#Jason has a firm understanding of gun safety

[jackdaw-and-hattrick]

Redhood has a hyper realistic paintball gun that he pulls on anyone he wants to threaten but not risk shooting. It’s very rare that this gun ever gets fired in order to keep up illusions.

Except for Dick. He shoots Dick with it constantly.

[wajjs]

"I'm sorry that I got way too into playing house and then accidentally kissed you passionately" with JayDick (was gonna go for something gen but I could absolutely not resist this prompt when I saw it lol)

this one got long too so there's a read more bc of that

Arguably, they are both extremely well prepared for this mission. Perhaps too much, but. Is there really such a thing as too much preparation?

Except that's all what they told themselves and now here they are, Jason's hands on the small of his back, pressed firmly on top of his skin, right under his shirt. And he's looking up at him with this, this, confused? Maybe? This confused stare, eyes firm but slightly unfocused, glazed over, almost, and lips a darker color than usual. A little swollen. Extremely tender.

Dick wants to kiss him again. Wants to restart the evening playing this dumb couple, wants to remake everything so when the kiss happens, it is not that unplanned or that surprising. Because neither of them had accounted for Dick jumping onto Jason's lap and kissing him like the world's about to end.

And yet… that's exactly what just happened.

Sure, they could've ended it there, just a kiss, a spur of the moment thing, and not a—they could've stopped before spending so long just making out. All but devouring each other until their bodies started reacting and they were both gasping and… Well. Jay's certainly happy to see him.

(But gods, the feeling is extremely mutual.)

He has to swallow once, twice, clear his throat before he can say anything.

"Listen, Jay—," and then his brain hits a mental boulder and he just. Stops there.

Jason snorts. He also lifts a hand to stroke Dick's jawline, which is more than a little unfair. "I'm listening,” he says with a playful smile on his perfect-for-more-kissing lips.

Dick leans in closer, holds his breath and their eyes are fluttering shut again when he’s stricken by the reason he stopped this in the first place. “Wait,” shuddering and pulling away, he almost falls off Jason’s lap. The hands at his hips stop him from having a rude meeting with the floor. Why is he stopping this? Ah—right. “We,” he shivers, holding himself back from humping one of those thick thighs, “we can’t do this.”

Which, of course, makes Jason stop all those little things he’s doing that are keeping Dick so warm and fuzzy inside. There's even a whine stuck in the back of his throat that he refuses to let out.

"Wh-what. Why?"

"We just," words are failing him so hard right now, "we just can't."

A second in absolute silence goes by. Neither of them move, and it's like they are barely breathing. Then:

"Okay," Jason looks like he's been stabbed in the gut when he guides Dick off his lap and onto the couch. He stands up next, rubbing his hands over his face and running his fingers through his hair till it is a certified mess. "You are right."

Dick's heart stops for a beat.

"Jason—"

"No, it's okay. You are right. We have a mission to finish, we can't let—we can't get distracted. The sooner it's done, the sooner we get to go back."

"I'm so—"

He doesn't get to finish that sentence. Jason pins him down with a hard, unwavering stare, all traces of arousal effectively gone.

"Don't you dare say sorry. You said no, it's no. I don't," his hands close into fists, "I don't want anything that isn't freely offered. Let's just—let's forget about this."

"Okay," Dick ends up saying, unsure.

It's not like they can linger any longer on it. There's this damned undercover mission they need to finish.

When Jason said let's forget about it, though… They both understood a different thing.

For Dick it meant: we can pick this up after the mission.

For Jason, it was quite literal: let's never speak about this again.

-

It is all said and done and they are back in Gotham. It's like time here never runs. Maybe that's why Dick feels like an eternity passes and yet they are still not talking about it. About The Kiss, as he dubs it even though it was more than one and there had been a lot of grinding going on.

As it is, it seems to him that Jason is actively avoiding him, which—no. He's not gonna stand for this any longer. So he follows him after patrol, gets into the safehouse right after him.

"We need to talk," he says.

Jason leaves his guns on the counter, safety on. He takes off his helmet, places it right next to the weapons.

"Sure," and he keeps undressing, the jacket comes off next, the gloves, the mask. Dick takes off his too. It's what's expected. "What's up?"

"I—," frowning, he steps closer till Jason's looking at him warily, "you know what."

"I don't, actually."

"The kiss!" Dick snaps at last and Jason flinches, crowds into his space and takes off his comm to make sure it's turned off.

"What the fuck," he hisses next and when he lifts his head from staring at the small metal piece in his hands, they are both much too close. "Could you be any louder, maybe? Make sure they heard you all the way to Blüdhaven?"

There's no patience for that, though. "Why are you acting like, like—like nothing happened?"

"Because that's the truth!"

"No it is not!"

A beat, two, and Jason huffs. Dick manages to catch how he rolls his eyes as he turns around and walks straight into the kitchen, and Dick follows, because this conversation is far from over. Jason opens the fridge next, takes out a bottle of beer that he uncaps against the counter before taking a long sip from it.

"So," wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he stares at Dick, "it was just some kissing. You said no, we stopped it there, the end."

That, in all honesty, makes Dick's anger flare up. "Don't you the end your way out of this. We had a mission to finish!"

"And we did!" Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jason sets the bottle next to him near the edge of the counter. "Listen, you just, you really don't have anything to explain to me. I get it," now Dick wants to punch him, "plus you agreed to forget about it."

"During the mission," now Dick's sighing, some of the fight leaving him, "I thought you meant we would put a lid on it till we were done with that job."

"But—why would I say forget about it then?! I thought you—" something must have crossed through his mind just then because that's when he shuts up. He looks to the side and picks up his beer again, drinks some more.

Dick walks up to him and snatches the bottle from his hand, which earns him a glare.

"You thought I what?"

"A lot of questions, what are you, a cop?"

"Jason."

He scoffs. "Fine," except it's clearly not, "I thought you didn't really want to kiss me. You only did it because I happened to be there."

Which… what?

"Don't joke," Dick says and immediately after he can tell Jason really wasn't joking. It's in the set of his eyebrows, the way he's not quite looking at him and. "Oh my god. You really—"

"Well, yeah. And you say you thought I meant later, but you never said anything either. So," a shrug, kind of stiff, "we are even."

"I was waiting for you to say something!"

"Well, I was respecting your boundaries," he tries to step to the side and away from being cornered against the counter but Dick stops him, "you said no. That's a hard limit. I don't like stepping over that."

They reach an impasse after that. Actually, neither of them know what to say anymore. There's the feeling of this situation being a novelty, they aren't used to just, just, to laying it out in the open like this. Jason resigns himself to staying against the counter till they find an outcome they both like. He leans against it, drums his fingertips over the edge. Dick looks like he's mentally shifting through exactly a thousand and two responses. All Jason has to do is… wait.

And not for too long.

"Okay," Dick licks his lips, taps the bottle still in his hands, "I'm sorry that I got way too into playing house and then accidentally, you know. Kissed you. Passionately. Again and again."

"It wasn't really an accident, Dickie," Jason laughs a short lived thing, a note of a sound. He's shushed immediately after.

"Just," and when they look at each other in the eye, there's a lot of bravery there, a lot of courage but also… also so much understanding, "I want to do it again. Kissing, I mean."

There's a glimmer of joy in Jason's eyes. "What? No playing house? I can be a good wifey this time, you know."

Dick doesn't frown at him. He steps closer, presses his chest to the other's. Tilting his head slightly to the side, he brushes the tip of his nose over a cheekbone.

"That a promise?"

Jason shivers. Such a delightful reaction.

"It might be."

[fuckingdeadbutroyal]

Jasonette July- Soulmate AU- Part 5

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6 -

“The fuck"

That was NOT what Chat was expecting to happen. Yeah sure he has never experienced a First Meeting before, but he was certain that they didn't usually go down like this.

Chat really wanted to laugh about how they were in fact, literally going down, but thought it to be funnier if the endangered couple would be actually concious to hear it. That's how he found himself, a cat may I add, diving for two sleeping heroes. It was only thanks to his superstrength, that he could lift the gigantic man of a soulmate back to the surface and heave him over one of the upside down boat benches, hoping for it not to break under his and Ladybugs combined weight. Not that the girls weight was of any significance in that equation, with her currently looking as fragile and weak as a corpse. Usually Adrien would never even think of comparing her to anything but beautiful and gracious. Right then and there though, she did not look delicate and fit, did not seem like her outer appearance was just a bluff meant to hide her true skill and strength. No, the heroine looked completely worn out. Chat was debating over taking her to an akuma-shelter and asking for help. If that’s what she looked like with Tikkis’ protection, what would happen if she were to detransform? Chat made sure she was laying down safely before turning his attention to his other rescuee.

The man next to Ladybug looked much healthier in comparison. Somehow he even seemed familiar. Adrien swam around him, trying to decipher who it was he had just saved. He noticed heavy combat boots, a red hood with cut outs on eye-level, a utility belt and several guns. The man's hair was incredibly dark, the blackness only enhanced by the bright grey patch of hair right above his forehead and the cold water dripping down from it. His eyes were closed, an eyebrow slit by a clean white scar and his lips tugged into a small and serene smile.

Adrien had to admit he was pretty good looking. Apart from that, the Cat was weirdly relieved to find him armed. That meant he was capable of protecting his lady instead of Chat. The boy knew that she was capable of protecting herself but he needed that reassurance. His best friend had to be safe, especially in situations as dire as the one they were currently facing.

A few moments had passed with Adrien deep in thought about what to do next and how to act out their plan in case she didn’t wake up in time. The city was quiet, with everyone hiding in their shelters (or simply dead). The akuma was waiting. Everyone felt it’s presence and no one dared disturb it’s silence . Another quiet before the storm. Only it wasn’t actually quiet, not silent at least. Adrien noticed a tiny voice coming from the sleeping mans ear, firmly demanding attention.

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

“Red Hood are you there?”

“Red Hood I’m sending Batman to get you.”

“Red Hood your heart rate is very low, are you asleep?”

“Batman is almost there, hang o-” “What do you mean “Batman”?!”

Tim jumped. Alfred, who was standing next to him and worriedly observing Jasons unmoving red dot on the screen, only blinked in surprise.

“Who are you? What happened to Red Hood?”, Tims voice was firm, but Alfred saw the hidden fear in his posture. Tim loved his brother dearly and was understandably worried about him. The CEO of Wayne Enterprises didn’t like letting his emotions seep into his work, but he really couldn’t help it, It was a scary situation.

“I am Chat Noir, hero of Paris. I am currently protecting Red Hood and Ladybug. Who am I talking to?”

“Red Robin, from Gotham. Batman is coming to help you. Any precautions he should know about?”

Chat told him everything they knew about the akuma and explained their situation. Tim transfered it to Batman who immediatly ordered every member of the family to move to a shelter each. He claimed for it to be necessary so they could protect the civilians in case of an emergency. Everyone knew though, that he was mostly worried about his childrens safety.

“Chat Noir, are you aware of a place near you, where we could place them to let them recover?”

Chat didn’t like his idea. It was disturbing to say the least and made his skin crawl with unease. But it was close, and it has already paid the price for helping them.

“Yes, but we’ll need a distraction.”

“On it.”

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

Stephanie didn’t like following orders. Especially not such uneffective orders as Batmans. To explain the following operation, there are a few things you need to know: Her bond to Tim constisted of two parts. For one, there was the literal, string like, red bond connecting their hearts. For the other, she could hear everything he heard, only if he happened to keep the link open, of course. 

They needed a distraction and were currently coming up with something loud and ultra visible. Stephanie Browns father was a literal villain, so she knew how to think like one and was fairly certain that neither Hawkmoth nor the akuma would fall for the improvised bullshit Dick and Damian were about to pull off. No, Spoiler did not want to be seen. Aside from scanning the streets for any lost victims, she tried to seek cover in the debris all around them. Steph had a plan. Tim did not approve of it and Batsy hasn’t even heard about it but she honestly just did not give a damn. Stephanie has been handling things on her own for a while now. She was not about to start following orders today, not if she did not agree to their necessity.

Her plan? It was risky, very much so. She could not depend on succeeding, but for once she could allow herself to take the risk without fearing the consequences. If it were to come to the worst case, she could always just hope for the miraculous cure to bring her back to life. Now, when she tried to “not be seen”, that did not apply to the villain they were currently chasing. She had a tracker on herself and was connected to Red Robin but she knew that for once, hiding in plain sight would have worked. “Plain sight” was the akumas weakness. If the Dustybitch were to see her baiting him while walking down the streets, he wouldn’t even spare her a second glance. While she’s “hiding” in it’s dirty habitat though? While she’s pretending to be all alone and vulnerable? If Hawkmoth and the akuma believe that keeping the “tiny blonde girl” hostage could be benefitial and she just walks right into their arms?

It had to work, she had to get closer to the Dirtmonster and gain his attention, even if just for a bit. If she could figure out it’s weakness, get it’s akumatized object to Ladybug or at least inform her about it’s whereabouts while doing so? She’s all for it. They could fix this...no, they would.

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

A large flying shadow emerged from between the debris. Bruce somehow wished for a mask similar to Jasons. Red Hoods red hood at least covered his mouth and therefore made it easier to breath in the dust. But even as he came out to the river, he still couldn’t allow himself to breathe freely. His son was asleep on the battlefield, with whom Chat Noir claims to be his soulmate being the cause of his situation. Bruce knew Jason had one, a soulmate that is, but he for sure did not expect them to be a french heroine in a red spotted suit.

“Red Robin, is the distraction ready?”

“She... Yes. Wait for my signal.”

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

Tim was so, so done. The “game” he had formerly enjoyed in his overcaffeinated state, has just taken an unpleasant turn. “Why are you so stubborn? Your plan is foolish, you will die!” “No I won’t.” “Stephanie! Plea-” “Just make sure I don’t sacrifice myself in vain, will you? I am doing the right thing. I can feel it. Trust me.” “It already is in vain! There are other options-”

“I love you.”

And with that she stepped into the abandoned ruin of a building, eyes wide and innocent, voice loud and echoing, calling for Ladybug and Chat Noir. She knew they were on the other end of Paris, the akuma did too. But damn, Hawkmoth could not pass out on such an opportunity. A weak hero as a hostage?

“Let’s end this battle for good.”

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

Tim was listening in horror. His hand was trembling and even Alfred throwing a blanket over his shoulders did not help. That didn’t stop him from doing his job, though.

He heard the akuma by using Stephanies ears, recognizing him even before she did.

“Now.”

With that, Batman jumped onto the boats, running towards the one he noticed moving, not knowing that his daughters life was depending solely on his success.

A second message went out to Chat Noir. Upon hearing it he grabbed the sleeping beauties and tugged them under water. There he positioned them on his shoulders and used his hands to hold on to his baton so he could use it as a jumpstarter. It expanded both up- and downwards, hitting the ground and catapulting the trio out of the water. While in the air, Chat caught side of the big bat, who was kind of comically standing on a red-spotted boat. “Catch!” he called while locking eyes with him and dropping Ladybug in his arms. Adrien knew that giving him the man was not an option, no matter how strong Batman was. The Cat knew it’s physics and could not trust the vigilante to withstand the impact of catching a body of the same mass as his own, while literally standing on water, without toppling over.

Instead of toppling over from the weight of his son, Bruce caught the petite girl, followed the flying cat back to the shore and into one of the destroyed buildings, a former bakery, it seemed.

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

Meanwhile, Stephanie was standing in a cloud of dust, caughing and trying to cover her eyes to stop the dirt from blinding her. She had expected the akuma to attack, but did not think he’d drop to such low methods. He didn’t give her a chance of fighting back, did not face her. Instead he started another earthquake right beneath her feet, just weakened her to near suffocation. 

Tim, with his one hand on his soulmatebond and his eyes on the rescuing mission, listened as the villain grabbed her. “Red, there’s a violet light, he’s still connected”, his soulmate whispered. After that she went completely silent, having finally given in to the akumas torture and lost conciousness. 

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

Chat really wanted to close his eyes. Even more so, he really did not want to be in the room of his recently deceased friend Marinette, especially after having been the cause of her and her parents death. They were upstairs when it happened, right where the dustsnakes attack was the most powerful. ‘All because of me’, Adrien thought, ‘all because I called for them from above. I shouldn’t have let them come up the stairs, I should have joined them down in their basement.’

That’s where they were in that moment. In the Dupain-Cheng-Bakeries’ basement. It was a dark, dry and surprisingly clean place. It’s walls were covered in shelves full of cheese, wine and flour, with the middle kept empty. The empty space was being used by four sleepingbags and several full bottles of water laying on the floor. They were probably meant for each one of the family members and a possible plus one. Marinettes soulmate, maybe? One of the sleeping bags was surprisingly big, though it did make sense if you knew about Tom Dupains size. Chat reluctantly placed the man from his shoulder into the sleeping bag, which turned out to be far more difficult than he had expected it to be.

While he was at it, Batman managed to place Ladybug into the one next to his son, and contact Red Robin for an update. Chat detransformed, completely disregarding the fact that his identity was no longer secret and let Plagg fly off to recharge on the endless supply of cheese. Adrien himself chugged down a bottle of water and crawled into the fourth sleeping bag, smelling Marinettes home, curling up into a ball and silently crying himself into an exhausted sleep.

Bruce, who was for once thankful to be the only concious person in the room, slid down the door he had previously barricaded, not holding back his tears. Tim had just told him about Stephanies sacrifice. Sure, she wasn’t dead yet, but she might as well be. Bruce was so tired of loosing his Robins, so tired of losing his family. He couldn’t be tired now, though. He had people to protect and lives to safe. Currently that meant staying in this basement and keeping an eye on those broken heroes.

Chat Noir was laying there in front of him and Bruce was afraid. Afraid for him, afraid of the past he had to live through and afraid of what the future held for him. He was 17, maybe 18. So young, too young to carry such a burden. Bruce Wayne did not understand how two single heroes have managed to deal with this on their own. He knew he that if he were in their place, he would have succumbed to it a long time ago. Though who said they haven’t lost to it aswell?

They really did look broken, Ladybug especially. Bruce noticed her and Jason shivering in unison. Slowly he stood up and walked over to them, carefully lifting the girl and placing her in Jasons much to wide sleeping bag. They immediatly stopped shivering, laying there with the Red Lady safe and secure in Red Hoods arms. He even proceeded to hug her closer, with a smile gracing both their lips.

“Welcome to the family”, Bruce whispered. She was going to fit right in.

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

Marinette was in a tower, standing in front of a gigantic panorama window. The city in front of her was all black and blue, shining, illuminating the dark as if it were full of aquamarine stars. But no stars were visible. “How sad”, she thought to herself. “All that sky, all those people, all these lights. But no one sees their home.”

“We build our own home, here on earth.”, a voice behind her made it’s appearance. She wasn’t surprised. He should be here, in her dimension, her world. It felt right. “How could we build a new home with our ancestry staring us down?”, she asked looking down at the city beneath their feet. The cloud they were standing on felt like a cold shower, light and unbinding, but firm. 

“Those are my favourite clouds”

“Cumulonimbus?”

“The mightiest of them all.”

Jason looked up at the stars. “Do you fear them?”

“I use their power.”

Black and blue filled his vision. Her soft skin was white as marble, with bruises forming colorful paintings of history, present, past and future. 

She stood next to a little boy, looking up at him. Her summerdress was so very pink, his hands were so very red, the wheels of the Batmobil were so very black. He lifted the wheel into the air and began soundlessly rolling it away. A black figure illuminated by blue light was watching him. “Hey! What are you looking at, weirdo?”, her tiny voice spoke, filling the air like thunder. Metall flashed behind the tall figures head, hitting and breaking him. He dissolved into bits and pieces of stone, onyx and sapphire glistening in the dark. The boy took her hand and they ran, giggles and huffs filling the silent streets. 

Jason sat with his eyes closed and his back leaning on Marinettes. She was leaning on his back, too. Each others weight was crushing their partner. “They aren’t staring at you.” “Our ancestors?” “They are staring at the ones who tried to hurt you.” Their weight found a balance, he was holding her heart in his hands, lifting her off the ground she was afraid of sinking in. 

Eyes opened, sapphire blue met aquamarine cyan.

“The stars never left.”

Black and Blue and White. 

Bruises and Scars.

Silk hair, Vibrant eyes and Shining hope.

Black. Sleep. Night.

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

Jason awoke in the middle of the night. He felt weirdly serene, comfortable. He needed a moment to remember where he was. The memories were coming back slowly, his mind took it’s time emerging from the fog it has been swimming in. The sound of two voices talking next to him startled him, reminding him of every danger he had endured in the past 24 hours. His senses sharpened, he suddenly recognized that the body laying next to him was not his own. It felt weird, he could sense everything she was sensing, after all. Jasons breathing was unusually calm, her breath was a bit too fast for someone who was in deep sleep. They were completly synced. He should be feeling creeped out, like his personal space was being invaded. Jason didn’t though. He liked it. It felt... safe. 

The voices, one of which he now recognized as his fathers, while the other was unusually high, startled him out of his thoughts. Wanting to find the source of the second voice, he reluctantly let the girl next to him go, though they never really lost contact. He sat up, immediatly sensing the seperation and already regretting his decision. She didn’t move in the slightest, as he stood up and walked over to the man who sat there with his back foolishly turned towards the sleeping heroes. Jason didn’t silent his steps, wanting Bruce to hear him. He could’ve used the moment to mess with him, but he didn’t want to wake the parisians behind him, so he painfully discarded the urge. The high voice stopped in it’s speech. Jason still couldn’t see where it was coming from, but Bruce was calm so he trusted it to be safe. His father turned his head, looking up at his son from his seating position, before standing up and pulling him into a firm embrace. Jason was not at all used to physical contact from his father so hee stiffened for a few moments, but when the young adult realised that the man was not about to let go, he relaxed and returned the hug. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”, he heard the gruff Batman voice, though he was quite certain it wasn’t intentional, probably just a result of stress and exhaustion. 

“Yes, I’m good. What about you?”

He knew he wasn’t, he could tell just by looking at the unmasked face with those deep bags under his eyes. This man needed some rest.

“Ah, I guess I’m getting old. Time to retire soon, don’t you think?”

A chuckle escaped Jasons throat. Yeah, maybe he should retire too.

“I won’t be able to stay much longer. I need to get back to the team and follow Barbaras traces. She said that Hawkmoth has to be someone from the upper class, since they are the only ones who aren’t hiding in the shelters. And with Spoilers and Reds inside-information we-” “Wait, hold on. How did they get inside?” 

Bruce winced. It was a ridiculously miniscule movement, but Jason still noticed. He waited for the other man to tell him in his own pace. Such patience was unusual for the Red Hood, but he saw how it comforted the older man so he was grateful for his new personality trait. It wasn’t patience per se, he’d rather call it empathy. Something he has almost forgotten since his resurrection in the Lazarus Pits.

“Spoiler she... she offered herself as a distraction so we could get you, Ladybug and Chat Noir to safety. She... baited the akuma and is now being held hostage. Tim can hear what the akuma is doing, now that Stephanie is back to conciousness and keeping us updated.” Batman voice was even, which either meant he was collected or he was in rage. Jason bet it was the second option.

Instead of adressing it though, Red Hood just nodded. He was worried for Stephanie and sorry for Tim, but unlike his father he wasn’t mad. He knew that if he were in her place, he would’ve done the same.

Speaking of the devil, Tim chose that very moment to contact the both of them: “Hood! Glad to see you’re awake, please go back to sleep. Batsy, Orakel is waiting for you. She has coffee, so rise and shine and good luck! I’ve sent you your route. Check those mansions and make sure to download the local roomplans, I’m certain some of them have hidden rooms and dungeons full of dragons they haven’t mentioned in their tax-reports.”

“Red, when was the last time you slept?”

“What, you want me to go to bed? Let Alfred handle the situation? I mean he can do that but who will take care of your fucking Wayne Enterprises while he’s keeping y’all company? Fucking Catwoman? Harley?? The Joker?!? No? Now get your ass up and drink your coffee, we’ve got work to do.”

With that the line went silent. 

Bruce let out a huff, glancing at Jason and the parisian duo.

“He’s right you know, go back to sleep. Ladybug needs your strength just as much as you need hers. Tikki here, promised to keep an eye on you and wake you in case of an emergency.” Before Jason could even ask who he was talking about he noticed a tiny red creature float up from behind his back, munching on a cookie twice her size. They were peering into his very soul with eyes way to terrifying for someone of their mass. The man couldn’t help but compare them to Damian, though the boys deathglare wasn’t even coming close to the sheer power of the creatures gaze.

Suddenly a second, similar creature joined the first ones side. Jason vaguely recognized it looking slightly catlike, which led to the information he was currently bombarded with finally making sense: “You are Ladybugs and Chat Noirs metas.”, he stated, recognition clear in his voice.

“Kwamis, actually, but yes, c’est nous.”, answered the cat-creature, “allow me to introduce myself. My name is Plagg, I am the God of Chaos and Destruction and this-” he lifted his tiny, finlike limb in the direction of the ladybug-themed Kwami, “-is Tikki, the Godess of Luck and Creation.” 

Jason nodded, for whatever reason not feeling surprised, feeling just like Marinette did whenever she picked up a new book and already new it’s contents. Their partner has already implanted the information into the other ones head, all that was left was to refreshen it. “My name is Jason Todd. I am a vigilante from Gotham. I work under the name of Red Hood. We came to help you deal with Hawkmoth, though I’m sure Batman has already told you as much.”, speaking of his boss he turned to look at him. The men wordlessly bid their good-byes. A “please be careful”, was hanging in the air for both to hear. No need for voicing it. As Batman was leaving, Jason turned his gaze back to the two flying creatures in front him. His gaze landed on Tikki specifically. “I’m also sure you already know that as well, but I am Ladybugs soulmate.”

This was the first time he said it out loud. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, letting himself feel the impact of those words. It felt like... vulnerability. But as he opened his eyes again and met the azure eyes of the godess, that feeling shifted into something different. Something better. He felt empowered.

A moment passed, a connection between the two was forming and no-one dared complain (apart from Plagg, who was quietly grumbling about being left out.) Then, the godess’ demeanor changed completely, a smile now visible and a softness Jason wouldn’t have thought were possible redesigning her whole appearance. She flew up to him and, much to Jasons surprise, softly landed in his hair. “I approve.”

Jason let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.

“Now go back to sleep, my chosen is still unstable and you have to help her get back on track. Go, go!”

The man did not dare argue, didn’t even want to, really. So he just made sure the door was properly barricaded, gulped down a bottle of water and layed down next to his soulmate. She immediatly nuzzled herself closer into his embrace, a smile now gracing their lips, again. 

“I could get used to that...”, Jason thought as he drifted back off to sleep.

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

The other vigilantes had spent their nights in the shelters and were ready to go out the next day, on their way to handling more damage control. 

The last earthquake has moved the debris a bit, but it hasn’t destroyed any new buildings. The city now consisted of ruins, with only the Eiffeltower, the lower levels of “Le Grand Paris” and a few high security mansions still standing. Only a few of the rich houses, who’s owners could afford the most secure stability precautions for earthquakes the world had to offer, were offering to share with the refugees who had lost their homes. Adrien was ashamed to see that his fathers home did not belong to the chosen few.

One way or another, Chat Noir was about to find out. Having waken up before the others, he decided to use the little time before the realization of Ladybugs plan to make sure there was enough space for every surviver, which mostly meant breaking and entering into the homes of the rich, if they didn’t open the gates after his first time asking. His fathers home he had saved for the end, not certain what to expect and definetly not wanting to deal with possible emotional effects. Adrien didn’t actually know what he was hoping for: for his father to be dead, which would explain that “decision” or for him to be alive and well, which would simply mean that his family was safe and sound.

“I’m coming home...coming home, tell the world I’m coming home...”, his quiet voice echoed through the derserted streets of the City he once loved so dearly.

No tune and not a single lullaby could have prepared him for what he was about to find.

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

Hey!

So todays chapter is literaly twice as long as the last one, but I could not divide it into two seperate chapters because of the Jasonette percentage the chapter legally has to fullfill. Writing my world down took so long but it was so fun and now i have the build up I wanted “on paper” so I am mostly happy with the outcome. I honestly feared their relationship would be moving too fast but I guess my real life commitment issues did the trick, so HERE WE GOoooo...

Talking about commitment: THANK YOU DEAR MESSAGE LEAVERS I LOVE YOU SO MUCH if it weren’t for you, I probably would have given in to my doubts and stopped writing. You know, fun anxiety stuff. But you make my anxietini evaporini and I (as always) just can’t stress enough how much it means to me.

Also, my taglist has grown! Your existance fills my heart with joy. If you want to be added to that fabulous group of names you are about to read, feel free to message me in any way. I’ll be happy to add you to the circle of the constantly updated \o/

(Also if you want to be removed from the list, please don’t be afraid to ask me, I will not bite and I pinky promise not to cry~ )

Tag List ^^:

@maribat-is-lifeblood @lokilex @amayakans @readingismyoxygen @zalladane @sunspritethedestroyer @toodaloo-kangaroo @purplesundaze @yeet-this-bitch @ratherbereading125 

Thanks for reading ^^

[harveywritings92]

Batboys Scenario 1: secret model girlfriend. 2/2

They get you back!

Warning Jason and Tim’s scenarios contain mature situations so if that makes you uncomfortable in anyway skip them.

Dick Grayson: it had been six weeks since the whole S/n incident and Dick was wreck, he gotten rid of his posters and the magazines because every time he looked at them he'd see Y/n crying would cause him to feel angry and ashamed of himself.

 and if that wasn't enough to add insult to injury he's hearing rumors that Y/n [S/n] had gotten back together with her ex boyfriend.

 A beefcake model named Arden Silva apparently there were pictures of them both together... But Dick never bothered checking to see if it was true, it made his chest hurt thinking that she'd moved on from him so quickly...

While in reality Y/n wasn't dating Arden far from it actually; early in their careers he came out to her, and she pretended to date him to keep his family from finding out he was gay; till he was ready to come out publicly about it. They 'Broke up." after he met his boyfriend Daryl and both were kind enough to let her stay with them, until she could figure out what to do and where to go from here...

The last thing she wanted was to run into Dick he tried contacting her, but she blocked him; every night consisted of her getting drunk crying over him or being dragged to some wishy-washy party by Arden which of course caused rumors of them rekindling their relationship. 

No, doubt Dick had heard about it. the mere thought made Y/n wanted to pick up the phone tell him wasn't true...But it hurt hearing how he really felt about her; it did a real blow on her self-worth made wonder how other friends saw her.

Kori of course told her it didn't matter if she were S/n or not; Y/n was Y/n and she was beautiful and the kindest person the alien was happy to call her friend not matter what! Hell even Damian who was usually cold towards Y/n told her that there's more to her then just a pretty face and Grayson is a fool for not seeing it, She was touched by that she really was but it still stung.

"Hey guys, I'm going for a walk." she called out to Arden and Daryl who were cuddling on the couch looked up at her concerned. "Are sure that's a good Idea?" Daryl asked having born and raised in Gotham he knew that was a very bad life choice especially at this time of night, After some debate Y/n sighed "Yeah, I'll up on the roof..." The blond man nodded and tossed her the key to elevator.

"Be Careful." the H/c nodded and made her way up to the roof for some air the h/c shuddered as she stepped out of the elevator she should've brought a jacket. Y/n hugged herself as she wandered around the pool area staring up at the sky when someone came up behind her "Y/n-" the h/c yelped and fell backwards into the pool.

Y/n couldn't swim so naturally she freaked as she started to sink, till pair of hands grabbed her by the arms and pulled her out. The h/c wheezed and coughed out water whilst trying to breathe, all while who ever was up on the roof with her rubbed shoulders and apologized.

 when she could finally get air into her lungs Y/n looked up to see who the mystery person was, and was befuddled to see Nightwing looking down at her concerned. Her brows furrowed over why Bludhaven's resident hero was doing in Gotham, and what could he possibly want with her? 

It didn't take long for Y/n to find herself under a pile of towels and the glow of a patio heater as Nightwing cut to the chase and said he was a friend of Dick Grayson's, the H/c's mood dropped lower then her current body temperature.

 "Oh, I'm not special enough for him to come find me himself?" She hissed trying keep her voice leveled the hero tense as She said this, his lips formed thin line as he thought his words out carefully.

"It's not like th-"

"No, it's exactly like that! he made it abundantly clear! so, whatever lie or excuse he script you into saying? He can go shove it up his a-"

"He thought you were cheating!" Nightwing cut her off causing to Y/n to flinch then look at him confused. "What?" she spat obviously skeptical about this sudden revelation. As the masked man sighed frustrated he wanted nothing more then take her home and talk about this as Dick Grayson, but beggars can't be choosers.

"The date cancellations, the hush phone calls, the guy he saw kissing you while leaving ou- your apartment, after you told him you were at work? What does that look like to you?"

Nightwing chided as Y/n though this over...that look bad to anyone in Dick's shoes. "That man was Arden's boyfriend." she mumbled Nightwing's head whipped around to looked at her surprised *B-boyfriend? Arden is gay?...s-So she's not with him?!" as happy he was to hear that, they still solve this mess they gotten themselves into.

"And that made it okay to flirt S/n and say those things about me?" 

She croaked as Nightwing shook his head "No it didn't...Truth be told he's a real Dick and crappy detective for not putting it together." The raven haired hero chastised himself for missing how obvious it was. 

Y/n canceled a date because her editor says she has go France; S/n has a show in France! hell S/n even had the same freckles/birthmark on {spot} as Y/n and he was too caught up in the 'She's cheating' scenario to even notice.

as for why Dick said what he did? there was no excuse, he was hurt and just wanted to be mean and let Y/n hurt for betraying his trust. He regretted every goddamn word once Kori told him who he was talking to. 

"Look, just go home...Please? He misses you." Y/n started crying causing Nightwing to pull her into tight hug. "And trust me, he is very sorry for everything..." the hero said pulling away from her Y/n nodded and eventually left the roof, not fifteen minutes later Dick Grayson got a text his heart rattled nervously in his chest as he check his phone.

{Are you awake? I want come home.]

 [I'll be waiting..}

[I love you...}

{First ILY, Milestone and it's over text, way to make a girl blush.]

Dick snorted to himself as he put his Nightwing gear away hopefully one day he'll be able to tell her about his Stage name.  

[Warning attempted sexual assault! Skip is it make you uncomfortable!]

Jason Todd:  If someone ever told Jason Todd that his nerdy ex girlfriend turned out to be the hottest model in Gotham with a fan-base reaching international levels, he would laughed in their face and called them delusional.

 Well too bad the universe decided to make that scenario a reality, And delivered it to Jason via sloppy hay-maker to the nose! At first he didn't understand what had happened one second he's flirting with his idol! the next he's on the ground holding his bloody nose and gawking up at his sobbing girlfriend.

That was the last time he saw Y/n, she didn't come home that night or return any of his calls, She was still in Gotham or rather S/n was still Gotham he'd see articles on her shoots or see and interviews on TV... He tried getting Artemis to tell him where she went, but the Amazon gave him a dirty look and slammed her door in his face.

 leaving Jason to wallow in his anger and guilt, There he was Jason Todd: Red-Hood, former Robin trained by Batman to be a detective and he couldn't even figure out that his own girlfriend was the pin-up model!, he's such damn idiot! the signs were right there staring him in the face.

Cancelled plans, the e-mails,hushed phone calls, her being able to afford such a nice apartment despite being on a Librarian's salary,and the damn diets! Jason would always give Y/n crap for those back in high school because as he said.

"You don't need to go on a diet, you're a still growing teenage girl who's barely [y/weight] soaking wet and perfectly healthy." He chided before pushing a plate of Alfred's cookies towards her.

 then tried to coax her into telling him who said she was too fat/skinny, cause he was gonna see just how much they weighed after he shoves his boot up their ass! 

"T-two months ago, when you left me at the mall? there was this talent-" She was so close to telling him about her being S/n, but they were interrupted by Bruce calling Jason for a mission, Y/n let him go...

Jason smiled bitterly at the memory as he got ready for patrol, Currently Red-hood was staking out a shady modeling firm, that might be front a trafficking ring. Girls would go in... But never come out, he looked through the binoculars at the activity when he caught something out of the corner of his eye... 

A woman with a familiar mop of y/hc being dragged inside, Jason blood went cold it couldn't be Y/n, but he had to be sure! he silently infiltrated the building through an old service entrance, what he found in this building made made Jason sick.

Women and girls in cells they were filthy and hooked up to Iv's being pumped with drugs so they couldn't run and they all had prices tattooed to their arms. he checked around for any signs of the girl he was looking for.

 when he saw something small glittering on the floor. Red hood crouched down and felt his heart drop it was a necklace, Y/n's necklace! the one he gave her in high school before he died, she never takes it off.

Jason heard a door open and a man walked in and noticed the necklace on the floor, he crouched down and to look at it when the click of gun's safety going off caused him to tense, the man stared dead ahead as a modulated spoke up. "I'm not even gonna give ya a choice, where do they keep the new girls?" Red-hood snarled keeping his gun on the guy's head who was shaking.

"the basement, with the boss! if he sees one he likes he-" He didn't get a chance to finish as Jason snapped his neck, and made his way down to the basement. and stopped when he heard two men talking. "See that h/c broad they brought in?" the other nodded "Yeah, if she tweaked her hair and ditch the glasses she'd looked like S/n..." 

The first one hummed agreement." probably why the boss wanted her so god damn badly, she's his dream girl after all.." the Jason let out a low growl so, it was Y/n neither men had noticed the vigilante silently approaching as other man snorted "Well, hell he can keep her, did you see what that bitch to Ernie's hand..."

Instead of his buddy he saw red not that he was angry or anything; Red-Hood just headbutted him knocking him to the floor, before stepping on his neck. "where's the boss?" he hissed the dazed man pointed at the office. "thanks." was all the vigilante said before popping a cap in his skull no doubt altering his boss to his presence.

 Meanwhile Y/n mind was starting to slip into unconsciousness, she kept struggling to push this disgusting man off of her. but she was getting weaker, what ever was in that needle he jabbed in her was starting to take effect, she felt tears welling in her eyes as she tried think of something, anything that would take her away from this situation!

the man had gotten her shirt and bra off when a loud bang caused him to pull away, "I'll be right back sweetheart..." He cooed kissing her cheek if Y/n could gag she would, She watched her kidnapper pull out a gun and cautiously walked towards the door. a shadow appeared under the door, the guy didn't even opened it he just fired at the door.

 there was a thud and a noticeable give against the door's metal surface. he smirked and opened it only for the body of one of his thugs to drop in a heap at his feet. The trafficker gasped in shock and started backing towards Y/n, only for the window shatter in a downpour of shards the trafficker grunted as he was sent to the floor.

Y/n's eyes widened as a large man in a black leather jacket and tactical gear came into view, it took her a moment to realize it was the Red-hood. who slowly stood up and started walking towards her kidnapper. who was begging for his life as the vigilante approached him "no,no,no please!...the girl!" He pointed at Y/n frantically.

 "y-you can have her man, just don't-" He was cut off by Red-hood pointing his gun at his head "that's kind of the point pal." the vigilante said before shooting him in the face splattering blood on his suit, as he turned Y/n and immediately made his way over to the semi conscious girl.

Y/n saw Jason take off his jacket before covering her with it. He lifted her off the desk and carried her out of that hellhole, the last thing she saw was Red-hood looking down at her while calmly telling her. 

"You're alright N/n...I got cha...I got cha..." he soothed holding her close before everything went dark.

 When she woke up Y/n was confused as to where she was and how did she get there, then she remembered being kidnapped and what that guy almost did to her...the Red-hood, Jason saved her?

She looked and saw a familiar helmet on the room's nightstand and noticed the familiar figure in Kevlar sitting next to the bed watching her intently "Jay?" she croaked still trying to understand what she was looking at. 

she couldn't tell if he was a hallucination from what that trafficker injected her with, or if her ex really did come and rescue her? the raven haired man sighed in relief. "Hey...Looks like we've got a lot talk about? he said numbly before reaching into his jacket and gave her necklace back. "I would've never found you without it." 

The two just talked and told each other everything, how she ended up being S/n, while he told her why he was acting like an ass to her the last couple months, was because he saw he out with one of her Co-workers a male model and thought she was two timing and planing to leave.

and his plan was two could play at that game...only to be blindsided when the girl he chose; turned out to be the love of his god damn life and he screwed everything up like always! Y/n immediately berated him for blaming himself!

"This was more my fault then yours! I'm the one should've told you about S/n then this would've been avoided." she said as Jason took his gear off and crawled into bed with her and wrapped his arms around. 

"We're both Idiots..." he mumbled tiredly into her shoulder as one of his hands roamed under her shirt, his thumb made circles on her hips. "That that we are.." she hummed holding his free hand. "I love you." she mumbled Jason kissed her neck "I know, go to sleep." they drifted off...   

[Note: Tim and the reader are like college aged in this: 19-22 years old just to make that clear!]

Tim Drake [light smut]: *How, the hell did this happen?!* a red faced Y/n frantically wondered as her naked body was pressed against Tim's who was trying to hide the h/c from the other men in the locker room, How did this happen? Y/n came to the school to ask Tim for the key to her apartment back, but she didn't know college layout...

and got to asking if anyone knew where Tim Drake was? Well some girls who were fans of Tim pretended to take her to him and "Accidentally" spilled their drinks on her; since Y/n didn't go to this school, they easily tricked her saying it was the women's room. they stole her clothes and the e/c eyed girl was trapped!

After sitting in that shower stall scared and freezing her ass off. The model breath hitched when she saw the stall door opening and realized she hadn't locked it. the h/c immediately tried to grab the handle only to come face to face with Tim Drake who looked very stunned to find her there!

 "Y/n? what are you doing in-" Y/n thanked every deity out there that it was Tim who found her and not some creep, She started crying and threw herself at ignoring the fact that he wasn't exactly dressed, the raven awkwardly hugged back as he was still trying to process what was going on?

Tim although stunned was also very upset to find his Y/n naked and scared in the men's locker room; where anyone could've found her like this! his first thought was someone already had. "What happen, did someone bring you here?..did they-" Y/n shook her head "No, I was looking for and some girls said they'ed take me to you then spilled their drinks on me, and tricked me into going in here." she quietly explained unfortunately for them a group of men started pilling in!

Causing Tim to curse under his breath he climbed inside the stall with Y/n and locked the door. The raven haired man held her close to him, in an attempt to try and keep anyone from seeing her...thank god the shower stalls had tall dark tinted privacy doors instead of curtains, and no space for anyone to crawl under or they would both be screwed!

Y/n gulped when the raven haired boy pressed closer to her, she held her breath as the outline of a man appeared and the door jiggled a little. "It's busy dude..." Tim said hoarsely his voice rumbled against Y/n's ear who let out a tiny whimper hoping they'ed leave, whoever was out there huffed annoyance and tried to look into the stall  through the door "Are you even Showering in there?" the man asked clearly suspicious.

Tim had reached over the y/height girl and turned the water on; to a least look like he's busy so the others wouldn't be curious. "Yeah, these old showers take a while to turn on when they're all in use." another voice explained all while Tim and Y/n were trying their hardest not look at each other or touch anything. whoever was at the door huffed and walked away along with whoever told him about the delay in water pressure.

the couple relaxed, Well Y/n was relaxed until...She felt something poking her inner thigh. 

Tim's jaw set and awkwardly looked down at Y/n who noticed and averted her gaze to the wall, the raven haired boy swallowed hard feeling her boobs pressed against his chest, it had been almost a month since they were this close to each other...Clothed and otherwise. So, can imagine how quickly Tim lost his battle with the beast... 

then Y/n did the mistake of looking up at him again, with that look in her eyes, because next they knew they were making out against the tiled wall any gasps or whimpers Y/n made were drowned out by the men loudly talking or the locker doors slamming. 

The h/c bit her lip trying not to moan as Tim's length slowly entered her needy core. "Don't make a sound..."Tim growled lowly in her ear she whimpered into his shoulder as he began to thrust into her roughly, needless that was possibly the hottest sex they've had in a while!

15 minutes later after all the guys had left...

the two girls who had tricked Y/n were still waiting outside very confused over why they did't hear any hooting and cheering or see a naked girl run out of the locker room, the blond was annoyed glaring at he phone, while the brunette who was holding a bag with Y/n's ruined clothes inside sat nervously next to her. "Um, Shelly y-you don't think the guys did something, do you?" she asked scared that they may have helped someone get assaulted or murdered.

"Shut up Britney." the blonde hissed causing her friend glare at her "I'm not gonna shut-up, and I ain't going to jail for-" They were cut off by Tim Drake walking out of the locker room holding hands with a flustered Y/n who was in his spare gym clothes. He noticed the two girls gawking and held his free hand out whilst giving them a stern look the brunette sheepishly handed him the bag, the couple walked off seemly lost in their own world. 

earlier

in the locker room after making sure everyone was gone, Tim helped Y/n dry her hair off get dressed, the two got to talking about everything that happened like how and why Y/n kept her modeling career a secret from him. 

She said she kept all of her S/n stuff at the studio clothes, make-up etc. and reason she hid was because she didn't want to be S/n all the time, nor did she want her fans harassing her and knowing where she lived and try to get with her. "It's happened, they were waiting in my living room."

Tim tense up a bit luckily this was before they dated, but that still didn't make it alright "has anyone tried following you since we-?" He asked handing her his red windbreaker to wear Y/n shook her head, and explained that they usually tried anything security would toss them out.

They usually ignore her because they're looking S/n not some plain coffee gopher. that and if they ever give up on S/n and went after Y/n, those self-defense lessons Tim gave her, told any unwanted guests that maybe they should back right off! After that said and done Tim wrapped his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.

"I'm sorry I was a jerk." 

"I'm sorry for keeping secrets from you."

Tim went quiet for moment before making a very big decision "...Yeah, Do you want spend the night at my place? I need to show you something." Y/n looked up at him curiously. "What is it?" As the two got up from the locker room bench, Tim snorted and grabbed her hand and started walking to the exit.

"It's kind of personal, Just... Don't freak out." the h/c's face turned red she wanted say *we just had sex in a crowded locker room without getting caught! nothing could surprise me at the moment!* But, all that came was a meek "Alright." as Tim led them out the locker room, Hopefully she takes him being Red Robin, better then he took to her being S/n... 

Adult! Damian Wayne: 4 week...4 weeks since he'd last saw Y/n and Damian was goddamn wreck! He was subtle at first almost like he didn't care, he thought Y/n would come back after 2 or 3 days...but when she didn't? the usually cool and collected Wayne was unnerved, clumsy and irrational. 

Often finding himself lashing out at his brothers or being too violent on patrol. He finally opened up to Dick after figuring out his oldest brother knew about her double life and demanded to know why she would tell him, but not her boyfriend! 

However, Dick had very choice words for his brother he was still livid that Damian lied to him. "She was going to, but after the stunt you pulled? Hell, I'm surprised I'm even talking to you." The younger man looked at his brother stunned as Dick continue to scold him.

"You used brag that you weren't like Bruce! You'd never play with a woman's heart, that you were waiting for the right girl to come along, and you had her!" the raven haired man ran his hand through his hair trying hard not to deck Damian in the face.

Don't get him wrong, Dick loves his little brother, but right now, he was too disappointed and angry! "And instead of having a night to show her off? you chose to lie and be shallow about her looks and took some money grubbing bimbo to parade around as your girlfriend!" Damian went to say something, But Dick wasn't finished, he had to go there...

"What if You and Y/n had gotten married? What then, were you going to pay some actress to be her while the real one sat alone in a room? while everyone's congratulating you and whats-her;" The younger man slammed his fist on the metal table denting it "I Fucked up! I get it alright?!" he snarled causing Dick to cock a brow.

He knew full well that Damian was planning to propose."Now, would you please help me find Y/n and fix this?" the green eyed man asked desperately as Dick not entirely sure if he was making this better or worse...

 "She's in L.A., probably staying with Robbie Reyes, the guy you saw leaving with her." The acrobat paused for a moment reading Damian's face the mix of jealousy and confusion was evident; making it clear Y/n never mentioned Robbie before.

"Be careful around him, He's the kind to hold grudge when someones wronged his family." Dick met Robbie once by accident the same night he found out about Y/n's double life. 

Although he seemed like a nice guy, there was something off about the Latino boy, in some ways he reminded Dick of Jason...but that's putting it mildly! whatever Dick had seen in that boy's eyes made Jason look like small potatoes in comparison.... 

Meanwhile...

"You really didn't have to do this N/n.." Robbie said as he helped carry the groceries Y/n had bought, the h/c just waved her foster brother off. "After all your family done for me it's the least I can do!" She greeted Gabe who looked up from his homework a for brief moment.

"There was call while you were gone!" the teen rolling his wheel chair to the two and taking one of the bags from from and immediately dug in a found a bag of Reese's mini pieces. "Oh, for me or your brother?"

Y/n asked grabbing a package of ramen, The teen had teared the bag open and chowed down on the candy. "For you some dude, named Damian?" The rooms temperature seem to drop a few degrees there was a loud pop caused by Y/n squeezing the ramen packet, as Robbie felt his stomach flop thinking all the hard work he's put into bringing Y/n back on her feet was about to be blown to pieces.

"And what did, he say?"

"That he's sorry for the gala?"

"tsk* anything else?"

"He's staying at his family vacation house, and isn't leaving until you go see him."

Y/n let out a bitter laugh "Well he's gonna be waiting a long time!" She spat as Gabe tilted his head befuddled before Robbie could divert the subject or tell his brother to finish his homework the younger Reyes spoke up. "He lied and did a bad thing but so did Y/n, isn't it only fair that she gives him another chance? or at least hear him out?" the boy asked innocently.

Robbie awkwardly looked between his siblings before grabbing the handles of Gabe's wheelchair and pushed him out of the room, "10 minute break! go play Skyrim or read comics!." The older Reyes brother said frantically as his brother protested, then there were two.

"Y'know Gabe is right, You need closure and to achieve that you need to talk to him." Robbie said as Y/n tossed the ramen packet away. But before she could say anything Gabe' voice came from the living room.

"Awesome! it's Batman!" the h/c tensed up and went out to see what the teen was watching and saw the news, it showed Batman fighting Bane! what was Bane doing in LA?! Y/n flinched as she watched Damian get thrown around she turned towards Robbie, who was watching the screen he slowly looked at her and it was like having mental conversation, before it clicked the Latino silently mouthed out *Your Ex is Batman?!* she winced and nodded and with that Robbie grabbed her hand and to two slipped away.

With Damian.

Damian was getting the tar kicked out of him, each of his brothers offered to come with him, but no! he had to regain his beloved on his own accord. He really was a prideful bastard and he was paying for it! big time! Damian was exhausted black dots were starting to paint his vision.

 He briefly wondered if this is how his father felt moments before Bane broke his back? The news helicopter would've made an efficient getaway, but it fled the second Bane started throwing pieces of train parts at it. The new Batman tried reaching for smoke bomb try to escape while he could still stand.

however Bane got a hold of his arm and lifted him off the ground. "I broke you once, I'll break you a again!" the drug lord roared and got ready to pull Damian's arm off only for the loud thunderous roar of an engine broke through the silence. And in an instance Damian was airborne as something black and on fire crashed into Bane sending the venom charged hulk flying into some cargo containers. 

Damian lifted himself off the ground to see what saved him it was some kind demon car? a 69 charger...that the car Todd's been sobbing over and the car he saw Y/n speed off in...

He wasn't prepared for what happened next he saw Y/n step out of the flaming vehicle dressed in all black and wearing a domino mask she borrowed for Halloween, but never got around to returning.

She ran up to Damian and pulled him off the ground as Robbie got out of the car they heard Bane roar with rage in the distance. "Stay in car...I'll take care of the big guy."  the mechanic hissed as his eyes began to glow, Damian watch in awe as the man's body ignited in flames burning away his flesh and down to his skeleton.

"Aim for the hoses connected to the dispenser on his back, it's how he's injects himself with venom." Y/n explained the skeletal creature nodded at the y/height girl as she helped Damian into the car the vigilante looked between Y/n and whatever the thing was.

 "Wh-what the hell is that?" Damian croaked in pain and concealed fear as Y/n helped him into the backseat. "That's my brother Robbie, He's the spirit of vengeance the ghost rider." The masked girl explained as the two watched Robbie kick Bane's ass, Using his chains to burn through the hoses on the drug lords back.

When the rider was done with the power-house of a villain, the rider tore Bane's mask off. "Look into my eyes...Your soul is tainted with blood of the innocent...feel their pain!" the rider hissed as Bane was subjugated to the horrors he had inflicted on all his victims over the years. causing the drained crime-lord to scream in agony as the ghosts of the many tormented him causing Bane to flee in fear, straight into a metal beam. Knocking himself out.

The rider then turned back to the hell charger and got in the car."Where too?" Robbie inquired as he slowly turned back into his human form. "Normally the hospital, But in this case...how good is Gabe at keeping secrets?" Damian quizzically while the mechanic nodded.

"Pretty good, Just don't make-out or bleed out on my couch!" Y/n snorted at her brother "Trust me making out with guy who ashamed of me is the last thing on my mind?" She huffed looking out the window, as Damian sat himself up in the back seat. "I'm not ashamed of you." he hissed in pain holding his dislocated shoulder Y/n sucked her teeth at him.

"Right, you just went with some whore, because I'm so fucking gorgeous I turn people to stone when they look at me?" Robbie whistled awkwardly and put his headphones in to listen to music as the couple talked, Damian swallowed hard as he looked at Robbie then at Y/n trying to figure out what to say, he tapped into his inner Grayson.

 "Okay, I'll admit I wasn't thinking about you or your feelings, I was thinking about myself and my reputation when I asked that girl to gala and not you, And it was selfish and scummy of me." He winced feeling his bruised ribs constrict, coughed shallowly. "But your no better than I am..." Y/n slowly turned to look at him in disbelief. "Excuse me? I'm not the one who cheated!" She hissed venom dripping on every word.

"1. I didn't cheat, I just paid I a girl to hang off my arm and look pretty."

"You lying-"

"2!..We've been together for five years and never once have you talked to me about meeting your family, You've met mine hell, you lived with us after Grayson accidentally burnt your house down. And as that alter-ego of yours? I told you about my secret because I trust you, I thought same the same of you! but clearly I was wrong." 

Damian chided as Y/n felt rotten realizing that he right, She knows almost everything about Damian's life vigilante and civilian. But never once has she talked about her family as for telling her secret? truth be told.

Y/n honestly thought Damian was playing with her using her as a cover even after five years; she kept expecting him to just drop her out of the blue and never talk to her again. And that stunt he pulled at the Gala pretty confirmed her apparent false assumptions...

"Oh, for the love of-" Robbie suddenly cut in "look! You're both stupid for each other, so either make-up or shut-up! c'os I'm getting real sick of this Donna/Eric bull-shit!" The Latino snapped causing the couple to flinch as he eye were ablaze, Robbie took a deep breath pulled over and got out of the car to take a break.

Both Damian Y/n sheepishly stared at each other. "I was looking for you," He let out a bitter chuckled "Grayson finally told me where you were, after telling me how much I screwed up." the man removed his cowl and his appearance caused the rot to spread as Damian was pale his green eye were sunken and dull it was clear he hadn't been taking care of himself since the break up.

to be fair Y/n wasn't either... She hardly slept and when she did, she could hear Damian bad mouthing her and that girl laughing at her! if she was alone with no one was watching, she would go hide in the bathroom or garage and cry while staring at Damian's number on her phone conflicted she wanted to call but... 

She didn't know if she wanted to scream at him or just cry more. Robbie eventually figured it out and started bugging her to call Damian and talk; if he's not sorry then move on...If he is give him chance.

"Are you really sorry?" She croaked as Damian grabbed her hand squeezed it. "Yes, I am." He said firmly as the h/c eyed him still unsure. "what about that girl?" She mumbled suspiciously as the raven haired winced from shifting his weight causing his ribs to protest.

 "Like I said she’s someone I paid, she meant absolutely nothing to me." He rested his head against her shoulder, like he used to when he came back from a long mission, the h/c bit her lip as she thought this over then swallowed her pride.

"One chance..." Damian looked at her hope visible in his eyes. "One more chance Dam, If you pull any sort of crap like this-" She cut off by Damian kissing her passionately before pulling away. "I won't..." He promised as Y/n smiled at him shyly, as Robbie got back in the car. "Did you resolve your problems?" the couple nodded Damian keeping his hand on Y/n's. 

"Good, now we're going home and you're going introduce me and Gabe to the guy whose banging our sister." the mechanic said seriously while giving Damian a cold look "Can it wait till' Damian's ribs aren't breaking everytime he breathes?"  

Y/n pleaded obviously trying to at least let Damian heal before her brothers try to intimidate him. "No." Robbie huffed as the couple slouched against the seat "Sorry, Damian." He kissed her hand smiled painfully at her."Don't worry beloved, I'll soldier through it just for you.." Y/n smiled gently at her boyfriend as her mind tried to work through how Gabe was gonna react to his sister dating batman, hopefully he takes it better then Robbie is a the moment... 

[secondgenerationnerd]

Mother Knows Best

Author’s notes: Another SpeedDemon fic? Say it ain’t so. I’m kidding. Can’t remember why I decided to write this aside from causing my bestie @girlwonder123x some pain (love you!). I also reference a few stories on @dctinytitans so you should totally check them out! (next Fic is gonna be a Lian Harper fic)

Rating: M for swearing and violence.

Words: 4606

         “Ok, lightning bug,” Irey reaches into her daughter’s crib,” Mama’s here. I gotcha.”

         Irey speaks softly, mostly about nothing, as she changes the five-month-old. Asha looks up at her mother, looking every bit like her father except for those dazzling green eyes, babbling and gurgling to herself. Irey smiles. She tickles the little girl, filling the room with giggles,” Someone’s in a good mood. You wanna see if Baba’s up? Huh? You wanna talk to Baba?”

         Asha snuggles up to her mother as they go to the living room. Irey makes a list of things she needs to do as she settles on the couch, pulling her nursing bra to the side. Asha latches on easily, long lashes fluttering shut. Irey looks down at her daughter with so much love. Breastfeeding is one of the things she’s loved most about being a mom. The health benefits and science behind it she loves, but being able to hold her baby, bonding with her this way is something she will never take for granted. After all, It’s something she never thought she would get.

         When Irey and her twin brother, Jai, were 13, they’d been told that they have a very low chance of ever having kids. This was due to the stress their powers put on their bodies, as they had to produce more ATP and there had been more science babble that Irey heard but didn’t process. At 13, she knew at some point she wanted a family, but not now. It didn’t really hit her until she was 17 and she had been dating Damian a while. They’d been cuddling on her bed, talking about nothing in particular. It just hit her how much she wanted to grow old and have a family with him. And how that might not happen.

         When Irey found out she was pregnant, she straight up called her doctor a liar. He did three different pregnancy tests, two in front of her face. She still couldn’t believe it. It wasn’t until that first ultrasound, where she heard Asha’s heartbeat for the first time, that it hit her. She was having a baby. The baby now nestled in her arms, contently nursing.

         Irey takes another minute to just be with her daughter before grabbing her communicator. She can’t exactly call Damian’s cell phone, but the process of getting in touch with him on the communicators is a pain in the ass. She has to request it, hope to whatever is out there that he’s available to talk and has service, and, even then, it’s not like they can really talk because it’s being recorded. Irey rolls her eyes as she selects Robin V (His brothers and Steph don’t even use the damn names anymore) and waits, her eyes drifting around the room. She smiles at a picture on the mantle. Damian and Irey are maybe 11 and curled up together in an oversized armchair. They were in the Wayne Manor library. Damian’s arm had found its way around her, holding her loosely. Irey, on the other hand, had both arms around his waist and her face practically buried in his neck, cuddling him like he was a teddy bear. You’d never know two seconds later he was punching Dick in the face.

         That had been the day they met. Her dad needed to talk to Dick (who she has long since stopped calling Uncle Dick because it was too weird) about something, and Damian was saddled with her. Damian had been an asshole towards her. He’s the first to admit it, but things got better as the day went on. He’d gotten her a rose from the garden after finding her crying there. He ended up reading Hamlet to her. Irey, to this day, still has no idea how they ended up cuddling in the photo. She just remembers feeling warm and Damian’s smooth voice reading the words she doesn’t quite understand.

         “Hello, my beautiful flower,” Irey looks at her communicator’s screen. Her heart soars at the sight of Damian. He looks like hell. Dark hair messy, dirt and sweat cover his face, showing her where his mask had been, a bruise starting to form on his cheek up towards his forehead. Irey beams, thinking he’s never looked more handsome.

         “Hey, babe,” Irey adjusts herself as Asha finishes feeding,” We miss you.”

         “Miss you too. I don’t like being away from my girls,” Damian smiles,” How are you?”

         “Well, not tracking a drug cartel in Guatemala, but I can’t complain,” Irey points the camera at Asha. The baby squeals at her father’s image, stretching her little fists out for him,” I think Asha misses her baba.”

         “Hi, Hayati,” Damian coos to his daughter,” I miss you so much. Baba loves you and can’t wait to see you tonight.”

         “Tonight?” Irey points the communicator back at her,” You all finished already?”

         “It’s been a week, Nuri,” he points out.

         “You’re working with Lian, Gar, and Bart. Forgive me for thinking the mission would last longer,” She teases. Damian smirks.

         “Why do you think I’m leading the team?” Irey snorts at this,” No, we finished yesterday. Father said to stick around til tonight, see if any more news comes our way. Then they’ll zeta us home.

         “I can’t wait to see you,” Irey gives him a smirk that sends a jolt of electricity down his spine,” I miss my fiancé. The bed is too big and cold without you.”

         “I’m sure we can warm it up,” Damian assures her with a wink,” Honestly, as much as I love you, Irey, it’s taken everything for me to not murder Bart. I can’t believe he’s related to you.”

         “I usually chalk it up to a future thing and leave it at that. Besides, your family isn’t much better.” Irey stands up, getting Asha a bottle of formula. Poor baby has her mother’s overactive metabolism. Irey sets the communicator on the counter, so she can still talk to him.

         “Fair enough,” Damian chuckles,” What do you two have planned for today?”

         Irey looks down at Asha, speaking in her baby voice,” Well, when it’s not 2:34 in the morning, Mama and Asha are going to get breakfast with Uncle Jai-Jai. Then we have to go to the doctor to get weighed. And if we’re still in a good mood, we’re gonna go grocery shopping and get yummy things to try; like bananas and strawberries and-“

         “You know,” A cool voice behind her interrupts,” If you speak to her like that, your daughter will grow up to be dimwitted.”

         Irey drops the bottle in her hand, whipping around. A woman looks at her. Dark brown hair, green eyes, caramel skin. Irey adjusts her grip on Asha, holding her as close to her chest as she can,” Talia.”

         “Irey?” Damian’s voice calls out. Irey uses a very tiny portion of her speed to grab the communicator so Damian can see her. She doesn’t dare use anymore or got too far, in fear of hurting Asha. Irey gasps when a dart hits her arm, barely missing her baby,” IREY?!”

         “Hello, my son,” Talia says coolly. Irey isn’t sure who recoils more at the words- her or Damian.

         “Damian,” Irey’s voice is firm,” I need you to hang up- “

         “N- “

         “Hang up and call the league.” Irey barks, not taking her eyes off of Talia. She feels different, slower. Whatever was in that dart must be neutralizing her powers. She growls,” What do you want?”

         “Can’t a grandmother come to see her granddaughter?” Talia moves towards her. Irey steps back, keeping her grip on Asha tight.

         “Stay. The. Hell. Away. From. My. Baby.” Irey spits. Talia smirks and it takes everything for Irey not to think of how much it looks like Damian’s.

         “You don’t scare me, speedster.”

         “I might not be scary, but I can be pretty fucking ruthless when it comes to my daughter’s safety.” Damian’s still watching, unable to move.

         “Who said it’s her safety you need to worry about?” Irey doesn’t have time to react as Talia pulls out a gun and fires at her. Just before Damian’s feed cuts out, he hears a crash and Asha crying…

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

         Dick, Jason, Cass, and Tim are silent as they enter their little brother’s apartment. Normally, they would stop to look at some of the pictures on the wall, as Irey likes to switch them out. Now they stop because of the blood splatter on the wall and the trail on the floor. Jason kneels beside a streak and mouths fresh. While Cass and Tim clear the living room and kitchen, Jason and Dick check down the hall. They open doors along the way, waiting for someone to jump out at them. Nothing. They check the master bedroom, finding nothing but an unmade bed and a pile of laundry. The men jump at the sharp cry that comes from the only room yet to be cleared.

         Cass and Tim meet them outside Asha’s room. Cass mouths Home clear. They nod. Dick throws the door open. Asha wails from her crib, holding onto the railing. While the other three check the room, Dick picks up his niece,” Hey, hey, hey. You’re ok. I got you, pretty girl, I got you.”

         “Dick.” Tim flips on the light. The front of Asha’s purple pajamas is covered in blood. Tears cut trails in the splatters on her cheeks.

         “Jesus fucking Christ,” Jason picks up a note in her crib. SAVE MY MOMMY in crisp feminine letters. The siblings exchange a knowing glance. This wasn’t good. Dick bounces Asha, trying to calm her, as Jason grumbles,” Wally’s gonna blow a gasket. Damian’s gonna blow a gasket.”

         “Baby,” Cass holds her arms out to Dick,” Give me baby.”

         Dick gently passes Asha to Cass. The dancer moves around the room in quick, sharp steps. The same pattern over and over. Most babies would hate the movement. Most babies don’t have Irey West for a mother. Asha’s cries fade to hiccups as she rests in her aunt’s arms, looking around for her mother or father.

         “We need to get her somewhere safe,” Tim says. Dick nods, already grabbing the prepacked diaper bag that Irey kept on the rocking chair. He opens her drawers, looking for something warm for the baby to wear in the cold December night.

         “So…who wants to tell Damian his fiancée and the mother of his child has been kidnapped by his mother?” Jason asks. No one answers him. No one wants to answer.

         After making sure Asha is secured to Jason’s chest with three separate straps and bundled up as warm as possible, the group heads towards the Batcave. It takes almost an hour to get there as Jason avoids any rough roads. Asha sleeps the whole way. They head Damian screaming the minute they ride into the cave.

         “WHERE ARE THEY?!” He roars at Bruce, Clark, and Diana,” WHERE’S MY FAMILY?!”

         “Damian, you need to calm down,” Bruce’s voice is firm and even.

         “DON’T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN WHEN I JUST SAW THE LOVE OF MY LIFE GET SHOT BY MY MOTHER WHILE HOLDING OUR CHILD!”

         Asha wakes up at the sounds of her father’s shouts. She wriggles against her uncle, not wanting him anymore. Jason quickly unhooks her.

         “Damian-“Dick begins.

         “WHAT?!” Damian whips around. Everyone, everyone, watches his shoulders relax and his eyes soften. They hear the breath he releases at the sight of his daughter. Asha holds her arms out to him, babbling and cooing. Damian runs to Jason, cape flying up behind him, and taking her from him. He holds her tight, kissing her dark curls over and over and over,” I’m here. Daddy’s here. You’re safe. I got you. Daddy’s got you. I got you.”

         He holds her tight, just reminding himself that she’s here and alive and safe. But then he takes a closer look. Little bits of blood still fleck her cheeks and neck. His heart stops,” Where’s Irey?”

         None of his siblings answer him. Dick is the only one to meet his eyes. Instead of answering, he hands his little brother the evidence bag with the note inside. As quickly as his demeanor had changed when he saw Asha, it changes again. All the light fades from his eyes and his face grow tight. Asha gurgles in her father’s arms, typically something that would make him smile at her. This time he doesn’t react. He doesn’t look at his daughter, instead handing her to Dick. Asha’s confused as her father walks away. She starts crying. Damian doesn’t react.

         “Where are you going?” Dick asks, trying to calm Asha. The baby cries harder, stretching her arms out for Damian.

         “To find Irey,” Damian, without a second thought, hops onto his old motorcycle. He rides away before anyone can say anything to him.  

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

         Irey grits her teeth as the pain courses through her body. She won’t scream. Talia doesn’t get to hear her scream. Instead, Irey pulls on her chains. Why the fuck a church has a dungeon she’s not sure. Talia nods at her henchman, who cuts the electricity off. Irey releases a sharp breath.

         “I’m impressed,” Talia says, looking at Irey like a piece of meat,” I didn’t think you’d last this long.”

         “Fuck. You.” Irey growls. Her hair falls over her shoulders and into her eyes.

         Talia ignores this,” I suppose my son wouldn’t be attracted to someone weak. Though I still don’t see why he would choose you.”

         “Because I actually love him,” Irey doesn’t care if Talia knows it,” I love him and I love who he is- “

         “You stupid girl, you don’t know who he is- “

         “I know who you tried to turn him into. A cold-blooded killer who would never love anyone. Never let anyone in. And guess what, bitch? That isn’t Damian.” Irey can’t stop the cry of pain as Talia turns the electricity on again. Irey can tolerate more than a normal human, thank you speed force, but her muscles tighten until it feels like they’re ripping. She’s breathing heavily as the power cuts off.

         “I know my son better than some whore.” Talia’s words sting, but Irey meets her eyes.

         “I’m not a whore. I’m the love of his life, the mother of his child-“

         “A bastard-“

         “Just like her father.” Irey hates saying it, but technically it’s true,” But until her father, Asha will have a mother who loves her. Who will protect her. Who won’t ever use her like she’s just a pawn in a bigger game.”

         Talia slaps her across the face. Irey looks back at the older woman’s eyes, refusing to back down,” You think you scare me, bitch? I’m Irey West. I’ve been doing this shit since I was 10. There’s nothing you can do to me that I haven’t already been through.”

         “Maybe not you,” Talia’s fingernails dig into Irey’s cheeks,” But there’s a little girl I can still hurt.”

         Irey doesn’t recognize her voice through the anger and venom,” If you touch my daughter, I’ll shove my hand through your heart.”

         “My dear, there isn’t anything you can do to stop me-“

         “But there’s plenty I can do.” Both women look up. Damian stands in the doorway, blood on his uniform and his unsheathed katana. Irey relaxes at the sight of him,” Get away from her.”

         “Get him!” Talia shouts at the henchmen. Irey watches in horror as they attack Damian. But then she sees the cold look in his eyes. No.

         Damian doesn’t hesitate to kill the men, slicing them down as if they are inconveniences. No mercy, no pausing. Just killing. It’s just her, Talia, and Damian a minute later. Talia seems shocked,” I thought you weren’t supposed to kill.”

         “Doesn’t mean I can’t. I will say this one more time. Get. Away. From. Irey.” He snarls. Talia looks between Irey and Damian. Reaching into her pocket, she holds up a switch.

         “Unless I walk out of here, Asha will never see her mother again.” Damian looks between his mother and Irey. Irey can see some light come back into his eyes, see her Damian returning.

         “I won’t hurt you,” Damian sheathes his katana. He slowly moves towards them. Talia backs away towards another door. Just as Damian reaches Irey, Talia flips the switch. Irey screams at the top of her lungs, her back arching and every nerve flaring in pain.

         She sees snippets of her life pass before her eyes. She’s helping her mom make pancakes. Her dad is reading Lord of the Rings to her and Jai. She’s learning to throw lightning. She’s jumping around her room. She’s dancing in her underwear. She’s kissing Damian for the first time, his hands on her waist, the rain hitting their skin. Lian is shouting in her ear as something explodes. Mar’i’s teaching her how to make a Tamaranian dish. Jon’s telling her about an article he’s working on. Damian’s pressing kisses to her skin, telling her how beautiful she is. She’s holding Asha for the first time. Damian is down on one knee, asking her to be his forever.

         The pain cuts off and Irey slumps forward. Everything hurts. Her lungs feel like they’ve been fried. Her vision is blurry. Damian is at her chains. He picks the locks with ease and grabs her before she can fall to the ground. She can hear his heart beating. She can feel his arms shaking.

         “Irey…” She nearly sobs at the gentle way he says her name. She looks up at him.

         “Let’s go home.” She whispers. He nods. Damian removes his cape, wrapping it around her. She doesn’t bother reminding him that she doesn’t get cold. Irey lets him pick her up, breathing in his scent. Underneath the sweat and dirt, she picks up the traces of his cinnamon cologne. This is her Damian. He’s hers. She just has to remind him of that.

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

         Irey winces as Alfred dresses her shoulder. Whatever the dart had in it has yet to wear off. At least she has a cool new scar to show off.

         “I’m sorry, Miss Irey. Shouldn’t be much longer,” He assures her. Irey gives him a pained smile.

         “Would you believe me if I said giving birth to Asha with no painkillers hurt less than tonight?”

         “Miss Irey, you’ve sparred with Miss Mar’i before. I don’t doubt that you’ve faced worse pain in your life.” Irey laughs at this, then grabs her ribs,” Master Damian seems to be in a better mood.”

         “I saw him, Alfred. He went back to who he was before. Jason told me…He told me Asha was crying and Damian walked away from her.” Alfred finishes wrapping her shoulder.

         “Miss Irey, there are very few things in this world that we can change. Who Master Damian was before coming here is one of them.” Irey looks down,” However, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him act like that.”

         “Really?”

         “Yes. I believe the last time he gave into the darkness was about 5 years ago. After Miss Mar’i was nearly killed by her aunt.” For some reason this makes her feel a little better,” Miss Irey, if I may, Master Damian will never be free of those demons. No matter how much you might want to believe he could be, they are still there.”

         “I don’t know how to help him, Alfred.” She looks at the old butler,” I’m going to be his wife-“

         “Which means you, more than anyone else, have the privilege of knocking sense into his thick skull. Not an easy task as I’m sure you are aware of.”

         Irey laughs at this, ignoring the pain it causes her,” What would this family have done without you, Alfred Pennyworth?”

         “I do not believe the family would be as whole as they are. And a few of them would be missing limbs.” Irey laughs again. There’s a soft knock on the door,” It’s open.”

         Damian enters, holding a now sleeping Asha. He smiles at Irey. Irey sees his family at the doorway. She looks Alfred,” Can we have the room for a minute?”

         “Of course.” Alfred gathers his things and shoos the other’s away from the door. Damian sits on the bed with her.

         “How much trouble am I in?” He asks in Arabic. Both of them knew his family was probably listening right outside the door, but none of them spoke Arabic. Irey had learned it after they were dating.

         “Do you want me to answer honestly or sugar coat it?”

         “Honestly.”

         “Damian, you shut down. They told me Asha was crying, crying for you, and you ignored her. Not once, in her entire life, have you done that.” Irey looks down at their sleeping daughter. Asha’s curls are damp from her usual night sweats. She sucks on a baby bottle top. She’s content in her father’s arms,” I know what happened scared you. It scared me too. But things like this will happen in the future.”

         “You don’t know that-“

         “I know we both agreed that we would continue to be heroes. To set an example for Asha. To make the world a better, safer place for her to grow up in.”

         “How could it be a better place for her to grow up in if her mother isn’t there? How can I look our beautiful little girl in the eyes and promise I will never let anything bad happen to her when I couldn’t protect you? How can I possibly look her in the eyes if I have to tell her she will never hear you sing her to sleep or hold her or tell her you love her?”

         “Baby, I know you are scared. I don’t know what I would do if you died and I had to raise Asha by myself. But that’s not what I’m worried about. I’m worried you will take all that hurt and anger and sadness and you’ll shut her out. You can’t do that. Not to Asha.”

         “Irey- “

         “I mean it, Damian. You cannot ignore Asha. No matter how much you are hurting. No matter how much you miss me. Asha needs you. She needs her father. She needs you to be there to wipe her tears away, patch up her skinned knees, fix her broken heart. She needs you to tell her stories about our old missions and how we fell in love. About the song you sang to me when you told me you had a crush on me. About our first kiss in the rain and the horrible head colds we had afterward. She needs you to chase the monsters away. She needs her daddy, especially if Mommy can’t be there.”

         Damian gives her a sad look,” I hate that my mother hurt you.”

         “Babe.” Irey kisses him. It’s soft and sad and longing,” What happened is not your fault. It’s hers. Only hers. You are not like her.”

         Damian tucks a strand of her fiery hair behind her ear,” I love you, Irey West. You are half my heart.”

         “I wonder who the other half is,” Irey presses a kiss to Asha’s forehead.

         “HAVE YOU TWO MADE UP YET?!” Jason yells. Irey laughs and Damian rolls his eyes.

         “Come on in, you guys,” Irey calls out. His family piles into the room. Damian scoots on the bed so he’s sitting beside her.

         “So the wedding still on?” Jason asks.

         “Todd, I swear to god-“

         “Actually,” Irey turns to Damian,” Can I see your ring?”

         Damian frowns, but hands over the obsidian engagement ring she’d given him two months ago. Irey’s own ring was at home. Irey turns to face him, holding one of his hands. Her eyes meet his, filled with love and awe,” Damian Wayne-Al Ghul, you are an impulsive man. You can be short tempered, bitter, broody-“

         “Have I mentioned how much I love this girl?” Jason asks. Dick shushes him.

         “There are a million things about you that I should hate. But I don’t. I don’t hate them, even though everyone keeps telling me I should.” Irey’s green eyes sparkle,” I meant what I said the first time I proposed. I’ve loved you since the day we met. You are my best friend, my rock, my confidant, my lightning rod. You have made me feel so beautiful and powerful and strong. Even though your mom is literally the worst mother-in-law ever, I still want to be your wife.”

         Damian beams at her. Irey holds up the ring and asks,” So, Damian Wayne-Al Ghul, do you still want to be my husband?”

         “Of course,” Damian laughs,” I have backed out yet.”

         Irey laughs and slips his ring back on,” Good because it would have been really awkward if you told me no in front of your family.”

         “We would have had to kick your ass,” Tim informs his little brother.

         “I think you mean try,” Irey says.

         “You have to take his side- “

         “Actually,” Irey turns to face the Batfam,” I decided to calculate who wins more often in a fight by reviewing old footage. Damian wins his fights against Tim 68% of the time, Jason 54%, Dick 77% of the time, and Cass 49.5% of the time. This means his odds of kicking your asses is about 62.125%”

         Damian grins at his brothers’ and sister’s stunned expressions,” She’s as smart as she is beautiful.”

         “I like you a lot less now,” Jason grunts.

         “What about Damian and Bruce?”

         “Insufficient information to draw a conclusion.” Irey grins,” You want to hear how likely he is to beat me in a fight?”

         The others roar with laughter, waking Asha. Irey gently takes the baby from Damian, shushing her. Asha looks up at her parents, specifically Damian. Then, clear as day, she exclaims,” Baba!”

         The other adults laugh while Damian and Irey look at each other stunned.

         “Bottle would be her first word,” Dick laughs.

         “She’s not saying bottle,” Damian’s trying very hard not to cry.

         “She said ‘baba’ that’s like universal baby talk for bottle,” Tim points out.

         “Baba,” Irey smiles at them,” means Daddy in Arabic. That’s what we call Damian at home. He’s Asha’s baba.”

         “Baba!” Asha smiles up at Damian,” Baba, baba, baba, baba…”

         “You know most infants aren’t actually talking around this time,” Tim informs them,” They just babble and we try to make sense of the gibberish-“

         Damian throws one of his hidden knives at Tim’s head. He misses, intentionally, but it shuts the older man up. The family decides to leave the young couple alone. Irey lays back, watching Damian as he coos to Asha in Arabic. His hands carefully caressing her curls and wiping drool from her chin. Irey smiles. This is her future.

         “I promise,” Damian says a little while later, Asha sleeping with her head on his shoulder. Irey looks at him, confused.

         “You promise what?”

         “I promise to not shut Asha out. If anything happens to you, I promise I won’t shut down. Or I’ll try at least.” Irey looks up at him, tears blurring her eyes.

         “Promise?”

         “Promise.” Damian pulls Irey close to him. She wraps her arms around his waist, nuzzling her face into his shirt. Damian listens as her breathing evens out and all the muscles in her body relax. This, this right here is heaven. His daughter sleeping on his chest and the love of his life at his side, both of them safe and loved and alive and with him.

         What more could he ask for?

[jobsearchtips02]

Business Leaders at Davos Prepare for Potential Trump Re-election

More →

Editor Picks

3: 18

China’s Mysterious New Virus Spreads Beyond the Epicenter

1/21/2020 6: 11AM

1/21/2020

Chinese health authorities have reported more than 300 cases of a pneumonia-like illness that has spread to South Korea, Japan and Thailand. While different from the deadly SARS, the coronavirus is sparking memories of the outbreak in the early 2000s, as doctors try to understand the disease. Photo: Getty Images

5: 28

Teens Grapple With Social Media Burnout

1/21/2020 5: 30AM

1/21/2020

3: 57

Putin’s Shake-Up Kicks Off Russia’s Next Power Transition

1/16/2020 12: 14PM

1/16/2020

3: 14

China’s Cooling Economy Poses Tough Questions for Beijing

1/17/2020 6: 32AM

1/17/2020

9: 32

How PG&E Filed for Bankruptcy

1/16/2020 5: 30AM

1/16/2020

More →

More →

Tech

2: 59

Why Big Tech Is Getting Into Finance

1/13/2020 5: 30AM

1/13/2020

In 2019, many large tech firms announced plans to offer financial products and services. WSJ’s Liz Hoffman explains why Google, Apple, and others are offering products that might someday replace your wallet.

6: 15

Inside Adobe’s Colorful, Redesigned Headquarters

1/10/2020 7: 00AM

1/10/2020

3: 55

The Best of CES 2020, From S-Pods to Smart PJs

1/8/2020 12: 00PM

1/8/2020

3: 24

All Eyes on You: The Latest Tricks of AI Cameras at CES

1/7/2020 11: 18AM

1/7/2020

1: 08

Elon Musk Delivers China-Made Teslas to Local Drivers

1/7/2020 6: 07AM

1/7/2020

More →

Recommended for you

3: 27

The British Monarchy’s Money, Explained

1/15/2020 12: 31PM

1/15/2020

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s plans to become “financially independent” have put the royal family’s finances into the spotlight. WSJ unpacks the numbers and explores the couple’s decision to give up their royal titles and public funding. Photo: Ben Stansall/Getty Images

2: 19

Business Leaders at Davos Prepare for Potential Trump Re-election

1/22/2020 11: 21AM

1/22/2020

5: 28

Teens Grapple With Social Media Burnout

1/21/2020 5: 30AM

1/21/2020

1: 47

Trump to Push for WTO Reform and Europe Trade Deal

1/22/2020 9: 39AM

1/22/2020

3: 18

China’s Mysterious New Virus Spreads Beyond the Epicenter

1/21/2020 6: 11AM

1/21/2020

2: 19

Senate Officially Accepts Articles of Impeachment

1/16/2020 1: 32PM

1/16/2020

5: 58

Koalas’ Sanctuary Island Is Under Threat From Wildfires

1/17/2020 5: 30AM

1/17/2020

2: 21

Hours Before Impeachment Trial, Trump Lauds U.S. Economy in Davos

1/21/2020 9: 07AM

1/21/2020

8: 06

Can Hydrogen Fuel the World’s Fast-Growing Energy Needs?

1/21/2020 5: 00AM

1/21/2020

9: 32

How PG&E Filed for Bankruptcy

1/16/2020 5: 30AM

1/16/2020

2: 16

What to Know About the Health Impact of Australia’s Wildfires

1/16/2020 6: 24PM

1/16/2020

More →

Video Series

My Ride

Moving Upstream

In the Elevator With

A Brief History Of

More →

More →

Opinion

1: 56

Opinion: Peaceful Protest Shows Wide Support for the Second Amendment

1/21/2020 7: 38PM

1/21/2020

On Jan. 20, 2020, more than 20,000 gun rights supporters turned out in Richmond, Virginia for their Second Amendment right to bear arms without violence—despite many, including Gov. Ralph Northam, pushing the idea that this was going to be another Charlottesville. Image: Essdras M. Suarez/Zuma Wire

1: 24

Opinion: Australia Needs Forest Management, Not Climate Policy

1/21/2020 7: 31PM

1/21/2020

2: 17

Opinion: Hits and Misses of the Week

1/19/2020 4: 17PM

1/19/2020

6: 37

Opinion: What to Expect from the Impeachment Trial of President Trump

1/19/2020 4: 16PM

1/19/2020

6: 02

Opinion: Warren, Sanders Feud Heats up Ahead of Iowa Caucuses

1/19/2020 4: 15PM

1/19/2020

More →

More →

Life & Culture

3: 52

The Best and Worst U.S. Airlines of 2019

1/15/2020 9: 00AM

1/15/2020

With more and more people taking flight each year, there’s a lot that can go wrong. WSJ’s Scott McCartney tallies the data for a definitive look at which airlines performed best and worst in 2019 in key categories like on-time departures, baggage handling and flight cancellations. Illustration: Ivan Canu

4: 49

Ghosn: ‘Nissan Owes Me a Lot of Money’

1/10/2020 5: 51PM

1/10/2020

2: 29

Carlos Ghosn Details Why He Escaped Japan

1/8/2020 3: 31PM

1/8/2020

1: 24

2020 Golden Globe Winners

1/6/2020 6: 13AM

1/6/2020

3: 32

In the Elevator With the CEO Shaking Up the Bra Industry

12/26/2019 7: 00AM

12/26/2019

More →

More →

Business News

4: 15

How Global Trade Runs on U.S. Dollars

1/22/2020 5: 30AM

1/22/2020

Nearly 90% of international transactions in 2019 were in U.S. dollars, giving the U.S. extraordinary power over nearly every entity that imports or exports anything anywhere. Here’s how the global economy runs on the U.S. dollar — and why some countries are trying to chip away at its dominance.

2: 21

Hours Before Impeachment Trial, Trump Lauds U.S. Economy in Davos

1/21/2020 9: 07AM

1/21/2020

1: 30

U.S.-China Sign Deal Marking Pause in Trade War

1/15/2020 2: 44PM

1/15/2020

3: 48

China Trade Deal Brings Relief to U.S. Farmers, but There Are Skeptics

1/14/2020 9: 18AM

1/14/2020

2: 22

U.S. Hits Iranian Economy With Further Sanctions

1/10/2020 11: 53AM

1/10/2020

More →

More →

Moving Upstream

9: 56

Electric Scooters: Israel’s Two-Wheeled Solution to Traffic and Sabbath

12/20/2018 5: 30AM

12/20/2018

Electric-scooter rental companies are hitting speed bumps in the U.S. over safety and other concerns. But in Tel Aviv, one in 10 residents has rented a Bird e-scooter, and the city appears to be embracing them. WSJ’s Jason Bellini takes a look at the challenges and potential lessons of the e-scooter craze.

0: 54

Tasting the World’s First Test-Tube Steak

12/11/2018 5: 30AM

12/11/2018

9: 58

High Insulin Prices Drive Diabetics to Take Extreme Measures

12/3/2018 5: 30AM

12/3/2018

9: 57

Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Facial Recognition Technology

11/19/2018 5: 30AM

11/19/2018

9: 54

The Future of Flight: AI in the Cockpit

11/12/2018 5: 30AM

11/12/2018

More →

More →

Mansion

8: 00

In Greece, a Radical Triangular House Brings the Outdoors Inside

12/21/2019 11: 00AM

12/21/2019

Greek architect Tilemachos Andrianopoulos provides a tour of his design: a triangular home that blurs the line between inside and the olive grove outside. “Even for a completely new structure, there is always something that already exists there,” he says. Photo: Rob Alcaraz/The Wall Street Journal

5: 10

A Love of Yurts Inspired This ‘Glamp’ Retreat

7/11/2019 7: 00AM

7/11/2019

5: 38

A Cascades Home Designed to Feel Like Summer Camp

5/2/2019 10: 00AM

5/2/2019

4: 53

A Home Built to Be a Live-In Museum and Expansive Library

2/21/2019 11: 00AM

2/21/2019

4: 01

A Mini-Castle, Saved From Ruins, Now Fit for a New King

1/30/2019 9: 30AM

1/30/2019

More →

More →

Sponsored

2: 21

Sponsored

Am I Doing What I Love?

9/22/2016 11: 59PM

9/22/2016

1: 00

Sponsored

Golf’s Data Revolution

9/9/2016 2: 16PM

9/9/2016

1: 30

Sponsored

How Worldly Experiences Can Shape One’s Success

1/24/2018

1/24/2018

27: 34

Sponsored

Creating the Future Workforce

1/17/2017 3: 39PM

1/17/2017

More →

More →

Marketwatch, Moneyish and Barron’s

9: 40

Unpacking Fedex’s Declining Profits

1/21/2020 9: 16AM

1/21/2020

Scott Galloway, NYU Stern professor and author, calls out the performance of FedEx and discusses what the company should do to compete with Amazon. Galloway also highlights numerous red flags within Casper’s plans to go public. Additionally, Barron’s senior writer, Leslie Norton, discusses what to expect from Davos.

2: 18

How deception technology is beating cyberattackers at their own game

1/21/2020 7: 00AM

1/21/2020

3: 27

How artificial intelligence could predict the next natural disaster

1/21/2020 7: 00AM

1/21/2020

2: 35

Here’s what internet companies get wrong about revenue

1/17/2020 7: 00AM

1/17/2020

2: 56

Keys to Securing the Cloud

1/16/2020 4: 49PM

1/16/2020

More →

%%

from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/business-leaders-at-davos-prepare-for-potential-trump-re-election/

[shirlleycoyle]

Hackers Dissect ‘Mr. Robot’ Season 4 Episode 7: ‘Proxy Authentication Required’

Episode 7 of Mr. Robot’s final season was hack-free, but we still managed to discuss [SPOILERS, obvs] the Cayman National Bank heist and the anonymity of cryptocurrency payments, as well as therapy, mental health, and, uh, surviving kidnappings. (The chat transcript has been edited for brevity, clarity, and chronology.)

This week’s team of experts includes:

Jen Helsby: SecureDrop lead developer at Freedom of the Press Foundation.

Jason Hernandez: Solutions Architect for Bishop Fox, an offensive security firm. He also does research into surveillance technology and has presented work on aerial surveillance.

Micah Lee: a technologist with a focus on operational security, source protection, privacy and cryptography, as well as Director of Information Security at The Intercept.

Matt Mitchell: a hacker and Director of Digital Safety & Privacy at Tactical Tech. He founded cryptoharlem, which aims to teach basic cryptography tools in the inner city.

Yael Grauer (moderator): an investigative tech reporter covering online privacy and security, digital freedom, mass surveillance and hacking.

*

Jen: That episode was heavy. Poor lil Elliot.

Yael: YES, it was intense! It got me thinking about the importance of mental health in activism. You have to process your own traumas and motivations in order to be clear about your goals, especially if you have dissociative amnesia. So if you hack your therapist and they fire you, maybe get another therapist?

Matt: Get another therapist. 🙂 Yup.

Jen: I wonder what the deal is with therapists and reporting imminent crimes.

Yael: They make you sign something saying if you are about to kill yourself or others, they have to report, I think?

Micah: I know therapists also have to report if they learn anything about potential child abuse.

Jen: One thing I learned from this episode is that you can discharge a firearm in a luxury apartment and no one calls the cops. That's what I call privacy.

Yael: I was just talking to Harlo about a HEFAT (Hostile Environment and First Aid Training) she was at where they did kidnapping simulations, and she learned how to escape handcuffs, zip ties, etc. I was not at the training, but I can speak to how powerful simulations are. I was just at the CyberMed Summit in San Diego, and they did all of these cyber attack simulations with doctors that we all got to watch. It was incredibly powerful and really drove home how people without awareness of certain situations would respond and what the stakes are in a way that you can’t get just from reading. In HEFAT it sounds like you’re actually participating in the simulations, not just observing them. Other than intensive training, anyone have tips for Elliot and Krista for their next kidnapping?

Matt: At GJS Security, we were taught that kidnappers need you to create a predictable pattern and make yourself vulnerable for them to be successful. Not easy when you’re up against Vera, but switching things up could have helped Krista not be found. To avoid that, blend in, take rented cars, and spend time with a travel buddy or in a crowded area. They also spoke about the benefits of humanizing yourself to your kidnappers and trying to understand their motivations. Difficult if you are gagged and strapped to a chair, but not impossible.

Jason: If you're going to carry a firearm (which I don't generally recommend), get familiar enough with it that you can tell whether it's loaded or not based on weight.

Yael: Yeah, good call. Though depending on how much adrenaline you have, you can kind of lose sensation in your hands. I learned from self-defense trainings that you're supposed to do everything you can to avoid getting taken to a secondary location, but Elliot was outnumbered, and it's not like he didn't try. Didn't Elliot contact police from his laptop once when he was shutting down that coffee shop in Season 1, though?

Micah: That's a good point. Elliot briefly had access to his computer. Maybe he could have called for help.

Yael: Though he’s also wanted by the police, so it's less likely he would, right?

Jason: Elliot could have rigged up his laptop to send out some distress signals or have a dead man's switch. That seems advisable and doable. He's been kidnapped before.

Yael: Or he could have contacted Darlene, not that that would’ve helped. But yeah, FSociety should go to HEFAT training, as should FSociety members' therapists.

Jason: I don't think Krista had any real idea or shot at knowing the level of danger she was in until it was too late.

Yael: Also, she's probably in more danger now. It's not like Vera's crew is gonna just let this go. Good point earlier by Jen that someone might hear gunshots and call the cops, though often these things happen so quickly that by the time the cops show up, it's too late.

Micah: During the last scene, while Vera was opening up to Elliot, I kept hoping Elliot would pull the gun that was in Vera's pants out and shoot him. So it was a nice surprise when Krista stabbed him in the back instead.

Yael: Elliot was so broken and raw in that moment. Plus his last shooting attempt failed. I wonder how much of dealing with kidnapping scenarios is not getting discouraged and figuring out how and when to plan escapes. No hacks this episode! Just lots of 1s and 0s. Stadium money. I wonder what he was actually showing them.

Micah: I think he was showing them actual documents from the bank hack, the money Elliot was actually getting ready to steal from Whiterose. This kidnapping took a lot of time, and time is running out. I wonder if they're actually going to pull off the Cayman National Bank heist… err, I mean Cyprus National Bank. Cayman National Bank is that Phineas Fisher hack that was just released.

Yael: What are the differences and similarities between those?

Micah: Well, Elliot and Darlene are hacking Cyprus National Bank in order to cripple the Dark Army. Phineas Fisher wrote a whole manifesto about why they hacked Cayman National Bank, but basically, it was to steal from the corrupt and give to organizations fighting for social justice.

Yael: What was the aftermath of that hack?

Micah: I believe Cayman National Bank managed to keep the hack completely secret. Until Saturday.

Yael: 👀

Micah: Also, Phineas Phisher is offering a $100,000 bounty for other hacktivists to hack banks and oil companies now.

Yael: A.Lizard was tweeting about how paying winners in a way that’s untraceable might be difficult since cryptocash isn’t really anonymous against well-funded opposition.

Matt: Cybercriminals have no problem getting paid anonymously. There are so many ways. Chain hopping through various cryptocurrencies is a viable option. There are companies that track "anonymous" payments for law enforcement and businesses. Luke Wilson at 4iq, formerly of the FBI, and the currency tracker Elliptic, is an example of a cryptocurrency investigator. They have a hard time against some techniques and an easier time against others. The key is knowing which is which.

Hackers Dissect ‘Mr. Robot’ Season 4 Episode 7: ‘Proxy Authentication Required’ syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/

[wionews]

U2, Sheeran cancel concerts in protest-hit St Louis

Rock giants U2 and pop star Ed Sheeran have called off concerts in St Louis, as the US city braced Sunday for a second day of protests over the acquittal of a former police officer in the shooting death of a black man.

The Irish rock band and entertainment firm Live Nation announced the Saturday show's cancellation in a statement citing concerns about fans' security.

"We have been informed by the St Louis Police Department that they are not in a position to provide the standard protection for our audience as would be expected for an event of this size," they said.

"We cannot in good conscience risk our fans' safety by proceeding with tonight's concert. As much as we regret having to cancel, we feel it is the only acceptable course of action in the current environment." 

And Briton Sheeran announced he was pulling the plug on his show, set for a different St Louis venue Sunday, amid the protests. 

A judge in the Missouri city Friday found a white former police officer, Jason Stockley, not guilty of murdering Anthony Lamar Smith, a suspected drug dealer, following a high-speed chase in 2011.

The case has drawn a lot of attention in St Louis, where racial tensions have been high since the 2014 killing of a black man in the city's suburb of Ferguson by a white police officer. 

In an interview with the St Louis Post-Dispatch, Stockley said he understands how the video of him fatally shooting Smith looks bad to investigators and the public. 

"I can feel for and I understand what the family is going through, and I know everyone wants someone to blame, but I'm just not the guy," he said.

Hundreds of people turned out for initially peaceful protests after the verdict, but the situation turned violent Friday night, leading police to break up the crowd with tear gas.

Ten officers were injured in the standoff with rock-throwing protesters, according to St. Louis police who made at least 23 arrests. 

On Saturday, protesters gathered at a park and then marched through two St Louis shopping malls, chanting "the whole damn system is guilty as hell."

"I can feel for and I understand what the family is going through, and I know everyone wants someone to blame, but I'm just not the guy," Stockley told the St Louis Post-Dispatch.

Stockley, 36, shot Smith, 24, five times December 20, 2011, after a car chase that followed a suspected drug deal.

He was caught on an in-car camera video telling his partner, Brian Bianchi, "Going to kill this (expletive) don't you know it.

Prosecutors brought first-degree murder charges in 2016, alleging that Stockley's comments to his partner showed premeditation and alleging he planted a gun in Smith's car after the shooting.

On Friday, Judge Timothy Wilson acquitted Stockley, concluding there was no evidence he had planted the gun and that his video-taped comment lacked context because the portions before and after were inaudible.

]]>

[jobsearchtips02]

Trump to Push for WTO Reform and Europe Trade Deal

More →

Editor Picks

3: 18

China’s Mysterious New Virus Spreads Beyond the Epicenter

1/21/2020 6: 11AM

1/21/2020

Chinese health authorities have reported more than 300 cases of a pneumonia-like illness that has spread to South Korea, Japan and Thailand. While different from the deadly SARS, the coronavirus is sparking memories of the outbreak in the early 2000s, as doctors try to understand the disease. Photo: Getty Images

5: 28

Teens Grapple With Social Media Burnout

1/21/2020 5: 30AM

1/21/2020

3: 57

Putin’s Shake-Up Kicks Off Russia’s Next Power Transition

1/16/2020 12: 14PM

1/16/2020

3: 14

China’s Cooling Economy Poses Tough Questions for Beijing

1/17/2020 6: 32AM

1/17/2020

9: 32

How PG&E Filed for Bankruptcy

1/16/2020 5: 30AM

1/16/2020

More →

More →

Tech

2: 59

Why Big Tech Is Getting Into Finance

1/13/2020 5: 30AM

1/13/2020

In 2019, many large tech firms announced plans to offer financial products and services. WSJ’s Liz Hoffman explains why Google, Apple, and others are offering products that might someday replace your wallet.

6: 15

Inside Adobe’s Colorful, Redesigned Headquarters

1/10/2020 7: 00AM

1/10/2020

3: 55

The Best of CES 2020, From S-Pods to Smart PJs

1/8/2020 12: 00PM

1/8/2020

3: 24

All Eyes on You: The Latest Tricks of AI Cameras at CES

1/7/2020 11: 18AM

1/7/2020

1: 08

Elon Musk Delivers China-Made Teslas to Local Drivers

1/7/2020 6: 07AM

1/7/2020

More →

Recommended for you

8: 06

Can Hydrogen Fuel the World’s Fast-Growing Energy Needs?

1/21/2020 5: 00AM

1/21/2020

Some of the world’s largest companies are exploring hydrogen as a potential solution to growing energy needs. WSJ’s Neanda Salvaterra investigates whether harnessing the most abundant element in the universe can really mark the end of the fossil fuel era. Photo/Video: Jaden Urbi/The Wall Street Journal

3: 52

The Best and Worst U.S. Airlines of 2019

1/15/2020 9: 00AM

1/15/2020

5: 28

Teens Grapple With Social Media Burnout

1/21/2020 5: 30AM

1/21/2020

3: 14

China’s Cooling Economy Poses Tough Questions for Beijing

1/17/2020 6: 32AM

1/17/2020

4: 15

How Global Trade Runs on U.S. Dollars

1/22/2020 5: 30AM

1/22/2020

1: 33

Senate Approves Rules for Third Impeachment Trial in U.S. History

1/22/2020 7: 53AM

1/22/2020

5: 58

Koalas’ Sanctuary Island Is Under Threat From Wildfires

1/17/2020 5: 30AM

1/17/2020

3: 44

Ground Zero for China’s Mysterious Virus

1/22/2020 6: 22AM

1/22/2020

3: 18

China’s Mysterious New Virus Spreads Beyond the Epicenter

1/21/2020 6: 11AM

1/21/2020

2: 50

Democratic Candidates Take On USMCA Trade Deal

1/15/2020 12: 58AM

1/15/2020

2: 19

Business Leaders at Davos Prepare for Potential Trump Re-election

1/22/2020 11: 21AM

1/22/2020

More →

Video Series

My Ride

Moving Upstream

In the Elevator With

A Brief History Of

More →

More →

Opinion

1: 56

Opinion: Peaceful Protest Shows Wide Support for the Second Amendment

1/21/2020 7: 38PM

1/21/2020

On Jan. 20, 2020, more than 20,000 gun rights supporters turned out in Richmond, Virginia for their Second Amendment right to bear arms without violence—despite many, including Gov. Ralph Northam, pushing the idea that this was going to be another Charlottesville. Image: Essdras M. Suarez/Zuma Wire

1: 24

Opinion: Australia Needs Forest Management, Not Climate Policy

1/21/2020 7: 31PM

1/21/2020

2: 17

Opinion: Hits and Misses of the Week

1/19/2020 4: 17PM

1/19/2020

6: 37

Opinion: What to Expect from the Impeachment Trial of President Trump

1/19/2020 4: 16PM

1/19/2020

6: 02

Opinion: Warren, Sanders Feud Heats up Ahead of Iowa Caucuses

1/19/2020 4: 15PM

1/19/2020

More →

More →

Life & Culture

3: 52

The Best and Worst U.S. Airlines of 2019

1/15/2020 9: 00AM

1/15/2020

With more and more people taking flight each year, there’s a lot that can go wrong. WSJ’s Scott McCartney tallies the data for a definitive look at which airlines performed best and worst in 2019 in key categories like on-time departures, baggage handling and flight cancellations. Illustration: Ivan Canu

4: 49

Ghosn: ‘Nissan Owes Me a Lot of Money’

1/10/2020 5: 51PM

1/10/2020

2: 29

Carlos Ghosn Details Why He Escaped Japan

1/8/2020 3: 31PM

1/8/2020

1: 24

2020 Golden Globe Winners

1/6/2020 6: 13AM

1/6/2020

3: 32

In the Elevator With the CEO Shaking Up the Bra Industry

12/26/2019 7: 00AM

12/26/2019

More →

More →

Business News

4: 15

How Global Trade Runs on U.S. Dollars

1/22/2020 5: 30AM

1/22/2020

Nearly 90% of international transactions in 2019 were in U.S. dollars, giving the U.S. extraordinary power over nearly every entity that imports or exports anything anywhere. Here’s how the global economy runs on the U.S. dollar — and why some countries are trying to chip away at its dominance.

2: 21

Hours Before Impeachment Trial, Trump Lauds U.S. Economy in Davos

1/21/2020 9: 07AM

1/21/2020

1: 30

U.S.-China Sign Deal Marking Pause in Trade War

1/15/2020 2: 44PM

1/15/2020

3: 48

China Trade Deal Brings Relief to U.S. Farmers, but There Are Skeptics

1/14/2020 9: 18AM

1/14/2020

2: 22

U.S. Hits Iranian Economy With Further Sanctions

1/10/2020 11: 53AM

1/10/2020

More →

More →

Moving Upstream

9: 56

Electric Scooters: Israel’s Two-Wheeled Solution to Traffic and Sabbath

12/20/2018 5: 30AM

12/20/2018

Electric-scooter rental companies are hitting speed bumps in the U.S. over safety and other concerns. But in Tel Aviv, one in 10 residents has rented a Bird e-scooter, and the city appears to be embracing them. WSJ’s Jason Bellini takes a look at the challenges and potential lessons of the e-scooter craze.

0: 54

Tasting the World’s First Test-Tube Steak

12/11/2018 5: 30AM

12/11/2018

9: 58

High Insulin Prices Drive Diabetics to Take Extreme Measures

12/3/2018 5: 30AM

12/3/2018

9: 57

Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Facial Recognition Technology

11/19/2018 5: 30AM

11/19/2018

9: 54

The Future of Flight: AI in the Cockpit

11/12/2018 5: 30AM

11/12/2018

More →

More →

Mansion

8: 00

In Greece, a Radical Triangular House Brings the Outdoors Inside

12/21/2019 11: 00AM

12/21/2019

Greek architect Tilemachos Andrianopoulos provides a tour of his design: a triangular home that blurs the line between inside and the olive grove outside. “Even for a completely new structure, there is always something that already exists there,” he says. Photo: Rob Alcaraz/The Wall Street Journal

5: 10

A Love of Yurts Inspired This ‘Glamp’ Retreat

7/11/2019 7: 00AM

7/11/2019

5: 38

A Cascades Home Designed to Feel Like Summer Camp

5/2/2019 10: 00AM

5/2/2019

4: 53

A Home Built to Be a Live-In Museum and Expansive Library

2/21/2019 11: 00AM

2/21/2019

4: 01

A Mini-Castle, Saved From Ruins, Now Fit for a New King

1/30/2019 9: 30AM

1/30/2019

More →

More →

Sponsored

27: 34

Sponsored

Creating the Future Workforce

1/17/2017 3: 39PM

1/17/2017

2: 21

Sponsored

Am I Doing What I Love?

9/22/2016 11: 59PM

9/22/2016

1: 00

Sponsored

Golf’s Data Revolution

9/9/2016 2: 16PM

9/9/2016

1: 30

Sponsored

How Worldly Experiences Can Shape One’s Success

1/24/2018

1/24/2018

More →

More →

Marketwatch, Moneyish and Barron’s

9: 40

Unpacking Fedex’s Declining Profits

1/21/2020 9: 16AM

1/21/2020

Scott Galloway, NYU Stern professor and author, calls out the performance of FedEx and discusses what the company should do to compete with Amazon. Galloway also highlights numerous red flags within Casper’s plans to go public. Additionally, Barron’s senior writer, Leslie Norton, discusses what to expect from Davos.

2: 18

How deception technology is beating cyberattackers at their own game

1/21/2020 7: 00AM

1/21/2020

3: 27

How artificial intelligence could predict the next natural disaster

1/21/2020 7: 00AM

1/21/2020

2: 35

Here’s what internet companies get wrong about revenue

1/17/2020 7: 00AM

1/17/2020

2: 56

Keys to Securing the Cloud

1/16/2020 4: 49PM

1/16/2020

More →

%%

from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/trump-to-push-for-wto-reform-and-europe-trade-deal/

[jobsearchtips02]

Senate Approves Rules for Third Impeachment Trial in U.S. History

More →

Editor Picks

3: 18

China’s Mysterious New Virus Spreads Beyond the Epicenter

1/21/2020 6: 11AM

1/21/2020

Chinese health authorities have reported more than 300 cases of a pneumonia-like illness that has spread to South Korea, Japan and Thailand. While different from the deadly SARS, the coronavirus is sparking memories of the outbreak in the early 2000s, as doctors try to understand the disease. Photo: Getty Images

5: 28

Teens Grapple With Social Media Burnout

1/21/2020 5: 30AM

1/21/2020

3: 57

Putin’s Shake-Up Kicks Off Russia’s Next Power Transition

1/16/2020 12: 14PM

1/16/2020

3: 14

China’s Cooling Economy Poses Tough Questions for Beijing

1/17/2020 6: 32AM

1/17/2020

9: 32

How PG&E Filed for Bankruptcy

1/16/2020 5: 30AM

1/16/2020

More →

More →

Tech

2: 59

Why Big Tech Is Getting Into Finance

1/13/2020 5: 30AM

1/13/2020

In 2019, many large tech firms announced plans to offer financial products and services. WSJ’s Liz Hoffman explains why Google, Apple, and others are offering products that might someday replace your wallet.

6: 15

Inside Adobe’s Colorful, Redesigned Headquarters

1/10/2020 7: 00AM

1/10/2020

3: 55

The Best of CES 2020, From S-Pods to Smart PJs

1/8/2020 12: 00PM

1/8/2020

3: 24

All Eyes on You: The Latest Tricks of AI Cameras at CES

1/7/2020 11: 18AM

1/7/2020

1: 08

Elon Musk Delivers China-Made Teslas to Local Drivers

1/7/2020 6: 07AM

1/7/2020

More →

Recommended for you

5: 28

Teens Grapple With Social Media Burnout

1/21/2020 5: 30AM

1/21/2020

Adults often think teens just zone out on Instagram and Snapchat, but when WSJ’s Julie Jargon sat down with high schoolers in Sherman Oaks, Calif., they said there are times when social media socializing gets to them and they have to put the phone down. They also shared their decisions to make their accounts private or public-and why it’s better not to post every feeling. Photo/Video: Emily Prapuolenis/The Wall Street Journal

2: 59

Why Big Tech Is Getting Into Finance

1/13/2020 5: 30AM

1/13/2020

2: 21

Hours Before Impeachment Trial, Trump Lauds U.S. Economy in Davos

1/21/2020 9: 07AM

1/21/2020

4: 15

How Global Trade Runs on U.S. Dollars

1/22/2020 5: 30AM

1/22/2020

3: 52

The Best and Worst U.S. Airlines of 2019

1/15/2020 9: 00AM

1/15/2020

2: 19

Senate Officially Accepts Articles of Impeachment

1/16/2020 1: 32PM

1/16/2020

2: 19

Business Leaders at Davos Prepare for Potential Trump Re-election

1/22/2020 11: 21AM

1/22/2020

1: 33

Senate Approves Rules for Third Impeachment Trial in U.S. History

1/22/2020 7: 53AM

1/22/2020

2: 11

Articles of Impeachment Signed and Delivered

1/15/2020 7: 01PM

1/15/2020

3: 44

Ground Zero for China’s Mysterious Virus

1/22/2020 6: 22AM

1/22/2020

2: 16

What to Know About the Health Impact of Australia’s Wildfires

1/16/2020 6: 24PM

1/16/2020

More →

Video Series

My Ride

Moving Upstream

In the Elevator With

A Brief History Of

More →

More →

Opinion

1: 56

Opinion: Peaceful Protest Shows Wide Support for the Second Amendment

1/21/2020 7: 38PM

1/21/2020

On Jan. 20, 2020, more than 20,000 gun rights supporters turned out in Richmond, Virginia for their Second Amendment right to bear arms without violence—despite many, including Gov. Ralph Northam, pushing the idea that this was going to be another Charlottesville. Image: Essdras M. Suarez/Zuma Wire

1: 24

Opinion: Australia Needs Forest Management, Not Climate Policy

1/21/2020 7: 31PM

1/21/2020

2: 17

Opinion: Hits and Misses of the Week

1/19/2020 4: 17PM

1/19/2020

6: 37

Opinion: What to Expect from the Impeachment Trial of President Trump

1/19/2020 4: 16PM

1/19/2020

6: 02

Opinion: Warren, Sanders Feud Heats up Ahead of Iowa Caucuses

1/19/2020 4: 15PM

1/19/2020

More →

More →

Life & Culture

3: 52

The Best and Worst U.S. Airlines of 2019

1/15/2020 9: 00AM

1/15/2020

With more and more people taking flight each year, there’s a lot that can go wrong. WSJ’s Scott McCartney tallies the data for a definitive look at which airlines performed best and worst in 2019 in key categories like on-time departures, baggage handling and flight cancellations. Illustration: Ivan Canu

4: 49

Ghosn: ‘Nissan Owes Me a Lot of Money’

1/10/2020 5: 51PM

1/10/2020

2: 29

Carlos Ghosn Details Why He Escaped Japan

1/8/2020 3: 31PM

1/8/2020

1: 24

2020 Golden Globe Winners

1/6/2020 6: 13AM

1/6/2020

3: 32

In the Elevator With the CEO Shaking Up the Bra Industry

12/26/2019 7: 00AM

12/26/2019

More →

More →

Business News

4: 15

How Global Trade Runs on U.S. Dollars

1/22/2020 5: 30AM

1/22/2020

Nearly 90% of international transactions in 2019 were in U.S. dollars, giving the U.S. extraordinary power over nearly every entity that imports or exports anything anywhere. Here’s how the global economy runs on the U.S. dollar — and why some countries are trying to chip away at its dominance.

2: 21

Hours Before Impeachment Trial, Trump Lauds U.S. Economy in Davos

1/21/2020 9: 07AM

1/21/2020

1: 30

U.S.-China Sign Deal Marking Pause in Trade War

1/15/2020 2: 44PM

1/15/2020

3: 48

China Trade Deal Brings Relief to U.S. Farmers, but There Are Skeptics

1/14/2020 9: 18AM

1/14/2020

2: 22

U.S. Hits Iranian Economy With Further Sanctions

1/10/2020 11: 53AM

1/10/2020

More →

More →

Moving Upstream

9: 56

Electric Scooters: Israel’s Two-Wheeled Solution to Traffic and Sabbath

12/20/2018 5: 30AM

12/20/2018

Electric-scooter rental companies are hitting speed bumps in the U.S. over safety and other concerns. But in Tel Aviv, one in 10 residents has rented a Bird e-scooter, and the city appears to be embracing them. WSJ’s Jason Bellini takes a look at the challenges and potential lessons of the e-scooter craze.

0: 54

Tasting the World’s First Test-Tube Steak

12/11/2018 5: 30AM

12/11/2018

9: 58

High Insulin Prices Drive Diabetics to Take Extreme Measures

12/3/2018 5: 30AM

12/3/2018

9: 57

Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Facial Recognition Technology

11/19/2018 5: 30AM

11/19/2018

9: 54

The Future of Flight: AI in the Cockpit

11/12/2018 5: 30AM

11/12/2018

More →

More →

Mansion

8: 00

In Greece, a Radical Triangular House Brings the Outdoors Inside

12/21/2019 11: 00AM

12/21/2019

Greek architect Tilemachos Andrianopoulos provides a tour of his design: a triangular home that blurs the line between inside and the olive grove outside. “Even for a completely new structure, there is always something that already exists there,” he says. Photo: Rob Alcaraz/The Wall Street Journal

5: 10

A Love of Yurts Inspired This ‘Glamp’ Retreat

7/11/2019 7: 00AM

7/11/2019

5: 38

A Cascades Home Designed to Feel Like Summer Camp

5/2/2019 10: 00AM

5/2/2019

4: 53

A Home Built to Be a Live-In Museum and Expansive Library

2/21/2019 11: 00AM

2/21/2019

4: 01

A Mini-Castle, Saved From Ruins, Now Fit for a New King

1/30/2019 9: 30AM

1/30/2019

More →

More →

Sponsored

27: 34

Sponsored

Creating the Future Workforce

1/17/2017 3: 39PM

1/17/2017

2: 21

Sponsored

Am I Doing What I Love?

9/22/2016 11: 59PM

9/22/2016

1: 00

Sponsored

Golf’s Data Revolution

9/9/2016 2: 16PM

9/9/2016

1: 30

Sponsored

How Worldly Experiences Can Shape One’s Success

1/24/2018

1/24/2018

More →

More →

Marketwatch, Moneyish and Barron’s

9: 40

Unpacking Fedex’s Declining Profits

1/21/2020 9: 16AM

1/21/2020

Scott Galloway, NYU Stern professor and author, calls out the performance of FedEx and discusses what the company should do to compete with Amazon. Galloway also highlights numerous red flags within Casper’s plans to go public. Additionally, Barron’s senior writer, Leslie Norton, discusses what to expect from Davos.

2: 18

How deception technology is beating cyberattackers at their own game

1/21/2020 7: 00AM

1/21/2020

3: 27

How artificial intelligence could predict the next natural disaster

1/21/2020 7: 00AM

1/21/2020

2: 35

Here’s what internet companies get wrong about revenue

1/17/2020 7: 00AM

1/17/2020

2: 56

Keys to Securing the Cloud

1/16/2020 4: 49PM

1/16/2020

More →

%%

from Job Search Tips https://jobsearchtips.net/senate-approves-rules-for-third-impeachment-trial-in-u-s-history/