#hell alfred wasn't since day one but you know what i mean

[batcavescolony]

Batman: Hush #5

Sir, You have like 3 kids (at this time) and 6 other allies (not counting future ones) when are you alone? Alfred since day one, Dick came a year into Batman, what's with this stupid 'I'm alone' shit?

[gilverrwrites]

Dickies Mom has got it goin’ on

Had to get this convoluted, angsty but fun idea out of my head. One day I might expand it into a better-written, fleshed-out fic, but for now please enjoy my yappy ramblings.

Wally West/BatMom!Reader

CWs: Wally being a not so great friend.

So like, imagine you're roughly late 20s/early 30s and happily married to the love of your life Bruce Wayne, there's an age gap sure, but ultimately that's not important. What matters is that you've made a life with him and his children. You're especially close with Dick, his eldest (late teens/early 20s) as you've known him since he was a teenybopper.

All is well, until one day in true comic book fashion; you die. You sacrifice yourself for a greater cause. It's all very tragic.

A decade later, it turns out fate isn't done with you. You've no idea how or why, but you wake in a coffin one day and have to claw yourself out of it. Cold, alone, and afraid, you make your way back to Wayne Manor. There you're greeted by your husband Bruce, but not really. This Bruce is greying. There are fine lines on his face you've never seen before and a ring on his finger that does not match yours.

You're not mad, it's been 10 years, and he was supposed to move on! But it doesn't feel like 10 years to you, it feels like only yesterday everything was perfect. It's devastating.

Queue Dick finding out. He just so happened to be hanging with his best pal Wally at the time, they both drop everything to rush over in a flash.

Your first night back on earth is messy. It's emotional, and stressful, a hell of a roller coaster. Ultimately, you spend most of it with Dick and Jay who surprise is also back from the dead. Dick is really your emotional soundboard, while Jay offers more practical advice about navigating a world that has gone on without you. He recommends you just take some time off, heal your wounds, catch-up with friends and family. You should learn from his mistakes.

Wally helps too. Primarily in a comedian relief way but also just as a sunny friendly face. His freckles and kind green eyes go a long way in making you feel at ease amongst a sea of familiar strangers.

He's adamant you've met before but you insist you'd never forget eyes that green and it stops his heart. You mean nothing by it, but it means a lot to him.

After you’ve parted ways, Dick makes a point of telling Wally not to flirt with you if he ever meets you again.

“Flirting? I wasn't flirting.”

“I was there.”

“But, come on man she's hot!”

“She’s my mom.”

“But she's our age now.”

“Wally, she's my mom!”

Eventually, after a lot of teasing, Wally surrenders but he deliberately makes no promises. He can't, not when he's been replaying the same 5-second interaction you'd had at Dicks 18th Birthday party many moons ago in his head over and over. He’ll try for his best friend, but it seems to him like this was meant to be.

Bruce may not be in love with you anymore, but he still loves you. So he helps how he can, offers you food and shelter, medical attention, a job, whatever you need to get yourself back on your feet.

You decide to take Jasons advice. Bruce still has a lot of your things; your clothes and your car. You ‘borrow’ gas money from your widowed husband and hit the road to seek out lost friends and family. Sad, but eager to get away from the city that no longer feels like home. You leave your rings with Alfred, a sign to Bruce that you expect nothing from him, that you'll leave him and his new wife be even though it breaks your heart.

The first stop is Dick, obviously, since you have to travel through Blüd. After joining him for a routine patrol, you spend the night on his couch, eating Thai food and talking about his life since you… passed. Nightwing as just finding his footing back then, but now he's a force to rival Batman.

You're two states over when you get a call from a number you don't recognise. Most of the people you know have changed their numbers since you last spoke, so don't hesitate to answer. You're surprised however by whose on the other end.

“Wally West? How did you get this number?”

“From Dick.”

He's not lying, he's just omitting the fact that Dick doesn't know Wally got your number from his phone bill. If he didn't want that info getting out he should probably put his bills somewhere other than a lockbox in a safe and quit being only person in the entire world to still actively use a landline.

His not-a-lie works however, the implication of Dick's approval helps you to let down those mother-appropriate conversation walls.

“Heard you're travelling cross country, any chance you plan on stopping in Keystone?”

“Why? Whats in Keystone?”

“Um, the Patriots?”

“Baseball?”

“And hotdogs! Al who serves em does not skimp on all the toppings, you've gotta try em.”

“You want me to detour in Keystone for baseball and hotdogs?”

“Well, there is something else.”

“And whats that?”

“Guess.”

“Unmmm… You?”

“Ding ding ding. She's smart and beautiful, a woman after my own heart.”

He's cute. So cute. He's no Bruce, but Bruce never made you laugh like this.

“Wally, this is a bad ideas. I was married until like a week ago.”

“And? I'm not askin’ you to walk down the aisle again, just one game and like 20 hotdogs. For me. You don't have to eat that many unless you want too.”

[lazycats-stuff]

Since Christmas is coming up, I wanted to request that Aussie reader that gets rly annoyed because he has to celebrate Christmas in the winter and not the summer with prawns and pavlova.

Just batbro getting so pouty because it’s cold and snowy (idk I haven’t rly been in snow) and hates it.

Also wanted to ask you, what season are you celebrating in? Summer or Winter? You don’t have to answer but I’m just curious.

Well my anon... Christmas is long gone, but that doesn't mean we can't have Christmas! Although I am the Grinch, but hey. Also, I celebrate Christmas during the winter, but it's been years since it snowed on Christmas... Also, this gif is adorable. And cool. And thank you all for 1.7k followers... The fact you like my writing is still a mind blowing thing to me.

Summary: (Y/N) is Australian who celebrates Christmas during the winter. He hates it.

Warnings: minor swearing, (Y/N) is grumpy, the fam is amused.

Being from Australia made someone a bit more tougher when it came to certain things. Such as snakes and spiders. (Y/N) was used to them and considered them roommates sometimes. Of course, moving from Australia to the good ol' US of A, wasn't an easy change. First one being the ruckus and sensitivity about alcohol.

While being 18, you can enlist in the army and die for your country, but can't drink? (Y/N) thought it was ridiculous. Despite still being underage, but legally an adult, he loved to sip some wine and beer... But Alfred and Bruce always made a ruckus about it. (Y/N) thought that Alfred would be on his side since Alfred is from the UK and they also drink underage...

(Y/N) has never felt so betrayed before.

Secondly, the summers were bad in Australia, especially on the coastal areas of Australia. (Y/N) grew up in Sydney and summers were pretty hellish back there. Here? For Australian standards, these Gotham summers are bearable. Sure, the summers may be from December to February. Yes, Australia has it all flipped around.

(Y/N)'s brothers thought that he was insane with how well he was handling the heat well. (Y/N) never told them that the heat in Sydney was that bad, but the outback and the central parts of Australia are hell on Earth. As if (Y/N) would reveal his secret. The temperatures were perfect...

But there was only slight issue with living in the USA as an Australian. Only one. It's a pretty big one as well.

Everyone knows that Australians celebrate their Christmas during their summer. A summer that begins in the month of December and where people are actually on the beach, enjoying the warm weather with their favorite classic desserts, one of the best examples being a cake called Pavlova.

That is also (Y/N)'s favorite dessert and often makes it when he wants to feel like Christmas is coming. Especially during the summer when he knew that he couldn't celebrate Christmas during the warm weather. That was his substitute Christmas. Winters in Gotham... Well...

He didn't like it. At all. He absolutely hated it. December should be warm, sunny, warm enough so you can go out and enjoy the warmth, maybe even swim! Make snowmen out of sand... Well, then they would be called sandmen. (Y/N) was depressed and sad, to say the least. You know the term seasonal depression?

(Y/N) felt it every single time when December rolled around. Instead of a beautiful sunny day, day filled with warmth, spent on a beach, not bundled in milion layers of clothes...

Not this Gotham winter... Not this snow either. (Y/N) absolutely hated it. Absolutely. While the entire America was looking forward to Christmas, (Y/N) was grumbling in his room, looking out the window, the way that the snow fell. (Y/N) frowned.

At this time, in Australia, he would be eating his Pavlova and his beloved prawns. That's what he would be doing... Just sunbathing. Making sandmen. Eating his beloved Pavlova... And his prawns...

He prefers warmth over this stupid snow. He would give anything to go back to Australia, to Sydney and enjoy Christmas on a sunny beach... Maybe he can take one of Bruce's private jets... Pull something off as well... But only Bruce is allowed to even use them and has numbers of the pilots...

And where is (Y/N) going to find a pilot? Craigslist?

Hell no.

So he quietly puts up with it. December, with January and February, are the hottest months in Australia... And here, on the other side of the world, they are the coldest.

And that's why (Y/N) was moping the kitchen while the rest of the family decorated the tree. He hated this festive feeling in this cold weather.

His Australian mind couldn't comprehend this. Just... Happy in the cold? What is that type of bullshit?

" (Y/N)? Why are you moping? And why do you look so sad, as if someone killed something you enjoy? " Bruce asked as he came into the kitchen, getting a cup of coffee.

" Someone did kill something I enjoy. " (Y/N) muttered.

" Oh? " Bruce asked, smile appearing behind his mug, knowing exactly what (Y/N) was talking about, but choose to stay quiet about it. " And what that might be? " Bruce asked, making (Y/N) scoff.

" You know exactly what I mean B and what makes me so pissed during this winter. " (Y/N) grumbled, crossing his arms.

" Well, it's not my problem that Australia is so messed up. " Bruce said and (Y/N) raised his eyebrows.

" The hell is that supposed to mean? " (Y/N) asked, not sure to be offended or amused, since Australia is pretty weird, that much was true.

" The seasons are all twisted. Australian summer is in the winter months, the winter is in summer months... You get my gist. " Bruce said and (Y/N) scoffed. " And besides, what is so bad about snow? " Bruce added, making (Y/N) scoff even louder.

" What is so bad about snow? It's cold, it melts, it's not fun, it's gross... Do you want me to keep going? It's better when I was back in Australia, celebrating it on the beach, in the sand... " (Y/N) stated and Bruce laughed, ruffling (Y/N)'s hair.

" I know, I know. But it's not that bad here. Snow is not that bad. Sure it is the pure opposite of sand and it's warmth during the summer. You can make snow angels, snowmen, throw snowballs at your brothers... " Bruce said, trying to appease to (Y/N).

" Well, I can't go swim can I? Everything is cold and frozen. I can't do anything in the snow. I can only freeze to death and stay inside. " (Y/N) grumbled, still not happy with this type of Christmas. " It's bullshit. That's what it is. "

" You are lucky that Alfred isn't here, otherwise you would have gotten an Alfred glare for that swearing. " Bruce said, sipping more of his coffee. " Also, is some sort of coldness really that bad? Is snow that bad? " Bruce asked, making (Y/N) laugh.

" For an Australian, snow on Christmas is sacrilegious. Like, a cardinal sin. We celebrate the Christmas on our beaches, during hot weather. Not during this snow and winter... Complete and utter bullshit this is."

" You just need to adjust. " Bruce said and (Y/N) rolled his eyes, just as everyone else walked in.

" Oh (Y/N), snow is not that bad on Christmas. " Jason stated.

" It is! " (Y/N) retorted.

Tim and Dick chuckled and Damian shook his head in amusement.

" I can't believe that you can't understand me! " (Y/N) whined and Damian chuckled quietly.

And that's how the evening was spent, teasing (Y/N) about his hatred for snow. And they even let (Y/N) put the star on the top of the tree.

" Come on, lets watch Home alone. " Bruce said, patting a spot on the couch next to him. (Y/N) laughed sarcastically, but he complied, making sure to wrap himself in a warm blanket, making sure to have his beloved Pavlova nearby. "

" I want my prawns tomorrow. " (Y/N) stated out of nowhere, making everyone laugh.

" Of course, I'll get some for you. " Bruce said, putting his arm over (Y/N)'s shoulders, making sure to bring him closer, to try and give him some comfort.

" Wait, where is Alfred? " (Y/N) asked, confused.

" Went home to see his family. " Bruce explained briefly.

" Ah. "

[nox140497]

07. You're an idiot you know that?

Authors Note: Ok, so this was an idea from SandoraMidoriya, and I think it's a cool idea, and it inspired me to write this, so thank you!☺

---------------------------

Y/n's P.O.V

It's been a couple months since Jason started to go out with us, and I really could not be prouder of my two little birds really I couldn't, and I love them more than anything in the world. Other than Bruce, obviously.

But on days like these.

Days like these that I truly want to strangle them and question my choices in life.

*Sigh*

Let me explain.

Ok, so us being members of the league means that our boys have met the children of the other leaguers. Now, for some reason Dick has formed a brotherly bond with the children/sidekicks/prodegés of Flash, aka Barry Allen, and Green Arrow, aka Oliver Queen

One Walace Rudolph West and one Roy William Harper.

Now I love these boys as my own, I do, but when the three are together, it usually ends in some kind of disaster.

And Thus,

we get to my current situation. The three of them figured that it was a good idea for Dick to teach the gingers how to do some tricks.

What's the problem with that, you may ask?

The thought it would be best to do it near one of the second floor windows.

The first thing I heard was the shattering of glass and then three screams of my oldests name, and in a flash (hehe sorry I had to) both Bruce and I were upstairs looking through the now broken window down at my bloody and probably broken eldest bird laying on the ground two stories down. I blinked a few times before I snapped out of it and sprinted back down the stairs and out the door. When I got to him, I fell to my knees and checked for a pulse. I found one and sighed in relief before hearing footsteps behind me. Looking behind me, I watched as Alfred came over and picked Dick up and took him inside and down to the cave. I was slightly paniced, but I also knew that Alfred would kick me out if I followed him, so I turned to the three panicing kids and walked over to them.

"He's gonna be ok, boys." I murmurred softly to them as I took all three in my arms.

Wally and Jay sniffed and nuzzled closer. I sighed as I slid my fingers through Roys hair, knowing he wasn't very fond of affection.

-------Time skip to when Dick wakes up-------------------

I walked into the room where the boys were all gathered. I leaned on the doorframe, taking in the scene of my youngest cuddling up to his big brother and the gingers on each side of his bed.

With arms crossed, I made my presence known to the boys.

"Now that I know you're all alive and in mostly one piece, does someone want to explain to me why you four thought that it was a good idea to practice infront of a SECOND STORY WINDOW!!???!?!" I asked, yelling at the end and glaring at them.

They all looked sheepish and remained silent. I sighed and walked over.

"Boys, I'm not mad about the window. Hell, Bruce is already organising it to get replaced. But boys, we CANNOT replace the four of you. You mean the world to Bruce and I. He doesn't always show it, but he loves you boys. All of you. Not to mention your parents. Boys, if something were to happen to you, we would not be able to forgive ourselves." I said in a soft, gentle voice.

"We're sorry, Mamma." All four boys said in unison, all looking down. I sighed softly and then smiled softly at them.

"Alright, you menaces, how about we go up and drag B out of his ofice to whatch a movie." I said, and all four boys perked up and nodded. I chuckled and helped Dick up off the bed and up the stairs.

The rest of the day was spent watching movies and eating pizza.

[ivy-loves-chocolate]

Hello! can i have yandere wesker headcanon? from the Code Veronica version. His s/o always tries to avoid it at all costs.

Hii anon, of course!

I hope you like it.

As usual, for early content check my ko-fi/patreon. Thank you!

You knew Wesker vaguely, based on other people's rumors, as he was your coworker during your Umbrella days. However, you had no idea how much he knew about you. From the outside, it seemed that you didn't exist for him, but on the inside, he had deeper feelings for you that led to an unhealthy obsession. You were smart, beautiful, and very determined, traits that made you a very accomplished scientist, and a challenge for Wesker.

Once he knew all the information he needed about you, he hired someone to stalk you, in order to get a better view of your personal life. All of your potential boyfriends disappeared when things turned serious, and that made you believe that something was wrong with you, but that wasn't true since Wesker pulled all the strings. It was, of course, for your safety, as none of them were worthy of having you. Wesker was your only choice, and you had to figure it out soon. He knew so much about you, as if you two shared the same house, but in reality he barely noticed you. He pretended so well that you had no idea what he was doing in secret. 

His plan was coming to fruition, and once you were at your lowest due to not finding a partner, he began to act. The flaw in his plan, which he didn't anticipate, was that you didn't bother to notice him. You will not give in to his advantages, no matter how hard he tries. You said no to dates, flowers, and gifts. Truth be told, you didn’t like Wesker. He was arrogant, selfish, and mean. At some point during your relationship, you avoided him on purpose because he didn’t seem to get the hint. The more you’d reject him, the closer he’ll get. As a result, one day Wesker got mad and kidnapped you, but you escaped just in time thanks to the small outbreak that occurred in the Arklay Mountains.

He wanted to retrieve you that night but ended up toasted. You were long gone, and knowing that he'd follow you, you went to Antarctica in the employment of the Ashford family. It was weird to work with Alfred and "Alexia," not to mention the harsh and cold weather, but it was better than being near Wesker.

Wesker was heartbroken and searched for you for a while, but he lost hope and focused on his new mission.

The Redfield brothers were in the facility, causing mayhem. You didn’t know where Alfred was or if he was still alive. On your way to the security room, you heard a familiar voice from within.

"Ooh little fishy, come see my hook." the man said with arrogance in his tone.

You placed a hand over your mouth as you tried to suppress a scream. It came out as a muffled yelp, but unfortunately it was loud enough for Wesker to hear. You heard his steps coming to the door, and you ran away as fast as you could.

"Did he notice me?" You asked yourself.

"What’s that in the distance? I see another fish."Wesker said this theatrically, knowing he can catch you if want. 

"Shit, shit, shit!" You tried to make it to the hangar, hop on a jet, and fly far away from there. 

"Umbrella is going down; why didn’t I find employment somewhere else?" 

You pulled out your security card and tried to open the doors. Your hands were shaking, so it was hard to scan the card through the small gap, but eventually the light turned green and the doors began to open. You didn’t care about Alfred; he was a jerk anyway.

"Going somewhere?" Wesker asked from behind in a calm tone. 

You froze in place. It felt like time stopped, and like a cornered rabbit, you waited for the big bad wolf to kill you.

"Listen, Wesk-" a hand grabbed you by your neck, forcing you to face him. Upon seeing his bloody eyes, you let out a scream. They pierced through your soul as they looked down at you with anger and disappointment. 

"Do you have any idea what kind of hell I had to go through in order to save your prissy ass?" 

"I-I’m sorry..." you said, but your voice was fading as the grip around your neck became tighter. 

"No, no, you’re not sorry. I did everything I could for you. I gave you a promotion, more money, and more resources, and what did I get? Rejection"

His face slowly morphed into something that didn’t resemble a human anymore. In that dim light, he seemed like a grotesque creature, one that was ready to rip you in half. 

You took one final deep breath as you felt his hand crush your neck, and without realizing his next move, he smashed your head into the metal grid of the large door, making you lose consciousness. 

You awoke in a strange room with huge pain throughout your body. You tried to stand up but failed multiple times as your legs were too weak to carry your weight. Eventually, you gathered some strength and started to explore your surroundings. 

The room you were in was spacious, with a floor bed and some magazines, along with a TV and a small closet. When you moved further, you heard a clinking sound and felt a gentle restraint on your ankle. You started to sob when you realized the gravity of the situation. Cuffed to the floor in an unknown place with the worst headache and nausea, you began to scream as loudly as your weak body allowed, hoping to get his attention.

He made an appearance after twenty minutes, dressed in black, and he sat in front of you. After a few moments of silence and as your vision improved, you noticed that he wasn't himself, as his sheer confidence and symbolic smugness were missing from his face. He looked rather sad and exhausted. 

It appeared that his eyes changed colors as well, and instead of that bloody red there was a warm shade of amber. He scanned you from head to toe in silence, keeping his own conclusions to himself. 

Wesker didn’t want your relationship to end up like this, because he hoped you’d understand that he only used extreme actions because he loved you. He decided to be very calm and tolerant with you as he realized how hard it would be to make you fall for him, but one thing is certain: you will love him by any means necessary.

taglist: @shadow-wolf510 @ravenrune @cassie-todd

[alexagirlie]

January Omegaverse Challenge 2024

Day 23: Jealousy (Masterlist) Fandom: The Last Kingdom Pairing: Finan/Sihtric/Uhtred Rating: M Summary: Sihtric hires an alpha to help him through a heat. Uhtred and Finan get jealous.  tags: jealousy. courting. anal sex. masturbation.

It was a chill autumn morning when Sihtric approached Uhtred requesting a few days off to deal with his upcoming heat. Uhtred had no idea that Sihtric was an Omega and the news left him speechless long enough for an embarrassed look to cross the young man's face.

Uhtred shook himself out of his haze, pushing aside thoughts of what Sihtric would look like speared on his cock. “Of course Sihtric. I wasn't aware you were an Omega or I would have approached you about arranging a time already.”

Sihtric nodded slowly. “I presented while you were… gone and this is my first heat since your return.”

Uhtred nodded again and couldn't help but offer further assistance, completely selfless of course. “Did.. you need a heat partner? There are a few unattached Alphas in the village I'm sure would be happy to help.” Meaning himself and Finan, both of whom had been lusting after the younger man even without knowing his designation, with his angular features and beautiful mismatched eyes.

Sihtric flushed red, the shade highlighting the sharpness of his cheekbones. “I already found someone… a whore at the inn in Winchester, an Alpha named Ealhswith.”

Uhtred suppressed a growl at the thought of an Alpha other than him or Finan touching Sihtric and just nodded. “Good good…. Well leave granted. Don't give her all your silver and report back to me as soon as you've recouvered.”

Sihtric nodded sharply. “Yes Lord.” And scurried off, presumably to saddle his horse and begin the ride to Winchester to find this Alpha whore he had hired.

As soon as the Omega was out of sight Uhtred raced back to the cottage he was sharing with Finan while his new hall was being built. He burst through the door, startling the Irishman seated inside.

Finan had been sharpening his sword and nearly jumped out of his skin when Uhtred burst through the door, the wood slamming against the wall. “What the hell Uhtred!” He exclaimed, lowering his sword to the table.

Uhtred slammed the door shut behind him. “We have a problem.”

Finan shot Uhtred an unimpressed look. “Which is?”

“Sihtric is an Omega.”

Finan stood so fast he turned over the chair he had been slouched in and slammed his hands down on the table. “What? How do you know? Wait, why is that a problem?”

Uhtred launched into the whole story, of Sihtric approaching the Lord for leave to pass his heat, and who he was sharing it with. “We cannot risk another Alphas laying claim, it must be us.”

They spend the next 3 days making their plan to court Sihtric, to stake their claim before another Alpha can.

They put their plan in motion as soon as Sihtric had returned after his heat, his smoked honey scent was rich and sweet with satisfaction and both Alphas were determined to be the ones who made him smell like that going forward. They started small, with food. Making sure he got the prime cut of meat and vegetables from Uhtred's table or gifting him rare treats such as honeycomb and imported fresh fruits. They followed that with small tokens such as silver and pewter beads for his hair, engraved with runes for luck and fortune. Finan gave him new furs to sleep on and Uhtred commissioned him a new axe after he broke his during a skirmish with Danish raiders.

The Alphas were gearing up to approach Sihtric with a formal request to share his next heat when Alfred ordered them into Mercia to help an ealderman with a stubborn group of bandits.

They deal with the bandits quickly enough but end up stuck as Sihtric began to show signs of going into heat. It's still early but the signs are obvious, the increase in his scent, he's restless and skittish. It would not be wise to travel and get stuck in the open when it hits him fully so they decide to stay and asked the ealderman if they had suitable lodgings.

They approach Sihtric as he was getting ready to hole up in the hut that had been given to him to pass his heat in private.

Finan decided to not beat around the bush and was straightforward in asking for what they wanted. “Let us help, please Sihtric.”

Sihtric was flushed pink across his cheeks and he wouldn't meet their eyes. “I can handle it alone, I don't need help.”

Finan took a step closer and slowly lifted his hand towards Sihtric, when the Omega didn't reject his touch he cupped the side of Sihtric's face. “We want to help, we want you.”

Sihtric looked startled and his gaze shot to Uhtred as if asking for confirmation. “It's true, we've been trying to court you, too subtlety it seems.”

Sihtrics' eyes widened in realisation. “The gifts.”

Finan nodded and brought his other hand up to cup the other side of Sihtric's angular face, lifting the younger man's gaze back to him. “Please let us help.” He asked again.

When Sihtric nodded with a shy smile Finan groaned and slammed his lips against the Omega's. He led Sihtric stumbling into the hut, never letting their lips separate for longer than it took for them to catch a breath. Uhtred followed making sure the door was properly latched as the other two men worked at removing weapons, armour and clothing. As skin was bared to the air as Finan stripped their Omega down to just his skin and kissed and bite marks all down his body, until they both stood in the middle of the room naked and aroused.

Uhtred was content to watch as Finan picked Sihtric up and carried him onto the fur covered bed in the corner. For now anyways, he knew would get his turn as Sihtric's heat would last at least 24hrs. He watched as Finan pressed himself between Sihtric legs and lost himself in the taste and feel of their Omega. The scent of arousal filled the confined space of the hut, Sihtric smoked honey scents mixed with sweeter notes of slick and Finan's earthy meadow smell.

He only caved and pulled his own armour and clothing off to wrap a hand around his rock hard cock after Finan had spread Sihtric open on his cock. As the other Alpha fucked into their Omega and pulled moans and whines and screams from the Omega as he was pushed over the peak again and again and again until Finan finally gave the begging man his knot and filled him with his seed.

Uhtred almost spilled himself at the blissed out look on Sihtric's face but managed to hold off and was rewarded when Sihtric opened hazy mismatched eyes to look at him and beckoned him to join them on the bed. Now it was his turn.

taglist: @gemini-mama

[simpingwriter]

Jerome Valeska

x

Faith Wayne/Phoenix

'All you need is

a bit of Faith'

pt.7

___________________

...but in exchange, I got TWO chapters done! Wooo yeah baby~ 😎

First time of the family in the story, MediNait Blackout Fest, then hitting up the ginger the next morning as Phoenix.

Enjoy! :)

Word Count: approx. 3.410 Words

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When you park your motorcycle in front of the garage, you can already see the light coming from the living room and kitchen windows of the Manor, and it wasn't weird for the time of day either, it's 7PM by now and that usually meant it's time for dinner.

Unfortunately you were absolutely out of spare clothes in your backpack, so you had to literally decide between driving home dressed like an escapee from Arkham or go through the exhausting troubles of getting into your Phoenix-costume until back home.

Dad and his reputation can thank you for having enough cells in your body left that know what shame is and what it feels like to a certain extent which in the end practically forced you into the tight costume.

Add to that that you were absolutely losing your literal mind with the cold clogging up near all holes available to your airways, you were grateful that you could drive home relatively safely in the first place. "God I hope I got some MediNait left in my first aid cabinet, that no one raided it…again, while I was gone." You mumble to yourself while turning the main house key in the lock, though before you can finish turning it, the door gets pulled inwards, close to dragging you along had you not some sense of balance left in your limbs.

On the other side, the culprit of opening the door was none other than Jason, brows pulled up when he looked you up and down, "You look like you died and came back as well." Probably because you're starting to feel exactly like that, more and more by the hour too. "...Cool. Now let me in, Jay…" Pushing past him, you rip your Mask off first, then your gloves, then your boots. The worst things first.

Then you lie down with a groan, feeling the tiled foyer floor cool down your skin, wondering how there wasn't steam rising from you by now already. "The hell happened to you??" your older "brother" asks, poking your side with one socked foot before crouching down next to you at the height of your head. "Gotham River… that's what happened." You cough out, rolling onto your back just in time to see the rest fill into the Foyer. "The cat brought in a dead firebird?" Damian jokes, doing the same thing Jason did, poking you with his foot. This family was mostly not by blood, that didn't mean that you all didn't copy or learn stupid shit from each other, this being one of the many examples.

"How is the River the reason you look this shi- bad? Dad informed us that you're doing undercover work for the Commissioner in Arkham." Well, the river is right next to that shithole. "Does that really matter now, Master Jason? Clearly Lady Faith is not in the condition to argue with you as usual."

You were, you just didn't want to. Too tired and exhausted…okay…maybe you weren't in the condition, point taken.

"You're getting a cold, aren't you, Lady Faith?" Full course into one, yes. "Alfred, how do you know it's a cold?" At that, Dick needs to laugh, pointing down at Damian now, "Damian is sick too, since this morning, that's how." Of course it's always the siblings connected by blood that end up sick at the same fucking time, it's somehow always like that, but never Damian first. He just follows up and immediately everyone goes: "Faith, since when have you been carrying that shit around without asking for help?" You refuse to ask anyone but Alfred for help, because everyone else is absolutely helpless in these situations. So why ask in the first place if you know you only end up getting half buried alive again like last time??

A shiver runs down your spine, incidentally so did Damian shake, glaring at you, "You're a curse, sister." "And you're a brat…that refuses his Jacket even in a blizzard, obviously a…a damn skill issue." More coughing later, Alfred and Bruce are done watching this miserable scene, one of them helping you back to your feet while the other escorts everyone back to the Dining room. And the sight would almost bring tears to your face: Hot, steaming Chicken Noodle Soup, most definitely cooked by Alfred, taking it from the way it looks basically perfect. "Since young Master Damian had a cold, I thought it was best to make one not just for him but for everyone. A type of prevention for the rest of us. Plus, I got a kind of feeling it would've hit you too."

After Alfred explained, he hurried back into the kitchen to ready a bowl for you as well while you sink into your chair. It was just a week, but it felt like an eternity to not have felt the nice cushions on these chairs, or the generally inviting interior of the Manor. It was quite literally worlds that differentiate this all from Arkham. And something inside you wished you could've taken Jerome here as well instead of just the apartment.

But you knew how your family ticks and what makes them tick specifically, bringing Jerome here? All hell would break loose. You won't even mention him and you meeting if they ask you about this Undercover Mission, and they will definitely ask, it would be weird for them to not be interested. Even Jason and Damian usually wanted to know what happened on the missions or Patrols of the others. You talk and think about the two like they are your least favorite siblings of them all, but if anything it was the polar opposite: You had the closest connection to Jason of them all. And Damian? Even though he avoided it at first, and so did you, you both quickly realized you have quite a lot in common due to your shared father, so you often train and hang out together despite the age difference.

But it was only natural, the closer siblings were, the more brutal the teasing and "insults" would become.

"The damn cold, I'm freezing like hell…" It makes Bruce hum, looking outside, "It's mid-autumn already, it's getting much colder, much quicker again. So I wouldn't just push it onto your cold alone. I will start the fireplace in the living room with Alfred after dinner. If you're still cold after, maybe we should start the one in your's and Damian's rooms as well..." Damian, sitting across from you, grunts out in disapproval at that, partially stopped by a cough, "I'm not cold! I'm not as weak as her!" Shut up, you shivering too, Garden Gnome. He shook just as much as you, it just didn't show as much through him already wearing some thicker, warmer clothes than you. After all, your Costume is uninsulated unlike the Cold-Weather one you usually started using towards the end of Autumn Season. Perhaps you should switch them out sooner this year…

When dinner was finished, along with some Pudding for dessert and you all started to migrate to the living room after helping to clean up the mess, well, excluding you and Damian in your clumsy conditions, Bruce clears his throat, crouching over the right side of the fireplace, placing some dry wood pieces in. Right. Here it comes, he will ask about the mission now-

"So. The undercover mission. I take it as having ended positively if you're back already?" Already is not the word you would've chosen. One week was already more than enough for your probably relatively short lifespan – in comparison to other People – as Phoenix. The others settled into the couch cushions as well, getting much more comfy than you, as you didn't plan on dozing off on it at all. You need to be fit again till tomorrow afternoon at least, if not earlier.

"More or less, the day I caught the suspect for Gordon was also the day I took a bath into that dank river. And they ended up tossing me right back into those freezing cells, not even bothering to think about a new set of clothes for me..." They could imagine for themselves how that would feel, when you feel the cold of the walls bite at your skin and bones already and then you add a dripping layer of dirty River canal water to the mixture. "In that case I am pleasantly surprised that you got away with just a cold, Lady Faith." Alfred was right about that, you could have as well gotten the flu or worse…pneumonia.

Had that once and never again. Mostly because you dragged Damian into that mess as well, as expected. And you hated having a second person sick in the Manor, why? Obvious reasons: Just you sick, Alfred can pay enough attention to your sick ass so you don't waste away in your own used tissues for weeks, just a few days maybe. But TWO? It's going to be WEEKS of two Robins completely taken out of the equation and Patrols. Mostly because despite his intelligence, and stupid "gEnEtIc AdVaNtAgEs"...he is still a stubborn little brat that refuses to take the bitter medicine when needed.

"How did you even end up in the river, darling?" Bruce asks worriedly, pulling his hand away quickly before the fire got to it when he threw more lumber into it. Feed it and it wants to bite you for it, ...feral Fire, ha ha. Stop it, Faith.

"...saw the suspect...and...climbed over the Courtyard fence?" Your siblings first stare then laugh, probably a mental image of you basically throwing yourself like a this time legitimate madman over the barbed wire at the top. "You broke out of Arkham…because it was an inconvenience to you, you're basically saying?" Basically, yeah. Had you known that the fucker would just return to sender (the crime scene) like that, you wouldn't have done all this shit and would've just posted up nearby, preferably in a car that has heating installed.

But you of course wouldn't have met and talked to Jerome that way. He would've still been…there. Wasting and rotting away more and more mentally, until not even the world's best therapist and psychologist could shake sense back into him.

Just like his very unfortunate origin of blood, his father the Joker, there would probably be nothing left to do but put him in a straight jacket and hope he doesn't accidentally kill himself while trying to escape that certain "clothing" article.

Who knows…three more months? Would Jerome have gained some unhealthy confidence through someone or something else and broke out? Killed people on the same day, caused havoc? Who would you be to not stop that from happening AND save a boy from becoming someone he doesn't even want to be at this point of time?

"Still with us?" "Huh? Y-yeah, just sunken in thoughts. Not so important though." "If you say so. I asked how you want to continue with what you have thanks to seeing the suspect? Did you give Gordon's men the description of the man?" You shake your head, already having set aside a plan for Phoenix to follow once you feel at least a slight bit better. "Well, Lady Faith, if i'm correct and you're going to do this yourself, you need to be fit again. I recommend drinking a lot of water, even more than usual. Preferably the same Electrolyte Water you and your siblings use during training sessions." Alfred notes loudly from the kitchen, placing two two liter bottles of said water onto the counter, the heaviness of them underlined by the sound they made, a deep thump.

Heavier than Jason's self-loath.

All that in ONE night?? You’re never getting out of the bathroom at that point…

But Alfred usually was right when it came to any of you getting sick, so you didn't have much of a choice than to trust him. "O-okay. Guess I should start then, and go to bed to be rested for tomorrow…" grabbing the bottles, one in each hand, you trotted back out to the living room, giving your Dad a hug and wishing everyone a unified goodnight before slipping away fully for the night.

Once in your room, you steer into the bathroom and before you hit the hay, you grab the rest of the MediNait left from last time. You had thrown away the instructions when you unpacked it a few months ago, so you don't remember what the right dosag- eh. fuck it, down the hatch!

The green liquid burned like medicinal honey, smooth yet disgusting as it moved down your throat, many big gulps of Electrolyte Water getting sent right after to clean your pallet of the nasty green magic liquid. While it tastes absolutely awful and at least half of your family doesn't feel better through it either way, it was half a miracle potion when used on you.

So it wasn't far off for you to believe that if you both downed half that left-over bottle – already sitting on your bed while doing so, knowing it's side effects of making everyone and everything sleepy with just the fumes it creared – and followed Alfred's advice for the Wat-

When you wake again, you are in a different spot on your bed than before, you also weren't in the confines of your Costume anymore, the main part of it thrown haphazardly over the chair of your desk, your underwear missing entirely and the water bottles both empty…

Did you mentally blackout the last hours yesterday? If yes, congrats to yourself for drinking all that water and not just yet wetting your bed…but it was just about as your struggle out from your bed. The very bed that you missed so badly while in Arkham. You don't even remember what bed and mattress you had in the safe house that Jerome is using right now, but you hoped it was something similarly comfortable. And if it was, you wanted to imagine him lying in it, too comfortable and lazy to move even one muscle once he lies in it. You doubted that the bed in his old trailer from the Circus was all that comfy either, so if past-you was as smart as today – oh...she definitely wasn't – and it's the same mattress as here, this might be a welcome change to his back.

Standing up, you're quick to notice the missing dizziness and the ease on your lung trying to breath in Air once more. Fuck, you love MediNait.

Knocks you out, like your allergy meds, and does the rest while the lights are out.

After quickly using the bathroom in your room to take care of the mess you left behind on yourself, you went to pick up your strewn about Suit, first putting on fresh underwear and immediately throwing yourself back into your Costume. There is never a day you don't have to wear it for some reason or another, so you need to remember to switch out for one of your spare ones on washing day…

You barely had found your way into garage when you felt something akin to a tension or stress headache forming all around your head, great so the medic-

"Where are you going so early in the morning?" Never fucking mind, the headache is just Damian…

"Good morning to you too, head- i mean, Damian… If it matters to you, I need to finish the promise I gave to Gordon and catch his suspect." The boy squints and shakes his head with a sigh, "Do you even know where to start with that? I thought you only got his description." Yes, you do only have that, but that alone can give you enough hints to at least shrink the search radius for him. "That's why I'm leaving now already. And you get back to bed, unlike me you still sound like death molested you…" Even when he scoffs at your actually serious recommendation, himself not done with you, you grab your helmet from the rack at the wall and get onto motocycle that Phoenix used, it was black and Grey with orange and yellow accents unlike the dark purple sportbike you yourself used as Faith. This one was similar in design to the Batcycle and drove just like it.

"I wasn't done talking!" "I was! See you and the rest for dinner! And take your cold medicine!" Damian was smart enough to not jump in front of the motorcycleas you started it, clearly it wasn't that important to him anyways as he rather chose to childishly pout at you while you started the bike and drove off towards the city, your cape flying behind you.

It was a ten minute drive usually, in your case six as you had luck and the highway you and the rest used to get into the city was still relatively empty, the morning rush not yet having started and giving you the thrill of speed to wake you fully now.

On the way, you still had to decide whether to drive to the Station and Gordon, to your safe house and Jerome or to just investigate on your own for now. But unfortunately your curiosity got the best of you, drawing you in like a magnet in front of the building your safe house, or "Faith's Apartment" is located at, hiding the motorcycle with its invisibility cloak setting. At first, you wanted to use the second set of keys you had of them, luckily the only other set, otherwise who knows who of your family would suddenly decide to check in your apartment only to find a stranger living in it. And then you remember that you're here as Phoenix, not Faith. Phoenix doesn't own this apartment, in Jerome's eyes.

Slightly disgruntled at that, you throw the keys back into the small satchel on your tool belt before getting your gloves to good use, unsheathing the metal claws hidden inside the mechanism on top. With them, you quickly could scale most walls around Gotham, if that didn't work, you still could use the grappling gun everyone of you had. Within half a minute, you slipped onto the balcony in front of the living room window of the Safe House.

You couldn't fight it as quickly as it came, the smile once you saw the redhead walking around in…oh dear. Still wearing the dirty Prison Uniform. Did Jim not give him at least one different set of clothes??

You really need to change that, but you don't know if you're going to have the time for such "miscellaneous" deviations today. Plus, Phoenix isn't exactly the kinda person to suddenly go shopping with someone and walk among the rest of the Gothamites like a normal person, she's a brutal, often feared, Vigilante for God's sake! That's a job for Faith!

Well, at least it looked like he took a shower, a fulfilling one at that, his hair did look much nicer than you expected when not coated and crusted with his own blood and the cement dust of the cells.

You can't help but chuckle at the little jump going through his whole body once you knocked at the window, feeling the smile growing into a smirk when his eyes widen, seeing you at the window, unable to react at first.

"Could you let me in please?" You knock again to throw him back to his senses, a quick nod followed by him almost falling over his feet to get to the window and open it, watching you as you leaned against the windowsill with your forearms. "It's…it's really you…you're Phoenix!"

"In the blood, yeah. First of all, good morning, Jerome, second of all, Faith asked me to check up on you, since she couldn't stay all that long after getting you to the Precinct." Climbing in through and into the living room, you stretch out a bit from the climb up the wall, still keeping your eyes on Jerome either way. He looked not as well rested as you expected.

"...I'm guessing you didn't sleep that well, so we can take that one off the list of 'Yeah, doing good', huh?" He averted his dark green eyes, something in the mix of shame and annoyance in them, nodding, "You could say so…i.I…had a nightmare. But that's nothing new to me."

Nightmares?

You doubt they are of Arkham, as he knew them to be nothing new to him. And from what he had told you, you could believe that opinion. You had a pretty good idea where these nightmares actually come from and why he has them anyways: His mother and the abuse he got from her, his twin and from the rest of the people working at the Circus. Maybe even of the Circus itself if his trauma constantly was fed and built in that very place. Or perhaps even of the day he killed her?

No, you doubt that. While he seemed spooked about quite literally anything that moved too quickly or he didn't know, you were very certain that Jerome…that he didn't exactly regret what he did. Maybe someday he will see that his abuse could've been ended in different, legal ways, but regret will probably never come to his mind, and if, not for very long.

But: No matter what the cause is, you, both Faith and Phoenix, will attempt to get this out of his mind as well.

You knew all too well how nightmares could mess with one's head, the repeated memory of Jason's death back then, the funeral, being an example...

[aliypop]

Often  Mob Frank X POC F OC

Wordcount: 6,384

Warning: Language slight violence

A/N : So one this was supposed to be based off of Often by the Weekend and two this was inspired by @mrsswaino so I hope you  all enjoy it, it took me 3 days to write ! and It’s a DC Marvel Crossover

"Loving any of us is a death sentence, isn't it..." Ezra sighed, "Who was it this time..." Yonah asked. She could never stand her sister when she had to kill a "loved" one. "Sabella...Yonah .."

"Finally..." Yonah mumbled under her breath, looking at her nails, dried-up blood from an interrogation gone left, "Anyways, how's your day been." Ezra asked, "Well. If you must know, it was shit..." Yonah laughed, "Which is usual when you're an underboss..." walking through the mansion, Ezra looked over everyone and everything, from Damian's training to the family portrait on the wall. They were the Wayne family mob notorious for Wayne Tech and the first crime family in Gotham, New Jersey. "Well, we can't all do what you do." Ezra chuckled, 

"We can't all kiss dad's ass and handle his business for him..."

"Says his assassin." Yonah playfully pushed her, "Who's also what a Capos..." 

"I don't know what you mean..." Ezra mumbled,

"Sure ... so it wasn't the Alphabet Mafia that burned down Fisk's restaurant in Hell's kitchen..." she asked as Ezra blushed from embarrassment, "I..." 

"Word of advice, if you wanna get to where I am, be more discreet..." she whispered, walking away. 

"Aye, Tim!" Tim Drake was the consigliere to Bruce,

"He wants to see you..." 

"Tell him I'll-"

"Now it's important..." 

Bruce sat in his office, a glass of Scotch on his desk. Yazela, his wife, was on his lap. She was a dangerous little thing. If anyone crossed Bruce, they dealt with her, and when you crossed her, you disappeared. "Wilson, glad you could make it." Bruce sighed. He always hated these things the older he got,

 "It's been a while, old friend..." Fisk smirked,

"Why are you here..." Yazela rolled her eyes. She was getting bored, and when she got bored, she got antsy. "The Falcones left this on my doorstep..." setting a gift box on the desk, with a note attached, 

"What is it..." Yonah stepped in,

"A vendetta... And you're late..."

"I was handling business," she straightened her tie, standing next to her parents, "Fisk..." she deadpanned. Yonah wasn't fond of him or his rascal mini mob, especially his little hitman playing executioner. " A Vendetta... does he want out..." Yonah asked, sitting at the desk. Fisk laughed, "He wants a war... and it's because of what you did..." Yonah took a shaky breath. She knew what he was talking about,

 "Anything else we should know..." Yazela asked,

"Just one thing..." 

"What's that..." 

"The Falcones are hosting a little party if you want your vengeance..." Fisk looked at Yonah, "I'd start there..." 

"Then why aren't you going, Wilson..." Bruce asked, getting him to focus back on him.

 "Vanessa's out of town..." he said in a mopping tone,

"What's that got to do with me..." Yonah asked, reaching for her father's Scotch,  

"It's a couples-only party..."

"Lucky me, I can't go. I'm single, and I-"

"We'll see to it she's there." Yazela nodded.

Yonah sighed, flopping on her mattress, "Alfred, I'm gonna burn this fucking house down if he makes me go to that party, I swear..." she screamed into her pillow, 

"I assure you if you burn this house down, your father will get rid of you." he laughed. Alfred knew Yonah was dramatic since she was little. It was one of her entertaining traits. 

"I don't like parties, not since..." 

"Silk or lace."

"Silk, please. Not since h-"

"Tea or wine."

"Both. Not since the-"

"Anything else I can-"

"NOT SINCE THE FAILED ENGAGEMENT!" Alfred sighed. As much as he loved Yonah, and he did, he hated what parties did to her, which was usually bring up the memories of her failed engagement. He'd heard the story so much he could quote it. 

"I know,"

"Rough night Frankie..." Billy asked. Billy Russo, the underboss to Fisk and the leader of his small mob. Frank only grunted, covered in blood in his new Armani suit. He'd just come back from a hit gone challenging. "Always a rough night with Frank..." Matt laughed. Matthew Murdock, a catholic boy, went astray and turned to the mob much like his father did, "Shut up Red..." Frank glared at him, 

"Oh, and Frank, before you go..." 

"What..." Frank turned to face Billy,

"The boss wants to see you, says it's important."

"Of course he does..." 

"And where do you think you're going..." Yonah peered over the balcony, "Shit..." Ezra grumbled, 

"Get ya ass back to bed..." 

"But I was..." 

"Ah... You too, Cas..." the two groaned as they walked back to their rooms. She could feel a shift coming soon, a change she didn't want to face, but she'd do anything for her family. It was her job to protect them. But the Falcone family, she wasn't sure if she could face them again, 

"Something troubling you..." 

"I'm fine, Grayson..."

"That cup says you're not... you only mix your tea with wine and whiskey when you're upset or-," Dick Grayson adopted into the family business and her confidant.

"I'm fine..."

"Yonnie..." he sighed, "You can talk to me..." 

"I don't want to let the family down again, okay..." she took a deep breath, 

"You won't..." 

"How do you know that..."

"Have you failed us yet..." he asked as she shook her head, "Alright, then get some sleep, Ms. Boss..." he nudged her. 

Yonah stared in her mirror. She was nervous about what her father wanted to announce so early in the morning. Straightening out her three-piece suit, she took to the stairs as she then saw, "Him..." the insufferable bastard of a hitman. Why was he even here when Bruce knew that she hated his guts, his tactics were so annoying, and he always got in the way when they did a hit together. "Why on earth would you let him..." 

"Aye, look what the cat drug in..." 

"Says the one who looked like a cat fucked up his face..." she spat back at him, her words oozing like venom. Pushing him, Yonah walked towards the dining room table,

"Excuse her. She's not herself..." Bruce sighed, ushering him to where the rest of the family was. 

"That's not her bein herself..." Frank asked rhetorically. 

"Sorry I'm late, I'd like everyone to welcome our guest, and I mean everyone..." Bruce glanced at Yonah as her siblings let out a chuckle. Sitting across from her was Frank noticing the way she clutched onto her butterknife. 

"What're you gonna do with that sweetheart..." 

"Stab you with it if you call me sweetheart again..." she whispered, "Good luck with dat..." he shook his head, "Sweetheart..." he winked, the shitty smirk on his face made her want to jump over the table and strangle him until he couldn't do that shitty smirk again. Staring at him, all she could think about was the different ways she could kill this man and enjoy it. 

"You think I'm cute, don'tcha..." 

"I think you're a pain in my ass!" she nearly jumped across the table.

"And that's why Frank is here... Yonah and Frank will infiltrate the party as a newly wedded couple." Bruce glared at the two. The two froze as they then looked at each other,

"This is hell..." Frank mumbled,

"You think I'd marry him," she laughed, "You're joking, you gotta be joking-" she looked at her father's face. 

"I figured since you two had your personal conversation over there, you both could lead the mission together..." he glared as they both sat down,

"But!"

"Busted..." Duke mouthed as Yonah turned red in embarrassment. 

"You two will be staying in Coast City Los Angeles..."

"I can handle that..." Yazela chuckled at her daughter, "Tell them what else." 

"You two will leave after this morning. The party isn't until this upcoming Saturday, which should give you two enough time to perfect your disguise. " Bruce smirked.

"I would rather shoot myself with Jason's gun." she rolled her eyes. 

"Feelings mutual," Frank mumbled.

"What so ya not gonna talk to me, sweetheart." Frank taunted. the two sitting in the Wayne Family Private jet. Yonah sipped her spiked lemonade from her crystal champagne glass. "Ya wanna know something, Castle..." she glared at him, 

"What, Wayne..." 

"Do you ever think about how awesome it would've been If your father? Oh, I don't know, just pulled outta your mother," she asked as Frank laughed,

 "Good one. Hey Wayne, were you always this much of a jerk as a child..." he asked, "Worse, actually." she took another sip. This trip was going to be her last reason why, and she knew it. If the two couldn't get along on this flight, then they knew their fake marriage would be a failure. 

"Welcome to Coast City..."

She heard the pilot say, "Finally, I can get off this plane, we can go to our separate hotels and-" 

"Key to the penthouse..." the pilot handed Frank the key.

"Shit..." she groaned. Of course, her father would do that. After all, she would do that.

 "Thanks, uh..." 

"Hal Jordan." he winked. 

Sunday Night 

Sunday night in Coast City was busy with luxurious cars, nightclubs, and the most beautiful view from the balcony. Yonah wanted to explore a little after all. She hadn't gotten much vacation time in a while, and it could do her some good to get out of this penthouse with Frank Castle, her annoyance, and her fake husband. 

"Beautiful, ain't it..." Frank said, taking her concentration off the city. His suit was a bit tight. His pitch-black hair slicked back as her eyes focused on his disgusting muscles. 

"Where are you going, Castle..." 

"None of ya business Wayne..." 

"As your wife, it is..." she smirked, ah, the smirk, the type that made him want to shoot himself over and over again, "I'm going out." he stated, "I'm going out, too." she walked into the closet, rows, and rows of her mothers dress to choose. 

"Can you get out..." 

"Make me sweet-"

A red bottom shoe flew near his head, 

Hours later, she was ready, a low-cut pink club dress and the perfect clear diamond shoes to match. The color pink had always complimented her brown skin. It was like her signature color. 

"Are you ready..." Frank popped his head into the bedroom, "You look..."

"Beautiful radiant..." 

"Better in three-piece suits," he grumbled, his heart beating out of his chest. Yonah stood up and nodded, ignoring his comment. 

"So where are we going..." 

"I'm going to an old friend of mines club." she sassed, "You can find your own club." 

"I'm coming with you," he smirked,

"Do that again, and I'll shoot you." 

Lux night club was the hot spot for every desire, known to anyone wanting a good time, at least it was what she heard. "Yonnie, is that you..." a blush rising to her cheeks, "Luci baby." she got giddy as something deep in Frank became furious. "Who's your cute friend?" he asked as Yonah rolled her eyes, "He's an associate..." she mumbled as he took her hand, "It's nice when my little angel visits." he kissed her nose, spinning her into his arms. Frank's face was heating up the closer the other man was dancing with her in the middle of his own nightclub. But he didn't care. She was just Yonah, the annoying underboss that he couldn't stand. 

"Can I offer you a drink..." 

"Rosé..."

"I'm Maze..."

"Frank." he nodded. 

"So do I still have a chance with you, my angel..." Lucifer asked as Yonah chuckled, "Mmm... lets see how the night goes." she pressed against him. She could feel Frank's eyes on her. It was the perfect time to give that nuisance a show. Hands in his hair as she swayed her hips against him. She was a menace, and Frank knew it, but he knew he shouldn't care. After all, this was a mission, not an actual life-changing experience, but why did he feel this way looking at her dance with him. 

"Stop flirting with him." a gentle touch on her wrist, the wine on his breath giving her a chill,

"The acquaintance."

"Her husband, actually." Frank laughed. Lucifer had let her go, "I didn't know you were married..." he watched the other man walk off. 

"Paybacks a bitch sweetheart." 

"Is that so..." Yonah growled,

"It is... and you're sleeping on the couch..."

Monday

"Morning, father... " Yonah sighed, cooking breakfast, her phone standing in the corner of the counter, "How was your first night together." he asked as she groaned, "Well, I woke up on the couch..." Bruce chuckled, "Getting along I see." Yonah laughed, "Oh, not in that way, never in that way that's disgustin that you'd even think that..."

"Think what..." Frank said, standing behind her, shirtless and only in his sweatpants, skull tattoo on his bicep. The most disgusting view she'd ever seen in his life, "Yonah...Yonah, can you hear me."

"I got distracted looking at an idiot." she rolled her eyes.

"Well, Sionis is coming over with Natasha to drop off your next mission..." Yonah nearly choked when he said Sionis, as in Roman Sionis, as in the man who left her heartbroken on Valentine eating bonbons. 

"Why would you send him-" 

*Call Ended*

"Fuck!" Yonah shouted as Frank looked down at her, 

"What's wrong now. You burn somethin or..."

"Roman Sionis is coming over with his Assasin friend and my sister's ex Natasha..." she laughed, "What's so funny..." flipping over her sizzling pancake. 

"Well, he and I ended up rocky and... He broke up with me and-" she began to hyperventilate and pace; Frank grabbed her by the arms, "Breathe, shower... get dressed." Yonah nodded. As Yonah stepped out of the shower, on the bed was a pastel pink jumpsuit and the red bottom shoes he had caught the night before, he knew with working amongst Fisk that things had to be perfect appearances meant just as much as the deal itself. 

"Castle, long time no see..." Natasha winked as he laughed,

"Still killing people Nat." 

"Of course..." she smirked, clinging onto Roman's arm,

"Nice place you got here, all by your-"

"Sorry to keep you all waiting, sweetie." eck sweetie, she internally gagged if the random feeling in her stomach would calm down. "It's okay, baby girl." Frank kissed her knuckles, the knuckles of the self-observed arrogant woman that he couldn't stand. Roman looked between the two as Natasha smiled, 

"Dating?" 

"Married." Frank winked,

"Newly married." a forced smile, "My father said you wanted to see us... "

"Yeah... there's a client stealin from me..."

"What building, when, and Who?" Yonah sighed. The interrogation was her specialty. She got to get her hands dirty and create nightmares. 

"Agatha Harkness... Anaheim ." 

"I'll be-"

"We'll be there." Frank nodded, shaking his hand. Sure he didn't care for Yonah, but it was burning him up inside how Sionis would steal glances at her as if he wanted her back. As the two left, Frank's hand never left her side, "Let go of me..." 

"You're shakin..."

"I-I'm fine..."

"Did that jerk do something to ya?" 

"Frank, drop it." she walked off, the arrogant, pompous woman who wouldn't show her emotions. 

Guns strapped to her waist, garters full of knives in case the interrogation went south, "You know how to use that..." he teased as she rolled her eyes, "Trained in these weapons since I could hold a cup. She sighed, "If you need me to play the bad guy-"

"I got it, Castle..." 

Harkness Studios, A cover if you will, and the oldest in the business, she hadn't been paying Sionis his half of shares of her films, and he was pissed, pissed enough to hire Yonah and Frank to handle this. " So, you know I have nothing to apologize for." Agatha smirked as Yonah sat on the table, "The one you're looking for is Wanda..."

"Give us the money, and no one gets hurt," Frank said. 

"Or what..." 

"I'll shoot your brains out, send what's left to Sionis... and have no fucking remorse." she was emotionless solid Teflon, and it was doing something to Frank, "I'd like to see you try..." Agatha spat as Yonah lunged forward. Frank held her back, 

"Look, I try not to fight broads... but she won't hesitate to God Damn kill you." holding the short gremlin woman close to him, "So either pay or she stays." 

"Alright! Alright!" 

"Didn't think you had that in ya, Wayne..."

"There's a lot in me you don't..." she heard footsteps. "Know.. get down!" taking her pistol out, as she shot a few of her members. It was a setup between her and Sionis. She should've known, bullets blasting around as she reloaded her gun, Frank next to her as he shot his multiple guns. Where on earth was he keeping those. She thought to herself. Throwing a dagger, Yonah had a few of her women pinned up against the wall as Frank broke a few necks.

"He's good at this..."

"She's good at this..."

"That oughtta do it..." she grumbled, looking down at her leg, "Aw, there's blood of my Versace sui-"

"Aye, watch out!"

POW!

Tuesday

A gentle hand pressed against his forehead. It was soft, nurturing, and tender, and now landing on his cheek, he'd been out like a like since she'd carried him home last night, "Maria..." he rasped, "Not Maria, just the pain in ya ass named Yonah." she laughed, tracing her fingertips over his sweat-covered hair. "Though I'm sure you were a pain to Maria..." she mumbled as Frank chuckled. "Everyday..." he tried to position himself up. Yonah helped him readjust, "If you fuck up my stitchin, I'm gonna let you bleed out..." she growled as Frank rolled his eyes, 

"Not bad for someone like yourself."

"Shut up and take your meds." 

"Meds?"

"Yeah, meds, you got shot last night, asshole," she growled as he pointed a seat next to him on the bed. "You got a way with taking care of people, sweetheart," he mentioned. It was something he noticed. She'd always take care of others but never herself. 

"Yeah, my father wanted me to be a doctor..." she laughed, 

"I wanted to be a Lawyer...but..."

"But what..." Frank turned his head to face her. He'd never realized how pretty her eyes or soft her face was. Frank couldn't think about that. He hated her guts the way she, "I wanted to be an actress..." she smiled, "Being on Broadway, but instead I got a degree in medicine..." she sighed, "Oh uh your bandages..."

"Mmm... " Frank laughed, watching her. She was careful and kind, the things he didn't think she could be. Yonah's eyes began to wander a bit,

DING!

"Oh, dinners ready..." she began to move as Frank pulled her back down, 

"You cook?"

"And I bake, now if you excuse me..." she walked off. Something about Frank made her not want to leave his side, but she needed to get out of there. They were getting too close and-

"Hey, sis," Dick said on the other end of the phone, 

"Dickie, hey, I need advice..."

"Okay, shoot..."

Yonah took the lasagna out of the oven as she sighed, 

"It's Frank..."

"Oh, God..."

"He's so annoying like on Sunday we went to Lux, and he embarrasses me in front of Luci ... and then Monday we did an interrogation, and he thought I couldn't do it, and then he got shot saving me and-" 

"You're taking care of him, and you have feelings for him?"

"No," she lied, "I think he's annoying. and, lately, I want to punch his lips with my lips!"

"That's called kissing..." he chuckled,

"Yeah, and then she's takin care of me and..." 

"You like her..." Billy and Matt teased, 

"I don't like her." Frank rolled his eyes, "She's sweet, kind, doesn't know when enough is enough, considerate-"

"Those sound like you like her," Matt responded.

"Obsessed,"

"Infatuated." 

"In lo-"

"Don't say it..." Frank sighed, "Look, I'll be back Sunday." he hung up. Sitting on a serving tray was lasagna, a glass of wine, and a cheesecake. "All made from scratch," she added, watching him take a bite. His eyes went wide, "Why don'tcha open a restaurant..." he asked as she shrugged, "Kinda basic, mobsters and restaurants..." 

"Well, tomorrow I'll take ya somewhere nice, my treat."

"I must be dying..." 

"Oh, shut up..."

"Make me..." he watched her walk out, a dopey grin on his face.

Wednesday

Yonah sighed, "This isn't a date. It's just two enemies going out to appreciate each other for a mission gone right." she repeated to herself, pink diamond choker on her neck, a form-fitting black dress on her body. She had just finished her makeup. "Are you ready yet-" he walked in as she stood up, "Only dressed like this for the free food. " she smirked, taking her purse, "Are you coming or what, Frank." she turned to look at him, "Wait up for me." he turned to face her, "Yonah..." she held back a gasp, he never said her name, "Of course..." 

The restaurant had been nothing but high-class treatment, chandeliers, high-in staff, and the best pink lemonade she'd ever tasted. 

"Do you take all your girls to places like this..." she asked, enjoying her steak, 

"Last woman I took here was Maria. It was her favorite spot." he smiled, his face was melancholy now, and she felt as though she had shifted the mood, 

"I'm sorry about..."

"You wanna dance?"

"You dance?" Yonah snorted,

"Yeah, I do."

"Prove it..." 

"May I," Frank asked for her gloved hand. The two were in the middle of the dance floor, swaying themselves into a Waltz. He was good, graceful even. Not once had he stepped on her toes. But he could say the same for her, perfect form, elegant, light like a feather. 

"Everyone's staring at us..." 

"Keep your eyes on me..." he twirled her back into his arms, her eyes never leaving Frank's. Frank flashed a smile as her heart nearly leaped out of her chest. He was beautiful. He was perfect-

"I-I'll be right back," she picked up the dress from the skirt, running off like Cinderella. 

Yonah sat in the bathroom stall recalculating the past events, his smile, his smirk, the way that Frank looked at her, ever so softly. The way she suddenly wanted to kiss him more, or be near him, or the less they teased each other through the years.

"Oh fuck..." she groaned, "I'm in love with him..." 

Now she was between accepting this fact or completely letting this boil-over and dying out. Or perhaps she could use her new emotions for the mission. After all, they had to act as if they were in love anyways. 

"Are you okay?" his hand on her back,

 "Yeah, I'm fine... Sleeping on the couch is uh getting to me." she rubbed the back of her neck, 

"I told em to uh bring the car around if you wanna rest." 

"I'd like that..." 

"I could even sleep on the couch." he suggested, "We're adults... we can share the bed," she stated, "Unless, of course, women in lingerie bug you or you don't wanna share a California King." she teased,

 "Sharin a bed with you psh." he laughed, "Is that a challenge." 

"Depends on you, Frankie." 

Frank got under the covers, Yonah lying on top. the two had been in a deep conversation for the past couple of hours. "So why'd ya sound like that." Frank questioned, her voice had this proper sound to it like she was a part of the Carter Cartel, "Like what." she asked, "Like halow..." he tried to mock her accent as she snorted, "I raised by a British Butler dumbass." she playfully shoved his leg, "I don't actually tawk like that all da time." she hissed at him, "No sweetheart the word is tawlk." he teased, "That's what I said tawk..." she glared at him, "See ya missin the L, Jersey people..." he scoffed shaking his head, "Jersey people... whatta about you New Yorka's aye I'm walkin ere!" she poked,

 "I don't talk like dat..." 

"Yeah, you do. And ya pizza's and, and, look at me, I'm from Brooklyn !"

"I'm actually from Brooklyn." he shoved her a little as she fell off the bed. Frank looked over the bed. Yonah had been on the side of the bed crying. Did he shove too hard, did he break her, did he-

WHAM!

"Gotcha!"

"Real mature, Wayne, real mature."

WHAM!

"Oh, it's Castle," she leaped into his lap, looking into her eyes he couldn't hide from his emotions. He wanted to. Frank didn't think he deserved her at all. But she could take a hit and a joke. He could see a future with her in her eyes. Frank pulled her close, his breath feathering against her lips, leaning closer towards her. He was close. He was so -

Call From Dad

"Is that the GodFather theme..." 

Thursday

birds chirped, the shower was running, they had only three days left until the big mission, things were going smoothly, and they'd be believable enough to pretend to be married. "Morning, Yonah." Frank winked, "When's the last time you relaxed,"

"Why..." she asked, "We're going to see a musical." he smiled, he hated musicals, but he remembered she wanted to be on Broadway. "How'd ya get tickets..." she asked, "I knew a guy who knew a guy..."

"The truth..."

"I heard it on the radio when I went out to get more bandages and won tickets..." 

"Oh Frank, I could kiss you... Wait, what show is it..." 

"Some show named Wicked..."

"Oh, I could kiss you, but that would be gross." she laughed.

"Just shut up and get dressed." he laughed, shaking his head.

Sitting in the cold theatre, Frank had wanted this to be over. It had been going on for too long. But the look of pure joy on her face, if he could capture it in his memory all day, he would. He could see her beautiful smile if it was that one every day. 

Friday

"Where did you propose..." Yonah asked. They had one more day for this party. They had to be unbeatable in their details, " Ya parent's anniversary party in the rose garden." he smirked, "Under the full moon." he watched Yonah pace. They had just come back from doing a few hits for her father, the sweat still clinging to her brow. "Alright, good..." he pulled her into his lap. Frank had been flirty since they returned, pulling her close to him. Or holding onto her hand, 

"What's gotten into you, Castle." 

"You." he mumbled for only him to hear it, blood mixed in his sweat as she looked down at his lips, fingers digging in her sides, "Frank... I'm gonna take a bath..."

Ezra groaned, sitting in her room as she looked at Bruce, "I don't think your plan is going to work." sharping her sword. "I don't think you're gonna get those bickering idiots to confess to liking each other." she kept talking as Bruce checked his phone. Yonah hadn't called him all night. She was supposed to run a few simple errands for Bruce and send him to prove she completed the missions. "She isn't answering my calls..." Barbra groaned, 

"Did you track her?" 

"Did I track her... Duh!"

"What could she be doing." 

Yonah giggled, "Then what happened..." she asked, Frank's hands massaging her scalp with shampoo, "Ya sister joined the hit fucked it up, and we caught her with Russo..." 

"No!" she gasped, "She's been sneakin off to see him?" he nodded as she groaned, "Don't take this personal, but I despise him more than I despise you." she smirked, "Princess, you're in the bathtub with me..." he kissed her forehead. She looked up at him, 

"Princess, huh, no quippy comments or... An argument. Or-" 

"Can't remember what we were fighting about all this time, really..." he shrugged. No, this wasn't happening. Yonah wasn't in the tub with her enemy for several years letting Frank call her princess. 

It wasn't like her. She once shot Peter Quil in the leg for calling her babe and Bucky for calling her doll. Of course, he did try to steal the family diamond, but that wasn't the point. 

"I think tonight we should slow it down and prepare for tomorrow..."

"You afraid or something..."

"Terrified..." she got out of the tub,

"Shit... she isn't answerin..." Jason sighed, "If he hurt her, I can..." he made a throat-cutting motion. Damian only rolled his eyes, "You just want to a slit a throat Todd..." he groaned, watching Jason nod. 

"I say we all attend. We can protect our own."

" What about Fisk's guy..." Stephanie asked,

"He's a hitman. He can fend for himself..." Ezra shrugged, the rest of the family looking down at her, "What, I despise him... But his boss Billy." she winked, 

"Not now ..." 

Yonah sighed, sitting in the guest bedroom, knees pressed to her chest, taking in deep breaths. She wasn't ready for the Falcone family. Not after what happened last time. Not after what he did. She could feel the pressure of the blade coming to her neck, the blood they had spilled together. Her hands were shaking, much like when she had seen Sionis the other day. She couldn't face him alone. She wouldn't. 

"Made ya some dinner and..." 

Yonah looked at him. If Yonah hadn't been in the dark room, he would have sworn he saw tears coming down her face, 

"I'm not hungry..." she turned away from him. 

"Yonah..."

"LEAVE ME ALONE!"

Saturday The Final Day

"Remember Castle... we go in there, infiltrate the office, get what we need, and go..." her pink mermaid gown hugging her curves, "And keep your hands where I can see them." She had been cold towards him since this morning, really since last night, but Frank had let it slide. He knew that if she trusted him enough, she'd tell him what was wrong. "Of course," he pulled her close to him. The party was grand but not as massive as the Cobblepots or the Maroneees. 

"Yonah, good to see you. You've grown up to look like your mother." Oswald smiled, his husband Edward next to him. "Oh, and is this the husband of yours Bruce told me about."  

Shit, Bruce told everyone. Yonah thought to herself with a "fake" smile on her face. She had to keep her eyes out for Carmine. She had to focus, "Frank Castle." he shook Oswald's hand, and the lingering smell of his cologne flooded her senses. Yonah froze. She didn't hear much else from their conversation. She felt eyes on her, icy blue ones at that, ripping, tearing, and- 

"Babygirl, some uh drinks."

"Hmm..." Yonah snapped back into reality, 

"Thirsty?" 

"A little..." her mouth was dry, a bitter taste left from the anxiety medicine that she had from earlier, 

"Wine." 

"Can't..."

"Why can't you, You never turned down wine..." Yonah turned to face Selina and Felicia Hardy. They'd been a thing for a while, dealing in imported diamonds. "I..."  come on. Yonnie, think of something quick. "My husband and I are trying to start a family..." she nodded, "Speaking of which, I need to find ..." walking away from the conversation, she lost eyesight of Frank but not eyesight of, " You should tell him to stop touching you." a firm grasp on her waist, she knew those rings too well, "Carlo... you're..."

"Hurting you... bullshit, you hurt me, you know that la mia Piccola Stella." he squeezed harder, tilting her chin up. He stole a kiss from her, harsh horrid, and fast he could feel the other man's eyes on him, the jealousy, the rage. "I know why you're here." squeezing her cheeks.

"Vaffanculo Carlo..." she pushed him away from her. He'd take his vengeance. 

"Castle..." 

"Falcone..." he snarled at the guy.

"You seemed busy over there..."

"That wasn't..." Yonah rasped out.

"I can see he's into you..." he looked at her as if he didn't even see her in front of him, 

"Frank...Please..."

"If dats what you want then-" yanking Frank's arm, she took him into the office. She'd been in here many times. Fond memories and cursed ones, 

"Why are we in here..."

"Too many eyes for me to say what I need to say." she froze. In the corner was the knife and under it were the fraudulent papers Carlo made to rob the Waynes of their money. "What do you need to say, sweetheart... you're shaking." he pulled her close, 

"I'm scared this won't work out. It could end badly..."

"What could end badly..."

"This... us..." she placed her hand on his chest,

"What are you saying..." 

 she pulled him by his tie. She could taste the whiskey on his lips, the dried blood from earlier on his tongue, "I lo..." her hand on his cheek, foreheads pressed together, 

BANG!

"Fuck me..." Yonah growled, pulling her gun out, "Frank, you get the papers, meet me downstairs." as she walked off, he grabbed her by the wrist, "We're doing this together..." Yonah nodded, tearing away her dress, "Then let's go."

"Wayne..."

"Falcone..." Bruce eyed down Carmine. He had been a problem since his parents were alive. 

"You came to die, I see..." 

"More or less you did..." his gun pointed at his grandson.

"Shoot him, and I'll kill your family..." 

"Like you killed my parents... or like they've already killed your guards..." 

"Oh, excuse us... We're just a little..." Yonah giggled as Frank held her, "Drunk!" a high-heeled kick to the nose, "Didn't think that would work." 

"Watch and learn..." running towards the ballroom. Yonah saw two familiar faces, 

"Ez..."

"Russo..." 

"Give up..." Carlo had his foot on Bruce's head. He was bloodied and bruised with a few broken ribs. "I don't see that jewel of yours coming to save ya..." he bent down to Bruce's level, "She'll be -"

BANG!

Carmine was lying on the floor, lifeless. Blood seeping into the marble, "You're not a bad shot..." Yonah mumbled.

"You save him, I'll handle..."

Carlo had Yonah pinned up against him, the dagger she knew all too well at her neck,

 "Frankie boy, thank you for returning her to me..." 

"Let her go..."

"Mmm... See, I can't. Yonah has something I want..." The dagger was placed at her heart, "And if I don't get it. He dies..." adding pressure to Bruce's head, he felt Yonah jerk towards her father as he pushed her down. 

"My brothers won't let you kill him..." 

"You mean them..." he snapped his fingers as Jason, Dick, Tim, and Duke had been beaten and bloody, 

"Yeah, try again, sweetie..." he cut down the middle of her dress, 

"Who you gonna save Castiligone..." he asked, "This bitch here... the bastard by my foot, yourself..." he pulled his gun out to shoot, finger on the trigger. As he pulled, Carlo stabbed. As Carlo stabbed, Yonah shot. 

"Are you..."

"I'm fine, Castle..." Bruce stood up, straightening his suit, "Get her out of here before the gas system breaks." Frank ran towards her.

 She was bleeding out fast. Frank couldn't lose her, not as he lost Maria and his kids. She was all he'd have. His hand was pressed against her forehead, removing the loose strands of hair from her face. 

"Just stay with me..."

Sunday

"Here to see my daughter..." Yazela asked, escorting Frank towards the steps, "Something like that..." pink roses under his arm, "She's been asking for you." she glanced at him, "Which is odd..." Yazela laughed, her long robe trailing behind her, "Whys that..." he asked, 

"She hasn't liked anyone in years..." 

"What about that guy from the party... seemed pretty obsessed ..." 

"Carlo, her ex..." she sighed, "He's the reason she cut herself off from love until she met you." 

"Me?" he asked as Yazela covered her mouth, "Oh would you look at that... it's her bedroom" she smiled, "Alfred did you call?" 

Frank stood there as he opened the door. He had expected to see pink and the frilliest room known to man. Instead, it was more victorian, with velvet drapes, silk sheets, and extravagant paintings. 

Sitting on her mattress, he placed his hand on her forehead, feverish from the blood loss. She was beautiful, at peace, and was enjoying her much-needed rest. Kissing her forehead Yonah grabbed him by the arm. 

"Hey, it's just me..."

" Frank..." she tried to reposition herself. Je helped her up. "You know that guy I met last night... he's no good for you, hell, I'd been a better boyfriend, and I'm your enemy."

"You're not my enemy..." she cleared her throat, voice groggy from the sleep and pain meds,

 "Yeah, I am clearly you..."

"Frank shut the hell up for one minute!" she flenched from her own pain. He was shocked, appalled even. 

"Last night I was trying to tell you I'm in lo-" he pulled her close kissing her, hand on the side of her cheek the other on her back, it was needy loving, and soft, 

"I've known since we first met."

"You're an asshole..." she stuck her tongue out.

"Mmm, but I'm your asshole." he kissed her again. 

"Oh Fuck!"

            "More!"

"Don't stop."

Bruce took a deep sigh eating his pancake Yazela smirked, "This is your fault, you know..." 

"I thought it was your idea..." he held her close,

"It was how we Often met..." 

[angel-inked]

From Shelby to Solomons: Chapter 1, part 3 "The run away Shelby"

Happy wip day everybody!

This is kinda old but I'm having a writers block so... enjoy!

Taglist: @vvkingofgaybisciutsvv @thequeenofthewinter

(3rd party pov)

Alfie cleared his throat after another shot of whiskey, staring down at a picture frame, the frame held a photograph that was very dear to the London gang leader, the photograph of his mother was, to his knowledge, the only one in existence. "you proud of me mum?" He asked, wondering what she would say if she could see him now. "Bah" he exclaimed, downing the rest of his liquor "Aw fuckin' hell, who am I kidding. Noone could ever be proud of this" he said, gesturing to himself. Looking over the photo more and more, his mind finally snapped. He snatched his empty glass from the table and sent it flying, the sound of broken glass filled the room as it collided with the wall of his office. He turned towards the wall, running his hands through his hair, a murmured growl escaping the man's lips. The sound of his door opening caught his attention, "is this a bad time Mr. solomons?" Thomas Shelby asked, standing at the door with his brother Arthur. "No, no Not a bad time at all. Just.. uh, settling scores with some old demon's that won't shut the fuck up" he replied, laying the frame he'd spent so much time staring at face down. This meeting would go over better without those blue eyes staring back at his, of course colored photographs aren't going to invented for several years to come and now solomons was sure he'd be dead by then but Alfie has a very vivid memory.

"Fuckin' hell" he mumbled mostly to himself, eyes still on the picture frame. "You're sure this isn't a bad time? You're mind seems to be on something else" Tommy voiced again, bringing Alfie's attention back to the two men that were sat in front of him. Had he spaced out without realizing it? He wasn't sure. "Yes, I'm sure. I may have been a bit.. preoccupied earlier... but that's besides the point" Alfred responded, adjusting himself in his chair. "I think we ought to come back another time" Tommy explained, standing up and his older brother followed suit. "Head out to the car, I'll be down in a few" Tommy told Arthur who only nodded in response and took his leave. "So you come here, all the way to London just to call off our meeting and now you're leaving" Alfie said, sounding more than a bit irritated.

"You're clearly dealing with something very.. difficult at the moment Alfie, I'm making an effort at pleasantries here if I need to spell it out for you. Neither of us signed that truce agreement for nothing" the peaky blinders leader explained. The London man cleared his throat loudly, eyeing the Birmingham native up and down.

"Thank you.. Mr. Shelby"

(Y/N's pov)

I was tasked with minding the warehouse while Alfie is in a meeting, but as soon as I saw Tommy and Arthur walk in, within a few minutes, I saw them walk out. "I thought you had a meeting" I said, as Tommy walked up to me. "Take care of Alfie, would ya?" He asked, "Take him to the fucking beach or something". I watched Tommy walk out of the building, "Take care of Alfie" ? Since when does he care? He signed that peace treaty just so he could sell in London. I looked up at Alfie's office, "Tommy wouldn't say anything if didn't mean it" I thought. I hurried up the stairs and knocked on the door, no answer, so I let myself in. "Alfie.." I said, walking towards his desk. He stared out the windows, into the rest of the warehouse. "Dost thou have a fucking problem?" He murmured, with a deadpan expression. propping myself against the desk, "meeting not go well?" I questioned. "You're brother called it off" Alfie explained, scratching his chin. "Which one?" I inquired. "Tommy" he replied shortly.

"Tommy told me to make sure you were taken care of.." I blurted, clasping my hands together in front of me. "He fucking what?!" Alfie turned toward me suddenly, "sense when did that lad care?" He asked. "I'm sure he means well.." I explained, "What'd I'd like to know is why did they call off the meeting?". Alfie sighed and looked back toward the window "just let me deal with the men today, alright?" I asked. "Alright" he agreed. "Just don't let them think I've gone soft" Alfie explained, pulling his coat over his sturdy frame. "Wouldn't dream of it" I replied. "Something wrong?" Ollie asked, as we transcended the staircase. "I'm headed out, Y/N is in charge while I'm gone" Alfie walked past his assistant, stopping mid stride "if anything comes up, you and the rest of the lot better do as they say, alright?" Alfie demanded, going from pointing to Ollie to gesturing to the rest of the warehouse and back. "Understood sir" Ollie replied, almost sounding nervous. Alfie shifted away from the young man, his coat moving as if a breeze had just blown through "Good. It better fuckin' be" he said. With that Alfie Solomons disappeared from sight. Ollie turned to me, "well, best get to work shall we" I said, moving from the second to last step. Ollie followed me as we walked through the building, except for the odd question of where Alfie was and why he left so suddenly, the walk was uneventful. I'm not one to pry, but even I'm not sure what Alfie is doing.

(Alfie's pov)

"Fuckin hell, busy place around here" I mumbled to myself, as I strolled through Camden. A young lass walked right into me, "oh sorr-" she stopped midsentence as she looked up at me. We stood for a while, just looking at each other before she hurried off, I watched her scramble away from the scene for a moment before continuing my walk. Did she per chance know who I am? Hell if I know. Now, I've been called eccentric and flashy to some degree, but that's none of my concern. However, what is my concern is what color brooch would Y/N like, after all they are some of the best help I've had in years, I settled on a sliver wolf chained brooch with amethyst set in the eyes of the wolf heads. After some more perusing, I noticed the two Shelby brothers from earlier, Tommy held at gun point by one of Darby Sabini's men and Arthur not fairing any better, being restrained by two more of Sabini's goons.

I retrieved my Smith & Wesson from my coat pocket and moved toward the men, dropping the one threatening Tommy, "ither of you want to end up like you're friend?" I asked, picking up the rifle. The pair ran off, looking rather caught off guard "Hmft, serves you right" I muttered, propping the weapon on my shoulder. "Get up Tommy, we have work to do" I ordered, getting in the driver's seat of the peakys car. Arthur got in the passenger seat and Tommy sat in the back, "thank you.. Mr. Solomons" Tommy spoke reluctantly as I started the vehicle. "Well, I agreed to help you didn't I?" I replied. "Where you taking us?" Arthur asked, glancing over at me.

"Why the bakery of course, we have a lot to discuss my dear friends"

[glorified-red]

Valentine’s Day with Tim

word count: 1050~

warnings: Tooth rotting fluff

Typing this with a sprained thumb was a nightmare but I will not let you guys spend Valentines Day without some fluffy Tim >:)

Valentines day with Tim can have one of two different outcomes: if you two recently got together, Tim will meticulously plan out the whole day down to the minute or, if you two have been together for a longer time period, he will probably forget about it and haphazardly put something together the night before

Tim wants to impress you when you two first get together, he wants to make up for his busy schedule with gifts and a day with you, its his way of saying “Hey, please don't leave me. See? I can be a good boyfriend.”

So he goes all out

He’d sit down with Bruce and ask about different restaurants to book a reservation at since Bruce and Silena go out often enough

Tim would take notes and whatever place he didn't choose for Valentines, he'd use for a date later

Since Bruce suggested it, its very high end meaning you should probably dress fancy and be prepared for some wine

After booking dinner, Tim would try to come up with some gifts for you to keep which eventually leads to the typical gift of flowers

He’ll even have a very lengthy conversation with Alfred about different bouquet arrangements so he can have the flowers sing the perfect  message, even if you don't realize it

Red carnations with daisies peeping in and out, showcasing his love for you and his undying loyalty only for you

You may think its just the color red symbolizing the typical hidden messages of love and his hidden life, but he means it as pride, how proud he is to call you his valentine, to call you his

How much he admires each and every aspect of you

Its a small gift, but Tim poured hours of thinking into it until he and Alfred finished in the kitchen the night before, Bruce definitely doesn't have a picture of them hugging after

While in the beginning of the relationship Tim may feel a tad insecure and go all out, when you two have been together for awhile, he won't feel the need to impress you as much

Tim knows exactly how you feel about him at this point so Valentines Day seems less of a do-or-die holiday and more of a soft day to spend with you

Because of this, he’d completely forget about it

Jason would end up being the one to remind him while everyone’s sitting at dinner together

“So what are your plans for tomorrow, lovebird?” 

Cue a confused Tim with pasta in his mouth “W h a t”

Damian would only tsk and wonder how the hell someone fell in love with a moron like Tim

After finding out that Valentines Day is the next day and wow he has nothing planned, he would be just a little stressed out

When I say a little I mean he barges into Dicks bedroom with crazy eyes pleading for a sliver of his charisma to help make valentines special for you

Dick has to remind Tim constantly throughout the night that whatever you two end up doing, its about spending time together, not about crazy over the top gifts

Big Brother Mode™

Tim eventually decides to have a picnic with you, its easy to make happen and wonderful fun for the both of you

And its cheesy enough that Tims helpless romantic heart goes crazy

So he’ll text you in the morning a sweet little paragraph with a time he's going to pick you up <3

Tim will drive you to a cute little park and lay the blanket out for you, he doesn't let you lift a singular finger while he lays everything out, its the least he could do

He packed so many of your favorite foods and he doesn't tell you directly but you can see how proud he is of himself as he lays out your options

Alfred totally snuck in a few heart shaped desserts

It would get a little chilly as it gets darker out so don't be surprised when Tim scoots closer to you on the blanket and wraps his arm around you, he may even gather enough courage to wrap you in his jacket

The longer you two sit in silence, enjoying each others company, the cheesier Tim would get

If you don't stop him, he will go on a short tangent about how much you mean to him while sitting under the stars, your head laying on his shoulder

He’d tell you the exact moment he fell in love with you, the exact moment he realized you were the one he wanted to spend his life with

Tim would kiss the top of your head and thank you, thank you for trusting in him and making him feel as though he didn't have to overexert himself to show his love for you

That you still love him even if the picnic was last minute and his hair isn't gelled

At this point he'd fish out the gift he bought for you last night with the help of a certain persuasive cat 

It was a beautiful necklace with two hearts intertwined, one of them was red while the other was your favorite color

Its incredibly cheesy and Tim feel kind of stupid explaining the meaning behind it because it represents how his heart will always be connected to yours

Halfway through his face will be a blushing mess, stuttering out a “Sorry I know its cheesy but I thought you’d like it”

Please kiss him

Like, please

It will immediately calm his anxieties and make him feel reciprocated

And if you give him his gifts after? 

Wow he is going to feel so lucky, he’ll be starstruck in all honesty because yea he gave you gifts but he wasn't expecting you to give him anything in return

Quite literally, you could give him a rock and he will put it on his desk and sharpie on the year you gave it to him

Anything you give him, he will be immensely happy to receive it, Tim would look at you with wide eyes before gently putting down the gift and all but tackling you in a big hug

Because in that moment, under the stars, he fell impossibly harder for you

Taglist ♡

@idkmanicantenglish

@anothertimdrakestan

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

Dangerous Love (Pt. 13 of 13)

Pairing: Bruce Wayne (Batman) X Harley Quinn's sister!Reader

Word count: 1.7 K

Summary: You're Harley Quinn's sister, Havoc, one of the many villain's of Gotham. But you've been caught, and has been tortured constantly for an year in Belle Reve. But when your think your life can't be anything else than the nightmare you find yourself into, Bruce Wayne, the Batman, takes you in for a project. He has a program to rehabilitate villains, and you're his lab rat. But soon enough confusing feelings start getting in the way. You know falling for Bruce is stupid. But can you keep your heart under control?

<- Previous part (12)

{Justice League - DC Masterlist}

×

Freedom

“Bruce! I'm back!” You yell as you push the door closed with your back, carrying the two bags from the supermarket. Alfred is driving the car to the garage. Today was the fourth time you went out all by yourself. Alfred has to drive since you still can't take your license, but you feel like you're doing well. He stays in the car while you buy the stuff you want, and it's actually good to be out there, with the people. “I met this sweet lady on the line and she was so cute. She told me about her grandson who's starting in the kinder garden this year.” You follow the sound of his voice coming from the living room, leaving the bags on the table at the main hall and making your way there. “She–”

The words get stuck on your throat when you see he's not alone. Amanda Waller and the other five people responsible for Belle Reve are here. You're frozen, busted because you don't know if they should know about all the freedom you're having. You look at Bruce, searching for any signs of what to do. His expression is calm, light, and he reaches out his hand. “Come here, sweetheart.” He says, and you take a few seconds to find your legs, making your way over him, taking his hand, noticing how yours are shaking.

“Is everything alright?” You whisper to him.

“I see Havoc is already allowed out. And apparently without your supervision.” One of the men speaks, his angry eyes on you. This one wants you back in your cell, being beaten up.

“She is. (Y/N) is adapting wonderfully well.” Bruce says. “This is not the first time she goes out without me, and there hasn't been any kind of incident.”

“I couldn't help but notice you engaged in a romantic relationship with her,” Amanda states, reading something on her tablet. “The rest of the world didn't recognize her, but we did. You've been seen with her in... Three different galas.”

“I'm well aware of the contract we both signed, Amanda. I made it. And a romantic relationship wasn't mentioned, which means it wasn't forbidden.” You hold tight on his arm as he speaks. “And yes, I've been to some parties with her, I believe you saw us on the news.”

“I don't need you to tell me about the contract, Bruce. I read it. And honestly, I couldn't care less about who you want to put in your bed.” She mumbles, typing something down. “Let's make it quick, Bruce. We're here for a reason, but Havoc isn't the only criminal we have to deal with.”

“Her name is (Y/N). And soon enough you won't have to deal with her anymore.” Bruce turns to you, placing a kiss on your lips. “I need you to wait upstairs, my love. You can't be present while we discuss this.”

Nodding, you give them one last look before walking away.

But you can't go to your room. You're too scared now. What if you lose what you have here? Your life with Bruce... If you're thrown back in Belle Reve... You can't handle it anymore, you'll die. Inside first, until your body gives up. So you move downstairs, a few steps so the wall is hiding you, sitting down and paying attention, trying to bring sense to their words.

“Mr. Wayne, eight months ago you took in one of Belle Reve's intern, (Y/N) Quinzel, also known as Havoc, to test a project of your creation. In which you tried to rehabilitate her, so that she could have a life out of her criminal actions, being able to be fully reintroduced into life in society.” The man speaks slow, and by the looks of it, they must be recording it. “Do you believe your project succeded?”

“Yes.” Bruce answers.

“Do you believe (Y/N) could be released to live among other people without causing any kind of harm, stealing, killing, torturing, or any other dangerous behavior?”

“Yes.”

“Are you aware that the condition for her release is you being completely responsible for her actions from now on?”

“Yes, I am.”

“It will be like a damn marriage, Wayne.” Someone says, and your heart stops. “Anything she does, she steals a freaking pencil, you'll have to answer for it. You'll be bound for life.”

“Good,” Bruce mumbles, and you hear some laughs.

“For goodness sake, Wayne. I get that you want to have fun with her. The girl is insane but pretty, I'm not blind. But–”

“I'm not having fun with her. And you will watch your tongue before talking about (Y/N) again.” A smile comes to your lips, and you cover your mouth with a hand. Every passing day you're more and more sure that Bruce is going serious with you. That he has a goal with your relationship, but it still warms your heart when he says something like that.

“Whatever you want, Bruce Wayne,” Amanda mutters. “I will need you to sign here. And your fingerprints.”

A silence falls, and everything you hear is your heartbeat. Bruce told you he was starting the last procedures to set you free once and for all, but you didn't think it would happen so fast. Guess he did had everything under control after all.

Your mind suddenly floats back to when you first got here, when you tried to run, when you attacked him so brutally. Back then, on the first days, you never thought you'd fall for him. And it took a while for you to even allow yourself to. Bruce, being Batman, the hero, could never have feelings for you. And it's true that the signs where there, when he touched you, or when he went to your room to dance with you, leaving the party behind... But you were so scared back then... That you'd have your heart broken for the very first time.

But it had a happy ending. An ending you know you don't deserve. You want to be with Bruce, you want the life you have now, to go to college next month, study and become a nurse. Find a job and... The rest you don't know. But you know it'll be good.

“Go get the girl. I need her fingerprints too.” Amanda speaks up.

You hear his footsteps as they grow closer. You stand up when you see him on the bottom of the stairs, waiting until he reaches you.

“Did you hear it?”

You nod, letting yourself fall into his embrace when he opens his arms. “I don't want to see any of them ever again.”

“You won't, I promise.”

“Bruce... A-are you sure you'll sign that thing? I heard what they said.”

“Hey...” He pulls away, just enough to look into your eyes. “I already signed and I don't regret it. This is the last step, (Y/N), don't let them get to your head.”

“Okay,” you mumble, tiptoeing to kiss him.

Bruce guides you back to the living room, and you try to keep your head up, fearless.

“Havoc. Put both your hands here.” Amanda says, her voice filled with anger and disgust. She doesn't want to release you, but she has no choice. Nodding, you place both hands on her tablet. You watch as the screen reads all your ten fingerprints, and your picture appears on the top. Then, a green X covers it, blinking, and then everything is gone. And now, with your hand still on it, the screen shows up a few dots, and the word ‘searching’. “It's done, Havoc. But don't you ever come back under my jurisdiction again... I won't give you any other chance. Even if another Kryptonian comes from the sky demanding for it.”

“(Y/N).” you simply say, stepping back until you're by Bruce's side.

“Of course.” She mutters. “Well, I believe this is it. Mr. Wayne, I believe we're done here.”

“You may now kiss the bride, Wayne.” A man says, and two others laugh with him. You sink a little, stepping back, letting Bruce's shoulder hide you.

“You won't get an invitation Mr. Rochford, but I'm sure you'll know about it on the news,” Bruce says and the men immediately shut up. “I must ask you to leave now. Our business is over. For good.”

“I wish you luck, Mr. Wayne.” Amanda Waller reaches out her hand and Bruce shakes it.

You stand there, watching them leave. It's ridiculous, but you feel like your chains are falling off. All the terror, the infinite days and neverending nights in that hell are over. You still don't like thinking about it, and remembering is painful, but you're glad that's what it is now: a memory. A distant, faded memory. Some scars will accompany you for the rest of your life, even though Bruce has you under some esthetic treatments to get rid of most of them. But you're ok with that, with the ones that will stick around. They'll be a different kind of badge now, a prove that you crawled out of that nightmare, and despite needing a little push, you did some of the work too.

“Why are you crying, my love?” Bruce asks when he comes back, but you haven't noticed the tears rolling down.

“It's nothing, I just... I'm happy. Truly, wholeheartedly happy, I...” He pulls you into his arms, holding you tight. “I love you so damn much, Bruce, but... I guess I love me too. Who I am now, who I want to become.”

“Whatever happens now, (Y/N), it's up to us. To you. You can make your own decisions, and I'll be here to support you.”

“I know, babe.” Pulling away, you jump up, wrapping your legs around his waist. “Life starts now, and... I want you in it.”

“Me too, sweetheart. That's why I had no trouble sighing that contract.” His eyes get darker, and you furrow your eyebrows.

“What is it, Bruce?” He's dead serious, bouncing you up to have a better grip.

“Marry me.”

Your heart stops, as the answer slides down your tongue. Enough with the nightmares. This life is way better than any dream you couldbever have.

×

@fionanovasleftnut @glitterypinkkitty @mybabyboytony @chipster-21 @agustdpeach @yaakimoon2 @chloe-skywalker @rosalynshields

[alexhogh7137]

Rule the World with Me-

Ivar the Boneless × Reader

Masterlist

Chapter Forty-Two: The Lake

Word Count 3.9k

Warnings: heavy angst, mentions of blood and death, some gore, fluff in some areas

As you slept and dreamed, you could feel yourself slipped deeper and deeper into your own dream. It all became so real, so raw with emotion and fear. All you could feel was anxiety that something was happening but you just did not know what. You don't know where you are or how you got there, all you know is that you are in armor and your sword is in your hand. You are standing in the treeline when you begin walking into the open area. When you walk further and further, you start to see carcasses of horses that have arrows in their cores. The smell is horrific and so strong that you can almost taste it on your tongue. You place your fist to your nose to cast the smell but it is no use, so you continue to walk on and on. That is when you see all of the bodies. Who are they? You do not know. That was until you looked over the horizon and saw the kingdom of Wessex. 

"Oh gods..what have we done?" Tears started to form in your eyes as you continued down the path of the dead. You could not recognize any of the deceased warriors, that was clear. For some reason, you felt like your body was being pushed towards the castle itself. Whatever spirit was pushing you, you just let them take you to see whatever they needed you to see. When you reach the doors, you hesitate to open them. They are huge and heavy, with crosses engraved on them. You take a deep breath and turn the knob. As you open it, the smell of death becomes overpowering. You almost choke on how thick the aroma is in the building. As you expected, there is a mountain of dead warriors, men and women, in the middle of the foyer. 

"Ahh Y/n, there you are!" When you look up, you see none other than your brother Ubbe sitting on the throne. 

"Ubbe?.." he gets up from his comfortable position and walks over the corpses to hug you. Mind you, he is drenched in blood yet he is the happiest man you have ever witnessed. "Wh-what is this?"

Ubbe "You do not remember?"

"I-no, I-...what is going on?!" You stammered.

Ubbe snickers, "Where to start, aye?!" He claps, "You and my brothrt Ivar, came to help me overthrow dear Alfred's kingdom."

"Alfred?" He puts his finger in the air as a 'wait one second' and walks away from you and into the hallway. Your head is spinning and you are so confused. How could you not remember that you were part of a battle? And where is Ivar? Where is Hvitserk? Then your heart started to race and your balance started to weaken. If this moment wasn't bad enough, your brother comes back to you with a decapitated head in his hands. You gasp and trip over a corpse, falling down very hard. 

Ubbe "Oh dear, are you alright?!"

"D-don't touch me!" He jolts back and puts his hand in the air in defense. 

Ubbe "Hey, I'm not going to hurt you-"

Hvitserk "Y/n?" He comes out from the hallway and runs to you as fast as he could without falling. 

"Hvitserk!!" You both run into each other and hold each other tight.

Hvitserk "I thought you were gone-"

"Wh-why..what the hell is going on!?"

Hvitserk "I saw you fall...I saw a warrior take you down I-I thought we all lost you!"

"I don't remember that! What is happening, why can't I remember anything?"

Ivar "That is because you are dreaming, my love." Ivar comes out, walking on his two feet, as if he was never a cripple."

"I am?"

Ivar "You are. You prayed to the gods to send you a vision, did you not?"

"I..I did." 

Ivar "Well this is it, my sweetheart." He says as he caresses your cheek.

"I don't understand."

Ubbe "What don't you understand, little sister? You helped me win this crown that I will now place on my head...didn't you?"

"I can't say that I did."

Hvitserk "Look down Y/n.." you are confused until you look down and see all of the blood on your hands. They weren't just bloody, they were cut and bruising.

You drop your sword and walk backwards.

Ivar "Honey.."

"What?"

Ivar "You need to wake now."

"I can-"

Ivar "Wake up baby."

"I need to wake up.." you close your eyes tightly, trying to make yourself wake up. You feel Ivar's hands squeeze your arms and start to shake you. Then and only then, did you finally wake.

When your eyes finally open, you see your beloved hovering overtop of you and your children crying and screaming by your bedside. 

"Wha-what happened?! Why are you two crying, huh?" You said in a calm, soothing tone. 

Baldur "Mother...you were whimpering..crying in your sleep-"

Freya "Are you okay mommy?!" 

"I am okay honey, both of you, come here." You hold out your arms for the both of them and they fold into you like they needed to be comforted for hours and hours. You look at Ivar, who has his fist over his mouth like he is trying to catch his breath. 

"Ivar.."

Ivar "Y/n..you haven't had a nightmare like that in years. Not since.." he looked at you and you knew what he was going to say without him having to day it: you haven't had a nightmare like this one since Oleg died. 

"I don't know what happened..I'm so sorry."

Ivar "Kids, your mother is awake now, off to bed."

Baldur "Maybe we should sleep in here, just for tonight."

Ivar "You and your sister need to go back to bed, okay? If your mother needs you, she will get you, aye?" He nods, "We promise." He kisses the both of them, "go back to sleep."

Freya "Love you, mommy.."

"I love you, dear." They both kiss your cheeks and leave your chambers. Once you and Ivar were alone, Ivar collapses on the bed as if he was completely exhausted and emotionally drained.

"..I-I don't know what to say.."

Ivar "My love, you were screaming. At the top of your lungs like there was hot coils on your skin.."

"...what?"

Ivar "No matter how hard I shaked you, you would not wake up. Why didn't you wake up?"

"I.I don't know. Ivar, what happened to me?" He rises from his laying position and cups your cheeks. 

Ivar "You had a vision, didn't you?" You begin to cry then and Ivar pulls you into his chest as you ride out this current wave. "Sshh..shhh I'm here. I've got you, you're alright." You held onto him as tight as you did all those years ago, when he first came into your life.  

"I prayed Ivar. I prayed to them to give me a sign as to what to do."

Ivar "About the siege?"

"Yeah." He nods, "We won. That was for sure." You force a laugh.

Ivar "Then why were you screaming, my love?"

"I don't know why I was screaming, Ivar. In the dream it was like I dreamed it but I forgot the whole beginning! I..In the vision, I appeared after the battle." He nods, "But when I found Ubbe and Hvitserk, they told me how I almost died and how I helped them win."

Ivar "I see.."

"And then you appeared but you didn't just show up Ivar, you walked to me..like fully walked!" His brows scrunch, "not just that...you knew that it wasn't real."

Ivar "I don't understand."

"Neither do I. Imagine how I feel, I-"

Ivar "Hey, you are awake. Yes?" You nod, "I am here, our children are in the next room and my brothers are here...everything is alright." You nod, "It was a dream-a vision.." he kisses your lips, "You are home, my love. You are not on that bloody battlefield in Wessex..you are home."

"Yeah." You wipe away the last of your tears and force a smile.

Ivar "We can talk more in the morning if you would like to, hmm?" 

"The morning sounds nice." 

Ivar smiles, "The morning it is then." He kisses your entire face, making you giggle like your daughter does when she is being tickled. "Now, come lay with me and rest your precious heart." You hum as his warmth engulfs your entire being. 

"I'm sorry."

Ivar "Never apologize to me for something that you cannot control. There is no need to be sad nor do you need to apologize. I love you more than everything."

"Everything?"

Ivar "Everything. It's me and you, sweetheart. Forever." You smile, "That means your dreams are also mine. Your sadness becomes mine and your happiness becomes mine. You are my other half Y/n."

"And you are mine, you are my everything.." you kiss his chest as he hums in satisfaction.

Ivar "Tomorrow, we should take the kids to the lake and spend quality time with them."

"Just us?"

Ivar "That's right. We can bring the wolves too for safety, for extra company if you'd like."

"Mmm. We can't leave without them, they'd find a way out anyways." He laughs and nods.

Ivar "You are right. But how does that sound?"

"Mm, like peace on earth to me."

Ivar "Me too honey," he kisses your head, "now that I think about it, the kids have never been to the lake."

You lift up in shock, "You are right! They haven't!" Your jaw drops, making Ivar laugh so hard that his stomach hurts, "Ivar..the last time that we were there, Baldur was one year old!"

Ivar "I know, my love. More of the reason to take them, yes?"

"Yes, absolutely."

Ivar "Mm then it is settled. Now come back to me," he rests his head back down on the pillow and waits for you to rest yours on his chest. 

"I love you. So much."

Ivar "And I love you all the same." You smile and breathe deeply, allowing your body to fully relax and drift back off into a peaceful slumber.

__________________________________

When you and Ivar wake, your children come running in and jumping on your bed. 

Ivar "Aye, not so hard!" He shouts in a playful manner.

Baldur "Nah ah! It's time to wake up father!"

Ivar "I am up, are you blind huh?" You are laughing too hard to join in on the banter.

Freya "Jump, jump, jump!" She says as she hops up and down next to you. You and Ivar are starting to get woozy by the time the door opens back up. 

Hvitserk "Having a party in here without your poor ol' uncle, i see!"

Freya and Baldur "UNCLE HVIT!" 

Ivar chuckles, "He's been here for over a week!" He says as they cling to their uncle's torso. He is so large compared to their small bodies, Hvitserk is viking size Baldur would say. 

Hvitserk "I think your father is getting tired of me..what do you two think?" He whispers.

Freya "No! Daddy loves you!"

Hvitserk "He does?!"

Baldur "Oh he certainly does!" Hvitserk chuckles and then looks at his brother laughing in bed. 

Hvitserk "I know he does, even if he does not say it as often as the rest of us. He means well."

Ivar "I do not say it because you already know that I do." Hvitserk nods.

Baldur "But mother says it almost too often."

"Hey!-"

Hvitserk "No no, that word can never be said too many times."

Freya "Love you Uncle Hvit!"

Hvitserk "I love you back, little nugget." He ruffled her hair. When the kids ran out of the room, Hvitserk stayed. 

Hvitserk "Hey, what happened last night? I thought I heard screams or-"

"Uh yeah, it was a really bad dream."

Hvitserk "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine now. Ivar talked me through it."

Ivar "I'm going to take Y/n and the kids to the lake today. Figure it will all bring us some peace after last night's discussion."

Hvitserk "I think that would be good. I will talk to Ubbe while you all are out. See if he can reconsider his plan to siege."

Ivar snickers, "I don't think that our brother will reconsider, he sounded like he had his mind made up."

Hvitserk sighs, "It's worth a shot. Wait, was the dream about-"

"Yeah. We won but it...changes Ubbe. He is a different man once he has that kingdom."

Hvitserk nods, "I see. Welp-" he pats you gently, "you two get out of bed and get going..it's almost midday."

Ivar "Is it really?!"

Hvitserk "Mhm." He winks and then leaves you both to get yourselves ready. 

…

You go with a light blue dress and you decide to let your hair go wild today, which makes Ivar have heart eyes. 

"What?"

Ivar "Mm, nothing I just love when you let your hair down." He says as he twirls your hair. 

"I know you do, maybe that is why I am not braiding it today." You smile but he smirks. He caresses your cheek and kisses your lips softly and gently, almost like kissing a flower peddle. 

Ivar "Let's go get the children, hmm?"

"Mhm." You kiss him again before taking his hand and leading him out of the bedroom. Seeing your children all dressed for the lake trip, warms your heart. You can tell that Hvitserk dressed them: Freya has a yellow dress on with waterproof boots and Baldur has on a brown set with a nice vest on. 

"Well don't you two look wonderful!"

Baldur "Uncle Hvit dressed us!"

Ivar "I can tell, you both look very well."

Hvitserk "I think so too." You walk up and kiss him on the cheek and he smiles.

"Thank you for helping out this morning."

Hvitserk "Anytime, little sis. Now, you four go. Ubbe and I will keep an eye on this place."

Ivar "Thank you for this, brother."

Hvitserk "Of course. I'll see you when you get back." You all say your goodbyes and then off you went to your little adventure.

As the four of you started walking, Asena and Messiah led the way. Messiah knew the way to the lake, since she went with you and Ivar when the two of you took Baldur when he was very little. 

Baldur "How long does it take to get there, mother?"

"Oh don't you worry how long it takes us, just focus on the journey to get there."

Ivar "Your mother is right son, take in the world around you. You too Freya."

Freya "Yes, father." Her big brother takes her hand as they explored the woods with their wolves by their sides.

"Look at them, my love."

Ivar "Our creation."

"Yeah.." he takes your hand and pulls you into his right side and he holds your waist as you walk together. Baldur collects some sticks and throws them for Asena and Messiah to catch and bring back to them. You swear that your wolves are so domestic that they are practically dogs at this point. Ivar shakes his head and rolls his eyes and mumbles under his breath, "They are supposed to scare people...not play fetch."

You giggle, "Oh hun, you love them the way that they are-"

Ivar "I do." He sighs.

"And besides, we want them to be gentle with our children. I mean could you imagine if Asena or Messiah bit one of them?!"

Ivar "No, you are completely right. Our wolves are perfect. Even if they are insanely domestic for their kind." He laughs. 

Freya interrupts us when she runs towards us, "Ma, Pa!"

"What is it darling?"

Freya "Is that the lake?!" She looks at her horizon and points to something blue.

Ivar "Aye..It is indeed."

"How did we get here..so fast?"

Baldur "Fast? Mother it feels like we've been walking for hours!"

"Oh..yes, yes of course."

Ivar "Hmm. Don't overthink it, sweetheart. Time slipped my mind as well." He caresses your cheek to show some comfort because he could tell by your stutter that you were confused. 

"Mm.." 

Freya "Can we go see it now?!" 

"Yes, you two go on. Take the wolves, your father and I will catch up." Baldur takes his sister's hand and they bolt off like lightning in the night sky. 

Ivar "It did not feel that long for me either, Y/n."

"Baldur said it felt like hours. But for me, it felt like 10 minutes."

Ivar laughs, "It felt like that to me too, sweetheart. I think that we lost track of time because we were in our own little world. I mean hun, we were talking the whole time..watching the kids."

"Yeah, yes you are right."

Ivar "I know that you are worried because you lost time in your vision last night, but I promise you that that did not happen, okay?"

"Yeah."

Ivar "Now," he kisses your lips, "let's go to our special place, sit down for a while and relax with our children, hmm?"

"I love the sound of that." He takes your hand and kisses your knuckles before leading you to the lake. Where Baldur was waving to the both of you with the biggest smile on his face. As you watched your son play in the lake, all of your worries simply became nonexistent.

__________________________________

The time at the lake was more splendid than anything else that you have ever done with your family. Asena and Messiah kept watch over all of you and when they were able to relax, they slept on each other. How cute was that? Freya even started to cry over how cute they were so Baldur consulted her, which was precious in itself. Ivar and you had special moments as well: whispering sweet nothings to each other, spontaneous kisses here and there, and just being together without anyone else was extremely peaceful. Baldur taught Freya how to skip rocks along the lakebed, a skill that Hvitserk had taught him a few months prior. You would catch Ivar just staring and smiling at the kids, just in pure admiration of the beautiful human beings that you both created by the miracle of the gods. 

Ivar "Son, do you remember your mother and I taking you here when you were little?"

Baldur sits down beside Ivar, out of breath from playing with his sister, "Hm.. all I can remember is you..pointing up at the sky."

Ivar "Oh yeah?" He nods, "I was showing you the birds in the sky."

Baldur "Yes! Yes, I remember that!"

Freya "Now you have memories with me!" She stammered.

"Aw, my sweet girl." You tell her as she nuzzles up to your side.

Baldur "That is right, sis."

"My love, what was your favorite part so far?"

Freya "Hmm.." she puts her little fingers under her chin, copying her father's tendencies, "ALL OF IT!" You all start to laugh. But then, Baldur starts a tickle war that did not last long. Freya called time out almost seconds later because she hates being tickled. 

Ivar "We should head back, the sun is going down." You do know that you and your family have been at the lake for at least three to four hours. So of course, you agree with your beloved.

Freya "But dad!"

Ivar "Uh uh, we have to go back, my love. But now that you know where it is, we all can come back more frequently, hmm?"

Freya "Anytime we want?"

Ivar "Anytime we want. Even when your mother and I can't, you and your uncles can come to this nice spot, how does that sound?"

Baldur and Freya, "YEAH!" 

"Then it is settled! Let's get going, babes." You all gather your belongings and head back into the treeline. 

When you four get back to the house, you all were starving and exhausted. Ivar's legs were sore and your scars from your past were on fire, but all in all, it was the perfect day and well worth what you both are feeling now. Hvitserk and Ubbe open up the doors for you all while Torvi and Igor set the table for dinner. 

Torvi walks up to you and takes your belongings that you helped carry back all that way.

Torvi "Hey beautiful, how was it?"

"Oh it was lovely. You and Ubbe should take the kids there some time."

Torvi smiles, "Oh yes. You should show me where it is exactly..someday."

"Mm, I will. How was your day Torvi? What all did you do?"

Torvi "Oh, the usual. Strategies..planning and more planning." She rolls her eyes, "Y/n..it never ends!" She whispered loudly and forced a laugh, "I mean, I love Ubbe but he does not know when to stop and smell the roses."

"I am sorry to hear that. Ivar was like that when war was afoot but not recently. I had a vision las-"

Freya "Mother.."

"Uh yes sweetheart?"

Freya "Uncle Hvitserk made something for you!" 

"He did?" Freya hums and hands you a hand-made necklace. There is a single small crystal and carved into it was your family's names: Ivar, Baldur, Freya. You look up at Hvitserk who already has tears in his eyes because he knew that you would absolutely love it. 

"What is this for?"

Hvitserk "Ah..I just thought that you would love it. And.." he walks up to you and whispers, "It's a reminder that you are home. You are safe, sis." You waste no time to hug him so tight that his back cracks. 

Hvitserk laughs, "You love it, yes?"

"Yes, yes I absolutely love it Hvitserk! How did you even carve this?!"

Hvitserk "It didn't take long. I did it while you were out."

"Wow, a viking and a craftsman..I'm impressed!" He chuckles.

Ivar "Let me see." You gladly hand it to him and he smiles once he saw the initials. "This is wonderful, Hvitserk. Thank you." 

Hvitserk "Ah, it's nothing."

"It is not nothing. It's perfect." You hug him again and he thanked you for being you. Which made you even more emotional. Then, young Baldur wanted to see what all the commotion was about and he wanted one made for him, Hvitserk of course agreed to making him one as well. Freya asked for a bracelet and how could he say no to her little face? 

"Okay you two, go on and get your plates."

Ivar "Come on, I'll help you make your's, Freya." She takes her father's hand and they walk back towards the dining table. 

"From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this."

Hvitserk "Oh..this just isn't any stone either.."

"What do you mean?"

Hvitserk takes the crystal and shows you every detail, "This crystal is called a Labradorite."

"And what does that mean?"

He chuckles, "This crystal is known to bring good luck. It also is meant to bring self-reassurance into your mind and soul." And then it clicked: he made this for you because you felt as if you lost yourself last night. "I've had this stone for years and years and it has helped me. So I figured that I would turn it into a necklace for you. You can always have it with you and it will help you in more ways than one."

"I don't know what to say Hvitserk..I love you so much."

Hvitserk pulls you into a warm embrace, "I love you too sis. C'mon, let's eat." When you sit down at the table, you ask Ivar to help you put it on and he does so. Finally, you are home and eating with the ones you love the most in this world with happiness in your mind and joy in your heart. Today was perfect and this evening just made it more than perfect.

@hvitserkmarcosource @youbloodymadgenius @a-mess-of-fandoms @ivarsgoddess @heavenly1927 @saldelys @herestherealproblem @readsalot73

[rayne-storm]

AUgust 14 - Chefs

Title: WENN LIEBE IN DIR IST… UND GUTES ESSEN

Fandom: Tanz Der Vampyr

Alfred/Herbert, Graf/Sarah

This is my favourite musical. Straight up. You cannot get better than this. Maybe "Master and Margarita" but I haven't found a good bootleg of it.

I really hope you guys like this one!!!

Oh, there they were again. That damned truck with it's bombastic orchestral music, the catchy paintings, and the obnoxious sign boy. Alfred knew they were doing this on purpose, parking there because they knew how much it pissed off the staff of his own restaurant. Sure, it wasn't really "his" restaurant. It really belonged to Abronsius, the eclectic perfectionist who taught him everything.

And there the sign boy went, platinum hair flowing ever so delicately on the wind. He chatted up anyone that came by, and of course the mesh shirt mixed with the weird cape thing only made the spectacle that much more intriguing.

Alfred must have been glaring for too long because the blond eventually turned and winked straight at him through the window.

Damnit!

His face must have turned red because Abronsius asked him what was wrong, and he quickly made up some excuse about the heat before going back into the kitchen.

"You know," Sarah - the newest pastry chef - whispered, "their food's really good, and the sign dancer guy is single~" she teased.

Alfred felt his face pucker like he'd eaten a lemon.

Yes, the man was attractive, but from what Abronsius had said, they were all bad sorts there. But… well… whatever. Whatever. He had soups to make.

---

Three nights later. They were back. He had the evening off. Fuck. He was pissed. Abronsius had denied him a raise again. He shouldn't have been surprised, but if always stung when he was educated on exactly why he wasn't worth an extra two dollars an hour.

He knew he was young, sure, but he wasn't stupid or incompetent, he didn't have wrong priorities. He wasn't any of the things that stodgy old bastard said. And all he had wanted was two (2) more dollars. It wouldn't have even made him the highest paid (even discounting the profits he knew the old asshole was keeping).

So he wanted to make the man upset. As the sounds of Tchaikovsky drifted towards him, he couldn't help smirking. He hoped Abronsius was watching. Hoped Abronsius saw him ordering off the competition's menu, and he fully planned on eating right outside the restaurant, in full view from the large glass windows.

"Well hello there, finally come to see what all the fuss is about?"

Alfred nearly jumped out of his skin. He hadn't heard anyone approaching, but there he was: the sign guy. Blond haired, pale skinned, and just, umf, fucking beautiful.

Alfred felt his heart rate increase just from the sheer proximity.

"I-I-I, uhm, yeah. Uh, m-mostly, well, I, uh, wanted to p-piss off my boss."

Real smooth, dipshit!

Sarah was right. He was hopeless.

The guy grinned and, of all things, kissed his hand.

"Well, I'm glad you did. I thought I might have to venture into that tacky place to properly say hello."

Alfred honestly didn't disagree. The restaurant was called Knoblauch, which just meant "garlic" and the interior was kind of gaudy. Not that he would have ever dared say so.

"I, uh- wait. You wanted to see me?"

"Every day since I first spotted your adorable pout, yes."

It was effortless the way this guy flirted and Alfred was just getting more and more shy.

"I'm… um… that's sweet. Thanks."

"So did Sarah get you to take a look? She's been very chatty about you, you know."

Ah fuck.

"I, uh, I mean, maybe I guess, but, uh-"

"She says you're a single hopeless romantic, and I really hope she's right," the man interrupted, and whoops, there went Alfred's ability to speak anything but flustered gibberish entirely.

The man leaned down and grinned.

"My name's Herbert von Krolock. What's yours?"

Oh, Alfred knew this man knew, but he couldn't help answering anyway, stuttering it out.

Herbert grinned. "You're so cute! Do you wanna have dinner with me? Now?"

"U-u-uh, um, I mean, uh, I…. Yes…?"

Herbert took his hands (both of them, like this was some kinda romcom), and led him over to the side of the food truck, music playing louder there, and the magnificent frescoes truly visible. They were gothic scenes, dark balls. Alfred couldn't help liking them, for whatever reason.

Then another beautiful man appeared, pale and salt-and-pepper tied in a neat bun.

"Oh, the boy finally came. What shall we have tonight?"

Herbert smiled and nudged Alfred, who realized in a panic he had no idea what kind of food they even sold. The man seemed to take pity on him, luckily.

"Let's start you with a sampler, then. I know it's a wide variety… I'm glad you stopped by. Sarah speaks highly of you," he added with a small smile.

If he survived this Sarah was getting the bougiest fucking brunch ever.

Hebert led him to a small table over to the side to wait.

"You know, Graf is head over heels for her, but he's afraid his age will put her off," the blond murmured conspiratorially.

Alfred couldn't help snorting softly.

"She has a thing for older guys, actually. He should go for it."

Herbert grinned brightly. "I'll try to let him know that…"

Alfred couldn't help smiling. Was it something in the air? Who knew? He just… was having the best night he'd had in a long time.

The food was ready and Herbert got it, stopping only briefly to greet visitors. Alfred was a little surprised, since he always seemed so sociable before, inviting people in.

"What's the look for, hmm?"

Alfred was startled again by the quietness of Herbert's steps.

"O-oh! Nothing, really. Just… you always seem so chatty when…"

"When you spy on me from your little restaurant? I am. But tonight I'm on a date with a very cute guy, and he gets all my attention."

Alfred once again lost all coherence, nibbling at a strawberry to hide his sheepishness.

Herbert just chuckled, and began telling him about the food truck.

Graf (the owner, Mr. Sexy Older Guy) had taught himself to cook after dealing with a very hard childhood, and one day he decided he would take his knowledge out and feed others. He quickly became popular as a caterer at parties, the rich-people kind, like masquerade balls and that kinda thing.

He still did them sometimes. But his true love lay in cooking for the masses, it seemed, out on the street, in parks, at games. He decided to take the Balls and Parties with him.

"That's… really cool," Alfred admitted.

"Yeah? I think so. But we might have to give it up… he's thinking of doing a world tour in his golden years," Herbert began with a wry smirk, "as though he ever plans on retiring… but he wants an apprentice. I'm no good at anything except cold foods and people-pleasing…"

Alfred sighed and shook his head. Just his luck. He found a new favourite place and they were closing.

"I mean, you seem pretty good at what you do…" Herbert added suggestively.

"Wait, wait, what? Me?"

"Yeah. You. You're not the only one that spies from time to time. You seem really passionate about food. And fast. And competent in general."

Everything that Abronsius berated him for not being.

"I… is this all just a ploy? To poach from the competition?" He asked, stiffening. It was one thing to be all flirty and friendly, an entirely other thing to-

"What? No. Of course not! I'm not so shallow I'd do that."

Herbert looked genuinely hurt and offended. Fuck.

"I… I… I'm sorry it's just… I'm pretty often reminded that I'm a young, stupid know-nothing that'll never make it on my own and all…" Alfred muttered bitterly.

"That old hack doesn't know what he's talking about."

Graf's voice came from nowhere, and you know what? Alfred could live in a state of permanent heart-attacks. That was fine.

"What? You know him?"

"That pompous blowhard is the reason I never went to culinary school. Way back when, he made everyone's life hell because it had to be his way or nothing, because he knew how to cook 'properly' and we knew nothing."

"....so I take it he hasn't changed much."

"Nope. Almost ruined food for me. I decided I'd never go through anything that would turn me into a rude monster like that."

"Well, I'm quitting tomorrow, so I don't blame you."

Graf chuckled. "Why bother with that courtesy? Just come work for me. Rub it in his face. Bring the girl too. Take his two best kids from him."

Yeah. That… that sounded good.

"You know what? I think I will. If you'll excuse me, I have a call to make."

He walked over to the other side of the truck, a little ways away, where he could look in and see the kitchen. And there was Sarah, flinching at something the old bastard was saying.

He called her number.

He almost couldn't believe it when she picked up.

"Look outside," he directed. She did, and gave him a wave and a bright smile.

"How do you like it?!”

"So much I'm gonna work here. I quit. You should too. They asked for you by name."

"Say no more."

She hung up, and without further ado completely stripped off her uniform, leaving her in a sports bra and leggings (cause let's be real it got fucking hot in that kitchen sometimes), and she just sauntered on out.

Herbert started laughing, and Alfred turned just in time to see the look on Graf's face as his dulcet darling was strutting over.

"So, you want to give a recently unemployed girl a job?" She asked with a bright smile.

Alfred was glad he wasn't the only one who sometimes forgot how to speak.

Herbert took over, and the pair quickly bantered a deal, and Alfred just took a minute to watch.

They looked good, all together like that. Almost like a family.

Of course, then Herbert glanced up at him, and gave him another of those heart-stopping winks.

Well.

Carpe noctem and all that.

[crimsonrae]

Across the Road, At the Brothel

Chapter Four

Summary: Jaskier fell in love any day that the sun rose in the East. It was a trifling, pleasurable experience for him. Even when he was jumping out a window to avoid cuckolded husbands. So what happens when his trifles start to become more significant? Jaskier/OC. Some Yennefer/Geralt

A/N: Jaskier is just too adorable not to write about. This is a relationship development story with an OC. There will be smut in later chapters and plenty of angst.

Rating: Mature

Of Whispers and Wishes

There were voices distant and fading.

He wasn't alone.

His fingers twitched for his sword, but he found he couldn't move... He couldn't see...

Again, he heard the whispers. Quicker this time like the rush of a wind gust.

He wasn't alone.

Geralt...

He knew that voice.

Geralt...

Leave him. He needs to rest...

He was tired. So very tired, but he couldn't rest just yet. He fought to open his eyes, to gain purchase of his surroundings. He needed that knowledge. Knowledge was power. Knowledge was safety.

Where the fuck was he?

Geralt, wake up you oversized log.

Jaskier.

Jaskier. The bard, a dim sense of relief flowed through him as he finally placed that voice. Jaskier potentially meant safe... Or trapped. Gods be damned if he needed to save them both when he woke. The voices drifted away and he was left feeling cold before the darkness swallowed him again.

»»————-　　————-««

The next time awareness clawed at his senses something wet was being pressed against his neck. The sensation was not pleasant and instinctively he reacted to the threat as a flair of pain tore down his flesh and into the muscles of his back. His hand closed around a slim throat and his golden eyes flew open only seconds later, just as a choked cry reached his ears. Startled grey eyes glared into his as he felt tugging at his clenched hand.He only had time to register the woman's face before she was ripped away from him. A bolt of shock slammed through him as her visage was replaced by a more familiar pair of blue eyes and a rush of words that he couldn't quite catch.

Jaskier.

The bard was torn between concern and wariness as they eyed each other, "Have you come to your senses?"

That Geralt finally understood as he slowly nodded. His gaze flickered to the figure hiding in Jaskier's shadow. Grey eyes shined leerily at him and he couldn't fault her hesitation, even as his earlier shock returned in full force.

Renfri.

He was staring at a ghost.

Jaskier shifted more fully into his view, effectively blocking the girl. It was a protective stance, Geralt recognized it instantly and nearly raised a brow, "Where am I?"

Jaskier huffed and crossed his arms over his chest, "In the home of the woman you almost just killed. We really need to work on your manners."

Geralt grimaced slightly and sought out his hostess again. He had killed her. Except... her coloring was wrong. Her eyes. Her hair... Jaskier didn't seem inclined to move from his view until a set of slim fingers tugged at his arm and sent him a reproachful look. She spoke quietly, her voice a little hoarse, "He wasn't aware of what he was doing, Jaskier. I should have been more gentle than I was, I probably hurt him."

Jaskier snorted but slumped to sit on the corner of the bed. His attention now on the woman as he eyed her throat in concern. Already the faint gleam of bruising was beginning to arise and Geralt felt a slim tendril of guilt twist in his gut, but even then, he couldn't stop staring at her in wonder.

"You recognize me." She stated more than asked as she pulled over a bowl that held a damp rag.

He raised a brow and tilted his head to give her better access to the wound he could feel throbbing, "You look like someone that I knew."

She didn't seem surprised as she nodded and continued her ministrations. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jaskier frown in confusion as he observed the pair, "And who pray tell, would that be, Geralt? While we're at it, where the hell have you been? And what attacked you?"

His only response was a swift glare as he asked, "How long have I been gone?"

"Oh yes, let's ignore all my questions like they have no bloody bearing at all." Jaskier scoffed indignantly and stood from the bed to storm over to the window in a tiff.

A smile twitched at the woman's lips as she watched the bard's dramatics, "Jaskier..."

"Don't Jaskier, me." He imparted sulkily as he turned to give her a sullen glare, "Two days I've spent with you chastising me."

She shook her head in exasperation and rolled her eyes as she met Geralt's stare again, "He's been worried about you and driving me mad at the same time."

Another scoff sounded from the window, but both the witcher and the woman ignored it, "We found you two nights ago when Jaskier was walking me home."

Geralt couldn't help the sage look he leveled at her. He knew what Jaskier's penchant for acting the gentleman usually resulted in. A light flush entered her cheeks as she caught his silent insinuation, but she continued, "Jaskier performed at the Rose and Pine for three nights prior to that – So about five days since you've seen your barker, I'd wager. However, Jaskier is right, we do need some answers. What has attacked you and should we still be worried about it?"

She even sounded like Renfri.

"Jaskier and I were being stalked on our way into Glynedol." Geralt rumbled.

"We were what?" Jaskier squawked with wide eyes, "Why am -"

"It was a fleder. There was a pair of them preying on travelers from Toussiant." The Witcher continued ignoring his companion, "I've dispatched both, but not before one managed to cleave into my armor. You should have no further worries."

He had been annoyed when he felt the leather begin to rent. It would take more coin then he could spare to get it fixed. The woman nodded and finished bandaging his wound, "Good... You're lucky to be alive after losing as much blood you did. You should rest for a few more days before trying to stand."

"Hmm. Thank you." Geralt grunted in acknowledgment, he caught her wrist when she moved to stand, "What's your name?"

"Lyrra." She offered after a moment's hesitation. She began to gather her supplies, now avoiding his stare.

"You seemed to expect me to know you."

Lyrra paused as she looked at him contemplatively, "Not exactly."

There was a long silence as they studied each other. Geralt's mind raced with the puzzle she presented. The familiarity in her features almost hurt, "You knew her... You were family?"

Again, there was no question.

"She was my sister." Lyrra said softly, "You wouldn't be the first to confuse me for her."

Geralt stiffened, guilt and regret churned his gut, but so did wariness. He had killed her sister, after all.

Jaskier remained uncharacteristically quiet as tension abruptly drowned the room. His gaze flicked between the pair.

As if suddenly realizing what he must be thinking, Lyrra smiled softly... bitterly, "If you're expecting me to avenge her, you'll be waiting a long time."

Geralt shook his head, ignoring the twinge from doing so, "You could have killed me while I was unconscious."

"Yes." Lyrra uttered demurely, a tired pain lingered behind her eyes, "So what are you expecting?"

There was silence.

"I don't know." Geralt murmured softly. He hadn't expected her passivity, that was for damn sure, "Not this."

Lyrra snorted, suddenly amused, "Well... that makes two us."

In that moment, Geralt knew he had nothing to fear from her. She looked like her sister, she sounded like her... but she was different. Calm where Renfri had been wild. There had been an edge to Renfri's every action, almost an unpredictability that reminded him of fire. She was fierce in her pain and even more so in her anger.

"I suppose I should thank you." Lyrra stated, nearly startling him from his musings, "She knew she would die that day, but... You still tried to save her. Even when she was gone, you tried to save her. For that I thank you. - Her body was never dissected by Stregobor. I saw to that."

Marilka no longer had quite such a pretty face.

A sense of relief filled him at that knowledge and pity, "You were there."

Lyrra nodded, "She hid me in the rooms above the market. I was nine at the time, but I saw – heard everything. I don't blame you for her death. I blame my mother and Stregobor."

A furrow creased his brow, "Why would she have you with her? She had been exiled from home long before then."

A hard glint entered Lyrra's eyes, "There is much of what went on then that you are unaware. As you said, she had been driven off years prior, but with the death of my mother, she was drawn back. Vengeance had been stolen from her; you see? And she found that just because she was gone, didn't mean the horrors in that house ever stopped. My sister saved me when no one else would."

"Renfri never killed Aridea, did she?"

Lyrra merely blinked lazily at him, she had no intention of answering.

Geralt didn't know what to do with that – there was more to this story than what he was seeing, but he wasn't up to asking those questions or hearing her answers. He didn't have to as Jaskier remembered his voice "You were nine... Your sister was Renfri. Princess of Creyden?"

Lyrra sighed and met his gaze over her shoulder as she nodded. Geralt could see her discomfort at the admittance and he realized why a second later as he watched Jaskier pale, "You're Princess Lyrrana de Sansa of Creyden."

Lyrra frowned at him, "Not many people are aware of my existence, much less my full former title."

At this Geralt arched a brow curiously – she had to be of royal blood if Renfri had been her sister. Surely, there would have been an announcement of her birth at the very least, but that didn't explain Jaskier's pallor.

The bard wiped a hand over his mouth and took a deep breath as he stared almost stonily at her, "My, uh, my given name is Julian Alfred Pankratz."

It was like a lightning bolt had struck Lyrra with the way she tensed so quickly. She sported the same shell-shocked look as Jaskier as her mouth moved soundlessly for a moment before a strained whisper emerged, "Of the Lettenhove Pankratz?"

Jaskier huffed a strangled laugh, "The one and only."

"By the Gods."

"My sentiments exactly. Except with a little more, you know, cursing." The bard responded shakily; sharp nervous energy bounded from him in waves, "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Lyrra didn't seem to know how to respond as she looked between the bard and the door. She stood and briskly placed her supplies on the small table next to the bed, "I need air."

"Right."

She was out the door in seconds and Jaskier stared after her with wide eyes, quietly muttering frantically under his breath. Geralt blinked as he caught some of the panicked melees he was spilling, "Jaskier, what the fuck just happened?"

A halting laugh fell from the bard's lips as he stared ironically at Geralt, "Well, Geralt, you and I have just met my betrothed."

"..."

"What? I don't even get a hmm?" Jaskier demanded sarcastically as he began to pace, "Oh, fuck me."

"You should go talk to her."

"I can see my father's smug decrepit face now." The bard appeared not to have heard him as he continued his frantic movements, "Years he's been trying to pull me back and now... Fuck. Absolute fucking hell."

"Jaskier."

"We should go."

"..." Geralt could only blink as he watched the bard spiral.

"She said you shouldn't stand yet, but you're usually pretty tough. Nothing keeps you down for long."

"Jaskier."

"You can stand, right? I'm sure there's another path to the road."

"..."

"We just need to get back to the inn and grab our stuff and Roach, of course... and just go. We need to go."

"Jaskier."

"You know this all your fault!"

"What?" Geralt growled skeptically as the bard turned on him.

Jaskier's arms flailed as he chased his irrational logic, "If you hadn't gotten yourself hurt, I would have wooed her and bedded her. We would have had a grand time before we were forced to say our goodbyes and none of this mess ever would have come to light. But no! You had to go play hero! Which speaking of – We were being stalked!? You couldn't have mentioned any of this on our trek or was I to find out when some morbid creature was dining on my innards?"

Geralt rolled his eyes and laid back with a groan. He was better off letting the bard wear himself out.

»»————-　　————-««

It took almost an hour before Jaskier was able to calm himself enough to go in search of Lyrra. His betrothal –their betrothal? - wasn't something he had thought of in years. Even then it had seemed like a prison sentence meant to ensnare him in the chokeholds of his family's politics. He may be of royal blood, but that did not mean he wanted to be royal! He had no wish to be part of the evil overlord club – it just wasn't him.

Those thoughts kept on playing in the back of his mind as he sauntered down the dirt path from Lyrra's home. As much as he didn't want to admit it, Geralt was right, they needed to speak. It didn't take him long to find her. She was at the oak tree, sitting on the swing with such a sad expression on her face that he paused in his approach, the bruising around her throat only made her seem more desolate.

What had she wanted?

Obviously not to marry him, if the way she had all but ran from her own home was any indication to go by. He should be relieved but felt somewhat offended by that notion. Honestly, what did he have to offer her? He no longer stood to inherit as a count, that dubious honor went to his cousin. Thank the Gods. He was a bard with no more coin to his name than what he could earn. More than that he had no home to offer her. He wouldn't settle... not yet at any rate. Not while there was still so much of the world to see.

He watched silently as a light breeze pulled locks of her chestnut hair out of her braid to frame her face. She let that same wind propel the swing lazily as she stared off into the distance. She was beautiful. He had known that the first time he got a good look at her face.

She was his. A small voice whispered in the back of his mind. A voice he knew better than to listen to.

He sighed uncomfortably before finishing his walk to her, "Nary a cloud in the sky. I can only assume that they've come to collect in your dampened spirits..." He crossed his arms in a pale defense as he abruptly segued into the cloud hovering over them, "So, marriage..."

He grimaced as Lyrra's eyes flashed with an emotion he couldn't decipher before a wall erected and protected any thoughts, she may have from him, "I do hope, you don't expect me to honor our families' contract. I won't marry you."

Jaskier cocked a brow incredulously and tried not to feel the sting of rejection in those too firm words, "Don't be ridiculous, it doesn't suit you. I can't even get you to sleep with me. What makes you think that even if I wanted to that I could get you to marry me."

He smirked as an unwilling smile tugged at her lips.

"Though." He lost his humor and tried not to frown as her hands tightened on the ropes of the swing, "Though it wouldn't take much for you to get me to marry you, Princess. All you would have to do is let the world – hell not even the world, just my parents, know you're still alive and I'll have my entire family hounding me to take your hand."

Lyrra studied him quietly in contemplation, "And what would marriage to Julian Alfred Pankratz look like?"

"Oh, extremely dull." Jaskier answered seriously as he kept her gaze. A thin string of panic tightened in his stomach, "It would be fancy clothes and dinner parties with guests who were less interesting than the dirt beneath our heels. No more music for me. Our conversations would revolve around land and money and children. You'd be expected to bear me an heir. I would find a mistress once the sex became dull... and in twenty years or so, we'd absolutely loathe each other. The usual royal family dysfunction."

His deadpan delivery returned an amused glint to her grey eyes as she asked, "And marriage to Jaskier?"

He nearly froze, surprised that she knew to ask of his dual role. That Julian Pankratz forever belonged with his family, but that he was Jaskier, "Even more tedious. We'd be penniless, with no home. We'd have sex under the stars as often as possible. We'd travel, mostly with Geralt in an attempt to make him mad from our domesticity and over articulation. If we're lucky he might choose to kill us, before one of the monsters he chases after does. We'd meet the most interesting people. There would be no way of knowing if we would end up loving or hating each other, just the knowledge that we tried to care for each other. It's not a life for a princess."

"I'm no princess, Jaskier. Not anymore. Though you shouldn't sell yourself short, marriage to you doesn't sound half bad." Lyrra murmured lowly, "You have nothing to fear from me, however. Lyrrana de Sansa the Bastard Princess of Creyden died long ago, and dead she'll stay. Just like our betrothal."

A part of Jaskier wanted to say 'good' and let it be done, another part of him wanted to pull her into his arms until this horrid mood passed them both by and they could forget that the past few hours ever happened, but it was the side that sparked with questions that ended up taking control as he crouched before her, "Lyrra, what happened to you? What made you run?"

Lyrra sighed and level him with a look that would have made stone weep as she whispered, "A lot of pain, a lot of misery, and seeping scars that run deeper than the ocean. Nothing worth revisiting, I assure you."

For a passing moment, he wondered which of them was the poet. She had done well at hiding her cracks from him in the few short days of their acquaintanceship. He had seen glimpses of a quiet pain she held, but he would never have imagined that she would be sister to Renfri. A witness to the massacre of Blaviken, to her sister's death. What other atrocities had she born to not want to return to Creyden?

He sighed, unsure how to provide her comfort, unsure why he wanted to and why he wasn't headed for the hills now that he knew marriage would not be imminent. He tilted his head thoughtfully as he remembered a time far, far in the past, "I was wrong, you know."

She frowned at him in askance.

"You weren't a terror as a child." He said gently, his eyes searching hers, "Do you remember? We've met once before."

It had been their first meeting; their betrothal had been in negotiation since Lyrra had been born and that day the arrangements were being finalized. She may have been a bastard princess, but she still outranked him. Marriage to her would only elevate his family's status. Not that he was aware of any of that at the time. He was only six months older than her. Six months. He knew because it had been a sign. How auspicious that one royal family gave birth to a boy and in the same year – exactly six months to the day- another royal family, a neighboring one at that, gave birth to a girl. It must be destiny after all.

Her brow furrowed and he knew she didn't remember, "We must have been about five or six. You wore this pale green dress. I only remember because you hated it so much. You wanted trousers like mine, so you could climb a tree without it being unladylike as our mothers had said. You stayed on the ground and I climbed up, because -"

"Because girls were stupid and couldn't do what boys could." Lyrra said as the memory slid into focus. He smiled at her, "You fell and hurt your arm."

"I didn't want my mother to know because she had forbidden me from climbing as well." Jaskier continued, "And you sat with me as I cried. Held my hand and told me it would be okay."

A wistful twist curled at her lips, "We plucked dandelions from the ground the rest of the day and made silly wishes. Even then you made me laugh."

They sat in silence, each lost in that afternoon from ages past. The memory was a precious one. One of the few good ones that he had from his own childhood. It was enough for Jaskier to reach a decision.

"Once upon a time, Lyrrana de Sansa, you were my friend, no matter how briefly." He reached out to entwined their hands together, "Considering we just dissolved our engagement a few moments ago, I would very much like to be friends with you now."

Lyrra chuckled quietly, the air between them lightening with the sound, "Do you even know how to be friends with a girl, Jaskier?"

"Of course, I do." He replied with vague indignancy, "Are you saying that men can't be friends with women?"

"Well, no. Men can." Lyrra bit her lip as she continued, "You, on the other hand-"

Jaskier narrowed his gaze, "What about me?"

Lyrra shook her head at him, "You know exactly how handsome you are, Jaskier. Tell me in the last year, no, the last decade have you been friends with a woman?"

"Of course, I have." Though he grimaced as his mind raced to find a suitable example. It didn't matter. He could be friends with a woman.

Her grin grew as if she could read his thoughts, "Friends don't kiss each other the way we kissed a few nights ago. Or seriously contemplate taking each other to bed."

Well, now there was a line of thought he would never discourage. Jaskier met her grin with one of his own at the memory of that night. Now that the urge to run far and fast was subdued, he'd be damned if that was their last kiss and at her admittance, he hoped for potentially more. He tightened his grip on her hand and pulled her to sit on the ground beside him, "Says you."

But now wasn't the time to push that particular issue, he could and would prove he could be a friend to her. He produced a white dandelion for her to take from under the swing, "Now shush and make a wish, woman."

His bluster proved a mistake as his face was suddenly attacked by the soft seedlings. Lyrra laughed and rolled the now empty stem between her fingers. Jaskier bit back his own laughter, "Oh, this means war, you know?"

A grin stretched across her face and he couldn't help but respond in kind.

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[superloves4]

Starlight Comics - Dick Grayson x Reader

Synopsis:  Dick and Starlight get closer, while Bruce decides what to do with her.

Warning: just vague references, mostly just fluff really.

Issue 3 - Wayne

Dick knocked excited on Starlight's door, after everything that had happened the day before; he just wanted to be by her side more. She looked so helpless after accepting Alfred's help and even after getting out of the suit, Bruce still seemed to scare her.

He worried again as she didn't answer.

Deciding it was better to just get inside, he opened the door only to discover she wasn't there, the empty and still neat bed suggesting she hadn't slept in the room at all.

She run away! He thought running towards the open window, hoping that if she had decided to go away, she had not gone far. So he could bring her back.

Before he could scream for her, however, he suddenly found her face right in front of him.

She was upside down, flying in outside in his borrowed clothes and looking perplexed at him. He sighed in relief and she seemed even more confused.

"You already saw me flying," she said matter-of-factly and he laughed.

"So flying is what you do? No wind manipulation?" she shrugged, still in the same position.

"I guess, that's what they would call it." he smiled, she wasn't quite open about what had been done to her, but he could figure out and so would try to reassure her.

"It's pretty incredible." she turned in mid-air, looking at him in a standing position now, she still had that questioning look but he didn't need to wait long to find out why.

"You look different." that made him laugh, she was talking about his clothes, out of the Robin costume, he probably looked weird to her.

"Had to change, wouldn't want to let people know my secret." he sat on the window, getting closer to her as she looked at him, eyes glinting.

"Secret?" she asked interested in him.

"That I'm a hero." he grinned at her, Bruce would talk about not revealing it to anyone, but he felt she could be trusted and that she belonged there with them.

"That means saving people." it only took a nod from his part and she smiled, it was her second smile since arriving and he liked that he had been the one to cause it.

"Why do you do it? Do you gain something?" she crossed her legs, still in the air, now asking as excited as he was.

"No but because people need it" she felt as his humor changed, he was still trying to be playful, most likely for her sake, but it felt forced "My parents died not too long ago because of criminals and I want to help others like me and..."

His voice cracked and she knew memories had to be creeping in, her night had been the same, if he was like her, maybe she could help him the way he did her.

She extended her hand to him and smiled, trying her best to be reassuring and once he realized what she was doing, he smiled again and took her hand.

He did not expect her to push him.

Dick screamed before he felt the wind move around them as they flew to the roof, he observed as the ground became farther away and looked back at her, she had a concentrated expression and he wondered if it was alright for her to carry him, she was still weak from DDSG mistreatments.

She left him in the roof safely, sitting on the edge, looking contentedly at the scene in front of her.

"I had never seen so many different things before" she looked to him amazed and he sat by her side.

"Did you sleep here?" he asked concerned but she surprised him by nodding excitedly.

"I had never been this free in my life!"

"I saw the starlight! And the city lights!" she continued to list all the things she'd seen since the night before and he listened to everything, her enthusiasm contagious.

But she paused in the middle, looking perplexed again.

"I don't know your name" he fell back laughing, she looked so confused and he worried but instead it was that.

"I'm Dick Grayson," he told her taking her hand and shaking it, she looked so confused at him again, he could only laugh at her again.

She decided she would try to understand him another day, so she just smiled "So, it's Dick and Starlight then"

He smiled at her and nodded.

______________________________________

Bruce observed the two children when Alfred spoke from behind him.

"Seem master Grayson is getting along with the miss"

Bruce grumbled an affirmation before continuing "It will be good for her, she could lose control and..."

"Master Bruce" the butler interrupted him softly "It's more than that no? Seems as they shall be good friends"

He looked back at the monitor of the roof camera, the kids talking enthusiastic to each other, Dick had quickly liked her and she only felt truly comfortable near him.

Bruce turned to Alfred, realizing what the man wanted him to see.

"You think I should keep her here"

Alfred simply looked at the two children on the screen, unapologetic.

"She needs a home and peace after what she has been through" he sighed, bringing Dick had been a thing, but could he really help her overcome her past, that really sounded like a joke.

"The DDSG took her in as a baby according to what you found, sir," the butler explained, he had seen her files too and looking at him in the eyes he continued "Even after your researches, you know, she doesn't have a home anymore"

"Besides, separating them now would not be good for either of them"

______________________________________

Dick continued talking about his life in the circus as the girl looked at him, eyes shining at all the things she didn't know. Until in the midst of describing the performances they would do left his neck exposed, the bandaging reminding her that she hurt him.

Her feet quietly touching the roof of the mansion, her face hidden under her hair.

"Is something wrong?" Dick asked, he had felt they were connecting, why was she hiding away again.

"I hurt you," she whispered, hugging her arms, trying to make herself smaller "I didn't want to, but I did, don't you hate me?"

He sat down and asked to sit with him, as he did the day before.

"Not at all, I like your powers!" he told her, looking into her eyes when she turned towards him, not yet out of her shell.

"Could you show me?"

She nodded, not trusting herself not to cry or shout again, so she closed her eyes and focused as she had learned.

A small flame played around them, like a dance, while the wind picked up not only beside them but in the garden too, the sound of the trees like music.

Starlight opened her eyes and saw his blue ones looking around them in amazement, seeing it she gave it more power, the flame grew and she carefully kept it away from him, their clothes flapping as the air picked up strength.

She flew above him and tried to replicate the acrobatics he told her about, with poor results but he didn't seem bothered about it so she just continued, hearing his laugh.

"Did you liked it?" she asked

He nodded excitedly.

"You know, there are others like you, with powers, like Wally and..."

______________________________________

Bruce sighed and looked back at the screen and saw that the two were no longer there but he didn't need to worry for long as both came running into the cave.

"Something is wrong?" he asked getting up.

Dick just shook his head and smiled, showing the balls he was now holding, she had the same expression as him and it surprised Bruce, she hadn't been so incautious with him before.

"Look!"

Dick threw the balls and she used her powers to spin them around, if you didn't look close it was as if she spinning all of them herself.

They then started talking about all the things they could try before Alfred chimed in, telling them to only do it outside the house and that "throwing Dick into the air with high-pressure air was not a good idea".

They left as fast as they came and Alfred approached him again.

"Are you still worried about her?"

Bruce had initially planned to start on another case but as he sat down again he knew there was something else he had to do before.

"We will need to contact the press before they assume too much and while she has good control over her powers," he said as he typed on the computer, erasing her past with the DDSG, changing it to that of a girl orphaned as a baby "but she will need to learn how to hide them from the public, she would be too much of a target otherwise."

But as he filled her new files even Alfred was surprised.

"Wayne, sir?"

He looked at the words on the screen and felt that it was the right decision.

"She will need a surname"

______________________________________

A/N: Hello people! I had initially planned to make reader surnameless, but it didn't felt quite right to me, so I just made her a Wayne! Does it bother you?

And this way she becomes the first to be adopted (snubbing...Jason? I read that he was the first, but that was pre or post-crisis? Because I've also seen Tim as the first...so unsure, sigh)

Finally, the fluff has begun! There will be more tragedy as we go along (for obvious reasons) but for now enjoy the next very fluffy adventures (I'm not the best at comedy, but I will try!)

You might have noticed, Bruce doesn't talk, or act, or do much, it's just that my comic Batman knowledge goes: death in the family(looove it), the new 52 (which is not great as this is a reboot, but not really because people didn't super like it from what I understand, so they sort of rebooted again but not really because now it sort of has some of the good of both before and after 52? Dunno, comics logic confuses the hell out of me sometimes), Batman and Robin (or this goes with the new 52 category?), son of the demon (is this still non-canon, I've seen it said both ways so I'm not sure) and a shit ton of youtube. As you see, not a lot of early Batman, basically my official comic knowledge of Dick as Robin comes from Batman and Robin eternal (is that bad?). Anyway, will try to do that better.

I'm not super sure of this chapter (for all the reasons I just explained) so I just hope you guys like it!p.s: remember what I talked about them singing? It is mostly for the later chapter, it's just that I don't know how OOC that could be, so just letting it known from the beginning, also, it's like random musical but rather look who's talking (the scene of the kitchen).