#It's 1:30am and I should be sleeping level fluff

[windsweptinred]

January 5th, Headcanuary prompt: Pet (Dreamling and Corinthiel)

The New Inn always seemed to be a beacon for the local feline population. It was begrudgingly accepted by the regulars, that their after work pint or weekend tipple would always be shared with one of London's many resident moggies.

Until recently, the pubs offical cat had been a large, jet black creature by the name of Murphy. Standoffish and haughty, but a beautiful animal. Often seen trailing after Robbie, the pub landlord. Or occasionally conceding to let visiting children pet his long furr, or tug at his ears and tail with regal exasperation.

Sadly, in the summer just passed Murphy had seemingly vanished. In his place however came the landlords new husband, Morpheus. A striking man, just as dark and unsocial as Murphy, but as similarly kind in his own way. And oh, it couldn't be missed how much Robbie glowed in his presence. How his smile lit his eyes, how he laughed freer and louder and how their beloved inkeep looked for all the world like a man so contented, he desired for nothing. As such, the loss of Murphy in exchange for Morpheus was eventually accepted as a worthy one.

It was in the following September that a new cat graced the doorway of the New Inn. A young little critter, barely passed its kitten years, with an immaculate white coat and vibrant green eyes. Friendly and curious, it would greet each patron in turn, accepting pats and all manner of affectionate nicknames from Snowy to Casper. Untill the daughter of the pubs chef declared him Dandelion, or Danny for short and it had stuck.

Unlike his predecessor, Danny would sit amongst the pub patrons, listening to their chatter with an enraptured expression. Or play with the younger visitors, bounding after them with an identical, youthful glee. But most often he'd be seen chasing the heels of the Morpheus, weaving between his black clad ankles and pawing his thighs for constant attention and affection. They made mismatched pair, Danny's bright, white furr against Morpheus's all black attire. But they never seemed happier then when they were together. Danny curled about Morpheus's shoulders, batting playfully at his wild locks as the other watched on indulgently.

As the Christmas season arrived, so too did what was generally assumed to be Danny's owner. An undeniably handsome blond with a natural charisma, that immediately endeared him to customers and bar staff alike. His strange obbsession with sunglasses in the depths of British winter notwithstanding. It was accepted that this must indeed by Danny's owner, for whenever this rakish fellow graced the inn with his presence, neither cat nor man could be torn asunder. Together they'd haul themselves up in this corner or that. Danny curled blissfully in the blondes lap, or held possessively against his chest. The man, seemingly euphoric with the undeivded attention and decidedly foreboding if anoyone dared come between them. Much to the evident amusement of Robbie and the chagrin Morpheus.

Unlike so many of its counterparts, the New Inn stayed closed over the New Year. But if any of its customers had chanced a peek through its windows at the strike of midnight, they'd have seen the hearth lit and a table close by, original designed for two and a little too small for four, occupied by two couples. To one side Robbie and Morpheus, cheeks ruddy with with wine and leaning into each other with a loving ease. And on the other, that same tall, blond accompanied by an angelic looking young man, pale haired and bright eyed. Clasping at each other with all the adoration of new love. Four glasses raised in a toast to happy endings and new beginnings.

[fluffyseapancakes]

Protector

I saw the Batman earlier last week and decided to write a cute little fic from it. I’ve never seen any other Batman movie so I apologize if this is inaccurate from the actual storyline. 

The reader is gender neutral. Fluff/emotional. No tickling. 

You begin to question where your brother, Bruce Wayne, disappears to every night. Finally you can’t hold back anymore and you decide to ask him directly on what’s going on. 

________________________________________

You always wondered where your brother disappeared to at night.

Ever since you were in diapers, he told you that he was going to meetings but now that you were older (and a bit wiser), you knew that was utter crap. You tried to do some detective work but either him or Alfred were always there to block your path. You even tried to get into the top-secret basement but the elevator required a code for it to work.

Even though you were part of the Wayne family, you often felt like an outsider. Like how people quickly stopped talking every time you entered a room or Bruce making up a story when you noticed the bruises on his back. It was frustrating. You’re sixteen now and it felt like you knew nothing about your own family.

__________________

You are getting answers tonight. You finished your homework early, chugged some leftover coffee in the kitchen, and are now sitting in the living room with a good book. Bruce had left hours ago so you calculate that he would be home before sunrise.

Bruce, you rehearse in your head, where do you go every night? Too direct.

I think I should be more involved in the family business. Too formal.

I’m here if you’re in trouble. Too sappy.

You shake your head and open the book, I’ll just wing it. You glance at the massive grandfather clock standing next to you. 11:35pm.

“Easy peasy,” you mumble, settling into the cushioned chair. You start reading the book and quickly get immersed in it.

12:15am. Your eyes start to get heavy.

12:45am. You’re beginning to doze off in your chair.

1:30am. You’re asleep, snoring softly with the book still open on your lap.

3:30am. The sound of heavy footsteps jolts you awake. You sit up to see Bruce standing next to you with a quizzical look on his face.

“Why are you sleeping down here?” You notice the black eyeliner smeared around his eyes.

“I wasn’t sleeping,” you replied defensively. Bruce scoffs and ruffles your hair.

“You were snoring,” he jokes back. You swat his hand away.

“I have a question to ask you.”

“Can it wait till morning?” Bruce stretches, groaning softly as his back cracked, “It was a long day.”

“No it can’t wait.”

Bruce notices the seriousness of your face and he crouches down to your level.

“Shoot.”

“Where do you go at night?” Your hands begin to shake, “and don’t say meetings.”

He lets out a heavy sigh and puts a hand on yours, you begin to calm down.

“I can’t tell you,” his voice is low and steady, always composed without missing a beat.

“Why not?” You hear your voice shaking.

“It’s dangerous. I can’t tell you for your safety.”

“I’m sixteen. I can take care of myself.”

Bruce chuckles softly, “I know, but I have to keep you safe.”

“No you don’t.”

“I promised mom and dad.”

You pause, he rarely mentions your parents. You feel the hot sting of tears in your eyes and your throat closing up.

“You can’t protect me forever,” your voice cracks, your lip begins to tremble and tears roll down your cheeks, “and who’s protecting you?”

Bruce stands up and pulls you into a tight hug, “I’m fine, I promise.” You wrap your arms around his waist and bury your face into his chest. “I love you,” he whispers into your ear.

“I love you too,” you answer back, holding your brother even tighter. You silently decide to let go of the question and trust his judgement. Someday the truth will come out and you will be there to support him. No matter what.