#al (divergent)

[the99thfanboy]

They could have been happy

I really had to just pick an extra for Myra and Drew

[gothamite-rambler]

Always ask the other siblings for this type of advice

Damian: Richard, how do you get blo- regular rust off a knife?

Grayson: Um... I'm not sure... Um... Ask Tim.

Damian looked over at Tim, was was drinking coffee and had bags under his eyes from lack of sleep.

Damian: Nope, not doing that. Not with the context. 

Tim (shrugging): That's fair.

Damian walked to the library knowing Jason would be there and went over to him, pulling the small switch blade out of his pocket.

Damian: How do you get blood rust off a knife?

Jason (while reading a medical text book): Vinegar, baking soda or lemon juice. Here's a sponge. The fridge should have all those products. 

Jason passed the young boy a sponge he carried in his pocket for this specific emergency.

Damian: Thank you very much. Don't tell father I asked you this. The bully is fine and I gave him warnings. I gave him ample warnings.

Jason: We never had this conversation? Got it.

Damian left, humming happily.

[spicy-apple-pie]

What if Talia saved Jason before Joker could kill him?

(Should I do a part 2?)

[ghost-bxrd]

Prompt:

Damian accidentally time travels to the day of Jason’s death.

Joker never stood a chance.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Keepsafes

Fandom: Batman, DC Comics

Summary: AU where Martha and Bruce survive, and they adopt the batkids.

Chapters: 2/?

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne, Martha Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Harvey Dent, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, David Cain, Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake

Relationships: Thomas Wayne/Martha Wayne/Alfred Pennyworth, BruHarvey, BruTalia

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Hurt/Comfort, Bruce Wayne is Not Batman, Angst, Alfred Pennyworth Knows All, Bruce Wayne Only Has One Child, Bruce Wayne is Not An Only Child, Bi Bruce Wayne

Chapter Two: Sirens on the Staircase

Martha fixed her makeup while her assistant adjusted her dress. “Can you do the sweater, Mrs. Wayne?” her assistant questioned. 

“Over the shoulders,” Martha answered. She brushed hospital shampoo through her hair and looked at Bruce. He hated press conferences, but he understood they had to release a statement. “Bruce, you don’t have to do this with me if it bothers you… All I’m going to do is tell them we’re going home soon, we’d like everyone to respect our privacy, and we love our city and hope it doesn’t deter people from supporting local businesses.” 

“But what about crime?” Bruce asked. 

“Crime is only a symptom of a much more frightening disease that plagues our city… So many people are left behind or ignored because of where they come from or what abilities they do or don’t have. We are supposed to help give people whatever we need as often as we can,” Martha replied, “That being said, do you want to do boring press with me? Or do you want to go support Dad at his pain management appointment?” 

Bruce smiled at her. “I’ll tell Dad you love him,” Bruce replied as he kissed her cheek. 

Martha gasped. “You don’t think that I’d be coming on too strong?” Martha teased. “Tell him I think it’s cute how his nose scrunches up when he laughs and see how he reacts… And then, tell him that I love him.”

Bruce smiled and nodded before heading to the physical therapist’s office on the second floor of the hospital. Bruce waved at the window to make sure it was okay to come in. By this time, the hospital was well-acquainted with Bruce and even welcomed his presence. He brought meals and coffee, distracted smaller children while nurses drew blood, and was painfully sweet to everyone who cared for his parents. He even remembered the names of the people at the front desk.

Thomas lit up at the sight of Bruce and waved him over. "I'm taking a dip in the ice bath today," Thomas explained as he unzipped his robe. Bruce looked at the tub of ice water and frowned. "What's the matter?"

"Won't it be too—? Hm... What's that going to feel like?" Bruce asked. Thomas glanced at his physical therapist. He nodded in reply to Thomas' question.

"Do you want to try it with me? We'll only do a few minutes, and then we'll get out and dry off, warm up a little bit, and have a snack. How about it?" Thomas asked. Over the past few weeks, Thomas realized it was better to let Bruce experience the process of his recovery. It was much easier than giving textbook answers to an already traumatized eight-year-old.

Bruce removed his suit and draped it over a chair while Thomas transferred from his wheelchair to the tub's edge. "Truth be told, I'm glad you're doing this with me," Thomas nervously chuckled. He hated the cold, but Bruce loved it. He loved any extreme Martha and Thomas would allow. Thomas took a deep breath and looked at Bruce. "Count of three? Can you do the honors?"

"One... Two... Three," Bruce counted before plunging down into the tub with Thomas. They both shrieked and blew out a breath from the cold.

Bruce reached forward and grabbed Thomas' hand to keep from jumping out of the water. "It's a shock. I know. Wooo! I wouldn't be offended if you had to get out," Thomas reassured him. Bruce shook his head.

"I'm with you, Dad," Bruce replied, his forehead wrinkling as he stared directly into Thomas' eyes. Thomas chuckled. "Mom told me to tell you that she thinks it's cute when you wrinkle your nose when you laugh."

His chuckle turned to a boisterous laugh. "Did she? Do you think that means she likes me?" Thomas joked.

"She told me something else. She said she loves you," Bruce seriously answered.

"Wow. A pretty lady like your mom loves me? Tell her that she's the girl of my dreams... And that I love her, too. Can you remember that?" Thomas asked as he trembled. Bruce nodded. "You're a good man, Bruce. I don't know if I would've done this for my dad at your age."

Bruce beamed as he shivered in the water. "It's not so bad," Bruce lied. Thomas grinned. 

Silence fell over both of them, and Thomas smiled. The discomfort of the freezing cold faded over the next few minutes, and Thomas took Bruce’s hand once more, looking over his nail beds. “Come on, let’s get out… Easy, you first. Come this way,” Thomas whispered. Bruce waded over, and Thomas sat him on the edge. “Dry your legs and the rest of your body all the way first and take deep breaths. Okay?” 

Bruce obeyed, while Thomas pulled himself onto the tub’s edge. The two of them exchanged glances as they shivered and dried off, and Bruce sat on Thomas’ lap after he transferred back to his chair, and they sat wrapped in their towels and Thomas’ robe. “Would you do this again?” Thomas asked as he held Bruce close. 

“Hm… Can we get soup after next time?” Bruce asked. 

“Miso soup?” Thomas asked. Bruce nodded. “You’re in luck. Dr. Edmonds, can I get another spoon?” 

Dr. Edmonds pulled a spoon out of thin air. After they finished eating, Thomas made sure Bruce drank water with him and got dressed. Bruce eventually nodded off in Thomas’ lap after he got dressed, and Thomas went down to the first floor to watch Martha’s press conference. Martha casually widened her eyes, and Thomas nodded as he approached her in his chair. “Mrs. Wayne? Mrs. Wayne, will you and Mr. Wayne be taking questions at this time?” one of the reporters asked. 

“Thomas, honey, are we taking questions at this time?” Martha asked with a playful grin spread across her face. Thomas reached for her hand, playing with the ring on her finger, almost forgetting that the press was there to begin with. 

“I’ll do whatever you ask, Mrs. Wayne,” Thomas joked. Bruce pressed his face into Thomas’ chest, still fast asleep to Thomas and Martha’s relief. 

Martha smiled and turned toward the cameras. “We can answer a few questions,” Martha replied, “But I’m sure Bruce would like to go home and get some rest, so let’s be brief.” 

**

Bruce stirred in his bedroom as he listened to his parents speaking in the next room. It sounded like they were arguing, so he crept out of bed and listened at his door. “Thomas, it was an accident. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Martha replied. 

“Martha, maybe I shouldn’t—.”

“Oh, Thomas, don’t be that way. You did the same for me when I was pregnant. There’s no difference,” Martha replied. 

Bruce crept out of his room, and Alfred scooped him up. “Master Bruce, I think it’s almost time for lunch,” Alfred whispered as he carried Bruce downstairs. Bruce wrapped his arms around Alfred’s neck, but he couldn’t stop staring over Alfred’s shoulder. 

“What’s wrong?” Bruce asked. 

“Just a small spill, Master Bruce. Would you like a biscuit?” Alfred questioned in reply. 

“Chocolate chip, please,” Bruce answered. Alfred made a soft noise as he patted Bruce on the back. The patting sent Bruce back to the thought of sirens flashing in his eyes, police officers and EMTs swarming on all sides around him. “Wait! Wait! Where’s Mom and Dad? Mom! Dad!” 

“Bruce?” Thomas asked. Alfred carried Bruce up the stairs where Thomas waited in his chair. He was in his robe as he reached out for Bruce, and Alfred handed him off. “Hey, it’s alright, Bruce. It’s alright.” 

Bruce trembled as he pressed his face into Thomas’ shoulder, trying to use his father’s scent as an anchor. “I don’t know who—. I don’t know who took you. The lights—. The lights were flashing, and they took you away from me. I don’t know who—. I wasn’t sure—. I couldn’t—. I couldn’t ask them who—.” Bruce hyperventilated as tears streamed down his cheeks. 

“I’m right here. Daddy’s here. I’m not going anywhere,” Thomas whispered as he held Bruce’s hand. He rubbed circles in Bruce’s palm with his thumb as he kissed Bruce on the cheek. “What’s that silly game we used to play? The one with the—.” Thomas held one thumb up and tapped Bruce’s nose as he started humming the tune to Where is Thumbkin. He switched his hands back and forth even though he couldn’t remember the words clearly. “Help me out, Brucie. Really, son, I’m struggling with this one.”

Bruce slowly started participating, allowing Thomas to wipe his tears away while Martha crept past them to the dumbwaiter. Upon her return, she watched as Thomas struggled to sing along. Thomas lifted Bruce’s chin with his knuckle. “I’m sorry, Dad—.”

“Hey, that’s okay. I’ve got to take a shower, but I’ll be back down for lunch. A kiss for the best, will your heart miss me less? Mwah!” Thomas kissed Bruce’s cheek before patting his arm. Bruce gave him a kiss on the cheek in return. “That’s my big boy. I won’t be gone long. I promise.” 

Martha reached for Bruce’s hand. She scooped him up with her uninjured arm and once she had him balanced on her hip, she blew a raspberry into his opposite cheek. “Is Lovey a little out of sorts after his nap?” Martha asked in a cartoonish bird voice. But before she turned to head down the stairs, she stopped to kiss Thomas. “Isn’t Daddy just the sweetest?” she whispered as she walked down the stairs sideways with her back against the railing. 

“Alfred, I’m sorry,” Thomas whispered. Alfred shook his head. “Could you make sure they get downstairs safely? Hopefully, they take the stair lift down next time. Sorry about all the—.”

“You have never been more pleasant, Master Thomas,” Alfred teased. Thomas chuckled. “We’re happy to have you home, sir.” 

“I’m happy to be home, Alfred,” Thomas half-smiled.

[empressgeekt]

Trolls/Batman Crossover - Branch Wayne

Okay, so I've kind of been making little fic prompts where Branch falls through the walls of canon as a child and is raised in alternative universes. Today, lovely people of tumblr, we are going to send our wonderful little grumpy bean into the care of one of fiction's most notorious adoption addict, Bruce Wayne.

Not entirely sure on when it happens, but considering that Branch is around 24 at the time of modern canon, that would put him in the same age range as Dick Greyson (I'm going by Wayne Family Adventures, because that's the most wholesome batfam in canon, and likely this post i made a while ago pls read it for context), so, he and Branch would be taken in around the same time. Maybe Gotham first left Branch with the Flying Greyson, before going with Bruce along with Dick.

In this world Batman would have two child side-kicks, Robin and Meadowlark (I was going to go with Raven but that was taken and Meadowlark are birds that mean the end of suffering). I'd imagine that Branch wouldn't be as vengeful as little Dick, but he'd still follow Dick to make sure nothing bad happened, and did agree to training when Bruce offered as he wanted to protect himself.

For the next few years things are peaceful, for Branch. He loves going to school, he loves his foster father, Dick is the best brother he's ever had, he loves being Meadowlark, Alfred is a saint, and the Batman's legend continued to grow. The trio really leans into the spirit garden accept of their mysterious nature, half the city thinks their demons. And all the rogues say it's true, because it's less embarrassing to get their butt kicked by demon's of dark justice then just a guy and two kids in furry costumes.

Of course all goo things must come to an end. While Branch can put up with Bruce's overprotective nature as he got older, Dick cannot and so he and Bruce are constantly butting heads. The hostile home environment, eventually boils over with Dick striking out on his own, but Branch does not take it well. Once more a brother has abandoned him, and it climax's in a total panic attack where Alfred gets the story of how Branch lost his bio-family, and he's terrified that it was happening again. All this Alfred, does tell Bruce and they both work to assure to Branch that he'd always have a home at Wayne Manor. Branch is one of the kids who didn't move out after he moved in.

When the other children come along, at first Branch is worried about doing what Dick and his brothers did and screwing up the littler ones even more, but eventually he finds confidence as his role of one of the oldest in the Bat's brood.

Jason is the one who has to deal with Branch's awkwardness the most, but the kid didn't really mind. Both of them were academically inclined and were often found cuddling after falling asleep from reading too long. Jason's adoption also prompts Branch to Ask Bruce if he could be adopted too, and when his request is granted he's nearly brought to tears. Because of all of this, Jason also grew much more attached to Branch then to Dick. Mostly because Branch was there, and wasn't fighting with Bruce every time they came in contact.

Speaking of post move out, Branch and Dick. After Jason's death (a crushing blow to Branch that forever solidified the joker as his least favorite rogue), Dick tries to come around more at Alfred's request, and well, Dick is heartbroken when he learns that Branch thought he wouldn't ever comeback. In Branch's mind, Dick fought with Bruce, left and wasn't ever going to come back. Dick will spend years trying to make it up to Branch, but they will never be as close as they were as young kids.

Tim had to deal with a grieving Branch and that Branch was mad. Mad on Tim's behalf that is. The Drake neglect hit all to close to him, making Branch remember the neglect that Troll village had for him. It like looking in a mirror, watching Tim go above and beyond to prove himself, as Robin. Branch is also pissed at Bruce, he gets it, Jason's death hurt him too, but that's no excuse to treat Tim like shit, when the kid was only trying to help. Knowing what it was like to have no one in his corner, Branch would do his best to be in Tim's both in and out of the Mask. They would bond over trying to solve famous cold cases, and sci-fi movies. With Branch, Dick, and Branch knocking some sense into Bruce earlier, Tim flourishes.

When Cass shows up, Branch's awkwardness returns, after all he's never had a sister before, and she doesn't talk. However, Branch would join in on the sign language lessons, and over time learns just how sweet of a girl she is. He teaches her to cook, and help her find herself.

Stephine (Yes, I count her, she might not be Bruce's kid, but she's definitely a bat-sib), is a little much for Branch. Her boundless energy is a lot like a certain pink Princess', but Branch can see the difference, Gotham knows Poppy would never be able to kick butt like Spoiler. Their not the closest but they know they can count on each other.

When Jason comes back as Red Hood, its bitter-sweet for Branch. On one hand Jason is alive, but the Red Hood is not same person that was once Branch's first little brother. Still Branch tries to get Jason to come home, it takes a while, after all Pit Rage is no joke. But Branch does help clear up a lot of the misconceptions between the stupid people in his family who won't communicate (not that he's any better at it).

For Damian, Athanasia, and Mara (The latter two are Damian's bio-sister and cousin/ Bruce needs more daughters people), Branch's job is simply, "Don't let them kill each other or anyone else". Athanasia is sweet enough, and is the least trouble maker out of all of them, but the other two? Mara seems to think she needs to compete for her place in the manor, and Damian is constantly trying to kill Tim, as he thinks that the middle child is after the batman title, which Damian wants for himself.

When Terry, Matt, Dana and Max, universe jump to save themselves, Branch is just there. He helps them adjust, but his role isn't that major.

By the time that he turns 24 in Gotham, Branch has a college degree (nothing about a bachelor's since, most masters/phd's holders become rogues and have been banned from the cave/manner), a father, a step-mother who cares (Selina), two loving Grandfathers (Alfred, Thomas Wayne [flashpoint]), Three badass aunts (Kate, Harley and Ivy), what ever the heck Luke and Babs are, and a gaggle of siblings he'd seriously maim anyone for (Dick, Jason, Cass, Stephine, Tim, Duke, Cullen, Harper, Damian, Athanasia, Mara, Terry, Max, Dana, Matt, and little baby Helena [also Keith, Zuko and Jet, if you count the other crossovers in the mentioned linked post at the top]), who all come over on Tuesday for a family dinner. His life is seemingly perfect.

However, for his bio-brothers things are very much not. By some miracle, they pull together to save Floyd, but it was a really close call. They all (+viva and poppy) make it to Gotham, via a very disgruntled John Constantine and a letter that Gotham left in Peppy's care.

I'm not entirely sure plot wise where it would go. I think they would probably land in Crime Alley, and be horrified by the place. The trolls world is bright and colorful, and Crime Alley is not. Maybe they'd come across some of the Alley kids and they would point out some grafiti of the Batfamily. Though, the would definitely get jumped once the sun goes down. Jason likely coming to their rescue.

Brozone's reaction to the Batfamily is a mix of shock and confusion. Branch has his own new family, and his new siblings aren't making it any easier. The adults (Bruce, Selina, Alfred, Kate, and Thomas) are civil, but still intimidating. The children however? Branch is their big brother, they are going to get a little petty revenge for him. Jason and Tim would just off the hand mention how dangerous their lives are and how Jason died. Cass would sneak up on them. Mara, Damain, Matt and Attie would openly threaten their lives. And the rest of them would totally flaunt how close they were as siblings even if they literally have tried to kill each other in the past.

A breakout would definitely happen at one point. Not sure when, but i'm tempted to pump up at least one of the Brozone members on Fear Toxin.

Also Bruce Wayne and TBruce meeting would be weird. Like two guys by the name of Bruce with over ten children each? Yeah, BW would take the possibility of them being multiversal counterparts way too seriously.

So ya'll thoughts? I have people from both of these fandoms watching my account, so I'm interested in what ideas ya'll have.

[waywardsou2]

Post Movie Head Canons: Wade x Logan and the girls - Part 2

I've made a part 1 that you can find here. I love found family and there is no force on earth that will stop me from creating content for it.

All of this is written with established Logan x Wade btw

I said before that I think that Wade and Logan would try and get an appartment of their own down the hall from Al (Wade's too attached at this point to leave her) For a while I think Laura would live with them. It would be two bedroom with them giving Laura full control over everything in her room. Wade earned a decent amount of money from his job in car sale, and though it's not much it's enough to slowly work their way up to filling the appartment

I know Wade said at the end of the movie that he was done from his job but I still think that him and Logan go find a job so that they can support each other and now their daughter Laura. So they probably go find some other jobs.

I think Wade goes into working at some local store. Somewhere where he can chill but ultimately still be useful and get paid. Maybe he's a custodian at a gym or even a shelf stocker at Wallmart. Something that adds to their finances but doesn't run him down like the car sales job did. Logan probably an Engineer or something, working down at the local garage. He's had a decent number of cars in his years so he's had to learn

Both of those jobs pay well enough that they can slowly buy appliances that they didn't have. Their appartment originally had a couch a dining table, microwave, oven and a dishwasher. Wade was affronted by the lack of TV and Logan was affronted by the lack of kettle for his morning coffee. So they were first on the list. Their respective rooms had a bed and a bedside table.

When they told Laura that she was getting her own room she kinda just went slient. Her "own room" had been four white walls and a metal stretcher with a raggedy old blanket. But when she saw that she had a full bed. Wooden frame, soft matress and a quilt. As well as some small beside draws she didn't know what to say. She just sat on the bed with her hands lightly tracing the small embroydered battern on the quilt.

Laura had never really met any mutants her age since the labs and after she got pruned she never saw anyone else like her afterwards. So the night she met Yukio and Ellie she became very attached very quickly and so did they they often came to visit. I'm unsure of which timeline Wade's universe is in, in accordance with the X Men timeline so I don't really know what that situation is but they more or less move in with Wade and Logan. Neither of them have families that accept them (hence why they are at Xavier's school) and they are still learning to X-Men and control their mutations but they also just want to feel normal. Wade and Logan give them a place to do that.

Ellie and Yukio share the bed with Laura and the three of them vibe throughout the day whilst Logan and Wade work

I think that Wade and Logan decided that if Laura want's to live a normal life she can, so they offer to send her to school. Give her the modern, boring life of any other human. And she decides to give it a try. Gabriella told her about things like that after they escaped. And so did her Logan. But she never got the chance.

I like to think that Logan and Laura would trade stories from their worlds with Wade. Logan would talk about Kayla and what happened to the X-Men and all the little moments and missions they had. Laura talked about the life she had with Logan before he died and she got pruned. Eventually sharing their backstories and Wade would share his. His upbrining (or lack of) and how he got to know Al.

I also think that at least once a week the Wilson-Howlett family go and have dinner with Al, they cook together and joke and eat and at the end of every night as the Howlett's walk back Wade stops to talk to Al and says "Don't die before me. You gotta outlive me you crazy bitch" and Al replies with something like "Not if I kill you first mother fucker" Which is just their way of saying 'I care about you deeply'

[searsage]

so if the alien databank is correct and Al-an was the one who downloaded tge faulty data set, he was 1708 when he was stored in stasis after losing his corporeal vessel...

Wasn't he stuck in there for a millaina placing our flashy boi around 2708 give or take some. <3

[alana93mugi]

Tim is a dragon who went to pursue his clan tradition of kidnapping princess by kidnapping the youngest prince which he quickly found is the worst error of his life.

Whiny, annoying, spoilt and always try to fight him .

He spent most of his time bickering with the royal brat but he without noticing he start to grow fond of him and the feeling of loneliness that have always been his most constant compagnon start to disappear.

While damian who's always been hidden and overprotected at first viewed it as an opportunity to prove to everyone that he's more than capable of handing himself thanks you very much, so he tried in various way to either escape or kill Drake .

But start to bond with him too , with one of their moment being riding Tim in the air while he was in dragon form.

But damian still miss his friends and family while Tim doesn't want to let go of his treasure.

Which put tension between them and they react in the worst way possible in the end damian escape but both miss each others and meet each others again.

Which was a tense meeting because of them are stubborn and neither of them wanted to admit to their mistake, and while he was away from Tim damian made friend with the new knight assigned to his protection Jon which make Tim , jealous.

But then both will work together to stop a sinister plan by damian by damian grandfather who want to take over the Kingdom and both bond even more while fighting and passionately kiss each others for the first time.

[caesarinsalata]

"Brother..."

"Huh?"

"You know you're not meant to take on all the responsibility for what we did? What will you do when you run out of body parts to offer The Truth?"

"Nothing you say will stop me Al..."

"Afterall, It's my fault you were contained in a hollow hunk of metal for the better years of your youth... I robbed you of flesh and blood, Al... It's my burden to bare...I did this to you..."

"Neither you nor I are free from blame. Nothing can erase the things we did, for the path we took was the same, Brother."

"Allow me some of the burden you carry on your shoulders..."

"...."

[stcrfeesh]

the complexities of simplicity

(and the friendships built with sandwiches)

No warnings apply; Safe for work.

The retelling of the roundabout way Al Haitham tries to become friends with you.

Or, how not to be spies with covers as employees in the corporate world.

Al Haitham was such a conundrum. Unlike everyone else, he was different.

Despite the field he was working in, one where he was required to lie, he was still never one to engage in false pleasantries and hollow compliments. He’d openly refuse to take time out of his day to chat about the weather to get the information he needs—the twists and turns were unnecessary to him.

If he could walk into an establishment to steal information, then he’d do just that. It was simpler to walk in and then walk out without being detected anyway. It wasn’t like anyone would suspect some feeble man for information theft. Why would they? After all, he was just another paying customer using the washroom after trying out a new coffee blend.

Al Haitham gets what he wants and what he needs, in a roundabout, but oddly efficient way. Why aim for the straight path to his goals when he could simply jump to his goal? It would save him so much more time and effort—save him his breath and thoughts.

The path between point A and point B was, indeed, already simple. Even a pigeon would understand such simplicity. But in his mind, anything that was already efficient would always have something to make it even simpler.

The simpler it was, the less work he’d have to do, and the less work on his plate, the better. It was like dealing with fractions in math—always answer with the simplest form.

He was a conundrum in the way he contradicts himself. The lengths he’d go to for certain things; an extensive plan on how to steal intel without having to talk much with anyone, or perhaps, commissioning someone to fashion a device for him so he wouldn’t have to water the plants outside every single morning himself.

Al Haitham in all of his contradictions, turns simplicity into complexity, and sometimes, it made your head spin in confusion.

You would always see him enter the building at eight in the morning—on the dot every day. It was the same routine for the most part; a cup of coffee in his hand, and his coworker? Friend? You weren’t sure, but the guy would always be complaining behind him as he rubbed the sleep off his eyes. Then, Al Haitham leaves at four in the afternoon. At that time, though, without his partner—who you’d usually see cursing his very being—in tow.

In all the days he’s passed by you, you’d give him a smile—not the same one you give everyone else, though. This smile was reserved for him alone, you thought that perhaps, he needed a little more kindness in his life—so, you’d smile at him every morning and every afternoon to greet him. Much to your dismay, however, he never greets you back. No “good morning” or “thank you”, and especially not a single glance towards you. And so, you have come to a conclusion.

Al Haitham was not nice. Though, of course, not in the way where you’d call him an absolute prick. He wasn’t a dick, per se, he was just… unsociable. Well, maybe he was a little bit of a dick for never greeting you back, but it wasn’t like a greeting less affected your entire life. He was just some sleeper agent working on the top floor of the same company you’ve been stationed in, who, also happens to not like making small talk.

Yes, that was definitely it. Perhaps he liked being in his own little world where nothing bothers him, and you could get around that. That much was understandable. After all, with years of undercover work at the front desk of a company where the rudest people in all of Teyvat would barge in with their incomprehensible demands, you too would like to be in your own little world.

Alas, such is life in the world of espionage.

Al Haitham wasn’t an important part of your life—okay, maybe he was, but that was if, and only if your covers were to be blown. You weren’t high up in the ranks to have had the immediate clearance to know his codename, it even took you half a year of running errands for headquarters to figure it out yourself. Turns out, Al Haitham, the quiet man who’d never greet you back, was the Agent Vulture everyone either feared or idolised. Or both.

Should your covers be blown, you’d trust him enough to get the both of you out of trouble. That was assuming he’d even lend you a hand.

You wonder then if he knows you were just like him—a sleeper agent, which you now begin to doubt he does 1. He probably doesn’t even know your name despite the gold name tag pinned onto your uniform. Does he even see you greet him? You’ll never know, to be honest, nor do you ever plan on knowing.

That thought changes, however, on one unsuspecting morning.

You watch him enter the front doors. On the dot at eight in the morning. His companion mutters curses under his breath as he follows behind him. Today, you manage to make out what the blond man was complaining about.

“Oh, I don’t know, Al Haitham,” You heard the blond whisper sarcastically. “Maybe a ‘Thank you so much for helping me out, Kaveh’ would do!”

You watch Al Haitham inch closer towards the front desk, probably to clock in. He hisses at his companion, “Why should I thank you, oh great Kaveh? I pay for your share of the rent. Isn’t that a ‘thank you’ enough?”

Kaveh, you let the name resound in your mind. So that’s what the blond guy’s name was. The name sounded familiar to you, but you couldn’t pinpoint why or how. Not that it mattered.

When they were near enough, you put on a smile to greet them, “Good morning,”

The blond guy, whose name you now know was Kaveh, stops ranting furiously at his companion and flashes you a toothed smile. “Yes, hello, darling, good morning.”

Al Haitham presses his hand against the clocking device, and it makes a little ding sound, signifying that he’s successfully clocked in. You already assumed he wouldn’t pay you any mind like always did, that he’d walk away, but he doesn’t. He stops in his tracks, to look you directly in the eye.

He doesn’t glance at your name tag, but somehow, he says your name as if he’s known the entire time. You hadn’t expected him to know your name, quite the contrary, actually. You believed he didn’t even know your face. So, when he says your name, your jaw drops the slightest in shock, and then you snap it back shut when you realise you must’ve looked like a fool.

“Yes?” You answer simply, testing the waters. “Is there something you need?”

He shakes his head letting you know that he didn’t, and then hands you something wrapped in wax paper, “You left your lunch, so I bought an extra sandwich for you instead.”

Now you’re just confused. What in Teyvat was he even saying? What does he mean you left your lunch at home? You narrow your eyes at him, wondering if he was a double agent out to get you, but his expression remains as stoic as ever. Had it not been for his fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk, you would have believed what you wanted to believe.

Message, you managed to gather from his tapping. You nod, getting his message as you take the item from him. “Oh… I was in a rush earlier, and I forgot to make lunch for myself. Thank you, you didn’t have to trouble yourself.”

Al Haitham nods one last time before he and Kaveh disappear into the hallway.

When they were finally out of earshot, your front desk partner playfully bumps your shoulder. She grins at you, and you immediately knew she was up to no good, “I see you have someone bringing you lunch now… I wonder who he might be. Boyfriend, perhaps?”

When she says that, you couldn’t help the snort that comes out of you. You? A boyfriend? And the best operative in Sumeru, no less? When Shroomboars begin to fly.

“He’s just a friend,” You lie—or, maybe, it was a small little white lie. Al Haitham wasn’t your friend, you didn’t even know his favourite colour, but you knew him just enough to get your lie to work. Plus, you certainly weren’t lying when you denied being in a romantic relationship with him.

You are a spy, an asset specifically placed in this specific company in case someone from your faction needed immediate help. Dating was far, far off the list of things you needed to do.

“Just a friend?” She asks you, her voice full of doubt. “Dear, you can’t expect me to believe that. Friends don’t just bring each other lunch because they’re friends.”

You frown at her mindset, that was untrue. Friends do bring each other lunch from time to time. You flick her forehead. “Not everything is about romance, you know?” You stare at the wrapped food in your hands. You knew better than to play with food, but you were curious, so you squish it lightly—it was probably a sandwich.

You cough, clearing your throat. The next thing you say, now this—this was a lie, “I need to put this away. I’ll be real quick.”

“Be quick,” Your desk partner reminds. “The front doors will be opening soon.”

And that’s what you did. Quick on your feet, you find yourself in the break room in no time. When you notice that the room was deserted, you carefully unwrap the wax paper. You find a small card tucked between the wax paper and the sandwich (you were right).

Report to headquarters at 6 PM.

You flip the card around to find nothing else. You stare at the card for another moment longer. Not only did he actually know your name, but he also knew who you were—that you were an operative like him. Which now begs the question, was he just being a dick the entire time?

You shove the card in your pocket before placing the sandwich in the fridge.

Seriously. You thought to yourself, was it so hard to just tell me this in person?

Al Haitham giving you homemade sandwiches did not stop that one time.

The next morning, he gives you another one. Using the same excuse as the day before, but this time without the message from headquarters. He does it again every single day for the next week, and then the next two months. Throughout it all, he uses the exact same excuse over and over again, “You forgot your lunch again,”

On one of those mornings, you raise a brow at Kaveh. A silent question of why. What was his companion planning? Why must it be you, in particular? But, when Kaveh furrows his brows, you realise then that even his own companion had no idea—the poor guy was even confused.

“Here,” Al Haitham says, handing you the sandwich. He stops to look at you for a short moment, and begins to tap his fingers against the desk as he speaks, “It’s cheese and turkey.”

Tap, tap, tap, tap—A message.

“Oh,” Is all that you’re able to let out, despite all the thoughts racing in your mind. “Thank you again, Al Haitham.”

As he was about to leave, you stop him, “Hold on!” You pull out the box hidden in a cubby behind the desk before walking towards him, “I was making cookies last night, and I made a batch too many. So, uhm, these are for you.”

That was a lie. You made the cookies for him, and you were quite certain he knew you were lying. But, if your lie works, then it works. He didn’t need to know the truth.

He raises a brow at you, and for a glimmer of a moment, you swore you saw a smile grace his lips. It was small and subtle, but you swore you saw it. Maybe you were imagining things, maybe you were not—you were leaning toward the latter, though—but regardless of whether it was real or a mere trick of the light, you thought that smiles suited him. It made him look nicer.

“Al Haitham!” Kaveh called, letting out an annoyed groan. “Come on! What are you still doing over there?”

“Thanks,” Was all he tells you as he takes the box from you. You hold your breath for a moment, afraid his hand would brush against yours, but it doesn’t. Not even the slightest bit, and you almost let out a snort in front of him. Thankfully, you were able to stop yourself.

“Thank you,” You reply, like the fool that you are. You cough, pretending something was just stuck in your throat. “I mean, yeah, sure. No problem.”

Al Haitham nods, following his companion further down into the hall. When you were certain he was gone, you let out the breath you were holding. What the hell?

Of course, it wouldn’t, you think to yourself. Why should it? You weren’t some protagonist in a cliché romance novel scene.

You return to the front desk, peeking inside the wrapper of the sandwich he had made for you. You discreetly slip the note out, stealing a glance before shoving it into your pockets. Eyes darting towards your desk partner, you let out a sigh of relief. Good, she didn’t see.

Meet me for lunch, if you’d like, was what was written on the note. And you do, you meet him for lunch a few hours later. You find him waiting for you by the front doors, in his hand a brown paper bag—which you assumed was his packed lunch.

“Hello,” You greet politely. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

“I didn’t. Let’s go?” The man begins to walk, and at first, you assumed he was going to leave you by yourself, but he doesn’t. He looks back at you, waiting for you—again. That was embarrassing.

Despite the heat that was evidently creeping onto your cheeks, dusting them with a shade of pink, with your whole chest and whatever arrogance was left in you, you decide then and there that Al Haitham wasn’t the dick you thought he was. Of course, he still wasn’t nice in your books, but he was a decent guy.

You jog up to him—at least, with your heels, you attempt to. “Thanks for the sandwich again, Al Haitham.”

“You don’t have to keep thanking me every time you see me, you know?” He chuckles. You immediately look up at him in surprise. He chuckles. You’ve never heard him chuckle before. Holy archons.

“You don’t have to keep bringing me a sandwich either,” You tell him. “Actually, why do you give me a sandwich every single day? Are you trying to condition me or something?”

If you thought a chuckle was surprising enough, then you weren’t prepared for the laugh he lets out. Al Haitham laughs at your words—at the notion of you thinking you were being conditioned by him.

“I’m not, don’t worry,” He says, still laughing. “I just find making an extra sandwich for a friend therapeutic.”

At that very moment, realisation finally dawns on you. The sandwiches were because he wanted to be your friend. Al Haitham wanted to be your friend. The twists and turns he went through all because he wanted to be your… friend. You couldn’t help but smile to yourself at that.

In the little moments you had been allowed to catch glimpses of him beyond the stoic exterior, you learn that he was one contradicting and ironic man. He was a man that made the most simple of things complicated, and a man who was too honest, despite the life he leads as a spy.

Al Haitham was not nice, you were definitely certain of that. He was not someone who engaged in false pleasantries to get into the good graces of people. So uncharacteristic of an operative—or, at least, that was what you think.

He was blunt—a little too honest, but you realise then that in a life where everything around you was a lie, you didn’t mind having an insanely honest man for a friend; even with all the contradictions and irony.

“Friend,” You repeat, smiling at him. “Well then, friend, would you like to have lunch with me every day from now on?”

“I see no reason as to why not,” He replies. “Friend.”

Who knew sandwiches were such a good, albeit roundabout way to make friends?

This is me experimenting with insert-reader fics. Please take my silly interpretation of Al Haitham. He's a funny guy. I am also sorry if this doesn't make sense. I'll probably rewrite this some day. I just needed to get the brainrot out of my head to continue writing off the precipice. I hope you enjoy, though!

A sleeper agent, also called sleeper cell, is a spy who is placed in a target country or organization not to undertake an immediate mission, but instead to act as a potential asset if activated.

GENSHIN MASTERLIST  |  KO-FI SUPPORT

© stcrfeesh 2020-2023 — reposts, translations, and any other form of reproduction of my work is prohibited.

[book-fandom-lover98]

The thing about rereading books that you’ve read before, is the comfort of it all. The comfort of knowing, of being able to prepare. No matter if it will end badly or good, the thing is: you already know. The twists and turns, of course they were fun the first time, but there is also so much ease in knowing they’ll be there. In finding little shivers of foreshadowing that you missed the first, second or even third time. Discovering new books is enchanting, enthralling, but reading old favorites is like walking in your childhood bedroom, like a soft and warm blanket on a cold day, like a hug from an old friend, like coming home…

I’m quite past the YA target age, but with winter around the corner and my mood falling like the leaves in the threes, nothing is as easy as going back to old favorites. Favorite tropes, favorite series, favorite fandoms. It doesn’t matter if they are good, nor if they’re the fanciest literature you’ve read this year. All that matters is that you enjoy and love every second of reading it. So… I’ll read a new one next time, for now, I’m just gonna dose myself in some good old favorites ❤️

[gothamite-rambler]

Old stories of Jason babysitting little Damian (4 y.o.)

Jason rested in the guest bedroom, exhausted from the flight to Ra's castle. A young toddler, Damian, climbed up on the bed and crawled next to Jason.

Damian (yawning): Naps!

Jason smiled, not wanting to argue with the kid, and put his arm around the toddler's shoulders.

Talia: Jason, have you seen—

Talia entered the room, finding the two sleeping. She smiled at the sight and quietly closed the door to give them some time to nap. Placing a hand on her heart, she whispered to herself.

Talia: He's... he's a good brother to him. Hm, I'm going to have to mock my father about me being the better parent.

[muchmossymess]

au where ling comes to amestris early and winds up in dublith instead of rush valley, where he meets a certain greedy immortal...

[squishykitty825]

The end is approaching 🥲

I'm not ready for it to come. Lucky for me we still have a few more chapters to post.

Anyways... here's chapter 21 🙃

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Keepsafes

Fandom: Batman, DC Comics

Summary: AU where Martha and Bruce survive, and they adopt the batkids.

Chapters: 3/?

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne, Martha Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Harvey Dent, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, David Cain, Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake

Relationships: Thomas Wayne/Martha Wayne/Alfred Pennyworth, BruHarvey, BruTalia

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Hurt/Comfort, Bruce Wayne is Not Batman, Angst, Alfred Pennyworth Knows All, Bruce Wayne Only Has One Child, Bruce Wayne is Not An Only Child, Bi Bruce Wayne

Chapter Three: The Note

Thomas took Bruce out for a stroll in the park after school, letting Bruce push his chair while Alfred trailed them from a safe distance. Martha wasn’t feeling well, so she stayed home. Much to her dismay, her brother Jacob and his wife stopped by to help out for a few days. “Jake, really, you don’t have to—.”

“Martha, it’s Jacob… Not Jake,” Jacob replied. Martha pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to ignore the smell of trout. “You need the leucine. Trust me. Your body will heal faster once you—.” 

“Jacob, it’s not that I don’t appreciate the help, but—.” 

Gabi touched Martha’s shoulder and whispered, “He feels extremely guilty that he was unable to be there when you got shot. Jacob wants to make it up to you.” 

Martha softened as she finally dropped the front and burst into tears. Jacob stopped what he was doing and rubbed his neck. “Are you okay?” Jacob asked. 

“No,” Martha laughed through her tears, “I can’t go to sleep. I try to, but I—. I can’t turn my brain off… And once I do, Bruce will have a nightmare… Or, Thomas will have a nightmare… What I wouldn’t give to have a nightmare.” 

Jacob hesitated before hugging Martha and allowing her to cry on his shoulder. “I’ll make you some of Mom’s famous cocoa. How about it?” Jacob asked. Martha never cried. As the only daughter in the Kane family, most people would’ve expected Martha to be overly sensitive and spoiled, but Martha made it her resolve never to complain or cry in front of anyone. So, it was a bit of a shock to Jacob to hear her carry on like that. 

He quickly started on her cocoa, chopping bars of white chocolate and slicing strawberries before Martha could answer. Gabi smiled softly at her. “Jacob?” Gabi called as she lifted her eyebrows to look at him. He nodded. “Martha, I wanted to ask you for advice. When you were pregnant, how did you deal with the nausea?” 

Martha stopped crying as she squinted at Gabi and glanced over at Jacob, who nodded proudly without looking at her. Martha squealed. “Oh, Gabi, come here. Come here!” She hugged Gabi and laughed. “How far along are you? Oh, hon, you look fantastic. You’re not even showing yet. Are you in your first trimester?” 

“I am… But, I just thought you should know if everything goes well, you should be having a little niece or nephew in April,” Gabi answered. 

“Oh congratulations, Gabi. I will fly out if I have to for the shower. Just let me know the time and place. I’ll be there no matter what. Oh my goodness, I have just got to pull it together before you have this baby. I can’t have your child think that I’m always a mess,” Martha laughed as she wiped a few oncoming tears away. “Would you like to lie down?” Gabi shook her head. 

“No, but I think you should. If you want, I’ll sit with you after you have your cocoa,” Gabi offered. Martha nodded. 

**

Meanwhile, Bruce quietly ate ice cream with Alfred and Thomas. “Brucie, how was school?” Thomas asked. 

Bruce avoided eye contact with Alfred and Thomas as he shrugged. “It was great,” Bruce mumbled. 

“That was quite literally the most unenthusiastic use of the word great that I’ve ever heard. What’s wrong, chum?” Thomas asked. “You can tell me. I promise not to overreact.”

“I don’t know. Everyone keeps asking me what happened, and I—.” The paparazzi showed up, snapping pictures with the flash on and Bruce dropped his ice cream cone, and he scraped his knee as he fell trying to get to Thomas. 

“Please, stop! You’re frightening him!” Thomas shouted in the same tone Martha used with the press. Polite and restrained despite his anger and distress. Martha had poise, and he acted in accordance with her example. He got out of his chair and held Bruce in his arms on the ground. The shutters clicking and flashing lights left Bruce shaking and crying as they closed in, trying to snap a picture of Bruce in his school uniform, and Thomas sitting on the ground. 

Alfred quickly reached up into the air and showed them his taser. Everyone quickly dispersed after that, except for the owner of the ice cream shop, who brought out an ice cream cake. “My apologies, Mr. Wayne—.” 

“It’s not your fault. I’m sorry for the ruckus. We’ll be—. Oh, no. We can’t take this. You didn’t do anything wrong to us. I’m actually sorry for the disturbance we caused—.”

“Mr. Wayne, it’s on the house. You don’t remember me, but you saved my daughter’s life once. Consider it a small token of my appreciation,” she whispered, “Would you like some help?” 

“Thank you, but I’ll be fine,” Thomas smiled.

“Brucie Bruce,” Thomas whispered in a sing-song voice, “Let’s go home and see Uncle Jacob and Aunt Gabi. Okay?” Bruce nodded, still shaking as he held onto Thomas. With Bruce holding on so tight, Thomas couldn’t get back into his chair, so he had to ask Alfred for help. 

**

Bruce, Thomas, and Martha were exhausted by the time dinner rolled around, and they all slept curled up in Thomas and Martha’s bed. Thomas woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. “Rrrgh… Martha? Bruce?” Thomas whispered. Bruce stirred, but Martha didn’t. “Martha? Martha, honey… Your brother’s cooking in our kitchen.”

Martha pulled Bruce close to her chest in her sleep. Thomas sat up and once he got his feet planted, he leaned forward and noticed Bruce’s backpack in the path of his wheelchair. He picked it up and a note fell out. Thomas set the backpack aside and picked up the note before transferring into his wheelchair. He sat still, struggling to decipher the elementary school penmanship. It wasn’t Bruce’s handwriting, but he could tell it was another boy’s. He left the room, letting the note sit in his lap as he waited in the hallway, reading the note under better lighting. “What’s red and black and white all over? Bruce’s parents in Crime Alley…” Thomas sighed. 

Bruce stepped out of the room, rubbing his eyes before he noticed Thomas holding a piece of paper. “You have to give that back. You can’t read that,” Bruce stated. 

“I’m afraid that I’ve already read it, chum… Is this what was bothering you today?” Thomas questioned. Bruce nodded, but Thomas could look at him and tell there was something else. “And?” 

“No,” Bruce lied. 

“These kinds of things don’t upset me, Bruce. It upsets me more to think that someone is treating you badly while I’m not around. That isn’t fair. I’m a grown up. It isn’t going to bother me the way that you—.”

Martha made a noise in between a gasp and a shriek. “Bruce? Thomas? Bruce! Thomas!” Martha shouted. Before they could answer her, she burst out of the room and sank to the ground. 

“Martha, honey… Are you alright?” Thomas asked. Martha hid her face in her hands, and Bruce sat beside her on the floor. “We’re okay.” 

Martha nodded as she pulled Bruce into her lap, hiding her face in the back of his hair. “What time is it?” Martha asked. 

Thomas turned to look at the grandfather clock in the hallway. “It’s six a.m.,” Thomas answered, “Are you okay?”

Martha chuckled with her eyes shut. “We slept for twelve hours… Oh, that’s—. Should we keep Bruce home today?” Martha asked.

“Yeah. It won’t hurt to keep him home. We were all exhausted last night. Let’s take a day and spend it with family. It’s been a while since I played board games with your brother,” Thomas smiled