#bruce sharp photography

[kodachrome-net]

Granada Theatre: Mezzanine stairs during demolition, October 1989

[deadsetobsessions]

Your name is Tim Drake and you are nine years old.

Today, tomorrow, and soon, you're going to save Robin.

----

Tim stares at his reflection on the sink tap. It trembles, along with the plane, as he contemplates his situation.

His face is rounder, now, with unfamiliar baby-fat rounding out the sharp lines he'd come to expect. Even with the subpar reflection, Tim can tell that his dark eyebags are all but gone, replaced with youthful skin.

Magic. He's being quite literal, seeing as he's been tossed into the body of his younger self at the hands of a crazed magician.

He could find a way back... or he could create a completely different timeline by fixing everything that went wrong. It's not like he has anything to go back to, anyways. That crazed magician was actually competent and killed everyone he ever cared about. Tim barely got away with his life. He could go back to save that shell of a world- surrounded by people whose minds were broken beyond magical and medical repair- or stay here, fix his own personal troubles and cut off the magician before he could start with his world domination bullshit.

Well, Tim already has an idea of what he wants. So he begins a list, after having oriented himself.

Save Robin

There's no point trying to convince Bruce that he knows where Jason's being held. So, Tim finds himself on a plane to Ethiopia a day before Jason's meant to die. This was long before Barbara even thought of being Oracle, and the tech is ancient in his hands. In short order, nine year old Tim has a trust fund with millions in it, all siphoned from billionaires like Lex Luthor and his own parents.

Tim toddles back to his seat, after washing his hands because he still can't shake the extra bit of paranoia that came with a missing spleen. Oh. Tim blinks guilelessly at his seat neighbor, smiling like Timothy Drake, Angel of a Son as he reels from the realization that he still has his spleen.

Tim adds another box to his list:

Keep Ra's away from my spleen, creepy bastard.

What else...? Ah, the League of Assassins.

Damian

Tim pauses. Holy crap. Damian's only six right now. Tim moves Damian's box upwards in urgency. Tim might have a mildly antagonistic relationship with his younger brother back then, but he wants baby pictures of his siblings, dammit. He's gonna put that photography expertise to good use if it's the last thing he does.

Watch over Z, Owens, Pru

'They're alive!' His mind screams. Cold rationality slaps the sentimentality down with a quick 'But they won't be if I fail.'

His mind wanders to Dick Grayson. He scowls as something pops up in the back of his head.

Catalina Flores

Contact Nightwing- in space

He's gotta call Dick back from that Teen Titans mission, Jason's gonna need all of the support he's going to get.

Find Cass

Train Steph

Save Duke's family from Venom

Tim taps at that last point. He'll save them. But that might mean Duke might never join their family.

But he'll be happy and Tim... will deal with it. He'll be the only one mourning, anyways. To end on a lighter note, he adds something that he should have done ages ago.

Give Tam a raise.

Tim sighs as he gets out of the airport, the hired escort he found and vetted, delivering him to a predetermined hotel. They think his parents are already inside. He laughs and does not say anything to make them think otherwise. He has so many things to do, Tim laments as he settles down to track the Joker's movements. Here. That's where Jason's being held. Being tortured.

He can, however, knock two things off his list in one go. Tim picks up the burner phone he acquired. He doesn't have time, or else he would have done this sooner and saved them all the trouble.

[RR: Are you in Ethiopia yet?]

[Deathstroke: Payment confirmed. In Ethiopia.]

[RR: Third building by the docks.]

An hour.

[Deathstroke: Confirmed. Target spotted.]

Ten minutes.

[Deathstroke: Target eliminated. Bringing Robin to Safehouse.]

Twenty minutes.

[Deathstroke: Basic first aid applied. Leaving.]

[RR: Secondary payment sent. Confirm?]

[Deathstroke: Confirmed. Pleasure doing business with you.]

Tim sprawls on the king bed. He sighs a breath of relief. He'd check on Jason in person, if he weren't paranoid about leaving traces that would get back to him. Tim's pretty sure that Deathstroke's going to get hunted down in the near future, regardless, so he made sure to add a huge tip on top of the extra fees for burning one of Deathstroke's safe houses and the emergency first aid. He taps into the rudimentary camera Deathstroke had given him the access codes to, to stare at Jason's rising and falling chest. On a further table, the Joker's head laid in a preservation box.

He bypasses all of the security on the Teen Titan's tech to send Dick a message.

[Robin has been retrieved from the Joker. Contact Batman for details.]

Then, he sends Bruce the location of the safe house. Tim spends the rest of the day staring at Jason and watching his father in another timeline break as he huddles close to the broken body of Tim's Robin.

Timothy Drake destroys the burner phone.

[kore-arts]

The Grayson was not the only one who was destined for the Courts Machinations

The Drakes long since had been lower owls. Janet being the only one to truly rise by offering one thing

The child of her womb. One that would have clubs in the afternoon of disguised training. A experiment on a aware Talon who would not just be a weapon. But the eyes and mind sharp enough to tear apart the Rats of Gotham.

Tim spent his days unaware, alone except for his aloof tutors and many checkups by doctors for his chronic illness. He personally thought he was just Meta with his more bird-like tendencies.

His nights spent following the Bats and birds and taking beautiful pictures of his muses in action. nights spent reading books of the history and myths about his city. His parents always did encourage his photography of the scenery and people of Gotham.

Then a Robin lay dead. Batman cruel and cold. Dick Grayson staring at his golden blue eyes with sorrow and confusion of why a child would choose to do something like this. why Tim Drake would attempt to be the reins of The Bat.

The story continues like usual, his cold chest warm from the praise he got from Lady Shiva during his accidental training with her. His smile bright with each case and villain take down.

Bruce was aware that his new bird was unusual, but the court had not shown up yet. So he accepted the clawed boy who's eyes sees what most couldn't. How the bruises and scratches faded within a hour. How he could already move in almost inhuman ways only for Dick to cackle and show Tim how to more.

He didn't dare get close. He never wanted another Robin, dead child, son or Vigilante within his crusade.

He regrets that the night The Drake family Dies. Tim being taken on a trip with his parents finally, a expedition to a Athens temple. Janet Drake being the only survivor but laying in a Coma funded by Bruce Wayne out of guilt.

He regrets that when he sees the heartbreak of the two Supers who hear Tim's heart stop. He regrets when he sees how much Tim was important to so many hero's.

Talon Drake is Always Awake when frozen. He Remembers it all.

[chamiryokuroi]

Some future jobs for Tim-

Trophy Househusband of Bernard because you are absolutely right (he also manages to do one thing no Bat besides GK!Jason has ever managed to do, aka go to therapy and actually work out his issues)

Trust fund baby living his best life from his parents insurance plans and WE shares he still owns

PI/Investigative Journalist keeps his detective skills sharp because he refuses to become a cop

Food/photography blogger

Con artist but only so that he can fuck with Bruce

An actual God (evil) story- the universe tried to "Bury the Gays" his boyfriend and send Bernard to superhell and Tim the Mad Bastard that he is loses it and somehow dethrones god or grim reaper decides to take it's place

Freelance---something. Like he cycles through different jobs gets really good at it, becomes bored after like 3-4 months and quits to do something

Villain/an actual god (eviler)- his favourite mug breaks and so does his last remaining thread of morals and sanity and he decides that actually??? This is his origin

Something completely left field like a teacher or a dog groomer or literally any completely normal ass job that is just so uncharacteristic of him, the batfam is still going "Tim? Our Tim? The third robin? That job? What?"

Trophy househusband is my favorite hands down, but listen all of these are hilarious.

Wait what if he becomes a health blogger/tiktoker, taking into account a point I made on a previous post that he is a health nut job. That would be so much fun!

[alakeeffectgirl]

tagged by @mollynoble, you don't know what you've done! :-D

WIP Ask Game rules: post the names of all of the files in your WIP folder regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it.

Guys I don't think you understand the state of my writing folder. Everything is a WIP until it's not. I am the person who opens ten year-old WIPs and decides it's the perfect time to finish them. You have witnessed this! That said, a list of files GDocs says I have opened for one reason or another in the last year behind the cut:

steve/bucky 2 - rough draft

anon exchange fic

the gsf

hangmav 2 (couldn't help it [even if I wanted to])

batman AU ch2

[redacted for Yuletide reasons, sorry]

r-m2 #4 / just m&r

CAF epilogue bit

this is our love, we make the rules (greek villa vacation)

5x g&t dates

the tide is high but I'm holding on (Lindsey/Ethan/Julia)

gabriel/the entity

Kade & Heatwave

Write of it, sob your heart out, sing

writing lyrics on a battlefield (FNL)

everyone calls your name at parties

baseball AU

transformers AU (the future isn't coming, it's already here)

chuck/casey thing

blue beetle #2

saying yes instead of no: trb ch 2

ST:ID AU

five desserts

tom buys heather the fancy nightgown

not writing this super slow burn

paris when it sizzles

a sharp shock to your soft side

can I be the reason you don't sleep

road trip AU

ethan/phelpses

quichefic

actual space AU the real doc for real

all the backrubs ideas

rebecca/bex idea

photography AU

hard won

wide awake, I'm not sleeping

mcqs extra bit

Bruce/Barry

sound system installer mcq wtf

blacklist AU

winter cabin OT3

tom takes mcq's phone away

tc/mcq

ranch AU Hangmav

need all day tomorrow to recover from today

that other Martian story

soulbond #2

finally Banky/Holden

finally the Clerks 2 Randal/Elias

DC BB actual

Uncharted treat

Pearl Harbor fix-it b/x why not?

ethan/ilsa

[ulkaralakbarova]

When Kylie Bucknell is sentenced to home detention, she’s forced to come to terms with her unsociable behaviour, her blabbering mother and a hostile spirit who seems less than happy about the new living arrangement. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Kylie Bucknell: Morgana O’Reilly Miriam Bucknell: Rima Te Wiata Amos: Glen-Paul Waru Graeme: Ross Harper Dennis: Cameron Rhodes Officer Grayson: Millen Baird Officer Carson: Bruce Hopkins Eugene: Ryan Lampp Judge: Ian Mune Hollis: Wallace Chapman Kraglund: Mick Innes Justin: David Van Horn Leslie: Nikki Si’ulepa Elizabeth Chalmers: Kitty Riddell Young Kylie (Voice): Lila Sharp Fitness Host: Louise Mills Film Crew: Editor: Gerard Johnstone Director of Photography: Simon Riera Production Design: Anya Whitlock Original Music Composer: Mahuia Bridgman-Cooper Second Unit Director: Luke Sharpe Production Design: Jane Bucknell Executive Producer: Chris Lambert Executive Producer: Ant Timpson Visual Effects Supervisor: Matt Westbrooke Set Decoration: Simon Vine Steadicam Operator: Joe Lawry Set Decoration: Stephen Jaimeson Art Direction: Lyn Bergquist Art Direction: Laura Smith Art Direction: Haley Williams Costume Design: Lissy Mayer Steadicam Operator: Alex McDonald Set Decoration: Graham Collins Gaffer: Nicholas Riini Gaffer: Tane Kingan Continuity: Rose Damon Steadicam Operator: Simon Tutty Executive Producer: Michael Kumerich Line Producer: Garett Mayow Executive Producer: Daniel Story Makeup Effects Designer: Jacinta Driver Assistant Makeup Artist: Kendall Feruson Makeup Artist: Vanessa Hurley Assistant Makeup Artist: Rachel Johanson Assistant Makeup Artist: Katie Jones Makeup Artist: Carly Marr Assistant Makeup Artist: Nikki Milina Assistant Makeup Artist: Miranda Raman Makeup Artist: Lauren Steward Production Manager: Ainsley Allen Third Assistant Director: Rachael Bristow Third Assistant Director: Esther Clewlow Third Assistant Director: Sarah Hough Third Assistant Director: Laurelle May First Assistant Director: Natasha Romaniuk First Assistant Director: Fraser Ross First Assistant Director: Katie Tate First Assistant Director: Craig Wilson Props: Shamus Butt Art Department Assistant: Meling Cooper Art Department Assistant: Hilary Crombie Assistant Set Dresser: Louise George Assistant Set Dresser: James Goldenthal Runner Art Department: Kathryn Lees Art Department Assistant: Brian Maru Assistant Set Dresser: Aimee Russell Art Department Assistant: Jaime Sharpe Concept Artist: Andrejs Skuja Art Department Assistant: Luke Thornborough Art Department Assistant: Wesley Twiss Dialogue Editor: Nich Cunningham Boom Operator: Matthew Dickins Sound Recordist: Phil Donovan Sound Recordist: Gabriel Muller Boom Operator: Stephen Saldanha Sound Recordist: Ande Schurr Sound Recordist: Mark Storey Sound Designer: Shane Taipari Sound Recordist: Ben Vanderpoel Digital Compositor: Stuart Bedford Digital Imaging Technician: James Brookes Digital Compositor: Johnny Lyon 3D Modeller: Rich Nosworthy Digital Compositor: Jesse Parkhill Stunt Coordinator: Aaron Lupton Stunt Coordinator: Steve McQuillan Stunts: Stefan Talaic Stunts: Shane Blakey Stunts: Joanna Baker Stunts: Daniel Andrews Lighting Technician: Sam Behrend First Assistant Camera: Nick Burridge First Assistant Camera: Alexander Campbell First Assistant Camera: Kelly Chen Lighting Technician: Tommy Davis Camera Intern: Woody Dean Lighting Technician: Hayden Dudley Lighting Technician: James Dudley Lighting Technician: Leigh Elford Camera Intern: Kalym Gilbert Camera Intern: Andrew Farrent First Assistant Camera: Julia Green Cinematography: Adrian Greshoff Lighting Technician: Mathew Harte Lighting Technician: Stacey Hui First Assistant Camera: Matt Hunt First Assistant Camera: Blair Ihaka Gaffer: Tony Lumsden First Assistant Camera: Tom Neunzerling Cinematography: Eoin O’Liddy Key Grip: Jeremy Osbourne Key Grip: Jim Rowe Lighting Technician: Richard Schofield First Assistant Camera: Richard Simkins First Assistant Camera: Cameron Stoltz Cinematography: Drew Sturge Camera Intern: Matt Thomas Lighting Technician: Jason Tidsw...

[parkerparkore]

BRUCE GILDEN - PANDEMIC GROCERIES

People with masks grocery shopping during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Hudson Valley, New York. April 20, 2020.

While his legacy lies in his street photography projects in New York from the early 80's to late 90's, Bruce Gilden bolsters a culturally diverse portfolio of work. What remains is his style of "graphic and often confrontational close-ups made using flash" that contain "...a degree of intimacy and directness that have become a signature in his work", as stated in his Magnum Photos profile. While comparatively only recently pursuing colored photography, his dynamic flash photography is a staple style, the flash not only accentuating the values in his photographs but extracting raw emotion from his subjects compared to the silent snap of a lens.

That "surprise" factor is a vital attribute to his style of street photography; rather than 'documenting' the passerby's, Gilden forces himself into their space (to their detriment, occasionally), forcing the subject to acknowledge his presence, acknowledge the camera, acknowledge their newfound role as his muse. The directness of his work reflects that raw proximity and emotion.

His collection "People with Masks Grocery Shopping during the Coronavirus Pandemic" in 2020 posed an interesting challenge to him specifically than other street photographers during the pandemic, as those trademark staples of his workflow no longer fly under these circumstances. Surprising and sudden proximity poses a threat (physically and socially- he would rather not be thrown out by security), and permission must be received. Additionally, the raw emotion of his subjects faces is no longer captured in full display with the need of medical masks. So what makes a Bruce Gilden collection with these circumstances?

People with masks grocery shopping during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Hudson Valley, NY. USA. 2020.

Adaptation is key.

With these regulations, it's actually more apparent to understand what makes his style work, and what he focuses on in his photographs. While yes, the face is partially covered, vitally, the eyes are not. And with everyone clad in a mask, it in turn becomes a part of the face, a focal point. But critically, as Gilden puts, "you have to think about the rest of the picture – does it interest you too? Does he look like a tough guy, is he old and frightened, does someone have amazing hair, or eyebrows? I see these things and decide if the person is worth asking for a picture."

Street photography of course is not just documenting anyone that passes by, but locating that spark of intrigue. From then, Gilden works with that intrigue to manipulate the scene to his advantage. While there is no raw element of surprise or capture, there is raw intimacy in the subjects' eye contact, the way they are in motion to and fro a grocery story at the risk of their health, not out of want but need. The dynamism is seen not just in the angled compositions nor sharp contrasts of light and color, but also in the context as well, which is a staple of his past street photography as well. The unease of a virus that has invaded our lives, the uncertainty, fear, exhaustion is palpable in these photos.

People with masks grocery shopping during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Hudson Valley, New York. April 27, 2020.

Particularly, I found myself attached to this photo of what can only be described as a 21st century cowboy, but instead of a bandana hiding his identity is a surgical mask. The figure of a dusty 'cowboy' contrasting against the stark sterilization of the mask is striking imagery, and while it hides his lower half of his face the aged, tired eyes are in turn emphasized. The offsetting balance and angle of the shot gives more dynamism to the shot as well, paired with the stark values and contrast of the colors due to the 'flash' of light from the camera. These elements together create a stark, engaging image from an otherwise menial subject matter - a man returning from buying groceries.

Source: https://www.magnumphotos.com/newsroom/what-bruce-gilden-learnt-photographing-in-grocery-store-parking-lots-during-covid-19/

[equestrianempire]

Liz Halliday: Planning for the Olympics

Liz Halliday and Miks Master C. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

After a 2023 season filled with highs and lows, Liz Halliday has been keeping busy in the off season. I caught up with her in a rare quiet moment between traveling to the West Coast to teach a clinic and competing at HITS and WEC in Ocala to keep her horses strong. As exciting as 2023 was, she has big goals for 2024.

When I asked Liz what would make her season a success, she had one simple response, “Winning a medal at the Olympics.”

Sure, anyone can say they want to go to the Olympics; few actually make it happen. Liz isn’t just a dreamer though, she’s a doer. So, how do you plan out a competition season with goals of going to the Olympics? First, start the season off with Grand Prix Eventing at Bruce’s Field.

Liz rarely misses an opportunity to compete in the Aiken eventing showcase. “I think it’s a phenomenal competition. We get to practice the five star test in front of very good judges, which is excellent,” said Liz. “There’s a lot of atmosphere and you’re up there with a lot of top riders, so you really feel the pressure. It’s a great way to chuck yourself into that competitive mindset early on in the year.”

While Liz points out that the good prize money doesn’t hurt, she also thinks the cross country track is a great test for the horses early on in the season. “I love that it’s an intense track. It’s up to height, but it’s short, usually around three and a half minutes to four minutes. You’re not overstretching the horse’s fitness early in the year but at the same time it still forces both horse and rider to make quick decisions and stay focused and sharp.”

Next on Liz’s list is the Setters’ Run Farm Carolina International CCI4* followed by the 4* at Stable View in April. “I tend to target the big bulky tracks at Carolina and Stable View because I think the courses prepare them well for the course at Kentucky.”

On to the main event of the spring season, the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event. Liz hopes that just nine weeks out from the Olympics, we’ll see Cooley Nutcracker, owned by the Nutcracker Syndicate (Liz Halliday, Ocala Horse Properties, Renee Lane and Deborah Halliday), complete his first CCI5* in the Kentucky bluegrass, while Cooley Quicksilver and possibly Shanroe Cooley or Cooley Moonshine, owned by Ocala Horse Properties, will tackle the 4*. As for Miks Master C, Liz says, “In my mind, I don’t believe that Miks Master C needs to prove himself at a 5* again in an Olympic year. Honestly, going quickly around a few 4*s would be just as beneficial for him. My hope would be I can just really show how good he is in the 4*’s this year and that all the pieces are in place after a productive winter of training – It would be great to keep him in the running for the team by doing the 4* in Kentucky rather than adding unnecessary wear and tear.”

The 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event, now called the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, was really special for Liz and “Mikki,” who is owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Debby Palmer. Reflecting back on their third-place podium finish, Liz said, “Miks Master C was just phenomenal the entire weekend. He loves his job and he fought for me to the end. He is such a kind, generous horse who always tries his best and truly loves eventing – I couldn’t have asked for more. I think we have a great partnership now– we still haven’t been together that long, not even two years yet, and I’m very excited for the years to come.”

Liz and Miks Master C, owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Debbie Palmer, contest the Grand-Prix Eventing Showcase in Aiken. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Liz is also competing multiple horses in the 4*L in Tryon just two weeks after the Defender Kentucky Three-Day event, but is keeping the second half of her 2024 competition season flexible. While she has her sights set on events like Aachen, Burghley, Maryland, and Boekelo, she says, “The horses will tell me what they’re ready for.”

“I’m focusing on the first half of the season right now and then I’ll reevaluate what I’m doing with the rest of the year after that. This is an important spring and I will keep my mind on that for now and wait to make plans for the rest of the year after those competitions are done.”

As we looked at all these events Liz has planned, I couldn’t help but gawk at the amount of pressure she handles on a daily basis. With four horses at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, aka THE event of the spring season, Liz will have to live up to the expectations of her owners and supporters, as well as her own high standards.

“I’m always under pressure. That’s just what we do, right? I try to stay focused on the process and take things one step at a time and try not to overthink it all,” Liz said. “Half the battle is arriving at these events feeling like you’ve done all your homework and you’ve ticked all the boxes. Then you can leave the start box and perform your best without questioning the training or the fitness. It’s important to keep your head down and focus on one phase at a time.”

Having a well-planned competition calendar can only help. Liz calls in the cavalry, namely her trainers, to help her build each horses’ competition schedule. “I always sit down with Erik Duvander to go through the whole calendar as I plan it out. I try to make sure the horses are going in the right places and that it’s the right step for each one.”

Liz believes that when it comes to her horses, less is more. “I don’t believe any of them need huge amounts of runs at this level. That’s why Cooley Quicksilver will do the Carolina 4* and then he won’t run again until the Kentucky 4*. He just doesn’t need all the runs, as he’s a very experienced horse. You have to think through what each individual needs and be mindful to not overload their calendar unnecessarily.”

If you’re planning your competition season, Liz has some advice for you: listen to your horse.

“I always try to set a realistic goal for each of my horses, but I think the most important thing is that you have to remain flexible. I’ve always said, ‘the horses will tell you what they’re ready for.’ I really believe it’s important to live your life by that motto,” Liz said. “If that means your plan changes, then that’s fine, but you have to be willing to listen to them.”

Best of luck, Liz! We hope to cheer you on in Paris come the end of July, and we’ll absolutely be cheering for you on your path to get there.

#goeventing

[albumaday2024]

January 10: Hotel California - Eagles

December 8 1976

Produced by: Bill Szymczyk

Label: Asylum

-Rock-

Don Henley: Lead Vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, synthesizer ("The Last Resort")

Don Felder: Backing Vocals, Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar ("The Last Result")

Glenn Frey: Backing Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Clavinet, Synthesizer, Keyboard, Lead Vocals ("New Kid in Town")

Randy Meisner: Backing Vocals, Bass, Lead Vocals ("Try and Love Again"), guitarrón ("New Kid in Town")

Joe Walsh: Backing Vocals, Guitar, Slide Guitar, Piano, Organ, Synthesizer, Keyboards, Lead Vocals ("Pretty Maids All in a Row")

Bill Szymczyk – producer, engineer, mixing

Allan Blazek, Bruce Hensal, Ed Mashal– engineers

Jim Ed Norman – string arrangements, conductor

Sid Sharp – concert master

Don Henley, John Kosh – art direction

John Kosh – design

David Alexander – photography

Kosh – artwork

Norman Seeff – poster design

Ted Jensen – mastering and remastering

Lee Hulko – original LP mastering

One of the best selling albums of all time Certified 26x platinum by the RIAA

Henley described it as a concept album in which they use California as a microcosm for the United States, exploring the dark side of the American dream, political corruption, business vs art and their relationship, and, fame along with themes of loss of innocence and growing up.

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

[cecphotos]

Seascapes and Wildflowers in San Francisco

Join Chris Crosby and Bruce Getty, for a sunset workshop in San Francisco! Learn how capture the best results in difficult lighting conditions at sunset through proper exposure, solid compositions, long exposure, exposure blending, use of filters and more. See more below

There are two sessions available. Choose one or take both!

April 15th at Marshall’s Beach (Seascape)

April 16th at Golden Gate Bridge (Wildflowers)

Overview

During this workshop, Bruce Getty and Chris Crosby will guide you to some of the most interesting areas surrounding the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, some well known and some hidden gems. Beautiful wave action, blooming wildflowers and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few of the incredible opportunities for translating emotion and vision through our photographic medium. We are dedicated to providing the best instruction on all aspects of the art of landscape photography. Whether you are just beginning or are a seasoned pro, we are ready to help you move forward with your photography.

Curriculum

Curriculum will be catered to each individual’s skill level and may vary from student to student. Below you’ll find some common topics based upon different skill levels.

BEGINNER-INTERMEDIATE

Fundamentals are essential in the development of any skill, photography is no different. Below you’ll find some sample topics to help you develop yours:

Shooting in Manual Mode

Understand The Exposure Triangle and how each affects the image (aperture, ISO, shutter speed)

How to Meter and Expose for best results

Using light for better captures

Compositions made simple and easy

Understanding and using camera settings and menu options

ND’s, Polarizer and Grads - Which to use and when to use it

Tips and Tricks for easier workflows and shooting experience in the field

INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED

Those who have a greater understanding of their cameras will get some more advanced shooting techniques to focus on light, location and making good decisions to make the most of the variables. Some advanced topics are listed below:

Exposure bracketing and blending

Focus stacking for depth of field and sharpness

Creative blending to bring the vision to life

Composing for interest, depth and focus

Physical Requirements

Since this is an infield workshop, some walking will be involved. Most locations are not far from parking areas, however, students need to be ready to be able to walk/hike to get to shooting area and good compositions.

Things To Bring

Equipment:

DSLR / Mirrorless camera and lenses

Wide Angle Lens – 12-24mm

Mid to Long Range Zoom – 24-70, 70-200, 100-400

A sturdy Tripod for wave and wind stability

Filters - Neutral Density Filters and CPL

Remote / cable camera shutter

Several memory cards

Spare camera batteries

Head torch (for any night or low light walking and shooting)

Rain cover for camera and camera bag can come in handy in some rare cases of water splash, rain or high wind!

Small Camping Chair or Stool for comfort if standing for long periods is an issue

Clothing Items:

Many layers – As the afternoons wear on it can get quite chilly and a jacket is recommended

Comfortable walking shoes or Hiking Shoes/Boots are recommended for wildflowers

Water Shoes are recommended for seascape session. Be prepared to get your feet wet to get the shot.

Food:

Food, Water, and all other essentials. No Food or water will be provided before, during or after the workshop. Plan ahead and have water and snack on hand to keep your energy up.

Payment, Fees and Terms

COST:  The cost of the workshop is $200 for each session and must be paid in full to reserve your spot in the workshop

PAYMENT: Payment(s) can be made using the Add To Cart button of this web page using a credit card via PayPal and Stripe. If you would like to pay by another method, please reach out to Chris.

CANCELLATIONS:  Cancellations require us to re-open enrollment and/or to engage in additional promotional efforts to fill the workshop on a short notice, therefore, our policy is that there will be no refunds of the payment within 30 days of the workshop date. All refunds are subject to a 6% processing fee. We highly recommend that you obtain travel/cancellation insurance for all workshops to protect yourself against unusual circumstances.

SUMMARY

Your satisfaction, enjoyment and educational experience is important to us.  The goal of this workshop is to allow you to further understand your camera, composition and artistic expression while using the amazing landscapes around the Golden Gate Bridge. We want to ensure that everyone comes away with great instruction as well as a great experience in nature. Most importantly, we are going to have fun! Having fun is a critical part of any good photography adventure. When you have fun, your mind is free to expand and learn!

Transportation

No Transportation will be provided to, from or during the workshop. All attendees are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from as well as any parking fees that might be required.

[kodachrome-net]

Village Theater, Chicago, 1990

[makethatelevenrings]

Shovel Talk // B. Wayne x gn!reader

Requested? Yes!

WARNINGS: brief discussion of sex

Summary: It was the first time Bruce Wayne was introducing his partner to the world...and his kids. His very inquisitive, highly trained, pain-in-the-ass kids.

The steady, firm press of the hand against your lower back was the only constant of the night, it seemed. You were whisked to and fro to talk to various people with a tight smile on your face and honey on your tongue. Your partner kept close to your side as he warmly informed each person that you were his. Your appearance came as a surprise to Gotham society and also to Bruce’s family. Only Stephanie greeted you with a brilliant grin and a quick hug.

“So,” Tim said to the blonde as the Wayne clan sidled up next to their friend. “What’s their story? How do you know them?”

Stephanie smirked, wolfish and sharp, and tossed back the champagne that was in her hand. “Hmmm, the great detectives don’t know something? It must be eating you up. I could put you out of your misery…”

She considered her options and then shrugged. “Or I could go bully some rich assholes. Have fun! Toodles.”

Stephanie placed her champagne flute on a table, gave a little finger wave to the gaggle of fellow vigilantes, and escaped into the crowd of people. Dick glanced at Damian, Tim at Duke, and Jason at Cass. Unspoken words flowed between the pairs and they nodded.

They would figure out who this mysterious figure hanging off of their father’s arm was by the end of the night. They were determined.

Bruce finally left your side to speak with investors, leaving you to stroll through the gala on your own. It was then that the first team decided to strike.

“Hi!” Richard Grayson appeared in front of you, one hand on Damian Wayne’s shoulder. “I’m Dick and this is Damian. You are…?”

“Y/N,” you replied smoothly. “Your father has told me plenty about you two.”

“That’s interesting because we’ve heard nothing about you,” Dick said cheerfully. “How did you and Bruce meet?”

You grinned and clasped your hands in front of you. “We met at a charity event in the East End a few months ago. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you. I guess he wanted to make sure I was a good fit before he introduced me to you all. How is school going, Damian?”

“Quite well,” the youngest Wayne answered. “My art class is highly stimulating.”

“Your father told me that you liked art. Have you ever been to the art museum in the city?”

“Richard has taken me once or twice.” Damian shifted his weight on his feet.

“I don’t know much about art, though, so Little D was doing all the talking,” Dick added.

“I fear my education regarding the history and styles of art is lacking.”

You shrugged. “I took a class or two on art history in the past and I’ve got a friend at the museum who gives tours. Wanna go with me someday? We’ll make Bruce buy us ice cream and everything.”

Damian glanced up at Dick, as if searching for his brother’s approval, and then back at you. He shrugged and almost appeared shy as he responded. “That would be agreeable.”

You turned to the oldest Wayne next. “You’re welcome to join us, Dick. I hear there’s an excellent photography exhibit on Cirque du Soleil right now.”

Dick blanched and he was clearly taken off guard by your response. A shy smile flitted across his face and he lost that handsome, rakish media appearance he usually kept up. “Yeah, that would be great.”

He racked his brain for something else to say, but Dick could see that you were earnest in your attempt to bond. How many times had this family scared off a potential love interest thanks to their hypervigilant secret life? And if Bruce of all people were comfortable with you, then you had to be something special.

Dick made his decision and planted his hands on Damian’s shoulders, steering him towards the hor d'oeuvres table that his other siblings crowded around in their attempt to look inconspicuous in their snooping.

“Thank you, Y/N. I see some investors we need to talk to but have Bruce set up a day for us, okay?”

“Of course. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

The next kid you ran into was Bruce’s favorite child…and his trouble child. Jason intercepted you at the dessert table just as you were stuffing a truffle into your mouth. You glanced up at him with a wide-eyed expression and then merely held out a truffle in a peace offering. He grunted but accepted the sweet without an argument.

“So…you’re bedding the old man.” You choked slightly at his words and coughed to clear your throat before pounding on your chest.

“I mean, yeah, but he’s not paying me if that’s what you think,” you said once you could breathe properly. “Do you ask about the sexual behavior of everyone or am I just the lucky one?”

He smirked, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back against the wall as he studied you carefully. “He’s not paying you? Really? How’d he get you to stay?”

“Oh, I would dump Bruce in a heartbeat. But then I would lose Alfred’s cooking and I’m not a masochist. Well, actually, I’m dating Bruce Wayne so maybe I am a masochist.”

He snorted at your comment and nodded. “Alright, that’s fair. What’s your schtick though? I mean, Bruce Wayne could have anyone he wants. Why you?”

“That’s a fair question.” You handed him another dessert, this time a mini bundt cake. “I’d like to think he keeps me around because I’m smart, invested in Gotham, and decently attractive. But between you and me?” You leaned in close so you could lower your voice and Jason took the bait, following suit and craning his neck down so he could hear your whisper.

“I know his deepest, darkest secret.” A flash of uncertainty crossed his features but you forged ahead. “The back of his left knee is the only spot on his body where he’s ticklish. He shrieks like he’s in a horror movie or something. You’re welcome.”

A wicked grin spread across his face and Jason stood up straight, his gaze clearly seeking out his adoptive father in the crowd. You patted his bicep and he darted out into the crowd with a mumbled thanks tossed in your direction. A muted shriek rose from the crowd seconds later and you hid your grin behind the glass of lemonade in your hand.

Turning to grab a final dessert, you nearly jumped a foot in the air at the sight of the girl staring at you. Cassandra raised an eyebrow at your reaction and bit down on the cupcake in her hand. You pressed a shaking hand to your chest and sucked in a long breath before flashing a smile in her direction.

“I like your shoes.”

You both glanced down at the bright purple converse on her feet and she grinned. There had been a fight with Alfred and Bruce that she won. While converse weren’t deemed “gala appropriate” or “formal”, Stephanie had gifted them to her and Cass loved them. “Thanks.”

And just like that, she melted into the crowd too.

You were chatting with Stephanie when the last two sidled up to you. Steph groaned at the sight of Tim and Duke with their shit-eating grins but you offered them a gentle smile.

“Hello boys,” you greeted. “I figured you would be showing up soon.”

“You probably know why we’re here,” Tim said, getting straight to the point. You shared a glance with Stephanie and leaned back against the wall.

“You each get three questions. Hit me with it.”

Duke perked up. “Who’s your favorite member of the Justice League?”

“Green Lantern.” Your smirk grew at the thought of Bruce’s face if he heard you say that.

“Not Batman?”

You pointed a warning finger at him. “I’ll allow that as a follow up question, but that’s the last follow up question you get. Still have two more. And no, not Batman. I might be from Gotham, but I have taste.”

“Social security number?” Tim asked. You gave him an unimpressed stare and leveled your hand up in the air before flipping your thumb down in the style of a Roman emperor deciding the fate of a gladiator.

“Try again, Timbo,” Stephanie snickered.

“Fine. Occupation.”

“Nonprofit director for a food insecurity program in Gotham. Duke?”

He considered his options for a moment and then nodded to himself. “Favorite place to eat in Gotham?”

You ignored Tim’s mutter of “this is an interrogation, Duke!” and winked at Duke. “Probably Ernie’s Burgers over on 7th. You ever try it?”

Duke grinned and raised his fist. You accepted the fist bump. “If you don’t tell Bruce, I’ll break you out of school one day and we’ll go get some burgers.”

Tim intercepted between the two of you and crossed his arms over his chest, trying and failing at looking as intimidating as Jason did. You merely raised an eyebrow at him and he deflated quickly.

“Okay, okay. Where do you currently live?”

“A studio apartment over in Otisburg. If you want, you’re welcome to stop by. I’ll try and keep your favorite snacks stocked.”

He wasn’t buying it, however. Tim was the hardest kid to crack it seemed. You looked at Duke once more and he pointed to Tim. Alright then. Two in a row.

“What is your biggest fear?”

Stephanie stiffened beside you but you accepted the question with ease. You absentmindedly played with the ring on your finger and tilted your head to the side in thought.

“Losing the people I love,” you said simply. Your gaze strayed for a moment to glance at the tall, imposing man who chatted easily with investors. Your relationship with Bruce was both new but also building for a long time. The first meeting between you two was less than ideal, but your tentative partnership and later friendship built into an undeniable attraction. And, seriously, there was a lot of denial on both parties' end.

“What are your intentions with Bruce?” Duke’s final question snapped you out of your thoughts and you couldn’t stop yourself from barking out a laugh. Stephanie dissolved into a pile of embarrassment and giggles beside you and Tim looked positively stricken.

“Am I…am I getting a shovel talk right now?” you wheezed.

“Do you need a shovel talk?” Tim asked. You shook your head and waved them off, leaning onto Stephanie for support. The blonde wiped a tear away and snickered once more.

“They don’t have a clue, do they?”

“Not one bit.”

When the night came to a close and you were seeing out the last of the guests, you found Bruce waiting for you at the base of the stairs that led to the manor. He wrapped his jacket around your shoulders as you joined him on the steps.

“Did you have a good evening?” he asked.

“Yesit was. Thank you. And the kids were darling. Damian’s an adorable sweetheart.”

His eyes narrowed at your comment and he hummed. “Yes, a regular angel.”

“You really told them nothing?”

Bruce turned you in his arms and tilted your chin up so his lips could press against yours. You tucked yourself closer to him, both savoring the body heat he offered and the rich scent of his cologne. Resting your head on his shoulder, he swayed the two of you back and forth slowly.

“They’re watching from upstairs right now, aren’t they?” you whispered.

“Mhm.” His hand traced lazy strokes up and down your back. “I’ve trained them all for years and no one caught on.”

“Think Stephanie told them yet?”

Bruce rested his chin on the top of your head and sighed. “No, we would hear it.” He drew your hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss to the ring that sat on your finger. To some, it would appear that billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne was moving quickly. Proposing already to his mysterious partner? What would the tabloids say!

But under the moonlight and the warm lights of the manor with the eyes of all of his kids watching, the two of you knew better. The ring glinted for a moment and then, briefly, flashed blue.

You had lied to Dick. While you had met Bruce at a charity event, you had met Batman long before that on the decks of the Watchtower when Hal introduced you to the Justice League.

If there was one thing the Bat of Gotham needed, it was hope.

Tag list: @someoneimsure​ @perpetual-fangirl900​ @visagebrise​ @alexxavicry​

[faintblueivy]

So Imagine...

A world where Bruce Wayne died as a child in that alley that day, Martha and Thomas Wayne grieve as normal parents. They DO NOT BECOME BATMAN AND JOKER. 

Nothing ever remains the same after losing their little boy. So, Thomas buries himself in his work and Martha drowns herself in depression and pain. They do therapy and it works a little and life becomes bearable but...not happy.

One day, Alfred badgers the couple to go out and relax a little and buys them tickets for a circus - Haly’s circus. Everything was going nice and dandy and Martha was in awe of this little acrobat as much as the rest of the crowd when suddenly the rope snaps and the boy’s parents fall to their deaths - right in front of him and the gathering. Thomas is quick to jump in to see if he could help them in any way but Martha can see it in his eyes that they are as dead as they can be. 

They return to home with heavy hearts and Martha can’t get the image of the little boy out of her head. His skin was a light shade of bronze but his dark hair and bright cerulean blue eyes reminded her so much of Bruce that her heart wouldn’t rest. So a few days later she uses her connections to know if the child is safe and well cared for, when to her immense horror, she is replied that he was shipped to Gotham Juvie due to the lack of foster homes. She is enraged.

She calls Thomas and Alfred and lets them know about the little acrobat’s situation and declares that she was going to adopt him. They hesitate a little but she is not to be deterred as she goes ahead and brings the little boy home. 

Richard John Grayson - Wayne. Or Dick, as he likes to call himself. 

He is adamant that he wants no parents and Martha is fine because not only that she is old enough to be not his mother but also because no child can ever be her Bruce.

“You can just call me Grandma then.” She tells him.

His eyes are wide but he nods and then smiles and Martha, in a long while, has never felt this happy. 

Her new Grandson, despite losing his parents, is a ray of sunshine with unlimited supply of energy and the cold and empty manor is warm and happy again. 

Dick is a little charmer and even after Thomas and Alfred’s initial reluctance, they immediately fall in love with the boy and one day, when Martha comes down to the morning breakfast, she hears a happy, deep rumble - one she has not heard in many years. Thomas is laughing. 

There on the dining table, seated beside Dick, was Thomas laughing. Her eyes water at the scene and Alfred, who is standing beside her offers her a handkerchief. None of them mention how his own eyes are wet too.

 ...

Dick is sixteen, a brilliant boy in academics as much as they disinterest him but an invincible athlete. Martha has been told time and time again that her grandson is undoubtedly a international level gymnast. But he is a teenager.

And teenagers steal their grandparent’s ‘coolest’ car and rush off into the night. But they don’t come back with a little battered and bruised, homeless kid tucked under their arm.

“He had jacked three tires off your car. When I confronted him, he tried to hit me with a tire iron.” He says, amused, as Thomas tries to convince the child to show him his injuries.

“I didn’t do nothin’! He’s a fuckin’ big boob liar!” They boy screams, his blue green eyes glaring daggers at Dick.

“Language.” Both her and Alfred warn simultaneously.

After hours of struggle, interrogation and fuck you’s, Martha learns that the child’s name is Jason. He is twelve. Mother died form drug overdosing and Dad is a petty henchman of some crime lord. He ran away from multiple foster homes because they are so abusive that the child feels safer on streets. 

Martha goes on a rampage over Gotham’s foster care after that. She did not donate millions of dollars annually for children to feel safer on streets. After of lot of talks and reassurances and promises, Martha acquires her second grandchild.

Jason Peter Todd - Wayne. 

Jason is tiny. Malnourished like Leslie said. But he is sharp, observant and hungry for knowledge. Martha and Alfred joke that Jason is Thomas' soul child. Where Dick had loved activity and movement, Jason liked quiet and stability - Martha thinks that running and fighting for survival on streets every single day does that you. So evenings often found her and Dick in the garden but Thomas and Jason in the library pouring over as many books as they can.

And to nobody's surprise, despite their rocky start, the boys become inseparable. They are outwardly different, with clashing interests and behaviors but Martha can see that they both carry the same cores of light.  

When the morning of Dick’s Parent’s death anniversary comes around, both her and Thomas find Jason on Dick’s bed, arms curled protectively around his big brother. For the first time in so many years, Dick wakes up to warmth surrounding him, not nightmares. 

...

Both her grandsons attend Gotham Academy so when she receives a phone call from the Principal, she is half surprised and half not. When she enters the Principal’s office, both her boys are standing on one side, Jason with his head hung in shame and Dick glaring daggers at the other side. The boy who seems to be injured is being coddled by his mother who is shooting nasty glares at her grandchildren periodically. 

Then she notices another small boy standing beside her boys, trying to melt into the wall.

Tim Drake. The only son of Jack and Janet Drake of Drake Industries.    

She arches a questioning eyebrow at Dick who shakes his head and then she turns to the Principal. 

“What happened here?”

“Glad to see you’re here Mrs. Wayne.” The Principal says, pushing his glasses up his nose, “I regret to inform you that your ward Jason Peter Todd attacked this young man here.” He gestures to the other boy. 

“Madam, Gotham Academy is a prestigious school and we do not encourage physical violence here. Yes, it might have been acceptable from where he came from but it won’t be, here. I hope you give us the right to punish Mr. Todd here appropriately.” 

Martha inwardly bristles at the jab at her grandson and says crisply, “Mr. Wayne.”

“What?”

“He’s not just Todd. He is a Wayne. Please remember that.”

“Principal Sir.” Dick cuts in and Martha is confused because as hyperactive as Dick is, he is a mannerly child and knows better than to cut in a conversation like this but what draws her attention is the chilling tone which Dick almost never uses. Dick continues, “Why don’t you tell our grandmother more of your regrets? Or the prestigious Gotham Academy believes that bullying is acceptable.” 

Martha has been told what she needs to know. 

“Jason?” she calls out to her youngest grandson softly, “What happened?”

Jason is quiet when suddenly Tim Drake moves forward. She can see he is scared the way his hands shake but determination shines in his blue eyes. She likes him.

“I want to say something.”

He narrates the tale of how he was being bullied and how the boy on the other side with his mother threw his science project model away and broke it and physically tried to attack him when Jason stepped in to save him. Martha felt nothing but pride at Jason’s righteous indignation. 

Tim also explained that Jason exercised immense control even after these bullies called him ‘street rat’, but the verbal spar intensified after Dick was insulted for his Romani heritage, but it came to fist fight after Thomas and Martha were insulted, and Bruce’s death was made fun of.

Her gaze snaps to the other three occupants of the room and they are all in various shades of pale. Apparently, the Principal had not done his homework.

“Principal” She says icily, “Yes, I give you the authority to punish Jason appropriately but only when this young man here”, she gestures to the boy who was now cowering behind his mother, “Is dealt with in the same way.”

After threatening the Principal in soft words but harsh tone about not tolerating to having her grandsons bullied the next time, she grabs Jason’s hand to drag him away from these people who don’t deserve his company, when her eyes fall on the little trembling Tim. 

She offers him her hand.

He stares at it, shocked but after an encouraging smile from Dick and a small shove from Jason, he takes it shyly.

And since that day, Tim becomes a member of Martha’s family. The boys stay together so much that even Thomas forgets that Tim is not theirs. 

Tim’s upbringing sends Martha’s grandmother instincts on a haywire and she resents the Drakes for their criminal neglect towards Tim. 

It is rewarding that Tim flourishes in their attention. 

She learns that his hobby is Photography and he is excellent at it. And he is a genius when it comes to science, computers and gadgets. He likes crime thrillers movies and books and often picks them apart with his scarily good knowledge about forensics that leave the rest of the family in awe and slightly disturbed. 

The dam breaks when one day Jason and Dick return back from school telling her that Tim was absent today and they are worried about him. When they later sneak into the Drake mansion in the evening, Thomas receives a frantic call from their oldest grandchild that Tim was burning with fever. Because Thomas is a doctor, they save Tim before anything serious happens.

This time, it is Thomas who sues the Drakes for Tim’s custody after him and Jason had, had enough of ‘Timbo’s shitty parents’.

“Timothy?” Martha brushes his sweat soaked forehead gently. “Would you like to be a member of our family legally?"

Tim is hesitant about this but he admits that he likes Wayne manor much better than he ever liked Drake mansion. He confesses that he loves Jason and Dick as brothers and sees Martha, Thomas and Alfred as his grandparents as well.

The long custody battle ends with both Jack and Janet Drake dying at the hands of two different tragedies, leaving Tim an orphan, but also with a loving family consisting of three grandparents and two brothers by his side. 

Timothy Jackson Drake - Wayne is adopted into the Wayne family as her and Thomas’ third grandson.

...

A year after they adopt Tim, Thomas comes home with a small girl on his side. She is clearly an east Asian in heritage with dark hair and dark eyes and is speech deprived. Thomas is clearly distressed after Cassandra - her name is Cassandra - is safely secured in warm bed in a nice room across Jason’s. He calls her, the three boys and Alfred to his study to explain about the small girl. 

He talks about how Gordon brought the girl to him and after hours of wordless, signed and clumsily sketched on paper conversations with the little girl they were able to determine that Cassandra was hiding from her father who was an assassin and wanted to drag the little girl down the same path before she ran away. The more he talks about the damage and abuse the girl had experienced at the hands on her own father, the more furious Martha becomes. When Thomas’ explanations ends, Jason slams a punch into the wall making a dent but no one has the heart to reprimand him for that. 

The following morning, Martha can see that her three boys have unanimously decided that they are adopting Cassandra as their sister. She is treated like a Princess, and given the nick name ‘Cass’. 

Slowly but surely, Cass learns what it means to love through Dick’s bright kindness, Jason’s quiet protection and Tim’s infinite patience. After her father is finally apprehended, the family celebrates.

Cassandra Wayne, soon after, becomes the beloved Wayne Princess of Gotham. 

Martha and Thomas often accompany their only granddaughter to her speech therapy lessons, so after six months of her adoption, at dinner, she places a kiss on everyone’s forehead - her three brothers and three grandparents, stands at the head of the table and croaks out, slowly, “Thank...thank you.” All of them stare at her flabbergasted, but it appears that she was planning to shock them even more.

“You...Love. Love you...”

The silence that follows her broken but sure words is deafening. Surprisingly it is Tim who breaks it as he scrambles out of his chair and launches himself at Cass, wrapping his arms around her and both Jason and Dick follow him, grabbing both their youngest siblings fiercely.

A quiet sob breaks her out of the trance and she smiles when she watches Thomas furiously wiping his tears from the sleeve of his shirt. The last time he     had cried was at Bruce’s funeral. And Martha is infinitely grateful that this time these are happy tears. 

...

Sometimes Martha wonders what would have happened if Bruce had lived. If these children are her grandchildren then does that mean they are Bruce’s kids? Had Bruce lived, would he have accepted these gaggle of kids that her and Thomas have collected over the years as his own? Would he have kids of his own? 

Her questions are answered when one day she hears a slight commotion in the entrance is surprised to see a young woman with a sword threatening Alfred.

“I want to meet the Master of this house. Let them know immediately.” She demands in an authoritative but silky voice, and Martha suddenly sees the Toddler clutched in her arm. 

“What is it?” Martha speaks as soon as she can when the woman notices her. She looks surprised for a second but immediately schools her features as the baby fusses.

“You’re alive.” She whispers and before any of them could make an indignant comment about her wordings, she says, “It appears that I might have traveled in to the wrong universe.”

Now that is interesting. Martha lives in a world where they are protected by aliens...so, it is certainly worth hearing for. 

Martha offers the young lady an invitation for tea which she accepts. She notices how the woman carries herself with lethal grace and dignity as if she was a Princess but much more. As they sit and Alfred leaves to bring the promised team Martha notices how the woman’s eyes sweep over the place. 

“How may I help you?”

Her voice attracts the attention of the toddler and this time, he is not clutched tightly enough to his mother’s chest to turn his small head and look at her. Martha gasps. Because the child looks too much like Toddler Bruce. But instead of the blue eyes like her son, this child has glowing green ones, like his mother. But still, the resemblance is uncanny. 

“Yes, he is your son’s.” The woman answers the unasked question.

She is explained the existence of Multiverse, and it’s workings and how Bruce survived instead of them in that world, met Talia (the woman’s name is Talia Al Ghul) and had a child but had to leave. Talia mentions the reason she came here was because her son’s life was in danger and Talia’s father wanted to raise her son as an assassin Prince and a tool for him to use. Talia’s solution to protect her son was for her to give her son to the Bruce of this world to raise, since the Bruce of that world had gone missing.   

“I can raise him.” Martha suddenly declares and the woman looks at him shocked. “I will not raise him into a life of violence but I can certainly protect him and give him a happy civilian life.”

Talia looks unsure, hesitant, but says, “I...have been a warrior since the day I can remember. Never once have I ever thought of my son not being a warrior. He was...born to be one.” 

Martha smiles. “He doesn’t have to be one. Yes, his life will be infinitely different than the one you imagined but...he will be well loved and protected. I can assure you of that.”

“Damian.” Talia whispers as he deposits the baby in her arms after a lot of consideration. “His name is Damian.”

She looks at her son tenderly one last time and places a kiss on his forehead and Martha’s heart breaks a little for the young mother. 

“Will you return back for him?” Martha asks as she follows the Talia to the door.

“No.” Talia whispers, her voice strained. “I will not. Any action taken by me is monitored by my father closely. If I return back, then he might know that I have left Damian here and I cannot let that happen. He is yours, forever.”

Martha gives her a sad smile. “You’re a brave and good mother Talia. Thank you for doing what is best for your son.”

She nods, not turning to look at Damian one last time as she leaves the manor grounds, never to return. 

Martha looks at the baby secure in her arms and her lips quirk up into a grin at the sight of two curious green eyes watching her with interest. 

“Welcome to the family, little Damian.”

When she introduces the new addition to the family, Thomas is dumbfounded. Dick is ecstatic at the prospect of having a new baby brother, Jason is secretly pleased, Cass is happiest and Tim looks unsure.

That’s how Damian Wayne - Al Ghul joins the family.

Damian fits in their home spectacularly. After few days of hesitation, like he had with Dick, Thomas takes to Damian quickly. He has an epic competition going on with their eldest grandson to become the baby’s favorite. Damian refuses to sleep without Thomas but his tantrums are only controlled and won over by Dick. Damian loves Jason manhandling him and giggles happily when the older boy throws him in the air or swings him around. Damian loves Cassandra because she knows what he wants before any of them do. And Cass loves to carry her little brother around to watch birds and animals in the manor grounds.

The only person Damian seems to not get along with is Tim and the older boy seems not be fond of him either. Because Damian wants everything Tim does and the older brother has to compromise for Damian every time. But Martha has to bite laughs a lot now a days because almost everytime Damian falls asleep, it is with Tim in vicinity. And she has caught the older boy tenderly covering Damian in his favorite blanket more often than not. Martha thinks that this is kind of cute but keeps her opinion to herself. 

Her little grandson is quite protective of his siblings though. Anytime someone upsets any of his siblings, they are threatened with scowls, growls and even bites and stabbings in extreme cases.

Like last time when Mrs. Park made fun of Cassandra’s  speech impairment, Damian almost bit her finger off. Damian hates one of Dick’s racist colleague (they all do) so much that anytime the man enters his field of vision, the first thing Damian gets his hand on is thrown at the guy’s head. With deadly precision. And last time when Mr. Link had called Jason ‘street rat’ for personally volunteering charity work for poor and homeless, Damian had smeared his juice and drool covered hands on the Man’s thousand dollars suit. And when one time, a reporter had infiltrated a Gala and chased Tim around to ask uncomfortable questions about his parent’s death and the Wayne’s involvement in it, Damian, noticing Tim’s distress had stabbed the reporter with a fork with no hesitation. 

Martha is still not sure if she should encourage or reprimand Damian for that.

...

As she sits on the head of the table with Thomas on her side and Alfred on the other end, she wonders how miraculous it is for her to have all these children in her life. 

Dick is engaged in an animated conversation with Stephanie who was introduced to the family as Tim’s girlfriend. Barbara, the daughter of James Gordon and Dick’s girlfirend/or not was helping Cass pile up food on her plate. Damian and Tim were bickering over something as usual but Jason trying to hide his snickers in guise of drinking water which made Martha sure that the something was Jason’s doing.

These people were her family. The ones she had gained after losing Bruce. She wonders, if there was a universe where Bruce got to meet her grandchildren. 

Would he accept them? As family? 

Would he love them? As family? 

She brightly smiles when the multiple sets of eyes turn to her waiting for her to blow the candle.

“Happy Birthday Martha.”

Thomas says warmly, his voice thick with emotion and she meets his gaze and sees the love, affection and thankfulness in his eyes for this family that they had created after their earth shattering loss. She knows what she wants as she blows the candle on the cake flickering in front of her.

I wish for us to be family in every universe.

[river-bottom-nightmare]

i want dick grayson to be annoyingly perfect in the smallest of unimportant ways. and i want it to irritate the living hell out of everyone around him

every now and then, jason and dick will go to different chili dog carts around the city, and dick will sit and nod in agreement as jason nitpicks the food, occasionally offering his own two cents. the conversations are tense and if the topic strays from anything except food jason books it, but it’s progress, and dick’s grateful. but he doesn’t understand why jason always growls at him when he’s preparing his chili dogs, chalking it up to jason’s obsessiveness about that food in particular. dick figures he’s probably doing it wrong. until one day, jason bites out a rough question, asks him how he did that. dick’s confused, until jason points out, “you tear open the top of the ketchup packet in a perfect line every time. and you get all of the ketchup out of the packet in one smooth squeeze, and you never get any on your fingers, and i don’t understand how.”

roy was, arguably, a better archer than ollie. green arrow had been birthed from the island, from the trauma of survival. roy, however, had been practicing since he was a kid, and now that he was well into his twenties, he could safely say he was one of the best shots in the world. he could beat all his friends at darts, shoot an apple off wally’s head, and was generally pretty awesome. or, he would be awesome, if only dick fucking grayson would stop making every single shot of anything he threw in a trash can. no matter what he was throwing away, no matter the angle, no matter the wind or rain, as long as the trashcan was in eyesight, anything dick tossed would inevitably end up inside the garbage. sometimes, dick barely even glanced at the damn thing, just took note of it a threw the trash, expecting it to land in the proper place. and it always did. the worst part was, dick didn’t even seem to notice it. he wasn’t actively trying to make every shot. when asked, dick just shrugged and said “we had some pretty good knife throwers in the circus.”

tim’s memories starting out as robin were a whirlwind, a push-pull of bruce’s mistrust, then bruce’s acceptance, of dick’s fear and hesitation, then of dick’s love. he still remembered dick making the two of them hot chocolate in the kitchen after a day of training, tim’s muscles sore and entire body aching but the feeling of pride, because he was good enough to be robin, he knew he was. he hadn’t expected that to happen anytime soon again, given the way their relationship had fractured after tim had left dick’s batman, a terrified fury in his eyes. yet, he’d been proven wrong when, after a particularly rough arkham breakout, alfred asked both dick and tim to stay instead of returning to their own apartments. just because the manor brought back a feeling of warm nostalgia, however, doesn’t mean it kept the nightmares away. he came down to the kitchen and saw dick already up, moving around the stovetop. with a knowing look in his eyes, dick grabbed another mug to make tim some hot chocolate. tim was washed over with a feeling of relief, of acceptance. dick slid the mug towards him and tim took a sip, letting the rich chocolate warm him up from the inside. it was delicious. his little sigh of pleasure must have been audible, but then he remembered something he noticed. “dick. did you use alfred’s recipe for this?” and dick laughed, responded with, “nah. too much work. i just sort of tried to remember what was in hot chocolate, and eyeballed most of the ingredients. i’m glad it turned out good though. no clumps too, that’s good.”

donna didn’t care how old she got, playing in the park with dick never got old. as one of her oldest friends, the two of them could just walk around the park, in companionable silence, just letting themselves relax and enjoy the moment. so, of course, dick would break the silence and ask if she had any earbuds, because it was getting to quiet for him. donna laughed, and reached inside her pocket, fingered past the keys, and grabbed the headphones. the tangled little ball that came out made her sigh, and she pulled on an earbud to loosen it, only managing to make one of the many knots tighter. then, dick took the headphones out of her hands with a here, i got it, and with a few quick tugs, the tangled monstrosity unraveled easy as breathing. then, completely unaffected, he handed her an earbud, putting the other in his own ear. “i’m the one who’s got a lasso,” she said, ignoring dick’s snort and quip about how earbuds and a lasso are two completely different things, donna.

cass hadn’t expected to enjoy such a gentle, graceful form of athletics, but after a few lessons, it had become apparent that ballet could be far from gentle. it pushed her, made her practice and strengthen herself, and she’d fallen in love with the art quickly. however, the most frustrating part of the entire thing had little to do with actually dancing. the school bruce had helped pick out was prestigious, which meant a strict dress code, which meant her hair had to be in a bun. unfortunately, her hair never seemed to want to cooperate. after her latest attempt, falling into a mess of hair at her nape that had so many locks falling out, cass contemplated how mad the teacher would be if she showed up in a ponytail. at that moment, dick peeked into her room, having heard her frustrated noise, and asked if he could do anything to help. cass pointed to the mess of hair, not even remotely contained by the hair tie, and blew a strand out of her face. dick smiled with understanding, then came into her room, grabbing the comb on her bed and standing behind her in front of the mirror. he smoothed her hair with the comb, then pulled it this way and that, twisting and turning and wrapping until, two minutes later, a picture perfect bun sat atop her head. cass blinked with surprise. “first try,” she said, staring up at him, but he just shrugged and said, “it’s not that hard. you want me to drop you off?”

bruce could admit that he rather enjoyed undercover missions. it was an extended game with high stakes, a test of his own acting skills. with makeup changing his face, an expertly made wig, and a demeanor completely different from both brucie wayne and from batman, he swept through the crowd of greasy men, looking for a specific contact. then, he caught sight of someone specific indeed, though they weren’t his contact. eyebrows raised in a what are you doing here? gesture, he slid onto a barstool. from behind the bar, dick offered him a blinding smile, cleaning a glass. he tapped his wrist twice, a clear message. undercover, same as you. then, dick grabbed a couple bottles from underneath a shelf, flipping them in his hand and pouring with grandeur. bruce noticed he hadn’t put any alcohol in his little mixture, only making it seem as if he had. the flashy moves were entertaining, bruce could give him that. dick slid him the drink and bruce took a sip, eyebrows raising in brief surprise. “this is good. bartending?” dick put the bottles and the lemon away, unimpressed. “it’s not like it’s hard. just mixing a couple ingredients. no biggie.” bruce was fairly certain bartending was more difficult than that, but just then, his target came into view. 

steph understood some of the bats’ frustration with dick, she really could. he hadn’t exactly been a welcome and opening batman, that’s for sure. regardless, as the few masks left in gotham had to work together, and she’d gotten to know the man pretty well. and she enjoyed his company as nightwing much more than batman. she dropped onto his balcony in his bludhaven apartment, announcing her presence in that loud-subtle way. dick was nestled in a couple blankets on the couch, going over a couple files, apparently just back from patrol if the small bandage on his neck and bags under his eyes were any indication. nevertheless, he brightened when he saw her and she nodded when he asked if she wanted to spend the night. he moved some of the papers to make room for her on the couch, but she flitted into his bathroom, going through the nail polish bottles she knew he had, and grabbing a shade of red that caught her eye. she tossed him the bottle and put her fingers in his lap, talking aimlessly about a movie she watched with cass. dick seemed to relax amidst her jabbering, and he shook the bottle a couple times before opening it and focusing on her right hand. but as he started, steph paused her rambling and focused on him instead, holding her hands gently and brushing paint onto her nails. he managed to cover her entire nail in three easy strokes, smooth and glossy, not a hint of paint on her skin. the nail was practically perfect. oh god she was jealous. “got a lot of practice with this, grayson?” she asked, and laughed at dick’s mock-offended of course not!

damian wasn’t one for photography, and he could grudgingly admit drake was far better at that particular skill than he was. however, his art class had promised to cover all types of media, and had upheld that pledge. the next two weeks were dedicated to photography, and their final project for the unit had to be a small collection of photographs. animal photography, of course, was damian’s chosen subject, and the knowledge that animal photography was one of the hardest skills to master only had damian wanting to do it more. days later, however, he could admit that it was trickier than expected. how had he never noticed how active his animals were? they never sat still, and every single picture came out blurry. grayson, upon coming across him in the manor grounds, noticed his futile attempts and asked if he could help. damian acquiesced the camera to grayson, who looked through the lens, finding the right angle and background, adjusting the focus settings slightly. then, he let out a sharp whistle and snapped his fingers. in nothing short of a miracle, damian’s pets pasued to look at him, only for a second, and the shutter clicked furiously. damian flipped through the photos, a good many of them clear and wonderful. damian snapped in irritation when dick ruffled his hair and said, “now you try!” it definitely wasn’t as easy as grayson made it look.

babs didn’t really know what she was expecting when she broke up with dick. there was hurt on both ends, and distance for a while, and she had no idea how much she’d miss him. but after a couple months of working together, of remembering that underneath the romantic tangles, their friendship was strong, she’d gotten to the point of dick randomly dropping by her apartment again. the downside was, dick kept randomly dropping by her apartment again. he stole her snacks and messed up her filing system and was so irritating that barbara almost forgot how relieved she was at having one of her best friends back. fortunately, it did come with benefits, because when he was bored, he did some of her chores for her. pausing in the doorway, she smiled at the sight of dick folding her clothes and putting them away. the gesture was platonic now, but no less appreciated. she pushed her wheelchair forward, and in greeting, dick told her how much he wanted to steal all her patterned socks. babs reminded him they wouldn’t fit, and laughed at his pout. dick grabbed one sock off the top of the laundry basket, then dug his hand into the pile of clothes randomly, coming up with the second sock in an instant. folding them together, he repeated the process for each pair. “that...that was fast. you got all of them?” babs asked in confusion. “yes? why, did you expect some to be missing?” was dick’s reply as he shook the wrinkles out of a sweater.

wally was never surprised. he knew dick better than probably most people in the world. he’d gone from frustrated and jealous of dick’s random talents, to admiring and appreciative, to just accepting them as a fact of life. dick’s phone never cracked if he accidentally he dropped it. dick never buttoned up shirts wrong, aligning each button with the right hole perfectly on the first try. dick could plug in usb ports the right way. dick always remembered which light switch was for which room, no matter whose house they were at. dick could pop a cd out of its case without ever smudging the disk, holding it by the rim perfectly. and dick always seemed to know when wally needed a day off, to just visit their old haunts, grab some ice cream, and spend the day talking away on a rooftop. that was just something his best friend could do. and wally would never tell dick, but underneath his fake irritation at it, but he loved him for it.

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[ulkaralakbarova]

A hard-nosed cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down a killer. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Jack Cates: Nick Nolte Reggie Hammond: Eddie Murphy Elaine: Annette O’Toole Haden: Frank McRae Albert Ganz: James Remar Luther: David Patrick Kelly Billy Bear: Sonny Landham Ben Kehoe: Brion James Rosalie, Hostage Girl: Kerry Sherman Algren: Jonathan Banks Vanzant: James Keane Frizzy, Hotel Desk Clerk: Tara King Lisa, Blonde Hooker: Greta Blackburn Casey: Margot Rose Sally: Denise Crosby Candy: Olivia Brown Young Cop: Todd Allen Thin Cop: Bill Dearth Big Cop: Ned Dowd Old Cop: Jim Haynie Detective: Jack Thibeau Plainclothes Man: Jon St. Elwood Ruth: Clare Torao Policewoman: Sandy Martin Bob: Matt Landers Cowboy Bartender: Peter Jason First Cop: Bill Cross Second Cop: Chris Mulkey Parking Lot Attendant: Marcelino Sánchez Road Gang Guard: Bennie E. Dobbins Road Gang Guard: Walter Scott Road Gang Guard: W.T. Zacha Prison Guard: Loyd Catlett Prison Guard: B. G. Fisher Prison Guard: Reid Cruickshanks Duty Sergeant: R. D. Call Hooker: Brenda Venus Hooker: Gloria Gifford Torchy’s Patron: Nick Dimitri Torchy’s Patron: John Dennis Johnston Torchy’s Patron: Rock A. Walker Gas Station Attendant: Dave Moordigian Security Guard: J. Wesley Huston Cop with Gun: Gary Pettinger Bar Girl: Marquerita Wallace Bar Girl: Angela Robinson Witherspoon Bartender: Jack Lightsy Henry Wong: John Hauk Interrogator: Bob Yanez Leroy: Clint Smith Gang Member: Luis Contreras Cowgirl Dancer: Suzanne M. Regard Vroman’s Dancer: Ola Ray Vroman’s Dancer: Bjaye Turner Indian Hooker: Begonya Plaza Film Crew: Original Music Composer: James Horner Producer: Lawrence Gordon Editor: Freeman A. Davies Production Design: John Vallone Director of Photography: Ric Waite Editor: Mark Warner Writer: Walter Hill Casting: Judith Holstra Editor: Billy Weber Producer: Joel Silver Sound Editor: John Dunn Sound Editor: Tim Mangini Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Donald O. Mitchell Costume Design: Marilyn Vance Sound Editor: Teri E. Dorman Supervising Sound Effects Editor: Richard L. Anderson Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Rick Kline Executive Producer: D. Constantine Conte Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Gregg Landaker Makeup Artist: Edouard F. Henriques Makeup Artist: Michael Germain Supervising Sound Effects Editor: Stephen Hunter Flick ADR Editor: Mark A. Mangini Stunt Double: Terry Leonard Stunts: Nick Dimitri Writer: Roger Spottiswoode Writer: Larry Gross Writer: Steven E. de Souza Set Decoration: Richard C. Goddard Hairstylist: Dagmar Loesch Stunt Double: Vince Deadrick Jr. Stunts: Tony Brubaker Special Effects: Joseph P. Mercurio Stunts: Bruce Paul Barbour Stunts: Larry Holt Stunt Double: John Sherrod Stunts: Jerry Brutsche Stunts: Billy C. Chandler Stunt Driver: Conrad E. Palmisano Stunt Coordinator: Bennie E. Dobbins Gaffer: Carl Boles Stunts: Walter Scott Movie Reviews: John Chard: You switch from an armed robber to a pimp, you’re all set. A hard as nails cop reluctantly teams up with a wise-cracking criminal temporarily paroled to him, in order to track down an escaped convict cop killer. The mismatched buddy buddy formula exploded onto the screen here in a ball of violence, profanity and pin sharp one liners. It also launched Eddie Murphy into 1980s stardom. Directed by Walter Hill and starring Nick Nolte alongside Murphy as part of an electrifying black and white double act, it’s unrelenting in pace and bad attitude. It could have been so different though, with the likes of Stallone, Reynolds, Pryor and Hines attached at various times for lead parts, it now is written in folklore that Murphy got the break and grasped it with both hands (he was actually fired at one point mind!). Thankfully the problems behind the scenes were resolved to give us a classic of its type. A big success for Paramount it paved the way for more choice same formula pictures in the decade, but few were able to be so course and daring with the racial divide explosions. Murphy is outstanding, quick as an A.K. 47 in vocal d...

[witchymarvelspacecase]

Spread Your Wings: Part 12: The Angel

Summary: Reader is a HYDRA experiment (like the Maximoffs, but not voluntary) who grows wings (like Angel from X-Men). She escapes, and is now trying to rescue and prevent further kidnappings and experiments.

Word Count: 2507

Warnings: Cursing, mentions of violence… honestly, I’m not even sure anymore

A/N: I swear I’m still alive!!!

Send all the love to the bestest best person ever: @writingwithadinosaur​

Spread Your Wings Masterlist

Funny, you hadn’t realized how annoying that faint buzzing sound in your head had been until it stopped. You couldn’t figure out what the noise was, or when it had begun, but it was familiar, like you’d heard it before.

Odd.

All you could focus on was that sound. You were vaguely aware that there was something else, something important that you needed to be paying attention to, but you couldn’t seem to remember what.

“Weird,” you thought. But what was weirder, was the fact that the memory lapse wasn’t concerning. All you could focus on was that buzzing. Where had it come from? And why, when it stopped, did it leave a ringing in its place?

It felt like your head was full of bells.

…

Y/N’s eyes glazed over. Her facial muscles relaxed, and suddenly she was just… gone. The Angel stood in her place, and it took the team a moment to notice. That moment cost Natasha a gash across her cheek and a sizable chunk of her hair as she shoved Tony out of the way of a dagger that Y/N had been carrying just a second ago.

“Clear the fucking room!” Nat shouted as she evaded the next blow, aimed for her torso. Not that her command was taken as one. Tony was in his element already. His suit was engaged and covered his body seconds after Natasha had pushed him out of the way. Clint, who already had a full arsenal of weapons on his person was also clearly planning to stay in the room. That left Steve and Bruce.

Steve would fight literally anyone, but Bruce, he was best kept out of a fight until there were no other options. As the already injured party, Natasha pulled Bruce from the room herself, leaving Steve, Clint & Tony to handle the Angel. All they had to do was incapacitate her and get her back into the cell. At least that was all she hoped they had to do.

“FRIDAY, lock down the lab until given further instructions,” Natasha called as she pulled Bruce through the doors.

The doors swung closed and a loud series of clicks could be heard immediately after.

“That’s only gonna hold her off for maybe a minute,” Bruce said as he jogged down the hallway. “She can hack that.”

“All it has to do is hold her back long enough for the guys to incapacitate her.”

“Do you really think that’ll work?” Natasha shot him a look. “I read the reports from your fights with Barnes. Incapacitation is not gonna be easy. We need a backup plan for when this goes even further into shit.”

“FRIDAY, locate Sergeant Barnes!”

…

Bucky was halfway to the common room when he was practically knocked over by not one, but two people. Bruce and Natasha came sprinting down the hallway, stopping bare inches from him.

“What the-”

“Angel’s been activated.” Bruce couldn’t have gotten Bucky’s full attention any faster. “Tony, Steve and Clint are blocked in the lab with her.”

“They know to incapaci-” Natasha began.

“They can’t be aiming to incapacitate.” Bucky interrupted, his voice gaining a cold edge that hadn’t been there before. “She’ll notice they aren’t willing to hurt her, she’ll take advantage of that. They can’t be worried about hurting her or they’re toast.” Bucky was halfway to the lab before he realized it.

…

Bucky was right. With the men unwilling to potentially cause damage, the Angel was wiping the floor with them. No one had fought with her enough to have learned her style, or her tells. Only Clint had spent any time in combat with her, but that barely counted considering they’d been protecting each other. Already, Tony’s suit was nearly useless. It provided protection against her knife blows, but the electronics were overtaxed. Y/N was smart, and the Angel was ruthless. The chip in her head would already have made her a threat, Tony had hoped that HERMES would have been a bit of a safeguard, but she had overwhelmed HERMES’ safety protocols in seconds.

“I know this is a bad time, but I really gotta remember to offer this kid a job when she’s done trying to kill us,” Tony half-shouted as the Angel forced him back. That was when the hydraulics in the legs of his suit jammed. He couldn’t release the suit, and he couldn’t move his legs. “Well fuck.”

Steve had no shield, and Clint didn’t have his arrows, but they were both doing what they could. Neither had an issue using whatever they could find as a weapon. Their biggest problem was that the Angel had more knives on her than either of them realized, and they were both bleeding.

Even worse, if ever she was left without an opponent, the Angel was at a computer terminal. Tony shouted at FRIDAY to close all access, but it was likely a moot point.

…

Bucky, Natasha, and Wanda rounded the corner at a sprint just as a shattering sound filled the hall. Steve had been thrown through a wall, and he’d taken what had been a large and probably insanely expensive piece of equipment through the wall with him.

Natasha cursed and moved to help Steve up. As they’d run back, she had taken a moment to arm herself, and though she would have rather had her widow bites, she felt better with a gun in her hands.

Bucky and Wanda advanced, sharing a quick look. Wanda would try to enter Y/N’s mind, if that wasn’t possible, she would restrain Y/N until Bucky could release her.

A horrible metallic screech echoed in everyone’s ears a moment before Tony, in his Ironman suit, flew through the hole that Steve had made just moments before.

“She’s on the workstation. No idea what she’s into, but I’m not optimistic,” Tony groaned, pulling himself from his now useless suit.

Bucky quick-peeked through the hole.

...

It felt like hours had gone by, but you still couldn’t place that buzzing sound and the ringing wasn’t stopping. It wasn’t annoying, but you did wish it would stop. You had the oddest sensation that there was something you were supposed to be doing, but that noise; you just couldn’t focus on anything else.

…

Clint was dancing just out of the Angel’s reach; close enough to provide a distraction, but managing to avoid most of her attacks.

The Angel’s emotionless mask was beginning to show a shadow of rage.

Wanda’s eyes were glowing red as she reached for Y/N’s mind, only to come up against what seemed like a solid wall. A solid, cold, and translucent charcoal barrier blocked Wanda’s access to Y/N’s mind. She could see the other woman’s mind, or at least where it should be, but there was no way she would be able to get through that wall; not quickly, and not without trauma to Y/N’s mind. She moved to her second option; restraint. Her tendrils of power wrapped around the Angel like a vice, and clamped her as tightly as possible.

“This won’t last long,” Wanda warned, strain already evident in her voice.

Bucky moved into the room then. He didn’t hurry, or hide himself, but strode slowly, and purposefully towards the Angel, maintaining eye contact the whole time.

“Mission report,” he demanded, hopeful that the Angel would recognize him as had happened before.

She looked at him, assessing, but instead of answering him, she struck out, or at least she tried to. Wanda’s power held her, but only just.

The second time the Angel attempted to break free, she succeeded, and Wanda dropped like a puppet with its strings cut.

Bucky was on the defensive as the Angel swung sharp, and well aimed knives in his direction. It actually took him a moment to remember that he was trying to deactivate her.

What should have been easy; touching her with his metal arm, was nigh on impossible. It appeared, some part of the Angel was aware of Bucky’s ability to shut her down. Every time Bucky reached toward her, she evaded.

Clint and Steve were helping, and though three men, two of whom were well armed, were against her, the Angel wasn’t slowed. Despite her injury, she was flaring her wings, alternatively hiding and freeing them, and using them to force her opponents back and away from her.

The men were all unwilling to harm her, and like Bucky said, she noticed and took full advantage. The Angel didn’t give a shit if she got hurt, she was focused on killing her opponents.

Exhaling sharply, Bucky ducked a knife before swinging out his own. As much as he didn’t want to hurt Y/N, the Angel would decimate him and his friends if they stayed on the defensive.

Bucky had expected Steve to be the one to adapt to his change of pace first, but to his surprise, Barton was right beside him. They hadn’t fought together much in the past, but the archer seemed to pick up his style almost immediately.

Clint was at his back, and despite his wounds, the two of them were able to corner the Angel. It took three of Clint’s hidden daggers to pin one of Y/N’s soft, dove grey wings to the wall, and even then, Bucky took a deep gash to his thigh before his left arm finally came in contact with the side of the Angel’s neck. Her body froze a moment, before she began to shake violently.

“Pull the blades out, Barton. And grab any of hers you can find,” Buck muttered, keeping his hand, and eyes, on Y/N. Her mind was being split in two. Hoping he could help, Bucky started talking.

“Ya know, I never thought I had a fear of heights, or fallin’. I guess that developed after the train. Never knew the name for it, though, I don’t think I cared much really. Don’t know why you went and learned about phobias. Maybe you’ll tell me one day.” As Bucky talked, Clint moved slowly around to Y/N’s other side, checking her for weapons. He moved steadily, not hiding, but not moving too quickly as to draw her attention. “Didja learn about phobias to keep yourself occupied? I had a hard time with that too. Wanda suggested photography. I thought it was dumb at first, but I have a couple different cameras now. I take pictures of all sorts of weird stuff, or at least Sam tells me it's weird. I just like how it looks, ya know?

“Sometimes I just see somethin’, and I don’t recognize what it is right away, I just know it looks cool, or whatever. Then Sam sees the picture and gets all ‘why’d you take a picture of a sewer grate, Barnes?’”, Bucky mimicked Sam’s voice, and brushed some hair off Y/N’s forehead using his right hand. His left, stayed where it was, on the side of her neck, the fingers along the back, and his thumb rubbing from the front to the side gently. “Birdbrain just doesn’t understand art.” When he paused, unsure of what to talk about, Y/N blinked and her head fell forward, her forehead meeting Bucky’s chest.

“Y/N? Doll, you okay?”

“Oh god,” she groaned, her voice gravelly, “What did I do?”

…

Looking around the lab, you felt your heart in your throat.

The moment Bucky’s vibranium hand touched you, the ringing cut out, leaving utter silence for all of a millisecond, before it seemed like the world went into fast-forward; the volume increased to ear shattering levels. Part of your mind tried to cling to the silence that had been shattered, the other desperately tried to make sense of the movie clips being played in your mind’s eye.

That movie was all you would get. The only parts of your time as the Angel that you would be able to recall would come from this, but no matter how hard you tried, you could only catch brief glimpses. Only remember tiny snapshots. Even watching a recording, you couldn’t recall everything that happened. You couldn’t remember the ringing sound at all, nor the silence; your brain was overloaded.

“Y/N?”

Bucky. You mentally latched onto his voice. Reaching slowly, you rested a hand on his metal forearm, letting the feel of the cool vibrainium ground you further.

You took a deep breath before speaking again. “Put me back in the cell.” Your voice only shook a little.

“Doll, ya don’t-”

“Please.” You wouldn’t let the tears fall, but they were blurring your vision. “Please put me back in the cell. I can’t trust myself.”

It was Clint and Natasha who came forward. Natasha offering you support as she walked with you to the cell, and Clint stepping to Bucky’s side as they watched you leave.

Wanda was sitting up, leaning back against the wall and rubbing her temples, and Bucky moved to crouch by her.

“She feels out of control. The cell offers a sense of security,” Wanda spoke softly. “It’s not that she feels at fault, James. She just doesn’t feel it’s safe for us.”

It wasn’t that Bucky didn’t understand. Hell, that had been his reason for going back on ice in Wakanda, he just really didn’t like the lost, fractured look on your face when you realized what had happened.

“Do we know how to clear her triggers?” Steve asked, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Tony brushed debris off his arms and shoulders and crossed the room to a largely undamaged computer terminal. “Yeah, we know how Barnes’ were cleared, but his were specific to one language. FRIDAY?”

“Still here, boss.”

“Scan Y/N once she’s settled in the cell. We’re gonna go through her brain with a fucking microscope.”

“Yes, boss. HERMES is disengaged, but functional. Should I reboot him?”

“Let’s give her a minute. She just got back in her head, let her adjust before we throw another voice at her.”

Bruce and Tony tossed ideas back and forth for a while after that. Bucky only understood every third word, but he wasn’t ready to leave just yet.

“Something in my arm deactivated her, right?” Bucky asked into a pause in conversation.

“Yes, it looks that way,” Bruce replied.

“Can you scan it and see if there’s some sort of connection between the two?”

“Actually,” Tony said, “it shouldn’t even work anymore.” When everyone looked confused and more than a little concerned, he continued, “Practically nothing about the arm you have now is even related to the one HYDRA made.” Tony began pacing and gesturing as he talked. “Whatever it was that deactivated the Angel, shouldn’t be there anymore.”

“Unless it’s the vibranium itself,” Clint said quietly. You could have heard a pin drop.

“FRIDAY, contact Wakanda, and get their full specs on Barnes’ arm.”

“In all my spare time?” the AI sassed.

Tony sighed loudly before adding, “please.”

“Do you want King T’Challa or Princess Shuri’s line?”

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SYW tags (Open): @captainalinjastars​, @purplekitten30​, @afternoondeelites​, @laurapigen1​, @ipaintmelodies​, @ultrawholockedunicorn​, @yukatono1​, @katykyll​, @salamander-falls​, @supernatural-girl97​, @221bshrlocked​, @mypandabuddy311​, @littlepartofheaven​, @originalpottervengerlock​, @elaacreditava​, @marveloussupernatural​, @ainsleyflyingflynn​, @imsunnysu​, @littlewriter55​ , @klanceiscannon14​ @castiels-sunflowers​, @lilmissperfectlyimperfect​, @sorenmarie87​,, @nickyquinnwrites​, @hellzzzbelle​, @book-of-blue004​, @shirukitsune​, @roxytheimmortal​, @doewhisper-of-windclan​, @klanceiscannon14​, @marshmallow-world​, @goth-pigeon​, @eminem-owns-my-asshole​, @unknownuserhasjoined​ @kaleenjackson​ , @mscoloneldanvers​ , @rootcrop​ , @jasura​ , @love-me-maybe​, @sbbs5775​, @montypythonsholysnail​