#falcony... but you know...

[kururu418]

Tales Of Mewni: The Fury

Higgs wakes up in the middle of the night to find her fellow squires up to something heinous, and when it results in Sarasim snapping, all hell breaks loose.

Commission by @thepaladincosplays

[flashbic]

do 2 + 12 for le lorrain pls 🥺✌️ good morning

2. Favorite canon thing about this character?

That he's 100% one of the good guys but ALSO that he's allowed to be a bit of a jerk! I love that while he says he regrets what he did to Falconi, just a few hours earlier he's right there, literally taunting him about it and being a dick. We know he still lies to ladies for attention! Despite how well that went the one time! In that other ep his dad is literally asking for his help, and sure he wants to help, but he was actually still going to say no before Cartouche stopped him because he was more focused on keeping his identity as a Cartouchien secret.

He's a nice, smart guy, and he comes off as smooth so it's not as easy to notice, but you kinda get the impression that he hasn't completely lost the asshole vibes! And i think that makes for a fun character!

(special mention to the one bit where he walks next to Demachault and messes up his wig Just For Funsies, it's so gratuitous and i just think it's funny ok)

12. What's a headcanon you have for this character?

Bisexual le Lorrain REAL. I like the idea that those aren't feelings he ever really did anything about, because ultimately he likes flirting with ladies a whole lot and that's enough for him… but maybe he had some confused feelings for his bestie Cartouche for a little bit, and maybe that's part of what made him tag along when they first met.

In general i don't really consider that orientation as something that would've influenced the way he treated Falconi back when they were rivals; for the most part i like to think that he saw that relationship more as competition initially, and that things turned sour because he couldn't stand having someone he thought of as beneath him beating him at anything. Also i see him typically being more attracted to people who are outgoing, funny and talkative, and Falconi being generally none of those things wouldn’t have helped asdfjgk (the fun point being that maybe Falconi could've been a little bit more like that if he hadn't felt like people were constantly antagonizing him)

My other headcanon is that he’s a single child ans is absolutely a mama’s boy <3 She taught him music (canon!) and maybe spoiled him a little too much.

[belit0]

Hmmm. Can you write something about Madara and his birbs? For example he rises his birds to be independent and don't trust to anyone except him. He's like a father of this feral falcony predators. But there is one person who is allowed to pet his babies... (He's grumpy that his birds are spoiled and overfed after)

askdhaksjhdakshd lots of Madara today too

The courtyard was alive with the rustling of wings.

High above, dark silhouettes circled against the evening sky—sharp-eyed, disciplined creatures, their cries piercing as they responded to their master’s silent command.

Madara stood at the edge of the enclosure, arms crossed, his expression impassive as he watched his birds return to him.

Each falcon, each hawk he had raised, landed with a precision that spoke of rigid training and absolute loyalty.

Or at least, that was how it should have been.

Instead, the moment they caught sight of (Y/N), the entire structure of his carefully cultivated discipline collapsed.

-Hn.- Madara's eye twitched as his prized falcons, trained to be ruthless, independent hunters, flocked to her like spoiled hatchlings.

(Y/N) knelt in the grass, utterly unbothered by the weight of predatory creatures pressing against her lap and shoulders, their sharp talons careful not to break her skin.

One of the largest, a formidable hawk that had once shredded a man’s cheek for merely looking at it the wrong way, was now nuzzling into her palm with an uncharacteristic softness.

Madara narrowed his eyes.

Betrayal.

-You are ruining them.- His voice was a low growl, but (Y/N) only smiled, running gentle fingers down the sleek black feathers of a falcon.

He scowled. -They are not house pets.-

-No, but they like me.- She scratched under the hawk’s beak, and it nuzzled into her touch, as if seeking more. -And I like them. They’re not as cold and untouchable as their master pretends.-

Madara clicked his tongue, watching as she effortlessly fed his most vicious falcon a piece of meat—one that it should have torn into without mercy. Instead, the damn thing took it gently, delicately, as if it had suddenly decided it was a domestic animal.

His glare darkened. -You overfeed them.-

(Y/N) smirked, holding up another treat, letting one of the hawks take it from between her fingers with a gentleness that should not have been possible.

-Then stop giving me access to your supplies.

Madara exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face.

He should.

He should have banned her from entering the aviary long ago, should have stopped indulging this ridiculous softness that she seemed determined to weave into his birds.

But then, his gaze flickered back to her. To the way she radiated warmth even amidst the deadly, winged creatures surrounding her.

And to the way his falcons—his merciless, disciplined hunters—lowered their heads to her touch.

He turned away with a scoff, knowing full well he would never deny her access.

Even if it meant his birds—like himself—would never be the same again.

[under-the-tent]

Close to the Sun

"All right, in three, two, one-"

The lamplights of the circus turned on in unison as soon as the first star seemed to pop out.

"And now; showtime." Eva walked around the edges from within, looking at all the rooms being cleared out, and her brother and sisters beginning to enjoy themselves, she - and several of the others - took care of their little gifts from the stork.

...

After new year's party had passed, and the off-season began to wind down, Eva did her count down as always. However, as she did, the lamplights shone on the face of someone whom she hadn't seen in five years.

"Herman?" she asked. As she got a closer, she saw the face of her younger cousin, Herman Falconi-Fairbairn, son of her uncle Horace.

"Yes, it's me." His eyes were sunken, his face slightly gaunt and chiseled, and he looked at Eva with a dazed stare. "I'm a bit hungry; is there any food left?"

She giggled. "Oh, Hermie; what am I going to do with you?" she said, as she approached him with a few snacks, which he scarfed down like a wild animal.

Over the course of the season, as Eva would continue to take care of her child, as well as Herman, since her uncle seemed to be far too concerned with his own daughter, Rosemary, despite her involvement in "The Jade Empire", and Herman's mother, Ms. Maisie being occupied with her other son, Peter, Eva's other cousin. Eva would partake in her routine of checking the entrance, before closing the curtains and-

"Eva?"

She jumped as she quickly turned to see Herman standing behind her.

"Herman! You have to make more noise when you walk around; you startled me!" she gave a nervous chuckle.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to know how you were."

"I'm fine, Hermie; just closing up the tent for the night." As she saw his face, she saw how much he had changed from that first night. After he had begun to feed himself properly, exercise, and rehearse his act as 'Apollo, Ruler of the Sun', she saw that his complexion had gotten better, his musculature had filled out, and-

"Eva? Are you all right?"

"Hm? Oh, yes." She looked at her cousin's innocent face. "You certainly have gotten handsome haven't you, Hermie?"

Herman, caught off-guard by his her comment, began to blush. "Th-thank you, Eva." He quickly moved away, taking his things with him.

She smiled. "Just as shy, I see."

This was the last thing she would hear him say for a while, as - for the following months - she only caught him in moments, whenever she was walking out of the bathing room or the changing room, when he seemed to be focused on her; as if she were a wild animal and he were an anthropologist, careful not to make any noise to disturb her.

She always noticed him, of course. It wasn't that he gave himself away with anything, but she could just... feel, his gaze upon her. Once she turned around to face him, there'd be a beat before he'd scurry off like a deer in the forest.

...

After a while of these instances, Eva grew concerned. Was he afraid of me? She shook her head. No, that can't be it; there wouldn't be a reason for Herman to be afraid. After all, I was the one who took care of him when Mom and Uncle Horace would work on their acts.

As she headed off for her room, she continued to hear him behind her. However, when getting ready to change into her sleeping gown, she could now hear Herman behind her. He didn't say anything, but... his breathing had grown heavier. As she adjusted herself, she caught a thin glimpse of her cousin in her mirror.

That's when she saw him grope himself. Not hard, but just enough that she could tell he could be enjoying himself. Flustered, she quickly went to her lamp and turned it low, before she went to her bed. She then felt Herman's presence leave.

...

The next few weeks had continued as they had; Eva would do her rounds and help take care of the little ones. However, whenever she walked around alone, she noticed exactly when she could feel her cousin's presence. Whenever she came out of the bathing room, she could feel his gaze on her. As she readied her understudy costume to assist her sister Siobhan, she could feel his gaze. In both situations, she could hear Herman's breathing, and she could imagine him groping himself through his pants, just like she saw that one night.

My little cousin, she thought, as she readied herself for bed one night, how...? How long, had he been...? She struggled with forming the words in her own mind as her hand began to slip downward.

I need... to know...

...

As she slept, she dreamt of a butterfly with a beautiful black and orange pattern, whose wings flapped in the breeze. It was free to shine in the sun. To FEEL its warmth upon its wings.

...

As the season continued on, she began to wear lighter and lighter clothing. While some raised their eyebrow, she managed to dissuade their curiosity by telling them that "oh, I've been feeling terribly hot recently, but every time I stop in town, I've been no worse for wear. It must just be the summer heat!"

After he would finish, and intermission would begin to rearrange to start the next show, he would go to leave, but he never seemed to keep his eyes on her long enough to not lose her.

However,

underneath her lighter attire, she knew of a secret that she kept hidden; a secret she planned to share with Herman. As she saw her sister perform as 'Titania', she saw Herman play opposite her as 'Apollo', delivering his speech. However, as he gave his speech, he would catch Eva, his cousin, watching him in the front row with a smile that felt too knowledgeable and a gaze that followed his every move. Nevertheless, he would manage to ace the act every time, with little variation.

By the time he'd left the stage, he was stopped by Eva, who would grab onto his arm, pressing it into her chest.

"Oh, Hermie, dear; you were absolutely amazing~"

"Oh, uhm, th-thank you, Eva." He would snatch his arm away and leave as quickly as he had been approached, leaving his cousin to look at him wistfully.

...

As they would travel from town to town, Herman would try and find Eva, but noticed that she had become hard to find, since the only time he can find her, is when she would find him first.

"Hermie, dear; I've made your favorite; chicken roast and potato mash." She gave him a smile and adjust his seat. However, as he sat, Eva also sat rather close to him, caressing his free hand. In his nerves, he froze as if he were a fly on the wall, hoping to not go noticed by her.

"Hermie, dear; is the food not good? I can make more, if you'd like~" She moved closer to him, leaving him with a clear view of the secret she kept; that her rather light clothing she had been wearing was all that she wore.

"Th-the food is good, Eva; I... I am..." he seemed to breathe heavier. "Mister Mallard said that any funny business had to wait until winter, Eva."

"What funny business, dear cousin?" she asked with as much innocence as she could muster to feign. "All I'm doing is making my dear cousin - my most handsome cousin - his favorite meal; that's all."

Herman said nothing in response and finished his meal, Eva holding onto him. Once he finished eating, however, Herman got up.

"Thank you for the meal, Eva; I will leave now." With that, he left, leaving Eva alone once again.

Well, I can't fault him for following the rules. But just you wait, my dear cousin; winter will come sooner than you think.

...

As winter finally arrived, Eva closed the curtains once more, and - not having had any other friends or family return - closed it up tight. Now, the fun begins. As she went around, she heard various interesting noises all around; none of which interested her, since her goal this season was to have Herman all to herself.

After everyone had left for their rooms, Eva quietly drew a bath in the room across Herman's, filling the tub with warm water. As she did, she lowered the lamp's light and waited. He'll be here... soon.

As the seconds became minutes, Eva eventually heard footsteps enter. As she focused her sights, she saw them turn the light higher, revealing Herman's face and body, as well as the mirror on the wall next to him that was covered in condensation. She saw the light illuminate her cousin's arms and hands as they undid the buttons to his underpants and pulled out his member. As he relieved himself, Eva was surprised to see how much he had grown. I suppose it was to be expected; I hadn't seen him since he was a child; he's definitely a man now. A big, handsome man. Once much larger than what I remembered.

As she heard Herman's stream dwindle, she decided to reveal herself. Eva rose from the tub, the rush of displaced water alerting him to her presence.

"E-Eva!" he blurted, avoiding her gaze. "I-I'm sorry; I didn't know you were in here-"

"It's alright, Hermie; I wanted to be in the dark, so I suppose this is my fault. Still, perhaps you would like to join me?"

Herman, not looking at her, gave no reply.

"Herman, please look at me when I'm talking to you."

Herman, hearing as his cousin's tone grew serious, turned to see her. His eyes grew wide as he saw Eva's bare form, his eyes widening. Her breasts, which he had only barely known when she would bathe him as a toddler, had developed, matured, and filled out from having mothered her daughter.

After a while, his eyes upward to meet Eva's gaze. She wore a stoic expression, though he believed he could tell the corners of her mouth were beginning to curl.

"I know how... hard, you'd been practicing during the season, and I thought that a bath together would help you relax a bit."

Herman remained frozen. Mister Mallard said there was to be no funny business until... until November; and now it's-

Once he realized the end of the limitations, he found himself in the nude and in the bin with his cousin, as he had stripped himself and stepped inside. However, he soon realized that Eva had shorter legs than him.

"Oh, dear; it seems I'll have to sit in your lap, Hermie." She moved in front of him. "Sit down, Hermie; it's more comfortable that way."

As he did, Eva followed his suit, and was grateful that she had managed to calculate the amount of water Herman would displace before it reached the tip of the tub. With that, she began to wash herself, as she used Herman as her backrest.

Herman, finding nothing else to do, began to wash Eva's back. He grabbed the soap that sat on the stool next to the tub, and began to rub it against her, in the same pattern that he would attempt to wash his own back. However, without his noticing, his breath began to pick up. This is Eva's naked form, and I'm touching it. I'm washing it for her. I'm here. I'm here washing her soft, smooth, and-

"Uhm, Hermie?"

"Yes?" He responded, as he snapped back into the moment. As he did, he realized that while one hand had stayed on her back, the other had moved to the front, where it rubbed against her breast. Once again, he froze, his hand unable to move off Eva.

"E-Eva, I... I'm sorry."

She giggled. "It's all right, Hermie; I don't mind." She turned away to hide her grin. "As long as you keep washing me, I'll be quite all right."

"O-okay." Herman focused his attention on his hands, both of which had moved to the front. He began to rub his cousin's breasts, which were as smooth as he could imagine, possibly even more so since they had been covered in soap. As he continued to bathe her, he thought about how beautiful she had remained. He had always found Eva pretty when she took care of him during those eight years. When she left, he felt a hollowness, as if a part of him had been carefully carved out of him, like a Farrier who carved too much hoof horn off of a horse, leaving it tender and vulnerable. She returned for a brief year, before he himself had to leave for his own sabbatical. Herman spent a few months over four years, attempting to learn about the world, though he had only managed to stay at one farm, where he helped the farmer take care of his livestock. When he finally returned, it had been as if no time had passed.

However, he began to feel something that pulled him back into the moment. As he looked down, he saw that his member, which had been caught under his cousin's rear, began to poke out. He remained motionless, so as to avoid Eva noticing. However, she didn't seem to react. However, he began to think that she must have been confused, because she began to grab it, and rub its tip.

"E-Eva... that's... you're..."

"Hm?" She rubbed it, seemingly oblivious to Herman's reactions. "What's the matter, Hermie?"

"My... penis..."

Eva sighed. "Hermie, I need to ask you something." She leaned back. "Have you ever wondered why you were the only one who noticed me-" she grabbed his hand and led it to her stomach. "-and what I showed you?"

"E-Eva..."

Eva raised her hips and rubbed her pearl against the tip.

"Or how the bathroom's entrance was completely open?"

As Herman thought about an answer to give, he felt his member slowly enter Eva's muff. Her warmth felt as slick as a newborn calf, and as smooth as a fresh egg.

"N-No."

She giggled. "Hermie, you're adorable."

Herman, upon hearing his cousin's doting words, felt his member grow hard within her.

"E-Eva..."

"Hm?"

"C-Can we leave the tub? I feel the water's gone cold."

"Of course, hon." She got up, feeling the chill of the air, and covered herself with the towel she had nearby. "We'll have all the time in the world now to get nice and warm."

As Herman followed suit, he shivered as he nakedly followed Eva to his room, carrying his underwear in hand. There, she removed her towel, and wrapped it around Herman, revealing her bare form once more to him.

"Thank you, Eva." He paused. "Eva, you're beautiful."

"Thank you, Hermie-" she gently pushed him back, until his back was flush with his bed, at which point Eva was pretty much on top of him, his member standing at attention below her stomach. "but you've been a naughty boy, not telling me your feelings."

"I-I'm sorry, Eva; I'll be good from now on."

"Don't worry, baby; I'll make sure you're good." She straddled his lap, first with her right leg, then her left. She-

"Eva?"

"Hm?"

"How did you know I would be in the bathroom?"

"Oh, Hermie; who took care of you until you were eight?"

"You did."

"And who helped you when you would have your accidents?"

"You did."

"Uh, huh; so, it stands to reason that I had time to learn about your bathroom patterns, yes?"

Herman could not answer. His sights had locked onto Eva's breasts.

"Hermie?"

"Oh... sorry; I'll be good."

"Yes, you will, baby." As she began to rub her muff, which had become slick with her juice, against Herman's member, which pulsed against her. As she watched Herman's face to gauge his reaction, she saw that he wore a heavy demeanor, as if her were in pain.

"Hermie? Are you okay?"

"I... I want to be a good boy..."

"You are, you are a good boy; what's the matter, hon?" Eva stopped her rubbing.

"I... want to know..."

"Yes?"

"How?"

"How, what, Hermie?"

"How did you know?"

"How did I know?" She giggled. "I caught you staring, silly." Eva grabbed his hands, placed them on her breasts, and resumed rubbing her muff against his member, sighing softly as she did. However, she noticed that Herman, while obviously physically present, didn't seem to be alert to the moment at hand; in fact, Herman seemed to be anywhere else, but focusing on his beautiful cousin in front of him.

"Hermie?" Eva gave him an inquisitive look, though not stopping her rubbing this time. "What's wrong, baby?"

It was a few seconds - nearly a half-minute - before Herman responded. "To be honest, Eva, I was not expecting this to ever happen, so please forgive my mental shock and lack of action."

Eva giggled. "If this is a shock, then get ready to be electrified." Before she could even give him a moment to process what that meant, Eva quickly raised herself, positioning Herman's member against the entrance of her muff, and landed onto it, sighing as she felt her cousin gently stretch her. He feels so good, I-

Before she could even finish her thought, she felt a warmth fill her as she heard Herman wince and grunt.

"I'm... sorry..."

"Hermie-"

"That... was... first... time."

"What?"

"That... was my first time... ejaculating," Herman managed to say, as he caught his breath.

Eva held a stoic face, which worried him. However, below the surface, sparks were going off in her mind.

I'm his first! her inner self squealed, as it grinned from ear to ear. I'm my sweetie's first lover! Hermie, baby boy; I'm honored to be your first! I love you so much, my baby!

"Well, I suppose it can't be helped," Eva said, maintaining her composure as she climbed off. "B-but if you want to make it up to me, then I might have an answer."

"You do?" Herman asked, hopeful.

"Yes. Herman, I ask that you... eat my muff."

"Yes." He looked at her muff, which stared back at him, calling and beckoning to him. However, Herman paused.

"Eva?"

"Yes, Herman?"

"Will it hurt?"

She raised an eyebrow at him. "What will?"

"You said 'eat my muff', so I'm asking; will it hurt?"

Eva couldn't hold back and let her smile shine through. "Hermie, it's just a figure of speech." She kneeled down and looked him in the eyes. "Just... suckle as if it were a breast... and lap up any dew as if it were the side of a dripping glass." Her heartbeat beat hard against her chest as she awaited his tongue.

Herman thought about her phrasing and nodded. "All right." As Eva stood back up, he quickly pulled her close by her rear, and searched for the soft flesh within her muff. As he parted her bush, he saw a small pink nub at the top of her muff, which seemed similar to the nub on her breast. Below, he saw a slit, which had a set of small, thin meaty flaps, one on each side. As he parted them, he saw a wetness that smelled of the cuts of fresh fish that the famer's wife would buy from the market every first of the month.

He began to suckle, leading to Eva's moans. He quickly stopped.

"Eva? Are you okay?"

"Y-yes, Hermie; keep going."

"Okay." He followed her instructions and kept suckling on her pearl, lapping up her dew.

Eva, having not had a partner follow through with her request before, felt a rush of lightning emanate from her lap and shoot throughout the rest of her body.

My Hermie is... He's so... Anh...

Eva shivered as she reached climax, feeling her cousin's tongue lapping up her dew, seemingly thirsty for more.

"Hhher...mie..." she tapped his head, barely able to move. He quickly popped his head, giving Eva some reprieve, to look at her. As she managed to take a break, she was able to see Herman, who - apart from his slight smile - wore a blank expression.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"Herman, my dear cousin; where on EARTH did you learn that?!"

Herman's smile dropped and averted his sights. "You said to suckle as if it were a breast, and lap up the dew... I can try again, if you'd like."

Eva began to laugh.

"Eva, I'm sorry-"

"Oh, my sweet boy; it's quite alright." She adjusted herself and kissed Herman, getting a taste of herself in the process. "Now, since you've done such a fine job-"

"I did?"

"Mm-hmm," she answered, "and because of that, I shall let you do whatever you want with me."

"Alright." Herman observed his cousin, who wore a knowing demeanor, as well as a thin sheen of sweat. "I think I want to simply stick my penis in your muff while I suckle on your breast."

After having regained composure, Eva managed to hide her true feelings behind a cool demeanor once more, leaving Herman to avert her gaze. "Alright; which breast?"

Herman's sights ended up landing on her breasts, which rose and fell in time with his cousin's slight breathing. As he focused on them, began to think on which one he'd prefer.

Now, I could decide on the left breast, since then I could fall asleep hearing Eva's heartbeat. He then looked her right breast. However, if I chose Eva's right breast then I would be able to look at her eyes more easily, since it's somewhat smaller.

Herman sighed. This decision would be simpler if Eva were a cow; then there would only the one 'breast' - the udder - and four 'nipples' - the teats, though they're technically different. However, maybe a cow's teats are all different sizes as well.

He continued to fall down the rabbit hole of his own train of thought, thinking about how odd it was that cows had four teats, as well as four stomachs, which were really only chambers that functioned similarly to stomachs, and how interesting it would be if humans also had four chambers that functioned like stomachs, though perhaps they would require four times as much food as a normal stomach-

Perhaps the human stomach would already be broken up into the four chambers, much like the heart. I wonder how efficient the human body would be if each and every other organ were also broken up into grouped systems of four chambers each-

However, his train of thought came to a halt when Eva knocked on his forehead, his demeanor - which had slowly taken on a vacant gaze while he stared at her chest and the thought that none lingered in-between his ears - suddenly shifting to regain a more alert appearance. "Hm?"

"A penny for your thoughts, Hermie?"

"Oh; I suppose." He paused before sticking out his hand.

"What are you sticking your hand out for?"

"You said a penny for my thoughts-"

"No, it's just a figure of speech, Hermie; I just wanted to know what you were thinking about."

"Oh." he took a moment to formulate his question before asking; "Do you believe it would be more or less efficient if the organs in human bodies were split into systems that were in groups of four?"

Silence.

"Well, I was thinking about that possibility, since the heart is already broken up into groups of four, like the stomach of a cow-"

At that point Eva couldn't help but smile, which led to her giving a light giggle.

"Herman Falconi-Fairbairn, what in the name of the circus are you talking about? I only asked which breast!"

"Oh! Right; uhm... the left one, then."

"Alright, then, my sweet boy; then the left one you shall have." Eva adjusted herself so that her cousin's face would land perfectly against her chest. As Herman reinserted his member in Eva's muff, she gave a slight sigh, which turned into a gasp as she felt his mouth begin to suckle her left breast soon after, which finally shifted into moans of pleasure.

However, before he could fall down another rabbit hole, he was then pulled back when he felt his member grow as Eva's muff felt closer around him. He lifted his sights and saw her wince before lowering her own sights to meet his. She gave him a smile that Herman had recognized on her before. The sides of her mouth curled upwards, the skin around the left eye crinkled slightly more than the right eye. Her nose crinkled until the space between her eyebrows formed a 'W'.

Herman, on the other hand, was somewhat perplexed. While his cousin's breast felt as soft as a pillow against his mouth, there was no flavor he could grasp. As a grown man, he knew that skin didn't have a singular taste; that was something he had learned when he had asked the farmer about if a cow's udder tasted like anything, and being told the flavor comes from the milk. However, he didn't taste any milk. This is odd, he thought, as he continued to suckle, I don't believe I am getting any milk. Shouldn't she still be nursing?

"What are you thinking about, Eva?" He asked quickly before placing his mouth back on her breast.

"Oh, just about how cute you are." Her hand ran through Herman's hair. "How cute you've always been."

As Herman shifted his sights down to avoid Eva's intense demeanor, he felt her hand raise his face by the chin.

"It's funny," she said, as she saw his boyish face, "It's as if you were a baby again."

You did have a habit of calling Mama Eva, she thought.

"I suppose that is true," Herman said, removing his mouth from his cousin's breast, "but now I'm old enough to have sex with you."

"Yes," Eva said, "Still, this is more... foreplay."

Herman paused as he contemplated what Eva had said. "I suppose it is." he then returned to suckle her breast, not understanding his cousin's implication.

"...Hermie," she said, in a singsong voice.

"Mm?" he mumbled, not taking his mouth of her perfect breast, again.

"How about we actually have sex?"

"I suppose we could." He went to place his mouth back-

Herman, you adorably dense boy. "Hermie, please have sex with me."

"Alright." He quickly removed himself from Eva's muff and breast. In a sudden set of motions, Eva felt Herman hoist her up, flip her so she sat upon her knees, before lining up his member against her muff.

"Wait, Herm-"

It was too late. Eva felt the sudden thrust and subsequent steady rhythm of Herman's lap against her rear, as well as his torso on her back, and his arms around her stomach. The pacing was a bit jerky, but it certainly didn't lack enthusiasm; on the contrary, it felt as though Herman - through his body - was finally able to say what Eva knew must have wanted to say all this time.

Whatever could have been gleamed from what she though Herman was trying to say, though, was completely lost on her, as she felt too much of a feral, carnal passion that overtook her body. Eva's mind went blank as she was continuously pulled back onto Herman's member, which she felt fill her up completely. Despite having filling her muff with his seed, he didn't seem to stop. Eventually, he seemed to lose speed, at which point, he pulled back, revealing the sticky mess he made of his cousin.

As the two catch their breath, Eva was able to find her thoughts.

"Her...mie..."

"Y-Yes, Eva?"

"You... you dummy." She chuckled. "Couldn't you wait for me to tell you how you were supposed to have me?" She gave a pout as if she were a disgruntled child. "I wanted to see your face again." As she brought her hand to his face, she gave it a gentle pinch.

"I'm sorry, Eva; I didn't know." He winced at her pinch. "The only ones that I'd seen have sex were the farm animals. They just mounted each other and-" he made a thrusting motion. "It just seemed easy."

She couldn't help but break and laugh again at Herman's inexperience. "At least you had the common sense to aim for the muff."

Herman frowned. "Eva, that's mean. I know I'm not always smart, but I, at the very least, have learned enough on my time on that farm to get by."

"Oh, I'm sure you did." Eva paused, before asking, "Why don't you show me how much you learned?"

"Because you haven't asked it of me."

"No, that's-" She chuckled as she realized her phrasing. "Alright, then; Show me what you learned."

...

The next two hours was spent on only two topics. The first hour was spent by Herman talking about the proper method of collecting eggs-

"You have to lure them away with corn first - the dry corn, not the sweet, wet corn - and the egg collection has to, in essence, become muscle memory, because if you take your eyes off the chickens for a second, they WILL go to attack and defend their eggs."

-and the second hour was about the preparation of dirt-

"I do find the potential of hydrogen and nutrients interesting myself. Adding lime powder - which comes from a white stone - and saltpeter - which is a powder that comes from a different white stone - and wood ash and ground bones to the soil to precisely balance the needs of your plants is, in its essence, a type of alchemy."

As Eva listened intently, she smiled as she saw how animated he got, despite the miniscule importance of the nature of the topic compared to what had been transpiring for the last few hours.

"Oh, and Farmer Till taught me how to milk the cows."

Oh, Eva thought, this could be interesting. "He taught you how to milk the cows?"

Herman nodded. "It's a simple process, if I can show you."

"Oh, I'd love to see you show me," She said, smiling.

He sat there until-

"Oh, did you want me to show you?"

"Yes, hon."

"Okay." He paused. "First, kneel and get on your hands. That way, I can use your breasts as teats."

Eva smiled as she followed his command, her breasts falling forward, hanging slightly from her chest. She then felt Herman's hands grope her.

"Now, this is usually only done for mother cows, since heifers - a cow without calves, which are baby cows - don't usually produce milk." He then began to massage her breasts, starting from halfway and gently but firmly squeezing them between his thumb and first two fingers.

"That's- hah- an interesting... technique," Eva moaned. Oh, my; I cannot believe how delicious his touch is.

While she enjoyed his grasp, Herman had begun to speak on his experience milking the various cows.

"...and there had been a calf that had been especially thirsty, that had not had even an hour of being born and was already standing up just to get to its mother's teats!" He smiled as he told the story, though, it quickly dropped as he felt something silky against his fingertips. He looked down and saw-

"Eva?"

"Hm?" she moaned, turning her head over to face her cousin's face. "Yes, hon?"

"I... I think..." He brought his fingers to his mouth to taste them. It was just as he suspected.

Milk.

In fact, it was milk that was as sweet, if not sweeter, than honey, than sugar syrup, than anything that he'd ever tasted. In his quick movement, he flipped Eva back over and began to porperly suckle on her breast.

As he did, Eva gasped. Herman's tongue glided across the tip of her breast, lapping up her cream-colored nectar and not letting a single drop escape his lips. Eva's head fell back as she felt a sensation envelop her completely. She reached for Herman's member, which twitched at her touch.

"Hermie, I need to feel you... inside me."

Herman, in a moment of understanding, adjusted himself, lining his member to his cousin's muff, its heat emanating through her bush. As he found the opening, he firmly inserted himself, his mouth never once leaving her breast. He began to shift his hips in and out, slowly, as he tried to not only find his balance atop Eva's lap, but also continuously shift his focus between the sex and his breastfeeding.

"My... my baby."

Herman mumbled something.

"Hm?" Eva moaned.

"Mmm... Mama... Mama... Eva."

"Yes, baby... Mama's... ha-ah... Mama's got you." She pulled his attention by his chin, and as she locked eyes with him, she tasted her own milk on his lips and felt him press into her muff deeper and faster.

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Who Runs the Night?

by AWarriorAtHeart1 If you asked the Justice League or the Teen Titans or any other random superhero who ran the Gotham vigilantes, they would all of course answer Batman. This is patently false. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When Barbara was a kid, her uncle would tell her stories about Batman and later, Robin. At first, they’d been simple. A bank robbery stopped here, a drug stash found there, but then the crimes got bigger. Shootout with the Falconies. The Maronis left in a train yard, beaten black and blue. Then it was Two-Face and Joker and Scarecrow and so many more. She’d stare out her window at night, thinking about the latest Rogue attack, knowing that someone needed to help them. Why not her?  Words: 3675, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 14 of They're a family your honor. Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: Gen Characters: Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, Jason Todd, Tim Drake (DCU), Bruce Wayne, Duke Thomas Relationships: Barbara Gordon & Dick Grayson, Stephanie Brown & Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain & Barbara Gordon, Barbara Gordon & Jason Todd Additional Tags: Stabbing, Flashbacks, Retrospective, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Barbara Gordon is Batgirl, Protective Barbara Gordon, POV Barbara Gordon, Barbara Gordon Needs a Hug, Barbara Gordon & Dick Grayson Friendship, Grief/Mourning, basically we ask ourselves: who is Barbara Gordon?, 2014, Barbara Gordon is 30, Past Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson, it's just referenced, Major Character Injury, it's in the past, Barbara Gordon in a Wheelchair via https://ift.tt/IUWLh03

[sparklepirate]

Alright, final thoughts on To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars

- Fucked me UP. Had me FEELING things. Some top tier sci-fi right there. Brava.

- It usually takes me a long time/several rereads to get attached to protagonists, but Kira Navárez was very instantly compelling in a way that I haven’t really experienced before, not even with Mr. Eragon Shadeslayer. She is, in fact, my girl. I think the two main things that make me like her so much is her grief and relationship with Alan, and her career. I’ll talk about Alan in a bit, but I find it so nice that, even in her moments of high stress and/or intense heroics she always stops to take a minute and look at all of these alien and be like “God I wish I had the time to sit here and study this. This is so fascinating.” Like... Girl same. If I were a space biologist I would be losing my MIND over all this.

- I bitched and moaned about her relationship with Falconi, but actually having seen the whole thing now I’m more fine with it. See, I was worried that this new fling with Falconi was going to crowd out Kira’s grief, and Falconi was going to act as basically the obligatory replacement love interest, and Alan was going to be forgotten, but that didn’t happen. Kira and Falconi almost read more as friends with benefits than a true romance, and Kira never once even considered him as a substitute for the love of her life. Falconi was a comfort to her, and them sleeping together was a very positive experience, and either or both of them could potentially have some sort of romantic feelings towards each other, but ultimately they are only friends. Kira’s last thought before she “died” was of Alan. I am relieved that Kira’s grief and romantic interests were treated with the care and thoughtfulness that they were, as so many authors before would have ruined it. (Side note, this also makes me a little less nervous for how Murtagh and Nasuada’s relationship might potentially be handled in the upcoming book.)

- I’ve never been one to cry over character death before. It’s always other things that get me to cry, and deaths I can usually take in stride, but Alan’s death in the beginning was IMPACTFUL. I don’t think I shed actual tears, but I was DISTRAUGHT. Kira’s grief was so real, and I felt her loss so palpably. Incredibly well written. And just the themes of guilt and acceptance, and Kira finally being able to defeat The Maw by forgiving herself... Chef’s kiss.

- On that note, I’m still reeling from the entire goddamn existential crisis I had after finishing. Kira didn’t DIE die, but I was on the verge of tears throughout the entirety of the last little bit. It felt like a death in some ways, and a rebirth in others, and it just made me think about what it means to be human, and what it means to be alive, and I’m. Not okay.

- Gregorovich!!!! Literally the whole sequence of him short circuiting, and Kira talking to him, and then trying to fix him with the Seed is SO GOOD. Particularly talking to him through the headset, and all of the different font sizes and visual indications of glitches was iconic. It’s a very visceral sort of horror that appeals to me. It’s the perfect meld between technological malfunction, and being unable to control losing your mind that is PEAK and that scene will live in my head rent free for forever.

- Also Trig!!! I love all of the crew of the Wallfish, but Greg and Trig are for sure my favorites. I was definitely sad to see Trig taken out of commission for the majority of the book, but I am PSYCHED to see him alive at the end and I NEED the sequel to talk about him and the Staff of Green!!!

- I went to see Paolini last night for his Fractal Noise tour, and he kept (jokingly) bemoaning the fact that “WHY am I writing about SPACESHIPS? I know why you’re all here!” And like, while yes obviously the Inheritance Cycle holds a very special place in my heart, you are writing about spaceships because they are COOL and you DESERVE to write about what you like!!! And you’re good at it too!! Not that he’s ever going to read this, but just because your space books aren’t as popular as your 2 decade long reign over the land of high fantasy doesn’t mean they aren’t good, or that they weren’t worth writing! As a writer or artist of any kind, we owe it to ourselves to create for the love of it, and the right people will resonate with our work. And you know what? Casaba-Howitzers ARE really cool!!

- ... Okay yes I DID use my time getting my book signed to ask him a question about Murtagh but that doesn’t make my previous sentiment any less genuine.

- Oh also the fight scene with Ctein was also god tier.

Anyways, back to Brisingr shortly!

[epicthemutual]

The fact that Maxwell Falconi (AKA The Stranger) is able to read minds makes the slow burn of The Red Panda/Flying Squirrel reeeeally funny to me. Like, the very first conversation he ever has with her is like 'hey I try very hard not to read people's thoughts without permission but WOW yours are too obvious to miss- you've got it down bad for him'.

Which also means that he knows The Red Panda is equally infatuated. Through the entirety of The Pyramid of Peril he's probably Losing It the entire time he's not so subtly wingmanning for the both of them, and neither of them are getting the hint. In fact, BOTH of them are trying to make him stop doing that.

And all the while he's probably thinking 'I've literally traveled through time before, and I've met your grandkids so if y'all could please get the hint before you alter the space time continuum by pining yourselves to death that'd be great, thanks'.

[daughterofthe104thsblog]

Previously on mr chestnuts and sir eggnog podcast!

5s: Ok so hardcase on this 2 man podcast who did u have participating in today's descussion?!

Hardcase: Well um I have commander gree and commander doom

Hardcase:so commander doom I hear u and Lady Arkham r getting married is that right?!

Commander doom: yup it's true and were going to the other side of earth to a place called tonga!

Gree:Tonga is that in 🇵🇫?!

Doom: yes it's in Polynesia and it's where masters tiplAr and tipli are on a dyplymatic mission from orders of senior Kelly and the Jedi Council so no time like the present

Oswald:Senitor kelly?! Like as in Marvel verse senetor kelly?!

He and mare hill are now at each other's throats along side falconi!

No need for getting up mates! I have come to say that Theyr all scum to me politics and global war is wot ruins good families in my experience...

But yes commander doom my old chap! How did u find a gal like Victoria veil to be ur wife?!

Gree: yes tell us

Doom: um well it was back when the exavior academy and the rest of earth incounterd the Vietnam war and the separatist and Republic sivle war was going on and most clones already met Elizabeth.

Gree: ☕😌💭...

Cherp cherp ..... "GREE"!

Gree: yeah good times the good good times she's 29 now but still as much of a child as the cadets

Gree: so any corner cafes in England there oz?!

Oz: oh yes tons of them I know a tea house in Britain it's like u turn left down tord's the train station then like a right and on the corner of oak and London street and your there.

Hardcase: well this conversation is going well!

Hardcase: Tho gree how is it going with the academy and the mutants?

Gree: it's good! ANd most of the Jedi younglings are safer with Charles and Eric at the mutant academy

Gambit:Gear up boys! We r under seidge!

Colt:Gambit u shit! Give me back my bloody armor!

Gambit: TO ME MY X MEN!

Gambit: But I keep ze helmet right?!

Colt: eyebrow raised ... Nope. You do not keep any of ze armor!

As colt mocked gambit in reply to his stolen armor.

Mayday:??? Remy...Your a mutant why the hell would u need clone armor for?

Then Victoria veil walks in

Excuse me boys I need doom for something...

Um well I guess it gives us time to see wot the camotion is about

GIVE ME MY ARMOR!

Yells colt ...

No! GAMBITS ARMOR NOW!

It seems everyone today has a child mentality says Hank McCoy

Then as ur in the hallway watching the grownups almost beat each other up u cease the moment to the viewers ...

Elizabeth: Hellow to all. Don't mind my family gree:?? Yes don't mind the children there always crazy like that

May mutant kind bring peace to human kind

Part 2 tomarrow

[varianlover03]

children and her mother Emma thought it would be safer for her to live with and so Katrina didn't know Dr crane was a doctor at Arkham Asylum was ran by her father And her mother Emma didn't tell her much about her father Jonathan and so Katrina ended up finding out about her father Jonathan when she was 17 years old and so Katrina ended up finding out he was the Scarecrow and about his fear toxin and so working for a man and his so called racial ghoul and before the Fear toxin could be spread around Gotham City and so detective Jim Gordon and one of the cops from Gotham PD and Katrina she ended up asking detective Jim Gordon if she can tag along to Arkham Asylum and so Katrina and Jim Gordon needed to find out who her father Jonathan was working for and so after Katrina and Jim Gordon and the cop ended up giving Jim Gordon Katrina's medical file and information and it says about her mom Emma and her family and so it says her full name as well and Katrina's father Jonathan crane And after they can get the information out of Katrina father they couldn't get information out of Jonathan they ended up going onto the streets of Gotham City so Katrina ends up at the Narrows and so Fear toxin ends up getting released on the streets of the Narrows and so everyone who's in the Narrows is getting exposed to the fear toxin and so they're all seeing there worse fears and so Katrina ends up bumping into the lawyer miss Rachel does and she is protecting a young boy from the inmates of Arkham Asylum and so Katrina ends up standing in front of Rachel does and the young boy to protect them from the inmates of Arkham asylum

Katrina's father shows up and she turns round to him and says I'm so hurt dad and wearing his straight jacket and his scarecrow mask riding and on a back of a horse and so Katrina grabs a gun from the cop who worked for falconi and pointing at and at her dad Jonathan and says don't let me shoot you Dad Katrina says to Jonathan. answer Katrina says I am my mother's daughter after all and so Jonathan says you have nothing to fear itself he says to the young boy, Rachel and Katrina. Dr Jonathan crane is my biological father Katrina Says to Rachel. yeah that's a very long story Katrina says. Rachel tasers Katrina's father Jonathan. Katrina says oh that's got to hurt. after Batman defeated racial ghoul and after scarecrow escapes and so went back to normal Katrina's everyday life and so she ended up phoning her mum Emma about what happened Katrina ended up saying to her mom Emma everything was okay everyone was safe thanks to Batman.

The end.

[flashbic]

Sad when you try to make a harmless little joke and the other guy doesn’t get it

[piratecatte]

oak :   who would your muse consider the strongest person they know ?

"Strength is relative when you live in a world with The Warrior of Light, 'lesser' Warriors of Light, Those blessed by the Echo, Hypertuned, so on, and so forth. But then again, strength is relative in that physical strength isn't all there is." The Miqo'te crossed her arms, furrowing her brow. "It's hard to pick one person. I know many people who are strong. My wife, who went through years of turmoil not only as a conscript but locked in a body that felt wrong to them. My lover, Falconi, who lost family after family, after family to things beyond his control but pushes through with each passing day. My dear friend and confidant Kenzy, who like me spent more of their life than anyone should under someone else's thumb, collar and yolk and all. My world is full of strong people... I can't really point just one out."

[ertrunkenerwassergeist]

@raven-6-10

"Ah, so you're the one."

Epistéme gave the archivist a bland smile. She had heard a million iterations of the same sentiment until now. Lucian academics were the same everywhere.

"Marcella Cartus, Archivist of the Royal Archives. I will show you why you were allowed in here. Do not leave your designated area. If you need anything, you will ask me. No food, no drink, no pictures. If you violate the rules of the archives, you won't be coming back, no matter which strings His Majesty pulled for you to be allowed here. Am I understood?"

Epistéme's bland smile stayed glued to her face. "Yes, of course, Lady Archivist. Thank you for allowing me to be here."

Cartus gave her a long, hard look. Then she nodded and waved Epistéme to follow her.

They walked through long rows of shelves full of books, scrolls, and artifacts. Boxes were piled high in carful stacks. Many of the shelves were carved from the stone the archives had been build into, though in the newer sections they had been made of heavy wood.

Epistéme would have loved to browse through them all. But this was not an ideal world, so she followed the small woman leading her through the maze. It took a few minutes for the two women to arrive at their destination.

It was an ancient reading nook, complete with a table and two benches carved from stone. They looked like they were growing directly out of the wall. Old carvings decorated the sides. Electric lanterns were the only light source back here. A young man sat at one bench, bent over a stack of papers. He looked frazzled. He must be one of the undergrad students Epistéme had heard about.

"The documents you need are all here. That one will tell you what to do." Cartus pointed at the undergrad student who hadn't noticed them yet. "Now, if you'll excuese me, I have work to do."

Wihout waiting for an answer Cartus walked off, back into the maze.

Episéme approached the reading nook and set her heavy bag down with an audible thump. The undergrad student startled, nearly scattering the pages he was working on, all over the place. He looked at her, startled, before his expression shifted into e genuinly happy grin.

"Anagnosta Arra! I'm so happy to see you! Thank you for coming. Trying to translate all of this on my own is sending me into an early grave."

Epistéme gave the young man a bemused smile. She had never had that kind of reaction from a student at the university.

"Epistéme Arra, but you knew that already," she introduced herself. "The Lady Archivist told me you'd tell me what we are to do. Translating these, you said?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry. My name is Falconis Celatum. I'm specialising ancient history. Or rather, trying to. The Lady Archivist lets me work on these documents because I reconstructed a few of the words from what little Hadnissa I know. It's most likely why she even agreed to have you here in the first place."

"Ah, Hadnissaih osarto tu?"

Falconis made a slight face and made a so-so gesture. Epistéme gave him a small, genuine smile.

"That's still more then 99% of all Insomnians can say. Now, let's get to work, shall we?"

I'm guessing that Princess Augura was one of the LCs who hid stuff around the Archives, yes? Probably things she didn't manage to smuggle out of Insomnia before her nephew banished her, or things that were just too bulky to take.

(I'm imagining some niche that used to house statues being turned into impromptu hiding space by the way of bricking up a new wall)

Oh, she definitely was.

In life Augura had a certain reputation. One she consciously cultivated. That she loved books and paper and the written word more than her own family.

So it was easy for her to push for a (partial) renovation of the Royal Archives when her father was still alive. It was easy for her to bribe a few workers into building a few extra additions not shown in the construction plans.

Even back then she wanted her findings to be safe. Because she could see the political climate tilting into a direction she did not like.

Jump to present day where Marcella is tearing through the archives like a woman possessed with her 'borrowed' undergrad students and that one foreigner she really doesn't want in here. And she keeps finding things that have either been misfiled so long ago they aren't in her current filing system (and haven't been in the 2 older ones as well) or have never been filed at all.

And then! They find one of Augura's hidden caches. All Pitioss breaks loose.

[under-the-tent]

A New Dawn

With another season of the circus over, another woman had had her desires fulfilled. When Leandro, the son of Aurora, returned home, she had been ecstatic to find her desire for him had been matched by his own for her. However, after a month of the two consummating their desires, she noticed he seemed… less.

One night, after their rehearsal, Aurora approached Leandro, who had been finishing his act with his cousin, Marcus, and noticed he wore a grim expression.

"Lino? Are you all right?"

"Yes, Mom; I just…" He paused as he looked down, seemingly to collect his thoughts and returning his sights to his mother's. "I'm fine." He smiled weakly with a faded look in his eyes before he began to walk back to their room.

Determined, Aurora went after her son, which proved to be somewhat of a struggle, due to his stride being so much wider than hers. Eventually, however, she caught up with him at their room, at which point she saw he'd removed his costume to reveal his bare figure. The bare figure which, for the last two months, seemed to tower over Aurora and passionately dominate her every chance it got. However, as Leandro silently and dutifully stored his rehearsal uniform away and began to wash up, she noticed it seemed to shrink; as if he were ashamed.

"Lino, I've known you for eighteen years, and not once have I known you to simply be 'fine'. What's the matter?"

Silence.

"Son, have I been too forward?"

More silence.

"Leandro Tulach-Falconi, answer me!"

Eleven years." He turned to face his mother. "It had been eleven years since I had begun my venture out into the world, and when I had returned, I thought the experiences I'd been through would have numbed me to the circus. Nevertheless, my home welcomed me back with its wonder." He gazed into his mother's eyes. "You welcomed me, Mom. You took me in and… And it was beautiful. I just… I just thought…" He trailed off into silence.

"Thought, what?"

"I thought that apart from our carnal desires, I would be able to fulfill my romantic ones as well."

"What… Does that mean?"

"It means that I want to know what to make of us. I love you, Mother, and I know that you love me, but… I want to know if you like me."

Aurora chuckled with a timbre of relief. "Of course. Of course I like you, Lino; you're my boy. My darling boy, who's made for an excellent lover and an incredible man that any mother would be proud of." She went in for a kiss, but Leandro receded.

"Then tomorrow, I want you and I go on an outing."

"An outing," Aurora repeated with the cadence of someone who was told her food was bland, her face painted with the mildest stroke of surprise.

"Yes, an outing; just you and me, taking us where the wind blows for one day, truly getting to know one another and not just mindlessly giving in to the fires in our hearts."

An outing," she repeated once more as she looked off into the middle distance, now with a tone of militaristic resolve. "Yes, I think I would be able to manage." She looked back up her son's face and held his cheek as she smiled. "Anything for you, my love."

"Thank you, Mom." They shared a kiss and, after Aurora cleaned herself up, headed to their bed. As she began to doze off in her son's firm, yet gentle embrace, she wondered what they'd do. I suppose I can ask… tomorrow…

…

The next morning, Aurora awoke to a dark room. She felt her son's arm around her waist, and his member in between her thighs. Today's the day. She tapped him lightly, to which he groaned.

"Good morning, Lino, my love."

Leandro mumbled something unintelligible as he tightened his grip around his mother's waist and pushed his member deeper between her thighs. She giggled.

"Lino, we have to get up; today's the day."

"Mmm… five more minutes," Leandro bargained, as began to nuzzle his chin on her shoulder.

"Okay, five minutes, then."

He grumbled happily as he gave her a kiss on the shoulder while his hand moved onto her breast.

…

Again, Aurora awoke, this time, to find that the room was better lit by the outside light, which let her know that she was alone. I guess I must've overslept. Hopefully, Lino hasn't been waiting too long. As she got up, she was reminded of the cold and threw on her robe before she headed to her wardrobe on the other side of the room. She sighed upon seeing what little she still had available.

"I honestly should have bought more clothes at the last town," she said out loud. As she searched between the curtains of identical costumes, she finally gave up and headed to her daughter Eva's room to borrow.

"Eva dear, your brother and I are going on an outing, and I-

Aurora was met with her daughter and her nephew Herman in a rather compromising pose before Eva quickly covered herself.

"MOM!"

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude; good morning, Herman."

"Good morning, Aunt Ro."

"And how is my favorite nephew doing?" She asked, eyeing Eva's wardrobe.

"I don't know; how is he?"

"She's talking about you, Hermie."

"Oh- Oh! I'm fine; how are you?"

"I'm fine; I just need to borrow a civilian outfit, seeing as I'd already packed mine away for the season since November, and I believe that Eva and I might have the same measurements… actually-" she undid Eva's sheets, revealing her daughter and nephew's bare figures. "Up; I want Herman's opinion."

Eva got up and awkwardly covered herself-

"Oh, Eva; stand straight. You're not in trouble. Now, Herman-" She disrobed, showing her own naked form to her nephew. "Would you say that we look similar?"

"W-well, if I... had to say…" As he took a moment, and his nerves died, he started to study their bodies, his eyes darting back and forth, measuring them up.

"Aunt, Ro, I think you might have slightly wider hips." He got up and grabbed his aunt by the hips. "Yes, I'd say that you might wider hips by the thickness of two full fingers, perhaps." Herman grabbed his cousin and put her back-to-back with Aurora and lined them up the one side of the hips before reviewing the other, using his fingers to measure. "Yes, I was right; two full fingers."

"And how about a bust sizing?"

"I'd say-" He reached for his aunt's breasts, which felt firmer, but about the same size. "yes; I'd say that your breasts are - from a practical standpoint - an exact match to Eva's."

"Thank you, Herman." Aurora then leaned in and gave her nephew a kiss on the cheek and smiling. "such a handsome boy." She turned to her daughter. "Well done, Eva."

As she picked out an outfit that seemed appropriate for the climate, she quickly tossed her robe back on headed back to her own room to get dressed.

…

Once she was ready, Aurora headed toward the exit of the tent, where Leandro was sat on a stump next to Joshua Song, Tiana's boy.

"Lino, I'm here; I'm sorry for-"

Her words were cut short as she saw her son's outfit. Aurora hadn't seen him recently in any outfits, save for the one humble outfit he wore upon his return and his rather delectable birthday suit that she had grown to know very well. Seeing him dressed in this dapper suit made her freeze in wonder.

Leandro, too, was flustered upon seeing how well his mother was able to clean up. Her hair, which he'd grown used to seeing loose every time they had sex or rehearsed, was tastefully done in a tight bun that - along with the low-cut dress she had borrowed - made her appear to be an Italian noblewoman.

The two stared at each other for a moment, lingering in each other's attraction before Joshua broke the silence.

"Hello, Miss Aurora; I was just talking with Lino here, and I must say that I find it beautiful that you two found each other. I feel I should also mention that I heard that the sun is going to be bright, so you'll have plenty of sun to warm you up this fine winter day."

"Thank you, Josh." Aurora looked at him and saw his charmingly boyish face. "Your mother is a lucky woman." She then turned to her son and extended the crook of her arm. "Shall we?"

"Yes," her son said, as he locked his arm in hers, "we shall."

…

As the two walked out into the cold January day heading to the nearest town, Aurora, after a while, finally broke the silence.

"So," she said, "how will we address ourselves?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I suppose that it would come to a shock to many that I am not only your mother, but also over one hundred years old."

"One hundred?" Leandro asked in a playfully bewildered tone. "My, how the time flies. Still, I could tell people that you're Martha; she should be about thirty-eight, no?"

"Yes; still, the local people might find it unsavory to find a man kissing his sister."

"Which is why I'll be…" Leandro trailed off, realizing that his new identity would prove difficult to borrow. Could I be Uncle Horace? No, he'd be too short. As a matter of fact, they're all too short. After a moment, Leandro was hit by a stroke of genius.

"I'll be Leon Tulach, who had been fond of his friend Marcus' little sister Martha and will ask for her hand in marriage."

Aurora listened in wonder as her son discussed the incredible lore of "Martha" and "Leon". Having had a brief romance before circumstances made them go their separate ways and only recently reuniting after becoming widowers to a pair of dull marriages, they quickly reignited the flame of their love, which Leon plans to consummate on the night of their wedding.

As they walked into town, the two walked into a building that seemed large and compact all at once. Its walls were lined with shelves of contents; some tall, some short, some skinny, some fat. The patrons within, while counted, seemed to be enveloped in their own affairs. Aurora and Leandro walked to a table near the front and continued to take in their surroundings.

"So this is a library," Aurora said.

"Yes-" Leandro led them to a table where Aurora felt the eyes upon her. "When I'd been venturing, I saw the Americans made many; filled with all sorts of books." Leandro got up. "Wait here, I'll be back."

After a short while, Leandro returned with a few books that seemed rather interesting. Since she couldn't make out the words, he read to her about the family that were stranded on the East Indies-

"I read this one while I was sailing on the southern coast of Maine and fishing for crabs and oysters."

-As well as a book full of many short horror stories by a poet from Baltimore.

"These stories helped me pass the time in some of my lowest moments."

Leandro continued to tell his mother about more of his trials, tribulations, and ordeals-

"Uhm, sir? We're almost set to close."

-and before they knew it, the afternoon had quickly become evening, and the somewhat full library only had the three of them remaining. They returned the books, thanked the librarian, and headed out, being met with the darkness of the oncoming night.

"Well, I suppose we should head back to the circus-"

Aurora was hit with a chill that rose up her spine and froze her in place.

"Or perhaps we should try to find somewhere to stay."

"I suppose we should." Leandro removed his coat and draped it over her, covering her so much she practically disappeared inside, where very little light peeked through.

Aurora was then blindly led by her son until she saw bits of light shine through. As he removed the coat to hang it on a rack, she saw a small wooden building, designed much like the library. However, instead of shelves lining the walls with books, they lined the walls with dishes and glasses.

"Sorry, but we're-"

The voice cut when its owner, an older man, perhaps around 50, popped his head out from behind a tavern bar.

"-closed." He got out from around and walked up to them. "Can... Can I help you two in any way?"

"Well, we were just looking to rent a room for the night, but if you're closed-"

"Oh, sorry, sorry; I meant our TAVERN area is closed." He quickly went back to the bar area. "Our bedding area is still open." He pulled out a thick book. "Now, can I get a name for the lovely couple?"

"Uhm, yes, it's..." Leandro looked at his mother, who looked back at him. "Leon Tulach and Martha-"

"Oh, I just need your name, my god sir; we're a... secretive, sort of place."

"Ah." He paused. "Well, no secrets about us; She's my-"

"Wife," Aurora said, in a faintly sharp tone. "I'm his wife, Martha Tulach, formerly Falconi."

"Oh," said the man. "I apologize if I've insulted you, ma'am; it's just our tradition to only take men's names." He quickly wrote down 'Leon T. and Wife, Martha' into the notebook before pulling out a key and handing it to Leandro. "Your door will be the last one on the left."

"Thank you... what was your name, again, sir?"

"Oh, I'm Lyman Howe, owner of the Red Horse Taven."

"Good to make your acquaintance, Mr. Howe." Leandro stuck out his hand to shake Mr. Howe's. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my... wife, and I need to rest; it's been a long day."

"Of course, sir." He opened the door to the rooms and motioned 'Leon' and 'Martha' inside. As Leandro and Aurora headed in an walked up the stairs and down the corridor, Leandro noticed his mother's disdainful face. Damn, he thought, that old codger ruined our day. That, and possibly the fact that I rambled on and on at the library. I could see how she kept looking out the windows. Stupid, stupid, stupid-

"Lino?"

Leandro looked up, his mother's face showing a mixture of mild annoyance and slight concern. Her eyes darted quickly towards the door, which was closed.

"Oh, of course; sorry." He pulled out the key and unlocked the door, his mother opening the door and sauntering in. He followed inside, ducking his head into the rather small door frame. As he closed the door, he heard her sigh.

"Lino, I need to ask-"

"I'm sorry, Mom."

"What?"

"I know what you're about to ask: 'why did we spend all day at the library inside, when we could have enjoyed the outside?' and 'why didn't you scold that man for thinking I was only your mistress?'" He met her eyes with a look of shame and hope for atonement. However, he saw her face, the look of concern growing stronger.

"Lino, I was only going to ask if you could help me get out of this stuffy dress."

"Oh." His face, stern with his shame, softened. "I'm sorry, Mom. Again."

"It's fine, Lino." As he walked closer to her, she turned around, and felt his gentle hands undo the buttons on the back of the dress. I should be the one to apologize to him, she thought. He spent the whole day explaining his favorite books to me, he made sure that I understood the messages, and he'd been a perfect gentleman, even. And here I was, looking dour as if I were a spoiled child!

"There," Leandro said, "All done, Mom."

"Thank you." She turned around and faced him. "I'm sorry, Lino."

"Mom, what-"

"I want to apologize for my sour mood. This foolish dress was too tight, and I could barely breathe... I should've just gone to Martha. She probably had more comfortable dresses." She gave a nervous chuckle.

Leandro smiled. "It's alright, Mom; I thought that you were mad with me." he hugged her. "I'm only glad it was all my imagination."

"Yes, you silly, silly, boy; I could never be mad with my baby." As she looked up at his face, she thought about kissing him, but receded, since she thought that he might want to take the night more at ease. She placed her head back on her son's chest.

"Mom... I want to be with you."

Aurora heard her son's request and paused before she looked up to meet his face. His brown eyes gleamed from the light of the oil lamp.

"Leandro," she whispered, "Are you sure? We can wait until we return to the circus, if you'd like; just so you don't feel pressured-"

"Mom-" he grabbed her hand. "-it's fine; I just want to make you feel better now." He gently pulled her close with his free hand by the small of her back. "Much better."

"A-Alright," Aurora said, feeling her cheeks blush. She grew flustered in such a way she hadn't in a while. As she removed the dress, which had grown comfortably loose, her heart began to flutter in anticipation. She felt her son's gaze, which had warmed her faster than their first indulgence of their affair, that - despite being only two months ago - felt like long gone history.

...

After Leandro's return, Aurora had been startled by his member standing tall while he slept, and while she knew that it was a great taboo, she began to test her son's desires by addressing him in her bare form. Eventually, however, after what felt like the longest week of her lifetime, he eventually crossed the line and dug his member deep into his mother's muff, happily confirming her suspicions.

...

As Aurora focused back on the present moment, she saw how different everything had become. On that first night of taboo, she had been skittish, her nerves about being caught in the act fueling her passion. Now, however, she and Leandro stood as mother and son, their love as pure as the snow which covered the ground outside, and as calm as the air inside.

"Mom, you have always been so beautiful. I love you so very, very much." He kissed her, her lips tasting sweet, like a summer pomegranate. He removed each piece of his suit, which he dropped and tossed aside onto a nearby chair, until he was down to his undergarments.

"And I love you, Son."

They kissed once more, their tongues tasting each other's sweetness. Leandro led his mother to the bed, where he laid down, Aurora climbing atop him.

"And now, I'll be more than glad to show you how much I love you." She began to undo her undergarments, revealing her bare figure, the seam of the dress having left imprints against her hips. Her hands began to undo his shirt buttons until his bare chest was visible.

As she did, Leandro swiftly slipped off his undergarments, his member beginning to prod. He reached down his hand and aligned his member to his mother's muff, with which she began to let herself fall onto her son, sighing as she did.

SNNNRRRRRRK!

The two of them froze as they heard what they thought was the door opening. However, as the sound repeated and saw the door remain closed, they realized it was the neighbor's snores that could be heard from the other side from a seemingly paper-thin wall.

Aurora giggled. "Seems like we have company."

Leandro smiled. "It seems we do-" He grabbed his mother's sides, causing her to give a quick yelp, before covering her mouth. "-which means we'll have to be quiet."

"Yes," she whispered, and as she let her hips rise and fall slowly, she saw how her son, who'd she'd come to recognize as a grown man, showed an innocence she hadn't seen even since before their affair. "My dear son."

Aurora leaned forward as she felt her heart soothe itself, as she laid on her son's chest. Leandro hugged his mother and nuzzled his chin into the crook of her neck. The smell of her body - which he had grown to memorize - was as fresh as ever; a mix of the summer's sweat along with the perfume that he had gifted her upon his return.

As she rocked back and forth, Leandro's member rubbed against her insides, seemingly stamping out the soreness she felt from the dress.

Leandro, who gently rubbed his mother's back, sighed quietly, as he felt her heat. With his hands, he traced what he felt; the dip down the middle of her spine, the musculature that softened under his hands, the dimples where her hips met her rear.

"My... handsome son." Aurora raised her face to view him. "I love you, Leandro."

"I love you, Mom-"

His sentence was cut off by his mother's kiss, which - to him - tasted of the sweetest wine. As he returned her kiss, he felt the rhythm in her hips quicken.

The two of them groped at each other's bodies with their hands and mouths, matching each other's rhythms in their hips and their hearts-

CREAK!

They froze. As Leandro and Aurora did, they looked toward the door; still locked. As they continued-

CREAK!

They stopped again.

"Mom," Leandro whispered, as his eyes darted all over her face, "I think that we might need to go slower."

Aurora giggled. "Alright, my son." The two of them went at a slower - a painfully slow and passionate - rhythm. Their eyes darting around each other's faces, smiling as wide as newlyweds, and kissing as gentle as teenagers.

"I really did like the stories, Lino," Aurora said, catching her breath. "Especially the one about the family."

"Swiss Family Robinson?"

"Yes, them." She smiled as she felt her son's member slowly slide in and out with her, careful not to disturb their neighboring rooms. "I suppose this room can be considered our deserted island." Her lap pressed against her son's.

"Estranged here by circumstance-"

Aurora raised her hips, before letting them fall again.

"No one else who knows us for several miles-"

She raised her hips again, and again she let them fall against her son.

"Learning more about one another."

...

The next morning, Aurora and Leandro awoke to a rooster's crow. As they slowly rose, they saw a reddish golden-brown that began to illuminate the town they were in. Immediately, Aurora knew what it was.

"Lino, love; it's morning."

"Oh, damn; we better get dressed, then."

After quickly getting dressed and paying the old man, they quickly made their way out. As they did, however, Leandro was struck in the back of the head with-

PAF!

A snowball. As he looked around, he saw several children, already throwing snowballs around, and making a ruckus all over. Leandro turned to his mother, who quickly approached him.

"Leand-er, uh; Leon, are you alright?" She said, careful not to give themselves away to the civilians.

"Yes, Martha," Leandro said, following her lead. "Though I believe that these children might need a lesson." he scooped a ball of snow. "don't you agree?"

"Wh-" She went to protest, but felt the chill of the morning fill her with a vigor that had been suppressed last night. She saw the mischievous grin that lived on her son's face, as the snow in his hands was shaped into a more rounded figure. Her eyes widened as a smile of her own began to form on her face.

"Yes," she said, as she also reached down for her own fistful of snow, "I think it is."

The rest of the early morning and leading into the mid-day was spent dueling against the gang of children.

...

Eventually, it was late afternoon when they returned back to the circus, exhausted and ready-

"Hey, Mom; Lino! How'd the outing go?"

It was Martha, Leandro's sister and Aurora's daughter.

"Eva told me you borrowed a dress from her to go on an outing-" she eyed her mother up and down. "I suppose it went well?"

"What? Oh this-" Aurora chuckled. "No; I mean, yes. This is..." her thoughts trailed as she saw how sullied her daughter's borrowed dress had gotten from the snowball fight. "I, uhm... don't tell your sister, please."

"I won't."

"Thank you, dear."

...

Once again, night fell, and once again, Leandro and Aurora found themselves alone, as everyone else had gone off to their own devices.

"I suppose that we can continue what we started in that lodging," Leandro said, as his hand held his mother by the small of her back.

"Yes, I suppose we can," Aurora said, in a sultry voice.

...

The two went to bed early and fell sound asleep, dreaming a beautiful, shared dream of their love, renewed for a new season.

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Who Runs the Night?

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/IUWLh03 by AWarriorAtHeart1 If you asked the Justice League or the Teen Titans or any other random superhero who ran the Gotham vigilantes, they would all of course answer Batman. This is patently false. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When Barbara was a kid, her uncle would tell her stories about Batman and later, Robin. At first, they’d been simple. A bank robbery stopped here, a drug stash found there, but then the crimes got bigger. Shootout with the Falconies. The Maronis left in a train yard, beaten black and blue. Then it was Two-Face and Joker and Scarecrow and so many more. She’d stare out her window at night, thinking about the latest Rogue attack, knowing that someone needed to help them. Why not her?  Words: 3675, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 14 of They're a family your honor. Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: Gen Characters: Barbara Gordon, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, Jason Todd, Tim Drake (DCU), Bruce Wayne, Duke Thomas Relationships: Barbara Gordon & Dick Grayson, Stephanie Brown & Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain & Barbara Gordon, Barbara Gordon & Jason Todd Additional Tags: Stabbing, Flashbacks, Retrospective, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Barbara Gordon is Batgirl, Protective Barbara Gordon, POV Barbara Gordon, Barbara Gordon Needs a Hug, Barbara Gordon & Dick Grayson Friendship, Grief/Mourning, basically we ask ourselves: who is Barbara Gordon?, 2014, Barbara Gordon is 30, Past Barbara Gordon/Dick Grayson, it's just referenced, Major Character Injury, it's in the past, Barbara Gordon in a Wheelchair read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/IUWLh03

[obislittleone]

Cruel Irony

3/?

Bale!Bruce Wayne x Reader

Alright I'm just kinda rolling with this plot now although I still don't reallt have any real direction just a bunch of random scenes in my head.

Series Summary: Growing up on infinity Island, Moyra is taught very well in the art of assassination. As the daughter of Ra's Al Ghul, she sits highly amongst the brotherhood known as the League of Shadows. When her father orders her to lure a stranger from the outside to be recruited amongst the mysterious clan, she will question everything she's ever believed.

Chapter Warnings: none really, more fluff and vanilla ig

The next morning when training had begun for Bruce, I made it a point to eat breakfast with him before my Father whisked him away for another brutal day of learning. I

almost had to do a double take when I found him in the commin area, for I noticed his head of hair, but there were no traces of the hair on his face.

I sat down next to him, biting into an apple I'd swiped from the kitchen.

"You ditched the beard..." I said with a sigh and a smirk. He smiled and... is that a blush?

"You don't like it?" He chided, looking out into the broad mountians to avoid eye contact, or maybe just to hide those rosy cheeks.

"I love it, you look twelve." I patted the side of his naked face with the back of my hand. He grabbed it and slowly rubbed it against his cheeks.

"Nice and smooth. Like the bottom of a baby." He joked, making me jerk my hand away laughing.

"Do you even know what the bottom of a baby is like? Because I wouldn't compare it to your face..." I said, but then seeing where I could poke some fun, I tilted my head and scrunched my nose. "Actually..."

He rolled his eyes and shoved me playfully to the side while he waited for my father. I began to stand up, knowing that I had to head into town today, and that I needed to get everything finished before sundown. Tonight would be especially cold, and my body was not made for the frigid weather.

"Where you going?" Bruce stopped me in my tracks, making me look down at him with his pretty hazel eyes staring back at me in a manner that of a puppy.

"I'm going to town, want me to grab you something? I know all your favorite places..." I suggested, offering him a hand to stand up from the deck in the common area.

"Yeah, I know you do... stalker." He said, trying to get under my skin, but I also had leverage to get beneath his as well.

"I'm sorry, but who's the one who strung said stalker to the ceiling with a rope?"

He pressed his lips into a thin line and shrugged. I scoffed and continued to gather myself to leave.

"I still wanna know the story about that Falconi guy by the way, but for now, the village awaits." I took a bow and left him on the deck, staring into the mountainsides as he waited for my father.

I passed several of my brothers on the way out of the place, each one greeting me when they passed by. I wondered if today was a group training day, but then shook it off when I remembered that my father asked me specifically to gather supplies from town.

It didn't take me long to get the things requested, and I was back in time for lunch. I hadn't seen anyone in the common area, which was unusual. Usually there were at least two people to occupy the area. After dropping the supplies at the requesters doors, I went into the training center, which we all called the 'hub' of our hideaway.

I did not soon regret the decision to lurk inside, for today had been a test of sorts for Bruce, one I remembered well. Standing on the dowels of wood sticking up from the ground, he had to try and block all attackers from landing a hit on him, all while maintaining balance. Not to mention the fact that he was shirtless...

Call it late blooming teenage hormones, but something in me sparked. I wasn't keen to look away, but I knew I probably shouldn't stare straight on at the man who fought for balance.

I couldn't take my eyes away, and he seemed to have noticed. It distracted him, making him take a hit that tripped him up enough he nearly fell down. He caught his weight between two dowels, lifting one leg back to prevent himself from going forward. His arms swelled with the pressure of holding his full weight, and the sweat that dripped down him was glistening in the light that leaked from the skylight.

He made direct eye contact with me while he breathed heavily. I heaved a deep breath as well, trying to calm the raging inferno that set me ablaze on the inside. At the moment, I was very unsure of what was happening to me. As a trained soldier in the league of shadows, I very often disapproved of when I could not control myself, even from foreign emotions that had never crossed me before. Bruce was the cause of said emotions, I knew that much. I dropped my head and turned around, trying to shake off whatever just happened, before walking away.

🦇

The day Bruce had arrived to the fortress, I'd told him he could knock on my door at any time, but he had yet to actually do so. I suppose I never really let him have the option, since whenever I sensed he was in need of something, I delivered it to him without even being asked. I didn't even know him well enough to be able to tell those kind of things, but I blamed it on my intuitive prediction thinking, always being one step ahead and what not.

The night he first knocked on my door it had been nearly a year since he'd first graced the league with his presence. I wasn't expecting him so late in the evening, or any time at all, but I gladly opened the door, allowing him entrance into the small confined space that was similar to his own.

"Hey, you need something?" I stepped aside as he came in. I sat down on my bed and waited for him to do the same, but he seemed hesitant. Perhaps he was still anticipating his next words.

"Do you-? Could we... talk?" He sputtered for his question, but I did not see why he was so nervous over just talking. His tone did seem a bit... gloomy. Maybe something happened.

"Of course, what's wrong?" I furrowed my brows as I watched him finally take a seat, although he shuffled awkwardly just to find the edge of the bed.

"Nothing is wrong, I'm just a bit curious..." he started off, dropping his gaze to his hands to fiddle with his thumbs. "This whole thing. All of it. Your Father's ideals of being more than just men... what started it all?"

I was unsure of how to go about answering, even though I had all the information needed to do so, and properly, might I add. I sat still a moment more and rocked myself back and forth once or twice as I tilted my head.

"My father is a very complicated man, and the things he believes in... they are bigger than what normal men can see as pursuable. Over the years he's formed the league, filled with men he knows can carry out the ideals of which others can't comprehend. I used to be confused about it all, not really understanding what it really was about. It's about bringing justice in ways other societies aren't brave enough to accomplish... it's about setting principles that should have been set long ago, but were forgotten because of today's systems. The ways that places function, or fail to, because they choose not to make the hard decisions. The right decisions." I felt like I was talking too much, but looking back at him, he seemed to have still kept interest, so I continued. "If you're wondering why he chose you specifically, it's because he saw something in you that you probably still don't even see in yourself. Your physical abilities are well within exceptional as far as I have seen, and that's probably only the start of everything you are capable of. My father knows what those things are already... he just needs time to bring them out."

He smiled a little, and leaned back into the wall, suddenly feeling all the more comfortable around me in the evening hour, though we'd spent many together beforehand. He was a confidant and a true friend, someone I could go to in times of needing reassurance. I hoped I had built up a relationship that he could do the same with me. Obviously he felt at least partially the same, for why would he come to me tonight?

"You know, when I was growing up, if you'd asked me where I saw myself at this age, I'd probably say something like... Living on a yacht, or flying around in a private jet." He laughed, and so did I, thinking he was only kidding. I was in for a rude awakening one day to find out he's serious. "I think I like this alternative better, though."

"Me too... although if you ever need a plus one on that private jet, well... you know where to find me." I giggled with a playful smirk.

Another thing about Bruce... I could have fun with him. Most of my brothers that had been sworn were always so dull. I knew them well, sure, but I could not share a laugh with them like I could with Bruce. It felt so natural to be around him, as if he'd always been here.

"I'll keep that in mind." He began to stand up, and I stood up with him, although not sure why. I didn't necessarily need to show him the door, and I definitely wasn't going to leave the room with him... perhaps I needed to keep within his vicinity a few moments longer.

"Where would we go?" I asked as he opened the door to step out.

"That's the best part," he paused. "we can go anywhere you want."

I had no recollection of how to speak for a moment. The very second that damn smile spread on his face, I lost all capacity for words. He didn't leave right away, and for that I was thankful. I gathered my brain back from the puddle it melted into, and responded cooly, as if I hadn't just been completely awestruck by something as simple as a smile.

"How about somewhere with less snow?"

He chuckled a bit and nodded his head.

"Sounds good to me." He didn't notice that I was lost in his features, or maybe he did and was playing it cool. "Night, Moyra."

"Night, Bruce."

And with that, he crossed the hall. I closed my door before he opened his, sliding doen the bottom of it while trying to keep my mind from turning to mush.

This was such a difficult feeling to narrow down, and I couldn't help but let it consume me. Maybe I should nip it in the bud, for later on in the future it may cause weakness... but how can I put a stop to something I cannot yet even identify?

Tags are open!

@huntheimpossible

[zekekaiju]

The Batman 4/10

Spoiler free zone

I recently saw The Batman and I gotta say I'm not impressed.  Now some of my complaints are specific to plot details but I'll do my best to list as many as I can in the spoiler free zone. The three biggest complaints from a technical perspective is the writing, specifically the dialogue, the pacing and the light choices.

I get it, it's Gotham, it's dark, it's gloomy, but one light per household and nigh perpetual rain is over doing it. Seriously, it is almost always raining outside and is always overcast. Now to give credit where it's due the movie does a better job then many modern movies of making sure the poor lighting doesn't obstruct the action and, the use of shadows in a few scenes was well done. Overall the lack of light is not a deal breaker but it does make it less enjoyable.

More irritating for me was the pacing. Everything in the movie moves slowly. People walk pretty much everywhere all the time. They talk slowly, no one ever appears to be in a hurry to do anything. Even some of the chase scenes feel slow. The movie is 3 hours long and I couldn't help but think that the time could have been cut if someone had been willing to run somewhere. This could have been a really cool effect if only Batman was the one who moved slowly. It would have given the impression of being in control and methodical. But since everyone was doing it the effect was lost.

The dialogue is subpar. I don't want to spoil things but at one point Batman is asked " do you know my reputation" he responds "yeah I do, do you". Batman asks a man if he knows his own reputation and whatever they were going for there doesn't work. The dialogue frequently feels unnatural and stilted, like someone was trying to be clever but weren't very good at it.

So those are the negatives, what are the positives and what does this movie do well. Well to start off with as I mentioned earlier their use of shadows is effective. The movie showcases how Batman has turned the shadows into a point of fear for the criminal underworld. He uses them to pull his classic disappearing act and they are overall well utilized. 

The characters are written well enough. I don't dislike the heroes and I do dislike the villains so that's good. The fight scenes are reasonably well choreographed. They aren't anything really special like a more intense action movie like Jason Bourne but they are still pretty good. It also has some good messages, points about vengeance and how you go about helping people and righting wrongs.

SPOILER ZONE

Spoilers past this point

The main way this Batman movie fails as a Batman movie is in the villains. Now I didn't always love Pattinson's Batman and there were some definite things I would have done differently with him but he was recognizably Batman. The penguin and the Riddler were not recognizably themselves. The movie did also have Catwoman and carmine falconi in it and they were alright. Catwoman acted more as an anti-hero then a villain, and rarely actually stole anything. Overall I feel her characterization was just alright. She was obviously Catwoman but in my opinion she was neither a groundbreaking new rendition of the character nor a comfortable retred of old ground. She was something in between which didn't quite work for me. Carmen falconi was your stereotypical mob boss. He wasn't anything special and that's a good thing. When you have supervillains such as the Riddler, the penguin or even calendar man, your mobsters should feel fairly stereotypical and boring so your supervillains can stand out. The villains don't stand out; they actually seem to fade into the background. The penguin is a minor villian definitely not a major character, which in of itself I don't have an issue with. I don’t think for the most part you need more than one supervillian in the first movie of any franchise. My issue is that he is not recognizably a penguin. He is a portly cigar smoking mobster. There is no penguin-like laugh, there is no monocle, or tophat. His style of dress is not terribly distinctive and he doesn’t have an umbrella once throughout the entire movie. It is frequently raining. Go for the low hanging fruit. He wouldn’t have even had to use the umbrella as a weapon, just carrying one would have made him more like the penguin. DC comic has a tendency to embrace gritty realism to the point that it swallows up the distinctive aspects of their characters.

Now the penguin isn’t the main villain he is a side character. The main supervillain is the riddler, or as I like to call him lame nerdy joker in a trash bag outfit. There is nothing really that stands out as the Riddler. He is a man in a plastic bag talking through a voice modulator. He is insane which is unnecessary for the plot of the film cause his motivation makes sense outside of his insanity. He needs to only have a slightly lower sense of empathy or a slightly more misguided sense of morality and you have an intelligent foil with the same perceived values as Batman. This would force Batman to seriously evaluate his mission, it would actually push him to change from a symbol of vengeance to a symbol of hope. As it is Riddler is just a less unique and interesting joker in this movie. It's a disappointment as he could have been so much better. 

Overall the show had potential but it was stymied by interesting concepts not going anywhere and the general way dc handles Batman movies