#according to cass the answer is yes

[yall-send-help]

THEY HIT THE TOWER

THEY HIT THE SECOND TOWER

THEY HIT THE PENTAGON

[necrotic-nephilim]

there is not enough femslash in batcest circles. the girls deserve to be just as weird about each other as the boys are. if BruDick gets to be weird father/son/brothers/lovers/friends/rivals/soulmates then it is only fair that Babs/Cass get to be mother/daughter/sisters/lovers too. Something about that deep intrinsic but undefinable love that is born out of trauma, especially if you consider Cass not knowing what healthy love looks like in the first place. i think it's fun and deserves just as much fandom content.

besides that, you can get even more niche with rarepairs like Helena/Steph. Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma is already a fantastic comic and even though it's their only real canon interaction it has so much potential. very comparable to TimJay in how Helena tries to get Steph to understand her morals and the corruption you could play with it.

batman: huntress/spoiler: blunt trauma (1998)

that comic also highlights on how both Steph and Helena are outcasts of the Batfamily and don't have the approval of Bruce to be doing what they do in "his city". I think there's so much Potential in Helena taking Steph under her wing because Bruce won't let her in and it becomes a weird codependent toxic sapphic mess. I think the protectiveness Helena feels over Steph from the get-go is so clear and the way she wants to look out for Steph, wants to make sure Steph understands the real world? I love them. Helena should be allowed to steal Steph, actually. I think it'd be fun.

there are a lot of other possibilities too like Babs/Steph or even getting weird with Helena Bertinelli/Helena Wayne and the existential question of "is it selfcest or not." But these two specifically live in my head rent-free, especially Helena/Steph and one day I'll convince everyone else to ship it too.

[thealtoduck]

Secret Saviour

Damian Wayne x Male Reader

Warnings: None…

Part 1: Being the son of Roulette and meeting Damian Wayne…

Summary: When Bruce goes missing Damian finds an unexpected help in Y/n Sinclair…

(A/n: I changed the title from the poll)

——

Ever since the two of you studied together you and Damian had grown fond of each others company. Despite that Damian would never admit this fact, he insisted to his family that he was simply investigating you to see if you were somehow involved with your mother’s criminal activities.

He hadn’t actually found anything suspicious connecting you to Roulette yet which pleased him. Because according to him it means ”he dosen’t have to contact the GCPD… yet”. But Damian would have to put his ”investigation” on halt for a bit.

One dark night during patrol Bruce had suddenly disappeared without a trace, no comms could reach him and they had no way to track him except for the Batmobile’s last location, which hadn’t revealed the slightest hint. His allies looked for him for days trying to find even the smallest clue that would at least let them know he was alive but nothing.

Just when they felt like there was no where else to look they got a call from the watchtower. They answered and Martian Manhunter appeared on the screen of the Batcomputer.

”Hey J’onn, good news I hope” Dick greeted. ”The watchtower recieved an urgent message about Batman’s current whereabouts from an unknown source” J’onn said and another voice started playing from the speakers, one which Damian recognized…

”Is this the watchtower?” A voice came over a weak signal making the sound crackle lightly. Despite the bad audio quality Damian knew that voice immediately it was Y/n’s voice. ”I know Batman has disappeared and I think I know where he is, have someone meet me on the 4th floor of parking garage next to the Royal Hotel, on Wednesday at midnight and I’ll tell you what i know”.

The message then ended and J’onn said ”I’ll let you decide how to deal with the informant, make sure to be careful, contact the League if you need any further help, good luck”. Then he hung up and disappeared from the main screen.

”Do we go meet the informant? It could be a trap to get us too” Duke questioned. ”We don’t have anything else to go off, this could be our only lead, we have to go” Tim stated. ”How about two of us go meet the informant, while the others keep watch in the surrounding area and Oracle monitors, incase it’s a trap” Dick said drawing up a plan.

The others muttered and nodded in agreement of the plan. ”I wanna meet the informant” Damian then voulenteered on impulse making the others turn to him suprised by his eagerness. But Damian needed to make sure it was you, even if you might be luring him in to a trap.

”Alright” Dick said and walked them through the plan ”Me and Damian meet the informant on the 4th floor. Jason, you keep an eye from above the top of the Royal Hotel. Cass and Steph, i want one of you on the 5th floor and one on the 3rd floor, incase we need back up. Duke and Tim, you’ll watch from the building across the street, everyone clear?”.

The each member of the team uttered a quick ”Yes” in understanding. As Damian went to bed he knew needed to keep an eye on you tommorow.

——

The next day when Damian attended school he was on the watch for you. Once he found you, you greeted Damian as you usually did but as you got to class he noticed you seemed off. You were usually the more talkative out of the two of you but today you seemed distracted, almost nervous today.

When you got to lunch time and you and Damian sat down together he questioned ”Are you okay? You’re being quiet”. ”Oh… no I’m fine I just got a lot to do, so just a bit stressed you know” you answered vaguely.

The fact that Damian had pointed it out, made you seem more focused and yourself, he assumed it was to not seem suspicious and make him ask more questions. Once the school day ended you were quick in saying goodbye to him before you got in to a car as your chauffeur took you home.

——

Later that night Nightwing and Robin grappled to the 4th floor of parking garage and started looking around. There were some cars parked there that they kept a watchful eye on in case any goons were hiding inside. Soon the two spotted a figure dressed in all black.

The figure was looking down to the streets below the garage. The two approached slowly ready to grab their weapons in case of an ambush. As they stopped behing the stranger he turned around.

Damian had been right there you were hidden in a black hoodie. Not something you’d usually wear but Damian understood it was for stealth purposes. And even then he thought black suited you well.

Dick however was caught slightly off guard a kid was the one who had made an emergency call to the Watchtower…

”Thanks for meeting me” you said, your voice cautious as you looked around to see no one would hear you. ”So, what do you know?” Nightwing asked.

”I think that Batman was taken by the criminal, Roulette, ever heard of her?” you started. ”Yeah, she’s the one who runs those illegal cansinos, what makes you think she’s behind this?” Dick asked.

”I… have sources who work closely with her” you said Robin and Nightwing noticing the slight hesitation in your voice. ”They say she’s advertising a special event with her superhero cage fights that started around the same time Batman went missing” you explained.

”Any idea where she might have taken him?” Robin spoke up, his voice throwing you off for a moment, Robin sounded kinda like Damian. You got back on track and answered ”My guess would be her casino in Las Vegas, it’s her biggest one, she holds all her major events there and I think she’d make having captured Batman, a big event”.

You held out a flash drive in your hand and said ”This contains the layout of the Vegas casino”. Nightwing picked it up and said ”Thank you, you’ve been very helpful to us”.

”It’s the least I could do after all you’ve all done for the city” you told him with a small smile. ”I have to leave now” you told them. ”Good luck” you said walking off, you felt someone grab your shoulder.

Making you turn around being met with Robin. ”You shouldn’t walk home alone, It’s dangerous this late at night, someone should escort you” he stated. You smiled at him. ”Don’t worry I’m a tough boy, who can take care of himself, thanks for the offer though” you stated, a teasing tone to your voice and you once more turned around and strolled off.

——

Dick and Damian then started their drive home in the Batmobile. ”I wonder what sources he had, hope he’s not mixed up in that crowd, he seemed pretty young” Dick said with a worried tone.

”That was Y/n Sinclair, he probably got the info straight from Roulette herself” Damian revealed. ”Oh! That was your boyfriend? The one you’re ”investigating”? He seemed nice, I like him, Good pick” Dick stated.

”He’s NOT my boyfriend!” Damian said annoyed.

”You just offered to walk him home” Dick accused. Damian glared at his brother and said ”Just to make sure he stays out of trouble”.

”…Right” Dick said not believing a single word Damian said.

[moosesarecute]

December 7th

December Masterlist

Masterlist

Azriel’s letters to Y/N:

Are you out there?

Azriel opened his eyes and noticed he was in Madja’s clinic. He blinked a few times to get used to the brightness of daylight and slowly sat up.

His head was beating so badly it made him feel drunk.

“You’re on a strong pain relief potion,” Nesta told him. She sat besides him in a chair and read a book. “Cassian, Rhysand and Feyre are speaking with Madja and have been for the last two hours or so.”

Memories started to float back. He remembered the feeling of your mating bond, of your emotions. He dug deep into his chest and pulled on the tread, but as usual, it was nothing on the other end. Only darkness.

“They’re worried about you. We all are,” Nesta continued.

Azriel heard her words, but he felt way too drowsy and confused to answer.

Did he actually feel you? Or was he too far gone mentally that he just imagined he did?

It wouldn’t be too weird if he had actually gone mad. It had been seen many times before. Males losing their mates and losing their minds at the same time.

But he had thought he had gotten better. The first few months without you was torture, but he thought that with therapy and enough courage, he would manage to live without you. Apparently not.

“Are you okay?” he asked his shadows.

“Yes, master, but we felt her too. We truly did.”

Azriel refused to get his hopes up, but he had felt you. He felt your warmth. He could almost hear your laughter. Almost smell your comforting smell.

“I’m sorry you have to go through this,” Nesta said and reached for his hand. His shadows dried away the start of some tears he hadn’t noticed were starting at his eyes. “I’m here if you need something.”

He only nodded.

The door to his room opened and the rest of his family came in. Azriel saw many different emotions on their faces, but he didn’t bother analysing them.  

“You’re awake! I’ll get Madja,” Feyre said and left the room again.

“How are you?” Cass asked him. Concern was filling his entire voice.

“I’m okay. Drowsy.”

He got no more questions. They stayed silent until Madja came. It seemed like they had a heated discussion before he woke, but he didn’t feel like asking about it.

Madja did her tests. She asked questions and he answered by nodding or shaking his head. Speaking felt unnecessary. She wanted him to stay one more night. He didn’t respond.

He had felt you. He you were back, for just a few seconds, and then he lost you again.

He felt the heaviest he had since the day you disappeared.

Annette woke in her bed. She laid under at least three furs. It took some time for her to remember what had happened.

She was outside. And she had passed out.

“Drink this” she heard Cathrine’s soft voice and soon a cup with her medicine was in front of her lips. She drank it all, even though it tasted almost worse than usual. Her chest was pulling and beating painfully, but the medicine helped a little. Cathrine’s hand was soon stroking her cheek. “Do you remember me?”

Of course she remembered her. Why wouldn’t she?

“Yes,” Annette answered, sounding confused.

“And what is the last thing you remember?”

She sat up slowly as she grew even more confused.

“I was out in the forest and passed out after my chest started hurting. What’s with these questions?” she asked, but her voice was weak from the pain.

Cathrine let out a relived laughter. She shook her head. It was almost like Annette had just told a joke.

“Something similar happened when you first lost your memory, Annie. We are so happy we found you faster this time.” Cathrine spoke as she carefully tucked Annette further into the furs. It was like she was trying to make sure she couldn’t move. “Stay here. I’ll get you some food.”

Annette stayed in her bed as Cathrine left.

“Something similar happened when you first lost your memory.”

She wished she could remember.

Last time, she had wandered out and passed out. According to her family, she would go out often, but always come back as evening got closer. When she didn’t come home, they went to look and found her passed out. It had taken days for her to wake up and she was panicked when she didn’t know who they were.

The passing out and the panic had damaged her heart. Annette held a hand above her heart. It was beating like it should. It comforted her to feel that her heart was fine.  

She wondered what life was like before having any chest pain. She only remembered what it was like needing medicine every couple of days.

Just thinking about her medicine made the aftertaste in her mouth grow stronger.

She wished it was a different tasting medicine that would have the same effect. Annette had been on the same medicine for as long as she could remember. And even though her memory only went a little over three years back, she thought that three years without seeing a healer was long enough.

“What are you thinking so hard about?”

Annette hadn’t noticed Cathrine came back into her room. She was now carrying a bowl of soup. The heat was steaming up and Annette could almost feel the heat from just looking at it. She crawled out of her covers and reached for the bowl.

“Do you think I could go see a healer?” she asked carefully, but she was too invested in her soup to see how Cathrine froze for just a second.

“Are you okay? Does your chest hurt?”

“No, I’m fine!” Annette lied and tried to reassure her. “It’s just that my medicine tastes so bad, I was hoping there was a better tasting one I could try.”

Cathrine let her shoulders slump a little as she let out a sigh of relief. She then turned to look closer at Annette.

“I’m afraid not, Annie. We tried multiple medicines for you, but it was before you lost your memory. But I agree that it isn’t the best one. I have already upped the dosage for you.”

Oh, so that’s why it tasted worse than usual. It was just more of it.

Annette accepted the answer she got and ended up falling asleep after her warm soup was eaten.

She woke after a couple of hours. Her heart was beating and her muscles felt like she had just been running from her life. She stood up from bed but was too dizzy to walk. Her legs gave out and she just barely managed to hold on to the bed before she slumped onto the floor.

“Cathrine? Bru?” she tried to call out, but her voice was too weak.

She couldn’t breathe. Her lungs weren’t working. The room started to spin, and she laid down on her back.

“Annette?”

She heard Cathrine’s voice in the distance, but she was too weak to react to it.

Her vision was filled with black spots, and Annette passed out once more.

She dreamt a lot in this sleep.

She was flying over a beautiful city. The sun was shining, and she was laughing.

But she wasn’t alone.

She was surrounded by other fae like her. Their wings were magnificent. They were flying with her. Laughing with her.

She couldn’t see their faces or hear their voices, but they were there, and they knew her.

The wind was steering their direction as they flew. It wasn’t scary. It felt peaceful. Annette felt free. She felt as if everything she had ever missed was gone. She was where she was supposed to be. Flying.

Taglist: @prettylittlewrites @hailqueenconquer @onebadassunicorn @mich0731 @tele86

Let me know if you want to be added!

Dividers by @issysh3ll

[casscainmainly]

I know your not really much of a Jason Todd fan but I kinda wanna hear your opinion on this. Is the Bruce Wayne Brainwshing Jason Todd still canon? If so so you think it’s out of character for Bruce to do this.

Also how do you feel about Bruce’s characterization in modern comics in general actually?

Honestly it’s one of the reasons I’m kinda hesitant to read the comics, because while I’m super interested in all the lore- both Batman himself and his family (especially Cassandra she sounds awesome I love characters that show unwavering, intense dedication to compassion)I DONT want to read comics where Bruce is like, a completely awful paranoid asshole with none ofhis redeemable qualities (I got interested in Batman via clips of the JLU/BTAS)And according to a lot of Batman fans his characterization in this respect has been on a downward spiral for years now.

Like I’m not even a “god dad Bruce Wayne” person, I think his actions regarding Stephane Brown make a lot of sense for him actually and play into the effect that Jason Todd’s death has on him well and kinda wanna read me about that outside of fanfiction.

PS.Sorry if this ask is long and kinda random, I know this is mostly a Cassandra Cain blog.

Interesting question!! I'm not an expert on Bruce or Jason, so I'll answer to the best of my knowledge. I'm assuming Bruce brainwashing Jason is a reference to Gotham War, when he injects fear toxin into Jason's brain to make him afraid anytime he experiences adrenaline. I haven't read this so I can't comment too much, but this breakdown is useful if you want context for what led Bruce to this moment; it did happen in an in-continuity comic, so yes, it is (unfortunately) canon.

Some things to note for the context of Gotham War is that Bruce is grappling with Zur-En-Arrh, a sort of second personality. While this doesn't make it good writing, Bruce is not 100% in-character when he injects Jason. Whether or not that absolves him of wrongdoing is questionable, but it's a little unfair to Bruce as a character, and even to Chip Zdarsky as a writer, to think the thing with Jason was meant to be an in-character moment. So while I do think injecting Jason is out of character, that's kind of the point of the arc.

That's not to say the run is well-written. I can't judge myself, but many people dislike this run for numerous reasons. But this is just one of Bruce's modern runs - there are many more amazing Bruce comics out there. Ram V's Detective Comics and Scott Snyder's Absolute Batman are two fantastic takes on Bruce (though the latter is an alternate universe and ongoing, it's so far extremely entertaining!).

There will always be better and worse times for a character's characterisation, and you will encounter some horrible stuff in canon, but you'll find some life-changing stories too. You sound like you genuinely want to delve into comics, so please do! Don't let the risk of reading something bad stop you - there is so much good in here, stories that will make you laugh and cry and stick in your mind forever.

Since you're specifically looking for dad Bruce Wayne stuff, here are some recommendations!

Batgirl (2000): a very nuanced portrayal of Bruce as a dad to Cass. Definitely not a Good Dad Bruce at all, but he genuinely loves her and tries his hardest. 5/10 on the Good Dad Bruce scale.

Tynion's Detective Comics (2016): very good starter comic in general for the Batfam, and Bruce has numerous sweet moments with Tim and Cass (Steph too, if you count her as a kid). 8/10 on the Good Dad Bruce scale.

Robin & Batman (2021): not 100% sure if this is in continuity, but it's 3 issues and a lovely depiction of early Dick and Bruce. Features very realistic mishaps on Bruce's part, but sets up the foundation for a strong, beautiful relationship. 6.5/10 on the Good Dad Bruce scale. (This is also getting a sequel featuring Jason!)

World's Finest: Batman/Superman (2022-): an ongoing series that is pure comic book fun. Robin!Dick features heavily here, and there's some wonderful Batdad moments. 8.5/10 on the Good Dad Bruce scale.

Tom Taylor's Nightwing: probably the best dad Bruce in modern comics, and has very sweet moments with Dick throughout. One big caveat is the characterisation can be off, so I recommend this only in the context of Bruce being a good dad to Dick. 10/10 on the Good Dad Bruce scale.

You also can't go wrong with either Batman and Robin (2011) or (2023), which focus on Damian and Bruce (haven't read either but 2023 in particular seems to have good dad Bruce). Batman & The Signal and Batman & The Outsiders (2019) have great Duke-Bruce moments, while Bruce Wayne: The Road Home: Batgirl is the best Steph-Bruce stuff we'll ever get that isn't wildly out of character. Batman and Robin: Year One is currently coming out for more Robin!Dick and Bruce relationship cuteness and drama.

I hope that answered your ask! I am mostly a Cass blog but I do love to talk about other characters so no need to apologise :)).

[b1ravenclaw]

Is it true? - part 2

azriel x reader, cassian x reader

warnings: sugestive

Once back in my chambers I didn't let myself dwell much on choices of clothing, it was only Cassian, so my clothes were only needed to warm me outside of the water. After having picked out my warmest coat I headed to our meeting point, and I tried not to think much of the shadows that seemed to follow me and Cassian as we made our way towards the lake. 

“Soooo…” Cassian started looking at my shivering form, “I thought winter court citizens didn’t feel cold?” 

“We do feel cold,” I say watching as his own wings start to tremble at the accumulated snow on them, “but we do endure it a lot better then others. Don’t you want a scarf to wrap around your wings?”

“I don’t need a scarf.” He said as if offended.

“If you say so,  my wings aren’t the ones shivering.” 

“Hmpf.” We circled around the castle and just as Cassian began making his way towards the nearest lake I stopped him. 

“What? Change of plans?” He asked as he followed me. “Is this a ploy to get me on your bed or get me killed?”

“Please if I wanted you on my bed you would know.” 

“Killing me is it then?” 

“Hmm, not quite. If I did want to kill you I would just turn up in your chambers, no need to lure you out of it.” His tan skin paled, more than it already was given the cold. I laughed loudly. “I”m only joking General, now come on, that wasn’t the proper lake for our late night escapade.” 

“Hmm, and why is that?”

As I looked  around our surroundings, trying to remember the exact same path Kallias showed me when we were younger, I explained to him that it wasn’t just any cold lake you needed to bathe. It was a cold shimmering lake that only glowed on nights of full moon. And lucky for him, it was a beautiful night of full moon. 

“So it is true then?”

“Of course it is, have you ever been met with a legend that turned out to be a complete and utter lie?” Cassian opened his mouth to answer, but it wasn’t his voice that graced my ears, no, the voice that spoke was so nicely fitting to a night in winter court that it may just as well have been the song of the wind. But it wasn’t.

“I have not, yet.” 

“Azriel! By the Cauldron.” 

“And what are  you doing here?” My voice was cold through my gritted teeth. 

“You are luring a vital member of my court out of the castle of your own court, surely you know how that must look?”

“He came to his own accord.” 

“Court, accord, a court… Blah, blah, blah. Come on, she was just getting to the good part.”

“And what “good part” would entail?  The so called lake? Crescida said-”

“Crescida knows not of the Winter Court, she is from Day.” Jealousy seeps through me as easily as snow, and he senses it. The bastard knows it. She really needed to get it together. 

“Jealous much?”

“Wouldn’t you like it?”

“Yes. Yes I would.” I roll my eyes then. 

“Cass,” I say with a softness in my voice that wasn’t there before. “Follow me.” And I don’t need to turn to know the Shadowsinger is right on our tail.

“Wow.”

“Yeah, wow.”

The Shadowsinger is deemed speechless, Cassian on the other hand can not stop talking of how utterly beautiful it all is. And truly it is, there is snow all around the lake, but the water is not frozen, instead it dances with life reflecting the stars and the moon above. 

“It is almost a mirror of the night sky, except…”

“Except more beautiful.” Azriel completes for me, and finally I turn to him. And damn him for his beautiful moonlit face.  I clear my throat, starting to undress and both male’s eyes are trained on me.

“The thing is, you only get more beautiful inside tha lake, once out you look just the same as you came in.” 

“Ah, boohoo.” Both me and Azriel shushed Cassian for his loud voice. 

“Do you want the guards to come down?” I asked in a hushed tone.

“Wait, are we not supposed to be here?” Azriel asks.

“Of course not.” I said, ridding myself of the last item of clothing, laid bare before them. “Are you boys coming or not?” 

I hear both male’s clearing their throats and scrambling with their clothes. 

“You know it would have been a lot easier if you guys had just put on a coat like I did.”

“Well I didn’t want you to think I was trying to seduce you.”

“Seduce me?” I ask a brow raised, “believe me, it would take more than that to get me into your bed.” And with that I dive right into the water, the lake warmer than the air and I revel in the feeling of the water on my skin. When I breach the surface Cassian is tiptoeing to get in the water, and Azriel is already inside. Completely and utterly naked. He is glowing, and I know I am too if the look on his face is any pointer. 

“Cass, just relax.” 

“I can’t, my dick is freezing.” 

“Oh you poor babe.”

“Maybe we should snuggle up to get warmer.” 

“Yeah, Azriel is close to you.”

“Don’t even think about it Cassian.” I hear right before I five into the water again. 

The merpeople blood in my veins singing with every impulse I took underwater. There was a whole other world under there, the deeper I got the more the small fishes felt brave to swim around me. It was quiet here, underwater, no air to fill my lungs, no thoughts to fill my mind. No shadowsinger to bother my heart. But I was no mermaid and my lungs eventually did need air. 

“Oh Mother, she's alive.” Came Cassian’s relieved voice.

“We almost thought you would not come up.” Azriel said quietly. I simply shook my shoulders.

“Nothing that can kill me.” “It could.”

“It can’t.” I said coldly. Suddenly too tired for all of this, for all of him His skin was glowing under the stars, but it was Azriel’s eyes that enchanted me even more that night, they were glowing like never before.

“Y/n…” 

“What Cass.”

“You are marvelous.” 

“You look marvelous too, Cass. But remember it’s only the water.” 

“Yeah I know, it’s just…” He got closer then, his shoulder almost brushing mine. His eyes trailed down my body, my wet hair, my hardened nipples, lower to where the water hid the rest of me. And I stared back, to his muscled arms, muscled chest, his wings behind him, the total opposite of my white feathered ones. “Aren’t you cold?” He asked, eyes trained on my wet wings. 

“I told you, I can endure the cold quite well, General.”  I smirked at him, and a growl sounded from behind me, the water had small waves of movement. I scented Azriel, and as I felt him getting closer I leaned closer to Cassian. “If you would like someone to warm up, maybe give Crescida a visit, Shadowsinger.” 

“She isn’t staying the night.” 

“Of course.” That’s why the bastard was here, fucking prick. “Then I suppose I should leave you two to warm each other up.”

“I don’t want Cassian to warm me up.” He said taking a step toward me, and I started swimming to the edge of the lake. 

“Hey!”

“I’m sure he won’t mind it’s Crescida’s lips you are imagining around your cock instead of his.” I say darkly.

“It is that what you think of me?”

“What? Shadowsinger. That you are impersonal, yes you have made that quite clear.”  I say ready to leave them both behind in the water.

“No.” His voice makes me stop, and I hear Cassian cursing quietly and then his wings flapping. If I looked up I was sure I would see him bare up in the sky. “Do you really think I imagine others when I bedded with you?”

“You mean fucked. Bedded would suggest we were courting.” My tone is meaner than what I intended, but I didn’t care. I was bothered. I was hurt, his lack of decency hurt me. 

“What has gotten into you? I… You seemed quite well with our arrangement.” 

“I was.”

“What changed.”

“Everyone knows!” I lashed out. “Everyone knows Azriel, they’d be stupid not to. And still you indulged her infront of everyone. Of Kallias, of my court. Of Rhys, and your court. How does that make me look, huh?”

“I wasn’t indulging her.” I scoffed then. Leaving the lake behind, and deliciously wet Azriel with it. Using magic to dry myself I was quick to gather my coat, and leave. But he was quick, never leaving things unfinished. 

“Y/n. Rhysand asked me to, I know it is not… ideal. I warned him of it, but still I am loyal to him, my High Lord. I must do as he says, as you do with Kallias.” His voice is honest, and I can’t help but stop my hurried pace.

“I am not asking you to be loyal to me Azriel, you can fuck her if you want. I just would like some respect in front of me. In front of my court. You know I’m not that kind of female, not anymore.” 

“I know, and I apologize.” He takes my hand in his, “If it’s any better I didn’t want to indulge her.” 

“Don’t lie, you know I have eyes. She is pretty.”

“Not prettier than you.” I roll my eyes at him.

“Silver tongued.”

“Oh, but darling you love my silver tongue.”

author's note: smut coming soooooon

[azucar-skull]

@900rise4ever asked this and I had to answer in a separate post:

Analyzing the Teen!Feral Casey Playlist

Let's just dive in, it's a lot.

Lo malo de ser bueno (Cuarteto De Nos) - A Spanish song whose title means "The bad in being good" and their final line of the chorus being "That’s the bad in being good in a cruel world". The ironic ambiguity that's talked about throughout the song fits Feral Casey and his ambiguity with being half human and half Kraang.

Specifically, I like to highlight the bridge which translates to: "What bad luck to be superstitious. I cherish a circle and it becomes a vicious cycle. I am cautious and I swear sure that everything is doubtful. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I SAID "NO" WHEN I MEAN TO SAY "YES"? How many times did I sense the beginning of the end? HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I SAID "YES" WHEN I MEAN TO SAY "NO"? It's like that. As I tell you one thing, I mean the other. HOW HORRIBLE! EVEN MY WEAKNESSES ARE STRONGER THAN ME!"

And isn't that just the most perfect way to describe what it means to be split between two worlds?

Come Along (Cosmo Sheldrake) - I like to think of this as Feral Casey’s perspective on the side of Kraang. Luring you into a false sense of security and that brainwashed mindset that the Kraang is conforming us to.

I mean just take a look, doesn't this sound like the song is lying to you?

Hartebeast (Yaelokre) - In this sense, Casey is the hartebeast. This vicious monster lurking in our home and we don't know it. It also plays into my Roads And Rivers analogy (which you'll see soon enough) with the lyric "Where do we go when the river's running slow?" Which can be interpreted as "Where do we go when our source of humanity is gone?" according to my Roads And Rivers analogy.

Sunday Morning (Precious Pepala) - If you haven't heard this song already, YOU MUST. The song specifically is about being queer in a religious setting and being rejected because of it. How I see it, it's a song about Casey Sr and Jr being forced into the Kraang mindset. As you'll see soon enough in episode 3 (and have seen in the animatics already), when Cass or Casey don't follow orders, they are thrown into an incubator (the egg sac thing from the movie) and drown in a liquid that turns them more Kraang. "Fill my lungs with holy water, pray you'll claim me as your daughter."

I especially love the hard hitting lyrics in the bridge: "I've lived a thousand Sunday Mornings. I've read the verses, heard the warnings. I swear I'm not the Anti-Christ. But something about it don't feel right. So when it gets to Sunday Morning, I take an extra glass for more and I'm pouring out the blood of Christ. Maybe then I'll see the light."

This comic was originally going to be about religious trauma specifically. But things changed when I escaped abuse and understood my indigenous heritage.

Enemy (Nova Twins) - The lyrics speak for itself. "You don't wanna be an enemy, you wanna be a friend of me. Who the fuck are you? What you tryna do? You don't wanna be an enemy." Teen!Feral Casey specifically has the tendency to get on everyone's bad side. He understands who he is. Where he came from. If you don't like it, you can go fuck yourself.

Bodies (Drowning Pool) - Without spoiling too much...Arc 2 is about Casey learning why he can't escape the monster inside. He snaps, hurts people, then hides himself away until he is a teenager and comes to terms with the harsh reality. So...LET THE BODIES HIT THE FLOOR!

Alien Blues (Vundabar) - I feel like we all feel like an outcast listening to this song. Casey has been and will always be outcasted. "My teeth are yellow. Hello world! Would you like me a little better if they were white like yours? I need to purge my urges, shame shame shame. I need an alibi to justify, somebody to blame."

Antagonist (Nova Twins) - If any of these songs are getting an animatic, it's this one. This is basically Episode 8 in a nutshell. As I mentioned before where Casey snaps and realizes he can't escape the monster inside. He is the antagonist in this song.

brutal (Olivia Rodrigo) - Teen!Feral Casey is 16, not 17 but close enough. Just an angsty teen song about being an angsty teen. Especially if said teen is shunned by his own society of either side. Human and Kraang hate him. "All I did was try my best. This the kind of thanks I get? Unrelentlessly upset!"

Emperor's New Clothes (Panic At The Disco) - Ironically, we start to see this song's meaning in the next update. Basically, Casey learns that "if you want something back, you must take it back yourself". So as the song suggests, Teen!Feral is "taking back, back, taking back, back the crown!"

This is Gospel (Panic At The Disco) - This is an inside with friends and I am not explaining anything. It's a niche meme reference.

As The World Caves In (Matt Maltese) - Another song that will be an animatic. In fact, this is the finale. You've heard already about a Doomsday approaching. And eventually... "The papers say it’s Doomsday. The button has been pressed. We're gonna nuke each other up boys. Till old Satan stands impressed."

Americano (Lady Gaga) - This song to me feels like what it feels like to be chicano. Which is basically Casey-

Hell's Coming With Me (Poor Man's Poison) - The line "I am the righteous hand of God. And I am the devil that you forgot." is basically Teen!Feral's vibe in a nutshell. "And I told you one day you will see, that I'll be back I guarantee. And that hell is coming, hell is coming with me."

Feed The Machine (Poor Man's Poison) - This song fits the vibe of Kraang so well. Which is ironic cuz the song is basically about corrupt capitalism.

Castle (Halsey) - I think I've already implied in the trailer animatic that Casey will return to the Kraang side. He's heading straight for the castle.

Panic Room (Au/Ra) - Also implied by the trailer. Remember all the blood and fire? And how Teen Casey kinda snaps? Yeah.

Hold On (Belle Sisoski) - This is how I imagine the Kraang’s "siren song". A song that infected sing to each other to calm each other down and maintain their sanity. Once they lose their sanity, there is no cure for them. (Also this song scratches my brain so good-)

Blood // Water (grandson) - Just like Panic Room, this is another song about Casey finally snapping. BUT THIS TIME, the bridge feels like what Casey’s message would be to Kraang Prime:

He has snapped, yes. But he snaps at his oppressor.

Monster (Skillet) - I don't think I have to explain this one. This is literally Casey.

Misfits: SOLAR (ALT BLK ERA) - I imagine this song as the theme for all of Gen Beta (Casey’s generation). The generation that was born into the apocalypse and therefore are very different from the older generations.

This is not just about Casey. But Hana. Donnie’s daughter. River (Julian's kid, you'll meet them soon). And all the other kids in the Resistance (and world) who have never seen a lush planet.

Dream On (Aerosmith) - We all know this song. It’s such a badass vibe that fits any apocalypse setting-

Carnivore (STARSET) - When I heard this song, I was enamored. Finally a song that didn't comfort you for being different but rather a song that feels like you are egging on your oppressor. Which is Teen!Feral's entire fucking mission.

And ironically, Casey is a carnivore. He needs a carnivore diet to survive, I don't make the rules. (I literally do-)

Radioactive (Imagine Dragons) - Another "gen beta is different because we are born into the apocalypse" song. But this time sung by a white men band instead of a black women band shfjsjdjdjssjdifhdh

Run Rabbit (ALT BLK ERA) - This is the BEST chase scene music I've ever heard. So naturally it is in this playlist.

Monsters (Nova Twins) - Again this is literally Casey in a nutshell.

Teenagers (My Chemical Romance) - Teen!Feral is literally a teenager that scares the living shit of people. :)

cinderella's dead (EMELINE) - Another "Casey snaps and accepts the monster inside".

DARKSIDE (Neoni) - I don't think I need to explain this one either. Same deal as before.

ALICE (PEGGY) - You don't know it yet but Casey is lying to himself about the trauma that the Kraang put him through. Convincing himself it was a good thing. "Made it up so she could cope. Madder than a hatter, Alice...broke."

VILLAIN (K/DA) - Yeah this is so Feral Casey losing his absolute marbles.

Control (Halsey) - When Casey becomes the monster inside, he loses all sense of control.

Yeah. He is...nuts. And in desperate need of a hug and chocolate milk. (NOT hot cocoa, Kraang are weak to heat. It will literally kill him-)

[pintsizemama]

Krampus

Day 22

Summary: Cassian tells the kids about Krampus.

Pairings: Rhys, Cassian, & Azriel x You (Reader)

Fandom: ACOTAR (AU)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: language, talk of Krampus eating kids, poly relationship

Word Count: 494

A/N: This is a modern AU. You are in a poly relationship with Cassian, Rhysand, and Azriel. This is my first time writing these characters, but I’m open to more if you guys want to see them again.

Day 21 Day 23 Christmas Masterlist Main Masterlist AO3 Join my taglist

You walked in the front door happy to feel the warmth after a day out in the cold. Rhys and Azriel followed in behind you. You all took your coats off and ran upstairs to hide the Christmas presents you had bought before the kids could see them. Once they were hidden away you began to look for Cassian and the kids.

“Cass?” You called out. The three of you ended up back downstairs and made your way to the family room once you heard his voice.

“I thought you got coal in your stocking if you were bad?” Your oldest son asked Cassian in his sweet little voice.

“According to this legend, the bad children are eaten by Krampus,” Cassian told him. Your younger son and daughter gasped.

“He no eat us, Papa,” your daughter said fearfully.

“Of course he won’t eat you, princess,” Cassian assured her. “You’ve been an angel all year. Santa is bringing you all the presents.”

“But sometimes I don’t listen to mommy,” your oldest son whispered. All three kids looked terrified.

“Cassian!” You half shouted. “What the hell are you telling them?” Cass startled when he heard your voice.

“Hey, sweetheart!” He grinned. “Successful shopping trip?”

“Don’t change the subject,” you scolded him. “What nonsense are you filling their heads with?”

“We were just reading a book about Christmas traditions and folklore,” he said innocently.

“And you didn’t think to skip over the Krampus eats children part?” Azriel said drolly.

“It’s not real,” Cassian argued, “so I didn’t think it would be a big deal.”

“Krampus isn’t real?” Your son asked.

“No, sweetie,” you answered. He looked puzzled for a moment before asking, “Is Santa not real then too?” You all looked at each other with wide eyes. Rhys sighed heavily.

“Do you believe Santa is real?” Rhys asked the children. They all nodded enthusiastically. “Well, there you have it. Santa is real, Krampus is not.”

“Sure Daddy?” Your daughter asked hopefully.

“Yes, darling,” Rhys replied. Her shoulders sagged in relief. The kids scampered off to play and you turned to Cassian.

“I can’t believe you told them that story!” You said. “They’re going to have nightmares tonight.”

“I find it interesting that you tell them a scary story on my night to have our wife alone,” Azriel said with a scowl. Cassian smiled sheepishly.

“I promise it’s just a coincidence,” he said earnestly.

“Hmm.” Azriel looked as if he didn’t believe him. “Change of plans. Cass, you get our wife tonight. I get tomorrow.”

“What?” Cass groaned. “But the kids are gonna come in and bother us!”

“And who’s fault is that?” You asked. Cassian blew out a breath.

“How about I handle the nightmares tonight, and you two enjoy yourselves?” Cass offered.

“Sounds good to me,” Azriel agreed immediately.

“Now that that’s sorted, someone keep the kids busy so I can wrap all the gifts we just bought,” you told them. “And no more scary stories!”

Day 23

Join my taglist

If you enjoy my blog and would like to support it, you can always buy me a coffee. Not necessary, but always appreciated.

Taglist:

@alexxavicry @amneris21 @awhitewyvern @dreedhudson @harriedandharassed @lizette50 @loompyinaway @mishasminion360 @xocalliexo

[key-nya]

rottmnt leo x male mutant reader smut/lemon

oather note; there both 18 in this, it oblivious takes place after the movie and the reader is sea serpent mutant

''left Casse, no the other left'' Y/n whisper in a panic. ''he means right'' Leo added on. Casse looked back at the two, with confusion in his eyes.''how about we get key back another way '' Casse impleide. ''hmm how?'' Leo asked turning his head back Y/n. '' the water'' Y/n snaped his fingers and gave a smirk. Casse and Leo both looked at him with concern. ''You're gonna swim to where need to be in water that according to donnie as chemicals in it?'' Leo question putting his hands on his hips. ''I am mutant can really do me that much harm plus the maze is a pain, and if I go down there I can get it faster and then we all can sleep tonight nice and safe'' Y/n strength his shoulders and dived in without furrer warning. ''MASTER Y/N!'' Casse whisper shouted as he avoided the splashes. Leo leaned towards where Y/n had dived. ''And?'' Leo asked with a sound of concern. ''all fine'' Y/n replied popping his head out. ''good luck, we will wait here oaky'' Leo patted Y/n head before he dived back down.Casse and Leo waited for Y/n to return for. They waited around an our or so for Y/n. ''Hey'' Y/n said while panting. he had gotten out water with The Key in his claw as he gave it to Casse. Something was off, Leo thought to himself. Y/n breath was a bit haze and he smeed weirdly enough kinda flustered but the biggest thing was his tail it was swiping on the floor extremely slow what was rather unusually for Y/n. ''You okay, Y/n?'' Leo asked. The young man turned towards him. he gave Leo a small nod. '' We should get thought and secure the key, again'' Casse said shifting his focus on Leo. ''You got one portal coming right up'' Leo grabbed his katanas and made one portal back to home. Leo did his gesture as always letting Casse and Y/n go first.

''I'm gonna go puts away and report the others, okay'' Casse said running of to donnies lab. ''You're offly quiet'' Leo said giving Y/n a smirk as he walk towards, getting closer to him. ''I-I-I'm fine, Leo'' He replied is voice haze as his cheeks went red and his eyes filled with desire. ''you sure?''Leo asked walking closer towards him. Y/n eyes winded and then soft as he bit his bottom lip. Leo was sure it now he was in heat but why?Leo asked himself as kept trying to get closer. Y/n kept stepping back. Y/n's heart was racing as dirty thoughts of him and Leo plagued his brain. Then they both stood still, they were in Leo's room . Y/n pushed against the wall as Leo pinned him. ''Y/n what's going on?'' He whispered in the other boys ear. Y/n looked away from him. ''You're in heat aren't you'' Leo contiund. This made Y/n look down. ''Y/n'' he whispered as he cupped the seaserphants face as he leaned in for a kiss. Y/n smashed his lips gets Leo. A patinated yet lust full kiss. Y/n slipped his tongue in and there kiss trunned to make out session. Leo slowly reached for Y/n tail squeezed making him moaning in his mouth. Leo continued to rub Y/n tail as he tried taking domants over the kiss however Y/n pulled away, catching his breath. Leo smirked at sight before. Something about seeing Y/n like this, desperate for him. ''Leo'' he muffled. ''Yes?'' Leo asked. Y/n leaned his head against Leo chest and rubbed his leg against the inside Leo's crotch. Leo mounded as his whole body jolted. Leo's head snapped back as Y/n bagan to bite his neck. Moanings filling the the room as the two tease each other. ''Y/n'' Leo muffeld out in between moang. Y/n's attention was all his. ''We need to keep it down if we go any further'' Leo said looking down at the bulge in Y/n pants and then back at his eyes. Y/n face went complete red however his whole body gave him away how much he wanted it. Leo walked away from Y/n and to the door and closed it. He turned back and gave smirk and back to him. ''Leo'' Y/n grapped Leo hands. ''yes'' Leo answered. ''I love you'' Y/n said with chuckle. ''I love you too'' he said lifting y/n claws with one of his, kissing Y/n again. This time it was a bit sloppy and needy. Leo began to stroke Y/n's bulge. Y/n moanded in between this kiss. Leo pulled away leaving Y/n panting mess. As he let go of his hands slowly pulled off Y/n pants. He looked up to see him covering his mouth with claws as he gave Leo a nod. Leo licked his lips as pulled down Y/n boxer exposing his cock. Leo slowly starting to give Y/n a blow job. Y/n bucked his hips as Leo had taking fully. Y/n's muffled moans filled the room as Leo kept sucking while twisting his tongue around Y/n's cock.Leo could feel Y/n's cock twitch inside his mouth. Leo stud up as he looked at Y/n with a smirk. ''Leo'' he let out between breaths as his claws left his mount and pulled Leo in for another kiss. Leo Lifted Y/n up a little. Y/n Rapped his legs aroung Leo as he walked to the bed and dropped him in it. Leo took of his belt and stuff only his mask left as he topped Y/n.he took his shirt off looking at Leo desperate for him. Leo grapped abotle and put the liquid over his cock. Y/n eyes wind as Leo gave a look for consent. ''Go on'' Y/n said giving Leo desprit smile. ''Understood'' Leo slowly moved in side Y/n ass and topping you with kisses all over Y/n chest moving up to mark him. Y/n cock was against Leo hard chest being jerked. Leo slowly began to thrust inside him. The noise of skin slapping and moans filled the room as Leo started going faster. ''Leo,I-I'm Gonn-AAh''Y/n moaned as he tried to speak. ''I'm going to cum'' Leo whispered in his ear meanwhile his trust were getting slower. Y/n eyes winded as he felt his being filled up and his getting all over Leo chest as leaned back. ''Do you feel better?'' Leo asked while panting. ''yeah'' He replied. Leo crashed next to him and gave hima sweet smile as he pulled the sheet over them.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Erin Reed at Erin In The Morning:

On Wednesday, Dr. Hillary Cass gave her first American interview with NPR about the Cass Review. The review, which appears heavily politicized and lends credence to debunked theories about being transgender, such as "social contagion," is being used as a pretext to ban care in the United Kingdom. In the interview, Cass called for "other ways" of managing dysphoria besides transitioning and blamed being trans on factors such as autism and pornography. However, one particular point of note was her response to a question about the evidence supporting gender-affirming care, where she suggested that the real measure of transition success should be the employment status of transgender people. When asked about “actual outcomes” for the effectiveness of cross-sex hormones in transgender youth, Cass sated that there was a need for long followups to see if transgender people thrive on hormones, and that the outcomes that she was most interested in included employment, “getting out of the house,” and relationships. See her answer here:

[CHAKRABARTI: Regarding cross sex hormones, the systematic review authors said there is a lack of high-quality research assessing the actual outcomes of cross sex hormones. CASS: Yes, because we need to follow up for much longer than a year or two to know if you continue to thrive on those hormones in the longer term. And we also need to know, are those young people in relationships? Are they getting out of the house? Are they in employment? Do they have a satisfactory sex life?] It is important to note that all of these potential outcome measurements may be heavily influenced by transphobic sentiments in society. Should transgender people be judged on their ability to be "employed" or their willingness to "get out of the house," their own discrimination may then be used against their ability to access medication. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, more than one in four transgender people have lost a job due to bias, and three-quarters report experiencing workplace discrimination. Therefore, it is inaccurate to blame transgender people and their medication for what appears to be an issue with societal discrimination.

In recent years, many reports have emerged showing high levels of satisfaction and low levels of detransition for transgender people. A recent report in the 2022 US transgender survey shows that out of 90,000 transgender people, less than 1% report feeling less satisfied after beginning gender affirming hormone therapy, with the vast majority feeling “a lot more satisfied.” Detransition appears to be similarly rare. One recent study out of Australia found complete data on 548 of 552 transgender patients and discovered only 1% of transgender youth detransitioned over several years before being transferred to adult services. Another study showed that transgender youth are stable in their gender identity 5 years after transitioning, with only 2.5% reidentifying as their assigned sex at birth. Even Cass’s own report found less than 10 detransitioners out of the 3,000 trans youth patients in England, which led to her claiming that the real reason she didn’t find more detransitioners is because adult clinics refused to provide private patient data.

Dr. Hilary Cass, the woman behind the anti-trans Cass Review, made absurd claims that a person’s transition success should be measured by their employment status instead of satisfaction and joy.

See Also:

Assigned Media: TWIBS: Cass Says Porn Makes You Trans

[k-looking-glass-house]

Hey there Cass!! I hope you're willing to indulge my curiosity - it's time to ask about your OC! I know you said K the rabbit is one of many many siblings - is there a favorite brother or sister out of the group? And while she's mostly interacted with the staff, are there any student pals?

Also - favorite dessert? Just out of curiosity. "Anything that goes with champagne"? Hehe.

Hi Nette!! (Kyaahh you called me Cass'....thank you <3)

Oh la la~ I didn't expect ask about that little rabbit, kind of unexpected,...thanks for them!

Hn let me try to "satisfy your curiosity ha ha"!

K: Yaaaaayyyy Nette is shooo niceeee!! *running to hug you* Cass': You seem very happy K, lucky for you *head pat* Nette is very nice indeed! So... be kind and polite, and answer nicely! K: Yessshhh!! It'sh my turn!!!! Here have some Champagne and everything!

Yes correct K is twisted from the bunny children from Epic Disney. You can find them here -> Disney counterpart She is one of the 420 children Oswald the lucky rabbit and Ortensia the cat have! The fact that she is actually number 101 is not random, canonically the rabbit children don't have specify gender except for the 101: -Ortensia said to Mickey about Oswald Junior number 101: "She is such a scamp!" -So officially 101 is the only known female rabbit, making her a princess like her parents said (lol pat pat the rabbit)! -It's totally unknow if they are more female rabbits among siblings. -Yes... Mickey is her uncle....it's a fact.....

K: I love ALLLLLL MY SHIBLIIING equally!... I also hate them equally of courshe!! But I am very fond of my younger siblings, also numbers who got 9 are my favorites! BUUUUT.... they are all my partner in crime!

K is actually not truly aware about her gender (you know the meme "I was born as a rabbit, I identify as a rabbit,...but according to my mom...I'm just a baby"), neither was Sam when they both made a contract (it didn't matter to him). It was only when she got a human form, and got to be Crewel's seamstress apprentice that she learns aspect about her. And is now very happy to have some princess treatment sometimes (like a little bunny girl despite being born in 1927). She also suffers from severe "trauma abandon" as she rely A LOT by being surrounded by persons good or bad. Being one among 420 and having her parents busy even disappearing during her childhood, she definitely needs and rely others, and their approbations.

Yes....that dress is from "Labyrinth" the movie....yes....Gobling king aka Sam hello fulfill my fantasy please....

Yay K is mostly seen around the NRC staff as she would be almost considered part of it too. As for students...hn I would say the one coming to Mystery's Shop, like: -Ruggie who she kept all food to not let them going to waste and also provide children clothes to his adopted siblings in his hometown. -Idia and Ortho are they are actually very regular customers at the shop, she kept being hypnotised by their hair and likes to troll/brush Idia's hair (he only let her do so without drama when he learned she's half cat). Idia also proposed to make a contract with him to certify his summoning exam. -And Vil......Trust me if someone can make her serious and all quiet...it's him! When she first saw him during his first year, she said she never saw any human being this beautiful and shining so elegantly. She hides behind thing when he barely goes to the shop. She kept the best fashion revue for him, and they are often seen talking about fashion. -As for the other one (the main cast) she got to interract with them during the Ghost Wedding event! One running gag is that she stated being much more older than them, making everyone pounder about her words! I should try to make a whole relationship statut with them but well! -As for her favorite one.....It's definitely Grimm, with Lucius they have the familiar minion domination meeting each wednesday! -Actually she would be glad to be friends with others, but she is barely seen as she is pretty small and even more if she stays in her bunny form. She is not the one going after people, more like letting them coming...and never let them go after ah ah. -But she would definitelyyyyyy get along with your Carder twins.... Totally, she would listen to them playing music, and having so much fun with Joker. She could also provides a lot of mechanical supply to Punch from her homeworld.

Also random fact but her type is Lucius... Yes... which actually traumatised Crewel back then, since when she described the whole thing, he got confident she was talking about him (like the daddy/big bro proud being the "prince" type). But "fatality, test your mind" the black and white fur, and mysterious elegant aura with deep eyes was not Mister Crewel but Lucius. Making another blow in his ego as a cat is a better type to bunny "little girl" than him.

OH MY....the favorite dessert question... The answer is yes....lol

K: I loveeeee everythingggggggg!! I love mostly ice cream, I hate vegetable bluuh even if mommy shaid to eat it! But dessert are good!!!! I love (warning french words) macarons, chouquette, forêt noire, paris-brest, mille-feuille, crêpes, religieuse, éclair au chocolat, flan, opéra, charlotte aux fraises, cookie, muffin, cupcake, baba au rhum, cannelet, financier, profiteroles, puit d'amour, clafouti, croissant, pain au chocolat, tarte au citron meringuée, saint-honoré, savarin, les sablés, les roses des sables, la brioche, les beignets, les tartelettes, les gâteaux fait maisons, chausson aux pommes, pain aux raisins, le pain viennois, les palmiers palmito, les chinois, les suisses, les pains au lait, la brioche feuilletée, ...and so many more!!!!!!!!! Cass': ....That's a lot of sugar! K: Awghrrr true Mishtressh doesn't like sugary thing that much! Haa but when it comes to Champagne!!!! You need to eat some "biscuits roses"! It's the only true "Champenois" way to drink and eat Champagne! It's good and pink!!!!

Cass': Ah ah, indeed very true biscuits roses are the best with Champagne! K: With fruits! Cass': with fruits yes, and sirop you can male "kir" it's super good! K: and icecream! Cass':.....Well we do have some champagne icecream and some speciality to... K: And candy and cottoncandy! Cass":..............hmmmm *side eyes* Cass'/K: Anything goes with CHAMPAGNE!!

Aww again thanks Nette, that was pretty fun ah ah! I truly wonder now how the rabbit and your oc would interract!

Take care!!!

[nikethestatue]

Why do you think Azriel didn’t answer Rhys when he asked “what of Mor?” in the bonus chapter?

I think it's not a conversation for a bonus.

I think it showed what it needed to show--Rhys asking about Mor, and Azriel clearly not caring about her at all. But overall, it's not a conversation that Azriel would or should have with RHYS of all people. Rhys's made a big deal of how he doesnt interfere with Mor/Az/Cass triangle of weirdness.

Suddenly, Rhys is acting like a hysterical dad.

He is Azriel's peer. Yes, he is the HL and Azriel technically serves him, so when he pulled him away from Elain, Rhys was acting like a HL and a politician. But he is still Azriel's friend, brother and peer, and it's not his place to question Azriel about Mor especially. And I dont feel like Azriel owes him an answer about that at all. At any point.

Particularly not after Rhys ordered him to stay away from the one person Azriel is actually interested in, and in the moment when Elain finally reciprocated and answered all of Az's questions. And he was forced to tell her that what they were doing was a mistake.

According to SJM, they tried to murder each other the following day with snow balls. So Azriel certainly wasnt going to start a heart to heart with Rhys about Mor, when Mor isnt even present. Considering how Rhys completely ignored Elain and never inquired as to what she wanted.

[sayitaliano]

Hii!! So, i came across the frase 'architettano piani' that, according to google translate, means to make plans. Is that correct? Also, another question: if architetto is architect, would the fem form be architteta?

Thamkss⚘️

Ciao!

Yes the translation is correct. "Architettare piani" is an idiomatic expression that can also be translated as to plan/make plans: architettare = to plot, to plan, to scheme, but also (to a point) to make up... An architect "plans and builds/contrives" buildings so that's the same with plans: you study/plot them and make them/scheme them.

When it comes to the feminine version of jobs, the situation is kinda complex cause not everyone is okay using them and there is no fixed rule to make them as we're "making them up" these days basically. Many of the professions that mostly come at the masculine, were made so because there were little-to-no women doing them. But ofc with the *light* emancipation we gained in the recent years, this problem arose. Therefore, we have been introducing also the female version of some professions that once didn't have it: I wrote something here, you can check that post if you'd like to know more. Anyway to answer you, "architetta" is the correct feminine version of "architetto" and it's used and accepted (also legally) in certain areas and by certain professionists. But some women architect rather to keep the masculine "architetto" anyway as it also refers to the profession and not necessarily to the person doing it (and it's confirmed here too).

BTW This situation is not only related to this specific job but also to others: sometimes changing and adapting to a new "name" can get difficult so it's probably a matter of time for some. But once you dig deeper in the problem, you can see how it also makes it a little more complex when you need to refer to other correlated things like how do you call their office/consulting room/working room (eg. "aprire uno studio di architettura" =to open an architecture working room, is fine for everyone but "aprire uno studio da architetto/a" changes as you can refer to the person, the office itself and the profession so basically...???)... in the end is a matter that occasionally may give headaches to us too lol but on a general level we tend to use the feminine version of professions in many casses especially when referring to the person doing them (hoping it's their gender of choice anyway) like on TV you may often hear "la ministra" for a woman minister.

(Dunno if I have been clear today my ability to express myself is below zero in whatever language, sorry... just let me know)

[ali-annals]

4: cutting me open then healing me fine

Invisible String Masterlist PREVIOUS NEXT AO3

And isn't it just so pretty to think/All along there was some/Invisible string/Tying you to me?

In June, Damian graduated from Gotham University.

Marinette took him out to BatBurger to watch the latest X-men movie to celebrate. Damian critiqued the fight scenes and Marinette judged the fashion. During their ice cream, they finalized their plans to introduce her to the Waynes–the Batfamily would come later.

They strolled back to Marientte’s house and Marinette headed to the kitchen to make some tea, as the wind had cooled off the air on their way back.

In the living room, Damian enlisted the help of the kwami to set up his surprise.

Hearing his soulmate come down the hallway, he jumped up to take the tray and place it on the table. The kwami bobbed around the room, holding candles.

The floor had more lit candles flickering in the breeze, interspersed with roses and wildflowers of various colours.

She gasped and put her hands over her mouth as he knelt in front of her, holding a box in his hand.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng, I love you. Even if we weren’t soulmates, I like to think that I would have chosen you to build a life with. Every time I see you or hear you or even just get a text from you, my day becomes a little brighter. Will you do me the immense honour of becoming my wife?”

“Absolutely! Yes! I love you too, Damian, so much.” She flung her arms around his neck and let the happy tear escape.

Damian slid the gold, sapphire, and diamond ring on her left ring finger.

“This was one thing my mother gave me when I last saw her,” he said. “It was her mother’s.”

The couple curled up on the couch, talking quietly together.

The kwami blew out the candles and smiled happily at the scene, glad their Guardian had found her soulmate and was so happy with him.

~~~

Were there clues I didn't see?

On the twenty-second of June, Chloe drove Marinette to 1007 Mountain Drive.

Alfred answered Mari’s knock. “How may I help you, Miss?”

‘May I see Damian Wayne, please?”

“I’m afraid he’s occupied at the moment. Whom shall I say is asking?”

‘He’s expecting me, Mr. Pennyworth. Mademoiselle Dupain-cheng.”

Damian came downstairs. ‘Who’s there, Alfred?”

Titus came bounding to greet Mari, and she bent over him, cooing at him as she rubbed his ears.

“How unusual. Normally, Titius does not greet strangers. It’s a Mlle. Dupain-Cheng, Master Damian. She says you are expecting her.”

“Oh, this early? Yes, I am.” He approached Mari, nodding at Chloe, who was standing behind her. “Hello.”

“Hey, Damian. Um, is everyone in position?”

“I believe so. This family is rather unpredictable. Alfred, is the family in the living room or the den?”

“Living room, Master Damian. Shall I prepare tea?”

“Yes, please. Thank you, Pennyworth.”

Chloe stepped around Mari, who was occupied with loving Titus. “Hey, loverboy. Filming okay?”

“Yes. Send it to me to review first, though, please.”

“Sure.”

The trip arrived at the living room, where Bruce, Tim, Dick and Kor’i, Jason, Babs, Cass, and Steph were gathered quietly.

Babs and Bruce were playing chess while Cass observed, Steph was painting Dick’s nails while Kori gave her a pedicure, Jason was reading, and Tim was on his laptop ‘in the crime-solving zone.’

They all looked up at the unknown visitors but saw Damian with the two girls and relaxed slightly.

“Grayson, Todd, Drake, Brown. I believe I win the bet. This is MDC, better known as Marinette Dupain-Cheng., and her manager-slash-friend, Chloe Bourgeois. Pay up."

Grumbles filled the room as wallets were emptied into Damian’s outstretched hand.

Bruce looked at them tiredly, then up to Mari.

“I apologize for his manners. Did he drag you here, possibly against your will?”

Marinette laughed. “No, I’m friends with him. I came here of my own accord and am quite used to D’s behaviours."

“I loooovee your work!" gushed Steph. "Is it true you know Fairy and Jagged Stone? Your fits on them are sensational!” 

“Yes, I’m their main designer and stylist. I do some work for Clara Nightingale and other celebrities as well.”

Tim raised his head and stared hard at them. “You’re the girl crying in Louie’s!”

Marinette stared at Chloe, who said, "Dive bar, October 5, two years ago.”

“Ohhh. Yes, I am. You’re antidote-brother Drake.”

The family stared at Tim and Marinette in confusion.

Chloe explained.

“October fifth, a year and a half ago, Marinette ran into Damian, who thought he was drugged. He told us to find ‘Drake', who would have the antidote to said drug.”

“He wasn’t drugged, but he slapped himself anyways. I love that part,” chuckled Jason, standing up to meet them properly.

“So he really didn’t insult you and you didn’t slap him?” Dick asked curiously.

“No, I watched him do it himself," Mari said. “You’re Dick, married to model Kory Anders?”

"Yep!”

Marinette greeted each family member correctly, even before they introduced themselves.

“Aww, you talk about us to your friends, Baby Bird?”

Damian ignored Dick’s cooings but Marinette grinned, seeing the opportunity for chaos.

“Oh, he often tells me about you. You guys running into each other is the highlight of my week!” she grinned.

The Waynes exchanged glances. They only ran into each other on patrol, mid-air.

“Will you stay for lunch, Mlles. Dupain-Cheng and Bourgeois?” asked Alfred, coming in with the tea.

“If it’s not an imposition…”

“Not at all; maybe the presence of such polite young ladies as yourselves will inspire them to act civilized for once,” sniffed Alfred.

The girls smirked.

~~~~~

At lunch, Marinette was seated beside Damian and Bruce. Chloe was between Bruce and Jason. Beyond Jason were Dick, Lory, and Babas, and to Damian’s right were Cass, Steph, and Tim.

“So, Marinette, you met Demon Spawn in October?” Jason flicked his fork back and forth. “He doesn’t normally open up so fast– whoops.”

The fork ‘slipped” and sailed towards the guest.

Not batting an eyelash, she caught it just before it hit her neck and sweetly handed it back, replying. “Yes, we just felt a connection. Some similar experiences, we just felt… drawn to each other, and now I think he’s one of my best friends, barring Chloe and my-pet, Tikki.”

"Huh, that’s a nice ring.” Bruce complimented, noticing the flash of colour on her hand.

She smiled at him. “Thank you. It’s my fiance’s mother’s ring, so it’s very special to me.”

“Oh, you’re engaged? Congratulations!”

“Thank you. He’s very sweet. All my friends and family approve of him as well, so I’m glad I don’t have to worry about that. I haven’t officially met his, yet.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll love you. You seem like a wonderful young lady.”

“I’m glad you think so, Mr. Pennyworth. This meal is quite delicious, by the way."

“Why, thank you, Miss Marinette.”

“I hope you’ll meet your fiance’s family soon before you’re married.”

“I’m actually meeting them right now.”

A couple of seconds later the table exploded while Chloe laughed behind her phone and Marinette casually ate her soup.

“Who are you engaged to?!”

Marientte blinked at Tim. “Damian, of course.”

“Did he kidnap you, threaten your pare-” Jason was cut off by a sharp look from Chloe.

“No, he asked and I said yes. You’re all invited to the wedding; it’s the tenth of October.”

~~~~~

“You’re engaged after knowing each other for eight months?”

“Yes, we’ve seen each other almost every day and know… enough about each other. I don’t think there are any big secrets we haven’t told each other.”

The family eyed them from behind their glasses. Does she know he’s Robin?

“No offence, but we’d like to do a background check on you,” said Tim.

“Some taken,” she replied. “You think Damian wasn’t thorough enough? But since I’m aware that’s how you show you care, go ahead.”

“...So, you design and make clothing?”

“In basic terms, yes. I have a storefront in Gotham called Lucky Charms. My home address is 195 Andes Plaza. You’ll find most of my information is from Paris, so I do hope you speak French.”

“Of course, we all do. Bruce made us learn for…business. WE has a branch in Paris,” covered up Tim.

“Oh, it is a family venture, that’s nice. My parents had a bakery, and I often helped out.”

“Had?”

“It burned down the night I met you. I’d just been informed there were no survivors,” said Marinette coldly.

The conversation died down a little.

~~~~~

After Damian took Marinette and Chloe home, the family retreated to the Batcave to research Marinette, aka MDC.

Glowing reviews from Jagged Stone, Audrey Bourgeois, Clara Nightingale, Adrien Agreste, huh…Fairy wasn’t nearly as enthusiastic about MDC’s work, though that’s all she wears.

After a bit more searching, Babs found Mari’s birth certificate and her parents’ death certificates, confirming she was who she said.

Then Tim hacked into Mari’s school records. “Great grades till our equivalent of Grade 8, then they slip for a quarter, then back up, but not nearly as high as before. Something happened then– can you guys find anything?”

“No, nothing in the media…nothing comes up in personal, either…She starts going for therapy at a Master Fu’s…for two years. She was fifteen when he died.”

“Therapy for what? Physical? Mental?”

“I don’t know.”

“Her school records are great. She’s the class president….who basically does the teacher’s job for her! The class loves her…there are two transfers…reports of bullying increase…why are they ignored?!” exclaimed Babs, hacking deeper into the college’s records. “She’s expelled, but it’s retracted. She skips a grade and graduates early…”

“I see we have some things to look into. Anything else? More recent?”

“The class suddenly stop being her friends. Two remain by her side…Chloe and Adrien Agreste. Two friends outside of school…her social life dies after that grade drop in Grade 8.”

“Something’s off about her…her address is two blocks away from us. How does she have enough money to buy it in cash? Check Damian’s records; does his bank account look like he’s acting out of character? Increase in spending since October?” Bruce looked up from his studying of Mari’s records and addressed his children.

“She also bought Lucky Charms in cash, and a motorcycle.”

“Nothing new in Damian’s bank accounts, although he did buy a suit from MDC worth a chunk, it’s not enough to financially support anyone for a long time, especially not at Marinette’s current spending level."

“Marinette routinely purchases large amounts of fruits and vegetables, sugar cubes, and Camembert. It’s a lot and way too frequent for two girls living alone, even if they were both vegetarian.”

Damian entered the Batcave. “Is there anything you would like to ask me about Marinette?”

“What’s up with her eating habits?”

Damian looked confused, then appeared to realize something. “Don’t judge people’s eating habits; that is quite rude.”

“Why does Marinette as Marinette have no friends or social media?”

“Tt. Not everyone is an internet addict these days. Some people value their privacy, especially when they’ve been relentlessly bullied since middle school because classmates lied about them.”

“Why did she need therapy in Grade 8? What happened?”

“A transfer student arrived, was jealous of her and spread lies, causing her to be bullied by her so-called ‘friends’. There was a supervillain terrorizing Paris from then till June two years ago, when Paris’s heroes defeated him. I was told the mayor refused to let them contact the League, and it was decided to be for the best. Marinette was once a temporary hero called Multimouse, and Bourgeois used to be Queen Bee. Now that the situation is over, you should be able to access articles from Paris about Hawkmoth and the Miraculous Team.”

The Batfamily frantically turned their detective skills to this shocking development, and Robin and Spoiler headed out on patrol.

[op-sys-chaos]

“So you’re my sister?”

“Well, according to our soul bonds we share a dad, so yeah.”

“…I have a soul bond with the Joker? That considers him my dad? That’s alarming.”

“The Joker? What kind of a name is that?”

Tim blinked in surprise. “You don’t know, do you.”

“Know what?”

“Who he is.”

“Of course I know who he is, dad raised me! I ran away and got myself killed ages ago, but he still raised me.”

Tim nodded. “Stay here and do NOT wander off. I need to make a phone call.”

He opened his phone and dialed Harley’s number.

“Hiya kiddo!” She picked up fast. “What’s up? You never call during the day.”

“Hi. I, uh… I need a Mom type of favor, if you catch my drift.”

Harley’s voice instantly filled with steel strength. “This is about JJ, isn’t it. What happened and are you okay? Do I need to call B?”

“I’m fine, it’s just… apparently my soul still considers him my adopted dad which is enough for his dead daughter to consider us siblings. And now she wants to go find him. But doesn’t recognize the name Joker.”

“You met Kitty? He only told me about her once, I’m shocked you’ve met her! I’ll be right there.”

She hung up without ceremony and Tim made one more call.

“Hey B.”

“Tim. What’s up?”

Tim could hear the noise of his family in the background. B was clearly in the batcave on speaker.

“It’s, uh… not exactly a Code JJ, but be on high alert.”

B’s voice filled with panic. “Tim?”

“I have to deal with some consequences of JJ right now. I’m still me, but… just be on high alert, in case me dealing with said consequences ends up causing his grand return.”

“Understood.”

“Hey, what’s JJ?” Dick’s voice asked off screen. B hung up before Tim could hear the answer.

He turned back to Kitty. “Someone’s coming to chat with you soon. Your dad’s ex, who’s probably the best person to tell you what happened, since she knows it all so well.”

“Okay.”

~~

“Hey, what’s JJ?” Dick asked.

B hung up the phone. “Everyone get over here now. There’s something you need to know.”

Luckily, the entire family (minus Tim who was running an errand and should’ve been back soon) was in the cave, and quickly gathered around.

“JJ is short for Joker Junior.”

“Joker Junior? Joker has a kid?” Jason asked, anger growing in his expression.

“Not… not exactly.”

“Spit it out, B.”

“He kidnapped and tortured Tim during his Robin days, twisting his mind to the point that Tim went insane and became a copy of the Joker called Joker Junior. I was able to bring Tim back to sanity, but… well, let’s just say that Tim almost killed me to please his “dad” without even realizing who I was. He was completely obedient to the Joker and viewed him as a father figure. I don’t know how the Joker pulled off that level of brainwashing, but we’ve always been worried about a repeat. If Tim’s dealing with the consequences of JJ, it can’t be anything good.”

Everyone’s faces were masks of horror by the time B was done.

“Tim… went through all of that?” Damian asked.

“He did.”

“Why didn’t he tell us?” Dick asked.

“He didn’t want to deal with it or think about it ever again. It wasn’t really Tim, it was… it was like he watched himself be JJ, he said.”

“But now?”

“Now, I’m calling Harley. She needs to be read in to the situation; she was key to saving him last time. She helped undo the effects. It was easier for her to help because, being the Joker’s ex, he viewed her like a mother figure as JJ.”

Before he could, the phone rang with a call from Ivy. B picked up.

“I assume Tim called you?” she asked.

“Yes.”

“Harley called me. She told me about Kitty.”

“Kitty? I didn’t hear that much from Tim, just that this was about JJ.”

“Ah. Well, what Tim apparently told Harley was that Kitty, the Joker’s daughter from before he became the Joker, arrived in Gotham and found Tim easily. Claiming that they had parent-child soul bonds with the same person, making them siblings.”

“JJ considered Joker a parent, so now Tim’s stuck with his soul considering that man a father? What the fuck-“

“Jason! Language.”

Cass put a hand on Jason’s shoulder to try to soothe him.

Bruce continued, “So this Kitty person is in Gotham?”

“Yes. But here’s the kicker. She’s a ghost, and she died before her dad became the Joker. She doesn’t know.”

“That’s… well that’s going to suck to find out,” Duke commented.

“No kidding. It’s why Tim called Harley. Part of it, at least. I think he also called her because she’d help keep Tim as Tim if Kitty accidentally set anything off or tried to drag him back to the Joker or anything.”

“Alright. Ivy, please be on standby in case anything happens to Harley.”

“Already on it.”

“Meanwhile we’ll keep an eye on both the Joker and Tim.”

“Good.”

“B?” Babs’ voice cut in. “The Joker’s moving and he’s heading straight for Tim.”

“Scratch that! Ivy, intercept him! We’re on our way.”

“That clown is not getting within a mile of Tim ever again,” Jason growled.

“Agreed,” Dick replied.

~~

“So, long story short my dad sucks? Awww,” Kitty said, sounding disappointed. “But hey, at least I get a cool sibling and mom out of it! If you’re both okay with that, that is.”

“Sure?” Tim said. “As long as you mean-“

“You as in Tim not JJ. Obviously.”

Tim smiled.

Harley replied “I’m cool with it too, darling! You deserve a better parent than that psycho.”

Kitty blushed. “Thanks.”

Suddenly, a loud boom was heard outside. Vines appeared in the cafe, quickly spelling out a message on the table.

“Oh! Ivy says Mistah J is gettin close. Time to go, kiddos!”

“I’ve got you,” Kitty said, turning them intangible and flying them out the back wall and across the city as past as possible.

“Cool,” Tim said as they flew.

Kitty was from Gotham.

So! Kitty was on her way to her old hometown to see what ever happened to her Dad.

See, she used to live in Gotham with her dad, mom nowhere to be seen of course, before running away to be with Johnny and subsequently dying.

She thought it would be better for her dad, not having another mouth to feed on a tight budget and not having to deal with their constant arguments every day. Looking back on it though, that might not have been the best idea. She hadn't even left a note, and for all they argued he did care about her enough that her disappearance would distress him.

But that was fine, she was going to check up on him right now!

He wasn't dead yet, she knew that much thanks to the Kid letting her access the Records of the Realms, but there was apparently some kind of Complications with his File which made it hard to pin down exactly how he was doing and where he was. So right now she was just wandering the streets of Gotham looking for him.

And guess what? No she still hadn't found him yet, he was suprisingly hard to track down. But she did find her apparent BROTHER!

Yeah, apparently sometime after she ran away, he had gotten himself another kid! He was too old to have been a bio kid so it was probably an adoption, but he definitely had a Connection to her Dad, the same kind that all parents and their kids have on their souls.

Well, if he adopted a kid that was fine by her, after all she always wanted a little brother (the Kid didn't count yet), but she kinda wished she had known before now!

She was gonna go introduce herself!

...

Tim was having a very weird day.

Well, it was a normal day for the most part. It became a weird one when a teenage girl walked up to him and introduced herself as his Sister, asking where their Dad was.

This wouldn't have been too distressing, Tim looked fairly average by the standards of Gotham and it would be easy to mistake him for another person with black hair and blue eyes.

The Distressing Part was that the girl in question had green hair, paper-white skin, and blood-red lipstick all covering a face he knew all too well. He saw it every time he had a nightmare about that night.

This Girl was the Joker's Daughter.

[levi-venn]

Pirate Droids of the Onyx Cinder

Chapter 5 (Part One): We Be Three!

Characters: K-2SO and SM-33

Summary: SM-33 revives an Interrogation Droid - What's the worst that could happen?

Ch1 | Ch2 | Ch3 | Ch4 | Ch5 Part One | Ch5 Part Two | Ch6 | Ch7 (Coming Soon!)

Available on AO3

SM-33 navigated the Interrogator Droid’s complex circuit boards like he was steering a ship through an asteroid belt. A spark burst from the soldering iron and the slave chip was seared away. 

“This is a bad idea,” K-2SO said. 

“So ye keep sayin’.” 

“Would you like me to tell you why it’s a bad idea?”

“I would,” SM-33 replied. 

“Too bad, because-” K-2SO stopped short. “Oh...you would?”

SM-33 understood the confusion. He wasn't used to humans listening to him either. But he wanted to be a better captain than Rennod and a better droid than he once was.

"Tell me yer most fearsome tale."

"Oh I fully intend to." K-2SO wiggled an index finger as if punctuating his tale. “I once knew an Interrogation Droid named IT-8.  We both worked on Coruscant on Senate Hill. I would arrest politicians accused of treason and inevitably they would be sent to IT-8 and her counterpart IT-9. IT-9 was no ball of sunshine either, but it was IT-8 that scared me most. She was a total psychopath who preferred torturing droids, especially protocol droids. You’ve met protocol droids, haven’t you?”

“Aye, once or twice.”

“You can knock them over with a feather! Most interrogations would end as quickly as they started, the poor things blubbering whatever you wanted seconds before being subjected to the electrodes. But IT-8 always kept going until the droid was completely fried. Monstrous. ”

“That…” SM-33 put the soldering iron away and closed the half shells. “...be a tale of horrors indeed.”

“And yet…you continue to repair this maniac?”

“Maniac? We don't know if this droid is a terror like your IT-8. Do ye not think there be terrifyin’ tales circling around the galaxy about KX-series?”

K-2SO sat straight up. His answer quick n’ sharp as a buzzsaw. “No.”

SM-33 lifted his head, white lens twitching. “No?”

“Well…maybe there are.”

“Ain’t no 'maybe' about it. Even I've heard of the ruthlessness of KX droids. Yer lot was the biggest n’ baddest droids in the Empire. Cold n’ calculated n’ murderous.”

K-2SO's vocoder went quiet. “I’m different now.”

“To be sure. But...there was a time when it weren't so, yeah?”

“I…yes…there was a time…” K-2SO agreed.

“I'm a custom built. There be no stories about my kind, but there was a time when stories of my crew included a bloodthirsty droid that showed no quarter. I was followin' me captain's orders, but lately I wonder how much of it was his command and how little of it was me, myself." SM-33 screwed in a fresh cylindrical syringe into the drug port. "Thanks to the little captain and her crew, I can now go by the Pirate Code of my own free will. They gave me more freedom than I knew what to do with. I’m guessin’ it was the same with yer captain? He was the one who gave you free will?”

K-2SO was quiet.

SM-33 worked while he waited patiently. 

After a few minutes K-2SO spoke, he spun a nearby ratchet on the workbench as he spoke. 

“The first time I met Cassian, I was intent on killing him. The Empire declared all dissenters on Ghorman a threat so we acted in accordance to the ISB's directive - which is always action by deadly force. I would have torn Cass apart limb from limb with my hands if that tank hadn’t hit me.”

“Ye were hit by a tank?!”

“I was. Cassian pulled me back to his ship, gave me to mechanics on the rebel base. When I woke up I was strapped to a bench and Cassian was aiming a blaster rifle at me.”

“A helluva meeting.”

“It was.”

SM-33 glanced up briefly to see K-2SO’s lenses flicking around at nothing in particular, but clearly processing something that he wasn’t ready to share yet.

No worries there. SM-33 would be there when K-2SO was ready to-

“I...don’t think he ever forgave me.”

“Forgive ye for what?”

“For the Ghorman Massacre. Not that I, specifically, was responsible for what happened there, but I am not blind. I saw how skittish my violence made him. Even if it was to his benefit. He never allowed me to carry a blaster. He kept key pieces of information from me, but freely gave it to Melshi. I was kept close, but not too close.”

He paused for a few moments more.

“But I never minded it. I knew he cared about me. He included me in more activities than any human before him. He taught me how to play Sabaac. He insisted I was his co-pilot. Occasionally, I could get him to laugh...which he did so rarely with anyone. He...would worry when I'd get injured. Insisting on fixing me himself. He trusted me with his life, but never with his thoughts.”

“Some humanoids don't think to share their thoughts with droids. In the end, they see us as accessories and nothing more.”

“I wouldn't mind if that were the case with Cassian, but I know it isn't. He used to have a droid he considered a brother. I only heard about him once. B2-EMO. When I tried to find out more, he shot me this look. Anger or...sadness...he was always hard to read, but it was clear he wanted me to drop it. Melshi took pity on me and told me only that Cassian had to leave him behind and it's a sore subject.”

“Leave him behind where?”

“Some remote planet called Mina-Rau.”

SM-33 tucked the information away for later. “B2...Sounds like a salvage unit.”

“Cassian came from salvagers, though I think there’s more to the story. For all that I knew of him, I don’t feel like I knew much.” K-2SO handed SM-33 three washers and bolts before SM-33 could ask. “What about Captain Rennod? What did you know of him?”

“He was the best cap-”

“Besides his reputation. I mean about the man himself.”

“He be a mystery within an enigma! No one knows where the captain hails from nor what dark and dreary life he left behind to become a fearsome pirate cap-"

Something sparked in SM-33’s mind. “...Wait…that may not be a truth I tell ye.”

When the little mechanic, KB, fixed SM-33’s memory, she gave him access into the recesses of files his former captain had once purposefully locked away. The origin of Captain Rennod himself was one of those forbidden texts.

“That…be a tale I can tell ye now. No one is left to tell me otherwise.”

SM-33 applied putty to the cracks along the TI Droid's body as he spoke. “Tak Rennod was a Senator’s son.He grew up in the lap of luxury on Canto Bight, he did. But he had a terrible greed inside him and a gamblin’ addiction that plagued his family and threatened their wealth and reputation. He was driven from house n’ home. He left the golden shores of Canto Bight and fled to the neon planet of Nar Shadda with enough credits to buy out a district for himself, but he had other plans. 

“He wove himself a story: Captain Tak Rennod was a pirate captain lookin’ for a new crew to chase a legendary ship filled with treasure: The Lurka. Only he knew the location. While the Lurka was a true enough tale, he didn’t have an inklin’ of where it were. He staged a ship, filled it with his life savings...then took his fledgling pirate crew to find it. An investment to curate him as a legend.”

“That’s…a pretty clever scam.”

“Aye, a great gamble with a great reward if yer cunnin’ like the captain.. He may have come from soft beginnin’s but he was resourceful, and his greedy nature made him a ruthless ruler.”

“But it didn't last,” K-2SO pointed out.

“That it didn't. He weren't a master of charisma. Mutiny was a long time comin’. I warned him time n’ again. He killed the crew that learned of the legendary treasure planet, At-Attin, and his new crew turned mutinous. Perhaps it's just as well. If he had taken that treasure, he might've retired as captain and gone right back to Canto Bight to spend every last credit.”

“Do you miss him?”

“I miss him like I miss my left lens.”

“...Do…you miss your left lens?”

Breeeeeeeeeep!!!

The TI droid clicked to life. The hypnotic power strip across its equator flashed a myriad of colors. Its photoreceptor flared scarlet. The sphere itself shook violently before slowly rising above the workbench.

“Thar she blows!” SM-33 exclaimed. 

(Continued in Part 2)