#ambiguous identity

[stars-obsession-pit]

Danny got out.

Danyal al Ghul was created by the League of Assassins alongside his brother Damian.

Created, not born. Though they were both grown in the same lab, Danyal always felt the status quo. Damian was the heir, the real son, the one they cared about. Damian got to be a person, the one for whom human terms like “born” would fit.

Danyal was just the extra. The bodyguard to die in his brother’s place and a spare should he be lost.

And Danyal died.

Shed his old life like a snake’s skin and vanished into the bustle of a crowded city.

They would tell Damian it was a mission that went wrong. A failure, like Danyal always was.

But Danyal would call it his first real success.

Danny Fenton loves their new life.

Jack and Maddie, for all their unsafe work practices, care for them. That’s far more than their blood “family” in the League ever did.

Far more than they felt they deserved for the longest time.

So when their brother reached out, tried to reconnect as if they were normal siblings instead of born tools, is it any wonder they lashed out, told him to never come back?

Danny got out. Danyal is dead, one ghost Danny is happy to put down forever.

[hellenhighwater]

Have you seen the pics they released from the Murderbot show coming out?

I did, yeah! I do like the helmet design, it's interesting. Like most fans, I'm a little disappointed by their casting--Alexander Skarsgård is definitely a talented actor but it's hard to swallow that there wasn't a better choice who was nonbinary, or more visually androgynous, or at least not white or male, which are sort of movie-industry defaults for action-hero types in a way that feels like it cuts against Murderbot being...not that, I guess. I don't know how they're planning to handle the very internal narration of the Murderbot series, but casting a person that visually makes you question what pronouns you should be using would go a long way towards laying the foundation for the walking challenge to traditional identity that is Murderbot. Choosing a white cis male actor somehow seems like an attempt to make Murderbot more palatable, and I don't...love that. Mostly I hope that they make like the Mandalorian and just keep the helmet on for most of the show.

On the upside, I do hope that Skarsgård is able to nail some kind of uncanny valley, inhuman behavioral stuff. Maybe he can carry this off! It's hard to say from stills, but I'm excited to watch it regardless.

[lunarifie]

Riz Gukgak — biggest hater of sex that when told that his dad did something terrible to get himself into hell, he assumed that unforgivable horrible thing was sex

[feartoxinjelloshot]

lest anyone think he ever leaves my mind, here's some of cv (clipsverse not codotverse LOL) jon :^D mostly just a fun drawing but i wanted to dig into his psyche a little because i looove dissecting his brain. in my au one of the major building blocks of why he does the whole scarecrow thing is because he has struggled all his life with debilitating anxiety & panic disorders. there are of course a handful of other factors but i really liked the idea of a scarecrow who is irrevocably obsessed with studying how fear affects people's lives because it affects his life so deeply. he's convinced that if he studies fear extensively enough then he'll be able to cure himself of it and live a quote "normal life" unquote, but, ironically, he's afraid of what actually going through with it would do to him...

[ooctlt]

Ianthe, Coronabeth, are you two identical or fraternal? Do you two ever wish you could do the classic twin sitcom swap?

[ohgreat-moretapes]

-Tim

[raayllum]

Yes, it is! It's clever, it's brilliant, it's practical. It will save your life and many many others! It's a shortcut. We may not pay now, but we will pay the blood price eventually.

2x09, Breathe / 4x04, Through the Looking Glass / unknown / 5x02, Old Wounds / Dappermouth, Tiny Cuts / 6x06, Moment of Truth / unknown / 6x08, We All Fall Down / 6x01, Startouch / 4x07, Beneath the Surface / 7x07, the Titan and the King / 7x09, Nova / From Winter, Treading Water / 5x09, Infantis Sanguine / 5x03, Nightmares and Revelations

[bandtrees]

Then finally, after what seemed like forever, a stupid, arrogant, little man cut the webs and set the monster free.

[fromtheseventhhell]

I can tell I'm Arya-pilled to the max because I'll see other Arya stans talking about the questionable morality of her executing Daeron and I'm just like "That was so Lady of Winterfell-coded"

[finemeal]

DP x DC Prompt #5

Inspired by this Tumblr post:

Danny was getting used to his new role in the Wayne family, especially as another meta in Gotham (if being dead counted, that is). It was taking even more adjustment to be a part of the Justice League.

It’s why he was a lil surprised when, before his First Official JL Meeting ™️ some of the heroes decided to pass time with a game. Fuck, Marry, Kill. He didn’t know how to answer when his partner’s civilian identity was brought up as one of the options

[stars-obsession-pit]

Bruce knows Jason is dead. But when he sees a shockingly familiar looking figure in Crime Alley, one who made a comment implying he’s died before, he can’t help but hope. The boy doesn’t seem to entirely recognize him, but who’s to say having returned from the dead couldn’t have rattled his memories?

Danny is deeply torn. He’s been living on the streets of Gotham City ever since he ran away from Amity, and it sucks. He doesn’t want to exploit his powers for personal gain, but that was looking like it might be his only real option. Just using them to avoid conflict doesn’t put any food on his plate or get him any closer to a job.

Then this situation popped up, offering a vaguely-more-legal way forward. There’d be no way it could last, but it’s his first real chance at getting a proper meal and real bed to sleep in at night.

Except that in doing so, he’d be taking advantage of what is clearly a deeply grieving father. Even though the man is beyond rich (he may not be from Gotham but even he knows who Bruce Wayne is) and likely wouldn’t notice any monetary cost he spent on Danny, it’d be morally wrong to exploit his loss like that.

But Ancients if it isn’t tempting…

[adventure-ocelot]

I love that Neil has just been turned into some racially ambiguous guy like personally I’ve never seen a specific race head cannon for him but that bitch is never white

[marzipanandminutiae]

Sometimes I'll be having a perfectly normal day and then get blindsided out of nowhere by the "Louisa May Alcott was definitely 100% a binary trans man and if you call her a woman or use she/her pronouns for her, you're transphobic" Hot Take

why couldn't that asshole have just stuck to writing racist South Park (yes, really; this person even filed the serial numbers off one story and got it published) fanfiction and left queer/trans history to the people who have an ounce of nuanced thinking or interest in the broader context of what they read

[iperversei-iwiringi]

cw: drugging, CNC, incest, knives etc etc

you slowly stir awake. your head is foggy, it begins to pound as you lift it up. the room is dark and your arms are bound behind you. tape uncomfortably sticks to your lips ripping bits of dry skin off.

the last thing you remember is going out with your sister, some stupid party she dragged you along to. the only drinks you were given were from her. the first one tasted great, the second even better.

you took a shot or two with her and she gave you your third drink. you remember it being different, it bubbled strangely but you were too drunk to think anything of it.

something cold and sharp pulls you from your thoughts, forcing your chin up. eyes adjust to the figure holding the blade, it's her. you begin to protest but a slight push of the knife's tip silences you.

"you holding up okay?"

a phrase which normally would provide comfort creates a well in your stomach.

"we're gonna play together. and if you behave I might just take the tape off. okay?"

you nod slowly, eyes wider and more fear stricken than you've ever felt. why would she do this? you trusted your sister so much...

the sharpness leaves your throat as it makes its way down your chest. a ripping noise is followed by your favourite shirt limply falling off to expose you.

"awww don't worry, we can get you more clothes. I'll choose them for you."

you realise her other hand has been on her crotch the entire time. she notices your gaze.

"oh? I think someone's starting to follow along."

the pit in your stomach stretches further.

she's going to hurt you.

she's going to enjoy every second of it.

you'll learn to as well.

[howlsofbloodhounds]

I kinda wanna ask people to give me more arguments(?) for and against killer being a system/being plural.

[salty-dracon]

As long as you keep your mouth shut, everything will be okay. (accomplice!takumi x eito)

genre: angst, platonic or romantic

length: 1.2k(?)

summary: "It's for everyone's sake." Takumi reflects on Eito's assertion from the previous night. Someone is being killed in a nearby classroom, and he's helping the killer fabricate an alibi. When Eito comes back...

content warnings: female character death (offscreen), eito kills someone, main character having feelings about being an accomplice to murder, self-admonishment, blood, showering with your clothes on

AN: I was enamored with the idea of a route where Eito's ideals of having the group stick together goes too far, to the point where he becomes a serial killer and culls anyone he sees as a threat to the group's unity - and of course, a route where Takumi becomes his accomplice. This minific is entirely based on pre-release information and a silly idea I had where Takumi hoses down Eito's blood-covered coat with a garden hose.

------

"Just stand outside. Pretend you spilled something, and you're mopping up the floor."

"That sounds suspicious. And what if someone tries to talk to me or help me out?"

"You can let them help you. But keep talking until they leave, so I know when it's safe to come out."

That was how Takumi ended up sitting next to a cleaning cart he'd wheeled over. After five minutes of pretending to mop up some spilled juice, he eventually got tired of it. No one had seen him, and there was no sign anyone was coming. He spent the next five minutes trying to dry the floor with some paper towels. He didn't want anyone to slip on a wet floor.

Surely it can't take that long, right?

… How did I let Eito talk me into this?

…

Footsteps. Takumi freezes as he hears footsteps coming from the classroom. But he relaxes, his mind connecting the dots. The footsteps were slow and familiar. Just like Eito had assured before, the assassination had been completely silent. Takumi hadn't heard a thing.

When Eito finally walks out, he nervously glances in every direction, before his eyes settle on Takumi. His eyes light up. His casual smile doesn't mask it- doesn't mask the bright crimson stains all over his coat.

"What's with all the-?!" Takumi covers his mouth. Shit. Did anyone hear that? His heart races as he listens carefully to the world around him, but there's nothing except the sound of approaching footsteps.

"Haha, this is a bit awkward." Eito reaches a hand forward to place it on Takumi's shoulder, but quickly stops himself upon seeing the red stains on his gloves. "It's not a big deal. It got messy, that's all."

"Messy?"

"She fought back."

"Are you okay?"

Eito looks surprised at Takumi's concern. "Me? I'm fine."

"W-We should get you cleaned up." Takumi says the first thing that comes to his mind. He kicks himself a moment later. You're saying that like he went out in the rain and got covered in mud. That's blood. Actual human blood. The blood of an actual human. One of your humans.

Up until yesterday, she was one of your group. She was hanging out with the other girls last night, eating snacks in the rec room and bantering with the others. They were talking about their school days and telling stories, as though they'd always been the best of friends. Maybe she was a little odd, but no stranger than anyone else here.

"Justice", "friendship"… did anyone deserve to die for that?!

No, no. You're thinking about this the wrong way. Takumi tells himself to slow down. It's not your fault, and it's not his. He doesn't know how to handle his emotions. He's never had a friend like you. He's lost, he's scared, and this war isn't helping him. Maybe to him, surrounded by death in the hospital and death in this war, killing is the only thing he knows how to do to protect the people around him. To protect you. And maybe even his idea of who needs to be 'protected' is off. But he's well-meaning. He really does love you. He loves everyone here. It's not as though he wants to cull the weak or satisfy sadistic impulses. He did it in the group's best interest. He did this for you.

Wasn't there a certain amount of kindness in that?

"Come on. There's a shower in the gym. We can wash up there." Refusing to touch him, Takumi motions forward. The gym is nearby. Eito follows, but steps quickly to be by Takumi's side. Takumi bristles at the motion.

As he glances up at Eito's face, Takumi realizes that he's acutely aware of the difference in height between them. He wonders what he'd have to do to escape being cornered by someone that tall.

The answer that results, after thinking about it for a bit, is that there would be no way to escape. His friend would probably kill without remorse, and walk away looking just like he does now- as gentle and innocent as he always did.

How are you so calm?

"Do you want to talk about it?" Eito asks, in a whisper.

"No." Takumi shakes his head.

"Are you scared?"

"I am."

"I think everything will be fine." Eito's voice carries an optimistic lilt to it. "Everyone will be okay now. There's no reason to panic."

You have no idea how much I'm panicking.

Eito's face falls at Takumi's silence. "So, what do you want to eat for dinner? Any foods you like? I've always wanted to try cup ramen. Do you think we can eat that here?"

"Mmm." Takumi mutters a response.

"Oh, right. Maybe you aren't hungry right now." He mutters to himself, rocking his head back and forth as he tries to think of something. "Oh, your jacket. It looks… well-loved. Where did you get it?"

Shut up. "It's a hand-me-down from my dad."

"That's nice. So do you have a good relationship with your dad?"

Please shut up. "Yeah. He works long hours, though."

"Oh. I see." Eito smiles his usual sweet smile. Takumi thanks his lucky stars that Eito can't read the feeling of dread rising up within him.

Takumi quickens his pace- in a few moments they're at the gym's doors. He silently checks for witnesses. There's no one inside. After motioning to Eito, the two of them enter and make a beeline for the showers.

Takumi leans against the wall outside the door to the shower section. "You wash up. I'll stand outside."

"Are you sure? We could go together."

"It's fine. I'll go later."

"Okay." Eito walked inside the shower room, out of Takumi's sight.

Takumi relaxes his shoulders, letting the accumulated tension roll off his body and seep into the ground below. It feels like that to him, at least- it's the only way he can temporarily relieve himself of the stress. His legs wobble- he straightens them, trying not to collapse.

"Hey, Takumi."

Eito's voice startles him.

"Takumi, should I just go in with my jacket on? There's not much blood on my skin, and the jacket is waterproof, so it should all wash off, right?"

Takumi shifts his feet. "I don't really know."

"Okay. I'm going to do that, then. I'll wash the knife, too."

Knife, huh? So you stabbed her to death.

Takumi shakes his head. Actually, I don't want to think about that.

First comes the creaking of the tap, than an exclamation- "Ahhh! Cold! Cold!" and then silence except for the rush of running water.

You idiot. You idiot. You idiot!

Takumi sinks down to the ground as he listens to the showers.

Don't call my name. Don't call my name again.

He buries his head in his hands as the sound of rushing water grows louder and louder- as though trying to punish him, torture him for what he just did.

Takumi, you idiot. He killed her. He killed her, and you just let him do it.

And she had a family. And she had people who loved her. And even if she denied it, you would have made sure she had a friend in you, so she didn't have to be alone.

For what? Justice? Friendship?

Oh, sure, you could confess to what you did. When they discover her body, you could tell them all that Eito killed her. And you know because you were there, and you didn't stop him, even though you were so close to him. And you could send the others into a maelstrom of chaos, ten times as bad as the one they're going to experience when they find her body. And you could shatter his trust in you, and the group would hate you, and everyone would suffer, and everyone would die, and humanity would die with you.

It's not worth it.

He's right. As much as it sucks, as ridiculous as it is, he's right.

As long as you keep your mouth shut, everything will be okay.