#Favorite Almost

[earthtoharlow]

Favorite Almost

1) the part where you meet

Jack Harlow x Reader

a three part series

It was almost ironic that you were getting broken up with during a storm. Each thunderclap echoed the heartbreak, making the gloomy weather a reflection of the somber emotions.

“I can’t do this anymore.”

You know you should’ve seen this coming, but it still surprised you. This was the guy you spent every waking moment with. He had become your safe space. Did the last three months mean nothing to him? Ending things two days before you went back home was heartbreaking.

He was honest with you from the very beginning, telling you that because of his celebrity status that he wasn’t looking for anything serious. At first you were fine with that as you also weren’t looking for anything serious as you were only in town for the summer. A month into the relationship your feelings started to change and you foolishly thought his feelings would change too.

Technically, you couldn’t even call what the two of you had a relationship. When you told friends about this you wouldn’t be able to call him your ex boyfriend. He was never officially yours. He was an ex maybe, an ex someday, your favorite almost.

*THREE MONTHS EARLIER*

“The music here fucking sucks.” Your best friend Cassie ignored you and rolled her eyes before taking your hand and dragged you further through the club.

You were spending the summer with Cassie in Kentucky where she lived. While Louisville, Kentucky wasn’t the first place you had in mind to visit during the summer, Cassie explained that you needed to “leave that bougie ass state of California.—“ and enjoy some southern hospitality.

When you guys finally made it to the front of the bar it was like the bartenders were ignoring the two of you. So much for southern hospitality, that Cassie was talking about. Your heeled boots gave you some more height, but you still couldn’t get someone’s attention so you started to kneel on the closest bar stool.

“Bitch, get down!” Cassie said from beside you, but you continued ignoring her. The extra height still wasn’t enough to get the bartender’s attention, frustration started to linger when you heard Cassie gasp in shock beside you. Before you could ask her what was wrong, you felt a soft hand touch your back.

He didn’t say anything, just gave a subtle smile and effortlessly signaled the bartender to take your order. In seconds it seemed like your shots were in front of you.

“Hey, thanks dude! I thought I was gonna have to stand here all night.” You said handing two of the shots to Cassie, as you turned around to face the man you almost stopped in your tracks, shocked at how incredibly attractive he was.

“No problem, I saw you struggling from the DJ booth and figured I would help you out.” The guy said leaning against the bar and giving you a charming smile. You couldn’t help but smile back, this guy oozed with charisma and charm.

You were momentarily mesmerized before you realized what he said. “The DJ booth? So you’re the one I have to blame for the music playing tonight?” You felt Cassie grab your arm from behind you, and say your name trying to get you to stop.

Surprisingly the guy laughed, and rubbed a hand over his beard. “You think you could play better?” Flashing another charming smile and leaning down closer towards you.

Your smirk became almost evil as you nodded in response. “Oh most definitely.” You could tell he was shocked at your admission.

The gentleman stood up straighter, “Challenge accepted, finish your shots and meet me at the booth.” He flashed the ladies one last smile before heading back up front.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Cassie smacked your arm. “Ow! You know I bruise easily!” You said as you rubbed where she hit you at.

“You’ve only been here for one day and you’re already challenging a celebrity in a DJ battle?!” Cassie said, looking at you wide eyed.

“That man is a celebrity? Doesn’t look like one.” You said as you watched the tall man with the curly mullet walk back towards his spot at the DJ booth. You looked back at Cassie when you heard her groan.

“I don’t understand how you’re a DJ and yet you don’t know some of the most popular artists.” Rolling her eyes before continuing. “That’s Jack Harlow.”

“That’s Jack Harlow?” You asked, looking at him again, sending him a smirk when you noticed he was already looking your way. The exchange of glances sparked a sense of excitement in the air.

You smacked Cassie's hand from your face as she was waving it in front of you trying to get your attention, you could see Jack laughing at the exchange.

Turning back to Cassie you motioned her to lift up her shot glass and threw your head back as you took yours, slamming it down on the bar behind you. “Well, I’m about to show Jack Harlow how a real DJ gets shit done.” You grabbed her hand and walked over to the DJ booth.

The closer you got the nerves started to settle in, you were about to DJ in front of a celebrity. Hopefully the liquor courage kicked in soon. Surprisingly it was easy to get to the booth as it seemed he made sure to tell everyone that you two were coming up.

“Took you long enough.” Jack said into your ear as you stood next to him. You had to stand on your tippy toes to reply. “Just wanted to see you sweat before I rocked your world.” Your confidence surprised Jack, not used to women being able to dish back banter with him.

Looking around you, you could tell all the people at the booth were friends with Jack as they laughed and reaped the benefits of the alcohol that you know they didn’t pay for.

Jack got the attention of the DJ that was currently spinning so he could introduce you. “Jeff, I wanna let my friend here spin for a bit if you don’t mind.” Jeff gave you a once over like many do when you get to the desk. Always shocked when they find out you’re a disk jockey. Jeff shrugged his shoulders and handed the headphones off to Jack.

In a moment of intimacy, Jack gently placed the headphones over your head, the soft padding settling comfortably. Your breath hitched in your throat when his fingers delicately traced through your hair, smoothing out any tangles with a tender touch. Jack gave you a once over before giving a slight nod, happy with his work.

“I’m Jack by the way.” He introduced himself. It took a moment for you to tell him your name as you were still wrapped in the warmth of the moment.

Jack then stood behind you and you listened as he began to explain each and every button and knob with genuine enthusiasm. You didn’t have the heart to tell him that you knew how to work one, but couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when you started playing. So instead you nodded along and listened attentively, appreciating the effort he took to share the knowledge. You could see Cassie from the corner of your eye trying to hide her smile knowing she was enjoying hearing him explain everything to you.

“Ok, are you ready?” Jack asked you after he was finished explaining everything, you pretended to look nervous and nodded. Jack spoke into the microphone introducing you to the crowd of drunk club goers.

Nervous excitement filled the air and a hush fell over the club momentarily as the spotlight shined on you. The whispers from the crowd stopped when you dropped your first beat and cheers erupted from the dance floor, you could hear Cassie cheering you on from behind.

With each beat you gained more confidence as the music flowed through your fingertips. You danced and sang along as the crowd responded to each drop and transition. Turning your head and locking eyes with Jack and seeing the shocked facial expression was sweet validation. “Holy shit.” Was the only thing he could say as you continued playing.

After a while the two of you found a dark and secluded corner of the club. The loud music was soon drowned out by the shared laughter and the exchanged stories. Time seemed to stand still as you continued to get to know one another. The dimly lit space made everything around you fade away leaving the two of you in a cocoon of connection.

***

You groaned slightly as you began to come out of your slumber the sunlight from the window urging you awake. Opening your eyes slowly you were immediately staring at the back of someone’s curly hair suddenly reminded of everything that happened the night before.

Looking around you knew you weren’t in Cassie’s guest bedroom. You tried to move as slow as you could out the bed to make your escape to begin your walk of shame but as soon as you swung your legs over the tall king bed, Jack began to wake.

“Where are you going?” He asked, his usual smoothness of his voice was replaced with a husky tone. The morning voice was a gentle reminder of the shared moments only a few hours ago. You simply shrugged and Jack tugged you back in the bed.

The two of you laid in bed all morning even with a sense of curiosity that lingered in the air. The conversation flowed easily. When you two finally manage to make it out of the bed to find something to eat in the kitchen that’s when a whirlwind of emotions sweeps over you leaving you with a sense of delusion in its wake. You knew if you didn’t ask Jack what the hell y’all were doing then the lines between reality and fantasy were going to blur. Thankfully it was like Jack read your mind as he brought it up first.

In the quiet moments while eating breakfast Jack spoke as he looked at you with a thoughtful gaze. “What if we keep this casual?” He suggested breaking the silence. You considered his words feeling a mix of intrigue and uncertainty.

He spoke again while you were still thinking it over. “I really enjoyed my time with you and I’ll be honest with you. I don’t want this to end just yet. I just can’t commit myself to being in a relationship right now especially with my career.”

“No strings attached, just enjoying our time together for the next few months.” You replied testing the idea

“Exactly, without the weight of expectations. We can enjoy this without the pressure of commitment.”

You liked the sound of that, besides you didn’t need to embark on a new relationship right now especially with a celebrity when you lived on the other side of the country.

“Okay, deal.” You agreed before standing up from your seat at the kitchen table and held out your hand so he could shake on it.

“Great doing business with you.” Giving your hand a firm shake. You yelped in surprise when he pulled you closer before swiftly lifting you up and throwing you over his shoulder.

“Now let’s really seal the deal!” Your loud giggles rung through the long hallways of the bachelor pad.

If you knew making this deal was going to end in heartbreak you would’ve never accepted it.

****

AN: back with another series, this was supposed to be a standalone story but I could not stop writing so now it’ll be a 3 part series. Please let me know your thoughts 💋

Tag List:

(message me if you'd like to be added or removed)

@heavyhitterheaux @hoodharlow @neon-lights-and-glitter @babiefries @bout-mine @mace23477 @snows-blog-of-fiction @dstark-0706 @harlowsbby @itsyagirljaz @leftapricotprofessorlover @comehomeimissyou@minkookie95@harlowcomehome @jackharloww@jaydaaasworld@xxkoolkatxx @kkrenae @hufflewhore128 @w1ldthoughts @jackiehollanderr @katiaw2 @halfmoondaze @babybardi2@vinniehackersbaee @cassies-cookies

[supine-ly]

Kim dokja somehow won the custody battle (he fully expected Yjh to win) and he doesnt know how to proceed.

[flwrkid14]

Everyone Wants to Be Tim Drake’s Favorite Brother

Being Tim Drake’s favorite isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s about power, perks, and an almost supernatural level of protection.

It starts with the little things. Tim isn’t one for grand gestures, but when he cares about someone, it’s obvious. He listens—really listens—to the small comments, the things others might forget. That offhand remark about a snack you miss? Tim’s already on his way to get it for you. Complaining that your suit’s not fitting quite right? Tim’s hands-on with upgrades by morning. If you're Tim’s favorite, it’s a constant stream of thoughtful gestures. Gear gets upgraded, favorite books and gadgets mysteriously show up, and Tim’s always thinking of how he can make your life easier.

But being Tim’s favorite is more than just gifts. It’s the way Tim treats you, the way he prioritizes you over everything else. Tim listens when you vent, has your back during arguments, even when you’re wrong, and somehow—somehow—he gets Bruce to listen to you more than anyone else.

Bruce listens to everyone, of course. He’s the Bat. But when Tim speaks, it’s different. Bruce doesn’t just hear Tim—he acts. Whether it’s adjusting mission plans, reevaluating tactics, or considering Gotham’s crime trends. He’ll mention something, and suddenly, Bruce is shifting his approach. No one else seems to have that pull over him. Tim has a way of cutting through Bruce’s stubbornness that no one else can match. It’s not lost on anyone that when you’re Tim’s favorite, Bruce seems to listen to you more, too.

And then, there’s the most dangerous perk of all: Tim’s wrath.

Everyone in Gotham has learned to fear the consequences of hurting anyone Tim cares about. They all remember how Janet Drake, Tim’s mother, was exactly the same. Janet didn’t just love fiercely; she made people fear the consequences of betraying her affection. She’d build strong alliances and maintain an iron grip on them, ensuring no one dared to harm those she called her own. She had a reputation for turning the tables in ways that left lasting marks on Gotham’s criminals, so it’s no surprise that Tim inherited the same instincts. The last time one of his favorites got hurt in Gotham, the Rogue responsible learned the hard way that crossing a Drake isn’t something you do lightly. That night, the Rogue barely escaped with his life, and the damage he caused was felt across Gotham for weeks.

The rumors from that time still make the rounds. Red Robin hunted that Rogue down, dismantling supply lines and ruining their operations in ways no one else could, using connections no one could have anticipated for him to have. He sent a message—a warning—one that still echoes through Gotham’s criminal world. After that, the Rogues were far more cautious when it came to hurting anyone Red Robin seemed particularly attached to.

These days, the Rogues are more careful. If they can see who Tim’s favorite is, they back off. Patrols get easier. The punches are pulled. The threats don’t carry the same weight. It's almost comical. Once, Jason caught Riddler mid-riddle and swore he saw him glance over his shoulder like he was checking for something—and then mutter, “Not worth it,” before retreating.

Of course, everyone’s gotten a taste of these perks at some point.

Jason remembers his time as Tim’s favorite. When he first came back, Tim went above and beyond. His gear was upgraded constantly, his safehouses were restocked with his favorite things, and there were custom modifications to everything. Tim even managed to reclaim all his old safehouses from the GCPD archives with no problem. Jason never openly admitted it, but he savored every moment. It felt good to be cared for like that.

Cass had it too when she struggled to reconnect with the family. Tim stuck close, quietly offering his support—whether it was with training or just sitting together. She didn’t ask for a suit upgrade, just mentioned how bulky it was in passing, and Tim designed a new one for her the following week, fitting it perfectly to her style. And as for the Rogues? They couldn't run away fast enough when she showed up.

Right now, they all suspect Duke to be the favorite. Tim’s always inviting him to collaborate on tech projects or sharing valuable intel. And Duke has started receiving gifts that seem to show up at just the right moment—books, custom gadgets, and even the occasional throwback cereal he mentioned in passing. Tim’s also been there for him every step of the way, making sure he’s always in the loop, collaborating on projects, and taking the time to make Duke feel seen.

“You know,” Duke said one night, stirring his soup casually, “Scarecrow’s been weirdly quiet lately.”

“Yeah, I noticed,” Jason said with a raised eyebrow. “What did you do?”

Duke blinked. “Nothing.”

Jason shot Tim a look. “What did you do?”

Tim’s smirk was all the answer Jason needed.

And that’s the thing—being Tim’s favorite isn’t just about attention or gear. It’s about something more. It’s about protection. Once you’re Tim’s favorite, the world seems like it can’t touch you. And everyone knows it.

They’ve all had their time as Tim’s favorite. Jason, Cass, even Damian had his moment. But once you’re no longer the favorite, it’s hard not to crave it again.

Jason lingers in the Batcave, pretending to talk about his gear but subtly hinting at upgrades Tim could add to it.

Damian scoffs at the idea of being prioritized, but Tim catches him comparing his gear to Duke’s own, new and improved gear, muttering to himself, “It’s adequate,” like it’s an insult.

Dick tries to remain above it all—he’s the eldest, after all. He doesn’t need Tim’s attention. But when he sees Tim working behind the scenes, tinkering with Duke’s gear or offering an unexpected assist to Jason, there’s that ache of longing for when he was the center of Tim’s world.

In the end, they’ll never say it, but every single one of them secretly wants to be Tim’s favorite. Because when Tim Drake decides you’re his favorite, you’re not just cared for—you’re protected and given an unwavering loyalty that makes you feel untouchable in Gotham.

And in Gotham, where danger is always close, nothing is more powerful than the protection and devotion of a Drake.

[hyuckonia]

AAHHHH AHHHHH EVERYONE POINT AND LAUGH!!!!!!!!!! LOOOSERRR!!!! AHHHHHH SOMEONE LOST THE GAMEEE!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 (everyone lost actually (😔) )

AKA a last ditch effort to annoy the shit out of this guy

bonus!

the moment when ortho ace and kalim get inside the playful stage and can see everyone and are deciding what to do next. what easier way to defeat your enemy than completely obliterating them?

bonus 2

my friend said this pic of 2 random people showed up on google when u look up "fellow honest nui" so now theyr in fellow and gidel cosplay 💞

[theroundbartable]

I want an episode that's basically Merlin and Arthur facing the usual, magical threat of the week, but they have to keep it a Secret from everyone (like with Uther's ghost).

So, Arthur carries the torches and the weapons and Merlin does the research on whatever magical creature it is and is, although he tries to do everything on his own, forced to show Arthur the results.

Arthur: it can only be killed with magic?

Merlin: I'm afraid so. There is this spell -

Arthur: but... Can we even use that?

Merlin: *hesitantly* I mean, If we do the pronounciation right?

Arthur: ... Alright, I'll do it.

...

Merlin ends up doing it in the end.

Arthur: holy shit, it worked!!!! *So excited he hugs Merlin*

Merlin: *trembling because he's still lying about his magic but also, Arthur saw him use magic and isn't mad*

A week later, Arthur puts an old cold case on the table: we have work to do

Merlin: oh no

So basically, the ghost hunter au we were teased with but never got.

[scn-thedog]

hold on has anyone ever shared these here. to my knowledge they're official doodles but these come from the fandom wiki so i don't know. ANYWAYS HAVE MY FAVORITE AUGH AUGHHH AUGHH. DANDY WHEN I GET YOU. SHORTASS!!!!! he can't properly reach the counter EVEN WHEN HE'S STANDING ON THE BOX .AUGHHH AUGHH DANDY DANDY WHEN I GET YOU. i can carry him in my backpack DANDY WHEN I GET YOU GRRRRRRRR. DANDICUS!!!!!!! ohh my god. look at him. pathetic .LOOK AT HIM AGUUDGHHGGH

[fabiolajyx]

GUILDFORD DUDLEY and JANE GREY

My Lady Jane - S01E05

[clovelie]

the thought of being replaced is enough to make me almost pass out

[thebibliosphere]

Sometimes I boot Gotham Knights just to enjoy the background ambience of Gotham at night while I'm doing other stuff. It's nice hearing the occasional quip from an NPC as something happens down on the streets below, paired with the gentle drumming of the incessant rain. If you scale up high enough, all you'll hear is the rain and the gentle thrum of the city. It's quite meditative in a way.

Sometimes, I leave it running and forget it's the game and not a similar ambient sound on YouTube. I don't even think to check sometimes. I just leave my word processor in fullscreen mode and go about my tasks like a Roomba bumping into things and wandering off to do others.

All of this is to say I just about pissed myself when, after forty minutes of uninterrupted writing and listening to what I thought was YouTube, I went down into the dimly lit basement to do laundry with my noise-canceling headset on, only to get halfway through loading the washer when I heard the dulcet, expressive tones of Jason Todd sighing directly into my ear like gravel sliding over sheet metal.

When I tell you, the scream I screamt. Hgjkgolwmeoihgksdjvmn

Like I'm so sorry, Mister Todd. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to leave you up there in the rain, but also CAN YOU NOT?!

[twentyfivemiceinatrenchcoat]

thinking about an estranged childhood friends to lovers story with gojo……

you’re a rowdy kid. during one of your adventures, you end up at the gojo estate; sneaking your way into a vast, beautiful garden, pretty pink roses as far as the eye can see. little gojo is crouched down, watching tiny sprouts grow, and you’re too captivated to look away. bright snowy hair, striking blue eyes, all dolled up in a fancy yukata. he turns to meet your gaze — and all you give him is a sheepish laugh, before strolling over to introduce yourself. he doesn’t seem to mind the company, so you keep coming over to play with him. you bring cool rocks, pretty cicadas you caught, a dusty gameboy. he listens to you speak. he watches the way you move, wave your hands when you’re excited. he grows so, so fond of you.

one day, you stop coming by to see him — and he doesn’t need confirmation to know that one of the maids must have chased you off.

twenty years later, you meet him again, in a crowded little café. he calls out for you by name and you have no idea who you’re looking at. a tall, handsome, cheery man… wearing a blindfold? and shooting you a charming grin. you have no idea who he is, but he remembers you. he remembers you a lot more than he should. he chides you for forgetting your very best friend, but there’s nothing but humour in his voice. you watch as he speaks, as he moves, as he taps his feet under the table after insisting you order something — his treat. you still don’t remember him.

but you’re captivated, all the same.

(from underneath his blindfold, gojo watches you smile. he thinks to himself that some things must truly never change; because he still feels that familiar swarm of butterflies, with every move you make.)

[earthtoharlow]

Favorite Almost

3) the part where your heart is broken

Jack Harlow x Reader

a three part series

As the weekend approached, Jack approached you with an unexpected offer. “Hey, I know this is last minute but my DJ got sick and I could really use your help at my concert this weekend in Vegas. Would you be up for it?”

Your heart leaped with excitement at the thought of accompanying Jack to his show. You couldn’t resist the opportunity to be by his side as he performed.

With a grin you nodded eagerly. “Hell yeah! I’m down!”

As you traveled with Jack, excitement was coursing through your veins. Watching Jack do what he loved filled you with pride, and you couldn’t help but marvel at his talent and dedication.

The crowd cheered loudly as you finished your set. Jack pulled you aside, his eyes filled with admiration. “You were amazing out there,” he said, his voice tinged with genuine pride. “I’m so proud of you.”

His praise meant more to you than he could ever know, and in that moment, you felt a deeper connection to him than ever before.

Jack leaned in to kiss your forehead, a rush of emotions washed over you. The tender gesture filled you with desire to hold onto this moment forever wishing you could tell him how you felt.

***

Your heart swelled with affection as you gazed into Jack’s eyes, fingers tracing gentle patterns across his chest.

“You mean so much to me.” he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur. “I never want to lose you”

A pang of longing pierced your heart as you listened, the urge to confess your growing feelings threatened to spill from your lips. But as you opened your mouth to speak your courage faltered and you swallowed back the words, masking your emotions with a forced smile.

Your voice barely above a whisper “You mean a lot to me too, Jack. More than you’ll ever know.”

As those words left your lips, a hollow ache settled in your chest. Deep down you knew that Jack’s declarations were little more than fleeting whispers, empty promises that crumbled like dust at the first sign of adversity.

And yet, despite the overwhelming sense of doubt that clouded your mind, you couldn’t help but wish that Jack meant every word he said. That he saw you not just as a temporary distraction and a warm body, but as someone worthy of his love and affection.

You couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness as Jack wrapped his arms around you as he went to sleep. In that fleeting moment, you wished for nothing more than to tell Jack just how deeply you had fallen for him.

***

As the loud music filled the air, Jack couldn’t tear his eyes away from you as you danced with another guy across the crowded club. Despite the fact this relationship was casual, a surge of jealousy gnawed at him. Twisting his insides with an unsettling mix of possessiveness and longing.

Every move you made with the other guy felt like a dagger to Jack’s heart, igniting a fierce sense of protectiveness over you. He couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that washed over him. Jack felt a strong urge to reclaim your attention. To assert his presence in your world.

As Jack continued to watch you two sway to the music, a storm of emotions raged within Jack’s mind. Insecurity mingled with desire, jealousy intertwined with longing, creating a tangled web of conflicting feelings that threatened to consume him.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Jack made his way through the throngs of partygoers, his steps fueled by a sense of urgency he couldn’t ignore. The distance between you seemed to stretch infinitely, driving him to the brink of desperation.

Finally reaching your side, Jack couldn’t suppress the surge of relief that washed over him. Without a word, he gently pulled you away from the other guy, his touch possessive yet tender as he wrapped his arms around you.

Before you could question him, Jack pulled you closer and swayed to the music. Jack felt a sense of triumph wash over him. You were his, and his alone. It didn’t matter how many women he spoke to. You were his favorite.

***

CURRENT DAY

Rain continued to fall outside as you felt like your heart was being drowned in a storm of your emotions. Sitting across from Jack you had mustered up the courage to tell him how you really felt, as you were leaving in 2 weeks. You were met with a response colder than the rain hitting the pavement.

Jack’s hurtful response pierced the silence like a lightning bolt. “Falling in love was never part of the deal.”

Your heart shattered into million pieces at his words. You were shocked at how heartless he sounded. “I never signed up for this!” Jack’s words, harsh and unforgiving. The pain of his rejection cut deeper than any knife, leaving you feeling raw and exposed.

“You’re just kidding, right?” You whispered, your voice trembling with disbelief. “After everything we’ve been through, you’re telling me you don’t feel anything for me?”

Jack’s expression was stoic, his eyes betraying no hint of remorse as he delivered another blow. “I’m sorry, but it’s the truth. I don’t have feelings for you. I never did, and never will.”

“You’re lying,” you cried, voice cracking with anguish. “All those moments we shared, all the times you told me you cared about me… They meant nothing to you?”

He remained unmoved, as he spoke again. “You were just a temporary distraction, Nothing more.”

You recoiled as if struck, the venom in his words poisoning your soul with each syllable. How could he be so heartless, so indifferent to the love you had shared? Anger bubbled within you, fueling the fire of betrayal that raged in your heart.

“You’re a coward,” you spat, voice dripping with as much venom as you could. “Leading me on like this, pretending to care about me when all along you were just playing games. How could you do this to me?”

Jack’s gaze devoid of any empathy as he delivered the final blow. “You knew what this was from the beginning. I don’t have time for this emotional baggage.”

Lightning flashed through the house as Jack continued spewing out hurtful insults. Jack stared at you watching as you tried to control your emotions in front of him. For the first time since he arrived, Jack finally looked regretful. But it was too late for that now.

“Are you done?” You asked with a shaky voice. You wanted him gone, not even able to look at him any longer.

All Jack could do was nod as he walked out the door. When you heard the door shut you began to cry harder. You would never be able to forget the hurtful words Jack spoke, nor the sweet moments you shared together that were now tarnished by his words.

You walked down the hallway towards the guest bedroom where you had been staying all summer and started frantically packing your clothes. You needed to get out of Kentucky. Desperate to escape the pain and the memories that were beginning to hunt you.

With a heavy heart, you texted Cassie apologizing for leaving without properly saying goodbye. Telling her that you would explain everything when you arrived back home.

You caught the first flight out of Louisville. As you got settled in your seat on the plane you looked out the window in thought wondering how you were going to get over Jack. You had the time of your life this summer. Now you felt lost and confused.

You knew that deep down you would eventually find a way to move on. You refused to be consumed by a love that was never meant to last, no matter how much it hurt to let go.

***

ONE YEAR LATER

“You look so happy.” Cassie said, pulling away from the tight hug she had you in.

And you were happy. After leaving Kentucky you went back home and put all your effort into your career as a DJ. A year later you found yourself in a better place. You were doing multiple events every month, and making connections with tons of industry professionals. You had invited Cassie to a Spotify event where you were playing for a couple hours.

As you were about to ask Cassie if she wanted you to grab her a drink. Her eyes widened, spotting something or someone behind you. “What are you looking at—“

“Wait, don’t look!”

It was too late as you had already turned around and there he was. Jack Harlow. You hadn’t thought about him in months. His presence stirred up a whirlwind of emotions within you, but you remained composed.

You always thought that if you ever saw him again that old feelings would come back but you felt a sense of detachment wash over you as you looked at Jack. Realizing that you no longer held any romantic feelings for him.

“Hey.” Jack said as he walked towards you, a hint of regret in his eyes. “It’s been so long. I’ve missed you.”

“I wish I could say the same.” You told him calmly but before Jack could respond you felt a hand on the small of your back and a soft kiss to your forehead. “Hey baby!” Your boyfriend’s presence was comforting and reassuring.

“Is everything okay here?” he asked, casting a protective glance at you.

You smiled gratefully at him, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over you. “Everything’s fine,” you assured him, your gaze lingering on Jack. “I was just saying bye to an old friend.”

Jack nodded at you both before tucking his tail and walking away disappointed. You couldn’t help but wonder what you ever saw in him. Jack would always be your favorite almost, but as you leaned into your boyfriend’s embrace you knew that you finally found the happiness and closure you had been seeking for.

***

AN: i hope you enjoyed this mini series! Let me know your thoughts 💋

Tag List:

(message me if you'd like to be added or removed)

@heavyhitterheaux @hoodharlow @neon-lights-and-glitter @babiefries @mace23477 @snows-blog-of-fiction @dstark-0706 @harlowsbby @itsyagirljaz @leftapricotprofessorlover @minkookie95 @harlowcomehome @jackharloww @jaydaaasworld @kkrenae @hufflewhore128 @w1ldthoughts @jackiehollanderr @katiaw2 @halfmoondaze @babybardi2 @vinniehackersbaee @cassies-cookies

[chapollynh]

Screenshot redraw from Star Trek DS9! As a person who's favorite dnd race is a changeling can you guess who my favorite little guy is? Come on, Odo lives in a BUCKET, he's so silly and so dear to me...

[flwrkid14]

Bruce shares custody of Tim with Harley Quinn

Yeah, you read that right. Gotham’s broodiest billionaire vigilante and the queen of chaotic energy are co-parenting Tim Drake. And, somehow, that’s not even the weirdest thing that's happened to the bats this year.

Why? Two words: Joker Junior.

The details are locked down tighter than the Batcave, but here’s what everyone knows (or guesses): Joker broke Tim in ways none of them can fathom. He didn’t just try to kill him—he tried to make Tim like him. And while Tim clawed his way back from the brink, he didn’t do it alone. Harley was there.

She was part of the nightmare. And then, unexpectedly, she was part of the healing. She stepped in, helped Tim survive when Joker was doing his worst. When it was all over, when Joker was (temporarily) gone, she didn’t vanish into Gotham’s chaos. She stayed.

And somehow, somewhere along the way, Tim started calling her “Mom.”

And Bruce didn’t stop him.

Cue the Batfamily losing their collective minds.

Dick is pacing the Batcave, gesturing wildly. “Bruce, this is Harley Quinn we’re talking about! You don’t just co-parent with a rogue! There are laws against this! Or, like, there should be!”

Jason is sitting on the Batmobile, arms crossed, voice dripping with disbelief. “She’s literally a former rogue. She tried to kill you! Like, more than once. This is insane, even for you.”

Steph is perched on the edge of a desk, trying (and failing) not to laugh. “Okay, but, like, can you blame Tim? Harley does make amazing pancakes. Better than Alfred’s, honestly—”

A scandalized gasp echoes from the other side of the room.

Cass just watches quietly, her head tilted, but there’s a small, knowing smile on her face. She gets it. She’s seen the way Tim softens around Harley, how he relaxes in a way he doesn’t around anyone else.

Damian glares at Bruce like he’s lost his last shred of common sense. “Father, you have truly surpassed yourself. Allowing that woman into the sanctity of our home—”

Duke raises a hand cautiously. “Okay, but can we at least talk about how Tim basically has diplomatic immunity now? No rogue in Gotham is gonna mess with him. He’s Harley’s kid!”

And it’s true. Between Harley’s reputation and Poison Ivy stepping in as Tim’s unofficial stepmom (because of course she and Harley got back together), the rogues have adopted a weird kind of reverence for him. Tim’s no longer just a bat to them—he’s Harley’s kid.

Picture this: Tim’s out on patrol, and Riddler has the gall to interrupt with a riddle—only to end it with, “You’re sharper than I thought, kid. Guess Harley taught you well, huh?” before disappearing into the night.

Harley’s brand of parenting is chaotic but deeply personal. She knows Tim’s tells, the way his hands shake when he’s overwhelmed or the too-quiet moments when he’s retreating into himself. She’s the one who sits cross-legged on the floor with him, working on puzzles and cracking jokes until the tension lifts.

She carries extra band-aids in her purse because “Ya never know when a fight with some thug is gonna leave ya with a paper cut!” She also leaves sticky notes on his projects with scribbled messages like “You’re a genius, baby boy!” or “Don’t forget snacks!” They’re goofy, sure, but they make Tim smile when he needs it most. She keeps a stash of snacks in the Manor because Tim forgets to eat when he’s working. She shows up with pancakes at 3 a.m., douses everything in syrup, and calls him “baby boy” in that soft tone that makes Tim feel… safe.

Even Harley’s chaos has an odd kind of comfort to it. She’ll burst into the Manor unannounced, dragging Tim into impromptu “self-care parties” with face masks, bad rom-coms, and every flavor of ice cream imaginable. Somehow, it works.

Ivy, on the other hand, balances Harley’s energy with her own structured nurturing. She insists on “proper nutrition” and occasionally sends Tim home with meal prep containers filled with organic, eco-friendly food labeled things like “Stress-Busting Smoothie” or “Brain-Boosting Soup.” If Bruce raises an eyebrow at it, Ivy simply reminds him that “The human body can only fight crime properly with the right fuel, Bats.”

One time, she cornered Bruce in the greenhouse, pointing an accusatory finger. “If you send Tim out on patrol without a proper meal or at least six hours of sleep, I swear, Bruce, your rose garden is compost.”

And while Harley is the queen of hugs and chaos, Ivy is the one who sits with Tim on the porch at night, talking softly about resilience and regrowth, using plant metaphors Tim pretends not to understand but secretly finds comforting. Once, after a particularly bad night, she gifted him a small cactus with a note: “Even when it feels like the world is trying to tear you apart, you’re stronger than you think. Also, low maintenance, like you.”

Bruce knows the family doesn’t fully understand. But as he watches Harley teaching Tim how to make lasagna one night, the two of them laughing as the kitchen turns into a war zone of flour and tomato sauce, he doesn’t regret it.

Sometimes family doesn’t look like you think it will. Sometimes it’s stitched together from the most unexpected pieces.

And sometimes, it’s an ex-rogue, a traumatized teen, and a brooding billionaire all trying to figure out how to keep the lasagna from burning.

Welcome to Gotham.

[catmask]

for me at least, theres always been a really stark divide in the 'child character is the main antagonist' sort of stories.

on one hand. theres stories that rely on the shock factor of a child being evil, because we're supposed to believe that kids arent capable of that sort of thing. i guess its supposed to be frightening but the novelty always wears off really quickly for me.

i think 'a child is the villain' always lands most successfully for me when a kid is given power beyond their years (either by adults around them or otherwise supernatural/societal forces) and then everyone is floored when they arent exactly responsible with that power. and sometimes theyre even selfish! not because that kid is evil, but because theyre a kid.. acting like a kid would in their situation.

it means that any sort of story that follows requires a protagonist to reason with someone who may not even understand the harm theyre doing, or worse - not have the life lived to understand why they should care in the first place. and also, i think watching what happens when u have an destructive force seeking comforts that any child deserves doing whatever they can to have those things is (to me) much more interesting than 'child who is fucked up and evil for no reason but being born that way actually'

[hansoeii]

It's genuienly just so incredibly frustrating to continously have creators say things like "they're just two bros being dudes" or "there's not enough close male friendships in media" after they have so obviously created a beautiful queer relationship in their story.

It always feel like they call us dumb for noticing something that they obviously put there themselves.

Especially since the romantic tensions wouldn't be questioned at all if these characters were of the opposite gender.

Over the ten years that I've been posting fanart, I've had to deal with a lot of extremely homophobic comments on my harmless art because of these kinds of things, and I really wish that if a creator disagrees with a ship, that they would simply leave it up to interpretation or not comment at all. A ship won't stop if you shut it down, it will simply turn the fandom more hostile.

[missinglaterals]

The epicness of 'just some guy' fashion