#and that he understands why dick doesn’t consider Gotham a home regardless

[frogaroundandfindout]

Dick: Look. I know why you’re here. You don’t want Bludhaven’s problems spreading into your precious Gotham. And you don’t trust me to contain this. But the Haven is my personal crusade. Just like Gotham is yours. And I’ve been doing all right so far.

Bruce: I never means to intrude. I’m surprised to hear you talk about Gotham that way.

Dick: it’s not my hometown. I was born in a trailer by the big top. I never really had a hometown. Until now.

Bruce: I didn’t know you felt like that. But I understand. Well. That’s it then.

Dick: Damn.

Nightwing Vol.2. #14

[chronicbatfictioner]

Exchanges and Compromises - Chapter 13

"Grayson? Are you awake?" the tiny little voice was unmistakably scared. The Court has trained Dick more than enough to recognize fear in a human being, and complimented on his natural ability to read people. If asked, he would say that children would be the easiest to read.

Except for Damian.

According to Jason, Damian has been trained by his mother and grandfather, and a plethora of trainers, to eventually take the mantle of the Demon Head from Ra's Al Ghul. His trainers, including Jason, have joked that it might take a while; because Ra's was believed to be an immortal. He has the magic fountain of youth called the Lazarus Pit that could even revive the dead and has been using it in the past 300+ years. Or so the lore said.

Behind Damian's back, Jason has also told them that both Ra's and Talia were decapitated and their heads were missing. The Lazarus Pit might be able to revive the dead, except it required the important organs of the body to be intact; e.g. head, heart, lungs, etc. Dick reckoned that the heads were removed exactly to prevent the use of the Lazarus Pit.

"You need something, buddy?" Dick replied.

"Not at the moment, thank you," Damian replied, taking a seat next to Dick's station next to the door. "I can't sleep." he admitted.

"Nervous for tomorrow?"

Tomorrow they were going to the Wayne Manor, through a convoluted route that Tim has come up in order to avoid detection by anyone who might want Damian to a. not meet his father or b. kill him to take full control of the League of Assassin. Yeah, neither scenario appealed to Dick, but the little voice in his head said that scenario b might be preferable than scenario a.

Dick never understood men who denied their children of their presence. He remembered his dad, a poor circus performer, who would even give small shows for kids who couldn't afford to watch the aerials - walking on his hands, random somersaults, teaching them how to somersault. He remembered Tim's crestfallen face when he couldn't go and watch Dick perform that day - albeit it turned out to be a little more beneficial for Tim in the long run. He remembered his dad telling him that "whatever little things you show those kids now would make them feel that they are loved and cared for, even if they don't have money. And they'll remember you forever."

"I do not understand nervousness," Damian replied plaintively.

"No, but your brain is giving you signals that make you anxious, you know? Like, you're wondering what's gonna happen tomorrow, and a thousand of scenarios would run to your head. That's... the chemical imbalance is called 'nervousness', I think." Dick explained. Jason has also warned him that Damian hated being treated like a child. Jason has been the only person other than his mother or grandfather who was 'allowed' to discipline him and tell him 'no'.

Still, adult body language and attitude notwithstanding, Dick could see and recognize the child Damian still was.

"Soo... when I couldn't sleep, my mother used to read to me. I mean, obviously I could read on my own by then. But there's just something... I dunno, maybe my subconsciousness just calmed down at the thought that she was there with me. Whatever would happen tomorrow, she would be there, too, to proverbially catch me when I fall, you know?

"I know it's... hard, that... you know that your mother is gone and all. But the thing is - like Tim has told Jason, whatever will happen tomorrow with your biological father, you'll still have a home with us." Dick said, eyeing Damian sideways to check if he was offended or not.

"I have a home with the League of Assassins," Damian stated haughtily. "Jason has informed me that there is a difference between underlings and friends. I gather what you are saying is that I shall have you as friends - as contemporaries - rather than an underling, as you all seem to revere to this Oracle person."

"See, Oracle is not really our... supervisor. Oracle is a really good friend who believes that we all could be good and showed us how. I..." Dick hesitated as he was about to say 'she' to designate Oracle. "When Bane killed off the Court of Owls and almost all of the Talons, I was lost. But then I remembered this person. Through the years of my training, this person had somehow remained in my memory. And the first time we've met was literally a few hours before it turned to be the worst day of my life, the day when my parents' were murdered. Before that, I was playing outside, performing tricks for the kids who couldn't get in the aerial shows. Oracle was there and told me that I was a 'good person' after I was done. I don't know how or why, but it stuck with me.

"I am a Talon, I am trained to kill those who hurt Gotham City. I have done so many despicable things that... I dunno, common people might simply see me as... as a vile person. A criminal psychopath. But not Oracle. Oracle and Tim opened their doors, asked me to join them to help them make Gotham better for the common people. Because they believed I'm a good man. I've been here for barely three months, and I'm enjoying myself. Sure, the fights were harder and viler than when I was Talon - especially since the criminals now seemed to have superpowers and no longer fear the sight of a Talon. But I do it because I know they count on me to make it work. And because I know that whatever will happen, I'm not alone. I won't be hiding in a nest somewhere alone, tending to my own wounds. I won't have to wonder where I'll get my next meal from, or if I'll have a warm place to hide in..."

Dick was really just rambling because it has been a long time since anyone would listen without judging or being wary of what his intentions were. But then he felt a weight on his side and looked. Damian was leaning on him, eyes closed. He twitched a little when Dick quieted down.

So Dick continued, "It's been a while... a good long while since anybody listened to me and not take my opinion as being counted. As a Talon, I was to do as told. The 'how' would be the only thing in my discretion. The who, where, and when, were all decided. The 'why' should never be asked. Here, my opinion counts - except on wearables. I don't know why.

"Therefore, Damian. Oracle is not the 'leader' of us. I'd rather see Oracle as our pillar of support. I know a lot of the Oracle to consider... them--"

"Her," Jason's voice suddenly corrected him. "We know she's a female, Dick. Don't worry. We're not interested in figuring out who she is, yet." he smirked. "Subliminal marketing, much?"

Dick chuckled. "More like a bedtime story for the real-life assassin-slash-heir youngster," he replied. "How long have you known?"

"Pretty much the first fifteen minutes after her projection showed up. Her reactions of yours and Tim's antics were kind of like--" Jason paused and swallowed. "Talia's when we did the same..."

"You cared for her," Dick concluded.

"She took me off the streets and give me a home and purpose. So yeah, I cared." Jason replied. "So how did Oracle became your personal muse?"

"She has... uhh... distinctive features that caught my eyes then, I guess. Can you imagine that? I was like, ten years old." Dick grinned. "Puberty pre-kicking, I guess. But I'd picked the right person, I think. Most of the Talons forgot who they were after the training. I still remember that I'm Dick Grayson, son of John and Mary; once one of the best family of aerialists in the world." he said. "Was it anything like that in the League's training? Do they want you to forget who you were?"

Jason snorted. "No, if anything, they want you to remember and remember how bad it could get if you're not there."

"Was it that bad for you?"

Jason shrugged. "I'd probably end up as a hooker by the end of that week if Talia didn't get me outta Crime Alley." he replied. "that, or dead, or jailed. Whichever got to me first."

"Oookay..." Dick looked at Damian, who was fast asleep. "Think he'll wake up if I move him?"

"Naah, I'll move him." Jason offered and picked up Damian easily. Damian stirred a little but settled his head on Jason's shoulder. "Thanks. I got the feeling that if this daddy stuff doesn't work out, he'll be adopting you," he added.

Dick snorted a soft laugh. "Yeah right..."

But regardless, he did spend the rest of the night wondering if Bruce Wayne would rise to the occasion, or sink to his playboy reputation. Even the Court never bothered to pay him much attention, largely due to his larger-than-life obnoxiousness. He wondered if Damian would indeed be better remaining there, at the Birds of Prey's lair.

His last thought before succumbing to sleep was, at least there's Jason, who seemed to be the voice of reason for Damian...

[edyacouky]

Journey to the Past (3/10)

Ok, this chapter was so long to write (my holiday without internet, going back to work etc.) Plus, the way it was wrote at first (Just Jay's point of view like the previous one) just didn't feel right while I was writting and rereading it. So I have to change so I can be proud of it. (;・・;)

I really hope you will like it. Again, english isn't my first language and I don't have beta, so if you see some mistake please tell me so I can progress. Enjoy and have a nice day everyone! (*＾∀゜)

Can be read on AO3

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                                                          ~*~

Roy never believes he was born lucky. After all, before he was twelve years old, he lost two dads and suddenly become the heir of King Queen.

If not have to worry about what to eat or where to sleep was a good thing, he can’t say he loved being a Prince with all the hypocrisy and the rudeness of the rules of the Court.

It was a lonely life he was living then. Sometimes he meets other kids who understand it. Like Duke Richard, pupil of King Wayne. He tried stay in touch with all of them despite being unable to seeing them regularly, because there is comfort knowing he is not alone.

All this precious letters were put in a box on the workshop that Oliver let him have regardless of what the Court had say about that.

Fortunately, Oliver wasn’t interested in making him a perfect heir and let him do his inventions in peace. He understood that Roy found happiness and freedom with his creation.

But he tried to found them also on alcohol and drugs.

                                                         ~*~

At fifteen years old, his addiction couldn’t be keeping secret anymore and awkwardly Oliver decided to move Roy away, make him leave the Capital. He wanted to protect him but Roy taken that as abandonment. His addiction problem becomes worst; he started a relationship with an assistant ambassador, Jade Nguyen.

Even at his worst, Roy wasn’t stupid. He knew that, despite her young age, Jade used her position to gain some information for her country. But Roy knew nothing anymore, and he fell hard for her, and in her own way, Jade fell for him too.

So when suddenly Jade realized that she was pregnant, they didn’t know what to do.

They were only eighteen years old, Jade can’t have child with her job, and Roy can’t be a father if his addiction rule his life.

They tried to find a place where Jade could have an abortion. But it was illegal in both of their country and the only place they found did the operation on the kitchen with a coat hanger.

“I will beg Ollie, Roy said after they cried desperate, I will go to rehab, and take care of the child.

-What?

-I’m not stupid, Jade. I know why your job doesn’t want you to have kid.”

Jade cried silently. She was more a weapon than a person for her country. And they will see her child the same way.

When Ollie learned about Roy’s situation he was relieved that Roy found a reason to go to rehab as much that Jade will not stay in the picture.

Too bad Roy had chosen a girl from the West with a possible war between Gotham and 'Eth Alth'eban at the verge.

With the different alliances, if this two countries start a war that would start a World war.

And if that happen and the child looks too much like their mother, Roy and his kid could be perceived as enemy.

Sometimes, as night when Ollie couldn’t sleep, he hoped that Jade’s pregnancy will not end well for the child, but Roy will end clean.

                                                         ~*~

Nine months later, a little girl born in good health.

Jade insists that she was called Lian even if she won’t see her again anymore. Despite Oliver’s warnings, Roy accepted easily.

During three years, Roy really tried to be thankful for the second chance Ollie gives to him. But each day, he has to deal with the hate and the disregard toward his daughter. It wasn’t only the Council or the Court but also the common folk. It was impossible for his daughter to find any ally among this stupid terrified people.

                                                         ~*~

Like everyone, suddenly his life takes a turn away with Joker’s attack.

King Queen, Duchess Lance, and he went to the meeting.

Roy still remembers the hope he felt when he saw that the King Wayne sound like a reasonable man, when he heard the little heir, Prince Jason, said his speech. For a moment, Roy truly thought that future will be better.

Roy still remembers the craziness in the eyes of the assailants, of the blood’s odor, of the people he didn’t save, of the fear to never see Lian anymore. For a moment, Roy truly thought he was in hell.

But, ironically, the worst was yet to come.

When they learned the news of the attack, the people of Star City decide to take that as a sign that the war has begun.

At his return, Roy discovered with horror that the Court force Lian’s nurse to leave the Palace to the street of the Capital with his daughter.

Even with Ollie’s rage about what has been done to his great daughter, and the punishment he decided, Roy couldn’t feel safe anymore in Star City and leave at night without a word.

At first, he went to Gotham, he was hoping Duke Richard could help him, and he even foolish hoped that he could persuade the King to not enter in war against 'Eth Alth'eban.

But the Council was as hostile to Lian as the Ollie’s Court was, and the only thing that interested the King was Roy memories about the day of Joker’s attack.

Bruce forced him each day to talk about the horrific day for hours. And if Roy was hoped that Dick would preserve him from his father’s insistence, but he was worst.

While Bruce didn’t say out loud that he blame Roy for leaving Prince Jason alone, Dick keep telling him it was his fault every time Roy didn’t tell him what he wanted to hear.

Eventually, Roy was too tired because of them and afraid of what will happen to his daughter when the war will begin. So despite having no plan, he left as suddenly as he left Star City.

He didn’t know how he could raise his daughter without a home. And if the situation wasn’t precarious enough, during his leaving, he meets another kid, older than Lian. His name was Colin and Roy saved him when some people tried to force him to go with them.

Roy never believes he was born lucky. And the next years prove him right.

                                                         ~*~

A few months after his leaving, strangely a few days after the wedding of the King Wayne and an officer of his army, Selina Kyle, Gotham and 'Eth Alth'eban start a Cold War.

The little family couldn’t stay too long in one place, no matter how hard Roy was working. Lian wasn’t accepted in East countries and Roy and Colin weren’t in West countries.

While roaming, one day, they found in 'Eth Alth'eban a cottage. Not any cottage. But a cottage construct for the King Wayne probable when he was in relationship with Princess al Ghul.

Which mean they found jewelry, clothes and others things that were worth a little fortune.

Roy resold everything he could as discreetly as he can, but he knew that he couldn’t go to the market without bring too much attention on himself or the children. So, they decided to do a little vegetable garden.

Colin and Lian loved take care of it. Sometimes when seeing them laugh together covered by dirt, Roy almost forget that this situation couldn’t last long. One day or another they will have to leave. Lian and Colin need to go to school, they need access easily to medical care, and Roy need a job to be sure they will never go to sleep with an empty stomach ever again.

                                                         ~*~

When he heard noise coming from one of the corridor, he panicked.

It’s been a while since he went sold anything to the market, but maybe some thieves or worse find them.

“Go hide. Now.” Roy ordered to his children

Colin obeyed immediately, taking Lian in his arm and went in a closet.

Roy took his bow and arrows ready to fight.

He didn’t know what he was expected but by no means it was a man younger than himself accompanied by a little kid.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?”

He aimed an arrow in their direction.

The young man immediately put himself in front of the kid, forgetting the sheet that fall and the King’s painting that is revealed.

Suddenly Roy forgets how to breathe.

The young man’s face … The last time he saw someone looking so much like that, it was during Joker’s attack.

He still remembers the expression of terror on Prince Jason when he falls. But even if he didn’t, the portrait of the Lost Prince beside the King Wayne would persuade him about the similarity.

The same smart green-blue eyes. The same pointy nose. The same pouty lips. The same untamable curly hair.

This man has clearly the face of his friend’s lost brother. The face of a ghost. A ghost a King is ready to give an important reward to anyone who will bring him back.

Money and gratitude that Roy and his children desperately need.

No.

No. It was not only stupid, but an awful thing to do to the Waynes, who helped him and still mourn an important member of their family. Roy couldn’t do that to them.

But still, Roy couldn’t help but looking the stranger up and down with a clear interest.

                                                         ~*~

Jay knows that he isn’t too bad looking. Some Talia’s servants have wanted to court him before. Of course, they were interested to being closer to the royal family via Jay, but the way they looked at him prove that they have considered any physical contact with him as a nice bonus.

Never of them was granted permission from Talia, sometimes for Jay’s relief, sometimes for his disappointment.

Still, Jay knows how he looks, and he understands immediately, that this man will want something from him.

So when the redhead man lowers his bow to offer his hand with a big friendly smile, even so neither Jay nor Damian answer his question, Jay is not reassured.

“Hi, I’m Roy.”

Still on guard, Jay accepts his hand.

“I’m Jay. This is my brother Dami.

-Sorry for the welcome. The said Roy said without let Jay’s hand go. I have kids myself here. I wanted make sure you weren’t some kind of dangerous maniac.

-Tt. Don’t see how we prove that. Damian grumbles hated the fact that he is underestimated

-Your brother is cute.”

Jay bite his lips to hide his smile while he tries to hold an angry Damian furiously red and ready to put his knife in this stupid red haired man

“Can I have my hand back now?

-What? Oh! Yes. Of course. Sorry.”

Once his hand drops, Jay looks around distrustful.

“So … Where are the famous kids?

-Come with me, we were ready to eat when you appear. You can join us if you want.”

Making sure that Roy stays in front of them, Jay and Damian suspicious follow him.

“You two are really brother? Roy ask

-Different mothers.” Jay answer easily in the same time Damian said to Roy it wasn’t his business

Curiously, Roy looks disappointed but don’t seem doubt his response.

They arrive to the living room where old mattress and sheet were on the ground around a barrel. Obviously the place where the family, if this Roy didn’t lie about the kids, stay together at night in case of an attack.

“Stay here. Roy said

-Why should we listen to him? Damian growl spiteful

-Because we need to rest and eat before continue our trip.

-Tt. We don’t need him for that. We have our weapon, we could kill him.

-I don’t want to kill someone unnecessarily. Especially, if he is really just a dad.

-It wouldn’t be unnecessarily. We should eliminate him sooner or later. He is a troublesome witness.

-And the kids? You want kill them too?

-If we have too.

-No.

-Tt! Mom is right, you are too soft!

-Guys?”

Jay and Damian look at Roy who is now accompanied by two kids. One boy as old as Damian and one girl younger than them.

“Everything is alright?

-Yes.” Jay answer looking pointy at Damian who silently admit his defeat

Damian may be young, but he realizes how dangerous it would be to show division in front of these strangers.

“Well, Colin, Lian, this is Jay and his little brother Dami. They will eat with us today.”

If Lian accept with pleasure this new friends that will break their isolated and boring lives, Colin looks at them wondering if it is fish, flesh, or fowl.

                                                         ~*~

As an unexpected turnaround, neither Jay nor Damian would have believed when they leave Azraq Palace, they sit together to eat vegetables on soup.

“Are you two really alone? Colin ask still unsure about them

-Not your business.

-My …! Jason bites his lips when he almost calls Damian Prince. Dami, please.

-It is not their business. Damian persist

-We are alone. Jay answer

-Why are you here?

-Not your …

-Our village was destroyed.

-Tt.

-Damn! Roy said seeming to believe them. What happen?”

This time Damian didn’t even want to say anything. He just grumbles looking like all this situation is Jason’s fault.

“With the war, we are lucky it didn’t happen sooner.

-Oh. Must have been awful.

-Dami and I survived. That’s all that matter.”

Damian sorrowfully think of his mother who may be dead. Killed by his grandfather, and he still doesn’t understand why.

A little voice inside his head keeps whispering he must be because of him. After all, he is not a bastard whose father is his grandfather’s enemy.

But the Cold war only start since four years and Damian is ten years old.

Neither of this previous hours make sense for him.

                                                         ~*~

Roy seeing the miserable expression of the little kid decide that it’s enough with the question.

“Anyway, if you want sleep here with us tonight, you are welcome.

-Thank y…”

Lian suddenly cough surprising everyone. What seemed benign at first, soon became worrying.

More she coughs, more she worries about breath, more she cries making her breathing more difficult.

“Everything is fine Pumpkins. Roy tries to reassure her hugging her. Just breathes Baby girl. Everything is fine.”

Colin takes Lian’s hand and smiles to her. Jay and Dami looks lost and helpless.

Roy don’t blame them. He is himself helpless.

It’s been a few days now that Lian has terrifying coughing fit. None of West doctor want Roy’s money and none of East doctor want to help a folk of the West. The only who did were charlatan who give him some scented water.

Roy is not doctor, he has no diagnostic, no treatment to give to his daughter to help her.

And each day becomes worse than the previous one.

Slowly but surely, while he hugs desperately his daughter, the thoughts he had when he first saw Jay come back.

He really didn’t want to hurt Bruce and Dick by given false hope about their lost one.

But he is so angry for so many years about how the world think of his daughter, of his family. All of that happen because of the war between Gotham and 'Eth Alth'eban. That’s never of the country has the nerve to actually send soldiers doesn’t mean that they didn’t start a Word war.

After all, seeing things like this, the King Wayne owe him. He owe his children.

King Wayne loves lost kids anyway, even if he realizes Jay isn’t his Lost Prince, he will probably want to take care of him and his brother. Probably.

                                                         ~*~

When Lian finally feels better, and they finish eating, Roy screws up one’s courage and ask Jay:

“Do you mind talking with me without the kids?”

Jay is grateful by Roy’s subtlety and that he want his price away from the children. But he doesn’t mean that he want to do it.

He tries to stay relax while he nods.

“Stay safe.” He tells to Damian hoping that he will understand that he shouldn’t hesitate to run away or fight without Jay if necessary

Damian doesn’t sound happy to have to stay with the other kids but doesn’t try to persuade Jay to stay with him.

Shockingly, Roy didn’t try to search Damian and Jason or order them to put their weapons away. In fact, he seems to want Jay and Damian feel comfortable with them. And Jay feels comfortable with his weapon on him while he follows Roy away from the heat and light of the fire.

Jay still doesn’t have decided if he should let Roy have his way with him. On the one hand, Roy gives them food even if it was obvious that his children and he need it more than Damian and Jay, and have a hidden place to sleep would be good for them when they will have to continue their flight to Gotham. On the other hand, Jay is not a prostitute and say yes to one thing may be constraining him to many other things.

More Jay thinks about that more he is convinced that he should prove to Roy that he will not have his way with him and couldn’t make them leave.

As Jay takes his weapon ready to fight, Roy ask:

“Do you know who they are?”

They’re in front of the painting Jay wanted to show to Damian.

“This is the King Bruce and the Dead Prince. Jay answer ignoring a new headache

-The Lost Prince. Roy contradicts with a seller smile. The King still search for him.

-It's time for a reason. It’s been what? Three, four years?

-Don’t see why? You look a lot like him.

-I knew my parents. Jay lied. I’m not the Dead Prince.

-Maybe not but you could easily fool anyone.”

Jay frowns at these words and keep the silence before he finally truly understands what Roy means by that.

“You want to use me for the reward. It was for that you were looking me so deeply earlier.

-Oh, I won’t have said I was looking you deeply but … Roy tries to defend himself blushing ferociously

-What’s your plan? Jay asks realized that it could be a chance for Damian and him to go discreetly to Gotham. We go to Gotham, you leave with the reward and a few weeks later my brother and I are at best exiled, if not killed, for make fun of the Royal Family?

-The King will not kill you.

-I will if I was him.

-He won’t. And if they made a mistake it’s on them after all.

-Sure, because rich and powerful people love admit they are wrong. And even if they don’t kill us, the end is the same. You disappear with the reward and my brother and I gain nothing.”

True is if Jay can’t convince the King that Damian is his son, he can prove that Damian is Talia’s son. So they will keep them, at least as political prisoner in relative luxury. So the reward doesn’t mean anything for him, but it will be weird if he doesn’t argue with Roy about that.

“Well, I’m not against give you 2/5 of the reward …

-Only 2/5? You’re kidding me I hope.

-No. I have two children. You only have your brother.

-I know how much the reward is. The half will be more than enough for you three.

-Doesn’t change the fact that I have one person more than you to feed.

-Doesn’t change that it will be my brother and I who have to deal with the Royal Family’s anger when they will realize I am not the Dead Prince.

-The Lost Prince. If we agree in that you really need to change the way you call the Prince.

-So we say 50/50?”

Roy pouts. This man, older than Jay, Roy looks like he is twenty-four years old, truly pouts.

Jay doesn’t really understand how he could have thought this Roy as a menace.

“Ok, fine! Roy finally accepts giving his hand to Jay. Sleep well. Tomorrow we leave for Star City.

-Wait a minute. What?” Jay exclaims holding Roy’s hand

Going to Star City make them a not negligible detour.

“We can’t go to Gotham like that. We’re not the first wanted to fool them for the reward. We need go to someone I know at Star City. If this person support that you could be the Lost Prince, we will easily be accepted by the Court.

-And what it will take to convince this person to help us? Money? I don’t have any.

-No, not money. Just a good acting. If you can convince her that you are the Lost Prince …

-So you can play the innocent and pretend I have fooling you too when the Royal Family will learn that I am not the Dead Prince. Jay notices. You are a really naughty man, Mister Roy.”

Roy blushes at that and try to defend himself.

“I don’t try to trap you! We can talk about everything more in details tomorrow after a good night of sleep.

-My brother and I will sleep in another room.”

If Roy is annoyed by Jay’s reply, he doesn’t show it. When Jay go take Damian to sleep in another room, the two kids and Roy say them good night. Jay reply but Damian ignores them.

After blocking the door, Jay explains to Damian the plan. The little Prince isn’t convinced about the pertinence to follow this nobody homeless, and he isn’t thrilled to have spent time with the kids.

But it’s true no one will search them with a poor family and they can’t tell who Damian is before they meet the King Bruce. So using the identity of a dead man isn’t a bad idea, not a brilliant one but it has to be enough.

This night despite having a goose that lays the golden egg in the room next to him, Roy doesn’t sleep well.

He still feel bad for wanting to fool Bruce and Dick, but he is more worried about what will happen to his children if they still live like that.

Roy never believes he was born lucky, but this time he thinks that life may be decided to gives him a hand.

                                                         ~*~

They abandon the cottage after breakfast and start they journey together.

Lian and Colin play one of their games “With my little eye I spy” and try making Damian join them. At first, the Prince argues that he is above that, but Colin found the right words to convince him.

“Let him be, Lian. You see that Dami isn’t smart enough to understand our game.

-Tt. Excuse you. Your little game is so stupid even a tree will understand.

-Oh, so you’re afraid that you will lose against us? That’s ok. We will not think less of you if you lose.”

Damian blush furiously with anger at the accusation, especially with Lian who put gently her hand on his arm. And the only way he found to prove Colin wrong is to win and so to participate.

Behind them, Roy and Jay watch with tenderness the kids play together.

Jay doesn’t remember the last time Damian talks to someone of his age. Touching his bracelet, he really hopes this travel will end well for Damian.

“So about the plan, Roy said deciding to finally break the silence between them, I know someone on a village not too far from here you could give us some visa to leave the country by the train.

-I say that before and I will say that again. My brother and I really haven’t money.”

It is really a shame that they escape was so poorly organized.

“Well, I will lend you the money for now. You will pay me back one we will have the reward.

-You really take many risks for something that may fail. Jay notes promises to himself he will find a way to repaid Roy’s kindness if he succeeds bring Damian to safety

-We will succeed. And if we want to fool them all then you need to look less poor

-Less poor?

-Well we couldn’t do much about what we’re wearing. I was talking more about your breeding.”

Jay is so happy he learned how to bite his tongue. The flood of insult he wanted to get out wasn’t something he wants his Prince and the other children to hear.

Talia gave him many instructors, some of them was exclusively to make sure Jay was good breeding. And never, never, Jay gave a reason to be disappointed in him to his instructors and Talia.

So hearing this stupid redhead nobody telling him he looked like he belongs to the lower class, was truly infuriating.

Maybe his Prince was right when he suggest killing him.

“Well I’m listening.

-What?

-Since you seem to know so much about what is good and bad breeding, I can’t wait for your precious advice.

-I didn’t mean to offend you … Roy tries to defend himself

-Gentleman, start your teaching.”

                                                         ~*~

Not knowing where to start, Roy decide introduce Jay to the family tree of the Wayne. After all, it was something Jason has to learn by heart. Fortunately, it was also something Roy has to know as Oliver’s heir.

 “Well let’s start with the beginning. So the actual king of Gotham is Bruce Wayne son of Thomas Wayne and Martha Kane, we will talk about the Kane later, they died when he was nine. A burglar shouts them on Crime Alley.

-A person tries to rob the Royal couple?

-He succeeds. He leaves with some money and the necklace of the Queen.

-That’s all?

-Stupid, right? Especially knowing he was condemned to death when they caught him seventeen years later.

-This Joe Chill was really stupid.

-Oh so read about this story.

-What?

-Well you just said Joe Chill, didn’t you? It’s him who kills the Wayne.”

When all Jay did it is looking perplexed Roy, he clears his throat and proceeds:

“Anyway. So the parents of Thomas Wayne are Patrick Wayne, the King known to have make fortune with all the war he started, Brother of Benjamin, a playboy who give STD to his wife making her sterile and Abigael Wayne, never married and never interested in men for what we know, son of Kenneth Wayne and Laura Elizabeth, and …”

Jay was used to have to stay focus for a long time but while Roy keeps talking about all these persons, he can feel his head starting to hurt. It is a weird sensation. Most of the time it was like a knitting needle try to get out violently to his head. This time, it is like some ants are walking inside his head. It is bearable but really unpalatable.

“Tt. Stop trying to hold my hand! Damian has to yell again at Lian, this little girl is unbearable in a way his patience can’t be enough

-But I want Colin and you to swing me. Lian complains

-Too bad I am not here to obey you.”

Like the Prince Damian of 'Eth Alth'eban will be the servant of a poor baby. It should be the opposite, this people should serve them. Damian don’t understand why Jay accept so easily that this stupid redhead man treat him like he was bad breeding or idiot.

No way, Damian will stoop to that.

“Can’t you be nice?” Colin says

The way this little brat act toward his sister make him so angry. They shared their food, the place where they slept. They even leave a safe place they found after many months of fear because of them.

If the older brother look nice enough, the kid is really insufferable.

“I don’t have to be nice.

-Yeah right. Colin says sarcastically. Being nice is just an elementary rule of society.

-Tt. I’m sure you aren’t used to people being nice to you since the way you live. One person less or more won’t make the difference.

-Oh boy, I truly hope you didn’t mean what you just say.” Colin says becoming red with fury

He is this close to hit this stupid arrogant I-Think-I-Am-Better-Than-Everyone boy.

How can someone who lived in a simply village, who lost almost everything they owed, that doesn’t have money anymore, could be so insupportable.

“What? Are you as stupid your look let guess? Damian answer knowing well that fists will be thrown

-With my little eyes, I see something wet! Lian yells, so they stop whatever they’re doing is

-Is it a puddle? Colin asks after a long moment of silence where he glares meanly at Damian

-No.

-Is it the river? Colin still tries

-No.

-The dew. Damian says without a hesitation

-Yes! You’re really good at this game, Dami. Lian says with more kindness that it is necessary hoping the boys will stop being angry

-An idiot would have found that.” Damian simply answer looking at Colin with a haughty smile

This little …! Colin have eliminated all the others possibilities, of course he found the answer. Scratch that Colin will hit with kid, he will kill him before the end of the day.

                                                         ~*~

Precipitously, Jay’s headaches become too much to endure. Head in his hands, he has to sit.

“Hey, Jay. Are you alright? Roy ask helping him to sit down

-Stay away from him! Damian intervenes pushing Roy and accusing him. What did you do?

-My … Dami, you know it’s happen sometimes. Jay tries to calm him so he will stop yelling

-Your face wasn’t ever that ugly before.”

Jay would have laugh if even thought about that sound wouldn’t have been a torture.

“The kid is right. You look pretty awful. If it happens a lot don’t you have any medication with you?”

Jay thinks of the essential oil offer by Princess Talia. This was the only thing in the world that could help him.

“It’s lost as the same time we lose our home. It will be fine. I just need some minutes.

-Well, we are just a few minutes from the guy for the visa. Roy thinks at loud. He will want a photo but he has some chair where you could sit. Do you think you can walk a little more?

-He just say he need now some minutes. Are you stupid or deaf? Damian said losing patience

-Oh shut up! Colin said to him before Roy or Jay could answer anything. Stop being a stupid spoiled brat!

-Tt. What did you just say?”

Great the Prince Damian the-only-person-who-say-no-to-me-are-my-mother-and-my-protector just found someone not impressed by him. Jay always hoped that it will happen someday but he doesn’t feel well enough to calm Damian.

“Guys! Enough! Roy says forcing the boys to get distance

-I don’t have to take order from you!

-See! It’s exactly for that you’re a spoiled brat! Things are hard enough; we don’t have to support you.

-Like hell I want to be with you!”

Lian hugs quietly Jay with a big smile.

“It’s help me when Dad did this to me. Does he help you?”

Not really. The headache is still awful and he still worries about Damian.

“It’s help. Thank you.”

Roy takes both of the boys by the arm to take them away from Jason.

“Now listen to me carefully both of you. Both of you. Dami, I understand that you’re worried but for people like Colin and I, it’s dangerous to stay at the sight of all. We need to move quickly. Colin, I need you to be patient for this collaboration. Once you have the visa and Jay feels better, we will discuss your misunderstanding. But not now. Did you both understand?

-Yes. Colin grumbles

-Dami?”

Damian is looking at Jay. He knew till the beginning that this plan is stupid. The fact, that Jay is his only friend he has and now his only family until he meet his father and save his mother, doesn’t help easy his anger toward his Shadow.

Damian is the Prince of 'Eth Alth'eban, he owes nothing to this common folk that doesn’t even belong to his country.

“Dami, did you listen?”

But Jay looks so sick. What if he dies? Damian is not that angry at him.

“Tt! Yes. Damian mumbles

-Good. Now go to apologize to Jay for yelling next to him while his head hurt. Then we will leave.”

If Colin says honestly he was sorry, Damian prefers say:

“Yelling next to you wasn’t a good idea.

-No, it wasn’t.”

The little family though that it wasn’t true apologies, but Jay knows better than them.

“I’m sorry.

-I know. I forgive you.”

It is less than twenty-four hours since all their word was shaken and they lost everything they know. Since they were forced to team up with some homeless stranger to go somewhere unknown where maybe they will have the help they need.

But they feel reassurance when they can understand each other so easily. It reminds them, they can face anything together.

[rason-rodd]

Trusting (’Begging’ part2) (Arkham Knight! Jason xReader)

Summary: Guilt is haunting you as you remember the things you’ve done until Jason shows up into your room. 

Warning: Language, Graphic Violence, Mentions of sex, PTSD, Anxiety

Author’s note: Another long chapter that follows the event of Begging but with a series of flashbacks included. I plan on writing 3 or 4 parts for this fanfic. Texts in Italics are flashbacks.

Tagged: @usernightwing, @queen-fighter, @anaboo-thewriter, @piratefrost, (WHO ELSE WANT TO BE TAGGED?)

(PART 1)

The pollen was still dancing in the air on that night. And all around you smelled like fresh flowers and plants mixed to a thick cloud of pollution that you could only smell in Gotham. The war between the Dark Knight and the Arkham Knight was over. Scarecrow was still in jail, victim of his own evil doing, Cobblepot and Dent in neighbouring cells. And Bruce … Bruce was dead. The Batman was dead.   And Gotham was slowly drowning again under a wave of crime that was growing more and more each day.       Thugs had retaken the darkness of the streets, terrorising families and innocents and the incarceration of the most famous crime lords had permitted the rise of some others. Among them, Roman Sionis aka Black Mask.

He had taken control of the docks, made them the key point of his business. Drugs. Weapons. Dirty money. He had his filthy hands on everything. A smart businessman. But a smart business who was drawing too much attention. A smart businessman with a target on his back.

Aiming at that target, the Red Hood. That’s the name he had chosen. But you knew who was really underneath that crimson mask. Jason Todd. Robin. or also more recently known as The Arkham Knight. You had never met him, just heard stories, some anecdotes that Dick had spilled with a saddened melancholic smile that was now almost frozen on his young face or some rumours whispered in the streets. A dangerous man undoubtedly. But a broken man above all.

You had built a plan, Dick, Barbara, Tim and you, a plan the young Robin had characterised as “well put together”. It never sounded “well put together” to you though or to Dick. But you had volunteered to make it a success anyway and thus whatever the means. You just had to meet him. And what better place than Crime Alley to do it.

High heels, beautiful dress, a young woman coming back home alone.  Yes, that night you were the perfect bait. So tempting, so attractive. “ Hey baby, where are you going like that?” And so easy to take.             “Home.”         “ Want us to escort you? The night is dangerous” You glanced at both men, tightening you hands around your purse to look a bit scared. Bu you were not scared. Not even a bit. After all, you had been trained. You were the new Batgirl, even though you didn’t like carrying someone else’s name.             “No need, but thanks.” You retorted but a man grasped your arm rather brutally.  “Don’t touch me!” You shouted as you immediately took a pepper spray out of your bag. Tim’s idea. Makes you look more like a Gotham damsel in distress. If a pepper spray were useful everybody would know it. ”Look, mate. Kitty’s got claws”       “ I think she’s threatening us.”  They both came closer to you and, as you walked backwards, you fell down on your bottom, dropping the spray. You didn’t mean to. “Down on the ground? Very good.” One of them unzipped his pants and you immediately closed your eyes. You didn’t want to see this.

BANG BANG.

Echoing like thunder in the alley.     And blood poured on your face and on your body like a hot summer rain. And both men fell like birds stricken by lightning, by fate wearing a red hood.

You opened your eyes very carefully. What a horrific vision. Agonizing men on the floor, moaning, crying, chocking in their blood, castrated by two efficient bullets in their bloody genitals. So much blood. And that reek. It was on you. It was in you, maybe. It was everywhere.

You looked away when you heard footsteps coming closer. It was him. The vengeful crimson ghost. The Red Hood. Guns in his hands.         He stared at both men in silence and you guessed disdain and disgust behind his mask. He shot again to put an end to their suffering even though, you were sure, it was not out of mercy.             You backed down again, still on the floor when he knelt by your side. “Do you understand why I did this?”     You frowned. Could he read your mind? Could he see on your face your contempt for killers regardless of their motives? Could he see you were not a fan of men like him who fancied themselves judges, juries and executioners?       You nodded anyway. “Scumbags like them deserved to be put down. They lie. They abuse. They try to gain their victim’s trust but There's no trust, No faith, no honesty in men; all perjured, All forsworn, all naught, all dissemblers.”     “Shakespeare” “You know your classics”       “ And you’re quite a literature nerd for a crazy ass vigilante”

Trust. How ironic was that. How ironic that the first words you shared proved to be the perfect words to describe the awfulness you were doing today. Gaining his trust. Using him. Trapping him. And you hated yourself for it. And you hated the others as well, for letting you do this and for making sure you would fulfil this mission.       Because you needed to remember. Jason was a mission, a dangerous mission.

You sighed as the memories of that night faded away to move on to another memory. A memory of last night, when Nightwing had appeared.

“ Do you realise what could have happened?” You didn’t reply. Instead you just gritted your teeth, eyes staring at the moon, arms tightened around the sheets covering your naked body “Y/N! I’m talking to you!”           “ And I’m listening.” You growled, more than annoyed       “ No you’re not!”       Nightwing’s gauntlet suddenly rang and Oracle appeared on a holographic screen. She had a sun-kissed – though rather red - face and she looked jolly and very smiley, like anyone after well-deserved holidays on a beach you supposed.       “ Nightwing. I’ve got news on the mysterious… I’m bothering, maybe.”     “ We were having a conversation.” Dick answered with a softer and calmer voice. “ A conversation? You mean a lecture.” You corrected, curtly. Barbara’s eyes widened and for a second she hoped she had listened to Tim. They were so good on that beach. But they were not on the beach in anymore and here she was, back at work, in Gotham.           “ Okay. I definitely can feel the tension between both of you. So why don’t you tell me what’s going on?”       “ Dick is being a jerk. That’s what’s going on.” You shouted. “ A fucking distrustful pervert jerk.” He snickered and brushed his hair backwards. He couldn’t believe what you were saying. “ When did I say I didn’t trust you?”           “ So you admit you’re a pervert?” Barbara asked. “What? No.”         “ You always keep an eye on me! If that not distrust then what is it?” He grumbled and you kept talking. “You.Watched.Me!” You enunciated every syllable distinctively. “Having sex” Barbara stared at Dick in shock, ready to defend you. “You did what? That’s creepy!” “That’s voyeurism!” You clarified.     “ I didn’t do that. I didn’t see anything.” You crossed your arms above your chest to show your discontent. He had to be kidding you. “ Well maybe I saw a few things. But it wasn’t anything I had never really seen.”             The red haired girl suddenly looked horrified. “ Wait, what?” But no one paid attention to her. “ Oh, because the fact we fucked a couple of times grants you the authorisation to consider me as a living breathing porn movie.”     “ You two … you … What?” Barbara mumbled. Three weeks on a honeymoon and everything had gone to shit.           “ Long story, Babs.”   “ Not that long. 20 minutes each time, is that it?” You confessed with a sneer.                 “ Like you didn’t enjoy it.”     “ STOP!!!” Barbara shouted. You both immediately shut up and breathed in and out deeply to calm yourself. “I didn’t call to listen to you guys talking about such intimate things. So this is what we are going to do. We are going to act as adults and listen to each other, okay?”

None of you replied but Oracle took it has a sign you were both ready to do as she said. “ I want Y/N out of the mission.” You sighed and opened you mouth to defend yourself but Barbara ordered you to stay silent. “It’s too dangerous. You’re not trained enough for this and you’re especially too emotionally involved” He cared about you. You knew he did. But he couldn’t ask you this. “I watched you. It’s true. I shouldn’t have. But imagine what I felt when I saw Jason hurting you, Y/N, when I saw him chocking you. He could have killed you.”         “ He didn’t. He would never hurt me. It was an accident.”             “ Do you even hear yourself?” He asked, completely staggered by your naivety. “Have you seen your bruises?” Yes you have. But they did not matter. They were just bruises. Part of the job. “ He needs us, Dick. He needs me. I know I can help him.”           “ He is sick!” He shouted, hoping to reason you. “ He’s my brother, Y/N. I care about him too. But Jason took the name of the Red Hood, a name Joker had once. He killed Killermoth. He killed Black Mask and so many other people. He put Gotham to fire and the sword. He kidnapped Barbara. He tried to kill Bruce and he’s responsible for everything that’s happened lately. You can’t help him. He needs professional help.”     “ How can you say that?” You asked with eyes widened and watery. The Dick Grayson you knew would never say such awful things. He would not let his family down like that.             “ It’s the truth.”         “ You want to send him to a new Arkham Asylum? What a fantastic idea! Being locked up in the same kind of place in which he was tortured for over a year. I thought you were smarter than that… No I thought you were more compassionate than that. What a Batman move for someone who doesn’t want to be him and who has been whining like a kid for the past months because there is no way for him to wear the cowl and give back hope to this city”     “ Y/N!!” Barbara shouted but you didn’t listen. Instead you came closer to Dick with clenched fists. “You don’t wanna do what Bruce had planned for you? Fine. But let me do what was expected from me, what you all expected from me. Let me do what I want. Dangerous or not.” He frowned, not liking your tone at all. But he was wiser than you. “What was asked of you Y/N?”     “ To save Jason.”  You replied simply. He shook his head. “No. The mission was to keep an eye on Jason and to do what was necessary if he ever crossed the line. What is necessary is not comforting him using sex or whispering sweet words to his ear. What is necessary is to put him behind bars and give him the help he truly needs. You agreed to this when you volunteered. You agreed to do anything to make sure he would not go on a killing spree. You agreed to deceive him if you had too. You failed. So now you’re out of the mission.”

You rolled over and over in your bed. You couldn’t sleep. Out of the mission? Maybe was it a good thing after all. But out of the family? No way.     You sighed deeply and closed you eyes, trying to find some sleep. But no time to meet Mr Sandman. A small noise and your eyes were open again. The window had creaked and now you could feel a small breeze on your skin. You sat up and you saw him, in his gear, knelt on the floor. “Jay?” You frowned.

You repeated his name another time when you heard no sound coming from his mouth but a heavy panting distorted by his mask. “Baby.” You worried as you immediately got up to kneel before him. “What is it?” He didn’t answer, focused on his breathing or maybe was his mind completely elsewhere. You took off his red hood to help him breathe and threw it on the ground. The light bump on the wooden floor made him jump.         He was completely alarmed and frightened, like a hunted stag. His now-red face was covered in sweat and his black hair were completely wet. But what worried you the most was that terror in his blue eyes. The pupils were weirdly contracted and he looked as if he didn’t know where he was or what was going on. “Jay.” You whispered, heartbroken, trying to bring him back to you. You reached out to caress his cheek but he hissed and moved backwards. “I’m … su…focating” He managed to say.       Tears started streaming down your cheeks. You never felt so helpless, so useless or so scared and seeing him in such pain was tearing your heart out.

Without thinking, you jumped on him to hug him tight. You were not sure it was the right thing to do but it happened as a reflex, as a way to show him or whoever was hurting him that he was yours and that you were there to protect him. He immediately screamed in pain and tried to push you away but you resisted and used all your weight to keep him still. You forced him to nestle his face in your neck and then you whispered sweet loving words in his ear, your hand caressing his hair. “I’m here. I’m with you, baby. I’m not leaving.”  

He started to slowly relax. The cries and screams began to fade and now you could feel his heart beating against your chest going back to a more leisurely rhythm. “You’re okay.” The panting soon disappeared and Jason let himself slide along your body as if he couldn’t stay straight anymore. You held him back, his head against your chest, and he clang to your body as a baby koala. “Shh” You whispered still caressing his hair.     “ Don’t ever leave me. Don’t ever let me down” He cried against you.       “I won’t” You kissed the top of his head and you both remained like this for a couple of minutes before you helped him stand up to sit him down on your bed.

“He was in my head.” You nodded and murmured, “I know” as you brushed away his sweaty strands of hair away from his forehead. “He was laughing” You took off his black and white leather jacket. “That sick son of a bitch.” He was still in chock, still a bit disconnected from reality but you let him talk. He needed it. He needed someone to listen to him, to take care of him. You removed his gloves and his thick long-sleeved top to leave him bare-chested on your bed and soon unstrapped his shin guards and holsters. “I want him gone. I want him gone from my head. I want my life back” You looked up at him with a compassionate look. “But I won’t have it back, will I?”         “ Just give it some time.” You tried to be optimistic. “ It’s been years.” He mumbled as you removed his boots. “But you didn’t have me.” You timidly whispered. He stared at you and put a hand on your cheeks in a weird attempt to caress it. He was so uncomfortable when loving touches were involved. “I didn’t have you.”         He made you straddle him to gaze at you the same way a believer would look at a goddess. You were so pure to him, so delicate, so surreal that sometimes he would wonder if you were not the fruit of hallucinations created by his mind to help him process all the raging emotions inside of him. “I don’t know what I would be without you”           You smiled lightly. “Just lay down.” He nodded and you pushed him flat on the mattress to take off his trousers so that he would be in his boxers.  Then you lied down next to him and took his arm to make him spoon you since you knew he would not do it himself even if wanted it.  He loudly smelt the perfume in your hair, tightened his embrace and closed his eyes. “I love you so much.”       “ I love you too.” You gave a faint smile and turned around to kiss him. And what was supposed to be a simple peck on the lips became something more needy, something that sucked the air from your lungs. You were his oxygen. And if it was what he needed then fine.

Screw them all. Screw their stupid mission. You had your own agenda now.

If Jason Todd trusted you then you knew you couldn’t deceive him anymore.

If Jason Todd trusted you then you would do anything to show how worthy of his trust you were.

[zombiesbecrazy]

Five Times With Feeling - Part 1/5

Summary: It's always better to have a friend to share life moments with; good, bad or mundane. Or four times Dick and Barbara watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer together and one time they didn't.

Written for @batfamcontentwar​‘s #halloweencontentwar. All 5 parts will be posted during the event

ao3  Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Part 1: October 1997

"Why do you want to watch this?" "It's Tuesday" "But it's Halloween. We should be watching a horror movie. It’s what we do." "But it's still Tuesday. On Tuesday nights before patrol, I watch Buffy. You know this." "But Halloween." Dick had always loved Halloween, and autumn in general.  At the circus they didn’t trick or treat, but after that night’s performance or run-through, they had always had a big bonfire night with marshmallows and s’mores, sharing stories with everyone.  It had been a real family affair.  When he had moved into the manor he had missed it desperately, but quickly learned that other traditions could be fun too and he loved carving pumpkins with Alfred and trick or treating with Bruce. The past two years, he and Barbara spent the evening giving out candy to kids who ventured out to Wayne Manor and watched horror movies before patrol.  The manor was always a favourite hot spot for Gotham kids to visit, with the creepy look of the exterior in the dusky autumn twilight, top notch decorations leading up the driveway to the door, and the fact that everyone knew that Bruce Wayne gave out full sized candy bars.

“On a Tuesday.” She laughed at him, but he knew that she wasn’t going to cave; she was far too stubborn for that. "How about this. You watch Buffy with me now and after patrol I'll come back here and watch whatever horror movie you want." Dick gave her side eyed look, considering her proposal. "What about the Commish?" "He's on nights this week. I'll let him know I'm staying with a friend." She brushed off his concern with a wave of her hand. "He's cool." "He won't care that it's a guy friend’s house?" "He won’t if I don't tell him." "You’re lying to your dad?" "I'm a teenage girl vigilante. Of course I'm lying to my dad. On the scale of what I lie to him about, sleeping at a male friend’s house is pretty low on the list. James is staying at a friend’s house tonight. Dad will just be glad I’m not home alone." "Alright then. But I want it on record that I think this show is stupid." But Dick didn’t want it on record that he was a bit terrified of Commissioner Gordon finding out that his daughter was going to have a sleepover at his house. Gordon knew they were friends, but something about her father’s stare made Dick know that the policeman didn’t think that he was good enough to hang out with Barbara. Not for any specific reason other than no one would ever be good enough for his daughter, even if there was absolutely nothing going on between them.  He even felt it when he was Robin. He was probably overreacting then though because he was 95% certain that Gordon didn’t know that Dick was Robin.

But the way the Commissioner looked at Dick sometimes… "Have you ever watched it?"  Dick shook his head and Barbara immediately looked like she wanted to hit him so he raised his hands in front of his face in mock defense. She jabbed him in the side instead making him let out a groan. Barbara had been gushing about this show since she started watching last year, but he just didn’t get it. It didn’t sound very interesting. "You can't say you don't like it if you haven't watched it!" "Her name is stupid. And vampires are silly. I can't believe anyone takes it seriously" "Says the guy named Dick who has fought with giant robots."  She pointed out and he had to admit that she definitely had him there and his primary excuse had gone out the window. It just was weird. "Valid point. Fine. I’ll watch. What do I need to know about this?" "Teenage girl who is the chosen one to fight demons and save the world. It's full of action, snappy dialogue and puns. I don't understand how you don't already watch it. It's practically made for you." "Ok. For you, I will give this one chance. One. But if it sucks, I'm going to make you watch the goriest horror movie I can think of." "And when you realize that it's awesome?" "I'll let you pick the movie later. And I'll share my popcorn." "You've got a deal, Boy Wonder. Prepare to lose."

65 minutes later…

"That was so good! Why didn't you make me watch this with you before?"

Dick still thought the premise was a little goofy - because vampires - but he was completely drawn in and wanted to know more. Why was Buffy THE Slayer? Who was the Slayer before her? Who was that Ethan Rayne guy and how did he know Giles? Why did people live in Sunnydale if crazy stuff kept happening? He had often thought the same thing about Gotham when he had first come to live here; why would people live here if they could just leave? He understood it now, the sense of hometown pride.

The characters were funny, but then you got hit in the gut with emotion when you weren’t expecting it.  The fight scenes were well choreographed and even though he could hear himself thinking of better combat moves (like he often did watching action movies), he had loved every second of it. But why had Barbara shared this? She had even said that she knew that he’d love it. And she was always right.

She smiled a little at him, reading his facing and knowing where his thoughts probably were going. "I don't know. Maybe I was worried you wouldn't like it?" Barbara was curling her hands in to fists and releasing them repeatedly and Dick frowned at the action.  It was her tell when she was nervous, and something she tended to do before she leapt into a fight outnumbered, but he couldn’t think of why she was mentally prepping herself for a battle now. It was just the two of them. "I think it's because it feels personal. There aren't a lot of shows with a kick ass female lead. I think I needed you to like it but didn't want to know if you thought it was too silly."

He grabbed her wrists to still the action, leaving his hands wrapped around them lightly and smiled when she mirrored his motion. Acrobat style safe hold. "Why would that matter to me? We know actual female heroes. We’re on first name terms with Wonder Woman.” He leans over and mock whispers at her, “I don't want to alarm you, but I'm sitting next to a girl superhero on this couch at this very moment."

"I know, but... part of me thought that if you thought it was dumb, that by extension you would think I am too. I know it’s stupid, but I’m projecting and that doesn’t have to be logical." She shook her head and looked towards their joined arms but something about her eyes made Dick think that she was looking through them. "Sometimes when I'm out there, I don't feel like I'm being taken seriously. When I show up to break something up, they look almost relieved that it's me and not one of the ‘real’ heroes. They think I’m a joke.”

Dick said nothing because even if he didn’t think that, he knew it was true. He had heard the thugs and criminals say it in the field; he had just always hoped that she didn't know that. He felt a little bit the same way sometimes when he was out with Batman because he was only Robin, but he knew that wasn’t really the same thing.  When he got a bit older or grew a little taller, while he’d never be Batman, they’d hopefully stop thinking of him as a little kid.  They’d always think of Barbara as just a ‘girl’. "Does it help to know that they don't usually think that way after you've kicked them in the face?"

"A little." She looked back up and him and gave him a half smile and that move made him smile back. "It's just nice to see on TV, you know? Little girls can see a strong female hero every week, even if they don't have one in their own city. We don’t always have to be the damsel in distress. We can kick ass without you guys.” Dick knew that, on both sides of the costumed coin; Babs had taken him down sparring more than once and he knew what sort of vicious things Harley was capable of in battle. He wasn’t ashamed when he got taken out by a woman. No more so than against the men anyway; no one ever likes losing, regardless of who they are fighting. “Helps that it’s a good show too. Wouldn’t be the same impact if it was terrible.”

"We saw a few little girls dressed up as Batgirl earlier trick or treating." He had seen some over the past couple years as well, but the number of Batgirls, Supergirls and Wonder Women that had shown up at the manor this afternoon had been astounding. At one point a group of about seven girls had shown up together, all dressed up as female superheroes, and Bruce had taken a few pictures of them to send to Diana.  He had even convinced Barbara to pose in one, with a little Batgirl right in front of her. Barbara had looked sufficiently whelmed and Dick could barely contain his laughter. “You make a difference in more ways than you were meaning to when you started.” “I saw some girls dressed up as Batman and Robin, too.  They don’t need me to be inspired, but I can’t admit it isn’t nice.” Barbara glanced towards the clock, pulled in a slow steadying breath and pulled her hands away from Dick’s in order to stretch, shoulders making a popping sound. "Speaking of, it's about time for us to play dress up ourselves." “Want to switch it up for Halloween?  I can be Batgirl and you can be Robin?” Barbara laughed and Dick joined in. "I’ll take that as a no. Ready to run some rooftops?"

"Only if I get to kick some bad guys in the face."

"Wouldn't be a night out if you didn't." Barbara had got up and started to walk out of the room, towards the study, but Dick grabbed her wrist again gently before she could get too far. “I know I said I’d let you pick the movie, but can I make a request?”

“We aren’t watching ‘The Thing’ again.”

Dick shook his head in dissention. He wouldn’t have made her watch that one anyways, knowing that she hated it. “Can we watch more Buffy? I want to watch from the beginning.” Dick could already tell this was going to be a new obsession. He had so many questions that needed to be answered and he knew that he’d be thinking about it all through patrol. Knowing that he could watch more later would help him put the show temporarily out of his thoughts so he could focus on what was happening in Gotham that night. “I’m going to start watching it with you, but I need to catch up first. I need more.”

“We can’t watch all of the first season tonight.”

“We can start.”

“Of course. If only to prove that I was right about it being fantastic.”

“You usually are.”

[nightglider124]

hey, Night! hope you're having a great day!! you did a fantastic job with all the other drabbles. would you mind writing 12 for Robstar?? thank you so much!!

Hey gurl!! I haven’t spoken to you in so long!! Hope you’re well, m’dear

I feel some may be like Star wouldn’t react this way to what I’m throwing out but… she would. Like, every woman can say ‘I wouldn’t do that’ but you would. A break of trust, no matter how small, is a big blow. This is kinda personal but not something that has directly happened to me.

This is my last request on this prompt meme. Anymore sent through will not be written up. And what a good prompt to end it on. Thank you!

“It’s always been you.”

It was colder here than in Jump but then she had been warned of that, multiple times before they came. Even with her resilience to Earth temperatures, she still noticed a difference.

Snow was falling and covering everything in its path as she sat there, simply watching it. Much like watching rain fall from the heavens, watching snow fall was equally relaxing.

Her breath was like ice and she could feel where her tears had dried against her cheeks.

She felt pretty numb now though; the crying was over and the anger had simmered and now she was left with a dull ache; a sadness that was simply there.

Starfire wasn’t really that sure why she was still here. She couldn’t fathom why she’d chosen to stay sat on the “A” of the “Wayne Enterprises” building. Ironic really, all things considered.

Out of place and alone, that was what she felt being in Gotham. She didn’t belong in Gotham and despite repeating that in her head, each time, it made her feel 10 times worse than before.

She heard his footsteps before anything else. He’d tried to be quiet, dropping down on the letter, just behind her. But, she knew when he was there, regardless of how fantastic his stealth skills were.

“You shouldn’t be out here by yourself, Star.”

She kept her back to him, not really ready to see him but she did snort, “I am sure I can manage.”

“Come back to the manor with me, will ya?”

“I would rather not. Thank you.”

He sighed and paced for a moment behind her, “Y’know, ripping your tracker out of your uniform doesn’t help times like this. It just makes me worse. I was worried sick.”

“Oh, I am so terribly sorry.” She replied, in her best sarcastic tone,

“Starfire…” He exhaled,

She sniffled, “Dick, just leave me alone. I do not wish to speak to you.”

“Well tough. You’re my fiancé and I’ll be damned if I’m going to just leave you out here because you’re pissed at me.”

Starfire, feeling more than a little petty pulled off her engagement ring and tossed it behind her without even looking, “There. Now, I am not your fiancé so you can go.”

She didn’t here it ping against the rooftop so she assumed he’d caught it. He was silent for a long time and she wondered if that had been a bit of a too low blow.

“Why did you run from me?” He asked, a sadness gripping his tone,

“You know perfectly well why I left. I couldn’t stay after being lied to by someone I thought I trusted more than anyone else in the universe.”

“I didn’t lie to you-”

Starfire stood up and spun to face him so quickly, he had to rapidly blink. Her eyes were red and puffy where she’d been crying, no doubt and there was a deep look of hurt across her face,

“You never told me about her. Lying or withholding the truth; you did not tell me. Do not try and get out of it on a technicality.”

“I’m not trying to get out of anything. I handled things poorly. I should have told you but I didn’t. I can’t change that but that doesn’t explain why you’re acting so-”

She turned away, hugging herself, “You do not understand… just… go away. I am going home soon anyway.”

His stomach lurched, “What?”

“Do not make me repeat myself.”

“Starfire-”

“Perhaps you can pick things up where you left off with Babs.” Her tone was bitter and a little whiny, making her point very clear.

She didn’t expect his hands to clamp down on her shoulders and spin her around so she was facing him, “Stop it. Babs is just an old friend of mine, okay?”

“She was more than that when you were younger.” Starfire snipped, shoving his hands away from her,

“Look, she was a good friend when I was a kid. Yes, I had a crush on her. Yes, we tried one date that didn’t go anywhere but that was all.”

“If that was all, why did you never mention her!? We’ve been dating for years and talked about previous relationships or lack thereof and you never once spoke of her.”

“I didn’t think it was important. That is why I never told you about her!”

Starfire looked away, out over Gotham skyline, “You looked very comfortable around her; perhaps even more so than you are around me.”

“Star, that’s not true.”

“She knows you so much better than I do. She would be deemed the better woman for you, no?”

Dick crossed the space and grabbed her chin, forcing her to look at him. She was only just now noticing that he’d stowed his mask away into his belt. Risky considering they were out in public, despite being on a building rooftop.

“Stop talking. Please, just stop.” He whispered and she could see the emotion gathered in the corners of his eyes,

Starfire sniffled, “I am so ill-suited for you… seeing you with Babs, this girl you used to have feelings for… it simply reinforced what I already know.”

His breathing had gone haggard, “What are you talking about?”

“It bothers me that you never told me about her, truly it does. But… what I believe is worse… is that you and her… you seem to have the extremely good chemistry and comradery. You work well together and I cannot help but think… it is because she is like you. She is human, you are human… it simply makes sense. I can never… I do not… I am not right for you.”

Tears were unexpectedly falling from her eyes and she was powerless to stop them. That was what hurt so much. Of course, there were some dark thoughts questioning his trust but she knew better. She did not believe he would ever hurt her in that way but it simply made her remember what she was or perhaps, what she wasn’t.

They had come here to spend time with the Batfamily, for her to get to know her future family but regardless of their welcoming hospitality, she couldn’t help but feel out of place. And then, storming out after learning about Barbra. She could not go back. It would be too awkward and embarrassing.

“Don’t you dare say that. Not after everything we’ve ever been through. I couldn’t care less if you were human or alien. You’re you and you’re mine and that’s all that matters to me.”

“But-”

He rested his forehead against hers, gazing into her emerald eyes, “It’s you, Star. It’s always been you. And, it’s always going to be you.”

She sniffled, her bottom lip trembling.

“Ever since you kicked that car at my head, it’s been you. You’re the one I want to… I need to spend my life with. I don’t want anyone else but you. Any other girl in my life is like a sister to me.” He whispered, brushing his fingers through her long red hair, “Nothing and no one compares to you, Koriand’r.”

He took hold of one of her slender hands, slipping the earlier discarded engagement ring back onto her finger, marking her as his future bride once more.

“Now… this ring stays on, you got it?”

Starfire blinked, fresh tears dribbling down her face but she nodded. He pecked her forehead and wrapped his arms around her,

“Good. Now, let’s cuddle for a while before we head back. Okay?”

With her face pressed against his shoulder, she nodded and clutched his back as tightly as she could.

[wellthatjusthappend]

Flicker Beat (2/2)

Read on AO3

<- Previous

Damian was sleeping soundly on the couch at last. Dick took the blood sample he’d drawn, separated it out into a couple test tubes, added drops, and set them spinning in a homemade centrifuge of sorts he’d thrown together. The baddies were always cooking up some chemical this or that and while a trip to the cave would be ideal, it wasn’t always possible.

Case in point.

The Abuse kid said something about it not affecting Alpha’s as much, which was weird to say the least. Hopefully after these samples settled properly he could get a better idea of what they were dealing with. Damian seemed to be already doing better, but that wasn’t the point. Someone had taken a good shot at his partner and it irked Dick that he hadn’t been there for him. Damian was very dear to him. If that dosage had been lethal…

Dick closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He balled up the wrappings from the tubes and went to toss them in the trash. Dick paused noticing an unopened package that was partially buried under the rest. It was flexible and had been squished up as much as possible. There was no return address, but Dick recognized Leslie’s spidery scrawl.

I know this is hard for you, but it’s not your fault. Please take them, they really will help.

Dick frowned opened the sack. Inside were a couple different bottles of medicine as well as a bottle of antidepressants. He wracked his brain trying to think if there was a reason Leslie would give these to him and came up blank. He’d call her after Damian was feeling better and try to figure why exactly these were in his trash. In the meantime he put time safely in his cupboard.

He heard Damian move around in the other room and hurried out of the kitchen again.

“Little D,” Murmured Dick kneeling by his side and feeling his forehead. No fever anymore, that was good, “How are you feeling?”

“Less than optimal.” grumbled Damian, jade eyes blinking open to stare at him blearily before scowling, “Colin, that traitor.”

“I’m glad he brought you to me.” Dick said firmly, “You didn’t know what you had been dosed with, it could have been very dangerous.”

“-tt-” Damian looked away. Dick wanted to hug him. He settled for stroking a hand through his hair affectionately.

“I’m really glad you’re here, babybat,” Dick admitted, “You have no idea how worried I’ve been.”

“Your worry was unnecessary. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Damian scowled. Dick was quite sure that if he knew how much he was pouting he’d stop immediately.

“You still shouldn’t have had to.” Dick said angrily, “You’re 14 years old, you should be having to carry adult burdens. Just because you technically can doesn’t matter. It wasn’t an ok for your Dad to do that.”

Protecting Tim was one thing. And an important thing at that. But turning your teenage son out of the house was another. Dick thought Bruce sometimes forgot Damian was actually child. He had a bratty attitude sometimes, but for the most part it wasn’t like he ever acted his age much. Still.

“So why would he do it?” Damian shot back, his angry tone barely covering an edge of hurt, “Why? I’m the blood son. Me. So why would he choose Drake over…?”

“Because even though Bruce is some of the smartest men I know, he’s also one of the stupidest,” sighed Dick helping Damian sit up a bit so the Beta could sit and he could lean against Dick’s chest, “I don’t think he meant for you to be gone more than an evening, but that still doesn’t excuse his behavior. I think he thought you would just agree to stop attacking Tim and that would be the end of it but he really should have known better. He knows you, after all. You’re both so stubborn.”

“I don’t understand. Drake already has everything. Why does he insist on always messing everything up?” Damian gritted.

“Wouldn’t you say though that everyone deserves a chance to feel at home in their own skin?” Dick asked.

“Don’t be idealistic Grayson, bodies were always meant to be cumbersome things.” Damian gave Dick a look like he was stupid.

“And even so, we still all try to find our place to fit.” Dick insisted, “Tim has found his. The pack is supporting him in that.”

“Colin would fit, if he could.” Damian said suddenly, Dick looked at him quizzically, “My- the person who brought me to you, Colin.”

“The Alpha.” Dick nodded, pursing his lips at the memory. He didn’t like that such a big aggressive Alpha had been just living with his younger partner. Dick wasn’t sure what to make of the fact that Damian was calling this- friend?- by his first name either. Damian didn’t call people by their first names.

“He’s not an Alpha.” snapped Damian defensively, “He’s- he doesn’t fit correctly into the dynamics, but he would if he could! It’s not his fault. If he’s had a choice he would have and- And then there’s Drake, hah!”

Dick bit back a thousand things that came to mind in the younger Beta’s defense but he decided to let Damian vent for a little first.

“Drake fit before and now he’s just messing it up just because he feels like it. Dynamics matter. They’re everything you can’t just- you can’t just throw them out just because.” Damian tried to explain.

Dick let them sit in silence for a little before carefully asking, “If dynamics are everything, where does that put your friend Colin?”

“I don’t know.” Damian admitted sounding distressed.

“What if your friend decided he wanted to fit? He’d have to go do some of the same kinds of things Tim is doing.” Dick let that sit, “If, say, he decided to transition to being a Beta, would you consider him to not be a real Beta like you’ve told Tim over and over?”

“No.” Damian gritted out, “I am aware that makes no sense, but no.”

“Ah.” Dick felt a flicker of hope. He’d always kind of been worried Damian might never except Tim. But maybe…

“I don’t know what to do, Grayson.” Damian admitted quietly, then more loudly and frustrated, “These matters are supposed to be set and very clear. The rules are in place, and those with any ounce of integrity follows them. There a correct way of doing things for each dynamic that compliments each other. If you break for that there can only be chaos and heartbreak.”

Dick refrained from asking about what Damian thought of relationships outside of a potential bond or traditional Beta/Beta relationships. He was already aware Damian thought he and Jason were infidels. Still…

“If you want to talk about my take on it all, I’d be happy to share some of the insights I’ve heard.” Dick said slowly, “But it sounds like most of all you need to think about it all some more. Don’t just bottle it up and try not to think about it because it’s hard though.”

“I know that.” grumbled Damian wiggling close. Dick smiled to himself, knowing that Damian would deny snuggling till the day he died. It was hard to resist kissing his forehead, but he doubted Damian would tolerate it.

At first Dick thought that his throat was tightening up because he was emotional. But after a couple of times of trying to clear his throat unsuccessfully, Dick got a bit suspicious. Damian seemed fine though.

“One sec little D.” Dick said regretfully shuffling out from under the other.

“Where are you going?” Damian asked looking disgruntled at having to move.

“Just gotta check something.” Dick smiled reassuringly.

In the kitchen the centrifuge had long since stopped spinning. Dick’s eyes widened at the way all of the tubes had separated and were reacting really concerningly. It didn’t say great things about whatever this new drug was.

One of the samples wasn’t sealed properly.

He started to reach for it and became aware that his hands were shaking. Hard. And more by the second. And the room was starting to pulse in an alarming way.

“Dami-!” Dick tried to call but it came out a concerning weeze. He couldn’t breathe. And everything was- everything was-

Black.

*****

“Pennyworth! Please! Grayson has-” Damian started frantically pulling the Beta far away from the sample in the kitchen.

“I’m on my way.” Alfred began to say before Damian’s brain caught up to the situation.

“No!” He said, “Stay away. And keep Drake away too. This is a drug that only affects Beta’s, we can’t have you getting exposed as well. I’ll call the ambulance, you inform the rest of the pack.”

“As you say.” Alfred said, strain evident in his voice.

“I need you to send an ambulance. Do not send any Beta personnel,” Damian said briskly dialing 911, “My packmate has reacted to the drug called Flicker. He is no longer breathing. My address is 54th St and Adams. West Gotham, apartment 731. I expect you to arrive promptly.”

Damian hung up before they could answer and focused on giving Dick CPR. He wasn’t sure it was doing much but his brain was filled with statistics and facts about the brain starting to die after 6 minutes without oxygen.

“Grayson, you fool, you’re not allowed to die.” Damian told him, “Especially not because you were caring for me.”

The ambulance's arrival and the ride to the hospital was a confusing panicked blur. Damian tried to keep track of who was doing what and why but it was chaos.

“Stop! Where are you taking him?” demanded Damian when they tried to take the Beta away from him.

“Don’t worry kid,” one of the attendants smiled wearily, “We’re getting real good at treating Flicker victims. Your packmates going to be fine. We just need to take him for a few.”

Damian reluctantly sat back and channeled his worry into rage for the fools who dared to hurt his pack and what he planned to do to them.

“Damian!” Damian turned as his name was called to see Tim running up.

“You shouldn’t be here-” Damian started angrily. Regardless of what Drake really was, right now physically his makeup was closer to that of a Beta than an Omega which meant he could be at risk. They weren’t sure exactly what it was people were reacting to after all.

“It’s fine,” Tim waved him away, “If it was loes in the hospital then Beta’s would be collapsing left, right, and center.”

“-tt-” Damian turned away.

“Tell me what happened.” Tim said intently, and Damian knew in that moment he was dealing with Red Robin. That was fine. He always dealt better with him than Tim.

Damian explained all about the gangs and the drugs and about getting dosed and not knowing that Dick had taken a sample so he hadn’t thought to warn him about any potential dangers. Tim was frowning deeply by the time he finished. Tim nodded and quickly sent out a series of texts.

“No one can seem to get ahold of Jason, but Barbara is going to Dick’s place to get his samples. We’ll have an antidote of our own soon enough.” Tim said

“Todd is going to go on a rampage when he hears.” Damian said dryly. The grimace Tim made said he agreed.

“Where is Dick?” Tim asked, “How is he?”

“In there.” Damian nodded to the doors.

“I’m going to go talk to them.” was all Tim said. Damian let him do it. He had no patience for people caught in bureaucracy and they would likely not appreciate him hurling them over the counter when they refused to cooperate.

“This doesn’t make sense.” Tim said looking troubled when he returned, “The drug has dramatic effects. Deadly if not treated. But it’s not hard to treat. They’re telling me that it rarely takes more than a day for Beta’s to get back on their feet. If this gang is targeting Beta’s, then it can’t be this simple.”

“-tt- Perhaps they got sloppy.” Damian said.

“No, they have to know by now that people can treat it easily but they’re still producing.” Tim said frustrated.

Damian shrugged and kept his eyes fixed on the door. He and Tim sat in silence, Tim occasionally tapping away at his phone. It was the first time they’d seen each other since their fight. Damian expected to feel more resentful, but he couldn’t muster it in the face of Tim’s palpable worry about Dick.

A commotion by the entrance made Damian look up to see Jason shoving his way past personal with Colin trailing worriedly behind him. Both Damian and Tim were on their feet in an instant.

“Are you ok? Should you be out here so soon after-” Damian went straight for Colin.

“I’m fine, Jason said I already stopped scenting and I’m feeling better than usual since he was taking care of me.” Colin said quickly. Damian started to feel jealous at that but-

“Where is he?! Where the fuck is he?!” Jason yelled.

“Jason-” Tim started to lay a hand on his arm but Jason shook it off.

“No, fuck, you need to let me see him right this fucking second!” Jason spat, his eyes wild and feverish.

“Sir, calm down,” a nurse tried to calm him, “If your mate is somewhere here than I assure you that we can take you to him. The Alpha ward is this way if you’ll-”

“I’m not going to no fucking Alpha ward.” Jason snarled, “My mate’s a Beta.”

“Oh,” She blinked rapidly, “Um, well, technically then you’re not m-”

“He was just admitted here for unintentionally exposure to Flicker?” Tim cut in with a charming smile before Jason could lose his already frayed temper, “Could you tell us if his procedures finished?”

“Flicker? Oh, well that procedure should have been finished a while ago, it’s really quite quick. We don’t take names upon entrance since patients usually wake up again fairly quickly to tell us themselves. I can see if he’s in the system?” she said stepping behind a computer, “What’s his name?”

“Dick Grayson.” Tim said while Jason muttered things under his breath. Colin took Damian’s hand and squeezed it comfortingly.

“Hmm, no one here is by that name.” She hummed, “Can you give me any other descriptions?”

Tim listed off several more.

“I’m sorry, you’re sure he’s didn’t already check himself out? Flicker patience do that sometimes. The only Beta’s here for Flicker are in their teens.” she asked.

“You.” Jason rounded on Damian grabbing his shirt, “Why didn’t you stay with him?”

“I wasn’t permitted to-” Damian began to spit defensively.

“When the fuck has that ever stopped you?” snarled Jason, “You knew Beta’s were disappearing after taking this drug, why the fuck would you let him out of your sight for a second?!”

Damian felt very cold.

“Oh god.” Tim breathed, “Oh god, that- that’s very clever. They could just- and nobody would probably notice- oh god.”

“I’m going to go fucking find him.” Jason said spinning on his heel.

“I- I’ll keep looking for clues here.” Tim said shakily turning back to the front desk.

“Wait, just like that? You guys really think he’s gone?” Colin asked worriedly.

“If he’s here, Drake will find him soon.” Damian said trying to breath through- Dick, no, they couldn’t have taken Dick. Not the one person in the family who- “But if they have taken him we’ll only have a short window to intercept them.”

A window that may have passed.

“Damian, I need you here with me.” Tim said apologetically as Damia started toward the door with Colin, “you’re the one who was with him and might be able to identify those who brought him in.”

“Colin, you go help Todd. I’ll remain here with Drake.” Damian said pushing his friend towards the door, “You have the best nose out everyone besides Jason. See if you can track him down.”

“Are you sure?”

“No.” said Damian in frustration, “Now go.”

With one more cautious look, Colin took off.

“We’re going to find him,” Damian said turning back to Tim, “We must.”

[iphoenixrising]

Batfam Justice is blind AU

This was kind of a brainstorm session with @satire-please when we were starting to think about something new. And I just really got into it. Thing Red Robin series right after Bruce takes on the mantle of the Bat again after being lost in time. 

**

Getting B back from time, proving his partner, his mentor was still alive, pulling him back where he needed to be, was thanks enough for the hell he went through to achieve that goal.

The hug he gets at the top of the Wallstone Apartments the first night B is back in the cowl is just that much more poignant. It’s the first time he’s been hugged in a while considering how he and Dick left off with the whole yeah maybe a trip to Arkham and not to fight crime thing (with a little you don’t need that tunic anymore, amirite? thrown in). He’d been working on his own for a little more than a year and a half before the Batman, the OG, finally caught up with him.

“I just wanted to say thank-you,” B had blocked his escape, knowing full well what he was trying to do, “for not giving up on me.”

Red laughs a little, a very not funny haha because of how careful that tone is, and really, he’d expected B to keep Damian as his Robin. What other outcome could there have been? It’s fine at this juncture because Damian was apparently right all along, he was just riff raff playing at being part of the Robin legacy.

The Pretender

The Replacement

Hood apparently had it nailed down too.

And the new net array in his cowl gives him the details when the constantly working radar wave comes back; B is moving closer to him, the sound of his footsteps almost silent (and is to the mass majority of people, would have once upon a time been to him too even after all his years as Robin), and Red has barely a moment to take a step back—

But B already has him held tightly, pulling him against the familiar feel of the Bat symbol on his chest.

And God does he wants to fight it, just scrabble and lash out, throw his adopted Father across the roof top, to get away from this comfort, this meaningful moment that he hasn’t had in so long, has given up on ever having again. It’s a punishment, really, to have this just once and probably never again.

But he just stays still, not moving until B finally unwinds his arms, and Red can just feel that chin tipping down and those eyes narrowing behind the whiteouts.

“What happened, Tim?”

His chest lifts in a hard inhale because no, it doesn’t really matter now, does it? He’s not a Bat anymore, not since he lost the cape—Damian and Dick made sure he was fully aware.

“Nothing,” he lies easily, already pulling the modified grapple from the back of his utility belt. “I’m glad you’re back to you, that…that everything is getting back to normal,” and his voice goes a little hoarse, but he just pushes right through it, forcing himself to talk over the sound of his own chest cracking open again for those wounds to bleed, “and you’ve got a Robin to keep you on the right course, full circle and shit. I’m glad—“

But hands grips his bicep in a hold tight enough that it hurts even though the armor—the fallback for when one of the Bats was in a panic attack or if the Batman got just too much worry for one of his own in trouble.

“What. Happened?” And B’s voice is low, low and small, and very un-Batman like that Red jerks, tries to step back because, well, World’s Greatest Detective and all, but the hands on his arms aren’t letting him go anywhere.

“It doesn’t matter,” is all he can get out, “you’re back and you’re safe and you’re Batman again. It doesn’t matter—“ because I’m not your responsibility anymore. I’m not a Bat anymore.

“Jesus, Tim—“

“No, it’s fine. I’m good now,” he keeps himself shock still, carefully tilting his head up so B thinks he’s actually looking.

“I’m calling Dick right now if you don’t start talking to me.”

And the automatic flinch isn’t missed, the dead tone, all of it tells B more than he realistically wants to, “Dick doesn’t have anything to say, you know.”

“Oh? He won’t tell me why your room is empty,” and that tone is a whole lot of angry Batman, one that he really doesn’t need to face right about now. “He won’t talk about where you were for the last year while I was gone. Damian won’t either. Want to tell me why?”

“…they don’t know where I was,” he admits quietly, trying to step back again. “B…Bruce. I—“ he turns his head away, sighs deeply, “a lot of things happened, okay? He made Damian his Robin and I left to look for clues you were still alive. That’s it. I…got an apartment in the city and moved most of my things there when the JLA brought back a body in a Batsuit.”

Lies. He got the apartment after Damian came out in his own version of the Robin tunic—just totally springing it on him, no warning whatsoever. He hadn’t thought Dick could be so fucking cruel until then.

B is silent for a long moment, barely making a noise (and, at one time, he would have said Bat-stillness meaning no movement, not even breathing, but with his hearing advanced, he can pick it out).

“You’re coming home with me,” is the no-nonsense command, but in the time he’s been Red Robin, Red, trying to get himself back on his feet, he hasn’t taken orders from anyone—not even Dick.

“Nope,” he denies gently, “I’m not going back to the Manor.” Don’t you understand, Drake? I am the blooded son, and the legacy is, always has been, mine. You have no place here any longer.

This time, he puts real feeling into jerking his arm back, lip curling up in an automatic sneer; the old pain should have been worn away by now, should have been easier to deal with—

Apparently not.

“Tim,” and B steps right in his path again, blocking him, “Tim—“

“It’s better this way, okay?” He interrupts loudly, “it’s the way it should have gone down, B. Damian was right, Jason was right, and I never—“ he shuts himself up before he says something even more damaging, but dammit, he’s always been able to tell Bruce anything and he’s back now. All of it hurt for so long, holding it all in, but... but things are different now, aren’t they?

He fires the grapple to shut himself up, first finger out to the line of raised dots, allowing him to count how many feet go out until the grapple hooks tight.

“But thank-you,” is hoarse until the thing catches on something substantial to hold his weight, “for everything, Bruce.”

And a press of a button jerks him away from the Dark Knight who is yelling into the darkness after him.

**

And he’s fine. It’s not like he’s missing a limb or something, but in some ways this is probably worse.

Months ago, in the deserts of Iraq, the attack by the Wanderer left him in the hand of the League of Assassins.

“Timothy,” is a familiar voice when all he can see is darkness.

“Ra’s?” And he feels like absolute ass. Fighting bad guys in the desert on the hunt for clues Bruce is still alive (and you Dick can get fucked, seriously).

“Do not panic, Detective. You are currently in the heart of the Cradle.”

Still, complete dark.

“What happened?” He asks instantly before the realization sets in because the last thing he remembers is seeing that glowing, fiery blade coming right at his face.

And then nothing.

He flinches, his skin tingling because he can feel Ra’s hand getting closer to his own, and those cold fingers wrapping around his wrist.

Red turns his head toward the direction where he knows Ra’s is standing and with a whole bunch of ninjas at his back, but still, not even a hint of light.

“I’m afraid your eyes have been…damaged.”

And no, he’s not feeling panic rise because, well, League of Assassins and shit, but because Ra’s al Ghul never, ever sounds… hesitant.

The sinking feeling isn’t getting any better.

**

Permanent blindness is better than other alternatives. You know, like dead.

He had taken time to acclimate, re-train himself, even vanished to find Shiva for a week of owfuck to get himself somewhat ready to take on the League’s mortal enemies, the Council of Spiders. Within the four weeks it took him to get accustomed to using his other enhanced senses, Ra’s had already argued with his own people that regardless of his new ‘handicap,’ the Detective is an exceptional specimen.

The crux, though, is how Ra’s didn’t expect him to be able to beat the Council as he is now as well as take down the League’s systems completely. But, well, Bat, and very few things can hold down a Bat.

Take into account that he’s developed a synthetic radar system for the cowl; a little something inspired by Daredevil and Marvel comics. Only his version works in real life.

The aftermath, being kicked out a window, of Dick as Batman saving his ass from death by pavement, hadn’t been part of the plan. He was under the impression Dick agreed with Damian, the former third Robin had played his part, done his duty, and it was time for him to be out. Coming to with the sounds of bats in his ears and an achingly familiar cold, dampness seeping into his bones had been a pretty fucked up surprise.

Luckily, no one else had been down while he fumbled off the gurney, panicked still, only blind for a few weeks and without his developed tech to give him awareness of his surroundings. Still, he’d managed to find the suit close enough on a medical table and get it on, almost running to get to some kind of vehicle before anyone could see him, could tell him to GTFO.

Nope, he didn’t need Alfred to have to be the one.

The radar net in his cowl was slightly damaged during the fight with Ra’s (who’s an asshole because now he knows where the weaknesses are, but still, WE is in his hands and he’s emancipated, so no need to report to anything to Dick), so getting on the spare Ducati is a righteous pain in the ass.

“Tim? Timmy?!” He heard the call echoed back, Dick’s voice making his chest go dangerously tight, but he fires the Ducati and takes off into the night.

From then on, he’s hit Gotham running, making sure never to stay after a fight, never to let the Bats get close enough to tell he’s a different man now, keep the comm on mute, make sure they don’t find you. He dodges every attempt of the new Batman and his team to talk and instead goes back to the task at hand, finding the real Batman, proving to everyone (except the Titans) that he isn’t crazy.

**

Bruce isn’t someone who gives up once he’s been told no.

Ask Alfred, he’ll vouch and probably get into a storytelling mood.

And he very pointedly pulls the feed of the rooftop meeting with Red Robin so Dick and Damian can watch after patrol the same evening.

Dick spots it immediately, something very not right in the way Tim moves, the way he tenses, the way he tracks. Damian stares with arms crossed over his chest, feigning boredom, but quirks a brow when Drake claims, “Damian is right, Jason is right” and wonders what he had indeed been correct about.

And after a few months of his two sons dancing around the “what happened with Tim?” question, they finally give B the down and dirty deets.

“At the time,” Damian admits slowly, “I was…cruel, Father. I cannot explain why, for there are multiple reasons. Suffice to say, I told Drake on numerous occasions he no longer belonged in the Manor, and the legacy of Robin belonged to me as my birthright. I also made attempts to cause him harm, of which he had no other alternative except to defend himself,” and he remembers almost shoring through Drake’s grapple with shame.  The vigilante, his predecessor, the adopted brother that saved Father, brought him back, was right all along, proved himself to be the real “true son.”

Damian has had time to come to grips with the iniquitous nature of his actions. Perhaps, if Father could convince Drake to indeed come back, he could have the time to try making amends, to show him gratitude for returning his Father, for never giving up, for being the better Robin.

That is, if Drake would even allow him the opportunity.

Dick, arms tight around himself, sighs with genuine exhaustion, and B feels a pang of guilt for the burdens he’d put on his oldest son. It hurts even more when Dick starts talking, spilling the words out as fast as he can, trying to get the worst over with as quickly as possible—the same tendency from his boyhood.

“I did it wrong,” the eldest admits without hesitation, “I made the right choices for the right reasons. Dami needed the tunic, and Tim…Tim didn’t need me as a mentor the way Dami did,” and he completely ignores the chuff from the ten-year-old because they both know it’s true, “but I tried to convince him to get professional help when he thought you were alive. I thought…I thought he might be having a breakdown. All those deaths, and then you, too? I couldn’t see past everything else to even consider he might be right. To make it worse, I just gave Dami a new Robin costume without telling Tim until the last minute; he had to find out the hard way.”

And it haunts him, the way Tim Drake had said on the recorded feed Jason was right because Dick is well-aware of the Red Hood’s grudge against the boy that took up the mantle after him—the boy he claimed was only a replacement, never a real part of the family, just a stand-in until the next Robin came.

Tim hadn’t believed Jason’s bullshit before now (or had he?), and Dick takes the blame for it directly on his shoulders.

After the two of them have said their pieces, B sends them both upstairs for the night and hits up the showers, grabs a cup of coffee, and starts doing research.

**

Red hasn’t seen the Titans since the whole come to Gotham and save some nice people, do me a solid here, debacle. Sure, Kon has texted and called, hoping for a break in the vigilante’s schedule, but Red…can’t face them yet, not without necessity riding him.

And it sucks, to keep moving on his own, to keep figuring out new ways to fight the same kind of criminals he always has, how to keep one step ahead of the game.

It’s been hard, but like he did the first time around, when he was that kind of Robin, he’s going to do what he needs to do, he’s not going to give up. Living some normal life as a blind person isn’t an option (well, the blind thing, yes, but the normal person, nope), so he keeps moving, keeps creating, burns the shit out of himself when he attempts to make something that will allow him to hack again, a pad with grooves that shift as the web page does. Next is to figure out DOS.

So when he’s not on the move, when he needs to hide, he goes back to the Perch in Gotham, down under the first floor into the basement with his workshop, set-up right after he bought the place and started moving things in, setting everything up to be a proverbial HQ before he went off to Europe in hopes of finding clues his mentor (father) was still alive. It had been a good idea to get a place away from the Manor, the Cave, away from all things Wayne and Bat since he wasn’t Robin anymore, couldn’t depend on their tolerance of him in their home.

It all worked out just fine anyway.

The Gotham Perch was mostly self-sustaining, nothing to trigger indications of his presence unless he was upstairs working rather than down here. The cot in the corner (exactly seven steps from his work bench) is plenty for when he can’t possibly work anymore.

While he’s treating another burn from using a soldering tool, his phone rings again, and he feels the vibrations through his workbench.

“Call from Clone Boy.”

“Ignore,” he responds, trying to wrap the bandages around his palm where it hurts like hell.

“Text received.”

He sighs, “read it.”

“Dude. Nightwing and Batman are tearing shit up looking for you. They’ve been to the Tower three times in the last week alone. Maybe you should come out of fucking exile and talk to someone. Like me, you asshole.”

“Compose text,” he replies, and the phone gives a chime. “If they need intel, they know my email. Don’t worry about it, probably just some data or analysis. You know, Bats and shit. Send.”

Another chime, just pitched slightly higher.

He goes back to work, determined to make the tools he’s going to need to really get his game back.

**

But the Bats don’t need intel, don’t need a detective, don’t need a replacement. Whatever they want is apparently important because they’ve got O looking for any trace of him over every feed she can access, and continually trying to hack his phone for his location. The thing rings over and over from Dick’s number, only one message left in all those instances: “Tim. Call me or I’m going to kick up the search a notch.”

He doesn’t.

Instead, he takes off, goes out of Gotham for a few days to have some levity time, test out his gadgets. The radar pulses eliminate the need for a cane (bonus) and give him a pretty good idea of perception—as in, how far his punches and kick should reach so he knocks someone out rather than kills them. The ‘hack pad’ as he’s come to call it is also a definite win for the home team. He can reach over and feel the screen in front of him shifting, the pad forming braille under his fingers.

But it’s not until he’s back on the streets, going back to his roots for the hundredth time since he was blinded, that someone gets him with a crowbar across the cowl, knocking the radar out and almost taking him down for the count in the process. He gives a good punch back before dropping to his knees at the wave of nausea hitting, making him gag for a moment, bo in hand, sweeping out to find obstacles, get his directional bearings, and make sure the baddies are down for the count.

He fumbles in his utility belt for a moment, looking for modified zip ties when the nearly-silent sound of shadows spreading catches his attention, and Red is up on his feet, fighting the waves of sickness threatening, the push of unconsciousness.

“Nice job, Baby Bird,” N’s voice is warm and affections, and who knows why the fuck that is.

Instead of replying, he snarls, upper lip curling in a sneer, he already has his modified grapple, ready to fly—

“Please wait,” and the edge of desperation to N’s voice makes him back right up against the alleyway wall, free hand automatically slapping on it, grounding himself, getting his footing again. “God, Tim, please just—just five minutes, that’s all I’m asking.”

And because he feels like ass right about now since—

X

—Xavier is going to be a fucking awful companion for the next forty-eight hours, he just breaks a little.

“What the fuck do you want?” Is tired, a weariness that goes down to the soul. “Am I supposed to be out of Gotham, too? Just out of the Bats, out of the Manor not good enough for you or your partner? Fucking fine, just fine, give me forty-eight hours and I’ll be—“

But the concussion, lack of sleep, malfunctioning radar array, all of it gives N the perfect chance to get way too close for comfort—and he doesn’t feel the heat of Dick’s body through the Nightwing suit, hear the silent steps, the soft snaps of interrupted air signaling movement until it’s too late to run.

He fired the grapple as his knees give out, just in time for N to catch him in one arm, wrestle the grapple out of his hand to retract it.

“You’re hurt,” N is saying against his temple, “so, lemme just get you somewhere safe and we can talk, Timmy. Just talk.”

“Nothing to say,” he replies with conviction, swallowing back a mouthful of bile. “And no, I’ve got my own back now, thanks. Tell me what the hell you want so I can be on my way.” He pushes, both palms against Dick’s chest, making the older vigilante take a step back.

The hurt noise coming from deep in N’s chest is really just not his fucking concern.

“Timmy,” is breathed out, not like the last time when they were arguing about Tim getting, you know, fired when Dick was beyond done with him, only talking to him with exasperation and annoyance. And yeah, oh yeah he remembers.

“Five minutes, remember? I have bad guys to tie up.”

He feels Dick moving, choosing to stay right where he is so he doesn’t just hurl everywhere. Xavier needs a minute to calm it the fuck down.

“Damian and I—“

Well that’s not a good start.

“—we’d like it if you came to the Manor.”

He straightens, biting out a “for what?” while a litany of escaped bad guys passes through his brain pan.

N finishes fast, probably still fresh with patrol only a few hours in, “for dinner,” he responds softly.

“Why the fuck—“ is what he starts to say, thinking something along the lines of why the fuck would you do that to me? I already got the message, but he straightens too fast and the blood throbs in his head, drowning out everything else while his knees buckle, and he’s—

Out.

**

Coming to with bats echoing in his ears (yet again) causes the same kind of utter fucking panic it did the time before this.

There’s a whole lot of cranial owfuck this time as he jerks to awareness, throwing himself up on the medical gurney, hands already going for his face even as he registers air ruffling his hair. A bandage is around his forehead, tape at his temple, stitches at the back of his skull, neat enough to be Alfred’s.

Fuck.

His chest is bare, but he still has the Red Robin tights and boot, gloves and gauntlets missing. He swings his legs around, hand already outstretched, looking for something, anything—

Round, metal.

Bo. The specially made one.

Perfect.

A flick of his wrist and it extends out. Throwing his legs over the side of the gurney—

Footsteps make him freeze for literally a second and then move because he’s fast,

Batman, however, is faster.

Hands on his shoulders, turning him, making him dizzier, throwing off his directional sense without the radar array plus riding a righteous concussion, and B is gripping his biceps tight enough to fucking hurt.

“Tim,” comes out hoarse and deep, from far down in B’s chest.

“Bruce,” he responds dully, already pretty sure what’s going to happen here. “At least let me get suited up, then I’ll be out of your Cave—“ out of your city.

One hand comes off his bicep and tilts his face up. Ah, well, there’s that too.

He feels the disruption in the air by his face as gloved fingers wave a few inches from his eyes (c’mon, really now?) and reaches up to snatch at B’s gloved hand.

“Your eyes. Tim, my God—“

“Yeah, I know.” And he did. Ra’s told him not long after he came to in darkness, his eye color was a faded, washed thing, pale with pupils that didn’t dilate anymore.

He feels B’s chest stutter and the hand in his grip moves gently, slowly, the palm of the glove leathery against the side of his face and whatever scars might be there from the initial blinding. He’s not really sure, hadn’t thought to ask, and sure as hell hadn’t touched his eyes since that first day in the dark.

“When?” And just because he can hear it, the thick, watery quality of B’s normally smooth tone when he’s not normally surrounded by the criminal element, his own eyes begin to sting and heat.

He swallows hard because B doesn’t deserve this, doesn’t need to know the truth. “Bruce—“

“Tell me, Tim.”

And something wet drips on his nose, sliding down the bridge, and he lets out a shaky breath because B already suspects, so anything less would just be insulting.

Lowering his head so B doesn’t have to look into his dead eyes when he drops the proverbial bomb, the words come haltingly, painfully drug out of some deep, dark place twisting in his soul—the place where things he mourns are put until he actually has the time to give in, to scream, to punch and kick and bleed.

“Iraq,” and he has to swallow to make his voice stop breaking, “I went to—to find a cave where there was a sign, proof you were alive. I was ambushed by someone named the Widower, a member of the Council of Spiders.”

He expects Bruce to choke out an apology, an ‘I’m so sorry that happened’ because he’s Batman, and he’d never want anything bad to happen to his (former) Robins (even those that never should have been, right Dami?).

What he doesn’t expect is for Bruce to just grip him, pull him into a hard, inescapable embrace while the older vigilante breaks down and fucking cries. He cries like he has to relive his parents’ death all over again. Like he has to bury Jason Todd, his partner and friend, in the cold, unforgiving earth. He cries like he’s in real pain.

And Tim, Red, stands there, every muscle shaking uncontrollably, head aching because Xavier just need to be less of a pain in the ass, riding the ‘that’s an owfuck from a few days ago’ train, and… being held on his feet by unbreakable hold, depending on someone else’s strength.

And the cut of too-long hair at the right side of his head is damp, Bruce’s hand grips the back of his neck tight, the other around his back to desperately hold on.

“I missed you, Tim, I missed you. I’m so, so sorry this happened. I’m sorry it happened because of me. Tim, I’m sorry—“ is the litany wept against his hair and face.

He babbles back the usual, “not your fault, you idiot. Seriously, you were lost in time, how is it your fault? It is what it is. I’m dealing with it, I’m alive right now.”

And B just keeps talking, keep listening while he lifts one of his Robins up against the Bat-symbol on his chest and sits himself on the abandoned gurney with Tim held tight in his lap. He notices when the face tilts down purposely or moves to the side, Tim trying to spare him from looking.

But B does, he stares into the washed out violet-blue that used to be expressive, used to be vibrantly colorful. There are a few scars below each eye, some to the sides, one across the bridge of his nose, and of course, once they calm down, once Tim can breathe a little and eat and the concussion is gone, they can ask the more in-depth questions, get an idea how the injury was made, try anything and everything to counteract the effects, to give him his sight back.

It's a futile hope, but one B can’t release until he’s exhausted all options.

And in the niche above the walkway down to the Cave, a divet in the outcropping of rock is Damian’s proverbial safe place. At times he will bring a book and snacks, perhaps just his iPod for musical distraction, sometimes his wrist computer to watch Netflix.

When Grayson came to the Cave, carrying an unconscious and injured Red Robin on the front of his Ducati, Damian held on to the fervent hope that things could be different this time. He was not wavering between his old life and new any longer, and perhaps, if Drake would only give them a chance—

Father had sent him back from patrol two hours before, an order to complete his homework and go to bed for school the next day; the Batman still out when Grayson pulled up, Alfred already taking the limp body from him with certain hands. He had thrown himself in with them, already prepping the gurney, preparing gloves for Pennyworth, tying his apron around his back while the butler scrubbed up. Of course, it had taken the three of them some time to find the hidden catches and traps to check the blood flow from the back of Drake’s skull; however, no gray matter, no cerebral fluid, a bad knock and nothing more. The eldest of the Bats had begun a rudimentary testing, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, pupil dilation, the usual.

Whatever he had found during the exam, gave him pause enough that Grayson demanded to know what is it?

“Master Damian, to bed. You have school in the morning. Master Dick, shower and eat.”

“Alfred—!”

“Dick,” and both vigilantes had flinched back, away from the warning in that tone.

Damian finally gave in, returning to the Manor to hurry through his assignments while Grayson angrily did the same. His niche, however, was accessible through a vent, and thus he was in place by the time the Batmobile returned home for the night and Father dove out of it, throwing his cowl off, eyes all for the full medical gurney in the corner.

Once Drake returned to consciousness and the youngest Bat overheard their conversation, understood what had happened, why and where, his chest seizes, and his eyes get hot and damp. Both hands jammed over his mouth, Damian Wayne cannot stop the stream of tears filling and spilling over when all those implications hit home.

Iraq, blinded while looking for Father, trying to return him home. Blinded and still warring with the League of Assassin’s most deadly of foes. Refusing to burden anyone with this knowledge as the Titans would have at least told him if they’d have known.

And just as Father cries, so does he, a terrible feeling of pain and regret, that he had scorned this young man, had been crucial in seeing him gone without bothering to look for his worth. Damian holds his hands over his mouth while his chest stutters on choked breaths.