#but for me personally. having just wondered if there was a gunman around & then there actually Was in a separate part of the world

[orcelito]

I wonder how mentally tortured I have to look to be let off the hook lol

#speculation nation #i am. hm. #so like there was the intense pain spell yesterday that made biking home Agonizing #where all i could do was push myself home with the mantra 'home has the hotpad' #where it was so bad all i could think about was my pain to the point where i feared going anywhere near cars #bc i did not have anywhere near my normal dexterity. it was awful. #about 2/3rds of the way home tho i heard random resounding booms #which triggered the classic american experience of 'is that gunshots or fireworks?' #that was the only time i thought of smth other than pain. bc i was Afraid. #figured out i was hearing them Behind me and proceeded with caution. i ended up fine. #but it Really disturbed me when the whole situation with the active shooter at MSU was developing #i spent. way too much time last night refreshing twitter for any kind of updates at all #the situation isnt good but it could definitely be much worse. #but for me personally. having just wondered if there was a gunman around & then there actually Was in a separate part of the world #(not Too separate. michigan is indiana's upstairs neighbor after all.) #it's disturbing. and yet i have to go to class like nothing happened and then go to work to do the tips distribution #i just want to remain curled up in my bed with the lights off. is that too much to ask for #negative/ #gun violence/

[befuddled-calico-whump]

Hand in Hand (part one)

A Riot Kings AU: When Melchior is betrayed by his men, Wes tries to help him escape. Before long, both men are captured.

@whumptober No. 6: Made to Watch

cw: torture, burning, death threat

///// next

~ ~ ~

The scream is almost loud enough to blow out the speaker, and it's all Dan can do not to cringe away from it, closing his eyes and covering his ears and pretending it's all a bad dream. Instead, he sits straight-backed in the metal chair, poised like he's attending a meeting in spite of the bruises blooming on his skin, the cuffs locked around his wrists. His face is expressionless, in spite of the man on the screen, bound and shaking.

In spite of being forced to watch the torture of the one person who cared enough to try and save him.

Dan almost flinches at the next scream, as the masked soldier presses the hot iron into Wes's bare chest. There are already a half-dozen similar burns scattered across his ribcage, standing out against pale, sweat-damp skin. Dan tries staring at the dingy wall behind his friend in an effort to avoid looking at his face, avoid seeing the desperation there. But every cry of pain only pulls his eyes back, sharpening the deep ache in his chest.

Swift knows what she's doing. She must've seen the burn scars covering Wes's back, must've known how much this would terrify him. If this is a game, she's already several moves ahead of Dan. His only weapon in this scenario, his only defense against this attack, is indifference.

And it hurts so much to play at indifference. But he knows it will be so much worse for Wes if he doesn't. There's no telling what Swift will do if she learns that this is a weak point.

When he's sure it's been long enough, when he can feel Swift's eyes on him, watching for a reaction, Dan finally speaks.

"Why are you showing me this?" he says, and it takes a considerable amount of effort to flatten his voice, but somehow he manages.

"Oh Mr. Melchior," Swift says in an oversweet voice. "Don't you care for the only man who remains loyal to you?"

"One man is insignificant," Dan replies, staring past the screen. "You've already won, Swift. Answer my question."

She doesn't, a smile playing on her lips as she pushes a button with a gloved hand, leaning forward to speak into the microphone above it. "Kill him."

The words rip through Dan like an electric shock. He can't keep his voice steady as he utters a quiet, "What?"

As the masked man on the screen reaches for his gun, Mercury grins at Dan, not even trying to feign surprise. "What's wrong? Didn't you just say he was insignificant?"

He tries to recover, tries to smear the callous expression back onto his face, but he knows it's too late. "Why waste a bullet on him?"

"Would you rather I have him beaten to death?"

The image is in his head before he can stop it; Wes lying bloody and unmoving on the cold concrete, Wes in agony right up until his last breath. "No."

"So you'll see no issue if--"

"No," Dan says again. On the screen, Wes is looking at the gunman, his executioner, with fearful eyes. His face is streaked with tears, and his mouth is moving with frantic, silent pleas. Like he's begging Dan to save him. Like there's anything Dan can do besides prolong his suffering. The gun is raised, pressed to Wes's forehead, and Dan flinches with him.

"Please don't hurt him." The words spill out, the facade fully broken. "Please. Just tell me what you want."

To his relief, she hits the button again. "Stop. Our guest has reconsidered." The man holsters the gun, and Dan wonders if it's even loaded, or if it's just another part of her game. Either way, Swift has accomplished her goal.

"There's a good man," she says, pulling at the edge of a glove. "I knew you were soft."

"What do you want?" he tries again through gritted teeth, but Swift only laughs.

"Patience, Mr. Melchior. We'll discuss terms once you've become more familiar with the stakes."

The stakes? She's already made those abundantly clear. Do her bidding, or Wes gets hurt. But what is her bidding?

When Swift speaks again, it's not Dan she's addressing, but the guards flanking the door. His own men, or at least they had been until last night.

"Put him in the cell," she orders. "We'll continue this conversation in the morning."

#whumptober2023 #no.6 #made to watch #oc #fic #torture tw #burning tw #death threat tw #wesgoesbrr #angst #forced to watch #riotkingsau #here's the next miniseries then #whump #i was iffy about this because getting in Mel's head? hard #especially because i get the easy way out by seeing actions and words in a comic #not tagging the comic crowd but i can make a separate tagging list for this! not sure how long it'll get

[pynkhues]

I recently watched The Newsreader because I saw some mutuals on another site posting about it and really enjoyed it! Was wondering (a) if you've seen it/the most recent series and (b) whether you had any other Australian tv recs? I just realized I've seen very very few Australian shows and am looking to check out some more.

Yes! The Newsreader's so good! I actually haven't gotten around to watching a2 yet, so I am a bit behind, but I loved s1 a lot. Sam Reid and Anna Torv are always great, but I have a big soft spot for William McInnes - he's lowkey an Australian TV icon.

And yeah! Look, Australian TV's a mixed bag - it's criminally underfunded and operates in a really different way to American and UK TV (funnily enough, a lot of what the WGA strike was fighting against - in particular mini rooms, writers not being on set and the lack of a showrunner - are industry standard here), so I do think a lot of Australian shows tend to be undercooked.

But! Let's focus on the good, because there is still a lot of good. I wasn't sure what you fancied, especially since The Newsreader touches on so many genres, so I've tried to breakdown genres and rec that way. Hopefully there's something here that piques your interest :-)

Drama

I've spruiked Safe Home on here a few times before, but it really is just such a great little series. It's about a women's community legal centre who poaches a publicist from a major lawfirm when they discover they're at risk of being defunded by the government. They mean to use her to try and raise the profile of the non-profit legal centre, but end up throwing her in the deep end when it comes to stories of family violence which make up the majority of the centre's clients. It's harrowing in parts, but also emotionally rich, full of interesting relationships and feels pretty tragically true to life. It's only a miniseries, which is a bit of a bummer, because I really feel it could've kept going.

Other dramas:

Total Control - an Aboriginal woman is recruited as a senator by the prime minister after she has a heroic moment facing off against a gunman outside a courthouse. The premise sounds a little soapy, but Total Control is a really compelling political drama that explores the complexity of being a First Nations woman and a First Nations politician in a colonial state. Deb Mailman is it as an actress too, quite frankly.

Love Me - a relationship drama, Love Me focuses on three different generations within one extended family as they pursue romance. The show steers clear of schmaltz though as its particularly about the desire for intimacy and the complexity of being vulnerable with a new person, and I think it lands to mixed effect throughout the series, but man, when it lands, it really lands. Fair warning, there's pretty explicit sex in this (although very tenderly done! And I went to an amazing panel with the intimacy coordinator on it who was so interesting talking about it all). Also: Hugo Weaving in his best role in a minute.

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart - full disclaimer, I haven't finished watching this one yet, but I've enjoyed what I've seen so far! Plus they somehow managed to get Sigourney Weaver in it?? Wild. It's about a girl who's reunited with her estranged grandmother on a flower farm after her parents die in a mysterious housefire. CW though for incest and family violence (although that's before Alice ends up with her grandmother).

Dramedy

Offspring is proooobably my favourite Australian show ever? Or at least it will forever rank top five. It's part romantic-comedy, part family-drama, part medical procedural, and part ever growing portrait of birth and death as it follows Nina, who's both obstetrician and chronic sufferer of Middle Child Syndrome, her older sister and little brother, and their divorced-sometimes-still-hooking-up parents. It's funny and charming, but has also made me sob like no other show on TV, so if you're ever in the mood for something like that, this is your pick.

Other dramedies:

Deadloch - I've posted a million gifsets of this show, haha, which actually seems to have picked up tumblr traction (unheard of for an Australian show!) but it's both a hilarious spoof of nordic crime mysteries, and a genuinely great crime series. Plus it is the most sapphic show you'll watch in a minute.

The Let Down - a really sweet, funny dramedy about new parents navigating life with a baby, while also looking pretty keenly at postpartum depression. Just watching the trailer made me want to watch it again, haha, but also my sister worked on it, so I might be a little biased.

Bump - okay, I'm just realising how many dramedies Australia makes about having kids, haha, but this is just a cute little YA show about a teenage girl who doesn't realise she's pregnant suddenly having a baby. It's a lot about parenthood, particularly about her own relationship with her mother, but it also leans into so many

Comedy

I've actually only just watched Fisk with a friend, but am enjoying it so so much. It's got Kitty Flanagan, a beloved Australian comedian in it, and features her as a newly divorced, freshly fired contract lawyer who ends up back in Melbourne at a wills and estates law firm having to deal with people (and grieving people!) for the first time in a hot minute. It's very funny, but also just totally charming, and the cast of characters feels pretty fresh for this sort of fish-out-of-water sitcom.

Other comedies:

Utopia - imagine The Office, The Thick of It and Veep had a baby! Part office-drama, part bureaucracy political hellscape! It's set in a fictional government department called the National Building Authority that manages infrastructure and it's very funny. If you're in the Succession fandom too, Sarah Snook's husband's a lead in it!

Upper Middle Bogan - okay, the trailer for this one isn't very good, but I love this show a lot. The premise is a woman in an upper middle class family discovers suddenly that she was adopted, and her biological parents were teenagers when they had her and are - - well, bogans, which is basically the Australian equivalent of a hillbilly. It's funny, but also genuinely just has a really big heart.

Black Comedy - I do find this pretty hit or miss, but its a sketch show, so I feel like that comes with the territory. But! This is an Indigenous sketch comedy show! And man, when it's good, it's really, really good.

Period drama

Okay, this is kind of a cheat, because it's not really a period drama, but it's designed to feel like one. Plus! It has Sam Reid and Essie Davis in it! Three nuns who've been living isolated on an island together are faced with the modern world when a priest from the mainland arrives hoping to sell the island for redevelopment. Things get! Out of hand!

Other period dramas:

ANZAC Girls - World War I drama about ANZAC (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) nurses in the Gallipoli peninsula, which is largely regarded as the battle that made Australia 'come of age' through the tragedy of the loss.

New Gold Mountain - miniseries set within the Chinese community during Australia's Gold Rush. It loses its way a bit towards the end, but it's also a really thrilling little miniseries that provides a compelling insight into the culture clashes and interests of this early chapter in Australian history.

Crime

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is such a cult hit, and it's for good reason! Set in the 1920s in Melbourne, Phryne Fisher becomes a private investigator following her sister's disappeaarance. It's equal parts camp and dramatic, romantic and personal, and it just really scratches the itch of an oldschool murder mystery series. It's perfect.

Other crime series:

The Principal - a miniseries set in a rough highschool in Sydney where the faculty is left to deal with the fallout when a student's murder reignites racial tensions among the school community. It's heavy and harrowing, but also an insightful look at the broader fallout of a crime.

Wentworth - imagine a darker, grittier Orange is the New Black. Australian shows so rarely get more than three seasons because they no longer get government funding at that point which often makes them untenable, so its a testament to the quality and the audience of Wentworth that it lasted eight. If you want a show about dangerous women, you can't really get much better than this.

Science fiction / fantasy

Australia unfortunately doesn't make a lot of science fiction, which always bums me out, but Cleverman was such an exciting series when it came out, and I think still has a real legacy in terms of entwining Indigenous cultures with genre storytelling. It's was created by Aboriginal writers and directors, and pulls Dreaming myths into a dystopian future in a way that's just so compelling. It's a pretty great series with a unique take on the genre.

Other science fiction / fantasy series:

Glitch - I mean, technically its a zombie series, but it really feels like so much more than that. A bunch of people come back from the dead in a small town in regional Australia, only they have no memories of their life before they died. It's a deeply felt series about grief, but also identity and relationships, and if you're into genre shows, this is definitely one to watch.

#hope you find something here you like! #i've tried to keep it to stuff that's fairly recent #but there's a lot of older stuff that's really good too #also your ask has definitely reminded me to watch s2 of the newsreader so thank you haha #tv asks #welcome to my ama

[celamoon]

Hallo! The 🌙 event is so cute!! May i request a large paraffin (syobai hashimoto) with cotton candy?

I not sure you do fandom such as sdra2, a korean danganronpa fan game. If you can't do this is okay! I just like his character haha. Anyway hope you have a nice day (i apologise for the long info dumb-)

Syobai or shobai hashimoto is a character featured in the Korean fangame Super Danganronpa Another 2 created by LINUJ.

This is gonna be long am sorry-

He is known as the Super High School Level Broker, a professional deal maker known for doing all sort of crimes, such as murder and theft, for the sake of earning money. He is the least social character in the game, refusing to talk to others most of the time and always sticking to himself. Whenever he does start a conversation, he usually acts as a jerkass during it, always coming off as sarcastic, grumpy, threatening or irritated, sometimes even humorous. He is also intelligent and is charismatic asf. He values his confidentiality above all else, and is an expert at avoiding and exploiting loopholes in the law. Despite his occupation, he does have his own form of ethics, and always completes his jobs to perfection – unless he's bribed with sht tons of money.

Bonus analysis

As for free time event closer analysis of his character depth (from my point of view)

Syobai is just someone who don't want actually hurt someone when he get to know about them and decided to shoo them off because he might harm them in a way of someway. So yea he's not fully evil or selfish person.

"Don't be an asshole." you grumble, handing him the gun to the broker.

"I'm a broker, not a gunman." He mumbles, holding it up. "Which one do you want?"

"The huge one." You point above him. "So get all of the balloons, please."

"And what do I get in exchange?" He raises a brow.

"Um. You're out on a date with me." You roll your eyes playfully. "That's what you get."

"Mm." He grumbles. "I'd prefer throwing knives."

"Too bad." You shrug.

But Hashimoto is far from incapable. You blink owlishly as he knocks off all the balloons in the row, pointing at the plush you were pointing at earlier, dropping it in your arms as he raises a brow at you expectantly.

"Alright, do you want information? Blackmail on the other students? My blackmail?"

He stares at you, blinking twice as he goes quiet.

You tilt your head. 

He taps his cheek twice, leaning down.

You comply, pressing a kiss to his cheek, your own cheeks flushed as you pull back, pout on your face.

"That gives me energy to keep going." He hums. "Anything else you want?"

"Do you know how to win all the carnival games?" You blink owlishly.

"Most of them." He mumbles. "You want anything else?"

"I want the whole carnival." You grin teethily.

"That's be easier through blackmail." Hashimoto mumbles. 

"Too bad that's not legal."

Hashimoto goes around winning what he can, raising a brow when you drag him to a couple of games that are impossible to win, telling you the mechanic behind it, knowledge on everything. Does he know everything a person can, you wonder. The mechanics and knowledge behind a game is a little strange to you, but you listen to him tell you as he wins you another plush, scowl on his face when you point at another one.

"Your greed really isn't quelling, huh?"

"Nope." You grin. "Now, I want that one."

"And if I get it?"

"I suppose I'll accompany you a little longer." You hum.

He sighs, but makes no complaint.

That was enough.

#anon I hope this works!!! idk him that well :( #also it's a lot shorter bc all the leftover paraffin candles r all downsized so I can finish faster :((( im sorry anon!!! #hashimoto syobai x reader #sdra2 x reader #call me insane callme crazy I wrote him with matsuda in mind idk #syobai hashimoto x reader #danganronpa x reader #☾.events #flashing gif

[positivlyfocused]

What Real Bravery Actually Looks Like And How It Can Change Worlds

I’ve watched recently some videos of police as they face gunmen shooting up schools. Armed and doing their duty, they charge into these situations clear of dangers they face. And while those are brave acts, there’s a higher order of bravery I’d like to discuss: The bravery that looks like living one’s Charmed Life and what that looks like.

Sure, it’s one thing to charge into a building you know a gunman awaits. But is that really brave? Or is that responding to the what-is-ness of life? If we can create any reality we want, why not create a reality in which a person needn’t experience such things?

A while ago, I experienced something which showed me what real bravery looks like. What happened back then forever changed my life. Real bravery looks like living authentically. That means creating a life that looks nothing like what others are doing.

And the most honorable life is one that reflects the pure positive state of All That Is. A state of pure love for everyone and everything. There, a person must enjoy an experience of life that reflects that love back at the person. That’s what I learned a while back when I had the experience I’m about to share.

Anger personified

One day, I was out and about, enjoying life. I walked through downtown, greeting everyone I made eye-contact with with a twinkle in my eye and a smile. Meanwhile my positive focus emanated from me. I felt on top of the world.

I stopped to catch the lightrail and, while I waited, a young man came walking down the platform. It was obvious he was houseless. He walked with slumped shoulders, his eyes cast to the ground. 

But something must have prompted him, because as he got near me, he looked up and caught my eye. I gave him a dose of positive energy and greeted him silently with my smile. What happened next was astounding.

“What you looking at faggot,” He said with hostility. “You wanna die today?”

When he said this, I felt no fear, no threat. I didn’t even have time to think about what he said. Immediately from my lips came a response that, even today, startles me. But what he said in response to that, startled me even more.

“You wanna die today?” he asked.

“Do you?” I asked in return and he turned his hard stare from me back to the ground. As he did so, without missing a beat, he said “Yes”.

Violence is a cry for help

At first, I couldn’t believe my response just as much as I couldn’t believe his. So surprised I was, I did a double-take. I wasn’t sure what just happened. Apparently, the young man wasn’t sure either, because as distance grew between us, he kept looking back towards me, a look of surprise in his own eyes.

I’ve said this many, many times. Rage, seething and violence are all cries for help. A person willing to wage violence on another does so out of their disconnection from their Broader Perspective. So disconnected are they, they see the world around them as frightening, threatening. It’s no wonder they feel the need to wage war against it.

The appropriate response to such people isn’t meeting them with violence. It is meeting them with understanding. Hopefully doing so well before violence becomes their last resort.

^^Abraham describing how no one connected to All That Is would ever resort to violence.

The trouble with our world today, if there is trouble, is so many of us live our lives so disconnected from All That Is that we perceive the world as scary, random and out of our control. When, in fact, our individual experience is 100 percent our creation. 

Think I’m “victim blaming”? Read this.

And since all of us come into the world through people who came before us, it’s almost a given that we’ll adopt those people’s fears and insecurities as our own.

So real courage, real bravery isn’t about running into an active shooter situation to kill someone who themselves is so disconnected they kill others. Real courage is short circuiting the notions that make people think it’s necessary to arm themselves then shoot up a school in the first place.

The power of invincibility

Invincibility is another matter entirely. Invincibility looks like moving through the world knowing nothing in the world can harm us. Including houseless strangers, school shooters or any other violence.

Indeed, it’s knowing everything in the world reflects back to us our inner state of being. A chronic Positively Focused state reflects back to us only things that nurture and delight and surprise us. There, even a threatening houseless youth or armed attacker reveals who they really are: someone in pain. Someone harmless to us.

These days, I move through the world worried about no one. Instead I see the world and everyone in it as my creation. And the world indeed reflects that knowing to me, in the form of people who express kindness, love and warmth. Those with rage-full hearts can’t find me. Because I’m on a totally different vibrational level.

This is what the Charmed Life creates. In addition to a life one loves, it creates a world that reflects back to us the charmed state of being we nurture internally. Creating that life takes a while. Only because nearly all of us have adopted bogus beliefs from those through whom we came into the world. 

And it is an act of courage to reach beyond those bogus beliefs. To reach for that state of being consistent with what we knew before coming into a body. The courage to go our own way, live authentically, then transform life from what others think it is, to what we want it to be.

It is to be the change we want to see in the world.

#positive thinking #positive life #stay positive #positivevibes #positivemindset #postive affirmations #positiveattractspositive #positivealways #positiveattitude #positiveaffirmations #lawofattraction #law of abundance #law of attraction #spiritual growth #spiritual life #spiritualpath #spiritualhealing #spiritual journey #positively focused

[sinkat-arts]

Setting Sun

View on AO3 >

Daisuga

Angst, written for a self-sacrifice prompt from the HQ Angst Week twitter.

CW: Major character death, blood, gun violence

--

It was a goddamn bitch of a situation. 

“Don’t you dare…” came the hissed command from Daichi’s side. For good measure, Suga elbowed him in the side - a typical expression of his love language, but right now it was more desperation than affection. “Wait for the cops. They have to be coming…”

“Suga, I am the cops,” Daichi replied under his breath. So far, they’d been able to mask their presence from the armed robber by crouching behind a display of snacks. Ten minutes ago, they were arguing over the superior choice of Dorito - Suga had gone all in on some lime and chili flavored horrorshow - and now… well, Daichi’s concerns had expanded beyond caving in to his husband’s tenacious snacktime debate techniques. He was officially concerned, and years of police training were taking over. 

“When you’re off duty, you are not. We talked about this…” 

Daichi fixed Suga with a pained look. They had talked about it - they’d argued about it, actually. Over and over again, Daichi’s need to protect everyone rubbed the wrong way against Suga’s need to feel safe that his husband would, in fact, come home from work every night.  

You’re never off duty, even when you are. 

I have a responsibility to the community… 

You have a responsibility to me, too, damn it. 

I know that - you’re always first to me. 

You have NO idea what it’s like to just sit at home and wonder. Is he just running late? Is his phone dead? Is HE? 

Come on, that’s not… I’m careful, I promise.  

I love you. Believe me, I’m so proud that you’re out there protecting everyone from the bad guys, but If anything ever happened to you…

It won’t….

Suga looked so desperate then, eyes gleaming and brows creased. Daichi’s easy-going, goofy, somewhat chaotic husband… his sunshine smile had been replaced by a twisting, trembling frown, like his whole world was moments away from crumbling. It had broken Daichi’s heart to know his husband was spending his days worried like this, and he’d gathered Suga up in his arms and promised to be better. 

But that was absent the presence of an armed man actively threatening lives. Daichi shook his head to clear those remnants of memory and held a finger to his lips. 

“Shhh,” Daichi hushed, “I’m just going to see what the situation is.” He pretended not to see the silent plea in Suga’s eyes as he turned away and slid his head around the edge of the display. From where he was crouched, he couldn’t see the whole scene, but he was able to tell that someone in a dark baseball cap and face mask was pointing a low-caliber pistol at the clerk. 

Gender currently undeterminable, likely male. Roughly 175 cm, slender build. Medium-length brown hair. Black cap, black mask, gray Adidas hoodie, jeans, red converse sneakers. Looks like a .22 revolving pocket pistol.

He’s scared. Look at his hands.   

Daichi decided on a course of action and turned back to face Suga. 

“I’m going to try to defuse this,” he said, letting his eyes slide away from Suga’s face. It was his duty to make sure everyone in the store made it out alive, but it was going to hurt the one person he never wanted to hurt. 

“You. are. unarmed.” Suga answered, “You don’t have your vest. What the hell are you going to do?” 

“I think the guy’s scared. His hands are shaking… this isn’t a hardened criminal. Probably just some poor, desperate kid. Maybe I can stop him before he really messes his life up.”

“I don’t care.” 

“I have to,” Daichi said, “If he spooks, we could be looking at bodies.”

“So long as none of them are yours,” Suga snapped back, and the ferocity in his eyes overwhelmed Daichi for a heartbeat. It was easy to forget that Suga was a tiger underneath his jokes and laughter. And Daichi had just cornered that tiger. “Ok, that sounded bad, but just… wait. Please?”

Daichi looked back to see the gunman start waving the little pistol. He was shouting and the clerk was shouting back. Apparently, the man behind the counter had decided to fight back or stall rather than just forking over the cash. Stupid. A little gun is still a gun, idiot. The change in the register isn’t worth your damn life. 

“That guy’s gonna get himself shot. I have to,” Daichi said, grabbing both of Suga’s shoulders and looking him in the eyes. He tried to pour all of his confidence and love into that one look. “I’ll be fine. I’m a pro, remember?” He smiled in an attempt at reassurance and kissed Suga’s forehead. “This’ll be a hell of a story to tell in the teacher’s workroom on Monday.”

With that, he snuck around behind the display, moving swiftly into the cover of the adjacent aisle. He worked his way down that aisle and back up another until he was feet from the gunman. Daichi was in the open now - if the guy turned around they’d be face to face. If his luck held, though, the gunman’s attention would remain fixed on the stubborn store clerk and… 

“Dude, don’t be a hero,” someone said, and Daichi’s eyes darted to find the source. Some stranger, tucked in the little alcove created by the counter. A blind spot, in other words, from where Daichi had made his initial assessment to move. 

Fuck - a lookout. I missed him. Shit. Shit shit shit. 

The goddamn bitch of a situation had just gone nuclear. 

At once, the gunman swung around to face Daichi as Daichi raised his hands in surrender. He hunched over, trying to make himself seem smaller and less threatening. He breathed in and out slowly, keeping the panic contained. Boxed up, just like he’d trained. Fear of looking down the barrel of a gun wouldn’t consume him. He wouldn’t do anything stupid because he was scared. Even when he saw the man pull the hammer back with one thumb, he didn’t lose his cool. Until the trigger was pulled, there were options. 

His head was clear. In fact, it seemed like everything had slowed down, everything outlined in fine, stark detail. Daichi could see everything. He could see now that the gunman was male. Blue eyes. Definitely young, and definitely more scared than Daichi was. The mask on his face was puffing out and pulling in with each shallow breath. The hand holding the gun was shaking. The kid was pointing the gun, but not aiming it. His brows were knit and pulled not in anger, but in fear. The lookout was shouting something. The kid was shouting something. 

And then there was something between them, blocking his view. There was a whiff of familiar aftershave and a cloud of silver hair - like stormclouds, and his smile is the sunshine that breaks through them - and then a sound like a thunderclap. But it wasn’t thunder. 

It wasn’t thunder. 

“FUCK, MAN!” someone shouted. The lookout. 

“HE CAME OUTTA NOWHERE!” The gunman. “I wasn’t gonna… I didn’t… FUCK. WE GOTTA GO.” 

Daichi stood, transfixed. Frozen. A fear he couldn’t box up released itself, sending ice through his nervous system. 

Look. Look damn you, look. It’s not him. It can’t be… he wouldn’t…

He looked. 

All his training, all that experience, his sense of duty… it had hardened him to the risks to himself. Whatever happened to him in the line of duty was fine, but… he’d never trained for this. He’d never learned to suppress his fear, his emotions, when the thing in danger was his heart - his true heart, not the muscle thumping against his ribs, but the place where he found purpose and home and love. 

He looked, heaven help him, he looked and saw red-stained silver clouds. His whole heart. His whole life. Since they were kids, since before either of their voices cracked, since they had curfews and homework and practice, since sneaking out and thinking they were so slick and no one knew but everyone knew. Since before they knew what love was, really, but still fell into it headlong and with the abandon of a couple of naive teenagers. Since they confessed their feelings, finally, on that hill in Karasuno while the sun set. All of that, all those smiles and laughs, the tears, the struggles and the wins, their whole life together. All of that was lying in front of him now, gasping for air and reaching for him with curled, red fingers. 

“I’m calling 119!” Someone yelled. 

“Where the fuck are the cops?” Another yelled.

MOVE, Daichi’s mind screamed. 

And for a wonder, he did. Ice melted, and he was on his knees, hands peeling back layers of clothes to see… maybe it wasn’t as bad as it looked… maybe he’d be ok… there was a lot of blood, but if he could just stop it… if he could just… 

There. There’s the wound. Just… gotta put pressure on it.Just gotta hold out for a little while. It’s not that bad. It’s not that bad. It’s not that bad. 

“Hey,” a voice - his voice - said. It was so small, so weak, but it still managed to knock the wind out of Daichi. “Hey, look at me.” 

He did. And there was that smile. Sunlight through storm clouds, but it was all wrong because the rain was red. Even so, it was still him. Still his smile. The corners of his eyes crinkled. 

“I guess I should have,” he started, but was interrupted by a cough. More blood, god there was so much now. “I guess I should have left it to the professional?” 

“Just… hold on, ok? Help’s coming… it’s gonna be… it’s gonna be ok.” 

“No, it won’t,” Suga said, still grinning like he’d just pulled a prank that went over poorly, “That was dumb… I just panicked… I don’t know how you do it every day…”

“I don’t do this every day,” Daichi answered, “And it was very dumb. Now hush, ok? Just… save your strength…” 

“Don’t you hush me, Sawamura Daichi,” Suga commanded, but it was so, so quiet. “This might be my last chance to…”

“Stop, it’s not your last anything…”

“Let me talk,” Suga said, and swatted at Daichi’s arm, “You’ll be ok. Remember to… remember to eat, you forget sometimes. And stop with the hero bullshit. Just be you, ok? You’re good enough as you are. You’ve always been good enough. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone, alright?” 

“Ok, ok,” Daichi said, still pressing on that gunshot wound even though it was a losing battle. Still failing to protect. He wasn’t good enough, and after this… he never would be. 

“I mean it… you’re gonna hurt if this breaks bad, but don’t get swallowed by it. And remember…”

Oh god, he was fading away. The sunlight was going dim. Receding, setting, all in front of Daichi’s eyes. And still… still Suga smiled. 

“Remember that I love you. Always. Into forever. You’ve always been the captain of my heart,” Suga said, and laughed weakly at their stupid inside joke. “Smile for me, please? I want… I want that to be the last thing I see.” 

And though it hurt, though it took everything in him to do it, though there were tears cascading around it, Daichi smiled. For him, he could do this.

“And you set mine on fire,” he answered, the appropriate response when Suga resurrected that gem. Just a couple of 17-year-olds with stars in their eyes and poor taste in puns and valentine’s cards… who knew it would end like this.  "Suga, fuck... don't... you can't go. You're my..." He paused, mind desperately searching for a word that could possibly contain everything that Suga was for him. There wasn't one. There never would be a word that big. "I love you. Please. Please...."

Suga chuckled as his hand fell from his chest to the ground and his head fell back. His eyes closed, and he sighed. “Don’t be sad… we’ll… we’ll get them in the spring tournament… we can… we’ll fly.” 

And as the sound of sirens dominated the air, Daichi knelt beside his one great love, his partner, his soul… and watched the sun set. 

#daisuga #sawamura daichi #daichi #sugawara koushi #suga #haikyu #haikyuu #fan fiction #fanfic #angst #cw: major character death #cw: gun violence #cw: blood #SORRY

[beardedmrbean]

Three University of Virginia star football players have been identified as the victims allegedly killed by a fellow student and former college football player in a mass shooting on the campus.

Linebacker D’Sean Perry, 22; Lavel Davis Jr, and Devin Chandler died on Sunday night when suspected gunman Christopher Darnell Jones allegedly opened fire around a parking garage on the university’s main campus along Culbreth Road in Charlottesville.

On Monday, Davis’s father Lavel Davis Sr wrote, “Lord please help me,” on Facebook, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. Davis, who was 6’7” tall, ranked No 2 in the nation and No 1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference for average yards per reception after the 2020 football season, the Associated Press reported.

He had returned to the field this year after suffering an injury in 2021. He was on a watch list for 2022 Comeback Player of the Year, per the AP.

Perry’s grieving father Sean Perry also confirmed his son’s death to the Richmond Times-Dispatch and said that he and the victim’s mother Happy were flying from their hometown of Miami to Virginia.

Perry, who was 6’3” tall and weighed 230 pounds, was a linebacker and defensive end for the Virginia Cavaliers football team – the same University of Virginia team that Mr Jones made the roster for back in 2018.

The 22-year-old football star played just hours before his death, when his team took on Pittsburgh on Saturday.

According to a profile on the Virginia Cavalliers website, Perry previously played linebacker, defensive line and tight end at Gulliver Prep and was named the South Florida Conference’s 2018 Defensive Player of the Year.

He also made the Team USA under-19s team and appeared in the International Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

After graduating high school, he majored in studio art at the University of Virginia.

Head football coach Tony Elliott said early Monday afternoon that the victims ��were all good kids” and he would speak about them when the time is right.

Sean Lampkin, an assistant football coach at Newberry College, confirmed that his cousin Davis was also killed in the shooting.

He paid tribute to the wide receiver as “one of his most kind, humble, loving soldiers” and said that his family is “devastated” by the news.

“Saddening, saddening news this morning. God took one of his most kind, humble, loving soldiers off of the battlefield last night. Please pray for my family as we are devastated by the passing my cousin Lavel Davis Jr. Love and already miss you, kid,” he tweeted.

As a talented wide receiver, Davis was added to the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year Watch List just last month.

Jack Hamilton, a professor at UVA, said on Twitter that both Chandler and Davis were in his class and remembered the students as “wonderful people.”

“[D]evin was new to UVA last spring (he was a transfer student) and I had him in a large lecture class. he nevertheless made a point to come to my office hours repeatedly, often just to ask questions about how things worked around uva,” Mr Hamilton tweeted about Chandler.

“Later I helped him declare his American studies major, which he was really excited about. he was an unbelievably nice person, always a huge smile, really gregarious and funny. one of those people who’s just impossible not to like. It is so sad and enraging that he is gone.”

Mr Hamilton also said about Davis: “One thing that struck me about vel was how much his classmates liked him and vice versa. in my experience star athletes often tend to hang out with other athletes (understandable, given the time commitment) but vel seemed to go out of his way to make friends with non-athletes

Originally from Dorchester, South Carolina, Davis played wide receiver and safety at Woodland High School before he was selected to play in South Carolina’s North-South all-star game.

The two victims wounded in the mass shooting are yet to be publicly identified.

It is not clear if the victims knew their alleged killer or if the shooting rampage was targeted or carried out at random.

UVA Police Chief Timothy Longo revealed on Monday that a UVA multidisciplinary threat assessment team launched an investigation after receiving reports that Mr Jones made comments about owning a gun to an individual unaffiliated with the university.

Mr Longo said that Mr Jones had not made threats at the time, but simply mentioned he had a firearm.

“Because I want to be transparent with you, I want you to know … Mr Jones came to the attention of the University of Virginia’s threat assessment team in the fall of 2022,” Mr Longo said. “They received information that Mr Jones had made a comment about possessing a gun to a person that was unaffiliated with the university.”

It is unclear how the investigation unfolded, but Mr Longo said that the individual in question and Mr Jones’ roommate, who did not see the gun, were questioned. Mr Longo also mentioned that Mr Jones had been investigated in connection to an alleged hazing incident but the inquiry fell apart after witnesses did not come forward with information.

The team learned that Mr Jones had violated protocol by not informing the university about a criminal incident in February 2021 in which he had been involved. The criminal investigation took place outside of Charlottesville and was in relation to a concealed weapon violation, NBC reported.

An hours-long manhunt took place for Mr Jones, a 22-year-old student and former football player for the college, before his arrest was announced just before 11am on Monday.

He was last seen wearing a burgundy jacket, blue jeans and red shoes and was thought to have been driving a black SUV with the licence plate TWX3580, police said.

A campus-wide lockdown was lifted on Monday morning after students had been told to shelter in place and warned not to approach the “armed and dangerous” suspect.

Multiple law enforcement agencies were drafted in for the search, with a Virginia State Police helicopter circling the area and classes cancelled for Monday across the university.

University of Virginia Police tweeted on Monday morning that law enforcement teams were carrying out a “complete search on and around UVA grounds”.

The shooting unfolded at around 10.30pm on Sunday at the parking garage before Mr Jones allegedly went on the run.

Three victims were killed while another two were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment, with their conditions unclear at this time.

Sophomore student Em Gunter told the Times-Dispatch that she was watching a lecture in her dorm room when she heard six gunshots ring out at around 10.15pm.

The 19-year-old lives in the International Residential College, located across from Culbreth Road where the shooting took place.

She quickly messaged the other 350 students in her dorm building warning them to stay inside and hunkered down with her friends in her room.

“I just have no words. This is insane,” she said.

Ms Gunter told the paper that she used to live in Southwest Virginia which was the site of the 2007 Virginia Tech mass shooting.

According to a profile for Mr Jones on the Virginia Cavaliers website – the University of Virginia’s football team – he was on the team roster in 2018 but did not appear in any games that year.

The bio lists the 22-year-old’s numerous accolades and honours during high school.

He was described as a played linebacker and running back at Petersburg High School who “earned honorable mention all-conference honors as a senior”.

He spent his first three years of high school at Varina High School “where he earned honorable mention all-conference as a freshman and second-team accolades as a sophomore and junior”, the bio says.

Mr Jones was a “member of the National Honor Society … National Technical Honor Society … president of Key Club … president of Jobs for Virginia Grads Program … named Student of the Year as a freshman and sophomore at Varina … son of Margo Ellis and Christopher Jones, Sr. … has three siblings, Eliza, Darrius and Varian,” the bio reads.

The 22-year-old was previously hailed as something of a success story after overcoming something of a troubled childhood to become a model student.

One of four siblings, he grew up in housing complexes in Richmond, according to a 2018 Times-Dispatch story.

Mr Jones’ father abandoned the family when he was a boy and he reportedly got into trouble at school for fighting.

But, the “smart and quiet” student appeared to turn things around, playing football and graduating from Petersburg in 2018.

As news spread of the campus shooting, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin released a statement saying he was “praying” for the university community.

“Suzanne and I are praying for the UVA community. Virginia State Police is fully coordinating with UVA police department and local authorities,” he tweeted on Monday.

“Please shelter in place while the authorities work to locate the suspect.

#nunyas news

[truckreincarnation]

Damned Cowboy | Shinjuku | Trial 5.2 | RE: Germain, Luz

‘I think you all have covered a lot of the bases’

That was one way to put it, really. Shin was watching person after person accuse Germain, cornering them with each passing argument. His hands lightly tapped against his podium. For now, he remained silent, watching everything play out. Wondering, just wondering, when to jump in and share some more.

Hell, Manami’s belief that the mercenary could be Ocelot does cause him to stifle a silent laugh. Not out of malice, but out of lightheartedness. Of course there was a right to suspect him, a majority of those things did apply to him. however… well…

As they shift back to their bound form, it takes Shin a moment, processing who was before him. Now his tattoo that represents them makes even more sense. Ironic, really. Yet, that’s… No one else, right? That’s…

“...Germain.”

A small call to them from across the room. His voice has a tiny bit of emotion, yet remaining as serious as he walked in here. He lets his voice fade into the room, before silently sighing, digging in his pockets. After a second, he pulls it out, what looks to be a small, green stone. A stone a couple people remember from the journey to find Raven. With a nod-

“Catch.”

The rock is lightly lobbed over to them, a perfect catch.

It takes a few more moments for him to gather his words, trying to figure out how to say all this. He couldn’t help but glance to Luz, struggling just seconds before.

“....I’m still thinking of our talk. Your letter too, and just all the times you’ve had my back. How you don’t see any of the problems Raven- Cass- had within me, and that even if I had my own problems, I could get past them. How you did wanna go through with my plans in the future.”

“...why I was concerned when you snapped earlier during Sakura’s memories. Why I wished you luck a little while ago.”

“.....I’m glad I figured it out.”

To say Shin knew was one thing, it was more that he put all the pieces together. Some thing’s still needed to be confirmed. Everything Germain had pushed towards his way, helped him walk through. Even as he looked through all the new rooms, explored new memories, nothing… really changed Shin’s impression on Germain. He made the right choice claiming they were a bondmate of his, even after he began to piece everything together.

After everything, he still could call them a friend. That was certain.

Though, he couldn’t think too much on this anyway. His eyes blip around the room to his other bondmates that were left in the dark. Perry, Frank, Yuliya, Luz. Luz. God, poor Luz. Watching everything crack and break like all her shattered mirrors, watching the truth be revealed to her. That was the worst part of it all.

Silently, he glances at his tattoos again, before sending her a telepathic message a piece. From there, his thoughts continue to wander.

How much they’ve bounced off each other all throughout this time here. What started as an interest in stories and traveling, to reflecting off each other and experiences. Leading up to something Shin would’ve never figured out normally. A close friend, being doomed like this. No sense of freedom, until now.

…hah. That’s funny, ain’t it?

Spinning round and round, teetering and dizzying all alone, rescuing- or maybe harming- so many… Their scars and their troubles multiple… A true gunman, who only looks on the bright side of life?

Right?

….it’s all funny. So tragically funny. Empathetic misery, forever and always.

With that, the mercenary nods, sticking his hands in his pockets. His eyes remain on Germain, before cracking a small smile. At first he wants to make a joke about ‘nice one, offing that fucking dickhead’, but decides it’s not the time. Instead, he makes a small gesture with his head. Go on, dude. Floor is yours.

“I’m ready for all your explanations for everything. This is your time, so I’m gonna hear ya out with everything. I believe ya know my feelings, and how I’m going to be thinking, but I’m still gonna be taking in everything you got for us.”

“So… Germain. Go on dude, we all wanna know. All ears.”

Gotcha back cowboy, let’s hear what you have to say.

#Shinjuku #trial5 #submission #ch5

[common-grounds-blog]

Tragedy Strikes Again 

On Sunday November 13, 2022, once again tragedy struck a school campus. At The University of Virginia, a shooting occurred just minutes after a charter bus returned to the campus from a field trip to Washington D.C. The Suspect of the shooting who left three classmates dead that day was a part of that class field trip. The suspect was identified as Christopher Darnell Jones Jr.,  age 22. UVA stated that Jones was a non-playing member of UVA’s football team in 2018.

According to school officials, he was not currently a member of the team and hadn’t been for “over a year.”

Police stated that all three people killed in the attack were football players, but the motive for his heinous act is still undetermined. 

Among the three identified victims are Juniors, D’Sean Perry, Lavel Davis Jr. and Devin Chandler. Also, third-year player running back, Mike Hollins, was one of two people wounded in the attack. 

Second-year student on the trip, Ryan Lynch, told Philadelphia TV station Jones pulled out a gun as they arrived back and pushed one of the now-deceased football players, saying, “You guys are always messing with me.”

Lynch also stated the gunshots “just kept coming, more and more gunshots – just wouldn’t stop,” he said, the gunman then “just sort of walked or skipped off the bus.”

The campus went on a 12-hour lockdown during the search for Jones, who was later found an hour away from UVA in Richmond VA. 

He faces three charges of second-degree murder and three charges of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

-

For the past 6 weeks I have written a current event every week, each week the headlines are full of new shooting stories. 

I just saw in the headlines near my hometown that a gun store has been robbed twice in the last two weeks. It was also stated that it was the fourth gun shop to be robbed in an 80-mile radius. 

Is there an obsession with guns? Is there a huge influx of depression and loneliness? Is this caused by gang violence? 

Whatever the case there needs to be an end to this. 

I have found through different studies that the most impressionable time in a person's life is roughly around age 12. My dream and desire is for people to genuinely and wholeheartedly LOVE the youth. Proverbs says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” It should be our duty to believe in, pour in, train up, love on, teach and encourage the next generation. If we love them then and teach them then, while they are most impressionable, I genuinely wonder what our futures could look like.

Sources: USA Today, New York Post, CNN, CBS News

[morgansunflower]

That's Nothing.

Batman X Wife! Reader

Batmom! Reader

Warnings: suggestive content, explicit language.

Words:1063

Batmom aka Detective Y/N Wayne and her fellow friend Jim Gordon talk about the old days about her many Robin's.

Arthur's notes! Based on Batman:Wayne Family Adventures episode 35 and hinted 26

It was late night in Gotham. I held my coffee in my detective uniform standing next to Jim who had is own coffee. We look seeing Damian talking to the new cop... That's not going to end well. I wanted to mock ah cry. I really just want five minutes of relaxation. Damian then began yelling at him, scaring him. It's not the first time he has scared ah person in the line of duty. I probably need to take care of that.. Just one more sip. It's going to be a long night.

"new guy, right? Transfer from metropolis?" I asked Jim.

"yep. I see you're avoiding reality.. Again" he said with an all knowing look on his face.

I shrug my shoulder and roll my eyes "call it avoiding to compromise important information... He clearly didn't get the memo about the Robin's"

"it does take some getting used to. Remember when we were just starting out?"

I remember my first experience with Robin aka Dick Grayson.. He was quite the acrobat and Bat's well.. I was trying to fight my feelings for him. Both Bruce Wayne and Batman.. Were once two different people. Then he showed me and it all made since. Grayson was always there to mock kissing noises around us. The boy who made me admit my feelings for Bat's. I would try to discuss the case with the kid and would go on to sing "Y/N and Batman standing in ah alley K. I. S. S. I. N. G".. The funny thing is we actually did.. I just had thought Robin didn't know. I then remembered Jim telling me that Bat's is insane for bringing ah child to fight crime in Gotham. Jim went onto talk about the day he met the acrobatic boy wonder. Bruce wasn't exactly in the mood to explain everything.. Not that he ever is.

I smile "that's nothing compared to living with the bird's"

"oh yeah?" he asked half intrigued.

"yeah. The many situations were I would be able to get myself out of.. But they are always worried"

I explain to Gordon as I remember Jason saving me from two gunman and then proudly stating "I know. I know I'm awesome". It was ah school night.. I was livid. He ended up grounded for ah week. He's still always trying to protect me.

"no, no. getting lectured is WAY worse" he said defeated

Jim then went onto explain when Tim was Robin and had proudly outsmarted.. Well everyone. He's been helping us with difficult cases ever since.

I sigh "Yeah, take it from the mother bird.. the lectures aren't fun. But at least they still leave you with something to do other than discipline and cleaning after messes. I hate when the kids just solve our cases for us"

I told Jim about the time Stephanie was bored.. Bad enough that she was tormenting Bruce. She then solved every Riddle and made me feel very stupid.

I then went on to say "we have the weirdest job"

"it's all Batman's fault" he said genuinely annoyed.

"I sleep with him but amen to that!" I agreed

My beautiful crazy life I owe to him. I turn to see ah shadow behind me. I see my husband in his Batman uniform. I give my coffee to Jim. He looks at me questionable by my loving gaze to my spouse.

"oh hell.. Just go and use it as your lunch hour, but dammit don't be gone too long.. I don't want to relive what happened the last time you did this to me" he scoffed rolling his eyes.

"I'll be using my last two lunch hours I missed, on him" I smirked running off.

"I don't want to hear about that!!" he yelled at, me.

I use my grappling gun into the building by my husband. He smirks to me with ah playful glare. I flirt back and shoot my grappling gun. I swing to the building in front of him turning my head back to him. He shoots his grappling gun and lands right in front of me. I step back he follows me as I stop at the wall. He puts his left arm by my shoulder. I fight the large blush coming to my cheeks. After years of marriage he had ah way to make feel like it's the first time he is touching me. He knew exactly what he is doing to me.

"detective Y/N" he smirked touching my hip. "fancy meeting you out here in my city"

"Batman.." I reach to his intercom and turn it off.

"did I truly..." he was astonished that he forgot to turn off his intercom.. again.

"you did.. Don't want to relive what happened Valentines Day, do we?"

The kid's were horrified with our little playful flirting... While my youngest little boy Damian didn't understand why his mom was arresting Batman. Dick said he already turned his comm off hours ago, from years of experience dealing with our.. Time alone and that made him the smart one. Bruce and I nearly went on ah vacation just to avoid the humiliation.

"absolutely not!" he said dramatically appalled, we were completely humiliated. "now you better stay quiet this time" he smugly said

"oh sure like I'm the one who needs to more quiet" I scoffed running my fingers up to play with his cowl ears.

I cup his face his expression soften against mine. He kisses my lips. I wrap my arms around his neck. He moves his hands up my hips and rids me of my jacket. The kiss begins to become more intense. He embraced me and lifts me off my feet.

"have I mentioned lately how much I love you?" I asked rubbing his cheeks. "how much I love our life together?"

He smiled and dramatically laid his head on my chest "you made me who I am" his words touch my heart.

He smiled genuinely and blissfully kisses me again.

"oh! Wait Damian! We need to get him to be ni--" he covers my lips

"shhh your supposed to be quiet.." he whispers, he moves his large hand from my face "besides I alerted Nightwing to take him out for ice cream"

"Bat's! At this hour are--" he covers my lips in ah passionate kiss.. I'll worry about that later....

#Batmom #batfamily #Bruce Wayne #Bruce Wayne X Wife! Reader #Bruce Wayne X Reader #Jim Gordon #Cops #Detectives #Guns #Loving Bruce Wayne #Talking about old days #Suggestive content #Batmom! Reader #Dick Grayson #Robin #Jason Todd #Tim Drake #Damian Wayne #Stephanie Brown #Batmom is tired #Batmom is just wanting to enjoy her coffee #Batfam Wayne family adventures #Batman:Wayne Family Adventures episode 35 #Batman:Wayne Family Adventures episode 26

[hotch-stufff]

Love is Complicated

gifs by hqtchner & ncis-season-

Pairing: Hotch x reader, Gibbs x reader

Warnings!: angst, pining, kissing, fluff

Request: "well i was thinking about a criminal minds x ncis crossover, where the reader has a big crush on gibbs but then she meets hotch and she is really confused 😿" @wolviesbabes

--------

Your hand scribbled yet another word on the endless stack of paperwork that littered your desk. It really did never end. You set your pen down. You needed a break. You looked up and your eyes instantly found him. He was hunched over his desk, probably doing the same thing you were doing.

But God, did he look good doing it. Although in your opinion he looked good doing just about everything.

You noticed that about him over the past couple months on the NCIS team. You had been transfered from another similar unit in New Orleans on the recommendation of Dwayne Pride himself. Gibbs was quick to accept you to the unit, but he remained cold to you for the first couple of weeks. It wasn't until you saved him from a, for lack of better words, crazy gunman did he warm up to you.

After that, you two had gotten extremely close. So close that you developed a small crush on the man. Although, you hid it rather well. No one, atleast not to your knowledge, knew about your crush. And you intended on keeping it that way, but it was so hard when he was just sitting right in front of you, looking all handsome and just... him.

You wanted to tell him. You really did. But he was way out of your league, and you weren't even his type. But a girl could dream.

Vance suddenly came out of his office and called Gibbs up. He stood slowly and walked away. You prayed this wasn't a case. You really did not feel like dealing with a case right now.

He came back out a few moments later, a scowl on his face.

"What is it Gibbs?" You asked, he jerked his head towards Vance's office.

"He wants the team to attend an interagency gala on Saturday night." You scoffed. Of course he did. "FBI, CIA, and NCIS teams are all expected to attend. Including us." His scowled deepened at the thought of having to deal with other agencies.

"Great, just great." And you were so looking forward to a quiet weekened.

* * *

The night of the gala had arrived much quicker than expected. And of course Abby had insisted on going shopping for dresses. She herself had gotten a long black dress, with a slit. She said she would add a few things to make it more like her, and you couldn't wait to see it. You had gone with a more subtle dress. A long emerald green dress, with spaghetti straps and an open back. The front dipped slightly.

You had brought it with you to the office so you could get ready with Abby and as you were heading to the elevator to go to her floor, you heard Gibbs on the phone. Now you weren't one to eavesdrop, but you really couldn't stop yourself.

"I know, I know, it won't take long. I promise. Bye." Was he with someone else? You stood there frozen as he emerged from the room he was in.

"Hey y/n. Whatchtya doin?" He asked suspiciously.

"Oh, um nothing Gibbs, thought I heard you and wanted to say bye before we left, I didnt think you would actually go to the gala tonight, so I thought I could just stop in and-" he cut you off.

"Slow down, you're rambling. You okay?" You needed to get out of there.

"Yup, just been a long day. Alright well bye." You rushed off to Abby office. Once you got there, she instantly asked what was wrong. You explained everything. Your feelings, the conversation you heard, just everything.

"Awe, y/n/n. I'm so sorry. He's stupid if he doesn't see whats right in front of him." That made you smile.

"We should get ready." You stated standing up to grab your dress.

2 hours later, you and Abby walked up stairs looking amazing if you did say so yourself. Wolf whistles were heard coming from Tony as you two walked towards the group. You rolled your eyes, catching Gibbs smirk.

His eyes dragged up and down your body, which had confused you greatly. He had never showed any interest in you before, why now? Maybe he had and was just better at hiding it.

"Well, we should get going." You nodded, you all walked out to the SUVs ready for the night ahead of you.

* * *

The gala was interesting to say the least. Each agency decided to stay away from eachother, like elementary students. Each group taking up their own circle around the room.

You had spotted a rather handsome man who you had recognized as Aaron Hotchner sitting at the FBI tables and couldn't seem to take your eyes off of him. You new you had feelings for Gibbs,, but something about this man just drew you in. You had previously met him on a conjoined case with your old team, and you had developed the smallest of crushes on the man. You never expected anything to happen, and he was only in New Orleans for about a week.

Suddenly Gibbs popped back into your head, and you huffed slightly, turning to search for him. Finding him at a table nearby, talking with a woman. You scoffed and he looked over at you.

In a moment of impulse, you tunred away and walked across the empty dance floor straight to Agent Hotchner. He looked up from his conversation as you neared his table.

"Hi, NCIS Agent Y/l/n. We worked together on the Williams case about a year back." He nodded in recognition.

"Of course. Its great to see you again agent y/l/n." He paused looking you up and down in a way you welcomed. "Can I help you with something." He asked, not unkindly at all, but rather friendly.

"I was wondering if you would like to dance." He raised an eyebrow at you. "Someone's got to break the chill in this room." He nodded and stood up slowly, his team staring on in awe. You figured he didn't do this very often.

"I would love to." He took your hand bringing you to the dance floor as another song began. You two danced for about 10 minutes before more couples began to join you. You smiled in triumph and Hotchner laughed at your face.

"What? It worked didn't it?" He smiled shaking his head.

"I suppose it did." You two began talking and laughing and just getting to know each other. You soon found yourself at a table as you continued with your conversation.

"Okay but, im just saying if Strauss is anything like Vance, they would be perfect together." He laughed at this rather loudly, catching the eyes of a few people near by.

"That would never happen. If Vance is anything like Strauss they would drive each other crazy." You giggled softly. Soon it was time to leave, and Agent Hotchner, or Aaron as he had asked you to call him, offered to walk you to your SUV where the rest of your team was waiting. They all eyed you as this strange man walked you over, handing you a card and pressing a soft kiss to your cheek. You had blushed profusely and walked over, getting in the car.

"So y/n, whos the hottie?" Abby began interrogating you as soon as you shut your door.

"Thats Agent Hotchner. He's the Unit Chief of the FBI's BAU." You smiled to yourself.

"Must be an ass if he's from the FBI." Gibbs remarked, another scowl gracing his face.

"He was actually quite the gentlman." Was your only response before turning to look out the window. Gibbs was the one being an ass. You had just spent the night with a wonderful man and Gibbs just had to ruin it by spouting some snarky comment that only confused you more. The rest of the ride was spent in silence.

* * *

Once back at the office, Gibbs had called you to the elevator, not giving you a chance to respond. You had of course listened, and as soon as the doors shut, he had pulled the emergency button.

"What is it Gibbs?" You asked softly. He just walked closer to you, cupping your face. "What are you doing?" He leaned in slowly bringing his lips to yours.

And you had expected it to be perfect and explosive and passionate. But... it wasn't. He pulled away after only a moment.

"Hang on, let me try that again." And he leaned in once more, pressing his lips to yours. But once again, there was nothing. He pulled away.

"That was ... strange?" He asked, more to himslef than anything.

"I uh, that-that was-"

"Not what I was expecting." He finished for you.

"You know Gibbs, I've been pining over you for months, and I'm guessing you felt the same. But I think we both met someone else tonight that changed our minds." You recalled him spending the whole night side by side with the woman you had seen earlier. You smiled shyly at him. "Call that woman you were with tonight. Tell her you want to go out on a date." He smiled looking into your eyes.

"Only if you call Agent Hochie, or whatever his name was, and tell him the same." You laughed at not only his comment, but the absurdity of the situation. For the past 5 months you had been yearning for a man who ended up not being what you wanted at all. It made you think that maybe what you really wanted, what you both really wanted, was someone to love. So you latched on to the person who had become closest to you.

"I love ya y/n." He whispered as he pressed a kiss to your forehead.

"I love you too Gibbs. Now go get her." He stepped out of the elevator, pulling out his phone. You did the same, pulling out Aaron's card. It rang once. Twice.

"Hotchner." You giggled at his formal greeting. Taking a deep breath before going for it.

"Hey Aaron, I was just wondering if you were up for dinner?" He smiled.

"Of course. You know, I'm really glad you called."

"Me too." And you walked out of your office that night, a date with a man you had never expected, and a smile on your face.

-------

Not sure how I feel about this one, but I loved the request. Let me know what you guys think!! Thanks for reading! Requests are still open, so ask away! If you would like an idea of what to request, here is my prompt list, and if you would like to read more of my work, here is my masterlist.

#hotch x reader #gibbs x reader #jethro gibbs x reader #aaron hotchner x reader #ncis imagine #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds #ncis #gibbs #hotch #Jethro Gibbs #Aaron Hotchner #angst #fluff #reader insert #imagine

[barffy-writes]

Odd, Terrifying, and Wonderful: Ch.1

Summary: After a dangerous night in Gotham, Bruce Wayne and Hal Jordan meet each other, for what they think is the first time. Little do they know, that they work alongside each other every day as Batman and Green Lantern - and they absolutely hate each other's guts.

Read on AO3, or just keep reading below!

A Venture into Gotham

What a shithole.

And yet Batman protects it with his goddamn life.

Hal Jordan walked through the dirty streets of Gotham, the skyline darkening as night quickly approached, the cold air tousling his hair - as if the city was wanting him to leave. And as tempting as that offer was, Hal refused: he had come to this wretched place to try to understand Batman.

As if anyone would be able to understand him.

Every other superhero he knew protected everyone they could, but not Batman, he only protected Gothamites. Not that Hal considered Batman to be a “hero”; he was cynical and expressionless, Hal couldn’t even recall a moment where he had ever seen him smile.

What would his smile look like? Would he bare his teeth?

Hal preferred to not dwell on that thought, instead turning his attention to his phone, checking the Justice League group chat (which was flooded with crappy memes by Ollie) that had been affectionately named “Superbros” by Superman - or Clark, they all knew each other’s identities, apart from Batman, of course. And Batman didn’t know their identities (Hal hoped). He would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious about the Bat’s true identity. He estimated he was about 50 years old, judging by the fine lines on his face, his salt and pepper stubble, and most obviously, his grey eyes. His eyes were the only indication of his humanity, and with even one passing glance, he could stop Hal in his tracks, as if he was Medusa, paralysing through a singular gaze.

“Those eyes have seen too much,” he remembered Red Hood saying, who was just making fun of Batman’s mysterious aura, but Hal wondered if there was any truth to it.

No sane person would fight crime dressed as a fucking bat.

The thick smog of industry felt suffocating, disorientating Hal with its migraine-inducing stench. Stumbling over to a nearby alcove, he leant on the wall and took a deep, yet unfulfilling, breath. However, before he even had the chance to regain his balance, Hal heard six deafening gunshots echo through the crowded streets. Without thinking, he sprinted towards the source, pushing past the wild stampede of terrified faces and dissonant screams. Weeping civilians scuttled into alleys, desperately trying to find shelter in the labyrinth of the city. At its epicentre stood two men: one pointing a gun aimed between the other’s eyes. Around them was a corpse and four barely-alive bodies, each with a man saving their life. No, they weren’t all men; one looked as if he was barely a teenager, yet he was carrying the weight of another’s soul in his hands.

Tightening his grip on his ring, Hal realised he was powerless: even if he was to become Green Lantern, the gunman could just as quickly murder his victim. As crimson blood escaped down the drains, Hal caught the eye of the man held at gunpoint.

Holy shit. That’s Bruce Wayne. I follow him on Twitter! Oh God, why the Hell is he looking at me? I can’t save him, I can't do anything, he’s being held at fucking gunpoint!

But Bruce wasn’t looking for help. He subtly nodded to the corpse, the origin of the blood, and Hal silently ran towards it (careful to not attract attention). Upon crouching and inspecting the two gunshots, one in the chest, and one in the neck, Hal realised that it was not a corpse. He was a living person, and Bruce knew that he might have a shot at survival.

Hal desperately wanted to use his ring, but decided against it when he looked around and saw the sheer amount of civilians watching him - after all, he still had an identity to protect.

Come on, Hal, think! What did they teach you at the Air Force?

Hal, despite the nonchalant persona he displayed, was often quite serious - unsurprisingly, this was one of those times. As Green Lantern, Hal had a responsibility to protect, and he’d be damned if he gave up now. Unfortunately, also as Green Lantern, Hal has also become quite reliant on his ring. Some of the other Lanterns barely used their rings, preferring to use their own strength, but not Hal. He would throw garbage into the pocket dimension instead of looking for a trash can; he’d create an umbrella rather than checking the weather forecast; Hell, he’d even create a third arm to scratch an itch when he wasn’t bothered enough to move. At this moment, when his ring was needed more than ever, he couldn’t use it. With every strained heartbeat, blood shot out of the man’s neck, with a constant stream oozing from his chest: Hal’s only option was to try to keep the man alive for as long as possible, motioning to a nearby civilian to call the paramedics.

Okay, focus, you got this. He’s breathing, but losing blood at a terrifying rate. Stop the bleeding, that’s your only hope.

Hal took off his white shirt and ripped it into two, pressing one half on each wound, praying that the pressure would clot the blood and seal it. The shirt almost instantly turned red, and Hal felt rain begin to fall on his bare skin, but he tried to ignore it: hypothermia could wait. Hal turned to check that Bruce Wayne hadn’t been killed yet.

Why the fuck is he so calm?

---

This was just like any other Saturday night to Bruce, except this time he wasn’t out as a vigilante. He had taken a break to have a nice outing with his family, God knows they needed it. All four of them (Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian) had begged Bruce to take them to the cinema, to which he reluctantly agreed.

Am I cursed to never be able to have a non-lethal visit to the theatre?

Bruce looked at his kids, saving the lives of four dying men, then he looked at the brown-haired stranger, who was somehow keeping the last man alive. Out of the five victims, he was the only one to have been shot twice, and he visibly looked like he had already died. But this stranger, who looked surprisingly composed for the circumstances, seemed to bring him back to life.

Bruce turned his attention back to the gunman.

“You’re Bruce Wayne, aren’t you?” hissed the killer. Bruce had no idea what his motive was, he only showed up to the scene following the six gunshots. He assumed it was gang-related (most things in Gotham were). Before Bruce could answer, he continued “Give me your possessions, or I’ll shoot you right between your fucking eyes!”

Bruce studied the revolver in front of him, so close that he had to strain his vision to see it properly. He shrugged, “Sure, go ahead. Shoot me.” The hundreds of people on the street went completely silent from pure shock. The man too looked surprised by Bruce’s answer, but this was quickly replaced by the look of rage enveloping his face.

“I ain’t no coward!” he roared as he pulled the trigger.

But nothing happened, Bruce didn’t even flinch. There was only a faint click that emitted from the gun.

Typical six-shooter, held by the typical lowlife. Didn't even count how many bullets he had in his barrel, he used all six of the up on five completely innocent people.

The man widened his eyes, as Bruce squared his shoulders and punched him right on the nose, sending the man flying to the ground.

Enough to break his nose, not enough for Gotham cops to charge me.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Jason smile. Bruce couldn’t help but sigh: of all things, decking it to a stranger was what made Jason proud of him.

---

Hal tried to slink away from the crime scene before he could get roped into becoming a witness (he just wanted this day to be over), but as he tried to wipe the blood onto his jeans, he felt a cold hand tap his shoulder, making him jump.

“Oh sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you!” Bruce apologised, “I just wanted to come over and thank you for what you did. I noticed that man was bleeding out, and happened to make eye contact with you. I was praying you were going to be some sort of doctor, and judging by how miraculously you saved his life, would I be correct in assuming that to be the case?”

Hal looked up to meet his eyes, shocked that Bruce Wayne was not only talking to him, but he was praising him! In the pictures Hal had seen of him, he was always unbelievably attractive, but he was somehow hotter in person. His grey eyes and sharp cheekbones were perfect; Hal felt like he didn't have the right to be talking to him.

“Uh, no,” Hal laughed, “I’m an unemployed pilot. Significantly less impressive than a doctor.”

“I disagree,” said Bruce, “it takes a very particular person to be able to be a pilot. A lot of doctors I’ve met were pushed into it by their parents, or just wanted the salary.” Bruce frowned, then continued, “And doctors only ever seem to deliver bad news; a pilot has never told me to watch my cholesterol levels.”

“Well I’ll be the first: you should really watch your cholesterol levels.” Hal said, mocking Bruce, pretending that he wasn’t extremely nervous in his presence.

Bruce laughed, and Hal couldn’t help but fixate on his smile: two dimples framed a perfectly symmetrical grin. The only flaw was his prominent canines, but that only intrigued Hal further.

There was a flash of light, then a deafening clap of thunder, and the rain grew vicious. Bruce looked at Hal (who was still without a shirt), and decisively took off his blazer, then held it to him and said, “Look, don’t try be humble, won’t you please take my jacket—“

“I’m fucking freezing, of course I’m gonna take you up on that offer!” In reality, Hal knew that he could use his ring and make clothes as soon as he was alone, but a billionaire who he admittedly found quite attractive was giving him his jacket - no way in Hell was he going to refuse it.

Bruce nodded, and put it on Hal, who blushed and said, “How gentlemanly of you!”

Bruce knew that Hal was joking, but still explained, “Well a man of my age has no excuse to lack manners.”

“You make it sound like you’re an old fart.”

“Well my kids would certainly say so.”

“I reckon ‘mature’ would be a more flattering way to describe yourself. I mean, you and I seem like polar opposites, and I am undoubtedly the most immature person I know.”

“Ah, so that’s why you’re unemployed, no one trusts you to fly a plane and not do compulsive loop-the-loops.”

At this point, Hal was laughing so hard, he had to wipe a tear from his eye (or a raindrop, there was no real way to tell). Bruce saw the red smear on Hal's hand and suddenly grabbed Hal’s hands, gently wiping the blood off with a handkerchief, holding on for a second too long after he finished. Hal’s cheeks flushed, and all he was able to muster up was a silent “thank you”, as he internally kicked himself.

Bruce nodded, “Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you—“ His brows furrowed, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name?”

“Oh, uh, Hal.” Something about Bruce made Hal struggle to remember his name for a split second. “Hal Jordan.”

“Well I’d love to see you again sometime, Hal. I’m Bruce, by the way.”

Hal snorted, unfortunately unable to stop himself in time, causing Bruce to raise an eyebrow. “Sorry, I just find it funny that you feel the need to introduce yourself. I knew you were Bruce Wayne as soon as I saw past the goddamn gunman!”

“I can usually tell when someone knows who I am, and you didn’t give any indication at all that you did.” Hal highly doubted this, certain that if you looked up ‘star struck’ in the dictionary, there would be a picture of him next to it. He wondered if Bruce was trying to save him from complete embarrassment.

“Dad, hurry up! We’re tired and Jason drank too much at the restaurant, we need to go home already!”

Bruce sighed, “That’s Damian, my youngest. I, uh—"

It was evident that Bruce was embarrassed, so Hal interjected, “Oh yeah, that’s youngest child behaviour for sure,” which thankfully made Bruce laugh. “I’ll let you get home. This evening was odd and terrifying, but meeting you has been…” Hal found himself incapable of finding the right word.

“Wonderful.” Bruce finished. Hal smiled, then turned away from Bruce and began to walk away.

Taking one final glance back, Hal said, “Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“I hope so,” replied Bruce, with an unbroken look as he watched Hal walk away.

#batlantern #dc #fanfic #batman #green lantern #fanfiction #bruce wayne #hal jordan #friends to lovers #enemies to lovers #bruhal

[jeromesxreader16]

Such a Joker (54)

Part 53 Here!

~o0o~

"Who are you?" Bruce's voice booms through the study. He stares at his newly crafted parents with confusion, and shock. His mind must be going in circles. "Well, look who decided to join us," Martha speaks to her boy. "Hello, champ." Thomas follows.

"Master Bruce!" Alfred pops in with a tray of tea and biscuits. Bruce looks at his friend in shock. "Alfred, how did you..."

"Look at the state of you. What have I told you about rolling around in the muck?" Bruce stares at everyone, Jeremiah and I hide away watching for the time being.

"Alfred, what's going on? Who are these people?"

"Whatever do you mean, Bruce?"

"We're your parents." Silence from the billionaire boy Bruce Wayne.

"Right. Well, let's get you spruced up. After all, we have guests."

Jeremiah pulls us both out with smiles. His hand around my waist and his other raising a glass. "Welcome home, Bruce."

"Jeremiah. You're alive." Bruce's eyes travel to mine.

"Well, you didn't think Selina could kill me so easily, did you? Or that I'd ever leave my wife and my unborn sprees? I just had to put you off my scent until I could finalize my... project." Jeremiah pinches Martha's cheek. Bruce lunges for him before Alfred stops him. "Manners, Master Bruce. Let's not be rude to our guests."

I look to Bruce with a slight smile. If I play along I might be able to stay safer if I play the victim. I smile kissing Jer's cheek. "Especially when we come bearing gifts." I present the bomb to them all on the table. "Oh, Mrs. Valaska. A cake. How exceedingly kind of you. Is it Italian meringue?" I look back at Jeremiah with a smile, about to burst into laughter. He shrugs his shoulder. "Sure." Bruce strides towards me with fury, until Jeremiah pulls out the trigger.

"Now, now, Bruce, you come any closer and I blow up Wayne Manor, with all of us inside of it. I have a dozen more of these, uh, Italian meringues sprinkled throughout the house." Bruce glares at me with ill intent. "What did you do to Alfred? And who are these people?" I roll my eyes leaving Jerimiah's side and plopping on the couch. "Ah, glad you asked. Come."

Jer strolls over to look at Wayne's personalized smiles with Bruce. "Mommy and Daddy dearest were just an innocent couple I kidnapped based on... bone structure and, um... build. Just a touch of plastic surgery, and voila... Waynes. Alfred, I nabbed in the Green Zone." Bruce waves his hand in front of their faces, connecting the dots.

"They're hypnotized."

"Well, I'm afraid there was no room for improv in our script. Today is a... very important day, Bruce. Just look at the way they're dressed." I walk around Martha, admiring her pearls. "I like these, J." He hum. "I'll get you some just like it, love, but these ones are important for tonight." I giggle and kiss his cheek.

"It's the night my parents were killed," Bruce says with sadness.

"And I'm giving you the chance to experience it all over again."

"Why?"

"Isn't it obvious? Bruce... this...this was the most important day of your life. And I didn't get to be a part of it. We didn't get to comfort you on your big day. We need to rectify that." I stretch my arms out, planting them on my swollen belly. "Alfred, is dinner done? I'm hungry."

Jeremiah nods looking at Alfred. "Chop-chop. We're on a very tight schedule. My wife needs to eat." Alfred bows his head. "Of course, Mr. Jeremiah."

Jeremiah pulls out a chair for me in the dining area. Very comfortable and quaint! Jeremiah passes me a plate full of fruits and toast. "Alfred told me such great tidbits about your childhood. Any jam, darling?" Jer paused to ask me. I shake my head, kissing his cheek. "No love."

He nods, "Anyways, yes, How you used to eat here, in the kitchen, when it was just you and the family. My, how... homey and intimate. That's exactly how I'm raising my children."

Alfred walks over with Jer's food. "Grilled cheese and Branston pickle sandwich, Mr. Jeremiah. Master Bruce's favorite. My influence, though Thomas did add a dash of aioli for extra flair." Jer looks at Bruce with judgemental eyes. "Oh. Come on, Bruce. That's a weird favorite food for a 12-year-old."

"I'm playing your game," Bruce says smacking the plate off the table. "Now let Alfred and these people go. They're innocent."

"I'm sorry, Bruce, it's just... it's very important to me that I get every detail exactly right. Speaking of which... the final touch. What was it like... losing your parents that night? I lost my family, too, Bruce. The wound still hasn't healed. I... think about it often." Jeremiah falls into his thoughts, trailing off.

"None of this is real. You're trying to manipulate me. It will never be real." Jer smirks seeing the despair and sadness on Bruce's face. "But you are thinking about that night. That's all I need. I just want to be connected to you. I offered for you to be my best friend! You could've been the godfather to my children. But I've realized if we... can't be friends... then we can be connected in other ways."

"How?" Bruce asks frightened.

"You'll see. In time." Jeremiah looks at his watch humming. "I'm sorry to cut tonight short... but... your parents and I have a very important date ...with destiny." He laughs as we stand up and disappear with the Waynes. "You might want to find your faithful butler and leave. Quickly." as we rush out of the home Bruce struggles to find his butler.

Jeremiah runs through the tunnels, dragging me behind. "Exhilarating. Isn't it love?" I grab the wall as we near the end. "I... I need to slow down." His face smooths and he presses his hand to my back. "Aw, my love, I'm sorry. Giving you a hard time today?" His hand comes to my stomach and the twins kick excessively. "When you're around." I laugh leaning onto the soft fabric of his blazer. Jer looks down at me with sad eyes. "This is dangerous. You shouldn't be here." I furrow my brows. "You brought me along!" "And it was foolish of me. Gents, for the rest of the night, keep my wife safe. At safe blast range."

~

"Jeremiah!" Bruce calls in the theater. "Show yourself!"

The screen starts running a film. "Ol?! Hola, Bruce." Jeremiah swings in the frame on the big screen. "Well, here we are, the theater where your mommy and daddy took you to see The Mark of Zorro. Ha-ha! I had heard you were obsessed with this man as a child. I wonder what was it

that intrigued you so? Was it the fact that he struck fear into the hearts of his enemy?" Jeremiah in his costume fights off his enemies on the screen.

"En garde! Take that, you villain."

Jer looks into the screen. "Perhaps the movie was a bit too effective. Isn't this the part where you became frightened? When you asked your parents to leave? I wonder what would have happened if you hadn't done that. If you had conquered your fear. Maybe your parents would still be alive."

"Well, on to the last and final stop down memory lane."

~

Bruce runs out of the theater in a sprint. He stops in his tracks when he sees Jerimiah and I. "Stop! Stop! That's far enough, Bruce."

"Jeremiah. You don't have to do this."

"But I... I do. You see, I-I came to this realization. I realized that no matter what I did to bond us, some random gunman in an alley would be the man who you were tied to the most. The man you saw when you closed your eyes. I want to be the star of the show! Jeremiah says dramatically. "So if I can't have you as a brother bonded by love, then we'll just have to be bonded by hatred." Bruce huffs at him in anger. "And you think killing two people that look like my parents will do that? It won't."

Jer tightens his grip on me. "Well, then it's a good thing I already put a bullet in both of their fraudulent skulls." I look up at him with furrowed brows. "You said-" "Oh, you're both confused. How sweet." I look back to the couple with their backs facing us. "Jer, who is that?"

"You're wondering if I already shot them, then who's this lovely couple?" I jerk away from Jerimiah in an attempt to see the two. "No."

"Thomas, Martha...why don't you turn around?" Tears well in my eyes. "Jer, why?" He looks down at me with venom. "It's always been a roadblock, darling. Even for Jerome. With Jim in the way. No family of ours will survive. So why not have some fun with it, huh?" He winks at me. "No! You- you can't. These kids need him." "They need me," Jerimiah says with a smirk. "And so do you, doll."

"See, Bruce throughout our little adventure, fate brought to me James Gordon and Leslie Thompkins, and I thought to myself, why not... why not kill the man who you think of as your second father figure? And your dear, dear, dear friend Lee Thompkins. And when I do, finally, you and I will be bound together. Because you see...reunification with the mainland hangs on by a thread. Those fireworks go off and toxic chemicals rain down onto the city, and the government...cuts us adrift for good." I let a tear fall. "Jeremiah, please. Don't" He hold me tighter, never letting go of his hold.

Jer pulls me to the car, shoveling me in. "Dad!" I scream over his shoulder.

"I had Jervis Tetch hypnotize them so that they'll wake up the moment these beautiful pearls hit the ground. I want you to see them realize what I've done to them as life drains from their bodies. Never forget, this is all for you, Bruce." Jerimiah hops into the car with me, closing the door as we speed off. I stay silent. Sitting alone. "Aw, darling. Come on now. You know I had to. A wife can never live a life with two sides. You'll understand one day." He kisses my cheek while looking out the windows at his destruction.

"You know... I always liked him." I look up across from me to see Jerome. "He got on my nerves, but he always kept it interesting, didn't he, doll?" I push a smile out on my lips, nodding. Jerome leans over and kisses my forehead. "Cheer up love. Look down, look at our kids. Give them a laugh for me. Keep that one in check." He winks before setting back and vanishing.

I shake my head pushing all the nerves back in my mind. "Jerimiah, love? Where are we going?" He smiles grabbing my hand. "To the finale." Rounding a corner I see the big illuminated letters of ACE Chemicals. The inside reeking of strong odors.

"Jeremiah! Face me!" Bruce's echoed scream bounced through the factory. "Here, Bruce," Jer calls loudly. I stay behind pipes, hidden away safely as Bruce runs after my mad husband.

"Jeremiah! This ends. Tonight."

Both gentlemen on the metal walkway above the vats of acid. Bruce hits Jerimaih making him stumble against the railing. "No, Bruce. Now it begins." Bruce kicks Jerimaih down the catwalk, towering him. "You feel it.

The connection between us. You do. Don't you? Bruce, you feel it." Bruce punches Jeremiah as he continues. "Tell me you feel it."

"You mean nothing to me."

Jerimiah's head butts Bruce before getting to his feet again. "Why don't you understand?" Jer grabs Bruce pushing him against the railing, causing it to bend. "You need me. I'm the answer to your life's question! Without me, you're just a joke...without a punch-" Jerimiah throws his hand at Bruce, but Bruce moves at the right time causing Jer to miss. His arm follows through in the wind, his body hitting the railing hard causing it to break and Jerimiah to fall into the vat. "NO!" I scream running over. Bruce tugs me back as I try to reach down into the vat. "(y/n), no!" I cry holding to the broken railing. "No... no..." I lower my head into my hands. They're both gone. I'm all alone now.

An ambulance rolls up fishing out Jerimiaha's body from the vat. "Miss." I continue to watch as Jerimiah's body is laid on a table and carried away. "Miss." I look up to see a nurse with worry-filled eyes. "I need you to come with me. You've been surrounded by hazardous chemicals. We need to make your child is okay." I nod numbly. Passing Bruce, keeping my head down. "(Y/n)," Bruce calls. "Let me follow." I nod without a word.

~

"Well, Mrs. Valeska. You're set. Two healthy twins." I nod standing. "Where is-" "Room 204. He's unconscious." "I don't care." I stand walking to the locked room, two guards on each side. "I'm his wife," I say before entering. In the bed, Jerimiah lays still, wrapped up in bandages from head to toe. I feel my tears well up with tears. "He did it to himself, doll. Nothing you could've done." Jerome kisses my shoulder, wrapping his arms around me. The ghostly feeling so comforting. I lay hand hands on his feeling the cold skin. "I wish you were here." "I know, but someone else is." The door opens and none other than my father walks in. "Dad." "Oh, my god." He covers his mouth, tears welling up, as he wraps me in his arms. "You're okay." I cry into his shoulder.

Selina and Bruce arrive in the room. "I can't believe he's still alive," Selina says with hatred, but I can't blame her. "They've been doing scans, and he has no brain activity," I say never taking my eyes away from Jer. "So, he's no longer a threat to you. To anyone." I turn around walking away from the room. "(Y/n)," Dad calls out. "Come home with me, honey. You need to be-" "Okay. I'll meet you there." I continue to walk out the doors into the dark night of Gotham, a quiet night. 

#jerome #jerome x reader #jerome valeska #jerome valeska imagine #jerome valeska x reader #jeremiah valeska imagine #jeremiah valeska x reader #jerome valeska smut #Gotham #Gotham City #gotham cast

[australiancarisi]

12 with olivia benson please!

Words: 2550 Remember when I said these were gonna be drabbles… also Nick, Rafael, Mike & Kat are in this because I love them all thx for coming to my ted talk

‘how is my wife more badass than me?’

You groaned as you rolled over to Liv’s side of the bed to turn the blaring alarm off. It took a lot of effort and tries but you eventually managed to turn it off with a huff. You wrapped the blanket around you, closed your eyes and snuggled into Liv’s pillow. You peeped an eye open when you heard Liv chuckle.

“What” you mumbled

“You are just adorable” Liv smiled from the doorway to your bathroom

“Why are you out of bed?” you whined rolling onto you back

“Because although it is your day off my love, it is not mine” Liv said and headed back into the bathroom to continue getting ready.

“But the alarm only just went off. If I’m going to be woken up early on my day off a mere five hours after getting home from my shift, I should get cuddles” you demanded. “I’m not joking” you said as Liv laughed at you. You sat up slightly when you noticed your bedroom door slowly open “here’s my cuddles”

“y/n” Noah ran up and jumped onto the bed and got straight into your arms

“Hello sweet boy, how do you have so much energy at 6 in the morning” you grinned smothering his face with kisses. Noah’s laugh had to up there as one of your favourite sounds, so pure, so innocent. Liv leant against the door frame and watched the two of you together. She had been so nervous when the two of you had started dating about how Noah would take to you, but from the moment he met you, he was glued to your side and you were wrapped around his little finger. Even now, two years into your marriage and nothing had changed.

“See this could have been all yours but now Noah gets all the cuddles” you squeezed him a little tighter making him giggle.

“Alright you two” Liv playfully rolled eyes “Come on Noah let’s get you ready for school before Lucy gets here”

“Nooooo”

“Yesssss” Liv teased him

“But I wanna stay with y/n” 

“I can get him ready” you said with a yawn

“The only thing you are going to do is go back to sleep” Liv said

“But-“

“No buts. You didn’t get home until 1am you need to sleep my love” Liv pecked your lips and reached out to Noah, who just snuggled into you “Noah” he whined again. Your schedule had been all over the place lately. You had been doing doubles and night shifts for the last few weeks, you had barely seen Liv let alone Noah, it was no wonder he was clinging to you

“Go on sweet boy, I promise I’ll be there to pick you up after school” you kissed his forehead

“Promise?” He asked holding his pinkie up. You wrapped yours around his.

“Pinkie promise. 3 o’clock. I’ll be there” with the promise of seeing you later agreed on Noah left.

“Get some sleep my love” Liv smiled kissing you again before turning off the lights leaving you to catch up some much-needed rest.

When you woke up again it was nearly 11am. You jumped up pottered around the house, cleaning up Noah’s toys, putting away any dishes and things that were lying around and doing some laundry. These were your favourite type of days, where you just chilled at home, cleaned and were able to do things at your own pace.

“To what do I owe the pleasure Captain” you grinned, answering your phone

“Do I need a reason to call my wife?” Liv asked. You could basically hear her rolling her eyes.

“No, but it is out of the ordinary”

“What are you doing?” Liv asked, changing the subject

“Just about to leave actually, going to meet Jas for lunch at the café down the street. Even put on jeans for the occasion” You locked the door as you headed out to meet your friend.

“Wow fancy…” she trailed off and you could hear her talking to Sonny and Amanda

“How busy are you today?” you asked when you heard her lift her phone back to her ear

“You don’t even want to know… that’s why I called I doubt I’ll be home for dinner”

“It’s okay- “

“No, it's not” Liv cut you off with a frustrated sigh “I need to be home more, I need to spend more time with you and Noah and- “

“And you need to work. Because it’s what you love, because you are helping the people that need it. You are a good police officer, the best actually. Noah and I can handle a few late nights. Besides Noah needs something to be mad about when he’s a teenager” you joked. You smiled as you heard Liv chuckle a little. You hated how much pressure put on herself to be perfect at everything.

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” Liv asked

“Once or twice but I’ll never grow tired of hearing it”

“I love you”

“I love you too, I’ll see you when I’m looking at you, be safe”

“Always”

“You know you have a stupid look on your face” your friend and co-worker Jas said as you met out the front of the café while hanging up the phone

“It’s called love, you should try it sometime” you teased

“No thank you” Jas replied with a laugh. The two of you sat in the busy café and caught up on everything outside of work. Jas told you about one of the many guys she had on the go at the moment, you gushed about Liv and Noah.

“I mean seriously if I could I’d shove my foot where the sun doesn’t shine” Jas huffed bitching about one of your co-workers.

“I should probably go, need to run a couple of errands before I pick up Noah” You looked at your phone double-checking the time, an hour before you had to get Noah. You and Jas went to stand up when all hell broke loose. Everything changed in a split second. One moment you were sitting there with your friend having an amazing day and the next you were hiding under a table as a man held the café at gunpoint.

“NOBODY MOVE” he screamed turning in a circle with his gun pointed and ready to shoot. “NO ONE MOVES NO ONE CALLS THE COPS” You slowly and quietly got your phone out.

“What are you doing?” Jas whispered, her voice shaking in fear “did you not just hear him?”

“There’s no way I’m not texting Liv” you huffed

Liv sighed as she waited for the coffee machine to brew a new jug. Her eyes felt like they were going to fall out after all the paperwork she had been doing all day. All her detectives had been out either talking to victims or following leads so all she had done today was sit at her desk and do paperwork and reply to emails. Picking up her cup, Liv headed back out to the squad room as she heard everyone return. As Amanda was filling everyone in on the lead that she and Sonny had been following when everyone’s phone buzzed, and officers began moving.

“Café being held at gunpoint” Fin frowned

“Unknown gunman, unknown reason” Kat read from her phone

“I wonder which one” Sonny thought aloud

“Café 98” Liv almost threw her coffee on the nearest desk running into her office to grab her gun and badge.

“How do you know?” Fin asked

“Y/n is there”

Half an hour had passed, you could now hear the sirens of police officers in the distance, Liv responded and told you she was on the way and it was going to be okay. It was only words, but you’d be lying if you said it didn’t make you feel better. The gunman was shouting at the café workers, blaming them for everyone being taken hostage because they didn’t give him money. You took deep breaths and tried to stay calm. The café phone rang, then again and again.

“Someone shut that fucking phone up!” the man yelled

“It’s going to keep ringing” your mouth said before your mind could stop you

“What was that bitch?” He started moving towards you. You slowly stood up, hands in the air.

“The p-phone. It’s the police. They want to talk, and they are going to keep calling until you answer” you stuttered, your confidence slowly falling.

“How would you know?” He sneered “you a cop?”

“No!” you quickly exclaimed “uh no I’m not but I am married to one. My wife is the captain at the 16th” you pulled your phone out of your pocket to show him your lock screen. It was a picture of you and Liv – her in her uniform - when she promoted to captain.

“You answer it then” he motioned with the gun towards the phone. You slowly walked over to the counter, focused on the man and the gun and picked up the phone.

“Hello” you said

“Hello, this is Captain Mike Dodds who is this?” you breathed a sigh of relief at the familiar voice.

Olivia jumped out of the car at the scene, almost before Fin had actually stopped the car. It was chaos. Uniforms were holding back the public as well as journalists. There were lights flashing and being screaming. Olivia could hear people asking if it was a terrorist attack but right now, she didn’t care about motive, all she wanted was to get you out of there. Flashing her badge, she and the rest of the squad were let through and they headed towards ground zero.

“Who’s in charge?” Liv asked a nearby uni who pointed her in the direction. She had a small smile when she saw Mike and Nick hunched over a table. “Captain Dodds, Sargant Amaro”

“Liv” the pair frowned “what are you guys doing here? This is major crimes’ not svu”

“y/n is in there” Fin said

“So what do you know?” Liv asked

“Not a lot. No contact has been made yet. We’re about to try again” Nick said as Mike lifted the phone to his ear.

“Hello, this is Captain Mike Dodds who is this?” Mike asked, his eyes met Liv and he quickly put the phone onto speaker. “y/n is anyone hurt?

“No, no one is hurt. There’s probably about 30 of us in here” hearing your voice was music to Liv’s ears. Mike asked you a few more questions, not that you were able to give him much more information.

“Mike, I need you to tell Liv someone has to get Noah, I was supposed to pick him up from school and he’s going to be so upset if I’m not there” Liv turned to her squad, she hadn’t even thought of Noah.

“I’m on it” Sonny nodded pulling his phone out and moving away from everyone.

The fact that Mike was the person on the other end of the line made you a little less anxious. You tried to give him as much info as possible, but the gunman was not giving you anything, he wouldn’t even tell them what he wanted. 

“Mike, I need you to tell Liv someone has to get Noah, I was supposed to pick him up from school and he’s going to be so upset if I’m not there and-“

“Alright that’s enough” the gunman grabbed the phone out of your hand and hung up. You quickly moved back to your spot under the table. The gunman was growing anxious, pacing around the room, it was clear he didn’t have a plan.

“There’s a back door” Jas whispered “a few of us could get out”

“I’ll distract him”

“I think Liv would kill me if I left you in here” Jas huffed

“If you get out the police can get it, she’ll live with it” you slowly stood back up “you should really stay away from the windows”

“What?” the man spat at you

“The police, they’ll be looking for a spot for a sniper to take you out” you walked towards him, moving around so he kept his eyes on you. Jas and a couple others started to creep towards the door. You were racking your brain trying to remember everything Liv had ever told you about hostage situations.

“Shouldn’t you stay away from the windows to then?”

“My wife’s a cop. You don’t think she’s out there?” you chuckled “And the guy on the phone before? He was her number 2 not too long ago, he got promoted not too long before my wife, he goes to my son’s dance recitals, he’s not gonna let anything happen to me. I doubt there is an officer that doesn’t know what I look like. They aren’t going to shoot me, but they will shoot you” your eyes swept the room quickly, Jas was out.

“Then maybe I should just shoot you” he held the gun to your face. You held your breath and closed your eyes. You thought of Liv and Noah and how much you loved them. Suddenly the back door opened and your eyes shot open.

“NYPD!” the gunman’s attention turned to the police officers, then, without thinking you grabbed the gun and his arm, flipping him to the ground. You quickly ripped the gun from his hand and took it apart.

“Seems you learnt some tricks over the years” Mike grinned coming up to you as one of the other officers handcuffed the man. You wrapped your arms around him and relaxed, you were okay, everyone was okay.

“She’s out there right?” you needed your wife right now

“did you expect her to be anywhere else?” Nick smirked joining you and Mike. He wrapped his arm around you too “took almost everyone to keep her from busting through the door herself” you grinned at that. Classic Liv. Mike and Nick lead you out the front door of the café. The moment you stepped out you found Liv. She was standing with Jas and the rest of the squad. Her eyes locked with yours and you thought you were going to start crying. The two of you ran to each other, throwing your arms around the other.

“Oh my love” Liv squeezed you “are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m okay” you whisper into her neck

“She’s more than okay” Mike said, you pulled back from Liv’s arms. The rest of the squad joined you. “not only did she distract him to get those guys out, when we came in she grabbed his gun and disarmed him”

“Nice” Kat grinned, clearly impressed

“How is my wife more badass than me?” Liv grinned and kissed your forehead

“Learnt from the best” you responded “Noah…”

“All covered, Raf’s got him” Sonny said “He’s no y/n but I’m sure Noah was just as excited to see Uncle Rafa”

“Probably more” you laughed, you grabbed Liv’s hand and squeezed “Let’s go see our son”

“Anything you want my love” Liv kissed your lips “I’m so proud of you”

#law and order svu #law and order svu imagines #law and order fanfic #Olivia Benson #olivia benson x reader #olivia benson imagine #olivia benson fanfic

[the-golden-ghost]

Jigen for send me a character!

I was going to answer this earlier but then I forgot to check my inbox! Alas

First impression: Something to the effect of "this guy looks like he'll be a fun time" before I watched anything. I was seeing stuff on my dash due to @dying-suffering-french-stalkers. My thoughts on him after I watched Cagliostro were kinda wrong cause I thought he was a lot colder and more callous than he ended up actually being, but he's not in Cagliostro a whole lot anyway. Basically I fell for his "tough stoic gunslinger guy" persona lol

Impression now: DAMN this guy slaps. Iconic character A+. I actually think that if it hadn't been for him and Goemon I probably would not have stuck around and watched the show? Like I might have still watched it but I would have likely gotten through only a few episodes. I've already listed the reasons why I like him in a separate ask but yeah he's delightful and I hope that never changes

Favorite moment: Okay so the first moment where I went from "I'm reserving judgement" to "this guy has rights" was in one of the early Part 2 episodes (like 8!?) where he was charged with caring for a dying old man and he inadvertently gave the guy a full bottle of scotch and then killed him. I know this sounds bad (and it was even though the old guy in question was faking his death) but just the whole dynamic of the scene made me cackle

My other favorite moment was probably in That One Episode where he's traveling with a Russian dancer, right at the very end she's like "sike lol" and pulls a gun on him cause it turns out she was using him to smuggle a jewel across the border. Why she couldn't just smuggle jewels on her OWN person remains to be seen but this isn't a show known for its plot anyway he gets the jewel back because it turns out he double-double crossed her and had Lupin & Squad waiting in case of this. And I was like okay cool so it's just gonna end like that. And then he gave her the jewel anyway.

I think it's the only time to date that I've been surprised by something regarding Jigen? He's usually very predictable (in a good way) but there's not much to him really, he's just like *shoots stuff* *complains* *goofs around with Lupin* *sleeps* *complains some more* *whines about Fujiko* *looks cool in a battle* and then this happens, and I'm like... hell, the man's got depths!?

Idea for a story: He and Goemon should be allowed to do a counterheist against Lupin (and Fujiko?) like. "Hey we could TOTALLY pull off our own heist if we wanted to we just don't want to" and then Lupin calls them on their BS and they have to actually do one. Probably they will fail miserably but it'll be funny

Unpopular opinion: His relationship with Fujiko is actually entertaining and I wish it would get explored because it's fun. I mean it's a trainwreck but they're Friends and I'll die on this hill. Jigen will gripe and grouch and say to the ends of the earth that he's not her friend but he is

Favorite relationship: I know I'm Basic and Predictable but I still love his relationship with Lupin. I love the thought of a master thief finding this extremely dangerous and violent hired gunman and being like "I can fix him :) " and then actually succeeding.

I do kinda love the concept of Lupin slowly going from "I need NO ONE I work ALONE I'm LUPIN III I am MAGICAL and INVINCIBLE" but also realizing that he's lonely as all fuck but that when you're an international criminal jumping from country to country you can't really settle down and start a family and also that your choices of people are going to be limited. And maybe the two people in your life are your girlfriend who is wonderful and amazing and perfect in every way but who betrays you on the regular, and the man trying to hunt you down and arrest you. And maybe you want someone more stable than that. Maybe you want someone to come home to at the end of the day. Maybe you start shopping the criminal underground looking for a person who's insane enough to join you and skilled enough to keep up with you and who has enough of a heart left in them that you're not likely to end up sharing a home with a monster.

Anyway that was more about Lupin than Jigen and this was supposed to be short. Jigen. I like the concept of a guy who's just going through the motions of life cause it's not like he kills for the thrill but he kills cause he can and cause he can't do anything else. It's just what it is. And then he runs into a guy who wants him to be a protector rather than a killer. And then he falls so deep into that role that he never gets out of it, and in the process he heals and starts to live again.

Favorite headcanon: I'll be honest I still think the "Jigen reflexively shoots his gun at the TV while playing video games" headcanon is hilarious

#Lupin III #I TRIED. I TRIED NOT TO RAMBLE THAT MUCH

[bytheangell]

Hanging By a Moment

Whumptober 2020 prompt: held at gunpoint (Read on AO3)

Magnus is standing alone outside the restaurant when, through the thin fabric of his shirt, he feels the distinct press of cold metal against his back. Every muscle in his body tenses at once - he doesn’t need to be able to see what it is to instinctively know what’s happening.

“Don’t move, don’t yell,” a deep voice orders, then waits a few seconds to make sure Magnus is going to comply. He does, remaining silent and still. “Now turn around, hands where I can see them. Don’t try anything stupid.”

Magnus does as he’s told, but very slowly, trying to buy himself time to think. A million thoughts rush through his mind, but two stand out more than the others. The first is that Alec is going to walk outside and see this, and that is not going to go well. The second is that he’s in real danger here. Actual, life-threatening danger, from something so goddamn mundane as a street robbery.

On any other day - hell, even on this day about four hours prior - Magnus could’ve used his magic to easily disarm a mundane man with a gun. But now, after using every last drop of his magic between a demanding spell for a client and a surprise demon attack he hadn’t expected to help the Shadowhunters with, Magnus is tapped out. That’s why he’s walking home with Alec instead of portaling, and why they’re buying food on the way instead of snapping it into the apartment, ready to go.

Magnus isn’t sure he'd be able to flick the weapon away if he tried, and he certainly couldn’t raise a solid enough barrier in front of him if the man shoots.

Apparently, Magnus isn’t turning fast enough: rough hands grab him by the shoulder and force Magnus around to face his assailant. It’s already difficult to see in the dark, with the neon of the restaurant sign the only light between distant streetlamps. Whoever it is only has their eyes visible, the rest of their face obscured by a hat and bandana tied over their nose and mouth - not that Magnus is paying much attention to aesthetics. His eyes are drawn to the barrel of the gun pointed at him instead, and he wonders if this is how his centuries of life will come to an end. Decades of war and battles and standing up against more injustices than he can list, facing down other warlocks, werewolves and vampires and Nephilim and literal demons… he survived all of that, and a mundane being hard-up for cash may be what finally ends the life of Magnus Bane.

“I don’t have much on me,” Magnus admits, which is true. “There’s some cash in my wallet. I can grab it for you-” Magnus lowers his hands to reach for his wallet, only to pull them back up by his head when the man takes a step closer.

“No! Hands up,” the robber says, just as the door behind Magnus opens and he tenses all over again, knowing exactly who walked out.

“Alexander, darling, I’m going to advise you to stay there, please.” It takes every last ounce of self-control for him to not turn back around and look at Alec.

Magnus hears Alec take a step forward anyway, and the gun shifts from Magnus to a spot over his shoulder, which is exactly what Magnus was afraid of. The gunman is jumpy now, outnumbered even though Magnus’ hands are empty and Alec’s are full of takeout bags.

“How about we all take a second and calm down,” Magnus advises, partially for his own benefit considering the fact that his heartbeat has doubled, if not tripled, in pace since Alec stepped outside. At least now the gun is trained back on him instead of Alec.

Magnus isn’t sure if Alec’s strength and speed runes are active from the fight still, or if he’d have time to activate them or be able to beat a bullet if he tries to make a move. What Magnus is sure of is that he’d rather not find out the answer.

He’s very aware that having a gun aimed at him being the best option is not saying much for the current situation.

“Magnus-” Alec’s voice is strained and frightened, and Magnus is actually glad he can’t see his face right now because he isn’t sure he could handle whatever expression he’d find there. He can probably count on one hand the number of times he’s seen Alec visibly ruffled, and every time was over an injured sibling. It’s a look he doesn’t think he could stomach seeing on Alec here and now, because of him, and especially not if Magnus being the cause of Alec’s worry makes him try something foolishly heroic.

“I’m fine,” Magnus cuts in, not wanting the attention back on Alec. “We’re all fine. Just take the goddamn wallet and go,” Magnus snaps, now also on edge in a way he wasn’t before Alec was in danger, too. Magnus nods toward his right side and the man, gun still in hand, steps forward to reach into Magnus’ pants pocket and pull out the wallet.

Magnus is conscious of the sound of bags crackling behind him, Alec’s grip on them likely tightening anxiously. He doesn’t turn around to confirm and instead keeps a neutral, placating expression that never leaves the masked man.

The robber eyes them both, maybe wondering what else he can get off the two of them, when the sound of voices at the other end of the street spook him, and he takes off instead.

Magnus watches him go until he’s certain the guy isn’t going to change his mind and turn back around, and then in a very undignified moment his knees go weak and Alec drops the takeout bags to the ground to catch Magnus before he falls.

“Magnus!” Alec says, supporting Magnus before moving them both to a bench a few feet away. “Are you alright?”

“Physically, yes. My pride, on the other hand-” Magnus tries to joke, but the tremor in his voice gives away how shaken up by the event he truly is.

“Let me call Cat, she can portal us home and-”

“No,” Magnus says, shaking his head. “No, I’m fine. I think that was just a moment of shock. I just… need a minute.”

“You’re shaking,” Alec points out as if Magnus isn’t aware. His hands are trembling as much as his legs even though he’s sitting down. “I should-”

“One fucking minute, Alexander, please,” Magnus snaps, and Alec falls silent and still beside him. Magnus takes a few deep breaths, willing his body to stop betraying him like this.

“I’m sorry,” are the first words he says once his voice is level again, his pulse no longer racing. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

“I shouldn’t have pushed,” Alec dismisses. “What do you need?”

They’ve had this talk before, when Magnus needs a moment to think something through before making an important decision, even if it’s an emergency, or when he’s upset and needs a moment to distance himself from whatever’s upsetting him before reacting. Having people toss out offers and suggestions is too overwhelming - asking him what he needs seems to work best, which is exactly what Alec does now.

They’re both going through an ordeal, and Magnus obviously doesn’t blame Alec for being a little too insistent in trying to help him.

“Nothing. I really just needed a moment,” Magnus promises. He’s fine. Alec’s fine. He won’t miss the wallet or the money inside (though he will miss several of the personal photos kept within). He’s safe, and Alec is safe, and that’s all that matters.

“I wouldn’t have let him hurt you, Magnus,” Alec says, bringing a hand up to cup Magnus’ cheek so he’s forced to look at him, to see the serious expression on his face and the weight of that promise. “I hung back because you said to, but if he made a move…” Alec takes a deep breath to keep himself from getting too worked up over what-ifs. “You know I’ll always protect you, Magnus.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” Magnus mutters under his breath, not really meaning for Alec to hear him but the words come out a bit louder than he intends in his bitterness.

“Of course I should-” “I should be able to protect myself! Hell, I should be able to protect both of us, and instead, I was useless back there!” Magnus says, and though his tone is sharp it’s obviously not anger aimed at Alec, but at himself.

“You weren’t useless,” Alec insists. “You de-escalated a situation that could’ve ended with someone hurt, or dead. And the only reason your magic is tapped out is because you came to protect me earlier. I don’t know about you, but none of that seems particularly ‘useless’ to me.”

Magnus knows there’s truth to Alec’s words, even if he can’t bring himself to feel properly comforted by them - not while his fight-or-flight instincts are still on high alert on the city street, half-expecting the man to come back and prove Magnus right by finishing what he started.

Magnus’ eyes drift to the bags of takeout on the pavement, the contents of the broken containers soaking through the bag and spilling out onto the ground. “Looks like we need new food,” he frowns. “But…”

“What is it?” Alec asks.

It feels ridiculous to admit that he’s still shaken up enough that the idea of staying out longer without his magic is seriously distressing. He knows Alec won’t judge, but at this point, Magnus is judging himself. He’s better than this - he should be better than this. He’s been in situations like this before, situations much more dangerous than the one he was just in... but never without his magic, and that’s what makes all the difference. Sure, Alec probably could’ve taken the guy, but it’s the fact that Magnus couldn’t - that he froze in the moment - that bothers him.

“I don't particularly want to be out any longer than we have to right now,” Magnus confesses. “I don’t want a portal,” he adds quickly because as uncomfortable as he is, they're only a few blocks away at this point. Realistically, he knows that standing next to Alec makes the chance of anyone trying to get the jump on the both of them much more unlikely. “But I’d rather not make any detours.”

Alec hesitates slightly, and Magnus knows him well enough to know he’s debating suggesting they call Cat again despite Magnus’ insistence not to. It’d be endearing if Magnus’ nerves weren’t frayed to the point of snapping. 

“If that’s what you want,” Alec agrees at length, resigning himself to following Magnus’ lead whether he agrees with it or not. “We aren’t far from the Loft, let’s get back and order delivery?” Alec offers. He doesn’t stand to leave yet, waiting for Magnus to answer first before doing anything.

“Yeah, okay,” Magnus agrees, standing up from the bench. His legs still feel a little shaky, but he doesn’t wobble. “That sounds good.”

Alec wraps his arm around Magnus’ waist and pulls him in close, an action that’s equal parts protective and comforting. For a moment Magnus nearly pulls away, instinctively wanting to prove that he’s fine enough to handle himself again. And he is… except he doesn’t want to pull away.

Instead, Magnus allows himself to lean into the touch, embracing those feelings of support and safety and doing his best not to feel weak for needing them.

#malec #magnus bane #alec lightwood #shadowhunters #tsc #tw: gun #cw: gun #IT'S A HAPPY ENDING I SWEAR #continuing to yeet these whumptober prompts from months ago out into the void so I don't look at them every day in my WIPs folder jkfljdskl #long post #elle writes a few deadbeat lines