The Man On The Flying Trapeze

Gotham Night Life

Ju-ken kept his eyes closed for most of the journey. Listening for the clicks, followed by the whooshes through the air. For brief moments his anxiety lessened, hearing the breaths of the other as well as the clicks of the grappling line but then it only deepened as they approached mid swing. Eventually when they had set down, he realized just how tight of a grip he had on the other. “Sorry,” was all he could manage before letting go.

It took a moment for his stomach to settle and his mind to re-calibrate. Adrenalin made his limbs feel rubbery and his hand shake. After a deep breathe he opened his eyes and looked to the other. “I’m ok.” A brief pause ensued as he waited for his panic to subside a bit. “You certainly know how to sweep someone off their feet,” he joked to lighten the mood. “I think I need to sit down for a bit though.”

“Is this the place,” he gestured at the nearest place he could see hoping that it was as he did not trust his legs to carry him too far at the moment.

The younger man didn’t dare leave his companion’s side while he looked so pale. Steady seats and food awaited inside, and the late night Gotham air was anything but fresh. There was less chance of liver cirrhosis inside then lung cancer in the air.

“This is it,” the masked man stated with a nod. “Think you can make it inside?”

Nightwing put almost no effort into hiding his worry. Getting Ju-ken something to eat and drink would bring his blood sugar up from the obvious adrenaline rush, and if the man had been looking for a bar, his blood sugar had to have been lower before his ‘adventure’ had started.

Once he got the man situated in a booth in the far corner from the main area, the vigilante sat across from the other. Before he could say anything, a college aged waitress dropped off food and alcohol menus, then quickly (but not rudely) rushed back to the kitchen.

Ju-ken nodded curtly looking at the bar. It wasn’t that far and he had managed to walk of his adrenaline after Gackt’s roller coaster torture some years before. “This is not my first time being in this situation,” he offered an empty laugh.

Ju-ken made his way in, not oblivious to the concern the other offered and feeling a bit bothered but his inability to hide his condition better. It was rather a strange feeling for him as most people were only interested in his fame or what they could get from him back home. More than he cared to recall women would go on dates with him just to get closer to the other famous people he knew. It was nice to have anyone care about him simply because he was a person, even if it was a complete stranger behind a mask.

“Busy night,” he spoke after taking a seat. His eyes briefly scanned the room as a bit of paranoia set in. His “hobbies” as his parents like to call them, kept him on edge, yet he felt he could trust the raven haired stranger behind the mask. “Do you have any suggestions. I have no idea what most of this stuff is,” he offered a weak smile while he looked over the alcohol menu, having already discarded the food menu for lack of understanding.

With a slight narrowing of his eyes, Nightwing followed the older into the building. The thought of the sexy man being so terrified didn't sit well with him.

Almost as soon as the two stepped in the door, the host quickly sat them in Red Hood’s booth. Red Hood had claimed this place as his territory pretty quickly after he appeared in Gotham. Soon after he had warmed to the Bat-family, the place became used to the presence of masks. All entrances or exits were in view from hood’s side of the booth, as well as most of the restaurant-like bar too. Out of habit, the former boy wonder took the side opposite of Hood’s normal spot.

He picked up the two menus and piled them to the side as he smiled back understandingly. “Unless you have allergies to something, there’s nothing on the menu that I would recommend against.” Hood had a loved this place and the owners for a reason, from their sauerkraut balls to their spätzle, it was made well and with pride.

When the older waitress came by to get their orders she spoke to Ju-ken in slightly accented English to ask what his drink would be tonight, happy relaxing into German with Nightwing for a quick exchange before she left.

#juken19yen #GNL

Gotham Night Life

#GNL #juken19yen #alcohol writing

Ju-ken kept his eyes closed for most of the journey. Listening for the clicks, followed by the whooshes through the air. For brief moments his anxiety lessened, hearing the breaths of the other as well as the clicks of the grappling line but then it only deepened as they approached mid swing. Eventually when they had set down, he realized just how tight of a grip he had on the other. “Sorry,” was all he could manage before letting go.

It took a moment for his stomach to settle and his mind to re-calibrate. Adrenalin made his limbs feel rubbery and his hand shake. After a deep breathe he opened his eyes and looked to the other. “I’m ok.” A brief pause ensued as he waited for his panic to subside a bit. “You certainly know how to sweep someone off their feet,” he joked to lighten the mood. “I think I need to sit down for a bit though.”

“Is this the place,” he gestured at the nearest place he could see hoping that it was as he did not trust his legs to carry him too far at the moment.

The younger man didn’t dare leave his companion’s side while he looked so pale. Steady seats and food awaited inside, and the late-night Gotham air was anything but fresh. There was less chance of liver cirrhosis inside then lung cancer in the air.

“This is it,” the masked man stated with a nod. “Think you can make it inside?”

Nightwing put almost no effort into hiding his worry. Getting Ju-ken something to eat and drink would bring his blood sugar up from the obvious adrenaline rush, and if the man had been looking for a bar, his blood sugar had to have been lower before his ‘adventure’ had started.

Once he got the man situated in a booth in the far corner from the main area, the vigilante sat across from the other. Before he could say anything, a college-aged waitress dropped off food and alcohol menus, then quickly (but not rudely) rushed back to the kitchen.

Gotham Night Life

“You are observant,” a smile crossed his lips. “If I could ride motorcycles exclusively I would.”

Ju-ken could not help but take in the handsome features of the much younger man as he closed the distance. It took every once of his considerable control to prevent his breath from hitching when the strong arm wrapped around his waist. Were he able to see the man’s eyes, he feared he might find himself falling for him. Fortunately, that was not the case and the warm embrace was meant for something else entirely… Travel of the sky high variety.

He felt himself being lurched into the sky with a speed he had not expected. Deep breaths were the only thing that kept his panic down at least for the moment.

As he had mentioned before, he had been flying through Gotham for about 12 years. Not to mention that he had been on tightropes and the trapeze from the time he was able the walk or hold on to the bar while his family had been with the circus. He was a Grayson after all, and everyone said they flew.

The bar was only a few minutes away, but every time he checked his companion’s anxiety had only worsened. Ju-ken’s breaths where clearly being deliberately deepened, and his absolute fear showed in his tightly held grip. Therefore all his efforts were put into making the ride as smooth as possible, but he feared when they touched down that he had terrified the man beyond any repair.

“Are you alright?” he questioned as he released his grip on the other next to a bench outside their destination, but really to help the older if needed. “Do you need anything?”

He felt horrible for having terrorized the other, unintentional as it may have been. The last thing he wanted was to hurt the sexy attractive man, whether mentally or physically.

Gotham Night Life

“Well the point of tonight was adventure so German food I think…” Ju-ken spoke, running his fingers through his long black hair. “I have not had it before.” He nodded decisively. “If that is ok for you,” he spoke remembering his manners.

At the next statement he felt his stomach drop. There was little if anything that scared the man, except heights. Since childhood, he held the same fear. It was one Gackt had loved to exploit during their time working together. “I think I prefer the ground, thanks.” He spoke definitively.

He did not have the skill to use whatever it was that the younger man used to get around and he could not imagine the other carrying him all the way to wherever they were headed. He looked strong but an addition human would likely be enough to separate a shoulder swinging from building to building. Ju-ken was in no mood to plummet to his death that night.

“I wouldn’t have suggested a place I didn’t think was good,” Nightwing said with a smile. Not that he wasn’t known by some for his ability to eat anything at least mostly edible….. But that’s why he’d picked his families favorites to suggest.

The man’s head tilted slightly in confusion. Most people were ecstatic at the though of flying through the sky as his family did. “Are you sure?” What could he be so.. defensive, no, scared of? “I’ve carried people much bigger then you, and I’ve been doing this for more then a decade now.”

“If not, I could ask Hood about borrowing his bike.” Jay might be okay with it… maybe. Or he could call his bike from the cave, but that could take a while to get here.

The forty-six year old, found himself at a loss. While the young stranger was more than intriguing… He was torn between his fear of heights and the social programming that told him not to inconvenience others. A brief pause preceded a deep breath. “We’ll travel your way this time,” he spoke. “Tonight is about adventure,” he spoke to himself once more as he took a step toward the muscular man.

He examined the younger man’s face. ‘Is it possible that he could have done this for more than ten years?’ His mind mulled the over it’s many questions. ‘How old is it? What kind of life did this mean for him?Why was it even necessary that someone so young be involved in such things?’ He had little time to ponder it though as the young man stood ready.

The rock star closed the gap between them, standing less that an arms length away. “I must admit that I am curious about your motorcycles and what makes you think I can ride,” he spoke. His tone mildly teasing.

“You seem like the type to be interested in bikes,” he said with a shrug. “I’m not a big fan of driving the Bat-mobile anyways.”

As he closed the last couple of feet left between them, Nightwing gently positioned the other man’s arms around his neck for a secure grip as he got the grappling gun out. “Hold on tight,” he said with a wink and wrapped his arm around the older man’s wait as he aimed and secured a wire in the distance.

With one last check of his grip on Ju-ken’s waist, he felt the familiar tug on his arm and they started to fly through the city.

angstmemes

worried starters

trigger warnings apply! ( mental illness, drugs and alcohol use, self-destructive behaviours, and vomiting )

“You haven’t slept for days, have you?” “Are you eating properly? You don’t look it.” “Why do you keep stumbling over your words? Just how tired are you?” “You need to think about yourself every once in a while.” “I know your work is important, but you’re going to end up in hospital if you go on like this!” “You haven’t even touched your food. What’s going on?” “You look so… empty. I’m worried for you, please talk to me.” “Are you alright in there? You’re so quiet.” “How did you get these bruises? Please don’t lie to me.” “There’s something bothering you that you’re not telling me and I can see it slowly destroying you. What happened?” “You’re sleep deprived and you haven’t been eating. Why do you think you’re feeling dizzy?” “I can give you some pills to help you sleep. They aren’t healthy, but this is even less healthy.” “If you didn’t just blink I would’ve sworn you were dead, that’s how sickly you’re looking. Go to bed, please!” “Have you drank all of these bottles in one weekend?!” “I know you don’t want this, but it’s for your own good. Sign the papers so they can pick you up tomorrow and you can get clean.” “What the hell are you doing?! Did you do that to yourself?!” “When was the last time you left the house? Or opened the curtains for that matter.” “Here, just keep breathing. It’ll be okay. Better out than in…” “This can’t go on like this! You’re not eating, you’re not sleeping, you barely talk!” “I’m sorry. I went through your room and found this. Explain what the hell this is doing in your room!” “I thought you’d quit! How long have you been lying to me?” “I’m only trying to help and right now I think I have a much better idea of what you need than you do.” “Did you take anything? Why are you passing out? Hey! Stay with me!”

#prompt

Gotham Night Life

“Well the point of tonight was adventure so German food I think…” Ju-ken spoke, running his fingers through his long black hair. “I have not had it before.” He nodded decisively. “If that is ok for you,” he spoke remembering his manners.

At the next statement he felt his stomach drop. There was little if anything that scared the man, except heights. Since childhood, he held the same fear. It was one Gackt had loved to exploit during their time working together. “I think I prefer the ground, thanks.” He spoke definitively.

He did not have the skill to use whatever it was that the younger man used to get around and he could not imagine the other carrying him all the way to wherever they were headed. He looked strong but an addition human would likely be enough to separate a shoulder swinging from building to building. Ju-ken was in no mood to plummet to his death that night.

“I wouldn’t have suggested a place I didn’t think was good,” Nightwing said with a smile. Not that he wasn’t known by some for his ability to eat anything at least mostly edible..... But that’s why he’d picked his families favorites to suggest.

The man’s head tilted slightly in confusion. Most people were ecstatic at the though of flying through the sky as his family did. “Are you sure?” What could he be so.. defensive, no, scared of? “I’ve carried people much bigger then you, and I’ve been doing this for more then a decade now.”

“If not, I could ask Hood about borrowing his bike.” Jay might be okay with it... maybe. Or he could call his bike from the cave, but that could take a while to get here.

#juken19yen #GNL

Gotham Night Life

The older man’s brown eyes met the white lenses that covered the other’s eyes. He found himself a little unnerved as the eyes gave away a person’s true intentions but settled in to the idea that this man obviously knew the city better than he did and was more than capable of defending himself.

The tattooed bassist found himself slightly stunned that the attractive stranger knew his native language. “I thought I would explore until I find one,” he shrugged. “I have never been to this city before and I enjoy an adventure.” He spoke, all too aware that the was being analyzed.

“Is it your intention to take me to one of these places in that costume?” The rock star asked, confused. While a look like that might work in Harajuku, he could not imagine it would be acceptable anywhere else in the world.

“You really have no idea where you are…” he quietly muttered to himself in amazement as he shook his head.

“Gotham isn’t a place you can just ‘explore’ until you find something. Unless, of course that something is your death.” With a sigh he bowed politely, introducing himself as Bruce had taught him long ago, “I’m Nightwing, one of the vigilantes of Gotham. It’s nice to meet you.”

“And luckily for you, I’m a regular at all the good places.”

After a moment, he explained a bit more. “You’ve heard of Batman, right?” Using his fingers to mimic his mentor’s famous cowl, he smiled in hopes of getting the other to smile back, or at least ease the other’s quite obvious tension. “He’s the big guy most people know about, but there’s quite a few of us around.”

He laughed a bit at the other’s question, “You make it sound as is if I asked you on a date, but yes. I could go somewhere to get food with you, in this costume, if you wanted.”

Brown eyes shifted away from the slightly shorter man when he heard him whisper to himself. He understood the English well enough to realize that even with his training, it might behoove him to be more cautious. This place clearly was not similar to Japan.

“So it seems,” he responded to the next sentence as it was in Japanese. “Vigilante… huh,” he mumbled wondering how corrupt local police were for the city to have such a need. “I am Ju-ken,” he spoke holding his hand out, well aware that it was the custom in this country and he hardly minded. “Same to you.”

The older man’s eyes narrowed slightly to match the ever so slight tilt of his head upon the revelation that vigilantes were so common that they could enter restaurants to eat in full gear. “I have heard rumors that vigilantes exist though that has only been rumors,” he paused. “I typically do not believe such things unless I see them for myself.”

“Well,” he chuckled a bit at the mention of his dinner with the vigilante being a date. “It is the polite thing to do to join me.” His eyes met with the lenses once more though he found himself unable to keep up the “contact” when he was unable to see what lie beneath the mask. Instead, he distracted himself by fidgeting with his bracelets.

“So what kind of food are you in the mood for?” He asked after shaking the other’s hand.

“There’s a hole in the wall German bar, really traditional Japanese place if you’re feeling homesick, Indian take out, and there’s an assortment of food trucks around too.” Jay’s, Dami’s, and Bruce’s favorites, then something that he could find something specific for the man if he didn’t like the first three options.

“I do suggest we travel my way though,” he didn’t want to risk walking the man to a safer part of the city, or risk him for that long. “Walking everywhere is a bit of a hassle.”

The acrobat had never been afraid of heights, having grown up playing with anything and everything the circus had to offer, and only for a short time after leaving the circus was he afraid of hitting the ground.

Gotham Night Life

The older man’s brown eyes met the white lenses that covered the other’s eyes. He found himself a little unnerved as the eyes gave away a person’s true intentions but settled in to the idea that this man obviously knew the city better than he did and was more than capable of defending himself.

The tattooed bassist found himself slightly stunned that the attractive stranger knew his native language. “I thought I would explore until I find one,” he shrugged. “I have never been to this city before and I enjoy an adventure.” He spoke, all too aware that the was being analyzed.

“Is it your intention to take me to one of these places in that costume?” The rock star asked, confused. While a look like that might work in Harajuku, he could not imagine it would be acceptable anywhere else in the world.

“You really have no idea where you are…” he quietly muttered to himself in amazement as he shook his head.

“Gotham isn’t a place you can just ‘explore’ until you find something. Unless, of course that something is your death.” With a sigh he bowed politely, introducing himself as Bruce had taught him long ago, “I'm Nightwing, one of the vigilantes of Gotham. It’s nice to meet you.”

“And luckily for you, I’m a regular at all the good places.”

After a moment, he explained a bit more. “You’ve heard of Batman, right?” Using his fingers to mimic his mentor’s famous cowl, he smiled in hopes of getting the other to smile back, or at least ease the other’s quite obvious tension. “He’s the big guy most people know about, but there’s quite a few of us around.”

He laughed a bit at the other’s question, “You make it sound as is if I asked you on a date, but yes. I could go somewhere to get food with you, in this costume, if you wanted.”

#gnl #juken19yen

my-hyperfixations-shit

Incorrect Batfam Quote

Dick: *walks in on Jason reading a book* Why don’t murderers just hide the bodies in cemeteries?

Jason: *looks up thoughtfully* Thanks for he tip

Dick: *concerned* No this was not a tip, this was a joke

#jaybirb #NO #DONT DO

Gotham Night Life

The night started like any other he experienced on tour. A few weeks prior he received a call from his manager while touring overseas that his old friend, Anna Tsuchiya’s bassist had been unable to travel to her next few tour dates, including a couple in Gotham City. As he had never been to the city, it seemed like an interesting option. He was already in the country and it was a good paying gig. It also presented no conflict with his current tour schedule. Of course there was the added bonus of seeing an old friend…

However, things were not as simple as they seemed. While the rest of the crew chose to retire to their hotel, Ju-ken was excited to explore the new city, despite knowing nothing about. After a quick shower, he set off on foot toward the downtown area, looking for a little night life. Of course, that was when he began to notice this city was a bit shadier than any he had previously been to. He was not particularly concerned though as he had a colorful secret life of his own. It was not until he was cornered in an alley by a group of at least five thugs that he began to question his decisions.

Mentally, he prepared for the fight as he judged his options. He did not like his odds but he was not willing to stand down either.

There was nothing quite as freeing as roaming rooftops at night. The sounds and the chill of the night air as he made his way around the city calmed him as his mind raced with thoughts about the next few days.

There was to be some event that Bruce was expecting him to be at for a few nights in the next week. He had been effectively summoned for the time being, both to protect the influx of visitors, and to keep up Dick Grayson’s public image.

But public events meant he was stuck patrolling in Gotham instead of Blüdhaven. So when he saw a few of penguins thugs surrounding a tall attractive man, it was a welcome excuse to let off some steam.

First, he dropped down and took out the two thugs behind the poor guy, opening up a escape route. Next, he grappled up to the right, releasing halfway up to pull the remaining three thugs attention to him. A quick landing and a few quick hits knocked the rest of them down.

Nightwing started on tying up the thugs and called out to the man, knowing he hadn’t run off just yet. “Care to tell me why you’ve wandered into the wrong side of town?”

From behind him he heard two bodies hit the ground as he found his stance, prepared for what may come but his eyes were quickly drawn to the masked figure who quickly took out the remaining three. Brown eyes narrowed at the man in a too tight outfit displaying his many attributes. It was obvious that the man was well trained but he could not be completely sure that he was actually on his side.

As the final man collapsed the Japanese man did not take his eyes off the costumed man but did raise to a full stand, steadying his breathe. He was not prepared to answer the question that crossed the lips of the clearly younger man. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked the other over briefly. He was well built with hair as black as his own.

He thought for a moment, attempting to process an appropriate answer. “Where is the bar?” He answered eventually, leaning back against a wall. It was simple enough and he thought it might convey that his English was not the best. As he waited for a response, he avoided looking the other man over no matter how tempting it was.

The vigilante was no stranger to the feeling of eyes on him, he did wear the suit he did for a reason, but he was surprised that when he turned around to face the man, he wasn’t staring.

“Which bar?” He asked, effortlessly switching to japanese, hoping his guess wasn't wrong. “None in this area are very good places for tourists.”

“I do know of a few bars that would be better though, or places to eat an actual meal if you’d prefer that.” Hopefully he could direct the man away from the more dangerous areas of Gotham, and maybe keep an eye on him. Something about him was.... attractive interesting.

#gnl #juken19yen

Gotham Night Life

The night started like any other he experienced on tour. A few weeks prior he received a call from his manager while touring overseas that his old friend, Anna Tsuchiya’s bassist had been unable to travel to her next few tour dates, including a couple in Gotham City. As he had never been to the city, it seemed like an interesting option. He was already in the country and it was a good paying gig. It also presented no conflict with his current tour schedule. Of course there was the added bonus of seeing an old friend…

However, things were not as simple as they seemed. While the rest of the crew chose to retire to their hotel, Ju-ken was excited to explore the new city, despite knowing nothing about. After a quick shower, he set off on foot toward the downtown area, looking for a little night life. Of course, that was when he began to notice this city was a bit shadier than any he had previously been to. He was not particularly concerned though as he had a colorful secret life of his own. It was not until he was cornered in an alley by a group of at least five thugs that he began to question his decisions.

Mentally, he prepared for the fight as he judged his options. He did not like his odds but he was not willing to stand down either.

There was nothing quite as freeing as roaming rooftops at night. The sounds and the chill of the night air as he made his way around the city calmed him as his mind raced with thoughts about the next few days.

There was to be some event that Bruce was expecting him to be at for a few nights in the next week. He had been effectively summoned for the time being, both to protect the influx of visitors, and to keep up Dick Grayson’s public image.

But public events meant he was stuck patrolling in Gotham instead of Blüdhaven. So when he saw a few of penguins thugs surrounding a tall attractive man, it was a welcome excuse to let off some steam.

First, he dropped down and took out the two thugs behind the poor guy, opening up a escape route. Next, he grappled up to the right, releasing halfway up to pull the remaining three thugs attention to him. A quick landing and a few quick hits knocked the rest of them down.

Nightwing started on tying up the thugs and called out to the man, knowing he hadn’t run off just yet. “Care to tell me why you’ve wandered into the wrong side of town?”