#also i want more of Jon admiring dick like Tim did Jason?

[theredcuyo]

Thinking about writting a little one shot where Tim and Kon switch little brother's for a few days just so we have a jelous Damian and Kon (Both of his brother and his Best friend)

So, the basic idea is that Tim is on Damiansitting duty because B and Dick are on an outworld emergency mission, Alfred is on vacation, Jason is out of the country with the outlaws and the girls laughed at him when he asked for help

Supes is also out ofc, and Lois is sick, with Ma offering to help her out, so Kon appoints himself to spent time with Jon

Damian isn't allowed on patrol without a Batman present, and Tim tried to make a deal with him so both of them went, but he refused to go with him so neither of them can really go out and he had to activate all the security in the manor and let the batcow into Damian's room just so he stayed inside, also Selina agreed to come visit with some of her cats. That helped

He called Kon to complain, and he's like "I'm literally doing the same, it can't be that hard, mine has not controlled superpowers and everything's fine"

So, they exchange brothers

Kon's had to held Damian mid air by the collar of his Robin suit at least four times by the second hour.

Tim and Jon are watching movies, and Tim's infodumping him on Nightwing stories, that Jon loves because that's his hero

[dork-empress]

Singing in the Dead of Night Pt 3

Lucy and Damian visit Metropolis.

Past chapters are under my tag 'lucy quinzel' and the whole fic is on my AO3 (url in my description). Please reblog and leave comments.

Flock of Robins

Timtiminey:Guys. Guys. Guess what???

Jason: I thought I deleted this chat.

Timtiminey: Ha funny you think I’d allow you to do that

Timtiminey: And you didn’t guess.

Dickbutt: Tim I’m on a mission.

Dickbutt:.....

Dickbutt: TIM CHANGE MY NAME

Timtiminey: You’re still not guessing.

Dick Grayson’s name was changed to DickiestButtiest

Stephaluffagus: Whatever Is It, Tim?

Jason: Why is Stephanie even on here?

Stephaluffagus: I was a Robin!

Timtiminey: And she asks the questions. Well, you SEE

Timtiminey: DAMIAN GOT A GIRLFRIEND

Stephaluffagus: WHAAAA?!:?HSLHFADSKLJFKL?????

Dick Grayson’s name was changed to DatAssTho

DatAssTho: Awwwww, that’s so cute!!!

DatAssTho: Our little hellion is growing up

DatAssTho: It’s like it was just yesterday he was threatening to stab us all

Jason: That was last week at dinner.

Jason: Who the hell said yes to go out with him?

Timtiminey: That’s the best part! The old man set them up.

Stephaluffagus: ALKSDAN LFKSNDAFLKNDASKLF

DatAssTho: Well thats just not fair. He never set up me on a date.

Jason: He put you on the Titans.

DatAssTho: Watch it, Todd

DatAssTho: Also, you type like an old man

Jason: With proper punctuation?

Stephaluffagus: Guys, we’re straying from the topic: Who is it??

Timtiminey: Harley’s niece, she’s got some like, clown ballerina thing going

Jason: QUINN?!?!?!

Jason: LIKE JOKER’S GIRLFRIEND????

DatAssTho: Dude, they broke up ages ago

Stephaluffagus: Yeah, she’s basically more hero than you are

Jason: You really want to go down THAT route Brown?

Timtiminey: OOOOHKAYYY

Timtiminey: Rest assured, the old man vetted the girl. She’s…..unique? I’ve only seen her file, or part of it anyway

DatAssTho: Bruce has secret files doesn’t he

Timtiminey: I think I made it through the first encryption, but I’m working on the next between other cases.

Timtiminey: After all, we have to make sure she’s alright for our little Dami-kins

Stephaluffagus: Isn’t he on this chat?

Timtiminey: He’s had this muted for ages

Jason: YOU CAN DO THAT?!

Timtiminey: I mean, YOU can’t. I will turn it off for you

Jason: …….

Jason: Well you know it’d be a shame if I

Jason: @DamianWayne

Timtiminey: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!

Damian: You’re dead Drake

DatAssTho: RIP

Stephaluffagus: He will be remembered

Jason: Prick.

“Get on already,” Damian said, exuding as much disinterested and grumpy energy as his body could manage.

Lucy skipped over to him, and looked at the seating arrangement on the Robin Cycle. “Hmm”, she said, “I don’t know if I’ll fit.” She climbed up to the back of the cycle only for her tutu to spring her backwards.

“What the hell is in that thing?” Damian asked, scowling. whatever had hit him was way more solid than fabric.

“Oh all sorts of things!” she said, “It’s my utilitutu!”

Damian really should have been used to this by now. “Your what.”

“Utility Tutu. I’ve got my balloon animals, my gas bouquet, my tamborine…”

“Well get rid of it or something,” Damian said, and was somehow surprised she did as was asked. Left in just a leotard, she hooked the tutu around her arm and jumped up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Luckily, he was wearing his helmet, so no one could see him blush.

He revved up the motorcycle to try and drown out his thoughts. They’d been particularly loud ever since Tim said what he said...and, maybe since Lucy said what she said.

Were they dating? Is that what was happening? Lucy had called it a date, but Lucy was weird. It wasn’t like Damian understood how these things were supposed to work. This was super not in the training regime for the League of Assassins.

Did he...want it to be a date? He was even less sure. Lucy was...odd, but she had grown on him. She was the exact opposite of him, cheery where he was brooding, she was peaceful, he was violent. She was...kind and funny and playful. He was super not. they were both smart, but that seemed to be where the similarities ended.

And yet, it kinda worked. She was pretty, in a girly way, or at least thats what he could tell from under her makeup. He’d never been...really interested in girls or anyone. He didn’t know what it was supposed to feel like. If this was how it was supposed to feel like.

Well, he wasn’t going to be forced to be in a relationship with anyone. If she tried anything, he would tell her no, in no uncertain terms. Then he could get Tim and the others to shut up.

Once the decision was made, of course, he was left to ruminate for the remainder of the ride. He might have welcomed some of Lucy’s chatter, just to get his mind off things. Damn Bruce, not letting him use the batmobile…

Finally, a blur appeared beside him. “Need a lift?” Jon asked, rushing along beside him. Damian couldn’t help a smirk as he followed him through the city.

They came to a stop in an alleyway, though it didn’t hide much. “Whoa,” Jon said, eyebrows raised, “Hello, who’s this?”

Lucy stood on the top of the motorcycle, slipping her tutu back on and giving a deep curtsy, “Greetings! I am Commedia, The Dancing Delight, Columbina of Gotham and--”

“She’s Harley Quinn’s niece,” Damian said, cutting her off, “Lucy, Superboy, Superboy, Lucy.”

Lucy jumped down, eyebrow raised, “Now, come on. Surely you boys know how hard it is being defined by those who came before you.”

“Yeah, Robin,” Superboy said, holding out his hand for her to shake, “Honestly, no manners. Nice to meet you, Comme...Colum..um.”

“Lucy’s fine,” she said, “Aunt Harley said it’d be good for me to go and see some of Metropolis, maybe get some shopping done.”

Jon smiled, “Well, there’s plenty to do around here, and you picked the perfect tour guide! Come on, Mom and Dad are working today. I’ll show you around.”

Damian followed the pair of them around at a pace where you could just barely tell he was part of the same group. He was in his black outfit again, with sunglasses so that Lucy couldn’t tell who he was, and all of Metropolis wouldn’t know Robin wasn’t in Gotham.

Jon took them on the full tourist tour, going to see the many wonders of Metropolis. Though, a few stops Damian was pretty sure weren’t on the main route, like when they went to the top of the Daily Planet building. Other than that, though, it was a lot of pretty buildings, old buildings, the Superman memorial/dedication (they just left it up when Superman came back) and other sites that were considered important.

Damian sulked, having seen all these before and not finding them any more impressive than the first time or any time after that. What did surprise him was that Lucy didn’t seem any more impressed than him. He would have thought she’d go Gaga over the tourist trappings, considering she react to abandoned (allegedly) mines like a family at Disney World.

But she looked at each one, nodded in appreciation, and went onto the next thing.

Jon was kinda weirded out by it too, Damian could tell, not that Jon was ever subtle. He kept looking to Damian as if to try and explain her behavior, not that he was ever going to be doing that.

“Ok,” Jon said, as they sat outside the capitol, “Is there anything you WANT to see?”

Lucy shrugged, “To be honest, buildings don’t really interest me that much. But I’m glad to have gone with you, of course.”

“For fuck’s sake,” Damian said, “What’s the point of going around like this if you don’t even like it? We went around all damn day for YOU!”

Lucy tilted her head, “We went so that Superboy could show us things and we could get to know him.” She smiled at him, “You clearly admire Superman a lot, and you’re clearly like him. I’m glad you get along with your dad so well.”

Jon smiled, confused, but appreciative, “Thanks?” Damian grumbled. “But, I’d like to get to know YOU better as well. So if there’s something you like, the city has everything.”

Lucy hummed, “I honestly mostly just like to people watch in my free time.”

Jon beamed, “Oh man, I have the perfect place then.”

With a hop, skip, and a kryptonian-powered jump, the three of them were in the rafters of the Metropolis Subway station, looking down at everything and everyone as they went by. Damian was just glad they were inside, and being underground had him feeling a bit more at home.

Lucy practically sparkled, leaning way too far over to look at everyone. “What are they saying? Can you hear them?”

“Uh, which ones?” Jon said. She pointed aggressively. “Well, that one’s a family on vacation, the dad there is going over the itinerary, he’s got it printed out. The daughter there is trying to get him to skip the museums so they can get to the aquarium faster.”

“Ohh, what’s at the aquarium?” Lucy asked, kicking her feet like a child.

“Some fish, jelly fish are cool...Oh, they got a new shark there, I think.”

Damian groaned again, “Ugh, who CARES? If you wanted to go to the aquarium, then lets go to the aquarium! Instead of just watching someone TALK about it! These are all just normal people!”

“Robin, dude,” Jon said, “If it’s what she wants, why not? We are here for HER after all.”

That in of itself would have been enough to shame Damian, but Lucy was staring at him. She stared unblinking, and unsmiling. It was actually creepy. Like she was staring through him.

“Nobody’s normal.” She said, very seriously, her voice no longer taking on the cheery affectation. “Not a single one that I’ve ever met. Many of them TRY to be normal, but it is an illusion. A moving target, an ideal that doesn’t exist and people are shamed for not attempting to achieve.”

Damian could feel himself resist leaning away from her. “Uh, Lucy?” Jon said, “Something you want to talk about?”

Lucy blinked like she was remembering she was supposed to. “I suppose it is personal to me,” she said, “My…mother was always a little scared of Aunt Harley. First scared of her success, then scared of her villainous career. She always wanted to be normal. She wanted…me to be normal. She was scared of what I’d be. Who I’d be like.” She smiled, an echo of her previous smile, “It’s not quite the same as being a disciple for a great hero like Superman or Batman.”

Jon was suddenly looking very awkward. “Well,” He said, “I mean, having Harley Quinn as your aunt isn’t that bad. And you’re good anyway! So, no need to worry.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lucy said, “It doesn’t matter if I was good or bad. It just matters that I was strange.” She tilts her head, looking down at the mass of people rushing back and forth. “Ever since I was little, people didn’t feel…real. They’re just. Stories. I couldn’t relate to my peers, as my teachers would say. I don’t know how to explain it. The only time I tried, my mom was so scared she sent me to a camp. One of those meant for bad kids to help them behave.” She tilted her head, “But they weren’t bad. They all had different stories. I realized there were no normal people. Just people with stories.”

Damian couldn’t have spoken if it was to yell for help. He stared at Lucy, trying to decide if he should be concerned or sympathetic.

Jon cleared his throat. “Well, I think you’re nice. And that’s what’s important. No problem with learning more about people and helping them.”

Lucy smiled, “Thank you.”

Jon’s head whipped to the side. “Ah, shoot, Dad’s calling me. I’ll be right back.” Lucy’s cheery attitude was back and she nodded, as Jon took off.

Lucy looked over at Damian for a moment. Damian felt he should say something. Apologize, maybe? He wasn’t sure what would be appropriate, and if it was appropriate, would Lucy want it. She worked on a whole other level, that was clear.

Lucy went back to watching people below her.

“My mom,” Damian started, not sure where he was going to end his sentence. Rule one of being in his family was to not reveal details about himself. But it was Lucy and she…she was his friend. “She was a…she’s a villain. I was supposed to be too. Maybe would have been if I didn’t go to live with Batman.”

Lucy nodded, “That sounds like a very interesting story,” Lucy said, “Thank you for telling me.” She tilted her head towards him. “Hey Robin, there’s this comedy place here in Metropolis I looked up. I was hoping maybe we could go tonight? I’m kind of a comedy nerd, and it’s always good to support people at an open mic. Maybe you’d even laugh once.”

Damian braced himself. This was a date. She was asking him on a date. He had prepared himself for this. “I can’t,” Damian said, the words practiced, “I don’t think of you that way. We can hang out and…be friends, but no.” There. No question about it.

Lucy looked at him, and tilted her head, thinking. “Ok,” She said, simply. Didn’t seem too heartbroken. It was a relief. “Hey Superboy,” She said, voice raise just slightly on the sounds of trains, “Do you want to go on a date to a comedy club tonight with me?”

There was a brief pause, then with a burst of wind, Jon jumped up back to the rafters. “Yeah, that sounds good,” and they shared smiles, “Robin, I can get her back to Gotham if you want to head home.”

Damian blinked, trying to process what exactly was happening. “I–,” technically, he wasn’t supposed to leave Lucy, for reasons Batman hadn’t been overly clear about. But if something was going to happen, she’d be plenty safe with Jon. Still, he wanted to argue this, even though he had nothing, and he knew he had nothing. “Sure, that sounds fine.”

Jon held out his hand to help him down, but he could easily get out by himself. And so, alone, he went home. And he didn’t understand the strange feeling in his gut.

Bruce stretched his neck coming down to the batcave, seeing Tim on the computer. “Commissioner Gordon has kindly invited Batman and Robin to the Wayne charity Christmas Party on my behalf,” he said, “I’ve got Dick coming down to wear the Batsuit for me. I’m going to work to have Damian as Robin, but would you and Steph take on patrols that night? At least some of us should actually be doing work.”

Tim didn’t answer. He stared blankly into the computer. Bruce sighed, most likely he didn’t hear him. “How long have you been down here? You’re going to ruin your–”

“Are you planning on telling Damian?” Tim asked.

Bruce paused and looked at what Tim was staring at. It was medical records of Delia Quinzel, specifically of her pregnancy.

Specifically the fake pregnancy records that Bruce had made. “What are you talking about?” Bruce asked.

“Please don’t insult me,” Tim said, face stoic, “You really think I can’t recognize your digital fingerprint all over these files?”

Bruce took a few deep breaths. “Have you told anyone?”

“Hell no,” Tim said, finally looking up, “And I cleaned up your mess. But I don’t know if anyone else has looked into this before now.” Tim glared at Bruce, “So I ask again, are you planning on telling Damian that you’ve put him in charge of protecting Joker’s biological daughter from her own father?”

Bruce came over and looked at the corrected records. They were, in fact, cleaner. Bruce’s were too normal. Tim added in complications that could have happened, just enough to make people think they’d already found what was wrong. “We don’t know what Joker knows.”

“Oh, and he just happened to escape Arkham and disappear at around the same time a teen starts hanging around his ex-girlfriend.” Tim said, dryly.

“If he does know,” Bruce said, “Then its our job to stop him. If he doesn’t, then we still stop him. But Lucy has a target on her back one way or another.”

“Which is why you put Damian in front of it?” Tim said.

“I trust Damien,” Bruce said, “To protect her. But I don’t want him to be biased against her because of her parents.”

“So, you’re putting him at risk, so that he can make friends?” Tim demanded, arms crossed.

Bruce took a deep sigh. “One day,” he said, “Lucy is going to have to confront where she’s come from. And the rest of us are too. I’m trying to give us all the best chance.” Bruce said, “Besides, Damian needs more friends other than Jon.”

Tim screwed up his face, then snorted. “Alright, old man,” he said, “I’ll go with your plan for now. But if something goes belly up, I reserve the right to at least one ‘I told you so.’”

“A fair compromise,” Bruce said, “What have you found about Joker’s movements?”

“He’s going quiet right now, which isn’t much like him,” Tim said, “But I think I’ve tied him to this fancy surgical robot that’s gone missing from Gotham Hospital.”

“Well, I’m sure there’s nothing mind-breakingly awful he can do with that,” Bruce said, sarcastically. “Let’s take it to the streets.”

Tim jumped up and followed him to the batmobile.

[jasonrae117]

Night at the Wayne Casino

Got hit with some inspiration and time to write, so ask and ye shall receive @dcgzilla another part right away! Enjoy!

Part 5

Pale thighs...smooth and supple curves...the desperate cries for attention...the begging…

It all seemed too real, the dream was so vivid and he could easily recall every detail. It was so unlike the previous ones the nights before. He would forget small moments, words would be lost, her voice wouldn’t sound quite right either. But last night...last night’s dream was unforgettable. His body ached as if they had actually gone through the multiple rounds as he had imagined. He rolled onto his side facing toward the middle of the bed, he winced at the stinging from his back. Wait...in his dream she had raked her nails down his shoulder blades when he had made her reach her peak for the second time. 

Damian shot up out of bed and looked around trying to assess the situation he prayed he didn’t get himself into. Sure enough he was alone in his bed, he was missing his clothes but if he had as much to drink as he remembered then he probably didn’t want to waste the time changing into pajamas that late. He sighed in relief but it had turned into a groan when he gained sense of his morning wood. That dream sure was something. Luckily he had the night shift so he was able to sleep in, although it wasn’t a common practice, he obviously had needed it if the clock was correct and he had woken up at ten o’clock. 

He pulled himself out of bed and stretched, recoiling from the persistent stinging on his back. What the hell was going on? He rubbed his eyes as he made his way to the bathroom door where a full length mirror hung hoping to see if there truly was any damage to his person. Damian tried to piece together what may have happened, he didn’t think he had been drunk, he would never let himself. So he began replaying the night.

The party had been irritating to say the least and he had upset at least two people before he finally laid eyes on his target. Raven had the tempting green dress that he had dreamed of ripping off of her, and he had caught her at the bar. Everything checks out, I didn’t get into any physical altercations, I just invited Raven to my room….Shit! 

As Damian stood in front of his closed bathroom door he could now hear the faint sound of the shower running and an occasional echo of a bottle being shuffled. That wasn’t a dream, I fucked Raven...the enemy, my number one suspect. He would never hear the end of it from Drake or any of the others. If they found out. He only had to keep it secret until she left on Tuesday. She’d be leaving in a day and a half.

Why did that upset him? 

Damian was frozen to the spot in front of the door, he could feel the warm air flowing from under the door but he couldn’t process what to do. Red splotches marred his tan skin mapping the trail Raven’s lips had traveled along his body. He twisted to see his back and sure enough a few thin red lines stretched down the muscle. This wasn’t protocol, in fact this was quite literally the opposite of protocol. Technically Drake said she wasn’t a suspect anymore, thus giving free reign. No, that’s some bullshit Jason or Dick would use to reason their bad decisions, not him. He was better than the others, the leader, the heir. His father would be ashamed of him. 

Damian had been too lost in his thoughts and didn’t hear the water stop or the shuffle of the person inside as they made their way out of the bathroom. The door opened before him and steam escaped out and billowed around the smaller figure in front of him. His eyes went wide and his mouth fell open as he just stood there and stared at Raven.

She abruptly stopped, preventing herself from crashing into him. She raised her eyebrow and looked him up and down before chuckling and sliding past him. “Must be very proud.”

“Huh?” His brain was still trying to process what had occurred last night and what ramifications it held and he was not capable of forming words properly. 

“You know you could have joined me.” He turned to her and saw her shyly bite her lower lip as she fiddled with the towel around her. She moved to his side of the bed and picked up the shirt he had worn to the party and dropped her towel. Whatever bit of cognition he had left flew out as he admired the sight before him. 

Her skin glistened from the water droplets that remained on her skin and reflected the late morning light. It reminded him of the day he watched her by the pool and how stunning she was, this was ten times better because she was in his room and his view was unobstructed. Her skin was also just a tinge pink from the hot water. He simply couldn’t get enough of seeing her body, it was alluring and he wanted to worship every inch, he certainly tried last night, but it would never be enough. Raven slipped her arms into his shirt and began buttoning it up as she spun to face him again, she left the top few buttons open so her cleavage could still be seen. 

It was almost unbelievable, Raven was in front of him in nothing but his shirt that hung loosely on her and falling to just below her mid thigh, she had rolled the sleeves up to her elbow and her damp hair was pulled over one shoulder. It was perfect and he finally snapped himself out of the daze he had been in since he had awoken this morning. It was at that moment that he realized that he had been standing completely naked in front of the bathroom this whole time with a very painful erection.

Damian glared at the floor and blushed from embarrassment as he ran his hand harshly over his face. He heard soft footsteps approach him and he saw small pale feet come into view. His eyes followed the trail of creamy skin up her legs, past her plump thighs, and finally snapping to her face. Raven was definitely smaller than she appeared without the help of the heels she wore, it was cute. She smirked at him and took his hand in hers, tracing random patterns on it. “I don’t have any plans until later...I could stay for a bit and return some of those favors from last night.” She stepped into his space and rested her unoccupied hand on his shoulder while she placed a delicate kiss to his chest. A shiver ran through his body and he wanted nothing more than to take her up on her offer. 

Reluctantly Damian pulled her away from him and held her at arms length for a moment before taking a deep breath and letting it go as he released her. “Look, Raven. I didn’t think I’d be the man to do this but I don’t want you to get the wrong idea…”

Shook flashed across her face and following it was something close to frustration and anger. She huffed and rubbed at her temple, “Get the wrong idea? Which is what? Being followed around at a party and who knows where else, to be invited back to your suite, followed by a night of very intimate activities instigated by you. Is that not supposed to make me think you’re interested in me? Or does what you’re saying mean that this was just some well thought out one night stand?”

“No Raven I-”

“Is this about Tim?”

“Not entirely.”

“Were you trying to punish Tim in some sick way?” She began pacing around the suite. “He told me that you lectured him and were going to report it to the CEO, your father. He broke off whatever it was we were creating because I was just a visiting guest and you are his coworker, so although he didn’t want to, he’d rather upset me than piss you off because you’d make his life hell.” 

“I didn’t know that.”

“Of course not.” She scoffed and glanced around not making eye contact. “So are we done here?... Is that where this is going, because I rather not waste my time pussyfooting around.” She stomped past him back into the bathroom and shuffled around before coming out wearing her dress from last night, or rather a version of it since it had been torn here and there. 

“I had no ill intention at all. I also wasn’t thinking. I’m supposed to lead by example and I let feelings get in the way of my job.”

“What job? You said you weren’t on duty.”

“I wasn’t, but technically we aren’t supposed to have personal relations with guests.”

“Technically you’re probably not supposed to give random guests access to exclusive parties like your friend Jon did, or give employee discounts to random guests like Tim did and the girls at the spa.”

“You’re right, and I have condemned them for those actions. I follow protocol and every code.”

“I didn’t ask for any of this, nor did I expect anything from anyone. It just seems that I’m the lucky gal that crossed paths with everyone and somehow I wound up in this mess. I just wanted to take a break from life for a minute and I thought I was doing that. But every time something good happens for me, something bad follows. I can have my luck at the table but apparently not with life and new relationships.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, but this was a misstep.”

“Ah, yes. A misstep.” Raven laughed venomously. “ Would you call having the security cameras feed to your personal computer a misstep too?” She glared at him with her arms crossed, belt dangling around her wrist.

“You hacked into my computer?” He raised his voice and he clenched his fists. 

“I didn’t hack into anything, it was unlocked and my phone died, I needed to check my email to see when I had to check in for work. It seems that you were too careless to close the program before you left. Trust me, I had no ill intentions at all.” She rolled her eyes and proceeded out the door, not caring about it slamming behind her.

Damian was pissed off, he had betrayed himself by sleeping with Raven, playing right into her hand instead of the other way around. If she was as smart as he thought she was, it was probably her plan all along to get into his room to access his computer. But nobody knew he had a continuous feed of the security cameras sent to his computer. 

How had everything gone so wrong? He groaned and walked to his door to lock it and remembered for the second time that he had no clothes on. He just wanted to punch something to get his frustration with the world out. He was mortified to think of how ridiculous he must have looked trying to be serious while being completely naked and a bit hard through at least half of their argument.

Part of him felt like shit for being so passive of what happened. She wasn’t wrong, he was the one to track her down and instigate the kissing. He had a code to uphold though, his job came first, it always did. And if she turned out to be the con he suspected her to be then his actions were justified and he wouldn’t feel too bad about it. But what if he was wrong...then he had been a complete asshole this whole time to everyone, especially Raven, for no reason. He didn’t know how to feel about that possibility, so he blocked that train of thought from his mind. It’s best that he doesn’t dwell on his errors. 

Unfortunately, he was back at square one and had to think of a new tactic to prove that he wasn’t unnecessarily being an asshole to Raven. Funny, his motive changed, but he decided not to acknowledge it because that would mean he actually cared about her. 

[northoftheroad]

The Robin 80th Anniversary Special

It's not a secret that I'm first and foremost a Dick Grayson fan, whether he comes dressed as Robin, Nightwing, Batman or something else. But I try to be charitable and be happy for fans of the other Robins that they got a pice of the birthday cake, i. e. the Robin 80th Anniversary Special.

For your enjoyment (?), here are my thoughts about the book. Spoilers ahead, obviously – don't like, don't read!

I honestly thought almost all of the stories were ok – but pretty forgettable. Marv Wolfman's spin on Dick leaving to become Nightwing, in "A little nudge" (art by Tom Grummett and Scott Hanna), is probably the only one I will remember and reference in the future. I don't know if or how it is supposed to fit into the (any?) continuity, but as far as I can see, it works nicely in the current setting.

Dick's parting from Robin and Bruce was successively portrayed as more and more hostile. When he originally left Robin to become Nightwing (1983–1984), the two still had a good relationship. This changed in comics to, first, that Bruce decided to retire Robin, and then to that Bruce outright fired Dick and kicked him out of the cave. This lead to that their relationship was portrayed as poor, antagonistic even, for a good many comics years.

The bad mood was picked up by Batman The Animated Series, where Dick left being resentful of Bruce and his methods.

I don't have a lot of good things to say about what has happened to the Bat-family after Flashpoint. But from what we've seen from scattered panels, Dick was the one who decided he wanted to leave Robin. You can read Marv Wolfman's story as confirmation of that. Which is nice.

Bruce is only a little bit of a jerk in this story, being utterly rigid about that Robin has to follow orders. Dick, however, chooses to stay with a kid that had been shot instead of following the criminals.

Dick has had it with Bruce's rules and leaves the cave, but he says "later" rather than "goodbye".

It's made clear that those strict rules were Bruce's way to say, "I know you've grown up, and you should move on; I'll be fine without you."

Batman # 408, where Bruce decides to retire Robin because he got scared when the Joker shot Dick, is firmly established in my mind as the "correct" leaving story in my mind. It was the only one I had read and knew of for many years, and the two still part on decent terms. But Marv Wolfman's 80th Anniversary version has a lot going for it.

On to the rest of the stories...

"Aftershocks" By Chuck Dixon, art Scott McDaniel and Rob Hunter.

Set during Cataclysm (a storyline from 1998) where Dick lived in Blüdhaven before he moved back to Gotham and became Batman. It's an action-filled story where (fingerstripe) Nightwing comes to Gotham after an earthquake has hit the city.

It's interesting to read this, living through the corona crisis that is going on right now. I don't know how it is where you live, but where I am, people are setting up networks to help people who can't go out to shop or walk the dog, University students are helping kids do their math lessons with the help of Facebook, people make masks for health workers etc. But when Chuck Dixon writes what happens after a catastrophe, Dick has to fight his way through masked thugs who are trying to rob an ambulance of "painkillers and tranks" when he tries to save a cab from falling with a damaged bridge. A woman is giving birth inside the car, and the story ends with that the mother wants to name the boy after Nightwing.

"Well...Robin works, right", he says.

"Team building" by Devin Grayson, art Dan Jurgens and Norm Rapund.

Well, I'll always soak up everything that has to do with Dick and the Titans – Teen Titans, New Teen Titans, Titans, any Titans...

Devin Grayson wrote The Titans 1999–2000, which is the setting of this story. Most of it takes place inside a H.I.V.E. locale, where an exasperated boss (Damien Darkh) chews out his soldiers after a fight with the Titans. But Darkh decides not to kill the lot of them, because they did distract the Titans while he stole a red crystal/power source. Of course, it turns out Dick is the soldier who has kept his helmet on; he takes the crystal with him and gives Darkh a bit of advice on team-building on his way out.

"Generally speaking, fear of execution isn't a great motivator. I've found basic team-building and morale-boosting to be much more effective. Like, I'm just spitballing here, but... You ever consider a pizza night?"

Well, it did keep me amused, and it shows us that Dick is a good leader and strategist, (and a great acrobat who manages to get out of the H.I.V.E. uniform with one hand, on the way out), although it isn't exactly a surprise that Dick was in the building when you get near the end.

"The Lesson Plan" by Tom King and Tim Seeley, art Mikel Janín.

Now, I do like some things about the Grayson run, but with a bit of distance, I've realized it was mostly the art. The sexualization of Dick and how King and Seely wrote him as a guy who jumps first and plans never got tiresome. This story is in-character for Grayson; Dick is accompanied by a girl (Paris) from St Hadrian's on a mission, and on the way, he remembers the lessons Batman gave him and imparts his own interpretation of them to Paris. As is Batman says, "plan everything", and Dick says "Improvise. Leap first... figure it all out on the way down." Ergo, classic King and Seeley. Also, it is possibly implied Dick made out with a beautiful girl that turned out to be gorilla in disguise...? Yep, vintage King and Seeley.

Other than that, I don't have a big problem with the story. Some things ring true to me – as when Dick remembers Batman saying, "At their core, people are cowardly and self-serving. Trust no one until you know them. And even then, never completely". And what Dick says is, "Give the benefit of the doubt until you gotta knock 'em out."

For my own peace of mind, I'm reading this as Dick is half-joking with his advice. It's not like we've never seen him make plans and be suspicious post-Flashpoint.

On a side note, one of the best characterizations of Dick Grayson to my mind is a panel from Black Mirror. When Dick explains he had injected James Gordon Jr with a subdermal tracer, and says about himself, "I am a softie. And I do try to see the best in people... but that doesn't mean I'm stupid."

Detective Comics # 881. By Scott Snyder, art Jock and Francesco Francavilla.  

"More Time" by Judd Winnick, art Dustin Nguyen.

Jason has a cute story about him repairing Thomas Wayne's watch as a present to Bruce. He started the work as a tiny Robin (too tiny, in my opinion, but with Dustin Nguyen on art it probably couldn't turn out any other way) and finished the work as Red Hood. Jason delivers the present to Bruce on his birthday, placing it on the Batmobile while it is parked in a Gotham alley.

"Extra Credit" by Adam Beechen, art Freddie E. Williams II.

Tim has an appointment with the guidance counsellor at Gotham City High School. Tim sees a future in law enforcement (that's the first I've heard of that, but I'm no expert on Tim) and he's adopted (again, something I haven't seen post-Flashpoint). But the counsellor doubts that Tim will be admitted because he has nothing to show when it comes to extracurricular activities. It's kind of a fun few pages where the counsellor suggests things that Tim could do, and Tim thinks about what he does as Robin on his spare time.

"Boy Wonders" by James Tynion IV, art Javier Fernandez.

Tim, Red Robin, is unsure what he wants to do with his life and goes to his brothers? fellow Robins? for advice.

I know emotions have been running high because Dick tells Tim that he is "demonstrably smarter" than he is, which makes it sound as if Dick is not really smart at all.

Again, for my peace of mind, I choose to read this as I want: that "big brother" Dick is encouraging, he has always thought highly of Tim, he has no ego to preserve. This doesn't make Dick a reliable narrator on the subject, and the page ends with that Tim thinks "He was the first. He's the best. He's always going to be the role model. "So, two brothers who admire each other.

Tim also talks to Jason and Tim, and the story ends with that he tells Batman he wants to start Gotham Knights protocol, the team in Detective Comics (Rebirth.) 2016-2018.

"Fitting In" by Amy Wolfram, art Damion Scott.

Stephanie, as Robin has problems because Tim's Robin suit doesn't fit her female body. But at the end of the day, Bruce gives Stephanie her own "changing room" in the Bat-cave, because she's female.

...are Bruce and Alfred idiots? Did Dick, Jason and Tim have exactly the same body type when they were Robin? Stephanie deserved a story worth being told, not this one.

"My Best Friend" by Peter J. Tomasi, art Jorge Jimenez.

Jonathan Kent writes a school essay about his best friend, Damian. As he writes the words on his laptop at home, they are illustrated with pcitures of the two as both Robin and Superboy, and as Damian and Jon in civvies. Tomasi and Jimenez worked with Super Sons (2017–2019), and though I didn't read that, I'm pretty sure this story is an extra chapter in that series.

"Bat and Mouse" by Robbie Thompson, art Ramon Villalobos.

It's not the worst story in the book, but somehow the one I disliked the most. It is part of what is going on in Teen Titans and Bat-titles right now; we see Alfred's tombstone and how Batman and Robin have a strained relationship and difficulties in communicating. I'm not keeping up with what is going on with Damian and Bruce in detail, so I really can't say whether this story is consistent with how things have been going lately. I'll let Bruce-and-Damian fans take that ball.

To be honest, my reaction to "Bat and Mouse" is probably due to that I really, really don't like what's happened in the Bat titles lately. I firmly hope that the current situation will be changed and Alfred will be alive again, and I wish I could go back and re-read this book years from now without being reminded of this very dark time when DC seemingly doesn't want any money from me for new comics...

Being who I am, I probably take it waaaaay too seriously to try to understand where/if these stories fit in the DC continuity... The writers have probably (rightly) thought more about writing a good story than making it consistent with any grand plan for a timeline for all of the DC universe. But whatever.

The Grayson story clearly happens in a post-Flashpoint universe, as does Damian's and Tim's stories. But Tim says he's adopted, which I believe has never been said outright post-Flashpoint. And Stephanie has as far as I know not been Robin in this continuity. Chuck Dixon's Nightwing story is explicitly set during Cataclysm (a storyline from 1998) where Dick lived in Blüdhaven before he moved back to Gotham and became Batman. Post-Flashpoint, he moves to Blüdhaven for the first time in Nightwing vol 4., so Dixon's story should take place in the old continuity.

On the other hand. The last pages of the book are made to look like profile overviews in the Bat-computer and use pictures from different Robin runs. If the snippets of information are supposed to be the current continuity for the Robins, a lot from the pre-Flashpoint universe is back in canon.

Shortly, Dick was adopted (that's the word they use), formed the Teen Titans, moved to Blüdhaven and was Agent 37 for a while. Blüdhaven comes before Agent 37, but it's not explicitly stated when he first moved there. Because if Dick was in Blüdhaven before his time with Spyral, it is inconsistent with parts of Rebirth Nightwing. (Which I can live with...)

Jason's story starts as the street kid who tries to steal the tires of the Batmobile, his stint as Robin was short, and today, Red Hood has formed a tenuous alliance with Batman. Tim uncovered Batman's secret and made a bid to become the new Robin – and his new moniker "Drake" is acknowledged. Stephanie was Robin for a very short while. Damian was created with genetic material that Talia stole after a romantic tryst with Bruce, and he was bred to be an assassin.

Personally, of course, I think that Dick Grayson was worth more of an effort from DC on his 80th anniversary. But on the whole, the things we got were decent, "A little nudge" gave me something I will keep with me, and several of the covers are great.

(The cover photo is still pinched from Dan Jurgens' Twitter – I haven't bought all of the variant covers.)

[sassycassie-s-writing]

Playdate

By: SassyShoulderAngel319

Fandom/Character(s): DC, BatFam - Jason Todd/Red Hood feat. the SuperSons!

Rating: PG/K+

Original Idea: I saw a fanart of Jon asking Jason if he could do the flippy thing with his guns that cowboys do.

Notes: (Masterlist)(By Character)(About Me) I love Jason so much. @jason-redhood @jason-todd-squad @welovegroot

^^^^^

Jon Kent—ten years old, Superboy, son of Lois Lane and Clark Kent.

Damian Wayne—thirteen years old, Robin, son of Talia Al Ghul and Bruce Wayne.

Jason Todd—twenty-one years old, Red Hood, so-called “Son of No One.” Also my boyfriend.

The three of them together in a room was a recipe for disaster.

For one, Jon is an absolute sweetheart with a heart made of the purest gold. Damian and Jason are brothers with major issues. If either of them get out of hand, directed towards the other, that’ll upset Jon.

For two, Jon and Damian are best friends. Somehow. I have no idea how that happened. The two of them together can be a bit of a show. If they get out of hand, Jason might lose his cool and flip out. Or shoot something. Which would be bad.

For three, Jon—for some reason—is absolutely loving Jason. Asking him all these questions about being the Red Hood and pretending to be a bad guy while actually being a good guy. If Jon gets a little too buddy-buddy with Jason, Damian is sure to get jealous and freak out.

Great idea for a playdate, huh?

^^^^^

I leaned against the doorframe to the parlor that Jason, Damian, and Jon were occupying. Jason had hidden his loaded mags and was in the process of cleaning his guns sitting on the floor next to the coffee table while Damian and Jon discussed comic books on the sofa. Damian didn’t see the point of them. Jon was explaining why they were awesome.

Grinning, I tugged my phone out of my pocket and texted Jason. Hey, I sent.

His phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it. Then looked up at me, confused.

I typed another message, sent it, and pointed at my phone, still smiling. You have your safeties on right?

He looked up from his phone and cocked an eyebrow at me like, Duh! Even though they were also unloaded.

I texted him again. Ask Jon if he likes cowboys.

That was the first time he texted me back. Why?

You’ll see.

Jason twitched his eyebrows at me and turned his attention to the boys. “Hey Jon?” Jason asked. The ten-year-old perked up and looked over.

“Yeah?” He looked curious, bright, and excited.

I still had no idea how he and Damian became such good friends.

“Do you like cowboys?” Jason continued, still cleaning the barrel of one gun.

Jon beamed. “I mean, yeah I guess. Oh. Oh! Oh! Can you do the flippy thing?”

Jason shot me a look over Jon and Damian’s shoulders, finally understanding my strange suggestion.

Jason grinned and shoved some empty clips into both of his guns for weight and balance, checked the safeties despite the fact that both clips were unloaded, and spun both guns around his fingers simultaneously with the loop of metal around the triggers. Like a cowboy in an old western movie. He caught them perfectly by the handles, almost striking a pose.

Jon gasped like someone brought a unicorn into the room and clapped. “That was so cool!” he exclaimed.

I snickered and looked back down at my phone. What was that you were saying the other day about you think you’re a bad brother?

Jason looked down at his phone, set his guns down, and texted me back. Jon is not my brother, princess.

I shrugged when he looked at me and sent him, Well, he’s Dami’s best friend so he’s basically family, right?

You’re as bad as Dick and Bruce: adopting everyone in sight.

“Are you two texting while in the same room?!” Damian demanded.

“Duh, half-pint,” Jason retorted, resuming the gun cleaning. “Don’t want you two to eavesdrop.”

“Todd, so help me! I swear to—”

“Damian,” I interrupted. “How about you show Jon the library? Dick and Tim have a collection of their old comic books in there. He might like to see them.”

Jon gasped again. “That’d be so cool! Can we?” he asked Damian.

Who sighed and got to his feet. “Yes, we may. Come along.” He got off the sofa. Jon hopped up and followed after Damian, looking a bit like an excited puppy.

Jason set his guns down and got up to follow them. He took my hand at the door and we started walking behind the two younger boys. “So what was that about? Why are you smiling like that?”

“They’re both just cute kids,” I said. “I mean, despite Damian always being a bit of a grouch, he’s still a kid who should be allowed to act like one. And I know Jon breaks down his barriers so, yeah. Anything that makes Jon laugh or smile might get a similar but smaller reaction from Damian.” I shrugged. “Also proving a point to you that you’re a great brother.”

Jason rolled his eyes dramatically. “You’re still smiling,” he said.

“Yeah. You’re actually really good with kids and it’s adorable.”

Jason rolled his eyes. “Are you implying something, darling?” he teased.

I shrugged. “Maybe just that you’re not the big, scary, intimidating crime boss everyone thinks you are,” I returned playfully.

Jason captured my shoulders in his dirty-from-cleaning hands, stopping us as Damian and Jon pulled even farther away from us. “I thought you were implying that I’d make a good dad.”

“You will make a good dad, one day. But for now, I don’t think either of us are ready for that.”

He set his forehead against mine, going cross-eyed just a little to keep looking at me. “I think you’re right. About the second part. About the first… I don’t think so.” He let me go and we went back to following the boys to the library.

Ahead, I heard Jon whooping and shouting, “WHOA!” They must have reached the library.

“Jay,” I complained, following him and taking up a seat on the sofa. “What’s got you playing a Negative Nathan today?”

“Babe, we both know, really, that I have too much of Willis in me to be a good dad.”

Huffing, I leaned all the weight of my upper body against his arm. “That’s not true. You have some of your father Willis in you. But you have more of your dad.”

“My da—oh. You mean Bruce.” He didn’t look particularly impressed as we ducked into the library.

Jon was hovering six feet in the air at the top of the bookshelf dedicated to Tim and Dick’s collection of comic books while Damian stood on the ladder next to Jon.

“Babe,” Jason continued, “I don’t want to talk about it now.”

“That’s fine. We don’t have to now,” I said. “I'm just saying, you’re good with kids. And there’s nothing more attractive to me than that.” I teasingly pinched his chin and tugged it down so I could kiss the tip of his nose.

Damian gagged. “Todd, if you and your partner must engage in displays of affection, please refrain from doing so in my presence.”

“Hey, she started it,” Jason said. I shrugged unapologetically, smiling at Damian.

Who, thankfully, didn’t mind me—in fact, he kinda liked me since I was always nice to him and occasionally bought him a new sketchbook when I noticed his old ones were all full or new pencils—so he just rolled his eyes. “Alright,” he relented.

Jon swooped over to Jason. “How come none of these are yours?” he asked, hovering a few feet off the ground so he and Jason were at the same eye-level.

Jason just looked at him for a second, deciding on what to say. “Because I took mine with me when I moved out,” he finally said. “And I didn’t have very many anyway. I was more of a classic novel reader.”

“Hmm,” Jon said. “Are those good?”

“Depends on your taste,” Jason said.

“Can you show me?”

Jason shrugged. “Sure kid,” he said. He turned around. “Hop on.”

Without hesitating, Jon latched onto Jason’s back and let him carry him through the library to some of his old favorites while Damian and I followed behind—after Damian dropped off the ladder. Damian muttered under his breath in Arabic from a few feet to my side. I tsked and looked over at him. “Don’t talk about your brother like that,” I said.

Damian stared at me in surprise. “Forgive me. I did not realize you understood Arabic,” he said.

I started laughing. “I don’t,” I said. “I just made an educated guess.”

Damian shot me a glare—but it was a softer glare than the one he usually dealt to literally everyone else except Jon and maybe Alfred when he was in the right mood. “I admire your intelligence,” he admitted, grumbling.

“Thank you, Damian,” I said.

Jason was excitedly describing Pride and Prejudice to Jon when me and Damian finally caught up to them—the library is huge. Jon was listening with rapt attention, even if he didn’t appear to be the most interested in the book, he was enjoying the way Jason was describing it while bouncing around and doing dramatic twists that caused Jon to go, “WHOA!” and squeal with laughter.

Jason noticed Damian standing next to me with his arms crossed, scowling to curdle milk.

A mischievous, brotherly smile tugged on Jason’s face.

“No. Todd! No!” Damian exclaimed, noticing the look on Jason’s face.

“Toooooooo late!” Jason retorted, snatching Damian around the waist and hoisting him up.

“UNHAND ME, TODD!” Damian snapped as Jason started spinning around the library, cackling while Jon laughed and Damian shouted. I chuckled and backed away so I wouldn’t get hit by any flying limbs.

“You’re gonna be such a good dad, one day, Jason,” I said quietly, more to myself than to him. “You might not see it now, but you will.”

[ellana-ravenwood]

“My mom is better than yours” - Batmom x Damian Wayne

Summary : The Kent family have invited your family over for dinner, and of course, as usual, Damian and Jon don’t quite...behave. 

I just wanted to write a short little cute fic with Damian and his mama because I just love the idea of Damian being super proud of his Batmom and blahblahblah maybe it’s a bit too long sorry. I hope you will like it : 

You can find my masterlist here : @ella-ravenwood-archives

_________________________________________________

Bruce thought it was extremely cute, how Damian’s eyes always seem to shine when looking at you. How his face brightens. Even how ashamed he is when you scold him when he’s too cocky, or simply being a plain brat. 

The kid thought you were just the best damn thing on this planet. 

He admired everything you did...

The Batman had to admit it, sometimes, he was a bit jealous. 

But mostly, he just thought it was really cute, to see his boy completely accepting you as his mother. Hell, he was even calling you “Mama” (damn period dramas) now !

You were the one he considered his mom (Talia actually tried to kill you a few times because of that, jealous beyond everything of you and the love “her” son seemed to have for you...She tried harder when Damian told her that she was “never his mom”, that you showed him what a real mother was, and also, when she realized how in love Bruce was with you, while she had to drug him to get him to sleep with her...Yeah, pretty jealous. You always pulled through though, mostly thanks to your boys, husband and superfriends).

Well, to be honest, he never doubted the fact that you’d get along with him. You had a special effect on people. If you really put your mind to it, you can convince anyone to do what you want, you can win anyone’s heart in a little flutter of your damn beautiful eyelashes...

When Damian first met you, he was most disagreeable, and you...grounded him. “Young man, in your room, no dessert for you tonight”, and he was so stunned that he did it, though he didn’t even listen to his father at the time, and thought he knew everything better than everyone ! He knew you only for a few minutes, and he already had more respect for you than for anyone else. 

Sometimes, Bruce suspected that you might be a meta-human, because the power you could have over people with your magnificent aura was...something. But he tested you in every way possible, and he had to admit that, you were just like him. A simple human. A simple human with incredible abilities. 

Yes. Bruce always thought it was extremely cute the way his son, your son to the both of you, almost worshipped you. 

Well, your older kids did too. Again, there was just a way about you...

You started dating Bruce when he first took young Richard Grayson in, about twelve years ago (right after Talia drugged him actually), when he was barely 8 years old and heartbroken because of his parents’ death...And though you were merely twenty, quite younger than Bruce really, you took your job as a surrogate mother for Dick very seriously. Quickly, the boy asked you if he could call you mom, if his own mother would be mad and...well, the hug you gave him was answer enough. Though he was twenty and had his own flat in Bludhaven now, Dick was still quite the momma’s boy. 

It was pretty much the same with Jason. You winked at him and told him it was pretty cool and brave to try and steal the batmobile’s wheels, and boom, you had him wrapped around your little fingers. He lived for your bedtime stories and cuddle when he had trouble sleeping. 

Tim was even easier to treat you like his mom. After only a few months he was already introducing you as his mother, and that was that. Just natural. Unlike Jason and Dick, his birth mother wasn’t exactly...the best, and you gave him a chance to have a real mom. One that would die for her son, do anything for him,  even if it meant staying up all night to sing him soothing songs while he had the flu, putting ridiculous costumes to go trick or treating with him, or, more recently, since he was now 15 (already ?!), gaming with him until you’d both pass out out of exhaustion. 

Quite like Tim, Damian never had the love of a “real” mother. How it should be. The mom taking care of her son, no matter what. Not letting him do whatever he wants, but making sure he’s happy...and so, just like his older brothers before him, he came to simply adore you. 

Once, Bruce took him up to the League’s watchtower to see you because it was your turn to watch over the World (and though he would never admit it that it was the actual reason, because he was missing you), and everyone present were shocked to see how much of a different boy he was with you. 

When with you, he was nice, unsure sometimes, but you always got words to calm his insecurities and self-doubts. When with you, he was the sweetest little twelve year old boy ever. When with you, he wasn’t bratty at all, and didn’t look down on anyone. He was himself, the boy he should have been if the League of Assassin didn’t steal his childhood. It was obvious he would protect you at all cost, and the love you had for him knew no bound. 

Yes, the relationship between you and your son was a tight one. And though it made Bruce jealous on occasions, as he had more difficulties bonding with Damian, he was sure glad that you had each others, and his heart always beat fast when he sees you two laugh together because one or the other made a stupid joke. 

Of course, most of the times, you’d include him in too. Damian was glad that his father would join (though he’d never admit it) and you...Well, Bruce was the love of your life, you always enjoyed spending time with him. And you tried everything you could for him to get along with Damian, succeeding often but...sometimes Bruce just felt like he had to leave the two of you together. 

But sometimes, he hated it too. When the both of you would create an alliance against him...and tickle him until he begged for you to stop for example (he would throw you off of him, but he was to afraid to hurt you for that). Or when you voted against him on a movie choice...Well to be honest, chances are, if you really want to watch a movie, you’ll convince everyone to watch it, even him. But yeah, it could be very frustrating how close you and Damian were, partner in crime till the end and all. 

Like today. Though it wasn’t so much frustrating as it was annoying. But he kinda expected it...As soon as you and him accepted the invite to dinner over the Kents, he knew that things wouldn’t go all smooth. 

************

You’re the one that convinced Bruce to say “yes” to Clark when he asked you guys if you wanted to come over for dinner next Friday. Because you thought it was important for your boys to get out of Gotham sometimes. You convinced Bruce to go over Metropolis, and let Batgirl and Batwoman take care of Gotham. To enjoy some family times. And hey, he could never resist you. 

Turned out though, that Dick was busy that night, he didn’t exactly told you what he was busy with, but it involved one of his friend’s twenty first birthday. 

Jason too, wasn’t available, as he promised Starfire and Arsenal to keep his free night of the week for them (you made a deal a long time ago, with all the members of your family, that at least one night a week, they’d rest). 

Tim had an important project to finish for school, and was freaking out enough for you not to force him to come. 

So much for a nice family outing...Still, you knew you were gonna enjoy that dinner in Metropolis, with your youngest and your beloved husband. 

Maybe you thought too fast...

************

Your helicopter ride from Gotham to Metropolis was fast and pleasant, as you looked down at the landscape going through, while the sun was settling down. 

You expected a car to wait for you to bring you to the Kent’s house but...Well, Kent was there himself. 

-Hey (Y/N), nice to see you ! Bruce, Damian ! 

Clark calls, with a bright smile. He kisses you on the cheek (you two feign to ignore Bruce stiffening slightly) and shakes your husband and son’s hand. 

-Hey Clark, it’s nice to see you too. Hi Jon.

You plant a kiss on Superman’s boy, and he blushes a bit. Damian glares at him...How dare he ? Yeah ok you’re the one that gave him a kiss, but...well, only him and his brothers had the right to be kissed on the cheek by you like that ! 

You looked at your son, and gave him “that look” that meant : “behave, or else...”, of course, he didn’t know what the “or else” was, but he would never risk it. You could be scary when angry (he still remembers you kicking his highly trained biological mother’s ass after he came back to life and she came back to try to take him away with her...it was frightening, the way you fought and was furious). 

You give the same look to Bruce, as you can see him already frowning, and he straighten and forces a smile for Clark. 

Superman cannot stop himself from chuckling. Oh you were one of his best friend, and he just loved the way you put the bat back in his place. Though, his smug expression annoyed you and...you gave him the look too, making his smirk fall from his face. 

The only one you didn’t glare at was Jon, who just seemed genuinely happy to be here, and was smiling widely at you. You smiled back, making Damian glare some more (while you weren’t looking at him). 

************

-Oh gosh Lois, you surpassed yourself this time ! 

You smile brightly at your host, and she smiles back, but before she can respond to your praise, you hear your boy’s voice say : 

-Tt. I think you’re a better cook mother. 

You don’t even have time to give the famous “batmom glare at your son” that Jon jumps in, standing up, pointing his fork at his “friend” : 

-Hey ! That’s enough ! You’ve been saying your mom is better than mine all night. You think you’re sly and discreet about it but I can hear you with my super hearing and there’s only so much I can take ! You shut up now !

It’s funny, how neither you nor Lois, or your respective husband, are able to utter even a word, or to say anything, because those two boys just ignore you all and oh god now they’re standing in front of each other in a fighting stance. 

-It isn’t my fault if my mom is better than yours ! 

-No she isn’t ! No one’s better than my mum ! And she’s the best cook ! 

-Oh really ? Remember when you came home last week and said it was the best meal you ever ate ? SHE cooked it because Alfred wasn’t feeling well ! 

-It was only a figure of speech ! To be nice ! 

-Right sure, doesn’t even matter, you still said it was the best, hence, my mom is the best cook ! 

Jon’s fist tighten, and Bruce and Clark are ready to intervene any minute...just if necessary though,because they’re more and more curious about how this little debate is going to end. Will their mother stop them ? Or will they let them go to see who had more arguments about which one was the best mom ? 

According to your amused smile, and Lois’ curious look, they guessed it was gonna be the latter option. Good. 

-Ok, maybe, but my mom’s smarter ! She won a pulitzer price !

-She only won one because she wrote something about your father ! It’s easy to write about something you know so well and love ! Besides, she had him there for any questions she wanted to ask ! 

Clark exchange a loving look with Lois at the fond memories of her story on him. Yes, he was definitely always there when she had a question...

-But she still won a pulitzer price ! Did you mom won a pulitzer price ? 

-No, but her books sold millions more than your mom’s ! And intelligence isn’t measured by the ability to write ! 

-Yeah well then why d’you say she sold more books if it doesn’t matter ? 

-Because it proves she’s the best ! 

-It only proves people buy her stuffs because her name is “Wayne” ! 

At  those words, you stiffen a bit, and now, Bruce and Clark are ready to stop you should you jump on Jon for his words...You hated when people attributed your success as a writer to you being married to the famous Mr. Wayne, because you were selling millions of books before you even met him ! Fortunately, your son is there to defend you : 

-Don’t talk about what you don’t know ! She was selling millions even before she even started dating my dad !  And I’m pointing it out really because she’s way more successful in the writing area than your mom, so she’s the best !

-She didn’t win a pulitzer price ! 

-Only because they said they wouldn’t give it to her because everyone would think it was because she was a Wayne ! 

-I thought she was selling millions before being a Wayne ! 

-Yeah, when she was not even twenty, they thought her writing was still too immature to earn a pulitzer, and then she got with my dad and now she can’t win one without people saying she cheated so...And besides your mom didn’t even had her own regular articles in the Daily Planet before she reached 34 !  

It was Lois’ turn to stiffen. She gave you a glance, meaning something like : “Hey, your kid’s going too far there, it’s not easy to be journalist in a place like Metropolis !”, but before you can scold your son, Jon continues : 

-It’s not because she became famous later that she’s not more worthy and a better writer than your mom ! And even if Mrs Wayne is better at that, well she’s still less smart !

-My mom has four PHD, and she got them before she was twenty one ! She’s a genius !

-...Oh yeah ? Well my mom can dance like no one ! 

-I bet she’s not as good as my mom. 

Your boys whip around to face the two of you and...Are they waiting for you guys to dance ? Oh no way Jose you’re not going to dance to settle a stupid fight. 

************

You ended up dancing. And playing chess. And attempting backflips. Oh, not forgetting the famous “best scolding mom contest”...And of course, the famous “most creative punishment you can come up with on the spot if your kid misbehave”...Your sons showered the two of you under waterfalls of compliments, and though Lois gave a good fight, you won all of the “contest” Damian and Jon created, in front of slightly lost husbands. How did that happen again ? How did they arrive here, right there right now, answering questions their sons asked like “Who would you say is the best kisser ? Hey mom, kiss Superman so he can now, and Mrs. Kent, kiss my dad, so it’s settled”...They were wondering how it happened when it seemed like it was finally the end of the “best mom war” between Damian and Jon. 

And there was a winner. 

You. 

Though you clearly didn’t care, and neither did Lois really. She already knew you were better than her at most things, but you were cheating. You were indeed a genius, who got trained by the goddamn Batman ever since she was twenty ! Of course you’d be better than her...No hard feeling though, because you had no idea you were better. Hell, you were so full of insecurities that you most often didn’t know you were better than most people you met. On the contrary, you always thought people were superior to you, no matter what your sons and husband would say. 

Lois thought it was cute, how oblivious you were. Even then, in front of your son and his friend fighting and proving you were better, you still didn’t believe it, not reacting at all. 

-HAHA ! SO IT’S DONE ! My mother is the best. 

Damian says triumphantly. Jon grumbles a weak answer, cross his arms and turn away, and even your son gotta admit that his pout is very cute and he feels just a bit guilty. Really just a bit, cause he just proved his mother was the best, as he always knew. He turns to you, smiling and...Oh, you don’t look happy. 

Why don’t you look happy ? He said so many nice things about you...In front of his unsure face, you cannot help but smile, but you don't come to him. No, you go to Jon, and turn his face to you. 

-Hey Jonny boy. 

The boy doesn’t answer, looking worriedly at his own mother. He wasn’t able to defend her against a verbal attack, what would he do if he had to defend her against actual enemies ? Actual bad guys, and not just his best friend being annoying ? You continue : 

-You know, it doesn’t matter what Damian says. Of course for him I’m going to be the best, I’m his mom. And of course Lois is the best in your eyes, she’s yours. It doesn’t matter those little games you settled. The only thing that matters, is what you feel in your heart. 

With a sigh of defeat, Jon says : 

-But you won everything. You’re the best ! 

You shake your head and gives him a gentle smile, ignoring your son’s scoff (you’ll deal with him later). You add : 

-Again, it doesn’t matter. Only your heart Jon, only your heart. What do you feel in your heart ? 

Shyly, Jon turns to you and say : 

-That my mom is the best. 

-Then your mom is the best. 

-...really ? 

-Yes. 

-As simple as that ? 

-Yes. Everything don’t have to be a fair competition with rules and such. Some things cannot be explained. Like the love from a son to a mother...

You turn to your own kid, and grab him by the arm, squeezing him in your arms. Damian’s eyes widen in surprise, and he’s too stunned to react. 

-...Or the love from a mother to a son. 

Jon now smiles widely, showing all of his teeth, and goes to hug his own mom. Of course, Lois wraps him up in a loving embrace (you can almost hear your two idiots of husbands sighing because of the cuteness of the scene, their wives holding their kids like that). 

-I love you my boy, so so so so so so much. 

You whisper in Damian’s ear. He cannot help but smile, and hugs you back, ignoring his surrounding. It’s just you and him. In each others arms. You’ll never let him go, he knows. 

-I love you too mom. More than so so so so so so much. You’re the best. Truly. 

You chuckle lowly, and finally pull away from his embrace. You turn to Jon who let go of his mom too. Yyou can feel Damian stiffens as the other boy grins at him provocatively, like “see, my mom too is the best, your mom said it herself”. 

You know you have to diffuse the bomb before it starts all over again, and you say : 

-Jon, didn’t you speak about a new fighting video games you got for your birthday, and how great you are at it ? 

Jon’s face lightens : 

-I’m the best at it ! 

Damian scoffs and says : 

-Oh yeah ? I’d like to see that ! 

-Well, you two can go play AFTER dessert ! 

Lois tells them. And they’re totally fine with this, yes, after dessert. That’s great. Just like said dessert, so good. 

**********

You sip on your coffee cup as you look tenderly at your boy and Jon playing video games in the living room. Lois is next to you and sighs : 

-Oh they’re so cute. 

-Yes Lois, yes they are...But my son’s cuter. 

She snaps her gaze on you, but cannot help but laugh at your mischievous smile and wink. Oh you. She was glad you were amongst her friends. 

Unknowing to the both of you, your husband were staring at you, love and awe in their eyes, a stupid smile on their faces. They finally snapped out of their confused haze as to what was happening (took them long enough, so long in fact, that you didn’t even hear their voice of the entire evening), and were looking over their son with pride that they defended their mother so fiercely...Clark, with a content sigh, says : 

-Damn I love her. She’s just so awesome. 

-Yes,Lois is great but...(Y/N)’s so much better. And you know it. Everyone does. Even your kid. And I love her more than you love Lois. No questions about that.

FIN.

[gokinjeespot]

off the rack #1189

Monday, November 20, 2017

 Ottawa ComicCon put on a special edition Holiday con this past weekend so I went to check it out because it was FREE admission. Still had to pay $8 to park at the EY Centre though. The main reason I went was to pick up the book D&D&D (D)ungeons & (D)ragons & (D)oodles The Tabletop Fantasy Art of Tom Fowler since Tom was there. Much to my surprise Craig Taillefer was sitting next to him on one side and Ronn Sutton was on the other. I spent a happy half hour geeking out and swapping stories with them. After Tom signed my copy and generously drew a sketch inside I walked around the venue checking out the booths. It's been years since I've attended a con and I was impressed by some of the set-ups. Still, the comic vendors looked like the ones that sold stuff 30 years ago. Same tables of long boxes and makeshift walls for the wall books. I saw a lot of old Snail customers that I haven't seen in years. Some I recognized and some that I didn't. They all knew me though. The reaction of some folks was "what is he doing here?" looks that made me grin. I ended my sojourn hanging out with my Jee-Riz partner Chris as he helped at a friends booth. I can't say that I'll go to another con but I'm glad I went to this one.

 Action Comics #991 - Dan Jurgens (writer & breakdown art) Viktor Bogdanovic (pencils) Viktor Bogdanovic, Trevor Scott & Scott Hanna (inks) Mike Spicer (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). "The Oz Effect" concludes with the question of whether Mr. Oz was Jor-El or not left unanswered. Throw in a mysterious super powerful villain and it's more than enough to keep me reading. I liked Viktor's slimmer Superman. He looks more natural than the muscle bound version that Nick Bradshaw & Brad Anderson drew for the cover.

 Runaways #3 - Rainbow Rowell (writer) Kris Anka (art) Matthew Wilson (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). It's time to catch up with Karolina Dean as Gert tries to get the team back together again. Karolina used to be one hot mess but she's a lot better now thanks to therapy.  I am really looking forward to next issue when the gang goes to find Molly, my favourite Runaway.

 Wildstorm: Michael Cray #2 - Bryan Hill (writer) N. Steven Harris (pencils) Dexter Vines (inks) Dearbhla Kelly (colours) Simon Bowland (letters). Michael's first assignment is to kill Oliver Queen. Yep, that Oliver Queen, the Green Arrow guy. His next assignment is to target another well known name. These characters are bad guys in the Wildstorm universe and I think that's cool.

 Spider-Man Deadpool #23 - Robbie Thompson (writer) Chris Bachalo (pencils) Tim Townsend, Al Vey & Richard Friend (inks) Chris Bachalo (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). Spider-Man tries to arrest Deadpool and mindless mayhem ensues. So a typical issue of Spider-Man Deadpool. But wait, what's with this lovely art that looks like the old Doctor Strange comic book? Why yes, it's Chris Bachalo. I am so happy and will be ogling the rest of "Arms Race" with glee.

 Star Wars #38 - Kieron Gillen (writer) Salvador Larroca (art) Guru-eFX (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). "The Ashes of Jedha" starts here. We've got Luke, Leia and Han trying to contact fighters against the Empire on the planet Jedha. That's where the Empire wants to strip mine the planet's Kyber crystals. The partisans appear to not want to play nice though. We'll see how the gang gets out of this fine mess.

 Not Brand Echh #14 - It was difficult finding every issue of the 13 issue run of the original series on the spinner racks back in the late sixties but I bought and read every one that I could. This title made fun of my favourite Marvel comic books back then and this latest issue doesn't spare the House of (sometimes bad) Ideas. It got a couple of genuine chuckles out of me so that's about $2.50 Canadian per chuckle. Here are the comedy sketches and their creative teams. Secret Empire Abridged: Nick Spencer (writer) Scott Koblish (art) Nick Filardi (colours). Better Than Canon: Katie Cook (writer& art). Gwenpool Absorbs the Marvel Universe: Christopher Hastings (writer) Gurihiru (art). Marvel Behind the Scenes: Nick Kocher (writer) Brian Churilla (art) Chris O'Halloran (colours). Love Can Be Nuts: Ryan North (writer) Erica Henderson (art). The Not Next Issue Page: Chip Zdarsky (writer & art). Forbush Man Returns parts 1 to 4: Jay Fosgitt (writer & art). The whole issue was lettered by VC's Clayton Cowles (letters).

 Batman #35 - Tom King (writer) Joelle Jones (art) Jordie Bellaire (colours) Clayton Cowles (letters). "Rules of Engagement" concludes with a terrific sword fight between Catwoman/Selina and Talia, Batman's ex. The verbal repartee was great and just as great was the one between Damian and Dick. My question is "where the heck did Holly come from?". I hope that this family adventure theme continues because I really like having Selina, Damian, Dick and Alfred around.

 Maestros #2 - Steve Skroce (writer & art) Dave Stewart (colours) Fonografiks (letters). This is a beautifully illustrated Game of Thrones and Wands with wizard warriors plotting against each other. There's a rekindled romance and a shocking twist that makes reading the next issue a must.

 Champions #14 - Mark Waid (writer) Humberto Ramos (pencils) Victor Olazaba (inks) Edgar Delgado (colours) VC's Clayton Cowles (letters). Worlds Collide part 4. He's no Blue Fairy but the High Evolutionary pulls a Pinocchio on Viv Vision and all seems lost. The heroes fight through but there's still a ways to go to prevent total destruction. We'll find out what happens when Avengers #674 hits the racks on December 6.

 Aquaman #30 - Dan Abnett (writer) Stjepan Sejic (art & colours) Steve Wands (letters). Atlantis Uprising. The revolution starts here. Orin joins the rebel forces and King Rath becomes more unhinged. Meanwhile, Mera is in deep water. I am enjoying this book again. You should give it a try.

 Mech Cadet Yu #4 - Greg Pak (writer) Takeshi Miyazawa (art) Triona Farrell (colours) Simon Bowland (letters). It's all-out action as the four cadets and their robos fight against giant alien crabs and orders from their superiors. The General is not pleased. Let's see what happens to keep them in their mechs and not get kicked out of the program.

 Deadpool vs. Old Man Logan #2 - Declan Shalvey (writer) Mike Henderson (art) Lee Loughridge (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). This issue tells us why the two heroes are teaming up. Makes sense. I like these straightforward good guys versus bad guy stories with witty repartee that don't tax the brain pan too much.

 Superman #35 - Patrick Gleason & Peter J. Tomasi (writers) Travis Moore, Stephen Segovia & Art Thibert (art) Danei Ribeiro (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). Hey, I thought Lex's armour was mostly green. The battle for the throne of Apokalips continues with Lois and Jon's lives still hanging in the balance. I still think that Lex will save the day in the end.

 American Gods #9 - Neil Gaiman (writer) P. Craig Russell (script & layouts) Scott Hampton (art & colours) Rick Parker (letters). This is like reading the novel again but better. The art enhances the story so much.

 Defenders #7 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) David Marquez (art) Justin Ponsor & Paul Mounts (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). This is the funniest comic book on the racks for the week. Yes even funnier than Not Brand Echh #14. Brian has a great sense of humour. I'm wondering now if all the great artists that he works with are also going to work for DC. That would be ideal for me because he really clicks with David Marquez and Sara Pichelli. The five page fight scene between Elektra and Iron Fist is the best I've ever seen. Just as good as watching Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon.

 Wonder Woman Conan #3 - Gail Simone (writer) Aaron Lopresti (pencils) Matt Ryan (inks) Wendy Broome (colours) Saida Temofonte (letters). Some sorcery is added to the swords this issue.

 Mighty Thor #701 - Jason Aaron (writer) James Harren (art) Dave Stewart (colours) VC's Joe Sabino (letters). I must have missed Mangog's origin story back when Jack Kirby first drew him but Jason recaps it very well here. Mangog isn't the only long unseen character to pop up. The Odinson's best buddy reappears too. This issue is one awesome battle. The visuals are so striking I could feel each punch. What a great fill-in by James Harren.

 Super Sons #10 - Peter J. Tomasi (writer) Jose Luis (art) Scott Hanna (inks) Hi-Fi (colours) Rob Leigh (letters). I like the contrast between Jon's youthful enthusiasm and Damian's grim cynicism. The three year age gap feels like decades but each one is subtly influencing the other. This issue sets it up so that the two lads will be spending even more time together learning how to be heroes. This is one of my favourite comic books on the racks right now.

 Amazing Spider-Man #791 - Dan Slott (writer) Stuart Immonen (pencils) Wade von Grawbadger (inks) Rain Beredo (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). I am enjoying this point in Peter Parker's life where things are going well for him. His relationship with Mockingbird is sweet and chaste. His new job is challenging. The super heroics aren't too over the top and he comes out a winner this issue. I know the good times won't last but I will feel good while it does. My fanboy crush on Bobbi Morse is even bigger now because of the way Stuart and Wade draw her. Sigh.

 Incredible Hulk #710 - Greg Pak (writer) Greg Land (pencils) Jay Leisten (inks) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Return to Planet Hulk part 2. Hulk has to survive a gauntlet to save lives and he smashes admirably. It looks like next issue swipes scenes from the Thor Ragnarok movie. I am looking forward to that guest appearance.

 Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #297 - Chip Zdarsky (writer) Adam Kubert with Juan Frigeri (art) Jason Keith (colours) VC's Travis Lanham (letters). Totally different Peter Parker. Totally different life from Amazing. The two titles aren't even trying for continuity and that's okay. I just want to read a good story and this one where Peter and Spider-Man are being pursued by the authorities is a good one. Throw in recent revelations involving Jonah Jameson and this fan is anxious to see what happens next. According to the next issue tease T'Challa will come calling.

 Star Wars: Darth Vader #8 - Charles Soule (writer) Giuseppe Camuncoli (pencils) Daniele Orlandini (inks) David Curiel (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). We are witness to some Jedi rage this issue along with finding out what the stakes are for the good guys. Wondering what Vader is going to do keeps me coming back.

 Weapon X #11- Greg Pak & Fred Van Lente (writers) Marc Borstel & Ibraim Roberson (art) Frank D'Armata (colours) VC's Joe Caramagna (letters). The Hunt for Weapon H concludes. Will Hulkverine be a good guy or a bad guy? The jury is still out on that. I like this team and am enjoying their adventures so far.

 Spider-Men II #4 - Brian Michael Bendis (writer) Sara Pichelli (art) Elisabetta D'Amico (inking assistant) Justin Ponsor (colours) VC's Cory Petit (letters). Miles's search for his evil twin takes a terrible turn but he's got the Amazing Spider-Man helping out now. The two webslingers should be able to figure things out but you never know.

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