Vague Shadows of the Volumes We Mean

Vague_Shadows here. I am, as one wonderful reader termed it, "a conjurer of words," but as another claims, a "tortuous harpy" so proceed at your own risk. Elie Wiesel once said, "I write to understand as much as to be understood." I've never found another quote that so accurately and succinctly stated the motivation for every word I write. I am #blessed with the lovely @banana-fishies as my beta (and, ya know, as the love of my life).

[vague-shadows]

What's in a Dialect? - Batman (All Media Types) - Ch. 1/1

No archive warnings apply

For Birdwatchers365 Day 148 "Dialect"

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Bruce is enjoying the process of getting better acquainted with his newest charge.  Jason is a bright, resilient young man, and Bruce does not doubt that the boy will find a conduit for his passion that will lead him to accomplish great things in both his civilian and vigilante life.  By all accounts, Jason is thriving physically and mentally in Bruce (and Alfred)’s care.

Until suddenly…he isn’t?

Jason reverts to the minimal responses that characterized his first days at the manor. Bruce is away on a mission for the first two days of the changed behavior.  The concerning development is one of the first updates that Alfred shares upon his return. At dinner, it’s immediately apparent that Alfred wasn’t exaggerating the situation. The silence drags on and on and on, broken only by the sound of their utensils clinking against the plates. 

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[vague-shadows]

Opportunities by Vague_Shadows [Batman - All Media Types] Chapter 1/1

No archive warnings apply

For Birdwatchers 365 Challenge, Day 146: "Highlight"

“Can’t sleep?” Bruce assumes, coming to lean in the doorway of Dick’s suite in the penthouse they’ve booked for this leg of their trip.  

Dick shakes his head.  “Nope, not even gonna try.” 

He feels like he’s practically buzzing with the excitement and anticipation of meeting up with the circus tomorrow.  Bruce’s lips quirk upward in his version of a blinding smile.  

“Seeing how excited you are, I’m sorry I didn’t make this happen sooner,” he says.  “You could have asked, you know.”

“Yeah, I know,” Dick replies. “I kept meaning to, but something always seems to come up.  Time flies, and all that.”

Bruce hums in agreement.  “Oh, I’m well aware. After all, one minute you were an eight-year-old swinging from the chandeliers, and the next thing I know you’ve graduated high school two years early and are getting ready to fly the coop.”  

“Don’t say ‘fly the coop’ like I’m trying to escape .  I’m not just gonna leave you guys.  I’ll be home to visit. I’m just - expanding my horizons a little.”

“As you should,” Bruce replies.  He crosses the room, so Dick turns to face him.  Bruce lays a hand on his shoulder and gives a small squeeze - his version of a big bear hug. Dick would almost swear that Bruce even looks a little misty-eyed.  “I don’t say this as often as I should,” Bruce says, “but I hope you know that I am incredibly proud of you, and the young man you’re becoming.”

“Damn, Bruce,” Dick replies, blinking back tears. “What’s with the heartfelt talk? You trying to overwhelm me with emotions so I forget I ever wanted to leave?” he wonders.  

“The opposite, actually,” Bruce says.  “You have given so much of yourself to help others - not just in Gotham and with the Team, but for your brothers, Alfred….and me. It’s past time you get to explore your options and choose your own path, Dick. You deserve that opportunity.”

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a USB drive.  The small label stuck to the side reads “Grayson Highlight Reel.”  

“What’s this?”

“A compilation of the best performances from your gymnastics competitions over the past two years.  From what I understand, it’s intended to serve as the athletic equivalent of a resume.”

"Well, yeah, I know what a 'highlight reel' is, but why would I need one? Where’d you even get the footage?” 

“From the generous donor who covered the cost of professional videographers at all of the team’s meets since you joined,” Bruce replies.  

“Generous donor, huh?” Dick repeats, raising an eyebrow.  “Probably the same one who covered eighty percent of the booster club fundraising goals to renovate the gym last summer.”

“I bet you’re right,” Bruce replies, smirking as he adds, “You know, with a mind that sharp, you could be a detective or something.” 

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[vague-shadows]

Bones Don't Lie

Sequel to The Bones in the Bat Cave

For @batfamily-week 2025 Day 2: "Panic Attack" and "Choices"

Teen And Up Audiences | No Archive Warnings Apply | Gen Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Bones (TV) Relationships: Temperance Brennan & Jason Todd, Seeley Booth/Temperance Brennan, Tim Drake & Jason Todd Characters: Jason Todd, Temperance Brennan, Seeley Booth, Tim Drake (DCU), Caroline Julian Additional Tags: (see AO3)

“We’ve got a situation,” Caroline replies. “I need you two back at the lab right now.”

“Why?” Brennan asks.  The last time Caroline sounded this annoyed and rushed… “Please tell me you’re not calling because someone removed the remains from a crime scene again ?”  

“Ooooo, that's not good,” Booth says. “You know how cranky she gets about that,” Booth says.  

“In a manner of speaking…it’s complicated. This particular body is still alive.”

“If they’re still alive, then why do you need me?”

“Because it looks like he killed someone,” Caroline replies, “and we need your forensic voodoo - ”

“Forensic science , Caroline,” Brennan corrects automatically, “voodoo is a religion that - 

“ - to tell us who he is and who the victim might be...The younger boy ain't talking,” Caroline says.  “It’s unclear if he can’t or if he won’t. The older boy who’s with him - potential accomplice - is being just as unhelpful, arguably worse. He says that he’ll consider cooperating but only if he can talk to Dr. Brennan. He says he knows you, and I’m inclined to believe him, given that he managed to sneak into the Jeffersonian and barricade himself and his friend inside your office. They aren’t causing damage, just leaving blood stains on your cute little rug and sofa and demanding that you be the one to process the evidence.  We don’t want to escalate the situation, and you are the best, so I need you to come try to talk enough sense into this kid to let me do my job.”

“We’re on our way,” Booth assures. “Do you have any idea who he is?”

Caroline's description brings up an instant image in Brennan's mind...

“Booth, you don’t think it could be Jason, do you?”

Continue reading on AO3

[vague-shadows]

Rose-Colored Glasses - Chapter 1/1

Batman - All Media Types | Characters: Dick Grayson & Jason Todd; | Rating: Teen And Up Audiences | No Archive Warnings Apply | Category: Gen

Written for the @batfamily-week 2025 Day 1 Prompt "Scars"

WARNING for references to child abuse and domestic violence. Please read with caution and be kind to yourself. More detailed warnings in the endnote on AO3.

Also, a general reminder that I play fast and loose with DC canon so that I can bend the characters to my own cathartic purposes. General context here: Jason is newly Robin (age 12ish). Dick is out of the house and Nightwing (age 18ish). Superbat relationship in the background.

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Jason isn’t too surprised when Alfred announces that Bruce got caught up with something and won’t make it home in time for the family dinner - though he’s apparently trying to be back in time for dessert.  It happens often enough, but Bruce always explains and apologizes later. Jason’s main issue with this particular absence is that it leaves him alone at the table with Dick - who is physically incapable of just eating a meal in peace it seems.

“Looks like some things never change,” Dick comments, “including the double standard about mandatory dinners.”

“It’s not that big a deal,” Jason replies. “Besides, he might still make it in time for dessert.”

“If either of us were late for dinner, he’d blow a fuse about it, or did you miss the less-than-warm welcome I got last time I was caught in traffic?”

“Hard to miss when I had a front row seat.”

“Exactly, he was a total asshole to me for being late, but when he’s late he expects us to just automatically forgive and ignore and play happy family.”

“You’ve never played ‘happy family’ a day in your life,” Jason retorts.  “Can you at least save the tantrum for Bruce? I don’t have the energy. You do not want to have this conversation with me, Dickface.”

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[vague-shadows]

Collected Me Up Off The Ground [Restoring Faith - Chapter 2]

By Vague_Shadows

[Batman - All Media Types, Superman - All Media Types]

Chapter Summary: Clark wakes in the middle of the night to a child’s pleas for help - a child who knows his identity, identifies himself as Timothy Drake, and is apparently all alone on the massive adjoining estate….

[Read on AO3]

“Superman, situation report?” Bruce asks, as Jason hurries behind him to keep up. 

“Distress call,” Clark replies, terse. “Unknown origin.”

“Civilian?”

“Unclear,” Clark replies. He crosses his arms; his worry is evident in his expression as he makes eye contact with Bruce in that way that makes Jason wonder whether they’ve figured out telepathy and are just holding out on the rest of them. “They’re somewhere close . Sound young - I would think a civilian but….well….” He gives Bruce a pointed look. “You’re not going to like what I’m about to tell you, but I need you to not overreact.” 

“Have you met Bruce?” Jason mutters, even though he probably shouldn’t.  It’s a serious moment, but half of Robin’s job is levity, right? Especially if Clark is already anticipating a bad reaction from Bruce. 

“Clark, why are you concerned that a child who’s calling for help isn’t a civilian?” Bruce demands.

“Says the man who’s trained not one but two kids to be Robin.”

“Not the time, Jason,” Bruce snaps. Then, more urgently, “Clark, what’s this child saying that worries -”  

“They know who I am,” Clark replies. 

Jason feels his stomach clench with the same terror of falling that comes when his grapple catches a second later than he expected. 

“Wh-what do you mean ‘who you are’?” Jason asks, failing completely to keep a high-pitched tone of alarm from his voice. “

Shit . This could be bad. If Clark’s secret identity is busted…and he’s publicly linked to Bruce now…which makes it a shorter leap from Bruce and Jason to Batman and Robin…which means…

“They’re calling for Superman and Mr. Kent,” Clark says.

Continue reading on AO3

[vague-shadows]

There's a certain Slant of light - Ch. 4/4

by Vague_Shadows on AO3 (Part 4 of toward Eternity-)

ACOTAR Series Fandom, Azriel/Eris Vanserra

Azriel knows that Rhysand hasn't sent him into the Autumn Court on a territorial whim. Finding out whether Eris Van Serra has told his father about Feyre’s power is essential to any planning that happens moving forward.  Rhys knows - or thinks he does, anyway - the difficulty and weight of asking Azriel to venture into the Autumn Court and find a way to speak privately with Eris.  He doesn’t have any idea, though, how easy it will be for Azriel to find Eris.  Even though it’s been centuries, Azriel’s shadows lead the way to the sacred grove as though they were just here yesterday.  The conflicting songs of the shadows are nearly maddening - melancholy tunes, sweeping nostalgic stanzas, staccato beats of barely contained fury.  He still hasn’t decided which shadows he should send in search of Eris to lead him back here, but before he can waste much time wondering, he realizes that Eris is already awaiting him in their the grove.  

“Fancy meeting you here, Shadowsinger.”

At the sight of Eris casually leaning against their his favorite tree, Azriel’s shadows surge up around them in a flurry of uncontrolled emotion, the likes of which Azriel hasn’t felt in a long, long time. The rest of the world fades away as Azriel holds the gaze of his mate. It's the first time they've shared a private moment in more than five centuries - staring across the grounds that used to be their most precious, treasured sanctuary. For just a moment, Azriel recalls with aching clarity the happy excitement that used to fill him when he spotted Eris across their the grove, but, then, rather than the surge of answering joy through their mating bond, Azriel is met only with the chilling silence of the blockage Eris erected to amputate Azriel's soul from his own. The resultant, jarring sound of distress from his shadows is a harsh, ear-splitting cacophony, as if the strings of an entire orchestra are all straining and snapping as one - like the agonized death cry of a slain animal. He would be mortified at the instant and intense reactions if Eris' hounds weren’t howling in an equally ardent response.

Most of Azriel’s shadows channel the profound hurt and anger in Azriel’s soul that yearns for rapprochement equity justice vengeance. They clash against Eris's hounds, whose snarls, growls, and yelps are made all the more terrible by the overture of war drums and horns blasting battle directives. It would be a bloodbath if any of their shadow creatures could actually bleed.

A small group of hounds and shadows hurry to distance themselves from the quarreling. Instead, they romp and play, seemingly determined to relive the visits they’ve enjoyed here before, undeterred by the fact that their bright, airy melodies are nearly drowned out by the much louder, aggressive majority. 

A resolute, foolish few shadows erupt into the triumphant swell of a hero’s victory march, blindly delighted by the instinctual joy of being back in this place with his mate, regardless of the reason or circumstance. For a moment, they’re nearly as loud as the battle hymn raging from the main group. Within a few short minutes, all jovial trills from his shadows and all yips and barks of unfettered excitement from the like-minded hounds quickly fade to a gentle, melancholy lullaby under the weight of the nearly palpable misery between their masters.  

Continue reading on AO3

[vague-shadows]

On my hands and knees asking you to write chapter 4 for a "There's a Certain Slant of light " Queen 😭 (no pressure though feel free to ignore this ❤️❤️❤️ )

This is SO SWEET omg thank you, Anon!

What if I told you this was the nudge I apparently needed to revisit that fic this weekend? .... and that part of the reason I've been avoiding it is because I realized it was going to be like twice as long as I first thought?

Hopefully still excited for Chapter 4 when there's still another part left to come after?

[vague-shadows]

A Captain's Goal is Simple

by Vague_Shadows | Batman - All Media Types

Batfam AU/Fusion of Firefly started to fill Birdwatchers365 Challenge One Word Prompt for Day 53: "Simplicity" (and as a self-indulgent birthday present to myself ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

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“I cannot believe you’re actually making me do this,” Jason grumbles as Tim delightedly forces a recording device into his hand.  

“Come on, Little Wing,” Dick wheedles - like Jason isn’t the goddamned captain of this spaceship. “You lost the bet, fair and square, which means I get to decide how we’re gonna keep the ship’s records, and I say you gotta do a captain’s log.”

Jason had protested vehemently - supposedly because it was pointless and childish - but the truth he would never admit was that the idea only brought to mind bittersweet memories of listening to Bruce record mission debriefs when they were kids - when there was still a Mission to serve and a Gotham to protect. Jason used to be bored to tears half the time, but some days, he would give just about anything to hear Bruce droning on about mundane patrols.  Those days are long gone - Bruce is long gone - no matter what conspiracy theories Tim is clinging to in his grief. They failed the Mission - failed Earth - failed Gotham.  

Now, like most of the surviving remnants of the Justice League and its allies, Jason has drifted to the edges of the system, far from President Luthor’s control. Out here, people struggle to get by with the most basic technologies, but Jason knew how to survive by scraping by from one day to the next: a ship would bring you work; a gun would help you keep it. 

When the Justice League - the Bat among them - fell to Luthor’s ironclad hold on the system, Jason’s goals became simple: find a crew; find a job; keep flying.

 “Fine, then.” Jason huffs, snatching the device from Tim.

Jason might not be a scholar anymore, but he still knows the value of a decent prologue. If he’s going to do this damn thing, he’s going to do it right.  He sighs and presses the record button.  

“Look, here's how it is: the Earth got used up, so Lex Luthor and his buddies moved out and terraformed a whole new set of Earths on all the other moons and planets they could get to some rich and flush with the new technologies, some not so much. Once folks were pretty dependent on Lex’s infrastructure - or his allies’ - they took the Central Planets, formed the Alliance, and waged war on the Justice League to bring down the only organization that stood a chance at challenging their rule; a few idealistic idiots gave just about everything they had to try and fight it, including all of us: the crew of the Serenity.  I'm Jason Peters, captain of Serenity. She’s a transport ship, repurposed after the war from a Chiroptera class megashuttle. I worked my ass off getting her ready to fly again, so she’s my ship - no matter what my First Officer or anybody else might try to tell ya.”

He glares at Dick, but his brother doesn’t rise to the bait of the jab.  Jason is about to stop recording, but Dick flaps his hands at Jason, and urges, “Good, that’s great! Keep going, keep going.”

Dick’s usual scowl of annoyance at Jason claiming full ownership of Serenity is nowhere to be found, replaced with a bright-eyed joy Jason hasn’t seen in a long while.  So he rolls his eyes and gives in to his brother’s request.

 “Got a good crew,” he admits, grudgingly. Dick does frown a little at that, but Jason refuses to call them all a family , like this is some fairytale and not just the epilogue to their nightmare of a life.  “All pretty decent fighters when they need to be, even if they’re ridiculously pompous and showy about it.” 

He smirks at Dick who gives an exaggerated frown and punches him not-so-lightly in the shoulder.

Keep Reading on AO3

[vague-shadows]

The Bones in the Bat Cave

By Vague_Shadows on AO3 | Bones (TV Series), Batman - All Media Types, Superman - All Media Types

Read on AO3

Clark was grateful beyond words that there was no sign of Dick or Jason’s remains in the rubble. The set of remains he did find belong to an unknown woman who - according to communications from Dick to Alfred earlier in the day - was claiming to be Jason’s birth mother. With no other obvious leads, Clark isn’t going to risk missing any clues these remains might be able to offer. 

Which is why Clark has been waiting in a pooly lit parking garage in Washington, DC for the last fifteen minutes. 

“Excuse me?” he calls in his friendliest tone as he steps out of the stairwell. “Dr. Brennan?”

She doesn’t pause or turn, and for a moment, he thinks she must be wearing headphones, but a quick use of his x-ray vision reveals that isn’t the case.  Maybe she’s distracted? Or just purposefully avoiding him?  He moves to follow her, calling her name a few more times just in case he can get her attention before he invades her space, but she doesn’t reply. When he rounds the back corner of her SUV, he finds himself staring almost literally down the barrel of an absurdly large handgun. He brings both hands up in a show of surrender, forcing himself not to laugh at the unexpected sight. No doubt, it would be very intimidating to someone who wasn’t bulletproof.

“Don’t. move.” Her expression transitions to something more puzzled.  “You’re a journalist with the Daily Planet over in Metropolis.  Clark Kent, correct?”

“I - yes. I’m me. I mean - that ’ s me. Clark Kent.  I’m Clark Kent.” He babbles in surprised delight. “Sorry that I didn’t get my name out earlier, but I didn’t expect you to recognize me anyway. I didn’t think my name would do much to- ”

“Your article series comparing studies of the strength of homo sapien skeletal systems relative to proximity to Metropolis, Gotham, and the standard rural midwest was quite engaging, actually,” she replies.  “Several of my colleagues in the field were delighted to have their research highlighted, and some have gained additional funding for expanded study thanks to the notoriety your articles garnered. I wonder whether your intelligence isn’t wasted in the newsroom.” 

Clark is rarely speechless, but given that he didn’t expect Dr. Brennan to even know his name, he certainly wasn’t prepared for the woman to be familiar with and complement his work - especially since she doesn’t often complement anyone, from what he’s heard.

"I’m working on a highly classified investigation, and I think - I know - you could help."

Read the whole one-shot on AO3

[vague-shadows]

Not Big On Social Graces

By Vague_Shadows

Batman - All Media Types,

(Belatedly Crossposting) Birdwatchers 365 Challenge, Day 39 "Ivory"

A/N: This is written for my first foray at participating in the Birdwatchers 365 challenge. I'm playing fast and loose with canon and fanon as usual, and trying to have fun and not overthink. This idea popped into my head the second I read the word the day ("Ivory") and just wouldn't let me write anything else. The song that inspired it is mostly viewed as a song about a (failed) romantic relationship, but this is intended as platonic batfam shenanigans.

Day 39 - Prompt: "Ivory" | [Read on AO3]

When the side doors of the ballroom - a servant’s entrance designed to blend with the rest of the wall - slams open loudly enough to make half the attendees jump, Dick’s first thought is:“When are we going to learn that rouges come to Gotham galas like moths to a flame?”

His second thought is: “Wait, it can’t be a rogue - this is Wayne Manor.”

His third thought, soaring with unchecked hope is: “Oh, my God! That’s Jason!”

Only for the impossibility of that scenario to hit Dick like a sucker punch to the gut and transition to his fourth thought: “Oh, man, Alfred is going to be pissed that somebody managed to get hallucinogens into something on his gala menu.”

The sound of several glasses shattering against the gleaming ballroom floor pulls his attention back to the moment. There are audible gasps and quiet murmurs sweeping through the crowd.  Dick scans the crowd, looking for Bruce, and the stunned, heartbroken expression on Bruce’s face is further confirmation that Dick isn’t the only one seeing - whatever this is. 

“Oh, whoops, guess you can take the brat out of Crime Alley but not the Crime Alley out of the brat’s fashion choices,” Jason - the person - thing ? - pretending to be Jason says. “Sorry to fuck up your swanky, black tie shindig, Brucie.”

Keep reading on AO3

[vague-shadows]

Restoring Faith - Chapter 1/?

Part 4 of How We Went From "Something's Missing" To "A Family" 

Batman-All Media Types, Superman-All Media Types

by Vague_Shadows

Summary: Jason doesn't want to keep managing the anxiety of wondering what would happen if he loses another parent guardian. He has a plan that could give him the peace of mind he wants so badly, now he just has to work up the courage to actually tell Bruce and Clark...and live with whatever answer they give him.

Bruce registers the tension in Jason’s body the moment his son walks into the dining room. Despite Jason’s clear desire to seem confident, his hands are trembling just slightly as he plops a folder of paperwork down on the table between Bruce and Clark. Clark looks over Jason with obvious concern, and Bruce wonders whether there are other indicators of stress he can’t perceive - racing pulse, maybe? Jason doesn’t glance at either of them as he takes his usual seat on Bruce’s right, across the table from Clark.  He keeps his hands under the table, presumably to hide the shaking. Bruce waits, hoping that Jason will explain his worry without prompting, but eventually resigns himself to breaking the growing silence.

“Is something wrong, Jason?” 

Jason swallows and takes a slow, deliberate breath but doesn’t answer. He keeps his gaze focused on the breadbasket by his plate with unwarranted intensity. The silence continues for a few more moments, and Clark gives Bruce a worried look. Bruce inclines his head slightly toward Jason, hoping the ‘ now it’s your turn to try’ comes across clearly. 

“You can always talk to us,” Clark says. “If something’s stressing you out, we want to help.” Jason still doesn’t respond aloud, but he does at least nod. Whatever Clark’s enhanced senses can tell about Jason’s physical state, it’s enough to warrant the gentle reminder, “All the tools you need, kiddo.”

That gets a small smile from Jason, even though he still doesn’t look up. It takes the sharp edge off Bruce’s worry to see his son smile, and he thanks any deities that might be paying attention yet again for Clark’s earnest dedication to supporting Jason.

“I mean, something is kinda wrong,” Jason finally says, still not looking at either of them, “but it’s something we could - like fix or whatever, in theory, and it’s not an emergency so…nothing's - like- really wrong.”

“Something we could fix,” Bruce repeats, glancing at the folder Jason brought. “Is this the plan to fix it?”

Jason nods. “Yeah, but - only if you guys are cool with it - it’s - kinda asking a lot, but I can explain. I swear.”

Keep reading on AO3

[vague-shadows]

"Word's Gonna Get Around"

Part 3 of How We Went From "Something's Missing" To "A Family"

Batman - All Media Types; Superman - All Media Types - Established Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne

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"Are you sure that you’re giving the right weight to the risks?" Clark asks. "I want to be there for Jason; you know I do.  I just…don’t think you really want an entire town to know that Bruce Wayne is dating Superman, do you? That seems like too big a risk by your usual standards.”

“I don’t understand,” Bruce says.  “I’d be publicly dating Clark Kent, not Superman.”

Clark gives him the look he saves for the moments when Clark thinks the World’s Greatest Detective has missed something obvious.  Bruce takes a moment to process the conversation again.

“Wait…” he says, praying that he has somehow reached the incorrect conclusion for once.  “Are you telling me that the entire town knows your secret identity?!” 

[vague-shadows]

Communication Learning Curves

by Vague_Shadows on AO3

Batman-All Media Types, Superman-All Media Types

Summary: Bruce is away for his longest mission since Jason came to live at the manor. Clark is freaking out because he isn't sure Jason will feel safe without Bruce there as a buffer. Jason is freaking out because *Clark* is freaking out, which probably means they lied about Bruce's mission being something 'standard.' Panic attacks and misunderstandings ensue....Thankfully, they have Martha and Alfred.

Read on AO3

Bruce is going to be off-world for at least a week - possibly two or three - and it’s the longest he’s been away since Jason came to live at the manor.  Sure, Jason can take care of himself.  He’s been doing it for years after all.  He doesn’t need to be coddled; he doesn’t .

But just because he doesn’t need Bruce doesn’t mean he doesn’t want Bruce around.  

Jason might not mind so much if there would still be a way to at least communicate with Bruce, but they’re going to be radio silent in deep space for whatever the mission is.  He kind of wishes Clark were going, too, as back-up for Bruce. Jason assumed they’d both go until Clark explained that the mission is happening in a system that isn’t the right environment for his powers.  Maybe it’s a little selfish, but Jason is pretty glad that Clark is going to be around if Bruce can’t be.  Jason is pretty sure he can get Clark to bend some of the rules about junk food and time limits on video games, so it probably won’t be too bad of a week, all things considered.    

Except Clark shows up for dinner visibly uneasy, even though he seems to be attempting to hide it.  He keeps fidgeting with his dumb glasses that he doesn’t even need and stumbling over words as he makes stilted small talk with Jason. When the conversation dwindles into awkward silence, Clark just keeps his eyes on his plate with an intensity that would be laughable if he didn’t seem so stressed. 

“Ya know, if your roast is too cold, you can just ask Alfie to warm it up for you,” Jason teases when he can’t stand the quiet any longer. “You don’t have to break out the heat vision at the dinner table.”

Jason laughs half-heartedly at his own lame joke, expecting Clark to laugh along, but Clark reacts like Jason sucker-punched him in the gut - complete with a pained-sounding little gasp that Superman should never make.  He makes eye contact with Jason across the table obviously shocked and - worried?

Keep reading on AO3

[byechunkypossum-deactivated2026]

The Games That Bind Us

Azriel X Eris 32k Words

Surprise, Surprise, @packdontendwithblood !! Your @acotargiftexchange SANTA has landed and brought with her a fic that needed quite a hefty sack to lug it all the way here!

I thought this was supposed to be a cute and sexy one-shot about a boy and his wing kink.

Little did I know she DEMANDED to be a whopping nearly 32k. This fic is stuffed with pining, sexy shadows and their mischief, two idiots in love and quite the way of showing it! (maybe a little pinch of that yearning I’m always going on about).

I really hope you have fun reading it!

Read it on Ao3

Holla at ya boi if you want on or off the Azris tag train :

@talibunny30 @iftheshoef1tz @born-to-riot @fieldofdaisiies @aktrain @honeysuckle-daydreams13 @secret-third-thing @acourtofladydeath @pippsmcgee @youvereachedthenearest-lovergirl @baileybird71 @skyesayshi @yanny-77 @areyoudreaminof @unanswered-stars @futurehunt @ninthcircleofprythian @matrixsss @going-through-shit @c-starstuff-man0 @jules-writes-stories @the-darkestminds @krowiathemythologynerd @cauldronblssd @hieragalbatorixdottir @yourlazykitkat @hellolordling @climbthemountain2020 @lilah-asteria @shadowsandlint @acourtofbatboydreams @theeternalstruggle @christeareads @molcat07 @mistandmemories @neciebee @dusk-muse @chairofchaos @amalhe-kofee @brunetterebel010 @astro-h0e-4azris

[vague-shadows]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH EEEEEEEEeeeeEEEEE I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED TO GO READ @chunkypossum

[vague-shadows]

Whelp, y'all, here's my first foray into writing for the Batman/Superman fandoms!

"Seems So Strange To Me" by Vague_Shadows [Batman - All Media Types - Superman - All Media Types]

Summary: After experiencing the domestic violence between Willis and Catherine, Jason is understandably worried about Bruce having a partner as invincible as Superman. Clark wants to put Jason's mind at ease as much as he can.

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A tiny, desperate part of Jason wants to believe that things really are okay - that Clark is as good as Bruce says he is.  His internal conflict skyrockets when Clark enters the library with Bruce, and Jason can barely manage to pull himself together enough to manage any kind of greeting.

“H-hey Clark.” 

Jason hopes that his smile doesn’t seem too fake; he really is trying. He wants to believe Bruce. He wants Bruce to have one of those storybook relationships, and with everything he sacrifices to be Batman, it seems like the least the universe could do is cut him a break with his love life.  It’s just that Jason learned a long time ago that real life isn’t like fairytales and the world isn’t fair - especially not in Gotham. 

“Hi, Jason,” Clark replies with a smile that seems genuine enough. “I wanted to talk to you for a couple minutes, if that’s okay?” Before Jason can panic too much Clark adds, “Bruce can stay. Nothing’s wrong; nobody’s in trouble. I’m not angry. I’ve just been trying to think of ways to help you feel safe around me, and I wanted to share that with you.”

“It’s whatever,” Jason says, with a shrug that he hopes makes him more nonchalant than he feels.  “Bruce can go.”

“I think it may be better if I stayed,” Bruce counters.

“I’m not a baby.” 

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Okay, fine, whatever, but - you can still go,” Jason says, crossing his arms.  Bruce looks conflicted, and it seems like he’s trying to figure out the right response by reading Jason’s face - but Jason is just trying not to look like a scared little kid but also not look like an angry brat.

“We don’t have to do this now,” Clark says. “I didn’t mean to bring in more stress; I just wanted to help.”

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[vague-shadows]

Nothing Gold Can Stay - Chapter 7

Fullmetal Alchemist - All Media Types; Alternative Universe; Edward Elric/Roy Mustang

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By the time the caravan stops for the evening, Edward is more clear-headed than he’s been since they left Xerxes. In some ways, it’s a relief to be aware of his surroundings, but part of him - a more significant part than he’d care to admit - wouldn’t mind retreating back into the haze of uncertainty. Objectively, Edward long-ago accepted the magnitude of change that would come with being gifted to Mustang.  Nevertheless, some quiet part of him that hasn’t released its childlike hope keeps wondering if everything will be over so they can go home and back to “normal.”  All these months and yet he still hasn’t figured out how to make that naive part of himself shut up entirely.

Winry leaves the wagon first.  She glances around, offers a small smile, and nods to someone Edward can’t see yet.  She turns to look at him. 

“The Ambassador is coming over,” she says, with an expression he can’t quite read. Perhaps noting Ed’s confusion she adds, “ So behave yourself appropriately.”

Clarity accompanies the memory of their conversations during the day’s ride.  

I came to be an asset, not a distraction, Ed.  I don’t need you to protect me. I don’t want you to act differently just because I’m here.

He nods, then closes his eyes to take a deep breath, venturing toward the slippery slope of emotions needed to play his role. 

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[vague-shadows]

Not Your Fault (An Eris Week Fic)

Eris Week 2024 - Day 2 Prompt: Childhood | Legacy

The Lady of the Autumn Court visits Eris in his cell to demand answers after Eris defies the High Lord's orders.

cw: discussion about the terrible and abusive Vanserra family dynamics. No fluff, no comfort. Please mind the tags on AO3 for more details, and be kind to yourself!

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“Rouse yourself, Eris.”

Eris pulls his focus back to the present at the sharp tone in his Mother’s voice.  She looks so out of place in this dark, disgusting cell.  Eris was exiled here to endure his punishment for his uncharacteristic insubordination. She has no business in this horrible hellhole; she never deigns to set foot here, nor should she.  

“Mother?” Eris mutters, still half convinced this is just some dream or hallucination. “Why are you - ”

“I overheard the servants saying that you defied a direct order from your father - your high lord. I slapped the servant I overheard for gossiping with such ludicrous lies,” she says.  “It never - not even for a moment - occurred to me that the stupid little urchin might be telling the truth," she continues. "Imagine my surprise, then, to have one of my ladies-in-waiting confirm that my eldest son - who is supposedly the most intelligent, competent, and composed of the potential heirs to the throne - threw a tantrum like a belligerent toddler in the middle of court this morning.”

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