#Batman AND Bruce Wayne are Gotham’s saviors

[frownyalfred]

the thing about Bruce Wayne is that, no matter what mask he wears, he looks at Gotham and sees something worth saving. something dark and dirty worth pulling up into the light, and damn the consequences.

in a city where so many other influential figures have given up, or given in, Bruce sees something worth making holy again. despite all that it’s taken from him.

[batgeance]

god bruce fucking hates talking to wayne execs and financial advisors

[gonnalosemydougdimmadomedamnmind]

It's literally impossible to read bat fanfiction because it's all based off those ridiculous fanon tropes that spread like crazy and people take as fucking biblical!!!!! Dick was never a jerk to Jason when he was Robin- they got along because Dick is mature as hell and in one retelling- Jason was a jerk to him!! And when he came back as Red Hood he had literally not a single damn reason to treat Dick like shit! Not a damn one! But he did, didn't he? Cause he's the fucking asshole! How dare you make Dick grovel towards that bastard! Dick has only ever tried to help him! Reached out during his Batman run, over and over! Also- Dick never put Jason in Arkham with Joker just a few cells down???? What the fuck! The Joker and all those other fuckers had been broken out of Arkham by Black Mask already for like the whole run??? Jason went to Arkham after losing to Dick, and Gordon put him in there because One he fucking deserved it, Two the literal circumstances?? And at that point!! Arkham was fucking rehabilitated itself!! By Dick!!! Because Bruce had him go undercover there for real, and Dick was actually tortured there before he got out!! So Dick put in the work to get that shit in order to actually help people!!

Dick never chose Damian over Tim- Tim refused to engage with him over his grief, shut him out, and left of his own devices! He never told Dick his suspicions on why Bruce was alive, never! And Tim is not the one to bring Bruce back either, there's a whole team at that point! Dick learns Bruce is alive through tossing his 'dead' body into a pit and the body comes to life as a zombie. Tim didn't tell him shit! Tim is also not a little crybaby- Damian cutting his line was a fucking blip on the page, he was momentarily shocked, that was it! He put Damian on his Hit List, which is why Damian cut his line. And his first attempt at "murder" is just pushing Tim off the dinosaur statue in the cave, he didn't go all assassin on him! Also Dick wasn't even there the first incident and wasn't told about the second incident. Alfred is the one who gave Damian Robin and Dick accepted him because he saw that Damian needed help! He needed guidance! He didn't fucking fire Tim the way Bruce fired him, and fuck all of you for thinking that Tim or Jason or fucking anyone has more right over Robin than Dick Fucking Grayson! He tried to promote Tim and Tim walked off. How dare yall make Dick fucking grovel towards that bastard!!!

Jason did try to kill all three of them!! Why does everyone just gloss over that like what the fuck??? Why does he get a pass for every shitty thing he's done??? "Bad writing" stfu this is the same dude that without hesitation kills random criminals, people who deal drugs, do you know how many random ass people deal drugs??? Jason doesn't give a single shit about being his own type of hero or saving Gotham his own way, nor do the people think of him as their savior!! Are you people fucking delusional?? I saw a post that said citizens would trust Jason over CASS and I cannot Believe the hallucinations yall are seeing???

It is literally downright impossible to find fics about Dick or Damian or Cass or fucking any of them that doesn't include these literal bullshit fanon takes!!! It's impossible!!! This fandom sucks!!!! You don't even need to go buy the comics, all these popular takes have been debunked right here on tumblr!!!! Also Dick can do literally everything!! He's hypercompetent as hell, die mad about it!! Jason doesn't like Wonder Woman???? Where the fuck did that come from??? Wayne Family Adventures is not real!!! Those people could not BE more out of character!!! Look at Bruce for crying out loud!!! Yall know that man ain't act like that!

Edit: leaving this here in case anyone wonders what my hot take is towards this question I was asked: "have you considered tho, that fanon is more fun..."

Well of course fanon is more fun if you're a fan of Jason or Tim. Fanon actively caters towards those two pasty white boys. Fanon actively shits on Dick and Damian though. And for Dick? He literally never did that shit! It is all made up! It's literal character assassination?? But by the fans?? And for Damian? He was 10!!! He grew up as an assassin! He was actively trying to grow with Dick's help! How can yall see him as the bad guy?? And not the literal bad guy, (Jason), and the 17 teen year old who literally fought him back btw, (Tim), like old boy did not act victimized the way you people portray. And Jesus for Cass? Cass is just a prop in fanon. So what exactly about this should be fun to me? Like seriously.

[ice-cream-writes-stuff]

Batfam/Batboys with a Yandere S/O

[This is something I wanted to write personally and decided to share with all of ya'll. Please remember this is fiction, since it has come to my attention that it needs to be stated. I do not condone this behavior, I just enjoy writing it. Thank you, enjoy.]

-

Batman/Bruce Wayne:

Yan S/O is devoted to him, would literally kill anyone just to make him happy.

Even if Bruce knows that your love for him isn't healthy, he doesn't let you go. He honestly finds comfort in your love, it's tight like collar on the both of you. Yet, he can't help himself but let your chains keep him together.

You love him to the point of no return. Willing to forsake the world, morals, everything. Even Talia can't do that. You want to hold him and keep him safe in your sickingly-sweet embrace.

Bruce has a case of savior complex with you, thinking he can change you. Where your desires to coat Gotham in red aren't necessary for him to love you.

But to you, it matters that you try to kill anyone in your way to Bruce's heart, or maybe just managing to keep them at arms-length.

Those finky, so-called, "villians" are apart of your anger. They CRAVE Batmans attention, which should only be for YOU.

Bruce and Batman do their best to keep you from killing villians. Most times failing and trying to cover it up for your sake and his reputation.

I could see Yan S/O just straight up telling Bruce that they are gonna raise his childern..

Which is kinda true, since they managed to get Alfred's approval. 《No clue how...》

Anyway, Yan S/O is around for all of the Batfam. Being the kindest and sweetest parental figure ever. Often threatening and hurting villians when they try to get in the way of family outings or straight up killing them under the guise of "self-defense."

You teach your way of "love" to Dick and then so on and so fourth. Causing a horrible cycle and generation of yandere Batfam. It's kinda funny.

"Just what exactly are you teaching him (Y/N)?" Bruce asked you, his tone accusing as he watched you clean up blood off the floor of the parlor room.

Jason sat on a small armchair, a notepad in hand as he re-reads over his notes. 

Dick strolls up beside the older Wayne, watching the scene. 

"Oh! I remember when you taught me that trick, gotta remember this little-wing!"

Richard [Dick] Grayson:

This man has been emotionally starved, having been raised by Bruce. 

Dick has been in many romantic relationships, but they mostly fall flat and him and his romantic partners become just friends. Which is fine, but he still yearns for a romantic connection.

Or honestly a positive connection that has someone caring for him instead. Yes he's a good brother and son, but Bruce and his brothers mostly depend on him as the "happy-go-luck Dick Grayson".

Not the moody and depressed part of him.

Yet he meets Yan S/O, who is pretty much his personal everything. Cheerleader, bestie, (beside Wally), cuddle buddy, ect.

In your eyes, he could do no nothing wrong. You hold no high standard as how he should be seen.

He doesn't need to be the "Nightwing of Bludhaven" nor the "sweet and handsome Grayson".

He is YOURS, and you are his.

"Hey~ Welcome back," you whisper kindly. Aiding him inside the apartment. More-so dragging him in with strength he didn't know you possess.

Dick smiles at you, his eyes tired and body woozy from working late hours. 

-

Jason Todd:

Jason never really grew up in a loving home, when he did however, it was taken away from him very early on.

So when any once of love he gets from Yan S/O, he tries to push it away. Thinking he'll loose it, somehow.

Yet if Yan S/O proves their devotion, Jason will accept their advances.

He doesn't see you as a total threat to himself, to other's though, that's a different story..

You listen to him, wanting to know every bits and fucked-up pieces of him.

You don't see him as some type of puzzle to finish, you just want to know him. To love him.

Holding his hands in your own, you place them on your forehead. Breathing out a content sigh, tracing his fingers gently. As if he was made out of porcelain and not a monster he saw himself as.

Tim Drake [Wayne]:

Tim is concerned about Yan S/O affections, finding them perfect. Too perfect.

He's afraid to love them, because Yan S/O is all he could imagine as a perfect lover for him.

Kind, attentive, uncaring of his coffee addiction.

Someone who'll listen to him need out about ANYTHING.

It could be the stupid-est thing ever, yet you'll stare him like a love stricken idiot.

Even when he talks about someone he likes, you'll still smile. With clear hurt in your eyes, yet never sabotage his dates or try to change his mind. Just listen with a open heart, hoping for the privilege to let you love him.

He honestly doesn't want to push it, knowing you'd have to have a limit.

But you never crack..

It drives him mad.

To the point where he surrenders himself to you.

There was no one who could be as "perfect" as you.

"Hey! Hey!" You squeak, feeling Tim's cold hands touch your cheeks. Squeezing them together to make a fish-face, leaning in to give you a small peck.

-

Damien Al Ghul/Wayne:

Straight up opposite of Tim.

Damien pushes your button's, wanting to see if you had the guts to kill for him.

Not believing that you were worthy enough for him.

He is a Al Ghul.

A Wayne.

Yan S/O thinks saying a heartful declaration of love will sway his heart. Not even a little.

You have to be persistent for Damiens attention, clingy but not to the point of becoming a annoyance and a bother. 

Hell, maybe even uncaring. Giving up on the chase, which pisses Damien off.

Weren't you the one that wanted to be with him!?

Yan S/O acts like loving him was a phase. Which upsets him even more, he acts like it's not bothering him.

He starts missing your presence, whether if you were happy or timid around him.

"You already stuck around this long, might as well reward your efforts." Damien scowls, opening his hand out for you to take. A big smile breaks onto your face, which makes Damien freeze.

You won.

-

[Hope you enjoyed! Everythings appreciated!]

[kingtry]

Of Children and Tea Parties

Author:RandomEnglishMajor Rating: General Audiences Fandom: Danny Phantom, Batman Relationships: None Series: Part 2 of The Phantom of Gotham Language: English Stats: 5 Chapters (Completed)

Summary:

Alfred Pennyworth is grateful that the Wayne family wasn't murdered. He is very willing to work with Bruce to lure their savior into a warm and safe home. But does the silent child want to come?

Autor:RandomEnglishMajor Clasificación: Audiencias generales Fandom: Danny Phantom, Batman Relaciones: Ninguna Series: Parte 2 de The Phantom of Gotham Idioma: Inglés Estado: 5 Capítulos (Terminada)

Resumen:

Alfred Pennyworth agradece que la familia Wayne no haya sido asesinada. Está muy dispuesto a trabajar con Bruce para atraer a su salvador a un hogar cálido y seguro. Pero, ¿querrá venir el niño silencioso?

Divisores de  cafekitsune

[unadulteratedsoulsweets]

A DC X DP IDEA #1 A mother’s love stretches throughout the realms

Imagine dis…

 What if Danny Fenton is a reincarnated version of Martha Wayne (I’d like to think that she is a badass woman, not your typical rich girl) When the portal accident happened he began remembering the life before Daniel “Danny” Fenton happened. At first, he thought that these memories are nothing more than ‘dreams’, as dreams kept us all day and are often forgotten the moment we wake up but every time he woke up from each ‘dream’ he kept remembering the love and fondness to a man who has the same built to his dad. The care, protectiveness, and love that he gave to Dani to a young male that looked like him, the feeling would cling to him throughout the day. The feeling of protectiveness would amplify his own. He wants nothing more than to find that blurred young boy and make sure that they are right. His core kept aching for that two individuals.

Far worse each year on a specific day. The horror and fear crawled up his spine as well the relief and safety towards the mystery boy.

The moment Danny turned 18 he was crowned as the High king in the Infinite Realm. The moment the crown and ring are within him he is bombarded with information about the information and secrets of the Infinite Realm, he also remembered his son.

He tried to find his husband, Thomas Wayne but was saddened that he couldn’t find his love. But also felt relief seeing that he found peace in his afterlife for him to move on.

After making sure that the balance is restored throughout the realm he wishes to see his son one more time. Using the information he got when he was crowned he navigated through the Infinity realms and entered the DC universe.

He turned invisible to see his son in Gotham, but what greeted him made him fear the worse.

There lay a very injured Batman, how did she know it has his son? Never heard of the phrasing “There is an endearing tenderness in the love of a mother to a son that transcends all other affections of the heart”

She knew that is her boy, and quickly turned to help his son. Learning under the teaching of the yetis, especially through Frostbite’s guidance he is able to make himself stable enough.

Pressing the panic button under his utility belt he can’t help but linger his eyes towards his boy.

His boy who has done much and given much, he who has so much to love to give, who gave all of his heart, body, soul, and mind to those he calls sons and those who he considers his kin, his boy who turned into a fine young man.

All of a sudden, he wasn’t in a grimy alley anymore but at the Wayne manor taking care of a 7-year-old Bruce who fell ill after playing under the rain.

Thomas his love, besides their son, whispers how he is handling that cold like a champ while Alfred is carrying an empty bowl of chicken soup out of the room.

He can’t help but go back to his old habits, rubbing his boy’s chubby cheeks, promising sweet words to his boy that It will be all right. While singing his lullaby for him.

The moment Nightwing appeared, a lingering cold air remained at the spot beside the man he call father.

It's been a few days since Bruce was recovered and healed up in the manor, having Dick fill in the gaps of Batman for a few days.

At the cave, Bruce is trying to recover the audio as well as the recordings through his cowl as he refused to be compromised. His children assured him that when the rest of them have gotten there he was all bandaged up and no one near could have been his savior. He refused to take the such chance.

The video is nothing more than a lost cause but the audio is clear enough for Batman to listen through it.

The situation, the faint feeling of fingers rubbing his cheeks, and the whispering words of reassurance made him remember but it was the lullaby that sealed the deal and made him freeze up

Come stop your crying

It will be alright

Just take my hand

Hold it tight

I will protect you

From all around you

I will be here

Don't you cry

No…

There is only one person who knows that song… that night he knew he looked like a man on a mission.

Who is that person who clearly knows his mother’s lullaby to him?

Somewhere near Crime alley, Danny is thinking of meeting the rest of his grandchildren's booth that was adopted officially and unofficially by his son's booth in and out of their suits.

As well as thinking of ways to heal and avenge his second grandchild looks like Jason got his hatred on clowns.

Hey! He may be Martha Wayne at one point but he is also currently Danny Phantom who is the king of Infinite realms, Champion of Balance but most importantly hates clown with passion as well willing to beat that clown up for killing his grandson.

 PS: If someone out there wanting to continue or make a fic about this you are free to do so.

[renren-006]

No More Secrets | Bruce Wayne x fem reader

plot: The reader already knows he's Batman, but maybe Bruce already knows that you know?

word count: 749

a/n: hey! I know a ton of you enjoyed my other Bruce story but here is a second one to add to the list! hope you enjoy it!

taglist: @rosecentury

You knew Bruce was Batman before he ever told you. After he had almost thrown himself off a building to save your life, you knew. You watched him fake smiles at events, and when he sweet talked the people in Wayne tower, you could see the man in the mask. At every event you saw him itching to get back out to the streets, you felt it when he would excuse the two of you early from parties just to drop you off at your apartment with a kiss and leave into the night. It angered you, how he never told you, so much so that you blew up at him after one of his parties. 

It was another social gathering put on by some wealthy business owner in Gotham, someone you knew you would have to write about for the paper the next morning so you tried to get a few words out of him. You could feel Bruce's impatience as it got closer and closer to 9 o’clock.  When it was at the hour he came up to you, as you were talking to a few of his business partners about their lives and stories.

“I'm so sorry but It's getting late and my lovely girlfriend here has to be up early for work tomorrow” he said, kissing your head as he whisked you away from the businessman. Burice wasn't a jealous type, and you knew that because he would defend you with his mask if anyone ever tried anything. As you were walking away from the party you could feel the slight tugs from him to keep you moving and once you were in the car, not a word left your mouth. 20 minutes later you were on the other side of town way faster than the law allowed and you stepped out of the car with a slam of the door. 

“What's wrong?” Bruce asked over the hood of the car. 

“Nothing. Goodnight Bruce”

“You've been short with me all night, something must be wrong?” He said walking towards you on the street. A light drizzle had started to fall from the sky, dotting his jacket. 

“I can't do this Bruce…” you said, looking away from him. 

“Can't do what sweetheart?” he said, pulling your face to look at him again. You raised your hand over his eyes. 

“I can't date you, and know that there's another side to you that you won't tell me about” you told him as the drizzling rain became harder. You let your hand fall down and he was looking at you with surprise. “I'm not an idiot, Bruce Wayne. You think I don't put together that the man I loved was Batman, savior of Gotham?”

“I did, I just…I didn't think it would be this hard to tell you”

“Why would it be hard to tell me, if you knew I had already figured it out?” You asked. 

“Because what if you left? Or what if I told you the truth for certainty and you would be in more danger because of it?”

“Bruce! You can't protect me from everything” you told him, annoyed his answer was always putting your life above his or the relationship you both had together. 

“I have to”

“No. All you have to do is make sure I can protect myself when your not there”

“What?”

“Just…Bruce just train me to know how to defend myself so if something happens like the roof again, i'll be able to at least fight till you get there”

“I can do that sweetheart” he told you. “Why don't I stay with you tonight?”

“And give up prowling the city”

“For you? Always. I should put you first before the city, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be out in this weather anyways” Bruce said with a chuckle. Knowing that these storms that blow through Gotham never let up till the next day.

“It's alright. Tell me the truth next time when you want to leave”“What if the reason I want to leave has nothing to do with defending the city?” “Then I guess the city can't wait for the night. Right Batman?” You asked as you swished your hips into your apartment building. Bruce smiled, locking the car and heading up to your apartment. Whether you watched a movie and paid attention was anyone's guess, but the rain didn't let up for the entire night. You trapped the Batman in your apartment and blamed it on the weather.

[hollandorks]

haven

battinson! bruce wayne x f! reader

chapter twelve

Summary: After the sudden deaths of your mother and grandmother, you’re forced to return home to Gotham…and to the man who broke your heart three years ago. Back in Bruce Wayne’s inescapable orbit, you vow to get to the bottom of your former best friend’s new cold personality. But Bruce’s secrets aren’t what you’re expecting. a

a/n: I enjoy this chapter so much, that is all. I also enjoy the chapter I just wrote but you don't get that yet (hehe). This chapter is a little on the shorter side but that's because the next bit is a Bruce POV interlude! Thanks as usual for the comments etc, I love feedback and I love making y'all lose your minds with cliffhangers!

Series Masterlist

word count: 2k

She screamed as hands grabbed her and yanked her off of the motorcycle. 

A primal need to survive rose within y/n as hands dragged her into the smoke. She thrashed wildly, twisting every which way to try and escape the iron grip that held her. Her hands turned into claws and she swiped at whatever she could find. Her nails met flesh and she abruptly hit the asphalt as a man yelled. 

Go, go, go, she shouted to herself, her breath coming in panicked pants. “Help!” she called, but she didn’t have enough air to shout. She was almost to the motorcycle, hands reaching for the key to turn it, when she was grabbed again. 

“Bitch,” the man she had seen earlier snarled into her ear. The fourth murder suspect. Hell, he wasn’t even a suspect. She knew he had killed those two people. She had seen it. 

Pain exploded across her face as his fist connected. 

This time she did scream. 

He laughed. “All this time searching, and you’re right here on our doorstep.” 

She took a swipe at him with her nails again. He moved easily out of the way. She tried to run again but he simply caught her like a cat toying with its prey before killing it. 

Because he was going to kill her. And he was going to do it before Batman or Gordon or anyone else could save her. 

Behind her was the man who’d grabbed her, both of his hands bleeding where she had scratched him. She was between the two men, the motorcycle too far, Batman nowhere to be seen. 

She went still. She looked around wildly for an escape, any escape, but saw none. There was still gunfire from the front of the pub. She could hear sirens now, but they were too distant. They would be too late. 

She closed her eyes. 

“There’s a good girl,” her murderer said. She shivered and almost gagged at the words. “No use fighting it. You saw something you weren’t supposed to, and it’s my job to take care of it, you see. You can’t hide forever, even with your little vigilante friend.” He snorted. “Some good he did you.” 

When her eyes opened, they landed on the gun at his waist. 

She had never shot a gun before, but if she could grab it…

She turned in a slow circle, a trapped animal, wild with panic, searching for a way out under a false calm. 

When she again faced her killer, there was a soft sound behind her. He frowned. 

The smoke was clearing now. 

With another sudden gust of wind, it cleared enough for her to see the man she’d scratched , now unconscious on the ground. 

She ran towards him and the shadow that stood over him. 

The other man grabbed for her but she managed to shrug out of her jacket and get away. 

She was almost to her savior when the shot rang out. 

She gasped and stumbled to a halt. She waited for the pain, the agony, the sudden onslaught of darkness bringing her death. 

When she opened her eyes, the Batman was in front of her. 

The shot had hit him the chest. She could see the mark from it, the bullet perfectly pressed into the armor right over his heart. 

The man pointing the gun stared at them with wide eyes. 

Then he cursed and ran. 

Batman stepped after him, but more shots rang out. He shoved her against the wall and covered her with his body as he took one, two, three more bullets to the chest like it was nothing. He growled and knocked the shooter unconscious as soon as the gun clicked, empty. 

The alley lit up in red and blue as the shooter hit the ground with a thud. 

“I’ve got you,” Batman said, his voice almost hoarse. He turned and caged her in with his arms, her own personal bulletproof shield. She stared up at him, still sucking in panicked breaths. Her face was wet with tears, her vision blurry with them.

“You–” she said but it came out a sob. “They shot you. Oh my god.” Her hands fumbled over his chest in a search for blood. No way he had taken four shots and come away completely unscathed. 

“Are you hurt?” he asked. There was something dangerous in his voice. 

“Are you hurt?” she asked then hiccuped on another sob. 

He ripped off a glove and cupped her face with his bare hand.

Her entire body melted into the touch. She whimpered softly and closed her eyes. “I’m okay,” she said, because she was now. His skin was hot, almost burning where he caressed her cheek. He slipped the hand down her neck and angled her head towards the light. 

“You’re bleeding,” he said. 

“I’m okay,” she repeated. He let out a long breath. “He got away,” she said, because that seemed important. 

“But you’re alive,” Batman said. 

“Hey!” Gordon’s familiar voice shouted. 

“I have his picture,” she said. She didn’t want Batman to stop touching her face. The touch was a comfort, an anchor, a safe haven in a storm. His hands were callused but gentle. “A clear picture.” 

Batman let her go. His absence was an immediate ache in her chest. 

“What the hell happened?” Gordon demanded in an almost-shout as police swarmed the alley. “You were supposed to take her to the store or something, not to a gunfight!” 

She realized that Batman had stepped in front of her again. As if Gordon was going to shoot at her and he was ready to take the bullet. She leaned around him. The presence of Gordon calmed her further. For the moment, she was safe, and Batman was safe, and that was all that mattered. Everything else was a problem for later that she shoved into a locked box in her mind. 

As Batman explained what happened to Gordon, y/n clung to his cape like a kid with a security blanket. She wanted his hand on her skin again, wanted the anchor of his touch, but he had already put his glove back on. 

With a jolt, she quickly pulled up her recent pictures with her free hand. 

“Here,” she said, holding it out between the two men, interrupting whatever argument they were having. “I got a picture of him. It’s him. I know it’s him. He admitted it to me and everything.” 

Gordon took the camera. “I need to–” 

“Keep it, yeah, I know. Just don’t delete anything.” She waved a hand and almost tipped over. Now that the adrenaline was fading, she thought she might pass out. 

Gordon cursed and paced in a small circle. When he paused, he crossed his arms, then used one hand to point at her. “I’m putting a police detail on your house. And I’m taking you home and speaking with Bruce Wayne and Alfred Pennyworth both.”

She nodded, but she wasn’t really listening. Batman was watching her, a hand on her elbow, steadying her, his mouth turned down with concern. 

She met his eyes. 

He looked away, as usual. 

“Stay right here,” Gordon said. “I’ll send someone over to get a statement, then I’m taking you straight home.” 

“But won’t they know who I am as soon as they see the police there every day?” she asked. Her brain was finally starting to catch up with things. 

“It’s only a matter of time before they figure it out,” Gordon said, his voice gentling. “I’d rather err on the side of caution. Now stay put, both of you.” 

Gordon strode away, taking command of the scene, having her camera bagged as evidence as he went. 

She didn’t move from Batman’s side. She didn’t want to. Men were being led away in cuffs or on stretchers and she let the movements hold her gaze until she landed on a familiar officer. 

Martinez saw her at the same time and jogged over. “Hey, you okay?” he said, not even bothering to acknowledge the hulking figure that had once again moved to block her view. She thumped a fist into Batman’s armored back to try to get him to move. What, did he think Martinez was a threat? 

“Fit as a fiddle,” she said. She moved to the side so she could see Martinez. “Except for whatever adrenaline and fear do to your brain.” She went to brush hair out of her face and touched the spot where the man had hit her. She winced. “Okay, and the tiny bump on the head.”  

“God, what happened? I heard Gordon’s call come over and we got like, a million calls reporting gunshots and–” He reached out a hand, probably to make sure y/n really was okay, only to be blocked again by Batman. He looked up at him. “Good thing you were here, man.” 

“Good thing,” Batman said in his low growl. She heard the threat in it even if Martinez didn’t. Her brows drew together. Martinez was about as menacing as a puppy. 

“I gotta go,” Martinez said as someone called his name. “Text me later!” 

He jogged away. 

“Friend of yours?” Batman asked wryly. He glanced down at her and away. 

“You always look away from me,” she said instead of answering the question. “It’s like you’re scared to look at me or something. Am I that hideous?” She meant it as a joke but it came out weird, strangled. 

She saw him swallow even as he still refused to look at her. “Because I’m scared to get too close.” His voice was a low rasp. There it was again–that hint of familiarity, like a dream fading upon waking.

“Why?” 

“Because you–terrify me.” 

The words sent a crackle of electricity through her. She opened her mouth to ask why again, but Gordon was back. 

“Let’s go, kid.” He grabbed her by the elbow but she dug in her heels. 

“Wait,” she said, but she didn’t know what for. She pulled her arm away. She went to turn back to Batman, to make him answer her questions, to get him to say why she terrified him. 

But he was gone. 

–

Wayne Tower’s lobby was ablaze with light. The whole security team was there, in a standoff with several GCPD officers. Gordon spoke briefly with Blake and a uniformed officer before escorting her upstairs with Martinez. 

She couldn’t stop thinking of Batman’s words. Because you terrify me. Her? Terrify him? But why? How? She remembered the warmth of his hand on her face, so gentle despite the violence he had just displayed towards their attackers. 

She wondered, albeit briefly, if her mind was focusing on that instead of what had happened to her, like some form of shock. 

As the elevator opened, all thoughts of Batman fled. 

Because standing there, looking rumpled like he’d rolled out of bed, was Bruce Wayne. 

He was lurking behind Alfred, eyes half closed in the bright foyer lights, his clothes baggy and ratty like he was homeless rather than a billionaire. 

He had never looked better, or more far away. 

Seeing him there–even knowing that it was Gordon that had requested he be there and not a concern for her safety–loosened something within her. 

Alfred rushed towards her and gathered her in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re alright, dear girl,” he said into her hair. “Gordon called and explained.” Her eyes met Bruce’s over Alfred’s shoulder. She expected him to walk away like he so often did whenever they were in the same room lately. 

Instead, he held her gaze steadily. She felt like he was trying to tell her something, but she didn’t know what. 

The thought brought tears to her eyes as the night’s events caught up with her. Bruce was so far away from her and the distance had never been more apparent. She used to be able to read him with a single glance and vice versa. Now his gaze was a wall of blue ice, as distant from her as the Antarctic. 

“I’m okay,” she said, but she wasn’t sure she was.

Next Chapter

taglist:

@ktficworld @grunge-n-roses5 @anon-cat-posts @projectdreamwalker @warsaur @lachillona02 @crazyunsexycool @doetic @alexiris @that-girl-named-alex @harry-bowie-mercury @vaniasagitaa @widows-writings @missing-loki @exactlyelegantwizard @miriamnox @mavenmoon @eclipsedplanet

[yall-batman-fanfic]

Day Off & Double Dates | Batman/Bruce Wayne x Magician!Reader ft. Super-family and Batfamily

Synopsis: Lois Lane gets a day off and decides to spend it with someone who can relate to her predicament of being the wife of a superhero. Wanting to escape Gotham's gloom and the hovering of her family, Vivian takes the invite, and their day off turns out to be an interesting one especially when Clark and Bruce join in later.

Note: Reference to the Spotify series Batman: Unburied and The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark. I absolutely love Hasan Minhaj’s portrayal of the Riddler in that series.

There was chaos in the kitchen. While Vivian normally enjoyed such normalcy in their home and seeing the children act their age and not be soldiers in the never-ending war in Gotham, today was just not that day. 

A week booked from morning till evening, nights that had organized crime doing their work, then there was the incident where Lazlo Valentin or Professor Pyg kidnapped her to transform her to one of his Dollotrons, and then after that incident Damian and Jason won’t stop hovering – she can’t even go to the public restroom without them insisting to check if the stalker was there – she had to bind them outside with her magic just so she could piss. She just wanted some peace and quiet.

Luckily, her savior called all the way from Metropolis.

"Hi, Lois," Vivian sighed.

"Busy day?" Lois asked.

"No, quite the opposite. It's the first time in a while where they get to be their age. Damian's going to school, Cass too, so is Duke, Tim's got something, and Jason and Dick are... who knows." She glanced at the busy kitchen where everyone was running around eating breakfast, looking for their things for school and work, Damian fixing his tie while telling off Tim on something, Bruce sipping his coffee, and Alfred preparing their lunches. And for her a glass of scotch. Bruce saw him give Vivian the glass and raised a brow at her. She only raised the glass at him and took a sip.

"You and Bruce?"

"He's got work. Me... I really don't want to go to campus today. A lot just happened with a serial killer kidnapping me for his experiments-"

"Let me stop you right there because I got just the thing for you. That is if you're willing to drive to Metropolis so we can have a day off."

"You got a day off? That's surprising,” Vivian snuck the laptop from her bag. She made sure to keep the cover facing the family while she scrolled through the browser.

"Speak for yourself,” Lois scoffed. “Ten kids under your roof, and then you’re teaching like a hundred kids a day. You never get a day off.”

“Correction, we only got six kids under our roof. Two of which are full grown adults who should be in their respective apartments but are here – again, I love all of them.” Vivian chuckled. "What do you have planned?"

"How about some yoga at the park, we go shopping using your black credit card - kidding, of course - dinner. A nice girl's day out. What do you say?"

"I'm already checking the next ferry ride there and booking a space for the car. Meet you there in an hour or two."

"Great! Make sure to sneak out so they don't follow you.”

"Too late, they saw me booking the ticket," Vivian sighed loudly as Damian and Jason were on her shoulder asking a million questions. "I'll make this quick."

"This is good, Viv! It helps with their separation anxiety. " Lois joked as she heard Jason and Damian go: "You're going to Metropolis? WHY?!" And "Ma, are you serious right now? You were just kidnapped this week and you're going on a trip?"

Facing the two, she said to them, "Yes, Jason, I am. Why? Because I was kidnapped, strapped to a surgical bed with a man wearing a pig-mask about to carve my face open with an unsanitized butcher’s knife. I need a break," When Bruce came to her side and removed Damian from her back, Vivian said to him, "Lois invited me to spend the day with her."

"Will Clark be there?" Bruce asked.

"She said it's a girls day out. So I doubt it."

"BUT!" Lois called out, prompting Vivian to put her on speaker mode. "Maybe by dinner we could have a couples date. Just for fun."

"I'll head over by then," said Bruce. "Dick can hold the fort."

"Trust, finally! I'm touched," Dick teased him. "Don't worry, Viv, we got it covered."

"Can I come?" Damian asked.

"Sorry, this is an adults only dinner. Even Jon's staying with Conner tonight," said Lois.

"Ha, too bad," Jason had a triumphant look.

"Jason, that includes you," Vivian told him.

He huffed.

"See ya, Lois!" Vivian ended the call and turned to her family, who were now quiet as she addressed them. "I love you, all of you, but please no calls to the principal or the head master's office today. Damian, promise?"

"Why is it only me?" Damian pouted. "But fine."

Glad with his answer, Vivian patted his head but she turned to the next child: "Tim?" 

"What did I do now?!" Tim said. When Vivian only looked at him he sighed and promised.

Vivian turned to Cassandra and Duke.

"Promise, Mom." Cassandra crossed her heart. “Dance practice later.”

Vivian turned to Dick and Jason, expecting one of them to pick up Cass from her practice. It was Jason who took the responsibility and promised to be there on time.

When it was Duke’s turn, he said, "You got it Professor." 

She then turned to Dick and Jason again.

"I'm not even in school!" Said Dick, grinning. "But yeah, I’ll make sure to stay away from hospitals."

Vivian turned to Jason and messed with his hair, "I'll be fine. Nothing to worry about."

Jason sighed and nodded.

"Good."

"But I'll keep watch just in case."

"No."

"Fine..." 

"Mama's boy," Tim whispered to Cass and Luke.

"Yeah, and so what? At least I'm the favorite!" Jason exclaimed. 

"Says who?!" Damian questioned him. "Is that true, Mom? He is your favorite?"

"I don't have any favorites!" Vivian sighed and turned to Bruce. "I'm going out."

"I'll hold them off," Bruce snuck a kiss before she could leave. "Have fun."

"I will!"

Just as Damian was about to run after her, Bruce caught him and said to him, "you know that she doesn't have favorites. She loves all of you equally."

"Then how come Todd's getting all the attention?"

"Because he hoggs her," said Dick. "He tends to do that."

"Stop hogging Mom, Todd!"

"Please, you get to see her everyday!" Jason exclaimed.

As the argument continues, Bruce sighs and envies the sound of Alfred saying goodbye to Vivian as she exits the house and takes her car. He just has to wait until later for their date with Lois and Clark. For now, he’s got a house full of children – literal children and adult-children – making chaos once more. Maybe he should consider making another kitchen on the other side of the manor just for him and Vivian?

~*~

Driving across Metropolis is both relaxing and a hassle. There was traffic, which annoys Vivian since she had a mood to step on the gas a little more than usual, but at least it had something exploding on the pavement or someone running because they robbed a store or a truck crushing the cars on the road. Ah, Gotham, you never fail to make anyone paranoid wherever they go.

Arriving at the Kent-Lane house, Vivian first saw Clark as the man was just about to head inside with some doughnuts.

"I thought I heard a customized car engine driving impatiently in Metropolis," Clark greeted with a grin.

"Hello to you too, Clark. And hello, Jon!" Vivian lets the boy hug her but not too tight to crush her. Yeah, his super strength was coming. He was just a couple of years younger than Damian but Jon was taller than her boy. It always delighted her to see Jon and Damian’s friendship, it reminds her of Bruce and Clark’s friendship to some degree, and she finds Jon’s influence to be good for Damian. Though Damian tends to call off Jon by telling him to “Wonder Woman up, Kent!” whenever they come to Jon’s sports events.

"Professor Pryor, it's good to see you again!" Jon said.

"You too bud, how's school?" She turned the boy’s baseball hat backwards so she could see his cute little face.

"Nope! Nuh uh," Lois came and started to push her towards the car. "You are not going to spend the day helping another student with their homework. We are going to have a day off that we deserve! We'll meet you and Bruce for dinner, Honey!"

"What about yoga?" Clark asked.

"I thought it was just us for yoga?" Vivian raised a brow.

"He wanted to have yoga with me. But, yeah, see you there. Viv and I are just gonna drive around first."

"See you there!"

"Love you both!"

In the car, Vivian and Lois buckled up and then sighed before Lois said, "drive" and she drove out of the parking space. 

"So, tell me all about what happened to you this week," Lois said.

"We'd be in yoga and I'll still be talking."

"Okay. What about the psycho kidnapper?"

Vivian let out a loud groan and began, "His name is  Lazlo Valentin or Professor Pyg and he's a twisted surgeon obsessed with the myth of Pygmalion and the idea of physical perfection. He’s one of those really dark criminals in Gotham, like really dark. Even I get goosebumps just thinking about it. He wears a pig mask on his face and goes about making people perfect by transforming them to his Dollotrons. He’s been running around Gotham for a while, hard to find, and I became his target one time. He said that he saw my photo on the streets and he wanted to make me perfect.”

“Yikes.”

"Anyway, Bruce and the boys came before I could use my magic, and beat the shit out of him. Bruce enjoyed that."

"And the boys?"

"Damian and Jason went overboard. Cass was a sweetheart and took me out of there. It was fun. Really. Fun. What about you?”

Lois shrugged. “I just got a day off after years of working and working. Not as interesting as your reason for one.”

“Trust me, Lois, you deserve this day-off.”

“Both of us.”

~*~

After parking her car in Wayne Tower in Metropolis – she asked Bruce if she could use it for the day and he said, “I don’t even know why I’m even getting this call when you know my answer would be ‘yes’, Viv.” – she and Lois proceeded on foot wanting to enjoy Metropolis and not get a bad start by a parking ticket or a finding a parking space anywhere. This was a city after all, and parking would be war itself. 

Their first destination for their day off was yoga which was being held in Centennial Park. Vivian was a little conscious to walk around wearing her yoga clothes that she wore one of Tim’s shirts that he left in the car, and used Jason’s jacket to wrap around her waist to cover her leggings. But as soon as they arrived at the venue and they were met by Lois’ friends, Vivian took off the jacket, getting more comfortable that it wasn’t just them in the attire.

“Lois!” Jimmy Olsen called out. With him was Siobhan Smythe – also known as Silverbanshee. 

“You made it! I was worried this would be too early for you,” said Lois.

“No way, we’re morning people!” Jimmy kissed Siobhan’s cheek. Making the woman blush.

“Is that?” Jimmy’s eyes narrowed a bit to get a clearer look. “You brought… holy shit – Vivian Pryor?”

Right. They didn’t know that Vivian and Lois were good friends considering they never really hung out much.

“Yeah, Vivian and I kept in contact after our interview years ago,” Lois shrugged. “You can say we’re good friends.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Vivian held out her hand to them in greeting. “Jimmy Olsen and Siobhan Smythe, right?”

“Yeah, yes! I can’t believe that we are going to have yoga with Vivian Pryor – you’re practically Gotham royalty now.”

Vivian laughed awkwardly. “A little over the top.”

“Please, Bruce Wayne has been bringing the title of Prince of Gotham since he was a baby,” Lois scoffed. “But yeah, Vivian had a long week and I thought why not I invite her over to have a day off?”

“Oh, I heard that you were kidnapped by some serial killer – it was on the news,” said Siobhan.

“More reason why I needed this. I just wanna get out of the city for a while.”

“Trade one city for another,” Lois jokes.

“Trust me, Metropolis is a vacation itself. Actually, getting on that ferry is already a vacation. You don’t get costumed criminals running around you… unless they boarded the ferry and placed a bomb – oh, look at that, Gotham paranoia is following me everywhere. And please, off the record.”

Lois laughed. “Don’t worry, we’re all off for the day now… shall we, ladies?” 

Yoga was nice. It was the first time Vivian got to enjoy yoga in the park and not in a studio or at home. In the studio she never got this calm environment with the outdoor breeze, the smell of grass and soil, and the chirping birds; and at home, Bruce usually interrupts her session by locking the door of the room and distracting her with kisses or touches that would lead to another type of exercise. Not that she was complaining about that.

But this was nice. 

A moment of silence.

Just her and the sound of the wind that resonated with her magic –

“Honey! Am I late?!”

And Clark was there.

Opening her eyes, Vivian stifled a laugh when she saw the huge Clark Kent with his glasses and sweat band, a red Smallville jumper and shorts. Whenever Lois would say Clark was a dork but her dork, she always found it hard to believe – even when he shows his dorkiness – but now, now she believes it. 

“What. Are. You. Wearing?” Lois said to him.

“You said it was for yoga?” Clark shrugged.

God, she was lucky Bruce doesn’t do yoga. But if he does, she mostly imagines him wearing the same thing he does when he works out: most of the time topless and a pair of workout shorts. And she never breaks his concentration whenever he does his gym work – which was pretty unfair in her opinion. 

Okay, she does sometimes, not always.

“Hi Clark!” Vivian waved at him with a small grin. “Nice shirt.”

“Thanks,” Clark smiled, then he turned to Lois. “What?”

“Nothing, let’s just enjoy the day,” Lois sighed and went back to her mat. She turned to Vivian and quickly typed on her phone.

Upon seeing Lois’ speed typing, Vivian got her phone out to read: please tell me Bruce has something the same outfit so I’m not the only one with the dork at yoga.

Vivian bit her lip to hide her laugh and replied: Our yoga sessions are not really yoga. So, we’ll be charged with public indecency if he comes over.

Send.

Lois barked a laugh, which made Jimmy, Siobhan, and Clark look at them in confusion, but both women knew that Superman already knew what they were messaging about.

Lois typed back quickly and sent a reply: Breaking News: Gotham’s Billionaire-Philanthropist Couple Spotted Expanding the Family in Centennial Park!

Vivian burst out laughing which had Lois laughing too. While Jimmy and Siobhan were even more confused, Clark sighed and just watched the two women. 

The rest of the yoga session went well, surprisingly, and by the end of it, Vivian and Lois said goodbye to Jimmy and Siobhan as they had their own plans, and to Clark. But before they went to their destination, which was Wayne Enterprise which had a gym in the building and a shower, Clark said to them, “Don’t think I didn’t see the texts.”

Vivian and Lois shared an amused look at one another.

“Don’t worry, Bruce is coming over later and you can show off your masculinity later, honey,” Lois teased him.

With that they were off. After a quick shower in Wayne Tower’s gym facilities, and a hello to the director running the place, the two women went on with their day. Going to the shopping district, getting lunch, sightseeing for Vivian, and all the while not getting one call or text from their children because they got in trouble. Vivian was surprised when she realized none of her kids were actually messaging her an SOS that day that she wanted to check on them but Lois took her phone from her.

“THEY’RE FINE, VIV!” Lois held her phone hostage. “I swear, it’s you who's got freaking separation anxiety.”

~*~

Meanwhile in Gotham. Things weren’t exactly going so well…

Damian was called to the Headmaster’s office because he said something to his teacher that was both witty and rude. But it was Bruce who was called to the meeting as Dick noted his teachers to call Bruce today if anything wrong happens. 

Tim had trouble on the way to class as a certain villain caught Red Robin’s eye. He was late.

Dick and Jason almost forgot about Cass’ dance lessons and actually forgot who was going to pick her up and ended up at her school at the same time. Cass had to remind them it was Jason.

Duke and Cass were probably the only ones who fulfilled their promise of a peaceful day.

~*~

When dinner came, Vivian and Lois met Clark at the bottom of Wayne Tower where Bruce mentioned he will be dropping off via the plane. Clark mentioned he offered to give him a lift, as usual, but Bruce gave a flat out “no” before he could finish the sentence. Waiting at Wayne Tower’s lobby was relaxing and taxing for Vivian. Relaxing since it has comfortable seats and free coffee, tiring since whenever one of the members of the board or anyone sitting at the very top of the Tower passes her, they would engage in some sort of conversation that felt like they were sucking up. 

Vivian had to keep up the practiced smile and – as Lois calls it – the demure-billionaire’s wife facade the entire time. Not the professor who hates how corporate Gotham University is becoming. 

After Vivian said goodbye to the batch of board members that came to say hi, Vivian got out her phone and called Bruce. Two rings and he immediately answered. “Where are you? My face is killing me from all the smiling,” Vivian said as she smiled and waved at another person who waved in her direction. 

Hell, she didn’t even know that person. The only person she knew there was Mr. Pickles – who was the Manager of this building – and Mr. Porter who was the nice maintenance guy who would always greet her with his wife’s homemade biscuits whenever she came over (today he didn’t have one since her visit was a surprise and he told her, “Professor, you should have told me you were coming!” Mr. Porter said, “Sorry, this was just a surprise trip, but I got you a hot coco since your doctor said no more coffee,” she handed him the warm cup). 

The reason why Mr. Porter would always give her biscuits is because of one incident, when Bruce brought her over to Metropolis to visit Wayne Tower before their date, she heard some women in the restroom whispering how Bruce Wayne was way out of her league. At that time, they had only been dating for a month and the comments got to her. After the two women left, Vivian got out of the cubicle she was in and Mr. Porter – who was about to replace the toilet papers – saw her trying to dry her tears. He invited her to the little room where he had his things and offered her a cookie. Bruce found her – after a while of looking – and was surprised when Vivian was laughing with the older man while sharing cookies and a hot beverage. Since then Mr. Porter would always give her cookies whenever she came, and Vivian would always have him and his family in her gift list.

But back at Wayne Tower’s lobby, Vivian jumped at the sudden hand on her waist and the sound of Bruce’s voice by her ear, “Right here.”

“When did you get here?” Vivian ended the call.

“A couple of minutes ago. I was caught up by Loraine from the Science Department. How’s your day?” He leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Great, relaxing. Please tell me Gotham is still in one piece and the kids are not in the hospital.”

“The kids are fine, and Gotham is still Gotham. They’ll be taking over tonight’s shift. Tonight, Dick’s calling the shots.”

“Good.”

Coming to join them, Lois and Clark greeted Bruce with a little formality. Afterall, Daily Planet is part of Wayne Enterprises’ companies after the acquisition. But once they were out of earshot, they let out a breath of relief and were able to converse properly. 

Leave it to Bruce to get reservations in one of the fancy restaurants in the area and booked a private table for them. They literally have to ring the bell if they need anything.

“We heard what happened to Viv this week, is everything okay?” Clark asked as they ate their meal.

“Nothing we couldn’t handle,” Bruce answered.

“Why didn’t you just,” Lois used a gesture that was supposed to be Vivian’s magical abilities. “The guy?”

“He drugged me. I couldn’t really do much after that – Cass had to carry me on her shoulder. Imagine, my seventeen-year-old daughter carrying me like a sack of flour,” Vivian answered.

“And the boys?”

“On a murderous rampage. Don’t worry, Damian and Jason didn’t kill him. Dick, Tim, and Duke were somewhere at that time. Handling the other Dollotrons.”

“Ah. And what happened to the guy?”

“He’s in Arkham Asylum,” Bruce answered. 

“You know, I already hated the whole Pygmalion and Galatea myth with its toxic gender role themes – despite others trying to show its romance – Pyg Valentin just made me hate the story even more,” Vivian added. “Like way, way more. I am never going to not think of Pyg Valentin whenever we tackle that in a story in Feminism Lectures.”

“How is he related to Pygmalion and Galatea, exactly?” Clark asked.

“That’s his obsession and inspiration – the idea of perfect beauty.”

“I gotta ask, you basically fight like a hundred criminals a night,” Lois said to Bruce. “You gotta have a favorite one, right?”

As soon as Bruce said, “No,” Vivian answered: “The Riddler.”

“What?” Bruce turned to her.

Vivian winced in guilt. “It’s mostly because he helped us that time to look for you when you disappeared and Ivy was holding you hostage to get some biochemical weapon from Wayne Tower’s vault. It was Oracle’s idea, just so you know, and Tim agreed to it, and so did Dick. Because she really had you hidden really well. And I don’t know. After that incident, the Riddler doesn’t seem so bad? Still a complete asshole –”

“And a criminal.”

“But after that incident – and the times he actually helped you on the field –”

“For his own advantage.”

“He’s not as bad as the others in my personal opinion.”

Bruce sighed. 

“And his Riddles are starting to be really good. I liked the one on the ‘colonizers’ – that was really good,” Vivian chuckled.

(this is a reference to the Spotify series Batman: Unburied and The Riddler: Secrets in the Dark, go check it out. It’s really cool.)

Bruce sighed at that. 

“What about you two? Anything interesting?” Vivian asked Clark and Lois.

The couple turned to each other and shrugged with different answers, such as Jon’s powers expanding, then there’s Superman flying down to greet the people at the stadium, another winning article for Lois, and Clark’s article on some ant research project. 

After their dinner, the two couples decided to go to the pier where a carnival was at the time. 

“Remember the time we rode the ferry’s wheel at the pier?” Lois asked as they came closer to the beach party. “And Clark and I saw your cart moving around despite there being no wind nor were we moving at that time?”

“It was the night Bruce told us that they were both getting married,” said Clark, focusing on the celebration rather than the awkward memory of hearing the creaking card above them at that time.

Entering the fair, they played games – Bruce and Clark winning their wives a Batman and Superman plush from the stand, respectively – and Vivian and Lois winning the archery games.

When Vivian got a bull’s eye, Bruce saw Clark’s surprised look, “Adam taught her all there is to shoot – pistols, rifles, shotguns, and archery.”

“I see,” he said as he saw Vivian make another shot and missed the center by a few inches. Still her form was solid and the way she pulled the string showed someone who has done it before. She wasn’t as good as Green Arrow but it wasn’t what he expected from her at all.

“His words were, he didn’t want his little girl to be easily swayed by a guy brandishing a BB Gun. It paid off.”

“Yeah, what got her is a man juggling knives while wearing a bat costume at night,” Clark teased.

Bruce frowned at him for that, but that frown fell when Vivian gave him the price she won. After winning almost all of the games and getting prizes which Vivian gave to some kids she saw sneaking into the fair and trying to steal some coins, along with extra tickets (but she kept the Batman plush), they decided to go on some rides.

Roller coasters were out of the question since they already have something better than roller coasters with Superman’s flight and Batman’s grappling guns to swing around Gotham, and in Vivian’s case. And Lois and Clark said no to a ferry’s wheel considering the last time they rode one in separate cars, so they opted for the cheesiest ride of all.

The Tunnel of Love.

“I can forgive you for the cheesy prizes and the whole carnival date but not this,” Vivian teased Lois and Clark. “This is just,” she sighed as she entered the ride with Bruce’s help.

“Just enjoy the ride, Vivian!” Lois called out to her as their boat went ahead. 

Sitting on the small boat, Vivian leaned back on Bruce’s arm that was over the backrest and turned to him, “I prefer the gargoyle.”

Bruce chuckled. “It’s their city. This is their version of romance.”

Their boat started to move.

“Man, I miss Gotham. I wonder how things are there… maybe I should check on the kids to see if they’re alright.”

Bruce took her phone and hid it in his pocket. “Just enjoy the ride, Viv. Even when a gargoyle is far better than whatever that is,” he cringed at the sight of the badly painted animatronic that represented Cherub Cupid and –

“That's a little creepy,” Vivian pointed to the animatronic that resembled glass dolls. Dolls, it brought a chill down her spine as she looked at those dolls. “I thought this was a Tunnel of Love?”

“I guess it's supposed to scare couples so they'd cuddle closely… are you okay?” Bruce looked at her as she looked at the dolls in horror. 

The dolls, he realized.

He should have known that the ride would have those kinds of dolls. And Vivian was so close to having become one of Pyg Valentin's Dollotrons just recently. Bruce gently caressed her cheek and led her by the cheek to look at her. “I am so sorry, my love.”

“It's okay. We didn't know.”

“I should have known, though.”

“You can't always know everything, Bruce,” Vivian held the hand that caressed her cheek. “I guess I'll just look at you until the ride ends. It might take a while because I saw how big this is.”

“I don't mind,” Bruce leaned down and kissed her. Then to her surprise, he took her from the seat and placed her on his lap. 

“Bruce,” she whispered in warning. 

“Don't mind the ride, you can ride on something else,” Bruce smirked.

Vivian stifled a laugh and looked around. The boats had a good distance from one another to give couples privacy and feel the moment. Copying his smirk, Vivian tucked back a stray red hair behind her ear and leaned down a kiss but before Bruce could take her lips, she said to him in the most seductive voice that he loved.

“Not too loud, Mr. Wayne.”

“I'll try,” he finally kissed her and pulled her body close to him, and purposely had her grind on his lap. Unbuttoning the first two buttons of her dress, he was able to kiss a part of her breast and hide the groan as Vivian moved her hips on his growing erection. “Fuck, Vivian,” he held her by her ass and squeezed them as he helped her move. “Just look at me, Viv.”

Vivian opened her eyes and looked at him through her lashes. “We need to be fast,” she hastily unfastened his belt.

Bruce chuckled and helped her out and moved her underwear to the side and –

“Fuck,” he groaned at the feeling of her around him. Married for more than ten years, he could say he's memorized what would make her come easily and it would always feel so good whenever he was inside her. “God, just like that, love,” he helped her move her hips, hitting the right spots to get her to finish as fast as they could before the ride ended.

Vivian had to bite her hand as she moved her hips on Bruce and held back the moans. This was the most risky thing they have ever done. More risky than the time they did it in the changing room. Bruce bought all the dresses she tried on that day. Or the time she gave him head while they were driving from a trip, Bruce used his convertible then. Or the many times they had sex on the tower's roof by their favorite gargoyle with the risk of GCPD's helicopters roaming in the skies or any costumed criminal with the means of flight – like Kiteman.

Normally, Bruce wouldn't do something so risky, but with Vivian all logic is thrown out of the window. All that matters was her and for him to see her, feel her, hear her, and taste her. It was hard for him to keep a look out while she rode him there and him trying to stop their moans from getting loud. But Bruce managed to get through the haze of pleasure and love and hear them nearing the exit.

Shit.

He needed to finish this now.

Reaching down between her legs, Bruce pressed on Vivian's clit and hastened her climax. And it worked, he felt her tighten around him and he pulled her to a kiss so she wouldn't moan too loud. Not long after he came. Thankfully it wasn't too much that it made a mess.

Panting, Vivian looked at her husband once again and kissed him to say thank you, before pulling him out of her, making them moan, and then fixed his trousers and belt while Bruce licked his fingers that had some of her release. 

Cleaned and dressed again, Vivian sat back on her seat and snuggled into Bruce's embrace, both acting as if nothing happened. 

“Metropolis has its romantic spots,” Vivian said as they reached the exit.

“You don't say?” Bruce chuckled. “Oh.”

“Why? What's wrong – oh…”

Standing by the exit, Clark and Lois looked at them with narrowed gazes. Right, Clark has super hearing.

Getting off the ride, Vivian and Bruce ran out of the place with Clark and Lois at their tail. At a good distance, Lois said, “Seriously? Again? You don't need super hearing to get a full audio show on that, you know.”

“We tried to stay quiet,” Vivian sheepishly said.

“Not the point.”

As Vivian had Lois to apologize to, Bruce had Clark who couldn't look him in the eye. 

“Can I ask… what even…” Clark began.

“Vivian felt uncomfortable with the dolls. She was almost turned to a Dollotron not long ago,” Bruce explained simply.

“And you couldn't have thought of something else to distract her?”

“What can I say? We like the thrill,” Bruce chuckled as he watched Vivian laughing while Lois told her off for giving them a show that they never wanted to hear in the first place, mentioning that at the first time it was Clark who had to suffer, now she had to go through the whole ride hearing echoes of them having a quickie.

“We should do this again sometime,” Bruce smirked.

Clark turned to him in disbelief, “No!”

[tisajest]

Reverse Robins AU but the adoption order stays the same

Bruce had been Batman for around 2 decades when he witnessed the Graysons fall. He takes in little 8-year-old Dick Grayson and they become Batman & Robin a couple of months later.

Jason still tried to steal the Batmobile’s tires, but this time Dick is there with Bruce. And Dick immediately goes: friend?! Because who’s cooler than an older boy who has the audacity to steal your dad’s crime-fighting tires? Bruce doesn’t immediately take him in but he does adopt him soon after nonetheless. A year later, Batman gains a new sidekick partner.

Tim still puts together the Bats’ IDs by recognizing Robin’s quadruple somersault. He keeps this info to himself but his father’s death breaks something in him and he becomes reckless and directionless. He’s saved by one of the Bats, maybe little 11 year old Robin, and he just blurts out his name. He tells him how he was at the Graysons’ last show, how he and his parents were such huge fans. Bruce shows up but it’s too late, Dick’s already attached to his new big brother.

This teenager is obviously a threat, he knows their secret identities, but Bruce can see a bit of himself in the lost young man in front of him. He’s around the same age he was when he made the choice that changed his life forever. And having two young boys in his life, two young heroes, he can’t help but want to help Tim. It doesn’t hurt that the kid’s obviously smart and in good shape. A year later, Batman gains another partner.

Damian was never sent to Bruce, he stayed with the League. Eventually, he and Talia killed Ra’s. He becomes Talia’s right-hand but he doesn’t want it. He’s so disinterested in his own life and Talia, for all her flaws, loves her son. She tells him to leave, to “find himself or whatever it is young people do” and so Damian does. He leaves Nanda Parbat at ~18 and travels.

Damian has many skills, but he feels he’s best at killing people, so it doesn’t take long for him to take up contracts. Traveling’s fun and all but he grew restless. He does this for years, he makes a name for himself outside of being an Al’Ghul. And he’s visited Gotham, of course he has, but he doesn’t long for Bruce’s approval. He isn’t a child, he isn’t good person, and he isn’t a Wayne. Bruce means nothing to him, not really he doesn’t think Bruce would ever want him.

So, he keeps an ear out for news regarding the Bats. He visits Gotham every time he learns of a new child but he never allows himself to be noticed. One day, he hears whispers of the Wayne children being in Ethiopia of all places and he can’t help but seek them out. He gets there in time to put the Joker down permanently and prevent any lasting damage to any of them. They’re all taken by this mysterious savior to varying degrees (Tim’s the most cautious), but Dick is especially enthusiastic.

They manage to distract Damian long time enough for Bruce to get there. The long await meeting occurs and Damian decides fuck it, might as well let his father know about him. Bruce has more than enough children to fuss over and he’s an adult with his own life completely separate from Bruce, no need to make a big deal out of it. It is a big deal and Bruce is in shock and infuriated and heartbroken about his very much adult son being kept from him all this time.

As much as Bruce begs, Damian doesn’t go back to Gotham with them. Regardless, he keeps up his occasional visits and stays out of sight. Surprisingly, or maybe not, Dick is the first to find him out. And Dick, amazing human bean that he is, grows on Damian with time and interactions. He’s impressed by this child his father took in and he can’t help but want to teach him a few moves. Bruce wasn’t as oblivious to these meetings as he made himself seem, but he knows Damian isn’t interested in Bruce being his father. He’s hoping he can bridge this gap between them with Dick.

It works.

[butterboydoesstuff]

Chapter three: “Calling all Saviors” has been posted‼️‼️

We’re just ordinary people is my first fic, it’s Superbat, it’s cutie patootie.

The summary that kinda sucks:

Clark Kent is superman and Batman hates him for it, So now he’s banned from Gotham. he doesn’t stay out though. He Just goes in as Clark Kent and it just so happens he ends up falling for the famous playboy of Gotham, what’s Batman gonna do? It’s not like he’s in charge of Bruce Wayne.

Bruce Wayne is Batman and he has a civilian identity to uphold, so he contacts the daily planet to do an exsclusive interview on him. When he starts falling for the reporter doing the interview his life can’t get much worse. At least he knows this cute, dorky, hunk of a man can’t be superman, right?

(PS for the gay ship haters that may see this: I AM WELL AWARE THEY ARE NOT GAY AND NEVER WILL BE, just let me be delusional in peace😌)

[spiritleigh]

Contrary to popular belief, Batman is NOT vengeance.

He is justice.

Such a great part of his character development from the time he becomes Batman and onwards is learning how important it is to be a symbol of hope, instead of being feared.

The Batman(2022) is a great example of this. The Bruce that’s talking about being the shadows and vengeance etc etc is not the same Bruce that holds that girls hand at the end of the movie.

This is why I hate angry hyper masculine violent Batman. That just isn’t who Bruce Wayne is. That goes against the idea of Batman being Gothams savior.

(Panels from Azrael Agent of the bat #53)

[butcherlarry]

Weekly Fic Rec 37

Did a lot of reading this week! There is a good chance I'll get a lot of reading done next week, because I'll be on PTO! Yay me! Don't worry, there will still be a fic rec list next week ;)

On to the fics!

Reach Out and Touch Faith by 1863 - Superbat, complete. Bruce and Clark "work" through their issues, heehee.

Not Quite Almost Christmas Time by bavariansugarcookie - Superbat & Batfam, complete. Bruce Christmas shops for his kids. Shenanigans ensue.

Patroclus by widow_account - Superbat, wip. I'm pretty sure I've recced this fic before, but it's updated!! Yayyyyyy!!! Superman gets kidnapped and taken to Warworld, Bruce goes to save him :)

All Things Are Ready If Our Minds Be So by 1863 - Superbat, complete. Bruce gets hit with magic that makes him take on all of Clark's injuries.

All of Yesterday Dropped Away by 1863 - Superbat, complete. Touch-starved Bruce, me B E L O V E D.

Gotham's Marketplace by SolaceInSpace - Batfam, complete. Alfred and kid Bruce go out of buy groceries. Tiny Bruce is just Too Cute.

Zombie or nay? by SolaceInSpace - Batfam, complete. The family discusses whether or not Jason could be considered a zombie. Shenanigans ensue.

The Suffering of a Man Who the Internet Finds Hot series by SolaceInSpace - Batfam, stories complete, series wip. Hal telss a reporter that Batman (not Bruce) is the hottest league member. Bruce suffers, shenanigans ensue.

Batman? More like Babyman by SolaceInSpace - Batfam, complete. Bruce gets sick and is a big baby about it :)

A kindred bond by Nyszu - Superbat, wip. An update to this fic where Bruce is kidnapped by an evil Superman. Each time this fic update, my quality of life increases \o/

Patchwork Pod by Ktkat9 - Superbat, wip. More of the mer Bruce fic!!! :D

the universe can only ask so much (she keeps asking) by Trekkele- Batfam, complete. Bruce retires as Batman after Jason's death.

every citizen in need of a savior by weartheshadows (sczpruiosnejre) - Batfam, complete. Damian rescues all the animals :)

How to Date the Batman by solomonara - Superbat, complete. Someone gets a picture of Clark Kent kissing Batman. Shenanigans ensue.

Turnabout is Fair Play by solomonara - Superbat, complete. Sequel to "How to Date the Batman". Superman kisses Bruce Wayne in front of a crowd. Shenanigans ensue.

a sky of honey by The Resurrectionist - Superbat, wip. More of pregnant omega Bruce. I am slowing falling in love with sassy omega Lex, and hope he gets a himbo alpha boyfriend he can boss around :) This is another fic that improves my quality of life every time it updates (but you can say that about any of Res's fics).

in your arms, i dissolve by starshotplagues - Superbat, complete. A lovely fluffy fic where Bruce and Clark sleep together (literally, Bruce is tired).

i am an anchor by starshotplagues - Superbat, complete. Bruce and Clark get turned into adorable cats! Much cuddling ensues.

Happy reading!

[influenzalake]

cat boy Damian Wayne headcanons

because cat boy Damian is canon now 

- when Damian is initially turned into a cat, he still retains all of his memories and human mannerisms

- he can still be Robin for a few weeks, his father monitors his condition day by day

- as time passes he turns more and more into a cat, not just on the outside. 

- Bruce is kind of nervous? Will Damian forget everything they went through as he changes :( ? Will he forget? Will he regress?

- Bruce's worries are quelled when his son refuses to leave Wayne Manor unless he sniffs the grounds top to bottom. His urge to patrol is still present, just now in cat form. Damian must secure his territory and Bruce finds that he can tolerate that. 

- Damian and Alfred find themselves going at it more often than they probably should, but Damian will just not take a proper bath! Alfred claims licking yourself is not true hygiene, but Damian disagrees. 

- total Napoleon cat personality type, he needs his scent on everything he cares about and will plop himself on whatever and whoever to make a point 

-  lots of kitty cuddles 

- and licks

- Selina is having a field day

- Damian eventually spreads out and starts to patrol Gotham again, much to his father's chagrin

- Damian understands Gotham as his territory, so catboy Robin goes on the hunt

- At least he still wears his suit and mask, his identity is safe. Of course, who would spend any more brain power wondering who exactly Evolution Update Robin is when he's just so cute?

- Damian still has his sense of justice, but now goes about it differently

- He utilizes his new agility and claws the most. Gotham criminals are now the butt of every newscaster's joke. "getting mollywhopped by little mew mew" is not a good look for self proclaimed "tough guys" 

- Batman now has to wrangle villains and his feline son on patrol nights. 

- Damian goes in without a fight, to his cat brain he has finished his rounds and can now go back home to his base of operations (and dinner)

- Jon is always finding excuses to "check on" his best friend

- Tim and Dick have a whole binder full of kitty Dami photos, both have sworn an oath of secrecy

- Cass drops by and will go for snuggles unapologetically

- she has the battle scars to prove it

- Jason finds this whole thing hilarious, but keeps his distance in case it is contagious 

- Citizens go out in droves to possibly catch Cat Boy Robin out and about, also becoming easy targets for Gotham villains 

- When they inevitably do become kidnapped or worse, they get both a savior and unforgettable moment, all in the form of fluff

- Bruce eventually finds a cure and while he finds this entire situation oddly comical at times, he does want his son back. His real human son, when his snappy quips are in the form of words and not hissing 

[televisionpromos]

Gotham Knights (The CW) "Rise" Trailer HD - In the wake of Bruce Wayne's murder, his rebellious adopted son forges an unlikely alliance with the children of Batman's enemies when they are all framed for killing the Caped Crusader. And as the city's most wanted criminals, this renegade band of misfits must fight to clear their names. But in a Gotham with no Dark Knight to protect it, the city descends into the most dangerous it's ever been. However, hope comes from the most unexpected of places as this team of mismatched fugitives will become its next generation of saviors known as the Gotham Knights.

[iwishiwasbatman]

Masked Love (Part 10)

Pairings- Jason Todd x OC; Dick Grayson x Platonic!OC

Warnings- Violence, guns, cursing

Summary- When the city goes to hell, Elana steps in to try and regain some control. An old foe create chaos as Elana tries to take matters into her own hands while saving the ones she loves.

Word Count- 5141

“You have got to be kidding me,” I groaned as a broadcast came onto the small video monitor in the abandoned building me, Dick, and Conner were holed up in.

“Hello, Gotham. This is Red Hood, coming to you live from the most exclusive spot in town,” Jason said in the video. He panned the camera around, showing the Batcave. “For too long, this city has been at the mercy of criminals. And I’m not talking about the Penguin, and the Riddler, and the Joker. I’m talking about the ones who pretend to help, but only make things worse.” I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes. He was going to get it.

“No way,” Conner said.

“First it was Batman, now it’s the Titans,” Jason continued. “Hypocrites who feed off your terror in pursuit of glory and they turn Gotham into a city of carnage. There’s a new savior in town. First thing I’m going to do is burn the trash. You hear me Nightwing?” Conner and I turned to Dick. “You’re public enemy numero uno… But not for long. Meet me at midnight. You know the place. It’s time for us to finish this.” With that, the transmission cut. Dick turned and made a beeline for the exit. Conner and I followed.

“He’s right. Time to finish this,” Dick said.

“I’m sorry, you can’t be serious,” I scoffed.

“I am. This needs to stop,” Dick replied.

“We’ve got to get back to Wayne Manor,” Conner said.

“We can’t just burst in there. That’s what he wants,” I pointed out.

“That’s what he expects,” Dick added. “We need to break through the security system remotely and I can do that at Wayne Enterprises.” He turned to me. “Elana, get out there and be my eyes and ears.” He turned to Conner. “Stay here.”

“Are you talking to me or Krypto?” Conner asked with an edge in his voice.

“Both.” I stood there awkwardly.

“So, I’m good enough for getting groceries, but not this?” Conner exclaimed.

“I need you to stay here. I’ll see you when I get back,” Dick brushed him off.

“Hey!” Conner gabbed Dick’s arm, spinning him around. I stood back, ready to jump in. “Blackfire was shot! I’m not gonna stay here and do nothing.”

“Look, our best chance of connecting with Blackfire is through that radio. I need you to be here if they call,” Dick said. Conner didn’t reply, but he didn’t remove his hand. “Conner, I need you to let go of my arm.” After a second, he did. “Be here when I get back.” I gave Conner a reassuring look before hurrying after Dick.

“Why can’t we come with?” I asked.

“I need Conner manning the radios and I need you to see what’s going on in the streets. Besides, I can handle getting into Wayne.”

“What if I go to the Manor? I could get in and Jason wouldn’t touch me,” I said.

“Crane’s probably there. I doubt he’d let you off easy. And like I said, I need you in the streets.”

“I think Conner thinks you don’t trust him,” I said, switching the subject.

“I do,” Dick said.

“Don’t tell me, tell him.”

“Elana, we don’t have time.” He brushed past me, making me huff in annoyance.

“You know, this is exactly what Bruce used to do that made you mad. You’re being a hypocrite,” I said.

“Hey, I’m-“

“I get it, really. This is a terrible time with Crane and Jason and the drugs, but you’re the leader of this team. Step up and act like it,” I finished, walking away. Dick didn’t try to stop me. “I’m sorry about him,” I said to Conner once I got back.

“Why are you apologizing? You’re not the one being a jerk,” Conner sighed.

“I’ve been cleaning up after him for years, I do this a lot.” I shrugged. I went and grabbed my duffle bag. “I’m supposed to go patrol the streets. I’ll see you later, but if you need anything, call me.” Conner nodded, turning back to the radio. I sighed and turned to the exit.

—————————

I crouched down on top of the rooftop of Crime Alley, stalking a drug dealer as he approached a couple of kids. His jacket was bulging, meaning he was about to give these high schoolers more drugs than could fit in the backpacks they were carrying. That was a lot. As he stood in front of the kids, one of them began to pull out a wad of cash. I jumped down and landed behind the dealer.

“Selling to kids?” I said. “I’m disappointed.” The dealer whipped around and the second he did, I punched him in the face. He went down, bags of who-knows-what falling out of his jacket.

“You b-“

“Ah, ah. There are kids around. No profanity,” I tutted, cutting him off. I kicked his head down into the ground and he was out cold. “Now,” I turned to the boys, “care to explain why a couple teenagers are buying a crap-ton of drugs?” The stood there, speechless. “Hello? I’m talking to you two.”

“Uh… we-we…” one started, gulping.

“Do you see the city? Everyone is taking drugs. We thought we’d get ahead of the curve,” the other shot at me, crossing his arms.

“And that’s why the city is dying. You think adding more addicts to the mix will make it any better?” I asked. He didn’t respond. “That’s what I thought. Now leave and don’t let me catch you buying again.” With that, they scurried off. I huffed, rolling my eyes.

“You’re no Titan, but you certainly are one of those masked freaks,” a voice said from behind me.

“And you must be a very brave soul to approach a “masked freak”,” I sighed, turning around. He was a tall man with dark eyes and a gun in his hand. He was at the entrance of the alley. “How much water have you had today?”

“Eight cups a day, just like my doctor recommended.” He grinned.

“Delightful,” I muttered. “How ‘bout you put that gun down and we talk this out?”

“Sorry, I gotta protect my city,” he said, clicking the safety off. In the blink of an eye, I threw one of my daggers at the gun, knocking it out of his hand. He let out a pained scream and clutched his hand.

“You should leave. You seem like you need some sleep,” I said. He went for the gun on the ground, but I quickly shot an arrow through his hand. He cried out again. “Come on, man,” I groaned. “I’m giving you an out. Now run along before the next one goes through your eye.” Finally listening, he ran.

A buzzing from my gauntlet caught my attention, and I opened it. The police scanner had a call coming in about a break in at the local pharmacy. Sighing, I adjusted my quiver strap before heading to the location.

About halfway there, I got another alert, this time from my personal security system. Someone was in my apartment, but I couldn’t tell who. They were just a dark shadow. I muttered a curse under my breath. I could go stop a potential threat to the city, or a potential problem for me. I took another look at my camera to see the figure was now sitting in my island chair. Though I couldn’t see who it was, they had the build of a woman and was holding something I recognized to be a knife. In an almost malicious way, the figure waved. Whoever this was clearly was waiting for me. That made my decision.

I continued on my way to the pharmacy, the dark figure in my living room in the back of my mind. I shook my head to clear it as I got to the rooftop across from the pharmacy. There were three cars sitting just outside and another five in the parking lot across the street. I wasn’t sure if all of those cars were part of this, but I couldn’t rule it out.

I dropped down onto ground level and crept toward the back entrance. I strung my bow and kicked open the door, ready to release the arrow at the first sign of movement. The room was clear, but it was just a storage room. What worried me was that, though the room was full of prescriptions and medications, it seemed to be untouched. Why break into a pharmacy and not steal drugs?

Noises came from outside the door. Harsh voices and bangs that clearly weren’t good noises. I peeked through the crack between the door and the wall. From what I could see, which was very little, was a lot of bodies and guns in their hands. I couldn’t tell how many were there because of my limited view and lack of light. What alarmed me the most was the two figures crouched behind the counter. Hostages. This whole thing just got even more complicated.

“Are we in over our heads? What if we all get arrested?” I heard one male voice ask.

“Red Hood wouldn’t let that happen. We’re just helping,” another answered.

“He said the Titans are the problem. If this works, we could eliminate one of them and be in Red Hood’s favor,” a woman added. They were doing this to attract a Titan’s attention? They’d be disappointed when they see it’s me. I whistled softly, positioning myself on the side of the door.

“Did you hear that?”

“Dude, you’re being paranoid.”

“No I swear to god, I heard something.”

“If you’re so sure, go figure it out.” I heard footsteps coming my way and curled my hands into fists, ready to strike. He opened the door and I grabbed him, landed a perfect punch to his jaw, and shut the door with my foot. While he was off balance, I smashed his head into the wall twice, effectively knocking him out.

“Tom?” his friend asked from outside the door. “Whoever you are, come out and we won’t hurt anyone.”

“Do you promise?” I asked in a mocking tone. The footsteps grew louder and greater in number.

“Who are you?” another demanded.

“Batman,” I snickered. I rolled a smoke pellet through the door crack and it burst, covering the room in smoke. I jumped out of my hiding spot and rammed into the first guy, knocking him into another. I sent a flying kick at the guy next to him and swept another’s legs. Gunshots rang out around me, and I did my best to dodge stray bullets, though I could only really pray for a miracle in this situation. I first came out of the smoke, directed at my face. I ducked under it and caught it before jerking it to the side with a snap. I threw the victim into another, causing bothering to hit the floor.

From there, it was a mess of fists and bullets. I proceeded to kick the perps into each other and into walls. I had most of them down when something clicked behind me.

“Don’t move,” a shaky voice threatened.

“Or what? You’re gonna shoot me?” I laughed. I threw my elbow back into the gun as it went off and punched the guy in the face. He went down hard. I kicked the last couple guys in the faces and headed to check in on the hostages. “Are you guys okay?” I asked, offering my hand. The woman took it and nodded. The man was more hesitant to trust me, but ended up taking my hand anyway. “Call the police,” I instructed.

As they did that, I walked over to one of the men on the ground who was still conscious. I pulled him up by the collar and slammed him into the wall.

“You did all this to get my attention?” I asked.

“We wanted a Titans,” he stammered.

“Who said you didn’t get one?” I replied. “Red Hood isn’t someone to idolize. Tell your friends that if I see even one of you pulling anything like this again, I’ll come for all of you.” I slammed him into the wall one time before letting him drop to the ground. I turned back to the workers. “I have somewhere else to be, but the police should be here soon. If any of them try anything, just punch them.” Leaving it at that, I headed out the back door. As I began heading toward my apartment, I patched into mine and Jason’s private comm channel. “Hood?”

“Look, if you’re checking in to yell at me, I’m really not in the mood,” he responded.

“Like you would listen to me,” I scoffed. “I just ran into some of your fanatics. They took a pharmacy hostage to get a Titan’s attention. You’ve caused quite the commotion.”

“You say it like I did it on purpose,” he huffed.

“You sound tired.”

“I am.”

“That leads me to assume you’re not the one sitting in our apartment,” I said.

“There’s someone in our apartment?” He sounded more alert.

“I think they’re there for me. I’ll deal with it.”

“I’m on my way,” he said.

“No, it’s fine. I got it,” I assured him.

“Lanes, there’s only one kind of person that can get past our security,” Jason warned.

“Code names, idiot. I’m in the field,” I hissed.

“My bad, Huntress,” he said sarcastically. “I think I need to come back you up.”

“I need to do this alone,” I said. I was at the fire escape that led to my room.

“Fine, just keep your comm line open. If anything happens, at all, I’m coming to get you,” Jason sighed.

“I’ll be fine,” I said. “I’m going in.”

“Please be careful,” was the last thing he said. I put in my passcode to the window lock and it popped open, letting me slip inside. My feet hit the carpeted floor without a sound and I crept toward my living room, holding a dagger.

“You don’t have to lurk, my love. This is your own home.” I huffed in annoyance and relaxed slightly.

“Don’t call me that,” I said, walking into the living room area. Talia al Ghul sat on a bar stool in the kitchen, flipping a dagger in her hand.

“Why? Does it bring up past memories?”

“I’m pretty sure I’ve heard you call B that.” I pulled down my hood and took off my mask.

“You’re the only one I’ve ever called love. You liked it when you were younger.”

“That’s because you were the adult figure in my life at that point that didn’t beat me with a stick every time you saw me. Don’t get me wrong, you did it a lot, just not every time.”

“It made you better,” Talia said simply.

“Okay, enough of that. Why are you bothering me?” I asked.

“I didn’t mean any unpleasantness,” she said.

“Uh huh,” I said sarcastically, crossing my arms.

“I’m here on behalf of my father and the rest of the League,” she said.

“Then you should just leave now.”

“We have an offer to make you.” She set down a file on the table and I knew what was coming. “Take out the target and we’ll leave you and everyone you care about alone.” I lifted my eyebrow before hesitantly reaching for the Manila folder. “I’m sure you’ve already thought about taking this one out.” The cold eyes of Jonathan Crane greeted me as I opened the file. Even on paper, he looked like a stoner.

“Why do you want me to kill Crane?” I shut the folder.

“He’s become a potential problem,” she answered.

“Is that a fancy way of saying you needed someone I wouldn’t mind killing to try to tempt me back into the League? I know your game. No thanks. You can leave now.”

“We’re not trying to do anything. We simply want Crane taken care of,” Talia tried to argue.

“Talia, I’m not gonna ask you again. Get out. Now,” I demanded.

“I’m coming to you,” Jason’s voice chimed in from my comms. I wanted to respond to tell him no, but I didn’t want Talia to know I was on comms with him. Instead, I turned my comms off.

“You realize this is your chance to protect the people you love. Probably the last chance you’ll be offered. It’s selfish to decline,” she said.

“Then I guess I’m selfish. But let’s be honest, the League doesn’t make assassins like it used to, so there isn’t much to worry about.”

“You sound awfully sure of that for someone who hasn’t part of the League for seven years.”

“Fine. Tell me if I’m wrong. Your father won’t lift a finger unless it’s his life or death, you aren’t really much of a threat, your sister isn’t around, Deathstroke is too dead to work for you, Rictus sucks, and Lady Shiva is someone I’ve beat multiple times.”

“You’re arrogant.”

“No, I’m honest. Nothing you threaten to do scares me nor worries me.” There was a pause.

“Very well,” she sighed, straightening her stance. “I truly hope we don’t meet again, for your sake.”

“Me too.” I locked my eyes onto hers with a harsh, cold look in them. She didn’t try to say anything else, just simply turned and walked out the door. “Asshole,” I muttered once she was gone.

“Jay?” I asked into my comms after turning them back on.

“Are you okay? Your comms went out,” he sounded scared.

“I turned them off. I was in control of the situation. Talia’s gone,” I sighed.

“Did she hurt you?”

“No, Jay. I swear I’m fine.”

“I’m just checking. I don’t trust Talia as far as I can throw her,” he sighed.

“Hey, Jay?” I asked.

“Yeah?”

“Can we meet? My room at the Manor?”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. Crane’s here and he’s not exactly your biggest fan,” Jason said.

“Please, Jay. I have to grab something,” I pleaded.

He hesitated, but eventually sighed. “Fine, but we stay in your room.”

“I’ll be there in a minute.”

A few minutes later, I arrived at the Manor and climbed in through the window. Jason was sitting on my bed.

“Hey,” he greeted, standing up. I echoed him as I took off my hood and mask and unzipped my jacket, throwing it onto the bed. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just tired,” I muttered, collapsing into his chest. He wrapped his arms around me in response and kissed the top of my head. “So much is going wrong and I keep trying to fix it, but I just can’t. I’m pretty sure I’m just making it worse.”

“You’re not making things worse. None of this is your fault,” Jason reassured me.

“Jay, please, call this off. This stupid thing with Dick. It’s just going to irritate everyone. Nothing’s gonna happen,” I pleaded, pulling back enough to look him in the eye.

“I can’t do that, Lanes, you know I can’t,” he sighed.

“Why not?”

“I can’t back out. All of Gotham saw the announcement and Crane would lose what’s left of his mind if I just dropped it.”

“Screw Jonathan Crane. Let’s just disappear. Tonight, we can do it. The Bahamas,” I begged.

“I told you I can’t.”

“What the hell do you have to prove?!” I raised my voice.

“Keep your voice down!” Jason hissed.

“Why should I?! Crane’s in the Cave that you showed him!” I poked his chest. “He can’t hear me!”

“So, this is all my fault?!”

“Yes, it is!”

“I don’t know what you want me to say, Elana!”

“That you’ll stop this!” Then, I lowered my voice. “You and I, Jay. We take Crane out right now and then this can all be over.”

“The Titans will never let me back in, not after this whole thing,” he sighed.

“Then screw the Titans. Jason, let’s just leave. We have the world, and, yes, I love Gotham, it’s my home, but maybe it’s time to move on.”

“Elana-“ A knock at the door cut Jason off.

“Hey, Jason, who you taking to?” Crane asked from the other side of the door. I quickly ducked down on the other side of the bed as the door knob turned.

“No one,” Jason lied.

“I thought I heard yelling,” Crane said. I held my breath.

“I was on the phone,” Jason said.

“With who?”

“Elana.”

“What did she want?” Crane asked, starting to walk further into the room.

“Why do you care?” Jason contested.

“She wanted you to leave Grayson alone, didn’t she?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean anything,” Jason insisted.

“This is her room, am I right?” I clenched my fist at his words, my knuckles turning white. I could feel the tension in the air. “It’s very in character. How is she, by the way?”

“I told you to leave her out of this.” Jason’s voice steeled.

“Relax, I’m just curious,” Crane said. There was a pause.

“What?” Jason spoke up.

“Nothing, nothing at all. You… you should get going. Wouldn’t want to keep Grayson waiting,” Crane said absentmindedly.

“Yeah. After you,” Jason said. Again, there was a pause before two sets of footsteps faded out the door. I sighed and got up. There were two options in the situation; I could go try to stop Dick from meeting Jason, or I could go see what Crane had going in the Cave. Maybe I could manage both. I threw on a quarter-zip and put my hair in a ponytail while trying to contact Dick on my comms.

“Dick,” I called into them, keeping my voice down.

“You were supposed to check in an hour ago,” he responded.

“Where are you?” I asked, putting on my gloves.

“The radio station. Where are you?”

“You’re lying. You’re on your motorcycle,” I said, ignoring his question. “I have a plan, but you need to listen to me. I’m doing recon on the Manor-“

“You’re doing what?!” Dick practically screamed.

“Jesus, you’re gonna blow my eardrum. I can do this right, without being seen, as long as you can distract Jason without getting too close. No full-on fight. Just lead him on.”

“What are you talking about? Crane is at the Manor,” Dick argued.

“And I have a plan for that. I’ll be in and out, but I’ll need a pickup, so you can’t, for the love of all things, engage with Jason.”

“Are you sure you can pull this off?”

“Positive.”

“I’ll do my best,” Dick sighed.

“Okay. Get to the Manor in twenty and check in with me in seven minutes,” I told him.

“Copy that,” he said.

“Huntress out.” I turned off my comms. I threw the parts of my suit I wasn’t wearing into a duffel bag and dropped it out the window, near my bike. Per mine and Bruce’s agreement, there were no security cameras outside my door. I took the liberty of disabling the ones outside my window, as well.

Before I dropped my gauntlet with my other stuff, I played back old footage of Bruce in the fourth floor main hallway and sent it to the Batcomputer. Bruce still didn’t know I could do this. I waited for the sound of footsteps to hit the stairs before looping all the first floor cameras and heading down to the Cave. Jason had left to go fight Dick and I had sent Crane upstairs, so I would be able to get down without any interference.

The first thing I did when I got down was play the sound of footsteps through random cameras on the fourth floor to buy myself time without Crane. Then, I took in the damage. The trophy cabinet was broken into, weapons were missing, random files were out on the floor, and it seemed as if Crane had gotten into electronic files, too.

I checked the electronic files first, seeing as those had the most information. I didn’t even have to log in, it was already open. There were 34 files viewed in the last 24 hours, which worried me. But what made my heart skip the most was a new file labeled Elana Queen. It wasn’t something Bruce made. It was made 15 hours before. Hesitantly, I clicked into it.

Under the basic information of my appearance and affiliations, there were dozens of lines of theories, each about me. Who trained me, my allies, even incidents I could’ve been involved in. The worst part was that most of them were accurate. A set of footsteps pulled my attention away.

“You like it?” I turned around to face Crane. The sight of him made my stomach jolt in disgust. His face was all sliced up, gross divots in his skin that set me on edge. Despite that, he wore a smile. “How’d I do?”

“A shitty job,” I growled.

“Sorry to hear that,” he said, dropping a chained scythe so it hung by his feet. “This going to sound weird, but I’d just like to say that you’re my favorite Titan, so I almost feel bad doing this.”

“You could always not,” I offered. I drew away from the computer, so that I was fully facing the manic and ready to pounce. I made the connection I would have to go deal with Jason and Dick after this, seeing as Dick hadn’t checked in, so I couldn’t spend forever with Crane.

“I don’t think you know how this works.”

“Sadly, I do.” He swung his scythe up at me and I activated my cuffs in time to block the attack. He kept swinging and moved toward me, but every attack glanced off the metal of my cuffs. I eventually managed to dodge the blade and grab the chain it was on. I yanked it toward me, pulling him close enough to send a punch to his face. He collapsed to the ground and I pulled his weapon out of his hands, tossing it to the side. Then, I pinned him down, throwing continuous punches to his face.

My brain went numb as my fist slammed into him over and over again. Blood splattered across his face and onto my skin, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t stop. This man had gotten my boyfriend killed and then turned him into a killer. He was the reason the city was going to shit and I couldn’t do anything about it.

Crane’s eyes never lost their mischief, even as they struggled to keep open. His laugh was the thing that stopped me. It was airy and weak, but that did nothing to effect the evil in it. I froze as my fist hung over his face and my chest heaved. I could feel the fire in my eyes. If I kept it up, I would kill him.

“You- you gonna finish it?” he breathed. I activated my cuff once again and aimed it at his throat, inches away from his skin. A million thoughts rushed through my head. A small voice yelled at me to kill him right there, but another voice told me not to. I couldn’t think straight so much to the point my hand shook. My eyes burnt holes in his head, but he simply laughed. With a frustrated cry I shoved myself off him and to my feet. “Oh, come on. Kill me,” he wheezed.

“You’re lucky I have better things to do,” I growled. His laughter echoed throughout the Cave as I took off upstairs.

—————————

I arrived at the scene of the commotion where Jason and Dick were fighting as a crowd had gathered. I watched as Dick grabbed one of Jason’s guns and pointed it at Jason, who was on the ground. I flew off my motorcycle and threw my helmet to the ground, sprinting toward the two costumed men. Dick had gotten distracted by the crowd, and hadn’t seen Jason stand up behind him, loading a gun and pointing it at his head.

“Don’t!” I yelled, throwing myself in between them, so my back was to Dick. “If you want to shoot him, you’ll have to shoot me first.” Jason’s eyes softened, but his gun never lowered.

“Elana?” Dick breathed from behind me. I didn’t respond, too focused on Jason.

“I dare you,” I said to my boyfriend. I stared at him with challenging eyes, daring him to make another move, but before either of us could, three gunshots rang out from behind me. I whipped around to see a kid about my age standing with a gun pointed at Dick and and the latter bleeding from his neck in a bad spot.

“Shit!” I cursed.

“I did it for you,” the boy told Jason. Then, the crowd started chanting his name and moving in toward Dick.

“Give me your gun,” I demanded, turning back to Jason. He didn’t move. “Now!” He shook his head as if clearing his mind and handed me his gun, emotionless eyes never leaving Dick. “Leave. I’ll deal with you later,” I ordered. Once again, he stayed put. “Jason!”

“Right, yeah,” he mumbled before turning and sprinting away. I turned to the crowed that had we ended upon Dick and shot my gun into the air.

“Everyone, leave!” Most backed away before running off, but I had to knock a couple of the braver ones’ guns out of their hands before they got the message. When they were clear, I dropped to Dick’s side and immediately put pressure on his wound. Fear crept up my throat as I realized how bad the wound was. “Come on, Dick,” I muttered. “Stay with me.” He opened his mouth to respond, but only coughed up blood. My heart dropped in my chest. I was going to lose him.