#'maybe just this once- leslie no'

[fbfh]

I am going absolutely FERAL over georgie farmer currently

LOOK AT THIS MAN. TAKE A GOOD LOOK.

LOOK HOW IN LOVE HE IS WITH ME HAHA HES SO IN LOVE(I’m so delusional dear god)

OH MY GOD???? OH MY GOD,,,, listen I don't write rpf BUT IF I DID????

[officersnickers]

What's better than to chit-chat by a cup of hot cacao after being out in the cold all day, buying new comfy and funnily charming sweaters? It's what Leslie and Emma would deserve, for sure 🍂☕🍁

[writersdrug]

Training for Two

Chapter 6: Pup Cup

Masterlist

Summary: Simon unexpectedly runs into you... and your friends... and Tyler.

Warnings: dissociation, jealousy

It was finally Saturday - a Saturday where you had cleared your schedule, and so had Leslie and Nina. AND Tyler. Which was maybe once every two months. So, you had made plans to get brunch with the girls, the three of you deciding to dress up a bit and get mimosas. Tyler had promised to swing by around one to take you around the city, then to spend a cozy day at his apartment.

Right now, it was girl time. The three of you had your mimosa pitcher and a shared basket of fries, delving into each other's personal drama.

"And then Marcie asked me to pick up this Saturday - today, mind you - because she forgot the two interns were finished this Thursday. Of course, I told her no, in the most professional way I could - and she had the audacity to say I needed to pick up more slack. Me!!"

Nina scoffed. Your jaw dropped open. "You've been there the longest!"

Leslie nodded. "Longer than her, too! God, I could've let her have it, right then and there-" she sighed, leaning back in her seat. "Of course, I didn't. But I made sure she knew I would not be coming in on my day off, that I had planned for weeks."

You snapped your fingers in applause, making Leslie chuckle. "Bravo to you - we love seeing women fighting women in the workplace."

"Oh, stuff it." She laughed, swatting your hands away. "Feels like an episode of 'The Office,' if you ask me. Just too bloody insane to be real."

You hummed thoughtfully, taking a sip of your mimosa. Your eyes wandered down to your purse, hanging from the side of your chair, your phone tucked away within. I wonder what Simon's up to... what does he do on his days off?

"Speaking of women in the workplace..." Leslie turns to Nina, who was scowling at her phone. "Who's got you so irate on a Saturday?"

"Idiots, that's who." She grumbled, furiously punching away at the keyboard on her screen. "It's as if the minute I take a personal vacation, everyone and their grandmother suddenly need a wedding planner." She sighed and tucked her phone back into her purse. "I'm sorry..."

You and Leslie shook your head, reassuring her that it was alright. God forbid she starts falling into the "I work so hard and get nothing in return" schpeel - which would be believable and understandable, if it wasn't for the fact that she played that card every time the three of you were together.

"Did you hear she started dog-sitting?" Leslie said, nodding in your direction.

That snapped Nina out of her own head. "You did? What does that have to do with your design work?"

You huffed. "Well, it doesn't - but, and I told you this, Leslie" - she laughed at your glare - "that I was just looking for a house-sitting gig, like what I did before I left that stupid company. Just until I got a few clients to myself, and could start my own business."

"Busy bee..." Leslie commented, and Nina nodded in agreement.

"Not nearly as you two - remember how hard it was for me and Tyler to have a weekend together? Now I'm the one waiting for him. He's even started coming with me when I take Riley for walks - just to spend more time together."

"How sweet..." Leslie cooed.

"Riley?" Nina asked.

"The dog." You answered. "She's a wonderful dog, really. Used to be military, before her... injury..."

You trailed off, staring at something between Leslie's and Nina's heads. They stared at you in confusion for a moment, until you beamed widely and started waving your hand. They turned to stare at whomever had caught your attention.

Simon wasn't one for "get-togethers," as he heard them called. He was perfectly fine spending his leave at home, only leaving to walk Riley or get his groceries and smokes. He'd occasionally text the team and see what they were up to, but other than that - he had no problem living like a hermit.

Soap was the one to suggest the idea of the team getting lunch together, since they were all nearby for work. Of course, Gaz was never one to turn down a group outing; once he was in, Price had decided they all might as well go. ("Should be a team off the field too, right?")

So that's how Simon had been forced to come out of his cave. And no, it might not seem like he was forced... but it would be rude of him not to go, so therefore, societal standards were forcing him. That, and Soap would bitch about him being a "bawbag" for weeks if he didn't tag along.

He decided to bring Riley with him, since it had been a few weeks since she had seen everyone. She looked around as she panted, walking besides Simon through the mildly-crowded sidewalk. It was a decent Saturday afternoon, with a mix of cloud and sun hanging in the sky. Simon wore his usual jeans and a sweatshirt, along with a black surgical mask.

He needed a head start for the day. Not that he didn't enjoy spending time with his team outside of work... but people were exhausting, especially when he was forced into proximity with them. He needed a few hours to himself, in public, just to wake up his social battery. The best way to achieve that? Tea, Riley, and people-watching.

So that's how he found himself, next in line at the coffee counter of a restaraunt he’d been to a few times before. He had his hands shoved in his pockets as he held Riley's leash; her head was on a swivel, sniffing the aromas that wafted through the air, and the occasional hand of each person who passed her. Simon was thankful people were wary of his presence - it kept everyone from trying to lean down and pet Riley without his permission.

The customer in front of him moved away from the counter, and Simon stepped forward. The girl behind the cash register smiled at him, wiping her hands on her apron.

"What can I get for you, sir?"

"Jus' a tea. Medium, no sugar, no cream."

"Would you like the passionfruit tea or the mint berry mixer? Or our jasmine goddess?"

"... d'you have black tea?"

She chuckled. "Yeah, I'll get your black tea."

Simon huffed as he put his cash on the counter. Don' get why tha's funny...

He watched as she moved - rather sluggishly, he thought. Despite that her makeup did a fantastic job of hiding how tired she must have been, he could see it in her eyes and actions. The way she stood there, shoulders slightly slumped as she watched the hot water pour into Simon's cup, her arms resting heavily against the counter. He looked behind him briefly, noticing how long the line was for the cafe. Not to mention she had dine-in orders to fulfill, too... and she's alone at the coffee bar. He turned back, watching as she fought to make sure the lid was properly secured on his cup. It made him a bit nervous, how she supported nearly all of her weight onto the top. What if it crumples? What if she gets burnt? Is there a burn kit behind the shelf? Probably not-

Riley whined, snapping Simon’s attention away from the barista and down towards her. She licked her lips and stared up at him curiously.

She always knows.

He sighed, patting her flank. "Thanks, girl."

The barista returned with his tea, as well as a small cup of whipped cream with a dog biscuit poking out of it. “For your friend.” She said with a too-tight smile.

Simon stared blankly at the whipped cream cup. "I didn't order tha’.” He said bluntly.

“It’s on the house! Pup cups are free.” She said, nudging the two items towards Simon. “Don’t worry, there’s no added sugars in the whipped cream, and the treat is allergen-free.”

Why does everyone assume dogs have allergies? Simon thought to himself. He glanced at Riley for a brief moment – she looked back at him, certainly not expecting a treat, not yet. She’d hounded him enough for those goddamn biscuits all morning, the ones you’d been spoiling her with, and he had no choice but to follow the routine and gave her one. This created a cycle that sent him to the doggie-daycare once a week to pick up more, since the old woman who made them only sold them there. Without even intending to, most likely, you were taking more from his wallet than he had hired you for. Not that he minded… it was all for Riley, however, he was almost certain he’d buy a fucking parrot if you were the one convincing him.

Riley let out a garbled sound, making Simon realize he was still staring at her. And holding up the line. Shit, socializing was more taxing than he thought…

“Thanks…” he mumbled, grabbing his drink and the cup of whipped cream. He carefully directed himself and Riley through the crowd and over to the condiment shelf, setting both items down and adjusting his grip on Riley’s leash. He still had a few hours to kill; it’s a bit cramped in here, he thought as he grabbed a handful of napkins, eyeing the throng of coffee addicts and beatniks in the cafe, there’s always the bench by the fountain on Muller and 4th street, that might-

The sight of your familiar, perfect, sparkling eyes sucked the air and the thoughts from his body in a matter of a single second. That bright personality speared him like a harpoon as you waved from across the café, beckoning him over with a waggle of your fingers. His mind was trying to catch up after being knocked off of its feet, and he finally inhaled.

You looked equally surprised to see him - but he wasn't paying attention to that. He noticed your eyeliner and lipstick, how it made your features even brighter than they typically were. You'd worn your hair down, which was the first time he'd seen it like this since he hired you. Your nails were painted a soft pink, which accentuated the mimosa glass like an orange sunset across a blush sky... and your dress. Of course, it was bright and floral, just like your personality. But it was soft, too. The way it fitted so nicely around you - not too tight, perfectly settled around your shoulders and hips, making you look delicate. Simon was sure if he was to reach out and touch your arm, it would feel like he'd touched the skin of an angel.

He was too stunned to wave back, still frozen in the one spot by the counter as people flowed around him like river water around a stone. It wasn't until Riley had noticed you too and began whining that Simon finally gathered his bearings and nodded his head at you, stuffing the napkins in his pocket.

Two other heads swiveled around from your table and eyed him curiously, and for a moment, he groaned internally; you were with friends. Not horrible, but... not ideal. He didn't care to talk to anyone other than you at the moment – really, ever. Still, you were here, and that trumped all other factors. His anxieties moved to the sidelines when you were on the other end of the path. He clicked his tongue at Riley and grabbed his tea, carefully weaving through patrons and tables to get to you.

"Simon!" You chirped when he approached; you stood up and on your toes, reaching your arms to give him a side hug. He awkwardly stood there, attempting to hug you back by letting his arm curve around your upper back, careful not to spill his tea. Before he could stop himself, he took a deep, quiet breath in, nearly sighing at the smell of your perfume.

So floral and... sweet. Like the bookstore/plant nursery hybrid that he passes when he walks through town on his way for groceries.

You pulled away, and he straightened up. He was suddenly aware of the other two women staring at him.

"So sorry!" You said, turning to your friends. "Simon- this is Leslie, and Nina."

"’Ello." He said quietly, uninterested, and they each responded with their own "hi's". Leslie looked at him with a scrutinous stare, and he could feel her trying to peel him apart layer by layer. She looked like a corporate junkie, with her tight bun and high heels. Nina... she was... odd. She looked at him with her bottom lip between her teeth, eyes half-lidded... it made him uncomfortable. Both with the way she shamelessly ogled, and with how her eyes seemed to be a few unfortunate centimeters too far apart.

"And this is Riley!" You said, bending down and ruffling the dog’s fur. "How ya been, girl?"

She blinked at you as you pet her, sniffing the air between your face and hers. Her tongue hung out of her mouth as she panted, nearly smiling up at you if she could have.

"Ya gone and spoiled her." Simon commented, feeling something warm at the sight of you and Riley. "She wants me to tuck 'er in every day, now. And she's got me runnin' to the dog daycare every week for those bloody biscuits."

Leslie pursed her lips, thinking Simon was being rather rude. You laughed, sitting back down in your seat. "She wasn't spoiled enough, in my opinion. Did she drag you to Poeheko Park yet?"

"She did. Thought I's about to be mugged."

You laughed again. Simon wished he could bottle the sound and keep it in his pocket, so he could pull it out and listen to it over and over whenever he wanted.

"I don't think anyone could mug you, Simon." You said, absentmindedly stroking Riley's fur as she sat next to you.

So you thought he was strong? Invincible? Oh, that did something to him.

"What do you do, Simon?" Leslie asked, sipping her mimosa. "For work?"

Definitely corporate... he thought, from the way her question sounded slightly interrogatory.

"Military." He said bluntly.

Nina's lips curled into a smile; he chose to ignore it.

"Her too?" Leslie pointed at Riley, who sniffed her extended hand.

"She was..." Simon looked down at her, a bit pleased that Riley huffed in distaste at the 'stranger'. "Retired. And a rotten princess now, thanks to you." He turned back to you, his expression lighting up the tiniest bit.

You could sense something - what it was exactly, you couldn't put your finger on it. Simon seemed... tense. Uncomfortable. Maybe he didn't like being thrown into social settings with people he didn't know. You understood it.

"Well-" you said, trying to ignore the way Nina stared at him. "I don't want to interrupt your morning."

"You weren't." He said, still looking at you.

You sent him a glance, and laughed nervously. He continued watching you - God bless anyone who was ever in a staring contest with this man - as Riley sat next to him obediently. Fuck, she was staring at you too...

Leslie looked back and forth between the two of you for a moment, with you blushing furiously, and Simon watching you like you were prey - fortunately, she found an opportunity to come for your rescue.

"Oh, Tyler's here, luv." She said, tilting her head towards the space behind you.

You turned in your seat and smiled, just as a man came up and whisked you out of your chair. You threw your arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek, and he smiled as his arms wrapped around your waist.

"Thought you were coming by around one?" You said, pulling back to look at his face.

"I was able to pick up the kit from work earlier than I expected, so I thought I'd come by now." He briefly waved at Leslie and Nina, tucking you into his side. "Sorry girls - lookin' lovely, by the way - but I'm stealin' her a bit early today."

Nina waved her hand dismissively. "We had something planned for tomorrow too; go right ahead." Leslie nodded in agreement.

Tyler smiled. "Perfect. Glad it's not too much of a- woah..."

He turned to look – to really take in the sight of the hulking, brooding man beside you, and he was very visibly taken aback. Simon's soft stare had turned into a cold, unforgiving glare. His eyes were hardened with - something. Maybe anger, maybe authority. He stood rigid and tall, with his hands in the pockets of his sweatshirt, as he bore holes into Tyler's frame.

Simon took him in: soft, brown hair, a slight tan, rough hands, yet soft features. Slight wrinkles around the eyes from smiling too much. A white shirt and jeans, with a plaid – it made sense, now where your stash had come from.

He liked the way that Tyler was a bit intimidated, as evident by the look in his eyes. What he didn't like, was... Tyler. How he held you close. How you let him hold you. And how he himself felt the urge to snatch you from Tyler's grasp and march you out of the cafe.

"Oh, sorry-" your voice brought them both out of their trance. "Tyler, this is Simon. My client."

"Ah!" Tyler smiled, relaxing a bit as he held his hand out. "Nice to meet you!"

Simon grabbed it firmly, making Tyler wince the tiniest bit as he shook his hand. "Likewise." Not in the slightest.

When he released his hand, Tyler bent down to Riley and offered his hand for a sniff. "I know we've met before, girl."

Simon felt something stir in his gut as Riley sniffed Tyler's hand. "Y' have?" He asked, his voice a bit harsh.

"He's never been in your house." You said quickly, trying to diffuse the tension in the air. "He just tags along for the walks sometimes. Keeps us company.”

Riley IS the company. Y’ don’t need an extra, luv.

"Mm." Simon said gruffly, looking down at Riley. She was sniffing Tyler's closed fist, then leaning back to stare up at Simon. She huffed in distaste.

He fought the urge to smirk. Good girl.

"What do you do, Simon?" Tyler asked, trying to be friendly.

Nina cleared her throat. He's milita-"

"Special Armed Services." Simon interrupted. "Ten years."

Tyler looked impressed. "Shit- that's tough, mate. Makes sense with how you- y'know..." he gestured to Simon's frame, then dropped his hands and cleared his throat. "Eh, nevermind."

"I's fine." Simon replied, standing a bit taller. "What d'you do?"

"Ah- heh, nothin' that impressive. Electrician."

Simon nodded, though it wasn't the answer he was hoping for. It was hard to completely emasculate a man when he did blue-collar work. And even harder when Tyler seemed to respect Simon. It was one thing to be an asshole to an asshole, but it was another to be an asshole to a decent man.

He had to reign himself in. Tyler was your boyfriend. Why was he trying to show the poor lad up after knowing him all for a minute and a half?

"Well, erm..." Leslie cut in. "Looks like you two need to get going, and we're nearly finished here." She smiled at Simon. "It was lovely meeting you!"

"Yeah mate!" Tyler said. "Nice to finally meet you!"

Simon paused for a moment. Normally, he would love to be ripped out of a conversation like this - but now, he'd suffer through the company of a few, annoying strangers if it meant he got to talk to you. But, he obliged, sensing that Leslie wanted him gone for a reason.

"Yeah, likewise." He said, giving Riley a pat, then he looked at you. "Might need you t' watch 'er soon, but I'll email you."

"I'll keep an eye out for it." You said with a flashy smile. "See you later, Simon!"

He grunted and nodded his head, then left them all at the table. Riley stayed dutifully by his side as they made their way through the crowd of cafe patrons.

Simon tried to smell your perfume for as long as it would cling to his shirt. Soon, the scents of coffee, sugar, and teas washed it out, and the lingering warmth your scent brought him had also vanished. The bitterness came right back into his throat, coating his tongue and making him grimace under his mask and his fists clench in his pockets.

Tyler seemed like a good man, and you were happy. He had no business feeling so possessive over something that wasn't his - something that belonged to someone else. He felt like he was missing a screw - his emotions were completely out of control, and he acted compulsively when it came to you. He told himself, as he walked out of the cafe and into the busy sidewalk, that the disappointment of discovering that you were Tyler's would be a good opportunity to work on himself.

He sighed, continuing down the path to the pub. Riley huffed as she trotted next to him, and he suddenly remembered the cup of whipped cream and the dog treat – most likely still abandoned on the condiment counter of the restaurant. “Don’ worry, girl, you can have some’f Johnny’s chips.”

Next ->

[samandcolbyownme]

Summary: Anon request - "Begging for Colby enemies to lovers"

Warnings: SMUT18+, strong language, drugs and alcohol consumption, threats being made, kind of a dark aesthetic, reader has a 'bratty' attitude, mentions of weapons such as knives and guns, mentions of parent death, semi forced actions, unprotected sex, oral (f rec), hair pulling, biting, scratching, filth

Word count: 11.8k | not edited

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

"You've got to be kidding me." You mumble into your slim champagne glass before taking a sip. Your friend, Leslie, looks up at you, "Who?" She glances back and scoffs, turning back to face you, "Of course he's here."

Your eyes stay on him, tracking him as he walks up to the bar, nodding as the bartender gets his usual.

"He has no business being here." You shake your head and Leslie nods, "Mhm. He'll get what's coming to him. Don't worry."

You look back up, tensing up slightly as you no longer have eyes on him.

"Ladies."

Your eyes lock on your Leslie's, "I knew this place was going downhill." She glances over at the man standing at the table, looking between the two of you, "Why do you say that, y/n?" She swirls her wine in her glass and you lean back, glancing over at him, "They're just letting anyone in here now, aren't they?"

"Yeah?" He questions as he sits down next to you, "I see they let anyone who has a bratty attitude in, too."

You roll your eyes, laughing once before finishing your drink, "Last I checked, this is my father's casino. What do you want. Are you here to accuse him again?" You look over at him and he shrugs, extending his arm on the top of the booth behind you, "Nah, I cleared that up." He sips his drink with a shrug, "Just wanted to talk."

"About what?" You stare at him and he chuckles, "Maybe we should have this conversation else where."

You shake your head, resting your elbows on the table, "Here's fine."

He chuckles and shakes his head, "You know.." he looks over at you, "I really wasn't giving you a choice, darling."

You turn to him, leaning in, "See, the gun that's strapped to my thigh tells me different."

He licks his lips, a smirk growing over them as he turns to look at you, "Are you threatening me?" His tone lowers to match yours and you tilt your head, "Not unless we have a problem."

You lean back, grabbing the fresh glass of champagne that was delivered to your table, "Do we have a problem Mr. Brock?"

He pulls his bottom lip between his teeth and shakes his head, "Nope. No problem."

"Good. So then this can wait until tomorrow when I'm not trying to enjoy my night with a very dear friend." You lift your finger off your glass, pointing to Leslie.

He looks over at her and back to you, "Mm. Alright." He stands up, turning to face you, "You're going to wish you spoke with me tonight."

"I think I'll manage." You give him a forced smile and watch as he walks back up to the bar.

"What was that all about?" Leslie leans in and your eyes stay on him, "I don't know." You shake your head, taking a deep breath as you move your focus from him to her, "I don't know."

·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

Colby Brock.

That name left a bitter taste on your tongue and an even bitter hatred in the pits of your heart.

You hated him.

You hated the way he speaks, the way he walks, the way he talks, everything about him just gets under your skin and you can't stand it.

He has always rubbed you the wrong way and he knows it too, which is what makes it so much worse. He uses it against you, feeding his massive ego with the anger that radiates off of you when you see him.

It also doesn't help that he disrespected your father infront of his colleagues. Making your father out to be a complete fool.

If someone disrespects him. They disrespect you, too, and that's something you don't take lightly.

"Y/n. Sweetie." Your father voice echos in the large open stairwell, "Can you come see me for a moment?"

"Coming!" You yell back, marking the page of your open book with your bookmark, smoothing out your shirt as you stand up and make your way out the door.

You smile slightly at your father's body guard as you come down the steps and he nods, "Hello, y/n." You look over to your father and he motions towards his office, "I seen you were at the casino last night."

He sits down in the big chair behind his desk and you sit down in front of it, "I was, yes."

"How was it?" He leans back, interlocking his fingers as they lay over his stomach. You nod, "It was alright. Just had a few glasses of wine with Leslie."

You look at him, a slight confusion resting on your face.

"Did you speak with Mr. Brock?" Your father's words make your jaw clench, "Nope." 

"And why not?" He looks at you and you shrug, "Because I hate him."

Your father chuckles and shakes his head, "Sweetie." Your father sighs, "You have to let some grudges go."

"Well, this isn't one of them." Your eyes move to his and he nods, "I understand why you're frustrated with him, but he came back the next day and completely bought my forgiveness."

You nod, "And I understand that that is how it works for you, but I don't exactly see him on his knees begging for mine."

Your father chuckles, "My dear, are your father's daughter."

"What is it that you need exactly, dad?" You cross your arms, hoping he just gets to the point of why you were pulled away from your reading.

"I need you to do something for me." He folds his hands together and leans back, "I'll be honest, it's something you aren't going to like, but I just need you to remind yourself that it's for me. For us."

"If it has anything to do with Colby.. no. Hard, no." You shake your head and your father sighs, "I need his help and he needs mine." He stares at you, waiting for you to response but you don't, so he breaks the silence, "..and as you know, I am one of the most successful business owners in Vegas."

You loved your father, but you hated when he used his work against you, and he wasn't talking about the casino work.

He was talking about what happens underground, because if he goes down, you're going down too.

"Yeah.. I know." You mumble and look down.

"Now. Have you changed your mind? Will you hear me out?" He watches as you look around the room, nodding with a sigh, "Yeah, yeah I guess."

"Great. I need you to accompany Colby to a special.. party."

You fight hard for control your face from expressing how much you hated that words that came from his lips, "A party? Why?"

"This party is Colby's thing and he's requested you as his date." Your father pulls out a folder and opens it, "But, it just so happens that the people who are hosting it, have something I want. Something I need." He holds up a picture of a small golden box, "I need this."

You snicker at his hypocritical words.

"What's that about?" He asks and you shake your head, "Just think it's kind of funny that you told me to let my grudge against Colby go, but yet.." you motion out in front of you, "..here you are."

Your father sighs, taking a moment before he looks up, "This is different, y/n. Not some grudge, Colby didn't steal anything from you, and like I said.. he requested you as his date, and he's helping me so it's the least I could do in return."

You laugh slightly, "Even after I threatened him with a gun last night?"

Your father's eyes go wide, "Y-you what?" He stares at you, glancing to Rio before laughing, "Fucking Christ, y/n."

"I didn't know what he wanted and I sure as hell wasn't going anywhere alone with him. I don't trust him." You cross your leg over the other and your father closes the folder, "He wanted to ask you himself, try and get you to trust him. But I see that didn't work so I'll have a dress delivered for you tomorrow morning."

He slips the folder back in the drawer and lays his hand down, "You're going and that's final."

Rio steps up beside you, "C'mon."

You look up at him, rolling your eyes, "you're not even going to give me a choice?" You look at your father and he shrugs, "Well, sweetie. I was, until you started with that bratty attitude of yours."

You scoff, standing up, "I'm on a roll. First Colby, now you?" You look at Rio, "Do you want to make it a third?"

"Y/n. Just go. Please. Don't make this any harder." Rio nods towards the door and you walk out, shutting the door before Rio can and you pull out your phone, immediately calling Leslie.

"Hey, find out what douche bag wanted last night?" She answers and you laugh, "I sure did." You slowly walk up the steps, "Basically, I have to be his date for some bullshit job that he's doing for my dad."

"Can't he do it himself?" She asks, "That's so stupid."

"Yeah, you're telling me. Oh, and apparently I'm bratty. Who knew." You laugh and walk into your room, closing the door, "Apparently these people throwing this party have something my dad wants -

Or needs." You sigh, "I don't know."

"Why do you have to go, though?" She asks and you shrug to yourself, "Because Colby is helping my dad get this back and it's the least he can do for him because Colby requested me or whatever.." You plop down on your bed, "Who knows. My bratty attitude cut it short."

She laughs, "Yeah.. you're really on a roll."

"That's what I said!" You pull your phone away, "Hang on, I'm getting another call." You hit the green circle, "Hello?"

"Just thought I'd like to say thank you for agreeing to be my date tomorrow night."

You know the voice, it was like nails on a chalkboard to you, "Bye." You pull the phone away and you can hear him yelling, "Wait, wait, wait!"

"You got three seconds to tell me why you called me." You chew on your lip, bouncing your leg as anger rolls through your body.

"I just wanted to tell you myself, that I'm happy you actually accepted my invitation."

"Fuck you."

"Whoa, hey. Easy there, sweetheart. I'm just trying to be nice." Colby chuckles and you roll your eyes, "Take it to someone who actually cares."

"Come on, y/n. You can't hate me forever."

"Watch me." You hang up, going back to your call with Leslie, "So that was Colby."

"Huh!? What happened?" She asks surprised and you sigh, "To tell me all about how he's excited to spend time with me and how he's thankful I agreed to go on this date, blah, blah. Fucking blah."

A sudden twinge of integument twist in your gut and you sit up, "I kinda wanna go." You admit and she laughs at your words, "Did you just hear yourself?"

You laugh, "No I mean so I can get this box before Colby does. Prove to my dad that he doesn't need Colby.."

Hopefully she buys that. You actually were kind of excited to go, until it hit you that you're going with Colby again, "Fuck, I don't want to go at all."

"Then don't."

You laugh at Leslie's words, "If that was even possible, I would, but I don't think I have a choice. You know my father."

"Yeah." Leslie sighs, "I do."

"He's having dresses brought over in the morning. I have to pick one and if I know my dad, they won't be anywhere near my style." You stare up at the ceiling, mind spinning about the possibilities of tomorrow night.

"I'm sure they won't be that bad. Let me know which one you pick. I'm sure it'll be alright." Leslie yawns, "I'm heading to bed."

"Alright. Love ya."

"Love you!"

·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

"Y/N." Your father calls, waking you up, "I need you down here!"

You let out a groan, "Coming!" You kick the blankets off of you, sitting up as you rub your eyes.

"Good morning, sunshine."

Your hands snap away from your face, glaring at the figure sitting in the chair by the window. You blink a few times, "Jesus Christ. If you're planning to kill me just fucking do it already."

"Far from that, sweetheart." Colby says moving forward to sit on the edge of the chair. You roll your eyes, "Don't call me that."

"Why not, darling?"

"Or that, fuck." You huff, "Get out. Why are you here?"

"Oh now you want to know why I'm here.." he stands up, "After you just told me to, what? Get out?" He walks over to you, standing a few inches away.

You lick your lips, rolling your eyes slightly as you sigh, "I don't need to see you anymore than I already don't want to."

Colby chuckles, reaching out to drag a hand up your bicep, "I think you want to see me."

You yank your arm away, "And why exactly would I want to see someone who humiliated not only my father but me as well?"

"I didn't humiliate you."

"Sure you didn't. You disrespect my father, you disrespect me, now get out before I call Rio in here to kick your ass."

Colby chuckles, "Please. I think your father would be quite pleased that I'm in here with you."

"I beg to differ." You turn, grabbing a sweatshirt to throw over your tank top clad body, "Don't make this anymore painful than it already is."

"Who said it was painful? I'm actually very excited about tonight." Colby crosses his arms, smiling as he watches you put your hair into a bun, "I can't wait to see which dress you choose."

"Of course you already seen them." You roll your eyes and he scoffs, "Please, you act like I'd let him pick out something ugly for you to wear."

"That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me. Thanks." You scoff and turn, stopping before you open the door, "You better be gone by the time I come back."

"Trust me. I will. I don't want to spoil the surprise of which dress you bring up. Saving the excitement for later." He winks and you make a face, shaking your head as you make your way down the steps.

"Ah, morning sweetheart." Your father opens his arms, motioning at the four dressed that are on a mobile clothing rack, "Take your pick, my darling daughter."

You smirk slightly, shaking your head as you look over the fact that he's trying to suck up from last night, for his own good.

Your eyes move over the dresses, "This one is too fluffy." You point to the pale pink one, "I don't like all the ruffles on that one." You look away from the dark green one to a light blue one, "I don't like this one either. It's not long enough, nor short enough."

"Do you have to be so picky, my dear?" Your father sighs lowly and you shrug, "Sorry. I just.." your eyes move to the black gown that's hiding behind the blue one, "Wait.."

You take the gown off the rack, looking over the soft black fabric, "Can I try this one on?" Your father nods, "Of course you can."

You nod, walking back up to your room. You bite your lip, slowly opening the door to make sure Colby is actually gone.

By the time your door is fully open and Colby is in no line of sight, you hear the door open and your father greets Colby, "There he is! Come in, Mr. Brock."

You move into your room, shutting the door and making sure to lock it. You lay the dress down on the bed, slipping off your pajamas before pulling the dress up your legs and slipping your arms through the thin straps.

You walk over to the mirror, admiring the black spaghetti strap dress, "Oh." You bite your lip as you shift your weight, watching as your leg is revealed through one high slit going up the side, "Shit."

You couldn't lie, this dress made you feel beautiful, powerful, too.

"Y/n." Your father knocks on the door, "Hows it fit?"

You walk over, opening the door and stepping back, "it's alright." You look down and your father gasps, "You look beautiful, sweetheart."

You smile, still slightly hating him for making you go to this bullshit party, "Thanks, dad." You lay your hand on the door, "Why is Colby here?"

He chuckles, "Oh yeah, we're just going over some stuff about the party tonight. Filling him in on where the object of my needs may be hiding."

"Shouldn't I be filled in, too? Considering I'm also going." You shrug and your father nods, "You know what. You're right. Come down to my office when you've changed."

You watch him turn and walk away and you shut your door, changing quickly before going back down stairs.

You knock on the office door and Rio opens it, "Good morning, y/n."

"Morning, Rio." You move into the room and clench your jaw when you see the back of Colby's head. He turns, "Good morning."

You roll your eyes, not giving him another word.

"Sweetheart, Colby said good morning." Your father stares you down as you walk over to the chair next to Colby, "I heard him."

"Stubborn one she is." Your father looks at Colby and he shakes his head as he holds his hand up, "Don't worry about it Mr. y/l/n."

"Okay. So where were we?" Your father looks down at the folder, "Right, right." He sighs and looks up, "I'm going to have to say that it's in one of these back rooms here. Y/n." Your father looks at you and you look at him, "Yes?"

"You still know how to pick locks right?"

You feel Colby look at you with such surprise, "You can pick locks?"

You nod, "Yes. Ever since you taught me." You motion to your dad and he smirks, "That's my girl. You're probably going to need to pick at least three of them."

You nod, "Okay." You tilt your head, "Won't these people know who I am? Being your daughter and all?"

Your father shakes his head, "They shouldn't. These people are very underground. None of them have that social media stuff like you do."

You laugh slight, "alright."

"So you'll get there, mingle around. Colby will know a lot of people there." Your father motions to him and he nods, "That's right."

You roll your eyes, "Surprised you haven't wronged them yet, either."

"Y/n." Your father's tone is stern, "Can you just.. please. Keep your side comments to your damn self."

"Yes, father." You cross your leg over the other, interlocking your fingers to lay over your knee, "I'm all ears. My lips are sealed."

He rolls his eyes, looking back to Colby, "So we've pretty much gone over all of it already, so you'll just need to go in there with confidence and I promise I'll have your reward when that golden trophy of a box is sitting on my desk."

"I won't let you down, sir." Colby nods and you're fighting the urge, hard, not to mock him.

"Y/n. Do you have any questions?" Your father looks at you and as you open your mouth to speak, he cuts you off, "Yes. You still have to go."

"Then no." You huff quietly and your father nods, "alright, so it's set then. Mr. Brock will be back here around six tonight to pick you up, so be ready by then."

You nod and motion to the door, "Can I go now?" He nods, "Yeah, you're free to go."

·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

You sat at your vanity, staring at your freshly makeup painted face as you dreadfully await the arrival of Colby.

You bend down, buckling the ankle strap of your gold strappy heels before standing up and walking over to the mirror to give yourself one last look.

You turn your head as you hear the faint sound of your father greeting Colby.

"Fuck." You take a deep breathe, "You have no choice." You tell yourself, "You have no choice. You have to go." You grab your purse, checking to see if you have everything.

Lipstick, check.

Phone, check.

Compact mirror, check.

Lock picking set, check.

Gun, just in case, check.

You brush your hair off your shoulder, letting out a long sigh, "Okay." You walk over to the door, slowly opening it and closing it behind you once you step out.

You make your way down, heels clacking with each step.

That draws the attention Colby and your father have on each other, to you. Colby's mouth parts slightly, "That's a beautiful dress, sir."

Your father nods, "That's the only one she didn't have anything negative to say about."

Colby chuckles, eyes on you as you walk over to them, "You look amazing."

"I know." You smile as you look at your father, "I guess we'll be back." He nods, "I'll be waiting." He leans in to peck your cheek, "Be nice."

"Yeah Colby." You snicker and your father tilts his head, "I was talking to you."

"Yeah, yeah." You bat the air as you walk away, going towards the door. As you reach for the knob, Colby's hand cuts you off, "Allow me."

"Mm." You roll your eyes, walking out and down the steps to the blacked out Audi that's sits at the bottom of the steps, "This is yours?" You point and look over at Colby.

He smirks, "You act like you're surprised or something." He walks over, opening the passenger door, "After you."

You fight back a smirk as you slide your body into the vehicle, moving your dress before he closes the door. You look around at the black and red interior as he walks around to get into the drivers seat, "All set?"

You nod, "Don't have a choice."

The whole ride was silent. You didn't bother to make small talk because you really didn't want to hear what Colby had to say.

"Alright, darling. I think we're here."

You look up, seeing a very lit up venue. It was super luxurious, but it's definitely a place you and Leslie would be seen at so you're not surprised.

"This place is huge." You mumble as your eyes scan over the brightly lit windows, "Jesus."

"Yeah, Oliver and his wife, Eloise go all out for these things." Colby gets in line for the valet and sighs, "They're good people, or were good people."

His voice trails off and you look over at him, mainly asking because you're nosey, "What happened?"

He chuckles, "They just.. think they own everything, I guess."

You felt like there was something he wasn't telling you, but at the same time, you just cared about getting in and getting out as fast as possible.

"Yeah, I know people like that." You look out the window, getting ready to get out. Colby chuckles, "Was that a shot at me? I feel like that was a shot at me."

You snort, "If the shoe fits, Colby."

He shakes his head, smirking as he pulls up and puts the car in park. He gets out and you watch as he walks around to open your door, "Come on." He holds his hand out and you hesitate at first, but you take it, letting go as soon as you're out of the car.

"Last name sir?" The valet attendant asks pulling out a little card.

"Brock. First name Colby."

The valet attendant nods, "Good to see you, Mr. Brock. Enjoy tonight."

Colby's arm snakes around your waist, "Plan on it." He winks at the guy and walks you up the wide red carpet.

"I hope you don't plan on it with me." You mumble with a laugh and Colby sighs, "you never know, y/n. Feelings might change by the end of the night. " He smiles down at you before walking you through the doors.

"Highly doubt that." You mumble as you walk with him. Your eyes scan across the room, watching as the rich mingle with the other rich.

Colby leans down, pulling you from your gaze, "Need a drink?" You nod, "Yeah. Please." He walks you over to the long bar on the side, sitting down on the bar stool as he waits for the bartender to come up.

"Brock. Where the hell ya been buddy?" The blonde bartender says leaning in to Colby, "We miss ya around here."

Colby chuckles, pulling you closer to him, "oh ya know." He nods towards you and the bartender's eyebrows raise as his eyes scan over you.

"Been keepin' her hidden from guys like you." Colby jokes and the bartender laughs, "I can see why." He whistles, "She's gorgeous."

You laugh slightly, "Thanks." You glance down at Colby's hand resting on your hip, fighting the urge to bat it away. Mainly because the more of a fight you put up, the longer you'll be here.

"What can I get ya to drink?"

"I'll just take a chardonnay, please." You look over your shoulder at a group of people who's growing louder.

"That's the hosts." Colby confirms and he looks back, "I'll just do a whiskey. Neat, please."

"Chardonnay and whiskey. Coming right up." The bartender nods as he grabs two different glasses before walking away.

"You know him or something?" You mumble as your eyes scan over his half buttoned button up. He nods, "Yeah, his name is Sam. We grew up together but we ended up on two different paths, so the only time we see each other is when I come to these things." He sighs, "I came to a lot of them, then I stopped for a while and now we're here."

You look up at him, nodding, "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Wasn't really a sob story."

You scoff, "that. That right there." You roll your eyes, shaking your head as you look away. Colby chuckles, "What are you talking about?"

"You're just an asshole."

"I'm the asshole?" Colby laughs and you raise your brows, "Are you saying that I'm the asshole?"

He shakes his head, "No I would ne-"

He's cut off by Sam bringing your glasses, "Whiskey for the gentleman." He sets Colby's glass down and looks over at you with a smile, "Chardonnay for the lady."

"Thank you." You smile, taking a sip of it, "That's very good." Sam nods, "Oh yes. Best seller here at the old Montgomery House."

"They treating you right?" Colby asks and Sam's face goes soft, "Yeah. For the most part." Colby leans in, "Say the word and I-"

"Colby. It's fine. I'm good."

Their exchange makes you feel like there's more to the Montgomery's that everyone been leading on.

You watch Sam's facial expression, he remains calm and cool and Colby looks like he's getting mad, "I'm serious Sam."

"I'm serious, Colby. I'm good." Sam's eyes move over to people walking up behind you and he nods, "Enjoy your evening."

Colby look away and smiles, "Oliver. How's it going?" Colby spins you around subtly and places you between his legs, "Go with it." He whispers before a very fancy dressed couple walks up, "Mr. Brock. How are you this evening?"

Colby nods, sipping his whiskey, "Can't complain." He motions to you, "This is my fiancé, y/n." You freeze& slightly at the words, forcing a smile as you reach out to take Oliver's hand, "Hello, Mr. Montgomery."

He nods, "Y/n." He brings your hand to his lips, pressing them gently to his knuckles before stepping aside, "This is my wife, Eloise."

The short woman gives a nod, "Hello."

You smile, "I love your earrings." She smiles and reaches up to lay her hand under one of the dangly diamonds, "Oh, these old things." She laughs slightly, "I've had these things for ages."

"Well they're beautiful." You continue to smile and she nods, "Thank you, honey." She looks over at Colby, "You're staying out of trouble, I presume?"

Colby nods, "Yes ma'am. No trouble at all."

She nods, "That's what I like to see."

You now realize that you have absolutely no backstory on anyone here, especially Colby. You just have the idea of what you painted of him in your mind.

"Of course." Colby finishes his drink and sets it down, motioning to Sam for another one. You swirl your wine in your glass, sipping on it as Colby and Oliver continue to talk.

"Your dress is absolutely beautiful. It's so simple, yet the way the dress lays is beyond stunning." Eloise looks it up and down before meeting your eyes.

You tilt your head, "Colby actually got it for me. He said I had to wear my best dress, so.." you lay your hand on his shoulder, "You can thank him."

"Very good taste in clothing, as always." Eloise smiles and everyone's attention is caught off by someone tapping a knife to their glass, "If everyone would please put your hands together for the hosts of tonight's party, Mr. Oliver Montgomery and his very beautiful wife, Eloise."

"That's our cue." She cuts Oliver's conversation, "Come on sweetie." Oliver nods, "very good to meet you, y/n. Keep this one in check." He pats Colby's shoulder and you laugh slickly, "I'll do my best."

As soon as their backs are turned and they're making their way through the crowd, you push yourself off Colby, "What the fuck was that?"

"What was what?" He asks, bringing his glass to his lips to hide his smirk. You lean in, "You know what. Fiancé?!" Your voice is a quiet yell, "Are you fucking serious?"

He shakes his head, "Relax. Not like you'd ever want to marry me."

"Got that fucking right." You lean back against the bar, looking around as you take a big gulp. Colby stands up, "Come on. We have to find the rooms." He takes your hand in his, "Did you bring your gadget?"

"Brought a few." You snicker and Colby stops, turning to face you, "Y/n. This is serious."

You step back, "Dude, I know." You shrug, "Can't I make a joke?"

He sigh and turns, taking your hand into his again, "Not when our lives are on the line."

"What?" You stop, pulling him to you, "What the fuck did you just say?"

He shakes his head, "Nothing. Let's just-" he tries to pull you but you do your best to stay still. He looks around, nodding at people that walk by, "I'll explain as you're picking the locks open. Now come the fuck on."

You're shocked at how quickly his mood changed.

"Colby.." you ask and he ignores you as he leads you towards the back of the ball room, "Colby.." you squeeze his hand and he just holds on to yours tighter.

You sigh, throwing in the towel with trying to get his attention. You make your way to the back wall and Colby pushes the door open, "This way."

He lays a hand on your lower back as you walk through, following right behind you. He looks behind him to make sure no one followed you and sighs, "Alright. Your dad said it would probably be down one of the other hallways or something."

"Did my father threaten your life?"

He ignores the question, pulling out his phone as he looks at the slightly blurry map on the screen, "This way." He points, looking around as you round the corner, "Okay now this way."

"Colby."

"Colby.”

He stops, quickly pinning you up against the wall, "Goddamit y/n. Just fucking stop."

You stare up at him, "Let me. The fuck. Go."

"Fucking hell." He whispers and steps back as he slowly lets you go. He turns, running a hand through his hair, "Just.. Come on."

He starts to walk away and you try to piece together as to why Colby's acting so different but nothing is make sense to you.

"Here." He point to the door and looks around, "This one." You unzip your small purse, taking out your lock picking tool and you kneel down while Colby stands guard.

A few seconds later, Colby walks back up to you, "A little faster would be nice."

"Do you want to do it yourself?" You snap, keeping your eyes glued to the lock. He sighs, "Just.. hurry."

"Trying my best here, Colby." You roll your eyes, sticking your tongue out slightly as you focus. Soon you hear a click and you look up, "We're in."

He pushes the door open and inside is an empty room with nothing by a table in the middle of it.

"Your dad said there wouldn't be cameras.. why? I don't know. But.." he leans in, looking around, "I don't see anything."

You walk in after him, closing the door quietly behind you, "Why does he want this so bad?" Your fingers graze over the cool gold colored box, "What's so special about-"

Colby moves to you, laying a hand on your waist as you hear shuffling outside the door, "Don't do anything." He whispers as quietly as possible into your ear.

You nod, biting down on your lip as you wait for the sound to pass. You let out a sigh, "Fuck." Colby looks around, opening the drawer thats in the wall, "What the fuck?"

You walk over, gasping as you see a photo of your mother and father, "Why do they- that's my mom and dad."

Your mind starts racing and you shake your head, "Did they-" you lay a hand over your mouth and look at Colby, your mind going to the worst, "Did you ki-" you sigh, trying not to cry, "Are you why my mom died?"

"What? No. Of course not." Colby steps towards you and you back up, "I told you I didn't fucking trust you."

"Y/n." Colby steps towards you and you shake your head, "Don't. Don't do that."

"Don't come near me." You wipe your cheek and sniffle as you watch him slowly move towards you, "I'm serious Colby, stop.. do-" you reach into your purse, pulling out your loaded gun, "I said stop."

Colby freezes, holding his hands up, "Y/n."

You stare at him, gun pointing directly at his chest, "I swear to god Colby. Don't come near me until you fucking tell me what happened to my mom."

"I told you, that wasn't. Fucking. Me. I didn't know about you until a few months ago." Colby says and you laugh, "Why should I believe you?"

He drops his hands and shrugs, "You know what, y/n." He walks up to you, pressing his chest to the muzzle of the pistol, "Do it. Pull the fucking trigger." He locks his eyes with yours, "You'd be doing me a fucking favor."

You blink, breaking your stare on his eyes and you sigh, "If you didn't then who did?"

"That's not a discussion we need to have right now. We already wasted enough time. We have to get back out there." Colby grabs the box and walks over to shut the drawer.

You stare down at the floor, gun still in hand.

"Here." Colby extends his arm out, putting the picture of your mom and dad in your line of sight, "Take it." You take the picture from his hand, staring at it for a few seconds.

"We'll talk in the car, okay?" He grabs your face, tilting your head up so you look at him, "I promise."

You nod, with a sigh, "Fine." Colby takes the gun from your hand and tucks it into the back of his pants, pulling his shirt down over to hide it.

You put the picture, along with the box he gave you, and shove them into your purse before zipping it closed.

He wipes the stray tears from your cheeks and sighs, "Let's just go out there. Pretend like you don't hate my fucking guys, and then we'll leave."

You nod, "yeah."

Your mind is still racing a mile a minute as Colby leads you from the room, your hand in his. All of the thoughts you've continued to push away, not think about for the last three years all come to the surface and you feel like you could puke.

"Colby I-i don't.. I don't feel good."

He stops, turning to you, a look of concern washing over his face, "Okay. Um." He looks around, "I think the bathrooms are this way."

He looks back at you, "You know I didn't do this."

"Now's not the time Colby." You close your eyes, talking yourself into not throwing up all over the floor.

He sighs, "Yeah, yeah. Come on. This way." He interlocks his fingers with yours, and leads you down the hallway you came in.

He peaks through the window, ducking down when someone walks by. He stands back up, "alright, quickly." He opens the door, slipping both you and him out and walking along the wall back towards the hall with the bathrooms.

You walk in, closing the door behind you and you walk to the sink, taking a deep breath to try and calm your panting, "fuck." You whisper as you look at yourself in the mirror.

You wipe away the mascara that lays under your eyes and you take a slow breath, breathing out slowly.

You stand up, smoothing out your dress as you debate on whether or not you're going to puke.

Yep.

You run into the stall, bending down to heave into the toilet. You sit up, pressing the button to flush and you rest your back against the wall.

You honestly feel like you're spinning with all of the thoughts running ramped through your head.

And for some reason, you believed Colby.

You stand up. Washing your hands and fixing yourself up before making your way back out. Colby pushes himself off the wall, "You okay?"

You nod, "mhm."

"Come on, y/n. You can't just-"

"God, can you stop saying that I can't hate you forever? Can you literally, for two fucking seconds understand that I maybe hate you for a reason?" You look at him, hands slapping your thighs, "I don't trust you."

"Why? Because I showed up to the casino a lot drunker than I felt and what.. disrespected you by calling out your father for doing something that you know damn well he did." Colby walks up to you, "I know you're in the business a lot more than you lead on. I know you run it when he's away on some other fucking god forsaken business."

"You don't know nothing." You shake hour head, "You're an arrogant, fucking asshole who thinks everyone owes you something but new flash, Colby. I don't owe you shit."

"You're right. You don't. You don't owe me anything, y/n. You're a spoiled, fucking brat who thinks everyone needs to give you something well guess what."

"What."

"I'm done trying to get on your good side."

"Why were you even trying when you knew it wouldn't work."

He shakes his head, "Doesn't matter anymore. You want me out of your life. Fine. Easy. Done."

You suddenly feel like something was being ripped away from you, but you don't know why.

"Colby- I-I-"

Next thing you know, Colby has you pushed up against the wall and his lips are on yours and you're frozen in shock, but to your surprise, you actually kiss back.

He pulls away and looks over, "Sorry. Just two newly engaged people who can't keep their hands off of each other." Colby chuckles and you look over, smiling at the older couple who are standing there.

They laugh and the lady nods with a smile, "Oh to be young again."

The gentleman nods, "yeah, but with the right person, you'll always feel like you're a teenager." He leans in, "Why do you think we're sneaking away." The older man nudges Colby with a wink before he follows the lady into the bathroom.

Your mouth drops as you look over to Colby and for a moment, it felt like you weren't just going at each other's throats.

"Oh my god." Colby laughs and sighs, eyes scanning over your face. You look from his eyes to his lips as your breathing picks up.

That kiss did something for you.

"I'll drop you off at home." Colby steps back, fixing his shirt before looking back at you, "if you're ready."

You nod, "Yeah. Yeah." You walk out with him, taking his hand into yours as you walk to the bar, pretending like you're a happy engaged couple.

"Hey Sam, we'll see ya." Colby knocks on the bar and Sam pouts, "Leaving so soon?" Colby sighs, "Yeah, lady isn't feeling too good."

"Oh yeah, put the blame on me." You cover up your angry tone with a laugh and a smile and Sam smiles, "Have a good night you two."

"We're definitely going to try." Colby smiles and leads you out to the valet, "Brock. Audi." The valet attendant nods before going to fetch the car.

You stand there, wrapping your arms around yourself as you take in everything that just happened.

Stealing from what seemed like very powerful people.

Colby's burst of anger.

Finding a picture of your parents in said couples house.

Colby kissing you, and to top it off, you actually didn't mind the kiss. You didn't feel repulsed by it like you normally did.

The car rolls up and the attendant gets out, "Have a good night guys."

"Thanks." You both mumble and walk down to the car. Colby still opens your door for you, still avoiding eye contact just like you.

He walks around to get in and buckles up before driving off. It's quiet for a few moments until you notice Colby take the wrong turn, "Where- Colby this is the wrong way."

He says nothing.

"Colby." You stare at him, "Where are we going?"

"Some place safe for right now."

"Some place sa-" you sigh, leaning back into your seat, "Where? Where is it that we'll be safe?"

"Would you fucking relax." He sighs, "You act like I'm such a bad fucking guy when you really don't know me at all." He glances over at you and back to the road.

You stay silent. Keeping your eyes on the headlight filled road in front of you. Thinking, maybe you were trying to hide something that you can't admit to.

Maybe there was actually no hatred towards him and you were just protecting yourself?

He pulls into an empty and secluded parking lot and puts the car in park. He stares at the wheel for a few moments before he breaks the silence with a sigh, "I didn't kill your mother, y/n."

Your eyes burn as the tears form a gloss over your eyes, continuing to stare out the windshield.

"But I was there when she died."

Your head snaps to him, your words choked, "W-wh-at?"

"You might not believe me, and that's okay. But I just need you to know that you're not as safe as you think you are." Colby runs a hand over his face and he sighs, "The night.." he sighs again, "Fuck. Okay."

"Just tell me." You turn toward him, staring at him as he finds the will to form the words, "Your father.."

"No." You shake your head, blinking once so the tears uncloud your vision, "Don't."

"Y/n. I'm telling the truth." Colby turns towards you, "I was working security for the Montgomery's. At one of these parties." He swallows, "and I knew exactly who they were the moment I saw your father."

"Are you.. are you in the business, too?" You sniffle and he shrugs, "Yes and no. I don't push anything, or deal with it first hand. I mainly do high class security when deals are being made."

"And my parents were.." you sniffle, "What? There to make a deal?"

He nods, "Well, more your father than anything. I was escorting them back to one of the rooms we passed and I stayed outside, listening in to make sure nothing went south.. but when I heard the gun shot.." he shakes his head, voice quiet, "It was too late."

"Your father was holding the gun that was fired and your mother was-"

"Don't. I don't need the details about her." You shake your head, "Not right now."

He nods, "I was threatened with my life."

"By my father."

"Yes. And Oliver. He was there, too." He pauses, "Eloise has no knowledge of it, from what I understand. She's always liked me. Knew me since I was a kid somehow."

You stare at the steering wheel, speechless.

"They covered it up. Said the place got robbed and your mother was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Oh my god." You whisper, covering your face with your hands, "Oh my god."

"I'm sorry. I should have told you sooner I ju-"

"Why didn't you?" You look at him, "Seriously? Why couldn't you have just fucking told me you needed to talk to me about something important."

He scoffs, "As a matter of fucking fact, y/n. I tried. Two, three nights ago whatever. At the casino. I told you that you were going to regret not speaking with me."

"So this is my fault?" You scoff and laugh, "Of fucking course."

"That's not- no. We're not playing that asinine blame game, okay?" He sighs, "I'm here because I don't want to see you end up the same way as your mother."

"Maybe it's for the best." You shake your head and Colby lays a hand on your leg, "Don't you ever say that."

You laugh, "Why not? At this point I just ruin or lose everything I have. My own father has been lying to me. I've made a fool out of myself defending him time and time again when I really should have been, what? Running from him." You yell slightly louder, "Fuck, why am I so fucking stupid?"

"You're not stupid, you just-"

You cut Colby off, "I don't need you to fucking tell me what I did, do, need, or want. Okay?" You slam your back against the seat, "Just take me home so I can be alone."

He doesn't fight. He doesn't say another word. He just puts the car and drive and takes you home.

"Can you just please not say anything. I was told if I ever told you.."

"He'd kill you, too. Right?" You sigh, "What the fuck."

"I know it's a lot, but I'm not asking for me." Colby puts the car and park and you look at him, "What is the other reason? If you're not asking for you then who?"

He's quiet for a few moments before looking at you. You stare at him and he leans over, grabbing the back of your neck and pulling you in to close the space with your lips on his.

You lay a hand on his cheek, kissing back.

In that moment, you fully understand why he did everything that made you hate him.

He leans back, brushing your cheek with his thumb as he looks at you, "You have no idea how much I actually care about you."

You're at a loss for words, again. Seems like the ongoing theme of the night.

"Now come on. We have to take this to your dad." He goes to get out but you stop him, "Was this box my mom's?"

Colby shrugs, "I think, but I'm not fully sure."

You nod, "Okay." You take a deep breath, bringing down the visor to look in the mirror.

"You still look beautiful."

You look over at Colby and he smiles slightly. You press your lips together, giving him a small smile, "Alright, let's go deliver this to my liar of a father."

Colby fears that you'll step out of line, and quite frankly, he wasn't that far off.

You wanted to freak out.

Throw the box at his head.

Scream at him and ask him why he killed your mother.

You wanted to end him like he ended your mother, but you couldn't do that.

Not yet at least.

"Evening, how was the party." Rio asks as he opens the front door. You nod, "It was definitely a party." You walk in, Colby following behind you as he nods to Rio.

"Y/n. My darling daughter. I see you're back early." Your father yells from his office. Colby lays a hand on your lower back, assuring you as you walk towards the room.

You put on a facade, pretending like your life didn't just change in a measly two, three hours.

"Yeah, wasn't really that lively actually." You walk in, sitting down in the chair and Colby sits in the one next to you.

Your father looks between the two of you, eagerly awaiting the delivery, "Well? Did you happen to get in?"

You unzip your purse, setting Colby on high alert for a possible shoot out, but you take out just the box, "This is the one correct?"

Your father's eyes gleam with excitement, "It sure is." He stands up, leaning forward to snatch it from your hands without a simple thank you.

"What's so special about it, dad?" You zip your purse back, even though you're very tempted to aim the gun at your dad this time.

"It's a family heirloom that I've been dying to get my hands on." He wipes it off with a soft rag, "Your great, great grandmother owned this and I remember my father telling me that I needed to get it back."

Lies, lies and more lies.

"Oh really?" You raise your eyebrows and Colby's eyes move nervously between you and your father.

"Yes, really. Would I lie to you, my darling daughter?"

Yes.

"No." You smile, "you're right." You stand up, "If it's okay, I would like to speak with Colby upstairs. Thank him for inviting me to go with him."

Your father waves you off, eyes glued to the box, "Yeah, sure. That's fine." He looks up and points to Colby, "No funny business in my house."

Colby nods, "You don't have to worry about that sir, she still hates my guts." They laugh and your father goes back to wiping the box as you lead Colby up the steps.

"Where are you going?" Rio asks, making you stop on the stairs. You turn around, "I want to talk to Colby for a second. Dad said it was fine."

Rio nods and goes into the office and you hear the door close.

"Everyone has to know everything." You huff and lift your dress up. Colby holds the train of it up as you make your way up the rest of the steps.

You walk into your room and pull Colby in, closing the door behind him. You turn and start whispering, "I want to leave."

He lowers his voice, "Leave? What do you mean leave?" You walk over, pulling a suit case out from under your bed, "Leave. Colby."

"Y/n. I don't think-"

"You said I wasn't safe. I sure as hell don't feel safe here anymore." Your eyes move from him to the floor as you stop yourself from admitting something you fought so hard to keep hidden.

"Where are you going to go, y/n?" He walks over to you, stopping you from throwing stuff into the case, "Talk to me."

"No because you're just going to try and talk me out of it and I've made up my mind." You stay focused on throwing stuff into your case, "I can't.." your voice breaks and you sigh, "I can't stay here.. the only place.." you shake your head, stepping back as you grab a few more essential items.

"The only place what, y/n?" He watches as you keep packing, ignoring him. He walks up to you, making you look at him, "I know, okay. I know that the only place that you ever felt safe in isn't safe anymore and you need to go, but you're no-"

You sigh, "No, Colby. The only place I've ever felt safe is when I'm around you, and I just have this feeling that after tonight-." You take a sharp breath, staring up at him as your body shakes under his touch.

You hated admitting that because you hated him - or did hate him, whatever, but regardless. You're not a vulnerable person. You never showed anyone if you were hurting, mad, nothing.

But with Colby, anytime he was around,  you've always had a weird sense of saftey.

He's taken aback by your words, "What?"

You push him away, "No I just-" you sigh, "we need to leave. We need to get out of here. Somewhere far. Somewhere far away from the monster that's downstairs holding the box that belonged to my mother."

You sit down on the bed, head in your hands as your mind continues to race about everything including where you're going to go.

"Okay." Colby nods and you look up at him. He swallows and sighs, "Where do you want to go?"

Your eyes fill with tears as the escape is right in front of you, "Anywhere."

He nods, "Alright. We'll go anywhere."

·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

"How do we get to the car without my dad or anyone seeing?" You lay a hand on your forehead as you pace back and fourth, "I just.. if he knows I'm leaving.." you sigh trying to calm yourself down, "I don't want to imagine what he'd do."

Colby points to the window, "Your room isn't far from the ground."

You laugh, "You want me to climb out the window?" He looks at you, "It's either this or risking the chance of-"

"Okay." You cut him off, slightly loud. You lower your voice, "Okay."

"Listen, y/n. I'm just trying to help."

You nod, your voice really low, "I know. I know." You glance at your suitcase, "I have enough money in my accounts.. we'll just have to stop at different atm's or something."

"Isn't there a way you can wire it or something so you don't have to waste anymore time?" Colby asks and you shrug, "I-I don't know." You zip your suitcase, "I just need to get out of here first."

He nods, "Okay. I'll leave, ya know." He walks towards the door, "I'll park down the street or something but I'll come back for you."

You nod, "Yeah, yeah. Good idea."

He stares at you, "We'll get you out of here. Okay."

"Okay." You watch as he leaves and everything suddenly hits you. You feel like you can't breathe. You feel like your body is going to give out from underneath you.

You never imagined your life flipping upside down this bad.

You never pictured having these feelings for Colby.

You're so thrown off, you feel like your head is spinning and now you really don't know what the right thing to do is.

You question everything.

Your dad.

Rio.

Oliver.

Why you were the one who needed to go with Colby. Why your father gave you no choice.

You felt sick. Weak. Almost distorted in a way.

Your phone ringing in your purse causes you to get up immediately. You unzip it, digging through to grab it, "Hello?"

"He wasn't in his office when I went by. I don't know where he is." Colby says on the other end of the line, "I'm circling back now, just watch for me out the window."

"Okay." You hang up and there's a knock on your door, "Y/n."

Your father's voice makes you tense up, fuck.

"Coming." You quickly and as quietly as possible, move your suitcase to back under your bed. You walk over to the door and open it.

"Colby leave already?" Your father asks walking into your room. You nod, "He did."

"That's a shame, I was going to have a congratulatory drink with him, you know as a thank you for getting me this back."

"You'll have to give him a call or something. He said he was heading home, I think." You cross your arms, chewing on your lip.

"I will. I just wanted to come up and thank you, too. I was astonished that you actually managed to get it and I just.." your father sighs and holds his arms out, "Your mother would have been so proud."

Your stomach twists at his words, "Yeah. She would have been."

Your father wraps his arms around you, kissing your head, "Alright. Get some sleep. You've earned it from my view of things."

You nod, "I plan on it."

He walks over to the door, "Oh and one more thing.."

"Yeah, dad?" You look up at him and he nods, "You have a right to feel the way you do about Colby. You don't know it now, but you will."

"What do you mean?" You tilt your head, "What did he do?" Your father sighs, "He's been caught up into some pretty bad ordeals. But that's something we'll have to talk about later on." He taps the door, "Goodnight."

You close the door behind him as he leaves, instantly starting to hyperventilate, "What the fuck?" You whisper, "What the fucking fuck."

You ball your fists up, gently tapping them on your forehead, "Fuck. Okay." You walk over to the window, looking out to see Colby round the corner of the house.

He motions for you to throw your suitcase down and you nod, hesitating to pull it from under your bed as what your father said swings around in your head.

He's a liar, you remind yourself, you can't trust him.

You grab your case, moving it over and sitting it on the window as you push the pane open. You ease it down as far as you can lean out and drop it.

Colby catches it, setting it down before he looks up at you, motioning for you to come down next.

You swing your leg over, feeling for a ledge before you swing your other leg over. Your dress gets caught on the window and you loose your footing, falling backwards.

You let out a scream as you fall, landing not on the grass, but in Colby's arms, "Hey, you okay?"

You look around, breathing heavy, "I think."

He moves you to your feet, "Come on." He grabs your hand leading you around the house and down through the tree that surround your house.

"Hang.. Colby.." you pull his hand, making him stop, "Hang on." You bend down, undoing your heels that are stuck in the earth, "Come on. Come on."

"Here." Colby bends down, bringing out a knife from his pocket and cutting the straps around your ankles, "Come on." He takes your hand again, pulling you along as he leads you to his car.

He opens the door, looking around as you climb in. He shuts it, quickly making his way around and gets in and starts driving.

You rest your head against the headrest, letting out a long sigh and he glances over at you, "Where to?"

.·:*¨ ✘ ¨*:·.

After grabbing your cash from the last atm, you get back into the car and Colby looks at you, "There's a hotel about an hour away from here."

Those are the first words spoken in two hours.

You nod, "okay." You look out the window, your adrenaline winding down as you watch the darkness pass.

"Colby." You keep your eyes out the window, "My dad warned me about you tonight."

"Warned you?" He laughs slightly, "When?"

"Right before you came to the window." You turn your head, looking over at him, "He said I have a right to feel the way I do about you, said you've been in some pretty bad stuff."

Colby shakes his head, gripping the wheel tighter, "He was trying to get you to turn against me."

"But why?"

He shakes his head, “Not the time.”

“Stop the car.”

“What?” He looks over at you then back to the road with a laugh, “I’m not stopping this fucking car.”

“Colby.” You warn, “I’m serious.”

“About what?”

“If you won’t tell me then stop the car.” You reach for the handle, “I’ll tuck and roll, I don’t care.”

“No, y/n. It’s in the middle of -“

“Stop the fucking car!”

He jams on the breaks, causing you to fly as forward as the seatbelt lets you before locking. You unbuckle, winging it off of you with a loud crack to the tinted window.

“Hey, come on no-“

You get out, slamming the door shut. You turn, starting to walk away when you hear Colby get out, “Y/n. Come on. It’s freezing.”

You continue to ignore him, your bare feet carrying you down the road.

“I didn’t want you to end up like your mother.”

You stop, continuing to stare out into the faintly tail lit darkness.

“The reason your father warned you of me..” he tells out to you, “..Is because I told him I would do anything to protect you.”

You shake your head, tears filling your eyes, “Why didn’t you tell me?” You yell looking down at the ground, “Why couldn’t you have just-“ you groan turning around.

His eyes follow you as you walk up to him. You push him back against his car, yelling as you hit his chest, “why.. didn’t.. you.. just.. fucking.. tell.. me!?”

You step back, putting your hands on your head, “What the fuck is happening?”

“I know, I fucked up. I should have just told you everything the moment it happened.”

“You’re fucking right you should have.” Anger dripping off your words, “That’s my mother we’re talking about Colby.. I-I-“

“I know.” He cuts you off slightly loud, “I know, and I’m sorry. If there was anything I could do to change it for you I would.” He steps towards you, “In a heartbeat, y/n.”

Your anger softens, turning into a bittersweet feeling.

You wanted to be mad, but with how much Colby actually cares about you, it’s hard to be angry with him.

He walks up to you, “I should have told you. But at the same time, I didn’t know what I would be getting you into and I just..” he shrugs, “I just couldn’t risk it.”

“Why?” You look up at him, wanting to hear what he had to say.

“What do you mean why?” He laughs slightly, “I think that everything I did just proves it.”

“I want to hear you say it.” You keep your eyes locked on his and his eyes move between yours, “You know why.”

“I want to hear you say. It.”

“Get in the car.” He nods towards the parked car and you laugh slightly, “No. not until you say it.”

“Why do you have to do this?”

“Do what, Colby?”

“Be so fucking stubborn.”

You laugh, “Yeah, because I’m the one who isn’t just coming out to say-“ you stop, looking back at him and he smirks, “Saying… what? Saying what y/n. Go one. Tell the class.”

You roll your eyes as his sarcasm, “You know what. I think you know.”

“Do I?”

You shake your head, “I’m not doing this.” You go to walk away but Colby grabs your arm, “I care about you.” He pulls you into him, looking down at you as you stare up at him, “I think you know that.”

He brushes hair from your face, “I think you know that you want me under your skin.” His hand drags up your goosebump ridden arm, “I think you know that you’re capable of doing more than just tolerating me.”

You swallow, looking down but he lifts your chin, “I think you know that I love you, and you’re just too scared to admit you feel the same for me.”

You say nothing, eyes focused on his lips as they move when he speaks, “You shouldn’t be scared.”

“I’m not scared.” You say quickly, taking a deep breath through your nose and sighing, “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, the fact that you haven’t pulled away from me or gave me attitude says it all, darling.” He slides his hand up to your neck squeezing slowly as he gently pushes you against the car.

You’ve never been turned on quicker in your life.

“What do you want, Colby?” You asked, forcing a slightly annoyed tone.

He chuckles, leaning in to gently plant little kisses on your neck, “You.”

Your eyes roll closed and you sigh, “Take me.”

His hand moves to turn your head, crashing his lips into yours and your arms wrap around his neck, moaning quietly as his hands work to pull your dress up.

“About fucking time.” He mumbles against your lips as he moves your hands to hold your dress up.

“Don’t ruin it.” You breathe out in a slight laugh. You hold your dress up, watching Colby drop to his knees for you in the dim lighting.

“You have no idea..” he kisses up your leg, “How many times I’ve thought about this.” He kisses up your thigh, “Thought about you.”

You pull your bottom lip between your teeth, waiting for Colby to pull your panties completely off. You step out of them and he immediately throws one of your legs over his shoulder and leans in to make his fantasy come true.

You rest your head back on the car, moaning as you feel his tongue slip in and out of you. Nose bumping against your clit at the perfect times.

Your hand flies down, immediately gripping his hair and pulling, “Fuck Colby.” You gasp as you feel a finger slip in as his mouth moves to suck and nip at your clit that’s swelled with arousal, “s-shit.”

He looks up at you, finger moving in and out, “Don’t tell me you didn’t think about me being between these pretty little legs of yours.”

You arch your back as his fingers curls, pressing against that perfect spot, “I have.”

“That’s what I thought.” He chuckles before dipping his head back in, sucking on your clit as he adds another finger.

You grip the open door, pushing his head in with your other hand, “f-fuck. Yes, yes right there.” He thrusts his fingers a little faster, yet still making sure to stroke that little spot that’s about to send you over the edge.

You let out a loud moan, pulling his hair as you clench around his fingers. Orgasm taking over in the fullest force it can.

Panting as you feel him pull his fingers out, you look down at him. He smirks and brings his fingers to his mouth, sucking them clean as he maintains the strongest eye contact, “So fucking good.”

He stands up, crashing his lips onto yours so you can taste yourself. He swallows your moans like they’re nothing. Biting down on your bottom lip and tilting his head back.

You let out a whimper as he lets it go and he opens the back door, “Get in.”

You don’t hesitate. You move and get in, sitting down at you face him with one leg on the seat, other one down with your foot on the floor.

Dress still around your waist.

“You’re fucking unbelievable.” He undoes his belt, zipping coming down with such ease, “You know that?”

Your teeth hang onto your lip as you nod, “Mhm.”

Colby chuckles as he crawls into the car, body hovering over yours, “Tell me.”

“Tell you what?” You ask innocently and he chuckles, shaking his head, “You are such a brat.” He leans down to kiss you, pushing your leg open more and hooking it over his arm. He pushes his cock into you, both moaning and he sighs, “I fucking love it.”

His lips are on yours as he gives you absolutely no time to adjust to him. He pulls out, slamming back in and you moan louder than you have so far. Your fingers slip under the loose collar of his shirt and your nails dig into his skin, “C-Colby.”

You already feel like you could cum again, your body twitching as his cock slams into you, getting immense pleasure with each thrust.

His hand slides up, lying on your neck to squeeze, you let out a squeaked moan as your body arches. Your legs locking around him as he fucks you through orgasm number two.

“That’s it.” Colby moans lowly into your ear, “That’s my fucking girl.”

You let out a strangled whine, clinging to him as your hand tugs the hair that’s intertwined around your fingers, “S-shit.” You gasp, moving your head to kiss him.

He lets go of your throat and your lips move roughly against one another, and he pulls away, “Where do you want me?”

Heat of the moment you may say, but you waste no time, “In me.”

“Fuck.” Colby groans, and you feel his cock twitch. That was enough for him. He coats your walls, holding onto you in anyway he can as he moans against your neck, leaving a dark mark before pulling away with a sigh, “You were made for me.”

You smile, chest still rising and falling at a great speed, “sure I was.” You lay a hand on his cheek and your eyes move over his face.

“You mean, I sure was. Right?” He asks with a smirk and you just smile up at him.

You wanted to apologize for being such a bitch to him, but headlights in the distance cut it short and you’re both scrambling to get back upfront.

Colby slams the back door and gets in, quickly driving off as soon as his door is shut.

The car passes and you let out a laugh that gets Colby to laugh. After a few moments of laughing about what just happened, you let out a sigh, “I still hate you.”

“I’m sure you do.” His hand sneaks under yours, holding onto your leg as your rests on top, “You can prove just how much you hate me when we get to the hotel.”

─── ⋆⋅ ☾⋅⋆ ───

Thanks for reading! Sorry it took so long, but I hope you liked it!

Also, in the cover for this. I know I have a picture of a couple on a bike - I totally forgot about that and made him have a car instead. I realized after I wrote it, so just ignore that. I might go back in later and fix it. I just wanted to get it out for you all. Sorry!!

Likes and reblogs are appreciated!

[brucewaynehater101]

It really gets me so mad that in Batman: The Animated series when all Joker Junior happens they let Tim go. Just like that. WTF???

That's your boy Bruce, the one you drive in your limo, the one that gets an allowance, the one that impersonates you so good because he's your son. And the minute he goes through the worst experience of his life you just let him go.

Like, I get my boy Tim, him been there just reminds him of his trauma, and if being away helps him, then go away, no one's gonna judge you.

BUT 40 YEARS OF SILENCE

Like. Man. Wtf.

And I get the series has other problems (Bruce and Babs together- yuck )

But Tim, hurt Tim forced to go through it alone.

It hurts me so much, it haunts me.

Fuck. I need to watch that series. I was a wee bit scared cause I thought, at first, that Tim got stuck as Joker. I couldn't handle that, tbh. I heard he doesn't, though, so I'm down to try.

However, that's so fucking tragic. Just Tim handling that trauma alone when Bruce is aware of it. I've seen some cool AUs where Bruce and the others aren't aware, but somehow it's worse where Bruce just ignored Tim (or that it happened to him).

40 is fucking bonkers though.

I kind of want an AU where Tim reaches the 10 year anniversary of the JJ incident. The only person who knows is Bruce (maybe Alfred if you want to make him guilty/bad). The age Tim is can vary (from like 19-24), but it'd be hella cool to see the fallout of everyone else learning that Bruce has been a dick to Tim for that. This would be cool if Tim was RR at this point.

Counter AU:

JJ happens when Tim is Robin, and Bruce fires Tim "for his own safety" or whatever. No one else, not even Barbara, knows about this incident. All they know is that there *was* a third Robin, but now there's not.

Other people rein Bruce in until Damian comes along. Maybe Cass helps or something (for plot purposes, Steph isn't Robin. She does get vigilante-adopted by Oracle, though, and joins the Birds of Prey).

Either way, Tim is no longer Robin and basically ignored by Bruce due to Bruce's guilt/fear (not an excuse. Bruce is a huge colossal asshole for that. This is just his reasoning).

The only people who know who the third Robin was are Bruce, Babs, Dick, Alfred, Leslie, Jason, and Talia (technically Ra's too). No one but Jason and Talia know that Jason knows who the third Robin was.

Bruce, once again, is the only one who knows about JJ and why Tim stopped being Robin (maybe Alfred too, but fun drama if Alfred finds out what Bruce did to Tim).

Anyways, Jason never attacks Tim because Tim wasn't Robin by that point. Damian doesn't either. They don't have favorable opinions of Tim, but he's not really important to them in the grand scheme of things.

Dick and Babs initially kept in contact with Tim, but they slowly stopped checking up with him due to the shitshow of their lives (like Jason coming back).

Tim moves out of Gotham for a few years. He was never adopted at this point and keeps up the fake uncle thing. He's pissed at Bruce for firing him (that man can not tell Tim to stop being a vigilante. That's so fucking hypocritical and that man isn't Tim's father), but he can't do anything about it. Bruce can't stop him from being a vigilante if he isn't in Gotham, though [Tim also gets the opportunity to heal while he's not in the same shadow of Gotham].

While Tim isn't Robin, he does maintain some communication with YJ. It's more distant, but they still go on missions together (as long as word won't get back to Batman). Tim is also more of a traveling vigilante who steals money from Lex or other billionaires to fund Tim's night job (he, begrudgingly, doesn't attempt to steal from Bruce. Babs would catch him). Tim also pockets some of the cash from crimes (particularly if the cops are corrupt and the money wouldn't go towards good causes regardless). Maybe Tim remotely manages DI as well, maybe not.

Anyways, years later, the batfam is slowly starting to heal. Jason is starting to forgive Bruce. The old man is putting in the effort to heal their relationship. Damian is healing and bonding with all of the family members in his own way. Dick has a much better relationship with Bruce, and Steph feels accepted by them.

Then Bruce "dies."

Tim stumbles upon proof of Bruce through his travels. He doesn't trust the Bats (especially after at least a year of no contact with them), so he tries to tell them about his proof as a not well-known vigilante. Red Hood has worked with him when The Outlaws crossed paths with him, but they aren't at the stage where RH trusts him. Tim doesn't trust RH due to a conversation or two about the man's hatred of the third Robin.

The Bats, drowning in their grief, push Tim away and deny him.

It stings, but Tim convinces himself to just shrug. What would he expect from the Bats anyways?

Tim goes through the effort of bringing Bruce back by himself. He then tries to dip immediately afterwards. He wants nothing to do with the Bats.

The Bats become curious about why a vigilante who seems to dislike would risk and sacrifice so much to bring back Bruce. They, like the nosy shits they are, try to investigate, charm, and stalk Tim.

Tim wants nothing to do with those fuckers. He wants to be left alone, fucking hell.

This dissolves into Tim trying to stay the fuck away from the Waynes as they chase him. He also can't help the fact that he cares about them, even if they piss him off.

More secrets unravel. Tim, wanting them to just go the fuck away, admits he knew the third Robin and that's why he doesn't like them.

Tim has changed a ton (personality and looks [he's taller and changes his appearance with makeup/wings]) so they don't immediately think of him as the third Robin. Tim also maintains a spotless civilian cover.

This cues the other Bats starting to question each other and Bruce what the fuck happened to the third Robin to make someone else hold a grudge against them.

I got so distracted. Oh well. Imma have to watch that series to feel the pain you're chatting about ^^ I wanna immerse myself in it, lmao

[genderkoolaid]

i am genuinely confused by something you said in your joan of arc post & i would love if you could clarify. you said "women afab can be trans. men amab can be trans." i understand how that applies to intersex people, who may be assigned a sex they identify with but have other sex characteristics that they get dysphoria from. or theyre assigned as one sex but once puberty hit they developed far more traits of the other sex, so they had to transition back to what they used to be. i understand those scenarios. but as far as we know, joan of arc wasnt intersex & you dont bring up intersex in your post. how can a non-intersex person transition to something they already are & have been for their entire life? changing how one presents, like changing their style of clothes to better suit their gender & personality, doesnt count as "transitioning" imo, cis people do that aaall the time, multiple times throughout their lives. so what do you actually mean by this??

So my definition of trans is very much inspired by Leslie Feinberg's definition of trans(gender): An umbrella term for "everyone who challenges the boundaries of sex and gender," in which ze specifically includes cross-dressing and GNC people who are men AMAB and women AFAB. I would define trans as being inclusive of anyone who queers sex and/or gender.

In my humble nonbinary opinion, we way over-rely on the idea of trans as being about identifying as a gender that isn't your assigned sex. I, for example, was assigned female and identify as (amongst other genders) a woman, but my womanhood is very much trans. For one, I was on T for two years and intend to get bottom surgery, but I was also alienated from typical cis girlhood for my entire life and my womanhood is inherently tied to me also being a man and abinary. My womanhood is not cisnormative at all.

"Woman" and "man" (and male and female) are all constructs. Just because someone may call themself a woman, and have been assigned female at birth, does not mean they identify as the same kind of woman that society expects and demands them to. There are different ways of constructing womanhood. The "gender identity that isn't AGAB" definition was built on the idea of trans people as going from one binary point to the other, with the assumption that "woman" and "man" are still Real Things with one natural meaning. Attempts at being nb-inclusive have basically just said "well nonbinary isn't a gender assigned at birth, so its trans!" which is completely true, but it also ignores all the nonbinary and genderqueer people whose genders are more nuanced than that.

On Jeanne d'Arc specifically, I actually have some relevant quotes on this:

(from Vested Interests: Crossdressing and Cultural Anxiety and Clothing and Gender Definition: Joan of Arc respectively)

This is why I included that line: because we often assume, in our exorsexism, that a historical figure must identify as a man/woman (cis), as the opposite (trans), or maybe as neither, but those are the only options. We are still limiting ourselves and these historical figures' by limiting how we understand gender and genderqueerness. To Jeanne, being a cross-dressing female virgin soldier could be its own gender, something different than the genders of cisnormative mothers and nuns.

& as a note: I feel like, a lot of the time, non-intersex people in the community will make exceptions for intersex people (like "well, intersex people can be transfemmascs/male lesbians/etc" but no one else!!!") which. doesn't actually seem that great for intersex people? Like aside from assuming that these genderqueer experiences can only be had by intersex people, it also means that if you identify that way, you must Prove that you are Allowed to be doing that, by both outing yourself as intersex and arguing that you are intersex Enough.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Dirty Work 17

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as bullying, familial discord/abuse, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: You start a new gig and find one of your clients to be hard to please.

Characters: Loki

Note: It's friday again.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!)

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Once Leslie leaves, you lock yourself away again. Your father's taken to the cold shoulder over his previous aggression. You don't mind, it assures you of a tenuous peace. So long as you don't draw his attention, you're okay.

Your anxiety remains piqued. Not only by your father's stewing ire but the thought of what looms both behind and ahead of you. With all that happened at work, you have little hope of tomorrow being better. There is also the question of Mr. Laufeyson's surprise... you can't even begin to guess what he has in mind.

Another test, no doubt. Like today. You're certain you failed that one too. You took his kindness and showed yourself to be ungrateful. You questioned him when you should have just accepted it with a smile on your face.

It is not your place to worry about his intentions, as he has made it clear, you are not on the same level. He is your boss and you do what he says. So you will do that and nothing more.

Is that his voice in your head?

You sneak out for a shower but it doesn't do much to calms your nerves. You spend another night tossing and turn, kept awake by the television set a top volume and the dissonance of your anxiety. Even with the extra hours granted, you find yourself painfully awake at the same splitting hour.

You get up to make your tea. Your father's snoring on the couch at the TV continues to blare. You don't disturb either as you put on the kettle and ready a mug. You rub your eyes and yawn. Leslie will be here soon. You should wake him and get breakfast going. It will lighten her load.

When you have your cup steaming, you stay at the counter and sip tentatively, weighing your next steps. You leave your father as he is and return to your room, dressing and cleaning up before you descend again. You have your phone in hand, almost hoping a notification will pop up. Maybe Mr. Laufeyson will change his mind and you can be off before you have to face your dad. The phone remains lifeless. 

You sigh and shut off the television, hoping the sudden silence might rouse him. He continues to snort loudly. You bite down on your cheeks as your skin buzzes and itches. He's not a morning person. 

The memories of him exploding to consciousness in a furor of hollers and kicks keep you from shaking him. You back away as the doorbell rings and does the job for you, your father grumbling as you go to answer it.

Leslie enters with her usual blustering brightness. She greets your father and stops short, hands on her hips as she tuts.

"Now what is the meaning of this?" She huffs, "Charles, you can't sleep down here."

"I'm not," he sits up and hacks into his hand before sliding the oxygen tube back into place. "You woke me up."

"What's gotten into you?" She accuses, "I told you yesterday I'm not here for your attitude. You're not some teenager, you're a grown man."

"Bah, I need coffee," he snarls.

"You need a cold shower," she retorts as she goes around the couch and snatches up the pack of smoke on the cushion beside him, "and a swat on the snout. What're you doing with these things?" She pauses and looks at you, "he can't be having these in the house."

"I don't... know where they came from," your murmur.

"Don't matter, if you see them, you toss them," she reproaches, "this is a team effort, alright? Now yesterday, this place was a right mess. I'm here to help, not play maid."

"I'm sorry, I..." you snap your mouth shut. You did clean up, as best you could before work, but you'll have to do better.

"Not her fault she's useless," your father quips.

"Charles," Leslie warns as she points at him.

"Sorry, hon," he puts his hands up, "was only a joke."

"Not a very nice one," he rebukes.

"I know, I know," he chortles.

"So don't apologise to me," she flicks her finger towards you.

Your father stops his laughing and quiets. He crosses his arms and slumps his shoulders as you stare at the back of his head. You wait as Leslie tilts her head dangerous and cross her arms.

"Charles," she girds.

"Don't worry about it," you croak, "it's fine. I'll... I'm going in late so I'll get breakfast started."

"Oh yeah, she don't gotta go polish that man's silver early," your dad growls.

"Charles," Leslie snips again, "I mean it, be nice."

"I am nice, hon, I'm being funny."

"You are not," she insists.

"Come on, Les," he lowers his voice as you pad towards the kitchen, "I'll be good, alright? Don't give me that look."

She sighs but you don't look back, "alright, no more smokes."

"I'm tellin' ya, honey," he speaks so softly you barely recognise his voice, "I didn't touch 'em. Found them in the couch but I didn't smoke any. Don't be mad at me."

You shake your head and try to roll the tension out of your shoulders. She's been here just over a week and he talks like he's known her forever. He's actually nice to her. He cares about what she thinks, what she feels. But you, his own daughter, you get the blame for it all. You're the reason he hates himself and his life. Maybe if you'd never come along, he'd still have the woman he loved. 

🧹

You set off just after eleven, the bus due not long after. As you come down the overgrown walk with its cracked pavement and uneven tilt, your eyes are drawn up by the snap of a car door. Footfalls scuff on the pavement as you look over the curb to the shiny car parked there. It's an unusual sight in the rundown neighbourhood.

Mr. Laufeyson proudly steps up as the window on the passenger's side rolls down. A pair of similarly green eyes peer out as she takes in the sight of the yellow duplex. You want to run and hide. You can't imagine either of them ever had to dirty themselves in a place like this.

"Mr. Laufeyson," you rush towards him, "I--- you said noon."

You pull the phone out and check the time. He puts his hand on the roof of the car calmly as you stop a few feet away. He chuckles, amused by your panic.

"It's so quaint," Frigga remarks as she remains firmly in the front seat, "dear, how are you?"

"Um, I'm well, Frigga," you answer with a tight gulp.

"Good, good, you look well," she praises, "a bit tired. Tell me he's not overworking you."

"Mother," Laufeyson shoots a glance in her direction.

"Er, it's fine," you clutch the strap of your bag, "I... did I do something?"

"No, no," Frigga waves off your suspicion, "I simply insisted my son bring me to see you while I'm in town."

"Oh, I was just on my way..." you look at Laufeyson confused as he gives an expression you can't quite read. He's expecting something but you're not sure what.

"We have lots to do so no sense in waiting around," she trills.

"Oh?" Your lips part. "Did something-- is the house okay?"

"The house is just fine. That old place only needs a little light, but see if my own son hears me," he rambles, "Loki, don't be rude, get the door."

He flinches and drags his hand away from the top of the car, "yes, mother."

He moves to open the back door, gallantly opening it for you. You feel like you've been dropped into an alternate universe. This can't be happening.

"Get in," he says. 

You blink at him and he tilts his head, gesturing to the back seat. You obey with some reluctance and sit the large leather bag beside you. You slowly pull the seat belt down and click it into place. Laufeyson strides around the bumper as you peek in the mirror at Frigga's silvering curls.

"Right, then," Laufeyson opens the driver's door and lowers himself into the seat, "there we are."

"How are you feeling, darling?" Frigga's eyes meet yours in the rearview before you quickly look away, "are you very hungry or can you wait a bit longer for lunch?"

"I... Lunch? I'm okay," you assure. You can't figure this out. "Thank you."

The car whirs and rolls into motion. You're uneasy as you watch the street pass by. If he takes a left, he can get back to the main roads and-- no, he's going right?

"Mm, alright, the boutique first then," she orders her son, "I'm wondering if perhaps they could squeeze us in at the spa. It has been a while since I had some clay done. Oh, and my nails are ragged."

You try to connect the dots as your brows stitch together. Is this his surprise? His mother? Why are you there? You should be figuring out what's going on with the squeaky hinge on the closet. 

"I can't wait to see the new season's colours," Frigga carries on as you tune her out, lost in the riddle of her presence and your own.

Surely, you're being brought along as some sort of valet. Of course, Laufeyson would offer you to carry her bags as she splurges on her pretty dresses. And she is always dressed so nicely whenever you see her. And make up, her lips are a pleasant shade of rose. She would likely spend even more on shoes, don't forget the silver sparkling at her throat and the gemstone dangling there... 

Right, you see. Another lesson. He wants you to remember what you don't have. After your slip-up yesterday, he has to remind you of where you belong; squashed under his sole.

"Oh, is Eliana still at the salon, I should stop in and say hello," Frigga's voice once more punctures your distraction. "She was always so sweet."

"Mother, I... don't know about that. Maybe a different salon."

"You are such a pessimist, what are the odds we run into her?" 

"Don't even tempt fate," he warns.

"No one said you were invited, hm? You said you had business down at Heimdall's."

"You are stubborn, mother," Laufeyson tisks.

"It's where you got it from, dear," she taunts, "so, darling," she peeks in the mirror again and you shy away, "how about it, you and I? It will be so nice. I haven't gotten a day out in so long."

"Oh, you haven't? Should I ask father about that?"

"Let's not mention your father," she rebuffs him smoothly and his shoulders slump.

"Um, well, that's nice, but..." you protest meekly

"It's my treat," she insists, "please. You're doing me a favour."

"I really don't know--"

"I don't mind," Laufeyson interjects, "and it won't affect your hours."

"I did soften him up a bit," she purrs.

"Mother," he hisses again.

"Oh you are so serious," she chides, "she needs this more than I do, I'm sure, with a stickler like you."

He twitches but says nothing. You sense he wants to say it again, 'mother', in the tone of please be quiet. It would be laughable if you weren't so perplexed by it all. Maybe it is a dream. Maybe you didn't wake up and you're oversleeping your alarm, having stress dreams about what will happen when you wake to reality.

"He's a good little chauffeur," she pats his arm playfully, "so he will drop us at the salon, won't you, dearest son?"

He grips the wheel tight and you see his knuckles turn almost translucent, "yes, mother, whatever you wish."

🧹

Mr, Laufeyson drives through the downtown area. You don't come there much, or at all. You passed through on your way to the hospital and on occasion to sort out a billing issue with the bank, but there wasn't much for you there. Along the west side, the nicer shops reside and several buildings with businesses you could never figure out.

Laufeyson pulls up into a marked spot beside a meter. As you stare out, still puzzled by it all. Everything's going so fast and you just want it to slow down. You look at your boss and feel a pang in your chest; how many times had he mentioned your clothes? This isn't a favour, this is him saying you're not good enough.

"Come, come," Frigga gets out and opens your door for you, "let's not drag our feet."

You undo the seat belt and go to grab your large leather bag. As you get out, Frigga catches you by the shoulders. "You won't need this," she takes the bag and reaches past you to put it back in the car, "only your pretty self."

"Oh, uh, sure, okay," you look again at Laufeyson but you're not sure why. He isn't going to help you. He's plunged you into this situation. He only arches a brow in response.

"Just going to give you a nice refresh," Frigga pulls on your elbow and shuts the door, tugging you onto the pavement. "You would do wonderful with some highlights."

You stumble along beside her, overwhelmed by her enthusiasm. She directs you to the shining transparent windows of a salon, a sign overhead with a curled iron bar across the top. You peek over your shoulder again as Mr. Laufeyson lingers another moment before steering out into traffic.

The door chirps as it opens and you're ushered inside to the sound of jazzy pop covers. You can't choose where to focus as the sleek shelves of colourful bottle behind the pure white counter refracts the lights of a spindly chandelier. Velvet chairs are arranged around a table in the little waiting area as stylists gab with clients in chairs.

"Frigga," a woman with platinum locks flutters over with the clacking of heels, "oh, it's been so long."

"Eliana! It has, look at you," they embrace and part, Frigga playing with the tall woman's pin-straight tresses, "what happened to the black?"

"Got a few grays and a divorce," the woman, Eliana you presume, cackles, "and who's this?"

They look at you as you're ready to fade into the black and white stripes on the wall.

"Oh, a friend, she's lovely," Frigga comes back and takes your hand, drawing you forward, "she just needs a little touch-up."

"Oh, she's a natural, she won't need much at all," the stylist approaches you, "I know just the woman; Luciana," she claps and looks back, "I have someone to fill in that cancellation.”

[ofmdrecaps]

09/20/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Call To Action: David Jenkins; Samba Schutte; Con O'Neill; Hugo Pierre Martin; How To Help; Other Cast & Crew Sightings: Rhys Darby; Rosie Carnahan Darby; Taika Waititi; Samba Schutte; Leslie Jones; Guz Khan; Damien Gerard; Kristian Nairn; Hugo Pierre Martin;

Well folks. It sure is wonderful to be honking loudly with you again! (Clown or Goose, however you prefer to consider it!). This morning, David Jenkins started us all off with a very specific tweet that set off a chain reaction!

= David Jenkins =

It APPEARS that David is telling us, the fans, that OFMD is "available", and that Netflix is the streaming service to woo. Now, does that mean it's just being bought and streamed? Or perhaps being picked up by a Season 3? There has been some discussion that Netflix sometimes likes to stream a cancelled show before they greenlight another season-- and well, who knows, maybe that's what OFMD is in line for!

Source: David Jenkins' Instagram

= Samba Schutte =

Then a little later in the day... Samba started us up with a new #, #supnetflix!

Source: Samba's Instagram

= Con O'Neill =

Con joined in on the sharing!

Source: Con's Instagram Stories

= Hugo Pierre Martin =

Our "one-line" friend, Hugo Pierre Martin is back at it! He's supporting OFMD in every way he can!

Source: Hugo's Twitter / 2

The fans took David and the Crew's call to action by starting up a tweet storm! Our friends over at @adoptourcrew also kept the momentum going by putting up prompts!

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

Some of our crewmates reminded us, and Netflix, we had the numbers :)

Source: Florence aka single_cat_mom on Twitter!

As of the time this post was put together, the trends got up to the following! Thank you to APurplePatch on Twitter for captureing them!

Source: APurplePatch Twitter

And a little schadenfreude for today's festivities! Thank you Ashley!

Source: Ashley aka Seven_Sugars on Twitter

Well there we are-- great job today crew! Sure is feeling good in the fandom today! If we can, let's keep the momentum up through tomorrow! Are you excited about the possibility of an s3? Well, feel free to join in the manifestations from our friend @xray-vex!

Source: Xray_Vex Twitter

== How To Help ==

I can't believe I'm saying this again-- but hey! Wanna help out with the renewal (or at least selling OFMD) effort? Please consider some of the following!

Sign the Petition if you haven't already! (Change.org DOES clear out non-confirmed via email signatures every once in a while, so be sure to check your email.)

Request Our Flag Means Death on the Netflix form!

If you're interacting with social media, use these hashtags: #OurFlagMeansDeath #supnetflix #AdoptOurCrew #SaveOFMD

== Other Cast & Crew Sightings ==

= Rhys Darby =

New Bill Napier Weather Update from Rhys today on his Substack! There was even a shout out to some of our crewmembers you might recognize! Give it a listen!

Source: Rhys' Substack

= Rosie =

More Kitten Content from the Darby Household! (why yes, I will use my one movie allowed per tumblr post to add kitten content, I regret nothing).

Source: Rosie Carnahan Darby's Instagram

= Taika Waititi =

Taika's back to his "influencer" phase again!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Taika Waititi (@taikawaititi)

Source: Taika's Instagram

= Damien Gerard =

Damien's finally getting to get some relief! Congrats sir!

Source: Damien's Instagram

= Kristian Nairn =

Kristian catching up with one of his old co-stars, Issac Wright!

Source: Kristian Nairn Instagram

= Samba Schutte =

I realized I shared Samba's pics last time, but didn't say much about the new campaign! Samba's new Shop Stands campaign is benefiting the LA Regional Food Bank! First up, you can get a hoodie version of the Crew For Life T-Shirt! - Crew For Life Hoodie

Next up-- Samba is back with another cooking class! This time it's Death By Cheese! Death By Cheese Class

EVENT DATE: NOVEMBER 9 EVENT TIME: 10AM PT/1PM ET EVENT LOCATION: ONLINE

Source: Shop Stands

= Guz Khan =

New season of Man From Mobeen! Not sure if there's a date yet...but looks like Guz is sharing some pics!

Source: Guz Khan's Instagram

= Leslie Jones =

Leslie was on the Jennifer Hudson Show a couple days back!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Jennifer Hudson Show (@jenniferhudsonshow)

Source: Jennifer Hudson's Instagram

= Hugo Pierre Martin =

In case you haven't heard, Hugo is doing a Spotify Audio Series! Wanna check it out? Visit: Spotify

Source: Hugo's Twitter

== Articles ==

Source: Adopt Our Crew Twitter

== Love Notes ==

Alright, lovelies. I have so many things to say and yet no stamina to do so. I'll try to pick up tomorrow-- I just wanted to send this your way, I hope you find the ones who make you feel like you're basking in warmth and love, like the sun.

Source: StayCloseToYourself_ Instagram

[arty-shadow-morningstar]

Cursed idea I had in the shower.

Bruce gets hit with a sleeping beauty type of curse.

You know. Be asleep in a deathlike state and only be awoken by a true love kiss.

(Let's assume Zatanna can't do shit for that type of old magic used and that was the only cure)

But the question is who is Batman's true love?

Catwoman is first candidate. He was going to marry her once. It didn't work.

Then, Damian asked his mom. Talia Al Ghul. The woman Bruce did marry and even had a kid with. Nope.

So kids are starting to panic.

They have to find that one special someone Bruce loves but he's Batman.

He doesn't talk about his feelings ever and making him do it is like pulling out teeth.

So they starts calling people they thought Bruce had good chemistry with.

Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow at the batkids' request but does it anyway. Didn't work.

Zatanna also reacted the same way.

Leslie Thompkins does it after some badgering.

Both Harley and Ivy does it to humor them.

Then, someone (Tim) finds Bruce's diary from where he was a teenager.

In it, Bruce talks about his crush on this boy, comparing him to the sun. Took a while for Tim to come to the horrifying realization that Bruce was talking about Harvey Dent aka Two Face.

They somehow managed to get Harvey to kiss Bruce. It still didn't work. But the kids are kinda traumatized by how close they were to having Two Face as a stepdad.

Then, they realised that they were only focusing on Bruce's female romantic interests so they decided to get everyone Bruce ever had chemistry with.

Clark had to awkwardly do it in front of his wife when he just came over to the Batcave check in on his best friend.

Lois gave Bruce a quick peck on the lips, just to make things somewhat even. (There was an inaudible sigh of relief when Bruce didn't wake up)

"That is the closest to a threesome with Bruce Wayne I will ever get." Lois joked, making Clark choke.

Oliver Queen went to wash his mouth right after giving the kiss. Dinah made a show of it to make Oliver jealous. The two of them took off immediately afterwards.

Hal Jordan was ready to run as soon as he did the deed.

Barry politely declined and the kids didn't push him. Because it is obvious that he and Bruce just hold respect towards each other. Same with Martian Manhunter and Aquaman.

John Constantine laughed in their faces when he heard their request. Once he realised they weren't joking, he still did it anyways and afterwards dropped an innuendo that implied that he had kissed Batman before and maybe something even more. Stole another kiss and promptly got out of Gotham before Damian had time to grab his sword.

They got the Riddler who was confused (or riddled, excuse my terrible pun) the entire time because minding his own business, got kidnapped by the Bat brats in daylight, found himself in the infamous Batcave and told to kiss Batman. He quickly did what he was told and then asked to be taken back right away so he can forgot what just happened.

The Bats voted on whether they should get Joker before they all unanimously agreed to never bring that idea again.

So the Batkids tried everything to find Batman's / Bruce's true love.

But guess what woke him up in the end? The answer was them all along. (Not Batcest. Batcest shippers DNI.)

You know that scene in Maleficent where she kisses Aurora on the forehead and she wakes up. Exactly like that.

The kids having done everything they could. Have to come to the conclusion that Bruce was as good as dead. One of the boys, maybe Dick or Jason, says goodbye and one of the others give Bruce a kiss on the forehead.

Cass started it and Dick does it too. Damian in a moment of weakness, does the same. One by one, the kids kissed Bruce of the forehead as a sign of goodbye. (You know Steph and Jason does it out of sibling peer pressure.) They all gathered to say, "Bruce, we love you."

Then, the motherfucker had the nerve to finally open his eyes in that moment to see his kids crying around him.

Bruce loves his kids. ❤️

[alotofpockets]

Right in front of you | Leslie Shay

Pairing: Leslie Shay x Reader Reader pronouns used: she/her Prompt: "Is that a hickey?" Masterlist | Chicago Fire masterlist | Words: 1k

You loved to cook at the firehouse around the corner, on your days off from the family owned restaurant you worked at. Besides loving to cook, it was also a way for you to see your girlfriend when she was on shift. The environment at 51 was also not bad, you loved being around the people that Shay called her family, even though most of them didn’t know you and Shay were a thing. The two of you didn’t mind people knowing, you just didn’t want to make telling people such a big deal. Severide and Dawson knew for sure as they were her best friends, and maybe some other people had guessed and just never mentioned it. There were however also a few people that were definitely still clueless, like Cruz and Otis, as they were about to prove to you once again, you realized when you saw them walk in with their eyes focussed on you.

“Good morning boys, how was the call?” You ask as you put some scrambled eggs and bacon on a plate for each of them. Cruz was quick to give you an answer, priding himself on saving the day. “I rescued an old lady from her house before it was engulfed in flames.” Otis quickly chimes in, “Not before I located her and told you where to find her.” It was adorable how hard they were trying.  “Sounds like a great start to the day, then.” You smile. 

You had been coming to prepare food at the station for a few months now. When Shay had breakfast duty one day she asked if you could prepare breakfast for take out at the restaurant, after she relayed the many compliments the team gave to the food, you had suggested coming over to cook breakfast in the firehouse once a week, much to Shay and the team's liking. 

Not a day at the firehouse went by without Cruz and Otis trying to flirt with you. Not responding to their flirts or not showing the same interests back didn't stop them from trying every time, though. You had mentioned it to Shay after the first time it happened, wanting to be open about it. She just laughed at their antics with you, before she pecked your lips and told you, “You just tell them off or tell them about us if it gets annoying, okay?” So far, you had just found it funny, and decided to see how long they were going to keep this up, still not in any way giving them a signal that you were interested in them, of course.

You were still making scrambled eggs when Shay and Dawson got back from their call. They walked right up to you for their food, a cup of coffee, and of course they started a conversation with you. When they sat down with the rest of the team Shay overheard Cruz and Otis whispering amongst themselves. “We should start a bet on who will be able to get y/n to go on a date with them first.” She exchanges a look with Dawson, both of them working hard on keeping their laughter in. Shay, like you, thought their antics were hilarious, so she didn't stop them, unless you would get uncomfortable by it. 

Shay joins the conversation of their other teammates. She gets tired of her hair in her face so she puts her hair up in a quick messy bun. “Wow, Shay, is that a hickey?” Mills gasps. Dawson turns Shay's head her way so she can see for herself. “Sure looks like a hickey, Mills, never seen one before?” The brunette jokes. The rest of the team starts bombarding your girlfriend with questions, you look over to the group as it starts quite the commotion. “Okay, okay, calm down. You all get one question.” Shay says, knowing these people well enough to know they were going to drop it.

Capp starts off the questioning round. “Is she hot?” He immediately gets a shove to the shoulder by Tony, “Was that seriously the best you could do?” After he shrugs, Shay answers, “Yes, she's very hot.” Mills goes next, “One night stand?” She shakes her head, “No.” The team shares a look before Casey asks the next question, “Does Severide know who it is then?” Severide answers that one, letting the team know that he does. Otis decides to ask the next question, “Do we know her?” Shay noticed that you were walking towards the table with your own plate of food. “Yes, you do.” She says. You can see their brains working overtime, and have to try to hold in your laugh, as you sit down besides Shay. 

You share a look with Shay, letting her know that however she wants to handle this, it is okay with you. She smiles and puts her arm over the back of your chair. “It's really not that hard to think of a person that you all know.” She says, pulling their eyes back to her. The arm on your chair makes its way to your side, as she pulls you closer to her. “She's literally sitting right in front of you.” After finishing her sentence she places a kiss on your forehead and keeps holding you close. Most of the reactions to the news were comments along the lines of that’s great, congratulations, or you’ve got to keep this one around followed by Mouch pointing to the food and then giving a thumbs up. Of course, those reactions were all great, however, your favorite reactions were those of Cruz and Otis. Their eyes widened when they realized they had been flirting with Shay’s girlfriend for weeks. 

The newly found information made the team quickly forget about the hickey that started the conversation, as the team was happy to see Shay so happy with you. They continued asking you both questions, how did you meet? and how long have you been together? until the alarm rang and all companies were being called to a scene. Shay kisses you before getting up, “Thank you for breakfast, baby.” 

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[forthelostones]

let's celebrate you ─── ⋆

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧ 🪩 ˚ afab!reader x sub!ellie ⋆ 🪩 ୨୧˚ ⋆ ˚｡

" its time i turn these lights low "

synopsis: your birthday was a special one with a different kind of treat.

warnings. 18+ (mdni); sub!ellie, loser!ellie, fingering & cunnilingus (e! receiving), dina ft, drinking, & grinding.

an: hi everyone, thanks for all the love on my other works! if u have any requests let me know! edited this on the fly >.< ; enjoy!

(no y/n)

wc: 2.2k

♪ playlist: misty ( lesly gore ), but not kiss ( faye webster ), what kinda of love ( childish gambino ), smile more ( syd ) ♪

your birthday was coming up and Dina had promised to make it a special one. you really didn’t mind having just a small dinner, and maybe a cake, but she insisted on something more. she didn’t tell you any of the details, just that you should look your best and not worry. you tended to be on the more anxious side so this was difficult. you appreciated the efforts but felt reluctant to not think of every single detail. 

after getting dressed you went to Dina’s where music was already vibrating the floorboards of the front porch. upon entering you saw everyone circling the entryway and smiling as they cheered “happy birthday!” you awkwardly cuddled your arm as you silently thanked them. immediately, Dina comes to hug you tightly, you inhale the familiarity and watch everyone disperse except for one person. 

“ellie. hey.” you mutter as Dina releases you from her arms. 

“happy birthday, um…” she rubs the back of her neck softly. 

she was wearing all black, head to toe, with the exception of a silly rainbow party hat that Dina probably put on her. when she noticed she still had it on she ripped it off quickly and fiddled with it in her hands. 

“right, um, you look nice.” she smiles warmly. 

“thanks els, why don’t we go and get you something to drink?” 

ellie and you were in the same advanced planetary astronomy course. you spent a lot of time together studying for exams and even lab partners, but outside of that you really didn’t hang out with her. you wished you did though. during some late nights she’d reveal small parts of her life and you just wanted to put your assignments away and indulge in her. 

“i don’t see how you can listen to music while doing this.” you mention.

this was a 300-level course and it wasn’t particularly easy, the readings were intense, with a lot of scientific jargon you still had to learn. 

she pulls away headphones away and rolls her eyes. “i mean, it’s just a little something, my working playlist. mostly instrumental.” 

that night she shared the playlist after your study session and you scrolled through her Spotify to see what other artists she listened to. just a small glimpse of her was all you really wanted.  

you both mosey through a crowd of people to get to the kitchen area. everyone saying happy birthday, asking how are you, and pointing you in the direction of your gifts. meanwhile, Ellie just followed shortly behind and was very silent, giving everyone a courtesy smirk. once you reach the kitchen counter covered in various bottles, you make both you and Ellie a suspicious concoction. 

“i don't know if I trust you as a mixologist.” she smiles shyly. 

“what you never had tequila, rum, and a little ginger ale?” 

you both laugh as your faces turn sour at the overly sharp mix. 

the night continues on with Ellie by your side and you both loosen up from the continuous influx of random drinks. you talk about more than class and your horrible professors, she tells you a bit about her music taste, hobbies, and her very visible tattoos. 

“i don’t think I have the pain tolerance to even sit and get something this big.” you say absentmindedly dragging the tip of your index finger along her forearm. you were slumped in the corner of the couch and she sat slouched on the arm of the sofa, just above you. 

“uh, uh I mean, I— I took some medicine before and uh,” she looks down to you and once your eyes connect she looks away. “they have this cream, like numbing cream, but I didn’t need that, I just I have a high pain tolerance, I dont know, yea.” 

“hmm, strong els.” your finger continues up her arm. 

Ellie trembles quietly at the static shock traveling through her body. you look up to her as her eyes follow your finger tracing along her skin, she inhales deeply and lets out a shaky breath. you feel a pounding start behind your temples and you lay your head on her thigh. 

“my head, ugh.” 

ellie freezes at the simplest touch of you, unsure of where to put her hand she just gently lies it on your back. 

“maybe we had too much of your little potion.” she jokes. 

it hurts to laugh but you manage to get one out. 

“ah, I think I’m gonna stay here,” you say.

“oh, yea, probably me too, I don’t think I could drive home.” 

you look up to her and her face is painted pink at just the smallest connection with you. “come with me.” 

you and Ellie are now in the spare bedroom just across the hall from Dina’s. you flop on the bed and pat beside you to signal Ellie to sit down. 

“should I get Dina? are you okay?” She asks. 

“im fine. um, I really liked my gift by the way.”

of course, she bought you a copy of her favorite comic, savage starlight, and left a sweet note inside the gift bag.

“oh, you saw it? when? we’ve been together all night.” she panicked. 

“when I said I was going to the bathroom.” 

you both share a soft laugh.

“i hope you like it.” 

“im sure I will. thanks, els.” 

her eyes are pooling brightly into yours, stealing a quick glance of your lips. you reach your hand and place it behind her neck, pulling her towards you, and sharing a kiss. 

“yo-you are so welcome.” 

she leans in this time nervously, awaiting another kiss. you guide her hands from the mattress to around your waist, draping your wrists around her neck, tucking her closer into you. you pull away and kiss her cheek, she giggles your lips tickle, and her smile fades and turns into a soft groan as she realizes your lips are trailing towards her neck. her grip becomes firmer around your hips and she unconsciously moves your hips towards her, back and forth. the kisses are cloud-like until you hear your name leave her lips. that’s when you slither your tongue up her neck, sucking and leaving small bite marks on the length of her throat. 

once you come back to her lips, she doesn’t hold back and goes in with her tongue. in between each kiss she tugs at you harder, gets more excited each pass while grunting passionately. your hand grips her leg firmly and drapes it over your lap, where she doesn’t hesitate to start bucking her hips against you. she bites your bottom lip to catch her breath and rubs her nose against yours before going into leaving hickeys on your neck. she’s so desperate that you feel how wet your neck has become from her urgency. you bring your hands down from her lower back to cup her ass as she’s taking in your sweet scent. 

“i need you.” she whispers. 

she doesn’t hesitate to pull her top off and before she can remove her bra you stop her. she smiles at you as you remind her to pace herself. you press your lips against her warm skin trailing to her chest, being careful to not satisfy her so fast. once she’s calmed down you remove her bra and just allow yourself to stare at her perky nipples. she’s now grinding against you slowly in a rhythm. you take your lips and brush them lightly against both of her nipples. you saw her chest rise and fall deeply, overcome with desire. 

you take her lingering hands and press them behind her back, restraining her movements. with your free hand, you place the center of your cold palm against her erect nipple. a gasp catches in her throat at the smallest contact as she tosses her head back. you press up against her body as she fights against your restraint. she leans down to kiss you, but you don’t allow her to. out of frustration, she bites her lips watching your hand move up and down. 

her nipples became puffy from your torture and you finally gave her the satisfaction of wrapping your lips around them. she tried to stifle her moans, shying away, turning her face away from yours, simply embarrassed. once you wet her nipples you sucked them allowing your tongue to brush up against her sensitive buds. 

you turned her over from your lap to where both your pelvis’ were level. she tried to feel you as she spread her legs wider but couldn’t because of her jeans. her face scrunched up as she watched you grind up against her just before you trailed kisses down her belly to her waistline. you stopped before her hipbones that were beckoning you to kiss them, which she shuttered at. as you pulled her pants off, she covered her face with her inked forearm. 

“els.” 

“uhmm yea?” 

“i need you to watch me.” 

“o-ohkay.” 

she removes her arm reluctantly and watches as you press your lips into her inner thigh, still holding eye contact. her hand comes to caress your cheek in an attempt to rush you, but you pay her no mind. you bring your mouth to just rest against her clothed clit and she shutters. 

“ah.” escapes her lips. 

her hips start to rise against your lips pressed into her core. her left hand comes to the top of your head as she grinds harder, she whimpers at the lack of satisfaction. 

“please. fuck.” 

 that's when she ignores you and arches her back farther, slipping her hands into her boxes and begins to massage her clit. her free hand grips the sheets and the sounds of her wetness fill your ears like sweet music. 

“ellie?” you ask, taken aback. 

“yes, y-ees?” 

she doesn’t stop until you physically remove her fingers, you grip her wrist and bring her fingers to her lips. she sucks the taste of herself clean off and you finally slip your hand past her waistband. her hands come up to your biceps, digging into your skin while you toil her wet clit. 

“harder.” she demands, but you pull your hand away, causing her body to jerk violently.

she takes your wrist and guides your fingers up and down her clit. she huffs, with her eyes closed, soaking in the pleasure. At one point she just starts grinding on all four of your fingers. legs spread open, lifting her hips up rhythmically, panting and sweating as she humped your hand. 

just before she came you pulled down her boxers and drank in her red, soaked pussy. the cold air made her twitch under you as you brought your lips to her folds. you were swimming in her warmth as you pecked her opening gently. she moaned at the view of you making out with her pussy, eyes closed, tongue slipping in occasionally, and sipping her up. you did everything in your power to avoid her throbbing clit as you tongued her soaked hole. 

once you finally wrapped your lips around her clit closed her eyes, basking in the relief she felt. as you inhale her legs come closing in on your face, shaking. 

“ellie,” you look up. “relax, im going to let you cum.” 

as she releases the tension from her body your two fingers enter her. she tosses her head to the side at the pressure inside of her, her breathing becoming unstable again. you find her clit in your mouth again and now she’s panting obscenities under her breath. 

“fuck, fuck, ahh, so good. please.” 

mindlessly she just kept moaning like this, throwing your name in the mix too. 

“another,” she said breathlessly. “three, I need another finger, ple-please.” 

she watched you, face wet, eyes drunk from her body, as you slipped in your ring finger, stretching her further. you couldn’t help but stare at her pussy wrapped so tightly but perfectly around your fingers. instead of sliding in and out, you just curled your fingers towards her g-spot, causing tears to pool in the corners of her eyes. 

your tongue flicks her clit harder as you pick up stamina inside of her, she was paralyzed with pleasure, stiffened by her orgasm. once she came over the edge, you kept going, harder, faster, quicker, and her body attempted to fold but you did not falter. with all her strength she uses her hands to lift your head, but her body is weakened. 

you pull your fingers out, causing a pop and she lays, eyes wide looking at the mess you made. she just lies breathless and as you crawl up to kiss her, you pat her dampened cunt causing her to yelp before her lips met yours. 

[phantoms-lair]

Recovery Girl better sleep with one eye open

Continues from here

It took him a bit longer than he wanted to get back to the kids, but he didn't think it would help their peace of mind for him to show back up covered in blood. But he had made absolutely sure Overhaul was not getting up again. The remains were being brought to a crematorium he'd bribed for disposal purposes. Not even enough left for a Pit to revive. He was glad to see several of his men still there, on the outside and more in the interior.

They were guarding the kids. Good.

Eri had fresh bandages, and they were placed locally, rather that covering half her arms and legs. it seemed her injuries were more on her wrists and elbows. Her legs were bare, showing old scarring and not fresh wounds. Maybe an incentive not to run? Hood regretted not killing Overhaul more slowly.

The boy had his gloves off and his hands were mangled. "Did Overhaul do that to you?" Hood growled.

Deku shook his head. "No sir." he answered in English. Jason mentally kicked himself for forgetting to talk to the kid in his own language. "My quirk used to break me. It still does if I push it too far. Eri's power in the only reason I was able to use so much and not be injured." He smiled brightly at the small girl next to her."

"Your own power did that you?" Dr. Thompkins asked softly.

"Yeah," Deku ducked his head. "I'm sorry and I'll try to be a lot better about it. I have gotten better, it's just Overhaul was so overwhelming, if I didn't go all out I would have died and Eri would have died, and I'm not being reckless, really I promise I'm doing my best." Try as he did to hold them back, tears sprang unbidden from his eyes.

Eri reached over and hugged him, looking warily between Hood and Leslie. Right, she probably didn't speak English and had no clue what was happening.

"Hey, Kiddo, breathe." Hood used his gentlest victim voice. "You did good. You saved Eri. You were no more reckless than anyone else who puts on a costume, got it?"

"I'm sorry, I really am trying." He wrapped his arms around Eri, rubbing her back comfortingly.

"Who said you weren't trying." Hood said, keeping his tone light, but the moment the words left his mouth they suddenly felt heavier. Because that was it, wasn't it. Kid had had a major victory tonight, even if Hood had dealt the finishing blow, but rather than celebrate like the Titan would have his first instinct was to plead that he's done his best and was putting effort into what he was doing. Someone had told this kid he wasn't good enough. Frequently.

"Well it's true, isn't it? I need to be better. Aizawza-sensei said my not being able to control my quirk is an excuse and I need to be better. And Recovery Girl, our school nurse (she's got a quirk that can fast heal anyone's injuries just by kissing them, it's so cool), got so fed up with me she said she wouldn't heal me anymore if I hurt myself with my quirk."

"She said WHAT!"

Hood had thought he'd seen all the different flavors or tired, overly annoyed, and frustrated Dr. Thompkins had. He'd not seen this one before. He could see her pupils constrict, her breathing quicken, and suddenly wanted nothing more than to get out of her way.

"She said her healing me was enabling me in being reckless, so she wouldn't be a part of it anymore." Deku said softly, as if he was ashamed and not the so-called nurse.

"Did she offer you any resources to help you?" Leslie pressed.

"Resources?" Deku looked confused.

Leslie exhaled deeply. "Hood, Eri has been very sheltered and her immune system is not used to Gotham. I know you center around Crime Alley, but if you have any safe houses in upper middle class areas or better yet out of Gotham, that would be preferably till she recovers more fully." Leslie than switched to Spanish. "And when you find a way back to where ever they're from, let me know."

"What makes you think I'm letting either of them go back?" Hood responded in kind, once he confirmed Deku didn't seem to understand what she had said.

"They're not. I am." Dr. Thompkins was resolute. "I have a 'school nurse' I need to have some words with."

[apopcornkernel]

some thoughts on jason, post-reread of teen titans #29

the curious thing is that geoff johns writes jason wanting to be remembered, memorialized with the other dead titans—he throws tim into donna's statue, yells, where's MY statue? so i wonder—have i been wrong all this time? would he have actually appreciated bruce's horrific glass case?

another thing. if jason, according to this issue, knows that batman didn't arbitrarily "replace" him, so to speak, then why did he go to all that effort to beat tim up? ... in the comic he says smth about tim being nowhere near good enough to be robin/to measure up to jason's robin... perhaps he was lying to himself and Did feel resentment for the replacement despite his statements to the contrary. and jason notably keeps children away from his gig but perhaps he reasoned with himself that tim was trained by batman ans he could take it. perhaps he just wanted to have an excuse to vent his frustration and anger and grief onto the boy even if he knew it was wrong, even if it went against his moral code. or perhaps (see panel) he was even pulling a leslie and hoped the beatdown would also decommission tim and get him out of the vigilante lifestyle? EDITED TO ADD: im feeling more of the first explanation tbh. i talked about it with a friend and its really so easy to forget how young jason is. i think he was genuinely just very upset and deliberately took it out on tim despite knowing it wasn't exactly tim's fault. hey maybe some selfish part of him wanted bruce to never move on. maybe some part of him recognizes tim as a driving factor for it and resents tim ror that. girl idk. i don't even want to say that this comic is ooc or not because revived jason media is all so wildly varying in characterization so once again this is a reminder that i am simply Working Within The Confines Of The Text

of course, it could always be mischaracterization/shaky writing of character motivation. but i think there's merit in looking at complicated comics and examining the messy dynamics, especially since this issue has been more or less accepted as unmissable canon.

speaking of complicated comics, i actually also have thoughts on dick and jason's dynamic based on how they were written in nightwing: brothers in blood. remind me to crosspost from my private twt acc!

one last thing: i actually love that jason is aware of bruce's "spiral into darkness" and STILL continues to enact his plan. it's the whole false equivalence of "bruce kills the joker == bruce loves me", "bruce doesn't kill the joker == bruce doesn't love me", or at least not enough. he's refusing to accept bruce's grief as penance. jason has already named his price, and he will not recant it. he will accept nothing less than the death of the joker 😋😋😋

[onepiece-polls]

OPLA fan cast polls - Top 10 winners!

By far most of the submitted fancasts were accepted by the fans, having had a minimum of 50% yay votes. But which fancasts had the most fans behind them? Here is the top 10!

10. Karen Fukuhara as Tashigi with 82.4% of the votes.

Her experience with martial arts and sword fighting might have convinced the fans who weren't familiar with her previous roles yet!

9. Rhey Ripley as Charlotte Smoothie with 82.5% of the votes.

Her wrestler build probably convinced a lot of people she could pull this off. And maybe the lesbians went wild about her.

8. Peter Capaldi as Dr Hiriluk with 84% of the votes.

Once a doctor... (also, he just kinda looks like him)

7. Alexander Siddig as Nefertari Cobra with 84.5% of the votes.

This Sudanese actor convinced the fans that he could play another desert kingdom ruler!

6. Amber Midthunder as Laki with 85% of the votes.

With only 1 vote really against her (we will find you and hunt you down 😛), the fans think this native American actress is perfect to play Laki!

5. Jamie Lee Curtis as Kureha with 87% of the votes.

With by far the most submissions, I had expected her to come out on top, but 5th place isn't bad at all either! Besides, she has practically been cast already, and the fans seem to agree! If someone else gets cast after all, there'd better be a real good reason for that!

4. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson as Brogy with 88.1% of the votes.

This tall strongman from Iceland seemed the perfect fit for the friendly giant!

3. Kevin Chamberlin as Tom with 89.1% of the votes.

Tom's a fishman, Kevin is human. And yet, look at their faces: the same. The fans could do nothing but agree with this fan cast (though they would also love him as Wapol).

2. Michael Jai White as Ohm with 89.8% of the votes.

Corporate needs you to find the differences between these two pictures.

The fans: "They're the same picture."

No one voted against this fan cast, so in that aspect you could say he should be the winner! However, a few more people needed to be convinced, compared to the number one...

And the winner...

1. Javicia Leslie as Miss Doublefinger with 92.9% of the votes!

Her looks, her acting experience (as Batwoman for example), and her experience with different (combat) sports have convinced almost all of the fans that she is a perfect fit! We are looking forward to see Javicia as Miss Doublefinger in the next season (?) of the One Piece Live Action!

Thank you all for submitting your fancasts and for voting on these polls! ❤

[cloakedsparrow]

‘Tim Joins the Bat-Family Early/Jason Sickfic’ AU Idea

Jason’s immune system wasn’t in great shape when Bruce adopted him, so before the Robin training and everything, Bruce, Alfred, and Leslie first focused on strengthening it. They adjusted his diet, made sure he was up to date on all his vaccines, made sure he got enough sleep (that one was mainly Alfred), ran allergy tests, all that not-so-fun-but-very-necessary-for-good-health stuff.

And it worked. Jason hardly ever got sick after the first year he was with them. Which is why neither Bruce nor Alfred immediately questioned it when he decided to sleep in late one fine Summer morning. Eventually, Bruce left to get some work done with Wayne Enterprises and Alfred headed out to run some errands and have lunch with an old friend.

Despite his good health since being adopted, Jason had his ass kicked by the flu enough times in the past before that to recognize what was happening when he woke up miserable and feverish.

He knew either Bruce or Alfred would happily come home to take care of him, but he felt a little silly calling on either of them. Bruce needed to work and Alfred only got to leave the Manor like once a week unless he was stuck driving Bruce somewhere. Jason didn’t want to call either of them back.

Dick, however, he didn’t mind calling. His big brother had made it clear that he could call him any time for anything (advice, help, a friendly ear, needing someone to yell at Bruce, anything). Jason's hazy, fevered mind, light sensitive eyes, and sore joints led to him hitting the contact number that read ‘Drake’ instead of the one that read ‘Dick’. (Either Tim had given Jason his number and Jason just never used it before or Janet and Bruce had made sure their kids had the others’ home number for emergencies)

Tim answered and, while Jason honestly wasn’t sounding all that coherent, understood that the older boy was sick. He’d had to wait out the flu on his own before and knew how much it sucked, and the Waynes were just on the other side of Bristol, he wouldn’t even need to cross into any bad neighborhoods to go help. So he packed up some of his tried and true flu fighting supplies and hopped on his bike to head to Wayne Manor. He parked the bike outside the gates and just slipped his scrawny ass between the bars to walk up to the huge home. He knocked and waited politely for a reasonable moment, then walked around to the service entrance and punched in the pass-code that he shouldn’t have known (he’d seen Dick use it once but if anyone asked, he guessed. He’d mention to whichever member of the Wayne household he ended up speaking to that your eldest son's birthday wasn’t the best pass-code). Tim makes his way to the family wing upstairs and tries a couple doors before finding Jason's room.

Jason is in bad shape, but Tim manages to get him to take some fever reducer and stay hydrated. He fills a bowl with tepid water and finds washcloth from the nearest bathroom to place on Jason’s head. He reads from the book on the nightstand. He gets Jason to eat some applesauce. He takes his temperature every half hour and writes everything down for whoever comes along to take over.

Eventually, Alfred returns home (maybe he got help up by Gotham weirdness) and is surprised to find a strange boy in the Manor. However, his primary focus in on Jason. He’s happy with the care Tim gave his grandson but, naturally, takes over from there. Tim leaves a note about the pass-code and lets himself out.

A few days later, when Jason is feeling better, Alfred asks him about Tim. Jason doesn’t remember a whole lot about when the kid arrived and only had bouts of lucidness here and there before Alfred took over. He honestly hadn’t been sure if they’d adopted another kid or if he was a relative of either Bruce or Alfred’s but he hadn’t really been in the best place to question it much. He’d felt safe though. And cared for.

After Alfred comments that he, too, was impressed with the care Tim had administered, Jason has a red flag go up. Tim is two or three years younger than him. He’s a child. His first response to such a strange call out of nowhere should have been to get an adult. He shouldn’t know how to tackle the flu on his own like he did.

Jason decides he should thank Tim. Maybe spend a little more time with the kid, since he seems cool. Maybe look into his home life a little while he’s at it.

Maybe he’ll just end up keeping him. If Bruce can bring home a random child in need, why can’t he?

And then he does just that.

[equallyshaw]

𝓼𝓮𝓮𝓲𝓷 𝓻𝓮𝓭 | 𝓶𝓪𝓽 𝓫𝓪𝓻𝔃𝓪𝓵 𝓪𝓾 ↠ kisses to my exes.... - fic. ↠ au masterlist. ↠ takes place in november 2024. ↠ warnings: derogatory words are used against olivia. ↠ word count: 2.2k.

it all happened so quickly, that mat's only response was seeing red and a hard wack against jacks wrist. mat doesn't remember what happened afterward, only that he won the fight and ended up on top of jack before the refs pulled him off. those words still etched into his brain, as he skated off the ice and towards the locker room. matt martin watched with pure acid across his face, as he watched jack skate to the box whilst fighting with a ref. matt skated over from the corner and started screaming at jack, along with bo. jack was so out of line and he deserved to go to hell for it.

olivia and sydney watched from the suite, and olivia could feel herself needing to heave at the sight of it all. there would have been nothing for mat to go after jack, unless jack said something about her. and that was true for each and every islander, for the one's who had met her once and for the one's who had spent time with her when she was on long island. jack was relentless and had no problem going head to head with mat, bo and martin in the same 5 minutes. sydney took ahold of olivia's hand and rubbed circles on it, trying to comfort not only herelf but olivia who needed it more. "stop stop stop." olivia kept repeating to herself, hoping the universe would stop them from fighting. jack was not backing down though, and that ticked matt and bo too no end. her phone vibrated in her pocket, and saw a few texts from mat. one, saying that he was thrown out for the rest of the period- which meant the game. second, that he needed to speak to olivia that evening after the game. and finally, he needed a tall glass of red wine to go with it. and maybe some pizza, to push the guilt and anger into his system; even more. "go- if mat is done he is done. he's gonna want to leave and not sit around." sydney commented not even looking down at her sister as she scolded mat in her mind. olivia nodded before turning around and taking off.

as she did so, she received small smiles of encouragement from some of the other wags, and she nodded in acknowledgment. she headed down to the elevator at the end of the hall, and pressed the tunnel button. she breathed in and out, counting to three for each trying to calm herself. the elevator opened and headed to the right, down towards where the players entered and exited the locker room, and saw the security guard that she'd taken a liking to. so had mat, once she told him about a recipe they should try to make together and as soon as the season started, she always greeted him and wished him a safe drive home and a good evening or day, etc.

"hey miss reddddd." the woman said excitedly, coming up to greet the girl with a fist bump. the redhead smiled, as she gave her one back. "he just entered maybe ten minutes ago, he should be out soon. training staff said he was skedaddling asap." the women chuckled trying to ease the tension and olivia nodded with a small smile, "i'd expect nothing less leslie that's for sure." she hummed leaning on the wall across from the door, a few feet away so mat didn't feel bombarded as soon as he exited. leslie gave her a knowing nod, before going back to her original position.

olivia's foot tapped, for the next ten minutes before mat exited the locker room looking to his left than right for the red head. mat's body physically sighed as soon as he laid his eyes on her. she looked up as she saw feet enter her vision, and smiled softly once she met his gaze. he could tell she was nervous and very apprehensive when they met each other's eyesight. "are you hurt?" was the first question out of her mind, but he didn't say anything but kiss the top of her head before wrapping his arms around her shoulders. she savored his warmth, incase it was the last time she'd ever hug him.

"let's get going." mat whispered and she nodded before he took his hand in hers. "barzal!" they heard behind them, and low and behold matt waltzed down the tunnel towards the lockerroom door. mat gave him a slight and curt nod, in awklodgement. matt and olivia met each others eyes, and he gave her a salute. the two of them knowing exactly what had happened, once mat left.

mat thanked the valet for getting his car started, and he swiftly opened the passenger side letting olivia in first before walking over towards the driver side. olivia took in the tension lines on his forehead, as they began to drove. he was deep in thought, and that made her nervous. mat drove with both hands on the steering wheel, while olivia fidgeted her in her seat. sydney texted her that mat was thrown out for fighting with jack verbally and then arguing with the ref, over not throwing out jack. oh and looks like bo was headed down the tunnel too, with 5 minutes left. he'd no doubt be having a hearing in the next few days for a hit to jack. she sighed, locking her phone and clasping her eyes shut. she did not like the fact that these guys she'd gotten close to, were standing up for her. she appreciated it, but did not like them getting thrown out. or suspended even.

mat pulled into the townhouse garage, shut the car off quickly, and hopped out. she pulled off her seatbelt and thanked mat when he opened the door for her. she walked in behind him and greeted them with her cat finnick, and she smiled picking him up. mat headed towards the kitchen, yanking off his suit jacket while she went upstairs to get changed and wash her makeup off. finnick curled at her feet in the washroom, as she finished putting on some skincare oils. she was in the middle of applying an eyelash serum when mat came into view, and leaned against the door. he had two glasses of red wine. he stood their silently as he allowed her to concentrate, before walking over and setting the glass down in front of her. she thanked him and turned back towards the mirror, but instead he set his glass down as well. he turned her to face him, and placed his hands on her cheeks. her very freckled and pale cheeks, leaning his forehead against hers without breaking eye contact. "im sorry." she breathed, closing her eyes shuts. she felt his eyebrows knit in confusion before he spoke, "what for? for standing up for you? defending your honor? making sure he knows that if he ever speaks about you in that way again, he's gonna get hurt even worse? or better yet get a cease and assist?" he rambled and she sighed loudly, "exactly that." she hummed pulling away and looking down at the sink before putting the eyelash serum tube back into the drawer, with a loud clink.

he pulled her hands into his towards his chest, and she had no choice but to look at him. "exactly that livvy. the things he said-" he paused tasting a vile taste, "the thigs he said were out of line, un provoked and un called for. everybody on the ice heard it. and-" he paused as he saw anger and then embarrassment flash through her eyes. "it's not ok. you and everybody else knows that livvy, and he deserved to have his ass kicked. multiple times. he will never hear or feel the end of it from me." mat said caressing her chin softly, "and that doesn't make you want to break up with me?" she questioned without a second thought. mat was taken a back. "what?" he asked barely audible. she looked up from his chest to his eyes, "that doesn't want to make you break up with me? anybody with a brain would. it isn't worth the stress of having to play against somebody like that or have to be 'on' each and every time. i dont want to that for you, matt or bo. or anybody on the team. so please, just save yourself the hassle and break up with me." she finished in a whisper, not wanting to hear those words again.

mat shook his head, "just because he said those things doesn't change how i feel about you olivia monroe. it will never change how if feel. just because he met you before we had a conversation, does not change things. it'll never change things. just because you two hooked up before we ever did, doesn't change anything. it'll never change things. what happened in the past, is the past. he cannot change the past 8 months, i will not allow him to and - " he paused as she gazed up at him, "do you want me to break up with you?" he questioned in a brittle voice. she didn't want that, right?

olivia sniffled, with a soft shake of her head.

"no ofcourse not but-" he cut her off, "but what?" he questioned softly. she shook her head, "but nothing, forget about it." she said pulling her hands away from his and taking the glass of wine, and exited the washroom. she chugged a few sips before walking out of the room, and towards the small library that mat had added to his second guest room for her. she turned on the small space heater that doubled as a fake fire place, then curled up to the window seat that he had built into a bookshelf, he also had made her her. her phone sat next to her on the little side table, letting it go voicemail and let the texts go unread.

mat walked in, knowing he'd find her here. he walked over towards the girl, setting his glass down next to her's. he shifted her legs to they laid across his, as he sat across from her on the window nook. she would not meet his gaze, as he silently pleaded for her to. "i know you'll hate this question, but what did he say?" she questioned with bitterness and a mission. he sighed licking his lips, really not wanting to repeat the words. "mat, please tell so i know that if the way i'd want to get back to him is proper." she said with a slight cock of her eyebrow. he nodded and took a few seconds to collect himself, before speaking.

"first off, he called you a cunt. then he started to talk about the night you two hooked up, detailing the experience in great detail, greater detail than i ever though a guy would care to think of, then he called you a easy bang and a needy slut because of how quickly you 'folded'." he began, and finished with quotation marks. "he said that as soon as i broke up with you, that you would come crawling back to him or try to get with trevor, as you have apparently wanted to do for some time now." he finished and olivia could vomit, it made her sick to her stomach. mat noticed the way her nostrils flared in anger, embarrassment, and regret. "he really did a fucking number on me." she said in a breathy and quiet tone. "he's so fucking full of himself, it makes me nauseous." she added, meeting mat's eye. mat nodded in agreement, and took hold of her hand.

"that actually pisses me off so much...god i want to kill trevor. fucking trevor." she said in a cold voice, as her gaze turned dark. "trust me, already sent him a lengthy text." mat responded and olivia nodded. "im sorry you had to hear that, that was not ok." she said feeling horrible for mat. mat shook his head, "im still reeling that he had the guts to say that, and that you had to be at the forefront of it all." he said solemnly. she bit the inside of her cheek as her leg began to shake with anxiety.

"now whats the way you wanted to get back at him?" mat questioned with a glint of enthusiasm in his eye.

olivia grinned.

"i may or may not know his ex who wasn't thrilled with how he treated her at the end.." olivia said with humor. olivia leaned over to get her phone, and texted jacks ex gf as well as her go to photographer and designer, letting them know she had a small exclusive collection in the works.

she looked back up at mat after she set her phone down before leaning over to kiss him.

_

olivia stood in front of sienna as they stood on site, for this shoot in laguna beach california. when sienna heard about the collection and the reasoning behind it, sienna jumped at the opportunity. the collection was named, "x's." instead of literally saying, 'exes' and sienna even had two pieces named after her, a pearl necklace called "sienna" and gold pearl earrings called, "gold digger". olivia gushed over the final photos, and the two were smitten with them. she posted onto her personal account with, "on site" and tagged sienna in her candid picture.

olivia was petty and suttle, and mat absolutely adored that side of her for whatever reason - olivia did not know.

trevor instantly texter her as soon as the story went live, "OH SHIT RED".

hope you all enjoyed!

Tags: @toasttt11 @tshelbyfics