#event: child of spawn

[pizza-party-support]

"Elliot?" They wave awkwardly, noting how the body language is different..

@beginner-survivalist

"Noob!" -> The support smiles, wide and a little unsettling. Huh... Were Elliot's eyes always that gray and cloudy looking?

[divine-swordsmaster]

"C'mon kid. We gotta go back now." "But why?" -> Elliot pouts and crosses his arms over his chest. "Because it ain't safe out here. We're goin' back and that's final. Don't make me get strict with you." -> Elliot sighs with a nod. "Okayyyy.... Whatever you say, Shedletsky!"

[zincbot]

i'm a huge huge fan of the dynamics and story that's present in the dreemur's divorce in deltarune. what a core for a story to be built around.

[pizza-party-support]

-> Elliot giggles a little louder and wraps his arms around Chance's neck, quiet yet happy little noises spill from between his lips as he leaned into the other's affection. "I like when you call me stuff like that! Your little nicknames put butterflies in my stomach...!" -> There was a loving little look in those cloudy gray eyes of his. Although it was a little more intense, which made sense given the new personality he's sporting at the moment. "I'm so happy to be yours, Chancey!"

"Chancey....!" -> Oh! It's Elliot! - @pizza-party-support

“Oh, hey sweetcheeks!”

Chance replied, though there was an audible hint of fear in his tone. What was he meant to say in a situation like this?! Seeing your boyfriend suddenly swap personalities with a cultist was extremely unnerving, even if he was friends with said cultist.

[thatonemacaronikid]

Ok I've got a cute batfam idea and I wanted to share.

Bruce gets all of his kids earlier than cannon, but he only ever finds out about them in one specific park.

When he first went to that park as Bruce Wayne he saw a poster for Haley's circus, he decides to check it out one night, comes back with a child.

Of course at the moment this is nothing else but a tragedy, and Bruce forgets about the park.

But about a year or so later he is in that park again after chasing some criminals in there as Batman, after catching them and tying them up for the police he makes his way back to the batmobile to find three out of four wheels missing and one freaked the fuck out kid.

He takes him home.

After this Bruce takes a minute to realize it's the same park where he saw the poster but adds it all up to a coincidence.

Until another year or so he takes Dick and Jason to the same park for some family quality time, as the two boys chase each other around the playground Bruce notices a small little boy staring at him from behind a bench, he approaches the kid since he seems too young to be there all alone, when he asks where his parents are the kid simply answers "Egypt", when he asks if there's someone else looking after him he just shakes his head

Bruce takes another kid home that day.

Now Bruce is starting to notice a little bit of a pattern, but again chops it up to coincidences.

Until he's once again in the same park chasing after a possible drug deal happening there when he hears rustling in some bushes, deciding to investigate he finds a savage little girl holding a knife and covered with blood.

He cautiously takes her to the cave, but soon she's welcomed to the home.

Now Bruce is starting to notice something, he decides he needs to be a bit more careful whenever he end up in that park.

But then some months later the kids insist on going there to play in the playground, Bruce caves in and takes them over, not even 20 minutes in Tim and Cass come running towards him hand in hand with a little blonde girl wearing a purple hoodie.

He does not take her home with him, but that doesn't stop her from coming over every other day, and she's always welcome.

Bruce has of course at this point accepted that this park is blessed cursed, considering he got four and a half kids from it, he decides to try to evade it just in case he somehow get four and a half more.

That is until he gets a message from Talia asking him to meet up at that exact park, he sighs, leaves, comes back with a baby.

Bruce decides to evade that park as much as he can unless it's for an absolute emergency.

Until about 3 year later he has to go to the park for a fund raiser event, in which toddler Damian sneaks away for a good 30 minutes, frantically Bruce runs through the entire park just to find Damian playing ball with another older boy in a yellow shirt.

Much like Steph he does not take him home with him, but the kid is always welcome in the manors walls along with the rest of his children.

Bruce has no idea how or why all of his children essentially spawned in the same park, and he's kind of given up on evading it, in the future his kids might joke about the coincidences and claim the park as their "spawn point" but for now, as surprising and stressful as they were, Bruce is completely grateful and happy with all of his children that that park provided.

[ineffectualdemon]

I am firmly of the opinion that Disciple Shen Yuan would have a crush on Liu Qingge but would take having a crush badly. Also let's be real. Adult Shen Yuan likes to bully those he likes, just in a gentle teasing way.

Middle school aged Shen Yuan though is the type to write a note telling a kid they like to get out of their school

Basically the string of events

- 13 year old Shen Yuan sees Liu Qingge

-

- denial about sexuality

- decide to be angry that he's hot

- experience the Bai Zhan raids and decides he's actually angry that Liu Qingge is a shit teacher

- also decides he's mad at him for being reckless with his well being when he's just too upset after seeing him beat up on Qian Cao by accident

- be a snarky little shit everytime he sees Liu Qingge about him being a shit teacher and reckless with his health. Even making excuses to be a little shit at him. Just constantly "accidentally" running into Liu Qingge in order to call out all his failings as a person in the most cutting way

- Liu Qingge starts avoiding Shen Qingqiu's demon spawn child who actually makes him feel bad because his words are very true but also make his sister laugh at him

- Shen Yuan doesn't like being avoided by his crush Shishu so starts pranking the peak lord in more and more elaborate ways

- Liu Qingge becomes incredibly paranoid about Shen Yuan who he believes hates him for some reason and is convinced he's going to wake up in the middle of the night with this evil child in his house reciting all his failures as a person and potentially murdering him

- Shen Yuan also thinks he hates Liu Qingge

- this misunderstanding is a relief to both Luo Binghe and Shen Qingqiu who can clearly see it's actually a crush on Shen Yuan's end no matter how much he denies it

[zhelin-thames]

How it all started

Masterpost

The Gotham City Gala was in full swing, a glittering affair where Gotham’s elite rubbed shoulders and made idle conversation under the watchful eyes of the Bat-family. Bruce Wayne was, as usual, playing his role of charming billionaire, while his children spread out across the venue to keep an eye on the crowd.

Damian Wayne, now fifteen, stood near a table of refreshments, his arms crossed as he scanned the room. He hated these events, but his father insisted it was part of his training to learn how to navigate social and political circles.

Jason, standing beside him, nudged his shoulder. “Lighten up, Demon Spawn. Try smiling for once.”

Damian scowled. “I see no reason to.”

Before Jason could retort, Bruce approached, his expression carefully neutral. “Heads up. Vlad Masters just arrived.”

“Who’s that?” Tim asked, joining the group.

“Billionaire from Wisconsin,” Bruce replied. “Big on alternative energy and... other ventures. He’s brought his heir with him tonight.”

“Great,” Jason muttered. “Another spoiled rich kid.”

Bruce shot him a warning look but didn’t respond. Instead, the group turned their attention to the entrance as Vlad Masters entered the room, his presence commanding. Beside him stood a boy about Damian’s age, with raven-black hair and piercing blue eyes.

Damian’s breath caught in his throat.

The boy looked exactly like him.

As Vlad and his ward approached, Bruce stepped forward to greet them. “Vlad Masters. Welcome to Gotham.”

“Bruce Wayne,” Vlad said smoothly, shaking his hand. “It’s an honor. Allow me to introduce my heir, Daniel Fenton.”

Danny offered a polite smile, but his eyes flicked toward the group of teens behind Bruce. His gaze landed on Damian, and he froze.

“Damian?” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Damian’s heart pounded. There was only one name that surfaced in his mind as he stared at the boy before him.

“Danyal,” he murmured, his voice trembling.

The room seemed to fade around them as they stared at each other.

“Akhi...” Danny whispered, the term slipping out instinctively.

Damian took a shaky step forward, his usually composed demeanor cracking. “You’re alive.”

The rest of the Bat-family exchanged confused glances, but neither Danny nor Damian noticed.

“I thought you were dead,” Damian said, his voice unsteady. “They told me you died. That I failed to protect you.”

Danny shook his head, his eyes glistening. “I thought the same about you. When they took me... I thought I’d never see you again.”

“Wait a second,” Jason cut in, looking between them. “What’s going on here? Demon Spawn, you know this kid?”

Damian shot him a glare. “This is my brother. My twin. Danyal Al Ghul.”

Tim’s jaw dropped. “What?! You have a twin?”

Danny flinched slightly at the name. “Not anymore,” he said quietly. “I don’t use that name. I’m Danny Fenton now.”

Bruce stepped forward, his voice low. “Masters, what is the meaning of this?”

Vlad, who had been watching the reunion with an expression of mild amusement, smiled thinly. “Ah, yes. I suspected this might happen. You see, young Daniel was abandoned as a child. I took him in and raised him as my own.”

“Abandoned?” Bruce asked, his tone icy.

“Yes,” Vlad said smoothly. “I found him injured, near death. He had no memory of his past, so I gave him a new life.”

“That’s a lie,” Damian spat, his fists clenching. “He was taken. Stolen.”

Danny placed a hand on Damian’s shoulder, his touch calming. “I don’t remember much from back then. Just bits and pieces. But I remember you, Akhi.”

Damian’s eyes softened. “I never stopped thinking about you.”

The reunion left the Bat-family reeling. Later, back at the Manor, Damian and Danny sat together, talking quietly. Danny explained how he’d grown up as “Daniel Fenton,” raised by Vlad but always feeling like something was missing.

“I always felt out of place,” Danny admitted. “Like I didn’t belong. But now I understand why.”

“You belong here,” Damian said firmly. “With me. With us.”

Danny hesitated. “I don’t know, Damian. Vlad’s the only father I’ve ever known. And... there’s something I need to tell you.” (danny did get adopted by the fantons. The reason hes with vlad is because Jack and Maddie died b/c the nasty burger exploded with them inside. Jazz is alive tho and she went to collage)

Damian frowned. “What is it?”

Danny hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I’m not entirely... human anymore.”

Damian blinked. “What do you mean?”

“I had an accident,” Danny said quietly. “It changed me. I’m... part ghost.”

When Danny demonstrated his ghost powers, the reactions were mixed.

Jason whistled. “Okay, that’s badass.”

Tim leaned closer, fascinated. “How does it work? Do you have full intangibility? Flight? Invisibility?”

“Mostly,” Danny said, looking sheepish.

Bruce, meanwhile, studied him with a calculating gaze. “We’ll need to run some tests.”

“Bruce,” Diana’s voice cut in as she entered the room. She had just returned from Themyscira. “Let the boy breathe.”

Danny froze, staring at her. “Wait... Wonder Woman?”

Diana smiled gently. “Yes. And you must be Damian’s twin.” She stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You’re family now, Danny. Welcome home.”

Danny’s eyes glistened, and he nodded. “Thanks.”

As Danny settled into life with the Waynes, he found himself adjusting to a world that was equal parts chaotic and comforting.

Damian, for his part, was fiercely protective of his twin, vowing never to let him out of his sight again.

Danny smiled as he watched his brother argue with Jason over training methods. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he truly belonged.

And though the shadows of their pasts still lingered, they faced the future together—two brothers, reunited against all odds.

[theonewiththefanfics]

Homecoming (one-shot)

Synopsys: When Y/N goes missing during a simple supply run, she comes back with world-shattering news for Astarion. News he never thought to hear, and now he has a decision to make, one that will shift his life on its axis once more.

Set after the main events of BG3

Pairing: Astarion x fem!Reader

Genre: angst, fluff, a bit of SMUT, but nothing explicit

Warnings: talks of blood, injuries, swearing, mentions of abuse, but nothing explicit, kidnapping

Word count: 8397

A/N: I have not played Baldur's Gate 3 (I don't own a PS or a PC where to play it. all of this is based on the info gathered online and through Neil's own gameplay etc. Please be kind :) )

Part 2(ish) - Love Conquers All (one-shot)

A home was not something to ever be taken for granted, that much they had learned during their adventures.

A home was a fire slowly crackling in the hearth, warmth expanding through the living room. A home was Astarion sitting on a loveseat, a book in his hands while he waited for his love to finish puttering around in the kitchen. A home was drying tea leaves and making preserves for the coming winter as she shooed him out, saying that his fussing would only hinder her process.

He’d huffed, puffed and whined, trying to make Y/N pull away from her plans just so they could curl up and read together, but she was adamant.

“I’ve already started.” She dropped an orange peel and pressed some lemon juice into the steaming pot. “It’ll be wasted produce if I just leave it now.”

“But it will take you hours!” Astarion whined like a child and even stomped his foot, making her snort.

“And it will take me twice as long if you don’t stop annoying me.” Y/N threw him a saccharine smile over her shoulder, batting her lashes at the pouting vampire. “Now, be a good boy, and quit pestering me. We’ll have all the time in the world, once I’m done.”

Astarion just groaned, going up to her and wrapping his arms around her waist, the incisors he usually sank into her neck now nipping at her lobe. “I can be a very good boy if you only let me prove it.”

“My love, you will be getting absolutely no sex from me, if you don’t let me at least finish this batch.” A shiver rushed down her spine as he licked at her neck, so close to that sweet spot he always used as a place to bite and drink from. But she had to be strong. The jams wouldn’t make themselves. “Every additional minute you keep me from this will be an additional day of your dry spell.”

The vampire spawn jumped back from her as if he’d been scalded, scarlet eyes narrowing in on her. “You wouldn’t dare. You wouldn’t last an hour!”

Y/N turned around, crossing her arms as a devious smile bloomed on her lips, a brow raised in challenge. “Would you like to test those waters?”

Astarion stood, staring her down. His crimson gaze was blazing from underneath his lashes, but she didn’t budge. They’d played this game for close to three years as a couple now, and she’d learned very quickly – Astarion was very much so a cat. But especially – he was a cat that liked to knock things over while keeping direct eye contact with you, though the second you placed a palm underneath whatever it was he wanted for to fall, all his need for chaos disappeared. It just wasn’t fun anymore.

For twenty long seconds, Y/N and her pale elven lover didn’t break, hoping the other would crumble and be announced as the loser, but part of what he loved about her, was her stubbornness. It was because of that part of her personality, she’d stuck by him when his doubts had crept in, when his own mind called him worthless and not good enough for her, almost as if to spite those vicious words in his mind. She didn’t give up on the people she loved, and as luck would have it, Astarion owned her heart.

But Y/N also knew how to handle a cat like him, so just after a few more tense moments, his eye twitched, and he huffed in defeat.

“Fine,” he scoffed. “But if you are not done by sundown, I shall have no other option but to drag you away from the stove. Kicking and screaming preferred.”

Y/N simply shook her head, and went to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling the man into a deep, breathless kiss, but not before nipping at his bottom lip, dragging the piece of flesh between her teeth and making him let out a desperate moan. “I’ll even let you tie me up if you wish to do so.”

Astarion’s pupils almost swallowed the red irises in a matter of seconds, as he threw his head back in a groan. “My love, you’re absolutely killing me here.”

“Then I hope whatever punishment you deem fit for me, will be just oh, so sweet.” Y/N stepped back, untangling herself from him, but the mischievousness in her eyes didn’t lessen.

She could see how the words tortured him, how it took every single last piece of his fraying self-control, to not rip off her apron and the clothes underneath and just lay her down on the kitchen table, legs spread with his mouth licking into her until she orgasmed.

With eyes holding nothing but pure lust and hands clenching and unclenching, Astarion retreated. Y/N would be lying if she said she wasn’t hot and bothered and absolutely dripping between her thighs, and the thought of finishing those jams was the last thing on her mind, but she did have to do it. If only to keep him waiting longer, knowing whatever his beautiful brain was cooking up would leave her screaming and shaking for hours.

They’d been growing their own vegetables and fruits, Y/N tending to them during the nights to spend more time with Astarion as he fussed over his flower gardens, so it would simply be wasteful to leave their berries to rot. The year had been very generous and offered a variety of things to gather, so a while back, she’d decided to pickle some of the tomatoes and cucumbers, turn another batch of peppers and tomatillos into sauces while the sweeter things would be turned into syrups and jams.

Y/N shook her head, trying to clear it from the haze of lust, as the aroma of lemons and cranberries, raspberries and oranges wafted all around, encasing her in the scent. She was just about to add the sugar when the tin rattled with the sound of the last grains left.

Her brow furrowed as she opened the lid and looked inside. Sure, enough it was empty.

The woman huffed. She was absolutely positive she’d gotten the right amount during the last trip, but somewhere along the way it seemed a miscalculation had happened, and now she had to get more. Y/N would have asked Astarion, and had the sun dipped below the horizon, he would have jumped at the request, but alas his little vampiric predicament forbade him from walking during the day, the sun still high in the sky from what she could see through a tiny slit in the shutters.

Quickly, Y/N snuffed out the flame below the pot, untied her dirtied apron and grabbed a basket from the pantry, tying a pouch of coins to her side. She only needed sugar, but maybe she would grab some other necessities as well. They were low on Astarion’s favourite wine, one he claimed didn’t taste like vinegar at least.

“I’m off to the market really quick,” Y/N announced as she peeked into the living room, taking in Astarion as he flipped a page in a book. “Do you want anything?”

“No, my love.” He looked at her like a love-sick puppy. “Just your darling self back as quick as you can. I have picked up some… inspiration for your punishment if you will. Just as you suggested, of course.” He closed the book, showing the cover to her.

Heat crawled all over her body as she read the title, one of her smuttier romances she had started to read, and when she could do nothing but gulp and nod, his smile turned from a sweet one into a wicked-fanged thing. It was all she needed to know whatever awaited her once she was done would leave her unable to walk. Gods, she needed to finish this whole thing up as quickly as she could.

Y/N was out the doors like the wind, the usual stroll to the market cut from half an hour into a brisk fifteen-minute jog, the thoughts of the man waiting back home for her at the forefront of her mind.

The needed sugar, some coffee beans, a loaf of fresh bread, Astarion’s wine and some sour cream were all bought in quick succession, Y/N didn’t even try to haggle. Her eyes drifted across various stalls and merchants and she almost deemed it done when her gaze caught onto a rose seedling. It was a beautiful bloom with blood-red petals that whitened at the very tips. She smiled and went to buy it. Astarion would love the symbolism even if a bit too on the nose.

Once satisfied with everything, Y/N marched across the market and was back on the road to home. It was a humble little house they’d purchased with whatever had been left in their pockets after all was said and done with the tadpoles, but Astarion had bigger plans. This was only a temporary situation.

“I want a whole room full of books. Nothing but books from one end to the other and then some,” he’d confided in Y/N one night after both were panting and spent from multiple rounds of bringing the other to ecstasy.

“And a large ballroom,” he continued, and Y/N couldn’t help the loud laugh that escaped her.

“A ballroom? And what will we do with that?”

“Why, have grand balls, of course!” He threw his hands up in the air as if her question was preposterous.

“Star…” Y/N tilted her head to look up at him from where she was lying on his naked chest. “You hate people. A ballroom full of them – it would be your literal nightmare.”

“I don’t hate people.”

“I don’t count.”

“Alright,” he conceded, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. Y/N placed her palm atop where his heart was and rested her chin on it, looking deep into his eyes. “I hate most people, simply dislike them, but I wouldn’t be opposed to a get-together, from time to time. Maybe… maybe see our friends. Catch up on how they’re doing. I absolutely despise to admit this and will say you are lying if you ever mention it to anyone, but I – I miss them… even Gale…”

A gentle smile lifted her lips as she brushed a wild curl out of his face and tucked it behind his pointy ear. “I think I’d really like that too.”

His eyes were so soft and full of love, that Y/N swore she could feel his heart beating once more in his chest, thudding against her palm in a confession of adoration.

She was almost out of the city by that point, already on the small, secluded road leading to their house which lay on the outskirts of Baldur’s Gate right by the edges of the woods, so Astarion had easier access to game in between feeding on her when her attention was drawn back by someone calling out.

“Miss!” the voice, male she made out, yelled after her. “Miss, please wait!”

Instantly, her guard was up, but when a breathless man, looking to be in his late sixties appeared from behind a copse of trees, she somewhat relaxed. Y/N was still cautious, but if anything, she had a dagger holstered against her thigh. She was always prepared.

“Miss,” he gasped out, leaning his hands against his knees to catch his breath. “Miss, you are a quick one. I’ve been calling for you since by the rose stalls."

“Oh, I – I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you!” Y/N said but didn’t move forward. “How can I help?”

He huffed, as if regaining her breath, before fishing out a piece of fabric from his pocket, and extending it towards her. “You dropped this by the flowers.”

When she took a closer look at what he was holding, it seemed to be some sort of a silk scarf. She narrowed her eyes at him. She didn’t own silk scarves and definitely hadn’t worn one on such a warm day. “You must have mixed me up with someone, as it’s not mine. Sorry, for you to have troubled yourself like this.”

“No.” The man furrowed his brow, taking a step closer. “I am fairly certain I saw you drop it. Such a fine piece… didn’t want you to lose it.”

Y/N took a step back, angling herself in a defensive position with the basket in front of her. She didn’t like the tone he was speaking in, nor the way his eyes seemed to be appraising her. “No,” she asserted. “It’s not mine.”

His back stiffened, eyes growing cold, the grip on the scarf tightening as he hummed. “Well… a pity then.”        

She took another step back, but he was already lunging at her.

Dropping the basket to the ground, she reached for the knife strapped at her thigh, but he was quick as a viper as she hadn’t even noticed when a rope appeared in his hands, lashing it at her. Years of having fought had kept her agile and aware, but years of domestic bliss with Astarion had dulled her senses a bit.

The rope caught and wrapped around her ankle, knocking her to the ground. Y/N’s teeth clattered and snapped, her tongue almost in between them, but as he rushed to pin her down, she twisted her leg around the rope and pulled, making the man lose his balance and stumble.

It was enough for her to swipe her leg underneath his, and send him sprawling. It was enough for her to untangle her legs and roll away as he snapped it at her head. Her clothes were dirty as was her face, but it didn’t matter. She’d cover herself in blood if needed.

It was almost animalistic how she pounced – teeth bared, a snarl ripping from her throat and hands forming claws as if she would gouge at his face with just his nails, but as her palm brushed her thigh, unclipping the holster for her dagger, Y/N didn’t see the man had crouched on his knee and swung the cord.

It knocked the air out of her, as it wrapped around her chest, and he pulled her down, hard. Her ribs were screaming as the tether tightened and tightened with every pull, but as she thought this would be it, something strange happened – instead of offering her the killing blow, he opened a palm, now covered in a leather glove, and blew the contents of it onto her face.

Y/N coughed and sputtered, but whatever it was, was fast-acting and her lungs, still incapable of proper breathing due to the rope couldn’t expel it. In just a few seconds, the bright day around her turned into darkness.

She didn’t know how long she was unconscious for, but enough time had passed to dry out her throat. Or was that a side effect of whatever was blown into her face? In any case, as she slowly came to, Y/N noted there was a soft mattress under her body, which was an oddity for someone kidnapped. She could even tell the dagger was still by her thigh, the comforting weight of the blade pressed under her. Even weirder, if you asked her, to not disarm your victims.

Darkness still encompassed her, but the soft cloth against her cheeks told her she hadn’t permanently lost her vision, but with her sight obscured, she had to rely on her ears. That’s when voices invaded her senses.

There were three people somewhere further away, most likely in a different room if taken by how muffled the words were. She focused harder on what they were saying.

Two men and a female, Y/N differentiated, when the woman spoke.

“This is not what we agreed upon!” she hissed, and a grumbly-sounding man scoffed.

“You said to get her to you. I did. You never specified how.” It was the same man who’d knocked her out.

“We want her to help us!” A different male voice, this one softer, even kinder, rebutted. “I highly doubt kidnapping is a good incentive for that!”

“Look,” her assailant said. “I fulfilled my end of the deal. She is unhurt, maybe she'll sport a couple of bruises and a headache, but that is her own fault. She could have come willingly but didn’t. Other than that, though – she is completely fine. Now you do your part!”

As the trio argued between themselves, more angry whispers than shouting, Y/N started to shimmy her hands which had been bound, out of the restraints. She had a good inclination they needed her alive but had no want of staying as a prisoner.

Though her fighting skills seemed to have mellowed, which she was not happy about, even a couple of years without mortally dangerous adventures, hadn’t changed how quickly she could slip her wrists from their bindings.  Astarion might need to get more creative during their debauchery.

Y/N froze the second she heard a door open and shut, two pairs of footsteps moving closer and closer to where she was. Her breathing was shallow and almost imperceptible, as she tried to make it look like she was still unconscious.

She could sense two bodies enter the room and one move to stand where she faced, the other going to her back.

Y/N tensed. In just a few moments, whoever was behind her, would notice her undone binds. But she’d be ready.

“Darling, please be careful,” the woman said, a tremble in her voice.

Good. Let them be scared.

“Don’t worry,” the man replied. “I’ll just make sure she’s – what in the -”

But Y/N was already up, the blindfold off and ready to pounce. This time, she’d have the upper hand.

For a second, the light in the room blinded her, but her sight refocused fast enough to take in her captors’ faces.

The woman was beautiful, with high rosy cheekbones, and jade green eyes so vivid they looked like actual gemstones. Her hair was long and dark, down to her waist while grey strands seemed to have invaded the brown tresses in some places, but she was still ethereally gorgeous, her pointy ears covered in piercings.

Y/N snapped out of the shock quicker and using this to her advantage, she was behind her in a matter of a blink, her dagger pressed tight against her throat.

A gasp entered her ears, but she just pressed the blade harder, making her whimper.

“Please!” the man made her look at him, but instead of bracing for an attack, he had his hands up in surrender. “Please don’t hurt her! We just want to talk.”

“Funny way of having a conversation you’ve got there.” Y/N tightened her grip on the knife, surveying the man. Again, those same pointed ears, but his eyes were the most brilliant blue she’d ever seen and his face was marred with more age lines than the woman’s, yet he still was as gorgeous as she. “Typically, only my enemies would knock me out and tie me up before spilling their grand plans. But I will be kind and give you a choice – what would you like to be – friends or foes?”

“Friends! Friends! Please! We – we’re looking for our son!” the elven man pleaded. “And we – we heard a rumour that you might know him. Have even seen him.”

Y/N narrowed her Y/E/C eyes, piercing his with her gaze. “I’ve known and seen a lot of people. Usually, others just ask me about them, they don’t have someone kidnap me.”

“And we’re sorry, we’re so very sorry, but we had to make sure you came. It went too far and we apologise, but please…” He took in a deep breath, worried eyes flipping between his partner and her. “Our son – his name is Astarion. Astarion Ancunin. Have you – do you know of him?”

Hearing his name, knocked the breath out of her as if they’d snapped a rope around her chest again, making her stumble back. Her grip on the woman released, and she used the moment to leap over to her partner, using the bed as a buffer. He instantly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her half behind his back, but not before checking if Y/N’s dagger had pierced the skin.

Tears brimmed in the eleven woman’s green eyes as she looked at her, not even caring that just a moment before she was so close to having her blood dripping on the floor. “Please,” she whispered. “I – I know we didn’t go about it the right way, but please… is it true he’s alive?”

"I,” Y/N stammered, her gaze snapping back and forth between the two.

Astarion.

They were Astarion’s parents.

Even after all this time, they were searching for their missing son.

Y/N should have noticed the details – how the woman had a small mole on her cheek right where Astarion did, how the shape of the man’s eyes was the exact same as his son’s. Astarion even had the same high cheekbones as his mother while his sharp jaw was that of his father.

What had his eyes been like before? Green like his mother’s or the sky blue of his father's? What had he been like as a child? No doubt as mischievous and scheme-prone as he was now, but who had he gotten it from? So many different questions rattled through Y/N’s brain as she kept glancing back and forth, before shaking her head and pulling her out of the shocked stupor.

“You – you’re Ancunins?” She had to ask. Had to make sure she hadn’t overheard them or maybe hallucinating because of the powder she’d inhaled.

“Yes.” The woman nodded, brushing tears from under her eyes. “Our son has been missing for more than two hundred years, and we almost lost hope until… until we heard about you and your company a few years back. How one of the party members resembled our little Star so much.”

They hadn’t been inconspicuous, though they had tried, so it shouldn’t have come as such a surprise that tales of their adventures had gone far and wide, especially after saving Baldur’s Gate, killing Cazador and the absolute, and Gods know how many other evils along the way. But she never thought Astarion’s parents would have heard of it.

In fact, Astarion had barely even mentioned them over the years, and, for whatever reason, Y/N had concluded they must have passed, despite knowing elves lived extremely long lives. Had he maybe tried to find them on his own and couldn’t? Or had he forgotten about them?

Until Astarion and Y/N had become an official couple and she’d commissioned a portrait of him as a gift on an anniversary, he hadn’t even seen himself in two centuries. He’d forgotten what he looked like. It didn’t seem too crazy to assume, the memories of his parents’ names or their faces, might’ve slipped away as well, or even the love they had for him. Especially knowing how deeply Cazador had ruined that notion for him.

She needed to get home. She needed to see Astarion, and then she could figure out what to do.

“I need to go.” Y/N nodded to herself, muttering under her breath. “I need to think.”

“No, please!” the woman lunged, trying to grasp at her, but she had a knife pointed at her chest in an instant, making the elf shrivel back, but still, she pleaded. “Please help us. You’re the hero of Baldur’s Gate! If you can’t help, who will?”

“I promise I will do my best,” Y/N said. “But I need time… I – I need to figure all of this out.”

Her mind was swirling like a hurricane, but the man interrupted her breakdown as she realised how pretty much her in-laws, had kidnapped her. “At least tell us this – is – is it true he is alive? Or have we travelled across Faerun under the pretences of false hope?”

In truth, Y/N wanted to take them by the arms and drag them to her house, but whether Astarion wanted to reach out and reconnect, was up to him. That sort of a choice was not hers to make, but she could grant them this one request.

“He is.” Y/N nodded.

And then she left as quickly as she could because if she had to stand there and watch as the elves crumbled into one another, cries of relief and joy escaping into the slowly setting day, she would crumble too. Their faces were already permanently burned into her mind, and she needed a moment to process everything.

By a stroke of luck or fate, Y/N instantly recognised she was in the woods on the other side of Baldur’s Gate, so retracing her steps to the market was fairly easy even though the whole way back home, she was pretty much stumbling around in a daze, knocking into people and tripping over her own two legs.

Her discarded basket was right where she’d left it, gold coins scattered around it. The pouch must’ve broken during the struggle. Y/N made sure to pick every single piece up and was more than relieved to see, that the rose bloom was still intact.

By the time she arrived, the sun was starting to dip below the horizon, and as the last rays warmed her back, she extended her palm to open the door, though she didn’t even get to touch the handle as it was ripped open by a visibly distressed Astarion.

His eyes looked like he’d been crying, his hair as if he’d been relentlessly raking his fingers through the locks and his lower lip so bitten, there was a small hole where one of his incisors had gone through.

“Oh, thank the Gods!” Astairon instantly grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her in a bone-crushing hug, burying his nose into the crook of her neck. “Thank the Gods!”

Y/N dropped the basket over the threshold and closed the door with her foot, her own arms weaving around his middle, a palm soothingly brushing along his side, as he soaked her in.

“I’m alright, Star,” she said, kissing his temple and didn’t even make a noise as he gripped her waist tighter, right where bruises were forming. “I’m sorry I was gone so long, but I’m alright.”

“What happened? You said you’d be quick, but you were gone for hours! And you know what the worst part was – I couldn’t even go out looking for you because of the damned fucking sun!” Astarion cupped her face, turning it this way and that way, trying to find any injuries, but the biggest one would be in her head as she tried to figure out how to explain to him what had happened. “Gods, I am never letting you out of my sight again!”

Y/N indulged the vampire in the hug he pulled her in, holding him against her chest, trying to comfort him, but she was way too consumed with her new findings. Too quickly, as evident by the frown on Astarion’s face, she untangled herself from the embrace, anxiety immediately flashing over his handsome features.

She slid her arms from around his waist to take his palms into hers. “I – I don’t even know how to say this… How do you say something like that?”

Worry instantly marred his brow, and Y/N pressed a practised thumb between them, trying to soothe them away.

“Shit…” he muttered. “Did I do something wrong?”

“What? No!” She cupped his cheeks. “Astarion you’ve done nothing!”

“Then – then what?” He was tentative, still, scared Y/N might be angry at him. Or worse – wanted to leave, but her next words erased all that doubt.

“I…” She took in a deep breath. “Astarion, I met your parents today.”

Whatever he had expected, clearly that hadn’t been it. Probably a confession she’d met a past love, that their feelings were reignited and she wanted to go with them. But definitely not that.

He blinked once, twice, trice, completely and utterly stupefied before a small whisper of “What?” passed his lips.

“It’s why I’m so late,” Y/N explained. “They’d heard a rumour, that I knew you and had travelled with you during our tadpole situation, and came to me. Astarion, your parents are looking for you…”

A million thoughts seemed to swirl in his head, but Y/N held onto his hand through all of them.

“What,” he cleared his throat, “what did you tell them?”

“That I’d find them once I figured out what to do?”

“Which means?”

“Which means I would come home, give you this information and let you figure out what you’d like to do…”

So many emotions flashed across his face, but Y/N no longer needed that mind flayer tadpole connection it created – Astarion was an open book for her to read.

Joy. Such indisputable joy shone in his scarlet eyes before being consumed by confusion. Then anger and disgust and love, but by the end of it all his heart settled on one feeling – fear.

It’s what it knew best, though Y/N had tried her hardest to reduce it to ashes, yet still it lingered. She understood it, despite not being happy he ever had to feel it.

He feared what to do, what would be the right choice to make, he feared their reactions and what they would say of his disappearance or of his newest… condition. Would they accept him? Or would they be repulsed by him?

“What – what would I even say to them?” Astarion searched her Y/E/C eyes as if they held an answer, but when one magically didn’t appear, he hung his head, a tear rolling down his cheek. “I can’t even remember what they looked like. Their names, the house we used to live in… it’s all a fog.”

Y/N tried to give him an encouraging smile. “Well, your mother – she has the most beautiful green eyes. Like that dress you made for me for Summer Solstice, that same shade. And – and she has a little beauty mark on her cheek.” With a gentle thumb, she brushed over the mole. “Right in that same spot.”

His brows furrowed in concentration; his lips pinched tightly. “I – I remember blue eyes. Not green.”

“That might be your father's. His are azure I’d say. Like the summer sky. Gods, Astarion,” Y/N breathed out. “You look so much like them, but… honestly, the only thing you need to know right now is that they looked relieved.” Her voice was soothing as he tried to find lies in her words, but there would be none. “I didn’t tell them anything apart from the fact that you’re alive, and all I saw was complete and utter relief.”

Y/N placed a strand of hair behind his ear as he pondered. His carmine eyes slid to hers. “Do they want to see me?”

“Yes. It was the whole reason they sought me out because I might have a single scrap of information on you.” She’d mention the kidnapping later. Or maybe never, depending on how everything went. What he didn’t know couldn’t hurt him.

“Is it,” he hesitated, as if ashamed to be asking such a question. “Is it alright if I think this over for a bit? I’m just – there’s so much going on in my head…”

“Of course, Star!” Y/N cupped his cheeks and placed a reassuring kiss on his forehead. “Take all the time you need.”

“Thank you,” he sighed, his shoulders dropping, but she just shook her head.

“Nothing to thank me for. Not for this.”

And so, they continued on like that for a few days – Y/N didn’t bring the subject up, but she made sure Astarion knew, she’d be there whenever he needed to talk. Yet her mind couldn’t help but worry about the two elves in that little cottage on the other side of the town. How horrid it must be to wait for an answer that might never come, but her love was her first and only priority. When he decided it would be time, she’d support him no matter what.

It was a week after the revelation (and subsequent freakout on Astarion’s part when Y/N had removed her clothes before him, and he saw the raw skin and bruises on her ribs. She spent the whole night convincing him it was fine and talking him down from hunting the mercenary and bleeding him dry. She didn’t mention it had been his parents who’d hired him but rather said it had been an unfortunate coincidence), when Astarion awoke with a certain determination, shaking her awake.

She swatted at him like an insect buzzing by her ear. “Leave me be, you blood-sucking, elf!” Y/N grumbled, burying herself under the duvet. “It’s too early. And stop hogging the covers!”

She was just about to elbow him in the ribs if he didn’t let her sleep more, but what he said was like cold ice being poured over her, waking her up completely.

“I think I want to see my parents.”

Y/N was sat in a second. The sheet dropped down, exposing her naked chest, but she didn’t even feel the chilly air biting at her skin, even though Astarion’s gaze immediately dropped down to her breasts, eyes blazing with want.

Rolling her own eyes, she pulled the cover so that it obscured her indecency. Though it was his favourite outfit of hers, they needed to focus on the important things. “Are you sure? You can take all the time you need. There is no rush to this, and it’s a huge decision to make.”

“I’m sure,” Astarion sighed, running a hand through his moon-white locks and dropping back onto the pillows. “It’s pretty much all I’ve been thinking about.”

Y/N worried her lip before sliding back down next to him, letting him wrap his arms around her body. She knew in moments like these, Astarion needed reassurance, and he craved being close to her. Holding her grounded him, and made his scattered thoughts into something solid.

She kissed right above where his heart lay. “If, you’re sure.”

“I am… I just… Will you be there?” Astarion looked down at her.

The woman gave him a smile. “Nowhere I’d rather be than by your side.”

Gently, he brushed a finger against her cheekbone and leaned to kiss her, thankful he’d found someone to walk the world with, especially during the moments he feared he might break.

The day before they’d decided on meeting, Y/N ventured out to the cabin to inform the elven couple of Astarion’s decision. Once they’d seen her walking up through the window, they were out before she even managed to get to the door, faces full of hope.

“Astarion, he wants to come and see you, but there are some… conditions…”

His mother’s brow furrowed, the grimace so familiar it sent a pang through Y/N’s heart, but she swallowed it. “Whatever he needs. Whatever you both need. Anything for our little Star.”

“So… please just don’t question this, but umm… physical contact – I know I can’t possibly understand how you feel, but let him come to you first. It might not make sense, but it’s important that he is the one to make that step.”

“Of course,” Astarion's father nodded, his mother eagerly agreeing.

“And umm… he’ll be different. He might not look like the elf you remember him being. The world wasn’t kind to him for a long time… Please don’t mention this.”

Pain flashed across their faces at her words. They must have assumed something horrible had happened to him, but to have it confirmed was a different kind of agony. But as Y/N had asked – they didn’t question, simply nodded, holding onto one another a bit tighter.

“Alright.” Her heart was somewhat settled. “Thank you. We – uh- we’ll see you later tonight then.”

And with that, she left only to find Astarion pacing the inside of their hallway upon her return.

“Is it sundown already?” He snapped his neck to her as she removed her cloak, visibly upset when Y/N shook her head.

“A couple more hours, I’m afraid,” she said, taking his hand and kissing his palm, placing it against her cheek. “Please stop worrying. It will all be alright.”          

“But what if I’m making a mistake?”

She raised her brow. “Do you think you’re making a mistake?”

“N-no?” Astarion huffed. “I don’t know. I know I want to see them at least once, but what if it’s best to leave the past in the past? Why torture myself and exhume it, so to speak?”

“You can leave it all behind if that’s what you wish. But, Star, you also have the rarest of opportunities people get – a second chance.” She stepped close to him, pulling his head down by the nape of his neck so they could rest their foreheads against one another. “But you can always leave. You can always say “no.” And if someone doesn’t get that, no matter who they might be, I will gut them navel to throat.”

Astarion chuckled, brushing his nose against hers. “My knight in bloody armour, always ready to ride into battle for me.”

Y/N pecked his lips in response. “As long as I get my kisses at the end of it – without a second to spare.”

They spent the couple of hours waiting until the sun went down cleaning up around the house and then it was time to go.

As Astarion took a deep breath before closing the door, Y/N squeezed his hand. “We can turn back whenever you want to.”

But he seemed determined, only giving her a reassuring smile and twining their fingers together, her hand in his solid hold.

They walked slowly, enjoying the warm night gracing Baldur’s Gate, and soon enough they were through the city and past the woods, a small log cabin coming into view.

He stopped them a few feet away, taking in a moment to gather his thoughts and emotions.

Y/N glanced at him encouragingly. “Are you ready, Star?”

Astarion took in a deep breath, held it in for a moment and then exhaled, nodding. With this confirmation, she released his hand and ventured to the door, gently rapping her knuckles against it, immediately returning to stand beside her lover.

Instantly his palm was back into hers, as if he needed her to ground him, reassure him everything would be alright as nervous energy coursed through his veins while they waited for the inhabitants to come and see them. And though it was probably no more than ten seconds since she’d knocked, it felt like time had stood still. Once the doors opened, even nature quieted down.

The breeze shushed the tweeting birds and seemingly even the worms digging underground stopped their burrowing as finally, after two hundred years, the lost Ancunin son returned.

They stood like that for what seemed like ages, just taking one another in, before a small sob of Astarion’s name from his mother’s lips broke the spellbound silence.

It’s when he rushed for her, the elf already on her feet, meeting him halfway. Her arms wrapped tight around his body, hands smoothing down the back of his head as all the while she kept whispering “My Star, my little Star, you’re home.”

Y/N was on standby, ready to rip her away if Astarion became overwhelmed. She’d asked them to allow him to be the one to make the first step, and they had, but with such all-encompassing feelings, she just wanted him to be safe.

Though all that anxiety dissipated like ice under the blazing hear of the sun when Astarion practically melted against his mother, his fingers digging into her shoulders and back as if he never wished to be let go, both of them crumbling to their knees, still in each other’s embrace.

Tears welled along Y/N’s bottom lashes and when his father joined them, wrapping his arms around his family, they fell like rain on an autumn evening. She had to press a hand against her mouth to not sob out loud, but it didn’t seem like anyone would care, as Y/N noted Astarion’s shoulders shaking while his mother and father were freely crying, all the while touching and caressing his face, trying to ingrain the memory of having their son back in their arms.

She couldn’t imagine that feeling, didn’t ever want to, of finally being reunited with a family which you were so brutally ripped away from. Y/N almost wanted to resurrect Cazador, just so she could drive a stake through his heart again, but that might’ve been a bit too morbid of a thought in such a tender moment.

“You’re home.” His mother pulled back, cupping Astarion’s cheeks and smiling from ear to ear. “Our little Star is back home.”

“I’m sorry it took me so long,” he choked out, but his father shook his head.

“Doesn’t matter. You’re here. That’s enough for us.”

Y/N watched as he took in the people who’d searched for him relentlessly. He never knew they’d never given up. She wondered if there would be a time, he’d believe he was worth all it. She certainly hoped so.

“Thank you,” the elf with eyes like jade said, snapping her eyes towards Y/N. “You have no idea what kind of a gift you’ve bestowed upon us. We will never be able to repay you.”

She could only wave them off, a knot in her throat. “You owe me nothing. Seeing this – this is enough for me. I’ll – uh – I’ll leave you to it then.”

Just as she was about to turn around, Astarion jumped to his feet, untangling himself from the limbs of his parents, eyes full of concern. “What? Why? What’s wrong?” He was by her side in an instant, pulling her hand to rest against his chest.

“Nothing!” Y/N shook her head. “I just – I just think maybe I should take my leave. I can be back in a few hours if you’d like, but this just all seems like – like a private family reunion.”

Astarion scoffed, his free arm weaving around her waist, completely offended. “And what exactly do you think you are to me if not family, my love? Arguably, you might be the most important part of it.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say that -,”

“Hush now!” he scolded her. “You promised to be by my side through everything. Are you breaking that promise?”

“No, I just,” she stammered. “Are you sure you don’t want me to leave you to it? This just feels awfully personal.”

“My love, you are the keeper of my heart. You are my true home.” Astarion cupped her cheek, resting his brow against hers, chest against chest, not caring who might see. “Without you, none of this would have happened. I could still be on that beach with a mind flayer tadpole wriggling behind my eye.” He took her hand, and kissed her knuckles, sighing as they brushed against his jaw. “I don’t want to do this without you. I want to relearn who my parents are, and I want them to get to know me, but a non-negotiable part of that is you. That is if it’s alright with you?”

A tear slipped down her cheek, as she looked deep into those ruby eyes that once held nothing but fear and pain, only to now show love and compassion and happiness. When she smiled, her grin could have rivalled the sun itself. “I’d be honoured.”

When they glanced at the two elves by the threshold of the house, they noted the horrified looks on their faces. Astarion’s guard was immediately up, but his mother beat him to it.

“My Star, I am so sorry!” She put a hand over her mouth. “We swear we didn’t know you two were lovers! We just...” She glanced at her husband in desperation, but it seemed the little scene they’d put on had rendered him speechless. “Had we known, we would have never…”

Astarion squinted at her, a dangerous note appearing in his voice. “Never would have what?”

“Oh Gods, we had your partner kidnapped,” his father finally got out, eyes only widening in more shock as it settled that Y/N wasn’t just a travelling companion or a friend, but just what she really meant to Astarion.

“You did what?!” His head snapped to Y/N who now retreated to stand between the two shocked elves, and her quite furious boyfriend.

“Astarion, it’s alright,” she tried to calm him down. “They didn’t know! Besides, I heard them arguing with that mercenary. They didn’t hurt me. In fact, I,” she let out a nervous chuckle, “I held a knife to your mother’s throat. So, call it even and let’s move past it?”

His gaze was hot like the flames, as it burned into her. “We will discuss this later.” He pointed an accusatory finger at her before taking a deep breath and exhaling. “This is absolutely not how I ever imagined a family reunion to go, let alone the introduction of my partner.”

Y/N’s shoulders dropped as he broke the settled tension, but something in his eyes told her she’d pay for her omissions. And oh, how delicious that punishment would be.

His mother still seemed to be all nerves as she invited them inside, spouting apologies in Y/N’s direction, but when she took the elf's hand in hers and gave a comforting embrace, she relaxed a little. “Let’s let the bygones be bygones.”

“I’d appreciate that,” she smiled, and wrinkles of age and time appeared around her eyes.

It was awkward at first, two centuries of hurt laying between them, two centuries of torture on Astarion’s end, of lost love and people, but slowly they opened up. And when his mother mentioned how he always used to bury his nose into strawberry fields, because it reminded him of his mother’s hair care products, it was like a damn had been opened.

The memories were still there, buried under layers of pain and horrors, but there. Maybe a little jumbled up and out of sorts, but with every hour spent together, locks were being broken and a light long lost lit up again.

Astarion had changed, but so had his parents. He let them know of his adventures, how he met Y/N and how she had turned his world upside down but abstained from the more gruesome parts. He wasn’t ready for that. Not yet. Maybe not ever, but if he so wished, she knew his parents would be there to listen and welcome his vulnerably with open arms.

An hour before the sun resumed its place in the sky, Y/N nudged Astarion, telling him it was time to leave. She had little doubt in her mind, his parents had caught onto what he was, even if they hadn’t mentioned Cazador. If not for the shape of his elongated canines, or the colour of his eyes, which Y/N had found out had been a beautiful shade of pale green, then because of the brutal scars on his neck. But they still pulled him into a hug with such vigour, it was like they feared they’d never see him again, which was probably a thought always haunting their minds.

“Would – would you like to come over to ours?” Astarion asked, still holding onto his mother’s hands. “It’s a bit of a mess, our place, but if you come after the sun’s down, I’m sure we can have it proper enough to take on guests.”

It was an odd request, but thankfully, neither his mother nor father said anything about the specific time request, simply hugged him once more and promised to be by their door the second the sun dipped, wine and lemon cakes in hand.

As they waved their goodbyes, Astarion slipped his palm into Y/N’s and made sure they walked all the way back like that. Once behind a closed door, he pulled her into his chest relishing in the way their bodies melded together – two puzzle pieces finally connecting and forming the most magnificent picture to exist.

“What is it like to be finally home?” Y/N asked as he swayed them to a tune only, he heard.

Astarion shook his head, pulling slightly back so he could cup her jaw. “My love, I have been home for a long time now. I’ve been safe and cared for, all thanks to you.” His eyes were so full of love and adoration, she almost choked on a breath. “Now… now it just feels complete. So thank you… thank you for being my home,” he muttered that little confession against her skin, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Thank you for keeping me safe.”

“Always, my love.” Y/N didn’t hide the tears rolling down her face and he brushed them away with a soft thumb. “Always.”

When their gazes locked, all she could see was excitement for what the new day had to offer, and she knew whatever was in store, as long as they were by one another’s side, there was nothing they couldn’t overcome.

But for all that, there was an important thing she was unaware of.

As Y/N entered their living room, talking to herself and making a list of what they had to do before his parents arrived, Astarion stood and watched her, leaning against the doorframe, all the while his hands rested in his pocket, where in one of them, a beautiful ring was being twirled between his fingers.

Before they’d left, his mother had slyly pulled it off her own hand, pressing it into his palm, and whispering to him while hugging that she didn’t want to see Y/N without it the next time around.

Astarion had no intention of living his life without Y/N as his fiancé for a second longer.

When she turned around to find him on one knee, he didn’t even get to ask the question before she responded with a shout of “Yes!” and jumped on him, pulling him into a kiss he swore breathed life into his still chest.

He couldn’t wait to reintroduce Y/N to his parents as his intended.

Now all was as it should be. He was finally home. And somewhere in the garden, a rose bloomed in full.

Tags:

Everything tags: @palaiasaurus64 @supernaturalbaesduh @thatawkwardlittlefangirl @sea040561 @staryeyedgirl @deathbyarabbit @m-a-t-91 @maladaptive-ninja-returns @averyrogers83 @gallifreyansass @dewy-biitch @avxgers @unlikelygalaxygiver @magicwithaknife @ollyoxenfrees @bnhvrdy @tvwhoresblog @thatkindofgurl @sj-thefan @lestersglitterglue @im-squished @strangersstranger

Astarion tags: @spacebarbarianweird

A/N: This idea was inspired by that one post of a painting Astarion's parents probably had of him, but had put away somewhere just so they didn't have to look a the son they lost, so I rectified it (Link to the inspo pic :) :( Now they have a portrait of Astarion and his love right above their fire place :)

P.S. my tags are always open :)

P.S.S. please don't plagiarise or repost on other platforms.

[meanbossart]

Why does the drow want kids?

Do you think he'd be a good father? (in the magical event that he and Astarion invent fantasy mpreg lol)

How do you think they handle coparenting together?

Sorry for so many questions lol, was just thinking about your little guy and was curious (hope these haven't been asked before!)

Well, to start off you could technically say that he doesn't want them. Not in his canonical/redemptive timeline, anyway.

If he were partnered with someone who's capable of conceiving and it happened on accident, he would be happy about it at first, and it's definitely an idea that he thinks of fondly - but DU drow realizes that not only is his current life-style not fitting to raise a child, but there's also the whole... Bhaalspawn thing. As funny as it was to loom the threat of offspring over Jaheira's head, he wouldn't want to put a child in the world only for it to land in the clutches of Bhaal as he once was.

Jokes about his breeding kink aside, his remaining urge to reproduce will at times be as much of a punishment as his bloodthirst was. Forget about the morning-wood and the abstract obsession with sex - remaining empty-nested will, at some point, pull him into a hopeless sadness that will probably be difficult to crawl out of, and it won't be sated by getting a couple of cats or adopting an urchin.

That said, I don't think it's out of the question that they could come to foster or fully adopt a child, one day! Assuming they stay alive long enough. It's a cute idea that I have filed away for when the inspiration eventually strikes me.

...And Astarion and DU drow would definitely make for peculiar parents, lol, but not totally hopeless ones. They're incredibly capable people in their own rights, with a lot of potential to yet mature and grow assuming nothing goes horrifically wrong. I could see them striving to raise a very self-sufficient and practical child - teach it how to hunt! How to steal! How to butcher! When it's old enough to even understand such conversations, teach it how to murder and benefit from others. Teach it that the world is a weird, scary place, but you can take it by the horns and we will show you how to.

DU drow would be the type of father who more openly expresses affection and wants to spend every minute with the child - yet far more open to letting them make their own mistakes. Take risks. Get hurt. Then simply tell them to dust themselves off and move on.

Astarion on the other hand would probably make for a slightly more withdrawn dad (this isn't the type of love he's used to - not only from his years as a spawn, but far before), a funny one, but not particularly touchy or explicitly loving. On the flip-side I think he would have a much harder time letting them go off and do dumb shit, or at least he would try and pull strings so that things do go their way. He's the dad that reprehends you for getting caught stealing and getting beat up, but then goes off and kills the store-keeper without you ever hearing a word about it.

[holorform2009]

Something is stuck in my head for so long after making a content of platonic forsaken x child...

Behold! Gold Mushroom skin for child reader!

Unfortunately this skin is not available in the skin shop thing. In an Easter event, you need to go outside the cabin and quickly search a gold mushroom in the Forrest that is hidden somewhere before the round starts

Heads up: When this skin is equipped you will gain one ability, and that ability is passive. The passive ability is called Gold spores, which it can heal players if they're around you. Though it will take some time to heal your teammates because every 15 second will gain 5+ of their health. The small problem is you can not heal yourself.

"Hey little Goldie! Mind helping me here?" — Chance's line when they're near you or is at low health and they happened to be near you.

"What's a pizza..?" — your line when you receive heal from Elliot

"Here, you can have my pizza" — Elliot when he gives you heals.

"T– Thank you..!" — Noob when they're near your passive ability

"Do you mind placing your machinery here mister?" — your line when requesting from builderman

"Thank you little one... but you you don't have to...." — 007n7 when he's near your passive ability range

"🍄🟨👍😁" — Taph when he is near your passive ability

"Much obliged gold hearted one" — Dusekkar when he is near your passive ability

"Oh blessed by the spawn!" — Two Time when they're near your passive ability

"Thanks kiddo, I appreciate your support!" — FATASS Shedletsky line when he is near your passive ability

"Stay close to me, I don't want you to get hurt" — Guest 1337 line when you approach him.

"Are you some kind of golden fairy or a lucky charm?" —Pr3ttyprincess line when she kills you

"Man you're very shiny, sadly you're not blue" — Bluudude line when he kills you.

"Woahh! What are you? A walking talking golden mushroom??" — Coolkid when he kills plays with you

"J—- J- JA– JAÆCKPOT!!" —Noli's line when he kills you

"What a waste..." — 1x1x1x1 when they kill you

"ki.. ki.. ki.. ma.. ma.. ma.." — Jason such inspiring words

"Got you!–" — Mafiaso grabbed you by the collar, his eyes widen at the sight of you, the grip on his sword shaking slightly. He hesitates to kill you... Your eyes were blown wide with fear as you look at him straight in the eyes begging to be let go as tears begin to flow from your eyes. He grits his teeth, he lets go of you roughly as you landed on your bum letting out an oof coming out from your lips.

"Run along now little one, and don't ever come across me again." You don't need him to tell you twice and you quickly runs away.

[pizza-party-support]

" Alright, pal... "

Before it could be registered who said that, they walked up and grabbed Elliot by the shoulders, shaking them vigorously. It was Two Time, doing it. " What's your DEAL??? "

[ @goingtwice-immortal ]

"Huh?" -> He blinks and tilts his head slightly in confusion, clearly unphased by the other appearing out of nowhere and shaking him around! "What do you mean by that?" -> He sounds... Genuinely confused. What?

[thisgirlisgaythankyouverymuch]

Chapter 1: The Lights Flickering

Neglected! Sung Jinwoo Reader x Yandere Batfamily

TW: Impending Danger (Implied), Foreshadowing of Loss, Mild Child Endangerment (Implied), Emotional Tension, Dark Themes (Its Gotham so of course its dark)

WC: 1.3k

"Flash News: 

A strange phenomenon has been reported near Robinson Park. Witnesses have all described a blue portal that has suddenly appeared today, giving off an unknown energy. The area that had been said to have spawned this portal is currently off limits and is under investigation by members of the Justice League.

However, sources confirm that even with great effort, none of the members have been able to enter the portal, keeping its origin and purpose for appearing unknown.

Authorities urge civilians to stay clear and far away from the area as the Justice League continues their analysis.

In a shocking turn of events, the sudden emergence of different individuals showing supernatural abilities is said to be coincidental to the emergence of the dungeon. Early reports have been filed around the world, with citizens awakening abilities that defy the laws of Science. Although this would have been a shock, only a few hundred have been reported to have been granted this ability. The researchers of STAR labs have been analyzing these individuals and have been testing their abilities near the said portal in Robinson Park.

Although research and reports have been scarce, resources say that the labs will further investigate the situation at hand."

.

.

.

"A new portal crisis, huh? Well, isn't that interesting?" (M/N) says as they pick up their child, who is watching TV, giggling as the little one, no older than four, tries to wriggle out of their grasp, eager to keep watching the news. Holding the child close, (M/N) carries them into the kitchen. Footsteps echo from a nearby room as they begin preparing breakfast.

As the mother begins to serve breakfast, a low grumble from a male could be heard, laced with annoyance and irritation, but also the heavy drag of someone who didn't get enough sleep. The said male then went to give two of the most precious people in his life good morning kisses. One accepted the affection with a hum, eyes still half-lidded but a smile present, while the smaller one gave out an irritated grumble, clearly more interested in the bear pancakes their mom had made.

"Rough night, dear?" (M/N) said, placing down the plate of bacon and eggs as she poured a cup of coffee for her husband. (F/N) nodded and sat down at the table, taking a sip from his mug. "The lab called me last night," he said quietly, the steam from his coffee swirling around his tired eyes. "They said I need to help with the investigation about the portal in the park. Looks like they’re bringing in more researchers for this one." He took a bite of bacon, chewing thoughtfully as he glanced at his wife. "What about you? Did they reach out to you about it?" His brow furrowed a bit. "I hope not, because you’re already busy with this little gremlin." He pointed lightly at the child, smiling at the kid, who was completely focused on their pancakes.

"They did." (M/N) replied, wiping off the syrup smeared on the child's cheek. "But I rejected the offer. I can't carry on more tasks when I've got my hands full, especially with (reader)." She then looked at her husband before looking back at the little gremlin devouring the pancakes, syrup sticking onto the sleeves of the shirt she was wearing. "I tried to find a nanny... didn't work out." The woman then stood up and took the plates from the table before cleaning the dishes near the kitchen sink. "Although Mrs. Wetherby said she’d be more than happy to watch over (Reader)." (M/N) says as she dried her hands with a towel. The man then hummed before he stood up, scooping the child up and going to the bathroom to start the bath for the gremlin.

As the man adjusted the water temperature, waiting for the tub to fill, a quiet thought surfaced.

“Five years old next week, huh?” he murmured to himself, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He reached for the bubble bath and poured a generous amount into the stream, watching the foamy suds rise.

Behind him, the child’s eyes lit up as they realized what was happening.

“Bubbles!” they squealed before darting out of the room at full speed.

The man chuckled, shaking his head. “Guess that means toy reinforcements.”

He knelt by the tub, swirling the water gently as the bubbles grew, the air filling with the scent of lavender and plastic. Despite the early morning stress and the heavy topic lingering just outside the door, for this moment, just this one, everything felt simple. Whole.

.

.

.

"Alright, I'm heading to work now, my love" (F/N) says as he takes his coat and bag near the front door, not before pressing a kiss on the side of his wife's cheek and their child's forehead. "I'll see you at work, alright?" The woman then nodded her head before calling after him, "(F/N)! Can you stop by the cafe for my coffee, please?" (M/N) shouted to him. He then rolled down the window of the driver's side before shooting her a thumbs up and a wink. The mother giggled at his antics before looking over towards her child, waving to their Father, chuckling softly as the child ran towards the car, knocking on the door of the car before hugging (F/N). "Take care, Papa! Please come back safely." the child said as their hair was ruffled by the said father, getting a bit irritated but also laughing gleefully.

As the woman looked at the scene, she couldn't help but feel a little worried. The thing that appeared gave her the feeling of fear and anxiety, fearing for something that she didn't know yet could already feel through her bones. She then looked over again before taking the child and looking towards the car, driving off, watching as she scooped the kid up, walking away when the car was out of sight. She then changed her clothes for work before taking the papers from her desk, stuffing the papers in her bag, and picking up the child and the things they needed before getting dropped off at the sweet old woman's home.

The sweet old woman had insisted on helping, having spotted the dark circles under her eyes days ago. “Even though I’m old, I can still take care of children, you know?” Mrs. Wetherby had said with a wink. “Besides, it’s quite lonely eating apple pie all by myself. I thought I might share some with (Reader), they do have a sweet tooth, don’t they?” laughing softly as she gestured to the mother to enter her home. On the table looked to be a freshly baked pie, the smell of cinnamon, sugar, and apples filling the room, embracing the mother with a comforting feeling as she looked over the table. The pie had looked like it had only been pulled out of the oven, the crust perfectly golden brown and flaky, the apples inside gleaming beneath the soft sunlight that entered the room, sticky-sweet glaze covering the apples as she took a big slice of the pie, wrapping it up before giving it the the mother. "You know you could ask me for help, right, dear?" Mrs. Wetherby told the mother. Although they were in Gotham, a terrifying place, the fear seemed to disappear as the mother looked over to the old woman, who was smiling at her, her hazel brown eyes looking so warm, wrinkles forming at the side of her eyes, and her black hair turning gray, silence enveloped the mother, but not the akward type, It was like a warm blanket hugging her after a long day at work, where you can finally relax after working rigurous hours. With that, the mother agreed, thanking the old woman with a smile as big as hers.

So, with everything they needed, the mother soon took off with her child walking beside her on the sidewalk, heading straight to the woman's home, feeling content with her small family and Mrs. Wetherby, who was also now becoming a part of it as well.

But this contentment would soon disappear, as the Shadows of Gotham would soon sink its bare fangs on her beloved family, a cruel punishment they didn't deserve but was placed on them.

Oh, My Dear Gotham, why must you be so cruel.....

A/N: Heyyo, Everyone! decided to post the first part early as it is rotting in my drafts for weeks now, I had the motivation to finish this today, and felt like I should post it so I could start on other chapters. As usual, this fanfic is for fun and for entertainment only. I do not own any of the characters unless said otherwise. English is NOT my first language.

Taglist: @thelovelymoonlightofthemidnight @snowy-violet @cssammyyarts @the-dumber-scaramouche @bluevenus19

@bunniotomia @iansimpsforeveryone @fortunatelydifferentqueen @noisytoadhoundzipper-blog

[district-thirteen-intern]

Katniss Everdeen says Peeta wanted kids. I say Katniss Everdeen is a dirty little liar who spent three books projecting baby fever onto the softest man alive while denying it so hard she almost gaslit herself.

And because I'm tired of arguing that Peeta didn't force Katniss to have kids, here's my probable version of what went down:

baby fever, but make it apocalyptic — everlark

it starts when delly has a baby

and katniss gets to hold it and it squeaks

her uterus literally tingles

cue immediate panic

she hands it back like it burned her

and then she immediately goes outside to shoot at squirrels until the feeling goes away

except—

(it doesn't really go away)

the next two weeks are a torture

"not everyone deserves to be a parent"

"what if they cry a lot"

"what if they're angry like me"

"what if they're allergic to bread"

"what if our child hates me"

"what if our child hates peeta"

no

no one can hate peeta

"but what if—"

it's exhausting

she steers clear of delly and her spawn the next few days

it doesn't work

her nightmares take a strange turn

she sees herself carrying a baby through the woods as she hunts

the baby giggles

another baby sits on the kitchen counter

with peeta's eyes and peeta's face

in matching aprons as peeta

and ugh—

she almost misses the mutts

anyway, she reorganizes the pantry

alphabetizes the herbs

knits something she insists is a herb pouch

but it's suspiciously baby-sized

eventually, it gets too much

and peeta is not helping

he's holding delly's baby when she visits him at the bakery

the baby is laughing

well, fuck

her whole resolve crumbles

he's making bread

she blurts, "your forearms are nice"

"thanks?"

"mm, they would be good for carrying things"

peeta raises a brow

"heavy things— like... sacks"

"sacks."

"or— like, baskets."

katniss is embarassed

peeta is visibly confused

and haymitch—

haymitch is dying of laughter

"did you know babies can't see color for weeks?"

"katniss."

"i just wanted to share a fact."

"katniss."

"it didn't mean anything. shut up."

and then she starts knitting a tiny hat

“is that for delly’s baby?”

"no."

"a friend’s baby?”

"no.”

"...katniss.”

peeta has suspicions

and they're confirmed when he finds her journal open to a page

titled: NAMES FOR HYPOTHETICAL BABY

Ember

Rue Rue ❤

Bread Jr.

NOT GALE

it ends like this—

Peeta, eventually: “Do you want to have ki—”

“YES”

“i didn’t even finish the word”

"i mean... i will if I have to, if you want too much... i mean i want to if you want to, i mean— because i love you so much."

“are you sure?”

“are you sure?”

"uh huh”

oh.

katniss blinks

"wait— that's it?"

"katniss, i've been waiting for you to stop glitching long enough to bring it up.”

she punches his arm

he laughs

haymitch starts prepping a baby-proof survival kit

no one dares ask what's in it

nine months later—

the baby is just as beautiful as she imagined

good thing peeta convinced her to have babies, really

i know it's exaggerated for comedy purposes but this is really not that far from the course of events i imagine happened— katniss is an expert at gaslighting herself after all— and I hope you liked it.

please don't forget to like, comment, and reblog if you liked it. and lmk if you'd be interested in being added to a tag list.

[milkingtonthethird]

GAMER!BSF!GRAYSON who has a massive crush on you.

WARNINGS: gn!reader, fluff (just in case you thought there wasn’t)

- He was never really into Minecraft, but you suggested a server to decompress from competitive online games.

- He loves it.

- Would definitely break your bed and put it next to his, saying some cheesy shit like, “I get lonely.” You don’t humor him, though eventually you give up because it resets your spawn point.

- He sees it as you liking him back.

- He would have a diverse playing style, but that’s only because it’s you. Oh, you want flowers? He’s spending an unholy amount of time getting the right ones. Need a lot of iron? You won’t see him in a few hours.

- He leaves you cute little signs if you aren’t on at the same time.

- Will learn how to build cool things just to see your reaction. He’d deny any remarks about him watching a tutorial.

- He isn’t sure why, but seeing you in a Nightwing skin has him flustered. A lot of bonus points if you have no clue that it’s him.

- He definitely has a mouth on online games. It’s honestly surprising how many insults he can come up with.

- Though, if you do some dumb shit, intentional or not, he wouldn’t utter a word. It wasn’t your fault you walked into an obvious claymore.

- If you’re doing good, expect praise. Or really, really questionable things.

- “Oh my God, you’re so hot,” with an unneeded breathy tone or, “Please kiss me.”

- He’d convince you to get matching gamertags.

- If you verbalize wanting anything, like skins or even a game, he’ll get it for you. It doesn’t matter that you don’t want him to waste his money on it, you’re getting that overpriced Valorant bundle.

- Sometimes, you both just sit in Discord calls, talking or watching something.

- Or falling asleep.

- Well, you specifically. He loves it. Loves when your voice gets noticeably softer, more tired. He always talks more quietly, as if he’s trying to lull you to sleep.

- He’s a night owl—usually you aren’t. He’d just busy himself with things, keeping his headset on just in case.

- He perks up like a dog when you unexpectedly mumble something, asking him how he could let you fall asleep.

- He’d just grin.

- Obviously you come over to hang out, or vice versa.

- Who knew he’d lose a game of Mario Kart just so you can tease him?

- He likes when you both do your own thing, barely any words uttered. He’d lounge on his bed, Switch in hand, while you play on his computer.

- He’d get distracted, though, opting to just stare at you. How your hands work on his keyboard, how your brow creases in focus. You honestly forgot he was there, so yes, he’s going to observe you with little hearts in his eyes.

- They aren’t often, given his busy schedule, but sleepovers. You don’t plan on it; you keep saying you can pull an all-nighter.

- Ends up with you “resting” your eyes for a moment.

- And Grayson, being very smart, would sit close enough just in case your head fell onto his shoulder. When he knows you are absolutely knocked out, he’d press a soft, light kiss against your head, shifting carefully to get you more comfortable. It’s hard to continue playing when you’re not doing it, too.

- He’d take you to any nerd-related event.

- He isn’t sure why you keep bringing your wallet—he’ll pay. It’s all worth it to see your giddy smile.

- Though, he can’t complain if you get him the giant Lapras plush he’s been eyeing the entire time.

- No, he doesn’t think it’s your child. And he definitely doesn’t cuddle it at night. Nope.

- Super busy conventions means hand holding. It’s also an excuse to put his hand a smidge too low on your back.

- He looks confused when you point it out. Do you want to get lost?

- Expect a ton of pictures. Moreso of you. He’s just too lazy to ask someone to take one of both of you.

- He’ll stand in a long ass line for a signature from whomever you want. He’s only pissed off because VIP passes slipped his mind. Silly Grayson.

- If you happen to be a cosplayer, he’s in charge of fixing your clothing, taking pictures of you with fans. Hell, he’d even touch up your makeup, if you want.

- You didn’t ask. He’s good at his makeshift job, nonetheless.

- A touchy person holding you a little too personally? A glare. A touchy person still holding you a little too personally? He’s still going to take the photo, just after he moves their hand off of your waist.

- God forbid anyone harasses you.

Note: I lowkey want to do a NSFW version of this but idk 😭

[amorienomore]

authors note: yk i had to do the rest, so without further ado…

babydaddy!jjk headcanons because i couldn’t get nanami’s out of my head (𖦹ᯅ𖦹)

babydaddy!gojo

ᥫ᭡. you’re co-parenting with the most unserious man alive.

ᥫ᭡. he lets your kid stay up late, eat sweets for breakfast, and teaches them how to prank you. when you call to yell at him, he just laughs and says, “lighten up, sweets.”

ᥫ᭡. he’s also the dad who shows up to every school event, takes a million pictures, and brags about your kid to literally everyone.

ᥫ᭡. still hopelessly in love with you. will dramatically sigh and say, “we could be a family again, y’know” at least once a week.

babydaddy!geto

ᥫ᭡. was the fun, cool dad until he disappeared. you quite frankly don’t hear from him for a while, and then suddenly he’s back, all mysterious, like, “i had things to handle.” like sir, we have a child together (+ mimi and nana)

ᥫ᭡. your kid is a mama’s baby because geto was gone sooo long, and now he’s highkey lowkey jealous.

ᥫ᭡. makes up for lost time by being ridiculously attentive. picks them up, twirls them around, takes them on little adventures.

ᥫ᭡. “i missed so much. but i’ll never miss another thing again.” (and somehow, that promise includes you, too.)

babydaddy!ijichi

ᥫ᭡. the most nervous first-time dad. he read every parenting book, watched every video, and yet still panics when the baby cries.

ᥫ᭡. the type to say, “i don’t want to be a burden..” when he’s literally the most reliable of them all.

ᥫ᭡. is definitely still into you but would never say it. too respectful. too scared.

ᥫ᭡. your kid draws a picture of the three of you together, and he gets all emotional.

babydaddy!toji

ᥫ᭡. bare minimum parenting king.

ᥫ᭡.“why would i buy milk when you have a whole factory on your chest?”

ᥫ᭡. teaches your kid questionable survival skills, like how to climb out of any situation and the fastest way to steal food from a convenience store.

ᥫ᭡. surprisingly very soft when your kid hugs him out of nowhere. won’t show it, but you catch the way he holds on just a bit longer.

ᥫ᭡. loves you but he won’t beg.

ᥫ᭡. oh he’s definitely the dad that forces your kid to act younger than they are at restaurants

babydaddy!shiu

ᥫ᭡. acts like he doesn’t care, but he’s actually super involved.

ᥫ᭡. your kid is dressed in the freshest of fits because he refuses to let them look sloppy.

ᥫ᭡. shows up unannounced at your place like, “i came to see our kid, do i really need your permission?” but stays to fix things around the house.

ᥫ᭡. makes sure not to smoke infront of your kid.

ᥫ᭡. “you need anything?” sounds casual, but there’s some hidden meaning behind that question.

babydaddy!choso

ᥫ᭡. the sweetest, most protective father. your kid is basically glued to his hip.

ᥫ᭡. hates conflict. will do anything to keep the peace between you two because “the baby needs a calm environment.”

ᥫ᭡. hand-makes gifts for your kid, like cute little beaded bracelets and tiny scarves.

ᥫ᭡. it goes without saying, that he deeply misses being a family.

babydaddy!sukuna

ᥫ᭡. the deadbeat that somehow still has his kid obsessed with him.

ᥫ᭡. disappears for months, then randomly shows up with an expensive gift like, “what, you think i’d forget my own spawn?”

ᥫ᭡. lowkey jealous when your kid loves you more.

ᥫ᭡. gets surprisingly defensive when you call him a bad father. “i might not be perfect, but i’m trying dammit.”

ᥫ᭡. you’d have to be the one to get your family back together because he damn sure isn’t.

[sharksarewaterdogs]

Now I know "Bruce knows the League's secret identities while they have no idea who he is" is a thing & all and it can be used for some fun scenarios, but consider—

A Clark who knows Bruce's secret identity and a Bruce who doesn't know Clark's.

And better, a Clark who doesn't know Bruce doesn't know.

It's Bruce Wayne's first years as Batman. He is Mr. Edgy Loner Man to the max, except he's just recently had a brightly colored child following him around (???? Is it a demon, is it his spawn, who knows). Very little is known about him outside Gotham except that he is a cryptid-ass Dark and Brooding type who wants other heroes to keep tf out. He's encountered Superman a few times and seems to despise him.

Clark, our young investigative journalist, looks into Batman to make sure he's not actually the Devil of Gotham, a vampiric creature with an iron fist over the city draining its lifeblood, as the rumors go. Finds the dots. Connects them.

Almost immediately ends up covering an event attended by Brucie Wayne and his new ward.

Oh god. The Bat knows. Backtrack backtrack backtrack, get through this & never meddle in the affairs of the Bat or Gotham again.

Except, the thing is—Clark is nice. He is a sunshine guy, bleeding heart, he exudes hope and comfort.

And Bruce is actually in his Overstressed Emo Loser era.

He's in way over his head. He's got trust issues ×1,000. He's a new dad and a CEO and a superhero in one of the most crime-riddled cities of America. The press is his mortal enemy & he's battling it now to seem like a good enough guardian for Dick when he's not even sure if he is. He's running on caffeine and anxiety.

And Clark is the first reporter who he feels actually seems to see him & his kid as people, and who is just so... kind.

So he tries to pull strings to get Clark to interview him more often.

(The Batman might not be known much outside Gotham, but Bruce Wayne is a celebrity & a mysterious one at that, who disappeared for years after his parents' death and only semi-recently started out in public life again. Any newspaper, not just Gotham ones, would leap at a chance for personal interviews with him.)

(Probably idk how newspaper shit works tbh go with it for the Story.)

Clark? Panics. This is a power play. This is a threat. The Bat is dangling it over his head that he knows that Clark knows and maybe the Batman can't defeat Superman (debatable, Clark doesn't wanna push his luck), but Bruce Wayne can Absolutely defeat Clark Kent. Sure, if Clark disappears in Gotham his bestie Lois will come in swinging with the steel chair, but he's not even sure she can take on Bruce Wayne.

Goodbye world it was nice knowing you.

Clark reluctantly accepts the jobs, and gradually starts to know Bruce Wayne. He is still convinced it's a threatening power play, esp as Bruce will occasionally let slip that his grudge against Superman (he is convinced there are some skeletons in that guy's closet, no one is that nice—except Clark, Clark's the one (1) exception). But Bruce is just so good at his nice guy/tired dad front it pulls at Clark's heart strings anyway and Oh No he's getting feelings this is bad bad bad bad bad.

(Yeah Bruce isn't putting up much of a front with him actually, and doesn't realize it but he is Crushing Hard on Clark.)

Dick liked Clark immediately and also probably immediately recognized him as Superman but he's not going to say that, are you kidding, he's a feral goblin child, his middle name is Mischief.

Alfred really wishes Bruce was less oblivious to his crush but he's too Reserved British Butler to say so clearly. He very much approves though.

Eventual Superbat happy ending ofc but it is a Trip to get there.