#They only know what Bruce told them but when the Question comes forward with the evidence from his OWN investigation?

[transparentgayprotector]

To get back at him all Danny has to do is find proof that Bruce is Batman and out him to all his Rouges and the world.

Then disappear after making sure that everyone believed it and couldn't brush it off.

The one where Bruce is the asshole (again)

So! We have a typical story where the JLA finds out about the Situation in Amity.

Whichever way they find out doesn't matter, but either way they end up sending Batman to do a threat analysis and review of whether this requires their attention.

And while there, he runs into a Kid who obviously needs to be saved from his Abusive Home. Look at him, he's far too thin, his grades are horrible, he has many unexcused absences, and he has bruises hidden under his clothes.

Even after figuring out that Danny is Phantom the local Hero, he thinks Danny needs to be saved from his Parents.

I mean, it's plain to see! They Hates Ghosts with a Passion, negelct their son very often, shoot at him nearly every day, and are probably the ones who killed him in the first place!

So, with no input from Danny himself, Bruce calls CPS on the Fentons and uses his Wealth to expedite the process and avoid the actual Investigation. (I mean, why would you even need one? It's so obviously a bad home!)

The Fenton's are arrested, and Bruce reveals that Danny is Phantom to convince the Courts that they are horrible people for shooting at their own son, and that they should be locked up (ignoring the horrified looks on their faces, probably cause they were living with a Ghost for so long, thats probably why).

He immediately offers to adopt Danny, even when Danny vehemently refuses his offer. He knows that Danny will come around to it, he's doing this for his own good. He still thinks his Parents were good people, and not thr Villains they really were.

Meanwhile Danny's life has been completely uprooted thanks to the self-righteous machinations of an Adoption Crazed Fruitloop! And not even the usual one!

Sure his parents were often busy with their work, but they Always set aside time to hang out with their kids and make sure they were okay. They never abused him, the neglect was only for like a month or two when the portal before they got their act together and apologized for it, and (most importantly) THEY DIDN'T KNOW he was a Halfa when they shot at him! They only found out when the ASSHOLE revealed his Identity in Court!

And Danny is Extra enraged by that part. The Adoption Crazed Fruitloop had revealed his secret identity for the ENTIRE WORLD TO HEAR!

He would never be able to live a normal life anymore, even if he managed to get away from the Moron who caused all this!

Bruce Wayne was a Villain in his eyes.

He ripped him from his home and from his family (basically kidnapped), revealed his identity to the world so he was forced to stay with him for fear of the GIW, and spun the whole story so that it looked like he was the Good Guy in this!?

It was official. Danny Hates Bruce Wayne, possibly more than anyone else in the World.

And that's a High Bar.

[eclipse-msoul]

FAMILY, FAMILY DEAR BATS! 🦇

Synopsis : What happens when a normal reader enters Batfamily. Not by getting orphaned or saved but rather just visiting her uncle for the first time ( it's Bruce ). Now somehow she's become the unofficial therapist of this family and for unknown reasons the only one with enough common sense.Also why is everyone so Overprotective?

Or

Normal reader X Platonic Batfamily

Chapter 1 :-

Your life was pretty uneventful and even, except for a few ups and downs here and there. But still it was as ordinary as it could get, living with a mother that had nursing as a profession and your father being an office worker made it normal but nice.

That was until one day when your mother told you about your uncle’s existence. Her cousin to be exact.Well excuse you for being surprised- YOU didn't even know you had another living relative ??? And they just dropped the bomb so casually – that too at dinner time !!

“ I haven't actually met him yet but the media has framed him to be… quite unique.” Your mother quotes. “ I talked to him, he's a kind man and I think meeting him would do us some good.” Your father sees the way your one way from questioning reality so he gently pats your back and smiles.

“ Don't worry little star, if it makes you feel better she told me two days ago.” He says as your mother lightly giggles and the two make a couple of jokes here and there. “ You two…really..” you groan.

 As the dinner slowly comes to an end and your father and mother pick up the dishes and drop them at the sink, your mother glances at your father telling him to speak. “ Ahem-” he fake coughs to get your attention, “ This summer we're planning to send you to live with him.” 

You look at him , your eyes wide. “ I beg your finest pardon-WHaT!?” they both nod and you violently shake your head. “ What happened to you two going with me ?”

They share a glance , “ We'll be going together but you'll stay a bit longer and get to know him better. He's family after all."

“ Mom, dad ! You've got to be kidding me.” You try to reason, “ I don't even know him, Heck I didn't even know he existed until a few moments ago and you're telling me to just go and live with him out of nowhere !!”

Your mother puts a hand on your shoulder and you just know you're going to lose. “ Sweetie, my cousin isn't a bad man. Just think of it as meeting a new friend and also I heard Gotham has one of the best medical units in the world~"

You think for a moment before a sigh escapes your lips. You can't defeat them anyway, might as well try. ( Which is totally not because you're excited about checking out the hospitals in Gotham and their advancement. Nope sir, No way)

“ Fine, I'll go. When are we leaving ?” You ask to get up from the table. “ Tomorrow.” 

“ WhAt-”

…

Moving forward you are currently standing in front of the totally not terrifying and scary Mansion inside the most amazing and sunny Gotham. Get the sarcasm here ? Yeah, me too.

Your mother dials the number and the bell rings and runs until it's finally picked up. “ Bruce Wanye here.” his voice sounds horse, he was probably asleep you think. It's only 11am right now. You've slept far later.

“ Hello…yeah…it's me...” 

The Giant Gate automatically opens and the three of us enter. You take in the scenery and like you thought this place is really nice. It's a billionaire’s garden afterall. Just then a voice comes from inside the Mansion and a butler comes out.

He’s an old British looking man, the way he moves is elegant like those movies you've seen and the way he greets your parents and you is so nerve cracking. “ A pleasure to meet you Miss Rachel and Sir Lucas.” He greets them and then his eyes turn to you.

“ And this is?”

“ Y/n but please..call me Julia.” You reply.

“ Miss Julia then.” He states , “ please come in. Master Bruce has been waiting for your arrival.” He brings you all to the meeting area. As you all take a seat the butler bows yet again and walks away.

“ I'll get Mister Bruce here.” He says walking away.

Your gaze that was previously fidgeting back and forth now has time to look around. This house was so splendid and beautiful and everything was exceptional and well cared for.

Few minutes pass before the door chimes open and walks in on the Man you searched about last night. His posture is elegant like a noble, similar to the butler, yet his eyes are filled with dark circles.Youve got a very good feeling he hardly sleeps.

“ A pleasure to meet you.” He says while shaking hands with your parents and then taking a seat. “ I'm sorry it took me a while. I was busy and hardly had time to rest due to the WE business and projects coming up.” 

Your mother nodes. “ It's understandable Bruce. You've got a great burden on you and it can get hard.” You sit next to your father and mother, right in the middle of the giant sofa as they chat.

Bruce while talking turns his attention to you and you see how his eyes briefly soften and there's some sadness in them. But it vanished too quickly for you to think it was there.

“ This is your daughter ?” He asks.

“ Told you long enough to notice.” Your mother dabs a small sarcastic smile. She loves chaos far too much. “ I apologize-”

“ I'm kidding Bruce !” Your mother retorts back. “ This is my little baby girl , Julia Y/n.”

You smile at him awkwardly and he returns the gesture. “ How old are you, Julia ?”

“ I'm sixteen, Mr Wanye.”

“ Oh, you're close to Damien's age-” he remarks , “Please call me Bruce. I'm your uncle, Julia.” He smiles. 

“ Alright, uncle Bruce... and uh, who's Damien ?” you ask curious. Your parents definitely haven't mentioned a Damien.

" He's my son. So he'd be your cousin, Julia."

" Oh !" You glare at your parents for not telling you this and they just nervously turn away. They live messing with you far too much. Sigh

" How old is he, uncle Bruce ?"

" He's eighteen." Noticing your curiosity he deemed to telling you more.

" He's currently on a little trip to his elder brother's place. They'll be coming here by tomorrow" he smiled.

Okay that's it. How many cousins did you have ? You were told about one uncle and that's it.

" I see."

And you parents and uncle get back to their conversation. Soon enough the butler returns with some refreshments and introduces himself as Alfred Pennyworth.

Once you've eaten, you excuse yourself to look around the place and the butler whom you now know as Alfred guides you.

The Mansion is bigger than you initially thought and Mr. Alfred is a nice companion to talk to. He tells you about your cousins (surprise suprise, THERE'S MORE THAN SIX) and about how most of them are adopted except Damien who used to call himself the “ blood son” and all their shenanigans.

It's fun to learn about your soon-to-be-new family. All of them seem to sound like interesting individuals and you could use some cousins to play with. Alfred even mentions their hobbies and how they like to prank each other.

Also did you mention how the way to Gotham was the most nerve cracking thing ever. Like this is the city that batman-THE BATMAN couldn't cleanse after almost two and half decades of work. So it's an amazing day nevertheless.

While exploring the Mansion with Alfred your steps stop when a specific picture catches your eyes. You stop and observe it.

Two adults stood along with a small kid that you deemed to be eight to ten years old. The picture drew you in like nothing ever did. It had this air around it that just couldn't explain.

“ Lovely picture, No ?” Alfred’s voice broke your concentration. Your eyes slid to his and you smiled slightly. “ It is. Who are they ? The woman seems to resemble my mom.”

“ That's Miss Martha and Mr Thomas along with young master Bruce. It's a family photo before their death.” Alfred reminisced. “ It's been a tradition for generations and master Bruce has continued it.” He guided you to the latest picture of the family.

It felt forced.

They all felt too far away in this ( like they didn't want to be there ). Even Bruce felt off. Different from the smiling man you had just met. He seemed tired and sad.

“ Those are my cousins ?” You asked, hoping Alfred didn't see the look in your eyes

“ Yes miss Julia.” He told you which was who by pointing and explaining their descriptions. Being a sixteen year old girl with an intense love for history and lore and yaoi, you tried your best to listen.

…

“ It was really nice to meet family. Thanks for having us Bruce.” Your mother hugged Bruce which he returned and then he shaked hands with your father. “ No thank you for coming. I'm kind of ashamed to admit, it gets lonely without my children here..” He chuckled.

" Well you won't get lonely not with our dear Julia here ! She had a tendency to make people break their shell and fit in." You father added.

" She sounds like a lovely child. Does she perhaps have an interest in medicine ? She kept asking about it during our conversations." 

Your father and mother shared a small grin. " She does. It's all she can ever dream about."

" That's...good." his eyes flickered to you.

You had fallen asleep an hour ago during dinner and was currently laying on the sofa. Your snores echoed throughout the Mansion. Your parents chuckled and Bruce couldn't help but think it was a pleasant change.

A child that didn't have to fight crime.

One that didn't have to take the burden of the world.

He had already investigated your and your parents backgrounds and confirmed that your mother was indeed his blood cousin. The blood part was maybe due to Damien kind of rubbing off on him.

It was a shock to find out about her existence. Even more to know his mother had a elder sister that passed away few years back and her only child had disappeared as a toddler. That was your mom.

He would never even know of her existence if not for her searching for her parents and finding him. He almost cried when he saw her picture, she resembled his mother in looks except her hair was black.

But you, your looked like the exact replica of his mother. Like a younger version.

He knew your personality was meek yet it had kindness and a spirit all his children had. It was nice chatting with you during dinner. You expressed your interest so well and he knew that his kids would love you. Maybe even Damien. 

Talking to a kid like this , carefree and smiling reminded him of what he had lost.It almost felt like his children hadn't left.

That part really hurt.

“ Alfred will take you to the rooms. You can have any you like. Have a pleasant sleep, I'll see you all in the morning.” He said leaving you and your parents in Alfred's care (not before glancing at you one final time.)

Time for his duty.

TBC…

[existential-crisis-of-the-mind]

Small Talk (Jason Todd x Reader, Pt 1 of 3)

Pt 2 Pt 3

Premise: Jason worries that you're just putting up with him out of a misguided sense of pity.

Jason frowns as he looked down at his drink. A cup of steaming hot cocoa you had prepared for him, insisting it will warm him up.

His frown deepens as he glances at his fingers wrapped around the mug. Knuckles which were bloody and bruised an hour ago now carefully bandaged in ointment and gauze.

If it were up to him, he wouldn’t bother wrapping his wounds. They were surface level, didn't need stitches. The dried blood would serve a reminder of another target taken down. He wouldn’t bother taking any painkillers either and certainly not bother fending off the cold with a warm drink. None of that matters in the grand scheme of things.

His eyes then flit to you, sitting on the couch beside him, blanket wrapped around your curled up form as you distractedly flit through TV channels. 

Jason knows you’re not paying attention to the screen, it’s all just static and white noise. He can tell by light frown lining your brow, the way you bite your lip and the tautness in your shoulders that you’re worried. Worried about him, but unwilling to voice it. Probably cause you’d been bluntly dismissed the last couple times you raised your concerns.

Because Jason doesn't have the privilege to acknowledge his pain, doesn’t have the time to sit in his feelings nor reflect on his past. He's had to forego all that if he wants to move forward, to seek justice. At least his brand of justice anyway, drenched red in revenge as it may be.

But you, you stubbornly insist on being soft, on treating his wounds as if he’s delicate, making space for his feelings as if they matter, tolerating his outbursts without judgement or ire, staying in spite of how much the sight of his battered and bruised body coming home scares you.

It’s not like you know all that much about him to justify his antics. He’s not exactly disclosed his past beyond the fact he’s cut ties with his family, hasn’t really told you all that he gets up to as Red Hood. And his standoffish personality? A supposed byproduct of being resurrected only to realise you were abandoned by daddy dearest, though he’d rather not go down that rabbit hole.

So he can’t help but wonder why you choose to stick around. Why you put up with a caustic man like him, surely his sarcasm and occasional witty remarks don’t balance out his other self destructive tendencies.

“(Name)” He calls out, waiting until your eyes are on him before he continuing

“Do you feel sorry for me?”

The question hangs in the air for a moment, almost as if you need a moment to register that’s what he really asked.

“What?… What do you mean Jason?” your expression conveying genuine confusion at his out-of-the-blue question.

“You heard me” He mumbled gruffly, internally warring with the uncomfortable atmosphere he's created but also unable to sit with his doubts any longer.

“Do you pity me? Is that why you stick around and play house?”

He knew that last bit was uncalled for, but it was hard not to feel that way when his mind whispered those cruel words. That you felt sorry for him. Saw him as a broken man, damaged goods.

He knew that’s how the few people still in his life viewed him. A young boy subjected to trauma at the hands of Gotham’s most nefarious villain, turning to a life of revenge and vengeance... too far gone to see the light. An 'anti-hero' who needs to be stopped. Captured and contained.

Except how others perceived him didn’t quite bother him, not like he held any of them in high regards, especially not Bruce. Yeah okay, he was still bitter at how quickly everyone seemed to resume their day to day routine in his absence. Not like he had any evidence of them trying to avenge him and he sure as hell wasn’t going to give them the benefit of doubt.

But you, well you were different. You weren’t a part of his previous life, you only had the (dis)pleasure of meeting reborn Jason Todd. The jaded, sardonic Jason Todd, who was done with the world and all it had to offer. 

And yet you smiled at him. Cared about him. Worried for him. As if he’s deserving of any of those sentiments, as if even though you don’t fully understand him or the things he does, he still matters.

You seem to accept him in a way he’s yet to accept himself, and that thoroughly confuses him. To the point where the only conclusion his mind can offer is that you pity him. 

So here he is. He’d like to think this is him laying his cards on the table, but really he’s just an archer looking down the tall castle walls he’s built around himself, waiting to pierce an arrow through the one good thing he’s got going. Cause it’s just too good to be true. 

He’s not going to put a label on what he feels towards you, not just yet. Not when he doesn’t know where he stands with you.

He raises an eyebrow as he crosses his arms, curious but defensive in his stance as he braces himself for what you have to say.

He sucks in a quiet breath as your lips part. As much as he’d like to think he’s prepared for the worst, the possible reality where you do view him as damaged goods would definitely sting. 

His eyes flit back to yours regardless, he’s no coward after all.

—————————————————————————

Gotta love the random burst of 1am inspiration disrupting my sleep schedule. Let me know what you think of this! Part 2 is likely going to be dual POVs for maximum angst  

[just-aake]

Holiday Teasings

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: A festive new addition to Natasha’s usual outfit surprises all of those around her.

Warnings: fluff

Words: 1446

It was the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean work stops at the SHIELD headquarters. Even now, agents continue to tirelessly carry out their tasks and missions, the hallways bustling with conversation and hurried steps.

All of them trained to be efficient and timely with their duties. However, even the most experienced agents find themselves falling silent and stopping in shock at the sight that passes by them.

Normally, the presence of Black Widow would cause anyone to stare in awe, but today, the reason for such a pause is different. 

Only those close to her or brave enough would ever dare to ask or comment about it though, as proven by Agent Hill when Natasha arrives at the door of today’s meeting room. 

“Wow,” Maria exclaims, blinking in surprise as she examines the widow’s outfit. “What in the world are you wearing?”

“It’s just a sweater, Hill. Let’s not make a big deal about it,” Natasha says pointedly, crossing her arms, which only causes the bells at the cuffs of the sleeve to jingle in response.

Maria quickly raises her clipboard to cover her mouth, hiding her smile as she hums and nods in acknowledgment.

Natasha’s bright red sweater stands out amidst the typical dark SHIELD uniforms, easily capturing the curiosity of onlookers around her.

Had it been just a plain-colored sweater, maybe she wouldn’t attract as much attention.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. 

The design on the front depicts the classic suit of this holiday, complete with cotton fluff, a belt buckle, and jingling bells.

The two enter the meeting room together, and Maria continues her questioning.

“How long do you have to wear that?”

“Midnight,” Natasha responds as she takes her usual seat at the large conference table.

Steve comes in the door soon after, and after a brief pause of surprise, he gives his usual nod in greeting to the two and takes his seat beside her.

Natasha raises an amused brow at him.

“No comments?”

He shakes his head firmly.

“Nope, I know better.”

Immediately after his words, a figure comes rushing through the door. 

“Oh my god, it’s true!” Tony exclaims gleefully. He shakes Bruce’s shoulders excitedly when the scientist enters the room.

“Quick, where is a matching hat to complete the outfit?”

Bruce brushes off his hand and distances himself from Tony when he sees the warning glare the Widow sends their way.

“Must have left it back at the lab,” Bruce responds nervously with a shrug before going to his seat.

Like Steve, besides a brief pause and a curious tilt of her head, Wanda does not comment on her attire when she enters.

After a moment, Sam strolls into the room, giving Natasha a grave look. 

“You may need to check on your ride, Nat.”

Natasha straightens in her chair at his words, her brows pinching in confusion about who would ever mess with her motorcycle.

“What do you mean?” 

Sam gestures over his shoulders, nodding seriously.

“Yeah, I just flew in from the roof, and I didn’t see your reindeers or sleigh anywhere.”

Natasha rolls her eyes and slumps back in her chair as Sam laughs at her reaction, patting her shoulder in jest before taking his seat.

Tony leans forward across the table excitedly.

“Oh, I have a question, and be honest with me here, Romanoff.” He pauses for a dramatic effect before saying teasingly. 

“Am I on the naughty list?”

Natasha rolls her eyes and sighs in disgust, shooting him a deadpan glare.

Before she can respond, Natasha catches something at the corner of her eyes, and her glare swiftly turns to the Sokovian Avenger across the table, who fumbles with her phone in hand at the sudden attention.

“What do you think you’re doing?” 

Wanda gives her a sheepish smile, waving her phone lightly. 

“I told Clint, and he asked if I could send a picture of you since he can't be here to see it.”

At her apologetic expression, Natasha sighs and waves her hand in resignation, giving Wanda permission.

Tony laughs and claps his hand in excitement at the sound her action makes, remarking, “Hey, can you shake your hands again? The bells really bring out the holiday spirit in here.”

Natasha is about to tell Tony where he can shove his holiday spirit when a stack of folders thrown against the table interrupts her, catching everyone’s attention. 

Fury stands at the end of the table with a reprimanding expression.

“Alright, that’s enough. Let’s get this meeting started. No more jokes about Romanoff’s outfit.”

“Thanks, Fury,” Natasha says.

Without a beat of hesitation, he replies in his serious tone.

“Anytime, Santa.”

The whole room erupts into laughter, and the meeting ends up having to start much later after that comment.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Your phone chimes, signaling the end of your timer, and you go to the oven to check on your cookies.

Removing the tray of freshly baked cookies from the oven, you place it carefully on the table to cool off. Taking the baking gloves off your hand, you bend slightly to examine the baked treats to make sure that they are perfect.

As you straighten up, your back bumps into another body as familiar hands wrap around your waist, pulling you in closer. 

“Mmm…those smell lovely,” Natasha compliments next to your ear.

You smile and lean into Natasha’s embrace, turning your head to greet her with a soft kiss on her cheek.

Natasha returns your affection, pressing a gentle kiss against your shoulder, before mumbling.

“It’s not even midnight, yet you’re already making my prize, makes me think you didn’t even plan on winning.”

You laugh lightly at her words before admitting.

“A deal’s a deal. Besides, I wanted to make some extra ones for you to bring in tomorrow too.”

Your hands fall atop hers, clasped around your front, as you play with the bells at the cuffs. The sound rings joyfully in your shared space.

“The others didn’t tease you too badly, did they?”

Natasha shrugs nonchalantly before responding.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“That’s good,” you reply, nodding your head.

As you get lost in her warmth, Natasha moves to take a cookie from the tray, but you notice and quickly slap her hand away lightly in a warning. 

“No, they’re still hot,” you chastise her.

Natasha chuckles at you before turning you around in her arms and leaning in closer, her voice lowering to a tempting tone. 

“Can I get my other prize while I wait then?”

With an amused smile, you cup her face and pull her in for a kiss. 

Natasha’s arm tightens around you, pulling you closer in response and deepening the kiss.

After a moment, you pull back, your smile widening when Natasha tries to follow before stopping with a pout when you hold her face firmly in place to look into her eyes.

“By the way, Clint showed Laura and the kids a picture of you in the sweater, and they want you to wear it at their Christmas party this weekend,” you tell her.

“Will I get another reward if I wear this again?” Natasha says jokingly. She doesn’t need any more persuasion to wear the sweater again if it’s for the kids.

You tap your lips as if in fake contemplation before giving her a teasing smirk.

“Well, I did get you something that I think you will enjoy seeing me wear,” you say, leaning in close to her. 

Natasha’s eyes glint in excitement before whispering against your lips.

“Yeah?”

Before she can bring you into another kiss, you pull away swiftly, turning around to check on the cookies.

“Guess we have to wait until after the party to see if you will get your prize,” you tease over your shoulder.

Natasha lets out an amused huff, shaking her head fondly at you, before sneaking a cookie from one of the piles that you’re making.

“Natasha!” You chastise with a small laugh.

She takes a purposeful bite of the cookie, wearing a victorious grin.

You roll your eyes fondly at her, then turn your attention to the piles of cookies in front of you. 

Retrieving your already prepared festive goodie bags, each labeled with the names of your Avenger friends, you begin to separate and place them alongside the corresponding piles you’ve created. 

When you finish, you clap your hands determinedly before declaring, “Alright, for each teasing comment they made to you today, they lose a cookie.”

Natasha’s grin widens in realization, and she gives you a quick kiss on your cheek, returning to her previous position of hugging you from behind before listing out the guilty parties.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

a/n: thank you for reading, hope you all have Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[rainismdata]

I'm stressed right now, so— here I am thinking about mpreg!Bruce and how would he deal with the information that he's now pregnant. Because... well— because. And this is all would be very much out of character.

this would be for AquaBat, SuperBat, and LanternBat.

It's in one tumblr post bcs I'm too tired to make separate posts.

Arthur × Bruce

Bruce would be furious, confused, afraid, and sad at the same time. Because, he doesn't have any relationship with Arthur (or maybe not yet, idk). Also, it's only a few years after the first born of Arthur Curry's child. He knows Arthur and Mera has separated and still become good friends with each other. He knows he's older than he was the first time he met Arthur and if anything, this pregnancy then would be having more obstacles than if he's younger.

Arthur would find him in the training ground, tiring himself out of confusion as to what should he do about the information. He was just found out that he's pregnant after he was fainted on patrol, and Alfred was checking up on him.

Arthur would catch him into his embrace to stop Bruce bruising himself any further. To watch the realization hits Bruce's eyes. Bruce then get a hold of Arthur, leaning closer.

I'll make Atlanna and Mera (hell, also Orm, later when the babies has been growing up) to be happy and congratulating them. Helping Bruce in the process. Helping Bruce to live in Amnesty Bay, so Arthur, Atlanna, and Mera can keep an eye on him.

Clark × Bruce

Idk but I think they would be very much in fluffy domestic thing. Like I know He would be very much freightened still, but he's more calm. He waits for the right time to tell Clark about it.

Until then he told Clark about it, and Clark was a smiling mess even more. Clark knew about it, because he heard more clear heartbeat, a new one, coming from Bruce, but it's not Bruce's. And Clark also wait the time for Bruce to tell him.

Bruce would probably protest as to why Clark didn't let him know earlier. But, actuall, Clark has gave him signs. For one thing, he realized as to why Clark's becoming to be more protective, alarmed, and attentive to Bruce; Clark tried so hard not to make Bruce's stressing out of the League by making one himself.

Fluff. Domestic. Cute. Everything. I'm adding it right away.

Hal × Bruce

It was actually close as what he feels on what I was writing in Arthur×Bruce, but without the fighting. It's just him becoming more quiet. He didn't tell anyone about it. Just Alfred who knows about it. At times, he would excuse him self to go out from the JL's meeting room. Hal would recognize the unusual eye blinks as if Bruce is more tired than usual. He's continuously telling Bruce to drink more water as his lips sometimes was dry.

After two weeks of Earth time out for galactical mission, Hal's back to the Mansion when he found out that Bruce wasn't at the batcave. Alfred told him that Bruce was in his room all day. He didn't know if he's already eat or not. He asked Hal to tell him know if Bruce has ate the foods Alfred brought to his room.

Fast forwards, Hal sits on the bedside, Bruce's side and heard faint sniffle. They talk a little, to the point of Bruce telling Hal the truth. Hal asked "How are you feeling?" when he's given the time to finally speak after Bruce's story and sorry(s). Bruce got his head down and closed his eyes while answering the question.

Hal put his hand on Bruce's cheek to feel the tears coming down to his hand. He get Bruce's head up towards him. "Show me." Hal said, then Bruce opened his eyes, Hal sees the watery blue eyes of Bruce. Hal could see what Bruce is feeling.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Keepsafes

Fandom: Batman, DC Comics

Summary: AU where Martha and Thomas survive, and they adopt the batkids.

Chapters: 2/?

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne, Martha Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Harvey Dent, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, David Cain, Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake

Relationships: Thomas Wayne/Martha Wayne/Alfred Pennyworth, BruHarvey, BruTalia

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Hurt/Comfort, Bruce Wayne is Not Batman, Angst, Alfred Pennyworth Knows All, Bruce Wayne Only Has One Child, Bruce Wayne is Not An Only Child, Bi Bruce Wayne

Chapter Two: Sirens on the Staircase

Martha fixed her makeup while her assistant adjusted her dress. “Can you do the sweater, Mrs. Wayne?” her assistant questioned. 

“Over the shoulders,” Martha answered. She brushed hospital shampoo through her hair and looked at Bruce. He hated press conferences, but he understood they had to release a statement. “Bruce, you don’t have to do this with me if it bothers you… All I’m going to do is tell them we’re going home soon, we’d like everyone to respect our privacy, and we love our city and hope it doesn’t deter people from supporting local businesses.” 

“But what about crime?” Bruce asked. 

“Crime is only a symptom of a much more frightening disease that plagues our city… So many people are left behind or ignored because of where they come from or what abilities they do or don’t have. We are supposed to help give people whatever we need as often as we can,” Martha replied, “That being said, do you want to do boring press with me? Or do you want to go support Dad at his pain management appointment?” 

Bruce smiled at her. “I’ll tell Dad you love him,” Bruce replied as he kissed her cheek. 

Martha gasped. “You don’t think that I’d be coming on too strong?” Martha teased. “Tell him I think it’s cute how his nose scrunches up when he laughs and see how he reacts… And then, tell him that I love him.”

Bruce smiled and nodded before heading to the physical therapist’s office on the second floor of the hospital. Bruce waved at the window to make sure it was okay to come in. By this time, the hospital was well-acquainted with Bruce and even welcomed his presence. He brought meals and coffee, distracted smaller children while nurses drew blood, and was painfully sweet to everyone who cared for his parents. He even remembered the names of the people at the front desk.

Thomas lit up at the sight of Bruce and waved him over. "I'm taking a dip in the ice bath today," Thomas explained as he unzipped his robe. Bruce looked at the tub of ice water and frowned. "What's the matter?"

"Won't it be too—? Hm... What's that going to feel like?" Bruce asked. Thomas glanced at his physical therapist. He nodded in reply to Thomas' question.

"Do you want to try it with me? We'll only do a few minutes, and then we'll get out and dry off, warm up a little bit, and have a snack. How about it?" Thomas asked. Over the past few weeks, Thomas realized it was better to let Bruce experience the process of his recovery. It was much easier than giving textbook answers to an already traumatized eight-year-old.

Bruce removed his suit and draped it over a chair while Thomas transferred from his wheelchair to the tub's edge. "Truth be told, I'm glad you're doing this with me," Thomas nervously chuckled. He hated the cold, but Bruce loved it. He loved any extreme Martha and Thomas would allow. Thomas took a deep breath and looked at Bruce. "Count of three? Can you do the honors?"

"One... Two... Three," Bruce counted before plunging down into the tub with Thomas. They both shrieked and blew out a breath from the cold.

Bruce reached forward and grabbed Thomas' hand to keep from jumping out of the water. "It's a shock. I know. Wooo! I wouldn't be offended if you had to get out," Thomas reassured him. Bruce shook his head.

"I'm with you, Dad," Bruce replied, his forehead wrinkling as he stared directly into Thomas' eyes. Thomas chuckled. "Mom told me to tell you that she thinks it's cute when you wrinkle your nose when you laugh."

His chuckle turned to a boisterous laugh. "Did she? Do you think that means she likes me?" Thomas joked.

"She told me something else. She said she loves you," Bruce seriously answered.

"Wow. A pretty lady like your mom loves me? Tell her that she's the girl of my dreams... And that I love her, too. Can you remember that?" Thomas asked as he trembled. Bruce nodded. "You're a good man, Bruce. I don't know if I would've done this for my dad at your age."

Bruce beamed as he shivered in the water. "It's not so bad," Bruce lied. Thomas grinned. 

Silence fell over both of them, and Thomas smiled. The discomfort of the freezing cold faded over the next few minutes, and Thomas took Bruce’s hand once more, looking over his nail beds. “Come on, let’s get out… Easy, you first. Come this way,” Thomas whispered. Bruce waded over, and Thomas sat him on the edge. “Dry your legs and the rest of your body all the way first and take deep breaths. Okay?” 

Bruce obeyed, while Thomas pulled himself onto the tub’s edge. The two of them exchanged glances as they shivered and dried off, and Bruce sat on Thomas’ lap after he transferred back to his chair, and they sat wrapped in their towels and Thomas’ robe. “Would you do this again?” Thomas asked as he held Bruce close. 

“Hm… Can we get soup after next time?” Bruce asked. 

“Miso soup?” Thomas asked. Bruce nodded. “You’re in luck. Dr. Edmonds, can I get another spoon?” 

Dr. Edmonds pulled a spoon out of thin air. After they finished eating, Thomas made sure Bruce drank water with him and got dressed. Bruce eventually nodded off in Thomas’ lap after he got dressed, and Thomas went down to the first floor to watch Martha’s press conference. Martha casually widened her eyes, and Thomas nodded as he approached her in his chair. “Mrs. Wayne? Mrs. Wayne, will you and Mr. Wayne be taking questions at this time?” one of the reporters asked. 

“Thomas, honey, are we taking questions at this time?” Martha asked with a playful grin spread across her face. Thomas reached for her hand, playing with the ring on her finger, almost forgetting that the press was there to begin with. 

“I’ll do whatever you ask, Mrs. Wayne,” Thomas joked. Bruce pressed his face into Thomas’ chest, still fast asleep to Thomas and Martha’s relief. 

Martha smiled and turned toward the cameras. “We can answer a few questions,” Martha replied, “But I’m sure Bruce would like to go home and get some rest, so let’s be brief.” 

**

Bruce stirred in his bedroom as he listened to his parents speaking in the next room. It sounded like they were arguing, so he crept out of bed and listened at his door. “Thomas, it was an accident. Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Martha replied. 

“Martha, maybe I shouldn’t—.”

“Oh, Thomas, don’t be that way. You did the same for me when I was pregnant. There’s no difference,” Martha replied. 

Bruce crept out of his room, and Alfred scooped him up. “Master Bruce, I think it’s almost time for lunch,” Alfred whispered as he carried Bruce downstairs. Bruce wrapped his arms around Alfred’s neck, but he couldn’t stop staring over Alfred’s shoulder. 

“What’s wrong?” Bruce asked. 

“Just a small spill, Master Bruce. Would you like a biscuit?” Alfred questioned in reply. 

“Chocolate chip, please,” Bruce answered. Alfred made a soft noise as he patted Bruce on the back. The patting sent Bruce back to the thought of sirens flashing in his eyes, police officers and EMTs swarming on all sides around him. “Wait! Wait! Where’s Mom and Dad? Mom! Dad!” 

“Bruce?” Thomas asked. Alfred carried Bruce up the stairs where Thomas waited in his chair. He was in his robe as he reached out for Bruce, and Alfred handed him off. “Hey, it’s alright, Bruce. It’s alright.” 

Bruce trembled as he pressed his face into Thomas’ shoulder, trying to use his father’s scent as an anchor. “I don’t know who—. I don’t know who took you. The lights—. The lights were flashing, and they took you away from me. I don’t know who—. I wasn’t sure—. I couldn’t—. I couldn’t ask them who—.” Bruce hyperventilated as tears streamed down his cheeks. 

“I’m right here. Daddy’s here. I’m not going anywhere,” Thomas whispered as he held Bruce’s hand. He rubbed circles in Bruce’s palm with his thumb as he kissed Bruce on the cheek. “What’s that silly game we used to play? The one with the—.” Thomas held one thumb up and tapped Bruce’s nose as he started humming the tune to Where is Thumbkin. He switched his hands back and forth even though he couldn’t remember the words clearly. “Help me out, Brucie. Really, son, I’m struggling with this one.”

Bruce slowly started participating, allowing Thomas to wipe his tears away while Martha crept past them to the dumbwaiter. Upon her return, she watched as Thomas struggled to sing along. Thomas lifted Bruce’s chin with his knuckle. “I’m sorry, Dad—.”

“Hey, that’s okay. I’ve got to take a shower, but I’ll be back down for lunch. A kiss for the best, will your heart miss me less? Mwah!” Thomas kissed Bruce’s cheek before patting his arm. Bruce gave him a kiss on the cheek in return. “That’s my big boy. I won’t be gone long. I promise.” 

Martha reached for Bruce’s hand. She scooped him up with her uninjured arm and once she had him balanced on her hip, she blew a raspberry into his opposite cheek. “Is Lovey a little out of sorts after his nap?” Martha asked in a cartoonish bird voice. But before she turned to head down the stairs, she stopped to kiss Thomas. “Isn’t Daddy just the sweetest?” she whispered as she walked down the stairs sideways with her back against the railing. 

“Alfred, I’m sorry,” Thomas whispered. Alfred shook his head. “Could you make sure they get downstairs safely? Hopefully, they take the stair lift down next time. Sorry about all the—.”

“You have never been more pleasant, Master Thomas,” Alfred teased. Thomas chuckled. “We’re happy to have you home, sir.” 

“I’m happy to be home, Alfred,” Thomas half-smiled.

[fictionalmenxyn]

🂱𝐑𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧🂱

Pairing: redhood!rafe x Wayne!reader

Warnings: p in v, no mentions of protection (protect!), pet names, dirty talk, spanking, language and possessive

𝐑𝐑𝐑

It was yet another night of patrolling for you. In your black combat boots and pants with your dark grey hoodie and black tactical vest and belt along with your domino mask. You searched the streets on your own. Usually you were with your father, Bruce Wayne. But he had Justice League matters to attend to.

So on your motor bike you zoomed through the dark and rainy streets of Gotham. Your helmet collecting rain droplets as you speed through the streets.

Your hearing caught your attention of something. Commotion, finally, your night isn’t so boring after all.

You tilted your bike to the side as you spun your bike around. Speeding into the direction of the commotion.

We park your bike near by and hide your helmet behind some trash cans. You go on foot. As you make your way over you double check your knives. Since your dad doesn’t like ‘killing’.

You peak around a corner, seeing a woman getting mugged by two guys.

You headed over, running as fast as you can. I tackled the one to the ground. Starting to punch him a few times till the other on pulled you off the goon. You elbowed the one behind and flipped. Your on the guys shoulders as you elbow his head. He shoved you into the wall. Causing you to fall off of his shoulders. I threw one of your knives into the guys thighs. He yelled out in back “fuck you! I know you! You’re Batman’s sidekick!”

You laughed “no, no… I’m my own person…” you lunged at the guy and placed a knife to his throat. He froze, you smirked “what were you saying??” The other guy was about to grab you. That’s when you head two gun shots fire. You quickly go to the woman and cover her the best you can. You look over your shoulder to see the two goons dead in the alley.

You grabbed the woman’s things and told her “stay in the light, find people and get home safe, yeah?” You hand her things and watch as she runs away.

You see a figure at the end of the street, holding a gun up. Pointing at you.

You raised your hands, still holding a bat-a-rang you had grabbed moments ago. The person seems to froze. The deep voice asked “where’d you get that?” You looked to the bat-a-rang then back to the figure “what’s it to you?”

“My past…”

The guy stepped forward. The dim light coming from the street behind you showing you who the man was, Red Hood. Your eyes widened ever so slightly “Red Hood? What’re you doing here?” He spoke under the helmet “patrolling, same as you… you didn’t answer the question, doll”

The voice seems familiar, a little too familiar. You answered “a friend…” the guy asked “friend?? Or family??” You gulped. How’d he know? Has he seen me before? Why does his voice sound so familiar?

You counteracted “how’s this from your past?” He replied briefly “used to use them..” you asked “how come?” “Doesn’t your dad have many Robins?” Your eyes widen. “R-Rafe…? No… can’t be… you’re-” “a dead man, yeah, I’ve heard it before…”

You couldn’t believe it, once you two were inseparable. You attended his funeral, walked to his grave every other day. Checking his flowers were fresh. You would kiss his headstone before leaving. Before his death, you two were attached to the hip. People would think you two were each other’s first love. But you were friends… Bruce could tell there was more.

Rafe spoke “hey, seeetheart…mind putting the stuff down?” You were snapped out of your thoughts. Seeing his gun was in a holster. You put your bat-a-rang into your tactical belt.

You stuttered “h-how? I-I visited you-your grave almost every day? Rafe… I-i cried for a week when dad didn’t come back with you…” he nodded and slowly approached. “I did die… but I’m back now… it’s a long story for another day… y-you really did all that?” He was now only inches away from you.

Both of you being older now, you could see just from his height and form, how much he’s grown. Whereas you stopped growing at fifteen. He towered over you, easily. You nodded “all of it was true… I made sure I did… if I was busy with homework I got Alfred to remind me after to go visit…” Rafe smiled softly under the mask. A first time after his death.

He place a hand on your hip “you’ve grown up…” you chuckle softly “so have you… probably more than me… still can’t see that face I’ve kissed for years…”

He chuckled lowly “maybe you can see it… but not out here, too risky…”

You nodded completely understanding, since it’d be risky for you too. You asked “would you uh… wanna come back to the Manor…? I know you probably wouldn’t want-” “yes, sweetheart, I’ll come back with you…” he joked lightly “still in the same place, right?” You smiled softly and nodded.

You both got on your bikes and sped through the streets once again.

𝐑𝐑𝐑

You both sat in your room. Your big bag windows over looking the backyard and forest in the back. The rain heavily pours and creating the perfect background noise for your catch up session with Rafe.

You had Alfred find some spare clothes for Rafe. He, now in some black sweatpants and a dark grey gym shirt, sat on your bed. You had changed into some grey sweatpants and a baggy black sweatshirt. You sat on your desk chair (that has wheels). Crossed legged as you talk with Rafe.

Rafe would check you out as you talked, you not minding one bit. Considering he used to do it all the time, so it felt familiar. He was back. We were back…

He placed both his hands on the arms of your desk chair and wheeled you closer. So you were right up against the bed and between his legs. He smirked “so, since I haven’t seen you in a while, why don’t we cut to the chase and you give me one of those magically kisses you used to give when I would be injured after patrol.”

You smiled softly, leaning forward and softly kissing his lips. He lifted you up with ease and put you on his lap. Placing a hand on the back of your head as he deepened the kiss. Your tongues clashing as he claims dominance. He groaned into the kiss, kissing the taste of your cherry lips. He felt like you have brought him back to life.

You felt his hard on as you continued to sit in his lap. His hands moving to your ass and softly squeezing them. He pulled away to get some air. Pressing his forehead to yours. He whispers “ever since I came back… you were on my mind… all the god damn time… wanted to find you sooner, without your dad…” you nodded. He smirked “thought about you in so many different ways…” you whispered “yeah? What way was your favourite?”

He chuckled lowly “you under me, baby… loved cuddling you… but we are grown up now, I want more…” he grabbed your hips and rocked you against his hard on. You gasped softly.

Rafe smirked “you want it?” You nodded “missed you so much…” he pecked your lips. Mumbling against your lips “missed you too.. wanna feel you all over, yeah?” You nodded.

Soo enough you were both naked, you laid in the middle of your large silk black bed. He hovered over you. You glanced down at him. Fuck was he huge…

He smirked “want it, baby doll?” You nodded “want you…” he moved his tip against you. Moving it up and down along your entrance. Causing you to softly moan. He pushed the tip in, groaning as he started to fill you up.

He gripped your hips, he looked down at your chest. Fuck did he love your chest, but what caught his eye. Wasn’t your boobs, but the necklace you wore. The same gold necklace with the letter J on it. The one he gave you on Valentine’s Day when one of your shitty not so boyfriend dumped you. He knew it would make you happy. So that’s why he got it. But after his death he didn’t expect you to keep it on.

It made him twitch inside you, seeing such a memorable thing still on you. Made him want you as his, no one else’s.

He slowly started to grind into you, you moaning softly. He groaned “fuck… you’re so tight, baby… feel so fucking good…”

You moaned “Rafe…mmm so big… missed you, Rafey…” he groaned and bucked a little harder at the old nickname “missed you too, gorgeous…”

He started to pick up his pace, ever so slightly. Causing you to become a moaning mess. He grabbed the bottom of your thighs and pushed them up more. Going deeper into you, filling you more. His long, slow yet deep thrusts made your mind fuzzy. No one has ever been like this.

The past relationships you’ve had, mostly wanted you to be closer to your dad. So they never really took care of you in that sense. That’s why when you dad noticed your ‘partners’ wasn’t treating you right. He’d have a very stern conversation and kick them out.

Rafe kept going. You moaned “feels sooo good, Rafe… mmm”

He smirked, pecking your cheek and talking against it “yeah? Like my big cock filling you up?… fits so perfect, might be made for each other, hm?” You nodded “yess…” Rafe smirked against your cheek. Then his jaw fell agape when you tightens around him. He moaned against your cheek “fuck, baby, wanna take my time with you… make you feel good… wanna make you mine, how’d that sound? Hm?”

You nodded “wanted it…. For so long…” he grinned “me too, baby… wanna have you as mine, mine to touch… mine to take… mine to love and take care of… to protect…” you moaned.

Rafe started to speed up, the sound of your breathing and squelching starting to fill the big room. The sound of the rain making it surprisingly more intimate. You both loved rain. You’d cuddle for hours talking about go knows what.

You moaned as he started to pick up the pace. “Feel so good, sweetheart… gonna take you as mine, yeah? You’d like that, huh? I’d be the best for ya” you put your hands on his shoulder blades. Digging your nails into his shoulders slightly. His hips stuttered for a moment. Your nails feeling good against his hot skin.

You both started to feel it coming on. Almost at the edge. Rafe gently spanked your ass “gonna come for me, Pretty?” You nodded “yesss!” He smirked “good girl. Come all over me, yeah?” You nodded.

You moaned his name one last time before squeezing against his big hard cock. Finish on him. He keeps his money as he feels his climax approaching. He moaned “fuck… where’d you want me, baby?” You gasped “inside!” He moaned “fuck, you sure??” You nodded “on… the pill…” he nodded.

He gave one more big thrust as he fills you up. Finishing inside of you, just like you asked. He groaned as he slows his pace then comes to a stop.

He gently pulls out, looking down to see the mess you both caused. He could honestly get hard again at the sight. He patted your ass “good job, babe…”

That’s when he squeezed your hand, that’s also when you realised he hand been holding your hand the whole time. God he had a soft spot for you, always had. But Rafe was always like this for you. And showing you all his love was always one of his favourite missions.

You looked at him, breathless and satisfied. He leaned down and kissed your lips softly. Pulling away he asked “so? Is it true? You wanna be mine again? But more this time?” You nodded “forever and always…” he smiled. His first time feeling truly happy after his ‘accident’.

𝐑𝐑𝐑

[dreadfutures]

the only truly hopeful piece of media I have felt come out in the past decade is, completely seriously, The Batman (2022). Without being corny at all, and without treating anything with kid gloves. The world never feels so bleak that the hope seems out of reach, yet it never feels like the evils are either cartoonified or obscured. to do so would make the hope feel manufactured. It felt very grounded and open eyed about the grimness of life as we know it, and still I felt a genuine hopeful conviction from the movie about what is necessary to overcome it: family, community, and helping each other out as individuals when the systems around us are broken. The Batman looks at poverty, corruption, helplessness, how they're all tied up with the violence of Gotham, and there is a real concrete sense that it will be a slow going but a better world is possible if XYZ. The one crisis is averted but what underpinned it is uncovered, not ignored, and the movie ends hopeful and future facing. Bruce has his realizations, and the society around him has its realizations, and that victory could possibly be part of something better if the work is put into it. And yes: it is a movie, it is a superhero movie, it does not go incredibly in depth and it doesn't have tangible praxis... And yet I still think it does more than most media we've had in a while to tell a hopeful story in the face of a world's stated conflicts.

Veilguard is not a hopeful game. It is a lighthearted game that tells you that it's hopeful. It's a bright smile painted on your face to ignore the actual problems in the world, to focus on interpersonal relationships and say everything is fine. Literally the world burns and no one actually questions why, or to look forward to a world that would not burn. It smiles and laughs and holds hands and slaps a band-aid on the current tragedy without looking at the root cause of any of it, or asking any participants to look at the ways they might actually be harmed by, or participate in harm of, the societies they're in. You stop the nuclear bomb going off just this once but aren't concerned with military funding or borders at all. Just bad guy with nuke, no nuke, the future is saved shhh. You stop the terrorist who was radicalized by the failure of a system but don't do anything to even pay lip service to that cause, or how that system must change lest it happen again. It's an isolated bad guy driven by personal feelings alone, in a world where there is only Personal Feelings and Amorphous Power Hungriness at fault for any harm, the harms being personal and not systemic at all.

Slavery is not actually an issue the game is concerned about; xenophobia is not an issue that the game is concerned about; the power dynamics of mages in different societies is not an issue the game is concerned about; the personhood of spirits is not an issue the game is concerned about; the harm of the past being addressed is not, actually, an issue the game is concerned about. Slavery only exists to make sure you know the good guys are against it as a concept. Everything else is hushed up because we are only concerned with working together without friction except for personality friction, not ideology or upbringing or power structures. Your characters look at some of the harms of the past and they allow themselves to feel bad about them. And then they say let them go and move on. But those harms might be addressed! Those harms might even be reversed! Those harms could very well be influential to how you progress! But the game is not interested, actually.

I really, truly, no matter how many of these essays about how hopeful Veilguard is, I do not see it. I hear the swelling music, I know we are told we have a happy ending, but I do not see the evidence, I do not feel it, I do not believe it. This world we KNOW so WELL is broken in ways the game refuses to acknowledge and remains broken in all of those ways, and none of the people we meet in Veilguard are either aware or interested in fixing it. And none of them, at the end, are equipped to. The world remains broken, but our character is happy and psychologically at ease, so that's hopeful I guess?

[the-winter-spider]

Remember pt.2 | B. Barnes

Word count: 4.2k

Warnings: Angst, brain washing, violence

Masterlist

—-

“So what happened?”

“I’m honestly not too sure. All scans came back normal, but I think maybe she has a memory block.”

“A memory block? What do you mean?” Steve asked, his voice tense.

Bruce sighed, glancing between you and Steve. “Whatever Hydra did to you, they ensured you wouldn’t remember. I think when you tried to think past the initial incident—when they captured you—there were triggers in your brain telling you to stop.”

You furrowed your brows, pushing yourself up from the bed. “Why would my brain want me to stop?”

Bruce rubbed the back of his neck, a conflicted expression crossing his face. “It’s like a fail-safe… Hydra didn’t want you to know, for whatever sinister reasons they had. But I think, deep down, you don’t want to know either…when those walls in your mind come down, it’ll be…” Bruce hesitated, the weight of what he was about to say palpable.

“It’ll be what? Just say it, please,” you urged, your voice trembling.

“Catastrophic.”

The word lingered in the air, heavy and suffocating. The room seemed to shrink around you as the enormity of what Bruce had said settled in your chest. Catastrophic. The memories, the pain, everything Hydra had buried—it was too much to fathom.

Before anyone could speak, the door swung open, and Tony stormed in, his face a mix of frustration and determination. “I’ve been digging into Hydra’s files, they were thorough, like, terrifyingly so. Whatever they did to her, it was meticulous.”

“What did you find?” Steve asked, his voice urgent.

Tony handed Steve a tablet, the screen cluttered with files and documents. “They didn’t just wipe her memories, they reprogrammed her, injected her with something….remind you of anything? Or anyone?”

“Another weapon,” Natasha’s voice added.

A cold chill raced down your spine “A weapon?” you whispered, the horror sinking in.

Steve’s face tightened, a mixture of anger and disbelief flashing in his eyes “I can’t believe this happened not once but twice” He ran his hand down his face

Tony, with a hint of bitterness, muttered to Natasha, “Fate is starting to look a lot more like a curse to me”

Steve nodded, his gaze hardening with resolve “We need to take this one step at a time, just like with — just like before” He paused “We also have to track down the Hydra base she came from, they’ll be looking for her”

Tears welled up in your eyes, fear clawing at your throat. “What if I hurt someone? What if I hurt all of you?”

Before Steve could answer, the door opened again, and Sam walked in “Hey, so FRIDAY told me everyone was here and I’m starving…” His voice trailed off as he took in the tense atmosphere, his eyes darting between Steve, you, and Tony. “What’s going on? Who is she?”

Natasha stepped forward, giving Steve a pointed look. “You should go deal with…. you know,” she said, gesturing toward the door.

Steve sighed, turning to leave when you reached out and grabbed his arm “Stevie, don’t go…..p-please,” you pleaded, your voice small and desperate. The sight of you like this tugged at his heartstrings, he placed a comforting hand over yours.

“Stevie?” Sam questioned, his eyebrows pinching together.

“I’ll only be a moment. You’re in great hands, I promise. You’re safe here,” he reassured you.

You nodded reluctantly, your grip on his arm loosening as he gently pulled away. You held your breath, watching him leave the room, a sense of dread creeping in.

Bruce stepped forward cautiously. “Do you mind if we take some blood samples? It might help us understand what Hydra did”

You hesitated, then nodded slowly, your mind still reeling from everything that had been said. As Bruce prepared the equipment, you couldn’t help but wonder what horrors your blood might reveal—and whether you were ready to face them.

—

Steve stood outside Bucky’s room, his heart pounding against his ribcage like a war drum. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but the weight of what he was about to do bore down on him like an anchor dragging him into the depths. There was no more time to delay, no more excuses to make. This conversation had to happen, no matter how much it might shatter the fragile peace they had all been clinging to.

He rapped his knuckles against the door, the sound feeling too loud in the quiet corridor.

“Come in,” came Bucky’s voice from within, tinged with the usual edge of weariness that never seemed to leave him.

Steve pushed the door open, stepping into the room that felt as much like a cell as it did a sanctuary. Bucky was perched on the edge of his bed, his vibranium arm catching the light as he polished it—a task he always turned to when his mind was heavy. When he looked up, the concern in his eyes was immediate, deepening the lines on his face that war had carved years before.

“What’s up, Steve?”

Steve hesitated, the words sticking in his throat like shards of glass. Finally, he forced them out, each syllable laced with dread “Do you recognize this person at all? Ring any bells? The uniform, the fighting style—anything?”

He handed Bucky the tablet, the screen illuminating the room with the cold, harsh light of the past. The video began to play, showing a figure clad in a sleek black suit, face obscured by a mask. The person moved like a ghost, a shadow with lethal precision, taking down SHIELD agents as if they were mere training dummies. No weapons—just sheer, unbridled force.

Steve kept his gaze locked on Bucky’s face, searching desperately for any flicker of recognition, any sign that this puzzle piece would finally snap into place. But as Bucky watched, his expression remained unreadable, a mask of its own.

Steve’s stomach churned. He had already endured the agony of watching the video himself, knowing that the merciless figure on the screen was you. The person who once wouldn’t hurt a fly, who used to shriek at the sight of a spider, was now a weapon forged in blood and darkness. The thought of showing it to you—of you seeing what you had become—was almost too much to bear. Would you even recognize yourself? Or would it break you beyond repair?

Bucky’s eyes remained fixed on the screen as the figure in black executed each move with chilling efficiency. Then, in a gut-wrenching moment, the individual was stabbed, a knife driven deep into their side. But instead of faltering, they retaliated with ruthless speed, snapping the attacker’s neck as if it were nothing. It was a kill made without hesitation, without remorse.

As the video played on, the figure stormed into the tower, kicking down the front door as if it were made of paper. But then, something changed. The unstoppable force suddenly became human—hesitant, vulnerable. Bucky’s eyes narrowed as the figure paused, reaching up to remove their mask.

But before the mask could be lifted, Steve reached over and stopped the video. The screen went dark, plunging the room into a heavy silence.

Bucky looked up at Steve, his voice barely more than a whisper “Who is that?”

Bucky’s mind was reeling. The world around him seemed to blur as he tried to process the avalanche of information Steve had just dumped on him. The tablet in his hands felt heavier than it should, like it was pulling him down into the abyss of memories he wished he could forget.

“I was hoping you could tell me, if you remember anything,” Steve said quietly, his voice laden with the same desperation that Bucky felt creeping into his own heart “They were with Hydra, same timeframe as you, Buck.”

Bucky shook his head slowly, trying to clear the fog. “I trained a lot of agents… The Winter Soldier program was broad, but not many survived it.” He paused, his gaze narrowing as he replayed the footage in his mind. “But that…,” he gestured vaguely at the now-black screen of the tablet, “that isn’t just Winter Soldier training. I recognize some of the moves, but this… this is something else. I remember there was someone else, though. We were put on a few missions together. Never saw their face, never heard them speak. Always masked, always silent.” Bucky’s voice wavered as he struggled to dredge up more details from the murky depths of his past. “After my longest stint out of cryo, I never saw them again. Why?”

Steve’s eyes flickered with a mixture of pain and determination. “This happened a few hours ago.”

Bucky’s jaw tightened, frustration gnawing at him. “And why didn’t you call us back? We didn’t even need to go to the VA today!”

Steve looked away, his voice trailing off. “We had it handled… but there’s something else.”

Bucky’s breath hitched as Steve swallowed hard, the tension between them thickening. There was something in Steve’s voice, something that made Bucky’s heart pound in his chest like a war drum. Steve wasn’t just hesitant—he was terrified. Just rip off the bandaid he thought to himself.

“It’s Y/N, Buck. It’s her”

Bucky’s face drained of colour, the words hitting him like a sledgehammer to the chest “That’s not funny, punk”

But the look on Steve’s face told Bucky all he needed to know. Steve wasn’t joking. He wasn’t exaggerating. He wasn’t mistaken.

“I’m not joking, Buck…. I wish I was” Steve’s voice was barely above a whisper as he reached over and swiped to the next video on the tablet before pressing play.

Bucky’s eyes were glued to the screen, watching with mounting dread as the masked figure reached up, fingers trembling, and ripped off the mask. The camera angle was off, the lighting dim, but then… he saw it. The familiar curve of your face, the eyes that had once sparkled with life now dull and hollow. Your hand moved to your nose, blood oozing from it, and then your head lifted.

His heart dropped.

It was you.

The tablet trembled in Bucky’s hands, his grip so tight Steve was surprised it didn’t shatter. His breath came in ragged gasps, disbelief and horror warring for dominance on his face. “No… no, that can’t be her. She… she wouldn’t…”

But as the video played on, doubt clouded his mind. Memories of you, the warmth and kindness that had once defined you, flickered in his thoughts—now seeming like fragments from another lifetime.

Steve placed a hand on Bucky’s shoulder, trying to ground him “I know, Buck.. I know, but Hydra… they did something to her, just like they did to you, they turned her into something else”

Bucky stared at the floor, his mind a chaotic whirlwind of guilt, rage, and fear “She’s here? Right now?”

Steve nodded, his voice heavy. “Yeah, she is. But, Bucky, there’s more”

Steve swiped over again, showing you sitting in the interrogation room. You looked almost the same as you had all those years ago—like you had barely aged. But the terror in your eyes, the way you were picking at your nails… that wasn't new. That was something Bucky remembered you doing when you were nervous, something that had always made him reach out and hold your hands to calm you down.

As he watched you in the video, your voice came through the speakers, small and broken. “What’s going on, Steve?” Your bottom lip trembled, and Bucky felt like someone had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart.

Steve asked you what you remembered, and you responded with fragmented memories “I don’t remember anything after Peggy brought me to England when you got Bucky back… I—it’s all a blur” Your voice was strained, your eyes squeezed shut as if trying to ward off the headache that was building. “I remember dancing… I remember you both leaving, getting into a car, and then—”

Bucky’s heart twisted painfully. You remembered him. But the revelation was a double-edged sword, slicing through him with guilt and sorrow. Hydra had you before they even had him… How had they gotten to you? How had Peggy and Howard not noticed? And the thought that you might not even know he had fallen off that train and ‘died’…

Then the video showed you screaming, your hands clutching your head in agony, and Bucky felt like he was going to be sick. The video cut off abruptly, leaving the room in silence.

Steve quietly swiped to the next video, not saying a word. It showed you in the lab, the dim lighting casting long shadows across your face.

He watched as Steve called your name, trying to pull you from the daze you were in. “Y/N… can you hear me?”

You blinked, your voice barely a whisper. “Steve… what happened?”

Steve had told you that you fainted, had some sort of episode. But it was your next words that shook Bucky to his very core.

“I saw him, Steve,” you murmured, your voice so fragile it was like it could shatter. “I saw Bucky… he didn’t know me. His arm…”

Bucky’s heart felt like it had been ripped from his chest. You had seen him as the winter soldier. You were there and he couldn’t do anything to protect you, you were there.

Tears blurred Bucky’s vision as the reality of the situation came crashing down on him. You had been there all along, suffering the same fate as him, but worse—because no one had known. No one had been looking for you.

“I have to see her,” Bucky choked out, his voice raw with emotion.

Steve hesitated, knowing how fragile you were, how volatile the situation could become. But he nodded, seeing the determination in Bucky’s eyes. “Alright. But, Buck, she’s not the same…you have to let me tell her first, you can't just walk in there okay?”

Bucky nodded, his eyes locked on Steve’s, the weight of his request clear. He knew the stakes were high, and the last thing he wanted was to make things worse for you. The emotional turmoil inside him was like a raging storm, but he needed to see you—needed to make things right.

Steve led Bucky down the dimly lit corridors, the air thick with unspoken fears and anxiety. They reached the door to the lab, Steve’s hand hovering over the handle. He gave Bucky a last, reassuring nod, acknowledging the gravity of the moment.

Steve opened the door slowly, the hinges creaking softly. The room was dimly lit, casting eerie shadows across the space. You were seated on an examination table, your face pale and strained. The sight of you, a mere shadow of the vibrant person he remembered, nearly made Bucky falter.

Bucky's heart clenched with each silent step down the hall way. The air felt stifling, every breath he took a labored effort. He could feel Sam's eyes on him, but Bucky's gaze was fixed on you, your head hung low as you let Steve and the others lead you forward. The sight of you, once vibrant and full of life, now so small and subdued, sent a wave of anguish through him.

Sam was beside you, whispering softly. You managed a small, downward smile, a faint glimmer of your old self. It twisted Bucky’s heart to see that smile—so different from the one he cherished in his memories. It was a reminder of how much had changed, how much pain you were enduring.

Bruce glanced over from where he was standing, his gaze landing on Bucky “We’re done here,” he said, his voice carrying a note of finality “Tony was going to put her down in the guest area, but—”

Sam cut him off, standing up decisively “I mentioned the extra room on our floor,I didn’t think it was right for her to be so far away from you, not after everything she’s been through”

You kept your head hung low, feeling small and insignificant amidst the chaos of your mind.

“Thanks, Sam,” Steve said, his gratitude evident. There was no way they could let you stay alone, not after everything that had happened.

Sam gestured toward the door, and Bruce gave Bucky’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze as they both turned the corner. Steve walked over to you, his expression softening as he approached.

Steve cleared his throat gently. “Y/N,” he began, his voice as soothing as he could manage “I need you to focus on me for a moment.”

You looked up slowly, your eyes reflecting confusion and fear. When they landed on Steve, a flicker of recognition seemed to pass through you, but it was quickly overshadowed by the anxiety and pain that clouded your expression.

Your eyes, filled with confusion and exhaustion, met Steve’s “Good or b-bad? Because I don't think I can handle any more bad news for the day Stevie” Your voice cracked. Bucky, who was still waiting just outside the opened door, placed his head against the wall to prevent his tears from falling down his cheeks.

Steve stood at the food if your bed, he hung his head for a second to gather his thoughts before lifting his eyes to meet yours “I promise its good”

You nodded wiping away a tear “okay” you breathed out

Steve took a deep breath “There's no easy way to say this, but when you said you saw Bucky, you did”

Your eyebrows creased “W-what are you talking about?”

“Theres a lot you dont know, I can tell you but if you start getting any head pain let me know so i can stop…. After we last saw you lots happened…. Bucky he died, we thought he died when he fell off the train, i wasnt fast enough i couldn’t reach him in time…. I went down with the jet, this thing called the tesseract kept me alive for all those years…. 2011….. the winter soldier….hydra….brainwashing….his arm….super soldier…. alive….”

You heard fragments of Steve’s story, but your mind was drifting, lost in a fog of confusion and exhaustion. The pieces didn’t seem to fit together, and no matter how hard you tried to focus, the haze wouldn’t lift. Everything was jumbled—your memories, the present, Bucky. Bucky.

“W-where is he? Is he here?” Your voice cracked, sounding small but so desperate. Decades had passed since you had last truly seen him, and now the ache, the longing for him, for his presence, was crashing over you like a wave. You needed him.

Bucky’s breath hitched as he saw the tears welling in your eyes, your pain palpable in the room. He wanted so badly to rush to you, to pull you into his arms and promise you that everything would be okay. But the words felt like ash on his tongue because even though you were finally here, all three of you together again—safe—it felt wrong.

Something held him back. Maybe it was his own insecurities, the gnawing doubt that had plagued him since his return. He wasn’t the man you remembered, not anymore. His hands—his soul—were stained, and deep down, he felt unworthy of you. Or maybe it was because he understood, better than anyone, the storm that's raging inside of you right now. The confusion, the fear, the sense that your whole world had been turned upside down. He knew, and because he knew, he hesitated.

This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. None of this was how he had imagined his life—or yours—turning out. In all the scenarios he had played over and over in his mind, this was never one of them. The guilt gnawed at him, digging its claws deeper into his chest. He should have protected you, should have saved you from the hell Hydra had put you through, but he hadn’t. And now, he was standing here, looking at the person he loved more than anything, feeling helpless and ashamed. He didn’t know how to fix this, didn’t know if it could be fixed.

“Doll…” Bucky finally managed, his voice rough and filled with so much emotion he could barely keep it steady. He stepped forward, the weight of everything between you suffocating him, but he couldn’t stay away anymore.

Your eyes, wide and filled with longing, met his “Bucky…”

The way you said his name—it was everything he had longed to hear, but it also shattered him. He stepped closer, slowly, cautiously, as if afraid that one wrong move might break you completely. He could feel the tears building in his own eyes now, his heart thudding painfully in his chest.

“I’m here,” Bucky whispered, his voice barely audible. He hesitated, the guilt still clawing at him, but seeing the way you trembled, the way you reached out toward him, he couldn’t hold back any longer.

He moved closer, finally reaching out to take your hands in his. The moment his flesh and metal fingers touched yours, he felt a surge of emotions—relief, pain, guilt, love. You held on to him tightly, as though he were the only thing keeping you grounded.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “For everything, I should have been there. I should have found you. I didn’t know… I didn’t know what they did to you… I-I…”

Your grip on his hands tightened as tears slipped down your cheeks “I missed you,” you sobbed, the weight of those years, those lost moments, finally breaking free.

Bucky knelt in front of you, his hands shaking as he held yours, his head bowed. He couldn’t look at you—couldn’t bear to see the pain he had caused, even if it wasn’t directly his fault. “You didn’t lose me,” he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m here now… but I’m so sorry for what you went through, I should have protected you”

Your fingers gently brushed his cheek, forcing him to look up at you. “None of this was ever your fault, p-please don't blame yourself…” you whispered, your voice soft but filled with determination

Bucky stared at you for a long moment, his heart aching, but there was something in your words—something that gave him the tiniest flicker of hope. Maybe you were right. Maybe, after everything, there was still a chance for the both of you to heal.

Steve placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “Let’s get you to the new room”

Steve and Bucky helped you gently off the bed you were on.. Bucky stayed close, his eyes never leaving you. The journey to the new room was quiet, filled with the heavy burden of what lay ahead. But for now, being together was a small comfort in the midst of the turmoil.

Bucky's heart clenched with each silent step down the hall way. The air felt stifling, every breath he took a labored effort. He could feel Steve’s eyes on him, but Bucky's gaze was fixed on you, your head hung low as you let Steve lead you forward. The sight of you, once vibrant and full of life, now so small and subdued, sent a wave of anguish through him.

As you neared the room, Bucky couldn't help but notice how you held yourself - arms around your torso, fingers digging lightly into your shirt as if you were trying to anchor yourself.

You swallowed hard, your gaze shifting between Steve and Bucky. Tears welled in your eyes, and you let out a shuddering breath. “Bucky… I—” Your voice cracked, and you seemed to struggle with the right words. “I saw you… but it was different. I remember but i-it was like a nightmare. I—”

Bucky felt the rush of tears again, the overwhelming urge to let them fall at the thought that you saw him as the winter soldier and the fact you remembered him and you were probably so relieved to see him but then he didn't know who you were. He winced when he felt stomach bile coming up at the idea, which was extremely possible of him hurting you when he was the soldat.

You reached out a trembling hand toward Bucky, as if trying to grasp onto something solid in the midst of your confusion. Bucky took a tentative step forward, his own hand reaching out to bridge the gap.

“I’m sorry,” you whispered, the pain in your voice cutting through Bucky like a knife. “I’m sorry for what you saw, for what you must think of me.”

Bucky shook his head, the sorrow in his eyes evident “You have nothing to apologize for…. t-that could never change the way i see you”

Steve watched the exchange with a heavy heart, knowing that healing would be a long and difficult process. But seeing Bucky and you together, even under these grim circumstances, gave him a glimmer of hope.

“Let’s start with something simple,” Steve suggested. “Let’s focus on the present and the immediate steps we need to take. We’ll deal with the past and what’s happened, but right now, we need to ensure you’re safe and stable.”

Bucky nodded in agreement, his gaze never leaving you. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to be there for you every step of the way.

[red-jaebyrd]

A New Bird in the Nest

Summary: What if Jason survived Ethiopia and Bruce adopted Tim early? Jason has many insecurities about the new addition to Wayne Manor and it doesn’t help that Bruce has been avoiding Jason since he came back from the hospital. The fear of being replaced and pushed out looms over Jason and it all starts when a kid named Tim Drake moves in. This fic was inspired by this beautiful piece of art by @ky-landfill

It had been almost three months since Ethiopia and Jason was still walking on eggshells around Bruce. Lately Bruce was all clipped tones and clenched jawed whenever Jason attempted to start a conversation with him.  After a while Jason gave up trying to talk to Bruce altogether. With a heavy heart Jason came to the harsh realization that Bruce was obviously still mad at him about Ethiopia.

Bruce was always busy now that Jason was home from the hospital. And while Jason was no longer confined to a bed and could now get around with the help of crutches, Bruce was hardly home. When he was home, Bruce was either holed up in the Cave or his study at all hours. At mealtimes he was constantly hiding behind a newspaper or hyper-focused on a tablet to avoid talking to Jason. Whenever his eyes would wander and meet Jason’s, it was always met with worry lines and a furrowed brow. It got on Jason’s nerves. He didn’t want Bruce’s pity. He just wanted Bruce to talk to him without snapping.

The only time they had talked was in the car on the way to Jason’s PT or to various doctor’s appointments. The conversations always mainly focused on the progress and recovery of Jason’s leg and nothing else. Jason figured it was probably easier for Bruce to talk to him if he didn’t have to actually look at him.

Since Jason had come home from the hospital Bruce had restricted Jason’s access to the Cave. He had told Jason that he didn’t want him to be in the Cave using numerous excuses like the flooring was unstable and would interfere with his crutches. There were also no handrails or any feasible way to install them.

Bruce’s cutoff of Robin spoke volumes to Jason without Bruce ever having to say much to him.

Continue on A03

Dick was visiting at the Manor today. Jason always looked forward to Dick’s visits, but he would never admit that to his older brother. When Jason had arrived home from the hospital, Dick had temporarily moved back into the Manor to help with Jason’s care.

At first Jason resented the gesture, mostly because he thought Dick was doing it out of guilt, but after a while it didn’t matter why Dick decided to stay at the Manor, Jason liked having him around. Not to mention Dick was a great buffer between him and Bruce.

Last week Dick had moved back to his apartment in Bludhaven. It was time for Dick to go back to his city and as much as Jason didn’t want him to go, he knew Dick had responsibilities he needed to get back to. Jason missed hanging out with his older brother every day, but Dick had promised to stop by and visit at least every other weekend.

This weekend Dick came, and they were hanging out the kitchen munching on Alfred’s delicious chicken salad sandwiches when Dick surprised Jason with a question.

“Have you and Bruce talked at all about what happened in Ethiopia?” Dick broached, taking a bite out of his sandwich.

“No,” Jason swallowed, putting his sandwich down and grabbing some chips. “We haven’t talked about that day. He doesn’t really talk to me anymore. Not that he ever talked a lot before, you know, but this is different. He snaps at me sometimes and stops mid-sentence. It’s like he wants to say something to me, but then he doesn’t.” Jason’s shoulders were inching toward his ears. “I think – I think he’s still mad at me.”

“He’s not mad at you,” Dick sighed, rubbing his forehead in frustration and muttering a ‘Dammit Bruce’ under his breath. “Believe me. He’s – he’s just overwhelmed with what could have happened and he’s bad at communicating that fear to you.” Dick rubbed his hands together over his plate to discard the crumbs. He put his hand on Jason’s shoulder and squeezed. “You almost died, Jay and for him it wasn’t the first time he’d almost lost his kid to a rogue. He’s not upset with you. Give him time.”

Jason scowled at Dick. How much more time did Jason need to give Bruce? It had been at almost three months. Jason pushed his plate away from him and rubbed the crumbs from his hands onto his jeans. The sandwich now felt like stone in his stomach.

“He won’t let me back in the Cave. Do you think – do you think he’ll take Robin away?” Jason inquired, picking at his sandwich just to give his hands something to do.

“The truth?” Dick asked, leveling a look at Jason.

Jason nodded.

“He should. At least for –,“

“But I didn’t mean to –,“ Jason interrupted, his eyes wide at Dick’s answer.

Dick held up his hands in a placating manner “Let me finish. He should take it away at least for now. Maybe allowing a kid at 13 to fight dangerous criminals wasn’t the brightest idea on his part.”

“You did it at 9 years old,” Jason argued, clenching his fists at the table.

He couldn’t believe the hypocrite Dick was being when it came to Robin. He thought Dick would understand.

“Our situations were different,” Dick countered, raising his voice a little. “I didn’t give Bruce a choice in the matter. I was going to find my parents’ killer with or without his help. Robin was a way for me to be out there making a difference and seeking justice for my parents.”

“I don’t know why I even asked you,” Jason snapped, crossing his arms. “You never liked me being Robin in the first place.”

“No, I didn’t,” Dick retorted, his jaw clenching. Jason recoiled at the quick response. “Robin was mine. It was my mantle to hand over to a successor, not Bruce. I was replaced before I even got a say in the matter.”

Jason lips parted to say something but all he could do was glare at Dick. Dick had never let him forget that he had been replaced.

Dick got up from the table and placed his plate and glass in the sink.

Jason chanced a look at Dick who had his back turned to him with his arms braced at the sink edge. His shoulders tense. After a while Dick turned on the faucet and began to wash his dishes.

Now Dick was going to give him the silent treatment just like Bruce. Jason sighed and rubbed his forehead. He really did have a knack for messing things up and pissing people off. He couldn’t afford right now to have yet another person in his life not speaking to him; especially Dick. They just started getting to know each other again.

He never should’ve said anything to Dick about Robin.

“I never liked that he made you Robin, but…” Dick admitted, breaking the silence and turning off the water.

Here we go, Jason thought, bracing himself for Dick to lay into him.

“I quickly saw in you what Bruce did, that you were the right choice for the mantle,” Dick continued, his voice gentle and even. Jason blinked and looked up at Dick. The older man was now facing Jason drying his hands on a dishtowel. All signs of anger gone as the brightness returned to Dick’s eyes.

Jason gave him a small smile. Dick didn’t have to say that last part to him. Jason picked up his plate and limped to a drawer next to the sink for a Ziploc bag. He placed the reminder of his sandwich in it and hobbled to put it in the fridge. Dick took his plate, turned on the water, and began to wash it. Jason headed back to his chair at the table.

“Do –,” Jason hesitated, steeling himself for his next question. He padded his finger against a scratch on the wood. “-do you think he’ll replace me too?”

It was a question he hated asking out loud, especially to Dick, he didn’t even know why he asked it. Maybe he was hoping for some support, a counter argument in his favor, a lie, or a platitude. However, Jason knew deep down Dick wouldn’t sugar coat his words.

“Not unless he decides to adopt another kid,” Dick snorted, turning off the water and drying his hands. “And I don’t see that happening anytime soon.”

“Thanks for the reassurance, Dick,” Jason retorted, rolling his eyes.  

“Jay, I’m kidding,” Dick teased, throwing a dish towel at Jason. “He’s not adopting another kid, okay?”

Jason nodded. He wanted to believe Dick, but Dick had now planted a seed of doubt. Considering Bruce’s track record there was always the possibility of Robin being replaced looming over Jason.

Two weeks later Jason was blindsided by the introduction to Tim Drake. A boy he had met briefly at a gala that Jason had attended with Bruce last year. He remembered trying to make conversation with the kid, but the interaction was awkward. The kid hadn’t been very talkative. While he had an overly friendly smile and gave Jason his full attention, the kid only nodded and gave Jason one word answers. Jason wasn’t sure if the kid was just shy or stuck up. Jason had concluded that the kid likely didn’t want to be seen talking to a street rat from Park Row and was just humoring him.

Bruce informed Alfred and Jason that Tim’s stay was a temporary emergency foster placement until a relative could be contacted.

Jason could deal with having a stranger in his house for a week or two, it didn’t mean he had to like him or spend time with him.  

For the next several days, Jason avoided the new kid at all costs except at meal times, which were unavoidable. Alfred and Bruce wouldn’t allow him to take meals up to his room. Bruce even stopped hiding behind newspapers and tablets at the table futilely trying to engage the kid in conversation. The kid hardly talked but answered questions when asked. Bruce still sometimes stayed in his study, but he now started opening the door again. It was something he hadn’t done since Jason had come home from the hospital.

The changes in the house were obvious, and it stung that the kid was getting Bruce’s undivided attention.

Whatever.

The kid had exceptional table manners, which was expected considering where he came from, but it still rubbed Jason the wrong way. What was this kid trying to prove anyway, that he was better than Jason? No shit, Sherlock, that much was obvious.  But it didn’t matter, the kid was soon moving out of Jason’s house and in with relatives. Jason would soon be rid of him.

It didn’t help matters that Dick and the new kid got along perfectly. Dick came over to the Manor right away to meet the new kid. The kid was completely enamored with Dick soaking up the frequent hair tousles and side hugs that Dick had always reserved for Jason.

First, the kid had stolen Bruce’s attention away from Jason, now he was stealing all of the time Jason would normally have with Dick.

About a week and half into the new kid’s stay, Bruce dropped the bomb that plans had changed, and the kid would now be staying with them at the Manor permanently. The kid was soon moved from a bedroom in the guest wing to a bedroom in the family wing next to Jason.

Jason’s stomach dropped. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Bruce had actually done the very thing Dick had teased him about almost two weeks ago, ‘not unless he adopts another kid’. It was actually happening.

Jason was being replaced! It was only a matter of time before Jason was completely out of the picture and the new kid became the new Robin.

He phoned Dick right away yelling at him that Bruce was replacing him with this new kid.

“This is all your fault,” Jason barked on the phone, slowly pacing his room.

“What’s my fault?” Dick asked.

“’Not unless he adopts another kid’ bullshit. Well it’s happening, because you’re the one who said it out loud,” Jason argued, clenching his jaw in frustration. It was a weak argument, but it was all Jason had at the moment. He had to blame someone.

“Jay, you can’t speak something into existence,” Dick snorted.

“I – I know that, dumbass,” Jason growled, irritated that Dick wasn’t taking him seriously. “I just didn’t think he’d –.”

The lump in his throat cut off his words and made his breath hitch. This was all happening too fast for Jason. Bruce wasn’t supposed to get another kid this fast or at all. The kid was supposed to move in with relatives. Jason knew he wouldn’t be Robin forever, but he thought he’d have enough time to get used to not being Robin before Bruce went and replaced him.

“Jay, are you still there? Talk to me, bud,” Dick said, breaking the silence, all teasing gone from his voice. “Bruce isn’t replacing you, Little Wing. He’s simply giving a kid something he needs right now, a home and a family. Nothing more. Besides, Tim is harmless and a great kid. I hope you’re being nice to him.”

“Why does he need my home and my family?” Jason whined, sagging onto his bed. His leg throbbing in time with his heartbeat.

Jason knew he was being unreasonable. This kid had done nothing wrong except existing, yet Jason couldn’t bring himself to be nice because this kid was getting the one thing Jason had been wanting for the last two months – Bruce’s undivided attention; and now stealing the only thing he had left - his brother’s devotion.

“Because his family failed him, Jay,” Dick replied, his tone matter of fact yet gentle. “You know what that’s like. Just talk to him and try to get to know him. He’s a great kid.”

Jason couldn’t bring himself to start a conversation with the kid, not yet anyway, but he no longer glared at the kid at meals or slammed his door in the kid’s face. He’d nod whenever the kid said, ‘Good morning’ and no longer avoided the library when he saw the kid sitting in his favorite chair. He even kept his mouth shut when he saw the kid sitting in Bruce’s study just feet away from the Grandfather clock entrance to the Cave.

The more Jason paid quiet attention to the kid, the more he saw things that reminded him of his own upbringing with Willis and he didn’t like it. The kid knew how to stay out of the way. When he was not occupied elsewhere with Bruce or Alfred, the kid spent most of his time in his room. The kid never really ventured within the Manor by himself beyond the library or kitchen, even though he was given permission and encouraged to explore his surroundings.

At first, Jason actually liked it. It meant he didn’t have to run into the kid or spend any time with him. But soon Jason realized that the kid’s avoidance of everyone was a definite problem.

The kid was quiet and never brought any kind of attention to himself. He never complained about the food given to him, ever; and ate everything on his plate, even the gross under-seasoned brussel sprouts and cauliflower. Bruce didn’t even eat the brussel sprouts on his plate. Jason knew the kid hated them because he noticed the kid struggling to swallow every single one, but he never said anything to Alfred or Bruce. Bruce eventually told the kid that he didn’t have to eat anything he didn’t like, but it was like the kid didn’t hear him. The kid also never asked for seconds but would say yes when they were offered to him.

The weirdest thing of all, the kid never initiated any conversation with Bruce or Alfred unless they spoke to him first. The kid was literally the poster child for that saying, ‘children should be seen and not heard’.

He didn’t even speak up one particular evening when he started breaking out in hives at dinner.

Jason was the first one to notice something was wrong with the kid. It was only for a split second and the kid must have realized something wasn’t right either because he instantly put his head down. But it was too late, Jason had seen the red raised splotches on the kid’s neck and face. The kid was white-knuckling his cutlery, a piece of Alfred’s Pesto Penne was still dangling off his fork.

If Jason had the height and the strength, he would have kicked the kid under the table.

Say something, kid!

Jason wasn’t sure why he was getting so mad, but it was pissing him off that this kid was going through what looked like some sort of anaphylaxis episode and staying quiet. Jason still might not know how to talk to the kid, and maybe he was still a little angry at him for stealing Bruce and Dick, but he didn’t want him to die.

Could it be that the kid was genuinely afraid to disrespect adults that he’d put his health in danger and eat whatever was put in front of him?

Didn’t the kid know by now that Bruce wasn’t going to be mad at him for speaking up about an allergy? Hadn’t the kid spent enough time with Bruce to know that he’d never be shamed for something he couldn’t control.

“Bruce!” Jason yelled, finally getting the man’s attention. Bruce gave him a puzzled look. “Your new kid needs you.”

Just then the kid cleared his throat and made a weird and alarming wheezing sound. Bruce’s fork clattered on his plate the moment he laid eyes on the kid.

“Tim, are you okay?”

The kid’s eyes went wide. His eyes scanned frantically at Jason, Bruce and then Alfred, but he didn’t say a word.

“Tim, I need you to answer me, okay,” Bruce asked, keeping his voice low and calm. “Are you allergic to pine nuts?”

“No, I…I don’t know,” The kid swallowed, tears pooling in his eyes. “I’m…I’m allergic to almonds, but I’m…I’m okay.”

It was obvious to Jason and everyone else in the room that the kid was anything but okay.

“Alfred, get two epi-pens and call Leslie,” Bruce ordered, making his way to a chair closer to Tim to examine his face and neck.

“Right away, sir.”

“I’m okay,” The kid wheezed, moving his face away from Bruce. “Really, it’s f-fine.”

Jason couldn’t take it anymore. The kid was obviously not okay. Nothing about this was fine. The sooner he realized that the better.

“You’re not okay, you dummy! You don’t fuck around with food allergies!” Jason bellowed, banging his fists on the table to emphasize his point. “If you’re not feeling good because the food is making you sick, you fucking say something.”

“Jason,” Bruce warned, keeping his voice even while also leveling Jason with a glare.

He could see Bruce clenching his jaw as he went back to examining the kid. Jason ignored him. He didn’t care that he was making Bruce mad. Jason needed to finish telling the kid what he needed to hear.

“If you’re still hungry, ask for more food,” Jason continued, his voice getting louder. “If you don’t like the food, don’t eat it. Either way Bruce and Alfred won’t get mad!”

“Jason, you’re yelling,” Bruce stated, his voice low and gravely. “Lower your voice or you’ll need to leave the table.

Jason didn’t even know why he was yelling at the kid, but it felt good to get it out. A part of him was frustrated that the kid still didn’t see what he had here with Bruce – safety. Another part of him was irritated at himself for acting like a complete asshole hating this kid for no reason other than existing and taking up space. Realizing too late that this kid was just like him when he first came to live here, scared and mistrustful of adults.

Jason wasn’t done yet. There was one last thing Jason needed the kid to hear and understand about the way things worked with Bruce and Alfred. Something Dick actually told him when Jason first came to the Manor.

“No one here is going to make you do what you don’t want to do,” Jason emphasized, grabbing his crutch, and getting up from his chair. “But they won’t know what you want if you don’t fucking say something.”

He added that last bit.

“Jason, that is enough,” Bruce scolded, his voice loud enough to make the crying kid next to him jump and Jason flinch.

Before Bruce could tell him to go to his room, Jason was already making his way to out of the dining room.

“I’m sorry, Bruce,” the kid sobbed, his breaths hitching, while Bruce continued to examine the hives on his face and neck. “I’m so sorry for making a scene. Please…please don’t be mad. I’ll…I’ll do better. I promise.”

The last sentence was said in a whisper, but Jason heard it loud and clear. It felt like a punch to the gut. He couldn’t get out of the dining room fast enough. If only his stupid leg would let him run. He made his way out of the dining room and into the hallway. He leaned against the wall taking deep breaths.

What kind of parents did this kid have that he was scared of adults and knew nothing about his own food allergies?

Jason saw the signs once he had started to pay more attention. The obvious signs of abuse. They were right there at every meal, every encounter, plain as day, but Jason was too preoccupied with his own paranoia of being replaced, and blinded by Tim’s rich kid status and upbringing to think that someone of his background was being mistreated by his own parents.

Jason was an asshole.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as Alfred walked briskly passed him into the dining room with the two epi-pens for Tim. Jason proceeded to head for the stairs.

Jason made it as far as the bottom of the stairs. He sat down on the steps and closed his eyes, leaning his head against the banister. The familiar throbbing of a migraine radiated from his left temple to the back of his head. After a while he heard familiar footsteps approaching him. It was Bruce.

“How’s the kid?” Jason asked, squinting at the harsh light of the chandelier above him.

“The epi-pens helped. Alfred is monitoring him in one of the downstairs bedrooms,” Bruce answered, sitting down on the step next to Jason. “Leslie is on her way to check on him.”

“Good,” Jason replied, nodding his head. “That’s…that’s good.”

They sat there on the steps in companionable silence. Jason could feel a lecture coming from Bruce. The migraine made it hard for Jason to care. Right now, all the fight in him had left.

“You can’t yell at him like that again, Jay,” Bruce warned, breaking the silence. “He didn’t deserve that from you at all.”

“I know,” Jason groaned, leaning his head against the banister again. “And I didn’t mean to yell, but the k-,“ Jason stopped himself, the kid had a name and he should probably start using it. “Tim needed to hear it. I’m not sorry for what I said.”

“You need to be nicer to your brother, Jay,” Bruce sighed, his shoulders sagging in exhaustion. “We need to make him feel welcome here.

Brother.

Jason let the word wash over him. He hadn’t really allowed himself to think of Tim in that way even though it was obvious that he’d be staying at the Manor permanently. It was all too much for Jason to think about at the moment.  

“Bruce,” Jason breathed, closing his eyes and rubbing his forehead. “I don’t want to talk about him right now. My head is killing me.”

He knew he needed to talk to Bruce about Tim, but he couldn’t do it tonight. Right now his throbbing head wouldn’t let him think straight.

“Okay get some rest,” Bruce suggested, brushing Jason’s bangs from his forehead. “We definitely need to have a conversation. We’ll do that in the morning when you’re up for it.”

The next morning Jason took his time making it to Bruce’s study.

He had most of the morning to think about what he was going to say to Tim and Bruce. Jason wasn’t sure if he’d actually have the guts to admit out loud certain thoughts that had been rummaging around in his brain the last few weeks. Especially the big one concerning Robin.

Would Bruce take Robin from him and give it to Tim?

Before Jason realized it, he was in front of Bruce’s study. The door was opened. Bruce had always told Jason to feel free to come inside if the door wasn’t closed. His door hadn’t been opened in the months before Tim came to the Manor. Jason peeked inside from the doorway.

Bruce looked deep in thought as he perused over various papers from different file folders stacked on his desk. Jason was starting to have second thoughts. 

“Hey Jason, what can I do for you?” Bruce asked, not looking up from what he was reading.

It always weirded Jason out when Bruce knew it was him without even looking at him. It was likely the squeaking sound from his crutch that gave him away.           

“You look busy,” Jason observed, giving Bruce an out and hoping that he’d take it. He turned to leave. “I’ll come back.”

“I’m not busy, have a seat,” Bruce acknowledged, motioning to the sofa. He took his glasses off and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He closed the file folder he was reading, stood up from his desk chair, and stretched. He soon followed Jason to the sofa. “How’s your head, kiddo?”

“Better. I think I just needed to sleep it off,” Jason answered, sitting down and leaning his crutch against the arm of the sofa. Once he got a closer look at Bruce he could see dark circles under the man’s eyes. “Have you been here all night?” Jason gestured to Bruce’s desk.

“Pretty much. Though I did spend some of the night looking in on Tim,” Bruce sighed, sitting down on the sofa with Jason and rubbing his tired eyes.

“How’s he doing?”

“He’s much better, just tired. He’s back in his room if you wanted to go see him later and talk.”

Jason nodded. It was Bruce’s way of telling Jason that he needed to apologize to Tim. He had planned on visiting Tim after this, though he’d understand if Tim wasn’t up for it considering the way Jason yelled at him last night.

“Anyway, I’m just trying to see if I had missed something in any of Tim’s records,” Bruce continued, leaning back on the sofa. “They’re all pretty vague and don’t go back that far. There aren’t any details about any known allergies or yearly well checks, no documentation about any allergy testing except the most recent one that revealed an allergy to almonds. His immunization record stops at 5 years old.”

“But his parents have money, right? If they live in this neighborhood,” Jason snapped, folding his arms. “How could they just not take him to the doctor?”

“You’d be surprised by the priorities some people have in this town,” Bruce criticized. “Sadly, their children are not on the top of that list.”

Jason shook his head. It didn’t make any sense to him. Tim’s parents had money. Maybe not as much money as Bruce, but they could afford to take Tim to the best doctors for yearly check-ups and specialists to help him with his allergies. Instead, they chose to prioritize their jobs and lifestyle instead of their kid.

“Is that the reason he’s living here with us now? Because his parents didn’t take good care of him?”

“Among other things, yes,” Bruce answered. “Tim’s home life wasn’t great. From what little he told me his parents left him home alone for extended amounts of time at a fairly young age. For his safety and wellbeing, it was necessary for him to be removed from his parents. He needed a home with stability and most of all a family. I felt that we could be all of that for him.”

Jason’s shoulders dropped hearing all of this from Bruce. Tim was a lonely and abused kid, just like Jason had been. Bruce opened his heart and his home again to a boy in need. It now all made sense why Bruce had been spending so much time with Tim. He wasn’t trying to replace Jason. He was trying to make Tim feel at home; just as Jason should have been doing instead of slamming doors in the poor kid’s face.

“I realize now that the timing of his arrival was awful, and I’m sorry,” Bruce continued, interrupting Jason’s thoughts. He placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder and squeezed it. “I know this type of major change was the last thing you needed while you are still recovering.”

Jason nodded. He leaned his head back on the pillows to process everything Bruce had just said. Bruce wasn’t wrong, the timing of Tim’s arrival did suck as it played on Jason’s already frayed emotions. But after last night it made it easier to understand Tim’s sudden placement with Bruce.

Bruce saw a kid in trouble and did what came naturally to him. He did the same for Jason four years ago, of course he would do the same thing for Tim. Jason rubbed his face harshly. He felt like an idiot for not making this connection much sooner. Bruce had reached out to be Tim’s family, just like he had done for Jason, because Tim needed a family. Bruce didn’t need another kid.  It was all about helping a kid in need.

So, he’s not here to replace me.

“What? No, Jason, I would never do that– what made you think I would –,” Bruce stammered, his wide eyes searching Jason.

Oh shit.

Jason didn’t mean to say that out loud.

But before he could think of something else to say, all the thoughts that had been festering in his brain since Tim had arrived came pouring out of his mouth.

“– because you weren’t talking to me. I thought you were still pissed at me for running away. And when Tim came you were spending all your time with him that you used to spend with me,” Jason blurted out in quick succession. His vision started to blur with tears. He really didn’t want to cry, but the tears were already flowing down his cheeks. “and – and maybe I thought that you liked him better because – because he’s a good kid with perfect manners who never talked back or complained, and he’s not – not a mouthy screw up like me who messed everything up.”

Jason’s eyes widened as his brain caught up to the words that had just come out of his mouth. Every thought and fear that he had been dwelling on these past several weeks came out faster than he could contain them. There was no taking it back now.

“Jason, you’re not a screw up and you didn’t mess up anything.” Bruce affirmed, gently pulling Jason into a hug. Jason held on to Bruce like a lifeline, his tears continuing to fall. “Son, you didn’t mess up anything.”

Jason shook his head, but who was he kidding. He made a pretty big fucking mistake that almost got him and Bruce killed. How is Bruce not furious with him?

“It’s true that choices were made by both of us, good and bad and things took a serious turn, and – and for a second I thought I’d lost you,” Bruce sniffed, breaking the embrace to look at Jason. “But I didn’t. You survived and I’m so grateful every single day that you are here with me.

Bruce moved his hands to cup Jason’s face. He gently wiped away the tears from Jason’s cheeks with his thumbs. Jason kept trying to calm his breaths but they were still hitching with every sob. Why couldn’t Bruce have said all this to him sooner?

“I’m so thankful I get to watch you grow and see the person you will become,” Bruce continued, embracing Jason again and rubbing soothing circles on Jason’s back. “I’m so proud that you’re my son, and I love you just the way you are so please, don’t think for one second that I would ever want to replace you with someone else.”

There was still something that Jason needed to know from Bruce. A question he needed answered because he was tired of the subject being avoided and ignored. He was ready to take responsibly for his actions. He just needed Bruce to be straight-forward with him.

“Are you still mad at me?” Jason stammered, his bottom lip trembling. “About Ethiopia? It’s my fault –,”

“Oh, Jay, lad, no,” Bruce interrupted, his shoulders sinking. He hugged Jason tighter resting his cheek on the top of Jason’s curls. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I made you think that I was ever mad at you.”

Jason straightened in surprise at the words ‘I’m sorry’ coming from Bruce. Not that Bruce wasn’t capable of apologizing, but did Jason deserve it? It felt misplaced. He was the one that ran away and got himself in trouble. He was the one that nearly got himself killed and needed rescuing.

“I don’t blame you for what happened,” Bruce continued, interrupting Jason’s thoughts. “I blame the people who hurt and betrayed you. I’m mad at myself for not giving you the answers you needed at the time that you were seeking them. I feel responsible for making you think that you had to go halfway across the world in search of those answers. I’m angry that the one person who should have cherished you for the gift that you are betrayed you to a madman.

“I allowed my anger toward them to fester and instead of talking about what had happened in Ethiopia with you, I internalized it. I’m sorry, Jason,” Bruce apologized. “I am so sorry for pushing you away at a crucial time when you needed me; that will never happen again. Understood.”

“Understood.”

Jason blew out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding. He wasn’t expecting Bruce to say all of that to him, but it was a relief to hear that Bruce’s anger wasn’t because of him. It felt like an invisible weight had been lifted from Jason’s shoulders. Bruce wasn’t mad at him, and he didn’t blame Jason for what had happened in Ethiopia.

“I’m so grateful that you’re alive and here with me,” Bruce repeated, pulling Jason in for another hug.  

They still hadn’t discussed Robin, but right now Jason felt that Robin could wait.

“I love you so much, Jason.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

Later that afternoon Jason headed to Tim’s room. Jason still wasn’t sure what he was going to say to Tim. The kid was likely scared of him now from all the yelling that had happened last night. He couldn’t blame the kid if he now hated him. Jason kind of deserved whatever attitude the kid gave him.

Jason took a deep breath before knocking on Tim’s door.

“Who is it,” a faint voice answered from inside the room.

“It’s Jason. Can I come in?”

“Yes,” Tim answered almost immediately.

Jason wondered if Tim had ever said no to anyone. He felt it was best to give this kid a way out just in case he’d rather be alone.

“It’s okay if you don’t feel up for visitors,” Jason added, still not opening the door. “I can come back whenever you’re up for it.”

“I’m okay, you can come in.”

Jason opened the door and hoped the smile on his face looked genuine and didn’t scare Tim. It appeared that just him being in the room was enough to have the kid sitting up, hiding behind his knees and blankets.

“You’re not going to yell at me again, are you?” Tim asked, hugging his knees.

“No, Tim,” Jason laughed, making his way closer to Tim’s bed. “Not unless you give me a reason too.”

Tim’s eyes went wide.

“That was a joke,” Jason interjected quickly, before Tim burst into tears. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Let’s try this again, how are you feeling?”

“Better, just tired. I’m not itching anymore, so that’s a relief. This one hit me harder than the almond reaction.”

Bruce had told Jason that it was only a few weeks ago that Tim had experienced anaphylaxis while home alone. This incident had prompted Tim’s removal from his parents and placed with Bruce.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” Jason said, shifting his weight off his bad leg. It started throbbing in its standing prone position. “Allergic reactions suck.”

Just then the pain in his leg radiated from his hip to his knee. Jason couldn’t hide the hiss of pain that escaped between his clenched teeth. He looked up to see Tim looking at the long scar on his face and then his leg. Jason hated it when people stared.

“I think you need to sit down. You look like you’re in pain,” Tim suggested, gesturing to the armchair next to his bed. “This chair is really comfortable. I like sitting in it while I’m reading.”

“Thanks,” Jason breathed, trying to ignore the throbbing in his leg while making his way over to the chair. He noticed a familiar copy of ‘The Lightning Thief’ on Tim’s nightstand and picked it up.

“Bruce bought me the entire series. I just started it when I came here,” Tim explained. “I really like the story. I wasn’t allowed to read it before – before I came here.”

“Let me guess, your parents think gods and goddesses are evil?” Jason smirked.

“No, mother said ‘fantasy books are frivolous nonsense and not becoming of a future businessman.’”

Jason scowled. He was deeply insulted that the adults in Tim’s life had disparaged Jason’s first favorite genre of books. How dare they. It appeared that Jason had some work to do.

“I can recommend other fantasy books if you like the genre,” Jason offered, setting the book back on the nightstand. “When you’re feeling better we can go to the library. I’ll show you the fantasy section. It’s huge.”

“Thanks, but you don’t have to do that,” Tim shrugged. “I know you don’t like me.”

Hearing Tim say it like that, so matter of fact and accepting, wiped the smile off Jason’s face.  It sucked to know that he had left such a horrible impression on Tim and that Tim was giving him a way out. It was a pre-emptive strike to avoid the disappointment of rejection.

Jason was all too familiar with this tactic – he used to do it all the time to Bruce and Dick when he first came to live at the Manor.

He wondered how many times Tim had been hurt by the people closest to him to easily brush off simple offers and attention from others. It didn’t help that Jason’s actions over the past few weeks solidified Tim’s assumption that Jason really didn’t want to spend time with him.

Jason needed to fix this fast.

“I know I don’t have to show you the library, but I want to,” Jason cleared his throat, stretching his sore leg. “We can make up for lost time, okay?”

Tim nodded.

“Is there anything you want to ask me?” Jason offered, sitting back in the chair. Tim wasn’t lying, this chair was comfortable.

Jason’s brain was screaming at him for daring to open himself up like this to Tim, a kid he hardly even knew. But deep down in his heart, Jason knew this was the right thing to do. It was a fair exchange. He couldn’t expect Tim to open up to him, if he didn’t budge himself.

“Um,” Tim hesitated, wringing his hands and looking anywhere but at Jason. He took a deep breath and returned his gaze to Jason. “What happened to your leg and –,“ Tim gestured to the left side of his own face which was the same place as Jason’s noticeably long scar.

Jason took a deep breath to steel himself. He knew this was going to be a question Tim would ask. He was hoping he wouldn’t ask this question right out of the gate, but he did open himself up to be asked any question. Jason wasn’t stupid enough to give Tim details but since this kid was his new ‘little brother’ Jason should probably be somewhat honest with him.

“It’s a long story, but the short version is I went and did something I shouldn’t have, and this happened,” Jason explained, gesturing to his face and his leg. “Can I ask you a question?”

Jason wasn’t sure the kid was going to answer his question once he heard it, but he had to give it a shot.

“Sure, what do you want to know?”

“I want to know why you didn’t say anything to anyone at dinner when you were having a serious allergic reaction?” Jason asked, maintaining eye contact and using his best Robin voice.

Tim stayed quiet and Jason realized that maybe he had pushed too far with his first question. Part of him definitely wanted to give Tim an out, but the other part of him felt it was important for Tim to answer the question. Jason strongly believed that Tim needed to know from him that Tim would never be shamed or scolded by Bruce for speaking up when something was wrong.

“Mother says,” Tim swallowed, fisting his blankets and then hugging his knees again. “That making a scene at the dinner table in front of guests is rude; under no circumstances should I bring any kind of attention to myself.”

Jason had to take a few deep breaths to calm his rage and quiet a few choice words he wanted to voice out loud about these absurd rules and Tim’s parents.

“Tim, you were going into anaphylactic shock,” Jason explained, keeping his voice level like he does when talking to victims as Robin. “Saying something is always okay. Especially if you are in danger, or you just don’t feel good. You wouldn’t have been making a scene. Bruce doesn’t care about decorum all that much just as long as you don’t say ‘fuck’.”

The last sentence made Tim giggle. It was nice to know he could make the kid laugh.

“You’re safe here, Tim. I know firsthand that concept will take some getting used to but believe me. This place is safe. Bruce and Alfred like having you here and so do I,” Jason confessed. “It’s true. I know I didn’t show it in the beginning, and I’m very sorry about that. So, if you want, we can start over.”

Jason held his breath, pleading internally that Tim would forgive him for how Jason had treated him. He truly wanted to start over with Tim. Jason was looking forward to having a little brother.

 “I’d like that”, Tim smiled. It was a smile that reached his eyes and brought out the dimples in his cheeks. “I just have one more question.” Tim hesitated, biting his lip. “It’s sort of a favor. It’s no big deal. You can say no if –,“

“Tim, I’m not going to say no unless you want me to move furniture,” Jason joked, trying to make Tim laugh. “What do you need?”

Tim looked longingly at the book sitting on his nightstand and then back at Jason.

“Can you read a bit of the book to me?” Tim begged. “I’m still dizzy from last night and every time I try to read, I get a headache.”

Jason blew out a breath and smiled. This request he had no problem saying yes to. He was just glad Tim didn’t ask him to leave.

“Of course,” Jason accepted, taking the book and thumbing to the page that had the bookmark. “How are you liking this book so far?

“I like it. I already liked Greek mythology, but this makes me like it even more. I don’t trust Luke,” Tim voiced off handedly. He looked at Jason nervously like he was waiting to be shut down for his opinion. “I know I probably should, but I don’t. I don’t care how much he’s helping Percy. There’s something not right about him.”

“I’m liking you more and more, Timmy,” Jason praised, giving him an easy smile. Tim definitely had a future in this family with those deduction skills. “Maintain that energy and sit tight. We’re gonna be here a while.”

Jason and Tim hung out more and more dividing their time together in the library, playing video games in the den, or hanging out in the kitchen baking cookies with Alfred. Jason helped Tim slowly come out of his shell around Bruce and Alfred. A red-faced Tim eventually confessed to Alfred that he hated fish, couldn’t tolerate the texture of carrots or brussel sprouts but loved broccoli, chicken, steak and pasta.

Having Tim around became the very thing Jason had needed all along. Hanging out with Tim kept him more active, which in turn helped the mobility in Jason’s leg. Even his physical therapist was impressed with the progress Jason had made over the past couple of weeks.

Jason liked being a little brother, but he liked being a big brother even more.

[playbucky]

Babysitter.

You left Taipai with Bruce and his mother fifteen years ago, now the trouble is coming to LA along with Charles.  Characters – Reader, Charles, Bruce and Mama Sun.  Word Count - 1.6k

‘Bruce, everything okay?’ You quizzed, he and the other man turned to you, shock evident on their faces.  ‘Yeah, I -,’ He started. He cleared his throat, ‘This is my brother, Charles.’ Bruce introduced him, you sent him a polite smile.  ‘Pleasure to meet you.’ You greeted him with a smile, he glared at you but nodded.  ‘Charles this is Y/N, they used to babysit me.’ He admitted, Charles looked amused.  ‘Is your mother still on for dinner?’  ‘Yeah, I mean if you’re okay with Charles joining?’ Bruce asked, you looked at him then over to Charles, you nodded.  ‘It’d be me interupting a family reunion.’ You joked, Bruce chuckled as Charles gave an awkward one as well, ‘Well, I must go, don’t want to be late.’ You told him, you reached up and ruffled his hair before you smiled at the pair of them and walked away. 

‘What the hell happened?’ You asked, the dish you held in your hand suddenly felt awkward, the three of them turned to you, Bruce and Charles had yellow gloves up to their elbows.  ‘Charles had a surprise visitor.’ Eileen stated, you raised an eyebrow and carefully avoided the mess.  ‘I can see that but who is he?’ You asked, ‘He doesn’t look familiar.’ You said whilst you set the dish down onto the table, Eileen stood up and walked over.  ‘I need you to grab the suitcase.’  ‘Why are you so calm about this?’ Bruce asked, you tilted your head, ‘You knew?’ Bruce said, you nodded and he shook his head.  ‘I left with you and your mother, some added protection.’ You explained, you stepped forward but he held his hands up and you listened.  ‘You never told him?’ Charles asked, you turned to him.  ‘He wasn’t to know anything, so I told him nothing.’ You replied.  ‘Suitcase?’ Eileen questioned, you nodded and walked away from the three of them. 

‘Maybe we should kill him.’ Bruce suggested, Charles’s gaze lifted up before he charged at him, you were quick to step between the two.  ‘Back off.’ You warned Charles, his glare landed on you, Eileen stood at your side.  ‘You’re protecting him? He just screwed up the deal.’ Charles shouted, you bit your tongue as he stepped closer as he tried to intimidate you.  ‘You’d be dead if he didn’t,’ you said, ‘and until Bruce can fight like you, I’m with him.’ You almost snarled.  ‘And it’ll be a long time.’ Charles mumbled, you bite your lip as you stepped backwards, closer to the younger brother, ‘You’ve always took his side, you left with him.’ Charles continued, something snapped inside of you.  ‘I did it because of you.’ You growled, both men looked at you shocked, a loud pop came from your neck as you rolled it.  ‘Your lies won’t win me over.’  ‘Charles get over yourself,’ you hissed, ‘as soon as you killed that man I had to leave.’ You remembered the day that you had to frantically pack.  ‘Precious Ba gave me an option, stay with Bruce or end up in the bin.’ You growled, Charles straightened and shook his head.  ‘He wouldn’t.’ He replied confidently, Bruce looked between the pair of you.  ‘I was your only weakness, I guess he could see something none of us could.’ You said.  ‘I don’t have a weakness.’ Charles blinked.  ‘You refused to train for a week because you hit me.’ You reminded him, he stayed silent as you turned to Eileen.  ‘Evaporated milk?’ You asked, she nodded with a weak smile, ‘I’ll be back in half an hour.’ You told them before you left. 

The shrill ring of your phone pulled you out of the trance you had fallen into slicing spring onions. Quickly you answered the phone and set it on the counter.  ‘May?’ Eileen looked at you, ‘What’s happened?’ You quizzed.  ‘Charles has been arrested.’ She said, both you and Eileen stopped.  ‘When?’ You quizzed, you could hear the commotion of precinct behind him.  ‘Maybe an hour or so, open fire of a weapon.’ She informed you, your eyebrows pinched together.  ‘Do you think you could come down? You’re the only one he’ll listen to Y/N.’ She asked, you grimaced, Eileen violently chopped the carrot.  ‘Yeah, send me which one and I'll be there.’ You told him, she swiftly replied before you hung up.  ‘Tell him the truth.’ Eileen stated, you shook your head.  ‘The truth? I don’t think that will help.’ You told her, she tilted her head but continued to slice.  ‘Well then, use your brain.’ She amended.  ‘If you need anything, message.’ She shooed you away. You grabbed your jacket, sliding your arms through the holes as you left the room. 

‘May, where is he?’ You quizzed, she pointed in the general direction of the cells before she lifted her phone, Bruce’s location said he was moving too quick for his car. You looked at May and she nodded, you rolled your shoulders.  ‘She won’t let me see him.’ May stated, you pulled your lips between your teeth.  ‘Who?’   ‘Alexis.’ May announced, your jaw tensed.  ‘Where is she?’ You quizzed, May jutted her chin behind you as you smiled at him.  ‘Go wait in the car.’ You told him, the soft smile never left until she walked away from you, focused on her phone.  You turned around and took a deep breath, ‘Alexis.’ you called, she lifted her head, shook apparent on her face as she took you in.  ‘Y/N?’ She quizzed, you nodded and gave her a polite smile.  ‘How have you been?’ She questioned.  ‘Could be better.’ You told her, she sighed and nodded, ‘Can I see him?’ You asked.  ‘Who?’ She asked, you arched an eyebrow.  ‘Charles.’ You said.  ‘He isn’t here.’ She lied, you scoffed and rolled your eyes.  ‘I can get you his father.’ You bargained.  ‘What?’ She asked shocked, you licked your lips.  ‘It’s what you want, the big break isn’t it?’ You tilted your head to the side, her eyes narrowed slightly.  ‘I can’t do that.’   ‘Charles is the only one who knows his location.’ You said, her eyes widened slightly.  ‘I can’t.’ She said, you almost snarled at her as you took a step closer, fear flared in her eyes before she pushed it down.  ‘I need two minutes, if you can’t do that then Bruce is as good as dead, even you know that.’   ‘Two minutes.’ She agreed, you gave a tight-lipped smile. 

‘I said I’m not talking.’ Charles announced when the door opened, you arched an eyebrow.  ‘Good, you can listen.’ His head swirled to you and watched as you walked to the other side of the table.  ‘I don’t want to listen.’ He commented, you huffed.  ‘Fine but he has Bruce and for all you say you don’t care, I know you do.’ You warned him.  ‘You sided with him.’ He huffed, you rolled your eyes.  ‘Enough about us.’ You dismissed him.  ‘Why, so you can run away from me?’ He asked, you dipped your head.  ‘It wasn’t you.’  ‘I left with him because of you,’ you admitted, you played with your nails, ‘he meant the world to you so I know I had to keep him safe, had to keep both of them safe.’ You explained.  ‘So, you became a babysitter?’ Charles asked.  ‘Yes, and I would do it over and over to ensure each one of you was safe.’ You tapped your fingers against the surface of the table.  ‘You might not to admit it but if Ba kills Bruce, it will kill you.’ You crouched, so Charles struggled to avoid looking at you.  ‘I don’t care.’ He grumbled, you closed your eyes briefly.  ‘Charles, he’s doing it to prove a point to you,’ you started, hands clenched in front of you, ‘He wants to be your little brother, he wants you to be proud of him and wants your approval.’ You finished, Charles looked at you.  ‘He’s at the house, how am I going to get Bruce out?’ He gestured to the cuffs before he lifted his gaze again.  ‘You’re not,’ you exhaled, ‘I’m going to get him, you need to stay here.’ You chapped the table again.  ‘So why have you come here?’ He asked.  ‘We both know I'm not gonna make it out this meeting.’ You said, Charles eyes widened slightly before he shook his head, ‘I just wanted to say bye.’ You added, you stepped to his side, you rested a hand to the back of his head before you pressed a kiss to the top of his head.  ‘It was nice to see you again Charles, please treat him with kindness.’ You whispered, you pulled back and walked away before he could reply you walked away and left him in the room. 

‘Y/N.’ Charles breathed, you smiled up at him.  ‘You good?’  ‘I’m good.’ You replied, you pushed yourself up and he helped you up.  ‘You’re out of prison.’ You commented, Charles scoffed and pulled you in for a hug, his arms wrapped tightly around you.  ‘And you’re still alive.’ He said, his eyes took you in as he pulled back.  ‘I am.’   ‘What happened?’ Charles questioned, you rubbed your shoulder.  ‘Bruce shot him.’ You stated, Charles whipped around to his brother.  ‘What?’ He asked, confused at what he was hearing.  ‘Right through the stomach, Ba will spend the rest of his days in a prison hospital before being promoted to maximum prison.’ You said, Charles looked shocked as he turned to Bruce, who smiled shyly.   ‘Seems like you’ve learnt the family way.’ Charles said, Bruce shook his head.  ‘No, I learnt the Y/N.’ Bruce commented, you tilted your head to the side, Charles chuckled.  ‘Yeah, think we should learn some things from them more often.’ He stated. 

Tags - @tzddybear @sinclxirx @your-favorite-god @bellelove0130 @orlandoblumhouseofguccimane @angeleqao3etc @yzzxbel @sazura

[blu3-ja3]

Chapter 6

Jillian's POV

I'm going to die, I know I am, there's no way for me to avoid this. I can feel my soul being carved away and replaced. Everything around me is fading slowly to that dark familiar abyssal feeling. I don't remember closing my eyes, I don't remember opening them but I do. When I open them she's there again. At least I won't be alone when I die.

"I won't let you die my child, I did not allow such to happen to my second bird I shall not let it happen to you," her voice is layered like a million different people are whispering at once when she talks. It's unsettling but comforting... Like everything about her.

I see the strange shifting feminine face slowly fades into view, I watch in shock and surprise as a hand reaches out for me. It gently grabs me and moves me forwards or at least I think it does. It's impossible to tell if I'm moving because Gotham's form doesn't grow or shrink but she looks like she's the same height as me. It makes me feel weird and nauseous, I think I've closed my eyes because when I open them I'm bathed in a silvery purple glow.

It's only then that I noticed I haven't been glowing as brightly as before. Looking towards the source of the glow I see it's coming from Gotham. The shifting of her features has seemed to slow down and is now becoming one featureless face.

I watched as another massive hand reached above me, a golden thread dimly shimmering appears. One finger gently caresses it and something deep within me is touched and I can't help but to shiver on instinct. Then there's a harsh pull. I can feel something snapping and distantly I recognize the feeling. My soul isn't tethered anymore, not just to my body but to whatever vessel I inhabit when in this strange realm.

I can't even begin to describe how devastating it feels I feel like I've been set adrift with nothing to grasp onto. Looking up at the once golden thread I watch as it slowly begins to crumble away becoming silver ash that slowly drifts down around me. It continues until all the gold fades and silver floats and drifts around me.

"Like my little Robin you will be shattered but I will put you back together," I watch as an inky black cloud swirls around her. She's done this before?

"Not this exact ritual but something similar. There is a difference," I watch as the cloud gathers all the silver. I look up towards the source of the light bathing my form. How is this different? Why can't it be the same as before?

"The difference is this: a part of me will be bound to you. Too much has been carved away, if I could simply reformed you I would. I will only be with you for a temporary amount of time, until you are strong enough to reform what is missing,"

I try to ask another question but the feeling of something grabbing me from behind shocks me as I'm plunged into the familiar sensation of bitter cold taking over every sensation. Then the blistering pain of returning to consciousness takes hold and I begin to weep. The pain becomes too much and the fragile tether I have to consciousness is cut...

Bruce's POV

Another quake rocked the ground under our feet just as the rest of the make shift team approached. I'm surprised to see Dick's initial titans team making an appearance but having another practitioner of magic could be helpful. As it stands Constantine knows as much as I do about what's happening on the surface.

We encountered a few of the strange rifts as we moved closer to the abandoned manor, they were small so John was able to close them with very little effort. From what Barbara has told me over comms Raven has closed multiple very large rifts and in the process she thinks she knows what these creatures are. She also briefly implied that several of the rogues of Gotham were fighting the strange creatures.

We do have to fight our way through the strange creatures, it seems like a constant stream of these creatures but they're easy enough to take out. The problem is the amount of them and how frequently they seem to appear. We make it to a larger rift and Raven steps up, her magic pulses as she chants.

Reaching up she grabs the edges of the rip and begins to pull them together, Constantine steps to the side and begins speaking Latin and the rift begins to mend itself where Raven has pulled it together. After a minute the rift disappears and the two step away. Raven turns to Constantine and gives a small nod of her head and says a quiet thank you to the man.

"Raven, I was informed by Oracle that you have a theory about these creatures," The cloaked girl looked at me then she looked towards Constantine beside me.

"Well it's common knowledge that Gotham is... Weird," she gestures vaguely around the area before continuing, "Magic here is strange and no one born here is affected by passive magic the same way normal humans are," she gestures to Dick who just shrugs.

"Even the rate at which meta humans are found within your city is... Well it's incredibly low not even simple meta abilities," I look to Constantine as he spoke and raised a brow, he raised his hands in mock surrender and laughed.

"What I was saying, Gotham and its people are strange and easy to spot by outsiders," Raven continues ignoring Constantine, every non Gothaminte nods in agreement.

"What does that have to do with anything?" I ask as we approach the outside of the house.

"I think these might be Gotham citizens or something adjacent, they react like Gothaminte's to magic," I turn to Constantine who nods in agreement.

"We react weirdly to magic?" Selina asks and Dick gives the same quizzical look.

"It's a strange phenomenon that only seems to affect long term residents of Gotham so yes. Magic also reacts weirdly in Gotham so it's definitely something to do with Gotham itself and its residents." John nods in agreement with Raven's words while everyone continues to move towards the manor.

Once close enough everyone can see the small army of creatures and numerous rifts open with more stepping out. While no one said anything they all turned to me with the not at all unexpected expectation that I had a plan. I did of course have a plan I have multiple but it never fails to surprise me how often people turn to me for a plan.

The plan itself was simple, we were splitting into two groups. Selina and I will be entering into the manor itself to try and find where Amanda has Jillian and the others are to close any rifts they find.

Selina and I move quickly using a large oak tree near the side of the house to climb into a window on the second floor. Slipping inside it's dark, the room we're in is covered in dust and all of the furniture has sheets covering them.

Moving towards the door there's the faint sound of a woman's voice chanting, I open the door just enough for myself to slip through. Selina easily slips through behind me, together we slowly creep through the hall and towards the stairs. As we creep closer towards the chanting I stop in my path as a man walks past the staircase and towards the front room.

Quickly we follow behind him and stop just before entering into the dining room where the woman's voice is loudest. I pull a small rod from my belt, it extends and bends as I maneuver so it looks around the corner. I look down at the small holographic screen that appears with a live video feed.

On the table chained and bare is the starved form of Jillian Rodriguez, the familiar strange symbols carved into the other girls are also carved into her but hers are glowing. There are more than just one line of symbols on her skin, her entire body has brightly glowing ruins. The only place yet to be covered is the girl's face and a large circle in the center of her chest.

The woman from before Amanda Rosenberg is hunched over the girl as she continues to paint symbols onto the teen's skin while chanting. The woman stops for a moment as the man in glasses begins to speak.

"You were right my lady, the rest of the vessels did not last as long as this one," the man reached out and tried to touch the teens cheek only for the woman to reach out and smack away his hand.

"I assume they reacted the same as the previous tests? Did you dispose of them in your haste to fail me?" The woman glared at as the man gave a curt nod of his head. Seemingly satisfied the woman goes back to chanting and painting.

The man turns away and begins to walk back towards us. Pulling away my camera I turn to Selina with a silent question. She nods as I reach into one of my pouches and pull out a single smoke pellet. I hold up three fingers and begin counting down to one.

As soon as my last finger goes down we both spring from around the corner, I throw the singular smoke pellet down and rush towards the man. Instantly I tackle him and begin to punch, it doesn't take many after the third punch the man is unconscious. Standing quickly as the smoke dissipates I make direct eye contact with the scared woman.

She has the unconscious body of Jillian held against her, her left hand is glowing an ominous sickly green. Jillian's entire body is still glowing as Amanda continues chanting. She smiles a crazed wild smile as she moves towards the dark rip in space to her right.

"Wait! What is she becoming a vessel for?" I know fanatics like to talk and if anything Constantine has told me is true this woman is the biggest crazed fanatic out there.

"Not what. Who!" The woman's crazed smile widens as she continues, "You should be thanking me, I will bring your beloved Gotham to the light! She will be free and her gifts will be ours for the taking!"

"Gotham City?" Selina asks her voice tinged in confusion.

"Not exactly, Gotham has an old history. Roots that run deep, soaked in strange happenings," the glowing of her hand slowly fades but Jillian's body doesn't.

"Did you know Gotham is cursed? It's an ancient thing that ruined quite a few things!" Amanda's tone has taken an almost song quality to it as she continues, " One such thing is the imprisonment of our Lady Gotham!"

"And you want to free her..." Amanda smiles and nods enthusiastically at Selina, I move closer slowly hoping that I can reach Jillian. Selina has also started to move closer when Amanda refocuses on me

"And where is she, Gotham?" Selina asks again pulling Amanda's attention away from me. Amanda's smile lights up and becomes something darker.

"Let me show you!" I lunge forwards trying desperately to grab Jillian, I manage to tackle Amanda and shove Jillian aside. But in the process I fall through the rift with Amanda. I distantly hear Selina screaming before it's completely cut off.

I look around myself and see nothing, I can't even see Amanda. It's darker than drifting through the void of space because at least in space there's other things. Here there's nothing but darkness. I have no clue how I'm going to get myself out of this. I don't think I can... So I wait.

Part 1 /// Previous /// Next

Cursed Gotham Masterpost

[themculibrary]

Fluffy Ending Masterlist

A New Road To Walk (ao3) - Jane271 tony/stephen N/R, 4k

Summary: The pressure on Tony is high. It's so high that eventually he, like any human, reaches a breaking point.

Basically a fic about Tony just saying fuck everything and semi-retire. Even though he won't admit he retired. And Steve regrets everything bad he ever said about Tony because he gets to try to fill Tony's shoes.

Between how it is and how it should be (ao3) - frostysunflowers T, 13k

Summary: ''Doesn’t Captain Rogers ever…wonder,'' Peter winced as he fumbled for the right word, ''where you are?''

Bucky smirked. ''Steve’s a regular mother hen. Used to be me that worried about him.'' He gave Peter a pointed look. ''Better question is, isn’t Stark wondering where you are?''

Come Back To Me (ao3) - orphan_account steve/bucky E, 6k

Summary: “Bucky?”

Again Bucky made no movement. The only sign that told Steve he was listening was the dip in his shoulders, and the upturn of his head.

“They said you wanted to see me,” Steve said, stepping forwards, “did you?”

Bucky looked up then. Steve’s heart dropped into his stomach, because behind the steely gaze, he could see the soft blue that had looked into his as they kissed and made love in the quiet and peace of their home, fearful of the neighbours hearing them.

Did he remember that? The way Steve clung to him and moaned? The way they kissed and kissed, the way Bucky’s thrusts would quicken when Steve’s breath hitched. The way Steve would pant and whine, helpless in Bucky’s arms, the way Bucky would whisper sweet nothings in Steve’s ear as they both came, with Bucky finishing inside him.

“You were smaller,” Bucky noted, bringing Steve back to the present, “and you…were sick a lot of the time.”

Dancing the Sweet Dance (ao3) - BurdenedWithPointlessPurpose logan/wade E, 3k

Summary: Wade has been learning how to dance. A side hobby or something meant to entertain everyone. Logan knows that just means to annoy most of them though. In the beginning, he had to admit he thought the same was going to apply to him. It turns out watching your buddy grope himself repeatedly is something far better than simply entertaining.

Difficult Offers (ao3) - STARSdidathing loki/tony T, 4k

Summary: When a spell hits Anthony, it should make him fall in love with the witch who cast it. Yet, it doesn't work, and that can only mean one thing; Anthony Howardson is already in love.

Don't Look Down (ao3) - NamelesslyNightlock loki/tony M, 256k

Summary: When forced to decide between the lives of Tony Stark and Iron Man, Steve Rogers chose wrong.

Tony is left to deal with the consequences, but it’s not like he’s helpless, and he certainly isn’t alone.

Little Lion Man (ao3) - edema_ruh T, 11k

Summary: When the Vulture's wings explode, Peter gets hit by shrapnel and finds himself in need of immediate medical assistance. He calls Happy for help, but as usual, the guy doesn't answer his phone. Tony doesn't react well when he hears about what happened, mainly for two reasons: 1 - He blames himself for taking Peter's suit away, which directly resulted on him getting injured. 2 - Knowing that Peter was hit by shrapnel, of all things, makes him scared that Peter may end up becoming too much like him.

Lucky Thirteen (ao3) - agentsimmons bruce/tony N/R, 150k

Summary: Widowed father, and billionaire genius, Tony Stark and single father, and nuclear physicist, Bruce Banner meet at a science conference. One has six kids and the other has seven. So of course that's a recipe for disaster love in the making.

Snugglebunny Crisis (ao3) - BurdenedWithPointlessPurpose, Marv_with_a_v bucky/loki, minor bucky/loki/m'baku E, 93k

Summary: All Bucky was looking for was a knothead willing to help him through his heat again. Everyone enjoys a casual hook up, and Loki is no exception. At least that's what they both thought until each throw each other off their game leading to a competitive spiral of want. For what reason Bucky refuses to acknowledge, while Loki for once accepts his fate.

The Art of Stalling (ao3) - greenishio, NamelesslyNightlock loki/tony T, 23k

Summary: When he touched his sceptre to Stark's chest, Loki expected to feel the connection form between his own mind and that of his latest minion– but, somehow, it didn't. So why then did Stark start acting as if he were under Loki's control?

The Shirt (ao3) - SailorChibi bucky/steve/tony E, 3k

Summary: How an impulsive decision that Tony made at sixteen and an equally impulsive decision that Tony made at forty-three combined to have the best outcome ever.

The Sweetness of You (ao3) - STARSdidathing loki/tony T, 6k

Summary: Loki wasn't affectionate by nature and Tony had gotten used to that. They might have been lovers for two years and might even have loved each other - but they didn't talk about it. Loki simply wasn't into public or even private displays of affection. It was just who he was, and Tony hadn't expected it to change.

Which was why, when his lover surprised him with a hug from behind - in the middle of an Avengers party - Tony was really fucking stunned.

Unconditionally (ao3) - Potrix bucky/tony T, 5k

Summary: “Hello,” Steve whispers quietly, carefully brushing some of the tears away from the baby's cheeks.

Giving a sniffle, the baby latches on to Steve’s hand, then whines unhappily, hiccuping wetly.

“I don’t know how to, you know,” Steve explains helplessly, making something that vaguely resembles a cradling, rocking motion with his free arm. The baby is less than impressed with that, though, and takes a noisy, stuttering breath. Steve’s eyes widen in alarm. “Oh, no. No, ssh, no. Here, c’mon, it’s all right.”

Very gingerly, Steve slides one hand under the baby’s back, cups its neck with the other, and slowly lifts the squirmy bundle out of the crib, and against his chest. “There, ssh. That’s better, isn’t it?”

In answer, the baby tucks its damp face into Steve’s neck, apparently content to stay where it is. Steve glances around the room, a little lost, but the baby just gurgles, and doesn’t start crying again, which he decides to count as a success.

Welcome to Oblivious, Population: Two (ao3) - leveragehunters (Monkeygreen) steve/bucky T, 11k

Summary: Steve is a wedding photographer in need of an assistant. Bucky is unemployed and in need of a job. Sam and Natasha, in what turns out to be a successful attempt to solve both problems, arrange an introduction.

In a moment of frustrated brilliance, Bucky sets Steve on the path to incredible popularity and the two of them--and their relationship--on the path to complete obliviousness.

What's Wrong with the System? (ao3) - hold_our_destiny pepper/tony, ned/peter T, 20k

Summary: When Peter was left alone in the world, he was placed in the foster system. It wasn't very kind to him, until he won an internship at Stark Industries.

[welp-here-goes-nothing]

So your husband fucked an assassin.. Now what?

In this silly little AU I've created Talia is a good mom because I said so, but she gives Damian up to Bruce cause she learns of what her father plans to do with him. But in this particular instance. She's a bad mother because I said so, again.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carson loves Damian. He may not be an angel, and he may not know how to show his emotions all that well. But Carson loves the littlest Wayne so much. However. when Bruce first came home with the seven year old walking shyly behind him it caused quite the uproar in the manor. Naturally Dick, Jason, Tim, Steph, and Cass were beyond excited to have a baby brother. Clark and Carson on the other hand.. Well it definitely raised some questions of who the child belonged to. When it was revealed that Damian was Bruce's biological son things got even worse between the trio of husbands.

He obviously wasn't Clark's, and Carson had sworn off having anymore kids after Jon. (Carson is an alien who's mother is literally the goddess of creation. The laws of physics and biology do not apply to him, deal with it) so the only other viable option, despite the fact the two did not want to believe it, was that Bruce had an affair. It definitely didn't help that Bruce all but refused to say who the mother was.

After months of nothing from Bruce, the two were at their wits end with him. Carson was about to just go into Bruce's memories and find out who he slept with when Bruce finally caved and told them who the mother was and how Damian came to be. Which was what led to Carson's current situation. Sitting in the dark of Talia's room in the base for the league of assassins.

"So. You're the bitch who fucked my husband." Carson said, announcing his presence.

Talia spun around, drawing her sword and pointing the blade at Carson.

"Guards!" Talia yelled.

"No need to yell, they won't be coming anyhow." Carson replied.

"How did you get in here?" Talia asked.

"Your security here is not as great as you think it is. Honestly I basically just walked in through the front door." Connor answered.

"Who are you then." Talia inquired.

"Come now, you're smarter than this. I come in here, telling you that I know you fucked my husband. Who is the only person you know capable enough to impregnate the daughter of Ra's Al Ghul and live to see the child? Who do you think I am." Carson said.

"You're Bruce's husband." Talia answered as it all finally clicked for her.

"Right on the nose. I would say pleased to meet you, but none of this is a pleasure." Carson sneered.

"You made a mistake in coming here, you have no one to protect you from me, I'm sure Bruce would love to receive the mangled corpse of his idiotic husband." Talia threatened.

She tightened her grip on her sword and lunged forward, aiming straight for Carson's heart. But Carson stayed calm, with a snap of his finger's Talia's sword suddenly jerked to the side, just barely missing his chest. The blade began to bend around Talia trapping her arms at her side before she was thrown back into a nearby chair. She tried to get free but to no avail.

"What are you?" Talia asked trying to mask the rising fear in her voice.

"Unimportant. I do not wish to harm you Talia, this time at least. I've simply come to give you a warning. I love Damian, sure he may be a little rough around the edges, but he's learning to have a heart, despite your best efforts. That being said, if you ever even think about hurting Damian I will kill you. You will be nothing but an unrecognizable puddle of blood and bones. No dark magic, or sacrificial ritual, or amount of water from the pit will be able to bring you back." Carson threatened.

Carson leaned in close grabbing Talia by her jaw and forcing her to look into his eyes, which had now become soulless black voids. "Touch Damian, and I swear to you, no matter where you run, no matter how well you think the league has hidden you, no matter what planet you escape to. I will find you, and I will slaughter you Talia." Carson growled.

Letting her go, Carson turned and left disappearing into the dim hallways leaving Talia to her own devices. Soon the sword came loose and dropped freeing her arms and allowing Talia to stand. Taking a shaky breath Talia moved to the window of her room and watched as Carson's silhouette faded into the horizon.

"What have I done." Talia whispered.

[gunebuggieswriting]

̶Good Bad Habits Run In The Family: Chapter Ten

DPxDC Crossover, Jason Adopts Danny AU

[AO3] [FF.net] [Wattpad]

First Chapter || << Last Chapter || Next Chapter >>

"You're related to Red Robin?"

Jason kind of wished he could be re-buried at the moment, knowing he was going to have to explain a lot. He could only hope that Danny wouldn't freak out too much, or any of the other bats for that matter. He already knew Tim had linked him with Danny, and that he probably knew that Danny was the new meta, but the rest of them didn't know. Bruce would most likely be furious that Jason was hiding information about a pressing subject, or for that matter hiding an actual meta with him. Not like he cared what the older man thought.

Sighing deeply, his hands rubbing his face with new found stress, he looked at Danny. The teen's eyes were wide, holding both shock and a layer of fear, stirring the inside of Jason’s stomach. He didn't like the idea that Tim had done something to Danny to make him this on edge, right when he was finally starting to relax around Jason.

Deciding to stop dragging it out, and to put them both out of their misery, he leaned forward. "For one, you can't call him that in public, secret identity and all that."

Danny, after hearing Jason's voice, snapped back to reality, his eyes more focused and analytical towards Jason. The sharp eyes were tinted with a bit of green, like it was barely being restrained, unsettling Jason more the longer he looked. "That doesn't answer my question. I thought you two just worked together or something! Are you all related?" Danny's hands were moving frantically as he quickly spoke, showing how frazzled the situation has made him.

"Well, kinda, but not really?" Danny deadpanned at Jason, his answer not being really helpful. Jason grumbled a few curses, uncomfortable as he ran a hand through his hair, no doubt messing it up. "Most of us are adopted, so we're technically related, just not by blood."

Danny was staring at Jason with a critical expression, trying to process everything that the man just told him. Then it all seemed to suddenly click and Danny almost fell out of his chair from realization, jaw gaping with surprise, causing a few other customers turning towards him confused. "You're Jason Todd, aren't you? How did I not figure that out earlier?" Danny was leaning back in his chair, a hand over his mouth as he continued to think.

Jason was dumbfounded, as he already thought that Danny would've put two and two together. Surely he would recognize him from Bruce? Perhaps he was being too egotistical and not everybody immediately knew him like he thought. Years in the spotlight and constantly being headlines for news would do that to somebody. "Yeah? I honestly thought you already knew."

"No? Why would I? I don't keep up with all the Wayne drama, wait, does that mean Wes was right? There's no way that Bruce is-" Danny stopped himself before he finished his sentence, but both of his hands were in his hair and slightly tugging on them. "It makes so much more sense now."

Jason could tell he wasn’t the only one feeling overwhelmed, after all this is a lot of information to take in. That didn’t stop him from wanting to know Danny’s thoughts, surely him being acquainted with the Wayne's didn’t change anything, right? "First of all, who the hell is Wes and what does he know? Second of all, you need to shut the fuck up a little, we're in public. Third of all, what do you mean it all makes more sense?" Amy had come back with their food, placing them down in front of the two. She must have noticed the difference in atmosphere, not being nearly as laid-back as earlier, keeping quiet as she walked away, not wanting to get in the middle of whatever was happening.

Danny seemed somewhat anxious to talk now that he was the one being questioned. His hands released their grip on his hair and began to fiddle with his shirt. "Well, um, Wes is just somebody from my school, or the one I used to go to. He comes up with all kinds of conspiracy theories like that, nobody ever takes him seriously, so don't worry about him." Jason couldn't help but think to Benard and how that all went, and he frowned, knowing that he probably should worry about this Wes guy. Though Danny was clearly uncomfortable having to speak of his past, so he wouldn't push it for now.

"Alright, what about the whole making 'more sense' thing?" Jason pressed, wondering if Danny already had a suspicion of his relationship with the others, or if this somehow made his view of Jason different. He hoped not, he hated being looked at with a difference only because he was known as the "son of Bruce Wayne who died and came back".

Danny's hand, which seemed to not quit moving, began to scratch the back of his neck. He was biting his lip, nervous as he debated on what he should tell Jason. Hopefully he doesn't find what he says rude or upsetting, like it would for many others. "Well, it makes sense why you have such a powerful aura of death around you. I thought it was because of the whole crime lord thing and killing others, but now I know why it felt so much different from the others."

"Death aura? What do you mean by that?" Jason questioned, but he knew what Danny was referring to, he just wanted to ignore it. The swirls of discomfort were him, not another force, he was far past that. He knew he was. His vision was clear, and he would keep it like that. There was no pit other problem.

"The stories were true, weren't they? You died before, haven't you?" Danny asked Jason, with an air so nonchalant that it made Jason both curious and uncomfortable.

Jason didn't want to answer that, to be forced to remember and face a reality he wanted to keep buried with the rest of his past whenever he dug himself out, so he ignored it. Danny already knew what his answer would be anyways. Jason had a feeling that Danny knew all too well, and it only made those green specks in his eyes be that more concerning. "Is that 'death aura' how you knew it was Tim earlier, since apparently everybody's is different?"

Danny let the fact that Jason danced around his question go, understanding the way he didn't want to go into more details. Danny didn't like his past being explored either, so it was only fair. The teen took a bite of his fry, surprised that the green seasoned food was actually decent, before speaking. "Yeah, sorta. Usually most people have little to no hint of death on them. Though you bunch seem to all be affected one way or another. Red- Tim's is quite powerful and a lot different than yours. It seems he's killed quite a few people, even more so than the crime lord himself."

Jason was beginning to get used to how relaxed Danny talked about these things, as if being revived from the dead or killing people were something that came to no surprise. Though the thought of Tim having killed more people than him did take him back a little. He knew that Tim was a bit unhinged at times, but surely the replacement followed Bruce's strict "no killing" rule.

"So, about that family dinner?" Danny asked after he ate a few more of his fries, not liking how awkward the silence was getting. They were getting along so well a few minutes ago, and now it felt like they were right back in the warehouse that night that Jason dragged him there. Then after a few  of those tense seconds he continued. "And your adopted family?"

The man swallowed the bite of his burger, and then took a big gulp of his tea, his throat suddenly dry. He never really liked talking about the others, and them being referred to as "family" made him somewhat queasy, a rise of longing unnecessary emotions he wanted to block. "You don't have to come if you don't want to. Though it might make it easier to explain everything to them if you do." Jason saw how Danny's lips pulled into a small frown, quickly glancing away from the other, and he suddenly felt like he was pressuring him too much. "Of course, you still don't have to. We can sit this one out and chill in my apartment, maybe fix up your room some more."

Danny looked at Jason, his frown now more thoughtful. "Can you tell me more about them?"

"Huh? You mean the people who will be at the dinner?" Jason asked, a part of him surprisingly pleased at there being a chance Danny will want to go. It was either because he wanted to resolve the unavoidable drama that was bound to happen or because he was craving some more of Alfred’s food, perhaps both. It wasn't that he was wanting to introduce them to Danny, or try to make Danny feel more comfortable with them.

"Yeah, maybe if I already sorta know what to expect I might be okay with going." Danny explained, already half way done with his burger and still working on his pile of fries. It made sense to Jason, as he knows how overwhelming new situations and a huge group of people can be. Especially with Danny having been homeless before, there was a possibility that the prospect of being around more than well off people could cause insecurity. Jason knew that personally, having been there once. Danny may need time to warm up to the idea.

"I'm going to be honest, they're mainly idiots." Jason said past his burger, waving his hand, Danny letting out a small chuckle. "Although they can be a lot at times, they usually mean well. Except for Damian, that little brat is evil and he lets you know, so I'd be careful around him until he warms up to you. Kind of like a feral chihuahua really."

That caused Danny's growing smile to become a full on grin. "Wait, if all of you are- well y’know, does that mean he's…" Danny asked without finishing his words, but Jason understood nonetheless. He nodded, a confused look on his face, wondering why Damian being Robin would matter. "Man, I already like him. He's such a good kid."

The anti-hero almost choked on his food hearing the earnest way Danny had just complimented the small demon. After composing himself once more, he looked at the furrowed eyebrows on the teen's pale face. "Are we talking about the same kid here? Damian is literally the most violent one of us, he'd stab you over a cookie if he wanted it."

Danny tilted his head, but a smile formed on his face anyways. "He still means well. I mean, he's a kid, I know they can be a little feisty sometimes."

"I'm sure the highly trained 'kid' would love to hear that. I would never expect a knife in your shoulder by the end of the night." Jason replied sarcastically, balling up his trash, finally having eaten his food. Danny was still eating the last few of his fries, having stolen half of Jason's as well as they were talking. Not that the man minded, wanting Danny to eat as much as he wanted in order to gain some more meat on his thinned figure. He didn't like how sickly Danny had gotten to look after his time stuck in the warehouse and then on the streets, it made a worm of guilt work its way into Jason, knowing he should've done more. 

Danny, not knowing Jason's inner turmoil, laughed, showing a bit of those canines that seemed to have grown since last time. Jason didn't know if Danny could control that or not, so he chalked it up to the nonhuman part of the kid. "He likes me! Plus I can easily heal from any attacks, that is if I don't just plain out avoid them. Who knows, maybe we can rough house a little." Danny said with an easygoing smile, brushing off the threat without any doubts. Jason knew that the other had powers, but he felt like he may need to teach him about self preservation skills.

Then Jason remembered the best part about the dinners, and he knew that this would win the boy over. "Hey, you remember some of that food I fed you while you lived in the warehouse?"

Danny nodded, curious as to where this was going. "Yeah, it was pretty good. Definitely the best food I've had in a while."

Jason smirked, "Well, you'd get more of that food at the dinner. Alfred, the best cook in the world, always fixes everything. Now, imagine fresh food like that." Danny perked up at that, and Jason knew he had found the right bait. After all, it was what Alfred used to get him over there every weekend. It wasn't because he wanted to help cook, feeling like a kid again. "Sounds good, doesn't it? Who knows, maybe for being a guest he might give you an extra chocolate chip cookie. Trust me, they are to die for."

Danny smiled at the small joke, but his mind mainly focused on the promise of good food. Perhaps this dinner wouldn't be such a bad idea, plus, he would be able to see Robin again, or Damian in this case. He wonders if the short tween would act any differently out of the costume, or any of the others for that sake. He was nervous meeting Signal again, and the thought of Tim made him squirm, hating how the constant loom of being watched had felt days before. He could only hope that they wouldn't jump on him with too many questions as soon as he showed up.

After a few minutes of debating internally with himself, weighing the pros and cons, he came up with a decision. "I guess I'll go, but if anything happens I'm leaving."

Jason couldn't ask for any more, already surprised that Danny agreed at all. "Don't worry, I leave anytime they annoy me too much. They know not to fuck with me."

"You sure it's not just because you're a big baby and they don't want to upset you?" Danny asked, raising a teasing eyebrow as Jason's face erupted into red, stammering out some denial that sounded more like complaining.

"I am not a 'big baby', and I can easily pummel you and them. I can already imagine how well you're gonna get along with Dick, it's going to a fucking nightmare." Jason continued to grumble, glaring at Danny across from him, the teen laughing at his misery.

"I'm already starting to get excited for this dinner now. When are we going this weekend?" Danny finally asked after calming down from his giggle fit, which Jason had suffered through. He wanted to make the kid laugh more, to just let the other be a teen.

Jason smoothed out his disheveled hair with a few quick swipes of his hand, huffing a bit before he spoke. "This Saturday, so tomorrow."

Danny slightly freaked out, not expecting it to be so soon. Though he already told Jason he'd go, and he didn't want to back out now. The man may not show it, but he obviously wanted Danny to go with him. A small part of him also wanted to go, to have a chance to be normal again. "Alright, so what will we do for the rest of the day?"

Jason thought about it, and realized he didn't exactly have anything else planned. He shrugged, making the other boy roll his eyes. "What do you want to do?"

At first the raven haired boy seemed taken back, not expecting the question to be turned on him, as he had nothing in mind. He looked at Jason's relaxed posture, realizing that he meant it, that Danny could choose anything. He thought it over, coming to a simple conclusion, one he hoped the man wouldn't mind. "Can we just go back to the apartment? I kinda had enough for today…" It was true, Danny was ready for a nap after the meal and amount of things he did. He may have only spent a few weeks closed off from society, and then a week of being completely homeless, but it was enough for him to no longer feel comfortable in public. It wasn't because he felt like he didn't deserve this, this sense of normalcy in a life he ruined, or the many others he ruined as well.

"That's a good idea, I'll need a bit of rest before patrol later anyways." The anti-hero said, standing up and grabbing both of their trash to throw away, before walking to the door. Danny nodded while following along, being brought out of his thoughts, and he couldn't help but realize he sort of forgot that Jason was Red Hood. It wasn't because it was unbelievable, the two had the same build and attitude, but by how normal Jason was compared to Red Hood. Sure, Jason was the adopted son of a billionaire with a crazy back story, but other than that he was still another civilian. Adding in the whole vigilante stick made it that more surreal. Or too close to something more familiar to him.

Danny remembers whenever he used to do patrol, the insane amount of fights he'd get in, especially at night. He missed doing them sometimes, he really missed his friends. Danny realized that he had been silent for a few seconds longer than usual, Jason looking at him somewhat concerned. "I can always skip one, I know I could do with a bit of a vacation." He said, wanting to make sure that the younger boy would be fine on his own.

Danny quickly shook his head. "No, I'm fine!" The man looked unconvinced, so the other tried to put on a small smile. "Really! I was just thinking about how bizarre my life kind of is right now." The partial lie worked, Jason letting out a small huff of amusement.

"I bet, compared to how most people would react, you've been taking it all pretty well." Jason lightly nudged at Danny, who in turn tried and failed to push the bulky man.

After an annoyed huff Danny straightened back up to walk better, knowing how clumsy he could be. It was what started this all in the first place. "I kinda take things in stride, go with flow y’know." He did a wave with his hand, before thinking about how silly he probably looked and shoving his hand back in his pocket.

"I like that attitude, don't let life drag you down. You know people who have your back no matter what, why worry all the time?" Jason meant for it to be light hearted, maybe even encouraging to a degree, but Danny’s smile quickly faded from it. Before Jason could ask what was wrong, Danny looked away, his expression now carefully crafted to be blank. The older man felt terrible, not knowing what he said wrong. He knew he shouldn’t ever give advice, as he hasn't lived the best life, or try and take care of a teen for that matter.

Danny on the other hand was trying his hardest to not let his thoughts wander to those who he should've been there for, or the fact that he shouldn’t allow people close to him, to let them want to help him. The guilt he's been repressing came back full force, and he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep his rising tears at bay, cursing how emotional he could be from some simple good natured words. Though he couldn't help but feel as if he shouldn’t have 'gone with the flow'. If he thought things through, not have been so impulsive and selfish, then the others would still be here. He would be with his friends, his family, the town he loved but was forced to leave behind because of his mistakes.

It didn't even seem that he learned his lesson, doing everything he regretted all over again. He told himself that he wouldn't be so selfish ever again, and then he goes and decides to pull more innocent people into the mess that is his afterlife life. How could he be so laid-back, so careless, after everything that's happened?

"-kid? Hey, can you hear me?" Danny's haze was broken from the wave of Jason’s hand in front of him and voice.

"Huh? Sorry, kinda spaced out for a second. What is it?" Danny asked, nervously scratching at the back of his neck, keeping his head turned slightly away as he blinked back tears. 

"We made it back and you tried to keep on walking, so I called your name and you didn't answer." Yeah, Danny was so not getting out of this. "Are you okay?" The teen opened his mouth to make up another lie, hoping his luck would work a second time. Before he could get a word out, Jason raised a hand stopping him. "Actually, I know you're not, so don't say you are. I know you don't wanna talk about it, but know that I am here and I'm not leaving, no matter how stubborn you are to not realize that. You can't get rid of me kid, after all I always come back."

The tears began running down midway through Jason's small rant, and he was wiping at them furiously, though he finally turned back to Jason. He was clearly out of his element, not used to comforting, but it made Danny feel a bit better anyways. To hear the words made it somewhat easier to swallow, to put into reality as he forced his other thoughts back down. He wished he wouldn't cry as much, hating how it felt like he was only being a burden to the other.

Jason hesitated to take Danny's arm and lead him into the apartment so that he could cry more openly, not wanting to make the crying teen run away by the sudden touch. He did anyway, seeing how some people passing by were giving them weird looks, and he glared at a few before gently grabbing Danny's arm. He didn't expect for the other to latch onto him in turn, turning his head to sob into the outer part of his arm as he walked slowly to the door of the apartment.

As soon as they entered, Jason wrapped his arms around Danny. Danny didn't hug back, only slightly burying his face into the man's chest as he tried to calm himself down. He didn't want to cry now, ruining the good mood that they had built back up. He pushed himself away from Jason, yet some of him yearned to be hugged right now, to be told that it was going to be okay. He knew it would never be, and that he deserved that.

Danny sucked in a desperate gulp of air, sounding more like a hiccup than anything as he held his hands above his face, trying to hide it. "I'm- I'm just going to go take a nap." He barely stuttered out, not waiting for an answer as he quickly went to his room and shut the door. This left Jason there, his hand outreached to try and stop the upset teen, but not knowing if he should. This was something that he didn't know how to handle. When it came to comforting, he only knew the basics, such as reassurance and hugs. Complex emotions like this he couldn't handle, and it made him feel guilty that he couldn't actually help Danny through whatever he was going through, even though he promised he would.

The man sighed, slipping off his leather jacket as he wondered if he may have bit more than he could chew this time. He wouldn't ever give up on Danny, but he may not be what the teen needed at the moment. If only Alfred was here, he'd know what to do.

He wasn't though, leaving it all up to Jason, who couldn't do anything. He ran a hand through his hair, not caring if it got messed up as he walked over to his barely standing couch. He laid down on it, enjoying how his body sunk into the well worn cushions, pulling one of the small pillows he had to lay his head on. He wanted to help Danny, but he was somewhat overwhelmed himself, and he had a feeling that giving some space may be better anyways. He wasn't lying earlier either whenever he said he would like a nap, still planning to go out that night. Danny most likely wouldn't leave him room for the rest of the day, so Jason would just leave him a plate of food before he left to go on his patrol.

He'd make it a quick one tonight. His people wouldn't mind if he canceled one meeting and instead checked up on them, as there was no way he would be able to focus for too long anyways. Most of his thoughts would circle around Danny, like they have been for the last few weeks. His worry had eased after wrangling Danny into his apartment, but now it was worse with how sullen the boy looked earlier. He still didn't understand what he said or did to cause such a reaction, but he guessed that it could be anything, though it had to be related to whatever trauma Danny had gone through and that was enough. He wanted to apologize, but that could cause Danny to feel guilty for making Jason feel like he did something wrong.

He was beginning to get a headache from thinking so deeply about something he had little intelligence in, so he shut his eyes. He didn't  bother to take off his shirt with the small wet spot in it, the coldness of it a stark reminder to how he failed Danny was. It didn't really matter though, as no matter what he couldn't block out the quiet sniffles and sobs coming from the other room, or the countless thoughts running through his own head.

They might not make it to dinner tomorrow after all.

[bluejaysandblackbats]

Keepsafes

Fandom: Batman, DC Comics

Summary: AU where Martha and Thomas survive, and they adopt the batkids.

Chapters: 51/?

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Thomas Wayne, Martha Wayne, Alfred Pennyworth, Harvey Dent, Dick Grayson, Cassandra Cain, David Cain, Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Jason Todd, Tim Drake

Relationships: Thomas Wayne/Martha Wayne/Alfred Pennyworth, BruHarvey, BruTalia

Additional Tags: Canon Divergent AU, Hurt/Comfort, Bruce Wayne is Not Batman, Angst, Alfred Pennyworth Knows All, Bruce Wayne Only Has One Child, Bruce Wayne is Not An Only Child, Bi Bruce Wayne

Chapter Fifty-One: Day One

Harvey lay next to Bruce staring up at the ceiling before turning to him. “You haven’t told me about your friend,” Harvey smiled.

“What friend?” Bruce asked. 

“The one you smelled like when you came to my house yesterday,” Harvey smiled. 

Bruce’s cheeks went rosy as he turned his face away. “Her name is Talia,” Bruce whispered. 

“You’ve never once told me the name of the women you’ve been with… Is she special?” Harvey asked, softening his voice as he realized Bruce was serious. Bruce didn’t answer. “I’m not going to make fun of you if that’s what you think.” 

“I don’t think that. I just—. It’s—. How do you handle it?” Bruce asked. 

Harvey propped up on his elbow and tapped Bruce’s nose. “What do you mean?” Harvey asked. 

“How do you love two people at once without feeling selfish? Not that I think you’re—.” 

“I have to unlearn guilt and shame five times a day. Speaking of which, I’m sorry for how I treated you when you the other—.”

“Water under the bridge, Harvey. I know the energy between us was crazy the other day. I get it,” Bruce whispered, “Next Friday, can I—?”

“You know you’ve got me. Are the reporters bothering you yet?” Harvey asked. 

Bruce shook his head. “Not yet. I haven’t been out and about much. I took Cassie to the prison and went to the police station to let them know I was alive and well. That’s it,” Bruce replied. 

“I missed you so much…” Harvey kissed Bruce’s neck. 

“You didn’t,” Bruce teased. 

Harvey bared his teeth as he tried to resist biting Bruce’s shoulder. “I missed you so much. No more talking, okay?” Harvey mumbled as he ran his hand under Bruce’s shirt. Bruce nodded and watched as Harvey slipped under the blankets, and Bruce clutched the pillows. 

**

Dick went downstairs with his pillow and answered the door in the middle of the night for Kate. “Cousin,” Dick whispered. 

“Cousin,” Kate smiled as she dropped her bag by the sectional and set her pillow down on the cushion. 

Dick set his pillow down on the opposite side. “Where’s Thing Two?” Dick asked. 

“That’s my sister,” Kate chuckled. 

“Don’t worry. I don’t hold that against you,” Dick replied, “Where’d she go?”

“Party. She’ll be here in an hour or two. How’s Bruce?” Kate questioned. 

Dick shrugged. “Um… He’s okay. Already getting in trouble with Dad for taking Cassie to prison. It’s been one heck of a summer. I’ll tell you that. I hope we never have a year like this one again,” Dick answered. 

“Agreed,” Kate smiled, “He’s not coming down?” 

“Harvey’s up there,” Dick replied. Kate pulled a blanket off the back of the sectional, and Dick leaned forward, staring at her neck. “Wait. Do you have a girlfriend?” 

“Shut up,” Kate whispered as she shushed him. “How did you—?” 

“The birthstone necklace. You’re a twin, so why would there be two birthstones?” Dick noted. 

Kate got comfortable before answering with an exasperated, “If being a know-it-all was a sport…” 

**

After a week passed, Bruce started his first day at the hospital despite Thomas’ reservations. He met with all the other first-year residents in the locker room and a familiar resident waved at him. “Harley,” Bruce smiled, “Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

“Where have you been? I heard you were off somewhere playing Gilligan’s Island without Ginger,” Harley teased him as she pinched his cheek. 

“How much did you win betting on my chances of survival? I feel like you won enough to pay for lunch later,” Bruce grinned. He liked Harvey for all the things most students hated about her. She was obnoxious, self-serving, with a dark sense of humor, but Bruce admired her drive. She was thorough and attentive, driven to find details where most people wouldn’t, which meant she made the perfect coworker. 

“Actually, I bet you’d be back in time for our first day. I won a pretty penny betting on you. Everyone else thought you bit it,” Harley smiled, “Are you thinking about doing the pediatrics rotation?” 

“Mhm. You?” Bruce asked. Harley nodded. “Are you getting your internal medicine out of the way?” 

“Oh for sure. Guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other, huh?” Harley grinned. Bruce chuckled and nodded. 

The senior residents entered and started divvying up interns, and Bruce ended up with a doctor named Arthur Peters. Harley was paired up with a doctor named Irina Maxwell. They took them on a short tour of the hospital and explained some of the abbreviations that were specific to the hospital. 

**

Bette took Cassandra by the hand and showed her to her classroom. “Are you gonna be okay?” Bette asked.

“I want to go home,” Cassandra whispered. 

“Yeah. Everyone feels that way. It’ll pass. At least you look pretty in your uniform. Did Dick do your hair?” Bette questioned. Cassandra nodded. “He’s getting pretty good at that.” 

“Why can’t I go to his class?” Cassandra asked. 

“You’re nine. He’s nearly fifteen, and he tested a grade higher. You’re a fourth grader, he’s a tenth grader. You’re not even in his building,” Bette explained. Cassandra frowned, and Bette hugged her. “Listen to your teacher. I’ll see you at lunch.” 

Cassandra entered her classroom and looked around at all the children talking and moving around as she clutched her backpack straps. The teacher noticed her discomfort, and she crouched in front of Cassandra. “I’m Mrs. Fink,” she introduced herself, “Are you Cassandra Wayne?” Cassandra nodded. “It’s so nice to meet you. First days always make me nervous. What about you?” 

“My big brother said you’re the nicest teacher in the whole school,” Cassandra whispered. 

“Bruce said that?” Mrs. Fink asked. Cassandra nodded. “That was very kind of him.”

**

“Do you think Cassandra’s alright? Maybe I should call and check on her,” Thomas whispered.

“And Bruce… Are you sure he could make it through a whole shift at the hospital?” Martha asked. 

“Master Dick forgot his lunch at home today,” Alfred mumbled. 

“The children are fine,” Dylan replied

Martha and Dylan sat on the floor, stretching while Alfred helped Thomas do his physical therapy. “Bette said she’d keep me posted,” Dylan reassured them, “And Dick said he’d eat at school. Bruce texted me a little while ago and said his med school buddy was there. The kids are fine. You’d think I was the one with three kids.” 

“Dylan, we’ve got a kid three years out of the circus, a son that mysteriously returned after being stranded on an island all summer, and a daughter that just recently learned to talk and read walking all starting their first days—.”

“Dick’s got the school thing down to a science now. Bruce has always been in a league all his own. Cassandra’s gonna find her way,” Dylan replied, “Thomas… How is retirement?” 

Thomas laid on his back. “I consider seeing a therapist three times a week,” Thomas answered. 

“Hey, recognizing you need help is the first step,” Dylan smiled.

“Dylan, you doofus—.” 

“Mattie, how is your art program?” Dylan interrupted as he reached over and pinched her cheek. 

Martha lit up. “So many letters to open,” Martha beamed, “We’re about to start looking at applications.”

**

Cassandra saw a group of kids pelting a boy in her class with dodgeballs, and she subtly inflicted pain on each child until she reached the little boy. He hid his face in his arms, and Cassandra reached out, pausing before rubbing his shoulder. “Some people hurt others because they’re weak,” Cassandra parroted Thomas. 

“You don’t have to be nice to me,” he mumbled. 

“I know. I want to,” Cassandra smiled, letting him look into her eyes. “Do you need a bandaid?” 

He nodded and Cassandra reached into her cardigan pocket and opened up the box of bandaids Thomas sent with her to school. “I’m Micah,” he whispered as she bandaged his scraped knee. 

“I’m Cassandra,” she warmly replied.