#wether the story is building up to a happy or sad ending

[violettwrites]

tp!daryl — your relationship with his older brother

a/n: i fear i am world building i am so sorry 😭 but !! i have a love/hate relationship with merle and everything he does, so here’s my take on his relationship with reader.

yes i had to go scour the internet to find a photo of young(ish) merle, and this is the best i got so !

as always, if you enjoy my stuff, don’t forget to like, reblog, and/or comment !

my ask box is open for requests, or even if you just wanna have a chat !

➸ tp!daryl masterlist

➸ regular masterlist

resources: divider by @adornedwithlight

your relationship with merle dixon was like being caught in the middle of a storm— chaotic, wild, and unpredictable. daryl, on the other hand, was your anchor. he’s your best friend, the one who grounds you when everything else feels like it’s spinning out of control. he’s quiet, steady, and always there, even when words aren’t needed.

but merle, daryl’s older brother, is everything daryl isn’t— loud, abrasive, and constantly stirring up trouble. from the moment you had met him, merle had always been a thorn in your side, always teasing, always pushing your buttons. he thrives on getting under your skin, and you swear it’s become a sport for him. wether it’s his crude jokes or his constant attempts to get a rise out of you, merle has perfected the art of annoyance.

you had first met him not long after meeting daryl, only being young and a scrawny little thing. he was much older, with a cigarette between his lips, and a beer bottle in hand. at first, you were almost sure he was daryl’s dad, but when daryl had mumbled the words “this is my big brother, merle.” well, you were a little shocked to say the least.

“yer the (l/n) kid, ain’t ya,” he spoke, the same southern twang in his voice that daryl had, just a tad more mature. if you could call merle mature. “ya look like ya eat scraps, girlie ! what’s wrong with ya !”

and that was how you met merle dixon.

you’d spent a lot of time with both daryl and merle growing up, shoved between the two of them in the old truck merle drove around, hands pressed between your thighs in attempt to make yourself smaller, all three of you staring out the front windshield of the truck. or squished on the couch together between the two brothers, watching whatever shitty war movie was on the tv. you eventually learned why you were always shoved between the two of them.

to stop them fighting.

you remember the first time you ever witnessed daryl and merle get into a fight. watching daryl tackle merle to the ground, dust kicking up about them as they rolled around on the dirt. profanities being thrown around along with fists. you were stunned, not knowing what to do until you’re grabbing onto someone’s elbow, trying to pull them off the other. until you’re elbowed in the face yourself.

and that was the story of how merle dixon gave you a blood nose for the first time.

“merle you fucking idiot !” daryl shouted at him, crouching down next to you, an arm around your shoulder while you cradled your nose. you had tears in your eyes, not because you were upset, but because he whacked you right on the nose and it just fucking hurt.

daryl claimed it needed to be fair, that you deserved to hit merle back, to make it even. merle, of course, protested. “i ain’t done nothin’ wrong ! girlie over here got in the way ! it’s ‘er own fault !”

you were just thirteen when you got to punch merle in the nose for the first time.

you had seen merle in several different states during your time at the trailer park. happy, sad, drunk, high, manic, depressed— you name it. he had most likely felt it. you had seen him trip down the steps of their trailer, face planting into the mud when it was storming. you had also watched him almost fall into the fire pit one night, drunk as a skunk. the only reason he didn’t end up in the fire was because daryl was quick to push him the other way.

daryl claimed he hated merle, but he obviously cared.

merle was often the one to drop the both of you off at school. pantera blasting through his shitty truck speakers as he told the both of you to “get the fuck outta my truck and go do some learnin’ !”

he wouldn’t stop listening to pantera. it was his favourite band.

you had been teased relentlessly throughout the years by merle. he’d often call you names like girlie, pipsqueak, bag o’ bones— the list was endless. however, when you got to that age where you were turning into a “woman”, the nicknames changed. sugar, sweetheart, doll face. you couldn’t escape it.

but there was one thing he never did, and it was lay a finger on you. unless you obviously count the time he elbowed you in the nose. but you agreed. that was an accident.

you were never afraid to bite back. you had that feisty nature from growing up with those two boys, and you always had a comeback. no matter what. even if it was telling him to “shut the fuck up.” that was a big part of your vocabulary growing up.

he treated you like his own— he protected you like his own. you never thought you’d admit it, but you did care about merle. his chaos never seemed malicious. it was more like he was trying to break down your walls, see what you’re made of. and while he drives you insane, there’s a strange sort of balance in your lives. daryl’s your rock, your calm. but merle, in his chaotic way, forces you out of your comfort zone. he keeps your sharp, on your toes.

even if he pissed you off to no end.

[bastet-c-haddock]

This Story is a little concept I had in mind for months, but due to my work load I had to pospone until now.

Follows my previous ideas over the Mexican fairytales and nursery rhymes in the Shrekverse.

Link to those concepts at the end of this post.

SPOILERS FOR SHREK 3 AND PUSS IN BOOTS 2

Hope you enjoy it!

TITLE: FAR FAR AWAY'S BEST BARD AND SPY.

Far Far Away's Theatre was buzzing with music and energy, for tonight was a special night.

After traveling around the world, in search of stories to inspire his songs, the great Christopher Cricket, also known as Cri-Cri was back.

The famous bug was a star all over this enchanted land. Princesses and other fairy tale celebrities attended each of his presentations, not only because of the music and spectacle, but for the entratainment of hearing the stories he brought from across the world. Wether these were merry, or sad. Everyone wanted to know.

Especially, a certain Cat who happened to be around town, curious, as ever, about an old acquaintance of his. At his side, another cat and a small dog. The orange feline spoke, once the group stood in front of the theatre, where music could be heard escaping its walls.

"Kitty, are you sure this...cricket-guy is trustworthy?" He asked, concerned. Normally, he wouldn't ask for info on anyone, unless he was hired for a job. But those days were far beside him.

The black feline replied, smiling widely, sure of her informant "Relax Puss, no one knows anyone better than Cri-Cri."

"How can you be so sure?" Puss asked, anxious.

Kitty gave him a confident side eye "How do you think I knew about The Map?" Raising her eyebrows, smutty.

Puss looked baffled, after thinking, he asked "Wait, didn't Goldie tell you about it?" Confused.

"Of course she did, but she told me Jack Horner had it. When I tried taking it from him, I found out he didn't have it, but it was too late. That day, after he tricked me, I decided to get info on the Map and so, I discovered Cri-Cri thanks to his brother. And so, I knew who Jack sent to fetch it" confident, praising her own genius. "So, if anyone knows where's Max and what he wants with you, is him?" Gesturing with her head at the banners hanging at the theatre's entrance, which had the little brown cricket drawn, smiling and playing his leafy violin.

Puss looked at the images, concerned and nervous. Given his last encounters with Max, he had plenty to worry about, and such, needed an advantage over the rodent. With no other options, he agreed, letting himself be guided to the backstage entry by Kitty. Perrito followed suit.

Once inside, the music became louder, merrier. You could feel its vibrations shake the theatre, as if the building danced to the tunes. The steps of the dancers made the wooden floor tremble. All of those thing weren't enough to distract Puss of his predicament. Just Perrito's happy prancing were enough to pull him out of his thoughts.

"Perrito, do you...know about this Cri-Cri guy?" Confused, asuming their familiarity due to his reaction to the bug's music.

"Of course! My litter mates and I used to hear his songs! He's quite a storyteller!" He answered, dancing and hoping all over the place.

Once they found a good spot to wait for the star to finish his show, they watched the stage and the spectale over it.

In the middle of the stage, was a smaller version of the same, it was projected and magnified via a very thinly crafted contraption that allowed the crowd to watch the small cricket at a bigger scale. One close to a cat, which let him "interact" with his show better. He dances in coordination to his dancers while playing a small violin, made to emulate a leaf, its vines made up the neck.

By the cheery music and dance, it was composed to sound like Cowboy music, once you would prance to at a party. When the lyrics hit, it wasn't a joyful story, but one turned funny due to its narrator. Puss should know, it was Max's Story. Both cats looked at each other, it seemed their question was partly answered. Cristopher knew about Max.

The song continued, only to end as happily as it started, followed by thunderous applause coming from the crowd, who filled the theatre to the top. Cri-Cri bowed to his audience, extending all four of his arms, thankful for the love he's been shown. Once the applause seemed to fade a bit, the cricket spoke. Loudly and clearly.

"Thanks, beloved people of Far Far Away! It's always an honor to have you listen to my stories. None of this would be possible without you." Another round of applause followed, though shorter than the previous one. Once again, the bard spoke after the noise. "Tonight, has been an amazing night! Cheers for more nights like tonight!" A strong multilayered cheers was the audience's response. "But before we call it a night..." positioning his violin back over his shoulder, then, turning to face the royal box, where Arthur was, watching the show. "Your majesty, would you give us the honor?" The little bug asked, bowing respectfully at the Young King.

"Only if you'd do it with me, Mr. Cricket" Arthur replied, he sounded way older than Puss remembered. Sometimes he forgot how time went by, especially after leaving Far Far Away last time in search of retribution and glory.

"It'll be my pleasure!" Cri-Cri stood once more, preparing to play one last tune.

The whole theatre turned silent, expecting a queue...

A note, then a line, sang by the King and the Bard. "¿Quien es el que anda ahi?"

"Es Cri-Cri" the audience replied, perfectly coordinated "Es Cri-Cri"

"¿Y quien es ese señor?" The two vocalists continued.

"¡El Grillo Cantor!"

The orchestra finished the song, as the little showman gave his last bow. The theatre rumbled with applause, whistles and Bravos as the curtains closed.

That, was Team Friendship's queue...

-‐--------------------------------

Yeah, this is only Part 1 of...many I got half written inside my head. I'm writing this in my spare time so bare with me.

If you like what you read, like it and maybe tell me what you think!

To know more about Max and Charlotte, you can read their story here:

[loz-and-lu-fan-blog]

Death would be better ch.2

Yep next chapter, again past tags applies. Again ANGST! Also past warnings apply. 

-

When another portal opened for the Links they had no choice but to enter it. They had been in one of Hyrule’s dungeons for days, the musty smell of death and seemingly endless stream of monsters brought the links to their wits end. They all just decided to step through the portal without knowing what would happen next.

The Link's walked through the portal, confused on which world they were in now. It seemed like they were still in Hyrule’s world, the mustly smell of death and dark clouds agree with him.

"Does this look familiar to anyone?" Legend asked as they took at the dark sky. Even Hyrule nodded no, commenting that if it was his he’s never seen this part of his hyrule.

Time couldn't help a gut feeling he had as this hyrule looked so similar to his after his 7 year nap. But something in his mind was telling him it was much worse. It felt like the air was thick was death in a familiar way and the whole world seemingly warning him of the doom to come, the same feeling it gave him after his long nap.

“I….I think this is my hyrule” Time muttered out which causing the other links to quickly look at him.

“What the hell old man? This isn’t time for jokes, we’ve all seen your hyrule” Legend said pissed that the older hero thought now was the perfect time for games. “No, I'm being serious,” Time said, trying to swallow back some bile. “My hyrule became like this when I slept for seven years. Ganon gain control while I slept and the world suffered” “So you’re saying we appeared somewhere during the middle of your adventure?” Legend asked and Time gave him a nod in reply.

“Ok so what do we do now?” Sky asked.

“The best thing is to head to castle town, it will give me an idea of where exactly in my adventure this took place” Time offered to the group who nodded in acceptment.

The group of adventures began to head to what look like buildings in the distance, hoping that the answer they would get will help them get an idea of what’s going on.

‘Oh how wrong they were’

-

Apparently hitting his temple to the glass wasn’t enough to kill the hero. The young hero remembered coming to on the bed, hearing a voice above him. His head didn’t hurt and he couldn’t feel the rush of blood running down his face. He had survived of course. “Are you awake little one?” A voice said, making Link eyes shoot open with fear. Above him was the witch known as Twinrova, the mother of his ‘adopted father’, the stealer of his memories. “Come on little one, let me see you smile?” Twinrova said as she brought her hands up to his the side of Link’s head before his world went black again. ‘If anyone heard his screams they chose to ignore them’

When Link finally awoke again he could feel himself very drained, it didn’t help when he had tried to remember some faces only for them to come back blank. He couldn’t handle the sadness of knowing more of his memories were taken from him by those witches. The boy openly cried, cried for his lost memories, cried for the fact his suffering had yet to end.

“You’re awake” He heard a voice say and looked up to see Ganon setting down a bowl of soup. Link didn’t know why but he just started to scream at Ganon, he started to lay into every injustice the gerudo had done to him. However his rant was cut shut by Ganon grabbing his face, Link was sure Ganon was going to snap his neck however that sadly didn’t happen.

“Link we’re trying to help you, your my family” Ganon said calmly speaking like he was talking to a toddler “You’re grandmas are trying to get rid of your curse” “They’re stealing my memories” Link hissed out before realizing what he had done, he never told Ganon that he knew what the demon king was doing to him. “We’re taking the false memories. The one put their by the evil witch” Ganon said calmly “You need to eat, your skin and bones.

“I don’t believe you” Link grunted out through tears “I’ve seen who you really are, what you’ve done to hyrule, i know-”

“That witch really did fill your head” Ganon said finally realising the boy’s face and bringing his hand up to his hair “Link do you really believe that? The kingdom and it’s people are fine. In fact their doing better than ever, people aren’t straving anymore” 

Ganon stopped talking when he noticed that Link’s glare didn’t fade. Then he got an idea.

“How about a deal?” Ganon said making Link expression is interested. “If you drink all of your soup i’ll take you to the town square and let you see the truth.”

“And when i’m right” Link said not even doubting his world view.

“If your right I will stop the sessions you hate so much” Ganon said knowing full well that would never happen. Link seemed to smile at that “However if i win you have to keep eating and take your session, with no question”

Link frowned at this but never the less nodded in agreement. Ganon smiled as he went to talk to his mothers. Link just went with his part of the agreement and drank the bowl of soup.

Now all that was left to do was wait.

-

The Links slowly moved into castle town with the caution of a mouse being hunted by a hunger cat. The world felt like it was trying to strike them down. When they finally got to castle town it was definitely different from what Time was expecting. If he had to describe it, it was like a mix between when the hyrule royal family was in charge and when Ganon was in charge. The sky still had that horrible color and the air smelling vaguely of death. However there were citizens in the town, happily going about their day to day lives. Time did take note that there was a lot of gerudo warriors eyeing the men but other than that you would have thought everything was normal.

The Links decided to stay close to the edge of town, for a quick get away and so Time would less likely have to explain to the gerudo that he is married.

They were close to one group of gossiping townsfolk so with hushed tones the Links got closer to hear what they were saying.

“Can you believe the young prince and King are visiting today?” A woman said with a cheery voice. 

“It's a shame though?” A man said in a sad voice “What that evil princess did to him, warping his memories. I heard he was startle like a leaf when the king finally found him”

“I heard about that” another man said “They said the reason for the visit is to help shatter the spell that's making him like this”

The Links just stared at each other in shock and confusion having no idea what they were talking about. Time was definitely confused because the fact they just referred to a princess as evil and the fact that neither the king of Hyrule or Ganon ever had a son.

“Old man what should we do?” Legend hissed out as more people started to look towards the castle and more gerudo warriors were appearing.

Time thought for a minute before saying “We need to stay out of sight and observe what’s going on, we need answers”

The Link agreed with this and soon found one of the back alleys somewhere that could still see the road, and opted to hid behind some wood. However from their hiding spot they couldn’t see the castle town square.

Thankfully Wind offered to stay out and observe, hiding anything of value like his sword and necklace making him look like just another confused and interested hylian too scared to get close.

Wind stayed in sight trying to get a good view, acting like a confused and excited citizen. The rest of the Links hidden in a corner blocking any view of the the street.

Finally the loud sound of people cheering and getting closer made Wind look in a direction.

It was Ganon

-

Link shouldn't have been surprised when Ganon decided to carry him to the town square. His hunger strike had made him very weak so he doubt he really could stay and walk for so long. However something in his mind told him that it was to make sure he didn't escape.

As they started to walk into town they were greeted many happy town folks happy to see the King and young prince. Ganon lets out laughs and telling many stories as more town folks came up. Link found himself bearing his face into Ganon shoulder, knowing clearly he lost the bet.

'But this couldn't be real? Can it? I saw him attack the princess? I saw killed the great deku tree. I saw him kill Navi. That has to be true. He can't be good...………..Can he?' Link thoughts seemingly fought with each other.

Finally he lifted his head to see a young hyilan boy in blue.

The boy looked like your average hyilan, with the slight shocked expression of seeing the king. Link just started at the boy with big tear filled eyes.

He could see the boy talking however he was to far away to hear. However soon a man stepped out of the wood piled next to the boy.

He was tall, likely about as tall as Ganon with golden hair and silver armor. However it wasn't the armor or even the markings on his face that got his attention. It was the beautiful blue instrument that was hung on the strangers hip. An instrument given to him by Zelda, princess of Hyrule.

The Ocarina of Time.

That man staring back at him was him

Link began to struggle in Ganon not knowing it the many in armor was a omen of his ill fate future or hope of a brighter one, however ether way he wanted to get closer. He wanted to asked, to beg the man to tell him how to survive.

However his squirming was taken notice by Ganon who began to shift and the taller man moved to disappear from sight. As Ganon finally turned around to look, even Link twisting himself to look the only thing left in the stop was the boy in blue.

Link didn't know wether to be happy or not that the older man had vanished but he knew he felt bile come back up as Ganon walked close to the young boy.

As they got closer Link finally notice details of the boy, how despite his brightly color clothes, which normal mean someone's well off, they were torn and dusty slightly. How scars and other little imperfection graced the boys legs. How he held a slight glare that Link knew all to well.

"Well hello little one" Ganon said getting on one knee so that he and Link were looking the boy in the eye "What's your name?"

"Lineback"

"Lineback? well that's certainly an odd name" Ganon chuckled at the boys response, Link noticing how the young boy didn't even react. "Well young Lineback are you alone in this world?"

"No Sir" Lineback said and Link could see him swallow "I live with my grandmother and baby sister"

Ganon just seemed to smile at the boys answer "Are they here today?"

"No" the boy said sharply, making Link flinch at the harshness of his tone, he has seen people get whipped for less.

"Well then would you like to keep my son company while we bring your grandma and sister to the castle. Link could really use a playmate his age and he seems to like you" Ganon said with a smile, and Link casted his eyes down. He could easily be dragging someone else into his mess.

"No"

The word stunned both Ganon and Link into shock. No one had said no to the king beside Link having his 'tantrums'.

"Did you say no?" Ganon asked trying to keep his voice soft but you can feel the anger growing behind it.

"Yes I said no" Lineback said again as Link shock his head 'no' at the young boy. Ganon already had to deal with Link refusals, another one could see this boy to his death. Ganon seemed to close his eyes to take a deep breath to which the boy mouth 'looked away'. Link didn't know why but he trusted the boy.

"How about this, I bring you and your family to live in the castle? That way you can have all you want to eat and not have to worry about your grandmothers health?" Ganon said with the frustration starting to poke though.

"I said.... NO!" The boy whispers turned to screamed as he threw a handful fi sawdust into the king's eyes. The boy quickly ran during the chaos happen after as Ganon started to curse the child's name. Link took this opportunity to squirm kick and shove, finally one well place punch to Ganon's eye cause the gerudo king to drop him.

[straightouttaneptune]

Change

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Reader

Warning: Angst in the beginning :(

Summary: Natasha’s always been afraid of change. New people, new environment, it was difficult. So when a new recruit is introduced to the Avengers, how is she going to handle it?

A/N: I am SO SORRY for starving you of my fics for so long, it’s been a hectic season. I hope this will be a good fill in for a new fic idea I’m working on... 💕

I once had a major crush on a girl in middle school, she had soft blonde hair, porcelain skin with beautiful doe eyes... She just looked like an angel. She was really kind, delicate, nurturing, and I used to be so smitten. It’s what inspired this story. I’m indifferent about her now, but this is kind of dedicated to the girl who made me realize a part of myself, my sexuality and the fading but sweet memories we shared.

—————————————————————————————————————

Conflicted. That’s what Natasha felt when Fury announced that there’ll be a new recruit in the Avengers team. It wasn’t very well understood by the others, as how they were all preparing for this Y/N Y/L/N to join their family.

She knew she was being... strange. But she spent her whole life, having no place in the world. And when she found herself this family, it was like she finally found where she needed to be. Change felt unnatural. She didn’t know why she felt that way, but she did. She just didn’t want a new recruit. She wanted things to stay the same, as she already grew comfortable with the original 6.

So when a beautiful woman with a fitting suit clinging to her toned figure strolled into the building, she couldn’t bring herself to be friendly. She muttered out a simple “Hi.” With a fake smile playing at her lips, and that was it. She turned 180° to return to the safety of the gym.

“Huh... Did I say something wrong?” Your eyelids hooded in disappointment, the one and only Black Widow, the one you’ve been looking forward to meeting the most, was sadly distant and cold.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure she’ll warm up to you.” Steve’s golden smile couldn’t completely erase the dull ache in your heart.

From then on, you tried multiple times to capture her attention, or even get her to talk to you. She was going to be your family now, and you couldn’t take the silence between you and her while it was just the two of you.

“Hey, Natasha...” You trailed off as she grabbed her cup of black coffee in her hand and walked off with a stoic expression.

“Uhm, Natasha?” Again, you were left irritated as she hurried to move to the other side of the gym as soon as you entered.

“Nat, why’re you giving her such a hard time?” Steve watched you leave the common room, a deep frown adorning your face as she ignored you again. His eyes turned into that endearing look he had when he was concerned, shifting to Natasha’s unmoving, rigid form.

“Steve, you know I don’t want to talk about it.” Natasha sighed, not even sure anymore of why she couldn’t just talk to you.

“I think I know what’s going on, though.” Steve cocked his head at his best friend, his deep blues peering into Natasha’s hidden emotions. “Look, I get it. It’s hard. You’re scared. But, I think... She’s worth a shot, Nat.” He got back to the newspapers after a few seconds of silence, as Natasha couldn’t even begin to think of how to reply to that.

You were furious. You were mad, but also very sad at the same time. You thought that the Avengers would be your family, but maybe you were being too naive. Your self-doubt consumed you as tears pricked your glassy eyes. Everyone had come to adore you, fallen at your feet from the elegant kindness you possessed, all except for the one person you wanted to notice you the most.

Maybe it was about time you gave her a piece of your mind.

You stormed into her room, where she laid on her bed with her hair sprawled out, eyebrows knotted in deep thought. She leapt up to her feet as you opened her door with a loud swing, startled seeing you at her door. And you looked pretty pissed.

“Now, listen here, Romanoff! You are going to talk to me like a human being, and you’ll apologize for your behavior and why you’ve been acting like this.” Your jaw was clenched in anger, your gorgeous eyes wide and venomous as you glared at her.

Natasha was... Anything but offended. Your call-out ignited a spark, a realization of how badly she treated you, and a new profound attraction to the girl killing her with her intense glare. “I’m sorry.” Her mouth blurted out before she could compose herself, her eyes glued to you.

“Good.” You huffed, crossing your arms and narrowing your eyes at her to continue.

“I really have no excuse... I’ve never been good at new people... and changes. I didn’t like you, for no reason. And I’m sorry. I really am.” You watched as Natasha’s shoulders slumped in defeat, her gaze falling onto the floor. You were left speechless, you had expected her to tell you off or ignore you again.

“Thank you, I guess.” You were lost. The assassin looked like a kicked puppy, her luscious lips parted slightly as she inhaled a breath, closing her eyes and reaching herself for something.

“I’m so sorrry, Y/N. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I thought by ignoring you I wouldn’t say anything I’d regret later.” Her small smile was sad, but it held a lot of emotions that made you feel a slight hope for the woman. Maybe she wasn’t so bad.

“Well, um...” You were at a loss for words.

“How about I treat you for lunch? To say sorry, and to start over.” Even Natasha herself was surprised, that was a bold step from ignoring to asking out. She couldn’t exactly deny the attraction she felt for you, though.

You contemplated it, wether you really should or shouldn’t... But in the end, Natasha had reeled you in. You wanted to see how it would go, maybe it all wouldn’t be so bad. “I would like that.” A light blush painted your cheeks, the room falling into a tense silence.

Natasha hesitantly took a step towards you, relaxing as you held your ground. She bit her lower lip, uncharacteristically shy as she looked at you with a new light in her eyes. Her hand brushed against the side of your cheekbone as she tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, leaning in to place a small peck before she left. She left you quite flustered, lips parted open from the surprise.

“That was quite the turnout, but congrats? Am I supposed to be happy that she has to go on a date with you, or...?” Sam joked, tapping his chin with narrowed eyes sarcastically. The Cap Fam was spending a little bonding time together in the diner close to the Avengers Compound, gossiping about anything to everything.

“Shut up, Wilson.” Natasha rolled her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips as she thought about the date. Could she call it a date, though?

“I think this is great! I’m happy you sorted it out, Nat.” Steve smiled proudly as he sets down his smoothie on the table.

“Me too.” Natasha mumbled, her mind whisking her away from the diner, to you. Maybe she’d get you a taser bracelet. Or was that too much?

[ellana-ravenwood]

The Break-Up (Part 1/4)- Bruce Wayne x Reader

Summary : That time the League, helped/lead by Smol Dickiebird, fixed Bruce and Batmom’s relationship.

Can you spot all the easter eggs (from my main Batmom stories) I scattered in this story ? ...You know what ? Let’s make it a game. Whoever guesses them all, I’ll write a story just for them. I referenced tons of other work with Batmom in this story, more than usual so...Yup :-). Anyway hope you’ll like it, and as usual, feedbacks are very VERY welcomed ! : 

FINISHED SERIES : PART 2, PART 2.5, PART 3, PART 4

my master list blog :  @ella-ravenwood-archives

__________________________________________________

 Every time Richard Grayson came to visit his parents, siblings or “grandfather” (he came to call Alfred “gramps”, just to annoy him), nostalgia pinched his heart.

Whenever he climbed those steps to the main entrance, opened the big doors to come in the foyer, walked down corridors, rooms etc etc...memories of his childhood and teen years in the manor surged him, and filled him with a kind of sadness that wasn’t too terrible to endure. 

A kind of sadness he always greeted as an old friend. 

Nostalgia. 

Heart tightening, and a stupid fond smile plastered on his face. 

Every time. 

You’d think after four years, it wouldn’t happen anymore, right ? But no.

Dick Grayson was a sentimental, and even though he moved out of his home years ago, and found a nice apartment in Blüdhaven, built his own home...It always made him feel weird to come back to the Manor. 

Even more since he married his teenage sweetheart, Barbara Gordon, and got his first child (the most wonderful little girl in the universe ! Position she shared with his little sister Cass’ of course, who was so cute when she was still a kid ! Damian, aka “most protective uncle ever”, agreed).

Because now, with his job as a police officer and his nightly activities in Blüdhaven...He rarely had time to come “home”. 

Well, that wasn’t really true. 

He still came over at least four times a week and, on most week-ends, his family would come to his apartment to have lunch. And he often caught up with one of his siblings, or parents, or Alfred but...it wasn’t the same anymore. 

He still didn’t see you as often as he used to. As often as he wanted to. 

It was actually a tough change for him, to not be able to get out of his room and find one of you somewhere in his house.

He actually thought about asking his dad to buy an entire building, and then you guys could all live on one floor and you’d be all together always and...he quickly realized it was unreasonable and ridiculous. 

It was just so strange that he couldn’t see any of you whenever he wanted. He was a “responsible” adult now (who bought legos for his daughter just so he could play with them too). 

He grew up...and his siblings too. Hell, Damian was going to be seventeen !! 

He had to accept that things were changing. Evolving. 

It was awful. 

...Though he found reassurance in the fact that some things actually never changed. 

Like how much his parents were in love. 

Dick had let himself in the manor and was looking for any members of his family, roaming the gigantic house. 

He found Alfred asleep on his father’s office chair, a duster in one hand (the poor butler wasn’t getting any younger, and got tired easily nowadays). 

Dick put a blanket over him and left the office silently, continuing his search. 

He found you and Bruce in the main living room, asleep as well, on the couch, in each others’ arms. 

You weren’t getting any younger either...and though his mom, you, was quite younger than Bruce, it seemed like you were the one who was getting tired the fastest lately...

You weren’t even fifty yet ! But in the past few months, you always seemed so exhausted and such...Dick made a mental note to remind you to rest more, and to stop taking care of them so much like that, it would kill you one day ! 

There was a note on the living room table. Dick recognized his youngest brother’s handwriting (elegant and classy). The note stated : 

“Parents, 

We went to Jason’s place to see his new motorcycle and to kick his ass butt ass (sorry Mom, for trying to watch my profanities :p (this stupid smiley was added by Tim Drake)) at Tekken, 

Love you (Cassandra forced me to write that),

Damian, Cass and Tim.”

Dick smiled at the thought of his younger siblings playing Tekken. 

That game always ended in “bloodshed” and fights, at the Wayne household (competitive kids)...until you would come along and win every game and settle their quarrel easily. 

You were the best at Tekken, period. 

Well, there was the sempiternel fight about who was the second best but you know... 

Yes, his siblings’ antics always made Dick smile uncontrollably. 

Another thing that always made him smile : you and Bruce, forever in love. 

And as he was looking fondly over you two, at your embraced form on the couch, he couldn’t help but smile like an idiot and think : “relationship goal, right there”. 

It was everything he aspired to have with Barbara. Your perfect relationship. 

Haha. 

Perfect ? Well, not always. 

You were both too stubborn for your own good, and had quite a temper. A strong personality too, which meant that sometimes, fights happened. 

Small ones about petty things, and big one over important matters...but it always ended up the same, wether it was about something small or big : with you two apologizing profusely, regardless of who was wrong, and then...going to...do...gross things in your bedroom (or whatever place somewhat private was available to you). 

Dick shivered. 

He was almost thirty and did some...uncatholic things with Barbara too but he could never not be be grossed out by his parents doing...ew. 

Whatever, the important thing there, wasn’t that, but it was that no matter what, you’d always pull through. You always had each other’s back. You always made up, and your “perfect” relationship would only grow stronger each time. 

You guys were made for each others, and it wasn’t a silly fight that would separate you two (Hell, every healthy couple fought from time to time). 

Though...it almost did once. 

Here’s a memory Dick didn’t particularly cherish. 

That time he almost never had a second (amazing and perfect) mom. 

That time you two almost made a decision that would have make the both of you forever miserable and bitter. 

That time you almost ruined your life (Dick loved to be over-dramatic...though in this instance, he genuinely believed you almost ruined each others life). 

************

Nearly twenty years earlier : 

-Oh my God Bruce, get over yourself ! 

-I’m the one that’s suppose to get over myself ?! Please (Y/N), grow up ! 

This was terrible. 

Dick had to do all the efforts in the World not to cry. 

He had been living with you and Bruce Wayne for the past six months now (you moved in with Bruce after about a year of relationship...Eight months hidden from paparazzis and danger, four months officially together. It was Bruce’s idea. He loved you, you were almost always at the Manor anyway, you had an entire chest of drawers full of your stuffs...you might as well live with him !). 

And though the pain of losing his parents was still vivid, his little eight years old heart felt he had another chance at life. Felt like he could still be happy. 

Sometimes, he felt awful that, only six months after his parents’ death, he was already feeling better...but he couldn’t help it. 

You, Bruce and Alfred made him feel like he was home instantly, as soon as he set foot in Wayne Manor. 

Especially you, if he was honest. Bruce was busy, and Alfred’s English phlegm didn't go through Dick yet, just like Dick’s need for hugs and reassurance wasn’t clear enough for the butler yet. But you...

You were but (almost) twenty two years old and yet took full responsibility (well, almost too, Bruce was there too) of that lost (and adorable) kid. 

Though you were barely an adult yourself, you didn’t hesitate one second about what you’d do when Bruce said he was taking Dick as his ward. 

You just took care of him as if he was yours, without questions. 

When he had nightmares, shivering in his bed, you were there before he opened his eyes and screamed. And you always convinced Bruce easily to let him sleep in your bed, between the two of you, when he was still too scared to fall back asleep. 

You always asked him if he was alright, you listened to him, and to put it in a simpler way : you just loved him. You made sure he knew you loved him. Made sure he knew he still had a family. 

In fact, you and Bruce were making him feel so at home that he almost called you “mom” and “dad” a few times. 

...He wanted to call you like that. 

But he was to afraid that it would mean betraying his own parents, betraying their memory ! Oh man, it was a lot to take for an eight year old boy, life wasn’t suppose to be that difficult at that age ! 

...It seemed though, like part of his dilemma would be no more soon, as he keeps listening to you and Bruce arguing in the living room, hiding on top of the stairs: 

-I guess this is what I get for dating a goddamn child ! 

Bruce says angrily, and your face says it all. It looses all colors, and it seems to Dick as if you were deeply wounded by Bruce’s words...but too stubborn to actually show it, as you say : 

-Oh. Child. Of course. It didn’t seem to bother you last night uh ? 

-Completely unrelated to the subject. 

-Oh really ? 

-Yes really, and you know it (Y/N). You’re being unresonable. You know you’re wrong, and lack arguments, hence you start to talk about things that has nothing to do with the subject. 

-Like you just did by stating that you’re dating a “goddamn child” ? 

Dick couldn’t really understand everything you were saying (he was so curious about what you did last night though...a pillow fight maybe ? if the situation wasn’t so desperate, and made him feel so miserable, then he would have been vexed that you didn’t invite him to said pillow fight !), but his heart tightened at your every words.

He couldn’t stand seeing you two fight. 

He wasn’t used to see you two fight...In six months with you guys, he only saw you argue about very petty things a few times, and immediately apologize. 

But this time ? It seemed serious. 

It was about Bruce’s night activities (Dick knew now that he was the Batman), and how he put himself in useless danger sometimes. How he needed to be more careful. 

It was about Bruce not wanting you to meddle with this part of his life at all, even if he knew you were right. 

It was about Bruce still being somewhat reluctant about letting you fully in his life. 

It was about Bruce being an insensitive prick. 

It was about you being too stubborn to let it go. 

It was about you wanting to meddle with his night activities, because you cared about what happened to him, but also because you were vexed he was treating you like a weak child, trying to shield you from all of it.

It was about you not being experienced enough with his “dark side” yet to realize when to stay silent, or to know how exactly to tell him things. 

There was a way to talk to Bruce. And you didn’t master it quite yet...it would take you a few more years for that really. Your boyfriend (soon to be husband) was a damn complicated man. 

-Don’t tell me what to do (Y/N). I was upfront with you. You know this...is...my life work, and it comes first. 

You stay in front of him for a few moments, in silence, taking his words in. 

Bruce looks at you back, his face unreadable. 

He knows perfectly well this is not the truth, that you and Dick are more important than anything else now...but he’s too stubborn to admit it, he’s still too used to his old lonely ways (even though he had you by his side for more than a year now...it had just been six months since you were here 24/7). 

And he’s not sure he wants to let it go...Wouldn’t that mean betraying his parents ? 

Finally, you say those awful words, that makes Dick want to cry even more : 

-Fine, I think we’re done here then.

-Fine. 

-Fine. 

You glare at Bruce, and he gives you one of his infuriating arrogant look in return. It does indeed, infuriate you. 

When you said : “I think we’re done here”, you didn’t mean “done” forever. You meant that there was nothing more to say. That this fight was over, and would stay unresolved. You meant...but it doesn’t matter what you meant, because he misunderstands and, struggling to hide how truly heartbroken he is, he says coldly : 

-You know where the door is. 

It’s a tone he never used with you before. It lacks love, awe, fondness, joy...it’s empty (just like he’s feeling now), and it hurts you more than anything else. 

And from there...Things escalate quickly. 

You both say things you do not actually mean. You both enter “self-defense” mode and starts to be genuinely awful to each others.

You both go too far. 

Neither of you actually say the word “break-up”, but as you storm off the manor without even saying “bye” to Alfred or Dick, what is happening is pretty clear. 

Sat on the floor in the corridors upstairs, Dick hears you leave in a fury, saying profanities he would never dare to say out loud. 

He hears Bruce yell : “And don’t come back !”. 

And all he can do, is stay there, “hidden”, crying softly. When Alfred finds him, a few hours later, for the first time since he came in the Manor, he takes him in his arms, and they stay like that for a bit. 

Bruce sees them, as he climbs the stairs...but he ignores them. Silently, he goes and locks himself in his bedroom, trying to erase from his head the face of that poor little boy who’s crying in his butler’s arms. 

For the second time in his life, Dick Grayson’s family is “dead”. 

************

Dick doesn’t see you for almost an entire week. 

The day after your departure, one of your friend came to get your stuffs. 

Bruce wasn’t there...since you left he buried himself in his work, both by day and by night. 

Bruce Wayne never attended that many meetings at Wayne Inc, and Batman never arrested that many criminals in the streets in such a short time span. 

The poor man was exhausted, both physically and mentally...Dick understood. When he first arrived at Wayne Manor, right after his parents’ death, he never forgot the look his adopted father gave you, when he said : “I know things are difficult for you right now...but I promise it will get better. I know my words might sound hollow for you but...one day, you’ll see. One day, you’ll realize that the World is still spinning, and that you’re still able to love and be loved. I hope I will help, just like others have helped me”, emphasizing the fact that Bruce knew most of his happiness came from you being by his side. 

But he was too stubborn to admit it, and therefor, worked even more. 

Maybe he was trying to stay distracted, to keep going so he would never have time to actually think about what happened ?

Maybe. 

Dick doesn’t hear anything about you for an entire week, when you finally call. It seems you knew Bruce wasn’t there, as you called on the Manor’s landline. 

Alfred answers of course, and you two talk for a few minutes. It sounds to Dick as if the butler went through different feelings while talking to you, from despair to anger, finishing on a beaten note. 

He comes to him, and gives him the phone, saying a flat and emotionless : 

-It is Miss (Y/L/N). 

Excitedly, Dick takes the machine in his small hand and says, voice full of hope : 

-(Y/N) ? 

It’s such a relief, to hear you say :

-Hey buddy, how’s it going ? 

-Ok. When are you coming back ? 

There’s an awkward silence, and he can feel by your tone that you’re choosing your words very carefully : 

-I...I’m not sure I’m coming back kiddo. 

HAHA ! “Not sure”. You didn’t outright say : “I’m not coming back”. You just said..”not sure”. This was something, right ? You continue : 

-Listen buddy, what about I take you to the fair tomorrow ? And we can talk. Would you like that ? 

-Yes ! Yes I would love that ! 

On the other side of the line, you can’t help but smile. Damn you missed that kid. But your smile soon turn sad and you say : 

-I have to go right now, but we’ll talk more tomorrow ok ? Can you give the phone back to Alfred please ? 

-Yes. See you tomorrow right ? 

-Right. 

-Promise ? 

-Promise. 

-Good. You can’t break a promise. Bye bye, I love you. 

The words come out of his mouth faster than he can think and...he’s a bit embarrassed, but not too much. After all, it’s true. He loves you. 

Your voice breaks a bit as you answer :

-Love you too buddy, love you too. See you tomorrow. 

He gives the phone back to Alfred, and act as if he’s going back to his business, though he clearly tries to listen in on what the butler says. 

Alfred though, knows better, and walks further away, and Dick end up only understanding a few cryptic words : “...ask him yourself...” “...miserable...” “...back...” “...his everything...”. 

Soon enough though, being just a child, he forgets about it, and focus all heartedly on the perspective of seeing you again tomorrow. And at the fair at that ! He couldn’t wait. 

He missed you so much, during that week of silence...

************

You end the call with Alfred and your heart is filled with nothing but sadness and pain. 

You want to call Bruce, to beg him to take you back, to apologize, to...whatever really. You just want to hear his voice. 

But you don’t. Because you’re too stubborn. Because he doesn’t call you either.

And man, why did you have to feel so bad about not talking to Dick in a week ? You weren’t his mom after all !! 

Just thinking those words make your heart bleed. It makes you realize that things are truly over, and that you’ll...never...be...his mom. For the hundredth time that week, you go to bed early and weep all night...

************

Bruce is greeted by a very excited Dick who jumps in his arms and goes on and on about what he’ll do the next day. Automatically, Bruce catches him and lifts him up in the air, holding him against his chest. 

It takes the Batman a few minutes to finally understand why, for the first time in a week, his boy seems so lively. 

It’s you. 

Of course, it’s you.

It’s the prospect of seeing you again. 

For a split second, Bruce’s heart beats faster, and it almost feels as if he’s going to be the one seeing you tomorrow. 

But the dark reality slaps him in the face fast enough. He won’t see you. Not ever. Not after all the things he dared to tell you...

And oh he regrets every single words, oh he wishes he was brave enough to call you and beg for your forgiveness...He would do anything to get you back, he would do anything you wanted. He would even stop being Batman, if that’s what it took and...But it wouldn’t happen. 

He was too cowardly, too proud and stubborn, to actually call you and apologize. To actually give himself another shot at “being happy”. 

It couldn’t happen anymore. He had his chance, and he blew it. It was destiny bringing him back down on Earth. You’d be better off without him. That was sure. It’s as if life was telling him : “you’ve been a selfish bastard, you knew your relationship with her wouldn’t actually go anywhere, and you played with her...this is your punishment. Karma’s a bitch”. 

And as Dick was going on and on about all the things he’d do with you at the fair, it dawned on him that...vacations were over. 

You left, forever. 

He had to...

-DO YOU THINK THERE’S ROLLERCOASTERS AT THE FAIR ?! DO YOU THINK I’M TALL ENOUGH TO RIDE THEM !!?? DO YOU THINK (Y/N) WILL BUY ME COTTON CANDY ?! 

Just talking about you made him want to end it all. That’s how much he loved and missed you. He’ve had enough of this life of pain and misery. When you came in, you eclipsed (almost) the darkness...if he didn’t make a promise to his parents, that he would spend his life avenging them, he’s not sure he would still be alive. 

He listens, keeping silent, to Dick’s ramblings about you, and about what you guys are going to do. Alfred fills him in on what you said on the phone, how you asked to see Dick and take him out for the day. 

Bruce doesn’t say anything. He couldn’t bear the fact that the boy would be able to see and touch you, while he himself would never be allowed to do that ever again. But what could he do ? Stop Dick from ever seeing you again ? 

You’d never allow that, loving that kid too much. And besides...it wasn’t this poor little eight year’s old fault, your relationship didn’t last. 

Why should he be punished for something he had no control over ? Bruce shook his head and chased away his selfish thoughts. 

Of course he’d let Dick see you. 

But...Was it really fair to do so, knowing you wouldn’t be there for him as much as you used to ? Was it fair to let him have hope of you ever coming back when Bruce knew it would never happen ? He didn’t want the boy to be hurt...

Maybe he shouldn’t let him see you. 

No. This was ridiculous. You...

-Do you think I’ll be able to convince her to come back, eh, Bruce ? 

Lost in his thoughts, it seemed as if the Batman lost track of the conversation, and didn’t hear a big chunk of Dick’s ramblings. He couldn’t remember how the kid came to talk about you coming back...Oh this wasn’t good. 

He gives a desperate look to Alfred, but the butler isn’t looking back. In fact, he’s turned away from his “master”, in an obvious “You got yourself in this mess, handle things yourself” way, and slowly leaves the room. 

Bruce turns to Dick’s painfully hopeful face, and say : 

-I...I don’t think she...wants to...wouldn’t want to...

He stumbles on his words, and it seems to encourage the little boy. Yes. This was his time. He had a week to rehearse his speech, but didn’t dare to say anything...but now ? Now it was the time : 

-Bruce, we don’t know that ! You didn’t even call her. You guys didn’t speak calmed down yet. You know when people are angry, they say stupid things. Which is what happened. There’s still a chance, and if you want her to come bac...

-No. 

Bruce understood where the boy wanted to go. And he had to rip any hope from him, now. Otherwise, it would become dangerous. 

Bruce understood that Dick was about to try and convince him to make a move, to try and get you back. He guessed easily that the kid was about to tell him that he’ll talk to you tomorrow, to plead his case. That he’d help in any way shape or form. 

Bruce knew that Dick was about to go on a rant about how they should try again, about how there was still...hope. 

But Bruce knew better. He was convinced he would never get you back, he knew he went too far, pushed you away one too many time...He knew you thought his Batman activities were more important to him than you or worst, than Dick, and he knew you couldn’t forgive him (at the time, it seems he didn’t fully understand you yet...but you two were still in the “early stage” of the relationship of course). 

And he had to destroy all hope. He had to be blunt, though dishonest. 

-...No ? 

Dick said in a small voice, not understanding. Closing his eyes, Bruce got on his knees and put his hands on the boy’s shoulders. After a deep sigh, he said : 

-I...don’t want (Y/N) back. And I meant what I told her. 

-No Bruce, you love her. 

Dick’s innocent look, and the way his voice sounded so sure of his statement...almost make Bruce cracks. The man almost breaks down and tells all of his feelings to his kid but...he’s just a kid. A tiny eight years old. He couldn’t burden that boy with his pain like that...And so he shakes his head and says : 

-No Dickie. No. I...Loved her. But those feelings are...gone...now. We’re...we’re not together anymore. We broke up. That’s how life is. Sometimes...you...just have to move on from good things and...or...good things turn into bad...I don’t want her back. And she doesn’t want to come back. You heard her, we’re done. It’s over. 

Every single stumbling words that came out of his mouth was a struggle. But he thought that his cold tone was pretty convincing. He thought that Dick and his young age would buy his lies easily (clearly underestimating him). He gets back on his feet and ruffle his boy’s hair, taking the direction of the Batcave (he needed to think about something else than you right now). 

Dick looks at him leave, tears welled up in his eyes...and more determined than ever. 

************

Of course, his failure today could have had convinced him to abandon all hope. 

But...no, never. He knew he was right. 

That morning, you came to pick Dick up. You thought you saw Bruce looking at your car from behind his bedroom’s curtains but...It was probably all in your head. Wishful thinking. You wanting him to miss you...but for what ? 

You wouldn’t get back together. 

The vision of that little eight year old boy excitedly going down the Manor’s stairs, a backpack in his hand, and rushing in your car lifted your heart. 

For the first time in a week, you didn’t feel too terrible. Hell, you even caught yourself smiling widely at Dick ! 

You feel a bit bad for not going out to say “hi” to Alfred...No, that was an understatement. You grew so close from the man, while you were dating Bruce...it physically hurt your soul to not go out to hug him and catch up...but what if Bruce was there ? 

You couldn’t risk it. And so you just kinda nod at the butler from your car, and drive away, not noticing his pained expression. 

The morning flies by so fast, you don’t even realize it’s already noon, only Dick’s belly grumbling gives you a hint. 

And it’s there, while you eat lunch, that he attacks. 

He talks about Bruce, observing your reaction. But just like your boy...ex-boyfriend, you cut his sentences short. 

There is no “(Y/N) and Bruce” anymore, you’re not getting back together. 

Dick can tell you even less words than he told Bruce...And yet. 

Yet it doesn’t discouraged him. 

It should have had. But it doesn’t. 

A few months ago, Dick started his training with Bruce. One day, he too would be a night vigilante ! And one of his first lesson was this : “Always observe the situation, always know your ennemies”. 

He would have never thought but today...his ennemies were the people he loved most in the World. 

You and Bruce. 

He triggered emotions in you by talking about getting back together, and he was now convinced that you both loved each other but were too dumb (later he’d know that “dumb” wasn’t the right word...”stubborn” was...well, stubbornness was dumb) to apologize and fix things yourselves ! 

Or maybe too scared ? Not brave enough ? No. Impossible. Not you two. It wasn’t that. You were really just...too dumb. 

By telling you guys he would try to get you back together, he made sure that you were still in love. And obviously, you were. 

You both thought you were way better liers than you really were. 

Dick could see through you two. When you said “we’re not going back together, I don’t want too, and he/she wouldn’t either anyway”, all he could hear was the “anyway” signifying that there was still a kind of wish to be back together, that you were just afraid it was a one-way thing...

Yes. Months of training actually taught him a lot. 

Dick was slowly becoming a detective. And theory had no secrets for him...The “know your enemies part” was over. Now came the part he...didn’t know so well. 

The action. 

He was still too inexperienced in that. He wasn’t sure how to act...after all, he was just an eight year old boy. 

And he couldn’t ask Bruce for help, as he would usually when he was in a delicate situation, because Bruce was part of the problem...

It took Dick a few days to come up with a solution. 

What did Bruce always said ? 

-If you’re in deep and big trouble, and I’m not here to help...Call this number. Ask for Superman and tell him everything. He will help. He will fix things. 

This definitely counted as “deep and big trouble”. And Bruce couldn’t help. And he needed someone to help him fix things...

Dick waited for Bruce to leave for his nightly activities, and for Alfred to look away (Dick wasn’t sure yet if Alfred would agree with him and his plan and...he couldn’t risk the butler to stop him. Of course, he would never do such a thing, because he wanted as much as Dick for you two to get back together, and he actually “looked away” on purpose but...well, he couldn’t blame the kid for being unsure, after all, Alfred didn’t talk much about what he thought of the situation, things being too hurtful for him to...). 

He dialed the “red number” Bruce gave him. 

A voice he didn’t recognize fused from the computer : 

-Member N°2. Batman. You’ve reached the League headquarters, how can I be of service ? 

With an hesitant and small voice, Dick says : 

-Hum...Can I...talk to...Superman ? 

-Member n°2. Batman. You asked to talk to Superman. Getting you through...now. 

There were a few agonizing minutes where Dick thought Superman wouldn’t pick up but...Finally, his face appeared on the computer. He seemed a bit panicky, and when he noticed Dick in front of him, seemed to get even more panicked : 

-Dick ? What is happening ? Are you ok ? Is Batman ok ? What is the danger ?! 

Dick took a big breath to give himself courage and said, more determined than ever : 

-No, I am not ok. And Batman definitely isn’t either. And the danger...it’s his dumb self being too dumb to realize he’s taking a dumb decision ! 

To be continue...

__________________________________________

I wrote this in a surge of inspiration. It’s very late, I’m tired, and it’s pretty bad. 

I didn’t write anything in almost three weeks (it’s easy to guess, I’m a bit rusty and this story is...b.a.d, especially the end of this part), so of course when I get back at it it’s an awfully long story...Anyway, this is why I cut that story in half. I know writing long ass one shots is my style, but that one really was too long :-). 

See y’all soon for part two, hoped you liked it and that it didn't disappoint you after my “long” absence.

[mightyraptor]

How things are now? 2019

First off I want to thank everyone supporting this channel and my characters! Ive been doing what I can when Im around to bring new art as well as some storyline and even taking questions and even bringing up other topics. And its important as artists we express ourselves and even honest opinions and I really passionate for most of this and wanting make some stories and build up these characters I care for even if its just fiction and fantasy but its still motivating and fun and can make us happy and it can even feel real to us in many ways with what we make of it and a way to get away from the reality because as much I don't want to point fingers or say half the human has level of greed or evil who know and we talk about that in other topics But how it things are going right now I wish I could of been better but to be honestly right now, it hasn't been all that great, but Im trying to stay motivated and not trying spread negative but there still a lot going on and still some problems. Countries still having health problems as well as still being a part time job Im starting to hate and is causing my anxiety and just feels like place for unhealthy people go to medicate their problem but side effect just killing themselves slowly and I say that because I feel like Im giving them poison even if some of them already have deceases. And most customers are really out of shape and mid or old age, I dunno why they get this lazy and just carelessness, it doesn't matter if your in a free country these just facts Im pointing out but I don't want any part of it I want to live healthy as possible and I know you seen some of my characters with big bellies but in that world its ok and animals with big bellies is fun but do I want be fat a human, NO, I don't want to be unhealthy for real, and we can joke about it but Im going be overweight or do things that causes bad health it not worth the medical and painful risks. Another problem Im having with not getting a lot of art created is just distractions and just fear with what happens wether its news or fears of something happening to someone in the family or friends or people we've met or like. And recently as I feared out no where when I went to see big end movie on April my last GrandParent passed away and I felt silent of depression but luckily I wasn't too close to her but she was the last of grandparent to go and I felt bad for my Dad then but he took it strong but I couldn't make choice to go to the funeral I stayed home to watch the dogs the next couple days, and as for the movie I went I could say the ending felt the same way sad and I'll the quote from one of the character "Part of the Journey is the End." Still a good movie which all talk about another journal. And just small rap up from the negative just haven't been too hype with all the content in DeviantArt and some of feels the same or just not interesting but there has some good stuff I still enjoyed or started to enjoy and there have been few artists who let me down and even some who think I might be  jerk and just block thinking I was being mean but I again I probably stress too much about things but I also wanted to do stuff with other artist and haven't gotten a chance to. But as for artist I still care for I still stand for them 100% because there are some who got me here too and positive and motivation. So in conclusion where about halfway through the year and it almost feel like "2018 2.0" Meaning we still have problems when they should of been left in the past but still dealing with stuff that I wish it would just go away and there some humans fault which is bad enough we already have deceases and budget problem around the world. I hope we can improve and even fix problems like pollution like with plastic and health problems that could easily be avoided even it means working harding all together, and stop crimes and prevent reckless destruction like the one that happened in before Easter to a building that must be really hard make back then. But if we work together we can save lives and the world and enjoy are favorite fantasy characters and games and entertainment. But moving forward looking towards the positives and hoping it doesn't become "2018 2.0" Im going to be leaving my awful job for a better one and also opening commissions as soon as possible and get as much artwork as a can and even look into animation and  creating 3d stuff. As some already know we have hit 5 years in Deviant Art and I have stepped up improvement with the drawing!

https://www.deviantart.com/mightyraptor/art/Fossils-of-Utah-in-Love-462519522   2014

https://www.deviantart.com/mightyraptor/art/Night-of-the-Utahraptors-797734212    2019

I want to thank you all guys again and Im sorry if I let you down but we all get knocked down and we to get back up and yes there will be more Rick and Feria and theres more to meet as well as characters and story which I wish I could do it sooner but let us make 2019 great and ready for 2020 which is the year I want to make it the best like the good old days!

[saveforgetmenot]

THIS IS GONNA BE VERY VERY LONG. But Hopefully informative lol. I’m not amazing at this game, so if any of you have suggestions on how to play, reply to this post so we can make the ultimate guide lol. ♡ 

User @notsoslimshady recently asked me about Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life - they're pretty stuck on how to play it and I can see why! When this game is so much different from the previous games, it can be quite hard to adjust to especially with the pressure of time behind your back, not to mention theres hardly any instructions on how to play, and everyday can seem quite mundane if you've got no routine ... Each and every Harvest Moon game no matter which one can be played how you want. However, with this one, the games story changes in the decisions you make. e.g. if you don't get married in chapter 1 the game automatically stops and you have to start again ... fun lol. In simple terms, your main purpose in this game is to achieve the best life possible. But how do you do this when there is little instruction apart from help your fathers farm grow? Most of this game, in my opinion, should be supported by a guide because theres so many random events, and so many career paths your child can take, and SO MANY ITEMS you can receive at random times ... its a pretty tough game thinking about it, and most of the extras you wouldn't be able to find without one. Below is the way I play the game! Of course, play it however you like, but for beginners this guide should be pretty good. Warning, there might be minor spoilers so watch out!

♡ How I play the game. Chapter 1 ... ♡

Briefly in this chapter ...

choose a wife

befriend everyone

banana trees

fishing

befriend your animals

seed maker

grass planting

Well, in chapter 1 I exclusively work on maintaining and growing everyones friendship because in later chapters, you can obtain gifts you wouldn't be able to get if you didn't build friendships - e.g items to build your childs stats. I also grow crops and look after my animals carefully, but friendship is a central focus. A really good guide on this can be found here, where it shows you approximately how many gifts you can give someone before they're your friend! When you become someones friend, they turn their head to look at you whilst they walk. However, you can only give certain people gifts when they're not busy - e.g. Cody cannot receive gifts when he's crossing his arms. So make a good plan on when you want to give gifts and what time of day you'll approach the towns people.

OK quick cheat I guess lol, on the first day of your farming journey BUY ALL THE BANANA SEEDS YOU CAN GET and plant them on your farm. Don’t even worry about money because you'll get plenty later on ... They must be planted one square apart from one another to grow. e.g like so ...

T0T0T0T     ** must be planted a square from each other because they just 0000000        won't grow. T0T0T0T 0000000 T0T0T0T

Your biggest source of money in this Chapter is fishing. I aim to go to bed quite early, so I wake up at 1AM so I can fish until around 9AM. After fishing, I tend to my cows to help them get S Grade milk (you don't wanna sell any milk thats A or higher because the profit isn't worth it at this stage, especially when your cow stops producing the good stuff.) Also, you should befriend Van so you can haggle pieces of fish ( as in, when Van gives you a price for a fish, you can reject it, and on some occasions he can give you a sum of more money!) A good fishing guide can be found here with locations of fish and haggling prices. (Gotta get those Sharksharks!)

I also 100% recommend if its the special edition you're playing, to always plant grass in this chapter. The more you get outta the way, the less time you have to spend planting grass in Chapter 2 - and you don't wanna waste time in this game. By filling your field full of grass, you can receive upgrades for your farm, and in Chapter 2, some villagers won't give you items if you don't have certain upgrades on your farm - aka grass ... evil game.

This Chapter is pretty easy, just make sure you make friends, collect any items lying around, and pick your wife (they each have different stats for their child - e.g. Muffy’s kid is hard to persuade and can be quite depressing lol.)

♡ Step 2, MONEYYYYY. ♡

Briefly in this chapter ...

create banana seeds with the seed maker

make your cow pregnant

start helping your childs career path

collect villagers items for better farming

purchase the Great Field

get ducks ** only in this chapter **

Make sure to have befriended Daryl in Chapter 1 and the seed maker you receive from him can be used with the banana crop you planted earlier in the game. 

You can make each banana into seeds which you can sell for big 💰💰💰!!! (even more if you haggle the prices with Van..)

In Chapter 2, I work on making money steadily, maybe buy a few chickens, a goat ... and helping my child to grow healthy and happy. Just show your child items that can influence the job he’ll get when he's older - e.g. if you show your child a crystal found at the dig site, he might turn into an archaeologist or if you show your child to Cody, he might become an artist when he grows up ...

Of course, there is new villagers here now and you can befriend them if you wish! The villagers in Chapter 1 are most important to befriend though.

Another issue in this chapter is that fairly on in the beginning, your cow will stop producing milk ... one way to fix this is to make your cow pregnant. Your cow will have a baby after 30 days, and for 10 days after your cow will produce special milk to feed her calf. After this, your cow will produce milk normally that you can sell, but the whole time while she's pregnant you'll have to survive without cow milk. You have to make your cow pregnant really, because it won't produce milk again unless you do this ...

In the special edition you can also purchase a goat - it can milk everyday but only for one year before it stops producing milk. You also can't make it pregnant, and therefor its pretty useless on your farm. So be cautious of wether or not you want one at this stage ... maybe buy one when the farming life gets quiet later on into the game and you can afford a side animal?

The main name I give to this chapter is item collection because you can receive items from Villagers that can help you with your farming in this part of the game. All your hard work in Chapter 1 of befriending everyone will pay off - yay! I recommend trying to get all the items, although they can be difficult to find because this game has a lot of random events - so you can't predict when you'll get items, and no guide is 100% accurate because of this. You’ll probably find yourself entering and exiting houses over and over just to trigger a cutscene that might not even happen!!! I recommend checking the The Right Tool for the Job trophy here because its a pretty good guide on all items, and the best one I’ve seen over the years. Just know the villagers’ routines and you should be OK!

This Chapter can seems too fast paced, and receiving all the items can be tiring especially if you have a whole farm to care and look after. Don’t forget about your animals - and make sure you feed your chickens lol. If you’ve received kitchen upgrades, cook any unprofitable fish and turn it into sashimi ... haggle and get even more cash!! Yay!!

♡ Chapter 3 and onwards ... ♡

Briefly in this chapter ...

help your childs career path each chapter

get appropriate career building items

do whatever you want now!!!

So your child is growing, and your farm is progressing. You might have ducks now, a cat and even multiple cows at this point! Its a great chapter because from here you can progress how you wish without having to worry about befriending everyone, you've done all the hard work already. You can still get items from villagers, but these items are to aid your childs development further, so pick what career choice you want your kid to have and get friendship items from the appropriate villagers. If you're running out of ideas of what to do in this chapter, make sure you care for your animals and develop your farms buildings! Make sure you have loads of bananas still because they're a valuable source of income, even if you have better ways to get money, its quick and easy. This chapter follows very close to the fourth, fifth and sixth one. You can do what you wish, providing you're supporting your child and his decisions. 

The game is freedom from here, because you've received all items - you’ve probably got enough money to buy whatever you want. If you forget to get any items in the previous chapters, I think you can still obtain them -  however, in heaven mode I’m not sure if you can get some of them as it takes you back to Chapter 2 ...  

Just make your farm grow and make it the best farm Forget-Me-Not has ever seen!!!

This is just my way to play - but still, theres so many things to do! Collecting recipes, making food, obtaining golden eggs, wool, getting cutscenes you've never seen before, completing the mine (by finding a plate in every chapter...), making hybrid crops, finding out the truth about the Goddess Pond, seeing who your child will marry ... 

Its such a great game, and for me its one of the best games I’ve ever played because of the freedom, and sense to do good for your fathers farm. Its a sad game, yes, but its true to life and with life there is always endings. 

I hope you can enjoy this game as much as I do! It'll take time to adjust, but once you figure out a routine thats right for you, this game really is a breeze (sorry for the pun lol). 

Good luck and have fun!!!!

Guides to look at ...

Harvest Moon Trophy Guide a good guide for hints and tips about HM:AWL

Harvest Moon Gift Guide all gifts for everyone and how to get them.

Harvest Moon General Guide good basic guide on the whole game.

Harvest Moon Fishing Guide tells you all the pieces and types of fish.

Harvest Moon Child Career Guide basic but useful.

Harvest Moon Activity Guide things to do when you're bored.

Harvest Moon Animal Care get the most out of your livestock.

Harvest Moon Cow Guide good cow care guide.

Harvest Moon Crop Fusion hybrid crop guide.

[the-kool-kyle]

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Review

It's been 42 years now since we were first introduced to massive blockbuster franchise Star Wars in 1977. Created by George Lucas it has become one of the greatest pieces of science fiction in history and one of the most popular franchises of all time spawning billions of fans world wide thanks to it's fun action, unforgettable adventures, tear jerking moments and best of all....it's lovable relatable characters. Such as Mark Hamil as Luke Skywalker the brave selfless Jedi, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia the strong independent rebel, Harrison Ford as Han Solo the scoundrel with a heart of gold and Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca the hulking yet gentle giant Wookie. Over the last 40 years the franchise has had the prequel movie trilogy, Graphic Novels, comic books, TV shows and countless video games. But now this decade we have the “Sequel Trilogy” which is the new Star Wars movies set 30 years after “Return of the Jedi”. The trilogy focuses on the remnants of the Empire now known as “The First Order” trying to conquer the galaxy and the Resistance lead by General Leia trying to stop them.

The Sequel Trilogy has gotten something of a mixed reception from the fans and critics since the release of “Force Awakens” some people like them and some hate them but overall everyone can agree their not as good as the original trilogy. But overall the trilogy has done a great job in introducing and building it's new characters like Rey the scavenger turned Jedi, Finn former Stormtrooper who defected to the resistance and Po ace pilot and cocky rebel. The trilogy also brings us a new villain Kylo Ren leader of the Knights of Ren and son of Han and Leia who shows no mercy and uncontrollable rage. The movies also use the original cast like Luke, Leia, Han and Chewie.

But were getting off track. Were here to talk about the newest instalment and final movie for the Skywalker story line....Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The film picks up after “The Last Jedi” where Kylo Ren is now the supreme leader of The First Order after killing “Snoke” and now seeks to conquer the galaxy and destroy anything that stands in his way. While the resistance continues to fight for freedom and peace in the galaxy....Rey tries to bring balance to the force. After the controversial and hugely discussed Last Jedi the fans are divided on what has become of the franchise. Mainly due to the massive backlash over Luke Skywalker's death and the many hated characters that were introduced in Last Jedi. However I can truly say that from the bottom of my heart.....that Rise of Skywalker is....the best Star Wars movie since Empire Strikes back! It was exciting, action packed, tear jerking, full of twists and turns, had great character arcs and truly did the franchise justice. I'll be honest there were times that I shed a tear in both excitement and sadness. Yep it's that amazing. This film was without a doubt the perfect way to end the Skywalker Story and end with a bang.

But that's just my opinion every Star Wars has always had their own crazy views and thoughts on all Star Wars material. Overall “Rise of Skywalker” is entertaining and provides answers to some questions raised in the last 2 movies but there are some plot holes and new characters who don't make much of an impact as the old ones which leads to the conclusion that the studio didn't have any of these movies as well planned out as expected but then again most franchises aren't. So there new movies are nowhere near as legendary as the original trilogy by George Lucas but still have a lot of heart and ambition.

Ever since Disney took over....the Star Wars franchise has been changed forever...but above all has divided the most of the fans. For example ever since the they cancelled the Clone Wars TV in exchange for Star Wars Rebels which was more family friendly has sparked outrage due to the fact that a lot of fans preferred the Clone Wars more mature and darker take on the franchise. Well I can't blame them since sometimes it's good for a franchise to mature with it's audience and to have more mature themes and darker story lines. Most of which were used for the Knight of the old Republic and Force Unleashed games as well as the Clone Wars TV series and comic books. Sadly how ever since Disney bought the rights most of the “Star Wars Extended Universe” has been declared non-canon. This was created after the original trilogy to continue the stories of Luke, Leia, Han and the rest of the characters as well as introducing new characters through comic books, novels, video games and other media. However since acquiring the Star Wars media Disney has removed most of these stories from canon. This has really been a major disappointment to the older Star Wars fans. But honestly why did they have to do this I can't see why most of the Extended universe and canon can't fit together. So in conclusion this new generation of Star Wars media has divided the fan base and it may never be whole again.

The Star Wars franchise's strongest suit has always been it's characters. Rey played by (Daisy Ridley) the young woman who has evolved from the lonely orphan scavenger to a strong, independent, no nonsense Jedi that has become one of the best female leads in Star Wars history like Leia, Padme and Bastila. Having been trained by Luke him self she has become a powerful, strong and the last Jedi. Daisy Ridley really works hard on bringing this character to life and earns respect for it.

Finn former stormtrooper played by John Boyega has really developed as a character since he defected from the first order and tried to run away from the war. Since then he has become the team's moral compass and greatest soldier who is always willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good which he has done many times. Proving that not all stormtroopers or first order soldiers are there by choice and just want to do whats right.

Po fighter and the greatest pilot in the resistance has really stepped us from being a background character from Force Awakens to a fun relatable hot head that will go to extreme and crazy lengths to end the war and save the galaxy. Oscar Isaac really does a great in portraying the cocky, stubborn yet brave pilot.

Chewbacca aka Chewie the iconic Wookie and Han Solo's best friend returns. Chewie is one of the most beloved characters in the franchise due to hulking size, gentle personality, fierce loyalty and iconic roar. He has appeared in over 7 Star Wars movies and can be found in a lot of the SW extended universe media due to a Wookie's long life span of 400 years and Chewie is only 200 in Return of the Jedi.

Carrie Fisher returns one more time to play the strong wise leader of the resistance Leia Organa. Princess Leia rebel and sister of Luke Skywalker. Leia has become Sci-Fi royalty in both the Star Wars universe and science fiction itself she has evolved from the Damsel in distress to a strong tough female character that still has a soft side as well as the iconic haircut. Following actress' tragic death in 2016 the studio had to take a few liberties but even with these restrictions they were still able to give give the character a perfect send off. It was the best way they could have done it and it's what Carrie deserved.

The film's main villain Kylo Ren returns this time with The Knights of Ren who the movies have only mentioned. While Adam Driver does a great job in portraying this Sith villain he has gotten something of a mixed reception from the fans and the critics. Some dislike the characters portrayal as a moody, arrogant and whiney teenager. Others like him mainly for his badass mask design and his cross guard lightsaber. But overall he doesn't quite live up to the villainy expectations of Darth Vader, Maul, Revan or any of the other Sith lords we've seen throughout the years. While some like the character and others don't he still has his redeeming qualities like his mentioned cross guard lightsaber and new battle damaged mask.

Final Verdict: So in conclusion not all the fans are gonna be happy...so people are gonna like this movie and some are not. But that's what the fans have always been like since the beginning and it's what makes them so unique. SO wether or not this film was able to stick the landing of 40 years of story telling is entirely up to the viewer. But for me the film was awesome!

Final Score: 9/10

[krawalito]

It’s either they are together or not at all through death because what’s the point of them being apart when they are committing they will be together in the future? What’s the purpose? Let’s date other people and explore ourselves and with 40 we meet each other again? SW is not telling such stories. And if they bring back balance to the galaxy there is even less sense in separating them in the end. What’s left to be done for them If not building a future together and settle? It would be a cruel ending to be alone again for the both of them when this is their biggest issue all along. All the arguments i saw wether they have been brought up by reylos or antis that Rey should end up alone, she doesn’t need a man on her side to be happy she should be strong and independent and she still got friends is nonsense. A women can be strong, independent and in love at the same time. I am one of those ☝️. And friends alone cannot compensate romantic love forever. That is the truth! And the same applies for Ben solo. It’s even worse because that man doesn’t have any friends. Without Rey he will end up sad and alone. So with them being separated in the end is: not a good ending at all and does not make any sense!!! Oh let’s redeem Ben but let him end up alone for a while? Nope, not happening. You either go the whole path or you don’t. The end will be satisfying and I trust daisy on this one. Disney is selling fairytales after all not some 2019 bullshit let’s all end up alone because that is the new independence, girlpower shite. Spread the love and fall in love as many times as you can it won’t make you any less strong 💪. That is what the story should tell us! Enough of me hahaha

Why I Don't Think Rey and Ben Will Be Separated at the end of TROS

I posted this elsewhere but want to revive it because I have something to say. 

I have heard a lot of Reylos espouse this idea that a redeemed Ben Solo and Rey will be apart at the end of TROS with “the promise to come back together” in the future. Or that Ben will go off as a lone Ronin at the end to atone for a bit and then come back to Rey. 

I disagree with this. 

The main reason I disagree is that because Star Wars is really showy, it’s about big emotions and its about metaphor in its visual storytelling representing a big dramatic idea that is very mythological and spiritual even if it’s not at all realistic. things happen not because they make a good story necessarily, but because they support the idea, or mythological/spiritual idea that the writers are trying to show. 

I present, for your consideration, Padme’s death: it had no realistic cause, and even though fans try to reason it out (“it was Palpatine!”), the reason for Padme’s death doesnt matter. It isnt what was ever important! What was important was the big mythical metaphor it served: she died because Anakin had killed the Goddess and the feminine in himself, and this Goddess is represented by Padme and his connection to her. And this was what the PT was kinda about, among many things. Anakin was killing a part of himself. 

The end of Star Wars should be the reintegration, rebirth, the renewal of the whole of the person.  For Kylo with his feminine (with Rey) and for Rey with the masculine (Kylo). This will be visually represented by them being together, in love, in that grandiose way that Star Wars, the Space Opera, does. They will be shown to be together, whole because that will represent the spiritual lesson and the idea that Star Wars, all 9 trilogies, and the ST are trying to teach. 

And Ill leave you with this: didn’t John Williams call it the Comedy (in the Greek sense) of Kylo Ren and Rey?

[barry-writes]

Feud

Requested by Anonymous: The reader and Barry are dating but they're keeping it a secret from everyone and someone is flirting with the reader and Barry gets really jealous.

Requested by Anonymous: Barry and Wally both loving the reader but she loves Barry.

Pairings: Barry Allen x reader

Word count: 2601

A/N: I am back with the requests (finally)! I’m sorry it took me so long to post something, I’ve been with a little writer’s block lately, but hopefully that’ll change :) Anyway, I hope you enjoy this story and thanks for requesting!

Masterlist

You slowly started to open your eyes when the morning sun shined through the white curtains of your bedroom, gently illuminating your face. You looked down for a moment and took sight of the lean, long fingers wrapped around your waist as a charming voice hummed against the shell of your ear.

“Good morning, beautiful”, Barry sweetly said.

“Good morning!”, you replied in the same tone, lazily smiling.

You shifted in your place until you were completely turned around and facing him, pressing a long kiss to his jaw.

“Did you sleep well?”, you quietly asked, running your fingers through his soft brown hair.

“I always sleep well with you”, he smiled down at you and connected his lips with yours, resting his hand on your cheek.

You kissed for a moment until a knock on the bedroom door made you two pull apart immediately.

“Y/N, are you awake yet? We’re gonna be late”, Caitlin, your best friend and roommate called.

“Shit”, you said under your breath. “I forgot I have to go to an appointment with her today”.

“Ugh, seriously?”, Barry sighed annoyed as he slumped his head back on the pillow.

“You need to leave!”, you whispered.

You jumped out of bed and got rid of Barry’s shirt you were wearing, quickly getting dressed with the first items you could find around the room. Meanwhile Caitlin was impatiently knocking again, calling your name louder.

“I’m awake, Cait! Just give me two minutes, please!”, you shouted and then you could hear her groaning behind the door.

Lately every morning has been like this. Barry sneaks through your balcony door and stays the night, then the morning is an absolute mess of him getting away without being noticed and you trying to convince Caitlin that the voices she heard in your bedroom were just Netflix. You honestly didn’t understand how she was buying that. Everything would be okay if she knew you were dating Barry. If anyone knew, really.

A few months ago Barry opened up his heart for you and you started dating, but decided to not tell anyone. There was just too much going on and you didn’t want to take the focus out of the important stuff. I mean, there was Cisco dealing with his brother’s death, Caitlin and the Killer Frost problem, Wally training his new found speed and on top of that Savitar was still around, so yeah, no time for that kind of announcement. You just had to settle for the secret dates, the sneaking around and the stolen kisses when no one was looking, at least for now.

Barry was staring at you and stifling a laugh as you wiggled your butt to put on your skinny jeans. You just glared at him with a playful stern look, motioning with your hands for him to get out of bed. He got up and in the blink of an eye he changed his clothes as well, walking over to you and placing both of his hands on your hips.

“I’ll see you later?”, he whispered loud enough so only you would hear him.

“Yeah”, you smiled and quickly kissed him goodbye.

You felt that very familiar gust of wind around the room and just like that he was gone through your window. You slightly laughed to yourself thinking about how ridiculous it must be for him to run down 7 floors on the outside of the building. Thank God no one could see him.

You were suddenly pulled out of your thoughts with an annoyed Caitlin knocking on your door again, so you finally opened it and greeted her. You just took a quick sip of the coffee she had brought to you and then you headed to her appointment.

It ended a couple of hours later and you were both on your way to STAR Labs when Caitlin decided to confront you.

“So, was your mystery boyfriend over this morning?”, she asked nonchalantly, making you choke on your saliva.

“Mystery boyfriend? Caitlin, what the hell are you- ”.

“Oh c’mon, do you really think I’m that dumb?”, she said raising an eyebrow. “I’m one hundred per cent sure you are seeing someone, I just don’t know why you don’t wanna tell your best friend about it”, she looked at you pouting.

“I am not!”, you slightly chuckled at her expression. “I don’t understand why you would think that”.

“Well, because you’ve been way happier lately, you’ve been distracted, daydreaming about your boo I suppose”, she smirked while bumping your shoulder with hers, “And I can hear you talking in your room, I highly doubt it’s only Netflix”.

“You’re just imagining things”, you laughed it out trying to divert her attention from the subject. “Nothing’s happening in my love life, quit thinking about it!”, you said as you two stepped into the cortex.

“Keep fooling me, Y/N Y/L/N! I’m gonna find out the truth!”, she said with a faux drama in her tone.

“Find out the truth about what?”, Cisco asked turning his chair to face you.

“Nothing!”, you rapidly replied. “Just something about a case I’ve been working on”, you forced a smile.

“Okay...”, he said raising his eyebrows and returning to work on his computer.

You shrugged it off and greeted the rest of the team, grinning widely when Barry waved his hand at you. You were discreetly making your way over to him when you felt wind blowing in your face. When you managed to get your hair out of the way you took sight of Wally standing in front of you.

“Y/N, hey!”, he smiled.

“Hey, you!”, you replied returning the smile. “Were you out there training?”.

“Yes, I was! HR said I’m getting almost as fast as Barry!”, he excitedly told you.

“That’s great, Wally! Just don’t let him know that, though”, you joked and he laughed.

“Oh, while I was out I thought I’d get you something”, he said holding up the brown paper bag in his hand. “It’s a brownie from your favorite place”.

“No way!”, you gasped taking it from him. “Thank you so much!”, you said pressing a small kiss on his cheek.

“Anything for you, Y/N”, he chuckled. “So, I was wondering if you’d like to go to the movies tonight? You know, like a date...”, he asked in a quiet tone.

You froze when you heard the word “date”, standing there looking at him in surprise with your mouth hanging open.

“I- I actually already have plans for tonight, Wally. Sorry”.

“Oh, okay. Maybe we can do it another time?”, he asked hopefully.

“Uh, I don’t- well I- maybe we can see if it works out. I’m just real busy for the next few days”, you tumbled all over your words, trying to fake a laugh.

“All right then...We can talk about it later”, he slightly smiled.

“Yeah, yeah, sure”, you said walking around him to finally make your way to Barry, but he wasn’t sitting there anymore.

“Uh, where’s Barry?”, you asked confused.

“He ran off about a minute ago while you were distracted chit chatting”, Cisco answered you with his eyes still fixed on his screen.

You didn’t pay much attention to that since Barry always rushed away without saying anything when he remembered he had something to do. You only started to worry when a few hours had passed and he still hadn’t come back and was not answering your calls.

Fortunately he was okay and closer than you imagined, running around in the training room. Of course, he was in the cortex to witness Wally’s move on you and he didn’t like it at all, specially because that wasn’t the first time. He was frustrated because there was nothing he could do since your relationship was a secret, what made him even more upset.

Wally walked in and all he could see was Barry’s yellow lightning trail around the room.

“Wow”, he shouted, catching the speedster’s attention and making him stop moving. “So, you have heard about my powers, huh? Are you training to beat the competition?”, he teased with a smirk on his face.

“Ha! You wish”, Barry scoffed and the boy chuckled.

“You’ve been here this whole time? Everybody’s looking for you up there”.

“Yeah, I just needed to let off some steam”, Barry replied sitting on a step on the floor, Wally walked closer and stood in front of him.

“So...”, Barry started. “What’s up with you and Y/N?”, he asked trying to sound as casual as possible.

“Uh, nothing’s up...at least not yet”, the boy blushed while his lips turned into a soft smile.

“What do you mean ‘yet’?”, Barry raised an eyebrow.

“I’m trying to get her to go on a date with me, so”, he shrugged and Barry looked down, sighing.

“Dude, that’s not gonna happen”, he shook his head.

“What?”, Wally asked confused.

“Don’t you think you’re a little too young for her? I mean, she’s a woman and you’re just a boy. Y/N needs a man”.

“A man like you, perhaps?”, he asked annoyed.

“Wh- What do you mean?”.

“Well, maybe you’re just throwing me off because you like her too, isn’t that right, Barry? Huh? Don’t you have a crush on your best friend?”, he challenged crossing his arms to his chest.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Wally”, Barry said trying to disguise his feelings. “Exactly because she’s my best friend that I’m telling you that. I know Y/N very well”.

“Do you really?”, he asked in a mocking tone.

“Yes, really”, Barry smugly quirked an eyebrow.

“Maybe you’re wrong this time. Maybe there are things you don’t know about her. I’m not gonna stop trying to be with her, wether you like it or not!”, he said angrily stomping to the exit.

“Wally, I’m really just trying to protect you here. Y/N doesn’t like you and she won’t be with you. She likes someone else. The sooner you realize that the less you’ll get hurt”.

“Wait”, he turned around on his heels. “She likes someone? Who?”.

“I can’t tell you. But I can assure you she’s happy, so if you really care about her you should just leave her alone. Specially because she’ll get really sad for letting you down”.

“You know what? I don’t buy what you say”, he pointed at him and finally left the room, leaving Barry huffing and puffing.

Throughout the rest of the day you still didn’t hear from Barry, even at night when you were waiting for him at your apartment he didn’t show up. You plopped yourself on the bed sighing, throwing your phone aside and giving up on the calls.

The following day you arrived late, not even Caitlin’s knocks and shouts were able to wake you up. When you entered the cortex you said ‘good morning’ to everyone and they turned to you, your face falling in a disappointed expression when you locked eyes with Barry. He just offered you a sad tight lipped smile.

Unlike Wally, who smiled brightly at the sight of you, this time bringing a cup of coffee he had picked just for you. The gesture wasn’t making the situation any better for Barry and you (and everyone else) noticed when he loudly sighed.

“Um, Barry?”, you quietly called. “Can we talk? I need to run some things by you”.

“Yeah...sure”, he said getting up from his chair and following you into the nursing room.

“What the hell is your problem?”, you asked after you closed the door behind you. He didn’t respond, he just kept looking down.

“Barry, c’mon!”, you walked over to him. “Everything was great yesterday morning and then you disappeared without a single word. You straight up ignored me and bailed on our date. What happened?”.

“I just wasn’t feeling well. I kind of had a fight with Wally yesterday”.

“What? Why?”.

“Because of you, Y/N”, he said scratching the back of his neck. “He likes you and as far as he knows you’re single, so he’s making his move and that’s really bothering me”.

“Aww, so you’re jealous?”, you looked at him with a smile.

“This is not funny, you know?”, he shook his head. “We’re all gonna get screwed in this story”.

“Baby, everything’s gonna be okay”, you said snaking your arms around his neck. “I’m trying my best to not lead him on, he just doesn’t seem to get the message”, you slightly pouted.

“Then you need to try harder, Y/N. He’s really determined”, he sighed as he placed his hands on your waist. “I don’t want to see him getting his feelings hurt and I for sure don’t want to see him all over my girl”.

“Your girl, huh?”, you smirked.

“Yes, all mine”, he smiled down at you as he leaned forward to kiss your lips.

Just then the door swung open and Wally walked in on you, freezing in his place when he saw what was going on. You three just stood there in shock.

“Looks like you really know her, don’t you, Barry?”, he angrily said before running off.

You tried to call for him but he was already gone. You two walked back to the cortex and everyone was looking at you confused, asking what happened with Wally.

“He saw Barry and I kissing, okay? We were kissing because we’re dating! Barry’s my boyfriend! We’ll discuss that later, now we need to find Wally”, you lashed out heading to a computer.

To say everybody’s mouths (including Barry’s) were hanging open in shock is an understatement and there were so many questions hanging in the air, but Wally was the priority right now. However, neither of you were capable to track him down so you just stayed in the lab waiting for him to come back, but he didn’t.

When the night fell down you headed with Barry to Joe’s place, finding Wally sitting alone in the porch. You went over and sat next to him, Barry entered the house to give you two time to talk.

“I’m sorry, Wally”, you quietly said.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?”, he asked looking up at you.

“We just thought it would be easier to not tell anyone. Apparently we were very wrong”, you winced.

“Yeah...”, he agreed.

“I hope you don’t stay mad at us forever. We really care about you”, you looked at him with pleading eyes.

“I know you do, don’t worry about it. I’m just a little shaken”, he assured you.

“Well, I’m sure you won’t be in a little while. You will find someone that will really love you”, you smiled. “Someone your own age, for example...”.

“Oh, c’mon! I’m not that young!”, he protested.

“Yes, you are”, you said scrunching your nose and you both laughed.

“Barry really likes you, you know? I kind of always knew that”.

“Yeah, well...I really like him too”, you chuckled and he smiled. “Are you gonna be okay?”.

“I think I will, yes”, he nodded.

“Good”, you smiled and gave him a loving hug. “Now we should probably tell your father we found you, he’s got police cars all over town after you”.

“Sounds like something he would do”, he shook his head laughing.

You quickly got up and walked in the house with Wally. Him and Barry then made peace as well, talking a little and shaking each other’s hand. 

You felt like things were starting to fall into place now that everything was out there and everyone knew and showed support. You and Barry could finally have the free relationship you deserved after months of hiding.

[mabeltries]

11:40pm

I couldn’t sleep until 6am today so when I woke up with the biggest migraine like something inside my head was being hammered. I didn’t want to wake up for lunch but I remembered it was my nanay’s real birthday so I woke up and gave her a hug and had the best lunch ever. I even had 2 servings of rice!  After that I checked my fan twitter and saw that Nik posted an article about his last scene with Gwen. Long story short, Jaime loved Brienne but hated himself more so he chose to be with his abuser and die with her. That was such a slap in the face to those disgusting twincest shippers, hahaha. I love Braime!! Anyway, the article also said that GoT had room for only one redemption arc and it was Theon’s. While I loved Theon Greyjoy, I couldn’t help but feel sad because I thought Jaime too, deserved a redemption arc, especially when the show has been building that up for years. I only watched GoT recently and I finished it a week because I was drawn to the show’s storyline and aesthetics. In the process, I found myself rooting for the characters I’ve fallen in love with and felt hopeful for their endings. Unfortunately, I was met with disappointment when the shit writers decided to throw away years of foreshadowing and growth for “shock value.” Needless to say, a lot of their viewers (even the cast and crew!) were dissatisfied. I guess I’ll just have to wait for George R. R. Martin to finish the series so I can read that one and disregard the shit of a season D&D wrote. I exercised today again! I found myself feeling hopeless whilst doing the exercises. I stumbled and wobbled during the exercises. I didn’t feel like I was doing the correct posture too. I wanted to give up but I’ve been exercising for 3 straight days now and I’m really proud of myself. I know I have to start somewhere for a stronger me.  I did my makeup again today! This time, I did a natural look? I don’t know if I could call it natural because I put on foundation. Anyway, I really looked good! I hope I have the patience to do it everyday once I’m a senior. I felt pretty!! I want to take care of my skin now so I don’t have to put on foundation anymore. I really hate my skin right now because of the scars and redness. I want to be patient with my skin. I know it’s going to look good soon (hopefully in 2 weeks!)  I played with yellow eyeshadow too! I practiced putting color on my eyelids and it was pretty good! My eyeliner needed more practice but nonetheless, it was good. I put on a fake tutorial for Alyne too. I knew she was thinking about * so I wanted to distract her. She was just laughing the whole time and found me annoyingly endearing.  I hope she feels better soon. She was just crying minutes ago. She just ended her friendship with * because she was catching feelings again. She was contemplating wether or not it was a good decision or not. Truthfully, I think that it was for the best. Deep down, I knew she was hoping for something to happen. I did it before too. I stopped talking to someone I was close to because I knew that I was going to catch feelings again. I knew it was for the best and I’m glad I did it. I reached out to him last year out of curiosity and because I kinda thought that we were still friends but he never replied. At first, I was slightly offended but after a few hours I felt nothing. It wasn’t a big deal anyway but I miss him sometimes. Obviously, not in that way anymore. I missed him as a friend.  But it doesn’t matter now! I’m happy with the friends I have now and I’m determined to connect to other people more. :) I’m seeing Chinnie tomorrow! I’m so excited!! I’m also watching Aladdin with my family!!! but I’m going to miss my 4th workout day so I’m kind of scared hehe. I don’t want to turn into jelly again.

[mar00n-macar00n]

No wait I gotta explain, Pure Heroine has left me shook.

I can't lead people to understand the impact of this music, or that concert, or the vivid memories that project into the songs

How old was I? 17? Buzzcut season recalls tall watchtowers in Florence, always carrying my red purse along

Okay, going into a tangent: how fucking weird was that trip? I mean, not in the whoaaa whacky sense but in the fact that it looks surreal to look back on

Twenty one years and it plays like a daydream. Maybe because of the narrative elements were too dramatic and planned out; like when you dictate your suicide and every piece falls into their place so you Do it/are stopped from doing it.

I'm scared to write in my moleskin now, I'm terrified, I tell everyone all my feelings, everything that I write feels unpure and sinful.

If I hide something from max or Liz, what am I doing? Is it some self destructive plot? Why am I writing down my deeply coveted feelings into stuff any of them could read

But back then I didn't have anyone I talked to truthfully, as I mentioned above it was all so well constructed and planned, If i told stuff to Jose, it was things he could understand and not freak out

If I lured people into believing I was something else was because no one deserved/needed to see something so ugly as my insides

So I wrote it all down, anger, playlists, pains, favorite material things, stories, memories. If I don't share that with Liz, why would I draw it now? I'm so open so someone can stop me if I do that stuff again, but it also means someone could read sick stuff I've written down

It's all so sad and melancholic, that's what gets me every time, what draws me into that version of myself. It was all very Virgin suicides, a tragic martyr who looked good on crop tops and short skirts. I really wanna look like that again, it's also a little sickening, wanting to be sick and all.

If I fit that way into my clothes, it fits in my narrative

Maybe deep down I don't like to be happy because it doesn't feed my narrative, a little story that planned to be consumed in one sitting

Very a la carte, you end your deal before 25, pack up and head home on the back of a black van. (Wether it's in a coffin or not it's your deal, but it comes with limitations)

To be alive after a mess is to do it neatly, a cottage with a jam jar as a vase, fresh air and coffee (like Cassie in skins, the final chapters) But real life isn't like that

It's not die or do, it's more of a little bridge you build with everyone

And when you cross it, then what? I can't find a narrative, I can't find a pre-lived life.

I can't find an escapist story that involves both of them, to escape is to suffer real emotional loses.

So, as in to tie things neatly with a thin red silky bow, what do you do when you don't find a possible narrative in Pure heroine? Or The suburbs? How to face growing up without a guideline?

[ellana-ravenwood]

And when I’m gone... - Bruce Wayne/Batfam x Reader

Summary : The Batfamily’s reaction to your death...

I just wanted to write a sad piece today, because of reasons, so...yeah. Hope you’ll still like it, and that it’s not too shitty :

You can find my masterlist here : @ella-ravenwood-archives

_______________________________________________________________________

You promised you’d fight, and fight you did. With all your energy...but it wasn’t enough. It took you away from them anyway.

As Jason would say : “Cancer’s a bitch”. 

This sickness was wickedly cruel. It gave so much false hope to your children and husband...A few days before you died, you were getting better, doctors were hopeful, you started to really have a chance. You felt better than you ever did in that last year, and you thought that maybe, just maybe, you’d get to see your babies grow up into the wonderful adults you were sure they’d became, and you were going to be able to grow old with your Bruce. However, the disease had another idea, and after this almost miraculous recovery...you got worst than ever and were dead before the end of the week.

Cancer’s a bitch. 

In the span of a short little year, it had taken you to the grave, and left behind six broken men. Or rather, two men and four boys who would have to learn how to be men without you. 

Alfred Pennyworth. Since the very first day Bruce took you home, he considered you part of the family, going to the extent of telling you more than once that he loved you like a daughter. After all, you were the one that gave a little light to Bruce’s world at the time, and the only one able to deal with his shit every hours of the day, never giving up on him. Just because of that, he couldn’t do anything else but love you. Besides, you two had multiple taste in common, and you spent countless nights watching theater, playing chess, talking about anything and everything. You were one of his favorite people in the World. He loved the way you always spoke your mind, but were never mean or unfair. He loved how your smile and jokes could suddenly turn your sons and husband's frown upside down. He just loved your presence in general. Right before you died, you were playing a particularly suspenseful game of chess with him, and he couldn’t find the will to put it away, even though you were now gone since over a month...Every time he passed next to it, a game forever unfinished, he couldn’t hold his tears. Oh he missed you so dearly...

Richard Grayson. Dickie. Your eldest son. He remembered when he arrived in Wayne Manor and met you for the first time. You were so gentle, so nice and beautiful, that he wasn’t able to stop the smile shining on his face. You were the first to make him smile since his parents’ death, and you would continue to provoke such reactions in him. The day he asked you if it was ok to call you “mom”, and if his own mother would be mad at him if he did...You pulled him into the best hug he ever had. Comforting, loving, caring. A mother’s embrace. He knew from that day on you’d always get his back, and you always did indeed. When he learned that you were very sick, he acted like everything was OK. He kept smiling, laughing and making terrible jokes, for your sake. He knew you, he knew you couldn’t bear the thought of any of your loved one to be sad. So he kept a facade, and he did a great job doing so...He also took care of you, trying to return all those years you took care of him. Carrying you to your bed, just as you did for him. Attempting to cook your favorite meals, just like you did when he was sad. He gave you a compliment every day, just like you did to boost his confidence before he went to school. He was actually pretty sure that, if sometimes he was a bit cocky, it was because his mommy kept saying he was the best...You gave him one of the best advice once, telling him that to avoid feeling sad, at the end of each day, he should write what he was thankful for in a notebook. Your name appeared on it every time. On your funeral, he left all of his notebooks in your casket, and didn’t start another one for a long time. Writing those things made him think of you, and the memory of your death were just too recent. Now that you were gone, he didn’t had to keep a fake face...and every time he tried to write what he was thankful for, the paper just got soaked with his tears...

Jason Todd. Jay. When Bruce told you the story of that little boy who was trying to steal the wheels off of the batmobile, you were impressed. Kid had to be quite fearless to try and steal the Batman’s wheels...And when he came home with your husband, you knew he was special. He had a difficult life before (and after) becoming Robin, and many thing messed his mind up...Fortunately for him, he always thought, you had a talent to mend broken people. You never gave up on him, and he’d never stop loving you for that. No matter what, you always had time for him, and you were the only one threw his life that ever listened that much what he said. He could tell you anything. He told you everything. When he got hurt, mentally or physically, you were there. When he got into a fight with Bruce, you were there. When he thought he was worthless, you were there. When he died you visited him everyday, you were there. When he came back to life, you were there. When he started to kill, you were still there. Of course, you told him multiple time to stop his murderous vigilante ways, but...He was a stubborn guy. Even when he was a total ass to you though, you never left, you never told him to leave...You were just always there, his rock. He was sure he would have killed himself since a long time if you never had been part of his life. So when you got diagnosed with cancer, he was there for you. He wasn’t as good as Dick to hide how much pain he was in to see you like this...But he was there. He settled his differences with Bruce, they were talking again. He wanted to make you happy...He moved back in the mansion after your death, and made it his life goal to always be the shoulder his brothers, father, and loved butler could cry on, trying to follow your exemple as best he could. Hoping that, wherever you were, you were proud of him. He never touched a gun again. 

Timothy Drake. Timmy. The nine year old boy who knocked on your door and, without introducing himself, told you : “I know you’re Batman’s wife”. In your opinion, he was the smartest man in the whole world, and you often told him. You used to spent hours just the two of you, building robots and other machines, talking about things people could do to improve the world. With you, he never felt like he wasn’t good enough. He was always in Jason and Dick’s shadow...Except when with you. You gave him as much love and support you gave the others, if not a bit more, because you thought he didn’t have enough. You knew which words to say to make him feel better, wether he had a heartbreak, or was badly hurt because of his Red Robin activities. You taught him so much. About so many things. From computers and hacking to how to express his feelings better. From fighting techniques to how to bake the best cookies ever...In his eyes, you were the best person to ever walked this Earth. So much shit happened to you, and yet, you always stayed strong for them. For him. When he learned of your disease, he destroyed everything in his bedroom in a fit of rage and sadness...You came to him and took him in your arms for hours, not letting go until he felt a bit better. Just like his brothers, he tried to take care of you as best he could, to try and give back what you gave him...But there was so much you gave him, he was afraid you’d never know how much he was grateful, how much he loved you. You were always so supportive...You never mocked him for anything. Like when he told you he would love to be a singer...You encouraged him. And at your funerals, he sang a song he wrote for and about you when he was twelve. It was childish, a bit naive, pretty bad really...But it made everyone smile. 

Damian Wayne. Dami’. Though he was calling you “Oumi” (”mum” in arabic) only since a few short years, he loved you more than anything. You taught him how to love, and how it felt to be loved. Truly loved. Even at the beginning, when he acted like he hated you, you kept coming back to him. You kept asking how he was, baking him his favorite cakes and such...You were so annoying, he couldn’t resist you. He even went to the extent of playing stupid board games with you, watching Disney films and just spending time with you in general, enjoying your company above all. He made tons of effort to be a good boy when you were here. When you were around him, he felt his heart was a little bit lighter. You had the same effect on him than you had on his father. You just made them happier by your mere presence. You made them want to be better. Just for you. He just loved you. He’d never admit it though. Well, that wasn’t really true. When the news of your sickness slapped him in the face, there wasn’t a day without him telling or showing you how much he cared about you. Though his first action was to punch the doctor who said you didn’t had much to live in the face...During the time you were ill, the only way for him to fall asleep was if you ran your soothing hands threw his hair. He didn’t want to waste time by sleeping. He didn’t want you to go. Not now. Not so soon. He needed you so much. You knew it, and he knew it was killing you (figure of speech...) to see him like that, and so he tried to follow Dick’s model. To be honest, he often tried to follow Dick’s actions...And he did a pretty good job. He made sure that, before you died, you knew that he was going to be a good man thanks to you. At your funeral, he drew your favorite scene from your favorite Disney film, and laid it in your casket. He often came to see your grave, staying to talk to you. Once a month, he left a drawing of something you liked. 

And finally, Bruce Wayne. Your Bruce. The love of your life. You first met him at the police headquarters, right after his parents died. You were a bit younger than him, about 6 years old. You were there because your father, for reasons you never knew, murdered your mother and siblings before committing suicide, leaving you the sole survivor also for reasons you never knew. And that’s what drew you two together, both orphans, both witnessing their family’s death. Except that you never had an “Alfred”, and you grew up in the tough neighborhood that was “the Narrows”. You visited the Wayne mansion often though, and Bruce “secretly” helped you financially all threw your life. “Secretly”...you weren’t stupid, the sudden scholarship you had for prestigious universities and such, well, you knew they came from him. When you turned twenty, you became his. Twenty two, first kid. Thirty, got married...You two almost always been friends, and around each others. You had a similar tragic backstory, and yet, you were so much different than Bruce. For starter, you were often smiling. You always had the words to get him in a good mood. When he was being a total prick to you, you told him off, but you never left him. Not once. You were always at his side. You taught him how to feel again. You gave him a reason to live other than to protect Gotham. You always laughed saying that you were “the light in his darkness”, joking about how cheesy it was...but it was true. You were the light in his darkness, always bringing him back from the edge of that damn well in the worst of times. You were the love of his life...His world started to shatter the day he sat with you in that doctor’s office, and he understood your days were numbered. He did everything in his power to make the remnant of your life the best ever. He always took good care of you, even if sometimes he wasn’t there because of his work and nightly activities, he always came back to you at the end of the day...But during this year, he almost never left you. Your boys and him took a turn each night to watch over Gotham, and you saw him more than you ever did. He was always touching you in some way, trying to smile as much as he could...Doing his best, really, to make everything perfect. Until one day, his World shattered completely. You were his world. With you gone...He was at your side when you took your last breath, and tried to revive you for almost 6 hours non-stop. He couldn’t let you go, he couldn’t watch someone else he loved more than his own life die again. You couldn’t die like that. You were getting better...He buried you, digging the hole himself, next to his parents. Visiting you every day. He delved into his work, and into Batman more than ever, trying to forget his pain. But he couldn’t, he simply couldn’t, and more often than not, he found himself wanting to scream at the top of his lungs how it should have been him, not you. What did you ever do but bring happiness to the people around you ? You weren’t suppose to ever leave him, not so soon...Without you, things were bleak again. Dark. Sad. Violent. Every memories of you stinging his heart, every picture around the house making him want to go back in time and hold you in his arms again. He still had the reflex to reach for you on your side of the bed each morning...He forbid Alfred to wash the sheets, as long as your smell lingered around, he wouldn’t change them. The only things keeping him grounded anymore were your sons. In all of their actions, he saw a part of you, and he held onto that as hard as he could. He couldn’t let you go yet. Hell, he was lying to himself if he thought he could ever let you go...You were the love of his life. You would remain a burning hole in his heart, forever. 

You left six broken men behind you, and unfortunately, for the first time since you entered their life, you couldn’t help any of them getting better. You were gone. They’d never get better. 

***************

About three months after your death, Damian came down to the bat cave, a letter in his hand, and tears in his eyes. 

It was a letter from you, he found it while sorting some of your stuffs. And, unable to read it out loud, his throat too tight from sadness, he gave it to his father. Bruce took the piece of paper with shaky hands, and, in front of his sons and adopted father, he started reading it : 

“Hey guys, 

I just wanted to write a quick note, just in case I don’t find time to tell you before...Well. You know before what.  

I love all of you. So much. So much it hurts. And I wish I didn’t had to go...But I know that I do. Life is funny like that sometimes.

Alfred, thank you so much for taking care of me, for being the father I never had. When I’m gone, please, keep taking care of my babies...And of Bruce. Don’t let him burry himself in work. Don’t let him go back to his old ways, brooding and sulking all the time. And force him to eat solid food. 

Dickie, Jay, Timmy and Dami...I am so SO proud of you all. You’re the funniest, smartest, most amazing, loving, caring...and annoying people I know. I could add more words to describe how perfect you all are, but I fear I’ll run out of time...There’s so much thing to tell about all of you. When I’m gone, don’t give up. Stay strong. I know it’s easy for me to say that, because I won’t be the one suffering...And I know the feeling of loosing someone dear. But you have to keep going. Together. There’s no word in the English langage that can describe how much I love you. 

Bruce, my love, you can’t and don’t even imagine how happy you made me. I know you thought you didn’t deserve me, or that you weren’t doing enough...but believe me when I say you’ve never been nothing short of perfect. Your love made me strong, not the opposite. I will always love you, no matter what, and again, I lack words to tell you how much...But know this my love, and please believe me, since that first kiss we shared so many years ago, there hasn’t been a day in my life I regretted my decision. There hasn't been a day in my life I didn’t thank God or whoever is up there for putting you in my life. You’re truly the best man I know. Your parents would be more than proud. And when I’m gone, please, remember the good times we had, drown yourself in them, and don’t jump into that fucking dark well again. 

All of you, you’re a family, never forget it. Take care of each others, don’t leave anyone behind, or I’ll come back to haunt your asses...

I’ll see you again, promise

Love (understatement of the year), 

Your “Batmom” 

PS : my secret ingredient for my chocolat chip cookies is *unreadable scribbles*

PPS : I know it was you who paid for my years at university, Bruce. “

As Bruce raised his head to look at his beloved ones, tears unable to stay away, he softly smiled. You were the best, and you will always be. 

You left behind you six broken men who could never feel whole again without you, six broken men who were part of a puzzle where the best piece was missing...But they knew that if they stuck together, one day, not now, probably not before a very long time, they could stand tall and strong again. If they relied on each other, they could make it. Besides, you did promise you’d see them again some day...

The End