#secret files the signal

[shyjusticewarrior]

I can't get over this list. It's literally:

Jason being murdered

Damian being raised in a murder cult

Dick moving away

Like these things are somewhat equatible in Bruce's mind.

[bookfandomtalk]

Batman Secret Files: The Signal (2021)

In case you ever wondered how much Tim embodies middle child syndrome... He doesn't even get MENTIONED in the list of Bruce's protege's.

[haveyoureadthiscomic-poll]

[emilyarmadillo]

Storylines DC should totally pick back up: Riko and Dax

We Are Robins turned un-Bat-sanctioned vigilanties bitter that Duke was the only member of the movement to be invited into the Bat-Clan. Last seen: showing remorse for fighting with Duke? At least, Riko was.

This comic came out a year and a half ago. Where are they now, DC?!

In a perfect world, Duke would get an ongoing series and one plot arc would deal with Riko and Dax.

Personally I also want to see Maps Mizoguchi's take on the new Riko, because Maps was at first jealous of and then super impressed with Riko in her Robin days. She would be horrified by the Riko's new anti-bat stance (which Maps only tolerates when it's her best friend Olive).

Give me Riko!

[tired-but-willing]

It bugs me that the story the Batman Casefiles: Signal comic seems to have been ignored or dropped? Have you read it? If so, where would you take that comic, story wise?

You're not the only one. DC dropped the ball hard with Duke in general, considering how little they utilize his character, but just discontinuing a storyline of his is probably one of the worst injustices they've done with him.

Sorry if I ramble a little, it's very late here; full response under the cut.

I'm in the middle of reading this particular issue right now, so I don't know all the details on how it's handled or how it ends yet: but I know enough from what I've read so far and what I've been told by others to form a somewhat solid opinion. That being said, if I get something wrong, I'm more than okay with corrections in my comments.

As of right now, I think that the premise of exploring Dukes daytime patrols is amazing. And I think DC was starting to get into it here. However, I think it could be done better.

(This opinion might change when I finish the comic. Maybe I'll update then.)

As of right now, I think I'd really shine a spotlight on Duke being Gothams only daytime protector. I'd throw him into tough situations. And honestly, I'd probably give him his own overarching villain that lasts more than just one oneshot issue. Gotham has a lot of villains already, true; but I really would like to see Duke pitted against something completely new.

I would also focus more heavily on Dukes personal life and feelings. One thing I do like so far is that he's been able to express himself— but I'd like to build more on his relationships.

It's like I said above. Duke is a very complex character with very complex relationships, and honestly from what I've seen of him so far, I think he's the most interesting member of the bat family. If anyone deserves the spotlight, it's him.

I don't think a oneshot like Secret Files is nearly enough to go anywhere with the story the comic is trying to tell. Hopefully he gets a comic run of his own soon. I'd love to see him doing his thing. He deserves so much more love than he gets, both from DC and the fandom.

<3 final apologies for any grammatical errors. It's late, and I don't think I'm going to proofread this. But my asks are always open for more Duke Thomas discussion! Thank you to this anon, I really enjoyed typing all this out. Hope it's semi coherent for y'all.

[batmanssleeves]

Your honor they're siblings pt 2

[gaykarstaagforever]

My favorite thing about The Signal is that he looks like totally rad new Batman costumes I drew with scented markers when I was

Like 24. But I'd been thinking about them since I was 13.

[starstruckmiraclekitty]

Simon hadn’t been this nervous since his baby girl was born nearly two years ago now. His palms were sweating as he glanced over at his daughter, who was waiting with excitement by the window.

“Are you okay, Si?” You asked, flashing your husband a warm smile, before wiping down the kitchen table for the fifth time that afternoon. “You seem nervous.”

“Think we both are.” Simon gave you a half smile, his eyes softening as he took in the sight of his precious family. “Just nervous for the boys to finally meet my girls.”

You walked over to him, and were about to press a reassuring kiss to his lips before the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of your guests.

Your daughter squealed with excitement, and ran to open the door, her little arms barely able to reach the handle. “Daddy! They’re here!”

The door swung open revealing the 141 boys, each of them wearing matching smiles. Your daughter beamed up at them, and each of the men noted how similar she looked to her father.

The boys filed in, and it took all of a few seconds before your daughter was chatting away, clearly very excited to be meeting her daddy’s friends.

She had Johnny and Kyle’s full attention, showing them her newest collection of toys her daddy bought her, while John made his way over to you.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Mrs. Riley.” John smiled, politely pressing a kiss to your cheek. He extended his hands to you, revealing a bouquet of flowers. “I would’ve insisted on meeting you sooner, but your husband has done an impeccable job of keeping you and the little one a secret from us.”

Simon wore a proud smile as he watched the encounter, suddenly very much liking you being referred to as “Mrs. Riley”. “For good reason, didn’t want to put them at risk.”

“Nonsense, Simon. I’m so happy to meet all of you. It’s about time I’ve met the men who my husband trusts with his life.” You waived away your husband’s concerns, prompting John to chuckle. “I’m glad you all could make it tonight. These flowers are beautiful by the way, thank you!”

Johnny and Kyle eventually made their way over, each of them greeting you with bone crushing hugs.

“Daddy! Uncle Johnny said that he’d babysit me one day!” Your daughter exclaimed, moving to hang onto Johnnys leg tightly.

“Did he now?” Simon asked, quirking a brow as he looked in Johnnys direction. “Uncle Johnny, eh?”

“Thought it was fitting, no?” Johnny laughed, petting your daughter’s head playfully. “Gotta say, L.T, she’s a spitting image of you.”

Simon felt a flush rise to his cheeks, the sentiment causing a warmth to spread through his bones. “I’d say she’s got her mother’s looks.”

When dinner rolled around, your daughter insisted on sitting in between her uncle Johnny and Kyle, relishing in all the stories they could tell her about her daddy.

You took note of the permanent smile etched onto Simon’s lips- though he was relatively quiet you could tell that he was enjoying himself. You only wished you had done this sooner.

As he looked around the room, Simon felt his heart flutter as laughter filled the air. Any nervousness he had felt before was gone, and Simon felt undeniably happy. He had everybody he loved and cared about, finally under one roof.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: not super happy with this one- so planning on doing another version shortly☺️❤️ (ideas are welcome!!)

[somewherefornow]

DUKE THOMAS & CASSANDRA CAIN in BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS (2019) + BATMAN SECRET FILES: THE SIGNAL

[harrysonlylover]

Find Your Pleasing*

In which you have a heated meeting with the hot CEO

Wc:2.4k

Warnings: MATURE & SMUTTY CONTENT.

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

The floor was buzzing with workers frantically running from one room to the other as they made sure everything was perfect and neat for him.

Mr. Harry Styles, owner, and founder of Pleasing for sex toys. He started this company from the bottom in 2017 with no one to motivate him but his own will.

Back then CEOs of big companies laughed in his face when he proposed his project, they even scoffed and made fun of him. Now they are waiting in the lobby for their turn to have a word with him. He likes- no loves how they behaved after he outsmarted them in the business field, he even enjoyed watching their face turn pale whenever they entered the headquarters because everyone knows that he’ll be reigning on the top for a very long time.

The secret to his success was the face of Pleasing which also happens to be him. He caused a revolution of some type in the sex toys world after he launched an ad making every man and woman drool for him. There were even rumors about couples breaking up thanks to Pleasing’s glorious toys. When the news reached Harry he smirked, secretly liking the idea of having power over others.

He didn’t even need to try and well the rest is history.

There are lots of things that the public does not know about the successful young man, one of which is his sex club also called “Pleasing”. It is mistaken for being inspired by the company, little do they know the devil himself built both of them.

The sound of printing machines, telephones, and employees shouting got closer as you neared the 5th floor also known as Styles’ Headquarters. You had a job interview and you were required to know some crucial details about him.

You approached the receptionist who was thankfully not so busy and she helped you reach his office, the room that was isolated from the entire floor.

She went in before you and you could faintly hear the murmur of words exchanged between them. It wasn’t long before she gave you the green light to enter.

A big mahogany desk was placed in the center of the room behind which he stood with his back to you, and you couldn’t help but notice the display of many sex toys on the counter.

At the sound of your footsteps, he turned around, his right hand still placed on his hip. He was dressed in an elegant navy suit that made sure he appears as the CEO. You caught a glimpse of his painted fingernails varying from turquoise to transparent while his hands were complimented by luxurious rings, a lion, a pearl, and his initials. You were very familiar with his hands just like the rest of the world was.

“Mrs. Y/N it’s an honor to finally meet you, have a seat please.” He signaled to the comfortable chair in front of his desk.

“Same goes for you, Mr. Styles.” You smiled as you lowered your skirt to adjust your seating while feeling his eyes raking your body.

“I know, now y/n please call me Harry. I hope this doesn’t bother you but I would rather be straightforward with this.” He was now standing in front of you leaning on his desk with his arms crossed over his chest, and you caught a whiff of his perfume. Tobacco Vanille that sent vibrations throughout your body.

“I’m a very busy man and I’m in a rush but please don’t worry I already scanned your file, so I’m being righteous with you. Which is why I prepared questions for you to answer.” He spoke fishing out a document and relaxing more on the desk, you couldn’t help but let your eyes drift to his front and you wondered if it was a bulge or just a wrinkle of his pants.

“Anything caught your attention, Miss?” You immediately straightened your posture trying not to turn red in the face.

“No nothing Mr- Harry.” He hummed and flipped the papers while you refrained from looking down again.

“So I gather that you’ve worked with big companies before, nice work indeed. How would you approach Pleasing’s designs?” He turned his gaze to you and rubbed the light stubble on his chin.

“First of all Pleasing has a wide range of items that are no doubt causing global chaos in a good way of course. No one is even thinking of designing sex toys anymore as they stand no chance but Mr. Harry did you ever ask your customers what they want.?”

He was listening to you attentively, his eyes never leaving yours and the corners of his mouth were itching to offer you a grin.

“Sometimes yes, but how do you suggest that happens?”

“You focus on the people who are against Pleasing, who do not enjoy sex toys. Dig deep into what makes them feel good, I think that the initiative you’re looking for here is not to sell more toys but to help everyone find pleasure. Even those that think they can’t.” You spoke confidently already feeling him become amused at your thoughts.

“Hm, so Miss tell me what would the motto be for this campaign?” He shifted around and stood behind your chair, his fingers lingering over the expensive leather.

“Find your pleasing.”

“And do you know what’s yours?” He leaned down and whispered in your ear and you could swear his voice suddenly became deeper.

You nodded your head and he moved forward examining the display of toys, his left hand was in his pocket while the other hovered over the items till he picked the one.

“This is a unique one, I didn’t get to try it yet but I’d love to give you the honor.” He presented it forward in front of you like a piece of candy. It was a plug or at least it looked like one but with a button on the side.

“Now?” You inquired feeling a bit surprised at his playfulness.

“Only if you feel like it Miss, I’d never push you out of your comfort zone. If you want you can take –“

“Tell me Harry do you know what’s your own ‘Pleasing’ “ you shot back at him as you watched his expression shift and eyes darken.

“Hm yes I do but I’m afraid I’m a visual demonstrator Darling.” He lowered down to your level and his hot breath was doing things to you.

“And I’m a fast learner Harry.” He wasted no time in grabbing you by the throat, managing to pull you up on the counter without hurting you just keeping a good amount of pressure on your neck.

He kissed all over your collarbone as you wrapped your heels around his torso, and his cock was being pressed into your core.

“I find my pleasing in others, so pretty girl when you get yours I’ll get mine.” He muttered hungrily over your lips pushing his tongue as his jaw flexed. His hand found its way beneath your skirt and immediately cupped your cunt with his ringed hands.

“I saw how you were looking at my hands pretty, you’re not so sly you know? What did you want, my hands to hold your cunt like this as you hump for relief? His thumb was pressed on your clit making you jolt while his buttoned nose grazed your neck.

“Yes and your thick fingers inside.” You replied quickly as you were heating up by the moment.

He suddenly pulled back and removed all of his rings, slicing his eyes up to you while smirking before placing the rings on your fingers. They were a bit lose and almost fell out.

“Tsk tsk even my rings can’t fit, how will you handle me pretty.” He chuckled pushing one finger inside making you grasp onto his shoulders.

He gently added another finger and began massaging your labia, with his forehead laid against yours. He fastened his pace going in circles and when he found your g-spot he teased you by delicately returning to his massaging technique.

You moaned against him, with your nails digging into his back. He was smiling at the sight of you falling apart on his touch.

“See this? This is my ‘Pleasing’, getting to satisfy a woman like you. Look at these pretty moans and your fucked out state already riding my fingers like a whore. Anything to get stuffed yeah?” He bit at your earlobe and when you didn’t answer him, he curled his fingers at your g-spot.

“Yes I love it, I love your thick fingers inside of me.” You continued to moan in ecstasy feeling his fingers hit deep spots and despite trying to jerk and shift around he kept a firm grip on your hips.

His thumb moved to your swollen clit lightly tapping at it before pinching it and grinning when he heard you scream due to oversensitivity.

“My favorite spot, this little pearl just like the ring yeh? Like being in heat as I play with it?” His other hand dug into your back resulting in the both of you becoming fully intertwined as you shifted closer to him.

“Please I need to cum Harry.” You begged in a rush, his fingers felt so good and the pressure in your lower stomach was getting more and more intense.

“Cum pretty, let me find my ‘Pleasing’ in yours.” And right on cue you closed your eyes shut, as you saw nothing but black, his eyes were still set on your face watching you almost black out from the mind-blowing orgasm he just gave you.

He leaned forward kissing the tip of your nose and slowly removed his fingers for a taste making you whine at the empty feeling.

“You just had an orgasm and you still need something inside you?.” He raised his eyebrows not to inquire but to make sure.

“Need you to stretch me out real good Harry.”

That was all he needed to hear before he unbuckled his pants and dropped them to his ankles, his bulge looked painful as he took his briefs off to reveal his erect cock ready and glistening with precum.

He grabbed you roughly placing you on your stomach with your ass in the air and ripped off your skirt with his bare hands effortlessly.

“My ski-“

“I’ll buy you a Skirts company.”

He mumbled through heavy pants before leaning down to your cunt and grazing his nose at it before breathing in its scent and groaning loudly.

If you could see him right now he’d probably be looking at your puffy pussy with puppy eyes and a drooling mouth.

You wiggled your ass back at him making him chuckle and bite at your ass before standing up and placing his tip at your entrance.

He plunged in slowly but easily due to your wetness, you were so warm and snug yet so fucking tight he had to grit his teeth to stop himself from coming despite having stamina.

“Perfect pussy wanna make it drip all day fucking hell.” He rolled his eyes back and moved his hips slowly before pulling you back to his chest by your hair and thrusting in at a fast pace.

The sound of skin slapping and moaning filled the room as he whispered the filthiest words in your ear.

“My Pleasing is destroying your cunt and knowing you love every second of it.”

“My Pleasing is seeing you beg to be filled with me as you tell me how much you adore being a cockslut.”

“So tight already eager to milk every drop yeah? Well, take all of it it’s yours.”

He nibbled at your earlobe and you could no longer do anything but moan and whimper at the feeling of his veins massaging your walls as he hit your g-spot repeatedly. His thick cock stretched you out and reached your insides as he poked near your belly button.

His hand was around your neck choking you, while the other pinched your clit to overstimulate you making you jolt and cry out in pleasure.

“When you beg for it, it means you should be able to take it.” He slapped your sensitive clit three times as you clenched around his cock uncontrollably letting go and reaching your second orgasm.

Harry followed you immediately too overwhelmed by your tightness, you stood chest to back with his bicep tightly wrapped around you while he spilled into you, load after the other.

“Take all of my cum, let your cunt swallow it up.”

His hips stilled inside of you until every last drop was spilled, he moved strands of your hair from around your face, allowing himself to kiss all over your skin.

He reached over grabbing the same toy from earlier. “May I?”

You nodded your head feeling eager for what he was for you, he slowly pulled out not giving the chance for any of his cum to drip before inserting the plug inside your creamy cunt.

You hissed at the feeling of it along with the sticky cum, his eyes were twinkling as he almost died from the sight.

“My ‘Pleasing’ is making pretty plugs to keep cum where it belongs.” He whispered and reached down to the button you thought about and pressed it making it vibrate with the cum inside of you allowing it to reach even deeper.

“H-harry too sensitive.” You tightened your grip on him as you could quite literally feel the cum vibrate inside of you.

He smirked and turned off the button only to push another one leaving you with a whole other feeling.

Emptiness.

“What is this?.” He laughed at your shock before pulling the plug out of you and showing you its transparent tube filled with cum.

“This one allows you to hold on to cum when you need it, fills up sluts like you when needed. Now open up.” He tipped your head backward and you didn’t get to see what he did since the cum was already spilling on your tongue.

He ordered you to take every drop and you did. You laid down on your back feeling spent out as he got a wet cloth and began cleaning your thighs and pussy gently leaving delicate kisses there.

When he was done he tossed the cloth aside and sat back down with you in his lap and head buried in his chest.

“Did my little minx like my new invention?” He asked feeling quite eager for the answer.

“Very much my love.”

There are lots of things that the public doesn’t know about the young successful man, one of them is his love life…

[slvt4em1lyprenti2s]

Hii can you write Emily x fem!reader in a secret relationship but the team somehow catching them kissing and that's how they find out. Also there is a bet going on about them.

Are you kidding?

Summary: see the tumblr req above!

Word Count: 1.05k

Fluff

TW: kissing, getting caught kissing

Pairings: Emily Prentiss x fem!reader

A/N: I swear I haven't abandoned you guys I've just been caught up with school!!

Emily's pov:

It's been a slow day at work all day. Paperwork, consultations, paperwork, staring at my girlfriend; the cycle repeats. The team doesn't know where dating yet, we decided to wait to tell them.

She can clearly feel my gaze because she turns and looks at me and smiles, god her smile. I beam back at her and her eyes flick away from mine to the direction of our 'place' I gently nod and she puts up her hand to signal for me to wait 5 minutes before following her.

As she stalked off, her hips swinging slightly, I drag my eyes down to the file I'm currently looking over and pretend to focus on it. My mind is too full of her to think about anything else.

Reader pov:

I casually walk away from the bullpen with a random file in my hand, making a beeline to mine and em's 'place' (which is just a storage cupboard, albeit a very empty one. There's only printer paper in there) I look around and don't see anyone in the hallway so I slip into the small room and wait for Emily.

I hear the click of her heels on the floor as she approaches the door. The handle clicks and she slips in. Her feature lit up by the sliver of light that leaked in from the open door, her eyes shining with joy as she closes the door.

"Hey you." She says in a hushed tone as her arms find their wait around my waist and mine around her neck. She plants a delicate kiss on my lips.

"Hey," I reply with a bright smile on my face. "How's your day been?" My head fell onto her shoulder as I sunk into her embrace.

"Slow, boring. You know, the usual." I lightly chuckled at her answer.

"Yeah same, but uh. I know a way to make it a bit better." A smirk found its way onto my lips as she cupped my cheek.

"Oh yeah? Like what?"

"Why don't you kiss me and find out."

She smiled and crashed her lips onto mine. Our lips moved together with care and love. Her hands trailed down to my hips and pulled me closer to her, she slowly backed me up against the wall and deepened the kiss. Her tongue swiped over my lips asking for permission and I gladly granted it. Her tongue fought for dominance with mine, she obviously won instantly.

In the heat of the moment clearly neither of us heard the clacking of another set of heels on the floor coming towards the room. We were both pulled back to reality when we heard someone walk in the door and just as quickly shut it with a yelp.

Both of us pulled away, knowing it was Penelope, and made eye contact. Still holding each other close we burst into a fit of hushed laughter like a couple of teenagers who got caught making out at school. Oh wait...

She got out her phone and put the flash on so she could properly see me so she could fix my hair for me and make sure I don't look too flustered. I did the same for her and we walked out of the room one at a time and sat back in the bullpen.

Not even a minute after we had both sat down Garcia walks over to the round table and Hotch out of his office.

"We have a case." Hotch announces as he walks towards the room.

"Ugh, I was hoping to go home at a normal time today." JJ groans as we walk to the room, a grumble of agreement sounds from everyone as we all sit down.

Garcia sets down the tablets and Reid's paper report. Oh god Reid's still on paper, Pen was probably going to get paper for the printer from the storage room. We clearly all had the same thought at the same time because me and Emily made eye contact before glancing at Garcia, who was already flicking her eyes between the two of us.

"What have we got?" Spencer says, breaking the silence.

"Okay before I tell you, I have something else to tell you all." She speaks quickly, to avoid me and Emily protesting. "Y/n/n and em were making out in the storage cupboard! There I said it, sorry guys. I couldn't help it, you know me!"

The team all looks to me and Emily who are coincidently sitting next to each other, looking for confirmation.

We make eye contact again and she grins.

"Don't I swear to god Emily." I say fighting back a laugh yet again.

"Wait hang on, are you- were you?" Rossi asked. Voicing the confusion of the rest of the team. Emily responds before I can.

"Yeah, we were. Hotch, sorry, but it was a slow day can you blame us? We're dating, she's my girlfriend."

A look of knowing passed across the teams faces before Derek and JJ make eye contact.

"Okay guys c'mon," He says holding out his hand, Jay swiftly following. "Pay up."

"Are you kidding, did you make a bet on us dating?" I stare at them in amusement.

"Well yeah, you couldn't expect us not to." JJ shrugs.

"She's right you know, it was too obvious." Derek adds on as Hotch, Rossi, Spencer and Garcia hand money into their hands.

"You know Pen, I'm disappointed in you." She looks at me shocked. "I thought you were good at spotting these things?"

Everyone laughs and Garcia responds "You had me stumped sugar." I smile at her and then shift my focus to Emily. Her hand trails to my thigh and she squeezes it affectionately, I intertwine my hands with hers.

"Okay, back to the case." Hotch says and discussion about the current case ripples through the room once again.

Emily brings my hand up to her mouth and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it and whispers a small "I love you." I smile at her and whisper back "I love you too."

[phantom-0-writer]

second chances don’t come for free

cw/tw: child death and child abuse and related traumas

7652 words (!?) ao3

Everyone in the family had secrets, and everyone knew that everyone in the family had secrets. It was a promise that came with the crest they all wore on their chest. Some were more open than others, like the way that Richard always avoided tight ropes despite his impeccable balance, and how Father never enters the 4th room on the west wing of the 3rd floor.

Damian had secrets too. 

After a relatively calm night by Gotham’s standards they returned to a briefing for their next big mission. Damian was one of the last to return, busy settling a mugging attempt on his return. 

“Good, looks like everyone’s here.” Father announced, gathering the attention of the rest of the occupants of the room. 

“Looks like a full house.” Richard commented lightly looking around as everyone gathered around the computer. Todd leaned casually on the railway to the changing room away from the crowd but close enough to be included, Drake was clicking away at the keyboard as usual. Brown and Cain stuffing in their last cookie before butting the container away. Thomas stood idly by waiting for Father to explain what their next operation was. Barabra likely was listening from a separate location as usual. 

“We’ve received a tip from a trusted source that the League is up to suspicious activity.” Father began, as Drake pulled up a few schematics on the screen. 

“When are they not?” Brown scoffed, lightly jabbing Richard in the arm. He chuckled lightly. 

“Naturally,” Father continued, “It would be irresponsible for us to all go and leave Gotham unprotected so Spoiler, Orphan, and Signal will stay to cover the city while the rest of us are gone. I’ve informed Batwoman as well, and she’s available to assist you if the situation demands.” Father paused to give the rest an opening to speak, when no one did so, he continued. “We’ve discovered that they’ve found a rare washup of some form of solidified Lazarus Waters. We don’t have much information on the substance itself apart from what's essentially speculation. Regardless if the League found a way to solidify the Waters, there is no telling what they would find themselves in possession of, weapons, tech, humans at a level we’ve never seen.” Damian knew all too well what the League was capable of. After all, he had been the League. Father continued explaining the details of the plan and the positions each of them were meant to play. 

It would be the first time Damian returned to a League of Assassins base since he had first left them 7 years ago and he had met his Father at his own doorstep for the very first time at the age of 10. It had only been the lifetime's worth of rigorous training that kept Damian from curling into his gut at the sight of those eyes. 

The eyes that haunted Damian the last days he had stayed in the league when Mother had ordered him to pack anything he wished to take with him. The look of terror in the eyes that look just like the one that calls him Champ while he ruffles his hair and tells him to go sleep early since it was a school night. 

Damian found himself freshly showered and comfortably under his duvet, then a moment later he was pulling them off to go through the motions of his day. Next thing Damian knew he was in his Robin uniform in a jet that would be taking him to the sight of his biggest mistake. 

The League had always kept a close record of Damian’s activities since he had been taken out of his test tube. Every daily schedule, no matter how mundane, every mission report, no matter how simple, was expertly stored in the League’s database. 

That was with the exception of the final test. The League had taken extensive measures to scrub away any traces of the final test before Damian had gone to live with Father. 

When Father and Drake had meticulously gone through every file about Damian on his arrival to the manor, Damian was told his first kill had been at the age of 4, a politician in his house in the capital city not far from the League’s Nanda Parbat base. 

Though Damian had only understood what it meant to kill - to watch death - only 3 days before he had met his father. 

“Damian.” Richard called, Damian hadn’t noticed that he had been approached, “Are you sure you're clear for this mission.” He sounded concerned. 

“Yes.” Damian responded with a frown. He had his own mission, he could not afford to be benched. 

“You seem kind of out of it. I know you don’t have the best memories with the League and none of us are going to force you to go if you're not ready,” Richard was trying to seem approachable and understanding, and perhaps Damian should be more reciprocative of his efforts. But he ‘knew’? What exactly did Richard Grayson ‘know’ about the League? About what happened to Damian in the League? 

Damian bit his tongue, there was no point in lashing out before a mission only for it to impede needlessly on their cohesiveness “Would you prefer for me to bounce off the walls in excitement?” Damian allowed the snark to roll off his tongue, and raised a brow at the older boy. 

Grayson let himself laugh at that, “No, I suppose not.” And with that Damian was alone again. 

When Damian was 3, Mother had taken him to watch the older kids train. Damian had noticed someone else there, another boy around his age. They looked similar even, but not identical. Damian remembered the jealousy he felt when he started noticing the similarities the boy shared with Mother’s features, the audacity that he looked more like Damian’s mother than Damian himself. When he told Mother, she had found it humorous and praised Damian for looking more like his father insead.

While Damian sat on the bench with mother, their escorts behind them, the boy sat alone at a bench further away. “Damian, do you know who that boy is?” Mother had leaned in to ask him.

“No, Mother.” He answered honestly.

“That is Danyal al-Ghul, your twin brother by 76 seconds.”

“What is a brother, Mother?”

“Your opponent in all that you do, Damian, he is your enemy. You must always remember that.” Damian made his best efforts to remember that, because of course Mother was always right.

Damian and Danyal had been assigned rooms across the hall from each other but they never met outside of coincidental encounters. And whenever they had, someone had always been there to remind Damian that Danyal was not to be trusted, that he would get under Damian’s skin, find ways to exploit Damian, a cheat and a smear on the al-Ghul bloodline. One of his teachers at the time had told him Mother would’ve done well to leave that one in the tube he was born from. The people of the League would not dare lie to an heir of the Demon’s Head, so Damian believed them.

 One night, after a particularly tiring day of training, Damian found he couldn’t sleep and decided to sneak out onto the roof. Damian had not been expecting anyone to be there but he was surprised to see the boy there. He considered his options, assessing his opponent like he had been taught to do. The enemy, Danyal, seemed to act purposefully unaware of Damian’s presence there. There were no weapons stored on him, and his posture was incredibly lax and he simply stared at the stars in the night sky. 

With a sigh, Damian sat silently at his side of the building, and looked into the far expenses of the League's base and the mountains that surrounded it. Though Damian had intended to be alone, he found an unfamiliar sense of comfort from the un-accosting presence of the other, unlike the others of the League who always seemed to need to say something to him. But Damian knew, regardless, the boy was not to be trusted. 

The next night Damain found himself climbing out of his window again, and found Danyal already there. For the next three months, every night Damian would sneak out of his window onto the rooftop and find Danyal already there, and the both of them would sit there in a comfortable silence, back turned to the other. 

One day Damian had been sent out for a mission, nothing he wasn’t used to. Except the location was quite far so he had to leave early in the morning and would be returning much later in the day. He had managed to complete his mission much earlier than anticipated, and so with this newly earned time, Damian snuck off to explore instead of heading straight to the rendezvous point. Easily pickpocketing a handful of cash unnoticed from a preoccupied group of wealthy looking men, Damian pursued the options. 

Perhaps he could buy a toy, a train set the other kids were ogling at. Except that would be much too difficult to hide, and needless to say Mother would not approve of such distractions. Damian overheard some others talking about the deliciousness of the sweets in one store, and he made up his mind. He bought 4 different types, not sure which would be the best, handing over his money to the clerk and heading out of the store. 

Damian found himself anticipating the rooftop of his room, and wondering how Danyal would react to Damian’s new found treasure. Slipping the chocolates out of their hiding spot, Damian snuck all 4 bars onto his usual spot on the roof. Letting the wrapper crinkle loudly as he purposely fiddled with it unnecessarily, Damian successfully earned a curious glance from his roofmate. Damian took the first bite of the bar labeled ‘Dark Chocolate’ and let himself enjoy the bitter sweetness of it, as Danyal looked at the candy bars spread haphazardly across the rooftop. 

Not liking that he was beginning to lose Danyal’s attention, and not receiving the eager response he was expecting, Damian found himself sticking a piece of chocolate towards the other boy, offering it to him. Danyal hesitantly took it, eyed it cautiously. Some of the chocolate had already melted on Damian’s fingers. “What is this?” Danyal asked him. 

“It’s chocolate.” Damian explained to the other six-year old, not that he had really known what chocolate was either. 

“Chocolate.” Danyal repeated, before carefully nibbling on the side of it. His eyes went wide in surprise at the sweetness, and he looked up at Damian in disbelief. “Woah.” He breathed, taking a much bigger bite. 

Damian, having been the one to discover this, smiled pridefully at the other boy, “There's different ones too.” He proclaimed. 

“Really?” Danyal asked wide-eyed crawling closer to Damian who turned around to face him. 

At the end of that night, they were short 4 candy bars as they tried to keep their whispers hushed and the melted chocolate on their fingers left stains on the floor of the roof. Damian wondered how Danyal was supposed to be the villainous enemy everyone told him he was, but Damian was not so easy to trust, after all he was an assassin of the League, the heir to the Demon’s Head. 

Every night they would meet on the rooftops, exchanging souvenirs, sharing snacks, telling each other stories of the stars and mountain demons. After a while Damian had forgotten what he had been warned of for his whole life, and would look forward to meeting with Danyal every night. Maybe Danyal wasn’t his brother, like Mother had said. 

Perhaps Mother was mistaken.  

One night, Danyal didn’t show. Damian waited for him for an hour, but the other’s side of the roof remained unattended. Finally, having had enough, Damian skillfully snuck over to the other side of the roof and peeked through his neighbor’s window to see if he had fallen asleep, but there was no sign of Danyal in his room, either.

Feelings Damian didn’t understand swirled in his gut, the ones he got when the mission unexpectedly goes off script, or the sharp end of a weapon comes closer than he would’ve liked. Hurriedly, he slipped down, letting himself stay hidden in the shadows, as he searched for the boy that wasn’t his brother. The kitchen, the hall, the training room, the weapons room, the barracks, the field, the river in the back, Danyal was nowhere. 

Tired, and out of breath, Damian tried to formulate a plan. Where could Danyal have gone?

“Young Master Damian.” At the voice Damian instinctively reached for his sword only to find it not there. Had he forgotten to bring it with him? Damian assessed who had caught him, and easily recognized by the uniform that it was one of the servants. 

“What are you doing here?” Damian demanded, frustration at his futile efforts at finding his… -at finding Danyal.  

“I am cleaning the walkways, as we are to do every 10 days, Young Master. It is more convenient to do it at night, since there are less people around.” The servant explained, bowing his head. They seemed scared of what Damian may do to them. But when Damian did not respond, the servant hesitated before speaking again, “If I may ask, Young Master, what are you doing here at this late hour?” 

Damian turned to the servant again, if they had been out cleaning as they said for the previous hours past curfew then perhaps they had seen or heard where Danyal had gone. “Do you know of Danyal al-Ghul?” Damian made sure his tone was void of emotions, it would not do either of them well for it to spread that Damian had found himself fond of Danyal. 

The servant’s face paled slightly at the name, there was a small stutter before they finally spoke, “Young Master Danyal should be in his room at this hour.” The servant began fiddling, with the handle of the broomstick.

Why was he lying? “Where is he?” Damian kept his voice even, demanding respect. 

“I- I do not know where the Young Master is.” The servant pleaded, but Damian didn’t believe him. 

Anger growing at the situation, “Tell me.” He demanded. 

“The Demon’s Head, and The Lady Talia were to speak with him.” The servant spluttered out, caving under the pressure. 

Why would Mother and Grandfather seek out Danyal at this hour of the night? The feeling from before only strengthened as Damian rushed to find him.

“Damian.” Mother asked surprised, catching him easily at the door, “What are you doing here?” Damain tried to get a look inside the room, but Mother had positioned her body to block his view. 

“Mother, shouldn’t you be asleep by now.” Damian asked, trying to find the casualness in his voice despite feeling like every vein in his body was being controlled to squeeze his chest. 

Mother looked down at him in amusement, “I should say that to you.” Damian tried to force his way through the door, but he was no match for Mother, “Why are you here Damian?” She repeated. 

“I would like to speak with Grandfather.” He tried, lies slipping easily out of his mouth. 

“I’m sure it can wait till the morning, your Grandfather is tired from a hard day's work.” When Mother pushed her hair behind her shoulder, Damian wondered why there were splotches of fresh blood on her hand. 

Damian stood there in defiance, and Mother seemed to consider him for a while. “Perhaps since you're merely a child you wouldn’t understand.” Mother thought aloud. 

“I am seven, Mother, nearly eight. I am hardly a child, and have far surpassed the many of the teachers you’ve assigned me. I can understand.” Damian demanded. He needed to find Danyal. 

Mother straightened, and with a nod, moved from the entrance allowing Damian to enter. There on the floor was a trail of blood, that led to one of the darker corners of the room, and Damian couldn’t tell what the heap on the floor was. 

“Damian, you should be in your room.” Grandfather chided, sitting in his chair by the fireplace. The darkness of the room finally became accustomed to Damian, as he began making out the details of the room. Grandfather didn’t have his cane, instead it was left closer to the heap in the corner. The heap had its hair cut messily just like Danyal’s always was, and its hands were smaller than an adults, as it tried to bundle itself together. The heap moved slightly, it’s head turning to look at Damian. Damian drew in his breath, at the sight of Danyal’s fluttering consciousness on the floor. 

Mother was right, Damian didn’t understand. 

Grandfather followed his gaze, and nodded understandingly, placing a lit pipe between his lips. “Danyal is simply being punished.” Grandfather explained. Damian couldn't find the word to ask what for, but Grandfather explained anyway. “He seems to think he is your equal, in the way he speaks and acts. As if he is one of the respectable heirs of the Demon’s Head.” Damian didn’t understand what that meant either. If Danyal was meant to be his brother, would he not have equal claim as heir as Damian did. 

“He is my equal. Mother said so herself.” Damian stated, not sure the source of his deep rage at his Grandfather and Mother at that moment. 

Grandfather turned a questioning look at Mother. Mother turned to Damian. “What are you talking about, my son?” 

“You said that Danyal was my brother.” Damian said, it was true that Mother had said this, regardless of whether Danyal should be considered Damian’s brother, “A brother is an opponent, someone waiting to strike me down at any moment. My enemy in all that I do.” Damian recited Mother’s own words, though he could not put his faith in them. Danyal had always listened to Damian, understood Damian, laughed at his jokes and added with his own, always the first one to comfort Damain. They weren’t brothers. “If he is to be my enemy, should he not be on the same grounds as I, as a true equal in skill?” 

Grandfather considered what he said, and shared another look with Mother. “I suppose I see the reason in your words.” Grandfather turned to him again, “Why have you come Damian?” 

“I simply was taking a late night walk since I couldn’t sleep, and I thought I would perhaps feel better if I came to visit you. I did not expect to see Mother here.” Damian was surprised how easily it was to lie to the only people he had trusted for the previous year of his life.

Grandfather let his hand rest on Damian’s shoulder “Take him back and dress his wounds.” He ordered Damian, “And do not trust his words, he simply wishes to get under your skin. Manipulate you.” The doors to the room shut behind them as Damian carried the body of his battered enemy back to his room, and patched up his wounds. 

Danyal was sitting on Damian’s bed, fluttering on the line of consciousness. “What you said before,” his voice was barely above a whisper and he spoke slowly as his words meshed together. Damian listened raptly, “to Grandfather, do you-” Danyal seemed to be having a hard time forming the question, but Damian understood. 

“It was the truth.” Damain said easily, Danyal's face fell at the admission, but Damian was quick to explain, “It was true that Mother told me what ‘brother’ meant, and that was the true meaning of brother. But I do not think of you as my brother.” Danyal examined him for a moment, trying to determine if he was being honest. 

“I trust you.” Danyal said with more conviction than Damian thought he could possess in that moment. He trusted Damian’s words and actions when not even Mother or Grandfather did. 

Finishing with the last bandaid, Damian looked at Danyal. “I trust you, too.” Trust seemed to light a word for Danyal, but Damian was not sure what word he should have used instead. 

That was because Damian did not know what love was, and because Damian al-Ghul loved his brother.

“Mother you called for me?” Damian sat in the chair opposite of Mother’s study. 

“Damain, you’re here.” She greeted, not looking up from her screens. Damain waited for her to finish what she was working on, arms crossed impatiently. “You do remember who your father is?” Mother started, turning the screen with two of Father’s well-known persona on display. One of billionaire Bruce Wayne greeting guests at a function, and the other of the Batman perched near the head of a gargoyle. 

“Of course, I remember, Mother.” Damian sighed in resignation. “Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman.” He recited. 

“Good. You are a decade old now, and there is not much the League has left to teach you. So, in one week's time you will be going to stay with your Father.” Mother said bluntly. 

Damian’s brows creased together, “For how long?” 

Mother looked at him with authority as the next in line for the Demon’s Head, “For the foreseeable future.” 

“What!” Damian stood in indignation, “Mother that's unreasonable, how could you make me-” 

“It is an order Damain.” Mother said with finality. 

Damian frowned, “And what of Danyal then? He is Father’s child as well, I doubt he would sit by knowing he has another child here.”

“An intelligent conclusion.” Mother praised, “That is why you and Danyal will have a final test, the victor will be the one who is sent to your Father.” Damian’s eyes lit up at the concept, Danyal never talked about how he trained or what skills he best utilized, other than once slipping that he prefers to use katanas too, Damian did not know much of Danyal skills. This was finally Damian’s chance to see how capable of a fighter Danyal is. Despite whoever won, Damian was sure, even without knowing his father yet, that he would come back to retrieve the other.

“When will the spar be a mother?” Damian asked. 

“In 4 days, you will be expected in the main courtyard by noon.” Mother said dismissively. 

The day came both faster and slower than Damian would’ve liked. Wearing his usual gear, and his swords by his side he headed towards the field mother had instructed him to be at. Damian had waited in anticipation for this day, making sure all his swords were properly cleaned and sharpened. Of course they always were, but he had taken extra care that they would be in their best condition. His attire had been carefully selected by himself, a measure he usually wouldn’t take. 

Danyal and Damian stood facing each other, waiting for the signal to begin. Mother and Grandfather watched them closely from their spots in the audience, as the two exchanged blows, swords slidinging across each other, dodges and blocks, evasive flips, feint attacks, Danyal punched him in the gut once when Damian hadn’t been prepared. Damian let the battle engulf his senses, body moving in flow with his weapon, switching seamlessly between offense and defense until Damian found the perfect opening for an attack and he took it, knowing he would be named victorious. 

Damian’s katana sunk into Danyal’s chest, a gasp of pain escaping the other boy, as he looked down at the point of impact. Confusion filtered across his face for only a moment, and before Damian could question it, Danyal’s expression slowly morphed into fear as Mother and Grandfather approached them. 

“Damian, congratulations are in order.” His Mother praised him, stepping in between him and Danyal. “I knew from the beginning you would come out victorious.” 

“Thank you, Mother.” Damian tried to look at Danyal. “What now?” 

“We will be taking your brother to the Lazarus Pits, and let Fate decree any value to his life.” Mother explained, turning to Danyal and pulling Damian’s sword out of his chest, Danyal yelped in pain. 

Damian wondered if Danyal had been hurt during their fight. 

Damian bent down to load Danyal onto his back and carry him to the mystic waters and let him heal so he could join him at Father’s later. Perhaps Father would not be as keen as Mother on fostering their brotherhood, and they could train and fight together like they always talked about. 

“Damian.” Danyal croaked out lowly, if his face wasn’t already positioned near Damian’s ear he likely wouldn’t have heard. 

“Shh.” Damian chided, “Mother will notice.” 

“Damian.” Danyal called again, “Promise, you won’t forget about me.” 

Checking to see that Mother was still occupied in a conversation with one of the servants, “Don’t worry, I'm going to take you with me. Or I’ll come back to get you.” 

 “Promise.” Danyal asked again. 

Damian sighed, Danyal could be so stubborn sometimes, even with strange requests “Fine, I promise.” he rolled his eyes. Danyal didn’t say anything after that, instead resting his head on Damian’s shoulder. 

“Place him in the waters, Damian.” Mother instructed. 

Danyal’s body floated in the waters lifelessly for a bit, and Damian wondered why nothing was happening. And then suddenly, as if it were the mouth of some vicious beast, a gaping vortex circled around Danyal swallowing his body whole. Just as suddenly as it had erupted, the vortex disappeared and the waters returned to a deathly still seconds later. Everyone surrounding the waters watched in anticipation, but when nothing happened and enough time had passed, everyone headed back to their tasks. 

Mother stayed for a moment longer, “It seems even Fate, too, was eager to be rid of you.” she muttered, before heading off. 

Damian was the only one left there, waiting for Danyal to walk out and tease Damian for getting worried that it was taking so long. But the sun was beginning to set, and the waters had not moved at all, and there was no sign of Danyal. 

“Young Master, Lady Talia says that you should return to your chambers.” A servant stood by the gates holding a plate of food for him. Or was it for Danyal? There was only one serving.  

Damian turned to the servant, and he asked in a voice shakier than he had been expecting of himself, “Why hasn’t Danyal come out yet?” 

The servant seemed taken aback by the question, before their face morphed into something sadder that Damian didn’t understand. “Young Master Danyal will not be returning to us.” They explained softly. 

“Why not?” Damian demanded, confused and angry. His eyes were beginning to burn. 

The servant hesitated before answering him, “Because Young Master Danyal is dead.” 

“What difference should that make, people die all the time?” 

“It is as easy for the dead to return as your grandfather may make it seem, Young Master.” The servant spoke again, their voice gentle and tone careful. “Usually when people die they are gone for good, and they don’t get to come back. Not even with the Lazarus Waters. Second chances do not come for free, after all.” 

Damian let the words sink in. Danyal- Danyal wasn’t coming back? 

It was dark out now, almost the time the two of them usually met on the rooftop. Danyal would be waiting for him there, like he was every night. 

“You're lying.” He accused the servant, as he ran to his room, food left forgotten as Damian quickly made his way onto the familiar rooftops. 

Damian waited there, the servant’s words echoing in his ears at every second Danyal didn’t show up. An hour passed, and then two. And Damian considered for the first time that the servant had been telling him the truth. 

For the first time since he made his first visit to the roof of his room, Damian al-Ghul sat unaccompanied. 

After six years of carrying out various missions as an assassin, Damian al-Ghul cried when he learned what death meant. 

For the first time in his life, Damian al-Ghul cried when he realized he was alone.  

“We’re here.” Red Robin announced, as the plane landed silently about 15 miles away from base like they had planned the night before. 

“Oracle, testing comms and visuals,” Nightwing spoke into his earpiece. 

“All good on my end.” Her voice echoed in all of their ears. 

“Okay, just like we discussed, Robin and Red Hood will head to the surveillance room and get a location for where the experimentation is taking place. Nightwing and I will be on standby until the information is provided, Red Robin collects samples and information in the time that we have.” Father went over the plan again. 

Robin stealthy led the two of them through the LoA’s familiar layout, and the mission went smoothly. Within the next two hours they had the location of the experimentation site. It was on base, but a further location, so Nightwing and Batman headed there, ready to collect whatever information they could. Downloading the files for the surveillance and sending the access over to Oracle, their job should be done, and they were set to wait at the rendezvous point until further orders, or back up was requested. 

“Where are you going, Brat? We’re supposed to head that way.” Red Hood chastised as Damian took them off course. 

“Then go that way, if you wanna be such a goody-goody.” Damian shot back easily. Knowing the route to his destination easily. Damian kept to the least used route. 

“What’s with you, today? Pissy about not getting to see your Mommy?” Red Hood snarked, still following behind him. 

Damian wasn’t going to justify that with a response. The green of the Lazarus Waters came into view. A shiver went up his spine but he ignored it.

“Robin. What the hell are we doing here?” Red Hood demanded, eyeing the familiar green with contempt. Damian bent down to pick a handful of stay dandelions from the corner of the unused ally, and easily jumped over the gates surrounding the water. “Damian.” Jason hissed, “What are you doing?” 

“Relax.” Damian sighed, bending down near the waters, “I just came to give my greetings to… someone.” To his brother. Danyal was is his brother. Despite the mask hiding his face, Damian could see Jason’s posture soften. 

“Make it quick.” Jason huffed, letting Damian have some pseudo-privacy by turning his back to him. Damian set the flowers he had picked near the edge of the water, only noticing that the temperature had dropped when the wind blew a slight chill at the exposed skin of his face. It wasn’t temperatures Damian couldn’t handle, Gotham was often dreary and chilly even in her summers. But they weren’t in Gotham. They were in the Middle East, where they would consider themselves unlucky when the winters got this cold. 

“Hood, do you-” Damian was cut off by the loud acidic bubbling of the previously calm green waters. 

“What the-” Red Hood balked, turning around alarmed. 

Damian backed away in alarm, the edge of the waters expanding to swallowing the flowers he had laid down. The two brothers could do nothing but watch in suspense as the waters started swirling into a vortex garnering attention they had been trying to avoid. Just as suddenly as it had started the waters returned to their previously calm state, only for the surface to be broken by what looked like a young child, trying desperately to keep himself afloat and get to land. 

Damian and Red Hood were too busy holding off the assault from the small force the assassins had managed to form together to help the child. The second either of them turned their back to the assaulters, the assassins would take the opening to finish them. By the time they had dealt with their attackers the boy had already brought himself to shore, hacking up water. 

Familiar choppy black hair, and blue eyes Damian could never forget. “Danyal.” Damian found himself gasping, body frozen not from the cold. 

“Don’t mean to ruin your meet cute, but look like they brought their friends.” Red Hood warned as more assassins surrounded them. 

“We need to leave. Now.” Damian told him decisively. 

“Wow I never would’ve guessed.” Red Hood snarked back. 

“Call for an extraction.” Damian huffed annoyed, blocking an attack from the left. There weren’t many well trained members currently aware of them, but they knew better than to wait for backup to show up. 

“Red Robin, what’s your eta to the jet? Team 1 needs an emergency extraction.” Oracle spoke through the main line of comms. 

“I can be there in 10 minutes.” Red Robin responded easily, “What’s the situation?”

“We’ve been made.” Red Hood reported back disarming his attacker and knocking them out. 

“Will likely need medical attention.” Damian added, looking back at Danyal, who only now seemed to be registering his surroundings. 

“What happened?” Nightwing asked, concerned at Damian’s statement. 

“Not for us, for our new little stowaway.” Red Hood explained finishing off the last of the assassin, before turning around to face Danyal.

“Explain.” Batman demanded

“Perhaps now is not the best time or place for that, Father.” Damian snapped back. 

Danyal stood scarily still from the bay of the Lazarus Waters, wet and dripping, and despite the chilly temperature and his wet clothes he didn’t seem cold. If Jason had not tried to approach Danyal as well, Damian would’ve thought he was simply a figment of his imagination. 

“Hey, kid.” Red Hood put his arms out to show he meant no threat. “Do you know how you got here?” He tried to make his voice soft and approachable but the voice modulator of his helmet was not doing him any favors.  

Danyal didn’t respond, eyeing the both of them carefully. They let him, not making any movements that may scare him. The world seems to go still around Damian. Go colder. 

“I’m in the jet, heading your way.” Red Robin reported over the comms.

“We’re coming to find you too.” Nightwing added, Father presumably with him. 

Neither Jason or Damian made any moves. 

“Team 1, do you copy?” Oracle asked when neither of them sent a signal for receiving the message. 

Damian wondered what he should do? How was he supposed to approach Danyal, and begin to explain what was happening? Damian wasn’t even sure what was happening. 

“Team 1?” Father repeated. 

Do something, Damian.

“Copy.” Red Hood clicked into the comms and everything rushed into motion. 

At Red Hood’s response and the rapid movements of the wind at the approaching jet approaching overhead, Danyal dashed away alarmed. 

“Wait-” Damian called, running after him. But Danyal only seemed more distressed at being chased. He ran through small crevices Damian was too large to fit through, trying to deter him. But Damian followed regardless. Finally catching up to him where he knew that alleyway to come to an end, Damian caught sight of him, reaching out to grab his arm. Only for it to fall through as if nothing was there. 

As if Danyal wasn’t really there. 

After the failed attempt at contact from Damian, Danyal was only able to get so far before he seemed to trip, his foot catching on something that Damian couldn’t see. 

Why had Damian’s hand just gone through him like that?

Damian began to question whether Danyal truly was in front of him or if it was just some sort of illusion. Damian was quickly reassured of the validity of his vision when a sharp rock Danyal launched let blood drip on his skin. The hiss of pain was real. And so was Danyal.

Damian didn’t stop his domino from falling off his face, from the rock’s impact. Danyal stared at him. “Don’t tell me you don’t recognize me?” Damian tried to laugh, but it sounded pathetic. 

Danyal analyzed Damian’s features, confusion washing over him. It made sense, the Damian Danyal had known was a 10 years old assassin, not a 17 year old Robin. Danyal was smart, smarter than Damian had been. Damian waited for him to figure it out.

But the world did not wait. Red Hood, Nightwing, and Batman dropped in from various rooftops, as the jet hovered loudly above them. Spooked by the sudden appearances, Danyal quickly started backing away. 

“Excretion ready. Preparing Medbay.” Red Robin reported. 

“I was wondering when the news would reach you, Beloved.” Another familiar voice grabbed their attention. Damian looked to the sound to see Mother with at least 10 of her personal guards staring them down. Although Damian couldn’t see the others, he knew they had been surrounded. 

“Talia.” Father hissed, a cold anger in his voice. 

Damian's eyes shot back to Danyal who looked like he was trying to find a way to make an escape, exhaustion seeping through him. Deciding to take his chance, Damian approached him while Mother was occupied with Father. 

“Who are you?” Danyal asked him, hesitantly, trying to keep the distance between him and Damian. 

“I promised I would come back for you, didn’t I?” Damian said in lieu of an answer.

Danyal’s eyes widened in recognition but before he had the chance to respond, an arrow was launched landing between them. Looking at the source, it was Mother. At the signal attack, all the other guards swarmed in from their positions and started attacking. Damian, blocking a sword, aimed to slash his side, before another sword came for his shoulder. 

Occupied with his two attackers, Damian didn’t notice Danyal trying to escape by climbing the side of the brick building. Fortunately, Mother still hadn’t noticed him yet thanks to their surroundings, and Danyal’s insistence to stay in the shadows. Danyal’s progression was decelerating, the weight of his still wet clothes and exhaustion slowing him down. 

Damian tried to keep an eye on him so he could follow after, once he dealt with his attackers. Disarming both of them and knocking them unconscious, Damian was able to turn around just in time to notice Danyal on the brink of unconsciousness, and losing his grip on the stones he was using to climb. Damian moved quickly, just in time to catch Danyal as he fell and his eyes rolled back. With Danyal in his arms, Damian only registered the on coming projectile without enough time to dodge or block. Damian braced himself for the hit, using his body to shield Danyal as much as he could. 

Only for a familiar black cape to flutter in front of him, blocking the attack before it hit either of them. “Go,” Father ordered, tipping his head towards the jet, “We’ll follow.” 

-

“So basically, correct me if I’m wrong,” Steph started incredulously, “Damian had a twin brother that died, they dunked him in the pit waters but then he didn’t come back. So, they were like ‘welp, lets tell no one about this, ever’. Except the water ends up literally throwing him out when Damian goes back and does this huge water show grand entrance thing. And now we have another 10 year old Wayne child.” Steph summarized arms moving wildly. If there wasn’t a kid that looked a lot like Damian lying unconscious in the bed two feet away from her, and the body cam footage from both Damian and Jason, Steph would’ve thought they were pranking her. Though, she hadn’t entrily ruled that out yet either. 

Tim nodded in conformation, leaning back causally on his chair.

“You were gone for 36 hours.” Cass added exasperatedly. 

Damian still hadn’t said anything other than explain who exactly Danyal was. They were twins, apparently, and they had been forced into a battle to the death a few days before Damian had been brought to the manor. He hadn’t told them why, but Steph suspected it was for some stupid successor business. Some of the other’s had tried to get more information out of Damian, demanding answers for why he never said anything before, never told any of them, why there weren’t any files of Danyal in the League’s databases. But Damian hadn’t answered any of them, so they had been forced to give it a rest- for now. Looking back, Steph could see the signs that Damian was dealing with grief when he had first come to the manor, but no one had been looking for that, and it had gotten swept under ‘weird assassin cult child’ behavior. 

It had been about an hour and a half since the jet had landed in the cave, and Steph, as a certified medical practitioner, had been called in for an emergency. She had thought it was strange that Oracle hadn’t specified who, and now Steph understood why. 

Danyal didn’t seem injured, other than a lower than average body temperature and a slightly slower heart rate, which was likely due to the body temperature, he seemed in relatively normal health. That was if he hadn’t been a 10 year old who had been marinating in Lazarus Water for seven years. Most of the bats had experience with Lazarus Water, and it had never been pleasant. But they hadn’t been in the prime years of their physical and mental development, and at most had been in the pits for an hour. 

Steph, Cass, Tim and Damian were in the medical room with Danyal. Jason had gone to his apartment, and said he would be back later, and to let him know if anything happened. Bruce had changed and gone straight up stairs, not taking the news of having a second kid who Talia had hidden from him and a second kid who had died very well. Dick had stayed for a while but he had an emergency work call and had to leave. Duke was still patrolling, since it was earlier in the day, but was being kept up to date on all news thanks to Oracle.  

Danyal was due to wake up any moment, and none of them knew how to feel about it. Not liking the morbid atmosphere of the whole manor, Steph decided to change topics. “Did Cassie tell you about what Conner and Bart did last week?”

Tim turned to face her happy for the distraction, Cass humored her with an intrigued look. “What?”

“Okay so basically- it was so cringe-” Steph let herself laugh “They were at the mall right. The one near Mount Justice, y’know-”

“-yeah it’s the same one they go to all the time.” Tim interjected, rolling his eyes. 

“Right, so-” The door opened, as Alfred walked in, cutting off her story but not unwelcome. 

“You’ve all been in here for quite some time, so I brought you some snacks. Sandwiches, fresh cookies, and water, juice and milk to drink. All your favorites, do indulge.” The old butler explained, rolling the cart through the door. 

“Thanks, Alfie.” Tim went to grab a glass of water, and a sandwich. 

“And anything for our newest addition?” Alfred questioned. 

“He’s not awake yet.” Damian said quietly, sipping at a glass of warm milk. Like a weirdo. 

“Is that so?” Alfred said with a thoughtful drawl to his voice, as he walked closer to the kid. “Hm…” He stroked his chin animatedly, slowly bringing himself closer to examine the boy’s face, but still keeping a comfortable distance. Steph was about to question what he was doing, only to see the boy’s eyes shoot open, and stare back at Alfred like a deer caught in headlights. Alfred straightened, as Danyal seemed to realize that he had been discovered. 

“What? How long was he faking being asleep?” Tim asked, baffled. 

“56 minutes.” Cass answered, easily. 

“Wait- you knew this whole time?” Steph asked betrayed, only for Cass to smile back cheekily. 

Damian didn’t say anything as Danyal sat up in his bed slowly, examining every one in the room. Steph tried to make herself seem non threatening but stayed ready in case the kid lashed out, not knowing how he would react. If it was anything like how Damian had been during his early days, it would pay to be ready. 

After a long moment of no one saying anything, Tim decided to prompt, “So, how’re you feeling, kid?” 

Danyal didn’t respond right away, instead watching Tim, Steph and Cass from his spot on the bed. Steph was beginning to wonder if this was another case, like Cass, where the kid had never been taught how to speak. Danyal opened his mouth hesitantly, looking over at Steph hesitantly, then Damian before answering. 

“Cringe.” There was a flat blunt honestness to his tone that added to the sudden comedy of the situation. Damian choked on his milk, and the room burst into laughter at the unexpected response. Danyal looked a little embarrassed at the reaction, but there was still a small smile on his face. 

Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad afterall. 

“Do you want some?” Damian asked, breaking a cookie in half and offering Danyal a piece. 

The younger boy took it, curiously, “What is it?” 

Damian took a bite, chewing it before responding, “A cookie.”

“Cookie.” Danyal repeated thoughtfully, before taking a little nibble of it. His eyes widened at the taste, “Woah.” 

“There’s plenty more of those, Young Master Danyal, I’m glad to see you enjoy them.” Alfred smiled happily at the reaction. 

“Really?” He asked hopefully. Steph tried to remember if Damian had been this cute when he had first come to the Manor. “Who are you?” Danyal asked again after a moment. 

“I’m Alfred Pennyworth, you can call me Alfred. I'm the butler at Wayne Manor, your father’s home where we currently are.” Alfred took a pause before speaking again, “Now, I hope you all will excuse me as I go fetch Master Bruce, he’s been quite excited to meet you, Young Master Danyal.”

-------

guys this was just suppose to be an itty bitty little thing. WHY DID IT TAKE ME 3 WHOLE DAYS??? im sensing a pattern and i'm not liking it.

I was suppose to be studying for physics :/

[emilyarmadillo]

Rook icons

[willowsnook]

Heeeey ❤️ Would you do an imagine where Y/N is Buckys girlfriend and also part of the team but one time it happens she get accidentally shot by John Walker and nearly dies and Bucky gets furious about that, so Sam has to keep him back from hurting him as well. Then they stay by your side and take care of you. Maybe Sam offers you both to stay in Louisiana with him and Sarah for your recovery and it's just all fluffy ? Hope this is fine 🥰

Bucky Barnes x gf!reader

a/n: i haven't watched falcon winter soldier in so long so this is going to be an original scene lol

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

You hummed along to a song that was stuck in your head as you scrolled through twitter while on the jet. Your bf Bucky was locked in for the mission and staring straight ahead. He always tried to disassociate for these missions mostly so he didn't get distracted being overprotective of you even though you could handle yourself just fine.

Sam sat next to you fiddling with his hands before going over the objective once again.

"Okay so we think that Hydra has a secret office here with classified files on the US government," he said for the millionth time. "Y/n, you sweep the perimeter, I'll break inside with Bucky covering me."

"Yes sir," you said saluting him. He rolled his eyes as Bucky gave you a warning look. He was always annoyed at you for not taking this seriously. But you found that being confident was more efficient for your work style and caused fewer mistakes. When you lost Natasha a year ago the world ended. You wanted out of the game but your healing process ended up including a certain winter soldier. He had given you the spark of life back so your new viewpoint was that life was too short to not be happy.

The jet landed in a field near the target zone and the three of you stalked your way closer to the building. Sam gave me the hand signal I was waiting for and I slipped off from the boys to make sure no one was hiding in the perimeter. As I continued on I could hear Bucky and Sam in my ear piece, it sounded like the building was clear and they were inside now.

I came to a halt when I saw a familiar red, white, and blue number peering out of a window. Fucking John Walker. This dude was a pain in the ass. He hadn't spotted me yet so I scaled the side of the building before slipping into the same room as him. He was still looking out the window as I cleared my throat. He whirled around pulling his gun.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I asked irritably. He lowered his weapon when he realized it was me.

"Probably the same thing as you sweetheart," he said with his stupid charming smile. I could hear Bucky growl through my earpiece at his term of endearment.

"Still playing make-believe superhero?" I taunted and his smile dropped. He started to say something else but we heard a crashing noise come from above. Both of us had our weapons drawn immediately. I held my finger to my lips before creeping out the door of the room. There was nothing there. I turned around to come back in and heard another big crash and then a gunshot. I looked down to my stomach to see blood starting to pool out and back up at John whose face paled.

"Shit shit shit, i'm sorry I panicked," he said coming towards me. I sunk back against a wall and to the floor breathing heavy.

"Y/n! Are you hurt? Where are you? We are coming" Bucky said through the earpiece.

John put his hands on your wound holding down pressure but after a minute he was ripped off of you and flying into the opposite wall. Through hazy eyes you could see Bucky pounding into him while Sam was trying to hold you back. The last thing you saw was Bucky's bloody face looking over at you before everything went black.

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

Your eyes fluttered open and you felt a warm summer breeze brush against your skin. You were in an unfamiliar bedroom with windows drawn open overlooking a grassy field leading up to water. You tried to sit up but your lower abdomen jolted with pain and you took a deep breath. You were wearing sweatpants with a big tshirt that you knew to be your boyfriend's. Speaking of him, your eyes found him sprawled out on a couch at the end of the room.

"Bucky," you whispered and he sprang up. He looked like shit. He had bags under his eyes and clearly hadn't brushed his hair in days. "You look like shit." He laughed weakly as he slowly walked towards you. You could see he was trying to keep it together as he got closer to you.

"Where are we?" You asked him. He sat down on the bed next to you.

"Louisiana doll, at Sam's sister's place," he replied, He brought his hand up to your cheek stroking it lightly like you would break. You reached up and took his hand in yours.

"I'm okay," you told him and he let out a shaky breath.

"You almost died," he choked out and you pulled his head into your chest. He breathed deeply and you ran your fingers through his hair.

"But I didn't," you pointed out and he grumbled. You noticed his hand that was wrapped around you was bruised and you remembered back him and John.

"Did you kill him?" You asked quietly. Bucky rose his head to look at you.

"I wanted to, but no," he said. You patted the spot next to you and he lay there not letting you go. "I will kill him the next time I see him." You rolled your eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, it's fine." Bucky started to argue but you held your finger to his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too, doll."

[lostberet]

⤹˚˖♬୭ 🎻₊˚✧ ﾟ.🍊 HEARTBURN prologue

You knew, since the very start, that the end of your relationship would come, yet, even after 2 years, you never thought it would end like it did. So, why are you emotional? Now, you stand face to face, and your heart burns.

✒ pair. kim taehyung, min yoongi x fem!reader ↪plot. Your relationship came with a contract, and once that contract ended, you are left to figure out why exactly your heart is breaking. tags. contracted love, one-sided love, family drama, Secret relationship, eventual smut, heart-break, boss x employee, disclaimer. Yandere behavior, Obsessiveness, Possessiveness, Manipulative behavior, Violence, Mention of child negation, assault, violence, Sexual themes, If you’re not 18+ please, PLEASE, do not interact. Be mindful of the warnings. Let me know if I miss anything. wc. 1k a/n. Hello cuties! I have officially started this series! But i will also be making over one-shorts and be taking recommendations! like, comment, and reblog if you enjoyed this! it would really help me a lot!

|| bts masterlist || entry || << teaser, Heartburn i >>

Monopoly. 

An illegal way to earn money, status and power in the business world. Even the purest organization has the dirtiest undergrounds, the ugliest starts. It all started with Kim Wonshik, Kang Chungae, Min Bongtae, and Choi Jo Young. Arguably, the four masterminds of the businesses in Korea. Building the finest Hotels, Airports, Hospitals, technology, law firms, you name it. 

Yet, a group cannot handle too many all-stars. Too many ideas, very different perspectives. 

And so, the friends were divided into four rivery groups, yet, it soon turned into three thanks to the marriage between the Min Family and the Kim family. Kim Wonshik, married one of his two children. His prized possession, his princess, his only daughter into the Min family, Min Bongtae accepted, marrying his only son as well, creating a treaty and friendship between the two families. They shared their riches, and soon enough, they all became an actual family. 

From those two families, children came into the light. Kim Wonshik welcomed his grandchildren into the family, Kim Seokjin, followed by Kim Namjoon and lastly, Kim Taehyung. 

Min Bongtae welcomed his own grandchildren as well, Min Yoongi and Min Ji-hoon, Woozi for short. 

“Grandfather, with all respect, I really do not see the point of all of this?” Seokjin stepped forward. The rest of the grandchildren sat on their own couches. Kim Wonshik looked up at his eldest grandchild. “Seokjin, I have built an empire, one in which you will have the honor to have. Along with everyone else in this room.” He started, “what makes you think no one will want to take that away from you?” 

Seokjin silently nodded his head, taking his seat. Wonshik then looked towards the Mins, “Yoongi, Woozi, what I am going to say, your grandfather Bontae will take charge of that. It does not make you less than the Kims, understand? Because at the end of the day, your mother is also a Kim!” Wonshik exclaimed, throwing a fist in the air.  

Yoongi and Woozi just gave a short nod, Woozi eyeing his older brother for any form of support. Yet, Yoongi only stared at his grandfather. 

“Times have changed, my boys.” The elder started, “you all need protection, and I’ve assigned someone to each of you.” 

The elder signaled the man standing next to him to hand each of his grandchildren a file. Woozi looked around, his eyes landing on Taehyung, the youngest Kim. “Grandpa, Tae doesn’t have one.” 

“That’s intentional.” Wonshik commented, making Taehyung’s eye twitch, his gaze on his grandfather hardening, “He’s a special case.” That’s when Taehyung stood from his seat and left the room. 

Each grandson was assigned an assistant-made-bodyguard. In the eyes of the public, they were seen as assistants, and yes, they did complete those tasks. Yet, they were hidden bodyguards, making sure the heirs were safe, sane. By rule, each of the assistant guards were to wear a face mask, to keep them also safe, but to not make them recognizable to anyone, at times, not even their own bosses.  

“Goddammit, Taehyung, this is the 5th assistant this month!” Taehyung’s father, Taegeun, commented, rubbing his forehead in frustration. Taehyung only remained quiet, leaning back on the couch. Wonshik let out a sigh, “This shouldn’t be so hard Taehyung, son, just accept them as they go.” 

“You gave me the option to choose, you are letting me pick and that is what I am doing.” Taehyung bluntly stated, “We’re not talking about that.. I was talking,” Taegeun dropped his hand, pointing his finger at Taehyung before he yelled, “about the damn assault cases!” 

Taehyung only groaned, turning his head away from his farther, “Stop fucking throwing shit at people!” His father hissed. His face was flustered, he looked pathetic in Taehyung’s eyes. “Stop fucking telling me what to do.” Taehyung hissed back. 

“You ungrateful son of a-” 

“Enough! Both of you.” The elder groaned, rubbing his eyes with his thumb, “and you wonder why your wife hates.. no, despises you..” Taehyung whispered, his father’s brows frowning in anger before he threw himself at his own son. 

“Taegeun! For fucks sake!” The grandfather yelled before rushing over and pulling him back from his youngest grandson, “Get the hell out of this room!” 

Taehyung fixed his suit, eyeing his father as they both shared a look of hatred. Yet looks nor words would ever express their sour hatred for each other. The room fell silent once the click of the door closing echoed in the room. Yet, silence never brought Taehyung peace.  

“You.” The grandfather said, turning to look at the grandson, “you will go to your office and interview this new assistant, and you better not throw shit around.” 

That’s how Taehyung found himself bored looking at the files in front of him, unbothered to read them as he only picked a page and set it down on another amount of pages. Anger slowly built up on him with each turn of a page, his hands shaking from wanting to punch, to throw things around. 

“You’re not even reading them.” A soft voice snapped him back from his boring habit, his eyes meeting big doe brown ones, “what.” 

“You’re not even reading the files.” you stated once again, voice soft in question, tilting your head. You stood a few feet away from his table, hands behind your back, “If you’re not interested, just say so. Don’t waste your or my time.” 

Your voice was calm, and smooth, as if giving him advice. He only stared at you before he stood up. He walked to the little bar next to his table and poured himself a drink. He didn’t bother answering you. You rolled your eyes and bit the inside of your cheek as he drank his tequila. Once he finished his drink, he turned to look at you. 

He gave you a small smile. Yet the empty and wicked emotion in his eyes never matched his beautiful smile. And just then, he threw the empty glass cup at you. Dodging the cup out of instinct, the glass breaking on the bookshelf behind you. You turned to face him, eyes wide in confusion, “Wh-”

“Don’t fucking tell me what to do, got it?” 

You narrowed your eyes at him, biting back an insult before taking a deep breath through your nose and clearing your throat, “got it.” Yet, your eyes threw dodgers at him. Your jaw locks at the small smirk on his lips.

You walked out of the office cursing under your breath as you walked over to the elevator, heading to Kim Wonshik’s office, “5 fucking years of training for this shit?” Your hand reached for the button, and before you pressed it, a hand grabbed your wrist, pulling your hand back. You turned to see the same lunatic stare into your eyes. 

“I don’t know if anyone has told you, but you have very pretty eyes.” 

And maybe then, you should have yanked your wrist away. Maybe then, you would have saved yourself. 

─── Ξ © LOSTBERET, 2024. << teaser, Heartburn i >>

building taglist..

@piercidh34rts,..

[snoutbleed]

Telling a story takes guts.

Forensic photographer Sören Heinrich can’t ignore the nausea bubbling in his throat when documenting someone's darkest day. He loses sleep over the fates he captures but is drawn to the purpose vested in his grisly role. When blood-slicked prints become Sören's next subject, he finds a message that blurs the line between his personal and professional life.

"This is where I’ve been. Don’t follow."

Unable to fathom his long-lost brother’s crimson handwriting, Sören descends into the criminal underworld for answers. The young boar's inner demons guide him toward a morbid self-reckoning.

Direktion 2 has their work cut out for them.

Crime is on the rise in post-reunification Berlin. Among the cases, the Polizeidirektorate in the city's westernmost boroughs is baffled by freak murders at the hands of denizens without motive.

In the shadow of the Berlin Wall, the crime wave takes a supernatural twist behind the lock of a post-Soviet puzzle.

Camera flashes at the crime scenes reveal gruesome secrets stirring in the shadows.

Unravel the conspiracy in #LONG STORY SHORT.

#The Filing Cabinet -- scan the profiles of those in the know. #Bloodstained Polaroids -- view the images of lives gone astray. #Evidence Board -- learn the details of secrets best kept. #Mystery Signals -- behold the lore of the mind melt. Face the music in the official Long Story Short playlist!

Everyone gathers toward the Abschnitt.

There are several Polizei Berlin stations like the Abschnitt, but everyone tied to this supernatural symphony ends up near this Spandau station particularly.

Sören Heinrich -- ( boar | tag | bio ) The black sheep of the Abschnitt. Sören’s abrasive nature keeps his co-workers at bay, a division widened by their western ideals clashing with his East German upbringing. He distances himself from the station through tight focus on his job, always the first to arrive at a crime scene. Don Jae Hale -- ( elk | tag | bio ) The silver-tongued Kriminalhauptkommissar of the Abschnitt. Hale is quick to dismiss the killings up until his leadership comes under siege by the paranoid public. Umeya Romanova -- ( fox | tag | bio ) The Bundeskriminalamt detective sent to assist with the Abschnitt’s mounting cases. Rumor says Umeya is there for more than the mystery, but her motives veiled by a callous attitude. Marieke Reiss -- ( rabbit | tag | bio ) The star psychology student barely escaped a killing. Now a key witness, Marieke can’t rest easy knowing she could be the next victim, driving her to take matters into her own hands. Reinhardt Müller -- ( donkey | tag | bio ) The Abschnitt’s disgraced ace detective, worn down and living in the grimy corners of Berlin. When crime spikes, Reinhardt tries to relive his “glory days" of detective work. Ukko Heinrich -- ( boar | tag | bio ) The crime lord defends his territory with brutal but firm methods. He's sworn to his found family, the country's political rift making him protective to a fault. Vorwitz Albrecht -- ( bat | tag | bio ) A gardener with good banners but bad morals. Vorwitz's unsavory career choices put him in the Abschnitt, but he finds a way out with Sören.

Entropy knows no bounds.

Stop, look and listen: stories are everywhere. Behold my settings.

Face more madness in #TALES GONE STALE.

LAID TO WASTE -- an abomination stirs in the bayou, its secrets poisoning a township. THE WASTED LIVES -- a group of galactic fugitives embark on a never-ending getaway on a runaway cruiser. (Links need an update. Stay tuned.)

The mind behind the melancholy.

ACHTUNG! This blog is 18+ for gore and suggestive content!

You can call me Dissy (she/her). I'm a writer with stories and ideas always bouncing inside my head, especially this one. Feel free to ask me about myself, my writing, my characters, or anything else. I promise you I can bark up a tree for hours.

I also do Polaroid photography: check out @hogrot for my shots!

I also encourage comments, critique, etc. about this setting. I want to pace myself while writing this, therefore I have all the time I need to refine this where I can. I don't expect this story to come out for a while anyway, especially as I run it through critiques. Hell, this pet project wouldn't have come into fruition thanks to the feedback of some incredible friends.

Shoutout to PYRY for doing character design and art for this setting, as well as giving his ideas and characters for the Heinrich plotline. Go check out his killer art. This story wouldn't exist without him.

Another shoutout to @tsanapi, an incredible artist who drew the art pictured above. Her sense of style is so keen.

And a final thanks to you, the reader, for tuning into the mind melt. This signals wouldn't have picked up without you.