#al (divergent)

[gothamite-rambler]

Jason Todd babysitting baby Damian.

Jason looked around as Damian sat next to him. The little baby stared at the man with a blank stare.

Jason (rubbing Damian's chubby cheeks with his hand): Tiny baby. Precious. Soft. You are a cute baby.

Baby Damian smiled then giggled.

Jason: I can't believe you share his DNA, or her DNA or her father's DNA.

Jason booped Damian's nose making the baby giggle and cover his face.

Jason: All right, got that out my system. Let's go play in the dirt.

Jason picked up Damian and took him outside.

Jason: Battled my brother, taking care of my dad's secret son, getting paid. It's gonna be a good year.

Damian (happy): Ah!

Jason: Thank you.

[spicy-apple-pie]

What if Talia saved Jason before Joker could kill him?

(Should I do a part 2?)

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Keepsafes

Fandom: Batman, DC Comics

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

Chapters: 1/?

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 One: Faces in the Carpet

Bruce stared at the carpet, searching for faces in the patterns while Alfred spoke to the doctors. He fixated on the agonized faces, the appearance of wailing people until they were all he could see. While he drowned in a sea of suffering faces, Alfred stepped over. He could still remember how his ears rang from the gunshots, but he could hear Alfred’s even tone muffled under all the white noise. Alfred crouched in front of Bruce, pulling Bruce back to the surface. “Master Bruce, would you like to come and see your mother?” Alfred asked. Bruce’s eyes widened, and he took Alfred’s hand. “She can’t see you this way. Here, Master Bruce.” Alfred pulled a wet napkin from a pack and wiped his face before taking Bruce down the hall to his mother.

Some of the tiles in the hallway were stained, and the numbers on some of the doors were missing. Alfred stopped at the door, and Bruce looked up at him. His lips parted as he searched for a way to plead with Alfred to come with him. “It’s alright, Master Bruce… She’s expecting you,” Alfred whispered as he gently nudged Bruce. 

Bruce swallowed hard, remembering the flashing lights and the smell of gunpowder. His hands trembled as he grabbed the door handle, pulling and turning it. He shut his eyes as he entered the hospital room. “Bruce, lovey?” Martha called to him. 

“Mom,” Bruce whimpered.

“Oh, Brucie,” Martha replied. Bruce opened his eyes, looking at his mother with tears in his eyes. She patted the bed beside her. Bruce crept closer and closer to Martha’s bed as tears streamed down his face. He’d never seen his mother look anything less than perfect before. Her hair fell in frizzy ringlets framing her face as they splayed out in all directions on her pillow, her face pale and greenish, the sling and the ill-fitting hospital gown swallowed her up. Bruce sniffed as he finally reached her, and he pressed his face into her lap before releasing a heart-shattering, trembling sob. Martha let her fingers dance through his hair, pulling playfully at the ends. “Bruce, I am fine. Honestly, lovey, I am not worth all this fuss you’re making.” She said it with a softness, but Bruce knew she was much more hurt than she let on. He didn’t mean to make so much noise, but the distress he felt bubbled over, and it was too much to contain. 

He sniveled and gasped in a feeble attempt to collect himself, but it only made him sound and feel more distressed. Bruce wished that he could’ve been brave. He wished he could’ve protected Martha from any undue pain. Unfortunately, all Bruce could do was cry into her lap until he was too tired to do even that. Then, he climbed into her hospital bed and curled into her side. “Bruce?” Martha whispered. 

“I wasn’t big enough… I—.”

“I am supposed to protect you. It has never and will never be the other way around. Do you understand me, lovey? I don’t know what I would do if something happened to you,” Martha interrupted. 

Bruce didn’t reply. He couldn’t get past the thought of the gunshots. Blood seeping through his unconscious parents’ clothes. It felt wrong. And quickly, the fear and sadness turned to determination. Without another word on the subject, Bruce decided he’d become strong enough to protect his parents no matter the cost. 

When he woke up, Martha was talking to the doctors. “Why can’t you just speak plainly to me? I don’t understand,” Martha asked. 

Bruce didn’t move, but he opened one eye and met glances with Alfred. Bruce opened both eyes and mouthed for Alfred not to tell while he tried to listen to what the doctors were saying. “Well, thank you anyway. I will ask my husband when I see him,” Martha replied. After the door shut, Martha looked down at Bruce, tickling his neck before asking, “Could you make any sense of that alphabet soup? Or am I just stupid?” 

“I didn’t understand it either, Mom,” Bruce replied, “How’d you know I was awake?”

“You stopped making noise,” Martha giggled. 

“I should go and check on Master Thomas,” Alfred whispered to excuse himself. 

Bruce sat up, rubbing his eyes. “Oh, Alfred, won’t you take Bruce with you? I’m sure Thomas would love to see him. Bruce, keep your father company for a while. I’m sure he needs it. I want to try and get freshened up,” Martha lied. Bruce kissed her cheek before taking Alfred’s hand. He didn’t say anything until they were in the hallway.

“What’d the doctors say about Dad, Alfred? I know you understood what they were talking about,” Bruce whispered. 

“Master Bruce, your father will go home, but he may not fully recover… He may not be able to walk for the foreseeable future,” Alfred answered honestly, “He’ll need you to be patient and kind… without pitying him, of course.”

“Of course,” Bruce nodded, “Have you seen him?” 

“No. I haven’t yet. I suppose you’re the first person he’ll want to see,” Alfred replied, “My sincerest apologies, Master Bruce. I should have escorted you all from the theater—.” 

Bruce dropped Alfred’s hand. “Don’t be silly, Alfred. Thank you for sitting with me these past few days,” Bruce thanked him. 

“You’re always good company, Master Bruce,” Alfred whispered, “I’ll wait outside for thirty minutes… And then I’ll get you something to wear.”

“Alfred, wait—.”

Alfred reassured him, “I won’t leave a second before thirty minutes have passed. " Bruce nodded as he turned his back and headed inside. 

Thomas’ eyes were dark, he was pale, and Bruce stepped back, wanting to turn and run from the reality of the situation. His father was not as bulletproof as he imagined him. Thomas looked far too human for Bruce’s liking. He thought he could get away without Thomas knowing he was ever there, but he heard something that made him stop in his tracks. Thomas sniffed, and Bruce whipped around, watching with terror as Thomas started to cry. Bruce was speechless as he quietly approached Thomas’ hospital bed. “How can I hug you?” Bruce asked. 

It startled Thomas, and he looked into Bruce’s eyes, searching for a look of disapproval or disgust. Bruce’s eyes were trained on Thomas, but they were steady… and his little hands were wrapped around one of Thomas’ in an act of consolation. “Just be careful of the IVs, but you can hug me,” Thomas sniffed as he tried to collect himself. “Sorry.” Bruce hugged Thomas and pressed his face into the crook of Thomas’ arm. 

“I wish I was as brave as you,” Bruce whispered. Thomas tried to swallow, but his throat went dry. He sniffed as tears fell from his eyes. “It’s okay… I cried, too.”

“How’s Mom?” Thomas asked. Bruce climbed into Thomas’ hospital bed with him. 

“She’s alright… She said she’s just freshening up,” Bruce answered. The monitors beeped, and Bruce looked up at them. “How bad is it?”

“Um… Spinal injuries are tricky, Bruce. There’s a lot of swelling, but I’m pretty strong. There’s a chance I could walk again with lots of physical therapy, but I’m sure I’ll need long-term assistance—.”

“Are you hurting?” Bruce asked. 

Thomas rustled a hand through Bruce’s hair. “It’s there, and I’ll be feeling it quite a bit once the medication wears off, but—. It’s nothing for you to worry about,” Thomas whispered. 

“Not true. Being a Wayne means helping others,” Bruce replied. He’d heard Thomas say that several times at press conferences and galas. The way Bruce said it made Thomas light up for a moment, and he almost seemed like his old self. 

“That’s right, Bruce… But I’m gonna have to help myself, too—.”

“I know, but it doesn’t mean that you have to do it all by yourself. Mom says no man is an island. You’ve got to accept help when you need it,” Bruce interrupted. 

Thomas chuckled. “I can’t argue with that,” Thomas replied.

[ghost-bxrd]

Prompt:

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

Joker never stood a chance.

[4lectric]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Teen Titans - All Media Types, kinda - Fandom, Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010), Robin (Comics) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Jason Todd, Talia al Ghul & Jason Todd & Damian Wayne, Tim Drake & Kon-El | Conner Kent, Bart Allen & Tim Drake & Cassie Sandsmark Characters: Jason Todd, Tim Drake (DCU), Dick Grayson, Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Cassie Sandsmark, Bart Allen Additional Tags: Canon Divergence - Jason Todd's Attack on Titans Tower, Good Parent Talia al Ghul, I'll fight yall to the death on that one, Good Sibling Damian Wayne, Tired Tim Drake, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Tim Drake is Robin (DCU), Tim Drake is a Menace (DCU), Dick Grayson is Nightwing, Good Sibling Dick Grayson, Protective Dick Grayson, Adopted Sibling Relationship, Tim is such a freak, I need him more insane, He's not nutty enough in this one tbh, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, no violence, oddly enough, queer undertones?, for tim and kon, No Batcest | No Batfamily Incest (DCU) Series: Part 5 of Bats One Shots :) Summary:

All Jason has ever wanted since he awoke was to knock the pretender down a peg, but that’s easier said than done, especially when the little shit was nowhere to be seen.

Titan’s Tower was a finite space after all, how hard could it possibly be to find one cuckoo bird?

[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.

[brucestalia]

my take on vigilante / hero talia (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

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overview

her powers primarily stem from two sources:

a) homo magus ancestry inherited from her mother, melisande (who i headcanon as a formidable sorceress in her own time ^_^) and

b) a childhood encounter with the lazarus pits, a freak accident that unexpectedly granted her the ability to manipulate their mystical waters.

this interpretation hinges on the idea that the lazarus pit is an ancient, otherworldly power—not the creation of ra's al ghul. which brings me to my second point:

i don’t imagine talia as someone who would adopt a masked alias to fight crime in secret. instead, she’s a person who believes in structural change—achieved through community efforts or an organised framework — evident in her roles within lexcorp, leviathan, and the league of assassins.

lady lazarus, at its core, was never intended to be an alias. originally, it was a title—a designation, like her father’s—bestowed upon her by rúh al ghul during her time on lazarus island, where she led the cult of lazarus in its worship.

after melisande’s untimely death, the fracture between ra’s and his mother widened, but it was qayin’s attack on talia that forced ra’s hand. with no alternative, he used the pit to revive her.

she returned—but not unchanged. news of her newfound abilities quickly reached rúh; although ra’s now commanded the league, factions still remained loyal to his mother or the sensei.

unlike ra’s, who tends to operate from the shadows, talia doesn’t hide her presence. the title of lady lazarus eventually evolved into an alias as her efforts began to attract public attention.

her powers, revolve around necromancy: manipulating the dead, harnessing the death-force, and wielding a fragment of death’s essence, including sensing or hearing the souls within her proximity, as well as accessing the pit’s renowned healing properties.

[ however, these powers aren’t purely instinctive. most of her capabilities are a direct result of her rigorous training in spellcasting and the magical arts. (˶˃⤙˂˶) ]

eventually, she becomes a member of the justice league dark.

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on her journey to mastering magic

talia’s mastery of magic wasn’t innate; it was cultivated over years of rigorous study. as a child, her mother, melisande, introduced her to the basics of spellcasting, weaving an early foundation in arcane arts. after melisande’s death, talia sought out secret texts and hidden mentors across the globe, mastering ancient rituals, alchemical practices, and languages of power. her abilities grew to include complex spells that drew on her connection with the lazarus, blending her lineage with her environment.

physical and emotional changes from the pit

while it restored her physically, it left her deeply altered—her connection to life and death permanently changed. she became able to feel the pull of death around her, to sense the ebb and flow of souls in her proximity. the healing properties of the pit coursed through her, but they came with a cost—the whispers of the dead that only she could hear.

philosophy on justice

unlike her father, talia sees justice as something achievable only by engaging with society openly. she believes in creating systemic change, whether through the resources of lexcorp, leviathan, or her public identity as lady lazarus.

public perception some view her as a hero—a protector who wields a power few could understand—while others fear her connection to the lazarus pit, associating her with the very forces she sought to control.

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weaponry & equipment

twin blades forged from damascus steel; an heirloom passed down from her mother's side, inscribed with ancient texts, and an array of throwing daggers, each marked with runes.

a scimitar; a gift from rúh, for ceremonial occasions.

in addition to spellcasting books, a set of rings, enchanted to store small amounts of magical energy that allow her to cast quick spells in battle.

a variety of smoke bombs infused with mystical properties. these not only obscure vision, but can also create illusions to confuse and disorient her enemies.

small vials of purified lazarus water. these can heal mortal wounds in allies or destabilize foes when thrown, as the raw energy of the pit can be both restorative and destructive.

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attire

talia favours masks and armour in the traditional al ghul colours. the plating covers vital areas while allowing for a full range of motion, lined with glyphs and runic designs.

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shoutout to marvel rivals asmr and the mutuals that helped inspire this post (@/spocks-husband & @/publicmenacerunnerup) !!!!

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[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..."

"...."

[gothamite-rambler]

"How am I the positive influence on this child?" Jason asked, shocked.

Talia walked over to Jason who was playing with toddler Damian.

Talia (worried): You told him?

Jason (holding a toddler Damian): For the... Hundredth time, I have not told him!

Talia: Okay, okay... Not any of his "sons" either?

Jason (annoyed): No.

Talia: Okay, I'm working on how to tell him. Damian is still a baby, I have time, currently convincing father to not kill Br-

Jason (disbelief): Talia... He's 3.

Talia: No, he's at least 1.

Jason looks at Damian as the toddler plays with a squishy ball.

Jason: He is 3. We met up 3 years ago when I saw him as a baby.

Damian: 3!

Jason: He also can talk.

Talia: Oh... I thought he was just an advanced baby. Nutty world.

Talia walked away laughing. Jason pinched the bridge of his nose.

Jason: The revenge will be worth it.

Damian yawned, resting his head on Jason's chest.

Jason (smiling): And you are a cute kid.

First part ---> Jason Todd knew about Damian Wayne's existence way before Bruce

[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.

[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.

[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 ❤️

[muchmossymess]

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