#He's gotta live with that and it shouldn't be on Tim

[oifaaa]

Oh yeah, Mr. First-Robin-to-Get-a-Solo-and second-longest-Robin-run-and-now-a-Robin-again-instead-of-a-guy-who-is-supposed-rp-be-Robin-by-now is sure most mistreated

Here's the thing the comments were definitely meant in a in universe Tim's the most mistreated Robin way but even then its like baby boy hasn't even died as Robin both dick and Bruce respect the hell out of him as Robin and he's respected as a hero and leader in the outter hero community he's gotten beaten up a few times but that's just what being Robin is like

[hellcat8908]

Period Pains Jason Todd x Reader

You came home early from work, feeling miserable. The first day of your period was always the worst. Jason always stayed with you the first night and took care of you, but you knew he wouldn't be tonight. You walked in to find him and Grayson sitting in the living room talking. They both turned and greeted you before returning to their conversation. You grabbed a snack out of the cupboard and started eating it. "Hey babe, I'm going to go help Grayson with some stuff at the manor and I'll probably just leave for patrol from there." He says as they step into the kitchen.

"You're going to patrol tonight?" You ask, sounding a little surprised. "Yeah, why wouldn't I?" He answers. "I thought we could spend the night together." You say not wanting to announce to Grayson your situation. "We'll spend time together when I get back if you're still up." You let out a sigh, "yeah, ok." You say before a cramp hits you. You use all your control not to react to the pain. "Why are you being like this?" Jay asks, sounding slightly annoyed. "Being like what?" You ask in response. "Being all needy and clingy. Plus, you're annoyed about me going on patrol tonight." He says. "It's nothing. Go help Grayson, and I'll see you later tonight." You say before walking into the bathroom. You here Grayson and Jay talking but can't make out what they're saying. After a few minutes, you hear the door close.

You turn on the water and start filling the tub. You can't stop the few tears from falling caused by Jason leaving. You grab some tissue and wipe your eyes before undressing. You add some epsom salt to your bath hoping it will help. Soon your submerged in the steaming water up to your neck. You lean your head back as the water eases your tender muscles. You close your eyes and wince through a series of cramps. The water cools quicker than you want it to causing you to drain it and dry off. You consider texting Jay and asking him to come home but after what he said you decide against it. You dress in a pair of Jay's boxer briefs and one of his shirts. You pull your hair up in a messy bun before leaving the bathroom. You grab the heating pad from the hallway closet and your favorite blanket you toss them on the couch before grabbing a pint of cookie dough ice cream from the freezer along with a spoon. You put it on the coffee table before plugging in your heating pad and placing it over your stomach. You wrap up in the blanket and grab your ice cream. You decide to watch some trashy dating reality show while you try to get comfortable.

Meanwhile...

Jason sits in the batcave with Grayson going through some audio recordings on the batcomputer. He keeps thinking about you and the way you were acting. He can't figure out what was going on with you. Grayson noticed his distraction and told him to go home if he needed to and that he could have Tim give him a hand. "No i'm fine I just can't figure out what was up with y/n." He explains. "Did you forget an anniversary? Or did you have a date tonight?" Grayson asks trying to help. "No, our anniversary isn't til fall and no date that I know of." Jay responds. He runs his fingers through his hair as he goes over your conversation. "Looks like we've found a match and have a potential location." Grayson announces as he analyzes the information on the screen. "You should go home to y/n, clearly something is wrong." Grayson tells Jay, "plus you shouldn't be out in the field this distracted." Jay sighs before agreeing with him. He moves to grab his coat before starting towards his bike. "Grayson what's the date today?" Jay asks as he figures it out. "The 16th." He answers looking at Jay confused. "Shit! I gotta go!" Jay says now running towards his bike. He speeds home, weaving in and out of traffic. He quickly unlocks the door and opens it. The house is dark except the glow from the tv.

His eyes quickly find you on the couch before he walks over. Your back is to the tv, and he sees your body tremble as you whimper from pain. He sits on the edge of the couch and gently rests his hand on your arm. "Hey princess, I'm sorry I didn't realize what day it was." He says softly. "Jason, it hurts." You say softly, your voice cracking as tears slide down your cheeks. "I know, baby, come on, let's get you to bed, and I'll take care of you." He carefully picks you up and carries you to bed. He tucks you under the covers and grabs a cold water out of the fridge along with some pain meds in the medicine cabinet. He hands you the pills before giving you the water. Once you've swallowed them, he sits the water on the nightstand and strips down to his boxer briefs. He pulls you close to him and gently massages your stomach. "You forgot." You say barely audible enough for him to hear. "I know, princess, I'm sorry." You cuddle up into him, resting your head on his shoulder. "I'll make it up to you somehow." He promises before kissing the top of your head.

[dairy-farmer]

Saw some NICE Reverse Robins Art? And just? Eldest Blood Son Damian Wayne? All the gorgeous of BOTH his parents? A man who never felt his position threatened by these younger children? But still had that oldest sibling "they're talking my Father's love and attention AWAY from me" drama? Grew up. Lost his Tim.

Was BETRAYED by his maternal family, when they brought Tim BACK, mad from the pits, and never told him. The whole alt-timeline. Edgy Red Hood Tim. Red Bird Jason. Robin Dick.

But!

Multiverse shenanigans? Who is THIS?! It's a Cannon-adjacent Tim! He's HEROICALLY sacrificed himself by tackling the megalomaniac of the decade, into the Multiverse Destroying Portal BEFORE it could fully charge! While he, said maniac, held the control panel. Thereby shutting it down.

There had been no other way.

He had expected to be ripped to molecules.

But here he is, on the sort of Shitty Roofing that can only be Gotham infrastructure. So? No time to tremble in the face of near oblivion. Gotta beat this fuckers ass so hard his ANCESTORS rethink their life choices. Tim drags himself up. And makes Gotham proud.

Which is how Darkwing (Damian's edgy self chosen name he's now stuck with until his Father retires.) Finds him. Half dead and beating up a clear Supervillian, wearing Bat gear. Good enough for Damian. He'll get answers AFTER the scoundrel in imprisoned.

Only Tim passes the fuck out.

Wakes up, in the cave, to his own? But slightly different? Face. Two things jump out. One, that God awful skunk strip Jason was permanently stuck with after the pits (that he refuses to admit, is kinda sexy). And Two, either this Tim started Testosterone WAY earlier, somehow managed to keep to all his scheduled shots dispite Superhero Craziness, OR... this lucky bastard is Cis Gendered.

Unless maybe not?

Hey, Me, pronouns. (He/Him.) Nevermind! Bastard it is! Fuck you! Why do YOU get all the luck? I have to take shots! (I DIED.) OH, boo hoo, WE'VE ALL DIED! Ya'aint special! *Tim on Tim verbal violence intensifies*

No one can tell if... they are? Bonding? Or hate each other. Someone should stop them. Unfortunately, it has to be Bruce. Which is how they learn: No, actually, he DOESN'T know what universe he's from. It's never come up before and they don't have the technology. He expected to die.

It was a one way trip.

Now they have a New/Extra Tim. There are Tim Twins. One is An Angry Bad Boy. And the other? Strangely sexy. The competence kinks are developing by the minute.

Worse, for Damian? This Tim seems... almost? Baffled? By his politeness? Seems to expect violence and aggression? And become utterly FACINATED by him, once he realizes its not coming. Damian has never been the center of someone's attention like this. Had someone hang off his every word like this. It's breeding... Thoughts he shouldn't be having.

And RR!Tim is getting jealous. That's HIM. He should be interested in HIM. THEIR shared lives. Not Mr "ooooh look at meee, the Perfect Soooon". Other Tim should be... be like his TWIN. His BROTHER. HIS other half. His!

Bruce? Hates that he sees what could have been, in this Tim. Calm and collected. Not raging and destructive. A good Detective. A perfect Robin. Dedicated to The Mission. Not the unhealing, raging, wounded animal his son has become. He wants to protect this Tim. Hold him close. Cherish him. But he also loves HIS Tim. He feels so greedy.

And Jason? It's like the Red Bird he looked up to is BACK. Not the raging monster that swings between hating him and ignoring him. Even better! This Tim looks at HIM like he's some sort of miracle! So he plays up the spunky, the cute. Crawls into his lap and chats. Gets to hang out. Be the center of his world. He... he's in LOVE. Already formulating a long term plan. Gonna marry this Tim and have a house and kids and a dog! It'll be perfect.

Baby Dick? Robin? Was EXHAUSTED trying to hold everything together. Trying to pretend he didn't notice the tensions. Play the performance of "cute baby brother" to distract and defuse. Then this Timmy came! And FIXED everything. Took Dicks job like he'd been doing it for YEARS. Smiled so pretty and perfect. Told him he didn't have to pretend.

Like he KNEW Dick. Better then anyone else.

So maybe Dick goes... a little crazy. Follows him. Smells his stuff. Wants to crawl into his bed and DO things. But! He's not the only one! Everyone is going crazy! Timmy does that to people, he's decided. But it's okay. They're TIM'S people. So it's okay if they go crazy for him.

And really? It's just a matter of who's control breaks first. Because Tim adores them but doesn't think they'd be interested. Tim is situationally dense as bricks. They love him anyway.

-🐼🐼🐼

all of them intent on this tim not realizing the tim of their universe will never let them get dibs 😩

[waterfallofspace]

What A Way To Start A Year

T/im learns a little something about karma, friends, and care. Seems even J/on isn't quite as cold as he seems.

A M/agnus A/rchives fic, set somewhere pre-season 1. Shouldn't have any spoilers, but proceed with caution just incase~ (nothing late game, just character dynamic things)

Welcome to "I meant for this to be a little drabble and I wrote 3k words"~ Having a bit of hyperfixation and burn out as I started this new year, soooo I decided to make T/im suffer <3 Not promising quality seeing as I wrote this all in the span of tonight, but consider it a lil 'too long' drabble, and happy new years!

Best way to start off the new year, giving one of your lil guys a lil snz <3

Characters: T/im, M/artin, S/asha, and J/on. Word Count: 3.9k

(CW: There is some swearing, and light descriptions of high fevers)

Christmas had been good this year, maybe the best it had in a long time. Life of the party as always, Tim had enjoyed getting to spend it with his old, and new, colleagues. On top of that, Jon had been laid up with a pretty awful cold for a couple days leading up to it, so he wasn’t around to crush any brilliant ideas Tim came up with. 

This led to the budget receiving a fairly substantial hit, though many researchers donated to the cause when they learned this borrowing wasn’t exactly approved. Hell, even Elias had pitched in, claiming something or other about ‘archivists fit for the job not exactly growing on trees’, and wanting to ‘save some of Jon’s sanity’. 

“Tim? Are you even listening to me?”  

Pulled back to the conversation at hand, Tim lifts his gaze to the taller man fidgeting nervously in front of him. Martin was never one for confrontations, and usually the first ‘no’ would have been more than enough to lead to a string of apologies for even asking. Today however, he seems to have grown a spine. At the worst possible moment. 

“Oh come on,” Martin continues, missing the groan slipping from Tim’s throat. “Even Jon agreed to it!” 

“I’m not really in the party mood,” Tim retorts, leaning back in his chair. “Besides, Jon didn’t agree to celebrate, he agreed not to stop the celebration. Not the same thing.” 

From across her desk, Sasha gives a low chuckle. “He’s got you there, Martin.”

“Can you at least give it a little thought before turning it down?” Martin insists, completely out of character for someone usually so eager to please. 

What the hell has gotten into him today? He didn’t even seem to enjoy himself that much at the Christmas party. Sure, he had a few drinks and mingled with the staff, but he’d left as soon as it was over, not waiting around for chatting like Tim and Sasha.

Clearing his throat with a grimace, Tim casts Sasha a dark look as she chuckles again. Knowing far too much, as usual. Especially when it came to him. If it was anyone else, Tim would hate it with all his being, but given that it’s Sasha… well it’s a welcome invasion. 

Still, it would be nice if she didn’t rat him out. And to Martin of all people, well let’s just say he saw what happened when Jon was sick. Yeah, passing on that one. Attention is great, Tim lives for it, but the coddling? Not really his style. 

“hiEH– guh…”

Damn, that had been a close one. Thankfully Martin seems oblivious, though Sasha sits up in her chair, reaching down into a drawer to fish something out. 

Turning his focus back to Martin, Tim provides an offer, desperate to just have the interaction come to an end. 

“Fine, I’ll show up, but I don’t want any part in planning it.” 

“Oh of course, I’ll handle all the details, I mean it’s just a new years party, how much can there really be to do? I mean food, timing, gotta make sure we have keys to the building– oh but if Jon’s there, that shouldn’t be a problem…” Martin says, rambling beginning to fade into the background as Tim finds himself unable to- 

“hH– ek’CHhiew!” 

“-Oh, bless you!” Martin says, his own thoughts long forgotten. 

Unable to get a word out, Tim merely waves a hand, ducking into his shoulder for another, “eTChhew!” 

“Bles-” 

And another, “iTSChh’ew!” 

“Oh ble-” 

And another, “ehh– kTChh’iew!” 

Silently Sasha stands, handing Tim a pack of tissues. Must have been what she was looking for in the desk. Once again, knowing more than she should, of course she picked up on his patterns. 

Accepting them gratefully, Tim pulls a few out and roughly rubs at his nose, pointedly avoiding Martin’s worried gaze. Gripping his still trembling nose through the tissue, Tim sucks in a tight breath through his teeth, holding for a beat, before finally spinning around in his chair for a final- 

“hH’ETCSHh-ieuw! Whew, bless me.” 

Martin’s hands are fidgeting again, seemingly unsure of what to do with himself as Tim gives his nose a light massage through the tissue. He’s aware enough not to point it out, but is nearly shaking with the effort of suppressing his concerns. 

With a sigh, Tim meets his eyes. “I’m fine, Martin. I always sneeze like that.” He leaves out ‘when I’m sick’. It also happens if he’s suffering allergies, though he doubts that would be a point in his defense given it’s the middle of winter. 

“Yeah he’s not kidding,” Sasha pipes up, throwing Tim a wink as he glares. “You should hear him in spring, once it starts he can be going for hours.” 

“I wouldn’t say hours, Sash-” 

“Remember the cherry blossom incident?” Sasha interrupts, sending a sugary smile over to Martin. “He was wrecked for the rest of the day, I was almost certain he was never gonna stop. Even considered giving a statement here, that reaction was almost supernatural.” 

Tim winces, an audible moan slipping from his lips. “We swore to never speak of it again.” 

Sasha laughs, Tim giving her another playful glare from behind his tissues. “You swore that, I did no such thing.” 

Thankfully Martin doesn’t pry, having enough common sense to offer a polite chuckle, and offer some excuse about ‘planning’. Still, he can’t help himself from shooting a meek “I hope you feel better soon” over his shoulder, Tim giving him finger guns in return. 

“This is karma, you know,” Sasha calls after Martin’s outside earshot. “You took pleasure in Jon’s suffering, so now it’s your turn to suffer the same fate.” 

“No, thi- eTChhew! Scuse me,” Tim says, rubbing his nose with the tissue one last time before depositing it in his nearly overflowing trash can. Another tissue is plucked as his eyes begin to water, nostrils flaring with reckless abandon. Never just one. 

“kTChh’uew! hh’iTChh –uew! Tihhckles… eTCHh! etchh’uh! hiehh–” 

The last one toys with him, tracing the rims of his nostrils, back up his sinuses, a gentle itch that seems to burn against every inch of his nose. Finally, with a desperate gasp, Tim ducks into his wrist for the last, “heh’ATChhh –iew!” 

“Many blessings. Sounds like you need them,” Sasha offers with a wince, tossing another pack of tissues over, which Tim catches with a single hand, the other still gripping his nose. 

After taking a moment to clean himself up, Tim shoots her his signature smile, ignoring the eye roll she shoots back. “Where was I?” 

“Admitting this is karma?” 

“It’s not karma, it’s lack of common sense. Going to a party where a coworker is sick, and still drinking and eating the same meals” Tim says, aiming a rough cough into his sleeve. 

Sasha winces once more at the quality of the cough, hands rummaging through her drawers once more as she tosses a reply back. “And yet you’re the only one who caught it. Seems like karma to me.” 

Closing the distance between them in a single stride, Sasha places a hand on Tim’s shoulder, voice softening. “It’s two days till new years, why don’t you go home and try to get some rest? I doubt Martin will object, and I’ll cover for you with Jon.” 

Before Tim can form his rebuttal, Sasha places a box of paracetamol and a jar of vapor rub in front of him. Nodding his thanks, Tim lets out another harsh cough into his arm, leaning as far away from Sasha as he can manage. 

With a light rub to his shoulder, Sasha walks to the door, holding it open with a pointed look. “Go home, you sound awful.” 

“Alright, alright. I got the message. hH’ETchhiew!” Tim says, gathering his care package and beginning his walk down the hallway. 

“If I hear the rest of that fit happening in this building, I’m telling Martin how ill you really are,” Sasha calls after him, a smile flashing over her face as Tim holds up his hands in mock surrender, before ducking back into his arm with another muffled burst. 

— 

“You look horrible.” 

Tim manages a weary smile from behind the tightly wound scarf. “Thagk you.” 

Martin winces, standing in the doorframe, seemingly oblivious to the winter chill soaking into Tim’s bones. Even just the walk from the train station was hell on earth, standing out here is doing him no favours. 

Turning away with a throat scraping cough, Tim manages to clear the congestion enough to finish the sentence somewhat understandably. A great feat, given how fast his voice is retreating. “May I remind you that I’m only here because you insisted.” 

“Right, well I… I didn’t know how bad-” Martin begins, realizing spreading across his face like a wildfire as a chill leaves Tim breathless. “Oh god, I’m making you freeze to death while you’re already this sick, I’m so sorry, come in, I’ll go make you a tea.” 

Tim nods his thanks as he piles inside the warm institute, cursing his aching lungs as each breath of warm air seems to burn them from the inside out. Martin rushes away, nearly crashing into a few researchers as he makes his frantic dash for the kitchen. 

The scarf is reluctantly removed, a shudder running through Tim’s back as the warm air does nothing to soothe what he’s now certain is a growing fever. A few researchers wave to him, offering some idle chit-chat as he makes his way inside.

For the most part, people give him a wide berth, apparently he looks as bad as he feels. Tissues in hand, gripping them like a lifeline, Tim finds his way to a couch and lets himself sink into it. The party buzzes around him, fading into background noise. 

Martin returns soon after, the mug vibrating slightly as he attempts to steady his hand. “I wasn’t sure what kind you’d want, we have a pretty limited amount, but I have a few extras in my desk– oh I could have probably found one for colds and flus, I’m not sure which this is, I thought cold before but you look-” 

“Martin,” Tim interrupts, voice cutting uncomfortably through his raw throat. “Can I have the cup?” 

“Oh, right, sorry!” Martin says, a sheepish grin crossing his face, nerves more than anything else, as he hands Tim the mug. Tim gives another appreciative nod, taking a cautious sip. 

The warm liquid feels like heaven against his throat, and he barely manages to choke back a whimper. The flavour is still a mystery, Martin never actually got to that part. Given how little he can taste at the moment, seems it’s gonna remain that way. Still, the heat beginning to warm his chest is a welcome relief, and Tim has to fight to keep his eyes from drifting shut…

“Watch out!” 

The voice rouses him, his eyes snapping open just in time to witness Jon dropping to his knees in front of the couch. The realization doesn’t sink in for another minute, Tim blinking the tired from his eyes and trying to figure out why people are staring… and why there’s a hand on his finge– 

Oh, the tea. Thankfully Jon’s reflexes seemed to kick in just in time, his hands guiding Tim’s cup to the table next to him. Judgement clouds the boss's eyes as he turns back, fully ready to chastise Tim, no doubt. Jon opens his mouth, one hand beginning to point, but as his eyes scan Tim’s form, his demeanor changes instantly. 

“You don’t seem well.” Jon’s voice is still firm, but with a hint of something Tim can’t quite place. On anyone else, he’d call it concern. On Jon… perhaps concern isn’t far off, though the underlying criticism of the statement irritates him. 

“I wonder why that could be? It’s almost as if someone came to the Christmas party sick enough to fall asleep standing. Twice.” Tim says, sarcasm lining his words, alongside the congestion he can’t seem to fully shake. 

“Well in that case,” Sasha chimes in, cheerful voice a natural antithesis to the misery coursing through Tim’s system. “Seems you’re halfway there!” 

“Hey, I was lying down, that’s hardly the sahh… same thing– hH’ETchh!” 

“Here we go,” Sasha says, already turning on her heel to find a tissue box as Tim’s hitches increase in desperation. 

“aHTChh’ew! gn’tchhew!” 

“Bless,” Jon offers, a brief confusion crossing his face as Sasha laughs, shaking her head. 

“He’s not done,” She says, handing over the tissue box. 

Tim grabs for it blindly, too caught up in the fit to even attempt dignity. Still, the eyes on him do leave him with a hint of embarrassment, and the onslaught is muffled as best he can manage. “hH’MMpshhew! eMPFShh’ieh! hh’MFSHhueh!” 

Blessings sound out from the room, Tim managing to wave a hand towards the ones offering them, eyes still watering. As the fit seems to stall, he lowers his tissues, red nose now visibly twitching. 

“Are you alright?” Jon asks, the hint of concern from before now plainly evident. That’s frankly more alarming than it should be, and Tim finds himself wanting to… reassure the boss. 

“I’m okay, it’s juhh… j-just… huhh–” But it seems his nose has other plans, a tissue being raised once more as Tim paws at the appendage. “‘Scuhhse me, I still have… hahhve to… to… hiHh– eTCHh’ew! hk’ASCHh–oo!” 

This time the tickle fades with the final pitchy sneeze, Tim letting out a low groan as he mashes his nose into the ever growing collection of tissues he’s clutching. A few people call out final blessings, Sasha laughing out hers as Tim’s face goes red once more. 

Martin picks this time to enter the room with drinks, Tim letting his eyes flutter shut as the focus shifts off his misery. A gentle touch keeps him from drifting off to sleep, prying open an eye to find Sasha settling onto his left. 

“Careful, don’t want to catch this,” Tim manages, leaning against his right shoulder to muffle another stream of chesty coughs. Sasha winces as it goes on past the realm of comfort, her hand finding his back. 

“Don’t worry about me, I haven’t earned this cold, I didn’t make use of Jon’s or your suffering,” She says, the playful tone not masking the growing worry in her posture. 

While she can read him like a book, she’s no mystery to him either. The tension in her fingers, absentmindedly stroking patterns on his back. The way she subconsciously tries to support his body weight, despite them both sitting. The look in her eyes when he manages to stall the coughing long enough to meet them. 

With this brief respite from the attack, Sasha takes the chance to bring Tim’s tea back, his fingers wrapping around the warm mug. The first few sips burn, his lungs protesting, begging to return to their efforts to expel all the irritation. By the third, however, the warmth is spreading once more, easing the spasms. 

“Alright?” Sasha asks, beginning to stand from the couch. Tim nods his reply, taking another slow sip. “Think you’ll make it till midnight? We’ve still got a few hours to go.” 

He nods his approval again, not yet trusting his voice enough to make an attempt. Sasha simply smiles, easing back into the party that– Tim had almost forgotten existed. That fever must be worse than he thought, given how loud it is. A fact that’s now pounding against his head in harmony with his heartbeat. 

The party continues on, Sasha and Martin taking turns checking in on Tim as he slips rapidly in and out of consciousness. Seconds turn to hours, and before he knows it, it’s two minutes to midnight. 

As Tim blinks against the harsh fluorescent lighting, it’s Jon that stands before him, hand hovering near his side. Tim begins to speak, breaking off into a cough as his voice comes out rough with sleep and congestion. 

“What’s up boss?” He manages with the second attempt, not missing Jon’s wince at the nasal quality. 

“You simply look… well, the festivities are nearly over, I was just inquiring as to…” Jon seems to get stuck, eyes wandering down to the couch as he finishes. “I know you took the train here, I was seeing if you needed an escort home.” 

“How kind, I’d be delighted to have your accompaniment,” Tim responds, the wit clouding the fact he… hadn’t actually considered needing to go home. Jon seems to take this answer as satisfactory, ignoring all the sarcasm as he gives a tight nod and an out of practice smile. 

From across the room Martin calls out, something about a countdown. Tim attempts to pull himself to a stand, finding Sasha’s arm around his waist, guiding him to the wall. Leaning against it, he lets his rough voice join the chorus as they count into the new year. 

Despite how the lights and noise had pounded into his skull, everyone chanting in unison helps Tim realize that… there actually aren’t that many people here. Aside from his coworkers, there’s only a few researchers, and Elias is not in attendance.

Honestly, thank whatever cosmic being may exist for that one, he had been none too fond of Jon’s arriving sick. Tim shudders to think what he would have said about this state. He shouldn’t have come, but… something about how insistent Martin was… well he just couldn’t disappoint that loveable idiot. 

Somehow Tim finds he’s managed to keep up with the counting, despite being worlds away in his thoughts. As they approach the final numbers, a feathery sensation begins to spread through his nostrils- no. 

Absolutely not, this is not the time. It’s never just one, there’s not enough people here, someone’s gonna notice. And I mean, it’s not like he’s hiding the fact he feels like death, but… drawing that much attention is also not the goal. 

“Five! Four!”

“hiehh- h’ngTchh!” He manages to stifle the first, the congestion pounding in his head as the tickle seems to only get worse. 

“Three! Two!” 

“I cad’t– nNDtch! nGTCh’uh!” 

“One–” 

As the cheers begin to erupt, Tim ducks into the tissues with a scraping, “ehg’TCHhiew!” 

“Happy new years!” 

“yiEShh’iew! etchh’uh! hH’AESHH –oo!” Tim dips into his hands again, managing to sink down against the wall as he lets out a congested blow, ending the fit.

“What a way to ring in the new year,” Comes Sasha’s voice, her form blocking the light from Tim’s eyes as he looks up, fever blurring his vision.

“Shud ub.” 

“Christ Tim, you sound awful,” Jon adds, his form appearing behind Sasha’s. 

“Thagks boss,” Tim retorts, groaning as he notices a third form, Martin’s nervous fidgeting easy to spot even from this angle. Martin remains silent, though his eyes seem to hold more concern than any of them, and… guilt? Or maybe that’s just the delirium. 

Glancing up to meet Sasha’s gaze, Tim offers a weary, “Tibe to go hobe?” 

She nods softly, kneeling to help him to his feet, Martin wordlessly taking his other arm. Jon stands off to the side, hesitating. What for, who knows. All Tim can focus on is one step after the other, just gotta make it home, then he can sleep. For the rest of forever, at this rate. 

As they get to the door, Martin helps wrap the scarf around Tim’s neck, forcing him to lift it from its perch against Sasha’s shoulder. Sasha, for her part, supports his weight with ease, she was always stronger than she looked. 

Martin keeps casting glances towards Tim, obviously fretting over something. Too tired to manage his usual charm, Tim gives Martin the softest look he can manage. “Jusd say id, please. You’re makigg me nervous.”

“I’m so sorry I asked you to come, you’re obviously so unwell, and I know I didn’t really know that at the time, but I should have, or at least texted and checked in, I just… I wanted us all to get along so bad and I thought if you came it would mean more fun because you’re always so lively and good at talking to people and-” 

Tim holds up a hand, eyes glazing over as Martin stops short, breath coming almost as rapidly as Tim’s. After a minute goes by, Martin starts to open his mouth, seeming confused by the interruption, before nearly jumping out of his skin as Tim ducks into his fist. 

“eTCHh’ew! hH’YEAShh –iew! Sorry, I feld those cobigg… waid– hih’ETCHhew! heAYSHh’oo!” Tim ducks down again, Sasha grabbing him tighter to support the harsh shudders as he attempts to keep his balance. 

“Oh bless you,” Martin offers, voice coming out timid. Tim gives him, what he hopes is, a warm smile despite the fever taking hold of the last corners of his mind.

“If I didn’t wanna cobe, I would have stayed hobe. I dod’t blame you.” 

Martin nods silently, a relief seeming to flood his face. Taking his place once more supporting Tim, they move towards the exit. Opening the door, the first wave of cold floods the entryway, and a chill so violent runs through Tim that both Martin and Sasha take a step back to brace him. 

It’s now that Jon speaks up, voice strained with a type of worry Tim hadn’t heard before. “No, we’re absolutely not doing this, I refuse.” 

The trio turn towards him. Though perhaps a more accurate description is that Martin and Sasha turn, Tim simply goes along for the ride. Martin mumbles something about ‘no other choice’, but Sasha asks what Jon’s on about. 

“It’s too cold out there, it’s the middle of the damn night, there’s no way I’m letting him go home like this.” 

“And what do you suggest we do as an alternative? He can’t stay here-” Sasha begins, pausing as Jon turns towards her. 

“Why not? I’m the archivist, this is my archive,” Jon begins, pausing for a moment, before adding, “Well, Elias’s, but I hardly think he’d suggest we send an employee home in this weather while they’re this sick. That’s just bad management, he’ll freeze to death before even reaching the train.” 

As if to confirm this assumption, Tim shudders violently, ducking into his chest with a tired, “hh’eshhew! eTCHh’iew!” followed by a heavy sigh. Martin mumbles something about covering, but quickly silences himself as Tim begins to tremble again. 

Sasha gives Jon a look, seeming to read him for any hints of doubt, perhaps searching for an ulterior motive. After a brief pause, their eyes meeting, she gives a tight nod, approval of some kind. 

“Come on Martin, let’s get him back to that couch, he can sleep there for the night,” Sasha directs, Martin nodding his acceptance. 

Tim manages to catch snippets of the conversation as they get him settled. Jon fetching him a blanket he keeps in his office. Martin providing some more tea. Sasha grabbing tissues and medication for when he wakes up. Something about Jon sleeping in his office so he’s not alone, and Sasha coming in early to help him home. 

With his final bout of consciousness, Tim holds up a hand, the conversation immediately pausing. “Thagk you guys. And… esSHhh’ew! And, I’b sorry.” 

All three stare at him for a minute, before Sasha breaks first. Her laughter fills the silence, Martin joining in soon after, and even Jon letting a few chuckles slip out. When they’ve finally collected themselves, Sasha gives Tim a warm smile. 

“Sleep well, Tim. I’ll come fetch you in the morning.” 

With a content sigh, Tim lets his eyes drift shut again, his consciousness fading to the soft hum of his friends in the background. 

Alright, so maybe coddling isn’t quite so bad after all.

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

Pinned Fanfiction Post! Updated 4/11/24.

Fandoms:

The Magnus Archives

Malevolent (Podcast)

Deviser (Podcast)

I'm bad at updating this, my apologies! It's all on AO3, folks.

Latest:

The Magnus Archives:

One Six Zero Jonah knew what he'd chosen to do. He also knew he hadn't been chosen. AO3 || Tumblr

Malevolent (Note: all of these are complete):

They Both Just Gotta Be Dicks (Intermezzo spoilers): AO3 || Tumblr

All that Glitters (crack-fic one-shot): AO3 || Tumblr

Fragile (Intermezzo spoilers): AO3 || Tumblr

Double the Popcorn (Intermezzo spoilers): AO3 || Tumblr

God of Cowboys and Fools: AO3 || Tumblr

IN PROGRESS

MAGNUS ARCHIVES x MALEVOLENT CROSSOVER

CORRUPTED

Tim opened a book he shouldn't have, and now has the last remaining god in the universe stuck in his head. In the process of dealing with that, he will come up against invading deities, be marked by the Desolation, and turn—reluctantly—to the Magnus Institute for help. There is a lot going on here. Tim feels out of his league. He is. And lately, he's unnervingly certain that maybe, he should just burn it all down...

AO3 | Tumblr

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MALEVOLENT

NEVER TELL

Arthur and Bella Lester are not in love. They came together as friends, to protect each other, to give one another the freedom to live—and love—as they pleased. Having a child was supposed to be part of that—quieting the rumors, providing a shield. But it wasn’t one baby; it was two… and something is very wrong with their golden-eyed son.

AO3 | Tumblr

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MAGNUS ARCHIVES x MALEVOLENT CROSSOVER

JUST A LITTLE SIDE-QUEST

It is the Dark World. It is the place where all go when they die, from every world, from every timeline - and though they cannot die again, they can absolutely feel everything that happens to them. Jon, Martin, John, and Arthur will have to find their place here, all the while chasing Arthur's greatest desire: to someday find his daughter in the land of the dead. But first, they're going to have to figure out each other - and what to do about Kayne.

AO3 | Tumblr

FINISHED FICS:

(This is long, so under the cut they go.)

THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES

AND EAT IT, TOO

The voice gets under his skin. Is it pleasing or terrifying? Inside his head or out? Is it even real, or is his still-human brain just cobbling monster-sounds into something he can comprehend? It’s impossible to get out of his head, whether literal or not. Doesn’t matter, though, because the answer Michael gives is a terrible one, and ends the same way: Gertrude could protect herself, Jon can’t, and he’s going to die for her sins.

Playlist available here.

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QUIT

It’s a stupid-drafty manor—huge, never properly lit, all its frippery fraying at the edges. It has literal skeletons in the walls. It has a foyer right out of Crimson Peak, an empty cement hole with crumbling cherubs in the back yard that might have once been someone’s idea of a pond, and a library with more cursed books than Gerry could shake a match at. The part of Gerry that once used Sharpies to blacken his eyebrows loves this place with a truly unholy passion. If only it didn’t belong to the reason the world was going to end.

Playlist available here.

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TULIPS IN SPRING

Martin crawled back into bed like he’d crawled through the burned-flesh hole in his heart, and knew he still loved Jon. Martin knew Jon loved him, too. Jon had thrown away godhood for him, like it hadn’t mattered. Maybe it hadn’t.Jon loved him, and that meant they could fix this.All Jon had to do was wake up.

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CRUCIBLE

Martin's been having dreams.He doesn't understand them. Surely, if Jon had ever looked like that, with unreal wings and a crown of spinning eyes, he would have remembered. But his memory isn't working as well as it should right now, and Jon never blinks. Martin is afraid.

Inspired by The Watcher’s Crown by @raynecreates

Note: this is angst. Somewhere Else goes very, very wrong.

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INSTANT NOODLES (crack fic)

At least his new hobby kept him occupied in the evenings, when too much time to think turned to wretchedness. It just so happened that much of his life was public. On the internet. As part of some gods-damned podcast. There were no words for how fascinated he was. This was his story—and yet it wasn’t. It was focused on Jon, for some bloody reason, which made no damn sense, since Jon showed up at the very end. Well. There was no accounting for taste.

Note: This is nonsense. Full apologies to Jonny and Alex, who are 100% the creators of my favorite podcast, The Magnus Archives. This is a work of fiction, etc. and so forth. Take it as the joke it's meant to be. Written because I wanted Jonah to suffer.

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SHORT STORIES FOR TMA APPRECIATION WEEK, 2023

Just what it says on the tin. Silliness, angst, and crossovers incoming.

AO3

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THIS DARK THING THAT SLEEPS IN ME - Rusty Quill Big Bang 2023

This is a DARK AU; it is not a kid-fic, though Jon is young. Bittersweet ending ahead. Spoilers for the whole show, though this is very much an alternate universe. In a world where the End won and Jonah Magnus is its Heart, the cycle of death and rebirth is a given: no one lives past thirty, the Other Fears scramble for scraps, and any infant without an Alignment—called Uncertain—has until the age of ten to be claimed, or they are sacrificed. Jon, an Uncertain child, knows things he shouldn’t, has memories he shouldn’t, and also has a purpose: apparently, he’s been called to do what no Aligned person can do and stop Jonah. Sometimes, there is no happy ending, only the right one. Jonah broke the promises he made to take over the world, and Jon is here to make it right. “I am terrified by this dark thing that sleeps in me; all day I feel its soft, feathery turnings, its malignity. Clouds pass and disperse. Are those the faces of love, those pale irretrievables? Is it for such I agitate my heart?” ― Sylvia Plath

AO3

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MAGNUS ARCHIVES x MALEVOLENT CROSSOVER

I PREFER MY HEART TO BE BROKEN

Jon feels seen in a way he has not since the Panopticon, examined from cell to soul, from ankles to ego. Does that feel good or horrible? He doesn’t know. He tries to see into this thing, just a little, but just that glimpse is enough. Fear shortens Jon’s breath, shivers up and down his form, because this thing is a god.

Playlist available here

AO3 | Tumblr

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MALEVOLENT (PODCAST)

They Both Just Gotta Be Dicks (Intermezzo spoilers):

Not much surprises Kayne anymore. A melting Arthur manages.

AO3 || Tumblr

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All that Glitters (crack-fic one-shot):

John and Arthur, Lester and Doe, going mano a mano against their greatest foe: 1970s Arkham bureaucracy.

AO3 || Tumblr

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Fragile (Intermezzo spoilers):

Arthur got low in Larson’s house. He hit bedrock; he admitted, brokenly, that they won. John didn’t let him drown. Which is ironic, because John was already drowning.

AO3 || Tumblr

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Double the Popcorn (Intermezzo spoilers):

You think there’s anyone I haven’t seen? Fucked around with? Followed? You think there isn’t a version of you I haven’t tweaked to be the very d-d-darkest you could be, with flesh in your fingernails and blood in your cheeks like a really fucked-up squirrel? I. Have tried. Them all. And pal… they don’t fucking work.

AO3 || Tumblr

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God of Cowboys and Fools:

Well. No time like the present. “I am the King in Yellow, and you are now my slave,” I tell him, because that is the truth and we might as well get it done. He is a god, awakened in the crater of his birth. Somewhere out there is the Wizard he needs to ensure his misplaced immortality. Now, if only the Wizard would just do as he was told instead of fighting back, they could get on with the business of living forever.

AO3 || Tumblr

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SACRAMENT - an Oscar one-shot

Arthur and John are long gone from Oscar's life, and whatever they did has left more than one wound in the world. Oscar's is obvious. Scratch's is not. Oscar certainly hadn't planned on encountering the malevolent spirit ever again, but now that he has, he faces a choice.

AO3 || Tumblr

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BOYO

Warning: this is a dark fic. I liked me boyo’s anger, and he was just scuttered enough to make this work. To join me hitting the prop, and hitting too much. To not know when it was time to stop, and to follow my lead as we went far beyond. Wasn’t quite perfect. Didn’t have the rhythm yet. But I knew he’d get it; musical lad, or I’m a whaler, and I’d get him singing my tune. The fool died, and my boyo stood there, panting, blood everywhere, and hit the body again just because. Fuckin’ beautiful, that was to see.

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THE INCIDENT - a one-shot for the @malevolent-fanzine

Arthur and John are in Arkham, getting their burgeoning P.I. business off the ground. And then Kayne asks for a favor, and everything goes to hell.

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TRY, TRY AGAIN - a one-shot for the @malevolent-fanzine

The King in Yellow worked for a month to get Arthur to spill the information he wanted. Eventually, he got what he wanted through a made-up Bostonian, Adam Fry. What happened in the month before Arthur woke?

AO3 || Tumblr

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CONFESSION

There’s a trick to confession, if you want to keep another from hearing what you said. But not hearing it don’t make it not true, don’t make it go away.

I fear Arthur’s truth, so big and bright. I fear ours together may strike like flint and leap into devouring flame.

An Oscar one-shot

AO3 || Tumblr

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PEDANTIC

Arthur Lester is the best IT architect in the world, and the reason Carcosa, Inc. has its fingers in every pie. Government, medical, everyone in the world uses its systems. Arthur is also going blind, with a rare genetic condition that can’t be fixed. The looming depression is bad. He can’t imagine a life where he can’t create anymore. Arthur nearly gives up… until a deeply annoying cybersecurity programmer prods him into trying something new. Great, right? Now, if only this John Doe weren’t clearly hiding something so wild that not even PI Parker Yang can dig it out….

AO3 || Tumblr

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PET

Arthur loses John. Hastur loses Arthur. Yellow does not deserve what happens here.

AO3

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PUSH

They survived. John got his promised body. They're free. But Arthur is still blind, and now, he no longer has someone in his head, helping him around. He's not all right. It's all coming out of him in anger. Today, John needed a break... and, left alone, Arthur tries a four-legged substitute. It goes about as well as can be expected.

AO3 || Tumblr

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NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY

Angst warning Things happen when we age. Unavoidable things. Until death do we part.

AO3

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CLOUD CITY - MALEVOLENT BIG BANG 2023

The sun never rises in Cloud City. Owned by distant gods, the world creaks along in techno-magical paralysis, making Contracts with spirits, and limping along in isolated enclaves while monsters run wild in the Wastes. Five years ago, Arthur Lester, a private investigator, made a Contract with a Summon called Hastur. The deal? His soul in exchange for the identity of his daughter's murderer. Until the time Arthur's soul is ripe for harvesting, Hastur will give him power, and eventually must find Faroe's killer. If he doesn't, they both die, so failure is not an option. Hastur, however, is not a normal Summon... and it turns out he's come here and chosen Arthur in order to stop a threat that will destroy the entire universe if it succeeds. Unfortunately, humans aren't meant to channel power like Hastur's, and Arthur's body is beginning to break down. It's a race against time to solve Faroe's murder and stop the incoming threat before he simply drops dead.

AO3 || Tumblr

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PUSH

They survived. John got his promised body. They're free. But Arthur is still blind, and now, he no longer has someone in his head, helping him around. He's not all right. It's all coming out of him in anger. Today, John needed a break... and, left alone, Arthur tries a four-legged substitute. It goes about as well as can be expected.

AO3 || Tumblr

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THE BIRTHDAY SONG

Very much post-canon. Very much fluff. John has a body. Arthur has his sight. They've figured it out, working in Arkham, making their way through life, and John, at last, has chosen his birthday. It's all fluff from here, folks.

AO3 || Tumblr

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WORTH THE PRICE OF A BOTTLE OF POP

So, anybody want a crack-fic with Kayne, Arthur, and too much sugar even for an Outer God?

AO3 || Tumblr

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FIVE TIMES JOHN WANTED TO SEE A MOVIE, AND ONE TIME KAYNE MADE IT SUCK

In which Arthur struggles with right and wrong, bemoans the Hays Code, tries (and fails) to define love, and gets a second chance.

AO3 || Tumblr

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SURROGATE

The beginning of the series, Surrogate: The Director's cut.

The King in Yellow has a plan. The first part works, and Arthur Lester is broken. The second half blows up in his face. John has gone mad, and Hastur’s adopted daughter is upset, but that’s not all. It turns out a certain Outer God wasn’t done watching that show, and when he arrives with director’s notes, not even the King in Yellow can refuse him.

AO3 || Tumblr

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DEVISER (PODCAST)

DEVIL

Dad knew he'd failed with humans. Dad did not know he'd succeeded somewhere else.

AO3 || Tumblr

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RED

Son likes painting. Son likes red.It makes him feel some odd things. Things he doesn’t really have a word for. He really likes the way it looks splattered on his hands.

AO3 || Tumblr

[atirosnor]

Summary: The dynamic was fixed with his Tim—they couldn't seem to break out of the cycle of banter and spite—but maybe with this new Tim—they'd be willing—to try? He's … trying … b

[some batfamily members across some very close universes have been switched. No way of knowing if they'll manage to get back, but it seems only Jason and Tim were swapped here. Little do they know, they're from the same universe.]

This is getting to be a problem.

"Dick, Babs, could you—" Babs gave him a considering look, nodded, and wheeled her chair around while Dick's face softened, he nodded in understanding, and followed her out of the room.

Jason turned to see Tim standing stock still, staring after them. Shoot. He tucked his arms in tried to look more relaxed and small, and moved so Tim could block the door instead, if he wanted. "Sorry, I—" He paused, unsure whether that was the right move. He steeled his shoulders. "Why do you hate me?"

:readmore:

That got Tim stammering, "I—I don't hate you!" he shouted, eyes wide. "I—" he looked away and winced. "I'm sorry. It's fine. I—"

"Then why are you scared of me?"

Tim's eyes widened. "I—I'm not scared." He said vehemently, glaring, then looked away again. "I'm—" Jason moved his hand to bring Tim's face back towards him—he flinched violently and stumbled a couple steps away from him, then winced at his misstep.

Jason raised an eyebrow. You sure?

"Really, I—it's my problem. You shouldn't have to deal with it. My Jason—"

This time it was Jason's turn to stumble away, as a rotten pit of dread began to form in his gut. He winced. "S---.

"Kid, I'm—" So. Sorry. "I'm an idiotic jerk. Feel free to punch me sometime. I—" he'd been thinking because this wasn't his universe he could have a second chance with Tim—no unprovoked torchure to get between brothers, yeah? Now he realized what an idiot he'd been. Of course the Jason in (t)his world had caused Tim trauma too. Of course he hadn't even realized. Of frickin' course he'd been causing him more trauma with his dumb 'trying to connect with him' shtick. He turned and pinched [yes, pinched, that typo's hilarious] the wall behind him. On the stud, so there wouldn't be any damage—then leaned against it on his forearm and hung his head. "I'm so sorry, R—kid. I should never have assumed I could—" his voice cracked. "I should've never assumed."

He looked up at Tim and he had a calculating look on his face. "You hurt your Tim." It was a statement, and a question.

Abruptly Jason felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He ran a hand through his hair, gaze fixed on the ground. "Yeah. Yeah, I did." He slumped. "I thought i could start over, maybe, with you—" As if you could pretend nothing ever happened— "Try at being a brother, again—" such an idiot, "I'm sorry." didn't even think of the trauma this Tim could have—"I—" didn't even check to see what kind of Jason he'd replaced, "I'll stay away from now on." he straightened, then turned to go. He'd move out of the Manor; he couldn't force this kid to have the object of his nightmares live with him; make him see him every flippin' day.

"No! Wait, I—it's working. We can—it's working. We can … try … to be brothers." Tim awkwardly shuffled forward and visibly steeled himself, though he tried to hide it, before leaning into him. "Stay." Jason hesitantly draped his arms around him, and when he didn't flinch, tightened his arms around him. Tim melted.

Suddenly Tim pulled back. "I mean, only if you want to. There's no reason you should want to be my brother," he rushed out, "but I know Dick and Alfred and Bruce and all would really want you to stay—but only stay if that's what you want to do, not because of any kind of obligation or—"

Jason stopped him by pulling him onto the couch with him in a hug, shushing his protests.  "Hey, baby bird, shut up. We're brothers. I love you.

"And do you think I've been staying here from obligation? 'Cause if that's true, I've gotta nip that thought right in the bud. I don't stay with Bruce from obligation. If I feel coerced into anything I've gotta reject on sheer principle—"

"Wait—you—you love me?"

"Well I sure as Gotham don't ha—" Tim was looking up at him with wonder in those wide, blue, watering eyes. S---. "Sure, kid. Always have." Always since he knew who he was. Since he let himself realize he was just a kid, a Robin, sure, but a kid in the colors just trying to live up to them, trying to help in the only way he knew he could. A kid like he'd been. Family.

And Jason loved those who were his.

[wc:750]

@flufftober

[dailycass-cain]

This week the GOTHAM WAR has begun. Is the basis for this "war" for Catwoman/Batman work? How does Cass fit into this? I'll give my thoughts on it...

So the basis of the event is Catwoman is training the "hired help" of Gotham. Instead of working for Scarface, the Riddler, or Two-Face. They're off doing their own things in robbing the rich. But already there's a problem with that...

So the basis of the event is Catwoman is training the "hired help" of Gotham. Instead of working for Scarface, the Riddler, or Two-Face. They're off doing their own things in robbing the rich. But already there's a problem with that...

Not just the easy answer. Court of Owls.

Sure, maybe a few of them use mooks. This very issue brings up Professor Pyg as using "hired" help, but it feels kind of wrong for Pyg to do this sort of thing.

When Dollotrons have been his modus operandi. Why need thugs when breaking folks into nothing is far cheaper?

What's to stop Pyg from doing that exactly again? Nothing really. So all Selina is replacing is Pyg from going to hired back to his old ways.

That's not good at all. That's kind of why Batman and the Bat-Family are needed.

That isn't bringing up the "biggest" bad himself, the Joker. There have been numerous stories of the Joker just by himself making Gotham a literal hell without any hired help.

The Joker at his scariest is when he's by himself. Even then he's causing all sorts of harm in Gotham.

Those are the "easy" examples.

What about the other villains who already have an operating gang say Punchline and the Royal Flush Gang? It feels like writers Chip Zdarsky and Trini Howard make Selina's case paper thin.

That's not to say Batman's side is any better, "My parents were rich line." Was not the intended dramatic moment the book had. More made me chuckle as it could've easily been photoshopped with, "MY PARENTS ARE DEAD!" instead.

Likewise, is Selina's retort. Literally, again there are so many examples of Bruce showing compassion to folks by using his fortune.

Just alone in Batgirl (#63), we had this scene. That's just one moment that easily popped in my head.

It just feels so wrong for the basis of this "war" to be so flimsy when there are better ways for it. Aka the bot that literally subjugated all of Gotham because Batman took "a life" (that turned out to be false).

There's so much to see Selina's side of things when Failsafe had domain over the city. We have barely seen the city or ANYONE react to that.

Like that alone is more a cause for SOMETHING than what we're getting initially here.

I digress I could go on and on poking the holes into the fight itself, but how does it relate to Cass? Well, already she should be against Selina's plan.

A life is a life.

No matter what Selina's way will take lives. So…

The fact this is all glossed over with her being silent. Just says it all for me that her part in this is already "planned".

I'll probably hate it.

I'll probably despise it.

I thought long and hard about what the best course of action during this event would be for me. I really do love the artists attached to this event. I do love Cass. However, I do not like the context of the event AT ALL.

The answer is kind of right in front of me. Well, three answers. Birds of Prey (out next week), Spirit World, and Detective Comics. I adore two of these and by all things considered with the preview, I'm gonna probably LOVE BoP.

So instead of going into long rants and give myself stress I shouldn't need. I'm just gonna enjoy the good art.

If there are bad moments (which I'm sure there will be) in this event. I'm gonna call it like I see it.

But as for going into detailed thoughts like this? That's it. This is all this event is getting out of me. I have too much enjoyment else to give my focus too.

I just feel sorry for the fans of Duke, Tim, Stephanie, and Barbara. Those fans gotta suffer thru this as Damian, Cass, Kate, Luke, and Dick get to play outside this "sandbox" of woe.

This comic was garbage. This story is garbage. It's just best for me to look away for the most part and enjoy the stuff with Cass that I do have outside "the war".

That's my thoughts on it all. 😁

Now to enjoy a BETTER COMIC next week.

[svturn-exe]

can i hear. abt the minutexminute au

nkJDhfjkbKLDF y E !! it's. Gabriel Experiences Hubris: the AU p utting the rest of my rambling under a readmore vv

the premise is!! gabriel trying to minmax Suffering by trapping the victims in an infinite loop of the worst days of their lives. it backfires for them really badly bc u shouldn't combine time loops with The Horrors gabriel goes and kills cesar & his mother to make an alt with cesar's appearance to go kill mark, bc mark is extraordinarly strong-willed and that could end up being a problem down the road. gabriel traps cesar in a loop of that night (rip mama torres) mark's loop is the full three days that he's trapped for, not much changed from canon jonah & adam are stuck in their loop together! which is the entirety of their investigation, including part of the drive there. this also means they have that fuckin arguement every single tim e but eventually smth goes wrong bc somethign something MAD + time looping = Not Good and jonah starts getting deja vu. and eventually that escalates to jonah straight up starting to Remember Things He Shouldn't and from there it becomes jonah trying different things each loop to try and break them and adam out of it. he tries going in the basement with adam, wrestling the steering wheel away from adam ont he drive and trying to turn the car the fuck around, smashing the tv , etc but nothing seems to be working bc they just. cannot bat out an alternate in a figh t it's gets to the point where jonah starts going by like. speedrun rules and if he fucks up an attempt he just picks up a box cutter he found and . "resets" but the more and more loops he goes through, the more warped he becomes........ and adam finally starts to notice. which is what starts to get adam to start remembering things, but he's not quite where jonah is just yet anyway jonah does snap and fuckign Maul six to death in the basement and preacher wisely decides to peace ou t . fulfilling the mission given to her by gabriel ain't worth this ma n there's two of these crazy bitches by the time they get to that point adam is also kinda warped (i'm still thinking abt this bc. this au was pre-vol 4 but i do know i want adam to b an alt still. just gotta figure out how to work that in) and he can go thru tvs n shit like six :) he can also drag other people thru tvs, and that's how he and jonah finally leave their little personal hell bubble

so the Backstreet Boys are free and they're on the run for multiple reasons now. 1. they're still wanted by the fbi 2. they don't exactly look Normal anymore

they end up retreating to mandela county bc where else to hide as a horror than amongst the horrors & they choose a particular abandoned house to camp out in until they figure out what to do

but then jonah starts to notice smth Weird abt the house they're in like they just have a Feeling u kno. n after a bit of poking around they and adam discover a tv in a bedroom that . looks a lot like a crime scen e

it's mark's house, and now adam & jonah are interfering with his Hell Loop

by the time adam & jonah get there, mark is. definitely a lot worse for wear, since he has been looping since 1992 and it's currently 2009, but all things considered he's still going strong. and by strong i mean day 1 of his loops now he's running out his room w a gun, yelling insults at the horrors & cursing out God

anyway adam crawls out of mark's tv and quickly has to go the fuck back bc mark does tries to shoot his ass IMMEDIATELY. boy is not playing around

it'll take some time for adam & jonah to earn mark's trus t. mostly via adam hastily shoving notes thru the tv & quickly yanking his hand back b4 he can lose a finger to the Deagle

meanwhile cesar is still stuck with gabriel. but gabriel is also stuck with cesar.

the only reason mark is still as "intact" as he is after 17 years of this is bc he has a Will Of Steel

cesar is not nearly as unflappabl e and so he has become. a lot different

at first gabriel thought it was interesting and they wanted to see where it would go . now they feel Regret bc cesar is no longer trying to run away or plead or anything and is just comign @ gabriel with Intent to kill. but every time gabriel kills cesar he just. resets & comes back & continues trying to kill them

h ell for all parties involved .

[cleromancy]

a couple issues earlier in gk#8 tim and dick were talking about the secret identity aspect of what they do. it weighed on baby tim a lot to live a double life! anyway tim said (paraphrased) "i shouldn't complain, look at what bruce has to do, thats gotta be frustrating" regarding the *triple* life of batman, Bruce Wayne (his public persona wasnt really called "brucie" at the time, as useful as thats become to distinguish it), and whoever bruce is when he's not masking. and dick said something like, you don't have to worry about bruce, he can put up with anything if it has a direct purpose. and i really love that exchange because dick hears tim saying hes concerned for bruce and tries to reassure him on that level, vs tim who was coming from more of a "if bruce can handle all that i definitely should be able to handle my less difficult version" kind of place. tim and dick consistently have these really understated communication issues stemming from loving each other deeply and not getting each other *at all,* and i love it so much.

anyway was reminded of that bc (gotham knights #11 now)

(^ thats not bruce in the cowl there, its dr strange playing dressup.)

not going to get too into the way tims statement here functions in this specific story (like how tims voiceover is on the panel of dick on his way to rescue bruce dkdkckflfk), but its always interesting to see the interplay for tim vs dick on how they prioritize what bruce "needs" them for, and the way that inevitably bleeds through to their relationship with each other.

[ificouldhelpyouforget]

[16] 33's Coming Home With Me (Tim Riggins x OFC)

MASTERLIST | DWHI MASTERLIST

Warnings: none

Words: 2k

Panthers fans gathered around the team's bus while the football team mingled with family. Everyone was hyped to be going to State again and the energy surged through the gathering.

"Are you ridin' with us, Catherine?" Mrs. Taylor came over to me with Julie.

I nodded. "If you're still okay with it."

"Of course! We love your company."

Julie smiled. "We can talk about Matt and Tim."

I glanced at Mrs. Taylor, remembering the day Coach walked in on his daughter and Matt. Julie was horrified, but her parents were mortified. I didn't want our conversation to go down that path for her mom's sake. 

"Uh, yeah. We can talk about how great they're gonna do at the game and only that, Jules." I shifted my eyes over to Mrs. Taylor so she would catch the hint.

Julie rolled her eyes.

Both women looked past me and Julie grinned just as arms snaked around my middle.

"Hey, Tim," she said. Mrs. Taylor greeted him, too, though less enthusiastically as her daughter.

"Hey," he said back, kissing the side of my head.

I was so happy when Julie and her mom gave us some privacy.

"Julie's insistent that we talk about you and Saracen on our way to the stadium." I turned in his hold, brushing his hair back.

"Yeah?"

"My guess is we'll talk about Matt the most." My lips curled up into a smirk. "Saracen isn't too bad on the eyes, ya know."

Tim's lips neared my ear. "I would hate to miss my bus because I had to remind my girlfriend who she goes to bed with every night."

Laughing, I molded my mouth to his. "Don't worry, Riggins. She knows who he is and is very happy."

"Good."

I straightened Tim's shirt. "Are you excited? Senior year and y'all are off to State for a second time."

"It's great." His smile was sweet.

"I thought you'd be more excited," I said.

"Yeah, well I've gotta save the excitement for the game." He kissed my forehead. "I've gotta make sure I have enough energy to show off for my girl."

I rolled my eyes and hugged him. "I'll see you at the hotel, yeah?"

"You bet."

We kissed once more before we split off to our respective rides.

*****

"Who are you stayin' with, Catherine?" Mrs. Taylor asked, peering at me through the rearview mirror.

"Tyra is supposed to be my roommate, but she's working on her application essay. I think Landry is trying to get her to come to the game. If he can't, then I won't be rooming with anyone else."

"Are you thinkin' of sharin' with Tim Riggins?"

Heat rose up my neck and settled on my cheeks. "Um, he has a room to stay in, Mrs. Taylor."

"Mom," Julie whined. "Who cares if they share a room? They love each other, right Cat? I mean, they basically live together."

"Yeah, but there are rules, Jules. It doesn't matter if we love each other, we shouldn't share a room during a school trip," I said.

Mrs. Taylor glanced at me again. "And Tim is okay with obeyin' the rules?"

"He doesn't care much for them, but he cares about me, so he promised to behave."

"He stayed with you last time we were at State," Julie said. "You looked so cute sleeping together."

"That was different. We weren't datin'."

"So it's different that you are now?" Mrs. Taylor asked.

"Uh, yeah. Very different." I could see the realization cross over her face.

"Are you bein' safe?"

Julie groaned.

"Yes, ma'am. Always."

"Do you use whatever it is the right way every time?"

I couldn't keep my half-smile off my face. "I mean no disrespect, Mrs. T., but we are talkin' about Tim Riggins who's been with a lot of girls. He didn't get any of them pregnant, so I'm confident we're using protection correctly." I smiled at her through the mirror. "I appreciate your concern. It's nice to know someone is lookin' out for me."

"You're welcome, Catherine."

The Taylors were a family I adopted as my own once I figured out my own family wasn't close. I didn't come to Mrs. Taylor for life advice, but I listened to what she had to say to me as if she was my own mom. Julie was like a little sister I felt obligated to protect as she grew up. It pained me that she was trying to push her parents away. I hoped Eric and Tami saw me as someone who could mentor their daughter if she kept going down her rebellious teenage path.

"What's that smile about?" Julie asked. "Thinking about Tim?"

I shook my head. "No. I'm thinkin' about you and your family and how much y'all mean to me. Thanks for being my second family."

Julie instantly teared up and Mrs. Taylor smiled through the mirror.

"We'll always be here when you need us," Julie's mom said. "No matter where you go, we'll be here."

"I'm glad."

*****

I gazed at the sign I made. Before the game, me, Tyra, and Julie gathered in our hotel room with poster paper and all sorts of markers and photos. At the time, I loved what I put together for the game. Once I was sitting in my seat next to the girls, I felt like I pushed it too far.

"I can't believe I wrote this on a sign," I said to Tyra.

"You were pretty excited about it this afternoon." Tyra smirked at it on my lap. "I think it's cute."

In bold blue and yellow lettering, I wrote out, "33 is coming home with me." I even had a photo of Tim in his uniform on the poster. It was pretty embarrassing considering we were in a huge stadium where several hundred people would be filling the seats within the hour.

"I'm pretty sure I had a lapse in judgment. There's no way I can hold this up. What if people see it?" I curled it around itself.

Julie laughed. "I think that's the point."

I peeked at it again. "Do you think Tim will hate it?"

"The fact that it hints you're sleepin' with him, he'll love it." Tyra leaned back in her seat. "If you don't hold that up during the game, we won't be friends anymore."

"It does not hint at that and that's a little aggressive, Tyra."

She shrugged. "It definitely does. If it makes you feel better, hold it up when they come runnin' out. Tim might actually see it."

"Then you don't have to hold it up again," Julie said. "You are wearing his jersey."

And it was easy to tell it didn't belong to me. Even with it tucked into my jeans, it spilled over my waistband, covering my pockets. Tim thought it was adorable when he picked me up from my room for breakfast. Tyra and Julie thought it was hilarious.

"Fine. I still can't believe I made this."

"The girls need to know he's spoken for, right?" Julie grinned.

I sighed and leaned forward to look past Julie at Tyra. "I know I should have asked you a while ago, but are you okay with this? Tim and I, I mean."

Tyra waved it off. "I had a thing for Riggins a long time ago. I don't mind you datin' him at all. Y'all have been together so long that it seems weird I ever had something with him."

"Really?"

"Yeah. You guys work together. Better than me and him and I'd say better than him and Lyla Garrity."

"You don't like Lyla very much," Julie pointed out. "Of course you'd pair Tim and Cat together before him and Lyla."

"Yeah, well..."

I chuckled and leaned back in my seat.

*****

I was on the edge of my seat the entire game. My voice was nearly gone as I screamed at them to get the football down the field. The Panthers were holding their own even with the scores even. Unfortunately, the game didn't end in the Panthers' favor. The stadium's volume cut in half as we felt the disappointment.

Mrs. Taylor led us into the locker room at the request of her husband once the team got in there. Friends and family of all the players gathered around the team still in their gear. It was quiet. Coach Taylor stood in front of everyone.

"Your friends and family are here because you played a great game." His eyes scanned over everyone. "We are proud of each and every one of you. We are proud of the way you played out there. Y'all should be proud of yourselves."

It warmed my heart when we applauded them. Some of the football players got teary-eyed at the praise. They made it to State because they worked hard. No one could deny their dedication.

Before Coach asked us to leave, I squeezed past a few players to get to Tim. He was still sitting on the bench with a forlorn stare. It went away the moment he saw me, a brilliant smile on his face.

"What a game," I said, leaning forward to kiss his forehead. "I'm really proud to call myself Tim Riggins' girlfriend."

His hugged my middle and rested his chin on my stomach. "Thanks."

"Are you okay? I know it's not quite how you wanted to end the season."

"Yeah, I'm okay." Tim's lips pressed against my stomach. "By the way, I liked your sign. I'm glad you want me goin' home with ya."

I blushed. "Ugh. I hoped you wouldn't notice. It's so embarrassing."

He chuckled.

Coach Taylor started ushering people out, so Tim kissed me shortly. "I'll see you later, Cat."

"Bye, Tim."

*****

Everyone went home after the game since there wasn't a party to celebrate. No one complained about it, ready to sleep off the loss.

Mrs. Taylor dropped me off at school, so I could catch a ride home with Tim. She bid me a good night before driving away with a sleeping Julie.

The team bus was in front of the locker room door and Tim was already heading over to me. He seemed a lot happier than when he first got on the bus.

"Good ride back?"

Tim pushed me back against his truck and captured my mouth. He grabbed my head, tilting it to deepen our kiss. I got caught up in the moment, pulling him by his waist so we were flush against each other. I zeroed in on how soft his lips were, how he knew exactly what to do with them to make my brain malfunction. It was one of the best kisses he ever gave me. My eyes took a few seconds longer to open when he pulled his lips away.

"What was that for?" I asked, trying to catch my breath.

"I love football and everything about it." He kissed me again. "Now football is over."

"Yeah, it is."

"I'm madly in love with you and everything you are. I want everything to be about you now. About us."

"Really? You're want to drop football just like that?"

"I've got something better right here."

A slow kiss.

"Okay. Let's focus on us."

"You are gonna focus on college, Barton, and I'm going to focus on you and making your life easier."

"No college for you?"

He shook his head. "I don't like school now and I don't expect I'll like it in college. I'm sick of caring about my grades."

"You don't care about them now," I giggled.

"Exactly."

"Okay." I stood on my toes to kiss him again. "I support your choice."

"Can I go home with you now?"

I nodded and gently pushed Tim away from me. I laughed when his hand brushed against my butt. He tried looking innocent, but the glint in his eyes gave him away.

Tim took my hand the second our doors shut. I leaned over to kiss him before he pulled out of the parking lot.

[yaboyspodcastpalace]

Don't apologize for most of it being TMA lol That's what you're into, and I'm really glad you enjoy it :D

Also, this the title Apiculture (and more things you can do when your friend is a living honeycomb) sounds so funny I gotta know more about it! lol

gsdfjhsdfjsdf that fic is actually the one i was talking about in this post yesterday! the story behind it IS pretty funny

at the time i didnt particularly ship the two characters (martin and sasha) besides tangentially polyam scenarios, but one day i have A Dream of them, where 1. martin was a corruption avatar, bees themed, 2. sasha did apiculture on him to keep his deal a secret and 3. they kiss at the end u_u ♥ and bc of the bees sasha survives what happens to her at the end of season 1 ;_; ;o; and after that i was SO CONFUSED to why i dreamed that i spend every waking hour for a couple days thinking about themes and their characterization and how to make it work, and thus a ship was born <3

(the fic itself is more dramatic though, the name ended up being pretty damn misleading dfgdfg cant help a good funny name ;o;)

[WIP Challenge! ask me about my wips :} ]

anyway the meat of the story on the other hand is partly a coworkers to friends to lovers as sasha accidentally discovers this secret and, knowing her friends (tim and jon) would react BADLY to it due to past trauma and guilt she decides to keep the secret for everybody's sake, helping him go unnoticed (hence apiculture) while privately trying to make sense of the supernatural pieces that keep falling on the table (the statements they research, the different characters they've meet across season 1), WHICH VEERS INTO a side by side comparison of martin's physical changes w/ yknow a hive growing inside of him and sasha's growing fascination despite herself, aligning more and more with the beholding 👁👁👁 which both things, as previously stated, accidentally veer into someone dying (but shhhh its fine its all fine she seeks this weird spirally monster man thats kinda fond of her for answers and he ends up taking care of the body before martin wakes up from his post-accidental-not-quite-accidental murder depression nap but thats another story lmfao)

a huge part of this is that they're both trying really hard to protect the other and also the otherS, sasha by withholding information, seeking answers to the point of making deals w/ shady characters and martin (and by extension an ever growing swarm) by... well *points to corpse, among other creatures*

...the ending is very bittersweet but sasha is alive and thats literally all that matters to me <3 </3

(lil conversation from there, abt whether the honey itself is edible or not) (which boy will it have repercussions later)

"What else I could do? I highly doubt they're fit for human consumption."

"Have you've tried?"

"Of course not." Martin frowned, and she sighed. "Martin, you know I don't like this more than you, but... there's a big possibility this honey could... I don't know, do something to a normal human like me. I'm not taking chances."

He started dressing himself in silence, and she took a long look at him, to make sure nothing was pouring down where it shouldn't. Finally he hummed, unconvinced.

"Guess that makes sense."

"Have you've tried it?" She asked instead, a light smile on her lips.

"The honey?"

"Yes."

"Well, I..." He laughed that nervous laugh he did sometimes. "It's kind of hard Not to, you know? I mean... it's there and I don't really have a lot of napkins. I don't like getting..." He shivered a bit "...sticky all over."

She hummed in agreement, not imagining how... annoying, among other things, would be having honey dripping down your body from time to time. Sticking out her tongue she couldn't help but ask.

"And?"

"And what?"

"How did it taste?"

"Oh, well, um." He shrugged, a bit flushed. "It tastes... good. Sweet. I'ts, it's honey."

"Wish I could try it." She mused, carefully dragging with her thumb a thick orange tear that started falling down Martin's eye, before putting it down in the pot after a second of consideration. "But better safe that sorry, I guess."

"I guess..." Martin kept on pondering as she got up, offering him some pieces of toast that he ate with some of the honey from the pots. Neither of them commented on the fact that they just took all that honey from inside of him, the bizarre redundancy of him eating something that came from him. Sasha wondered as he ate his toast if it would be considered some sort of cannibalism, dismissing it immediately, thought being replaced by a cow drinking its own milk. Although that analogy had its flaws as well, seeing how he wasn't the bee but the beehive, and- "But we don't know, do we?"

It took her a couple of seconds to gather her severed thoughts.

"What?"

[morgansunflower]

Helping Hand's

Jason Todd X Reader

Y/N, asks her family to help her move into her new house. Her family unknown to the fact she's knocked up by non other than Jason Todd

Middle of the day wearing my maternity dress, and shoes as the sun shines. Mid fall, I feel the gentle breeze. I saw my siblings walking up I smiled, finally.

I picked up the box of glass cups heavy! I look at, Dick "D-Dick, could you please?"

"yup got it sis!"

He ran quickly grabbing the box. I took a deep breath feeling my baby kick probably mad, I picked the heavy box up. I cradle my bump taking a deep breath

"sorry, Sweetheart" I mumbled to my unborn baby

Dick dropped the box I hear the glass shatter. His eye's wide in shock he pointed at my abdomen

I threw my hands up "Dick!" I say frustrated

"you... You're?"

I lowered my arm's taking a deep breath "what you've never seen a pregnant woman before!" I said frustrated that he broke the glass

"sorry" he picked the box up and looked at me

"I shouldn't have lost my temper" I rolled my eye's "hormones" I say taking a deep breath

"and.." He says meaning I should have told them I'm pregnant

I put my hands on my hip raising my eyebrows "don't push it, Dick"

He smiled "so who's the baby daddy?"

I sigh, looking at my older brother irritated "say that again and I'll kick your ass"

"I certainly don't doubt that"

As the the other's walked up seeing me and my very pregnant bump. I really didn't think this through.

"well I can honestly say that I wasn't expecting that" Stephanie says surprised

'"I'll second that" Barbara said sitting in her wheelchair

"tt" Damian said plainly but his eye's wide in shock

I sighed walking to my vehicle to grab another box.

"nope! I got it" Tim ran in front of me and grabbed the box.

"go sit inside Y/N we've got this" Dick said

"I'm more than fine with helping you guy's. I just can't pick up anything too heavy"

Cassandra, held my hand and nodded to the house. I sigh and nod. Cassandra and I locked arm's going into the house. It was a beautiful house. In my new home, my large open kitchen with a large table. A hallway on the left leading to three bedrooms. One the mane bedroom, a small bedroom for my soon to be born child and a guest room. Three bathrooms and the entrance door leading to my large living room. Another back door to a backyard with a porch. I sat on my long couch. I watch and direct my siblings of where to put my thing's. I hear my phone a text from Jason. I open his text message.

-on my way home, babe you better have your hot ass on the couch. BTW I got your favorite for dinner(Jason)

-ass is on couch. Thank you for getting dinner

Dick, walked in from the kitchen with a fast pace. I turn my phone off

"ok this as gone far enough Y/N. We helped you unpack everything. We do something for you, you do something for us, like tell us who knocked you up. Now you gotta tell us who the baby daddy is"

The rest of my siblings came in. Talk about a family intervention. I took a deep breath as I hear a motorcycle knowing it's the father of my child, Jason. I gently smiled I feel my baby kicking. The baby always kicks upon hearing the motorcycle or when Jason talks.

"did you call Jason?" Barbara asked shifting uncomfortable in her wheelchair likely seeing where this is going

I snorted in laughter "he would have had a heart attack if I hadn't told him where I was"

He walked in and stretched

"I'm home my lovely's!" he stopped seeing our Family

He sighed and looked at me. I see the restaurant bag's, two drinks he's holding that I've been craving for all day. All our siblings only stood there without a word. Cassandra smiling. Damian's arm's folded his eye's glaring at Jason. Tim shook his head and slightly chuckled. Barbara, had her eyebrows forward in confusion. Dick, was in complete shock. Jason, sighed walked to me and sat down.

"when I said get back up I didn't mean for you to call them" he said slightly irritated

"I know but we got it done faster than I could have done on my own"

He gave me my food and himself a, cheeseburger. He gave me my drink. I gratefully drank some.

"I didn't want you to do it on your own either, baby" he held his, drink and drank his drink "speaking of baby" he points his pinky finger to my abdomen "how's, lil' scout?" I gently smiled of his nickname of our baby

Before I could speak Dick spoke "wait hold on! Just hold on" Dick pointed at Jason and then me "are you two? Like really?"

"yup" I say softly

"so how long have you two been together" Barbara questioned "and haven't told any of us" she mumbled her tone genuinely hurt

Jason looked at them "Y/N and I have been dating for 3 year's, secretly. We moved here to raise our baby" he held my hand "and eat our dinner" he looked at me and softly smiled "anything I miss babe"

"nope, oh yeah thanks for helping me move in guy's. It really helps us focus on the baby and not have to worry about unpacking everything"

"that did help us a lot" Jason said sighing and glanced to my swollen abdomen

"so when are you due? And are we going to meet our future nephew or niece. You know since we're your family and all we did" Stephanie says hopeful

We were interrupted by a knock on the door. Jason pulled up his holograph of the front door, Bruce. I took a deep breath

"shit" Jason mumbled

Jason, kissed my cheek he stood and opened the door. Bruce, looks at me with a concerned smile. I waved gently with my other hand my bump. Please don't be mad he looks at everyone

"father, don't you have something to say" Damian said

He gently smiled looking at Jason "Alfred is making dinner tonight. I expect you all to be there, as does Alfred"

[punkscowardschampions]

Jimmy & Janis

Jimmy: you're gonna have to go without me & my pom poms 💔💔 Janis: what, why? Jimmy: got detention Jimmy: & I've already checked the windows, like Jimmy: no escape Jimmy: 🎻🎻 Janis: Un🍀 babe Janis: leave you alone for five minutes Janis: what you do this time then? Jimmy: I didn't even do nowt Jimmy: barely said a word to this dickhead in tech who was proper giving it to me 🙄 Jimmy: should've just smacked him if I was ending up here anyway Janis: ugh Janis: bet he ain't going detention with you either Janis: teachers are cunts Jimmy: nah they didn't even hand him one out Jimmy: like fuck am I just gonna let him chat shit about us for the full lesson Jimmy: but now Janis: it's alright Janis: mean, obvious waste of your time Jimmy: I'm gonna knock him out when I next see him Janis: fair enough, I'd say Janis: I'll watch 👍 Jimmy: front row seat to make up for the one I'm missing, yeah Jimmy: you're still gonna win for me though Janis: 'course I am Janis: can't make promises for the rest of the team, though sure they'll try their best for you 😍 Janis: other School is pretty shit tbh so Jimmy: 👍 'cause I'm still taking for drinks later too Jimmy: & I'd rather you not have to drown your sorrows, pisshead Jimmy: sort them other girls out & make 🥇 happen, babe Janis: 💪 nothing but victory drinks, swear Jimmy: 💕 Jimmy: in a bit then Janis: 💕 Janis: stay alive Jimmy: [later] Jimmy: got my phone back Janis: you seen it then Jimmy: been @ed by half the school Jimmy: you alright? Janis: yeah, been reporting the comments but it don't do shit, especially when it ain't even my post so Janis: are you Jimmy: don't worry, he's gonna take it down Janis: nothing even happened Janis: I swear Janis: he's just pissed off 'cos I said it ain't gonna again Jimmy: it don't matter Jimmy: it's about what's happening next Jimmy: & I'm sorting that right now Janis: it matters to me that you hear the truth from me and believe it Janis: 'cos what he's saying, and everyone else now, is bullshit Jimmy: I know that he's the lad that gave you a lift & you didn't fuck him so Jimmy: whatever happened before ain't my business Jimmy: & nowt happened today either whatever he says Janis: it really didn't Janis: I wouldn't Jimmy: 'course you wouldn't Jimmy: it's alright Jimmy: it's not but Jimmy: I'm just saying I believe you Janis: Thank fuck Janis: I felt like I was going to vom Janis: I know Mia talked to you, she took great delight in letting me know Jimmy: Less chat more shoving screenshots of his snaps at me Jimmy: so likewise Janis: he's just a prick Jimmy: I got that Jimmy: & she's just having fun pretending that you & him have been fucking behind my back this whole time Jimmy: didn't bother telling her I've been there & I'd know, not very #goals Janis: I'm sorry Janis: this bullshit Janis: they wouldn't do it to you if you weren't with me Jimmy: why, you ain't done nowt Jimmy: & I am with you Jimmy: I wanna be Jimmy: they can't do shit to change it Janis: I like you too much to put you through this shit Janis: it's so Janis: stupid Jimmy: you ain't the one being stupid Jimmy: or putting me through it Janis: yeah but Janis: I don't know Janis: just hate it Janis: them Jimmy: I know Jimmy: but he'll be one less dickhead to worry about in a sec Jimmy: I promise Janis: what you mean Janis: he's not going to delete it Janis: already asked Jimmy: yeah he is Jimmy: I'm not asking Jimmy: I'm just about to make him Janis: where are you Jimmy: If I let you know that you'll show up Jimmy: it's better if you don't, alright Janis: Jimmy Janis: I'm not gonna stop you but don't do anything stupid on my account alright Jimmy: I ain't the one who's being stupid either Jimmy: It's okay Jimmy: not my first time knocking out this exact type of dickhead Jimmy: like I said, my ex actually was fucking around on me so Janis: that's shit Jimmy: it weren't any more fun for her Jimmy: not really Jimmy: she was messed up, is still probably Janis: still Jimmy: it don't matter Jimmy: that's not this Janis: I know but everyone else is convinced so may as well be Jimmy: Nah, I ain't so it's not even close Jimmy: only thing similar is lads chatted shit on her too, never did find out how many she really got with out of the loads who said Janis: anything to boost their own rep Jimmy: it was the ones who weren't saying owt that I had to properly watch Jimmy: they just did it & left me to walk in Jimmy: literally in some cases Janis: I'm sorry Jimmy: hang on Jimmy: he's here Janis: don't get hurt okay Jimmy: 👌 Jimmy: leave that for him Janis: obviously Janis: I don't give a fuck about him though Jimmy: makes two of us Jimmy: [a fight later] Jimmy: post's gone Janis: will you tell me where you are now Jimmy: tell me where you are & I'll come meet you Jimmy: not gonna hang round the scene of the crime, am I? Janis: I'm at my nan and granddad's Janis: could hardly go out and about town and fuck being home when she's gonna be there Janis: take this bus [#] Jimmy: 👍 Jimmy: be there as soon as Janis: don't worry, neither of 'em is in rn Jimmy: I weren't but Jimmy: alright Janis: just mean, not gonna make you talk to my entire fam Janis: are you okay? Jimmy: I don't care who I've gotta talk to right now Jimmy: I just wanna see you Janis: they don't live as middle of nowhere Jimmy: thank fuck Janis: I know Janis: not to be that bitch but you didn't answer my question Jimmy: what Janis: are you okay? Jimmy: are you? Janis: better when I see you Jimmy: I feel that Janis: Okay Janis: are you gonna bleed on me again though or Jimmy: nah Jimmy: you're safe Janis: I'm Janis: I know it'll get old if I keep saying the S word so I won't but Janis: I wish it didn't drag up all that stuff with your ex for you Jimmy: none of that is important Jimmy: just you Janis: you Jimmy: I love you Jimmy: that won't get old if I keep saying it, will it? Janis: no Janis: I love you too so I never get tired of hearing it Jimmy: good Jimmy: 'cause you know I can't stop when I've started Janis: yeah Janis: one of the things I like about you Jimmy: even if it has fucked the 🚭 Janis: I'll allow it Janis: you promised you'll stay Janis: and you're already dead yeah Jimmy: yeah Jimmy: 👻 lad me Janis: so you can't go nowhere anyway Janis: soz ginger trying to save your soul, too late Jimmy: & I can't get hurt either Jimmy: so if any other dickheads need fighting, it's no #drama Janis: not planning to make it a thing Janis: not that I planned this Jimmy: I get it, a weekly brawl would have me too 💪 & you don't need the competition Jimmy: not planning to become an athlete though you're alright Janis: you're an idiot Janis: a lovable one but Jimmy: an idiot for getting detention Jimmy: he couldn't have pulled that shit if I were there Janis: not like you planned on being too cool for school either Janis: give out detentions for their own amusement, sadists Jimmy: always too 😎 me Jimmy: for school or anywhere Janis: gift and a curse yeah babe Jimmy: exactly Jimmy: this bus actually run or what? Jimmy: I've been stood here ages Janis: yeah, last I checked Janis: if I knew where you were I could come to you Jimmy: leave it out Jimmy: you know everyone'll be talking about it tomorrow Jimmy: let them tell you Janis: Probably shouldn't come to School Janis: reckon I'm gonna get stoned Janis: not in the chill way Jimmy: the teachers are fucking useless yeah but I ain't letting nowt happen to you Jimmy: or letting anyone think this is more than just bollocks Janis: they'll think what they wanna, and they really wanna Janis: idc Jimmy: like I told you, I'll fight whichever dickheads need to be told Jimmy: I don't care Janis: can't fight girls though can ya Jimmy: I don't need to Jimmy: you can Jimmy: or however else you wanna sort it Janis: yeah Janis: fuck knows Janis: I don't wanna have to always deal with this Janis: the lads just think I'm a slag so they can get some, whatever, makes sense Janis: they're just cunty 'cos they wanna, like alright but why bother Jimmy: I've said it before Jimmy: they're jealous Jimmy: you're hotter than them Jimmy: & good at shit 'cause you're SUCH an athlete as I'm always also saying Janis: that's so fucking stupid Janis: focus on yourselves ladies, might get something done Jimmy: tweet it girl Janis: 😂 Janis: keeping well away from social media rn tah Jimmy: 💔 but you're my muse Jimmy: bit rude Janis: no one's stopping you from being 👑 of twitter etc Janis: @ me though, can't handle another blatant subtweet or indirect Jimmy: 👌 fine Janis: what Janis: you reckon I should come running to my own defence Jimmy: I don't reckon owt Jimmy: it ain't happening to me Janis: well Janis: bit Jimmy: nah I'm the #victim if I'm in this Jimmy: my DMs are full of girls offering a shoulder to cry or cum on Janis: that's disgusting Janis: truly Janis: gonna miss your way with words Janis: but that's what I get Jimmy: you should see some of the pics I've been sent Jimmy: disgusting them Janis: no thank you Janis: not actually my thing Jimmy: I weren't asked if any of this was my thing Jimmy: but fine, I'll take one for the team Janis: I know, I know Janis: it's gross Janis: pretty bold of him to do this when I've got the dick pics, like Janis: guess enough peeps have 👀 or he's that full of himself Jimmy: probably hoping you'll show 'em about & the girls'll swoon Jimmy: dickhead Janis: 🙄 Janis: wouldn't put it past them so nah Janis: burn my phone, burn my retinas, like Jimmy: 🙄 Janis: assume Mia is licking his wounds for him as we speak Jimmy: I hurt him enough, maybe she'll actually swallow him Janis: 🙏🤞 Jimmy: who the fuck is he Jimmy: why does he think he can be this much of a bellend Janis: idk Janis: he's fit and such an athlete, obvs everyone loves him Janis: good match Jimmy: he ain't fit & I beat the shit out of him so how much of an athlete is he Janis: well you know what I mean Janis: stereotypical jock pretending his life is an american teen drama or a really low rent porn Janis: idk, the fact he was such a dickhead worked at the time Jimmy: it's your type, don't have to tell me Janis: fuck off Janis: no it ain't Jimmy: he is, I am Jimmy: that's two for two Jimmy: unless you've been hanging round with some right nerds Janis: you ain't my type either Janis: people don't actually have types do they Jimmy: you tried to tell me I do as soon as I met you Janis: yeah and look where you've ended up Janis: types are for when you wanna play it safe and be disappointed Janis: know what you're getting, even if it's a steaming pile of 💩 Jimmy: you don't have to sell me on how wrong you were, girl Jimmy: I told you back then Janis: I wasn't wrong Jimmy: you said I have a type, I don't Jimmy: what are you calling it Janis: 👌 Jimmy: nah, come on Jimmy: what are you calling it Janis: you have a type but you got 🍀 Janis: obviously Jimmy: piss off Janis: 😏 Janis: jk Janis: very unlucky Janis: 'part from the bathroom fuck, worst girlfriend ever Jimmy: apart from every fuck Jimmy: get it right Janis: please tweet that final review Janis: not all bad Jimmy: alright Jimmy: hang on Janis: erm wait until you've dumped me, dickhead Janis: and wait 'til this scandal has blown over 'fore that or they'll have it #confirmed Jimmy: you don't reckon I'm gonna have more to say after I've been fucking you forever Jimmy: bit rude Jimmy: thought I had a way with words Janis: you do Janis: that was beautiful baby Janis: please fuck me forever 💕 Jimmy: I already promised Jimmy: not gonna break it & your 💔 Janis: tah 👍 Janis: you are on the bus now though on the real Jimmy: it did show up yeah Janis: coulda told me Janis: rude Jimmy: didn't realise you needed a warning Jimmy: do you wanna countdown or what Janis: shut up Janis: too soon to be making jokes about needing time to see the last out the door Jimmy: so funny you Janis: I said it's too soon Jimmy: 👍 Janis: be my friend Jimmy: I don't wanna Jimmy: stop friendzoning me Jimmy: 🎻🎻🎻 Janis: okay be my boyfriend then Jimmy: I am Jimmy: who do you think you're chatting to right now Jimmy: might have the wrong convo, girl Janis: think I'd be better at this Janis: honestly Janis: rookie errors these Jimmy: tah for saying it so I don't have to kick you when you're down Jimmy: embarrassing really Janis: I'll do better next time babe Janis: promise Jimmy: yeah sort it out Janis: hey, you're hot, wanna help me cheat on my boyfriend Jimmy: not that kind of boy Jimmy: but you'll find loads of takers so don't be 💔 Janis: am a bit Jimmy: you're 💔 or you're calling me a bit of a slag Jimmy: either way, gutted Janis: I've called you a slag many a time Janis: not gonna half-arse it now Jimmy: & I've been gutted every time Jimmy: but tah for letting me know what you meant Janis: you know it's just guilt projection Janis: shameless, really Jimmy: yeah Jimmy: well that's your rep now, may as well Janis: cheers Janis: probs shit the bed a bit with him but like you said, loads of takers Jimmy: chin up, Jillian Jimmy: you've got that paddy 🍀 on your side Janis: such a charmer Jimmy: what you like about me Janis: you want a list or you just stating facts Jimmy: it's a fact Jimmy: don't wear yourself out with the list Jimmy: bet you've got loads of DMs to get through & fire sexts to write Janis: naturally Janis: I don't even know who some of these people are though Jimmy: I'd offer my services but I ain't written one for a lad before Jimmy: Barry ain't that tech savvy Jimmy: give him a ring or nowt Janis: boys are easy Janis: very visual Janis: your talent would be wasted, tbh Jimmy: that's tanked my get rich quick scheme Janis: 😕 Janis: soz Janis: start charging for your nudes instead of giving 'em away, probs Jimmy: I'll just charge every girl in my inbox for a reply Jimmy: be alright Janis: not me though Janis: mates rates right Jimmy: I'm charging you double every time you friendzone me, mate Janis: Baby Jimmy: triple when you really 💔 me Janis: when have I ever Janis: babe Jimmy: you want a list Jimmy: 'cause the bus ain't got that many more stops so tell me now Janis: that is so mean Janis: 💔 Jimmy: baby Janis: I'm too headfucked rn for your shennanigans Janis: just be here Jimmy: I really miss you Jimmy: so much Janis: I miss you more Janis: definitely Jimmy: you can't say that Janis: but I do Jimmy: you can't feel how much I miss you Janis: I wish I could Janis: I need to know that you're okay and you really do believe me Jimmy: when I get there I'll do my best Jimmy: but it's never Jimmy: all of it Jimmy: I wish I could show you that Janis: we got time Janis: right Jimmy: depends Jimmy: can we stay at your nan & granddads for a bit Janis: yeah Jimmy: then yeah Janis: I love you, you know Jimmy: I do Jimmy: & I do too Janis: no one else matters Janis: just you and me Jimmy: you're all I give a fuck about Jimmy: nowt's changed Janis: can we go somewhere Jimmy: where Janis: anywhere Janis: it doesn't have to be now, if you can't but Jimmy: I'd go anywhere with you Jimmy: any time you want Janis: I don't want us to forget Janis: that none of them, and their shit, matters Jimmy: I won't Jimmy: & I won't let you Jimmy: I just want you Jimmy: so much Janis: I fucking need you, Jim Jimmy: I need you more Jimmy: like actually Janis: I Janis: it hurts Janis: when you aren't here Jimmy: I get it Jimmy: me too Jimmy: but there's nowt keeping me away from you now Jimmy: soon as I'm off this bus we're together Jimmy: that's it Janis: nothing or no one getting in our way yeah Jimmy: I swear Janis: Good Janis: you're mine okay Jimmy: it's okay with me, yeah Janis: good Jimmy: meet me off here Jimmy: I have to see you Jimmy: I just Janis: coming Janis: let me just settle this dog, 5 minutes max Jimmy: like one 🐶💕 weren't enough Jimmy: but go on Janis: this one makes Twix look like an 😇 Janis: gonna be so glad to see her, you are Jimmy: you better make sure you see her Jimmy: that's the cheating you've really done Janis: don't think I can look her in her puppydog eyes tbh Jimmy: 🎻🎻 Jimmy: for her though not you Jimmy: you know what you did Janis: 😭 Janis: I had nowhere else to go Jimmy: save it for her, babe Jimmy: I don't need your excuses Janis: you know you wanna put in a good word for me, come on Jimmy: maybe Jimmy: if only to get her off my case Jimmy: I ain't nobody's rebound tah Janis: gotta have standards Janis: respect that Jimmy: & I told you that early on Jimmy: bit late to go back on it now Janis: you did? Janis: well it stands up Jimmy: you've forgotten? Jimmy: which one of us might have gotten smacked in the head today Jimmy: get it together, like Janis: soz I ain't memorized everything you've said Janis: only pretending to be that highkey Jimmy: crack on with it Jimmy: you've got time, nerd Janis: you gonna stop chatting so much shit or? Janis: making my life hard Jimmy: make me Janis: I am omw Jimmy: be faster Jimmy: are you even an athlete or what Jimmy: if you ain't running to me so we can film it in slo-mo it ain't #goals my love Janis: you know I just won a 🏀 before being forced on a walk of shame Janis: I'm knackered Jimmy: shit I never even asked Jimmy: sorry Janis: you're alright, safe to say no one gave much of a shit before something more #drama happened Jimmy: I did though Jimmy: I do Janis: thanks Janis: you're a good WAG Jimmy: piss off Janis: 😘 Jimmy: 😒 Jimmy: it's weird enough that you play for any school teams, don't call me a WAG too Janis: gets you out of lessons sometimes Janis: you know you wanna Jimmy: gutted I'm too 😎 Jimmy: 'cause yeah Janis: you ain't too cool to be with me Jimmy: but seriously, what team are they letting me on Jimmy: #troublemaker me Janis: sure they'll reckon it's good discipline for you then 😏 Jimmy: 🙄 'course Janis: come on Janis: I wanna see the short shorts Jimmy: 😏 Jimmy: say please & maybe Janis: I'll say it when you get here Jimmy: 👌 Jimmy: but only 'cause I wanna see you so bad Janis: Good Janis: I miss you Jimmy: just Jimmy: you be here Jimmy: I Janis: thanks Janis: for being you and not Janis: believing Jimmy: what else was I gonna do? Jimmy: you're the only one I like Janis: you could've though Janis: like, convincing, give him that Jimmy: if I was gonna be like that I might as well just fuck off now Jimmy: I mean it, all of this, it's the only thing I've got Jimmy: or want Jimmy: & we're a team whether the school lets me join in or not Janis: me too Janis: promise Jimmy: if you say nowt happened then it didn't Jimmy: that's all the convincing I need Jimmy: you don't lie to me Janis: I don't Janis: and why would I Janis: I didn't feel anything when we did do stuff so Janis: pointless now Jimmy: I remember Jimmy: you said Janis: I thought that's how it was Janis: just overhyped Jimmy: I get it Jimmy: even if now I've met you I don't reckon it was hyped up enough Janis: you're Janis: why are you so nice to me Jimmy: I told you, you're nice to me Jimmy: then I'm nice back Jimmy: it's a deal Janis: I'll be nicer Jimmy: how Jimmy: you're so Janis: again Janis: I'll show you Janis: 'cos I see you now Jimmy: yeah? Janis: mhmm Janis: have you forgotten what I look like Jimmy: he didn't hit me that hard Janis: Baby Jimmy: I'm okay Jimmy: I promise Janis: I'll check Janis: 'cos I'll kill him if he has Jimmy: 🤞 he's already 💀 Jimmy: I hit him hard so Janis: he earnt it Jimmy: I don't care about him Jimmy: it's for you Janis: me either Janis: just you Janis: did it make you feel better Jimmy: a bit Janis: yeah Janis: people bullshit when they say it won't Jimmy: I only wish I could have fucked him up worse for what he did Jimmy: & what he's like Janis: don't worry, his ego is 💀 if nothing else Janis: already 😷 'cos I turned him down Jimmy: that makes me feel loads better Janis: seriously Janis: it was pretty funny 'til it weren't Janis: 😢 like Jimmy: I love you Jimmy: how could I not Jimmy: that's real #goals Janis: wish you coulda been there Janis: coulda showed him why I don't want him Jimmy: me too Jimmy: it's not just him though, you don't want anyone else, do you? Janis: no one Janis: you know it's just you Jimmy: alright Jimmy: good Jimmy: come here then Janis: ['scuse them the most intense hello ever] Jimmy: [literally would & do need several moments] Janis: [can tell she's been in a state] Jimmy: [just all the reassuring touches in the world like he would not stop even when they are trying to walk again or whatever] Jimmy: [says 'afternoon' and smiles casually but is looking at her like & like I said just touching always] Janis: [blinking 'cos her eyes are stinging 'cos a bitch don't cry but she really thought y'all had fucked this up for them] Janis: ['hey'] Jimmy: [a boy sees & knows but he's keeping it chill for her] Jimmy: ['alright?'] Janis: [nods] Janis: ['now you're here'] Jimmy: [so many kisses basically wherever he can cos he can't stop himself like some are soft and some aren't cos all the feelings bitch] Janis: [holding onto him so tight and all the ilys] Jimmy: [likewise holding onto her like they about to drown like sorry everyone else about but not cos he would not be able to stop rn] Janis: [let's get you inside lads cheers for the empty grandparents] Jimmy: [more of the same when they're in lbr] Janis: [is checking his over like she said she would but is clearly fine suck it harry] Jimmy: [literally still can't stop touching her either even though low key would get in the way of what she's trying to do] Janis: [is loling but not trying to stop him 'cos never] Jimmy: [more kisses cos it ends them when the other one laughs] Janis: [softness bitch, getting him to the sofa 'cos she just wants to hold/be held for a hot sec] Jimmy: [give them a while with all those much needed snuggles] Janis: ['you're so important'] Jimmy: ['you are'] Janis: [let's self have sneaky cry 'cos overwhelmed as hell] Jimmy: [isn't gonna make a big deal of it even if he knows so just more of the same softness & being comforting & loving like] Janis: [laying on his chest listening to his heart] Jimmy: [playing with her hair from now until forever bye] Janis: ['it's fast'] Jimmy: [nods 'I told you, I had to see you. Needed to.'] Janis: [puts his hand on her chest, 'same', cos truly] Jimmy: [imagine what the fuck his breathing would have been like too omg] Janis: [let them just be so they can just calm] Jimmy: [later, he gets up to get them both a drink not alcohol let's not be wild, it'd be cute cos he don't know where anything is but still wanna do it for her] Janis: if you just wanted to look through the cupboards, that's alright Jimmy: just seeing if they got any posh silver I can have away Jimmy: life of crime starts here Janis: by the time the inheritance is split between us all I won't get much so Janis: go for your life, babe Jimmy: 👍 Jimmy: [brings her a beverage probably tea actually cos that's what english people do] Janis: ['tah'] Jimmy: [goes back to snuggling like he never left] Janis: 'you're the best boyfriend'] Jimmy: ['you're the best muse. Very inspiring.'] Janis: ['what are you thinking right now?'] Jimmy: [kisses her cos he's thinking about how much he loves her/how happy he is this isn't fucked up etc but how to say] Janis: [smiles] Janis: works for me Jimmy: [kisses her again cos the smile] Janis: are you coming back to mine tonight Jimmy: yeah Janis: [bigger smile] Jimmy: [just 😍 at her] Janis: nothing's ever gonna fuck this Jimmy: works for me Jimmy: [smiles back] Janis: promise Jimmy: are you promising or asking me if I do Janis: both Jimmy: well I do Jimmy: [sips tea but not in a shady way lol] Janis: good Janis: 'cos I like you Jimmy: I love you Janis: [pouncing for kiss be careful of the tea] Jimmy: [cue make out session they both need & deserve] Janis: we can stay home tomorrow can't we Jimmy: we can do whatever you want Janis: I don't care if people reckon I'm running or being a pussy Janis: don't wanna be there Janis: just wanna be with you Jimmy: I don't give a shit about anything but you having what you want Janis: you Jimmy: [just pulling her into her lap for cuddles like] Janis: everything is alright when you're with me Jimmy: then everything's alright Jimmy: I ain't going nowhere Janis: me either Janis: [snuggles further in to prove point] Jimmy: [keeping them like that lowkey forever]

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

Corrupted: TMA x Malevolent Crossover

Tim Stoker opened a book he shouldn't, and now he's got a new friend who calls himself John -

And is very much not a John.

Facing cultists, fear gods, and very little information, Tim is trying to handle it all -

But he's been marked by the Desolation, and little by little, finding it harder to say no to rage.

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

Tim is so relieved the cultists are gone that he leans against the door. “Yellow. Yellow, what was that. Yellow. That was not cool, Yellow.”

Yellow is back to dark chortling.

“Ugh.” Tim grabs his wallet. 

And what do you plan to do now?

“Groceries. I gotta live, even with all this going on.”

Fair enough.

Tim holds his wallet. He can feel it with both hands. See it with one eye. “What do you think Kayne meant by a time limit?”

I… don’t know. Maybe losing your body parts. Maybe he’s set a spell to kill you. I honestly have no idea.

“Right. Okay. I need you thinking, Yellow. Our goal, first, is to get you unhooked from that damn book.”

Silence.

“You don’t like that, huh? Been your safe space for a long time. Well… Kayne has it now. It’s not safe for you anymore.”

Nowhere is.

“Maybe we can make a safe space. That’s just one of the things on the docket, anyway.”

Yellow sighs. And what else do you believe is on our docket?

“First, the book, so if something goes wrong, you don’t go zinging right to him - because I’m pretty sure you’d rather die quick than go hang out with Satan. Am I right?”

It sounds… difficult for Yellow to answer. You are right.

“Two: we need to figure out how to protect you from the god-eating thingummies.”

There is no way to protect me from the… thingummies.

“Bet you’ve never said that word in thousands of years, eh?”

Tim…

Tim puts in his earbuds and locks his door. “Third, we need to figure out this mark thing.”

Tim.

“Are you gonna try to tell me this docket isn’t applicable?”

Silence.

Tim takes the stairs. It’s been a few days since he had the chance to work out, and the last thing he needs to do now is lose any fitness.

He’s silent on the way to the store. Silent as he shops, choosing things that will hopefully not go bad too quickly. Silent as he carries it all back, eschewing public transport, because he needs to stay in shape.

He does a few bicep curls with the groceries on his way back up the stairs.

What are you planning to make?

“Curry.”

I’ve had curry. It’s lovely.

Right. During the times Yellow had stolen someone’s body. “Sorry I can’t share it with you. So, hey - can I use my mark to keep you safe?”

Excuse me?

“It’s rage and destruction, right? I’m assuming this doesn’t mean just… walking around, punching things. Does power come with it?”

Tim. I don’t know what this idea is you’ve concocted, but drop it.

“So it does, then.”

Tim.

And that’s less patient. That’s less amused. Tim must be toeing some line, but he doesn’t know enough to identify it yet. “Hear me out, okay?” He cracks open a package of tofu.

Go on.

That was condescending.

Tim doesn’t roll his eyes, but it’s close. “The Desolation is one of those god-eaters, right?”

Yes.

“So no one, logically, would be looking for you anywhere near something that felt like it.”

Or, conversely, by channeling its power, you could draw it to me.

“Well, do we know which?”

Tim… this is not a game.

“Says the guy who just threw cultists at me for a laugh.” Tim starts the tofu cooking.

We won’t get second chances. If you draw something to us, it’s over.

“You’re already drawing them, right? And the mark will inevitably turn me into a ball of rage anyway, right? So. How do we flip the narrative?”

Your hope is a fragile thing, says Yellow suddenly. Worrisome. It’s based on so little; it can’t possibly withstand a storm.

Tim sighs and stops slicing carrots. “Then I’d like to know what you want me to do.”

Study magic. Lay low.

“That won’t work, Yellow.” He resumes chopping.

The barest wave of irritation rises. It has worked so far.

“And the cat’s out of the bag now. Kayne has the book. Bouchard knows we’re here. Dagon just died really messily in a place that supposedly has no gods, and you can’t tell me nobody noticed. One of those fucking god-eaters has already found us and marked me. We can’t do it the way you’ve been doing it, Yellow.”

Cthulhu sighs. Am I going to have to break your mind, after all?

“Stop that,“ says Tim, lighter than he feels. "You’re not gonna.” It all goes in the wok with a sizzle and lovely smell.

Aren’t I.

Flat delivery. Unreadable.

Tim mostly believes Yellow won’t.

Tim has to believe Yellow won’t.

“No. You’d be bored to death, dealing with those three numb-nuts instead of my winning personality.”

So young. Yellow seems to say that to himself.

Tim sighs and settles in to eat his first real meal in days.

For a while, that’s all that matters.

“Fuck, that’s good,” he says, mouth-breathing because it’s too hot.

I’m sure.

“You thinking like I asked you to?”

Silence.

“Come on, Yellow, don’t give up yet. They don’t even have us yet. We’re still free. We could fly to Borneo, if we had to.”

They do have you. You are marked.

A tiny bit of irritation (except it’s too heated to be irritation) flares in Tim. He covers it by stabbing nothing with his fork, emphatic. “Still don’t really know what that means.”

This universe is… cancerous.

Tim stops chewing. “What, for real?”

Yes. It is inhabited by beings which should not exist - mutations, born of human and animal fear, somehow… given life. 

“You don’t know? Does anybody know?”

No. By the time we noticed this mess, it had been going on for some time. And we noticed, Tim, because the gods from this timeline were disappearing.

“Just not making phone calls, or what?”

Their domains were empty. Abandoned. Their followers suddenly bereft. Those things they controlled - if they did - went wildly out of control, or ceased to be entirely. Tim, there are so many things no longer existing in this timeline - from dragons to proper geological magics - that will never exist here again because they were tied to deific existence. 

“So I’m in the extinction timeline for more than just… spotted owls.”

It took a while to see what was happening because the Fears are not gods; even those with personalities - such as the Web - don’t truly have personality. They ape it. So… seeking for living things responsible for what happened did not work.

“And gods kept disappearing.” Tim gets seconds. The curry is good.

Yes. In the end, those gods who remained fled - merging with alternates of themselves in other universe, or taking up spaces left empty by their never-existence. 

“So Kayne was right, and you really are bugfuck crazy to be hiding out here.” Tim cracks open a beer.

It was… an unexpected choice. And it paid off.

“Until me.” 

Tim isn’t used to guilt. He tries to be a decent person; he volunteers in the community, he donates to charity. He knows he makes mistakes, which everyone does. He doesn’t live his life in shame or sorrow.

Guilt, he is discovering, is a really bad feeling.

He swallows into the silence. “I’m sorry.”

I admit, I briefly wondered if I’d misjudged you, seen you as better than you are, says Yellow. But now that I see the mark you bear, it makes sense. 

“Still. I’m the one who did it.” Tim has to change the subject. “Hey - is anything else hiding in that book?”

Who knows? I still am at a loss to explain Dagon .

“At least you two weren’t close?”

He snorts. No. 

“So if you’re at a loss there… then you admit you don’t know everything.”

Tim…

“I’m just saying. There really may be some avenue of help that you don’t know about because you never looked.”

Yellow sighs.

“And,” continues Tim, “if I really am Merlin, or whatever, I could help you find it.”

You would be at risk.

“I”m already at risk. Doomed, in fact, according to the narrative, apparently.”

More immediate. Not the same.

And Tim is surprised at how angry he is at the warmth in Yellow’s voice.

The affection, the fondness - they weren’t real at all, were they?

Not likely. 

Yellow had been briefly honest when upset: if he had a chance, he would take Tim’s body. Maybe he’d feel a little sad that Tim had to be put down like an unwanted mutt, but that was about it.

It shouldn’t matter. It should not.

It does.

“Let’s just get real here, shall we?” says Tim in a low voice he hardly recognizes. “You’re not worried for me. You’re worried for you. You’re worried I’m going to do something that triggers whatever clause it is that sends you to Kayne, or do something that draws those god-eating freaks to you which will eat you slowly. Stop pretending it’s my welfare that concerns you, and maybe we can actually make some fucking progress.”

He stops.

He stops breathing. 

Stops anything.

That was…

Horrible.

Except it wasn’t horrible.

But it wasn’t him. Tim swallows. His eyes are filling.

Yellow is quiet.

“Marked, huh?” Tim whispers, wiping tears.

Yes.

“Fuck,” says Tim, softly. "I didn’t even know it was happening.”

That’s the point. It’s in you. Part of you - and wouldn’t have ever been able to mark you if you didn’t have proclivities toward that rage, says Yellow, and it is gentle, and it feels real.

“But I’m not - ” He’s getting angry over that, and keeps his tone even. “I’m not an angry person. I’ve never been.”

You never had need to be. A man may have genius talent for sculpting clay, but unless he attempts to do so, will live and die without ever knowing the skill is there.

“Real pretty way of saying I’m gonna turn into a rage monster.” It comes out more bitter than expected.

There may be… something we can do. Unfortunately, I believe it requires returning to Bouchard.

“Ugh. Well. Needs must.” Tim blows his nose, then goes to wash his bowl and clean the wok.

He also notes that Yellow did not deny anything he said in his little rant.

It hurts.

Stupid, Tim tells himself, to get hurt over the fact that Cthulhu doesn’t really like him. What the hell, Stoker?

“Did you think maybe Bouchard is the reason the Desolation found us?” Tim says.

If so, then we will have some words to exchange, won’t we?

“What, am I gonna rough him up?”

Yellow laughs.

Fair. 

Yellow, however, never answers as to what Tim will do.

A tiny, disturbing part of him wants to be angry at that.

But Tim does not. Tim doesn’t.

He won’t let this thing win. This… weird, infectious rage.

There has to be a way.

Tim texts Happy and asks if there is any kind of an ETA for magical translations, then stares at what he just sent. 

“What even is my life?” Tim mumbles.

Precious. We will see it preserved.

"Sure.”