#and I kept being like. and I could use my grappling hook there . and that door would go to a will seed. and | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

brights-place · 5 months ago

Note

hiii!! could i request platonic brozone with a sibling reader who makes "kawaii metal" music (kind of like babymetal, if u wna look into it!)

basically they were the overlooked one of the siblings, weren't in brozone and when they all split up reader took their leave and began make metal/rock music !! maybe they reconnected with branch during the world tour and have kept in contact since? they didnt go on the adventure to save floyd (werent there for the wedding) but just the shinanigans that ensue when everyone is back together? angst with a fluff ending maybe?

Brozone with an Kawaii Metal! Sibling

Pairing: Brozone X S/O (Platonic)

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Swearing

A/N: OKAY I LOVE BABY METAL I VIBE TO IT SOMETIMES! DUDE ITS SO COOL AND THEIR OUTFITS ARE SO AMAZING! also I didn't highlight who was speaking cause I wrote this at 2:00am so sorry honey!

Your E/c eyes darted around the room after the mishap of what had happened on the Brozone stage every single do of your siblings were fighting except for branch who you quickly covered his ears before you shouted at them to stop which they didn’t listen at all bringing you into the argument aswell causing you tog get mad.

It was known in the family that you were overlooked for being the only girl and not the best singer or dancer like your brothers or any other pop troll so you were mainly shunned to the side. You were close to cursing out John Dory but was cut off by the male leaving the pod with an grappling hook while Clays and Bruce separated aswell as Your eyes glared at the three who had left to their rooms before glancing towards Floyd who gave the tow an guilty look as You scoffed leaving the pod to take breath of fresh air. Floyd stepped out before sitting beside you on the tree branch you were sitting on frowning as Floyd spoke "(name...)" you glanced behind him as he placed an hand on your shoulder "Take care of branch..." Your eyes glanced towards him "You better come back cause I'll be leaving soon" Floyd nodded slowly as you stood up and entered the pod hugging Branch who was confused before Branch whispered to you "are they coming back?" You glanced towards Branch and towards your grandma rosie puff who sighed "Yeah... it normal to happen" grandma rosie puff said walking over joining the hug as days later grandma rosie puff panicked when realizing They ACUTALLY LEFT. For the past years you helped your family before you had to go when branch was just 9 years old when you told him you were leaving he hugged you as you left the pod thanking grandma rosie and told Branch goodbye. How long had it been? 17? years since you left while it was 20 years for your Older brothers...

You stood on a stage with a bright smile as you moved around singing the lights focusing on you and your outfit which was a mix of bright and cheerful colors, with lots of pink and purple hues. Black accents are used to create a bold contrast.

The top was a crop top with lace up details on the sides, and it's in a pastel pink tone. The sleeves have loose ruffles to create a playful vibe. The skirt has a high waisted design, and is in a dark purple hue. It has several layers of ruffles, and is cut in a tiered shape yet there were slight metal like designs for example the spikes around the girls wrists and her studded belt that was held with her skirt.

You soon posed finishing your song panting looking into the crowd to see branch who stood beside a pink girl troll and Queen Barb as you squealed seeing the girl “Barbie-chan!” You teased tackling Barb in a hug as she groaned you still rembering the nickname you gave her when you caught her singing barbie in the middle of the night before glancing to Poppy nodding towards her in a greeting as she squealed "Hi! Im poppy! Barb has told us so much bout you! this is my boyfriend-" you caught Poppy off with speaking up "branch..." you teared up slightly covering your mouth as branch stared at you with wide eyes "(name)" You walked over cupping his face "You've grown so much little bro" you hugged him tightly as Poppy stared with wide eyes confused "YOU HAVE A SISTER?!" "It isn't that big of a deal-" "IT IS! OMG I HAVEN'T MET YOU! THIS IS SO AMAZING!" Poppy squealed hugging you again as you laughed patting Poppy is back "Its good to know someone took care of him when We- I was gone" You said making eye contact with branch who gave a weak smile towards you as you gave a sad look.

He filled you in what you missed and you cried but soon you reconnected next thing you knew a few months later you got sick so you couldn’t attend Bridgette and king gristles wedding but told branch and poppy to scrapbook it for you which poppy agreed to so much while branch hugged you goodbye.

You were informed by Barb, the others that Poppy and branch were on adventure which you were sad about but loved for them to bond more cause you what’s dot be an Auntie so bad!

Currently you were on stage jamming out singing at Volcano rock city branch saying he has to show me while poppy shouted that it was a surprise for you which you were excited about. While you were on stage your dress bouncing where you danced around singing as Trolls who enjoyed your ‘baby metal’ themed singing along as a group of five trolls stared at you on your stage with shock well 4/5 since branch was cheering

You made eye contact with him raising your Handel wave at your younger brother before freezing entirely when seeing four others that had left you with branch and grandma a bubbling feeling rising in your chest your grip on troubled tightening as you finished the song before leaving stage heading into your dressing room holding your head in your hands

You stood in front of your dressing room mirror panting as your heart raced slightly. You'd just been singing on stage when you noticed out of the corner of your eye you'd seen your OTHER four brothers in the crowd. They'd left you and Branch all those years ago, and now here they were watching you perform. As you stumbled into the dressing room, your head was swirling with a mix of emotions. You could feel the anger and hurt rising up in your chest, threatening to boil over.

As you sit in the dressing room your mind churns with conflicting emotions. Part of you wanted to burst out and confront them right then and there to demand explanations and reparations for leaving you and Branch behind for you to be the one with your grandomther to take care of him but another part of you hesitated... It had been twenty long years since you'd last seen them and a lot had changed. Perhaps they had also grown and matured and there was a chance for reconciliation and forgiveness.

A shaky breath past your lips for a moment as you hesitantly stepped out of the dressing room you were greeted by your older four siblings who stood waiting. Your eyes widened at their stances they looked nervous and guilty avoiding eye contact as they shuffled their feet awkwardly mostly John Dory as you took a moment to eye them silently as you were taking note of the slight changes in their appearances and demeanor. John Dory had slighter blue skin then back then when you were young his forest green hair with black eyebrows, his eyes are cyan and black, and a purple indigo nose. He wears this shirt in his torso, a brown and white plush collared vest with brown polka dots on his collars, green ripped shorts, and he is barefoot. His fingerless glove is brown, and a pair of goggles with magenta lenses and a lime green frame. The others changed alot to Spruce had the same slighter blue skin. Lucious purple hair with eyebrows, his eyes are black, and a purple nose. He is seen wearing his shirt with a black and white feather necklace around his neck, a black and white short-sleeved open jacket with scales on it, white roped shorts Clay's pale teal skin was normal yet now he had lime green hair that are from dark teal eyebrows his eyes are blue, and a blue nose. He wears a dark green romper with a green diamond and white outlines, lime green and white stripes bracelets. While your last brother floyd looked away making slight eyecontact with you as you paused pursing your lips for a slight moment Floyd was the last to stare at and how much he had changed from back in the day same skin tone as the rest and his usual dark magenta pink hair and eyebrows, his eyes are purple, and wears a black pearl earring on his right ear. Half of his hair is twisted around his head and partly covers the left side of his face. He is shirtless and has black ripped shorts and a large belt-buckle wrapped around his waist You stared at them you felt out of place when branch grinned motioning you to step forward as you eyed them before speaking "What are you doing here?" you questioned crossing your arms defensively as you surveyed your other siblings as branch patted your shoulder.

The four of them averted their gazes awkwardly shifting their weight and avoiding eye contact. John Dory in particular looked the most guilty he seemed to be struggling to find the right words to say. "We wanted to talk," he finally blurted out, his eyes darting up to meet yours before quickly looking away again. You hesitantly nodded, your arms still crossed tightly across your chest. Your eyes flicked between the four of them, taking in their nervous expressions. "Go on" you said gesturing for them to speak voice steady but cold. "Talk" Before you knew it your older brothers were hugging you babbling apologies as you panicked slightly as branch also felt awkward when wrapped around in the group hug with you as you paused "WHOA WHOA! Chill out!" You said scratching your cheek nervously. Maybe you might have missed them abit... your older brothers were the best... yet you still held them leaving you against them proudly now being able to do things to them in return which caused you and Branch to cause some chaos

reblogs + comments are appreciated ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

©brights-place 2023 — do not repost on another platform, copy, translate or edit my works! if you fit my DNI list please don't interact

106 notes · View notes

xmalereader · 1 year ago

Text

Miguel O’Hara x Black Cat! Male reader || 3 ||

|| Masterlist ||

Authors note: This one has a bit more angst into the story also these are not accurate to the film! I made my own changes in order to keep the whole found family together also thank you for 7K! 😫 damn just a week ago I had 6.8k and quickly got to 7K! Thank you everyone and enjoy this next part!

Summary: Miles has been MIA and Noir has grown worried over the disappearance of his own little spider.

Warnings: Slight ATSV Spoilers, fluff, angst, mentions of spider bite, universe, fate, found family au, miguel is trying his best, black cats fate changes, reveals, humor, co parenting, language.

Word Count: 2.1K

— || Part One || Part Two ||

—

“You weren’t suppose to be Spider-Man.”

Miles had been MIA ever since he got back from his last mission in capturing Spot. He was hard man to catch but after some time and working as a team they were able to capture him and put him on lock down, making sure that he was no where near anything that could help him escape.

It was Noir who noticed the teens absences after a day. The kid was usually attached to his hip and never left his side, other times he would come see him and rant about things that happened in school or the times that he saved people and the stories he would tell, but not today.

Miguels lab was too quiet.

It irritated him.

Even though Miguel and him have started to fix up their marriage again, he was still under house arrest until further notice from his own husband, not being allowed to leave without permission, but the cat was getting anxious. A small voice inside his head was telling him to search for the kid, to check up on him and see how he’s doing. The parent inside of him wanted to crawl out and do what a parent would do when their kid was suddenly missing.

So, without Miguel’s knowledge he leaves base.

He makes sure to block Lyla from tracking him in case Miguel finds out that he’s gone. As much as he cares for his husband he didn’t want to deal with his anger if he were to find out that he left without giving him a reason. When arriving to Miles universe he makes sure to appear on the rooftop of his parents apartment, knowing that it was the weekend and that the kid usually spent his time at his parents house, being with them and catching up.

With slow movements he looks over the roof to where Miles bedroom was, getting ready to climb down and slide the window frame open only to freeze when he sees Miles dad leaving the apartment with a deep sigh, following after him is his wife. “Don’t worry. I’m sure he will come back and help.” Said Rio as her husband shrugs his shoulders. “Spider-Man hasn’t showing up in nearly two weeks. Who knows if he’s coming back.”

His words catch Noir by surprise, eyebrows furrowed as he stays hidden on the rooftop and watches the couple interact with each other before he quietly slips inside Miles room to find it empty. He takes in the teens room, never had he entered the kids room without permission until now, taking in the interior and the way the kid kept it organized and messy at the same time.

He found Mile’s sketch book lying open on his bed finding the open pages to a sketch of both him and his uncle, simple drawings that the kid liked. He reached down to pick up the sketch book, only staying on those pages before closing the sketch book and setting it down. The rest of kids room is messy and clothes was scattered everywhere, in the pile of clothes he finds his spider suit and frowns.

The kid never left without it as he gets down on one knee to pick it up, holding it in his gloved hands before hiding it under Miles bed and looking out the window, getting an idea of where the kid could possibly be as he jumps out the window, using his grappling hook to swing across the city as he searched for the kid.

The sound of traffic can be heard below him as he swings across the city, focused on finding the kid that he doesn’t notice the familiar red and blue following after him.

It only takes him a few minutes to reach the clock tower, landing on top to find the teen sitting on the edge, wearing a hoodie as he stares at the city view.

“Figured I’d find you here.”

His voice startles the poor teen, jumping in surprise as Miles sighs in relief. “You scared the hell out of me!”

Y/n chuckled as he sits down next to the teen. The two sitting in silence as they take in the city’s view and sunset. “You’ve been distant.” Y/n finally speaks up, glancing at the kid who lowers his head with a small shrug. “Sorry, just been…going through something.”

The thief wants to roll his eyes at the kids excuse, knowing that it was something more as he moves closer to the kid. “Sure its not something else? I mean, I’ve seen you upset and you still do your job as the cities hero but—‘spider has been missing for 2 weeks?’ Doesn’t sound like you.”

“What are you, my mom?”

“Technically, I’m still your guardian whenever you are a hero.” Y/n shot back, nudging the kid on the shoulder playfully, earning a slight laugh from him.

It wasn’t until he fell silent again, giving Miles the time to finally get the courage to speak. “Remember the mission I had with the others on capturing Spot?” Y/n nods at his words. “Well, he showed me something that I wished I didn’t know.” Miles sighs deeply, nervously playing with the strings of his hoodie, eyes focused on the material.

“What did he show you?” Y/n asks.

Miles hesitates before speaking up. “That I wasn’t suppose to be Spider-Man.”

Y/n froze at the comment, eyes widening under his goggles as he glared at nothing, blood boiling.

“He said that the spider that bit me actually belonged in another universe and that someone else was suppose to be bitten.” Miles continues. “I wasn’t suppose to be Spider-Man in the first place.”

“Miles—“

“That makes me an anomaly doesn’t it?” Miles turns to Y/n with sad eyes, realizing the mistake that’s happened in his own universe the realization that this whole time he thought he had a purpose only to find out that it was all a mistake. “Think Miguel will be upset?” Miles next words cause Y/n to blurt out. “I don’t give a damn what he thinks.”

Not knowing the Miguel was hiding behind the pillars, listening into the two.

“But, I’m an anomaly. I could destroy my own universe!”

“Or you can change it.” Y/n’s words catch him by surprise while the adult sighs deeply. “Not everything has to go according to plan and not everything can go the way it needs to be.”

“But, there’s a universe out there without a Spider-Man—!”

“They don’t need to be bitten by a spider to be Spider-Man.” Y/n’s voice grows stern with the kid. “Yes, that universe is in need of a hero but it doesn’t have to be a spider. Before Spider-Man they were once a smart kid and the universe will always find a way to fix things on its own. They may not have super strength or webs, but they damn sure know how to create something new.” He reached up to lift his goggles and mask, slipping it over his head as he smiles faintly at the kid.

“I’m still an anomaly…” Miles mutters.

“Then so am I.”

Miles stares at him confused. “What do you mean?”

Y/n’s fingers tracing over the tinted goggles, sighing deeply. “Ever Black cat is the same. They betray people, use them, greedy, a good thief.” He laughs. “But most importantly they always use Spider-Man in their own little mind games.”

Miguel shifts in place, leaning his head back against the pillar.

“I’m nowhere near that.” Y/n shakes his head. “I became a thief because I was struggling, later I found Miguel and his daughter and put my second life on hold to focus on my relationship only to get married and have a family I always wanted. A happy family.”

Miles listens intently.

“Even after I lost my daughter…and then Miguel I still remained loyal to both him and Spider-Man. Yeah, we have our quarrels here and there, but I never stopped loving him. Never used him like others would, never moved on because of how wrong it felt and whenever I got to close to him again I wanted to run away, to stop our future from getting bad again. I grew afraid until now.” He explains to Miles, eyes focused on his gloved hands. “I changed my own fate and so far it’s been going well.”

Miles sighs softly after listening to Y/n’s explanation knowing that everyone’s fates changes, weather its good or bad the universe always finds a way to fix it. “You think my universe will be fine?”

“Your universe will be fine, Miles.”

Both Y/n and Miles whip their head over their shoulder to see Miguel standing before the two, hands on his hips, wearing his spider suit as his mask dissolves away, showing his face to the two. “Your universe won’t suffer.” Said Miguel again, giving Y/n a soft kick on the thigh, indicating for him to move while Y/n glared at him playfully and moves aside, giving him space to sit between the two. Clearly the cat already knew that he would get caught by his husband but didn’t think that he would react in such a calm manner.

Miguel grunts, siting down between the two and sighing deeply. “Y/n’s is right, not everyone’s universe is perfect. Yes, you are an anomaly, but that doesn’t mean that your fate can change and their isn’t anything I can do to fix it. So, all we can do is sit back and watch as the universe decides for you.”

Miles nervously picks on his sweatpants, picking on a small lose string as he pulls on it gently a nervous tactic that he picked up along the way. “I guess my universe wanted you both to be in it, right?”

Both Miguel and Y/n look at Miles with content smiles while Y/n looked at Miles proudly. The kid had gone through a lot as his first few days as the cities hero, losing his uncle along the way as the poor kid suffered on his own, unable to tell anyone that he was their when his uncle died without revealing too much of his true identity until he met Y/n the talent thief that was also Miguels husband. The thief couldn’t have been happier to have met Miles, cherishing the kid and taking him under his wing and treating him like his own son too.

“Guess they really did.” Y/n is the first to speak up, standing up from his spot and rounding Miguel to tussle Miles hair before standing near the edge of the clock tower. “Now, I think its time for Spiderman to make an appearance, don’t you think?” He questions as he slips his goggles on, giving them a knowing smirk as he held out his grappling hook.

“Meet you both at the bank!” He shouts, jumping off the building with a laugh as Miles watched Y/n swing away, turning to Miguel with a confused look on his face while the other sighs deeply. “He’s just giving you a reason to make a good entrance.”

To show the city that their hero has returned while Miles slowly smiles at the idea of Y/n using himself as bait in order to “lure” Spider-Man out, knowing damn well that he was speaking to him not too long ago. “Want to help me?” Miles asks Miguel as the older hero raises a brow in surprise before his lips twitch into a grin. “He won’t go easy on us.”

“How about a bet?” Miles stands from his spot. “Whoever catches him first gets my moms special empanadas.”

“Your mothers empanadas are good, better than Y/n’s.”

Miles laughs. “Don’t let him know that you said that or he will kill you!” He shouted as he too jumps off the clock tower, using his hoodie to hide his face as he swung back home to pick up his spider suit that he left lying in his bedroom, stepping inside the room as he quickly changed into the suit with Miguel waiting outside for him.

“Come on kid, we don’t have much time if we wish to catch Noir.” Said Miguel, sticking his head in the window with his mask still off while waiting for Miles who struggled with putting his suit on. “Yeah just give me a second!” He grunts while trying to slip on his suit while Miguel watched the teen struggle with putting it on, reminding him why he changed his own suit design to nanotechnology, making it easier to use.

“Miles—“

“Done!”

“What the fuck?!”

Both Miles and Miguels eyes widen as they turn towards Miles bedroom door that was thrown open. “Hello, Mrs. Morales.”

#male reader #miguel o’hara x male reader #miguel spiderman #miguel o’hara x reader #black cat au #black cat reader #black cat marvel #au #crossover #found family #black cat series #BlackCat tag

816 notes · View notes

tiredfox64 · 4 months ago

Note

NEED MAVADO AND MALE/GN READER PLEEK

maybe reader is like shang tsung’s prisoner and mavado accidentally found reader after ambushing shang tsung (kinda inspired by the smol reader fic 😭)

Caged Bird

Yip notes: Please...pleek...pleek

Pairing: Mavado x Gn reader

Warning‼️: The only red flag I see is that man but if I take my glasses off I don't see anything

Making a deal with a sad Satan would be easier than making a deal with Shang Tsung. That never stopped Mavado’s drive to capture Kano. The Red Dragons need to get their hands on that filth of a man. They want all Black Dragons to be exterminated.

Mavado kept up his end of the deal. He fought tooth and nail to capture Kenshi and bring him to the sorcerer. In return, he received Kano. He took care of him by torturing him endlessly. It was a treat after all the shit he had to go through. But there is still one mess he needs to clean up. That mess would be Shang Tsung.

He’s no fool. Mavado knew of Shang Tsung’s deceptions and trickery. As if he would walk into a deal without thinking ahead. As soon as he was done with Kano he sent Hsu Hao to take care of his unfinished business. Shame on him for trusting Hsu Hao, he never got a response back. Never trust a jobber to do your job. Mavado had to close this alliance now before things went to hell. Unbeknownst to him, this last interaction with the sorcerer will give him something else.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

Cowards! That’s all Shang Tsung and Quan Chi were. They’re cowards who can’t handle Mavado and his hookswords. One man was outdoing them. He had amazing control over the swords and he used his grappling hooks to avoid their attacks. They need to stop underestimating their opponents if they ever want to succeed.

Shang Tsung nearly met his end when Mavado swung his hookswords near his throat. This was too risky even for a 2 v 1. Quan Chi helped Shang Tsung by casting a spell. Mavado was hit in the face with this cloud made of green smoke and skulls. He blocked his face and slashed at the cloud. Only when it cleared did Mavado realize that they were running away. He can’t let them leave.

He ran after them, bolting down corridors as he kept his eyes on the sorcerers. Twists and turns slowed him down until he was completely lost. The halls echoed the sounds of their footsteps too much. It was difficult to figure out where they were running to. As much as he hated to admit it, he was lost. He kept his cool but he couldn’t help but huff in frustration. Giving up is not an option. He should at least try to find them and end this unwanted escapade.

He wandered around the place to track down his targets. He only managed to stumble into what could only be described as horrific. Abominations made from god’s creations and altered without his permission. Chains swayed in the ceiling, rattling every time a disfigured body tried to free itself. Tanks full of mysterious liquid held the remains of people. The cages held many horrors. Mavado recognized that the creatures inside of them were tarkatans except they were mutated. Their skins were more reddish and had more spikes coming out of their bodies. The foulest ones were bulky like they were pumped full of steroids. He’ll pass on that. The last cage must hold the worst of them all. A being with no light left in their eyes, one who would relinquish any speck of humanity from themselves, one who would—oh, wait, it’s not bad at all.

In the last cage, your body laid on a filthy mattress. The metal frame of the bed looked as rusted as the metal chains that kept you in place. You had your back turned to the bars so you never saw Mavado staring at you.

He was staring for a minute or two. Out of everything he had seen in that room, you were a sight for sore eyes, at least from what he could see. He could only see your back but there didn’t seem to be any spikes coming out of you or discoloration in your skin. He wondered why someone so normal was in this cursed place. Curiosity drives people and it drove Mavado to knock lightly against the bars. They rang out and alerted you that someone was there.

“I thought you said no experiments for today since you had a supposed guest.” You replied in a tired and blunt tone.

You mistook Mavado for Shang Tsung. It did surprise him that you were being experimented on. You don’t have any signs on your body to show you were altered. Not even a blood stain on you.

“You are mistaken.” He put it simply.

You flinched when you heard a mysterious voice. You turned around slowly, suspicious of who was behind you. You worried that this was another one of Shang Tsung’s tricks and he was disguising himself as someone else. The man you turned to was unfamiliar. You took in every detail you could such as his clothes, the tattoo on his arm, his hookswords, and his face. As you did that, he did the same to you.

Mavado examined the way you looked at him. You showed no fear in your eyes not even when you looked at his swords. You looked confused but curious at the same time. Now that he had a better look at you he can confirm you were not mutated or altered. You looked as regular as him. Though he did find you to be quite stunning. He might be thinking that because out of everything he has seen you are the one who doesn’t hurt his eyes.

“By any chance, did your jailer come running by here?” He asked.

You nodded your head no before speaking, “I never heard his footsteps. You were pretty quiet coming in here.”

“That’s because I wanted to take my time…” He looked around the place to emphasize his next point, “Observing Shang Tsung’s creations.”

“Mhm, yes, quite the scientist. Sooner or later I’ll look like one of these freaks.” Your nonchalant attitude soon became somber. You were clearly unhappy with your predicament.

Look, Mavado isn’t a saint. He’s part of a criminal organization but you don’t know that. But if he were in your shoes he wouldn’t want to be turned into a tarkatan. Their lives are full of pain. It’d be a shame if a gorgeous person like you were to be turned into something so wretched. It’d really piss off Shang Tsung if one of his experiments were set free or even stolen. You know what, Mavado has a good set of reasons to let you out. It’s not like you’re gonna argue with him about setting you free.

“Well, you could always leave.”

“Do you not see the chains and bars? I can’t leave.” You looked at him like he was crazy.

“Not without my help.”

You tilted your head in confusion. You were unsure of what he was hinting at. It’s not like he had a key with him.

“I’ll make a deal with you. I help you get out of here, and you come with me. The Red Dragon clan could always use another set of hands.”

He made you curious. You never heard of the Red Dragon clan. You have a bunch of questions as to how this clan is associated with Shang Tsung. You don’t even know the man in front of you. Will that stop you from getting your possible freedom? You have nothing else to lose it’s either this or growing teeth that resemble a piranha.

“Humor me. I’d like to see you try when you don’t have the key with you.”

Watch and learn.

Mavado took his time observing the bars of your cage. They were rusted and they shifted from a light push. They aren’t up to date. A few kicks should do the job but that would be too loud and alert the sorcerers. He better give it one hell of a kick to break it.

He stored his hookswords behind his back before pulling out his grappling hooks. He threw them down, the hook sinking into the hard ground. He gave a test yank to make sure they would stay put. Yup, they ain’t moving. He turned to look at you and he gave a face that made you feel some hope. Mavado had a smug look that said “Are you ready for this, I don’t think you are ready for this”.

“Cover your ears. This is going to be loud.” He warned.

He took steps back and stretched his grappling hooks. The band grew thinner the farther he went back. You stared blankly at the spectacle before you. You covered your ears as he instructed and waited for the solution to come flinging.

Mavado couldn’t back up any further and found that this would be enough. He jumped up and he was flung at the bars at high speeds. They never stood a chance. A loud clashing of metal echoed as the bars fell to the ground hard. It cracked the stones beneath it. There, Mavado stood before you, dusting himself off like what he did was casual. Your mouth fell open.

He retracted his grappling hooks and took out his hookswords to help with your chains. He slashed both of them at the same time. It was so quick and effortless that you didn’t realize he did it until your arms fell to your sides. You looked at your wrist to see the shackles still on you with a small length of chain still attached.

You felt like you could breathe for the first time in a while. That bland attitude you had changed. You were lively instead of acting like a corpse ready for examination. You took a step off of your rancid bed but almost fell. Mavado was quick to catch you and help you stand. He had you move your arm so it could wrap around his neck. His arm wrapped around your waist to keep you balanced.

“Don’t push yourself. Shang Tsung had probably weakened you too much to walk.” He advised you as you two slowly walked out of your cage.

You didn’t care that you were weak. You were just happy to be out and moving. Though it may be cut short with Mavado bringing you to his clan, you will at least bask in this moment.

All that ruckus would of course alert Shang Tsung. He ignored Quan Chi’s advice to not investigate and ran to find that one of his experiments was missing. Mavado was pushing all of his buttons.

As Mavado tried to find an exit he heard rapid footsteps coming from behind. When he peaked over his shoulders, he saw Shang Tsung coming for you both. He was so angry he used his magic to shoot flaming skulls at you two. You would have been hit if Mavado didn’t pull you away in time. Oh NOW he wants to fight.

“Wrap your arms around my neck tightly.” He instructed in a serious tone.

“Why?”

“Because it’s going to be rough for you.”

You had no idea what he meant but you did as he said. You stared at Shang Tsung in horror as he came closer. You didn’t watch Mavado as he used his grappling hooks once more. You heard a snap and after that the only noise left was you screaming as you both were flung into the air.

Good riddance, Shang Tsung.

══💤══╡°˖✧🦊✧˖°╞══💤══

“Mavado, why do you always bring random people back to the stronghold?” Daegon asked as he rubbed his forehead in frustration.

“I don’t see any downsides to adding more warriors to our clans.”

“They are not a warrior, they are an experiment.” Daegon corrected Mavado.

“They were an experiment before I recused them. They could easily become a warrior if you let them stay.” Mavado had that same smug look on his face because he knew Daegon wouldn’t deny having more people in his clan.

The demigod sighed before saying, “Fine, but they are your responsibility. If Shang Tsung comes looking for them you take care of that yourself.” Daegon walked off after giving Mavado the go-ahead to let you join.

Hsu Hao just finished getting your shackles off when Mavado came back. He told Hsu Hao to get more supplies to clean you up. He then took your wrist to check for any wounds since the skin seemed damaged.

“So, your name is Mavado?” You asked.

“Yes. I forgot to introduce myself officially. But now you know.” He sat down next to you and began to clean your wrist with an alcohol wipe.

“What should I expect to happen now?”

“For one, you won’t be put into a cage. I don’t think someone like you should be trapped away and left to rot. Second, you’re with us now. And if you don’t want that then too bad, you know too much now.” His tone was joking but he was full-on serious.

You cracked a small smile and rolled your eyes, “Don’t worry, I don’t think I can leave with how weak I am. Plus, I need to repay you back for getting me out.”

“You’re starting to get it now. Soon you will be in good shape and I will make you into a warrior. Maybe then you and I can exact our revenge on Shang Tsung.”

“I’d like that actually.”

Maybe your time with the Red Dragons won’t be so bad. You already have a liking to Mavado, it can’t be hard to like everyone else. Plus, he is quite the looker. Better looking than those tarkatans you were surrounded by that’s for sure.

Yap notes: I will forever see him as Guatemalan and Dominican. Y'all can say he is Puerto Rican or Spanish (From Spain I mean) but imma stay in my silly little word and believe he is like me fr fr. Now If you don't mind imma bite the back of his neck and drag him away like a mother cat would. Adiós!

#mortal kombat #mk1 #mortal kombat 1 #mortal kombat1 #mortal kombat x reader #mortal kombat x you #mk x reader #mk x you #mk fanfic #mavado x you #mavado mk1 #mk1 mavado #mk mavado #mortal kombat mavado #mavado mk #mavado mortal kombat #mavado #daegon is so over it in all of my fanfics #what a little drama queen

57 notes · View notes

jasntodds · 5 months ago

Text

Penance [2]

Pairing: Jason Todd x Fem!Powered!Reader

Words: 8,134

Chapter Warnings: Swearing, a little bit of angst, some fluff, mentions of death, mentions of injuries, some canon violence

Summary: ❝Thesus: Stop. Give me your hand. I am your friend. Herakles: I fear to stain your clothes with blood. Thesus: Stain them. I don’t care.❞

It’s been a month and a half since Crane’s reign of terror was stopped, leaving Gotham to finally return to normal. But, what is normal? After everything Jason and you have been through, it seems normal might be some unobtainable dream state. But that’s not going to stop either of you from trying and maybe, you’ll get lucky in the end. At the end of it, the two of you have suffered enough, right?

Right?

A/N: I hope you guys like this chapter!! It's just the beginning of what's to come!! lol You can add yourself to the tag list below, ask me to be tagged, or you can follow my library blog @jasntoddslibrary and turn on notifications if you prefer that!! I love feedback, I swear it keeps me posting on a weekly basis 😭

series masterlist | masterlist | tag list

By the time the next day rolls around, Jason still doesn’t know Dick has asked you to help out. He thinks it’s just him which does have him wondering why Dick didn't ask you. It seems a bit odd given your whole friendship with Tim anyway but he chalks it up to maybe you being busy. Molly mentioned you were working on a case that kept you pretty busy. Maybe you've just been preoccupied with that to actually help. Jason isn’t sure and he isn’t entirely sure why it matters. It doesn’t. It shouldn't.

Jason gets ready to go find Tim. Dick sent him the time Tim should be arriving in Gotham with the specific instructions Dick gave Tim. Jason thinks about how if only Tim knew how lucky he was that Jason is going to be there. Tim has almost no training at all and Dick has basically thrown him to the wolves, or so Tim will think. And Jason can’t help but even feel a little excited over this whole thing. The last time he saw Tim, he was lying on the ground dying. Because of him. This is how he can start to repay Tim for the damage he caused him and his family. It is the least he could possibly do. Tim might not like him after, but he will be prepared and he will be a good Robin. Jason will make sure of it.

Jason heads out to find Tim, daunting his Red Hood gear and helmet. The drive isn’t too far from his safe house but it is raining tonight, on and off. Yesterday was nice, warm and no rain. It’s a bit of a depressing contrast between the two days. The street lights reflect off the wet pavement and Jason isn’t entirely sure what he’s going to do when he gets there. All he knows is Tim will probably need help and he’ll just take it from there. It’s not exactly how he wants to approach any situation but he’s not sure what Tim will even be doing.

Jason pulls up to a building across the street from an alley where some, surely, illegal deal of sorts is going down. Apparently, Tim is supposed to be here eventually so Jason parks the bike in the dark of his alley before he uses a grappling hook to get to the roof of the building just so he can see better. And then he waits.

Meanwhile, you’ve made your place on the roof overlooking the alley with the van, knowing this is where Tim will be. And you can’t help but feel excited to see him. You miss him a lot even if it is a little hard to be happy it’s under the circumstances of Robin. There’s also the bit of dread and excitement over seeing Jason, working with Jason.

Seeing him means there’s going to have to be some sort of conversation over the two of you being unable to pick up a phone and call each other. There’s going to be some sort of conversation about everything that happened. It’s going to bring back all of the pain all over again. Will you even be able to pick up where you left off? Or will you fall into an awkward dance where you both just fumble over each other until Tim leaves? Or will it be worse? But, seeing him, being around him, always felt the most like home and you really hope he’s okay and happy. You’re excited just to see how he’s doing.

You’re laying on your stomach to take cover while you watch over the ledge but your fingers tap wildly against the pavement at the thought. It’s the hope this goes okay, that he doesn’t hate you. That Tim is happy to see you both. That Tim doesn’t get killed in the first five minutes of being Robin. Excitement, dread, and anxiety flood your system. Why did you agree to this?

Commotion starts from below you and you see Tim on the top of a car while the goons are loading their van. Even in the low light, you can tell the suit is a little different than Jason’s and Dick’s. The cape definitely is with its jagged edges and it’s longer. It fits him actually. You stand on the edge of the roof, grappling hook in hand and knife in the other, ready to slide down the second things get out of hand.

Tim handles himself okay at first but then they outnumber him and they’re faster than he is and better. You know Tim has had a few training sessions but by the looks of it, they could not have been very long or helpful. Things start looking pretty bad for him so you use the grappling hook to lower yourself down but before your feet even hit solid ground, shots ring through the alley, taking out one of the men and then the other. Just as your feet hit the ground, you nail the last one with a knife, turning to face down the alley with your arms crossed. And there he is, walking confidently with a gun in hand.

Of course, he beat you to it.

Jason’s eyes widen behind his helmet. He did not expect to see you tonight. Kind of like last night, seeing you throws him off. It’s a bit jarring somehow. Gotham might be a big city but you travel in the same circles, it was bound to happen. Just…two nights in a row seems…odd.

“I had that covered.” You state through your mask.

Jason can taste his heartbeat in his throat as he keeps closing the distance between you. Your mask always muffled your voice a little but it’s still his favorite sound. He can feel his cheeks burning and a smile desperate to cross his lips. Jason bites it back, trying to keep his composure.

“Where the fuck did you even come from?” Jason quips back.

He is eternally grateful for the helmet. You wre always best at reading him. You could read every expression that ever washed over his face no matter how subtle it was. It was as if you could read each other's minds half the time and he is so glad you can't see him. His eyes are scanning you over, noticing nothing too new in the suit. It still fits you just as it always did, perfectly fitted in the all right places. His eyes go back up to your face, the hood is pulled onto your head. He catches the yellowing around one of your eyes and he almost asks what happened before he swallows it down. It's not entirely his place to ask at the moment but he thinks you're still just as beautiful today as you were the first time he saw you and the last time he saw you.

You point to the roof. “Clearly. And you?” You question, keeping your voice flat and curious, trying to conceal your own nerves.

Jason points a thumb over his shoulder. “Clearly.” He echoes as he stands next to you.

It all clicks then, this was definitely a setup by Dick. Of all fucking people, Dick Grayson is doing this shit? Jason swears up and down this is getting ridiculous. Bruce, Molly, Gar, Dick? They are all trying to get you two to communicate and…maybe they have a point even if Jason never wants to admit it. Not when two of those people are Bruce and Dick. But, he can’t focus on that or how this is sending his head into a tailspin.

He needs to help Tim which means he can’t let his feelings for you get in the way even if ignoring them is one of the hardest things he’s ever done. He has to act normal and like being next to you doesn’t make him want to explode. He needs to keep his cool, keep the smile from ripping apart his lips because even if this is a setup and he should be mad, he misses you so fucking much it physically pains him. He can’t find himself to be mad because you’ll never abandon Tim so even if you don’t speak to Jason while you help him, at least he gets to see you as you. Like old times even if it doesn’t last and for that, Jason is happy.

Jason reaches behind his head, releasing the helmet before he takes it off and you swear you swallowed your heart. He looks so good. “Who the fuck are you supposed to be?” Jason calls, eyes locked on Tim and you think you’ve melted at the sound of his voice.

His voice is somehow better than you remember it. A little calloused, a little rough, but not too deep. It always fit him so well and you’ve never been so thankful to have a mask that covers the lower half of your mouth because your lips are curling into the most uncontrollable smile. Every piece of reservation you had about seeing him completely flies out of the window.

Jason Todd has always had his type of gravitation pull like a planet lost in the universe and you’ve just been sucked right back into it.

You miss him so fucking much.

Tim looks down to his chest, right at the R symbol before he looks back to Jason. “I’m Robin.” Tim states as if Jason should have known.

The subtle hint of a smile comes over Jason’s lips seeing someone else in the Robin suit. It’s weird because it almost feels…hurtful. It hurts a little seeing someone else in a position where he was, not in a jealous way but in a way that he is reminded that was him. He was Robin and he fucked up and now he’s not. It hurts in the way he’s reminded of it being ripped away from his bloody hands. The suit is different, Jason clocks almost every difference in the first few seconds but it is similar. Jason was beaten to death in something similar with the same mantle. There’s almost this part of him that even worries about it. Robin didn’t work for Dick. He didn’t die as Robin but it didn’t work for him. Jason was killed. Where’s that going to leave Tim?

On the other hand though, there is something about someone else taking up Robin that feels good. Jason died but Robin didn’t. Robin never had to die with Jason and he shouldn’t. The people need a Robin and he doesn’t really know Tim but you do and Gar does. He trusts you both and Tim looks thrilled to be here. It’s a mix but there is something kind of nice seeing the resurrection of Robin.

“Hey.” You chime as you walk closer to him.

Tim’s smile splits his face. “Hey, how’d you know I’d be here?”

“Molly tracked you the second a Robin showed up. Knew it was you.” You laugh softly before you pull him into a gentle hug. “You should have told me.” You say as you pull away, your hands coming to his shoulders as you look over the suit, noticing all the difference between this one and Jason’s.

“Yeah, I thought I could handle this.” Tim chuckles sheepishly, realizing he was a little in over his head tonight but not lacking in any of his confidence to do this job.

“Clearly, you were wrong.” Jason closes the distance between you. “You’re lucky we showed up when we did.” Jason stands right beside you as you drop your hands from his shoulders, maybe you looking over the suit makes Jason want to chew his tongue out of his mouth.

“Yeah, I got that.” Tim nods his head. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” The smile reaches your eyes as you beam back at Tim.

Jason’s eyes narrow at you slightly. You seem awfully happy. He knows Tim is your friend but you just seem overly happy or maybe he’s in his own head about it. He just remembers that day picking you up from Titans Tower and it was…similar. It’s like he’s getting stabbed in the chest and the base of his throat knowing you were not happy to see him tonight. The very thought of your feelings disappearing makes him feel like his rib cage might collapse on itself. So, he pushes it away as far as he possibly can and bites back his own words, trying to just be relieved you look happy instead of pissed off Dick set you up. He’s just thankful you haven’t run away. Yet.

“What’re you doing here anyways?” Jason asks with the nod of his head at Tim.

“Dick sent me.” Tim starts before explaining this whole fake plan thing Dick sent him on while you and Jason pretend to act as if you have no clue what he’s talking about.

Jason nods his head. “Well, it's getting pretty late. I got a place. Come on.” Jason jerks his head down the alley before he starts walking, not even waiting for a response.

“Wait, really?” Tim asks with hope.

“Before I change my mind.” Jason states, his back fully towards you and Tim before he puts the helmet on.

Tim’s eyes are wide with excitement. He gets to work the Red Hood?! He knows it’s Jason but he was the second Robin and he doesn’t even know much about him. Gar and you talk about him and he met him a few times but this is totally different. Red Hood is going to help him with this?

“You can ride me with. I’ve got an extra helmet. I figured you’d need a ride.” You put a hand on his shoulder before nodding towards Jason. “My bike’s not far.”

The three of you make your way to Jason’s bike that’s closer and then to yours before you and Tim follow Jason to his safe house. It’s the one you took him to when Crane kidnapped him. You stare up at the building for a few seconds, feeling something a bit bitter in the back of your throat over it. Jason can move on, you hope with everything in you that he is, but as someone who cares about him, it's your job to be bitter and pissed about everything Crane did to him forever.

Tim and you follow Jason into the building, now the three of you in your street clothes after taking a detour to change. You've almost had your eyes practically glued to Jason ever since. And it’s taking everything in Jason to focus on the task at hand and not stare at you with a million questions.

The hallway is messy. There’s stuff on the floor everywhere and even though Jason is walking ahead of you, you can’t help but narrow your eyes at him. Surely, he has time to pick up the floor instead of kicking things to the side as he walks by. Jason is always so meticulous with things he likes but he just can’t help the mess in a hallway or his room for some reason.

“Venta?” Jason asks, keeping his steady pace ahead of you and Tim.

“Yeah.” Tim starts. “He lives down on Harbor.”

“Never heard of ‘em.” Jason states, walking through the hallway where he has a laptop set up before he starts typing away at something.

“Dick says he’s got information on the Organization.” Tim explains as he stands beside Jason, resting his arm on the open counter space.

“He sent you to get intel on the Organization?” You ask.

“Yeah.” Tim says casually, but almost like he wants to be offended you'd question it but then he looks between you and Jason. “Maybe we could team on this.” Tim suggests. “The three of us.”

Jason looks to him, struggling not to glance at you before he turns around and starts walking away swiftly. “I don’t team anymore.” Jason says as the laptop makes a noise, you peaking over at it as Tim trails after Jason.

Security system, and a nice one, too. It looks at least similar to the one used at Wayne Manor and in the Batcave. There seems to be some sort of cloaking system to shield his location from anyone who might be looking for him. You've heard he’s made several big-name enemies in Gotham already which is not surprising. Gotham’s newest crime lord is going to take some heat. Of course, he's protecting himself. You're actually relieved by the system. Maybe the security system lets Jason get some sort of sleep.

“Security activated.” The computer sounds through the speakers above the three of you.

“You don’t understand.” Tim defends while you move to catch up with them. “Brother Blood put my boyfriend in a coma.” Tim watches as Jason climbs the stairs before he quickly follows suit, you right behind him.

Jason knows he has to play this off, even if Tim is going to nag him all night. If Jason immediately jumps to help him, Tim won't learn a damn thing and he'll probably figure it out. Jason has heard all about Tim's intelligence and detective skills. If Tim is going to be Robin, Jason's not going to make it easy.

“How long you been doing this Robin thing?” Jason asks.

“Um…” Tim stutters as him and you enter one of the rooms with Jason, Jason still several feet ahead of you. There’s workout equipment, monitors, a fridge. It looks like this is where he trains and keeps his eyes on Gotham. “Not long.” Tim says.

“A couple weeks?” Jason asks as he looks over his monitors on the far end of the room.

“Not quite.” Tim states, looking around the room.

“A week?” Jason asks.

“Last night was my first night.” Tim admits, almost sounding defeated.

You nearly cackle. “Sorry, what?” You spit back as Jason turns around. The two of you exchange a look of surprise and confusion. Dick did not say Tim had no training.

"Yeah..." Tim looks between you and Jason, unsure where you're going to take this conversation. He hopes it'll get you both on his side. He could use the help.

“Oh, the suit did look fresh off the rack.” Jason states. This is going to take a lot of time and effort. “If I were you, I’d get out of Gotham. Take some reps in like Tucson or some shit.” Jason states as he leans his lower back against the table with the monitors, his hands holding the edge of the table.

“Shit’s been quite a bit messy lately and the Bat’s outa town.” You explain as you cross your arms over your chest.

“Dick sent me here to find Venta.” Tim nearly cuts you both off.

“Your funeral.” Jason shakes his head. “You can crash here if you don’t have plans.” Jason gestures a hand out, offering his place for Tim. “I mean, there’s eggs, beer, cheese.” Jason gestures quickly to the fridge sitting on the wall facing Jason on the opposite side of the room.

“That is a lovely diet, Jason.” You mutter back, earning you a bit of a glare from Jason.

It's not exactly like Jason to not have some sort of variety. Generally, he eats pretty healthy in order to maintain the muscle and physical fitness to do this whole thing but eggs and cheese aren't exactly the healthiest thing, especially with the addition of beer. You know he's been busy with Red Hood, helping Barbara. But, you wonder if this is one of those things Molly and Gar are worried about. You make a mental note of it to ask later.

“Been busy.” Jason quips back, almost gauging how you’ll respond.

“I can see that.” Your eyes widen as your hands gesture around.

“Thanks.” Tim interrupts you, unsure if this will be an argument or some weird banter thing you two do. Tim sets the case with the suit against the wall and that’s when he sees a clear board with a cipher on it that looks like Jason’s been trying to crack. “You working on something?” Tim gestures towards it as he starts walking towards it.

“No. I’m paying the fucking cable bills.” Jason quips back.

“Need some help?” Tim asks, his hands in his pockets as he looks over the cipher.

“Since you’re being nosy,” Jason starts before he walks over to Tim, you joining on the opposite side. “Shimmer’s been pulling off high-end heists all over Gotham.” Jason explains. “Sending ciphers as clues.”

Tim looks over the cipher a bit more and he’s got it. He reaches over for the eraser next to the board and starts erasing some of the code Jason has cracked.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Jason questions.

“You got your A right but your coding’s off.” Tim explains making you stifle a laugh.

“Fuck you.” Jason defends as he watches Tim.

“It’s a Fibonacci Sequence.” Tim states. “Each number is the sum of two numbers that precedes it.” Tim explains. Jason and you take a step back to watch Tim work. “K-L-E-I-D-S-C-O-P-E.” Tim spells it out, writing each letter. Tim takes a step back, a proud smile on his face while the three of you look over the word.

“Kaleidoscope.” Jason states. “Oh, shit.” Jason starts, rushing over to this phone sitting not the table beside the board.

“I just had fresh eyes.” Tim states, still looking at the board.

“Right, nothing to do with being a genius or anything.” You quip back.

“Hey, Babs.” Jason says with the phone now pressed to his ear. “Uh, Kaleidoscope Auction House. That’s the target for Shimmer’s next hit.” Jason explains before he pauses, looking back at Tim for just a second. “And I’ll take my usual percentage.” Jason says before he hangs up the phone. “So, you are really smart.” Jason states.

“Told you.” You mutter.

“It’s nothing, really.” Tim brushes it off.

“Right.” Jason nods his head. “So, what’s your plan anyways? Stick around Gotham until you find this guy?” Jason asks before he walks over to the fridge, you pull up a seat by the monitors.

“Uh, yeah, I guess.” Tim shrugs. “I asked around tonight but no one seems to know what I’m talking about.”

Jason nods his head, beer now in hand before he opens it. “Want one?” Jason asks. "Water, Gatorade?" Jason offers before his eyes go back to you. "I have other shit."

You roll your eyes, pathetically putting your hands up in defense, keeping your mouth shut this time. For once, you can't quite tell if your subtle jabs are actual jabs or if it's what you usually do. At this point, you're too afraid to ask because either answer sounds a bit too much.

“No, thanks.” Tim states.

Jason pulls a blue Gatorade from the fridge before crossing the room and offering it to you. It wasn't even a thought Jason had because you've always been someone who will not accept an offer of a drink and then drink his. It was more of a reflex to grab the Gatorade for you. A gentle smile pulls at your lips as you take it softly from him, careful not to let your hand brush his.

“Asking the wrong people probably.” Jason answers as he leans against the table in the space right beside you. “Or they don’t you seriously.” Jason uncaps his beer with the remark.

“Second one.” You state as you uncap your bottle.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tim looks back at the both of you.

“You got your ass kicked tonight.” You state. “I got a feeling you aren’t very good at being intimidating.” You shrug your shoulder casually before you take a drink.

“Hey,” Tim gestures toward you. “I figured out all of you guys and got you to cave about it. I’m pretty good, I think.”

“You’re my friend and I felt bad for lying.” You chortle before you take a sip. "I was at no point ever intimated by you."

“If she didn’t want you to know, she never would have led you to believe otherwise.” Jason takes his own drink knowing damn well you could have, at the very least, hid your own identity from Tim if you really wanted to.

“Still, one of them would have told me! I’m Robin.” Tim tries to defend himself, his voice almost defensive until it finally hits enthusiastic with the mention of 'Robin'.

The way he says it makes you burst out laughing. The amount of times you've heard the words 'I'm Robin' with so much pride and enthusiasm makes it funny. It’s the innocence and confidence Robin brings. Tim isn’t as…cheerful, enthusiastic about it as Jason was. Tim has seen the horrors already but…there is something familiar about it that makes you laugh. You hope he's able to keep that.

Jason thinks he’s melted into the ground with your laugh. The hard part of this whole thing is not going to be training Tim. That’ll be easy. The hardest part is going to pretend like it isn’t killing him to act like this is all fine with him and you. It is killing him not to poke fun at you or ask about everything. This is going to be torture.

“That what I sounded like?” Jason asks quietly.

“Kind of.” You nod your head at him, a soft and beaming smile directed right at him.

“What?” Tim questions.

“Nothing.” You brush it off. “Okay, look, why don’t you stay here with Jason for tonight and I’ll come by tomorrow. We’ll go look together.”

“You do teams?” Tim quips.

“No.” You shake your head, knowing that is a bald-faced lie. “But you’re my friend and I help my friends.”

“Okay, yeah, cool.” Tim smiles widely. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” You nod softly before clearing your throat. “I’m gonna head out then. Uh…” You pause for a second before you get to your feet. “Molly is probably waiting for me so I’ll just text you what time to be ready.” You offer Jason a nervous nod and closed-mouth smile.

You make your way to Tim, giving him a quick hug before you head for the door. Jason almost lets you. But, seeing you and feeling this way? It’s not what he wants. He doesn’t want you to be here just because Dick asked you. He doesn’t want you to be here just for Tim. He can’t just pretend this is all fine.

“I’ll, uh, walk you out.” Jason pushes off the table, earning you to turn around, raising a brow at him.

“Uh...yeah, yeah, okay.” You nod slowly. “Thanks.”

“Don’t touch anything.” Jason warns Tim before catching up to you.

You and Jason walk side-by-side out of the room and your stomach is swirling, turning into a goo. You're nearly vibrating from nervousness being around him again. And he looks so good. He looks healthy. The last time you saw him, he was covered in scrapes and bruises but there aren’t any on his face. You know there have to be some under his clothes but his face looks good and his cheeks aren’t as hollowed as they were before. His hair is fluffy just as it always was. He looks good.

Jason glances at you and Jason Todd is not one to get nervous but he is so nervous right now he’s stuffing his hands in his pockets just because his hands are sweating too much. It’s you and he has no reason to be nervous but his heart is thundering in his chest and he wants to smile ear-to-ear. Everything is different but it almost doesn’t feel that way. His heart is beating for you right now just as it did from day one to day 100. It only ever beats for you.

The two of you reach the door, standing and facing each other. There should be sort of 'see you later' exchange that happens but neither of you entirely know how to do that. Not with each other. You were friends, then friends with benefits, then together, and now you're exes. A handshake still feels far too professional given the intimacy that stands between you and the horrors you've endured together. A wave feels fucking pathetic. And a hug seems a bit out of the question.

It's not even like either of you want to do this whole 'see you later' thing. You both have endless questions and if tonight ends, tomorrow will begin and it might be different again. Jason doesn't want to risk anything in this. So, instead of fumbling his way through a goodbye that would haunt him in his sleep for the next ten years, he starts conversation just to stall you a little.

“What’d you do?” Jason jerks his head, pointing towards the bruise on your eye and he almost touches it. He has to force his hands to stay in his pockets.

“Oh, uh,” You smile softly, touching the yellow with your fingertips. “Molly, actually.”

“No fucking way.” Jason chuckles.

“Yeah, uh, been training her a bit.” Your brows furrow just for a second before you lick your lips. “She asked just to be prepared walking home or some shit. Um…and uh, obviously, you taught her a thing or two. But, she actually fell and I got an elbow to the face.”

Jason lets out a booming laugh and you forget how to breathe. It sounds just as lovely as it did before. Booming and loud, thunder shaking your rib cage free of all its pain.

“It was an accident?”

“Yeah.” You nod quickly. “Fucking painful one. This shit is two weeks out. My eye was swollen shut for like two days!”

Jason keeps laughing and his nose scrunches. You swear he’s still the cutest person to ever walk the earth. How could anyone not be in love with him?

“Sorry, you alright?” Jason asks, but the smile is still ripping across his face as he licks his lips.

“I am fine, thank you.” You nod your head, a soft smile on display. “You, uh, you look good, Jay.”

The nickname sends his head into a spiral. He can’t believe after everything you’ve done to each other and the time that’s passed, you can still make him feel this way. You make him feel like everything is gonna be alright somehow. And he makes you so happy. Something so simple and it’s just joy.

“Thanks.” Jason nods his head. “So do you.” His eyes soften with the ease of his words.

“Thank you.” You pull in a breath.

There’s a silence that falls over you and something hits you both. This is a request from Dick. It wasn’t supposed to be a reunion for you. It just happened to work out that way. Jason still did all of that and you still hurt him and betrayed him. Neither one of you had the courage to call the other. It took Tim coming here needing help. Something about that really hurts. Your minds take over even as happy as you are to see each other, to feel the love blossom through your chests. But, you look at each other and wonder how you could ever ask for forgiveness, especially with each other looking so good. So, you don’t. You punish yourselves.

“Molly’s helping me, by the way.” You blurt out on purpose, knowing it’ll piss him off.

You aren't trying to hurt him, you're just pissing him off. Jason will snap and fire back and you think you'll deserve it. Jason Todd has been very good at pushing everyone away and you've been very good at running. But, you know Jason expects you to run. If he ever wanted to forgive you for some reason, he'll know exactly what to do. So, you take a page out of his book and push. It'll catch him off guard, piss him off, and it'll be what you deserve anyway. You push.

Jason shakes his head, eyes widening. “What the fuck does that mean?” He snaps, searching your face for any indication this is some sort of joke.

“She helps me as Bluejay.” You shrug your shoulders.

“Why the fuck would you let her do that?!” Jason nearly demands as he crosses his arms.

Molly is his friend, too. He knew something was going on but he didn’t think Molly was actually helping. At this point, he's pretty sure the two of you have lost your damn minds. Molly didn't even agree with Batman and Robin and now she's helping? All people do in this path is get hurt or worse. Jason isn't going to give it up and he'd never ask anyone to. But, why the fuck would you let Molly help you? If he knows you at all, he knows you shouldn't be happy about it.

“She asked.” You keep your voice nonchalant, knowing that'll irritate him even more.

“Oh, so fuck it, right? She asked and you’re just gonna let her? And what the fuck are you gonna do when someone figures it out, huh?” Jason seethes as he tosses his right arm to the side.

“Oh, but it’s fine for Tim, right?” You question back as you blink at Jason. He doesn't seem to have a single issue with Tim, just Molly which is some of the ammo you were looking to get out of this.

“He wouldn’t leave any of you guys alone!” Jason defends, his hands shooting out to his sides. Molly and Gar have said they're worried bout you and while he's getting pissed off, he's also growing worried. Starting an argument with him is very uncharacteristic. “Molly isn’t a fighter! You’re putting her in harm’s way!” Jason shakes his head before clocking the Tim remark entirely. “I don’t have a fucking say on if Tim’s Robin, by the way. He’s your fucking friend, too! The fuck are you mad at me for?”

“But you were the previous Robin!” You snap back and you aren’t even sure why you do it. You don't want Robin to be the topic of the argument because that isn't fair. You just can't help it, your mouth is moving faster than your guilt and reason. “You’re not bothered by it at all but I have Molly working on a computer and that’s not fine?” You spit back.

Ow.

If there's anything Jason knows about punishing himself, it's what pushing looks like. He's not entirely sure what is setting you off but there's something. You're hitting a low blow bringing Robin into it and while he doesn't want to fight, it hits an exposed nerve. Jason Todd has always hated feeling exposed.

Jason shakes his head with a bitter laugh. “You haven’t fucking talked to me in over a month but now you think you know how I fucking feel about a Robin?” Jason lets out a scoff. “And yeah because Molly doesn’t need to be in the fucking middle of some bullshit you won’t be able to handle. You’ll get hurt or some bullshit, go to her, and you’ll be tracked. You don’t have a security system, bet your locks are shit, what’re you gonna do, huh?”

“Yeah, well, phones work both ways, Jason.” You spit back, choosing to ignore the second half of the argument. He isn't wrong and you know it. “Molly wouldn’t leave me alone about it and ya know, in my experience, the more we let people not help when they are adamant, they do it anyway and then they die or get hurt.” You scoff back. “Seemed better this way.” Sam nearly mutters it bitterly.

Jason can feel his heart breaking again because this isn't about Molly. He knew it wasn't but it's still about him. He's thinking you're not over the fact that he died which you should not be. But, it almost feels like you're choosing to blame him for his own death and that's something he never thought you would do.

“The fuck is that supposed mean?” Jason asks, his voice rough and angered but he’s not yelling. That’s always the most hurtful form of Jason Todd.

Too far. Too far. Too far.

You never intended to hurt him. It's just...maybe there's a lot of unsaid things from both of you because you both were always so worried about fucking it up. What's left to fuck up now?

You backpedal anyway because it is not fair. It's not his fault. “Nothing.” You shake your head.

“No, tell me what you really mean.” Jason keeps his stance, his voice unwavering.

Jason sees it as you blaming him but that's not true. The way you see it, if people want to help, maybe they're better off to help. Jason and you were held captive and dropped from a Skyscraper because you wanted to help and Dick said no. Jason wanted to be Robin and help and Bruce ripped it away. Tim wanted to help but everyone said no. Anytime someone really wants to help, they do and then they get hurt or worse. Molly was going to try and help one way or another. This way, you can keep an eye on her. Though, you can't quite bring yourself to explain it all.

“You. Me. Tim. Dick. Gar. Rachel.” You explain. “All of us.”

“And we were fucking thrown into this shit. All of us.” Jason argues his side. “I sure as shit didn’t pick it--”

“But you would have!” You scream back because it all just hurts again. He's lying to himself if he doesn't think he wouldn't have picked Robin if it were a choice. “Don’t pretend like Robin was some burden thrown onto you because he wasn’t! You loved it. You still do. Bruce may have weaponized you but he offered it to you and you took it.”

He knows you're right. Of course, he would have picked it. It was the coolest and greatest thing to happen to him at the time. He was useful and he was enough. He was finally fucking good at something and he was finally good for something. It made him feel like he belonged somewhere even if it didn't last. Of course, he'd do it again. As hard as it is, as tortuous as the last few months have been, he doesn't think he'd do anything differently.

“Fine, what about you?” Jason quips back. “Dick gave you a fucking choice. I remember that.” Jason scoffs. “You’d take it all back? If you knew how this ended.”

“Of fucking course I would, Jason!” Your voice finally cracks. “Yeah, I’d never fucking ask you to help me and I never would have went after Deathstroke with you or Jerry or any of this shit. If I could go back, I’d undo it.” You pull in a shaky breath and lower your voice. “It hurts all the time. I’d undo it.” You give him a sad and defeated shrug.

It hurts to say it but a part of you, really thinks you'd undo it if given the chance. Maybe you would just tell Dick no. Maybe it wouldn't be like this today. But, there is a larger part of you thinking you wouldn't be able to undo it. A lot of good came out of you being a Titan. You found this family and maybe had you just said no, it wouldn't be like this. You've been able to save a lot of people since being back on Gotham and doesn't that make it all worth it? The greater good should win.

You're looking at Jason and you wouldn't undo that. A lot of good came out of you being a Titan. Finding a family and new friends, Molly, learning how to properly fend for yourself and knowing you don't have to. It's all good. And Jason. A lot of good came out of being a Titan and Jason is so intertwined in that, you'd never be able to undo it without undoing you two.

You would never be able to.

You don't want to and this whole argument was just so stupid.

Jason looks to the ground and he knows what you mean but so much of you is intertwined in doing this that undoing that, almost feels like undoing you two. He knows that's not what you mean and you're angry over something Jason isn't sure what. You've talked about it. It's just harder today. It doesn't stop it from hurting though.

“Why put that on Molly then?” Jason brings his voice back down.

“Because you’d do it all over again.” You say softly. “Because Dick would do it over again. And Bruce and Tim and Kory and…all of them without even thinking twice about it. I think even Gar would. Molly won’t regret it and you know that.” You strengthen your voice.

This is stupid. He’s supposed to be doing better here but he fights you anyway. The punishment to himself and you started it. But…it doesn’t feel good to be here again. He doesn’t want to be here. He has fought tooth and nail to be alone and now that he is, he doesn’t like it too much. It hurts to be here alone. It hurts to be here without you. Jason promised you he’d make it up to you one day and yeah maybe he could have called and you could have called. But, neither of you did. Jason tells the voices in his head to shut the fuck up and he bites back at them.

“Just…make sure she’s safe.” Jason swallows thickly, catching you off guard. Jason never backs down. “You’re probably right. Molly can be pretty persistent.” He backs down for himself and for you. He won't let you punish yourself this way. You never let him.

“Yeah…” You trail off, tugging the sleeves of your hoodie over your hands as guilt eats away at your bones. “I didn’t want her help.” You whisper, caving, too. It doesn’t matter what you think you deserve and don’t deserve. Jason doesn’t deserve someone to push him away if he’s trying. That’s not fair. “But…it doesn’t work telling people no so…I make sure she’s okay.” You nod your head. “She is only my eyes in the sky. No one even knows I have someone on the inside.”

“Good.” Jason nods his head. “Yeah…” Jason trails off, his stare going to the floor, the white streak hanging loosely over his forehead.

One of you has to bring it up. One of you has to bring up the time you’ve spent apart. One of you has to say something besides the unsaid words that are nearly strangling you both. It will always feel giddy with a sense of dread and awkwardness unless you do. You always apologize.

“I’m sorry for not calling.” Jason states, catching you off guard and it’s like he’s just stacked twenty more pounds of guilt onto your pile. A lump grows in your throat and not once did you ever actually blame him for not calling you. You think he shouldn’t in order to protect himself. “I just…got busy and I don’t know.” Jason shrugs his right shoulder. “Should have.”

“I-I’m sorry, too.” You nod your head. “I, uh…yeah, busy.” You nod your head, swallowing the lump in your throat and biting back tears.

He has nothing to be sorry for.

Jason’s heart sinks because there’s something wrong. There is always something in the way you stutter around him that gives it away. It got to the point where you almost never did. You almost never tugged your sleeves down. It’s more of a nervous tick than anything and now you're doing it again. You're too exposed around him again and Jason can’t help but feel it’s all his fault and it’s too late. The thing you had, that strength that ruins mountains, has just wilted away. He thinks it might be his biggest regret.

“I’m really sorry.” You say more clearly this time. "For, uh, f-for not calling and uh, arguing with you just now. I, uh...I-I don't know." You tug the collar of your hoodie down just a bit, feeling suffocated by the fabric but then Jason sees the silver of a necklace around your neck.

You still wear it?

You open your mouth to talk but Jason cuts you off.

“Is that the necklace I gave you?” He blurts out before he can even process it.

He needs to know.

You look down, seeing the chain stare back a you before you pull the pendant from your hoodie and Jason wants to combust.

“Yeah.” You state, the infinity charm staring back a you. “Uh…” A smile pulls at your lips. You never take it off even when it all feels hopeless because maybe, just maybe, it's not just the cliche of infinity of you but some sort of symbol of hope that you'll find your way back to each other one day. “I know we haven’t talked and this shit feels awkward and shit but uh, I don’t know.” You lick your lips. “Figured Molly would call if you something happened and then…you’d know.”

You're realizing how dumb this whole thing. Maybe you can’t have what you really want. Maybe that’s not how this is meant to be. But you know he checks up on you and you know he knows you do the exact same. It’s silly and ridiculous for you to tiptoe over each other as if you haven’t witnessed each other at your best and worst. You held his lifeless body in your hands. Jason saves your life. Being a part from each other…not worth it.

A smile pulls at his lips before it turns into a smirk. “Someone’s gotta be prepared with your habit of being kidnapped.” Maybe it gives him hope, too.

“Shut the fuck up.” You groan. “It’s been months.” You can't help the smile that crosses your lips.

“You’re due.” Jason quips back.

You let out a laugh, sending a chill down Jason's spine. “I am good on that thanks.”

Jason tilts his back, feeling the same as you. This whole thing is fucking stupid. He needs to swallow his pride and he just doesn’t want you to leave. Despite his habit of spiraling into self-deprecating thoughts, he knows there has to be something left between you. Since the very first day, there has been something there. So, maybe you try this friend thing again. Maybe it'll work out.

“This is fucking stupid, right?” Jason laughs. “Not talking and shit.” He clarifies.

“Yeah.” You nod with a laugh. “Molly and Gar and Tim and Dick have been telling me that.”

“Molly, Gar, and Dick.” Jason groans. “Fuck, even Bruce.”

You let out a laugh. “Okay, you know it’s bad when Bruce is over here giving you advice on this shit.”

“Right?” Jason lets out a scoff. “We good?” Jason asks with hopeful eyes.

“Always were, Jay.” You smile softly at him and in that moment, you make a silent promise to yourself that you don’t care about your heart but you will guard his with every knife you have. “Friends who actually talk and act like it this time?” You question.

“Yeah, need someone to nag me.” Jason sticks his hand out.

“Oh, well, if you insist. Clean this fucking place, it’s a mess!” You take his hand in yours, shaking it softly.

“Since we’re friends, you could help.” Jason quips back, looking at the hallway that resembles the aftermath of a tornado.

You take your hand back. “You could go fuck yourself.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Jason grins back at you with furrowed brows.

Your brows raise with a splitting smile. “Ask your hand.”

Jason let out a chortle. “Fair.”

“Okay, seriously, I gotta get back. Molly will have too many questions if I stay any longer.” You nod your head, already mentally preparing for the amount of questions Molly will have and knowing none of them will actually pertain to Tim. “I’ll be back tomorrow, you gonna come?”

“Nah.” Jason shakes his head, figuring he'll let the two of you catch up by you showing him the ropes alone for a bit. “You guys go. Dick call you?”

“Mhm, you?” You pretend like you don’t know, mostly to keep the peace between the batboys.

“Yep.” Jason nods his head. “Setup?”

“Absolutely.” You laugh. "Dude still hasn't told Kory but he's setting us up."

"We have to repay the favor then, I guess." Jason offers you a wild and menacing grin.

"Oh, definitely." You nod quickly.

Jason shakes his head with a laugh. "Just gotta get Tim into shape first."

“We’ll get him ready in no time.” You beam back at him with the scrunch of your nose.

“We’ll start training when you guys get back tomorrow but follow my lead.” Jason offers, already ten steps ahead with a plan.

“Because Tim can’t know.” You finish.

“I got an idea.” Jason nods.

“You always have a plan.”

“Always.” The word babe almost slips from his lips.

“Okay, Jay.” Your cheeks burn, sensing it, too. “I will see you tomorrow.” You nod once before you turn on your heels and exit the building.

Jason watches you and his thinks he’s breathless. There’s something reminiscent of the first day he met you. Not entirely knowing much about you. He knows about you today but there’s a gap of time he’s missing. There are two actually because he doesn't know all of the details in the time he died. There are voids he’s missing and what’s changed about you because of them? It almost feels like that first day because his bones are vibrating with excitement and he can’t wait to see you again. It feels like it did then and he would love to keep chasing that feeling.

prev. chapter | next chapter

series masterlist | masterlist | tag list

Tag List: @fairyofshampoo // @italiana-20 // @jasontoddsmentaldisorders // @purplerose291 // @lovelessamai //

@makaelaseresin // @lenidaslenchen // @mayfieldss // @ghostkingblake // @im-done-with-this-im-out //

@velvetskies // @lilylovelyxo // @cryinghotmesss // @yesimwriting // @vivian-555 // @stainedstardom //

@baebeepeach // @legend-o-zelda // @harleycao // @somehow-lovable-trash // @xx-all-purpose-nerd-xx //

@deyja-the-duck // @jasontoddslover // @captainmarvels-blog // @totallynotkaibiased // @scarlovesyou //

@whydoyoucare866 // @littlemeowmeow1000 // @ginger24880 // @urmomsgayforme5 // @septixtrash //

@kplatzman // @killxz // @lovefks // @laurelthesimp // @strawberryforks //

@mxtokko // @kolpvii // @adorabluesposts // @jasontoddthings

#jason todd x reader #jason todd x you #red hood x reader #red hood x you #jason todd fanfic #jason todd fanfiction #titans fanfic #titans fanfiction #dc fanfic #dc fanfiction #penance

64 notes · View notes

p1nkshield · 2 years ago

Text

Greetings and welcome to Chapter Seven!

Bruce kept checking and rechecking the security footage. One moment his son and the surprise guest were talking in the cave and the next a rift opens up pulling them both through.

“Hn”

Not good.

“Barbara.”

Bruce decided to call in the big guns on this one.

“Hello Bruce, I would say it’s nice to hear from you but considering this is the emergency line I'm concerned. What’s up?"

"Jason is missing."

Bruce let words fall out of his mouth quickly. He didn’t want to make his worries so apparent. He didn’t want to lose his composure. Losing his composure could cause mistakes in his detective work.

Bruce could hear the first few questions that Barbara posed.

"What do mean he's missing? Like he's left the manor? I can try to track him if you want."

Bruce nodded.

Of course he put an inter-dimensional tracker into the comms he gave to all of his children. This was exactly why.

Bruce rechecked the security footage.

For once Jason was actually wearing his.

good.

All the while Barbara was entering something into the computer on her end.

"I'm not getting anything for Jason's location..."

Bruce was truly concerned now.

He needed a lead to latch onto. Something he can focus on to keep his mind from wandering to extreme conclusions. Bruce then reviewed the audio recording from his cameras.

"Take us to Frostbite!"

"Wait!"

Frostbite? Was that a place or a person? Where have they gone that his tracker was out of range? Was it out of range or was it broken?

"You called me before listening to the audio from the security cam?"

"..."

Barbara decided not to press the matter.

"We have a lead, but I'm not really equipped to follow it. The only thing coming up for "Frostbite" is the medical condition and Icicle Jr.'s really sub par band"

Bruce's worry mixed with reluctance.

"Constantine."

"What is this now! Two calls from spooky the bat this year? I'm just tapping my toes with joy. What cataclysmic event do you have for me?"

Jason felt as though he had accidentally caught Superman's cape with his grappling hook.

He wrenched his eyes shut as he hurtled through space via map. Danny on the other hand was enjoying every moment of the journey, grinning as they flew to their destination.

Jason found himself face down among ice, snow and glaciers.

"Great One! It is good to see you, and you've returned the infinimap! You are truly full of surprises."

Jason managed to dislodge his face from the snow bank in time to see Danny being clapped jovially on the back by an eight foot tall yeti.

He could only blink.

"Who is this new guest you've brought with you?"

Jason was then scruffed like a kitten, placed on his feet and had the snow gently dusted off of his head by an eight foot tall yeti.

"That's Jason. He's cool, I promise. I was wondering if you could give us both a check up though. If you haven’t noticed yet he doesn't have a core yet and I'm tinier than usual."

Frostbite looked appraisingly between both Danny and Jason.

"And here I was about to applaud you on finally mastering shapeshifting! No matter, a friend to the savior of the infinite realms is a friend of mine. Follow me! You both shall receive the best care we can offer!"

Jason shuffled through the snow, following an eight foot tall yeti.

Said eight foot tall yeti managed to make Jason feel surprisingly comfortable in his presence. That is until he came to his diagnosis.

"Let me get this straight. I'm basically an infant, I’m ectoplasmicly malnourished, and I will eventually have powers?"

"Essentially, yes."

Danny snickered from a distance.

Jason really missed being a regular old zombie.

"What if I told you that I do not believe you?"

Frostbite mirthfully chuckled.

"If that were true I would ask you why you survived drinking ectoplasm."

Jason conceded.

"Ya got me there."

"That I do!"

Frostbite then addressed Danny

"Great One, I must admit this is not the safest place for either of you to heal and grow respectively. It has come to my attention that your parents are accepting payment in order for a certain Organization to have access to the portal."

Danny quietly processed the information, looking far too profoundly tired than any child should.

"How can I help?"

Frostbite carried two large tanks into the center of the room.

"Rest, heal and allow yourself to delegate tasks amongst your subjects."

Frostbite then knelt down to Danny's level and placed a large paw on his shoulder.

"We will be fine here Danny."

He then got up and lifted the two tanks.

"You both need to have a good supply of ectoplasm where you are staying. I think one of these will be enough for both you to reach a point where your cores are properly formed or reformed."

Frostbite carried the two tanks to out to the second most interesting individual Jason has met today.

"Wulf!"

Danny apparently knew this werewolf enough to greet him happily.

"Wulf, if you would be so inclined, can you open a portal to the dimension this young man is from?"

This Wulf as Jason has now gleaned sniffed him aggressively then nodded.

This is totally normal and fine.

Wulf then used his claws and ripped a portal out of thin air into the batcave.

Great.

Danny traipsed through the portal as if it was a door. Jason decided to help Frostbite push the tanks through the portal to feel some semblance of knowing what is happening.

Frostbite left them with well wishes as the portal closed.

Jason tried his best to wipe the bewildered look off his face when he realized the batcave was currently occupied.

Bruce had apparently started an entire search party with the rest of his family.

Tim had his detective wall of documents all pinned up.

Damian was arguing about the placement of the string.

Dick was pacing a few yards away from the wall.

Bruce was about to get carpal tunnel with the speed at which he was typing, his monitor was split between a database and a call with Constantine.

That is until the scraping of large metal tanks stopped them all in their tracks.

Jason waved.

"Hey"

He was immediately tackled by his older brother and squeezed into a hug.

"You can't scare us like that Jace!"

Bruce hung up on Constantine and walked towards him.

"Sorry I spooked you I didn’t really have time to leave a note-"

Interrupted, Jason and Dick by proxy was swept into a hug by Bruce.

Bruce let go.

"Let me know before you travel extra dimensionally."

He then left.

Dick had yet to let go, continuing his fretting.

"You just disappeared! None of use could find you! Never ever do that to me again. I swear you’re going to make me go bald with stress! Do you want me to look like Lex?"

Jason managed to get out of the vice grip Dick had on him.

"I'm sorry, okay? I go to the ghost doctor once and everyone thinks I've been kidnaped!"

Tim piped up

"To be fair it did look a lot like you got kidnaped by an inter dimensional map"

Dick managed to look even more worried.

"What do you mean a ghost doctor!?"

Jason shrugged.

"Exactly what I said. Found out I'm a baby ghost."

"A baby half ghost! Wellcome to the club, you are one of very few halfas in existence."

Jason took that information in

"What he said."

@shinyladykingdom @kyrianclawraith @vehan-tikkun-olam-and-stuff @darkhinauniverse @krzys2000 @coruscateselene @kjoboo91 @vythika96 @hydralusus @addie-lover-of-stories @skulld3mort-1fan

Also I don't want to flood people's notifs with my silly little fanfic so if you want me to continue to tag you let me know! Also sometimes I can't find the blog people ask me to tag them with so if you asked to be tagged and weren’t it wasn’t on purpose!

#At the Core fic #dp x dc #dcxdp #poor Bruce really was worried

417 notes · View notes

6rookie-writer0110 · 2 months ago

Text

A childhood friend asked for a favor

Kate Kane x Male Reader (platonic)

Request - How are you doing? Could you write a Kate Kane x male reader (platonic) where they were childhood friends but have not seen each other in years. They meet again after Batwoman saves the reader, and he recognized her.

You arrived in Gotham and everything is different. You used to live in Gotham but you moved away with your family. You recognize some places in Gotham that are still open for business. You arrive at a charity party and you start to look around, to see if you recognize anyone and so far you don't. You went to get something to drink at the bar.

“Y/n, it has been a long time,” Kate said.

You turned around it was your childhood best friend.

“Kate Kane, you have changed,” You said.

“New haircut” Kate smiled.

“I was going to say, you have better taste in clothes now,” You said.

She gave you a hug and she was happy to see you. You and Kate were friends from the ages of 6 to 13. You and Kate were always together hanging out.

“Are you moving back to Gotham?” Kate asked.

“Yeah, I just moved back almost a month ago. Wow, it really has been a long time” You said.

“It has been. I'm glad you are back, Y/n. Let me buy you a drink” Kate said.

“I’m not going to say no to a free drink” You smiled.

Kate laughed then she ordered the drinks. You and Kate started to talk about everything and made each other laugh. You were the first to know that Kate liked girls, but you never stopped being her friend. When you moved away, Kate got depressed and you two lost touch for a long time.

“Are you dating anyone or breaking girl’s hearts?” You asked.

“I’m not a player, Y/n. But if we went out I would get more girls than you” Kate said.

“Wow, already day one and you want competition” You laughed.

“You started it and I'm going to end it” Kate laughed.

You and Kate kept talking then she gave you her phone number.

——-

You and Kate are starting to hang out more. You and Kate made a bet on who can get the most girls. Kate won the bet and she won't let you forget it. But Kate never told you that she is Batwoman. There were times she had to disappear and make up fake lies about why she had to leave.

Before Kate left her apartment, she saw the news there was trouble. At Wayne’s business office, there are hostages on the 27th floor. There is a helicopter around the building, and the criminals threaten to throw people out the window if they don't get the money. She rushed out of her apartment and headed to the bat cave. Then Kate rushes to the building and Luke tells her what to do. She jumps through the window and lands in her superhero pose.

“It’s Batwoman!” He yelled.

“Make one move and I will throw him,” Alice said.

Your wrists are tied with zip ties and she is holding your shirt.

“Let everyone go now,” Kate said.

“That won't be fun, letting them go,” Alice said.

“I mean it, let them go,” Kate said.

Kate is stalling time while the Crows reach the 27th floor.

“Okay, I will let him go” Alice smiled.

She pushed you out the window before she went after you she threw Batarangs at Alice. The Batarang hit Alice’s arm then she started to run but the Crows busted the door open. Kate jumped out the window and used the grapple hook, she caught you just in time. You are still screaming then she goes toward the roof, then she lays you down.

“You can stop screaming now,” Kate said.

“Can you just leave me here forever?” You said.

She laughed and you recognized the laughter and the scent of the perfume. Kate cut the zip tie and you slowly stand up.

“Are you okay, Y/N?” Kate asked.

“You should have told me that you are Batwoman, Kate Kane,” You said.

“What? I'm not Kate” Kate said.

“I know your laughter and the smell of your perfume. I won't tell anyone and I think it's cool, that you are Batwoman” You said.

Kate starts to stutter and she admits the truth.

“Fine, I'm Batwoman” Kate said.

“I’m a fan” You smiled.

“Shut up” Kate smiled.

“Thanks for saving my life. I will buy you a drink next time” You said.

“Funny. I will see you later, I have to make sure the others are okay” Kate said.

“Sure,” You said.

You watched Kate jump off the roof and you headed to the stairs.

✬ ✯ ✬ ✫

Kate is happy that she doesn't have to lie to you. But she did take you to the bat cave and you are freaking out. You are asking so many questions and she thinks it's funny.

“Being in the Bat cave is so cool!” You smiled.

“Relax, Y/n,” Kate said.

“Kate, this is a once-in-a-lifetime to be in the bat cave,” You said.

“We could have a sleepover and I will order pizza,” Kate said.

“Are you serious!?” You asked.

“It was sarcasm, Y/n,” Kate said.

“Not funny,” You said.

She let you sit in the Batmobile, you were like a kid. You begged her to let you drive it and she said no many times.

#Kate Kane imagine #Kate Kane x reader #x male reader #dc imagine #Batwoman imagine #batwoman x reader #male!reader #male reader

28 notes · View notes

flwoie · 4 months ago

Text

LOVE IN DISGUISE — P. SH.

two : the haters be hating

contains : profanities, i dont know how dismantling a bomb works so spare me this is from watching spy movies

word count : 397

‘MISSION #1: DISMANTLE A BOMB (with Y/N ugh)’ was what Sunghoon wrote in his journal on his way to the city courthouse. Ever since he became a spy, he bought a journal and wrote everything he’d learnt. He hopes that he will have to buy a second one in the future, as his first and current one would be filled with missions he would do.

“What are you writing?” You ask as you drive the van, focusing on the road, thirty seconds away from your destination

“My first mission,” he replies, subtly stuttering.

“First mission is always the most important mission of a spy,” you state, parking the car behind the courthouse, “we’re here. You stay outside and I’ll get the equipment.” You got out of the car and opened the trunk, pulling out the items you two needed. You handed Sunghoon a pair of scissors and went to a wall of the courthouse.

You threw the grappling hook at the rain gutter and backed up to let Sunghoon climb first. He was quick to climb so it took you less than a minute to catch up. You two were standing on the roof, no sign of the bomb lying anywhere.

“The bomb could be tinier than we think, so we have to look carefully,” you informed, walking around. Sunghoon walks over to the chimney and pulls out a pipe bomb, showing it to you. “Or it could be a pipe bomb,” you deadpan.

“We have thirty seconds left until this thing blows up—twenty-nine now,” he mentions, looking at the timer ticking. He pulls out a pair of scissors and busts open the back of the bomb, revealing many colourful wires. “Um,” he says as he scratches his head.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Beomgyu just taught you this!”

“He did! There was only red and black on the test. This shit has the whole rainbow!”

The bomb beeped faster and faster. You two only had twenty-four seconds left. “It’s the wire connected to the detonator, it’s on the right,” you say. Sunghoon looks at you with confusion. “The blue one! Cut the blue one, you idiot!” You yell. He cuts the blue wire and the timer turns off. You both sigh in relief and eventually glare at Sunghoon with threatening eyes. “I’ll let Gyu know to never pair us together for a mission.”

“Hater.”

mlist — prev ; next

🗯️ hi guys i think i need to start queuing chapters

Secrets are meant to be kept. Sunghoon never keeps secrets though, well except one—his friends being members of a super secret spy team. He finds out on the night he gets kidnapped and is rescued by them. That night, his friend offers him to be a part of the team to stop an organization, SPY-DER LILLIES, from destroying their campus and agency, I.R.I.S (International Resource for Intellectual Spies). And like the goofy goober he is, he joins for a jetpack and to impress his longtime friend and crush, the black cat agent, in order to win her heart before the spiders come crawling up his back.

spy! sunghoon x spy! f! reader

taglist is open ; send an ask or comment under main mlist

[ 🏷️ ] @hanniluvi @odxrilove @astrae4 @dimplewonie @asteriaskingdom @sakanelli-afc @en-kays @kaykay11sworld @haknom @isoobie @enhaz1

#LOVEiNDISGUISE #sunghoon #enhypen #sunghoon smau #sunghoon social media au #sunghoon x reader #enhypen smau #enhypen social media au #enhypen x reader

32 notes · View notes

nyaskitten · 1 year ago

Text

I know this probably won't happen, but here's my idea for an Akita and Lloyd reunion in Dragons Rising (this is... kind of long mb) (any feedback would be appreciated tho I'm not v good at writing):

The wind harshly howled, the cold felt like tiny daggers piercing Lloyd's face cruelly and mercilessly, and the snow seemed as eternal as the Endless Sea. And if he had it bad, his students, even in their thick and puffy color-coded jackets, sleeves and hoods lined with bushy fur and wonderfully sturdy snow boots, still couldn't fight the effects of the bizarre frost in this area.

"S-s-s-o c-c-c-cold," Sora struggled to say, her breath as visible as smoke from an open flame before her eyes.

Riyu whimpered in agreement, his tiny dragon jacket clearly not enough for him.

For what felt like an eternity, the four of them trudged through the endless storm, shivering and trying to forge some form of warmth through Lloyd's powers, yet to no avail, so they simply kept journeying, their only sources of slight warmth being the lamps they all held.

I should've taken the bounty. This is the worst training I've ever thought of. Lloyd thought to himself, bitter and annoyed at what he believed would be a wooooooonderful way to teach his pupils that soooooometimes, you haaaaave to adapt to the area around you.

As the storm worsened and the trio began to slow in their movements, a low growl echoed through the surrounding area, the perpetrator of said growl masked in the shadows of night.

"L-Lloyd? W-what was that?" Sora asked, the freezing cold almost seeming non-existent to her in the face of the fear of this unknown sound.

"I don't know. Stay close, and be prepared for anything..." Lloyd instructed cautiously as he unsheathed his blade, while Sora stood in a fighting stance and Arin grabbed his grappling hook from his hip.

As the four stood there in fear and anticipation, they heard what sounded like a set of soft and light feet grazing the snow behind them, to which Arin turned around in fear, watching carefully. More light footsteps could be heard from the shadows, as though there were numerous of these mysterious things, circling the nervous trio.

As the sounds of crunching snow became louder and louder, the heartbeats of the ninja became faster and faster, until they heard a howl echo from the shadows, and several wolves began to slowly emerge.

"This is bad... Like, really, really bad..." Arin said, fearfully clutching his grappling hook.

"Don't make any sudden moves," Lloyd cautioned. "We don't want to hurt them, and we don't want them hurting us, got it?"

"I don't think they got that memo..." Sora whimpered as the group of wolves, around 8-9, really hard to tell in the darkness, began closing in on them.

The supposed alpha of the wolves howled loudly and then leaped to the ninja, causing Lloyd to hurriedly cast his lantern aside and fire a blast of energy at the wolf. The other wolves followed suit, to which Lloyd formed a Spinjitsu tornado to toss the wolves around, and Arin used his grappling hook to latch onto a tree and Spinjitsu his way around as well.

While Lloyd was tossing wolves with tornados and energy blasts, Arin was soaring through the treetops Spinjitsuing wolves like no tomorrow, no, like no next hour, even!

Riyu tried helping, but he, being a baby dragon, couldn't really do much other than growl and bite and get tossed and shaken about.

Meanwhile, Sora tripped and almost got bitten by a wolf, so naturally, she kicked the wolf, which was a terrible idea but Riyu thought it was hilarious so, not a very tough crowd there.

The wolf whimpered a bit then snarled and growled very clearly enraged, a hatred burning like a forest may, causing Sora to back up fearfully and grab a large stick to wack the wolf with, but the stick broke so that idea was out of the picture really quickly. Sora also grabbed stones and the wolf was like, mildly bothered by that at BEST!

The wolf lept at Sora but luckily Arin was still Spinjitsuing through the trees like Tarzan swings through the jungle, and he managed to kick the wolf away fairly easily.

Arin tried to manage a landing this time as he finished spinning, but he flew into a very soft bed of snow instead.

"Arin! Are you okay?" Sora asked as she rushed to his side to help him up.

"Mildly scratched here and there but, I'll manage," Arin nonchalantly said as he got up, seeming very unhurt. "C'mon, let's go help Lloyd!"

The pair, alongside Riyu, ran to Lloyd to help him in punching and kicking the wolves away, but it seemed like these guys just wouldn't stay down no matter what.

"Jeez, do these guys ever know when to quit?" Sora asked as she hit a wolf with a nasty uppercut kick.

"I guess that makes wolves and ninja really close," Lloyd quipped while blasting a wolf away, prompting Sora to mutter something about quitting, ninja, and shutting up under her breath.

The fight felt like it was continuing for an eternity as more wolves began to emerge from the shadows to make their move. The ninja were getting very tired, and kind of sweaty, which did NOT mesh well with the blizzard.

Soon they all felt the endless cold creep back onto them and started to feel the pitiful nature of their situation once more.

"We can't fight like this! It's t-t-too cold!" Lloyd yelled out, trying not to freeze to death.

As the wolves once again started slowly approaching, with malice and rage in their beady little eyes, another howl was heard from the shadows, and so too was the unmistakable growling of a bear... oh crap this can't be good...

The wolves looked to the shadows as the odd wolf and bear approached.

"Lloyd, what do we do now?" Sora asked, shaking both from fear and the cold. Lloyd gave no response, instead, he stared focused upon the wolf and bear, trying to get a better look at them through the dim moonlight and the light of their sidelined lamps.

"Is that... No way..." Lloyd muttered to himself.

"What, what is it?" Arin asked, puzzled by Lloyd's fascination.

"I-I recognize those two! I think they might be old friends of mine!" Lloyd said with a bit of joy in his cold, hardened face.

The wild wolves growled and snarled at this duo, who gave the same response. The duo were hype-focused on this pack, as the ninja team were mostly obscured by darkness and hard to make out.

The bear was the first to attack, leaving his wolf companion baffled. The bear slapped several wolves away, and stomped on one of their tails, while his companion leaped onto another wolf and bit the wolf, which was, very tragically, the same wolf Sora kicked... poor guy...

"Akita? Is that you?" Lloyd yells out to the wolf, causing her to look up from the wolf she was fighting in confusion and shock. Said wolf then kicked her off it, and sent her flying back.

The frustrated wolf growled at the other, only to be jumped by two other wolves. This prompted Lloyd to run to the wolf and help her with the wolves, tossing them off. The wolf then looked up at Lloyd in amazement and a look of happiness, panting like a little dog with her tongue out.

"It is you!" Lloyd yelled out, pulling the wolf in for a hug, which Akita happily returned.

Lloyd helped Akita up and the two got ready for a rematch, only to see the bear having sent all the wolves scurrying, and having left one or two unconscious. Akita disappointedly transformed into her human form, wearing a thick coat and odd new robes underneath.

"Kataru, you know the point of this whole thing was to drive them away, right? NOT bash them around, right?"

The bear transformed into his human form, wearing a coat similar to Akita's and a smile on his face.

"Sister, you know they were asking for it. Besides, we did still run them out, did we not?" Kataru said, his grin only extending wider.

Akita sighed annoyedly and then looked over to Arin and Sora, then to Lloyd. "Are these... your children?" She asked, genuine confusion in her voice.

"W-what? N-no no no, these are my students, Arin and Sora! Arin, Sora, meet Kataru and Akita. Akita, Kataru, meet Arin and Sora!"

"It's nice to meet you!" Arin says as he enthusiastically shakes both of their hands.

"So, are you like, close or something?" Sora asks Akita in reference to her and Lloyd.

"Something like that. Lloyd helped to liberate our realm from an evil tyrant and his advisor... although the tyrant did turn out to be one of his friends, we worked it out. Kind of." Akita said, as though fond of the past adventures she and Lloyd shared.

"Huh... That sure is something I guess" Sora says scratching her head.

"So, what brings you all out here in the freezing cold?" Akita asks.

"Well, we came here looking for a cursed sword. It landed somewhere in the Never-Land's, and I... uh... thought it'd be a good training exercise, y'know, to test their resolve and all..."

"That is a terrible idea. It's FREEZING here. The fact that you have survived this long is a miracle honestly."

"Yeah... we figured."

Akita let out a sigh. "Come with us, we will get you warmed up and fed, our village is not very far from here anyways".

As the group walked away, the snow glowed and glistened brightly, their footprints, and any traces of their scuffle, soon to be eradicated by the snow.

#sry if the characterizations are funky ive only seen sotfs once #ninjago #ninjago dragons rising #raine's writing

82 notes · View notes

niloerua-writing · 1 year ago

Text

Another Tuesday Night

Pairing: Miguel x Black Cat!Fem!Reader

Summary: She got caught. Again. As per usual.

Warnings: Suggestive.

WC: 640

A/n: can you tell that I really like this dynamic lol? making black cat and miguel content is like cooking up a thanksgiving dinner may or may not be associated with Vagabond for reference uses

Anything that sparkled, she’d most likely take. So when it was reported that an important stone was missing in one of the highly secured labs, Miguel knew exactly who it was that took it. Needless to say, she wouldn’t even deny it either.

“I know you have it, gatita.”

Black Cat wasn’t speaking for some reason, her eyes only looking up at Miguel’s red glower as she dangled from her webbed restraints. The webs were wrapped tightly around her arms and torso, her feet barely reaching the concrete floor. Miguel’s eyes glowed with intensity as they narrowed. This isn’t normal for her in comparison to the other times he’d caught her stealing. She would whine about how pretty it looked, how it called for her, how she deserved it. Then, when reinforced that stealing is wrong, she’d grin. Miguel’s anger didn’t seem to phase her at all, it actually emboldened her. There were several instances where he got clawed when he got too close.

“So you’re not going to say anything to me now?” She caught sight of his fangs when he growled- the anger was simmering.

Miguel shifted his attention from her eyes to her glossy lips; the shade would usually change for almost every encounter. He would recall how she’d smirk or stick her tongue out whenever he had failed to catch her or when she would run off into the shadows. Miguel stepped closer, the gap between them nearly closing in. It was impressive how she kept a calm face.

“(Y/n). I’m not going to ask again.” His voice lowered, and up close, he could see her brows furrow. Her lips began to purse inward, the corners of which began to quiver. Miguel could tell she was tensing up: her shoulders stiffened, her chest heaving, and her legs being squeezed together.

“Open your mouth.” He demanded. Her face paled, and Miguel knew from her widened eyes that she got caught. And of course, it would take more than a command to get her to do as he says.

Miguel placed his hand on her jaw, his fingers pressing into her soft, flushing cheeks. He began to slowly add pressure, and after a moment of her whimpering, her mouth was open. A crystalline prism was snug on her tongue, and her breaths were becoming noticeably jagged the more Miguel stared at her pathetic expression. He was almost enjoying this.

As soon as he realized what it was he really came for, he carefully picked up the gem in her mouth, stepping away from the Black Cat.

“What am I ever going to do with you?” He turned his back on her, sighing as he shook his head. The sound of a snap and a heel click prompted the man to turn around again, only to see her standing freely atop his torn webbing, large steel claws retracting back to their normal size.

“I don’t know,” Black Cat gave a stretch, the flex accentuating her curves under the fringe decorated catsuit. “Maybe take me to dinner first and give me a gift before cutting right into the chase for once? I’ll be nicer that way.”

Miguel frowned.

“You’re the worst date I’ve had since I’ve met you.” She sashayed right past Miguel, her arm brushing against his. There was an animalistic urge beginning to wake within him.

Black Cat smirked, her grappling hook whirring out of her gauntlet and gripping onto one of the pipes overhead. Before Miguel could reach for her, she was pulled away, landing atop a window ledge.

“Don’t worry, I’ll come back.” She beckoned her claws at him and giggled. “Spiders are my favorite things to play with anyway.”

As soon as she dove out of the window, Miguel looked at the gem he picked out from her tiny mouth. His fingers had traces of the lipstick she wore.

He won’t let her go that easy next time.

#miguel o’hara x reader #miguel x you #miguel x y/n #fem reader #x reader #aureo shorts

53 notes · View notes

kanda-franca · 1 year ago

Text

Dark Crisis: Nexus Being

For the Dick Grayson Big Bng 2023 hosted by @dickgraysonbigbang. Paired with the lovely @kiwilart check out their beautiful art done for this! (Thanks for being my partner <33)

The grey zones are spheres of shadow that appear on earth with no rhyme nor reason to their occurrence. They block out what is kept in; no signal, no tech, no arcane or supernatural means are able to penetrate through it. And those who go in never come out. Until Dick Grayson came stumbling out of one with a grave look and a lead. And maybe a truth about himself that could be the answer to stop it.

It was another routine evacuation mission. Star City, 3:32pm.

Nightwing swung from building to building for a better vantage point to spot any citizens.

Speedsters and movement-favoured heroes scouted inside buildings to rush them out.

A simple system formed over months of this, especially for him as an adaptable member for any role.

Zone approaching t-minus 5 minutes, his communicator announced before going back to regular levels of activity.

Comms going off one after another. Requests for backup at Zone C for 20 citizens. Land vehicles requesting clearance and navigation en route to rendezvous point.

Many things. But with grappling hook and his humanly physical attributes, he had to stick to his role.

Then— crying, he hears. Young, just a turn away.

Nightwing let go of the grapple and landed at the corner of a junction.

And right next to a parking metre, a child no older than nine from Nightwing's estimates laid curled up on the ground bawling his eyes out in fear. Black hair, small body it was like looking at a picture of himself. weird.

With how packed the junction was with empty cars haphazardly parked in the middle of the road, it was no wonder that the kid was left forgotten. a bad misight on their part.

Where were his parents?

“Hey,” Nightwing kept his voice calm and inviting. a blend of calming a citizen and child rearing, with a bit of levity that could encourage the kid to look at him.

The boy looked up and immediately latched onto him. Still sniffling but less afraid. no speaking, must be overwhelmed by everything poor kid, he thought sympathetically as he stroked his hair and wrapped another arm around his body.

“It’s gonna be scary for a bit but I’ll get you to safety as soon as we can and get you to your parents ok?” he said. “You can close your eyes for this part but I promise I won't let go.”

He felt a small nod. Good enough.

Nightwing adjusted his grip to grapple onto the nearest building out and let gravity guide him.

Nightwing was created from a story. A history passed down to him from his own hero. Superman had always been a stable figure in his life, a lighthouse when he felt lost.

Nightwing was the great rebuilder. Born of redemption and rebirth and he wanted it so badly. The idea that there was something after a name and purpose is gone.

Nightwing was something else to Dick Grayson. An entirely new understanding of what skills he had and how he could use it.

But lately, with the Grey Zones and its uncomfortable feeling of impending doom left him restless. Every week he went on the field to evacuate thousands and migrate them to the nearest refuge. It was stressful. To hear the cries of those that have lost their lives to the black hole of an enemy, to hear begging and pleading of turning back, or the solemn silence of developed apathy.

It always felt as though Dick could do more as a vigilante. Despite all he had done; his relentless training to keep his skills sharp, his connections within the hero community, the actual good he has put into the world. He chalked it up to perfectionism most of the time, but this was different.

As if his identity held another weight. a meaning being formed right in front of him. As if the universe had started calling, humming a crooning tune that beckoned him closer, to an answer or a demise he wasn’t sure.

He felt it the moment they went into this mess.

It was a routine day for the heroes on the west coast of the US. They heard reports of an abnormal darkness spreading and investigated.

Emergency services were already present on the field when they arrived, yet where the road continued to lead off to shadows instead. It was a spherical wall of opaque black, yet swirling like smoke at moments in non-euclidean similarity. They sent off one of their vehicles to go in and report if it was safe to move forward.

Communications malfunctioned as soon as the last glimpse of the ambulance passed through.

They thought they would be better able to pass through and evacuate the citizens left inside.

News broke out that an entire team of heroes were lost to the zone the situation took on a dire light. So the Justice League swiftly acted.

Superman, the face of the League took charge of the first emergency meeting with

The first report of the Grey Zone outside of the United States was the UK.

Then followed by China, Mexico, South Africa. Soon enough, every nation had been plagued with the darkness, entire cities of people left homeless, setting forth hastily formed refugee bases in stadiums, school gyms and convention centres. Because no one knew if they would be hit next. If there was any point in fully stocking these areas if there was a chance that it would be gone the next day.

Six months into this pandemic, Singapore became completely lost to the Grey Zone. A dark spot on the world

The best thinkers in the world working with the brains of the Justice League were coming up empty, every occultist they knew had consulted the supernatural to no avail, the world had long become antsy for some sort of solution but they had nothing.

They were powerless.

The Grey Zone at Star City stopped expanding.

The heroes waited with baited breath. Nightwing on the comms said it would be a tight squeeze to get out in time but he sounded confident. But the likelihood that he did was decreasing every second.

It’s not that there ever has been a case for people to escape the Grey Zone, so really expecting Nightwing to come out of it was a foolish dream.

It’s just that no one could quite believe that something could defeat him. Nightwing has always been an adversary for the notion of impossibility, a human that could bend reality to what he could do, his feats seeming to contradict the laws of the universe. So for him to not make it out was wrong on so many levels.

They waited way longer than they should have.

And he was still gone.

It couldn’t end like this.

Did everyone feel it in the end? The overwhelming feeling of terror down to the bone, washed in cold guilt like ice down his back.

He kept swinging still, muscle memory from a lifetime of vigilante work taking over as he took greater focus on beating the encroaching darkness. He could feel it nip at his back, a constant push and pull of wrapping them in its arms.

But he started slowing. It started speeding up.

His eyes behind his mask widened as the darkness finally swallowed him and the boy in his arms.

No.

He woke up on a cot in the Watchtower’s medbay. Alone except for Batman in the room. No dire injuries, no bandages, nothing physically felt off. The boy.

“W-where is he?” Dick croaked, voice hoarse from disuse.

Batman, seeming to understand, stepped forward and spoke. “When you went back on our radar, you were alone. Team Alpha two days ago reported that you were carrying a child westward to the rendezvous. We couldn’t find him.”

It hurt to hear how he failed in saving a kid’s life. How they both went in but he was the only one that made it.

“Oh.”

There really wasn’t much to say after that. Wait— two days?

Batman subtly straightened up, a miniscule action only caught by years of knowing him; the shift of his cape, his jaw shifting slightly, the narrowing of the whites in his eyes.

“How did you get out?”

“I- I don’t know. Just… It’s— they’re?— stealing the colours, the memories, the lives. Everything.”

He couldn’t remember what happened to him before and after.

But the memories rushed through him. Colours to grey, alive to emptiness, a slow death. And most importantly, how he escaped it all.

“That’s not an answer Nightwing and you know that,” Batman squinted in his cowl even further, “You’re hiding something.”

Nightwing pinched his eyebrows, huffing out an approximate to a laugh. God, Batman would never believe what really happened. He was hoping for some more time to formulate something better. Something that made more sense in words than just feelings and inexplicable experiences.

“I- I saw God?” he tried, incredibly bashful in his delivery.

A hum. Continue on then.

“Not really God either. It was like the universe but larger, so much more than what we know but also smaller?”

The words have never failed him before now. He pushed through, “We were in the darkness and I was the only one awake or maybe I was alone?”

He wavered at Bruce’s increasingly wrinkled cowl. “So, it did and now I’m here,” he summarised, raising jazz hands as he uncomfortably looked away.

It was silent. The sterile white of the medbay grew brighter, piercing his eyes, and there was a faint ringing in his ears that only grew louder. Batman just stood there, emotionless as always, then left the room.

As the doors closed, Dick put his head in his hands and groaned as he stewed over what he did wrong.

The Justice League (and the wider hero community in general) could be such mother hens. It's been a week and Nightwing still hasn't been cleared for the field. For the most part, stuck in the Watchtower or the Manor.

Suffice to say that he was going more than stir crazy.

He used to do ground patrol during evacs. An adaptable member on various teams due to his ability to clear out buildings inside out from the top down or bottom up.

Now they were just trying to put him on PR duty till they felt safe to let him out (read: never). They’ve given him first hand accounts, the latest classified world leaders’ meeting, and even evacuation team reports— which just gave him a massive case of FOMO instead. Not that they were having a good time; he’s a workaholic and he misses his work. He just finished reading the evacuation report in Italy, one of his assigned areas too.

Normally, Dick wasn’t opposed to this side of the vigilante lifestyle, he has just as much experience with the public as Superman. But it didn’t feel as fulfilling making notes for Black Canary to address in the next press conference or chairing the next international meeting, than what he really wanted to do.

He knows what he saw. But he had reason to believe that some of them doubted his testimony, and might even assume that he lost a few screws while in there. Hence, Dick being grounded. If he just had more time to process it. Think it all straight and lay it out for Batman just one more time.

At the very least, there are some in the research team who would “look into it”. Not much to go off of, but it could be a start at unravelling the mystery. Although, with the rapid onslaught of new Grey Zones recently, there’s no telling as to when they’ll get to it.

It also brought him to think about the topic he dreaded most, the one he neglected to tell the others just because of how irrational it was: the nature of himself. When Batman found him out, he didn’t know where to start, what to even say. So he made a diversion to steer away from it, let the others focus on the weird trip he went on to hide what he learnt. It was something that shouldn’t be said yet, something he couldn’t verbalise because of how reality will sink in when he does.

Whatever it meant to be a Nexus Being, what it entails, what is so different about him now that he knew about it.

So, he was stuck with his thoughts and the weight of solving this on his own.

He’s running. His breath fogs in the cold, every inhale burning his lungs. But it physically hurts too. A million tiny pieces of debris crawling down his throat, clogging his airways. Every other breath is him hacking his lungs out.

He doesn’t know why he’s still running. He’s stuck isn’t he? He doesn’t know what happened. When the world went dark, it was as if he walked through a doorway and forgot what he was going to get. All he knows is to try and escape. He keeps running on the empty street.

He was carrying something. He forgot what it was.

Every piece of him longs to see the sun again. But with every bound and leap, there’s a growing feeling that he should slow down, to stop.

And it’s incredibly convincing.

If Dick were to recount this tale, if he were to live and get through this, he wouldn’t be able to say that he tried as hard as he could to brush it off. He was tired and weary and call it uncharacteristic, but he stopped.

A wave of tiredness immediately washes over him. Head spinning, he leans on the nearest wall and tries to catch his breath. He coughs every other time, and attempts to stifle them into every third at least. He finally has the time to observe his surroundings thought, and then it hits him.

It wasn’t really dark.

He knows the night. He grew up in the shadows of the Bat, learned to live and blend in with it. Make it home when everything else was still so unfamiliar back then. Don’t get him wrong, the world blurred to grey as he ran and every part of him felt enveloped by blackness but he knows every shade of the sky when it’s dark out and this isn’t it.

The sky above him looked erased, a blank canvas where there should have been substance. It was disorientating, especially when he questioned where the light was emitting from. Because if the sky was… nothingness— best descriptor he had, and there weren’t any lamps lit on the street, nor any light coming from the windows, then where was it coming from?

He double checks his investigation of the place. All the weirdness pointing to supernatural means.

Then he registers figures coming into frame. Appearing out of the fog that limits his vision.

His eyes widen with what he sees.

People. But entirely grayscale as they walk unseeingly and zombielike. They pass by Dick without a second glance. And they’re all heading in one direction, towards the centre where the Grey Zone first started expanding.

He has nothing to do but follow.

Every vigilante worth their salt knew how to create evidence boards, vigilante as in the Bats presenting their discoveries. If only to aid in some finer flaunting.

And as such, it was what he was currently doing to figure out the whole Nexus Being and saving the world problem. Simple.

As of now, he’s dug out an old cork board and a few discarded theories from Research: a tie to the nth metals from that one crisis involving the Dark Multiverse, thus connecting it to the electrum metal flowing through his blood, a possible Court of Owls involvement? Then more about the darkness, the Great Darkness, the Great Evil, the Shadow Creature, etc— Dick had to applaud the list of aliases, but the ambiguous branding could use some work. Digressing, the only two barely connected ideas were the Carter Hall notebook and something about a Sandman?

He was nowhere close to understanding. And it was also a bit of pride stopping him from calling any of Justice League Dark, who he justified as being very preoccupied. It’s an uncomfortable space to be in, being short of an answer you thought you could find out yourself.

He debated on whether he should involve someone else in this. If it was something he should even share. But in reality, those questions covered for the other part of him that was scared he wouldn’t like the answer, mainly that a Nexus Being meant he was a danger to others. If things would change with how others view him.

And a tinier part of him was angry if this was all fate. That he didn’t work as hard as he actually should because of the world intending it so. It’s not as if he couldn’t handle sudden change, but maybe he didn’t want change right now, he was happy with how he was living life, why should something he apparently has always been change that?

It’s those tiny thoughts that spiral and take over what was important. That cloud his mind sometimes from duty. As a hero, he knows what it takes and he knows what he should prioritise.

He buried the Batman in him and dialled Zatanna.

Dick can only describe the trip as a weird cross of dystopian hellscape paired with the uncanny familiarity of Star City. To sum up the rest of his experience though… he is surrounded by people, but they walk as if forced into rigid lines and columns. However, there’s a wide circular berth around Nightwing—he doesn’t feel a compulsion to fit into the status quo, nor does he need to walk in the same as them, so he’s just barrelling through the people out onto the street.

He continued a little ways behind them all as they walked and walked and walked.

He had a sinking feeling in his chest as more people appeared in droves heading the same direction. Junctions allowing a growing crowd to emerge and spill onto the road. As they entered the park gates by Midtown, it finally hits him.

They’re at the epicentre of the Grey Zone, a water fountain frozen in time stood at ground zero. He knew that his team branched off from the park but with the way the people lined themselves in wait around the fountain, it was a detail he couldn’t shake.

Everyone stands stock-still, and as he’s already incredibly unnerved by all of this, he goes to touch someone. He knows him— it takes a while to get his name, Peter, a fan of Nightwing that he once saved who came up to him after the battle to talk about acrobatics. Just a pleasant conversation with a fellow acrobat that makes what he does all worth it.

But he doesn’t get the answer he thought he’d get. Peter doesn’t recognise him. He’s a stranger. And there’s a growing indication that everyone around him is also in this state.

He staggers back and finds himself alone drifting through the cosmos. Alone. At least it’s easier to breathe.

The black canvas and its painted stars. There is a peace in being alone with such beauty, and he takes painless breaths as he watches the glinting galaxies. It’s a nice change but

The peace doesn’t last.

The hair on his neck quivers as he feels a presence behind him. He turns around.

What Dick has on the topic of… whatever is going on, is actually pretty in depth. It’s amazing what someone can do when they have nothing else going on.

He dug up as much as he could but what Zatanna could offer helped more than he could say.

He first had to tell her the whole story from start to finish. The problem was that he never did improve how he told it after the first time. Fortunately, Zatanna was more than capable of understanding of course she was. Dick loves her so much for that.

Who could forget the magician and her reverse words? Her power in knowing the twisting nature of language and the natural state of a confusing world was well suited for Dick’s experiences. His stuttered speech finally comprehensible for the first time?

While she didn’t have time to explain fully, she guided him in the right direction. Zatanna had big duties. A point of contact for the supernatural that the League could rely on (sorry Constantine). She still took the time though, which was much more than what he expected.

She first added onto the Sandman point: “There was this thing he once said, something about a black sun? But he did say it would be his fight if that were to happen.”

“Thankfully, we’re not at that part.” yet he added silently.

“He knows this isn’t it. Always good to take out what isn’t relevant.” And easily as that, Zatanna removed his pin on Dream. It was a loose guess anyway.

“Moving on, what exactly is this?” she tapped an idea he tacked on last minute.

The theory of the reverse universe. So, William Sidis was one of those people Bruce added to his reading list in vigilantism. A moral story of genius pushed into obscurity, and this and that about expanding ideas. But also, how some things can be truer than what meets the eye.

And for this theory, he couldn’t get it out of his head. The laws of the reverse universe work in opposition to theirs. Focused not only on energy, but time as well. Sidis proposed that the organisms in that universe would conceive the past as the future and the future as the past. The past then, becomes something unknown.

And energy instead of dispersing, gathers.

Dick simplified this as much as he could when he relayed it to Zatanna. A rough yet solid idea. But one she couldn’t add any weight to.

“For something like this… I don’t know, Dick. I guess in the same way the Phantom Zone exists, it might be possible. But why here? Why now?”

He couldn’t answer with that statement. “It’s outlandish but almost everything in that book was uncanny. We just need to know how the Grey Zones come into this. I just need to dig further.”

“You mean we?” Zatanna said that with no-nonsense.

Dick pointedly did not answer. She sighed heavily and gave him a long look but didn’t press on it. Has he mentioned that he loves her?

It’s not that he doesn’t trust her. The depth of which he can trust his life in her hands feels infinite. But he can’t bring her into this more than he already has.

They continued on bullet point after bullet point and they would have done so till they exhausted every possibility, extrapolated every piece of information, if not for Zatanna’s comms to go off.

“Oh, duty calls—” she checked her alert—“I gotta get going—something’s going down in Malta? All the best though, Dick.”

After a quick peck on his cheek, she leaned in close and whispered. “You’re not in this alone.”

“Thank you for the help, Zatanna,” he ignored that last statement, definitely a dick move but what else could he say?

She had no idea what a Nexus Being is, coming to the same conclusion he did about focal points and connections. Zatanna did say though, right before she left, that she’d look into it.

He hasn’t decided if that’s a good thing or not.

He takes a step back to take in the whole board. Turn his head to the side, then the other. His eyes widen and he turns on his heel and leaves.

Dick can’t describe what he’s looking at.

The background is simple. The stars and galaxies are still there, twinkling. The purples and blues in a marbling display in his sight, they swirl in his eyes that expand infinitely across his surroundings.

But the entity in front of him is literally beyond comprehension. Any depiction he conjures in his head is wiped. He knows he catches faces appearing, his brain scrambling to find life in there like a jacket over a chair in the middle of the night. Inexplicable images flashing faster than the blink of an eye.

He can work with referring to… them as the anthropomorphic night. More than a lifetime of experience for that honestly.

Contrary to popular belief, he is not given the heavenly task of spreading the word of God. Instead he is greeted with warnings.

He is projected with flashing red errors and every hazard symbol that spells out bad news. He’s a deadly virus, a relentless parasite. He embodies the world in chaos, raging fires, and the apocalypse. He’s at the centre of it all— every finger pointed at his existence.

Dick voicelessly screams into the void. He feels every inch of pain rack his body. He dies over and over again, it’s not the pummelling blows he’s used to, it’s the very breath being taken from his lungs in a constant loop.

He feels himself slip into unconsciousness under the currents of the stars. And he dreams of something called a Nexus Being.

Zatanna doesn’t often find herself listless in her line of work. She has a grocery list of things to attend to in this crisis.

But her thoughts stray to Dick’s situation. The League had been hesitant to say anything about his disappearance and return. For valid reasons too, the questions, the accusations that could pop up— she does not want to be in the PR team’s shoes if that were to happen.

Luckily, or unluckily depending on how you view it, those two days were only stressful for the League who just lost one of their strongest members in both skill and bond.

They push against impossible odds so often that those two days were spent trying to find him, hoping for the business of revival to come to him. It did, but at what cost?

Dick was slightly off-kilter when he came back. Pulling away and retreating into himself despite the League’s attempts at protecting him. Zatanna gets it but Dick is not meant to be cooped up on the ground for so long. She jumped at the opportunity to help.

A fat load of good that did. Now he’s gone again and all that’s left is his mystery board that no one can begin to decode.

But Zatanna knows. She just needs help from a couple others.

End of Part One

#Dick Grayson #Dick Grayson Big Bang 2023 #i have a whole lot of stories for this world #but the ending of this will be done soon #Nexus Being Dick Grayson

20 notes · View notes