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ayamari-no-goshi · 2 years

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Chasing Shadows (3)

AO3 -> ch. 1, last, next

Fandoms: Danny Phantom (DP) / DC universe

Summary: THIS IS A CROSSOVER. As Bruce Wayne begins to slowly recover from the loss of his son, two separate mysteries open up old wounds. Who is the unknown leaving clues hinting at a return to Gotham, and who is the phantom pretending to be his lost son? Is it just a coincidence they’re active in Gotham at the same time? Or are they connected?

Warnings: rated T for violence, mentions of death, and questionable mental health

Parings: none

Notes: originally uploaded to AO3. Cross-posted to tumblr

Bruce allowed himself just enough of a look to make sure Tim was following the shooter before turning his attention back towards Langstrom. The rapid transformation appeared to be occurring without complications. His scanners showed no signs of danger to the man during the process. The scientist appeared unharmed save for a few bruises. Whoever shoot him must have used a dart as opposed to a true bullet.

He should probably count his blessings. Whomever the shooter was could have either seriously harmed Langstrom or just angered him which could have resulted in a far more dangerous situation.

However, this shooter also had the serum. And seeing as he appeared to have some form of skill, there was no telling just how damage he could do from afar. But if he was trained, there was a likelihood he had an alternative weapon as a backup which meant Tim was in danger.

Internally cursing himself, Bruce left Langstrom and hurried over to where Robin was located. He hadn’t gone too far and appeared to be stationary per his tracker. When he reached the rooftop, he found the teen running scans on an item.

“Report.”

“The shooter was gone by the time I got here.” There was frustration in his voice as he handed over a modified gun magazine filled with modified tranquilizer darts. “While I can’t find evidence of where he went, I did find this. I’d say the shooter dropped it, but something tells me he wanted us to find it.”

The magazine appeared unremarkable at first, but there was the imprint of a type of flower on its side. He didn’t recognize it. Below that design, there was the hint of a carving. Using the magnification function of his cowl, he was able to make out the word “moly.” It had to be another clue from their ‘famous nobody.’

After placing it in his belt for later examination, he swept the area for further clues. Once again, there was no evidence to provide a hint of who the unknown was. Hopefully there would be some footage of him from the mask footage. Deciding there was nothing left to do at their current location, he made the decision to return to Langstrom.

The man, while naked, was starting to come to, and Bruce took the chance to examine the man’s bruises. Most were forming and were from Bruce’s tranquilizers and the unknown’s dart, but there was one on his back that was reddish and more defined. Was it an attack? Or was it possible that’s where he was struck with something like the darts that contained the serum and triggered the transformation?

He had Tim head back to the lab to find the man some clothing while he waited with Langstrom. Though disoriented, he recognized Batman and muttered something about having been chased. Once Robin returned with a lab coat, they took the man to a hospital to treat his injuries and allow him to comfortably recover from the stress of transforming.

When they returned to the cave, he had Oracle work on pulling the footage from Langstrom’s lab and the building where it was located while he reviewed the footage from the mask and cowl. Each frame was painstakingly examined for any sign of who may have fired the dart.

The only time either of them may have caught sight of him was when Tim turned just after they heard the shot. There was just a brief glimpse of what might have been a red hood or helmet. Even upon the magnification and an attempt to clean up some of the pixelation, it was difficult to tell with any certainty. The glint did suggest a helmet.

Was it possible someone was had resurrected the use of the moniker of the Red Hood? Various groups and individuals had used it over the years to better hide their identities and connections. However, the last known use of it was the man who became the Joker.

That meeting still haunted Bruce. He wanted to help the man, only for him to stumble and fall to his apparent death in that vat. Perhaps death would have been a better fate than what happened. Whatever factors were at play between the chemicals in that vat and the biology of the man ended up created a monster than continued to haunt him and his family.

Bruce would check if any of the previous users of the moniker decided to resurrect it. If none of those panned out, he would investigate the Joker and any possible movements. It was something he hated doing – he just wanted to forget his existence and let him rot in his cell in Arkham. Perhaps he should take Dick with him if it was necessary for a face-to-face interview. His son did help keep him in check.

But, before he started down that path, he elected to examine the magazine Tim located. Further examination of the marking indicated it was an allium flower. The allium genus was large, and it would have been difficult to identify the species it could reference if it hadn’t been for the carved word underneath it: moly. That suggested it was allium moly, golden garlic.

It was once again a reference to “The Odyssey.” The magic herb referred to as moly, believed by some to be garlic, was used to prevent Odysseus from being turned into an animal. It made Bruce wonder if this clue was specifically designed to be used alongside an appearance from Man-Bat. It felt too purposeful not to be.

Just like the other clues, this plant had a connection to life and death. Well, in this case, undeath. Garlic, specifically the flowers, was a known ward against the undead in multiple places throughout Europe. It once again reinforced the idea the ‘famous nobody’ was considered dead.

He’d been looking into notable deaths in Gotham over the years. His primary inkling was to look at those who were reported dead approximately ten years prior as that was the same length of time as Odysseus’ journey home. He also focused on the lower and middle class of Gotham and ruled out the upper class as they wouldn’t be considered unknowns under most circumstances. There were a handful of people which could possibly be his unknown, but he couldn’t find anything in their histories that would suggest a grudge against him or a tie to Greece.

Before moving to examine the smoke bomb Tim recovered, Bruce allowed himself to glance at the memorial case. Part of him wanted this unknown to somehow be Jason. His death fit into the profile, and if there was the slightest chance his son would have a chance to grow up, he would be overjoyed. And with his interest in theatrics, he wouldn’t put it past him to make elaborate clues like these ones, even if he’d never intentionally put anyone in danger.

However, he knew it was impossible. He was the one who found Jason’s body, who cradled him as the warmth of life faded into the chill of death. He was the one who witnessed him be buried, and the reburied when he and Alfred moved him to a secret location to prevent anyone from disturbing the casket. Sensors were placed on it to let him know if anyone made the mistake of touching it, and nothing of the sort happened. His son was still resting peacefully, and it made the pain of loss worse.

Then there was Phantom, who seemed to be impersonating Jason. His comment about the suit set up alarms. How did he know that? Had he or whoever he might be working for been spying on them? Or was it nothing more than a simple jest that was unintentionally accurate?

But with Tim’s footage, they now had a second instance where Phantom referred to himself as being dead. It brought new rounds of questions to his possible identity, and many of them weren’t pleasant. While Bruce knew ghosts existed due to his occasional interactions with Deadman, it didn’t mean this meta was also one. But why would he refer to himself as a ghost if he wasn’t? He may have to consult with Zatanna or Constantine for more information.

Those thoughts could be saved for later. He needed to return his thoughts to the ‘famous nobody’ who potentially had Langstrom’s serum, and he needed to be identified as soon as possible.

…

In the following days, Bruce was left with more questions than answers. Oracle was able to find the footage of when the smoke bomb Tim found in the lab went off. Langstrom, who had been in the room when it happened, fled. Once he was in the hall, he glanced to his left and jumped as if startled. He then took off running down the hall. However, that was where the footage ended as someone hacked the system and looped the images, preventing further recording. And it wasn’t just on that floor. Oracle found evidence of tampering of other security cameras in the stairwells and surprisingly, near the roof access.

Whoever this unknown was may have used the roof to gain access to Langstrom. Most criminals wouldn’t have risked the rooftop. Oracle tried to pull footage from the other buildings to see which direction he may have entered from, but she found no evidence. This unknown either hacked the other cameras or knew enough about the area to avoid most of the security.

They also tried to find exactly when the smoke bomb was planted. Bruce found a timer, so he knew it had been designed to go off at a certain time as opposed to being remotely controlled. However, there was again no record of it being placed as the janitorial staff and Langstrom’s movements were documented with no clear evidence of interference.

On top of that, the smoke bomb had been expertly handmade. There was a wiring technique which included several false leads which would have prevented anyone from deactivating it, even if it was found before it went off. Not many people had the knowledge to do that. Had the unknown made it? Or was it something he procured from someone else?

And Langstrom’s recollection of the events didn’t provide any further clues. Once he recovered enough to answer questions, Bruce visited him. He had vague memories of seeing someone who might have been wearing some sort of mask or hood in the hallway when he escaped his lab, but he wasn’t sure of much else. The man did confirm that the only serum that was missing was enough to trigger the transformations to and from his monstrous form, even taking the darts into consideration.

It had been a complete set up. The unknown had monitored the entire situation and ended it before anyone got hurt. The question was why? What did the unknown get in return for doing this? Was it just to prove he was able to manipulate them?

…

All of Bruce’s questions had to be put aside as he dealt with the aftermath of the Cataclysm. The massive earthquake that rocked Gotham nearly leveled the entire city and severely damaged the Manor and Batcave. As the dust finally settled, the estimates placed the death toll at over 100,000.

During the rescue and clean up efforts, Bruce kept hearing reports of Phantom leading rescue workers to where people were trapped. The workers didn’t seem to know what to make of the meta as they would only catch brief glimpses of him, and there were more than a few whispers of them watching the teen pass through solid objects without a care.

Rumors also began to circulate. Many of the people of Gotham knew different people held the Robin title over the years, but they didn’t know what caused the disappearance of the second one. Phantom’s appearance confirmed to many of the citizens the worst rumors, that the second Robin had passed away.

It tore at Bruce. Phantom was not the son he lost. Jason was resting peacefully in his grave. He had to be.

Strangely, Phantom seemed to leave him alone during the recovery efforts. Perhaps he knew he caused too much of a stir, or maybe he wanted to stick to his task of helping the rescue personnel. His abilities did allow him to search in areas that would otherwise be difficult for anyone else to enter. For now, Bruce had to admit that Phantom’s help was welcome.

Even the ‘famous nobody’ seemed to have made an appearance near crime alley. There were reports traffickers snuck into the area to take people. The unknown seemed to take great offense to that as he brutally dispatched the traffickers. It was a clear warning to anyone else who tried the same thing that they would meet the same fate.

At first, Bruce wasn’t certain if it was the same person until he found the flowers: asphodels splattered with blood. They were such a clear reference to the next stop in “The Odyssey” that it had to be him.

In the epic, Odysseus traveled to the Underworld to speak with the ghosts of those who previously died. The realm where the unremarkable dead could be found were called the ‘Fields of Asphodel’ as the gray flowers covered the area. They were reported to be one of the foods of the dead.

But, there was another reference to the epic that Bruce couldn’t ignore, the blood on the flowers. In different Greek stories, ghosts were given blood in order to help return their memories of life.

To his knowledge, this unknown hadn’t killed anyone prior to this. So, what caused the change? Was he just making a sacrifice, so to speak, to appease the spirits of those who died in the earthquake? Or was it more personal? Bruce leaned towards the latter.

…

Dick found himself exhausted. Between the rescues and the worse than usual crime due to the Arkham breakout, he had little time to rest.

With the looming risk of a government shutdown of Gotham, Bruce was forced to appeal to the US government as himself in an attempt to stop it and request aid. The lack of Batman’s presence made things more difficult. Robin, Oracle, Huntress, and himself were doing everything they could to help the citizens, but without Bruce terrorizing the criminals in the shadows, things were getting worse. He wasn’t sure how much more he and the others could handle.

A strange glow caught his attention. Near the ledge of one of the still standing buildings, Dick noticed what appeared to be a humanoid figure. Curious, he quickly grappled to the roof.

Moving slowly in order to not risk being seen by someone unfriendly or scaring whomever it was, he eventually found Phantom floating a few feet above the ledge looking skyward. The scene was surreal. With the faint glow of his body and the way his hair and cape fluttered from a breeze only he seemed to feel, his appearance was more ethereal and inhuman than usual. If it wasn’t for the confirmation on the thermal imagining, he wouldn’t have believed the meta was truly there. It made him think for a moment that maybe Phantom’s claim that he was a ghost could be true.

After alerting Babs to keep a tab on things on her end, Dick attempted to keep his voice neutral as he called out to the meta. He must have been distracted as he jolted and seemed to stumble in the air before spinning around to stare at him.

When he realized there was no sign of a threat, Phantom sighed before letting his feet touch the ground with a noticeable tap. “Nightwing,” he greeted. “Did Batman send you?”

“No one sent me.” He took a few tentative steps forward. When there was no sign of Phantom fleeing, he moved until he was only a couple yards away. “I happened to notice someone was up here and came to investigate. With everything going on in Gotham right now, you can’t be too careful.”

“I guess that’s true.”

Moving closer, Dick decided it was safe to ask what the meta was doing. Phantom didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he sat down on the ledge and glanced skyward. “I was hoping I might be able to catch a glimpse of the stars.”

Dick let himself glance up. The seemingly perpetual cloud cover was ever present. “Do you like the stars?” he questioned as he sat next to the meta.

“I used to love reading the stories of the constellations,” Phantom explained after nodding. “About the heroes and legends of people long since gone.” He paused as his gaze momentarily drifted towards the ruined city. “But I feel connected to them in a different way now. Many of the stars we see died long before people were ever a thing. We’re just seeing the remnants of their starlight, but those stars aren’t really gone, not really.”

The meta brought his hands together in front of him. “When they exploded,” he forced his hands apart to emphasize his words, “they sent out their elements on the cosmic winds. New stars and even planets formed from their dust. Everything those stars were, we are now.” He let his hands drop. “I guess it’s something I feel like I understand now more than I ever used to.”

Something about the analogy sent icy tendrils across Dick’s skin. The official cause of Jason’s death was the explosion from which he had no hope of escaping. And although it was slight, there was an inflection when Phantom mentioned the word. There was a strong memory attached to it. Was it just a coincidence? Or…

“Robin mentioned you called yourself a ghost,” he eventually stated.

Even with the mask, Dick could see Phantom’s raised brow. “And you call yourselves detectives.”

It wasn’t a denial. Was Phantom really a ghost? Or did he just believe he was? Either way, it made his previous statement about the stars make more sense. To him, he had been alive once and now existed in a different form. That realization ignited a painful ache in his heart.

“Can you blame me for thinking otherwise?” Dick hoped his voice sounded as even to Phantom as it did to him. “The couple experiences I’ve had with ghosts have been brief, and that involved people being temporarily possessed.”

“It takes a lot of energy for a ghost to properly manifest,” the teen acknowledged with a sigh. “Many can only interact with the physical world if they temporarily borrow a body.”

“Talking from experience?”

The meta shifted uncomfortably as a greenish tinge appeared on his cheeks. Was that a blush? “It’s not like there’s a manual for being a ghost. You have no idea how hard it was to stay solid at first, and if I get exhausted? Forget it. I’m lucky if I can remain visible when that happens.”

That was an interesting admission. If Phantom was telling the truth, then that could explain why it took so long to be able to properly see him. But if that was the case, how long had he been in the area without being seen or heard? He couldn’t imagine how lonely he must have been.

What was wrong with him? He was taking this meta at his word without being able to verify how much of it was true. On top of that, he still wasn’t convinced the teen was a ghost, even if the more they talked, the more he wavered on his stance. Besides, he was still impersonating Jason.

It was Phantom who first broke the uncomfortable silence that fell between them. “Can… Can I ask a question?”

“You can, but I can decide not to answer.”

“That’s fair.” The teen brought his knees up to his chest and hugged them. “Why is there another Robin?” He must have felt Dick tense as he added, “Don’t try to hide it. Tim broke into the cave to steal the suit. Or at least that’s the rumor.”

Not good. If Phantom knew Tim’s first name, there was a chance he knew the rest of their identities. He would have to confirm just how much of their lives were compromised. “If you know that, then you should know why he did it.”

Instead of immediately responding, the meta glanced skyward again. “I know he used to follow B around at night, taking pictures of him and whoever might be with him. I know he approached him in the months following Ethiopia…”

Dick could feel the blood drain from his face. He knew about Ethiopia. Did that mean he knew the full truth of what happened to Jason?

“He stole a suit literally covered in blood, Dick,” Phantom continued, seemingly ignoring how that one word affected him. “Why would he go that far? Why would you or B just let him?”

The dull ache of loss ignited earlier in the conversation turned into a stabbing pain as his breath hitched. Was this why Phantom was haunting them. Because he knew about Jason and wanted to punish them? Or was he really Jason, and he believed he was simply replaced?

“Wanna know what sucks the most about death?” The meta let his legs drop and was now swinging them. He must have taken Dick’s silence as some sort of confirmation. “It’s that the people you leave behind don’t change. Sure, they’ll mourn for a while, but eventually, they’ll just go back to doing the same thing, making the same mistakes.”

“That death meant everything to me,” Dick snapped as he scrambled to his feet before letting out a hollow laugh. “And you think I didn’t learn anything from that? While not all heroes adopted it, the Titans, at least, put an age limit on who could and couldn’t join. We didn’t want to lose any more children. And after I confronted the man who was supposed to keep Robin safe, who never told me his partner, my brother, died, I retired for a time.” Some of the tension slipped out of his shoulders as he turned away from the meta, who was staring opened mouthed, and towards the city.

“Tim didn’t originally want to be Robin. He asked me to take up the title again because B had become self-destructive in his grief. At the time, I wanted nothing to do with that man. Not knowing how else to help, Tim offered to take up the role. B refused him, but that kid was determined and kept sneaking out. B begrudgingly accepted him, but it took me longer than I’d like to admit. He was too young, and I didn’t want to see anyone in those colors again.”

He turned back towards Phantom, who had snapped his mouth shut. The teens shoulders had risen as if he thought Dick might attack him if provoked, which was a possibility, but the slight frown and tilted head suggested curiosity. “The old man never told you?”

“You shouldn’t be surprised.” Bitterness colored his tone as he sat back down. If Phantom knew as much about Bruce and the rest of them as he suggested, he’d know Bruce usually had the emotional intelligence of a brick. “I could blame it on grief, but there is a limit on that excuse. Is this what you wanted to hear, Phantom?”

A thoughtful hum answered him. “I’m not sure, but it puts things into a different perspective.”

After another uncomfortable silence fell between them, Dick decided to take a chance to get more information. “After all of that, I think you owe me the answer to a question.”

“I can decide not to answer.” Although he was throwing Dick’s words from earlier back at him, the meta didn’t sound teasing. Instead, he sounded troubled, and it put Dick on edge.

“Fair, but I need to know what you’re planning? What do you want from us?”

Out of all the responses he could have received, he didn’t expect Phantom to give a good natured laugh as his tension vanished and his form began to fade. “With how many times a night you guys nearly die, I thought you needed a little help from beyond.”

“Wait! Dammit!” Dick tried to switch to the thermal view to see where the meta went, but just like every other time he disappeared, Phantom’s heat signature couldn’t be located. “How does he keep doing that?”

“I don’t know,” Babs’ frustrated voice answered him through a staticky comm. He had almost forgotten she was listening in. “I’ll put feelers out, but I doubt we’ll find him again tonight.”

“How much were you able to hear?”

“I think my equipment recorded most, if not all, of it, but I’m not sure of the quality.”

“Right. The distortion.” They were still trying to figure out how Phantom did that. Seeing as it didn’t affect their ability to communicate with each other, they were almost positive it wasn’t some sort of technology. Instead, it seemed to be something associated with the meta’s abilities. Dick vaguely remembered something about how the paranormal often caused interference like that, so maybe Phantom’s claim that he was a ghost wasn’t far off.

He needed to stop thinking like that. Phantom wasn’t a ghost, and he certainly wasn’t Jason’s ghost. But it was getting harder to convince himself of that. The teen reminded him too much of his brother.

“Wait, he called me by name. Ah, hell.” Dick smacked his forehead in realization. “Great, B’s going to have a field day when he gets back.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

end of chapter notes:

Quick reminder that I'm kind of following canon, but I can and will bend it to my will when needed. I mean it when I say I want to cry because of trying to figure out the DC timeline, and that by itself is enough to make me want to disregard it.

I have also forgotten to mention that the chapter titles come from the translated copy of "The Odyssey" I own.

As a reminder, Dick is known to be temperamental, especially prior to Damian arriving on the scene. Jason's death really affected him, and it was Tim who was the main catalyst for him interacting with Bruce again.

On to the clues!

Stop 6 was Aecea, the island of Circe. There's a lot of debate what the herb Moly that was given to Odysseus to prevent him from being transformed into an animal was. Descriptions suggest it was probably a type of wild garlic. Allium moly, golden garlic, is one of the primary contenders. Garlic has been used as a ward against evil for ages including in ancient Greece. Its most famous use is in relation to vampires, though central European cultures tended to use the flowers. It was also a common offering to Hecate, goddess of several things including witchcraft, crossroads, sometimes the moon and ghosts (Fun fact, raw garlic poultices can cause burns, and I have an absolute hatred of the flowers of onions and garlic for reasons I will never understand.)

Stop 7 was the land of the dead, particularly the Asphodel fields. This one is so easy. Asphodel is a lily-like flower (for a long time it was believed to be in the lily family. It is not) believed to carpet the land of the dead and act as a food for the dead. It was often planted on graves, and parts of the plants are edible, but were really only eaten by the ‘poor.’ If my research skills found me the correct information, using this plant as food remained a common practice until potatoes became popularized in Europe. You can apparently make the bulbs explode.

I talked about it a little in the chapter, but blood is believed to return the memories of the dead. The Greeks believed that blood contained a creature's life force, and that's actually what's being taken by the spirits. It's similar in concept to some vampire lore.

#Danny Phantom #dp #dp x dc #danny phantom crossover #DP au #Chasing Shadows #Odyssey AU

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audiovisualannie · 1 year

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The Subjective Best 5 Movie Voice Overs

5. Megamind (Will Ferrel) from Megamind

Despite being a disappointment to Dreamworks in the box office, fans have loyally stayed behind Megamind as evidence of internet memes and edits. Megamind’s voice lends to his over-the-top persona with showmanship resembling Neil Patrick Harris. Despite being a popular actor, Will Ferrel’s voice melds with the character creating a unique performance. The movie is vastly improved by this lead performance.

4. Big Jack Horner (John Mulaney) from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Hailing from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, (trust me, this movie is packed full of talent such as Florence Pugh and Olivia Coleman) Big Jack Horner is an antagonist with no hope for redemption, as attested by off-brand Jiminy Cricket. Jack Horner's voice is smug and strikes every punchline without fail, clearly from Mulaney's experience in stand-up. Even if the only emotions are anger and smugness, Jack Horner gives Mulaney an opportunity to better display his range than ever before.

3. Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) from Toy Story

Toy Story is a classic franchise that has thrived since 1999 and put Pixar on the map. Toy Story 3 and 4 have maintained spots in the top ten highest grossing animated films. Allen's performance varies well with Buzz' character as he develops from bravado filled delusions to the gentle, but confident coleader of Andy's toys. While his voice is absent from the Lightyear spin-off, the very existence of a spin-off validates how iconic the character became because of Allen's work.

2. Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) from Shrek and Puss in Boots franchises

Puss in Boots originates from Shrek 2 as a hired gun. Banderas created an immediate hit with his macho, Zorro type execution. The acclaim of Puss in Boots is evident in two spin-off movies and a show: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, is the second highest grossing movie of 2022. The latest installment exemplifies the range of Antonio Banderas’ abilities with his singing and expansive emotional range. In addition, I just love Puss in Boots, and I will loyally follow this character till his ninth life ends.

Yzma (Eartha Kitt) from The Emperor’s New Groove

Another cult classic, the Emperor’s New Groove features many talented voices, but none can compare to the legendary Eartha Kitt. Her weathered, husky voice grants the villain a distinct flavor pushed by her dedication to the role. Yzma’s extremes in anger and joy fit her exaggerated design and make the movie a million times better than it could have been. The soundbite of her screams “A LLAMA” have been cemented in meme culture as further proof of her talent.

Find iconic voices like Eartha Kitt and John Mulaney at:

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glossolali · 2 years

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TLOVM Ep 10 Twitch Watch Party Summary

They started off with Grog and Scanlan as V-TUBERS LMAO - and answering silly chat questions, I can't describe this pls just look it up on YT or Twitch it's worth it

- They want a Percy plague covid mask with a voice changer, and would wear it at the grocery store like: "I'd like two apples please. Do you have almond milk? *looking at laundry detergent* You're lucky you're at the bottom of my list" (LOL I NEED IT)

- This is Esme's (Cassandra) first animated series!

- Percy can't talk to Ripley unless his gun is pointed at her cause it has a mic in it (lol)

- Pike needs to take Percy to the temple, but 'Temple' is fantasy for 'Therapist'

- Matt says he told the designers that Ripley was like an evil Elon Musk, sooo just regular Elon Musk

- Percy's one liners are the best, they had to include a lot of them! (Travis: you're dropping nuggets man!)

- Ripley is also traumatized, but Delilah's got her shit together, she gets a lot done

- Taliesin wishes they could have kept 'Did you just shame my ancestors to death?" (Percy to Grog in the De Rolo catacombs), Sam originally was planning a song about this in the first draft

- Matt says it's cool to see the simple maps he drew for the game come to life like the acid trap room

- Taliesin's figured out all the little details about Whitestone down to what's in Percy's office; the mask is mounted on the wall (Matt: I love you so much)

- Scanlan playing heavy metal is why the spell worked this time and he was able to lift everyone. Music composer was like "what? a metal instrumental? for a fantasy show?"

- That's our third ass of the season (Grog), but we really held back - he really puts the ass in acid!

- Ziggurat was pre-calamity, and it's a Knowing Mistress temple and was repurposed for the Whispered One by Delilah

Q&A

Q: Grey, as a voice actor what does it take to craft a character? A: Delilah is like Azula grown up. It's about getting in touch with your inner villain, and finding empathy for them somehow like "oh, she did it for love!" I didn't watch C1 because if I try to copy and fail at it I would beat myself about it and they hadn't gone with me yet even though it was some of the best acting I've ever done but then they went with me! Q: What was the design process like for Delilah? A: Wanted her to have a dark debutante feel, someone who comes from an elevated background and is trying to reclaim it by lording over everyone around her, and there's something a little Tim Burtonesque about her. Whoever is doing her brows is doing a good job, all she needs to do is look at you with her eyebrows like that and that's it

Q: She's on Percy's list but what's Ripley's deal? A: She's made an enemy now of the Briarwoods as well as Percy, everybody hates her! The enemy of her Enemy is your enemy. It's the Loki Dilemma, she's fucked but she's waiting for her moments, she always tries to play the game and always takes it too far and becomes one of the piece in the end (about her changing sides)

*We watch the Cassandra's Betrayal Animatic* Q: Cassandra's betrayal, what was going through your mind on stream and how was it translated into the show? Taliesin: I was very loosey goosey with Percy's backstory, it was just one page and didn't figure out the whole gun thing.

Matt: Basically just "Briarwoods killed my parents and took over Whitestone and I barely escaped then I had a dream about a demon and got inspired to make the first gun" and then I just developed it from there

Taliesin: but then Matt took it and made it so much darker. I didn't know how to react when the betrayal happened, I was just in shock. Percy's like "everything is madness this makes no sense" - it was an emotional seesaw

Q: Acid trap room design? What goes into a good trap? A: The design was so involved with the mechanism of the trap, it was looked great and we made it much bigger so they can move around. In the original game there was 2 walls and they were just stuck there. A good trap or puzzle: I don't need to come up with a specific solution for the trap just like the players to figure it out and come up with creative solutions. Just gauge what a party is excited to do, and make sure it's not like a trap that has like 17 levels so all the players wanna kill each other by the end of the night.

Q: How did you record the under-acid voice stuff for Grog? A: (Travis just makes silly mouth noises idk lol)

Q: Grey, what did you know about Delilah before recording? A: Didn't give me too much information, because I wasn't officially cast yet I was a temporary addition. I was doing scratch and ended up getting in! I was doing scratch once and they wanted an Irish character, so I just changed my name and gave them a little Irish lilt cause they weren't gonna understand an Irish actor if they got one, and got it! (Matt: somewhere out there Liam O'Brien's eye is twitching as he listens to this)

#tlovm #tlovm spoilers #the legend of vox machina #critical role #cr spoilers #cr #tlovm watch party #glossopost

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paintball169 · 3 years

Text

Day 4 - Bonding

Today was National Parent’s day. And Marinette’s School was celebrating by Calling their child’s parents to the School, Where they were going to talk about some Fond memories. Now Marinette’s Parents were in California for a Baking contest. And her Dad couldn’t come either because he lived all the way in Gotham. She had vaguely mentioned it on their daily calls. Everyone’s parents were here. All except hers. Even Gabriel Agreste was there!

At this moment everyone was playing a game of truths. They had to say what they genuinely thought of a classmate.

“Marinette, It’s your turn!” Miss bustier called out. She vaguely nodded and descended down. “Where are your parents?”

“They’re in California for a baking competition” She answered glumly. The teacher nodded and gave her a slip. Lila. She had to tell about Lila! That was easy!

“Lila rossi.” Bustier called out. Everyone’s eyes were on her.

“If I were stuck in a room with Lila and Hawkmoth, and I had a gun with two bullets. I’d shoot Lila twice. She’s a devil. I’m not sure if they’d kill her. Probably more than two bullets will be needed. And My brothers are police officers so I aim well. I’d shoot the devil’s head twice without missing!” She said glowing with excitement. Everyone’s jaw dropped. Lila began shaking with fear. Gabriel managed to say “Oh dear lord!”

Then there was a snort. “You’ve been spending too much time with Jason haven’t you?” She knew that voice. It was her dad Bruce! Her jaw dropped and she just stared at him not finding words to say.

“M-Mr. Wayne, What are you doing here?” Bustier asked.

“Today was Parents day, and this is her last year in Lycee, So I thought I could make it special.” He simply answered.

“Wait, don’t tell me -” Gabriel started.

“Yep, Marinette’s mine and Sabine’s Daughter.” He answered.

That snapped Marinette out of her thoughts. She began tearing up and quickly launched herself at him. “You came, You freaking came!” She said, her voice raspy.

“Of course I did. Tom and Sabine weren’t here so I came. Now what have I said about comparing lila to a devil?” He asked, trying to cheer her up.

“Not to. She’s more than a devil.” She said, chuckling. That earned Gasps.

“You can’t insult me, Mr. Whoever you are! Do you know who I am?!” Lila asked with her shrill voice. Jaws dropped. Everyone began thinking didn’t she say she was dating Damian wayne.

“Of course I do, you’re Lila rossi, the one who’s threatened my daughter multiple times, The one who says fake fantasy tales, I mean how are you that stupid! My daughter designs Jagged stone! You are also the makeup master, you draw fake makeup bruises to accuse my daughter! I know who you are alright. But do you know who I am?” Her father asked. Jaws dropped when he said that.

“Hmm, let me see a scumbag?” Lila says her facade is totally gone.

“No wrong answer. I am Bruce wayne. Expect Lawsuits on Slander and Harassment.” He says chuckling. Lila Pales. Runs away.

“Now as I was saying,I’m a busy man, yet I make time for my children.

We do bonding trips together once a year. I take a day off to spend time with my children many times.

With Dick or Richard, We go bakery scouting. We taste every treat. With Jason, We just sat and Bicker. With Tim, I go Photography with him. He loved to go Birds and Bats watching when he was a kid(Vigilante stalking). With Damian, We go to the Animal Shelter. The way his eyes light up whenever we go, It’s fascinating. With Stephanie, She might be Tim’s girlfriend but I adopted her in the End, She teaches me how to play pranks. With Cassandra, We go to watch Dance Shows. With Barbara? Then again she might not be my kid, but commissioner gordon’s but still. We go shoe shopping. She has a whole walk in the Shoe Closet! With Duke, He’s my Business partner’s kid. He’s a sweet Innocent Cinnamon roll. We go to Watch Movies. With marinette, She lectures me on how these are different types of fabrics.

I might be a busy man. Doesn’t mean you need to ignore your children. Once you grow apart It’s hard to be close again.

One word to describe my Family, for others might be rich, For me Chaotic.

Everyone in my family has weird Habits. Dick Likes to Climb Chandeliers. Jason likes to get Death notes. Tim Stays up all night. When he was a kid he used to Stalk Batman and Robin. He’s a Fan. Damian likes to chase Every one with Katanas. He also likes to take in any animal he finds. Example a Cow and a Goliath. We have a Mansion just for his Pets. Stephanie likes to collect every Purple thing she finds. Cassandra moves in shadows scaring every guest. Barbara Likes to do modifications to her Wheelchairs. Duke likes to go Maze hunting. And Marinette, She Coffee Talks, Whenever she’s under the Influence of Coffee, She talks only the Truth.

Sometimes I end up taking my kids to work. And every single time I end up losing them.

I usually find Dick in the middle of a crowd in Cafeteria doing tricks. Jason’s always found in the corner of a library. I usually find Tim lecturing in some meetings, And employees nodding along! That was a long time ago. I don’t need to find Cass, She’s the only Sane person in the Family. To find Stephanie, Follow the Trail of Pranks. Duke’s usually in his father’s study with Barbara. Marinette usually is found with an employee talking. Damian is found Pissing Employees out.

My children Do the weirdest things. I love them. One Time Jason let a three year old marinette drive my Car!”

“Hey that was one time!” Both Jason and Marinette shouted.

“Now I must get Going.” And that’s how Bruce Wayne Exposed Lila Rossi. With recollection of old Bonding Trips.

@maribat-bdbwm

#mbdbwm2021 #Bio Dad Bruce Wayne #maribat #Bio!dadbrucewayne2021 #lilasalt

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liquid-luck-00 · 3 years

Text

When Two Coffee Addicts Unite 2

Part 2

@maribatmarch-2k21 Day 29: Wait!

Ao3 *** Part 1

~~~~~~~~~~

Marinette has been in Gotham for almost two months doing her class work online while working with Lucious Fox on the fabrics and the best way to show case them. If the prototypes happened to need testing and kept her warm no one mentioned anything. Luckily, Adrien, Kagami, and Chloe told her when the class would be arriving. Her luck also held seeing as she had and apartment in Gotham, thanks to her uncle Jagged, she wouldn’t be in the hotel. Because of this she and her friends were allowed to stay at the apartment so long as there was a responsible adult with them. Jagged would say it was him, but the group of five were allowed to stay in the apartment, so long as they made it to school, W.E., and any mandatory events unless given permission to skip.

The first day of classes wasn’t too bad, thanks to being ahead and he placements, meaning that very few people from her class were with her. Thank kwamii Felix was such a book worm that she had at least one familiar face.

Arriving at Wayne Enterprises was another story. The two busses and the car that held Mari and her friends arrived. Marinette was going to just walk in when she was pulled back by miss Bustier.

“You must wait Marinette.” She smiled at her condescendingly.

“Hello I am Bruce Wayne. I only have a moment.” He scanned the crowd when his sights fell on her. “Miss Marinette what are you still doing out her.” He seemed to speak only to her.

“Just held up for a moment.” She replied to the billionaire, who may or may not be the same person she demolished at UMS III yesterday, when she was hanging out with Tim, the rest were sleeping off jet lag.

“Head on up would you, Lucious is waiting.”

“Of course,” a blindingly charming smile on her face. “you wouldn’t mind if I took up the interns for my team, now would you?

She could see that he could tell what she was planning. “I don’t see a problem with that. Seeing as they will be aiding the upcoming show after all.” He motioned for the receptionist to proceed.

“Oh! Um, of course.” The woman flipped through a few pages. “Mr. Adrien Agreste, Mr. Felix Graham de Vanily, and Miss Chloe Bourgeois. Please come forward and collect your badges.”

With that the four of them would have walked in had Lila mot started making a commotion. “Wait! Why are you letting them in without explanation?!”

“If you wouldn’t mind Bruce?” he only nodded to give her permission. “You see the reason I haven’t been in France is because I have been working on a partnership project with Wayne enterprises. I, for the duration of this project am considered a department head. Right now, I need to go up and continue my work.”

“But why are you taking them with you?”

“The three of them have been assigned to be interns and a part of this project. Is that a problem Miss Rossi?” She quirked her head and brow. When she didn’t get an answer, she headed in with Adrien, Chloe, and Felix in tow.

“Nettie! Thank god, okay so you better at this than me seeing as I need to figure out a way to be cordial with Luthor.” Tim ran into the elevator before it closed.

“Voice call, video call, meeting, or email?”

“Voice call.”

“Deep breaths keep to the points you need and stick to them. If he grates on you can always sick him on me.” The two of them laughed. “Oh, that’s right, this is Adrien, Felix, and Chloe.” The five were walking down the hall to the room she and Lucious were working in. “Guys this is Tim Drake.”

“Nettie’s told me a lot about you guys.”

“And we’ve heard quite a bit about you.” Chloe bumped into Mari and if she blushed no one was any wiser, hopefully.

They got to work and an hour in did the question come up.

“So, who is this Luthor, Tim did not want to Talk to?” Chloe asked.

“That would Be Lex Luthor of Lex Corp.” Lucius answered.

“Okay so why offer for him to turn him to you?” Adrien brought up.

“Okay remember last month, when whenever you guys called, I was irritable?”

“What of it?”

“At that point I hadn’t slept in almost a week, and well one thing lead to another.”

- - -

Marinette had stalked into the building a huge cup of coffee in one hand, a tablet in the other going over designs and fabric functions.

She was already in a mood seeing as there were four separate akumas from midnight to noon in Paris, meaning it was six pm to six amin Gotham. She didn’t even have a chance to sleep.

The week before were random attacks from both akumas and amoks. Add to the fact she still had class work and this show to put on she was seriously lacking sleep.

She stopped by her temporary office space dropped off her coffee, bag, and coat. Checked the time, 8:15 am, grabbed a stack of designs and the function reports from the fabrics and the tech that will accompany them. With that she made it up to Tim’s office and walked in.

Immediately she noticed that he was close to screaming, but to anyone else it would seem like he was mildly frustrated. “Monsieurs Wayne. There are a few things that need your…”

“Who do you think you are to interrupt this meeting. Or are you blind as well as stupid.”

“Excuse me?” She didn’t raise her voice, but her posture shifted, but most importantly her aura changed. You see most people think ladybugs are harmless, but most forget Ladybugs are carnivorous and are known to cannibalize other ladybugs. She quickly flicked her wrist and noted the time, 8:18 am. “You see if I am not mistaken, I was scheduled to meet with Monsieur Wayne at 8:20 to go over a secret project between Wayne Enterprises and the designer MDC. Seeing as it my scheduled time you are intruding upon Monsieur…”

“Luthor. Lex Luthor of…”

“Lex Corp. I am aware of your position, but seeing as this is neither your office, your building, nor your company. Added to the fact that this is not currently your scheduled meeting time slot. I believe it best for you to wait outside until we are finished. Or are you honestly that belligerent and stupid that you cannot read a clock, Monsieur Luthor.” For a moment he simply sat there his moth pressed in a line, before silently standing and sulking out of the room.

- - -

“Wait you sent Lex Luthor, one of the most powerful men in the world, sulking out of a room without lifting a finger?” Adrien announced shocked.

“Well I was seriously sleep deprived and did not have a single care left to give, besides, I have good teachers.” She shot Chloe and Felix a smile, and a thought to Kagami, stationed in Security, she may specialize in swords but knowing how to use a gun and taser isn’t bad to have.

“what did he say when he finally saw you again?” Chloe was now fully invested in the gossip.

“He apparently did a quick search on me and found out I am MDC. The most connected and influential female under the age of twenty. The muttered a small apology but wouldn’t look me in the eye.”

“According to Bruce Wayne Luthor apparently, muttered something of how with your influence you may damage lex corps reputation.” Lucious added a hit of a smile.

“Well he’s not wrong.” She shrugged and the room laughed as they continued to work.

~~~~~~~~~~

Permanent Taglist: @itsmeevie01 @adrestar @miraculouspenta @vixen-uchiha @animegirlweeb @jumpingjoy82 @thedragonbug@astoriaandroses @icerosecrystal @t1dwarrior-of-earth @moon5606 @zalladane

Taglist: @readingalldaysleepingallnight @corporeal-terrestrial @blackroserelina @animegirlweeb @dahjokester @lolieg

#maribat #dc x miraculous #dc x mlb #miraculous x dc #mlb x dc #ml marinette #tim drake #adrien agreste #chloe bourgeois #felix graham de vanily #lex luthor #lucious fox #bruce wayne #platonic timari #timari #maribatmarch2021

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ckbookish · 3 years

Text

BATMAN BINGO MASTER POST 2020

1 "I thought you were dead.": I Still See Your Ghost

Today was just not Dick's day. First he overslept his alarm and was late to work. Amy had been less than impressed at his tardiness... Then He had bungled what should have been an easy take town... But the straw that broke the camel's back was Tim. Dick had forgotten to call Tim.

2 Friendly fire: Fratricide

Jason was pissed. No, Jason was enraged. Yeah, he was enraged at the whole mess his family-- if that’s even what they were to each other anymore-- had gotten him in. It was meant to be a simple night. Break in. Torch the drugs. Maybe shoot a couple of people and go home. But no, Batman heard about his plans and decided that arson was too extreme. “Someone could get hurt.” Well someone had gotten hurt, a lot of someones.

3 Hypothermia: Weekend Commute

Dick Grayson makes his way home during the first snow fall of the year, when he finds himself confused and cold, miles from home.

Chapter two Bruce's perspective.

4 Superman: Bringer of the Dawn

The Aftermath of when the Joker shoots Dick.

Where do you go when your family tells you to get out?

5 Shot: The Gratitude Trap

Bruce finds himself in the dark, a place he never thought he would be when it came to Clark Kent and Dick Grayson. Yet here he is digging for answers, because he is too scared to pick up the phone and call.

6 Two-face: The Better Choice

How do you reconcile the man who was once your friend with the monster he has become? Bruce reflects on how the man he once called his best friend changed. How could the man who helped him foster Dick, hold that baseball bat?

7 Drowning: Omori’s Law

Deep in the sewer's under Gotham, Batman is trapped. There is no back up, no Robin. He is faced with the single truth that he tried to teach each of his partners... You have to save yourself.

8 Found Family: A Restoration from a Resilient Heart

Dick just wants to not be alone with the shadows in the house. Bruce doesn't realize he has lived with them for far to long, and maybe he doesn't have to anymore.

9 Adoption: The Irrefutable Truth

When he reached the reception, he found himself looking around a fairly empty room. There were a few call girls in the corner filling out forms, an older woman holding a dog, a kid that looked about twelve and a middle aged man who looked like he was ready to cry. He knew no one. Dick was about to turn around and head back to his desk when the on duty officer called out to him. Officer O’Conner was one of his fellow rookies, he had a thick accent. Dick thought he might be from Louisiana. “Grayson! Why didn’t you say your brother was coming to see you?” Dick looked at him with his mouth slightly open. There was no way he heard that right. “My what?”

10 Bruises: Mr. Wayne

Tim is new to this. He's only been Robin for a little over six months. It was going well. But now he was going to be fired. Batman wouldn't want a partner who got caught at school with a black eye. Would he?

11 Bruce is dead: You Have One Saved Message

Gotham gossip columns spread lies and smear good people's names. But yet Damian can't help but think maybe this mornings article was true. That despite all his claims of being the true son of Bruce Wayne, he was in fact the only unwanted one.

12 CPR: Vital Signs

Robin wakes to find him and Batman in an exploded factory. With Batman injured and the building burning around them, Dick struggles to get them both to safety.

13 Dad: Storge

Bruce could have sworn his spirit had left him momentarily. The sudden hollowness that filled him couldn’t be explained in any other way.

“Your dad must have his hands full with you.” Elizabeth Ribbons leaned forward and patted Dick’s shoulder, as he reached for yet another slice of cheesecake from a passing waiter’s tray.

Bruce fixed his eyes on the ice sculpture that hid him from view. It suddenly seemed like the most interesting design in the world. The soft lines of the ice on the otherwise insignificant over sized swan seemed like a lead shield... Because Dick would read it easily in his expression. He wanted to be Dick’s dad. But he wasn’t.

14 Stealing the Batmobile: T-Minus Six Hours

Some days Tim is sure that he’s gonna be killed. Usually it’s some luck shot or near miss that made his life flash before his eyes. Not today though. Today he was positive Bruce was going to kill him. Yes, today was the day that Timothy Jackson Drake was going to be put down. He’s not sure that even Nightwing could save him. He was going to go down in history as the first sidekick to be murdered by their mentor. Because the Batmobile was definitely not where he’d parked it.

15 Wayne Enterprises: Amidst the Absence of Meaning

Bruce is worried. He's running on less than three hours of sleep, and way too many cups of coffee. He had messed up. That much was obvious. The question was would Dick forgive him?

A gruesome night on patrol bleeds into Bruce's work day and now all he can wonder is if this is the thing that will push Dick over the edge? Had he finally seen to much pain?

16 Ransom: Sum of My Worth

The ring of the phone seemed to echo through the manor’s still too quiet long, winding halls, and everyone present collectively held their breath. Bruce lunged for the phone.

17 Secret Injury: Hiding in Pain Sight

“What?” Dick asked sharper than he meant to. He was tired.

“Nothing.” Tim said with a small smirk. “Heavy is the head.”

Dick closed his eyes, glad that Tim couldn’t see them. He was so sick of this. Tim, Jason, Damian and Cass all didn’t think he was good enough, well Cass hadn’t said that, but Dick could read her. They didn’t think he was up to the job. Well they didn’t need to tell him that. He knew it.

18 Superboy: An Interlude in Breathing

Tim looked out over the water in a daze. Bruce and Dick had gone somewhere below deck and he was alone. Well there were strangers on the ship mingling and talking excitedly--but Tim gave them no notice. Instead he watched the water lap up against the hull and crash down back to meet the dark, cold waters. They were far enough out that he could no longer see the shore. It was just endless expenses of sea and sky. Something tickled his neck and he started, only to realize he had been crying. It was only a tear slipping under his collar.

The days after the battle of Infinite Crisis

19 Betrayed: Smother

She took another drag of the cigarette, letting the smoke roll in her lungs for a long moment before allowing it hiss out between her teeth. The screams from the warehouse weren’t completely muffled by the distance, or the walls. Perhaps she was only imagining them. But then, sounds like that, she didn’t think she could dream up. She jumped after a particularly high pitched yelp. “Get a grip.” She dropped the cigarette and pulled out another. Her hand shook as she lit it. “It’s just some random kid. He’s not--” She bit back a sob. She didn’t deserve to cry. She had no right to tears, not when it was her fault.

20 Crowbar: Breaklights

The mail fell to the ground and the paper smacked the tiles hard. The sound in reality couldn’t have been all that loud, but it seemed to echo around the entryway. Bruce didn’t look at the dropped bills and the invitation to a fundraiser for the new Gotham women’s shelter. He was too fixated on the small stamp with the queen of England's head on it. Wolverhampton.

The large envelope was far heavier then it should have been. Bruce could feel bile crawling up his throat.

He had forgotten.

21 Deathstroke: Debts and Dues

There were some things that were never pleasant, getting caught in the snow without socks, losing your keys, and not being able to remember the name of a song. Having a gun pointed at your chest, Dick felt, qualified as extremely unpleasant. He stood stock still. The barrel of the gun was still hot, it burned slightly as it dug into his sternum. Even with his uniform he could still feel the heat left over from previous rounds fired. He didn’t flinch. He couldn’t flinch. “Move.” “You know I can’t.” Dick wondered if Slade had the guts to do it.

22 Mission Gone Wrong: Murmur in the Quiet Hours

Superman? Clark froze. He knew that voice. But-- he had never heard it sounding so sad. Was that-- no. Clark dove for his phone, still on the counter from when he got home last night. The screen was black. Dead. Clark swore and dropped it. He was in his coat and shoes before it hit the counter top.

23 Kidnapped: Chum

Dick trumped through the leaves, stopping his feet roughly. He relished the sound of the crunch beneath his shoes as he tread on the brown, dead leaves before him. He felt rather justified in his satisfaction. After all the world had taken so much from him, why wouldn’t he do his best to crush it in return. The woods were cool and as he went deeper into them they grew darker. The sun had long set, and the sky was quickly vanishing as the trees grew thicker. Wayne Manor was far behind him. He was never going back. He hated those pristine walls, those old floor boards. He hated the quiet. He hated the stuffy furniture and the rules and the vases and pictures. He hated his new guardian and that… that… Dick couldn’t remember what Alfred was called, but he hated it. The bag on his back felt heavy. It had everything Dick owned in it. Well and a toothbrush that Alfred had given him. But he didn’t think that was really stealing.

24 Riddler: Seeking Silence on Shortwaves

Normally Dick would be happy to listen to Tim talk. In fact, Dick thought it was one of his favorite sounds in the world. Tim rarely allowed himself to be excited about things. Hearing him speak so freely and openly to Bruce and him about his plans was refreshing. Dick only wished it wouldn’t be at the cost of his life.

Batman hadn't always been so strict about talking unnecessarily over comms. When it was just two of them it hadn't mattered, their walkie talkie system had always worked. But now that Nightwing and Robin were in Gotham, it seems insane that they never realized: if only one person can talk over the radio at a time... how could they call for help?

25 Mr. Freeze: Glimpsing the Sun While Trapped in the Rime

He almost called Bruce between his fourth and fifth class. He pulled his phone out, leaning against his locker, and half dialed his number when a warm hand fell on his shoulder. “Hey.” Dick spun around and blinked back black spots as his body protested the sudden movement. A blaze of red hair filled his vision and Dick felt a small fire build in his chest. His face split into a wide smile.

After a run in with Mr. Freeze Dick finds himself feeling odd at school, but he can't go home, not when Barbara's asked him to drive her to Betty's party after school.

#batman bingo 2020 #Master Post #Batman #CK Writes #Nightwing #Dick Grayson #tim drake #Jason Todd #Damian Wayne #Red Hood #Red Robin #robin #My Writing

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mochegato · 3 years

Text

Hope on Board

Chapter 2 – It’s All Fun and Games Until Someone Ends Up Pregnant

Note: PG version of smut basically this entire chapter, pretty much just kissing. If you don’t like smut you can skip this chapter.

Chapter 1

“You’re falling behind,” she smirked at him, twisting again to finish an elaborate move. She could feel the alcohol surge through her hazing her mind and dulling her inhibitions, in particular the one dictating she remember how uncoordinated she is so she doesn’t try any daring moves outside of her suit and the one that dictates she not attract any attention to herself by showing off her questionably obtained moves. Moves like the ones she was currently putting on full display.

But it wasn’t her fault really. Dick had challenged her to a dance off. He challenged her. Then he turned out to be stupidly skilled. She had to pull out the big guns. She wasn’t about to lose to some stupidly handsome, stupidly sweet, stupidly talented… what was she saying? “I think you must’ve missed my last few moves. At best for you, we’re tied,” Dick called to her with his own smirk, grazing his fingers across the small of her back. Oh yeah, that’s right. She wasn’t going to lose.

She narrowed her eyes at him playfully before bursting into full belly laughs. He picked her up and spun her around, matching her laughter. This felt good. This felt right. This was a cosmic reward for everything it had thrust on her since she was fourteen and she never wanted it to stop. She could feel a blissful sensation radiating out from where Dick’s strong hands were gripping her hips, pulling her closer to him.

She raised her arms crossing them behind her head as she moved to the beat and turned to shoot Dick a teasing look. The bright blue of her shirt brought out her eyes and made them shine even brighter. She looked up at him with a brilliant smile and eyes shining bright. Dick froze to take in the sight, unable in his liquor induced haze to really process how he was feeling.

It made Dick feel like electricity was surging through him. Those eyes seemed to have to power to heal wounds he didn’t even know he had. He wanted to see that look every day. He wanted to be the reason for that look. He suddenly stopped dancing and cupped her face, an intense look in his eyes. He leaned down and captured her lips in a passionate, hungry kiss. Marinette froze for a moment in shock from his sudden seriousness before pulling him closer by his shirt and returning the kiss with every bit the same amount of passion.

He pulled away still looking in her eyes and holding her close. They swayed together in the middle of the crowd, bodies glued together. Clear, bright blue meeting intense, adoring blue. Lost in their own world just for them. They were knocked out of their stupor, quite literally, by the dancers around them bumping into them. They broke eye contact and looked around sheepishly just now remembering the crowd around them. She looked back at him with a wide smile and started dancing to the music again, keeping him close, trying to keep physical contact with him in some way the entire time, which he reciprocated, refusing not to have his hands touching her body somewhere.

She gave him a coquettish smirk and spun away from him, still holding his hand as she spun. Unfortunately, at the same time a dancer next to her stepped back for a dance move of their own. Her foot tangled with his and they both fell. Dick caught her easily, his previously flirty eyes now filled with concern. He pulled her close to him, cradling her to his body. “Are you okay?”

She nodded, an embarrassed flush appearing on her cheeks. She looked over to the other dancer. “Hey, you okay?”

“Eh. It happens,” he smiled and went right back to dancing.

She giggled and turned to Dick with a shrug. Dick looked unconvinced. “Maybe we can sit for a minute. Get you some water and talk?” he offered instead, his eyes conveying the worry he felt. He carried her to a table along the dancefloor to make sure she was okay.

His concern filled Marinette with an overwhelming feeling of warmth. He wasn’t just chasing a physical high, he was worried about her. She looked in his eyes and gave him an adoring smile. She cupped his face and pulled him closer to place a slow, sweet kiss on his lips. He watched her with a dazed look as she pulled away. “I’m fine,” she assured him. “Honestly, I’m a bit of a klutz to begin with and I’m drunk. I’m surprised worse hasn’t happened. This was barely anything. Accidents happen. I’m okay.” She gave him a smirk. “Come on, I want to get back to winning.”

He watched her for a few extra seconds to make sure she meant it then nodded with a smirk. “I don’t think I lose either way.”

She stood up, her chest brushing against his as she stood. “Me either,” she whispered in his ear before leading him out to the dancefloor.

He spun her around and wrapped his arms around her as they swayed to the music, pulling her tight against his body; her back pushing against his chest, her hips rubbing against his hips as they swayed to the beat. He groaned involuntarily at the sensation. She felt so right in his arms. She made his whole body vibrate in anticipation. She reached up behind her to run her hands up his neck and into his hair, scraping her nails along his scalp and pulling slightly on his hair.

He groaned and clenched his hands around her hips. She bit her lower lip and turned her head to watch him through her lashes. Her heart was pounding in her chest and her mind was racing, but no matter how much it raced, it always returned to the exhilaration she felt when his hands or his arms or his mouth touched her. She wanted to get lost in the sensation, the pleasant, soothing, tantalizing sensation that washed over her body emanating from wherever any part of Dick’s body was touching her.

The way she was looking at him stole his breath and his mind empty. He needed to be closer. He needed her against him. He needed to keep her looking at him like that. He ran his fingers along her jaw and down her neck. He buried his head in her neck, placing hot, wet kisses up her neck until his lips were brushing the shell of her ear. “Want to get out of here? Somewhere we can actually… talk?”

He felt her shudder at the sensation of his breath against her ear. She turned around to wind her arms around his neck again. She pulled him down, pressing a heated, hungry kiss to his lips. He pressed his lips harder against hers, pressing out any air between their bodies. She pulled away after a few minutes and pressed her forehead to his chest as she gasped for breath. Dick ran his hands up and down her sides, feeling every curve and plane and firm muscle. “Is that a yes?” he whispered into her hair.

She nodded into his chest and looked back up at him with sultry eyes. “I have to tell my friend where I’m going and make sure he has a plan to get home.”

He grinned, running his fingers across the small of her back. “I’ll meet you at the front door?” She nodded, not trusting her voice, and pulled him down for another searing kiss. She walked away with an tantalizing smile over her shoulder. He watched her until he couldn’t make her out in the crowd anymore and went to wait for her at the front door.

Thankfully, he didn’t have to wait long for her to meet him. She worked her way to him, the same alluring smile still on her lips, after only a few minutes. He returned her smile with an inviting one of his own. When she reached him, he brushed her hair out of her face and wrapped an arm around her waist, giving her a squeeze before resting his hand on her hip and making their way out of the club.

Jason stared incredulously as Dick walked out of the club trailing close behind a beautiful woman. He snorted and turned to Roy, raising his voice to imitate Dick’s, “This isn’t about getting laid. It’s about hanging out together and having fun. Boy’s night.”

Roy rested his elbow on Jason’s shoulder and shook his head in disbelief. “I can’t believe he’s going to get laid… and in that shirt.”

Tim came up between them, knocking Roy’s elbow down and patting both of them on the shoulder. “And before either of you.” Roy’s face went slack with realization and Jason cursed.

A cab ride later during which time they were mostly well behaved with only a modicum of wandering hands, Marinette and Dick were cuddled up on Dick’s couch popping M&M’s into their mouths, the only food he had in his apartment, between sips of their drinks. Marinette giggled and focused her attention on tossing an M&M up in the air in Dick’s direction. She cheered loudly as he caught it in his mouth with a grin. “Good toss,” he commended her, squeezing her closer and pressing his nose against the side of her face.

“Thanks.” She cuddled closer with a proud smile. “I have really good hand coordination… no wait… hand eye coordination! Clearly not that drunk despite how I sound. I’m blaming that on English. I’d be fine in English… French!” She pulled away slightly to give him an adoring look, running her hands back and forth over his stomach. “Good catching.”

He chuckled and took another drink. “Thank you.”

She sighed and leaned her head against the back of the couch as he ran his fingers over her hip. She looked around the apartment, hazy eyes flitting from thing to thing without really registering any of them. Her eyes finally settled on a shirt that was thrown on the couch right behind Dick. She reached awkwardly over him, falling into him accidentally as she grabbed the shirt. She giggled when he pulled her onto his lap with a laugh. She held out the shirt to see what it was. She gave the shirt a double take. She recognized the design. She had created the design. He owned a shirt with her design on it. She started giggling uncontrollably.

He gave her a confused look. “What?”

She held it up for him to see. “Yours?”

“Yeah, I was wearing that before we left. What? Not a fan?” he asked with a pout, uncertainty in his voice.

“No, no. I love his music,” she assured him with that same secretive smile and booping him on the nose. “I take it you’re a fan of Jagged as well?”

“I am, in fact.” He gave an exaggerated nod. “I have all his albums. Every one.” He made an exaggerated sweeping motion toward his CD’s. “I love him and the artwork, especially this one.” He held the shirt up and shook it as though she might be uncertain of which design he was talking about. “It’s so creative and cool looking. You don’t even have to be a fan of Jagged to like it. I don’t know. I just really like his artist,” he rambled not noticing a dark blush settling on her cheeks.

She surged up and captured his lips in a fervent kiss. He let out a surprised huff, but quickly melted into her lips, wrapping both arms around her and pulling her closer. After a few minutes he pulled away reluctantly, panting for breath. “What was that for?” he asked breathlessly. He cupped her cheek and pressed his forehead to hers.

“Nothing.” She gave him an effervescent smile and pulled away slightly to wave her hands in an uncoordinated motion trying to dismiss his interest. She held up the shirt again with a nostalgic smile. “This is one of my favorite designs too. And, I’ve been a huge fan of his since I was a kid.”

“Right, he started in France didn’t he?” His voice was excited again. She nodded. He grinned at her and settled further into the couch, wrapping his arms around her waist and giving her a squeeze. “I like this. Tell me more about yourself. I want to know more.”

She smiled broadly at how excited he sounded. “I like this too. We’ll take turns. I want to hear more about you. Not just me. Don’t be selfish.” She gave him a mock stern look, pointing a finger in his face.

His smile beamed at her comment and gave her a curt, serious nod. “I would never. Okay. You first.” He took the shirt out of her hands and threw it over his shoulder.

She giggled at him, her eyes following the arc of the shirt as she thought about what she wanted to say. She took another gulp of her drink. “Let’s see. From France.” He nodded in confirmation and encouraged her to continue. “Paris, that’s in France. Went to university in New York, that’s in America. Really like whatever this is.” She held up her glass before finishing the rest of it. “Signed a deal with a company in Gotham and decided to move here and open a store. I’m a clothing designer.”

He nodded along as she talked, attempting to catalog each piece of information for later despite the information already melding together into nonsensical data points in his head. He looked down at her clothes. “You look amazing. Did you do it yourself?”

She gave him a radiant smile and wiggled in his lap in excitement at the compliment. “Thank you. I did. It's Nightwing themed.”

Dick choked on the drink he had just taken. He gave her a faux innocent smile. “Fan of his?”

Marinette watched him with concerned eyes for a few seconds to make sure he was okay before she answered. “Yeah. I think he’s a good… I mean…” she took a second to collect herself and look serious as she spoke as though this were an important conversation. “He has a really imprint… a really impressive leadership style. Strong… and dynamic… and compassionate.” She counted off the attributes on her fingers to accentuate her point. “The way he connects with victims… I mean they all have their own way of connecting with people,” she quickly added not wanting to insult them as though they could just know she was talking about them, like their bat senses might be tingling. She looked down and furrowed her brow. “I guess his way just resonates with me more?” She looked up at Dick to see if he was following. He was watching her with something close to awe so she took that as a sign to continue.

“And his fighting technique! The things he can do? I’ve only ever seen one other person able to move like that and she had magic to help.” She made some wild, vague motions in the air to indicate flips. “But he’s just… like that. Completely human… at least so they say… I don’t know. Do you?” She looked to him with an inquisitive stare. She continued on without letting him answer, “and can do that. I mean… wow.” She continued talking completely oblivious to the way Dick’s cheeks were flushing and his eyes darkening. “Not to mention sexy. I mean damn…” she suddenly realized she was gushing about someone else while cuddled up in Dick’s lap. She looked at the now empty glass accusatorily. “Maybe I am that drunk. I really should stop talk…”

Dick obliged her wish, stopping her with a kiss before she could finish her sentence. He cupped her face and pulled her closer, pressing into her with a bruising volley of kisses. Her kisses tasted like the liquor and chocolate they had been consuming in an enticing combination of flavor that was just her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer to her, hungrily returning his kisses. He reached up into her hair and pulled out the band holding it up, releasing her hair and allowing his hands to wind into her hair. He gently pulled, prompting her to lean her head back giving him better access to her neck. He trailed wet kisses down her neck.

The moan she let out sent shivers down his spine. He had caused her to make that noise. The sound was like a spell forcing his full attention on her. His mind became consumed with trying to figure out how to get her to make it again and what other sounds she could make. She shifted so she was straddling his hips and rolled her hips slightly. He groaned in response and playfully nipped at her collar bone before ghosting his nose back up her neck as he trailed his nails up and down her back and along her hips. The feeling of his rough, calloused fingers against her skin caused goosebumps to rise across her skin wherever he had touched her showing a history of his contact.

She whimpered into his hair and worked her hands down his chest splaying out her fingers as she moved them against his body. She found his shirt’s hem and reached under it to feel his skin against hers. He gasped at the sensation and reached to pull his shirt off to grant her more access. She hummed in appreciation and ran her fingers along his muscles in his chest before pressing into him to deepen the kiss.

He reached under her shirt running his finger under the band on her bra, causing her to whimper into his mouth. He started pulling off her shirt but paused, pulling away from her just enough to whisper against her lips. “Wait. Do you want to do this?”

Marinette nodded, still staring at his lips before diving in to feel his lips on hers again.

He moaned into the kiss, getting lost in the sensation of her, her lips, her tongue, her taste, her skin, the weight on his hips and chest. He fought to pull himself out of his haze, but distancing away from her slightly. “Marinette.” He hooked his finger under her chin to get her to look at him. Once she had focused on his eyes he asked again. “I want to make sure. Do you want to keep going? If you don’t we can just keep doing this or we can stop.”

Marinette’s eyes turned soft. She traced his jaw slowly and bit her lower lip. “Do you have protection?”

He nodded, “I do,” he assured her.

She smiled and pressed closer to him. “Then yes. I want to keep going. Do you?”

“Definitely, yes,” he whispered huskily, pulling her shirt off and tossing it across the room.

Chapter 3

Tags:

@dickinette-february

#maribat #Dickinette February #dickinette #platonic jasonette #Hope on Board #platonic adrienette #Knocked Up AU #prompt - chocolate

180 notes · View notes

wthcew · 3 years

Note

JayTim, flirting, falling in love and cuddles and JJ Tim who gor adopted by Harley and Ivy pretty please??

Sweetie, you just jumped on my train of JJ fics, I hope you don't mind that I added a little bit of smut

I'm so sorry it took me that long to write it, I hope you like it!

_____________________________________________

30 days

_____________________________________________

The first time he heard about it he was under the ground. He felt like he was choking, his helmet somewhere unknown and with it his communication with Oracle. He isn't talking to B (not after he chose the fucking Joker over him) but he does help Nightwing sometimes, and oh, did he wished right now that he would have never let Dick in his safehouse.

Nightwing and Red Hood were about to bust a drag ring, but the thing is, it was an ambush, so now they're both under ground, Hood's leg impaled to the ground by an iron pillar from one of the walls that exploded and that they're buried under, his helmet in an unknown place and 'wing trying to call for help.

Jason tried to slow his breath but being under ground is bringing back bad memories (He can't breathe, he's locked, and all he want right now is his dad-) of being six feet under and he's hysterical- because everything is hurting and broken and half his face are burned and he can't breathe so please, please he just want his dad, "please dad come save me"-

He's so gone into his mind, letting his panic control him that he's flinching away when Dick touching his shoulder, but it's pulling him out of his head (and just when did the tears started to spill out of his eyes?), and Dick is looking at him, the whites lenses of his domino mask are gone and instead Jason's getting those blue eyes that are full with concern.

"It's okay Jay" Dick smiled at him, a small smile that somehow made Jason believe that it's okay. "B and baby bat are on their way right now," Dick's hand found Jason's and he squeezed it in reassuring. Jason returned the squeeze. "We will be fine"

...

"Did someone ever told you about the kid who almost killed Joker?" Dick asked after couple minutes of silence, when Jason's breath is under control and he isn't so much as hysterical as he was couple of minutes before.

Jay turned his head to Dick, "No" his voice was hoarse, too hoarse for his own ears but Dick didn't seems to mind, he just nodded his head and smiled softly at him.

"He was thirteen years old back then, Joker took him, when Babs still was Batgirl" And at that moment Dick's comn beeped and after five minutes they were out of the ground, Bruce and Damian next to Dick, checking if he's fine while Jason took his helmet, the hole in his leg isn't that bad and when Dick looking at him the Red Hood already swing away.

_____________________________________________

The second time he heard about it was because he wanted to, he was curious and he wanted to know what happened to the kid, what made a thirteen years old kid almost kill the Joker.

So, he was on his couch, his leg bandaged and a cup of hot tea on the coffe table, his laptop open and working and the reading lamp's orange light made his shadow look like some villain from kids cartoon.

It's hard to find anything about it but he is (A bat) Red Hood, if he wants to he'll find out what happened back then. And he want to.

So Jason cracked his fingers and started to work.

The seconds became to minutes that became to hours of work and clicking on his keyboard, it's hard to find anything because apparently this whole story is shushed and all Jason gathered until now came from a video of the news report and all they said there was that Joker broke out of Arkham and decided he wanted a son, kidnapped some unlucky kid and deleted the boy's personality with electrical shocks until he becamed Joker Junior, and then he kept torturing the kid until the Batman and Batgirl found the kid, broken minded and holding a gun to Joker's head.

It was quite the story, but Jason didn't know what happened later, who the kid was or what happened to him.

But he will, just to know if the kid's okay. Or to ask why he hadn't pulled the trigger..

So he kept digging, looking for anything that may conect to the story. And that's how Jason found himself reading article about Jack and Jent Drake disowning their only child Tim Drake. The kid was only thirteen back then, and all he took before he took off from the face of earth was a stuffed Kola and a camra.

And it may be his curiosity about this because he don't remember the kid and apparently they were neighbors or the JJ thing but he knows that he'll find Tim Drake.

_____________________________________________

Jent Drake died two years after she disowned Tim in a car crash, her husband got depressed and started looking for Tim to reown him but then he met Dana Winters.

There was some love story there that Jason wasn't really that interested in reading but in the end they married and left Gotham, never coming back. And the most annoying thing is, that Tim was never found.

But he did found out that there was some kid that helped Harley and Ivy sometimes, he had a faded red hoodie and faded green jeans.

The hoodie's hat always hiding his face and from the little Jason saw, his skin was more white than normal human skin.

Jason couldn't find a lot of photos of the kid but he did find one of Harley hugging the kid.

Jason looked at the photo, it was fuve years old, when Tim desperate and all the JJ thing happened. The way he held himself was familiar to Jason, something deep in his mind, memories that he couldn't remember, but it was there, and Jason knows that this Tim kid is JJ who is also somehow Harley's kid.

_____________________________________________

"I need your help"

"Oh that's nice, what aby 'hey Babs, how was your day? Did Dick pissed you off and going to sleep on the couch tonight? Can you please help me with this thing?'"

Jason smiled, shifting the phone that was pressed against his ear "What did Dick did?"

"He was a dick"

"How was your day?"

"What did you wanted help with Jay?"

"Clown boy"

"Hmm?"

"Joker Junior"

A sharp breath "What about him?"

"You know who he is?"

"We found him after he took a dip in the acid, and he was dressed like the Joker, too much make up, green hair, purple suit, couldn't recognise him"

"But you know don't you?"

"Batman doesn't know"

"Well you're Oracle not Batman. It's simple question O, you know? Yes or no?"

"I know"

"I think I know too"

"Who do you think it is?"

"Tim Drake"

"..Yes it's him"

"Why didn't you told Bruce?

"He's a good kid"

"He's with Harley now"

"Tim isn't bad"

"Babs, if he's Joker Junior and he's with Harley he can't be that good"

"Jay, Harley and Ivy gave me the tip to find him and Harley took him in after his parents disowned him, he may be stilling sometimes or helping Harley and Ivy but he is good"

"You kept tabs on him?"

"He's smart, he may have lost a lot of his memories because of the Joker and he is crazy but he have support"

"Does Bruce know you're helping hiding him?"

"No, and he wouldn't. Not until Tim decided that it's fine"

"You're in contact?"

"We're just talking, I'm sending him puzels and riddles and it's helping him keep clean mind"

"Can I talk to him?"

"I can't tell you where he is but I also can't stop you from doing this"

"Thank you Babs"

"Not a problem Jaybird"

_____________________________________________

It was a week later that Jason walked into a small unnoticed coffee shop.

The design of the place gave him a feeling of happiness, like it was some kind of home.

He looked through everyone there, couple next to the window, three old ladies sitting in a table for four, chatting and laughing, couple of collage students sitting with something to eat and something warm to drink and typing on their laptops, and on the farthest side of the coffee shop, in a table for two, sat a teen, his hands paler than any human skin, his long hair hiding his face, a coffee cup in front of him and his legs shacking.

"Hello! Can I help you?" A cheerful voice called from the cashier desk, he put on a smile on his face and turned to see a black haired girl, with a big smile on her face.

"Yeah, do you have Eral Gray?"

"We do! Anything else with this?"

"No, thank you"

"Okay, just a minute"

When he got his cup he paid the girl murmuring a "Thank you" and walking to Tim.

When he sat down in front of the teen, icy blue eyes looked at his face, and his breath hitched when he saw the little cuts on at each end of his mouth, creating a smile.

"Hey" Jason said, smiling at Tim.

"Hey.." Tim's voice almost didn't reached his ears and Jason's smile grew wider when Tim smiled at him. A shy little amazing smile.

"I'm Jason"

"T-Tim"

"Nice to meet you"

"Why are you here?"

"I wanted tea"

"You aren't scared?" Tim's eyes looked a bit insane when he said the last word, his smile grew wider and he leaned closer to the table. The cuts on his face and his pale skin made him look like Joker but there was also something else there, something in his eyes that said 'Pleas don't be scared' and Jason swallowed and forced his nerves to calm down.

"No, you actually seems nice"

Tim blinked once.

Twice.

And then his smile became nicer, less dangerous and more shy. He relaxed and took a sip from his coffee.

Jason smiled, sipping from his own cup while making a note in his head to be careful with this one.

They drank a couple more cups together, chatting about nothing in particular and when Tim excused himself and left, Jason found a paper next to the cup.

He opened it because of his dammed curiosity and bis breath hitched.

'Ha ha ha'

_____________________________________________

It was in the middle of the night, the streets lamps flickered on and off every couple of seconds, and the stars were hidden in the sky, behind the clouds.

His parents just left the town. Without telling him. Again. And it's fine, he can't be mad at his parents for leaving him -he is, like his mother says, rotten child- all the time.

But sometimes he wonders if he'll ever be good enough for them to stay. If he'll ever be good enough so his mother wouldn't need to hiss his name through clench teeth and his father to hit him.

Maybe he would never be good enough..

In those nights when he wonders about it, he goes to a walk. It's always makes him calm and shuts his mind down. It's leaving him with the feeling of wholenesses, like some how the wind that hit his body in cold sharp hit is welcoming, or the cold of the night is like his stuffed Kola -the one he got from Bruce Wayne In a gala that his parents hosted when he was four and since then he hides it from his parents and hugging it when he need comfort- or like the silence out here is better than the silence inside the empty house.

And maybe, just maybe hr would see his heros.

And as Tim kept walking he could barely hear this cursed laugh, followed by the soft like song-

Mary had a little lamb

Little lamb, little lamb

Mary had a little lamb...

"Cutie pie?" His mama's voice rang, it was muffled but it was still there. "I'm hearing laughing, it's a good joke?"

A knock on his door "Sweetheart?" His laugh grew and his eyes burned, tears dropping from his eyes.

"Timmy?"

He hugged his legs to his chest, laughing and crying and this song is stuck in his head and he can't stop it and-

"Mary had a little lamb"

Mama's hands are around him, hugging him and petting his hair "Shhh shh shh, everything's fine baby, I'm here"

He can't breathe and the song is on full volume in his head but mama's here and mama is safety, she's safety. He's safe. Safe

_____________________________________________

"What the hell were you thinking?" Oracle's voice rang through the comn in his helmet.

"You need to be more specific than that O"

"Tim blocked me, Selina is mad at Bruce because one of his kids hurt her niece, Harley and Tim are nowhere to be found and Selina and Ivy are planning something"

"I didn't hurt Tim and I don't know why you told ma all the other stuff"

"Hood, Tim's smart, maybe too much smart but his mind is broken, he's crazy and genius"

"Okay and..?"

"He wants to go -and I’m quoting him- Boom he always wanted everyone to know that he's Harley's kid, and I always made him take more time, think about it more the fact that he blocked me means that I can't tell him to sit back anymore"

"You can remove it though"

"I did, and he just throw his phone away"

"So I broke him?"

"No, Joker broke him you just set him off"

"Shit"

"Yes. Shit"

_____________________________________________

"Wohhooo" Was shout out to the sky as Tim set in shopping cart, Harley -in her rollerblades- holding the handles of the cart, and they're both 'driving' down a road, laughing.

The air hit Tim's face in the best way he could have ever imagined and he laughed so hard that his cheedk burned, and maybe he ripped his stiches oncr again today but he dosen't care.

He is happy. So, so happy, like he was with this hot guy in the coffee shop, before his meltdown.

But right now, right now it's all this.

His mama and him, having fun, his mom and aunty kitty somewhere doing her own thing and everything's okay.

He laughed again as they started to speed up, the wind throwing his hair in any direction possible.

After a few minutes they cane to a stop, his mama's smile is so loving and he hopes that his smile is loving as well.

"Come on sweetie, let's do it" Harley smiled as she gave him the lighter, he jumped out of the cart and lit the lighter, his eyes sparking as the fire started spreading.

Tim and Harley walked away because they're crazy not stupid.

There faces lit up as the fireworks blew and flew to the sky.

Harley hugged him from behind and he relaxed into his mama's touch, watching the fireworks becoming to words that are shining over Gotham's sky.

30 days

_____________________________________________

"Hey Hoodie" A cheerful voice called from behind him.

Red Hood turned around, a gun in his hand just to be met with Tim's lovely smile.

"Chill, chill" The teen said, holding his hands up "I'm not going to hurt you"

"What do you want?" Hood asked, lowering his gun.

"We have never met have we?" Tim said, his smile calm

"I don't think so"

"No, but I did met Robin"

"So you met the Demon"

Tim frowned "No. The second one."

"Don't know him"

"Red Hood can't meet Robin II"

"And why's that?"

"Robin II's dead, dad killed him" Tim shock his head "I don't like dad, I liked Robin II and dad did it because it's funny. It's not!"

Tim looked so frustrated, his eyes big and he's looking at Jason like he hope that he would understand that and, something in Jason change, his face are softer under the helmet and-

"Okay Tim, I know you aren't the Joker."

"I didn't met *you* but we did met, I know Robin and I know Jason and now I know Red Hood?"

"You know who I am"

"No, no no no!" Tim looked him straight in the eyes, like he could see his face behind the helmet "You're Red Hood now, you were Robin and you always were Jason but now you Red Hood, I don't know Red Hood!"

"Okay, okay, relax, you don't know Red Hood, that's fine"

"I need to know Red Hood"

"Why?"

"Because I need Red Hood to help me"

"You need help?"

"Yes"

"Okay, but why Red Hood?"

"Because.. Ummm because- Because of Dad! I need Red Hood to help me kill dad"

To kill.. the Joker.

To kill the Joker.

The Joker dead.

'Yes'

"I would help you, Red Hood and Jason, okay?"

Tim nodded "Yeah, okay."

The sky started to glow and they both looked up, looking at fireworks that formed

29 days

_____________________________________________

It was so logical and simple that Jason almost laugh.

He sat next to Tim in some small safehouse, looking at Tim up and down as he was solving Sudoku.

They're waiting for the others to decide exactly who will go in and kill this son of a bitch and aho will make sure that everyone else will be present in that day.

They are waiting for Tim's small family, and Jason smiled at the thought of this family, he once had one and then he died and he was replaced by Stephanie Brown who is now Batgirl so they're fine now. But he doesn't have this family now, all he have are some blurred memories.

Tim let out a little "Yay" with a cute, small giggle that made Jason smile.

"Hey!" Tim suddenly said, looking at Jason with big eyes, Jason looked around him, trying to find something that would make Tim look panoco "What-"

"Are you hurt?" Tim's voice was soft and caring and Jasom heart might have skipped a beat, "No?"

"Than why do you have split lip and bruise on your jaw?"

"I've got into a fight, it's not serious" But Tim was there in seconds, his worry eyes looking at Jason's jaw and just wow- Jason swallowed the lump in his throat when Tim's slender finger touched his lip and-

"I've the best thing to help!" Tim pulled away and his finger caressed Jason's lip in a way that made Jason hold his breath.

And in the next moment Tim putted a chocolate bar in his hand, smiling at him "It help!" He said and Jason huffed a laugh, mentally shacking his head.

"Thanks Timmy" Jason said an smile on his face, opening the chocolate and cutting a line.

It was milk chocolate with pop candy and it was amazing, Jason hummed as he ate it, looking at Tim solving a new sudoku.

After the meeting (if it even can be called that) Jason took the rest of the chocolate bar, just to have something sweet after patrol tonight.

_____________________________________________

Jason stripped from his Red Hood gear, stretching his hands out and poping his back.

He took a quick shower and pulled on a sweat pants and grey hoodie from the deep of his closest 'Maybe it's time to do the laundry'.

Jason smiled as the sky were lit in 25 Days and turned the lamp off.

His lip tickled as some kind of reminder that Tim touched him there, he looked so worried and that just warmed Jason's heart.

And that amazing chocolate- maybe he will have to get hurt more just to have it.

He closed hid eyes, ready to fall asleep and then it hit him-

Oh.

Oh shit.

He- he have a crush.

_____________________________________________

The sun was in the middle of the sky when Jason woke up, blinking into the darkness because the blinds are close.

He groaned as he stretched his body, still in the bed under the warmth of the fluffy blanket. The sleepiness still has her claws clutching on him and made Jason wonder why the hell his bed isn't as comfy whenever he's trying to sleep but is when he tries to wake up.

He almost fell asleep again, but the *Bam! Bam! Bam!* on his door made him jolt up from the bed, the gun that he hides between the mattress and the bed in his hand, walking to the living room without making a sound, looking through the peep hole.

He huffed in relief, opening the door looking at Dick who smiled at him. "You woke me up you asshole"

"Sorry little wing" But Dick didn't sounded sorry at all and that just made him groan.

Jason followed Dick to the kitchen after Dick let himself in, the door closing behind them.

"What are you doing here?"

"I can't visit my little brother?"

"Not your brother" Jason turned around to the pantry to take out a tea bag just when Dick flinched from the words as if they're physically harming him.

"You're my brother, even if you don't see it like that"

"Dick."

"No! You're my brother, I count you as my brother" Dick snap and Jason would lie if he said that that didn't touched his heart, even if it's not true because in the end Dick have his new little brother and also a sister and it's really is fine that Jason isn't part of his family. It is.

So he didn't reply to it, just let Dick think what he wants to. "Do you want to tell me why you actually came or what?" He asked as he started to boil water.

"I wanted to talk to you"

"About?"

"You said you'd this case, how's it going?"

Jason took the teapot off the gas, pouring the hot water to his glass, "I didn't told anyone that I've a case"

"Well no but Babs told me"

"Babs don't know, and she would have asked if she wanted to know" Jason took a sip from his cup and turned around to glare at the older man "What it really is about?"

"Bruce saw you with Harley and Ivy and their kid and he wants to know what you all doing"

Jason saw red for a moment and them took a calming breath, a long sip from his tea and walked his way toward the island, putting his mug down and glaring at his so called brother.

"So you're here on a mission?" His voice was cold and full with venom.

"N-no!"

Jason raised an eyebrow "You just said it"

"I don't care what B wanted, I came for my brother"

"Damian isn't here"

"Jason!"

"What? You want me to say that you didn't came because Bruce said something on me? You don't want to know what I'm doing with Harley, Ivy and their kid? Ah? That's what you're telling me?"

"I-"

"Ha! And you just said we're brothers!"

"We are Jason"

"No! You have your own little family, I'm not part of it, never was!"

"You are! You always were and you always will be!"

And at that moment Jason saw green, throwing his mug down on the island, the shatterd flew everywhere and the hot water started to drip down to the floor.

And as a last resort Dick yelled "TIM DRAKE!"

It made Jason blink, and look at Dick, "What did you just said?"

"Tim Drake, it's this boy Joker kidnapped, Harley and Ivy's kid"

"How do you know this?"

"Well, family of detectives and all"

"What do you want?"

"Is he threating you?"

"What? No!"

"Jay, you can tell me the truth"

"Oh I can?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Okay so fuck off"

"Wh-what?"

"The truth is that I want you to fuck off and don't ever come back. Bye."

"..Jay.."

"I'll throw you out of the window"

"Okay, okay. But.."

"Go!" _____________________________________________

Tim sat on an air conditioner motor that was on the roof of a building, his legs tangling down, one shoe red with zigzag lines on it and the other one yellow with glitters. His pants in a fading green colour and a black-blue t-shirt. And Jason just looked, glad that his helmet hiding his face as a stupid smile crossed his face.

"Hoodie hood!" Tim's cheerful voice made Jason's smile wider, and Tim pushed himself of the air conditioner motor, when his feet touched the roof his yellow shoe started to sparkle with light, like little kids shoes.

"Hey clown kid" Tim smiled, something sweet and beautiful that made butterflies fly in Jason's belly.

"I don't like this helmet today" Tim said, his hands touching lightly at the sides of the red helmet.

"And why's that?"

"I can't see your hair. I love your hair!"

Jason smiled, Tim was just... just.

"Thanks baby clown, I love your hair too"

"Baby clown?"

"Yup"

"I like it"

"Good"

Tim took Jason's hand in his and started walking them to the air conditioner motor.

They both sat down, Tim's hands now in his lap and Jason opened his helmet, setting it next to him.

Tim looked at him, his blue icy eyes glinted and a small smile on his face. Jason looked right back at him, the blue-green eyes looking like some amazing place that kids are being told about in fairy tales.

Jason don't know who moved first, or what exactly happened. All he knows is that Tim is sitting in his lap, Tim's hands in his hair and Jason hugging him close. There mouths pressing against each other's. Tim's mouth have this amazing chocolate taste, a hint of coffee and Tim.

In the dark sky above of them, the fireworks draw the 18 days.

_____________________________________________

Jason is happy. Like really truly happy. He couldn't stop smiling this stupid love sick smile since the kiss.

He met Tim every patrol and those small kiss were the best, 10/10 would definitely do again.

Tim's cute and smart and he seems to really like Jason which is amazing because Jason really like him too.

None of the Bats came to annoy him, and everything is just amazing. For once in his life everything is just good.

His grapple gun shot to the next building and the cold wind never felt better. As Red Hood's boots hit the roof a "Hey there, love bird" greeted him.

"Cat," He called back, doing a small '*hi*' with his hand "'sup?"

"We need to talk"

"About?"

"Tim"

Jason sat next to her, his legs tangling down from the roof, "You here to give me the talk?"

"Not the talk you think about, I'll that to his moms"

"Then what talk?"

"Are you serious with him?"

"For now.. for now yes" he said with a bit hesitation.

Selina nodded "That's good for me"

"Thank you?"

"You're welcome sweetie, anyway you nrrd to be careful with Timmy"

"I know that, I wasn't born yesterday Cat"

She huffed a laugh, "Oh I know that sweetie, but you still need to know about Tim's past"

"Isn't he supposed to tell me about it? In his own time?"

"He will, I'm going to tell you only things that he won't because it's a trigger for him"

"The torture?"

"Yes, the torture, and what lead to his kidnapping, and it'll give you an idea yo what his parents were like"

Jason looked at her in the eyes, seriousness burns in them. "Okay, let's hear the story" _____________________________________________

His parents left again, it has been hours since the screaming stopped, his cheeks were wet from tears and his eyes red.

He was hiding in the closet, his hands holding his stuffed Kola close, his left arm is numb except for the cut on it, but it's a small cut and he deserved it. He isn't supposed to talk back to his father.

The dry blood on his arm itched and he needs to treat the cut, but he don't want to move. The closest is a safe place because mother and father can't get in.

New tears slipping down his face and he hugs the Kola tighter.

_____________________________________________

When Tim woke up his neck hurt and his left arm felt like a million fire ants stung her.

He opened the closest door, stumbling out of there holding the Kola in one hand, dropping it on his bed and walking to the bathroom, pulling the first aid kit from under the sink, treating his wound with a hiss of pain.

A quick glance out of the window and he knows it's in the middle of the night, and his parents were supposed to stay home for more couple of days but once again they just left the town. Without telling him. Again. And it's fine, he can't be mad at his parents for leaving him -he is, like his mother says, rotten child- all the time.

But he doesn't have something to do now, and his arm's fine, he can go out and see Batman, and maybe Robin too. Though Robin isn't around a lot now, maybe something happened... _____________________________________________

The streets lamps flickered on and off every couple of seconds, and the stars were hidden in the sky, behind the clouds.

The cold wind hit him merciless, but it just made him smile, he loves the winter. It always made him feel better with himself.

His camera clutched in his hands, his black stocking cap falling on his eyes every couple of minutes, and yes it may be annoying but it's also letting him something to do, because tonight he can't find Batman...

What the hour anyway? Maybe he's late and Batman's back in the cave...

And then he could hear it, some quiet voice singing.. Maybe a kid.. What if the kid need help?

"Hello?' he called out, moving closer to the voice, he can hear the words now.

"Mary had a little lamb Little lamb, little lamb Mary had a little lamb..." _____________________________________________

He cried out, pain strobes through all hid body, tears on his face and blood run down his chine and neck

This psycho laugh making him shiver and try to run away. This hateful song in the background..

And this voice.. "Come on Little Lamb, be a good son for little old me, and tell me. What's. Your. Name?"

"T-Tim"

He screamed as he got electriced again. _____________________________________________

He is shacking, scared out of his mind, tears rolling down his face. And it doesn't stop.

He can barely breathe, the electrical shock isn't stopping. And Tim is honest to God scared.

He don't know what's next to come, he can't actually believe it's happening and everything- everything hurt.

He can feel himself leaving his body, his heart- _____________________________________________

He woke up, everything is hurting again and the fucking Joker is looking at him, this psychotic smile on his face-

"Welcome back my Little Lamb"

-And this horrible song again

"Mary had a little lamb Little lamb, little lamb Mary had a little lamb..." _____________________________________________

"What's your name?"

"Tim!" _____________________________________________

"What's. Your. Name?"

"Ti-" _____________________________________________

"Your name?"

He don't even* know *anymore, and it's really frustrating... _____________________________________________

He is laughing. A manic good laugh. Happy laugh.

He's happy because he remembers who he is and it's funny- why did he forgot anyway?

"What's your name?"

"JJ!" _____________________________________________

He laughed as his dad cut his face open do he'll always smile. He laughed as dad throw him to the acid. He laughed as dad painted his hair.

He laughed and he laughed, and laughed and laughed-

But it's not funny anymore- dad isn't here and his hair is black... JJ scowled at the mirror, dad don't like his hair black. He like green. Yes, green hair and purple suit, and red- red, red, red blood. And it's funny- everything funny so hr laughs, but the mirror- The shattered glass flew everywhere and it's so funny that he can't stop laughing-

"Timothy!" Mother's standing by the door, she looks horrified.. it's not funny anymore- it's not-

He can't breathe, he stumbles backwards, tears rolling down his face and he. Can't. Stop. Laughing. _____________________________________________

One night he heard his mother and father talking. It's not fine, but what is fine anymore? He's finally Tim but he's also JJ and it's so confusing.

"I can't look at him anymore Jack, he is pathetic!"

"I know Janet, don't worry"

Tim chokes a whimper. _____________________________________________

The next week Ivy and Harley found Tim trying to drown himself and took him in... _____________________________________________

Jason took in a deep breath, his eyes wet and his heart ache for his little clown.

"It's..."

Catwoman gave him a small smile, "A lot? I know. Those are once of the memories Tim still have"

"I'm- I can't even-" Cat smiled at him and squeezed his shoulder.

The words 13 Days shined in the sky above them.

_____________________________________________

"Hood" Oracle's voice filled his helmet.

"O, how many times do I need to ask you not to hack my helmet?"

Oracle completely ignored him "How's Tim been?"

Jason swallow, he forgot that Babs is actually one of those people who really care about Tim (and him. Because Babs amazing).

"He's been good, happy" Just like Jason. It's like they feel the same thing. He can see Babs smile in his mind at that, like something changed in the weather just because of what he said, and it pulled a smile in his face.

"That's good, how are you?"

"Same as Tim"

And now he can hear her smile when she talks "I'm happy to hear that."

"How are you O? Does Dick head annoying you? 'cuz I can beat him if you need"

O snorted, "Two days sleeping on the sofa and he'll be begging for my forgiveness"

Jason laughed. And they kept talking about nothing for two more minutes, before Babe had to go.

And that's when Jason shot his grapple to another roof and went flying in the sky, the feeling of happiness all over his body.

But it all stopped when hr heard it.

It came straight out of his nightmares, something from his deepest fears.

This manic laugh. Joker's laugh.

And no just no. Thete's no way this stupid fucker got out again.

He dropped to the ground with a thud sound, looking for the fucker but instead seeing a group of teenagers, kicking someone on the ground.. someone who couldn't stop laughing like the Joker and his heart stopped beating for a second when he realised who it is.

A shot noise ripped through the air and the teens stopped, looking back at the red hood holding a gun at one of them.

All he needed to do wad to say "Go. Away" and the teens ran away, leaving Tim on the ground, hugging his legs to his chest, blood and tears mixed together on his face, and he couldn't breathe because the laughing wouldn't stop.

Jason hurried to him, helping him to sit up and uncurl himself, unable to look over Tim's face since he wouldn't let him.

"Tim, sweetie, my baby clown," Jason kissed his cheek, hugging him close to him "It's me, remember? Red Hood"

And at that Tim's head moved, looking up at him. Eyes full of tears and his face twitched in this manic smile, blood dripping down from the now open cuts in his chicks to his chin.

"Timmy babe, can you hear me?" He received a small and hesitate nod that he took as yes.

"Can you give me your hands?" He asked, showing Tim his gloved hands. The smaller man put his hands in his, feeling the fabric.

Tim relaxed, his eyes fixed on the red helmet, the tears stopped rolling down his face.

The laughing quiet down a bit, but still were there.

"You remember me, right? We are friends, hell I'm hoping even more than friends"

Tim nodded, but Jason wasn't sure what he was agreeing with so he just kept talking.

"We have this amazing plan, because you are my little smarty boy right?"

Tim could take in a breath and that was good, he wasn't laughing anymore but he also didn't talk exactly, just watched Jason and every couple of seconds squeezed one of his hands (never the both of them together for some reason).

"Hell I even kissed you that night and it was the greatest thing in the whole world baby clown"

"No." Tim's tiny voice waved on the air.

"Hah?" If Tim didn't like Jason like that... It would be ok, he will be heart breaked for a few days but he would be fine at the end... Somehow.

"I kissed you" Tim said, looking at him with this witty little smile that Jason grew to love so much.

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah" a small smile tug on Jason's lips, and their lips met. It was amazing just like the first time they kissed, and it sent sparkles down Jason's body.

And after a minute he let go, both of them taking deep breath.

"Come on baby clown, let's go to my home"

Tim took his hand and he pulled him up, hugging the smaller man.

The words 7 Days exploded in the sky exactly when they reached Jason's apartment.

_____________________________________________

Waking up with Tim by his side is amazing.

The smaller man was curled next to him, a hand clutching at the fabric of his shirt. The long black hair messed up but still so beautiful. Tim's face relaxed, a samll smile on his face.

Last night Jason gave him one of his own shirts, and the younger basically swam in the white shirt.

Jason looked at the paler than normal skin that was now available. It was in the same colour of the shirt.

He pulled Tim closer to him, kissing the beautiful man's forehead and closing his eyes.

Immediately going back to the welcoming blackness of sweat dreamless sleep. _____________________________________________

The next time he woke up was because Tim wasn't next to him.

Jason didn't know exactly why he woke up because of that, but the moment Tim's weight left his body his eyes snapped open, meating beautiful blue eyes.

Tim smiled at him, a sleepy smile. His hair a whole lot of mess and Jason's heart beated faster as he smiled back.

The sun was already in the middle of the sky and the clock on the wall said it was already one A.M.

"Mornin' Jay" Tim whispered.

"Morning baby clown" _____________________________________________

They ate together, silence surrounding them in the most comfortable way.

Jason couldn't exactly point it out but something about Tim made him.... just feel whole. Like he didn't felt since he woke up six feet deep.

Both of them were in Jason clothes and Jason found out that for some unknown reason, white looked better at pale skin.

And Tim.. Tim was the most beautiful human he saw. His blue eyes, his black long hair, and this perfect smile. Jason started asking what he fucking did right to get this angel. _____________________________________________

He didn't knew how it happened but Tim's hot wet mouth was on him and he was practically in heaven.

His hands gripped the black hair and pulled slightly, making Tim moan and himself gasping as the moans vibrate on him.

He was definitely in heaven and this angel between his legs was the most perfect thing to ever happen to him.

"Oh God" he said and moaned Tim's name, his legs shacking.

"Tim I'm about to-" and with that he came down Tim's throat, the angel swallowed it and looked him in the eyes, giving him this beautiful smile. And well, Jason might die happy this time around. _____________________________________________

This night he hugged Tim closed to him, the smaller man hugging him back.

Outside the words 6 Days colored the black sky with pink, green and yellow.

_____________________________________________

It was simple. Very simple, and Jason did it already so why the hell is he freaking out?

Harley and Ivy started a riot somewhere in the city while Catwoman helped them in Arkham and said that she's going to take care of the security. So from there they were alone.

And it wasn't like he didn't knew the plane by heart, it's just that it really is happening. He's going to kill the Joker. They're going to kill the Joker.

And it's not a dream. The mother fucking clown is going to laugh for the last time. _____________________________________________

Each floor has a minimum of two guards, thanks to Killer Croc Arkham was down six guards, so floors 1-3 only had one guard each during the day (Because Gotham’s criminals are all geniuses and think that night is the best time for a breakout).

So doubling up only happened at night on these floors until the guards either recovered or replacements were vetted and hired.

Floors 4-5 had double guards at all times and floor 6 was more storage and extra holding cells than anything else right now.

Thanks to Harley and Ivy's riot there weren't a lot of guards where they were, everyone waiting to catch the two. Catwoman didn't lied about helping them from afar as every door opened to them without problems. _____________________________________________

The elevator doors opened at the fourth floor, Jason noted that there weren't any guards around, wondering what Catwoman did as he heard the muffled noise of an alarm from the floor above them.

Jason walked to the guard station and peeked in to see two men slumped over and unconscious. From the looks of it they have been knocked out, 'help from afar ha?' he thought to himself, smiling a little. Looking over at Tim, the little clown being too quite for so long, the teen smiled, his skin somehow more pale than normal, and his gun at hand. Jason nodded to him and Tim did the peace sign.

They followed a hallway around behind the booth and came up on a large metal door. They waited couple of seconds and the door opened, revealing another hallway with another large metal door several yards down. There were three such doors in their's way and each one opened and closed behind them, making them closer and closer to the goal.

Jason paused and took a deep breath before the final door. This is it. This stupid clown is as good as dead. The door opened.

And there was the Joker, laying on a thin metal like bed that was bolted to the wall.

All that stood between them and the Joker was a wall of bulletproof wall with several inches thick with small round air holes cut evenly to allow air to flow into the (if it could even be called that) room.

The Joker slowly rolled off the bed when he saw them, and came to stand in front of the clear wall, a sick smile on his face. “Well, well, well, what have we here? Visitors? Oh, I know you!" He said as he looked at Tim, his grin getting wider "You're my little lamb. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!”

Jason's heart started to beat faster, looking at Tim's hand gripping the gun so tight that his fingers turned whiter than usual.

"I'm not" Tim said, his voice quite.

"What did you said little lamb? Talk louder for papa"

Tim smiled, a small smile that made Jason question if he's going to follow the plan or not.

And of he really think about it, he was never told about this part of the plan... How will they kill the Joker?

"JJ?"

"I'm not a fucking lamb you old fucker" Tim said and shoot.

#jason todd #dick grayson #bruce wayne #damian wayne #the joker #joker junior #Tim Drake #harelyquinn #poison ivy #Selina Kyle #fluff #angst #falling in love #this is so long #JayTim #thanks for reading #it took me so long because i got adiccted to anime

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pl-panda · 3 years

Text

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 3

MASTERLIST || First || Previous || Next

Disclaimer: Masterlist

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

The dinner was an interesting affair. Everyone was gathered around a large table that could easily fit several more people. Marinette was sitting between Damian and her mother; on the opposite, Tim, Stephanie, and Cass took the seats. She was glad that they were all people she knew well enough. It was overwhelming. Before, Christmas was always just her and her parents. Occasionally, Nona came too. And there was this one time when she was five when her great-uncle visited. This was much too crowded.

Damian gently squeezed her hand, reassuring her that it was alright. She ate some, but the nerves made her lose appetite quickly. She was in Gotham. Celebrating Christmas with her husband’s family. Husband… She was going to have a panic attack. She wasn’t ready.

“Habibti. It’s okay. Everyone here’s a friend.” Damian whispered into her ear, seeing she was spiraling. “Nobody is going to judge us on anything.”

“But I didn’t make any gifts for the Kents. And I didn’t know your eldest brother had a daughter! And I’m a total klutz. I will probably knock over the tree and it will fall and set the house on fire and you will end up homeless or someone will get hurt and then your family will hate me and the Kents will hate me and I…” she kept whispering faster and faster until she was finally starting to feel the need to breathe or pass out. The jury was still out.

Seeing her daughter’s panic, Sabine also grabbed her hand and squeezed it lightly. “Honey, let’s go get some fresh air.” She said loud enough for people close to them to hear before leading Marinette outside. Nobody batted an eye when the pair passed them.

Once the two were in the back garden, Mari felt her legs give up under her and if not for her mother, she would have probably collapsed. The woman held her tight and led the girl toward the bench, which was luckily not covered in snow.

“I’m so sorry, Maman. I don’t know… I just felt so overwhelmed. There were all these people and I was really meeting my husband’s family and friends for the first time and I guess I was not prepared for all this…” She was speaking fast.

“Don’t worry sweetie. I understand. Did I tell you how, when I met your Nona for the first time, I accidentally flipped her over my shoulder and pinned her to the ground?” Sabine asked, smiling understandingly at her daughter.

“No! Really?”

“Yes. Well, in my defense, she surprised me with a gun that shot candies.”

Marinette couldn’t help but giggle at that. It did seem like something her Mémé would do.

“She was shocked at first and I was afraid I hurt her. Instead, after that, she decided that I was apparently worthy of dating her boy and gave us her approval.”

“So… the moral of this story is that I should flip Talia over for them to accept me?” Mari asked with a cheeky grin.

“That too, sweetie. I can even lend you something from my bag if you want a more… permanent effect.”

“Maman!”

“Fine…” Sabine grumbled goodheartedly. “You don’t need to worry about fitting in or how they will perceive you. I’ve seen how that boy looks at you and I approve.” She smiled. “That’s all that should matter.”

“Thank you maman. I’m glad you’re here.” She hugged her mother as the two sat together on the bench, enjoying the evening chill until the cold became irritating instead of refreshing.

-------

When the two returned, the dinner was nearing the end. Marinette noted seven burning holes on the ceiling but didn’t comment. There was also a plate on fire next to Jason that he seemed adamant not to acknowledge. Also, Mar’i and Jon were levitating above the table and playing rock paper scissors, except they used the props. Silently, Marinette walked to take a seat next to Damian. Her mother went over to talk a bit with Bruce about something.

“Um… Why is Jason’s plate on fire?” She asked, very much confused.

“Tt. He wanted a souffle on fire.”

“We’re already at desserts?” The girl asked, surprised. In the corner of her eye, she saw Cass staring at Tim and Stephanie with a strange gaze. It wasn’t hostile, but rather, she couldn’t really name the emotions present.

“Yes. I saved you some maracons. You love the strawberry ones, right?”

“You made me prefer lemon ones.” She smiled. “The subtle sourness really brings out the sweetness.”

“Of course it does Angel.” He smiled. “Sadly, we sit next to Brown, who will devour anything with sugar in it.”

A devious grin appeared on Mari’s face. “Really now?” She reached over into her purse to pull a small box where she kept the power-up cookies for her Kwami. “Tikki… will you mind if I give her a burnt-red one? You know which…”

For a moment, it looked like the Kwami wanted to protest, but then the small goddess noticed the plate of cookies was empty. “Go for it, Marinette. It won’t hurt her.”

“Stephanie! I’ve got a spare macaron I can share,” she smiled at the blonde girl.

“Gimme!” She almost leaped like a gremlin, her eyes in a slight daze.

“Uh-oh. She is experiencing a sugar rush. I think she ate the whole plate herself,” Tim spoke from his seat, eyes slightly worried.

Mari handed over the macaron and watched as Steph ate it. It took only a moment for her face to flush red and tears to appear in her eyes. “Water!” She said with a hoarse throat. Tim handed her a glass, but when she downed it, the burning only increased.

“Oh no! I forgot to warn you! It was made with ground hot pepper instead of flour… silly me!” Mari said, keeping the cute smile on. “I would advise milk.”

When Stephanie ran to the kitchen, followed by Tim laughing and Cass and Damian smiling, the older boy turned to Marinette. “You are devious.”

“She shouldn’t have eaten so many cookies,” the girl shrugged. After that, she actually started to enjoy the evening. It might have started a prank war later on, but for now, she was safe.

---------

After dinner, the crowd moved to a large living room where adults took seats on the couches or chairs while most kids and teens sat on the fluffy carpet. Alfred was walking around and handing the wine glasses to adults and hot chocolate to the youngsters. Clark opted for hot chocolate as well, which earned him a round of teasing.

Since everyone was staying the night, there was no need for designated drivers. When Tim and Stephanie tried to get their hands on alcohol, Alfred slapped their hands. More laughter followed.

Marinette sat there, cuddled into one armchair with Damian, observing everything and looking cute.

“...I’m just saying, Bruce. You could smile a bit more in costume too. It wouldn’t kill you.” Clark finished a short speech.

“Work and homelife should stay separate,” Tim spoke up from his spot on the floor.

“Which doesn’t stop you from smiling. You’re not a Buckingham Palace guard.” Lois pointed out.

“To be frank, you could smile a bit more often, B.” Dick supported the enemy.

“It would be bad for the image,” Bruce mumbled. “If anyone saw Batman smile, it would ruin my years of hard work.”

“Diana disagrees.” Kor’i smiled. “She actually said once that ‘a smiling bat looks pretty handsome’.”

“I’ve seen a smiling bat!” Mar’i shouted from her spot on Jon’s knees, the two of them acting like nice siblings. It secretly irked Damian, but he wouldn’t ever voice that thought. “There was a cartoon!”

“That’s nice, sweetie.” Sabine couldn’t help but rub it into Bruce some more. “Did he also have a cape, like Bruce?”

“Yes! And he walked on two legs!”

“See? I think your image doesn’t need to suffer.” Tom joined his wife. His English wasn’t that good, but he could get by. “Maybe you could get a cartoon about Batman? Ladybug had her own movie and a song dedicated to her.”

“Ladybug?” Jonathan asked. Marinette immediately tensed at the mention of her superhero name. She definitely did not want to reveal herself to everyone here. It’s not that she didn’t trust any of them, since all of them knew about Batman and co., but she felt uneasy. The fewer people knew, the better.

“Parisian superheroine.” Sabine clarified.

“We sure didn’t hear about her back in Smallville.” Martha insisted, smiling. “Then again, we don’t really keep with the news from the old world.”

“There was this terrorist in Paris that used magic to turn people into temporary villains. He was finally defeated recently. I think you’ve seen all the ladybug decorations.” Tim explained in broad terms.

“Ah! Right. I was wondering about the ladybugs…”

Damian noted that his beloved was tense and decided that it was a moment good as any other to spring up the surprise. He shifted slightly, signaling that he wanted to get up. Marinette, who was still holding her cup, immediately sprung onto her feet. She thought he maybe wanted to leave somewhere or speak with his father alone.

Instead, Damian hit the side of his hot chocolate cup with a spoon three times, gathering everyone’s attention.

“Tt. I wanted to say a few words. This will be important so shut up you lot.” He cleared his throat before continuing in a mostly emotionless voice that most people associated with his ‘Ice Prince’ persona. “Marinette. When I first met you, it was not from our own free will. The bitch that is my mother forced our hand and tied us together. But we got to know each other out of our own free will. Nobody forced me…” His head snapped toward Dick. “Tt. Don’t you dare, Grayson.” Seeing his brother raise his hands in a surrender gesture, he carried on. “Nobody forced me to come to Paris. Definitely, nobody forced you to actually accept my courting. To this day, I am left wondering why an Angel as you would actually agree to go out with me, but here we are.”

The people watched with rapt attention. Marinette just stood there, unable to voice a coherent thought. She had no idea what was happening, but a deep red blush had made its way onto her face when he praised her.

“You were so full of passion and joy and it reminded me a bit of Jon, but without the irritating factors.”

“Hey!” The boy protested. A murderous glare from Damian shut him up quickly.

“As I was saying, you were perfect in my eyes. I was taken away by your kindness. There are no words to describe my feelings.” His tone was still emotionless and monotonous, but Marinette could see that he was doing his best to actually see this through. “I can say without a doubt that I love you, Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

All air was suddenly sucked from Mari’s lungs when he fell on one knee and pulled out a small black box. Inside was probably the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. There were three flowers on a golden band. In the center of each, there was a shining diamond, surrounded by smaller stones. The petals were made from pink stones that she suspected were also diamonds. Were there even pink diamonds? All in all, it looked beyond words.

“Will you do me that honor and become my wife?” When he finally asked, she could feel the world spinning. This was… this was better than in any of her daydreams. And not only because instead of Adrien there was Damian.

The words died in her throat. She had to sit down to not faint. “Yes…” She whispered weakly, so only Damian could hear. The boy smiled brightly (a rare sight to be sure) and put the ring on her finger.

Her gaze fell on the band he had on his own hand. It was silver with a large black stone in the center of the band, surrounded by eight diamonds. The Black Cat Miraculous she realized.

An applaud arose from several places in the room, but some of the guests were confused.

“Aren’t you two too young to get married?” Johnathan asked, scratching his head.

“Tt. Technically, we are already married where I come from. This is for my wife’s content and nothing else.”

“Married?!” The old farmer asked, scandalized.

“Tt. That’s what I said. Now can someone please get my Angel some water? I think she is about to faint.”

“Um… I would also be very interested in the story…” Clark joined his father. He wasn’t exactly that much scandalized, but confusion was clear on his face.

“I promise I will explain everything. I think we should give the two some breathing space…” Bruce proposed hesitantly.

“I will help get Mari to her room. I think she has had enough excitement for today,” Tom offered.

“I am also turning in for the night, Father. I trust that between you and Miss Cheng they will get a full story. Sans the private parts of course.” He glared at him.

“I will make sure of that.” Sabine quickly cut any protests.

“Good. Good night everyone. And Merry Christmas or whatever.” With that, he left, wanting to catch up with Tom and Marinette.

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Masterlist // Next

#fanfiction #miraculous #miraculous ladybug #miraculous lb #tiger miraculous #maribat #marinette dupain cheng #maridami #fluff #arranged marriage AU #batman #BatFam #damienette #Damian Wayne #Damian al Ghul #marinette x damian #class salt

146 notes · View notes

considermewhelmed · 3 years

Text

Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths- Tim Drake

TW: attempted su*c*de/su*c*dal thoughts, anxiety, depression.

a/n: hey remember in the Master when I said these would be short fics? Ha. Yeah. Me too. Good times.

Tag list: @river9noble

Master

“Achilles, Achilles, Achilles come down/Won’t you get up off, get up off the roof?/You’re scaring us and all of us/Some of us love you/Achilles it’s not much but there’s proof.”

“You may feel no purpose/Nor a point for existing/It’s all just conjecture and gloom/And there may not be meaning/So find one and seize it/Do not waste yourself on this roof/Hear those bells ring deep in the soul/Chiming away for a moment/Feel your breath course frankly below/And see life as a worthy opponent.”

Tim stood on the edge of the building, overlooking the city. His cape billowed lightly in the cool air, and he took a deep breath.

‘Red Robin, report.’ Barbra’s voice asked in his ear.

Tim remained silent, his eyes scanning the streets, but his mind far away.

‘Red Robin, report.’ She repeated.

‘Red Robin, are you okay?’

A new voice broke onto the comms.

Dick.

He had been thinking a lot. About Dick. And Damian. Bruce. Steph. Babs. Duke. Luke. Cass. Kate even. There were just… so many of them. So many. One less surely wouldn’t matter?

He imagined he wouldn’t get a huge memorial like the one for Jason in the batcave- he was choosing this, he did it himself, there was no honour in that. He didn’t mind though, he wasn’t sure he even cared to be remembered.

They barely remembered him alive, why would death help?

He wondered how long it would take them to forget him. The voice is the first thing you forget about a person, when was the last time he talked to them all?

‘Red Robin, where are you?’ Dick.

‘Is his comm offline?’ Steph.

‘No, it’s online. It should be working. Receiver and all.’ Barbra.

‘Red Robin?’ Dick.

He looked down. He’d survived some pretty unlikely things, but this was too much. Too high. There was no way his heart could take his fall, let alone the pavement below waiting for his body. It called his name, whispering the promises of sweet relief with every breeze, the streetlight spotlight marking his entrance to his final bow.

‘Can you get his tracker online?’ Dick.

‘Red Robin, come in.’ Bruce.

‘No. He’s bypassed the security.’ Barbra.

‘Really Drake?’ Damian. ‘Sneaking off during patrol?’

‘Red Robin, report.’ Bruce- and Tim imagined he sounded worried in the way only Batman could be.

‘Where was his route?’ Dick.

Tim tuned them out, but couldn’t bring himself to turn the comms off completely. He didn’t have the heart to be alone- he was selfish and desperate.

He shrugged off the cape, letting it fall to the rooftop, and quietly unclipped his utility belt. He wished he felt scared, or sad, or anything, but instead he just felt numb. Human instinct should be trying to get him back safely to the solid roof behind him, but instead he just swayed in the wind, as if even his own body was impartial to the decision.

He closed his eyes and sighed quietly, rolling his shoulders back, resigning to his fate. There was no use in fighting anymore.

That was it. He felt something. Tired.

Not just tired. Exhausted. Bone deep exhaustion, the kind of exhaustion that made even sleeping a chore. Tears gathered in his eyes, and with each drop his mask got looser and looser. He thought of something to say- some sort of goodbye. Not for them, but for him, for closure. His own eulogy. Last words, maybe?

Did he deserve last words when the villain he lost to was his own mind? Internal, eternal, and inevitable? It was a dance he’d been a part of for far too long and he was just tired.

“Hey Replacement.”

Tim expected his whole body to go rigid, for his instinct to take over, for any kind of fight to bubble up inside him, itching to get out. He and Jason reconciled, sure, but sometimes when he caught him off guard, Tim still had the same knee-jerk reaction.

Instead, his body just stood there, open and unarmed. It solidified his resolve- even his instincts knew it was over. The idea that Jason could easily shoot him, or push him off the roof didn’t scare him.

Why would it?

He could hear Jason’s quiet, heavy steps as the older boy approached.

‘Red Hood, status, have you found him?’

Dick’s voice came over the comms.

Tim didn’t look at Jason. There was a soft click.

“No, not yet. I’ll keep looking. Just cover my area Dickhead.” Jason said before the soft click happened again.

The two boys were quiet for a minute.

Behind him, Tim could hear the familiar whirring of the mechanics- mechanics he helped design -that indicated the removal of Jason’s Red Hood helmet. A thump after indicated Jason had opted to ditch it on the roof.

Normally, Tim would yell at him for being so careless with his equipment, especially since Tim worked hard on the last updates, but he couldn’t even find his voice.

He heard the clatter of weapons hitting the ground, and Jason stepped closer.

“Come on Timmy,” Jason said softly, and Tim’s chest tightened at the nickname. “You’re shaking. You gotta be freezing.”

It wasn’t until Jason said something that Tim realized he was vibrating. Even the air was unforgiving in Gotham, and somewhere between his decision to step on the ledge and the loss of his cape, it turned into an icy grip that cut through the thin material of his suit.

The wind stung his face where the tears had started to slip beneath his mask. His knees buckled and he sucked in a sharp breath of air.

“I can’t.” He choked out, his hand gripping at his chest. “I- I can’t move.”

‘Red Robin?’ Dick’s voice cut through the comms. ‘Come on buddy, where are you, I’ll come get you.’

Tim couldn’t hear him over the roar of his own blood in his ears, and took his comm out of his ear, throwing it off to the side.

It was then he caught sight of Jason, and was shocked by the lack of not only helmet, but mask as well. Jason’s eyes had a green shine to them- a side effect of the pit -and they were trained on Tim.

Jason held out his hand to Tim. “Take my hand baby bird.” He murmured.

“No,” Tim cried. “I want- I should- I have to- I’m going to fall Jason-”

“No.” Jason said sternly. “No you won’t.”

Tim inched closer to the ledge. “It doesn’t matter-”

“Of course it matters dipshit, you matter. I wouldn’t be here if you didn’t.”

Tim’s lip trembled and a sob tore from his throat as his knees gave out from under him and for a split second he was falling-

And the next he was wrapped in a tight hug.

Tim reached out instinctually and grabbed onto whatever he could hold, staying as close as possible to the smell of leather, gun polish and sweat, a surprisingly comforting combination.

Maybe it was just because it meant safety.

“I’ve got you baby bird,” Jason mumbled, and he could feel Jason bury his nose in Tim’s hair. “I’ve got you.”

“I’m sorry,” He sputtered through his tears. “I’m sorry, Jay, I’m sorry,” A whole new breakdown washed over him, and he couldn’t get a grip on his emotions.

“You have nothing to apologize for,” Jason scolded him lightly, and rubbed little circles on his back. “I’ve got you.”

“I was going to do it,” Tim cried.

“I know.” Jason whispered.

“They hate me. They’re going to hate me more!” Tim whimpered. “I can’t- I don’t want-”

“I know.” Jason repeated. “But no one hates you, Tim,” He promised. “Hell, even Barbra threatened to get out here to find you.”

Tim buried his face in Jason’s chest and just stayed there. “I’m nothing more than a placeholder,” He mumbled. “I’m a pretender. A replacement.” He sniffled. “I didn’t- I didn’t even want to be Robin. God. I wanted Dick to be Robin. Batman needs Robin.” He was close to hysterics, and god Jason still didn’t know what to do.

“Maybe,” Jason agreed. “But Bruce Wayne needs Tim Drake.” Jason said quietly. “I’m pretty sure the old man would be lost without you Timmy.”

Tim shook his head and Jason snorted. “You set up the system in the batcave, make sure the Wayne business is intact and running smoothly, you’ve updated all the security, you always make sure there’s coffee in the manor, and no one makes him smile with bad jokes like you do.”

Tim stayed quiet, and Jason alternated between rubbing his back and running his hand through Tim’s hair. The boys stood there for as long as Tim needed to and Jason realized how small Tim was because Jesus Christ this was just a kid in a costume and he just wanted to be loved.

“Can we go back to the Manor?” Jason murmured. “My bike’s not far.”

Tim didn’t move.

“We can watch a movie?” He suggested. “I’ll let you pick.”

“Why are you being so nice?” Tim mumbled.

“Well… I could punch you instead if you’d like. Not sure that’ll make you feel better though.” He offered, and was rewarded by the smallest, quietest laugh. “C’mon, we can raid the kitchen.”

“You aren’t going to make me talk?” Tim asked.

Jason shook his head, tightening his grip on him. “I’m not going to make you talk about anything you don’t want to baby bird.” He said softly. “But if you want to do that, I’m here for that too.”

Tim tightened his own grip and kept close- Jason was keeping him grounded and that’s all that mattered. “What was it like?” He whispered.

Jason was quiet for a long moment, and Tim regretted asking almost immediately.

“Long.” Jason decided. “Dark. Quiet.”

“Good quiet?”

“No.” Jason said softly. “Too quiet.”

“I’m sorry.” Tim whispered.

“Me too,” Jason mumbled. “You’re not alone Timbo. I’m right here, alright?”

Tim nodded and pulled away after a moment when he felt like he could stand on his own. Jason collected their things and handed Tim his mask, cape and belt, putting his own mask and helmet back on, clipping his holsters on.

The ride back was quiet- Tim’s comm must have busted when it hit the roof, and if Jason heard anything he wasn’t giving it away. Jason came up with some half-assed lie about what happened to Barbra and the other Bats over the comms, and immediately claimed the living room for him and Tim, heading upstairs.

Tim was asleep by the end of the opening credits, tucked safely into the side of his big brother.

Maybe Tim couldn’t fight the villain in his head on his own, but having someone like Jason Todd on your side certainly made it easier.

#thebatfamplaylist #tim drake #red robin #jason todd #red hood #batman #bruce wayne #dc #dc comics #dick grayson #nightwing #damian wayne #Robin #barbra gordon #oracle #sorry this is so sad

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boldlyanxious · 4 years

Text

Remember when

Part 7: Control

RW masterlist

Tim looked up as Dick walked up. The coffee and boxed cupcake could be considered a gift but Tim recognized the logo. It Dick's way of letting him know that they found his secret place.

"Did you know that even if you turn off the tracking on your phone, laptop, and other electronics that you can still be found by the gps on your motorcycle?"

"So you tracked me to find out where I've been working away from the office?"

I did. I had a point to prove. Cute worker. But also stops to help those in need."

"Is there a point to this?"

"Not really. My original plan was to tease you about it mercilessly."

"Oh, I can hardly wait."

"You are going to have to. Before anything else I need you to remove that video of her from the internet and anywhere else."

"What? Why?"

"She was really closed off when I asked her anything. She started acting really uncomfortable."

"Sounds a lot like she isn't interested in you."

"I agree. She definitely wasn't but when Babs showed her the video she got really upset, possibly distressed. We think she is in hiding."

It took Tim a while and he was distracted by urgent business a few times but by the end of the work day he had removed every trace of the video he could. He sent a message to Babs to double check and make sure she was unable to find it. It was then that he even had the thought that Babs probably could have done the same thing as him. He wondered what was keeping her so busy that she couldn't help remove the video. It wasn't like Dick to just give up the opportunity to tease him mercilessly when for something as simple as a crush.

---

When Marinette got home from work she looked all over for the video. She wasn't very good working with computers. She could use them functionally but beyond the basics of setting up a website that she used to sell her designs. The trickiest thing she had done was set it up online without connecting it to her former identity. Actually she never really stopped being Marinette, it was the only identity she had in any system and how she still thought of herself. But she hadn't told anyone that name in years, not since leaving France.

She was getting really agitated. She searched everything she could think of to locate the video the couple showed her but she found nothing. Hopefully that meant it would be hard for other people too but she didn't have the resources of someone like Gabriel Agreste and she didn't know what kind of technology existed that he could use to find her. She didn't even know if he would be making an attempt to find her but considering the everything he put Paris through as Hawkmoth and the fire she didn't want to take any chances.

---

Racing across the rooftops was the best way she knew to relieve stress. She didn't even bother with listening in on the bat channel. She did check to see that they were watching out for an expected move by the drug runners again, something that seemed far too complicated for her to get involved with so she just moved to a different area. She liked to do the little things that would make a huge difference to one person rather than take on all of the major crime in Gotham. Tonight she was mostly just running and swinging to feel the air on her face. It would help her clear her head and relax.

It had been more than a month since she had helped the children out of the fire. She wasn't sure what the bats current policy was on her rooftop activities. She had seen Batgirl and Hood on separate occasions since the fire but she wasn't sure if she had been seen or if their claims of not bothering her had only been for that night.

She chose not to worry about it tonight because she just wanted to feel free. She hadn't seen anything going on tonight and she would rather just run. She stood for quite awhile on a tall building just staring at the lights in the city and beyond that to the bay where the lights reflected back. She stood and watched until she started to feel cold through her suit and her worries no longer plagued her before she looped around to head home.

With a surprising lack of crime during her patrol the city felt very peaceful. She was swinging along towards her apartment when a bright blue flash and crackling electricity encased the building directly in front of her. There was an explosion to the right about a block away and another in the other direction somewhat further away. The loud pops were followed by the sound of energy draining and the lights clicking off in succession.

Rouge Gorge has dropped suddenly out of her swinging in surprise at the sudden flash and sound. Her eyes felt like they were swimming in the dark chasing bright spots of light and her ears were buzzing at the sudden sounds. She needed a moment to recover before heading home but she didn't get the option. Hands wrapped around her arms from behind and there was a clicking sound that she thought was probably a gun.

As her eyes regained her vision more she could see a man in front of her. He had an armored suit that was crackling with blue lightning. The rest of the blocks nearby had darkened and the man in front of her provided the only light. He signalled and 3 men with them set off fireworks, she assumed this was to hide their activity and provide cover for the sudden light and black out. She pulled at her arms to test the hold while she still might have a chance of escaping. The hold was firm but that mattered less as she could see that she was surrounded and near their get away vehicles.

For the number of them working it was a quiet operation. At least it was until a man was dragged out of the big house. He was struggling and yelling. The man before Rouge Gorge approached him and with a flash of blue from his gauntlets the body collapsed. The woman who had been focusing on trying to get away to reach her children let out a piercing scream. Her mouth was quickly muffled by a hand and the man in charge threatened her in a low voice that couldn't be heard from a distance. She still struggled and one of the men holding her struck her.

"The children!" said Rouge Gorge desperately. She struggled herself to get to them. She pulled at her arms and flung her head back making contact with the person's face. As soon as the grip loosened she rushed over to the children and had them face away from their parents. She wrapped them in her cape and hid her movements. She wasn't sure what time she would be allowed before she too was bound as the parents were currently being restrained or killed for being in the way.

She flipped the switch on her radio. She kept her voice low and comforting for the children and to not alert the guards with guns who were luckily giving her space for the moment. She asked the children if they saw the flash of light or heard the transformers blow but they had been asleep. As she spoke she tore off a bit of her cape and wrapped it around Red Robin's logo and a scrap of paper she wrote the license plate number on. She put it under her foot with the logo down hoping that it would be found by the bats after the group left. She hoped they could hear over the radio the names of the children Sofia and Alberto and they could use the information and the black out to find them.

Taglist

-several of the tags didn't work. I'm trying to figure it out but if you asked and I didn't tag you it wasn't on purpose I'm just really bad at this.

#maribat #timinette

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wordsfromthesol · 4 years

Text

Just A Facade (2/2)

Author: @wordsfromthesol Pairing: Jason Todd x Reader Taglist: @zphilophobiaz @anousiemay @malfoys-demigod @pricetagofficial @somnibats Summary: Dick is very confused that his brothers seem to all be getting along with you, and worse…wanting to help you. And wait…were you dating his brother?! Warnings: Violence, cursing, violence...more violence Word Count: 2.0k

You woke up in one of Jason’s t-shirts, in his old room, very confused. As you moved to get up the pain racing up your side jogged your memory. “Shit, Jason’s gunna be so pissed at me.”

“You could say that again!” You heard his voice coming from the bathroom.

You slowly made your way to the bathroom and leaned against the door frame. “It’s not like I meant to get shot Jay.”

“Yeah, well, you could have told my idiot brother when it happened.” He stepped towards you, placing his hands on your shoulders. “Or even ME when you got to the cave.”

“I thought I could handle it…why was your brother there in the first place?” The question came out a little more accusatory than you meant. Jason took a step back and threw his hands in the air.

“Because, apparently, you tried to kill him last week.”

“He’s still on that? Ugh, I pulled my punches as much as I could without being glaringly obvious. Next time he shouldn’t be in the way of the actual target.”

“Maybe you should just tell him.”

“Why? He doesn’t need my life story.”

“Y/N/N…”

“Oh you’re one to talk mister come back from the dead and don’t tell anyone.”

“You didn’t even know me before I died!”

“So! I know you didn’t tell your brothers!”

“I know you’re doing this to distract me, and it’s working, but you need to tell him. He won’t trust you, and it will end up getting someone hurt on this case. And if that someone is you –” Jason’s voice trailed off.

It was your turn to throw up your hands in exasperation. Unfortunately, you had forgotten about your recent injuries. “Agh!” You grimaced as your hand went to your side.

“See, that’s a sign that you’re being too stubborn.” Jason smirked before pressing a kiss to your lips and lifting you up. He carried you until you got to the cave, where he gently set you down, allowing you to still use him as a crutch.

“Y/N!” Tim exclaimed at the sight of you, “I’ve found something!” He waited for you and Jason to arrive at his side before he continued. “So, they made a mistake coming after you.”

“How do you know that was related? A lot of people want me dead…”

“Well, I didn’t at first. But then, looking through your pictures…the ones you didn’t originally give us,” Tim shot a judgmental stare your way.

“Oh you would’ve done the same thing.”

“WELL, one of them caught the van…long story short I was able to trace it back here,” Tim points at the screen, “once they left your apartment.”

“Alright, I’ll do some recon then. Come on blue bird.” You gestured to Dick.

“It’s Nightwing – wait you want me to come?”

“Well I know I’m not going to be let out of here alone, so I’d rather just hitch a ride than have one of you bozos follow me.”

“She’s not wrong.” Jason stated plainly as he tossed you a bottle of pills, “Take one before you leave, and please don’t rip my stitches.”

“I’ll try my hardest.”

The two of you sat in silence on the rooftop for nearly an hour. Finally, Dick couldn’t take the silence anymore.

“Alright, you gunna try and kill me again, or what?” He finally blurted out, still trying to figure out why you requested him as your back-up.

“What? I never tried to kill you, calm your feathers.”

“Last week!”

“I had to make it look real…I wasn’t alone.”

“Yeah, I noticed that…”

“I know you don’t agree with my life choices Nightwing, but I don’t have much of a choice in the matter.”

“It may not be easy, but you can get out.” Dick made the comment as if it was from personal experience.

“No.” Your voice turned somber, “I can’t. My parents decided to pay for their freedom with mine. If I leave…they’ll just take my sister. There is no out for me.” Your eyes focused on the building below, not daring to face him.

“Sister?” Dick was quickly realizing how little he actually knew about you.

“Heh, yeah. I doubt she even remembers she has one. I got her out, found her a family. She was only four…I haven’t seen her since.”

“Huh, that’s why you actually dropped the act for a minute when you presented this case. I thought you were hiding something.”

“I was. My past.”

“How old were you?”

“Six.”

Silence rang through the night, as the two of you watched the building. Taking photos and notes of all the ins and outs. Finally, the two of you decided it was time to leave. Just as you pulled into the cave, Dick asked one more question…or tried to.

“Are you and Jason…”

“I’m going to let you talk to your brother about that one.” You interrupted his thought before scurrying out the door.

“Well, what did you find?” Tim eagerly awaited for another piece of the puzzle to fall into place.

“Didn’t see any kids, but there were definitely too many guards for a store called ‘Windows, Doors, and More’. Even if it is in Gotham.”

“So we check it out in the tomorrow during the day. By we, I obviously don’t mean you Y/N/N.”

“Yeah yeah Jay, I gathered.” The sarcasm dripped off your response.

“While we’re on that subject…” Now Tim and Damian had turned their attention to you as well. “We think you need a suit. A secret identity. These people found you too easily.”

You chuckled at the mere thought, “Yeah okay. I don’t have any family, there’s no point.” You didn’t notice the sorrow fill Jason’s eyes at your apathetic words.

“Fine, if you won’t do it for me then how about your sister. Just because she doesn’t know about you doesn’t mean others don’t.” Jason’s frustration was apparent.

Before you could comprehend the words, your fist collided with Jason’s jaw. Immediately, you stepped back. Your hands shaking.

“Hit me all you –” Before Jason could finish your hands cupped his face.

“No no no” you whispered more to yourself than him. A tear fell from your eye as your mind finally caught up. “Jay, I’m so sorry.” You pressed a kiss to his lips, then another, and another before enveloping him in a hug. “You’re right. I need to protect her. Protect you.” A faint smile grazed his lips and he pulled you from his chest, keeping his hands resting on your shoulders. The silence seemed to go on forever, until Damian couldn’t take it anymore.

“Finally! Now come see the suit we had designed for you.” It was the first time you had ever heard Damian Wayne excited for something.

You gave Jason a smirk, “You already had it made?”

“For almost a year now.”

“So you guys are together, right?!” You heard Dick’s confused voice bellow in the background. No one answered him.

The next day came and went and a plan was made. Your role was made minimal, and by minimal you meant being forced to sit as the look out on the rooftop across the street. Though you understood, you still couldn’t sit back and watch everything go down. You waited until you heard clear fighting happening in the warehouse when you made your way to the roof. Timing the break-in with a gunshot, you crashed through a second story window and made your way to a locked back room.

The five of you had narrowed the location of the children down to this room. It was the only thing that made sense, and you were determined to get these kids out. The lock was easy to pick, however, you were not expecting someone on the other side. Someone who knew exactly who you were, despite your newfound disguise.

“Oh look who saved me the trouble. I think I owe you another bullet for the number your friend did on my face.”

“Ya’know, he’s right outside…why don’t you just go pay it back now.”

“Somehow I think hurting you will do just that. But don’t worry, he’ll get his turn to.” As you pulled the gun holstered at your side the man delivered a swift jab to your injured side. The gun fell to the floor and you charged at him, dropping to the ground just before making contact and sweeping his legs from under him. He collapsed to the floor and you jumped on top of him, putting as much force as you could against his neck with your arm. As you felt your grip loosening you threw back your head and crashed in into his. You felt him go limp under your weight.

“Where the fuck are the kids.” You mumbled to yourself. You begin searching for a hidden panel or room. As you heard gunshots barrel through the warehouse, you looked down and noticed a locked hatch. Making quick work of the lock, you pulled the hatch open and were met with eight terrified eyes staring up at you.

“It’s okay, you’re safe now.” You reached your hand down, offering it to one of the children. After what seemed like hours, a brave soul took it in theirs. Thankfully, the others quickly followed. You soon realized you couldn’t get them out the same way you came in.

“Shit, alright guys. I need you to cover your ears.” You placed your hands over your ears as a demonstration before you set a small charge at the far wall. “Once this goes off you run through the opening and wait in the alley behind the next building. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I promise.” As the children nodded you set off the detonation, grabbed your gun, and positioned yourself between them and the door. You knew the noise would draw attention.

A man soon rounded the corner, only half the kids were out. You shot directly through his knee cap. He wasn’t alone. Upon hearing the shot, the second assailant somersaulted directly into your feet. You stumbled backwards, forcing the last child out of the opening. Your momentary loss of focus allowed the man to push you into the wall. He held one hand around your neck and the other around your wrist. He continued to slam your wrist into the wall until you were forced to drop the gun. You quickly latched your legs around his waist and jabbed your free arm into his side. His stumbled backwards, loosening his grip as he stumbled to stay upright with the additional weight. You pulled your other wrist from his grasp and launched it at his jaw. You heard a crack as your fist made contact. The hand at your neck flew towards his own jaw. As he was off guard, you fell into him, forcing him to fall backwards onto the ground. Just as you stumbled to get up, Jason raced into the room.

“This was not the plan!”

You smirked, “But it worked. Kids are in the next alley. Be a good birdie and go get them Nightwing.” Dick rolled his eyes but complied. Without a word, Damian and Tim joined him. Jason’s eyes trailed towards your neck, which was already starting to change color. Before he could berate you, you continued, your voice heavy. “They were kids Jay. They deserved a life. They deserved a choice.”

Jason pulled you into his chest, “They did, but now we have no one to question. There’s no way these idiots were the masterminds.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, we’ll figure it out. Together.”

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