#Which is all well and good except one time Tim was on video call with Bernard in the manor and Bruce was walking past his door

[fluentmoviequoter]

Party Favors, Bribes, and Sharks

Requested Here!

Pairing: Tim Bradford x shy!(goth!)fem!reader

Summary: When Tim finally invites you to meet his friends, it takes more than party favors and promises to convince you to go.

Warnings: fluff, brief depiction of anxiety/nervousness, teasing

Word Count: 2.0k+ words

Masterlist Directory | Tim Bradford Masterlist | Request Info

“What are you wearing?” Tim asks, frozen in the open doorway.

“A shark,” you answer softly. “It’s a hammerhead.”

Tim presses his tongue against his cheek and nods. He’s seen you in nearly every outfit imaginable over the last year, except for bright colors… or, as it seems, sharks.

“I didn’t know your fascination had extended to clothing,” he mumbles as he finally closes the door.

“It’s a hooded blanket,” you explain. “And it was on sale.”

Tim nods again, unable to take you seriously with the plush hammerhead pulled over your hair or the patterned sleeves your arms are in. He drops his bag and sighs as he sits beside you. It’s been nearly a week since you saw him. As you offer him one side of your shark blanket, he smiles.

“We solved the case,” he says, laying your blanket over one of his legs.

“I knew you would,” you murmur, looking at his neck rather than his face.

“And we decided to have a little get-together to celebrate.”

You hum, straightening the edge of the blanket along Tim’s thigh.

“You should come,” he adds, placing his hand atop yours.

Frozen, you pinch your brows and consider what he said. You’ve been dating for about a year but haven’t met any of his friends or coworkers yet. For good reason, you think.

“Funny,” you whisper, looking away from Tim.

“I’m serious,” Tim assures. “I’m inviting you to the… Lucy’s calling it a party. You can meet everyone.”

You look at the television screen, the rainy night ambiance video threatening to weaken your resolve. “Tim,” you begin. “I’d rather eat my own eyes."

Tim tips his head back and laughs, not at you or your shyness, but at your graphic response. You’re all things darkness, but Tim knows the softness and shyness lying underneath.

“C’mon, you have to come with me.”

“No, I don’t.”

Tim sighs before he turns toward you and places his hands on your sides. “If you come with me, I’ll get you fresh strawberries from that farmer’s market in Santa Monica you love so much.”

Your eyes widen at the idea. Those strawberries are the best things you’ve ever had. Unconsciously, your hand raises to your neck, and you toy with the strawberry charm tucked beneath your other jewelry.

“We can go this weekend and buy as many as you want,” Tim continues. “Maybe even eat some on the beach.”

“I… Tim, I can’t just go,” you argue softly.

“Yes, you can. Listen, I promise that everything will be completely fine. This isn’t a huge thing, it’s casual, you can be yourself.”

You scoff and look down at Tim’s arms.

“I’m serious,” he says firmly. “They’re going to love you. So, if you’re just nervous about them not liking you, that’s not enough of a reason to say no.”

You purse your lips to think. It’s not fair that Tim knows you so well or is willing to use your love of strawberries against you.

“Fine,” you whisper. “But if it doesn’t go well, I stand by my eye-eating comment.”

“I have no doubt of that.”

The day of Mid-Wilshire’s celebratory party, you’re a mess. From the moment you wake up, you’re stressing about every little thing and growing more nervous. You peruse your closet, then turn to Pinterest for outfit ideas, but you keep questioning what Tim meant when he said casual. His casual and your casual are very different, and you don’t want to wear the wrong thing and make the night even more nerve-wracking or awkward than you’re sure it will already be.

“Breathe,” you remind yourself.

You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and exit your room. After a break in which you have a snack, watch a short shark documentary, and wave to your neighbor’s cat out the window, you return to your closet. This time, the outfit seems to jump out at you.

As you lay a pair of baggy jeans on your bed, the rest of the look falls together effortlessly. You choose a black sweater with a skeleton made of stars, black Converse with colorful jewels on the laces, and your daily rings and necklaces. The strawberry charm Tim got you on one of your first dates gets lost among the dark, gothic jewelry, but you know it’s there.

With an outfit picked, your heart rate slows, and your nervousness eases slightly. There’s plenty you could be concerned about, but your question will be answered soon enough.

“Worst case scenario,” you murmur as you straighten your outfit in the mirror. “They hate me, and Tim leaves me.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Tim says, suddenly behind you. You turn quickly, and he pulls you into a hug. “You’re perfect, and everything is going to be fine.”

“You can’t know that,” you complain against his arm.

“I brought you something to help convince you.” Tim steps back and pulls his backpack off the floor. “I’ve been holding onto this for a special occasion, and this seems like a good time.”

You watch as Tim pulls a stuffed animal out of his bag. You want to make a joke, but then you see what it is. The shark plushy is colored like a strawberry; it combines your two favorite things in the world. Things that Tim knows make you melt. Your shyness and worry are forgotten as you hug the strawberry shark to your chest.

“This is like Halloween!” you cheer.

“You mean Christmas?” Tim counters.

“I mean my favorite day of the year.”

Tim nods, kisses your forehead, then steps around you to get ready. As you wait with your shark, you allow yourself to be distracted. When Tim returns a few minutes later, you reluctantly set the stuffed animal on your bed and pat its back.

“Thank you,” you tell Tim. “I love him.”

“Is that why he’s in my spot?” Tim inquires with a knowing smile.

You smile and look down, clasping your hands together behind your back. Until you get to the party, you won’t know what to expect. You’ve heard Tim talk about everyone in attendance, but that’s different than meeting them, seeing them face-to-face, and allowing them to judge you. These people mean something to Tim; they’re his family, and if they don’t like you, there might be a risk of losing him.

“Are you ready to go?” Tim asks, offering his hand.

“Is it down to that or eating my eyes?” you question.

“Yes, and I happen to like your eyes.”

You grumble under your breath and take Tim’s hand. He leads you to his truck and whispers that everything will be fine. You try to believe him.

Halfway through the drive, your leg bounces so hard that the entire seat shakes. Tim turns, then places his hand on your knee, brushing his thumb over your leg. He has seen you nervous, but never like this.

“You’re fine,” he promises.

“What if they-“

“They’re going to love you.”

“But I don’t want to-“

“We’re here.”

You look up from Tim’s hand and sink in your seat. He squeezes your knee gently, opens his door, and rounds the truck to help you get out.

“Tim,” you whisper.

“I got you,” he promises, smiling despite your obvious concern. “Trust me, and then we’ll go get strawberries.”

“I like my rocks better than you,” you complain quietly, sliding out of the truck.

“Remind me who found your favourite rock.”

You huff, unwilling to acknowledge that the rock that looks like it’s covered in raindrops is your favourite or that Tim found it in your backyard. He takes your hand and leads you to the door. When you step behind him, Tim allows you to pull his hand with you, reaching behind his back to comfort you. Although, he knows you won’t need a buffer.

“Tim! You made it!” a woman cheers as the door opens. She gasps and drops her voice to add, “And you finally brought her!”

Tim lifts the hand not trapped in yours toward her, and you assume he motions for her to take it easy on you. Your eyes are on his back muscles, visible through his shirt, rather than anything or anyone around you.

“I was beginning to question if I’d see a night off,” another voice says.

“Tell me about it! Especially when Oscar called.”

Everyone groans, and you look up, still hidden behind Tim but able to see some people in the room. They’re dressed casually, you notice, and one of them is wearing an outfit similar to yours, minus the skeleton design.

“What?” Tim asks.

“Nothing, nothing,” the woman who opened the door answers.

You step to the left and raise your chin, accidentally locking eyes with her. She smiles but doesn’t move toward you or speak. You appreciate it and return her smile.

“Thanks for letting me come,” you say before introducing yourself.

After you say thanks, she moves to your side and pulls you away from Tim. Away from him and the others, she directs you to sit with her.

“I’m Angela, and I’ve been waiting so long to meet you. When Tim slipped and told me he had a girlfriend, I, well, I didn’t believe him at first, but I’ve never seen him like this,” she explains. “He’s been so happy with you! He refused to show me pictures, but you’re even prettier than I expected.”

“Thank you,” you reply softly. “Sorry, I’m not great at, uh, anything interpersonal.”

“Then you’re perfect for Tim.”

You laugh at her friendly teasing and are surprised when you fall into a short but easy conversation with her about how you met Tim.

“Give her some room, Lopez,” Tim calls from the doorway.

“It’s okay,” you tell him.

“Yeah, Timothy,” Angela replies. “It’s okay. It won’t be once she meets Nolan and Lucy, but I’m her new best friend, so you need to watch your back, Bradford.”

Tim rolls his eyes as he nods. He waves for you and Angela to join the others when you’re ready, then retreats around the corner again.

“I’m still nervous,” you admit to Angela.

“Well, now you have me. Just remember these two things: one, Nolan never shuts up, but he doesn’t actually say much.” She pauses as you chuckle, then raises another finger to add, “And we all tease each other, but there’s nothing except respect and care between us. You’re going to fit right in, I promise.”

“As my best friend?”

Angela loops her arm through yours after you stand and replies, “You understand already.”

You sit between Tim and Angela at the table, and less than ten seconds after she joins you, Tim's friends begin asking questions.

“Guys,” Angela interrupts. “Okay, this is Lucy, Nolan, Wade, Nyla, her husband James, and my fantastic husband, Wesley.”

“Why did he get a fantastic husband?” James challenges.

“You heard me.”

“Okay, how did you meet Tim?” Lucy inquires.

“We just ran into each other,” you answer nervously.

“Did he ask you out?” Nolan adds.

You nod, and they continue taking turns to better understand your relationship with Tim. A few minutes into the conversation, your answers are louder and contain more words.

“What’s your favorite animal?” Wade asks in the first lapse of silence.

“Sharks,” you and Tim answer together.

“Tim!” Lucy exclaims, clapping her hands together.

You laugh and realize at that moment that Tim was right. His friends are chill, open, and seem to like you.

“I don’t get why you’re with Tim,” Nyla tells you on the way out, “but I’m glad you came tonight.”

“Me too,” you answer. “I’ll see you around.”

“Count on it!” James calls.

Tim helps you into the truck and then reaches into the backseat. He passes you the new strawberry shark, and you clutch it tightly.

“Your friends are great,” you tell him.

“I tried to tell you,” he responds lightly. “And they’re your friends now, too.”

“I like that.”

Tim nods and murmurs, “You didn’t like it before I agreed to get you strawberries and watch Halloween movies.”

“We’re watching Halloween movies, too?!”

[robinsegghead]

Danny's Daycare Part 14

[Master List]

TW for implied/referenced sexual assault of a minor!!! as well as descriptions of a panic attack

So, maybe he’d been wrong- it wasn’t an impossibility! Duke had really thought Danny seemed like a nice, normal, completely not crazy guy who just wanted to do a good thing for people in need and- okay that last part still seemed true- but there was no way Danny didn’t have some screws loose. Duke had noticed the moment he met the guy that he was brighter than most people. Hell, Danny was brighter than most metas Duke had met, but he’d pushed that fact aside (with a few excedrin to help) and focused on his job.

The job part of his job, not the spying part Tim had assigned him. Duke really enjoyed helping out with the kids and spending more time with Mia and getting to know Danny was a plus. He was a really cool guy and knew a lot about space, science, and strangely enough- the politics behind a monarchy… Duke still couldn’t figure that one out really.

But all-in-all, Daniel Nightingale was a nice guy, an even nicer boss, and was just doing his best to use his astounding wealth in a way that benefitted everybody except himself. Seriously, Duke had seen the pictures Tim had taken of the guy's apartment when he broke-in he could stand to upgrade his stuff a bit. 

Apparently this was one of those (very rare) times Duke was wrong. Because who in their RIGHT MIND catapults themselves onto a Gotham rogue (any rogue really, but Scarecrow was one of the worse to do this to) and starts beating the shit out of them? Not only that, but he’d spoken nonchalantly to the villain and hadn’t appeared even a bit concerned.

If all of that hadn’t convinced Duke that Danny was off his fucking rocker, the fact that a flying vigilante who glowed EXACTLY the same as Danny appeared out of no where, catching the fear toxin, and taking over on the Scarecrow beatdown would have. Duke had yet to mention to anyone that the vigilante and Danny glowed the same because what the actual hell could that mean? Maybe, if Duke had seen them separately, he might have thought they were the same person, but they were in the same room! At the same time! Everyone saw them simultaneously! 

Except apparently they hadn’t caught it on camera because Duke’s video feed had been conveniently cut off the moment the vigilante- who called himself Phantom- appeared.

Oh yeah- how could Duke forget that the vigilante had also admitted to being the Ghost King which (after sending an inquiry to John Constantine) had been confirmed. And Constantine had been pissed. Duke didn’t spend a lot of time around the JL let alone the JLD but even he knew Constantine being angry and frantic and worried all at once was a terrible sign. The (usually unreachable) man had demanded a meeting as soon as possible to go over their interaction with the ghost king and plan out next steps.

B didn’t take that too well.

After all of the kids had been sent home with their parents (who were notified that the daycare would be closed the next day), Danny had told Duke to take the following week off and not argue about it. Duke took his bike back to the manor and waited for the others to get back so they could debrief. 

Now Duke, Duke was known as the ‘easy’ kid. The kid that followed Bruce’s rules, in and out of costume, reported all injuries, gave detailed reports of every altercation, all around, a rule follower. This was not true. Sure, Duke reported his injuries- the small ones- and gave detailed reports- on things that didn’t matter- but Duke, like any other bird or bat, wasn’t a big fan of some of B’s rules. And something in him was telling him not to mention Danny and Phantom’s matching aura’s.

So he didn’t. He reported everything else, Tim grilled him about Phantom and Danny and their relation to each other which Duke insisted was non-existent, and eventually, they let him go to bed. But one of them wasn’t so easily convinced and it was the one who’d disappeared without a word after the altercation at the daycare and returned covered in blood.

Well- covered might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but Hood definitely had more blood on him than he’d had on him at the daycare. B had questioned him about that too, but Jason just mumbled something about a couple of muggers in his territory and refused to mention it further. Now, changed out of his bloody suit, Jason was leaning in Duke’s doorway with a question on his face.

“What is it?” Duke sighed, crawling under his covers and collapsing back into the bed. He’d been up early to do a quick patrol before work and was now regretting that decision.

Instead of responding, Duke heard the click and lock of the door and looked up to see what was happening. He and Jason were cool, Jason was a cool guy and Duke really looked up to him, but they didn’t hang out that much. They were on completely different schedules, with entirely opposite interests, and very little time. So Jason coming to see him was strange in his books.

Jason was standing in front of the now locked door and running a hand through his hair. “I need you to be one-hundred percent honest with me, Duke.” His voice was serious in a way that Duke hadn’t heard often, especially not directed at him.

“Okay..?” He straightened up, hoping Jason took that as him giving his full attention. “What’s up?”

“Did you… notice anything… about- about Phantom?” He asked nervously.

And damn wasn’t that a wild thought. He didn’t remember seeing Jason nervous before. “Notice anything like what?” Duke asked carefully. He still wasn’t sure he should admit to anyone that he thought Danny and Phantom were related somehow.

“You see like… auras or whatever, yeah?” Shit. Duke nodded. “You said before that mine reminds you of the pits. Neon green and kinda toxic, right?” He nodded again, slower this time. “What did you notice about Danny and Phantom?”

Duke opened his mouth to argue that their auras were nothing alike, but that wasn’t true now that he thought about it. Danny’s aura was bright like, brighter than looking into the sun, he was pretty sure his boss had noticed how often Duke avoided looking directly at him. But underneath how bright it was, there was a distinct green color and the feeling of electricity- which was different to Jason whose aura felt like heat and poison. 

“Duke?” Jason raised an eyebrow.

Shrugging, Duke went for a half truth. “They were both kinda green like yours if that’s what you mean.”

Jason pursed his lips in a way that told Duke he had expected that answer but didn’t like it. He sighed loudly, placing his hands on his hips. “Okay. Thanks.” He turned to leave, unlocking and opening the door.

“Why?” Duke questioned back.

His brother paused, halfway out of the room. “Just a hunch. Thanks again, kid, I’m glad you’re okay.”

Only after Jason left did Duke really question what all of that was about. What kind of hunch could Jason have had about Danny and Phantom’s auras? Was he using his own as an example or a comparison? Because, yeah, now that he thought about it, they were similar to Jason’s in color, and he hadn’t seen many people with that exact shade of green in their aura before, but it could have just been a coincidence, right?

Except, in what world would Jason come to Duke to inquire about something that specific and just happen to bump into a crazy coincidence like that? And thinking back on it, hadn’t Hood been trying to get the chance to speak to Danny for a bit after the attack? Duke didn’t count himself as one of the best detectives in the family, there were many people he thought were better than him by a long shot, but everything about this smelled fishy.

What could Jason possibly want with Danny and/or Phantom? Hadn’t B demanded that Jason hand over some card Phantom had given him only for Jason to refuse point blank? Damn, maybe if he wasn’t so tired he’d be able to think better. He’d read the reports tomorrow, now he just wanted to sleep.

~~~

Danny woke up to a weight on him. Actually, he woke up to three weights on him. One was pressed between him and the couch, partially draped over his chest and crushing his arm- it was completely numb at this point. The second was fully on his chest, splayed out across his body and jabbing a sharp elbow into his neck. The last weight was much lighter and almost comfortable, keeping his feet warm.

Opening his eyes, Danny found Miguel, Santi, and Curiosity all sleeping on him. Frowning, he tried to remember how they’d ended up curled up on- he looked around- Miguel and Santi’s couch. Miguel had made it pretty clear early on that he didn’t like much physical contact and even though Santi wasn’t as uncomfortable with it, Danny had mostly avoided it unless they initiated it.

Everything came back to him as he finally registered the crusty feeling in the corners of his eyes and remembered quietly crying while holding the boys and assuring them that they were safe in his arms. He’d expected them to eventually pull away, demand to know what he’d done to their dad, maybe get upset with him now that the threat had passed, something. 

He hadn’t expected them to curl up in his arms, cry their hearts out, and all fall asleep together. He was pretty sure they’d slept through the night which, for him, was a feat in and of itself, but to do so with two other people and a cat all crowded onto one small couch was impressive. (He was still most impressed by sleeping through the night, he felt more refreshed than he’d felt in a long time- since the night the boys had first moved in.)

Miguel stirred, rubbing the heel of his hand across his eyes to deal with the crustiness. His movement jostled Santi who groaned quietly and shifted to get away only to find the was no room to adjust, only open air. The younger boy would have fallen off the couch and landed on the floor if not for Danny’s strong arm wrapped around him which pulled him closer.

“Whu- ‘m awake.” Santi mumbled, burrowing his face into Danny’s chest in an attempt to change that fact.

“Move dumbass,” Miguel hissed. “Gotta pee.” He explained, pulling out of Danny’s arms and forcing his way past the two bodies that held him down. 

Santi didn’t move again, continuing to press his face into Danny to block out the light shining through the window. Danny gently rubbed his hand up and down the boys back in an attempt to stir him awake. The boy grumbled.

Chuckling, Danny shifted his own body. “C’mon kiddo, let me get up so I can make you guys breakfast.” Santi huffed, ignoring Danny’s pleas. “If you don’t get up I’ll halfta pick you up and take you with me.”

The boy ignored him, or maybe didn’t believe him, and Danny adjusted his body to scoop the boy into his arms and hoist him upwards. “Fine, here we go!” He laughed, feeling the boy jolt and wrap his arms around Danny’s neck tightly.

“What the fuck, Danny!” Santi shouted.

Danny kept laughing, carrying the boy to the kitchen. Depositing Santi on his usual kitchen stool, Danny opened the fridge in search of eggs. His eyes landed on an egg casserole with a note and felt himself grinning before he realized it.

Take care of yourself. -RH

Whether the ‘take care of yourself’ was aimed at him or the boys (probably the boys- and wasn’t that a sweet thought?), Danny didn’t care, Red Hood had brought them food after the horrible night they’d had and left a note of care. 

Someone cleared their throat and Danny pulled the casserole out of the fridge, placing the note on the counter where the boys could see it, and popping it into the oven. Miguel stood next to where Santi sat, eyeing the note and Danny.

“You’re in a good mood.” Miguel commented, taking the stool beside his brother and adding the sticky note to what seemed to be a small pile of other sticky notes.

Danny shrugged, pulling out a few plates and cups. “I slept well and don’t have to cook, what’s not to be in a good mood about?”

There was a long pause that Danny only realized was an awkward one when Santi spoke.

“What happened?”

And- okay, that was not how Danny thought they’d bring up what happened the night before. He honestly wasn’t sure how he thought they’d bring it up, but maybe after breakfast? Maybe when they left the apartment and noticed the blood staining the hallway carpets (he’d have to have that cleaned. He was lucky the neighbors had been out of town for the past week.). Not first thing in the morning!

Leaning against the counter opposite them, he exhaled. “How about you boys tell me what happened… and then I’ll tell you what happened when I got here? Is that okay?”

The boys shared looks before hesitantly nodding. Miguel spoke first. 

“A few days ago some… friendsa mine told me our… dad’d been released from jail and- and he’d come askin’ bout me an’ Santi. They didn’ tell ‘im nothin’ but he musta seen me somewhere an’ followed me home. That’s… tha’s why I been so…” He struggled with his words so Danny just nodded understandingly. It could be difficult to admit that you’d been angry or moody- he knew. “Yesterday I went ta get me and Santi some snacks from the convenience store down the street.”

He knew that the boys left the apartment when he was gone, it’d be cruel to tell them they couldn’t, but he was still slightly surprised to realize Miguel had gone out for something as simple as snacks and had been followed home by- by him.

“I got home an’ locked the door an’ gave Santi his snacks but… someone started bangin’ on the door. When I heard who it was I-” he looked at his hands in shame. “I pushed Santi in a closet and barricaded the door.”

Santi wrapped his arms around himself. “I didn’t like that.” He muttered. “He… he used ta do that a lot back… back home.”

Danny had to remind himself not to go all feral monster and hunt their so-called father down to rip his dick off and shove it down his throat. He should have done that last night but Hood had pulled him off.

(Hood had stopped him from murdering someone again- something he knew had bothered Danny more than he was willing to admit- and held him back until he’d come back to his senses. He wants to imagine he’d have stopped himself before it went to far but… let’s be honest, the man was going to be hospitalized for a long time. It should never have gotten that far. Even if he still wished he’d killed the monster.)

“If he-” Miguel shuddered. “If he got in I wasn’t gonna let ‘im get ta ya.” His voice was firm and reminded Danny that Miguel had been doing that for a long time. How long he wasn’t sure, but too long. “He started bangin’ on tha door, shoutin’ and trynna get in. I sat in fronta the door an’ made sure he couldn’t.”

Taking a deep breath again because Danny really wasn’t all that good at containing his rage, Danny offered Miguel a reassuring smile. “You did the best you could to protect your brother, Miguel, I’m proud of you. And you asked me for help, Santi, I’m proud of you.” Both boys looked at each other before looking away, eyes clearly confused and misty. 

“I was on my way home from work when I got Santi’s texts. I got upstairs as fast as I could and tried to get him to leave.” Danny started, recounting exactly what had happened as best he could. He’d been seeing a lot of red. “I threatened to call the cops but he… Well, he said some things that were unacceptable and I got angry. I… attacked him. Hood had to pull me off of him.”

Miguel’s eyes were wide. “I thought…” His voice was low, hesitant, scared. “I thought ‘e was hurtin’ you.”

Oh.

Oh.

Stepping forward, immediately regretting not clearing up any misunderstandings the night before, Danny looked both boys in the eyes to see fear. Not OF him, but FOR him. Fear that he’d been hurt by the man who’d hurt them.

“He didn’t touch me.” Danny breathed. “Didn’t get a single punch in. I thought… I- I was worried you’d be mad.” He admitted. “I-” He sucked in a breath. “I made a lot of excuses for my parents.” Avoiding their eyes, Danny pushed on. “For years, I told people things were fine at home, that my parents would…. That they’d never hurt me if they knew it was me they were hurting.

“But they did. And… and even after they’d hurt me beyond repair- almost killed me,” His eyes blurred and he blinked back the emotions. This wasn’t about him, he was just trying to show the boys he understood. “After everything they did, I made excuses. It took a long time to give up on them. So I was worried you’d be mad at me for hurting him. And I wouldn’t hold it against you if you were, I know what it’s like to have confusing feelings about your parents.” He finished, meeting their eyes.

Santi was the first to react, reaching his hand out and placing it on top of Danny’s. “I… I don’t know how I feel. But I know I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”

Following suit, Miguel hesitantly placed a hand on Danny’s and Santi’s. “I know how I feel.” His eyes were filled with anger and sadness and they perfectly mirrored Danny’s when he was seventeen. “‘M glad you were there. I- I don’t know what woulda happened if you’d been too late.”

“Well,” Danny let out a sigh of relief. “Luckily, we don’t have to think about that. I wasn’t too late,” (Yes you were.) “and Hood took care of it. Now we have to focus on moving forward and taking care of each other.”

~~~

“You don’t have to do that, Miguel.” Miguel heard Danny say from across the kitchen. Miguel shrugged, continuing to wash the breakfast dishes and lay them out to dry. “Aren’t boys your age supposed to avoid chores like the plague?” Danny muttered under his breath.

Snorting, Miguel dried his hands and faced him. Santi had been convinced to go take a nap shortly after finishing his food but even though Danny attempted to convince him to do the same, he refused. He was too jittery to even consider lying still and he saw things he didn’t want to every time he closed his eyes. So he’d stayed.

Being alone with Danny had stopped being scary a while back, after the first time he had been in a closed room alone with the man and he hadn’t attempted anything. But sometimes he still grew nervous. Not nervous because he was worried Danny would do something bad to him, but nervous because… it had been so long since he’d been around someone he… he genuinely admired. Someone he wanted to impress.

“What do you mean?” He asked, twisting the towel in his damp hands. Danny looked up inquisitively so Miguel clarified. “Whatdya mean ‘Hood took care of it’?” He knew his voice betrayed some of his feelings, but he hoped Danny wasn’t worrying that Miguel was mad about how things had turned out again.

Swallowing, Danny cleared his throat. “I uh… I don’t know.” Miguel tilted his head and furrowed his brow in question. “That’s just what he said. He…” The man let out a shuddery breath. “He pulled me off- off of your… dad, and when I finally calmed down he was… in bad shape. He told me not to come into the apartment until I’d… uh- until I’d cleaned up-”

Miguel had been around fights long enough to know Danny was trying not to mention he’d been covered in blood. His dad’s blood.

“When I came back his body was gone and Hood said he’d taken care of things. He wasn’t- I don’t think I-” Danny pursed his lips and stopped talking.

Miguel had had a long time to think about his dad- three years to be exact, and he’d come to a conclusion a long time ago. He came to it after the first time he’d mugged someone for a few bucks in their wallet. He came to it again when he’d gone hungry for the third day in a row so Santi wouldn’t have to. The conclusion had been tattooed across his brain after his first John had left him unconscious and bleeding in an alley after going too far.

It was a conclusion he hadn’t told Santi he’d come to- his baby brother hadn’t experienced things like he had, he couldn’t be sure they would agree but- “Good riddance.” Miguel choked out.

Whipping his head up, Danny met his eyes, like he couldn’t believe what Miguel had said. So he said it again. If not to convince Danny he’d said it then to convince himself. “Good riddance. Dead or a hospitalized vegetable; good fucking riddance.”

“Miguel-”

“I didn’t understand why he let you call ‘im that.” Miguel continued, needing to get everything out in the open. Unable to stop speaking now that he’d started. “Santi. That’s what- tha’s what he called ‘im when beggin’ for forgiveness. When ‘e went ta jail, no one was allowed ta call ‘im that- nobody but me. An’ no one is allowed ta call me Mick- nobody but Santi. He used  ta call me that when ‘e- when…” He took a breath. 

Danny opened his mouth, likely to comfort Miguel, but he couldn't handle it right now. He needed to say this he needed to-

“I get it now.” He met Danny’s eyes. “Santi saw it immediately, maybe even from the moment you first found ‘im but I told ‘im he was- was wrong. I was the one who told ‘im to- to keep a distance, to never be alone with you. I didn’t trust you. I wanted to but- but I didn’t- couldn’t-” Miguel could tell he was rambling at this point, Danny had stood up and seemed to be getting closer, but he had to say what he had to say-

“You’re dad-shaped.”

Danny’s eyes went wide, his arms froze outstretched to meet Miguel’s shaking frame. There was surprise on his face and Miguel wondered if he’d read it all wrong but he needed to- he couldn’t remember the last time he’d said what he wanted to and he didn’t think he’d ever say it again if he didn’t now.

“Santi keeps sayin’ you’re dad-shaped but I was afraid you- you were dad-shaped and I liked you and I din’t wanna find out you were like him and I couldn’t- I needed someone to-'' Apparently, when saying all of the things you needed to say, breathing was really difficult. He hadn’t expected that, but he couldn’t seem to get air into his lungs. “I jus’ wanted- I- I jus’- please don’ make me a idiot-” Miguel begged, feeling two hands gently but firmly grab his upper arms.

Danny was saying something but he couldn’t hear- why couldn’t he hear anything? His chest kept jerking and his face was wet and he hadn’t felt emotions this strongly in so long why did he let them out they always resulted in beatings and things so much worse and why was his chest jerking? The ringing in his ears was so loud and he couldn’t take it anymore and when did he end up on the floor- who was holding him? He should be afraid- why wasn’t he afraid of whoever was holding him-

“-guel, you’re safe. I’m not going anywhere, I’m not going to hurt you. You’re safe Miguel. You’re safe with me. I’d never hurt you.” 

Hiccuping, Miguel buried his face in Danny’s oversized sweatshirt. It doubled as a way to dry his face which Miguel counted as a win and he tried to listen to Danny’s words.

“You’re doing so well, Miguel. Thank you for telling me- you’re so-” The man inhaled quickly. “Ancients, you’re so brave, Miguel.” He scoffed and Danny stilled momentarily before resuming his rocking. “I mean it kid. You’ve been through so much and your first instinct is still to always protect your brother. And that’s so brave. But I’m here to help with that now. I want you to feel safe enough with me to not only leave your brother with me, but to tell me how you’re feeling.

“Expressing your feelings is hard- I- I’m still really shit at it. But you? You just told me how you’re feeling and why and what you want and you trusted me with that and that’s-” he whistled. “You never fail to impress me, Miguel.”

Part of him wanted to repress the tears he felt threatening to pour over, he’d just started to calm down and dry his face, but God if he hadn’t been waiting for someone to say that to him. Sobs wracked his body and Miguel… he just let it happen. He- he was safe here. He was okay to show how scared he was- how scared he’d been, there was no one here who’d use his feelings against him. No one who would manipulate him into doing things he didn’t want or risk them doing those things to his brother. He was in the arms of someone who would protect him and his brother- someone who had. 

He’d sat on the floor just like this last night, crying for an entirely different reason, thinking the man who’d given them so much was being beaten the way he’d grown up being beaten by the very same man. He didn’t know if that man was dead or alive or if he’d ever wake up or walk again and he didn’t care- he didn’t- that man would never lay another finger on him or his brother and that was all thanks to Danny and Hood.

The man who’d taken them in and given them everything they could want or need and the man who’d dropped by every other night for the last two weeks to check in and leave food. Safe. He and Santiago, they were safe. And for the first time in as long as he could remember, they were safe- not because of Miguel, but because of two random adults who’d decided to protect them even at risk of their own safety. 

Huh.

It was a new feeling.

He liked it.

Prev. Next

[grounded-gryphon]

I'd Die (Again) for Y'all (Chapter 3)

prev

Under normal circumstances, Jason was barely willing to speak with Batman. Things have settled down since the… excitement after Jason first returned. Jason getting a handle on the pit rage definitely helped. He and B weren't actively fighting, they even worked together a few times. But that's more for the sake of the Birds than anything else. Batman had some damn gall calling Red Hood up to ask for a fucking favor of all things. He would have hung up immediately, but B said the magic words: "There's a kid in danger."

Jason wasn't a hero anymore. Maybe never really had been. But be damned if he ever left a kid suffer when he could do something about it.

Okay, so the dude wasn't actually a kid. More like Repl-- Timmers age. Jason decided he wasn't going to call Bats on it once he learned the full story. Whoever or whatever was going on with this Phantom, he needed out, now.

And if Jason didn't give him back when the JL demanded?

That was their problem.

Jason's problem was that he needed to go to the Batcave. The Old Man was still on the Watchtower, but that didn't mean the cave would be empty. One of the other bats or birds were hanging around as often as not. Which was always a pain, and would be extra fucking bad tonight.

He debated transportation, but it sounded like Phantom would be well enough to stay on Jason's bike, and he didn't want the attention of grabbing one of Bruce's cars. (Though if he did, he'd consider it fair payment for dragging him out of Crime Alley with no warning.) The ride wasn't long but still gave him too much time to think.

When he got there, he cursed his luck. True to form, it sucked: Tim was there. As soon as Jason saw him, the pits flared, rage and vengeance crying to be released in blood and fury… But the pits weren't all that Jason carried. Grief rose along with the pits, countering the anger just enough that he would have been able to turn around and leave without saying anything.

But he can't.

Jason shouldn't be here with Tim. He should NEVER be alone with Tim. Tim was the proof he was replaceable. Tim was the next victim of Batman's obsession. Tim was the worst victim of Jason's rage.

Tim was Jason's biggest regret.

Jason didn't know what he was to Tim, but since Tim worked as hard to avoid Jason as Jason worked to avoid him… safe to say Tim didn't want anything to do with him. Which he shouldn't.

Jason isn't a coward. He doesn't run away from anything… except Tim and all the ways he failed the boy who became the next Robin.

But tonight he couldn't run away. He needed to get to the Watchtower.

~~~

Tim was surprised when Jason showed up. More surprised that Jason didn't immediately turn around and leave.

Jason wanted nothing to do with Tim. He had made that clear even after he stopped trying to kill Tim. Usually, Tim obliged, watching Jason from a distance but never interacting. Jason in the cave though…

They stared at each other for a moment, then Jason broke the stare and headed for the Zeta tubes.

"Where are you going," Tim asked, moving between Jason and the tubes. (Stupid, Tim. The man hates you, why are you aggravating him?)

"None of your business."

"There's no scheduled meeting on the Watchtower right now. And I know you don't have a mission."

Jason snarled. "Out of my way, Replacement."

Tim flinched but didn't move. "Is it about Phantom?"

Jason rocked back on his heels a moment and his eyes flared green even through the helmet. Tim braced for attack. But after a moment, the green faded and Jason asked, "What do you know?"

With a sigh, Tim turned back to the computer. Even Jason admitted that Tim was the best at information gathering. At least he was good for something.

Tim pulled up the video he'd been watching when Jason roared in. It showed a green-skinned young man sitting calmly while Bats, Supes, and Wonder Woman tried to talk to him. "I've been following the Phantom case for a couple of years. He just appeared out of nowhere a few years ago. Looks about my age."

"Out of nowhere?"

"Yeah. I can't find anything on him before 5 years ago. It's like he didn't exist. If he was living a normal life, well… teens don't turn super for no reason."

"No," Jason growled. Tim flinched again.

"If he wasn't living a normal life… look," the video was moving from camera to camera. It followed one of the Green Lanterns guiding Phantom toward the medbay. As soon as the medbay doors opened, the kid went crazy. A few moments later, the video cut out. "That was a few hours ago."

Jason's eyes were glowing again. "You think this guy is another Kon."

Tim licked his lips and carefully didn't look at Jason. "Something like that. About a half hour after the medbay video cut out, Cyborg threw an additional three levels of protection on all info related to Phantom." As he spoke more screens came up, charts, and graphs. "Phantom never did anything worse than property damage -- and most of that was caused by the rogues he was fighting. Those rogues have deployed mind control and military-grade weaponry, but casualty counts are always ridiculously low for incidents in a major city. Those rogues also appeared out of nowhere about five years ago.

"Nothing here adds up, and no one in the JL seems to know how to handle it." Tim took a deep breath. "So I need to know. Is this about Phantom?"

There was a long silence, then Jason said, "Yeah, Replacement. This is about Phantom." He didn't even growl!

They looked at each other. For the first time ever Tim felt like they were on the same page.

"Cyborg owes me a favor." Tim said as he started typing furiously. "I'll get you directions to where they're holding him and get the cameras shut down along your route. I doubt he'll let me kill the mics, though."

There was a hand on Tim's shoulder and he froze. "Cameras will be enough, Timmer," Jason said in a voice so soft it didn't sound anything like Jason.

Then the hand was gone and Jason was walking away.

Tim gave himself one moment to miss the impossible touch, then sent a message to Babs.

DuckBoy: I'm calling in a favor. Get off mine and Hood's comms and stay off for at least an hour.

BabsBunny: … Promise me you'll both be alive when I come back?

DuckBoy: Promise. We won't be anywhere near each other while you're gone anyway.

BabsBunny: I'm gone. But I want answers later.

"Babs is off coms for an hour, Cyborg's giving me 30 minutes in his systems. Mark."

There was a woosh from the Zeta and Jason was gone.

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

next

author note: We're getting into the main action, and that includes the ship. Figure I should give folks a heads up -- I'm aro-ace, and my love stories (and I assume my ships) can read weird to allo folks. Especially romantic folks, because while I grok sexual attraction (I just don't feel it), romance is... absolutely incomprehensible to me.

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

tag list: (Tumblr's being worse than usual about tags tonight. Sorry if if your tag doesn't work.)

@ailithnight @library-cat-in-the-window @paper-bag-boy @beepboopimaproblemchild @mygood-bitch99 @below-mysOul @thewondersoflebanon @overtherose @kyrianclawraith @ghostpyre (original artist/prompt maker) @cursedchaosboys @serasvictoria02 @ever-changing-weirdo-3100 @that-tooth-stealing-fuck @phantom-dc @magicalgirlcrazycatlady @jerithe @yukkikatsuki @skulld3mort-1fan @soupfilledboots @help-i-need-a-cool-username @fisticuffsatapplebees @kaitouhime @soren1830 @nottmuchtopost @why-must-i-be-like-this @screamingtofillthevoid @emergentpanda-blog @introvert-even-on-the-internet @charcoalstainedbones @starlightcat04 @ajrose1216 @you-will-never-know-how-i-think @pastalavistamf @lazy-bouqet @mentalcarebear @beacedocrime @firegirl108 @sunflowershine03 @jaggedheart11 @apointlessbox @icedbluesoul @gildedphoenix @suzen23smith @annkan7 @seraphinedemort @bun-fish @mimilikey @onyxlightdragon @sailor-goddess

[thefandomenchantress]

So I know I’m a little late to the party on this one, but I wanna talk about the David MV.

I finally decided to watch that nearly three hour video on the Literature Girl Insane MV, (by @/1moreff-creator) and HOLY SHIT IT’S SO GOOD. I wish I watched it sooner and wonder why I didn’t, I watch almost exclusively 1+ hour videos about random topics I know nothing about, and now there’s one for something I care a lot about! Why didn’t I watch immediately?!?

But my lapse in sanity aside, it finally got me motivated enough to talk about the David MV!

…Except only the part about Ace because of course that’s all I want to talk about. 9 out of 10 of my posts are either about him or have him involved somehow.

Anyways! Here’s the part I find very interesting!

This is arguably where Ace is most relevant, and therefore it makes sense I want to talk about it today.

Now, first things first, the Roman numeral. V (five) is Ace’s Roman numeral, as assigned by the crossword. The line attached is:

“Right now, why do you go insane?”

Which definitely fits. Ace could easily be framed as going insane, because he has mental breakdowns at a worryingly high frequency. Him and Veronika (who this might also be referring to if color theory is to be believed) are basically assigned the role of being seen as mentally unhinged within the class.

(…Ever think about how weird it is that the title is Literature Girl Insane, implying the star of the MV, David, is going insane, yet Ace is the one getting called insane, possibly by David? I think that’s interesting. But let’s get back on track.)

As established by other Roman numerals, the words in the background when a numeral shows itself also apply the character attached to said numeral. This is most obviously shown in the line near the top of the photo.

“A cat has 9 additional lives”

This is also easily applicable to Ace, since he survived Nico’s murder attempt against all odds. If Eden and Teruko hadn’t just so happened to be on the 2nd floor and walked into the gym when they did, he would’ve died. While the actual methodology of Nico’s murder attempt is unknown, it’s also possible that him even surviving long enough for Teruko and Eden to find them was a miracle. Either way, it fits.

The last quote on-screen intrigues me the most. It’s a quote from Hamlet.

“I am but mad north-northwest. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a hand saw.”

Now, first let’s look at just those words, without further context. It’s important we know what the words themselves mean before we do anything else. Let’s start with the definition of north-northwest, since that word is pretty important to the quote.

I’m sure most are familiar with north, east, south, and west. The four main directions on a compass. As well as Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest. That splits the compass into eight directions, splitting the sections of north, east, south, and west in half.

Similarly, north-northwest is a direction that comes from splitting the compass into sixteen parts. It’s the half of the northwest section that’s closer to north.

Next, what the hell does “I know a hawk from a handsaw” mean? It’s almost half the quote, so it’s important we know.

Well…*extremely loud sigh* Shakespeare, as you know, was alive a very long time ago. As such, he writes in old-time-y English that’s hard to understand. And this quote has the misfortune of being something people argue over the translation of, at least as far as I could tell while researching.

Some people think Shakespeare meant a heronsaw, a type of bird, not a handsaw. Others think that no, he meant handsaw, but heron, in his time period, was also a common word for a tool that holds plaster/mortar/etc..

Either way, Shakespeare was probably referring to two types of birds, or two types of tools, which have key differences from one and other. I don’t think which one the DRDTdev thought was right really matters in this instance, since the quote makes sense either way. 15/16s of the time, Hamlet (the speaker of the quote) is sane and can tell two birds/tools apart.

The quote is, in summary, saying that Hamlet is mad only when it’s north-northwest, aka 1/16th of the time (I’m not sure if that somehow connects to there being 16 participants in the killing game, but I’m going to assume it doesn’t). The other 15/16s of the time, Hamlet is perfectly sane, thank you very much.

So, without context, this quote is saying that Ace is only insane 1/16th of the time. The rest of the time he’s sane.

Next, I think another important thing we have to do is take into account the whole screenshot as a whole. By that I mean we should not only look at each line individually, but how they relate to each other. In bold is the “why do you go insane?” Line, and to the left, in a font that blends more into the background, is the Hamlet line.

There is a contradiction of opinions here. One person says, “Why do you go insane?” while the other insists they’re only a little bit insane.

This could be referring to the opinions of David and Ace. After all, one could argue it was David underestimating Ace that led to his secret being revealed. David doesn’t bother being careful around Ace in the trial, despite Ace’s volatile nature. He piles suspicion onto Ace by saying it’s weird he didn’t see him on the second floor the night before the murder, even though it isn’t. After all:

Ace was in the gym. David was in the relaxation room. Those are on opposite sides of the floor, so of course David wouldn’t have seen Ace. He didn’t even have to walk anywhere close to the room Ace was in. But David saying this information like it’s weird and suspicious makes everyone else think it is.

David thinks: But what’s Ace gonna do about it? Somehow get the whole class on his side, even though almost everyone likes me more? Is everyone really going to trust the mentally unstable (one could say insane), dumb, cowardly jockey over me?

Yes, yes they will.

All this is to say, David, in the grand scheme of things, doesn’t really care about Ace throughout chapter two. He steals Nico’s secret from him, antagonizes him in the trial, and doesn’t care. Ace doesn’t matter. Ace, of all people, can’t be the one to ruin him. So who cares if Ace dislikes him? Ace is of no use to David, and Ace certainly isn’t smart enough to figure out David’s scheme. This is what David believes.

However, this leads to him not taking Ace’s volatile nature seriously enough, believing he is above the harm of someone like him. But hey, even a pawn can play a vital part in checkmating a king.

When David pisses off Ace, believing Ace can’t do anything besides get angry, yell, and make himself look more suspicious…That turns out to be a crucial mistake that ruins everything.

…Y’know, the irony of the class idiot being the one to beat the so-called master manipulator will never not be funny to me.

Anyways, we can sort of apply this to Hamlet, too. If Ace is Hamlet, since this is Hamlet’s line, and David is Claudius, his father-in-law, we do have a pretty good parallel.

Claudius, who secretly killed Hamlet’s father and then took his throne, is secretly not as righteous as he seems. However, Hamlet finds out about Claudius being the one who killed his father and seeks revenge. Claudius thinks Hamlet to be mad, but when Claudius isn’t around, Hamlet says, “But my uncle-father (Claudius) [is] deceived. I am but mad north-northwest. When the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a hand saw.” Eventually, Hamlet kills Claudius. So in DRDT terms, Ace finds out about David’s manipulation, David is unaware of this, and Ace eventually kills David’s public persona. Obviously this is an extreme simplification of the plot, but still.

…Of course, there’s also a chance this contradiction of opinions isn’t about Ace and David specifically. After all, David isn’t the only one to boil Ace down to his core traits of “dumb, angry, overall not a well-adjusted individual”. The whole class does this, at least for the most part. This Hamlet quote could just be trying to say what Ace has been saying. That everyone sees him as a loudmouth, stupid, cowardly and nothing more, when in reality there’s more to him than that.

I might have gone a little overboard with this part…I got excited…Hopefully this all actually makes sense, I had to revise some of this post because it got ramble-y and overall pretty cluttered.

So yeah. Here’s my (very late) contribution to the David MV discussion. Here’s what I think Ace’s part means. If you want me to elaborate anywhere, feel free to tell me, or if you want to tell me your thoughts, I’d love to see that!

[zorilleerrant]

"Everyone's gay awakening was Nightwing," Bernard repeats, like Tim didn't hear him the first fucking time and, okay, back before they were brothers obviously attractive was a descriptor he would've used about Dick Grayson (he can't see it anymore, especially not until Dick stops sending him autotuned videos of people's pets when he said he was busy this week) but it was a couple years before he really thought about that kind of stuff, as much time as he even has to think about it now, and by then they were friends, at least, and it was weird just like it was back in high school.

Oh. He did like Bernard in high school. But it was all in the way of their friendship if it went wrong, just like with Steph, except Steph had a way of convincing him to take he leap, because she's an optimist like that. With Bernard, he needed enough space to figure it out himself, which, well, that was a journey, anyway, not that Tim's ever been very good at introspection. But, like, look at his family - both of them, really - and see where he would've had any examples set for him, so Tim is doing pretty well all things considered.

But the thing is Bern's an optimist, too, always seeing the silver lining and hoping against hope, ready to break down barriers wherever they sit, and if he'd taken Tim's hand, Tim probably would've made that leap. Does it mean something, then? That he followed Steph's lead because she promised it would turn out well, but he needed outside forces conspiring against him to shove him into Bern's arms? Or was it just that they weren't open yet? Does it mean he liked Steph more, and now he's settling? Or he liked her less so he was more willing to risk it, lying to himself about how strong his feelings were?

Oh, god, he hopes it doesn't mean he had a crush on Nightwing, back in those early days. If he suddenly realizes that one of these days he's going to chug an entire bottle of vodka to try to wash it out of his brain, and that's not going to end well. That's going to end with someone coming to rescue him and talk him down, and that's probably going to be Dick, because Dick is the one that's always had those conversations with him. And, in this particular case, that would be - oh, fuck, he can just see that smug grin and he already wants to punch it off of Dick's face.

"Earth to Tim? You okay?" Bernard says, and Tim doesn't even remember what he was talking about anymore - oh, right. He was talking about wanting to fuck Tim's brother. Right. That's why Tim's been speechless for the last ten minutes, except he can't exactly explain, either, because the thing is. The thing is that Bern said Nightwing not Dick Grayson, and the even worse thing is that he was so carefully not saying Dick's name and it was so obvious because Tim's read gossip magazines and watched the news and he knows that look in someone's eye. And it's not like he can call his boyfriend on what he didn't say, that's just mean.

"I think I liked you in high school," Tim blurts out, instead, because here's this memory that's just come to mind: they were changing for gym and Tim suddenly had to turn around, and nothing was even happening, Bern wasn't even taking off his shirt yet, just his jacket, and there wasn't anything to see. But Tim didn't want him thinking he was looking, even though he already wasn't really.

There's a second part of the memory, too, with Bernard running as fast as he can, shirt clinging to him, wiping off his forehead with a hem that was already wet. Bernard was toned, even back then, even before he got into martial arts the way he is now. Tim thought, at the time, he was jealous. How the hell did he think he was jealous? And he calls himself a detective.

"I mean," Bernard says, carefully, with a shrug that isn't as casual as he's trying to make it seem. "I knew I liked you, I just wasn't willing to let myself know that yet. So I projected. Onto Nightwing." There's an awkward smile there as he trails off, and Tim wonders if he's thinking about what it would've been like to hold hands down the corridors, make out by the lockers, go to prom together. Maybe thinking about how, if they did, they'd have broken up by now, and maybe Tim would've dumped him because he couldn't figure out why he had so much chemistry with Steph. Or maybe it would just be Robin stuff, getting in the way of everything. Or, who knows, maybe he'd be dating some celebrity, dressing for the spotlight.

But he's been silent again too long, and Tim tries to recover with, "is it less gay if it's Nightwing?" which is not what he meant to ask at all. He meant to say something sappy, or something heartfelt, or something true. Something that would reassure Bern or something that would make them both laugh or, fuck, anything, really, to get off the topic of his brother that he's not allowed to admit is his brother and therefore can't just offer a horrified look and walk away. Not that he has the energy to be that bothered, anymore, when someone waxes rhapsodic about Dick Grayson's bubble butt or whatever. And talk show hosts definitely know - it's their job to know - that Tim doesn't need to hear that.

"Yeah. Way less. Didn't you hear me when I said it's everybody? You know there's a whole fansite devoted to him being people's celebrity exception," Bernard says, and then, at Tim's look, which he's probably misinterpreting but Tim definitely can't get himself to make any different face about that, "it's not like I was looking for it, okay, it's just a lot of the most interesting - do you know a lot of people think Nightwing might be Kryptonian? Or half, anyway, like Superboy."

"Right," Tim says, wondering who the hell claimed Nightwing was Kryptonian and why, and stands up abruptly to, he doesn't know, put on a movie or something. Anything to distract them from the disturbingness of - what the fuck is a celebrity exception and why would anyone want one? Wouldn't wanting one be evidence of - well, now Tim's just being a hypocrite, because he definitely didn't notice all the men he slotted into his 'we'll just think about them a little extra for no reason' file. "You don't still like Nightwing, do you?"

Bernard gives him the most quizzical look, and then shrugs and makes an ambivalent hand gesture, which Tim is very generously choosing to interpret as an agreement that he no longer likes and will continue to not have a crush on Dick in any capacity, forever. "You're taking this a little personally Tim. I already said, you were the first person I knew who I caught feelings for, and it's not like he's your competition or anything. You'd think you were Robin." And Tim doesn't laugh. He doesn't laugh awkwardly and sit there, or laugh hysterically and leave the room, and he doesn't laugh at the absurdity of the situation and spill everything right there, either. But they are going to have to come up with some kind of agreement about never ever talking about Nightwing ever again.

[raeofgayshine]

Tim Drake, when trying to settle on what name to use now that he’s come out as trans: Don’t use Robin as a name, Don’t use Robin as a name, Don’t-

[idontunderstandchemistry]

Indecent Proposal (An academic rivals to lovers fanfic) - Tim Drake x Latina!Fem!Reader.

Sinopsis: Being a scholarship student at Gotham's most expensive school is not easy, especially when your academic rival, your nemesis, who coincidentally is the owner's son, decides to make you a rather usual proposition.

Tropes: Academic rivals-to-lovers, contract/bet, he loved her all this time, everyone else sees it except them, opposites attract, etc.

Author's Note: This chapter is a little flat, in my opinion, but i guess that writing smut is waaaay easier in my mother tongue. We have many dirty words that prove their worth in these kind of scenes, lol. I guess this means i'll have to write many other scenes with this pretty boy so I can improve it... Hope you guys are enjoying reading it as much as I am enjoying writing! :)

For those of you that want to read some chapters ahead, feel free to acess my AO3 account here.

Warnings: Masturbation (male recieving), Sexting, dry humping, unprotected cockwarming, etc.

Wordcount: 4059.

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten: No problem, Timmy.

Through the list of your sins, using your phone during the cult was probably the more frequent one. It isn’t that you were bored (though sometimes you were), it wasn’t in the intention of disrespecting the “Sacred House of Christ”. You, just like most of your generation, took the “cell” part of the cell phone too seriously, and being connected all the time was awesome. Your parents didn’t like it, obviously, and your uncles and aunts agreed with them - this behaviour that you and your cousins refused to end was punished with “segregation”, like your eldest cousin called it. 

Basically, on the church days, like the young parents and devious children, you guys had to sit on the farest bench while the rest of your families seated on the first and second bench, closest to the altar. At this point of your life, it was almost a tradition among your cousins and every child in the family couldn’t wait to reach the pre teen years and be sent to the “smartphone bench”. Then, when a cousin gets married, he or she should leave the smartphone bench and go live adult lives. The perfect circle. 

Currently you are chatting with Aly, helping them to choose decorations for their party. Well, actually, Aly is showing you what they’ve already bought to the party and just waiting for you to compliment their good taste. And you couldn’t deny, Aly had a real good taste. All the decorations were amazing, some even terrifying. Everything would be just perfect in three weeks.

Your heart skipped a beat when your notification bar took some space on your screen.

Playboy sent you a video

You smiled, thinking this was probably going to be something funny. In the last week, again, you didn’t have much time to dedicate to your agreement because of the heavy homework. Your teachers didn’t care to verify if there was anything else due to that day, so you had a lot of work last week. Even if you guys couldn’t be close, he kept messaging you, which just proved he wasn’t as “playboy-like” as you expected him to be. Usually he sent you funny Tik Toks or memes, so you were absolutely confident that the video he sent you would be very church appropriate. 

However, you realised how wrong you were when the thumbnail of the video showed him, naked, sat on his bad with legs spread and his cock in hand. 

Oh God. 

You quickly locked your screen and sighed. 

— Oh, God — you whispered and your cousin, who was sitting beside you, looked at you, worried.

— Y/N, are you okay?

— Yeah. Hm, actually no — You said — I need to go to the bathroom. I think my period has decided to come early this month. 

You got up and walked ridiculously fast to the bathroom, hoping everyone would be listening to the cult. When you got inside it and locked yourself, you took a deep breath. The you opened the video. 

That cocky motherfucker…

Tim gently stroked his dick, moaning. His head was thrown back and his cheeks were flustered. He looked so pretty, touching himself, and when he whispered your name, your eyes widened and you felt your panties starting to get damp from the wetness dripping out of you.

You: I told you I would be at church. Do you want me to go to hell? 

Playboy: You made me suffer, I make you suffer.

Playboy: Besides, if you go to hell, we can meet there ;) I heard it’s super hot there.

You: May I know why the sudden masturbation video? Not complaining, btw.

Playboy: Well, I couldn't take you off of my mind. 

You: So?

Playboy: So I decided that you should see what you do to me. 

You: Oh, I like what I do to you.

You: You look very pretty touching yourself.

Playboy: Geez.

Playboy: Keep talking to me like that.

You: I love the way your eyes squint when you're about to cum. And you little whines… 

You: I wish it was my hand wrapped around your cock, so I could make you cum and keep jerking you off with my hand covered in your juice.

You: And then clean the mess you made with my tongue.

Playboy: Fuck

Playboy: I need to see you.

You: You're gonna see me tomorrow.

Playboy: I don't think I can wait.

You: So what are you going to do? Burst into my church and kidnap me?

Playboy: I was thinking of sneaking into your room, actually. 

You: Well, I have my family's weekly lunch at my grandparents today, so you're gonna have to wait.

Playboy: EVERY WEEK?

Playboy: Damn, you guys never get tired of each other?

Playboy: I saw Dick last week and haven't heard about him ever since. I can’t even remember the last time I spoke to Jason.

You: Well, some families like each other

Playboy: Can't you make something up so we spend some time together? 

Playboy: Say you're sick

You: My mom is a nurse, loverboy. If I say I'm sick, she's gonna stay at home to take care of me. 

Playboy: What if you say you have period cramps? 

Playboy: If you find a way of us spending the afternoon together, I might even cook for you.

You: Oh, Tim, don't make a fool of yourself. We both know you don't know how to cook.

Playboy: No, but I have a card that can get us the best food in town.

Playboy: What do you say?

You: Fine. 

You locked your phone and got out of the bathroom. Carefully to not draw attention towards yourself, you walked to your mom.

— Mom.

— Yes, honey? — Your mother asked without taking her eyes away from the priest.

— I’m having pretty bad cramps — You said and she took a ibuprofen tablet from her purse and handed it to you — I’ve already taken them. Is it okay if I go home? Do you think granny will be upset with me?

— Oh, honey — She said, finally looking at you — Of course she won't, you're in pain. Go home and text me when you arrive. There’s food in the fridge. Do not forget to eat, are you listening to me, little lady?

— Yes, mom — You answered smiling — Send kisses to them for me, please. 

You got home so quick that you surprised yourself. What that dick didn’t do to you?

After letting Tim know you were home already, you ran upstairs and quickly changed your clothes. He answered with a picture inside a car with a bag of the most expensive restaurant in Gotham.

You: Show off.

Playboy: Only the best for my darling.

Few minutes later, he arrived and, as you instructed, knocked at the kitchen door. You opened it and was struck with a passionate kiss. He closed the door behind his back and without breaking the kiss, he left the bag on the worktop. His hands pulled you closer to him and squeezed you like his life depended on it. He sat you on the Worktop beside the bag of food and open mouthed kissed down your neck, pulling you by your hips to be closer to him. You were so happy to see him that the fact he already seemed to know the position of things in your house slipped through your mind.

— It seems like someone has missed me…

— Immensely — He said, biting you collarbone lightly — You have no idea of how much I’ve missed you. Did you miss me?

— Maybe a little — You’ve missed him a lot. 

— I have something for you — He said.

— I hope it starts with “d” and ends with “ick”.

He laughed and pulled a small bouquet of red carnations from the bag. You looked at him with a confused look.

— I hope you keep the petals on the stems on this one — He said and gave them to you.

— And what does these ones mean in the Victorian flower code?

— Fascination — He said, kissing you again.

— Hm… — You said, smelling the flowers, trying not to show how much you’ve liked them — Let me go, I’ll grab a vase for them and some plates for us. 

Tim followed you to your room as you wanted to keep the new flowers on the same vase you kept the stems of the first ones. He looked around to the pictures on the walls, admiring moments of your childhood. For the kind of relationship you had, it seemed at the same time too much information and not enough. Damned boy was confusing your mind. 

After letting the Carnations on the vase, you went downstairs and started eating. He brought so much food you thought he was planning a feast, but it turned out he was really hungry. “It’s a work out thing” he said, though you were certain that the food he bought  had nothing to do with working out. After all, these were all aphrodisiacs. 

You got Tim a toothbrush and after brushing your teeths, you went to your room and laid on your bed. He laid on top of you, listening to your heart while he squeezed your other boob. 

The notification bar popped on top of your screen to let you know that the insufferable boy who was friends with one of your cousins came back to bother you with more unsolicited pictures.

— Why is your heart beating so fast? — He asked while you rolled your eyes for the notification..

— It’s nothing — You answered.

— Come on, tell me — He said, starting to pinch your nipples over the fabric of your shirt. You took a deep breath, pressing your thighs together.

— My cousin has a friend — You started, feeling his fingers play with your nipple — And this friend of his thinks I’m very pretty.

— He is not wrong, you really are very pretty.

— Yes, but he thinks that the best way of complimenting me is sending me pictures of his cock — You said and Tim sat on your bed with his brows frowned together, completely outraged. 

— What the fuck? — He asked and you opened the chat and showed him. There were months of unsolicited dick pictures with no response — Motherfucker. 

— Yeah — You answered — What are you doing? — You asked, laughing as Tim got up and took his pants off and started to jerk himself — I mean, I knew you liked that too, but I think this is a little too much.

— Just trust me, darling, I’m not touching myself for this project of sex offender — He said, after laughing — I'm solving this problem for you, darling. Seat on the edge of  bed.

— I don't know how sucking you will make my problem go away, but I’m all for it — You said and he walked towards you, spreading your legs. Your heart skipped a beat. Was he finally going to fuck you?

Then he turned his back on you and took a seat between your legs.

— My pussy is the other way, playboy — You said in his ear.

— I know — He said, grabbing your phone and opening the camera — I've told you, darling, I'm not going to fuck you yet. I'm slow with these things. Now put your hand around my cock.

— Excuse me? It doesn’t sound slow to me.

— Grab my cock — He said — And pretend to jerk it. Your red nails will bring an extra spice to the picture.

— You're taking a picture of my hand around your cock? — You asked and he nodded. He turned his head to you.

— And then I'm sending it to this idiot and he is never going to bother you again — He kissed your cheek — Come on. Let's do this.

You laughed a little and started to jerk him with one hand while you ran the other over his torso. He took a picture but you kept jerking him.

— Put one of your legs over my thigh — He said in a commanding tone and you did as he asked. One of his hands grabbed your thigh and he took another picture — Perfect.

He opened the chat with the boy and then sent the picture.

"She's kinda busy now", You could see he wrote after, looking over his shoulder.

— It's okay. He is not going to bother you anymore, darling — He said and tried to get up. You put your other hand over his thigh and pressed him on the bed — Y/N?

— Where do you think you're going, my sweet boy? — You whispered in his ear and felt him shiver. You smiled and kissed under his jaw.

— You... you don't have to do this.

— Oh, but I want to — You said, feeling his hands run over your thighs as he trembled with pleasure — You were such a good boy helping me to get rid of that freak. I want to thank you properly — You said as he threw his head back, resting on your shoulder.

— You really... don't have...

— You are so pretty when I have my hands on you — You said and he moaned. A whiny moan he was trying to repress by biting his lip — I love how your brain melts under my touch... — You kissed his shoulder — Such a good boy.

— Y/N, I'm going to cum — He said, trying to keep his voice serious.

— Good. I want you to — You said and bit the sensitive skin of his neck lightly.

You ran the pad of your thumb on his slit and then he poured his juice all over your hand, but that did not stop you. There was something about jerking him with his seed spilling on your hand, and you loved it. Making him drool like a little whore. When you felt it was enough, you wiped your hand over his abs.

— I thought you said you were going to clean my mess with your tongue — He said, smiling, still with his head over your shoulder.

— Well, that was when I thought I was getting laid today — You said — But you refuse to get inside of me, so I guess I'll leave you daydreaming about it. It makes 2x0 for me, anyway. 

— What can I do if I'm an old fashioned lover boy? — He asked, getting up and walking naked toward your bathroom to clean himself. You heard the shower and followed him.

Tim got inside the shower box just to wash the cum away from his body.

— My grandpa is an actual old fashioned man and he put many children inside my grandmother — You complained, washing your hands with a pout on your mouth.

Tim turned the shower off and wrapped your towel around his hips. He walked to you and embraced you from behind. He kissed your neck.

— So you want me to put a child inside you, huh?

— No, I want you to put your cock inside me — You said, frustrated, pressing your ass on him — preferably if it is inside a condom too. I really want to cum.

— Don’t worry, darling — He kissed your jaw — You’re coming for me today.

Your face lightened. You turned to him and tried to get the towel out of his waist, but he pinned you against the counter.

— You’re coming on my terms, darling, and I still am not going to be inside you — He said, teasingly close to your mouth. You whimpered.

— If you don’t fuck me, I’ll find someone who will — You threatned him and hw laughed.

— You say that like you're not as addicted to me as I’m to you — He said cockly. Fuck, his scent was driving you crazy — And it is really mean of you to threaten me. Mean girls don’t deserve to feel full. Mean girls don’t deserve to have a cock inside them.

— Let go of me, now — You said, trying to press your thighs together to get some friction, but he put one of his thighs in the middle of your legs.

— You were being so sweet… I don’t understand why you’re being such a brat now.

You looked at him with a defying glare. He had that cocky smirk on his face, that one that makes you make bad choices. You started to rub your cunt at his thigh, and you could see that it surprised him.

— Being so independent might not be that good for you, my darling — He said, pulling his thigh away but still keeping yours away from each other so you could get absolutely nothing to relieve yourself, which made you whine.

— Stop torturing me!

— If you ask me nicely, I’ll make you cum — He said with his lips brushing your skin — Say “Timmy, make me cum”.

— I told you already, I do not beg — You reminded him, feeling your pussy aching for any friction. 

— I’m not asking you to beg — He said, finally kissing you on the neck — I just want you to verbalise what you want. You’re such a smart girl, I’m sure you can do that.

The temptation was too hard. He was the apple you shouldn’t give in, but couldn’t dare to stay away for too long. His poisonous lips brushed your skin and reminded you of how good the minimal touch of his made you feel, reminded you of how bad you wanted him, and it was bigger and stronger than your pride.

— Timmy — You said, his nickname felt tingly on your tongue — I want to cum. Please.

— As you wish, my darling — He said and threw you over his shoulder and walked with you to your bed, where he threw you carefully, your stomach turned up and your legs slightly apart. Then he walked to his clothes and wore his boxers again. Coming back to you, he pulled your shorts down and threw them somewhere in your room, you didn’t care right now — Stay still as the pretty girl you are, okay? — He asked you and you nodded desperately.

Anything. You wanted anything he could give to you.

Positioning himself between your legs, he held your legs at waist height. You barely managed to hold back a groan as his covered cock brushed lightly against your damp panty-clad pussy.

With a roughness you'd never felt coming from him before, he rubbed against you, which elicited a loud moan, so loud it was embarrassing.

His crotch rocked against you slowly, making the damp fabric stick to your pussy. Your clit ached for more. You wanted all he could give you. A soft whine left your lips.

— Faster — You demanded and he leaned over you with his cocky smirk on his pretty face.

— My terms, kitten.

— Faster, Timmy — You asked in a sweeter voice and he lost his mind. He kissed you while increasing his speed on dry humping you.

He was so lost in you that you didn’t need to kick your hips up for more contact, he grinded against you as a hungry man. However, his chest pressed against you, your legs wrapped around his waist and your crotches friction wasn’t enough contact for him. Not even the kisses were enough. He needed more, so his hand reached yours and your fingers intertwined. Your foreheads touch and gosh, that was the sweetest thing anyone has done to you. You couldn’t even keep your eyes closed, as you looked at him with so much arousal you thought you were going to break.

He smiled and kissed you gently enough for you to remember it as the most thoughtful kiss of your life, and you were half naked on your bed while he dry humped you. Timothy Drake was a conflicting bastard and he was right, you were addicted to him.

Your swollen clit became so sensitive when you came that the sensation of his covered cock grinding you was almost too much for you to bear, but you wouldn’t dare to say a word. This moment was so precious you wanted it to last forever. 

Tim smiled and one of his hands slid to your pussy, under your panties, and he slid two fingers so embarrassingly easy inside you that your flustered face became a darker tone of red.

It was worse when he took his fingers to his mouth and tasted you in them.

— So sweet, and just for me — He said, smiling sweetly — Have you ever tasted yourself, darling? — You shook your head negatively — You’re the sweetest thing there is. I could drown in you and still want more. Do you want to taste yourself, my darling?

— Yes… — You said, panting. He leaned over you again and kissed you while his fingers collected some of your juice. He brought his fingers to your mouth and offered them to you. Without hesitating, you started to suck them.

— Don’t you agree with me? — He asked, looking at you — You’re the sweetest thing there is, aren’t you?

You nodded, whining while you cleaned his fingers.

— That’s why I’m going to feast on you right now, my dear. I want every drop — He said and as he started kissing his way down to your pussy, you held his biceps, a bit scared. — What is it, love?

— I think that if you go down on me now, I might pass out — You said, embarrassed — I’m too sensitive.

— Oh, I understand — He said, visibly sad. Apparently, he was longing for this.

— But we can take a nap together right now. What do you think?

He smiled beautifully and nodded. And then you became even more red.

— But I have something to ask you first — You said.

— Anything.

— I know you're not getting inside me anytime soon — You said, playing with the ends of your hair, embarrassed — But I really wanted to drool my cum over your pretty cock. I think it would be great to feel your cock sliding against me, covered in what you've done to me. 

He kissed you.

— If we do this, I might end up getting inside you. I'm not wearing a condom, you understand that? — He asked with one of his hands caressing your face.

— You don't have to move. I'd love to cockwarm you. — You said and he closed his eyes.

— Fuck — He said and then he took his boxers off, already half hard. He started to pull your panties down and you smiled — I hate the way you can get me to do almost anything.

— And I love it — You said, smiling, trying to stand up. He pinned you on the bed.

— What are you doing?! You're going to spill all my hard work on the ground this way! — He said and you laughed. He got in the middle of your legs again and leaned over you — I'm getting inside now, ok? — You nodded and he kissed your forehead while you felt his dick spreading your walls. 

You were still sensitive, but it felt so amazing, so full with him inside you, you would never complain. And you were sure he felt it too. Your pussy was clenching on his cock so strongly that tiny moans escaped his mouth. You just stayed like this for a while, feeling you pulsating around him and you cum making everything slippery. 

He wrapped your arms on his neck and your legs around his waist, then pulled you up by your ass. He pulled your sheets with one hand and sat on your bed. He laid with his head on one of your pillows and you got more comfortable, moving carefully to not give him much friction. He pulled the sheets over your bodies and you got your phone.

— When do you have to go? — You asked, feeling already sleepy. 

— Probably an hour — He said, playing with your hair.

— Ok — You said, setting the alarm and embracing him. Listening to his heart was so calming you wondered if you would ever feel so calm again.

— I wanted to talk about something with you — he said — And I need to talk about it now, while I still have courage.

— Go ahead.

— I… don't feel comfortable sharing. Or being shared — He started and you heard his heart beat faster — And I was wondering if you'd be willing to keep things exclusive between us.

You smiled.

— So you really are old fashioned.

He laughed a little.

— Yeah — He said, smiling — I'm sorry, you don't have to if you don't want to.

— No. I think it would work well for us.

— Thanks.

— No problem, Timmy.

[slimyshield]

all of the batkids have put on the Batman suit. all of them have, at one point or another, thrown on the cowl and the tool belt and headed out on patrol. Dick, obviously, has done it the most, followed by Steph when there's a pinch and Duke if Steph's on a different assignment. Tim prefers not to do it but has been known to, under duress. even Damian has, just once, and nobody knows where that tiny suit came from or what he did with it after Alfred dragged his ass home. all of them have posed as Batman in a time when the city needed them.

except Jason.

Jason never puts on the cowl. this is, to everyone in the cave, self explanatory. his relationship with Bruce is too fraught, and even if it wasn't he still wouldn't want to take up the mantle of Batman, even for one night. the memories it holds are too painful for him. some days he can barely stand to look at it. some days it is a raw, open, festering wound. it hurts, and he should probably be going to therapy.

but Jason also loves to be a little shit. and sometimes being a little shit outweighs what could be strictly considered as good for him. mentally or physically.

so when Bruce wakes up from a medically induced two-day coma after being shot several times to a grainy cell phone video clip of the Batman making a your mom joke, he assumes it's a spoof, a viral video from whatever social media platform dictates kids' humor these days. then, as the news station plays the whole video and he watches himself not only make this your mom joke but cuss out the Joker and Lex Luthor, let out a three-second-long burp, and go on a rant about people blocking the aisles in stores, a rant he knows he has given in the manor to whoever happened to be in the room when he got back from holiday shopping, he realizes it's one of his kids.

the lighting in the video is poor and whoever's holding the phone has done a terrible job of keeping it still, perhaps not wanting to be caught videoing the Batman, so he has no idea which kid it is. needless to say, the discussion he has fifteen minutes later, after he's rounded them all up personally and hauled them down to the cave before Alfred notices he's gone, is not a kind one. the words "responsibility" and "decorum" come up a lot, as well as the phrase "respect the cowl." his kids deny involvement, point fingers at each other, and in all other ways try to absolve themselves of guilt, but he can see it in their eyes that they know who the culprit was. he grounds all of them and takes away dessert privileges.

grounds all of them but Jason. when this unfairness is pointed out in the heat of the moment by Tim, who apparently is on one of what Dick likes to call his "gives no shits" benders, Bruce just pins him with a stare until he shrinks and mumbles, "never mind. sorry." even Duke scoffs at him, just a little. the idea is laughable. there's no way in hell Jason would do this, not even to cause chaos.

Jason watches from the corner, valiantly keeping a straight face. yes, he absolutely would do this if it means causing chaos. his siblings have gotten too comfortable recently. somebody's gotta keep them on their toes.

[ragingbookdragon]

My Brother's Best Friend Is The One For Me

Wally West x Batsis!Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 3.6K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: Got to rereading my Batsis fics and came across the "What A Flashy Romance" and wanted to do another one with Wally because I love him. Enjoy! -Thorne

Being the middle child and also the only girl in the Batfamily meant two things:

1. She had four brothers that treated her like a porcelain doll, despite the fact that she could throw a punch at 336 PSI.

And

2. She followed an unspoken rule that Dick and Jason’s friends were off limits when it came to dating.

In all, neither of those things were major problems. She’d learned at a young age how to avoid Dick and Jason’s overbearing-protective-brother-modes, and Tim and Damian were younger, so she didn’t have to worry about them. The second one was also avoidable—most of her older brothers’ friends were the same, and she wasn’t around most of them to develop any feelings.

Well, there was Wally, but it was just a crush. A stupid, little school-girl crush—that she’d never really grown out of—that didn’t matter in the slightest. Except whenever Dick brought him over to the house and she had to pretend that sitting next to him didn’t make her heart race like she’d run a mile.

And the most annoying thing about the whole crush is that she couldn’t tell if Wally was ever interested in her or not. Most of Dick’s friends, Garth, Kyle, Roy, they treated her like a little sister—hell, they even said “Love you lil sis!” to her regularly. And yet, Wally didn’t. Now, there was the occasional head pat, but even that was an affectionate gesture that siblings and SO’s did all the time. It was infuriating, and so was Wally—but she was going to sort it all out the next time he came over because the worst thing he could say was “No”, and either she needed to hear that…or “Yes”.

***

Normal Sundays for the Wayne household usually meant Ultimate Waffle Breakfast and sitting on your ass all day until patrol—it was the one day of the week where they could do anything and nothing and didn’t have to stick to schedules. Everyone loved Sundays, especially (Y/N), because it meant that all of her family was home, even Jason (who tried to deny that he enjoyed coming home to hang out, but if that mile long grin was any help, he was lying). And while everyone was home, that usually meant that everybody’s friends were coming over too.

***

She swiped the syrup out of Jason’s hand when he swung it back around, grinning at him when he glared at her.

“I was gonna use that, (Y/N),” he griped, and she shrugged, uncapping the bottle.

She tipped it over and watched the syrup lazily pour out of the container onto her waffles.

“You were taking too long.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “I guess you were as…slow as molasses.”

While most of the table groaned at her terrible joke, Dick snorted into his milk, causing it to splatter on his plate and across the table.

“Nice one,” he coughed, wiping his face and the dark oak surface.

(Y/N) bowed dramatically. “Well, I did learn from the best.” When Dick’s face lit up, she turned to Alfred and smiled. “Alfie, thank you for teaching me your ways.”

The old butler merely tipped his head, a hidden smile crossing his lips at the way the eldest son’s jaw went slack. She turned her attention to Bruce who was quietly chewing, eyes following along the research paper she’d asked him to check out.

“Dad, what’s on your agenda for today?”

He swallowed and flicked a line out with a red pen, etching his own comment in the margin. “Lucius has a few ideas about some new gadgets he wanted to run by me.” Another line went out. “I’ll call him after breakfast.” Bruce looked at her. “You?”

(Y/N) nodded at the paper in his hands, then slapped Jason’s who was reaching over to take a piece of bacon from her plate. “Waiting for you to finish tearing me a new one so I can redo the paper.” She cut into the waffle with the side of her fork. “Once I salvage what little scientific dignity you’ve left me with, I’ll probably laze around.”

“You mean what you do normally?” Bruce quipped, grinning when she glowered at him; his eyes went back to her paper. “You’re doing well so far.”

She huffed. “Tell that to every red line you’ve marked out in that paragraph.”

He flashed the paper. “I’m writing in the margins how to change it. This isn’t a dissertation, sweetheart. You’re allowed to make mistakes. We all do.”

(Y/N) grumbled as her cheeks warmed and she went back to her plate as the conversation flowed around her.

Most of it was the discussion of what everyone was planning on doing, Damian was going to play video games, Tim was going to join him (which she knew was going to be fun while the moment lasted until the petty sibling rivalry got in the way and their gaming dwindled into a physical fight that she and probably Dick were going to have to break up), Jason was going to use the workbench in the cave to upgrade some gear, and Dick apparently,

“Wally and Garth are gonna come over later and hang out.”

She paused, mid-stab of her fork and looked at up. “Wally’s coming over?”

He nodded. “And Garth. We were gonna go to the mall and get some new clothes.”

Jason snorted, laying an arm over the backs of Tim and (Y/N)’s chairs. “Spending money with daddy’s credit card, Dickie?”

Dick smirked. “Just like you.” Jason merely matched his grin, and while the entire table was cracking up at Bruce’s frown, (Y/N) was silent, heart beating faster at the thought of seeing Wally.

“(Y/N)?” She startled and looked up at Dick.

“Huh?”

“I asked if you were okay. You got quiet all of the sudden.”

She smiled and shook her head. “Yeah, just thought about all of the corrections I’m gonna have to do because somebody CAN’T STOP MARKING OUT MY PARAGRAPHS.” Bruce merely smiled and knocked out another line.

It was a lie. It was the biggest lie she’d told right next to the one she told when Bruce had asked her where she was on prom night her senior year a few years ago—she was totally not saving a different sector of the universe with Kyle Rayner, she was dancing with Sam Reilly all night—she strongly believed her dad knew the truth—Batman knew everything.

Bruce handed the paper back to her and she groaned as she scanned the red lines on every page. It was going to take her hours to go over this.

Jason leaned over and read the title, “Cellular Division and Mutation Under Extreme Elemental Circumstances…a composition by (Y/N) Wayne.” He cocked a dark brow. “Go big or go home, huh, baby girl?”

(Y/N) hummed. “Doctor Halberd wanted us to pick challenging topics for the research paper this term.” A crooked smile crossed her lips. “I’m nothing if not ambitious about proving I’m smarter than everyone else.”

“You need another source,” Bruce murmured, sipping the steaming black coffee. “One-fourteen is good, but I’d go for one-fifteen.”

She groaned and dropped her head. “Are you kidding me? I had enough trouble gathering that many.”

“Why don’t you use Barry?” Tim piped up, mouth full of whip cream and strawberries.

“Master Timothy, we do not talk with our mouth full,” Alfred admonished, and Tim blushed.

(Y/N)’s head shot up and she stared at her brother. “That’s actually a good idea. Speedsters would make for perfect references about cellular division.” An idea popped into her head and she glanced at Dick. “And since Wally is com—”

“Nope,” Dick interrupted, pointing at her. “Wally is coming over to hang out, not to be poked and prodded to finish a paper.”

She let out a whine and turned to Bruce. “Dad, tell Dick to let me at least talk to Wally about it.”

Bruce turned his attention onto Dick. “Let your sister talk to Wally about her paper.”

“Oh, come on,” he complained and (Y/N) stood from her seat, hurrying around the table to stand behind Dick’s seat.

She draped herself over his shoulders, tucking her chin in the crook of his neck. “I promise I won’t be annoying if you let me come with you. I’ll ask two questions every thirty minutes and I’ll go do shopping on my own, so I won’t be in the way.” (Y/N) craned her neck and pulled the most pitiful puppy eyes she could. “Please?”

Dick’s eyes darted to her face and then he looked away. Just one more push.

“Please frate?” she begged and when his eyes went wide from the usage of his native tongue, she knew she’d won him over.

He deflated and let out a sigh. “Fine,” he grumbled. “You can come with us.”

(Y/N) squealed and pressed a kiss to his cheekbone, as she grabbed the paper and hurried towards the door. She halted and spun around, looking at her father.

“What do I need to be most specific about?”

“Division under elemental circumstances.”

She glowered at him. “No shit Sherlock. Specifics.”

“Molecular division under terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.”

“That’ll work,” (Y/N) nodded and exited to room.

Jason looked out the door then back to his brothers. “She’s way to excited about science sometimes.” They merely laughed.

***

She raised the red lace, cold shoulder V-neck shirt to her chest before frowning, and switching it with the full lace blue shirt with mini golden lightning bolt charms hanging off the trim. After a moment, she pulled the blue one down and sighed.

“You know, if you want to impress him, I’d wear the red shirt.”

She jumped and barely managed to suppress the scream that was coming up in her throat as she swiveled around to face her door. Jason stood in the doorway, a knowing look on his face. She could play this one of two ways: she could be truthful, or she could lie—she chose the latter.

“What do you mean?” He snorted and walked into her room, taking a seat at her desk.

“I mean if you’re trying to impress Wally, wear the shirt that’s the color of his suit, (Y/N).” She looked away and into the mirror, but she couldn’t escape the eyes boring into her back.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked quietly, and he laughed.

“That you’re head over heels for Dick’s best friend? Oh yeah. Totally.”

She sighed and sat on her bed, pulling the red top over her torso. “It’s just a crush.”

“Seems like more than a crush to me, baby girl.”

(Y/N) pulled the fabric down and looked at him. “Are you gonna tell Dick?”

Jason scoffed. “Do I look like a narc to you?”

She cocked a brow and deadpanned, “Just the other night you told dad that Damian lifted Two-Face’s wallet when he was being put in a cruiser.”

“Well, that wasn’t something important,” he countered and nodded at her. “This is.” He paused and shrugged. “Nah, I’m not gonna tell Dickhead. Play this out however you see fit, baby girl.”

(Y/N) stared at him for a moment then averted her gaze and let out a sigh; Jason huffed.

“That sounds like a heavy sigh, (Y/N). What’s wrong?”

She shrugged. “I don’t even know if Wally would be interested in me. He’s him and I’m me.”

Jason stood and walked over, kneeling in front of her. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”

(Y/N) met his eyes. “Anytime he’s had a girlfriend she’s always been super strong or really outspoken.”

“And you’re not?” he quipped, causing her to huff.

“You know what I mean, Jay.”

He nodded. “Okay, so you’re not an Amazon or shoving your head up someone’s ass for a story. But you’re you.”

“And that means?”

“You’re the only daughter of the World’s Greatest Detective who’s a wicked smart science major by day and a badass vigilante by night.” He cupped her cheeks. “You are intelligent, warmhearted, talented, and absolutely beautiful.” Jason smushed her cheeks together and grinned as she giggled. “And if Wally doesn’t see any of what I just said, then he’s a damn fool and not worth your time. You hear me, baby girl?”

She nodded. “I hear you.”

Jason gave her a firm nod and let go, standing to his feet. “Now come on let’s go do your makeup.”

(Y/N) blinked. “You can do makeup?”

“Baby girl, I can do a lot of things. Now hurry up. That razor sharp eye liner and golden eyeshadow isn’t going to do itself.”

***

She waited beside Dick with a pleasant smile on her face, and despite the fluttering heartbeat in her chest, Jason’s pep talk kept running through her head and with every passing moment, she felt her confidence rising. He was right, if she told Wally and he didn’t feel the same, then it was his loss and her gain to move on and find someone else.

A black sedan pulled up at the manor and the passenger window rolled down, revealing Wally at the wheel and Garth in the passenger’s seat. Dick waved at them.

“Hey guys,” he greeted. “How was the drive over?”

“Oh, you know, we saw three carjacking’s and one armed robbery,” Garth quipped. “I assume that’s normal for Gotham though.”

“It’s a bit below average actually,” (Y/N) piped up. “Hi Garth. Hi Wally.”

Wally smiled and Garth waved in return as the two siblings started getting in the car.

“You’re coming with us, (Y/N)?” Wally questioned and she nodded.

“Do you want me to lie to you or give you the truth?”

He chuckled. “I’m always open for a good story.”

“I wanted to buy out Victoria’s Secret and piss off any boyfriends who are in hot water with their girlfriends.” The guys laughed and she admitted, “Truth though, I need one last source for a research paper.”

“Gonna find that source shopping?” Garth asked and (Y/N) caught Wally’s eyes in the rear-view mirror.

“Actually, my last source is Wally.”

They fell silent and looked at her, though the speedster’s focus was on the road.

“What are you gonna source Wally on?” The Atlantean inquired.

“My paper is over cellular mutation under distress from elemental conditions.” She smiled at Wally. “Our speedster here, is a walking subject perfect for the paper. I can only hope that he agrees to be a willing participant.”

Wally chuckled. “I’d be willing to part with a few secrets for you. Of course, I’d have to—”

“Remain anonymous.” (Y/N) winked. “I’m sure my professor would be okay with me citing ‘The Flash’ so long as I had a picture with him to back it up.”

“I like pictures,” he murmured, pulling into the parking lot.

“That’s good to know,” she replied and when he put the car in park, she took her purse and added, “So I’ll leave you boys to do your shopping and Wally, I’ll text you any questions I have.”

“You’re not gonna hang around?” Garth asked and she shook her head.

“Nah, I don’t wanna be the annoying little sister who follows her older brother and his friends around.” She smiled at them. “Besides, Dick was kind enough to let me come along. Least I can do is stay out of your way.”

(Y/N) opened the door and waved at them. “Text me when you’re ready to leave and I’ll meet you back here.”

***

Despite the initial joke that she was going to buy out the lingerie store, there was actually some truth in the statement, and she drew her fingers over one of the lace baby dolls as she looked at her phone, grinning like a dope at Wally’s response.

Well, I wouldn’t say I’d grow a second skin from how fast my cells regenerate, but I can make my body heal instantaneously. -W

Can you regenerate limbs or major organs? –(Y/I)

Major organs or useful ones? -W

(Y/N) paused at his response and thought for a moment. It was risky. Sending the text, she was thinking about was risky, but it’d sure get her point across that she was into him. With her heart hammering in her chest, she pushed send and stuck her phone in her pocket.

Whichever ones are useful to you, Wally? ;) –(Y/N)

Her phone didn’t buzz for a good minute, and Wally took less than a second to reply, so he was doing one of two things: A.) Telling Dick that his younger sister sent a flirty text, or B.) Trying to figure out how to let her down easy. (Y/N) didn’t know which one was worse. Her hip buzzed and she inhaled shakily, pulling her phone out of her pocket with one eye cracked open to see how screwed she was.

Do you have a useful one in mind, beautiful? -W

She had to clamp a hand over her mouth to keep from letting out the biggest gasp any human had ever made, and she nervously looked around her to make sure no one else was staring at her. She grinned as she replied to him.

Oh, I could think of one…or two or three…Why? Is there gonna be a pop quiz over this later? I’ll have you know I’m an excellent test taker. –(Y/N)

Is that so? Well, what happens if you were to fail this particular pop quiz, (Y/N)? -W

I guess you’d have to stay the night for a study session and help me make a better grade ;) –(Y/I)

As she waited for another response, someone’s hand touched the small of her back and she reacted, immediately stepping away from the offending touch to spin on them. Her eyes went wide when she saw Wally standing before her, a grin on his face, phone in his hand.

“I think an overnight study session is possible, (Y/N).”

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, like a fish until she finally got her brain to work and asked, “I thought you were shopping with Dick and Garth?”

He shrugged. “Told Dick you asked me an advanced question that’d be easier to answer in person than over text.” He wiggled his brows. “You know, advanced equations and scientific gibberish.”

(Y/N) huffed a laugh and turned back around, trying to ignore the heat in her cheeks as she picked up one of the teddies. And when she realized what it looked like, she only felt more flustered. Crimson with baby blue trimming and was practically a shoelace.

“Well, that’sa hint if there ever was one,” Wally quipped, and she pulled the lingerie out of his line of sight.

“It was just the first one I grabbed!” she exclaimed, snapping her mouth shut when people looked over at them. Her cheeks felt like they were wildfires, and she pressed her head against the cool metal of the rack, sighing with what little relief it provided.

“You know, (Y/N),” he started softly. “If you’re not comfortable, this doesn’t have to go anywhere. I can forget this ever happened if you want me to.” (Y/N) opened her eyes and peered at him, at the concern but also the kindness in his gaze.

“I just—” she murmured and trailed off before letting out a sigh. “It’s kinda complicated.”

“Okay,” Wally nodded. “My mouth might work faster than my brain sometimes but lay it on me.”

She cracked a smile and thought back on Jason’s words. If Wally doesn’t see any of what I just said, then he’s a damn fool and not worth your time.

(Y/N) took a deep breath and looked at him, admitting, “Wally, I have…feelings for you.” His eyes widened and though she felt the sting of embarrassment, she pushed out her words. “It’s stupid, like one of those dumb childhood crushes that just sticks with you, you know?”

She averted her gaze and looked at her peep toe heels. “I just don’t wanna screw anything up because even if you don’t feel anything like I do, I don’t wanna lose you as a friend. Because I do value your friendship.” She sighed. “And Dick. I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable about coming over to see him if there’s a chance you’ll have to see me too. I just—”

“Woah, woah, woah,” Wally interrupted gently, a smile growing on his face. “You’re thinking way big here, (Y/N). Bigger than you need to right now.”

She met his eyes. “Right now?” she repeated, and he reached out, taking her hand in his. His fingers felt tingly against her palm and he smiled.

“I like you, (Y/N).”

She blinked at him, practically dumbfounded. “You…you do?”

Wally nodded and confessed, “Have for a couple years, but I didn’t wanna make a move not knowing if you were interested.” His cheeks tinged pink, and he said, “But I’m glad you are. Like super glad.” (Y/N) giggled, suddenly feeling really foolish for all her worry and Wally let out a chuckle too.

She stared at him for a moment, relishing the coolness of his skin before pulling away, toying with the teddy in her other hand.

“So, about tonight…you staying over?”

Wally let out a groan and looked between her and the lingerie. “Probably, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to get away long enough to spend some time alone with you.”

(Y/N) let out a ‘pfft’ and winked. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Flash. You are the fastest man alive.”

“You’re into quickies? Good to know,” he grinned.

“Shut up,” she giggled.

[chiropter36]

Okay, a couple days late, but in honor of HDL’s birthday, have some random triplet headcanons (plus a few for the other kids just for the heck of it).

Huey:

Middle name is Humperdink, after Donald and Della’s paternal grandfather (I figure, since Donald went to Hortense’s side of the family for Dewey’s middle name, he’d want to give some tribute to Quackmore’s side as well). Huey has a full lecture ready to go if anyone finds out and starts teasing him – explaining about the importance of the tradition of keeping ancestral names alive, and how the name was a perfectly fine and respectable one in his great-grandfather’s day… but in situations where he has to give his full name, he’ll still usually just abbreviate it to Hubert H. Duck.

As an adult, when he has a child of his own, he struggles with parenthood at first, due in part to trying too hard to emulate Donald, wearing himself thin to the point of hysteria by taking on everything and prioritizing being constantly present for his child at the expense of his own emotional health and self-care. Donald eventually has to have a talk with him, gently reminding him that he’s not in the same position Donald was, that he has a huge support system of friends and family to lean on, and that he doesn’t need to make the same kind of sacrifices that Donald did when raising them.

Dewey:

Gains something of a “business” rival in Alastair Boorswan, who retains a grudge against Dewey for his part in the failure of the Darkwing Duck movie. He doesn’t go full-on Don Karnage or anything, but he’ll try to sabotage any of Dewey’s performances and internet video projects. It is entirely, almost pitifully, one-sided – every time Boorswan pops up like ah-HA now at last you’ll PAY for ruining my masterpiece!, Dewey barely remembers who he is.

Starts developing his first crush, a year or so after the finale, on Gosalyn. He does eventually work up the courage to ask her out, and they date briefly, but Gos never ends up developing any feelings for him beyond the platonic. Eventually, after seeking some advice from Launchpad (who was thrilled that his best friend and daughter had gotten together, but understands through much personal experience that some relationships just aren’t meant to be), the two have an amicable break-up, Dewey goes and has a good cry in private, and they’re a little awkward with each other for a bit, but the two of them both end up feeling like their friendship is stronger for the experience.

This is the beginning of a trend for Dewey, who follows in Launchpad’s example of retaining healthy, meaningful friendships with all of his exes. (Louie calls it unnatural.)

Louie:

In part due to his habit of stress-eating, combined with his dislike of physical exertion, Louie ends up putting on a little more weight than his brothers in their teen years. At first he’s very insecure about it – he’s already getting hit with the rest of the puberty troubles, and this just seems like one more thing to dislike about his body. As an adult, he remains a bit chubbier than his brothers, but he’s much more self-confident about it. He even uses it to his advantage, letting people underestimate him and assume he must be out-of-shape just because he doesn’t have a classically “fit” body. (He generally is less in shape than his brothers, but he does still enjoy his regular swims in the Money Bin, which requires a certain athleticism.)

Never has nor particularly wants kids. He’s perfectly content being the “fun uncle” of the family; he can just introduce his niblings to Ottoman Empire, tell them all the embarrassing stories about their parents, sneak them extra candy, then hand them back off to his siblings to deal with while he relaxes and enjoys the perks of not having to actually raise them.

Except, of course, much as he’ll joke about “buying their love” with candy and presents, he does love all his siblings’ kids to bits and pieces, and will reluctantly step up and be the adult when it matters. One time, he was the only authority figure available to be the disciplinarian during a fairly serious misbehavior incident... and it was in that moment, while recovering from the looks of betrayal as he scolded and doled out punishments, that it suddenly hits him: Oh, crap, this is what I put Mom through with the Timephoon incident, isn’t it? Ultimately, though, while the kids remain mad at him for a while, they do end up respecting him more in the aftermath, which makes him feel like he’s at least doing better at the uncle thing than Gladstone did.

Webby:

Once they’re back home and have had some time to sit down and process everything after “The Last Adventure!”, Scrooge and Webby have a long, candid talk about how they want to move forward with what they now know about their relationship. Among other things, Webby admits that, while it felt right to call him “Dad” at the Library, putting a title to this newly-discovered connection, since then she’s been finding it a little awkward when she’s tried calling him that in her head. He’s always been a father figure to her one way or another, but in her head for the past year or so he’s been “Uncle Scrooge,” and that’s what her brain defaults to now that things have settled down. Scrooge, in turn, admits that while he was deeply moved when she called him that and certainly loves her like a daughter, he finds it difficult to think of himself as a “dad” at his age.

So the two of them agree that, much like how Donald is “Uncle Donald” to the triplets but everyone knows what he really is to them, Scrooge can keep being “Uncle Scrooge” to her and it won’t diminish their relationship. Moving forward, they still occasionally use dad/daughter terminology, but generally save it for special occasions… aaaand occasionally when Webby’s in a particularly Louie-ish mood and wants to get something out of him.

More than once after the reveal, the boys jokingly call her “Aunt Webby.” (Even Huey, though he always can’t help but point out that they’re technically first cousins once removed.) Her response is, “No.”

Violet and Lena:

(This one’s actually kind of semi-canon – as in, it never happened on-screen but was shown in the “Meet the Sabrewings” mini-story that Frank Angones contributed to that one zine, plus mentioned in one of his tumblr responses.)

Violet’s chosen parental titles for Tyrian and Indigo are, respectively, “Father,” and “Father”. She doesn’t see why anyone should find that the least bit confusing. (“They are each my male-identifying parental figure; i.e., a ‘father.’ Referring to one of them by an alternate diminutive title seems rather arbitrary and redundant, to be frank.”) Despite this, Ty and Indy can always tell which one of them she’s referring to, even without any context, just by her subtle vocal inflections that no one else can pick up on.

It takes Lena a while before she feels comfortable referring to them with any sort of parental designations. Even after she’s officially adopted, for a long time she’ll call them by their names or just “you guys”. It’s a special moment the first time she calls them “Dads”, but once she finally gets to that point, she settles into it and calls each of them “Dad” more regularly (if she needs to distinguish, she’ll just use their names).

Boyd:

Though Gyro does keep the offer open, Boyd never feels any desire to transfer his consciousness to an “aged up” body, even as Huey and the others grow up around him. For the most part, he completely avoids all the angsty “immortal child who can’t ever grow up” tropes – he likes being a definitely real boy, fought hard to be acknowledged as such, and doesn’t feel like an adult body and programming is something he needs to be happy.

That said, he does eventually become something of an adult legally – he still gains life experience and becomes more self-sufficient now that he’s actually being given the opportunity to live for the first time – and at that point views his childlike body as simply equivalent to, say, being a little person, and his childlike mindset just one of the ways he’s still “wired differently” from his peers. (Huey’s continued friendship helps a lot in that regard – he never treats Boyd as anything other than a friend and equal, no matter the disparity between their apparent ages.) He eventually ends up working as a scoutmaster for the Junior Woodchucks, where he excels with the younger kids (while also earning several PhDs and becoming one of the most popular lecturers at Duckburg University).

[marauderundercover]

Taking Chances Ch. 21: Apologies (Father’s Day)

AO3

Prev

Marinette purses her lips as she looks at the neatly wrapped package in her hand. She knew she should still give it to her dad, shouldn’t let her hurt over the Gala stop her from celebrating Father’s Day with him for the first time. She’d already gotten confirmation from her Maman that her present for her Papa had arrived. So that was taken care of. A small part of her, the petty part, wanted to use Kaalki and go back to Paris for Father’s Day. But she also didn’t want to hurt her dad, no matter how much he’d hurt her. She had to be better than that, she is Ladybug after all. Sighing, she drops the present onto her bed. Grabbing the rest of what she needed for a movie night at one of Jason’s safe houses, she rushes out of her room. She knew that her dad’s conversation with Superman in the Batcave wouldn’t last too long, and then he’d be looking for her and Damian to lecture the hell out of them. Unfortunately for him, neither of them planned to be around to listen to it. 

“Got everything Pixie Pop?” Jason asks as she rushes down the last of the steps, barely stopping herself from falling. She quickly balances herself and shoots her brother a small grin. 

“Yup. Let’s go before I can get grounded.” She says, rushing past him and out the door, grinning as she hears his loud cackles behind her. It will get better. She’d talk to her dad eventually, and shove the bad feelings away. But she was going to let herself mope for another day. After all, letting herself feel negative emotions was part of the reason her parents agreed to let her stay in Gotham for the summer. 

---

“What do you mean there’s an entire movie about you and Cat boy?” Jason asks, shoving another cookie in his mouth. Marinette shrugs. 

“I mean we have a movie. It’s not my favorite, it’s kind of ridiculous. None of it is accurate. Except, Adrien did voice Chat Noir for the movie...still not sure why he thought that was a good idea.” She says, thinking back to the original premiere of the movie and all of the drama that came with it. 

“Well shit. He’s not the brightest kid, is he?” Jason asks with a snort. Marinette opens her mouth to argue, then remembers some of Adrien’s….less brilliant moments. Okay, so maybe he’s not perfect.

“Ya know, we were once cast as Ladybug and Chat Noir in a music video.” She says, snorting at the look on Jason’s face. 

“You’ve gotta be kidding. Really? Kid, please tell me you didn’t go through with it.” He says, looking mildly distressed. Marinette just rolls her eyes. 

“No, we didn’t. The concept for the video changed and so no more hero costumes. I was terrified though. Kept losing the mask on purpose ‘cause I was convinced the mask would be what gave it away.” She admits with a small laugh. 

“Ya know, that’s almost as bad as the time that someone at WE thought it’d be a good idea to enter B in a Batman look alike contest. Sent in his photo and everything.” Jason says with a snort. Marinette’s jaw drops.

“Wait, really?” She asks. He nods. 

“Yup. But that’s not the best part.” He says. Her eyebrows furrowed together. What could possibly be better- Oh. No, oh my-

“He lost, didn’t he!” She cheers, laughing at Jason’s huge smile. 

“Of course he did! You didn’t really think Brucie Wayne could ever be THE Batman, did you?” He asks with a smirk. 

“Who entered him?” Marinette asks, kind of assuming that Jason did it with Tim’s computer. 

“No one could ever prove anything, but Lucius Fox couldn’t stop smiling for weeks after it happened.” Jason says. 

“No way, Lucius Fox? Oh my god!” She starts laughing again, the negative feelings from earlier almost completely gone. Disappeared. Times like these, she was beyond relieved that she wasn’t an only child anymore. She doesn’t know how she’d ever function again without her brothers and Cass. 

---

Bruce takes a deep breath before knocking on Marinette’s door. He’d spent some time talking to Clark in an attempt to calm down. He still couldn’t believe his two youngest children had gone to the Watchtower without permission...well, he could believe that Damian went. But not Marinette. And then there was her attitude towards him at the Tower. Her posture was very Damian, but her words and tone were very much Jason. He couldn’t decide if he was glad that they were bonding, or frustrated with the way his sons were corrupting his daughter. Not hearing an answer on the other side of the door, he knocks again. 

“If?” He says. Alfred nods. 

“Marinette, I know you’re angry, but shutting yourself away in your room is not the answer. I’ll give you ten more minutes, but then we need to talk about your behavior today.” He says, nodding to himself. That sounded good. That was right, right?

“I’m certain that wouldn’t work on Miss Marinette even if she was in her room, Master Bruce.” Alfred says, giving him an unimpressed look. Bruce’s eye twitches. 

“Indeed, sir. It seems that Miss Marinette will not be sleeping at the manor tonight.” He says, turning to walk away. 

“And I’m assuming you know where she is?” Bruce says, doubting that Alfred will actually give up her location. He’d definitely been picking the kids’ side the last two weeks or so. It was different, and he wasn’t fond of the change. 

“Of course I do, sir.” Alfred says, raising an eyebrow in a silent challenge. 

“Will you tell me where she is?” He asks, trying hard not to huff when Alfred shakes his head. 

“Of course not, sir.” He says before walking away. Right. So she wasn’t sleeping at the manor, but she was safe. If she wasn’t, Alfred would have told him where she was. He mentally runs through a list of possible places she could be. Dick’s apartment, one of Jason’s safe houses, the Siren’s apartment, Paris- He pales as he realizes that she could definitely be in Paris. Was she really so upset that she would go back to Paris? Would she ever come back if she left? He lets out an uneven breath. He messed up. He messed up and now she was going to go back to Paris and she’d never talk to him again. Unless- maybe she didn’t. Swallowing the guilt that appears at the thought, he pushes her door open. If she had left for Paris, she would’ve taken everything with her. The sight of her clothes and sewing supplies still scattered around the room makes him breathe a sigh of relief. She hadn’t left Not yet. He’s about to walk out when an envelope on her bed catches his eye. Frowning, he walks over and picks it up, ‘Dad’ written on it in neat cursive. Now standing by her bed, he realizes there’s also a neatly wrapped package (Batman wrapping paper) on it. He smiles, then glances back at the envelope. He opens it, smiling at the art on the cardstock. It was clearly Marinette’s art, but he was confused why it was addressed to him. 

‘Dad, I just wanted to let you know that I’m so happy you’re my Dad, and I’m so glad that I got to meet you. Finding out that I was adopted was a little scary, but you’ve made sure I’ve been okay through it all. Happy Father’s Day! Love, Marinette’

Bruce blinks. She was scared. If he had to guess, she was most likely scared that the family wouldn’t accept her. They’d been getting along so well, until the Gala mistake. Until he’d decided for her. Assumed she wouldn’t want to go to the Gala. And now she didn’t even want to stay at the manor tonight, and she was angry enough earlier to throw a chair at him. He pushes a hand through his hair, cursing lowly under his breath. He had to fix this. 

---

A sharp pounding at the door makes Jason leap off the couch. He holds up a finger and gestures for Marinette to hide. No one should be here. No one else knows which of his safe houses he was at today. Grabbing a gun, he walks over, glancing through the peephole. He scoffs. 

“Get the fuck outta here Bruce.” He calls through the door, watching Marinette as she immediately tenses as if she’s gonna run. He shakes his head at her. She didn’t have to run, he sure as hell wouldn’t open the door if she didn’t want him to. 

“Jason, open the door. I need to talk to Marinette.” Bruce calls, Jason snorts. 

“Yeah, not gonna happen B.” He says. 

“I would like to apologize to her.” Bruce says. Jason blinks. That’s new. Did the old man finally figure out that fuck ups warrant apologies? He glances over at Marinette, raising an eyebrow. It was her call. The unsure look on her face almost makes him decide for her. Almost. The kid’d had enough of people deciding shit for her. 

“Let him in.” She says. He opens the door, glaring at the man. 

“Is it okay if he comes in?” She whispers, and Jason nods.

“Up to you kiddo.” He whispers back. She stands taller, pushing her shoulders back before nodding. 

“She’s the one who let you in. Don’t fuck this up.” He warns before stepping aside and letting Bruce walk in.

“Marinette.” He says, nodding at her. Jason groans. Yeah, B was totally gonna fuck this up. 

“Father.” She says, shifting so that her arms are crossed, a neutral expression on her face. God, he really hopes her mimicking Demon Spawn is just a phase. 

“I would like to preface this conversation by letting you know I went into your room.” Bruce says. Marinette just raises an eyebrow. Yeah, Jason wasn’t seeing the connection either. “I apologize for invading your privacy like that, Damian has definitely reminded me several times that your personal rooms are not to be messed with. However, when Alfred let me know you weren’t sleeping at the manor tonight, I was worried that perhaps you had gone back to Paris.” 

“I wouldn’t have gone back without telling you. Well, other than akuma attacks. Do you really think I’d do something like that?” She asks, frowning. 

“I know that I’ve done things I’m not proud of when hurt. Things that I came to regret. And I saw earlier today how hurt you actually are. I didn’t realize-” He pauses. “I also read the card that was on your bed.”

“What! No, that was- that was for Father’s Day.” She says with a sigh. 

“I didn’t open the gift. I originally thought the envelope would have a note from you on where you had gone. Or that you never wanted to see me again. I thought the chances were pretty even.” He says and Jason snorts. 

“Oh, okay. Wait, why would you ever think that? Yes, I was hurt. I still am hurt, if I’m being honest. But I don’t want to cut you out of my life.” She says, shaking her head. 

“Nor do I want you out of ours.” Bruce says. Marinette blinks. “I realize now what it must have looked like, to you. Not informing you about the Gala, taking the rest of the family. It was, admittedly, not my best moment. I made a decision for you when I should’ve asked you what you wanted. You could have even come with us as MDC, but I took that option away from you. I am very sorry, Marinette. I am glad that you’re my daughter, sweetheart.” He says and Jason blinks. Well shit. The old man did have feelings. Too bad no one would ever believe him if he tried to say something about it. He watches as the tension in Marinette’s body drops almost instantly before she runs over and launches herself at Bruce. She wraps her arms around him and Jason can see the way her body shakes. Bruce just stands there, staring down at the top of her head in shock. 

“You wrap your arms around her.” Jason snarks. Bruce blinks before listening, returning Marinette’s hug. Well, they were still dysfunctional as hell, but at least now he’d be able to take Pixie Pop to the manor without feeling like an asshole brother. 

---

Marinette bounces nervously in her seat as she watches her brothers hand her dad presents. She’s shocked when Jason hands over a small gift, knowing that the two’s relationship wasn’t….great. She leans forward in anticipation, watching and waiting to see what he’d picked out. 

“Thank you, Jason. Clark will never let me live this down.” Her dad says, the fondness in his tone not matching the frown on his face. He turns the box around and the room erupts in laughter. Somehow, Jason had found a company that made customizable bobbleheads. The body was probably just a stock body, dressed in civilian clothes with a superman suit peaking through the shirt. And the head, the head was hilarious. It was very obviously crafted to look like their dad, specifically with his ‘Brucie Wayne’ smile. It was awful and amazing at the same time. 

“I think Jaybird wins best gift.” Dick says with a grin. 

“Tt. Unlikely. The new katana that Cass and I gave him is obviously superior.” Damian says, crossing his arms. 

“I don’t know Damian, I still haven’t given him my present.” She points out, grinning at the slight frown on Damian’s face. 

“While I doubt your present could be better than mine, there is no doubt it will be better received than Todd’s.” Damian says. Marinette snorts at the look on Jason’s face. 

“Listen Demon Spawn, there’s this thing called humor. That’s what my gift had. I know you wouldn’t know anything about humor, so let me explain it to you.” He starts, and Marinette jumps in to cut him off before they can start arguing. It was Father’s Day, the least they could do is avoid fighting with each other for a couple more hours. 

“And this one’s from me.” She says, passing him the present wrapped in Batman wrapping paper. She grins as Tim and Dick both laugh, not having seen it before now. 

“I think Mari might win just ‘cause of the paper.” Tim admits, taking a large drink of his iced coffee that Marinette had picked up for him. She’d had to fight an akuma right before they started presents, so she’d stopped and got Tim coffee from the shop that he’d tried when they’d all been in Paris. She watches in anticipation as her dad carefully unwraps the box, opening it and pulling out the black suit jacket. He smiles at her. 

“Did you make this? It’s amazing.” He says, and her brothers nod in agreement (though Damian does so reluctantly). 

“Look at the inside of it.” She says, gesturing for him to unfold it. His eyebrow twitches, but he does as she says. She watches his face for the moment he spots it, and grins when his face drops into a wide smile. On the inside of the left side of the jacket, she’d added a breast pocket. It wasn’t really for anything though. Instead, it was so that she could embroider all of his children’s names in a way so that it would rest above his heart. The jacket also had tiny bat logos embroidered at the cuffs of the jacket. The thread was shiny and very dark so that it would barely show up against the black of the jacket. It had to be lit just right to see it, but as he tilted the jacket again, she knew he saw it. It had taken longer than suit jackets normally do for her, but it was because she knew that it had to be perfect. It was, after all, the first piece of clothing she’d made for her dad. 

“It’s perfect, Marinette.” He says softly, running a hand over the names. She lets out a sigh of relief before smiling at him. Things were still a little rough, but they were so much better than they’d been the night of the Gala. She was glad that she had stayed, that she hadn’t ran like she had so badly wanted to.

Next

Tag list: @maribat-bdbwm @vixen-uchiha @stainedglassm @liquid-luck-00 @jayjayspixiepop @jjmjjktth @trippingovermyfeet @mizzy-pop @queenz-z @thepaceperson @iloontjeboontje @waiting247 @laurcad123 @toodaloo-kangaroo @ritacrow-blog @deathssilentapproach-blog @kittenmywaythrulife @nerd-nowandforever @tazanna-blythe @jaybird-and-co @jumpingjoy82 @lady-bee-fechin

[mochegato]

Nannyette

Chapter 1 - New Year’s Surprise

Tim rubbed his throbbing head as he made his way to Dick’s apartment.  It had been a ridiculously long night.  He left the Justice League party at the Watchtower early to patrol pretty much by himself.  Jason and Stephanie were on duty too but they were enjoying the night with the random revelers they found instead of actually patrolling.  And that wouldn’t have been so bad except they had missed an attack which hit the Wayne Enterprises building.  The culprits hadn’t gotten anything too valuable, just a few computers at the front desk, but Tim had to go in early to assess the damage, talk to the police, implement temporary protection, and start planning repairs.

All of which meant Tim hadn’t slept in quite a while, which wasn’t unusual, but this time it wasn’t for something he had fixated on. It was outside influences preventing him from sleep, which was entirely different, and caused significantly worse effects.  Still, Tim didn’t regret it.  He would rather be patrolling by himself and running on no sleep than in a crowd of people kissing their significant others and giving him sympathetic looks.  He didn’t need the looks.  He wasn’t dating right now because he didn’t want to be. He certainly wasn’t going to start dating someone just to not be alone.  He was already so busy he hardly got any sleep and he hadn’t found anyone worth giving up what little sleep he got.

But right now, he just needed to drop off a few things for Dick and crash in the spare room so he could finally sleep.  He made it to the door and started fishing in his pocket for the spare key.  After a few seconds of searching, his entire body froze.  It was hard to make out the voices but he could hear the words. “What do you think you are doing, young lady?  You get back here right now and take your punishment.”

Tim dropped the bag he was carrying and focused on getting the keys as quickly as possible.  He flipped through the keys, finally locating the right one with a relieved breath.  He slid the key into the lock as quietly as he could and slowly turned the key to unlock the door without notifying whoever was on the other side threatening his niece.

As soon as the lock was flipped, Tim took a deep breath to prepare.  He slowly turned the knob and taking a beat to prepare, he rammed into the door, flinging it open, ready to protect Mar’i.  Now inside, he saw an adult figure crouched low and ready to pounce.  A bit further he saw just the ends of his niece’s hair sticking up above the arm chair she was hiding behind.  The figure whirled around to face him.  He stifled the gasp he wanted to let out seeing her face. She was absolutely beautiful. But, that didn’t mean she wasn’t evil and trying to hurt his family, he reminded himself.

“Who the hell are you?” He demanded storming toward her.

She moved between him and the arm chair. “You’re the one who broke in here. Who are you?  What do you want?” She demanded, her eyes narrowing and turning steely.

“Uncle Tim!” Mar’i called, jumping up from behind the chair.  “Marinette, it’s Uncle Tim.”

“Uncle Tim?” Marinette asked with a gentle tone, keeping her steely eyes laser focused on him.

“Yeah, he’s Daddy’s brother.”  Mar’i nodded bounding to give him a hug.

“Just a second, Sweetie.” Marinette caught her before she could reach him.  “You know we haven’t called Daddy in a few minutes.  Can you run and grab the picture you made for him so we can show him on our call?”

“Yay!” Mar’i called out running to her room.

“You never said who you were.” Tim growled out.

Marinette held up a finger, already pulling up Dick’s contact information to video call him.  She hit Call and looked back up at him.  “I’m Mar’i’s babysitter.”

“Hey, what’s up Marinette?  Anything wrong?” Dick’s face showing up on the screen.

“For the most part.  Hey, is this your brother?” She turned the screen to face Tim. “And more importantly, is it okay for him to be here?”

“Yeah, that’s Tim.  He’s okay.  What’s going on, Tim?” He asked a bit confused.  “Why is my front door open?”

“I heard her threatening Mar’i.” Tim said coldly.

“Here it is!  Is that Daddy?  Daddy look! I made a picture for you.” Mar’i called running in the room with a drawing of her with her Mommy and Daddy, with Mar’i and her Mommy flying and her Daddy doing a flip with a smile on his face.

“That is beautiful, sweetie.  I can’t wait to come home and put it on the wall.” Dick encouraged her proudly.  His face quickly shifted to more serious expression.  “Now, Mar’i, sweetie, Uncle Tim mentioned he heard Marinette threatening you.  This is very important… did you do something to deserve getting threatened?”

Tim’s jaw dropped.  What the hell did he just hear?  Mar’i looked up at the phone with wide eyes.  “Oh, she definitely did.” Marinette said with an amused tone.

“Then go get her.” Dick said, mirth filling his command.

Marinette lunged for Mar’i, who squealed in excitement and ran away laughing.  Marinette laughed too and turned the phone screen back to herself.  “Thanks Dick.  We’ll see you in a little bit.  The plan still to be here around 1?”

“Yep.  That is the plan.  I’ll let you know if anything changes.  Thanks Marinette.  And Tim?” Marinette turned the phone so it was facing him.  “Close my door, please.  I’ll be home in a bit if you want to talk.  If you want to crash, you know where the spare room is, but good luck getting any quiet.  Bye guys.”

Once Dick hung up, Tim walked slowly over to the door and closed it.  He turned back to Marinette.  “What just happened?  What was the punishment you were supposed to administer?”

Marinette laughed disarmingly.  “Tickles.  I was going to tickle her.”

“Tickles, huh?  That’s the punishment you use?”  Tim raised an eyebrow at her, moving back closer to her again, this time approaching with considerably less hostility and more contrition.

“That’s the punishment for her transgression. There are levels.  Tickles are the first.”  She smiled wider at him.

“What’s next?” he asked curiously.

“Cuddles and maybe tickles.” She shrugged.

“Next?” The amusement was coming through in his voice now.

“Snuggles.”

“And then?”

“Ahh, the atomic option, num nums,” she answered playfully.

“I have no idea what that is, but that sounds terrible. People must be terrified of that punishment.” He grinned at her.

Marinette chuckled looking down.  She looked back up at him through her lashes.  “Oh, you know, Mar’i is a pretty good kid so I’ve only had to pull that one out a few times.”

He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck again. “I’m sorry for bursting in and being threatening and for thinking you were going to hurt Mar’i.  You seem really good with her and really sweet.” He looked down quickly, cheeks reddening as he realized what he just said.

Marinette waved him off and smiled nervously.  “No, don’t apologize.  You didn’t do anything wrong.  I’m glad Mar’i has people willing to defend her like that.  It must have sounded scary for you hearing me and not knowing the context or being able to hear my tone.  I’m sorry for scaring you.  I think it’s really admirable you were so protective and jumped into action right away.”

“Um, you already heard but, I’m Tim.” He gave her a charming smile and held out his hand for her.

She shook his hand giving him a brilliant smile. “I’m Marinette.  It’s nice to officially meet you.  Would you…”  Before she could finish her sentence, she felt a weight slam into her back, thrusting her forward before the weight slid to the floor.  Tim reached out immediately to grab her.  He managed to get his hand behind her head and the other around her waist.  Marinette wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she fell.  He braced himself for the momentum, twisting as he grabbed her to relieve the force.  He managed to stop them without falling, but the resulting position looked like a deep dip, his face only a few inches from hers.

Marinette looked up at him with wide eyes and red cheeks. “Thank… thank you… for that.  I’m sorry.” She stuttered out, scrambling to stand up.

Tim waved her off, his cheeks turning pink as well. “It’s not your fault.  If I recall correctly, there was some interference involved.”  He said the last part in an exaggerated conspiratorial tone as he looked around the room.  Mar’i giggled loudly from her hiding spot and poked her head up to look at them.

Marinette narrowed her eyes at her playfully.  “I see you’ve chosen num nums.”  Mar’i squealed again and took off running to her room.  Marinette gave Tim an apologetic smile and started following her.  “It was nice to meet you, Tim.  I’ll try to play quietly with Mar’i so you can take that nap.  I hope to see you again.”

“No, that’s… I haven’t gotten to play with Mar’i this whole year.  I’d like to join you too, if you don’t mind.” He said sheepishly.  “Plus, I can’t wait to find out what num nums are.”

Marinette smiled brightly at him, chuckling shyly. “I’d love it if you did.”

  Chapter 2

[collectivefandomstuff]

It starts one evening when Bruce is off-world and Alfred has invited (ordered) everyone to the manor for a cup of tea. Predictably, this soon devolves into bickering which somehow morphs into all the kids sharing stories about their time in the manor, trying to out-do each other. Here, Alfred starts telling them stories about the people who have lived in this house before; generations of Waynes long gone. One in particular, he tells them, a young woman called Catherine, suffered terribly through her life and died at the hands of a scorned lover in this very house. Sometimes, Alfred claims, you can hear her ghost wandering through the halls, singing sorrowfully or weeping.  

Damian scoffs at this and says that it’s “clearly nonsense”.

And that’s when it truly starts, with one of the kids having the idea that “a few weird noises here, a fluttering curtain there... it should be doable to convince my pseudo-siblings that there’s a ghost.” Except this is the batfamily who are all complete trolls so it’s not one of the kids. It’s all of them. Even Damian figures that “Drake is gullible” and it would be worth the trouble to scare the shit out of Tim.

And so the great ghost-campaign of 2012 begins. Tim and Steph quickly pair up for maximum effect; with Tim putting speakers in the vents that plays a track he found online called “ethereal crying” and Steph taking on the role as “Catherine”, sweeping down the halls in a wig and a floaty gown and fake crying into a handkerchief.

Damian, being tiny, crawls through the vents, playing recordings of a woman crying near wherever Tim is at the moment (doing this he actually manages to break one of Tim’s speakers. He doesn’t notice). When Tim is caught without airpods and actually hears Damian’s recording, he thinks Steph must really be working overtime on the ghost thing.

Dick spends hours crouched on top of beams and chandeliers making sniffling noises, and leaves silk gloves with the initials “C.W.” embroidered on them on everyone’s pillows. Damian is the only one who notices, since only he and Tim actually sleep at the Manor and Tim is always way too sleep-deprived to either take note of or care about what’s on his pillow.

Damian decides that Tim’s the one who left the glove and vows to double his efforts. Tim remains oblivious to the crusade against him.

Jason sneaks into the Manor at night to leave fake blood on the floor outside the west wing. Cass finds him and convinces him that fake blood won’t cut it and they both get way too involved and end up “donating” their own blood to the cause. The blood is mopped up by Alfred before any other sibling can find it.

Damian places portable air-conditioners on the coldest setting over Tim’s favorite spots in the Cave and Library. Tim starts wearing scarfs.

Dick dresses up as a Victorian Lady and stalks the halls of the manor, lamenting “her” fate. In the dark, a been-awake-for-48-hours and high-on-caffeine Tim mistakes him for Stephanie and greets him way too loudly with “diD You GeT A nEW DResS?” This freaks Dick out entirely and he falls out of the open window he had been sadly mourning his death in front of.

Jason and Cass get really stuck on the whole blood thing and leaves a torn-up, bloodied white dress on a hook in the library. Stephanie takes one look at it and thinks that someone has stolen HER dress and ruined it, and takes it as proof for a later date.

Damian, slightly departing from the “ghost persona” in favour of torturing Tim, starts leaving thorny roses where Tim will step on them with bare feet, which is mostly in the shower.

Tim starts questioning his sleeping-schedule and resolves to maybe dial back on energy drinks. He also puts everyones shoes in the freezer when they come over and return them to the hall before they leave, so they’ll think a cold chill has just passed along the floor.

On the whole, they’re all too busy to actually notice what everyone else is up to -or get frightened by it. Bruce however, is not.

Newly returned from off-world, he starts noticing things. Voices in the vents, drafts in the cave, blood on the floor outside the west wing (that he has Alfred mop up). All the kids are fine, but obviously someone is breaking into his house. Obviously.

This leads him to scour the cctv footage where he sees a strange, crying woman meandering through the halls at night. When he investigates the blood, the camera shows him a shadowy figure standing right where the blood was (Cass, geared up because both she and Jason takes this way, way, too seriously). 

His paranoia now fully woken from its (very light) slumber, he tries to find the hole in the Manor’s defenses. Late one evening, when he’s coming back from patrolling the grounds, he sees a victorian woman fall from a second story window with a scream and land in a heap of skirts. When he gets there, she’s gone (Dick made himself scarce, not wanting to be discovered by Tim), but a few days later, he thinks he sees a bloodied, ripped dress on one of the cameras in the library. When he gets there, it’s gone. Meanwhile, Titus keeps bringing him silk gloves with strange initals on them and he hears sniffling cries and singing everywhere. Finally, he reaches a logical explanation.

“I have seen stranger things” he tries to comfort himself, even as he’s putting up fifty new cctv cameras and lines the corridors with salt for good measure. “aliens. demons. the Court of Owls.” He researches ghost-prevention techniques and contemplates whether martial arts would have an effect on a non-entity. He buys iron and re-watches Ghost Busters. Finally, he believes himself both well-equipped enough to handle the threat, and well-informed enough to accurately decide what it is exactly (a ghost born of tradegy, not vengeful but possibly dangerous if crossed).

Confident that he now has the situation back under control, Bruce holds a briefing with all the kids to explain and assign roles for the mission to get rid of the ghost. For years after the fact he vehemently denies this meeting ever taking place and tries (unsuccessfully) to track down all copies of the photos and videos his children took during the six hours of ghosthunting he led them on before one of them (Dick) finally lost it enough for Bruce to notice.

[liquid-luck-00]

Consolation + The “Talk”

Bio!Dad Bruce

Day 9: Consolation and Day 10: The “Talk”

@biodad-bruce-month 

Ao3 ~~~ First ~~~ Previous ~~~ Next

This got a little long, sorry not sorry

~~~~~~~~~~

One week, one week has passed since Damian started school in Paris. One week since the tower of lies that Lila has built began to crumble and fall. 

By the beginning of the next day she had backed off all her lies about the Wayne family but she just re-doubled all her efforts on lies that included Prince Ali, Clara Nightingale, and Jagged Stone. But the tower she had built was going to fall. 

And Damian was ready to bring an end to this liar’s reign.

So you can trust that he would find a way to avenge his sister without the use of violence against her, especially in Paris, and especially knowing his father’s mantra of vengeance not revenge. But revenge is needed. So, Damian made a few phone calls. Over the course of the next week he would have enough video and audio evidence to prove his little sister is innocent. But what would really put the icing on the cake is if he could convince the principal to hold a career day or week. Granted it shouldn’t be too hard, he is the only blood son of Bruce Wayne after all. So, telling his sister that he would meet her after fencing practice he went off early in search of principal Damocles. He found the man quite simply and was it far too easy to convince the man to go to career day parents of the students will be able to come in to do you demonstrations or speeches as well as anyone else who they would like to invite.

---

Damian left for his fencing practice which left me packing up my things getting ready to leave. I was one of the last ones out so of course something had to happen. Adrien came up to me then “hey Mari can we talk.”

‘Sigh’ “If this is about the highroad again Adrien. Her lies are hurting people it doesn’t matter if you think it’s right, she’s hurting people’s futures their chances it…” He cut her off, great this is going wonderfully.

“It’s not that, well it is that but that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about.” He was stumbling over his words and she softened her expression slightly “Marinette what’s the difference between infatuation and love?”

“What?” That was not what she was expecting. This is confusing, and where was this coming from anyways. Never mind why “can you explain it to me more I’m having a little trouble wrapping my head around the question.”

He had sheepish smile and started “I. I love ladybug but I’m not sure if I love her or what she represents more”

“You don’t know if you like the idea of her more than the person who she is?” Marinette asked him seeming to understand where this conversation was going. 

“before we go even further down this rabbit hole, Adrien why don’t we meet up somewhere more private”

“why? “

Marinette simply pointed towards the door “We seem to have gained an audience”          

There at the door was Alya filming but unknown to her someone else was behind her. “Bean we have to go” Alya you jumped at the sound of Tim’s voice.

“OK Tim I’ll be out just give me a minute,” Tim nodded and left Alya having scurried off when she was found out. “I’ll text you place and time to meet up and talk further that is if you’re still confused about your feelings about this girl”

“Sounds good and thank you Marinette” he whispered as she left the room. Once she got to the car she glanced at him oh no, was the only thing that went through her mind “you look like a cat who ate the canary Tim spill” she was moving in to tickle him to get the info out. “Fine, fine, fine I give I’ll tell, but” she shot him a look. “only if you make me some coffee, today feels like an all-nighter”

“Deal! Now spill”

“Damian set up that next week there is going to be career days for the entire week at the school.”

“Okay” she nodded her head understanding where her brothers’ train of thoughts were heading. “The career week will be the perfect opportunity to expose the rest of Lila’s lies. At least that’s what you and Damian are hoping to accomplish isn’t it.”

“Mari, you do know you’re my favorite sister” Tim replied with a smirk that would rival even Damian’s.

So, the two of them got to work. Damian may think he’s clever and the most discrete out of everyone, but he wasn’t able to pull off hiding the cameras and microphones well enough that Mari wasn’t able to figure it out. This means they are going to have plenty of video and audio evidence use against the liar.

Now when Damian got home from practice the three of them really set out to destroy the liar. With all the audio evidence as well as the footage proving it was Lila speaking Marinette made several phone calls.

Jagged and Clara were both on board completely and wholeheartedly, especially after hearing what was going on. With those two she called the principal and he had agreed to keep them as a special surprise for the last day.

She called her father and he was willing to fly out to speak on one of the first days. Her father also happened to be able to get into contact with Prince Ali, and once hearing of everything that was going on, he to agree to come and speak.

Damian had called the Kent’s so Lois Lane, Clark and, and Jon were all going to come to speak, well Lois Lane in Clark were going to speak, Jon was coming to hang out with his two best friends.

Once Mr. Kent heard it was going on well it wasn’t long afterwards for Barry Allen to come to speak about forensics science, Oliver Queen to speak further on different aspects of business, and several other members of the league who seem to have fallen in love with Mari.

Everyone knew that as soon as Lila saw the names on the list, she would be tempted to spread the lies about every single one of them, so they would continue to record everything that was said in the class.

And who’s to say that a couple of the heroes may or may not make an appearance was well, but it was to be determined if Lila lied about them or not. Within the hour the three Wayne siblings knew, oh they knew this liar would not have a chance to escape. And anyone left believing her by the end of the week, well they felt sorry for those poor souls who still believe her every word.

---

After about two hours getting our allies ready for the incoming slaughter of the liar I met up with Adrien. And that was different.

“Mari” Adrien seem unsure of how to start. We had we decided it would’ve been best to meet up at the Wayne Enterprises Paris branch that way we can have a conference room to discuss it somewhere private, I won’t have to worry about people eavesdropping. Well everyone except for my brothers but it’s a price I’m willing to pay. “This is the first crush I’ve ever had, I, I don’t know…”

“Adrien I’ve known you now for about a year. You are quite honestly still sheltered. Well that’s the best way I can describe it.”

“What I’m not! I’m no?” Adrien began to stutter because that was not where the conversation was originally going.

“Adrien you are still quite sheltered. The way you think things should be handles when it comes to lies or personal space is the same way that people deal with the paparazzi and those are not the same at all. But I’m saying that because it’s normal to be confused when it comes to a crush. I had a crush on you for the longest time and was unsure how to act on it. I got to know about you a bit more and the crush well it changed.” He was looking at me shocked by my proclamation.

“How? Why? What are you mean? I’m not.” Adrien seemed a little taken back before he finally decided what he was going to say. “You said had?”

“I had the biggest crush on you until I learned you were a coward, or what seemed like cowardace. You decided that someone you didn’t know was more important than the person you claim to be a friend. This past week has shown me that you are a pacifist, not a coward, but you strive for peace with everyone. but that’s not how everything goes. I learned that about you that’s what made me move on. So what is it about this girl that makes you stay or is there something about someone else who makes you want to stay with them instead?“ He was silent he wasn’t staring at me, but he was starting off into space. He seemed to not know exactly what to say, but the thought was there. 

“Ladybug she’s my…” He was about to say something but stopped himself, almost as if he knows her as more than just the heroine. But that is not possible the only ones who interact with her while in the mask are now her family and…

“Your Chat Noir” she said it’s so calmly and as such a fact that he just stared at her calm and unblinking until the inevitable freak out which cost him to pass out. Great now she’s stuck at a conference room trying to revive her partner who doesn’t know she’s his partner. Once he finally came to, she just watched as it to make sure he wasn’t about to faint again.

“I’m not! I can’t be! I’m not superhero, that’s crazy Mari your” he was rambling. In the past month she has perfected the Batman Glare and well Adrien was getting it, because she was not believing the bullshit that was coming out of his mouth.

“Are you paws-itively certain about that Chat.” He went silent, but doesn’t know if it was because of the pun or because she called him Chat.

“How?” Adrien whispered to her.

“Well I figured it out since it seemed like you knew Ladybug more than just a hero.” She stated hoping that her identity was not compromised. “anyways Ladybug’s your partner but what were you going to say afterwards”

“she’s my partner and my best friend. She’s the person who may know me the best out of everyone, except I think that goes to you now” he began to chuckle, but it evolved into full-blown laughter and Mari couldn’t help but laugh along with him.

“You know it makes a lot of sense of your Chat. Chat is always carefree and bubbly, but he always makes sure to keep it professional. Sure, flirting in the middle of the battle isn’t the best. But knowing Adrien and Chat Noir are the same person makes the whole so much more. What’s the word complete” she muses tapping her chin.

“Ladybug is the hero Paris deserves. But I don’t think I love her. I thought I did. I thought about this a lot, I love that when I was with her, I was free. I don’t know the girl underneath the mask. But I do you know the girl beneath the mask is strong and courageous. She is undoubtably amazing. But maybe you are figuring out my identity snapped things into focus, because I love the way I feel around her. But I also love the way I feel about my friends. Thank you, Mari.”

“For what I haven’t said anything this was all you.”

“Exactly, I needed someone to hear me, and not force me into a conclusion they thought was best. And at this point you are my first true friend. Can we. Can we be friends again Marinette?”

Mari looked at him for a second and then broke into a smile. “Of course, Adrien we’re friends”

“Good now let’s bring down a liar”

---

Of course the week leading up to career week was unexpectedly full of lies, all coming out of the Italians mouth. Oh, Barry Allen yeah she met him on Central city oh Oliver Queen she once saw him at a charity event in Star City oh she’s practically Lois Lane and Clark Kent‘s daughter, Jonathan their son, is her best friend. The list goes on and on. Everyone on the left side excluding Adrien do believe every word that came out of her mouth. The three in the very back on the right side, being herself, Damian, and Chloe couldn’t contain their laughter. This usually resulted in a Alya yelling at them from laughing that of course Lila wouldn’t be lying and then defending Lila as she began to cry her crocodile tears.

The entire school was informed that the entirety of career week was mandatory and missing a single speaker would be equivalent to failing a midterm for and class, meaning there was no skipping at all.        

 Monday

Today there were three guest speakers, them being Bruce Wayne, Prince Ali, and John Stewart.

Prince Ali was the first to go up go up and just let’s just say that many people we surprised that he did not do go green charities but in fact did children’s charities called a few things in the question specifically from Rose and Mylene.

Luckily for Lila she didn’t lie much about John Stewart, who spoke of his time as a marine and about currently being an architect, but that was a short-lived victory on her part, when he showed up as the final school guest at the end of the day as Green Lantern. He gave her a speech about honesty and the importance of discipline and hard work in order to succeed.

Bruce spoke about honesty and a hard work when building a company as well as the importance of working with reputable companies and brands.

At the end of the day she had two ceases and desists, one from Prince Ali and one from the Wayne family.

On the bright side a new Wayne charity was in the works alongside Prince Ali for children’s medicine.

 Tuesday

Was Barry Allen who spoke about pursuing forensic sciences and the work he does alongside the police.  

Wonder Woman who was speaking as an ambassador of Themyscira, and way at being an ambassador entailed. 

And Mayor Bourgeois spoke on what it means to be a part of the political and legislative sectors of the government.

Again, Lila received two cease and desists from Barry Allen and Wonder Woman respectively.

 Wednesday

Went similar to the previous two. Oliver Queen spoke about ways to modify businesses and expanding them in order to change with consumers.

Wang Cheng, Marinette’s uncle, spoke and gave a demonstration of cooking techniques for the school.

Tomoe Tsurugi, Kagami’s mother, spoke about fencing and also about ableism against disability, mainly that even being blind she can hand many fencers their asses without breaking a sweat.

Lila only received one cease and desist.

 Thursday

Nora, Alya’s sister, spoke of being a professional boxer and the training she does for it.

Lois and Clark gave a joint presentation, and of course Alya wanted her idols to review her blog. And well that did not go so well for her, Lois tore her interviews with Lila apart stating she gives no further evidence and simply takes what the girl says at face value. However other interviews she did provide more links to her information which prove she is a capable journalist, but there is room to grow.

The Kent’s also presented Lila a cease and desist, luckily for Alya she hadn’t posted anything in the past two weeks since Marinette’s return about anything Lila had said, and she was glad for that right now.

 Friday

Jagged Stone and Clara started Friday with a mini concert, that included a special duet with the two artists. Jagged spoke about Rock’n Roll and the changes and subcategories of the genre.

Clara Nightingale spoke on the pop side of the music industry and how she got started at a young age, as well as her background in dance and choreography.

Gabriel Agreste was the final speaker, we’ll he was on video call actually, and spoke on the fashion industry, the standards that come with the consumer market, and the way public opinion shapes brands and companies.

Gabriel was about to log off when Jagged walked in front of the camera.

“Too true Agreste, public opinion does shape the way many of those who have spoken this past week” many don’t know this about Jagged but mess with his family and he will not hold back. “That is why you should know, your model, Lila Rossi has had a total six cease and desists field against her this past week. As un-Rock’n roll as it is Clara and I will be adding two more to that list. I will also be suing for defamation of character as well. Clara?”

“Lies and cheats, make for poor feats. I will also be suing as well for defamation of character. This has made me so mad I can’t even come up with a rhyme.” She called out to the crowd.

“So Agreste, how will your totally not Rock’n Roll model affect your business?” Jagged asked. Everyone was watching the screen for Gabriel’s reaction.

“It would seem it is best we terminated contact Miss Rossi. Also, Adrien.” The poor boy practically jumped in his seat.

“Yes”

“There will be no contact between you and Miss Rossi until we are able to discuss this further. Goodbye”

The entire school was in a shocked silence. This final day as set up so the whole school would see it altogether.

Lila began to cry until she became furious. She jumped from her seat and yelled. “You did this! You set me up! You ruined my entire empire Marinette!” She was glaring daggers at me.

“If it’s any consolation to you Lila you made me miserable for eight months. You took my friends, those I’ve known since I was practically in diapers. You made my life hell and if that’s consolation to you fine. I will also be suing you for slander and defamation of character. But just know this I have people who genuinely care for me and I’m sorry if you felt threatened by me to blame all this on me, but I don’t care about your opinion or the opinion of those who turned on me without batting an eye not anymore.” It’s so liberating to say that to them. Oh, a weight has been lifted off my chest and so I walked out of the school side-by-side with Damian, Adrien, and Chloe with my head held high. And for the first time and I can’t remember when I could breathe. They weren’t going to hold me down any longer.

~~~~~~~~~~

Just for to clear this up Marinette is the youngest out of all the children. She and Damian are the same age but he is older by a few months.

Next

~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist:

@mochinek0 @justafanwarrior @abrx2002 @ranger-gothamite @fantasiame @moonystars14 @mochegato @bigbeautifulandfullofsugar @maribat-is-lifeblood @iglowinggemma28 @miraculous-ninja @talutah0 @vixen-uchiha @danielslilangel @witchsblackfox @pawsitivelymiraculous @lizziejay @marinettepotterandplagg @colorfulmongerpsychicranch @dast218 @sassakitty @miyla-lokidottir @lilkymilky @tazanna-blythe @tired-butterfly @lozzybowe @smolplantmum @queencommonsense @loopingtangent @chez-pezeater @paintedhope7 @technicallyburninggarden @meme991001 @wannajointhecrabcult @melicmusicmagic @trippingovermyfeet @greatcatblaze @fidget-eep @miraculouslydumb @iamablinkmarvelarmy @laurcad123 @hauntedwintersweets @fc-studios @fusser90 @madking-warqueen @buginetye

[lochtayboatsong]

The Jesus Christ Superstar essay absolutely no one asked for.

Last weekend, I watched the pro-shot of the 2012 arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ben Forster, Tim Minchin, and Melanie C, because it was Easter and it was up on YT for the weekend.  I never managed to do my annual listen-through of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass this year, as is my usual Easter tradition, so I figured “Why not watch/listen to this instead?”  It was my first time seeing and hearing JCS in full, and Y’ALL, it has been living rent-free in my brain ever since.  I have a mighty need to get my thoughts out, so here they are, in chronological order by song.  

1) Prologue: I love the way JCS 2012 makes use of the arena video screen.  The production design and concept clearly took a lot of inspiration from the “Occupy ______” movement, which makes it feel a bit dated now.  But every single production of JCS is a product of its time period, so this is a feature and not a bug.  

2) Heaven On Their Minds: This is a straight-up rock song.  It wouldn’t be out of place on any rock and roll album released between 1970 and 2021, and it boggles my mind that Webber and Rice were both in their early twenties when they wrote it.  Also, the lyric “You’ve begun to matter more than the things you say” hits hard no matter the year.

3) What’s the Buzz: A+ use of the arena screens again, this time bringing in social media to set the tone.  Also, this song establishes right from the outset that Jesus is burnt out and T I R E D by this point in the story.  Seriously, can we just let this man have a nap?

4) Strange Thing Mystifying: Judas publicly calls out Mary and Jesus claps back.  Folx, get you a partner who will defend your honor the way Jesus defends MM in this scene.  Also Jesus loses his shoes and is mostly barefoot for the remainder of the show.

5) Everything’s Alright: Okay, this is one of the songs I have A LOT to say about.  First, it’s important to know that I was a church musician throughout all of my adolescence and into my early adulthood.  The pianist at the services I usually played at was a top-notch jazz pianist, and also my piano teacher for about six years while I as in high school and undergrad.  (Incidentally, I had a HUGE crush on his son, who was/is a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist and also played in the church band, but that’s a story for another day.)  One of the hymns we played a few times a year was called “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness,” which is notable for being in 5/4 time.  Whenever this hymn was on the schedule, it was usually the recessional, or the last song played as the clergy processed out and the congregation got ready to leave, so we were able to have some fun with it.  After a couple verses the piano player and his son would usually morph it into “Take Five,” a famous jazz standard by Dave Brubeck which is also in 5/4 time.  Anyway, the first time I listened to this song in full, it got to Judas’s line “People who are hungry, people who are starving,” and I sat bolt upright and went “HOLY SHIT THIS IS ‘SING OF THE LORD’S GOODNESS/TAKE FIVE.’”  And I was ricocheted back in time to being fourteen and trying to keep up with this father/son duo in a cavernous Catholic church while simultaneously making heart-eyes at the son.  Final note: This is the only song in the musical to feature all three leads (Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene) and is mostly Jesus and MM being soft with each other in between bouts of Jesus and Judas snarling at one another.

6) This Jesus Must Die: I LOVE that all the villains in this production are in tailored suits.  LOVE IT.  Also, Caiaphas and Annas are a comedy duo akin to “the thin guy and the fat guy,” except in this case it’s “the low basso profundo and the high tenor.”  Excellent use of the arena video screen again, this time as CCTV.

7) Hosanna: My background as a church musician strikes back again.  It honestly took me two or three listens to catch it, but then I had another moment of sitting bolt upright and going “HOLY SHIT THIS IS A PSALM.”  Psalms sung in church usually take the form of call-and-response, with a cantor singing the verses and the congregation joining in for the chorus.  If I close my eyes during this song, I have no trouble imagining Jesus as a church cantor singing the verses and then bringing the congregation in for the “Ho-sanna, Hey-sanna” chorus. 

8) Simon Zealotes: This is part “Gloria In Excelsis” and part over-the-top Gospel song.  Honestly it’s not my favorite, but it marks an important mood change in the show.  The end of “Hosanna” is probably Jesus at his happiest in the entire show, and then Simon comes in and sours the mood by trying to tip the triumphant moment into a violent one.  Jesus is not truly happy again from this moment on.

9) Poor Jerusalem: Also not my fave.  It kinda reads like Webber and Rice realized that Jesus didn’t have a solo aria in Act I, so they came up with this.  But it has the distinction of containing the lyric, “To conquer death you only have to die,” which is the biggest overarching theme of the story.

10) Pilate’s Dream: Pontius Pilate might be the most underrated role in this entire show, and I love that this production has him singing this song while being dressed in judge’s robes.  

11) The Temple: The first half of this is one of the campiest numbers in Act I, at least in this production, and it’s awesome.  The second half is one of the saddest, as Jesus tries to heal the sick but finds there are too many of them.  Also the whole scene is almost entirely in 7/8 time, which I think is just cool.

12) I Don’t Know How To Love Him: Mary Magdalene’s big aria, and one of the songs I knew prior to seeing the full-length show.  This production has MM taking off her heavy lipstick and eye makeup onstage, mid-song, which is kind of cool.  Melanie C says in a BTS interview that MM’s makeup is her armor, so this is a Big Symbolic Moment.

13) Damned For All Time: The scene transition into this song is played entirely in pantomime, and I love it.  The solo guitarist gets to be onstage for a bit, A+ use of the video screen again to show Judas on CCTV, etc.  Love it.  And then this song is Judas frantically rationalizing what he’s doing, and what he’s about to do, with Caiphas and Annas just reacting with raised eyebrows and knowing looks.

14) Blood Money: This is where the tone of the show really takes a turn for the dark.  I think this might be one of Tim Minchin’s finest moments as Judas, because his facial expressions and microexpressions throughout this scene speak absolute volumes.  And the offstage chorus quietly singing “Well done Judas” as he picks up the money is a positively chilling way to end Act I.

15) The Last Supper: Act II begins with major “Drink With Me” vibes.  (Except JCS came WAY before Les Miz, so it’s probably more accurate to say that “Drink With Me” has major “The Last Supper” vibes.)  Jesus and Judas have their knock-down, drag-out fight, and it’s honestly heartbreaking, thanks again to Tim Minchin’s facial expressions.  A well-done production of JCS will really convey that Jesus and Judas were once closer than brothers, even though their relationship is at breaking point when Act I begins.

16) Gethsemane: This is Jesus’s major showpiece and one of my faves.  Jesus knows he has less than 24 hours to live, he knows he’s going to suffer, and worst of all, he doesn’t know whether it’s going to be worth it.  It’s an emotional rollercoaster to watch and to perform, and it goes on for ages: something like 6 or 7 minutes.  Fun fact: the famous G5 is not written in the score.  Ian Gillan, who played Jesus on the original concept album, just sang it that way, so most subsequent Jesuses have also done it that way.  Lindsay Ellis has a great supercut of this on YT.  John Legend notably sang the line as written during the 2018 concert.  

17) The Arrest: Judas’s Betrayer’s Kiss is played differently across different productions.  The 2012 version is pretty tame - I’ve seen clips and gifs of other productions, including the 2000 direct-to-video version, where they kiss fully on the mouth and have to be dragged apart by the guards and it is THE MOST TENDER THING.  Then the 7/8 riff from “The Temple” comes back and the 2012 version lets the video screen do its thing again as Jesus is swarmed by reporters.

18) Peter’s Denial: Not much to say about this one, as it’s basically a scene transition.  But it’s a significant moment in the Passion story, so I’m glad they included it.

19) Pilate and Christ: The 2012 production continues with the theme of Caiaphas, Annas, and Pilate all being bougie af, since Pilate intentionally looks like he just came from tennis practice during this scene.  Also he does pilates...hehehe.

20) King Herod’s Song: Tim Minchin says in a BTS interview that JCS works best when Jesus and Judas are played seriously and the rest of the production is allowed to be completely camp and wild and bizarre all around them, and he is bloody well CORRECT about that.  Case in point: King Herod.  There is not a single production of JCS that I know of where Herod is played “straight.”  He’s been played by everyone from Alice Cooper to Jack Black, and everyone puts a different zany spin on him.  In JCS 2012 he’s a chat show host in a red crushed velvet suit, who is clearly having the time of his LIFE. 

21) Could We Start Again Please: This is another of my faves.  Just a quiet moment where MM, Peter, and the disciples try to grapple with the fact that Jesus is arrested and things are going very, very badly.  This is also my favorite Melanie C moment of the 2012 show.  Her grief is very real, and the little moment she has with Peter at the end is very real.

22) Death of Judas: This is basically Tim Minchin screaming for about five minutes, and incredibly harrowing to watch on first viewing.  

23) Trial Before Pilate: Possibly my single favorite scene in the entire 2012 production.  This is another harrowing watch, but there’s so much to take in.  The “set” that the entire show takes place on is essentially just a massive staircase, and the people with power are almost always positioned above the people without power.  In this scene, the crowd shouting “Crucify Him!” is positioned above Pilate, which is a very telling clue to Pilate’s psychology during this scene.  Jesus is at the very bottom of the stairs, of course.  Excellent use of the video screen once again during the 39 Lashes, to show the lash marks building and building until the entire screen is a wash of red.  Pilate’s counting also gets more and more frantic, especially starting around “20.”  And all the while the guitar riff from “Heaven On Their Minds” is playing.  Jesus’s line “Everything is fixed and you can’t change it” is played quite differently in different productions - here it’s defiant, but elsewhere (in JCS 2000 for example) it’s almost tender, like Jesus is absolving Pilate for his part in the trial.  But it always ends the same - with Pilate almost screaming as he passes the sentence and “washes his hands” of the whole sorry business. 

24) Superstar: The most over-the-top number in the show.  Judas, who died two scenes ago, comes back to sing this.  There are soul singers.  There are girls in skimpy angel costumes.  The parkour guys from the prologue are back.  Judas pulls a tambourine out of hammerspace midway through the song.  And Jesus is silently screaming and crying as he gets hoisted onto a lighting beam while all this is going on.

25) The Crucifixion: More of a spoken-word piece than a song, it’s Jesus’s final words on the cross over eerie piano music, and another harrowing watch.

26) John 19:41: An instrumental piece in which Jesus is taken from the cross and carried, at last, to the top of the stairs, before being lowered out of sight as the video screen turns into a memorial wall and everything fades to black.

So.  I know I’m anywhere from three to fifty-one years late to this particular party, but I am on the JCS bandwagon now and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.  :)

[salparadiselost]

The demons being big dangerous cats make me wonder: if you woke one up would they go "mrrrp?" (If they didn't immediately take you down because you never startle a bat lmao)

I’m going to let Dick answer this question. -----

“Hello, loyal viewers. Thank you for tuning into another pulse-pounding episode of ‘Dr. Dickinson’s Demon Discovery Programme’. I am your illustrious host, Dr. Grayson MD PhD of Harvard. Today, we continue our ongoing investigation into today’s most important question: are demons just large cats? Let us go and see if we can gather additional research into this question,” said Dick as he smiled brightly into the camera. He had stolen it from Tim about a month ago and the incubus had yet to find out it was him. Mostly because he suspected Damian and was pursuing that line of allegations. Dick panned the camera around the Manor. It was late afternoon on a Saturday and the windows were letting in soft light. Everything was calm and caught within the overwhelming atmosphere of “naptime”. All the other occupants of the house were sleeping (except Alfred who took the afternoon to shop in the city and get some time for himself) and recovering from late-night patrols. Dick had been sleeping earlier himself, but he usually was the first one awake from the typical mid-day siestas. Which meant he had to find some way to entertain himself until the rest of the house stirred. “Now as my loyal viewers know, I have spent most of my life integrating myself into this specific demon pack. They see me as one of their own and accept me as if I am a demon myself.”

Dick climbed up the stairs and directed himself to the Manor’s family wing. All the doors to everyone’s rooms were closed. He looked at the three rooms he knew were occupied and mentally ‘eeny-meeny-miny-moed’ to choose a door. He went to his randomly chosen door and placed a hand on the doorknob. He returned to talking to the camera in his best David Attenborough impression.

“This is the private den of the second eldest demon packmember. He is of the incubus variety and there are some who call him… Tim.” Dick paused for dramatics and good filmmaking. “Now, Tim is young by demon standards and commonly referred to as an impling by the Heart of his pack. When I show him to you viewer, I’m sure you will also come to the conclusion that he is, in fact, baby. And, perhaps, a cat if our research goes well. Before I enter the den, I must warn you not to approach unfamiliar wild demons in your own research. I am a trained professional. I have spent a majority of my life studying demon behaviourisms and getting to know the individuals within this particular pack. With safety measures out of the way, we can further our research. Let us commerce.” Dick opened the door silently and crept into Tim’s messy room. The space was dim, cool and Dick could instantly feel the relaxing swirl of sleepy incubus emotions. The only part of Tim that was visible was a puff of Tim’s hair sticking out of a blanket burrito. He mumbled as Dick walked in, curling further into the blankets. “Watch as I approach the demon.” Dick focused his video camera on to Tim, zooming in on the tiny sliver of Tim’s face before zooming out again. He crept forward trying to remain silent, but it was hard to sneak up on a Bat. Tim sleepily blinked his eyes open, trilling when he saw Dick. The little ‘mrrp’ made Dick’s heart warm and he didn’t hesitate to slip into Tim’s bed. With gentle hands, he unraveled the demon from his blanket burrito and gathered him in a one armed hug while the other one balanced the camera. The demon began purring instantly and trilled happily again when Dick pulled him close. “Hey Dick,” Tim said, voice rough and still half-asleep. “Why you got a camera?” Dick laughed and pet Tim’s hair gently. He felt the incubus tug at their bond and instinctually begin to amplify the warm and comfortable emotions around them. Tim didn’t usually act so much like an incubus. He had a bad habit of getting in his own head about these things and overthinking what he naturally wanted to do. Tim was so sleepy now; he probably didn’t even realise what he was doing. “I’m conducting research,” Dick whispered, even though he wasn’t even sure whether Tim was listening. The demon was still mostly asleep and seemed keener on cuddling and purring than thinking about cameras. “Wha’ kinda research?” Tim’s voice was slurring together with slumber. “If you’re actually a cat.” Dick was having a hard time keeping the camera straight as Tim nuzzled along the bottom of his jaw. His hair tickled against Dick’s face, but there was no way in Hell Dick was going to pull back. Tim squinted his eyes and frowned. Dick had to hold back a coo at the adorableness of Tim pouting into nothing. “I’m not a cat. Imma Tim,” the demon declared as seriously as his sleepy state would let him. He sighed, seemed to finish his bout of nuzzling and settled his head on Dick’s chest like it was a pillow. Tim’s purrs didn’t stop though, and Dick felt the vibrations shaking in his own chest. “That’s right, smartypants. You’re a Tim.” The demon smiled in satisfaction like he had won an intense argument. He looked like he might say something else, but then he fell asleep while still being half on top of Dick. With the demon curled on top of him, Dick knew that he was effectively trapped until Tim woke up again. Dick chuckled softly petting over Tim’s silky hair soothing him further into sleep. Once he was sure Tim was sleeping, Dick smiled and held the camera up over his head pointing at him and the slumbering demon. “Well, it seems that our research will have to come to an end because, as you can see, a demon has fallen asleep on top of me and I am legally not allowed to move. This, of course, only adds to our theory that demons are actually just large cats. Thank you for joining me on this episode of Dr. Dickinson’s Demon Discovery Programme. Give me a like and hit that subscribe button for more content like this. You can get visit my merch store at the link below and I hope to see you next time. Goodbye!”