#Todd Whitener

[sunnie-angel]

Jason todd who finds out, though not from you telling him he just knows how to use his eyes, youre insecure about something. Your nose, eye color, not so white teeth. Unconventional things that nobody else really stops to think about.

But dont you know he could get lost in your eyes and he makes sure to do it often.

Suddenly he's booping your nose with his more, kissing the end of your nose etc.

Whitening strips appear in the bathroom "cuz he wanted to try em"

He never says anything about it, just does little things. When your insecurities shift to bigger things like height and weight, suddenly theres a step stool in the kitchen even though you didnt ask, (or if your tall he has emptied the lower cabinets and moved everything high up for the both of you), when he buys the groceries theres either sharpie or torn paper where the nutri' info used to be, oh did you wanna know the carb count, too bad he dropped the package in the sink and smeared the ink oops

this prompt was so beautifully written, it feels so in-character for him. jason's own body issues come into play with this, i think his own struggles make him perfect not only for noticing when someone doesn't like aspects of themselves but also the long road to learning to love yourself anyway. i hope you enjoy my little expansion on this!

Jason's got years of struggling to fit into a body he doesn't recognize under his belt to know the signs when someone's feeling insecure about something. He's seen it in the mirror often enough. So he notices when your eyes glide over a feature of your face, the way you stiffen when someone makes a remark (good or bad) about your appearance, how you'll spend too much time reading food labels. Catalogues the way you cover your teeth with your hand when you smile, frown at your side profile, huff at the sizes printed on your clothes.

Don't you know that all he wants is forever with you? That he doesn't care what package that's wrapped in as long as you're together? Every time he looks at you, he finds something more to love. The slope of your nose, the curve of your brow, the way the colour of your eyes is slightly different around your irises. He wants to kiss the sharp point of your elbow, the fullness of your belly, the top of your head. He loves the way you smile, how it takes up your whole face. Jason doesn't see what you call flaws as anything but the little details that make up you. But that's not how you feel.

So he starts making changes, little ones, without prompting or owning up to them. There's a step stool in the kitchen one morning and the cabinets are reorganized. The scale in the bathroom suddenly never has batteries to work. Labels and food packages always turn up ink splattered or torn. The harsh fluorescent light of the bathroom gets switched out for something softer that doesn't have you worrying about looking ill anymore. There's a ladder - the same kind as in Beauty and the Beast, the kind you've always wanted - attached to the bookshelf now. The sticky window, the one that had always secretly made you worry about being too weak suddenly opens just fine.

Little sticky notes start appearing on your mirror every morning, i love yous and looking gorgeous circled with hearts and stars. Must be the mirror learnin' to speak, he says when you ask.

Jason will help you take as many pictures as you want, but he'll go through them with you after and tell you a different thing he loves about you in each one. You brush him off at first, uncomfortable with the praise of the parts you wish he wouldn't notice. Jason understands that knee-jerk urge to deflect, to hide. But one day he hopes it'll grow a little less automatic.

You've shown Jason how to love his body, to inhabit it, own it, to come alive with it. Now he wants to do the same for you.

[klbwriting]

Broken Prism

Chapter 19

Fandom: Red Hood

Pairing: Jason Todd x f!reader

Warnings: violence, suggestions of dismembering a body, smut, penetration, oral (both receiving), marked the smut with *** in case you want to skip

Summary: Joker is out of Arkham and Jason needs to kill him to free himself from the torment knowing his killer is alive brings

Notes: changed my mind about the fancast, I'm keeping Lewis in my posts, not worried about the anon hate I'm getting, figured out how to find/block them so like Jason I am free of my tormenters!

You noticed Jason starting to change as summer turned into fall. He wasn’t distant with you, but with the others he pulled away. He would mostly hide away in his room or in the tech lab in the cave, but only when Tim wasn’t in there. Or he would make excuses to be out, taking you on dates, going on extra patrols, doing rounds in North Gotham. Bruce kept asking you what was going on but, in all honesty, you weren’t entirely sure what was going on in Jason’s mind. As much as you tried to get him to open up fully, he still kept his cards close to his chest. You were trying to give him space, but you were getting to the end of your rope at this point. You needed him to open up just a little to stop you from worrying so much about him.

“Jason please, where are you going tonight?” you asked as you followed him around the cave as he suited up. He shrugged and you glared. “Are you going to tell the others?”

“Nope,” he said, emphasizing the p. You took a breath and he looked at you, then down again as he made sure his guns were loaded.

“I won’t tell them if you don’t want me to but just tell me, please, I’m so worried when you go out like this,” you said.

“Like what?” he asked, trying to sound casual. He had dark circles under his eyes and was gripping the table in front of him enough to whiten his knuckles.

“Like you’re about to explode,” you said, going over and setting a hand on his arm. You were gentle, wanting him to know that you were there for him. It was a bit of a cycle with him, doubt, insecurity first, then he would have days where he knew his worth, that you were there and he could confide in you, but then something in his mind darkened and he would go back to the doubts and insecurity again for weeks. Dr. Thompkins told you to be patient, he was getting better at opening up, and you knew that, but it was still frustrating sometimes.

“Maybe I will and then you can be rid of my annoying ass,” he said. You grabbed his arm tighter then, pushing his face to look at you.

“Don’t say that, ever,” you said. He looked at you and you saw the guilt flash across his face. “Please, you don’t have to tell me details just, generally, what are you up to tonight?” He looked at you for a minute before, turning and leaning against the table. He put his hands to your hips, pulling you close to him, leaning his forehead to yours. You smiled like you always did when he was affectionate with you.

“I’m sorry, I’m heading out to Amusement Mile,” he said. You looked at him, worrying your bottom lip with your teeth. He leaned in and kissed you, taking your lip and licking it gently.

“Don’t worry, I have a lead on Joker and well, I know Bruce won’t do it but I’m going to kill him. May not make everything in brain work the right way but I think it’ll make it easier to forget,” he said. Ever since Joker had escaped Arkham again Jason had been having worse nightmares. You were moved into his room with him by now and every night he would wake you, sometimes wailing in his sleep, sometimes when he had already woken up and just needed to feel your touch. You never denied him, holding him close until he fell asleep again.

“Ok, be careful, I love you,” you said softly. He smiled at you. It was weak, but it was there, and you felt some comfort from it. “I won’t tell the others, but keep your tracking beacon on just in case? I’m monitoring tonight so Alfred can have a break.”

“I promise, I won’t disappear on you,” he said. He kissed you again, holding it for longer this time. “Love you sweetness.” He grabbed his guns and headed out.

Jason prowled the old amusement park, hoping his contact had been right about Joker holing up there trying to gather followers from the houseless population that was squatting on the land. He perched himself at the top of the roller coaster, looking over the rest of the rides surrounding him. He couldn’t tell if the fact that Joker would hide out in the funhouse of the theme park was too on the nose or exactly what he would do. Then he saw a group coming out of the funhouse dressed like clowns, running from a small mob carrying various weapons. Joker walked out casually, following the chase at a slower pace.

“Get them! Have some fun!” he yelled after them, laughing. Jason’s entire body spasmed and he almost fell from the coaster. That laugh, that face, it was in every nightmare he had, it was the soundtrack to every horrible thought he’d ever had. He needed to end this. He desperately wanted to just sniper Joker right now, one through the head from a distance, but he needed to watch him die, make sure he was completely gone.

He snuck down the coaster, following Joker as he followed the hunting party. It was obvious that Joker knew he was there at some point. He stopped, turned and Jason came face to face with him. Joker cocked his head to side before smiling wide.

“What a look! O I love the nostalgia!” he said, almost giddy. “My look was more magician, but I love how you modernized it, just wonderful. Want my autograph?” Jason leveled his gun to him.

“Nah, just your blood,” he said. Joker’s eyes widened in glee, and he giggled again. He held up his hands, mocking Jason clearly but surprisingly Jason wasn’t fazed. Things were falling into place.

“OOO blood lust? My favorite kind!” he said. “Where do you want me? Right here is a little exposed, maybe we go back to my place?”

Jason walked over slowly, expecting it when Joker pulled the blade and slashed at him. He dodged, turning and hitting Joker in the face with his gun. The madman stumbled but recovered, slashing again at Jason, almost catching his chest. Jason hit him again, this time in the shoulder, dislocating it. Joker looked at his arm and switched his blade to the other hand. Jason sighed, just tired of this guy jumping around, messing with his mind, he shot him in the knee. Joker let out a pained scream and Jason couldn’t help the smile that came to his face. Good, let this fucker feel all the pain he could take. The blade fell from Joker’s hand as he clutched his leg. Jason walked over, slamming the butt of his gun into Joker’s head, knocking him out. He grabbed him, starting to drag him to where he had something set up, some fun of his own to have with this monster.

Bruce was back from patrol, seeing you still sitting at the Batcomputer, watching the screen. Jason had been at the amusement park for hours and you hoped it wasn’t because he was hurt. He hadn’t hit the panic button, you still could see the dot, red against the multi-colored satellite view of the city. He waited for you to notice him, but you were too focused.

“Is that Jason?” he asked finally. You jumped, turning to look at him. “What is he doing in…” He froze.

“Let him be Bruce, he needs to finish this,” you said. Bruce put the cowl back on, turning to go back to the Batmobile. You jumped up, running and grabbing his arm. “Stop!”

“I can’t let him do this, fall deeper into this empty well of death he seems so desperate to drown in,” Bruce said. You still pulled despite him just dragging you with him. “I’m going, you can get in if you want but I’m going, the least I can do is make sure he is safe.” You knew he wasn’t going to relent so you climbed in the car with him.

“This will be the end of the killing you know,” you said softly. Bruce glanced at you as he drove.

“You don’t know that,” he said. You sighed. “Once you start…”

“He’s already killed Bruce, you know that, but has he ever killed someone who didn’t deserve it? Drug dealers trying to get kids hooked on crack? Dead, no great loss, he made the rules, they could sell but not to kids, seems fine to me. Poison Ivy had literally killed almost forty people in the Iceberg Lounge, once again, she shouldn’t get away with that. Joker has graveyards dedicated to just his victims, I’m pretty sure the world can turn better without him in it,” you ranted. “Just because you are one death away from becoming a heartless serial killer doesn’t mean he is.”

Bruce stopped the car in front of the amusement park and turned to you. You saw something in his face you hadn’t seen before, shame. Guilt, failure, remorse, not open shame.

“Maybe you’re right. Maybe the problem has always been me,” he said. You rolled your eyes, plenty over this sad guy routine that Bruce and Jason seemed to trade off with each other. They could be the same person if not for their taste in costumes.

“Let’s just go find him, and yes you were a problem, but you’re getting better so stop being so mopey,” you said, getting out of the car. Bruce followed you, turning back into his Batman persona. You grabbed your own gun that Jason insisted you carry everywhere, and you walked into the park. You had never thought you would be walking into the lair of the Joker with Batman by your side, what in the hell had become of your life?

“He was in the tunnel of love right?” Bruce asked. You nodded, wondering once again if Jason and Batman were the same with their flare for dramatics. You both entered and looked around for awhile before turning a corner on the dry track and finding Jason sitting on the edge of the track, legs dangling over the side. He was covered in blood just staring.

“Red Hood?” you asked softly as Bruce jumped out of the track and onto the landing. You didn’t care what was up there, you just wanted to make sure Jason was alright. He looked at you. “Are you hurt?”

“No,” he said. He sat quiet again as Bruce came back down into the track.

“Joker is dead,” he said. You could tell that you were right not to go up and see, Bruce looked a bit green. “You should go, I’ll call Gordon and make sure no one takes the…body.” You reached up and took Jason’s hand, gently pulling him with you. He walked out easy, seeming to be in a daze.

“Are you alright?” you asked as you got to his bike with him. He gave you the extra helmet he always had for you, and you put it on, climbing behind him. He turned back to look at you.

“Its quiet, my mind is quiet,” he said before taking off back to the manor.

Jason heard nothing. The silence was bliss. He knew that Bruce would never look at him the same after seeing how he had dismantled Joker, but he didn’t care. He could live with it, as long as he had this silence. He never needed to hear that laugh ever again, that monster couldn’t hurt him ever again. He had thought he would feel more remorse, maybe feel a twinge of guilt like he did whenever he had taken anyone else’s life, but no, this one just felt good. Felt right. He stood under the hot water of his shower, getting all the sweat and blood that had seeped through his uniform off his skin, wash away that maniac forever. He felt free. He climbed out of the shower, threw on some sleep shorts and headed into the bedroom. YN was sitting on the bed in her pajamas, and he stared at her, hoping he didn’t see fear in her eyes like he saw in Bruce’s.

**********

“Feel better?” she asked, meeting his eyes. She looked at him like he was the most gorgeous person to ever exist. He let out a relieved breath, she still loved him. He nodded and she stood, walking over to him and hugging him tight. He held her close, burying his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent. He didn’t lose her; she was still here. His lips kissed at her neck, hands gripping her hips tight. He was overcome with need to feel her close, know that she still trusted him completely. She made a soft noise as she turned her head to catch his lips, kissing him deeply, fingers tugging at his hair a little. He moved her back to the bed, unsure why he hadn’t thought to take this step with YN before. She fell to sit back and looked up at him, those eyes making him weak in the knees. He leaned in, kissing her again as he pulled her shirt over her head, kissing down her neck as he moved to his knees. He spent time kissing over her breasts, taking one nipple into his mouth, rolling and gently biting it to drawn out a sinful moan from her mouth before moving to do the same to the other before sliding to kiss further down, pulling her shorts and underwear off as he went. He felt her fingers tangle into his hair as he kissed her thighs. She tugged his hair and he groaned, kissing closer to her core. When he first licked his tongue over her center, he heard her make the most amazing noise ever and he dove in, making sure she kept moaning and whispering his name like she was having trouble breathing. He looked up at her and saw her watching him, mouth hanging open a little, eyes glazed in pleasure, and he was finally rewarded when her head fell back and she cried out, him tasting her completely as she reached her peak. She panted as she came down from her high, sitting up to stare at him.

“You look so good,” he whispered standing again. She moved forward pulling off his own shorts and slid her mouth over his stiff member, tongue sliding up the underside as she bobbed her head. Jason stared down at her, mesmerized by the way she was moving, her eyes looking up at him. They looked so innocent and he nearly lost in at the sight. A noise tore from his throat, a groan he didn’t know if he’d ever made before and she pulled off him, pushing herself back on the bed.

“Come here Jason,” she said, reaching for him. He crawled over, settling over her, feeling her legs open for him as he himself gently against her core. She moaned softly as he entered her, staying still for a moment, relishing in how she felt around him, how her arms gripped his back, nails digging into the skin in a way that felt amazing. He kissed her again, but this kiss wasn’t so needy, this was love, this was a feeling he didn’t think existed, the feeling of pure happiness that he had never felt before.

“You’re perfect for me,” he said softly. YN smiled up at him and pulled him to kiss her again. “I love you.” Another kiss. Finally he moved, pulling almost all the way before pushing back in. He didn’t move fast, setting a pace where he buried himself deep inside her and she squirmed a little, helping him find exactly where she wanted him to strike. The pace quickened as they both started to chase their high. She was already so sensitive from his earlier ministrations that he could see her getting closer much faster than him. He smiled, loving that he made her feel this good, loving that the only word she seemed to know as his hips pushed to meet hers, was his name. She arched to him, nails scratching down his back as she cried out her climax. It was enough to quicken his, a few more thrusts and he reached his own peak, saying her name as he held himself inside her for a few moments. She hugged him close and kissed him again.

“I love you,” she whispered as he settled next to her, letting her go. “I’m going to shower, why don’t you get some sleep?” Jason nodded but didn’t fall asleep until she was back in his arms again, feeling light and free for the first time. He had no nightmares that night.

[landolakesdental]

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[cavecreekfamilydentistry]

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[orphews]

Days Of The New

[quillsareswords]

Ok but now we need Damian in a ghostface mask content 😩

DAMIAN WAYNE X READER

WARNINGS: suggestive, language

MASTER LIST in BIO

It's one of your favorite movies. You've rewatched the first one three times this month. At least three, anyway. There's a decent chance you've had it running in the background when he wasn't around.

That's to say: he recognizes the mask as soon as he sees it. Hanging there on a peg wall, among dozens of others in various colors with extra features, he picks it out immediately. Shiny white plastic, cheap black fabric.

"Don't kill me Mr. Ghostface, I wanna be in the sequel!"

How many times have you sang along to that line? How many times have you thrown it into everyday life to get a laugh out of him?

Mari is cheering further up the isle, apparently having found a mask she likes. Todd is laughing, so he'd better go investigate. God help him if it's something Jason is laughing at.

He grabs the first one in the row and tucks it under his arm.

(Of course Mari Grayson would pick out the most ghoulish latex gargoyle mask she could find.)

You get to his place later than usual due some accident on the subway track you didn't pay much attention to. You zoned out after you heard non-fatal. Your shoes get pried off and left by the door, you jacket abandoned over the back of the couch with your backpack.

"Damian?" you call, raking a hand through your hair on the way to the kitchen. "Are you home yet?"

No response. You lug the refrigerator door open. "Guess not." Let's see...grapes, guacamole, apples, caramel dip, tofu stir fry from last night...

You grab the guacamole dish. Where does he keep the chips, again? Same cabinet as the bread, right?

You close the refrigerator door, and there's a black shadow inches from your face. "Surprise, Sidney."

A scream rips out of your throat as you stumble sideways, hurling the plastic Tupperware with everything you've got.

In one motion, Damian yanks the mask off and narrowly ducks out of the way. The shit-eating grin whitening his teeth melts a little when he turns at the horrific sound behind him.

His poor guacamole, splattered against the wall like a gory scene straight out of a horror movie, and the plastic container rolling pathetically on the floor, cracked in three places.

He turns back toward you, leaning all your weight against the counter with your face in your hands. "I think you almost killed me with a bowl of guacamole."

The fingers on your left hand inch apart to reveal your glare. "You're such a dick."

He's grinning again. "I thought you liked Ghostface."

You drop your hands and cross your arms to scowl at him. "I do like Ghostface. I live Ghostface. If Ghostface asked me to marry him, I'd leave you in a heartbeat."

He chuckles, deep in his chest, and moves forward. "Oh, come on. I'm sorry, Beloved. I couldn't resist." He opens his arms before he's reached you, just in case you really are angry with him and decide to stop him.

You don't. You let him step into your space, rubbing his warm palms up and down your arms, mask abandoned on the counter behind you. "Well maybe I just won't be able to resist dying all your fancy white shirts bright pink." You glance down at the one he's wearing now for emphasis, but it's not a nice white one. It's the black t-shirt he yanked on this morning to wear under that nice new jacket. The one that hugs his torso about as tightly as you do when he leaves for patrol.

His grin fades into a much kinder smile. "Orange. I'll wear them for Halloween."

Your glare is wavering the longer he looks at you. You hum noncommittally. "I'm trying to say that you've got a lot of grovelling to do, Mr. Ghostface."

He leans a little closer. "Oh? What kind of grovelling do you have in mind, Dearest?"

You hum again, drawn out and low to stall while your hand reaches awkwardly backwards. Your fingers brush cheap fabric. "I don't know about you, but I'm thinking Morticia and Gomez Addams kind of grovelling," you pause, lifting the mask between you to hold it in front of his face, "but you put this back on first."

Kind smile becomes devious as you lower it again to gauge his reaction. His eyes spark as green as fresh moss, cradling the growing black of his pupils like gemstones. "Well, if that's what it takes to earn forgiveness..." He takes the mask from you gently and slides it on. "Whatever you wish, Cara Mia."

The door bell chimes.

Crisp and loud.

Ignore it, is on the tip of your tongue, but it dies when you hear your phone buzz with what is undoubtedly an I'm here text message. You sigh. You'd completely forgotten about offering to loan your friend some clothes for her Halloween costume.

He goes still in front of you, one hand once again pressing into your bicep, the other planted on the counter beside you. Immediately, he's debating whether or not to leave whoever it is standing in the hall and make up some excuse later. But then...

"I'm going to answer the door like this."

You look again to his tight shirt, black jeans, mask. Doesn't matter who is at the door, this image of Damian is all yours. "No the fuck you aren't."

There's immediate jealousy in your tone, a knee-jerk reaction. It must be somebody you know.

Even better.

"Yes, the fuck I am."

[galatially]

❝𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐞❞

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 — 𝐣𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐝 x 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 — 2.9K

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 — you'd rather have half of him than none of him at all

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 — 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐃𝐍𝐈, 𝟏𝟖+, strong language, allusion to smut, infidelity, jason puts his hand around reader's neck and frightens her (didn't know what that would be tagged as)

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 — jason peter todd is my favorite batfamily member because he was the only one, to me, that got to be repentant and mourn the literal death of himself and the child he used to be and actively chose to be more than batman's former protégé. he chose to continue to be a son and brother to the others. i just love him, all right? also shout out to chloe x halle for being the soundtrack and inspo for this lol

i don't have a tag list but i do have a library where all of my works live,@galatially-wrote so please check it out! reblogs and comments are much appreciated ♡♡♡

divider as always by the ever awesome, @firefly-graphics

also tagging @thebatfamfanatic for liking a lot of my stuff lately! i hope you enjoy this ♡♡

There were few people in this life that you’d trust yourself with.

You’d experienced enough of the world to know that soft, delicate little girls would come out of it hardened, cynical women. You’d worked hard to stay soft, skin bare to the dragging teeth of the monsters that lived outside your door. But, like monsters are wont, they paid no mind to your efforts. No, they stalked and hunted you and stripped you of your innocence until you were hollow. No longer a girl but not close to the woman they tried to force you to into.

To the outside world, Gotham City was a black hole.

A dark chasm that devoured souls — innocent or guilty — in its wake. They never bothered to look deeper at the denizens of the glum city, paid no mind to the souls born there.

For as long as you could remember, crime was a constant in your life. You lost your mother to drugs long before she’d even been a memory. Your neighbors were criminals, whether by trade or circumstance. Either way, you learned to keep your head down. Shrink yourself until you were as buried as the tangles of weeds in the cracks of the sidewalks beneath the soles of your feet.

So when rumors of a burglar hitting houses in your neighborhood made their way to you, fear didn’t seize in your chest. What good was it to panic when petty thieves were a dime a dozen in Gotham?

Because your father was a trucker, solitude was your closest companion. By the time you were twelve, you’d been left alone so much that it was stranger having your father around than him being on the road. He’d taught you how to throw a punch and what to do when something unsavory came your way. You often wondered how nervous he was while he was on the road. Because it was just the two of you, your father tended to keep you as close as he could, gripping your childhood years with the tightest of fists until his knuckles whitened. You never had the heart to remind him that you’re growing whether you both want it to happen or not.

One night, you were home alone like always when you heard your back door open. With quiet fluency, you tiptoed down the staircase, your aluminum bat in hand, to assail your intruder. The glow of the refrigerator light bled onto the hardwood floor and you raised the bat and brought it down with abrupt force, catching their shoulder.

“Fuck!”

A sharp hiss left from between their teeth as you rose the bat again.

“You got five seconds to get the hell out of my house before I shatter your ribcage.” Your voice was naturally soft but your words were acidic.

The intruder looked at you over their shoulder, their crimson hood falling from their head.

Met with angry blue eyes and a bruised face, your face screwed up in confusion.

“You’re a kid.”

He scoffed. “I’m probably older than you, princess.” He nodded towards your weapon. “What’s with the Jackie Robinson arm? You tryin’ to concuss me or somethin’?”

Your nostrils flared. “You broke into my house, asshole. What was I supposed to do? Let you raid my fridge and come strangle me in my bed?”

He held up a hand as he slowly rose to his feet. “I’m not here to steal your shit. I was just hungry.”

You raised a brow. “Don’t you have a home or parents for that? My dad’s not runnin’ a food bank. There’s barely anythin’ for me.”

“Yeah, I saw that.” He ducked his head some. “Home ain’t really home right now.”

What was with this kid? If you didn’t know any better, you’d think he was trying to be your friend.

“So, you’re the burglar that’s been terrorizin’ the neighborhood?”

A corner of his mouth quirked up. “In the flesh.”

You sighed and lowered your arms, moving towards the wall to flip the light switch. “Look, if you want to stay here for the night, there’s a blanket and pillows on the couch in the living room. Don’t touch the TV and don’t eat anymore of my food. I expect you gone in the morning.”

He raised a brow. “Are you lettin’ me stay?”

“You said you were between places, right? Better to get a good night’s sleep here than Crime Alley.” You walked towards the little hallway that led to the living room. “Bathroom’s the last door on the left. I think there’s some extra towels in the cupboard if you wanted to shower.”

He seemed truly perplexed at your sudden kindness. “You’re really goin’ to let a criminal stay in your house overnight? What if I steal somethin’ or I come into your room to hurt you?”

“You want to stay or not?”

He pursed his lips and nodded.

“Don’t make me regret this. It’s just me and my dad and someone needs to take care of him.” You didn’t know why you disclosed that part, but you could tell it struck a chord with him. He nodded and shoved his hands in his pockets. “You need to be gone by morning.”

“I will.”

You nodded and gripped your bat as you walked towards your staircase. “Turn off the kitchen light when you’re done!”

Two weeks later, you saw him again. He was climbing out of the kitchen window of your neighbor, Mr. Tanner. As if he knew you were watching, he looked towards your bedroom window and winked. He winked! The next evening, he climbed the side of your house and into your bedroom, a sly smirk on his lips.

You turned on your bedside lamp. “What are you doing here?”

“Came to see you.”

You gave him a sleepy frown. “Why?”

“Why not?”

And just like that, as easy as rain, you formed a strange friendship with him. He told you his name was Jason Todd and that he was the son of a petty thief and a depressed, drug-addled mother.

You didn’t know what to make of him. He was scruffy, but more in the way that he didn’t seem to be wearing clothes that fit; a clumsy grace to his jumps and climbs as he made his escape in the dead of the night, the faint cacophony of sirens following him home. You often scolded him for baiting GCPD the way he did but he’d just throw his head back and bark out a laugh. That was the first time you realized that you liked seeing his face soften and his eyes crinkle at the sides.

Over time, you’d found yourself growing fond of his late night visits. You both bonded over your love of gothic literature and black and white movies. He’d asked you about your family and you’d lifted a shoulder, saying that your dad was your dad and your mom had passed before you got to know her.

“What’s your mom like?”

Jason leaned back in your desk chair and looked at your bedroom ceiling. “When she’s aware, she’s one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. She’s got this smile, right? It’s not a full one but her left cheek will dimple and her lips will curl up just enough and it brightens her whole face.” He looked at you, smiling. “When I was little, she’d act out bedtime stories for me. Treasure Island, Count of Monte Cristo. Anythin’ with pirates and adventure.”

“She sounds nice.”

“Yeah, well.” He spun the chair back and forth. “She hasn’t been like that in a long time.”

“I’m sorry, Jay.”

“It’s my normal. I can’t really be sad about it anymore. Plus, I’ve got you now. That’s not something to be sad about.”

Your face warmed and you wrung your hands together. “Is she why you’re not sleepin' at home tonight?”

Jason lifted a shoulder.

“Come on, Jay.” You moved to the middle of the bed and sat on your knees. “We’re friends, remember?”

“Dad’s back.”

Your eyes focused on the bruise blooming along his jaw. He never spoke of his father often but when he did, your fists would clench and you’d see red. To think that someone would hurt the boy that did everything he could to keep their home and keep his mother safe angered you, made you grateful that your own father was much kinder to you.

“You want me to go give him a piece of my mind? I’ve been meanin’ to practice my swing.”

“Old man’s not worth it,” he said, chuckling. “Besides, you don’t need to fight for me. You got too much to worry about already.”

“I can add you to that list.”

Jason cocked his head and rose from your desk chair. He climbed into your bed and knelt in front of you, his blue eyes burning into yours.

Warmth crept up the back of your neck and spread to your cheeks. “What?”

“You’re kind of beautiful, did you know that?”

A nervous chuckle bubbled from your throat. “Did you hit your head or somethin’?”

His hands — callused and split from jumping fences — cupped your face and rub his thumb along the seam of your lower lip. He inhaled the gasp that left your lungs when his lips pressed against yours. Teeth clacked against each other, sometimes catching bottom lips. You didn’t know what to do with your hands so you kept a light hold on his forearm. The kiss wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even really good. But still your heart thundered in your chest and your lips tingled.

He cleared his throat when he pulled back and quickly shuffled off of the bed. “I should go.”

“What?”

“I’ve got to go make sure that Mom’s okay.” He opened your bedroom window. “I’ll see you tomorrow, yeah?”

You frowned but nodded as you watched him duck into the cover of night.

Three weeks went by before you saw Jason again.

As he climbed through your window that night, you launched a pillow his way.

“C’mon, Y/N, listen to me!”

“Get out.”

Jason frowned and moved to the end of your bed. “I didn’t mean to be away for so long.”

“So you think that’s okay? To disappear for weeks? I was so worried about you!”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re somethin’ else you know that?”

“It’s not funny, Jay! I didn’t hear from you for three weeks! I kept waitin’ for you to show up and I even listen to the GCPD scanner on the radio to make sure that you weren’t…” You blew out a breath. “You know what? Forget it. Go home, okay? I’m tired and I have a test in the mornin’.”

“Y/N, I snuck out so that I could see you. Don’t push me away.”

“Well, you saw me. Good night.”

“Y/N…”

“No, Jason! You kissed me!” Tears burned at the corners of your eyes. “You kissed me and left and it’s been killin’ me.” You let out a bitter laugh. “And what’s fuckin’ worse is that you’re not even bothered. You just traipse back in here and — ”

Arms wrapped around your shoulders and pulled you into the red fabric you so loved. It smelled of stale cigarettes, soap, and him.

“You think it’s easy tellin’ you goodbye, Y/N?” His voice broke. “Don’t be fuckin’ dumb.”

Your words stuck to the roof of your mouth.

Jason pulled back, his blue eyes watery. “You’ve been the best thing to happen to me these past weeks. You’re smart and caring and beautiful and I don’t know how to walk away from that.”

“Then, don’t.”

“My mom’s gone, Y/N.” Your eyes widened. “She died a few weeks ago. Overdose.”

You gathered him into another hug, tears pearling at the crest of your eyes. A strangled sob tumbled from his tongue and his arms tightened around your waist. You didn’t say anything, didn’t loosen your hold, just held him the blue-eyed boy close and let him cry into your neck. “I’m so sorry.”

“’S all right. She’s better off now. Not in anymore pain.” Jason pulled back to face you. “I’m sorry for makin’ you worry.”

“What about your dad? You said you were sayin’ goodbye.”

“He got picked up a few days later for a B&E. Fifteen years.”

You frowned. “So, what about you? Where are you goin’ to go?”

“Funny story: I met Bruce Wayne. Kind of. Sort of.”

You raised a brow. “How does a kid from Lower Gotham meet a billionaire on a whim?”

“You try to steal his hubcaps outside of a building on a Tuesday.”

You chided him for his glib response. “So, just like that he’s takin’ you in?”

He chuckled and rested his forehead against hers. “It’s hard to explain now but just know that I’m goin’ to be okay.”

“How do I know that? No one knows anythin’ about Bruce Wayne outside of those stupid society pages,” you argued. “What the hell does he even about raisin’ kids anyway?” You were grasping at straws, your mind conjuring up scenarios that could keep Jason at your side. “Do they even know what happened to his other adoptee? That Grayson kid?”

“Y/N, breathe.” He put his hands on her face and forced her gaze to his. “It’s goin’ to be okay. I’m not goin’ away forever.”

“You might as well as be,” you pouted.

“Listen to me. Nothin’ is goin’ to take me away from you, you hear me? Nothin’. I will be here for you.” He pulled you into a hug.

But what if it was?

It was always strange to you how time seemed to muddy the details of things.

Maybe it was you recently coming into your mid-twenties, maybe it was some subconscious need to overthink and overanalyze every decision you’ve ever made to pinpoint how you came to be where you were today. Whatever it was made your mind play out the vignettes of your life: your first day of school, the first time you’d visited your mother’s grave. The time you broke your leg falling from the top of a fence in a neighbor’s backyard.

Lately, you’d been replaying the events of you and Jason’s first meeting. You remember almost beating him senseless with a baseball bat. You remember the look in his eyes when you’d told him that you were letting him stay the night. It seemed so long ago now, like a dream from another life.

“Stop it.”

You kept your eyes on your finger skimming along the curve of his forearm as you answered, “Stop what?”

Jason hugged you tighter. “Whatever you’re thinkin’ about, don’t.”

You let out a tight laugh. “I’m goin’ to miss this.”

“You’re not goin’ anywhere, Y/N.”

You looked at him from over your shoulder, a frown painting your features. “We can’t do this anymore, Jason. It’s not right. Rose —”

“I don’t give a fuck about Rose, Y/N,” Jason said, gruff.

You never meant to make him upset, truly, but the two of you were bound to be caught if Rose hadn’t known already. You could cry to the heavens and gods that you loved Jason more, knew him better. But you’d always be the other woman. The one that always the whole half of what he’d give.

“What about me?”

Rough hands curled around your shoulder and waist, turning you to face him. His thumb ran along the seam of your lower lip and a choked sigh left from between his.

“You’re my best friend. The only girl I’ve ever loved.”

“But that’s not enough for you to leave her, is it? In a few hours, you’ll sneak out of here and go back to Rose and where does that leave me, Jason? What do I get?” You pushed out of his hold and wrapped the sheet around your front.

“Y/N — ”

“What do you tell her when you come here?” Jason paused. “What lies do you give her when you’re with me?”

“Stop it.”

“No, I want to know! What do you tell your girlfriend when you’re coming here to f— ”

Fingers curled around your neck. You’d never seen Jason this way before, teeth bared and blue eyes blazing. For the first time since you’d know him, you were afraid of him. “I told you to stop it.”

You took his wrist between your fingers, your voice surprisingly even. “Let me go, Jason.”

As if shaken from a dream, Jason pulled his hand back from your neck, his eyes wide. “Shit, Y/N, I’m sorry.”

You shook your head and rose from the bed. “Get out.”

“Baby, I — ”

“Jason.” You let out a shuddery sigh. “Please. Just go.”

His mouth canted into a sorrowful pout as he rose from the bed in all of his naked glory. You kept a tight hold on your covering as you watched Jason redress himself and gather his belongings. As he pulled his arms through his arms through his leather jacket, he glanced at you from over his shoulder.

You knew what he wanted to say, could see it in his eyes. You tightened your jaw and squared your shoulders. “Goodbye, Jason.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I’m so, so sorry.” You turned your face towards the door and he sighed. His feet carried him to your bedroom door, he gave you one last look, opened the door and left. Once you’d heard your front door slam shut, you dropped to your knees and cried.

Time really did muddy things up.

[movieometer]

Shadow Puppets (2007)

Release Date: June 2007

This is free on Amazon Prime right now. This is not worth watching on any website, tv, or mobile device. Even though Tony Todd (Candyman) and James Marsters (Spike from Buffy) are in it. It’s about a group of people who wake up in their underwear, locked in a mental institution, and a shadowy creature is killing them all, and they eventually figure out that one of the people among them is lying about who they are. It’s like...... A Syfy channel movie. Low budget, ridiculous. I was embarrassed. The shadow creature is so cheap.

Rating: F. And the way the people died? The way they ESCAPED? Holy shit. A disaster.

[miscxllany]

@hellaciovs​ said: ❛ don’t mind me. just enjoying the view. ❜ ( boj for pc 👀👀👀👀 )

The feline is in the process of getting ready for bed, rummaging through a box to find her curlers. Teeth brushed, whitening strips applied, pajamas on; she was pretty much set. Albeit, her search is halted as she can feel eyes upon her. She turns around, now facing BoJack who had already settled comfortably into bed. ❛ What're you looking at? ❜

"Don’t mind me. just enjoying the view." Emerald hues downcast, to examine her own nightwear. Although not exceptionally provocative, it did leave little to the imagination. Normally she'd throw a robe over it to walk around the house, to cover up for Todd's sake. But within the privacy of her own room, she didn't see the point. ❛ Oh, you like it, huh? I have it in other colors, got 'em on sale. ❜ Curlers located, she wraps her coif around the velcro and climbs into bed. ❛ Don't get your hopes up, mister. I got a big day tomorrow. Judah and I got a meeting with Goldie Fawn! ❜

[zayray030]

Baking is the Best Stress Relief.

Summary: Jason just wants people to leave him alone. He just wants him mom back. He wants Bruce back. He just wants to lose himself in the world of sweet treats and baked goods. Or The titans are dicks to Jason and go out to eat without him. He uses that to his advantage and starts baking. He just didn't count on the titans coming back early this time.

A/N: I rewatched Titans and got pissed off and I saw a headcanon about Jason stress baking so I put them together and got this.

“Jason! Could you just listen! No patrol!” yelled Dick at his brother.

Currently they were both in the Titans tower and they were arguing whether Jason was allowed to go on patrol after Dick had seen him try to sneak out.

“You're not my dad!” Jason yelled back. It was a weak argument and he knew it but he just wanted him to leave him alone and for people to stop looking at him.

It did the opposite thing however and people continued to stare at him and Dick ragged on twice as hard

“Thank the Lord for that!” snapped Dick, glaring at his little brother. Why couldn't he not just listen to him?

“Dick, maybe you should stop.” suggested Dawn, but she was also looking at Jason in slight disappointment. “Jason, I thought you weren't going to sneak out?”

Jason didn't say anything and just continued to glare. He just wanted them gone. Why couldn't his mother be here? Or Bruce. His mother wouldn't treat him like this and Bruce would give him his freedom.

“Maybe we should leave the kid here while we go out.” suggested Hank, but there was a slight smirk on his face. Jason so desperately wanted to smack that smirk of his face but he didn't want his punishment to be increased so he just stayed silent.

“Might as well. We're going to be late to the restaurant and it took months to get the reservations.” complained Donna.

“Okay, fine. Jason you stay here. I don't want any more trouble and if you get out of here…” the sentence wasn't finished but it held a warning. Jason slightly felt himself shake and he stopped himself before it came obvious. However, Kory noticed and she narrowed her eyes.

“Come on Grayson. Let's go. You've threatened the kid enough as it is.” snapped Kory already heading to the elevator. Rachel and Gar joined her shooting him slightly apologetic looks with Rose behind them throwing him an unsympathetic look.

Dick sent him one last glare and went with them. Donna and Dawn sent him small looks of disappointment but Hank just smirked at him and it took everything in Jason not to punch him.

When he felt the door of the elevator slide shut he collapsed into tears. He wanted his mom back. She would cuddle him and wouldn't shoot him a disappointed look. She would protect him from his dad. She would help him feel safe.

He wanted Bruce. He would give him his freedom and love him. He would give him actual reasons on why he wasn't allowed to do stuff. He would make him feel loved.

Jason suddenly stood up, and looked around to make sure that truly no one was here and quickly went to the kitchen area of the open plan house. He got out all of his supplies to start baking. He took his phone out from his pocket and quickly blasted some music on it and began singing to it. And soon he got lost to the world of sweet treats and music.

~With the rest of the titans~

“Why can't he just understand? He could get hurt or worse out there if he doesn't have the back up.” complained Dick at the restaurant.

“The kid's a little asshole, Dick. He'll grow out of it.” reassured Hank.

“Hank! Jason is not an asshole. He just needs time.” reprimanded Dawn, slapping her boyfriend's chest.

“Jason's a kid. Aren't all kids assholes?” asked Rose boredly, sending them a critical gaze.

“You, Rachel and Gar aren't. And sure you're kinda bitchy but you're an angel compared to him. And Rachel and Gar are beyond sweet.” replied Donna after swallowing her bite of food.

Rose didn't say anything. Just raised an eyebrow at them and went back to her food

“But Jason is nice!” protested Gar, defending his friend. He couldn't understand why people were so against Jason. He wasn't even a rebel or a bad boy. He was a total nerd!

“Jason? Nice?” asked Rachel, shooting him an incredulous look. Call her biased; she still wasn't over the church comment.

“Okay! We are not going to isnull a fellow team member! We are especially not going to insult him when he's not here to defend himself! We have more honour than that!” snapped Kori, interrupting all comments about Jason.

Everyone looked down slightly ashamed. One of the many powers of Kori, making people feel ashamed of their actions with just a few simple words.

“Eh, my appetite’s spoilt. Let's just go.” muttered Dick. Donna glared at him slightly before standing up too.

“You are paying for pizza, Grayson!” she snapped turning around to exit. Everyone followed after her quickly and Dick quickly put everything on Bruce's card.

Everyone was grumbling about having to leave but all complaints stopped when they heard the voice of an angel coming from the kitchen and the beautiful smell of baked goods.

Everyone quickly stiffened and silently crept into the kitchen expecting some psycho meta who could sing someone to death. Ridiculous, but could you blame them.

However, that was not what greeted them. Instead it was Jason Todd in an oversized Hoodie, singing along to a song on his phone, that sat on the counter, baking some of the amazing treats, any of them have ever seen.

The smell made Donna drool slightly and everyone eyed the treats greedily but they didn't advance. Instead they refocused their attention on Jason.

He looked positively…adorable. There was no other word for it. He was singing slightly, a smile on his face, a small blush decorating his pale cheeks, curly hair whitening at the tips with flour and his mouth was open singing happily to the song in the background. They all couldn't help but notice that this was the first time that they've all seen him so… free. Innocent.

However, the peaceful image was stopped by Hank. “You actually bake!?!” he hadn't meant to sound so rude about it but sometimes his brain to mouth filter didn't work.

Jason quickly turned around and dropped whatever baked good he had just finished and Donna moaned in despair as those beautiful treats dropped on the floor.

Jason wasn't focused on that however. He was just looking at everyone and slowly he began shaking and his face paled dramatically. He began sweating and phantom illusions of his dad began appearing and telling him that he's such a hussy for doing this. Telling him that he isn't a boy and he should die. He hadn't realised the tears falling but suddenly he felt warm, almost too warm, arms wrapping around him, rubbing his back and soothingly talking to him in a quiet voice.

The shaking stopped and when he looked up he saw Kory’s warm face looking down at him and he would have expected her to be looking at him in disappointment. But she was smiling, her eyes shining prettily.

“Jason, could you please teach me how to make pancakes? I actually want to be able to eat something other than take out and cereal.” she asked. And she was asking. Not demanding.

Jason just nodded slightly. “Um, y-y-yeah s-sure.” he stammered and blushed bright red. Kory however didn't laugh at him, just smiled and quickly began making some space on the counter

This, however, gave him the view of everyone else behind her and he thought they would all look at him in disgust instead Donna was looking at him in adoration and she quickly approached him, picked him up, and gave both his cheeks a kiss.

“Oh my Zeus, you can cook! You're my hero!” she exclaimed and her tone wasn't mocking or sarcastic. It was genuine and there was a small sparkle in her eyes. Jason just blushed a darker red and looked down, bashful. He swore he heard the women coo but he wasn't going to ask who it was.

“Jason, these taste so good!!” moaned out Gar after taking a bite from one of the cookies he made. He looked over and saw Rachel biting into them and closing her eyes and moaning in delight. Rose just bit one and nodded her head. Practically a scream of delight for her.

“So, is this how Bruce magically manages to get through the day without Alfred there for him?” asked Dick holding a bitten cupcake.

“Um, yeah.” Jason said quietly. He was confused. Why were none of them threatening to throw him out? Why were none of them making fun out of him?

Kory came back and put an arm around him and quickly steered him in front of a bowl. Everyone was looking at him intently. Even Hank had put down the slice of cake he was devouring to look at Jason.

“What?” he asked defensively when no one looked like they were going to talk.

“Sorry. We were all wondering if you could show us how to make some of these.” said Dawn when she realised why he was so defensive. Everyone flushed lightly but they still continued to look at Jason.

Jason just nodded, not trusting his mouth to speak, and quickly began to demonstrate how to make pancakes. Everyone watched in rapt interest and Jason desperately tried not to mess up.

“You are the designated cook of the Titans! No one is allowed to attack you when in the kitchen or anywhere else. You get to decide whoever comes into the kitchen and who stays out of it!” announced Rachel as she dug into her pancakes.

“Dick isn't allowed.” he said immediately and flushed again and turned to Dick, expecting him to be pissed. Instead he had a soft smile in his face and there was an odd twinkle in his eyes.

“That's understandable. Alfred also banned me from his kitchen when I set fire to a pot of water.” Everyone laughed slightly but Jason just shot him a horrified look and looked as if he was going to faint.

“How do you…?”

“Best not to ask, nerd. Now sing. It's actually one of the few pleasant things in this tower.” said Rose boredly, but there was a small, almost invisible, smile on her face. Everyone squawked in indignation so she amended. “Except for the fire lady.” Nobody tried to fight with her on that however and looked at Jason.

Jason just flushed red again and opened his mouth and began to sing a tune his mother taught him when she wasn't high on the drugs. Everyone listened in rapt attention and swayed to his voice

Soon everyone had finished eating their pancakes and Jason began cleaning up the dishes while they were eating. Suddenly, he felt arms wrap around his shoulder and pull him closer. When he looked up he saw Kori’s face and she had a small frown in her face. Jason quickly shrunk in on himself when he realised that now  they were going to beat him up for baking but he was surprised again when she guided him to the living room and set him down and pushed the TV controller into his hand.

Suddenly, a plate of pancakes was deposited on his lap and when he looked up he saw Rachel standing there and she had a small blush on her cheeks.

“You are going to sit here and enjoy your food. While you do that the rest of us are going to clean up.” said Kory and when it looked like Jason was going to protest she kneeled down. “Please Jason. You deserve to relax. Especially after what we did to you before. Just stay here and watch something.” said Kori softly and in his peripheral vision he could see the older Titans looking down in shame.

He just nodded and turned on the TV. He looked around and quickly picked Tangled. No one made fun out of his movie but he did see Rose quirk her lips up and Dick smiling softly before Kori dragged them over to the kitchen.

~Later~

By the time everyone had finished cleaning up the kitchen Jason had already passed out. Everybody couldn't help but coo at the small boy wrapped in a blanket, sleeping so peacefully with Tangled playing in the background.

“And to think that we thought he was a bad boy.” said Donna as she took out her phone and began snapping photos. She was so going to show these to Diana and she knew that her former mentor was going to show those to Bruce. He might not act like to but he would break his no kill rule just to have a quick glimpse at Jason looking like this.

“Nah, he's just a big nerd.” said Gar, smiling at his best friends sleeping form.

“He's so innocent.” Rachel said quietly approaching the sleeping boy but Dick held her back, some big brother instinct telling him to protect his brother.

“Let him sleep. He needs it.” said Dick guiltily.

“I still want to know who's going to cook in the morning.” said Rose. When everyone turned to look at her she just raised her eyebrow. “We are going to let sleeping beauty sleep, aren't we? Especially after what you dumb fuck’s said.” she added just to see all the older titans except Kory wince.

“Of course we are. And we are going to use those cooking techniques he so graciously taught us to make him an apology breakfast.” Kory’s tone held no argument and everyone nodded their heads at her.

Dick cautiously approached his brother and couldn't help but notice how tiny he was. It made his instincts flare higher as well as his guilt.

He picked the body up with little to no resistance and walked to the boy’s room. He would worry about his weight tomorrow. Right now he was worried about his sleep. He put the boy down in the bed and covered him with the blanket and looked at him.

“Wallowing in your guilt isn't going to help anyone, Grayson.” came Kory’s voice from behind him.

“Kory, I know little to nothing about this kid. I don't know what his favourite food is or what his favourite color is. I don't know his favourite book or movie.” he rambled and his guilt grew. God, he was such a hypocrite and a bad brother. Years of hating Bruce and then he does this to Jason. At least Bruce knew what Jason likes and doesn't.

“Sure you were a dick when this all began. But you can start bettering yourself now. The kid needs to feel needed and wanted. So start making sure he feels loved and wanted.” Bless Kori and her soul.

“What would I do without you?”

“Drown in depression and stupidity.” she answered easily and leaned over and kissed his lips softly. “Come on Grayson. Let's leave the kid alone”

Silently both of the adults walked out of the teen’s room and quickly closed the door behind them.

Sure this didn't start out like Dick wanted but he wasn't going to make it worse. He was going to be the best brother ever.

[meganambers]

When it comes down to interviewing celebrities, whether they are actors, musicians or influencers, there is sometimes an issue separating them from their fame, which makes it complicated to talk to them, one-on-one. From the very beginning, I was quite nervous talking to Broderick because of his obvious notoriety and clear resemblance to the Queen, Beyonce. But from the first sound of the kindness in his voice and reassurance that this was just a conversation between two regular people talking about life, the culture, and our hopes and dreams. 

For those who aren’t familiar with who Broderick Hunter is, Broderick is a 29-year-old Model and Actor from California. He started his modeling career at the tender age of 20, in 2011, and has since been featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan,  Maxim,  Essence, and even Vogue Paris. Aside from modeling, Broderick took the initiative to embark on his acting career, becoming the love interest in Ciara’s Sorry music video, to later appear in Issa Rae’s “Insecure” and most recently, BET+’s “Carl Weber’s Influence”. It was such a pleasure to talk to Broderick about his movie, his plans for the future and his stance on the culture of today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

Megan Ambers: I really appreciate you taking the time to have this interview with me. To be honest, I was a little nervous because you are one of the first well-known public figures that I have spoken to. 

Broderick Hunter: (Laughs)

Megan: I talk to a lot of underground and up-and-coming musicians, so I was a little nervous. 

Broderick: No need to be nervous, mama. I appreciate you doing this a lot. I really do. 

Megan: Thank you. I am not going to keep you, because I know you are a very busy person. So, my first question is how are you doing? What new things do you have going on and is there anything we should be looking out for? 

 Broderick: Well, everything has been really, really good for the most part. My movie, “Carl Weber’s Influence” on BET+, just dropped last week (Feb 20), Thursday. And today, we just got our billboard in Times Square for the promotion for it. So that was exciting because this was one of my first films and I never saw a promo for a film that I am in. So, I am just very excited about that and I have another movie coming out later in the year called, “California Love”. We don’t really have a set date on that yet, but I also star in that with Robert Ri’chard, Columbus Short and Allen Payne. So, I am just really looking forward to a lot of things coming up and because I came up from fashion and being known as one of the top black models, making this transition into acting has been very rewarding. It wasn’t always very easy at first, but I have seen how good GOD has been working out these opportunities for me. And you know my first stint was in “Insecure”, so I have just really been enjoying the process and watching things unfold.   

  Megan: As you just mentioned, you just had a movie that was released just last week, where you play, Michael Jones, a young Harvard grad attorney. For the readers who have yet to see the movie, can you share with them who Michael is?  

 Broderick: My character Michael Jones starts out in an all-white law firm, which you would see more at the beginning of the movie. He is very eager to find an opportunity for getting into a better space. And Bradley Hudson, played by Roger Guenveur Smith, he basically comes into the situation and Michael asks him for an opportunity and what Michael doesn’t know that he is literally about to be involved in this big murder case has been going on. I play a very pivotal moment where I—without giving away the story, but I play a very pivotal moment in the story being this new lawyer at this law firm. So that’s all I am going to say. (laughs) 

 Megan: And in what ways would you say your character Michael is similar and different from you, Broderick?  

 Broderick: Michael is similar to me by his tenacity. He is very upfront and very much ‘In your face’, and that’s kind of like how I was during my fashion years. When I was in Milan (Italy), trying to model for these prominently white brands, who weren’t taking on a lot of black models, I would crash different events that I wasn’t invited to just to end up booking a show because I knew where I belonged. So, Michael as well, he knew where he belonged and he knows where he wanted to go with his career and his life and he basically just took the jump into asking and putting himself out on a whim and hoping for the best results. So that is one way that we are very similar. Where I and Michael are kind of different, Michael is shy. Sometimes he can be a little quiet at times, he likes to sit back and listen. While personally, I don’t mind talking. (laughs) So there are certain times in the movie, you will see that Michael is really shy and not want to say too much. But you will also see that he is in sync with everything, he just doesn’t want to say too much or come off the wrong way.  

 Megan: I can relate to that. (laughs) So with this character having similarities and differences from you personally, how did you prepare for this role? What made you want to be, Michael Jones? 

 Broderick: Well, the character was presented to me through Trey Haley, the director, and Jeff Lam, the producer. They had already had me in mind for several different roles, that they were working on for other shows. This was a movie in particular that they were really prepping and pushing for that had finally had gotten the green light. And they presented me with the script and asked me, “How do you like this character?”, “Do you think this is something you would like to play?”. And I read over the script and I just saw the arch and how big Michael played a role in the case and I really did enjoy being a part of—not only the beginning but the middle and the end of the storyline. So, I really just liked Michael’s personality and how it was embedded into the sequences because all of the characters that you will see from Roger, Kellita, Todd and myself, all of their characters are vastly different in how they approach certain circumstances and I felt as though there was a lot of room for me to play with Michael in terms of my role in the movie.  

 Megan: And as you have mentioned before, you filmed with a lot of prestigious and well-known actors and actresses, such as Deborah Cox. Describe how your experience with working with these actors was like. 

 Broderick: Nerve-wracking. Oh my god. Because we sometimes we shoot out of sequence with these films, I remember my first day of shooting, despite prepping, being ready to go and relatively comfortable, once the cameras started rolling, I couldn’t–for the life of me– get my lines out. And I realized that it was because I was a little timid. So being in front of these people, it was just very intimidating for the first day until I was able to get out of my head and by the second and third day and on, it just became so much easier to mesh with these people. They were very supportive in letting me be me and allowed me to be involved with myself and everything. It was a very good and welcoming experience and I got so much knowledge from working with them. It was an honor.  

https://twitter.com/BroderickHunter/status/1230612370856333312?s=20

Megan: Now for those who are familiar with your resume, you got your start in the fashion world as a model and are now adapting to acting. But recently you announced that you were joining the Reebok family. How did this collaboration come about? 

 Broderick: Well, a lot of these collaborations, Reebok particularly, a lot of these people are familiar with me and have been following me for a long time, my agency was doing some light pitches and the for the majority of the time, these pitches about me, most of the time these people are saying, “omg, I’ve been  following him for years.” For the amount of time that I have had my Instagram, I’ve always been making these funny videos and just remaining well-rounded, outside from just posting pictures. So, I have grown a following from brands and people like Reebok, Nike, Old Spice and etc., and they just really like the way I post [things online]. When Reebok found out that I had things going on, Allen Iverson had just dropped his new sneakers, “the A.I. Question Mids.”, and they knew that I liked to do giveaways. So, they allowed me to construct a giveaway, to not only give away a pair of sneakers but to also engage with my followers and learn more about their origins and loving where they came from. So, it also gave me a way to reach out to my followers and let them share their stories and have me share mines. So, that’s kind of like how that happened.  

Megan: Okay, and are there any plans to create sneakers with them or to become a more permanent ambassador for them? 

 Broderick: Oh yeah, working with Reebok is definitely something that is becoming more of a permanent thing. This is just one of the things that we are doing. But this is more of a contractual ambassadorship program that we are doing together. That and also, I have a new contract with HiSmile, which does teeth whitening and things like that. With my YouTube channel, “Self-care with Broderick”, where I talk about hair care, skincare, all stuff care-related, and they liked what I was doing with my self-care stuff. Now I have a whole new ambassadorship with them, contractually where I get to share about the teeth whitening, so it has been really fun and yet interesting at the same time.  

 Megan: Nice. Nice. So, now I am going to ask a few light-hearted and fun questions so that the fans and readers can learn more about yourself. We can all agree that you look very much like Beyonce, you know. We see the resemblance. (laughs) 

 Broderick: Mainly in the hips. (laughs) 

 Megan: (laughs)  

 Broderick: And in the nose, especially.  

 Megan: What can you say you have learned about yourself since becoming a celebrity? 

 Broderick: Um…You know what is funny? I’ve never exactly looked at myself as a celebrity or a public figure. I’ve always had just maintained just being Broderick Hunter. And that is just something that my mom has always instilled in me. Whether people know you or not, you just make sure that you are the same you every day, throughout the rest of your life. So, I think it most so came down to me knowing and loving myself and being my most authentic self, while people know who I am at the same time. So, becoming this person that people kind of know of and people that want to–you know, be around and take pictures with, it’s just really been a humbling experience. I never would have thought that people would just want to get to know me for me, you know. Just in terms of knowing my work and stuff like that, but the majority of the conversations that people come up to me and say, “Hey man, I follow you and your work and you’re such a nice person.”  

Megan: Right.  

 Broderick: And that’s my main reward that I get from all of that. So, since I’ve become this person, it hasn’t really changed who I am. It just made me want to enhance and increase the value that I want to bring to people’s lives and make them feel loved and comfortable.  

 Megan: Okay, cool. And which of the two industries, Modeling, and Acting, do you feel you are more natural at? Or is it a combination of both? 

 Broderick: Ah, man. Well, people know me for my modeling and modeling has always been very—uh—it has been a craft that I have definitely gotten more accustomed to. With acting, it has been more of a challenge for me, for instance, I am horrible at remembering lines and I always overthink of where I want to take my character or where I want my character to be or how they respond to the other characters. I am like a huge Capricorn, so I overthink. So, I would definitely say modeling has been more natural for me, but acting has been a good challenge for me because it has helped me in photographing. So now when I take photographs, I am able to let certain sides of myself show, in-depth, other than just taking a pretty photo.  

 Megan: So, let’s say thirty years from now, a director comes to you and they tell you that they want to direct the film of your life. 

 Broderick: hmm… 

 Megan: Who would you want to play you in the film, and why? 

 Broderick: So, a director comes and they want to make a film of my life… Sheesh. Okay. This is thirty years from now, so that means all of the young actors are probably going to be like my age or older, umm… Well, there is no one in particular, that I would say thirty years from now, but I would just want a kid—a beautiful brown kid, with a fade… 

 Megan: (laughs) 

 Broderick: Yeah, that’s it. Just a beautiful brown kid with a fade and then when he gets older, around 15 years old, I want somebody kind of like Caleb McLaughlin, that played on “Stranger Things”, I want a kid like that to play a teen [version of me]. And then for the older years, I want somebody kind of like a young Derek Luke in a sense, to play my twenties. And then in my thirties, I need someone like a Beyoncé or Idris Elba.  

 Megan: (Laughs) 

 Broderick: You know what I’m saying? To play my adult years. But preferably, someone like Beyoncé.  

 Megan: I am almost certain Beyoncé would be honored to play you in a movie.  

 Broderick: Well, we’re twins. (laughs) I promise you I never saw the resemblance until we [Broderick and his girlfriend] to the “On the Run” tour, and I heard people screaming and Beyoncé wasn’t on stage. And I told my girlfriend, “Babe, people are just screaming “Beyoncé” and she’s not even on stage.” And she was like, “Yeah, because its Beyoncé” and I was like, “No, they screaming at me. They think I’m Beyoncé.” 

 Megan: (Laughs) 

 Broderick: And she was like, “Boy, if you don’t get your ass out of my face.” So, people just be hating, but it’s all good.  

 Megan: Well the resemblance is uncanny. I honestly, don’t know how anyone doesn’t see it.  

 Broderick: I barely saw it but then everybody else just maximized it. But it’s cool. (laughs) 

 Megan: (laughs) Are there anybody that you would love to work with? Like a bucket list of people, you would like to work side by side with.  

 Broderick: Um… I would love to do something with Barry Jenkins (director of Moonlight), I would love to—man, I am really hoping to one day and I hope they would greenlight this, but I would love to do a film with like me, Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight), Kofi Siriboe (Girls Trip), and Lance Gross, and just take all the elite black men—I would love to just do a film that is catered around that, a storyline about that. I would love to share the screen with just people of that caliber because they do it with the white folks all the time. They do it with Leonardo Dicaprio, Brad Pitt, you know what I’m saying? But I feel like, with black men, we haven’t had a film where it’s like—maybe in the 90s, with like Tupac and Omar Epps and stuff like that. But I feel like, in the 2020s, I feel like it’s time for a new film, where you get all the elite black actors together and we just make a film that is going to be enjoyable. So that’s what I would ideally like to do. To share the screen with a bunch of kings.  

 Megan: And do you feel like this is something that you can do on your own? 

 Broderick: I mean, I am sure we can probably compose a short, but these guys got schedules. (laughs)  

 Megan: You’re right.  

 Broderick: These people got schedules; you know? So, in my mind and in spirit, I just hope this is something that will come through in the pipeline. Where we are all able to share our projects together. And do something that is for the culture. You know, because as black people, it’s our time.  

 Megan: It’s true. And I guess, there is no point in asking you about your feelings about the importance and the state of the culture because it’s evident that you acknowledge that the culture is us. We made it to what it is today and we are a little too kind in sharing it with others.  

 Broderick: Uh-huh.  

 Megan: I mean off-topic, I have had conversations with people who felt as though, “Oh, I thought we were down with it, too…” and it’s like you can’t live it, it’s not in your DNA. You can love it, you can admire it, but you can’t live it.  

 Broderick: You get it.  

 Megan: So, there is no point in asking you that question because we here—we are here.  

 Broderick: We are eye to eye, mama.  

 Megan: Yes. So, share a fun fact about yourself. Anything that no one knows about you that you are willing to share.  

 Broderick: Dang, what a difficult—I mean sheesh. I feel like I am always—that is such a common question, that I can’t quite put my thumb on it. I mean people still don’t know that I am half Nigerian on my mother’s side. I hope that that is getting to the surface now. I’ve been saying it for the past 10 years. But people are just—eh. (laughs) But I don’t think there is anything that most people don’t already know, that falls on the spectrum out of my personal life. Yeah, that’s about it.  

 Megan: Nice. So, the last question is what advice would you give to somebody that’s looking to pursue a career in modeling or acting, that looks like us, but don’t have the confidence or constantly hit with roadblocks and obstacles. What would you say to that person, that child, who’s on the verge of giving up? 

 Broderick: I would say that there are always going to be times where things don’t work out in your favor and things don’t fall into the grand idea of how you want something to be. But I always say that when you are walking along with your passion, be prepared to deal with the adversaries, and when the adversaries do come know that that’s working in your favor. And to continue to keep going. Just because—from personal experience, I know what it feels like to want to give up, but all of those times that I wanted to give up, something would spark that would keep me going. And then I would get exactly or somewhat closer to what I’ve been working for. So, I would just tell people to continue to go on about the path of learning, continue to ask questions, don’t be afraid to connect and ask people for help. There is so much knowledge to go around, but if you pull yourself out of that, you are taking yourself away from what could possibly be for you. So, the best thing you can ever do is stay in it, be persuasive, persevere, walk into places, ask for the manager, show your face and just overall, stay a good person. It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you are and the quality of person that you are.   

 Megan: That was beautiful. Well, I appreciate your time once again. 

 Broderick: Well, I appreciate you, thank you.  

 Megan: I would ask if you have any questions for me, but I am not all that important. (laughs) 

 Broderick: Oh, you’re definitely important. How long have you been working with “The Source”? 

Megan: Well, I worked for “The Source”, close to six months and I actually left them and have been going back and forth with freelancing. Prior to, I worked with Hollywood Unlocked and since then I worked with Vashtie.com, 1 AM Radio with YesJulz, etc., and I started focusing on my own website. So as much as I love writing for bigger publications, it gives me the opportunity to talk to people, like yourself, I am really set to focus on my brand–

Broderick: Mmhmm… 

Megan: Just as how Necole [Kane] did with XONecole, or how Karen Civil has done with her Civil brand. But it is not easy, to come to certain people or to reach out to them and say, “Hey, I have this brilliant pitch and I would like to talk to such-and-such about what they have going on,” because usually, their first question that they ask is, “Oh, who are you writing for?” You know, and I always say, “Myself.” And it’s like, “Well, is there a bigger publication that you can freelance for, maybe?” So it’s hard, but I still try to use my connections with my former employers and my friends in the industry, and just say ��Hey, do you think you can put in a good word for me?” But I can’t ignore my own child, which is my website. I’ve neglected her long enough. (laughs) And now it’s time to build her up like I have been. 

Broderick: And I think you are doing a fabulous job and I think you are going to continue being involved in the right spaces, for the right things and the right opportunities. And just hearing you and how you talk, and how you interview, I totally feel like your brand will definitely grow and you have my word, I always credit articles and posts that I am a part of. I always credit the writer or the publisher. So, I will definitely make sure that people know who is responsible because it seems like you are doing a great job. 

Megan: Thank you.

Broderick: And I am quite sure that you’re going to continue to make major head waves, and when you start building your brand, it’s going to work out. 

Megan: Thank you. I am hoping to one day be in the spaces of you and others, rubbing elbows–

Broderick: Oh, you will.  

Megan: You know, “Hey, how you doing?”, “Nice, seeing you again.”

Broderick: (Laughs) “Hey, how you doing.” 

Megan: (laughs)

Broderick: “So, you came– you got the invite, too? Ok. That’s nice.”

Megan: (Laughs) Exactly. No more losing invites in the mail. But thank you for your time.

Broderick: Oh, I appreciate it. And just thank you for your time, I really, really appreciate you being flexible. 

Megan: Thank you. So you have yourself a good night. 

Broderick: Alright, my friend. 

Sitting Down With Broderick Hunter When it comes down to interviewing celebrities, whether they are actors, musicians or influencers, there is sometimes an issue separating them from their fame, which makes it complicated to talk to them, one-on-one.

[rainingmusic]

Days Of The New - Shelf In The Room 

[orphews]