#also this is the first time i actually put some kind of effort into photographing something i made

[starwhipnspin]

entering @bumblebeeenby 's DTIYS AAAH i wanted to make a lloyd plushie for a while and this was the perfect excuse fr

and of course i drew something too cuz why wouldnt i this guy is just so silly

[willieverseetheland]

jingle bells.

spencer reid x fem!reader summary: spencer gets a little too tipsy at the office christmas party.

WARNINGS: alcohol consumption, language, spencer being a dork

fluff, mutual pining, friends to lovers

I know christmas has been over, I just felt inspired.

wc: 1.4k

You've always loved Christmas. It wasn't the holiday itself; it was how it brought people together. Everything just feels so cozy and bright. So when Penelope asked you to help her decorate for the party, you were more than happy to do so.

Although your job can be very depressing at times, the office environment is truly amazing. Everyone is so kind. You couldn't ask for better coworkers. However, there's one fellow profiler you've grown rather close with these past few months.

Spencer Reid was one of the first people you became friends with at the BAU, other than Penelope of course. He's such a good friend, and always seems to be genuinely interested in what you have to say. He notices the little things, like when you were always complaining about your feet being cold, so he bought you fuzzy socks. Or when he overheard you talking to Emily about how badly you wanted this decorative plate set for your new apartment, and he got it for you for your birthday. He's truly the best friend a girl could ever ask for. But recently you've been wondering if it's only platonic love that you feel. Could it be more than friendship? You find yourself putting extra effort into your appearance, but you just chalk it up to wanting to better yourself. You have also noticed how when you shop, you choose clothes you think he might like.

Sometimes you catch yourself wondering if he feels the same way. Does he lie in bed at night thinking of your voice and laughter the way you think of him? Does he get flustered when your knees brush together during debriefs? Does he get that fluttery feeling in his stomach when you lock eyes from across the room?

Now that you're thinking about it, you really fucking like him. You feel like a teenager with a schoolgirl crush. God, how could you let this happen? You know that co-worker relationships rarely work out. But you're an adult, you can be mature about it, right?

You snap out of your daydream and realize its already 6:00. The party starts in an hour, and you only have a quarter of what you need to do done.

"Hey Penelope, think we could get some Christmas music going? I work faster with music playing!"

"It's like you read my mind y/n!"

The sound of bells fills the room and suddenly you find yourself feeling very festive. You hear Penelope humming along.

You work quickly to get the last of the lights and tinsel strung up. You wish it could look like this year-round. You check your watch. 6:53. Everyone should be arriving soon.

You hear the elevator ding and see Derek walk out with a plate full of what is most definitely store-bought cookies.

"Wow, you ladies really outdid yourselves."

"Hello Derek and thank you" you smile.

People begin to arrive one-by-one. Emily, JJ, Hotch, and Rossi. Everyone says their hellos and get settled. Some make their way to the booze faster than others.

It's 7:25 and Spencer isn't here yet. You feel a pit begin to form in your stomach. You were really hoping to see him tonight. You decide to grab yourself a drink and socialize, take your mind off of him. He'll show up eventually, right?

"Y/N! Hey! Where's your other half?" Emily chuckles and raises her eyebrows. You can tell she snuck a few shots in the elevator.

"I assume you mean Spencer. Not sure actually." So much taking your mind off of him. And what did she mean by other half? It's not that obvious right?

You scan the room, hoping to see Spencer, but you don't. However, you do catch Rossi getting rather comfortable with new forensic photographer.

You finish your drink and wander off to get another. Looking at your watch you see that it's 7:47. You're starting to feel a little hopeless. But right as you turn to rejoin the party, you see him. Those big brown eyes and fluffy hair.

"Hey Y/N, sorry I'm late. I had to go pick up some last-minute gifts."

Weight falls off of your shoulders at the sound of his voice. You feel overwhelming relief now that he's here. You had spent the last hour, or at least what felt like an hour, with your jaw clenched and a heavy feeling in your stomach. You hate feeling this way. You know you need to talk to him, but you don't want to screw up a good thing.

"It's alright Spence, I'm just glad you're here now." You give him a warm smile and place your hand on his shoulder.

He gives you his classic dorky smile in return, and you feel those all too familiar butterflies swell in your stomach.

As the night goes on, the wine flows and sounds of laughter fills the room. You stay by Spencer's side practically the whole night. Now you understand what Emily meant. You notice he's had quite a bit to drink. Definitely not more than Rossi, but more than usual. You feel like he's being more playful and affectionate as well. But you assume it's just the alcohol. You desperately hope he's flirting, but you don't want to look too far into it.

Your thoughts quickly dissolve into the air as the room goes silent and Rossi's rather loud voice announces it's time to exchange gifts. You give out your gifts and accept the ones given to you. You receive a cinnamon roll scented candle from Emily, a pair of heart shaped earrings from Penelope, a fuzzy blanket from JJ, and various trinkets and gadgets from others. Spencer hands you a slender box wrapped in shiny blue snowflaked wrapping paper.

"I wonder what this could be." You raise your eyebrow playfully and give a small laugh.

You carefully tear off the wrapping paper and open the box. Inside is a necklace with small heart shaped locket.

"Go ahead, open the locket." he has a drunken grin, and his eyes are eager.

You open the locket and inside is a picture of you and Spencer from your birthday. You feel a warmth spread over your face and you can't help but smile.

"Oh my god Spencer, this is- thank you so much, really." You pull him into a tight embrace. Relishing in the feeling of his arms around you for just a moment. You pull away, smile faltering slightly.

"Would you walk with me? Outside? It's really warm in here." His eyes are glassy and his cheeks are a rosy pink. His drinks have definitely caught up with him now. No wonder he feels warm.

"Of course, are you feeling okay?" you ask with sincerity.

"Yeah, there's just a lot of noise. Just need some fresh air s'all."

You two slip out into the crisp, December night. The sky's clear so you can see the stars. Your breath creates mini clouds in the night air.

You look over at Spencer and wonder what's going on inside that brilliant brain of his. You've always been so fascinated by the way he thinks.

"You look so beautiful right now. I-I mean you always do, but in this moment you..." his voice trails off like he has more to say, but doesn't know if he should say it.

"You don't look too bad yourself." You let out a quiet laugh.

You can hear carolers singing jingle bells in the distance.

You glance up at him and see that he's looking at you. His eyes reflect the full moon. There's a sadness in his eyes but also an admiring, soft expression.

"y/n."

"Yeah, Spencer?" You place your hand on his forearm. His mouth opens and closes slightly like he doesn't know if he should say what he's about to say.

"I love you. I'm in love with you, y/n." his voice is soft and trembling ever so slightly. His eyes jump across your face, searching for a reaction.

You feel like your brain might short circuit. You're overwhelmed with emotion. You feel a sting as your eyes prick up with tears.

"Spencer, I don't know what to say." You see his smile fade and fear that may have been poor choice of words.

You decide maybe words won't do how you feel justice.

You step closer to him, placing your right hand on his cheek and the left just below his jaw. You breathe in deeply and pull his face to yours. You place a soft kiss on his lips. He then grabs the sides of your face deepening the kiss. You feel heat creeping up your neck, and the whole world feels as though it's melting away.

You pull away, catching your breath. He looks starstruck, like he can't believe what just happened. And honestly, you can't either. You almost want to ask him to pinch you.

"I love you too, Dr. Spencer Reid."

[earthtooz]

·˚ ༘ 𝙉𝘼𝙂𝙄 𝘽𝙁 𝙃𝙀𝘼𝘿𝘾𝘼𝙉𝙊𝙉𝙎

─ ❛ i want to try... to put in some effort ❜

# warnings: minimal hurt/comfort, 2k words of pure fluff and brain dumping, hope u enjoy :p lmk if there are other warnings ! reo and isagi appear

# a/n: SECOND FIC OF THE DAY ??? guys i'm on a roll... check out the rin one i posted earlier MWAHAH (pls)

gamer boyfriend gamer boyfriend gamer boyfriend 🤣🤣🤣

hc that reo set y’all up.

the duo saw you at a café that reo frequents and by extension, one that nagi frequents too.

it was love at first sight with nagi immediately being fascinated by you, and reo, being the amazing wingman he is, notices the heart eyes that immediately appear on the expression of his usually nonchalant friend.

then reo said ‘lemme make your miserable life better’ and walked over to you and told you his friend found you hot.

nagi kind of just stood there in shock, appalled by reo’s shamelessness and even more shocked when you looked him in the eye and smiled.

love at first sight >>>

nagi likes to incorporate you into all aspects of his life.

i mean he only has three things in life that he consistently does which is soccer, gaming, and existing 😐😐

but he still likes you incorporate you into everything in his life <3

soccer? he makes sure to get you premium seats in every match to watch him- bring your friends if you’d like, he can make it all happen, so long as you're there to watch him :p

he becomes more motivated to practice when you’re there.

gaming? he plays games with you, teaches you how to play, likes to have you there when gaming as well.

existing? he eats, sleeps, brushes his teeth, washes the dishes, cleans the house, etc, with you. he’s attached to your hip and refuses to leave you alone so long as it’s within the perimeters of your home.

sometimes, when you two are soccer-ing, gaming, or existing together, nagi also gets upset is you try to leave :( like naurrrr come back…

love language of touch and quality time 🙄

is happiest when he’s touching you somehow.

and naturally, by touching you, he spends time with you so this is a win-win situation for nagi.

and because he literally can’t exist without having you by his side, it therefore means he gets to embrace you however he likes- a win-win situation!

award for most annoying boyfriend ??? it’s got nagi seishiro’s name engraved.

his social media is so low-effort too 😭 – namely his instagram, he's not active on twitter or tiktok that much and when he is, it's for promos that his manager has uploaded.

occasionally, you make a couples' tiktok here and there and those get a lot of traction.

basically; it's not until you came along that his social media presence increased.

before on instagram, it would be just square pictures of him standing with his hands in his pockets from an atrocious angle, some of them had the nasty-ass Instagram filters over them too like boy…

the captions were worse. so much worse.

now he posts photos YOU take 💪 but majority of his feed is photos with you, photos from official photographers during matches, or photos taken after he wins a game :3

his private instagram is much more exciting though:

ynsoneandonlysimp tell me i look hot

megu_megu looking submissive and breedable 👍 ╰┈➤ ynsoneandonlysimp only for yn tho ╰┈➤ yn pls don't say this

nagi isn't jealous but he is, to a certain degree, possessive.

it's not to a point that it's overbearing since he believes you are your own person, but y'know, if he catches someone flirting with you or looking at you a little too long, he gets an urge to hide you away from the world, or kiss you silly until the whole world knows.

he just wants others to know that you’re his and he’s yours, a fact that’s not going to change any time soon.

it's easy to calm him down though!

his pacifism and calmness is actually one of the traits you love about him + how stubborn he is about it.

sometimes ☝️ this is the main reason why he can keep his head on his shoulders - for all things beside soccer.

but,,, one of the traits that have caused the worst conflict between you two is his laziness and how impassive he is towards a lot of things. although he is low maintenance, he is also low effort. 

it's not terribly bothersome, it's just that if he doesn't care about something, nagi expects you not too either. but when it comes to what he does care about, nagi expects you too as well.

and you're not reo, you're not persuasive enough to lug a 190cm man to do what you want - nor are you that willing to compromise for him, like a certain purple-haired is.

you had a fight over this – his insistence on always getting what he wants and never listening to what you want, whether it be going on dates, how you should spend your time together; all couple things that deserved to be equally contributed towards - it was getting tiresome after a while of only fulfilling nagi’s wishes.

in addition to that, nagi is absolute shit at communication because of his laziness, so when you tell him that you'd appreciate a few texts to let you know what time he's coming home, he just shrugs you off.

"nagi, where are you?" you ask quietly in the phone, standing outside the restaurant that you'd booked a reservation at for the night, where nagi promised he’d meet you after a day of errands and practice.

“i’m still at practice, sorry, but i don’t think i can make it,” he mutters. in the distance, you can hear isagi and reo.

a part of you sours, hardening with annoyance. “oh. couldn’t you have told me earlier?” you try your best to hide the irritation out of your tone, really, you do, but you have limits and boundaries, and nagi was beginning to tread real close, especially after making you wait without bothering to tell you.

“hey, what’s the big deal? i didn’t really want to go to that restaurant anyways.”

“are you kidding? couldn’t you have also told me this earlier as well?”

“why are you getting worked up over this? it’s just dinner, i can bring home some takeout on the way or something.”

part of you quells in fury at his dismissive attitude and it worsens with how he tries to play it off that it’s no big deal. your boyfriend has ditched you for a date at a restaurant that you personally love, and not only that, reasoned that he didn’t care much for it anyway, making you feel like shit for even suggesting this place anyways.

with a scoff, you hang up on him before things can escalate and you’re spewing shit out of your mouth that will only damage you more. standing outside the restaurant, you’re trying to keep your cool, resisting the urge to throw your phone at something. you don’t want to go home, not yet, not when you took your time to look good and dress to impress.

nagi, on the other hand, looks at his phone with confusion, now staring at his locked homescreen.

“who was that?” isagi calls out the moment he notices the white-haired has hung up.

“y/n,” he replies, the confusion still laced in his expression.

“oh, why didn’t you let us say hi?” reo asks, jogging over to his long-time friend. isagi follows, hugging the ball by his side.

“i was about to but then y/n just hung up on me.”

only the purple-haired provides a reaction, eyes widening. “uh, nagi, what did you do?”

“i told y/n i can’t make it to a reservation we have tonight because i’m too busy practicing.”

“hey, why didn’t you tell us you had a date tonight?” isagi quizzes, quirking a brow. “if we knew we wouldn’t have asked you to stay behind!”

“it’s fine, i didn’t want to go to the place y/n booked either.”

reo’s eyes widen with panic as he grabs his best friend by the shoulders and shakes him. “and you told y/n that?”

“yeah? what’s the matter?”

isagi too, now looks baffled. what could isagi know that nagi doesn’t? “you are in big trouble, boy,” to which reo nods in agreement, “go home right now and make it up to y/n.”

“wait- what? what did i do?”

“we’ll tell you later- just, go get y/n’s favourite cake from that bakery we always go to and apologise!”

nagi does exactly as the purple-haired suggests, making it back home in no time. yet, when he pulls into the driveway of your shared home, he then notices your car right behind his, pulling up to a spot beside him. he gets out to walk over to the driver’s side of your car, waiting for the engine to quiet down, signalling it safe for him to then open the door for you.

“where did you come from? why are you just coming home n-” the words die on nagi’s throat when you step out of the car, still glammed up in your outfit that you wore just for him. he eyes you up and down appreciatively before meeting your gaze, “this is what i missed out on?” there's a little disbelief in his tone. nagi's beginning to loathe himself for missing out on how stunning you are for some ball?

you shrug non-committedly, shutting your door for him as you murmur out a ‘yeah, i guess it is’. he tenses at the nonchalance in your tone, shivering as he watched you walk away. the cake box suddenly weighs a lot more in his hand.

“wait- y/n!” he calls out, jogging after you whilst you fiddle with the keys, trying to find the one that unlocks your front door. 

that night, there’s a lot of apologies, sweet nothings, and praise murmured between the two of you. safe to say, nagi buying the whole cake instead of mere slices of your favourite worked in his favour and he needs to text reo to say ‘thanks’.

he does improve as your relationship progresses. sure he’s lazy but he also values you as a partner and a companion, and he’s considerate enough to not let the ship sink because his own doing.

ANYWAYS 😁😁 back to the headcanons:

whenever you are (jokingly or actually) mad at him, you always threaten destrouing his gaming consoles. it’s nothing more than empty threats, nagi knows that and because he’s relatively unconcerned, it’s more than enough to end whatever petty fight you were going through because he just pulls out some unprovoked comment.

nagi loves making couples tiktoks with u 😐 u r that couple that makes people comment ‘aww so cute 😍 blocked.’ or ‘the highway looking good rn 🤣’

he also loves taking candids of you and as someone who is on his phone 24/7, he can take a lot of candids !!!

what your boyf doesn’t know is that he unconsciously helped you love yourself a little more from all angles - in both physical and non-physical ways. nagi thinks the world of you so it’s wrong for you to think otherwise :(( if you thought yourself to be mediocre then what does that make him? what does that make everyone else? no one can compare to you <3

hc that nagi is lowkey into photography? he has so many cameras, from digitals, to films, to actual cameras, there is not a time where he isn’t taking a photo of you. 

his screen time alarms you like babes … this is worrying.

but you love him regardless.

obviously since meeting you it’s fallen a little. in saying that, you don’t try to discourage him from games whatsoever. in fact, you indulge him in it, feeding him his favourite snacks, a couple fruit pieces, ask him how his level is going - nagi’s so very grateful that you’re not trying to take him away from the one consistent thing in his life.

he loves u so much <3 if someone else took u away, nagi wouldn’t know what to do :< 

OKAY BUT HOW DOES HE NOT HAVE SHIT EYESIGHT!!! you truly marvel at him everyday because he really is god’s favourite 😭

also now that he is a #maturedmaninlove, his favourite dates with you are beach dates bc he can lie in the sun like a cat whilst you take care of him, and afterwards, he can teach you to skate on the cement whilst the sun is setting. although you’re struggling, nagi still thinks you look beautiful, especially in the golden rays of daybreak.

additionally, he likes going on dates where you make things for one another. whether it’s pottery, painting, whatever, so long as you both get to walk away with something made by the other, nagi is SO happy.

ofc arcade dates and game nights are something he will never grow out of… but he’s starting to warm up to nights where you need to book reservations at restaurants. although he doesn’t fancy the idea of dressing up in a suit and formal attire, he does love the idea of admiring you all night, so long as he gets to show you off, he’s perfectly neutral.

nagi likes to text you updates about his day. you could be sitting next to each other, distracted with other things then he’d just text you a ‘lol look at this meme i just saw’.

you: ‘we’re sitting next to each other rn… that’s funny’

him: ‘don’t lie, i didn’t hear you laugh’

you: ‘try harder then’

him: ‘what a hoe got to do to make someone laugh nowadays :(‘ 

you: ‘you hardly get bitches, don’t think you’re a hoe 💀 ’

him: ‘babygrill :(((‘

you: ‘yeah this relationship isn’t going to work.’

he’ll then lunge at you and pin you to the couch with his weight, huffing when your laughter echoes through the air. at least he made you laugh. 

look idk where this post ended up heading, but moral of the story, nagi seishiro as your bf >>>>>>>>>

i’ll take five please !!!!

[hyperesthesias]

Can you actually write something smutty for Viktor? Or just a guide on how to? I really want to write some Viktor smut, but I'm worried I won't do his disability justice as I'm able bodied and a dumbass

Of my twelve years on this webbed site, this has got to be the best ask I have ever received lmao

I would be happy to help, friend. I'll answer this in two parts.

Yes, I am planning on writing Viktor smut for Viktor x Anya. I had a lot happen in the year since I made the post you're referencing, but I've finally been able to get back into fandom stuff. I wanted to lay some backstory with them first though, as I am apparently a PWP kind of person lmao. It's coming soon! (No pun intended).

You've taken the first great step in recognizing that your experience and knowledge may not be congruent with potential portrayal, and therefore asking for advice. I don't mean to sound patronizing at all. I am an author and I have seen many professional authors that don't do this, so you're already ahead of the game! I wouldn't consider that dumbassery in any way, shape, or form.

I'll put the rest under a cut due to the nature of this post.

*Disclaimer to this is, of course, I don't speak for every disabled person, this list isn't extensive, and these are my opinions.

I, personally, operate under the assumption that Viktor has Post Polio Syndrome. Looking at photographs (x, x, x) it's pretty clear the animators used PPS as a framework for Viktor's movements and posture, as well as his mobility and assistive devices. People with PPS often develop need for braces, canes or crutches, and treatment for scoliosis -- all of which Viktor has. You are more than welcome to headcanon something different, as I don't believe the writers or animators have ever confirmed or denied PPS, but based on my own experience and research, I would bet money on it.

That being said -- regardless of PPS, or otherwise -- the first thing to consider when writing smut for any disabled character is fatigue. It may not be the obvious thing, as mobility devices often are the first thing to catch an observer's eye. But there is so much that goes on beneath mobility devices. Fatigue is a big one.

Consider the worst flu you've ever had -- all the time, every day, even in your sleep. It can be maddening, like you can't get any relief -- even if you take pain reliever or use other analgesics. Most people with a severe flu aren't exactly in the mood to be frisky, especially spontaneously. Many physically disabled people rely on preplanning. Having a date night where they can plan for extra pain reliever, or where they can schedule the rest of their day or week to conserve energy for a special night. The psychological energy that people need to conserve alone can take a lot of effort. Being disabled is also mentally exhausting, especially when you have a partner and their needs to consider. Giving a disabled person time to prepare for sex (or other tasks) is essential.

Related to that, is the fact the energy levels aren't always consistent. A disabled person and their lover could be going at it like rabbits for a while and then suddenly the disabled partner may need to stop because their "battery" (their physical energy levels) has run out. They may need a break for a few minutes, or they may just need to end the sexual encounter altogether.

The worst thing you (or your character) could do is take this personally. It has nothing to do with their partner, it's their body that is (frustratingly [on many levels]) not cooperating.

Something to toy with (no pun intended) when writing characters with energy level deficits is vibrators. Twice the work with half the effort. Don't be afraid to write smut with toys and vibrators -- it doesn't even have to be kinky. Toys and vibrators are normal and vanilla, all things considered. The only reason they haven't been normalized is because of patriarchal standards as to what sex is and is supposed to be.

The second thing to consider is physical limitations of positions and potential discomfort. I've seen several fanfic writers describe situations and positions that Viktor simply would never be able to do (e.g. lifting his partner onto a table or desk).

Viktor doesn't have a lot of strength. That's not to say he can't be rough or that all smut has to be vanilla. But realistically, it's absurd to think that he can lift someone else or manhandle them with any force, or thrust at the speed of light (💀). He also doesn't have any balance whatsoever post Act I. During Act I, he's able to hobble somewhat without his cane, as long as he has something to hold onto, as seen in episode three. But in Acts II and III, his balance issues combined with scoliosis would make any positions where he has to stand much more difficult.

Therefore, if you're wanting to write a scene somewhere outside of a bedroom (e.g. the lab, his office, etc.), he'd need something to balance himself. Seated sex is a great concept to play with -- very disability friendly and offers many options for all sorts of scenes. Desk/table sex is also realistic, as long as your character lifts themself onto the desk or table, and he's able to lean on it.

Scenes that take place in the bedroom also have their own limitations. He has zero use of his right leg, which means he'd need more time to get in and out of different positions. Missionary would take a toll on his back, I'd imagine, from being hunched over -- not that he couldn't do it at all, but that was more of a sidenote. Having your character straddle him, while his back was supported, is probably the most comfortable position I can imagine. Or spooning. Or maybe doggy, though I think his back and hips might get tired. But I'm just spit balling at this point. Utilizing objects from the setting is important -- pillows, having your character bent over the back of a couch, etc. This is where creativity comes in -- it's just important to keep in mind where his limitations are located on his body: his back and his leg/hip.

There are also adaptive devices for sex and disabilities.

One final thing I want to say is: don't overcorrect. This is common. It's one thing to keep a character's disability in mind, but it's another to make a disability the entire character. Just because Viktor is disabled doesn't mean he can't have the filthiest, most disgusting, raw, life changing, I-should-visit-a-confessional type of sex. However you headcanon him to be in bed is exactly how he can be. If you see him as a cruel Dom, he absolutely can slap the shit out of whoever has the pleasure of being beneath him, while he makes them beg for his mercy -- with his back and leg supported. If you see him as a bratty sub, he can be that, too -- while he lies there with a back pillow to relieve pressure off his spine. If he's the plainest, blander-than-vanilla type of lover, that's exactly what he is -- while he takes a few extra minutes to move from one position to the next. If he's any combination of those things, more power to you.

The point of writing a scene, is the point you're trying to make. Meaning: a lot of writers worry about conveying ideas and settings perfectly and with detail, while losing sight of the main point of their story. Rarely will you ever have to add paragraphs to a piece of writing in order to convey something, especially if it's not the main point. Often, it only takes one or two sentences. Keep the main point of the scene in mind. If you're writing a fic where Viktor and your character are secretly getting it on in the lab, then the point and the idea of that scene is the forbidden sex they are having. Not necessarily his limitations. You can easily acknowledge Viktor's disability by saying something like: 'Viktor sat on a chair at the far end of the lab, away from the door's line of sight. He leaned his back against the seat, allowing his spine to settle, before he coaxed his lover onto his lap. His lover straddled his legs, reaching to kiss his neck, while his hand trailed up their thighs...' You've successfully conveyed the limitations he has in two sentences, while maintaining the focus of your scene, and without reducing Viktor to a caricature of his disability. Less is more throughout your fic.

As a side note, which is completely my headcanon -- and something I've vaguely alluded to in my Viktor x Anya fics -- is that Viktor also has erectile dysfunction as a result of the PPS. Polio is a neurological virus, meaning is attacks the nerve cells, the main cause of the atrophy in PPS. It isn't common, but it's not uncommon for males with PPS to struggle with ED. As such, in my own personal stories, I have mentioned that Viktor takes medication to help with it. Sildenafil (the generic for Viagra) is a medication that specifically targets nerves.

That's my own person interpretation, though, and has no bearing on what we seen in Arcane lol.

To close this off for now, I want to reassure you that your efforts count and they matter. No one will write any depiction of disability 'perfectly'. Disability is unique to every person, and one person's spinal disability will look different to another's. Even people with the exact same diagnosis and prognosis will differ in how they experience it. You're not a dumbass. You're very intelligent to recognize the need for external resources. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the work you write, and keep asking questions.

If and when you decide to write your Viktor smut piece, I would love to read it. And likewise, if you'd like to read what I write I'd be happy to send it to you! If you're comfortable coming off anon, you can message me privately and we can talk more!

[booktomoviebrawl]

We are not judging how bad the movie is, we are judging which adapted the book the worst. There are good movies that are bad adaptions.

Propaganda below the cut (spoilers may apply)

The Witcher:

Henry Cavill, mostly. Also awful hair and makeup dept.

What they did to Geralt is straight up character assassination and they destroyed his friendship with Dandelion. I will never stop being bitter

completely disregards the themes the books represent and Anglicizing the eastern european literary traditions present. they cast actors who were a poor fit for the roles and the writers expressing open disdain for the books. there is no point to putting work and effort into adapting a media you hate.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children:

While Miss Peregrine was one of my favorite books as a kid and incredibly unique in the way the story is written (The author basically took a box of weird antique photographs and created an underlying story behind a handful of them) the movie is incredibly boring. Like seriously I can't remember a single goddamn thing about the movie besides my extreme disappointment with it after leaving the theatres. It's probably because the original is a trilogy but they didn't want to make it a trilogy for the movie so they just scrapped the ending of the first book and rewrote a shitty climax where they threw snowballs at the nightmare child eating creatures or something. I remember THAT scene perfectly because it was so, so dumb. It was so stupid oh my God- ALSO, thank God I have a copy of the book from before the film came out because new copies don't have one of the photographs that the actual book uses as a base anymore and instead have the shitty movie poster! We truly do live in a society.

Changed way too much so it doesn't feel like the same thing. The main characters are these kids with different abilities (called peculiarities) and the movie switches around their powers and changes almost everyone's age. Emma and Olive switch powers so that Emma now floats (they also added that she can kind of control air to some extent) when she's supposed to have fire powers to match her fiery personality. Olive can make fire now and she's also aged up from an eight year old to a teenager and put her in this weird romance with Enoch. Enoch is also aged up from a grumpy thirteen year old to around the same age as Olive. Bronwyn, one of the older kids in the book and sort of a motherly figure to the younger kids, is now one of the youngest kids. Hugh and Fiona are aged down and basically have no interaction at all in the movie, even when their book counterparts had such a good relationship. The only one they didn't really change was Horace and Jacob. They also added these gorgon twins that do like two things. The antagonist in the movie is Mr. Barron who honestly isn't super memorable and isn't in the books whatsoever. The ending of the movie is weird too because they manage to turn back time somehow so Jacob's grandfather isn't dead and then he hops through loops so he can be with Emma and the other peculiars. I guess the problem of wights and hollowgasts is magically eliminated and we do not have to deal with the consequences. It took six books to fix everything. I appreciate that the movie engaged me enough to read the series but once I did, I could not believe they did my kids that dirty.

Yikes where to start. The 3 girl characters are all mixed up. There are 2 teens, one who's super strong and has a brother (I'll get back to him) and one who controls fire and is the love interest named Emma. The third girl is a child called Olive who floats. She's lighter than air.

In the movie, strong girl is the child, olive is now the fire girl and is for some reason super introverted, and Emma the love interest floats and gets given a super breath??? Power?? Like she rises a sunken ship by blowing in and keeps a man blown against a wall by blowing air at him. He makes a remark that she'll run out of breath eventually, which happens here because plot convenience, but not when she's blowing in the sunken ship.

The enemies in the book are terrifying Hollows. Creatures who have lost themselves and devour souls of those with powers... The movie decides they eat eyes now. And turn human again. And get busted up in a fair for the final act of the movie. Ugh.

The movie also decides randomly that time travelling through the loops is a thing; a loop being a pocket of time that replays the same day over and over. But apparently this means Main Character can travel back in time and stop his grandfather dying??? What?? His grandfathers death is the whole start of the movie and motivation for the character.

The movie undermines many of things that made the book amazing and even decides it's not a trilogy anymore!! Fuck the other 2 books, right?!

Tldr; it is terribly hollywood-ised and t tim Burton ruined a franchise by trying too hard to make it quirky and fun when the books already had a brilliant sombre and interesting tone to them.

[the-arkhamwolf]

Reverse Robins Tim Drake

I have a lot of Reverse Robin Aus so I thought it would be fun to compare the different versions of Characters in each starting with Tim

Falling in Reverse

My first ever Reverse Robins deals with Tim's many self-worth issues. In this version Tim dies due to his fear of failure.

Tim was a neglected child who felt he had to earn everything including his place as Robin. After his parents died he moved into Wayne manner. Damian wasn't much help making Tim feel like he belonged.

Things got better between them but Tim's never got over that feeling of not belonging. He never spoke out on this just worked hard to prove himself. Believing Robin was the only reason he wasn't tossed aside. So when he was benched, due to him "Not being fit to be on the field", he took that badly and went out to prove himself. Overworked and paranoid he walked into a trap that ended his too-short life.

Tim then takes a dip in the pit and wakes up cold and reserved. Ras is amazed believing that the pit had no effect on him, that was indeed far from true. The pit gave Tim a different kind of rage, a quiet rage, something Ras would come to realize was far scarier.

For a while, Tim stays with the league learning and waiting. During this time Ras tries to brainwash Tim and he plays along. But the truth is Ras never had Tim under his control. When Tim is ready to leave he sets off his plan basically destroying the league. He then confronts Ras and kills him. This is Tim's first kill and while Ras doesn't stay dead (Thanks to the pit) He becomes fearful of Tim.

Tim is able to control the pit (for the most part) making it safer for those around but deadly for those he deems as a threat.

He goes back to Gotham and despite Ras's best efforts Tim doesn't hate the bats and even feels relieved Bruce took another Robin. After all, Tim wasn't really suppose to be Robin.

Tim blames himself for his death and thinks he has brought great shame to Batman and Robin. Tim sees himself as a failure that does not deserve to rejoin the bats, this is reinforced by the pit. So he works to protect the bats doing the dirty work to keep their hands clean.

Some people deserve to die and that's where he comes in. Because Batman doesn't kill and Damian should never be put in that spot again, not after how far he has come. Tim sees himself as a necessary evil.

He actually has a great relationship with his replacement even if he didn't mean to. He works hard to make sure the kid is safe. Jason is a great kid and will never go through what Tim did. He and Damian have a complicated relationship but both still care for each other.

He gets along with Cass pretty well even if they disagree on killing. He thinks Steph is the funniest thing ever and loves to watch her annoy Damian.

Tim leads the outlaws which is him, Roy, and Rose. Tim doesn't need friends he needs to focus on his work. Roy refuses to let that happen and somehow sneaks his way into being friends without Tim realizing it.

Rose flirts with Tim at first because it always flustered him but slowly they grow to like each other.

Tim is touch starved and he is the only one that doesn't see that as a problem. He also is a workaholic so Rose and Roy have to keep an eye on him and make him take breaks.

Tim has a deep love of photography even as Red Hood. It is a way to connect him to his past and Robin.

(Spoiler- When he becomes a dad He leaves the role of Red Hood and becomes a new paper photographer)

Something I love about this version: Tim has a deep love of Fnaf that drives everyone crazy

The Watchers

The Watchers is a much more darker take on reverse robins and the main reason is because Tim doesn't die. Watchers switching things up a bit with Tim having a good relationship with his parents. Tim is still a little sneaks out and becomes Robin.

Damian and Tim's relationship is much worse in this version. With Damian being jealous of Tim and his family. After Tim's parents die he moves in with Bruce and Damian becomes angry. (Damian is a lot more resentful due to stuff that happens to him but this is about Tim right now)

One night Damian cuts Tim's line and he crashes into a building. It doesn't paralyze him but it does give him permanent back problems. After that, Tim stayed on for another year as Oracle, A whole year of putting up with Damian's harsh insults and mocking unable to do anything. Finally, Tim had enough and quit the hero game altogether.

He leaves Gotham only to be brought back a few years later by an unexpected visitor. Batman has stepped down and Gotham is full of crime and the Court of Owls is at the center of it all. There is going to be a purge on Gotham Tim hates this city but it was his home. He and this guy name Jason team up to take back Gotham.

As soon as he moved back Tim started having nightmares. He doesn't get much sleep and his back is not going to let him go into the field so He becomes SkyWatcher. The court finds out about him and sends a talon after him. Turns out it's a child (Dick Grayson). He decides he's going to bring him home and raise him. It takes a while to earn the child's trust.

Tim comes across Rose and the two end up having a relationship sort of like Batman and Cat Women.

Tim has a deep resentment for photography because it reminds him of Batman and Robin. He also hates Damian and this gets worse when Damian takes Stephanie under his wing and makes her Robin.

Something I love about this version: Tim trying to raise a kid that is constantly trying to stab him

Falling Slowly

Falling Slowly is not exactly a Reverse robins set up as Tim is actually the oldest. While Watchers is the darkest version I think this is the saddest.

Tim's parents weren't around much so he would sneak out at night to take pictures of Batman. Batman gets injured one night and Tim is forced to reveal himself to help Bruce.

After Alfred patches Bruce up he imminently takes Tim home telling him to not sneak out anymore. Of course, Tim doesn't listen because someone needs to be there to help Batman when he's in trouble.

Eventually, Bruce gave up and started training him, not to fight but to protect himself. Tim started helping Bruce with cases and spent a lot of time at the cave. He was given the code name backup but he's not allowed to join in the fighting.

Everything was great until Tim's parents got killed during a robbery. Bruce took him in and tried to help him. Feeling guilty about his death Tim tried to go out and avenge his parents but Bruce stopped him. He made Tim his sidekick hoping it would help Tim the same way Batman helped him. And it did Tim became less restless and more focused.

Tim becomes Cardinal but because of how tiny he is the media started calling him Robin. Tim hated this and is sick of correcting people. While Cardinal Tim and another sidekick he was friends with got attacked. Tim only got minor injuries but the friend was nearly killed and lost the ability to walk. Tim blamed himself and started to spiral lucky someone was there to pull him out.

 After Tim graduated he moved out to go to college. He came home for the weekend to find that he had a little brother.

Tim is beyond thrilled, he always wanted a little brother. Jason was a little standoffish at first but eventually warms up to him. Tim spends his weekends training Jason and eventually passing down the mantle of Robin to Jason once he's ready.

 Tim couldn't help but blame himself because he gave Jason the suit. Tim dropped out of school and moved back to Gotham to keep an eye on Bruce. He gets a job at W.E. and becomes Redwing. Tim is in a spiral and no one seems to be able to pull him out until Selena goes a talks to her. She manages to convince to get therapy.

The therapy ends up helping. Tim still has a long way to go but there's definitely an improvement.

The therapist advises him on getting a therapy dog. Tim's skeptical after all his mother had taught him dogs were fealty creatures that would chew him up.

However, while working on a case he finds Ace a poor German shepherd that has been mistreated and hurt. The dog tries to tear him to pieces so He brings it home. Slowly he earns Ace's trust after taming him some work he takes to a class to get him trained. Ace doesn't care for other humans or dogs but he has gotten to the point where he chooses to ignore rather than attack.

Ace completely trusts Tim and Tim completely trusts Him.

One day while walking in the cave he was attacked by a child assassin aka Bruce's son Damian. Damian doesn't like Tim at first but Tim keeps an eye on him because the kid is his little brother. 

 One day Damian walked up to Tim and Bruce and demanded the Robin mantel. Tim puts his foot down before Bruce could say anything reminding him of what happened to Jason.

One night Damian steals the Robin suit and sneaks out. He runs into Red Hood and somehow the villain knows his every move. Luckily Tim comes to the recuse, unlucky Tim isn't prepared to deal with the fallout.

Something I love about this version: Tim loves to skateboard and even teaches Ace how too

Dying Birds Au

While my first Reverse Robins has Tim having a bad life and then dying this newest one has Tim being happy then dying. Okay, Tim's parents are still neglectful and he still gets a rough start as Robin (or whatever name I use) but the rest is pretty happy.

It all starts when Damian gets shot. He's not killed but he's is paralyzed from the waist down. Damian had been Robin Tim's hero and Batman's sidekick. After getting shot he left Gotham leading to a much darker Bruce. Batman needs Robin, Tim didn't sign up for this but here he is.

Bruce is better but he and Damian still aren't talking. Tim decides to put a stop to that. Damian and Tim get off to a rocky start with Damian finding Tim annoying and also having an underlying resentment for the kid Tim doesn't care.

Slowly the little brat grows on him and Damian does come back to Gotham. The two become pretty close. Damian convinces Tim's Parents to let Bruce adopt him and Tim moves in.

Tim is a people pleaser so Damian makes sure no one takes advantage of him. And Tim makes sure Damian doesn't bet himself up over mistakes.

Tim effectively becomes friends with a villain's daughter and takes her under his wing. Stephine trains under Tim to become the next Robin

Tim plans to leave the mental to start his own team but is too nervous to tell anyone but Damian and Stephanie.

Tim gets hurt bad on a patrol trying to help someone. Damians on the headset the entire time talking to him as Tim lies bleeding out.

Tim's death spits the family apart and causes Steph to leave.

Tim comes back via Lazarus pit plays Ra's, destroys the Lazarus pit, leaves the league in shabbles then starts up his own team with Roy and Rose.

He can't control the pit messes with his head making him cold and dangerous so he stays away from the bats to protect them.

Cass is sent to kill Tim instead he takes her and trains her she in return becomes his unrequest bodyguard. He tries to give her as normal a life as he can.

One big difference between this and Falling in Reverse is that in FR Tim had his own run-down apartment. Whereas here all of the outlaws live together in an abandoned building.

Something I love about this version: Tim and Cass's sibling dynamic I just find this adorable

Wrap up

Falling in Reverse: Ashamed Red Hood in desperate need of a hug

The Watchers: Tired dad with back problems and a murderous child

Falling Slowly: Guilty older brother trying to make up for the past

Dying birds: Scared Red Hood who pushes everyone away

What character would you like to see next?

If there's you have any questions or want me to talk more about one of these drop it in my inbox

[treecakes]

tagged by @loquatenjoyer69 thank you crow!!!

do you make your bed?

ummm if i have people over. or i’m going away for a few days. otherwise not really 😭

what’s your favourite number?

12!

what is your job?

i work as a student digital archivist ^_^ and photographer primarily dealing with artifacts. and most insanely and very recently a set of skulls. which i hated.

if you could go back to school would you?

i’m im undergrad still! for anthropology with a concentration in archaeology. and i want to get my masters in heritage preservation. i’m actually going to begin applications very soon…. after that who knows. but a phd scares me. and i’m content with a masters probably. lol.

can you parallel park?

ummmm maybe. badly.

a job you had that would surprise people?

no one believes me when i say i worked at a liquor store for over two years 😭 most insane job ever but it was fun and kind of low-effort when i worked mornings. which i mostly did. but my boss always Also put me on the register (alone!!!) on friday nights. which sucked so bad busiest night of the week and i was the only register. insane. but even customers thought it was weird that i worked there one guy told me i was too modest to work at a liquor store…? 🤔

do you think aliens are real?

yeah the universe is just so enormous there has to be other life out there, even if it’s not to the level of human intelligence there’s stuff out there

can you drive a manual car?

i can barely drive A Car.

what’s your guilty pleasure?

just really abysmal low quality shows movies etc. like i get so angry but that’s the fun to me i like it. keeps me entertained.

tattoos?

no but i have a few i want maybe. idk. i keep changing my mind but eventually i’ll get some probably

favourite colour?

to wear? maroon or navy blue. to look at? green.

favourite type of music?

indie/folk or rock. or jazz.

do you like puzzles?

yes!!!!!!!!!

any phobias?

if you show me a photo of a bug i get freaked out.

favourite childhood sport?

only sport i’ve ever done was x-country running in middle school and i was bad at it. otherwise i’ve always hated sports and will not partake.

do you talk to yourself?

sometimes. when i’m mad. otherwise not really.

what movie(s) do you adore?

i love kiki’s delivery service and mystere a la tour eiffel. that second one is kind of mediocre but i love it and have seen it one billion times

coffee or tea?

tea!!! i love it so much. i like white tea the most or if i have a migraine i drink peppermint for the nausea. but i have a whole collection of tea otherwise those are just my favourites

first thing you wanted to be growing up?

construction worker….

tagging?

you! the person reading this!!!! say i tagged you and i will smile so wide :)

[divine-elixir]

30 Day fictionkind challenge

Doing four today.

Day 17.

Does fictionkinity connect to spirituality for you?

Day 18.

Does fictionkinity connect to neurodivergency for you?

•It's spiritual all around for me. From my current understanding of myself, I don't think I was born in this body. I sort of showed up one day a long time ago.....though, I'm still trying to parse things out. Things like a human childhood and such hmm, I don't remember anything before a certain time period. And from what I do remember, whenever I think of certain memories it's like if someone else is showing me a photograph of an event I had no part in.

It makes me wonder if I'm a walk-in or a soulbond myself. What I am isn't from a past life, since I can't die under any circumstances. And incarnation doesn't sound right either. Traveling to other worlds is one of my things, so maybe I did show up here and attached myself like a balloon to some kid I connected with, hmm.

As for neurodivergency, I don't know if it has relevancy to how I experience or see myself specifically. But this body's mind is rather funky and different. If what I think is correct, then the one I attached to is certainly neurodiverce. Though, I don't doubt that their mind's funkiness as well as their fears and joys might rub off on me....and I too rub off on them to an extent. I've tried talking to them recently and it seems they see themselves as nonhuman because of my being with them since they were a child. Tee hee 😋

Actually, if I am a soulbond or walk-in myself and I have my own soulbonds.....mmm, that's a lot of layers. I'm not going to think to hard about it.

Day 19.

Do other people notice your similarity to a character or species?

•I wouldn't know. If anyone has noticed anything they never said anything.

Day 20.

How do you express your fictotype? Clothes, merch, cosplay, maybe even name?

•Whenever I can, I like to wear big long sleeved clothing that can hide my hands, since it emulates some of the kinds of clothes I wore very well. I also walk around barefooted around the house and in the yard, save for when I'm in public. Then I reluctantly wear shoes.

Other than that, I also collect Gen/shin merch and fanmade items (we gotta support artists besties). I especially love plushies. Most of the merch I have are of those I knew, and by knew I mean it's just one guy........not sure if this is creepy or not. I am not obsessed and am very normal.....having his imagery and likeness around makes me feel safe and relaxed. 😔 Just recently I also managed to get a scale figure and keyboard of him, normal behavior. (I am resuscitating my bank account.) I also spent money to c6 him in the game, do NOT do this. At least he hasn't left my team since I pulled him on his first run. Me and the bad bitch I pulled by being autistic.

I also collect jade & rabbit based items, do dream related practices, and go by part of my title in otherkin spaces.

Lost and obscure media is also of great interest of mine, as well as observing teams of people who put in efforts to restore, archive, and find said media. Most of my interest in lost media lies in films, animation, video games, music and just about anything that requires creativity and imagination.

It's always wonderful when something gets found and shared online. I can't stand those who hoard such treasures just for bragging rights or for the sake of depriving the public for no reason other than spite. I get especially rabid when money is involved.

But uhh, the full Blue's clues pilot was found recently. Yippee!!! 😋

[autumn-foxfire]

Dabi's incredible constant snark and apathy to contrast the League's more action oriented personalities Vs Hawks' incredible ability to piss off anyone he meets in 2 seconds, from AFO to Endeavor + Dabi's fierce tenacity to survive 8 years past his one month left to live, a strong heart, Vs Hawks' lucky natural birth and resilience to survive all the shit up to now, a strong mind. Their constant cat-and-mouse game and hiding their true selves, both geniuses in their own right. DabiHawks is too powerful a relationship. We still don't know whose going to get the last laugh in their Divorce Arc Part 2: or is it part 3? It was an actual line by Dabi too, I sure hope they get Toga and the Twice clones on their side, best middle finger to Dabi ever. Also Dabi's photographic memory to memorize every move he sees on sight and copy it to perfection Vs Hawks' yeah I'm not listing every freaking thing he memorized about PLF in a month, too fucking many- Touya's dying optimism Vs...Keigo, who gained it. The tension of Hawks holding a blade to Dabi's throat and Dabi casually throwing an arm around his shoulder and them always smiling and acting jolly with each other when inside they're probably thinking "ugh I really hate this guy" but just keep smiling :) :) :) Pls, I love them. There's an endless list of parallels to find in them and even similar energy. I keep going back to the basic ones but that's because it's too much effort to dig through the manga to verify things. And about that! We really wrote Hawks always snuggling up to Dabi who was annoyed by his advances, but it's the other way around (like it always is, we're always switching them up) because Ultra Impact recently got a DabiHawks event and there is SO MUCH there I haven't caught up on yet, but at one point Hawks is injured from a fight and Dabi is a naughty cat choosing this time to cozy up to him, "No fatalities, good work Hawks. The No.2 hero really is different from all the others" and Hawks is all "ow...I'm hurt, don't pat me like that" 😒 ("Come on, this is just my way of sayin' good work, you definitely earned some trust this way.") LMAO DABI ARE YOU SURE?! Can't win with this man. It's what he wasn't impressed by during High-End, but if Hawks let them die he'd just put it in his expose video. Hawks is all "well then it was all worth the effort" the effort being that this pigeon used his body to deflect bombs and everyone at PLF is worried about him while Dabi is just 😏 Really reading like a League Found Family + Hawks fic. And there's this one scene where Dabi wants to ditch a PLF meeting because Geten keeps nagging him about skipping them in the first place so he's all "Tch...Ah, Twice. Can you make a clone for me? Then I can skip it." So then Dabi clone is all, "Fine. Sure thing...did you really think I would say that?" Because who can tick off Dabi other than another Dabi? Get teased back you loser. So now original Dabi is instantly triggered because he can dish out sass but can't take it, especially not from himself, he WILL fist-fight himself in a Denny's parking lot if he has to. "Huh? Fine, then I'll make you go. Ice guy, No.2 lend me a hand." Lmaoooo why are you recruiting help? You can handle a single clone, man. Another scene: Geten: I'm not waiting. You shouldn't need a replacement in the first place. Hawks: Haha...sorry to say, but I agree with him there. Dabi: Like I said? You did it this time, Hawks. Hawks: Now now, you can't expect your subordinates to follow your commands if you act out in front of them, commander. Dabi: Tch...I'll remember this, hero. Hawks: Haha. It is my job to maintain public safety. Oh, Hawks. You don't realize the kind of grudges Touya can hold 😔

Also...Hawks insincerely-sincerely calling Dabi "commander" and Dabi nonchalantly calling Shigaraki "boss" hmmm what is the reason. I think the one mystery I can't solve is how Touya's personality turned into Dabi. No matter how much I look, nothing about Dabi matches Touya except for when he's being manic, which they got rid of in the episode! Instead he's walking all calmly down the stairs, while in Hori's sketch he was a hyperactive cat running and leaping "Shigaraki must've woken up!" >:D literally looking like he got the zoomies at 4am, a caption saying "Dabi running down the stairs" easier than running up for you, eh? *leaps over with one hand over the railing* "Just a sec, Machia." *eerily looms over Skeptic and grips him like a ragdoll, like those cursed emoji memes that try to grab you but more forceful and dynamic* "From the day we met, I knew you'd be perfect for this." How long exactly, was Dabi planning this, what was the image of his reveal in mind that made him go, "you're perfect for me!" when he joined the League, what could they offer him? Is that why he was so apathetic, but suddenly when the League gained power and new allies, he's suddenly interested? In October, right after Kamino + Overhaul that he was absent for except revenge arc because he can't resist a good revenge and murder opportunity to spread his name. (It did, Snatch. Confirmed it for him too that he was making the news.) right so October, that was the only time he was mildly interested...in still his own agenda, because he was recruiting Hawks atm and told Shigaraki that he only looks out for himself and has no interest in going out in a blaze of glory alongside him. Dabi, hey Dabi, WHAT CHANGED?!?!?!

Yum, Dabihawks parallels. Gotta love them and how many of them there are XD

LMAO, I didn't notice that we also switch the flirty behaviour in fanon but you're goddamn right. Hawks is the pissed off cat sassing back while Dabi is the flirty/flighty cat having fun messing with this new stray to wander into his domain. It's probably why I find fics to be a bit disappointing because I miss this behaviour in Dabi.

I am disappointed with the changes the anime made with Dabi in the latest season too. Describing Dabi as a cat with zoomies is accurate and it's a shame they cut that T-T I think they lessened on his manic behaviour to make him come across more "cool" and "suave" but it also takes away from Dabi...

[peppermintbuttlemon]

https://www.tumblr.com/peppermintbuttlemon/749299726919286784/httpswwwtumblrcompeppermintbuttlemon74929153?source=share

I don’t personally care about the con discourse much but it gets harped on so much by anons on this blog that I feel the need to comment (at least from my perspective).

I have never been to a con and don’t plan to attend one. But the general consensus seems to be that if you opt for a photo with a celeb, including Joe, it is a very very quick interaction (maybe 30 seconds or less) and this is due mainly to the con organizers wanting to keep things organized and moving and also optimize revenue by allowing for as many people as possible to fit in time for a photo. I imagine that celebs with fewer fans buying photo slots may be able to spend a bit more time with each given person if their line is shorter but I would not be surprised if the con organizers set rules on that. I have heard across the board that the autograph usually takes longer and you get to actually chat with the celeb a bit so it’s less of a churn and burn experience. At the end of the day, it’s a business and they are focused on making the most money possible.

now for the complaints as to joes demeanor. Fans just need to realize that they will never ever get the same Joe who went to the first London con in summer 2022. That was a one-off experience. He was very newly skyrocketing into fame and clearly eating it up having a good time. On some level he may have thought the hype wouldn’t last long so he should just enjoy it to the fullest while it lasted. As we know, that proved to be wrong because he ended up booking a ton of new roles since then and attending swanky events like the Oscar’s. But he didn’t know that at the time. It became clear to me and many others though that he very quickly got over it and he would not continue to be that level of enthusiastic at the cons (even as early as the Toronto one in August 2022).

The one thing I will say is I agree he looks pretty miserable at the cons these days and doesn’t put effort in to even smile, etc. a lot of the time. Personally, I think if he hates them that much I don’t understand why he continues to do them because he’s clearly making enough money through acting. That is where there’s a disconnect. He should just quit doing them altogether if he hates being there. But I also don’t blame him for not loving it because it seems daunting to anyone to sit in a convention center for hours on end for several days in a row meeting tons of strangers who are all over you. And we’ve seen several videos now where he’s interacted nicely with someone at the auto table and then noticed they were filming him and he immediately looks kind of downtrodden. He seems to hate when people post him out in the wild because there have been several times his own friends have posted him on insta stories and whatnot and the posts have quickly been removed which leads me to think he’s probably asking them to take it down. He’s also had people photograph him at his favorite local pub, walking to the tube, etc so he must find it disconcerting to be filmed without his permission and have it all over the internet. I can see why this would make him feel less comfortable at the cons. But again, he should just not do them then…

all this to say I understand people’s disappointment but I don’t think they should have certain expectations going into the cons that it’ll be this amazing experience and he’ll be in great spirits. He’s human and everyone has bad days but he clearly has shown he’s not dying to be there. I have a feeling his team forces him to do them at this point or there is some other reason he continues to do them when he clearly isn’t crazy about it.

I agree, he should stop doing cons.

[schfiftytwo]

On Spring Vibes

Whoo, so much for trying to be consistent. In my defense (to the void) there is a significant amount of stuff going on at work, and with some of our senior folks leaving for the green pastures of multimillion (tbh at this point its multibillion, damn capitalism working as god intended) dollar firms, the reshuffling, big ticket things, and random fires have a fervor unlike anything I've seen before. Super interesting stuff, thankful that I'm helping out on meaningful things, happy that it's fulfilling, good that some of it is public, all of that blah blah blah, it's busy folks.

But. Let's take back a bit of time and see what's cooking. Today, I want to write about something that I've gabbed with friends and close colleagues about for what has to be years now - my reflections on springtime. Now, this could go any number of ways. I could talk about the weather, I could talk about the new flowers and leaves (and weeds, fuck the weeds man) sprouting up around the neighborhood, people getting more uppity to be outside, etc etc, and yeah I guess that's all relevant for springtime, but not what's on my mind.

The thing that I'm getting at is a bit less concrete - springtime as a vibe. And the vibe I've been most interested in is springtime as a set of realizations, reminders, and feelings unique to this time of year. Why these specific musings?

It's because it's commencement season. For the uninitiated (and really it shouldn't come as a surprise), I have always loved school and the idea of schooling. The pure pursuit of learning, being surrounded by a properly insane mix of brilliance and stupidity, finding your niche, and at base finding what it is that makes you tick inside and outside the classroom stands as one of the great memories and milestones of my life. Indeed, if I wasn't so pressed to, you know, pay bills, I would have dove headfirst into being a professor (shouts to my incredibly lucky classmates who actually did that - god damn you guys, what a life).

Anyway - the consumation of all that effort, all that discovery, the season of commencement, has always been a very special time of year for me (sue me), and usually results in me thinking a bit more wistfully than I usually do. In some ways a lot of the vibe I'm trying to put into words is pure sentiment, excess romanticism. The faces of elation of closing one chapter and opening another, the burst of the pinnacle of youth before the stupendous fall of adulthood, the photographs, the regalia, the pomp and circumstance, the pantomime and pageantry - I simply cannot get enough, and I am lucky that I've been able to enmesh myself in many commencements - both my own, and those of my friends and family.

In another way, and perhaps what is more to the point, the vibe also represents a view toward the unknown - what I mean by realizations, reminders, and feelings. The example that comes to mind is perhaps unique to my line of work, and how it stacks up with that of my colleagues with a different kind of "D" after their name. For us lawyers, commencement (and really the years of law school as a singular experience) is a representation of the next chapter, a start toward the bar, that first job, that first time you get a chance to prove you're a grown up. For me and many of my peers, that all centered around biglaw - becoming corporate sharks, prowling the mean streets of DC, NYC, Chicago, LA, Miami, Austin, Toronto, etc, closing deals, popping off demand letters, standing up in federal court and playing our best unflappable selves (god how insufferable we must have been - but has anything really changed lol). For others, it was about doing justice - defending the little guy, or more often than not going after the bad guy (who also happened to usually be the little guy). Perhaps more noble pursuits, but tinged with that cloying badge of authority, the aura of importance.

The comparison (and I promise I'll get to the point here, dear void), and what more often than not brought me to a point of poignancy, was what I saw both with my peers who decided to do the real doctor thing and devote their lives to saving lives. The MDs in my life are suspiciously plentiful - my very first love from those days when I didn't even know what kind of person I wanted to be is now a prominent attending physician in a hospital that is affiliated with that one famous school in Boston (yeah, that one), and even my peers in my current circles who went the MD route have done exceptionally well for themselves - wait, am I the odd one out? They're helping people and I...well I guess made the rich guys and gals of the world just a bit richer. Fuck.

Anyway. The thrust of their lives is what I'm focused on. Take for instance match day for MDs - the day where medical school kids, after decades of hard work, sweat, tears, boundless insecurity, and constant ironborn perseverance, find out where they will spend the next four years post grad as resident physicians (yes, just like Scrubs or House, but also 1000% not like that). Every school memorializes that day - livestreams of the reveal, interviews with students, countless photos of students, their families, their loved ones, their children (!) in still moments of pure, often tearful joy at this next chapter. I matched in orthopedic surgery at UChicago. I matched in internal medicine at Baylor. I matched in cardiology at Columbia (wink wink to the A+E readers, can't stop won't stop). Even my mother, a physician in her own right, recalls the day she matched - an event she described to me as one of the happiest and scariest days of her life, one that established the start of a long and fulfilling career in the service of others.

Now. Why bring this up? I'm not a doctor (or at least not that kind of doctor), why would I care about what my well-heeled peers get to do? Don't I have better things to do?

Well, that's exactly it, no? Better things to do. I share this because for years, my predictably slime person attitude was all about the flair and spectacle - god damn, I love the forest green of your Harvard divinity loops signifying you're now a hot shit MD. Fuck me, your Stanford overcoat gown with the green inlay makes you look like a fearsome yet benevolent medical wizard, a young Yen Sid with a penchant for healing. That hospital you're going to is legendary, isn't that one super famous doctor there who did this and that. Never did I give a real substantive thought to what that all really meant, once the spectacle wrapped, the gowns and trappings packed away, the photos developed and framed, the memories faded into those clouds in the deep crevasses of our brain.

Why is that? Simple - for me and my closest cadre, none of us had any inkling about the pursuit of helping people. We were excited about being unreasonably compensated in all the right ways, wining and dining, getting suited up to fuck shit up, being young and reckless and meme-worthy but still rocking it. Respectable drive for a young lawyer maybe, but...just tinged with something that I can only describe as a sad shallowness. Not even the promise of pro bono work (which none of us did btw - we were too busy helping rich folks get richer) was enticing enough to convince us otherwise, or even pretend we could enlighten ourselves in a meaningful way.

Tying it up, what is the point here? Did I get lost again?

No, not really. The point is that during this time of emergence, of new beginnings, I am always reminded of what my beginning was, and how...truly fruitless it was in practice. How excited I was to be important, and how quickly I realized how unimportant I was, even amid the trappings and corridors where I knew important things (including important things I did!) were happening. Meanwhile, my peers who went another route, one more noble, whether it was to do justice, or to really help people - to hone their craft, ease suffering, be meaningful, had begun in earnest. Maybe I had a lovely office, incredibly quippy coworkers who I trusted and swore by as a result of deep trauma bonding during shit work weeks (of which there were so, so many lol), maybe I was objectively wealthy, but...

I just...didn't think I'd realize so quickly how little that all meant. How much it affected me, changed me, made me into someone I didn't like, someone my now-wife resented?

What could have been if I had been smarter, more willing to let my talent be in the service of actually deserving people. If I had been brave enough to do something that wasn't solely focused on the flair of it all.

That, dear void, is the point. Why I do what I do now, why I have committed myself to helping others (because yes, I do work for you after all), not only to better myself, but perhaps to convince myself that I can remedy what time I wasted trying to be a shill. Every year, I remind myself that this is why it (work?) matters, why I matter, why this pursuit of mine, my love of what I do day in and day out is and always will be worth it. It has to, after all.

Why would anyone in their right mind be a lawyer if it wasn't truly meaningful?

Springtime vibes indeed. Cheers, folks.

[amanda4love]

Good morning! It's 10:57am, January 30th of the year twenty-twenty-four.

Well, not much is new these days... Wait, what am I saying?!

Actually, I finally had my ears pierced, earlier this month to mark a milestone birthday. I quite love the studs that are in my ears right now, (synthetic) black opal. They flash green-ish. It's a vibe.

And I have a few pairs of earrings I've either bought for myself or had gifted to me by my mom and grandma, that I am also super excited to wear once my piercing holes are fully healed!

That, and I got my first tattoo a little over a week ago! I am beyond happy with it. I drew out the design two different times, with the second design being the one I was the most satisfied with. My tattoo artist managed to follow my design nearly exactly, so I'm hyped that I essentially have my own art on my body. Closest thing I could get to actually tattooing it on myself, haha. (Maybe one day, we'll see...)

Picture/video updates are going on my public/professional Artist's Instagram. Yeah, I guess I'm being a tease.

P. S.: Virtual cuddles + kisses for my one and only. I'm trying to cherish the dwindling number of days that you can be in one place.

P. P. S.: I did this guided meditation earlier (as soon as I woke up), that really helped me to clarify why I regret and hate myself for feeling regret. Jay Shetty, you da real MVP today. Apparently I am human, though. I love deeply, some people will feel the same way back and be obvious about that, and I also value loyalty so some relationships stay as friendships for good reason. Some relationships of my past, if they went beyond friendship, fizzled out if they were problematic to begin with but some also ended because I intentionally stopped putting in the effort. I've made mistakes but the important thing is that I continue to find ways to learn from them.

P. P. P. S.: Someone who devotes attention and effort to their relationship with you, even after you've completely fucked up, is the kind of person you want in your life forever.

P. P. P. P. S.: This one is an angry rant of a post-script. Fucking just stop. Being photographed with someone problematic doesn't automatically make another person a problematic person. The problematic person needs to take accountability, it has nothing to do with the other person just standing there and enjoying something else. I'm saying this because I saw someone I used to follow "Like" a reblog, with screenshots of an article that included pics of Taylor standing next to one of the Mahomes brothers - the original blogger's message was incredibly critical and basically demanding that Taylor needs to make a statement regarding some made-up connection to said brother, who is accused of something socially and morally unacceptable. Like, excuse me, since when is it Taylor's responsibility for some guy's reprehensible actions? She is seen in a picture with him, it doesn't mean she knows everything about him or even talked to him. Fucking stop preying on her privacy. You're the reason she feels like her life is inspected and critiqued under a microscope. Stop expecting her to be perfect and on top of all the bullshit news that you are making up about her. (I am fuming and I hate ending my blog post on this sentiment, but don't worry about it - I'll be fine eventually.)

[cardecode]

VIN Number Decoding Designed for Classic Muscle New or used cars

One of the best pieces of tips I was at any time given in regards to getting a classic muscle car or truck was to invest in premium resource materials thus could crack a code on Automotive Identification Numbers (VIN) to make sure that I isn't getting scammed. https://cardecode.rs/

The ultimate way to find a high quality e-book is to find just what the experts are using. While using internet, you can kind a subject like Camaro restoration book inside the Amazon search proverbial box. You can also Google the application and follow that links, which will acquire you to various sites and websites. Chevrolet by the Numbers, simply by Alvin Colvin, is the foremost book I have possibly found for Chevrolet part numbers, Truck Identification Numbers (VIN), trim tags, and additionally model ID. This book is an effortless read, with chapters designated to the numerous components. Again, We used this process around my quest to purchase a good rare Camaro. Only just Google the car you need and follow this links. The best information will be obvious.

This is the list of objects you will want when decoding your vehicle.

Small flashlight, computer, resource or useful resource book, mechanics hand mirror, pen or pen, cordless or corded droplight, floor jack port and jack-stands, coveralls, rags, brass line brush, brake cleaning agent, yellow or vibrant grease pencil, photographic camera or camcorder.

In case you are continuing to read this post, I can only surmise that buying a timeless muscle car together with the proper numbers in addition to matching parts is essential to you! Good! It must be! If this is real, I will walk everyone through an example associated with decoding a car. This may give you an idea from what it takes to appropriately decode a car.

Anticipate to take your time. I additionally discovered a guaranteed way to determine exactly who your true pals are. Ask them to complement to help you decode an auto! Having an extra physical structure can sometimes cut your time and effort in half. I as well recommend finding an experienced or consultant onto your car, and buying one or two hours their time, particularly you are looking to purchase or perhaps a model classic auto. It's been my knowledge that an extra range of eyes can solely help the cause. I stumbled upon an expert through amongst my reference publications. Prior to me travelling to look at my present-day car, I put in about an hour discussing with him, along with making a list of issues I should be seeking. (Of course, if you'd like someone to handle the procedure from A to Z ., services are available. It is a great option in case you are buying the car out of remote. )

The procedure

Before I showed up the owner told me your vehicle was basically some sort of roller project, signifying the engine together with transmission were pulled from the car. The generator, transmission and other elements were placed in some pile where it may be easy to look at the results. The owner also reported it was a limited variant Camaro, yet they didn't have any kind of paperwork like an genuine order invoice, as well as a protect o food (a special alloy plate shaped similar to a credit card that is for warranty and restoration services). This type of documentation trail eliminates the necessity for further read me files. If you do not have such type of paperwork, then observe along. When I reached the location where the car has been stored, the first thing Used to do was to check your VIN number. Your VIN number is amongst the most important number for a car. If you do not discover how to decode a VIN on a particular Chevrolet, you will be unable to check other components or simply numbers. What is wonderful about the book will it be actually walks most people through the whole decoding process, including presenting the specific numbers site. As a sidebar, good resource book within your particular make and additionally model car definitely will outline the way to decode your car, including phone number locations and decoding info. On 1968 and 1969 Camaros, the VIN multitude is located on the top for the dash board, in the drivers side. The product range is visible through the auto glass. I wiped a dirt and take out of the VIN point, and copied that numbers into my own notebook.

VIN selection

I was able to verify that my automotive was originally your V8, it was a good 2 door activity coupe, made in 1969, assembled in Norwood Ohio, and it had been the 662, 8XXrd car built from that plant during that year.

Trim licence plate.

In 1969, all of Camaro trim labels were located in this engine compartment, riveted on the upper positioned hand corner within the firewall. I procured my rag in addition to cleaned all of the debris and gunk away from the trim tag. For the reason that numbers were not which clear, I recleaned the trim indicate, and removed other gunk. I utilized my flashlight so that you can illuminate the phone numbers, and then copied your numbers into this notebook. Some of the fit tag numbers harmonized with the VIN make numbers, which was a fantastic sign. The remaining figures indicated that your car body ended up being number 353, XXX to come down this particular plant's assembly tier. The interior was at first a standard black insides, and the car is built in the first 7-day period of June, 1969. The car was formerly painted dusk azure and it was prepared by a spoiler discount package and a chrome eliminate package. So far the whole thing was lining upward. The reason for all of this information is to illustrate how to confirm that what you think that you are buying is precisely what you are getting.

Previous to I move on, I must share how that is relevant. A wife and husband from my vehicle club went to consider a Chevelle. The automobile was advertised being a Super Sport. Within the inspection process, along with referencing the above guide, they uncovered various inconsistencies. According to the amounts, the car had traditionally started out as a basically Jane 6 pump car. The car has been now painted a unique color, had some other color interior as well as a different engine. You will get the picture. In the past, one (or more) of the previous proprietors modified the car together with tried to make this into a Super Sports activity. The point is it may didn't been done maliciously, but the car nonetheless did not start out to be a true Super Recreation. And having the Excellent Sport option needless to say raises the value in the car.

Engine passcode identification.

The program is stamped inside (2) places on the 69 Camaro. Is on the right facade engine pad. One another location is over the rough casting part on the rear with the engine, just higher than the oil clean. Again I easily wiped off the areas We described with foot brake cleaner sprayed using a rag. You need to have some sort of clean surface, and additionally normally brake solution will do the trick. The top engine pad results appeared to have been restamped at one time, maybe as soon as engine block had been decked (Decking inside of a machine process to test the flatness for the block deck designed for irregularities that result in compression and normal water leaks. ) A tricky part is normally reading the phone numbers on the area on top of the oil pool filter. I recommend a really vibrant light and a magnification glass. If that doesn't take action, then I suggest looking for little muriatic urate crystals an applying it on the numbers. This should help make the numbers understandable. The reason this amount is sometimes hard to be able to decipher is because such engines were palm stamped, and punched onto a difficult surface. According to the figures, I determined a engine was some 425 horsepower high end engine, with a 5 speed manual sign. The last numbers at the same time corresponded with the past numbers in my VIN, which meant this became the original engine to the car. The amounts told me the powerplant was assembled Summer 14, which chop down in line with the build wedding date. The engine filter part number which can be cast into the back of the block ended up being cleaned with a bad and brake clean as well. The prohibit part number showed ahigh performance hinder used for Camaros. One other piece of the challenge confirmed.

Rear axle identification.

The results on a Camaro rear end axle are placed on the top of the perfect axle tube. A experience has been this area is normally fairly crusty and rustic. And this rear axle was no exclusion. After considerable twine brushing, I easily wiped the area clean along with brake cleaner. Sleeping on my once again, I shone that light on the section, while holding your mirror. It always wasn't clear sufficient for me to read effectively. I then took a grease pencil, in addition to ran it with the numbers. The purpose of this grease pencil is usually to provide contrast while using metal of the axle tube. When I set the mirror spine over the area, I actually was rewarded by having a very sharp snapshot of the part phone numbers, which I copied towards my notebook. In line with the numbers, this raise axle assembly have a 4. 10: 1 gear rate, limited slip. That axle was built June 16, 1969. Are you seeing a good pattern starting to glimpse here? The axle numbers also mentioned the axle to get original to the car or truck based on the dates limitations referencing June 1969 build date. As i took the same tactic with the other parts.

Here i will discuss my findings. This cylinder heads, in your diet manifold, carburetor, along with transmission were the precise part numbers for ones car. However non-e of these parts ended up being date coded with the car. One of the brain was manufactured in 04 1968, the other scalp was manufactured in March of 1969. Your transmission was made Jan 24th 1969. The reason I know every one of those parts are not effectively date coded for the car is My partner and i decoded each one, by way of researching the section numbers, and night out codes. All of this tips is important, because not alone did it verify what exactly the owner had informed me, and it also showed that your other parts were good build date. Therefor providing further evidence of what We was looking at. In doing my investigating, I required pictures with a video camera of all of the parts together with part numbers, like best as i might. I spent around 30 minutes walking around the vehicle with a video camera and additionally editorializing what I actually was taking video clip of. I moreover took the directory things the Camaro expert had said about and tested them off one after the other. Later in the weeks time I called your Camaro expert in addition to shared my information. I reviewed every bit of my research, such as going over the individual thing numbers, and the "things to look for" list. By the end within the phone call, I is 99 percent great that this Camaro has been what it was becoming advertised as.

The past thing I did had been to have the car revealed and certified with a Certified Camaro appraiser.

GM also rubber stamped hidden VIN figures in (2) various places on the auto. The reason for the undetectable VIN numbers ended up being to add another help preventing and looking for a stolen automotive. Because it is fairly effortless remove and substitute out the VIN tag on the sprinkle, the hidden VIN's provided a back-up system of assess and balances. For instance , someone could possibly exchange out a VIN tag, but whenever they didn't know about a Hidden VIN amounts, a person in the find out could easily recognise the numbers not really matching up. As the car was picked up a roller task, it was easy to check out these hidden VIN's, against the VIN point on the dash. I needed the appraiser to be sure them personally, along with he confirmed that numbers as complementing and authentic. Basically the certificate authenticates the car. Many appraisers will also supply you with a written report on their findings. A nice thing on the subject of having a car authorized is this type of files is normally viewed as straightener clad documentation. This normally raises the significance of the car, a result of the authenticity certificate. And when you ever pay a visit to sell the car, right now you have documentation to deliver the seller that the vehicle is a real (Super Sport, Rally Activity, Z/28, etc . Anyone fill in the blank)

Some people may think about why would any person go through all of this get the job done.

However , keep in mind that some of these muscle cars can be 20 plus years of age and have gone through various owners and alterations. All of that history can be prior to it appearing restored back to shop original condition. Put simply, many parts tend to be bolt on together with interchangeable from additional models and different yrs. So just because this parts look ok, doesn't mean that these people even belong to the car. In the earlier example about the partners and the Chevelle, the automobile was priced being Super Sport, the trim tag as well as other numbers reflected a completely different story. Though the car was brilliantly restored, it was certainly nothing more than a changed 6 cylinder, put faitth on model Chevelle this someone converted to the site a V-8 sooner or later in it's everyday life. Don't get me incorrect, there is nothing wrong by using modifying a car to the individual owners flavor. The issue is when the car or truck is sold and the vendor forgets to mention (consciously or unconsciously) and additionally inform the new manager of the modifications. Much of our Chevelle couple might have gladly paid your asking price if the auto was a true Superb Sport. But, while they knew how to decode the car, they were in a position to save themselves too much effort, money and problems. At the time the distinction between a plain Her Chevelle and a actual Super Sport is over $10, 000. Just to throw a lot of numbers out there, you should be conservative in addition to say it takes 6 hours of study to decode your vehicle. Using our $10, 000 figure, of which equates to approximately $1, 600 an hour. Not just a bad return upon your time investment. Like muscle and typical cars have become very popular, I have seen quite a few cases where only for the fun today, an owner will quickly do research for the car he or she has access to.

Discovering your car isn't actually what you thought you bought can really knock a wind out of anyone. By investing handful of money, and time frame, in researching along with decoding your potential muscle car acquire you can sleep during the nighttime knowing that you acquired the value you bought. Anyone else interested in investment a couple of hours for reassurance when purchasing a traditional or muscle automotive???

[accio-victuuri]

CPN : snow heart, skiing, voice messages & thinking of each other. 💛💌💭

This is my version of how various events connect to one of the most loved bxg candy. @untamedconnotations already talked about it before over here. I feel like everyone knows this already but I just need a play by play and to see if there are more clues. Again. This is CPN. ⛔️

PART I. DC Wrap party

Douluo Continent held their wrap party, 7/3/2019 and it gave way to one of people’s favorite video of GG. Xiao laoshi looking up the sky and watching some fireworks, celebrating with the cast and chilling. It’s like he’s still filming and is the main character when he was just being his normal self. Fans gave comments when this video started going around such as :

"He is lonelier than fireworks, with stars in his eyes"

“The final video after Douluo ends, Xiao Zhan looks at the smoke in the crowd fire. The surroundings were very lively and the fireworks were dazzling. But he seems to be an island. What was he thinking at that time? How much effort and hardship he has put in for his dream.”

and yes I must admit it was a sight to see. He looked like a mix of lonely, hopeful and content. but was he really ‘alone’ in this moment? Well here comes the important of our CPN : at some point, He looked at his phone— listened to a voice message + recorded one himself. All of these wrap up fireworks and stuff were happening at around 8:50 PM. If you watch the fancam, what makes it more endearing is how he smiled softly while using his phone. So it makes it more 👀.

(original video source of this GIF is here)

Who is he talking to???

Well, the same day, an episode of CQL was airing and they both posted about it. GG even tagged Web. Now look at the time, before the whole fireworks thing— Web already posted and he was at work too. Then, 20:54 minutes after the fireworks started, GG forwarded a post. Remember at this time, they don’t have ‘studios’ to do this kind of work for them. They had to do the interaction themselves. Yes they have an assistant but not a ‘team’ like they do now. So with this, It’s not a stretch to think that these two probably had a conversation going on. Did Web see GG tagged him and thought— well, let me send him something. Let me show zhan-ge what i’m up to now.

after this fireworks display and voice messages he continued on and made this heart gesture 👇🏼. This is the last part of the fancam.

Why did he do that, why a heart in particular?

The next part of this story might give us a clue.

PART II. Extreme Youth episode 9 ( Skiing )

On the other side is WYB at work ( 7/3 - 7/4 2019 ) and shooting an episode of EY. How do we know this? It was posted.

“Variety show "Extreme Youth" on the 3rd and 4th Jiangbei Sunac Park recording, guests include Cheng Xiao, Wang Luodan, Wang Yibo”

So, WYB was carving a heart made out of snow. Unprompted. There was no challenge or whatever that instructed him to make one. He was just there, minding his own business and making his masterpiece carefully. ❄️🤍

After that, he goes out of frame and the segment continues. People on the barrage/live comments were actually asking where is he. Some even commenting maybe he was still playing with that heart made of snow.

Where is he. What is he doing.

If you’re asking a clown, he took a photo of the heart and sent it to GG. We know WYB is someone who is particular with how he takes photos ( as evidenced below). So he probably stepped out, took his time to snap a photo and sent a message. If you add GG making that heart sign as well then what are the chances of these 2 people doing a 🤍 sign between a close span of time. Coincidence? Also, you have this video (1:26) where a staff was caught saying what sounds like “xz” in the segment after the skiing portion. Take it or leave it. This is not the first time each other’s name were caught in places where they shouldn’t be.

The master photographer Yibo everyone,

The episode is below if you wanna see. Not subbed tho.

Part III. Other Clues and connections

A. The Day after - 7/4/2019

GG posted a variety of photos and with selfies. What seems to be out of place is a Dog. Who is gouzaizai? Well. The same one who wears a bone necklace all the time. 🦴 Yibo also posted showing him skating and continuing on with his shoot.

B. Their wish to ski together & Bobo necklace

• This one is a CLUE. In this SINA interview at 6:19, they start talking about their plans to go skiing. How it started since last year, but then Bobo said he went skiing first and that he SENT A PICTURE. Does this confirm our speculations or what? At the very least, it confirms they send photos to each other of what they are doing. They have that communication open.

• GG said it himself in a separate interview. They both had plans to ski and hopefully if they have time, they will. Some long time fans even said it was not usual for GG to share things like this but he did.

• Another example was this interview ( same one with zgsg )

“what are your thoughts if a variety show arrange for both of you to ski together?”

xiao zhan & yibo: wah~ can!

yibo: i’ll teach him

xz: forget about it

yb: why not?

xz: you just know how to ski not long ago?

yb: then do you know ‘falling leaf’?

xiao zhan: is it just snowboarding?

yibo: yup. the most basic is “falling leafs”

xz: you already said it’s the most basic

yb: yup

xz: can can. no problem

translation source.

• Qeelin skiing necklace that GG wore during promotions and even after. I talked more about Qeelin here and it’s significance if you have no idea why it’s important.

In an episode of TTXS, he also said he wanted to Ski. Even last year, in his fanmeet Bobo mentioned wanting to ski even if it wasn’t one of the choices. Plus his not-really-a-selfie selfie this year. I can go on and on, it’s so obvious that it’s what they both want to do together. That if one is doing it, he’ll definitely tell the other. My CPN brain tells me this is not limited to skiing topics. They will send each other photos ( or videos ) of what they are doing.

C. Both of them likes making voice messages

We first see this in the Yibo’s 21st birthday video where Web is recording one. Yin zheng also once posted a voice message sent by WYB about his moto riding but what later deleted. He uses it himself instead of typing things out ( said in an interview ). I can’t find ones for GG except for that video and we have limited fancams of him actually using his phone post his CQL popularity. It’s just so personal, sending a voice message. I’m jealous. Lol. Photos and Video are one thing, but to have voice clips of your s/o is something else. I am happy with candies like this cause it shows how willing they are to stay connected. And to think it’s not just them talking about their day but imagine GG singing and sending it to WYB. Ah. 😭😭😭

Bonus: Fake rumor that GG was talking to someone on the phone, post Web’s moto accident. He was saying “be worthy of your heart”. Who knows if he was actually talking or he can also be recording a voice message right? 🎤

Yibo and his 🤍 fixation + GG following suit with that requires a whole different post altogether. However a few examples would be : heart shape @ loreal fanmeet, heart in the water @ summer surf shop, their own uniq finger heart sign for each other, GG’s valentines day drawing etc etc. It is a recurring theme.

PART IV. Conclusion

I have always been a believer of this CPN and this is really just for me to have it on my blog. I cannot NOT have this special candy discussed. At the end of the day, we’re all just speculating. Whether you believe they were talking to each other that night or that they are in a romantic relationship, I think it’s clear that there is/was something. No one can deny that. && BXGs will always be here for them.

Feel feel to reply here or reblog. React. Add your own thoughts. 📥

[charliedawn]

Valentine's day with the slashers? 💞

Penny : "VALENTINE'S DAY ?! *long pause*...What's that ?"

Penny doesn't know Valentine's day because he's never actually celebrated it. He knows what it means to humans and often lured desperate children in his clutches by pretending to be their crush or by offering them flowers/chocolates/balloons..But, he never actually celebrated it, but he wouldn't want to disappoint you, so he'd just give you everything he's learned through the years about what Valentine's day is about.

"Here ! *puts some heart-shaped chocolates, red roses and teddy bears in your arms* "I hope it's enough ?! It's everything I could find..Are you happy ?!"

Pennywise knows what Valentine's day is, he's just not fond of it at all. His little sister used to be crazy about it, but he never saw the appeal. Why try so hard to impress someone ? If they can't love you as you are everyday, then what's the point in making them love you one day by offering them gifts ? However, he would make the effort for you.

"TADA ! SURPRISE !"

He would most likely prepare some kind of party for you with all the other slashers or just decide to prepare a room for the both of you (romantic dinner with Freddy and Michael's help). He never actually had to care about any of this, so he would ask for help. But, it'd be worth it just to see you happy.

"Happy Valentine's day, sugar cake."

Dennis would be nervous. He never actually had to plan Valentine's day since his dad. He used to make them drawings and craft Valentine's cards for his parents, but he lost the habit and it's only when he met you that he decided to do something special for you, with the help of all the other personalities of course.

Kevin : "You should buy her flowers !"

Hedwig : "And lots of chocolates !"

Patricia : "A gift from the heart ? Maybe, a knitted scarf ?"

Barry : "Buy her a bag of the latest trend ! If she doesn't like it, I would keep it."

Orwell : "A book of the history of Valentine's day ?"

Dennis sighs before looking at the flowers in his arms and the box of chocolates. Will you even like them ? What if he messes up ? Maybe, Kevin should do it ? He feels all the other personalities pushing him forward and at the same time comforting and terrifying..

Dennis : "Do you..Do you think it'll be enough ? Do you..Do you think we're enough ?"

Suddenly, his head feels empty, no more voices battling what gift to choose..None of them know the answer to Dennis' question. However, he feels Patricia's hand on his shoulder who gives him a slight reassuring squeeze.

"Only one way to find out.."

She makes the first step and rings at your door.

Brahms already celebrated Valentine's day before with his parents, but he never actually got out with anyone else before..Remember. Wall boy here. He's been trapped in that house of his for so many years the only friend he had were rats and cockroaches..However, he would try to make it a special day for you and ask for advice to either Michael or Arthur. He would buy you flowers, candy, chocolates...Everything he knows and also dress nicely for you. He would take you out to dinner, but feel nervous as he wouldn't really know what to say to you ?

Brahms : "Hum...I like your...dress/t-shirt ?"

He would compliment you, but probably be too excited to stay in place and knock a few things on the table or decide to go somewhere more quiet to talk to you alone.

"I'm...glad you decided to come with me."

He would then either kiss you on the cheek or hold your hand and have a walk in the park with you. He would even ask you to play hide and seek, if you're up for it ? Brahms has the heart of a child, so he'll make sure you have fun in his company for Valentine's day.

Jason : "NONONO ! Don't look ! Close the door !"

Jason likes to take photographs, and he has a lot of them about you..So, he would probably try to make a scrapbook for you and would spend hours selecting photos and developing them. This is why he would probably show up late and hand you the scrapbook with shaking hands.

"H..Here. I know it's not much but.."

He would then wait for your reaction and try not to look too anxious, but fail spectacularly. He would then let out a soft sigh of relief upon seeing your wide smile and visible happiness concerning your gift.

"I..I'm happy that you like it.."

You would then eat dinner together and look at the different photographs together: some with the slashers, some with only the both of you and all of them about you..He would then stare at you and try to carve the memory of your smile in his head.

"Happy Valentine's day, Y/N."

Freddy isn't going to do anything, you're gonna have to ask him to be your Valentine if you want that man to spend the day with you. He may talk a lot, but when it comes to feelings ? That man is mute. However, he will accept if it's you and try to look presentable at least, even bring you flowers from his garden, but don't expect too much.

"I..Huh..Sh*t..You look amazing."

He will try to compliment you the best he can without using any vulgar vocabulary, but Freddy being Freddy..Be prepared for a lot of "eyeing you up and down" and "whistling appreciatively once you have your back turned". He can be a gentleman, but probably won't, because he likes seeing you angry at him for some reason ? But, honestly, it's especially because he doesn't exactly feels like he fits. Freddy doesn't believe in love, he believes in one night stands and the one and only "make a move before the chick/guy chickens out" law of dating. So, yeah..He won't leave without his kiss, but it will be difficult for you to have a serious discussion about anything love-related with him.

"Love ?! Ah ! Big joke !"

Valentine's day or any day, Freddy will be happy if you ask him out, but he won't make it special, it'll just be like any other date, besides for the gifts and the dressing up.

Michael knows what Valentine's day is all about and will make sure to plan the perfect day for the both of you. He would bake a heart-shaped cake, light scented candles and try to be as romantic as possible. He will also be nervous, but will hide it better than any of the others.

"Hi..So..Is the lady/gentleman ready to come for dinner ?"

He will come to search for you in your room and be a gentleman to you all evening. He will also kiss you tenderly and compliment you.

"You look beautiful."

Michael is a man of a few words, but he doesn't need many to tell the truth and how breath-taking you look. He would also give you chocolates (home-made) and flowers that Freddy accepted to give him. He would just want the night to be magical for you and will even walk you to a special place to look at the stars. Michael is a romantic and has already been a husband. He knows how to impress and would do his best to make you smile.

"So..Happy ?"

Arthur would start with his usual magic tricks and make flowers magically appear from his sleeve or make a Valentine joke to invite you out.

Him : "Knock, knock."

You : Who's there?

Him : "Howard."

You : "Howard who ?"

Arthur *smiles* : "Howard you like to be my Valentine ?"

He would then invite you to walk around town at night when the lights are up, or to some dancing event in town. He would also buy you sweets and try to control his laugh as much as possible during your date, not to ruin anything. He would also try to make you laugh, as he loves hearing you and it makes him smile everytime.

"If I was to ever hear only one thing for the rest of my life ? It would be your laugh, sweetie."

He would also kiss your cheek or on your lips ? It depends on how the date would go or how confident he would feel afterwards ?

He would bring you breakfast to bed with a rose on the tray and even kiss you if he feels bold enough, or just rest next to you, enjoying the sight of your resting face before finally waking you up. Norman usually wakes up early to prepare breakfast for the guests, but he would ask to have the day off to spend time with you and even go on a date at the local fair or to the theater ? He would then take you out to dinner or prepare lunch/dinner for you. You would also both spend time in the cemetery (romantic, isn't it ? 😂) to feed the stray cats and other random animals passing by, as they usually spend their time around the cemetery.

"Did you have fun, my dear ?"

He would ask you before taking your hand and kissing your knuckles.

"Because, I sure did..And, happy Valentine's day, my love."

Five : "I forgot.."

Klaus : "...You forgot what ?"

Five : "It's Valentine's day today."

Klaus : "Oh yeah...Did you plan to do something with Y/N ?"

Five : "...."

Klaus : "....."

Five : "...What didn't you understand in the sentence 'I forgot' ?"

Klaus *chuckles knowingly* : "They're going to kill you.."

(Here. I know it's a bit late, but I hope you'll still like it. 😉💜)

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

In Times Past

Character: Bruce Wayne x Fem!Reader

Summary: Bruce Wayne’s life doesn’t exist beyond the fake storylines he performs for the media and citizens of Gotham. Maybe the only person that can change that is someone who knew him before Batman ever even existed. 

Word Count: 8,200+ [One Shot]

Warnings: Violence, mentions of sexual harrassment

A/N: As I teased before, this was inspired by this scene from Batman Begins. 

Bruce could sense Alfred’s tension when he walked into the kitchen that morning. The man was not one to hold back his thoughts and feelings. It was both a blessing and a curse. But Bruce sensed it was the latter today.

Before Bruce could even get a sip of coffee in, Alfred tossed the Sunday newspaper in front of him.

On the front page was a photo of Batman, far too high of a resolution for Bruce’s liking. ‘BATMAN: SAVIOR OR MENACE?’ the headline read.

“A little too close for comfort, don’t you think?” Alfred asked with a hint of sass.

However, Bruce controlled his reaction.

“Not the first time I’ve been photographed, Alfred.”

“You’re dancing with the devil, Master Wayne.”

“So, what? You want me to lay down the cape because everyone in America has the ability to take a photo on their cellphone?”

“Of course not,” Alfred retorted. Though Alfred secretly wished every day that Bruce would say goodbye to the Batman. “I just thought perhaps you should be putting a bit more effort into Bruce Wayne’s life if you really want to throw Gotham off your trail.”

Then he tossed another newspaper. This one of Bruce Wayne, the other mask he wore.

‘Bruce Wayne Lights Up the Room at Charity Ball.’

Alfred points to the date…it was 9 months ago. And it was unfortunately the last time Bruce Wayne was in the press.

“You better start creating alibis, Master Wayne, or the dark web will start to putting two and two together…”

Bruce sighed. He knew Alfred was right. But he hated all that went with what he had to do. He’d rather face off with Gotham’s deadliest criminals than go galavanting around the city as the self-absorbed and reckless playboy persona that he’d created.

“There is a birthday party for Eaton Elliot next weekend. Naturally, being old family friends, you received an invitation,” Alfred explained. “Plenty of press will be there to note your attendance. Seems rather convenient."

Bruce recognized the name. It was the older brother of Thomas Elliot, a childhood friend that he slightly lost touch with. He’d see him or his parents at various events, and things were always cordial.

But it didn’t really matter how absent or quiet Bruce was when it came to maintaining such relationships. Everyone forgave such behavior when it came to saving face with the only living member of the Wayne family. Bruce could spit in the faces of Gotham’s elite and they’d probably thank him for it.

“Black tie affair, as always,” Alfred added as he slipped the invitation to Bruce. “Perhaps you could bring a date…”

Bruce glared up at the butler. “Dates make it harder to make a quick and quiet exit, Alfred.”

“Well, maybe that’s the point, Master Wayne.”

————

Just like he was on patrol or working on an op, Bruce had prepared for every single scenario. He made a plan that would be the most effective in the shortest amount of time. He didn’t want to torture himself any longer than absolutely necessary.

When Alfred asked him again if he was planning on bringing a date, Bruce had only replied with a mischievous smirk.

Because he walked in with a girl on each arm.

It wasn’t the classy or gentlemanly thing to do. And that was exactly the point.

Conversations paused, attention was turned, and flashes went off.

Bruce Wayne made his entrance.

He carefully fell into the groove of being the spoiled brat everyone had painted him out to be. It had been awhile since he played the part, but Bruce always found it easy when he was surrounded by these kinds of people.

Bruce made sure to slightly slur his words. He would get too handsy with his dates. He would rudely interrupt people to share his own useless opinion on whatever topic was leading the conversation. He never looked waitstaff in the eye.

But now it was time for the finale.

Bruce whispered a certain suggestion into the ears of his dates.

They shared a look that proved they were both game.

The three of them stumbled into a bathroom – one out in the open that most of the guests would be steered toward.

The kissing began and clothes were quickly shifted.

There was a split moment when Bruce wondered what this would feel like for a man who actually wanted to be in this situation.

The two woman managed unbuckle his belt, the clanking metal echoing in the all-tile bathroom.

But just as they unbuttoned and then unzipped his pants, Bruce’s cellphone rang loudly.

Right on cue.

“Ladies, ladies, ladies,” Bruce whined. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” his words stumbled out. “But I just have to take this call.”

“Aww. Brucie. You’re no fun,” one of the women fussed.

But Bruce gave off enough dominate energy that they didn’t try to fight him on it.

Hair disheveled, mouth swollen and pink, lipstick stains on his skin and his pants and belt barely put back together, Bruce stumbled out of the bathroom first.

The two women didn’t bother to stay back and spread out their exits, making it very clear what had just happened – or what it looked like just happened.

It didn’t matter that Bruce didn’t actually have sex with them, every woman in Gotham wanted to say they’d shared a bed with Bruce Wayne. His two dates would lie to save face and get street cred. Bruce hated that he knew that, that it was guaranteed.

Dozens of people, who were socializing near the bathroom, stopped what they were doing and watched with judgmental looks. Some men looked jealous. Some women looked disgusted and eyed the two women up and down.

Then there was the flash of a camera.

Bingo.

Bruce wouldn’t have to linger much longer now.  

He played up being somewhat embarrassed.

But just as he put his phone to his ear to take the fake call that Alfred dialed, he saw the last person he expected.

It caused him to do a double take and freeze. 

His focus fell for a moment as they made eye contact.

Why did she have to be here?

Why did she have to be one of his witnesses?

Why did it hurt so much to see how she looked at him as if he were a stranger?

And why did she have to look so god damn beautiful?

Y/F/N Y/L/N.

The Y/L/N family were another one of Gotham’s elite – well, they used to be.

Y/N’s father was once worth billions. But being born into wealth didn’t guarantee intelligence or the skills to properly run the family business. When Bruce and Y/N were in high school, Y/N’s father filed for bankruptcy and confessed that the family was about to lose everything. With the announcement, the press also exposed Mr. Y/L/N’s many lustful affairs.

What came next was a messy and brutal divorce that the media ate up.  

Out of spite, Y/N’s mother remarried her ex-husband’s biggest competitor, maintaining her status and wealth, and making sure she still came out on top. It was the greatest revenge and even Y/N had to give her mother credit for the ingenuity of it all.

Bruce remembered how terrible it all was for Y/N, who was used as a pawn in her parents war against each other.

Having had enough of it, Y/N fled Gotham and chose to live with her eccentric great aunt in London and finished her last year of high school there.

But Y/N didn’t run away from Bruce. They emailed, texted, video chatted, called.

They had always been good friends.

The elites of Gotham always suspected the two would get married. But both Bruce and Y/N pretended to ignore such whisperings.

But when Bruce shifted his life, when he changed his life’s purpose, when he started becoming a vigilante…he stopped taking Y/N’s calls and he stopped returning them.

He told himself it was better that way. He couldn’t handle any distractions. Batman didn’t have time for personal relationships, so neither did Bruce Wayne. But more importantly, Y/N deserved someone who would prioritize her – even just as a friend.

Now Bruce needed to get actually drunk.

Putting the phone back to his ear, he broke eye contact and made a beeline for one of the bars. 

“Did you forget to tell me about the guest list, Alfred?” Bruce muttered evenly to the phone, knowing that Alfred would easily be able to hear his anger and irritation.

“How was I to know who RSVPed yes or no…” Alfred bit back. But he knew exactly who Bruce was looking at.

Bruce frowned as he ended the call abruptly and asked for a whiskey.

“I don’t know, man. She’s not my type,” a man said to his friend.

The two of them were just a foot or two away from Bruce.

“What do you mean ‘not your type’? She’s fucking hot.”

“Don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful. But she’s so stiff and uptight. Look, she’s had a resting bitch face all night.”

Bruce’s grip on his face tightened as he easily put together who they were talking about. It was moments like these that Bruce hated being lumped together with men like this.

“You’re an idiot,” the friend said with a laugh.

“Oh, yeah? Alright. If you’re so obsessed with her, why don’t you go over and talk to her?”

Bruce saw his window. 

With a sloppy haste, Bruce turned right into the two men and just happened to spill his drink over the man who was about to make a move on Y/N.

Bruce laughed and spilled another drink on the bar as he tried to grab some nearby cocktail napkins. “Gentleman, gentleman…I so dearly apologize.”

Both of them were clearly annoyed, but then realized who he was.  

Bruce gripped them by the shoulders and made sure his eyes were struggling to stay open. “I could be wrong…but it’s possible…that I have been over served.”

He broke out into a chuckle and both men forced their own laughter.

Bruce subtle glanced over to where Y/N had been standing. She’d disappeared.

He’d spared her…for now.

“I think it’s time I go home,” Bruce told them too loudly. “Do me a favor? Wish her congratulations for me?”

The two men looked at one another. “Congratulations? To who?”

Bruce frowned in confusion and looked around. “Isn’t this an engagement party?”

They tried to hide their laughter. “Wayne, this is a birthday party. For Eaton Elliot.”

Bruce’s brows shot up. “A birthday party? Look at that!”

Then he turned around, zigzagged his walk, and threw a wave over his shoulder.

But Bruce wasn’t that lucky.

Because when he made his way to the valet, he found Y/N waiting patiently with her back to him. 

Her fancy dress and gloves seemed to do nothing to help protect her from the cold night. 

Bruce could’ve left. He could’ve left her alone, gone back into the party, and made more of a fool of himself.

But next thing he knew, he was walking forward.  

“Waiting for your car?”

Y/N didn’t turn to him, but it was clear that she heard his question and recognized who it had come from. “I didn’t drive. They’re getting me a cab.”

Bruce nodded slowly even though she wasn’t looking at him.

All charm had left his body now that he had quit the act. It wasn’t going to do any favors for him. He needed to do this on his own, as his real self.

Y/N finally turned with a slight attitude and Bruce was taken aback at how she was even more beautiful up close.

“What are you doing here, Bruce?”

He smirked. “I’m here for the party, of course.” He didn’t want to play the part anymore – not with her. But it was second nature at this point.

Her lips pursed at his response.

“Leaving so soon?” He asked.

Y/N sighed. “Between you and me, I’m only here as a favor to my mother. She wouldn’t get off my back about coming. I tried to leave sooner, but…”

One of the valets hopped up the steps. “I’m sorry, Dr. Y/L/N. It can take awhile to get cabs in the area at this time of night.”

Y/N gave him a sympathetic smile and opened her mouth to say she’d walk home.

“I’ll drive her home,” Bruce spoke before she could. Then he handed the valet his ticket.

Y/N looked at him with confusion and a bit of annoyance. “You really don’t have to do that.”

Bruce just gave her a look that said he absolutely did.

Then Y/N gestured back to the party. “You’re just gonna abandon your dates?”

The way she asked made it clear that Y/N had seen Bruce stumble out of the bathroom with the two of them. He also didn’t miss how she emphasized the plural.

“They’ll be fine,” Bruce told her.

He took a step toward her. “Let me give you a ride, Y/N.”

She took in a deep breath.

She knew she needed the ride. Only an idiot would walk home at this time of night, even if the walk to her apartment was a relatively safe one for Gotham standards.

Y/N just nodded.

A minute later, an Aston Martin drove up.

Bruce offered his arm to Y/N and helped her down the stairs before opening the passenger door for her.

He handed the valet a few bills, not even noticing they were all hundreds.

“Where to?” Bruce asked her.

“Oh, umm…” Y/N quickly gave him her address.

“I know you’ve been gone awhile, but you definitely shouldn’t be walking around the streets of Gotham at night.”

Y/N scoffed. “I’m aware. I moved back awhile ago.”

“Oh. I didn’t know…”

“Yeah. Well, why would you? It’s not like you kept in touch.”

The car filled with silence.

Y/N stared out the passenger window, looking at the skyscraper lights of Gotham

It seemed Y/N had no issue with staying silent for the whole car ride.There was nothing awkward about it for her.

But Bruce knew there were things he needed to say. “I’m sorry.”

This was the last thing Y/N expected and her head whipped to him.

But Bruce kept his eyes on the road. “For disappearing like I did.”

Y/N slowly turned back to the passenger window and said nothing.

Bruce didn’t expect to win her forgiveness. He would have to deal with that. But at least he could apologize.

“Y/N.” Bruce said it ever so quietly, like he was forbidden from speaking it. “This isn’t…I’m not…” Dammit. What was he even trying to accomplish right now? “Back there–”

“Back there?” Y/N interrupted his fumbling. “Oh, you mean the threesome you had in a bathroom at a party?”

Bruce’s jaw tightened.

Everyone bought his performance. Unfortunately, even Y/N.

Bruce pulled over and Y/N realized they were at her building already.

“You can say whatever makes you feel good, Bruce. Have at it.” Then she threw open the car door.

She put her hand on the handle to help herself out.

But she hesitated.

No. She wasn’t going down without a fight.

Y/N spun around to face Bruce, his blue eyes already waiting for her.

“You used to be kind. Strong and brave. You were better than all of them.”

And for the first time, Bruce really saw the damage he had done.

“Is that boy really gone?” She searched his eyes for the answer. “What is the act and what is the truth?” She whispered. “Huh, Bruce?”

He wanted to tell her.

Bruce had never felt the urge to expose his secret ever before.

But right now? Right now, he wanted to take Y/N back to the manor, drag her down to the cave, and show her all of his secrets – every single one.

But he couldn’t. And he knew that.

Bruce kept his face reserved.

His brow furrowed for just a second as he took Y/N in. All of her. Her eyelashes. Her lips. The styling of her hair. The dip of her neck.

“You became quite the woman, Y/N.” He told her. “And a beautiful one at that.”

Y/N blinked at the statement. Her mind desperately tried to decipher the hidden message in his words, in his actions from the night. But she came up with nothing.

She wanted to say that she knew he was using flattery to divert her attention from what she wanted to know. But it was also clear that he genuinely meant what he said as well. His eyes seeming to be taking in every moment of being in her presence.

If Y/N weren’t so irritated, she probably would’ve been more taken aback by his compliment, feeling vulnerable and almost embarrassed.

There wasn’t any point in pushing.

So Y/N took in a breath. “Thank you for the ride, Bruce.”

He just nodded. Then he watched her walk to the door of her apartment building. He probably lingered a few moments too long, but he couldn’t bring himself to once again put distance between them.

————

Alfred brought down food and an espresso to the cave.

When he looked up, Y/F/N Y/L/N’s face was on the giant screen.

“Working on a case, Master Wayne?” He asked with his usual sarcasm.

Bruce ignored the question. “She attended undergrad in Metropolis and then went to grad school in New York City.”

“Yes, I can see that…considering you have her student records exploited all over the screen,” Alfred responded with a smirk. “She’s been living in Gotham again for a few years, working as a psychiatrist. Even volunteers her services at Arkham – pro bono.”

That caught Bruce’s attention. He turned away from the screen to look at Alfred.

“I found no record of that,” he argued.

“Yes. Well, her mother is rather embarrassed by it. Thinks it gives the family a bad image. She insisted Y/N’s philanthropy was kept secret, even approved the NDAs herself.”

Bruce gave him a look, utterly confused how Alfred had access to such information.

Alfred raised an eyebrow. “Never underestimate the power of gossip, Master Wayne. Most family secrets cannot be found on the dark corners of the internet.” Then he smirked. “You would gain quite the knowledge if you didn’t turn your nose up at it.”

Bruce smiled at that and turned back to the computer.

“So, I take it that it was good seeing her?” Alfred pressed.

Bruce tensed at the question. “Not entirely. I’m certain that she hates me.”

“Hates you or hates the character you’ve so carefully created?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m just Bruce Wayne to her.”

Alfred opened his mouth to say more.

“Leave it, Alfred.” Bruce cut off before he could.

“Well, it appears I’m not the one struggling with leaving it alone, Master Wayne.”

Like many of Gotham’s elites, Alfred had humored the idea that Bruce and Y/N would make a marvelous couple. Like Bruce, Y/N didn’t let money and power sway her morals or damage her good and kind heart.

Alfred had always enjoyed having her over and listening to her and Bruce’s laughter as they caused trouble around the manor and entertained themselves.

But he also saw how her departure effected Bruce, no matter how much the teenager had tried to hide it at the time.

Maybe Alfred was an optimist or a romantic, but he still believed there was a chance for the two of them. But Bruce, quite frankly, would have to get over himself and his stubbornness.

————

Bruce was looking down at the city from yet another rooftop. It had been a quiet night. And he hated nights like that. It was always ended up being the calm before a storm.

“Batman?” Alfred spoke into his comms.

“Yes.”

“It appears there’s been a breakout at Arkham. The media hasn’t caught wind of it yet. But law enforcement has already been dispatched.”

“I’m on my way,” Bruce announced as he slid down a fire escape and made his way to the batmobile that he’d hidden in the shadows of an alley.

“Master Wayne…” Alfred knew to only use codenames on comms.

Bruce tense. “What is it?”

There was hesitation from the butler. “Y/N was scheduled to work a shift there tonight…”

Bruce said nothing. But his foot pressed the gas pedal down further than necessary.

—

Y/N was sitting with a patient when the alarm went off.

The people that worked there called them inmates, and corrected her every time she chose not to use that title.

Harleen Quinzel had been sitting across from Y/N for almost 30 minutes when they were interrupted.

“Oh, fun!” Harley clapped and giggled as the sirens filled their ears.

Harley and Y/N had formed an interesting relationship. The criminal seemed to like her and looked forward to her visits. She never threatened Y/N or tried to manipulate her.

Y/N believes she won her over by addressing her as Dr. Quinzel and often asking her professional opinions on trends and news in their industry. 

Most people there only referred to Harley as if she was property of the Joker, no matter how many times Harley clarified that she wasn’t his anything anymore.

“Does this happen a lot?” Y/N asked her, trying to remain calm.

“Not enough, if ya ask me!” She laughed.

Y/N made the mistake of opening the door and seeing that the majority of the cells had been opened and prisoners were slowly making their way into the hallway.

“Not good,” Y/N muttered.

“Don’t worry, doc. I’ll protect ya! Us gals gotta stick together.” Harley said from behind her shoulder.

Y/N whipped around and looked at her and then at the table she’d been sitting at. “Dr. Quinzel! How did you get out of your restraints?”

“Oh, I’ve always been able to. I just leave ‘em on to be polite.”

Y/N sighed. No one had explained any sort of protocol for such a situation.

“Where the fuck are all the guards?” Y/N asked.

Suddenly the lights shut off.

“Yippy!” Harley cheered.

Y/N turned to her and softly grabbed her shoulder, but gave her an insistent look. “Harley, we need to get somewhere safe.”

Her face did dip to serious for a moment. “You don’t need to worry about me. But you’re right. Not everyone in here appreciates a shrink…”

To her surprise, Harley starts pulling her through the darkness with a purpose.

Y/N had no idea where she was planning on taking her. It seemed all the doors were in lock-down mode, leaving her stranded. If she survived tonight, she’d definitely be bringing that up to the board.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

Y/N yelped at the sound.

Someone had either gotten a hold of a gun or security guards were opening fire.

Either way, it caused chaos to erupt.

Suddenly the dark hallways were being filled with a stampede of prisoners. Either they wanted to take down the guard who was shooting or they were getting an adrenaline rush at the concept of their peers attacking their wardens.

The crowd ripped the two women apart. Y/N was shoved up against the wall and her head slammed against the cement.

Y/N swore under her breath from the pain.

“Is that…No, it can’t be…”

A voice called out over the madness.

A chill went up Y/N’s spine. She’d know that voice anywhere.

The Joker.

He wasn’t one of her patients. All researchers and doctors were forbidden to speak with him – especially after what happened with Harley.

But that didn’t stop the Joker from knowing who Y/N was. He whined and whined about feeling left out. “All my pals get to chat with her and all I get to do is look!”

Now, Joker was free from him isolation.

Y/N suspected he was behind the breakout.

And he was going to make a slight detour. A detour that was doing whatever the hell he wanted to with Dr. Y/L/N.

Y/N didn’t even bother hiding her fear. With a new found strength and endurance, she started shoving her way through the mob.

“I hear you and my pumpkin’ pie have gotten close.” Then his smile dropped. “Too close, if ya ask me.”

Y/N ignored him as another prisoner shoved into her shoulder.

“I don’t appreciate you putting ideas in her head!”

Y/N stopped, realizing she had miscalculated her escape and had come to a dead end.

So she slowly turned around to face him, putting her back to the wall. “And what ideas are those?”

“Independence. Self respect. A life beyond crime and incarceration,” he spat.

Y/N realized he had his goonies flanking him, only making her odds that much worse.

“Those aren’t ideas. They’re a reality, a possible future,” she defended.

Joker didn’t like that answer one bit. He threw himself against her, once again slamming Y/N into the wall.

He gripped her chin roughly and smiled with his yellow teeth. “You know…she’s not the only doctor I’d like to break in. And in more ways than one, if you catch my drift,” he giggled.

Then his eyes raked over her body, up and down. His hands slid down her hips and the side of her legs until they got to the hem of her pencil skirt.

Y/N shoved him away with all of her strength. 

But that earned her a slap across the face from him.

Joker gripped her waist tightly pressing her between the wall and his body. “I’m in charge now, doc. And I’ve got a few lessons to teach you.”

His hands grabbed at the buttons of her blouse and with one jerk, he ripped open her her blouse.

But before he could go any further, a few of his lackeys cried out in pain. 

Y/N swore she heard the sound of objects whipping through the darkness. 

She didn’t want to let herself feel any relief. But she hoped Harley had made her way back to her. She’d probably pack an even heavier punch once she realized Y/N needed protecting from her asshole ex.

But when Joker turned around and Y/N followed his gaze, Harley was nowhere to be found.

Yet three men were on the ground, unconscious.

“Well, well, well,” Joker muttered in amusement. “Has Batsy come out to play?”

Next thing Y/N saw was a shadow dropping down out of nowhere and taking out even more of Joker’s men.

Joker seemed to be prepared for such an interruption. Because he grabbed a knife from somewhere hidden on his body and ripped Y/N off the wall. He pressed Y/N’s back to his chest and put the tip of his knife to her throat.

“Come out, come out wherever you are,” Joker sang.

To Y/N’s shock, Batman stepped into what little light was in the hallway.

“Long time, no see!” Joker screamed so loudly that Y/N flinched. “Did you miss me, Batsy? And you came all this way to see little old me?! How very sweet!”

“Your attempted escape was a failure,” Batman stated. “There’s nowhere for you to go. All the exits are blocked. Arkham has been contained.”

“What a shame! I really felt this one was gonna work!” Joker laughed.

Batman took a step toward him. “It’s over, Joker.”

“You’re probably right,” Joker shrugged. “But I really wanted to have some fun with doc here. So, if you could give us some privacy.”

Batman’s eyes flickered to Y/N’s for a brief moment. “Let her go,” he warned.

“How about…no?” Joker laughed.

Just as Batman was about to make his move, Y/N grabbed the wrist of Joker’s arm that held the knife. She twisted it and dived in such a succinct motion that it was obvious Y/N had been trained.

Whipping herself out of Joker’s grip, she twisted Joker’s arm so roughly and quickly behind his back that he had no choice but to drop his knife from the pain.

Then Y/N was now facing him, and with one swift swing of her leg, she kicked him right in the groan.

Batman saw his opening and rushed forward, cuffing Joker in place.

While Batman neutralized him, Y/N stumbled for the knife that Joker had dropped, still not feeling safe and out of danger.

She looked around, realizing that the police had filtered in and apprehended all the escaped prisoners. Some were already locked back into their cells. Other’s were in handcuffs with guns being pointed at them in warning.

“Dr. Y/L/N,” his voice made her whip back around.

How the hell did Batman know her name?

She squinted wearily at him.

“You can drop the knife,” Batman told her quietly.

Y/N blinked and looked down at her hand, having forgotten that she even grabbed the knife. And she now had a vice-like grip on it.

Her hands were shaking when she dropped the knife and the clatter echoed in the hallway.

She eyed the Joker, not trusting any sort of weapon to be in his vicinity, despite being handcuffed now.

“He’s not going anywhere,” Batman noted, as if he could read her mind and hear the concerns she was thinking.

Police officers surrounded them now.

“Until next time, doc!” Joker sang loudly.

Batman stepped between him and Y/N, shielding her from even being seen by the lunatic.

Y/N eyed him, wondering if he did that on purpose.

“This way,” he directed lowly as he led her out of the hallway.

Y/N was surprised when he escorted her all the way out of the building.

Wasn’t this supposed to be Gotham’s Dark Knight? A disappearing act? An urban legend that some people still didn’t believe in?

When they got outside, there were even more officers. The night was flickering blue and red from all the patrol car’s lights still being on.

Commissioner Gordon was having a field day with Arkham’s warden, yelling at him about lack of protocol and no protection for the volunteers and workers that had gotten caught in the crossfire.

But finally, the reality of what just happened was starting to set in for Y/N. And she realized that her entire body was shaking.

All of a sudden, a blanket was wrapped around her shoulders.

She looked up to see that Batman had draped it over her. When and where he’d grabbed it, she had no clue. But the warmth was helping, so she didn’t question it.

“Thank you…for saving me back there.”

Was that a smirk on his lips? Was Batman amused by her?

Why was it so comforting when he was a mere stranger?

And his eyes, even when they were surrounded by a cowl and dark paint, they still felt familiar. Y/N had a similar feeling to deja vu.

“Looked like you had it handled,” he replied.

“Oh, I definitely didn’t. But thank god for those self-defense classes.”

They looked into each other’s eyes for a second.

“Make sure you get checked out by the paramedics,” he told her gently, but insistent.

It was far too gentle for his Batman alter ego. But she caught how it sounded like it personally mattered to him.

Y/N looked behind her, where the ambulance was.

But when she turned back around, Batman was gone.

Next thing Y/N knew, she was being surrounded by two paramedics and Commissioner Gordon who was careful not to push her by asking too many questions at once.

“Does he always do that?” She asked him in a daze.

“Do what?” Gordon asked.

“Disappear like that?”

Gordon smiled and nodded. “Annoying, isn’t it?”

———

“What’s the gossip of the privileged this week?” Bruce asked Alfred at breakfast a few days after the outbreak.

“Something specific you’re looking for, Master Wayne?” Alfred asked as he poured Bruce a big mug of coffee.

Bruce glared at him, knowing he was playing coy with him.

But he put his pride aside. “How is she doing?”

Alfred took pity on him. “She took some time off work. But seems to be handling it better than expected. Makes quite a bit of sense, doesn’t it? Her being psychiatrist and all.”

Bruce just nodded with a dazed look.

“You could always see for yourself…” Alfred added.

Bruce snapped out of his daze and looked up him questioningly.

“You could go see her,” Alfred confirmed.

“Alfred, don’t you start.”

“Start what, Master Wayne? Pushing you to form any sort of relationship?”

Bruce sighed and got up from the breakfast nook. He didn’t want to fight with him, so he’d made his exit before that happened.

“Batman has plenty of friends,” Alfred stopped him. “But what about Bruce Wayne, hmm? Who are his friends?”

“You saying we’re not friends, Alfred?”

“I’m all you’ve got, Master Wayne. And that’s my point.”

Before the discussion could go on any further, the doorbell rang.

The two men shared a look. 

No one stopped by the manor.

Alfred made his way over.

Bruce figured he’d wait where he was. But the front entrance was too far away from him to overhear any conversation.

A few minutes later, Alfred walked in with an unreadable expression.

“Dr. Y/L/N is here, Master Wayne. She is waiting for you in the drawing room.”

Bruce opened his mouth to tell him to make an excuse and get her to leave. But Alfred was already disappearing, making it clear that he would do no such thing for him.

When Bruce walked into the drawing room, he found Y/N’s back to him as she looked at the family heirlooms and trinkets that were displayed on the shelved.

She was dressed casually, which caught Bruce off guard since he’d only see her in formal wear and professional outfits since their reunion. Her hair was in a messy bun and she didn’t appear to be wearing much makeup, if any at all.

“Hi,” he greeted softly, making her quickly turn around.

“Hi,” she replied.

Bruce stepped further into the room. But neither of them moved to sit in any of the many seats that surrounded them.

“I heard what happened. How are you doing?” He asked.

She nodded and shrugged. “Alright.”

“I’m surprised to see you here,” Bruce admitted.

Y/N ignored his comment and her eyes went around the room. “I missed this place,” she thought aloud. Then her eyes fell back to his, softening. “I missed you.”

Bruce was taken aback from her confession. Seeing as the last time they were together, she was rather blunt about how disgusted and disappointed in him she was.

The energy between them felt so different than last time.

To his surprise, Y/N stepped toward him. And she didn’t stop until she was at a proximity that most would call rather intimate.

There was a voice in the back of Bruce’s mind, urging him to close the last bit of distance and place his lips on hers. But he managed to ignore it. That didn’t stop his heart from beating faster, though.

Y/N stared into his eyes for a few seconds, almost like she was searching for something.

“I have something that belongs to you…”

Bruce waited, not sure what she could possibly have to give him.

But then she pulled out one of his batarangs from her coat pocket, offering it to him.

She had found it embedded in the wall when she had gone back down to grab her personal belongings that night. 

Bruce kept his face composed. “I’m not sure I understand.” 

But he grabbed it from her anyways.

“He’s you,” she whispered. “Or I guess…you’re him.”

Bruce let out a breath, “Y/N…”

She took step away from him. “Don’t lie to me, Bruce.”

So he shut his mouth and said nothing instead.

“I’ve been doing some research. Things started lining up,” Y/N explained. “The first Batman sightings were right around when we stopped talking. The more Batman was in the press, the less Bruce Wayne was. And when he was, it was never positive – like it was meant to be a distraction.”

Her eyes went sad. “I never understood how the boy I used to love could grow into the man I’m so disappointed in. It never made sense.” She paused. “But when you wonder if the man himself is the mask, it all fits.”

“I’m sorry.” Bruce hung his head slightly. “I couldn’t tell anyone. Not even you.”

“I’d never share your secret.”

“I know,” he answered instantly.

Y/N couldn’t hold back her emotions any longer. Her eyes welled with tears. “Bruce…living like this has its consequences.”

Bruce said nothing.

She stepped forward and grabbed his hand. “You can’t change the world on your own. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Y/N wasn’t giving him advice. She was offering him something.  

Her trust.

Her secrecy.

Her love.

He shook his head, but gripped her hand tightly. “You would just end up in the shadows with me. And I…I can’t do that to you.”

“I’m stronger than you think,” Y/N defended.

“I’ve always known how strong you are, Y/N.” His jaw tightened at even the thought of being selfish. “You deserve more than what I can give. Gotham will always come first. That’s the sacrifice I made. That’s what is required. I can’t be what you need.”

Y/N studied his face, knowing that there would be no winning with him.

She nodded once, not even slightly hiding her heartbreak and disappointment.

Then she stepped closer and gave him a slow kiss on the cheek.

“It’s not a one time offer, Bruce.”

Bruce couldn’t move a muscle. He was rooted in place.

He heard Y/N have a short conversation with Alfred, then the door closed, and she was gone again.

———

Bruce Wayne was a fool.

Alfred could probably make a list, in seconds, with a hundred reasons why.

But, no, Bruce Wayne was a fool for believing Y/N would give up so easily.

Two weeks later, Y/N was at Wayne Manor again.

Bruce knew something was going on when Alfred didn’t seem surprised in the slightest.

In one of her arms was popcorn seeds, twizzlers, sour patch kids, and chocolate covered pretzels. In the other arm was a case of beer.

Y/N barely said hi to Bruce as Alfred helped her out of her coat and took the things out of her grasp so she was no longer struggling to hold it all.

“I’m here to use your theater,” she announced.

And with that, she walked right past Bruce like she owned the place.

Bruce looked at Alfred and silently asked, ‘What the hell is going on?’

“I believe you have a guest to entertain, Master Wayne.” Then he looked at the items in his hand. “And I believe I have some popcorn to make.”

Bruce still didn’t move.

“You successfully closed yet another case last night, it’s Friday night, and you have a beautiful woman who decided she wants to spend her time with you. Best you don’t keep her waiting, Master Wayne.”

Bruce narrowed his gaze as if telling Alfred they’d discuss this matter at another time.

“I presume you shouldn’t go empty handed,” Alfred added quickly and handed Bruce two beers from the case in his arms.

Bruce chuckled, but started walking away. “I’m surprised you even let this stuff in the house, Alfred.”

When Bruce reached the theater, Y/N had already started a movie.

He watched her a for a moment before she could realize he'd joined her. 

Y/N looked like she belonged there. Even after all this time apart, she just burrowed herself a cozy nook in Bruce’s life.

It was something she had been able to do even when they were kids. When Bruce had his mood swings or his depressive episodes, Y/N didn’t scare. She just found her way to stay at his side without upsetting him further.

Bruce grabbed the seat to the left of hers.

They weren’t really seats, more like small beds. A dozen were placed in the theater.

A couple could easily share one, but Bruce wasn’t planning on even approaching that fine line.

When Bruce sat down, he didn’t look at Y/N. But she gave a shy smile at his joining.

It was a long movie – almost a 3 hour run time.

And Y/N almost made it.

Without only 30 minutes left, Y/N had fallen asleep. Meaning Bruce’s attention was now taken from the movie.

He got up and grabbed one of the many blankets in the trunk hidden in the corner and placed it carefully over her, before silently leaving.

This was not a one time thing.

These type of visits continued.

Bruce knew Y/N and Alfred had to be in cahoots together. 

Y/N seemed to always come to the manor when Bruce needed her most. 

Alfred would force Bruce out of the cave and moments later, the doorbell would be ringing.

On the bad nights, she wouldn’t make him talk. She wouldn’t ask questions or try to make him magically feel better. Sometimes she would talk – mostly about mundane things. She’d tell Bruce about her day or how her neighbor always left baked goods at her door or about the new show she started watching. Sometimes she wouldn’t say anything at all, just sit there silently and make sure he wasn’t alone.

Sometimes she would bring coffee and pastries.

Sometimes Bruce would just walk into the library and find her reading.

Sometimes she would sit and chat with Alfred as if he was the reason she was visiting, and not Bruce.

Bruce couldn’t sleep one night. Nothing specific was causing his insomnia. Just the overall weight of being so many people.

It was 3AM when Y/N texted him to open the door for her because she didn’t want to wake Alfred.

When Bruce did so, Y/N was standing on the other door in sandals and a slightly transparent coverup that barely showed the outline of the bathing suit underneath.

He said nothing, but his face clearly showed that he wanted to know why the hell she was there in the middle of the night.

“Couldn’t sleep,” Y/N told him quietly. Then she shrugged a bit,“I decided I wanted to go for a swim."

Whether she was lying for his benefit, Bruce wasn’t sure. But he followed her to the indoor swimming pool like a sailor would follow a siren.

Without hesitation, Y/N kicked her sandals off and tossed her coverup on the nearest chair. And the next second, she was diving into the pool.

Bruce smirked at her nonchalance, but made sure to hide it when she breached the surface once again.

“Doesn’t your apartment building have its won pool?” He asked.

Y/N smiled and tilted her head back to get her hair wet again and out of her face. “They put too much chlorine in it.”

Bruce crossed his arms, “I see.”

“Coming in?” She asked teasingly.

He shook his head.

“At least keep me company,” she requested.

Bruce glared playfully at her, knowing the game she was playing.

But he finally sighed and nodded.

He was in cotton shorts and a t-shirt. But he decided to sit on the edge of the pool and dip his feet in.

He watched as she swam around, looking as natural in the water as a mermaid. She had always loved swimming as a kid and it appeared not much had changed.

“Why couldn’t you sleep?” He finally decided to break the silence.

Y/N swam to him and crossed her arms on the edge of the pool to rest and tilted her head to look at him.

She shrugged, “The usual: stress, nightmares, insomnia, too much caffeine.”

 Bruce’s concern spiked instantly. “Nightmares about what?”

She watched him for a moment, seeing how quickly her subtle comment triggered him.

“You’re not the only person who’s seen fucked up things, Bruce.”

An hour later, Y/N asked for a towel.

When she climbed out, she was taken aback by Bruce wrapping it around her shoulders and rubbing her down gently. It was innocent, but subtly intimate.

As their eyes locked for a prolonged time, and he seemed to realize what he’d done accidentally.

Y/N cleared her throat. “I should head home and let you try to get some sleep.”

“You could stay,” he offered. “I mean, we have plenty of bedrooms here,” he quickly added and saved himself a bit.

“Is that…what you want?” Y/N asked slowly.

Bruce knew what she was trying to ask. He didn’t trust himself to answer the way he should, so he didn’t answer.

“Let me drive you home,” he asked as they left the indoor pool and started toward the front entrance.

Y/N ignored the request until they were at the door. She turned to face him with a smug look, “I’m perfectly capable of driving myself. Thank you.”

She hesitated before kissing him on the cheek. “Get some sleep, Bruce.”

————

Months after Y/N’s visits started, Bruce was doing some research for a case on his tablet as he ate dinner.

“Margaret Caulfield’s engagement party is tonight,” Alfred broke the silence of the manor as he took Bruce’s finished plate.

Bruce looked confused on why he was supposed to care.

“Y/N will be there,” Alfred added.

But Bruce still didn’t understand what he was trying to say.

“Master Wayne, when you attend all those sufferable parties, what is the first question people ask you?”

Bruce thought for a moment. “When I plan on settling down, I guess.”

“Now imagine that, but magnified by about 100…and that is what Y/N’s experience is at those same parties. That young woman is one of the brightest people in Gotham and all those people care about is who will put a silly ring on her finger.”

Bruce leaned back in his chair, now understanding what Alfred was getting at. “I’m not her boyfriend, Alfred.”

“And you’ve made damn sure of that,” Alfred said a little too harshly.

Bruce watched him carefully.

“Y/N has fought off every one of your attempts to be a miserable recluse.”

Bruce opened his mouth.

“And don’t you dare try and tell me her efforts are wasted,” Alfred cut him off. “I’ve seen a change in you. And she has asked for absolutely nothing in return. She’d never ask you to pick her over Batman. Though she bloody well should!”

He wasn’t done.

“You’re not living, Master Wayne. And I won’t apologize for wanting more for you.”

Bruce just sat there and took it.

Alfred took in a breath, calming himself down. “There’s a suit waiting for you in your bedroom. I’ve decided I’m going for a evening walk.”

——————

Y/N didn’t know how many more champagnes she’d have to shrug to start feeling the buzz she so desperately needed.

Not even an hour of being at the party and she’s already been asked 15 times if she was seeing anyone. And when she answered no, half of those ended in them trying to set her up with someone.

As Y/N was trying to think of an excuse to escape, an old family friend approached her – a friend of her grandma’s unfortunately.

“Y/N, dear, let me see those hands!”

Y/N wanted to roll her eyes and snap, but she did as requested.

“No ring yet,” the woman teased, but she was also genuinely disappointed.

“That would be my fault, actually.” A voice said behind Y/N before she felt a hand on her lower back.

“Oh, Mr. Wayne, how nice of you to come!” The woman beamed. “Now, Y/N, why wouldn’t you tell anyone that you and Bruce are an item?”

“My fault again,” Bruce chuckled, “I’ve always enjoyed a good secret.”

Before she could ask more, Bruce smiled politely. “If you could excuse us for a moment.”

He steered Y/N to a private area of the party.

“What are you doing?” Y/N hissed at him. “The press are gonna have a field day. You and I will be every headline tomorrow.”

He smiled at her frantic concern.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I’m serious!”

Bruce captured her lips, silencing any further panic from her.

Y/N was completely caught off guard, but he wasn’t letting her go so easily. And soon, her hand went to the back of his head and she kissed him back. 

Damn all the people who were probably watching them.

When Bruce finally let her pull away, he smirked at her dazed look and cupped her cheek. 

She matched his smirk.

But then reality set in like a splash of cold water and she frowned.

“Am I – Is this your new cover?” She asked shakily, so scared that the answer was ‘yes.’

She could tolerate being Bruce’s friend for the rest of her life. But she wouldn’t survive being used in such a way. She couldn’t live in a fake relationship with a man she actually loved. She’d rather watch his sloppy persona with girls hanging off of him.

“No cover-up,” he muttered to her. “Just me and you – the real me.”

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

I worked so hard on this 😩  Please let me know your thoughts.