#Jason and Tim are a lot easier to throw stuff at and have it stick because they’ve actually lived in the real world

[rickktish]

I’ve got a couple of hot takes and there’s nuance to them but I don’t have a whole lot of brain power so I might leave it as-is and elaborate only if asked:

-The kind of people who engage in fandom and specifically those who write fanfiction tend to belong to the same categories of people/sets of identities which are likely to fall victim to the “white people have no culture” lie and therefore like to spice up their writing by diversifying the cast in ways they view as meaningful or reflective of those characters’ personal arcs/histories, which unfortunately means leaning on a lot of stereotypes and accidentally perpetuating, consciously or unconsciously, those stereotypes. (Is anyone else bothered by the prevalence of latino Jason “drug crime lord” Todd headcanons? I don’t speak up about it often but it frequently feels legitimately uncomfy to me. Also while it’s fun to mess around with various flavors of Asian Tim “the smart Robin” Drake, there are some very uncomfortable discussions which ought to be had about why he gets headcanoned as east Asian specifically— usually Korean from what I’ve seen but also frequently Chinese and Japanese— when the fanon interpretation of his character can basically be boiled down to “good with computers, terrible/abusive/neglectful bio parents with unreasonably high standards/expectations, child genius.” Like maybe critically examine your tropes before applying them wholesale is what i’m saying)

-readheads are an unrecognized minority and have historically been and are still in some places presently subjected to the same kinds of stereotyping, discrimination, and fetishization that recognized racial minorities face. The only difference is that discrimination against poc has frequently been legally mandated throughout western history whereas that against redheads has been largely (though not exclusively) cultural. Think for a minute about how many redheaded characters have been replaced by black actors in live action adaptations in recent years and understand that redheads have been on-screen shorthand for “acceptable token diversity” for longer than probably any of us care to think about and they are losing that status as black characters begin to take that place in widespread visual media. Race swapping the Gordons specifically, while pulled off extremely well by a beautifully talented actor in The Batman 2022, is actively participating in the erasure of redheaded characters, especially ones whose roles are more complex than “femme fatale” or “the spitfire,” (or both), from screen

I'm not necessarily against race-swapping hcs and whatnot, but I do think the Bat-Family fandom has a tendency to ignore the actual POC members of the Bat-Family in favor for their hcs, lmfao.

Like I've seen Asian Tim and Babs hcs and I'm like... you do know Cass and Damian are literally right there, you don't have to do that. 😭

[black-streak]

Waiting for the Worms - Outside the Wall

Part 19

Hey guys, very short, laid back chapter. I finished up writing my timari spitefest work and then immediately had a 6 month old puppy brought into my life. She likes sleeping on my hand. If you guys want, I'll post a picture of her, but the point is that writing may slow down significantly due to training and cuddles. Sorry this is almost more of a filler.

Wonderfully patient CLOSED taglist: @northernbluetongue @thethirdwheelfriend @shizukiryuu @theatreandcomicfreak @michellemagic @karategirl119 @moonlightstar64 @my-name-is-michell @mystery-5-5 @zalladane @queen-of-the-trash-planet-tm @miraculousdisapointment @dorkus-minimus @jardimazul @allthebooksandcrannies @g-arya @worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @persephonescat @mycupisbroken @luciferge @18-fandoms-unite-08 @dawnwave16 @alwaysreblogneverpost @kris-pines04 @emjrabbitwolf @mysteriouslyswimmingfan-blo-blog @weird-pale-blonde-person @you-will-never-know-how-i-think @kokotaru @naclychilli @slytherinhquinn @clumsy-owl-4178 @ladybug-182 @darkthunder1589 @evil-elf16 @dast218 @lysslovsanime @emilytopaz @naoryllis @iloontjeboontje @thepeacetea @danielslilangel @finallyaniguana @i-like-fairytail-and-stuff @vixen-uchiha @yuulxd @bleeding-heart-romantic @magic-inthe-stars @st0rmy-w1th1n

~---~

Walking through the portal, Jason took in the sight of his team dropping their transformations one at a time, taking no mind to the kid who walked in behind him. Guess it didn't really matter. What are the chances he would recognize them in any manner that mattered? Plus, they wanted the kid to feel comfortable here. That he could trust them.

Marinette walked over to him, barely glancing at the awkward Robin standing out of place.

"Alright, reprieve is over. You'll never adjust to your body this way," she said with an apologetic smile, lacing their fingers together and both loosening their crushing grip on their bond they'd been holding for the last two hours. As they both relaxed their minds, they slipped back into their own bodies, souls settling happily into their rightful place. 

Placed properly, Jason turned towards the Robin in the room, offering a lopsided smirk, "Welcome to the shitshow."

He shuffled his feet, "I don't plan…"

"On staying. Yes, we know Timothy. It's okay," Marinette helped him out, smile soft.

His shoulders tensed and narrowed eyes stared them down, staying quiet.

"Look, replacement, we're not trying to intimidate you or anything. We know Bruce's identity. Comes with being one of his charity cases, you know? It's not difficult to figure out which kid ended up in his care next," he intoned, trying to help Timothy see their lack of intentions towards revealing his identity.

"We only thought it fair you should be made aware of what exactly we know. I imagine it would be quite unsettling to think you had the upper hand on us only to find out later that we knew the whole time," Marinette chimed in next.

They watched as his face screwed up with an off put expression only to nod his assent, "That would bother me more, yeah."

"My name is Marinette," she put her hand out towards him, waiting patiently.

"Tim," he carefully shook her hand, staying almost formal despite the informal correction, "So the part about you getting stuck in the former Robin's body during his death. That's why you share the madness you mentioned before?"

"Lazarus Pit insanity. So fun. Definitely recommend," Jason decided to butt in, noticing the way Tim focused on Marinette the moment they switched bodies, "we were both dipped in a way, though she got the short end of the stick. My body, her soul."

"So some of it transferred due to it contaminating her soul then?" Tim asked, finally looking at him.

"Pretty much. Splitting it up this way makes it easier to handle," Marinette answered.

Tim seemed to consider this for a moment, "why are you answering me so willingly?"

"What purpose would hiding it serve?" He countered, receiving a surprised silence in response.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that out there. I'm sure that couldn't have been pleasant," Marinette slowly brought her hand to his shoulder, leaving plenty of time to move if the kid decided the contact was unwanted. When Tim allowed it, eyes still almost glaring, she smiled up at Jason and led the boy further into the room while he followed behind.

Zeroing in on where Marc stood on the phone, he gave a curious look only for Marc to end the call and curiously glance at the screen before turning back to the room at large, "That was Alfred. He can't make it here for a few days due to the giant man baby that's currently throwing a fit, but apparently someone else will be coming by tomorrow to speak to you two," This was partially directed towards Tim, but mostly to himself, "Said one would know her as a bat, the other as the eye in the sky."

"Barbara's coming? Oh great! It's been entirely too long since we've seen her!" Mari perked up, "did he say when to expect her?"

"Around eleven," they easily replied, picking their way over towards the trio, "sorry about holding you down by the way. Couldn't let you get caught up in that mess. My name is Marc," was directed at Robin.

"So… you were the mice?"

"They were the mice, yes. I'm Juleka. I was the one who brought you to the portal."

"The fox then, and you were likely the cat?" Tim directed towards Kagami.

"Kagami. In the next room over is Chloe."

"The one who opened the portal."

Jason felt a strange sense of appreciation for how quickly Tim placed the identities together. As well as a sense of dread. This kid was too bright, too sharp, based on what Mari told him, to be so easily fooled by Bruce. To not see how toxic that environment was. What happened to his replacement to make him so willing to overlook it all?

At this point a small hand slipped into his as Chloe introduced herself to the boy, having entered the room a moment before. Looking down, he took note of Damian huddling closer to him, watching the scene unfold.

"Another one?" The kid grumbled, tightening the grip on his hand and looking none too pleased, "I know you said I'd have to adjust to new people, but isn't this a bit much?"

"I don't know, kid, you seem pretty accepting of me," Jason tilted his head, watching the kid stiffen slightly, a blush overcoming his face.

"I hadn't realized you changed back yet," Damian replied, though he remained gripping his hand as they watched Tim interact with the others, "Will they all leave already?" The kid added, drawing his eyes back down to the uncomfortable shifting. Glancing at the clock, he figured he might as well indulge Damian every now and then.

"Chloe, lead the herd, would you?" He asked, maintaining eye contact to get his point across.

"Alright you lot, time to head out. Surely Robin won't be too comfortable around all of us for very long."

There was a touch of an argument over this, but eventually the team picked themselves up around the apartment and headed out, saying they might stay away for a few days. Jason caught the grateful smile on Marinette's face and took his small victory in how Damian pulled him back a little when he moved, as though afraid he might leave as well. 

When the apartment quieted down and everything went still, he took a deep breath and led the kid over towards the kitchen, feeling Marinette move behind him to follow. He set a pot onto the stove and filled it with milk to heat up, turning to look through the cabinets while it heated up, "Have you ever had Hot Chocolate, kid?"

"You mean melted? Once. I was given a piece to hide, but it melted a bit," Damian answered, sounding disappointed, though at only having it once or having to admit letting it melt, he wasn't sure, "Why?"

"Not quite what I meant. But I'll take it as a no. We're gonna have some tonight then," Jason responded, pulling down a bag of milk chocolate chips. They'd have to do. He pulled his hand up to ruffle the kid's hair, chuckling as he yanked back with a sneer, shuffling over to duck into Marinette's side, who'd been holding easy conversation with Tim all the while, carefully not commenting on the way the Robin pulled off his mask carefully and was beginning to calm down now that there weren't as many people. Jason chose this moment to eavesdrop, now that he no longer had to occupy Damian.

"Why's the new one still here?"

"Damian, this is Tim. He needed a place to stay."

"Why does it have to be here?"

"The same one who wronged Jason and I has wronged him as well. I imagine being around people who understand his position and won't judge him helps."

Jason chose to speak up now, "Marinette took you in when you had no one. When the two of you understood each other and felt connected for it. That's how you came to be family. He and I have a similar understanding."

"So he is family to you?"

"Nah, think more like when you first met her."

"You are… Wanting to protect him despite not personally knowing him. Instinct."

"Now you got it," he responded, pouring four mugs of the beverage, ignoring the calculating gaze between his shoulder blades. Then went about handing them out despite Tim's reassurance that he was fine, "drink it or don't, won't bother me either way, but I'm not going to leave you out."

Damian remained silent up until this point, observing the young teen curiously before passing his final judgement, "okay, as long as he sticks with you," the unspoken threat to keep away from Marinette did not go unheard.

"No one will take your place in my heart, little one. That place was created for you. If I become close to anyone else, they'll have to find their own place. Yours is occupied," she assured, as they both pretended not to hear his unbelieving grumbles. That lesson would be learned with time. 

Through it all, Tim kept to himself, sipping slowly and watching their interactions. Jason couldn't know what the boy thought, but if he had to wager a guess, he probably felt suspicious over how open and honest they were. Confused by their relation to Damian, but unsure if it was safe to ask. Likely, the teen just wasn't sure what to make of it all and wouldn't for quite a while. 

It'll take time and reassurance, probably even multiple visits from Alfred and Barbara to convince Tim that this was a safe place for him, but they had time to spend.

[excuseme-howdareyou]

Whumptober Day 7: Isolation

Day 7

Characters: Tim Drake and Jason Todd

.....

The thud of his bag on the tile floor sounded so much louder here than it did at the Manor. He forgot how much these walls echoed. After that initial THUD and its reverberations, all fell utterly silent. Everything stark white and quiet, and the feeling that if you spoke louder than a whisper you'd be committing some heinous crime.

"It's so...empty," Jason spoke quietly next to him," You really used to live here?"

Tim took a deep breath and looked around, trying to place where things had gone back when there were things here. There used to be a table here, he thinks, with a really expensive vase that he used to dream about throwing at the wall. "Til I was 16," he answered.

Jason's expression was surprised. "You weren't living in the Manor by then?"

Tim walked further into the empty mansion, memories from long ago coming back in waves. There was the chandelier in the dining room, a massive conglomeration of gems covered in dust. He remembered it being more sparkling; he'd turn it on just to see the light shine off each facet.

Now it was just a sad twist of metal and white hanging over an empty room.

"Tim?" Jason repeated.

Shaking off the memory, he replied," I had a guest room at the Manor, but until I was about 15, I came back here every night. Bruce was..." he paused and glanced at Jason," Bruce wasn't looking for another kid to stick around."

Jason's face screwed up like he'd just sucked on something sour. He didn't know if that was a dig against him for calling Tim 'Replacement', or against Bruce for stubbornly pushing away the boy who would become his third son. Either way, they both deserved it.

"So you lived here with your parents, went to school, and became Robin?" he said instead, sounding impressed," How'd you manage to hide it from your folks?"

"Technically I didn't. When Dad lost the company and the house, we moved into an apartment in the city. He found my Robin gear then." Now it was Tim's turn to have a sour look," That didn't turn out so well..."

"And before?"

"Before what?"

"Before the apartment. When you lived here?" Jason gestured to the empty space all around them," Drake Manor? Casa de Los Drakes? Man I bet sneaking out of here every night was a pain."

"It was a lot easier then actually. No parents to hide it from. All I had to do was make sure I'd be here every few days when the housekeeper stopped by to clean."

Tim walked off towards his old room, the reason why they were here. Jason trailed after him. "Wait, every few days? And just the housekeeper? Where were your parents, Tim?"

Tim didn't answer.

"Tim?"

He still kept on walking, Jason getting more and more upset as they went. "Are you telling me you lived in this house by yourself?!" he gasped, nearly frantic," Tim! You were so tiny! I've seen the pictures, omg you were just a little kid when you started out."

Tim turned his head to glare at his brother," I wasn't a little kid. I was thirteen, thank you very much."

"A tiny thirteen year old!"

"Can you drop it? It was a long time ago, and we've got work to do."

Jason acted like he didn't even hear him. "And Bruce still sent you back here knowing all that? He had to have known too, B knows everything. What an asshole move! When we're done here, I'm going to go hit him in the face with a parenting book and-"

Tim stopped in the hallway, causing Jason to bump into him. Jason's tirade paused when he saw the look on Tim's face. "If you go picking a fight with Bruce because of stuff that happened a decade ago..." he said lowly, obviously thinking of a proper punishment. A sly grin slowly formed over Tim's face.

"I'll tell Dick about your teddy bear you had as a teenager."

Jason gasped. "How do you even know about that?!"

"You forgot it in one of your safe houses when you left. I found it."

Tim was still grinning as he continued on, Jason yelling up a storm behind him. This house was large and quiet and empty. But not at this moment. And that was the kind of memory he'd rather have.

[abbyfic-updates]

Fanfic: AU!Red Jay #2

Title: I should have said no...

Character(s): Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Dick Grayson

Rating: PG

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, major character potentially dying

Disclaimer: All characters and things of Batman and Teen Titans belong to DC comics, and Bill Finger and Bob Kane as well as Marv Wolfman and George Pérez.  I’m simply borrowing them for creative output.

Author Notes: I don’t know why I’m writing this AU, but I am. I suppose I was inspired by janecat and her brilliant drabbles for her AUs. Thus, I decided to try my hand at writing short stories. I have about four or five written, and I’ll plan to post as I can. Enjoy this one for now.

Description: After waking up injured, Jason slowly comes to realize life as he knows it has changed, possibly forever, for him and the rest of the batfamily. He doesn’t know whether he can handle the new responsibilities or whether anyone is going to trust him enough to let him try.

So this is how it is | I should have said no |

There was a moment of déjà vu when Jason entered Dick’s medical room. More than 48 hours, they had been trapped under the remains of Wayne Tower. Still, he could remember leaning over, practically pressed against Dick’s pinned form.

Of course, then, Dick had still been conscious and talkative. Now, though, the older man was still and quiet. Sure, there was the slow rising and falling of his chest, but the machines were doing most of the work.

Jason noticed first how much paler and battered Dick looked. The bruises around his eyes, neck, and arms only emphasized his fragile state. Taking a step closer, he noticed tall plastic tub beside him. Inside, he saw blood soaked rags. Even worse, he saw long stained tubes reaching out from under Dick’s blankets and into the tub.

His throat tightened. A subtle tremble started in his legs. Seeing Dick like this hurt more than he thought. He wanted to turn away and just go any place else but here.

Still, Jason had come here for a reason.

Beside Dick’s bed was a chair. Clearly, he wasn’t the first to come watch over Dick’s unconscious form. It was comforting to know someone else, probably the family, had been there just in case. Drawing in a breath, he tried to think positive.

Lowering himself into the chair, he found himself wiping something from his eyes. He drew in a long breath and tried to collect his still muddled thoughts. There were words he wanted to say.

A breath of a chuckle fell from his lips as he leaned forward. His hands clasped together, and he looked up to the ceiling. If he was honest with himself, there were a lot of words he’d always meant to say to Dick. Some were purely heat of the moment words that never needed to be uttered. Others were wishes of a far younger self. Childish things he’d meant to tell Dick. For the moment, he put those aside.

“I don’t know whether you can hear me,” Jason started. He drew in a long breath. “But…” He stopped and ran his fingers through his sweaty hair. 

Something between a laugh and a scoff blew passed his lips. “I thought this was going to be easier, but I suppose nothing with this family is easy. Definitely not words. But I’m worried…” He licked his lips. “…about what I said to you…” He swallowed a lump in his throat. “… when we were trapped. I can’t...” New tears prickled at the corners of his eyes. “You asked too much of me, and in the heat of the moment, I said yes.”

“You said yes to what?” The voice was instantly familiar and intrusive.

Jason shot to his feet and looked towards the now open doorway. There in his Red Robin armor, sans his cowl and gauntlets, stood Tim. A coldness washed over Jason as his mouth grew dry. The younger man gave him a pointed look with his reddened eyes.

“I uhm…” Jason couldn’t muster a whole sentence. Of course, he was sure there were curses to throw at his replacement as Robin, but his brain seemed to have failed him.

Tim slowly approached. “What are you doing here, Jason? I thought…”

Jason turned to look back at Dick’s unconscious form, trying to ignore Tim. He didn’t know what he expected to see or do, but it was a brief break from meeting Tim’s cold gaze and constant questions. Yet, he knew he couldn’t just stare at Dick forever. 

Forcing a cough, he tried to regain some control. Then, his gaze shifted back towards Tim. The younger man now stood within punching distance. Jason scolded himself for thinking about the distance in that manner, but instinct was screaming at him to hit and run. Instead, he put his hands behind his back, sticking them into his back pockets. “Nothing.”

Tim didn’t look convinced. Jason could tell by the Bruce-esque grimace on his face.

Again, Jason cursed his fearful reactions. Tim had never been someone he felt he needed to fear. In fact, despite all that had transpired on their first few meetings, the younger man had been nothing but nice to him. Jason figured he owed him.

Coughing, Jason squeezed his eyes shut and blew out a quick reply. The words flew faster than his own brain could comprehend. He didn’t know why Tim should understand any better.

In fact, Tim blinked in a look of confusion. “Excuse me? What was that about a promise to Dick?”

Blowing out a breath, Jason fell back into the seat beside Dick’s bed. With Tim’s question, Jason just didn’t want to keep it all inside anymore. It hurt too much.

“I know right? It’s stupid. I don’t know why he asked me, made me promise.” Then, Jason’s gaze drifted back towards Dick’s unconscious form. “That’s not true, I can guess why, but he still shouldn’t have.” Sniffling slightly, he drew in another long breath. “It’s not like I get along with any of you. We hate each other’s guts, and.... and I’m no good at this family stuff. Not to mention listening. But he did. He asked me.”

Jason felt a hand on his shoulder and turned slowly towards it. “Maybe,” Tim started to say. He was drawing in a shaky sounding breath. His gaze was directed towards Dick. “Maybe he knew you’d need us as much…” The words died on his tongue as if he couldn’t speak. But then, his lips tightened. “As much as we would need you.”

“Still,” Jason said in a tighter sounding voice. “I’m no good at the big brother stuff.”

“I don’t know.” A small smile curved Tim’s lips. “You came, didn’t you? To sit with him.”

Jason’s brow furrowed. “So?”

“That’s a start. You’re… a work in progress, shall we say.”

Jason couldn’t help the snort of laughter. “Story of my life.”