#if it wasn't obvious their dad is cain

[curmoritor]

𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 & 𝐀𝐛𝐞𝐥

Milica was born a little witch and Abel was born a magical beast (He is a wolf) that was able to achieve a human form after a few years of training. Milica takes after her mother in looks a lot but not so much personality and Abel takes after his father a lot more in looks and personality. Though, he did get Owen's ability to attract animals too him despite he is a wolf. They are both still relatively young, Milica being 14 and Abel being 6! Yet they are far more social then Owen is and very much love making friends.

[tiger-in-the-flightdeck]

OT3???? 👀👀👀 IN DC ONLY!!

I have... I have so many.

In no particular order:

JoyFire, aka Jason Todd and his emotional support redheads

Specifically from Tynion's run on Outlaws. I just love Roy being so open and vulnerable with these two people who he loves more than anything. Being open and vulnerable about these two. And it isn't Blink And You'll Miss It kind of stuff, either.

The entire initial Outlaws series is about three people who need each other and openly love each other.

And one horny sub who desperately wants to get tag teamed by the other two.

Young Just Us Boys aka Team Mom/Team Dad/Team Baby

While I ship KonBart and TimKon a bit more than the three of them, these boys are a set, and they should not be separated. Just like... For everyone's well being, to be honest. I also HC Bart as Ace, so I see it as Tim and Conner making out on the couch while Bart plays video games until they're ready for snuggle time and snacks.

Conner is Team Mom, if that wasn't obvious

Challengers From Beyond, aka Donna Troy and the pain in the ass adventure with her ex-boyfriend and her best friend's baby brother who seriously just need to fuck and get it over with already

Animosity breeds sexual tension. Jason and Kyle are like one snarky comment away from making out against a grubby alley wall, and Donna is the only thing keeping them moving in vaguely the right direction.

Plus, they're pretty.

Batgirls aka Black, Blue, and Purple aka We Don't Need No Boys

Cass Cain, Harper Row, and Steph Brown. They are another group who are definitely a set who should not be separated. They don't get nearly enough love, and I'm surprised Harper wasn't included in the Batgirls comic.

Plus look at how good Steph would look with her dapper, tuxedo wearing girlfriends!

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Phantom Grin

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: Bruce Wayne visits his son's grave on the night of his resurrection. Will it change Jason's fate, or is it all simply inevitable?

Chapters: 6/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon, Tim Drake, Cassandra Cain

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Jason Todd Has Chronic Pain, Jason Todd is Disabled, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Resurrected Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Communicating, Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne Get Along

Chapter Six: Storybook

Later that night, he crept downstairs and ran into Dick. Dick smiled at him, and as he opened his mouth to speak, Jason gestured for him to stay silent. He waved his hands, with fear written all over his face, and Dick took him by the arm, and they went back upstairs. "What's-." Jason gestured for Dick to keep his voice down. Dick nodded and looked at Jason's backpack. "What's wrong?" Dick asked.

"Not safe," Jason whispered, "Help me."

"Help you leave?" Dick asked. Jason nodded. "Why? What happened?"

"Dad... Don't trust Dad," Jason whispered.

Dick looked at Jason, and it was obvious that Jason was planning to leave with or without his help. "Okay, listen to me... Jason, we can get out of here tonight if you don't feel safe," Dick whispered, "But as far as I know, Bruce would never hurt you—."

"Not safe, Dick," Jason interrupted.

"Okay, after we leave, will you help me understand what you mean?" Dick asked. Jason nodded. They crept back downstairs, and Dick took Jason out to the car. Jason felt a tingling pain like electricity, running from Jason's head to his shoulders. Nerve pain. After nearly a month of tests for his persistent headaches, his doctors realized that was the cause of Jason's near-constant pain. He slumped down in the seat and closed his eyes.

"Pain?" Dick asked. Jason nodded. "Is it bad?" He started driving away from the manor, and Jason shook his head. A lie, but he didn't want to risk Dick taking him back to the hospital. "Jason? What did you remember about Bruce that's so bad you wanted to run away?"

"Hitting me..."

"Are you sure it wasn't your birth father? I know Willis—." Jason pressed his palms against his eyelids. "Jason, you never really talked about Willis, but he hurt you..."

Jason lay his head back. Dick sighed. "Jason, do you trust me?" Dick asked.

"Don't know," Jason replied honestly. Dick nodded.

Dick didn't know what to say. He couldn't stop Jason's pain, and he couldn't fix his memories. There was nothing he could do, and Jason needed help. The boys drove outside of town, and as soon as Jason drifted off to sleep, Dick stopped at a hotel and checked in. He didn't do so because he believed Jason's memory. Dick did it because there was no use in stressing Jason out any more than Jason already was. He came back to the car and woke Jason. "Jason, wake up," Dick whispered. Jason sat up and followed Dick up to their room. Jason climbed into bed, and Dick sat on the other bed, watching the tv. Jason lay curled up. Bruce called Dick and Dick sent a text in reply. Dick deleted the message immediately after sending it.

Dick sat awake the whole night, trying to figure out how to help Jason. When Jason awakened, he curled up in a ball facing Dick and mumbled, "Help?" Dick nodded.

"Yeah... Help," Dick replied, "How'd you and Cassie get along?"

Jason gave Dick a thumb's up. "I feel like you two would've gotten along either way. Jason, do you trust me now?" Dick asked.

Jason didn't answer. He wondered if he could trust anyone. Jason felt lost and alone in his own mind as he thought about Dick's question. An answer wouldn't have meant anything. He could've lied if he wanted to. "Who's Robin?" Jason asked.

Dick lay on his side facing Jason. "Robin's who I used to be, who you used to be, and now there's another. Jason, I could tell you everything I know, but it's up to you to decide whether or not you believe me," Dick whispered, "I'm not going to lie to you."

"Tell me?" Jason asked.

"I'm going to tell you a story... This story's true. It's yours, and I want you to pay attention," Dick whispered, "When Jason Peter Todd was twelve years old, he stole the tires off of the Batmobile and made Batman laugh. Jason, at first glance, was rough around the edges, he was temperamental, impulsive, and some would even say he was impatient. Batman didn't care. He saw something in Jason, and he took him home.

There, Jason got to know Bruce Wayne, the man behind the mask. With every passing day, Bruce grew to love Jason more and more, and Jason started to love him. Bruce made Jason feel safe. When Jason felt safe, he showed his true self. He was compassionate, warm, and some would even say charming, but I wouldn't go that far.

Jason became Bruce's Robin. They were nearly inseparable... Then came Dick. He could've been far more understanding when he met Jason, but he was upset with Bruce. Dick felt he'd been replaced, but things eventually smoothed out between the three. As Jason got older, Bruce started noticing how strong Jason's emotions were. Jason's compassion was often paired off with rage. He was harsh in his dealings with wrongdoers, and it frightened Bruce. He couldn't control Jason, so he asked Jason to take a step back for a while, not realizing there was much more going on.

Jason was looking for his mother. He ran away from home searching for her, and Bruce came around and tried to help. Jason found her. In the process, he crossed a horrible man, a man that would later kill Jason.

When Jason died, Bruce's heart broke. He put Jason's costume up and tried desperately to pack away the hurt that came with it. Bruce never wanted to live in a world without Jason... But he had to go on because his city needed him to." Dick took a deep breath, and Jason closed his eyes. Pieces of the story came together for him, and they felt real, but he wasn't sure. Jason couldn't cry. He didn't have the words to explain his tears. He lay there, staring at Dick, who stared back at him.

Dick sat in silence with Jason like that for what felt like hours. "Jason?" Dick whispered. Jason nodded. "We love you. I know you don't know that for sure, but we do. None of us want to lose you again."

"Dad?" Jason asked. Dick nodded.

"Yeah, especially Bruce. Jason, I'm gonna ask you one more time, and then I won't ask you again. Do you trust me?" Dick questioned. Jason nodded. "Then let's call Bruce and let him know you're okay."

Jason nodded. "Mor-ning?" Jason whispered. The word felt unnatural on his tongue, and the corners of his mouth twitched. He knew he didn't get the word right. Dick smiled and nodded.

"You had it... And yeah, we'll call in the morning," Dick replied, "Go back to bed. I'll be here if you need me."

[catsnuggler]

Technically, they say "Israelite". The Book of Mormon starts off with the family of an aging "Israelite" man named Lehi. They're from Israel, they follow an Abrahamic faith that is based, not only on oral traditions, but on written records (specifically inscribed plates of the "Old Testament", or the Talmud), so while they aren't called Jews, it's pretty obvious from reading it that they're Jewish. Keywords: "from reading it". I'm not insulting folks who don't know about Mormonism for not knowing this; rather, I'm surprised the LDS church hasn't been sued into a million pieces over this. I guess other Christian churches would also be sued, though...

Anyway! Back to Lehi! The dude gets a prophecy that Israel is going to be invaded again, and its people put into bondage, so he's gotta make a boat to take his family across the sea. He has several sons, but the important ones are Nephi, who is A Good Boy; and Laman and Lemuel, who Rebuke God and Murmur even after they see an angel.

Lehi's family and some friends, despite Laman and Lemuel's meddling, get a boat, and set sail for the Promised Land - the Americas. They're the first people there, except not really, as some people came there before - the Jaredites, who arrived after the fall of the Tower of Babel, on submarines. Yeah. Submarines. But the Jaredites are a footnote. Anyway, after Lehi &c arrive, Laman and Lemuel sway some folks to their side and turn against God, and I think killed some folks, if I remember correctly.

Now, apparently, according to the Book of Mormon, up to this point, they had all been "white and delightsome". Yeah, sure. People who'd lived in the Palestinian desert since time immemorial, white and delightsome. White-skinned, not dark-skinned. Yup. Totally. 100% Anglo-Saxon "white and delightsome". Please note my dripping sarcasm there.

You know how God put a mark on Cain after he killed Abel, and on all his descendants, so people would know that's Cain/Cain's posterity, who are cursed, but not to be killed, lest the killers be cursed, and racists said the mark is totally Black skin, and also conveniently forgot that last part? Something like that happens here, except it is explicit; God curses Laman, Lemuel, and their followers to have dark skin. They're thenceforth known as the Lamanites and Lemuelites, but broadly generalized as the Lamanites. The followers of good white son, Nephi, are known as the Nephites.

The Lamanites proceed to be wicked, but occasionally righteous, until eventually, the Lamanites are wicked, but the Nephites even more wicked from hubris, and God curses the Nephites to be slain by the Lamanites. The last righteous Nephites escape the Lamanites long enough to document their fall, and leave their records for posterity, before being, presumably, likewise slain. The Lamanites, who survive, become the Native Americans. Keep in mind, I am telling you this from memory.

Oh. And the arrival of Christopher Columbus; the slaying of Nephi's "brethren", the "Lamanites", and their mass conversion; and the founding of the US; are "prophesied" in one of the earliest books in the Book of Mormon. I forget if it was 1st or 2nd Nephi, but those are the first two books.

The church has recently tried to walk back from Biblical Literalism, but it's only been very recent, and a lot of Mormons - most, I daresay - still believe this is literal truth. Even if it were metaphorical, it would be disgustingly racist.

I was also told, when I was young - and, folks, I am only 25 when I type this, in the year 2023 - that interracial marriage is discouraged in the LDS church. For a long time, it wasn't even allowed.

I'm glad I grew up among so many Mexicans, very few (if any) of whom were criollos; some Native Americans; and generally, around plenty of people of color, and for my Mexican family members (even if they are annoyingly conservative). It helped me see through this bullshit, along with many other glaring issues with the church. It also helps that my dad, though Mormon, is an odd duck. I didn't know many Jews growing up, sad to say. Lovely people, who deserve a lot better than they currently get.

This post was originally more or less just a vent post from a depressed Anglo (no, I'm not a British subject, I basically mean "gringo" here) American ex-Mormon, but I'm glad so many people's eyes have been opened, and for all the input from other exmos, LGBT people, allies, Indigenous people, and/or Jews on this subject.

Not enough people know the Mormons believe Native Americans are Jewish people who turned away from God and got cursed by having their skin darkened, or that Mormons literally have Manifest Destiny right there in the text, no extrapolation. I’m not Native at all, but frankly, it’s one of the most disgusting things of that faith that caused me to utterly reject it. It is a vile religion that is white supremacist to its very core.

[samanddeanloveeachothersomuch]

I think it's amazing how Sam looks up to Dean even when they're adults. He told Lucifer that Dean would come and kick his ass. Lucifer. Sam's terrified of Lucifer for obvious reasons but I think this showcases the faith, Sam has in Dean even now. Dean was one of Sam's earliest role models and with their dad out hunting, Dean played an even bigger role. For Sam Dean is "the man without sin." Now obviously Dean is not infallible. He's made plenty of mistakes and I know Dean blames himself for every one but to Sam he pretty much is. Dean almost killed Sam several times but it wasn't him. It was because of the Mark of Cain or because he was a demon or because of Chuck's influence. Sam's devotion to Dean is earth-shattering in a lot of ways but it's quiet. It stays in the shadows but comes out in huge ways. I hope Dean realizes just how much Sam looks up to him.

Dean's devotion to Sam is earth-shattering but it's loud. I think sometimes that is why people wonder if Sam loves Dean as much as Dean loves Sam. He does and the show shows this well but because Sam isn't constantly making for lack of a better word love declarations or making deals with demons or Death or even Michael for Dean it may look like he doesn't love him as much. This is of course not true. I also think this is why Sam runs away sometimes, between his own love for Dean and Dean's love for him it's overwhelming. I think it's overwhelming for Dean too but he is awed by it. Like in the finale he was awed by how much he truly loves Sam. More than his dad and more than his mom because Sam was always there when no one else was. Sam is awed by it too but he tends to shy away from the enormity of his love for Dean while Dean embraces it, although it does scare him sometimes. Sam and Dean's love for each other is written into their shared soul. (This is a different meta altogether but I think it's interesting how they sometimes feel guilty when they sacrifice the world for each other or how Dean was terrified to go to Hell but yet they wouldn't do anything differently.)

When Dean looks at Sam all he feels is proud. He doesn't see a blood-junkie or ex-blood junkie, he doesn't feel contempt or disgust, he doesn't see Sam's mistakes, he doesn't see a completely different person then who he knew all his life. He's proud of the man Sam has become although I'm sure he also sees the kid Sam was. He calls Sam "Sammy" when Sam is like 40 years old. It's of course a sign of endearment but also a sign that Sam will always be "Sammy" to him. Going by the show Dean played a big part in raising Sam so he does have a certain ability to get Sam to do what he wants kinda like a parent with their adult child. Sam does tend to listen to Dean more than his dad because I think in a lot of ways he trusts Dean more. (Which is probably fair. I mean their dad literally told Dean if you can't save him you'll have to kill him. Dean would never kill Sam but John I think he'd be at least thinking about killing both his sons at some point throughout the seasons. Let's not forget the Mark of Cain and Dean being a demon. I also think if John ever tried to kill Sam Dean would never let him.) Dean also knows how to get through to Sam which is something their dad probably never perfected. Sam is very much used to Dean's love because their bond is so unconditional.

Even though he got pissed Dean would take their dad's side a lot of the time I'm sure he knew if it was a matter of his safety and it was truly life or death even when Dean was very much deferring to their dad Dean would put him first. Big brother first, soldier and hunter second. (I think that defined pretty much all his life: Big brother first, soldier and hunter second.) Dean has done things throughout their childhood for Sam that maybe went against their dad a bit. The fireworks that made Sam so happy, Dean somehow convincing his dad to let Sam come on hunts, Dean watching Sam's play, letting Sam believe in the Easter Bunny until he was twelve.

Dean does not and never has seen Sam as something less than human or a monster or a freak. I know he's said some hurtful things that were of course targeted to hurt Sam because he felt hurt himself but that definitely does not mean he meant them. You hurt the people you love the most and because of the enormity of their love they have hurt each other horribly. Their bond is stronger than the hurt though. Sam is used to Dean's anger, used to his dad's anger who Dean inherited that particular trait from. He's used to it in himself as well it's just he's not prone to anger as quickly. Sam needs Dean to be proud of him and put him above everyone else and when that's threatened he tends to go a little crazy. (I'm not trying to say Sam is selfish by any means I'm just saying considering all the instability in their lives that one thing is a constant, Sam says as much, and I think anyone would go a little crazy if the one thing they always knew to be true was taken from them.) That is why season 8 happened but I'm glad Dean was able to get through to him. While I do think he knows how Dean gets when he's angry Sam also doesn't want to be a burden and he tends to internalize everything. Anything Dean says in anger, or jest, or frustration, or betrayal, or because he's being facetious get internalized and that's how you get Sacrifice. Because despite being able to read Dean and know he didn't mean it Sam has a lot of self-hate and it tends to fuel the fire.

Dean knows how good Sam is though. He knows he's a hero. I don't truly think Dean has ever looked at Sam as anything but good. He was adamant that Sam wouldn't turn into Max. He was adamant that soulless Sam was not his brother and not Sammy. He told Sam he had thought he was doing the right thing because Sam is always trying to do the right thing and told the doctor in the mental hospital that Sam wasn't evil and while that scene was hilarious I'm 100% sure he truly meant it. (I swear he's also told him you've helped a lot more people than you've hurt but I could be wrong on that one.) His actions also support Dean believing Sam is good because he literally didn't want to let Sam down by saying yes to Michael and of course the biggest of all he went to the cemetery with the understanding he might be killed because he refused to let Sam die alone.

In the end, he did save Sam because their love for each other was what allowed Sam to overpower Lucifer, therefore, saving the world. Their love saves them over and over again. If Sam and Dean hadn't been born the apocalypse happens. I'm sure Dean has always saw Sam as more pure and good than Sam has ever seen himself. I'm sure Dean thinks Sam is a better person than him as well. I think Sam knows this too. (I'm aware of the voicemail of course but one I'm sure Sam figured out that was a manipulation even if they never talked about it and two I headcanon that they did talk about it at some point.) Like I and others have said nothing can tear them apart permanently. Not God and not Death. They accept each other for who they are and still see each other as good even after everything.

[spongerobertstudpants]

It's Emmerdale time!

I did watch last Friday's ep, but later in the weekend because I just wasn't in the mood to deal with what happened in that ep. 2 things though; Chas and Cain are literally the worst children, Chas is the worst person to be stepping in with Liv, and Aaron or Liv needs to move out of that house!

Time for Monday's ep

Honestly if we didn't already know that Meena was going to kill someone and Jacob and Leanna were the possible victims, it would have been a great twist! Because right now, all I see is Meena trying to convince them to get back together and go away with each other

That was a bit manipulative from Ben. He was the one not picking up so it makes sense for Aaron to think that they were done, but instead Ben turned it around back at him...

Also, Chas stop making me want to throw up!

Mack's back!!!!!!

Still all valid questions that Aaron is asking

Yeah Ben is definitely hiding something. I just wish it wasn't obvious and it's an achololic dad!

Uhhh Chas, you and Cain practically threw the money at her!

I really do worry that Faith is right and if she told Chas what was going on, she won't believe her. It might take Brenda to tell Chas or something bad to happen to Faith to make Chas and Cain see the light

Can I text Meena my bank details too???

I really like Leanna's top!

If there anymore of these type of sweet conversations between Liam and Leanna in the eps leading up to the murder, I'm really going to think it is Leanna that dies

If it didn't have to be like that, then why are you and Cain treating Faith like she is the worst person alive?!

Does that mean Cathy and (insert the other one's name here) is moving in as well? Because I really don't want to see Cathy and her attitude 😒

I could really enjoy Meena vs. Jacob if it stays like this

Jacob, you think to highly of your Dad 😂

That was a weird move with the strawberry. I was thinking she was going to take a bit out of it or slam it on the counter. Not just throw it behind her

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

If the rest of this week's eps are anything like this one, I'm so ready for it!

I hope y'all have a great day 💜

[bat-lings]

Tim's connection to both Bruce and Dick was always a fascinating dynamic that sadly is lost or not paid attention to these days. I liked that Tim loved Bruce like a dad but also had this distance w/him where he wasn't emotionally dependent on him and understood his flaws very well. When Bruce was charged w/murder Dick didn't believe it but Tim was more open to it. Bab's had to get Dick to understand that Dick is to Tim what Bruce is to Dick. Tim was emotionally reliant on Dick. Not Bruce. -

About this

You make such interesting points.

Dick was a crucial supporting & inspiring figure in Tim’s life. And while Bruce was his idol too, he didn’t become his parent until pretty late in their relationship. But Dick has been Tim’s confidant since almost the beginning. Mind, Bruce regularly went out of his way to reassure/comfort Tim and Tim definitely got a good share of validation from him. But Dick was Tim’s brother long before Bruce was his father.

Yet like you very justly mention, he wasn’t blind to Dick’s own subjectivity. Even with how he looks at his idols, Tim can be extra lucid.

[Gotham Knights #26]

(I. I like Murderer/Fugitive a lot okay)

I love how that lucidity meddles with child-like adoration in the same character. I feel Tim can take the best out of each of his idols while being aware of their limits & being able to identify what’s not to emulate blindly. It should allow him to forge a better path for himself, and imo that’s the direction his character should’ve been taken in rather than… whatever Nicieza decided to do in the end of his runs in both Robin and RR.

I adored that discussion between Tim and Cass too, it was a rad look into both characters’ heads.

I didn’t read Cass’ position the same way though. I think she’s idealistic, but that it doesn’t come from innocence or naivety. After the abuse she suffered from Cain, after escaping and leaving on the streets alone for years, and with the constant feeling of inadequacy she had to battle with (needing to be a hero but wondering if someone with her past deserves it), I think she’s well aware of her own ‘darker reality’. It’s not precisely the same as Bruce’s or even Tim’s, but finding her path while struggling not to let her own demons consume her is something she’s been doing for a long time.

It’s a very personal reading but I think Cass is idealistic because she knows ‘reality’ all too well, and needs to believe that even someone with her past can be saved & be a savior. She chose to believe that even if Batman’s ideal cannot be achieved, it’s still worth fighting for. She’s a lot like Bruce in that regard. It’s not that she’s not aware of the darker reality behind the cowl, I think. But she all the more wants to fight for that ideal and to be the hope the bat-symbol represents. Tim tells her that Batman’s mission is just an ideal, and she’s like, “yeah, so what?” Because to her it’s not the point. They still have to try.

[Batgirl (2000) #59]

To go back on Tim’s pov, I agree that at least at some point he’d probably feel Dick is the only livable candidate for the cowl. Reading his exchange with Cass, I feel he probably sees her position as sheer naivety— their exchange makes it obvious that he respects her and that he knows both their positions are worth to defend ("we could go on forever/let’s agree to disagree"). But he sees anyone who’d want to be Batman as delusional? Idk that’s how I read it. Hating the very idea to become Batman is such an important part of Tim’s character that I think he’d see anyone who’d want it as not knowing what they’re getting into.

Maybe he’d see Cass as a good Batman candidate later on, but until then Dick would probably be the only one in Tim’s mind with the required headspace. Dick is the one who knew Bruce the longest, is extra aware of his faults no matter how much he loves him, and he doesn’t want to be Batman either. Just that would mean, for Tim, that Dick knows not to get caught up in the ideal & take on the cowl while being wary of the darkness.

[deputy-ajay-ghale]

write a one shot on the headcannon where Abigael is dying and Parker saves her by being a demon again?

Hi, nonny, I'm so sorry this took me months! I've never actually written anything for Charmed so getting into that headspace is tougher than just doing some headcanons, but I did it! And with a higher word count than I intended! I'll put the first scene here and the rest on my AO3 bc.. stats and shameless self promotion for my other works.

TW for seizures

The re-reintroduction of Parker into the Charmed Ones lives, as well as the semi permanent presence of Abigael meant a number of things.

For starters, the amount of time spent in each other’s company, which of course was no issue for the holders of the Power of Three and their Whitelighter. The same could not be said for Alastor’s offspring who would get called to the Vera home to lend their assistance.

Things between them weren’t smooth. Abigael never apologized for stabbing her half brother and he stood firm in his belief that imprisoning her without a trial was within reason. Them still having this argument wouldn't be so bad if they weren't constantly devolving into shouting matches within earshot of the Veras. If Mel had to hear Abigael say one more time that Parker wasn't fit to be the Demon Overlord-

Maggie, ever the peacekeeper and empath, tried to help mend the broken bond (if it could even be called a bond) between brother and sister to little success. Well, neither of them or any innocent bystanders were dead, so that was a step in the right direction. On the other hand, the fact that Parker was fully mortal and for the most part could not defend himself against his older sibling's wrath did not stop Abigael from using the simplest of spells on him. What's a little vertigo spell between family?

Because of the Faction's unfortunately growing threat to the magical community, both Caines were expected to stay close to the Charmed Ones for everyone's safety. Even Ray had been talked into staying with them because of his connection to mystical relics. Being too safe was better than losing someone to Julian and Vivienne.

The rules were simple.

Abigael, Jordan, and Parker must meet with the Vera household every Friday

Any and all plans against the Faction are to be discussed as a team

Daily notifications of each other's whereabouts when not in ones home

Normal attendance at day jobs is still mandatory*

No drawing attention to oneself

Parker, Jordan, and Ray are not allowed to go out without a magical escort**

*No taking unnecessary time off. **The exception is the named persons being together.

For obvious reasons, that last rule didn't sit well with those affected. The argument that ensued when it was raised for debate had been heated and lengthy. None of the humans were fond of the idea that they couldn't handle themselves against human threats, but the Vera sisters stood their ground and stressed the importance of their safety and promised to let them have free passes to complain about it for the rest of their lives if they manage to take down the Faction without anyone getting kidnapped.

It wasn't much, but when Abigael threatened the human men with fire, the arguing ceased. Macy and Maggie weren't particularly happy with the undiplomatic method, but they couldn't turn their nose at the results it produced. Yes, Jordan wasn't happy having to be picked up from his apartment by the Veras to go to work, Ray gave his Torito and Little Bug half pout, half Disappointed Dad Stares from across the room, and Parker-

Well, there was no knowing who was in a more foul mood: Abigael or Parker. All Parker wanted was to get groceries for the little AirBnB he was hiding at, and his dear half sister glared daggers and huffed like the concept of him starving to death would be less painful to live with over having to accompany him to a Fred Meyer.

"Rip me off a bag, would ya?" he asked while grabbing a Granny Smith apple to inspect.

"I would rather tear my arm off than do that," Abigael replied.

"Have you always been so dramatic?" Parker reached around the exiled Demon Overlord to retrieve a produce bag. "Or is this just how you are when you're not indulging in hedonistic instincts?"

"What can I say, Parky larky, you just have that effect on me. Being around you is like dumping an invasive species into an environment in which it does not belong."

"Wow, maybe you should've become a writer with that line."

Their bickering didn't cease at that or the end of the produce area, the longstanding distrust and mutual dislike was far too strong to stop before Parker's mental shopping list was finished. Abigael criticized the AXE he tossed into his cart and he deliberately took his time smelling candles to piss her off. There was only so many times a man needed to smell the same lavender candle to decide if he wanted to buy it.

For three blessedly, peaceful minutes, the younger Caine thought his half sister had tired herself out with her unending bellyaching. He added a watermelon lemonade scented candle to his basket before picking up a sandalwood one he thought would be a nice, small gift for Maggie.

"Okay, Abby, I'm done," Parker announced as he spun on his heel to stare at said woman's more than likely scowling face.

Except she wasn't standing behind him like he thought she was.

"Abigael?"

He looked to his right where the mouth of the aisle was where hey came from and didn't see her, so he turned his head to the left-

"Abigael!"

Parker abandoned his cart to run to the demon-witch, she was on her side with a viscous, black liquid pooled underneath her head and the source being her half open mouth. Without an ounce of caution, the former Overlord wiped away the fluid with his sleeve. When more of the substance spilled from Abigael's lips, her brother looked around desperately for a conveniently close shopper.

A scream for help got caught in his throat as soon as it worked its way up from his diaphragm. The idea that this was a deliberate move by the Faction to capture Alastor's living children for experimentation and wheedle out the Charmed Ones lit up his frontal lobe like a meteor shower at night. A new wave of fear hit Parker as he unconsciously pulled Abigael close to him.

He had to act fast. The Faction could be anywhere, do anything, and he was literally powerless to stop them.

A sick, burbling sound came from Abigael. The noise furthered Parker's resolve and he hoisted the older woman into his arms. They weren't too far from the entrance, if he ran fast enough, even with all the human civilians around, the Faction couldn't risk exposing themselves in such a manner. Parker on the other hand…

The curly haired man held his sister tight to his chest and bolted for the doors. He could protect them, at least until they could safely find their way to the Vera house.

For the rest...

[drzenlin]

It's not just the writers and DC as a whole. My father is a huge Batman fan. Like, a giant Batman fan. So much so that a toy Batmobile is the whole reason he got into comics and drawing. And if you knew my father, you'd know how integral drawing and art is to him as a person.

I recently, within the last few years, got into Batman, but only the fandom side of it. This mostly means fanfictions for me. Which I love dearly. I love reading about Bruce being a dad and the boys and girls acting like siblings. Heck, I think the Batman fandom is one of the very few fandoms in which I can happily read any and all fanfictions without a certain ship listed in the search, so long as Batfam is tagged. And I've read a ton of fanfictions because of it.

Whenever I mention it to my dad, how a lot of writers for DC, or those big fans of Batman that only read the comics or watch the movies, characterize him wrong now, he denies it. So long as you're talking about Bruce + one child (Dick being the og), he's a dad before a playboy. And with each and every subsequent addition to his family, the more dad he becomes.

But my dad argues. In all sorts of ways. But hear me out.

At first, Dick was only a ward. (This was later changed to a full legal adoption, I believe, when the laws changed.) Which means, for a great deal of Dick's formative years, Bruce was his dad. In cannon. (We never actually get a full age for Dick when his parents died but it's assumed around nine or so in fanfictions but even if he was around twelve to fifteen, he was still raised to adulthood by Bruce and the man is still a large figure in his life as an adult.)

Jason was literally pulled off of the streets as an orphan. His later time being beaten and murdered by the Joker doesn't matter as much when it comes to how, in the eyes of the law, Bruce is his legal guardian. And, the betrayal Jason felt after coming back wouldn't have been nearly as pungent if there wasn't feelings to be had about his dad not defending him. Or something of that degree.

Tim, we can assume, didn't have a great childhood. His parents were rich and weren't around a whole lot while they both were alive. Then his mother died and his dad was in a coma. He lived by himself for a short period of time before Bruce learned about what was going on and swooped in because, naw, that's not cool. Later, yes, his birth father wakes up from the coma but he's also then later, later murdered. And Tim also found so much inspiration in Batman and Robin as a whole that there's no chance he didn't feel more than a mentor connection to the man.

Damian is obvious. Legally, Bruce couldn't get out of that one even if he had wanted to. (He probably didn't want to.)

I've seen that he legally adopted Cassandra Cain as well but that one I don't actually have confirmation on and don't want to look up right now. (But this man sees a child without basic needs being taken care of and he cannot restrain himself. He's a billionaire. He can handle the financial strain.)

And then Duke Thomas is the latest addition to the family. (Unless something new has happened and I haven't seen it. Currently still obsessing over Resident Evil.) Bruce legally adopts Duke. Full stop. Sure, there's legally emancipating him, as well as Tim, later on after the fact but that wouldn't mean that Bruce stopped or would ever stop being an influence on a young hero jumping around his city in full costume. He'd feel responsible. Probably always will. (No matter how hard the DC writers want to cause drama between the characters.)

And I point all of this out to my dad. (He never remembers about Duke which is just tragic.) And that's not counting the influence he had on Babs and Stephanie. Or any of the other young heroes in the universe. (Let's be honest here, Bruce Wayne is not a man that will leave 'well enough alone' when it comes to a young person in a dangerous, voluntary profession.)

My point here is that old fans, and the writers, keep trying to force him into a characterization that doesn't fit him anymore, canonically speaking. There's far to much writing that's occurred since his conception for him to be anything more than a very tired father, with half a dozen chicks peeping after his cape tails.

And I will die on this hill.

batman media in general would be so good if writers knew bruce’s apex character trait is being a father like i love a good romance but the fact that his romances have overshadowed his relationships with his children completely even though those relationships are the cornerstone of his most defining characterizations is crazy to me like he can stop being a lover anytime god knows the women he gets involved with would be happy to facilitate that but he can never stop being a father and he’ll never stop wanting to be a father it should be the most important thing to him as an extension of his own compassion for humanity in general

[jaw-the-fandom-hopper]

"No!" Cain jumped in a little to fast, immediately reeling back, face flushed. "I mean- no. No, you don't have to." He knew this was dangerous, but at the same time, he didn't care. Not at all. "I.." His voice trailed off, before he sighed and continued. "I jus' ain't the best at compliments, or flirtin'." He admitted, embarrassed and rubbing his arm. He had never really had to use charisma to handle his victims, so he never bothered learning it. He hadn't exactly met someone like Bo before, especially someone that flirted with him like Bo. "I can try, if ya' want, I just tend not t' so I don't make a fool o' myself." It took him a moment, and his face heating up, before he opened his mouth again. "Ya' do got pretty eyes, if that's means anythin' to ya'."

Cain laughed at Bo's comment, nodding in fever agreement. From what he had seen, the other patrons were not the best company, no where near as good as Bo was, at least. "Feelin's mutual, promise." Cain placed a hand on his heart, jokingly taking the pledge stance. It was something he used to do as a kid, whenever making promises, his dad made him swore to them and he still hadn't lost the habit, even if he was joking. "Pretty sure if I told, or showed, anyone else in that damn bar what I told ya' I would've been beaten 7 ways t' sunday."

Cain didn't miss Bo's hesitation, but at the same time, he didn't rush the older male. He knew it wasn't the easiest question, and when Cain was younger he would've had the same trouble answering it. When Bo did start talking, he listened. He nodded his head when needed, and kept his mouth shut. When Bo was finally finished, he nodded, this time more to himself than anything. "Used t' be like that when I started off." He offered, voice soft and even. He was trying to be comforting, if it wasn't obvious (it wasn't), but he wasn't exactly the best at it. "Hell, still kinda am if they piss me off enough." He tapped his fingers on his leg in a sequence, pinkie, ring, middle, index, and then start again. "As long as ya' don't kill kids, it ain't gonna bother me." It was the truth, but then again, Cain hadn't lied almost all night. He gave Bo as comforting a smile he could manage with the bandanna on his face. "Is Lester another brother o' yers?"

Open Starter

It wasn’t often that he ventured out of Ambrose anymore these days, content to live out his days working on the town and helping his brother bring his mother’s dream to life. There were times, however, when the quiet town and its lack of life ate at him, the silence hanging in the air until he couldn’t focus on anything but his own heart beating beneath his skin, the blood rushing in his veins. He could usually fight it off, throw himself into another project, but tonight it had all been too much and he’d been craving a drink. That was how he’d found himself getting in his truck and driving to the next town over to the closest bar he could find.

It felt like every pair of eyes in the building moved to fall on him as he pushed through the door and he took a deep breath to ground himself, swallowing his nerves. People made him antsy, past trauma and abuse making him weary of everyone he met. He didn’t fit in their society and despite how normal he tried to pretend to be, it always felt like somehow they knew. Like they could see into his soul. He hated it. Still, he’d came for a drink, and a drink he was going to get, dammit.

He sat himself on an uncomfortable stool at the bar and allowed himself a glance around, taking in his fellow patrons. Everything seemed as you’d expect. A couple younger looking customers, students perhaps, passed out drunk at their tables, their bodies slumped over in a way that was sure to leave them aching the next morning; A group of burly men in the corner, talking and laughing too loudly for it to be considered anything but obnoxious.

Bo sighed, resigning himself to a night spent drinking alone, and then his eyes landed on someone in the back. Sitting alone at a table, face blank, eyes haunted, nursing a drink..