#why did he say that the Bat was a crime lord?

[bet-on-me-13]

Danny runs for Mayor

Simple Prompt: Danny runs for the Gotham Mayor position

Extended Prompt: Danny is an absolute little shit throughout his entire campaign but still manages to win because he is legitimately one of the best candidates around

Just imagine the crack that could come from this!

Reporter: What is your stance on Vigilantism? Danny: Well I agree that Vigilantes are helpful for the communities that need them, and they should work with the police at every opportunity, I feel like the idea will always be a city where Vigilantes are not needed. Also I fail to see the relevancy of the question, there are no vigilantes in Gotham Reporter: What do you mean? What about the Bat-Family? Danny: No, Batman isn’t a Vigilante. Batman is a Crime Lord.

Or

Danny: As mayor, I promise that I will not be infected by corruption. Not because of my moral standings, but because I absolutely fucking hate clowns and I will never accept a bribe as long as that guy is still alive. Yes this is me putting a hit out on the Joker. Crime Bosses, if you want to try and bribe me, you gotta kill him first or I won’t even consider it!

Or

Batman: Why is a Meta-Human running for Gotham Office? You know this city doesn’t have a very good track record with people like you. Even the Signal had a rough start. Danny: Well, I just had a strong compulsion to help this city reach the peak of it’s potential *looks over Batman’s shoulder to see Lady Gotham holding up Cue Cards telling him what to say. She promised to help with his paperwork for the next 50 years if he became Mayor and helped fix her city* Danny: Such a strong compulsion...

Or

Penguin: Look kid, I don’t care if you have enough power to destroy me at the subatomic level, I have enough money to ruin you, your sister, your parents, even your uncle! Danny: Oh really? I could get the souls of every person you have ever killed to get confessions out of them. Or I could give them the power to rip you apart. Or I could even just possess you and donate all your money to charity.

Or

Danny: Oh god dammit! Vlad: Hello Badger! Glad to see you followed in my footsteps instead of your fathers! Danny: This wasn’t because of you! Lady Gotham asked for help! Vlad: A WIN IS A WIN!

[ew-selfish-art]

Dp x Dc AU: Not exactly a meet cute between Jazz and Jason.

Jason's had a long night of beating the shit out of a gang that dared to sell in his territory, the last thing he needs is the Bats on his tail. He can always sense them when he leaves Crime Alley- they watch for him. Waiting for him to fail. It pisses him off.

So Jason shakes his tail, he's pretty sure it's the demon brat, parks his bike, removes his helm and heads into the loudest bar he can find, ditching his mask along the way. There are no camera's and there was no one watching, so Jason just looks like any other angry frat guy at the bar. Well, he supposes that the Leather jacket might be a stand out.

He grabs a drink, and looks at the time. Jason just needs to wait out the chance that a baby bird saw his bike and hope that curfew kicks in before this has to be a 'conversation'. Besides, the music is good and despite all the people, the crowd is pretty behaved.

"Hi! I'm so glad you're here!" A woman approaches, he can tell she's had a few drinks from her walk but her eyes scream sobriety and fear. She's tall in her flats, her hair looks disheveled (from dancing maybe) and her outfit screams 'this is the one fun black top I own'. She's beautiful and her approaching him might've been a wet teenage dream if his suspicions weren't immediately raised.

"I certainly am here." Jason replies, a smirk set into his features easily and as he straightens out his back he can see the three men watching the back of her head like predators. They're wearing super lame white hoodies and coats, like they're organized somehow.

"That's why you're my hero! Always ready to grab me at a moment's notice! Any chance you'll be good to leave after you finish that drink?" Her eyes are pleading but she keeps the same happy smile and joyful tone the whole time.

"Nah, no worries about the drink. It was cheap and I was just getting bored with it anyway. " Jason explains, setting his glass down on the counter. He's mentally photographed the three creeps, "Did any of your friends also need a ride home?"

"Nope! They all got in an uber... without me. So they'll be just fine!" She explains and there is an anger in her eyes that clearly meant she was telling the truth. Her hands are straightening out his jacket collar, making it look like they're more comfortable with each other than just strangers. She lays her hands flat on his chest once her task is completed and Jason feels his throat go dry.

"I'm always telling you to find better friends. Now c'mon, I parked out back." he wraps an arm around her waist, though its not tight, and peers over his shoulder. These guys weren't going to leave without a fight it seems, Dumb, Dumbie and Dumber are all watching her with evil in their eyes.

The two of them walk out and before she can even say thank you, the door swings back open and she's sucker punched one of the assholes and Jason's pulled his gun out for the other two.

"You gents are gunna go home, or you're gonna end up in the dirt. Pick." Jason growls. Not taking him seriously at first, he shoots one dudes foot and the last one standing looks like he might pass out. He picks up his fallen comrades and backs away into the bar.

"For ancients sake those dudes were trying to traffic the hell out of me." She sighs, and Jason holsters his gun.

"Yeah no shit. You okay?" Jason inquires.

"I will be. I'm Jazz, thanks for saving me Hood."

"I'm no-"

"You're literally leaning comfortably on Red Hoods motorcycle that still has his helmet perched on it. No one would do that unless they were suicidal or him." She challenges, but then a look changes in her eyes and she almost looks nervous "But still, do you uhm, wanna get out of here?"

He blinks. She was trying to pick him up? AFTER finding out he was a crime lord??

The answer is that yes, Hell Yes, Jason does want to get out of here. None of the Bats will bother him while he has a civilian, not at the diner he takes her too and certainly not while he's taking her back to one of his safe houses.

Jason had expected one of his siblings to show up in the morning and cause a ruckus. He hadn't planned for a dude to let himself into his kitchen screaming about government agencies tracking Jazz down that wasn't related. Turns out it's her brother and he's floating and no he's not going to explain why he's there or how he found them.

Jazz has a lot to explain to the both of them and it starts with "So I can admit that I have a thing for motorcycle guys-"

[im-totally-not-an-alien-2]

The safety on his gun was turned back on with an inaudible click as Jason let the tension leak out of his body.

It wasn't often that someone broke into one of his safe houses, especially one that he hadn't used in a while, so seeing as some of his silent alarms went off he raced over ready to put a bullet in some wannabe robber or maybe a goon sent by another crime lord trying to start something.

Instead he found a prime bat adoption bait sitting in the living room floor, bare stomach pressed to the side of a ginormous egg. It didn't look like any egg hed ever seen either with midnight blue fuzz covering the whole thing. "Hey kid."

The kids head whipped around, startled by a strangers voice. "Who are you?" He asked incredulously, hugging the monster egg closer to himself, "How did you get in here? This place has some serious security."

Jason gave a short laugh, "Yeah, I know. I'm the one who put it there." He watched with mild amusement as the color drained from the kids face.

"You're the apartment owner? I thought he was supposed to be some big scary crime lord!"

"I'm not scary to you?" It wasn't uncommon for people to be intimidated by him. He was, as Steph put it, 'built like a fridge'.

The adoption bait stared into his eyes for a few torturously long seconds before simply saying, "No."

Huh.

"So, whats up with the egg?" He asked, trying to change the subject.

"Thats my line, Todd." A voice said from across the room. Both him and the little intruder snapped there attention to the window where Robin was perched. Jason fought back the urge to chastise the little bat for using his real name seeing as he was out of costume at the moment. After all he was here as Jason Todd, normalish civilian man who came to see why his house was broken into, not Red Hood. Jason almost wished with was some goon working for a big bad even if it would have meant his secret identity was busted, he would have been at least dealing with that instead of Damians inevitable animal custody battle with the kid. Speaking of which.

"Hey kid, whats your name?"

"Danny Fenton." The kid-Danny, tilted his head. "I think."

Robin raised an eyebrow, causing his mask to sift with it, "You think?"

Danny nodded, "Yeah. Got blasted with something a few weeks ago and I don't remember much before that." His grip on the egg had loosened a bit and Robin chose this as he time to strike. Bird boy tried to lift the egg up out of the intruders impromptu blanket nest, but seemed to have misjudged the weight of the egg that was as big as both children's torsos and Danny was swift to take back his egg.

"What do you think you're doing?! Thats mine!" Egg dad hissed.

"Tt. I will be better able to care for the creature. You should just hand it over now. Do you even know whats in there?"

"No! Neither do you!"

Jason knew Robin couldn't refute that so he chose now to step in, "Where did that thing even come from?

He watched as Dannys scowl turned into a beaming smile as he told them about how he was hiding behind a dumpster for warmth when this egg just fell out of the sky and with quick thinking, managed to catch it with a bed of ruined pillows from a recent villian attack. "So you can't take my dragon egg away. I'm the only reason it didn't become a failed street omelet." Danny held his hands on his hips while giving Robin a smug look.

Before the demon brat could say anything or, more likely, try to wipe that smirk off the other kids face, a new person swooped in through the window. "You think its a dragon egg?"

The kid seemed unbothered by the Batman questioning him and just replied with, "Yeah! Look how big it is! Its gotta be a dragon!"

Bruce looked like he was about to have an aneurysm, "You found a large egg of an unknown, potentially supernatural creature and decided to incubate it?"

"Yeah!"

Jason decided he liked this kid.

[starryjuicebox]

Pull My Strings

Pairing: (Soft) Ascended!Astarion x F!Reader Word Count: 2.1k Warning: 18+, Explicit. PiV. Creampie. Fluff and smut.

Summary: A special day in your life with Astarion.

Another day in paradise—the sun kisses your pale skin as it greets the world in a dazzling hello. Beside you, your lover stirs, opening a bleary crimson eye. “Good morning, darling.” 

You run a hand through his soft white curls, laughing a little. “Good morning, sleepyhead.” 

While Astarion didn’t really “sleep”, over the many years you had been together, he seemed to have grown more relaxed in his trances with you by his side. 

Unlike you, he was still very much not a morning person; evidenced by his burrowing back underneath the cozy covers of your shared bed. You cuddle up to him, frigid skin absorbing the warmth from his body. Long since used to this behavior (though he had nearly jumped out of his own skin the first time you snuggled after his ascension), he wraps his arms around you and rests his chin on the top of your head. 

“It’s a special day today,” you tell him excitedly. 

He merely hums in response, stroking your hair. “Is that so? And what’s so special about today?” 

The nerve! How could he have forgotten? You stare at him, mouth open, before turning away. The two of you had lived together for so long, why had he forgotten this year? Throughout the millennia that you and Astarion had lived in Baldur’s Gate, you had witnessed the rapid advancement of technology and society. The world around you changed so much, but every year on this day, he always had something special planned just for you. 

Astarion’s hands come to rest on your hips, before pulling you flush against him. You can feel the hard outline of his length pressing into your clothed core. “My love, what’s gotten you so upset?” Astarion croons into your ear, grinding against you. 

Your lips curve downward into a pout. “I’m struggling to come up with an idea for my next book. I was supposed to announce the summary today.” 

That was only a half-truth. While inspiration did elude you for the time being, your lover’s ignorance was a far greater crime. You celebrated your birthday together every year, and yet Astarion seemed to have completely forgotten this time! 

“We could come up with some…ideas together,” his voice drips with honey as he pinches one of your nipples through the fabric of your nightgown. 

Frowning, you push his hands away and sit up. If he wasn’t going to celebrate your birthday with you, at least you could get some work done. That would mean spending your day productively, even if your stupid vampire lord husband had forgotten. 

Grabbing your tablet off the nightstand, you open a document and begin typing out some potential story threads in an impromptu brainstorming session. Sex pollen, maybe? Ugh, no. That one had already been done plenty of times. Beach sex? No thanks, just thinking about sand in your vagina made you cringe. 

“That’s a ‘big ass’ iPad, my dark consort,” Astarion says, interrupting your thoughts and looking over your shoulder to see what you’re doing. Though his speech and mannerisms did not change no matter how much time passed, you did try to do your part in teaching him the more…updated lingo. 

You stifle your laughter. “A present from you, two years ago.” 

A birthday present to be more precise. 

Despite your hint, Astarion the Ascendant Ignoramus does not seem to get it, and merely hums. 

You stare at the document. The mostly blank page stares back at you. 

“Fuck it,” you grumble, powering off the device. You couldn’t just will good ideas into existence, so you might as well get a start on the day. 

Heading over to the massive walk-in closet, you gasp as a beautiful ensemble greets you. A red and black corset dress paired with a puff-sleeved bolero jacket hangs neatly in front of the mirror. Both pieces are exactly your size, and have clearly been designed with you in mind. Matching platform boots with a silver bat accessory sit beside the outfit, and you scratch your head. How long has this been here? You call out over your shoulder, “Hey, when did you get this for me? I love it!”

“Anything for you, my darling,” comes his cool response. Your question remains unanswered.

“Well…thank you.” This was certainly a surprise, but since he hadn’t even mentioned your birthday, it surely was a fluke. Astarion often surprised you with random presents anyway. Once upon a time, the gifts had been difficult for you to accept, but over the years, Astarion had worn you down. Spoiling you was very much one of his love languages. There were never any strings attached, and no expectation of something in return. 

You try on the outfit, and it seems to have been tailored exactly for you. A very tiny ‘A.A.’ is stitched onto the inside, and warmth floods your heart. Astarion hadn’t just ordered the clothing for you; he’d made it. That made the present all the more special. 

When you walk over to the vanity, a brand new eyeshadow palette immediately catches your eye. Suspicion floods your mind. What is going on? The brand is one of your very favorites. Most of the palette consists of beautiful neutral colors that match most of the clothing you own, but there were also gorgeous duochrome shades as well. 

“Sublime, just like you, darling.” 

You whirl around to see Astarion leaning against the wall with a self-satisfied smirk. 

“What’s the occasion?” Did you dare to hope that he had remembered? 

“There has to be a special reason to give my treasure gifts she deserves?” 

The disappointed sigh in your throat is swallowed down. It wouldn’t be right to seem ungrateful, after all; these were really thoughtful presents. “Thank you.” 

Carefully fixing your makeup (and definitely indulging in the brand new palette), you turn to select your favorite perfume and gasp softly. An unfamiliar heart-shaped pink glass bottle only labeled “Little Love” grabs your attention. A soft voice whispers in your ear, “smeared lipstick and warm, flushed skin—vanilla, orris root, violet, sugar, cetalox, skin musk, and safraleine. Scents that remind me of you, my love. Go on, give it a try.” 

Spraying some on your wrist, you delicately sniff the concoction. “Oh!” It smells exactly as Astarion had described. You love it. 

“I made it; I really did miss my calling as a perfumer,” he drawls, examining his nails. 

“...Thank you.” You didn’t want to inflate his already massive ego any more, but these presents were really nice. It was also pretty strange that they appeared all at once. Did you just miss them before? That wouldn’t be possible, right? 

Dabbing the perfume on your other wrist, you carefully close the bottle and stand up to fix some breakfast. 

“No dry oats for you today, darling. I already have something just for you.” 

How had he reached the kitchen ahead of you? Astarion stands there, holding a massive cake, topped with a single candle. Three tiers of rainbow-flecked vanilla birthday cake, layers of creamy frosting and crunchy crumbs, each topped with rainbow sprinkles. It is absolutely ridiculous to just have between the two of you. But it’s your favorite, and you know he ordered it just for you. 

“Happy Birthday, my dear.” 

Your hands fly to your mouth. The silly man was just pretending he had forgotten all about your birthday this whole time? 

While you are busy contemplating how to both smack and kiss him at the time, he pulls you into his arms and sits down, placing you onto his lap.

“Open your mouth, little love.” 

Astarion cuts a slice of cake for you and feeds it to you. It tastes like a little piece of heaven. 

“...I thought you’d forgotten,” you admit, after swallowing the bite of cake. 

“Oh, you wound me!” He places a hand on his chest theatrically. “I would never forget such an important day.” 

You smile at him. Other than his nonchalant behavior earlier today (which had clearly been just to tease you), he was right; he had never forgotten any of your birthdays. 

After you finish the slice of cake, he places the rest of it into the refrigerator. “Now, pet, let’s play a little game.” 

“Oh? What game?” 

Over the course of the millenia you had been with him, there were all sorts of little games and activities you two had to keep things fresh and interesting. 

“You’ll try to chase me, and if you catch me…I’ll give you another present.” 

You nod. “It’s on, then.” 

This would be a breeze for you; you had always been faster than him to begin with. 

His lithe form shifts into one of a small black bat. 

“Hey! That’s cheating!” You cry out, as Bat-starion takes off flying back towards the bedroom. Keeping up is a walk in the park for you, but he stays just out of your reach. “Hey!!!” 

Pouting at him, you take a running leap and grab the bat with both hands, landing perfectly on your feet. 

“Gotcha.” 

Soft fur ripples back into warm flesh as Astarion returns to his regular form. “Well done, my dear. As promised…another present.” A pink candy is pressed against your lips, and you open them to taste the sweet and tangy flavor of berry lemonade… your favorite! 

Eyes widening, you look at him. 

“I did order several tubes of these, but I hid them around the palace. You’ll have to go find them yourself later. Now, there is one last present for you.” 

“What is it?” 

You had already gotten a new outfit, makeup, perfume, cake, and candy. What else could Astarion have possibly gotten you? 

“Me.” 

Stepping away from you with crimson eyes glinting, his pale fingers slowly unbutton his jacket. You don’t need to breathe, but find yourself holding your breath anyway. 

His jacket becoming a red and black silken heap on the carpet, Astarion then begins removing his shirt. Inch by inch, the smooth, pale chest you are all too familiar with is revealed to you. 

The dress pants are next. Astarion leisurely unbuckles his belt, before sliding the trousers down his perfect legs. 

“Precious thing; you always stare so eagerly,” he teases you with another smirk, palming his thick length through the fabric of his underwear. 

“Well, you are putting on quite the show. Now, are you going to give me my present, or do I have to take it myself?” 

He chuckles. “My, my. So impatient.” 

You cross the room to rest your forehead against his, before pressing your lips together. Sliding his hands into your hair, he deepens the kiss, before pulling away and gently nipping your bottom lip. “Good things come to those who wait.” 

“Well, it’s my birthday. And I want good things without waiting.”  

Closing the distance between you once more, you claim his lips in another kiss. 

The floor beneath you falls away as you are swept into his arms. “Oh, I can refuse you nothing.” 

He tosses you gently onto the soft bed. Astarion may be well-versed in keeping a cool and collected facade, but you’ve been his lover for over a thousand years. The man is just as eager as you are. 

Crawling atop you and capturing your lips in a searing kiss, he palms your breast through your clothing. You can feel your nipples stiffening, eager for his warm touch. Astarion kisses down your throat and chest, unfastening the corset along the way. 

He gently nips at your hardened peak with his teeth, before latching on and sucking hard. You moan, running your fingers through his soft hair as he moves onto the other nipple.

“Take me now,” you pant at him. He’s already made you wait for so long.   

“As you wish.” Moving back up to meet your lips with his again, deft fingers push your lacy panties aside. Astarion slides into you with one smooth, confident thrust. 

You groan in unison as he sets a punishing pace, likely in part caused by your impatience. Your walls flutter around his thick cock as he snaps his hips into you. Locking your ankles behind his hips, your nails dig into his back. Each thrust brings a familiar stretch, and you love every second of it. Your bodies slot together like perfect pieces of a puzzle, born from so many years of lovemaking. He knows your body as well as his own.

Reaching between your bodies, he rubs at your clit with practiced fingers. You’re close. So close. A spark of pleasure rising to dizzying heights. 

“Come for me.” 

You shatter. There is nothing but the wave of ecstasy washing through you. 

His hips stutter as he follows you with a groan. Warmth floods your insides as you lay there, panting from exertion.  

“Now let’s freshen up and greet the day, my love. Here’s to another year in our eternal lives.” 

You decide that tonight, you’ll go for round two. 

[daemonmage]

A Stupid Batfam AU

Jason’s and Bruce’s rocky relationship is actually a pr move to make sure the rest of the batfam doesn’t get attacked by reporters and gcpd.

Essentially Red Hood, while liked by the Crime Alley citizens and other citizens as well, has a pretty bad reputation with a lot of the rest of the city. The GCPD hate him for his overt violence and the head incident. The Media hates him cause he’s what they all feared Batman would become and are constantly creating news stories on him. A lot of the other citizens are just scared of him cause sometimes his temper gets out of control. It’s not the best reputation.

Bruce and Jason have long since talked and settled their differences. Well, it’s more of a “I don’t approve of your methods but I will acknowledge you as a person who wants to help, but I will still dislike the guns. Also I missed you” from Bruce and “I’m not happy with a lot of your decisions but I also understand why you came to those decisions. I’m still mad but I now know that you missed me and I missed you too” from Jason. They’re better than they were originally and honestly that’s all they could hope for. Jason visits the manor more and is having fun being brothers to Dick and Tim.

Here’s the thing though… his reputation as Red Hood may have accidentally spread to the other Bats. A few team ups here and there (and the red bat on his chest) have made everyone assume that Batman is now working with Red Hood, a known crime lord. The media and GCPD were on them like flies on shit. Jim tries to calm down the gcpd with mixed results, but he can’t stop the media from blowing this out of proportion. It’s like the news channels from Dark Knight Returns, but worse.

Jason, who just got his family back, is fucking pissed. Jason is also dramatic as hell. Bruce was willing to just deal with this, but Tim is too new at this to be caught in the crossfire. Bruce was just gonna bench him out of fear until things calm down (he’s dealt with this before) but Jason brings up his plan to Bruce. Bruce isn’t as dramatic as Jason, however he is still absolutely dramatic. He agrees. So begins an epic fight between two ideals that ends two vigilantes at each other’s throats constantly.

Red Hood and Batman fight any time they are together, Red Hood is arrested by Batman on multiple occasions, and Red Hood always escapes leaving terrifying threats spray painted where the bat can see. (Jason and Bruce give each others shit for the pot shots they take and Bruce compliments Jason’s form when he gets a good hit in, Bruce gives Jason a heads up to the easier ways to get out of a police car and Jason ignores him going for the most dramatic ways, Bruce complains that the code Jason uses for his threats are obvious and he can just ask Alfred himself for cookies, why does Bruce have to be the middle man.)

The super hero community doesn’t really know this (cause they can be pretty bad actors at times, says Bruce) tis can cause problems. Superman and Green Arrow capturing Red Hood. Batman had to pull the “he’s Gotham’s problem give him to me,” which led to a hour of arguing to get Jason back. Tim’s friend have Red Hood on their hit list for what Hood did to Robin (Tim is over it but he does use this as a way to get back at his brother when he pisses him off) and Red Hood has to be on the Villain List to sell the act, so every hero ever knows the Red Hood is a villain. This leads to chaos.

There are still rough moments where Bruce and Jason still fight, but it’s better. Jason gets to hang out and play games with Tim. He plans overly dramatic fights with Dick (with full plot cause these two are so extra.) He helps Alfred in the kitchen again talking about books they’ve both read. He and Bruce talk again, they talk about their fears and what they’ve missed. It’s better, and that’s all that really matters.

[the1entirecircus]

Violent Apprentices

MEANWHILE in the bat cave, our heroes talk about their periling issues...

Flash (Barry Allen): ...and now he's back from the dead, and while he isn't killing as many people as before, he is still hurting people to extreme!

Batman: And did August have this level of violence before he became Godspeed?

Flash: No, August was like any other officer in the CCPD. Which is saying something, we have one of the nicer police forces in the country. (That's just a headcanon. Yes ACAB, but these bastards are nice)

Batman: The way you're describing him reminds me of one my old protege. Jason Todd.

Flash: The Red Hood?

Batman: Yes. Except, Jason learned the hard way of why he shouldn't kill. Although he did return to using guns.

Flash: Really? That's seems very...reductive.

Batman: Yeah, I was surprised too.

Flash: Heh, imagine if they met. Wouldn't that be terrific.

Batman: Don't make me laugh, Barry. It would be the end of the world if that happened.

Flash: Yeah it would...

*Meanwhile in a more crime-orientated area of Central City, danger was afoot as the Red Hood monitored Penguin and Captain Cold and The Rogues.*

Penguin: As you can see here, we have the latest equipment in subzero freezing based weaponry. Perfect for handling those pesky speedsters! Wank!

Captain Cold: How much for the freeze grenades?

Red Hood: Snart, they're free if you really wanted them.

*All weapon were aimed at the anti-hero, ready to fire.*

Penguin: RED HOOD?! You followed me all the way here!

Red Hood, with both of his guns brought out: Yeah, because you're not supposed to be here. Now pack things up, and waddle your ass back to Blackgate before I make.

Captain Cold: I don't think you're the one to talk here. Me, my buds and sis take on the Flash every day. A guy who looks like he came from Mortal Kombat and carries guns doesn't scare us.

Red Hood: Really? Well, I've fought Mr. Freeze before. You're just a watered down copy.

Captain Cold: Oh you are so...*a look of fear strikes Cold's face*...MIRROR MASTER NOW!

*Mirror Master rapidly fired his mirror gun at the equipment the Penguin had presented. Penguin squaked both from fury and surprise. He cursed at Captain Cold as he and the Rogues teleported away in a flash of light. But then came a brighter light. A white blinding light. Screams from Penguin's men followed as the light zoomed around the area. Red Hood reached for something in his utility belt but stopped when the white blur caught and picked up Penguin.*

Penguin: What are you??

*The man in the white and gold costume resembling the Flash's uniform pulled the crime lord closer.*

"I am Godspeed"

Red Hood: Put the crime lord down!

*Godspeed glared at Red Hood and the guns he pointed at him with. The masked vigilante tossed Penguin aside and approached the Gothamite. Red Hood pointed at Penguin.*

Red Hood: Go anywhere, and I will make you a legless bird, got it?

Godspeed: I can stop a pullet the second it leaves a gun, who do you think you are?

Red Hood: I'm Red Hood, I usually work in Gotham City.

Godspeed: Red Hood...the crime lord?

Red Hood: For a time, now I just do vigilante work against Gotham's elites. Basically what batman did before the crazies arrived.

*Red Hood walked over and cuffed Penguin.*

Red Hood: I'm starved, wanna grab some Big Belly Burger?

Godspeed: ...why not?

---

*our Anti-heroes munched and chewed on their burgers as they discussed their various adventures as masked vigilantes while sitting in a big belly burger.*

Red Hood: Are you sure you didn't hear of me? Because I had similar reasoning when I fought Batman. Although it was focused on just killing the Joker.

Godspeed: That was 100% my idea, I had no intentions of copying your actions. I also fully intended on killing everyone in the Flash's rogues gallery. But I did emphasize Reverse Flash because he killed Flash's mom. I honestly thought Flash would agree with me. I feel dumb for thinking that now, and for wanting to kill those people.

Red Hood: Mutual feelings, except I'll never feel bad for trying to kill Joker. That fucker has it coming.

Godspeed: How is he still alive? I know the Gotham justice system is bad, but I didn't think it was that terrible?

Red Hood: It is shit, but he just keeps coming back. Rumor has it, he's immortal. I don't believe it though. I think he was just a guy who wanted attention.

Godspeed: That makes more sense to me. He does seem like an attention whore. Reverse Flash is similar in my opinion. Except he specifically wants the attention from Flash. I mean he did kill my brother just to help motivate me into being Godspeed so that I would be enemies with the Flash.

Red Hood: He killed your brother? Joker killed my mom the same day he killed me! Well, he used a bomb, but still.

Godspeed: Joker killed you? Reverse Flash killed me!

Red Hood: That is so coincidentally strange!

Godspeed: I know!

"Oh you have got to be kidding me..."

*Both vigilantes look and see Barry Allen in his civilian clothing*

Red Hood: (Whispering) Is that...?

Godspeed: (whispers back) Yup. (speaks normally) What? Never seen two vigilantes eating at Big Belly Burger?

Red Hood: They do it all the time in Bat Burger over in Gotham.

Barry: ...I'm tired.

---

Flash: (while running through Central City) And so they're just talking about how similar they are. I think they're friends now.

Batman: (in the bat cave listening to the communication link) I'm not surprised, Red Hood was following a lead that Penguin was going to give new weapons to the Rogues.

Flash: Oh...wait what?!

[insertcoolmonikerhere]

The passing of the R: OR why I think the role of Robin is such an issue for the boys (+ Steph, but for a different reason)

And for the sake of this, I'm completely ignoring Jarro. Just.

Yeah.

Forgive any typos I did this on my phone with a glitchy keyboard.

Starting, first and foremost, with one Richard Grayson.

He loses his parents, and after a series of mishaps, ends up with Bruce Wayne.

He gets a spot by Bruce's side (as the circus adoptee; as his son), and one by Batman's side (as Robin).

The two aren't necessarily synonymous. Yet.

Dick grows up; he fights with Bruce, and Robin fights with Batman.

And then Bruce benches Robin, something Dick doesn't think he should be able to do. And in benching Robin, he benches Dick's role as Bruce's son.

So Dick leaves; and he doesn't explicitly take Robin with him, but it's implied that Robin died when Nightwing—a completely isolated vigilante set up in another city—appeared in Blüdhaven. It's implied that Dick's (perceived) role as Bruce's son died when Dick moved out.

And then Bruce gets another son. A role he gave to Dick first, and something he didn't consult Dick on giving to another kid, whether or not either of their claims to the role itself are valid (Dick as the first son & the first Robin, Bruce as the father & Batman). And Batman gets another Robin, something that Dick created for himself, either to supplement his role as Bruce's child by being something similar for Batman, without consulting Dick first (which would hurt all the more if Robin was Mary's nickname for dick but I haven't actually found any sources for that).

Then Jason actually dies, and clearly he thinks that Robin (that Bruce's son) should have died with him. But it didn't, because there's another kid filling Dick's shoes.

And then Jack Drake takes away Robin (and Tim's tenuous spot as Bruce's "son"), which is something he should never have been able to do but did anyway, because Tim really is his son, not Bruce's. Not Robin.

So when Steph becomes Robin, no matter how short for, even when she doesn't become Bruce's daughter, her spot as Robin is a direct threat to Tim's place as Bruce's kid.

When Dick takes Robin from Tim to give to Damian, no matter how it was intended, with Dick playing Batman, it means he's both a) claiming Damian is more Bruce's son than he/Jason/Tim is and b) claiming Damian as his son, whether intentional or not, and giving Damian the protection (and leeway) that comes with that, regardless of what happens to Tim because of it. Which is exactly what happened the other times the mantle has been passed on.

All this to say that the way that Robin works, and the way that Bruce works, is that there can only ever be Robin. There can only ever be one son/child/whatever.

Robin is the child; Robin represents a spot in the family. Like... a proper one.

Because Dick might still legally be Bruce's son (Jason is legally dead and Tim is emancipated, and considering both lost Robin far more violently than Dick did, I think that only supports my arguement), but in terms of familial roles, he's as much Damian's dad as he is his brother. He's the one who raised Damian in a time of crisis.

And Nightwing, Red Hood and Red Robin/Drake/Red Robin again (Tim please. STOP) might still be "Bats", Nightwing runs Blüd, RH is a crime lord and not exactly on the best erms with Batman, and RR doesn't exactly spend a massive amount of time in Gotham either.

Robin is important and awful and honestly really really symbolic I love it.

I also think that's why Tim offering Cass a way into the Batclan (via Black Bat and not Robin) was so important to both of them as characters and also just really really sweet.

thanks for coming to my TEDtalk lmao

[mr-voorhees-husband]

Some two-face please, good sir. >w>

heheHEHEHEHAHHAHAH

YESSSS

okay you didn't specify.. so I'm going all out and writing for my top two (because my top three include my version). Probably gonna be a longer post but... two-face deserves it <3

These are going to my thoughts, headcannons, and just a bunch of stuff w/ them <3

Warnings: Cursing, mentions of

mental illness, burning, trauma, etc, penguin almost dies, penguin in this is overall written as a bad dude but its only cause he only likes his spouse

Reader: Genderneutral, villain

Arkhamverse!Harvey Dent + Two-face

Oh good lord is this dude interesting.

So, Harvey and Two-face are obviously two separate entities in this version. But to some extent, they seem almost copasetic with eachother.

While Two-face is in charge most of the time in game, there's moments where Harvey peaks out, and oddly enough, Two-face lets him speak, sometimes even agreeing with him.

What I'm getting to is simple, dating one means you date both. For some versions it might be different, where its just Harvey, scarred mentally and physically. But here its straight up a case of DID or major psychosis.

Despite his mood swings, Two-face is a surprisingly attentive partner. While he'll never admit it, it's mostly due to his fear of you leaving him and Harvy due to his side of the body.

He's not completely scarred, and he can't feel anything on his burns, so he can take kisses. (which he enjoys immensely, even if he doesn't actually feel them) but usually he'd pull away, muttering something about 'gonna get you all bloody' or 'all you're gonna taste is copper, doll'

His moods can swing drastically, though, which while mostly unsurprisingly, can ruin a day very quickly. Two-Face can be perfectly content in his office one minute, and be screaming and beating a lacky the next. Though, that should be said, that he never takes it out on you.

Two-Face would rather die than put his hands on you, even if he can lose his temper, he'll never let it be on you. If he does reach a peak, he tends to shove Harvey into the front and recluse into head space.

Harvey is a much easier man to date, maybe not love, but easier to put up with. He doesn't have mood swings like Two-face, nor does he really have a sadistic streak.

For the most part, he's the same, handsome, charismatic D.A that almost everyone had a crush on at some point (he's gotham's Ryan Reynolds) yet, there's a part of him that you know wasn't originally there

A part that despises the police, that despise the mobs, penguin, other villains. A side that wants to do nothing but tear this city down and rebuild it as he see fit. Its why he doesn't fight Two-face doing crime.

They of course wants you to be their partner in crime. They want a pretty little spouse to hold onto Harvey's arm, all dolled up while they lead the city like they're meant to. Someone to love and cherish, someone who doesn't mind the scars, who takes the good with the bad.

"Who's the eye candy?" You were leaned up against your boyfriend, holding his arm to your chest, good hand interlocked with you own. Two-face grumbled, turning to face the infamous villain, who's he'd begrudgingly agreed to work with. "Wait.. [V/N] is that you?"

"If it is?" Two-face barked out, instinctively sweeping you under his good arm. You didn't say anything yet, simply smiling as you leaned into his side. "Why do you want to know?"

Penguin laughed at that, making Two-face even angrier. Subconsciously, you squeezed his hand (which was technically Harvey's, though he wasn't fronting right now), doing your best to calm him. "Why do I want to know? The bats biggest threat next to that white face prick goes missing, just to turn out as your troph-"

Two-face shot before you could stop him, grabbing the shorter male by the collar of his shirt, resting his pistol at Penguin's chin in a silent threat. "Finsh that sentence, and I'll get my doll to flip my coin."

"Didn't expect [V/N] to be a throphy spouse." Penguin's shit eating grin didn't falter as you pulled the coin from Two-Face's pocket. Nor did he flinch when the metal was flipped, quite literally putting his life on the line. You caught it before it fell, laying it on the back of your palm.

"Good heads," you finally spoke up, grabbing the coin and resting it between your fingers, "he lives."

"Dammit." Harvey groaned alongside Two-face, and you decided it was best to not tell them you lied about the coin toss.

They just want you to love them like they love you!

JLA!Harvey Dent + Two-face

Listen. Hear me out.

He's funny.

Yeah I don't got much else to defend me, lets get to the headcannons.

So, I noticed this one doesn't really have a coin. Which is very, very interesting. Instead it seems like Harvey and Two-face are constantly fighting for control.

They are still separate beings in this though, but this makes me think they're both fronting together consistently. Maybe a bad case of being front-stuck together, or its due to both of them constantly fighting for control of the body.

Whatever it is, they don't get along, not nearly as much as Arkham!Two-face + Harvey

This Harvey is much more morally correct. He still has that 'crime is wrong' mentality, even while Two-face is committing it. Yet that isn't to say he's completely innocent. Specifically mentioning the scene where he and Two-face argue how to get out of the cuffs.

Harvey goes as far to offer another option, and even help Two-face escape, despite saying how he thought it was wrong when collecting the cash.

Harvey is the more respectful of the two (which is a bit obvious) and has a very big 'gentleman' mindset. He puts you on a bit of a pedestal, in his eyes you're the one good thing that happened too them since the accident.

In turn though, he is a bit... hesitant to let you and Two-face date. He doesn't believe you should be associated with such a villain, even if you used to be one, or currently are one.

He's a bit old-fashioned in the dating game, though. Heavily believes he (and in turn Two-face) should be the 'bread-winner' while you stay at home and be their pretty little spouse.

Two-face is. Heh. Good luck.

He's sleazy, he'll wolf whistle, he'll say some dirty pickup line that'd make the hardest guy go red. Not to say he'd do anything you don't like, he's a villain not a monster.

He's rude to Harvey at time, and has a pretty bad temper (read; anger issues to the max), but like Arkhamverse!Two-face, he'd never lay a hand on you. Again, he's a villain, not a monster.

Similar to Harvey, he's a bit of a gentleman. He likes to take you on lavish dates, with expensive food and delicious deserts. Only the best for you, which also means arguments with people who bother you is quite often.

Unlike Harvey though, Two-face wants to activity included in his work, he wants to bring you to Oswald's fancy party's and boast about the latest heist the two of you pulled. Even if you're their pretty little spouse, Two-face also wants you to be their badass partner-in-crime

Though, it isn't rare to find him and Harvey having a screaming match with eachother about if Two-face should be allowed to date you or not. The easiest way to deal with this is give them both a kiss on the cheek and assure Harvey you want to be with Two-face as much as you want to be with him.

"What have I told you before!? They're only with you because we share this body! Which, may I remind you, I don't exactly WANT!" Harvey's venom filled voice was a rare thing to behold. Often times, when a certain someone had crossed a line that Harvey thought you had.

"Oh yeah! Keep talking pretty boy, we both know they only got with you to get with me!" Sighing, you lowered your phone, slipping it in your pocket as you headed towards your screaming boyfriends. "Before you they were the baddest villain on the block, but oh no, the lawyer couldn't have that!"

You poked your head inside of your shared bedroom, Harvey and Two-face were standing at the foot of the bed, head swerving as one took over the body from the other. "It was for their own good! I can't have myself associated with two criminals, especially when you're trying to keep them doing crime!"

"Harvey," Their head swerved to face you, both looking equally surprised to see you, "Two-face."

"Darling-!"

"Dollface."

Ignoring the pet names, you walked closer, resting your hands on their shoulders. "Harvey," you repeated, leaning up to peck the side of his face, "I date Two-face because I love him as much as you."

Two-face's grin was wiped to a flustered smile as you kissed his cheek. "And Two-face, stop antagonizing Harvey."

"'Course Doll," Two-face smirked, "anything ya' want."

"As long as your happy." Harvey sighed, resting his hand on your side. "So am I."

"You two are lucky I love you."

For once, they agreed on something, both sharing a matching smile. "We know."

They have their quarrels, and arguments, but in the end they love you more than anything.

[ggomos-maribat]

[59/?]

original prompt | complete masterlist

CW: Non-graphic violence, death

“Hey Pix can I ask you something?” 

Marinette puts down her sketchbook, looking at her brother at the head of the table. “Sure, what is it?” 

“Your . . . Miraculouses.” Jason motions to his ears. “You have one that time travels right?” 

Marinette averts gaze. “Yeah . . . why?” 

“Have you ever gone back in time as a kid?” 

“Umm . . .” 

---

One Year Ago 

Marinette dusts off her shoulder. Today, she’s dual-wielding the fox and the rabbit—the first for altering her appearance and the second for going back in time. She’s been asked a favor to deliver some messages so to be safe, she shifted into a younger version of herself. No suspicion. No traces. 

She looks at the mirror. Hmm, guess this will do. 

After completing an errand, a certain portal in the Burrow catches her eye. She recognizes Red Hood—Jason—and witnesses a killing: bullets straight to the chest, no mercy from the crime lord. 

Out of curiosity, she hops into that timeline only to be greeted by her brother pointing his weapon at her. She imagines his eyes narrowing beneath the helmet. “Where did you come from, kid?” 

Marinette hums, noting his appearance. This must be the time when Jason had just begun his illegal activities, before he had some reconciliation with the family. 

“You better leave before you end up like them,” Red Hood growls, gesturing at a body. 

Marinette only smiles. “You won’t shoot me.” 

“And why not?” 

You have a soft spot for kids. You won’t take an innocent life. She shrugs. “I just know you won’t.” 

Prolonged silence. 

“What do you want from me?” 

Marinette thinks for a moment. “Come here.” 

“What?” 

“Come on, I have something to say to you.” She beckons him for a second time. 

Tentatively, Red Hood crouches down to her level. Marinette moves, as if to whisper to his ear, but instead, she wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him tightly. She feels him stiffen, but he doesn’t pull away. 

“You need this,” Marinette says softly. “Everything’s going to turn out okay, Jay. I promise.” 

Before he can ask any more questions, she moves away, summons her Burrow and jumps back into it. 

---

The second time she “interferes” in a timeline, it’s to see young Richard Grayson, freshly adopted by Batman and given the Robin role. Marinette leaps over an Old Gotham, successfully steering clear of her father but attempting to grab Robin’s attention. The high crime rate is evident at that time, when criminals are yet to fully fear the Bat and his fellow vigilantes. 

Finally, she reaches one rooftop, sits next to a gargoyle, and Robin follows her there. He puts his hands on his hips, lips pursed. “Who are you?” 

Marinette can’t stifle the giggles spilling from her lips. “They were right. You were more serious before.” 

Robin slowly reaches for his belt, preparing to strike. “Who are you?” 

Marinette ruffles to the top of his head. “I’m no enemy.” 

He swats her hand away. “Right. Like I’ll believe you.” 

“No weapons, see?” She raises her arms. 

“You have that . . . flute. And umbrella.” 

“Oh these? Pfft, these are more for defense, trust me.” 

Robin isn’t convinced. He backs away from her, perhaps planning to get Batman before engaging. 

“You like to do flips right?” Marinette asks. 

“Ye—” He clears his throat. “I’m not telling you anything about me.” 

She grins. “Smart boy. I like doing flips. Want to see some tricks?” 

Marinette freezes all of a sudden, sensing the Bat nearby. As much as she wants to see her father, she can’t tell how it will affect the timeline if he sees her. “Oops, I gotta go!” She smiles sheepishly at Robin. “I’ll see you–um—back in the manor, Dick!” 

Again, she makes her escape, leaving behind a bewildered Robin. 

To be continued

Taglist:

@tinybrie @sinoffalsejudgement @its-maemain @kamarallil @toughluna @golden-promises @whatamoodhoney @trippingovermyfeet @m4ster0fnone @alexizlazy @plz-excuse-my-inner-gay @maybeanalien0-0 @imchaotic-dontmindme @ev-cupcake @flowers-n-fandoms @crusherccme @ji-nk-ies @depressed-bitchy-demon @duskyashe @multplelifes @authorpendragging@iloontjeboontje@thatonecroc@user00000003@paradoxaloccurance@kking13@laydeekrayzee@chaos-inperson@astol07@the-coffee-fandom@nerd-nowandforever@nightmarewasteland@certainmuffinbagelcalzone@the-hospitality-of-knives@stainedglassm@talia-scar123@trying414@starling218@buginetye@ascetic-orange@myazael@child-of-the-clouds@ladythugs@adrestar@therealkotlc@blueneko9314@kinda-craz-fan@kitsun369@talia-scar123@ghostdoodlen

[the-coffeeaddict-tim-drake]

Just a Kid Next Door - Chapter 3

Bruce is finally back from being stuck in the time stream. Tim managed to save Batman and his loved ones. Now it is time for Tim to go home and rest. But the problem is that, Tim has no home. Or that's what he thinks so.

This will be a multichapter fic on how did Tim reconcile with his family. It will be full of angst, family feels and family shenanigans.

Masterlist

Here in the link to read the story in ao3.

-------------------------------CHAPTER 3---------------------------------

No person in their right mind would move to Gotham City willingly. After all, she is known for her rife crime and murder rates which makes her extremely unsafe and dangerous for living.

But she is also home to all the Bat and bird themed vigilantes, who swore on their life to protect her and her citizens from the moment they put on their mask and cape.

If they say Gotham city is unsafe, then Crime alley is perilous. It is the hotspot in Gotham city for all the criminal activities. It is notoriously known for Burglary, illegal shipment of drugs, human trafficking, sexual assaults and domestic abuse, which are activities of common occurrence in this part of the city.

But that doesn’t stop Jason from having hope. Having hope that one day, Crime alley will become free of crimes.

The edgy crime lord, protector of Crime alley, the big bad Red Hood is the passionate and fierce vigilante of Gotham city. Residing in Crime alley of all places in Gotham unlike the other bats and birds, he took it upon himself to be the savior of this area. Being born and raised in this part of the town in the early days of his childhood as a street rat made him extremely street-smart .It gave him even more reasons to make this part of the city and free it from the clutches of the cruel monsters.

It is no lie that Jason had a tragic past. His mother was a drug addict and his father, an abuser.

Jason has no habit of doing anything in halves, even when it came to loving his mother, who was blissfully high on drugs most of the time. But Jason’s love for her never dimmed because she was the best mother to him when she wasn’t in euphoric state.

And then his parents died. He became homeless. Even then Jason was a bright eyed kind with hope shimmering in his eyes. And then Bruce took him in as his son, making the fire of hope, blaze.

But then he was also killed by the Joker, which almost extinguished the blazing fire. And then he was resurrected, making the fire flicker again, hoping for another chance. From that moment, he’s been adding fuel to that fire, flaring and red-hot.

It was almost the cark of dawn when Red Hood was grappling his way back to his small abode. But Jason’s mind was elsewhere. His mind was still running the words Clark had said to him a while ago.

‘Batman is back. We saved him from time stream. Wonder Woman and Flash managed to bring him back to the Batcave.’

‘Batman is back’

Batman is back.

Bruce is alive.

Alive.

“Fuck fuck fuck” Jason muttered, while swinging back to his apartment.

‘Bruce is alive. The replacement was right all along. Shit, does Timmy know about this? How will I pass on the news to him? And where the fuck is he by the way?’ Jason’s thoughts were becoming restless by each passing second.

‘Bruce is alive. Shit, he is alive and breathing. Is he okay? Is he hurt? Dammit, why did I not go to the Manor?’

Jason thoughts were running a mile a minute when he finally reached his safe house. While unlocking the door to his house, he noticed his security system was down.

“What the fuck?” Jason hissed

Someone had the audacity to hack his security system and break into his house. His very strong security system. Only few people who have to skill to do that are the Bats, but no one knew where he lived. Except for –

Oh

“Oh”

Composing himself by letting out a long sigh, he entered his safehouse. Tim is one of the very few people who knew where he lived and has his way with hacking almost anything, after Oracle.

After all, Tim has been breaking into his safehouse to annoy Jason by raiding his kitchen and blabbering, for quite some time now. Jason found it annoyingly cute. Dammit, that leech of a little brother had started to grow on him.

 But now, Jason was worried. He hasn’t seen or heard from that bastard for a very long time. And now that little shit has the audacity to break into his house after worrying him by going MIA for almost six months.

Bruce’s supposed death was hard on everyone. Hell, even Jason found it hard to move on. His dad had died. Left him, left is brothers and sister, left is friends, left everyone, forever. Jason still had nightmares about it.

The last time Jason had seen Tim was the day Tim moved out of the Manor. He was trying to convince everyone that Bruce was alive, which worried Jason. He still vividly remember the conversation he had with him that night.

---

“Next time you break into my house while I’m out for patrol, you scrawny little shit, I will not hesitate to slit your throat once again for good” Jason growled, climbing into his safehouse through the living room window, while removing his helmet.

There was no reply. The apartment was pitch black and there was no sign of anyone.

“Stop hiding from me replacement, it’s of no use” Jason added.

Again, no reply.

Jason was starting to get irritated. “Quit playing games with me Timmy, I’m serious. I have no time for these nonsense.”

He then heard the sound of glass shattering in the kitchen.

“Tim, you in there. Shit, are you injured?” Jason asked, suddenly feeling concerned, while hurrying his way towards the kitchen. ‘How can he be injured?’ Jason thought, because Jason hadn’t seen him on patrol today.

The Kitchen was dark too. But Jason was able to see a slouching figure sitting in the barstool kept near the kitchen island. He wasted no time in switching on the lights.

Tim’s back was facing him, and Jason could see broken pieces of glass just below him on the wet floor.

“Sorry, it just slipped my hand. And no, I’m not injured” Tim said, his voice not more than a whisper. His brother was wearing grey sweatpants and a worn out oversized black hoodie.

“Jesus Timmy, you gave me a scare.”

“Mm-mm”

Jason had a nagging feeling that something was wrong with his little brother. First of all, Timmy hadn’t raided his kitchen for the leftover food, his back was stiff and tense even while slouching on the kitchen island and most importantly, he was silent.

His brother would have eaten his ear off by now, by talking about some random facts like how Australia is bigger than moon or how Scotland chose the Unicorn as its National animal.

Jason then came to a reasonable conclusion that his brother might be sleep deprived. Tim would give Bruce a run for his money by surpassing him when it comes to depriving himself of basic necessities like food and sleep by immersing himself in his nocturnal activities.

“When did you last sleep, replacement?”

“Uh… uh I don’t know?”

Something is definitely wrong.

Jason carefully avoided stepping on the glass shards and went to stand in front of his little brother.

Tim was facing down, finding the broken pieces of glass more interesting than answering his brother properly.

“Tim, Look at me”

After few seconds of complete silence, Tim looked at Jason.

Tim was crying. His eyes were bloodshot, his face wan and almost translucent and his lips were quivering.

“What happened, Babybird?” Shock was an understatement. Jason had never seen the boy cry, not even once, even in horrible moments. His little brother was the most logical among them all. He always relied on his wits and intelligence to solve any problem. Hence even in worst situations, Jason had only seen Tim carefully planning and executing his next move.

“Talk to me, Timmy. What happened?”

Tim started to weep, which startled Jason. He started to rub circles on his back, while consoling his crying brother.

“It’s okay, Timmy. You’re fine. Nothing is gonna happen. I’m there for you. Your brother is there for you."

After a few minutes of consolation, Jason was able to quiet down his brother’s sobs. Tim took few for minutes to stop crying.

“You know what, lemme take you to the manor. I’ll ask Alfred to make a cup of hot chocolate for ya. It is the best for breakdowns. And then we can talk. We can even pull Dickiebird along with us after he comes back from patrol”

“N-no, I can’t go to the Manor”

“What do you mean by ‘you can’t’, Tim?”

“I just- I just can’t, okay?”

“Why, what do you mean by that?”

“Because I moved out, okay. They don’t want me there anymore.” Tim said harshly.

What

“WHAT?” Jason was shocked.

Tim let out a long sigh. He was cracking his knuckles and tapping his feet on the floor board in an annoyingly fast pace.

“What do you mean by you moved out?!?. You’re like what, twelve?”

“I’m sixteen” Tim hissed.

“Yeah, almost the same damn thing” Jason said, exasperated.

“But it’s not a big deal, anyways. Cause they don’t want me there anymore”

Now Jason was confused.

“You are saying me that Goldie and Alfred let you move out of the Manor. Are you shitting me, Kid?”

Tim didn’t reply.

Jason was confused as hell.

“Okay, this is just some big misunderstanding. We will sort it out in the morning in the Manor, okay? Now come on, wash your face and put on your suit at least. We still have some time to patrol. It will help you let off some steam. After that, you could tell me about what happened in the manor, Okay?”

Tim started laughing bitterly. Now Jason was starting to get sacred due to the instant shift of his brother’s mood. ‘What the hell?’ was the only thing that Jason’s mind was able to come up with.

“What kid, did I stutter or something? Go on, put on your suit. I know you love to patrol.”

“What suit?”

“Did you hit your head somewhere, replacement? What do you wear for patrol, a three piece Armani?”

“I don’t have the suit with me, Jason”

“Okay, that’s not a problem. Because you always keep a spare one here somewhere, right? Wait here, lemme go and check” Jason said, making his way to the spare guestroom.

“I cannot wear the suit, Jason” Tim said, his voice sounding forced.

Fucking hell. This kid is going to drive him insane.

Jason turned and looked at Tim. Tim’s face was void of any emotions.

“May I ask why, replacement?” Jason asked, annoyance clear in his tone.

“I’m not Robin anymore, Damian is.”

...

…

What did he just say?

What the fuck?!?

Did he hear that right? Or did replacement totally lose it.

“Yeah no shit. I totally believe you”

But Tim’s face held a serious expression. And then Jason looked into his eyes, which held multitude of emotions.

The first emotion Jason saw was betrayal. ‘Why do Tim feel betrayed?’ he thought. Tim’s eyes held also held pain and loneliness. He then realized that his little brother was scared and lonely.

“I’m not lying, Jason” Tim said, his voice breaking. It took Jason a minute to process what he just heard. He was not able to understand anything. Why did the Gremlin become Robin when Replacement is alive and perfectly functioning. And who made Damian Robin in the first place?

“What the fuck Tim? You are Robin. Not that Gremlin. You are robin until you tragically die some way or the other. And who made him Robin anyways, cause last time I checked, Bruce was fucking six feet under” Jason said raising his voice, feeling like he is going to explode any minute.

Tim flinched, making Jason regret his choice of words.

“It was Dick.”

“What?”

“Dick chose Damian over me”

Tim sounded hopeless. Jason could pick up the boys strained breathing. He swiftly made his way towards the younger boy’s chair.

“Dick, he- he made Damian wear the Costume. He gave Robin to Damian, Jason. Just like that, he snatched it from me.  He chose him over me, Jason.” Tim sobbed, clutching the elastic of his hoodie in an iron grip while staring at Jason. Jason felt his heart break.

Yeah, everyone are in a bad place since Bruce’s death. But it still absolutely makes no sense to Jason why Dick fired Tim from Robin. Dick, out of all people, who knew that Tim struggled with a lot of issues due to his shitty childhood.

He don’t know what made Dick think that snatching Robin from him would be a better idea, given that the kid earned his place with serious determination and hard work. Unlike others, Tim took it upon himself to take the responsibility of Robin after Jason’s tragic ‘death’. And Jason would say without hesitation that Tim is the best Robin among them all. After all, the boy dedicated his whole life for Robin.

He still doesn’t fucking understand who gave Dick the idea that Tim will magically be able to ‘move on’ from the last piece of stability he had left in his life.

Tim stood up abruptly.

“You know what, I’m sorry for bothering you. You might have other important works than hearing me talk about my pathetic life. I’ll get going, Jason. I’m so sorry” Tim said, giving no time to Jason to reply.

He pulled over his hoodie and rushed to the Kitchen window and leaped, before Jason could catch him.

“Tim” the older boy called out. “Get back here this instant” he shouted, standing near the window

But his little brother did not listen. He was nowhere to be found. Not even in the alley down his apartment.

Jason sighed heavily, trying to process everything when he saw bloody footprints from the glass shards to the kitchen window from which Tim leaped.

---

Just thinking about that night made Jason sick. All the effort Dick put in strengthening his relationship with Jason went down the drain after the incident. Jason entered his safehouse carefully. He’s going to have a very long talk with his little brother now.

[lacrimosathedark]

This comment was left on my post on Judd Winick’s Jason:

#i still dunno how i feel about jay showing up in star city to ~recruit mia (for lack of a better word)

by @natasharomanovofficial​ and I don’t really think he was trying to “recruit” Mia. But it’s a whole thing on its own, so, separate post!

This is going a bit into meta and character analysis, specifically around Green Arrow Vol 3 69-72.

While it’s not uncommon for heroes and villains to have team-ups and appear in each other’s books, aside from the fact that GA was written by Judd Winick at the time and he was one of the few writers at the time who actually liked Jason (why did everyone hate him so much? Just for replacing Dick who had kind of outgrown Robin? Jeez), on the surface, it might be confusing why Jason would bother fucking around in Star City with Brick and Ollie. Especially since, while very world-traveled, he has always been very Gotham-centered. And if he was just, y’know, doing weapons deals with Brick as was what was initially displayed (and apparently a cover) it could have been mentioned in passing in Batman or GA, no need for a whole story.

But while Jason is supposed to get weapons from Brick and teams up with him against Ollie and Bruce, (which I will now show you because it’s fucking hilarious)

the key, his goal, is Mia Dearden.

Now I am admittedly relatively new to my interest in the Arrowfam (and my interest has mostly centered around Roy and Lian with Dinah sprinkled in for flavor), so I am unfortunately no expert on Mia just yet. Doesn’t help that there’s been no hide nor hair of her since the reboot of the New 52. Come on, Rebirth era, bring her back!

However, I am capable of reading wikis lol. Also, context clues.

So, what makes Mia so special that Jason would take a crew and leave home just to talk to her? (which, in the end, is pretty much all he does)

Let’s break down the confrontation!

Jason is a dramatic bitch, but also in general inherently intimidating. He’s a big strong crime lord from Gotham’s worst neighborhood (which says something because it’s fucking Gotham) who has Bat-training, world-wide Talia-approved assassin training, and of course, was beaten and blown up by the Joker, revived through no known means(in-canon, but it was SB Prime because he punched the universe), and tossed into a Lazarus Pit. He’s scary.

But he doesn’t expect Mia will be scared. He knows she’s tough and brave and been through very familiar hell. He’s not locking her down and keeping her helpless either. She’s tied up and knocked out so she is forced to confront him alone, but as soon as she’s conscious, he lets her go and gives her her own weapon. Plus, she has home field advantage--not only is it her city, but her school gym. She’s in a familiar environment while he’s not.

This is partly a test and partly proving the point he’s always trying to prove: sometimes, lethal force is necessary.

He’s not even really trying to hurt her while making his point. When he manages to successfully break her weapon, he gives her his own swords. And he gives him her two blades while he keeps just his one flamberge-type dagger (which is so fucking cool btw why doesn’t he have that anymore? It’s so pretty!). And he takes off his protective helmet. He’s giving her advantage after advantage.

And then we get to his point.

“We’re not so different, you and I.” Really, Jay? That’s incredibly cliche even for you, you over-dramatic crumpet.

Except Jason is a detective by trade and he does his research. He does know about her.

So, obvious parallels out of the way first. Jason and Mia are both abused children forced to live on big city streets, surviving by any means necessary, and eventually being adopted by a wealthy playboy vigilante to escape from another abusive situation. They were also about the same age when they were left on their own. While Jason’s father was arrested or killed before that, he was on his own when Catherine died by the time he was 12. While I have no idea about her mother, Mia ran from her abusive father and was on the streets at age 11.

There’s also the drug history. Mia apparently “shot drugs” (which I honestly am not sure means she was an addict or a seller but either way) while Jason watched his addict mom die, and is now a dealer himself (with an explicit rule against dealing to children).

Another important thing to note: this conversation is part of the reason--well, most of the reason, honestly--that people think Jason might have been a child prostitute.

(one other entirely irrelevant similarity is, apparently, both of them like to read! neat little tidbit there.)

But there’s also a meta-textual similarity here.

Did You Know? Jason Todd was initially intended--sort of--to die from AIDS instead of explodified by Mistah J!

This is only because of Jim Starlin, known Robin-hater and writer for Death in the Family.

“Well, I always thought that the whole idea of a kid side-kick was sheer insanity. So when I started writing Batman, I immediately started lobbying to kill off Robin. At one point DC had this AIDS book they wanted to do. They sent around memos to everybody saying “What character do you think we should, you know, have him get AIDS and do this dramatic thing” and they never ended up doing this project. I kept sending them things saying “Oh, do Robin! Do Robin!” And Denny O’Neill said “We can’t kill Robin off”. Then Denny one night got this flash that “Hey, if we get this number where people call in and they can vote on it, they can decide whether Robin lives or dies.” So that’s how it started. I wrote up two endings and the readers came in and voted and I think it was 93 or something, it was this negliable amount, the difference for him to be put to death. And the death won out of course.”

Okay, first of all, fuck that guy. No “let’s have Jason retire” or “let’s make Jason grow up” or “let’s ship him off to boarding school” or something, just jumping straight to child murder. Coolcoolcoolcoolcool.

But also, here’s what Judd Winick had to say about that idea.

"I think it was a stunning, unbelievable thing. In the time of fears and epidemic, to have had a superhero have it, I was stunned and proud to hear about that. But they were not able to do it. I always forget to ask Denny [O'Neil] about that, about what happened.”

Which, fair. This is what he’d said just before that, when asked, actually, about Mia!

"The way that came about was actually a lot like how I ended up bringing Jason Todd back. [...] ...when it was my turn, I said 'I think she should be Speedy, and I think she should test positive, and one should be about the other'. In the face of a potentially shortened lifespan, it wasn't 'I'm gonna die real soon', it was 'every little bit of it matters, should go towards something'. It was that she could give something, not about when she was gonna die. That was always my point. It made sense."

So Judd Winick knew about the idea of Jason dying of AIDS when he decided Mia would be positive for HIV, and subsequently writing this Red Hood vs Speedy story.

Now a small science interlude because I too am a huge nerd who must know everything.

In the off chance you don’t know, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), if not treated, can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). They are, as the name suggests, viruses that attack the immune system of the host, weakening it and causing a whole host of problems.

Jason’s demise and the plotting thereof was in the 1980s. This was early in the epidemic, and there were certain perceptions regarding the disease. HIV and AIDS are transmitted through body fluids mostly. If Jason had got it, technically it could have been something as simple as accidentally getting a positive person’s blood on him in a fight. But the most well-documented means of transmission were injections and sexual contact. Now, there’s also the chance that Jason could have gotten it from a bad transfusion. A story also could have been made of him dealing with drugs, which I find less likely--though possible I suppose--considering his mom. Though he could have gotten it from her while caring for her. So many ways it could have gone. But it’s worth noting, it was especially common among not-straight men, hence the increased stigma against gay men. This is also a big and dumb part of why people have to not have had same-sex sexual contact for months prior to donating blood. I hate this fucking country.

Educational rant and theorizing over lol.

TL;DR for that part, Jason could have been given AIDS which is a metatextual parallel to Mia having HIV that was not purely accidental since the writer knew about the idea.

MOVING ON!

Getting to Jason’s point.

Jason has her on the ropes. He has her pinned down and immobile. He has her disarmed and his hands on her throat.

And then he backs away.

He connects with her. They have a common history. He knows first-hand that Bruce could never kill anyone no matter how vile, and Ollie has similar values (if not the same because, well...Ollie has killed people. But y’know.).

In my personal opinion, he sees Mia as potential for how things could have been. Robin is the light to Batman’s dark, but Jason is also the down-to-earth and wordly-aware from a harsh life compared to Bruce’s sheer privilege. Mia has the opportunity to be both for Ollie, and to make the hard choices he can’t.

But Jason doesn’t force her to do anything.

He lets her go.

(with a little explosion for flavor because he’s a dramatic bitch like that)

He just wanted to “teach her a lesson”. This was literally an educational venture. He extremely literally took her to school.

He schooled her oh my god I’m just getting that now holy shit.

Jason Todd, you absolute literary nerd, you are the fucking worst and I hate you and I love you.

This, to my knowledge, is the last we hear about it.

But Mia’s still thinking about it. Jason’s words got to her on some level. She knows he’s right about some things--they are very similar, and yeah, maybe some people deserve to die.

But Jason is so frequently used as a cautionary tale--the Robin that screwed up--that she is not going to become him.

But maybe that was also part his plan.

Don’t be me. Be better.

But I guess that’s just a theory.

A Comic Theory thanks for--

[somerandommess]

Maxiel Au, writer Max;editor Dan. On Ao3 :) here. It’s like 3000 words so below is just a snippet. Enjoy? :)

Jimmy and Sassy

The tail of how two cats explore the world

Book 3: Jimmy & Sassy become pawtectives

Written by Max Verstappen

Illustrated by Charles Leclerc

Draft

“You cant possibly think editing this book yourself is a good idea”

“I do think it’s a good idea. I’m not going to send off my book to some random editor. I know what I wrote, I can edit it!”

“It’s not that I don’t think you can edit it, it’s just that you already have so much work doing.”

This is a conversation that Max and Charles have had several times since Max finished writing his latest book.

Ever since he published the first Jimmy&Sassy book, his agent Christian had been on his back about the next books in the series. Max never expected the books to gain such popularity, but apparently cats getting into trouble was what 7-9 year olds around the world demanded.

Max got up from his place at the breakfast bar and made his way to the fridge, stealing a piece of toast from Charles as he went. He frowned and shoved a bit of omelette in his mouth , watching as Max took his last yogurt.

He didn’t really want the yogurt, but since Charles brought up this topic for the third time this week he figured why not. Out of spite.

He walked to the couch, yogurt in hand, sat down and picked up his laptop. He placed the yogurt down in favor of his mouse and opened the draft of Jimmy&Sassy. Highlighted words and comments greeted him as he scrolled down to where he stopped late last night.

Jimmy gave Sassy a remorseful look. Perhaps the dog from across the street hadn’t stolen the catnip from Mrs.Hoffer, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t commit a crime. Sassy blinks at him but says nothing. Jimmy knows she’s discontent-

“You see! Discontent, remorseful! What seven year old is going to know what discontent is?” Charles exclaimed from behind him.

Max jumps. He didn’t hear Charles sneaking up behind him. He blames it on the lack of sleep.

“They can get a dictionary,” Max responds. It’s what I did he leaves out. He knows Charles gets uncomfortable when he talks about his childhood. About Jos. He doesn’t say it out loud but he sees it in his eyes when Max says certain things.

His father always hated his decision to become an author. He told him he’d never make it big, and that he should stick to children books since he can’t write anything above a fourth grade reading level.

Despite the success of Jimmy&Sassy, he still feels that his father was right when he ignores his other projects to write about two cats stopping a parrot crime lord from taking over the world.

“Get a dictionary? Do you hear yourself?” Charles crouches next to him,

“It’s not just this, you have so many sentences that are out of place. Most of it feels like it should be in another book-“

Max rolls his eyes, “Charles-“

“I know you’ve been working on a side project,” Charles presses on.

“Charles I’m not-“

“Don’t even lie, I see you writing sometimes.” He smiles cheekily at him.

Max frowns. It’s true.

Charles looks at him still and Max chooses to ignore him, highlighting discontent and remorseful instead.

Charles stands and cracks his back. Max watches out of the corner of his eye as he takes his seat next to the window infront of his tablet. He picks up his pen and goes through the motion of sketching potential covers for the new book.

Max shakes his head and stares at the screen.

He highlights some more,

Deluded, rampant, languid.

Charles hums some stupid song, smile on his face. Max groans.

“Fine!”

“What’s that Max?” Charles looks at him, batting his eyes.

“Maybe I need an editor,” he mumbles.

“What’s that? I can’t hear you?” Charles responds. A big smile on his face.

Max angrily clicks save, “You heard me!”

Charles giggles, actually giggles, and grabs his phone.

“I’ll send you his info.”

“You already have someone? Is he even credible? Has he done editing before?”

Charles doesn’t bother looking at him and just continues typing, “He’s a friend of Jules”

Max blinks. Jules Bianchi, famous romance author, and Charles’ godfather. Max assumes that the guy edits stuff for Jules, so he must be good.

He closes his laptop and sets it down. His phones pings and he sees it’s the contact information for a Danny Ric .

He would email him later.

….

On Ao3 here

[niphredil-14]

Unearth My Heart Chapter 7 (FINALE) (Jason Todd /Reader)

Summary: A savior appears, in more ways than one. Warnings: Alcoholism, creepy men, angst, mentions of death (Obviously) Word Count: 2.4k Author's Note: At long last, after over a year, I am finished with this fic! I hope you enjoy!

Despite all the healing she had done, and all the coping mechanisms she had learned, the closer it got to he anniversary of his death, the more she fell back into the depths of her mind, and the pain that was hidden there. It started slowly, with her sleeping more, and shying away from the world and any social interaction, aside from when she would run out of alcohol in her apartment, and would venture out to a liquor store or some cheap bar. The latter was where she found herself that night, drunk off of her own misery, and a few shots of tequila. She sat the bar, head resting on her hand as she swirled some cheap liquor in the glass, each clink of the ice hurting her head. A man came and leaned against the bar just to her left, pulling her out of her thoughts. He gave her a smile, a disgusting smile, and slimy voice resounded from him.

“How about I buy you a drink?” She gave him a blank stare and lifted her glass up, still swirling it, slightly louder and more obnoxious though, as if to say ‘I’ve already got one, asshole.’ He wasn’t deterred and spoke again. “Fair enough. I’ve seen you here a few times, you live around here?” She took a sip of her drink, placing it back down on the bar, keeping her gaze on the ice cubes. That frustrated the man to her left. “The fuck’s your problem, bitch? I’m just trying to make conversation. You don’t have to be such a cunt.” He spat, reaching to roughly grab her arm. She startled, and he tried to use her surprise to yank her to her feet. A hand grabbed at the man’s hand on her arm and pried it off. Y/n turned her gaze to look at the person who had interfered, only to find what could best be described as a giant. Dressed head to toe in a fabric all too familiar to her, kevlar, a brown leather jacket partially covered the red bat symbol on his chest, and the bright red helmet shone under the lights of the bar. She knew who he was. He had her family on their toes.

“Pretty ballsy move, trying to grab a woman in a room full of witnesses, don’tcha think, buddy?” His helmet’s voice modulator couldn’t hide his heavy Gotham accent, or the venom dripping from his voice. She took a few steps back, eyes trained on the back of the helmet. Why was he there? Why did he help her? Did he know the family’s identities? Did he know her?

“Hey, man, it wasn’t like that-“ The scum attempted to speak, but a sickening crack came from the larger man’s fist connecting with his jaw. And in the chaos, she disappeared into the crowd, and made her way out of the door. The city lights were reflected in the wet streets like the northern lights over the ocean, and with each step, her feet made a small plop, as if she were walking in puddles, even though the water wasn’t nearly deep enough to be classified as such. She didn’t get more than a hundred feet before she heard the bar’s door swing open and shut. His booming, robotic voice rang out, bouncing off the concrete walls, surrounding her entirely.

“You alright?” She stopped in her track, and turned only slightly around, just enough to toss a response over her shoulder.

“I’m fine.” She intentionally left the gratitude out, fearing the crime lord would take it as her owing him something, and being left no choice but to hand it over, lest it be taken from her.

“You need a ride home? My bike’s just in the parking lot.”

“No, I’m good.”

“How ‘bout I walk you home then?”

“Oh yeah? What do you plan on doing if you run into another asshole, huh?” He asked, a smirk detectable in his voice. She turned to face him, threw her arms together, crossed against her chest, and shifted her hip out as she let her head fall slightly to the side.

“Haven’t I already?” It may have been the liquor talking more than it was her, but regardless of what made her continue speaking, she did. “I mean, you act like you’re some hero for getting that dick in the bar off my back, but you’re being just as pushy as he was” And by the time her mouth stopped moving, her brain had caught up. She was just as surprised as he was. The Red Hood threw his hands up in casual defeat and took a step back.

“Alright. Fair enough. Have a goodnight.” And with that, he disappeared into the night. She continued her walk home, and though he may have stayed out of her sight, she never left his.

Days passed, and she grew more paranoid with each passing one. She could feel someone’s gaze on her, though whenever she turned and looked about, it disappeared until she returned to what she was doing. He kept his distance for a short while, memorizing her schedule. She rarely left her house, but when she did, it was routine. And on a Thursday night, a few weeks after their encounter, he entered her apartment, silently sliding the window open and slipping in. She would be gone for about an hour and a half to meet with her therapist, something Alfred had insisted she’d do. He stalked silently through her home, almost every surface was covered in clutter, and almost every inch of wall was covered with pictures of her and Jason. Her apartment was filthy, to say the least, and smelled distinctly of cheap tequila. His feet carried him throughout every room quickly, he didn’t want to get caught- he wasn’t ready to face her yet- so instead of thoroughly searching, he merely got a feeling of the layout and contents. He eventually came to her bedroom, and was, almost hypnotically, drawn to what seemed to be her memorial. Pictures of Jason were scattered on it, along with several trinkets he had given her, and vice versa. Red Hood stood there, the tip of his index finger just barely touching the table. He was enamored. So enamored that he didn’t hear her open the bedroom door until it was too late. He whipped his head in her direction, only to find her standing horrified in the doorway. Her eyes ran down from his helmet to his chest, finally landing on the finger touching the shrine. Dashing over to him, she placed herself between him and the memorial. Her hands resting on either side of the table, and her back arched and chest puffed out towards the vigilante, in an attempt at shielding her most precious possessions.

“Don’t touch it!” She yelled at him. “Do whatever you will to me, but don’t fucking touch anything on the table. It’s all I have.” She threw her words out hurriedly, tears beginning to form in the corners of her eyes. “It’s all that’s left of him, and it’s mine.” Her chest was heaving, and her body began to shake as her mind caught up to what was happening. She was challenging a vigilante, and a crime lord. She had only fought one over-dressed crazy person before, and it landed her in a coma. She wasn’t Jason, she couldn’t do that. Her demands quickly fell to pleads, in sync with the tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please, don’t touch it, please.” The Red Hood stood frozen for a moment before taking a step back, listening to her begs turn into a whimpered mantra of ‘Please.’

“Hey, it’s okay, I won’t touch anything.” That didn’t stop her from continuing her cries, but her body eased down a bit, falling to the ground between him and the memorial. She kept a hand on one of the table legs, like it was the only thing keeping her tied to reality. The Red Hood stood there for a minute, just watching her cry, and it broke him, He took a step towards her, his heart splintering when she flinched, and crouched down in front of her, just a few inches away. He held his hand out to her, but she ignored it, holding tight to the table leg instead. It was like he was no longer there, she didn’t acknowledge him in the slightest, as if her tears had dimmed all of her senses. He didn’t reach out to her again, or try to touch her at all, but he gently called out, his voice just above a whisper. “Hey, hey, look at me.” He wasn’t ready to truly face her yet, he wasn’t ready to reveal himself to her, but there was nothing he felt he could do, not with how obviously torn apart she was over losing him. She wasn’t like the rest of the family, who had moved on and forgotten him, she still remembered him, she still needed him. “Y/n.” He said, a bit more firmly, but still a far cry from being even the slightest bit aggressive. She looked up to him, wide-eyed, with her gaze shifting from one of the eyes on the mask to the other repeatedly, as if she was unsure which to look at. He shifted so that he was smaller in stature. “I gotta show you something, can you focus on me for a minute?” She was unsure, but had no real choice, and gave him a shaky nod. Slowly, as to not startle her, he reached a hand up to the nape of his neck, looking for the helmet’s latch. With a small hiss of air, the helmet loosened, and he lifted it off of his head. He reached a hand up to the corner, ready to peel the domino mask off, but first asked her to, “Please keep this a secret. No one can know. Not your friends, not your family, no one. Okay?” She gave another shaky, single nod, and he closed his eyes and peeled the mask off his face, cursing the adhesive when it tugged on his eyebrow. Finally, placing it down on the ground beside his helmet, he opened his eyes and looked up. The horror displayed in her eyes deeply hurt him, though he wasn’t sure what kind of reaction he had actually been expecting.

“Jason?” Her voice was quiet and timid. He nodded. “You can’t be, he’s dead, I saw his corpse.” Her voice gained some volume. “I sat there, holding his lifeless body and cried and screamed and begged for him to come back!” She was yelling. “You’re not real.” And her voice fell back to its hushed, defeated tone. “You can’t be real.” He scooched forward slightly, still not touching her, but giving her the option to reach him.

“I’m real, I promise I’m real.” He went to speak again, but she beat him to the chase.

“Prove it.” He hesitated for a moment, then took off his glove and rolled up the sleeve of his jacket enough to reveal his wrist. On it was a small bracelet, with two gems on it. Their birthstones, the same bracelet she put on him before the funeral. Her hand flew to her chest, where her matching necklace hung. She gulped. Still paranoid and unconvinced, she spoke again. “You could’ve stolen that.” He chuckled under his breath, if it were anyone else, he would have been annoyed. He untucked his left pant leg from his combat boots and rolled it up past his calf. Turning his leg to her, he pointed out a faint scar.

“You remember when I got this? We were climbing over a fence, and I lost my footing and fell. You were so upset that when we went back to the manor, Alfred thought you were the one that was hurt.” There was an edge of amusement in his voice, a side effect of thinking back on fond memories. She gently reached out and traced the faint white line with her finger. Though she was still not fully convinced. Jason let out a soft sigh and untucked his shirt from his belt. Lifting it up and holding it just below his chin, he showed her hist chest. “Don’t tell me that my autopsy scar isn’t enough proof for you.” The horror found its way back to her eyes, and she reached out to trace the large Y-shaped scar from the tip of the Y, all the way down to his naval, her eyes following her finger’s journey.

“Jay,” She whispered, breathless. “Jay,” She said again, louder, and began to cry again. Throwing herself at him, she wrapped her arms around his torso, and buried her face in his neck. Repeating his name over and over again. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight to him. He pressed his face into her hair.

“It’s okay, baby. I’ve gotcha, I’ve gotcha.” They stayed like that for what felt like hours, until she finally pulled back just slightly.

“I’ve missed you so much! How are you here?” He let out a sigh.

“It’s a long story.” She narrowed her eyes and lightly hit his chest.

“Jason Peter Todd. You are my whole world; you always have been. And I have not known a single moment of peace since your death. I left my heart in your casket, let it get buried with you. I have all the time in the world to listen to you talk.” And so he did. He recounted everything that had happened to him, from the bomb’s countdown, to waking up six feet under, to the healing effects of the Lazarus Pit and the madness that followed. To tracking her down. He recounted every second, and she listened attentively. When he finished his tale, they got up. It didn’t take much of her begging to convince him to stay the night. And when they went through their nightly routines, and laid down to go to sleep, she held on to him tight, afraid that he would slip through her fingers, or that she would find out that it was all just another dream. He held her just as tightly. Just before they fell deep into slumber, she leaned up, and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. “Thanks, Jay.”

“For what?” He asked, sleep pervading his voice, providing it with a delicious rumble.

“Thank you for unearthing my heart.”

[benbamboozled]

Cheating bc we've talked about it but I love hearing you rant so: brujay!

Do I ship it??? Do I Ship it??? We’re INVOLVED.

1. What made you ship it?

2. What are your favourite things about the ship?

Oh god where do I even begin????

The history.

The tragedy.

The FEELINGS.

I just love how Jason and Bruce are so entangled in each other. I love how NOTHING about them is healthy but also like…there is a core of softness because they both just WANT to be with the other SO MUCH. (As seen in their respective Cheer hallucinations…I will seriously never get over this I will be 124 years old sitting in my Mad Max motorcycle-sidecar screaming to my whippersnapper companion as we drive through the post-apocalyptic desert wastelands, “AND SEE THEIR PERFECT WORLD IS THE CHANCE TO FIND SATISFACTION WITH EACH OTHER!!!!”)

Like I don’t even mean it specifically in a shippy way, they just get SO MESSED UP about each other.

I mean…when Jason died, Bruce genuinely tried to kill the Joker and then did a “kill myself (with extra steps for plausible deniability)” speedrun.

When Bruce “died,” Jason decided to Be Batman—complete with attempting to recruit a Robin! And also went on a miiiinor fratricidal rampage. Just a little one.

So, you know…they’re super normal about each other is what I’m saying.

3. Is there an unpopular opinion you have on this ship?

I’m not really into the “Bruce realizes the error of his ways and that he was mean to Jason and idk maybe is cool with Jason killing or w/e” genre of fics. I understand why people like them, but one of the things I find so compelling with Bruce and Jason is how they so consistently attract and repel each other.

And, like, as a Bruce-stan (although it may not seem like it)…I don’t want him to be okay with killing. And like, yeah, I know he’s gone all sorts of ways in canon wrt his code…but I like him having a line he won’t cross and I like him holding to that line for the heroes in his city.

(Oh yeah and that might be an unpopular opinion wrt Ghostbat in that I don’t like Bruce being all “it’s whatevs girly!” when it comes to Khoa killing people.)

And like…OBVIOUSLY I don’t want Jason to give up killing people (as I have made…uh…abundantly clear in the past lol), so honestly my ideal Bruce&Jason dynamic would be one where they’ll have each other’s backs when the shit hits the fan but they are still, on the books, enemies.

So Batman will still foil Red Hood’s Crime Lord plots…but it would take too much time and too many resources to SOLELY take down the Red Hood.

And Red Hood’s still going to be Crime Lord-ing away…but he’s not going to specifically target the Bats. (Anymore.)

(And then also they have scream-fights and “I need you too much to let you go even though that would probably be objectively better for both of us” sex.)

(Grab the ship game here and feel free to ask more questions!)

Sources are (roughly in the order I used them)

Batman #645

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #100

Batman #629

Batman #646

Batman #647

Batman: Urban Legends #6

[fnafawoundleftbleedingau]

FNaF: Through The Static AU: Fic Sneak Peek: Part 1 As stated here prior, I'll be posting the little sneak peeks I've written up for 2 of my future FNaF AU's here, due to Tumblr's character limit, they'll have to be spread out across a few different posts. I'll be copy/pasting the same preface for these here as they were posted with on Ao3.

Hello! InsomniaHyena here! If you follow my FNaF AU's tumblr ( https://fnafawoundleftbleedingau.tumblr.com/ ) Chances are you've seen me mention AU's I want to write fics for other than A Wound Left Bleeding. There's currently 3 others I have planned, and what you'll read in this chapter, is a sneak peek of one titled "Through the Static", formerly referred to as the "Species Swap AU", the concept, in short being, human characters fill the roles of Animatronics, and the Animatronics are human characters. (For the most part, there are some exceptions) At the time of posting this sneak peek, I don't have an outline for this fic, nor I have 100% settled on details, so, that's why I list this as a sneak peek or "pilot episode" as, things are bound to change quite a bit between this, and whenever I have a more final version of the fic in the works, but nonetheless, it gives a peek into what I have planned and ideas for so far~ Enjoy!

Begin reading below!

The small office at the back of the combination arcade and restaurant was alight with voices raised in outrage, more people than the room was built to hold crowded around the desk in it’s center, those who’d not been quick enough to shove their way through the door, stood in the doorway and hallway, peering around the framing and calling in their two cents to the whole situation. The owner of the place sat at his desk, an expression wholly akin to a cornered, and perhaps, rabid animal plastered on his features as he barked back denials and rebuttals to each complaint and accusation cast his way from, frankly, a vastly, we’ll say “colorful” host of characters. Even if only vaguely, from things like the news, wanted posters, and even old interviews from TV talk shows, Freddy recognized quite a few of them. Retired circus performers, an apparent local crime lord and her subordinates, an ex-rockstar, the owners of the local daycare, a well known social media influencer, and even his own landlord, to name a few of the faces and voices he found among the crowd as he stood, several feet back, a small animatronic, bearing a rather smug expression on his face stood at his side. As did his three roommates, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy. The quartet stood beside the utter chaos that had begun that morning, and was still spiraling well into the afternoon.

“It’s just AI!” The owner violently insisted, slamming a fist down against his desk, and earning himself nothing more than more outrage from the crowd. “AI my ass!” “He came after my child too!” “Whatever’s running these “animatronics” of yours, it sure as hell isn’t just gears and code!” “You’re a sick man!” “Wait till my followers hear about this! They’ll ruin you!” “I’ll tear him apart myself!” Freddy cringed slightly and took a few more steps back with his four friends and the small machine that accompanied them as a baseball bat, likely belonging to one of the crime lord’s “friends”, judging by the barbed wire wrapped around it, was launched out of the doorway and rolled across the floor. At least they’d been disarmed, seemed they weren’t ready to let things devolve that far quite yet. But all of this was still vastly far from the way they’d expected to spend their day. “I uh, know there’s a lot worse going on right now.” Chica awkwardly spoke up, a slight nervous laugh attached to her voice. “But, we’re all 100% fired, aren’t we?” “Oh, Absolutely.” Freddy agreed, flinching again at the sound of something shattering in the next room, mixed in among the cacophony of enraged voices.                                                                                               ~Several Months Earlier~ “Hunks’a junk.” Freddy glanced up from the table he was cleaning, swiping the dirty dishes into a tray as he watched Bonnie and Foxy circle one of the animatronics on the nearby stage, they were, aged things to say the least, and had been on the cusp of failure for years. The owner of their place of employment had neglected to ever hire an actual repairman, claiming that he was more than capable of fixing the machines himself, and while he’d proven that a few times, he’d also seldom had the time to maintain them in recent months. The neglect had finally caught up to them, as they’d shut down in a glorious flurry of sparks, their pre-recorded voices sputtering out and slowing in a display that could be described as a combination of a fireworks show and summoning a demon.

If nothing else, at least the amount of children the whole thing had frightened and the anger it had caused their parents had thinned out the lunch rush, it made their jobs a bit easier for the time being with only a few people who’d either walked in after the catastrophic failure, or the college students who didn’t seem phased by much of anything being all who remained of their customers now. The boss had been informed, and simply told them to handle it themselves, as was the usual. “Foxy, look at me, do I look like a mechanic?” Bonnie grumbled, kicking the shin of the broken animatronic before them, and quickly stepping backwards as the slight impact was enough to teeter it off balance, and sending it falling face first off the stage. “If you didn’t before, ya sure don’t look like one now.” Foxy replied, after having watched the machine snap into several pieces upon impact, it’s head rolling across the floor of the dining room and only coming to a stop as Chica stuck her foot into its path. “One of you come pick this up before someone trips!” She called, her arms shaking slightly as she tried to balance several serving trays full of soda and pizza on either arm.

Freddy sat down the cleaning supplies and drew closer to the stage, picking up the animatronic head from the floor, and holding it aloft on his hand like a puppet, though it was far larger than his hands, he still managed to clumsily manipulate it into opening and closing its mouth a couple times. “Something tells me there’s no fixing these things this time.” He commented, looking up at the two other animatronics left on the stage, one still smoldering from the recently extinguished electrical fire that had begun within it. While the other remained in pieces on the floor, and the third twitched unnaturally. “Please find the off switch on that one.” Chica pleaded, trying to avert her eyes to its twitching as she hurried off to place down the few orders she still had left to tend to. “Then one of you needs to come back and help me in the kitchen!”

-CONTINUES ON NEXT POST- NEXT

[thrushforreal]

A new crime lord called the Red Hood has been taking up a lot of Batmans time. He's got the Bat running all over the city and still somehow finds time to mess with Robin as well. It must have gotten too much for Bruce to handle because the twins find themselves standing at the door of Wayne Manor.

After Jack and Dana's deaths, Tim had tried to bring back good old Uncle Eddie. He didn't last long, Bruces paranoia, causing him to check up on the two constantly. Worried that the Red Hood had somehow found them.

Suffice to say that not long after the two of them found themselves in Bruce Wayne's custody with permanent rooms in the family wing. But Bruce was still concerned with the Hoods fixation on Robin, which brings them to now.

"I'm really fine, Bruce," Tim grumbled, kicking one of the suitcases next to him. "I don't need to go to the tower. You don't need to bench me!"

Bruce just let out a hn in response and put the suitcase he had Tim pack in the back of Dicks car. "It's for your safety," he said, closing the trunk with a huff. "Just until we catch the Red Hood." Tim wasn't happy with this response at all.

"Why doesn't Trace have to go?"

"Maybe because I don't have a murderer after me?" Trace snarked from where they stood in the doorway of Wayne Manor. "Besides, you get to see the others, so which of us really has the worst of it here?"

Tim didn't reply to that. He just walked up to her, gave her a hug, and went back to the car. Only then did he say something, "I guess you're right, I did get the better end of the stick."

Dick and Tim got in the car and drove away. It would have been faster to use the Zeta in the Batcave, but Bat paranoia strikes again. So Bruce is having Dick drive Tim to a Zeta further away to use.

~a week later~

"There you go, all bandaged up!" Thrush exclaimed as they put a Green Arrow bandaid over the standard field bandages dressing the wound of the child in front of them. It was nasty, but at least it was only caused by a fall and not something more dangerous. "That wasn't so bad now, was it?" they asked the kid, pulling a handful of lollipops from their belt for him to choose from.

The kid let out a little giggle and shook his head as he studied the options in front of him as serious as if it was a test. As they sat there a thud sounded behind them, Thrush not startling only from their training. But that did remind them of somethings.

One, they are a bat, well bird, but the same thing. Two, they are in Crime Alley right now. Thrush never really realized how much of the area they patrolled dipped into what is now classified as Hood territory. And Three, the child in front of them was not scared in the slightest. Something they know is not something Batman can do.

"Where is he?" The mechanical voice growled behind them, only after the kid took his pick of lollipop and scampered off.

"Can't say Hood." Thrush replied, hands up in the air as she turned around, her own voice modulated by the device in her bandana over her mouth. "You don't exactly have good intentions, do you?"

He stalked closer, "I don't need good intentions. For him or you, you're on my terf, by the way."

"Some would say it's mine."

"They would be wrong, now where is he."

"Don't worry, Robins safe." Thrush said, putting their hands down. It was an interrogation. Intimidating, yes, but he knew if he wanted information, he could hurt them. "Somewhere that's not here, at least." As they finished their sentence, they grabbed their grapple and shot it, swinging away from the angry yells of the Red Hood.

"Guy needs to get a different hobby," they mumbled to themself. "Obsessing over a teenage boy is not a good look."

~ with Tim 2 days later ~

Tim loved his friends, he did really. But sometimes he just needs some peace and quiet. Time to himself. And here he found himself, practically middle of the night, sitting in the kitchen area.

The light overhead was barely enough to see the computer in front of him. He was planning on working on cases that he hadn't had time to yet since he'd left Gotham. But with quiet came thoughts, and not the thoughts he wanted.

His strayed to the conversation he had with Trace a couple of days ago.

"The Red Hood did what?" Tim said, his surprise carrying in his voice.

"He's cornered Nightwing and I like three times trying to figure out where you are!" Trace laughed over the phone, rummaging with something on their end of the line. "He even got Bats one time. After their talk though, it seems he'd had enough and hasn't been out in a while. Probably thinking up a new strategy to get information."

Tim hummed, "Well, we don't know that for sure, but one can hope."

Their conversation didn't last long after that, delving into mundane topics until Trace had to hang up to help Alfred with something. But Tim can't stop thinking about the Hood. Why would he just disappear like that?

He didn't think on it long as his coffee ran out. He sighed and got up to make a new pot. Tim leaned tiredly against the counter as it brewed, he drinks more coffee lately than ever. Sure, a cup here or there, but with his workload as Robin Tim has found himself downing whole pots one after the other.

When the pot was done Tim grabbed it and returned to his seat at the table. As he sat down, a chill ran down his spine. Something was wrong. The lights flickered above. That shouldn't happen, not here, not with their funding. "Kon?" Tims called out, voice shaky.

"Sorry little birdie," said a voice from the darkness, mechanical. "Not Kon."

'Not Kon.'

~ Trace a couple hours before ~

The streets of Crime Alley are still void of the Red Hood. Thrush flitted from one rooftop to the other, searching alleyways. Some working girls, on a corner. 'Perfect' They thought, swooping down gently behind them. "Ladies." They called out, startling them a little.

Before they could speak though Thrush started again. "Sorry, I don't have much time. Have you seen the Hood lately?"

"Hood?"

"He hasn't been around for a good couple of days, spread word about how he was off to see a birdie and he'd be back soon."

"Shit." Thrush was already off before the ladies could say anything else, hand reaching up to her comm. "Oracle," She said. "Oracle, I think I know where the Red Hood is."

~ Titans Tower ~

A finger dragged along the wall, leaving a long red streak behind. Footsteps echoed in the hall, followed by the beeping of a keypad and the shutting of a door. All that was left was a soft, gurgling sound in the living room. Not 5 minutes later, running sounded from somewhere else in the tower, yelling coming not long after. As it got closer, it became clearer

"-m! -im! Tim! TIM!" Nightwing dropped to Tims side at where he laid on the living room ground. On the wall written in tims own blood were the words:

Jason Todd Was Here