its origin.

His face hardened and the cold demeaner fell back into place, though it wasn't long before our attention was stolen when one of Eris's hounds stilled, sniffing intently at something.

"What is it Cheddar, have you found something?" She kept her nose buried deep, tail straight up, muscles tense and ready to start running...

any...

second...

Her muscles then relaxed, and she huffed, dismissing it as a false alarm. "Well that was anti-climactic" Eris chewed the inside of his cheek, clearly annoyed.

"Are we seriously not gonna talk about it?" He glanced over at me, the expression of annoyance fading temporarily to mild curiosity. "Talk about what?"

My whole form exuded dramatic exasperation. "The fact that you named your extremely lethal, highly sought after and incredibly expensive hunting dog.... Cheddar"

He rolled his eyes, checking on the other two hounds. "Brie, don't stray" Said dog immediately jogged closer to us.

"Hold up a damn minute, Cheddar, and Brie? What's that one's name?" I asked, gesturing to the third, unnamed four-legged companion. "Wait, no, don't tell me, let me guess, erm… Feta! Parmesan! Swiss!" His eyes met my form, thoroughly unimpressed.

"Mozzarella!"

"Ricotta!"

"Camembert!"

The High Lord made no comment.

"I've got it, Mascarpone!"

He finally looked back at me, one thin, perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised. "Are you done?"

"That depends, am I getting closer?" He sighed so deeply, his shoulders rose and sank with the motion. "Her name is Maple"

"Oh" My shoulders slumped a little. A small bit of disappointment creeps into my voice. "Are any of them called Mascarpone?"

His jaw tenses so much he's barely able to grit out the answer.

"...Yes"

A grin climbs its way onto my face, and even though I have a feeling he'd rather die than admit it, he was fighting off his own small smile. We continued trailing the dogs in a comfortable quiet instead of the tense silence we'd started with. It was peaceful, pleasant even, it felt more like a nice stroll than a high stakes mission.

That was until the sound of muffled voices and leaves crunching met our ears. All five of us stopped to listen, we didn't so much as dare to breathe.

"Cassian, you're on my foot" "Shut up Az, or they'll hear us, I thought you were supposed to be the stealthy one!" Both of us recognised those voices as the two Illyrian's of Rhysand's inner circle. We looked at each other in confusion, confirming that neither of us knew they'd be making an appearance.

We approached them silently, they were so busy arguing with each other that they hadn't noticed we were standing less than six metres away from them and had a full view of them squabbling.

"watcha doing?" They both spun around, trying to draw their weapons, but they had been so close to each other that they collided, hard, knocking the other back. The two Illyrians scrambled up, now facing us, Cassian looked like a child caught while doing something he shouldn't whilst Azriel already donned a glare.

"Yes, what are you both doing?" The slight threat was clear, if they didn't have a good reason, they'd be facing consequences. They are trespassing, not even Rhysand could excuse them if they're found guilty.

"We- uh, we were sent by Rhysand, to, um, to check on Y/n" Really Cassian, you sound so convincing. It was quite obvious to anyone who had at least half a brain that that wasn't at all what had happened, but that didn't answer why they are here.

"Rhysand said he'd check on Y/n in a week, and it hasn't even been a full day, progress updates will be sent in the evening. You both can clearly see she's perfectly unharmed, so you'd better be leaving, sooner rather than later." I think that might be the first time he's called me by my name.

It was Azriel who spoke next, seemingly unbothered by the High Lord's words. "We were further tasked with the tracking of the weapon smugglers" Cassian shot Azriel a quick thankful look, so fast I almost didn't catch it. What is going on? Why are they here?

It seemed as though Eris was about to deny their assistance, but the spymaster stated that having a shadow singer would be a huge advantage, which, he wasn't wrong. Eris looked like smoke was about to rise off of him, but he didn't refuse, he didn't verbally accept it either, just walked on in the direction we were originally going. That was about as much of compliance they would get from him.

We continued to walk, the atmosphere infinitely more tense, Eris was in front, Azriel at the back, while Cass and I stood side by side in the middle, whispering to each other, catching up.

"So, we both know that Rhysand didn't send you here, and certainly not to assist with tracking when Eris apparently has a whole back of smoke hounds, so, what's the deal?"

Cassian glanced at Eris, then bent over lower to get closer to my ear, and said as quietly as he could: "I missed you, and I was worried"

"You big softie, how'd you manage to drag Azriel here with you?"

"While first, I asked Rhysand, and he said no 'for political reasons' or whatever, then I asked Azriel-" "And he said yes?!" Cassian scoffed playfully.

"Of course not, I just pestered him about it enough that he'd do almost anything to shut me up" Yeah, that sounds about right.

All of a sudden, Eris stopped, everyone else followed, listening intently. Someone was running toward us, and they were heavily panting. Azriel, Cassian and I unsheathed our weapons, but as soon as we did, Eris snapped at us to put them away.

It made sense once we could see the fae, he was an Autumn court soldier, he looked surprised to see Eris here, but slowed down to address his High Lord, he bowed down low.

It's not my fault.

What?

"High Lord, something is attacking, several accounts claim it's the same thing that caused the disturbance"

Shit, what did Everest do?

"Where?" The soldier sifted through his head, trying to give his answer legibly "Northeast of the forest house, about twenty-five kilometres in from the coast" Eris nodded, and without warning, winnowed both him and I where the sentry had directed. It wasn't long before we heard a roar.

Everest, what's going on, what happened?

I found a scent trail, but I lost focus on keeping my scales camouflaged and a soldier saw me. He decided to bring his friends with him to hunt me down and I am currently half-way surrounded. I'm trying not to hurt them, but they're making it very difficult.

Hold on, I'm on my way.

Azriel teleported himself and Cassian next to us, they both scanned for danger, but it was Eris who took off first, running toward Everest. Oh no you don't, get back here little Fire Newt, you are not hurting Everest.

I chased after him, Cassian and Azriel hot on my tail. I could see the soldiers backing away at Eris's command. In the clearing, Everest was currently about two times the size of a polar bear, Eris began to conjure his fire into ropes, wrapping the flames around her snout.

I didn't think, I just launched my body forward, tackling Eris to the ground, we rolled, and when our momentum finally stopped dragging us through the leaves, his fiery eyes met my cool coloured ones.

Many emotions flashed on his face, shock, anger... betrayal, my heart sank, but I had to do this, I can't just let him harm my friend, no matter how it makes him feel.

We shared the same breath for a moment longer until I pushed myself up and off of him. The fire muzzle had disappeared, but now Azriel's shadows swarmed up her legs, trying to pin her down, Cassian stood in front of her, Illyrian blade held tightly in both hands.

I could feel my legs pumping, trying to get there faster, faster, but not fast enough. I grabbed the hilt of one of my blades, throwing it so that it just missed Cassian's arms, causing him to step back on instinct. I stood so that my body blocked as much of Everest as it could, my twin blade ready to be wielded if needed. Cauldron, I hope I won't need it.

"Step away from my dragon"

Chapter 8

Taglist: @imma-too-many-fandoms @rcarbo1 @littlefantasylover

A/n: Yes, I know, cliff hanger, sorry not sorry. Anyways, hope you enjoyed!

Comment if you want to be added to the taglist! :)

[luvly-writer]

"But oh..Cara mia”

Ch. 14 Shamelessly in love

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Dick Grayson x Latina Reader

Warnings: None

Status: Ongoing

Author's note: Honestly, I think this has been my favorite to write ngl. What do you guys think? Hope you enjoy it!

Taglist: @lorosette @nanas-teatime @prettyacademia00 @mxtokko @sarahkaliii @w31rdg1rl @Eurydicegrimes @writing-for-the-hell-of-it @alecmores

Series Masterlist:

—————————————

You were sitting on the floor in front of the full-length mirror in your room doing your make-up. Babs was sitting on top of your vanity table, straightening her hair in front of your vanity mirror. You loved moments like these where you both could slow down, relax, and not have to worry about anything related to superheroes. You were just two girls enjoying getting ready for a fancy party. You would play soft music in the background. As you did your eyes, you thought back on the past few days. The moment in the lab between Dick and you repeating constantly. It was frustrating, to say the least. Why would he get so close? Why was he so confusing? You rolled your eyes at the mere thought of him, how you hated Dick Grayson right now. You huff and decide to sing softly the song playing, "Oooooooooh only because I was in love, I opened up. Now I'll open up to your best friend, which one? Bitch like me, I just had to flip the switch on yo-" Your eyes widened. Dick had invited Wally. The same Wally who never passed an opportunity to flirt with you. You smirked. Years ago, when he heard of your "rivalry" with Dick, he took it upon himself to piss Dick off by flirting with you as a joke. You were good friends and had gone to the same camp at MIT. You hum in satisfaction and continue to do your makeup. Maybe one night of flirting for fun and without sttrings wouldn't hurt...

You and Barbara posed in front of the mirror and took a few pictures. She had taken your advice on wearing a green dress and looked absolutely stunning. You had opted on wearing a gorgeous blue dress that you had seen when you went shopping with Babs. Your hair was loose, letting it fall beautifully. You looked gorgeous. You were both looking at the pics and giggling when you heard Jason's voice come from the outside of your door. "Hurry up! We aren't getting any older here!" and you both roll your eyes. You noticed you didn't like your earring so you told Babs to go first and that you'd catch up once you changed them. Finally, you excited your room and walk down the stairs where everyone was waiting.

Dick stared at you as you walked down the stairs. You look ethereal. You smiled as you got to everyone and Dick swore his heart almost leaped out of his chest. You were wearing his color and you looked so SO GOOD in it. You all got in line to be introduced to everyone at the gala, Barbara and you stood side by side and talked with Jason and Steph. The protocol was to be announced and if you had a partner, they would be announced as well. First was Bruce, and Damian who entered. Then were Dick and Kory. As he walked he saw the flash of orange hair from his best friend who he had invited tonight. Then came Tim and Steph. Then Duke and Cass. Finally, Jason, Barbara, and you. As you walked, you smiled brightly and waved, smiling even more when you saw Diana next to Bruce. Then, Dick's heart stopped. Once you made eye contact with Wally, you winked at him, causing the speedster to smirk back at you. Dick watched the interaction closely...what the fuck?

Throughout the gala, Kory insisted on dancing and was holding up quite well with the rest of the socialites. Dick would constantly be by her side and would pull her to dance every once in a while, yet his mind was somewhere else. He would constantly turn back to see Yn and Wally. They would be found whispering to each other and laughing, flirting, and even worst, Wally had pulled Yn to dance quite a few times. Dick observed them viciously. Every time Kory would notice Dick falling away, she would add him to the conversation or ask for another dance. Things were going moderately fine until they weren't. Damian and Tim had begun to fight and it escalated so much that Damian pulled out a dagger. Steph and Jason were debating with a bunch of people and they were close to screaming their opinions, I think Steph even insulted Mr. Hikkin's wife. Dick thanked everything that Cass and Duke were the only ones not acting out. Bruce was trying to stop Tim and Damian and Duke and Cas ran to pull Jason and Steph away. The socialites were looking at the Wayne kids bewildered. Yn ran to the scene but Diana pulled her back when Tim's fist almost made contact with her face. Dick ran towards them and was able to get them to calm down after he dragged Damian away. They were all tugged back and Alfred came out to scold them. During that, Bruce's public relationists came running to him and warned him that seeing as this was a charity gala where the guest was supposed to place checks on their names, their little display plus the public scolding was making the socialites whisper and not in a fond way. Bruce groaned and asked her if there was something to do. "Well, we may need to call for desperate measures," she said nervously. And Bruce nodded for her to continue, "Operation young lovers always helps divert their attention and you know how much they eat it up every time..." She finished. Bruce looked at Dick and Yn tiredly and whispered a small please. Yn and Dick nodded. They knew what their roles were whenever it came to desperate measures in galas, didn't matter how they felt at the moment. Yn looked at Diana, who squeezed her hand and left to tell the band to change the song. Yn whispered something to Wally and Dick turned to Kory, "Sorry, Kor. This calls for desperate measures" he said and the girl reluctantly nodded, knowing that she shouldn't cause a scene in public. Dick walked towards Yn and placed his hand for her to take, "May I have this dance, Miss Prince?" he said loudly, making the elders around them gasp and smile. "You may, Mr. Grayson," she said softly and placed her hand on his. He could feel his senses tingling with her touch alone. He pulled her to the center of the ballroom floor and everyone made way for them. They stood in front of each other waiting for the waltz to begin. He placed one hand on her waist as she placed the hand that wasn't on his, on his shoulder.

"you ready?" he whispers softly, lowering his head so only you listen to him. You nod, too taken by his scent and touch to even speak.

"Don't speak

No don't try, Its been a secret for the longest time"

You begin to dance. You try to avoid his eyes at all costs. You knew that once you looked at those baby blues, you'd be gone. Unfortunately, you seem to have forgotten that when you dance avoiding his eyes, the flow of the waltz is not natural and sauve, its a little choppy.

"Yn, sweetheart, I need you to look at me," Dick says softly again and you shake your head softly. He sighs, "You know, you can trust me on this, bug, we've been partners ever since forever. Just trust me" he says, taking the hand on your waist and tilting your head so that you meet his gaze.

"Don't run,

No, don't hide, been running from it for the longest time"

Your (e/c) eyes meet his, its a dance of precaution, restraint, and, danger. His gaze softens, and he smiles once your gaze stays on his, "There we go"

"So many morning i woke up confused,

in my dreams, I do anything I want to you"

He twirls her and when he brings her back, he pulls her closer than she was before. They remain with their eyes locked. They begin to dance more fluidly. The people around them suddenly disappear and it felt as if they were the only two in the room. Dick breathes her in, trying to memorize how her body feels on his. Yn eyes soften (enter kate sharma's gaze) "why won't you let me go?" she whispers.

"My emotions are naked, they're taking me out of my mind"

She wanted to hear it. She knew it was wrong and he was in a relationship but she wanted to hear it. Maybe have some hope that he felt the same. She wanted to hear that he wanted her and that's why he couldn't let go. She wanted to hear that he craved her just as she craved him. The music began to speed up just a little, but they didn't miss a beat. The perfect waltz.

Dick looked at her and his eyes, glossed just a little. "We work together Yn, I don't think that we could ever escape each other" he answered and held her other hand. They pushed against each other, stretching their hands, and pulled back, now walking in circles. Yn hummed unconvinced and looked in his eyes, wanting sincerity.

"Right now I'm shameless,

screaming my lungs out for ya, not afraid to face it"

"I'm not convinced" she replied with a sing-song tone and he twirled her and they went to position one again. He looked away and she smiled softly. She taunted, "You have to look at me, Pajarito" and he turned to her again, "you have to trust me" she finished and he smirked. This woman..

"I need you more than I want to,

Need you more than I want to"

"Why are you not convinced?" he asked and Yn had an internal debate. Should she be bold, should she cower away? She had been thinking of confronting him for a while but Kory was always with him. Chances were she wasn't going to get another opportunity to have him alone, just to herself. Fuck it...I want answers

"Show me you're shameless,

write it on my neck, why don't ya"

He dips you and you hum cheekily, "I think you can't stay away from me and that's why you do not want to let me go." When he pulls you back up, Yn slid her hand from his shoulder to his neck, right on top of his pulse point. You felt his heartbeat get faster and smirked at him. Pink dusted his cheeks as chills go down his spine. He pulls you closer and grips your waist tighter.

"And I won't erase it,

I need you more than I want to"

"I..." he gulps, "I don't know what you are talking about," he said with his head a little cloudy. She began to twirl the hairs on the back of his head. "Do you not, Richard? " she said and got closer to his ear, "teams have been broken and replaced, people have left and returned, yet I ask you to leave, and you resist? hmmm, I think it's more" and Dick's eyes roll back, he closes them, and groans, all the restraint he had was failing little by little. She pulled back, happy with the reaction she got, and threw her head back as they danced. "Why do you want to leave so bad?" he asks, finally looking back at her, giving her puppy eyes, soft and vulnerable.

"Need you more than I want to

nuh-uh, uh-uh, don't wanna do this now"

"Why does it matter?" she quips back and he twirls her again, wanting to catch a break from her intoxicating presence. Once she is back in position, he answers, "Why would you ever want to leave?"

"Nuh-uh, uh-uh, don't wanna do this now

Nuh-uh, uh-uh, don't wanna do this now

Nuh-uh, uh-uh, don't wanna do this now"

"I don't want to leave, darling" she softly laughs but then turns somber, "I want this confusion to end.." Dick takes a sharp breath, "What's confusing?" he asks. Surely she can't mean what he thought... She looks at him again wondering if she should answer

"So we're there,

Now, it's real"

"Yn, what confusion, what do you mean? Dick asks desperately. 'Tell me what I want to hear and I'll do anything for you' he thought. 'Is it worth it?' she thought. The world around them was lost. No one mattered except for the person in front of them.

"And i'm tired of loving somebody that's not mine"

"Richard-" "-Yes", he was desperate, tell me, tell me that you want me just as much as I want you. "Why do you care If I leave you?" she asks, eyes a bit glossy. She felt as if she wanted to throw up, scream, cry, all of the above? He takes a deep breath and squeezes her waist, "I'm afraid of the man I could become if you are gone.." Deranged. That was what he would be. Completely lost, absolutely gone. He was so used to orbiting around her light, whether it warmed or burned him, that if she was gone he would be insane. Her eyes snapped to his, searching for lies and she found none, "Don't leave me to burn alone" he whispered looking at her tenderly, desperately, lovingly, lost with no plans of returning.

"There's just inches in between us,

I want you to give in, I want you to give in"

Dick took her in his arms and lifted her. She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked down at him, both never breaking eye contact. She slowly started sliding down, Dick always keeping a hold on her, making sure the move looked smooth. Her body pressing against his deliciously.

"There is tension in between us,

I JUST WANNA GIVE IN"

Once she was on the floor, he slid his hands up from her waist, raising her arms. The two had their hands up, intertwined. They were pressed against each other as they walked in circles. Faces inches apart, he nuzzled his nose to hers, and she hummed, her heart in her throat. The world around them lost and forgotten. He flips her and now she was with her back to him, both of her arms extended, his hands on hers again. They keep on dancing and he lowers his head, almost placing it on her shoulder

"And I don't care if I'm forgiven"

"Tell me, Yn, what your confusion is, I'll clear it up, I swear, I will clear it up, ask anything, and it's yours" he whispers, voice raspy from the intensity of his emotions at the moment. 'What if what I want to ask for is you' She thinks. He flips her again and presses her against him. They waltz once again, but in a different position. His hand is between her shoulder blades, thumb caressing her back. Her arm is on top of his, hand placed once again on his pulse. Their other arms stretched into a straight line. This allowed them to get even closer.

"Right now, I'm shameless,

Screaming my lungs out for ya,

Not afraid to face it,

I need you more than I want to"

Dick twirls her and finally dips her. The song came to an end. When he pulls her back, they let go of each other, absolutely breathless. They stay standing in front of each other, gazes locked unable to look away. The ballroom is silent for a moment before it erupts in applause. They both snap out of it and look away, finally remembering where they were. Dick coughs and looks at Yn, who is hugging herself, smiling bashfully at their public and blushing. He smiles softly before he turns his eyes to inspect the crowd and there he sees it. The one thing he absolutely forgot. Kory.

"Show me you're shameless,

write it on my neck why don't ya

and I won't erase it"

He sees her fuming, anger and sadness present in her eyes. He starts to walk towards her but she storms off to the gardens. He knows that the fight is inevitable. He turns back to Yn, who is looking towards where Kory disappeared to. She then makes eye contact with him and looks away quickly. He goes to reach out to her but she hurries away from the crowd directly to where Barbara and Diana were standing. Diana gives her a knowing look and Barbara has her mouth open. She quickly takes Barbara's hand and rushes both of them out as she gives Diana a look that says, 'I'll tell you later when I sort it out'. Diana nods and begins to mingle again. Everyone goes back to their usual, chatting about the two young lovers and how it was always pleasant and most satisfying to see them dance. Dick looks back at his family, who are all looking at him in awe, wonder, surprise, concern, and shock. He turns to Wally who gestures to where Kory left and mouths, 'Fix that first." Dick nods and begins to walk over to the gardens. Would he be able to fix something that was cursed to fail?

"I need you more than I want to

I NEED you more than I want to"

[the-arkhamwolf]

Reverse Robins Tim Drake

I have a lot of Reverse Robin Aus so I thought it would be fun to compare the different versions of Characters in each starting with Tim

Falling in Reverse

My first ever Reverse Robins deals with Tim's many self-worth issues. In this version Tim dies due to his fear of failure.

Tim was a neglected child who felt he had to earn everything including his place as Robin. After his parents died he moved into Wayne manner. Damian wasn't much help making Tim feel like he belonged.

Things got better between them but Tim's never got over that feeling of not belonging. He never spoke out on this just worked hard to prove himself. Believing Robin was the only reason he wasn't tossed aside. So when he was benched, due to him "Not being fit to be on the field", he took that badly and went out to prove himself. Overworked and paranoid he walked into a trap that ended his too-short life.

Tim then takes a dip in the pit and wakes up cold and reserved. Ras is amazed believing that the pit had no effect on him, that was indeed far from true. The pit gave Tim a different kind of rage, a quiet rage, something Ras would come to realize was far scarier.

For a while, Tim stays with the league learning and waiting. During this time Ras tries to brainwash Tim and he plays along. But the truth is Ras never had Tim under his control. When Tim is ready to leave he sets off his plan basically destroying the league. He then confronts Ras and kills him. This is Tim's first kill and while Ras doesn't stay dead (Thanks to the pit) He becomes fearful of Tim.

Tim is able to control the pit (for the most part) making it safer for those around but deadly for those he deems as a threat.

He goes back to Gotham and despite Ras's best efforts Tim doesn't hate the bats and even feels relieved Bruce took another Robin. After all, Tim wasn't really suppose to be Robin.

Tim blames himself for his death and thinks he has brought great shame to Batman and Robin. Tim sees himself as a failure that does not deserve to rejoin the bats, this is reinforced by the pit. So he works to protect the bats doing the dirty work to keep their hands clean.

Some people deserve to die and that's where he comes in. Because Batman doesn't kill and Damian should never be put in that spot again, not after how far he has come. Tim sees himself as a necessary evil.

He actually has a great relationship with his replacement even if he didn't mean to. He works hard to make sure the kid is safe. Jason is a great kid and will never go through what Tim did. He and Damian have a complicated relationship but both still care for each other.

He gets along with Cass pretty well even if they disagree on killing. He thinks Steph is the funniest thing ever and loves to watch her annoy Damian.

Tim leads the outlaws which is him, Roy, and Rose. Tim doesn't need friends he needs to focus on his work. Roy refuses to let that happen and somehow sneaks his way into being friends without Tim realizing it.

Rose flirts with Tim at first because it always flustered him but slowly they grow to like each other.

Tim is touch starved and he is the only one that doesn't see that as a problem. He also is a workaholic so Rose and Roy have to keep an eye on him and make him take breaks.

Tim has a deep love of photography even as Red Hood. It is a way to connect him to his past and Robin.

(Spoiler- When he becomes a dad He leaves the role of Red Hood and becomes a new paper photographer)

Something I love about this version: Tim has a deep love of Fnaf that drives everyone crazy

The Watchers

The Watchers is a much more darker take on reverse robins and the main reason is because Tim doesn't die. Watchers switching things up a bit with Tim having a good relationship with his parents. Tim is still a little sneaks out and becomes Robin.

Damian and Tim's relationship is much worse in this version. With Damian being jealous of Tim and his family. After Tim's parents die he moves in with Bruce and Damian becomes angry. (Damian is a lot more resentful due to stuff that happens to him but this is about Tim right now)

One night Damian cuts Tim's line and he crashes into a building. It doesn't paralyze him but it does give him permanent back problems. After that, Tim stayed on for another year as Oracle, A whole year of putting up with Damian's harsh insults and mocking unable to do anything. Finally, Tim had enough and quit the hero game altogether.

He leaves Gotham only to be brought back a few years later by an unexpected visitor. Batman has stepped down and Gotham is full of crime and the Court of Owls is at the center of it all. There is going to be a purge on Gotham Tim hates this city but it was his home. He and this guy name Jason team up to take back Gotham.

As soon as he moved back Tim started having nightmares. He doesn't get much sleep and his back is not going to let him go into the field so He becomes SkyWatcher. The court finds out about him and sends a talon after him. Turns out it's a child (Dick Grayson). He decides he's going to bring him home and raise him. It takes a while to earn the child's trust.

Tim comes across Rose and the two end up having a relationship sort of like Batman and Cat Women.

Tim has a deep resentment for photography because it reminds him of Batman and Robin. He also hates Damian and this gets worse when Damian takes Stephanie under his wing and makes her Robin.

Something I love about this version: Tim trying to raise a kid that is constantly trying to stab him

Falling Slowly

Falling Slowly is not exactly a Reverse robins set up as Tim is actually the oldest. While Watchers is the darkest version I think this is the saddest.

Tim's parents weren't around much so he would sneak out at night to take pictures of Batman. Batman gets injured one night and Tim is forced to reveal himself to help Bruce.

After Alfred patches Bruce up he imminently takes Tim home telling him to not sneak out anymore. Of course, Tim doesn't listen because someone needs to be there to help Batman when he's in trouble.

Eventually, Bruce gave up and started training him, not to fight but to protect himself. Tim started helping Bruce with cases and spent a lot of time at the cave. He was given the code name backup but he's not allowed to join in the fighting.

Everything was great until Tim's parents got killed during a robbery. Bruce took him in and tried to help him. Feeling guilty about his death Tim tried to go out and avenge his parents but Bruce stopped him. He made Tim his sidekick hoping it would help Tim the same way Batman helped him. And it did Tim became less restless and more focused.

Tim becomes Cardinal but because of how tiny he is the media started calling him Robin. Tim hated this and is sick of correcting people. While Cardinal Tim and another sidekick he was friends with got attacked. Tim only got minor injuries but the friend was nearly killed and lost the ability to walk. Tim blamed himself and started to spiral lucky someone was there to pull him out.

 After Tim graduated he moved out to go to college. He came home for the weekend to find that he had a little brother.

Tim is beyond thrilled, he always wanted a little brother. Jason was a little standoffish at first but eventually warms up to him. Tim spends his weekends training Jason and eventually passing down the mantle of Robin to Jason once he's ready.

 Tim couldn't help but blame himself because he gave Jason the suit. Tim dropped out of school and moved back to Gotham to keep an eye on Bruce. He gets a job at W.E. and becomes Redwing. Tim is in a spiral and no one seems to be able to pull him out until Selena goes a talks to her. She manages to convince to get therapy.

The therapy ends up helping. Tim still has a long way to go but there's definitely an improvement.

The therapist advises him on getting a therapy dog. Tim's skeptical after all his mother had taught him dogs were fealty creatures that would chew him up.

However, while working on a case he finds Ace a poor German shepherd that has been mistreated and hurt. The dog tries to tear him to pieces so He brings it home. Slowly he earns Ace's trust after taming him some work he takes to a class to get him trained. Ace doesn't care for other humans or dogs but he has gotten to the point where he chooses to ignore rather than attack.

Ace completely trusts Tim and Tim completely trusts Him.

One day while walking in the cave he was attacked by a child assassin aka Bruce's son Damian. Damian doesn't like Tim at first but Tim keeps an eye on him because the kid is his little brother. 

 One day Damian walked up to Tim and Bruce and demanded the Robin mantel. Tim puts his foot down before Bruce could say anything reminding him of what happened to Jason.

One night Damian steals the Robin suit and sneaks out. He runs into Red Hood and somehow the villain knows his every move. Luckily Tim comes to the recuse, unlucky Tim isn't prepared to deal with the fallout.

Something I love about this version: Tim loves to skateboard and even teaches Ace how too

Dying Birds Au

While my first Reverse Robins has Tim having a bad life and then dying this newest one has Tim being happy then dying. Okay, Tim's parents are still neglectful and he still gets a rough start as Robin (or whatever name I use) but the rest is pretty happy.

It all starts when Damian gets shot. He's not killed but he's is paralyzed from the waist down. Damian had been Robin Tim's hero and Batman's sidekick. After getting shot he left Gotham leading to a much darker Bruce. Batman needs Robin, Tim didn't sign up for this but here he is.

Bruce is better but he and Damian still aren't talking. Tim decides to put a stop to that. Damian and Tim get off to a rocky start with Damian finding Tim annoying and also having an underlying resentment for the kid Tim doesn't care.

Slowly the little brat grows on him and Damian does come back to Gotham. The two become pretty close. Damian convinces Tim's Parents to let Bruce adopt him and Tim moves in.

Tim is a people pleaser so Damian makes sure no one takes advantage of him. And Tim makes sure Damian doesn't bet himself up over mistakes.

Tim effectively becomes friends with a villain's daughter and takes her under his wing. Stephine trains under Tim to become the next Robin

Tim plans to leave the mental to start his own team but is too nervous to tell anyone but Damian and Stephanie.

Tim gets hurt bad on a patrol trying to help someone. Damians on the headset the entire time talking to him as Tim lies bleeding out.

Tim's death spits the family apart and causes Steph to leave.

Tim comes back via Lazarus pit plays Ra's, destroys the Lazarus pit, leaves the league in shabbles then starts up his own team with Roy and Rose.

He can't control the pit messes with his head making him cold and dangerous so he stays away from the bats to protect them.

Cass is sent to kill Tim instead he takes her and trains her she in return becomes his unrequest bodyguard. He tries to give her as normal a life as he can.

One big difference between this and Falling in Reverse is that in FR Tim had his own run-down apartment. Whereas here all of the outlaws live together in an abandoned building.

Something I love about this version: Tim and Cass's sibling dynamic I just find this adorable

Wrap up

Falling in Reverse: Ashamed Red Hood in desperate need of a hug

The Watchers: Tired dad with back problems and a murderous child

Falling Slowly: Guilty older brother trying to make up for the past

Dying birds: Scared Red Hood who pushes everyone away

What character would you like to see next?

If there's you have any questions or want me to talk more about one of these drop it in my inbox

[msfcatlover]

Shadow Jason (Reverse Robins)

(Jason has... too many costumes, I literally cannot find a single reference page that has even a majority of them, let alone all of them. Massive pain in the ass to research this.)

Jason started out with just Tim's costume (he inherited it on incredibly short notice, so he didn't have time to do any modifications before he first hit the streets in it,) but over time he makes it his own.

Which is like...90% tributes & callbacks to Steph, Jason's personal hero. Jason does keep Tim's predominantly black styling and switches his highlight colors from purple & gold to blue & silver, but the blue is very much a dark indigo (cutting the middle ground between Steph's dark purple & midnight blue, and allowing different artists to draw him either leaning more blue or purple depending on lighting & personal taste.)

(Guess who found an even better bat symbol chart? Anyway, Jason's is the "Batman: Hush" bat symbol, and he trades the ribbon-border for silver stitching. Because Cass is right, the stitched look is badass.)

Jason keeps the black cloak with "purple" (now indigo) lining, but he replaces the gold ribbon trim for a thick silver stitching. He also makes the cloak shorter, hanging just below his knees rather than around his ankles. The trim also now traces the entire hem of the cloak, rather than just the hood.

(Once again, thank you Stephanie Brown Costume History page!)

I will add that though all past Shadow hoods have had a pretty basic silhouette, Jason wanted a droopy-pointy one, because he's a dramatic nerd.

(Basic hood vs Jason's hood)

Jason keeps the headset, but he switches Tim's visor out for glowing goggles in tribute to Steph's original Spoiler costume. He also brings back Steph's full-face mask, if a touch more armored than her original mask probably was.

(Jason's goggles glow white, though.)

Jason's chest piece is a lot less bulletproof vest, instead going for a segmented/borderline laminar piece. Somewhere between Duke's "White Knight" armor & Jason's "Gotham Knights: Eternal" chest armor. The panels are all black, but the base underneath them is indigo.

(Keep in mind that this is pre-growth spurt Jason, so while both of these chest pieces are for pretty bulky dudes, Jason's still on the short & lean side side of things. He's not trying to look bulkier, these are just the best references I could find..)

The sleeves are dark blue & fitted, made of durable slash- & stab-resistant fabric. Jason wears basically his RHatO Robin gloves, but without the weird loops on the sides. The gloves are predominantly black, but the red highlights are now indigo. He also has polished metal caps on his knuckles, echoing Steph's costume & buffing his own punches.

(Once again, it is really really hard to get a good reference shot of these gloves, but I think these 2 pages together give you a pretty good turn-around of them.)

I have not been defining utility belt styles, but whatever the differences between them have been, Jason rolls back to Steph's design. His is black with silver clasps/buckles, for the record.

I do like Jason's big pockets & cargo pants from recent comics, but I think he'd want to take Shadow back to its sleeker look than Tim's padded up & kitted out design. (Jason also doesn't need to carry nearly as much gear himself, since the rest of the family kinda babies him a little, so there's almost always one within shouting distance if he needs them.) I'd say he goes back to the padded leggings, but adds pouches that hang from his belt & strap to his thighs, mimicking both the look of Steph & Dami's thigh armor, and his own big-pockets look in recent comics.

(So imagine if those pockets were actually hanging from his belt the way his holsters are here, with a second strap around the thigh to keep them from bouncing around or getting in the way.)

I actually realized while looking at that Gotham Knights article that I wanted to give Jason the boots/greaves from the "Year One" costume, and while hunting for a better image of them found this awesome piece, which not only gives an excellent view of that leg armor but also actually has fitted pants with thigh-strapped holsters, to give a better idea what that should look like.

(Pants & straps should be black, red armor should be indigo with silver edges, which you even kinda get with the grey backing in this piece. Seriously, huge shout out to Damián Navarro Méndez, though, this design & render both look awesome! I hope they paid you really well for this one, and you didn't have to crunch over it.)

And that wraps up Shadow Jason! Hopefully it's enough of his own style to feel unique from the three other designs I've already done for Shadow, and like something Jason would actually wear. It's still recognizable as a Shadow outfit, and makes it very clear who Jason's primary inspiration was without directly ripping Steph off (or even being too obvious at a glance that he's shouting her out.)

I hope there's also enough echo of Cass & Duke to show that Jason's having to serve as kinda both Moonbeam & Shadow simultaneously; the guiding light & grounding dark to Gotham's Batman. Because Jason (like Tim) doesn't have a partner in this, but (unlike Tim) Jason doesn't have to stand fully alone in his efforts.

Phew! Thanks for sticking with me, folks, but we're done with Shadow now! Now I just have to do... everyone's grown-up designs...

(Don't worry, I'm still having fun and it's not nearly as daunting at it seems at a glance. It's just a lot, and their independent identities are going to be a touch harder since I'm basically starting from scratch—just a stack of references & a half-concept/half-vibe—where the legacy costumes have iterated on eachother, allowing me to start from a base every time I make a new one.)

[brucie-baby]

also could you talk more about the violence as language thing for the batfam? I'm very interested in that and still new to the comics so I don't think I've picked up on it yet

Absolutely, I can!! It's pretty explicitly stated at one point, actually. I can give a couple examples.

Bruce hits Tim in #71, and this conversation happens in #81:

[Bruce says: "It was a message. Part of their training. A language. I teach them, when we spar, how we can communicate through blows. In case someone's watching. We were in plain sight. The blow told the bat-family to go quiet, to switch to other, more secure comms. In the meantime, I pursued Bane, knowing I would be defeated. I wanted them to break me, to see me broken. So that I might discover a way to defeat them outside of their watching eyes."]

I don't recall the language being explicitly mentioned at any other time but another example of this that I love is in Batgirl #50:

[Barbara says: Then why? Why in the name of god did you put yourself and Cassandra through that?" Bruce says: "Because she needed it. We both did." Barbara says: "What? Are you saying it was all some kind of screwed-up therapy session?" Bruce says: "What other therapy would Cassandra understand? She grew up with no other contact apart from violence. Fighting is her language, Barbara. The core of her being... of her soul. She had things she needed to get off her chest. And so did I." Barbara says: "You're crazy." Bruce says: "So they say. But it works."]

The thing about with these two is that violence is Cass' first language and Bruce's chosen language. It draws a lot of parallels between not only Bruce&Cass but also Bruce&Cain (but that's a post for another time).

I think it plays a big part in why Cass and Bruce click so well, because they both speak violence. It's a part of them. Bruce just doesn't always understand that while they're similar in this regard, they are not the same, and so he sometimes misunderstands what exactly Cass needs.

Also, I may be remembering this wrong (someone please correct me if I am), but there's a point in Batgirl (2000) where Cass is essentially like 'kill me because dying would fix me', and she's right. It does help her.

There's also this, from the Bruce Wayne - Murderer? storyline:

[Dick, attacking Bruce: "Aren't you even going to try to hit me? Acknowledge me! Damn it, Bruce!"]

I could go into real detail about these panels but honestly I think it's better to read the whole story yourself (very much recommend Murderer/Fugitive, love it). One thing I will mention, however, is that this is after Bruce is like 'Bruce Wayne is a mask, I'm Batman' and Dick is like 'Okay well if that's true then who am I the adopted son of? Who raised me?'

I just think the different ways you can interpret this fight are so interesting. Is it just Dick's anger? Is this Dick trying to prove that Bruce Wayne is not a mask, that he has people he cares for? Is it Dick trying to see how far gone Bruce is? Is it Dick being so used to speaking through violence with Bruce that this is the only way he can talk to him right now? Is the violence so normal that hitting Dick would prove that Bruce is still in there somewhere, still feeling, or would it prove that he truly isn't Bruce anymore? I have my own thoughts on this, but like I said, I recommend reading the whole thing for yourself and finding your own interpretation (it mostly depends on the version of Bruce in your head, to be honest).

The only thing that's definitive here is that the fight is a conversation. By the end of it, Dick has reached a conclusion. It's an argument and a heart-to-heart and a lecture and a vent all in one.

Overall, Bruce finds it easier to speak through blows than words. Maybe this is because he was exposed to violence at a young age, not raised by parents but an employee who allowed him to find himself through fighting and training and discipline. Whatever it was, the violence as a language started with Bruce and was given to his children. Bruce sees this in Cass and finds a kindred spirit. Bruce may not like violence, but he thrives in it.