#i listen to Jason's and Danny's the most and i think that says a lot about my mental health

[long-live-astronerd-ghost-king]

DPXDC prompt: Dead on main. No trick only treat.

~~Сhildhood friends and deals~~

The Justice League has to summon a ghost from another dimension to address the threat. They don’t know what price the Ghost King will take but there’s little time to bargain. Another spirit threatening them has already seized all the computers on their base. John doesn’t know what else to offer. A summoned ghost starts to look bored. Gold, jewelry? A favor from a member of the League? Like the Ruler of All Dead needs it. No one dares to make another offer, and the King is in no hurry to set out his demands. Maybe try to pull off a soul sale scam?

Suddenly, Red Hood breaks into the hall, walks up to Phantom and shakes his shoulder vigorously. Red Hood: You, get Technus out of here right now. I need access to the files and fast. Phantom: That’s rude, dude. Where did you grow up? in the cave? No "hello, no how are you, Danny", really? Red Hood: I’ll pay the usual price. Phantom: Deal.

What is the price? John sees Batman and gets in his way. The usual price, his guy said. Means Jay was already out of the deal alive and well. This hyperprotective bat would only piss off the ruler if he interfered.

The King quickly deals with his subordinate using a thermos and remains to watch working Hood. Red Hood: What do you want? I’m busy. Danny: You and I have a contract~ Red Hood: All right, all right. Jay throws M&Ms right in the face of the ghost. But king doesn’t look angry. He opens the package and starts sorting the candies by color. Phantom quickly eats up all the green ones and passes the red ones to Hood. Jason takes them without any questions.

Strange. John has never seen a summoned creature share its reward with a human. And the son of a bat looks too comfortable with it. Wait, since when do super-powered beings think that candy is a decent wage?John makes one of the most likely deductions using his experience. Constantine: Batsy, how long has your son been sleeping with the King of Ghosts? Batman: He…what?!

~~~~~~~

Dick *knocking at the door*: Little Wing, you hate ectoplasm and everything what is neon green, so why? He’s dangerous! Jason who turned on the music to not listen to his crazy family: ~He’s poison but tasty~

Dick: NoOOoo

~~~~~~

Jason: And now everyone thinks that I sold my virginity to you for a bargain or something, because interdimensional creatures like you aren’t supposed to help for nothing. Like you’re playing favorites. I’m gonna fucking kill John. Danny: Well, I wouldn’t say no to that. Jason: What? Danny: I mean, to k-kill John, yeah. How dare he.. Jason: Omg, you’re still so terrible liar, Fenton.

Danny: Sorry :(

Jason: No. Say it again.

~~~~Twelve years ago~~~~ Maddie wasn’t thrilled to learn that Danny was trying to make friends with Todd’s son. Their neighbor was terrible. And his son was definitely a street rat and probably a juvenile delinquent. Maddie: Danny, honey, there’s got to be a reason this boy is talking to you. Even kids from the crime alley are always looking for a bargain they can make or a fool they can fool. Danny: But Jason is so cool! He knows so much about books and alleys and.. Maddie: But you don’t want to be a fool, do you? Danny: Okay, Mom, I get it.

So, if Danny wants a cool friend, he’s got to offer a bargain.

He didn’t have a lot of pocket money for every month but Jason needed it more anyway. And his lunch that Jack was picking for him was big enough for two and only bitten on Tuesdays. Nice. Jason: Do I understand correctly? You will pay me and give me food, and I, what? Protect you from bullies? Danny: No! I’m not weak, I don’t need to be protected. Just..maybe we could sit together at lunch and walk each other home sometimes? Jason: Nay Danny: But why? You want something else? Jason: Money’s fine but your homemade food is…strange. Danny: I can bring sweets if you want. Jason: Deal. 3 pop tarts for a joint lunch, a party size bag of M&Ms if you waste my time out of school.

~~~~

Sometimes they share sweets when they hang out but more often Jayson takes them home to save in case his parents have money problems. Sweets have a long shelf life stored and he may not be afraid to poison himself. Over time, candy becomes their currency and a secret language for all occasions. Need help without unnecessary questions? M&Ms. Problems with learning? Skittles. The question is about family? Snickers. There will be a serious conversation? Pop Tarts.

Jason: One snickers and a pack of gum. Danny: Yeah, Jason? What do you want? Jason: My mom wants to meet my friend. Come to lunch on Sunday. Danny: Okay, you managed to pay for my expensive services. Jason:…and you just lost the gum from the deal.

~~~~~~

Jason threw a package at Danny: Three pop tarts. We need to talk. Danny: All right? Jason: Why are you avoiding me all week?! Danny: Well, it’s just..you’re Wayne now. Jason. Still Todd. And what about that? Danny: You can hang out with the cooler guys now, I didn’t want to embarrass you. Jason: Bullshit! I’m still the street rat, and you’re trying to avoid our contract. me. And I don’t even need money from you anymore. What the hell? I thought you are my friend. Danny: And I am!

~~~~~~

Robin: What’s a schoolboy doing in an alley at night? Danny: Um, I…nothing? Don’t tell my parents, Mr. Robin sir. Robin: It will cost you so many Chunky Bars, you have no idea. Danny:...Jason? Jason: N-no. Danny: Damn yes. What are you doing in green shorts on the street at night?! Jason: Cosplay. Danny: Oh yeah? Then I’m just your hallucination. Don’t hesitate to ghost me. I’m going home, Disgrace In Pixie Boots, bye. Jason: fu%&c$#u

[flwrkid14]

omg what about rockstar Danny who has this huge concert and the Wayne family gets tickets so they all go but Danny and Tim have been dating for a few months and Danny was able to break all of Tim’s walls. So we have a petty and pissed off danny who thinks Tim should abandon the bat family and join Team Phantom. In his last song for the night he plays “Cupid’s Chokehold” by Gym class heroes and reveals their relationship when it gets to “Take a look at my girlfriend” at 1:07 and batfamily is just shocked. Anyways no pressure, just thought it’d be a fun ask. Take your time and prioritize yourself!

hi anon! tysm for the ask <3 and wow this is such a brilliant idea! though it was a little tricky to convey in writing.. but I hope you like it!

The Wayne family gets tickets to the concert of the year—Danny Fenton, rockstar enigma, the ghostlight darling of the music world, is performing live in Gotham.

He’s known for a few things. One: his stage presence is unearthly. Two: he’s never once done an interview. Three: every song he writes sounds like it was bled out of someone’s soul.

(And Four: no one really knows who his music is about. The love songs, the heartbreak, the fury—it’s all so personal and yet so vague. A mystery Gotham’s tabloids would kill to solve.)

So when Bruce hands out the tickets, it’s treated like a normal outing. A night off. A nice show.

Tim doesn’t say much. Just, “Yeah. Sounds good.”

And for most of the show, it is good.

Danny is electrifying. His voice hits like a tidal wave and his lyrics—god, the lyrics. Furious things wrapped in velvet; love songs that ache like broken ribs. Songs about being pushed aside. Being invisible. Giving and giving until there’s nothing left.

Cass tilts her head, listening harder. Dick glances at Tim, who’s sitting very, very still. Bruce doesn’t notice anything yet—too distracted by the crowd. Jason is squinting at Danny like he’s seen a ghost.

And then it starts.

The final song.

A new one. Unreleased.

“I wasn’t gonna play this one,” Danny says, voice sharp with something bitter under the surface. “But I think I changed my mind.”

He nods at the band. They start playing.

The melody is upbeat—light, familiar. It’s Cupid’s Chokehold. People cheer. Some move to the melody.

And then—

Take a look at my girlfriend… She’s the only one I got…

Danny’s eyes flicker, sharp and glowing. His smile twists.

Not much of a girlfriend— I never seem to get a lot…

He stops singing for just a beat. Lets the music carry. Lets the tension build.

Then, clear as a bell:

Take a look at my boyfriend—

Spotlight.

It slams onto the VIP balcony. Onto Tim. Who freezes like a deer in the headlights.

He’s the only one I got.

The entire arena goes silent for half a second.

And then it erupts.

People are screaming. Phones come out. Tim is suddenly the most photographed man in Gotham. Jason shouts. Dick physically chokes on air. Steph screams “I KNEW IT!” while Cass just beams.

And Bruce? Bruce is staring at the stage like the math isn't mathing.

Danny doesn’t stop. He leans in.

He sings the rest of the song with so much love it’s almost cruel—every lyric like a thread being pulled.

He rewrites a few lines on the fly, just subtle enough:

She gets out when she wants ‘cause she’s strong like that He doesn’t need a cape, doesn’t need a mask— He’s already saved me just by being who he is.

And it’s not just a love song.

It’s a declaration. A confession. And, if you’re listening closely, an accusation.

Because every heartbreak song that came before it—the ones filled with rage and soft, splintering grief—suddenly make sense.

They weren’t just about some vague lost lover.

They were about Tim. And the family that never really saw him.

All that fury? That loneliness? That ache that threaded Danny’s albums?

It was theirs. Their behavior, their neglect, their silence. Turned into art. Turned into fire.

And Danny—Danny Fenton, whose voice can shake the world—just handed it back to them, live onstage, with a kiss blown to the boy sitting under the spotlight.

Tim covers his face with one hand. He’s laughing and crying and blushing hard.

Danny’s last note rings out, final and sharp. And the lights go out.

Backstage, later:

Tim shoves into Danny’s dressing room like a man possessed. “What was that?”

Danny’s taking off his mic pack, cool as ever. “Soft launch,” he says. “Or maybe the opposite.”

“You just outed us to the whole city.”

Danny shrugs. “They deserved to know.”

Tim sighs. Collapses into him. “You’re impossible.”

Danny kisses his temple. “You’re mine.”

And Tim—who clings to Danny like he was stitched into him—doesn’t disagree. He just holds on tighter.

Because the bats might be his family, sure.

But Danny? Danny’s home.

[livinghalfway]

Younger Years Pt. 10

Masterlist

Summary: Damian gets temp de-aged to 6yrs old; cue him asking where his twin is. This is how everyone finds out about Danny's existence. Word Count: 1561

Pain. 

That was the first thing Danny noticed as he slowly woke up; specifically around his neck. Shakily he reaches up, and feels the unforgiving bite of hard metal. He knows that he’s wearing a collar. 

With a groan he finally attempts to open his eyes to be met with an almost blindly white wall in front of him. Groaning Danny throws an arm over his eyes, and rolls onto his back. Absently noting to himself that he was luckily still in his ghost form.

“Oh thank fuck you’re alive kid! You had me worried there for a bit.” A relieved voice calls out from the side of him. 

Immediately he sits up as fast as he can, and looks towards the direction of the voice. The front wall of the room, the cell, is entirely made of glass. Across from him sitting in a cell of his own was a man staring him down. The most noticeable thing about him being the stripe of white hair, and the metal collar of his own.

That is when a familiar feeling slams itself into his chest; a feeling that he only ever gets when around other ghosts. With how alive this guy is looking though Danny would bet that this is the revenant that he came here to find. It seems he was too late to help them though if they're here with him.

"Kid, you good?" The man's voice is soft and gentle as he speaks, "How does your head feel?"

"Oh uh, yeah, I'm good I'm good!" He quickly sputters out a reply giving the man in front of him. 

"That's good," he says slowly, "What's your name, kid?"

"Phantom." 

"Phantom? I'm Jason. Do you have any idea what we're doing here?" He continues to speak gently, but firm with him. 

Explaining to the guy he was trying to protect who the GIW is while sitting in a cell was the absolute last way he wanted to do this, but it seems he really doesn't have much of a choice anymore. "It was the GIW who took us — the Ghost Investigative Ward — they have a lot of issues with guys like us." 

"Ghost?" Jason raises an eyebrow at him, "I'll touch base on that one later when the boredom of this place gets to me, but what do we have in common to make you think they don't like us?" 

"We're both ghosts, or at least ghost adjacent in your case." Danny is going to have to explain everything to this guy he realizes. He thought being classified under the ghost umbrella would be the easy part of this conversation considering the guy did die and come back to life. 

"I think I'd know if I was a ghost, kid" Jason lightly slaps a hand on his chest a couple times, "I'm feeling pretty solid too. The most ghostly thing about you is the white hair, and your ‘name’.” 

Danny released a sigh knowing that this wasn’t going to be pleasant to talk about, “You died right?”

“What.” 

“You died and came back to life. That makes you a revenant by definition, and therefore under the ghost umbrella. Which is enough to make you a target for these guys.” 

The stare he is receiving now is far from the gentle look that was once directed at him. “How do you know that; that I .. died.” 

“Dead recognizes dead, man. I really don’t understand all of it myself.” 

“You’re dead then?” Jason asks as he rubs a hand over his face clearly already done with everything. “A ghost?”

"I'm … I'm something a bit different myself. I can't really discuss that here, and now though." Danny motions to the cell around him, "I don't want to give any information away in case anyone is listening." 

Jason scoffs angrily, "but giving away what I supposedly am is fair game?"  

"They already know what you are. They've been hunting you for a while now, man." 

"Bullshit, I would have noticed something like that." 

"Look I don’t know what to tell you, ok? That's just what I read in their reports. They’ve been picking you up on their sensors all around that Crime Alley place." 

"Great!" He clearly wasn't happy, "great, that'll be just great to deal with once I'm out of here." 

It's quiet after that. With Danny spending his time lazily gazing at the pacing man across the hall from him. He’s really not surprised with how agitated the man seems to be; anyone would be after what he was told. 

What does surprise him though is how he can feel his fellow captee’s core being consumed by said anger. While ghost and ghost adjacent beings tend to have all around high emotions this feels off; wrong. Jason’s energy itself just feels wrong. Unfortunately though that is something that is just going to have to wait. 

As that is the very moment he hears a door sliding open from down the hall, and footsteps heading there way. Jason must hear it too because he shares a momentary panicked look with him. 

Danny is quick to stand to his feet just before two GIW agents make their way into view; stopping right in front of him. Both holding clipboards and assessing him as you would any mere object in a store. 

“Ah, good! It seems the entity Phantom is finally up and moving around. Such a shame that of all the times to finally catch it, it happens when the examination room is still being finalized.” 

“Just a few more days, and it’ll be ready though. Do you know if we’ll be taking Phantom or the revenant first?” 

“The facility was built for the revenant,” He gestures behind him briefly towards Jason,”We’ll have to take it back, and by the time we’re done with it I’m sure the main headquarters will have demanded it be moved for them to study themselves.”  

“Ugh, of course they would. We caught the thing, and they’re the ones that get to actually study it.” 

Jason's face has grown with every word spoken, and he can obviously no longer keep quiet about it as he bangs a fist against the glass and shouts, “Hey assholes! Want to stop talking about us like we’re not here! How about you start explaining what all of this is for?” 

The agent who spoke first looks over his shoulder towards Jason before nonchalantly speaking to his fellow agent, “Make a note of the revenant expressing anger and curiosity.” 

 "I don't think I'll ever get over just how well they can replicate human emotions." The second agent says while marking something down on his clipboard.

"Probably because we are human!" Jason growls at them, his eyes almost glowing green now. 

"Revenant says that it and Phantom are human." The first agent mumbles as he marks Jason's words down. "Fascinating, we'll have to get a monitoring system set up in cells soon and see if they will try and act human even when alone." 

"I'll send an email to maintenance, and see what can be done."  

And just like that the two are walking away completely ignoring Jason's shouts that they come back, and answer his questions. Danny on the other hand knows that it's pointless to talk to the GIW while in his Phantom form. They will only attack or dehumanize him while he's like this. 

With that nightmare done Danny slowly slides himself down the wall until he is sitting once more. He needs to find a way to get them out of here before any of their 'examinations' can begin. Looking at Jason still angrily pacing around his cell he knows that the two of them are different from one another. 

As long as Danny is in his Phantom form he'll be able to regenerate anything that is done to him. Jason on the other hand is completely alive, and if the rumors about what the GIW does to ghosts are even half true Jason will not be making it out of here alive. 

Before he can explore that thought any farther though Jason is calling his name and asking questions, "You need to be a 100% with me kid, what is happening here?" 

"They don't see us as sentient beings, and plan to study us however they see fit. It's perfectly legal too." Danny says bluntly because there would be no kind way of saying that to someone who might be on an examination table in just a few days. 

"It better not be by the time we're out of here." Jason grumbles to himself before addressing him again, "Study how?"

"Think science class with the frogs." Ok maybe that was a cruel comparison to say even if it is the most accurate example he knows. 

Jason for the first time looks nervous and concerned. With wide eyes he slumps down to a sitting position.  He's not sure what he's thinking about right now, but Jason looks like he's accepting something mentally. His voice soft and defeated, "Any idea on how we can get out of here?" 

"All we can do is wait." Danny really hopes that Sam and Tucker have figured out where he is right now, because otherwise things are not looking good for them right now. He’d even take his brother saving him at this point. 

[fangedxnight1836]

Characters of the day:

The Jordan Family!!!!!!

Most underrated and funniest family in all of DC.

They have the most relatable and hilarious family dynamics ever.

It is honestly funny whenever people HC or imagine that Hal is a loner, only child guy who clings onto the bat family or others too seek closeness when he has a whole family with multiple nieces, nephews and a cousin that adore him.

Neeeeeeed a family sitcom about them asapppp

We will talk about a couple members of the family and give our facts and HC’s about them:

(I included Helen in a different post, so check that out if you want to see her)

Jack Jordan:

The oldest child of Jessica and Martin Jordan, the brother of Hal Jordan (Green Lantern).

Often seen as the “golden child”, he was the most successful in terms of employment and economically.

Jack Jordan married a woman called Janice and had Two kids called Jason and Helen.

Canonically used to cheat on his wife with many people.

Took a lot of stress out on Hal when Jessica got sick.

Some HCs:

The kids all know the names of the women that he cheats on Janice with, they make a Bingo card with all their names on it, and compete with each other to see who wins.

Calls Hal, Jim and vice versa

Janice is in denial about the whole ordeal.

Jason Jordan

Son of Jack Jordan and Janice Jordan, twin brother of Helen II Jordan and the nephew of Hal Jordan.

Protective of his sister, and loves his uncle Hal.

Some HC’s

He listens to instrumental music a lot

Pretends to like phonk since his friends do, but can’t get into it.

He makes a lot of Pinterest boards for the things he likes and uses it as a bucket list for inspiration.

Sends Hal airforce memes and any references to Green Lantern at all.

Him, as well as Jane are the ones who update him on internet trends he misses.

James Jordan (Jim Jordan)

Youngest son of Jessica and Martin, younger brother of Hal and Jack.

Husband of Sue Jordan and father of Howie, Jane and Arthur.

His wife (who is a journalist) married him because she thought he was Green Lantern, later found out it was actually Hal and … yea….

Hal’s most supportive brother.

Some HCs:

Knowing that his wife thought he was Green lantern still keeps him up at night .

He tried to become a vegetarian once and then accidentally ate something that had meat within it the following day(he cried ).

He plays candy crush.

Howard (Howie) Jordan:

Eldest son of Jim Jordan and Sue Jordan

Brother of Jane and Arthur

He is quite a smart kid, often pointing things out that even Hal doesn’t notice, and speaking his mind when he feels like it.

Some HC’s:

Howie pretends to be a superhero whenever he is alone in his room.

He always wears the colour green when Hal comes round.

He was the class president in his high school

He can name all the dinosaurs and spell them out correctly ( idk i just think he likes dinosaurs a lot).

Jane Jordan:

Is the daughter of Jim and Jane

Sister of Howie and Arthur

Used to have quite long hair, but cut it quite short

Some HCs

She is definitely the rebellious type .

Asks Hal the come to all her parents evenings.

She loves the young justice group.

She once has split dye hair (Green and pink iykyk).

She probably had a Ben 10/danny phantom phase.

Arthur Jordan:

Youngest child of Jim and Jane

Literally a baby

Soooo cute

Some HCs:

He watches coco melon.

iPad and YouTube kids enjoyer most likely says “Skibidi” .

Makes aeroplane noises when Hal comes over.

He knows everything and hears everything NO ONE IS SAFE.

Harold (Hal) Jordan Jr:

The son of Larry and Helen I

The cousin of Jack, Hal and Jim

He is the third Airwave and has “radio powers”, his dad and mum were the first and second. He inherited these powers from his dad.

Is implied to be queer.

Some HCs:

He sucks at mortal combat .

He always tries to help out and keep everything sane.

He tried to do a back flip once for the first time it went terribly and Helen (his mum) instead of taking him to the hospital she phoned Hal.

Doug “Hip” Jordan:

The no-good distant cousin of Hal and his family.

Runs around in a lot of gang circles, and tried selling Jim in a green lantern circle to a gang in an attempt to get into it.

Hal got him arrested.

Drugged the whole family and used the kids to help him do it.

Known as the black sheep of the family.

Some HC:

He is always spotted at the wrong times when someone is either hurt or fighting.

He sold John Constantine a vape.

He tries to use Morden day slang to fit in with the kids .

He uses the term “Where my hug at” to anyone that approaches him.

[starry-bi-sky]

Thinking about Rath and how other ghosts react to him. Unlike Dan, who's ruthless and cruel, tormenting the other ghosts for no other reason than he could, Rath just wants his family back; and he HATES that you aren't his family. Do other ghosts realize that Rath is in a Banshee Grief Spiral? Do they care with how powerful he ends up being? How does CFAU!Danny deal with Rath? Because unlike Dan, Rath wouldn't travel back in time to bring about his own future. If anything, he'd go back to PROTECT his loved ones.

Also I loved your tags going into how Danny doesn't blame Bruce for his friends death, and why he's going to kill the Joker personally. It was a great read.

its hard not to tell that Rath is going through a Banshee Grief Spiral asdfjh. Any ghost who sees him can take one look and go: oh yeah, that kid is going THROUGH it. And then they beeline the other way because Banshees can be vicious when they're Going Through The Horrors, because their perception of reality and the world around them gets warped by their grief. And the thing with the CFAU brand of Banshees is that they do eventually learn how to get themselves out of their own Spirals. It's something they learn how to do over time and (somewhat) naturally, as well as make bonds with other ghosts who can also help them get out of those Spirals if the banshee themself cannot for some reason or another.

Basically they build up their own support system and learn how to regulate their grief so it's not consuming them. Rath had that support system... in Sam, Tucker, Jazz, and his parents (albeit they didn't know he was a banshee). And finding Jason again helped soothe some of that grief -- not all of it, mind you, but it made it a little more manageable.

...And then it all got ripped away from him in the span of a week. 😬 yikes. Rath was going through a Spiral while he was with Vlad, and was desperately (and somewhat failing) to manage it all on his own. Vlad could've become a part of his new support system,... but didn't. He wasn't helping Danny with his grief. And the whole "ripping out his ghost half thing" only made it worse, and was a tipping point for poor Rath.

Another thing about CFAU Banshees is that human-born banshees tend to already be pretty... rare all on their own. Most Banshees are formed in the Zone, by the Zone, from the Zone. They're pre-programmed to learn how to handle that all-consuming grief and sorrow because it's something they're born with. Like someone born with chronic pain. Human-born banshees have to adjust, and it can be pretty... maddening all on its own. Which is where the support system can help a lot.

Where was I going with this beyond just info-dumping about CFAU Banshees? Ah, right. Absolutely the other ghosts care about Rath being in a grief spiral considering how powerful he is. But there's very little they can actually do about it, other than be relieved that he's left the Zone (he left when he couldn't find his family), and was out terrorizing the living realm instead. It's difficult to get close to Rath even if you're a ghost, and he's not going to listen to anything they say regardless.

They'd be very terrified of Danny until they realize that he's not Rath -- and they'd be able to tell pretty quickly after the initial terror passes. Phantom looks like,,, well; Phantom. Rath looks like a cross from Danny's childhood in Gotham (oversized, ragged clothes hanging off a small, malnourished child) and Sadako Yamamura from The Ring (uneasy, shambling presence, face mostly covered by his hair.) Rath's Future is an Apocalypse much like how The Quiet Place is an Apocalypse. Very quiet.

And I haven't quite figured out how CFAU!Danny deals with Rath, although you are right in that Rath would try and prevent his future and protect his loved ones. ...If he was lucid.

The version of Rath that Danny meets has very little grasp on reality due to years of unchecked grief. I'm not even sure myself if Rath would be able to recognize Sam and Tucker and his family. Any living versions he may come across are either hallucinations or, even worse, imposters. And he'll attempt to attack either for their deception.

And even if he could recognize his family as alive and as him being in the past, he's still so mentally unstable that Rath would lash out at anyone if he perceived a threat against his family, or if he believed they were putting themselves in danger. He'd be very possessive and controlling, preventing them from going anywhere that wasn't under his careful watch. Anyone trying to get them away from him, he'd attack without mercy.

Ultimately, Danny would need to quickly stun Rath long enough to trap him in the thermos, before he can do any more damage. Only then can Rath's healing actually begin.

Also ty! I'm glad you liked my tags about Danny's feelings about Bruce and his motives behind killing the Joker. I thought it'd be a fun compare-contrast between Jason and Danny, as well as a good signifier for how much has changed between them both in the last five years.

[britcision]

Okay so I’m well aware that this is probably my own fault, but a lot of people seem to have gotten the idea that Bruce is in any way important to this story

This is not a story about Batman

This is a story about the many and varied disaster gays he has trained to commit bigger and more epic disasters than any other gay in history

So let’s fix it and get back to the second most important thing in the story! Timker (and bonus Connor)

——————

Field Trips Without Permission Slips part 1

Tucker was still firmly in his happy bubble, floating along after Tim Drake-Wayne even as they left the Bat Cave.

Connor, Kon, Superboy, he’d be there soon. Tucker wanted to make a good impression; this was Tim’s boyfriend, Tucker really wanted the guy to like him.

That way they could all be friends, and he wouldn’t worry if Tucker and Tim hung out, and talked tech, and maybe got to have a hackathon…

Because of course, even notorious ladies’ man Too Fine Foley would never make a move on a taken man. That’d just be low.

He was just trying to work out what to say when Tim got a buzz on his phone. The excitement dropped off the younger man’s face in an instant, his expression immediately shifting to worry and determination.

“Something’s come up,” he said tersely, and Tucker frowned, wondering if he was about to hear about a second rogue attack in almost as many days.

Gotham… Gotham was kinda exhausting. No offence, obviously, even he could feel the Curse lingering on the back of his tongue.

But trying to keep this city safe was like bailing a sinking boat with a sieve. No wonder they needed the best of the best.

“How can I help?” Was all he offered, trying to make himself look ready and eager.

Tim’s eyes widened as he looked up, like he was only just remembering that Tucker was actually even there at all. That yeah, he definitely could help.

Actually, it turned out he was their subject matter expert when Tim explained the problem.

“Superman just told B he can’t hear Jason’s heart anymore. I don’t suppose there’s a reason you’d know of?” He asked hopefully, and Tucker’s jaw clicked shut.

Because… yeah, he could guess exactly why Jason was now out of range of super hearing. But the bats weren’t cleared to know about Jason’s halfa nature yet, and Tucker was pretty sure Jason couldn’t transform.

It’d be a wild time for him to give it a first try if Superman was listening in. He’d have to warn Danny and Jason, though that might have to wait if they’d… gone… to the Ghost Zone.

And yeah, okay, Tucker maybe shoulda thought of that first, but in his defence Danny died on a regular basis and occasionally just to show off.

Shoulders sagging as he relaxed, Tucker blew out a long breath and grinned at Tim, relief making him lax. And yeah, sure, he didn’t know why they’d gone, but he could bullshit something if they asked.

“Oh, yeah actually… they’re probably in the Ghost Zone,” he explained with a slight shrug, because really? It wasn’t a big deal.

Some of the tension leached out of Tim’s shoulders with the presence of an immediate answer.

“The Ghost Zone? That’s the Infinite Realms, right?” Tim asked and Tucker nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets.

It was always nice to be the guy with all the answers, but having all the answers for someone like Tim Drake-Wayne? Yeah, that felt extra good.

“Yeah, same place. It’s mostly only the Ancients that call it the Infinite Realms, and Danny and Jason probably won’t bother them.”

Not unless Clockwork chose to make another visit, but that would be an Ancient going to bother Danny and Jason.

Tim nodded thoughtfully, making some quick notes on his phone.

“Any idea why, or how long they’ll be? Bruce has probably convinced himself Jason’s dead again by now,” he added dryly, sounding neither impressed nor concerned.

Well, maybe a little concerned. Tucker had kinda gotten the stage door tickets to Batman’s opinion of Danny.

Tucker shrugged again, thinking back quickly over what Jason had told him he’d told his family. He was gonna make himself a cheatsheet if (hope of hopes) hanging out with Tim became a regular thing.

Frostbite? Yeah, they probably mentioned Frostbite. No need to mention he was an Ancient, the yeti certainly never brought it up.

“They’re probably going to see Danny’s doctor. Check Jason’s ecto contamination, see how Danny’s doing away from his haunt; that’s Amity Park,” he added as Tim’s brows furrowed momentarily. “Technically halfas don’t need need one, but Danny claimed it so we dunno what leaving will do to him.”

Which made it sound way more dramatic than it actually was; even full ghosts could leave their haunt if they wanted to. Not all of them even kept haunts in the Zone.

They’d asked last year, before Danny finally took the plunge (and yeah maybe coming out of puberty was why he’d waited a couple extra years - not that he’d gotten the promised Fenton Growth Spurt).

Frostbite had just asked if they even knew where Ember’s haunt was.

News to Tucker and the gang that she’d even had one, with how much she wanted to go on tour.

Danny’s haunt would always be his place of power, but with the power Danny wielded? He never needed it anymore. Tucker was pretty sure that when he actually became king the whole Ghost Zone was gonna be Danny’s haunt.

Not cuz anyone had explicitly said so. Just interpreting a lot of the flowery bullshit around Pariah. And no one had told him no yet either.

Tim just nodded, typing a moment more before sending off a quick reply to Bruce.

He did feel a little bad tattling on Danny and Jason like that. If they’d wanted anyone to know where they were going, they coulda just said.

But they also probably hadn’t known Superman would be listening, or notice Jason’s heart disappearing. Really Tucker was doing everyone a favour; making sure no one came back to Batman in a panic attack.

He just hoped Jason would see it the same way.

And then the single hottest person Tucker had ever seen in his entire life popped his head around the door, perfectly windswept black curls pushed back with one hand.

A smile of perfectly white, perfectly even teeth flashed as gorgeous blue eyes like the heart of the ocean landed on him and Tim.

On Tim.

Tim was smiling back even before the other entered the room.

Tim’s boyfriend.

Tucker raised Ida to cover his face without even thinking, cheeks burning and really really really hoping neither white boy knew enough about dark skin to tell.

Tim’s brother Duke was Black too.

Tucker was going to fucking die.

He could not go weak kneed at just the sight of Tim’s boyfriend!

He was only vaguely aware when the walking Adonis spoke, striding quickly into the room.

“Hey, any reason I should be worried that Jason and Danny just disappeared from Gotham’s airspace?”

Ancients even his voice was perfect, rich and smooth like dark chocolate, with just a little bass that made Tucker’s heart flutter. If that voice said his name Tucker was going to fucking die.

Tucker strangled most of the whimper in his throat because he was a fucking adult goddamn it. Jumped and almost smacked himself in the face when Tim called his name from right next to him.

Loudly.

Like he’d said it a couple times already.

And the World’s Hottest Man was looking at him too, the absolute cutest worried little frown marring his perfect brows, and oh ancients just the littlest pout on soft, full lips…

Yeah, no, someone get the headstone, Tucker would just bury himself out back.

———————

Note: I’m genuinely still turning over which name our dear Superboy Prime is going by as his regular name, since it’s… about 1000% going to depend on his relationship with Clark

I cannot fucking imagine anyone but Clark gave Kon El his Kryptonian name. Just. No fucking way. (Kara could but then we’re back to Too Many Characters and tbh she has more tact than that)

So their relationship has to be good enough that Clark offered this very personal piece of himself, and Connor’s accepted it

But Connor is the name his first friends gave him

And his civilian name, so it’s not like he can whole hog the switch

Atm the Bats call him Kon in uniform as the world’s shittiest cover but we’re getting his POV next chapter and I need to know what he calls himself, so… poll!

Tag List: @welcometosasakiworld @kyrianclawraith @someonebored0100 @stealingyourbones @starkcravingmad @frostedthroughghost @akikkobara a @rainbowbunny0159 @littlefeather345 @violet-catsarelife e @serasvictoria02 @wolfjackle @blacksea21090 @secretdestinywerewolf @anime-hipster-the-amazing @undead-essence @skitscratched @blackroserelina @snoodly-boop @trickerdi @mayoota-blog @xysidhe @idkmrpianoman @little-apricot-the-writer writer @chaoticmistake e @the-legal-shipper r @bun-fish @aroranorth-west t  @demon-cat-goes-woof @perfectwastelandcreation @onyxlightdragon on @larks-and-katydids @peachesandcreamfemboy @jesus-camp-the-sequel @may-rbi @mothman-the-mothman87 @viyatrix @stargirl1331 1 @idfk-man10 @thedepressedrobin @skulld3mort-1fan n @rootsmudge @ravenshadow17 7 @cankoking @phantom-dc @mentalcarebear @magic-pincushion @redamancyardor @lyra689 @itsparadoxlacuna @alcorbearson @asphyxia778 @why-must-i-be-like-this @tkiesai @greenpyrowolf @frivolous-pastel @honeysuckletook  

For anyone wondering, the reason the tag list looks like it’s having seizures is my phone has decided that letting me scroll around is far too convenient and it’s just going to randomly jump around if I try and move the cursor

You cannot tag a bitch on tumblr mobile without scrolling to the end of their name and selecting them on the search

If you are not at the end it will autocomplete what’s left and thus *gestures vaguely* happy WIP Wednesday

[twoidiotwriters1]

The Curse of Oenone (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: The House of Hades chapters were massively fun to write, I hope you love them -Danny Words: 2,237 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

XXVII: I'm in My Critical-Thinking Era

Today is Ara's 15th birthday, according to the magical screens surrounding the room: The beach has remains of a party. The fireworks show must've happened while they were fighting the rock giants or while she was sleeping.

Leo glances at the screen, then freezes and takes a second look. "Hey—!"

She drags him out of the room. "Don't say anything to them!"

The boy scowls. "What? Why not?"

"This is the worst timing possible," Ara's expression is horror-struck and pale. "Do you think I'm in the mood to celebrate?"

The boy blushes. "But pretending it's not an important date..."

"In the future..." Ara trails off. There is no future. If they're lucky they have a few weeks at most. "Listen, just forget it."

Leo glances at the screens and makes a face. "You shouldn't be spending it like this."

"Don't start," she groans, turning away to enter the mess hall, but Leo stops her.

"You should be in camp with Lily. Or with your parents—"

"And what difference does it make if I'm here or there? My family would be incomplete, the Romans would be all around camp..." she huffs, pushing his hand away. "There's no way I would've enjoyed my birthday this year. Let it go."

Leo stares at her, struggling to find the words. "If... If we'd met sooner, I would've thrown huge parties for you. A whole week of 'em."

Ara wants to cry at his words, but she thinks this is a worthy trade at the very least. She saves the world, therefore she only gets shitty birthdays. Whatever. She got to have three birthday parties throughout her entire life, it's not like she's suffering a major loss.

Leo was supposed to find her last December, it had to happen that way, otherwise, she wouldn't've taken the role of daughter of Olympus, and her prophecy is their only hope to break the curse...

Mike wouldn't've died. Janus whispers mockingly. Is one life worthier than the other?

She cups his face. "Having you around is enough. Besides, your birthday is also in two days, we can celebrate then if you want."

"I communed with the dead last night. I was able to learn more about what we'll face," Nico says as they eat breakfast. "In ancient times, the House of Hades was a major site for Greek pilgrims. They would come to speak with the dead and honor their ancestors."

"Sounds like Día de los Muertos," Leo mentions. "My Aunt Rosa took that stuff seriously."

"Chinese have that, too," Frank adds. "Ancestor worship, sweeping the graves in the springtime. Your Aunt Rosa would've gotten along with my grandmother."

"Yeah," Leo mutters. "I'm sure they would've been best buds."

"A lot of cultures have seasonal traditions to honor the dead," Nico agrees. "But the House of Hades was open year-round. Pilgrims could actually speak to the ghosts. In Greek, the place was called the Necromanteion, the Oracle of Death. You'd work your way through different levels of tunnels, leaving offerings and drinking special potions—"

"Special potions," Leo mumbles. "Yum."

Jason flashes a warning look at him, he doesn't want him to upset Nico because then he will tease Ara in turn. "Nico, go on," the boy says politely.

"The pilgrims believed that each level of the temple brought you closer to the Underworld, until the dead would appear before you. If they were pleased with your offerings, they would answer your questions, maybe even tell you the future."

"And if the spirits weren't pleased?" Frank asks.

"Some pilgrims found nothing," Nico shrugs. "Some went insane, or died after leaving the temple. Others lost their way in the tunnels and were never seen again."

"You always know the hottest spots to visit," Ara jokes.

"Right up your alley, desperate sacrifices just to get crumbs. Anyway, the ghost I spoke to last night, he was a former priest of Hecate. He confirmed what the goddess told Hazel yesterday at the crossroads. In the first war with the giants, Hecate fought for the gods. She slew one of the giants—one who'd been designed as the anti-Hecate. A guy named Clytius."

"Dark dude," Leo says. "Wrapped in shadows." 

"Leo, how did you know that?" Hazel questions.

"Kind of had a dream," Leo explains his nightmares to the group and Ara leans forward on the table rubbing her forehead.

"So the giant is Clytius," Jason concludes. "I suppose he'll be waiting for us, guarding the Doors of Death."

"And the woman in Leo's dream?" Frank inquires.

"She's my problem." Hazel says. "Hecate mentioned a formidable enemy in the House of Hades —a witch who couldn't be defeated except by me, using magic."

"Do you know magic?" Leo asks

"Not yet."

"Ah. Any idea who she is?"

"Only that..." There is a brief pause and Ara looks up to see Nico and Hazel sharing a look, then the girl speaks. "Only that she won't be easy to defeat."

Ara remembers what Leo told her: Maze. Magic. A woman. It's not that hard to connect the dots, and she hates how quickly she understands what they'll be facing, part of her hopes to be dead wrong, but it's unlikely.

"But there is some good news," Nico says. "The ghost I talked to explained how Hecate defeated Clytius in the first war. She used her torches to set his hair on fire. He burned to death. In other words, fire is his weakness."

"Oh," Leo sits up. "Okay."

Ara shifts uncomfortably in her seat, nothing is as easy as it sounds, but she doesn't want to say it. Athena's blessing is working within her, she knows at last how it feels to be Annabeth and Lily, her brain constantly seeking info to make plans.

"Leo's fire isn't the same kind of magical as Hecate's. But I could try and teach you to control the mist," she offers to Hazel, and the girl blushes at Ara's offer. They haven't interacted a lot, so it's still a bit awkward between them. "I'm not a sorceress, but it's got to be worth something, right?"

"It's worth a try," Jason agrees. "At least we know how to kill the giant. And this sorceress... well, if Hecate believes Hazel can defeat her, then so do I."

Hazel sighs. "Now we just have to reach the House of Hades, battle our way through Gaea's forces—"

"Plus a bunch of ghosts," Nico adds. "The spirits in that temple may not be friendly."

"—and find the Doors of Death. Assuming we can somehow arrive at the same time as Percy and Annabeth and rescue them."

"We can do it," Frank tries to encourage them. "We have to."

"Well, that depends on how long it'll take us to get there," Ara turns to Leo.

"So, with this detour," he voices, "I'm estimating four or five days to arrive at Epirus, assuming no delays for, you know, monster attacks and stuff."

"Yeah. Those never happen." Jason says sarcastically.

"Hecate told you that Gaea was planning her big Wake Up party on August first, right?" Leo turns to Hazel. "The Feast of Whatever?"

"Spes. The goddess of hope."

"Theoretically, this leaves us enough time," Jason interjects. "It's only July fifth."

As expected, Nico's gaze locks with hers and he opens his mouth slightly, tilting his head as if about to ask something. Ara's eyes widen and she shakes her head discretely but making it clear that he has to stay quiet.

"...We should be able to close the Doors of Death, then find the giants' HQ and stop them from waking Gaea before August first," Jason finishes.

"Theoretically," Hazel nods. "But I'd still like to know how we make our way through the House of Hades without going insane or dying."

"Well, that's Nico's job," Ara points out. "You're the Ghost King, right?"

Nico scowls, but Frank pushes his plate away with a look of discomfort and speaks before the younger boy can. "It's July fifth. Oh, jeez, I hadn't even thought of that...."

"Hey, man, it's cool," Leo replies. "You're Canadian, right? I didn't expect you to get me an Independence Day present or anything... unless you wanted to."

"It's not that. My grandmother... she always told me that seven was an unlucky number. It was a ghost number. She didn't like it when I told her there would be seven demigods on our quest. And July is the seventh month."

"Yeah, but..." Leo taps his fingers on the table anxiously, the morse code for I love you on repeat. He doesn't seem to notice. "But that's just coincidence, right?"

"Back in China," Frank continues, "in the old days, people called the seventh month the ghost month. That's when the spirit world and the human world were closest. The living and the dead could go back and forth. Tell me it's a coincidence we're searching for the Doors of Death during the ghost month."

"Man, shut up," Ara doesn't like the idea of her birth month being an unlucky one, especially because Leo's birthday is on the seventh day, and Jason's...

Ara looks at him. Jason's birthday! It was the same day they lost Percy and Annabeth... Jason doesn't even flinch at Frank's speech, he keeps it together like a true Roman, but still, Ara feels guilty. 

"Let's focus on the things we can deal with. We're getting close to Bologna. Maybe we'll get more answers once we find these dwarfs that Hecate—"

The Argo II stops violently and they get tossed in different directions. Ara hits her ribs on the edge of the table and looks around not understanding what's happening.

"Nico!" Hazel gasps when he collapses against a wall.

"Look!" Jason pointed at the images of Camp Half-Blood.

Except it is no longer Camp Half-Blood. In its place, all she sees is chubby messed-up faces standing too close to the cameras. They flicker again and show the deck, where Piper and Hedge are gagged and unable to move.

Ara holds onto the wall and seizes Almighty. "What are those?"

As they watch the two little creatures bounce around stealing stuff, one of them snatches the Archimedes sphere out of its place, which sets Leo off. "No!"

"Piper!" Jason exclaims as he gets out from under the table.

"Monkey!" Frank shouts in alarm.

"Not monkeys," Hazel helps Nico up. "I think those are dwarfs—" 

"Stealing my stuff!" Leo rushes out of the room.

Ara Jackson is a girl with a short fuse.

It's carefully hidden, though, which means not many things can trigger it. But Dwarfs breaking the things she's been looking after since they left home? That's definitely a way to get her murderous mode on.

She watches them jump from one place to another and realizes she can't beat them with brute force. These beings are faster than she ever was, and by the looks of it, are professional bandits. Even Connor and Travis wouldn't stand a chance.

"Duck!" Leo tackles her by the waist before a grenade hits her.

Ara groans and tries to push Leo off, but she can't. "You left those on deck?!"

"Sorry I didn't think of the possibility of dwarfs setting them off!" Leo complains, unable to move.

Ara can't function properly, the dwarfs used the grenades Leo made for her (he was trying to cheer her up after what had happened at the Fort). They were filled with Apollo's magic, some liquid booming melodies that were meant to disorient and stun.

Ara crawls to a sitting position just in time to see a dwarf run away with Leo's belt... and Almighty. They reach a ballista and one of the dwarves shoots the other out of the ship, then the one left walks towards the rail, hits Coach Hedge, and jumps out of sight mockingly waving goodbye to Ara and Leo.

"Those horrid sons of—"

"Come on," Leo stumbles to his feet, his eyes red and glossy.

Leo and Jason pick her off the ground and Ara stays still trying to get rid of the dizziness. Gorilla!Frank is out-cold, tongue out.

"Piper!" Jason stumbles over to his girlfriend.

"Don't waste your time on me!" The girl complains when he pulls out the gag from her mouth. "Go after them!"

Ara makes her way to the control board and discovers with horror that the dwarves also took her Octopi. She turns to Leo, understanding in their gazes as they fall to the same conclusion: Those dipshits have to pay.

Leo turns to Jason. "You feeling good enough to control the winds? Ara and I need a lift."

"Sure, but—"

"Good," Leo interrupts him. "We've got some monkey dudes to catch." 

Ara's fingertips are burning with the need to strangle the living garden gnomes. "My plushie bags are off-limits," she says gravely. "They're going down."

"Where to?" Jason asks once they are in the middle of the small town.

Leo frowns. "Well, I dunno. Let me pull my dwarf-tracking GPS out of my tool belt... Oh, wait! I don't have a dwarf-tracking GPS—or my tool belt!"

"Be nice," Ara palms her pocket and with relief finds Almighty has come back to her. "Jason's trying to help."

"Thank you," says the boy, though also looking angry. Piper being mistreated isn't something that he lets slide. "The ballista fired the first dwarf in that direction, I think. Come on."

Ara thinks about Lily again. Her family was from Italy, and she'd always dreamed about coming here, to get acquainted with her roots, demigod and mortal. But Lily is stuck at camp fighting a war she didn't start and Ara's here, and if she fails, there might not be an Italy to visit in the future. 

Now that she's as old as Mike was when he died, Ara wonders which friend is going to die this time, the one who's been forced to stay behind and grow older, or the one that's running forward and still playing pretend.

Next Chapter –>

Taglist.

@siriuslysirius1107 @ask-giggles1303 @asnyox-the-hoarder @im-planning-something-look @bandshirts-andbooks @coolninjapaper @thewaterlily @whenisthefall @1randomcomic @you-bloody-shank @sunflowergraves @owlalex44 @taylordaughter @typicalsolangelolover @writingmia @espressopatronum454 @slytherinnqueen @orbitingpolaris @obxstiles @ellipsisspelled @thepixiechicksh

[phantomfen]

WIP game

Rules: You will be given a word. Share one sentence/excerpt from your wip(s) that start with each letter of that word.

From @belfry-ghost with "DARK"

Decided to do all letters with the same wip 'Be patient, my heart' also known as Knight Fic

D -  17th of July, 1412

Danny just, if he has to, would rather not think about this spouse until their wedding day in two years time. They’ll need to play the romance game publicly for political reasons, and go through all the hoops. He knows what there is to gain, improved public relations, approval of their civilian populations for the match will turn into appreciation of the others’ realm. It just all takes a lot of time. And time he has in short supply.

A  - 20th of July, 1412

“... and like, I told him. I said ‘Frighty’ - I get to call him that, Ancients, never repeat that - I said ‘Frighty, why don’t you just take off your pauldrons or exchange them for a subtler pair, they easily add 5 centimeters on each side of you’.” Danny gestures wildly while he speaks, the reins loosely held in one of them, and is clearly not paying attention to where they are going. Cèleste is good about following Victor though, so no harm no foul. The way he is so absorbed in his story that he almost seems to have forgotten that he is actively riding a horse is charming. Robin can’t tell him off when he’s being this adorable. “And he replied ‘Squire-’” He does a voice too, it’s the best. “‘- these pauldrons of mine are part of my uniform as a knight. I surely cannot take them off. Our armor demands respect and I expect you to have understood that during your apprenticeship.’ and like, yeah, sure, it does. It’s very imposing and all. But you lose all the imposing posturing by needing to go through each and every door sideways right?” “Right!” Robin easily agrees.

R -  17th of July, 1412

Robin listens attentively and then sticks the entire piece of spiced sausage in his mouth at once. The parts of his face not obscured by his mask go through a journey of appreciation followed by steadily increasing alarm. Danny can't help but laugh a little over the redness on Robin’s cheeks that peeks out under his mask. He looks like he is desperately holding his breath. Robin can't keep that up forever though. He gasps a breath and follows it up with a lot of coughing and finishes up with a strained “Delicious.” 

K - 21st of July, 1412

Knowing that it is a choice just makes everything worse! He wants to yell at the other man. See! You can do it! You can hold a pleasantly neutral conversation! Why wont you! He can’t yell at the other man. The whole entire point of this charade is public relations between their nations. They need to look friendly at the very least. He can get a little passive aggressive instead. “Dearest,” Phantom says in a saccharinely sweet tone. He can see a muscle at the corner of Jason’s eye twitch. “Could you cut a piece of the pheasant for me.”

Thanks for the tag Juno!

I think most of my fanfic friends have been tagged by Clock or Juno, so I am not going to tag anyone. If anyone feels inspired, I've got the word 'MIRE'

[doomandgloomfromthetomb]

Interviews 2024

Sometimes, I talk to musicians! This year, I had conversations with some great ones — Linda Thompson, Bob Holmes (Suss, numun, etc), somesurprises, Danny Paul Grody, James Elkington & Nathan Salsburg, Zachary Cale, and Crazy Horse's Billy freakin' Talbot. I always wish I was a little bit better at the art of conversation, but hopefully, these chats are entertaining/interesting enough.

You can decide for yourself over on Aquarium Drunkard — which as mentioned many times before, has gone behind the paywall this year. But as also mentioned many times before, your membership fee is worth it ... think of it as subscribing to many e-newsletters/substacks all at once? Beyond my own Q&As, there have been a ton of sweet talks this year, from Jeff Parker to Thurston Moore to Rosali to J Spaceman to The Necks to Guy Picciotto to Pat Metheny to Jessica Pratt and many many more. (And that's not even counting Jason P. Woodbury's always awesome Transmissions podcast). Sign up!

Linda Thompson

I just liked that kind of sad, keening music. I think keening is the word, you know? Most people hate [that kind of music]. I mean, most people hate the bagpipes. I love the bagpipes, so there’s obviously something very wrong with me. [Laughs]

Bob Holmes

The vibe is a big part of it—that big sky, open feeling, creating a musical experience that that is very open. The word inclusive shows up a lot. Inclusive of musical genres, yeah, but also men, women, transgender, different races. I always say that the thing about ambient country is that it’s a big country. There’s plenty of space. 

somesurprises

For me, it’s about trying to be someone who’s open to change — whether that’s personally, politically or globally. That’s the most centered reality. Cynicism and just believing that things have to be done the way they’ve been done in the past, or that someone else has to get the short end of the stick for them to benefit — those are actually twisted versions of reality.

Danny Paul Grody

I changed so fundamentally when I became a parent. It impacts everything, every aspect of my life. You know, it was one of the greatest gifts I could ask for, just to take my focus off of myself. I didn’t realize what a gift it would be, but it’s taught me a lot. But it’s also taught me how to really cherish those things in my life that matter, that bring meaning, that bring me a sense of wholeness. Music is one of those things, obviously.

James Elkington & Nathan Salsburg

I find that as I’ve made more records and written more songs, I’ve become a much more sympathetic listener. My tastes have only broadened as I’ve gotten older. My early records — both with Jim and without — were reflections of more limited influences, or the desire to only have certain influences present. That’s definitely changed. In some ways, we don’t have anything to prove to anyone anymore.

Zachary Cale

I got to hang out with Michael Chapman a few times and I asked him about that point blank. “Is that one of the reasons why you do it – to mark the span of time?” He said absolutely. I mean, it’s the art of it, too, but these records are how I mark my time. I’ve always been old fashioned that way. I think most musicians who are in it for the long haul think of it that way, too. 

Billy Talbot

It’s fate. And I don’t even really believe in fate. We probably make our own fate, as we move along in this life. There seems to be some kind of other plan for us that we latched onto. But I’m not sure about that. All I know is that it happened. And I’m grateful. Grateful to have been a part of it.

[siri-ike]

Danny kicked his feet back and forth under the table, hands up at his sides so as not to touch anything. Dick walked over from the kitchen side of the island, holding two steaming plates.

"Meat on the left, vegetables in the top right and sauce in the bottom right, nothing runny or touching." He listed off as he set down Danny's plate. Dicks own plate looked completely different. The food was just a disorganized pile. "If you want seconds, you'll have to get it yourself." Dick said as if he weren't going to get this child anything he asked for at a moments notice.

Danny looked up from ripping his chicken brest into thin strips. "Did you cook this? Because the big one said you couldn't cook."

"I can cook." Dick blushed. Never had he been so offended by something he 100% agreed with. Don't get him wrong. Dick doesn't put pride in his bare-bones cooking skills. Why would he? But to hear it from his own son? "But yeah, Alfred made this." He gestured to the Tupperware containers barely sticking out of the sink.

Danny smiled so proud of himself for catching him. "What do you do instead?" He shoveled most of his grilled vegetables into his mouth.

"I work out?" He looked over to the exercise equipment in the loft. "I go out and help people who are in danger and hurt people who put others in danger."

"Like me." Danny cheered.

"Like you." Dick doted... "Except you came to us." Dick looked down.

"Why?"

"Well, it's, ah. You're a, um," Dick took a breath. Just rip off the bandage. "You're a clone."

"What's that?" Danny stood up with his plate of only a dollop of untouched ketchup.

"It means, you, were, you were, made," Dick struggled. Come on, man, he'll only think it's bad if you make it sound bad, and you're making it sound pretty bad. "You were made to be a replica or a replacement of someone else. There are a lot of clones out there, and a vast majority of them are made by bad people with bad intentions."

Danny stopped for a moment. "Did someone bad make me?"

It's best to be honest. It's best to be honest. Connor couldn't start getting over all his crap until he knew the truth. Neither could the Harpers... bad example. "Yes. But you're safe now." That was mostly true.

"Is that why my brain was bad?" He put down the tongs.

"No, your brain wasn't bad-"

"But the doctors had to fix it."

"... they, removed a tumor. It-"

"Was the tumor bad?"

"Ye, yes, tumors are bad."

"And it was part of my brain," Danny was clearly trying to make a case. Dick would be impressed under different circumstances.

"It was around your brain, but not part of it. More like, it was strangling your brain. That's why it was so hard for you to remember things."

"Is that why I forget things now?"

"Yes, you're still recovering. Once you're all better, you'll be remembering things like a champ."

"What did you do to the people who made me." Danny's tone was lower and more serious.

"I don't know, Batman and Robin left the city to find them. I haven't heard from them in almost a month."

"Are they going to be punished?" He grumbled.

"Probably, but in my experience, bad people rarely get what they deserve." Dick sneered bitterly.

"I see." Danny sounded almost like an adult. Wordlessly, he placed his plate in the dishwasher and went to his room.

Crap. Did Dick say something wrong? Was it the lack of faith in the justice system? He would have found out anyway, they live in Blüdhaven for ff- Pete's sake. He should talk to him. No stupid, he just talked to him. This was huge news. If he wanted to think about it alone, then he should give him some space.

"That's weird." Jason sat in his bed, wearing only his underwear. "Bruce hasn't tried to invite me to anything in over a month."

The lump under the covers didn't respond. Jason nudged the blanket slightly to place one cold foot on his lover's calf.

"Okwuru oyi!" Gar jumped. "Fine, I'm listening. I thought you didn't want him calling all the time." He rolled over, still intent on not being awake.

"I don't." Jason defended. "But it's suspicious."

"Do you miss your dad's attention? Do you want him to bust down the door and demand to see you at dinner?" Gar teased.

"No!" Jason looked anywhere but Gar. "Just come with me to check it out."

"No better time to introduce the family to your situationship."

"-y-Yeah." Does it have to be just a "situationship"?

There was a knock at the front door. Gar looked at Jason, who pulled out his laptop to do research.

"Not like this is your place or anything." Gar snarked. He got out of bed, quietly relishing in how Jason looked at his bare ass before he let his collar grow into a full set of skin-tight clothes. He threw on a pink shirt from the floor (it was red once) and strutted out the bedroom door. Making sure to keep those eyes on him as long as he could. On the way to the front door, he retracted all the extra features from last night.

At the door is a young boy, roughly Robin shaped. "Jason! How many siblings do you have again?" Gar yelled

"I don't keep count!"

"Hi, I'm Gar. You got a name?"

"Danny."

"Do you have a Danny?" Gar shouted back to Jason.

"Yeah, I think Dick's keeping that one!"

The boys' heart rate jumped, and he looked intrigued. "Yes, that is I. Would you be able to deliver me to him, please."

The slight quiver in his voice, the too intense eye contact, the taste of sodium in the air, and the way he shifted his stance, everything told Gar that this kid was lying. He opened the door fully to let the kid in. He looked about 16 to 17 years old, 5'7", scrawny, pale, black hair, blue eyes. If Nightwing is keeping him, then chances are he has Titans level abilities.

"Care to join us!" Gar shouted, knowing full well that Jason won't be able to walk again for hours.

"You're a Dick, you know that!"

"Not how I remember it!"

Danny lay alone in his bed, door closed, lights off, having the 8 year old equivalent of an existential crisis, when he heard circus music coming from the main room. He'd already been lying there for almost 20 minutes, and quite frankly, he was bored. He decided to open his door, just a little, to hear Dick pick up the phone.

"Danny's here, in ' room. We had the clone conversation earlier, or the start of-"

Some of it was hard to make out because he wouldn't stay still.

"I don't think so. Let me ask."

Dick knocked on Danny's bedroom door. He could tell from the sound that there was an object leaning against it. It's roughly the same size and shape as Danny. Yet when he was invited in, there was no such object at the door, but a suspiciously winded little boy sat on the bed in the classic "I didn't do anything" pose. Back straight, hands in his lap, legs perfectly still, and toes clenched.

"Where you eavesdropping?" Dick suspected.

"No," Danny lied, badly.

"Ok, we'll work on lying later." Dick came closer and crouched to Danny's eye level. "Do you remember anything from before you were in the hospital?"

Danny thought back. "I remember being Bruce Wayne." He looked almost guilty for admiting it.

"Take him to the cave, have Alfred check him. He could be in the same situation." Dick hung up and turned his full attention to Danny. "Tell me everything you remember."

Danny shifted his seat. "I was born in Gotham. My parents were Maddie and Jack Wayne. I had an older sister named Jazz. They all died in a restaurant explosion when I was 14, along with my two best friends: Eathan Bennet and Ellen Yin. Since then, I was raised by Alfred, our family butler, in his haunted castle. He and I traveled the world to learn martial arts, esqapepology, slight of hand, and a variety of other skills I needed in order to become the world's greatest detective. When we returned to Gotham, I took it over. Rebels tried to oppose me, but they never stood a chance." Danny's thoughtful expression had slowly turned into one of pure sadistic glee. "I can still smell their burning flesh."

Dick could scarcely stifle a look of horror.

"But those are just Bruce Waynes memories, not mine." Danny added.

Gut feeling: Bad Ending

Bruce stared at himself in the bathroom mirror. He could have sworn he didn't need a stepstool before. He ran his hands over his naked scalp, his fingers along the two, long, surgical scars. Starting just behind each ear and curving all the way up to his temples. The stitches were coarse and sharp, but it didn't hurt.

A soft tumbling sound caught his attention. Frostbite fell into the bathtub. "You're brand new. You don't need a bath." He giggled, scooping his friend up and pretending to towel him off.

His ears perked up at the sound of the door to his room opening and footsteps entering the room. "Come on, dad promised to bring snacks."

His room was so boring and white, and not getting to leave it is a stupid rule. Just 'cause he could "get sick and die" or "horribly injure himself" due to his "impaired motor skills" and "partially exposed cranium." Bunch'a babies.

"You're not my dad." He accused.

"And you're not supposed to be out of bed." An old woman entered his room. "My name is Doctor Leslie Tompkins. Would you mind answering a few questions for me?"

The name sounded familiar, but he'd much rather his dad say if she's safe or not. "What kind of questions?" He tightened his grip on Frostbite.

"I would also like to run a few tests." She said as she pulled cards out of her bag. "I'll grade you if you like."

Ha! He's not gonna fall for that.

She gave him a look, "First I want you to write your name-"

"I know how to write my own name!" He defended. One day, he won't fall for that. Annoyed, he climbed into the bed and pulled out the tray table. Without an ounce of effort, he wrote his signature on one of the blank cards.

Danny F.

...

Danny F?

Who the hell is Danny?

He turned the card around and tried again.

Danny F.

Both look exactly the same. Like it was a practiced signature. But he'd never seen it before.

His name isn't Danny, it's... it's uh, drrr? Brrr. Baron? Boris? Bruce! His name's Bruce! Ofcorse it is.

He pulled another index card from the stack. This time slowly writing out the name Bruce Wayne. But, it's wrong. That's not his signature. It's sloppy and looks like any other word. The other one had personality. This one just looks like any other word. He tried a few more times until Leslie interrupted with a different test.

Drawing a clock, arranging pictures into a story, and pointing out objects in a picture was easy. But then she asked questions about his past. Names of places and people. He's lived in Gotham his whole life. There's no Casper high here! There's no Sam and Tucker! And there certainly isn't a portal to hell in his basement!

He's thinking clearer than ever, so why is he still full of shit?!

Dan- Bruce kicked at the table, and it swung back to the wall.

"I trust you'll want to handle this." Leslie exited the room and Nightwing entered.

His eyes lit up, "dad -" the exitement drained away, and he slumped back down with realization. "Are... you?"

Nightwing took a deep breath. "No... I'm sorry."

Who was this guy? Just some imposter who somehow looked exactly like his dad? Or was it the same person? Has he just been pretending the whole time? No, no, that can't be. This has to be some trick. Of course, his dad's real! He's just pretending! Bruce glanced over to his signatures all over the floor. He's just pretending.

"But," Nightwing drew his attention. "I could be. If you want me to." He put his hand on his back. "But I might not be your best option." He joked, unsuccessfully.

"What's, what's your name?" He no longer spoke in Bruce's cadence.

Nightwing sat down on the bed next to "??" the boy. "My name is Dick." He whispered, careful not to let the doctor on the other side of the glass hear. Leslie and Duke (Currently dressed as "vague medical staff") were watching, but so was some random resident. "But in this outfit, I'm Nightwing." Normal volume this time

Without missing a beat. "Is that like, your Glam Rock alter ego?" That had to be Danny because it couldn't be Bruce.

Dick couldn't help but giggle. Not even laugh, giggle, like a child. "It's something like that."

He looked so satisfied with the reaction he'd garnered. "Why'd you let me think you were my dad?"

"You had enough to deal with. We considered plenty of potential outcomes, and in most of them, we found that letting you believe what you wanted was for the best." Nightwing slid his hand from the child's (he looked like he could be around 10 now) back down his arm and held his hand. He looked to the floor, covered in index cards, and gestured to the other to do the same.

"Bruce" hesitated to acknowledge the papers.

"It's ok. You can ask when you're ready." It's the right thing to say. Dick knows it. He checked. He prepared. But making the best choices in a bad situation doesn't guarantee a good outcome. And those sad little eyes looked so much like all his brothers when they were little. So small. In need. "But we'll need to call you something." He tried. "Maybe you could pick a, "Glam Rock" name, too."

He smiled brightly at the prompt. The game. Getting to pretend. He could be like his dad. It should be something similar. Little wing? Night- uh- feather?. He proudly announced, "Phantom." No, that's not-

"Ooh, spooky." Praised Nightwing.

Yeah, it's perfect.

[flwrkid14]

I was reading the two posts about Tim's Christmas list, and just thought of the Bat Family noticing how happy Tim is.

Maybe Damian sees the new brushes and asks why Tim has Stephanie's things?

"Oh no, those aren't her's. They're mine. Danny got them for me cause they were on my list. I've needed a new set for a few years, but I only remember when I'm on a mission and needs to use them. Isn't he so sweet? And he got me really good quality ones, too!"

Or Jason mocking Tim for finally getting new hoodies. And instead of huffing or quipping back, Tim just brightens. Smiling in a way Jason's never seen.

"Danny got them for me! They're so soft. There's some of my favorite gifts from him! It's honestly nice to have new clothes that aren't formal. I'm so happy he read my list." And kinda just bounces away.

Maybe Bruce asking if Tim finally got new cups for his office?

"Danny's so sweet, isn't he? He found my list for Christmas and decided to get me a few mugs and thermoses. It's great I don't have to worry about accidentally cutting my mouth open again." 😊

Or Stephanie (who was injured on patrol and Tim's Nest, with apartment on top, was the closest place she could get to.) commenting on the fact that Tim has a lot of blankets, pillows, and plushies.

"Danny got them for me for Christmas I love how soft and warm everything is. He even found a plushie of a sleeping ghost! It's weighted, has a heating feature, and is made of glow in the dark fabric. Matter of fact, almost all the plushies and blankets he got me were weighted! Just like I had written on my list. They make me feel so loved. After all, he wants me to feel warm and safe, what's more considerate than that?"

Cass looks for Tim, knowing he's staying in the manor overnight because of a gala the next day. She hears music coming from the bathroom, but the light isn't on. So she goes in to turn it off, just in case Tim accidentally left it on. Only to see that there is a light on. A music box made to look like a record player spinning a vinyl, projecting blue light to look like you were underwater. Tim was in the bathtub, with the music box on the rim.

After the kerfuffle of them realizing Cass walked in on Tim taking a bath, and Tim getting dressed quickly, Cassandra asks him where he got it? It's cute and sounds really nice.

"Oh, it's a gift from Danny. He gave me it for Christmas. He knows I like cute things like that. And it's nice to listen to. He even got me this cat eared fluffy hairband for when I do my skincare or makeup! So cute, right?" 🥰

And slowly, all of them realize they never got Tim what he wanted. They try to justify it by saying he put tech on the list, but they look back through past lists and realize Tim changed his list because no one ever got him what he put on the list.

omg, I love your take on my posts! Your writing is so good! And you're absolutely right—the batfamily realizing their oversight and coming to terms with is such an interesting angle to explore! I like the way you went about it, especially all the times Tim kept mentioning the items were from his list!!

That said, I also wanted to address something that a lot of people were frustrated about when reading my original post.. many were upset with the family for not reading Tim’s list, wondering if they lost it or ignored it on purpose. I realize I didn’t provide enough context on my post for how the list actually functions!

The christmas lists in the batfamily aren’t necessarily meant to be followed to the letter—they’re more of a reference in case someone doesn’t know what to get. For example, Damian’s interests are pretty well known (art supplies, things for his animals, weapons), so most of the family can buy him something without needing to check his list. But for someone like Alfred or Bruce, where their preferences might be harder to pin down, the list serves as a guide.

With Tim, the family assumes they already know what he likes. They don’t think they need to check his list because, in their minds, they already understand him. So they keep giving him things they know he uses—cameras, electronics, hard drives—without realizing he already has more than enough. It’s not necessarily neglectful; it’s just a blind spot.

Danny, on the other hand, actually looks at the list. Not only because he wants to get Tim the best gifts possible, but because he lives with him. He sees what Tim already has in abundance and what he’s been meaning to get for himself but keeps putting off. That’s why his gifts are so thoughtful—he pays attention in a way the others don’t.

I hope this explanation helps clarify things for those who were confused or frustrated!!

[helloblobbyblobfish]

A snake in the nest

I think most people would have no idea of who Danny Temple is (he was in like, one arc of the Robin comic and was then gone), so resume: In Robin #82, while Robin is having difficulties in his relationship with Spoiler because he refuses to give her his secret identity, he meets a guy named Danny he strike somewhat of a friendship with, but the guy has a barcode tattoo on a foot and a massive scar over his body, so Tim is suspicious. 

The plotline really gets picked up again in Robin #88, when Tim and Danny go on vacation (after Bruce landed on the “Dick moves” side of the spin coin and revealed Tim’s identity to Spoiler so that she go check on him because Bruce doesn’t want to be confronted by Alfred) and Danny gets kidnapped by robots of the Kobra cult (Who has a whole thing for conjoined twins, in comics lore. That’s the origin of the scar, separated twins) because he was one of the most likely candidates to become the new leader after the previous one had too many failures.

Unfortunately, Robin’s at-the-time nemesis King Snake wanted access to the Lazarus Pit the himalaya base of Kobra had (only accessible with the barcode on Danny’s feet) because he had lost his eyesight previously. And the previous leader wasn’t ready to back down from his position, even after the cult tried to murder him. The story ended in Robin #92 with King Snake blind again, the previous Naja-Naja possibly dead, and Danny leader uncontested.

AND NEXT TIME Kobra is back, EVE, the original Kobra leader AND King Snake’s lover and assistant, last seen crushed by a pillar on the lower half and shot by the previous leader, has taken over, and there is ZERO mention of Danniel/Danny! (Due to the fact Danny wanted to make Kobra neutral, and that wouldn’t have been interesting for the writers, I guess.) Oh, also. The paging in #92 is confusing, but I think it implies Daniel knows who Tim is? (Because more people know who tim is than people know who Steph, Kon, Cassandra, maybe even Damian and Jason are

Also, Tim. TimtimTim! You were supposed to be the “normal one”. Why do your male friends include: A half-kryptonian clone, a speedster from the future, Conner Hawke, a prince who used a magical artifact to send a demon hired to kill him after the summoner, the possible leader of a cult raised by who were implied to be robots, Buzz, who was implied to have a mystery involving HIS family that went nowhere, the daughter of a mafia boss who was resurrected as a crazy magician… BERNARD is the most normal person he ever met, no wonder he got a crush on him! Probably means Tim can look at Waller, say “Kneel, Peasant!” and get away with it, though, so that’s nice! 

-

It starts on a day like any other. Bernard is watching the latest edition of the Daily Planet news in his boyfriend’s apartment. He scoffs at the fact that they believe the new Superman is the previou’s son all grown up and not obviously a clone like the two previous ones. Lois Lane still knows nothing about Superman after all those years. Distressful.

He looks at the sleeping form of his boyfriend on his knees. Don’t get him wrong, Bernard will always find sleeping!Tim is adorable, but it seems Tim has decided that his dates with Bernard are the only moments of the day where he would sleep. And that is hurting the relationship a lot more than the millionaire seems to think it does.

What’s the point of dating someone if they are never conscious enough to listen to you when you actually get to meet, which is not enough, in Bernard’s opinion. Even if he understands being the likely prince of a mafia group means Tim doesn’t have much sleep at night. Bernard is hurt that Tim doesn’t want to admit that part of his life. He tries to throw hints at his boyfriend that he knows, but Tim is completely oblivious.

Or is much better at acting than he is given credit for, but Bernard has seen him trying to lie. Would be hilarious if he wasn't trying to hide such important things. Suddenly, Tim’s phone rings. Tim, ever the light sleeper, which Bernard finds sad because that means he can’t touch his boyfriend’s hair while he sleeps, is on his two feet in an instant.

“Danny? I haven’t heard from him in years!” And he goes into the bathroom to have a private discussion. Of course, like any good boyfriend, Bernard tries to listen through the door. It’s a Gotham thing, you wouldn’t understand. The sound of Tim running towards the door makes Bern run towards the couch. Thankfully, Tim is never a very observant man, so he completely misses the fact that Bernard accidentally fell into the couch in a very undignified way.

A few instant laters, or minutes, but who cares about that, Tim is entering with a dark-haired guy with a pointed chin and a look that screams “I'm handsome and smart, and I know it”. Bernard has to refrain himself from gripping Tim and growling at the intruder. Tim makes the introductions. “So, Bernard, this is Danny Temple. We were at Brentwood Academy together for a time. Danny,” and Tim beams with pride, which reassures the conspiracy theorist after the odd wording, “this is my boyfriend Bernard Dowd. I met him at the Louis E. Grieve Memorial High School after I transferred from Brentwood.” Danny looks impressed.

“And you have stayed together since then? Impressive! Congrats, Tim! That does explain why you didn’t care about the girls when we were at the beach!” That does reassure Bernard. Apparently, it was only his fears that led him to see a rival. Tim blushes. “Oh. N-No! We didn’t date back then, but we met again, we started dating!” Daniel opens his mouth like a fish in comprehension. “Ohhhhhh! okay. Now, maybe I didn’t come at the right time? I wanted to ask for your help, but you might want to finish the date first, or?” “Tim’s help with what?” Bernard is genuinely confused.

Danny gives Tim the stink-eyes. “You told him. Right?” Tim isn’t looking at either of them. “Told him what? I have no… Is this money.” “No. Tim, come on, you two are dating, you should-” Tim shows a surprising amount of strength; not so surprising, thinks Bernard, he might hide it, but Tim has some seriously ripped muscles; grabbing the man, holding him over his head, and running into the bedroom. Bernard scoffs. That bedroom has sound-proof everything. He never was certain why, but at least, it won’t be used to hide sex noises given the fact Daniel seemed fine with the relationship.

Still, he is wondering, “What are they talking about?”

-

I throw Daniel on the bed. I realize he is wearing his- “Daniel, you’re walking around with your Naja-Naja armor underneath your clothes???” I only receive a look in response. I unbutton my shirt to show him. “See, no robin suit.” My old friend isn’t looking impressed. “Yeah, because it would be hard to explain if you take off your clothes in front of your boyfriend why you have a robin suit.” 

He is right, but I am not going to give him that.

Anyway,” I decide to distract him, “why do you need Robin for? Kobra was back to being evil in no time, with no news of you.” Suddenly, I panic. “Oh my god, you’re a clone of the now dead Danny, aren’t you.” He looks part-offended, part-horrified that I reach this conclusion. “What, no! Tim, I had to regain strength and rebuild my power slowly on my own. Also, Eve didn’t get back the entirety of Kobra, thank you very much. No, the problem is that we are in a full-blown war, currently, and my spies reported to me that this bitch is planning something against batman, to show off how cool and powerful she is.” he is putting air quotes when saying “cool” and “powerful”, and seems to respect her as much as Tim respect Crazy Quilt.

“So, we need to stop Lady Eve. Okay. Something else? Having the support of part of the Kobra cult will help a lot. Thanks, Dan.” Danny moth’s twitches. “Actually…” Now, it is I who gives him a dead-pan expression. “Given how much Batman and others have stopped the plans of the Kobra group, even my spies aren’t angry at Eve for trying to kill your mentor. Actually, my counselors are recommending that I take her by surprise with a plan to take out Batman first.”

I facepalm and think of everything possible. After an instant, Danny asks: “You’re thinking about..?” “Should I give you coordinates of rogues to make a very impressive display, do I give you weaknesses to use so that we almost loses against your agents in exchange for infos regarding lady eve’s schemes, should I pretend you brainwashed me to join, because i am NOT even pretending to join Kobra willingly, friendship be damned!” He looks a bit hurt at it, but I think he understands why. Even if my support could help. Or maybe it would convince members of his side of the cult to leave.

I sigh. “Can… you give me a day to get a working plan. Also, I would like to get the most you can give me about Lady Eve’s plan. Please?” He rises up off the bed. “Of course. Thank you, Tim.”

-

Bernard is surprised that the conversation didn’t last longer when he sees the door unlock. He grabs his phone and takes a picture as soon as that Danny guy shows up in the crack of the door, before hiding said phone. Maybe that will help him identify who Tim is hanging with.

Danny closes the door with “Once again, thank you. Tim. It reassures me that you are ready to help.” Tim seems to have mixed feelings. Bernard gets really worried about what his boyfriend got involved in.

Afterwards, it’s very awkward as the both of them are trying to come up with a credible lie to shorten their date, all plans forgotten. Bernard can’t even remember what he said to Tim as he closes the door, besides a “See you soon, Timmy!”

He puts his head in his hands to muffle his screams in the corridor as he waits for the elevator.

And Danny Temple doesn’t seem to exist. True, Bernard can find his name in the records of Brentwood Academy, but he apparently never finished his studies. And he has no online presence on any social media. rather weird for a handsome guy like that. Also, Brentwood is a private academy located near Gotham. That means money. Lots of money. So how the hell does Bernard come back empty-handed? The fact that there are many people named Danny Temple doesn’t help him either.

It’s not until much later, when Bernard is going through lists for international terrorists, expecting nothing, that he finds him. And he let his mug of coffee drop on his bed, spilling its content everywhere.

DANNY TEMPLE: One of the leaders of the Kobra Cult. Searched in 42 countries for terrorism, thiefs, blackmailing of US official, hijacking of a sattelite… 

Well, lots of it seems to have been done by a guy named Kobra, AKA Jeffrey Franklin Burr. Danny Temple is considered to have agreed with those opinions and the attempts to destroy the US, but Bernard couldn’t find anything the Kobra cult had done recently in terrorism that weren’t connected to a woman nicknamed “Lady Eve”. And there were rumors of on-going power plays and tensions inside the cult.

Still, even if Temple was “only” a random cult leader, that he tried to get close to a mafia leader like Tim was worrisome. Even if it was simply an alliance for guns, Bernard wasn’t super keen on his bf dealing with a cult. Nevermind all that! Giving GUNS to Terrorists???? He had to go see Tim immediately!

-

And here is what I am reduced to.

“Please, Jason! You’re the only one I can trust to not hold my friendship with a member of Kobra against me! Please help me!”

“Timothy, I am NOT helping Kobra, even if it’s a nicer Kobra. I may be a gang leader, I have standards. And I am not screwing my already tenuous relationship with Bruce” 

When you spit his name like that, no wonder he doesn’t like you, Jay.

“To make you happy!” “We can work together on it! Say it was my idea but I want the plan to stay between you and I! It’s true, and Bruce will leave you alone!” I feel humiliated, begging Jason on his knees. The fact he came in his full armor and I’m in my sweater is not helping. I look like a dumb member of Gotham’s elite who, like most, over-though his importance.

It's in this especially awkward situation that Bernard slams the door open. 

“Tim, I- red HOOOOOD?????!!!! OMG! No, please, don’t hurt my boyfriend! I know he did bad things, well, actually, I know he did bad things but not  sure why, I was ready to let his mafia stuff unaddressed-”

My boyfriend thinks I’m part of the mafia. What. Jason gives me a look. He might have his helmet on, but I can tell his body image is a “WTF, Timothy.”. I sweat even harder. Jason, thanks whatever deity he believes in, doesn’t take advantage of the situation to spread slander. I would have, in his position.

“What? Mister whatever, I’m not planning on killing him. Jeez. There are so many people who deserve it more. No, your… fffrriend, here.” He called me his boyfriend, Jason, you can call me that, damnit. Oh  God, is Jason? “Decided to call for my help, and I’m not feeling generous today.”

Bernard rushes to grab him protectively. "Don't worry, Tim. It’s about that kobra guy who showed up earlier on. Does he have blackmail material on you? you know I used to be in a pain cult before, tight? You can talk to me about things like that.” I’m uncertain about how to respond to his scared face, and then, The Red hood just leaves like that. Me and Bernard are so shocked that I don't realize at first he is calling Dick. Fuck.

It’s then that Tim realizes he is running on adrenaline and crashes to the floor out of unwelcome relief.

-

Bernard tucks Tim in his bed, but doesn’t join him. He is too excited to join him, even if he needs the sleep too. Holy shit! Tim was able to contact Red Hood! HOW? An ex-robin, one of those who survived and became their own heroes! Albeit, given the changes in behavior Red Hood manifested throughout the years, Bernard wouldn’t be surprised if they were at least three people who occupied the costume. maybe five. And then, he is reminded of his suspicions there were multiple Batmen and he looks back at his notes on his phone.

Suddenly, he realizes the Red Hood left the window open. Would be bad if the current Batman showed up. But when Bernard enters the living room, he is shocked to encounter two of the Bagirls, the signal, Nightwing, the newest Robin, didn’t he leave, Batwoman and Red Hood. Bernard would call this a reunion of Gotham vigilantes, but. How many people are missing? Batman, Red Robin, Spitfire, Batgirl #3, Ghostmaker, Nightwing, Clownhunter, Catwoman, The Question… He is so occupied counting them that he doesn’t hear the first time Nightwing coughs.

“Hum, excuse me… Civilian, but could we talk with Tim Drake? Privately, if possible?” Even if it’s said in the nicest way possible, and they all look awkward meeting him, Bernard isn’t exactly feeling safe. “Well, uh. He fainted, so maybe later?” Oh dear Lord, did he just say “Later” to a superhero that isn’t even located in this city?

They all seem shocked he dared say that too. The current Robin even says: “Well, he at least chose a man who stands his ground. Kind of needed.” Bernard is taken aback. “Tim is known for being  pushy? Since when?” New waves of glances exchanged between the Gotham Knights. Bernard is getting annoyed.

“Well, Tim isn’t disponible, try again tomorrow.” And Bernard turns his head and walks out on them. On the inside, he is panicking more than that time their school was attacked and he saw Darla die in front of him. He notices the spoiler look-alike Batgirl runs towards the bedroom. He is not quick enough to stop her. She sounds surprised when she opens the door. “Seriously?!?” “Shhh!!!! You’re going to wake him up, and he is never sleeping at a decent hour!”

Bafflingly enough, she seems to actually be ashamed. Who would have thought a superhero could feel bad. The group discreetly escaped while he was looking at her, and she gave him the slip by the entrance door when he noticed that. Bernard double-lock the window and sits on the couch to keep watch.

Sadly, even with all that, he ends up sleeping too.

-

I woke up in a panic. And get confused. I'm in my bed. Jason wouldn’t have done that, and he already left anyway. But why isn’t Bernard with me in bed? I think of what we could do in bed together and I blush hard. I frown when I open up my phone, expecting him to have left a message. Instead, Barbara sent me a text telling me to come. that’s in the intervention. Jason! I quickly put my costumes on and leave by the window. Bernard probably went back home.

I arrive at the cave thinking of excuses. “Well, excuse me. I have this friend who’s part of Kobra and I know it’s bad news, and I promise I don’t agree with his idea of keeping it running.”

“You WHAT, Drake!!!!!?!” Damian shrieks. I notice everyone besides Bruce and Luke are here. Jason is covering his head in shame, and everyone looks horrified. Cassandra is first to get her senses back. “We here… Talk.. you boyfriend.” Oh. OH. OH NO.

“Why do we need to talk about it? It’s not like you guys always tell your civilian dates!” Dick is the one who talks back. “Timmy. He thinks you’re in the mafia.” Touché. Stephanie goes on the offensive, oh shit! “Tim. If you don’t tell him this week, I WILL.” She lets her threat hang in the open. And I know her. We dated for several years. She will put it into practice.

I shake my hands. “No need, Steph. I was planning on telling him.”

When? You never told Ariana, Zoanne or Tamara. Cassie knew already when you started dating and Bruce is the one who told Staph.

Shut up, guilt. And she seems to have the same train of thought as I did, because her face becomes notably harsher. Cassandra states what everyone knows. “Liar.” Suddenly, I feel Kate’s hands on my shoulders and I tense. “And now, what is this about a friend of yours being part of Kobra, Robin…”

-

Bernards wakes up and is shocked to see Tim is gone, his window opened. A quick search shows the window was opened from the inside. Suddenly, a knock is heard at the door. Bernard is shocked to see that terrorist dude. “You live with Tim… Bernie?” “Bernard.”

The blond grabs his boyfriends’ blackmailer and brings him inside, before shoving his finger in the other man's muscular torso repetitively. “And Tim’s not there. I’m not sure where he is. But. I. Think. It. Has. Some. Thing. To. Do. With. Red. Hood. Showing. Up. Last. Night.” Wow, he needs to take some breaths. Bernard is so focused on his panting he doesn’t notice the look of fear on Danny’s face. “I hope your boyfriend is okay.” That surprises Bernard. “You say that only because you need him for whatever Kobra has planned”, he spits with a harsh expression. The dark-haired cult leader is shocked and actually steps back a little, before shouting. “HOW DARE-”

“Hello you two! Now, can we get you separated? Mister Temple, we want to talk to you about what we can do to stop Lady Eve. And… Bernard Dowd? I think Tim Drake has something to tell you.”

Huntress and the silent Batgirl escort Bernard to Tim’s room. He is sitting on his chair, which he dragged in the middle of the room. Then, the two are left almost alone, with only Spoiler-Batgirl staying to look over them. Bernard opens his mouth. “So… This is the moment where you tell me you’re going to jail, isn’t it.” The Batgirl slaps her face and groans.

Tim seems to hesitate. He starts many phrases, then whispers something in a language Bernard doesn’t even know. Tired, Bernard turns towards the girl. “You know what he means?” She looks uncomfortable. “Well, yes, but…” “WAIT!” Shouts Tim. “I’mrobubyudon’guyed…” Bernard exchanges a quick glance with the woman, before they both turn towards Tim. “Yeah. Hum? Sweetheart? You’re going to need to talk louder for me to try to understand what you mean.” Tim gets a lot redder than Bernard ever saw him and gives a pleading look to Batgirl. SHe sighs and goes to the closet.

Bernard looks, intrigued, and is shocked when she clicks on an invisible button, which opens to reveal: “A Robin costume? Why does Tim have THAT! I thought the Waynes were like criminals?”

His boyfriend makes a sputtering sound and hides his face in his hands while Batgirl rolls on the floor laughing.

"WHAT???" Shouts Bernard. She rips her mask and takes off her hood. "Stephanie Brown!" Bernard is shocked to see Tim's ex, now sister, is Red Robin's ex. A light bulb burst into his mind. "Tim, you're an ex-Robin? But I thought you guys were adopted BEFORE becoming Robin!" Steph looks like she is dying of laughter and Tim is trying to disappear, with how small he is making himself.

Then, the reveal truly sets in, and Bernard has to sit on the bed. After some thinking, he only says: "Tim, you're a… superhero?" He sounds hurt. Tim runs towards him and kneels by his side to look him in the eyes. "I'm sorry. I never told anyone, you know? Besides some teammates. Even Stephanie didn't know who Robin was when he started dating Spoiler."

Tears spill from Bern's eyes. "So, you keep secrets from everyone you know? Tim, how am I supposed to trust you when I won't be able to take anything you say as face value. I-" He hugs Robin… Tim.

As they whisper things to one another and Stephanie goes to the door to give them space, Damian enters. "Drake, I think you had enough time to talk. Now, come on, we have plans to… Oh."

Stephanie drags the young Wayne by the ears. "Come on, Damien. They need some time to deal with it."

-

Bernard is clutching his sofa so much he wonders if he is going to break it. He can see the images on the screen repeat in his head.

A massive attack from Lady Eve in a bank, trying to bring out Batman. Suddenly being attacked by Black Mask's gang, who was planning a robbery. Nightwing, wearing a snake-theme mind control helmet, sent by the Naja-Naja, whoever that was. Batman being caught by a rival faction of Kobra who wanted to get to him before Eve. 

The massive brawls that resulted, in which Sionni almost killed Nightwing- Dick, Tim would have been devastated, by slashing his throat. Tim arrived late, because traffic is terrible in Gotham for a motorbike rider like him. The batmobile can fly at least. Or is the batcopter truly a different thing?

His phone distracts him. It's Tim sending a pic in costume. "Don't worry, Bernie, nobody was massively hurt."

"Don't call me that to distract me from the fact Dick almost died, asshole!"

Tim doesn't answer for a moment, but Bernard can see he is typing a lot.

"Yeah, sorry babe. I'm coming over?"

Bernard hesitates. His fingers stay above his phone for what feels like hours. 

"Yes. We need to talk about security. I love you too much to stomach seeing you so much of you throwing yourself like that."

And that's true. Tim was fighting like he didn't care that he got hurt. Red Robin/this Robin often did, and Bernard was always worried. But now that he knows it's Tim…

He hears the flutter of his boyfriend's cape in the wind and smiles at the man opening his window.

-

"So, a conspiracy theorist who thought we were criminals and was part of a cult? You could have picked better." Damian complains.

I pretend to look at my phone. "Oh, gosh, robin! Never thought about it! Maybe the Rhafi of Dhabar would be better suited indeed! I haven't talk to him in some time, but-"

"What?"

"Or, I know! Do you think Bruce would accept a speedster as my boyfriend if I told him the other options are an amazon or a half-kryptonian?"

"Drake, I. You."

"Maybe I should see how the third Lynx is doing, but she might remind dad of Selina too much."

"Who?"

"Maybe. Or maybe I should seek Darla out. What do you think of me dating a mafia leader's daughter with magical power? Don't worry, she's good now."

"Drake, why are you like this?"

"Trauma, my dear Damian. Trauma."

[cabinofimagines]

How about a sibling imagine with Jason and Reader where its halloween and they're talking about like life while eating candy and watching stupid movies

I was in a weird mood so I needed some comfort with our fave blondie also TØP continues to be high quality also HBD Jason!! -Danny

Good Day - (Jason Grace xSibling!Reader)

Warnings: Angst with a sappy ending. This is obviously not proofread bc why would it be?

Listen to: ‘Good Day’ -by Twenty One Pilots

You didn’t want to see anyone today. Which is a shame, with Halloween so near most of the campers revolve around each other to ask about the costumes and the parties and the movie marathons after curfew.

You don’t know why it happens, but sometimes you’re just tired of socializing with the same people over and over every day. Sometimes you wish you could stop existing for one day, to sit and relax and not having anyone approach you or texting you about school or whatever the heck it is that they want.

Low-key, I'm all right Would you say you depend on the weather? My sunshine Is a buzz and a light, I'll be singing out I know it's hard to believe me It's a good day

It makes you feel guilty. Like you’re some kind of awful human being that’s incapable of forming any good and stable friendships. That’s a lie of course, you have plenty of good long-term friendships, but you simply can’t tell why they tire you out like this. Your friends aren’t mean to you, they aren’t annoying on purpose either... then why are you so grumpy?

The answer hits you like a ton of bricks. You arrive at your cabin and you freeze at the sight: Your brother’s visiting.

He’s unpacking, his back is turned to you so he doesn’t see you when you enter, he’s got earphones on so he can’t hear you either. He’s humming under his breath, and you stand there watching him put his shirts carefully one on top of another.

You turn around to close the door quickly and move over to where your brother is, he feels the movement and stops, looking over at you and smiling when he sees you.

“Hi, Y/N!” His eyes are bright and happy to see you for the first time in at least two months. “Everything okay?”

He asks this not because he can tell you’re upset, it’s the usual way you guys greet each other, and for some reason, even though you’re sick of the routine, the familiarity in which he talks to you makes you lose it.

You can’t even reply at his question, you’re in tears and you can’t stop yourself from looking like a crazy person. Jason is both, surprised and frightened at your sudden burst, but he’s quick to put an arm around your shoulders and guide you to your bunkbed.

“What’s going on, Y/N?”

How can you tell him that you’re crying because you’ve missed him? Having him back is a harsh slap on the face, you’ve been surrounded by people every day since he left, but you’re still lonely. You need your brother, a family. Everyone here has lots of siblings and you just have two, and both of them are always far from camp. You need them, and it’s frustrating to think that they don’t need you at all.

Once you’ve calmed yourself down and try to explain to him what’s going on —although not even you can tell exactly what’s happening, so you try your best—he’s so understanding it almost brings you back to tears.

“I could always come back for Christmas?”

“You had plans already,” You shake your head. “I don’t want you to pity me, Jason. I don’t want you to hang out with me as an obligation.”

“Well, I’m your brother, there will always be some level of obligation between us,” He jokes.

“Not helping!” You pout, once again hiding behind your hands.

“Alright, listen!” Jason pulls down your hands so you can look at him. “I came here to see you, because I was missing you too, see? You’re not the only one who’s missing a sibling. I had this huge empty space in my schedule because one of my teachers got sick and so I decided to visit you and have fun. What were you planning to do today?”

You shrug, you’ve been sulking for so many days your routine has fallen apart completely. Your schedule is empty for the rest of the weekend and you tell him exactly that. His eyes light up with the news.

“That’s great! We can spend some quality time together, we can catch up, maybe by the time I have to leave you’ll be ready to go back and train with your friends...”

Today's a good day Never know, never know When the next one will show, it'll show So I'ma sing my soul, I'ma sing my soul

The thought of having to say goodbye so soon after his arrival makes you frown, but then again, three whole days of nothing but quality time with your brother await, and you’d hate wasting them in a tantrum.

“Where should we start?”

Time slips easier than sand through your fingers; Jason doesn’t treat you any differently after your little crisis, he jokes with you, annoys you like the brother he’s always been, and makes you laugh so hard you even choke on your drink at least twice each night.

Your shoulders feel lighter, but you still think you should do something about those intrusive thoughts when you’re left alone, you know Nico used to struggle with his solitude until he started to talk to Mr D in a therapy of sorts, but you’re too shy to approach the God, so you decide on baby steps. 

The first thing you do when you wake up on the last day of Jason’s stay, is to go out and train with your friends, colors are a little brighter today and your friends welcome you back with open arms, they understand how it is when you’re a Big-Three kid, but they love you just the same, they love you as much as your own family, which is something that you still can’t quite comprehend, but it makes you giddy inside. 

There will be days in which you won’t feel lively at all, but the key is to push through it, find ways in which you can make those times bearable, at least until you gather enough courage to ask Mr. D or Chiron for real help. You’re pretty sure that by now they know you’re not fully alright, but they can wait until you’re ready, I mean, being immortal gives makes you truly patient.

It’s time to say goodbye to your brother again, but this time you decide against it. When he hugs you, you look at him with a genuine smile and ask him:

“Is it alright if I’m the one visiting you on Christmas? Your friends won’t mind it, right?”

Jason looks at you proudly, he knows that this is your way of showing that you care, that you’re trying to get better. He does his best to follow the conversation like it’s not a big deal, but you know he’s happy for you, and that makes you even eager to improve.

“Nah, it’s fine,” He admits. “They’ll love you. If anything I should be the one worrying, what if they decide they like you better than me?”

“I think it’s a fact they’ll love me more than they love you, I mean, I’m the cutest sibling,” Your smile falters when you add, “don’t tell Thalia I said that.”

The boy laughs, he pulls you close roughly and hugs you so tight you complain about a broken rib. You elbow him playfully and you know you’ll miss this once he’s away, but that’s part of the charm of having siblings, you live with them for a long time until they have to go away, and then you realize how much you love having them around, even if they annoy the shit out of you. The last thing you realize, is that it doesn’t matter how many times he has to leave, he’ll always come back, and he’s always going to be your brother.

I'm all right I'm all right I think that I'm all right It's a good day

All Fics Taglist.

@beneaththeiceandsnow 

[starrykinstellation]

three ships: hmm have to agree and say sebpainter, also ghostfield (danny johnson and dwight farfield from dead by daylight), and hannigram (from hannibal) are my big ones probably! i ship a few other things but i think those are the big ones that make me happy rn :D (ignoring my jason voorhees and ghostface ship because IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A CRACKSHIP IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SILLY BUT I LOVE IT SO MUCH ITS NOT A JOKE ANYMORE)

first ship: i think the first big ship i was super passionate about was steddie from stranger things? but i shipped before that, just mostly casually as most of us are arospec and hc a lot of characters as romance indifferent or repulsed!

last song: rocking the boat (ice nine kills) [ice nine kills my beloved i’ve listened to your number’s up 63 times in the last two days whoops]

last movie: psycho (the 2005 remake)!

currently reading: i was a teenage slasher

currently watching: rewatching hannibal and hoping to rewatch saw soon

currently eating: kitkat bar!! crunch

currently craving: my boyfriend’s mug brownies they are the tastiest thing in the whole world!

@unnamedtse @jinxed-galaxies @kiruyeen @nix-is-sad (sorry i know we’re mutuals through a different blog of mine but still thought i’d tag!) @stab1997

tagged by @themarydragon 🥰

9 people you want to know better tag

Three Ships: Zelink (Zelda/Link, Legend of Zelda), Shirbert (Anne/Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables or Anne With An E) and Locklyle (Lucy/Lockwood from Lockwood and Co)

First Ship: i joined tumblr in 2017 for BoTW Zelink and all of my fandom experience spiralled from here. i started playing LoZ games before that though, maybe 2008? and there was a fanfic tab (though it wasn't called like that) on the help website i used

Last Song: ......... "Last Night - Official Madison Song" by Chris Anderson and DJ Robbie (it's on my summer playlist bc of childhood nostalgia, i don't go out of my way to listen to it usually 😂)

Last Movie: Maze Runner: The Death Cure (justice for Newt)

Currently Reading: book wise, I just finished The Two Towers (and am not so patiently awaiting Return of the King to, well, return to the library so i can borrow it)

Currently Watching: Once Upon A Time (nearly done with S1)

Currently Eating: waiting for my dinner to cook (ratatouille and semolina and eggs)

Currently Craving: CHEESE. my kingdom riches gratitude for a scrap of french cheese!!!!

tagging: @js589 @ohmyoverland @hailqiqi @unnamednarrator @practicallyasleep @cateringfears @applesjuice @redplaidjacket @beckybubbles would love your thoughts on this if that's something you're up to :)

[glenncoco4]

You Can Count On Me

A/N: Chapter 2

••••

18 years later...

She steps into the gym, immediately sensing something in the air shift. It’s not a bad shift more like a welcomed shift, almost the same feeling whenever she enters a room that he’s in. Taking a quick scan across the room, her eyes land on a familiar mop of golden blonde hair attached to a man who’s pounding away at a punching bag. 

Schooling her features, Kensi or “Tracy” strides over to a man that introduces himself as Janklow and begins talking about Danny, how she wanted to come to the place that her boyfriend talked so much about. 

Janklow drops his guard just enough, calling the rest of their teammates over to introduce her, including one Marty Deeks, only today his name isn’t Marty and he’s not her best friend. Today he’s Jason Wyler fighting for a spot on an MMA team full of Marines. 

••••

The three agents along with the tech operator and psychologist continue to stare at the monitor displayed with men from the gym, trying to figure out each ones possible motive to kill Zuna. 

Callen’s brow furrows, his focus solely on the shaggy blonde. “What about Wyler?”

“He’s a bit sketchy.” She sends herself a mental high-five as she pictures her best friend’s reaction at her quip. “But he’s definitely not our guy.”

“He’ doesn’t fit in with the others. What makes you so sure its not him?” Sam questions, turning his attention to the brunette agent. 

She shrugs, trying to remain nonchalant. “It’s just a feeling.”

The team leader share a look with his partner. “Or maybe its his baby blues.”

“Or his fluffy hair.” The ex-Navy SEAL finishes. 

She huffs a laugh, shaking her head. “Listen, guys, I’m telling you, it’s not him.”

“Tell us, what makes you so sure.” Nate finally interjects, wondering what she saw in the blonde. 

She wasn’t sure if she was going to have to out her friend but now she knows she does, there’s no way around it because if she doesn’t her best friend could end up hurt so she takes a deep breath. “Because his name isn’t Jason Wyler, it’s Marty Deeks and he’s an LAPD Detective.”

Callen’s eyes widen in shock. “And you know this because...”

“I was with him when he got his promotion.”

All four men’s brows simultaneously furrow in confusion.

Knowing they’re not going to give up until she gives them a little more, she relents. “He’s my best friend, the person I trust most in the world. He’s not our guy.”

The confidence in which she says it must be enough for the leader because he just shares aa look with his partner before turning back to her, trust written in both their eyes. “Okay.”

••••

Kensi’s just about to open Zuna’s laptop, when the doorknob starts to jiggle. Slowly reaching for the small of her back, where her weapon is secured, she watches as the door slowly opens and is caught off guard for the second time that day.

His cerulean blues widen in surprise when he meets her mismatched chocolate orbs for the second time that day. He really missed her, but that’s besides the point right now. “What the hell are you doing around here?”

“We’re investigating Zuna’s death. What are you doing here?”

“I’m undercover.”

“No shit.”

Before anything else can be said, Callen steps in from the kitchen, joining the two childhood friends. 

“Marty this is Special Agent G Callen. Callen this is Detective Marty Deeks.”

The team leader takes the detective’s offered hand in greeting. “So I hear you know Kensi.”

“Yeah, know might be a bit of an understatement.”

Callen watches in awe of his coworker exchanging a smile with the detective. He’s not certain, but something tells him that the two are fighting something that’s inevitable. “Well we don’t want to step in on your investigation but we do need to find out what happened to Zuna.”

“Understandable.”

“Can you tell us what you’re under for?”

Deeks shakes his head, knowing that someone from the gym could and most likely is watching them. “Not here. There’s been a couple guys coming in and out from the gym since I’ve been here. I can probably slip away in a few hours.”

“You got your cell on you?” Kensi questions her friend, already knowing the answer. 

“Just a burner.”

Callen nods in understanding. “Okay, give Kens your number and we’ll send you an address.” 

“Sure thing.” 

••••

She nearly jumps out of her skin when there’s a knock at the window. He’s definitely gonna pay for that later. Rolling down the window, Kensi see’s the confusion on his face.

“A Wendy’s, really?”

“Well, I couldn’t very well send you the address to the boat shed on a burner.”

When the words hit his ears, realization spreads across his face like an excited puppy that just got a new toy. “No!”

“Get in before I leave you here.”

Not having to be told twice, Marty hightails it around the SUV and quickly jumps in the passenger seat, shaking with excitement. “Kens, are you serious?”

Shaking her head, she checks her rear view as she slowly backs out of the parking lot. “I don’t know what your fascination with the boat shed is.”

“Are you kidding? It’s a secret hidey hole on the water, what’s not exciting about it?”

“Oh right, the Aquaman fantasy.”

“Okay, Miss I wanna fall in love on a ship and have sex in an old jalopy.”

She feigns shock and a little bit of outrage. “Hey, I told you that in confidence.”

“Yeah, but it’s slowly becoming my fantasy too so technically it’s okay.” He wiggles his eyebrows at her playfully. “Besides its just us here.”

Something in his demeanor feels a little flirty to her. Is she going crazy? When he flashes her a smile, she feels an unfamiliar surge of excitement run through her body. What the hell is going on?

He notices a look cross her features that he’s never seen before. “What?”

“Nothing. It’s just...I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Kens.” Marty feels a sudden sense of contentment as he watches her look back to the road and sees the blush rise to her cheeks. There’s a fluttering in his chest that’s unfamiliar to him.  What the hell is happening?

••••

Deeks caught the team up on his op and all that was involved. He explained how Danny hadn’t come home the previous night, something about meeting up with this new girl Tracy. That earned him a famous Kensi trying not to smile, smile, which to be honest is one of his favorite things.

It didn’t go unnoticed by the other two agents in the room at the change in their coworker when she was around the detective. She seemed happier, like she wasn’t carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders. 

The rest of the case goes off without a hitch, NCIS gets their killer and LAPD gets their drug ring bust, but most importantly Marty gets to go home...to his own bed.

••••

There’s a knock at his door, a smile spreading to his lips knowing exactly who it is. He unlocks the deadbolt, twisting the knob and pulls it open. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Agent Blye.”

Kensi steps around him and into his apartment, case of their favorite beer in her hand. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Shaggy Rogers.”

“Oh, touché.”

She sends him a smile over her shoulder and something washes over him. The spark in her mismatched orbs, is something he can’t quite describe. He shakes his head, trying to rid this unfamiliar feeling as she goes to the fridge, depositing the rest of the beer after taking two out. 

“Pizza should be here in 30 minutes.”

“You got-“

“Hawaiian, yeah, yeah, but only half.” She shivers with disgust at his preference for toppings as she hands him the bottle. 

“I would expect noting less.”

She squints her eyes, stepping up to him almost in a challenge. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Kensi Blye doesn’t eat any fruit unless its covered in chocolate.”

“I-I ate that apple that one time.”

“Only because your mom hadn’t gone to the store for groceries yet.”

She wants to retort but knows he’s right. So she steps around him, walking over to the couch, landing a soft punch to his shoulder on her way. “Just play the damn movie.”

“You’re the boss...KayKay.”

“I will kill you.”

“No, you won’t.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“You’re my best friend and the person I trust most in the world.”

“Clearly you’ve never seen Snapped.”

He shakes his head in disbelief, unable to stop the grin from appearing on his face. He missed this. He missed her and their banter. 

A sudden knock on the door draws him out of his trance. “I think maybe you should get it. I don’t really want to have my back turned to you right now.”

“Haha.” She steps over his legs, whacking him with his cat pillow as she heads for the door. When she pulls it open, the last person she’d ever think it would be is standing there, all four foot and nine inches of her. “Hetty?”

“Miss. Blye.”

“Come in.”

Kensi ushers her boss into the apartment, eyes wide as saucers as she locks on with his. 

Sending him a hint of a smile, Hetty takes a seat in the chair next to the couch. “Hello, Mr. Deeks.”

“Hello, Ms. Lange.”

“Please, call me Hetty.”

“What can I do for you, Hetty?”

“Actually its more what I can do for you.”

Kensi’s brow furrows along with Marty’s as the OSP manager hands the detective a manila folder.  

Opening it he’s a little caught off guard when he sees all his information spread out before him. Everything from his statement from when Donald Blye saved him and his mother all the way to his most recent case. “Wow, Kensi was right. You are a secret ninja lady.”

The brunette feels the heat rise to her cheeks, feeling the scrutiny of her boss’s gaze fall on her. 

Shaking her head, a tiny smile curls at the old woman’s lips. “It’s clear to me that you two work quite well together...even better than Mr. Callen and Mr. Hanna.”

“Tell us something we don’t already know.” Marty playfully nudges his best friend, trying to get a smile out of her but is unsuccessful. Instead her features are unreadable. What Hetty’s asking would be a huge deal...monumental. I mean working with his best friend, not going under by himself anymore, working with a team...with her. “Can I think about it?”

Kensi’s eyes find his, trying to figure out which way he’s leaning. She can tell he’s holding back because of her, he doesn’t want to over step. He deserves this, a team and people that will truly watch his back and selfishly she wants to be the one to do it and he do the same for her. 

He sees the hopefulness in her eyes and knows the same is mirrored in his own. Getting a nod of approval from his best friend, he turns to his new boss with a smile. “I’m in.”

After he signs the form, Hetty gladly takes the folder back from their new liaison before taking her leave. “Well then as I understand it, you have a major undercover you’re working on and when the time comes you’ll get pulled back in but in the mean time, you’ll be reporting to OSP.”

“Thanks, Hetty.”

“I’ll leave you to it.” She sends them each a smile, showing herself to the door. 

Once the door click shut, Kensi turns to her best friend and now partner...he’s her partner. She can’t help the Cheshire Cat like grin on her face. “We’re gonna be partners.”

Unable to stop himself, Marty closes the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her in hug that’s so familiar to them its like second nature. “We’re gonna be partners.”

••••

The following Monday had Kensi leading her best friend, now partner into the OSP Headquarters. She couldn’t help the smile that was tugging at her lips as she watched the shaggy blonde in his awestruck wonder as she showed him around the building. 

Their first case together is a high profile missing persons case which results in Kensi being held captive but like always, her partner along with Sam and Callen has her back and they live to see another day. 

••••

He’s waiting at the car for his partner when the buzzing from his phone draws his attention. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out the offending object and immediately rolls his eyes as he reads the caller ID. “Bates, what do ya got?”

As his Lieutenant fills him in on what’s going on, Marty’s brow furrows and his body deflates, his eyes catching those of his best friend as she walks towards him with a bright smile on her face. One thing he hates most is having to cancel plans with her.

“Alright, I’ll be there.”

She waits until he hangs up the phone, her eyes meeting his, already knowing that their plans to go to the music festival this weekend are trashed. 

“I’m not gonna make it in tomorrow. Bates just called me, undercover op we’ve been working on and I finally got my in.”

A sad smile crosses her face, she knows its not his fault. This is what they signed up for. “The sex-trafficking case?”

“Yeah.” 

“When do you leave?”

“Tonight.”

“Okay.”

Her reaction is something he can’t quite describe. He knows what he wants it to be, but he’s just not sure. One thing he knows for sure is that now is not the time to lay it all out on the table. “Kens-“

“You’ll be careful, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

She scolds herself for letting her emotions slip, he doesn’t need this right now. He needs to be focused on his mission, but if she can get a little more time with him, she’ll gladly take it. “Do you have time to grab something to eat before you leave?”

He throws his arm around her shoulders, placing a kiss to the top of her head as they turn to walk towards the pier. “Always have time for you.”

There’s something about this goodbye that shifts their entire relationship, what it may be, they’re not sure. One thing is certain though, their lives are even more intertwined than they thought.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Daughter of Olympus (Leo Valdez xFem!Oc)

A/N: Does Ara deserve all the shit she's going through? Maybe. I am not allowed to share that info yet -Danny Words: 3,586 Series' Masterlist Previous Chapter / Next Chapter

Listen to: 'All a Dream' -by Vacation Manor

IV. I'm Straight-Up Not Having a Good Time

"Hold it!" Annabeth says. "How can he be the son of Zeus? The Big Three... their pact not to have mortal kids... how could we not have known about him sooner?"

Ara scoffs. "I'm not even surprised."

"The important thing," Rachel intervenes, "is that Jason's here now. He has a quest to fulfill, which means he will need his own prophecy."

Someone brings a stool and helps her sit. A green, familiar mist surrounds Rachel's body. "Child of lightning, beware the earth," she starts in her oracle voice. "The giants' revenge the seven shall birth, The forge and dove shall break the cage, And death unleash through Hera's rage." 

"Is that normal?" Piper blurts out. "I mean... does she spew green smoke a lot?"

"Gods, you're dense!" Drew rolls her eyes. "She just issued a prophecy—Jason's prophecy to save Hera! Why don't you just—"

"Drew," Annabeth stops her. "Piper asked a fair question. Something about that prophecy definitely isn't normal. If breaking Hera's cage unleashes her rage and causes a bunch of death... why would we free her? It might be a trap, or—or maybe Hera will turn on her rescuers. She's never been kind to heroes."

"That's not true," Ara tries to be the voice of reason. "Prophecies are misleading, it could be talking about a god—"

"You mean Hades?"

"Maybe, or some other minor god. We have to be careful, you know what happens when we take a prophecy too literally."

Jason stands up. "Hera took my memory. I need it back. Besides, we can't just not help the queen of the heavens if she's in trouble."

Nyssa stands up. "Maybe. But you should listen to Annabeth. Hera can be vengeful. She threw her own son—our dad—down a mountain just because he was ugly."

"Real ugly," an Aphrodite kid mutters.

"Shut up! Anyway, we've also got to think—why beware the earth? And what's the giants' revenge? What are we dealing with here that's powerful enough to kidnap the queen of the heavens?"

Behind Ara, Annabeth and Chiron have a silent conversation. Ara's seen that too many times, and right now she doesn't want to, she wants to get things done.

"It's Jason's quest," Annabeth sighs, "so it's Jason's choice. Obviously, he's the child of lightning. According to tradition, he may choose his companions... but our Strategus must greenlight the whole thing. Ara?"

The girl rolls her eyes. "Like I would say no to saving the queen of Olympus! I allow Jason to take this quest, and I'm going with him."

Someone else adds: "Well, obviously you too, Annabeth. You've got the most experience."

"No, Travis," Annabeth makes a face. "First off, I'm not helping Hera. Every time I've tried, she's deceived me, or it's come back to bite me later. Forget it. No way. Secondly, I'm leaving first thing in the morning to find Percy." 

The girl looks at Ara with a hint of annoyance mixed with pity. She's upset Ara can't help, the gods are her priority whether she likes it or not, but at the same time... Ara chose that.

"It's connected," Piper insists. "You know that's true, don't you? This whole business, your boyfriend's disappearance—it's all connected."

"How?" Drew scoffs. "If you're so smart, how?"

"You're mouthy today," Ara replies moodily. "If the big prophecy's happening, who do you think will be a part of it? Surely not the boy from the last one, that's too obvious!"

Annabeth forces herself to move on from that. "You may be right, Piper. If this is connected, I'll find out from the other end—by searching for Percy. As I said, I'm not about to rush off to rescue Hera, even if her disappearance sets the rest of the Olympians fighting again. But there's another reason I can't go. The prophecy says otherwise."

"It says who I pick," Jason nods. "The forge and dove shall break the cage. The forge is the symbol of Vul—Hephaestus."

Nyssa looks uncomfortable but tries to be polite. "If you have to beware the earth, you should avoid traveling overland. You'll need air transport. The flying chariot's broken, and the pegasi, we're using them to search for Percy. But maybe Hephaestus Cabin can help figure out something else to help. With Jake incapacitated, I'm senior camper. I can volunteer for the quest..."

Leo stands up. "It's me."

Ara doesn't think this is selfless, there was something in the way he looked at Hera before, he's hiding something. Leo's siblings try to pull him back to his seat, but he pushes them away. "No, it's me. I know it is. I've got an idea for the transportation problem. Let me try—I can fix this!"

"We started this together, Leo," Jason smiles a little. "Seems only right you come along. You find us a ride, you're in." To Ara's surprise, he looks at her waiting for approval. "That okay?"

"It's the right call," she agrees.

"Yes!" Leo raises a fist to the sky.

"It'll be dangerous," Nyssa warns him. "Hardship, monsters, terrible suffering. Possibly none of you will come back alive."

"Oh," he stops, then studies the place and smiles again. "I mean... Oh, cool! Suffering? I love suffering! Let's do this."

Ara chuckles. It's not at all like her real laughter, but it's enough to catch his attention. Ara locks eyes with Leo and sees his face brightening at her reaction.

"Then, Jason," Annabeth continues, unaware of this exchange. "You only need to choose the fourth quest member. The dove—"

"Oh, absolutely!" Drew stands. "The dove is Aphrodite. Everybody knows that. I am totally yours."

"Wait, Annabeth," Ara steps forward. "I'm a daughter of Aphrodite—"

"No," she gives her a look. "You were."

"That doesn't mean I'm not the dove!"

"I don't see why the oracle would call you that."

Piper stands up. "I don't think it's about you, Ara."

"Oh, please, Dumpster girl," Drew frowns. "Back off."

"I had the vision of Hera; not you. I have to do this."

"Anyone can have a vision. You were just at the right place at the right time. Isn't that right, Ara?" She mocks. "Look, fighting is all fine, I suppose, and people who build things... Well, I suppose someone has to get their hands dirty. But you need charm on your side. I can be very persuasive. I could help a lot."

"I have as much charm as you," Ara argues. "And I'm better at it too."

"Really? 'Cause it hasn't been that way for—"

"I don't like manipulating people when they're vulnerable—"

Annabeth stops them again. "Given the wording of the prophecy, Ara, Jason needs another Aphrodite. If Drew wants to..."

"No!" Piper raises her voice, it changes and echoes. "I'm supposed to go."

"Get over it!" Drew hisses. "What can Piper do? She's not from our cabin!"

Ara's smile is hard to hide as she notices the glow surrounding Piper. "Lady Aphrodite disagrees."

Piper sees herself wearing a different set of clothes than the ones she was wearing a second ago: A silky gown, a necklace, and armbands make a nice contrast against her skin. Her hair is no longer chopped off irregularly. "Oh, god... What's happened?"

"Beautiful," Jason breathes. "Piper, you... you're a knockout."

"Smooth," Ara whispers next to him.

"No!" Drew whines. "Not possible!"

"This isn't me," Piper objects. "I... I don't understand."

"It's not meant to be you," Ara explains. "It's your mother."

"Hail, Piper McLean," Chiron kneels. "Daughter of Aphrodite, lady of the doves, goddess of love." 

Ara doesn't know whether to walk away or go to Piper, but then Jason moves first, so she goes back to the Big House. Lily Saggio is waiting for her on the porch. 

"Busy day?"

"And I still have to get you a birthday present," she gives her a tired smile. "What is it, Lils?"

The black-haired girl looks at her worryingly. "You're going?"

"That was the whole point of this, remember?"

"But if Annabeth leaves too, we'll have no leader. You're supposed to be our protector—"

"I'm protecting camp by going on this quest," Ara raises a brow. "If Hera doesn't show up by solstice time..." she pauses, Lily wasn't around when Zeus's lightning was stolen. "It'll be like when Annabeth and Artemis went missing."

Her friend sighs. "As your second in command, I say you should think twice before leaving."

"Saggio, take a look at the group that's been chosen," Ara says in a serious tone. "Jason doesn't know who he is, and the other two have zero training. I gotta protect them as much as I gotta protect camp, if not more."

Her friend understands, but she isn't pleased. Lily is rarely pleased. "You know, it feels like all you do is say no to me nowadays."

"Well, if you didn't suggest I quit every time we talk, I wouldn't do so," she teases her. 

"I'm asking you to set your priorities straight," Lily states, seemingly not amused. "What about Percy?"

"Percy loves this camp, he was once willing to die for us."

"And now his sister is too," the girl scowls. "Mike knew how to talk you out of stuff..."

The name sends a powerful detonation of pain through her and she has to take a moment before speaking. Ara shakes her head and pats Lily's shoulder as she walks past. "G'night, piccola."

As she makes her way into the house and up to her room, Michael's ghost haunts her. Ara's not even capable of saying his name out loud, and when others do, she has a hard time keeping it together. 

She likes to imagine him in the islands... but he's probably chosen rebirth, 'cause that's the kind of obstinate jerk he always was. They never got to see him one last time, not even Lily during all those weeks she helped Hades in the Underworld.

I look at the Isles of the Blest—three lives experienced at their fullest—and I have a pleasant tug on the pit of my stomach.

"That's what it's all about," Annabeth says dreamily. "That's the place for heroes."

"I wish I could go..."

"It's not too late," she nudges my side. "You can be a hero one day, you're still young."

"Three times in a row? Unlikely," I grimace. "Make sure to wave when I walk past your huge mansion once I die?"

Annabeth frowns. "What makes you think I'll die first?"

"I'm not saying you'll die tomorrow," I argue. "But I am younger."

"Only by two years!"

"Whatever," I tease her. "Is there a shortcut to the Isles? Like if you die during a less busy time of the year you get a free pass?"

She laughs. "Don't think so."

"There is," Grover informs us. "The children of Olympus got a direct pass."

"So that's a no-go too," Annabeth dismisses it. "One of them didn't even die, did he? He became a God."

"It was a different time, being a hero meant something. Now is just a term," Grover shrugs. "The Gods won't give that title now, but Ara asked if there was a shortcut, and that's it."

Percy calls after us and my friends walk away without another glance at the Isles. I look over my shoulder, wishing I could get in. No need to suffer a tough childhood again...

The next morning, Ara takes the aviator jacket, maybe she shouldn't, but Nico had it coming (he fell asleep in her bed once and refused to leave, he kicked her in his sleep the whole night). 

She visits cabin ten, feeling weird about going there as a guest. A little girl rushes past holding a bunch of clothes, all of her siblings are cleaning but Drew is nowhere to be found. Piper's talking to Mitchell and Lacy.

Ara knocks on the doorframe. "Is this a bad time?"

The kids beam at her, they're the only ones in camp who don't salute her because they keep forgetting they're supposed to. When Drew is around, they can't show how much they like her, though. One of her brothers hugs her and complains, wishing she were still around. Ara hasn't slept in this cabin since the war ended.

"I wanted to give you a proper welcome, knowing Drew would give you the lousiest," she jokes once her siblings go away. "How're you holding up?"

"Are you really an Aphrodite?" Piper questions right away. Ara's not very Aphrodite-looking at the moment, with her scowling and the cold-blooded way she talks. That, without mentioning the worn-out clothes and dirty shoes.

"This place didn't always look like this," she leans against the bunk bed. "The old counselor was a neat freak, but she didn't like things to look so... dolly."

Piper gives her a longing smile. "I have the feeling you're the only one who can control Drew, it's a bummer you moved out."

 Ara raises a brow. "Drew's charmspeak did a number on me too. I have Mom's blessing now, that's all, but it's not my place to stop her," her eyes go back to Lacy and the pile of clothes. "Is that for her?"

Lacy smiles big, she turns to Piper. "You can change clothes. The blessing won't stop you. This is just, you know, a backpack, some rations, ambrosia and nectar for emergencies, some jeans, a few extra shirts, and a warm jacket. The boots might be a little snug. But—well—we took up a collection. Good luck on your quest!"

Lacy drops everything on the bed and tries to leave, but Piper stops her. "Hold on. At least let me thank you! Why are you rushing off? "

The girl blushes. "Oh, well..." 

"Drew might find out," Mitchell explains.

"I might have to wear the shoes of shame!" Lacy gulps.

"The what?"

Lacy and Mitchell point to a pair of orthopedic nurse's shoes at the back of the room, Ara doesn't think they're awful, but she's always been about comfort. Her siblings, however... "I had to wear them for a week once," Lacy cries. "They don't go with anything!"

"And there're worse punishments," Mitchell continues like it's a horror story. "Drew can charmspeak, see? Not many Aphrodite kids have that power; but if she tries hard enough, she can get you to do some pretty embarrassing things. Piper, you're the first person beside Ara that is able to resist her."

"That's because she has it too," Ara says casually.

"Charmspeak ..." Piper raises a brow. "You mean, like, you could talk someone into doing things. Or... giving you things. Like a car?"

"Oh, don't give Drew any ideas!" Lacy's eyes widen in horror.

"But yeah, she could do that," Mitchell says miserably.

"So that's why she's head counselor," Piper guesses. "She convinced you all?"

Mitchell glances at Ara. "She inherited the post when Silena Beauregard died in the war. It was Ara's right to get it, but she's no longer an Aphrodite. Drew was next in line. The oldest camper automatically gets the post, unless somebody with more years or more completed quests wants to challenge, in which case there's a duel, but that hardly ever happens. Anyway, we've been stuck with Drew in charge since August. She decided to make some, ah, changes in the way the cabin is run."

"Yes, I did!" Drew shows up suddenly. "I think you missed some trash, sweetie. You'd better make another pass."

Piper and Ara look toward the bathroom, a trashcan was turned over and all of the gross contents are on the floor. Mitchell flushes with anger. "Fine." 

The boy tries to walk but Ara stops him. "You're not doing that."

Drew's face flushes. "This is not your cabin anymore!"

"He's part of my army, just like you are. If I tell you to pick up the trash, you do it. Any problem with that?"

The girl looks like she wants to murder Ara, but she smiles in the end. "Of course not!" Drew looks at their newest sister. "See, Piper, hon, we're a good cabin here nowadays. A good family! Silena Beauregard, though... you could take a warning from her. She was secretly passing information to Kronos in the Titan War, helping the enemy." 

"Shut up!" Ara steps forward to choke her, but Mitchell gets in the way. 

"Oh, none of the other cabins talk about it," Drew continues, checking her nails. "They act like Silena Beauregard was a hero."

"She sacrificed her life to make things right," Mitchell huffs, struggling to keep Ara away. "She was a hero."

"Mmm-hmm," Drew looks up. "Another day on garbage patrol, Mitchell. But anyways, Silena lost track of what this cabin is about. We match up cute couples at camp! Then we break them apart and start over! It's the best fun ever. We don't have any business getting involved in other stuff like wars and quests. I certainly haven't been on any quests. They're a waste of time! If Mom gives birth to a couple of mistakes... Probably the fault of the mortals she mingled with..."

Three boys are now keeping Ara from massacring Drew. Lacy speaks quietly. "But last night you said you wanted to go on a—"

"Most of all," Drew raises her voice, "we certainly don't need our image tarnished by spies, do we, Piper? We're disgraced enough thanks to Ara, you don't want to be like her and dear of Silena."

Ara knows she shouldn't listen, that she's above it, but she does not feel above it. When she taunts her, Ara turns into the thirteen-year-old she was when Drew decided to start bullying her.

"...if you survive your little quest, don't worry, I'll find somebody to match up with you. Maybe one of those gross Hephaestus guys," the boys start to drag Ara out of the cabin. "Or Clovis? He's pretty repulsive. Honestly, I didn't think it was possible for Aphrodite to have an ugly child, but... who was your father? Was he some sort of mutant, or—"

"Tristan McLean," Piper snaps. The boys let go of Ara so abruptly that she falls, almost landing on her face. "My dad's Tristan McLean."

"Oh my god!" Several campers gasp. Ara sits up confused by the change in the room, she has no idea who that guy is. "Sweet! The dude with the sword who killed that other dude in that movie?" One of her brothers asks.

"He is so hot for an old guy," one of her sisters adds. "I mean I'm sorry. I know he's your dad. That's so weird!"

"It's weird, all right," Piper looks totally uncomfortable.

"Do you think you could get me his autograph?"

"Yeah, no problem," she smiles tensely.

"Have you had your rite of passage?"

"Rite of what?"

"The rite of passage for an Aphrodite child. You get someone to fall in love with you. Then you break their heart. Dump them. Once you do that, you've proven yourself worthy of Aphrodite."

"Break someone's heart on purpose? That's terrible!"

"Silena wasn't a fan of it either..." Ara gets up and dusts off her clothes.

"Silena wasn't a good role model, though, was she?" Drew asks.

Ara tries to seize her, but her siblings get in the way once more.

"Oh my god!" A girl squeals. "I bet Aphrodite broke your dad's heart! I bet he never loved anyone again, did he? That's so romantic! When you have your rite of passage, you can be just like Mom!"

"That's bullshit!" Ara shouts from the back.

"Forget it! I'm not breaking somebody's heart just for a stupid rite of passage!"

"Well, there you go!" Drews says in delight. "Silena and Ara said the same thing! They broke the tradition—Silena fell in love with that Beckendorf boy and stayed in love. Ara rejects love and that's why things have gone so horribly!"

"That's not true!" Lacy squeaks, but one harsh look from Drew is enough to silence her.

"You know nothing about me!" Ara says in anger.

"Hardly matters," Drew insists. "Because, Piper, hon, you couldn't break anyone's heart anyway. And this nonsense about your dad being Tristan McLean—that's so begging for attention."

"You mean he's not her dad?" A confused kid asks.

"Please," Drew rolls her eyes. "Now, it's time for breakfast, people, and Piper here has to start that little quest. So let's get her packed and get her out of here! Is that okay, Strategus?"

Fighting would get Ara punished for longer than the bruises or shame would stay on Drew's body. "You're dismissed," she says, her voice harsh but defeated.

She glances at Piper as if apologizing and moves her brothers away from her so she can walk out with a bit of dignity. As she turns around, Ara hastily dries her tears. 

She would give anything to talk to Percy right now.

"What are you daydreaming about?"

Now, while looking at the fireworks, I have the feeling I'm looking in the right direction. "Tomorrow's my birthday."

"Really?" Percy frowns. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I shrug. "I'm telling you now. Silena always makes sure I have a fun day, and so does Annabeth... Clarisse remembers too. Anyway, that's not why I'm telling you." Percy stares at me waiting. I like that he listens, even when I have nothing worth saying. "I never ask for things, but I think this year I'll ask."

Percy grins. "Gee, I wonder..."

"I want to work in the forges."

"Mhm... are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Percy!"

"I have reasons!" He disputes. "You break more than you fix!"

"I could fix if I knew how!" I respond. "I could make me a sword, traps, and then on our next quest—"

"Won't be another one," Percy replies in alarm.

"If there is one," I correct myself. "I don't want to stand behind you while you risk your lives. I have to learn... and you said it before, how can I be good at something if I don't practice?"

Before, I was content watching others do the hard work. I still am, but I've never tried the forges. Who knows? Maybe I'll be good at it if I practice hard enough.

"Alright," Percy sighs in defeat. "You wanna do it, then do it. If it turns out you're good at it, you'll make me a cool armor, right?"

"I'll make it bright blue," I smirk.

"Now we're talking!" He smiles and ruffles my hair.

Next Chapter ->

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