#I think the Waynes learn about Jazz first through Alfred

[imsociallyanxiousgetoverit]

The Phantom Mansion has run out of sugar and so Jazz, being who she is, walks to her neighbor’s home to ask for a cup of sugar for her planned baking project. Alfred is such a nice man and even offers her some future recipes over tea.

[wolfjackle-creates]

Ghost!Robin Part 12

My job ended so now I'm only part time employed. And I'm on vacation! So you get this chapter early in the day because I have plans later tonight. I think I'll have something to post next week, but I'm not sure. I'll be pretty busy this week, but the people I'm staying with do have work and school and stuff, so I should have time while they're doing that. Idk.

Story Summary: Danny was invited to dinner at Wayne Manor to meet Jazz's boyfriend and his family for the first time. He worked hard to make sure no ghost business would interrupt the evening. But when he arrived, all he could focus on was the ghost of the dead Robin that seemed to haunt Jason. Looks like he was breaking his promise.

First, Previous

Word Count: 1.2k

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Danny just blinked at him in confusion. “Who else was there? My accident is what activated the portal and started letting ghosts through. My fault, my responsibility. And since I became half ghost, I had the powers necessary to fix it. My parents were incompetent at best. I just did what had to be done. ”

Bruce’s eyes narrowed. “If your parents were so incompetent, who trained you? Who helped you?”

“I mean, at first it was just Sam, Tucker, and I. They were present for my accident and helped me figure out my powers. Jazz figured it out a few months later and covered for me until she eventually revealed she already knew and then started helping more actively. And eventually I made a bunch of allies in the Realms and they started teaching me. I’m learning sword fighting from the Fright Knight and Pandora, diplomacy from Queen Dorathea, medicine from my doctor, and so many more things. It’s why I’m not worried about getting a GED. I’m so swamped with lessons and responsibilities that I just don’t have the time right now. Even if my grandfather is the master of time.”

Surprisingly, it was Alfred who asked the next question. “Do you ever have time to rest?”

Danny grinned. “Absolutely. When it all gets to be too much, I call up my partners or little sister and run away for a bit. My council then pretends I’m harder to find than I am. Or I’ll fight them off if I’m not ready to go back yet. I won my title through trial of combat, after all. No one can beat me.”

Jazz pouted at him. “You could call me up more often for those escapades, you know.”

Danny laughed. “Call up Ms. Responsibility to help me shirk? Nah, you’re where I go when I need to focus and can’t do it anymore.”

She smiled at him. “I suppose I can settle for that.”

Damian tilted his head. “We have conducted extensive background checks on Jasmine after her relationship with Todd became known. You do not have a younger sister.”

“I do,” said Danny. “Her name is Dani-with-an-i and she’s either two years younger than me or fourteen depending on how you look at it.”

“You’ve been cloned?” Tim was staring at him, so shocked he’d even stopped typing.

“Dani doesn’t like being called my clone. She’s my sister and her own person.”

Tim shook his head. “No, sorry, I said that wrong. My best friend is a clone. Superboy.”

“Oh!” Danny grinned. “I get it. Dani would love an introduction if you think he’d be interested. Superboy was also created by a creepy billionaire who was obsessed with his template, right? They’d have so much in common.”

“Wait,” said Jason. “Vlad Masters actually cloned you? He’s not just some creepy rich dude but legit mad scientist?”

Jazz shrugged. “Supervillain more like. But we’ve got it mostly under control. Bruce, if he tries to set up a meeting with you between Wayne Enterprises and VladCo, let me know? He likes to overshadow his competitors and make them sign over their companies. It’s how he became mayor in Amity. But he won’t do anything if Danny or I are there.”

“Overshadow?” asked Bruce.

“Possession,” Tim answered for Danny. “Apparently it’s a basic ghost power.”

Bruce closed his eyes. “Of course it is.” Looking to Danny, he asked, “What else are basic ghost powers?”

“As I demonstrated earlier, flight—well, it’s more gravity nullification, but semantics—invisibility, intangibility. Then there’s ectoblasts—” he formed one in his hands and tossed it from hand to hand “—overshadowing. Um… and most ghosts have at least one extra power directly tied to their obsession. Like, Boxy, er ,the Box Ghost, has control over cardboard boxes. Lunch Lady has control over food. Things like that.” With a wave of his hands, he dissipated the ectoblast.

“And Vlad Masters has used these powers to win an election and steal other’s companies.”

“He also has the power of duplication. I’m working on it, but can only maintain two duplicates at a time and it takes a ton of concentration. Vlad can maintain dozens if not hundreds at once. And each duplicate can overshadow someone. It’s why he’s such a pain to fight.”

Jason raised his hand. “I’m sorry, can you back up for a sec. How long has Vlad had these powers?”

Jazz shrugged. “Since his university days with Jack and Maddie. There was an accident and Vlad got ghost powers like Danny.”

“Uh-huh.” Jason’s voice was tight and a slow spread of anger was filling the room. “And you first met him when you were a kid, right?”

“Yeah,” said Danny. “It was a few months after my accident, so I was fourteen.”

“Did he, a grown-ass man, start fighting you, a kid right from the beginning?”

“Look, it’s fine. He’s a fruitloop. I know that. He wanted to kill my dad and marry my mom and play father-son with me from the moment we met. And yeah, the fights were hard when I was a kid. But I’m way stronger than him now. He’s just got that one trick that is a bitch to account for. I’m fine. Have been fine. And now I’m old enough and disowned so my parents can’t even force me to spend time with him anymore.”

Robin face palmed at his last words and Danny threw his hands up in the air.

“What did I say this time? I’m fine!”

Bruce frowned. “I’m sorry the adults in your life have failed you so badly. I know you said you are receiving training from other mentors, but I do have extensive experience fighting with and against metas and will share my methods with you. Both you and your sister, excuse me, sisters are welcome here any time and I’ll make sure we have some rooms set aside for you anytime you’re on Earth and in New Jersey.”

Damian jumped to his feet, “Father!”

But before he could say more than that, Dick had rushed to his side and slapped a hand over his mouth and began whispering in his ear. Steph moved seats so the two brothers could sit next to each other.

Robin was grinning and pumping his fists in the air. He sent out welcome, family vibes towards Danny.

Emotions that were echoed by Jason who added a protect layer to them.

Duke let out a whoop. "I won't be the only meta around! Promise me you'll come by a lot."

Danny shook his head, but couldn’t stop the smile. “So, you’ve decided I’m not a threat, then?”

“Hn. It seems like you were a child, put into an impossible situation, failed by all the adults who should’ve protected you, and that you excelled anyway.”

Jason pointed his fork at Danny. “But don’t let him put you at ease. He will figure out ways to neutralize you if you end up going evil or get mind controlled. He does it to everyone, even Superman and Superman is his best friend.”

At that, Danny couldn’t help but laugh. “Good!”

Pulses of surprise came from both Robin and Jason.

“Look, I’ve faced both an evil future version of me and have had to deal with mind control.” He looked to Bruce and, serious now, said, “As soon as the Anti-Ecto Acts are repealed and the Guys in White disbanded, I will help you write those plans myself.”

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Next

The family is finally warming up to Danny and at least some of them want to bring them in! Damian is the least happy about it.

Tag List Part 1

@addie-lover-of-stories, @justwannabecat, @gin2212, @amercurio, @regonold, @overtherose, @readerzj, @sjrose1216, @echoednonny, @deeterzz, @blu-lilac, @number-one-jew, @rowanaway-fromthisbs, @vythika96, @tired-yet-awaken, @themirrorghost, @emeraldcorpral, @all-mights-asscheeks, @darkhinauniverse, @blep-23, @phandomhyperfixationblog, @larkcoe1, @thegatorsgoose, @job-ross-the-second, @britcision, @lenacraft, @bubblemixer, @androgynouslordofescapism, @purefrickingspite, @leftmiraclechaos, @lizisipancardo, @starlight-sparks, @miraculousandmore, @gildedphoenix, @sometimesthingsfallapart, @letmesayfuxk, @phoenixcatch7, @skulld3mort-1fan, @abaowo, @dhampir-princess, @idkmrpianoman, @sarina-elais, @ballzfrog-blog, @undead-essence, @spookytragedyshark, @flyingpansaurus, @akintoabitch, @marivictal, @8-29pm, @justreadingthefanfics, @happybear135, @kisatamao, @spoopyspoony, @adorablechaos, @sara0055, @screamingtofillthevoid

[kawaiikenna]

Hello! So I’m a fanfic writer and I’ve got multiple fics that need a beta reader. As well as someone to just bounce ideas off of! All of the fics I’m currently working on at dp x dc fics based on prompts that I find here on tumblr! ☺️💜 If you’d like to beta one or more of these fics send me a dm and I’ll gladly talk with you! ☺️💜💜

The first one is my Dad from Mars fic. Martian Manhunter adopts Danny. The fic follows them through the adoption process and their lives afterwards. Chapters 1 & 2 are already posted to my AO3. Based on a brain vomit by @thebubblesareevil

Second one is a Fenton Reunion one. In this one the Kents have been going to the Fenton Family Reunion for decades and are now bringing Clark along with them. This fic is more based around how Clark, Danny, and Jazz become fast friends and keep the friendship up as they grow up. Based on a prompt by @tomboy014

Third is a ballet dancer Danny AU. I haven’t put much together for this one but I do have a general idea of what’s supposed to happen. I just can’t connect all of the little plot bunny points into a somewhat cohesive and coherent fic or outline. 😅 All I’ve got is that the batfam go to a ballet performance they see Danny onstage and just about all of them fall for him at basically first sight. They then start a competition for Danny’s hand in dating/a relationship. Shenanigans ensue and it’s very endearing and entertaining. Prompt is an answered ask from @im-totally-not-an-alien-2

Last one that has been poking as my subconscious has been the Alfred’s apprentice one. Where Danny is homeless in Gotham and Alfred finds him. He tries to convince the teen to come to the mansion by talking about how he takes care of the estate and manor as well as the people who reside there. Danny mistakes what Alfred is saying and thinks he’s going to the manor to learn under the butler. Alfred tries to convince him otherwise but Danny is set on either being trained or just leaving to keep living on the streets of Gotham. And that’s how Wayne Manor came to have a new apprentice butler. Prompt originally by @im-totally-not-an-alien-2 but you can see all of the little add-ons in the reposts

I also have a little ficlet floating around about a ‘haunted’ theater in Gotham. The vigilantes go to investigate and end up finding Danny. He pretends to be a ghost and freaks them out. All in good fun though. ☺️ Prompt/fic by @midas-lost-it

[silver-bunny6958]

Day 21: hollow

Danny told her that he didn’t hate her for it, but she always felt guilty. After a while her guilt turned into this hollow feeling as Danny’s grades declined, and his dreams were squashed right before his eyes. She did everything just shy of doing his homework for him to help, and while things got better during sophomore year, it wasn’t enough.

Sam watched one of her two best friends fall into misery as the hollow feeling deepened. After she graduated college she started to make connections with the other elites of the world, one Bruce Wayne- a man about her age at the time (25-26) who had a rather powerful company and a sense of justice she’d only seen in Danny- was her ticket to making it up to Danny, Sam was sure of it.

And a year after meeting the man and moving to Gotham at the behest of her aging parents. She found the opportunity to introduce Danny and Bruce.

It was a beautiful day, Bruce had just adopted a boy named Dick Grayson after the Hayley tragedy four months ago, Danny had made Vlad finally give up on the whole son thing and settled on naming him his scusser and leaving him alone after a cloning attempt that landed Danny with a seven year old child that looked like a mix of Danny and his current boyfriend (a dark skinned kindly man), and Sam had invited to two budding families over for lunch.

The first to arrive was Danny and Benn, with their pair of young ones a now 14 year old Ellie, Dani changed her nickname a few years ago, and 7 year old Jamey, the family of four arrived through the back garden- a permanent portal courtesy of Jazz, who learned the magic side of things later in life, sat in the backyard for Danny to come and visit as he pleases- and Sam was happy to see them.

“Auntie Sam! It feels like it’s been foreeevvvveeerrr!!!” Ellie was the one to start the hellos as she ran to hug sam.

“Hi to you to Ellie.” Sam gladly took the hug and turned to Jamey, “Nice to see you again Jamey.” She bent over and held her hand out for a high five which Jamey shyly gave.

“Hi Sam.” Danny smiled opening his arms wide to give Sam a gentle bear hug- he’d taken on his fathers frame as he gained muscle mass and had a few inches over the old guy, he also grew a beard, which, with him and the rest of his family wearing flannel, definitely fed into the friendly lumber jack look.

Sam turned to Ben and smiled, “Hi Ben, how's dad life treating you?”

“It’s alright,” he turned his eyes to watch Ellie and Jamey play around in the garden with Danny and smiled softly, “honestly feel lucky I found Danny- he’s such a caring guy.”

“Yeah,” Sam softly sighed before continuing, “ welp let’s go inside, there’ll be more people arriving soon that I want Danny and y’all to meet.”

“You go ahead, I’ll round them up before they get dirty.”

“Thanks.” Sam smile and left the back garden through the house to the ground door, where. right on time, the doorbell rang.

She got the door to see Alfred first.

“Good day, Alfred, how’s life treating you?”

“Very well, miss, the manor has been quite lively with the new addition.”

“I’d bet. He seemed rambunctious when I met him.” Sam watched as Alfred turned to the side and Bruce approached with a curious but cautious Dick close behind.

“Good to see you, Sam!” A warm Hello from Bruce and a second soft bear hug of the day and he turned toward the nine year old, “you remember Sam, right chum?”

Dick hesitantly nodded and Sam ushered the three of them inside. As they walked down the entry hall toward the living room they talked.

“So, Sam, you said you had invited a friend of yours I just had to meet, wouldn’t happen to be the untapped genius type like your other friend Tucker?” Bruce gestured lightly with his hands as he talked and walked.

“Well, he’s like Tuck in the sense of how I know him and that he’s my best friend, but he has a day job that suits him quite well already. So, to you? No. But!” She raised her right hand and pointed up to signal her point, “I think you and him will get along great, though I have already talked about you with him before. So he might know more about you then you know of him.”

Bruce chuckled, as if to doubt her words while the four of them entered the living room. Where one of the loveseats was taken up by Danny and his boyfriend while Ellie had gotten comfortable reading a book to her younger brother on the couch near their parents. Danny stood upon noticing them and approached with Ben not far behind.

“Danny, Ben, this is Bruce.” She gesture between them as she talked, “Bruce, this is Danny and his boyfriend Ben.”

The two started talking as she brought a tentative Dick over to Ellie and Jamey, “Dick this is Ellie and Jamey, Danny’s kids. Jamey, Ellie, this is Dick, Bruce’s son”

The adults got along great, well, Ben was a little awkward, but Bruce and Danny got along great. And the three kids quickly started to act like close siblings or cousins.

At the end of a good uneventful day, Sam sighed and smiled to herself with hope.

Maybe now the hollow feeling will go away soon.

[jaybirbie]

TW: Gore, Child death, suicide, gun violence.

Bruce sighed as he sipped his coffee and contemplated the past couple of months.

He had seen alot in his years as both Batman and Bruce Wayne.

But children were always the worse.

To even think about the horrifying things that the Dr's Fenton had done... to their own children non the less.

The thought shot a hot burst of anger through him. As a Father himself this case had him toeing his lines.

Madeline Fenton would likely never walk again.

He thinks about the two malnourished,scared and sick children resting upstairs ( the same room as they had refused to be separated, which was cute in a sad way, that Danny always had a grip on his sisters shirt or hand).

He thinks about Dannys smile and the laugh that accompanied it. The light giggles that sounded almost like static that the young boy had let out when Batman had carried them from the Fentons home that night.

Danny's gaunt face, wet stil with a..blood like substance running from the socket, were an icy blue eye had been not even 24 hours before.( Guilt stabbed him, he should of acted sooner) A smile of teeth too sharp made his freckles twinkle.

"Mr. Batman, what are those?"

Stars, it had been the sky that caught the boys attention.

"There the most beautiful things I ever seen, thank you."

Danny had thanked him for showing him the sky.

Jazz had thanked him as well. (despite still being a bit distrustful) Had thanked him for making her brother smile.

Downing the rest of his coffee he mental vowed to himself to do whatever was necessary to help those children and give them a home.

They were his now.

He was brought out of his thoughts by distant voices coming closer. Irrated voices, arguing..... his children.

"FATHER!". Damian

"OH YEAH I SEE, Tattle on me to daddy, BABY Brother, just own up to it like the adult you always insist you are". Jason

"Come on Little wing, if Damian says it wasn't him-" and his eldest.

The arrival of new siblings had brought almost everybody home.

He sighed again ( all he seemed to be doing lately) and put on his Stern Dad face.

"Boys, inside voices you know what Alfred has decreed since the ...vase incident".

"Father, Todd is harassing me about his own faults.".

"He's lying! He was the last one in the weapons vault."

" I'm not responsible cause you made an error logging your weapons".

" I TOLD YOU I DIDNT!-"

The quickly rising voices were cut off by a loud bang.

A familiar bang. Not one he'd ever forget.

Upstairs....someone shot a gun upstairs. The only lethal gun in the house was in a private section under lock ( a still slightly upsetting accommodation he had made while making amends with Jason.He was learning)

He ran,only steps behind his sons, and what does it show? That him and his children's first instinct upon hearing a gunshot is to run toward it? It made his gut clench and put his heart in his throat, that familiar feeling when his children are heading into danger.

His gut wasn't clenched for long. Instead it sunk, plummeted as he skidded to a halt along with the rest of the family in the entrance to their newest little siblings' room.

Blood, congealed toxic blood decorated the bed and wall a slight green shine amongst the bits of brain matter.

The mangled mess on the bed was attached to a small body, the brand new astronaut pajamas Bruce had helped pick out just earlier that day, which is now splattered in blood.

Jazz is sitting near her brother next to the bed, sobbing. Blood dotted her face and hands shaking, holding onto the gun with a death grip.

"J-jazz, hey why don't we put that down" Jason's voice wavered as he tried to step forward. He had bonded the most with Jazz out of any of the family, they were very alike in some ways.

The blood stained and shaking preteen snapped her head up as if only now noticing their presence.

" I I'm Sorry, so sorry...sorry I had too.." she trailed off into hiccuping gasps.

"Lil red" Jason's voice broke a bit as he tried to reason with her.

Bruce had never felt so powerless, not since being in that ally all those years ago.

"NO! I Had too!! " she shouted. " It Hurts, it hurts so much!"

" W-we can help, Lil Red we ca- Jason was cut off.

" We're not right!! N-Not supposed to be alive! WRONG!".

Jason stumbled back into him as if struck , Bruces arms came up to brace him instinctively.

" I gotta fix it." She whispered, it traveled easily through the tense silence.

She looked him directly in the eye.

" It'll be okay. Well finally be completely free."

Then she held the gun up, and with a deafening bang, Bruce now had another awful sound that would haunt him.

The sound of his new daughters body hitting the floor. And the horrible all-consuming silence that followed.

TW: CHILD ABUSE/EXPERIMENTATION.

DPxDC Crossover prompt idea.

A more twisted Jack and Maddie Fenton were fascinated by Vlads' accident.How Ecto affects the human body.

Vlad didn't quite live through their first rounds of studying. But it was enough to gather that it can bond to cells,but it also decays them and perhaps if introduced at the early stages if development would bond better or sm.

Jazz was the first successful attempt. Maybe 30%

Danny, however, was their main prize. 50% The height of their research! (Maybe they try cloning him. Dani?)

This has an effect on them. It makes them get sicker as they grow. Slowly dying. I'm talking decay, losing/sewing back on limbs, practically a zombie. Despite being hindered by the slowly dying, they are very hard to kill, needs to be brain death or they can keep going.

Turns out dying and becoming halfas will fix the issues, but they don't know that.

And neither due the Bats who have just stumbled upon some very angst filled adoption bait.

[thealphabetmurders]

The Guys Who Didn’t Like (Modern Day) Musicals

3.3k words | AO3 Link | warnings: swearing, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Remus angst, Remus-typical language and themes

Janus knows that one day his soulmate and himself will be happy, and their love story would be a great and wonderful one... And yet if he has to hear "Freeze Your Brain" playing one more time, his soulmate may not live to see their wedding night.

(Or when your soulmate listens to music or is singing, you hear it in your own head as well.)

***

Janus was on his very last nerve. Sure, wanting to strangle your soulmate was a bit morally frowned upon, however when the song of his nightmares plays for the 4th time that day, he believes anyone would agree that those lines blur to the morally ambiguous side of things. 

Attempting to hold his composure, he waited until they were out of the lecture hall and in Virgil’s car to punch the dashboard with all his might, throwing his beanie off into the backseat, collapsing into his knees, wanting to scream. 

“Jesus Christ, Jay, what the fuck was that?” Virgil stared at his friend with wide eyes, wanting to place his hand down on Janus’ back, comfortingly, but decided against it once he analyzed the outburst, instead keeping his eyes on the road as he pulled out of the parking lot toward their shared dorm.

Janus didn’t respond, just gripped his ears as if that would make the music stop or deafen it. It didn’t, of course, seeing as it was literally in his head. 

“Just play something,” 

“J-” 

“Do it Virgil!” Janus snapped, and Virgil hit the volume button on his car, loud music from a pop punk band he did not recognize played loudly through the car speakers. The noise deafened in his head, and Janus leaned back in his seat sighing, he turned his head towards the driver, “Thank you, Virgil,” He turned his attention towards the road, sighing, before looking up at the ceiling, smirking, “Yeah, you like that, fucker? You make me listen to your shitty pop songs, now you got trash emo in your head,” 

Virgil scoffed, “Trash emo? I promise you Yellowcard is good, they have a violin, I am sure you like that with your jazz weirdness,” 

Rubbing his knuckles, Janus rolled his eyes, “Oh yes, I am sure it is used practically and it is not just a gimmick,” Virgil fell silent and Janus smirked, knowing he had won, “Apologies for my earlier, er, outburst. It is just simply so frustrating that this stupid song has been playing so much for so long,” 

“The smoothie one?” 

“Pretty sure 7-Eleven doesn’t sell smoothies, I think it is a slushie.” Janus stared out the window as Virgil’s playlist rolled to a different song, the lyrics still biting his brain with a dull ache, “Lyrics are so meaningless.” He muttered, “Freeze your brain, suck on that straw, get lost in the pain,” Janus mocked the singer bitterly, a short laugh following, “What kind of lyrics even are though. So shallow and meaningless…” 

“Wait, Freeze Your Brain, that’s from Heathers!” 

Both Virgil and Janus let out a scream that was a much higher pitch than either of them would care to admit. The car swerved over into the next lane, but Virgil corrected it once he regained his composure. 

“By the way, here is your hat back, Jannie,” Remus smiled with his pearly whites on display, acting as though he was doing the pair a service and didn’t almost kill all 3 of them by startling the driver with his unknown presence. 

“Remus! What the fuck- where did you come from,” Virgil yelled, gripping the steering wheel, knuckles white and face red with anger. 

“Well I had abnormal psych earlier in the East-” 

“It’s a figure of speech, dumbass!” Janus said sternly. 

Remus nodded, smiling, “Well, I am in your backseat of course. I got done with my classes about 15 minutes before you and didn’t feel like waiting for a bus in the cold and then walking and then my roommate getting mad at me about the snow on the floor and then us having a fight and then I have to sleep on the sidewalk again which is actually more comfortable than my acu-” 

“How did you even get in here?” Virgil growled, still obviously not over the shock of someone being in his backseat unexpectedly. 

“Door was unlocked,” 

“Sure as fuck wasn’t!” Virgil shook his head, laughing in a way that was scary to watch. The kind of laugh that a serial killer does right before ending the life of their prey. 

“Virgil, shush, Remus what were you sa-” 

Virgil scoffed, “No, Janus you shut up before I shut you up. Remus,” Virgil turned around to face his friend, anger in his eyes, and this was the first time Remus’ expression had faltered, “You don’t get to break into my car, you do not get to break into my dorm, and you don’t get to break into the breakroom at my job, or so help me God I will rearrange all of the uses of your orifices, ‘kay?” 

Remus sighed, resting his hand in his chin, “Are you sure we’re not soulmates?” His voice steeped in adoration.

Virgil opened his mouth to respond, bit his lip and shook his head, opting not to answer. Exasperated, but a little more calm. 

Janus waited a few more moments, making sure the coast was clear from any further outbursts before turning to Remus, “Anyway… My soulmate is listening to what?” 

“Oh,” Remus clapped his hands together, “Freeze Your Brain from Heathers the Musical.” 

Janus rolled his eyes, looking at Virgil, “Oh, wonderful, my soulmate like modern day musicals, just what I needed,” 

“You listen to Hamilton,” Virgil grunted.

“Hamilton is the most popular musical in the world, most likely what revived the entire modern day musical scene, it would be more shocking if Janny hadn’t listened to it,” Remus pointed out, helpfully, resting his chin on the back of Janus’ seat. 

Virgil frowned, lazily flipping his turn signal,  “Why do you know so much about theater, Reme, that isn’t exactly your scene,” 

“Yea, isn’t your favorite band-” 

“Ninja Sex Party,” Virgil finished. 

This caught Remus’ attention, he perked up in his seat and clapped his hands together, wiggling with excitement in the back seat, “Ooh yes! Danny Sexbang is fucking delicious. He makes me want to strangle an ox with my bare hands!” Remus made a gripping motion before quickly putting a finger up to his ear and closed his eyes, “Nobody showed but I'm gonna have some fun, let's get this party started it's an orgy for one, it’s me and my h-”

“Remus!” Janus cut off Remus’ singing with a clap, “I need you to focus. Whilst we all love your singing,” He side-eyed Virgil with this comment, who looked at him but said nothing, “I would like to know about your aptitude for theater knowledge,” 

“Because of the soulmate thing, right you don’t actually care about why I know so much?” Remus said, uncharacteristically seriously. 

Both Virgil and Janus felt the guilt and discomfort settle over the car. Janus laughed awkwardly to save face, “O-of course not, Remus, we like to know your thoughts and interests and-” 

Remus started cackling, “I know Janny, I’m just messing with you. If you guys didn’t like me, Black Parade over there wouldn’t have let me talk to him for 3 hours about John Wayne Gacey on Sunday,” Janus quirked an eyebrow up at Virgil who had a slight blush on his cheeks, keeping himself very focused on the road, “Anyway, my twin’s nuts for musical theater, it is all he would talk about growing up, and now he is in a production of Heathers and he will not shut up about it,” 

“Not shutting up must run in the family,” Virgil muttered, shaking his head. 

A devious smirk was plastered on Remus’ lips. “I am sure you can think of a couple ways to get me to shut up, princess,” 

Virgil gripped the steering wheel until his knuckles turned white, and Janus didn’t even want to know what was running through his friend’s head, “So, this play-” 

“Musical,” 

“Whatever. My soulmate is listening to it?” Janus frowned. He was concerned, but a little relieved. There have been countless stories of people having to learn a different language because the native tongue doesn’t match what music is in their soulmate’s head. Happened enough that he gets shitty Facebook adverts for language classes, specifically for soulmate related reasons. 

“Seems that way. Actually, our uni’s theater is putting it on, that’s where my brother is performing it. Do you think maybe…” Remus trailed off, quirking up an eyebrow. 

Janus frowned, thinking, “It is possible, yes. Do you think your brother would mind if we sat in on his rehearsals?”

Remus smiled, “Not at all, he loves the attention, I am sure if we go now we’ll be able to catch the end,” 

Virgil groaned, parking the car at their dorm, “So, you’re telling me we just got back to our dorm and now you want me to leave and drive all the way back?” 

“Better punch it Emo Alfred, love is on the line!” Remus ruffled the back of Virgil’s hair who smacked him away, pulling out of the parking lot and driving back towards campus. 

Virgil and Remus began bickering with one another like children , but Janus was not paying much attention to them, he was trapped in his own thoughts. His calm demeanor as he stared out the window of the passenger sat did not match the nervous energy coursing through his body. The music played loudly through Virgil’s car speakers but there was still a dull rhythm in his head where his soulmate's music was still playing. 

 Maybe Janus’ soulmate would hate him. He was not exactly a fan of musicals (plays being more his speed, though he has never been one to be confined to the stage to have a flair for the dramatics), which is a red flag, seeing as that is mainly what his soulmate listens to. What if they are destined to hate one other? What if throughout the great expanses of time and space, the strings of fate connected their two selves just because it would be on sight any time they make eye contact (the homoeroticism of that is not lost on Janus, though he would be an even bigger liar if made himself believe that he did not want a romantic relationship). 

“Jan, we are here,” Virgil put a tentative hand on Janus’ shoulder after he turned the car off. Someone less timid than himself may have jumped, but he was better trained than that, so he simply looked at Virgil, nodding, before exiting the car. 

Shoving his beanie on over his ears and shoving his hands in his coat pocket, he walked with purpose towards the theater, head down and feet hitting hard against the ground, lightly dusted with snow. 

“Remus why- fuck- why do you never talk about your brother?” Virgil pulled his hoodie closer around his middle, the light material not made for weather in the negatives. 

Remus wordlessly pulled off his coat, throwing it over Virgil shoulders, “Same reason you don’t hear me constantly talking about Kanye West: insufferable egomaniacs do not really need any more attention,” He spat out like venom. “Besides, don’t want you to abandon me once you meet Roman because he is just perfect,” He laughed like normal but no one could ignore the intent behind his words. Virgil and Janus side eye’d one other, never hearing Remus speak so seriously. 

Janus swallowed thickly, “Y’know, Remus, we do not even know if Roman is my soulmate. We do not have to go meet him, it is honestly not that important to me,” 

Skipping up the steps, Remus grabbed the doors to the theater, holding it open to his two friends. He snorted at Janus' comment, pulling off his hat and messing up his hair, “Liar,” Essentially ending the debate in a very short, very Remus way. 

The entrance to the auditorium was modest and did not have many decorations. The area is mainly filled with old posters advertising previous shows, as well as accolades for the directors and actors, the newer ones stating a couple familiar names. Virgil and Janus looked at the posters for a little bit before they were summoned by the twin. 

He followed the two towards a side door that opened up backstage. It was dark, but Janus could just make out Virgil pushing his sleeves over his hands, biting his thumbnail. Janus shrugged off his coat, setting it down on a nearby table and fiddled with his winter gloves, beginning to get an uneasy feeling as well. 

“Not to be that guy,” Virgil said in a low voice, grabbing onto Janus’ bicep, “But do you seem to get the feeling we are not supposed to be here?” 

Janus hummed, “I think we are incredibly welcome. Why else would we have to sneak through the back and creep around in the dark?” 

“Remus, why ex- Wait, where is Remus,” Virgil asked in a hushed whisper. 

“Brother!!” Was yelled, followed by a crashing sound. Janus and Virgil looked at each other before rushing towards the noise, finding themselves on a set that looked like a convenience store. Janus saw a girl with short black hair standing near them, looking at the pair confused and Remus on the ground on top of another body. 

“Remus!” The figure pushed Remus off of him before scrambling to stand up. Janus' heart stopped. 

“Oh,” He thought to himself, before praying to any Gods above that might exist, “Please don’t make Remus get us kicked out,” 

The man who Janus cleverly deduced was Roman brushed off his black pants (now covered with sawdust) and ran a hand through his hair, which matched Remus black curls but seemed to be actually styled. Roman held out a hand to Remus who took it, but instead of standing up, pulled Roman back down onto the ground with him. 

Someone towards the front of the stage cleared their throat and sighed, “Salutations once again, Remus. Why do we… Let’s take a 10,” The man sighed, adjusting his glasses before making a sharp exit leaving just the 4 of them on stage. 

“By the grace of Poseidon above, Remus, what exactly did I say about coming to my rehearsals unannounced,” 

Remus tapped his chin, playing with the stubble, thinking, “That I can come anytime and do whatever I want?” 

“No. To not to. Very simple. Just don’t,” Roman sighed standing up, tentatively offering his hand out to Remus again, with a pained expression. Remus’ expression softened as he took Roman’s hand, standing up slightly…. Before falling onto his backside again, taking Roman with him again.

Roman groaned as Remus cackled wildly, “Jeez, are you sure you are the one who got a scholarship, or did they confuse us again?” 

Running a hand through his hair, Roman stood up before backing away like a frightened animal, “It was a theater scholarship, thank you, not a scholarship to avoid being tricked by my tormented, tirisome twin. How did you even get in here... again?” 

“Door was unlocked,” 

“Sure as fuck wasn’t!” Roman ran a hand through his hair, looking down at his brother and finally making eye contact with Janus and Remus across the stage. His cheeks subtlety colored before smiling, walking towards the pair. 

“Oh, I was not aware that Remus had brought an audience this time. I am Roman Prince. I would apologize for his behavior but seeing as your expressions are as externally exasperated as mine, I assume you are used to his… Shenanigans,” Roman’s tone seemed tired but his expression still seemed quite fond.

“Used to it a kind way of putting it,” Virgil grumbled, as Remus ran over, throwing an arm around his shoulder, which made Virgil wear that same fond expression. 

Remus smiled, “This cutie is Virgil, hands off, but this intimidating looking dude right here is Janus. He likes debating, philosophy, vintage style music, and he hates society and styling his hair,” 

Janus bowed his head, instinctively adjusting his beanie, “Thank you Remus for that kind introduction, I am sure Roman wanted that,” 

Roman laughed, “I don’t mind. I hate society and also listen to my fair share of vintage music,” 

“Oh, yea?” 

“Yea, well,” Roman rolled his eyes fondly, “Not exactly by choice. My soulmate listens to that style of music and holy Hephaestus' hammer there is a lot of swing. I mean it is good, but I almost feel bad because ballads before Britney Spears I am not particularly interested it,” 

“My soulmate will not stop playing music from the dreaded musical Heathers, I swear if I have to hear it again I am going to find my soulmate and strangle him,” 

Roman’s expression went from intrigued to devious, the expression makes the difference between Remus and Roman almost indistinguishable, “Oh really?” He smirked, “Did it go something like…” Roman backed up a little bit, standing in the middle of the stage but facing Janus stage left, “ I've been through ten high schools, they start to get blurry, no point planting roots 'cause you're gone in a hurry. My dad keeps two suitcases packed in the den, so it's only a matter of when…” 

Janus' eyes widened to the size of saucers, as he completely forgot the reason they came to the theater was because the theater department was putting on a production of that “dreaded musical” Janus was entranced either way, the mesmerizing voice that has played in his head all his life was standing right in front of him. He looked behind him to gauge Remus and Virgil’s reaction, but the pair must have left the stage without him noticing. 

Roman walked around the stage, still singing, following some choreography he is sure, but another part of him says it cannot be, because it looks so natural, like Roman is the singer, like this was real life and the world is his musical.

The band didn’t need to play, because Janus remembered every beat and every flourish from the countless times it has played in his head. And yet, he is not annoyed this time. It would be impossible to be, when Roman on stage is the most glorious and breathtaking thing. Like a shooting star or fireworks or a tasteful nude- you just cannot look away, even if you wanted to. 

“Just freeze your brain, freeze your brain, go on and freeze your brain…” Roman stopped right in front of him, “Try it,” He spoke, lightly stroking Janus’ cheek with the back of his hand, and God did he want to kiss Roman right there. To taste the faux cherry slush that he imagined was on his lips and tongue… But he didn’t, because he could barely move under Roman’s touch. 

“I-” Janus opened his mouth to speak after a while, “That was- uh- that was alright,” Janus stuttered, fiddling with the ends of his glove. Roman threw his head back, laughing, “I am not one to typically enjoy the, er, modern day musical but you seemed to carry that incredibly well,” 

Roman shrugged, “I was born for this,” He retracted his hand and did a purrete, a soft smile present on his lips. 

“Would you want to go to the cafe with Remus, Virgil, and I? I would understand if you say no, Remus has been kicked out of that cafe too many times to count on one- no- to count on six hands,” 

Roman ran a hand through his hair, “Yes, that seems incredibly on brand for my brother. That pugnacious peasant has no idea how to control his inhibitions,” 

Janus squinted his eyes, smirking slightly, “Do you ever stop with the word play?” 

Roman smiled, real and genuine this time, “No. I suppose that would be something you have to get used to, huh?”

Taking Roman’s hand, he laced their fingers together, “Stop playing show tunes 24/7, and I think I will be able to manage,” 

“Play a song from the 21st century once and while and I think we have a deal,” 

Janus crossed his fingers behind his back, a devious smirk on his lips, “Oh, of course, my Prince,” 

[griffle-musings]

FTMWU: Silent Nights/Warm Lights

Okay, so this is super late. >>

Anyway, here’s a small drabble about Winter Holidays. 

TW/CW: Mentions of abuse, but nothing graphic or explicit. Also, the first half is before Jenna realized she was trans, so while yes, it’s the same person, the pronouns are different. Otherwise, I hope you can enjoy this little drabble. 

Characters: OC (Jenna Janet), mentions of the Wayne Family) Jenna-centric. 

It is part of the many rules; no lights, no food without her when she is gone. No heat for that matter; it is cold in the apartment, and his finger feel funny; he can even see his breath get all foggy, which was fun for a bit but now he kind of wants to be bundled in his sheets again- the Mother had taken away his blanket for "training," but she didn't say he couldn't sneak out and see Father while she was out. 

He pushes open the door, gently, quietly. The room is dark- the windows bringing in light, but it is fading, and the Mother has forbidden them to use lights while she does errands. 

Well. She didn't outright say it, so maybe he won't be bad for doing so. 

Father is sitting on the bed- he's in Punishment now, but a soft one, a lenient one, so he still has on most of his clothes on, and he's on the bed staring at a wall, and not in the corner or in the bathroom. The Mother said she was being lenient because they have a dinner party to get to later today, and also, it's December. 

He's not exactly sure why that's important, but it is. He is four, and carefully realizing how the way works. 

For example, the man that does not move, does not look at him, is his Father, and he is important to him.

He creeps slowly, quietly. Father does not move, does not look, even though he knows that Father knows he is in the room. 

There is something in Father's hands- red beads, with a silver charm that his lessons taught him that it is a cross. The Mother doesn't like crosses, calls them "weak." She had said this as she got herself ready, himself doing his best to keep his breathing slow, and steady from the pain of his own Punishment, not wanting to prolong it. 

He creeps closer, looking at how the red beads twist in his Father's hands, watching as his Father silently mutters something. He cocks his head. "What is that?" 

"Nothing." His Father does not glance down, continues to look forward, fingers touching each and every bead. He still talks without sound. 

"Can I see?" He is curious, because he knows Father is breaking the rules, and he wants to know what would be more important than rules.  

"Absolutely not." And oh, he cannot help but flinch, it sounds too much like the Mother's anger. But unlike the Mother, Father is usually kind, so obviously he did a bad thing by asking Father about the beads. 

"Can I sit by you?" Father usually lets him, if he isn't being Punished by the Mother. It's why Father is so kind- Father lets him sit near him and sometimes he would talk to him, and tell him stories about the Company.

Father doesn't blink. "Not too close- don't touch me." 

He can't help but grin as he scrambles onto the bed, trying his best to get up and not wrinkle the bed spread- the Mother would get so angry if that happened. He scoots as close as he can- not touching, keeping his body away from Father's shirt- enough to feel Father's presence, to feel the tingle of being next to Father. 

Father doesn't say anything back, but that's alright- he's already given kindness by allowing this much. Too much and the Mother would find out and be angry. 

He keeps his breath calm and quiet as he silently watches Father's fingers twist and touch every single bead, over and over again as Father keeps moving his mouth silently, his eyes locked on the wall in front of him. He folds his hands on his lap, and watches the beads, a warmth settling in his chest. 

"It's the 24th," his Father mutters, and then falling silent again. 

He doesn't know what that means, the 24th, why does the 24th of December is important. But Father is letting him sit by him while the Mother is away, so he figures he'll find out eventually. 

He lets himself soak in Father's kindness, as they sit silently, in the room.

-------------------

The fire is warm.

Jenna leans against her Dad, leaning her head against his side as he talks avidly with the rest of the family. Her stomach is warm from the brisket stew, latkes, and the sufganiyot, the rest of her body warm from her new sweater that Auntie Cass had given to both Dad and her- matching ones, his with a silhouette of a duck with a knife in its mouth, and hers with a duckling carrying a fork. Dad had laughed at the image, and Auntie Cass had grinned, warm and real, when they entered the main hall earlier today with their bags.

Nearly everyone was staying at the Manor for Hanukkah- even Kate, and the place was crowded like she had never seen. It was tradition, Dad had explained in the car, talking about new habits and building bridges as they drove through Gotham traffic. He had explained to her what the holiday was about, what it meant, and what it meant for the Drakes and the Waynes. 

"So am I Jewish?" She had asked. 

"Sort of?" He had a pinched off face, like he was trying to think two different things but both were at opposites of each other. He was hesitating on another question as well. But that's alright- she knew the other one, and was glad to be the one to ask it instead of him.

"Can I be Jewish? I want to share that with you." 

Dad had admitted to not really being into religion, a throwback from his teen years, he explained. Not exactly disbelieving in God- he had seen and fought them, he said- but more the bit about the afterlife. 

"Or at least Christianity," he had shrugged his shoulders, a lock of his black hair escaping his half ponytail. 

But with this, this query, he had smiled softly at her and said; "Sure." Then he started explaining what it meant.

She's still a bit fuzzy on the details- but, she thinks she's getting the idea of the holiday. The partaking of celebration and joy, of surviving and enjoying the company of family. 

Because today has been lovely.  The Manor was crowded and noisy, and yet with Gotham blanketed by snow, it hadn't felt stifling- rather she had enjoyed watching the laughter and arguments, the tentative connections being reformed like spiderwebs and the quiet discussions of old cases, won battles. Dad had been whisked off with Babs and Steph about something down in the Cave, and she had been whisked off to say hi to Alfred and "You haven't lived until you had one of Alfred's latkes, Chickadee," Uncle Jason grinned as he scooped her up onto his shoulder. 

And then she was learning how to make all the wonderful food and Alfred had given her the first latkes which was Very Important, and there was soft jazz playing in the background and apparently Bruce was banned from the kitchen because of "Incidents" involving hot oil and the stove. 

She has an idea what happened; there's still scorch marks on the ceiling.

Dinner had been loud, and had devolved into a shameless and complex bartering system for the latkes that she reveled in- she had shared her bounty with Dad, of course, it was only fair- and afterwards, all had crowded around the hanukkiah, watching Kate solemnly lights the shamash, as the voices started to sing the blessings, tenors and altos all blending together, that it felt sacred, untouchable, bright. 

She never thought she would have this.

Dad had placed his hand on her shoulder, and usually she would tense or shrug (a hand is never just a hand, that is a lesson she learned early) but it felt warm and protective and Dad's voice was clear as he sang with the others, their voices almost protecting the flame as it flickers and wavers, but still stays lit, bright against the dark. 

 After, they had gathered to the living room, a crackling fire already in the bank, with everyone going into little groups. 

She leans against her Dad, a hand carding gently through her hair as he continues to loudly discuss his varied and many opinions about the new technology a rival company was bragging about, his other hand waving as Babs listened quietly, a soft smile on her lips. 

She leans against her Dad, soaking in the bright, chaotic, noisy thing that she proudly calls "love." 

[bluboothalassophile]

Thanks for indulging me, do you think we can go back a bit in time in the happy JayRae family spin-off, where they bring Lilith over to the mansion to meet everyone for the first time. Or if that was in the hospital, whichever you think fits better.

Hello,

I hope you enjoy the story!

Grandpas…

Bruce was like the rest of his family and waiting.

What were they waiting for, that was easy: Jason, Raven, andtheir child to return to this dimension.

Yesterday Raven had gone into labor and enacted all theplans that Jason, Dr. Tompkins, Dr. Fate, and Zatanna had agreed upon andremoved herself to a different plane of existence which Jason had gone to aswell. Now, the reasons for this were mostly tied to Raven’s massive powers,which Dr. Fate and Zatanna felt would bend the cosmos with the strains andstresses of labor, Jason and Raven had agreed and removed themselves from thisplane of existence.

Bruce supposed this was better than when Kori had had Mar'i;Kori had blasted the hospital in half with her powers.

Raven was not as emotionally volatile as Kori had been, butstill, Bruce worried because labor was a crippling pain which was only rivaledby kidney stones. And Bruce had seen kidney stones send a mighty Kryptonianinto writhing agony.

Now, was Bruce thrilled with his eldest two son’s picks inwomen… not particularly. Dick and Kori had happened and been good until Koridied saving Mar'i when Mar'i was only a few months old, from her sister, Komand’r.And then there was Jason and Raven, and Raven was said to be one of the mostdangerous creatures in the multiverse. Not a thrilling prospect for Bruce, asboth his sons were human, and were fragile in comparison to their women.

At least Tim appeared to be going for human women, as Tim wascurrently dating Tam Fox. Damian though, Damian appeared to be developing acrush on Jonathan Samuel Kent, and Jon seemed to be completely in love with Damianalso. Duke was more private about his love life. Cass just didn’t care. Harperhad given up dating. And Barbara was dating Lucas Fox at this moment.

Bruce’s eyes flicked to the clock again, and his head fellback.

“Grandpa, I want baby,” Mar'i announced with a tug on hishand which had him picking his granddaughter up. Bruce had gotten over Mar'i’spowers relatively quickly when he realized that she was his granddaughter, andshe was his eldest’s world, and she was a Bat and she needed proper trainingand a real family since her father had been flailing helplessly after Kori’sdeath for a long time. Dick had just recently started to get his shit fullytogether and get his act together for Mar'i.

“They’ll be here soon,” Bruce promised Mar'i.

“Now,” Mar'i insisted. She looked at him without her imageinducer on, and he saw a lot of Dick in her, as well as her mother. Thoselarge, cat green eyes, that orange tint on her darker skin, her mouth, pertchin, and wide cheek bones, that was all Kori. Everything else though, with theshape of her eyes, the arch of her brow, her button nose, the slope of herbrow, even her ears, and wild black hair, that was all Dick.

“That’s not how this works Mar'i,” Bruce explainedpatiently.

“Why not?” the five year old pestered, he felt her floating,but he kept a firm hold on her; Mar'i still hadn’t learned how to land.

“It takes,” he started to say ‘time’ when there was a portalopening, and he whipped around to see Jason stagger in with a baby in arm, anda very bloody Raven limp as they collapsed. Bruc released his floatinggranddaughter as he caught his second son from falling then, Raven too, and Mar'iscreamed at the blood.

“Let’s get you to medbay,” Bruce said.

“Take Rae, I’m fine,” Jay panted and Bruce scooped up hisdaughter-in-law then as they made their way to the Cave, he was already callingTompkins and Alfred as he placed Raven on the med table. There were fourmassive stab wounds in her center as he cut back her clothing. The youngdemoness didn’t wake or move or even react.

Leslie and Alfred were quick to appear as everyone had beenwaiting in the Manor for Jason’s return.

“Master Jason, give the child here, I will check her over,”Alfred spoke soothingly to Jason who was pale and trembling.

“Rae?” Jason started for his wife and Bruce’s head snappedup to his son who was staring at Raven with wide, unblinking eyes.

“Jason,” Bruce snapped, “Go with Alfred.”

“Come along, Master Jason,” Alfred pulled Jason out of sightand Bruce resumed his work on the young demoness laying there.

~~~*~*~*~~~

It was later that evening when Raven finally roused, Alfredhaving administered a sedative for Jason when Jason had tried to break throughall them when Raven’s monitor had read her flatlining. Now Bruce looked at theyoung demoness as she blearily opened her eyes, her thick lashes fluttering.

“Jay?” she whispered.

“Easy,” Bruce placed a hand on her shoulder to keep her frommoving. “He’s right there,” Bruce directed Raven’s attention to where Jason was,their child in the emergency NICU that Bruce had built when Mar'i had beenborn.

“Lil?” Raven muttered.

“The child is safe, she’s under monitoring,” Bruce said.Raven nodded weakly and her lashes fluttered shut.

~~~*~*~*~~~

Jason woke up with a roar, and that alerted the Bats that Jasonwas pissed, furious, and had noticed his daughter was missing. Bruce had takenthe child earlier in the night when she had started fussing. Obviously hungry,and Bruce had actually made the bottle, but fallen asleep in the kitchen, wherehe was now with Mar'i who was making funny faces at the baby, Dick, and Tim (whowere in a state of half asleep), Barbara who was working, Luke who was tinkering,Alfred who was cooking with Cass, Stephanie who was drawing on Tim’s face (arather juvenal move on the twenty-four year old’s part), Duke who had jazzplaying, insisting the baby preferred it, and Damian who had been sharpeninghis sword.

“Where is she!?” Jason came in furious, and his green eyeslanded on his family in the kitchen, Bruce stood, Mar'i anchoring her gigglingself to his shoulder as she floated at his head. Yes, Bruce was getting used toa floating five year old being normal in his house, along with Dick’s friendshipwith Roy, and Roy’s daughter Lian always being over.

“She’s here, she was hungry,” Bruce said levelly as hissecond son snatched his daughter back and seemed to be checking her overfrantically.

“Tiny baby,” Cass smiled as she perched herself on thecounter to reach around Jason and stroke her face.

“What happened?” Bruce asked as soon as Jason relaxed.

“Trigon came for Lilith,” Jason answered as he pulled hisdaughter close.

“Lilith?” Dick tested out and looked down at the baby.

“Lilith Catherine Todd-Wayne,” Jason filled in. The shadowswarped a bit and Raven walked in with a limp and grimace. Damian got her achair.

“So, what did we miss?” Raven asked as she tenderly satagain.

“Baby!” Mar'i shouted with glee as Jason flopped into achair beside his wife.

“I don’t think I missed the baby Mar'i,” Raven mused as shepulled her niece into her lap.

“How about my father stealing the baby?” Jason supplied as helooked Lilith over again.

Bruce shrugged; ever since Mar'i, he’d admit he kind ofliked getting to hold his grandbabies.

“She’s adorable!” Dick agreed scooping Mar'i up.

[imnothinginparticular]

#finishedbooks Uncompromising Expression by Richard Havers. THIS WAS AMAZING! It was released a few years back and was extremely excited at the time and somehow just forgot about it. I keep notifications on Facebook for the On This Day feature they got that let's you know what activity you had on the same day in history...mainly just so I can delete dumb stuff I said in the past as I slowly ween myself off of Facebook. Alani Cruz shared this book on my wall and we both were hyped to get it but were quite broke at the time...so when i saw this memory realized I had to get it ASAP (and actually my dad got it for me for xmas). What an amazing read, easily my favorite since Donald Richie's Japan Journals. I am a huge huge Blue Note fan and there best music covers everything from bop to the avant garde, with photography that made me want to pick up a camera in the first place. Most of my early photos were Ozu film still or Francis Wolff Blue Note album copies. Wayne Shorter's Night Dreamer cover took me forever to learn how to copy. The typography and overall design by Reid Miles exudes that timeless quality that another favorite read of last year was all about in Dieter Rams. The refusal to simply follow the times explains why they are still so original today. The book included Wolff's contact sheets so I could see his thought process in photography...which was just amazing to me. Been kind of posting them on my stories over the last week but can't let go how dope it is seeing them. But ultimately it is about the music! Coltrane's A Love Supreme was the first jazz record I ever bought when I was 18. Never heard anything like it before but really hadn't heard anything that every respect made so much sense to me ( got the inside sleeve tattooed to my forearm). Think I got Blue Train and Madlib's Blue Note album around the same time. Blue Train was my first blue note album...it stayed in my car for months and i would just play both albums on loop at my shitty grave shift I had in university. Arriving in Japan at 21 in 2006 and getting into literature it was one of my weekly trips to Tower Records in Shibuya (back when it was the only place to get English books) I found a Blue Note album art cover book that was my first art book I ever bought. I remember when Alani came to my house he was all like I got the same book and it was among his personal possessions when he was sick in the hospital along with cameras. At the time Blue Note was having an anniversary campaign in which every three months they released a special reissue of the original albums on cd with the original art work and record sleeve back for just 1000 yen. So when I went for my weekly supply of books in 2008-2009 or so, I would buy a Blue Note album and that is all I would listen for the whole week straight till I went back for another cd and more books. Got so many classics Midnight Blue, Maiden Voyage, Soul Station, Something Else, Cool Struttin', Out To Lunch, Bass On Top, Sidewinder, etc... This book details the history of the company with off sections of the albums that defined the period: complete with a critical summary, credits, design notes, contact sheets in chronological order. The notes on the back of the record sleeve where all I had to go on back then so this added a lot more. The sheer amount of content coming in at around 400 pages is just amazing. I took my time with the book, listening to the cracks I had in my knowledge of albums through itunes while making a list of records I am going to hunt for (I sold my cd collection in 2013 in favor of vinyl for jazz & blues and streaming for everything else). I will keep this book on my table as it will be a constant reference as I try to master the music. Looking through this I recall how ignorant I was with jazz. At first I only listened to about 4 or so artists mostly the easy ones Miles and Trane and only did hard bop through the avant garde (really just late Coltrane). Hated free jazz and found bebop too dated for some reason. Course got heavy into hard bop through Blue Note and it was the Thelonous Monk recordings that got me into where I should have always been with Charlie Parker. I got into art at the time and it was my forward thought in filmmaking that got me on the same page as Ornette Coleman at the other end of the spectrum. Now I am going before bop doing Hawkins, Ellington, and Armstrong, Morton, and Bichet...yet still can't bring myself anywhere near to fusion and feel I can comfortably say I never I will. The stunted progression though I have found was from the limits I set myself. Jazz was so amazing and yet daunting. I set myself these goals so I could focus my learning so if I abstained from going everywhere at once I could get it what little I did listen to. I found my curiosity has since carried me. Yet it was Blue Note and still is that brings me back. For example since I am now into the older I can now fully appreciate the early Blue Note recording of Bichet...and was happy to find that Alfred Lion and Francis Wolff to were weary of bop yet like all truly great things they went to it. Love the added fact that the companies manifest, philosophy, and art direction was all heavily covered in this book. When I think of perfect branding it again comes to the Blue Notes and Rams's Braun period that define what it is for me. At 32 and with my job as creative director of a brand I essentially made from scratch with the three other founders, I loved the sincerity of Blue Note's vision and is something I fight for with Muro. I found parallels in the approach and the loathing of ornamentation or following the times extremely reaffirming. Those guys weren't making millions but they were having fun doing exactly what they believed in and producing music they personally enjoy with (the books slogan) an uncompromising expression. Was such a fun week going through this whilst finding gems I had never heard, among which Jimmy Smith's Groovin at smalls paradise, Tina Brooks lone album True Blue (career cut short due to heron), Blue Hour by Stanley Turrentine with the Three Sounds, Anthony Williams Lifetime and even Cecil Taylor's Blue Note album proved fun enough (even though that and Lifetime is beyond my complete comprehension at this point.) Get this book, if you are a jazz fan or want to be or just like good music, design, or photography!

[ninasoden]

I’d like to welcome Michael J. Sahno, author of Miles of Files, to my blog.

What is your name and where do you call home? Michael J. Sahno; Tampa, FL, USA

Do you have a pen name? Nope.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say? Miles of Files: Dude finds out his boss is stealing from the company’s retirement plan; mayhem ensues.

Is the above book part of a series? Not that I know of!

What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing? I’ve always been writing, but it really took off after grad school. Inspired by Vonnegut, Hunter S. Thompson, Faulkner, Styron, Balzac…and many more.

How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)? This cover is brand new for the re-launch of the novel. The designer is named Mario Lampic. I gave him some ideas, but he ran with them and exceeded my expectations.

Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)? I listen to a lot of classic jazz when I write. I think for this one it was mainly Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, & Wayne Shorter.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? I like to drop in a little “Easter egg” for my readers who read all my books. The phrase “miles of files” actually comes out of the previous novel, Jana. It was inspired by the name of a Joni Mitchell album, Miles of Aisles.

Do you have a book trailer? If so where can we watch it? Not yet.

Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books? As a reader, I love reading paperbacks, but as a writer, I sell a lot more e-books.

Are you a self-published/Indie author? Yes.

If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route? I wanted to start my own company to publish all three novels together, and formed Sahno Publishing in 2015. When a book sells, I (the publisher) pay myself (the author). I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so what was it? The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

What is your opinion of novellas? They’re fine, but I don’t think I could ever be that concise.

Have you ever read a book just based on its cover? No idea. I don’t think so, but I could be wrong. It wouldn’t be the first time.

What is your favorite film based on a book? Rebecca, which won Best Picture for 1940. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier. Apparently, I really love authors with French names! (I’m actually a Balzac devotee.)

What is your favorite book genre at the moment? Literary fiction.

What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why? The amount of free time I have to read other authors these days is pretty limited, just because of the nature of what I do. But I did connect with another author via social media named Sherry Parnell, and read her novel Let the Willows Weep. It was really good.

What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format? Right now, I’m in the middle of editing a collection of short stories that I’m giving away to subscribers to my email list at https://msahno.com. So I’m reading myself!

If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why? Charles Dickens – because I’d like his input on writing great literature quickly; Balzac – for the same reason as Dickens, but also because I think they might fight before the night was over; Einstein – because he would blow Balzac’s and Dickens’ minds; and Joni Mitchell, because she’d keep them all in line.

What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? Variations on the basic theme of “don’t give up.”

Do you have any hobbies that aren’t related to reading & writing? I’m a runner, and that’s informed a lot of what I do. It’s also just as solitary as writing, at least in my world.

Any marketing tips you’d like to share with other authors? Yes, a ton! I’ve spent the last 15 years as a marketing writer, and I have a free e-book called Marketing for Authors available at my website: https://msahno.com.

Where can your readers follow you? Biggest following is 11K+ on Twitter, but here are all of them:

Blog: https://msahno.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sahnocomm/

Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14735376.Michael_J_Sahno

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikeSahno

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahno

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Michael-J.-Sahno/e/B018PTN964

Other: https://www.instagram.com/mikesahno/

BOOK Blurb:

In Miles of Files, the main character, Paul Panepinto, an employee at Flambet Insurance, learns that his manager Graham Woodcock is stealing from the company. Paul struggles with whether or not to report the boss at the risk of losing his position. Eventually, Graham fires Paul anyway and Paul is forced to pursue justice, but the story doesn’t end as expected. Readers move through a fast-paced adventure with many twists and turns, including high points, drama, comedy, and an edge that Sahno captures through his writing.

About the Author: 

Michael J. Sahno began writing stories at an early age. Eventually, he was selected for Editor-in-Chief of his high school literary magazine. The quality of his work led to several honorary titles and academic awards by his senior year, which made it clear he was predestined to serve a role in literary excellence.

Mr. Sahno earned his Bachelor’s from Lynchburg College and later went on to earn his Master’s in English from Binghamton University.

After college, Mr. Sahno served in several management positions, including Director at a marketing research firm, Assistant Vice President at a Tampa-based mortgage company and college professor in the field of English composition.

Sahno became a full-time professional writer in 2001 and, in the following years, wrote more than 1,000 marketing articles on a wide range of topics. His quality copy put him in high demand, and his work has appeared in a variety of national magazines, including Fortune, Entrepreneur, Bloomberg Businessweek, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and Woman’s Day.

Mr. Sahno has written and published three novels: Brothers’ Hand, Jana, and Miles of Files. He is the founder of Sahno Publishing and available for professional speaking engagements upon request. For further information, contact info@msahno.com.

Author Interview: Michael J. Sahno I'd like to welcome Michael J. Sahno, author of Miles of Files, to my blog.