#duke talks about stuff that doesn't matter

[pekozumi-trash]

I think we as a society need to talk more about how Disney's Chicken Little ends with a little girl getting lobotimized into an incel's tradwife gf for being too mean

[incorrectbatfam]

Stephanie: Why is Cass not on the schedule for Tuesday night?

Bruce: 'Cause I can't have you patrolling together on those slow nights anymore.

Stephanie: What? Why?

Bruce: Because all you do is stand on the rooftops talking, not running routes or watching your suspects.

Stephanie: That is not true. We always get our stuff done.

Tim: No, it gets done because I do it.

Stephanie: Did you complain to Bruce, Tim?

Bruce: It doesn't matter. The fact is, you and Cass work better when you don't work together.

Stephanie: I am SO mad at you.

Tim: How do you think I feel? Every Tuesday night it's you, Cass, and me, and I do seventy-five percent of the work while you guys talk about true crime podcasts.

Stephanie: You're such a hater.

Cass: Why am I not on Tuesday next week?

Stephanie: Because Tim is a baby.

Bruce: You and Steph aren't allowed to patrol together anymore unless it's a Friday or Saturday night.

Cass: What? You can't do that.

Bruce: I'm literally your dad.

Stephanie: So you're making me work with Tim and Duke every Tuesday night?

Bruce: I can't make you do anything. You're free to explore other vigilante opportunities. Maybe you'll find some other place that'll put up with your shenanigans.

Stephanie: I'll be back. Come on, Cass.

Stephanie and Cass: *leave*

Tim: Way to stay strong, Bruce.

Bruce: Well, I find that, as a father, you have to be firm. They'll be fine, you'll see.

Duke: Hey, Bruce, Steph just gave me tickets to a taping of The Voice on Tuesday night so Cass is gonna patrol for me.

Bruce: Stephanie!

[eyelessfaces]

about time we found each other again.

leto atreides x reader

summary: even years after your wedding got called off, leto is not sure he truly really got over you.

warnings: implied cheating (I am so sorry lady jessica I love you), death of a parent, angst, probably inaccurate dune lore stuff my most sincere apologies I did my best

tags: f!reader, arranged marriage, first love, love confessions, estrangement, time jump where the second part takes place a few years before the first movie (this doesn't matter at all tbh)

word count: 2.1k

this is my first time writing for leto so I hope he's alright lol<3

When you came to meet Leto Atreides for the first time, it was instantaneous; maybe you couldn't rightfully affirm it with conviction yet, but some deep part of you immediately knew that you desired him to be the one by your side for the rest of time. 

He had been the only other person around your age when you and your family attended a special meeting on Caladan, and you could very well feel your heart beat faster and your cheeks burn hot at each of his furtive glance thrown your way and each slight smirk over either of your faces when your gaze met his. 

Maybe leaving your home land and being sent to eventually move to Caladan wouldn’t be as bad as you had thought, after all.

And it wasn't. You quickly, borderline scarily quickly fell in love with Leto, you were sure of it by now. His manners were those of a man of respect, and he was kind and compassionate, he didn’t have the over excessive pride you would expect from a destined duke.

And ultimately, you grew to also be almost pretty sure that he felt the same way towards you, from the way he listened to you with no feigned interest whenever you shared stories with him, from the way his warm brown eyes so gently looked over at you, from the way he always made sure you were treated right.

You remembered it to be a warm evening when he officially confessed his love to you. 

You had been walking mindlessly through seemingly never ending fields, talking about anything and everything for what felt like a lifetime, eventually stopping to lay down and watch the sun set. 

Leto had settled on gently putting flowers in your hair while you told him about your childhood on your home land, smiling radiantly as he admired you lovingly, brushing your cheek with the back of his hand before he leaned in to kiss you. 

Your own hand was quick to find his dark curls neatly slicked back as he hovered over you, the tip of his fingers delicately tracing your face and neck before he pulled away from your lips when it became absolutely necessary. 

From there, the sunset and everything else became insignificant, everything could be crumbling around you and you wouldn’t pay it any mind; nothing mattered, not when Leto promised to love you until his very last breath here in the middle of nowhere. 

So when you eventually had your parents visit you on Caladan and announce to you that you had been sent there for them to agree with the Atreides upon arranging a marriage with Leto, you couldn’t be happier and it couldn’t be more convenient; you would have chosen him anyway, if given the choice.

Leto had the competence of making everything seem so easy, and he turned out to be quick to ease your worries about your upcoming future as a duchess.

Even under the looming political pressure of your marriage, this wedding meant a starting point for the rest of your life, a part you could not wait to share with him, even if it meant a lot of responsibilities and changes.

Then so suddenly, all at once, it all fell apart, everything. 

It was late in the night when you and Leto were laughing and dancing, rehearsing for the forthcoming wedding. Servants had knocked onto your shared room door, and Leto’s hand left your waist as he scurried away to answer the door, opening and making way for them to enter the room. 

They came in with a polite nod, one of them unrolling a parchment letter, reading out loud to the both of you.

The letter was from your father, announcing the news that your mother had died while on a mission, resulting in the need of your presence at your home land to take over her legacy and responsibilities for a while.

You didn’t understand what it involved right away, maybe from the shock of the sudden, dreadful news, the loss of your mother too hard to swallow.

You didn’t understand that it meant that you and Leto were bound to be no more, that either of you were now assigned to different fates and responsibilities, that the marriage was therefore called off for the moment being.

And you quite certainly didn't realize that the night you spent tossing and turning around your shared bed with eyes wide open until the sunrise was the last night by his side, that the morning you left was the last time you would see him.

Until years later, what felt like a lifetime.

When you came back to Caladan for political and business reasons, it was only because of the absolute necessity of your presence, otherwise you wouldn't have shown up.

Finding him again after so long drowned you right back again in the same hollow feeling you endured the moment you were drawn apart years ago, and while you mirrored his polite nod and smirk, you couldn't help but still feel the pain of being estranged so brutally, of seeing him again after so many years.

He was wearing the slowly appearing gray streaks of hair beautifully, and the beard suited him like he was made for it; it made his handsome face look a bit more harsh and severe, but he was a duke now, after all.

You lightly cleared your throat as you made your way to leave the meeting once it was over, troubled as you could feel the weight of his gaze burning holes through you all along. You could feel your heart pound through your ribcage the exact same way it used to when he held you when you were younger, and you ultimately came to the rotten conclusion that your stay here in his presence would be a tough, challenging time for you, and that dwelling on the past had been a bad idea, exactly like you had anticipated it to be. 

—

It was wonderful out there, just like you had remembered it to be. The view from the balcony offered you an endless panorama over Caladan and its lush lands, and while you loved your home land with your whole being, you couldn’t deny missing living on Caladan.

The fresh breeze of the night was nothing but pleasant, and even though you were slowly starting to feel goosebump growing over your skin, you figured the view of the sun starting to set was more important.

“I thought I could stay focused while in your presence.” you recognize his voice all too well, and you wonder if the shiver running down your spine is caused by his sudden apparition or the wind hitting you. “I was deeply wrong”

“Leto,” you chuckle sheepishly, blushing as you turn around and face him.

A bittersweet smile has quirked upon his face, and he steps further and approaches you. The years have been unkind to him, lines of wisdom and experience growing upon his face transforming him into a man hardened by duty. Yet, beneath the rough facade, you can still see the eyes and soul of the man you once knew and loved.

“Why only now?” he asks, a certain helplessness painted across his face.

“What?”

He sighs as he looks away, licks his lips as he walks besides you and grips the barrier of the balcony with both hands. You only hear the wind as you watch and wait for him to do, to say something.

“This should have been yours. All of this” he mutters, gaze fixed on the sight before him. The clouds look like cotton ripped apart and spread through the wide sky, and the sun setting over Caladan turns them into an abnormal color, one you wouldn't even be able to define. “I waited for you.” Leto declares, head turning to look back at you like he is trying to figure out how you feel or waiting for you to say something.

Your eyes close as a small exhale leaves your mouth. “Why should it matter now, Leto” you scoff, turning away to try to escape his gaze, heavier than you remember.

“It has always mattered” he declares, following your steps as you try to inch away from him. He calls your name in a weak plea, his hand coming to rest over your arm. “Look at me. Please”

You do. You turn back to him, and he looks at you like you will be slipping away from him any moment now, like you're just a ghost, like you're water in his bare hands. “Tell me you did not think of me all those years and I'll leave you alone.” he whispers feebly, face close to yours as he still holds onto your arm, and you can feel your breaths mingling from how close he is to you.

His unwavering gaze is locked on yours, desperately waiting for you to say something. Eventually, your lack of response speaks for itself, and he nods slightly. “That's what I thought.”

“Leto.”

His hands come to cup your face, holding it steady as with a sigh, his forehead rests against yours. Your eyelids fall shut under the weight of it all and you exhale softly, your hand wrapping around his wrist, stroking along his forearm.

“I have loved you since I met you. I should have found you and married you regardless.” he mutters, barely louder than a whisper. His declaration makes something flutter deep in your core, and you grimace like his words feel sour to hear. You should have done it differently, should have come back to Caladan after everything went back to normal after your mother's death.

“And your wife?” you rhetorically ask, with a dubious scoff.

“She's not– we never married.” he shakes his head, pulling away from your forehead to look back at you, your hand falling to your side again when you let go of his arm. His gaze and the way his eyebrows are angled weakly are conveying everything you need to know, confirming every conclusion you made. 

Your lips part slightly, some part of you refusing to believe in what he's indirectly telling you, refusing to believe that he gave up on some part of his life waiting for you.

“We were promised a marriage together, a life together” he continues, taking hold of your hand, fingers lacing with yours tentatively. “I always hoped you would come back and we would resume our life together where it stopped.”

“Now still?” you weakly ask, equally pained and somehow flattered that he never really got over you.

Again, the lack of answer and his previous actions prove the point, and you hold his hand tighter when you swallow with difficulty. Your other hand slightly trembles when you reach to touch his face, settling to rest at his bearded cheek, and you smile weakly as you trace the lines that you never got to witness appear. 

“We were so young” you smile, drawing one out of him. The corners of his lips turn upwards as his hand covers your own over his face, pulling it to bring it to his mouth to kiss your knuckles softly, the feeling of his warm breath over your skin taking you years back.

“Don't go back.” he begs against your hand, his voice wavering a little. There’s a glint in his eyes as his gaze darts up at you that makes it impossible for you to consider refusing and giving up on him again. “You belong here.”

Your eyebrows knit in uncertainty as you tear your gaze away from him, looking at the endless view again. You can't help but overthink every consequence coming back to Caladan is going to involve, for you as much as for Leto, and especially for his own concubine that is at this point already long forgotten by him.

This is unfair, but some part of you acknowledges your younger selves feelings and remembers how devastated you were to leave him; leaving again while knowing that he still cares after so many years and regrets not marrying you may hurt even more.

“This will make people talk, Leto.” you wince, looking back at him.

He shakes his head carefreely. “Let them.” he affirms with a dismissive scoff as his hands settle over your hips. You grin softly as he pulls you closer, and a soft exhale leaves your mouth when your arms wrap around his neck.

He takes a while to admire your face, how it has changed despite still remaining the one of the woman he fell in love with long ago.

When he kisses you, it is the exact same way he used to when you were young.

—

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[anadiasmount]

is this real? - jude bellingham x reader.

quick sum: breakup, attempt of a makeup. but you're not here to play around, wanting security, but it doesn't help when jude can't find out what he really wants. is your love really worth the shot?

wc: 2.7 k | masterlist | jude's masterlist

psa 🗣️: hi! i'm back this is kinda angsty and kinda meh :( i still hope you enjoy and like tho! also I will be starting a small jude series in the upcoming weeks, which I'm super excited about! in the mean time here is this :)

“Hi, buddy. Hi! How’s my big baby?” you say in a gentle voice to the German shepherd who couldn't stop licking your face in excitement, his tail wagging and almost crying. It was a month since you had seen Duke, and it was safe to say he missed you as well. He was a birthday gift from Jude about a year ago, since you had asked for one, and Jude wanted a guard dog when he wasn't home. 

You remember the day vividly since it was during the summer, a few weeks before his season ended, and you had the opportunity to travel with Duke around the holidays you took. Duke was a momma's boy, he wouldn’t ever leave your side no matter what. If Jude was here he would acknowledge him but he refused to leave your side. Duke was the biggest and softest sweetheart, he was so friendly and always so happy, so you wondered how he was after you and Jude split. 

Duke came into your embrace and let you hold him for a good five minutes before you got up and made sure he had his breakfast. You practised a few tricks and rewarded him with treats after. He continued to follow you around as you picked up your suitcases and took them upstairs. He tilted his head to the side confused before he whined and touched your leg, “I'm not going anywhere buddy, at least not yet,” you leaned down and kissed his head. He ran up the stairs and watched as you ragged up the three suitcases. 

Duke layed on the carpet as you went into the closet and began to retrieve your jeans and leggings from the drawer, along with your other skirts and shorts you had. Those all barely fit into one suitcase, having to lay on top of it in order to close it. One task was done but you still had to retrieve the other parts of your stuff. You wanted to make sure no trace of you was left behind. Wanting to leave a blank new canvas for Jude’s life. 

After putting that suitcase in your car, you walked back upstairs and started to take your shirts from the hangers. You never realised just how much clothes you had. Any of the shirts or dresses Jude had gifted you, you set them aside in a different pile in a box labelled “do whatever you want” for Jude to decide. You were being petty but you didn't care, you didn't want anything to do with him anymore, all the jewellery and stuff he gave you went into that box, including that damn promise ring…

“Y/n we need to talk…” Jude sighed, he shifted towards you as you sat on the park bench overlooking the small lake. “What's up? Is everything okay?” you ask, your full attention towards him. Jude covered his face, his breathing becoming uneasy as well as his heart. He wanted to avoid it but when you saw his state, the goosebumps appearing, you knew what he was about to do… it was a sign and you felt it.

“I-I-I wanna break up,” he stuttered, avoiding how you stared shocked with wide eyes at him. You let out a small gasp as tears brimmed your eyes, “But why? Have I done something?” you say shaky. You had the urge to reach over and comfort him, wipe his tears away, and reassure him you were here for him, but now you could just stare at him. Stare at his bloodshot eyes, his eyes completely dark and uneasy. 

“You haven't done a single thing, baby, I have to do this… I'm moving away and I just can’t do long distance, knowing that I'm holding you back. I also want to focus on myself and my career, I can’t let this move go to waste, it's a dream and an opportunity…”

Your gaze averted to the white swans in front of you, watching as they cuddled into each other, and swam away. You said nothing, having difficulty processing his words. It seemed like he made up his mind, and you always said you wouldn't hold him back… but now all you wanted to do was fight for your relationship. Fight for him. “Say something…” Jude said, watching intently as your bottom lip trembled. 

You sniffled and wiped your nose and tears away as you stood up. “What’s there to say… you’ve made up your mind. I’ll just go along with it” You smiled and shrugged upset, turning around and beginning to walk away from him. You heard as Jude shuffled around, and jogged towards you. “Wait wait wait, what do you mean? You have to say something, Y/n!”

“No, I don’t. All I can say is I hope it goes well with you Jude, that you have the best season ever in Madrid… And no, you would’ve not held me back… I know what I want, but now it looks like you're not a part of it,” you avoided his pleading eyes. Your gaze returned back to the white swans who now drifted away from each other. “Don't do this Y/n…” Jude begged, grabbing your chin gently, facing you to him where he had tears running down his face.

“Don’t make this harder than it already is, Jude. I’ll miss you but I won’t beg for you to stay, hold you back like you say. I’ll respect your decision…” Jude just stared at the girl who he loves to walk away. Jude cursed at himself, jogging to you because he made a mistake, a regret. But it was too late because you quickly disappeared. 

The first few days were rough, you avoided any light or noise, just staring out at the wall in front of you. But you grew angry at yourself and the world. Jude had left you, and everything inside you felt broken. You couldn't shake away the tears anytime you saw him pop into your head. Jude was a constant reminder he would always be there. 

For Jude it was worse, he showed up to training late, spoke only to his brother and mom who grew concerned, and even lost his spot in the starting eleven for their last game. Jude was devastated and without you there, he couldn't piece his life together. Jude wouldn't sleep, especially now that your sweet scent was gone from his pillow and sheets. If someone had asked Jude if this was where he would have been a year ago he would have laughed at their face.  

Jude had come back from a last meeting with his club, he was exhausted and only wanted to sleep. But he was taken back when he saw the house spotless, and it was strange that Duke didn't greet him at the door. But he smelled that sweet scent again, lingering all over the living room and kitchen, were you here?

Jude tried and tried to contact you, asking how you were or what you were doing, but there wasn't any sign of you. He would just watch your stories when you'd post but it looked like you were always with someone… He was beginning to grow frustrated, why couldn't you respond back to him? 

Jude walked up the stairs, seeing the bedroom door you once shared open. He looked around the room and saw different clothes piled everywhere. “No no, this can’t be happening..” Jude said out loud causing you to get startled. You avoided his gaze and whispered a small ‘shit, fuck’. You weren’t expecting him to come so soon home, or was it that you were here for more than you intended to be? Jude’s eyes directed to you, who was standing there looking effortlessly elegant and beautiful, his Y/n…

“I've set all the clothes and stuff you’ve given me in this box… you can do what you please with them, I don’t want it…” you say in a soft tone, cutting the silence from the room. Jude shook his head, still trying to process everything, “This can't be real… There is no way this is happening right now… This is just a dream right.” Jude paced back and forth, a hand on his forehead as he nervously chuckled.

Why was it so difficult to process what you were doing? Why was the image of you packing causing an ache in his chest? Why did it feel like you were packing away every memory and throwing it away? You were packing your stuff away and Jude knew it would be the last time he saw or heard of you. “Jude… Calm down…” you say, just watching as he sits on the bed in denial. “This day was bound to come… We have to move on, you know?” 

“It’ll be okay Jude-”

“No, it won’t. I can’t move on knowing that I still love you and the fact you're here packing everything away is hurting me, Y/n…” Jude stressed, just wanting to feel your comfort, your hands relaxing his tense body and whispering that you would stay. “Jude you broke up with me. I'm giving you space to figure yourself out but you can’t hold onto hope one day things will change. This is what you wanted, no?” you said, testing the waters. 

Jude went silent, unsure of what to say. He wanted to blurt out to stay, to not leave, that he loves you, but he had trouble doing so. Duke stood and came to your side, going between your legs and sitting, he was protecting you, Duke sensed you were feeling sad and recognized you felt like crying. “No, this wasn't what I wanted… I thought if I did what I did, it would benefit both of us but for me, it isn't… Fuck I can’t even drink my coffee without thinking of you there!”

Jude stood up, his height intimidated you as he towered over you, and you became shy and nervous. “I can’t sleep knowing the pain I caused for both of us or the fact your scent isn't in my sheets anymore… I can’t go and pass by the park we visit because it reminds me of you. I can’t help the fact I lost my best friend and girlfriend at the same time because I thought I was doing the right thing in protecting our hearts… Or it's the fact I refuse to let you go because I love you still.”

“Protect us from what exactly? Jude, I thought we were doing fine! We discussed how our relationship would work once you moved to Madrid. I have a year left of uni, graduating early so I can start my career early because that has always been my plan. You wouldn't hold me back from anything, I knew what I was getting myself into when I started dating you… If you had these doubts we could've talked it out, maybe save ourselves from all this!”

“I was scared you would lose interest and get tired of all the back and forth. Scared you would get unhappy knowing that the long distance would affect us both. I wouldn't know how you felt, and you drifting away, us growing apart, I didn't want that,” Jude insists, his hand connecting with your jaw and running his thumb along your cheek. You leaned into his touch, relishing the feeling, and fluttered your eyes closed, a sense of safety and home. 

“In a relationship, there’s stuff we need to sacrifice to make it work, and I was willing to do that because I love you. I want to see you succeed Jude, after all these years, the hard work, and dedication, you deserve this. Which is why I think it's best if we leave things as it is… We’re so used to and wrapped around each other we-”

“No no no, please-”

“You don't know what you want Jude! You pick and decide and live life as it goes! And I can't put myself through that because look at you now, you first claiming you couldn't do long distance and now saying we could work it out. What if two months in you realise it wasn't what you wanted? Are you becoming unhappy and breaking up once again? I refuse to be put through that, be treated like a test or lab rat just for your self-satisfaction. I also deserve to be happy,” you state, frustrated wiping your tears away and stepping back from him. 

Jude knew you were right, he hated it because it meant that now his biggest nightmare was becoming true. You were done, you were just done, you’d be willing to move on. Jude knew you for who you were, a girl who would listen and observe and not comment, but when you talked you spoke to let the message be clear and heard. So hearing this from you was quite humbling. He didn't know what he wanted, he was confused. 

“You’ll meet new people in Spain, this is just the beginning of something exciting and yet scary. Try it out Jude enjoy it, because this depends on how your future will be, around the people you're surrounded with… You never know, you may just find yourself where you should be… And I will always be here for you like I have, but right now it's better if we just focus on ourselves…” you say frowning, your palms sliding against each other to soothe your nerves. 

Jude just let out a breath and cried, his shoulders shaking and lips trembling which caused you to tear up knowing what you said was hurting him. But in all honestly it was the truth, “Come here,” you said, Jude didn't hold back and wrapped his arms around you, his head hiding in the crook of your neck as he let himself be completely vulnerable, holding you tight so he could relish the moment forever. Duke whined and laid his head on your legs, confused. 

Four months later here you were in England, mostly busy at Uni and an internship you managed to get after getting a referral. Duke and you enjoy walks in the morning and sometimes evening, going to dog parks to clear your head. You hate to say it but the breakup had taken a huge toll on you, you refused to admit it though. It was hard to lose the only person who had been there from day one. 

Jude was thriving in Spain, quickly fitting into the team and contributing to many goals and some assists. Best and youngest player, with many nominees to awards, It looked like he was doing better and happy, but you wouldn't know since your messages became less and less through those four months. You hated feeling a bit angry, jealous, and frustrated because he was doing better than you. 

But that would vanish because, at the end of the day, his happiness was yours as well. Even though you were miles apart, there was always something that brought the two of you together, which was Duke. You relished the good memories with Jude and cried to sleep because it wouldn't happen soon again. But a moment of honesty, you had to move on and not hold onto hope he would come back and chase you.

You learned to live with the fact but it was still hard to process. Maybe in another lifetime, you could have what you did with Jude, but for now, you were okay. It might be hard, but if something is worth fighting for, then it will occur, they just needed and required a huge miracle. You might have lost Jude but it meant you could learn from that and become a stronger person. 

Having been invited to an art gallery and museum, you got ready for the evening. Had the patience to complete a perfect blowout, and do your makeup. You also had the chance to wear your new black dress that fit perfectly for the evening. “How do I look Duke?” his head propped up and barked, which made you giggle. 

You turned to face the mirror for one last look, fixing your necklace, hiding the J initial that was still there, and spraying your favourite perfume. Your doorbell rang, and a few knocks were heard as you approached the door. Unbeknownst to you, Jude was on the other side. You opened the door to reveal him. “Jude!” you gasped, Duke coming to your side and shaking his tail when he saw Jude. Jude’s eyes roamed your body, his mouth slightly agape feeling breathless.

“I was hoping we could talk. Can I come in?”

[breadandblankets]

how i hc duke's relationships with the other (main) bats

bruce: mentor/friend/weird HS teacher u bond with kinda thing, i think bruce on his end still feels simmering guilt for not being there for duke when he needed him, duke feel simmering resentment towards bruce for being another adult that left him, this will boil over at some point but then they'll get over it, they will never be that dumb nuclear found family thing, i think doug and elaine would like bruce tho so maybe one of those friend of the family situations where u call someone ur not related to aunt/uncle

cass: very very good friends, would probably consider her a sister from another mister if u will, i would hesitate to call her a best friend *gestures at all of war* but i think she's up there, i really love the headcanon that there is some tension on duke's end because cass has the ability to be more efficient but she actively chooses not to, i think for a long time duke is going to be holding some unhealthy and unrealistic standards both for himself and also people around him, like everything else this causes tension then erupts before it gets resolved, cass i think would know about said tension the whole time but have no idea how to bring up the issue or how to even think about resolving it so it drags on

dick: i think duke holds a grudge for the robin war thing, and i think he fucking should iykyk, (the way he just leaves duke on a roof??? with cops????, i was shouting at my fucking comic) idk i think dick would probably make light of it for a while but duke would be real fucking clear that he remembers and won't be forgiving and forgetting any time soon, i think they're acquaintances at best but realistically, coworkers

damian: like cass Extremely good friends, found family if you will, honestly i think they got a lot of their interpersonal issues out of the way before duke becomes signal, so really its a matter of time before they actually become friends and not just acquaintances, they're old man young to me, i think they do old man things like feed birds in the park and play Go together, i think damian is probably one of the only people duke doesn't hold to his standards, he thinks damian deserves to be a kid, making damian be a kid is probably some of the only time that duke is forced to relax by proxy, therefore duke and damian's friendship is strongly encouraged by bruce who is out of his depth for what to do with both of them and throwing them at each other seems to be working (👍 parenting)

tim: i honestly don't think they know each other well, like i think they may have talked once??? so i don't have shit to base their relationship off, generally i think they're amicable if distant, like a coworker you say hi to at the coffee machine

babs: i Need them to interact, honestly it would be really funny if duke meets babs for the first time as oracle and he's just like??? you're my favorite librarian? and babs is like !! we missed you when you stopped volunteering!!! and duke has to be like yeah that was the joker, i think they would have a good relationship, they don't work together all that much cause oracle doesn't run duke's ops and duke isn't usually on the night shift but they know they can call each other in if they need. one of duke's few trusted AdultsTM

jason: i think rocky at the start, duke would definitely have some Memories of the red hood, that would probably be a hill to overcome, but i generally think that jason will eventually move into a more positive position in the city even with the shadows of all that stuff following him ofc. they are absolute Assholes to each other in a way that is clearly affection, jason will let duke get away with anything up to and including murder, duke will never let jason get away with anything, its like a typo in the group chat

steph: re same as tim, and babs practically nothing to base the relationship on BUT i think they would get on like a house on fire, like cass: sister from another mister energy, steph is giving duke the "you just found out ur dad is a supervillain" support he needs, they are the only bats successfully going to college they probably go to events on campus together, idk they have so much potential as the forgotten robins and all that, i think they should bully bruce together that would be so fun.

[nevermorgue]

more modern au stuff cause that's the vibes tonight - Ada works in a really shitty restaurant. She doesn't like talking about it and will almost always lie about her job. She tried applying to where Duke works (a performance restaurant/bar) and got rejected. - Will brings movie theatre popcorn home for Montresor after like every shift - Will keeps spare clothes in Prospero's flat from how often he sleeps on his couch. - Berenice and Eulalie love getting their nails done in matching patterns. They even got Pluto in on it when they all did a Halloween theme. - Morella has one of those mermaid tail blankets - She also has Lenore water her plants when she works late - Annabel Lee is writing a book. She doesn't really talk about it, but will go on and on about it if prompted. - Montresor had a motorcycle. Keyword: had. He crashed it and fucked up his body for a while. As of right now, he is bikeless. Although he claims he'll "get the old one fixed up". He doesn't even HAVE it anymore - Prospero, on occasion when he can, will sneak a pastry out of work (idiot works at a bakery despite not really needing to work) for Annabel. He gives her something different every time, knowing she will say "it's good" every single time no matter what it is. He is trying to figure out which one she genuinely likes the most. - Ada was asked to model ONCE for a photography student and she loves bringing it up whenever she sees anyone with a camera - They left Will at the roller rink once and didn't realize until Montresor needed to "borrow his apartment again." They went back at midnight and he was still sitting outside. Just waiting. - Speaking of, yes Montresor kicks Will out of his own tiny apartment for his nightly endeavors. Frequently. Hence why Will is a reoccurring guest at Prospero's. - Duke can and will buy whatever hoodie he sees if it gives him Pluto vibes. Pluto has too many, but it's okay because Berenice likes to steal them.

[gabessquishytum]

Lord Time and Lady Night casually drop it over the dinner that Dream is getting married next weekend. The fiancé is alpha Roderick Burgess, and Dream is absolutely terrified. The old fucker has been trying to court him for a long time. Dream has flat-out rejected him, which, obviously, didn't help in the slightest: Duke Burgess is rich AF, has the title, and Dream's parents consider him a good match. Dream knows that there's no way for him to cancel the wedding - his parents would make him go down the altar even if it's the last thing he does in his life. But he can pull a runaway bride before it's too late! He understands that it's a matter of time till he's found; besides, omegas are not allowed to live on their own. There's only one solution - Dream needs not only to escape but to be mated. If he gets a mating bite, he'd be legally bound to another alpha, and neither his parents nor Burgess would have a say in his life. Easier to be said than done! No sane alpha would dare to mate Dream Endless, the son of Lord Time, no matter how beautiful he looks and how enticing he smells. Moreover, Dream doesn't want to escape one prison just to get into another one - he wants someone good and understanding. Things that Roderick is not. Anyway, the time is running out, and Dream runs away into the night. He rides as long as he can, but even his horse Jessamy, as awesome as she is, needs some rest. And food. And so does Dream, for he couldn't take any supplies from the manor to avoid suspicions. Reluctantly, Dream decides to spend the night in The White Horse Inn. It is far from the manor, and if his absence goes unnoticed until breakfast, he'll be able to rest and buy enough stuff to wait out a few days in the forest. Or, if he's lucky enough, to meet someone agreeable to mate him. Hob Gadling, the innkeeper, recognizes Dream from the start. But even if he didn't, Dream's attire and manners just scream he's nobility who has never been to such places. And he smells like an unmated omega who is prohibited to travel on his own... Still, Hob doesn't need a title to tell when an omega is distressed, and Dream is clearly in trouble. Hob welcomes him like a dear friend, serves him dinner, ensures the omega's horse is comfortable at the stable, and goes back to try to find out what's happened to his guest. Maybe he can help? He also tries very hard not to stare - the stories of Dream's heavenly beauty turned out to be true, and Hob's only an alpha... Dream realizes it's now or never. He must seduce Hob! Even if Hob refuses to bite him, perhaps Dream would be of no interest to Burgess if he's 'second-hand.' To secure a bite would be better, though. If only Dream knew how to lure this strong, kind, and caring alpha into bedding him...

I'm obsessed with this - the mere image of rich, sheltered and shy omega Dream desperately attempting to seduce Hob is absolutely charming. Dream knows plenty about drawing-room small talk, about the weather and one's health and the state of the roads... but he knows very little about passion. Or what an alpha might truly want. He's almost in tears with frustration as Hob kindly rebuffs his clumsy attempts to flirt. He's desperate and tired and kind of a little worked up because Hob is actually kind of sexy.......

Hob kind of wants to laugh, but he's not that mean. So he takes Dream through into his own private little sitting room and makes him explain the whole story from the beginning. He's not promising anything, but he will try to help if he can.

About an hour later he's between Dream’s legs, thinking that this isn't exactly the kind of "help" that he'd envisaged providing. But Dream is no longer just a desperate runaway. He's an omega growing into himself, becoming himself. He's got his hand fisted in Hob’s hair and he's demanding more. Hob obeys him without question. If the church was open at such a late hour he'd take Dream down there right now and marry him on the spot, both of them smelling like sex and cum and all.

And when Dream demands to be bitten in his haughty lordly voice, well. Hob IS only an alpha... what can he do but obey, and make sure that this beautiful, spirited omega remains free of Burgess? Hob intends to be Dream’s mate of course, but he also intends to set Dream properly free. Help him be the person he was always meant to be. He can't wait to see how it all turns out.

[happysheeppolice]

I just think it would be really funny to put a person whos good with their emotions and others and aren't afraid to tell people what's their problem in the batfamliy roster.

like just imagine it

[Bruce shutting off and ignoring everyone]

said person: do you think he does it because he's afraid he's gonna hurt us or because he doesn't know another way of communicating he's feeling distressed?

--

person(gonna call them pip) : tim, you know that playing around with people's emotions won't help with your own, right? nor will sleeping it off.

--

Pip: Damian, growing up in whatever the league of shadows is, was not healthy at all for your mental health.

--

I like to think this happens in casual conversations. You will be talking about the new movie you had just seen one moment, and the next pip will just go "Do you think you hate them because you relate to them? because really, that character was objectively nice and really enjoyable"

they will call you out with the most casual tone and move on.

--

Pip might have very alive and healthy parents, but that does not mean they didn't insert themselves into the Wayne family.

they were new to gotham and befriended this really nice guy around their age, okay? how were they met to know the guy was a Wayne? Also, how were they met to know who the Waynes are? they're new!! also, he said his name was Duke Thomas , so they really had no way of knowing. don't blame them!

--

I also like to imagine that they don't even know a lot about psychology they just understand people like that. it's just easy for them.

no I do not know how they ended so close to the batfamliy but they are here and no matter how many times people try to push them away they will come back you call you out for trying to push them away with no reason.

-

"how does pip know about some of this stuff? aren't they a civilian?" I DONT KNOW OKAY. they just know. they were there at the moment and said their line leave them alone! I just made them up because it's funny to think about :<<

(pip was just made up while I wrote this post)

[not-another-robin]

Welcome to Nars Hell. Long ass post about the BatDog

I'm taking this comic as her canonical origins completely.

Why do I say her? I think it's a typo, but they literally say "she" in the comic when Alfred takes her from the shelter. I'm a big personal fan of butch dogs so I'm sticking to it. Less perceptive batfam members still misgender her but it literally doesn't matter she's a dog

Ace is Alfred's little baby. His skrunkly. His best friend his good time boy.

Likewise, Alfred is the only person in the world Ace listens to. The only bitch in this house she respects.

She only responds to British accents. Yes this results in the family doing their best (worst) Alfred impressions on the regular to get her to do what they want.

She is a terrifying guard dog to almost everyone except Alfred. To Alfred she's a spoiled puppydog who wears sweaters and cries if she doesn't get a special dinner plate like everyone else

Alfred talks to her like a person. Like he holds conversations with her. The family insists it's adorable but he's just having a civil conversation with a colleague

Ace has preference for Damian, Cass, and Duke. She is their little sweetiepie as well.

She would protect Damian with her life and tries to do so often. Fuck that mailman's life forever he's coming for her baby

Damian is the only one other than Alfred she'll listen to, but only when she wants to. No she won't get off of you Damian baby needs to sleep.

Cass she can chill and hang with. Cass is the only one who lets her sleep in the people beds

Duke can play with her like a real dog. Like, with chew toys and stuff. It's weird to watch. He has a million nicknames for her too

She's doesn't necessarily like Bruce but she protects Bruce like it's her job. THAT'S her boy. Alfred hired (adopted) her to protect the emo man so that's what she'll do

She is trained in service dog stuff! She can open doors, alert to medical emergencies, and even bring pills.

[delusionalmultifandomwriter]

Batfam Sleep Noise HC

requested?: no

I should sleep because i literally have to get up at 5am but inspiration hit me

HC: What does the Batfam listen to while falling asleep?

Dick will listen to simple Talk Podcasts where the people talk about random topics. He needs something light to fall asleep. He is not picky though, he will start the first that pops up on Spotify and go with it.

Jason listens to Harry Potter Podcasts. Jay is a big nerd for Harry Potter and likes these podcasts where they will analyize the movies frame by frame. He will also listen to Back to the Future Minute.

Tim listens to TED talk but he never comes far because he will pass out immediatly most times. Podcasts come in truly handy for him when insomnia hits hard. Some nights when he feels lonely, he will listen to Boyfriend ASMR but he will take that secret to the grave. Sometimes he cries while listening to it and hugging his pillow.

Barbara also listens to TED talk. She also likes all sorts of tech podcasts. She will not only listen to podcasts while falling asleep but also during any other situation.

Stephanie likes to listen to meditation podcasts and noises. She will totally fall asleep to the sound of rain, forest noises or the sound of the sea. Steph is zen.

Cass prefers to fall asleep in silence. When insomnia hits her, she will listen to True Crime and History Crime Podcasts. Cannibalism, serial killers, child molesters, nothing is too hard for her. The family is totally questioning her sanity and how she can even listen to stuff like that but noone dares to fight her on it.

Duke listens to slow music. Sometimes it is LoFi but it doesnt really matter to him. Occassinally he will listen to childrens audio books because he used to listen to them when he was younger. He likes the Harry Potter audiobooks as well as other classics and Disney audiobooks.

Damian listens to the Clone Wars Audiobooks. He will listen to them over and over again because they are his comfort audiobooks. He religiously avoids the episode where Fives dies and the one where Ahsoka leaves the Jedi Order (i mean, who doesn't?). On the rare occassion he will listen to something else, he will listen to Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It brings a strange sense of control and normalcy to his truly extraordinary life.

Bruce falls asleep in silence or while listening to white noises. Fight me on that, i dare you.

[ashen-char]

i feel like max would totally freak out during her first gay awakening like... she's always been in heterosexual relationships (+with guys who didn't treat her well btw) so she would totally panic bcs?? she's always thought of herself as straight and suddenly she starts feeling something for a girl?

she would totally blush at a compliment or just simply bcs of the proximity of her girl crush around, although i think she wouldn't be straightforward and confess her feelings bcs well... it's max.

she would either ignore those feelings and try to move on (while ignoring the girl and hurting her by distancing herself) or she'd talk to frankie or sam about it (and they would support her 100%!!)

i feel like frankie and duke would tease her about it, tho. sam would totally be surprised at max's confession but would have a serious talk about it, saying how she's proud of her and would support her no matter if she was gay or not. i think that rich would also play an important role in here since he's always been like a "dad" to sam's kids (and don't forget how important his character was in the last season!!🤠) but also bcs he's gay himself and he would give max some advice, tell her his journey with his own sexual orientation and feel proud of her. i feel like her real dad would have some "but's" if he ever found out about it (idk he just looks like a total homophobe to me lol + considering how bad of a dad/ex husband he is since he always fucks something up). max would be hesitant about telling him about it, tho. knowing how he always lets everyone down i wouldn't even be surprised if she wouldnt tell him.

um, what else... i think max would totally be into rainbow stuff. yk, rainbow hats, rainbow umbrellas, bracelets, socks(😭) anything that reminds her of gay pride. i feel like she would be bisexual/lesbian (i'm a lesbian myself so obv max being a lesbian would be so 🥰🥰) but yeah she would totally have a lot of things in her room that have colors of her flag AND obv she would put a big ass pride flag above her bed. idk the thought of it just makes me happy 😭🤞🏻💞

thank u for listening to my ted talk . i'd love to see more similar stuff to this written by you on ur page and i hope you're doing ok <3 ^__^ i love ur works!!

long ask/response so read more below

oh god, max would be so confused at first. after a few times hanging out, max would catch herself flirting and realise that she's not even joking. that she wants to be around you way more than normal, in a way that's different than being comfortable with her other friends. because being around you doesn't make her comfortable! she feels really awkward and her heartbeat gets all funny and she worries about screwing up her words when she doesn't usually give a fuck about what others think. max finds herself worrying about what you're up to, if you laugh at her jokes, if you'll think what she's wearing is pretty. if you think she's pretty.

honestly, she doesn't even care about the guys she dates as much. there's so many times where max basically uses them as a prop, makes out with them because they're there and talks about them like they're not there. so it's even more confusing to name these feelings because it's completely not like her. and yeah, that feeling of being unsure would make her push you away. but feeling empty without you being near her would slowly eat at max's resolve, and she'd go to the people in her life who always help her figure stuff out.

when max talks about it to sam, sam helps in that half-cringe but very thoughtful way she always does. she'd tell max about a woman who tried pursuing her, mer (in season 3, i think? when max was in chicago for college iirc). frankie would probably walk in during this conversation, and max would be annoyed at both of them—sam for being gross and telling her about someone pursuing her (ew, no one wants to hear about that from their mom) and frankie for being so nosy—but max would eventually settle down and listen.

sam would tell max that whatever she's feeling is great, that the only thing that max might regret is not exploring these feelings and figuring herself out a little more. frankie would say something about how it's fine to not know what you are and just see how it fits and how you feel, relating it to how non-linear their discovery of their gender identity was. frankie would help her realise that everyone's story isn't the same, as frankie tells her these stories about their other LGBT friends. some people feel like they've always known and some people go so long but then have a sudden realisation, like max, but that's all valid and normal. but yes duke and frankie would totally make fun of max for freaking out and acting like this over a crush at her big age.

especially with rich and the other trusted adults in max's life (like phil who would be so happy for max too, and ask all about you), max doesn't need to tell xander about it! his absence in their lives means that he doesn't get to know the real them until he shows an interest in knowing them. if he doesn't act like a dad then he doesn't get to be one, yknow?

when sudden awakenings happen and you reflect on your past, it's funny to see what you've missed. max would look back and think 'shit, i totally had a crush on shego' or something as she looks back at her cartoon crushes. even super close friendships she had growing up, max will realise 'hey maybe it wasn't het of me that i wanted to impress her that bad' or 'wow, i was really jealous when she got a boyfriend'.

ultimately when max accepts that her identity is actually an exciting thing that she gets to discover about herself, she would adore pride. i think learning about the history, the many struggles it took to get this far, and the support of the community is bolstering for any baby gay. but especially with how sam talks to them about feminism and to be proud to be women, it'd be something max thrives in. figuring out whether she identifies as bi or pan or even a lesbian is something that she knows will come in time - for now, she'll be overwhelmed with the love and support she has from the people around her, and a new community with people just like her. (i think max would find the lesbian flag super pretty)

*insert max doing an 'am i gay quiz' nick from heartstopper-style*

thank you for the ask! i love these ted talks!! people loving these characters gives me so much motivation to write em, seriously.

[andydrysdalerogers]

Undercover ~ Chapter Sixteen ~ Royally Screwed

Pairings: Jake Jensen and OFC Samantha Matthews

The Losers have made it back to their families and are out. Well, almost. A threat against the British crown needs to be handled and the CIA has tapped the Losers for one final mission. And they are sending in Jensen.

Jake Jensen hasn't been a civilian in years but now he's undercover to find out why his target is where he is and who he's after.

Enter Sam, someone who Jake doesn't expect and well, he didn't know he was looking for.

Can Jake handle his mission and falling in love? Especially when the truth leads to a bigger mission than expected?

*~* A Jake Jensen Story *~*

Author's note: this is the penultimate chapter. We just have one more left!

The playlist is available on Spotify.

cover photo by me! Dividers by @firefly-graphics

Warnings: angst, death, smut, and a bunch of stuff a can’t say because it gives away the plot!

Previous: Chapter Fifteen ~ Start a Revolution

Story Masterlist // Main Masterlist

Please note that I do not give permission for my work to be translated, reposted, or published anywhere other than my Tumblr. Reblogs are most welcome though!

Jake was fidgeting.  Clay watched as he adjust and readjust his sleeves.  “Jake, you seem nervous.”  

“Wouldn’t you be?” 

“Are you sure you want to do this?” 

“We were gonna retire anyways.”  Jake shrugged.  

“But this,” Pooch asked. “What about...” 

“I don’t want to talk about it.  She made her choice, and I made mine.  it’s done.”  

Clay stopped him.  “Look at me and tell me it’s worth it.”  

“I told you, it’s worth everything.” 

** Six months prior ** 

“Clay, I think I need to go home.”  

“Home? Why? What about Sam?” 

“I’m doing this for Sam”.  

Clay stood up.  “You’re resigning from Special Ops.” Jake nodded. “You’re moving here to be with Sam.” Jake nodded again.  “What about her title?”  

Jake thought back to his conversation with Sam earlier in the day.  

“Would you follow me anywhere JJ?” 

“To the moon and back, Sam. You know this. Why do you ask?” 

“Anthony offered a proposition to me.  Well, to us.  And it's totally crazy but it could work if you agreed to it.”  

Jake smiled.  “Ok Princess, hit me with it.” 

“Anthony is offering to title us, Jake.”  

“What does that mean?” 

“If we stayed, you and me, Anthony will allow us to marry and you would become the Duke of Manchester.”  Sam could still hear her brother’s words.  

“I don’t want to lose my sister.” Not his heir, his sister. “I want you to come home and if Captain Jensen is the person you love, then we can tip the scales. I’ll make him your Duke, a prince of England, just, please stay.  Let’s try and be a family.”  

Jake looked at her with surprise. “I’m an American.”  

“Yes, I know sweetheart.  You would have to renounce your citizen ship and become a British citizen.”  

Jake’s head spun for a second.  He sat on her couch. “This is a lot, Princess. I mean, I always wanted to marry you. But this is not how I wanted to propose.  It’s not … fuck... I don’t even know.”  

Sam sat and took his hand.  “We don’t have to do this right away. If you don’t want to, Jake, I understand.”  She looked away and went to move her hands. But Jake gripped her tighter. She looked at the man she loved.  

“Sam, I would do anything for you. I will ask you to marry me but not like this. Not with bruises on your neck and me still recovering from a bullet wound.” He kissed her hands. “I love you.  Do you want to stay here?” 

“I would only stay if you stayed with me.  Anthony said he would only ask that I stay until my sister in law has her baby.  She’s pregnant, very early. I could go back to the states in a year, but I would give up my title and the Duchy.”  

“Are you ok with that?”  

“I mean, I would have my trust fund my father set up for me and I would go back to work. But no matter what, I would stay with you.”  

“Can I think about it?  I would need to go home and talk with my family.”  

A look of disappointment crossed Sam’s face. “Oh, ok.  Yes, of course.” She went to call her secretary from her phone. 

“Ok, good.  I need to tell them the address of where to send my Christmas card and presents.” 

Sam turned slowly back at him.  “What?” 

“I don’t want you to give up everything for me.  You are a Princess, which by the way, I’m still shocked about.  But it would be easier for me to move here with you. Besides, my parents can visit, and I hope we can bridge the gap between you and your brother.”  

Sam launched herself at Jake. “You just want everyone to bow to you.”  

“Yep, that’s it.  you figured me out. I’m doing this for the title.” Sam giggled as Jake placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’d do it because I can see you want your family and all I ever want is to see you happy Princess. And I know being with your dad and brother will do that.”  

Jake turned back to Clay. “She’s happy Clay. And this is a ride I want to do with her.”  

“Excuse me, Captain.” Jake turned to the usher.  “They are ready for you.”  

“Thanks.  Alright, I guess this is it.”  

Clay looked at Jake and pulled him into a hug.  “You are always a Loser to us Jensen.  We’ll miss you.” 

“Thanks Colonel.”  Clay didn’t tell him not to call him that.  

Jake turned to his other friends who would watch from the back.  Aisha straightened Jake’s tie on his British Naval uniform, an honorary position of Captain of the British Royal Navy he would take up. He put on his hat and saluted his friends.  “Best friends I ever had.”  

“Good luck Jen,” Cougar said as he, Pooch and Clay saluted back.  Aisha kissed his cheek and Jake turned to face the door.  A loud clack could be heard at the door. It’s showtime,  

“Presenting Captain Jacob David Jensen.”  

The doors opened and Jake could finally see into the cathedral. Hundreds of people were in attendance as Jake walked down the aisle.  All of this pomp and circumstance was in celebration of their princess having found her prince and he was taking his place by her side.  About half way down, he could see the people at the end.  Anthony stood there, his crown and cape on full display.  Her father and her mother were there, having rekindle something when she had come to visit.  

And then there was Sam, or how he had to address her in public, Her Royal Highness. She was beautiful in a stunning red gown, her own coronet pinned to her dark locks. She smiled big at him as he made his way down and wiped away a tear, her left hand sparkling.  

Jake thought back again to that day after the rescue and the meeting he had had with Sam’s father.  

“Sir, I just...” 

“No, let me say thank you first.  You saved my little girl’s life. You sacrificed your own recovery for her.  I will forever be in your debt, Captain.”  

Jake felt the tips of his ears grow hot. “I would have done anything to get her back.  She is the love of my life, my angel on earth.  Since the day I met her, I knew she was special.  Not this,” he waved his arm around, “kind of special.  Just “her” special.” 

“I can see that. I had that look when I was with her mother.” Harold sighed. “Anyways, I also wanted to thank you for not losing your temper more with my son.”  

“Your son is a jackass,” Jake mumbled.  But Harold raised an eyebrow, having clearly heard him. “Sorry.”  

“Don’t be, because that is a true statement.  Tony carries a lot of resentment towards me, and he takes it out on Samantha. I sacrificed my relationship with my daughter to get my son ready for his duties and that is something I can never forgive myself for.” He shook his head. “Apologies, you wanted to say something.”  

Something about the look in Harold’s eyes made Jake firm up his resolve. “All I want is for Sam to be happy. And I don’t know what her brother is saying to her right now but what I do know is that I love your daughter very much.  After everything she and I have been through, together or on our own, I want to give her my heart.  So I guess I’m asking if it is ok to ask your daughter to marry me.”  

Harold sucked in a breath and turned towards the window.  “You know, when she was born and I held her for the first time, I promised her that I would do everything to make her happy.  I guess I failed at that in her life.  But not today.”  He turned back to Jake.  “You have taken such good care of my daughter.  Every time I called her, I could feel her happiness through the phone and that was because of you.”  He put his hand in his pocket.  “I had a feeling that you would ask me this question soon.”  He pulled out a box. “This was my great grandmother’s. I hope she says yes to you.” He opened the box to show a cushion diamond with smaller diamonds dotting the yellow gold band.  

Jake took the ring in his hand. “It looks like her.”  

Harold smiled.  “Yes, it does. Whether you marry here or in the states, you have my blessing, Jake.”  

When Sam propositioned him later, all he knew was that he was going to marry the girl of his dreams.  But first things first, before he could propose, he needed to speak to his parents and family about this big life altering change that was about to happen and talk to Sam’s mom.  

His parents took the news pretty well.  His mom was weepy, her baby boy growing up and his dad was proud for stepping up and locking down the best girl for his son. They would come and visit, of course, but it would be a change.  

Sam’s mom was a little hard to crack.  If it hadn’t been for Jake’s undercover job, maybe Sam wouldn’t have been found.  “Victoria, I know you think that, but we were trying to stop him from taking Sam or worse.” Jake took a breath.  “She wants to try and establish a relationship with her brother. And I just want to make her happy.”  

Victoria studied the man that took her daughter’s heart.  “I know.  I just want what’s best for her. Everything you ever done was for her.  I guess I will soon be planning a wedding.”  

A hug and a kiss, and Jake was out the door.  One last stop before he flew back to England on the family jet.  Fuck, that’s an upgrade.  The family jet. He was going to be a part of something bigger.  He headed into the CIA to meet with Fowler one last time. With a resignation letter, his military badge turned in, he saluted Fowler and quit.  

His proposal to Sam was short and sweet.  He did it in the private garden Sam had told him about once.  In a sea of flowers, he gotten down on one knee and asked his angel to marry him. “Samantha, princess, you came into my world like a beacon of light.  My Angel on earth. And even with how crazy things have been and with everything yet to come, I can’t think of anyone else I want to do this with.  I love you so much.  Please, say yes and be my wife.  Will you marry me?” 

How could she say anything else but “Yes.”  

Jake reached the front of the cathedral and bowed to the King, the King Dowager and then to Sam. He shot her a wink and she giggled. He turned back to Anthony and swallowed.  

Anthony stepped forward. “Please kneel.” Jake got to his knees on a little stool.  

“Do you Jacob David Jensen, swear allegiance to the crown?” 

“I do.”  

“Do you swear to execute your duties as prince of the United Kingdom?” 

“I do.”  

Repeat after me, “I, state your name, swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, Duke of Manchester and Prince of the United Kingdom that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Anthony the first, His Heirs and Successors according to law.” 

Jake took a breath and look at Sam, who gave a small nod and mouthed “I love you.” He swallowed. “I, David Jacob Jensen, swear by Almighty God that, on becoming a British citizen, Duke of Manchester and Prince of the United Kingdom that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Anthony the first, His Heirs and Successors according to law.” 

Anthony turned to an attendant who had a red cape with firm trim that looked just like Sam’s.  He draped it over Jake’s shoulders.  Then Samantha stepped forward and Jake gave her a curious look.  His fiancé was beautiful in her red cape and red gown, but she was supposed to stay put. Anthony took the coronet off the pillow and handed it to Sam with a smile.  She moved to be in front of him.  

“Jacob David, do you promise to sit beside me as my Duke and Prince?” 

Jake smiled. “I do.”  

She placed the coronet on his head, kissed both his cheeks and stepped back.  Anthony took back over. “Arise,” he said to Jake.  He stood up and faced all the other Dukes and members of the government. “I present to you, Jacob David Jensen – Davenport, Duke of Manchester and Prince of the United Kingdom.”  

The name change was weird but it’s what was required. Jake took in all the clapping and shit before turning back and moving to stand with Sam. “This shit is hot,” he mumbled to Sam.  

“Yeah, why do you think I was pissed when they introduced me. You at least are in pants.”  

The announcer-dude calmed the crowd with a tap of his stick. “I need one of those,” Jake said.  

“I love you but please shut up.”  

“Members of the government, please rise for the departure of the Royal Family.”  

Anthony moved first and took his fiancé's hand.  Sam’s father followed him solo.  Then it was Sam and Jake’s turn.  “Ready Princess?” He offered his arm.  

She threaded hers through. “Always.” 

NEXT

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[amrass]

Fanfiction updates and excerpts 06.16.24

Happy summer, everyone! The worst season lol. Late spring was intense and I'm still recovering, but we're experiencing a lot of nice rain, and I am engorging myself on coffee and books :)

I miiight open up for RDR2 oneshot requests sometime later this summer or early autumn, under a collection - or a fic at Ao3, most likely - called Barbwired Tumbleweed. So watch this space!  

As always, most of the fics underneath the cut are explicit and rather dark, with a focus on Morbell and Drisbell.

Main projects: 

Salt part 16+. Colm/Micah. Sugar daddy AU. Dark.

While carrying a large barrel of moonshine of his wiry, but considerably strong body, Toothpick paused beside Micah. He looked him over from head to toe, making him feel weirdly slimy.

"What do you want?" 

"Oh nothing, really. Just admiring Colm's taste, that's all."

"Not everyone can fuck their way to the top," Daniel commented, breaking the staring contest between them. Micah snarled at the implications, lighting himself a smoke and breathing like a dragon.

"That puts you two boys in the same boat, doesn't it? One boy for each brother. Oh, I like our bosses, I really, really do."

.

The Lost and the Lethal part 3. Gen? Biker AU in the 90s.

"Listen," Hosea began. "Bringing back this bad stuff with Annabelle, it's obviously meant to antagonize you."

"Damn right it antagonizes me," Dutch muttered.

"Only if you let it," Hosea said, tone sharp until the Duke meowed in irritation. Hosea petted him and said, more quietly, "You're good at ignoring Arthur when he's had too much to drink, no matter how much crap he comes up with. Use some of that skill for this." 

"Hey," Arthur said, feeling less like a sergeant at arms sitting between the president and vice president of a biker club, and more like a kid dragged into the quarrel of his parents.

.

These Days part 3. Arthur/Micah. Biker AU in the 00s.

He turned the water to its coldest setting. He'd done that often, before, so he didn't expect the dizziness when it came. Nearly falling, he grasped the wall to keep his balance. 

Legs shaking, he glared at the shower chair. 

"Fuck you," he said, and then laughed at himself for cursing a piece of furniture. The laughter was bitter, and he didn't let go off the wall. If shower chairs could gaze, this one did so somberly and purply. 

.

Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill. Arthur/Micah. A sequel to Through the Wilderness. Micah is a bounty hunter, hunted by Arthur, who has survived TB through the method of artificial lung collapse. Dark.

"But I guess that was a while ago. Last time I saw you, I didn't think you'd pull through! All skin and bones now, but better than all blood and coughs. Is it true that they cut out one of your lungs? Leave it up to a creature like you to beat a thing that kills most men. Better men, some would say. Not me." 

Let that silver-tongued bastard talk. Let him stall the massacre in the saloon. Let him put fuel to Arthur's rage so it'll burn them both.

"My boys tell campfire stories about you, you know. They say you take the shape of a big black dog, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the scent of blood. Can you smell it right now? We're planning to do some hunting soon. We're real good at it, too, cause you've been picking off the boys who ain't worthy of following me."

.

Slug. O'Driscoll Gang/Micah. Biker AU in the 80s. VERY DARK.

"Easy, baby," Toothpick says as if cutting the hair of a pet, not slicing up boxers. As soon as he steps back to look at his handiwork, Micah closes his thighs and pulls his knees to the side, hating to be exposed. The position remains awkward, all the duct tape on him leaving him in a sort of standing kneel rather than anything stable.

"Adorable." Toothpick puts the knife back in his boot. He begins toying with the waistline of the sweatpants, showing off the outline of an erection. Slowly, he reveals himself only to hide himself again, like he's teasing a lover with something wanted.

Cheeks burning, Micah wants to look away, but the tape keeps his head fixed in place. He's vaguely aware of Prince Albert piercings being a thing, but he's never seen one in person until now.

"You like it?" A step closer. Every muscle in Micah's body tenses. "It doesn't have to hurt," Toothpick croons. "Will it be your first? I like introducing boys to this very important part of life."

.

LOL what an excerpt to end with ... Ngl Slug might be my best work. Anyway, that's it! I'll probably be working on these until autumn :)

Hope you're all are doing great!

[orinthered]

Finally got around to finishing the post game and gotta say, if DD1 was 50% of what they wanted to do, DD2 felt like 70% but the other 30% was the story and Battahl. I loved the game, but it really suffers from the lack of a narrative.

the game's story really does feel like a rough draft that was somehow polished up into a full game. sometimes not even that: more of like a pitch that got tossed around like "ohh yeah i guess we could do that"

the most egregious part for me is now that i'm in ng+ i can really think about just how fucking weird it is that after act 1, where lord phaesus gets the big "i'm the bad guy looking disdainfully out my carriage window, onto you, the arisen, whom the camera states i see as lesser" cutscene the rest of the game just pivots to us working with him and his assistant, i guess.

a lot of stuff in dd2 also feels like it exists out of necessity because "well, we had it in dragon's dogma 1, so it has to be in this game!" largely the beloved system. we don't have a character like duke dragonsbane who really just exists to justify the idea of having a character you're willing to give up for ultimate power and seeing what that effect might have on someone, because in dd2 you just see the dragon (who isn't named! what!) clutching your beloved, 99% some random fuck npc if you didn't manage to get the ring off the sphinx, and you just have to laugh because like there's a good chance the player has no emotional attachment to this character bc they're just pretty faces with stock personalities and the game doesn't treat the arisen as a person so what reason does the player have to do the same?

i also like briefly talked about this on twitter but when i was looking through the design documents for dragon's dogma 1 and you see how much concepting went into cassardis, the starting area... it makes it really hard for me to buy the conceit of the arisen in dragon's dogma 2. games that just drop you into the action without any backstory work really good if roleplaying was a major aspect of the gameplay, but for dragon's dogma 2 it's not. the point of being chosen to be arisen is that you have the ability to show courage in the face of futility — in dragon's dogma 1, the arisen throws away their life in order to save the village that they love.

in dragon's dogma 2... what, you push some pretty girl out of the way? you're maybe like a village guard? ulrika has like so much more motivation to be chosen as arisen it's kind of mind-boggling. dd2's arisen is a cipher but they need to be an actual character for the conceit of the arisen's will changes the world to make any sense.

this screenshot actually made me laugh out loud but in the way that one might laugh in the face of oncoming traffic. what do you even mean man. the only characters with any story relevance for the entirety of the game's plot are brant, sven, and phaesus lmfao you could get rid of everyone else and it wouldn't matter whatsoever

i mean i love this game. it's easily an 8/10 for me but it's so much harder for me to ignore a good game's bad story than it is for me to ignore a good story's bad gameplay. and if dd2's story is markedly worse than dd1's in every single possible facet...

[rowyn-writes]

Cinnamon and Sugar

Chapter Four

Warnings: None

Pairing: Dean x Reader

Characters: Dean, Jo, Reader, Benny Laffite (mentioned only)

Word count: 1.5k

You looked around your nearly empty apartment. Pretty much everything was packed up, and what wasn't was going to be thrown away. You still had a few days until you had to move, but today was moving day. The truck was going to be there in four hours, and there was still things to be done.

You had searched for days on end for another apartment, not wanting to impose on Dean. When nothing came up, you finally decided to take Dean up on his offer. Dean was very sweet about the entire thing. He already had a spare bedroom set up, and even a cat bed for Storm. Hell, he even offered to help you move, to which you declined politely. He had already done so much for you and he barely knew you.

Normally, you would find the entire situation strange, but there was something about Dean, like he would never hurt you.

"Alright, Storm." You said, looking around. "Are you ready to go to your new home?" Your cat gave a sad meow. "No, silly, I meant a new home with me. I'm not leaving you behind." Storm began purring as he weaved between your legs. "God, you're a weird cat."

Not only were you stressed about having to move out, but you also had midterms in three days. But then you had Christmas break; four weeks off of school where you could just sit around in your pajamas and watch Christmas movies.

"Knock knock." A voice said, opening the door. "It's your favorite person!"

You rolled your eyes as you looked at the blonde girl. "Since when are you my favorite person, Jo?"

"Since we were ten, duh. Besides, I have to be your favorite, I'm here to help you finish packing and move your stuff into Dean's house." Jo said, grabbing a stack of books and neatly placing them in a box. "Even though I offered to let you stay at my place."

"Jo," You sighed. "I told you, if your landlord caught me living at your apartment, then you would be kicked out and neither of us would have a place to live."

"I know, It's just. . . You barely know Dean. He could be a serial killer."

"And that would be an upgrade from the last guy I lived with, so. . ."

"Y/N," Jo shook her head.

"Jo."

"Are you okay?" She asked gently. "You haven't really talked about Michael all that much and-"

"It's because I don't want to talk about it." You stopped her. "When I'm ready to tell you what happened, I will. But right now, I'm nowhere near ready to discuss it. No matter how much you and Jack badger me about it."

"We badger you because we care, Y/N/N." Jo objected.

"I know you do, but sometimes it's best to just give me some time. I promise I'll talk to you guys about it soon. Just give me a little more time."

Jo gave you a worried look but said nothing else. "So, what are you doing for Christmas?"

You made a face at your best friend. She was jumping from one touchy subject to the next. "I don't know. . . If Jack doesn't come home from Duke, I might go visit him. You could come too. Make a road trip out of it."

"That's a sixteen hour drive, Y/N. If we were to visit Jack, we would be taking a plane." Jo said as she packed up a few band t-shirts.

"Do you have money for a ticket?" You arched an eyebrow. "Cuz I sure as hell don't."

"Touché."

You decided to play some music while the two of you continued to pack up your apartment. Listening to music was the only way to make you unwind. You loved to her the loud beat of the drums and the hum of the guitar. The two of you danced around as you tossed things into boxes.

"Aren't your neighbors doing to report this?" Jo asked loudly over the music.

"What are they gonna do? Kick me out?" You responded, jumping around.

"This is why I love you!" Jo giggled.

Two hours later, you had everything packed up, and the stuff that wasn't was sorted into two piles: Throw away, and donate.

You and Jo fell back onto the couch, both of you out of breath. "I am exhausted." You wheezed.

"You're telling me." Jo agreed. "Hey, you wanna get some pizza?"

"If you're buying."

———

"So," You said, after taking a bite out of your pizza. "Why didn't you want to pursue anything with Dean again?"

"I mean, it's not that I didn't. He's a nice guy, super hot, pretty smart, but it just didn't seem right." Jo explained. "It's almost like I was stealing him from someone. I could tell that he didn't belong with me."

"Huh," You furrowed your eyebrows. "I've literally never heard someone say that about having sex before." You laughed.

"Oh shut up!" Jo growled. "You make it out to sound like I'm crazy."

"I mean. . ."

Jo glared at you from across the table. "I will hit you with something."

"I'd like to see you try. Your aim sucks." You challenged. Jo hurriedly got up and picked up a pillow from on the couch and chucked it at your head. "Hey!"

"Well, would you look at that, I guess my aim doesn't suck after all." Jo smirked.

"You little -" You picked up the pillow she threw at you and aimed for her stomach.

There was a knock at the door, which interrupted the fight that you were having with Jo.

You opened the door to see Dean on the other side. "Dean, hey! What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to help you move." He said simply.

"Dean I-"

"Nope, you can't stop me." He chuckled as he lifted a box into his arms. "Whatever doesn't fit in the moving van I can put in my car."

You and Jo watched as he carried three boxes out the door. "God he is so sexy." Jo mumbled.

"I thought you said chasing after Dean would be like stealing something from someone?" You inquired, a light grin on your face.

"Doesn't mean I can't admire his great ass." You rolled your eyes and flicked Jo's ear.

"Perv." You mumbled as you grabbed a box and followed Dean out the door. Within twenty minutes, everything had been loaded onto the van.

"Well, that's everything." You huffed, resting your hands on your hips. "Okay, so, Jo and I are going to follow you in our cars, and we'll see you at your house."

You picked up Storm's carrier and put him in the back seat. He was sound asleep, as you slipped a Benadryl in his food earlier because it put him to sleep easily. Storm hated car rides with a burning passion.

It was about a twenty minute drive from your apartment to Dean's place, which was a good thing; you weren't too far away from the coffee shop. His house seemed to be in a good neighborhood. 

Jo parked the moving van beside Dean's car. Dean hopped out of his car and began grabbing boxes, taking them inside the house. After several trips back to the car, you finally had all of your boxes in the house. You crouch down and let Storm out of his carrier, and he darts into a corner, glaring at you. "Aaand now he's pissed." You chuckle softly.

"Ah, he'll get over it, sweetheart. Especially when he becomes hungry." Dean comments as he starts helping you unpack.

"Well, it looks like y'all have this handled. I'm gonna go, it's way too crowded in here anyways." Jo says, giving you a hug before leaving.

You and Dean worked in silence for a while as you unpacked. It wasn't an excessive amount of stuff, mostly things for your room. "I'll unpack the clothes, you don't have to worry about that." You tell Dean as he brings in a box labeled 'clothes'. "Thanks for letting me live with you, Dean. I didn't know what I was gonna do. . ." You say quietly.

"Nah, don't worry about it sweetheart, I look at it as a win-win situation. You have a place to stay and I have good company." He gives you a boyish grin.

"Still, I really owe you one. . . I'll have rent to you the first of the month and we can go half on the utilities." You say as you unpack your clothes, putting them in your dresser.

"Don't stress too much on that, sweetheart. I know times are tough, just pitch in when you can, okay?" He gives you a reassuring smile, gently squeezing your shoulder. "I'll leave you to get settled in. I'll order us some Chinese food."

"Oooh, that sounds really good right now." You sigh happily. "Marry me?"

Dean snorts as he looks at his phone. "You're starting to sound like Benny, there, sugar." 

"What can I say, it runs in the family." You joke. Dean left to go pick up the food and you were left alone in you thoughts. It was strange to be living somewhere other than your apartment, especially with this man that you met not even three weeks ago. But you trusted Dean, there was just something about his personality that just made you feel safe and secure. Storm jumped on the bed, looking up at you.

"Hey there buddy. . . I know, tell me about it, this whole thing is strange. . ." You sigh as you gently pet him. "Everything's gonna be okay. . ." You weren't sure if you were trying to convince your cat or yourself.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Cinnamon and Sugar Tags:

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[tangled-wires-and-a-dead-heart]

Here's a drawing of Eleanor! She's my little princess <3

There's a whole bunch of info on her + her worldstate under the cut!

(here's her outfits during the episodes so far!)

Info/headcanons for her:

She's an art streamer! Her favorite medium to work with is watercolors and acrylics!

She lives in a dingy studio apartment, an entire corner of this apartment is dedicated to her art- it's a huge mess.

She has a border Collie named buddy!

Her main income is from streaming but as a side gig she pet-sits (as in babysitting pets)

She's a huge animal lover and can't stand people harming/mistreating animals. When you get to know her it could be argued that she likes to talk with animals than people!

She's generally nice and tries to get along with everyone else around her no matter how they treat her. This isn't necessarily hard because most people tend to just naturally like her.

This does lead to her having a difficulty with developing relationships with a lot of people.

She can find it hard to grow past the friendly acquaintance/"friend that you talk to whenever you see them but don't really hangout outside of that" phase of relationships with most people (there are exceptions to this but this is how she viewed most of her connections with people)

This leads her to feel lonely even when she constantly surrounds herself with people (not that anyone would be able to notice unless she told them because she always has an air of confidence about her)

This whole problem is why she likes to talk with animals more than people, a lot of animals are fickle and are much harder to get along with than people are. It's just naturally easier for her to connect with animals because she has to work more in order to become closer.

(she definitely pretended that she was a cat when she was a kid- like she was reenacting warrior cats with actual forest animals-)

Her time in Scarlet Hollow has taught her a lot about relationships and how to properly bond with people and it's led to her being able to form closer and more meaningful relationships with people.

She doesn't even try to hide her gift in the slightest. People usually don't believe her anyways and besides it's an important part of who she is, she isn't just going to hide it just because others think that it's a bit odd.

Oh yeah and if it wasn't obvious her traits are hot/talk to animals!

She adores Dustin, that's her little drawer possum baby.

She's a huge believer in anything paranormal/supernatural because hey- if she can literally talk to animals, then who is she to say that Bigfoot or aliens can't also exist.

Stuff about her worldstate:

Duke's dead, Eleanor saved Gretchen. She felt Gretchen trying to slip away and instinctively dove for her. She feels absolutely awful over Duke's death though.

She spent Monday night at Stella's house

She told Tabitha about the kids sneaking into the mines

Rosalina lost her foot in the mine collapse. Eleanor really didn't want to leave a bunch of kids behind in a collapsing mine, it wouldn't be right. She also just didn't want anymore possible deaths to occur as a result of her in action.

On Wednesday she slipped away from Tabitha to go and hang out with Stella.

She told Stella that she should invite Avery to go ghost hunting.

Eleanor invited Tabitha ghost hunting

They both left the ghost in Oscar's house. She felt confident in her decision at the time because Tabitha was there but after the night had passed she felt bad that Oscar lost his job and both he and Rosalina lost their home. If Tabitha wasn't there she probably would've given her years to the ghost.

When searching for Stella on Thursday she had a conversation with pastor Daniel about their shared gift and about the situation with Tulip and the church's rats.

On Thursday she didn't go to Sybil's tea reading and while the "Canon" (as in the choice I chose in game) reason as to why she didn't go was because she didn't trust her (which now that I'm thinking of it- she is probably a bit distrustful towards her- especially after Wednesday) I think that the main reason she didn't go was because she just thought that she didn't have time for it- Stella was missing and no one around town had seen her. Eleanor really cares about Stella and she wants to make sure that she's okay first and foremost. (This is before the stone in the clinic takes over lol-)

Reese leaves the clinic without killing doctor Kelly due to Eleanor calming him down. She's just happy that she was able to deescalate the situation before anything horrible happened.

She was able to find Stella with the help of the dog militia.

She stayed the night over at Stella's again and started a romance with her.