Sides Ask Blog? (Maybe? ?)

Soo uh... Yester-week I was bored in class and started scribbling. Just scribbled!

Then the teacher for my next class cancelled his classes and I came to myself in the library, with a playlist that was about to end and this in front of me:

His name is Tillius and he's a troubadour and earns his living by working in the city library.

> Yes, he is my playable character for a pen and paper rpg.

> No, he is not from dnd. He is from a homebrew game, that a friend of mine is making, based on the video game "Etrian Odyssey"

Robin, tending to Steve's wounds: How would you rate your pain?

Steve: Zero stars. Would NOT recommend.

Woop woop art dump :v w/ oc's

For anyone who cares enough to read:

These are Ezekiel and Azazel, an angel and a demon respectively. I don't know how exactly I got the idea, but I got that somehow at some point. Maybe because I combined some of my fav ship dynamics like angel×demon, polar opposites, soft boy×bad boy. BUT!!-

The main story is just about, Ezekiel was just watching over one part of humanity at some point in the past and Azazel wanted to mess with him. Soon it became clear that they both can't quite stand eachother. Like, at all. This "I don't like you" soon became a toxic rivalry, and before they knew it they absolutely despised eachother to the very core of their being, which in turn would lead to them just wanting the other dead by solemnly their own hands. Even going so far as to threaten their own fellows(Ezekiel other angels/Azazel other+higher demons), if they were to harm the other because it had to be them, to feel the pleasure to destroy the other. But of course, it doesn't last long...

Due to these actions (which sometimes stepped over "just threatening") and the fact that both have been caught using their powers on earth just to fight each other. . . Yea, they were getting punished. Both were demoted to having to life a Human life, until they'd learn their lesson. And ooooohhhhh booooy..... That's a journey- though I have to admit that they do end up getting along fairly well. Well- as good as you can with your archenemies.

So basically: good omens, but they **actually** actually loathe each other from the beginning. Lol.

he would understand

being on tumblr for a long time but never reading homestuck like

Even MORE of Casual

Steve’s phone rang just as he was pulling the meatballs out of the oven. He slid the pan onto the range top quickly, tossing the towel he used as an oven mitt over his shoulder as he grabbed the phone off the wall. 

“Yello,” he greeted the caller.

“...Steve?” The voice was young, feminine, familiar.

“Max? Hey. How are you?”

In response, the young woman sobbed.

Oh shit.

“Oh shit. Max? Are you okay?” Steve was frozen. He and Max were not exactly close and Billy was still keeping very mum on their…non-relationship. Despite this Steve’s first thought was that there must be something wrong with Billy.

“Billy told me to call you.”

OH SHIT. Steve’s blood ran cold. If Billy told his little sister to call him, things were bad.

“What’s going on, Max? Is Billy okay? Did something happen in California?” Billy had left to visit his mom’s family earlier that week.

“Oh. Yeah, he’s fine. He told me to call you if I, um, if I needed anything while Billy was gone?” The statement sounded like a question. Steve was stunned, then felt heat flood his system - Billy had told Max to call him. Before he let himself get lost in the knowledge that Billy trusted him with his family, Steve refocused on Max.

“What do you need, Max? I’m here.”

She sniffed, hard.

“Um, my mom and Neil are having a huge argument, and usually when this happens I call Billy and he’ll come pick me up and we’ll go to his apartment, but he’s gone, and mom is REALLY upset, she’s, like, trying to kick Neil out of the house? And-,” she hiccuped. “- I know I’m, like, a little old for this, but I hate it when they fight, it reminds me of when Billy lived here and Neil would, would-. Steve, I don’t know what to do.”

“I’m gonna come get you, okay? Can you get out of the house and wait for me somewhere? There’s a park nearby, go to the swings and wait there and I’ll be there in 15 minutes. Okay, Max?”

Her voice was small but relieved when she whispered “Okay,” back.

“I’m leaving right now, Max. I’ll see you soon.” He waited for her to hang up, then grabbed his keys and wallet, barely remembering to turn off the oven, leaving the meatballs on the stovetop, and running out of his front door. 

Ten minutes later he was pulling into the park. It was dusk and the area had only a few older kids hanging out. Max was sitting on a swing, casually pushing herself with one leg back and forth. She spotted Steve as soon as he pulled in and jumped up to run to his car. He had barely parked before she was throwing open the passenger seat and sliding in.

In the brief glow of the overhead light, Steve saw her eyes were red but dry, and she looked calmer than she had sounded earlier. As soon as she was buckled in, Steve put the car in drive.

“Where to, Mad Max?”

“Can we get something to eat? I’m starving. This ALWAYS fucking happens at dinner, I swear.”

“Language,” Steve muttered, unthinking. Max scoffed then giggled.

“You’re such a grandpa.”

“Yeah, yeah, smartass,” said Steve the hypocrite. He smiled. “Spaghetti and meatballs sound good?”

“Are you kidding?! Holy crap that sounds perfect. I have been CRAVING pasta.”

It took the full 15 minutes to get back to Steve’s place. Max filled the drive with chatter, about Lucas, the classes she was taking, and the car she was saving up for. She carried on when they got into his duplex. While he heated sauce (his mom’s) and cooked the spaghetti (store bought), she complained about her job at the arcade. As she scoured his kitchen cabinets for plates and cutlery, then loaded up their plates, she bragged about her high scores on five of the games they carried. When they sat down in front of the TV and Steve put on the news, Max had something to say about every story. An hour later, after she’d gotten seconds, perused his VHS collection, and told Steve about a book she was reading (in detail), she finally seemed to lose steam. It was getting a little late, but Steve didn’t want to take her back to someplace she didn’t feel safe. Before he could figure out how to broach the subject, she piped up.

“Could I use your phone?”

“Of course!” Steve stood up to take her to it, then sat back down when she whizzed past him to grab it from the wall. As she was dialing, Steve gathered their plates to take to the sink. He didn’t want to eavesdrop but also felt a strange responsibility for the girl that demanded he stay near, so he leaned back against the counter to wait with her. 

Max was tense, but she shot him a grateful smile when he took up his post. Whoever she was calling answered, and Max relaxed.

“Hey mom. … I’m at Steve’s. … What? … I don’t know! … Can’t I- Okay! I’ll ask! Hey, Steve, can I stay with you tonight?” 

Steve was flabbergasted. His face must have shown it.

“Please? Mom doesn’t want me going home.” Max was putting on a strong facade, but there were large, obvious cracks in it; Steve could not turn her away.

“Of course.” 

She nodded quickly, her eyes wide and wet.

“He said yes, mom. Will you tell me what’s going on?” Max got quiet as she listened, and Steve decided that this was something he could leave her to. He went to his bedroom to change his sheets - Max could sleep in his bed, and he’d sleep on the couch. He found a pair of Dustin’s sweats that the boy had left here the last time they’d had a movie night and an old tshirt of his own that he’d grown out of before it got too ratty, and put them aside for her to sleep in if she wanted. Then he changed into his own pajamas - flannel pants and a too large shirt.

He made his way back out toward the kitchen. Max was still on the phone and she looked like she had cried, but there was a lightness to her face. She saw Steve and gave him a small smile.

“Yeah, mom. I love you, too. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Max hung up the phone and walked to Steve, then surprised the hell out of him by throwing her arms around him and hugging him tight.

“My mom’s leaving Neil,” she whispered.

“Oh. Um, wow. Is that-?” Steve did not know how to respond to this.

“It’s a good thing. He isn’t a good person.” Max burrowed her head into Steve’s chest. “Something bad happened tonight, she won’t tell me what, but. Mom says she’s getting a restraining order against him for her and me.” Steve didn’t know what to say to that. A restraining order? Jesus. 

“Are you going to be able to go back home?” He asked. She shrunk in on herself. “Sorry! I don’t know what happens with restraining orders. I don’t know how they work.” He awkwardly patted her back; strangely, it seemed to help.

“Mom says the sheriff says Neil will have to leave the house and find somewhere else to live. I guess there’s a lot of court stuff involved? I don’t know, but she said I should be able to go home tomorrow.” 

Steve nodded, then asked the question that had been burning in him.

“What about Billy?”

Max looked up at Steve, her face worried.

“I- I don’t know. Mom didn’t say anything about him! Oh god. Do you think Neil will hurt him? Can Billy get a restraining order?” She seemed to be genuinely asking Steve, who was left grasping for calm.

“Billy’s not going to be back until next week, right? Your mom needs to call him and tell him what’s going on. I don’t know- he doesn’t tell me-.” Steve took a deep breath. “Max, does Billy need a restraining order against his dad?”

Her voice was small and her eyes shifted away when she said, “I don’t know.” She was quiet a moment, chewing on her lip, before she finally met his eyes, held them, and nodded her head. Steve nodded back, his mind racing.

“Tomorrow, we’ll talk to Billy. For now, I think we should watch a movie, eat some ice cream, and get some sleep.” 

Max obviously wasn’t expecting this response, but she agreed readily. Steve offered her the sleep clothes, which she accepted, and gave her the spare toothbrush that had come in the two-pack he’d bought last time. She closed herself in the bathroom to change, and appeared moments later, demanding ice cream and to watch Fright Night. Steve sighed at the movie - not his first choice, especially after an emotionally wrought night, but if that’s what would take Max out of her head, then that’s what they would watch.

Thirty minutes into the movie Max was nodding off against the back of the couch. Steve paused the tape and chivvied the girl toward the bedroom. She didn’t argue, drifting sleepily down the hall and climbing into the bed, face soft and eyes half closed. She laid down and turned over with a quiet “Night.” 

“Good night, Max.” Steve left the door open and went into the bathroom to brush his teeth and prepare to sleep. He kept the light in the bathroom on and pulled the door almost fully closed, so Max could find it if she needed it in the middle of the night. Then he grabbed a spare pillow and blanket from the closet. After making sure the front door was locked and the kitchen wasn’t a disaster, he made up his couch nest, turned off the lights, and put on Sixteen Candles. 

~

This came in fits and spurts after a long day on the road. I read over it to check for any glaring errors but I know I missed some stuff.

ANYWAY!!!! I really enjoyed writing this scene. It would definitely come after the last scene I posted, but I'm not sure if there will be anything in between.

I have a good bit written for this story, but I'm kind of just writing as it comes to me, and posting little bits here and there. I will be editing it into a cohesive THING at some point and posting it in its entirety.

I really hope y'all are enjoying this! Cause I am LOVING writing it.

A Night At Arkham

Crossover dp x dc. So I've got this time line in mind, for my crossover AU and this is a snippet of it. Will post more of it; will make a master post soon.

The bats received word, that Crane escaped Arkham a few days back. Apparently he used the commotion of new hires being shown around and getting all the attention, to get out. -He was the one who slipped through the seams! Sorry

As Batman returned him, Nightwing only left his side to see what's with these "new hires", that they not only seem to have gained the trust of the head doctor, but also to see if they got a hold on things...

Batman and Nightwing were already being expected by Dr. Arkham himself, security and two new faces. Usually it's more of a closed off team in the high security ward, so it took the bats by surprise to see two new faces amongst them, this suddenly.

A young red-headed doctor, seems about his age. Definitely a woman with whom Nightwing can't shake the mental image of the young dr. Harleen, except the glasses are missing and again, red-head- although she did have two streaks of blond at the front.

And a young, tall, larger man with black somewhat scruffy hair, bound into a white ponytail, in security. Somehow in general reminding him an awful lot of his younger brother Jason. Huh.

The barely conscious Crane was handed over to the guards keeping bound, as they headed back to his cell. The new doctor wrote something onto a clipboard probably recording everything from date, to time, to who- it's standard.

"Batman. ..and Nightwing too, fancy seeing you bring someone else around." Dr. Arkham greeted the duo. Batman hummed in response, as he did.

"Yeah... We located him in Bludhaven. He really thought, he could hide there." Nightwing chuckled, smiling friendly.

"But the bats will always keep a close eye on Gotham, I see?" Dr. Arkham smiled himself; of course it's not the first time he had met any of the Bat's protégés. It was always delightful to meet them.

"ha... hAH!! THAT IT IS!! THE TRUEST ART!!!-" Crane seemed to have regained his consciousness, as he called out. "So, so mesmerizing. So-" his breath hitched and he stocked. Before the two bats could do something, the new security guy grabbed him and something on Cranes face changed. The yet again patient locked eyes with the guy and his eyes filled with absolute terror, before he began to scream, yet the man dragged him off, with a little huff. What was it that the new guy did, that terrified the Scarecrow...?

"He'll be fine, please don't worry." The new doctor spoke softly, almost as if cooing false safety...

"Oh right," the head doctor spoke up and cleared his throat. "This is Dr. Nightingale. Fresh from college and highly capable, if I'm allowed to attest to her wit." He introduced his new protégé, as she smiled oh so sweetly and held out her hand.

"Thank you for your service and all that you do, to keep Gotham and her people safe." Batman took her hand, shaking it firmly.

"Pleasure meeting someone Dr Arkham deems worthy enough to be around such important situations..." The big bat offered. "Well, Crane has arrived safely. Sadly I must head off, still have certain things to do." As Batman turned away, his gaze met Nightwing's, who understood the next mission immediately: get more information about her, whatever way. They nodded.

"Yes, of course! Dr Nightingale, I trust you will be able to handle the rest? I would head back to my studies, then." The head doctor turned to his new protégé, she nodded and waved him off with a smile before turning back to the vigilante.

"So, you mentioned that you found him in Bludhaven, correct? Would you mind telling me, if dr. Crane was working on something specifically?" The young doctor asked, something that is not in the protocol. Nightwing felt the suspicion rise but played it down on the outside, instead he offered one of his more charming smiles. Yet before he could open his mouth, dr Nightingale spoke up. "Oh, excuse me. I would like to know, to maybe better understand and get into his head. It's a good way to connect with patients, when you show or at least pretend a common interest." She explained, apparently this right here redhead is just as smart and witty as, well... She does look good- objectively! Of course. ...

"Ah, I see. So the doctor really seemed have picked a good one!" The raven smiled and cursed himself on the inside. That is the most painful small talk he has ever had! -and he survived awkward small talk with both Jason and Damian... Okay, the later got better at it, as he grew. Fine then make it Jason and Bruce! "I mean, you really seem to want to help and believe in a chance for them. That is very good to know." Dick, you absolute moron... Then he heard an angel sing, as she giggled. Oh, he so had a typ- wait... Is that why B left him alone? This damned-

"Haha! Well I try to do my best, as do you I believe." She offered an out. Thankfully.

"He's back in his room. Made sure of it." A much deeper voice grumbled and next to the doctor stood the new security guard. When...? How, without...? Nightingale raised an eyebrow at him, suspiciously until the man sighs. "Don't worry, I didn't do anything." So they know each other, are probably even close. Now that they stand together, Nightwing can see that their eyes are fairly similar,as well as the shade of electric blue and- wow. Suddenly he realises, that this blue is no ordinary blue, even a little more vibrant than a Kryptonians eyes... Has B noticed it already?

"Sorry, while I don't intend on interrupting you two, but..." He meant to interlude, maybe he'll get a clue to their relationship-

"Oh, don't worry. My brother doesn't bite, even if he looks like he wants to." She giggled at the taller man's grumbling. Bingo. Maybe a last hook...?

"Well, in that case," Nightwing held out his hand, that the young doctor intended to take and shake, yet gently he grasped her fingers and guided her hand up. With a slight bow and his most charming of smiles, the vigilante gave her hand a kiss. "It was an absolute pleasure meeting you. We'll meet again eventually, miss...?" Aim, fire and-

The woman's cheeks turned a slight shade of pink, while he just completely ignored the big guy growling at him. "O-oh..." She giggled again, seemingly enjoying the attention, giving her brother a small glare, as she took her hand back. "Still Dr Nightingale, but I sure do hope to see you around sir Nightwing." The way she said it, it sent shivers down Dick's spine and he grined a little goofy before turning away.

But he missed. A full name would have been good, but he's sure to get that information through Arkham's website. She's not alone, both strangers go together as brother and sister, so he's looking for at least two Nightingale's. Could there be more? Will there be less? She's got a PhD, so she must be registered in some university, as well as checking the meta register. Something about this terror-inducing stare the brother got going, that even Crane got scared, the way she somehow knew what he was feeling and reacting according... The bright electric blue was just, the tip of the iceberg.

While on his way back to the cave he stopped and looked over his shoulder.

Oh boy... He really hoped, that her brother got an eye on his sister. If she's in the high security ward, chances are, she'll meet-... That bastard who took his brother. And he wouldn't want to wish onto her, what that asshole did to Harley...

He couldn't just let it go. Of course not! That is exactly why Dick was on his way, in his nightwing suit, after his patrol, a few days later, just to check in and make sure...

With the information he had, he'd found out that The young woman was dr Jasmine Nightingale, the security guard her younger brother Dante Nightingale. In addition there are two more siblings; Daniel, Dante's twin and Eliza, the youngest Nightingale. All are indeed registered as metas- which is why he didn't say anything to Bruce yet, even if they seem like civilians. Even if their parents seem to not exist, with mostly black hair and blue eyes, with which they fall into prime adoption bait territory. Just to be sure, you know?

Now he's finding his way around the asylum; not to get in, of course. For that he could've just taken the front entrance. No, Nightwing just wanted to catch a sneak peek, see if the new faces are settling in well. Okay, fine, maybe to also catch a glimpse at the nice, new and redheaded doctor-

His thoughts were unfortunately interrupted by sounds of shouting, barking commands and the firing of guns. Nightwing tensed up immediately, ready to get into action and help, as he was about to give Barbara the call on deck for another tried outbreak, yet the noices fell silent quickly again.

The vigilante was already on his heels to head inside, through a high up ceiling window and what he saw made his heart stop... -but not in a bad way!

The new recruit, this Dante Nightingale, was tying up about six unconscious goons in clown masks, together with another guy; the Joker? Also knocked out, just a few feet from his open cell door- he certainly did not get far this time, Nightwing thought. When they were done, with the guns out of reach, Dante wanted to get up, presumably to get the clown prince back into his confined, little castle of solitude. The raven in a domino watched incredulously in the whole situation, as his colleague made him sit down: he seemed to have gotten injured.

Just as the cell door closed, two more security guards came to, one with an aid kit the other from another direction, that should be somewhere in administrations if Dick can trust his memories. They talked about something he didn't hear, due to the distance and the fact of the thick and tempered glass between them. From his lipreading skills, he could only make out some keywords- god damnit, he really should ask Cass about teaching him properly!

But something about the police coming and save now and EMTs. Dante nodded in apparition, at one of his colleagues having aided him and bandaged him up. Just shortly after, he could hear the sirens growing louder...

Standing in the shadows of the building, in an alley near the gates to the asylum, Nightwing stood still, waiting patiently. It's been a few hours since it happened. Dante Nightingale walked out of the gate and Nightwing moved,

"I know you're standing there, you don't need to hide." The Badger haired man called out, needless to say, the vigilante was surprised, but hey if he's that good, maybe more of them will stay locked up. Nightwing chuckled softly, trying to show that he means no harm.

"Am I getting bad at hiding or are you just good at it?" Of course he couldn't help himself, it's also a nice icebreaker, "You were also the guy who got the Scarecrow save to his cell, a few nights back right?"

"Yeah, and you're the hero who shamelessly flirted and got dumped by my sister. I remember." Ouch, but fair. Despite his deadpan tone, the trained eyes of the bird can see that the man in front of him, indeed, loosed up. And hey, that jab at his ego, made the corners of his mouth twitch upwards. "So what you doing here? As far as I've read up on you lot, you are usually up in Bludhaven."

"Oh, yes. I just needed to head to a meetup and heard the gunshots. Did something happen? Are you okay?" Nightwing asked, still concerned about the wound this man is just seemingly walking off.

"Eh... 'm fine." Nightingale shrugged his shoulders. Lier. Nightwing could see the outlines of the bandages underneath his shirts and- wait a minute... This man is wearing nothing but a simple black sweatshirt and light blue, slightly ripped jeans, well and his bag with work gear probably- "But,..." his attention was captured again by the other man, "...this Joker guy has many hidden hands around. A few days ago I cut his secret ways of communications, which is why a little raid happened. Those poor bastards thought it was their sign. Maybe keep an eye open, would be nice." Dante Nightingale said then, as he fixed his back and turned to leave.

"Wait... Wait!" The words finally registered with Nightwing and the man stood still again, waiting for any words, looking down at the vigilante.

"What."

"...how will I know to trust you?" It came from the other suddenly.

"You don't. Neither do I. But I respect that you seem to do an at least half-descent job, so there's that." With that he simply turned back around and left Nightwing all to himself. After he crossed the road, a lonesome car drove by and in an instant the man was gone.

Nightwing stared perplexed, how did he do that? But... He's right. Plus, these two seem to do equally well a good job, yet something's just itching in the back of his mind. Clawing at him, that somehow, in some way, something seems... Different about them. But yet again, that could also just be one of their meta abilities.

Just one thing is for certain; oh he's so going to accompany Batman again, if a rogue gets out, because wow... Incredible to admit, but both have uhhh... Certain appeals. Oh boy, he's definitely looking forward to having a reason to swing by so long one of them is there!

@georgiefreddie0829 @shirasorin

The New Girl

Crossover dp x dc. So I've got this time line in mind, for my crossover AU and this is a snippet of it. Will post more of it; will make a master post at some point soon.

In order to further Damian's social skills, keep up illusions and maybe in an attempt to give the boy some form of normality in his life Bruce negotiated with him to attend High School. The only condition Damian set, on which he would not budge, was that Jon and him will attend the same school, to not start off completely alone.

When a new girl got transferred to their school, who happened to share a majority of their classes, a few things changed for both boys.

Math is boring. High school in general is boring. Not to mention, that he already knows most, if not nearly all of what the teachers say anyway! It's just frustrating... Especially, ever since his classmates found out who he was, which didn't take that long due to public appearances of the Wayne family. So many people, try to be cool or smart or pretty in front of him for his attention, to gain his favour and with that his status. The same shallow talks and compliments from galas and high social events. Honestly, if Jon wasn't here to make it bearable in any way, chances are Damian would have made sure, his first day would've been his last.

Not to mention the materials taught here are so dry for the most part. There are things and concepts that are good, sure... But for the most part? It felt so useless. When would someone like him, someone who was going into the medical field, ever going to need to know that in Poe's works-

Damian sighs. It's Monday morning and math is supposed to start soon, the first double period of the day. He already sits in his chair, materials open. He can hear a particularly noisy group of girls chit chatting about 'grand, expensive weekend getaways' and how 'school is so easy right now', as they deliberately sit a row in front of him... tt, a special form of mental torture, that he has to go through alone for now, as Jon actually had a doctor's appointment and it takes a while to fly back. The rumbling comes to a halt, as the teacher walks in, yet picks up in hushed whispers again, as a new girl steps in behind the teacher. After a few shared thoughts the class quieted down, as the teacher stood behind his desk,

"Class, from today on we have a new student with us, I expect your best behaviour only. Would you introduce yourself, please?" The teacher turned to the girl, she looked at him for a moment then sighed.

"'kay... Hi, I'm Ellie Nightingale. I uh... Just moved here with my family from Wisconsin and yeah..." As she talks, it's definitely clear; she has a thin midwestern twang but strong enough to notice, a light tan and soft freckles. Although the black hair and blue eyes do seem familiar... But the white streaks, that didn't really look natural, throws him off and the electric blue in her eyes, that barely balances the line to normal; even Kryptonians have a more natural blues. Yet Damian just knows, if he wasn't so observant, he could have missed it. Just a meta, he thinks.

"Well, welcome to Gotham Academy Ellie. Go and take a seat, please." The teacher says, the Nightingale girl nods and scans the room for a free seat. The girls in front of him started to cackle already, tt how moronic... Yet he does nothing to clear the seat next to him, even though he knows fullwell that the seat next to him is one of the two empty seats. But he is not about to sacrifice his -somewhat- peace here, for no good reason, and so the lesson begins.

The teacher introduced a new topic, as he spoke and explained, Damian noticed the girls in front of him giggling and then he saw it: a paper ball zooming through the room, hitting the new girl in the head in a moment of inattentiveness from the teacher. Well that's just rude and unnecessary, she didn't even do anything yet. Damian rolled his eyes at these childish antics. Throughout the rest of this double period of math, the behaviour continued; paper balls thrown, cackling into her direction and one of them, Sabrina Portman, made snide comments towards her. Damian just observed, of course he'd intervene if it became too serious, but Nightingale held herself quite well so far, ignoring it well. At least until the teacher had to leave the classroom for a very brief moment, leaving the students unsupervised for only a few minutes.

"Hey, soo... you're really from Minnesota or something?" Portman asked, the class just watched.

"Wisconsin, actually." Nightingale spoke, without looking up from her text book. Good priorities, he admitted to himself. The girls giggle.

"So did you like grow up on a farm or something? Because you kinda look it, country bumpkin." Damian scoffed silently, the rest of the class seemed to snicker at this. "How'd they even let you get in here? Because I kinda doubt, that a farm dweller like you could afford it. Sorry, not sorry." More snickering, Damian just gives Portman a snide and slightly disgusted side glance. At least Jon isn't here to hear this, that boy would be furious. ...on second thought, that is really not acceptable in any form-

"Ow, ou, ouch! That sting! That burn!" Nightingale threw herself over dramatically onto her table, just to prop herself up again, grinning with a weird mix of mischief and indifference. "Be honest, two entire periods and this is the best you can come up with? Well I guess you're right, I wouldn't wanna pay the amount of people necessary to educate you either." Damian blinked, the rest of class looked dumbfounded, Portman seemed absolutely flabbergasted. Yet the raven after a moment of silence, couldn't help the very subtle way the corners of his mouth would form an infinitesimal smile. Then his breath hitched, as their eyes met directly, time stood still for the moment as did his heart, skipping a beat only to make up for it, by beating faster. But it was over just as fast as it came by. This feeling, still stuck in his throat like a lump he can only hardly swallow, the tingling in his head and stomach. He drew in a sharp breath, it hit him, ran through him like a shock. A feeling he knew all too well... Could it have to do with her powers? It had to be, she must be a meta, that's the only explanation. The slight metallic taste, similar to blood, of the feeling, still lingering on the back of his tongue and down his throat, his heart just slowly calmed again and now he understood it wasn't just stunned silence filling the room in-between his classmates. It was something else:

Pure fear.

Damian had to keep an eye on the new girl, just to make sure nothing happened...

"You did what!?" Jon gasped in utter disbelief, gaining a confused look from his best friend. They sat in the cafeteria, Damian sat them down in a spot to keep watch over the new meta. To be ready, just in case. But for the moment right now, the kriptonian in front of him held his attention.

"I didn't...-" He got cut off by said half alien.

"Exactly! You didn't do anything- honestly Dami, you see someone get bullied and you do nothing??" The boy bit down on his snack carrots in a huff, the clear disappointment still on his face. The other also huffed.

"In my defence, she handled herself very well, there was no need for me to step in and help-"

"Damian..." The bigger one laid his head into his hands and sighed, defeated. Sometimes Jon really wished Damian's vast knowledge would also incorporate a few more social skills, on the other hand he's probably never seen real bullying. "It is. This is bullying. And you step in, not because they can't handle themselves, but to show comradery and that they are not alone."

"Hm..." Jon was right, he himself thought what happened was truly unacceptable, as Damian took another bite of the breakfast Alfred made him. "You're right... I suppose I should apologise for my incorrect behaviour yesterday." It had been rather quiet the rest of yesterday and for the most part of today, except that Portman's friend group talked about her in hushed tones. One glance over, Nightingale sat alone at a corner table headphones in and scrolling through her phone while sipping on a juice box. Damian sighed defeated and made a motion to stand up, "Are you coming with me or would you prefer to stay seated?"

"Hm? Mmh... I'll join." Jon thought it over, maybe he can help Dami when he's got trouble putting his emotions into words.

Nightingales eyes shot up at the two boys immediately, as they stood in front of the table and Jon could feel a slight shudder down his spine... Damian didn't exaggerate, there's something almost sparking, not sparkling but like lightning sparking, in her truly electric blue eyes.

"Hello, Nightingale. I am Damian Wayne, this is my best friend Jon Kent, we share-"

"I know, same class. What do you want?" She cut him off, seemingly a little tense, training her eyes to keep either of them in view at all times. Both boys knew that look, yet they were a little taken aback by the harshness of her tone.

"...right." Damian cleared his throat, that bone chilling and irrational feeling comes back. "I wanted to apologise for my lack of comradery yester- and today as well. I should have at least said something, even if solely to stand up in solidarity." Slurping on the straw of her juice box, she listened, processed, only to look confused at them. Jon decided to say something,

"What he meant to say was, that it was not okay for you to be bullied and we will help if we see something happening. We also know it's hard to find new friends in new surroundings and if you'd like you could sit with us?" Damian nodded, Jon can put his thoughts better into words- at least for their civilian forms. Well... Damian has gotten better, he just likes that Jon knows what he means but as if he'd ever admitted to it. Vise versa too; Damian can formulate words better when there're reports and other hero related issues. Sure Jon learned over the years, but this just feels more comfortable and he likes how close it shows them to be.

Nightingale looks them up and down, her eyes narrow slightly, thinking, contemplating about something. "Thanks, but I'm fine. I can handle myself."

"Are you sure? We really don't mind-" Damian put a hand on Jon's shoulder, pulling the attention of the bigger one towards himself.

"The offer still stands. See you around, then." He nods and pulls Jon away, who looks confused.

"Why did you keep it so short? Sure, she was a little defensive, but..."

"Not just defensive, Jon. She kept her guard up constantly and walls sealed shut; this conversation would have led nowhere." Damian explained his observations, "trust me, I should know..." Recognition of this behaviour flares in his eyes and Jon understands immediately, nodding in understanding. Then a small smile forms on his face again, growing,

"Then we have to make actions, speak louder than words. And consistency is key! I mean, for how long did I annoy you, before you realised I wouldn't go?" Damian gave him an honest smile at the now fond memories, he hummed in agreement, which in turn earned a bright grin from the Kryptonian.

"It is settled, then. I also highly suspect she is a meta. If we get close enough, we can properly guide her to the good, when the time is right."

"Yes, let's go!" Jon laughed, that settled it most definitely for their plan,

Operation: The New Girl

Goal: befriend the new meta, before the wrong people get to her and use her powers for bad.

I think I've done the first one before but... come on.