#al (divergent)

[the99thfanboy]

They could have been happy

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

[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.

[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.

[gothamite-rambler]

Damian's current mission: Making friends

Damian nervously walked over to a young brown-skinned girl sitting alone at a lunch table. He glanced back, debating whether to turn around and eat lunch by himself, but he promised his family to make a friend at school.

He took a deep breath and approached her, noticing the earbud in her ear.

Damian (lightly tapping the girl on the shoulder): Excuse me?

Carrie paused her music and looked up with a smile.

Carrie (taking out her earbuds): Hey, you’re the new kid! We have a couple classes together. You’re the kid related to that rich guy, right?

Damian nodded, feeling a bit relieved at the girl's kind tone.

Damian: I am. Bruce Wayne is his name… he's my father, kind of a big deal. But, um, you were nice to me in art and history class. We seem to have the same lunch period, and I wanted to ask if I could sit with you. We don’t have to talk a lot?

Carrie giggled, and Damian blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and warmth.

Carrie: Sure! I’m Carrie.

Damian held out his hand for a handshake.

Damian: Oh, Carrie. I neglected to learn your name. I’m Damian.

Carrie stared at his hand for a moment, then shook it with a smile.

Carrie: Handshakes are super formal. I respect it.

Damian quickly retracted his hand, stammering slightly.

Damian: I— I wasn’t aware of that. I mean, I—suck at talking to people.

Carrie smiled warmly.

Carrie: I do too! Doesn’t mean we can’t have lunch together. Take a seat.

Damian sat in the chair on the opposite side of the table, placed his lunch bag on the table. He unraveled the lunch sack and pulled out a metal bento box.

Carrie: Okay, that's a cool lunch box! It's got like a sack but with a cool design and then a metal box. Fancy. All I got is a brown paper bag.

Carrie took out a peanut butter and jelly sandwich from the brown paper bag.

Damian: Yours isn’t… bad.

He forced a smile and not to add anything snide. Carrie took a bite of her sandwich not bothered by Damian's lack of social skills.

Carrie: It's not fancy-smacy like yours, but my mom can buy a bunch of them. Hey Damian, I wanted to ask you this, where are you from?

Damian paused, considering his answer.

Damian: Why are you inquiring— I worded that weirdly.

Carrie (shaking her head): I'm not complaining, but I was asking because your dad is Bruce Wayne and... you're brown like me.

Damian: Hm, blunt. I respect it.

Carrie (flipping her hair with a smile): Why thank you.

Damian: Um… I was born in Canada, moved around a lot, have no idea where my mom is from specifically, but she's... Arabic.

Carrie nodded, seeming to take him at his word.

Carrie: Dude, same. My mom was born in Haiti, Dad was born here, but we moved around a lot too. Then moved back to Gotham. My mom likes to say 'You are American' and I'm like, okay. Parents, vague as frick.

Damian (nodding): Agree. Oh, I like your name as well. Carrie, it means 'free man' in German or in your case 'free... girl'.

Carrie laughed, reassuring Damian he did not say the wrong thing.

Carrie: I never knew that, pretty sure my mom picked it out of a baby book, but I like to say I got it from my fave horror movie.

Damian: What horror movie?

Carrie gasped in shock.

Carrie: Just the best horror movie ever! Named after me… well, before me, but I love the film either way. I shouldn’t have watched it two years ago, but to be fair, my babysitter fell asleep, and it was Halloween.

Damian (nodding, relating to her experience): I’ve watched Nicolas Cage movies since moving to Gotham and they’re very adult, but goofy and dumb most of the time. My father has yet to agree.

Carrie laughs, pulling out two packets of fruit snacks.

Carrie: I bet they watched the same crazy adult stuff like we did. You’re a boy of culture, Nicholas Cage, I like. Here, you can have the extra fruit snack.

Damian took the candy, surprised the girl was being this nice to him.

Damian: Um, thank you… would you like something from my lunch?

Carrie (turning down the offer): You’re fine, you sitting down was already nice enough.

Damian: Hm, you were nice to me.

Carrie (in an exaggerated southern accent): Why thank you very much.

Carrie giggled, making Damian laugh as well.

Damian (feeling less stressed): Um, can you believe Mr. Perkins today? No class at all.

They shared a chuckle over Damian’s intentional pun.

Carrie: Totally! Dude has no idea what he’s talking about half the time. But don’t worry; he’s just a substitute until Mrs. Andrews returns from maternity leave, I think. She’s super cool.

Damian: I can only hope for now.

Carrie (resting her arms on the table): Damian, I think we’re going to make good friends, but you can only hope, right?

Damian (smiling): It’s turning out well so far.

They continued eating, sharing small talk and laughter. Mission accomplished.

pt 2

[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.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Lost Boys

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam, Superfam

Summary: After Jonathan Lane Kent wipes himself from existence by canceling his own timeline, he finds himself stuck in the afterlife where he meets Jason Todd. He still wonders about the life un-lived on Earth, and how his parents would've felt about him.

Jason Todd, who is making the most of being dead, struggles with the reality of what he's left behind. He has one wish and one wish only: to send his family one final message.

Chapters: 6/?

Characters: Jonathan Lane Kent (Laney), Jason Todd, Catherine Todd, Boston Brand, Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, Lois Lane, John Constantine, Raven, Talia al Ghul, Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake

Relationships: Platonic JayLaney

Additional Tags: Angst, Platonic Relationships, Magical Jason Todd, Resurrected Jason Todd, Queerplatonic Relationships, Canon Divergent AU, POV Multiple

Chapter Six: Happy Trails (Jason's POV)

After my resurrection, I started seeing things and hearing voices, but they weren't talking to me. They were talking about me. After my dip in the pit, I knew I was stuck with them. Sometimes in the daytime, I would lie awake and listen to them talk. The spooky one would come and go, but the one in the weird Superman costume never left my side. Sometimes I felt like I knew him from somewhere. Sometimes he would sing songs to me when we were alone or talk as if he didn't know I could hear him. I wanted to give in and speak to him most times, but I was afraid that I'd lose my mind completely if I did.

I didn't realize how much I would need him until I found out about Tim Drake. "You all right?" Talia asked. Her voice was clear, calm, and tinted with a hint of concern.

"Sure. Why wouldn't I be all right?" I lied. Once she was gone, I could hear the faintest whisper from my imaginary friend. I started to cry as I continued to try to ignore him.

"Jason, I'm so sorry," he said loud enough for me to hear. I looked away from the wall and directly at him. "Jason? You can see me?"

"What do you want from me?" I asked in tears. I finally succumbed to it. It didn't matter to me anymore if I was losing it or not. I just wanted to talk to somebody.

"Jason, it's me. Have you been ignoring me this whole time?" he asked. I nodded.

"I don't know who you are or if you're real. I just—. Can you sit down?" I asked. He nodded and sat at the table. I pulled myself together and sat back down. "Who are you?"

"Jason, it's me," he pleaded with me, "It's Laney. We're best friends. Why don't you—? Jason, don't you remember me?"

I shook my head and laughed. "No... I don't know who you are because you aren't real. You're not. This is just my brain damage and emotional trauma manifesting itself," I rationalized. Laney frowned. I pushed a hand through my hair and took a few nauseated breaths.

"This isn't who you are, Jason. We used to talk about it all the time... You said you wanted to tell Bruce you loved him, that he was a father to you. I know you're hurt, but has that changed?" Laney asked. I didn't answer him. "You don't believe me, do you? How can I prove it to you?"

"Prove what to me? I don't even understand what you're—."

"I'm a ghost. We were friends in heaven or the afterlife or whatever it was... And you disappeared, but Boston and I—. We uh—. I don't exist anymore, but you can do everything that I can't. You have a second chance, and Catherine wanted that for you," Laney whispered, "Jason..."

I started feeling panicked when he mentioned Ma, but I pushed the feelings back and went to bed. He stayed with me even after our conversation. When I woke up, Laney was still there, and his friend was back. "I'm not leaving him... Boston, I promised myself I would never leave him. So you can give me the address of the nearest person who can see ghosts, or you can come with us and help me prove that we're not just hallucinations," Laney snapped. I lay still and listened.

"The closest person I know isn't the kind of guy you ask for help. He's more trouble than he's worth—."

"Who is he, and where is he? Boston," Laney pleaded angrily through his clenched teeth.

"If he can prove that you two are real, I'm game... Actually, matter-of-fact, if you two are real, I'll do whatever the hell you want me to," I replied. Laney floated above the ground in a seated position, biting his nails. "Scout's honor."

"Jason, you were never a scout," Laney replied, "If we can prove that we're real, I want you to do just as we planned. Talk to our families."

I nodded, and Boston shook his head. "Jason, kid, you don't wanna go on and learn the hard way. Why can't you just take our word for it?" Boston asked. "Jay..."

I looked at Laney, and he softened up. "Jason, if you can't remember me, then you can't believe what I mean when I say that I know you in ways that you don't even know yourself anymore... And you won't be able to see that I just want to help you."

I wondered if he loved me. The way he spoke to me was like nothing I'd ever heard. I sometimes thought my mind made him up for comfort. Maybe he was real, and he was trying to protect me. I knew one thing for sure, everything he said was what I wanted to hear. I think that's what scared me the most. If he wasn't real, all I was doing was second-guessing myself.

They continued to argue back and forth, and I took my shower and got dressed before cutting out. Laney followed closely behind me. "Two choices. San Francisco, but you run the risk of seeing your brother or Louisiana meet this Constantine guy, and I hear he's more trouble than he's worth," Laney offered. Both choices sounded terrible, but I think he knew I'd pick anything over the idea of running into Dick. "Jason, I know you don't wanna risk seeing Dick if he's in San Francisco, but—."

"But nothing. I'm not risking everything I have planned. What happens if you're just my mind's way of sabotaging me?" I asked. He looked over my shoulder and waited for me to make eye contact.

"I don't want to sabotage you... I'd never do that. Jason, I know you're scared of what he'll say or think or do... But, just try to think. If this Constantine guy is as unpredictable as Boston says, don't you think you'd be safer if—."

I stopped just as I realized how crazy I must've seemed, talking to thin air. "Listen, on the off chance that you're real. Cool, great, good. But, on the chances that you're just a pretty little kindhearted and nurturing hallucination, my mind made up to change me back into the sweet boy you're saying I used to be... I don't wanna take any chances on screwing this up," I mumbled.

"You weren't always sweet. You were just as stubborn dead as you are alive. Either way, I promised your mom I'd find you, and I did. You're alive. I can't take that away from you, but I can look out for you," Laney whispered, "You don't have to talk to me out here. I know what it looks like. Just know when you find out that I'm not a hallucination and that there is actually someone on this planet that would move heaven and hell for you... I won't rub it in."

Secretly, I kind of hoped he was telling the truth. I needed him. Like it or not, I didn't know how I'd be able to bear the loneliness without him. So that was it. I was on my way to Louisiana to see a man about a ghost.

[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.

[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 🙃

[kitsune024]

Danny Phantom & Batman Fanfiction Crossover

Phantom Children: Redux by apotheosis_avaritia

There is no Clockwork there to rewind time after the Nasty Burger explosion. Danny Fenton, having witnessed his friends and family die a fiery death, struggles to cope with his loss and the looming future that awaits him. So when an unlikely source offers a hand to help, he takes it.

Three years later, Batman is called upon to help solve a string of impossible murders in Gotham that end up entangling him to the mysteries of Amity Park.

Chapters 11/?

[baalzebufo]

couple miscellaneous adbot doodles from the last few days! a string puller doing what it does, talking heads and crowd pleasers gettin' along, and a new oc, mach popeil. voted cog nations favourite infomercial host for the third month running, he's a beloved tv salesman with a small burgeoning fan club and a smile sharper than this free* set of steak knives!

*ᶠʳᵉᵉ ᵒᶠᶠᵉʳ ᵃᵛᵃˡᶦᵃᵇˡᵉ ᶠᵒʳ ᵃ ˡᶦᵐᶦᵗᵉᵈ ᵗᶦᵐᵉ ᵒⁿˡʸ ᵃᵈᵈᶦᵗᶦᵒⁿᵃˡ ᶠᵉᵉˢ ᵐᵃʸ ᵃᵖᵖˡʸ

[searsage]

Chapters: 19/21 Fandom: Subnautica (Video Game), Subnautica: Below Zero - Fandom Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: AL-AN/Robin Ayou, AL-AN & Robin Ayou, AL-AN & Ryley Robinson Characters: Robin Ayou, AL-AN (Subnautica), Ryley Robinson, Architects | Precursors (Subnautica) Additional Tags: Romance, Drama & Romance, Angst, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Slow Burn, Alien Cultural Differences, Awkward Flirting, Fluff and Humor, Unresolved Romantic Tension, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Infection, Action/Adventure, Space Exploration, Al-an is a angsty flashlight, Ryley is ..vary confused, Robin needs a drink, Someone looses some digits..., Ryley is a walking cockblock and doesn't know it., Al-an isn't amused., Drones have it out for Ryley, Ryley is kinda of whipped, Robin gets thrown..for the second time, Panic Attacks, Al-an riles himself up and need to take a time out, Other alien species - Freeform, Parasite/host egg laying, Leviathan class lifeforms, Dubious Bargains Series: Part 3 of A Splash Across a Pale Sky Summary:

After Al-an's failed attempt to initiate warp drive, and rejection of consciouses's aid at Robin's behest the team is forced to set their sights on a distant planet Al-an claims to be the homeworld of a fickle alien species they once called allies.

Meanwhile Ryley struggles to fit in with a enigmatic resercher and her apathic alien companion, all the while trying to figure out just what it is they are keeping from him..

The crew soon finds its best to come clean and wear their ambitions on their sleeves, trust their fellow crewmates. It may very well save their lives.