#boy in the belfry
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arobinwithoutbatman · 8 months ago
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"Y'know, there's only one thing worse than it raining cats and dogs." Dick is lying on the couch, feet hanging off one of the arms, and grinning like he knows what he's going to say next is going to get something thrown at him.
"Hailing taxis."
"I mean, yeah, taxis never listen. I swear, all the drivers are-"
He paused... blinked... thought about the wording... and then giggled.
"Why are you like this?" He might not do the puns as often but he does indulge once in a while and Dick was a master at the arr.
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frownyalfred · 1 month ago
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the idea of arkham patient bruce wayne has burrowed into the depths of my mind. this is SUCH a fascinating thought and changes so many things…how does the justice league fare without batman? how does alfred? i’d assume alfred is given bruce’s guardianship when he’s institutionalized, and i could even see him taking in the robins – finding and helping these children who remind him so much of his own boy, trying not to fail them as he failed bruce. how bruce himself does in arkham is so interesting to consider…is he kept on the same level of security as the real supervillains? is he moved there after Events? i can’t see him quietly or graciously accepting the kind of abuse towards patients that the guards and doctors like to heap on arkham’s inmates, or cheerfully putting up with attempts to “cure” him. prince of arkham brucie…so full of pain and anger and only getting angrier by the day, but full of love too, and despair that in gotham there’s almost nothing separating the mentally ill from the criminal element because in the eyes of the GCPD and the arkham psychiatrists being mentally ill is a crime unto itself…
on a somewhat lighter note, he still manages to drive the riddler batshit up the belfry just by existing. their intellectual cold war is the stuff of legend. whatever inciting thing bruce actually does to get himself admitted to arkham is negligible, in my mind he ends up staying there mostly because of the batman-level shenanigans and bullshit he gets up to once he’s inside. he’s not as violent as killer croc or joker, but he’s driven and brilliant and filled with the kind of vengeance that nothing short of complete lobotomy will take from him, and that makes him a completely different kind of impossible for the staff to keep under control. he can give jim gordon gray hairs by sitting quietly and doing nothing and that brings him all kinds of petty satisfaction
i love the superbat element to this too. i feel like with nothing else distracting him bruce could figure out Mild-Mannered Reporter Clark Kent in a much shorter period of time, and he’d totally keep clark in the dark about that while waxing poetic about how gotham deserves a hero to take care of her, not just abandon her to ruin (as the patients of arkham so often are) (as the city herself has been, because she’s only ever superman’s third thought, after metropolis and the world, and if the man of tomorrow doesn’t see the point in fighting for her than who else will bother?)
Arkham Prince Bruce Wayne??? I am obsessed. Obsessed. I imagine he’s in there because he wouldn’t stop killing people. Like the first few scenes of Batman Begins, where he’s convinced that shooting Chill will solve his problems…maybe the universe doesn’t stop him then. Maybe he never finds Ra’s. Maybe he starts going higher and higher up the chain of corruption, taking out the high profile politicians and businessmen he thinks have poisoned this city. Who were responsible for his parents’ deaths. They put him in Arkham because surely a man like that is insane. But is he?
Because yes, the two most important things he has are his brilliance and his care for the city. This Bruce Wayne doesn’t pretend, doesn’t dull himself for the benefit of the people around him. His care for Gotham is apparent in every word he speaks to Clark. And it’s his city, damn it. Even from in here.
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thisapplepielife · 4 months ago
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Written for @steddie-spooktober.
Bats in the Belfry
Prompt: Bats | Word Count: 2400 | Rating: T | POV: Steve | Pairing: Pre-Steddie | CW: Language | Tags: Post S4 Events, Eddie Died...Or Did He?, Eddie Munson: Bat Boy, Steve Harrington: Exasperated Human
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There's a colony of bats that keep swarming the house. It's odd. They've never been there before, and now it's like they're drawn to him. Steve wonders if this is some sort of horrible side effect of his bat bites from the Upside Down. Maybe he's a bat whisperer now, but he can't be sure because they won't light anywhere long enough for him to actually interact with them.
Not that he really wants to interact with them. But if they are gonna keep roosting around the pool, he'd rather find out why.
It's not the first time he thinks that if Eddie were still here, then at least he'd have someone else to ask, to see if this is happening to him, too. But he's not, and Steve's had to come to terms with that. He failed. They lost one of their own. Yeah, Eddie was new to the group, and Steve didn't know him well, but Dustin is mourning his loss. Big time. 
They all are, in their own ways.
Steve is just handing over cash to pay for the pizza he's had delivered, when a bat flies in through the front door, and immediately clings to the ceiling, out of reach. Great, that's just what Steve needs. A bat in his house. Robin will really freak out if he can't get it out before bedtime. She'll be sure he's gonna get rabies if he goes to sleep with that thing in here, and undoubtedly gets bit by it. And honestly? He cannot get that awful round of shots around his belly button just to ease her mind. He can't.
He loves her, but that's not happening.
So, Steve finds the broom in the closet, and tries to usher the bat back outside without letting more in, but it's not at all interested in exiting. Instead flies right up the stairs, and as Steve gives chase, he sees it fly into his open bedroom.
Great. Just fantastic.
Now, it's just sitting on the edge of his headboard, staring back at him.
"Um, I think you're a little lost. The other bats are hanging out by the pool," Steve says. Which, fine. He can give up the pool. But he really can't give up his bedroom. 
The bat just tilts his little head, as if he's listening, but not taking initiative to get the fuck out of the house.
"You can't stay here, you have to leave," Steve says and goes and opens his bedroom window. "Out!"
Then the bat zips over, but not to leave. Of course not. Instead it perches on Steve's shoulder and Steve's first instinct is to knock it away and scream bloody murder. But he doesn't. He just tries to focus on the little eyes looking back at him. He's too close to really see it well, but Steve's trying.
Steve leans towards the open window, and shakes and shimmies, trying to force it to let go of his shirt, but the bat just leans in the opposite direction, towards Steve's neck. Wings tickling Steve's skin. The bat is clearly not leaving.
Then it starts squeaking and chirping, and batting its wings and Steve sees why. There are other bats flapping towards the open window.
Oh, hell no.
He slams it shut.
"Are they picking on you for some reason?" Steve asks, as if he'll get an answer. "It's not because you have rabies, right?"
The bat doesn't answer, of course, but kind of slaps him in the face with a wing, and Steve's gonna take that as a no. 
"I can't have a pet bat," Steve says, "that's weird, even for everything I've ever experienced."
Then, like it's offended, it's flapping its way into the closet, rooting around, as if it's looking for something, if that's possible.
Steve peeks in, and watches as it settles on Eddie's stained battle vest. 
Well, that seems fitting, somehow.
Steve pushes the other clothes around, giving the bat some room, and closes the door to the closet. Leaving it in darkness. They like that, don't they? He thinks so. Nocturnal and all that shit.
And at least it's trapped in the closet, and not flying around the room.
"Don't bite me. That's the only rule," Steve says through the closed door, and hopes it fucking listens if it somehow finds its way out overnight.
In the morning, Steve cracks open the door and peeks into the closet, and where the bat was last night, is something that's taken the shape of Eddie Munson right there on the floor, buck-ass naked.
Now, Steve screams.
And that wakes the Eddie-shaped thing up, making it jump. Steve is fucking freaked out, and he slams the closet door shut, and leans against it. Blocking whatever that thing is, inside. Steve needs help. He needs Robin, and Nancy, the kids. He needs everybody. He needs his bat, the nailed one, not whatever this thing is. 
But he can't get any of those things without leaving his post and possibly letting this thing loose.
"What are you?" Steve demands through the door he's trying to hold shut. Every monster he's faced has been, well, pretty straightforwardly monster-looking. Not human at all.
"I'm Kas the Betrayer! Kas the Destroyer! Kas the Bloody-Handed! The First Vampire!" it shouts, way too loud and over-dramatic. It sounds ridiculous.
"Really?" Steve asks. Because he's suspicious of these claims. All that? It's a little much. 
There's a chuckle behind the door, "No, of course not, Harrington. I'm the town freak, accused murderer," comes the voice that sounds exactly like Eddie. It sends a chill down Steve's spine.
And then he's mad.
"No, you're not! Eddie's dead!" Steve yells, because whatever it actually is, saying that, well, that's pissing him off. If Dustin sees this thing, he's gonna freak out.
"Really not, big boy," Eddie says, and that gives Steve pause.
It can't be. No way. 
"Eddie?"
"That's my name, don't wear it out," Eddie snarks, and Steve laughs. His heart is still pounding, but he loosens up, just a little. Maybe this is Eddie. Somehow. El's different and they've all accepted her, so, maybe Eddie is different now, too.
"Are you a bat?" Steve asks.
"Only sometimes. I can't control it."
"Are you really a vampire?" Steve asks.
"Not that I know of," Eddie answers. "But I could bite you, and then we'd find out together." 
Steve sighs with exasperation. 
"Be serious. Are you gonna attack me if I open the closet door?" Steve questions, because he's not in the mood for a fight. Not this early in the morning.
"Wasn't planning on it," Eddie says, dryly. "Can I at least get some underwear before you fling those doors open, though? For my modesty, dude. I'm feeling a little exposed in here. It's awfully breezy for a closet. There's an air vent blowing right up my crac-"
"Okay, okay, hold your horses," Steve interrupts.
If this isn't Eddie, it's a damn good mimic, and Steve supposes if that's the case, it deserves to kill him, just for being such a good actor. 
Steve goes over to his dresser, and picks up his walkie, turning it on, clipping it to his belt under his shirt. Just in case. Grabs his nailbat from under the bed, leaning it against the dresser.
Then he looks inside the top drawer, shouting, "Boxers or briefs?"
"Boxers!" Eddie answers, and Steve picks out a pair that he could stand to lose, and cracks the door open, and holds them out. A pale, ring-covered hand takes them. 
"You keep your rings when you change, but not your clothes?" Steve asks, leaning against the door again. Suspicious.
"I don't make the rules, Harrington. Last time I woke up wearing only my socks. That was a great look."
Steve laughs, even if he doesn't want to, even if he wants to be cautious. It just sounds dumb enough to be something that could happen to Eddie Munson, if he was turning into a bat.
Then, a minute later, "Okay. My dick's covered."
Steve shakes his head, unable to bite back the smile that threatens to split his face, as he eases the door open. As promised, Eddie's standing there in Steve's boxers, dick covered, and Eddie's also scrounged up an old swim team long-sleeve t-shirt from the depths of the closet.
And then they just stare at each other.
"Eddie?"
"Yep."
"Explain yourself," Steve says, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Um, I'm a part-time bat now?" Eddie says, looking sheepish. "From the bites, I guess?"
"I'm not a bat! And I got bit, too!" Steve screeches. He doesn't think he's a bat. But what if he's a bat and he just hasn't realized it yet? Fuck. Maybe he's a goddamn bat and that's why all the bats are lurking around the house.
"Did you die?" Eddie asks, "Because I did, I think. At least a little. Something happened when I came back."
"You became a bat? Can you like, poof, switch? Is there smoke?" Steve asks, then digs in his dresser, tossing Eddie a pair of joggers.
When he looks back, Eddie's at least a little more decent. Then he digs out a pair of socks, and tosses them over.
Eddie hops around getting them on each of his feet.
"No, I'm not Dracula," Eddie says, "Jesus H. Christ, Harrington. Keep up. Like I said. I can't control it. At least, not yet. The sun goes down? Bat. The sun goes up? Eddie. Most of the time, anyway. It's frustratingly unpredictable."
Steve ponders that, "Are you still…you? When you're a bat? Like, do you remember it?"
"Yeah, sure, I just can't talk. Which, for me, that's pretty fucking rough, man."
"I bet," Steve snarks, and Eddie just grins. 
Steve's relieved. He's probably not a bat, then. But he better make sure.
"Am I a bat?" Steve asks.
"Yep. You're the ringleader. King Steve, Bat God."
"Really?" Steve asks, the idea making him a little queasy. He doesn't want to be the ringleader of bats.
"No! You don't think you'd know if you were a bat? I think you're the one with bats in the belfry!" Eddie snaps, waving his arms around his head, indicating he thinks Steve is the crazy one. Which is pretty fucking rich, coming from bat boy over here.
"I don't know! I've never been a bat before!" Steve argues back, hands on his hips.
"And you still aren't one now!" Eddie yaps.
If he's not the King of Bats, and they aren't at the house to follow him, well. He has a thought: "Are you the one that brought all the goddamn bats to my house, then?"
"Um, no?" Eddie says, clearly lying.
"Eddie."
"I didn't mean to. They all started following me. Like they think I'm their leader. I can't shake 'em. When I saw the opportunity to get away from them and get into your house at the same time, I took it. Sorry about that."
"You don't sound sorry."
"I'm not, I lied to make you feel better," Eddie says, and Steve laughs, and Eddie smiles at him. It's good to see him, honestly.
And he allows himself a second or two just to take him in, alive and mostly well, then declares, "I'm glad you're okay. Sometimes bat or not."
"Thanks, Steve. Me too."
"Does anyone else know about you?" Steve asks, because they're gonna have to protect him. Just like they protect El. The special ones, amongst them. Keep it quiet.
"Um, no?" Eddie says, clearly lying again.
"Eddie."
"My uncle. And Gareth."
Steve is only vaguely aware of who that is, and only because of Henderson.
"That's it? Just the two of them?" Two's not so bad. They can deal with two-
"And JeffandGoodie," Eddie adds in a rush, as if mashing the two names together will make it less of a problem. Steve crosses his arms. 
"Eddie! You should have told one of us first. Me, or Henderson. Nancy. Lucas, Erica-"
"I'm scared of Erica," Eddie interrupts.
"Join the club, we're all scared of Erica!" Steve responds, "Fuck, you could have told Mike, I don't care. Just any one of us, in the know."
"I'm so sorry, Harrington, that I went to my own friends first instead of you and your monster version of the Scooby Gang. Hardy Boys. Nancy Drew. I don't know. All of you freaks."
Steve laughs, "Oh, now we're the freaks?"
"You know about monsters. You kill monsters. That's kind of freak behavior, Harrington."
Fair enough, Steve supposes, and he giggles at the thought of himself in an ascot like Fred Jones. Eddie's just poking at him. It's what he's always been good at, running his mouth and pissing people off.
Snapping back to the problem at hand, he honestly thinks he likes Eddie Munson. Smart mouth and all. Maybe they could be friends. Which he could have never imagined saying before spring break. He's really glad Eddie made it out, even if he's changed. They're all changed, just not in the exact same way as Eddie, and that's okay.
He's gotta tell Henderson. Pull that kid out of his funk. And Eddie's gonna love seeing Henderson's longer hair, rings and whole Eddie-inspired change. Steve's gotta be there when Eddie lays eyes on him for the first time.
"My band, they're pretty excited. A metal band with a real bat playing lead guitar? That's a multi-million dollar proposal, right?"
"Sure, Munson. I just hope after your first gig you enjoy your government sponsored cage, because that's exactly where you'll end up. Being poked and prodded. The freak."
Eddie sighs, and flops on Steve's bed, "I know. But let a guy dream."
Steve nods, and lays down next to him, shoulder-to-shoulder, "Eddie Munson. Bat Boy. Just like I saw on the cover of The National Enquirer."
"Weekly World News, Harrington, get it right."
And Steve just laughs, turning his head to look at him, "We should call the others. They'll be so excited to see you."
"Give me a few minutes?" Eddie asks, and Steve nods. He can give him a few minutes. 
And they just lay there in the quiet, the morning sun peeking through the curtains. Warm glow, all around.
"I turn into a bat," Eddie finally says.
"Yes, you do," Steve confirms.
How fucking weird is that? Only in Hawkins.
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If you want to write your own, or see more entries, pop over to @steddie-spooktober and follow along with the spooky fun! 🦇
Notes: Bat Boy did not actually make his debut in the supermarket tabloid Weekly World News until 1992. Guess in their universe he popped up a little bit earlier, lol. I couldn't resist. And the twenty-one shots around belly button rabies shots have gone out of standard since the 80s.
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luxaofhesperides · 4 months ago
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Barbara isn’t alone in the Clocktower anymore. She still doesn’t know who, exactly, is in here with her, but they’ve been nothing but quiet and polite since she first noticed their presence. That’s not to say that she trusts them—hard to trust someone whose face she hasn’t seen—but she gets the feeling that the two of them are similar souls, both hurting and alone and surviving despite it all. Or: There's a ghost in the Belfry.
my fic for @dpxdcbigbang with art by @im-not-a-bot-okay!!!
here's 32k of me loving barbara and giving her many problems to deal with, including but not limited to: dangerous weapons deals, the long term effects of her spine injury, and one (1) runaway ghost boy named Danny who's decided to hide out in the clocktower.
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normal-nightmare · 1 month ago
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It's me again and please keep yapping this is the tasty content I come here for. lol I've been sitting here a while (longer than is polite) trying to form a proper response to my previous ask cause it was literally everything! I wish I could be half as eloquent instead of just yelling XD
like there are so many things that draw me to these two, and ngl it definitely started with the whole pseudo-incest vibe but they really are so complex and you really hit the nail with this:
Just... they're so complicated and it sucks that people don't wanna explore that because of the preconceived notion that they're brothers, nothing more, nothing less. Sure, legally they are, but they don't... act like it? They didn't grow up together, they weren't very close before Jason died, and they only recently started getting properly close. Jason also has his crush thing going on (seriously, how else am I supposed to interpret RHATO v2 annual 1??)
Look I will forever maintain Dick was Jason’s gay awakening and that boy has been in love with Dick since he was what 12? 15? Also the way you described their relationship to each other was so delicious and alterous is such a great term for them.
I feel like jaydick becoming canon one day would be a natural progression of their relationship. Especially since they seem to be getting paired up as a duo more often. Readers love them, comic artists and writers like them too- i feel like jaydick actually happening one day wouldn't be extremely surprising.
THISTHISTHIS!!! I hope this does happen.🙏
Also re: dickbabs and not making certain characters bisexual I feel that on such a spiritual level. Like I’m sorry but both Jason and Dick read as queer to me? Idk how to describe it. Which is why I love the little touch of bi Dick in Gotham Knights.
Also speaking of Gotham Knights, I finally finished it and holy fuck what the fuck? One of my few complaints is that I wish it was longer. I need GK2: electric boogaloo but this time with a Poison Ivy case file because reasons. I adored every interaction Dick and Jason had, from the emails to the flirting in front of everyone’s salad, plus how they were almost always near each other? (also Jason looked so good in that post credit scene in the Batcave I choose to believe every time he wears it, Dick can’t keep his hands to himself 🫣)
ALSO
I genuinely feel like the writers were intending for jaydick to happen in a DLC given how much setup there is.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this? I want to yell about this game so much. I wish I had someone to play co-op with me so I could see some of those Jaydick interactions too 😞
GOD honestly i have a million thoughts on Dick and Jason's relationship in Gotham Knights?? Because what the HELL is going on in that game!!!
It utterly BAFFLES me when other people read their interactions (Belfry, cutscenes, whatever) as brotherly/familial bc like... if you're interacting with your family like that I'm so concerned?? Bc they're gay as hell!! They flirt the ENTIRE GAME. Like... it's ridiculous how in-your-face they are about it. It's not even gay subtext anymore, it's just... text. Saying they're not gay in Gotham Knights is like saying Jayce and Viktor were 'just brothers' in Arcane to me LMFAO.
Like... the rooftop scene for one reads as really BAD flirting on Dicks part. It doesn't feel like he's being deliberately silly to cheer up Jason until he fakes falling over the edge, THEN he's properly silly. The entire scene otherwise, he's just... being really bad at flirting? And it's funnier that both that and then him being silly actually kinda WORKS on Jason. He laughs (laughs!!), relents and let's Dick sit next to him! It's so, so cute!!
And then the little interaction where Dick says that the Belfry needs a cat, and then Jason suddenly flirts with him?? Like the line "Listen, Grayson, if you're scared of some mouse you saw scurrying, I'll keep you safe." Is ABSOLUTELY flirting, and this is only supported by A) the tone Jason has and B) the way Dick stutters and stumbles over his words afterwards. Like, Dick is AUDIBLY flustered and surprised by this. He tries sooo hard to keep it cool but that boys BLUSHING.
And then there's the tension in some scenes?? When they argue in the beginning and when Dick puts a hand on Jason's wrist (after Jason jokes about making Tim a fake ID), and kind of the scene where Jasons mad, and he's sparring with Dick and Dick catches his fist and says "Easy, Tiger." Like.... the tension in these scenes goes crazy?? The physical closeness, the eye contact, the brief silence, calling Jason tiger?? Like I CANNOT be crazy thinking that there's at least a LITTLE sexual tension in these moments. Juuuust a little 🤏
And like! Yeah you're 100% on them being so physically close most of the game. It's hard to find scenes where they AREN'T standing right by each other. And their stories focus a lot on each other!! At least Dicks story focuses a lot on Jason! Like... a LOT, it's 90% Dicks story 😭
And the like,, nicknames. Dick calls Jason things like Big Guy, swole, and Miracules throughout the game, like, consistently. He points out Jason's size and strength a lot?? (His size and strength kink is so blatantly obvious, good lord this man is horny LMAO. I don't blame him though... 👀) and then Jason mainly calls him Grayson, but when he's being vulnerable he calls him Dick? Which is so cute?!
And a cute little detail is how angry Dick gets on Jason's behalf when Talia says they should be grateful she brought Jason back even though she took away his autonomy and used him. Like, Dick is PISSED! Lowkey he's so ready to throw hands right there.
And i think one of my favorite interactions is when Dick chooses to take Jason to a circus that's in town. Like! He's literally asking Jason out on a DATE. And it's the cutest thing ever?! Jason is surprised and it's just... it's so sweet.
And in general they have the sweetest interactions and emails. It's adorable how they kinda talk about Tim like they're proud parents, and it's also cute how they kinda bicker over the perfect sandwiches cause they sound like a married couple loll.
Just!! Auuggghhhh they're so CUTE in Gotham Knights! There's a mountain of setup there for a romantic relationship. It's very in your face, and honestly impossible to ignore if you have ears and eyes. I'm sure there's more i'm missing or just haven't mentioned, but it's so blatant it feels like it couldn't have been on accident.
Just... it's so cute, I'll never get over it 😭
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marinettesaltprompts · 4 months ago
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Cat in the Belfry (Part 2)
Adrien x Gotham City Sirens
Prompt by @somereaderinblue
Harley wonders if somehow, there’s something in Paris’s water that’s stronger than the literal toxic soup running through Gotham’s pipes. Like, she’s pretty sure the principal skipped 80% of protocol when he chose to hire her as the new counselor. Then again, that’s probably how Bustier got her job, nevermind that she’s more suited to teach kindergarteners.
Bustier is all too eager to preach about her perfect class & model students. When Harley meets them however, ooooh boy. It’s no wonder most of them have gotten akumatized. She meets Marinette, who takes the chance to rant abt Lila, the class’s ingratitude & Adrien’s betrayal. When Harley tries to poke holes (i.e. how Mari tried to call a witch hunt everyone understandably balks at & how she never told Adrien abt the threats), Mari throws her hands up & storms out, fed up that another adult ‘failed her’.
Red flags raised, Harley is shocked to see Lila practically molesting Adrien & once, swore she saw Mari look through a trash bin Adrien used. She asked his help to do a little test & yup, somehow, Mari knew abt Adrien’s private schedule. Adrien talks to Nino, who talks to Alya, who confirms the extent of Mari’s stalking. Needless to say, both boys are horrified & after lots of much-needed heart to hearts, Adrien tells them the truth abt Lila & Alya sees the error of her ways.
She & Nino try to apologize to Mari but she refuses to accept them bzc teenage impulsivity is clearly an unforgivable crime. Slowly, Adrien reaches out to the other classmates to help them see the light. They’re angry & hurt but he convinces them to apologize to Mari privately and ignore Lila, which for a pathological attention seeker, is punishment enough.
Mari shuns their apologies, wanting them to grovel some more & Lila is left to stew. The Italian’s reign goes out with a whimper as Adrien simply contacts her mom, mentions Lila’s lies & she’s transferred to a strict boarding school in Italy.
Adrien would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy being sneaky.
But yeah, Mari is shocked when the class doesn’t come crawling back to her for forgiveness. They point out that they already said sorry but she chose to stew in her grudges & isolate herself. When she plays the victim card, they call her out, asking if all her ‘kindness’ were bribes to turn them into sheep. She has no response to that.
As LB, things get complicated. The mayor is panicking as Selina steals from the corrupt elite & discovers a lot of juicy blackmail. LB promises to help. CN confronts Selina abt it & rather than get angry, she’s amused.
She takes him to see the nitty-gritties of Paris. Opens his eyes to human trafficking, the homeless, the poor & the corruption and lies. Gives him some hard nuanced lessons that pushes him to act instead of react, patrolling in neglected areas & always checking up on past victims. He feeds the strays with Catwoman, Ivy helps him with a bio project & Harley teaches him how to dye his hair green.
One day, LB swoops in while Catwoman is doing a robbery. CN also shows up to defend her. He tries to explain that he hired her to help. LB is enraged that he made such a decision without her input & is defending a criminal.
CN: Are you any closer to finding out who Hawkmoth is?!
LB: I’m trying my best! All I have are Fu’s notes!
CN: Are you?! Were you & Fu trying to find Hawkmoth or is he just teaching you how to be a ‘better Guardian’? I didn’t have his teaching or his notes but at least I’m actually trying to do something about it.
LB: Do you think being a Guardian’s a game?!
CN: I think it’s a second priority to stopping Hawkmoth! Maybe becoming the Guardian will help us stop his akumas but it won’t. End. The status quo. We need to go for the head.
LB: And we do that with the help of a criminal?!
CN: This ‘criminal’ is a better hero & a better friend than you are!
Everyone is stunned by that statement. But it’s true. CN wouldn’t go as far as to call Selina a maternal figure, but her, Harley & Ivy are the cool wine aunts he’s never had. 
LB glares at CN & though he has the power of destruction, she’s the one who decides to land the final blow.
“Traitor.”
The next morning, LB goes on TV & tells everyone that CN is now a criminal.
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sleepygh0ulia · 1 month ago
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. . . Introducing my Monster High DR!!
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About This dr takes place in 2005, in New Salem, Virginia. In my dr normies and monsters get along slightly better, enough so that monsters can walk around in public and not get gunned down
🎀 [ABOUT ME ! ]
Name Evangeline Battis Lycan
Nationality American
Birthplace Boo Jersey
Languages English and Italian
Monster Type Werewolf & Vampire
Age 1580
Face Claim
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🎀 [BACKSTORY ! ]
My bio parents were a werewolf named Aaron Lycan and a vampire named Carmilla Valira. My mom was good friends with Dracula, so when I was little I’d often have sleepovers at their manor, and hang out with Draculaurs. We were attached at the hip, and got into all kinds of trouble together, we saw each other so much we were practically sisters. When I was 567 (bare with me vampire aging is weird) my parents unfortunately were killed by monster hunters, and per their will, I was taken in by Dracula. While I was devastated that my parents weren’t coming back, being able to live with Draculaura lifted my spirits ever so slightly. I started going to school with Draculaura, before Monster High opened, and since I have the outwardly appearance of a werewolf I got a lot of crap from other students. Though Draculaura was always there to help me feel better, and thankfully after a few years, Monster High opened up, a school for all monsters. It was like a dream come true, I got to stay with my best friend, and meet other monsters in the process.
🎀 [WARDROBE ! ]
A mix of black y2k fashion & aaliyahcore
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🎀 [LIFE AT MONSTER HIGH ! ]
Dorms Im ngl I don’t know if G1 monster high has dorms, but I want it to be a boarding school cs this is my dr and I say so. Students are 4 to a dorm, with 4 beds, 2 mini fridges, 4 closets, 2 bathrooms, and 4 desks. You can decorate your dorm however you want, since it’s yours until you graduate. There are 2 different dorm buildings, 1 for the girls and 1 for the boys, each building is separated alphabetically. All students must be in a dorm by 11PM, and failure to do so will result in a 3 day detention (normally served by cleaning) Girls and boys are allowed in each others dorms, but not later than 8pm and you need permission from the headmistress and all room occupants. Same sex sleepovers are allowed but must be approved by the headmistress, and if you don’t get permission, and are caught it’s a 5 day detention.
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Extracurriculars
• Art Club
• A/V Club
• Batball
• Chess Club
• Comic Book Club
• Cooking Club
• Environment Club
• Fashion Club
• Fear Squad
• Graveball
• Gymnastics Club
• Mad Science Club
• Monster Exchange Program
• Music Society
• News Paper Club
• Photography Club
• Robotics Club
• Student Disembody Council
• Skultimate Roller Maze
• Swim Team
• Frightingale Society Club
• Track Team
Events
• Valentine’s day dance
• Winter Formal
• Spirit Weeks
• Annual field trips to other monster societies
• Exchange weeks! For two weeks we allow 5 students from Belfry prep, Crescent Moon High, Granite City High, Himalayan High, and Plankton Prep to attend Monster High as regular students, to promote Monster High.
🎀 [OTHER ! ]
Best Friends Draculaura, Clawdeen, Cleo, Operetta, and Venus
S/O Twyla Boogeyman
Also Venus’ design is the G3 cs it eats down
Happy Shifting and Manifesting!!
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rinksu-no-joo · 1 month ago
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My Hood 🤍❤️‍🔥
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{Chapter 1: The start of spring}
To know me, is to know that my story is an overtold one. Batman's greatest failure. The robin that failed. The robin that died. Or, if you’re a fan of the theatric, The Prince of Gotham; that one's my personal favorite.
None of those are me at least not completely. But I didn't realize that until I met her.
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It was a long night, but that's to be expected, patrol was brutal as always. I made way back to the belfry to end the night's patrol. Removing my armor, and cleaning myself in the sink, I looked forward to the next few hours rest. After sleeping off the aches of my body I made my way downstairs to continue training. The weight of my body made the stairs creak and groan, once down I was greeted by Dick.
"Well, if it isn't big man, was patrol really that tough on you?"
With a yawn Jason wiped the sleep from his eyes, “Has anyone eaten?”
 
“Not yet!” Barbara shouts from her desk, “I'm just going over some of the info you guys found on Penguin’s ring last night. I'd love a coffee if you’re going on a run though.”
“Sure. Where's Tim?”
As if on que, a zombified groan echoes from the upper couch.
Emerging from the kitchen Alfred responds, "Master Tim is resting from his injuries. I could always whip you all up a nice breakfast, save yourself the trip."
"No need Alfred, in fact I'll be stopping by the cafe you like. I'll pick you up a bite of their raspberry tiramisu, how's that sound?"
"You spoil me too much my boy," he says with a soft smile. "Take care on your way, and make sure to take an umbrella. It's still raining."
"Sure thing Alfred, but when isn't it raining in Gotham?" He quips as he grabs his bike helmet and keys.
Dick shouts, "Wait! Don't I get to order anything?"
"Sorry I only do runs for my favorites." Jason replies as he closes the front door behind him.
"Wait!" To Dicks surprise he falls off of his gymnastics beam, "Ouch… Wait, you have favorites? And Tim's on that list? What about me?! How do I get on the list? Ouch my shoulder…"
On his way to Cafe Las Félicité, he takes in the sights. His thoughts wander, 'Gotham looks so different in the day. Almost like you could actually live here in peace.' Then he passes a mugging in an ally, 'Or not.'
He chuckles to himself as he waits at a red light, and his phone vibrates in his pocket. Taking it out, he reads the messages;
Babs: Please get Grayson a blueberry yogurt he's harassing Tim i swear he's a child at times (¬_¬")
Jason: but what if i don't wanna (~ ̄▽ ̄)~
Babs: … BOI щ(゜ロ゜щ)
Jason: XD alright for you I will BBL
Babs: see you soon (❁´◡`❁)
Chuckling as he puts his phone away, Jason finishes his drive to the cafe. As he enters, he wipes his boots onto the mat and shakes the rain from his jacket as the doorbell softly chimes as the door closes. He takes a quick look at his surroundings; There's an old couple sitting by the door, a couple near the back, and it looks like college students in the middle. Not too crowded today, just how he likes it. As he steps up to place his order, he notices the cashier's expression screams 'exhasperated with it all.' He takes note to make it quick.
"Welcome to Las Félicité. How may I serve you today?"
"Uh, could I get one glazed doughnut, one coffee with amaretto creamer a small raspberry tiramisu… and uh, Do you guys sell blueberry yogurt by chance?"
The cashier sighs heavily, "I'll check. Will that be all?"
Jason looks at the menu again, "Could I have the breakfast special too please?"
"No problem sir, will that be all?"
"Yes thank you."
"Will this be to go?"
"The first order is."
"Sure thing," He says as he slinks away to the kitchen.
Whilst Jason takes a seat, he places his helmet on the table and mindlessly scrolls his messages and news articles. He takes a moment to look out the window, out at Gotham at all the hussle and bustle of his home. Maybe because its a new year, he's not sure, but the air itself feels lighter. Like the cities try to embrace a naive idea, one of hope. His thoughts are soon dispersed as he hears the wind blow in and the bell chime again.
"Woo! It's freezing out there, Markus, dry your feet dear," She taps her umbrella at the door, "Here, hold this please."
The woman gives her umbrella to the child, who looks to be no older than Damian, maybe slightly older, the kid is kinda tall.
"Yes ma'am." The boy responds.
Could that be his mom? Jason watches the interaction intently.
The elderly couple smiles at the pair, directing their attention to the boy, "What a respectful young man."
He turns to them and smiles cheerfully, "Thank you!"
Jason notices the boy's hair is braided back into a pom. He's wearing a black puffer jacket, white shoes, and gray jeans. Practical attire, well worn, but not ratty. They're obviously getting by.
"Oh my such beautiful eyes… What color are they?"
"Hazel ma'am."
"Oh my, and how old are you dear?"
"eleven."
So he is the same age…
"You're tall for your age," The old woman coos.
"Thank you, my sister tells me that all the time."
"We'll let you go back to your big sister, you're such a wonderful young man," As they turn, Jason hears the old woman whisper to her husband, "I hope this city doesn't ruin him it's stolen enough bright futures."
Jason thinks to himself, 'I hope so too.'
It's the older sisters turn in line,
"Hello Miss welcome to Las Félicité how may I serve you today?"
"Thank you, I'd like the breakfast special with the turkey sausage. No pork, a well done egg on a plain baegel, with one smore iced coffee, but please no graham crackers."
"Will that be all?" The cashier huffs with attitude.
The woman turns to the child beside her, "Markus what would you like?"
"Um, The churro pancake special?"
"So that'll be two pancakes, turkey sausages, scrambled eggs, mixed fruit and an apple cider-with whipped cream and caramel please." Markus asked the waiter.
"I'll bring your order out. You're free to take a seat while you wait. The bill will be on the tray."
"Thank you sir, come Markus. Lets get our seats."
An hour or so passed. The older couple had left, and the rain clouds parted a bit allowing the sun to shine in parts. Jason went to the counter, he saw no one in the back from what he could tell. Ringing the bell twice, he waits… No response. He taps it three more times; Nothing. Sighing heavily, he returns to his seat.
The woman gets up and taps the bell, "Excuse me, We've been waiting for over an hour. My brother has to go to school and I have to get to work, we've only got maybe fifty minutes to eat our food and it hasn't even come out yet!"
The slam of a door echoes through the cafe, "I hear the fuckin' bell alright! Why don't you cry about your problems to someone who cares! If you're all that pressed, go fuck off somewhere else bitch!" The man slams his hat onto the counter, "Fuck!"
The young boy covers his ears and mumbles.
Oh boy he's done it now, Jason's listening intently now more so than before.
"ANSEL EFFIE FARRIS!"
Jason has to stop himself from laughing, and the cashier looks stunned.
"How'd you know--"
"her voice is low she inhales deeply she speaks with a quiet intensity in her voice I don't want this to escalate so I'll say this once you do not talk to anyone this way especially a paying customer you owe everyone in here an apology for your behavior and you had the nerve to disrespect me in front of my younger brother what you might not know is I'm good friends with the owner of this establishment all it would take is a phone call and your job is done but here's the thing I don't feel it necessary to do so ,get some act right and pull yourself together before I do it for you do you understand me?"
"the cashier nervously shuffled from his left to his right foot
"Uh, um… I apologize I've been having a bad day the cashier remember seeing her come in once before from how familiar the owner and her seemed he knew her words wouldn't come back void.
Please accept my apology Ma'am I... really need this job the mans head hangs down as if he were a child being chastised by his parent
The woman's tone soften if only slightly I understand that but that is no excuse to disrespect anybody especially knowing how hard it already is in this city we should at least be able to enjoy a nice meal and to be served with the respect any citizen deserves now if you'd please get me my order,
"I'll go get your food miss."
"the man scurries away embarrassed and ashamed to retrieve the orders Jason in disbelief at what he just saw couldn't help but chuckle as she made her way back to her table she heard an almost stifled laugh "Excuse me sir, would you mind enlightening me on what's funny?" she asks with an eyebrow raised.
Jason finally gets a good look at her. As more of the rain clouds dissipate the sunrays come through the cafe window, her long black hair adorned with beads. The bottom of her cream coat and black sweater accentuating her features. Her white boots, and cream pants pulled the entire look together, but most of all her face. Smooth full lips, a sleek button nose, and elegant striking grey eyes. A simple necklace with a cross in a heart gracefully placed on her neck twinkled in the peeping sunlight. He looks at her face, her emotions somehow enhanced by the sun's touch.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I meant no disrespect. I just found you funny for putting that guy in his place, in possibly the most respectful way possible. Honestly, I agree with you the people of Gotham do deserve more."
"Hmm is that so ," she eyes him curiously, "If you don't mind, could we join you? No one else is here, besides it's okay we're already a little late well I am anyway."
"Yeah you were in a rush to go before right?"
"Well, that was before I spoke to someone interesting. So many things about you tell a story and I'd be a liar to say I'm not curious to know just how many. Besides, what better way to get to know someone, other than sharing a meal?"
Markus made his way over to the table, "Hello sir." Extending his hand out in greeting he smiles.
"Hey there little man," Jason shakes Markus' hand, "Firm grip there kiddo."
"Thank you sir." Markus sits in-between them both, then notices the scar on Jason's face. He stares a little too long, bringing attention to himself.
Jason notices and shifts uncomfortably, "Ah sorry, I know it must look scary, but I promise I don't bite."
Markus turns his head away in embarassment, "Sorry, I wasn't trying to stare… If you don't mind me asking, what happened?"
The waiter comes out finally, with food in tow. Jason looks down towards the table and sighs, "Uh, it's a long story kiddo."
"Your orders."
Jason takes the bag of the first order and sets it by his helmet and places his hot plate Infront of himself they do the same
"Thank you," They all say in unison.
"Here's the cash for the meal," The woman rustles through her bag to gather the money to pay, Jason pulls a few bucks from his wallet.
They both hand their money towards the waiter, "Actually Madam, Sir, its on the house today take it as a token of our sincerest apology. Enjoy!"
"What?" She says in surprise.
"Please come back anytime!"
"Hey, that was kind of them."
"Yes it was." Markus says distractedly, as he eyes his pancakes.
She notices and chuckles to herself, "Say your grace before you dig in, mister."
"Sorry," He places his hands together, saying his prayer as quickly as possible, "Amen."
Taking a big bite of food Markus groans in delight. His older sister saying her own amen in acknowledgement, suddenly she noticed Jason's silence.
"I'm sorry, I hope we didn't offend."
"What? Oh no, you're fine. I was just curious, how'd you know his name? The cashier I mean."
The woman's expression grew stern, "Darn it, I was hoping no one took notice. I guess my secret has been revealed," She stands from the table, "I'm the worlds greatest detective... I, am Batman." A smile played at her lips, her voice gruff and overly dramatic she used her coat as a poor imitation of the signature cowl. Bursting into a fit of giggles, her brother couldn't help but laugh at his sister's antics.
"I'm just kidding, his family lives down the hall from me. A lot of elderly live where I am, so I take care of them. Sometimes they'll tell me about their family. When I told his mother where I frequent for a good bite to eat in the morning, she mentioned her son worked here. Said his name was Ansel. and I noticed his name tag."
"Oh okay, cool."
Jason notices their meals are very sweet and colorful, he chuckles to himself, "You both got a sweet tooth I see."
Before his sister could answer Markus replied, "My grandma says the more sweets you eat, the sweeter you'll be!" As he takes another bite of his food with a shimmering grin to match.
"While yes, we do enjoy a nice sweet or two we don't usually eat like this. I was rewarding him for all his hard work."
Markus sat up proudly, "Yup! I won my school spelling bee."
Jason smiled at the young boy, "Well I'll be. I had no idea I was sharing a table with a genius! Up top little man!" they slap hands. "What grade are you in?"
"Fifth grade."
"Well, keep it up and you'll go far," Jason directs his attention to the woman, "What about you miss?"
"Oh, I work as the art director in a company, not too far from here."
"It's two blocks from my school." Markus interjected.
Jason nodded in understanding. Markus excused himself from the table, letting his sister know he was just going to the bathroom and that he'd be back. Jason mentions how good a kid her brother is, and she smiles with pride.
"Do you have any siblings?" She asks.
He grabs the bag next to his helmet, "Too many."
She laughs, "I see you ride," Noticing his puzzled expression, she motions to his helmet, "I saw your bike on the way in. It must be fun."
"Yeah it is," he paused for a moment, "I, uh, could give you a ride some time if you'd like?"
She smiles, "Listen here speed racer, I'd love to but I've got people counting on me. I can't risk it but you can have fun for the both of us! Pop a wheelie and everything."
They both chuckled, and the atmosphere settled into a brief, but comfortable silence her eyes on the skyline. Suddenly she asks him, "Hey if there was one thing you'd change about our city, what would it be?"
"Just one? There's so many things though, like the smog Traffic-" they say in unison. Jason chuckles and continues, The rouge gallery, and corrupt politicians."
"All of those are pretty good, but dig a little deeper. Personally, it'd be to end child homelessness, to open more parks and places where our children can be children, to learn and explore the world around them not to be in fear of whatever boogie man will show up next..." She trails off and her brow furrows slightly, "That's just my take though."
"Hmm, I think that'd be nice," He smiles at her, "Well I gotta head out, it was nice talking to you." He extends his hand for a shake, and she eagerly shakes it.
"Same here," She looks at her phone, "Oh we gotta go, like now." Grabbing her coffee to go she heads to the men's bathroom, beckoning to her brother the urgency of which they have to depart, she motions to their food in hand and urges him towards the door. Jason gathers his things suddenly remembering he never got her name. Running out the door he sees them walking down the street. Hopping on his bike, he drives up to the sidewalk next to them.
Huffing, he lifts his visor, "I never got your name."
She was startled at first, but couldn't help but laugh, " Goodness, look at me. Always going on about manners, but I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Aunika Abara. How you'd do?" She reaches out to shake his hand once more.
He removes his glove, "Jason. Jason Todd."
Aunika smiles warmly, "Well, it was a pleasure to meet you Jason. Hopefully we'll see you around." She and Markus continue on their way as Jason starts driving down the street, he pops a wheelie and looks back to see her laughing. Markus was starry-eyed and full of curiosity beside her.
'I hope I see her again.' He thinks to himself as he takes in the sight of the morning sun heading back home.
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Authors note: Hey First post🥳 I know it's late but I hope y'all enjoy I had some minor problems with my editor but next week's schedule won't overlap I'll be posting more through out the day take care and be blessed 😄
@tofumilkbread @blissmar
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harlotofupdog · 9 months ago
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The Serpent and Thistle - Chapter Three
Hey, check out this dumb wonker harlot who can't even finish a picture in time to post, but here, have a lil sneak peek small version because who finishes stuff anyway? That would be weird and I am demonstrably not weird. Anyway, here's chapter 3 of pubby pubby jizzy jizz.
Summary: Aziraphale is a Met officer who transfers to a small village police station. Crowley is the local publican. They don't see eye to eye.
There is also a plot. I hope.
Rating: E (E for Eventually)
CW/TW: I'm going to add a content warning here now rather than later, just so people are aware - there will be a couple of briefly mentioned deaths in later chapters of this story, but none of them are any of the characters that we know (including animals, of course). It is, in part, a cop story, so there will be a couple of slightly grim allusions, but we're not going into anything too rough in the story itself. I'll do specific CW/TW tags before the chapters in question, but I just wanted to foreshadow that now.
Special eternal thanks to u/Paperclip_Ninja who did an EXTRA SPECIAL last minute beta this weekend for me because I'm useless and hopeless. Thank you always sun-ox.
Excerpty boi:
Aziraphale looks up to where the vicar is pointing out the culprit, perched neatly atop the belfry. Harry, of course, does not look up. He is investigating the vicar’s trouser leg with benign interest, while PC Muriel Constable squints first at their notepad, and then at the church roof, as if the sum they were quite sure of does not add up in the end.
“I’m sure you’re very busy, officers—aren’t we all? But I thought I really should report it. You never know with these things,” says Vicar Brown cheerfully. He seems a nice enough man, although he stands just a little too close and is perhaps a little over familiar. As if to reinforce the point, the vicar claps a chummy hand on Aziraphale’s shoulder and leaves it there, fingers flexing slightly against the wool. It’s the sort of thing that would warrant a hand on his baton if he were walking the beat in south London. Here, though, it just makes him wince.
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baronmpontmercy · 4 months ago
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To Pretend (Enjolras/Combeferre, 978 words)
Happy @logic-and-philosophy week 2024
On an autumn evening, Combeferre dreams of a homecoming.
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The leaves were turning in the Jardin du Luxembourg, the vibrant greens of summer shimmering into golds and auburns. The oppressive thick heat of July and August had lessened now in mid-September, blown away by a cooler, crisper breeze and chased by orange-streaked evening skies. Combeferre, who hailed from the Alps, had always felt he was more suited to the cooler climes of autumn, would enjoy in his boyhood the colours and smells of the changing of the seasons; the tang of woodsmoke, the crunch of freshly fallen leaves underfoot, the rush of cold air from the mountaintops. Paris did quite pale in comparison, it had unique sights and smells for sure, but they were certainly not as quaint or picturesque. 
Still, sat in a quiet corner of the Luxembourg, hidden by a canopy of yellows, reds, browns, and greens, one might pretend. The soft autumnal sunlight filtered through the trees, though as it hit Enjolras’ hair, Combeferre could only think of spring. 
“...and will you?” he was drawn from reverie at Enjolras’ question, sat beside him on this secluded little bench. His cheeks and nose had the charming beginnings of chillkissed blush on them. 
“Will I what?” Combeferre asked a little sheepishly, “Forgive me, my mind wandered.”
“Return home over Reveillon and the new year,” Enjolras prompted, 
“Ah, yes. I suppose I will, Céline wouldn’t be amused if I didn’t,” Combeferre sighed, “and you?”
Enjolras was silent in reply, his gaze trained firmly forward, though Combeferre could see a line of displeasure twist at the corner of his mouth, barely perceptible lest you knew where to look. Combeferre knew where to look. He pressed Enjolras’ hand,
“I see,”
Enjolras pressed back and lingered, fingers brushing through the supple leather of their gloves. The twist at his lips dissipated, not quite giving way to a smile, but he was grateful at Combeferre’s immediate understanding; Enjolras had little need for dour attempts at frivolity anyway, when there were more important things to be done elsewhere. 
Still, Combeferre thought as he caught the warm musty scent of smoke in the air, maybe it would do Enjolras some good to get out of Paris at some point. Maybe not over the winter, maybe…
“I would that you could come with me to Saint-Antoine,” Combeferre said softly, “one day, perhaps, on a day like today.”
Enjolras tilted his head, indulging Combeferre’s sentimentality, “Oh?”
“Yes. I can picture us there. There is a park I used to frequent with my siblings, not so unlike this one, but with the Alps framing the background. And it’s quieter, as any small mountain town would be. But the leaves turn the same, the sky at dusk has the same smoky clouds crossing it. If I close my eyes and let myself focus, it’s as if we are there already. In fact… humour me, I know this may sound frivolous and fanciful.”
Enjolras’ brow furrowed slightly as he considered this, but it passed quickly as he took in Combeferre’s expression, the embarrassed bloom of pink that was gathering on his cheekbones, “Shall I close my eyes then?”
Combeferre’s delighted smile was answer enough. Eyelids firmly shut, Combeferre pressed Enjolras’ hand again, and Enjolras squeezed in return. 
“The streets are narrow, and old, not unlike the Latin Quarter. The cobbles are bumpy underfoot, but worn. There’s a bookshop and printshop on the Rue Saint-Charles, where I got a set of tomes on biology as a young boy. There’s the abbey church, with a towering steeple that as a boy I thought was the biggest in the world, with a belfry that’s open to allow the remnant arms of the Mistral to pass through on the occasions it did.”
“I know the Mistral,” Enjolras murmured, contentedly, contemplatively, “I would hear it rush past my bedroom window, see it beat against the trees.”
“Cold and sharp. Breathtaking,” Combeferre agreed, “we could walk past the belfry, to that park. It’s just around the corner, and when the days get colder and the nights longer, it is less crowded. We’d have it to ourselves, nearly.”
“I will admit to not seeing what you see in your mind’s eye,” Enjolras said, eyes falling open, turning his head to Combeferre, “as lovely an image as it is.” “No, I know you are not in the habit of daydreaming,” Combeferre sighed, his eyelids flickering behind the lens of his spectacles yet staying shut, “forgive my maudliness.” “No,” Enjolras’ voice was soft, brushing across Combeferre’s ear like a gentle caress, “continue.”
Combeferre felt his shoulders relax, and filled his lungs with the crisp autumn air. The pictures were vivid in his memory, and sparked on the tip of his tongue as he spoke the images into the space before them, anchored all the while by the gentle, constant warmth of Enjolras’ hand. Him and Enjolras, traversing the old weathered cobbles, past the bookshop, past the church. The breeze would rattle past them, causing them to huddle close together, Enjolras’ nose would be the same charming pink it was now. The distant warm glow of a setting sun would light Enjolras’ golden hair on brilliant fire, a beacon in coming darkness. And Combeferre, in this little world he saw, would draw him closer still. 
“I love my hometown. I would love it all the more for you being in it. I love the patch of grass on which we stand, because we stand on it together.”
Combeferre opened his eyes,
“That is true for here too, François.”
“No need for pretense.”
“None at all,”
In the quiet of that secluded spot, when Combeferre leant to press his lips to Enjolras’ forehead, there were no witnesses save those trees, emblazoned with the colour of fire. No witnesses, when Enjolras bent to capture Combeferre’s lips with his own, but the pinkening sky above them.
The same as over Saint-Antoine.
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arobinwithoutbatman · 1 year ago
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"Tell me the last thing you remember." - Marcus
"Uhm..." He blinked and shook his head. "Waking up this morning... brushing my teeth... oh shoot!"
It wasn't Marcus' fault. Tim had just been cleared to start leaving the house again and hadn't been back at the Belfry for long. He hadn't mentioned that mirrors tended to set off a depersonalization episode.
"The mirror must've done it. We really need to cover it up, I'm so sorry, I can't believe I forgot to mention it. I didn't scare you too bad, did I? Dick about had a cow the first time it happened."
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lustandrot · 2 months ago
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"Quasimodo..."
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The Archdeacon uttered the boy's name quite faintly, his tone clearly giving away the fact that he was subconsciously distracted by other thoughts - thoughts of his own. Not as if the hunchback could pick up on any of that in the first place, but it was clear in the man's expression as well had the boy only looked at him.
With dark, heavy eyes falling to the thick rope that had been tightly secured around the boy's ankle, a direct reminder of the orders he had given his soldiers upon infiltrating The Court of Miracles just several hours prior, the Archdeacon continued on as he let his gaze finally wander away from the other's restraints - ignoring the subtle discomfort the sight caused him internally. It didn't matter anymore what had actually brought them here in the first place.
They were here now.
The man was not there to be weak, however, though weakness was the exact thing he felt in that moment, but it was not because of Quasimodo.
It was indeed very much because of Esmeralda, and for the unsuspecting, defeated hunchback, who now more than likely felt like he had nothing left to lose, it was only about to get more dangerous.
Little to Quasimodo's knowledge, the Archdeacon had just visited the gypsy girl in her cell to yet again, give her another undeserving chance at salvation -- at living. She had denied and mocked him for the final time and he had done the unthinkable in return -- but why?
It was her poison.
The gypsy witch had imbedded herself so deep within the confines of his very soul, that she had completely clouded his judgement. She had led him directly down the path to SIN and now -- this agony that he felt - this burning, searing ache that plagued him - it was his punishment. He had fallen victim to her vile corruption and her heathen sorcery and now he was forever damned. But what of the hunchback? Where was his soul in all of this? Had he not been just as plagued -- just as tempted? Thoughts ran rampant through the man's head as he stood there, his gaze hovering toward the belfry above, but not too long before falling once again to study the broken boy in front of him.
"Believe me, my boy, when I say .... that it brings me great pain to see you like this. I ......I.... never once wanted this for you. For us...." he began dryly, clearly having to coax the sentiment from actually leaving his mouth, as he now circled around the boy a bit more so that Quasimodo could properly hear him or at least read his lips.
He briefly wondered what the hunchback had been thinking in that moment or even in general. No doubt, he was upset, even perhaps ... heartbroken, but Claude was starting to wonder just what else the boy had been harboring when it came to feelings - feelings the Archdeacon only assumed he had known nothing about -- up until recently. While this should have very well been something the man should have left alone - he couldn't. In fact, it was only becoming a slow, painful obsession - something for his rattled mind to latch onto.
"Do you hurt for her, Quasimodo? Your heart - how much does it ache?"
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kit-williams · 1 year ago
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Masterlist
Hi decided to actually make a masterlist because it's probably for the best.
Things to know: I will write from a mainly female pov/perspective and it will for the most part be monogamous hetro relationships (in the terms of genitals) I won't do fxf or mxm or trans because that's not how I grew up and I'm god awful at writing homosexual sex (genderbend I can do) Another no: Adultry/cheating/spouse(or partner) thievery
Asks are open
Come buy me a coffee
Number of asks waiting to be answered: 15
My Ao3 (I havent updated a story on there since like 2016 I'm scared to even let ya'll see it but I might post the AU on there)
So I mainly write Halo, Runescape, and Warhammer 40k but here I've only been posting my Warhammer 40k and D&D au
So expect a lot of polls because it helps focus my ADHD ass
Also Fanart is ALWAYS allowed! Just Tag me!
PLACE WHERE YOU CAN ASK TO BE PUT ON TAG LIST
Poll Storage Pheromone Spray poll part 1 First kiss part 2 Pheromone Spray part 2 Husbandry lewdness poll First Kiss part 3 How to tag the lewd poll probably going with carnal bond Should momrad include skin tone WIP poll Help momrad focus on what to write Ones ready to be typed Adhd helper poll
WIPs
Warhammer 40k
The D&D AU
The Yandere Black Templar and Flesh Tearer
The Yandere Space Marine Masterlist
Story Vault until I know where to put these stories/how to categorize them
The boys and their darlings
This is not Canon mini masterlist
Primarchs masterlist
Pheromone Spray 1 2
Bonus Zul Spray
Song Inspiration
First Kiss 1 2 3
Typhus fleas 1 2
Baseline hitting on the darlings
Varial the insatiable
Lamenters devouring
Raven in the belfry
Child in the Eyrie
First Words Can Damn You
The black rut
Lucius the Eternal plus art
Warhammer Fantasy
Dangerous Druchii pending
Warhammer 40k & COD
The COD Integration mini-masterlist
Demon Prince/Bloodthirster Graves
The 40k au
How does Horangi spend the thrones? Horangi focused
Lieblings König focused
Spirit Halloween Ghost focused
Hey Kiddo Price focused
Where do babies come from reply
Hail to the King Black Templar König
Everyone is space elves
COD
The mud pit cope fic
Hot Chocolate cope fic König focused
Missing the Bairn cope fic Soap focused
Zombie cope fic Ghost focused
He scares me Nikto focused happens before the Soap one
It's a wonderful life CODHoliday2023 fic angst-comfort Ghost
Age hcs/boys ages
Random romantic thing I wrote
Tanz mit mir Regency Au songfic
Halo
Most of it is on my Ao3
Random
The eventual bringing over that one non con I wrote pending
I have to edit it
The #I wrote something for my tumblr can help too
Sentience base off of lancer but I really just like the Balor
Baby fluff
barn anon/Tales from the Barn/Space Marine Husbandry Sentience
I will rename this when I can sit and think of better titles for them
Space Marine Husbandry Sentience Plot Beats
Space Marine Husbandry Sentience Mini Master List
51 more Space Marine Husbandry Sentience & Tales from the Barn
Hey Look another Space Marine Husbandry Mini Masterlist
Golden Apotheosis
Birthdays
avoiding bonds and eye contact
Favorite Wretch
Dischorus and Caracuss
Sentience Lore: Warp Fuckery
Weight of the Worlds
Insanity seems to follow...
Party
Anrir Husbandry
Home for the Holiday
Reverse Husbandry AU
Reverse Husbandry Gabriel
Reverse Husbandry Headcanon
Reverse Husbandry Emperor
Sanguinius and Glitter
Gabriel and his sick human
Human Husbandry?
Primarchs in the reverse world
Gaius flees
Judgement from the Lord of Iron
Seeing things
Funny stuff/Fan art
Ovaries Stolen meme
Fan art by bispecsual
Blood Angel Gabriel meme
ZUL by moodymisty
Angron Post Surgery expression
Fan art by c-u-c-koo anon of Plague Witch
Apollo and Dodgeball
Plague Witch part 2 by c-u-c-koo anon
Apollo by greenarsonist
Aurora by greenarsonist
Marine Meat Monday Zul by moodymisty
Penelope and Peterbunbun by Egrets-not-regrets
Fluffuary
Fluffuary master list
Fluffuary rules
MerMay
Story list
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imagionationstation · 1 month ago
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Boys for tag game
My exact thought process:
“Episode beginning. Three boys reading comics. Leo makes Raph mad so he starts a pillow fight… Probably season five?”
The pillow fight was imperative to figuring out the episode. Still looked through an episode list because the name wasn’t computing:
It’s Bat In The Belfry! (Nearly season five but not quite)
Introduces us to comic nonsense so the comic nonsense can come alive! Some of these episodes literally come out of nowhere and this is one of them. Why does Bat In The Belfry even exist???
I enjoy the episode and all but WHY??!
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mojo-bro-tho · 19 days ago
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Blood Sugar… Ch. 3
~ Fun fact, the title for this chapter was actually inspired partially by Rhapsody In Blue, specifically the New York Philharmonic performance with Leonard Bernstein. So there’s a lot of tone shifting in this chapter. Also! Permission to get a little fucky with the canon? Just a little? It’s an AU, I’m trying to have fun. This is another instance where I simply must credit another fic for giving me an idea for this. I don’t know if they were the first person to have this take on Manfred but I adored it so I’ll link it, it’s called Amaretto Sour by Farore on AO3. I care for it deeply!~
Tags: @my-queen-rhaenyra-targaryen (let me know if you’d like to be added or removed)
Word count: 7.5k (idk what happened, don’t ask)
Content warnings for this chapter: Suggestive Language, unwanted flirtation
AO3 link here!
Previous!
Rhapsody In Blue-Raspberry
Silence had surrounded the car for quite some time. The only traces of existence Emmrich could pick up on was the hum of the engine, the suppressed force of wind gliding over the body’s painted black exterior, and Manfred, who was intently tapping the toes and heels of his shoes together in a repeated pattern. Emmrich’s nerves had been shot the whole day, the false bravado he had felt this morning was gone before lunch. And the unknown of what truly awaited him once his son was dropped off made his stomach lurch. Luckily for him, Manfred was far more amused by whatever game he had seamlessly found himself in. That was the case, until a few moments later where the digitally smooth voice rose at his behest.
“You aren’t playing music.” The tablet said with a lack of tone. Emmrich looked up into the rearview mirror, spotting the boy staring at him with his usual abundance of expression. [[ Why? ]] He signed with brows knitted together in confusion. As they came to a stop sign, Emmrich looked back into the backseat fully so Manfred could see him.
[[ I forgot. ]] He responded honestly with a shrug of his shoulders. The man turned back to continue their drive. Signing would be easier once Manfred was old enough to sit in the passenger's seat, better for clarity.
“Don’t forget to play it on the way home.” The familiar voice said after the handful of seconds it took for his son to type it. Emmrich flashed a thumbs up, and another bout of silence came before Manfred continued. “Thanks, dad.”
Children were rather observant creatures, they picked up on things many would neglect contemplating to begin with. Manfred was no exception to this. Even if he didn’t make his concerns clear, the boy could tell something was on his father’s mind. Emmrich didn’t forget to play music very often. After all, Manfred enjoyed the sensation of the speakers. So he usually made a point about playing the music for both of them.
A few minutes later, the car turned onto Hollow Road, coming to a stop before what was dubbed as The Belfry. A large historical estate that at one point in time was the home to some of Nevarra’s middle ranked nobility. Now, it was put to much better use, not simply existing to inflate the market of the area by virtue of its visuals. HOAs would never make sense to Emmrich because of their proclivity for overt classism.
The Belfry was grande in the literal sense. Expansive and roughly as old as his own University, which was evident in the way they were designed so similarly. Tall, cool toned columns clung to the stony walls alongside well nurtured weavings of Ivy. Grey was broken up by a soft shade of sage green that painted a majority of the walls. Waterfalling steps that led to a large set of wooden doors. The flat plain of the lawn was decorated lovingly with various games and play equipment but Emmrich knew most of the activities were in the backyard.
As usual, Emmrich and Manfred were slightly early and his son slipped his tablet back into his bag because he was used to the routine by now. Emmrich was out of the car first because despite Manfred didn’t require a booster seat anymore, the boy knew to always wait for his father to open the car door for him. He took his son’s hand and helped him out of the car which was hardly necessary as the rambunctious lad leapt straight down every time. Once the two were safely on the sidewalk, Manfred spun around to sign to Emmrich.
[[ Harm has soccer today, I left her book at home on purpose! ]] Enunciated by a stern nod and an exclamatory gesture with his shoulders. Emmrich narrowed his eyes.
[[ Very good, Manfred. But you should spell her full name if you don’t use the one you gave her. Someone might think you meant that hurt has soccer. ]] The correction made Manfred take in a sharp breath through the nose.
[[ H-a-r-m-o-n-y. ]] He spelled firmly with a purposely ill disguised eye roll.
[[ Thank you! ]] Emmrich smiled widely. [[ Will Sunny be here today? ]]
[[ Yeah! We’re playing dragons! ]] Manfred excitedly bared his teeth, making Emmrich chuckle.
[[ Wonderful! ]] He beamed in response. [[ I promise not to forget the music on the way home. ]] Manfred gave an appreciative swivel of his head. [[ I love you.]]
[[ I love you! ]] His son replied, splitting a grin and giving his father a hug around the legs before taking off in a sprint into the lawn.
Emmrich spotted Myrna at her usual spot on the porch while awaiting the drop offs, Vorgoth was always in the backyard waiting. Usually, Emmrich would chat with her for a few minutes but he was in an uncharacteristic rush. Which Myrna herself would likely attribute to some discomfort over their discussions over Miss Ingellvar these past few days. So they shared a quick wave before entering his car again and making his way back to Blackthorn.
Now that he was fully alone, the anxiety could worm up from his collarbone, through his sternocleidomastoid, to nestle around the back of his neck. This morning had been a miracle in the sense that he hadn’t entirely made a fool of himself. If he did, Rook had taken it in stride. The nature of anxiety meant that the more he lingered on it, the worse it became. First he has to go through the embarrassment of not recognizing her, then the refreshments fiasco, and then finally with asking her to meet with him later that day.
What Rook had suggested was entirely reasonable. Minimize to two days a week for the time being, she was being incredibly considerate! But admittedly, there was a sting of pride there. Old, petty wounds from the lashings of schoolmates in his youth. Most of which had never had to work a day in their lives and had parents who could pay for their entire tuition without batting an eye.
He could afford the sessions, especially if he arranged everything correctly. But Rook was right, it would be a hit on his savings. A worthy one so long as they succeeded in this ruse. It was still mind boggling that he was really doing this, his rings dully thumped against the steering wheel punctuated that fact. And Rook was proving to be one of the more unexpected twists. Making assumptions wasn’t something he got in the habit of, people like her were the reason why. And every time the anxiety began to rear its toothsome head, Emmrich would think back to how reassuring she had been. Full of honeyed smiles and saccharine eyes. She was the expert in her own capabilities, so long as she was sure of the arrangement was doable then he ought to trust her.
Before he knew it, his rampant thoughts had carried him to his destination and the intimidating covering of the sun as he turned into the rarely used side parking lot. Emmrich took one last deep breath to set his nerves. His satchel was pulled into his hand from the passenger’s seat and he was stepping out of the car without any further delay. Check the time again. 4:22pm. Good, he was early this time. A few more people dabbled the area compared to this morning, but nothing too overwhelming. No one he recognized from work.
As Emmrich rounded the corner, he caught sight of the familiar attire that previously alluded him. He was still some ways off, but a small difference he noticed was the absence of her cap. Now her hair was down aside from the sides being brought up and tied up into a small tuft at the peak of her skull. The bigger change had nothing to do with her appearance and rather the fact that she was chatting to quite a few individuals. Three to be exact.
Probably friends of hers, no? Emmrich thought it would be rude to interrupt. But it was so close to their appointment time. Surely there’d be no issue with him simply making his presence known, right? Subtlety. Just be casual, no need to work too hard to get her attention. He continued his approach with a relaxed stride and as he got closer he was able to make out more details.
Rook was standing by the stone railing, slightly leaning over its edge, that cradled either side of the pathway stairs. Geometric shapes carved into its surface and weathered with time. She was slightly elevated, her right boot planted firmly on the first step with her left leg boredly dangled off the edge. With her back facing Emmrich, he couldn’t discern her features. But the three young men standing behind the railing were smiling and jeering something to each other.
“Come on, can’t even get your phone number?” One asked with comical disappointment.
“I don’t talk to people who can’t pay their own phone bills.” Rook snipped in response, though it sounded like a spoonful of sugar taken after cough medicine.
Late teens, hanging out near a library to ride skateboards together, could be in college or waiting for a friend who is. The boards themselves were older while the phone the blond one held out was a very recent model, and all of them had nice shoes. Still early in the year, someone else was paying for their things. Parents. Could still be living at home. It was easy math.
“Does the name Damas sound familiar to you? Or Elek?” She asked, shifting the candy stick in her mouth. The three looked at each other with bewildered expressions.
“Why? You one of his girls?” Another one responded. There it was.
“No but the fact that you obviously do know him proves my point. I can practically smell the fake IDs hiding under your cheap layers of body spray. Not interested.” Rook was starting to get annoyed, never liking to repeat herself. Can’t a woman just exist for five seconds?
“Hey, you aren’t that much older than us.” The boy in the middle argued.
“Alright, let me break something down for you here.” She bit down harder on the stick, trying to suppress a groan. “How old are all of you? 19, maybe 20? Three just barely not teenagers all flirt on one woman at the same time, not a great start. You might have had a better chance of scoring if you didn’t act like a package deal, I would say most people find that off putting. So, I’m going to say this a little less gently this time…” Rook’s voice lowered, inching closer to the three which made her back arch. “Fuck off.”
The candied tone of her voice melted into something almost poisonous by the end of her explanation. But either the young men didn’t seem to pick up on the obvious malice or it only spurred them on further. A shared look was passed between them, as though a challenge for her attention had just formed.
“Well, you don’t have to give all of us your number. Maybe just me.” The middle one hummed again.
Emmrich was close enough at this point to hear the pop sound of her sucker leaving her mouth. These three were clearly not acquainted with Rook like he originally assumed. Inadvertently, he mimicked her base stance and placed one foot on the step not far behind her. The three young men locked eyes on Emmrich, who shot them a disapproving glance.
“Is there a problem here?” He asked. Rook’s shoulders stiffened upon hearing him. She glanced over her shoulder, quickly evaluating. And Emmrich caught the beginnings of that now familiar, devious grin forming on her face.
“Hey there, Sweets. You’ve kept me waiting again.” She said smoothly, dipping into the tone she used on him first in The Lighthouse.
Sweets? Was that supposed to be him? Rook leaned back, keeping her hands stern and curled around the railing’s edge. The leg that hung off the edge of the step encroached. A slip of pressure met the inner side of his left calf and made Emmrich’s gaze flick down. Rook’s boot disappeared from sight between his legs but its weight was very much perceived. She pushed herself a little further back, knee bending and slinking up the inseam of his slacks. With the twist of her ankle, the side of Rook’s boot fit itself tenderly against his lower back, giving a forceful push. Almost dance like in the fluidity in which she orchestrated it.
Emmrich’s half stance on the step became off center for a moment before stabilizing thanks to Rook’s leg pinning him into her. That and a reactionary hand that landed flat against the curve in her spine. She pressed more firmly, Emmrich’s lower half pushed snuggly into the rounding of Rook’s backside. His heart stopped. The position was far too recognizable, and that was largely why he stilled himself against her. Feeling peaks of smooth skin, cooled from the air, between the gaps in her fishnets. It was all only made worse by Rook nestling into him.
The candy was brought back to her lips, rattling against her teeth. The surprise of having been pressed into her faded enough to give Emmrich some clarity. It wasn’t difficult to figure out what she was doing. Fine, he could play along.
“Forgive me, Dearest. I was held up with a project.” He loomed above Rook’s frame, voice lowering into her ear. “I trust you’ve been well today, yes?”
“I was until a couple minutes ago. But everything is fine now.” She hummed. That smell, confectioner’s interpretation of berries was heaviest this close to her neck and hair.
The presence of her boot mercifully left him and she straightened her posture to abandon her place against the railing. Three young men shared glances once again, this time filled with palpable confusion. Rook spun on her one planted heel and the hand on her back naturally found a place on her waist. Now that she wasn’t looking at the young men, her eyes carried an appreciative expression. Good, Emmrich was playing the role she was needing.
“I’m happy to hear that.” His fingers splayed, as though comfortable and used to being there, some knitting between the threads of her fishnets. But the thumb kept a light touch on her belly. Rook noted that as possibly being one of his tells. “I’ve missed you terribly today, Darling. If you’re finished chatting, I’d like to hurry along. We have a few more stops to make after this, but I would prefer we get home as soon as possible.”
“You just read my mind, Sweetheart.” Her voice carried that tone again, laced with salacious intent and flirting that didn’t reach her expression. Rook moved around him, naturally finding a place tucked into his side so that he wouldn’t need to move his hand away. Her own came up to delicately clutch a fistful of his sweater. Emmrich’s gaze traveled back to the clearly uncomfortable young men.
“You gentlemen have a good day now.” Was the last thing he said to them before making his way up the steps with Rook in tow. The warmth of her skin was beginning to increase against his palm. And the fact that his rings didn’t press too heavily into her did not go unnoticed either. Once they were halfway up the path, Rook lowered her voice into a whisper meant just for him.
“Sorry about that, Emmrich. Promise I won’t make a habit of turning you into a prop.” She muttered, placing the candy back in her mouth again. “But some people just cannot take a hint, or a direct no. Sometimes it’s faster to make them think you ‘belong’ to someone else. It’s irritating.”
“It was no trouble, Miss Rook.”
“You’re really good about that, by the way. Nearly had me half convinced you were itching to jump my bones! I’m impressed.” She said in her preferred teasing manner.
“Yes, well, would it surprise you to know that I’m no stranger to this tactic?”
That was incredibly true on his part. Emmrich was well accustomed to being a ‘trophy piece’ so to speak. Before Myrna met Vorgoth, both before and after his and Strife’s short lived relationship, he even did this for Johanna a few times. Though, that was back during their school days when she hadn’t earned the reputation yet. The infamous ‘Never Cross Hezzankos’ and her penchant for making unwanted suitors either cry or wet themselves. Sometimes both. Truly, Emmrich pretending to be a lover did them all a favor.
“Still, have to give credit where credit is due. Sorry about your pants too, I hope I didn’t kick dirt up on them.” She apologized again. He did let himself chuckle at that, she’d have no real idea why that was so funny to him.
“Trust me, I’m not worried about a spot of dirt.” As they approached the entrance, the pair naturally separated from one another. Emmrich held the door open for her, and then followed close behind. “I care much more about your safety. Of course, I’m sure you’re plenty capable of caring for yourself but if you should ever require my assistance in such matters again, you need only act the part.”
The last breeze of the door closing behind them licked up the spot where his hand had previously been, sending an unexpected shiver up her spine. That was a… generous offer to make. Then again, if the plan was for them to be interacting this much over the course of the upcoming months it made more sense. There might even be times where they need to be out in public outside of his scheduled events. And frankly, Rook didn’t think she could pull off acting as his ‘daughter’, didn’t even want to humor the thought out loud. The boys outside probably assumed Emmrich was her Sugar Daddy, not unbelievable.
“That’s very kind of you, Emmrich. Hopefully I won’t need it though, right?” She kept her voice in a hush now that they were in the library proper. Some of the lingering unease made her want to try and keep the conversation light. “Speaking of, what was that you called me? ‘Darling’? ‘Dearest’? Really pulling out the stops for little ol’ me.”
“Says the one who called me ‘Sweets’. That was a new one.” Emmrich admitted. He did find it rather endearing though.
“And you should feel oh so lucky for that, Professor! Normally you’d have to pay 100 Kings to get a pet name out of me.”
Emmrich took up as the guide, already well acquainted with the facility. It gave Rook the chance to try and commit the layout to memory. Stone on near black wood, lighting fixtures purposefully designed to mimic scones, patches of wine red carpeting. The entire place made her feel odd, something about the drama of it was familiar. It didn’t look Antivan, but libraries there held a similar ornate quality. A pang of homesickness. If she could even call it that.
“Money well spent, I’m sure.” He mused.
In games of tit-for-tat, Emmrich was better than most people would anticipate. Perhaps it was just the left over traces of the act they had put on, but it had been awhile since anyone had played along with him like Rook could. Chalk full of what excited him, all wit and mischief. He didn’t get to indulge that side of himself as much as he used to. And it was refreshing to have someone treat him as a peer while also not being afraid to act less than fledged in his presence.
The library was quiet, but not in the weird way usually that made Rook feel uncomfortable. Silences that lacked a purpose. Like curdling anticipation. This one was nice, and it wasn’t entirely empty. Emmrich’s bangles lightly twinkled against one another at a much softer volume than she would think. Maybe he walked as smoothly as he did to avoid clattering too loudly?
The light trickles of gold meeting gold, ears honing in on the tip-toe like melody that only increased as they went up a flight of stairs. Emmrich would probably do well in a waltz. He leads with an ease and poise that allows Rook to follow in a gentle sway. Every once in a while, Emmrich would shift his weight to quickly pluck a book off a shelf. Never a full stop. Just a glance at the lines of titles and a turn that reaffirmed her belief. He would be an excellent partner in a waltz.
“We’ll focus these first few weeks on Nevarran history as a whole. That will become the foundation we build your study on.”
”I’m assuming that’s what Franziska is Majoring in?” Rook asked.
“She’s actually focusing her studies on the biological, but she currently has a Minor in Nevarra’s ancient societies, yes. Which is what led her to my class.”
“And you said she’s been doing work on something called the Banner Wars?”
“Quite. Miss Ingellvar posed some rather fascinating theories at the end of last semester. But I think we ought to save those talks for later, I’d rather these tutoring sessions be done as properly as we can so that the knowledge comes more naturally to you.” He explained.
“As opposed to me just being able to recite information.”
“Precisely, Miss Rook.”
A stack of five books were in Emmrich’s arms in what seemed like no time at all and he escorted her to an isolated table on the second floor. Tucked into a corner away from the central balustrades that provided floor windows into the lower level. As remote as they could get in a public space, not even prying eyes from below should be able to glimpse them. The books were neatly placed in the middle of the table but as Rook sat her messenger bag in front of one of the four chairs to claim it Emmrich tutted hurriedly.
“What?” Rook’s eyes snapped up in his direction and his own narrowed as though the answer was obvious.
“Your candy, Miss.” He said.
“Okay… what about it?”
“There’s no eating in the library. So, I’ll have to ask you to throw it away.”
His words stoked a defiant glimmer across her features, simmering into something more impish. Despite her boots being heavy, their sound remained a cushioned muffling as she worked back around the table to stand in front of him. A dance of fingertips across the table’s briefly caught his attention. Then he found her close again, nearly inches away just as they had been outside.
The act reignited his nerves and her scent weighed heavy in the air. He swore every time he breathed too close to her he could make out a more distinct note. Rook was good at changing between the personas. Like flipping a light switch. When her voice returned, it was low, sultry, and momentarily made Emmrich forget he wasn’t in an executive suite that could be rented out by the hour. For Rook, the real dance had begun. A delicate bow leading into a simple box step, nothing complicated.
“I’m afraid if you have requests for my mouth, Professor, that’ll cost you extra.”
This was a dangerous line to teeter on. And Emmrich could see in her eyes just how much that excited her even if the smile had left her face. Instead, her lips played closer to an insubmissive display. Thinned and straight with hidden pressure between the teeth. Daring his provocation.
Do it, give in, just a taste wouldn’t hurt. It was like he could hear her prodding at his synapses. Her full brows lowered ever so slightly in search of a crack in his manners. What direction will he lead to?
“It’s impolite to eat in places like this, as it can leave a mess behind.” He argued, choosing not to regard the taunt. Hesitation step, left turn. Move on.
“See, there’s a difference between eating and sucking. I should know, I’m very good at both. Besides, no crumbs.” In her mind, he guided her out and under his arm into a slow spin.
“Crumbs are not the only sort of mess, Miss Rook.”
“Oh, Emmrich, I can control my spit just fine. In fact, I usually prefer not to.” Maker, she was persistent. Back again in a stride across the floor, right turn, step change.
“The noise will be distracting.” The ebbing of a cross tone.
“I can stay quiet, sir.” Another turn. More.
Rather than respond, Emmrich held out an awaiting palm. Her breath was hot against his skin and well endowed with a syrupy quality. A cheeky tilt of her head greeted him. Without breaking eye contact, she crunched down on the sweet. It likely wasn’t too audible for anyone else but Emmrich felt it crackle in his bones like a snap of lightning. A recognizable blue tongue slipped a bit out of her mouth, poking the white stick further out in his direction. A compromise was always ideal.
He took the stick between his thumb and the side of his index finger. It left with ease, eyes focusing rather intently on nearly serrated edges of sugar left behind. If she were feeling extra cruel, she might have taken him by the wrist and forced him to watch her lap up the remnants. Sadly, she was feeling merciful because of the favor he had done for her earlier, and his gift to her this morning. So, she let him walk off with the evidence of her toothsome habit.
The dance was done. No descending of music, no sweat or adrenaline. It just ended. There was a tightening in her legs that wanted to reach out again to find the rhythm. But she knew better, no need rushing these sorts of things. Learning a new dance came with time.
In the few moments it took for Emmrich to make his way to a waste bin, Rook got to work. When he returned, the sight of Rook sitting calmly did take him aback. Arranging pencils, a fresh notebook, and a stack of purple sticky notes. It was as if… whatever that could be considered hadn’t just happened. Another flick of the light switch. Almost unsettling. She paid no mind to his approach this time, staying in silence while he placed his satchel on the flat surface and removed his coat. It found a comfortable place to rest on the empty chair to his right and he took his seat across from her.
“Now then.” He said, clearing his throat. “These first five books will be our source for the time being.” With an approaching thumb, Rook pushed the bottom of the stack to angle towards her. A single sticky note was removed for her to write on.
“Nevarra; A Deconstruction of Present, A City of The Dead, The 100 Year Reign of King Markus, Mortuary Matters, and… What Death Tells The Living.” She muttered to herself. The note was placed inside the first page of her journal before marking the date at the top line.
“We’ll be starting in that order as well. A Destruction of Present should cover a majority of our history to give us a good starting point for the other works, as they focus on specific periods. Miss Rook, how well acquainted are you with Nevarra’s past?” He asked.
“Is that a roundabout way of asking if I’m from here?”
“Well, you have heard of our Rites of Lichdom but you acted like it was separated from your history, so I already assumed you weren’t.” He said earnestly.
“Fair point, Professor. Fair point.” Rook chuckled to herself. “I don’t know a whole lot aside from random tidbits and trivia. Only lived here for about two years. Little less than that.”
“Understood. Then I shall try to keep a slow pace for this. If you have any questions, feel free to interrupt me.” He gave an encouraging smile. Good thing he did too, it distracted Rook just enough away from making the obvious ‘slow pace’ joke in the brief bout of quiet where Emmrich searched for something in his satchel.
When the moment passed, he produced a small, leather sleeve. Then came a pair of thin, gold wired glasses from within, which soon rested against the bridge of his nose. Of course he wears little round glasses. Creators, this was too much. An echo the same sentiments she carried this morning in regards to his watch. Bless him, he was adorable. Even Rook could admit to that much.
Emmrich removed the book from the stack and watched Rook make another note on her page. To begin, the first chapter covered the basics for Nevarra Pre-Imperium. Not much to go over, mostly the settlement of the Palansene and how their foundational beliefs would influence Nevarra from there forward. Rook didn’t require much explanation aside from him needing a definition of what an animist was. Which she did make a note of. Animism wasn’t necessarily commonplace outside of Nevarra. However the concept itself wasn’t what perplexed her, just the verbiage.
Next, they went over the invasion of the Imperium post The Neromenian Onslaught. Most countries this far north were considered part of Tevinter at some point in time, each modern nation breaking off as a result of the Exalted March against The Imperium. Again, Rook had little to say on this. So long as she was from anywhere north of The Waking Sea, this information likely wasn’t anything new. He did ask her to take note of specific years while within The Imperium, as those periods would be covered more in subsequent lessons, and she did so without complaint.
From what Emmrich could see across the table, she kept a rather thorough documentation of everything he was saying. She would pause briefly to hear him, and then take the notes nearly verbatim. That gave him the confidence to go ahead and pick up his speed closer to what he was comfortable with. This wasn’t exactly the sort of material he covered in his lectures so there wasn’t much room for him to expound but Rook didn’t mind that. By the time their appointment time was reaching its end, Emmrich had just gotten to the establishment of Nevarra’s first king, Verald. Rook’s phone vibrated to give a five minute warning.
“That might be a nearly perfect stopping point, Emmrich. Well done!” She praised with a comically quiet round of applause. “It’s almost like this is your job or something.”
“You make a diligent pupil, Miss Rook. I dare say I’ve never seen better note taking in my life.” Well, not since him and Johanna were in school anyways.
“Why thank you, my good sir. But I’m guessing this was you going easy on me.”
“The material itself is, admittedly, far more simplistic than what I traditionally cover in my classes. But the fundamentals are exactly that, fundamental.” If they keep this sort of pace then three sessions a week may not even be necessary for the base history portions. Monetary value aside. “How about we meet again on Monday? A fresh week for mostly fresh material since we got through more of today’s lesson than I anticipated.”
“Fine by me. I promise not to forget everything.” She teased.
Rook began gathering up her belongings quietly. For someone who took such care with their writing, the state of her messenger bag was what some may call ghastly. Hardly any rhyme or reason to the placement once put away. Not to mention the rather odd sound the bag produced as she rifled through it. A noise that appeared not to bother Rook, as she was on a mission to find something specific. Another plastic wrapped blue sucker found itself between her fingers. Emmrich couldn’t help but stare at it with a peculiar expression.
“Miss Rook.”
“Yes?” She hummed, looking up at him and finding that not only were his glasses already tucked away, but he had also begun putting his coat on.
“Forgive me if this is a rude observation to make but… well, every time we have seen one another it seems as if you’re eating those candies. Is there a reason for that? Low blood sugar?” On one hand, he was just curious. But on the other, he was concerned. If this was something rooted in a medical necessity then he would feel guilty for asking her not to have one while in session. Rook twirled the stick between the pads of her fingers with a grin that was unlike her previous ones. Sheepish wasn’t the right word but that was the closest descriptor that came to Emmrich’s mind. Embarrassed, perhaps?
“Oh, no. Nothing really like that. Ask anyone I know and they’ll just tell you I’m obsessed with them. Keep me focused.” She laughed, half dejectedly. Emmrich squinted at the wrapping when her hand stilled.
“Can’t say I recognize the brand.” That made Rook look at him with something akin to offense.
“You’ve never heard of Lyri-Yums? Seriously? Where have you been?” Now that she said it, the name sounded oddly familiar. He couldn’t exactly place where he’d heard it before but still, the logo was entirely foreign to him. “These things are like… a gas station staple! Or the cheapest jumbo bag of suckers you can buy at the drugstore that almost no one ever gets. Except for me, I buy them. They’re a classic. They’ve been around for basically forever.” More importantly, they were always plentiful. Boarders didn’t hurt their profits enough to be limited. “I can’t believe you’ve never heard of them!”
“You buy the largest bags they sell?” He wasn’t trying to be judgmental but… How many of these was she eating exactly?
“Duh! That’s how you get the best deal. I only really care about one flavor though so I hoard all the others and give them out to people and stuff.” Her answer left him somewhat dumbstruck.
“You… buy the largest bag just for one of the flavors?” He reiterated, somehow more confounded.
“What? I’m partial to Blue-Raspberry…” Rook stared pointedly in his direction, rising from her seat and taking her bag around her shoulder. “You seem like a Green Apple kind of guy… but that might be just because you’re a teacher. Orange, maybe?” She theorized to herself. Her sudden need to psychoanalyze him elicited a moderately uncomfortable laugh, like he was being scrutinized for something he didn’t quite get.
”I wouldn’t know, I’m not much of a sweets person.” He stated plainly. Once again, that earned him a rather vexed expression from Rook.
”Dude… are you okay? I don’t think I’ve ever pitied someone more in my life.” She said, giving a soft groan of annoyance.
Honing in on the usually decorative front breast pocket of his jacket, her typically mischievous smirk returned. With a half skip to stand in front of him and a nearly conspiratorial look in either direction, she carefully opened the pocket and slipped the candy’s stick in. A pair of delicate hands arranged the candy itself into a ‘suitable’ place. As though it were closer to a piece of jewelry than an indulgence.
“You can have one of mine. I have a million anyways and… maybe five more somewhere in my bag.” Rook went quiet, counting in her head how many she’d had since she last refilled.
“That really isn’t necessary, Miss Rook. Like I said, I’m not much of a sweets person-” Emmrich began to insist but she interrupted.
“People always say that but do they ever really mean it? You can have this one and if you miss me over these next terribly long, extended weekend you’re giving me, then you already have something to remember me by!”
Another one of her teasings, it seemed. Emmrich got the distinct impression that Rook wasn’t the type of person he should bother fighting with over something like this. Sometimes, it was better for everyone to just let someone have their way. Besides, it was a nice gesture. Fruitless, but nice. So, he took a heavy breath and let her be.
“I don’t suppose I’d be allowed to walk you to your car?” He asked politely, remembering what he had said this morning about being more mindful.
“What a gentleman! I’ll have to give you candy more often.” She said, stepping away from him to pull the stack of books towards her. “And you would be right, can’t have you finding out which of my several luxury vehicles I took to get here.”
“I could escort you to the exit at least. On the off chance any of those young men were perturbed enough to try and wait around.” He hadn’t been lying before, he was taking her safety seriously in this. After all, Emmrich worked at a University. No shortness of unsavory events in that sort of environment. He was glad matters of that sort were taken more seriously. But they weren't always and Emmrich wouldn’t soon forget that. Rook’s smile softened appreciatively.
“If I was worried about a gaggle of just graduated teenagers then I wouldn’t be able to survive this job. I’ll be just fine.” It was kind of him to offer. “Thank you, though. I can put the books away while you go off to your ‘other responsibilities’.”
She tapped her fingers against the stack and another light buzz could be heard before Emmrich could argue, this time coming from Rook’s wrist. Peering down at her watch, Rook saw the warning for her text window about to elapse. A light gesture brought the boat across the screen to unlock it and she lowered her voice into the screen.
“Hey C.T.” She whispered. The watch chimed. “Text V. Session done. On way home. Need longer windows to not be in public.” She shot Emmrich a sympathetic look and motioned for him to go ahead and leave. The same voice that Manfred would use for his tablet responded, also in a hush. Rook always thought that feature was funny.
“Would you like to send?” The voice asked.
“Yes.” She replied, and the watch chimed softly again. Emmrich grabbed his satchel, hearing Rook sigh to herself. “I’ll see you Monday, Lichdom.” Leaning back into her watch, pretending to need privacy.
“I look forward to it.” He responded, gently bowing his head before turning to head back down the aisles and towards the steps. In the back of his mind, Emmrich was relieved to know that whoever Rook’s employer and handler were, they kept close eyes on their employees. At least a little more reassuring that his worry was as unwarranted as Rook claimed.
Once Emmrich was far enough out of eyesight, Rook examined the books closely. She picked up their material for today, flipped through pages and gave a disapproving tsk. Emmrich had made it seem like they’d made great progress but from her perspective it looked more like they’d barely scratched the surface. He really had been going easy on her.
Her mind turned to her schedule. Thursdays were usually slow, clients preferred to be big spenders on weekends. So she didn’t have any appointments unless something came up. The stack was gathered up in her arms, not quite as easily as Emmrich had done it. Curse taller people for having longer arms. The path her new professor had carved was still fresh in her memory, and most of the books he had grabbed were generally in the same area so she found their spots with ease. All except for A Deconstruction of Present, that one she kept with her until she made it to the front desk on the first floor. A man with disheveled brown hair sat behind it, somewhere in his late 20s or early 30s, fiddling with something on his computer screen. When he noticed her, his eyes rounded in surprise.
“Hi! Hey, hi? How can I help you?” He asked nervously. Rook was used to that sort of reaction, so she smiled warmly with a small tilt of her head. Acting nervous.
“Hi, sorry to bother you but I was hoping to maybe get a library card? I just moved here and needed to check something out.” She made an awkward show of spinning the book around to show him. Unsure and a little demure, sometimes being over explanatory. That usually got people used to her appearance faster.
“Yeah, of course!” He replied, taking a pencil out from behind his ear and the book from off from her raised side of the counter. “I’ll just need to see your ID and I can add you into our system.”
“Got it, just give me one second…” She said as she reached back into her bag to find her wallet. The man looked over the title of the book she’d brought.
“Are you a History Major, by chance? I’m guessing you go to NCU.” He asked.
“Hoping to be and yeah, I just transferred this year. I’m not from Nevarra so I don’t know too much local history and wanted to try and catch up.” She gave a fake chuckle and tucked a loose strand behind her ear once her wallet was in hand. He flashed a lopsided grin. Easy.
“Well, if you ever need recommendations, sort of what I’m here for. I’d be more than happy to help, Miss…?”
“My friends call me Rook, but that won’t be on my ID.” She joked and slid the piece of plastic over to him.
“Rook. Mysterious, I like it.” He looked down at her ID card and made a note on a sheet of paper, then another one on something he pulled up from his desk top. She could vaguely see a string of black letters being added to a form in the reflection of his squared lens.
“Thank you very much.” She hummed. Keep the flirting light, natural and anxious. Act like this isn’t something she does all the time. “And I might have to take you up on that. I’ll probably be in here pretty often.” Rook watched him briefly nip at the inside of his cheek.
“I’m here most weekdays. Sometimes Sundays. The name’s Heiner, by the way.”
“Heiner. Is that Nevarran?” She asked.
“It is. Born and raised. Go Scarabs and all that.” He replied sarcastically. So he probably went to NCU.
“Let me take a wild guess… Lit Major?”
“Call up the Chantry, we have a prophet in here! Certainly not obvious on account of the-” He gestured up the ceiling. “Everything.” Another playful laugh. “But I obviously have a minor in education. Other than that, most of my knowledge came from this place.”
“A jack of all trades then.” Good, he probably won’t recognize Emmrich, so long as Heiner doesn’t hear his name.
”If only. But I do know enough to get by, and definitely enough to be helpful.” His gaze had traveled to admire her face, she could tell he was looking at her mouth. When she gingerly brought in bottom lip, he blinked away whatever thought had come to him and went back to the computer.
“I’ll have to remember that.” She mused and he tried to hide a pleased expression.
Pressing the enter key ushered the sound of a nearby printer whirring to life. Heiner plucked one of the sheets of paper, folded it in half, scanned the barcode on it, scanned the book, then stacked them both alongside her ID into one pile.
“Our machine is down right now, hopefully it’ll be working again by the weekend. I’m keeping a list of everyone getting a card. So when you come back in here next, show us that piece of paper and we can print your real card off for you. Might also need to show your ID again but if it’s me then I’ll remember you.” He said, sliding the stack to her with a slow push.
“Oh? Am I that memorable?”
“I would say so.” He beamed, watching her carefully tuck her ID and the paper slip into her bag. “In any case, you are now officially a hypothetical library card owner with Blackthorn! Congratulations, Miss Lavellan. Or should I call you Rook?”
“Rook would be perfect, Heiner.”
It was odd hearing her last name again, almost no one called her that anymore. It was purposeful, and she anticipated hearing it in this interaction. Still, there was a second where Rook felt her act faltering. She flashed Heiner one last smile before scooping the book into her arms. Gave him a little wave and made her way to the exit. As soon as the doors closed behind her and the autumn air tickled at her abdomen, she instinctively sought her comfort.
Blue-Raspberry sugar to make her think about anything else. Especially not the face of a woman who looked too much like her.
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theredhoodedcryptid · 1 year ago
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(MAJOR SPOILERS FOR GOTHAM KNIGHTS VIDEO GAME)
Ok, so I finished Gotham Knights, and here's my review.
I loved it! The story was amazing, and the plot twists! I totally did not expect Kane to be The Voice. And the Court of Owls!!! They're my all time favorite Batman villain/organization, so for them to be such a prominent villain made me undeniably happy. And the Labyrinth, it was so well done, I literally cried. The mind games and the way it hits you in the feels, it embodies the Court perfectly. The League of Shadow was well done as well.
The sibling bonding! I'm sad that only Dick, Babs, Jay, and Tim were there, but they did them so well! They showed Tim's insecurity and grief for losing Bruce, and I totally believe he's autistic. Dick struggled with whether to take up the cowl and whether he was good enough. Babs struggles through her own grief with her father's death. Jason grieves a father he barely got to know, and apparently the Lazarus pit gave him powers??? I'm all for it. And how Jay still struggles with the pit's effects, finally someone did my boy right.
But it's not all sadness and pain for the batkids. They bond, have fun and make fun of each other, true BatFam content.
I was spoiled for the end of the game, but even if I hadn't been I still felt the dread and realization that as we approached the Wayne cemetery that Talia was going to revive Bruce. That whole scene hit me in the feels and having to mourn Bruce a second time.
And Gotham city, I adored swinging/flying/driving around and patrolling. The subtle details like the fact that there is actually a Batman Musical in universe made me smile. The way citizens have differing opinions on vigilantes. I've never played a spider-man game, but I imagine they're pretty similar.
And the way Wayne Family Botanical Gardens was in ruins and not used, it made me so sad. How Bruce is buried next to his parents, how in the belfry he had the highest ranking score on the video game. I couldn't even bring myself to play it, if i removed Bruce from the leader board I would have felt so guilty and sad.
The graphics were amazing, the attention to detail made my artist heart excited and inspired, and I only ever experienced minor glitches, like the subtitles occasionally flashing, I've had way worse glitches in Skyrim or Knight of the Old Republic, so it really wasn't a big deal to me. I loved how both the end credits and Main Title adjust to whatever your heroes are wearing at the time. I haven't played multiplayer, nor do I plan to, so I can't give you a review on that.
This game was not only gorgeous and well thought out, but it actually made me feel with the characters. I would 100% recommend playing it. 100/10 would play again.
I'll be starting Arkham Knight soon, so stay tuned for that review. I've heard good things and I'm excited!
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