#original character-centric

[wispisstillverybored67]

My ideals had no stains.

...I must correct you. People in our group bear no sins in the eyes of God... Only our own selves and the boss can judge us. They could've judged even me. So praise my magnificent foresight and purity.

[livingtobethevillain]

I read a really good fic recently that had the premise of Damian sneaking out and doing graffiti at night to get away from the house and basically he makes friends with the street kids in the area. (Colin is an established friend from the beginning)

Obviously I loved this idea.

So I made my own, more angsty twist on it ofc.

This is bad dad Bruce btw.

So my idea is as follows. Bruce is a piece of shit and really neglectful and emotionally/verbally abusive. All of damians siblings are moved out and only visit occasionally when outside of masks. As a coping mechanism Damian starts sneaking out on the nights he doesn't patrol. Whether it be because Bruce benched him for a stupid reason or whatever else. While out and about he stumbles across some kids of varying ages. They're loud and playfully shoving each other around but Damian notes the joy and contentedness. Damian then notes that they're doing some graffiti on the front of an abandoned church. The closer Damian gets the more he notices what the piece is shaping up to be. It's a protest piece advocating for gay rights from the looks of it. It's not finished but it's already impressive and eye catching.

One of the older teenagers, around damians age, notices him and immediately whistles to get the attention of the other people making up the group. They suddenly seem tense. Damian knows it's because he's an outsider. He says the first thing that comes to mind.

"I like the art. It's very impressive." He's a bit awkward and there's a bit of a standstill where everyone is sizing each other up but then the older teenager who damian noted before smiles crookedly and barks out a laugh.

"Thanks man. You ever done this before?"

And before Damian knows what's happening he's being brought forward and into the group. After awhile the group relaxes and they're back to the rowdiness and warmth from before.

Damian for the first time in a long time, or since his siblings stopped coming around, felt good. He felt at peace. He didn't have to walk on eggshells here. He didn't have to be anyone but himself. These kids laughed at his dry sarcasm and accepted and understood the ugly temper he carried.

Damian felt safe.

Ironic that it's with a bunch of strangers in back alleys that he feels safe with and not with his own father.

From then on the relationships between Damian and the group grows. (They all come from a variety of places locally. Whether that be the nearby orphanage, local shelters, or their own homes they needed to get away from for a bit.)

Damian gets close to one girl in particular. She introduced herself by the name Brooke. She was the one who whistled to get the groups attention upon first coming across Damian. Damian knew from observing interactions that Brooke was like a leader for the older kids and role model for the younger. Most looked up to and respected her a healthy amount.

Damian and Brooke are around the same age. Damian being 16 and Brooke 17. From a first glance they seemed like opposites. Brooke being extroverted, eccentric, warm and reckless. But looking closer they were more similar than anything. Both headstrong, intelligent, determined, and natural born leaders.

At this point Damian has been sneaking out for a little over a year. It's been noticed by his siblings how damians been benched almost constantly. When asked Bruce just replies its punishment for how Damians been acting out as of recently and it's left at that. For now.

Damian dreads going home. Brooke's only half joking when she offers he crash at her place. The group knows he's Damian Al Ghul-Wayne. They also know about Bruce Wayne. Playboy, billionare, and His shitty dad.

Then Damian and Bruce get into a massive argument. The house practically shakes with how loud the screaming is. Venomous insults and bitter hatred is thrown back and forth but it all comes to a head when suddenly Damians head is whipping to the side. The room goes still. Damians face is hot to the touch from where Bruce had struck him across the face. Damian straightens and he feels himself shut down. He ignores his father's demands he come back and slams, locks and baracades his bedroom door behind him. He stuffs his necessities in a duffle bag and like a million times before he lugs himself out his bedroom window and climbs down to the ground. Then he leaves.

He had left all devices that could be tracked at Wayne manor. So he pulls out a burner phone and calls Brooke.

"Where are you?" He says bluntly.

"Whoa who pissed in your cereal this morning?" Brooke laughs but cuts herself off when Damian stays silent.

"I'm at home right now. Im babysitting my siblings while my mom's at work. Why? Are you okay?" She asks seriously.

"No i-Can i come over?" damians voice cracks before he clears his throat. "I know you were joking when you said it but you said I could if anything happened-" Damian mutters.

"Hey" Brooke says soothingly. "Of course you can come over. You know my address." She hesitates. "What happened?" She murmers.

Damian laughs bitterly. "Exactly what we knew would happen." He grits his teeth. "Yknow he's never hit me before today."

"That fucker-" Brooke hisses.

They stay on the phone until Damian gets to her front door. He doesn't even get the chance to raise his hand to knock before the door is flung open and he's pulled inside by Brooke.

From there the story flips between perspectives. Damians, where he's brought in and taken care of by Brooke's family + the alley kids. And then Damians siblings when they find out that Damian is gone and Bruce has no idea where he is.

The siblings are pissed and through some digging they find out about all the abuse Bruce had put damian through.

Idk if they beat Bruce's ass before or after they find out where Damian is.

---

If you didn't already pick up on it, Brooke is my OC. I love her very very much. Honestly I'm actually torn between if I want her as a love interest or as an Older Sister figure. Idk it depends.

I hope you enjoyed reading!! Tell me what yall think :DD

TL;DR Damian let's his inner Dick Grayson shine and fucks off on his own because Bruce is an asshole.

[perplexingly]

I finished Planescape Torment... what a strange little game...

[shyguybleh]

Like a year ago i drew this extremely self indulgent pjsk x Danny Phantom au so look at it

i dont think i'd do anything else with this and if I did i'd have a lot I'd want to change

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Eyes and Ears

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: An AU where Barbara finds Jason instead of Bruce.

Chapters: 1/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon, Jim Gordon, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Sheila Haywood, Original Character(s)

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character(s), Past Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Older SIbling Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd-centric, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Jason Todd is NOT Robin, Jason Todd Has Issues, Jason Todd Has a Crush, Adopted Siblings

Chapter One: Arrested

They locked eyes as Barbara rose from her perch, and in the dim alley lighting, Jason cursed under his breath and said, "Man am I in trouble..." He sank down to the ground and covered his face.

Barbara sighed and came down to meet him, and she sat down by his side. "You're gonna turn me in, huh?" he asked, still hiding his face.

She didn't say anything at first. "Where are your parents? Maybe I can just take you home after you return the tires you took," she offered. Jason didn't answer her. "Or I could just turn you in."

"My parents are dead," Jason mumbled, "Do you sit and talk to every crook you meet or am I just special?"

"Now, if I tell you you're special, it's gonna make me seem like a jerk," Barbara joked, "But if you don't have any parents to go home to... I kind of have to take you in."

"Can't you just save me the trouble of running away from a foster home and let me off with a warning?" Jason asked. Barbara sucked her teeth and knocked the back of her head against the Batmobile as she tried to think of something to do. "What part of Gotham are you from?"

"Why?" she asked.

"You don't sound like you're from here," Jason whispered, "Are you gonna turn me in?" She shrugged. "You are gonna tell your dad, though?"

"My dad?" Barbara asked. "Oh! He's not my—."

"Is he your boyfriend then?" Jason asked. Barbara screwed her face up and shook her head.

"Please stop talking and let me think for a second... Also, no, he isn't my boyfriend. Let's go get that tire back, and then I'll make my decision. Okay?" Barbara suggested, and she helped him up.

Jason led her back to his apartment, where he kept the tire. They both climbed up the fire escape, and Barbara took a look around at the rundown apartment. Jason's mattress sat in the corner of the living room by the door. He rolled the tire back towards the fire escape window, only stopping when Barbara let out a sigh. "What? I'm gonna put it back the same way I left it, I swear," Jason reassured her.

"No, it's not that... Do you wanna get something to eat after this?" Barbara asked. Jason turned and cocked his head at her. "What?"

"You don't have any Batgirl stuff to do? You and Batman don't go out to dinner—?"

"Again, we're not dating... Also, no. I'm on my own time. If it's too embarrassing to eat dinner with me as Batgirl, I could hang back, and we could eat on one—."

"No, I'm just saying that if I was you, I would do anything to not have dinner with me," Jason interrupted. Barbara chewed her bottom lip.

"Come on, kid. Let's go put the tire back and get something to eat before all the good food places close up for the night," she nudged him before making her way out the window and helping him get the tire out onto the fire escape. They went back to the batmobile, and Jason put the tire back. "Good, now we can—."

"I gotta tighten this one before we go. I loosened the nuts on this one," Jason interrupted as he crouched down with the tire iron and tightened it back up. "Now, I'm done." Barbara smiled at him, and she led him back to where her bike was. "So, if Batman isn't your dad... Does your dad know you ride motorcycles in a bat costume all night?" She messed up his hair.

"No, and you won't tell him," she laughed as she passed him a helmet. Barbara climbed on her bike, and Jason put on the helmet she gave him and climbed on after her. She put her helmet on and turned to him. Jason looked around for something to hold onto, and she chuckled and shook her head. "You're gonna have to hold onto me." Jason nodded and wrapped his arms around her waist. She started her bike up and drove off.

Jason tightened his grip and held on that way until they stopped at a food truck. Barbara told him to order anything he wanted once they got off. Jason took his helmet off to reveal a complete look of bewilderment, and Barbara chuckled. "You'll get used to it," Barbara reassured him.

"You say that like you're gonna be picking me up again after tonight," Jason chuckled uncomfortably. They ordered their food and took a number. "So, are you gonna turn me in?" Barbara nodded.

"Yeah, I decided. You're a hardened criminal... No, I'm not gonna turn you in. I'm gonna take you somewhere, though, because you can't go back there. What's your name, by the way, I forgot to ask?" Barbara whispered as she leaned against the wall. Jason stood next to her.

"My name's Jason," he introduced himself to her, "And I'm kind of glad I didn't go with my first plan of action..."

"What was that?" she asked.

"Hitting you with a tire iron and calling you Carrot Top," Jason raised his shoulders out of embarrassment, and he was a little startled when she laughed at him.

"Carrot Top? Oh yeah, that was a horrible plan. I would've been pissed," she chuckled, "So glad you didn't do that... Also, it's nice to meet you, Jason."

They got their food and ate on the curb together. "Where are you gonna take me?" Jason asked.

Jason spilled a little barbecue sauce on his hoodie. Barbara nudged him. "Want a bite?" Jason asked.

"N—. Why not?" Barbara took a bite of his burger and nodded. "Mm, I was gonna tell you you've got a little something on your jacket."

Jason shrugged and went back to eating. "No big deal... But you never answered my question."

"I know, but I just think it'll be easier to show you than it would be to tell you," Barbara explained, "You trust me?"

Jason looked up at her and nodded. "Yeah," Jason smiled a little half-smile, "Sure." After they finished eating, Barbara took a napkin and wiped her hands, and gave Jason one.

"Wanna ride around for a little bit? Or are you tired?" Barbara asked.

"I'm never tired," Jason replied as he put the helmet back on, and Barbara climbed on her bike. He held on tight while they rode around in circles for a few hours, and she decided it was time to take him back. She parked in an alley and climbed up the fire escape.

"Wait out here, just one second, okay?" she whispered and motioned for him to stay quiet. Jason nodded and stood against the wall as he watched her close the curtains. Barbara came down a few minutes later in civvies and took his hand. "Now, you're not gonna tell my dad anything. If he asks, I met you at my job at the library. Okay?" Barbara asked.

Jason nodded wordlessly, and she moved to lead him into her building, but he didn't move. "What's wrong?" Barbara asked, turning to look at him.

"You look like my mom," Jason mumbled. He swallowed hard, and he wouldn't make any further eye contact with her. The look of her freckles and the softness in her eyes made his chest hurt. Barbara didn't notice. She just wanted to get him inside before she lost the courage to speak with her dad.

"Shush, okay. Now come on," Barbara whispered as she moved again, and he didn't budge. Barbara looked back at him, and she softened up. Tears streamed down Jason's face, and he turned his head away from her. "Come here." Her voice was soft and sincere.

Jason embraced her, and for the first time since his mother died, he wept. Barbara was taken aback by the sudden shift in his emotions, but she hugged him back. "Wanna talk about it?" she asked.

Jason shook his head. Barbara nodded and held onto him until he stopped crying, and he let her take him into her apartment building. They went up the elevator, and as soon as Barbara got the door unlocked, she called for Commissioner Gordon. "Hey, Dad? I brought a friend with me, hope you don't mind. We already ate," Barbara explained, and Commissioner Gordon came out of the kitchen with a bowl of macaroni and cheese.

"Your friend doesn't look old enough to be out this late... Where's his—?" Barbara shook her head. "Oh. Sure you're not still hungry, err... Um..."

"Jason, I met him at the library. I was kind of wondering if maybe he could crash here for a while," Barbara suggested, "Like a long while?"

"Help yourself to whatever's in the kitchen, son... Babs, can I talk to you in private?" Jim asked. She nodded and followed him to his room.

Jason looked around at their family pictures and their furniture. He sniffed and kicked off his shoes and set them aside before going into the kitchen and washing his hands. Jason could hear them arguing, but it didn't sound bad, so Jason made himself a plate of food and sat on the floor at their coffee table. He was about to get up and make himself another helping when Jim and Barbara came back out. "Jason, how old are you?" Jim asked.

"Almost thirteen," Jason answered.

"Why do you look familiar?" Jim asked.

"You might've taken my dad in back when he was around... She didn't tell me you—." Barbara shot him a look. "Were such a good cook..."

"Thanks, and you can stay here. We'll figure things out as we go along, I guess. Also, you can finish eating... I'm gonna go see if I could find something for you to wear," Jim replied. Jason nodded and went back to the kitchen, and Barbara followed him.

As soon as Jim was out of earshot, Jason shot her a look. "Your dad is a cop. The commissioner at that. That's like the king of cops. Are you crazy?" Jason whispered.

"Well—."

"Jesus Christ," Jason turned away to make his plate, "You don't think you could've warned me a little?"

"I knew you wouldn't have gone for it. Besides, it's either this or foster care, kid. I don't know what else to tell you. This way, I can keep an eye on you," Barbara whispered.

Jason knocked her as he passed and sat down on the floor at the coffee table. "Jason—."

"I'm only gonna stay because I have a feeling you're not gonna get off my back... But I want you to know I'm pissed," Jason muttered as he ate. Barbara sat next to him and turned the tv on.

"My dad's fine, trust me... And you'll like it here. We'll fix up your room and—."

"You want me to stay here. How come?" Jason asked. "And you don't have to sell me on staying here. Dinner already did." Barbara smiled and embraced him. Jason went red in the face and stumbled over his words. "Well... Gosh, I guess that answers my question." Jason went back to eating, and Jim came out of his room.

"I'll be right back. I'm going to the store," Jim announced, "Don't let her give you a hard time, Jason."

After Jim left, Jason looked at her. "What?" Barbara asked.

"Your dad's a cop. Why didn't you just become a cop?" Jason asked. Barbara sighed.

"Not for lack of trying, kid. He would rather die than see me put myself in harm's way," Barbara whispered, "Which is why you can't tell him anything about what I do."

[kiobeeoooo]

Happy Valentine's Day :))

This is a continuation of the mini comic I made in my last post!!

JD is now grappling with the fact that he is no longer able to be with his family, even if he wanted to. He doesn't want to, though, right?

The villagers don't take kindly to the former boy band leader.

[dramioneasks]

How To Become Minister - serenergen - E, WIP - Post-war wizarding Britain is struggling and the population is dwindling. It’s 2009 and Hermione Granger is on the fast track to becoming the youngest Minister for Magic. But power in magical Britain is precarious. In a second, Hermione's world comes crashing down. A marriage law is invoked. Hermione must pioneer it or risk everything she holds dear. One way or another, she would be Minister. She just didn't expect to be doing it with Draco Malfoy at her side. OR If no one would let her be Minister, she was going to take it. And Draco Malfoy was going to help her do it.

[foxleycrow]

Some of the major characters of my villain-centric fantasy novel (in progress). Procreate drawings.

[starflungwaddledee]

my artwork summary year in review for 2024! template from papakkapao_ on twitter

definitely fell off the wagon with regards to regular full comic updates around the time of the kirby oc tourney this year, but in its place i ramped up a lot in drawing and appreciating other folks' ocs!

my highlighted favourite piece is from october, launching kirbytober this year, while my most popular by a long-shot was bandee's birthday comic in march.

in 2025 i want to finish the few in-progress challenges i have outstanding and resume some more serious, chronological storytelling for starstruck in particular. things are scripted and planned and i'm excited to work; just need to find the hours in the day!

looking forward to another year in this community, and hopefully adding some fun lore drops as we go! thank you to everyone who's following along and enjoying my work!

[drwafton]

Made fanart of you-

I'm sorry if this version of you I made you a God-

"I have to say this art is well done! I wouldn't exactly call myself a god though. Still I appreciate it."

[illiaccrest]

Bird + Knight relationship dynamic

[rateatinginsulation]

Day 3 for yurimas: Lyric from a Christmas song

(Video version and a kinda sorta explanation under the cut)

Overall Selene has kinda changed Monica's life the most (helping her sort through internalized homophobia, issues from growing up in the 40s etc etc) Buuut Selene has always had a very difficult time around Christmas because she came from such a broken home (her parents argued a lot and then after her dad left she tended to spend Christmas alone because her mom was always doing smth) In adulthood she would always just lock herself inside and try to forget that it was Christmas, but once she spends Christmas with Monica she realizes she finally has someone she cares about with her for Christmas and it's a very sweet realization for her

[furbs-and-prayers]

vampires in situations.

[bossboudicca]

omg a wild star wars oc

i've been watching some videos and learning new techniques, so naturally i spent all night on this. this is So'ten, my original character from the 'Symbiotic' fic.

(can you tell which SWTOR companion she's the daughter of? I'll tell you below // also the full image and other things beneath)

she's malavai quinn's kid. and YES i'm aware moles aren't genetic but it's just my little homage to him.

you're my dad boogie woogie woogie

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Eyes and Ears

Fandom: DC Comics, Batfam

Summary: An AU where Barbara finds Jason instead of Bruce.

Chapters: 44/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Barbara Gordon, Jim Gordon, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Sheila Haywood, Original Character(s)

Relationship(s): Jason Todd/Original Character(s), Past Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Older SIbling Barbara Gordon, Jason Todd-centric, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Jason Todd is NOT Robin, Jason Todd Has Issues, Jason Todd Has a Crush, Adopted Siblings

Chapter Forty-Four: New Roads

After Jim gave Jason the keys to his car, Jason drove to Reese’s house to surprise him. AJ was the only one at home with Eleanor, which felt strange. “AJ, where is everyone?” Jason asked. AJ’s face was drained of all color. “What’s wrong?” 

“I’m sorry that I didn’t come to see you,” AJ whispered, “I’m going through some—. Can you keep a secret from Reese… and everyone?” Jason furrowed his brows as he nodded. 

“Before you tell me, are you in any kind of trouble with the—?”

“No, it’s not legal trouble. I’m—. I got Mason—.A few weeks before you went to Greece, Mason came over to swim and she threw up on the deck… And I—. She never gets sick, so I—. She’s late,” AJ confessed.

 Jason’s eyes widened, and he plopped down on the porch beside AJ. “What does she wanna do? How late is she?” Jason questioned. 

“She wants to keep it, which means we’re gonna have to tell our parents we—. God, Jason. I feel like such an idiot. How could I mess something like this up? I feel like I’m ruining her life,” AJ frowned. 

“Well, I don’t have a lot going on… So at least you guys know you have free childcare,” Jason whispered. 

AJ chuckled. “Jase, I’m sorry. I’m whining about something like this, and you—. How are you?” AJ asked. 

“Everyone’s worried sick… And I just want to get my answers and move on,” Jason replied, “You know what the weirdest part of it is? I wish she would’ve kept me for a little bit longer. I’m getting answers in bits and pieces and the more I find out, the less I know… I know it sounds messed up, but I’m glad you told me about your problems. It makes me feel better.”

“Well, you’ll never forget your sixteenth birthday,” AJ teased. Jason laughed and nodded. “Oh, and—. Hey, are you and Reese—? It’s not any of my business, but he’s been over there a lot lately...”

“I wanted to—. No. I thought I wanted to when I got back because I figured it would take my mind off of how—. I wanna wait a while. Figure out some stuff,” Jason replied, “Is Mason on her way here?” 

“Mason’s in the house… You can go in and see her,” AJ replied, “And can you take Ellie? I need a minute before I head back in there.”

“You good?” Jason asked. 

AJ smiled and nodded. “It felt good to talk to you about it. I wish you could be here when I tell my dad,” AJ replied. 

“Call me and let me know when,” Jason smiled as he took Eleanor inside. “Mason? Where are you?” 

“Jason, what are you—? I thought you were at home,” Mason smiled as she came down the hall. “You look good.” 

“So do you,” Jason smiled, “AJ told me about your situation,” Jason replied. Mason laughed before bursting into tears, causing Eleanor to cry as a result. “Sorry, girls. I just—. Mason, you know I’m gonna support you no matter what. You’re one of my best friends. Also, I’m homeschooled, so I’ll be able to watch the baby while you’re at school.”

“It’s so weird, Jason. Also, I can’t stop eating stuffed crepes and kimchi. It’ll change your life by the way,” Mason sniffed. 

Jason set Eleanor down in the bassinet on her stomach before hugging Mason. “You’re gonna be a good mom,” Jason whispered. 

Jason’s phone rang. “Hey, Barbie,” Jason answered as he hugged Mason and waved. 

“I want you to swing by and pick up your chaperone tonight at nine. I told Daddy you’d be at my place for a few days,” Barbara replied. 

Jason nodded. “But I won’t be, right? Is that what you’re saying?” Jason asked. 

“Mhm. Come by here and pick up your bag. I packed everything you’d need—.”

“I have my stuff in the car already—.”

“You have new stuff now. I think you’ll like it,” Barbara replied, “And I wanna say goodbye in person. I won’t be seeing you for a few days.” 

Jason stepped outside and hugged AJ. “Okay, Barbara… I’m on my way right now. Love you, bye.”

“Love you,” Barbara replied before hanging up. 

“Gotta go?” AJ asked. Jason nodded. 

“I’ve got a therapy camping thing… They say it’ll help me… Decompress. So, if you see Reese, can you tell him I’ll be back soon? And tell him I love him,” Jason whispered. 

AJ chuckled. “You sound like you’re going to war… But yeah. I’ll tell him,” AJ answered. Jason waved once more as he got in his car and drove away. 

**

Barbara snap buckled his backpack around his chest for good measure. Jason moved to unbuckle it and she shook her head. “So, which one of Charlie’s Angels are you sending with me? Kelly? Jill? Sabrina? Kris? ” Jason teased. Barbara smiled. 

“Think Kelly, but blonde,” Barbara replied. 

“Guess that makes me Bosley,” Jason joked. 

“Nope... Julie,” Barbara corrected him.

“Who?” Jason questioned.

“We haven’t gotten to that season yet,” Barbara smiled. She held Jason’s hand. “I’m not going with you.” 

“I know,” Jason answered, “I’ll be careful… And thanks.” 

Barbara pulled him into a hug. “Don’t thank me… Just come home in one piece. Okay?” Barbara replied. Jason nodded. 

“We still on code names? Or—?”

“You can use real names if you want. I trust them,” Barbara replied, “And they know me. I just wanted to maintain your privacy if that’s what you wanted.” 

Jason kissed her cheek. “See you soon,” Jason whispered as he headed out. 

**

Jason knocked on her door wearing his regular clothes. A brunette wearing a navy cropped jacket and matching sweatpants answered the door. Jason cocked his head. “Barbara told me you’d be blonde,” Jason replied. 

“I usually am… But not for this mission. I’m Dinah… A friend of Barbara’s,” she introduced herself. 

Jason shook her hand. “Jason,” he replied, “Did she explain the situation to you?” 

“She gave me a location and a picture. That’s it. What’s all this about anyway?” Dinah asked. 

“Let’s head out. I’ll explain on the way,” Jason answered. His stomach ached, and he wanted to call it off. But Dinah was there. Jason drove to the airport with her, and they stood together while Dinah flashed their fake passports and tickets. Barbara set up their cover as a brother and sister going to visit their mother in Thailand. Andrea and Eddie Erikson . Fake names for a fake family. 

It’d be over twenty hours before they arrived. And the thought of spending that kind of time on a plane with a stranger overwhelmed Jason completely. He turned away, trying not to panic as he looked out the window, but it all rushed to the surface. Every moment. He remembered waking up on the plane ride home. The way the authorities looked at him when they arrived. His throat caught. “Hey, are you feeling sick?” Dinah asked. She reached over and felt his forehead. “It’s something else, isn’t it?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Jason replied. 

Dinah shrugged. “Okay, but you’ve gotta tell me something. Are you in danger?” Dinah asked. 

“No… I wish that was my problem,” Jason whispered. He was half out of breath, half out of his mind with fear. Dinah squinted at him. “I’ll explain when I have to… Not a second sooner.”

[summerongrand]

All Of The Girls You Loved Before (Tim Bradford Has a Type)

Chapter 1: Every Dead End Street

Tim Bradford has a type—but what exactly is it? Through a series of relationships, from pre-Isabel to beyond Lucy, Tim’s preferences become clearer. So, what is Tim really looking for? It might not be what (or who) you think.

For Lucy, watching Tim date another white woman was difficult on two levels. First, there was the social construction behind it. Growing up, Lucy had too often seen men like Tim—attractive, strong, the quintessential “leading men”—end up with white women in every movie, TV show, and magazine cover. It was the same tired narrative, recycled endlessly, woven into the fabric of society: the white partner, the ultimate prize. And it hit a nerve for Lucy. It made her feel unseen, not just as a woman, but as an Asian woman with zero representation in this regard, erased by the narrow standards that society still upholds. Seeing Tim date his “type” was yet another reminder of how women of color were often overlooked, their beauty, value, worth and desirability pushed to the side for women like Ashley. And even though she didn’t want it to, this kind of repeated exposure throughout her life led to Lucy losing her own authenticity. She recalled how the way she referred to her grandmother felt like a subtle form of washing away her own culture. In a documentary, Lucy called her grandma Anna "Nana," a term that, while endearing, wasn’t true to her nor her culture. It served as a reminder that, in an effort to appease the general public, there was a tendency to adopt language that fit a more user-friendly narrative, leading to her obscuring her own identity in the process. So even though Lucy could, in theory, alter her appearance, she would never do that to fit someone else’s narrow ideal of the kind of girl who "belongs" with a guy like Tim. It wasn’t just about changing her looks—it was the insidious message behind it that being herself wasn’t enough. The idea that, to be with a man like Tim, she would have to conform to an impossible and toxic beauty standard that erased her own identity was dangerous. It implied that to be seen, to be accepted, she’d have to strip away the very essence of who she was. And even if she tried, she would still be Lucy Chen. She would still look like someone from her own culture. Pretending to fit a mold that was never meant for her wouldn’t make her feel more seen—it would only deepen her sense of invisibility, making her feel like she was disappearing from herself. And there was no way in hell that Lucy Chen was going to whitewash herself for Tim, or for anyone else.

Read the full chapter here.