#and when it comes to gos drake needs to learn to put his pride on the shelf

[giddlygoat]

drake forgets that LP has the capacity to intimidate and so does he

[criibibi]

Synopsis: After losing so much, Spider-woman learns to just keep moving. Only for her to end up somewhere far from home. Her first agenda is figuring out where she is, and how to get back. The only problem is that she ended up somewhere fictional (to her). Playing hero with Batman was not in her bingo cards this year. Hopefully she will be able to make it back home before she catches unwanted attention.

Masterlist: Prev; Next;

Chapter 6 - Lock In

Tim Drake takes pride in his detective skills. He is glad he can put his talents to good use, really he is. But this case he is currently assisting on is weird. Weird in a sense that things were unfolding rather quickly. 

At first it started as a few missing kids cases. Runaways going missing, and sometimes they unfortunately turn up dead. It wasn’t just runaways though, upon further investigation, it seems they weren’t the only targets. 

No, it was much more. Orphans, runaways, even those with families have been going missing and the numbers have quietly increased but not to the point where the public is concerned. The only reason it has gotten any attention is because shelters have documented teens getting scouted and then disappearing and no ransom call, ever.

It has been going on for months, the paperwork and reports being buried until only just recently has it been getting attention by James Gordon. Bruce being how he is, and what led him to become Batman, made it his mission to uncover the cases of missing teens.

What they found was very little but enough to narrow down that this is a group doing. And it’s not their first rodeo either. The most common link is the shelters where these runaways go, since Bruce has established some Wayne Foundations around town the cctv around there have significantly narrowed down possible leads.

And then they had a breakthrough, a familiar face kept appearing, but only recently, and thus narrowed down on the search. Just when they were getting somewhere, something unexpected happened.

Life threw a boon. Someone with information was caught. Sebastian. Not only was he caught, he was set up, someone had called and tipped information on Sebastian which led to his capture. Then, said man started spilling information, he talked real fast, shining light on this case that happened to be worse than they all thought. 

These kids were lured in for one thing. Trafficking. How they were lured varied, kidnap non-risk teens, bait goods such as drugs or money to the wrong crowd, the vulnerable ones, or straight up recruit those who were interested.

Recruit them for what? Illegal fighting rings is a start. Regardless if you were kidnapped, lured, or went willingly, you were trapped into a crime ring essentially with no escape. Your life was theirs. Some of these kids have lost their lives, and some haven’t been seen since.

Despite spilling, Sebastian hadn’t or wouldn’t disclose the locations of these rings, only that they’re new to Gotham but not in general. This was never good news. 

And yet they were catching more and more people who are directly linked to this case. Some runaways were discovered laying low, but these are just the ones that went willingly, the missing ones are still a now show if not found in a body bag. 

Till one of the runaways spoke of a fighting ring behind a bar. A well known bar to be exact.

He felt like this case was coming to an end. Now all that’s left are the missing kids. God after this, he wants to sleep for three whole days. 

“Got a breakthrough.” Barbara’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Which one?” Ah, how can Tim forget?

They’re actually working on two cases. The runaways and the newcomer of Gotham who has yet to be identified. The only thing they have to go off of is sketches and looks so farfetched that they haven’t been released to the public.

Only in Gotham as they say. No one says that.

“The kids.” She informed him. “Or more like a possible link.”

“Do tell, I need a break.” He joked. There was never a break for the geniuses.

“I wish, here, look at this.” Babs chuckled, “This man, Jacob,�� cue the picture of the man in question popped up on the bat computer that both Babs and Tim are sharing. “I scanned his face for some time, and guess what?”

Tim can literally see. “What?” He played along. 

“Jacob isn’t his real name. Say hello to Eric Mosquera.” Barbara jazzed hands. “He’s the right hand man of a well known cartel in Spain. It took some time but he got work done, he looks better now than before.”

“Well now, having a foreign cartel was not in my bingo card for this case. Who do you think is his doctor? They made a miracle.” Tim sighed. “What are they doing here in Gotham? Can’t they stick to their own territory?”

“Oh you big baby, think of it like this. If we stop them here, then Spain is free from a murderous cartel group.”

“If only things would go that smoothly. They’ll just lay low for a bit before rearing their ugly mugs again.”

“Yea whatever, we got this in the bag. Go tell Bruce, I’m going to follow up on something else.”

“Are you talking about the new ghost vigilante?”

“You know it, no matter how many cctv there are in Gotham, they still somehow are barely seen.” And honestly, it’s getting on her nerves. “I’m pinpointing locations of arrests and possible sightings of our new meta outsider.”

Just then a message popped up on the computer, a message Tim sighed for the nth time. “Sorry to interrupt your brooding hour B, but I have something I think you want to know. Also you have a message from Commissioner Gordon.” Reading the message he frowns.

“On my way.” Bruce responded.

This information didn’t have to be in person, so he saw no reason for Bruce to come, no, actually now that they know about Jac-er, Eric, they can just go to the bar Eric owns. And would you look at that, it just so happens to be the bar that the mercenary happens to frequent. “No, I think it’s best you go with-”

“I am fully capable of handling it myself just fine. I don’t require father’s assistance.” a third voice snapped. “I’m here with Kent, we’re fine Drake.” And the line was turned off.

The attitude.

“Explain.” Batman demanded.

Tim held back a sigh “So you see, the mercenary actually seems to work for Jacob who is actually Eric Mosquera and is the right hand man of the Spanish cartel known as El Conquistador. What a lame name…” Tim mumbled the last part.

“Who’s in the area?” Besides Damian and Jon were left unsaid but Tim knew.

“Duke’s twenty minutes away looking for a lead on a runaway, but Jason’s in the area. Cass and Steph are in their civvies scoping out shelters and for any suspicious movement. Want me to suit up?”

“Negative. Let Jason handle it. I’m going to have a chat with Sebastian again. Meet me there in thirty.”

“Roger that B.” Welp, so much for a breakthrough. It’s a good thing he was already suited up beforehand. 

Just as Tim was about to click on Jason’s icon, Damian’s name flashes on the screen first. “Drake, look into the time of now and send it over to me.”

“Hey- wait-” Tim was caught off guard, with the order “What’s this about? I thought you didn’t ‘require assistance’ for this.” He teased, Barbara raised an eyebrow in amusement.

“I don’t.” Damian snapped and shut the comms off.

“What is going on…” Despite the odd request, Tim hacked into the cameras where Damian and Jon were located, Barbara side eyeing in interest. He still had time before meeting with Bruce, so he watched as a civilian threw themselves out of Jon and Damian’s path. “What the?” His words caught Barbara’s attention as she focused on what Tim was watching. Recognition flashed in her eyes but kept quiet before focusing on her assignment.

TIm was amused as he watched the stranger panic and apologize. ‘Cute.’ Unfortunately there was no audio, but he’s sure Damian recorded it. Looping the video back, Tim couldn’t take his eyes off this civilian. Not much was shown but he couldn’t help but be enchanted, dazed even. It seems Jon and Damian felt the same way. Was this ‘love at first sight’ for his baby brother?

Whatever, he made sure to save the video and push the stranger out of his mind for now. Time is short and he still needs to tell Jason his mission before he meets up with Bruce. Barbara kept her eyes on the video before returning to type on her laptop.

Tim calls Jason. “What?”

Everyone is so rude today. “We got a lead on the manager of the bar. I’m sending you the info before I leave. You suited?”

“Yea, let me see what you got.”

Tim watched all the information sent to Jason’s icon. “Alright then-”

Tim could only hear movement and Jason’s line went silent, then muffling. “What the?” Had something happened to Jason? But Tim clearly heard movement before the line went silent.

He called out again before hanging up and dialing once more, getting ready to become backup incase Jason needed it. “You still there?”

“Yea, I’m still here. I’m in the Narrows, following the lead.” Okay, seems like there was nothing Tim had to worry about.

“Good, while Damian follows the mercenary, you got the manager. I’m seeing some suspicious moments, it seems he’s leaving in a hurry. Turn on your commlink, Bruce is already moody as he is.”

“When isn’t he like that?” Tim can feel Jason roll his eyes. “Did something happen? Why’d you go silent?”

“Just helping a civilian. She was getting chased.”

Man today just keeps getting better (sarcasm). “She safe?”

“She’s fine, just left. Seems so but I’ll check up on this later, probably a stalker.”

“Alright then. I’m out to join Bruce. Stay safe.” Tim ended the call and headed out, making sure to inform Barbara.

“I heard, don’t worry.” Tim watched Barbara scan the database of a certain voice.

Before he left, he was curious, “Whatcha got over there?”

“Just some recordings, the tips my dad has gotten, wanted me to run a voice check but as you know, nothing pops up. I think whoever calls is using a voice changer. Clever bastard, why can’t they put this much effort in being the good guys.” 

“Well, if anyone can solve this, it’s our very own genius hacker. Good luck.” Tim headed out.

Barbara waved him away as she made herself comfortable in her wheelchair, she pulled out her phone and opened her messaging app.

-

“Fortunately, those calls get sent to me. They always start out the same.” Jim presses play on the saved recordings.

“Ricardo Rodrigez, age 32, thief and aggravated assault. Gotham Park, smoking and drinking.” Jim plays the next one. “Erick Gardfield, age 19, breaking and entering, car burglary. Grocery Market, South side of Gotham.” “Trent Dawrin, age 22, several DUIs, alcoholic. Partying at Gotham collage, North side.” “Andrew Thomas, age 43, domestic violence, stalking, several assaults, battery, gang related crimes. Crime Alley, in a white van, plate name…”

“This one was our breakthrough.” Jim plays the next recording.

“Sebastian Davis, age 38. Several counts of sexual assault, selling illegal substances to minors, stalking, and in possession of an illegal fire arm. Stripbar, East End.”

“That’s when I called you to interrogate him.” Batman confirms with a nod. “We received eight tips, and the other five are from our interrogation with you. All through a payphone, never the same location, and I believe they’re always near.”

Batman stays silent, head put to work. “Visual?”

“Never caught. Regardless, I have more information on the kidnappings. We thought it was just trafficking here in Gotham from a crime lord. Bruce, this is bigger than we thought and we’re stretched thin. Sebastian confessed to several hidden and underground fighting rings, kids get thrown in these and they fight and get sponsored, after that, they’re shipped off to be hunted for sport. Here’s everything we have so far. I know you can find out more.” He hands Batman a flashdrive. “These kids, a lot of them are nameless, we got nothing… I’ve got two sheets of papers with names and some with no pictures. It’s what I was able to pull from the system.”

Batman takes it. That’s right, once Sebastian was in custody, he spilled so much. All in exchange for protection, that coward. He was the reason that they even know about the mercenary deserter from Australia. Took two days to track him down, and where he frequents. 

And now, Damian is on his tail, today.

Batman nods, pocketing the usb in his utility belt. “Anything else?”

“So far, no. Nothing about the new vigilante, not even in the media has seen them.” Jim sighs a deep tired one For such a nosy group of people, he’s genuinely shocked they can’t get any pictures other than a blurry figure that’s hard to decipher even with new technology. “No connection to this either. Think you're scaring them off?”

His response was nothing but silence as Batman jumped off the building, disappearing in the shadows despite the daylight. Rescuing those kids, and shutting down these ‘underground’ fights takes priority.

Now that he knows these poor kids are going through hell in his city, he will stop at nothing to save them. Hell will come to those who get in his way. He won’t let them become like him.

Jim watched his trusted friend leave him alone on the rooftop of the GCPD Headquarters. Walking down the stairs, heading to his office, he sat down in his room in silence. He and others had worked overtime in order to solve this case. He couldn’t imagine just how long this was going on for. 

On top of his desk, was the folder of this case, a profile sat on top of the others, an uncaught criminal-mercenary. Christopher Connor was the name dropped days ago. A “bodyguard” of sorts as well as a military deserter. Government name unknown, just this fake alias was given. Hired by an unnamed person, and has been in Gotham for a little over a year. Tracking him was a bitch, but Batman and his wards were able to locate him. 

They still couldn’t find one of the hidden fighting rings, but he knows they’re close.  He can feel it, call it- a detective intuition. Sebastian Davis was tight lipped about that one, Jim knows he knows. All he did was drop names, no locations, no place of residency, not even which side of Gotham they are. Just names, ranks, and descriptions. And he’s giving this information out piece by piece. Not enough to complete a puzzle or to fit two together. Just sporadic random puzzle pieces. He’s buying time.

What Batman did get out of this piece of shit was where they would like to scout vulnerable teenagers, or runaways. The dirtiest part of Gotham (ie. The Narrows, Park Row, and Marina to name a few), or the desperate parts of Gotham, like the homeless shelters scattered throughout.

Jim wonders if there will come a time where Gotham would be free of crime. He would love to be alive to see it one day. He just needs hope.

Moving his sights to his computer, he checks his emails and anything of importance. After ten he noticed something. In the tab he sees a pop up. Clicking on it, the three simple words caused a pit to form in his stomach.

‘They know. Scatter’ 

“They know?” He repeated to himself. Was this message left for him? Was he the only one to receive this or was this intended for someone else? Surely not. Surely… It seems the police are onto something, and this sender is warning them to not get caught. How deplorable, corruption at its finest.

The pop up containing the three words vanished when he clicked on the tab, as if it was never there. He may not be tech savvy but he’s smart enough to know that (the tab closing on its own) is not normal.

It seems he is going to have to pay his daughter a visit. Placing his scattered notes inside the folder he placed them in his carrier and dialed his daughters number. Taking a few steps out his office and before he could press the green call button, his phone rings. An unknown number. 

He’s about to cancel the call when he felt his gut twist. Such a foreboding feeling, he swallowed his nervousness as anticipation builds up in his body, his thumb slides on his phone screen.

-

Somehow your mind was still intact as you made it back to the junkyard. Your spider sense had finally quieted down when you got a good distance away from Jason Todd, the Red Hood. How shitty is your fucking luck to run not only into Superman’s son and Jason Todd? 

Your mind is on thin ice. So close to collapse. To add to your fucking worries, you took off your sweatshirt, meaning you exposed your watch. Though, your saving grace is the distraction of your pursuer taking the attention away. But god you are losing it.

Changing into your suit, bringing along your bag containing your civilian clothes and crocs, you pulled out your phone, the one that you bought, and located the office Commissioner Gordon is a part of.

Were you nervous? Yes. For one, you’re going to be awfully close to the Batsignal, and second, you know for a fact that Jim Gordon snitched. ‘S why the birds are here in the Narrows, where only one of the wards patrolled.

Leaping off of the warehouse roof, you make sure to stick to tall buildings, using it as cover. It’s still daylight out here after all. 

Leaving the Narrows, and keeping an eye out for police cars, or any indication of a crime you could stop along the way- nothing. That’s good, means there are no distractions, but you know that most crimes occur indoors rather than outdoors. Those tend to be harder to discover and even harder to solve. The underground rings are a perfect example of that. Well lucky for Gotham, you’ll put a stop to it, for good.

Landing on the roof where bat signal is located at the junction of the area called Five Points on the lower east side of Gotham City, you were good at making sure you weren’t discovered but you can kiss your ghost status goodbye if you climb down the window in broad fucking daylight. Guess you could call him?

But he’s a senior (technically), and you’d feel bad making an old man like him climb the stairs just to see you for a few minutes. What if he isn’t here? Then that means you showed up for nothing, how embarrassing. Guess you’ll call his phone directly first, save yourself the embarrassment. 

Though you can always just place the information down and pray he is the only one who picked it up. It would totally suck if anyone other than Jim finds this. Your paranoia is honestly taking over your rational thoughts.

Pulling out your burner phone, you dialed the commissioner’s personal phone number.

What are the chances he would pick up an unknown number? He might not believe you… buuuuut, you have a trick up your sleeve should he not believe you. Two rings and a half later, you heard his tired voice.

“Who’s this?” Damn, no ‘Hello’?

“Commissioner Gordon,” You greeted, making sure your actual voice was not used. “It’s a pleasure.”

Jim recognized the voice on the line, you could tell. How? Simple, his tone of voice changed to serious. “It’s you. The one that leaves names and locations. Who are you?”

“Here’s my last tip.” Serious, no nonsense, stern, and not acknowledging his question. You can’t get distracted, especially since time is of the essence and if the bats are on this case, it will keep them occupied, you hope. “Jacob Jones, age 38. Manager of an illegal fighting ring behind a local bar in the Narrows. Suspected of recruiting wanted and up-and-coming criminals along with runaways. Risk of fleeing today. I’m sure you got my message earlier.”

Jim was rendered speechless, and his heart sank.“‘Risk of fleeing’?” Another terrible feeling appeared in his stomach.

“They know the bats are onto them, they’re scattering. You have less than twelve hours before they disappear for good.” You informed. “There’s no time to waste.”

Jim couldn’t help but ponder how things could go so wrong so quickly. “I’m on my way then.”

“I would have liked this to stay between us, but I’m sure you already informed Batman.” You sighed, body tense from all this stress. “Once this is done and over with, I will be out of your hair for good. Goodbye.”

“Wait!” Deciding to humor the commissioner, you stayed in the line, so he continued and repeated his earlier question. “Who are you?”

“I’m just your friendly neighbor- friend,” recalling the time when the police chief from your world asked this same question when you saved him, your chest throbbed. “Only passing by, I won’t stay long. ‘Sides, this is the bat’s territory. I’ll leave the files under the bat signal, make sure you’re the only one picking this up.” Then you ended the call.

This is better, yes, old age be damned. Avoid contact as much as possible, no more unnecessary risks, your mental health won’t be able to handle any more setbacks. This is good, now that this will take care of things, you can fully focus on going back home. You were never going to debut yourself as Spider-woman either way, so this is playing it safe. The less attention you draw to yourself as your alter ego, the better, it’s a miracle you have managed to escape the bat’s radar this far, and you really don’t want to jinx it. Hopefully you won’t ever have to come in contact with the infamous Batman himself. 

Leaving the files you were able to hear faint frantic footsteps in the distance, as if someone was running. Without hesitation you ran off the roof and swung away just in time as you heard the metal door to the roof open. 

“Wait!”

Swinging away you couldn’t help but sigh in relief. That was too close, and honestly, you think you’re pushing your luck way too much this time. Now you really have to lay low, even if they catch Jacob. You just can’t risk it anymore. Since you know the commissioner is on his way, it’s time for you to visit Jacob (again) but as your alter ego spider-woman.  

All ya gotta do is make sure he’s webbed up before he can disappear on the cops. Even if he talks about a person in a spider suit to the GCPD, there will be no video evidence to expose you. Just him and your webs. 

But you need to find the right timing. You can’t do it now, it’s still bright out. And waiting until dark will only increase his chance at escaping. So you need a plan. A really good, full proof plan.

Though what does stress you out is simply how much time you already spent here in this foreign world, far from home. You miss your phone, or better said, the contents in your phone to be exact.

Photos and videos, all of you and your loved ones. Stored into one device that is so far out of your reach. Since being stuck here, if you could wish for anything (besides going home) is for your damn phone. You’d really lose it if you lost the one device that has all your fond memories stored in one drive. If you lose that, it would definitely be the end for you.

“Stay in the game, babes, you can’t tweak out just yet.” Maybe giving yourself a pep talk when you're at your wits end isn’t a good idea solely because it isn’t helping you in the slightest. 

Swinging between enclosed apartment buildings in order to keep a semblance of being inconspicuous, you land in an alleyway near a random convenience store but close enough to have a clear eye view of the bar you had left earlier that day (as a civvie). Making yourself comfortable sitting on the fire escape stairs you observe.

Despite being early in the afternoon, and every gothamite was going about their day, the bar was surprisingly quiet. Very underwhelming if you say so yourself but you’d never dismiss your sixth sense when it comes to bad feelings. Something isn’t right.

“Where’s the bouncer?” With how crowded the streets are, their bar is fairly popular and always has customers (even on less busy nights), so there is always a bouncer. They have two bouncers, both work twelve hour shifts, and you know for damn fucking sure, the second one is m.i.a. 

It’s still day time and you were fucking sure you were not about to walk out with your suit on. That was suicide. Especially when the bat (aka Red Hood) and the country bumpkin (Jon) are out here working overtime. This fucking sucks. You feel that time is running out, should you really risk this? As spider-woman? Placing your bag down, you decided on your next move, but with precautions.

Your mind drifts off into a memory with the man who wanted to chain you to his side.

“What did you buy with your first winning kid?” Jacob’s eyes zoned in on your figure, watching you wrap your hands securely.

“How’d you know I went and spent it all?” Finishing the wrap, you looked up at him. “And I’m not a kid.”

“‘Spent it all’? You kids sure don’t know the concept of managing money.” He chuckled, his eyes locked on you. “How did it feel to make that much quickly?”

For some reason, you felt like he was testing you, everything you respond and everything he asks has meaning, and that your answers are being dissected. “Too good to be true, if I am being honest.”

Jacob chuckled, “Yea? You’re making plenty even while cutting your fights. Too easy for ya kid?”

Scoffing you fiddles with your fingers. “I’m getting by just fine, but it doesn’t mean I don’t struggle. I’m just passing the time. And I’m telling you, I’m not a kid, I’m already of drinking age.”

“Seriously? You look fifteen, maybe because you look scrawny with those baggy clothes. Regardless, you really impressed me that night.”

That night where you both met. You didn’t pay attention to it at first, but you know that this guy isn't what he appears to be. He acts differently towards you then with Christopher or the other no-names in this place. He’s charismatic, friendly, attentive if you pay attention, but why you? What’s his gain here? 

The people that come in and out of this bar are mostly adults, but there are some…not so normal attendees here as well. Both with not so good intentions, and those who seem to have almost lost it all. But the people here, they are willing participants- not forced- as far as you can see that is.

“Is that so? I was just letting off steam and defending myself.”

“Did you enjoy it?” His tone changed.

“Of course, who doesn’t like putting arrogant thugs in their place?”

“Yea? Is that why you humiliated Chris that day?”

Letting out a chuckle you rubbed the back of your neck. “Guilty. It was fun.”

“I noticed.” Jacob leaned back on the bench, his eyes never leaving your figure. “Are you bored?” Jacob watched you tilt your head in confusion. “To me it looks like you stopped trying after Chris. You’re distracted.”  

You stretched your arms for a moment. “Was it obvious?” You asked sheepishly.

Jacob’s turn to put out a chuckle. “Nah, not to most. But I noticed, and so did Chris.”

“Is that why he won’t stop glaring? I swear he has it out for me!” You slouched.

“Where’d you learn to fight like that?” His tone changed.

There we go. The small talk was getting really tiresome, was this the question he wanted to get to?

“The streets.” Regardless of what he meant with his questions, you did learn to fight on the streets. You didn’t really have a mentor to teach you, you learned it as you went, from hands-on to watching, you picked it up to survive. Meeting Miguel until much later did you refine your skills but you started alone.

“The streets huh.” Jacob pondered your response for a bit, causing you to straighten up and lean back on the bench. “Was it fun?”

Without hesitation, you nodded. “Tons. Never a dull moment. I grew up and learned.” Relaxing your posture, you gave him a smile. “I got my ass beat a bunch, but I learned real fast. And I paid them back tenfold.”

Jacob stood up and ruffled your hair. “Ya plan on fighting forever? Why not take it to the next level? I say you’re prepared. You’ll make good money. Even better than now.”

Moving his hand away you got up. “I don’t think it's for me. Besides, I am only passing by. I don’t have a reason to continue, just making enough to enjoy the little things in life.”

“Not your thing?” Jacob started walking, and you followed beside him. “ Leaving Gotham, where do you plan to go then?”

With slight hesitation you answered giving a melancholy look. “Home.”

“Home.” He repeated, “You far from home?” Jacob asked, looking ahead as you both came closer to the ring.

“Very far.” Cracking your knuckles you chuckled. “But I’ll get there soon. I’m just biding my time right now.”

“I see.” Jacob’s tone became lighter, his mood changed from serious to cocky, placing his hand on your shoulder. “Listen kid, this guy you're facing hasn’t lost a single fight in three years. He plays dirty and most of the money is against you. Your play?”

“I also don't play fair.” You crack your knuckles.

“Atta kid, play around for a bit, give the audience a good show.”

“I’m not a kid…”

You heard cheers for blood as you entered the ring.

Pushing the memories back, you strengthen your resolve.

Pulling your mask up and taking out your burner phone from the bag you began to dial the number you memorized since it was given to you by the owner of the number. Jacob’s number.

The ringing seemed to get louder as it went on until the third ring and a voice picked up. “Hey there Tink. To what do I owe your surprise call.” It seems he was expecting to hear from you despite you being there earlier.

“I’ve got questions.” Lifting your mask above your nose so that your voice is heard.

“I see you must’ve opened your gift.” You can practically envision the grin he has plastered on his face.

Gift? Is that what he’s disguising it as? “What’s the catch?”

You could hear him chuckle on the receiver. “Most people would ask ‘why?’ but not you. No, never you. You’re so different from what I expect. You don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“I’m not ‘most people’.” Eyes narrowed, ignoring his tangent. “You said it was a gift, but I highly doubt that.”

“What’s got you all tense like that?” It was like he was mocking you. “No big bad Bat is coming for you, so you can relax.”

“I told you before, I’m from the streets, and in Gotham, nothing is given for free. I want nothing to do with the bats, just wanna go home.”

“You’re so paranoid.” Jacob ran his fingers through his hair, eyes narrowing. “Though, you aren’t wrong. Gotham isn’t a place where kindness is given for free. You see, my little ‘gift’ is an incentive of sorts.”

I fucking knew it. “Uh Huh. What sort of incentive?” You deadpanned. “What required you to make this for me?” You just wanted to confirm, that’s all. Put your mind at ease if that was possible with the stress and anxiety your situation has caused thus far. “I never asked for this. I never asked for anything.”

“You see, you told me you’re far from home,” A pit formed in your stomach. “And I had this made to… help you out. To get home.” This wasn’t even close to what you meant when you gave him that answer. The ugly feeling inside you kept growing, till it clogged your throat- like a bitter pill to swallow.

“That makes no sense! You gave me this for a reason.” You stress. Why? Was omitted from your response.

“Yes. I did. You see, I wanted to show you what I can do for you.” His answer didn’t satiate the ever growing turmoil of anxiety.

Why? What did I do to catch his attention?

Your silence let him continue. “You said you were just ‘passing the time’, figured I’d give you something to make traveling easier and passing time faster. You can use it to ‘go home’, or, if you can’t,” you body broke into cold sweat at his next words. “You can use it to come with me. I can give you a new home, and you can pass all the time you want.”

What? What bullshit is this??? You knew for a fact this man was not going to let you go easily or at all. If he catches you, he’d clip your wings. He seems like the type to do so. Bastard… This was to keep me in check.

“I already have a home.” Your teeth clenched. “I told you that. I am going home, just not yours.”

You could hear him chuckle, his tone arrogant, like he didn’t believe a word you’re saying. “Alright, I only wanted to express my gratitude for all the wins you got under my name. It’s a real shame. I want to take you to greater heights.”

After contemplation, and for the plot, you asked. “...Take me where?”

“Abroad, in Spain. That's where the big leagues are. And, your new home, should you choose to come.” with me was left unsaid.

“I appreciate the offer, I really do (not). But I just want to go home.” Deciding to end it there, you throw any and every useless feeling out in order to concentrate. “This isn’t for me.”

“It’s a shame.” He repeated, confusing you for a moment. “I really do like you kid, and I’m gonna miss your jabs. Alright then, you have fun.” It seems he gave in. “Enjoy yourself.”

A cold chill engulfed your body, it was like this wasn’t over for him “...Yea, I will, thank you. Good-bye.” Ending the call you sighed in frustration. You didn’t believe him for a second. You knew this man wasn’t going to let you go. And you wouldn’t let him get away either. 

Placing your mask back down and securing it in place, you steel your nerves. “Time to lock in.”

-

Duke felt his phone vibrate.

Upon opening up the messaging app, his body froze. There was a clip of a familiar civilian he had his eyes on, coming out of a bar, a very familiar bar. His chest clenched at the thought that she was involved. 

He had to get to the bottom of this, he needed to confirm this with his own eyes.

[Oracle: There’s more. She’s been in and out for the past few days. Think she’s involved?]

Duke clenched the hand that wasn’t holding the phone.

[Signal: We don’t know that. What else do you have? Name?]

[Oracle: Relax Romeo. Damian and Jon ran into her not too long ago. After that she went to a library, then no dice, but I’m still looking. She doesn’t appear in any other cameras. There barely is any surveillance out there in the Narrows.]

[Signal: Got it. Keep me updated, and thank you.]

[Oracle: (:]

Duke placed his phone away as he calmed his thoughts. His mind recalling the first time he met the civilian. When he was told by Barbara that she scanned your face for identification, there was nothing, zip, zich, zero, nothing. Not even a resemblance in this world of seven billion people. It’s like you were one of a kind, unique, and rare. He remembered staring at your bare face, the one without the black mask that covered your mouth and nose, he engraved the shape of your eyes, nose, lips, and face to memory. Something in him just wouldn’t let him forget, not that he wanted to either.

You were an enigma, like an anomaly per say. This obsession on finding you only grew as he watched the video of you getting escorted into a bar by a familiar suspect. Duke came up with a couple of conclusions for this turn of event.

Based on your actions, checking into a motel with no name(is suspicious in of itself), and the fact that you go to shelters as well, it's obvious you have no place to call home, nowhere to go, meaning you’re a runaway escaping someone/something.

Finding out that you’re associated with a (confirmed) suspect, puts him on edge. Did you join voluntarily, or did you have no choice. After all, you’re just trying to survive.

Well, it seems he’s going to find out soon enough. Because he’s looking for another civilian associated with that bar, and they just so happened to be spotted within his vicinity. He’s getting closer to the truth, he knows it, he just has to lock in.

Revving his bike, he locks in, and drives away. 

-

Bruce didn’t know where things went wrong. But then again, he should have expected things to never go smoothly, especially in his city, in Gotham. Despite the crime rates and the reputation it has, he still loves his city, and he wants to change it for the better. He doesn’t want anyone to suffer the way he did, to turn out as broken as he became. He wants the city to prosper for the better, and he’s doing everything he can for that goal. 

And yet, an outsider vigilante has suddenly popped up in his city. A meta vigilante of all things. Bruce can’t help but feel exhausted. He doesn’t know their game, or why they are here, in his city. Are they here to cause trouble? Are they here to ruin the carefully monitored city he poured his blood, sweat, and vitality in, fighting to keep the peace in his beloved city? He won’t allow this stranger, this nobody to inflict harm, to infect, and to change Gotham. He’s going to chase this unwanted presence, this anomaly down, and get rid of it if it poses a hindrance. He can’t allow unchecked power to roam Gotham. It’s already fragile as it is, and he can’t afford any mistakes, and possible hiccups. 

But in order to do so, he needs to find out exactly who is in his city, after he rescues the children that are missing. His priority right now is the children, those poor helpless children, just like he once was. He can’t help but get anxious as days go by when another name is printed and posted throughout the city walls. But the pieces are coming together, slowly but surely. The outsider is running on borrowed time. And he’ll use any means at his disposal to uncover the rat roaming around.

Now, regarding the terrible news he was just told, he quickened his strides inside the police station. 

When he left Jim on the roof earlier, he was making his way towards where Sebastian was being held, only to receive a distress call from Jim informing him that the very same person they were going to meet, is dead.

“I don’t know how this happened!” Jim exclaimed, stress evident on his face, posture defeated. “I was told he hung himself, so I came quickly, he was already pronounce deceased by the time I got here.”

Bruce, or Batman, tightened his jaw in anger. Of course the criminal with crucial intel who was cowardly throwing bits and pieces of it in order to keep his life is killed. 

That’s right, killed not suicide. No, Sebastian was desperate to live, that’s why he took a plea deal, his protection in prison, in exchange for information. This was deliberate, intentional, too perfect for it to be a self exit. There are more rats here in his city than he anticipated. 

Batman locked in when he went to the monitor room (where Tim is currently at), where he can see all the surveillance footage, from who entered to who left, to who was on guard. The death looked fresh, around twenty minutes from when he entered. Jim followed while Tim clocked in the folder in Jim’s hand.

He noticed crease marks from a tight grip, probably from stress, Tim asks about it.

“Oh!” Jim quickly handed the folder to Tim, knowing Bruce would keep an ear out while he searched the cameras. “It was left under the bat signal, right after you left.” 

Bruce tensed but kept focused on the screens in front of him. 

“Do you think it's the same person?” Tim bit the bullet and asked as he flipped from page to page.

“Yes.” Jim sighed, his fatigue showing through his face and posture. “I only had two sheets with twelve names, three missing kids, four with pictures. Here is a list of seventeen missing teens and five runaways. Only two have been sighted roaming around. But they run at the approach of officers.”

Tim paused on page three, a blurry picture of a familiar looking face appeared. Walking out of a shelter in the Narrows. This slight movement caught Bruce’s attention.

“Someone familiar?” Bruce made sure to make a copy of the footage, but no dice. The cameras paused and looped for some time. Enough for a person, maybe more to slip in and out. The issue is, is it one person, or more? Was someone here messing with the cameras or was it a single mole who disrupted the surveillance as they walked in?

Tim nodded, eyes scanning every feature, “This one civilian looks familiar. No identification other than their stage name. ‘Nada’.” Despite the blurry picture, and the obvious black medical face mask, it was their eyes that caught his attention at first. The shape of their face was next, and that was all he could identify. No gender, they wore an oversized sweatshirt, but they appear pretty androgynous looking. 

Jim ran his hair with his hand. “I also got news for you Batman.”

Bruce placed his hard drive inside his utility belt, Tim snaps out of his trance and hands the papers towards him. Scanning each page his jaw tightens. These kids are out there somewhere, alone and afraid, but Bruce promises to find them. To bring them home. Batman promises to find them. 

“I got a notification earlier.” Jim pauses, recalling the suspicious warning and then the call. “And right after that, a call.”

Bruce’s eyes pierced Jim, focused. “They showed themselves?”

Tim’s eyes widened. This is confirmation! The meta was close! He has to give this information to Barbara pronto. Taking out his phone, his fingers tapping the screen vigorously. 

Jim shook his head. “When I handed you everything, I went into my office. The pop-up screen had a message, ‘They know. Scatter’ was written. When I clicked my screen, it vanished. Just as I was about to call my daughter, they called.”

Bruce’s eyes narrowed at the information. “Blocked number?”

Jim nodded. “Private.”

Tim interjected, placing his phone away once he was done taking pictures. “What did they say?”

“They sent me that message, and then, just like the other times, reported Jacob Jones, the manager of a bar. “Risk of fleeing” they said.” Jim felt an immense stress and exhaustion overcome him. “Tonight. And that there is an illegal fighting ring behind the bar. In that folder, the last sheet is associates and criminals. When they told me the files were under the signal, I ran. I only got to see a blurry figure, they looked like they were flying- no that’s not it. Gliding? They were far, and their suit fading, as if camouflaging with its surroundings. I couldn’t see them that well. Sorry.”

Batman took in the information, but he was deadly quiet. His mind racing with thoughts and theories. “Tim.”

Tim straightens his posture. “Yea?”

“Go back and take this with you.” Bruce handed him the files, and the usb drive that he received from Jim earlier.

Tim pockets the drive and clutches onto the papers, knowing already what Bru-Batman wants from him. “I’ll drop it with Oracle and join the search.”

Bruce acknowledged with a nod and turned back to the cameras. “Jim.”

“I understand,” Jim replied. They were going to catch the mole. “I’m ready.”

Tim quickly left, things were getting serious. “Oracle, did you get that.”

“All of it. I’m searching the area, in case they landed nearby. Seems our ‘friend’ has the same interests as ours. For now.”

“I also got a list.”

“I saw, thanks, this will help tremendously.”

-

“What the fuck.” It seems that you can’t catch a break. 

Once you put on the mask, you stealthy made your way towards the bar, making sure you were out of sight and away from the ground. You thanked god you are able to camouflage yourself, making sneaking in so much easier. 

This was risky for you because despite the benefits, you also don’t always rely on it as often as you would like. The reason was simple, nothing major or out of this world really, it was simply the fact that when you lost everything, you were often then not out fighting/training, or tinkering with gadgets to keep you preoccupied. A coping mechanism if you will.

Thus resulting in negating your abilities that didn’t involve dodging and hitting.

Regardless, here you are, sneaking in a very suspiciously quiet bar (it seems to be empty), what happened to the customers? Why does the sign say closed? Just what happened after you left here hours ago?

Making a b-line towards Jacob’s office, it was clean, too clean and neat. A pit formed into your stomach. 

‘They packed up…’ Quickly making your way towards semi open draws and pulling out files, papers, looking around for any important documents, checking walls and desks for anything. Anything at all- until you came to the conclusion that there was nothing. Nothing at all.

‘No no no no! They couldn’t have gone away! No!’ Despite the chaos in your mind, you took a deep breath and calmed down.

You couldn’t afford to panic, you had to make sure you were thorough. Eyes finally landing on a closed laptop that was sitting neatly on a pristine desk you opened it to find a locked account. You scoffed. There were no paper trails in this office. But this computer might and can be a whole different story. ‘I’ll work my magic.’

Cracking your neck, you began the process of bypassing the password locked account. Keeping an ear out despite the lack of people in the bar, you still wanted to be safe, to make sure no one would get the drop on you. 

After a few attempts and three minutes go by, you unlock the account, finding it clean of anything. Of course, there is nothing on it, but that’s only if you aren’t looking. Messing with the settings and restoring the latest versions it was before it was cleaned out, you began to look at the contacts syncing with this laptop.

Pulling up the security cameras, to work your magic, come to find out they aren’t even recording, everything is wiped. That’s not a good sign at all.

Reading a few messages from betters during ring fights to stocks and merchandise, to voicemails to money laundering and much more, you scrolled down towards a specific group chat.

This chat was synced to Jacob’s phone, ‘Mercaderia’ was the name. “Lame.” you mumbled. 

Clicking on the group chat name, your body froze, eyes widened at the information in front of you.

Here on this group chat, with over one hundred members, were a list. Not just any list. No. This was a familiar list. A neat, organized, and detailed list.

Here contained pictures, and stats on teenagers, young adults, and fucking children. All with their name and abilities, and a price. Some even had remarks of their wins and losses.

Scrolling down, watching the faces and names being crossed out, dead, and some with specific training in the art of ‘entertainment’. You felt yourself become sick. The depravity of all this is sickening, how can people enjoy this?! You didn’t expect this!

This is human trafficking… 

Ding!

Your eyes caught a notification for the group chat.

Clicking on the notification of said group chat you didn’t think you could feel any worse.

Scrolling down on the ‘recommended’ list, a new popup showed, and it was your face, with no mask, and a start bidding price. The words next to your picture, ‘Street rat with skills in fighting, quick on her feet, and highly adaptable. No ties, alone. Needs to be trained. Retrieval pending.’

“They’re looking for me…” after the sudden realization, your spider-sense started to buzz inside your head as you heard trained, quiet footsteps, making their way in your direction.

Glancing at the display of cameras, the person standing behind the door was none other than the person you came in contact with earlier.

You are starting to feel like your presence here was nothing but a cruel joke to you.

As the door knob turned, and opened, you took a deep quiet breath and closed your eyes.

Prev; Next;

Sorry. I legit have no excuse for not writing. I just stopped.

It seems that the pieces are slowly coming together--THANK GOD I swear I almost gave up...

Anyways, I have a plot for this but not a complete one, so I will have to write where I want the story to go. I only have the ending of THIS arc but no clue how to get there-- oh well. I'll figure this out.

Smoll dose of Miguel next chap- whenever that is

Web Bound Secret Corner!

Spider-Woman's suit has a built in voice changer that she can turn use.

Spider-Woman's priority was just getting Jacob (and associates) arrested.

Spider-Woman's hobby was singing, hasn't sung since the incident with Peter.

Spider-Woman is terrified running into Batman.

Spider-Woman only has small tidbit knowledge of the DCU

[onyxsboxes]

After a bit of delay, here are the songs titles from the LCAPT Clegan playlist

25/10/24 edit: 17 songs added (357 -> 374) 13/05/25 edit: 15 songs added (374 -> 389) 20/5/25 edit: 3 songs added (389 -> 392)

1. Learn to Fly by Foo Fighters 2. Clearest Blue by CHVRCHES 3. I'm Not In Love by 10cc 4. Death and All His Friends by Coldplay 5. Til Kingdom Come by Coldplay 6. The Queen Of All Everything by Ott 7. Love song from a dog by Shovels & Rope ft. gregory alan isakov 8. If we were vampires by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit 9. Passenger seat by Death Cab for Cutie

10. In our bedroom after the war by Stars 11. Early mornin’ rain by Peter, Paul and Mary 12. I was made for loving you by Yungblud cover 13. Visions of Gideon by Sufjan Stevens 14. Fourth of July by Sufjan Stevens 15. Lover, You Should've Come Over by Jeff Buckley 16. The Roads by Jonah Kagen 17. Next to You by John Vincent III 18. Seen My Man (Wisconsin Demo) by Trixie Mattel 19. Beneath Oak Trees by Dylan Gossett

20. Heaven is a Bedroom by TV Girl 21. Wicked Games by The Weeknd 22. Itchy Teeth by Marika Hackman 23. Breakup by Ashton Irwin 24. Work Song by Hozier 25. I’m Low on Gas and you Need a Jacket by Pierce The Veil 26. Betting On Us by Myles Smith 27. I'm the Sinner by Jared Benjamin 28. Running to You by Jamie Drake & Jamie Jackson 29. Look After You by Aron Wright

30. Smokestacks by Layla 31. Run To You by CJ Starnes 32. Gale song by The Lumineers 33. White Ferrari by Frank Ocean 34. Can You Hear the Rain Love by Richard Hawley 35. Say Yes To Heaven by Lana Del Rey 36. Talk Show Host by Radiohead 37. Untold by RY X 38. Lovers Rock by TV Girl 39. Waiting Room by Phoebe Bridgers

40. I Will by The Beatles 41. Glimpse of Us by Joji 42. Somethin' Stupid by Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra 43. When the party is over by Billie Eilish 44. I love you by Billie Eilish 45. Blue jeans by Lana Del Rey 46. The secret marriage by Sting 47. Wicked game by Ursine Vulpine 48. Love Me Like You Used To by Lord Huron 49. Need you Now by Lady A

50. Strange Birds by Birdy 51. Old Money by Lana Del Rey 52. The Night We Met by Lord Huron 53. Piano Man by Billy Joel 54. Alley Rose by Conan Fray 55. Good Luck, babe by Chappel Roan 56. Be Nice To Me by The Front Bottoms 57. Saturn by Sleeping At Last 58. So Long, London by Taylor Swift 59. From Eden by Hozier

60. I Should Live in Salt by The National 61. Demons by The National 62. Graceless by The National 63. Your Mind Is Not Your Friend by The National, Phoebe Bridgers 64. Don’t Swallow the Cap by The National 65. Dreaming by The National 66. This Isn’t Helping by The National, Phoebe Bridgers 67. Issues by Julia Michaels 68. Gorecki by Lamb 69. Ends Of The Earth by Lord Huron

70. Dark Red by Steve Lacy 71. Fireproof by Coleman Hell 72. Heavydirtysoul by Twenty One Pilots 73. All I Want Is You by Barry Louis Polisar 74. I Found by Amber Run 75. Beautiful by Josh Zandman 76. Budapest by George Ezra 77. Be Together by Major Lazer 78. On The Nature Of Daylight by Max Richter 79. Guiding Light by Mumford & Sons

80. My Blood by Twenty One Pilots 81. My Madonna by Dexter Freebish 82. Chemicals Between Us by Bush 83. Protect Me From What I Want by Placebo 84. I Feel Loved by Depeche Mode 85. Gimme Some Lovin’ by The Spencer Davis Group 86. Little Light Of Love by Eric Serra 87. Fire and Flood by Vance Joy 88. Pride (In The Name Of Love) by Clivillés & Cole 89. Holdin’ Out by The Lumineers

90. If I Go, I’m Goin by Gregory Alan Isakov 91. Letting The Cables Sleep by Bush 92. This Feeling by Chainsmokers 93. Me And You by Barry Louis Polisar 94. Silver sable by Cigarettes after sex 95. How I Learned to Love the Bomb by Glass Animals 96. Hellofazoo by Until the Ribbon Breaks 97. Mr. Forgettable by David Kushner 98. John My Beloved by Sufjan Stevens 99. Alan by Perfume genius

100. One line by PJ harvey 101. Putting The Dog To Sleep by the antlers 102. In My Arms by Alex g 103. Certainty by Big thief 104. Angel In The Snow by Elliott smith 105. Nothing Matters by The Last Dinner Party 106. The Loneliest by Måneskin 107. Till forever falls apart by Ashe, Finneas 108. Whish that you were here by Florence + The Machine 109. I Forget Where We Were by Ben Howard

110. Bite by Troye Sivan 111. Lowlife by Poppy 112. Real Love Song by Nothing But Thieves 113. Like You Do by Joji 114. Be My baby by The Ronettes 115. Burn by Tom Walker 116. Lucky by Bif Naked 117. Fair by The Amazing Devil 118. Bitch by Meredith Brooks 119. I wish you were a girl by 12 RODS

120. All i think about now by Pixies 121. I know by Fiona Apple 122. Sweet tooth by Cavetown 123. Flawless by The Neighborhood 124. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley 125. Simply the best by Billianne 126. I remember everything by Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves 127. Coal by Dylan Gossett 128. i am not who i was by Chance Peña 129. I Bet On Losing Dogs by Mitski

130. Two slow dancers by Mitski 131. Lucky to get him by Aly and AJ 132. Crack baby by Mitski 133. I don't smoke by Mitski 134. Smoke gets in your eyes by Helen Forest 135. Love by Daughter 136. Can’t Help Falling in Love - DARK by Tommee Profitt, brooke 137. Chills - Dark Version by Mickey Valen, Joey Myron 137,5. Skyline by Sibewest 138. Beautiful Crime by Tamer 139. Act natural by Margaret Glaspy

140. Betray my heart by D'Angelo 141. I will be your friend by Sade 142. Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli 143. I Didn’t Know by Sofia Carson 144. You by A Great Big World 145. This Woman’s Work by Kate Bush 146. Can't you see - acoustic by Matthew and the Atlas 147. Cowboy by Jack Van Cleaf 148. Feels like Home by Caamp 149. Carry You Home by Alex Warren

150. Belong Together by Mark Ambor 151. The First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes 152. Kaleidoscope by A Great Big World 153. Monsters of the North by The National Parks 154. The great war by Taylor Swift 155. Free by Florence + The Machine 156. I know the end by Phoebe Bridgers 157. Another Man’s Jeans by Ashe 158. I’ve Told You Now by Sam Smith 159. Love Me by Elvis Presley

160. Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue) by Hozier 161. Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish 162. Take me home, country roads by John Denver 163. Army Dreamers by Kate Bush 164. I'm No Angel by Dido 165. We’ll Meet Again by Johnny Cash 166. Cowboys are frequently secretly fond of each other by Orville Peck 167. If We Were Vampires by Noah Kahan, Wesley Schultz 168. You Belong To Me by Jo Stafford 169. Goodnight Irene by Frank Sinatra

170. All I Want by Kodaline 171. Me and my Husband by Mitski 172. The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades is out to get us by Sufjan Stevens 173. As the World cave in by Sarah Cothran 174. Dead of Night by Orville Peck 175. invisible string by Taylor Swift 176. The Ghost of You by My chemical Romance 177. We'll Meet Again by Vera Lynn 178. Love in the Time Of Socialism by Yellow house 179. Northern Downpour by Panic! At The Disco

180. Better in the Morning by Birdtalker 181. doomsday by Lizzy McAlpine 182. Guilty by Al Bowlly 183. Heat Lightning by Mitski 184. everything i wanted by Billie Eilish 185. Blood Moon by Josiah and the Bonnevilles 186. Night Terror by Laura Marling 187. Vengeance Is Sleeping by Neko Case 188. Finally Stop Dreaming by Dylan Gossett 189. The Yawning Grave by Lord Huron

190. Learning To Fly by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 191. Hounds of Love by The Futureheads 192. Now I'm in it by HAIM 193. Stand Back by Stevie Nicks 194. Moonlight of Your Room by Joe Pug 195. Blue by Mai Yamane 196. Call Your Girlfriend by Robyn 197. Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers 198. Summer Of '69 by Bryan Adams 199. Fix you by Coldplay

200. Sun Bleached Flies by Ethel Cain 201. I walk the Line by Halsey 202. The Greatest by Billie Eilish 203. I'll be seeing you by Billie Holiday 204. We will not be Lovers by The Waterboys 205. Triptych by Samia 206. In a Jar by Dinosaur Jr. 207. Dionne by The Japanese House, Justin Vernon 208. Nothing Like by Mannequin pussy 209. True Love Waits by Radiohead

210. Weird Fish/Arpeggi by Radiohead 211. I’m a Fool to Want You by Billie Holiday 212. A Life of Arctic Sounds by Modest Mouse 213. Soldier Boy by The Shirelles 214. Casual by Chappel Roan 215. Ruined by Adrianne Lenker 216. Without You by Tobias Jesso Jr. 217. That's Where I Am by Maggie Rogers 218. Die Young by Sylvab Esso 219. Violet hill by Coldplay

220. You made me love you by Patsy Cline 221. Smoke gets in your eyes by Eartha Kitt 222. Piece of my heart by Erma Franklin 223. Love and anger by Kate Bush 224. Guilty by Johnny Desmond 225. I Can’t Begin to Tell You by Bing Crosby 226. People Will Say We’re in Love by Frank Sinatra 227. You’ll Never Know by Dick Haymes 228. You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To by Dinah Shore 229. Speeding Cars by Walking On Cars

230. Girl Crush by Harry Style 231. Fine Line by Harry Style 232. Bittersuite by Billie Eilish 233. Et même après je t'aimerai by Hoshi 234. Tourner dans le vide by Indila 235. What was I made For? by Billie Eilish 236. Maybe by James Arthur 237. Happy Together by Gerard Way, Ray Toro 238. Dandelions by Ruth B. 239. When the Darkness Comes by Shelby Merry

240. Silver tongues by Louis Tomlinson 241. Telepathic by Starset 242. Always by Isak Danielson 243. Like real people Do by Hozier 244. Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls 245. Can you hold me by NF, Britt Nicole 246. Moondust by Jaymes Young 247. Maps - triple j Like A version by Camp Cope 248. We made it by Louis Tomlinson 249. Adore you by Harry Style

250. Love song by Lana Del Rey 251. Satellite by Harry Style 252. Late night Talking by Harry Style 253. Home by Edith Whiskers 254. Guilty as Sin? by Taylor Swift 255. The Light by CHPTRS 256. Started With You by CHPTRS 257. City Lights (Symphonic Version) by HAEVN 258. This Is Why I Need You by Jesse Ruben 259. Never Stop (Wedding Version) by Safetysuit

260. Sacrifice by Elton John 261. Who we are by Hozier 262. Politik by Coldplay 263. All I need by Radiohead 264. Can't pretend by Tom Odell 265. Would Anyone Care by Citizen Soldier 266. Hold My Hand by Lady Gaga 267. Warriors by Willyecho 268. Brother by Kodaline 269. Protector by City wolf

270. Texas reznikoff by Mitski 271. Pin by Grimes 272. I'm your man by Mitski 273. Haunting by Halsey 274. Twin flame by Weyes blood 275. Why Can’t The Dark Leave Me Alone? by Toni Fisher 276. No Other Love by Jo Stafford 277. Your Best American Girl by Mitski 278. Careless Whispers by George Michael 279. Sailor Song by Gigi Perez

280. Sidelines by Phoebe Bridges 281. not a lot, just forever by Adrianne Lenker 282. forwards beckon rebound by Adrianne Lenker 283. Norman fucking Rockwell by Lana Del Rey 284. Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt 285. Break by alex_g_offline 286. Some Velvet morning by Nancy Sinatra, Lee Hazlewood 287. Overtime by Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Kacey Musgraves 288. The John Wayne by Little Green Cars 289. Pale blue Eyes by The Velvet Underground

290. You'll Never Know (78rpm version) by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Tucker Singers 291. Come on Mess me up by Cub sport 292. While I can by Keaton henson 293. Flying :)) by Tom Odell 294. Cornflower blue by Flower Face 295. Remember by Seinabo Sey, Jacob Banks 296. Once more to see you by Mitski 297. Back to the old house by The Smiths 298. Symphonia IX by Current Joys 299. So real by Jeff Buckley

300. Half return by Adrianne Lenker 301. Fade into you by Mazzy Star 302. All We Ever Do is Talk by Del Water Gap 303. Dirty Little Secret by Artemas 304. Too Sweet by Hozier 305. Anyways I Love You by Wild Rivers 306. like you’re god by Mehro 307. Size too small by Sufjan Stevens 308. Cheers Darlin' by Damien Rice 309. Lotus Flower by Radiohead

310. Twilight Time by The Platters 311. Because of You by Tony Bennett 312. if i needed someone by The Beatles 313. Standing next to You by Jungkook 314. Falling away with You by Muse 315. Exist for Love by AURORA 316. Sata vuotto by BEHM 317. Blood Sport by Sleep Token 318. Oblivion by SYML 319. Timezone by Måneskin

320. Own my mind by Måneskin 321. Pushing Up Daisies (Love Alive) by Brothers Osborne 322. Unbroken by Tim McGraw 323. I Was Born To Love You by Queen 324. You’re My Best Friend by Queen 325. Think I’m In Love With You by Chris Stapleton, Dua Lipa 326. Something To Talk About by Bonnie Raitt 327. Parachute by Chris Stapleton 328. Love The Lonely Out Of You by Brothers Osborne 329. Here Tonight (The Acoustic Sessions) by Brett Young, Charles Kelley

330. Stay A Little Longer by Brothers Osborne 331. The End by Halsey 332. Birds of a feather by Billie Eilish 333. Found Heaven by Conan Gray 334. Down bad by Taylor Swift 335. I do by Renee Rapp 336. The good I'll do by Zach Bryan 337. Half Light by BANNERS 338. Resistance by Muse 339. Far from home (the raven) by Sam Tinnesz

340. Francis forever by Mitski 341. I love you by RIOPY 342. This must be the place (naive melody) 2005 by Talking Heads 343. Maps by Yeah yeah yeahs 344. Cinnamon Girl by Lana del rey 345. I'm on Fire by Bruce Springsteen 346. Fire on Fire by Sam Smith 347. I'm Making Believe by The Inkspots and Ella Fitzgerald 348. Watch Over You by Alter Bridge 349. Summer song by Remy bond

350. Off to the races by Lana Del Rey 351. Almost (sweet music) by Hozier 352. giveuwhatuwant by The Driver Era 352,5. Birds of a feather by Billie Eilish 353. Big Mike’s by Dijon 354. Simulation Swarm by Big Thief 355. I Wanna Be Yours by Arctic Monkeys 356. Little Bit More by Mk.gee 357. Be Well by Ama Lou 358. Unknown/Nth by Hozier 359. Asleep by Smiths

360. Lucky by Atta Boy 361. Big Jet Plane by Angus & Julia Stone 362. Parallel Universe by Clara Benin 363. Dói Tanto by Gabriel Froede 364. Eyes Off You by Prettymuch 365. Secret Love Song, Pt. II by Little Mix 366. Finality by Woods of Ypres 367. Pra Ser Sincero by Enganheiros do Hawaii 368. Wherever You Go by The Calling 369. Janeiro by Esteban Tavares 370. I will follow you into the dark by Death Cab for Cutie

371. Tiny vessels by Death Cab for Cutie 372. King and Lionheart by Of Monsters and Men 373. Bloom (Eros) by Sleeping At Last 374. No One’s Gonna Love You by Band of Horses 375. Dive by Hot Shade, Mike Perry, Chris James 376. Waiting Room by Phoebe Bridges 377. Hot & Heavy by Lucy Dacus 378. i wait for u by Carbon Covers, Octomber 379. mirrorball by Taylor Swift 380. Two of Us On the Run by Lucius

381. lacy by Olivia Rodrigo 382. Scott Street by Phoebe Bridges 383. this is me trying by Taylor Swift 384. Wait for Me (Reprise) by André De Shields, Hadestown Original Broadway Company, Anaïs Mitchell 385. Punisher by Phoebe Bridgesanything by Adrianne Lenker 386. anything by Adrianne Lenker 387. loml by Taylor Swift 388. Anthems For A Seventeen Year-Old Girl by Broken Social Scene 389. illicit affairs by Taylor Swift 390. Bad Religion by Frank Ocean

391. Kaleidoscope by Chappell Roan 392. Evergreen (You Didn’t Deserve Me At All) by Omar Apollo

[cipheress-to-k-pop]

A Sister's Love

Pairing: Platonic Damian Wayne x Al Ghul!Reader

Warnings: Injuries and blood. Drugging, Trafficking and sexual assult but these are not the main themes.

Word Count: 4.9K

Summary: You realize you have a lot to learn about yourself outside of your little brother, Damian's, shadow.

A/N: Was originally gonna make this a Dick Grayson x Reader but realized it would be weird cuz of mixed families and stuff. And I don't wanna be pushing the boundaries of incest.

Growing up in the League of Assassins meant a lot of things for you. It meant that you were raised to be powerful and commanding. It meant you knew how to kill a man in 47 different ways and counting. It meant that you were raised to rightfully think that you were the best.

Although for every good thing there was always cons. Your schedule was rigid and your peers were unfeeling. Your mother most of all, but that didn't stop you from trying to win her affection. It was the reason why when your little brother was born you felt threatened.

That was until you met little Damian. Your mother had handed him to you with a smile of pride that she never showed you and you hated him. But then you saw his precious little face, a nose tinier than a button and adorable lips that were curled into a pout. He was so beautiful.

Since then, you put any differences you might have had with your mother behind you. According to Ra’s it would have been a mistake to show Damian such tenderness, to teach him about loyalty to your heart, instead of without it.

But Talia couldn't ignore the tug she felt in her heart seeing you and Damian together. You still worked hard, harder than she had ever seen before, now determined not to show that you were weak and have them take your brother from you. Damian followed your example, training to her approval, however taxing it was for him.

And more importantly, Damian loved you. You were the first woman he had ever loved and he was smart enough to know that would never be a mistake. You were his shelter in a storm, his fire in the cold. You were the best sibling that anyone could ever even dream of.

But then you had to part. At age 10, Damian went to live with his father, Bruce Wayne. You had never met the man when he was with your mother and you assumed you wouldn't need to, he wasn't your father.

Both you and Damian didn't want to leave each other. You'd miss your little brother and you'd miss the feeling in your chest whenever you'd look at him. Damian would miss home; he would miss your presence and he would miss the familiarity. But he couldn't stay.

That's something you learnt at the League. Damian couldn't stay, with you. He was meant for bigger things than you.

Another thing you learnt was that you didn't have to stay either. You wanted to see the world, see what everything else had in store for you. And your mother, bless her, gave you her blessing.

Of all the things the league taught you, there were things they missed out on. And a part of you was thankful for that. Because you enjoyed the feeling of wide-eyed wonderment when you stepped into a train station for the first time ever.

You had never tasted a chocolate muffin before, you realized as you stuffed your face at a local bakery. Coffee and chocolate muffins went well together. You liked sweet things better than spicy things, you noted when you didn't enjoy the tteokbokki you bought at a Korean food stall.

People were kind, not foolish. They smiled at you when you came in and genuinely asked you where you were headed. Like the woman you met on the tram who was heading to Washington DC. Even through the short ride, the two of you had bonded and she had left you with her phone number and a promise that if you were ever in DC, you would ring her up. Diana was trusting, too trusting. You could have assumed it was because she was stupid, but you wanted to believe it was because she was smarter than even you.

Some people were kind like her but of course, some were impolite and pig-headed. You of course didn't waste any time putting them in their place. Maybe that was why you shouldn't have any faith in humanity.

But isn't humanity just the thing you should be putting faith in?

It was fun at first, discovering new things, seeing how people really lived outside of books and things taught to you back at the League. You knew everything, you weren't naive enough to be oblivious but reading about something was miles apart from actually experiencing it.

After a while however, you got lonely, it was a huge world with people constantly moving and you've come to realize that unless you're with somebody, you can't really move from your place. Instead, you'd be stuck watching all of them. So, you sought after your brother.

It was easy enough to track Bruce Wayne, he lived in a house large enough to be seen from outer space. Getting to Gotham took longer than you expected. Time passed so easily when you didn't have a purpose but now that you had somewhere you needed to be, the train couldn't go any slower.

Gotham City was less gloomy than people made it out to be. The sun was shining and the city was bustling. In some ways, it seemed a little homey. Maybe that was because you didn't have to worry about someone hurting you. If anything, they should pray that they don't choose you as their next victim.

Of course, you could've gone to Wayne Manor and introduced yourself civilly but you wanted to see Damian more than anything and didn't want to delay it any longer. And more than that, you wanted to see Damian is his cute little school uniform.

That's what led you to wait outside of the well-reputed Gotham University, waiting patiently for the bell to ring and students to file out of it. You already knew that they wouldn't come out singing like in the movies but a very small fraction of you still hoped.

Your heartrate increased with every passing minute, excited to meet your brother after nearly a year of being apart. Eventually, the bell did ring and students began trickling out of the doors, looking like bumble bees, excitedly zipping around and talking to their friends.

'Would this have been my life if I was never born in the League?' You wondered, looking at a girl who was animatedly chatting with her friend, arms interlocked as they moved towards the parking lot where their parents were waiting.

When you finally saw Damian, you suddenly felt out of place. Like an outsider watching someone else's brother when you saw his eyes lock onto someone in the commons. Even though you weren't on the school campus, you could still recognize who it was.

Richard Grayson, oldest son of Bruce Wayne, waiting to pick up your little brother on a motor cycle.

And for the first time in your life, you experienced insecurity, watching them greet each other like brothers. The feeling was sour and you wondered if it was a mistake coming here, thinking that you still had a place here.

It was true, people didn't move from their place unless they had someone to go with. You hadn't felt fulfilled like that since your brother stopped being at your side. He was everything you knew. It was just your mistake for thinking that in the year apart your brother wouldn't have found anyone either.

***

"Drake, pull up the security cameras from today at my school parking lot." Damian ordered, stepping into the Batcave.

"No 'Hello', no 'How you doing?', it's always 'Tim, do this' 'Drake, do that'," Tim commented sarcastically but still pulled up whatever he needed, "And then as soon as I give you what I want, you're going to forget me again. And not even visit the kids."

Dick spared him a laugh at his dramatic scene, ruffling his hair as greeting and then turned his attention to the screen. The footage was played at double the speed until Damian's eyes locked onto just what he wanted to find.

It was just for a second, when Dick's motorcycle had zoomed past but that was all he needed. Damian had seen your face and it wasn't any mistake, he'd know you even if he was blind. Even though he was so sure it had been you, he still couldn't hide the way his body froze, eyes wide when he saw your face.

It was the same face he'd see every night before he went to bed and the very first person he wanted to see every time he woke up. Your image was what came into his mind when he thought of being nurtured, when he thought of being safe.

There was a time when he was younger, too young, there was a thunder storm. He doesn't remember much from the night, just hiding his face against your chest and you wrapping a blanket around him. His mother trained him even harder the next day, until he almost dropped but he'd never forget curling up to your warmth. Not even now, when he knew that thunder storms were the least of his fears.

It was as simple as that. With his father and brothers, he didn't have to worry about looking weak, he didn't think of love as a weakness, rather he considered it as the fuel behind strength. Yes, his father taught him well. And now he would show you just how much he's grown. So, you can be proud of him.

"We need to find her."

"Why? Who is she?"

"My sister."

***

Of all the things you wanted to experience, visiting a bar was one of them. Was the air really enough to intoxicate you? Were you really going to lose all sense when you stepped into it? Would be able to drink your troubles away?

You were sorely disappointed. The alcohol didn't taste good, it burned when you swallowed it and made your tongue feel fuzzy. The music was so loud that your brain began throbbing against your skull to the beat of the song.

Men were picking fights and women were having fun but even then, you couldn't find it in yourself to get up and actually have fun. I mean, how were you supposed to? How was cosying up against a drunk man supposed to make you feel better? How was getting lost in throngs of sweaty people who didn't know what personal space was meant to improve your mood?

If anything, it just reminded you of just how pathetic your life was.

You were realizing you had no purpose. Damian was all you had known for years now, knowing only to protect him with your life and love him with your heart. Who were you without him? What did you like? What made you happy outside from your duty at the league?

A man knocking into you brought you out of your thoughts, which had been happening all night. Except this man stopped in front of you and gave you a smile that turned your stomach upside down.

"Sorry about that pretty lady, let me buy you a drink to make up for it." He spoke with a voice that was trying to be smooth but instead sounded like metal scraping over each other.

"No, thank you." You said sharply, not yet done with your Manhattan anyway. You were barely enjoying your time here as it was and you were sure another drink wouldn't change your mind.

"Not a fan?"

You shook your head at him, choosing to humour the man.

"Then let me buy you another one, if you don't like it then you have nothing to lose."

You pretended to giggle at him and he swelled with pride. Did he think he was winning?

"One Boulevardier." He told the bartender who nodded and began preparing the drink. Until it was ready, you indulged the man in front of you who reeked of cigarettes and alcohol.

He placed the drink in front of you and if you hadn't known that it would burn going down and turn you into a shell of yourself, you might have been curious to what it tasted like.

"You see that dude over there?" He nodded to a man standing in the other corner of the bar and you turned to look at him. Another man, covered in tattoos who didn't look any different than the one standing behind you.

"He's my pal, owns the bar. Ask him and he'll hook you up with free drinks tonight. For a price, of course."

You turned back around to face the man and out of the corner of your eye saw something dissolve into your drink. It was only for a second but you saw the last remaining grains turn invisible and you definitely noticed the way the once steady drink was now swirling into a vortex in the middle.

"Drink up, princess."

You smirked. Tonight, might be fun after all.

***

This was boring.

You had been pretending to be unconscious for about 40 minutes while these men drove you to some undisclosed location. Their conversations were unbelievably dry and it's not like you had anyone else to talk to. Everyone else who might have been even mildly interesting were knocked unconscious.

Eventually they pulled up to some sort of holding facility and if your assumptions were correct then this would be a midpoint before they sold all the girls here to some sort of pimp.

Once they lugged you off the truck and threw you into a room with so many other people, you could hear their breathing did you open your eyes. It seemed like this was some sort of abandoned butcher or meat factory, judging by the ominous hooks hanging above your head and the metal walls. The door had been bolted shut, the only way to look through it was a small glass window.

Only after you finished taking in your surroundings did you even look at the other women who had been trapped in the room along with you. Your stomach turned.

There were so many unsuspecting faces who looked like they didn't sign up for this. Half of them looked under the influence of something, sweating profusely even in their sleep, faces scrunched up in pain. The other looked like they were forcibly taken, bruises covering their skin, hair and clothes in disarray and more than half of them had either a black eye or a swollen lip.

Maybe it was their fault for not being trained, that's what someone at the league would've said. But isn't it their captors’ fault for misusing their training, their strength, for something as vile as this?

You decided to wait, you couldn't assume that this small group of girls was the only one in the confines of the building. How many more were here?

You weren't feeling overwhelmed, not at all, not with the weapons that were littering you. A kunai hidden is either of your boots, throwing stars in your pockets hidden underneath your vest and a war fan in your pocket. You could handle these clowns without even looking up.

But it wasn't your life you were concerned about. It was the lives of these underaged, vulnerable girls who had fallen prey to these monsters.

While you were waiting a couple of the girls started to wake up. Some were still heavily drugged, still groggy when their eyes fluttered open and unable to focus onto anything. Others shot up straight as an arrow and began crying, screaming, begging for them to let them out.

They were ignored, by both their captors and you. Why try and reassure then when you weren't sure what was going to happen. More importantly, why throw off the monsters lurking outside the door that there was one woman who hadn't been phased.

Instead, you just stared blankly, trying to get comfortable and hear anything through the walls. Eventually, you heard the sound of footsteps coming towards the room. You covered the lower half of your face with a scarf, making sure that anyone who left here alive today, wouldn't be able to remember your face. Whether it be as a saviour or their punisher.

The girls whimpered and curled into one another, crying quietly and you felt sympathy. There was no way they'd be able to move forward from this without having fear stab at their heart with every step they took. You could only hope they had something in their life that would make them feel safe.

For tonight, you'd be that for them.

A few men opened the door with a cruel smile, stepping inside for a second before bolting it shut. They flaunted guns and other weapons to the girls, finding pleasure where there should be compassion and worry. You were disgusted watching their smirks twist maniacally when the girls cried harder seeing them brandish their weapons.

One of the men stepped forward and grabbed the girl closest to him who begged and cried to spare her. His disgusting hand might as well be made of acid because you almost felt the sick burn when it snaked between her legs and copped a feel while she sobbed and screamed, trying to fight him off.

You grabbed one of your weapons and returned their sick grins with one of your own.

It was going to be hard to cop a feel when he can't feel anything.

You were going to break each and every bone in his hand to ensure that.

***

"Can I borrow your phone please?" You asked the bloody and broken man by your feet. He glared at you and spat blood on your boots, unable to do anything else. You sighed and faked a pout.

"Is it here?" You wondered, holding the dirtied boot over his ribs and his eyes widened, catching drift of what you were about to do. You rammed your foot into his broken ribs, courtesy of yourself, and he screamed bloody murder. Music to your ears.

"Apparently not. Want me to check your pants?" You asked, raising a brow and he frantically shook his head, using whatever strength left to pull out his phone from his pocket and you smiled, thanking him quietly.

"Now, let's hope that one blow is enough to put you out of my misery." You sang, punching him right in the face and he passed out. Lightweight.

You took a look around the place, seeing bodies littered over the place like confetti. Blood was scattered on the ground and you're sure if people looked hard enough, they'd find someone's teeth. You on the other hand looked fine.

You sat on the floor, crossing your legs comfortably, tired after the fight and dialled a number onto the phone.

"Hello, police?"

"Yes, how can we help you?"

"Well, there's a sex trafficking scam going on at my location. Quite shoddy but they have a number of women trapped here and it would be nice if you could send backup to have them escorted home safely."

"A sex trafficking scam?"

"Well, it could be just a regular trafficking scam but I'm not too sure."

"All right, I'll have someone check it out."

"Good, and I realize you might get a lot of calls like this but please don't talk to me like I'm an idiot. Tell your people to send a couple of ambulances as well, you'll need them."

"Of course."

You could only hope the person on the other end of the line would eat their words when it was on the front of the newspaper. For now, your work was done.

In the meantime, how were you going to get anywhere from here? Where even were you? Was there anyone even conscious here who could give you directions? Or would you have to call the police again to find out where to go?

Not that you'd wait long enough for them actually arrive here. You'd return to the bar way before that for another drink. Maybe now you'd actually be able to enjoy one.

Just as you were about to leave, you heard a creak coming from the other end of the warehouse. It echoed through the halls and you leapt to your feet, soundless moving to hide in the shadows and pulling out a kunai.

The footsteps that followed it were light and airy, barely even touching the ground. They were trained, whoever they were. You kept your ears open in order to hear something.

"Whoever was here was trained." You heard someone comment.

"Are you really that stupid, Nightwing? It's obvious that my sister was the one who took out this ring and reported it." Came the snappy reply back and your breath caught in your chest. Make no mistake, that was your brother's voice.

"We must find her."

He was actually looking for you? He knows you're here? You're not entirely surprised, you haven't exactly been careful or stealthy when it came to concealing your face around Gotham. A mistake on your part but you couldn't have been more relieved.

You still remained quiet, not wanting to disturb the flow, not wanting to interrupt. You had the mind of a soldier but when there was no one to follow you seemed more like a sheep. It made you feel slight shame, that you were unable to stick up for yourself despite being so many things.

Maybe, the league wasn't the best thing for you.

Immediately you scraped the thought from your mind, berating yourself for even thinking that. The league had given you everything, everything you were today was because of them. You were strong and calculating, the leagues proud soldier.

You were proud of your roots, thankful that you grew up to be the person you were. They had given you everything, and your brother was just one of the gifts that you had been blessed with in your life.

"Damian." You spoke softly, stepping out of the shadows. His head snapped towards you, eyes widening when he took in your form. It really was you. His sister.

Damian wasted no time in bounding towards you and you knelt down to meet his eye level, catching him with open arms. A part of your heart sang when you realized he was still small enough to fit in your arms. He still held you close. He still loved you.

"I've missed you, Ya Amar." You spoke softly, cradling his head that was buried in the junction of your neck.

"I as well, Okhti."

***

Damian was ecstatic that you were in Gotham. Of course, it didn't look like it to anyone but everyone who knew him well could tell that he was happy that his sister was home with him. He didn't wait for even two seconds when you got to the Batcave (much to Bruce's surprise) to show you all his pets.

The next few days would be considered the best of his life.

Damian wanted to be as close to you as possible, sitting near you during meals, training with you, talking with you, even going as far to sneak into your temporary bedroom at night for cuddles. He certainly got more comfortable showing affection since the last time you were around.

He showed you his hobbies like painting and sketching and you were impressed. He had the skills to be doing something like this? Damian had picked up many new talents and many new stories since you last saw him and he was eager to share them all with you.

The next few days would be considered the worst of your life.

You had found Damian now, so why didn't you still feel fulfilled? Why did you feel like something was missing? Like this wasn't meant for you? Why weren't you satisfied?

Why did you feel envious that Damian got to experience so many things? Why did you feel resentment against him when you realized you never got the same things he has?

Your life felt like it amounted to nothing.

You loved your brother but so far you had just been living for him. And now that you realized there were parts of the world that you wanted to see. There were thoughts in your mind that were of your own and desires that you didn't have to explain to anyone. As long as it made sense to yourself.

And you realize one thing with an aching heart.

You couldn't stay here in Gotham.

"Does Damian know?" Bruce asked you one day when you had asked him a favour. Bruce so far had been a little cold and unfeeling ever since you had met him in the Batcave uninvited. His feelings towards you got more negative when you gave an offhanded comment about how you thought he was taller. But he was the only one you could ask for a favour. He was the father to your beloved brother and you could only hope he would offer you the same consideration.

You had asked him for a flight to Washington, to see if Diana really meant what she said. To take a leap of faith for the first time in your life.

You shook your head no, "Not yet. I'm hoping he will take the news well. It's not like I'm leaving forever. I just—I need to—" You trailed off, unable to find the right words.

Bruce nodded, "I understand. Just tell him before you go. I don't think I've ever seen him this happy before."

"It makes me feel worse." You admitted, feeling a little guilty. How could you not feel happy at your brother’s happiness?

"You need some time to figure out that your world is yours. No one else should determine how you feel about yourself."

"You are very wise," You said softly, "Thank you."

***

"I love you dearly, Damian." You tried to coerce him from his room where he had locked himself in only 5 minutes ago. No doubt he was sulking since he found out that you would be leaving for DC in two days’ time.

"If you did, you wouldn't be leaving!" His voice was muffled, as if his face was buried in his pillow or even Titus. You had been trying to coax him into open the door for 20 minutes now and had multiple offers from Grayson, which you turned down.

"Oh, for the love of—Damian Wayne, you open this door right now!" It was silent for a moment before you heard the lock click open and took that as the indication from him to step into his room.

It was large and from the moment you stepped in, it was easy to tell the space was his. There were swords mounted on the wall, paintings on the wall adjacent to it. His desk was tidy and in the corner of his room, there were multiple easels and sketch pads.

Damian was sulking on his bed and you sighed, feeling guilty. You sat beside him and ran your fingers through his hair. Even though he was upset with you, he still sank into your touch, feeling comforted by mere contact.

"It's not forever, Damian. Wherever I'm going, I'm going to come back. I just need some time to myself." You tried to explain.

"But why!"

"The league taught me well, Damian. But it taught me to live like a soldier, but not as a person. There are so many things that I don't know about myself. What do I like? What do I want to do with my life? And I need to figure it out for myself."

"Why can't you do that here?"

You gave him a pained look and realization dawned on him, "Because of me."

"Damian, in the time we spent apart you learnt so many things about yourself. That you like animals, that you like art. There are so many blanks in my life and I need the distance to figure it out. I need to understand myself." You explained wistfully.

It was true, there were so many blanks in your life. You didn't even know what food you liked better, what hobbies you enjoyed. You wanted to experience new things, without the influence of Damian, without relying on him. And more importantly, you were scared you would put Damian above yourself time and time again.

It was all you knew. Damian was worth more than your life, worth more than your heart. But if that was true, you wanted to know at least what your heart was worth to you. If you didn't hold any value to yourself, it would be foolish to think you would to anyone else.

You needed the distance. You needed something new. You wanted to dive into uncharted waters and figure out the magic for yourself, without anyone to help you.

"It's not forever," You reminded gently, "I'm going to come back, I can promise you that."

Damian began leaning until his head was settled in your lap and you chuckled, gently scratching his scalp and he nestled into your belly. Hard to believe this was the same boy who left only a year ago. You wondered if you would change as much as he did or if you were stuck in your ways now.

"Okay," He said, voice muffled and you smiled, "I hope you find what you're looking for."

"Thank you for your blessing, Ya Amar. It means the world to me. I love you; you know that."

"I do." He said, now wrapping his arms around your waist, "I love you too."

Forever Taglist:

@simonsbluee

DC Taglist:

@emmacata

@p--e--a--c--h--e--s

@sometimeseverythingsucks

@sokkas-honour

@unstable1902

@lostgirlheart

@missdisapear

@tadpole-san

[noyaism]

Own It

Pairing: SunaxFem!Reader

Word Count: 3.9k

Warnings: car sex, drug usage (weed), degrading, orgasm denial, creampie, choking, spit play, sir!suna, power dynamics, spanking, praising, and a touch of size kink (lmk if i missed any warnings!)

Song Inspo: Own It - Drake

Ever since your first year of high school, the very first day when you met Suna Rintarou for the first time, you found yourself hopelessly crushing. You couldn't tell if it was his stoic look, the vibe he gave off, the intelligence under it all, but whatever it may have been, Suna peaked your interest in every way possible. This caused you to almost instantly befriend him. He was a bit of a tough nut to crack at the beginning of your friendship, but he eventually let you in and let you get close, and as that happened your feelings for him only grew stronger. 

And now here you were, in your first year of college. The feelings you had for him were the same as they had been for years now, not diminished in the slightest. Your friendship with him had become so important to you, though. He was a vital part in your life, and you had to learn to cope with the fact that telling him how you truly felt might ruin the way things were. That was a possibility you couldn't even begin to fathom, and so even though it almost killed you to do, you tried your best to keep those feelings at bay.

Even with your barred feelings, you still did everything with Suna, trying your best never to make your true feelings known. One thing the two of you had recently got into, after a party you were invited to and forcibly made him accompany you to, was smoking. You knew people who did it in high school, but it was never really your scene. You knew Suna had done it a couple times before going to the party, but that night he finally convinced you to try it, and ever since then you two smoked together almost on the daily.

It was a night as normal as any other one. Suna had texted you, asking if you wanted to go smoke. That question was a no brainer, as it always was, and he picked you up fairly soon after. You drove to your usual spot, the picnic area of a park that wasn't too far away from campus. It was usually emptied out by eleven, a couple stragglers stargazing was the most you ever saw. Tonight was about the norm, Suna’s car being the only one in the parking lot, you two the only ones around.

“Let me try rolling it.” You offered as Suna pulled a rolling tray out of the glove compartment, and the weed out of his jacket pocket. 

“You sucked last time you tried to roll. Sure you're ready to try again?” You stuck your tongue out at Suna, shaking your head lightly at the dig.

“I’ll never get better if I don't practice. Hand it over.” It was a fair enough assertion, thus Suna handed you the rolling tray, with both the bag of bud, a grinder and a pack of wraps on it. Admittedly, you weren't the best at rolling. Someone else had always done it for you, either that or you were smoking off carts, so it was never a skill you had really developed. It wasn't until recently that you had started to roll yourself, and it was definitely a bit harder than it looked. 

“Now see, this one is much better.” You said as you dried the blunt off, running a lighter over it to seal it all up. Suna chuckled lightly, nodding his head as he admired your work.

“Yeah, it looks pretty good, I gotta hand it to you.” You let out a satisfied chuckle and got into the back of the car, settling comfortably in the backseat and patting the space next to you.

“Cmon, I can and will smoke this thing alone if you don't get back here.” You jokingly threatened. Suna nodded, quickly grabbing his phone and putting some music on shuffle before joining you in the back. 

A white cloud of smoke filled the car, hazing your sight just enough for Suna, who sat beside you, to be just a bit more blurry than he should be. As he took the last couple hits the blunt had left he cracked the window open a bit, discarding it onto the cement below and rolling the window back up so too much of the smoke didn’t escape. You laid your head on his shoulder, breathing in the familiar smell of cannabis and letting your breathing level out as the high started to set into your body. As per usual, the weed mellowed you out, allowing you to just relax with him. The silence from the lack of conversation was easily filled by the music that played from the speakers, F**k the World by Brent Faiyaz reverberating through the vehicle. Suna hummed lightly along to the song, and you shut your eyes and simply listened to him. 

It was times like this that you wished you had the guts to tell Suna how you felt about him, but once again you thought it best not to. Maybe it was how stoic he was; even though you were definitely the closest person in the world to him, and you probably understood his emotions the best, there was still no way for you to read if these feelings were at all reciprocated. It was the same things you found so attractive about him that also terrified you to open up. You didn’t want to read into the way he treated you, as you thought that was only setting yourself up to be disappointed, and so you simply wallowed in the feeling of a love so painfully unrequited that you were addicted to how bad it felt. 

“Are you okay, y/n?” He asked, noticing your expression was a bit off, which you hadn’t previously noticed. You nodded your head quickly, picking it up off his shoulder and looking over towards him.

“Yeah, yeah I’m chill. Mind kinda started to wander, is all.”

“Off to where?” 

“It’s nothing.” You quickly objected, shaking your head a bit frantically.

“It’s obviously something, just tell me.” You sighed lightly, knowing very well Suna wasn’t going to drop the topic until he knew what was bothering you. He cared way too much about how you felt to just let something like that go. You knew you had to just swallow your pride and tell him, but you couldn’t get the words out. The pure thought of saying you liked him made your throat feel like it was closing up. So, logically, there was only one way for you to get your point across.

Thus, you kissed him.

It wasn’t a long kiss, frankly because your cheeks got so hot you thought your head might just explode, but it was enough for Suna to understand what exactly it was you were trying to say. As you pulled away the gravity of what it was you actually did hit you, and you hid your face in your hands, shaking your head a bit.

“I’m so sorry, Suna. I didn’t mean to...well I did, but I just don’t want the fact that I like you to make things different between us.” Before he responded Suna took hold of your chin between his fingers, pulling your face up and out of hiding so you were now looking directly at him. 

“You’re an idiot. A pretty one, but an idiot nonetheless.”

Before you could ask what he meant his lips were on yours once again, but this kiss felt so much different than the first one. This one had passion behind it, passion that you didn’t know Suna even had for you. Your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him in closer so you could kiss him deeper. He pulled you onto his lap, hands firmly gripping your ass. 

As the music changed you began to move your hips to the rhythm, I Don’t Think You’re Ready by Tank bumping through the speakers. It was a pretty fitting song for the current situation, as you were simultaneously so ready for what might happen with Suna, and yet you hadn't a single clue if you were ready to take it all. 

Your hands snaked up into his hair, tugging softly on the brown strands as the kiss began to get even more heated. It didn't help that it was already pretty hot in the car, but this offered you the perfect opportunity to not only undress yourself, but Suna as well. You pulled your shirt up and off of you, letting it fall to the floor without much regard for where it was going. His jacket and shirt joined the growing pile, and in an instant your lips were reconnected. Kissing him was addicting, even better than what you had imagined it might've been like. 

You whined a bit as he pulled away, a pout coming over your lips.

“I’m guessing by that look you're okay with going further with this.” You nodded your head, leaning forward and kissing him softly.

“I’m all yours, Suna.”

“That's what I like to hear.”

Now that he had permission to continue, Suna was more than ready to get into it. Just as much as you fantasized what it would be like to be intimate with him, he thought the very same about you, and wanted to make some of his fantasies a reality. He reached behind you and swiftly unclasped your bra, lips latching onto your nipple as you discarded it. He rolled the opposite bud between his fingers, and your hips continued to grind into his. He kissed all over the skin of your breasts, a sweet gesture in comparison to his next moves. 

With one fluid motion your back was now clad to the backseat, and Suna hovered above you. The silver chain he wore around his neck dangled down into your face, enhancing the pure sight of him. Not even Michaelangelo himself could’ve carved a face and physique as near perfection as Suna’s, and the fact only your eyes got to feast upon the sight made it all the more attractive. He pulled your leggings off of you, your panties going with them. The feeling of being so bare in front of him was an interesting one. You would’ve expected that you were going to be more shy, more nervous about it, but it felt so right that you couldn’t have possibly felt that way. Suna bit his bottom lip as he looked down on you, admiring the sight of your nude body in front of him for what would be the first of many times.

“You’re fucking gorgeous, you know that?” He questioned before going down on you. While he wasn’t the biggest fan of his car, insisting it was a soccer mom car with way too much space than he would ever need, it seemed that the space was finally going to actually come in handy. You quite comfortably were laid out while he still had plenty of space to be between your legs. He placed soft, slow kisses on your inner thigh, each kiss heightening your need for him. By how wet you were it was obvious you were ready for him, and he wasted no time giving you what you wanted.

His lips latched onto your clit, sucking softly before he began licking long stripes between your folds. Chills ran down your spine, and moans started to slip from your mouth aimlessly. Suna’s tongue flicked over your clit, making you feel pleasure previously unbeknownst to you. Sure, guys had given you head before, and sure, it felt okay, but nobody had ever come close to being this good. It felt absolutely unreal, and the extent of your pleasure was potent in the way you said his name. Over and over again; Suna, Suna, Suna. Like a prayer desperate to be heard. And he loved hearing it, too. It was all he needed to know how good he was making you feel.

Your hips bucked toward his mouth as you began to chase your orgasm, the heat pooling in your core becoming hotter and hotter. You needed to cum and you needed it bad, and you needed him to give it to you. Suna slipped a finger into you, the second coming in quick succession. His mouth parted with you and his thumb began circling your most sensitive bud, so he could come up and loom over you.

“Feels good, doesn't it?” He asked, with a shit-eating grin on his face. He couldn't shake just how pretty he thought you looked like this, all desperate for him to please you. You nodded your head frantically, looking up at him with pure lust in your eyes.

“Ple-please make me cum, Suna.” You begged, much to his liking. He leaned down and kissed you gently, that same grin on his face as he pulled away. 

“Of course, baby. I’ll make you cum,” He prefaced before quickly removing his fingers from you, leaving you empty and with a ruined orgasm. You whined in frustration, confused as to why this was his course of action.

“But you’re gonna cum on my cock. Got it?” You nodded your head as Suna moved to take off his pants, finally letting his hardened erection spring free. You weren't sure what you had expected him to be packing, but the mere girth of him surpassed whatever you would've thought you were getting from him.

“Yes, sir.” You replied, causing Suna to chuckle lightly. He guided the tip of his member between your folds, lubing up with all the wetness that was already present. It was such a sight for him, one he had been wanting to entreat upon for a long, long time now. 

“That’s my good girl.” He praised before slowly starting to push into you. He took his time, not wanting to hurt you, but he had to admit the way you were clenching around him already was enough to drive him mad. He bottomed out soon enough, and you took him to the hilt. It felt so unbelievably good, and you gave him the okay to start moving. Suna kept his hands on your hips, keeping you steady as he began thrusting. Your eyes rolled back and your back arched, your body overwhelmed with pleasure. 

Your brain was kind of scrambled, hazy from how sensitive you were due to your previously denied orgasm, in conjunction with the high you were still on, but you could make out the song that had started to play. Own It by Drake, again, a pretty fitting song for the moment.

You’re still the one that I adore, ain’t much out there to have feelings for…

Both you and Suna had your passions, the things and people you cared about, but those lists were incredibly limited. There just wasn’t a lot that truly excited you. However, there had always been something that made you gravitate towards each other, something that made you need to be around each other, that caused you to be instrumental in each other's lives. Even if you wouldn't outwardly admit it, you adored each other.

Next time we fuck, I don’t wanna fuck, I wanna make love… 

But this time, you two were simply fucking. There was nothing more to it. It was raunchy, it was dirty, and little did you know, the fun was only just beginning for the both of you.

Suna kept his thrusts a bit on the slower side, much more concerned with how deep he was hitting than how fast he was going. It drove you absolutely wild, feeling every inch of him each time he moved. It was almost too much for you, your walls tightening around him more and more with even the slightest of moves he made.

“God damn, this slutty little cunt just can’t get enough of me, huh?” These words caught you completely off guard, you just wouldn’t expect Suna to say something so utterly vulgar, but admittedly, it turned you on way more than it probably should’ve. You shook your head lightly, looking him in the eyes, your gaze spilling over with desperation.

“N-need more.” You begged, much to Suna’s satisfaction. He smirked down at you, letting his right hand snake up your body and wrap around your throat while the left kept you firmly in place, with the entirety of his cock filling you up. 

“Cmon baby, you got better manners than that, don't you?” His tone was so divinely condescending, not really asking if you knew better, but insinuating you needed to. You were in no position to be anything but obedient, nor did your intentions differ. You wanted everything he had and were willing to do whatever it took to get it.

“Please, sir. I need more, I need it so bad.” You repeated, sounding even more desperate than you did before. By the look in his eyes you knew this was enough for Suna, who slowly pulled out of you. 

“Open your mouth.” He instructed, to which you immediately obeyed. He spat into your mouth, which you more than willingly accepted, a small smirk curling the corner of your lips as you swallowed. You were letting Suna know that he was in charge, and that you were there for him to use, his toy. He easily got the message, letting out a chuckle as he released his grip on your throat.

“Nasty little bitch.” 

Suna quickly turned you over onto your stomach, your face now pushed against the cold leather of the seats. His re-entry was quick, a soft squelch being heard as your walls greedily pulled his length right back in, giving you that oh-so euphoric feeling of being full once again. You moaned out loudly, a small yelp following at the unexpected spank he rained down on your ass. It was the first of many, while Suna simply enjoyed how you squirmed on him with each hit. 

After a fairly decent amount of spanking, enough to leave a deliciously painful sting on your skin, he started to fuck into you again. Suna’s slow strokes certainly weren't gentle, each seeming to hit deeper than the last, but this quickened pace turned that feeling up to a ten. Your mouth hung open as you took it all, moans and whines spilling out carelessly. Suna kept one hand firmly pressed onto the window for leverage, the other gripped hard on your waist, certainly enough to leave a light bruise. The sound of skin slapping with each of his thrusts rang through your head, and his grunts added atop that easily drowned out whatever music was playing. You much preferred this song, anyway.

“C’mere, ride me like the good little slut you are.” You didn't need to be told twice, as Suna pulled out and sat himself down you got yourself up and straddled him. You lined his tip up with your entrance, not lowering down onto him just yet, egging him on just to see how he would react. Fitting to what you expected, he grabbed onto your hips and forced you down, a surprised moan coming from you as your head fell onto his shoulder. 

“No no no, you don't get to tease me, whore. When I tell you to do something, you do it. Got it?” You nodded your head, letting out a small ‘yes sir’ in reply, too breathless to speak above a whisper. Suna’s hands gripped onto your ass as you started to ride him, bouncing on his length, circling your hips a bit every time you came down. 

Holding your orgasm back for this long was way more taxing than you would've thought it would be, your legs were shaking and your walls spasmed sporadically, desperate to finally get some relief. A pit of heat once again started to billow in your core, and you prayed you would finally get to cum.

“S-sir please, I need to cum...fuck, please let me cum.” The utter anguish in your voice did so much for Suna, knowing how much control he had over you and your pleasure turned him on more than anything else. He owned you, and he owned your orgasm, and you were both well aware of it. He was incredibly close himself, evident by how he started to pound up into you, matching the pace you had set. 

“Cum for me.” 

And you did. Almost instantly your high washed over you. You let out a moan that bordered on a scream as your juices spilled all over Suna’s dick. The spasms of your walls around his length made Suna cum as well, depositing a load out into you. For a while you two were fairly quiet, both catching your breath from what was undoubtedly the best orgasm either of you had had up until that point. 

You slowly got up and off of him, soreness almost immediately setting in now that you were empty. Suna ran a hand through his hair, fixing it up a bit before looking over at you. He motioned to his cock, a bit of a smirk still present on his lips. 

“Clean up your mess, baby.” You nodded at your instructions before leaning down, taking Suna’s length into your mouth. You licked up every last drop of both you and him, leaving nothing to waste. Once finished you popped your head up, wiping the corner of your mouth. Suna pulled you up and kissed you, placing a peck on your forehead as he pulled away. 

“So, you like me too?” You asked with a small smile. The answer to the question was more than blatantly obvious, but you still wanted to actually hear him say it.

“Of course I do, y/n. Everyone seemed to know but you, anyway.”

“And who is ‘everyone’, exactly?”

“Kita, Aran, the twins, you name it. Atsumu still won’t stop teasing me about not asking you out. Texts me every single day asking if we’re together yet.” 

With that in mind you picked up the shirt Suna had taken off, pulling it over your head before reaching up into the front cupholders to get your phone. He redressed himself fairly quickly, leaving a bit of his jacket unzipped at the top. You unlocked the device and started a Facetime with Atsumu, drumming your fingers on your thigh as you waited for an answer, making sure only you were in the frame.

“Hey! What’s up y/n, long time no see.” Atsumu greeted, giving you a smile and a wave. He was sat on his couch, a plate of sushi and a can of beer visible on the table where he had set his phone up.

“Yeah, it’s been a while. I was just calling to tell you he finally did it.” Atsumu looked at you a bit confused at first, but as you moved to get Suna in the frame as well it immediately clicked.

“Holy shit, thank god. I was getting tired of waiting, I was going to do it for him soon.” You let out a small chuckle, happy to see Atsumu was as bright as ever in his humor.

“Wait, hold on. Are you wearing his shirt? Did you guys fu-” Before he could finish the question Suna ended the call, shaking his head lightly.

“Yeah, I’m never gonna hear the end of that one.”

[robinofgothamcity]

♡ starting prompt: “the guy who wins your heart will be so lucky.” 

♡ pairing: Tim Drake (Red Robin) & fem reader

♡ lyric inspiration: “I will take your pain and put it on my heart. I won’t hesitate, just tell me where to start.” / not checked for grammar or spelling mistakes. 

“she’s drunk, isn’t she?” Barbara asked, looking at you empathetically, “again?” Dick replied, shaking his head. you were in the corner of the living room, wine bottle in your hand, and singing to whatever was playing, “she caught her ex cheating on her...again,” Barbara explained.

Dick sighed, seeing the clear pain on your face. you were dancing and singing with a smile plastered on your face but the pain you were trying to hide was still evident in your eyes. this had been the third time someone you were dating had done something to make you break up with them and everyone was being honest, they were ready to find your ex and tell them a thing or two. 

“that’s really upsetting,” Dick mentioned, “she really liked him too. wherever she’s finding these guys to date, she needs to stop, and realize that the one she should be dating is in front of her eyes.”

the two of them looked to Tim, who was off in his was off in his own space, doing work for the Bat. Barbara gave him a hearty laugh, “yeah right!” she exclaimed, “the day Tim tells her how he feels is the day Damian thanks one of us for saving him.” Dick looked at her before hesitantly agreeing. 

you walked towards the two, a drunk smile on your face. Dick grabbed the unopened wine bottle and hid it behind his back, “where’s the red wine I had here?” you asked, a pout on your face. Barbara gave Dick a quick look, “you finished it, sweetheart,” she informed, “the last bottle you bought is on the floor by the couch.” 

you growled, giving a stink face, “this sucks. I’m still not drunk and still have thoughts of that IDIOT in my head...I need to find more alcohol,” you said with sudden determination, “do you think your dad has any?” you asked rhetorically. 

Dick and Barbara went wide eyed as they saw you speeding towards the stairs, “TIM GRAB HER!” Dick screamed. Tim whipped his head up, seeing as you nearly out of the batcave and scrambled to get you. 

you were on the second step when he grabbed you by the waist and hurled you into his arms, “come on ( your name ), you don’t need to be drinking anymore,” he whispered in your ear. you gave your best friend a sad pout, “please?” you you asked with your lip sticking out. Tim shook his head no as you sighed in defeat. 

“it’s like everyone can see they’re in love except for them!” Barbara exclaimed, running her hands through her hair, “when they’re not doing hero work, they collectively share one brain cell,” Damian replied as he and the Kent kid walked into the lair. 

your smile widened, seeing your favorite sidekick walk in, “DAMIAN!” you yelled, running to him with wide arms. he immediately ran away from you but with the speed of your legs, you managed to catch him easily enough, “what is wrong with her?” he yelled, trying to pry himself away from you. 

Tim, Dick, Barbara, and Jon laughed as you continued to hug him while he struggled to get away, “Damian, you know you love it!” you said happily. he gave his brother a look for help, “what is wrong with her!” he yelled again, finally escaping his arms. 

the three adults looked at each other as Tim spoke up, “she’s going through a rough time right now,” was all he managed to say as Damian scoffed, “what? did she go through another break up or something?” he said, not realizing your sudden change of expression. 

you looked at the wall emotionless. Tim and Dick gave their brother a death stare as Jon walked up to you and wrapped his arm around you, “hey, it’s okay! there’s other people out there!” he tried to comfort you. 

hearing Jon’s words, you felt tears brimming your eyes as you gave the Kent a tight hug, “really?” you slurred. Jon gave Tim a desperate look as he grabbed you and pulled your arm around him, “lets get you to bed? even though it’s noon?” he laughed, pulling you and himself to his bedroom. 

“I swear that idiot is never going to confess his feelings for her, is he?” Damian asked his older brother as he agreed. 

+

a few days had passed since you had gotten drunk at the Wayne manor. you were still a bit upset at the break up but more than anything, you were sad about not having anyone to come home and talk to after your work shifts. 

you had never gotten far enough in a relationship where you had to admit what you did on the side but you would still come home beat from your ‘day’ job. you had been living alone the minute you turned eighteen as your parents refused to accept what you did with your free time. 

being a superhero and helping out Batman when you had the chance was something you prided yourself on but your parents found it a waste of time as you had dropped going to college to help the bat out. you didn’t have any special powers, much like the rest of the Wayne family but your skills on the field made up for it regardless. 

you saw your beeper going off indicating that either Dick or Bruce himself wanted to speak to you. you picked it up, showing that you were available to speak when the small screen showed up. 

“afternoon ( your name ), you available to patrol tonight?” Dick asked, showing you the schedule for this weeks patrol. you looked it over, realizing you were able to pick up a few rounds, “yeah, I can do tonight, Wednesday, and Friday night!” you replied. 

Dick smiled, “great to hear that! you’ll be doing rounds with Tim and Garfield,” he informed you. you nodded excitedly, “how you holding up?” he asked, trying to hint at your situation, “fine, I think? still stings but trying to get myself out there again,” you muttered, releasing a heavy sigh, 

he remained silent for a bit but decided to bite back on his words, “ah, I’m sure you’ll find someone who’s worth your time soon enough. we’re here if you need anyone to talk to!” Dick said before departing and ending the call. 

you slumped yourself on the couch and tried to get your mind off your ex boyfriend. this had been your third try at a relationship and every single time, every single one of them had done something to ruin it. the first one had completely ghosted you. the second one had broken up with you after he finally got laid, and the your last relationship ended because he had cheated on you. 

you had mentioned the start of your relationships to the Wayne’s so they knew where you would run off to when you weren’t busy with work or hero work. despite keeping your relationship on the down low, each of them always crawled up to your door, apologizing profusely for what they did and you were able to tell that one of them were the reasons why. 

the crying session you would usually have after a break up had yet to happen but you knew that it was bound to happen eventually. the crying after the break up always felt like the biggest wave of relief and you knew that was the last thing you had to cross off your list before fully moving on. 

you ended up taking a nap on the couch, not realizing you were about to be to patrol as you bolted out of the blanket and ran to put on your uniform. the uniform was a bit tight on your body so it felt like it took your forty years to slip on but soon enough, you made your way to your starting destination. 

Tim was already on the top of the roof, leaning against his bo-staff as you hurled onto the roof. you gave him a smile, standing next to him, “how are you feeling?” he asked, as the two of you sat on the ledge of the building. 

you shrugged, knowing if you spoke, you would end up crying, “fine,” you replied, trying not to speak any farther. Tim could see the hurt in your eyes and remained silent the rest of the time. 

it was almost the end of the patrolling session when you had caught a stupid thug trying to steal the purse off of a man. you immediately swooped down from the building, standing behind the thug and kicking him from behind the leg as Tim escorted the man to his car. 

you stared at the thug with disgust, “you should really learn your lesson to not be stealing from others,” you spat, kicking him in the rib cage again. Tim watched as he saw your eyes light up with pure rage, “maybe the next time you decide to be this much of a low life, you’ll end up in grave,” you continued. 

you had blown a couple of punches to the thug as he was starting to cough up blood. Tim immediately ran to you and held you up as the man scrambled up and tried to run away as fast as possible. “calm down!” Tim yelled, holding you against his chest and restricting your arms. 

the tears had finally came down your face as sobs racked your body as you moved yourself to cry into Tim’s chest. the lucky part in all of that was that you were in a darkened alley so no one was able to tell who was being a hysterical drama queen. 

“it’s okay, you’re okay,” Tim soothed, rubbing your back softly. you hid your face against his chest, “why is it always me?” you screamed, “I’m a great person and have done nothing to deserve what I’ve gotten!” you managed to say, 

Tim nodded understandingly. 

“I know,” he replied, “but the guy who wins your heart will be so lucky,” he whispered. you looked up to him with teary eyes, “really?” you asked. Tim nodded, “I know it. the next person who ends up with you will be the one. I promise you,” he stated.

you stared at him, confused, “how do you know?” Tim sighed, knowing he might as well rip off his confession like a band-aid, “because I was hoping I could be the next person to take you out on a date,” he finally confessed.

the air was deadly silent as you fixed your eyes on his face. you tried to respond but no words were falling from your lips. Tim felt his heart fall into his stomach as he realized he might’ve ruined your entire friendship with him with his stupid little confession. 

“Tim...Tim, look at me.” you grabbed his chin and made him stare at you, “Tim, do you like me?” you asked, trying to read his expression. 

Tim nodded as you smiled at his sudden flustered look, “listen, I don’t know how to feel about this but I know there’s something there for you. how about in a few weeks, the two of us can go out on a date to a museum or something?” you grabbed his hand softly. 

the two of you looked at each other as Tim wiped the stray tears off your face and nodded, “of course. name a time and day and I’ll be there!” he said. before you respond, you heard both of your beepers going off indicating that your patrol time was over. 

“I’ll definitely let you know.” 

that was all you managed to say before grabbing your grappling hook and swinging away into the night, leaving a shy and flustered Tim in the alleyway. 

[watch-talk-fixate]

The Humility of Family and Being a Hero: A Darkwing Duck and Drake Mallard Analysis.

Special thanks to @stoopakoopa @mighty-ant @drakepad because they inspired me.

Ducktales 2017. A show that a lot of people saw a simple cash grab and the exploitation of nostalgia of 80s and 90s kids alike. But it was a true surprise. A show of adventure and family and exploring yourself in the family name. This show brought so many characters from the golden age of Disney Channel called “The Disney Afternoon Era” with faces from shows like: Gizmoduck, Talespin, Goof Troop and Darkwing Duck. 

The whole concept of Darkwing Duck is quite silly really. A parody of Batman, superhero tropes and even James Bond but with a duck in the suburbs of the fictional city of Saint Canard living with his boyfriend sidekick Launchpad and his adopted daughter Gosalyn. As someone who watched the show in reruns back in the day and recently rewatched it on Disney Plus, I didn’t think I would have appreciated this show as much as I thought I would. Dry and witty humor that caught me off guard and it truly doesn’t seem as dated as other shows from those times. 

But I’m here to talk about Drake Mallard and what it means to be a superhero and a parent. 

(For the sake of the analysis, I will be referring to Drake Mallard from the Ducktales 2017 reboot as “Drake Mallard!17” and the Drake Mallard from the OG Darkwing Duck show as “Drake Mallard!91”.)

Ducktales 2017 for a long time was alluring to bringing Darkwing Duck into the universe of the show. Many fans didn't know how this was possible until a certain episode that was the rise of another superhero and Darkwing Duck’s long time rival: Gizmoduck (now voiced by the guy who wrote a Broadway musical that won many awards-- Bring It On the Musical. I’m kidding. Lin Manuel Miranda). In the episode ‘The BUDDY System’ we are shown what looks like a fight scene between Darkwing Duck and his villains, MegaVolt and QuackerJack. But then it’s abruptly cut when it’s revealed to be a video. An episode. Launchpad explains to Dewey (the blue duck nephew of Donald Duck) that Darkwing Duck is his favorite TV show’ meaning that Darkwing Duck is a TV show in the Ducktales 2017 universe. A show inside a show. 

Weird, right? 

But what does this have to do with being a superhero and a parent and how family humbles you? Well, in the OG Darkwing Duck show the character of Drake Mallard is shown to be a late-20s to early-40s nobody in his two-parter episode debut-- “Darkly Dawns the Duck”-- who spends his days locked inside an abandoned bridge tower and out fighting small-time crime at night as a purple masked weirdo. And I say this in the kindest way ever but Drake Mallard!91 is an asshole. It’s later revealed in the show that he wanted to be a superhero not because he wanted to protect the people in his city -- that is a parody of Batman’s Gotham -- but because he wanted the praise and attention of being a hero. He’s a hero for a selfish reason. 

But how is it possible to have an asshole for a main character that lasted 91 episodes? Drake Mallard!91 has a child. It isn’t his biological daughter really but she is his daughter. In his two-parter episode his first real ‘save’ is the granddaughter of a scientist that was murdered by the mafia and now they are after the granddaughter because she has the code for a machine that they are going to use to rob banks and release mayhem across the world. Darkwing Duck!91 goes to save her and they start to have a bond that makes my daddy issues burst into tears. 

Hiding her in his secret hide-out, she isn’t comfortable and Gosalyn needs to sleep so as a way to calm her down he sings her dead grandfather’s lullaby to her. I won’t reveal the rest of the episode or the “plot twist”(?) because I think it’s a cute episode. But here we see that Drake Mallard!91 does have the ability to care about others that isn’t himself or his reputation. 

At the end of the episode, he goes out of his way to adopt Gosalyn and officially makes her his daughter. Throughout the series, you see that Drake Mallard!91 bonds with Gosalyn. Taking her to school, talking to her about emotional things, and doing everything in his power to protect her from the harm that comes with him being a superhero. But in one of my favorite episodes “Toys R Czar”, Drake Mallard!91 has come to the conclusion that he can’t both be a hero and great parent after one of Gosalyn’s teachers points out that she has been causing a lot of issues at school. He blames himself for not being a good parent, reading parenting books and following them to the letter. Cleaning, baking cookies and even being the director for a play where he made Gosalyn the star. 

He gives up being Darkwing Duck. He gives up the one thing that he worked so hard and was so proud of. Drake Mallard!91 put his ego aside to be a good parent and was ready to throw away his cape and pick up an actual job to raise Gosalyn. He did the toughest thing about being a hero, a figure of salvation: having a family. 

I think that the reason that I enjoyed the OG Darkwing Duck a lot despite me being a bitch to the pain character’s ego and pride was that yes, he would probably be a terrible parent but he has Gosalyn and Launchpad to guide him. He has them to ground him and not let his ego overrun him into believing he’s such a big-shot hero because he stops supervillains with only a gas gun, smoke bombs and a purple mask. His family makes him human-- despite him being a duck. 

Now moving onto Ducktales 2017. In the episode ‘The BUDDY System’ when Launchpad is telling Dewey about Darkwing Duck being his favorite TV show and growing up on it he mentions an actor’s name: Jim Starling. 

Jim Starling plays Darkwing Duck. Remember that. 

(Fun Fact: the actor who voices the OG Darkwing Duck/Drake Mallard!91 does the voice of Jim Starling.) 

In my favorite and comfort episode “The Duck Knight Rises” we are shown that Jim Starling has suffered the same fate of Bo Jack Horseman: a washed out actor from the 80s/90s that is living on the steam of his former success. Jim is no longer as popular as he was back in the day, making money off of signing autographs and openings of less-than-desirable stores. It isn’t until Dewey mentions the fact that there is a Darkwing Duck Movie ready to release that we see Jim Starling happy and ready to jump back into the role. 

The Role of a Hero. 

We discover that Scrooge McDuck is the one producing the movie and after watching the trailer both Launchpad and Jim Starling agree that this isn’t faithful to the character. Yet Jim doesn’t really care, he wants to be back into the light and have the attention and adoration of an actor. Of being a hero. How very of Drake Mallard!91 of him. 

The director of the Duck Knight Rises movie tells Jim that he isn’t playing Darkwing Duck. A younger actor is. Outraged, he attacks the actor and is kicked out alongside Launchpad. Jim Starling believes that he is owed this role. That this role only belongs to him and no one else in the world. Roping Launchpad into his plan, here we see that Jim Starling never truly let go of his past when he slips on his old Darkwing Duck costume to play hero again. 

It is Launchpad that begins to question him when Jim starts to ramble about revenge, Launchpad still looking at his old idol with nostalgia tinted glasses and goes along with the plan. 

Here is where the analysis begins to pick up again. When LP sneaks into the actor’s trailer and immediately panics, locking himself, the Actor comes to his rescue. After some light fighting we see that the Actor is a big fan of the Darkwing Duck; possibly bigger than LP himself. LP does have a connection with the show but it seems that he Actor here takes it up more personally. That his whole ideologies and all of his morals came from a silly little show from his childhood and is the reason he is the way he is today. This whole movie is his big shot and a dream come true. 

Immediately after this, we see Jim Starling running around and knocking people out. Actually hurting people just to get back into the role he’s clinging on to. Paralleling the Actor’s acceptance of the role and Jim ready to draw blood because he can’t let go. 

Finally, we see the Actor and Jim Starling have a “sane” interaction. That it’s a huge honor to be here with him, says the Actor. That he wants to play the role of Darkwing Duck with Jim’s blessing. That they can do this together. 

But Jim wants this for his own. All for himself. 

After knocking the Actor out, we see a glimpse of how gone he is. How attention thirsty he is and that he will literally stop at nothing to get back on screen. 

The whole climatic fight of the episode is the Actor putting on his new Darkwing Duck costume and heading off face first into danger to save people as Jim Starling just snaps. The new confronts the old. With the trademark, goofy Darkwing Duck openings of I am the terror that flaps in the night but more modern. 

As they fight, it’s LP that finally gets to Jim with him telling him how much Darkwing Duck means to him and what it means to be a hero like him. As a power beam prop is ready to fall on top of LP, Jim does what a hero is supposed to do. Sacrifice. By pushing his biggest fan out of the way, he completes the role he has been yearning to play. 

They don’t find the body. (Yes this is a kids show). But here is where we learn that the Actor’s name is Drake Mallard. 

Drake Mallard!17. 

Launchpad is the one that convinces Drake Mallard!17 to be the true Darkwing Duck. For Jim. 

Jim Starling is what the OG Darkwing Duck was. Egotistical, wanting fame and attention, having all of the qualities that would make anyone doubt that he is truly a hero. The thing is that if Jim Starling only played Darkwing Duck, not Drake Mallard (because in this universe he is a real person), then it means that he didn’t have a Launchpad or a Gosalyn to ground him. Jim Starlings is what happens when a hero is isolated and is only a hero and not a person. 

Drake Mallard!17 is a person who becomes a hero while Jim Starling is an actor who pretended to be a hero. Jim was stuck in his own vanity, not having anyone truly reminding him that he isn't’ the roles he plays; that he isn’t Darkwing Duck. 

Drake Mallard is Darkwing Duck.

[sweet-sammy-kisses]

Monsters of Past

2

For my @badthingshappenbingo​ prompt take me instead.  Fandom: Batman Characters: Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Cassandra Cain, Dick Grayson, Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, and OC Rating: M Warnings: Past rape/non-con, rape/non-con elements, Tim Drake has bad parents (they are the worst) Lots of protective Jason, Cass and Dick Summary: "That is what I was trying to protect you from Damian." Tim's voice was hollow. "You talk about your birthright as Bruce's blood son, that you want everything you deem yours handed to you on a silver platter without knowing that there is a price you are going to pay. Do you know how many there are who would love to have the Crown Prince of Gotham's blood son in their power? Forced to do whatever they want to seal the deal? They are the monster waiting in the shadows knowing their money and power will protect them. I was trying to protect you, Damian.

"To protect Damian Tim gives himself to a monster of his past. Word Count: 2,901 You can also read it on AO3

"Enough is enough. Today is the day that I take my birthright back from Drake." Damian had waited long enough for his father to dismiss the unwanted one, he had already been removed as Robin as one of them now it was time to remove him from his position as CEO - it was his birthright and that Drake was still in his place filled Damian with rage - and once and for all show Drake he wasn't wanted nor needed and it was time for him to move on, far away from them.

Damian had overheard a conversation between Drake and Tam before Drake discovered and destroyed the bugs Damian had planted in the CEO's office the last time he had been there reminding Drake that he was nothing but a temporary replacement until father took back what was his or passed it onto him as it is his birthright.

Tam had brought up the owner of a company that they needed to work with but the CEO was holding out until Tim agreed to a private meeting with him.

"We can't keep putting this meeting off. The board members are beginning to ask questions as to why you don't want to meet with Aiden Tyler."

"I know. His company is doing some good but Aiden Tyler is an ass."

"Tim!"

"I'm sorry but I have dealt with that man in the past and he is a real scumbag and if we didn't need his product I would tell him to go to hell. Call and see if you can make an appointment with him sometime next week."

Damian knew that was his chance to prove he was worthy to take over now, despite his age.

+******+

Aiden Tyler quickly agreed to meet with Damian and the youngest Wayne couldn't help but preen with pride.

"That will show Drake." He will secure the deal and prove once again how worthless Drake is then maybe they could finally be rid of him.

Dressed in his finest of suits Damian arrived at the five-star restaurant where he walked in and owned the place like the Prince he is. "I am meeting Aiden Tyler, take me to him." He demanded.

The host quickly did as ordered and Damian couldn't help but smirk the man knew not to mess with a Wayne.

Led to a booth in the back a handsome man with deep brown hair with streaks of silver the man was fit for nearing his fifties. Dark eyes met his and Damian refused to shiver as they roamed over him with something in them that made him uncomfortable.

"Mr. Tyler, I am Damian Wayne, I am thankful that you could work me into your schedule." Damian greeted him.

Aiden's lips curled up into a smile, "Please call me Aiden and when it comes to Wayne Enterprise I am always willing to make room. I'm sure that we can work out a partnership that is agreeable to both parties."

There was something about the way the man spoke that reminded Damian of a predator stalking its prey. 'Well, Mister Tyler you will learn that Damian Wayne-Al Ghul is no one's prey.' "I hope that as well."

"Well isn't this nice but if you want to do business with Wayne Enterprise you need to talk to me."

"What are you doing here Drake?" Damian hissed out, he couldn't believe that Drake had the nerve to show up here and ruin his chance to prove to his father he was ready.

Thankful for all the train Bruce had given them Tim was able to hide his feelings behind a cool mask as he was forced to face someone he hoped he would never see again unless it was behind jail bars. "I am doing my job, Damian. Now, why don't you run along and leave this to the grown-ups." Tim ordered not suggested.

Damian bristled much like Alfred the cat and he looked ready to spew his usual vile insults towards Tim but right now he didn't care, he needed Damian far away and somewhere safe.

"If you leave now I will not inform Bruce of you trying to endanger Wayne Enterprise's." Tim held up a hand as Damian went to speak, "As you would know because of your age any agreement you reached with Mister Tyler would not be binding. So in order for this partnership to be legal, it is me that must make the deals. Now head home Damian." Tim ordered.

A low growl escaped Damian he hated to admit that Drake had a point, after all, he was not of age to make any partnership legal which is why he had planned on creating the agreement than bringing his father in to show him he was capable. Now he couldn't for that surely end with his father agreeing with Drake. "This is far from over," Damian warned before storming out.

"Such a shame, I was looking forward to seeing what young Mister Wayne had to offer me." Aiden's voice was like nails on a chalk board and all Tim wanted to do was run far away but it was too late for if he did nothing the man would go after Damian again.

'You can do this Tim. You have faced the likes of the Joker and Ra. You can face him.' Tim repeated to himself as he forced the smile back on his face, "I'm sorry but you will have to settle with me."

Aiden's smile turned wicked, "We both know that I won't be settling for you, Tim. Come sit, let us catch up before we get down to business."

Having little choice Tim slipped into the booth.

Tim could feel the vile beginning to build up in the back of his throat as Aiden's hand slid up his thigh. He did his best not to shudder as unwanted memories flooded his mind.

Moving closer Aiden removed any space between the two of them, "I still hope that you cry as pretty as you use to do." Aiden whispered in Tim's ear. "I am going to have so much fun breaking you all over again. It was so sweet of you to offer to take your little brother's place."

Tim wondered if it was wrong that he wished for an Arkham outbreak at that very moment. "As long as you leave Damian alone you can have me instead."

"Agreed." Never had such a word sent pure terror flowing through Tim's body.

+******+

"Father! I demand that you talk to Drake!" Damian growled as he slammed the door to the manor open.

Bruce could feel a headache building, he wished that his two youngest sons could get along. "What now?"

"I had a meeting with Aiden Tyler, one that Drake has been putting off for a month, since he wasn't in a hurry to seal the deal I took it onto myself to see it through."

Cass appeared out of nowhere, her expression hard, "Did you leave Tim with him?" She shocked everyone with her growl.

Damian blinked at Cassandra, taken back by the rage burning in her eyes. "Yes."

Horror filled Cass' eyes before she was moving. Bouncing to his feet Dick followed after his sister, "Cass, what is going on?"

"Tyler hurt little brother in past and is hurting him now." Was all that Cass offered before she was gone, leaving their very confused family behind.

"Yeah, that doesn't sound too good, someone gets Babs on the line and have her find out everything she can about this Aiden Tyler," Jason suggested. Something was bugging him, he had heard that name before and the fact that it made him want to reach for his guns wasn't a good sign.

Worry shone in Dick's blue eyes, "Do you think Timmy might be in danger?" His and Tim's relationship hadn't been the same since he didn't believe Tim that Bruce was alive and caused him to lose his standing in the hero community, he kept meaning to fix it but he kept pushing it off and now his baby brother might be in trouble and he might turn away his offer of comfort.

"I do," Jason growled out.

+******+

At Alfred's suggestion, they had moved down to the cave to do a background check on Aiden Tyler and discovering that Tyler Holdings had a history of deals with Jack and Janet Drake made Jason even more on edge.

He stepped over the edge when Cass returned a protective and murderous aura pouring off of her and a long line of hickies on Tim's neck arrived. Cass was curled around Tim, looking like a mama bear ready to take down anyone who proved a threat to her cub, her sharp glare had everyone on edge.  

A gasp of horror escaped Dick, "Timmy."

Jason knew what those marks meant, he had worn his own when he was living on the streets.

Bruce looked like he was going to be sick, his parents and then Alfred had shielded him from the lengths some would go to get more money.

Though Damian had been raised as an Al Ghul his mother had made sure he would never have to lower himself to serve others so he had no clue as to what powder keg he was about to set off. "What is the meaning of this Drake? You were supposed to be sealing a deal not lowering yourself to be a common whore." Damian snarled at Tim.

"Damian! Enough!"

Shock filled Damian's face as he found himself taking a step back at the anger in Dick's voice, his Batman had never spoken to him like that and he didn't know why Richard chose know to speak up. "Why are you defending him now Richard? I am only speaking the truth as I have before, Drake has proven himself to be nothing but a whore unfit to wear the Wayne name."

"I'm only the whore to spare you from becoming one." Tim's voice was soft but it echoed through the cave.

Damian could only blink at Drake before scoffing at him, "I would never lower myself as something so disgraceful. You make no sense."

The fire burned in Tim's dull eyes, "There was a reason that I kept putting off meeting with Tyler. I was waiting until I was sure that Bruce, Dick or Jason could be there with me. The bastard wouldn't try anything with one of them there. He just likes them young and pretty."

"What are you saying, Timmy?" Dick didn't know if he wanted to know the answer.

"You think that this is the first time that I had to give myself over for a business deal?" The laugh that escaped Tim was bitter. "I have been doing this for years. I was a prize that my parents dangled before anyone they could. Now that I am CEO of Wayne Enterprise I am an even bigger prize."

Jason's eyes were glowing green as he realized what his baby bird was saying.

Dick looked like he was going to murder someone.

Bruce looked horrified.

And Damian... Damian looked baffled.

"That is what I was trying to protect you from Damian." Tim's voice was hollow. "You talk about your birthright as Bruce's blood son, that you want everything you deem yours handed to you on a silver platter without knowing that there is a price you are going to pay. Do you know how many there are who would love to have the Crown Prince of Gotham's blood son in their power? Forced to do whatever they want to seal the deal? They are the monster waiting in the shadows knowing their money and power will protect them. I was trying to protect you, Damian."

To no one's surprise, Jason took a protective stance in front of Tim, there were few things he hated more than child rapist, the main one being the Joker, and to hear that his little brother had been forced to entertain monsters like that had him tasting the pit in the back of his mouth and he wanted nothing more than to hunt all those bastards down but that would come later right now all that matters is Tim. "Cass, take Tim upstairs and call those friends of his. He needs to be with people who will love and support him."

It was telling how awful that Tim was feeling as he didn't put up any protest as he allowed Cass to lead him out of the cave, he stopped only once to look at Damian, "You might not believe this but I do love you Damian and there was no way that I was going to let my little brother be forced to do something like that, not if I could protect him in ways that no one protected me."

Bruce collapsed into the chair as he buried his face in his hands. Dick would have offered him comfort but his legs gave out beneath him.

A dangerous growl escaped Jason as he flew a fist at the punching bag, he didn't care what Bruce said tonight he was going hunting.

"I didn't know." A shaken Damian whispered, he thought that Drake hated him just like he hates him but to know what Drake protected him from made his world spin. His mother had drilled into him that Timothy Drake was his enemy and the only way to take his place in his father's family was to get rid of him. "This makes no sense. Why would Drake do that for me?"

"Because you are his little brother and he was trying to keep you safe," Dick answered him with a sad smile on his face. Tim had protected Damian but they failed in keeping him safe. "There has to be a way to fix this." Dick just didn't know how to start.

A strong hand landed on his shoulder lifting his head Dick found himself staring into Bruce's grim face, "We messed up B."

"I know." Bruce felt guilt building up in him, he is Tim's father it is his duty to keep him safe. "All we can do is be there for him. Jason is right though Tim needs his friends here. We need to show him that we love him and are here for him."

No one noticed when Jason slipped away from them he had a monster to hunt.

+*****+

Kitchen

Jason stalked towards the door with purpose in his step.

"Master Jason."

Halting in mid-step Jason clenched his fists at his sides, "I cherish you Alfred but not even you can stop me from doing this." Jason warned.

"I don't intend to Master Jason," That had Jason whirling around to look at Alfred, the man looked calm but Jason could see the storm brewing in his eyes, "I would just like to inform you that Aiden Tyler will be attending a party tonight and from his habits, he will not arrive at home until around 2 am, which at such time the Sirens have promised to keep the rest of the Bats busy," Alfred informed Jason. No one hurt one of his grandchildren.

A wicked grin appeared on Jason's face, "This is why you are the best Alfred."

"Indeed. Now I need to prepare snacks for Master Tim's guests. Do be sure to return tonight and I shall have your favourite cookies waiting for you." Alfred gave Jason a soft smile.

"You rule Alfred." Jason would come back for Alfred and look after Tim.

+*****+

With Tim curled up in a puppy pile with Bart, Connor, Cassie and Cass watching Star Wars. The Sirens leading Batman, Nightwing and Robin on a chase throughout Gotham the Red Hood was free to deal with business.

Aiden was riding a high he had sealed a deal with Wayne Enterprise that was sure to make him an even wealthier man and his favourite toy returned to him. Nothing could bring him down.

That was until he felt the cold metal of the barrel of the gun pressed against his forehead. A red helmet followed and Aiden felt a sense of fear.

The Red Hood was in his home.

"Whoever sent you I am sure that I can pay you double what they offered you."

"I am a Crime Lord I don't need your money and no one sent me. See I have issues with people like you who target children and think because you have the money and power that you are above the law. But you aren't above me. I am here to ensure that no other child is gifted to you."

Aiden had been so focused on the gun at his head he never noticed the second one aimed at his groin until it was too late.

Beneath his helmet, Jason grinned as Aiden screamed in pain on the floor, blood pooling around him.

+*****+

"Is he dealt with?" Dick asked.

Jason grinned at his older brother, "He will never hurt baby bird again."

While Dick wished he had been the one to deal with that bastard he needed to keep Bruce busy, still that didn't mean he wouldn't ruin him in other ways. Someone had sent Clark a copy of everything Babs had dug up on Aiden. He would see that monster ruined, without money and his power stripped from him, until he was as helpless as he made Tim feel.

[phis-corner]

statue of ice

I can only really work on one fic at a time, so me posting this means that I haven’t touched demon’s daughter at all. oops?

warning: a bit of cursing from jason.

Masterlist ◈ Previous ◈ Next

Marinette Drake isn’t a crier.

In fact, she prides herself on not being one. But when she wakes up much earlier than expected, given how late she and the others stayed up last night, the first thing she does is remember.

And then she really, really wants to cry. Because never, ever, in his life, has her brother used Timothy Jackson Drake’s voice when speaking to her.

He only does it when he is upset and in emotional distress, part of her says. But she was the one who caused him to be upset.

It’s not your fault Jack and Janet sent you away permanently! The same bit protests.

Isn’t it? She fires back. I chose to pin the student down as ruthlessly as I did and make a scene. Even if that wasn’t my fault, I should have told Tim. I shouldn’t have put it off and let him find out this way.

He should have let you explain. That tiny bit insists. Maybe both of you were wrong.

It doesn’t matter. She thinks. Either way, Tim will never trust me again.

Marinette silently exits the hotel room where the girls are still sleeping and enters her own so the tears can fall in private.

.o0o.

Her finger taps Jason’s icon. She doesn’t know who else to call, because normally Tim would be her first choice.

“Hey ‘Nette, what’s up? I just got back from patrol.” Jason says, then pauses when he hears her almost inaudible sniffles.

“Are you- are you crying?” He asks, almost incredulously (she can’t blame him. She didn’t take herself for a crier either.) “What’s wrong, ‘Nette?”

“What did I do wrong?” She asks quietly. “I tried so hard to be a good older sister, to make him trust me. I couldn’t tell him that I was sent away for goot, I couldn’t. Why didn’t he understand that?”

“Woah, woah, ‘Nette, slow down. Deep breaths, okay? What happened?” Jason is a rock standing against the unrelenting sea of her (forbidden) emotions.

“Tim-Tam hates me now.” She whispers. “Tim-Tam hates me and thinks I’m just like Jack and Janet for not telling him that I wasn’t coming back for summer break. He doesn’t trust me anymore.”

Jason’s voice is so, so gentle when he says “No, Marinette, Tim loves you more than anything or anyone else in the world. I promise,” that she almost believes it.

Almost.

“Really? He became Timothy Jackson Drake, Jay. He used that voice, the one he saves for people he dislikes being around, or-”

“Or for people he’s currently uncomfortable speaking to.” Jason says. “I remember you explaining it to me. ‘Nette, Tim loves you, which is precisely why he had to use that voice. He doesn’t know how to deal with the fact that he won’t be seeing the person he loves most for quite some time. Give him time to work through it, ‘Nette. He’ll come around. I promise.”

It doesn’t take away all her distress, but it helps that Jason seems so confident in what he’s saying. 

“Thank you, Jason.” Marinette says, wiping the (irritating) tears away. “I should let you go to sleep. I’m sorry, I didn’t know who else to call.”

“It’s no problem, ‘Nette.” She can hear the smile in Jason’s voice. “We’re friends, aren’t we? I’ll always be here if you need me.”

.o0o.

The summer passes by in a blur.

Marinette is invited to plenty of hangouts with the other girls, but she is more detached than before. She knows they noticed, and that they probably linked it to that phone call, but she is grateful that they don’t pry.

They go to Andre’s ice cream cart once. Andre looks at her with an unreadable expression as he hands her a cone with ‘blackberry for his hair, blueberry for his eyes, and mint for the madness that rests behind his stare.’

Not dark and depressing at all. Marinette thinks as she tries the ice cream. The combination does taste amazing though.

Apparently, she is the only person in their group observant enough to notice that Rose and Juleka had ice cream cones that represented each other.

Did she know how to play matchmaker? No. Did Marinette make business deals with other million dollar corporations at the age of ten for nothing? Also no.

Marinette spends the summer texting or calling Jason, going shopping with Chloe, or trying to get Rose and Juleka together (how can two people be so oblivious?)

The entire time, not a single call or message she receives is from Tim.

.o0o.

On the first day of school, Marinette saves an old man from an oncoming car because Tim and Jason would be disappointed if she didn’t. She sits next to a new girl, Alya, so Chloe and Sabrina (who never really liked her for some reason) can sit behind ‘Adrikins’, whoever that is.

An hour and a half later, she watches her classmate, who is now a stone monster (?) smash everything in its path while roaring Kim’s name. 

Another half an hour later, she finds a wooden box with a pair of magical earrings that hosts a tiny goddess called Tikki that enables her to transform into a heroine with a ridiculously bright suit that is embarrassingly tight.

Another hour goes by, and Ladybug (American English, not the British ‘Ladybird’) and Chat Noir have defeated the akuma, as Tikki called it, and the situation has made national news, though it doesn’t go farther than that because it would be terrible for the tourist industry.

Marinette gets a message from Jason.

Jason: heard about what happened. U ok?

Nette: I am fine. How did you learn about it? It was supposed to be contained within France.

Jason: i’m literally the partner of the world’s greatest detective

Jason: how did you NOT expect me to learn about it

Nette: Fair point.

Jason: so do u know anything abt Ladybug and Chat Noir?

Jason: this is the first time they’ve appeared, right?

Nette: I have a confession to make.

Jason: okay?

Tikki, who is reading over Marinette’s shoulder (a blatant invasion of privacy, but apparently gods do not understand the concept of privacy), glares. 

“You better not be telling him what I think you’re going to tell him, Marinette. Your identity must be a secret!”

Marinette resists the urge to roll her eyes. “To the general public, yes. However, Jason is Robin, the crime-fighting partner to the vigilante known as Batman. He has combat and field experience and knows what it is like to juggle civilian and hero lives. It would definitely not be counterproductive to receive advice from a more experienced ally when I only know basic self-defense.”

“...Fine.” Tikki sighs. “But don’t make this a habit!”

Marinette tsks as she glances back down at her phone. As if she needed Tikki’s approval.

Jason: Nette? U there?

Nette: Sorry. Had to talk to someone.

Nette: I’m Ladybug.

Jason: i was not expecting that but wow okay

Jason: how did you manage to become a magical heroine since i last spoke to u abt half a day ago?

Nette: A classmate got angry, was turned into a stone monster by a magical butterfly, and I found magical earrings in my hotel room.

Jason: that may be one of the weirder origin stories I’ve heard lol

Jason: but on a more serious note, does that suit protect you properly?

Nette: It’s magic, which means it cannot rip as yours can. I estimate it absorbs about 99.6% of the damage.

Nette: Do you have any advice on how to do this whole hero thing? I am not sure I am suited to be one.

Jason: r u kidding me Nette ur one of the most heroic people i know

Jason: and i’ve met the justice league

Jason: u always did everything u could to keep ur brother happy and safe. U literally walked into my house, a mile away from urs, at midnight to ask for my help to do that when we barely knew each other

Jason: when u want to be, ur really kind and sweet and funny- charisma is a necessary skill that B doesn’t have, which is part of the reason why he needs a Robin

Jason: remember when u told me how u gave that homeless man the macarons you just bought from the bakery? And that u wish u could have done more?

Nette: I do remember that, yes.

Jason: most people wouldn’t give a homeless person a second glance. But u gave him a box of two dozen delicious cookies from the best bakery in paris that were most definitely not cheap.

Jason: that’s what a hero does, Nette. That’s what u are.

Jason: woah my fingers are really tired now lol

Nette: How are you so

Nette: Infuriatingly inspirational?

Nette: The only other person who does that is Tim, and I haven’t spoken to him in months.

Jason: u should contact him again

Nette: He doesn’t trust me.

Jason: yes he does! He just doesn’t know how to make up with you cuz he thinks he rlly messed up

Nette: I’ve already been shunned by him one, Jay. I don’t think I could handle a second time.

Jason: oh shit

Nette: ?

Jason: turn on the news.

Jason: now.

.o0o.

“Did you purify the akuma?” Her kwami asks, gazing at her with disappointment in her eyes and a condescending tone.

It reminds Marinette of Janet, and she hates it. “I have an eidetic memory, Tikki. I can tell you that nowhere in your speech about what I needed to do involved ‘purifying’ an akuma.”

“I’m sure I said it!” Tikki defends, crossing her tiny arms. “You must have forgotten!”

“Don’t be scared, Marinette! My name’s Tikki! I’m a kwami!” Marinette recites in a perfect mimicry of her kwami’s voice. “And you have been chosen to be a hero!”

“Then I express my doubt and you nag me until I agree to put the earrings on.” She says in her normal tone, maintaining eye contact with Tikki.

She switches back to Tikki’s voice. “Great! Your power is Lucky Charm. It will summon an object that will help you get an edge over your opponent in battle, and it is your job to know how to use it properly. You will have a partner with the ring of the Black Cat, their power will be Cataclysm, which can destroy the first thing it touches. However, you can only use your powers once per transformation. You will forcibly detransform five minutes after you call on your special power, so make sure you finish your fight quickly after using the Lucky Charm! Your identity must stay a secret! To transform, you say ‘Spots on!’”

“Then I transform, and you disappear into my suit.” Marinette raises an eyebrow at Tikki. “So, what did you miss?”

.o0o.

Purifying an akuma and casting the Miraculous Cure, both necessary to properly defeat an akuma in battle, and both of which can only be done by Ladybug. The most essential part about wielding this miraculous, and her kwami forgot. Wonderful.

“It’s not hard to fix, Marinette!” Tikki says, attempting a comforting smile. “We just have to wait for Ivan to get akumatized again!”

“Yes, let’s wait for my classmate to be so depressed that he turns into a magical rage monster again.” Marinette deadpans. “Do you have no empathy? I was raised and conditioned to show no emotion, and even I can see how terrible that is.”

Her kwami flinches. “It’s the only way.”

Marinette. “I strongly dislike this, you know.”

“I do.” Tikki says apologetically. “But you were the only candidate.”

“Wow.” Marinette deadpans, watching the sun set over Paris, the city she must now protect. “I feel so honored.”

.o0o.

A brief list of what Marinette learns from her second day of school: Do not encourage people who love death metal to write a love song for their timid crush, Ivan and Mylene make a cute couple, Chloe’s friend ‘Adrikins’ is Adrien Agreste, the only son and lead model for fashion designer Gabriel Agreste, and Adrien gives her a bad feeling.

Oh, and Alya Cesaire is similar to Tim- they both run around following heroes to get good shots and angles. The difference is that Tim is sensible and stays hidden in the shadows, never seen or heard. Alya throws herself headfirst into danger, willing to be injured if it means she gets good footage.

She also learns that Chat Noir is flirty.

Well, he only started flirting after she made her counter-speech to Hawkmoth. The man really thought he could manipulate the situation to villainize them, when his face was made of demonic purple butterflies. ‘Akuma’ meant ‘demon’ in Japanese, which said a lot about who was on which side.

Marinette wasn’t the daughter of Janet Drake, who made grown men wet their pants with a single look and consistently ground her business rivals beneath her four-inch stilettos for nothing. Marinette knew how to use words as weapons sharper than any blade.

She supposes something about that speech must have turned the foolish cat boy on, because he started giving her ridiculous nicknames afterwards.

Marinette sighs. Hopefully, he will soon learn that he is wasting his time. It would really be a shame if Robin found out that her partner spent more time flirting than being useful. (The algorithm she wrote predicted that Chat Noir would cease to be more productive than counterproductive in almost a year.)

Her phone chimes with a robin’s chirp, and she accepts the incoming call.

“Nette!” Jason’s voice greets her. “That speech was abso-fucking-lutely amazing!”

“Language, Jay.” She warns, but she smiles all the same.

“You were like ‘How, pray tell, are Chat Noir and I the villains in this situation when your face is formed out of the same butterfly that turned a normal student into a stone being at your command in the first place?’ The look on Hawky’s face is gonna crack me up for weeks!”

Marinette cringes. “Please, don’t ever call him that again.”

“What? Hawky?” Jason asks, and he cringes again.

“Hawkmoth will suffice, Jay.” She sighs. 

“Nah, I like Hawky better.” He retorts. “Anyway, if you ever need me to help kick akuma butt, not that I think you will, just say the word and I’ll be there.”

“You do realize Paris is across the Atlantic Ocean, right?” Marinette asks. “A commercial flight takes seven hours, I assume the Batplane or whatever you call it could maybe do it in four, but that is still too much time.”

“It’s the Batwing.” Jason corrects. “And no, we have zetas, remember?”

Marinette frowns. “No.”

The sound of his facepalm echoes through the speakers. “Right. Since you know our identities, I suppose telling you another secret won’t hurt. You’re trustworthy. Zeta tubes are basically teleporters. The Justice League has them all over the world so they can get where they need to be in time. If I took the zeta downstairs in the Batcave, I could be in Paris in about two minutes, and that’s just because the Manor is insanely huge.”

“So if I were to enter the Paris zeta tube, I could be in Gotham almost instantly?” Marinette asks. “Science has certainly come a long way.”

“Well, I’d have to hack the mainframe to give you access first, but yeah.” Jason replies. “Do you want me to? You could see Tim in person.”

She could see Tim. The question is, would he want to see her? “If I did, he would ask how I managed to fly to Gotham when I should be in school, and how I managed to do so without alerting Jack and Janet. He doesn’t know I asked you to watch over him, nor that you know that we know your identities. I don’t think he would take it very well right now if I did tell him, and he would most likely think that I don’t trust him to take care of himself. I’ve broken his trust enough already.”

“Alright. You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Jason says. “Just so you know, I’m programming your access in anyway if you ever change your mind. The Paris tube is behind the door labeled ‘No Entry’ on the side of The Nimble Thimble. You know where that is?”

“I do, yes.” Marinette responds. “I shop there sometimes for fabric.”

“Great. You know where to go if you ever want to come to Gotham!” Jason is grinning. She can hear it in his voice.

“Thanks, Jay.” She says, and she can almost hear his smile get wider.

“No problem Nette! You’re one of my closest friends, you know that? I’ll always be here if you need me.”

Previous ◈ Next

I didn’t exactly end this chapter on angst (yay), but it’s building up for next chapter >:)

taglist (open!) @whydoexamsexist @myazael @miyla-lokidottir @ira-sairain @zalladane @frieddonutsweets @moonlightstar64 @karategirl19 @consumeconstantly @maybe-nonsense @colorfulmongerpsychicranch @ola-is-dead @bee-wrecker

permanent tags (open!) @wannajointhecrabcult @miraculous-simmer7 @certainmuffinbagelcalzone @fantasyislive @chocolateherringtacofan @junarvion @susiej1118 @aestheticnpoetic @toodaloo-kangaroo @ladybug-182 @itsmeevie01 @g-arya @souleateralicestein @nightstarblue @i-is-mysterious @moonystars14 @theapparentsarah

unspecified @momothefemur @indecisive-mess-named-me @laurcad123 @ilovefluffbutsmutisalsogreat @sassakitty @fusser90

[ramblingguy54]

Escape From The Impossibin!: An Exercise Of Trust & Hope.

So, I was predicting for this episode to have Della & Louie bonding time together, which there were cool moments with them to be sure. However, what I really liked about today’s story was how it focused on the aftermath of FOWL’s reveal to still be very much alive to Scrooge’s horror and Beakly’s greatly underlying concern. A couple of days ago before Impossibin premiered today, I chatted with some others on Discord about what this episode’s story would explore for its overall message, which the more I thought about, the more I leaned on the idea it would be centered around the notion of trust. Let’s Get Dangerous had a consistent theme of deceitful liars being revealed who weren’t whom they appeared to be, as seen with Taurus Bulba vs Drake Mallard & Bradford’s true nature being known to Scrooge at that hour special’s ending. 

Escape From The Impossibin is all about confronting the growing tension that’s become a threat to a content family lineage of adventurers, who now have to defend everything they stand for in their legacy, once again. That’s something I’ve always appreciated about DuckTales is even when it doesn’t entirely match my predictions, it finds other new ways to surprise me for what it can do. Della & Louie didn’t necessarily get the bonding time I had hoped for, which did admittedly disappoint me, but they did a serve a purpose in their own right that I’ll get to later. Anyways, the spotlight is on the older mentor figures, Scrooge McDuck and Bentina Beakly, who are all too familiar in dealing with FOWL’s antagonism before in Season 1′s episode, The Confidential Case Files Of Agent 22, that especially applies to Beakly’s past in fighting them as an agent of SHUSH for very much longer compared to Scrooge. With how much is at stake you’d very much expect there to be old feelings being drudged up, regarding Scrooge’s trust and respect for Bradford, as well as Beakly’s strict over protective nature with Webby to keep her safe from losing that optimism that makes her stand out as a beacon of hope to inspire others, which they do. FOWL isn’t like Magica or Lunaris who want to make themselves known flat out to the world with their egos. They’re very cunning and cold blooded with going about executing their plans for control of the Earth. Particularly, Bradford is the serious threat most of all because he’s the brains of this outfit giving precision in each order to those under his command. Combine Bradford’s knowledge with the muscle of Steelbeak, Rockerduck’s underhanded scheming, Gandra Dee’s scientific intellect, Black Heron’s lust for more power, and Phantom Blot’s ability to absorb all kinds of magic that gives the McDucks’ a severe scenario they’ve never faced. FOWL is the right combination to put an end to Scrooge’s adventuring because Bradford has kept a close eye on him for so many years. Bradford has seen plenty of Scrooge at his total best and worst most of all. He’s studied upon every detail of Scrooge’s life, for who knows how many years, and is finally putting all of it to use against him, where we get to see the extent of just how well Bradford can read every one of his moves. Lunaris’ intellect was simply a figurative puddle compared to what Bradford managed to accomplish with his high IQ.

The scary thing is Scrooge knows this reality himself, too. 

That’s one of my favorite elements of Impossibin’s purpose. We get to see Scrooge seriously doubt his abilities. In episodes, like The Most Dangerous Game Night and The 87 Cents Solution, Scrooge has always prided himself in being a very sharp individual who could see every angle and any detail that others couldn’t. Bradford, on the other hand, rivals Scrooge’s thinking that puts an eerie perspective on things for the old man. Scrooge always thought to be one step ahead of the game, but then realizes that someone who’s been by his side for so very long played him like a fiddle all those years. Who’s to say Scrooge isn’t probably thinking back on stuff such as Bradford shutting down his rescue operation for Della, controlling his money usage, letting Louie hang around Bradford in The Richest Duck In The World, finalizing Gyro’s inventions, etc? Scrooge realizes he’s had a dangerous character around the family manor all those years, which makes him doubt his ability to trust himself in protecting everything that he holds importantly in life. Scrooge isn’t just thinking he’s been fooled, he’s doubting every aspect of what made him competent to begin with. Doesn’t help among this moment of self reflection Bradford is there to further rub in that harsh reality of how much he knows about Scrooge.

This moment gave me chills because it completely put a spin upon the story’s concept. I figured that FOWL would hack Scrooge’s security system, with help from Gandra Dee’s abilities, and I’m glad it went this route, since it shows how dangerous things are this time. They’re not even safe within the confines of their own manor anymore, considering Bradford knows every nook and cranny of it. Scrooge thought only he knew the security system’s password, given its based on the amount of all money in his money bin, but Bradford covered that crucial detail, too. Bradford isn’t leaving any loose ends toward Scrooge in how he’ll go about using any little thing against him for future reference. That’s what makes the stakes higher here than compared to Lunaris’ invasion. This is a much more personal story between a clash of ideals with Adventuring vs Control. Lunaris lacked that emotional connection here Bradford is making Scrooge have to face that adds another layer of tension to this situation. Bradford wants Scrooge to know, “I have control over you. There is nothing you know that I’ve already figured out about yourself.”, and going about hacking the robotic version of himself is the best way to send home that message to him. It can also be interpreted as symbolism for Scrooge fighting his own insecurities when Bradford takes control of the robot to start attacking.

I need you, the two most cunning individuals I know, to spot any weaknesses.

Now, Della & Louie did serve a big purpose, despite the Plot A point focusing greatly on Scrooge’s existential dilemma, for they were there to remind Scrooge of just how much of an impact his life style has had on them. Della & Louie’s teamwork together throughout the episode is a perfect way to give Scrooge a reality check reminder for how skilled they are as adventurous fighters against unknown dangers. After all, Scrooge passed on his skills to Della, who’d later pass down her intellectual skills to him, too. Again, tying into the whole theme of legacy and what not about how much family can bring out the best in each other. If it wasn’t for what Scrooge had taught them, then he wouldn’t have been saved by Louie’s defining act of being a badass, by willingly diving into the pile of money, which got hit by a gravity changing rosa rune from the robot and ended up crushing it. I wanted to see more mature Louie, so him lifting Scrooge up about how much pride he has in the family lineage was a great nod to it. That in turn, allowed Scrooge to remember why he and their family are strong together. You know, after recent events that have happened in my life, seeing legacy be explored in DuckTales Season 3 means a lot to me now more than ever.

As for Beakly’s B Plot, in terms of how it ties into a neat bow with Scrooge’s story, shows how intense she’s getting at the notion of eventually facing FOWL again. Honestly, I’m not surprised if she’s getting flashbacks of whatever painful or traumatic events happened to her in those Agent 22 days. I mean, for God’s sake, she tells Webby to straight up incapacitate Huey, who was already so scared. Something Webby refuses to agree with as the best course of training methods to better prepare against the greater threat. Beakly’s characterization has always fascinated me with how well she guards her vulnerability, kind of like Goldie in a way, but the difference here is outta great concern for others rather than herself. My mind can’t stop thinking about this scene, as there could most likely be underlying context for why Beakly is getting so worked up over this training. It seems Beakly is carrying a tremendous weight on her shoulders, probably some heavy angst, that it looks like she wants to say, but can’t because of bigger story reasons we’ll find out later in Season 3′s final batch of episodes. Special mention to Donald Duck putting his foot down on Beakly’s very intense training session. Donald knows the trials and errors of what it means to be a parent. He was once very overly protective of Huey, Dewey, and Louie, but learned to let them experience the world for what it is and not hold them back, so I liked how it ties into Beakly’s dilemma of trying to protect Webby from FOWL’s heartless nature.

Beakly’s plot may have not gotten much focus, but it did a very good job setting up more angst to come between her and Webby’s relationship. Things are gonna get very complicated between them when more things come to light. I’m keeping an eye on Huey’s line specifically. When he said, “The one thing we know for sure is that we trust each other, right?”, Beakly did want to bring herself to apologize of course, but I also think she was close to wanting to confess something else to Webby, too. I’m expecting this moment to be called back to when stuff hits the fan with Beakly’s past and whatever Webby’s origins are.

Escape From the Impossibin may have unsettling stuff lurking around the corner with how FOWL managed to distract them with the security system, so they could steal away every missing mystery the family has found so far, but there’s a glimmer of light in all of that darkness. A light that is a reminder of what makes the McDuck family an unstoppable force of trust, hope, and most importantly love. Frank said that things were gonna start going into overdrive with FOWL’s battle against McDuck and he wasn’t kidding around. I’m so overjoyed were getting more episodes in November after this episode finished because that would’ve been a painful wait. Season 3 is gonna start giving things it built up a big pay off and I’m totally here for that!

[alj4890]

Delicate

(Ethan Ramsey x Olivia Nevarkis) (Olivia Nevarkis x Drake Walker) in a Choices The Royal Romance/Open Heart Crackship Series

A/N It's Thanksgiving and Drake just happens to be in America. Seems perfect to drop in and see Olivia. Let's just say that it doesn't go at all like he hoped.

@jooous​ ​ @krsnlove​ @nomadics-stuff​   @twinkleallnight​ @motorcitymademadame​

Masterlist

Part 4

Olivia's Apartment, Boston...

"I suppose you have a very good reason for calling me this early." Olivia mumbled.

Ethan's chuckle brought a sleepy smile to her lips.

"How would you like to spend Thanksgiving at my place?"

"You'll be working." She reminded him.

"True." She could hear him shuffling papers around. "But we could have a late dinner. I'll also be off Friday and Saturday."

She rolled over in bed while keeping him waiting for an answer. "I might like that."

"Might?"

"Well, you didn't tell me who was cooking?"

"I see." Ethan readjusted his phone. "Would it entice you more to know I'm willing to do the cooking."

"I think it would." She laughed at his groan. "When should I come over?"

"Tonight." He replied. "That way you will already be there Thanksgiving morning."

"Then I better finish sleeping."

"You're right." His voice deepened. "I intend to keep you up late."

"Can't wait." She said softly.

She ended the call and rolled over with a deep sigh. She couldn't remember a time in her life that was anything like this. Her happiness was so new.

So unexpected.

Everything was moving perfectly. Her research hospital was being constructed. She had already hired a number of physicians that held credentials that would make any medical college weep over. And personally speaking, her love life wasn't too shabby.

No, it's perfect.

Ethan pursued her. He never stopped trying to impress her. Just like now with wanting her to be with him for his holiday. He made plans with her in mind, plans to learn all he could about her while sharing pieces of himself in the process.

Olivia knew she had dropped every barrier she had kept up to protect herself. Perhaps the only reason it didn't bother her was because, he too had left himself vulnerable before her.

For the first time, she could fully understand why her friends had done so in their own lives. It was a heady feeling, this power over someone. Knowing you could either make them happy or send them into the depths of sadness was both thrilling and a bit terrifying.

Olivia had given him that power over herself.

She justified her willingness by the type of man Ethan was. He was loyal to a fault. He was intelligent. Dedicated to whatever was important in his life. He never held back on what he was passionate about.

She shared so many of those qualities and understood the driving force behind them.

Perhaps that was why he didn't mind leaving himself open to her.

Perhaps, Ethan was truly the only man for her.

Do I love him? She wondered. Being so unfamiliar with the emotion, she thought of how much she wanted to be with him. The still unexpected joy she felt from his calls and seeing him. The longing for him when they were apart. She had even caught herself grinning like she had seen her friends do whenever they were daydreaming about their love.

Even if it was love, could she admit it? And if she did admit it and he admitted it too...what happens next?

She rolled onto her stomach and buried her face into her pillow. She detested unanswered questions and hated herself for even thinking of them.

Determined to push them to the back of her mind, she closed her eyes and dreamed of Ethan.

*****************

Outside Nadia Park's Apartment, New York City...

"You sure you're okay driving by yourself?" Maxwell asked. "You know my pilot will take you wherever you want."

Drake finished placing his luggage in the back of the Jeep Grand Cherokee he had rented. "I would rather drive." He shut the back. "Thanks though."

"It's a long way to Texas." Maxwell reminded him. "You sure you'll make it in time?"

"Mom plans on us celebrating this weekend instead of tomorrow." Drake explained. "Savannah and Bertrand can't get there until Friday. Something about Bartie's preschool pageant thing."

Maxwell hit his head with the palm of his hand. "I forgot all about his performance! He had wanted me to see his dance moves."

"Don't worry. Savannah is filming every bit of it."

Maxwell eyed him when he seemed to hesitant to leave.

"You," Drake cleared his throat, "You think I should stop by and check on Liv? On the way down there?"

"You could." Maxwell replied. "Have you talked to her since we were last here?"

Drake shook his head. "I'm not really a phone guy."

Maxwell slowly nodded. "True." He tried to think of a legitimate reason for Drake to see her to help his pride. "I took some photos the other day of the research hospital's construction progress for my next book. You could show them to Olivia."

Drake perked up as Maxwell scrolled through his images on his phone, picking the best to send to him.

"She'll love seeing that." Maxwell added.

"Yeah, she will." Drake muttered. He rubbed the back if his neck. "Listen, thanks for uh, for helping me with this. And for not making me talk about it all the time."

Maxwell briefly grinned and slapped a hand on Drake's shoulder. "That's what friends are for."

"I know." Drake nodded. "See you Tuesday."

"Have a safe trip." Maxwell waved in goodbye.

He stood out there until the jeep disappeared around the corner.

"Good luck, Drake." He mumbled.

***************

Olivia's Apartment, Boston...

"Should I cook something?" Olivia frowned at her nearly bare cabinets while talking on the phone. "What do people usually eat for this holiday?"

"I might not be the person to ask this to." Amanda responded. "Thomas usually doesn't want the typical Thanksgiving fare."

"I would call Riley but Hana told me Liam was surprising her with a trip back to the island this weekend." Olivia muttered.

"A second honeymoon so soon?" Amanda laughed. "I think we might be hearing news of a new heir to the throne this holiday season."

A soft smile formed on Olivia's lips at the thought. "I didn't think of that."

"As for if you should cook something, you can never go wrong with a dessert." Amanda added. "Something you could enjoy together."

Olivia turned around in alarm when she heard a knock at her door.

"Amanda, you are still in California, aren't you?"

"Yes, why?"

"Because only you and Ethan come to my apartment." Slipping a dagger into the sleeve of her sweater, she ended the call and cautiously opened her door.

Drake's hand was halfway up to knock once more.

The two simply stared in surprise at one another.

Olivia's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?"

She relaxed her grip on the dagger.

"I, uh..." He glanced about. "I was driving to my mom's and thought I would stop along the way and um..." He dug into his pocket and handed his phone over. "Show you the progress on the hospital."

Her suspicious expression smoothed out into one of excited interest as she began to scroll through the images. Stepping back, she silently motioned him to come in with the blade of her dagger.

A relieved smirk formed on his lips as he followed her inside.

"These look incredible." She sat down while admiring photographs of labs and operating rooms. "Ethan and Naveen will be so pleased."

Drake sat down across from her. "Have you finished finding the right doctors for it?"

"For the most part." She replied. "Naveen suggested we hold off on some until we see what is needed most, specialist wise."

"Ah." Drake tapped his fingers against his leg while trying to think of something else to talk about.

"So..." He muttered.

Olivia quirked an eyebrow at him.

"How are...how are things?"

"Things?" She repeated.

"Yeah, how er," he wondered why he was so nervous, "how are they?"

"Fine." She eyed him curiously. "How are things with you?"

"Good." He cleared his throat. "I mean, good that things are fine."

"So things aren't good for you?"

"Yes. I mean, no." He grit his teeth. "Things are great for me."

"I see." Olivia handed his phone back to him. "Well, thanks for stopping by and showing me these. You should probably get back on the road. I assume it is a long way from here to wherever your family is."

"Texas." He reminded her. "You went there for Savannah's wedding."

She narrowed her eyes again. "I've been there one time. Don't expect me to remember every farm I have seen."

Drake felt his own temper spike. "It’s a ranch."

She flicked her fingers dismissively. "Whatever. Shouldn't you go to Texas before Thanksgiving is over?"

"I don't have to be there until this weekend." He explained. "What are you doing for this American holiday?"

"I'll be spending it with Ethan."

His smirk slowly disappeared. "I see. And are you and the good doctor having a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings?"

Her eyes were now mere slits. "I believe so. He's cooking for me."

"He would." Drake muttered. "Are you showing that you too can be a little sunshine filled homemaker?"

"A sunshine filled..." She trailed off, refusing to allow him to ruin this for her. She had never had a man invite her to spend the holidays together. "Actually," her smile held a touch of evil, "I was just about to leave to get the ingredients I need to do so."

"You are?" He snorted. "I've never known you to cook."

"You never knew me outside of the bedroom." She snapped. "I can do many things, Walker."

His jaw dropped for a moment over her bluntness. "Like what?"

"None of your business." She got to her feet. "It was great seeing you. Let's not hurry to do so again."

Drake stood up. "I'll drive you to the store."

"That isn't necessary."

"I see what is going on. You're scared of my driving."

"Please. I'm not scared of anything you do."

"Then you'll let me to drive you to the store." Drake replied.

"Fine." She put her coat on and grabbed her purse. "Anything to get you to hurry on your way."

"But I'm not in a hurry." He needled.

"Nobody cares!" She griped.

"You must," he snickered, "you've brought up my travel plans more than I have."

She jerked the passenger side door open and slid in. “I forgot how annoying you are."

"I forgot how easy it is to irritate you." He countered.

She folded her arms and motioned with her chin for him to get going.

A proud smile flirted across his lips as he followed her directions.

*****************

"So...what is the duchess making?" Drake pushed a grocery cart through a crowded store.

"Dessert." She ground out.

"What kind? Pie? Cake?" He scanned the aisles for the baking one. "Some kind of health thing since it's for good old Ramsey?"

"I don't know!" She snapped. "I've been trying to decide but some idiot keeps talking!'

"Funny, I didn't know Maxwell was here too." Drake made a show of looking around.

Olivia briefly closed her eyes before exploring recipes for a dessert Ethan might enjoy.

"Pumpkin pie."

"What?" She narrowed her eyes.

"Pumpkin pie is what you should make." He shrugged. "It is the traditional Thanksgiving dessert."

"I don't like pumpkin." Olivia bit out.

"Since when?"

"Since forever."

He narrowed his eyes. "I didn't know that."

"Why would you?" She griped. "It wasn't like we ever ate a meal together."

His frown firmed. "Does Ramsey know you hate pumpkin?"

"Yes." Her chin lifted proudly. "He makes a point of never ordering me pumpkin spiced anything."

"He knows one thing about you." Drake grumbled.

She shot him a murderous glare before gathering items to make an apple pie.

"Feeling homesick?" Drake asked.

"No." She searched for cinnamon. "Why?"

"Did you forget your country is obsessed with a certain fruit?"

She rolled her eyes.

"When's the last time you baked a pie?" He followed her down the aisle. "Was it for the Apple Queen trials?"

Her shoulders stiffened. "I've baked since then."

"Really?" Drake's eyes settled on her profile when she paused to examine different flours.

She cut her eyes to him. "You really think I'm like all the other nobles don't you?"

"Good Lord, no." He chuckled. "No one at court acts like you."

A reluctant smile appeared on her face. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should." He grinned at her. "That's one of the things I like most about you. You were never one of them."

She shrugged while setting a bag of sugar in the basket. "I never saw a reason to act like them."

"It's a shame more aren't like you."

"Ha." She rolled her eyes. "If they were, you would not only be miserable but probably suffering from multiple stab wounds."

"I'm serious." Drake took the bag of flour from her.

Their fingers grazed one another's.

He felt a jolt of disappointment that she was not affected by their touch.

"Most of them could learn a lot from you." His lips firmed into a half smile. "That's one of the reasons I wish you would hurry up and come back home."

Olivia's eyebrow lifted. "You have other reasons for wanting me back in Cordonia?"

"I do."

"And they are?"

"A grocery store aisle isn't really the place to discuss them."

Her eyes narrowed in concern "Is it security?" She lowered her voice and checked to make certain no one was really paying attention to them. "Is someone after Liam and Riley again?"

"No, I didn't mean--" he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Liv, I meant that I miss you."

She snorted on a surprised laugh. "You? You miss me?" She walked off toward the produce section, still shaking her head. "That's hilarious."

He gripped the grocery cart as he followed after her. "Yeah, who would've thought it possible?"

She began to pick through the apples. "Not me or anyone we know."

"Maxwell knows."

She stilled.

"What?"

"Maxwell knows or knew about us. He figured it out whenever he noticed us sneak out." He muttered.

Angry spots of color appeared on Olivia's cheeks. "And you went ahead and told him he was right in his suspicion?"

"I didn't have to." He snapped. "He knew by how I acted after you left."

"How you acted?" She glared at him. "Are you that hard up to find someone to meet your needs?"

"Stop talking about it like that!" He exclaimed. "It wasn't just--"

"Yes, it was exactly that!" The apple in her hand began to drip juice from how hard she was squeezing it. "That was all you wanted. It was all I wanted in the beginning!" Her eyes held his. "We got together because we couldn't be with the ones we thought we were in love with."

Drake staggered back. "That's not--I never--"

"Oh please." She tossed the apple back with the others. "I saw it throughout the entire engagement tour. You wanted Riley just like I wanted Liam to choose me."

He ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't use you to--"

"You did." Olivia's tone eased into a more matter of fact level. "And I allowed it because I was doing the same with you." Her eyes narrowed to mere slits. "Drake, we started our thing the night of their wedding reception! You can't tell me you came to my room for me." She turned back to the apples. "You came for yourself."

"I--" his head dropped back in frustration. "Fine. But it didn't stay that way." He stepped up beside. "I started coming for you."

She ignored him.

"Was it Liam the whole time?"

Her head jerked up. "Would I have stood there like a simpleton asking if what we had was going to turn into something if I still had feelings for Liam?"

"No." He slipped his hands in his coat pockets.

She finished picking apples and pushed the cart toward the checkout.

Without a word he followed her.

*****************

The silence between them was deafening. Drake had never experienced a more uncomfortable car ride before. Every few seconds he would cut his eyes to Olivia, only to be more perplexed by how relaxed and content she appeared.

Her head was bent as she answered a text from Amanda wondering who had been at her door and then she saw one from Ethan.

Her lips curved as she read how much he was looking forward to the next few days with her.

"Liv?"

"Hmm?"

"Why didn't you--"

"You drove past my apartment building."

He cursed and made a quick right to circle back around.

"Why didn't you--"

"Just stop here." She ordered. "I can go in this side entrance."

"Let me find a place to park."

"There's no need." She reached behind her for the bags of groceries. "I can easily carry these."

"Yeah, but I wanted to--"

"You should really get going." She lifted her eyes to the gray clouded afternoon sky. "You're losing daylight."

"Damn it Olivia!" He snapped, hitting the steering wheel. "Why won't you let me talk about it?!"

"Because there is nothing more to say!" She yelled at him. "Why do you keep harping on it?! We had sex. Yes, it was enjoyable but I now need more." Her chest rose with her frustrated breaths. "And I have found someone who gives me what I need."

"You really think this Ramsey is what you need?" He taunted. "One day you'll leave here and he will see the real you in Cordonia. This Boston bubble you're living under is going to pop. What will he do when he sees you as a duchess, mingling amongst the court?"

Drake wanted to hurt her since she didn't seem to care that she had and continually did hurt him.

"You think he'll adore you then? Just wait until he hears all the tales of your years of temper tantrums and cruelty."

All the color drained from Olivia's face.

The stark pain reflected in her eyes made him feel like the biggest jerk in the world.

"Liv, I didn't mean--"

She scrambled out of his car, slamming the door behind her.

He watched her until she disappeared into her building.

Drake dropped his head on the steering wheel.

He wasn't sure how his plan on reminding her the good between them had instead showed him as the worst possible ex she had ever had.

[itzagothamcitysiren]

Welcome to the Family

Happy Mother’s day to all the mothers and motherly figures out there! This story is kind of inspired by my relationship with my older sister, who was honestly more of a mother to me than our actual mom. She’s awesome and I wish I could see her today but quarantine sucks lol. 

Also, too me Logan Lerman is Tim. He’s just so awkward and cute and nerdy, and I think he’d be a great Tim. 

Mother’s Day pt.1           

 “What the hell are you doing, Drake?” Damian’s snippy voice cut through the empty living room like a knife.

           The once comfortably silent room, now held an awkward and thick tension as Tim Drake popped his head up from his work, annoyed at being interrupted.  He looked back down at the paper and other supplies cluttered around the coffee table for a moment, not even embarrassed at being caught. It was a normal thing that he started doing shortly after moving into Wayne Manor all those years ago; Damian was still the one who was the odd one out.

           “Making Mother’s Day cards; what else does it look like?” Tim rolled his eyes, motioning his hand with a slight wave to the finished card at the edge of the table. That one was meant for his mother, he made sure to finish it first, wanting to drop it off at the post office tomorrow after school so it’d get to her in time.

           “Tt.” Damian shook his head, crossing his arms against his chest. He took a seat at the other end of the couch to look over the older boy’s work.

           Damian Wayne wasn’t the type for such sentiment. He scoffed at the idea of Mother’s Day. Could you just imagine him, an al Ghul, giving his mother a card? Though, he didn’t put it past someone as pathetic as Drake to be one to celebrate the commercial holiday. Even Grayson and his father celebrated, and their mothers were dead. They’d both journey to the cemetery and placed roses on their mother’s grave. But that made much more sense to Damian, than making a card, they were paying their respects, while Drake was just giving his mother a worthless piece of paper.

           “A simple piece of paper will really satisfy your mother? Tt.” Damian leaned back into the couch, arms still crossed but now lifting his leg to rest on his other thigh.

           “Yes. It. Will.” Tim gritted, not in the mood for Damian’s taunting and insults; he was actually in a genially good mood for once.

            He moved to open his mouth again, clenching the marker in his hand tightly; who did this kid think he was? He was glad the kid was over his phase of trying to actively kill him but he still found pleasure in making Tim’s life miserable. He tried closing his mouth, not wanting to get into it again but the third Robin still felt the need to defend himself against the spoiled blood son. He pushed the disappointed look Bruce would surely show him away after the old man would end of having to break up another fight between the two boys.

           “I’m not just giving her card; I’m also sending her a gift card to her favorite restaurant and another one for a trip to this day spa. It makes her happy and since I’m not around I want to make sure she knows I miss her. You know like normal mother and son stuff, not that you would know anything about that.”  

           Tim cursed to himself as soon as the bitter and smug words left his mouth. Shit.  He went too far; the dead silence that followed told him that much. He didn’t dare look up to see Damian’s face. He could practically feel the scowl, the deadly glare, beaming into the side of his head; it was like he was being blasted by Superman’s laser beams. Maybe that was being a little dramatic but Tim knew he shouldn’t have said that. He was better than stooping that low and saying something that brash. Even with the pair being fair from close, barely even being on speaking terms, Tim still knew how sensitive Damian was about his relationship with Talia.

           He was half expecting to feel a punch come down from him, or a shove, anything that would physically harm him in response but much to Tim’s surprise he was just met with Damian’s signature sound, ‘Tt’, and then him shifting in his place. Tim scratched the back of his neck, unsure why Damian reacted so calmly, not that his body and pride weren’t complaining. He mentally shrugged and went back to making his second card.

           The younger boy watched as Tim got back to work. He wanted to lash out at Drake’s dig at him and his mother’s relationship but Damian didn’t want to give Drake the satisfaction of knowing that he was insulted. He thought back to his father’s speech after their last fight about how they both needed to learn how to be the bigger person. Damian rolled his eyes at the memory and instead quirked an eyebrow up as he watched Tim begin to get back into making what appeared to be a second Mother’s Day card.

           “Correct me if I’m wrong but last time I checked you only had one mother, Drake.” Damian said, nodding towards the second card.

           “You would be correct.” Tim nodded, not looking up this time as he spoke. He reached for the blue Sharpie instead, filling in the bubble letters he wrote with it.

           “Then why are you making another card? Did you realize how stupid that other one is and are starting over?” Damian pressed, leaning back once again to get comfortable.

           Tim huffed, already over this conversation. It was times like this that he wished Dick and Halley still lived at home. Damian would be Dick’s shadow if he was here and not bugging him like this. With Halley, she’d swoop in the moment she felt a fight forming and would’ve gotten the demon spawn to shut up by now. But now that they were the only two left living at home Damian was all Tim’s problem. Maybe it was time to go back to the Titans?

           “No, my mother’s card is done. This is for someone else.” Tim said, using his minimum art skills to draw a decent flower next to the y in Day. He huffed again when Damian responded immediately asking who specifically it was for. Tim let the marker drop from his grasp, losing his nerve. Rubbing his head, he pushed the hair fallen in front of his face out of his face, letting out a deep breath. Why did he care what he was doing? Damian has shown more interest in his current activity than he’s shown in anything in Tim’s life since they met.  “It’s for Halley.”

           “Tt.” Damian rolled his eyes, smirking. “Halley isn’t your mother, Drake.”

           “No, but since I’ve moved here, she’s always been there when I need her and she’s done so much for me so this is my way of thanking her and showing that I love her.” Tim let himself get cocky again, snipping right back at Damian. He put emphasis in his speech, knowing that not only was it true but it would rub Damian the wrong way. “I do this for her every year and every year she gets all mushy and loves it.”

           Damian narrowed his eyes at the older boy. Was Drake questioning his relationship with his older sister? They may only be half siblings but that was more blood than she shared with anyone in the bat family. When the pair first found out they shared the same mother, Damian had been less then enthused about no longer being an only child and furious at his mother for failing to mention her having a child with Deathstroke. Halley had been just as shocked and angry, but at her father for never telling her. She wasn’t surprised but still angry. Though unlike him, she quickly rushed to try and get closer to the boy. Even though Damian wanted no part of it, Damian was clearly her favorite brother; right?

           Drake said this was a yearly thing but why has he never noticed before? He did know that they would occasionally spend what they grossly called Mandatory Sibling Bonding Day together, where’d they’d go out just the two of them, much to the annoyance of Damian. He didn’t understand why she wasted her time with Drake; what could they possible do for fun together? Granted, she did do the same with Grayson whenever they were around at the same time. The pair of them also being close, Grayson having been the one to help get her out of her old life with her father, Slade Wilson.

           Damian thought about how his sister had a close personal relationships with all the Robin’s and Batgirl’s, even the failure that Damian deemed as Stephanie Brown; Halley was close to them all, all but him. Though that wasn’t completely true, they did have somewhat of a bond. They both had what she phased as shitty-ass parents, her father being Deathstroke himself while his was the Dark Knight, and they shared the same mother, Talia al Ghul. They’d never known about the other until Damian was brought to live with his father by their mother and Halley had long been taken in by Dick and Bruce.

           He still remembered their first meeting, they hadn’t yet known about sharing the same mother but yet she was still eager to accept him. He of course didn’t share her gusto, especially after Slade revealed that Talia was her mother after he attacked the League of Assassin’s and killed his grandfather. Damian wasn’t keen on having an actual sibling, especially one with the blood of Deathstroke. But they also shared the same al Ghul blood and was quite the efficient fighter. But they were both incredibly set in their ways and persistent, as she was dead set on getting the younger boy to open up while he was dead set to prove that he was the most worthy al Ghul.

           It infuriated him enough that she said she didn’t care about being an al Ghul, having  no memories of being with the League of Assassin’s, as Slade and Talia agreed that she would go off to live with her father for her training. Damian said she was unworthy of the blood they shared and she didn’t deserve it. Though even now, he wouldn’t admit it but sometimes he swore he could still feel the pain from the beating she gave him when he tried to kill her in her sleep his first few months staying in the manor whenever he looked her way.

           That was something he admired about his sister, again not like he would ever admit it, but her persistence was something he looked up to and even came to appreciate. Even after trying to kill her, being cruel, and treating her like how she treats Drake, at first even worse, she never gave up on him; a feat that no one else could say they’ve come close too; perhaps Grayson, but there were times where even the star-child of Bruce Wayne’s collection of wayward children would walk away from Damian’s outbursts because he simply had enough of the all give an no take. But not Halley; she’d stay every single time and with that she’d even give him a smile at the end of it.

           She understood what it was like. Being raised by Slade Wilson was basically the same as being raised by Ra’s al Ghul. They never had a conversation about it, Damian always calling her a fool, she didn’t know what his childhood was like and then brushing her off. But who was Damian kidding? She made her first kill by age eight, so did Damian. She had expectations placed on her that no child should’ve been held up to, as did Damian. They shared bruises, scars and nightmares.

           Grayson had tried with him, after his father failed but Halley was the one who truly helped him adjust to this new life he found himself in without even knowing it. What Grayson and his father didn’t understand was that you just couldn’t stop being who you were raised to be in a second, it took time, and Halley had been through the same transition. Granted she was looking to escape the life she had with her father whereas Damian was forced to be with his by his mother, but there were just some habits that where hard to break.

           “You good there?” Drake’s voice cut Damian out of his thought process.

           Damian snapped out of it, narrowing his eyes down at the card, noting Tim had stopped working on it and was looking at Damian as if he was a frozen computer screen. Scoffing, standing up to his feet, he uncrossed his arms, pointing a finger at the card for his sister. Trying to hid the fact that Drake caught him in such a deep thought, he cleared his throat before sneering,  

           “Her favorite color is purple, not red.”

           Tim watched, mouth left agape as Damian made his way out of the room without another word. He took another look down at the card and grunted, reaching for a new piece of paper, getting ready to start all over again. What a kid, he thought as he got back to work.

[poepoe-thebunny]

Damien The Littlest Brother

Or: Stuff Damian does with his siblings.

Dick

Dick in some ways was another form of idolization for Damian. Damian was so very young when they first met, younger still when Ra's and the league sunk their teeth into his heart and tried their best to tear it to shreds. Dick's role, part sibling part guardian, was the first major form of stability Damian had. Little Damian had been born with the mythos of The Bat hanging overhead, and the hope of measuring up to first his grandfather's and then his father's standards had nearly broken him.

Like a lot of children Damian didn't necessarily understand or appreciate what Dick was trying to do for him until he was older. But just like other children Damian clung to the emotional support and care Dick gave him, the care he had so often been deprived of.

Damian wasn't necessarily there for the events that shaped Dick and the rest of their family, but he is growing up in the aftereffects of it. Dick chose to give Damian the love he deserved, Dick chose not to punish a child for the situation he was born into. But Dick isn't perfect. He loses his temper, he gets frustrated, he gets things wrong, he makes mistakes, he bleeds. Dick, at least initially, was real and human in a way Bruce wasn't to a little boy who already had his future decided for him.

While he may not admit it, Damian looks up to Dick because in a lot of ways Dick is a better person than most. Dick is a good man, a better man than Bruce in some ways. He shows Damian what a hero actually is, and that the concept of being a hero isn't tied to the suit. Dick shows Damian that he can and is a good person, that he can make those decisions for himself and that his own emotional needs are not anything to be ashamed of. Damian is a boy first, not a weapon.

So Damian leans into his affection. There are shared naps after patrol, and days out getting ice cream or going to the zoo. Damian wakes a tired Dick up with a pillow to the face, and pillow fights and laughter ensues. Dick comes along to the school showcases, where an embarrassed Damian has pictures and paintings of their family up for all to see. He never once mocks Damian's desires, instead listening with seriousness to every moment of Damian's vulnerability.

That's what sticks with Damian the most. That Dick wholeheartedly believes Damian is a good person, that Damian can be good and kind and soft. He sees Damian fumble with his cool demeanor, growing shy and embarrassed when chatting with students his own age. Damian knows the names of most of his classmates, takes down random details that shouldn't be important to a stranger "We're NOT friends Grayson," but Damian talks to the youngest students about animals, and how to properly hold puppies. Damian has lists of underfunded animal shelters and regularly sends them to Bruce and Tim when preparations for the Wayne Foundation charity events come up. Damian knows most of the officers in Bludhaven since he occasionally stops by with something for Dick, a late lunch or hot drink or Dick's spare clothes in case he needs out of his police uniform. After many coos, head pats and cheek pinches, Damian is occasionally "babysat" by some of them while Dick is out on patrol of the police variety. He does not realize how much he has charmed Dick's co-workers, talking about his pets or his brothers.

Dick is the kind of hero, the kind of person, Damian was told wasn't real. That heroes were childish nonsense, that mercy and love were weak. The concept that someone could love him, that he was deserving of love instead of being forced to earn it, was foreign. But Dick Grayson was all of that. So Damian puts up less and less of a fight over the silly pictures they take together. Dick buys books about animals, and Damian grudgingly wears the cute stupid animal ear headbands Dick buys him. While part of Damian knows he won't be, the part that viciously beats "heroes" and "love" and "ice cream" back with a vengeance, another part of Damian, a very small fragile part, thinks that maybe if he grew up becoming like Dick Grayson the Person (TM) it wouldn't be so bad. "Awww thanks Dami!"

Jason:

Next to Tim, the Cain Instincts are strongest with Jason. Jason is constantly ruffling his hair, calling him names, and sitting on him. Jason does not give a single iota of a damn for any sort of authority except Alfred. Jason is not afraid of Damian.

So when Damian latches onto Jason's neck ready to strangle him, he laughs like it's the best thing he's ever seen, and a wrestling match ensues. They bond over it, over the goading and the competition.

They bond over books too, over stories and musicals and words Damian shouldn't care about but he does. Damian says he's too old for fairy tales even though he never had them to begin with, never had stories told when tucked into bed unless it was for a harsh life lesson. And yet Damian will find books as gifts for Jason, and Jason will read them aloud after Damian annoys him by pressing his feet into Jason's side. He swears up and down that the exaggerated voices and accented narration from Jason are done purely to annoy him. Damian constantly interrupts him, always asking questions and Jason tells him to shut up and be patient, "learn to listen demon brat."

They watch Disney and Ghibli, Laika and Illumination, and after a very enlightening conversation with one Tim Drake, Jason introduces Damian to theater. From Antigone to Romeo and Juliet, from West Side Story to Hadestown to Heathers the Musical. Bruce has walked in on them recreating various iconic sword fights too many times to count, quoting lines while dressed in blanket robes and crowns made of craft feathers and stick on jewels. Alfred thorough enjoys their riveting performances.

Like a lion teaching his cubs through play, Jason teaches him that he's never too mature for anything and screw anyone else who doesn't like it. Jason teaches him fun in a way Damian never allowed himself to have before, to look past his mission, and do things for enjoyment. He teaches Damian defiance and rebellion, two very important things for him to learn even if it's only interrupting rude rich people and disagreeing with his father over whether he needs to attend another gala.

Damian and Jason have a strange relationship, and initially aren't quite sure how to act around one another. Such large parts of their identity and experiences were formed by an indirect overlapping influence. Jason's death and the effect it had on the family and how they treat Damian, Jason's time with the league and the lazarus pit. But at the same time they understand each other in a way some of their other siblings don't. The strength and struggle in establishing their independence and identity means that their grudging respect turns into fondness with time.

Tim:

It appears that Cain Instincts don't particularly care if one is related or not, given the sheer amount of times Tim and Damian are at each other's throats initially. But with time they settle and grow more comfortable with each other, the words turn from anger to a grumbly sort of discontent, like irritated puppy's more than anything.

They bond over pride. They bond over failure. The two aren't that different really. They've seen each other at their worst. Missions with too many close calls, where the knife wounds cut too close and the bullets bit to deep, when the snap of Gotham's jaw came to close to closing over them and the only thing saving Gotham's Rogues from the collective wrath of two angry Robin's was the weight of their family's morals.

They had to learn to trust each other. But they do.

The insults are more to fill the silence, partially affection and partially with the need to annoy. They watch reruns of Star Trek and play Legend of Zelda in pajama pants (Tim) and hoody's (Damian), half draped over each other with his feet in Tim's lap. When Damian couldn't find one to his satisfaction, he gifted Tim a new skateboard with his own hand drawn and painted design. He sends a video to the family group chat of him laughing when Tim faceplants.

They are the DEFINITION of annoying to each other. Damian chucks clothes at Tim to make him shower, they get into slap fights over breakfast, they sneer at each other's drinks. "With all the coffee it's no wonder you don't grow Drake," While handing a sick Tim herbal tea for his throat.

It's an underlying trust that rarely needs to be affirmed. But when it does Damian won't hesitate to let his opinion be known. Whether it be high school bullies mocking his gangly brother, reporters trying to pit the "blood son" against the "Boy CEO", or shady members of the Gotham elite with too much interest in his family and his company, Damian's blunt attitude comes back with a vengeance. There will be no Wayne Charm, no shop talk, no backhanded compliments, when Damian Wayne gets between them and his brother. It's "I trust my brother," and "No business with the likes of you," or even "When I said you two weren't on the same level, I meant that you were the incompetent one."

Tim always tries to scold him, tells him he shouldn't be petty, I can protect myself demon, but he smiles while he says it.

Stephanie

She teases him mercilessly, will smile sweetly while "blackmailing" him and challenges him to do things he has never done before. Damian won't admit he enjoys any of it even upon threat of death. She's loud, annoying, and demanding and unapologetically so and Damian is convinced she was dropped on her head as a child. Stephanie is his sister and he loves her as a younger brother would, hurling insults at each other while fighting over french fries drinking smoothies in some fast food restaurant at 2 in the afternoon on a day out.

What strikes him about Stephanie is that she demands respect because she knows on a fundamental level that she deserves it, that all of her hard work was her own and she knew she could do it even when everyone else thought she didn't belong. As he grows Damian comes not only to admire her, but finds this a very important lesson to learn for himself.

Stephanie pushes him, she encourages him even if it's hidden under mutually shared insults. On days where she "babysits him" (she does not, Damian tells himself he doesn't need a babysitter he doesn't) she's perfectly happy to work on their motorcycles together, or have random picnics in the park with bags of fast food, or challenge him to rounds of ping pong. They learn eventually that they make a very good team together. Either destroying Tim and Jason in video games, the occasional local ping pong or DDR tournament when visiting Gotham U, or spur of the moment plans in a night time fight. Stephanie is crazy enough to believe it will work, and Damian is crazy enough to believe Stephanie will follow.

Stephanie understands what it feels like to constantly have to justify yourself, to be told you can't measure up and that you're place isn't here, even though you know it is. To have the weight of your family's decisions hanging overhead for the judgment of others.

So they learn to love each other through healthy competition and teasing remarks. Stephanie shoos him off to "talk to kids your own age, don't be so serious!". It's normal, in some ways the closest to normal Damian has had in a long time. And though they won't say it out loud, it's nice to know someone else agrees that they are entitled to these moments of happiness, these moments they were stripped of and denied for so long. They believe in each other and their right to happiness. Damian will never doubt Stephanie's strength, as spoiler or Batgirl or robin or Stephanie, and in return she will never doubt him or his place in their family.

...

Even if that means trying to escape when she wants to play dress up. "I am not your doll Brown," "Fine fine, whatever you say short stack."

Cass:

The moments between Damian and Cass are silent, but if you believe nothing is said then you are entirely wrong. They speak to each other quite often even if they don't use words.

He watches her dance, and thinks she is so strong. Damian swears she could have been a princess in another life, if life had not sunk its fangs in and poisoned her with pain instead. Just as he would have been a prince. While he initially tried to hide it, Cass always knew he was there. Damian watches her. Damian hears her words, her joy and her tears, and puts it down on to charcoal and paper. I hear you, and he shows them to her, how her form litters his pages as she pats his head. There is, Damian thinks, a poetic irony in seeing something so dangerous create something so beautiful. She is art and deserves to be heard, and Damian is grateful that she hears him too. He lets her look at pages of charcoal and ink, at canvases of paint full of everything Damian can't put into words quite yet, and finds understanding.

But while he is a Wayne, he was an Al Ghul at one point and his mother gave him the training every prince should have, skills beyond his sword. So one day, as she stretches, he brings in a case and sets it down with a clunk. He tunes the strings and plays Tomaso Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor, as she watches him with eyes that understand far too much, eyes that say I know, I hear you baby brother. Damian almost wishes she didn't, partially due to the struggle of his own pride, but also because no one should ever have to understand that kind of pain.

Moments with Cass are quiet, but they are never silent. Cass teaches him understanding, helps teach him empathy. And while Damian knows he can never dance the way she can, he can play and sketch and paint and between them their secrets can no longer be secrets. Cass doesn't teach him how to feel ,no, he's always been too good at that. Instead she teaches him ways to coax them out when the words won't come, to look around him with the wonder he wasn't allowed to have before, to let him be defined by a different set of skills that shows he can create something beautiful too.

Duke:

Damien thinks Duke is "cool", like the kind of cool you see in movies and TV shows, the average teenage boys in jeans and sneakers who fight for the underdog and stand up to bullies in a 3-on-1 fight even if they know they won't win. There is a conviction in Duke that rivals Damian's own, and Damian can't help but admire someone willing to strike out on their own and do something when they felt others were failing.

Duke is "Chill" as Jason likes to say, he's low pressure and not pushy in a way that Damian appreciates. He's calm, not in the stoic way of some of the others, but in a way that doesn't put Damian out of his comfort zone with expectations.

Time spent with Duke often consists of puzzles and card games, or movies. Duke is very good at using Damian's own pride against him to "trick" him into playing, but together they do everything from DnD to Yu-Gi-Oh Duel Monsters. It's relaxing.

Duke tells him about school and if Damian is having trouble with the more normal things of being a tween, like worrying whether other kids like him, or wearing something embarrasing, Duke brings him out of his own head. Duke plays along with his competitive nature, challenging him to races the few times they patrol together. He finds Damian outside drawing, and teaches him soccer. Other times they sit there together, Duke writing whatever comes to mind while Damian sketches. Damian gifts Duke a detailed portrait of himself; standing in the center of the crowded streets, body spliced into neat clockwork-style segments with patches of his Signal uniform, the red jacket from his time in the "We R Robin" crew, his sports uniforms, and casual clothing, the bright light of his powers bursting from within in a halo under the Gotham smog. He is Gotham's daylight protector, unique and gifted, and Damian respects that.

It's not easy, Damian is still young and cocky, still isn't very good at saying what he feels. But Duke sees right through his attempts to play it off, and it's always met with head pats and a "Whatever you say lil' D." Damian won't say it out loud but he thinks that the sheer conviction Duke has for doing what's right bleeds into every aspect of him, and that maybe with time it will do the same for himself. Damian admires his strength of will and determination, and the work Duke is willing to put in to get what he wants.

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 19

While the Nation Mourns

SUMMARY: Hana is reunited with Riley, and Liam must attend a funeral

Word Count: ~4.4k 

Warnings: mention of character death, mention of depression

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s “The Goldfinch”)*

Catch up here

Tags:  @captain-kingliamsqueen @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @gkittylove99 @lovablegranny @loudbluebirdlover @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @queenrileyrose @shanzay44 @cordonianroyalty @hopefulmoonobject @hopelessromanticmonie @cinnamonspongecake @queenjilian @kuladekiwi @twinkle-320 @iaminlovewithtrr @charlotteg234 @amandablink @texaskitten30 @tinkie1973 @louiseingram1208 @queencatherynerhys @pens-girl-87 @missevabean @ladyangel70 @sanchita012 @cordonianprincess @liamandneca @cordonia-gothqueen

I’m sorry, the tags are being weird and I don’t know if they’re working or not... but I hope I got everyone down! If I missed someone, or anyone wants to be added/removed, let me know <3

✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧✦✧

- Hana - 

For a very long time, Hana felt that her existence was a very irritable thing for both herself and those around her. 

The love that she attempted to give to the ones around her was unrequited. No matter how much time she tried to spend around her husband — in a desperate attempt for him to redevelop affections for her — the more it seemed as if he wanted to be rid of her.

Even though he sent her many gifts whenever he would go abroad, the dresses, shoes, jewelry, and designer outfits didn’t matter to her. She did not have, nor want the materialistic quality that everyone suspected of a lonely housewife — no, she wanted to devle herself into meaningful connections with people she cared for. Her heart was always empty and alone because there was no one around her who loved her. 

During her time in Lythikos after the tea ceremony, Olivia was kinder to Hana than she was during her first Social Season, and it was a breath of fresh air to be reminded that she was not just a burden; once again Hana felt like someone whose company was valued. 

She remembered the feeling from her friendship with Lady Kiara and Lady Penelope. And from her relationship with Lady Riley. 

Those friendships had all dissolved, and Hana was left with the fact that life was a dreadful and lonely place and she needed to find a way out. 

Ever since her parents had forced her to marry Neville, joy had become a hot commodity in Hana’s life. 

For five long, vile years, during which Hana and Neville were told that her estradiol levels would make it difficult for her to conceive, and Neville beginning to slowly ignore her — she lived life believing that she was one of those people who had done nothing to deserve happiness. 

Though now, as the Beaumont estate came into view, the excitement was almost overwhelming. After all this time, she would see Riley again. 

A servant opened the door, and a few moments later, Hana and Olivia were greeted by Lord Maxwell, Duchess Savannah, Drake, Duke Bertrand, and King Liam. Hana had to stop herself from embracing each of them. 

After quick introductions, Bertrand urged Hana and Olivia to the dining room, where everyone had just finished dinner. Plates were set for them, and they were left alone to eat. 

Hana heard music coming from the direction of the ballroom while she pushed her food around her plate, and she noticed Olivia occasionally looking up and glancing towards the door. 

Before Hana’s wedding to Neville, she had learned more about Olivia’s affections for Liam, and she knew how Olivia never acted on them. Hana notices a look of longing and despair flash behind the Duchess’ eyes when she looked up from her meal.

When Hana had forced herself to clear everything from her plate, she announced to her companion that she was going to go to the ballroom to see what everyone was doing. Hana notices a look of hopelessness flash on the Duchess’ face, but instead of stating that she would come with, Olivia tells her that she will retire for the night. 

The sound of classical music gets louder as Hana approaches the ballroom. She comes through the doorway to see two short figures dancing; they were moving too quickly for Hana to see their faces. On the tables closest to the dance floor are Liam and Drake sitting near one another, Bartie on a table by himself, and Maxwell whispering something to a dark-haired woman, who giggled at every word. 

Hana looks back at the two dancers, who she notices are doing the Cordonian Waltz. They continue to turn and spin quickly, and Hana still can’t see who they are. But when they finish their dance and turn to the small audience, Hana notices the shape of their faces, their foreheads, their smiles, the way their eyes crinkle, and the silky dark hair — all engraved deep into her memory. Riley’s children, she realizes. 

“Hello,” Hana announces herself to the room in a soft voice. Thankfully they hear her over the music, and Liam stands.

“Forgive me, Countess.” Liam motions towards the little ones. “I wasn’t able to introduce you to the children before. They’ve been learning traditional dances throughout the day.” The children slowly walk towards Liam. “Gabriel, Eleanor, do you know who this is?”

“Of course!” Gabriel says, the sound of his smile behind every word. He bows respectfully. “It’s very nice to meet you, Countess Hana of Comery Isle.” 

“Nice to meet you!” Eleanor greets. 

“A pleasure to meet you both as well!” Hana takes a quick moment to regard the children; there was no doubt Gabriel was Liam’s son, for the politeness and the warm welcome came naturally to the boy, which was something that Hana did not expect from such a small child. Eleanor was every bit playful like her mother. 

Hana glances at Liam, she’s stunned at the adoration and pride on his face.

“Did... you have a nice trip?” Gabriel asks, tentatively. “I heard it was a long ride.”

“My trip was very pleasant, thank you,” Hana responds. The large smiles on their faces were contagious, but both of the children’s expressions melt into respectful concern, and Hana thinks it’s adorable. 

“Are you tired?” Eleanor asks. “You can go to sleep if you want!” 

Liam and Hana laugh at the girl’s suggestion. Before any of them can speak, Maxwell calls to the children: “Baby blossoms, come look at this!” 

Gabriel and Eleanor each take a step in Maxwell’s direction, but turn back and give Hana one final nod. She laughs at what she expects is newly-learned etiquette, and turns back to Liam. 

“Where is Riley?” Hana asks, eager to get to the point of why she came to Ramsford in the first place. 

Liam nods towards the ballroom doors. “She has a room in the east wing. A doctor came to check in on her a while ago, and now she is resting.” Noticing Hana’s face fall, Liam continues, “Hopefully you will be able to speak to her in the morning.” 

“Do you think there is a chance that she will remember me?” Hana wonders. I do not wish to be no one to her.

Liam’s breath hitches, “Hana... forgive me, we forgot to tell you. Riley got her memory back.” 

Her hand flies to her mouth, and her whole body shakes. “What?” Do I still occupy a place her in heart, just as she does in mine?

“I meant to tell Duchess Olivia when I called her, but my mind was occupied.” 

“I understand. At least Riley’s memory is one less thing for us to worry about.” Hana turns to look at Liam, whose brows are furrowed. “Have you been able to speak to her?” 

Liam slowly shakes his head. “No, not really. I found her in tears last night. Along with her memories of us, she also remembered her husband’s death. I did not wish to stress her further by putting more on her plate.” 

After carefully thinking about what she was going to say, Hana speaks up again. “Have you heard what happened to the Queen Mother?” 

Liam’s expression doesn’t change, and Hana suspects that he did not hear her. 

Finally he speaks up. “Yes, they called me when they were bringing her to the hospital. They did not know she was already dead.” 

“And what about the stolen art? And the missing pieces from her collection?” 

“An investigation is ongoing. I’ve also increased security at the palace. I refuse to cancel or delay the Social Season due to Regina’s death. She was no one of consequence to me, and her decisions have ultimately done no good for Cordonia. A week given to mourn her should be enough, and it will not interrupt the festivities.” 

Hana almost flinches at the cruel words, but understands where Liam is speaking from. After hearing about what Regina did to Riley, Hana began putting the blame of her terrible life on Regina, too. If Riley hadn’t left, there was no doubt in her heart that all of their lives would have been better. 

“Will you and your husband be joining us this year?” Liam asks her. The edge of his mouth twitches. He knows that I won’t avoid it now that Riley is back.

“Yes, though the Earl will be arriving a little late,” she tells him. 

He nods, and then looks away from Hana and towards the children. The adoration that she noticed before is back. 

“The funeral for the Queen Mother is tomorrow,” Liam says suddenly. Hana notices his face fall, and wonders why. 

“That quick?” 

“I was the one who requested it to be done as soon as possible.” After a pause, his voice is rough when he says, “The faster we are rid of her, the better.” 

Hana glances between Gabriel and Liam. “Will the boy be going with you to the funeral?” 

“I wish to bring him with, and I am sure that Cordonians expect him to make a public appearance soon, but I do not think that it would be appropriate.”

“Then you will leave them here?” 

“Yes... but I do not wish to.”  

After a pause, she says, “I can help the children in their lessons tomorrow morning.” 

“Thank you, Countess, but...” He trails off, and Hana wonders what he is thinking about. “Perhaps I will bring them with, but that does not mean they have to attend the funeral service.” There’s a mischievous grin on Liam’s face, and Hana laughs to herself. Liam trying to spend time with Riley’s children was heartwarming.  

Hana finally announces that she will retire, and everyone bids her a “Good Night.” 

While a servant leads her up to her room, Hana has to force herself to follow and not run off to try and find Riley’s room. 

When she changes and gets into bed, she has to calm the excitement in her heart. She would speak to Riley again soon. The morning was not too far away.

...

As her eyes flutter open, Hana is proud that she was able to wake up on her own. When she turns around and sees that it’s half past nine, she shoots up out of bed, ashamed. 

They all must have eaten breakfast already. Now they will be burdened with my tardiness and my nonexistent appetite.

She rushes to put on her clothes, forcing herself through the processes of washing her face, brushing her teeth, and combing her hair. Taking a glance in the mirror, she notices that she looks worn out. Her shoulders slump. Hana thinks to herself that she must try harder to better her appearance, but her heart begins to scream, What if Riley is at the breakfast table? Don’t take so long!

She averts her eyes from the mirror and rushes out of the room. Looking at the familiar decor, she realized that she was also in the east wing. 

Hana turns her head, trying to find an open door, or at least a servant that could guide her to where Riley was.

And then, when she turns her head to quickly glance into a room, thinking that it was empty, Hana stops suddenly. There’s a figure in the room, and it’s painfully familiar. 

The moment was surreal. Hana turned to look at Riley, whose face has gone pink and chin has wrinkled. Neither of them move a muscle, and Hana is almost afraid to approach her. My eyes must be tricking me. Perhaps I’m still tired.

But Riley takes in a shaky breath, her whole body quivering. “Hana?” she says, her voice breaking. 

And then when Hana picks up her feet and runs towards Riley, she doesn’t even realize how much effort the action took her. 

Riley’s arms are around her neck, and Hana squeezes her waist. They tuck their heads into each other’s necks, grabbing at each other’s shoulders as if to make sure that the moment was truly real. 

Neither of them move. It wasn’t that they couldn’t — they just didn’t want to. Hana realizes that this is perhaps the longest embrace she has ever had, and she tightens her arms around Riley. 

“Ow,” Riley whispers, and Hana jumps out of their embrace.

“Sorry!” She looks Riley up and down. Riley was standing balanced on one foot, for the other foot had a cast on it. “Here, sit down.” Hana helps Riley hop to the side of the bed, their hands intertwined. 

When both of them take a seat, their hands are still locked together. 

“Hana, I’m the one who’s supposed to be sorry.” 

Hana shakes her head quickly. “Please, don’t feel the need to apologize on my account.” 

“But Hana—” Riley’s words cut out as she begins crying. Tears fall down Hana’s eyes, too. 

“Riley, I was the one who refused to show up to the U.N. party that night. I left you alone, I should have—”

“Hana. All you did was take some time for yourself, which was what you needed. I’m the one who made a stupid decision and left for ten years.”

“You left because that was what you thought was best for your son. That was the best thing for you to do, we were the ones who should have tried harder to find you—”

“I was the one who shouldn’t have hid myself like that. I made a stupid mistake, and instead of trying to come back and fix it, I let it turn into an even bigger mess. And I’ve ruined so many lives in the process.” 

“No, you haven’t,” Hana claims.

“But I have. Look at Liam. Honestly I can’t understand why he never got married to another woman, why he didn’t just forget about me, and why he isn’t angry at me?” 

“Isn’t that a good thing? That he’s not angry?” 

Riley bites her lower lip, deep in thought. “I think if he was angry then it would be easier. We can’t even talk to each other now. Neither of us know how to start the conversation. He asked me if I would have dinner with him tonight, and for some reason I’m so nervous about it.” 

“Well... is there something specific that you want to tell him? Above anything else?” 

“Honestly, the first thing was going to be that Gabriel was his son. Now that that’s out of the way... I don’t know. And, yeah I’m a little upset that he’s pushing the kids into the spotlight... but now I understand it. I just hope they don’t get overwhelmed. And if they do, it’ll all be my fault.” 

“Riley, stop that.” Hana puts her hand on Riley’s shoulder. “You can’t blame yourself for everything that happened.”

“But I’m the one who set these terrible events in motion.” 

“Those actions weren’t permanent. And look at you know.” She gestures at the room around them. “You’re back in Cordonia, and hopefully everything will go back to normal soon.” 

Riley forces out a laugh and smiles. “As normal as we can make it. There are two new people in the group, and things are so weird between me and Liam... but enough about my problems.” Riley shifts herself so that she’s fulling facing Hana. “Tell me about how you’ve been holding up!”

Hana’s face falls, and she barely manages a smile before saying, “I married Neville.”

Riley’s jaw flies open. “No!” she exclaims. “You told your father you weren’t interested in him!” 

“And then when he and my mother discussed it, they told me that didn’t matter.” 

“So they forced you?!” Riley screams. 

Hana swallows a lump in her throat. She can’t bring herself to speak, but she manages a nod. 

“You... you can’t get out of it or anything?” 

Hana shakes her head, and after stopping a few tears from escaping, manages, “No. Not without reason.” 

“Being a pompous self-centered prick is reason enough. No one should have to deal with someone like that.” Suddenly, Riley’s eyes go wide. “Oh, my God. He isn’t here with you, right?” 

“No,” Hana tells her. “He will join for the Social Season, but a few days late.”

“Good!” Riley states, a large smile plastered over her face. “He’ll be here soon enough, and when he arrives, we’ll find our reason.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Hana gives a wide grin. “Alright.” 

“Well, well, well,” someone says from the doorway. They turn to see Duchess Olivia. “Finally Hana’s come to her senses. You should have tried to leave that man years ago.” 

“Olivia!” Riley cries. She stands and tries to hop over to Olivia, but Olivia rushes over to help Riley balance herself. Riley wraps Olivia in a hug, and she slowly returns it. When they part, Hana is shocked to see a smile on her face. 

“Yes, yes, it’s nice to see you, too, welcome back.” She steps back and looks both Riley and Hana up and down. Finally she turns back to Riley and says, “Your children.” 

“What about them?” 

“How much self defense do they know?” 

“I’ve taught Ella how to use pepper spray,” Riley answers. 

“And the boy?” Olivia continues to ask. 

Riley shrugs. “He plays soccer. He can give a mean kick to the shins.” 

Olivia massages the bridge of her nose. “So no real self defense training?” 

Riley shakes her head. “No.” 

“If you don’t mind, I will guide them through the basics later today.”

“Sure. But make sure they don’t play around with sharp objects. They can be little devils some times.” 

Olivia turns to leave, but continues, “Oh, please, they’re not babies.” 

“What does that mean?” Hana asks, concerned.

“I’ll give them slightly blunted knives.”

Before anyone can say anything else, Olivia is already around the corner and out of sight.

“How blunted is ‘slightly blunted’ on Olivia’s scale?” Riley asks.

“We can ask her about it later, and perhaps replace them with wooden knives.” Hana turns to Riley and asks, “Have you had breakfast yet?” 

“No, I’ve been eating a bit late these last two days.” 

“I’ll call the servant staff to bring something up to us!” Hana suggests.

Riley gives a little a laugh. “Bring us a feast worthy of returned ladies of the court!”

- Gabriel - 

Cordonia’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be. True, I haven’t seen much of it yet, so I really wasn’t in a position to judge, but at least I could say that the landscape was really pretty.

I was in a really long limo with Liam and Eleanor. He told us that he had to go to the capital for an event today, and wanted us to come with. Mom allowed it, so some time after breakfast a large limo with flags on the back bumper rolled into the front of the building. 

Apparently some servants brought Liam some clothes he could wear, and when he changed into them, he looked serious, even though there was still that welcoming smile on his face. His suit had lots of medals with symbols that I had never seen before. Ella and I put on some formal clothing that Grandma had packed for us.

The seats inside of the car were in a “U” shape, so Liam sits in the back of the car, while I sit on the seats to his left, and Ella sits in front of me. 

He told us that the drive was a little long, so we spent the first half hour looking out the window at the scenery, which looked like it came right out of a painting. 

“Have you two taken a road trip before?” Liam asks us. 

“When we went to Disneyland in Florida we did,” Eleanor answers. 

“Did you have fun?”

“Yup!” she replies. “We played games!” 

“Which games? We can play them now if you wish.”

“Okay!” Ella exclaims. “Let’s do I Spy. I spy with my little eye something black!”

“Ella, the entire inside of the car is black,” I remind her.

“No!” she whines, pointing at the door handle. “That’s gray! Anyway, Gabe gets a point! Your turn!”

I look around the inside of the car, trying to find a unique color that Ella wouldn’t be able to guess easily. “I spy something yellow,” I say.

“The sun!” she guesses.

“No.”

“My dress?” 

“Nope.” 

She takes a moment to look around wildly before going, “Liam’s hair!”

“Wrong,” I say. Liam starts to laugh, and I join in.

“Liam, do you see anything yellow?” Ella asks him. 

He joins her in looking around the inside of the limo, but doesn’t say anything.

“We give up!” Ella declares. 

I point to Ella’s shoes, and when she realizes how simple the game actually was, we all begin to laugh. 

For the next few hours, we quickly pass by small and quaint towns. Liam tries to entertain us by explaining the traditions of those regions.

Eventually, we near a large crowd of people, and they wave at the car as we pass by.

“Both of you stay here. I’ll be back momentarily.” Someone opens the door for Liam, and he shuffles out. 

We watch him join the crowd of people, and I recognize some of them. 

“Is that... Duke Landon?” I wonder aloud. 

Ella comes next to me to look out my window. “And that’s... Duchess... the Duchess of Portavira!” she cries. 

“Uh huh.” I turn to her. “And what’s her name?” 

“Em... Emily?” she hesitates. 

“Close. Duchess Emmeline.”

“Agh,” Ella exclaims, sitting back down. After a few moments, she cries, “Snacks!” 

I turn around to look at her and find that she’s found small packages near the front of the car, behind the wall that separates us from the driver. 

“Are you sure you don’t have to pay for those?” I ask her. 

She stands up straight, putting a pack of trail mix back where she found it from. Reaching into her pocket, she tells me, “I have three dollars.” 

I walk towards her to inspect the money. “Those are American dollars. You can’t use that here.”

“Why not?” 

“Because they use different money in Europe. Where did you get the three dollars from anyway?”

“I always keep three dollars with me.” 

I pause to stare down at her. “Why?”

“Because.” She reaches back into the pile of snacks. “Sometimes I get hungry, and Daddy told me that if I want snacks, I have to have money.” Ella looks closely at what she picked up. “Apple slices with caramel dip?” she whispers. 

“I think you should ask Liam before you take anything. This is his car.”

She puts everything back into the pile and we both take a seat. When we look out of the window again, we see that Liam is talking to the crowd, and some people have started crying. He stands next to a large painting of an old woman. 

“Who’s that?” Ella asks.

“I don’t know...” I tell her. “Maybe Liam will tell us when he comes back.” 

Ella turns to look at me, then stares at my face for a few moments. “Are you going to keep calling him Liam?” she questions. 

I shrug and answer, “I guess so. What else should I call him? His proper title is ‘Your Majesty,’ since he’s the King.” 

“I still don’t believe that.” 

I roll my eyes at her. “Then why were they cheering when the car came by?”

She shrugs and turns away. “Maybe they wanted to make him feel good about himself. But, shouldn’t you call him ‘dad’?”

“Why would I do that?” 

“...Because he’s your dad. Mama said you should start, so you have to.”

I slump back into my seat. “But I don’t really want to. I’ve called him ‘Liam’ so for so long, and I’ve called Dad ‘dad’ for so long, and it’s going to be weird to change it.” I look up at my sister. “Are you going to start calling him ‘Dad’?”

“He’s not my dad.”

“It’s not like you have anyone else to call ‘dad’.” I start coughing, and she stares at me before turning away.

After thinking for a while, she answers, “True. What do you think about ‘Mister Dad-Man’?”

“I hate it.” 

“‘Mister Gabe’s Father’?” 

“I hate that more.” 

She squints her eyes at me in anger. “You’re not helping me.” 

“Oh. Was I supposed to?” 

She crosses her arms and moves back towards the front of the car. Grabbing a bag of trail mix, she throws it at me.

“No!” I scream. “That is not—” I dodge away from another thing she throws “—that is not the proper behavior of a young lady!” Since she keeps throwing things at me, I scream, “LIAM’S GONNA BE MAD AT YOU. Oh, look, there he is!”

“Where?” She runs to the window near me, and we both notice Liam being led back to the car by some guards. Lots of people with cameras follow behind them.

We rush to put all the snacks back into the little box. We’re both near the front of the car when Liam takes a seat. He looks so serious that he could be a completely different person. I smile at him, and when he catches my eye, smiles back. “I apologize for taking so long. What are you both doing?” 

“We were hungry,” Ella tells him. 

“Would you like to get something to eat before we return?” he asks us.

Ella and I look at each other, beaming. “Yes, please!” we say in union. 

“Wonderful.” The car starts to move, so we take a seat. “What would you like to get?” 

“Donuts!” Ella cries. 

I wanted real food, but wasn’t going to complain about donuts. 

Once we come near the store, Ella tells Liam she wants to go inside and get the donuts herself. Liam says that he’ll go with her, but Bastien opens the door and says that might not be a good idea. Liam hands Ella some money, then watches her through the window of the car. 

Bastien carries the box of donuts and follows Ella towards the car. Once she’s seated, Liam takes the box. 

For the rest of the ride, we eat our donuts while Liam tells us funny stories from his trips to different countries. We spent the time by laughing, and we don’t even realize it when the driver opens the door to tell us we’ve arrived to Ramsford.

[last-on-your-lips]

Perception (pt. 2)

Its not that it’s hard for a mage to use destructive magic, really. Focus hard enough on anything and it’s liable to break apart when you command the very fabric every element is built on. Magic in our world is that intrinsic, so potent and present that technology all but has to be built around it with cooperation between Mages, Drakes and Alchemists alike.

Talin fancied herself as a healer, and I knew that even when I asked what I did of her. Mum’s not much for breaking things at all. Repairing shattered ceramics is one of her hobbies, actually. She’s very sentimental like that, and I could see her have to set her jaw when she turned her eyes on the ramshackle town we’d been a part of as long as I could remember. This was the place I had learned to talk, these were the homes of our people. It didn’t matter that they were small and easy to rebuild, or that few who lived there owned more than they could have carried out. Mum had spent most of my life half-employed as the doctor to the Draughters of Infirili, and she was sentimental.

When she began her cast I had the privilege of my new sight to tell me that she glowed like the bloody sun from the crown of her head down to the center of her chest, coalescing the energy of her sentimental grief and her disgust with the necessity of the action into a softly spoken evocation. The tips of two of her fingers touched her lips as she spoke, the power she called focusing to a point of light visible to the lame and frail as well at the end of her claws. Mum was never one to waste time with her spells, so it was a simple gesture of extending her arm and opening her hand that flung that spell to the town from where she stood. I knew to brace for the heat that would come. Our frail passengers didn’t.

One moment a prick of light flew loose of the ship, no larger than a shooting star against the night. There was a brief silence as the energy bolted deep into the hard trod ground beneath the huts and shacks, and next there was a vicious rumble from the ground before heat billowed out ahead of a voracious flame. The structures weren’t all that hard to destroy, of course, but the shockwave was enough to flatten the marsh grass and hide the hoofprints and footprints all the way to the tree line. It also sent a flush of heat and force to flutter the battalion standards, and I could see the march come to a halt at the impact. Mum radiated with her fury below, her eyes narrow and focused behind us on the forces we were avoiding as I tilted to cut into the trees, following the scent of the other evacuated draughted and the drakes leading them.

I was surprised at how well the ship balanced as I had to switch to climbing through the forest, usually only needing me to mind it with one massive forepaw or by the tip of a wing as I transferred between trees. I’d have to ask Kyn if it was designed for that when I put it back down… which seemed like it might come sooner than I had anticipated. I would have to adjust to covering  distances so confidently with my new mass and form, I was used to the forest feeling impossible to travel in the night as a human. I contemplated how I had moved so many miles on little rest and less food as I half slithered down the trunk of the tree Talin and I had established our home in the base of, the natural place for me to return to as it was the only relatively secure part of the forest with enough space to accommodate for the very suddenly displaced crowd of exiles.

The moment the hull touched the clearing I had painstakingly maintained by spear and effort, there was a calamity of questions tumbling over each other out of the mouths of  sore footed mothers, sobered fathers, and collected tradesfolk that had understandable frustrations about abandoning the small shops they’d managed to accumulate. Natural and reasonable fury and confusion, if louder than I liked as Kyn was unthreading the line from my chest and Mum was unboarding the folk we’d carried out and shepherding them into the husk of the great trunk. I caught complaints about potential livestock losses and upset over losing the small place we’d had for longer than any other Draught community were known to have maintained a place. My body language was blank, and my gaze studied and counted the faces of the children first, then their mothers, then their fathers. Then I sought out the tradesfolk, counting to ensure the strongest of them were among the bodies escaped from the town. After my assessment I made a low bellied rumbling noise, and the calamitous fury turned to hesitant silence.

Kyn spoke before I could, as close as the town had to a leader. “We all knew this was coming, get hold of yourselves! I dunnae what ye thought Talin meant when she told ye that her child was a dragon, or why ye ignored her if ye were going to shout about it now.”

There was a rustle of discomfort through the crowd of displaced friends, eyes averting and pouts settling onto faces as they were chided for their vocal frustrations about the disruption to their night and life. Many arms crossed and chins pointed up in familiar guard and defiance as Kyn stood on the rail of his ship between them and me to speak his piece.

“Ye can all like it or nae, but this is what ye were told when ye moved in. Ye should be grateful we got out ‘fore some folk that didn’ much mind us surviving cleared us out to piss Faern here off.” The words were certainly not as delicate as I would have said myself, but the life that many of my friends had lived had been rougher than Talin had given me. And Kyn certainly wasn’t wrong that I would’ve been less composed to see them dead. “We’re here for a day or two. Get some sleep, we work tomorrow. Got horses to catch in the morning an’ shoes to put together before we get us moving on.”

At his dismissal many eyes had gone from fury to steel, acceptance that this was indeed the lot they’d chosen when they came to Infirili. I admit some guilt lingered in the back of my mind, knowing I was the cause of displacement and loss. Although mostly I was relieved that the worst case scenario hadn’t been what I had found when I arrived. While the crowd distributed into the clearing with less heated grouching, Talin came back out to us looking much calmer than she had going inside. She was concerningly loaded down with maps and her bestiaries, however, and I recognized her planning face. Perhaps when I was younger I should have paid more attention to her and Kyn when they had their late night plotting sessions drawing on maps and conspiring about exactly what local wild animals could be caught, bribed and purposed for companionship and protection to humans.

I counted myself rather lucky that it was then Kyn’s lover looked over, the scathing squint of her slit blue eyes enough to send a chill down his spine and put a pause in Talin’s step as she had to glance over her shoulder to find the source of the prick against the back of her neck.

Asyla was a massive woman, someone who had kept me in check during some of the more physical outbursts of my gangly teenage years. She was a draught drinker from the westernmost continent, Ophelim. Her draught, you ask? Well she was given Serpent’s Draught. And with it she was adorned with a venemous bite, speed unlike anything that belonged in the bulk of someone as direct in their intentions as she was, and eyes not unlike a pit viper. The pretty pattern of pale silver, off white and almost black scales that decorated her back and her forearms in intricate diamonds was something she liked to display with pride by way of sweeping open backed dresses, although I was a bit stunned to see her skirt knotted over her hip to show the muscular length of her legs was similarly patterned along the outside of her thighs and down shins and calves where her drake hide shorts didn’t cover.

This stunning example of woman was also making a direct path through the disgruntled population of her lover’s town with a look on her face I could only describe as terrifyingly focused. On me. Mum and Kyn put themselves in her way with a cacophony of placations and pleas, begging the walking tank to wait a moment and think before she started in on me. Naturally they were shrugged off as Asyla stalked around The Hull and made herself a wide stance in front of my lowered head.

“’Appy blas’ed bir’day to you, innit?” Her voice it’s usual broken hiss past the disfigured fork of her tongue, not quite managing to form all the complicated ‘T’ or ‘H’ sounds in common.

“Another year. Not another disappointment.” My growl answered as I dropped my weight down, curling up with my wings and tail in tight. “Feels different.”

“Sure should.” A nod of agreement as her hands rested on her hips and she appraised the sheer scale of the difference between what she knew and what I’d changed into. Kyn and Mum seemed baffled that I wasn’t being yelled at. “Wha’ now?”

“Make sure the family is safe first.”

“Alrea’y done. Wha’ now for you Faern?” Asyla always did have a directness no one else showed toward me.

“Finish what they started. Try not to get turned into a Draught while I do it.” My ambition wasn’t going to be a secret, I wanted to see if I could accomplish it in Hocrayle. A camaraderie between Drakes and humans  anything like the cooperation happening on the other continents.

“’Ey’re real busy bein’ ‘Uman ‘ere.” Her opinions therein laid out in so few words, although I could tell that she didn’t particularly doubt my determination and abilites. “Figh’in’ isn’ goin to be much like wha’ we’ve done before. Ere’s like to be whole armies.”

“Not trying to do it looking like this, auntie. I want to try and learn from Kyn, take the wings back off and look more personable on the way.” I could feel how naive she thought I was when her arms crossed and her head tilted into her scowl.

“Wha’s the plan, kid.” Demanded more than asked. Rude of her really since the only plan I had come up with was find all my parent’s contacts and figure out exactly what it was they’d been doing before they decided to start an entire war. About that… I realized under my aunt’s discerning stare I had no rightful idea where to begin looking for those contacts. Or how to approach them. Or what to expect if I did find them. All I knew was that Talin wasn’t the only Dragon Draughter that Urthylo and Rhaekson had some kind of contact with before I was born, and I had the newly learned ability to spot draugthed by the way they looked different from other humans. Until Asyla questioned me that felt like a lot to work with.

“Find the Draught Dragons that Urthylo and Rhaekson were conspiring with and figure out what they were doing to help relations between Drakes, nations and humans?” My voice managed to be an infuriatingly uncertain whine.

“Big questions.” Kyn cut in there, his voice heavier than usual, and his pale golden gaze more direct when he pointed it at Asyla. I was surprised to see that she backed off. “We can get those answered. What ye going to do with ye answers?”

“Unite Hocrayle the way drake and dragons are united on the other continents.” This was stated with a confidence all three of my more practiced adults shot down by the angle of their quirked brows. Having said it out loud I also understood how unlikely it seemed that a single influence might achieve that between six unfriendly nations and an extensive wilderness untouched by common humans. The other continents operated as massive and united nations, sharing the same laws and general systems of function across their whole land mass rather than disrupting into countries. This was made possible by their kinship with their local drakes and the cooperation of the Dragons that were incorporated into the bodies of their governments and nobility. Dragons and Drakes were a part of other societies because they maintained station among those societies. Talin had been purposeful in teaching me about how those politics worked, and informing me on how dragons were regarded across different parts of the world.

Hocrayle did not value dragons as part of their government, because Dragons had been tyrants to the humans until they suddenly vanished from the population entirely centuries before my occurrence. In four hundred years many common men and nobles alike had lived and died, and so the six nations had specialized in their ideals and budded into independent philosophies and borders. Into conflict and animosity, and into an age of Alchemy rampantly afflicting people by the hundreds with experimental Draughts.

Asyla was an example of more lawfully applied Alchemy, in Ophelim they only adorned the few and mighty with Draughts. And of those draughts there were only three, The Lion, The Wolf, and The Serpent. Noble beasts that augmented loyal and noble people, and a Draughted from her continent was to be expected as educated, disciplined and in control of their beast. It seemed to me that was likely how the elixirs had been meant to work when they were designed, a kind of initiation and accomplishment to allow humans to gain a deeper understanding of the the rest of their world. Asyla, direct as she ever was, embodied the patience and the gravitas of any viper I’d ever met at least. She also showed that it was possible for a Draughted human to be reasonable, educated, resourceful and respected. Things that were uncommon to see in the nations of Hocrayle.

“Well. Ye want to learn to change the wings back off first, yeah?” Kyn broke my spiraling depth of thought, bringing my eyes to himself and inspiring an earnest bob of my head. “We’ll get that done for ye, and talk more on changing the world when ye aren’t a great lizard.”

Talin sat by Asyla and watched the lesson on transformation as the earliest hours of the day’s turn made little more noise than the uncomfortably light snoring of her friends camping haphazardly around her home. She’d prepared for this over the years. There had been blankets waiting, and food for the little ones. Even a handful of cots she’d built to see the aging folk and lame limbed of the exile town into. Faern had kept their ‘lawn’ clear with enough room for every hardened body now laying on it to doze. She’d expected all of this, really. Yet while she watched Faern struggle to wiggle all the scales off themselves (this being a slow process that Kyn seemed utterly fascinated with and ill equipped to help) she wondered if she could ever have been prepared enough for their future.

Their friends were right, the young dragon was naïve in their ambitions. Not necessarily wrong in wanting to understand what each of their ill-fated parents had been trying to accomplish, and not even wrong to want to see some kind of friendship between humans and drakes on their natural born home. Even without being wrong, they were estimating themselves against nations of humans who only knew of Dragons as legends of practical enslavement. Given how Hocrayle worked without the dragons… She couldn’t honestly come up with a good argument to bringing them back, or turning her well meaning child loose into a world that considered them as an ingredient first and a person sixth.

“Try that water gathering spell I taught you.” Suggested as she watched the scales that had just been shed reform from the low rolling fog under their belly for the ninth time. The fog was thinning from all the water that Faern hadn’t realized they were drawing in yet.

Kyn didn’t like what happened when that suggestion was made, the pale white streak of magic travelling along the dragon’s spine as they gathered up the energy and focused it toward their horns. Talin realized belatedly that she probably should have let anyone in town know that their favorite harmless dragon knew fundamental direct magic, and had mastered the manipulation of most of the natural elements at a frankly alarming scale. That could be handled later though. She focused intently to watch how the spell began to unweave the massive body that Faern had grown into, the water from the creek they’d absorbed on the mountain top gathering as tail, scale, claw and wing withered and swirled into the mass. A few focused moments and the slender frame of her child with eyes closed was levitating fully nude at the height their horns had been, the odd glow of pure magic making them painful to look at.

She appreciated the style of the next spell that they chose, watching the gathered element surround Faern anew and change it’s density and structure until it made a decent impression of their usual hunting garb. This was something a mage couldn’t have done in a thousand years of study, and only a mad alchemist would try with nothing but their own focus to depend on. Talin had taught it to Faern anyway, after decades of obsessive research into the old Tyrant Dragons. The old dragons had been able to transform at will from their royal robes, and after painstaking research she had found no remnants or records of seamstresses or looms or fabrics that made it possible for them. It had actually been one of Faern’s own theories that the tyrants kept their element under an elaborate glamour in order to ease transitions. And immediately after they sealed this spectacular spell as proof they opened their eyes and dropped down to glare at Kyn where he was fastening his britches back on.

“Explain the Indemnic boat, Kyn. That kind of technology is rare here, and insanely expensive to build–” The tangent was cut short, to Talin’s amusement, when Kyn squared his palm across the full plane of Faern’s face. She had to respect that Faern tried to start an interrogation with an exhausted Draghted.

“Ye can bother me for it in the morning. Ye need to eat and ye need to sleep. We got much to do, and people to feed and move.” She couldn’t argue with his logic, although Talin certainly felt like her child was asking important questions of him. When they looked to her she gave a gesture toward the branches above where the Drakes they’d met the day before were anxiously perched.

“If you want to stay up, go settle them down. Kyn’s right that we should rest while we can. We don’t know how long that fire will burn and we don’t know if they had their own magicians in that battalion.” Talin endured the seething squint of her child’s eyes, and heard their frustrated grunt before they pulled back from Kyn and stalked over to the tree. They chose to leave by climbing up the bark with a refreshing new lack of restraint.

“I’m not explaining it to ye either, Tal.” Kyn’s first words when the rustling leaves over their heads began to settle down and indicate the drakes had been led away.

“Don’t want you to. You’re Indemnic yourself, known for a long time my friend. You need to get the engine right for tomorrow, we don’t know if Faern will carry the raft as far as it needs to go.” Talin appraised Kyn and how he reacted, almost laughing when he seemed surprised she would’ve recognized his towering frame, mahogany skin, and distinct accent as foreign to the short, narrow and pale national residents of Hocrayle.

“Kyn, your surname is Arseilles.” Asyla helpfully contributed from where she remained on a mossy cushion beside Talin. As his mate and an Opheli Serpent it wasn’t surprising she’d bait him. “Anyone with a Mage’s educa’ion would know you’re from Indemnis by lookin’ of you. Jus’ fix the ferry for the folk who aren’ tryin’ to save the world.”

“I’ll fix the boat in the morning. Tired from all that morphin’ I did for no reason.” Gruff and with a pointed look to Talin. “My hands’re too shaken to do the work without a rest. Could’ve had them try the spell first, Mage.”

“Could’ve told Faern you weren’t from Hocrayle when they were younger too.” Talin gave a nonchalant shrug and adjusted her shirt at the shoulders, her focus pointedly directed to her friend. “And you probably should have. Because Sire Itun is the drake that Faern’s gone off to chat with.”

“Itun is alive? Wait. Itun was– Shit!” The panic mounted utterly late into her friend, although she managed not to laugh at how he began to scan the branches above them searching for the now distant drakes.

“I suppose we’re all in for a long sit ‘n speak in the mornin’.” Asyla’s input as she rocked to her feet and offered a hand to help Talin up. “Explanations are wanted for, and ‘ey said who should say them.”

“Let’s all hope it goes better in the morning, shall we?” The Dragon Mage’s word on the matter as she saw herself into her house, leaving the lovers to do as they liked on the ferry for the few hours they’d have before the sun, and the Dragon themself, returned.

[audubonbaybridge]

Rest your head, little girl blue

Author: @shesasurvivor (aka @audubonbaybridge)

Rating: General

Summary: Drake just wants to keep Gosalyn safe. Maybe asking her to be his crimefighting partner wasn't the best way to do that. But someone has to be there for the kid. Especially today. Set post-Let's Get Dangerous.

A/N: How exciting was Let's Get Dangerous? I'm so happy that Gosalyn has finally arrived in the DT17 universe. Her relationship with Darkwing is everything, and I couldn't help wanting to flesh them out a litle more in this version of their lives. Consider this a little warmup for getting a grasp on their new characterizations.

Read on AO3

"Okay, Gosalyn- "

"Uh-uh. Quiverwing."

"Oh! Alright. Remember, Quiverwing, you want to give your enemies a sense of surprise. You want to ease through the night, sneaking up on them."

"Why wait?" The redhead duckling jumped from the perch where she and Darkwing Duck hid in wait for their nightly nemesis, St. Canard's current number one villain, Dr. Slug.

"Gosalyn!! Uh, I mean, Quiverwing!" Darkwing Duck yelped in a mixture of terror and surprise as he watched his protege leap haphazardly from the shadows and directly into the path of danger. Seeing no other choice, he jumped after her, hurrying to catch up.

"He's right around the corner, according to W.A.N.D.A.! If we hurry, we can corner him and pin him to the ground in no time!" Quiverwing Quack called behind her to Darkwing Duck as she raced along the dark, empty city streets.

"No, Gosalyn, we need to have a plan! Ahh!" Darkwing fell to his face as he tripped over a curb. His screech finally brought Gosalyn to a halt.

Turning around to the scene of Darkwing Duck splayed out across the cement, she couldn't help rolling her eyes, even if a small smile threatened to lift the corners of her beak. "Are you okay?" she asked, circling back to where he lay.

"Never better," he muttered. With a deep breath, he pushed himself up with his arms, then brushed off his costume. "But we really should be more careful. Dr. Slug is St. Canard's number one villain. He could have anything planned for us."

"But how am I going to learn how to be a superhero if I'm always playing it safe?" Gosalyn shot back. "Come on, you said you wanted me to be your crimefighting partner, remember?"

"Well, yeah... " Darkwing had brought that up. He couldn't deny Gosalyn was smart and challenging, and she was actually good in a fight. But that hadn't been the reason he had asked her to be his partner. Not the real reason, anyway.

"Then teach me!" Before he had a chance to argue, she turned on her feet and began running back in the direction of the bank Dr. Slug was supposed to be in.

"No! Gosalyn, it's not safe!"

This had the desired effect. Or so Darkwing thought, at least. Gosalyn slid to a stop, then whirled around to face him. "Safe?" she asked. "Was it safe when you jumped off a scaffold to save me?"

"Well- "

"Or when you rode your motorcycle off the wires on the Audubon Bay Bridge?"

"Well, that's just how you exit Darkwing Tower."

Gosalyn rolled her eyes and crossed her eyes. "And I guess it was safe when you marched alone to face Taura Bulba and the Fearsome Four without anyone there to help you. That seemed really safe."

"Hey, young lady!" He was mad now. He had gone into that building alone for a reason. And it was the same reason he didn't want her rushing headfirst into a dangerous trap set by a supervillain now. "That's going too far!"

For a brief second, Gosalyn drew back, quiet. Then anger flooded her eyes. "Young lady? Don't call me that! You're not my father!"

Now it was his turn to draw back in surprise. "Maybe not," he said slowly. "But I'm looking out for you anyway. Someone has to."

"I thought I told you, I don't need anyone to look out for me!" Gosalyn crossed her arms and glared at him.

This was true, and Darkwing remembered the words well. He also remembered thinking how much he disagreed with her assessment. How, no matter how much she might insist she was fine on her own, she clearly needed someone to be there for her. To help her and look out for her. And whether Drake wanted to admit it himself, he could barely stop himself from being the one to do it.

"Fine," Darkwing crossed his own arms. "But you can't help me with Dr. Slug. You'll just have to watch me this time."

"What?!" Gosalyn's beak dropped open in shocked outrage. "You can't stop me!"

"I can take away quack-fu lessons for a week if you don't stay out of this fight."

Her brow furrowed, angry, but at a loss for words. She was at an impasse, and she knew it. Gosalyn lived for their daily quack fu lessons. Truth be told, Drake hated to take them away from her himself. They gave her a focus and discipline she sorely needed and craved. She had thrived under his tutelage, and he couldn't help watching her progress with pride. But he would take them away if it meant keeping her safe now.

When it became clear to Gosalyn that he would not relent on this, she stomped past him with her hands rolled into fists, grumbling something about how ridiculous he was as she headed back to the Ratcatcher.

The journey back to Darkwing Tower was silent. Gosalyn would not look at him, instead opting to stare off into the side with a stony expression on her face, arms still crossed. She wouldn't be over missing out on tonight's fight for a while. Darkwing couldn't help the numerous glances at her as he drove. Couldn't help wondering if he had made the right call or if he should have given in and let her fight. Would it have been better for her to let her have her way and addressed the issue later? No, he was convinced that making her sit this one out was the right choice. It was the only way to make sure she understood the consequences.

Back in the tower, she quickly climbed out of the sidecar, tossing her helmet aside carelessly, not even bothering to look where it fell. Drake wordlessly picked it up, watching as she sulked up the ladder to the window overlooking Audubon Bay. Her favorite place to go when she was upset.

Placing the helmet back in the sidecar, he took a deep breath and decided to follow her. He found her curled up on the window ledge as she stared out at the city. If Launchpad were here, he would join her. It had worked before, hadn't it? Drake padded over and settled down next to her, letting his legs dangle over the side.

Gosalyn didn't even acknowledge his presence. She just stared out into space.

Drake sat in silence for a long time, trying to think about how to approach her. It was difficult sometimes, trying to find the right words to say to her. Yet he understood her. In a lot of ways, she reminded him of himself. Maybe that was what made it so difficult. He wanted to do right by her. Until they found her grandfather, he was the only guardian she had. And despite her protestations that she could take care of himself, he knew she needed someone to care for her.

This time, though, Gosalyn solved the problem for him.

"Why did you even take me in as your crimefighting partner," she asked, putting extra emphasis on the last few words, "if you didn't have any intention of actually letting me fight?"

Drake opened his bill to answer, then shut it again, still not sure how to respond. Was it this hard for everyone raising a preteen? He caught himself--raising? They had both agreed that this wasn't what that was. Gosalyn had made it clear she had her own family she wanted to get back to. And Darkwing Duck worked best as a solo act.

Except when he didn't.

"I do want you to fight," he said. "I just want you to be smart about doing it. You can't just go rushing into every situation without a plan. Remember how things went with Taurus Bulba?"

He was greeted with stony silence. Of course, she remembered.

"Look," he said, "I just want you to stay safe- "

"You treat me like some kind of baby! I'm not a baby!" She turned and glared at him, her green eyes reflecting anger, but also a flicker of something else. Doubt.

"I know you're not! But, well- " Drake stuttered, looking for the right way to explain it. What it was he wanted for her. Drake wanted her to tone her inherent strength, to keep her spirit alive, and learn how to utilize it in her favor. He just wanted the best for her. The best in the whole world. But he also knew, if he were honest, that maybe she was right. He just didn't want her to get hurt.

"Of course, you're not a baby!" He told her. "But is it so wrong that I don't want anything to happen to you? You're still just a kid, Gosalyn! A resourceful one, sure, but I still have to protect you!"

There it was: the tip of the iceberg of what was really going on inside Drake. That maybe asking her to stick around wasn't so much about giving her a place to stay and something to do while they searched for a way to bring back her grandfather, but because he couldn't stand the thought of letting her be alone in this world. That he really did want to keep her safe.

He expected her usual acerbic insistence that she didn't need anyone to protect her, but he was surprised to be met by silence. His expression softened. "Hey... you okay?"

Gosalyn glanced at him, then sighed as she looked back out over the bay. "I know you were just trying to protect me," she said.

Drake quirked an eyebrow. This wasn't going as he expected. "You do?"

Gosalyn didn't answer his question. A faraway look was in her eyes like her mind wasn't in the present. And it didn't take much for Drake to tell that something was bothering her.

"Hey, earth to Gosalyn," he said, waving a hand in front of her face to bring her back and maybe even make her laugh. No response. He studied her for half a minute before placing a hand on her shoulder. She jumped slightly at the feeling and looked over at him.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Drake asked her gently, giving her a small, encouraging smile.

He could see by the look on her face that she didn't want to tell him. But then she surprised him by doing so anyway. "It's just... it was one year ago that my grandfather disappeared."

Drake's heart fell for her. No wonder she had been acting out earlier, trying to run headfirst into danger. He'd been reading books on children with trauma, and he knew acting out was a sign that something was bothering her.

"I'm sorry," he told her quietly. It was all he had; all he could even offer her. He knew nothing he could say could take away the pain she must be feeling at the memories, at the knowledge that it had been a whole year since she had last seen her family. All he could offer was silence and to keep her company while she dealt with the pain. So he sat with her and looked out across the moonlit bay.

Eventually, soft sniffles arose from beside him, and he realized she was crying. Gosalyn hardly ever cried; she was continually trying to prove she was too tough to do anything like that. But every so often, the tears came, like on the night she had done the brave, selfless thing and destroyed the Ramrod. It had broken his heart for her then, just as it was now.

Just as he had that night, instinct took over his reactions, and he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. Immediately she leaned in, burying her face in his shirt as the soft tears gave in to louder sobs. He pulled her into his lap, where she curled into a ball as he held her while she cried until she had fallen asleep in his arms. Then, carefully, so not to wake her, he carried her to her bed, removing her shoes and tucking her in as he hummed the lullaby she occasionally hummed herself. Maybe there were words, but she hadn't yet taught him them. Perhaps someday, she would.

Gosalyn rolled over on her side in her sleep, her fist grasping on the edge of the pillow. She was sweeter than she wanted anyone to know, but she was starting to let her guard down and let Drake see it more and more. She needed a protector, whether she wanted to admit it or not. And if he could help it, he would always be near to chase away fear.

He patted her softly and whispered, "Goodnight, Gosalyn."