#so much that Robin refuses to pick up the phone anymore | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

samonroegf · 7 months ago

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getting high with sam for the first time

f!reader. suggestive moments but no smut, fluff if you squint, angstish, childhood best friends to strangers to lovers? idk i just love him. veronica ( a character i made up) is used to replace alyssa bc she's a weirdo lol. lotta emotions, pals. 3.8k ᝰ masterlist

you'd known you wanted to try weed for a while now, it was just a bit intimidating. there's also the fact that you're 18 and you still haven't tried it, some might call you a pussy, but you just like to be precautionary.

there was the anti-drug commericals and your father breathing down your neck about being a functioning member of society. the pressure has become too much. you can't help but remember some of the stoner movies you've seen and they seemed so carefree.

so you started to concote the perfect plan, you'd never gotten in trouble, never even tardy for school. when your parents monthly business trip comes up, you knew exactly what you had to do.

invite sam monroe over for the first time in four years, and ask him to teach you how to get high.

so you think about your childhood best friend turned stranger, sam monroe. he wasn't the nicest, especially after his parents’ divorce. but there was also the fact that he had a soft spot just for you. and supposedly everyone knew, you hadn't witnessed this soft spot in a long time, so you hoped it made him a little nicer. you can't even recall why, maybe a kid crush or something. maybe you never knew at all.

you cleaned your room, made it all nice and hid some of your stuffed animals. if you were to invite sam over, you couldn't look like even more innocent than you already did.

on that fateful friday afternoon, you kissed your parents and bid them farewell. the pair completely oblivious to what their perfect little girl would be up to. a somewhat devious smile played on your lips.

you had harboured some kind of school girl crush on sam, since the two of you grew distant. he was mysterious and quiet now, you wish you knew him. wish you never would have let him slip out of your hands.

maybe that can change, maybe you can sew up the tattered thread of a connection. you wanted to laugh at yourself, you're so worked up about sam fucking monroe. the boy that you used to play in the mud with, but then again you're not just little kids anymore. things were definitely complicated. maybe more than you realized.

you couldn't help but start to pace around your room a bit, what if he said no? what if he just refused to come over? maybe you should cook something enticing, give him a extra reason? you had the weed and rolling papers already, courtesy of josh. you hated talking to him, but he had what you needed.

you walked over to the home phone hanging on the wall, and then to the clock on the stove. 6:30 p.m. the green digits stared back at you. this was a once in a lifetime chance so you swallowed your anxiety and picked up the receiver.

you dialed sam’s mom’s number, having it memorized like it was your own mother's. there was always some part of sam in your head, always stuck with you like a lover slain.

you waited patiently for someone to answer the phone, your heart beating louder than your ears could stand. you were sure this was the dumbest you'd ever felt.

“hello, kimball residence, who am i speaking with?” robin kimball, sam's mother, sounded tired. the kind of exhaustion you onlly get when you hate your life.

“hi robin! it's y/n! i was wondering if you could, uh, get sam for me?” your voice was shaky, but you hoped that she wouldn't pay it too much mind. or that she didn't notice it all.

“oh y/n! it's so nice to speak with you, how have you been?” her voice perked up once she realized who you were. always having been like a second mom to you, during your friendship with sam, guess the whole family has a soft spot for you.

“oh, I'm okay! i was just thinking of sam, and wanted him to come hang out, maybe have a sleepover like we used to!” you tried not to sound so childish, but perhaps it was working in your favor. excitement bleed into your tone, maybe hope too.

robin sighed a little, a mix of sadness and apprehension, “i can try to get him on the phone, but I can't make any promises.”

that confused you. but considering how sam acted at school, you couldn't imagine he was any easier at home.

“what do you want?” his voice felt like venom and ice, but you tried to ignore it.

“i, uh, i have some, uh, i have some w-” your stuttering didn't get you very far, sam was a very impatient boy.

“would you just spit it out,” he sounded less mad, and more just irritated. you imagined he probably dragged a hand down his face.

“sorry, I'm sorry. i just have some weed and wanted u to come over. you don't have to, I don't wanna bother you. bye, sam.” you rambled this out as fast as you possibly could and hung up just as quick.

your nerves and his mean tone became just a little too much, you'd never heard him talk to you like that. you didn't know him anymore. that hurt your heart, much more than you would like to admit. it was a fact, had been for quite some time but something about witnessing it with your own ears. it was real now.

sam stomped up the stairs to his room, closing and locking the door with a slam. he ran his hands through his hair, tugging on the black and blue strands.

“who the fuck does she think she is?” his voice was mingled with various emotions, he couldn't figure them out nor did he really want to.

“doesn't talk to me for four fucking years and then one day just calls me up and asks to hangout?” he's trying to keep his voice to a low mumble. as to not bother his younger siblings, even if he couldn't really stand them.

“tells my mom she wants a sleepover?” he almost wanted to go over there just to give her a piece of his mind. he kicked a box on the floor, and it shot across the room against a wall. he heard peter stomping down the hallway to yell at him, and slipped out of his window. a common practice these days.

he was dressed in cargo pants, his boots and a sweatshirt with the rolling stones logo printed in black and white. he was cursing under his breath, as he made the walk.

he couldn't believe her audacity, but then why would she call him unless he was the only one she could call. that had to be bullshit, she had plenty of friends. ten times more than what sam had.

he kicked a rock and lit a cigarette as he continued down the street, he hated that he could still remember the fastest way to her house. her perfect little house, with a perfect little family.

it was only just then that her words settled, like rain through a fog. i just have some weed and wanted u to come over. you don't have to. why would she have weed, unless her perfect little life wasn't so. course, could have been a lie to get him here. could be a prank, but she was never one to be nasty like that. or at least he hoped she wouldn't steep so low.

he had about a million questions that are going through his head, but the one that stuck out the most, why me? why would she call me out of everyone? it's not like sam was the only stoner in their school, but she still wanted him to come over. it made him puff on the cigarette a little faster.

sam stopped in the middle of the street for a moment, staring at the moon and sun that were now able to be seen at the same time. there was some poetry in this but he didn't want to fucking hear it.

he tried to shake his head of all these thoughts as he walked up the stairs to her front door. at the very bottom, you can still see paint marks of her and his handprints from when they moved in. sam was the first friend she made, he remembers her telling him, they'd be friends forever. feels like a cruel joke now.

you sat on your bed looking anxiously at the baggie that stood out on your bedside table. the nightstand a white wood with a pink lamp, and covered in literature. the weed looked weird and out of place next to them.

the slam of the front door and stomps crawling up the stairs brought you out of thoughts, sam standing in your doorway. he leaned against the wood, just looking at you. he looked pissed, but you were unsure if that was just his neutral expression at this point.

“you called.” he barely uttered two words to you, but you couldn't help the growing smile that stretched your lips.

“i wasn't sure if you'd actually show up!” you wished you didn't sound so happy, it was weakness he was bound to attack. you hoped your best friend, sammy was still in there, somewhere.

“what can i say? free weed, can't let that kind of offer go.” he chuckled as he spoke, and it was almost like you knew him again. but you didn't, he was a stranger in your bedroom, while your parents were hours away at this point.

he almost wanted to break something, he had so many questions, so much to say but now that he was in front of her, he wanted nothing more than to push it all aside. this wasn't like this normally, usually anger was so easy to hold onto. this time, it was like he never had any to begin with.

he slowly wandered into the room, looking over everything you had displayed. you prayed he didn't open the closet and get assualted by plushies. the thought almost made you want to giggle.

he was stuck, stuck holding a picture in his hand. he hadn't seen the polaroid in four years. a cheesing sam stared back at him, so free and fun. your arms were tight around him, couldn't be older than six and you were smiling just as big.

as you came to stand next to him, you looked at the picture in his hand. you were being torn between crying and laughing. it's such a cute picture, one that you thought you'd show your kids one day. but those thoughts were one of a silly little girl who believed that sam would always be by your side. you felt stupid, mad and sad all at once.

“i remember this day,” sam's voice sounds faraway, like he is scared to talk at all. like the picture and you would disappear, and he'd wake up from another dream.

“it was the day our dad's built your pool, and we played all day long.” he finished, looking from the photo to you. it was the first time he's really looked at you. his blue eyes peering into yours, you felt naked under his stare.

“yeah, and we had ice cream and it got everywhere,” you chuckled sadly, this felt like a reunion with a lover rather than a friend. you looked away back to the picture in his hand, taking it you put it back on your mirror. as he watched your hands, he noticed it wasn't the only picture of the two of you. you kept every single one, always one to cherish every memory, even if it hurts more than it helps.

“why do you still have them?” his voice is barely above a whisper like he's scared to hear the answer.

“i always hoped you'd come back, that we'd go back to old times. feels kinda stupid to say out loud” you laughed, bringing your arms around yourself trying to bring yourself some comfort.

you're looking at all the pictures, too scared to see what expression is resting on sam's face now.

“well, I'm here, aren't I?” you finally turned to look at him, your eyebrows creased in worry or concern. you weren't sure. his hand comes to rest on your shoulder, it's awkward and comforting all the same.

“would you have ever came if I didn't call? if i didn't have weed?” your voice might break if it shakes anymore, your tongue sucks over your teeth in anxiety.

“wait, don't answer that. i don't want the answer. i don't think you miss me the way i miss you.” you interrupted him. the second half of your words came out mumbled as you walk away from him and sit on the bed. a tear slid down your face, and it makes a bitter laugh come out of you. you've never wanted someone so close and so fucking faraway from you. you wioed it away and hoped he didn't see it. weakness was not an option.

“you don't get to do this,” his voice is quiet, but you were sure that it wouldn't stay that way.

“you don't get to cry and put words in my mouth, you have no fucking idea how i feel.” he raised his voice a bit and you just rolled your eyes at him. he came to sit opposite to you on the bed.

“yeah, you're right. but you also never fucking talked to me. you were my best friend one day and then avoiding me the next. how the fuck do you think that's gonna make me feel? hell, how the fuck can you just do that to someone.” you were yelling too now, staring at him with so much anger. you weren't even really that mad, you were just hurt.

“that is not what fucking happened. you became friends with josh, that's what happened,” his eyes narrowed at you and you wanted, well you don't know what you want but this is definitely something that needed to happen. josh had been a bully in middle school, i guess much hasn't changed.

“excuse the fuck out of me? i did no such thing, i was friends with veronica. i was friends with her, and then you left. and i know, yes, i know that you fucked vee. you left me, and that wasn't enough.” you were seething at this point, barely able to remember why you even missed him in the first place. you got off the bed, not even being able to look at him.

“i did not fuck veronica. who told you that? let me guess, veronica?” your head whipped in his direction, you stopped in your tracks.

your cheeks warmed as you realized you may have been fed incorrect information, “you didn't? but she and josh both told me on seperate instances.” you felt stupid, you came to sit on the bed again. a sheepish look on your face.

“no, i didn't fuck veronica. are you stupid?” the anger in the room begin to fizzle out, and you smacked his shoulder, “don't say that, I'm not stupid.” you gave him a fake angry look and looked at your feet.

you'd been lied to for four years, four years where sam didn't have be alienated. four years where your best friend could be beside you.

“why’d you stop coming around, then? if it wasn't cause of that? ” the fear of rejection injected to your veins. your lip was tightly pulled between your teeth, an anxious habit. your eyes looked from him to your hands as you waited for him to answer.

“somebody told me you hated me and didn't want me around anymore.” his voice was distant like he couldn't believe his own words. “told me you were just friends with me out of pity.”

“now you're the stupid one.” you laughed dryly, trying to make light of the situation. you bumped your shoulder into his.

“hell, i might be. i doubt if you hated me you'd keep all those cheesy momentos.” he chuckled and you could have savored the feeling that went through your chest. he might be better than any high that weed could give you. if you didn't have a bit of love for him before, you definitely do now.

you felt like a tornado of emotions, you didn't know what was to happen now.

some time passed in silence, you both unsure of what was to happen next. years of pushed down feelings that no longer have a sense of direction.

anxiety creeped up your back, looking at sam he's just looking at you. a slight smile on his lips, it's a sight you could get used to.

“what?” you laughed a bit out of embarrassment.

“you’re just pretty.” his voice was soft and you kinda wanted to throw up. how could all this happen and he can just have the audacity to compliment you. you dropped eye contact but a similar smile could now been seen on your face.

“so, we're good now?” you spoke, eyes glued to the floor. you didn't think you could keep from kissing him, if he kept looking at you like that.

“we’re so good. you ready to smoke?” sam smiled some, and layed back on the bed. his arms falling above his head, he stared at the ceiling. life is just some game, and he's pretty sure he just won big. he felt somewhere between being on cloud nine and being the dumbest motherfucker he's ever met. he can't believe he believed josh about some stupid rumor, instead of just coming to you.

“so, actually the thing about that, i don't know how. i called you so you could teach me because i trust you.” warmth gathered on your cheeks again.

he leans up on one arm to look at you, and he smiles real big, teeth and all. his tongue crossing his lips as he laughs a bit. it was clear though, he wasn't laughing at you, just laughing at the situation. but still you must tease him, make up for lost time.

“sammy, don't laugh at me.” before you could stop yourself, the nicknames spilled out of your lips. a nickname sam hadn't heard in some time and it made his heart skip a beat.

“babe, it's not my fault, you make it so easy.” there he was again, undressing you with his eyes. whether it be intentional or not, you weren't sure. his cheeks glowed a little pink and you couldn't help but giggle. it's fair game at this point. you never knew sam as someone to use alot of pet names, is he trying to pick you up?

“yeah, well, you're blushing, dork.” it was a dumb retort, and on top of it all you stuck out your tongue at him. crossing your arms like the brat that you are. it seemed your question answered itself. you were somewhere between friends and lovers, and that scared the shit out of you.

“no I'm not.” he said incredulously, like it was something that was physically impossible. he quick to get off the bed, pushing at his cheeks in the mirror.

you're happy to skip up beside him, “yeah, you are, it's like you have a crush on me or something." you giggled. another thing that should have been left unsaid, spoken by you again. it was necessary, you had to know the truth. it felt like life or death, at this moment.

he stands up beside you, and it's only then that you notice he's got at least half a foot on you. it feels intimidating when he smirks at you.

“what if i do? maybe i like to make cute girls squirm,” his hands come to rest on your hips, and you were sure you were gonna faint, have a heart attack, or maybe die.

“sam, what are you doing.” it wasn't a question, cause you didn't want the answer.

“i'm touching you, is that okay?” you can't help but dumbly nod. he leaning towards you and you let him. his lips are soft against yours, and he pulls you closer. his smell and taste was intoxicating. you were sure if you were dead, this would be what heaven felt like.

your hands come to rest on his chest, letting him kiss you a bit longer before pushing him away.

“i-i think we should smoke, yeah, i think we should do that.” you weren't even sure what you were saying at this point. but you didn't want to just get him back and immediately jump into bed. you're not ready for that yet.

“whatever you want, doll.” he presses one soft, chaste kiss to your forehead and walks towards the weed and the rolling papers. you were almoat confused as you followed him back to the bed, who is this man? you wanted to kick your feet and acream into your pillow.

you watch as his skilled, ring-clad fingers pushed the weed into the white papers. you thought you might have a health issue when his tongue dipped over his lips to wet the paper. your reaction doesn't go unnoticed by him, so he just chuckles and finishes sealing the joint.

“now, what you're gonna do, and I'll demonstrate too. put the paper between your lips,” he explained everything in excruciating detail, and it made your legs clamp together a little. you needed more self control, maybe, but you weren't going to let all this get to you. not this fast, it wasn't fair.

setting the paper between his lips, he pulled a lighter out of his pocket, it was white all the plastic wrap has been picked off of it.

“when you hit it, take small puffs, breathe in and then exhale, like this okay?” he making eye contact with you as he does so.

he hands you the joint and you hope it helps you recollect yourself. you do exactly as he said and did, and somehow still end up coughing up a lung. irritated eyes making contact with his playful ocean ones.

“try again, it'll get easier, you're just a baby stoner.” he rubbed your back a little, and you tried again. this time it went down smoothly and you could feel something as soon as you exhaled. you hand him the joint and watch his expert smoking habits.

you never knew how hot someone smoking could be, but here he was. sam, your sam, looked like some bad boy in a teen cliche film. you never knew why girls would go for guys like this, but now you got it.

the two of you spent the rest of the night recalling stories, watching comfort films and laying in his arms. he held you tight, and smoked you out until you were nothing but a giggly, high mess. he got decently stoned himself and you feel asleep like that.

#ζ callista says things . ✦#sam monroe x reader #sam monroe x you #sam monroe x y/n #sam monroe x female!reader #sam monroe fluff #sam monroe angst #sam monroe drabble #sam monroe fic #sam monroe fanfiction #sam monroe one-shot #sam monroe imagine #life as a house #life as a house sam

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steddietogo · 2 years ago

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Steddie grammys au part 2

Part 1

------

Steve is texting Eddie Munson via the private message function on instagram. Because that's just the kinda shit that happens to him now. One day he's at the Grammys doing his job and the next, the lead guitarist/lyricist of a famous rock band is following his instagram account (Dustin and Robin had lost their collective minds) which is full of dorky pictures of him with a group of high schoolers, his cat and Robin. And that one picture of Robin and him at pride, posing with a lesbian and pansexual pride flag respectively.

His follower count has also gone up by couple extra thousands and there are a couple DMs from people he's never heard of, saying some unsavoury things about him. It's all very intense and dramatic. Needless to say, his account is private now.

The thing is, Steve has been flirted with during interviews before, he's a good looking guy and he knows it. It's just never happened with an international rockstar before—then immediately went viral for the entire world to see.

Didn't peg you as a cat person Stevie

Then there is the other thing. Eddie Munson flirting with him in his DMs. Which kinda sorta makes him forget how to be a person. Steve Harrington is nothing if not a people person, always knows the right thing to say. But with Eddie he barely just manages, no sign of the alleged lover boy he had been in his high school years. Eighteen year old Steve would cry if he could see the bland ass conversation he's having about his cat of all things.

I'm not

He just barged into my house one day and refused to leave

Eddie is hot, and rich and famous. Did he mention hot, because he is. Painfully so. Steve will never forget his all black ensemble at the Grammys where he had been standing a foot away from Steve in his bejewelled suit jacket with nothing underneath it.

Point is, Eddie is intimidating. He seems so far away with his rockstar status and the hoards of fans worshipping him like he's their god. What could Eddie Munson possibly want from Steve Harrington?

Would you like to get dinner sometime?

Eddie's latest text is staring up at him like its going to jump out of his phone and attack him. Its too late to ditch and run, Eddie knows Steve has seen it so he needs to come up with a response. Soon. So Steve does the only reasonable thing and barges into Robin's room at ass o'clock in the morning.

"Say yes Dingus!" Robin says, after kicking him in the shin for waking her up.

"But—" she silences him with another well placed kick.

"Listen, no one who just wants to bang you asks you about the shitty retail job you had in high school, Steven. Even if he only wants to sleep with you, you're gonna get a fun night out of it and like bragging rights or something," He supposes she’s right. Eddie did seem very interested in Steve’s personal life. He really did hope it is a date though. If only he has the balls to actually ask him.

"I'd be so jealous of you right now if I liked men, so get out of your head and go have some fun. Now get the fuck out and let me sleep,"

------

Eddie picks an upscale rooftop bar with private seating and a breathtaking view. He's there sitting at the booth half an hour before their scheduled meet up time out of nerves.

Eddie sometimes hates that his public image takes precedence when people meet him. The truth is that he is a little bit of a loner. Never got the point of physical intimacy without a connection no matter how much people tend to think he's the type of person to have a different person warming his bed each night.

It makes dating so hard when the perception of Eddie the rockstar doesn't line up with who Eddie the person really is. Eddie rarely even takes the first step anymore. It took the combined ragging of his entire band for him to even gather the courage to message Steve.

"Hey," a voice greets him from behind.

Steve is here. And Steve is an enigma. An ex high school jock who used to babysit a bunch of middle schoolers. He's so full of delicious contradictions and dry humor and it's impossible not to like him the more he learns about him.

But there’s still the question of what Steve expects of him that Eddie dreads a little. Above all, Eddie just wants Steve to like Eddie the person so badly.

------

“A fire extinguisher,” Eddie’s eyebrows are somewhere up in his bangs.

“Yep,”

“Against an armed robber,”

“I swear I had grey hairs at seventeen because of those kids,” Steve knows how sappy and fond his voice sounds when he talks about the kids. It’s never been something he could help.

The night’s been going a lot better that Steve had expected. Eddie is funny, and dramatic and it’s hard not to feel giddy from the attention he utterly devotes to Steve. They have a nice dinner, and exchange stores over drinks and it’s feels like a real date. Steve can practically hear Robin in his head telling him to stop being such a dingus and overthinking everything.

They go quite for a second, Eddie suspiciously focused on his drink when Steve feels his boot nudge against his shoe. Steve nudges back and soon instigates a game of footsie neither of them acknowledge above the table. It ends with Eddie’s foot trapped between Steve’s ankles and a faint rise of colour in his cheeks as he takes a comically large gulp from his drink. It’s just adorable.

"Can I kiss you?" The words are out of Steve’s mouth before he even realises it. Before he could beat himself up about it, Eddie turns a slightly worrying shade of crimson but he's nodding and thats all Steve needs before he is leaning over the table.

It's nice, it's really fucking sweet and not at all how he had expected Eddie to kiss, but Steve is quickly learning that nothing about Eddie is what it seems like. The kiss is all soft presses of their lips, wet, languid slides of tongue at the seams of his mouth. Steve feels a little dizzy when he pulls away and drops back into his seat, happy grins mirrored in both their faces.

———

Its a couple months after that when Eddie starts trending again. He posts a picture taken by Gareth, post show as he lays on top of Steve on the couch. Steve has his arms around him, lips pressed to his gross, sweaty hair.

Caption says: Happy birthday to my sweetheart <3

———

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #platonic stobin #stranger things fanfiction #steddie grammys edition #mine #it’s currently 3.30 am #I’ll tag everyone who asked tomorrow #imma sleep now #enjoy

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thesummerstorms · 2 months ago

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... the version of the story where:

Bruce fires Dick from Robin

Dick leaves to live somewhere else with Bruce still stonewalling him/not bothering to check in to see if he had a plan or would be safe

they don't talk for 18 months

when Dick finally checks in because of Jason, Bruce tells him that he missed him but then rejects him and kicks him out

would make Annabeth Wayne's abandonment issues and parental trust issues so much fucking worse, holy God.

Because everything on the demigod side is obviously still set up to mess with her sense of security and belonging, just like it did in canon, only Frederick Chase isn't in the picture. But Thalia still dies, Luke still leaves, her mother is still mostly absent and becomes someone whose pride and love Annabeth has to eat, there's the shit show meeting with Minerva followed by Arachne. That's all normal.

But if she essentially had Dick as a beloved older brother but then one day she woke up and Bruce was no longer even acknowledging him anymore? No more Robin, sure, but also not talking to Dick when Dick packs up and leaves? Not talking to or about Dick after? And Annabeth never sees them in the same room again, or at least not for years?

Dick who fandom likes to portray as the "golden child" and who Annabeth probably would have looked up to, especially with the age difference?

Young Annabeth (I think she'd be about four in my AU if Jason died when she was seven, but that timing is tricky; probably not older than five though) is absolutely not old enough to pick up on any nuances like Bruce's guilt or fear or Dick being old enough he was approaching the age of needing to "leave the nest".

To her those 18 months are going to seem more like Bruce just stopped caring about her older brother than anything, even if Bruce, Dick, or Alfred tried to tell her otherwise. Which... I'm not sure they have the emotional intelligence to express that anyway, but still.

And like, I do think her presence changes things at least a little. I think Dick would try to at least call. In canon, it's just Alfred and Bruce and he refuses to call before Bruce does. He probably still won't talk to Bruce on the phone. But possibly he calls Alfred to talk to Annabeth...even if the calls grow more and more infrequent due to the lifestyle of a vigilante and sheltered young Anna being "safe" and not seeming to need as many check ins.

But it isn't the same... And I think Annabeth would feel that, no matter how young. Even once Jason comes and she isn't the only child ... I think she would remember. Be watching. Because if it happened with Dick, whats to stop Bruce deciding he doesn't care about her or Jason anymore?

(Again, we as readers know he does, but he's fucked up in his emotional expression. A young child does NOT know that.)

It's then made worse if Bruce freezes her out after Jason's death. Jason and Bruce leave for other countries, leaving her alone with Alfred. Bruce returns, but Jason doesn't. Bruce is consumed by grief and anger and isolates himself from his young daughter.

Again, we as readers can infer his complex motivations. A child would not.

I think by the time you get to Minerva in that scenario? Some tiny part of Annabeth, a part she hates, is almost relieved.

Because she's been waiting for the other shoe to drop, for her mother's judgement on worthy/unworthy to come down in the negative, for her mother to reject her.

Because from her perspective, outside of anything the audience knows that she doesn't... That just what parents are like.

#annabeth wayne #pjo x dc #dc x pjo #pjo

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psydelta · 2 years ago

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Imagine this: Bruce doesn't understand the concept of death.

He has pretty developed abstract thinking but this concept just. Evades him. He simply doesn't understand and has no intention to. Death is a social construct, and Bruce refuses to follow it.

It has so much crack potential but I'd like to see some DRAMA. Like, when his parents are shot in front of him, Bruce goes "nope, I refuse" and simply drives the whole concept of death out of his head. Instead he tells himself that "they'll be taken to the hospital and be fine". He anchors down with them, holds their hands and waits for help. Imagine Joe Chills terror when this child looks at him with horrified expression and goes "That must really hurt! Why did you do this?" and takes bloody hands of his dead parents muttering reassuring things and constant stream of you'll be okays and this will heals.

After Alfred takes Bruce home, he tries to explain that his parents are dead. But Bruce just looks at him with big eyes and says: "But they're in the hospital, and doctors will help them, right?" Alfred tries again and again, and eventually Bruce goes into full-blown tantrum and refuses to listen, covers his ears and goes hiding. Alfred doesn't have a heart to try this again.

And after days, then weeks, Bruce starts asking about his parents. Shouldn't he and Alfred go check on them? Why aren't they home already? What's happening? Where are they? And Alfred explains again: "They are dead, Master Bruce. They'll never come back, they are dead". But Bruce doesn't hear "dead" . He nods as if he totally and completely understands and hears "abandoned you" instead. Because being alive and abandoning him is better than being dead.

He lives with this. With the thought that his parents couldn't put up with him - put up with Gotham - anymore. He imagines their new life and shows hand-drawn pictures of them - alive and happy and in the midst of craziest adventures 10-year-old can come up with - and Alfred excuses himself after to cry alone every time.

Bruce forsed into therapy. It's not healthy to just forget about death; it's not healthy to live in such complete denial. And he goes, willingly, without complaints. He talks about problems at school, about his fears and anxieties that had gotten worse after his parents left him. He talks about them at length - mother's kindness and warmth, father's guidance and patience - and cries. And every time his therapists try to tell him: "But they're dead, Bruce", he gets this blank look in his eyes for a second and goes quiet and still. His sessions last for three years; Alfred thinks about fourth and does nothing.

After that it is still the same path - Bruce decides that he must help Gotham, seeks training, becomes Batman, all that drill. He fosters Dick - and loves him with all his heart. They fight, Dick leaves, and Bruce thinks that maybe it's not Gotham - maybe it's just him.

He finds Jason - hungry and miserable and too angry to be alone. He takes him under his wing, and makes him Robin, and everything is not fine - Dick still doesn't come home but at least he picks up the phone - but it's good. Bruce is good. He content with his life.

And then Jason dies.

It uproots everything. Dick comes home to scream at Bruce about his dead- something, they wasn't brothers truly, but Dick started to accept Jason as his successor. He screams himself to exhaustion. He turns to leave again. And then Bruce pulls down his cowl and says: "I understand that you are upset. It's my fault that Jason is in this condition. It'll take a lot of time to heal but hell be fine, Dick. I promise."

Dick is frozen. He stands with his mouth open, unable to form one coherent thought, until Alfred guides him away with a gentle touch on the elbow and explains Bruce's inability to understand death in hushed voice. Dick doesn't believe him. Not at first. Not until he sees Bruce talking at Jason's corpse with almost serene smile on his face and then Dick out of the cave to promptly retch into the nearest toilet. It's too much.

It's too much for Alfred too. He doesn't know what Bruce sees inside his mind, when the are at the wake and coffin is lowered into open maw of the grave. But Bruce talks to Jason - and Alfred doesn't listen after "I'll wait for you, son, as long as I need".

And the worst part? Jason does come back.

#dc #batman #bruce wayne #dick grayson #jason todd #alfred pennyworth #I took concept and ran with it #and made myself cry in the process #angst and misery #somebody please attack this with reverse uno card #it'll be hillarious #Bruce: I only punched him in the face forty two times!#Dick: but Bruce #it kills people!

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robinastrea · 2 years ago

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CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGE 8: WHAT IF

What-If Scenario #1: Robin pulls a “Sam Winchester” (i.e. he quits the family business, and goes to college to become a lawyer)

characters featured/mentioned: Ryder Astrea, Theo Seong, Skylar Clarke-Iz’an, Ali Clarke-Iz’an.

It’s the day after the Final Test, June 2017. (Robin and Ryder are forced to compete against each other with the promise of no more training. Robin wins in all of the tests but this leaves a permanent and traumatic scar on both of them). Robin finds out that Ryder is being forced to continue training, and as a medic. This is the final straw. Robin has a fight with his mother and tells her he refuses to be a smuggler, and he’s not going to be a part of what she wants him to do anymore. He’s going to do what he wants…whatever that may be.

Alisz reacts very negatively to this, but does not kick him out. She tells him that she has put in a lot of work with him over the years, that he is much too talented and that he has too much potential to throw that away. She believes Robin is simply overreacting and he’ll calm down. He’ll see reason. He’s much too young to know what he wants.

This of course has been years of pent-up emotion coming to the surface, and it’s not going away. Robin, completely unaware of what he wants to do as smuggling has been his only option, applies and is accepted to a college in Different City doing Pre-Law on a whim, and is accepted.

He makes preparations for leaving, and of course loops Ryder in on these plans.

Ryder’s motivations had largely been up to this point becoming a smuggler because they wouldn’t be alone. Becoming a medic would be an extension of that; they’re doing what their mother wants so that they don’t become isolated from the rest of the family. When Ryder finds out Robin is quitting and leaving, they decide to do the same, applying to the same college but as a Drama major.

They tell their father they’re leaving. Henry is heartbroken, but understands a little too well. He gives them enough funds to get started that wouldn’t be too much of a discrepancy in the Astrea bank accounts, and tells them he’ll always pick up when they call, and he loves them very much.

Robin and Ryder are equipped with a good amount of survival skills, but these two nineteen-year-olds were not very well-versed on how to get an apartment and pay the bills, on top of going to college. They both don’t know how to cook, and so that becomes a problem very quickly. There is a large amount of uncertainty over whether they made the wrong decision and things are very rough. But Henry sends them money whenever he can, they get part-time jobs, a lot of ramen is eaten, and they get by.

In the meantime, they’re both incredibly timid to be so out of their comfort zones...but they’re both surprised at the way they’re thriving in their respective environments.

Ryder is of course doing what they love, which is dance and performing in musicals.

Robin wasn’t serious about becoming a lawyer when he chose this major, but he was surprised at how quickly his brain latched onto the information. It all made sense, he could memorize blocks of text quickly, and he was great at technical writing. Learning to argue and negotiate came later in law school, but he was confident that he would be able to do that as well.

When Skylar finds out about the twins quitting smuggling and moving, he offers his emotional support and visits as often as he can.

A year or so passes, and they’re much more comfortable about where they are and what they’re doing. They miss their parents, but they don’t miss the training. The only expectations they have is paying the bills (which admittedly hasn’t lightened up much) and due dates for essays, which is a welcome change.

It is at this point that Robin learns from social media that Theo is in Different City as well. The twins had to disconnect their old cell phones as Alisz was paying the bill before, and so Robin had lost his ex’s number for a while. They eventually got much cheaper phone plans, and Robin tried to call Theo at the end of 2017 and explain why he’d disappeared, but Theo’s number was also disconnected.

Excited but very nervous at the thought of reconnecting with his ex boyfriend, Robin messages him and asks if they can meet up.

Robin explains what happened. Theo explains what happened to him. They’re both happy to see each other again, and they start to hang out a lot more times after that.

Eventually…they rekindle their relationship.

Theo has done a pretty good job at the starving musician thing, and so it only takes a couple months before he’s moving in with the twins. With an extra person, this alleviates their money problems so they have a little bit of breathing room. It’s still not great. But, better.

A couple more years pass in this way, getting by, working their asses off, and somehow staying happy and content with the small family they have going on. Whenever Sky comes by, they hang out and have a very good time. One on occasion, he brings a cat and a dog from an Earth animal shelter, and they are more than happy to harbor secret pets. They celebrate holidays. They redecorate and repair their terrible apartment many times. Theo teaches the twins how to cook more than ramen. Robin, Ryder, and Theo’s life is chaotic, but it’s a good one.

A couple years ago, Theo learns that his father passed away. He has the emotional support this time around, and he leaves for Rungung, but only to attend the funeral and sell the diner.

The twins go with him for a part of this to help him through it, and in the meantime they go and visit their parents for the first time in years.

Henry is ecstatic, and Alisz is bitter. Robin has had years to think about what happened, and explains his feelings in depth around him and Ryder leaving. They all have a hard conversation, but they come out the better for it. Alisz has had time to think on her own, and have some retrospection. She comes to terms with the amount of pressure she put on the twins. When the twins leave back for Different City, it’s with closure…and a trunk full of journals that they now use as a coffee table.

Ryder and Robin graduate from the university in June of 2021, and Robin applies and is accepted into law school. With the funds from selling the diner, and Ryder deep into the Different City musical theatre scene, they’re able to move into a better apartment. With reliable water pressure and everything. And they don’t have to hide that they have pets anymore.

The twins and Theo attend Skylar and Ali’s wedding in October of 2022, though they’re all absolutely fucking confused about this. Who is this Ali, and what has he done with Sky?

Since Theo and Robin have been dating since about late 2018- early 2019 at this point, they have a bit of a discussion about marriage and stuff at the wedding but not like a serious conversation. *Cough.*

And that brings us to the present.

#aop: task #headcanons #this was also in collaboration with sarah and also caitlin thank you!!!

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queenimmadolla · 2 years ago

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I can’t wait for more CYM and more Of Eddie with baby Wayne and Penny! 💖 which reminds me I think it would be really funny if Eddie got called in to the preschool for something Penny did like biting another child or something becuase they said something mean

i like the way you think! this takes place the day after Cookies ‘N Clean.

BABY’S GOT BITE - Fall of ‘91

(young parents!Eddie Munson x fem!reader)

more dad!eddie and penny adventures can be found on my masterlist

summary: . . . just a couple of hours after dropping your four year old off for her first day of preschool, you and Eddie are called back to pick her up.

a/n: once more, everyone lives in Hawkins because i said so. mistakes will be fixed later, i’m currently shadowbanned (pretty sure so hi if you see this) and one thing i can’t do is post on the website for some reason so sorry if the formatting is weird. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

* . *• + . * . * . *• + . * . * . *• + . * . * . *• + . * .

“Call Friend Bear, call Share Bear, call the whole squad of Care Bears because there is a lack of caring in this room. I don’t care, I really do not give a singular care. None. You wanna know why? ‘Cause they are art. They are a lifestyle. You are gonna watch Cheech & Chong and you are gonna love them.” Argyle ducked around Steve and made a dive for the VHS player.

“You always pick them for your turns on movie night, Argyle, please. I can recite the scripts by now!”

Eddie shook his head, lips curled into an amused smirk as he watched the two fight over what movie to play next. Most of the group had knocked out, not used to being awake that early anymore. He didn’t care what movie was playing, it was like nine in the morning, both you and Eddie had the day off since it was Penny’s first day at preschool and you knew the goodbye when dropping her off would drain you both emotionally.

Penny had cried the whole time, but refused to be anything but positive in her actions. She was tearing up as you both walked her in, fat tears had been rolling down her cheeks when you’d both smothered her with kisses, but it had been saying goodbye to her baby brother that really made her start sobbing. Wayne was barely a year old, but sensing his sister’s distress, was in anguish himself, lower lip wobbling as he cried and reached for her.

You’d wanted to comfort her but she hadn’t let you, she’d even been crying as her teacher lead her away all the while waving goodbye to her family as she disappeared from view.

All your friends—minus the kids, they had school, too—had also called in special favors to get them free for the morning, eager to be there for her first day as well. They hadn’t gone to the preschool with you, but they’d been there to say goodbye before you all left the apartment—Robin and Argyle had cried harder than Penny and Jonathan had been forced to comfort both because Steve was also trying not to get emotional—in the morning and they’d decided to stick around until she got home.

The living room was packed, but Eddie was grateful for everyone’s support and he was trying not to get too choked up about how much they all loved Penny.

You were curled into his side, on the recliner, tears smeared around your eyes as you snuggled into him for comfort. You’d been quiet ever since you got back home, he knew how guilty you were feeling because he felt the same sense of guilt. He wanted to pull Penny out of class so bad but he’d remind himself that all four of you needed to get used to it, she’d have to start going to school eventually.

Barely a few minutes into the trailers, the phone rang. You shifted to stand but Eddie nudged you further into the seat, pressing a kiss to your head as he slipped out from underneath you and grabbed the phone off the hook.

You didn’t even bother acting like you were paying attention to the tv screen, staring at Eddie as he mumbled into the receiver. You watched as he furrowed his brows and ended the conversation quickly.

“What’s wrong?” You asked the second he returned, drawing the attention of the others. Eden—closest to the tv—paused the movie.

“Something happened at the Preschool, they want us to go over.” You tossed the blanket you’d been under off of you as you stood up. Steve, Jonathan and Argyle jumped up too, and Eddie rolled his eyes as their chests’ puffed out.

“Calm down, Three Musketeers, they said it was an altercation with another kid and I’m hoping you’re above fighting a child.”

“Not like Steve would win.” Robin chirped from her place on the floor, holding a hand up to Eden who reached over and gave her an aggressive high five. Under normal circumstances, Eddie would have laughed, but he was worried about his baby and he could tell you were too, since you were already waiting near the door.

“Shut up!” Steve hissed, "I could take a kid!"

“Want us to watch Wayne for you?” Jonathan asked and Nancy nodded, scooting closer to the end of the couch where the baby monitor was placed.

“That’d be great. Hopefully, we won’t be too long.” Eddie grabbed his jacket and yanked his shoes on before you both hurried out the door.

Eddie had insisted on driving since he was pretty sure you’d break a couple of laws if a meant getting to Penny faster and you would have, so that worked out for the best.

He was practically running to keep up with you as you made your to the front office. They’d been expecting you, the same woman who had greeted you when you dropped Penny off lead you back to her classroom.

All the other kids were playing outside, but Penny’s teacher sat with her at a small table as she colored.

Eddie’s heart dropped when he took in her sad face, lips pulled down in misery.

When she heard the door open and looked up to see you and Eddie, she burst into tears, pushing her small plastic chair back from the table as she hopped down and ran towards the both of you.

You dropped down to a squat, letting her run right into your open arms. Her much smaller ones clung to you tightly as she sobbed and you picked her up, cradling the back of her head while you supported her bottom with the other arm.

You traded concerned looks with Eddie, and when it became clear Penny’s tears wouldn’t be stopping, you handed her over to Eddie so you could go talk to her teacher about what had happened to make Penny so upset.

Penny clung to Eddie just as tightly as she had to you. Deciding it’d be best to take her somewhere she could calm down, Eddie carried her out to the empty hallway.

He pressed kisses to her head, nuzzling his face into the curls that tickled against his face as his hand rubbed up and down her back. Eddie could feel the stutter of her breathing as she hiccuped. “Shhh…It’s okay, baby. Daddy’s got you, daddy’s right here. Mommy’s gonna go talk to your teacher and then we’re gonna go home okay? You wanna tell me what’s wrong, little bitty pretty one?”

His voice was gentle enough to sooth her, her crying morphing into just the hiccups. Tears were still falling from her pretty brown, doe eyes as she wiped her face and nose against the material of Eddie’s shirt.

“H-He—he-he pulled on my hair, daddy! And-And he said I look like uh-like uh a clown!” Eddie had expected her to start crying again, but Penny’s small hands curled into fists, bunching up his shirt.

He raised his eyebrows at the anger reflected on her face, it was one he’d seen pretty often as of late; specifically, when she was throwing her tantrums. Eddie never held those against her, aware she was throwing them because she couldn’t properly communicate or understand why she couldn’t drink any of the cleaning chemicals you had around the apartment—he still couldn’t figure out why she wanted to go for the stuff that could kill her so badly, did she actually want to give him a heart attack?—regardless of how trying it could be to his patience. Especially when the tantrums were because he’d told her ‘no’ or didn’t let her act like a brat.

It was obvious Penny had a negative interaction with a classmate, but she didn’t appear sad when she recanted it to him, just angry.

“A little boy pulled your hair?” Eddie asked, and Penny nodded, removing one arm from around his shoulders to rub at her hair. Eddie raised his hand on the arm he wasn’t using to hold Penny to rub at the spot on her head she’d been caressing, obviously still sore from her fight. “Is that why you’re crying, baby? Did he hurt you?”

“Yeah, but-but thas not why I’m cryin’, daddy. I dint cry when he pulled my hair, I used my words like you and mama tell me then-then after I also bit him really hard just so he know to don’t do it again and he cried and told teacher on me.”

Eddie knew he was telling the guys to be above fighting a child, but boy was this kid testing him, coming up to his baby, pulling on her hair and teasing her. Penny’s hair was curly but kind of all the same length, she very much so had the ‘Annie’ curly ‘fro goin on, it was absolutely adorable. People would constantly stop you two to tell you so when you took her out with you and Eddie couldn’t get enough of it. Penny loved it, too. She’d get all shy and hide her face in Eddie’s neck when given a compliment over it, but the second that person was gone, her pretty hair was all she would chat Eddie’s ear off about.

Still, you’d kill him if he let her bite another kid even though Eddie was positive she’d do it again, eventually. He’d been in that little boy’s position before they’d enrolled her in preschool. Granted he didn’t pull her hair or ever hurt her to be on the receiving end of her bites, no, he got to get those just for being her dad and dealing with those tantrums. He’d take being her gnawing post if that meant he got to be her dad though, it was a real privilege.

“You did the right thing by using your words, baby. But remember, we don’t bite people no matter how mad we get. It’s mean. And you’re not a mean girl,” He cooed, heart melting at the way she preened under the attention and he used his thumb to wipe away the last remaining traces of her tears. “You’re my little bitty pretty princess.” He leaned his head down to press his forehead to hers, grinning as she placed her little hand on the side of his face, caressing his cheek.

“I love you, daddy.” Eddie loved it when her tender side came out, usually right after she was done with her fits and apologetic. After you’d give her time to calm down—much better at dealing with her tantrums since they occurred more often with you because unlike Eddie, you had no problem saying no to her—she’d come find you, crawl into your lap, then tell you how much she loves you and say sorry while you cuddled her. Those were some of Eddie’s favorite moments to watch.

“I love you, too.” He moved his head just so he could press a kiss to her palm, not even concerned as to why it seemed to be sticky. He was used to gross stuff like that already.

Penny spent the rest of the time waiting for you telling Eddie all about the other kids she’d met who hadn’t been mean to her and he listened dutifully, wondering how she managed to seemingly remember the name of every single kid in her class but claimed to not remember household rules like how the toilet isn’t for throwing away toys she doesn’t like anymore or where she put her shoes when Eddie wasn’t watching her close enough.

Eventually you emerged from the classroom and immediately covered Penny in kisses but Eddie noticed how you didn’t try to take her from him and he bit back a smirk. You wouldn’t confess no matter how many times Eddie tried to get you to, but he knew Penny was getting too heavy for you; something you didn’t like to think about because you wanted to consider her a little baby forever.

“So what happened?” He asked once you got your fill. You played with Penny’s fingers, turning her palm over to look at the sticky substance on her palm that caught your attention. Jam.

“One of the boys pulled her hair during story time, the teacher said she went over to intervene but that Penny handled it really well and told him to stop.” You tried to hide your grin, because really this shouldn’t be funny, but your daughter cracked you up sometimes. “Then she got down on all fours and bit his leg.”

Eddie cleared his throat, trying his hardest to not laugh. It would only encourage Penny, she loved making people laugh and if she suspected biting peoples' legs was funny, especially to Eddie, she’d be nipping at her every ankle in sight. “Why was she so upset when we got here? She was crying but she told me it wasn’t because of the other kid.”

“When they mentioned we were coming for her, she started to miss us all over again so she got sad.” No way was Eddie gonna have an easy time doing this all over again tomorrow. No freaking way. His hold on Penny tightened ever so slightly. “The little boy’s mom already picked him up, but they said neither is in any real trouble, they just had to let us know it happened. We can take her home.” It didn’t sound like a suggestion, which Eddie was more than happy about.

He filled you in on the car ride home on exactly why Penny had done what she did and he was surprised you weren’t as miffed about it as he was, then you told him that usually happens to girls. The hair pulling and teasing part, not the biting part.

“It used to happen to me all the time,” You explained, “So, I’m not that surprised that it’s her first run in with something like that, especially from a boy. I don’t like it, but I’m not surprised. Besides, I can’t be mad at her. I used to bite people when I was little, too.”

“I knew it, you looked like a biter in all your kid pictures.”

“What’s that supposed to mean!?”

───

All eyes were on the three of you when you entered the apartment, Penny—who was back to normal and happy the whole ride home—started wiggling in Eddie’s hold when she saw half the group of her favorite people waiting for her.

“What happened?” Nancy demanded, turning away from watching Jonathan wipe the baby food off of Wayne’s face. It looked pointless to Eddie considering most of the baby food was on Jonathan.

You and Eddie exchanged smirks, already having predicated their reactions in the car.

“She bit a kid.”

They erupted into cheers, crowding around Penny when she ran to the living room, forcing herself onto Steve’s lap after Eddie put her down to hear all about it.

You watched in amusement, relaxing back into Eddie’s embrace as he slipped his arms around you from behind. He pressed a few wet kisses to the side of your neck, nipping once at your jaw.

“You know, if you still feel the need to bite someone, I’d be more than happy to be of service, Hannibal.”

“You’re not gonna let that go, are you?”

He just hummed into your neck, but you could tell by the smile you felt pressed into the skin there that no, he was so not gonna let that go.

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headkiss · 2 years ago

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hello!! i luv luv your writings so much!, i was wondering if you could do a little something about reuniting with steve after the battle of starcourt? like the part where there’s firefighters and ambulances outside the mall and stuff

hiiii tysm for ur request!!! i hope u like it :D | 0.7k of hurt/comfort i think ??

Steve hates lying to you, but he tells himself that as long as it’s for your safety, it’s okay.

The Upside Down wasn’t something he wanted to even talk about, let alone involve you in its mess. The best thing he ever did was fall in love with you, and he refused to let interdimensional monsters take that away from him.

He questioned that, however, when he was cracking the code alongside Robin and Dustin. He thinks, if you were there to help they would’ve figured it out a lot sooner. You might have also been able to stop them

from getting trapped in a Russian elevator, of all places.

You were on his mind through it all. Thinking about what you would do in his place, how you would manage to get out. He knows you would, and he also knows that without you, he wouldn’t have.

Without knowing it, you saved him.

Meanwhile, you were panicking. You hadn’t heard from Steve in far too long and it was worrying you beyond belief. He never failed to call you after work, to make plans or to check in. Not until now.

You tried telling your friends, your parents, but nobody believed something was wrong. ‘I’m sure he’s fine,’ ‘he’s old enough to take care of himself,’ ‘maybe his phone’s broken.’ None of them knew him the way you did, though.

Then, the news caught your attention. A fire at the mall, leaving some dead and even more injured. You don’t know how, but you knew Steve was there, and you left in a rush to see him.

Steve assured the paramedics time and time again that he was fine, to check on the kids first, but his face was beaten, and they wouldn’t leave him alone.

Now, bandaged and wrapped in a blanket, he sits in the back of an ambulance, the doors open and his legs swinging above the concrete. He wonders how he’ll explain himself to you this time, if there’s any excuse that would work at all. If maybe it’s time to tell you everything.

Even the thought of it terrifies him, because the last thing he wants to do is put you in danger, but he doesn’t think he’ll be able to hide the nightmares or the wounds—both visible and not—anymore.

You’re pushing your way through crowds. First responders, news anchors, anyone. As time passes and you don’t find Steve, your nerves pick up. You're spinning around, frantic, when you finally see him.

“Steve,” you say, not loud enough to hear. You repeat yourself, and this time, he looks up and his face softens.

He stands up, leaves the blanket behind and walks towards you. You meet him in the middle, almost running to get to him. You collide in a crushing hug, one of his hands cradling the back of your head, the other squeezing you to him.

“Oh my god,” you’re trying not to cry, the relief overwhelming, “I was so scared.”

“Shh, baby. I’m okay.”

His voice is a lifeline, it slows the current of your whirling thoughts. He’s here, he’s alive. You hold him impossibly tighter.

The hug lasts minutes, the both of you quiet as you hold each other. When you do pull away, you don’t go far, and neither does he, his arms wrapped around your waist.

“Your face,” you gasp. You hadn’t even noticed the bandages before. Your hands hold his cheeks as gently as possible.

“It’s nothing.”

His hands work their way underneath your shirt, only to feel your skin, to remind himself that this time, you’re real, not just his mind conjuring you up to help him escape. This time, he’s free and he’s never leaving you ever again.

“What happened, Stevie? On the news, they said it was a fire. I thought- I thought something happened to you,” your voice breaks and he hates it. “I called so many times just in case you were home and-”

“Hey, hey, hey. Take a breath,” he breathes with you, in and out. “It wasn’t a fire.”

“What?”

He doesn’t know if it’s the concern in your eyes, the fear in your voice that makes him decide to be honest, but he can’t keep it from you when you care so much. When you love him the way you do.

“I’ll explain everything, I promise. When we’re home.”

I am home, you think. In his arms, that’s how you feel. You nod anyway and drop your forehead against his chest. He tilts his head down to kiss the top of yours once, then twice.

He’s home, too.

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undreaming-fanfiction · 2 years ago

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Banished (1)

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3

After the shitshow of spring 1986, all parents are kind of worried about leaving their kids with Eddie again, even when he was proven innocent. It’s not that they think he killed Chrissy, but they are afraid that their kids might be targeted for the association with Eddie, like Dustin and Lucas were before.

Even though Eddie doesn’t want to show it, it breaks his heart because he really loves his bunch of gremlins (and the new additions as well, El, Will and Max who finally joined some of their sessions after healing). He tries to accept it though, perhaps stepping back a bit, not hanging out too much because he wants to keep them safe, damn it, they survived the Upside Down and they’re not going to be harmed by a town mob. Especially not because of him.

Steve notices Eddie pulling away first, of course he does, but he has no way to fix this. The kids’ parents trust him, yes, but he’s not that much older than the party so his voice doesn’t have the power to persuade them. And he tries, he really, really tries. The answer is still the same - “maybe when things settle down a bit”, but damn it, they need Eddie now, and he has a feeling that Eddie needs them too.

When Steve vents to Robin, he mentions how hurt the kids are, especially Dustin (and he doesn’t also say so about himself, no, doesn’t admit how much he misses that loud laughter, the endless fantasy ramblings, the odes to his guitar), Robin just smiles at him and pats his back. “Can’t make any promises, but I might have an idea what to do.”

What happens is as follows.

Robin goes to Nancy to ask for help. She refuses to have Steve present and there might have been some gossip involved because Nancy looks at him in a funny way afterwards and says: “Give me a bit more time, you might just get what you want.” And winks at him. Nancy Wheeler winks at him.

Nancy goes for the throat and ambushes her mother. Karen Wheeler is a caring, sympathetic woman, and Nancy talks to her about who Eddie is, how he’s helping the kids, how he made Mike’s high school experience bearable, even enjoyable. She tells her bits and pieces (not all, definitely not everything, but enough) about his home life and what Eddie means to the whole party. She also mentions (maybe with a small smirk. Definitely with a smirk) that Steve will be driving the kids around anyway and while the mob might go for a few teenagers, they definitely will not mess with Steve Harrington. If nothing else, the Harrington family would absolutely sue. “Please, mom,” she finishes her plea, leaning into Karen. “There aren’t many people those kids can relate to. And Eddie doesn’t deserve to be punished even more, especially for something he didn’t do.”

And Karen Wheeler just nods with a deep sigh, hugs her daughter and picks up the phone. She makes several calls and Nancy doesn’t want to listen in (well, maybe she does, but Karen is very assertive on the phone so it doesn’t take much), but she hears phrases such as “Claudia, do you know he actually saved Dustin during the earthquake? Exactly. I’ve reconsidered my decision and frankly, so should you,” and “I get that you are upset about the incident with the police car, but please understand. It’s exactly the kids sticking together that saved them and I absolutely don’t intend to dissuade them from doing that.”

A few hours later, Karen Wheeler emerges from the phone with a victorious smile on her face. She knocks on Nancy’s door and asks her if she could make sure Steve is available tomorrow, to drop the kids off. Also for dinner, they might not be together anymore but she still likes him, considers him family. “But please call him in twenty minutes or so”, she adds, “I have one more call to make.”

The phone is not picked up immediately, but when it is, there is a cautious “hello?” at the other end. Karen’s heart skips a beat when she hears the fear in that voice, fear of more accusing calls, of insults, assumptions. She curses herself for ever taking a part in that, even if with the best intentions.

“Hello, this is Karen Wheeler,” she announces, making sure her voice sounds normal and collected. “Am I speaking to Eddie?”

There’s a gasp at the end of the line, and then a quick “Y-yes, this is Eddie. Look, Mrs. Wheeler, I swear your son is safe, I haven’t been around him in-”

“Eddie,” she interrupts him, strict but kind. “I know. And I thank you for indulging me...and the other parents. But there have been some changes. Would you be free tomorrow at...let’s say, six PM? Join us for dinner, from what I understand, all the kids will be here for their fantasy game. They have been complaining nonstop it’s not the same without you,” she finishes in a soft tone.

“I’d...I’d love to, I really would,” he says, voice strained, and Karen grips the receiver tightly. She is a social person by nature, but she really wants to meet Eddie now, properly meet him and talk to him. “But it’s not just you, Mrs. Wheeler, even if I have your permission, the others-”

“Will not be a problem,” she completes the sentence for him, smiling into the phone as if Eddie could see her. “I talked to them before calling you. They all gave their okay and will drive their children over, so you can check with them too. But I assure you, it will not be necessary. You are welcome to join us, Eddie.”

“O...okay.” There is a quiet sound at the other end, perhaps a sniffle, rustling of a tissue? “Thank you, Mrs. Wheeler. Thank you so much. I will...I will be there. Six, you said?”

“Yes, six. See you tomorrow, Eddie.”

As she hangs up the phone, she sees Nancy leaning on the wall, smiling. “You’re the best, mom,” she whispers and hugs her. “You really can’t tell where I get the fighting spirit from?”

Karen Wheeler just laughs, returns the embrace and starts planning tomorrow’s dinner. The phone is finally free.

Steve picks up almost immediately and when Nancy tells him the newest developments, there is a huge sigh of relief and she can just tell the way Steve is smiling into the phone, running a hand through his hair. “I could just kiss you and your mom,” he laughs after he confirms he’ll be there no matter what.

Nancy just snickers because there is no expectation, no unfulfilled hope there, just warmth that comes with Steve’s friendship. “Hmm...thank you, but I’ll pass this time. How about you kiss Eddie instead?”

She hangs up the phone to Steve’s sputtering and, once she’s certain he can’t hear her, laughs until her sides hurt because a shy Steve Harrington? That’s a new one and something she definitely cannot miss.

#steddie #steddie drabble #implied ronance #I mean very small but I see them at a similar relationship stage to Eddie and Steve #eddie munson #robin buckley #steve harrington #nancy wheeler #karen wheeler #strangerthings #stranger things drabble #strangerthingsdrabble #stranger things

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imaginationjunkie · 4 years ago

Text

Dancing with our hands tied

Jason Todd x Reader

It’s kinda soft

Thought of these songs while writing, so give them a listen while reading!

Note: Jason’s 25 and the reader is 21

I was always a fan of the over the top charity galas Bruce Wayne threw. The elitists in their flashy riches, extravagant decorations and endless varieties of food, and a certain Wayne brother in a suit. It was all very amusing to witness.

I felt like a princess walking down the stairs with Tim every time, who refused to ever get an actual date. So I’d been stuck being his unofficial date for the 5 years that I’d known him. Not that I minded much; he was my best friend after all.

I chose a simple flowy dress tonight, blood red in color, silky like water. The subtle eyes that followed me through the evening didn’t go unnoticed.

But my eyes followed just one sight. A sight that erupted the unwanted greenness of jealousy as I sulked in a corner, celebrating turning 21 recently with a champagne flute in hand.

I felt him before I saw him. Warmth soothed my skin at his presence, despite the fact that I was unfairly mad at him. It wasn’t like he was my boyfriend.

Easier to say than do, and thus all the salt in the world seemed to be in my tone as I spoke first.

“Where’s your date?”

Jason Todd’s eyes might’ve been cool blue, but the feel of them didn’t match the description. The side of my head felt like it would burst into golden flames under the intensity of his stare.

But they were the good kind of flames, the best kind of flames. It was almost miraculous, the way I managed to keep my calm.

“She bailed, something about her sick grandma,” was his soft response.

“Hmm.”

“What’s with the tone?” He leaned closer, hot breath teasing my cheek. Jason had gotten awfully bold since the first time we met, when he couldn’t even look into my eyes straight.

“Is it jealousy I sense?”

I tried to be subtle about my sharp inhale. Judging by the stutter of his lips as he suppressed a smirk, I failed.

But why hide anymore? I was never one to hold back anyway. “Yes, it is.”

It was my turn to take his breath away. I turned my head, challenging him with my stare. But I was too tangled in his game to play in charge. He had me, and he knew it. Right?

A smile filled with swirls of mischief and satisfaction designed his lips. Yes, he definitely knew it.

It caught me off guard, the unfiltered beauty of it. Of him. Watching Jason Todd smile, really smile, was not for the weak hearted.

“Then I think you’ll be happy to know that she wasn’t a date. Just a friend.”

Eyes the color of a swirling blue sea, a face handsome enough to cause heartache. Why’d it take me so long to realize that I could never resist him? Not even in a million years. Not even if Ryan Gosling came offering himself to me.

A little too far?

Maybe, but it’s true. What to do?

I was just about to walk away from him, refill the empty flute of champagne to bring back sparkle to my uneventful evening. A large hand wrapping around my wrist stopped me.

“Let’s dance,” he said with the softness of tulle, pulling my frame closer to his larger one. Close enough to smell his cologne. Like a creep in the street, I subtly took a slow sniff of it.

It’d never stop amusing me, how a man who seemed as rough and rugged around the edges as he did had so much softness in him.

And smelled so. damn. good.

“M’kay,” I agreed, following as he led the way to the ballroom. Or so I thought.

“I thought you wanted to dance?” I inquired, looking back at the flashing dance floor full of people we left behind.

“I do.” His eyes twinkled as he looked back at me, still walking to God knows where with my hand in his.

“We literally just crossed the dance floor, where else on earth do you plan on taking me dancing?”

“Who said anything about a dance floor?” Jason smirked, coming to a stop in the garden behind the manor.

Even though it was off limits to Bruce’s guests tonight, the garden looked particularly beautiful. Strings of fairy lights decorated the flawlessly kept greens and flowers, courtesy of Alfred. The pool lights were on, and a surreal soft blue glow lit up the water.

It matched Jason’s eyes.

But that wasn’t all. Long fingers tilted my chin up, and a gasp reverberated the air as my eyes met the mystical view. Stars glittered the midnight canvas endlessly, and in the center of it all sat the full moon like a queen.

She was regal tonight.

My mouth was slightly open in awe, and Jason’s fingers on my chin softly closed it as he chuckled.

“I’m guessing you like the view?”

“Like it? I might as well marry it!” I exclaimed, eyes wide with glee as I gripped his shoulders.

“Dick used to bring his, ahem, lady companions to charm them back when I was Robin. I’d always barge in and interrupt to interrogate about the last woman I saw with him,” he laughed while recalling the memory.

“Did it work?” I smiled back and stood closer to him, the fronts of our bodies slightly touching. My hands had come down to rest on his chest now, and while my eyes were up roaming the sky, my soul’s attention was solely on him.

He shuffled with something in his suit pocket. “Did what work?”

“Dick’s method of charming the ladies?”

“Judging by the walks of shame Alfred and I had to witness every morning after each Wayne gala, yes. It very much did.”

I felt Jason put something in my ear, and finally looked down from the stars to his eyes in confusion. It was an airpod, and I watched silently as he put the other one in his ear.

“I promise I’m not a creep or anything, but I stalked your Spotify playlists and found one titled ‘dancing under the stars’.” He confessed. In a very un-Jason like manner, he looked almost sheepish.

He didn’t look at me as he pressed play and pocketed his phone. Almost immediately ‘Dancing with our hands tied’ by Taylor Swift came on, and he took my hand in his.

Tingles shot up the pit of my stomach as his free arm wrapped around my waist, fingers resting on my hip. We swayed in beat to the music in our ears, eyes on eyes.

I, I loved you in secret First sight, yeah, we love without reason Oh, twenty-five years old Oh, how were you to know,

The lords, and anyone who knew me actually, knew how big of a swiftie I was. The fact that he had put in the effort to pick the absolute perfect song to dance to had to be the most romantic thing that ever happened to me.

I was completely mesmerized. Guys like this only existed in the encasement of my stash of romance novels; but time and time Jason Todd had proved that idea wrong. Every one of his gestures, one after the other, seemed to catch me off guard more than the previous one.

“Wanted to do this since I was 17,” I breathed the fresh air in, craning my neck to rest my chin on his shoulder. This right here was all I needed to relax. This was my very own customized form of peace.

“Yeah, Tim let it slip when he got drunk on your birthday and started blabbing about how you’re growing up in front of his eyes,” he laughed and pulled back to twirl me.

I crashed back into his chest softly, grinning at his revelation.

“It’s so hard to believe you guys are best friends, that Timmy’s actually capable of having normal human conversations other than his usual nerdy blabber,” Jason continued, pulling me even closer to him while dancing.

No objections were made from my side as I obliged (obviously), staring up at his eyes.

They were like an oceanic maze, too easy to get lost in. Too dangerous to get lost in.

“He’s a good friend. Awfully robot-like at times though, and he always smells of coffee.” I breathed with a chuckle as the air around us got intense.

The gold of the fairy lights hit his eyes, making them shine brighter than the stars above I let my hands grip the hairs on his neck, watching carefully as he took a sharp breath in response.

If there was something Jason and my relationship, whatever that it was, didn’t lack, it was moments like these. Moments where we had a conversation with our eyes, expressing how much we wanted to kiss each other, how much we wanted to stay frozen in the present and relish in the feel of our undeniable chemistry.

It had been going on for way too long, and even Tim was getting tired of us not taking the leap of faith.

Initially he was pretty against it, but when he saw exactly how much I felt for his brother, his blessings for us suddenly started pouring in.

“Uhuh,” Jason hummed. An electric sensation buzzed the air around us as the chorus hit, and all the space between our bodies vanished. Butterflies went haywire in the places of my body he touched. He was everywhere.

But we were dancing Dancing with our hands tied, hands tied Yeah, we were dancing Like it was the first time, first time

“Stop me if you don’t want it,” he harshly whispered, brows furrowed and eyes clouded with desire as he tucked a few loose strands of my hair behind my ear.

“I do,” I whispered in response, knowing exactly what he meant.

His breath hit my lips, forehead fell against mine in a moment of desire and the next thing I knew, he was kissing me.

It was needy and rushed and a thousand other adjectives, but it was my most perfect kiss. It would always be my most perfect kiss.

Jason’s muscular arms encircled my waist as he pressed me up against him, gripping my sides and lifting me to stand on his feet. My own arms wrapped around his neck, and a sneaky stutter of a moan escaped my lips, earning me a groan from him.

Passion burned us under the cool night air as we kissed and kissed and kissed, all thoughts of oxygen forgotten in our haze of need.

But even our passion couldn’t defy nature. We pulled back to breathe in as much air as we could, but instead of diving back in towards each other’s lips like I expected us to, Jason simply stared at me with eyes that now looked navy from being hooded.

It was a stare of a few seconds that seemed like hours as his thumbs brushed the side of my face. The fire of need from a while back was gone, but the desire wasn’t.

We both tried to calm ourselves, but an unstoppable part of me leaned up to press a kiss on his cheek. He blushed.

“Wanted to do that since you were 17,” he said cheekily, hands tracing my back as we now let ‘Wonderland’ by Taylor amuse our ears.

“Liar,” I grinned. “You couldn’t even look at me back then.”

“Yeah, because I’d do this if I looked at you for more than 5 seconds. I had no plans of going to jail for getting handsy with a minor,” he replied, leading us to the wooden benches Bruce had installed in the garden a few weeks earlier.

I lifted a teasing brow, masking my shock at the fact that he wanted to kiss me even back then.

“And how’re you so sure I would’ve let you get handsy with me? For all you know I could have kicked you in the balls myself.”

“Don’t act coy, you could never stop staring at me when you were over,” he smirked, sitting down on the bench and pulling me to his lap.

I hesitated for a second, my brain getting lost in the fact that after months of banters and unbelievable tension, interruptions and two sided pining, I was finally in this position. Where we were able to be open about our want for each other.

Sensing my hesitation, his smirk dropped. “This is okay right?”

I snapped back to reality, taking his nervous expression in. Yes, this was real. And I wouldn’t waste a second of the time God gave me with Jason. I smirked and ran my fingers through his dark locks, making him close his eyes.

“Of course it is, just thinking about how long it took for you to man up and kiss me,”

“Excuse me, you could’ve-”

I cut him off by pressing my lips to his. He responded almost immediately, putting his hand on my hip as I sat sideways on his lap. Unlike the first one, this kiss was sweet and slow. We were cherishing the night with it.

“About damn time, I thought all my teeth were gonna fall out due to old age before Todd here grew some balls,” the sudden voice of a certain sass filled Wayne interrupted us.

My magical night with Jason ended with him running after his kid brother Damian, teasing him about kicking his ass.

But that was okay, because I was happy. Jason was happy. The long wait for him, for us, was worth it.

Even though he gave off the impression that he couldn’t care less, I knew that the reason he hadn’t made a move was because he wanted Tim to be completely fine with us being a thing.

Alongside being friends with Tim, I became friends with his brothers and Alfred over the years. I knew of their nightlife, and everything that went on behind the polished doors of the Wayne Manor. I knew Jason well enough to know that his tough posterior and damn care attitude was just a facade.

Being with Jason wouldn’t be a walk in the park, and I knew that too. He was reckless and intense, impulsive and careless.

But he was also sweet and passionate, and his love would brand you like a tattoo with it’s depth. I was willing to give my 110% to make it work with him.

Because even fairy tales take sacrifice and effort to get a happy ending. And I’d do about anything to make sure I earned mine.

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peterxwade24 · 4 years ago

Text

Safety Found in Red Sleeves

This is something I’ve been planning for a long time and I hope you all enjoy this story.

Also, what do you think of title of the fic? Should I change the title or is it good?

Prologue

Thana, all of two years old and already so smart, laid awake at night, every night, listening to her mother pry open her bedroom window and slip out into the night. Thana, a spry little slip of a girl, would lie awake all night waiting for her mother to come home.

Thana took several naps during the day, knowing she’d need to be awake to listen for her mom.

---

Thana, all of three years old, stared up into the blue eyes of the man her mother claimed was her father. She took in his features, seeing only slight similarities between his face and her own. She saw her mother’s tense form hanging in the doorway, observing the interaction. She focused all of her attention on the man, Tetch. She narrowed her eyes and straightened her shoulders. “I don’t like you and I don’t like what you’ve been doing to my mom.”

Tetch’s face broke out in a face-splitting grin. “She’s definitely mine. Oh my dearest Alice,” he turned his attention to Thana's mother and made to take a step towards her but was stopped by Thana, “she’s just like you but just like me.”

Thana stared at the blue eyed man and continued to glare at him. “No I’m not. I’m my own person.”

---

Thana, a few months past her third birthday, refused to let the tears fall over her rapidly bruising cheek. She held her head high, feeling blood trickle down over her lips, as she bared her teeth to the man who called himself her father. “You can hit me as many times as you want, you will not break my spirit. You will not make me into one of your Alices.”

Jervis Tetch’s face split into a manic grin. “Perfect.” His voice was full of a dark glee and would have sent shivers down Thana’s spine if she hadn’t already desensitized herself to his particular brand of dark glee.

---

Thana, a few months shy of four years old, stood behind their apartment’s door her hand still raised to wave her mother off. Thana felt Tetch’s hand land on her shoulder, his grip tightening to an almost bruising hold.

---

Thana, barely four years old, picked up her mother’s cell phone in her shaky, blood covered hands. She dialled the number for the GCPD and waited anxiously for someone to pick up the phone.

“Gotham City Police Department. This is Stacy. How may I direct your call?”

“My mommy’s dead. I don’t know, I didn’t know who else to call?”

“Oh sweetheart. Give me one second. Can you stay on the line while I connect your call to one of our detectives?”

Thana nodded before remembering that she was on the phone. “Yes ma’am.” Thana waited all of maybe a minute before a second voice sounded from the phone.

“Hi. I’m Detective Donald Peak. Can you tell me your name?”

“My mommy’s dead. Can you help?”

“Sweetheart, what’s your address?”

Thana rattled off her address, something her mother had made her memorize in case of any situation.

---

Thana, a month past her fourth birthday, packed her belongings into a backpack she found in the back of her mother’s closet before she climbed out of her bedroom window. She clung to the side of her building as she slid her window closed before looking down at the alley under her feet.

Thana let go of the building and successfully landed in the, thankfully, full dumpster that had, conveniently, been left open. She scrambled out of the dumpster and flung herself at the pavement beside the dumpster. Thana glanced back up at her bedroom, remembering all of the days she spent playing with her mother in her bedroom, before she turned around and dashed into the night.

---

Thana, eyes wide to what goes on in the world, knew there was someone following her as she ducked in and out of alleyways. Thana shrunk back into the shadows and waited for him to get close enough for her to control the situation.

The boy, because he couldn’t be too much older than she was, ducked into the alleyway she was hiding in and walked right in front of her. She stuck out one of her legs and tripped him, because he hadn’t been expecting it.

“Why have you been following me?” Thana planted her foot in the middle of his chest, fully aware that he could break out of her hold.

“You’re so small. How old are you?” He looked up at her with his eyes searching her face in the limited light streaming into the alley from an oddly placed window.

“Why. Have You. Been. Following. Me?” Thana growled out before her body froze and she hauled the boy to his feet and pushed him back into the shadows. Thana turned to glare at the boy when he made a noise.

“Oh Alice! My little Alice! Come out come out wherever you are! Daddy wants to play!” Tetch’s voice bounced around the alley, causing Thana to sink back deeper into the shadows, and unconsciously into the boy’s arms. “Wherever did my little Alice run off to?!”

Thana waited until she couldn’t hear his voice anymore before she grabbed the boy’s hand and ran out of the alley in the opposite direction that Tetch had walked in.

They ran the length of three city blocks before Thana turned and dragged them into a different alley.

Thana slumped against a wall beside a dumpster, pulling her knees up to her chest and forgetting the boy was there for a moment, until he opened his mouth.

“Your name is Alice?” The boy asked as he crouched in front of Thana. “And Mad Hatter is your dad?”

“My name is Thana, and Jervis Tetch is just the man who knocked up my mother.”

---

The boy, who Thana learned was named Jason, stuck around and helped her with her homework. He even shared his last name with her, Todd, and said he was okay with her using it as her own.

Thana walked the streets of Gotham unafraid with her brother at her side.

---

Thana smiled up at her big brother, happier than she’d been in a long time. She wrapped her arms around him, feeling him wrap his own arms, encased in the red sleeves of his hoodie, around her in return.

“I love you Jay-Jay.”

“I love you too Pixie.” Jason smiled and pulled back from his sister. He pulled out a bag from some hidey-hole and his smile grew as he handed the bag to his sister.

“Is this?” Thana opened the bag and looked up at her brother with tear-filled eyes. She gently lifted the red hoodie out of the bag and pressed it against her chest. “Jay-Jay?”

“Surprise.”

---

Thana walked out of the elementary building late one night, and was surprised when she didn’t find her brother. She simply shrugged, he had been missing the day before too, but startled when a boy in a cape landed beside her.

“A little birdie told me that you would need my assistance.”

She smiled and nodded. “Yeah, my brother usually walks with me but I’m not sure where he- you’re not Robin. Who’re you?”

The boy in the cape awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck with his green glove covered hand. “I’m Robin, just not the original. He decided to go out on his own.” He held out his hand and in the faint star light exposed the red sleeves covering his arms.

Thana looked from the red sleeves up into the face of the boy in th- Robin. “Jay-Jay?”

Robin’s eyes widened and he quickly looked around. “Pixie. You’re not supposed to be able to tell who I am.”

Thana smiled and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Only Jay-Jay knows that I trust people in red sleeves more willingly than people in sleeves of any other colour.”

---

Thana screamed and cried, punching and kicking the adults dragging her away from her brother.

“We’ve found a relative of your mother’s! Isn’t that exciting?!” The lady was overly cheerful, ignoring the heart-wrenching sobs pouring out of Thana’s tiny body.

“No! I want to stay with my brother!”

---

Thana stared up at the Asain woman who had introduced herself as Sabine Cheng, a cousin of her mother.

“My husband, Tom, and I run a bakery in Paris. We’d like you to come live with us. We’d like to take care of you.”

“I don’t get an option here, do I?” Thana looked from the Asain woman to her husband, a large man with a mustache. “Why’d you even drag me down here if you weren’t going to give me an option?”

---

Thana, now called Marinette by her French family, adjusted the straps on her book bag as she looked at herself in the mirror. Thana, dressed in clothes her new parents approved of, tried to smile. “Hi. My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” Thana let the false smile fall from her face and shook out of her hands.

Thana walked down the stairs, a smile on her face to appease her new parents, and grabbed the box of macarons Tom made so she could impress her new classmates. “Thanks.”

Thana walked out of the bakery, the box of macarons held in her arms like a precious package. She walked to the school and counted the sidewalk blocks as she walked. She let out a breath as she reached the entrance of the l’école élémentaire Tom and Sabine had enrolled her in.

Thana’s first impression of the school was that it was too big and scary. Her second impression of the school was that she was terrified that she was starting a new school and her brother wasn’t at her side.

“My name is Marinette now. I need to stop referring to myself as Thana.” Marinette thought to herself as she walked into the courtyard. She glanced around the courtyard, saw all of the kids, and felt her fear return full force. She gathered up her courage and walked into the courtyard and instantly felt all of the students’ eyes on her.

Marinette let it wash over her, pushing her fear back as far as it will go, and straightened her shoulders. She strode through the courtyard and into the building, hoping to find the principal’s office without having to ask anyone.

Marinette strode into the principal’s office and smiled at the man. “Hello. I’m Marinette Dupain-Cheng. I believe my parents Tom Dupain and Sabine Cheng called you and enrolled me in your school?”

---

Marinette didn’t make a lot of friends while enrolled in the l’école élémentaire, but the ones she did make were ones she was planning on keeping.

The first friend she made was a boy named Lê Chiến Kim. She only befriended him because he wore red sleeves and reminded her of her big brother.

The second friend was a boy named Nino Lahiffe. He played music that reminded her of home, the street music in Gotham was very similar to the music Nino played.

The third, and final, friend she made was a girl named Chloé Bourgeois. Chloé reminded Marinette of Robin, her brother’s alter ego, with the way she commanded respect.

---

The four ten year olds pushed through the glares directed at them by the other students, they didn’t care. They had each other and that was enough.

---

Marinette’s eleventh birthday came and went, and for the second year in a row she didn’t receive anything from her brother in Gotham. She put a smile on her face for the sake of her new parents and her new friends, despite the fact that she felt like she was dying.

---

Marinette had just turned thirteen, Jay-Jay was sixteen, and she searched the internet looking for anything that would let her know what her brother had been up to. Marinette shut down when the biggest trending news story was the death of “Billionaire Bruce Wayne’s sixteen year old son”, no one could get her out of her depressive state.

---

Chloé, Nino and Kim helped Marinette through it all, the arrival of Lila Rossi and the appearance of tiny gods called Kwamis.

It was the strength of that friendship which allowed the four of them to succeed in everything they set their minds to, the strength of the love they shared that allowed them to tackle any situation in front of them.

Taglist

@southamericangothamite @maribat-is-lifeblood @mystery-5-5 @our-preciousss

#new fic #Safety Found in Red Sleeves #mlb crossover #ml x dc #ml crossover #mlb x dc #gothamite!Marinette #platonic sibling jasonette #Chloé + Nino + Kim + Marinette are really good friends

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hargrove-mayfields · 3 years ago

Text

Just A Dream Away

Chapter 5/13 read here on ao3!

for @harringrovebigbang

~~~~

Robin gets to the phone first.

Steve was too busy wallowing in his bed to get up and answer, though he figures it might be worth seeing who it is that’s calling. None of the kids call him anymore, but he always considers, even if it’s for just a moment, that it could be an emergency. He’ll know whenever he decides to get up, or if Robin even decides to pick it up.

Its ring echoes shrill and loud in the apartment, the tone making him want to wrap himself in a blanket and never come out, so he slides out of his bed, calling down the stairs in search of a solution to end the noise, “You gonna get that Rob?”

For a moment, he wonders if she’ll even respond. It’s barely been a couple of hours since he made her cry, but she calls back, “Are you expecting a call?”

Relieved to know she at least still tolerates him, Steve answers, “Nope.”

“Then no.” Comes her simple response, and the phone ringing promptly dies out, “Guess it didn’t matter anyways.”

But almost immediately, it starts up again, somehow sounding more sharp than before. Steve tells her just to get it so the ringing will stop, coming down the steps to see for himself who it is calling.

He watches Robin pull the receiver from its base, in the place of a greeting going straight for, “What do you want?”

Steve takes note of the fact that her mood isn’t entirely better yet, though he’s definitely glad she’s taking those feelings out on the telephone and not on him, but, despite her abrasiveness, she still receives no response.

It looks like she’s going to hang up before she hears something, her features closing off as she focuses on whatever comes through the other end, “Hello? I can’t hear you. Who is this?”

There’s a whining static loud enough for even Steve to hear from the other side of the room, getting louder, and then a pop that makes the lights flicker and the phone die out, making Robin shriek and drop it, shaking out her hand.

“Son of a bitch shocked me.” She mumbles, picking up the dead receiver and showing Steve the two burnt ends.

In the moment though, something he’ll perhaps feel bad for another time, Steve isn’t worried about his friend. He isn’t rushing to see what happened and check if she got burnt, he instead just freezes up, filtering through the overwhelming questions filling his head to ask, “Did you hear who it was?”

“No, it just sounded like it was all distorted.”

Her answer is nonchalant, but it makes Steve feel weak and panicky, sitting down at the table as pale as a ghost.

That’s obviously not a normal reaction, and Robin asks, tone more afraid than concerned, which he thinks that’s appropriate for what just happened, “What’s going on Steve?”

Grimly, he explains, “Mrs Byers’ phone did that twice before, blowing up after a call just like that.”

“Okay, well maybe there’s just a storm coming and it’s just a coincidence that happened to her too?” She tries to reason, but Steve already knows, he's felt this dread before. “No, Robs. It happened because Will called her from the Upside Down.”

“But then that means-“ Robin starts, working through the implications, Steve finishing the statement for her, “Someone is trapped over there.”

“Holy shit, but the gate, hasn’t it been closed for a year and a half now?“

“Unless someone else opened it, yeah.”

Stiffly she nods, asking hesitantly, be it because of her questions or the disagreement between them earlier, “Well what do we do?”

A reflection of his lack for anything but pessimistic doomsdaying anymore, Steve worries, “What can we do, Robin? I’ve only ever fought the things that end up in our world, and you’ve never even seen half of the monsters that come from over there. We’re too overpowered here.”

More rational than her friend, Robin suggests, “I think we should get a hold of Eleven. You said she's the one that really understands any of this other dimension stuff. She can help.”

But Steve shakes his head, “Her powers are gone. She might know what to do, but I don’t think she’ll be able to do anything.”

“So you just want to leave whoever it is over there?”

“No, fuck no. That’s not what I mean.”

“Then what should we do?”

“I don’t know..” Steve frowns, thinking hard before he answers determinedly, “But whoever it is, they reached out to us. We have to help them.”

~~~~

The phone doesn’t work.

What is Billy supposed to do? He’s tried everything, and with his last resort at reaching out a dud, he’s not sure what else he even can do.

So, in true Billy Hargrove fashion, he lashes out, cursing and unnecessarily yanking the phone jack out of the wall, the plastic handheld skidding across the kitchen tile into the corner, “Goddamnit!”

The noise may have been a mistake though, because, despite how sure he was the dogs wouldn’t find this place, he hears a chitter, and the click of claws on hardwood floors. The damn thing is in the house, and his machete is by the door.

A recurring theme with these hell beasts, is that there’s never enough time to run, but unless he wants to use decorative mugs or a cookie jar to fight it, he doesn’t have much of a choice but to try.

He makes two mistakes as he runs, the first being that he hesitates, not wanting to leave Steve. Even if he couldn’t find him he had gotten so damn close, but a snarl from the dog puts things into perspective, and, with a heavy feeling of remorse in his chest, he leaves through the backdoor as quietly as he can, bolting down the rotting back steps.

His second mistake is looking over his shoulder. Just as his boots touch brittle grass, he decides just to glance back and see how much space is between him and the hellhound, but the second he sees it, he just freezes up.

Because it’s fucking big, for one thing. It has to force itself through the door frame, meaning it’s wider than he is. It has a lot more teeth than the others. It’s skin is pale and it’s limbs much longer. Something tells him the others he’s seen are immature, and this one is close to its final form, whatever that may be. Either way, he’s decidedly not fucking around with that.

The daunting unfamiliarity of this part of Hawkins, intimidating as it is, isn’t Billy’s main concern right now. He just bolts like a coward, hoping against hope that there’ll be anything along his path he won’t have to corner himself to get that can be used as a weapon, basically his only other option for surviving this that this amped up dog will get bored of him fast.

But, and really, he knew this was the case, he just hadn’t wanted to admit he was prey yet, it easily charges him, going up on its back legs to knock him off his balance. It misses at first, so he thankfully doesn’t get pushed to the ground, but his reflexes, especially when blurred by emotion, are no match to a monster of this size, and before he can even process its next move, it clamps its teeth on his arm.

Now, he’s been here for a while. He’s had scratches and cuts and welts from their tails, but he’d always been quick enough, smart enough, prepared enough to not get bit. Which he really wishes was still something he could still attest to, because it fucking hurts. Razor sharp teeth from too many mouths tear into the muscle, a stinging pain all the way from the point of impact in his wrist up to his shoulder.

It’s his fault, all this stuff with Steve was getting to his head, feeling his presence and hearing his voice again for the first time in god knows how long only to be unable to reach him. It was doing things to his judgement.

But this is still bad. Really fucking bad.

As soon as it lets go, he knows it’s going to latch onto him again, so he does what he does best in a situation where he’s hurt and scared and alone. He cries, for one thing, but he also fights. But where he’d normally just use his fists and his ego to prove his strength, this world is built differently. Even with a pocket knife to stand up for himself that’s not enough to survive, but he’s still going to make it count. If at the end of this he goes down, it won’t be without a fight.

A fight to just get back to the way things were. To prove to himself he could do this and survive. For once in his fucking life, just to overcome hardship and move the hell forward, no cycles of hatred and pain, love and respect drawing him back. Nobody else in control of his body. Nobody else holding him back from being happy.

He just wants to survive this.

There’s blood on his jacket sleeve, but Billy refuses to look at how bad the wound truly is yet. There quite frankly isn’t enough oxygen down here to afford a panic, but from the pain and the blood alone, he knows it’s not going to be good for him.

The fighting isn’t going too well either, with only one arm not weighed down by injury and a knife the size of his palm his last standing lines of defense, it’s mostly him dodging the creature and flailing his limbs to either stop an incoming bite or confuse it, both of them too confident in its ability to tear him to shreds to advance further than that.

But it gets bored of fucking around with him, and it rises to its back legs again, and Billy knows he’s fucked, squeezing his eyes shut and blocking his face, but the attack never comes. There’s a huge crack of lightning in the ever looming storm above, and a chorus of eerie chittering from more dogs at varying degrees of closeness to where they are, and it draws the attention of the big one away.

While the monster is distracted, he uses that opportunity to his advantage, takes charge of his circumstances to give himself a fighting chance. That strategy never worked for him before, only ever got him into deeper shit, but he can’t exactly just stand here and be monster bait either so, though it breaks his heart to put that distance between him and Steve, Billy chooses to run.

#harringrove big bang 2021 #harringrove #steve x billy #billy hargrove #steve harrington #ej writer #story by ej!#tw injury #more tags on ao3 #shortest chapter by far #just filler but the one coming tomorrow is big!

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behindheremeraldeyes · 4 years ago

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title: Empty Nest

summary: It’s been a peaceful week for the Titans, as nothing bad has happened in Jump City. And although she knew she should be enjoying that while she could, Raven just couldn’t rest until her little Robin returned to his nest.

a/n: okay... This is my very first DamiRae fic and I’m really really excited-slash-nervous about this! To be honest, it was very hard to work with their own particularities and I guess that was why I had such a great time writing this fic! It’s a fluff, not very complicated (but definitely longer than I had originally planned), and I do hope you guys can enjoy it! Constructive criticism is VERY MUCH appreciated, please! It’s a new experience for me, English is not my main language and I would love it if you could tell me your honest opinion (especially since I’m not really familiar with the comics yet). Have fun!

Also, I would like to thank @ravenfan1242 for being so sweet and for always making my dash so beautiful! Thank you so so much for making me feel so welcomed!

Pairing: Damian x Raven

The clock was striking 3:07 am, but her amethyst eyes were still wide open as she flipped yet another page of her newest, mystery book. The tower was quiet, as most of its inhabitants were asleep, and from her large window, she could see the dim lights of Jump city flickering across the distant shore. For an entire week, there had been no reports on villainous acts, and apparently, that night would be no different.

Life seemed to be oddly peaceful, and for she knew better than to believe that would last forever, Raven was determined to enjoy every second of that temporary peace. It had been ages since she had last stayed up late reading, hence, the empath figured that would be the perfect opportunity to share such a delightful night with a hard-covered book.

Yes, that was definitely the reason why she was awake at such late hours of the dawn. Or at least that was the lie she had been telling herself for the past 6 hours.

Though it wasn’t really unusual for her to get lost in the pages of a good novel, Raven was just too stubborn to buy her own excuse. She knew the book was but a mere consequence of her insomnia— the sole whiteness of what has become of her nights whenever her little bird was summoned by the bat.

Yes, as embarrassing as it could be, Damian Wayne was the reason why she was up at such late hours. Though she knew better than to doubt her boyfriend’s impeccable combat skills, it was inevitable for her not to lose sleep whenever he had to go to Gotham in order to aid his father in yet another dangerous mission. Even with Bruce and Dick constantly patrolling the streets, she has never liked that cursed city, and knowing he was there fighting against A-class criminals such as the Joker and Bane was more than enough to leave her worried.

Her heart was beating incredibly loud in her chest, the air in her lungs felt heavier and even if she had technically read over 50 pages of her book, her eyes were constantly glancing towards her phone, waiting for the only notification that could make her feel less like a ticking bomb. Raven needed to know he was safe, and that would only happen when he had time to answer the message she had strategically sent him a couple of hours after he left for his mission. She would always choose her words carefully, making sure he wouldn’t notice her real intentions, and eventually, he would end up saying he was on his way back home to the Wayne mansion or anything that would imply it.

Most of the times, Raven would just ask him to send a pic from something she knew he could only find in the mansion, such as Titus, Alfred or even a picture of himself after a warm shower. Even if she could just ask him directly about his whereabouts, the empath didn’t want him to know she was actually worried about his safety, or else his ego would certainly explode.

He is a Wayne, after all.

That night, though, instead of a not-so-random pic, she had asked him to bring her a pack of chocolate chip cookies she has only ever found in Gotham. It’s a special recipe from an old man that lives a couple of blocks away from the police department, and even if he has once shared his secrets with Raven, that delicate taste of cinnamon is still a mystery to the empath. Those cookies are probably the only good thing about that forsaken city, and if they could help her keep track on him, then they were really the best cookies she could’ve ever asked for.

An annoyed sigh escaped her lips as she could now feel her stomach growling inside her belly. If just that stupid anxiety wasn’t already enough, now Raven was also growing hungry at the thought of her cookies. At that moment, she also realized her reading wasn’t taking her anywhere, therefore she chose to shut the book and let it rest over her chest. She closed her heavy eyes for a moment, then, taking a deep breath before picking up her phone from her nightstand. It had been hardly 16 minutes since she had last checked it, and she could feel anger running through her veins.

How much longer was he gonna take with those bandits? Had Batman never heard of curfew?

Apparently, not even all of those years of meditating seemed to have prepared her for dating a Robin. She was growing impatient with every passing minute, and as she held her phone in her hands, a new, desperate idea crossed her mind.

Raven was going to call him.

Even if she rarely ever used that phone for such purposes, and even if she knew he might be busy, the purple-haired girl had made up her mind. She was going to risk inflating his ego so she could check on him, and if by Azarath she discovered he had ignored her message and was already fast asleep back home, chances were that she was going to teleport to Gotham just to scold him— even if theoretically she knew he didn’t really deserve to be scolded.

Yes, that was exactly what she was going to do. She was going to call him, and he would better have her damn cooki—

Her cellphone buzzed. A new message was displayed on the screen, and as soon as she saw his name there, her amethyst eyes widened. Quickly, the girl sat up on her bed, the book sliding from her body, and it took her less than a second to unlock her phone so she could read the words her boyfriend had sent her.

‘Long night. I’ll ask Alfred to get it for you tomorrow. On my way home now.’

Her eyes read that message at least three times so she could make sure she didn’t misunderstand his words. Once they entered her head, though, it was as if a wave of relief rushed through her system. Her heart settled, a soft smile took over her lips and it was as if she could breath normally again.

He was going home. Finally.

At last, Damian was out of the dirty streets of Gotham and on his way to the safety of the Wayne mansion. She didn’t need to worry anymore— at least not for the rest of that night— and now, she could finally allow herself to fall asleep.

But not before a warm mug of tea.

A satisfied sigh escaped her lungs and in one, swift move; Raven was standing on her feet, stretching her arms above her head. Her short, purple hair framed her small face, slowly brushing her cheeks as she walked out of her room and towards the kitchen. For everyone was already asleep, she made sure not to make any unnecessary noise as she boiled the water in the electric kettle. She opened the cabinet to get her black mug, and soon, poured the water with the tea-bag already waiting inside.

The relaxing scent of chamomile invaded her nostrils, and maybe it was because she was still trapped in that rare, blissful moment of pure peace; but that lazy smile refused to leave her lips, as she carefully made her way back to her room with her tea in hands. At last, the empath was ready to sit back, relax and even read a couple more pages while the tea lasted. Perhaps, she could even go back and try to understand what she had supposedly read in the past couple of hours so she wouldn’t waste a good book.

Yes, that seemed like a nice idea, indeed. She nodded to herself, accepting her newest decision, and expertly, she used her elbow to activate the sensor so the automatic door could slide open. Her semi-dark room quickly came into view, a soft breeze blowing her locks away, and once her amethyst eyes landed on her bed, her heart skipped a beat.

Lips parted, eyes widened and knees slightly shaken. Though the sight of that green mask on his face was far from unpleasant, Raven would be lying if she said his presence didn’t startle her.

Damian has that effect on her. Always had and always will, she knows.

“You really have to stop sleeping with your window unlocked, Rae.”

His voice filled her ears and unconsciously, her chest grew warmer at how casual that short version of her name escaped his lips. Her eyes were set on him, watching as he took off his heavy boots. His eyes weren’t looking at her, but if they were, the raven haired boy would’ve noticed the way her shoulders tensed at his presence and the way her hands had turned slightly paler around the mug. The ceramic was still hot, but at that moment, she didn’t seem to care about that, no.

Unexpectedly, her boyfriend was back. And though that was far from an emergency, nothing else seemed to matter anymore.

“Damian...” His name rolled out of her tongue almost as a whisper. What was he doing there? Why didn’t he return to the mansion where he could get some proper rest after the night patrol? Did something happen?

Slowly, the empath realized her thoughts were leading her to think about bad scenarios that could explain the whole thing, and even if she was trying not to overthink, she knew better than to believe that was even an option at such hours.

Her eyes were now clinically scanning him, and physically, he seemed to be okay. There were no signs of major bleeding and all of his limbs were where they were meant to be. Could it be that something had happened to Bruce, then? Did they have a fight and that was why he didn’t go back home? Maybe Alfred—

The sound of her room’s automatic door closing suddenly brought her back to earth, and she could finally get a hold on her thoughts. She swallowed dry, releasing a sigh she didn’t know she was holding, as she took a couple of slow steps towards him. He had finally freed his feet from those boots, and judging by the way his lips curled up, it was easy to deduce that freedom felt nice after hours of kicking bad guys.

“You—” She spoke, his face now lifting so their eyes could meet behind his mask. Perhaps she really could just ask him why he was back so soon. “What are you—“

“Even if I doubt bad guys would even consider using your window to invade the tower, I’m pretty sure Kori wouldn’t like to wake up in the middle of the night with the intruder alarm.”

“What?” She asked, confusedly, as she had clearly not payed any attention to what he had been talking about before. “The window? No, that’s not important. I—“

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m probably the only one who uses it to enter your room anyway.” He chuckled, a smirk now playing on his lips. His elbows were now resting on his knees as he moved his neck to relieve some of the tension. “And besides, we can always blame Gar for the—”

“Damian!” She started, her voice an octave louder, cutting his train of thought. Once he noticed how serious her face looked, his smirk suddenly disappeared. He was definitely listening now. “What are you doing here?”

His eyes squinted under his mask, a wrinkle forming on the bridge of his nose, and Raven realized he looked genuinely confused at her question. For a couple of seconds, the room grew silent around them, and slowly, she felt her patience dying inside of her. The clock was about to strike 4a.m and she just didn’t feel like playing games anymore.

“... I live here, remember? The Robin of the team... The future leader of the titans. Are you okay, Rae?”

“No, that was not— Tch.” She scoffed, using a hand to massage her temples. That was really not her night. “I know you live here. I just meant to ask why you’re here and not in Gotham. You usually spend the night there after patrolling with Bruce. Did something happen?”

“Oh, that.” He started, his voice now holding a calmer tone. His lips were now slightly curled up, and judging by the way he stood up and tilted his head to the right, she could tell he was trying to read her as if she was an open book. Even if he refused to admit so, Damian was very much like his father, and that certainly included Bruce’s impeccably annoying, detective skills. “Nothing happened. I told you I was coming home.”

“I-I know you did, but...” She asked, taking another step closer and pointing an accusing finger at him. Her brows were knitted, as she was clearly not in the mood for jokes. “You better not be hiding anything from me, Damian.”

A smirk crossed his lips at the sight of his girlfriend all fired up, and if anything, he didn’t back off a single inch from her. Even if she could still not see his green eyes, she knew they would be holding that sly gleam that is so characteristic of him. “Don’t worry, okay? Nothing bad happened, I swear. The patrol was quite boring tonight so I just decided to get the jet and come back a bit earlier.”

“Really? Simple as that?”

“Yes, simple as that. I give you my word.” He lifted his right hand as to illustrate his seriousness, and at that moment, after analyzing his body language, Raven thought she could believe him this time. His voice sounded calm and she couldn’t feel any turbulence in his emotions, so, perhaps, she could accept the simple answer this time. Unconsciously, then, her expression softened, and she decided she could just be happy to have him back and they could finally get some sleep together.

Simple as that, she thought.

But maybe, Raven had made up her mind too soon.

“Why are you so surprised, though?”

“What?” Her eyes widened, a confused expression taking over her face.

“Well, you seem quite surprised that I actually chose to come back. Is there any particular reason for such reaction, Raven?”

Shit.

Though she had first believed to be the one in charge of their little argument, only now Raven could see how he had so smoothly turned the tables. At his words, she could feel her throat growing dry and she knew he was coming too close to the truth she was trying to hide.

She hated whenever he did that. Whenever he started to press her into voicing something they both already knew — because he knew, she was sure of that. He knew she was overthinking and that she was worrying over nothing. He knew she was trying to understand his reasons so she could accept her own answers.

He knew she was hiding something stupid. And he wanted to know what.

“Tch, don’t be ridiculous, Damian.” She tried to dismiss him, which was clearly to no avail. Raven crossed her arms across her chest, looking away from him, but she could still feel his eyes on her, as if they were stripping her from her own facade. “I’m glad you’re here. Just curious on why you didn’t use the door like the rest of us.”

“Well, it is 4am, Rae. Kory and the others are still asleep and I didn’t want to wake them up.”

“Oh, but waking me up was fine, then?”

“But you weren’t really asleep, were you?” He grinned. “Judging by how wide your eyes are and by the fact that you’re drinking tea instead of water; I don’t think it’s just a coincidence that you’re still up.”

The teasing tone of his voice made her want to punch him in the face at that moment. She had fallen right into his trap, and she knew she didn’t have much time to come up with a plausible answer if she didn’t want him to grow even more suspicious than he already was.

Raven had to say something. Anything would be better than to give him that chance to tease her into admitting the truth that she was, indeed, awake and waiting for him to get home safely. Even if that wasn’t really an interrogatory, she knew her boyfriend was using his elevated IQ to get the answers he wanted so he could use that against her in the near future. She couldn’t give him the taste of victory, no.

He would be insufferable if she did.

“I lost track of time while reading a book, that’s all. Most days you would find me asleep by now.”

“A book, sure...” He started, clearly not buying her excuse. “Are you sure you weren’t awake because you were worried about me?”

“You wish.” She said, turning to face him once again, as their eyes stubbornly battled for dominance.

Neither of them gave any signs of backing down anytime soon, and even if that could be slightly frustrating, both Damian and Raven enjoyed that little game of push and pull. It was exciting, the thrill of their little competition, as it showed just how intense their love could be. They flirted with very narrow limits and took advantage of slight changes on each other’s body language; and if anything, that only showed how deeply they cared for one another.

How deeply they loved.

“If you say so...” He started, the words slowly leaving his lips. He was smiling softly now, his tall body towering over hers as he took her left hand in his gloved ones. “Either way, I’m glad you’re up. It’s like you’re welcoming me home and it feels really nice. Thank you, Raven”

At his pure words, Raven couldn’t help but feel her knees shaking under her weight. Her heart skipped a beat and her chest got so warm that something inside her melted.

That little bastard.

Now he had really done it.

Even if the empath knew better than to simply believe those words held no deeper meaning, she knew he had carefully chosen them just to mess with her feelings. After giving up on teasing her with his standard strategy, Damian chose to use his secret weapon that would only work against her. It wasn’t meant to cause her pain or anything of the sort, but it sure was a powerful enough to take her down.

Damian was being soft, to the point where she couldn’t really resist. He was being sincere and true to his feelings, and perhaps, that was the main reason why she couldn’t find it in herself to even fight back. She knew about his past and his deepest struggles regarding his future. She knew about all the things he had to go through in order to be where he is now, and it’s impossible for her not to feel touched whenever he voices his true emotions.

For years, he had to walk his own, merciless path alone, not knowing for sure he had a place to call home. The expectations he had upon himself were too heavy for him to carry alone, yet, he never stumbled or complained about them. He has always been so hard on himself, never accepting anything but perfection— he was raised as the perfect child, after all.

He was never accepted. Never loved or even welcomed for most of his life.

But now—well...

Now his life was so much different than before. He has a father, a brother, friends and a place where he can be himself and make as many mistakes as he wants.

He has a place to call home and a person waiting solely for him. And the best part in all that is that he knows.

He truly knows.

As realizations stroke her, the empath released an exasperated sigh. It was really late—not that she was even planning on sleeping anymore— and there was no way she could beat him anymore. Her heart was moved by his low move, and the only thing left for her was to silently admit defeat and properly welcome him home.

Her mug of tea— now colder than Dr. Freeze’s ice beams—was soon enveloped by her magic as it floated around the room until she placed it on her nightstand. She freed her hand, then, and slowly, she reached for his face, her fingertips touching the edges of his mask. He didn’t flinch, she noticed. He never really does whenever she touches him. His silence was the only permission she needed, and soon, Raven removed his mask, finally being able to look deep into his emerald eyes.

They stared at each other for a little too long, examining every change and every flicker hidden behind those orbs. Her amethyst eyes were looking at him softly, and she watched as all that bold malice disappeared from his lips. Damian was offering her a delicate smile, and before she knew it, her lips were also curling up. A soft blush tinged her cheeks, and at that moment, she could sense their emotions mixing together.

They were the same. Perfectly connected by one feeling called love.

“I’m glad you’re home, Damian.” She spoke, simply. “It made me happy, too.”

“TT” He scoffed, bitting his lower lip in order to suppress a smile. “And you still wonder why I chose to come back.”

A chuckle escaped her lips, and before she could even answer his statement, Raven felt his hand on her lower back, carefully pulling her closer to his body. It was a soft and slow move, but soon, she found herself on the tips of her toes and their lips were pressed firmly against each other. In one hand, she was still holding his mask, and with the other, the empath reached for his cheek, caressing his skin and holding their faces together in a chaste and puerile kiss.

It wasn’t needy, sloppy or rushed; for they knew there was no need for that. They had all the time in the world to enjoy their shared kisses, and thankfully, they knew exactly how to enjoy that time.

“You know...” He started, pulling back just a few inches from her lips, his hand now resting on her hip. “I could get used to this. Maybe I should start giving you a new book every time I have to go to Gotham.”

“Though I would love the new books, I also need to sleep. I can’t keep doing this every time you have to go to Gotham or else I won’t be able to keep up with morning practice, and we both know Kory is going to get really pissed.”

“Yeah, you’re right...” He nodded, a new smirk taking over his lips. “I really need to hurry and become the leader of this team.”

“Keep dreaming, Wonder Boy.” She chuckled, playfully patting his cheek before walking away and towards her desk, where she carefully placed his mask. After that, she reached for a big drawer near her dresser, picking a white towel and tossing it at him. “Now go clean yourself already, Damian. A true leader can’t smell like Gotham.”

“Heh, well, we did go check the sewers tonight.”

“Ugh, gross.”

“Perks of being a super-hero.” He nodded, folding the tower in his hands. “Do you wanna take off your pajamas and join me?”

“It’s 4am, Damian. The only people showering now are the ones who really need it.”

“You have a fair point.” He stated, detaching his cape from his shoulders and unbuckling his upper armor.

“Of course I do.” She said, watching as he turned his back to her and walked towards the bathroom. He turned on the lights and placed the towel on the cabinet, as he was now focusing on removing his gauntlets. Though it seemed to be a simple uniform, removing the accessories was a real pain in the ass. “Do you need help with the zippers?”

“Nah, don’t worry. I got this. Get to bed and I’ll meet you there soon.”

“Okay.” She nodded, pulling the sheets so she could get under them. She looked at him one more time, his shirt now removed and exposing his defined muscles and battle scars. Damian has grown into a handsome man, for sure, both inside and out. Looking at him like that, in such a casual condition such as taking a shower in her bathroom made her heart flutter with joy, and though she could now feel the lack of sleep taking its toll on her, Raven couldn’t wait until he was finally sleeping safely by her side.

They both deserved a good night of sleep. And even if they would have just a couple of hours to enjoy it, it would still be enough. It had to be.

“Damian...” She spoke, making him turn to face her one more time before closing the bathroom door so the steam wouldn’t invade the room.

“What?” He asked, curiosity spread across his face.

“Don’t take too long... I’m waiting for you.”

Slowly, a genuine smile took over his lips and he nodded before closing the door behind him. She turned off the lights, then, and soon, her head was resting on her pillow and her eyelids closed over her eyes. Raven took a deep and relieved breath, then, and slowly, felt her muscles relaxing against the mattress.

Now that he was back, she could finally rest.

Now that he was back, she could finally sleep.

As her ears captured the sound of water running down, a genuine smile took over her lips, and if anything, she knew it would be there by the time she woke up again.

fin.

#damirae #robrae #demonbirds #rachel roth #Damian Wayne #mydamiraefics

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asterekmess · 4 years ago

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Somebody tickled my salty-bone (in a good way. I love you. thank you.) and now I wanna vent about the absolute shitshow that is Stiles and Scott’s friendship.

Forewarning, I have a v faulty memory and I like to ramble. So. Obligatory Read More.

hoo boy. Now look, I am a salty little sea witch. I don’t like Scott. I love me some Stiles. Listen, I want to acknowledge here that Stiles isn’t perfect. He’s not the best friend that could ever friend, especially not at the beginning of the show. Yeah, he says stuff that riles Scott up. And yeah, he chucks lacrosse balls at Scott bc he’s pissed off at him. And he gets him beat up by blaming him for keying a car. These are objectively shitty things.

Now on to Scott. I’m starting at the beginning, because some brit chick told me once it’s a good place to start. It’s an anti-scott favorite to point out Star Wars. But I wanna talk about the history of Stiles and Scott’s friendship in general. We’re not explicitly told how long they’ve been friends. It’s implied “for ages” but there’s a lot of evidence that points to them not knowing each other until later (my preference is the 5th grade, just after Stiles’ mom died).

Stiles had a boa once, apparently. But Scott doesn’t know this. Stiles was apparently friends with Heather since they were in diapers but Scott doesn’t know her. Stiles has panic attacks and apparently a social anxiety disorder, but Scott has no clue about it.

Stiles doesn’t actually share many, if any, passions/interests with Scott besides Lacrosse. We know Stiles can skate, but Scott has never done it before Ice Pick episode. We know Stiles has other friends like Heather, but they’ve somehow never been introduced to Scott. Stiles plays videogames “Online gaming community that battles mythical creatures” but Scott has no clue what he’s talking about. Stiles has a favorite movie series that Scott has never watched. Scott, if I’m honest, got totally shafted by the show. He has no interests. We see a little dartboard on his wall in his room. We see posters. But he doesn’t do ANYTHING except play lacrosse and go to work at the vet. Then he gets a motorbike, which I guess....is supposed to count as a personality trait? We know jack-shit about Scott’s hobbies, even though he’s the main character. And what we do know is in Negatives. We know he has a shit vocabulary. We know he doesn’t like to read. (at least...before his “better Scott McCall program”) We know he doesn’t bowl. We know he sucks at literally all school related things. We know he has literally no other friends besides Stiles, until he becomes a werewolf.

But to me, what stands out is how...unobliging Scott is about their friendship?

It’s established that Scott usually runs around with Stiles when he’s got an idea, yeah. Two bros being dumbasses. Got it. But Stiles clearly has this whole mentality/joke view of them that’s Batman & Robin “I don’t wanna be Robin all the time” but Scott just sort of...shuts him down? “No one’s batman and robin any of the time”

I acknowledge that it’s a sort of tense situation...kind of? He’s sneaking into an empty bus lot to go sniff at the crime scene. He’s not really in danger here? But his tone of voice is so dismissive? Like he’s completely confused that Stiles would ever think that. But if they’ve been friends for ages, why would he only just now be finding out about it? And why would he dismiss it if they’re that close?

Then, of course, there’s Star Wars. Like...fine, whatever, Scott doesn’t like Star Wars. Except that it’s not that he doesn’t like it. It’s that he refuses to watch it. He knows nothing about Stiles’ favorite movie? He gets frustrated when Stiles makes Star Wars jokes because he doesn’t get them. But even KiRA is willing to watch it, and he just laughs about it.

Jackson and Lydia were supposed to be garbage to each other, but she still watched lacrosse videos with him and he watched The Notebook however many times Lydia wanted. If the couple we’re supposed to think is shitty is more kind to each other than Scott is to Stiles, what am I supposed to take away from that?

There’s also the part where he never just...believes Stiles? Not unless it’s in his favor. Sure, it sounds crazy that Stiles tells him he’s a werewolf and he’s gonna go crazy on a full moon. But Scott watched his bite completely disappear. He knows the shit he did on the field was bizarre and physically impossible for him. He doesn’t need his inhaler anymore. He heard Allison talking from Outside the School. There’s so much evidence to back Stiles up here, it’s ridiculous. And Scott still won’t believe him. Stiles tells Scott he thinks Matt’s the killer. Scott asks him why, Stiles doesn’t have an answer, and Scott immediately shuts him down. He tells Scott that it isn’t Lydia, and Scott argues with him, citing a test that he later admits he thinks is bullshit! Stiles tells Scott that virgins are being sacrificed and he’s scared he’ll be next, Scott laughs at him. Stiles tells Scott he thinks he was the one who wrote that shit on the board, the one who planted the bomb. Scott refuses to listen to him. He warns him about Theo, gets completely blown off. And Stiles is almost never wrong. But Scott continues to ignore him and refuses to believe him. Meanwhile Stiles believes Scott about Derek being dangerous. He believes Scott about Derek being the one in the bus. About how Peter is going after Allison (He must be going after Allison, the national archery finalist who’s always surrounded by hunters. Surely she’s “vulnerable.” It’s not like there’s someone way more vulnerable following Scott around, someone that Peter might force into helping him find Derek? HMMM?) Think about it, when does Stiles ever doubt Scott?

How he outright ignores Stiles just constantly? Even after he loses his temper with Stiles in the room in episode 1, he still goes to the Fucking Party. Even after Stiles tells him he can’t be in lacrosse anymore because it’s too dangerous, he ‘tries’ to quit and when he’s told that if he won’t play one game, he’s off first line, he outright ignores Stiles and fights with him until Stiles backs off and lets him play, where he proceeds to do EXACTLY what Stiles and Derek thought he would, and loses control. If ALlison hadn’t been there. People would have died. A kid from the other team saw Scott’s wolf eyes. He exposed himself! Then there’s the parts where he just pretends Stiles doesn’t exist. When he goes to hang out with Allison, and Stiles can’t get him on the phone, and when he finally answers he admits “did you get my texts?” “Yeah, all nine million of them” that he was literally just refusing to text Stiles back while he sat in the car with Allison and did nothing else. He won’t tell Stiles where he’s going, and he turns his phone off once they get to the woods. He also turns his phone off while Stiles is trying to take care of Derek, who IS POISONED and Bleeding and SHOT. Instead of trying to do anything he willfully ignores it and makes out with Allison, then wanders the house with Allison, then eats dinner with the family. He could’ve pulled the ‘i need to use the restroom’ ANY FUCKING TIME. He could’ve explained in a text at ANY TIME what he was doing and why it was taking so long. he just refused. When Stiles calls at the pool, Scott has no reason to hang up. Yeah, the phone made noise while it was ringing but after he hung up on Stiles he continued to just sit there with Allison and whisper to each other. He could’ve fucking talked on the phone! There was NOthing stopping him!

Then there’s how much danger he’s happy to put Stiles in? Like, he still hated Derek and thought he was a dangerous thug, while ignoring Stiles’ messages and leaving him alone with Derek. They knew Jackson was dangerous and had attacked Stiles before, and he left Stiles alone in the van with him?? Jackson wouldn’t need to break out of the vehicle, just the cuffs and Stiles would be dead. But for some reason Scott goes to school? LIke yeah I get it. He might fail his classes. But Stiles gave up first line just to check if Scott’s mom was the Alpha. Why couldn’t allison have watched Jackson with an arrow pointed at his head? She was better equipped than Stiles and in no danger of failing classes.

Look, I know I’m only talking about the first couple seasons but I have a rlly bad memory and I haven’t seen s3a or s3b in a long ass time. (gonna have to watch ‘em later tho while I work on the rewrite)

There’s probably more I’m missing. I’m just so damn cranky and sad. I’ll probably add more eventually when I get mad enough abt it.

#personal #Meta Ramblings #rant #anti-scott mccall #should I not be putting these 'read more' things in?#there's a weirdly big descrepancy in notes between my rants with read more's and my rants without

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unmaskedagain · 5 years ago

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Day and Night

Okay I got this prompt and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to write. I’m a huge Tim Drake fan. Its how I got into reading Batfamily fanfiction. I love Marinette. So I thought I’d give it a shot.

The café was small, empty, in a little nowhere town that had the unfortunate luck of being built in the middle of nowhere; somewhere in a part of England most people never heard of. The café, and the town, wasn’t the type of place you went searching for. Anyone who ended up there, that didn’t already live there, always happened upon it be accident. Usually because they were lost.

The two sole customers in café were most definitely lost. A boy and a girl.

The boy-The young man had dark hair, the iciest blue you could imagine, and a broken look on his handsome face. He sat near the window, on one side of the café, watching the rain poor down. He looked tired, forgotten, and lonely. His name was Tim.

The girl- A teenage girl, still growing into herself, had blue-ish black hair and the deepest, brightest blue eyes imaginable. She said on the other side of the café. A solemn expression on her lovely face. Her eyes sad, and just a bit red. Exhaustion seemed to have set in her bones, and held herself in way soldier who just came home from war did. She was jumpy, scared, and above all looked absolutely heartbroken. Her name was Marinette.

He was from Gotham. She was from Paris. And at that moment, there were no two more lost souls in the world.

The café owner was a kind elderly woman who had taken her tea in back to account inventory; she hadn’t seen any harm in leaving the two kids by themselves for a bit.

Tim had gotten to the café first, and had known the moment the girl had entered.

Marinette noticed the boy sitting, alone, in the quiet café as soon as she walk inside.

Neither had talked to each other. They hadn’t had the energy that day to feign niceties. However, as the rain came down harder, the lights flickered, and Billie Holiday’s Good Morning Heartache played its sweet melody… Something just came over the two.

“Running away,” Marinette asked loud enough so the boy across the café could hear her. He couldn’t have been much older than her, she noticed.

Tim gave her a small bitter smile, “Is it really running away if you don’t have a home to run from? Or if no one cares or notices you’re gone.” He closed his eyes for a moment as wave of emotion hit him. “When does it stop being running away, and starts just being leaving? What about you?”

“I think I’m doing both,” Marinette answered honestly. Her throat dry, and tears burning in her eyes. “Running away from everything, and still doing the right thing by leaving a bad situation.”

Tim nodded. He was in the same boat. “Where you coming from?” Though he figured France from her accent.

“Paris. And you?”

“Gotham.”

“No one waiting for you?” Marinette asked. He shook his head. “Me either. Aren’t we a pair?”

It went quiet. Billie Holiday still filling the silence.

“I lost all my friends to a liar,” Marinette said. “My partner, uh, teammate was five seconds from having sexual harassment charges filed against him. He got… fired. Now I have to do everything by myself.” If Tim noticed her slip, he didn’t say anything. My parents don’t trust me.” She failed to stop Hawkmoth again and again. She failed to keep her friends from falling into Lila’s clutches. She failed her parents with all her lies and excuses of where she was going and where’s been to the point where they couldn’t deal with it. Too scared and weary of what the daughter they no longer recognized had become. They asked her to leave; move out. Then it was Official Marinette had no one. Marinette was lucky her grandma had apartment in the city she never used. Or she’d have been homeless.

Tim did notice though. “I thought… I thought I belonged somewhere I didn’t. Thought I had found a family; a real family like I always wanted. Turned out I wasn’t wanted. I was a just a placeholder. Not a brother. Or a son.” He had nearly died several times, had lost his spine literally, broke through time, fought aliens and world conquerors, rescued batman from the time stream; dome more than humanly possible. But it hadn’t been enough. Or maybe it hadn’t meant anything to the Bats. A part of him had it all to prove he belonged, that he earned the cowl; that just because Batman hadn’t picked him like had his other Robins, but just let him stay, hadn’t meant anything. But it did. And Tim knew the truth the world had been trying to get him to see. He was just pretending; pretending to belong to and with the Batfamily, pretending he had been a good Robin, pretending they had wanted him.

“I’m a failure,” The bluenette said.

“I’m a pretender,” Tim shrugged. “Name’s Tim though.”

“Marinette.”

She got up and walked across the café and sat in the seat across from Tim. “My friends tossed me aside from something shiny and new. I’m been thrown away.”

Time gave her a nod “The people I thought were my family don’t care that I haven’t been to the manor in almost two years. Or didn’t realize. I’ve been forgotten.”

“Been there.”

Tim leaned forward in his seat, “I make one mistake. And B acts like I tried to end the world. I was rash. I acted out. I made a mistake. I’m human. It doesn’t even matter that I fixed it. He just refused to let it go.” Captain Boomerang killed his father. Tim had wanted to make him pay. It’s not like pointed a gun at villain. He just set the bastard up in a way he couldn’t walk away from. “He never listens to me. I get it, though. I wasn’t what he wanted. He didn’t want another son. He didn’t choose me.” Tim blinked hard, his fist clenching. “No one ever chooses me.”

“Everything I do has to be perfect,” Marinette whispered. “I can’t mess up. I can’t make mistakes. I have to stay in control at all times. Not like everyone else. I don’t get to be human. I have to be more. I have to be better. I have to be an example,” She hissed the word. “The world’s burning but I still have to be perfect. I still have to be strong and righteous and good. I have to take the high road.” She closed her eyes. “When all I want to do is scream. I have defend the world when no one even bothers to defend me.”

Ilene Woods’ So This Is Love started playing. They listened to the song play, a weight off their shoulders left. Not all of it but some. And at that moment the ridiculousness of their situation hit; they had left their countries, ended up god knows where, stuck in a café to avoid the rain, and were complaining to a perfect stranger about how horrible their lives had been as of late. And they laughed. And laughed until it hurt.

“Why we do put up with it?” Marinette leaned back in her seat. “I mean, I know why. But really. Why?

Tim shrugged, a smile still on his face. We know why. We’re doormats.”

Marinette nodded, “They only want us when they want something. That’s the only time we matter.”’ She looked up, right into his eyes. “But that’s why we’re here, isn’t it? Because we can’t take it anymore.”

“And we know we shouldn’t,” He nodded firmly. “Because we shouldn’t and we’re not.”

“Never again,” Marinette swore. And then stood up. “Pardon, I must use the restroom.”

Then she left. As soon as she was gone, Tim pulled out his phone and looking up any superhero activity happening in Paris. There was a lot. Mostly about a hero named Ladybug, who loved more than just a bit like his new friend.

Marinette, on the other hand, left to Speak with Tikki and Plagg who had fighting to get her attention. As soon as she was alone in the bathroom, Plagg stated, “Him! I wanted him. He’s my new Kitty!”

“I like him too,” Marinette said softly.

They convinced Marinette that Tim would be a good hero; and she needed help.

When Marinette rejoined the table, neither said a word. They went back to telling each other a bit more about their sorrows and heartaches until a relative peace settled between the two. Feeling freer than they had in months.

Marinette drank her, now, cold tea. She placed down the cup, “So Tim, any plans on going back to Gotham. Cause if not, I’d like to make you an offer?”

Tim smirked, the thrill of a potential adventure hitting him, “Is Marinette asking me? Or is Ladybug? For the record, it’s a yes either way.”

Marinette smiled, glad that her new partner was seemed to have high intelligence. “How do you feel about Paris?”

“Love it,” Tim stood up. “I get to design my own look though. Unlike you, I don’t look good in skintight anything.”

“Oh I don’t know about that…” She teased her blue eyes sparkling. “That might be something we’ll have to find out.”

The young man held a hand out, “Care to dance?”

“Thought you’d never ask,” The young woman said as took his hand in hers.

They swayed to the music, laughing and twirling around. An elderly woman watched as once again her café worked its magic like it did for every lost soul that wandered in.

Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World started to play in the background as icy-blue eyes met bright blue. The rain slowly stopped as two lost souls, alone in the world, found each other.

I see skies of blue and clouds of white

The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night

And I think to myself what a wonderful world…

#ml salt #ml fic #marinette dupen chang #Marinette deserves better #tim drake deserves better #Tim Drake #adrien salt

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