#once again shout out to Tim for the idea

[crestapex]

Date nights with the 141 be like:

Date night with Gaz: building a blanket fort under the stars with having deep conversations only mean’t for the two of you

Date night with Price: turning up some light background music, working on a puzzle and sharing one of his best cigars

Date night with Ghost: wrapped in one of his arms and having some drinks on the balcony of his apartment while watching the sun go down

Date night with Soap: a movie on in the background while trying to bake dessert together but failing miserably and deciding on cheap snacks in the back of the pantry instead

[thevoidstaredback]

"Guys!" Nightwing shouted once he and Batman arrived in the main are of the Bat Cave, "I have some fantastic news!"

Bruce pulled his cowl off, his amusement no longer being hidden as he nearly failed to keep from laughing.

Everyone had gathered in the Cave to await the two who'd gone to the Watchtower, so everyone was already there to hear the exclamation. Even Alfred was with them all.

"Calm down, Big Bird," Jason said from his place on the meeting table, "What's going on?"

Dick was bouncing on the balls of his feet, "Can I tell 'em, B? Can I, can I?!"

Bruce chuckled, "I'm not stopping you."

He cheered before turning back to the rest of his family, "They think there's a total of three-" he held up three fingers on his left hand, "-of us operating within Gotham, myself excluded because I'm in Bludhaven."

"Wait," Stephanie called, "They think Batman only has three people helping to cover Gotham? They know we're human, right?"

Dick shook his head, his grin only getting bigger. "Nope! They think Batman only has two sidekicks covering Gotham with him."

This caused everyone to laugh, the humor breaking any seriousness anyone would've tried to control to keep on topic. It was nice, Bruce smiled, to be able to let loose with everyone like this. His family was altogether, spending time with one another, doing things that didn't include head hunts or injuries.

Alfred took his place beside Bruce. "This is nice, isn't it."

"It is."

"You can die a happy man now?"

A chuckle. "You killing me off so soon?"

"Of course not, Master Bruce," He's smirking, "I'm simply stating a fact."

"Ha!"

"What're you guys talking about over there?" Tim called. Everyone had gathered at the meeting table to go over final details and slight changes for the set up tomorrow. "C'mon! We've gotta finish putting this all together."

Duke nodded from over his shoulder, "Yeah! New information allows room for some much more fun!"

Jason smirked. "Yeah, old man, Alfred! We want to see if we can get away with switching out with each other. It'll confuse the hell outta the Leaguers."

Bruce raised an eyebrow as he and Alfred joined the kids at the table. "How are you going to pull that off? Despite what you all may thing, the others are all a lot more observant than given credit for-"

"Except the Flash and Green Arrow." Cass cut in.

"Hey!" Dick said, "Don't dis Barry like that!"

"Yeah," Barbra agreed, "And Ollie's whole thing is spotting details. He prides himself on it!"

"If that were true, then we wouldn't be planning on how to mess with them, now would we?"

Tim nodded, "Damian's right."

"As you were saying?" Bruce prompted.

"Well," Jason continued, "You, Damian, and Dick have to be here as Batman, Nightwing, and Robin. They all probably know about me, so I'll stay out of the Cave, but you can bet your ass that I'll be in the Clocktower with Babs, listening in on everything." He looked to Tim and Babs. "Should we set up cameras?"

Tim thought for a second, "If we want to record this, then yeah. I can have them all set up by morning."

"I'll help you set it up before I head out tonight," Barbra agreed.

"Anyway," Stephanie interrupted, pulling the attention to herself, "Tim, Cass, and I could totally get away with running around and messing with their senses and shit. And if we can get Kate and Selina in on this-"

"You've already talked to them, haven't you." Bruce asked. The matching grins on everyone's faces was answer enough. He sighed.

"Having fun," Cass patted his arm, "Bonding."

He snorted. 'Bonding', yeah right. Maybe letting his coworkers be the target of his childrens' whims is a bad idea. Then again, their not hurting anyone. It's all fun in games.

Bruce sat at the head of the table. "Alright. We all know about Superman's ability to hear heartbeats and breathing patterns. He's able to memorize someone's vitals, especially his friends. It's safe to assume he's got mine down, as well as Robin's and Nightwing's."

Damian scoffed. "Changing my vitals will be no issue for me."

Bruce nodded, "Me, either."

Dick nodded along, "Soundseasy enough. But what's the plan?"

"Oracle will call you out for an emergency in Bludhaven. Red Hood will call me out for some information at the docks. We'll met up at the Clocktower and switch costumes." he explained.

Barbra had a manic look on her face. "We should have Steph and Cass stay away from the Cave at first, then have them come in separately, but sharing a costume." SHe turned her attention to the blonde. "You have a spare Spoiler costume, yeah?"

Stephanie matched her grin, "Naturally."

"What about me, Tim, and Damian?" Duke asked.

"How would you and Tim like to be actual bats?" the red head wondered, "Or maybe ghosts?"

"Do we get to mess with shit?" Tim asked.

"Naturally."

"I'm in," the two responded.

"Damian will run distraction," Jason said," He'll be the only one who stays with the JL the whole time they're here. Alfred will have to keep cover upstairs. I'll bounce between the Manor, the Clocktower, and patrol."

"Are you quite sure?" Alfred asked, "That's quite a lot to be doing."

"Yeah, I'll be fine," he assured.

Brice cleared his throat. "If everyone's ready?" Looks around the table before nods of affirmation. "Good. Finish up any last minute changes and preparations. They've agreed to meet at the Watchtower at fifteen hundred New Jersey time so that I can bring them here. Damian, I want you to come with me."

"Of course, father."

"Ready? Break."

Part 3

Tag List: @sebas-nights

[auroreliis]

Ughhhhh i love love love the one with Bruce protecting the reader from her brothers I've already read it like idk 5 times? Maybe 6 can you do the same thing with the other boys it reminds me of my brothers and their shenanigans and our happy days

Platonic Yandere!Bruce Wayne

Summary: Your father protects you from your brothers #2

CW: no warnings

(not edited or proofread)

You crossed you arms and furrowed your brows as you were forced to endure the constant mouse clicking and keyboard clatter.

A sigh escaped your lips as you looked around the messy room in boredom. Your brother, Tim, really wanted to spend some time with you, but he had so much work to do, so he forced you to sit on his lap instead.

It felt like you had scanned over this room at least a tousand times. He tried to clean it regularly so you would at least enter it, but it was still messy.

On the desk in front of you sat a mug filled with coffee. Right when you looked at it, he grabbed it and drank from it.

The steam which once protruded from the mug had faded away long ago.

"How can you drink cold coffee?", you were the first to break the silence.

He simply shrugged and smiled, "You get used to it."

You hummed, eyeing the mug. If you were to knock it over, perhaps you could have a reason to leave his room.

Your only worry was that he would figure you out immediately and remove the mug from your reach, so without thinking, you pretended to accidentally knock the mug onto your lap.

"Oh! Whoops...I should get changed...", you looked up at him expectantly.

The look he gave you indicated that he knew why you spilled coffee over yourself and him, but he just sighed and told you to leave.

You wasted no time exiting his room and closing his door after leaving, but you heard it open again as you were walking away.

You turned around. He was also exiting his room.

"Do you mind helping me clean up?", he asked innocently, "You did spill my coffee on me, after all." He saw the opportunity to clean with you.

Your eye twitched at that. Just when you thought you had gotten away.

"Oh...I am sooo sorry, but dad actually wanted to talk to me about something, so I will be doing that, if you don't mind?", you stuttered.

The slight frown idicated that he knew you were lying, but he had to make the most of it, so a smile returned to his face as he caught up to you and wrapped his arm around your waist.

"Sure, I also have to talk to Bruce, so let's go together", you glanced at him, very convinced that behind that grin, he was lying.

What made Tim so annoying was his perseverance. He just never gave up, did he?

He took you to the batcave, where your father was sitting at the Batcomputer, and patted you on the back, waiting for you to initiate your conversation.

"Heeeey...dad?", you waited for him to turn to you.

"Sooo....you wanted to talk to me about something, right?", you had taken a few steps towards him, in order to hide the fact that you were gesturing to Tim with your eyes.

He immediately caught on and closed the file on the computer before getting up, "Yes, I had an idea to improve your stay here, let's discuss it over some tea, alright?"

Bruce placed his hand on your shoulder as he guided you out the cave.

Tim was left there dumbfounded, before he remembered that coffee left stains.

~~~~~

"Hold still!", Damian all but shouted.

"I've been sitting here for hours!", you complained. "Just take a picture of me and use that as reference!"

Currently, Damian, your youngest brother, was using you as reference for a painting. In order to assure you would agree, he cuffed you to a chair in his room.

You looked up at him to see why he didn't reply to your protest, only to see him with furrowed eyebrows. Perhaps he was focused. Maybe he was angry. You could never really tell when it came to Damian. Seeing as he wasn't responding to your whining, you just sighed in defeat.

A knock on the door caused you to startle.

"Damian? Have you seen-", Bruce entered the room before looking at you. "Ah, there you are. Do you mind if I steal them for a moment?"

Damian mithered, "If they move now, the pose won't be the same later. I'd like to finish this painting first."

Bruce walked over to inspect the painting Damian was working on.

"It's nice, but won't that take a while? How about you take a picture of them, then the pose stays the same and they don't have to be present."

"It's not the same, besides I'd rather spend time with my actual sibling instead of a picture", Damian gave his best puppy eyes.

Bruce hummed before looking at you, who was trying their best to look sad. Apparently that wasn't working, so you'd have to change the subject.

"Dick is going back home tomorrow, right? He told me he wanted to spend time with me and Damian, perhaps we could do that?", your eyes darted between the two of them, seeking both of their approval.

"Aww! That's so sweet!", a new voice chimed in. Crap. That was Dick. When you said that, you hadn't actually intended to spend time with either of them, but now you would have to.

You laughed awkwardly as you looked to the door and saw Dick leaning on it.

"Hi", was all you could say with the way your throat was constricting.

Bruce looked at Damian questioningly. To be honest, you would rather sit in silence with Damian than talk to Dick, but the choice was not up to you anymore.

"Very well, we shall spend time with Richard. However, I will be taking your picture first, as I would like to finish this painting. I suppose it would take too long with the amount of detail I would like to add, so you may be absent this time", he explained, snapping a picture of you before uncuffing you.

You rubbed your wrists. They were all red. The handcuffs used to hurt, but you had gotten used to them by now.

"Hey, why don't you also come along?", you looked up at Bruce, who was still looking at your wrists.

If he was there, then he would have some control over the others, so you were elated when he agreed. In fact, you even grabbed his hand as you were following Dick.

You did notice the smile on his face, but you pretended to not see it, simply smiling to yourself.

How bittersweet. The man who kidnapped you protected you like a guardian angel would.

[tinkerbelle05]

💤 A headcanon about their sleep (or lack there of)

It's a running joke in Bruce’s family and inner circle about how shitty his sleep schedule is. Trust, he has heard it all by now.

“Geez Spooky, how much sleep are you getting? You lookin like a whole ass zombie” -Hal

“You look like a raccoon, and that’s coming from me, B” -Tim

“Ya lookin more like a zombie than me, these days. Geez.” -Jason

He knows that a good sleep schedule is imperative to an healthy body which he needs. But when he’s sleeping that means he isn’t work. And if he isn’t working then that means there’s a case growing cold and leads growing old.

That means whoever did that crime is still out there committing more crimes, that means their families will never know closure.

And he can’t allow that to happen, he won’t allow it. So he sighs grabbing for the 9th cup of coffee and go over his notes once again.

“Master Bruce, I will not tell you again. Go to bed, or I will have Ms. Gordon lock you out of your cases.” Alfred threatened.

“But-”

“Now”

“Okay, okay, I’m off.” Bruce dread going to sleep. His thoughts kept him up and the only he was going to go to sleep is if he passes out or takes something to pass him out.

But he ran out of those.

He pushes himself out of the chair and made his way up the stairs with Alfred watching his every move.

He sluggish made his way to his bedroom, each step getting harder than the other, the lack of sleep coming back at him with full force.

When he opened his door, he met with a surprise. All of his children someway got their bodies to fit into his bed.

Dick was in the middle with Tim pressed to his right and Damian to his left side. Stephanie was using Tim was a teddy bar and Jason was pressed against Stephanie’s back. Duke was on Damian’s side, and Cass was cuddling into herself on the front of the bed.

It was certainly a sight to see, and if Bruce snaps a picture of his babies all in one place, safe and warm, well that his business.

“Your gonna stand there staring like a creep or join, old man?” Jason gruff voice reached his ears.

“Um, I don’t see any space for me, Jaylad.”

“Dickface, move over and make some room for B!” Jason shouts louder than what is necessary.

“How you gonna force a man out his own room? What a shame.”

“That’s funny Steph, because I didn’t hear you complaining when we came in here.” Tim remarks.

“Omg, shut up! Some of us are trying to sleep here.” Duke grumbles.

“C’mon B,” Dick beckons Bruce to come over. There was some shifting of bodies, accusations of cover hogging, and mild threats of bodily harm but they all managed to fit.

And despite his usual insomnia, Bruce can feel his breathing evening out and his eyelids getting droopy. But before he goes completely under, he asks Dick a question.

“Whose idea was this?”

“All of us. You get some sleep and we get family bonding time, two stones, one bird. Something like that,” his oldest whispered back.

“Actually Dick it’s—“

Tim was shushed by all of them but Bruce was already snoring away.

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Consider joining if you want to, but no pressure if you don't want to.

[rocksanddeadflowers]

hyperfixating on Lyfrassir and Marius kissing but slowburn so obviously i was thinking about different scenarios of them reuniting after the Bifrost Incident. And I realized I want more.... Chaotic/crack treated seriously variations.

The dramatic/angry ones and the "found Lyf floating in space half dead" ones are so very delicious indeed BUT it's too late I'm thinking about silly ones now and I have a personal favorite to share:

Marius has been moping (aka in the worst lovesick guilt ridden agony ever) ever since they left Lyf behind, so the crew obviously kept an eye out for any sign of Lyf.

Not too terribly long after the Bifrost, Brian gets a signal while piloting. Whatever it is (Lyf's tiny space shuttle, a random planet, Lyf having stowed away on a large spacecraft the boys get to pirate raid) is based on interpretation ngl BUT Brian finds them. Of course, there are a couple factors to consider:

One, he is on EJM. Two, Jonny and Tim have been complaining relentlessly about Marius's moping (well, most of the crew has, but Jonny and Tim the most). Three, he realizes that The Birthday Day (the day in which the crew of the Aurora celebrate everyone's birthdays at once, since they've all long forgotten their original and time is strange anyway) isn't very far away.

(The fourth secret factor is that while I like polymechs I'm also a big fan of Tim Jonny and Brian being their own thing.)

So instead of reasonably telling Marius, he goes to Tim and Jonny and devices a plan to "make Marius less boring again".

Cut to Marius on The Birthday Day, half-asleep and face tear stained, getting dragged into the common room much too early in the day by these three maniacs.

(Much of the usual stuff has been/is currently being set up by the other crew members- a present pile that doesn't contain all the day's presents nor does it contain solely presents, random decorations salvaged through the years, snacks and a giant pile of blankets and pillows and other soft things in the center of the room so they can pass out there at the end of the day, etc etc)

There's a large box (the kind that look like fancy wrapped presents but have a removable lid like a hat/shoe box) next to the pile the three maniacs are pushing Marius to open ("Guys it's fine I'm really not in the mood for The Birthd- you never let me open presents early is this a trick?"). Marius eventually caves and pulls the lid off the box, the cardboard walls falling to the floor-

There is Lyfrassir Edda, bound and gagged, sat on the floor, glaring the sharpest daggers ever up at everyone. The three maniacs probably shout "surprise!" with shit eating grins.

Marius, both extremely relieved, overjoyed, and terrified nearly has a panic attack removing the bonds and immediately being punched square in the face for his troubles. (It's okay those two will work out their problems- eventually.)

edit: forgot to mention Lyf does 100% in fact have a giant bow stuck on their head and someone in the reblogs beat me to saying that lmao glad you got the same idea

[theflyindutchwoman]

Of course I'm scared. If we do this and it doesn't work, I'll have ruined the most important relationship in my life. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said, um -- No. Um… You're right. So we should just keep going the way we have been, right? It's not worth the risk. Unless it is.

| ANATOMY OF A SCENE - CHENFORD EDITION 5.08 - The Collar

Words cannot describe how much I love this scene… It's how different and refreshing this is… It's how Lucy has finally allowed herself to come to terms with her feelings for Tim, that he is the one for her… And now that she knows that, she can't brush it off or ignore it any longer. Just like Tim, who wanted to talk about it once he was aware of his own feelings for her. She has caught up to him, ready to be completely open and honest after their conversation in the shop...

It's how mature this feels. There's no need for unnecessary drama, for a shouting match or, worse, for one of them to play dumb. These two have spent years developing a shorthand and are pretty good at communicating, there is no reason for this to be suddenly any different. But most of all, they know each other, their character. They both understood what their willingness to sleep together meant, even if it was under the guise of undercover. They infered the same conclusion : for them to be ready to cross that line, there had to be feelings. The only thing that was holding them back, besides their respective partners, was the fear. The fear of losing the other, of losing this relationship that is so important to them… Of losing their person...

It's how, in the end, this scene feels like a breath of fresh air… Where the respect and love Tim and Lucy have for each other shine through. Where they both take that leap together. And it's how this happens in the parking lot, in front of the station… A place charged with history, where so much has happened lately. This is very close to where Tim fake-proposed to Ashley, with a heartbroken Lucy watching… To where they met the morning after their first kiss, both hopeful and awkward… To where he watched her leave with Chris, the pining and longing written all over his face… And yet, despite all of this, this feels like a brand new place… On the other side of the sidewalk, as they're crossing a symbolic threshold… With a much softer and romantic atmosphere, with all the flowers and plants around them, creating a colorful bubble just for them… Both sitting so close to each other, completely disregarding the chairs nearby… Forgetting the concept of personal space, as always.

It's how Tim was waiting for Lucy, as if they had convened of a meeting at the end of their shift, to end what they started in the shop. An idea that is reinforced when Lucy claims they need to talk as soon as she arrives : she knew where to find him. I'm a bit curious as to what she was actually planning to say before Tim joked about yet another listing and took over the conversation… Regardless, this part illustrates how they are still a bit out of sync. Lucy might have had her revelation, but Tim is very much in the dark in that regard. As far as he knows, she has at best realised that Chris isn't the one… She's one step ahead of him here. And it absolutely shows with the way he goes right back to where their discussion ended in the shop. Asking her again why she is staying with her boyfriend when it's clearly not working. And, while it might sound a bit judgmental, he's simply trying to understand what's stopping her, so he can help her. This is truly about her for him. I like how he zeroes in on her guilt because she did stay with Chris longer than necessary out of guilt and responsibility. For almost cheating on him. For what Rosalind did to him. And it was all the more obvious when she was trying to convince herself that she should love him back, implying that something was wrong with her… She deflects a bit - again - by calling him out for doing the same thing. And she isn't wrong : everything he told her in the shop fitted his relationship with Ashley to a T. He was settling, knowing full well they didn't want the same future, not arguing because it wasn't worth the bother (her retirement plans, the Whole30 diet…). If anything, this highlights how they were both denying their feelings, hiding behind a safe relationship. Not wanting to be alone.

And this is where their frustration boils over… Lucy because the conversation is not going the way she intended and they are getting off topic a little… And Tim because he is getting defensive. He's correct in his assessment : she definitely stayed this long because it was safe. But he couldn't be more wrong about the other part : this has everything to do about him. He is the reason she stayed with Chris (why she even went out with him in the first place, one might argue)… And, ultimately, why she could have never committed to a life with him either. Because he's not Tim. And so Lucy blurts out how she feels, why she is so scared… what she figured out in the shop. Out of frustration and out of nervousness. And because this is something that has been on her mind since their last talk. That's how intense those feelings are : she can't contain them anymore.

'If we do this, I would have ruined the most important relationship in my life'… It may not be a love confession per se, but the implications in this one sentence are huge. And in a way, it feels more powerful and true to them : it encompasses the entirety of their relationship, what he fully means to her. As I said earlier, she's not even questioning if he has feelings for her : she knows. She saw the looks, the signs, the reactions. Like when he was ready to talk about their feelings, something he usually avoids doing… or when he came in her apartment… When he didn't want her to worry about him… or when he said she deserved someone who's worth the bother and effort… What she doesn't know yet, is the extent of these feelings. But it wasn't really the risk of hers being unrequited that was scaring her the most : it was the fear of losing him, of losing what they have. Because their bond is already special, even without the romance. He is her person, the one she trusts completely and implicitly, the one whose opinion matters the most, the one who supports her unconditionally… And it's not like her fear isn't legitimate : she spent the last couple of months believing that she had already ruined everything, when Tim pushed her away (or so she thought). She was devastated in that hallway. And now that they're getting back to where they were, she doesn't want to lose him again.

And Tim… The magnitude of her statement is hitting him in full force. He was so focused on her relationship with Chris that he's completely caught off guard by her confession. He certainly never expected to be this important to her, this significant. To be chosen, let alone be her first choice. Because time and time again, he has been relegated to second choice. Told repeatedly, even if implicitly, that he wasn't enough. So Lucy, of all people, telling him this, is blowing his mind. The micro-expressions on his face are amazing. The editing is as brilliant, with this moment of stunned silence, both needing some time to comprehend what has just happened, emphasising in the meantime the lyrics in the background : 'I'm scared to go home'… And this epitomises what they are feeling so poetically. They are each other's home.

Lucy is the first one to recover, all nervous and terrified that she has said too much. That she has scared him away. But she hasn't. Even when he agrees with her statement, she still doesn't question his feelings for her. She simply takes it as his way of saying they should maintain the status quo and go back to how things were. That it's not worth taking the risk of ruining their current relationship. 'Unless it is…' Her confession is all the final push Tim needed : he has been ready to talk about this and risk everything since that second kiss. He knew what he wanted since then, he just didn't think it was in the cards… But now that she is opening the door a second time, he's not holding back. His sigh… He's gathering his courage before asking her out to dinner. And his grin! He is absolutely elated. And it matters so much that he's the one taking that first step… 'Rules matter, Boot'… But 'some things matter more'. She matters more. He told her earlier that she deserves a relationship that is worth the effort, so it fits perfectly that he would assure her that this one is worth the risk. That THEY are worth the risk. And how heart-warming is it that after all the heartbreak he went through, he doesn't hesitate to take that leap of faith with her… The fact that Lucy was the one who helped him heal along the way and get to this point, just makes all of this even more beautiful.

Her little 'yes' is so adorable… She comes off a little shy at first, becoming more assertive. Tim couldn't look happier, flashing his trademark Lucy Smile… Before experiencing the biggest whiplash when she suddenly says no. The way he's instantly shutting himself off, using his hands almost as a barrier between them, sitting a bit straighter and away from Lucy… How she reaches for his thigh to stop him and reassure him that she hasn't changed her mind… She simply remembered that she is still in a relationship - a detail they both tend to forget in the heat of the moment… And she's right : she needs to break up first. For Chris. And for them. They deserve to start their romantic relationship on a clean slate, with no regret, especially after almost jumping to bed together… While Tim agrees with her, it's clear that he isn't completely convinced either : it's like he is afraid she may change her mind. It's really when she tells him to ask her again, 'after', that he fully grasps that she is just as committed as him. Well, that and how she lights up. That last shot of them, with her little shimmy (the one she always does when she's excited) and his bashful smile while looking down is the cutest thing… It's so soft and full of promises and hope… and the perfect tone to end this scene.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Monday wonderful fandom :) I can’t believe we’ve reached the finale I’m in shock we're here. This has been my side hobby for 9 plus months. I started these to get through the extended hiatus. I wasn’t even sure anyone would even read them. The response I got was so lovely. I adore this fandom. So welcoming to any new Chenford content.

So thank you to everyone who’s read these especially those who've been with me since the very beginning. I can’t explain how much it has meant to me. Whether it was likes, reblogs or comments. Special shout out to my tumblr bestie @makeitastrength and @northern-neighbor You both commented on every single one of these. Thank you so much for your insight and sticking with me this entire time. Means more than you'll ever know.

I’m planning to do mini reviews during this new season. Then this same kind of thing during our hiatus hopefully we’ll have S7 locked in by then. *fingers crossed* I finished this before S6 which was my goal. We are only 8 days away which is unreal. Eeeee. Let us get started.

5x22 Under Siege

This episode starts off with all kinds of anxiety. Aaron and Celina kill me with not calling the noise in WHY.... Why didn’t you call it in? Ugh. Celina lying on top of Aaron protecting him till they arrive. Rip my damn heart out right off the bat why don't ya? I’m going to cry. I love Tim and Lucy showing up to the scene together. They’re clearly off shift and showing up to the scene with each other. I love these little details they make my heart so happy.

They’re a packaged deal now and I couldn’t be happier about it. Also like to note looks like Lucy is wearing one of his jackets. Maybe they were at his place when they got the call? The sleeves look long on her and I adore it. Basically living together at this point. I can’t get over it. Just casually showing up to scenes now. Ain’t no thang. This thought is where I live till S6 LOL

Anyways Tim says he heard it was Aaron. Grey confirms this is true. GSW to the back. Looks like the same spot Jackson was shot. Eerily so. Three masked men and they were ambushed. The painful parallels to Jackson’s death in this one getting me in the feels. Grey has them start to work the scene. Lucy looks incredibly upset but is trying to keep it in check. Probably feeling the Jackson vibes too.

Our couple arrives at the hospital with an update. Once again arriving together. I love the quick looks we get as they approach. That silent communication of their's ever present. Also she is wearing the necklace I must comment. It’s popping against that shirt she is wearing. Like to also point out how look at each other while the other speaks. It’s the little things I love so very much. Getting massive 4x01 vibes from this scene too. Reminding me of the scene is Wes's living room night after the hug. The height difference, the way Lucy is looking at Tim as he speaks. United front power couple vibes.

So much can change and things like this stay the same I love it. They’re reporting back their CI’s have nothing. No one has heard back about a gang targeting cops. Lucy has also hit a dead end with the masks. Their next idea was Elijah but Tim says nothing out of prison confirming that. Angela and Wes are working on the riddle. Grey tells them to head home they’re not getting anywhere tonight. Once they've all left Grey turning to Luna saying he can lose another. Ugh getting me in the feels so early in this episode. More Jackson feels.

Lucy and Tim get home late. The minute they’re back Lucy’s walls are down. Tim can see how upset she is. Another great callback to 4x01. To that hug. Only this time Lucy doesn’t have to ask for it. Tim seeks her out. See’s how now that they're home her work walls are down. She is visibly wrecked and can't hold back the tears any longer. I love how he pulls her right into his arms. Being the exact comfort she needs in this moment. He can't stand to see her upset. Wanting to make it better.

Tim grabbing her instantly is so lovely. Lucy crashes into him and falls apart. He gets to comfort as much as she needs now. How very far we’ve come. It’s been a beautiful journey to this point. Lucy is ready to fall apart in her safe place. Knowing Tim will be there pick up the pieces. Shield her from the PTSD this must be bringing up for her. I love how he encases her fully. One hand around her back the other gently cradling her head to his chest.

Tim closing his eyes wanting to absorb her sadness. The swaying and his chin on top of her head. *squee* I love her being fully enclosed in his arms. Also never be over the fact Eric improvised the kiss to her head. Forever squeeing about that fact. Our ship King is the best. Oh captain my captain. How damn intimate and sweet it is as he does as such. Then resting his head back on hers. Telling her ‘It’s ok.’ His hand in her hair rubbing her back soothingly. I cannot. Lucy was alone last time. Grieved alone and dealt with everything solo.

Now she never has to be alone again and I wanna cry at that thought. Getting emotional at how beautiful this hug is. Lovely ray of sunshine in a rather dark finale. I love this scene so much it made my chest hurt. You want to see outstanding chemistry in a short amount of time? Watch this scene. Melissa and Eric are glorious together. We truly are so lucky to have them as our ship. This is such a soft and gentle moment.

Tim pulling her in and wanting to comfort her has me all in my feels. Lucy has this wonderful man to catch her when she falls now. To be able to absolutely come apart in his arms. Knowing he’ll be there to comfort and keep her together when she does. Gah I love them so much. Also A + to whoever does the music. The song in this moment is adding to the emotional depth of the scene. Amazingly good. It’s been so on point in this season. They need a raise whoever does this.

They finally have some suspects to track down. Violent felons that have connection to the station and to them as a group. Lucy offers to check on one by herself. Grey says no and Tim offers to go with her. Because he loves her and wants to keep her in his sights. They’ve all been attacked at this point. Except for him and Lucy. No way he’s letting her go solo. It’s not cause he didn’t trust her to handle herself. He can’t handle her going alone. His instincts on high alert.

Lucy telling Tim he should be out knocking down doors with Metro. Tim tells her 'He’s good'. As good as he can be without letting her out of his sights during this. Only they could so effortlessly flirt while on duty. In the middle of an intense OP. Lucy letting him know she doesn’t need him to protect her. Tim is very aware of this. Says he knows. Lucy turning this moment into some very cute light banter. Saying he is telling her he needs the protecting. Tim being sassy right back with his reply above. God I love them.

Their teasing and banter is iconic. Lucy’s next line is fantastic. I know we haven’t had an official ILY you yet. But they’ve said it so many different ways this season. In moments such as this. When we do officially get it not gonna be a shock to either of them. Tim telling her 'Back at you.' Making me all emotional. They are such a power couple and the next portion of this episode proves that. I’ve always said watching them in the field is poetry in motion. This next battle scene is literal proof of such.

It’s a good thing Tim came with her. I don’t want to think what would’ve happened if she’d been alone. The creepy crowd coming at them. My stomach dropped. First Tim willing to sacrifice himself for her so she could get away. *heart clutch* Man would die for her and not even blink in the decision making process. Lucy of course will not allow this whatsoever. Valiant or not he’s not falling on his sword for her.

We get a nice call back to 1x18. Not only with Lucy saying they need to go to higher ground. Like he taught her in that ep but to show no mercy. Tim instructing they hurt as many as they can and then retreat upstairs. Lucy getting exactly what he’s saying because they’re simpatico. This entire scene shows that. Also LOVE Lucy saying they only stand a chance TOGETHER. Theme of this season right here. They're better together. Damn right.

What a bad ass battle couple we have. Look at this scene. Lucy calling the audibles in this moment and Tim following her play. Repeating it back and saying 'Copy that.' Gah I love this so very much. Tim trusts her gut without question. Not a doubt in his mind to go with it. The amount of respect he has for her in the field is immense. He was going to stay behind she said no. Then Tim instantly followed her lead after that.

Damnit I love them so much. Tim’s instinct is to always protect Lucy. Where her's is to protect them both in this moment. It’s never because he thinks she can’t handle it. Tim just can’t handle the idea of losing her if he doesn’t. Started from the bottom now we're here and I’m emotional. Also the song once again killer during this epic scene.

Love her touching his arm before they engage in battle in that first one. Look at them in the final two above. I know Eric said they had a blast filming this. They are so damn in-sync. It's such an amazing thing to watch them take these people on. Like I've sad many times before poetry in motion when they're in the field. I love getting to watch the well oiled machine that is them. This was that on steroids ha

Eric was so excited for us to watch this scene and I can see why. It so fun to watch. Taking these guys apart together one at a time. I LOVE Lucy taking that guy out and then grabbing his riot shield. Tim is starting to get overwhelmed and she makes work of what's around her. Running towards Tim getting that guy off her man. With a very impressive shove might I add. Sends him flying down the stairs with the others. They have to start retreating up the stairs after this. They are slowly running out of ammo as well. Backup has yet to arrive and they're battling the best they can to stay alive till it does.

Harper and Nolan finally arrive on scene. Nyla tells John to get to them. She is going to get her sniper rifle even the odds a bit. Unfortunately even with higher ground they’re getting ambushed from all sides now. It's now all melee combat at this point without ammo. Tim takes a guy out with pepper spray and gets a guy off his girl.

Who is literally choking the life out of her. Tim dispatches this guy with any remaining rage he has left. Smashing this guy's face into the wall. Making sure he can't get up to get back to her. All the while Harper being a bad ass snipping people left and right for Tim. This scene is epic af. I love it so much. One of my all time field scenes for sure. They did a damn good job with this holy cow.

Then we get an other beautiful parallel from 1x01 to now. When Lucy pulled Tim to safety mid battle. We get to see Tim do the same for her. The way Tim scoops Lucy up and carries her to safety. I’m not crying you are.... Power couple since day one they just didn’t know it yet. The way he picks her up and then shields her with his body. Gah it’s so good.

When the door opens Tim is worried it’s another bad guy. He shields Lucy with his body. Ready to take a hit to keep her protected. Not willing to let them get at her again. I’m sobbing everyone. The instinct to always protect one another. I’m drowning in feels over here in the best way. Nolan ushers them to safety. Never been happier to see John Nolan in my life LOL

They make it to the stairway battered and bruised. Gasping for air as they try to recover from what just happened. Let’s look at the no space between them when they land on the stairs. Tim reaching out for her instantly. Placing his hand on her thigh checking on her. TWICE might I add. He touches her twice there. While checking around to make sure they’re truly safe. Lucy reaches out for his hand on the first touch. Also their heads touching as well in that first gif. Gah this mini moment has so much to it.

Tim is grounding himself in this moment through those touches. Making sure Lucy is breathing and he can stand down to catch his own breath. Such an intimate moment after an incredibly intense battle. He almost lost her so he is reaching out and making sure she’s ok. He also needs to touch her to settle himself. It was to tell her we’re ok now’s and to confirm to himself she was as well. Damnit it's so good. Don't tell me one of Tim’s biggest love languages isn’t physical touch. It for sure is.

Our last shot of the season for them. Just a BAMF couple post battle. Height difference that I love so much. The check in’s they do walking away knowing this could've been so much worse. Battle worn and bruised. These shots always hit harder knowing they’re together. I would like to think they would fuss over each other's wounds at the hospital. Or at home. We shall see what S6 brings for that if anything regarding it. If not sure someone will write a fic. LOL

The lack of personal space as they walk from the scene always floors me. As close they can possibly be at the moment. Sure Tim is thanking his lucky stars he came with her. I don’t wanna imagine what would’ve happened had he not. Or what Tim would’ve done had something happened. They looks so exhausted they’ve earned a good snuggle and some alone time. Sadly they're still in the middle of case so that's a no go.

Look at our power couple everyone. They're ours. We get to have them. And have a season to look forward to. I was so nervous about the season ending. Knowing this strike could last a long time and it did. Luckily we are coming out of it. Light is at the end of the tunnel. Looking forward to S6 and all the squeeing to come with it.

~~~~

Side notes non-Chenford

This episode one giant stress. One of them being when they try and take Harper’s daughter. The panic in my soul for her. My goodness this finale was great.

All of Celina's scene with Aaron pulling at my feels as well.

Thank you everyone once again who supported these reviews. They started out as a way to fill time between S5 and S6. Became a truly fun hobby for me. Kinda sad the ride is over but like I said at the beginning I’ll do mini reviews each week for s6 won’t be rid of that easily ❤️❤️ Can’t wait to delve in S6 with you all :)

[just-some-random-blogger]

Hey friendo can I make a totally self indulgent request for Morpheus being soft and in love with pre-K teacher reader (I’m Going Through It and need some soft Morpheus) 🥺

"TEACHER! HE HAS MARKER IN HIS EYES!"

Dream of the Endless x Preschool Teacher!Reader

Summary: (... no, Tim, that's eyeliner.) In which Dream decides if it is inappropriate to come to you in his human form at work, then he will be will have to do so in another.

Word Count: 1k+

Warnings: Kids lol, gender neutral!reader, touch deprived!dream, kitty meow meow dream (real), fluff, typos, etc.

A/N: BESTIEEEEE OMG YOURE HERE ASKING *ME* FOR SOEMTHING AISHFL:AHSFHASLFHASLFHA OMG LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO dang i started to hate what i wrote (because of tim T_T HAHHAH jk) then thought to start over until my brain woke me up with an idea and now its 12am and im finishing this so i hope you like it baby <3 headcanon: the gif is dream waiting for you to finish with work in the playground nearby the school T_T RIP

Previously on: I'm Dating An Endless Being With No Concept of Personal Space or Boundaries

I let out a shriek when I enter my classroom and find a tall man standing there by my desk, just looking at the entrance, waiting for me.

"DREAM!" I quip under my breath, "are you crazy?! What you doing here?"

The pout on his lips intensifies upon hearing my words.

He was not expecting the reaction he merited. Usually, when he came to school, he was received with eager attention, even by people that he did not want attention from. He vividly recalls adults complimenting him to you and some children shouting things about him at you.

Dream knits his brows, "have I done something to upset you?"

I give him an incredulous look as I cringe at the sound of a child crying from outside. I push past him and get what I came here for the first place, a box of tissues.

I feel Dream watch me as I grab the carton and give him an annoyed expression, "you better not be back here when I return, Dream."

"I didn't mean to sound-" "You hate me." "I don't hate you! I was flustered I-" "You don't love me anymore" "Dream, baby, that's not true." "You'd rather be with those kids than me." "I was at work." "I would never send you away if I was working." "I know. But that's also because you're your own boss and-" "I just wanted to visit..." "I know! I know, and I'm sorry." "... I forgive you..." "Thank you." "... even though you hurt me..." "..." "... and love those kids more than me."

"TEACHER TEACHER!"

I take a moment before turning to the caller, just as the boy screams again, "TEACHERRRR!"

"What is it now, Tim?"

"THERE'S A CAT IN THE CLOSET!"

"A what?!"

I grab Tim before he can even think to touch whatever cat managed its way into our classroom. All the children crowd behind me upon hearing after. With the small child in my arm, and my leg fending off the rest of the kids from going any closer to the closet door.

"Ok, Tim, what exactly did you see in the closet."

"A black cat."

I narrow my eyes and hum, "are you sure it wasn't just a sweater."

Tim shakes head, "it," he meows exaggeratedly, "at me."

I release a huff, "alright, it seems we have a cat to save."

The kids fuss as I put Tim down, and he then bounces excitedly at my words with the rest of his classmates.

I place a finger to my lips as I look between my students, "we don't want to scare the kitty, now do we?"

Immediately, the kids start shushing each other.

I ask the kids to move as I slowly open the door, in case the kitty thinks to lunge or run away. Instead, I am met with wide eyes and a meow that leaves the kids squealing.

There is another chorus of shushes and I bend and slowly outstretch my hand out to the cat.

The sweet thing rubs its black face against me, then its black body, and all at once it's very clear to me.

"Dream?"

Hello, my love.

I slap my hand on my face and fall to my butt when I hear the mental reply.

"Teacher!" Heather calls in concern, "are you ok?"

I turn to her as Dream walks out the closet and nuzzles by my ankles.

"Did the bad kitty bite you?" a distance voice calls.

Dream does not take kindly to the accusation and looks at the direction of the child who spoke.

"No, my dear, Dream did not-"

"Who's dream?" I recognize Luca's soft voice.

"Is that the name of the cat?" one blurts.

"OHEMGEE TEACHER IS THAT YOUR CAT?!"

This sparks a heated debate amongst them.

"Children," I finally have the wits to speak, "settle down and go back to your seats," I get to my feet.

There is a public outcry, and instead, the children surround Dream as he retreats under one of the desks. They try to stroke at him, and I wait for him to react the way cats do when they're disgusted, but he does not.

"Children, please, don't touch the cat."

They obviously do not listen.

"Teacher, your kitty is very shy," Libby comes up to my side and grabs my hand, "my kitty is very naughty."

I smile at her and point, "that kitty is very naughty too."

The sound of Dream meowing (in protest) makes the entire class burst into a fit of giggles.

I huff as I bend back and beckon my naughty lover, "come here, pretty boy."

Dream does not waste time and dashes over to me, practically leaping into my arms. He purrs when he is against me, and nuzzles his face in the crook of my neck.

The class lets out a chorus of awws.

"TEACHER CAN I PET YOUR KITTY!"

"I WANT TO PET THE KITTY TOO"

"What's the cat's name again?"

"I don't remember."

"I WANT TO NAME THE CAT OREO!"

"GERALD!"

"Children, please," I interrupt for the nth time, "we have to bring the cat outside."

There is a public outcry.

The clamoring children cry out in protest and I eye the cat dirtily as he continues to snuggle against me. I release a huff and raise Dream in my hand, a la Lion King.

This surely stops the children. They look up at the dangling paws of Dream with wonder.

"Right," I say, "I reckon one cuddle each, then he's going out the window."

"I understand why you like being with those children now." "Again, I was doing my job." "Yes. A noble job, with many benefits." "..." "They were all surprisingly gentle." "..." "I am excited to see them ag-" "You do know if you cause another frenzy in my class again, I'm locking you up in a cage and sending you to a shelter." "..." "..." "... perhaps then instead of a cat, I-" "DREAM I SWEAR-"

[wol-fica]

-ℕ𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘 ℙ𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝-

summary - during a kiss scene between you and emma myers, jenna gets a little too jealous for her own good

warnings - movie kiss, yelling, pushing into chair, angry! jenna x apologetic! reader, implied sex but you won’t see that ;), not proofread

an - i’ll be honest, i accidentally posted the first half of this so if you saw that, you didn’t 👀

———

Jenna was pissed, and that was an understatement. She was infuriated with the idea of having to watch you, her girlfriend, get all kissy with Emma.

Don’t get her wrong, Jenna absolutely adores both of you and she cares very dearly about your well being. But that doesn’t stop her from having feelings of jealousy and anger when your lips were locked with her own best friends.

“And, cut! Lunch break!” Tim shouted as the crew started to disperse.

Jenna watched as you and Emma exited the room together, and she didn’t miss the way her friend’s eyes were glued to you. Jenna’s face had anger written all over it, which is why most of the cast and crew stayed away from her while they ate. All, except for you.

See, you were quite an oblivious person when it came to someone being mad. Wether they were mad at you or whatever else, you always seemed to miss that factor. So when the time came for you to go eat lunch with your girlfriend, her demeanor slipped right past you.

“Hi love, how are you?” You asked, completely unaware of Jenna’s fowl mood.

“I’m great.” She hissed, stabbing her lettuce aggressively.

You paused, mouth open, waiting to eat a part of your sandwich. Why did she sound mad? Was it something I did? Did someone tick her off? All these questions ran through your mind, causing you to stay silent as you wondered which one was the best to ask.

“Thanks for asking.” She said, getting up to throw away what was left of her lunch.

You winced when the sound of her trash getting slammed into the trash can echoed through the lunch room. All eyes were on you in an instant, and you knew you had to go get your girl.

You hurriedly stuffed your sandwich in your mouth before running after your girlfriend, chucking your trash on the way. Soon, you had caught up to her, as she was kinda slow and didn’t prefer to run.

“Jenna!” You called, out of breath from running after her.

She turned to you, silently staring you down as you took a second to breathe. Once you were finished you stood up to speak properly to her, but before you could get a word out, she dragged you into a nearby tent.

The room was pretty much empty, besides a few chairs and a couch. It was seemingly just a relaxing room for the crew but everyone had vacated to the lunch hall to eat.

“Jenna.” You repeated as she pulled you inside.

“Hush.” She growled, roughly pushing you into a chair.

She faced you with a fury that you vowed to never want to see again. Her eyes were ablaze with anger while her hands were clenching and unclenching into fists. You gulped, afraid of what she had to say.

“I am furious Y/N, if you couldn’t tell.” She said, pacing around in front of you.

“I could, can I ask why?”

She whipped around, slamming her hands on the chairs arm rests. Her face got incredibly close to yours while her knees pressed up against your own.

“I am jealous.”

You scoffed, causing her to raise an eyebrow as if to test her.

“Jealous about what? Me kissing Emma?” You shook your head, now not afraid of how Jenna was acting, “It was nothing personal and you know that.”

“I really don’t, especially since she could keep her goddamn eyes off of you. She was practically fucking you in her mind!” She shouted, now pacing around again.

“So what if she was? I don’t have any feelings for her!” You defended, standing up as well.

“How am I supposed to know that?!”

You stopped, mouth agape at your girlfriend’s statement. She was staring dead at you know, tears beginning to fill her eyes.

“How am I supposed to know if you won’t leave me? How am I supposed to know if i’m good enough?” Jenna said, now practically crying.

“Oh honey.” You said sadly, rushing forward to comfort her.

She let out a sob as you enveloped her in your arms, leaning into your warm embrace. She cried on your shoulder, probably ruining her makeup in the process but neither of you cared at that point.

“I know you have insecurities, but I promise you I am not going anywhere.” You whispered, planting a kiss to her hair.

“You promise?” She hiccuped, shaking slightly from crying.

“Pinkie promise.” You replied, linking your fingers.

She giggled but stayed close to you, relishing your warmth. Her eyes met yours, and she began to lean in. Your lips met, salty from crying but not repulsive. The way her hands wound into your hair and tugged lightly, made you want to take her right here in this tent. A soft moan exited your mouth as she gently scratched your scalp with her nails.

“Is my baby all needy now?” Jenna cooed, pulling you to her shoulder as she massaged your head.

All you could do was groan in defeat, melting into her embrace. Jenna always had a way with you, and she always knew what buttons to push and pressure points to pinch when it came to making you submit to her.

“I think you deserve a punishment for being so naughty.” She whispered before pushing you back into the chair and starting to undo your tie.

What a long lunch it will be for you.

————————

[kayssweetdreams]

The Perfect Finale Ch26

Meanwhile...Back in the Theater...

Balan and Lance both gave pained groans. For someone who had been Banished from Wonderworld and stripped of his powers for thousands of years, Yin was still VERY strong. It was almost if every negative emotion he's had up to the point had festered within him, creating a reserve for the power that he lost. That didn't exactly work well in their favor however, as they were currently at his mercy.

The two of them had held off Yin for as long as they could, but even both of their powers, COMBINED couldn't compare to Yin. The Banished Maestro sauntered over to the two of them "Y'know...for my replacements, you could have put up more of a fight. It's actually kind of pathetic. Wonderworld gets rid of ME, and replaces me with 2 more weaklings, that couldn't even lay a scratch on me." Yin taunted.

"But don't worry...Your power will serve a greater purpose." He said. He roughly grabbed Balan and Lance by their arms, as a red aura surrounded Yin. Both maestros gave out cries of pain as they could feel their magic, their power, all the strength and abilities that came with being a maestro get sucked out of them. Yin's mad smile grew larger as he could feel himself get stronger. The theater around them shook violently as Yin's power grew.

Once the maestros last bit of power was gone, he finally let go, as the maestros laid on the floor, weakened and powerless. "After years of being cast away from Wonderworld...it feels good to have this kind of power again." Yin said as he could feel the power that came from the Maestros, before he stared down at Balan and Lance with distain...and that's when an Idea pinged into his head. With his newfound strength, he lifted up both maestros

"Let's see how YOU like being cast from Wonderworld." He said before throwing outside, and into one of the random alleyways of Timeville. Yin cackled, before a piece of debris hit his head, and he was pulled onto the Isle of Tims. "HURRY! LETS GO!!" Lora Jade shouts as she and the others run. Yin growled from his spot on the Isle, and those that would DARE to strike him down. "C'mon everyone! Hurry!!" Mei exclaimed, making sure that there was not one costume, Tim or Negati left behind.

As it turns out, when Kaylo told everyone that they needed to leave Wonderworld, she meant it. Almost every living thing in Wonderworld began to make a run for the exit before Yin could figure out what was going on. Once the last Negati was out, Kaylo punched a particularly fragile Pillar before it began to crack and crumble, causing the rest of the theater to cave in. Yin, seeing the danger, decided to grab Prim and flee back to Wonderworld.

When the pink haired girl made her escape, she gave a pant of relief as she, and everyone was out of the theater...but also she also began to shed tears when she realized what had happened...The Balan Theater. The one way in and out of Wonderworld. The place that had helped some many people in their lives, even though they didn't even know it...was destroyed.

The Balan Theater was No More...

Mei belongs to @sundove88

Rebecca belongs to @thehyperrequiem

Trisha Jane belongs to @lovelyteng

Aria belongs to @shadowqueen402

Lora Jade belongs to @alex-frostwalker

[myhandisfatemywordislaw]

what if Brian was Bertie? find out in this fanfiction..

credit to @dripping-void for the initial idea

claustrophobia is a running theme of this fic. I do not have claustrophobia so let me know if I portrayed it badly but I did my best

Bertie had always been a little claustrophobic. Before, it hadn’t been much of a problem; a slight tightening of his chest in a lift, a quickening of breath in a crowd, but usually he could avoid situations he knew would be stressful or push down his fear long enough to get through it. But now? Trapped in the endless twisting tunnels every second of every day, the oppressive, humid air thick with the stench of death choking him, the rough walls seeming to close around him, at every moment terrified they would collapse and he would be trapped, buried alive with no-one to help him, Bertie couldn’t tolerate it anymore. Being with Tim helped, but even he had to tackle Bertie to the ground and hold him tight as he struggled while the others helped cover them in lead in microwave attacks. Dimly Bertie knew that being cooked alive was a far worse fate, but no amount of reassurance from Tim could stave off the inevitable panic attacks as he was trapped in a space even more confined than usual, bodies pressed desperately against each other until Bertie wanted to scream. So yes, he knew it was stupid and dangerous as he clawed his way to the surface like an infected ant, distantly he knew he could die, probably would die for his moment of madness and desperation, but he couldn’t take it anymore, he couldn’t spend another moment trapped down there. When he finally crawled out onto the dusty surface, desperately gasping air and crying with relief, he was trapped inside a bulky spacesuit he’d stolen so he wouldn’t immediately die (he wasn’t completely stupid, after all) but he hardly cared. He was free.

When the shell detonated, blowing chunks of rock from the earth and kicking up a ferocious dust cloud, Bertie suddenly found himself soaring away into space, and he thought vaguely that it seemed appropriate, it seemed right. Parts of the suit melted against his skin, burning then freezing the skin beneath. The Moon grew smaller beneath him; the force of the powerful bombshell could easily overcome its weak gravity. As Bertie lost consciousness, he made peace with his death; he just wished he could say goodbye. I’m sorry, Tim, he thought, as darkness flooded his vision.

When Bertie awoke, he had no idea where he was. He was lying in a hard white bed, parts of his body covered in thick white gauze. He looked around; the thick, heavy metal door suggested vacuum sealing. Was he in a pressurised dome on the Moon? No, that was stupid, the Moon Kaiser controlled those. Where, then? The room gently thrummed with energy; an engine? Was this a spaceship? That seemed the most likely. Why was here? He’d only been on a spaceship once before, when he was deployed to the Moon. Maybe they were taking him home again? His heart jumped in his chest, and he barely dared to hope. But where was Tim? He didn’t want to go home without Tim.

The door opened with a hiss of air, and someone entered.

“Hello,” they said softly. “I’m Everett. What’s your name?”

“Bertie,” he whispered. He swallowed thickly, realising how dry his throat was. “Where…” his head throbbed as he trailed off, looking around.

“You’re on a spaceship, Bertie. I’m afraid we’re quite far from where we picked you up now. It looked like there was some kind of war, and we had to get out before the ship got damaged any more. We’re going to stop on a planet for supplies soon though. For now, you should probably get some rest.” They smiled warmly and Bertie nodded.

“Okay,” he replied quietly, feeling very small and very tired, and he quickly fell asleep again.

He awoke to the sound of distant panicked shouting.

“What do you mean the front thrusters won’t fire?”

“I mean they were damaged and you kept putting off the full ship review so we haven’t had time to find and fix it, and now they won’t fire at full power, so we can’t slow down!”

“Can’t we just pull away from the surface again then?”

“No, we’re too close and don’t have enough fuel. We’re all going to die, and there’s nothing any of us can do!”

“No, there has to be something! What if we spin the ship around and use the rear thrusters?”

“Not enough time, not enough time!”

“There must be something we can do!”

“We are doing everything we can!”

“We’re out of time!”

A violent impact jolted through the whole ship and the metal screamed as it twisted and failed, and Bertie’s head slammed into the metal wall of the ship, and he passed out. Again.

He awoke gradually. When he touched his head, his fingers came away covered in blood. He stood slowly, leaning heavily on the metal wall, his legs shaking, and made his way to the exit. As he crawled through the warped metal, he tried not to think about the tightness in his chest. Where was he? Was it a spaceship? When he fell, gasping for breath, into the open air, he saw that he had been right; a small spaceship, its front half crumpled in the small crater in which it lay.

“Who are you?” someone called. He turned to see them, a person standing several metres away and looking at him and the spaceship with a look of disgust.

“I… I don’t…” he started to respond.

“What’s your name?” the person continued harshly, stepping forward. He stumbled backwards slightly.

“I…” he hesitated. What was his name? Who was he? His head throbbed painfully when he tried to think. He thought his name might have started with a B. Had it been Bob? Billy, maybe? “…Brian?” he said uncertainly. It sounded unfamiliar in his mouth, he didn’t think that was quite right either, but it would have to do for now.

Brian, as he now called himself, became obsessed with figuring out how the ship he had arrived in worked and took it apart and put it back together over and over, then began to wonder how he could create something new with it. The others of this planet did not care for technology, but he couldn’t let go of this; it was all that remained of where he had come from.

When they threw him into the sky, it seemed right to him, it seemed natural, but that didn’t make it any less terrifying as his skin began to freeze. Hadn’t this happened before? A name dragged itself to the front of his mind. Tim. It wasn’t his name, he knew that, but it was important, he was sure of that. Who are you, Tim? he thought as he lost himself to the encroaching cold.

It took a while for Brian come to terms with his new self. He didn’t look like himself at all; his face had already been scarred when he reached the planet, and Carmilla had been forced to approximate what he looked like from frozen flesh already damaged beyond recognition, and he couldn’t see any of his own features in the mirror anymore. His heart all that was left of him, locked inside a metal prison, and whenever he thought about it too long he began to feel trapped and claustrophobic, until he wanted to tear out his heart, just so it could be free.

“We have to save him.” Brian said firmly, with no room for argument.

“What- why? Why do you care?” Jonny replied irritably.

“He could be- he could be fun. He’s very good with guns,” Brian cast around for what might interest Jonny enough to agree. “He’s- he kills people, that’s fun, isn’t it?” Brian was so glad he was in ends-justify-means, so he could tell himself that saving this life was worth it compared to the hypothetical life that might be lost as a result. How could he tell the others, how could he tell Jonny his real reason that he wanted, that he needed this man to live. Looking down at him, even with his eyes burnt out, Brian knew this was his Tim, he was sure of it. He couldn’t remember who he was or why he needed him to live so badly, but he knew it was important, more important to him than he could ever remember anything being.

When Tim awoke and joined the crew, Brian burned with the longing for his touch, and when Tim spoke it dredged up a distant memory of Tim holding him and whispering reassurances. But it was like Tim looked straight through him, seeing nothing but a stranger.

Tim was quietly stalking an octokitten to prank Jonny with when he heard small, hitched breaths from behind a door, like someone trying very hard not to be heard. Abandoning his task, he crept closer, and carefully opened the door. It was Brian, curled up on the floor and quietly crying.

Static filled Brian’s ears and his vision glitched and blurred as he desperately gasped for breath with an awful mechanical wheezing, his hands clutched over his heart, trapped inside the metal cage that was his body. He was trapped again and he didn’t know what to do this time, his existence a prison. Vaguely, he thought someone might be talking.

“-ian? Brian? Are you- are you okay?” Tim’s blurred face was filled with concern and his hand hovered near Brian’s face, unsure whether touching him would help. Brian made the decision for him, grabbing his hand and pressing it against his cheek as he sobbed.

“Brian, what’s wrong?”

“I- I- I’m scared- can you hold me? like- like before,” Brian responded jerkily through gasping breaths. With that, he buried his face in Tim’s neck.

“Like before?” What did that mean? Tim thought back over his time on the Aurora, he had barely even touched Brian, let alone hugged him. But- well- wasn’t there something familiar about him? Something about his mannerisms, the way he carried himself, the way he walked, the smile he seemed to save just for Tim. “Bertie?” he breathed, hardly daring to hope.

Bertie. Yes, that seemed right, like it had been on the tip of his tongue yet just out of reach for all these years. “Yes,” he whispered. Bertie raised his head and looked with tear-stained metal eyes into Tim’s own mechanical eyes. Tim wrapped his other arm around his head and pulled him closer and they kissed, metal colliding with flesh.

[drrealityslenderverse]

Helpless

A03 Request: Alex(MH) x HABIT, with a hint of Evan x Alex (MH), hurt/comfort with a pinch of fluff

CW: Most hurt with very warped 'comfort' considering it's coming from HABIT. Warning as well for gore and mentions of cannibalism

Back to main Contents || Back to One-shot Contents

“I don’t know what to do.” 

“You think I do? You think anyone does?” Evan spoke quietly, hand lazily combing through Alex’s hair. 

“I killed my friends… and—”

“And it was because It manipulated you.” A glance down where the man was crumpled, hunched so his ear could rest over Evan’s heart. “You didn’t enjoy it, right?” 

“No!” An immediate response full of disgust at the idea he might’ve taken pleasure in his girlfriend’s death or in killing that guy in the tunnel or hunting down Jay, Tim, and Brian. 

Evan hushed him, gently rubbing circles on his back through the jacket he wore in an attempt to soothe him. Alex took a moment to settle, eventually lulled back into a more relaxed state listening to the heartbeat and the way the shorter man’s hands continued to trace patterns along his back at random. They eventually trailed upward and back into his hair to once more comb through it. A quiet breath escaped as his eyes half closed from the sensation. It had been so long since he’d had contact with anyone like this. He savored every moment. 

The pulsing sound of a heart pumping blood picked up until it was racing and pounding in both his ears. The hand in his hair went from the soothing motions in the memory to yanking him up off the floor, wrenching him back into the current reality. A hoarse shout escaped his dry throat.

“Wakey, wakey.” HABIT’s mocking voice stung worse when it sounded so much like Evan. 

But Evan would never speak to him like this. He’d never do this to him. 

“I brought you a gift.” 

Alex grunted as he was pushed back onto the hard ground. Half closed wounds stung as he forced himself to sit up again, dreading what this ‘gift’ might be. His stomach churned at the mutilated sight before him. It looked like Tim, he’d escaped, it was entirely possible it was Tim. Alex opened his mouth, to say what he wasn’t sure himself. A mix of emotions spun around: hatred for Tim for bringing hell upon them yet regret and fear for him was there too. Evan had helped him where he could never have trusted Tim to do and his time before HABIT took over gave Alex back some of his reasoning. Tim didn’t deserve to die, none of them did. 

HABIT crouched and leaned closer, whispering in his ear with a gruff voice that sounded much too pleased at the reaction he was getting. “You like it? I found him for you… You want him dead, now’s your chance.”

Tim was alive? Horror stabbed deep in his chest as if he’d physically been stabbed. Alex didn’t think anyone could look like that and still be alive. “...Tim?” 

A twitch of a finger just barely noticeable and a faint gleam of recognition as dark eyes, or was it just one eye now, looked his way. Alex heaved, bile momentarily overwhelming the coppery stench of blood that had seemed into the room itself. Breaths came out in pants as he choked up more. Alex felt dizzy, battered body swaying. 

He wished he was dead. He wished Tim was dead so he didn’t have to suffer at HABIT’s hands. At least the others were. HABIT couldn’t touch them. Perhaps Evan had it worse of all though, being forced to do as HABIT wished with his body without being able to do anything about it. Alex hadn’t believed at first that Evan was aware… a short break where HABIT let Evan take over again had swiftly changed his mind on that. 

Dry sobs sent pain through his lungs. It was hard to cry when you’d cried yourself to oblivion each night… or day… or whatever time it was when HABIT would finally be done with him for a while. 

“Alright, guess I’ll do it myself.” HABIT snapped impatiently, standing and sending a hefty kick to his ribs as he walked over to grab a knife. 

Alex let out a soundless cry as he felt a rib snap like a twig. Agonized coughs left red droplets dotting the floor and leaving the familiar metallic taste on his tongue. Hazily, he watched as HABIT approached Tim. For a moment he believed it’d be over quickly now, surely Tim couldn’t survive much longer like that anyway. 

Wrong. Oh how many more times was he going to fool himself. Alex couldn’t feel the pain but seeing it had him begging HABIT to show some mercy. Hoarse words fell on deaf ears until finally, there was silence. 

Alex was balled up and huddling against the wall, unable to look at the worsened sight before him. A hand wet with blood patted his head and he flinched away as HABIT crouched before him. Even without the blood he’d look threatening, now he looked downright terrifying. It reminded Alex of a predator looking at its next easy meal. 

A look of apology appeared, the guise so good Alex could almost be fooled that Evan was back. He wasn’t though. The way HABIT’s lips twitched upward at the edges as if to fight off a grin at his state was enough of a giveaway. 

The hand continued to pet his hair like he was a dog, smearing Tim’s blood throughout. A numb feeling was taking over him, accepting the disgusting gesture of feigned affection. “Come on, I thought you wanted him dead. I went through all that trouble to get him here.” 

HABIT shifted closer, practically looming over him as he gripped Alex’s jaw and forced the man to look at him. “You got what you wanted. All of them are dead, except Evan but I’m working on it.” 

“Mno!” His voice was muffled by the harsh grip. 

“Stick-in-the-mud had nothing on me, hmm. Unlike It though, I’m open to reason.” HABIT’s face was inches away now. “But I get the feeling you’ll still say no to helping me… Shame, I was prepared to throw you a bone after holding yourself together so long. Fix you up all nice again, like a little pet to fetch when I said so. We could’ve been great, killing the stick-in-the-mud. But it seems you like suffering, don’t you?” 

Alex tried to shake his head. He hated both options. Help HABIT and he’d get stuck watching others be put in this same position, slow torturous deaths. While killing the Operator was a tempting proposal… Living under HABIT’s command was worse than what the tall entity could ever do. Continue refusing and he’d keep living like this until HABIT grew bored and made Evan watch as he was killed—any hope of reuniting again disappearing forever. 

A malicious glint and the fingers in his hair curled tight enough to pull some of his hair out. Teeth grazed at Alex’s throat. “I’m going to kill you. Slowly over the coming days. Evan’s going to watch as I eat you alive piece by piece, then pick my teeth with what remains of your bones after I’m done crushing them.” 

The decisive tone made his fate feel so final that Alex didn’t doubt the truth of the words. HABIT stood, leaving him with the corpse for the time being. Alex sat there, staring emptily at the floor. Everyone was dead because of him. He’d never see Evan again, he couldn’t save Evan from what was about to happen. Alex felt worse knowing that than knowing he was about to die. He wondered if the others who died before him would be waiting to rip him apart again for his crimes…

[soleminisanction]

I’d pay real money to see your analysis on steph and cass’s relationship 😭 you’re the only mfker on this site doing Stephanie’s character any justice w your amazing character analysis despite being the resident Stephanie Hater TM I owe you my life

Ha, thank you. It is very confusing that my feelings about Steph so often seem to boil down to, "I hate you because you deserve to be written better, goddammit!"

That said, I'm not totally sure I'm qualified to talk about Steph and Cass's relationship in its full extent because I haven't read their "foundational text" -- which is to say, Cass's Batgirl run. I've read pieces of it, but never the storylines where they hang out, and I can't deny that the knowledge of Steph's presence is a big part of what's made me avoid what I know, objectively, to be a fantastic series.

From what I have seen of their relationship, in family crossovers and Steph's Batgirl and their modern appearances (everything Cass has been in except for Batgirls, and about half of that series, but not a consecutive run of issues) plus general fandom osmosis... my personal feeling is that I'm not a fan.

For one, I can never see their modern cutesiness as anything less than full-on queerbaiting. Steph reads as fully straight to me, and when I say that, I don't mean, "hrr drr she's never shown romantic interest in girls before" because that's bullshit. What I mean is that, of all the femme-aligned Bat-people in the franchise, Steph is both by far the most gender conforming and the most male-oriented (of the modern age; obviously Betty and Kathy Kane are a different story). When they shave her head for Future State or the Earth-3 Mary Sue Batwoman, it doesn't look like her, it looks like she's trying to be Cassie Sandsmark. And her motivations are very often tied up in men, whether that man is her father, her boyfriend, or Batman. Since she came back from the dead and they threw out all the complicated character nuance that led to War Games, they really haven't given her much more than that to work with, and it's not like those motivations were ever fully separate from men either.

So to me, the more their modern comic appearances try to push this idea that Stephanie is the most importantest person in Cass's life, the more it feels like they're writing poor Cass to be in love with her straight friend, who in turn is either (generous interpretation) clueless to her affections or (ungenerous interpretation) stringing her along because the attention feeds Steph's ego.

And that perception isn't helped by the fact that I feel like their relationship, as it's written in canon, is extremely one-sided. Like, Steph dies, and Cass spirals, mourning her and hallucinating her presence. Cass gets written into books like Spirit World all by herself and Steph still gets mentions and shout-outs as an important person in her life. People draw art with Cass owning Steph's merch, and she spent so much time in Batgirls talking about how strong and special and important Stephanie is.

Meanwhile, Stephanie spent her time in Batgirls talking about how being a Batgirl made her feel special and awesome. Cass gives her the Batgirl costume at the start of her run of the same name and then disappears and is never seen or mentioned again. She doesn't show up nearly as much on her own, but the last time she did (in Robins) I'm pretty sure Cass wasn't mentioned once, not even as like a flash-in-the-pan cameo during her "Spoiler, leader of the Teen Titans" fantasy sequence.

Pair all that up with the fact that Steph really doesn't get stories of her own and instead turns up in other people's adventures at random, often with Cass at her side as a glorified cameo and... yeah, it all just feels very one-sided to me, like the relationship exists for the same reason the writers forced Tim and Steph back together in 2016. They don't know what to do with Steph if she's not somebody's Designated Love Interest, and since she can't be that to Tim anymore they've shifted to baiting a relationship they'll never actually pull the trigger on with Cass.

It just kinda sucks. Steph should get her own stories. And Cass shouldn't be reduced to her fucking Kato.

[somefanficrecomendations]

March Monthly Roundup

A belated St. Patrick’s Day, and Happy Easter if you celebrate! Sadly, I had a busy March, so this month’s rec list is short and sweet!

BATFAM Too Close to Rotting to be Alive by alicecrow6 (gen), <1k, Damian Wayne-centric, Angst The thoughts of a rotting corpse not yet placed in his grave.

pull up the ladder when the flood comes by mintchocochips (gen), 4k, Cass Cain-centric Black Bat is operating in Hong Kong. Bruce is dead. A hell of a lot of people are dead. Cass is trying her damnedest not to drown. She doesn't want anyone else to drown either. She just wants to be good. She is maybe, just maybe, not okay.

charity by Valkrin (gen), 7k, Different First Meeting, Bad Parent!Drakes The biggest downside of being adopted by Bruce Wayne is putting up with rich people events, including one where Jason will be in a room with a bunch of rich kids for a couple very long hours while Bruce goes to the adults' meeting. Jason is ready for a very bad time but the Drake kid listens to him from the start and keeps backing up Jason's ideas even though they've never met. Jason warms up to Tim Drake long before Mad Hatter tries to take over the meeting and Tim backs him up again.

the picture frames have changed and so has your name by Zahri (gen), 24k, Case Fic, Hurt/Comfort There’s something wrong with Dick. Tim thought everything was getting back to normal. Bruce was alive and back in their timeline, the Birds of Prey were once again operating out of Gotham, Dick had the city well under control as Batman and even Damian had been less obnoxious than usual. And then during a firefight at a warehouse by the docks, Tim was almost hit by a flying boomerang. And Dick never noticed. When something is wrong with your big brother, who else do you turn to but your big sisters?

Fatherhood for Dummies by Havendance WIP, (gen), 6k, Batman Comics, POV Jack Drake When Tim runs away to No Man's Land, it takes Jack far too long to realize that he's gone. Once he does though, he'll do anything he can to get him back.

THE WITCHER Flung to Catch a Star by inexplicifics WIP, (Eskel/Geralt/Jaskier), 63k, Accidental Warlord AU      Morvran Voorhis, first-ranked prince of Nilfgaard, has been sent to Kaer Morhen on a diplomatic mission. His tasks are twofold: first, negotiate a nonaggression treaty between the wild barbarian Warlord of the North and the Nilfgaardian Empire. And second, ingratiate himself with the mysterious Warlord’s daughter and heir apparent, Princess Cirilla.      Sir Cahir Mawr Dyffryn aep Ceallach, a Vicovaran knight, has been assigned to protect young Prince Voorhis on this mission. Prince Voorhis may be the best of a bad lot, but Cahir’s still not looking forward to the threats or the temperature of a winter in the distant North.      They both know their mission is a dangerous one. But they don’t know where the true danger lies…and while they know how to navigate Nilfgaard’s treacherous court, they are not prepared for Kaer Morhen. This is a mission they might not survive…and if they do, they might be changed beyond all recognition.

HARRY POTTER Three Body Problem by cabezas_de_vaca (gen), 43k, Alternate Hogwarts House Sorting To the girl with the bushy hair and the hungry mind, the Hat says RAVENCLAW; To the boy with the scar and the ask of otherwise, the Hat says SLYTHERIN; To the sixth son who has already chosen the two others, from a chance encounter on a train, the Hat says HUFFLEPUFF; and Flitwick is delighted and Sprout is intrigued and Snape is resigned, to say the least. Or: Perhaps the trio is inevitable everywhere, but in this variation, none of them are in Gryffindor, and they do their best to build things anyway.

CROSSOVER While You Were Missing by basil_coffee_and White Collar x Batman (Jason Todd/Roy Harper), 23k, Accidental Baby Acquisition, Jason!Neal A familiar redheaded child darts across the bullpen with a shout of “PAPA!” and barrels into Jason’s arms. “Lian–” He breathes. Jason's undercover work as Neal Caffrey is difficult for several reasons. He didn't anticipate that single parenting would be one of them, though.

[ofassuredrisk]

@timtestsdontscareme

The man in charge, the man that followed rules. One after the other, a good head on his shoulders. Tim once said to himself the only one  you can count on is yourself. He knew what it was like to be let down; to not be chosen. His family  wasn’t the picture  perfect, he had his sister, his  father was a man he never wanted to know again. He was a man of action, he put each one of his rookies through hoops and hoops. Angela thought he was nuts; that he was deemed to be a tad crazy. And this is why he always found himself riding the shop on his own. No Rookie had been tough enough to ride out his great Tim tests. 

That was until Lucy Chen was given the shot. She wasn’t afraid to call me out or to show me up. Her very first day I hated to admit but I was impressed. She stood her own ground, she passed each test as if it was second nature to her. Sometimes I felt like she read my mind; our banter tended to balance on its own. Tim was a hard ball never admit when his partner was right; never liked the idea that he might remotely care about her. It all occurred in moments. A moment of care when I put myself on the line I’d rather be the one to be hurt over her. The memory of that house, locked bedroom as I exposed myself to the Virus, I knew what I was doing when I closed the door on Lucy her  shouts of reassurance of asking if I was okay filled my ears. Holding my  breath as I tried to calm the bystander down, the virus was contented in this room. Safe from the world; and I was someone who constantly jumped into the line of fire, it’s who I was. Obviously or I wouldn’t be the cop that I was. Tim was selfless at times, that was only one of the many rare occurrences that he did show up for his partners. 

This time around it was a gun worn down to his head. He flinched at last minute. He remembered trailing the guy down; weapon in hand. Feet molded against the dry pavement. I spoke into my radio, I knew Chen was on the other end, I told her cross over to the other edge; that this ally was a circle. And fingers gripped against the trigger preparing myself as I came to a pause outside the ally, aim at the target; Liam was his name, I remembered the file Angela had clued me in on when we hunted down this guy. “ Lower your weapon.” I shouted the memory clear as day to me. I was about to lower mine when his fingers flinched against his gun; I heard Lucy, she was just arriving attempting to cover her pending breathes. It all happened fast; I saw it; I saw his fingers pressing against the trigger I had this ache in my chest believing Lucy was about to get shot, and I ran like a speed of light. I ran to jump in front and I heard the gun shot, and ultimately yhe bullet pressed against my chest. 

Caught in the line of duty. I cared, I liked to play a game of hard ball but I’d jump in line each time to protect her. Eyes slowly  came to open now as the memories of flashes flickered through my mind. The accident. Eyes adjusted to the light, a loud huff escaped my lips one from being in the hospital again. And from the ached that formed on his abdominal from the bullet that was freshly removed. A groan heard as he tried to bite down on his lower lip, eyes finding its way to a sleeping Lucy tucked into the chair, her legs folded under her frame as her elbow kept her head up. Had she stayed all night? 

Brows pushed together; as his  hues lingered almost fixated. He told himself he’d let her rest; he knew Lucy she was feeling the weight of this case of my shooting, she probably hadn’t slept in hours..

[cephalog0d]

Batfic - "Finders Keepers"

(For @dangerousdan-dan! I hope you enjoy! <3)

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Category: Gen

Characters/Relationships: Stephanie Brown & Selina Kyle, mentioned Bruce Wayne, mentioned Tim Drake, mentioned Arthur Brown

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Stephanie Brown is Spoiler, (specifically 90's Spoiler), Selina Kyle is Catwoman, (specifically 90's Catwoman which is actually relevant), very lightly implied TimSteph (in an "early mutual crushes" sort of way), Stephanie Brown-centric, POV Stephanie Brown

Summary:

Stephanie Brown just wanted to stop her dumb dad from successfully carrying off his dumb heist. If Batman won't so much as listen to her, she's willing to consider other offers. Or: If Batman doesn't want this perfectly good sidekick, Catwoman will take her instead.

Steph watched the chunk of concrete sail out into the darkness and hit the harbor with a tiny, silver splash. It was not nearly as cathartic as actually hitting something solid would be, but she absolutely did not need to add “getting arrested in costume” to her Humiliation Bingo card tonight, so it beat breaking windows or going home and punching a hole in her wall.

She ought to be making a new plan. Just because her first one hadn’t quite worked out the way she wanted didn’t mean she could just give up. Besides, it had halfway worked, at least. She’d gotten Batman’s attention with all the clues and things. She just hadn’t managed to convince him she had anything to say worth listening to.

And she’d lost whatever secret identity she might have had.

So one step forward two steps back, really.

What else was there to do, though? That had been her best idea, and all it had gotten her was a dismissive and condescending lecture (plus some serious suspicion that she was part of her dad’s crew) that made her deeply glad her mask covered her whole face so no one could see how humiliated she was. Maybe Batman would figure things out in time to actually stop her asshole father’s asshole plan, but she wasn’t willing to just assume that was true and do nothing.

Of course, the only other plan she had was stopping her father’s plan herself, and if she thought that was a good idea she wouldn’t have bothered with stupid Batman and his stupid sidekick in the first place.

Steph hurled another concrete chunk out over the water and let out an inarticulate shout of frustration before collapsing back on her ass with her knees pulled up and her arms wrapped around her head. All she had wanted was to stop her dad from being a fucking criminal and getting people killed. Why did that have to be so hard?

“What did the harbor ever do to you?” asked an amused voice behind her. Steph startled wildly and flailed her way upright, raising her arms in some approximation of a defensive position before she realized that someone who had managed to sneak up on her could have already attacked her if that was their intention.

It still took a couple of seconds for her brain to fully process what she was seeing. Not so much because she didn’t know who she was looking at (the purple bodysuit, thigh high boots and large cat ears were pretty distinctive, even in Gotham), but because there was no universe in which she had anticipated Catwoman showing up to say hi while Steph had a mini-meltdown over what a shitshow her evening had been.

“That was a joke,” Catwoman said when Steph just gaped at her for several long seconds (once again grateful for the full face cover of her mask; who knew what her expression was doing).

Catwoman straightened from where she had been lounging against the wall and prowled closer. (Steph was maybe a little bit deeply jealous of how she could move like that, all pure grace and confidence. No amount of gymnastics lessons or clandestine costume practice ever seemed to get Steph to anything better than “mostly not tripping over her own feet”.)

“It’s the boots,” Catwoman said with a grin and a wink, which is how Steph learned she had said some part of that out loud. A full face mask was truly the best decision she had ever made, good grief. “Well, that and some practice.”

“I know! Uh. That that was a joke, I mean. I know. I just. What are you doing out here?” Steph finally pulled her brain together enough to form sentences on purpose, although she also immediately regretted it. How many costumed badasses could she thoroughly embarrass herself in front of in one evening?

(Cont. on AO3)