#batman face paint easy

[delicatefury]

They’ve done Poison Ivy so dirty by reducing her to Harley’s love interest.

She was so much more interesting as a misanthrope who was easily irritated by anything not plant related and who used and discarded powerful men as easily as those same men did women. Not because she felt any compassion for the women, but because she could and she liked being powerful.

there’s a difference between character development and completely changing your character’s personalities with no explanation

[freshl6ve]

𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓. 𝐒 | 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄

⭑.ᐟ : “𝐘/𝐍!” 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭’𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦, and I could hear the frustration in his tone. “I need your help in here, and I need it now.”

I walked up the stairs, heading towards the bathroom and I was met with the sight of Matt, sitting on the edge of the bathtub, with Nick and Chris trying to apply the black eye paint.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of them struggling, and I leaned against the doorway, crossing my arms.“Having some trouble there?”

Matt glanced my way, a mixture of relief and annoyance on his face. “You have no idea,” he grumbled. “These idiots can’t seem to get this right to save their lives.”

Nick shot Matt an offended look, while Chris just rolled his eyes. “Hey, we’re doing our best, okay?” Nick retorted. “It’s not as easy as it looks.”

I chuckled at their bickering and stepped forward, saying, “Okay, you two, wash your hands. I’ll take it from here.” Nick and Chris reluctantly complied, washing their hands in the sink while I moved towards Matt, studying his face.

As I hovered over him sitting on the edge of the bathtub, I couldn’t help but tease him. “You need to give them a little credit. They weren’t that bad.” He shot me a sidelong glare, clearly not amused. “Yeah, right. They made me look like I got into a fight with a raccoon.”

I stifled a laugh, trying to maintain a serious expression. “Well, at least now we know that raccoon makeup isn’t your look. Stick to Batman.” He grumbled, but there was a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Just get on with it, will you?”

I chuckled again and began to apply the eye makeup, carefully coating his lids with the black paint. As I worked, we fell into a comfortable silence, my fingers gently tracing his face. Our proximity was electric, the bathroom suddenly feeling smaller and more intimate.

I could feel his gaze on me, studying me as I focused on my task. Time seemed to slow as I finished the first eye and moved on to the second. Every touch of my fingers against his skin sent a jolt through me, the atmosphere thick with undeniable tension.

My back had started to ache from leaning over for so long, and the subtle shifting was giving it away. Matt, noticing my discomfort, whispered to me. “Sit on my lap, baby, you’ve been on your feet long enough.”

My breath hitched slightly at his casual use of the pet name, but I complied, my legs straddling his lap as I continued to apply the paint. From this position, I was even closer to him, our faces almost touching. His breath was warm against my skin and sent shivers down my spine.

As I continued applying the paint, I could feel Matt’s hands slowly making their way around my waist. He gripped me firmly, holding me in place so I didn’t fall backwards. The warmth of his touch sent sparks shooting through me, and I found it increasingly difficult to concentrate.

I finished applying the paint and stepped back, taking a moment to admire my work. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. “Nick,” I called out, “do you have a small towel you don’t use?”

Nick’s voice echoed from his room as he responded, “Yeah, there should be one in the cabinet next to the tub!” I nodded and opened up the cabinet, rummaging through it until I found a small, unused towel.

As I returned to Matt, I settled back into his lap, the towel in my hand. I began to gently rub off the excess of the black eye paint, making sure to leave a faint, lighter shade. The process was slow and intimate, our faces close together once again.

“There all done,” I breathed, getting off his lap and gesturing for him to look in the mirror.

He stood up and moved to the mirror, studying his reflection. The black paint around his eyes accentuated the sharp angles of his face, making him look every bit the dark and mysterious Batman. He turned to me, a satisfied grin on his face.

He stepped towards me, his arms encircling my waist. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice low and gravelly, sending shivers down my spine. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a slow, passionate kiss.

The world around us faded away as he deepened the kiss, his hands pulling me even closer to him. The tenderness behind the kiss left me breathless and weak at the knees.

Just as I was completely lost in the kiss, the moment was interrupted by the sound of Nick’s voice. “Alright, get a room,” he teased, standing in the doorway. Matt pulled away, a mischievous grin on his face, still holding me close to him.

Nick stepped closer to take a better look at Matt, studying the final product. “You did an amazing job, Y/N,” he admitted, a hint of surprise in his voice.

I smiled at the compliment, feeling a sense of pride in my work. “Thanks,” I replied. “I’m just glad it turned out alright.”

Just as the conversation died down, Chris burst into the room. “The party is almost about to start, we should all get going!” he exclaimed, a sense of urgency in his voice.

We all shared a collective groan at the interruption, the moment of peace shattered by Chris’s announcement. “Yeah, yeah, we’re coming,” Matt muttering, reluctantly releasing me from his arms.

As we all made our way downstairs and through the hallway, Matt veered off to his room, retrieving his car keys from his bedside dresser. He then caught up with the rest of us in the garage, where we filed into his car in a chaotic and haphazard manner.

Matt climbed into the driver’s seat, and I scooted into the passenger seat beside him. The other two filed into the back, jostling and laughing with one another as they buckled their seatbelts.

Matt flicked a button on the visor and the garage door slowly creaked open, revealing the night. He reversed out of the garage and pulled away, the engine purring. I leaned back in my seat, the streetlights flashing through the windows as we made our way to the house where the party was being hosted.

The car came to a stop at a red light, and Matt took the opportunity to glance over at me. His hand found its way to my thigh, resting there in a possessive yet tender gesture. The touch sent a rush of heat through me, my heart skipping a beat.

Matt returned his gaze to the road, his expression a picture of nonchalance. His hand, however, remained on my thigh, his fingers tracing small, lazy circles on my skin, as if he was completely unaware of the effect his touch was having on me.

I could feel myself growing flushed, the warmth of his hand on my thigh sending tingles through my body. As the light turned green and we resumed driving, I wondered if he was intentionally trying to get a reaction out of me, or if he was truly oblivious to the way his touch was affecting me.

We pulled up in front of the house, the sound of music and laughter pouring out of the open windows. The parking lot was already filled with a few cars, a sign that we weren’t the only ones who were fashionably late. I unbuckled my seatbelt and gave one last glance at Matt, who removed his hand from my thigh and gave me a sly smirk.

We all exited the car, the cool night air a welcome relief after being cramped in the vehicle. As we made our way to the front door, Matt reached for my hand and intertwined our fingers together. His grip was firm and confident, and I found myself feeling a sense of comfort from his gentle touch.

Together, we followed the others into the party, the noise and energy of the room washing over us. The house was packed to the brim with people dressed in all sorts of elaborate costumes, the scent of cheap cologne and alcohol hanging in the air.

We wandered through the crowded room, and several people stopped us to compliment our matching costumes. Matt, in his Batman costume, and I, dressed as Catwoman, drew plenty of stares and admiring glances.

Throughout the entire night, I had been by Matt's side at all times. He wasn't one for parties; he much preferred the comfort of his own home and his own company. But tonight, he was putting up with the loud music and the rowdy atmosphere because he wanted to be with me.

Every time someone attempted to pull him away to chat or join a game, he would politely decline, his hand finding its way back to mine, or wrapping around my waist, as if to silently assert that his focus was on me and no one else.

I stood quietly next to Matt who was currently engaged in conversation with Chris, Nick, and a few other friends. They were all clustered together, laughing and joking. His hand held mine firmly, his thumb idly tracing patterns on my skin.

I noticed that instead of alcohol like most others were drinking, Matt had opted for a red solo cup filled with soda or water. He never was one to drink at these kinds of events.

As the conversation continued, I leaned into Matt's side, listening in on the banter. His free arm instinctively wrapped around my shoulders, drawing me closer to him. Occasionally, he would chime in or laugh at a joke, but for the most part, he seemed content just to have me by his side.

My head was slightly fuzzy from the couple of drinks I'd had, and the loud music and laughter around me had heightened my desire to be closer to Matt. I leaned in, my body pressing against his as I whispered into his ear. “Dance with me,” I pleaded, my words slightly slurred but laced with a seductive edge.

“Not now, baby,” Matt whispered back, his voice calm and nonchalant. He gave my waist a gentle squeeze before continuing his conversation with the others.

A pang of slight disappointment shot through me, a mixture of the alcohol in my system and my desire to be closer to him.

I positioned myself in front of Matt, my back pressed against his chest. I rocked my hips, moving my body against his, the fabric of our clothing rubbing against each other. Matt's arm instinctively found its way around my waist, his hand resting on my hip.

He continued to talk with the group as if nothing was happening, sipping casually from his cup. His expression remained calm and nonchalant, although the heat of my body against his was impossible to ignore.

I continued to move against him, each gyration of my hips a silent plea for his attention. But Matt maintained his cool composure, his conversations with the group never faltering. The tension between us was palpable, but he stubbornly refused to give any indication of it to the rest of the world.

Matt's breath hitched, and a low moan escaped him, the sound lost among the music and laughter. He leaned down, his lips close to my ear as he whispered, “Behave yourself, baby.” His voice was low and rough, a hint of warning and desire threading through it.

Despite his words, his grip on my hip tightened. I could feel the heat radiating off his body, contrasting with his outward nonchalance. The mixture of his proximity and the alcohol in my system was making it increasingly difficult to ‘behave myself’.

I turned to look up at him, my eyes roaming over his features. His dark, tousled hair, the sharp angles of his face emphasised by the eye paint, the way his baggy clothes made me want to take them off and explore what’s underneath them — all of it made him even more attractive. I leaned in close, my breath against his skin.

I pressed myself against him, my body flush against his. “Can we go home?” I whispered into his ear, my voice low and sultry. The music and the noise from the party faded into the background as I focused on the feel of his body against mine.

Matt chuckled lowly, his grip on me tightening. His voice was a low husky tone when he replied, “Can’t control yourself, can you?” He lowered his head further, his lips close to my ear. “Patience, baby. We’ll leave soon.”

Matt’s lips found the sensitive skin of my neck, trailing kisses along the column of my throat. As he did, I threaded my fingers through his hair, my touch both reverent and desperate. Our bodies swayed in rhythm with the music, the movements almost languid as we clung to each other.

Matt continued his ministrations, his lips lavishing kisses upon my neck and jaw. His free hand, the one holding the cup, gripped it tightly, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to maintain his composure. Each sway of our bodies brought us closer together, the air around us thick with a heady mix of desire and suppressed tension.

We were suddenly interrupted by a bright flash of light, the camera of Chris's phone capturing our intimate moment. I heard him calling out, “Get a room!”

Matt lifted his head from where it had been buried in the crook of my neck, his smirk visible even in the dim light. He gave Chris a casual salute, unperturbed by the invasion of our privacy.

I twisted in his arms, my face now facing his. I looked up into his eyes, my own pleading and earnest. “Please,” I murmured, my voice barely audible over the music. “Let's go home.” My hands gripped his costume, using the fabric to pull myself up closer to him, our bodies flush against each other.

Matt gazed down at me, his eyes softening slightly at the needy expression on my face. He leaned down, his lips brushing gently against mine in a quick, affectionate peck. “Okay,” he murmured against my mouth. “We'll go.”

Matt reached down and intertwined his fingers with mine. He shot a glance at Nick and Chris, the two of them seemingly unfazed by our need to leave, their eyes already returning to their various conversations.

“We’re heading home,” Matt announced, his voice just loud enough to be heard above the noise. “Get an Uber or call me when you want a ride back.” With that, we began to make our way towards the front door.

Matt led the way, his firm grip on my hand guiding me through the crowd. As we navigated the sea of bodies, he pushed his way through, making sure to keep me close.

The cool air hit us as soon as we stepped outside, a welcome relief from the stifling heat and noise of the party. Matt didn’t stop, continuing to lead me to where he’d parked the car.

Matt opened the passenger door for me, ushering me into the seat before closing it behind me. He then walked around to the driver’s side, sliding in and turning the car on.

The familiar hum of the engine filled the silence, the quiet only interrupted by the soft music from the radio and the sound of his breathing. As we started heading home, the warm glow of the streetlights illuminated his features, each passing second bringing us closer to our destination.

I watched him drive, my eyes tracing the lines of his face, particularly the area around his eyes where the black paint outlined them. The way his focus was solely on the road, his hands firm on the wheel, the way his body moved as he shifted gears, was like a silent taunt, fueling the heat already building within me.

I tried to act nonchalant, keeping my hands still in my lap, but my thighs pressed together involuntarily, a silent plea that he could likely see.

I reached down, grabbing his right hand from the wheel, and pulled it up to my thigh. His eyes flicked towards me, a hint of surprise on his face. “Baby, what are you doing?” he asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I bit my lip, shifting slightly in my seat, the need building within me. “Touch me,” I pleaded, my voice low and breathy. He glanced over at me, his gaze lingering on my face. “We’re almost home,” he replied, his tone firm but laced with a hint of restraint.

I could see the internal battle playing out in his eyes, the struggle between his own desire and his determination to wait until we were home. His hand remained stationary on my thigh, but his fingers flexed slightly, a small sign of his weakening resolve.

“Please,” I repeated, my voice almost a whisper. My own self-control was slipping, and I knew that if he didn’t give me what I needed soon, I would snap. “I can’t wait that long.”

He chuckled, the sound dark and raspy. “You’ll have to,” he responded, his eyes never leaving the road. “We’ll be home soon.”

I huffed, frustrated by his unyielding stubbornness. I continued to cling to his hand, the contact grounding me but doing nothing to soothe the fire burning within.

The car ride felt like an eternity, each second passing by in agonizing slowness. I fidgeted in my seat, my thighs clenching and unclenching beneath his hand, my body silently begging for him to do something, anything, to relieve the tension that was coiling tighter with each passing mile.

Matt continued to drive, his face calm and collected, as if he knew exactly the effect he was having on me. His fingers moved slightly against my thigh, the light caress just enough to tease but not satisfy.

The car pulled into the garage, the door closing behind us with a soft click. Matt switched off the ignition, the sudden quiet feeling almost deafening.

He looked over at me, the faint light of the garage illuminating the planes of his face. His eyes raked over me, taking in my state: the way my breathing was ragged, the way my body was tense, the way I was practically squirming in my seat.

Matt got out of the car first, his movements fluid as he stood up. He closed the door behind him, the thud echoing in the silent garage.

I followed suit, stumbling slightly as I got out of the passenger seat. My legs felt weak, my body thrumming with pent-up desire. I closed the door, my eyes never leaving him as he made his way around the car towards me.

Matt grabbed my hand and tugged me forward, his grip firm and urgent. As soon as we were inside he led me quickly upstairs, my feet barely touching the steps as he practically dragged me along.

Once we reached the top, he pushed me against the wall in front of the staircase, his body pinning me in place. His breath was ragged, his eyes dark with need.

The house was cloaked in shadow, the only light coming from the glow of the moon filtering in through the kitchen window. It cast a soft, silvery glow over the room, creating an intimate ambiance.

Matt pressed closer to me, his body flush against mine. His hands roamed across my skin, leaving a trail of heat and gooseflesh. “You’re so needy,” he murmured, his lips against my ear. “So desperate for my touch.”

Matt's mouth moved over my collarbone, his lips trailing a path to my ear. “You couldn’t even wait until we got home for me to touch you,” he whispered, his voice rough and low. “You were all up on me, grinding against me at the party.”

His hands gripped my waist tighter, his fingers digging into my skin. “So desperate for my attention,” he continued. “So impatient for my touch.”

His words, combined with his hands on my body, sent shivers down my spine, a heat pooling in my core. Matt's proximity was intoxicating, his body and words making it impossible to think straight.

I whimpered softly, my head tilting back against the wall, exposing my neck to him. Matt immediately latched onto the exposed skin, kissing and biting lightly. “You need it, don’t you?” he murmured, his voice husky. “You need me to touch you, to take you.”

Matt's lips moved along my neck, the words low and commanding. “Will you behave if I give you what you want?” he murmured against my skin, his hands still gripping my waist tightly.

I nodded, my breath hitching as his teeth grazed my pulse point. “Yes, god, yes. I’ll behave,” I breathed, my words a desperate plea.

Matt pulled back slightly, his face close to mine. He studied my expression for a moment before murmuring, “Good,” and kissing my deeply.

His lips on mine were everything I’d been craving. The world condensed to the feeling of his mouth moving against mine, the taste of him overwhelming my senses.

Matt’s hands on my waist pulled me closer, his body pressing against me. He deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing against my lips, seeking entrance. I willingly obliged, our mouths moving in a familiar dance, a symphony of desire and need. My hands moved to his hair, fingers tangling in the soft locks as our bodies entwined.

As we pulled apart for a moment, Matt’s voice was low and commanding. “Jump,” he whispered, his hands sliding down to the back of my thighs, urging me up. On instinct, I obeyed, leaping up and wrapping my legs around his waist as he picked me up with ease.

He held me tightly, my body cradled against him as he turned, pinning me against the wall. His mouth returned to mine, kissing me with a renewed intensity, our bodies pressed closely together. The sound of our breathy gasps echoed through the dark house, the atmosphere charged with the need for each other.

Matt’s hands held my thighs securely, his fingers digging into my skin slightly. He held me in place, my back against the wall, as he kissed me fervently. The heat of his body against mine was almost overwhelming, every touch and movement stoking the fire within me.

With ease, Matt carried me down the hallway, his footsteps barely making a sound. I held onto him tightly, trusting him to guide us to his bedroom. As we reached the door, he nudged it open, carrying me inside and kicking it shut behind us.

Matt gently set me down on the bed, the darkness of the room creating an intimate ambiance. He stepped back, slowly removing his sweater and, piece by piece, shedding his clothes.

I watched as Matt removed his clothes, my hands reaching out to help him. My fingers grazed his skin, undressing him slowly, the gesture both sensual and reverent.

His eyes never left mine as I undressed him, the intensity of his gaze making my heart race. As each piece of fabric fell away, leaving him completely bare in front of me, I could feel my desire growing, my fingers lingering on his skin as though committing his form to memory.

The faint light from the moonlight filtering underneath the blinds illuminated him, his form slightly silhouetted. The shadows played across his features, highlighting the strong lines of his physique. The world was fuzzy and out of focus, my eyes focused solely on him, the rest of the room a blur.

I knelt before him, my movements slow and intentional. My hands reached out, tracing over his hips and down to his thighs, my eyes never leaving his. I could see the desire in his eyes, the way they darkened with anticipation.

My hands trembled slightly as they reached the waistband of his remaining clothing, my fingers teasing at the fabric as I prepared to remove it. My breathing was shallow, my own anticipation building with each passing second.

I felt his hand on mine, guiding it slightly, a silent indication of his permission. I took a deep breath, my heart beating wildly, and slowly started to pull down his remaining clothes, exposing him fully to me.

My eyes widened slightly as I took in the sight of him, bare and vulnerable before me. I reached out, tentatively, my fingers brushing against his soft skin. He let out a slow breath, his body relaxing under my touch.

Emboldened, I wrapped my fingers around him, feeling his warmth. He moaned softly, his hips bucking forward slightly. I looked up at him, seeking approval. His eyes were closed, his face a mask of pure pleasure.

I began to move my hand slowly, exploring the silky smoothness of his skin and the hardness beneath. His breathing hitched, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

“That's it,” Matt encouraged, his voice low and husky. “Just like that. You're doing so well.” His hand covered mine, guiding my movements to speed up and tighten my grip. “A little harder now,”

I followed Matt’s instructions, my hand moving faster and tighter around him. He let out a loud groan, his hips jerking forward eagerly. Pre-cum dripped from the tip, making my hand slick.

“Can I…?” I asked hesitantly, looking up at him. He opened his eyes, the heat in them making me blush. “Can you what?” he asked, his voice barely audible. “Can I… taste you?” I managed to stammer out, my face flushing crimson.

Matt's face softened, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “No need to ask, baby,” he murmured. “Whatever you want, it's yours. Come here...” He guided my head down, his hand tangling in my hair. “Open up for me...”

I parted my lips, my tongue darting out to lick away the bead of pre-cum at his tip. He shuddered, his fingers tightening in my hair. Encouraged, I took him into my mouth, my lips stretching around his girth as I began to suck.

Matt let out a low groan, his body tensing. “Relax your throat, baby,” he instructed, his voice strained. “You don’t have to take all of me, just follow your instincts.”

I did as he said, relaxing my throat and taking him deeper. The head of his cock hit the back of my throat and I swallowed around him, my nose pressing against his pelvis. He cried out, his grip on my hair tightening.

“Pull back, baby,” Matt gasped out, his voice hoarse. “Not gonna last if you keep doing that...” I pulled back, my cheeks hollowed as I sucked hard. He let out a string of curse words, his hips jerking forward. “Shit, Stop, Y/N...”

I ignored his plea, instead bobbing my head faster, my hands tightening on his thighs. I could feel his muscles tensing beneath my touch, his breath hitching in his chest. “Y/N...” he panted, his voice a warning. “I’m gonna...”

His words trailed off into a moan as he spilled into my mouth, his body convulsing. I swallowed every drop, my hands continuing to pump his shaft until he was spent. I pulled back, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand and looking up at him with a satisfied smile.

I stood up slowly, my lips meeting his in a deep, passionate kiss. He tasted like salt and sweetness, and I couldn't get enough. Our tongues danced together, our hearts pounding in unison.

Matt's hands grasped my waist, slowly pushing me backwards onto the bed. I fell back with a soft gasp, my breath hitching as he hovered over me, his muscular arms braced on either side of my head. His blue eyes bored into mine, filled with unspoken promises.

His head dipped down, his lips finding the sensitive skin of my neck. He kissed and sucked, his hands reaching for the zipper of my catwoman costume. The sound of the zipper lowering filled the room, the cool air brushing against my heated skin.

Matt slowly peeled the costume off me, his lips following the path of the fabric as he exposed more of my skin. He paused at my breasts, his mouth closing around one peak while his hand caressed the other. I arched into him, a soft moan escaping my lips.

He lavished attention on my breasts until I was writhing beneath him, my hands clutching at his hair. Then, he began to kiss his way down my torso, his fingers hooking into the waistband of my catsuit. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with desire.

With a swift tug, he pulled off my bottoms, tossing them aside. I was now fully exposed to his hungry gaze. His hands caressed my thighs, pushing them apart. He settled between them, his breath hot against my most intimate area. I shivered in anticipation.

Matt hooked his fingers into the hem of my underwear and slowly pulled them down, his eyes locked onto mine. As the fabric reached my knees, he leaned down and used his mouth to pull them the rest of the way off, his teeth gently scraping against my skin.

Matt looked up at me from between my thighs, his blue eyes dark with lust. He placed a soft kiss on the inside of my thigh, his hands caressing the sensitive skin. He alternated between kisses and licks, slowly working his way higher.

His hands gripped my thighs, parting them wider as his mouth finally reached my center. He kissed me there, his tongue parting my folds and delving inside. I moaned, my hips bucking against his mouth as he feasted on me.

Matt hooked his arms under my legs, lifting them over his shoulders as he continued to devour me with his mouth. I was completely open and exposed to him, my most intimate parts on full display as he ate me out. I tangled my fingers in his hair, holding him close to my aching core.

His hands gripped my backside, tilting my hips to give him better access as he buried his face between my thighs. He growled against my flesh, the vibration sending shivers through my body. I could feel the pressure building inside me, my breaths coming in short gasps. “Matt...”

I was so close, my body trembling on the edge of release. Matt seemed to sense this, doubling his efforts. He sucked my clit into his mouth, his tongue flicking rapidly over the sensitive bud. I shattered, my back arching off the bed as my orgasm crashed over me.

As I convulsed around him, Matt slid two fingers inside me, curling them upwards to hit that spot that made my eyes roll back. He continued to suck on my swollen bud, his fingers pumping in and out of me in a steady rhythm.

Tears leaked out of the corners of my eyes as the sensations became too intense. I was so sensitive, yet I couldn't push him away. I needed more. He added a third finger, his hand moving faster as he brought me to the peak of pleasure once more.

I came with a shout, my inner muscles clenching around his fingers. He gentled his touch, slowly licking me through the aftershocks. When he finally lifted his head, his chin was glistening, and his eyes were filled with satisfaction.

He kissed my thighs, then my stomach, and finally my mouth. I could taste myself on his lips, salty and sweet. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down onto me. “I need you inside,” I whispered against his ear.

Matt chuckled low in his throat, his voice husky with desire. “Since you behaved so well, I think you deserve a reward.” He reached down, positioning himself at my entrance.

Matt sat up, his thighs straddling my hips. He rubbed the thick head of his cock along my slit, coating himself in my wetness. The sensation made me gasp, my hips lifting off the bed seeking more. He teased me, denying me the full penetration I craved.

“Not yet,” Matt murmured, his hand pressing down on my abdomen to keep my hips still. He continued to rub against me, his hot, hard flesh parting my swollen folds but never quite pushing inside. I squirmed beneath him, my breathing growing faster and shallower. “Please...”

“Please what?” Matt taunted, his voice low and seductive. He knew exactly what I wanted, how much I needed him to fill me, to move inside me. “Say it,” he demanded, his hand tightening on my stomach.

I was panting now, my body trembling with need. I looked up at him, my eyes pleading. “Please, Matt. I need you to fuck me. Fill me up.” I spread my legs wider in invitation, my wet heat aching to be claimed.

Matt’s expression grew intense, his jaw clenching as he finally lined himself up and slowly pushed inside. He watched my face as he inched forward, his thick length stretching me wide. I bit my lip, my hands gripping the sheets as he buried himself to the hilt.

He started to move then, pulling nearly all the way out before slamming back in. I cried out at the sudden intensity, my back arching off the bed. He set a hard, fast pace, the wet sounds of our coupling filling the room.

Our bodies slapped together, the sound of our moans and ragged breaths mingling. His large hands gripped my hips, tilting me to change the angle. He hit that spot deep inside me, making me see stars. “Oh god, Matt!” I cried out.

“That's it, baby,” Matt rasped, his voice thick with passion. “Squeeze my hard cock with your inner muscles like a good girl.” His words spurred me on, and I felt the familiar pressure building once more. “Matt...it’s...too much...”

“Too much what, baby?” he asked, his thrusts becoming erratic. “Too much pleasure? Too much love? Too much of me inside you?” He leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear. “Tell me what’s too much, and I’ll give it to you.”

“Too much...love,” I whimpered, my body tensing as another wave of pleasure washed over me. He groaned deeply, his movements becoming harder and more urgent. “And you’ll take more, won’t you, baby?” He growled, his fingers digging into my flesh.

I could only nod, my words lost to the sensations overwhelming my body. He grunted in approval, his hips snapping forward as he increased his pace. The room filled with the sound of our harsh breaths and the wet slap of flesh against flesh.

Matt’s mouth found my neck, his teeth scraping against my pulse point. He sucked hard, leaving a dark mark on my skin as he claimed me. His lips trailed up to my collarbones, placing open-mouthed kisses along the delicate bones before latching onto the soft skin and sucking.

He marked me as his, leaving a trail of love bites across my chest. He sucked on my nipples, biting down gently before moving to the space between my breasts. He kissed and nipped at the soft flesh, leaving a pattern of bites that only he could decipher.

I moaned and writhed beneath him, the slight pain only heightening my pleasure. “You’re mine,” he growled against my skin. “Every inch of you belongs to me.” He pushed himself up, his hands gripping my thighs and draping them over his shoulders.

He leaned down, his face mere inches from mine. His eyes were dark with lust and something deeper, more intense. “Say it,” he demanded, his voice rough with need. “Tell me who you belong to.” His hips rolled forward, grinding against my sweet spot.

“I’m yours,” I gasped. “All yours, Matt. Oh god, Matt!” His thrusts became deeper, his pace punishing. Our bodies slapped together, the sound of our moans filling the room.

Matt's grip tightened on my thighs, pulling them further apart and draping them over his shoulders. He leaned forward, his body folding over mine as he increased his pace. He buried his face in my neck, his hot breath against my skin as he moaned loudly.

I turned my head, seeking his mouth. Our lips met in a desperate, hungry kiss, our tongues tangling as we moaned into each other's mouths. He thrust deep and fast, his hips pistoning forward in a frantic rhythm.

Matt pulled away from the kiss, a string of saliva connecting our mouths. His eyes were wild with lust as he looked down at me, his chest heaving. “Fuck, you feel so good,” he groaned, his hips never stopping their relentless motion.

I looked up at him through heavy-lidded eyes, my gaze taking in the changes to his face. His dark hair was damp with sweat, strands plastered to his forehead. The black eye paint he’d worn was smudged.

The dark lines ran down his cheeks like tears, giving him a wild, untamed appearance. His jaw was clenched, the muscles bunching and releasing with each powerful thrust.

“Oh god, Matt! Oh god!” I cried out, my body tensing as another wave of pleasure crashed over me. “Yes! Yes! Yes!” I chanted, my head thrashing from side to side on the pillow as he pounded into me.

Matt's hands flew to the bed beside my head, his fingers curling into the sheets as he propped himself up. He began to thrust faster and harder, his hips jackhammering between my thighs. “Cum for me, baby,” he grunted, his jaw clenched.

He leaned forward, his head fitting perfectly between my neck and shoulder. I wrapped my arms around his back, holding on for dear life as he fucked me with reckless abandon. The bed creaked and groaned beneath their combined weight, the slapping of their skin echoing through the room.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Matt bellowed, his voice raw and husky. “Take it, baby! Take my fucking cock!” I screamed in response, my voice hoarse from all the loud moaning. “YES! YES! FUCK ME HARDER, MATT!”

Matt’s hand left the bed, moving to press down on my stomach. He pushed me into the mattress as he continued his relentless pace, his other hand still propping himself up. The new angle allowed him to go even deeper, hitting that perfect spot inside me. “Oh god, right there!”

“This is what you wanted, isn't it?” Matt growled, his hips slamming forward. “Wanted my cock so bad that you had us leave Chris and Nick behind. Couldn't even behave and control yourself.” He punctuated his words with particularly hard thrusts. “And here we are.”I whimpered, my hands clutching at his back as I tried to hold back. "P-Please, Matt...It's too...It's too intense..."He leaned down, his breath hot against my ear. "You can take it, baby."

“You better take it all now, like you were asking for it,” he continued, his voice dripping with dark satisfaction. “Gonna fill this tight little pussy up. Make you scream my name.” His hand on my stomach pressed down harder, forcing me to arch into his thrusts.

His words, combined with the new angle and his powerful movements, pushed me closer and closer to the edge. “Matt...Matt, it’s too much...I can’t...I’m gonna...” My words dissolved into incoherent babbling as he continued to pound into me.

“Hold it,” Matt grunted. “Hold it until I say you can let go.” His pace increased, his hips a blur as he pistoned in and out of me. “You’ll cum when I say you can, understand?”

I whimpered, my hands clutching at his back as I tried to hold back. “Please, Matt...It’ too...It’s too intense...” He leaned down, his breath hot against my ear. “You can take it, baby.”

His words gave me strength, and I clenched my teeth, determined to hold back despite the overwhelming sensation. My body shook with the effort, my nails digging into his back. “Good girl,” he praised, his voice low and approving.

He continued to fuck me at a frantic pace, his thrusts hitting that perfect spot over and over. I could feel my orgasm building, coiling tight in my core. I was so close, but I held back, refusing to let go until he gave the okay.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Matt paused, his hips frozen mid-thrust. He held me in place, his cock buried deep inside me. “Now,” he commanded, his voice rough with need. “Let go.”

I screamed as my orgasm ripped through me, my body shaking violently as wave after wave of pleasure crashed over me. Matt didn't hold back, fucking me through my climax with relentless force. His own release followed soon after, his cock pulsing inside me as he filled me with his hot seed.

“Fuck, yes!” Matt groaned, his hips jerking as he came. I moaned long and loud, my inner walls fluttering around his shaft, milking every last drop. Our combined moans filled the room, a symphony of pleasure as we rode out our intense orgasms together.

As the last tremors of his release subsided, Matt collapsed forward, catching himself on his elbows to keep from crushing me. He buried his face against my neck, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. “Wow.” His voice was a mere whisper against my skin.

I could only whimper in response, my body still quaking with aftershocks. Matt pressed soft kisses along my neck and jaw as we lay there, basking in the afterglow. “That was incredible,” he murmured, slowly pulling out of me.

Matt carefully extracted himself from me and got off the bed. I heard the faucet run in the bathroom, and a moment later, he returned with a warm, damp washcloth. He gently cleaned me up, his touch tender and caring. “You okay, baby?”

I nodded, a soft smile on my face as I looked up at him. “Mmhmm. That was... intense.” I stretched languidly, feeling deliciously used in the best possible way. Matt chuckled, tossing the rag into his laundry basket and crawling back into bed with me.

Matt pulled the sheets over us, tucking me against his side. “Well, it's what you wanted,” he said, a playful edge to his voice. “And I gave it to you.” He nuzzled my hair, his arms wrapped protectively around me.

I groaned, “I’m going to have such a big headache and hangover in the morning.” Matt kissed the top of my head. “I’ll get you some hangover pills and water later, just rest for now.”

I felt the comforting warmth of Matt's body behind me, his chest against my back. His arms wrapped around me tightly, his face pressed into the crook of my neck, inhaling the familiar scent of my hair. As I closed my eyes, the exhaustion and alcohol finally claiming me, the sound of his steady breath lulled me into a deep slumber.

I woke up to the sound of rustling and the closet opening. I turned around, my eyes still heavy with sleep, and found Matt shuffling through the hangers, searching for a top. He was already dressed in sweatpants, his hair mussed from sleep, and his muscular back was on full display.

I yawned and rubbed my eyes, shifting slightly in the bed as I watched Matt rummage through his closet. “Where are you going?” I asked, my voice raspy from sleep, my words a sleepy murmur.

Matt paused, grabbing a red crewneck and pulling it over himself. “Chris called, said him and Nick need to be picked up,” he replied, his tone casual. He continued rummaging for a second, his gaze focused on the closet as if he was looking for something else.

Meanwhile, I snuggled deeper into the blankets, still drowsy from sleep. “What time is it?” I asked, stifling a tired yawn, my body half hidden beneath the covers.

He closed his closet door and pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen. His voice was low and calm. “It's two in the morning,” he responded. He put his phone back into his pocket and started his search for his keys. He finally found his keys hidden underneath a pile of clothes and pocketed them.

As he moved around, I noticed the change and looked him up and down, my drowsy eyes picking up on the details. His hair was damp, the smell of shampoo lingering in the air, and his black eye paint, a telltale sign of his costume from the party, was completely gone, revealing his natural, chiselled features beneath.

“You showered,” I murmured, still half asleep, the observation slipping out despite the tiredness. Matt turned to face me, his hair tousled, his face devoid of the makeup. I saw the slight amusement in his eyes, a hint of a smile dancing on his lips.

Matt nodded, a small chuckle escaping him as he responded, “Yeah, the black eye paint was getting annoying and sticky.” He ran a hand through his damp hair, pushing it back. “Had to wash it off,” he added.

He walked over to the bed, leaning against the frame as he looked down at me, his form silhouetted against the light. “Go back to sleep, baby,” he said quietly. His words were a soft whisper, his concern evident despite the nonchalance.

“Will you be back?” I murmured, my words slurred from the remnants of sleepiness. I couldn’t help but feel a hint of worry, wondering if he'd return to the warmth of the bed next to me.

Matt gave a reassuring nod, his voice gentle. “Of course I will, just have to go get Chris and Nick,” he murmured, his tone comforting. He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear.

I felt a small smile tug at my lips, comforted by his words and his gentle touch. “Be safe,” I drowsy murmured, my eyes already closing again, tiredness weighing on my eyelids.

Matt leaned down and planted a soft peck on my lips, his lips lingering for a brief moment. “I will,” he whispered, his voice a soothing promise.

I opened my eyes slightly, my voice slightly pleading but drowsy. “Before you leave can you start the shower for me?” I murmured, my words slurred with sleep.

Matt's expression softened, concern evident in his eyes. He asked, a hint of worry in his voice, “Are you sure? You won’t fall or anything while I’m gone, will you?” It was clear he was concerned for my state, even if I was only half asleep and slightly out of it.

I nodded, a sleepy smile on my lips, my eyes still half-open as I reassured him, “I won’t fall. Just start it for me, please.” My voice was soft and drowsy, the promise of a warm shower before he returned sounding too nice to pass up, even in my tired state.

Matt gave a small sigh, his expression momentarily softening at the sight of my drowsy state. He nodded, his voice gentle. “All right, just let the water heat up and you know where the towel is. Careful, okay? I’ll be back soon,” he said quietly, his words a whispered promise, his hand brushing against my cheek.

With that, he pushed back from the bed, pausing for a moment to watch me as he walked out of the room and into the hallway. The faint sound of water turning on could be heard as the shower warmed up for me, and then the garage door closed, signaling Matt leaving to go get Chris and Nick.

After finishing, I threw on one of Matt's hoodies and a pair of sweatpants, feeling comforted by his familiar scent. I made my way back to the bedroom and crawled back into bed, the comforting familiarity of our shared space soothing.

As I lay there, waiting for Matt, I felt the bed dip slightly beside me, the mattress shifting under the added weight. Warm breath caressed my neck, the faint hints of the night air on his sweatshirt-clad body. His arms wrapped around me as he settled in behind me, his body slotting against my back like it belonged there.

I felt the warmth of his body press against me, comforting and familiar in its presence. He held me closer, his arms securely wrapped around my waist, his nose nuzzling against my neck. His breath was steady and I could sense him letting out a soft sigh, relieved to be back.

Matt whispered playfully against my neck, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Stealing my hoodie, I see,” he murmured, his tone light and teasing. His arm tightened around me, a gentle squeeze that communicated his subtle approval.

“Guilty as charged,” I murmured in response, my voice drowsy but playful in tone. My hands found his, interlacing our fingers as I nestled against him, finding comfort in the warmth and safety of his embrace.

I shifted, turning around to face him, my body nestling closer against his. I grabbed his arm, pulling it over me, draping it like a comforting blanket. My head rested against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart in the quiet room.

He adjusted slightly, pulling me even closer, his arm wrapping around my waist protectively. He kissed the top of my head, holding me in a gentle yet firm embrace, the gesture both possessive and comforting. His fingers traced slow circles on my back, the soft touch an unspoken form of reassurance and affection.

A/N: HAPPY (late) HALLOWEEN!! — FOR @st6rify ❤︎︎

TAGS: @st6rify ✮⋆˙ @jetaimevous ✮⋆˙ @certifiedstarrr ✮⋆˙ @slvtf0rchr1s ✮⋆˙ @l3sbiancvnt ✮⋆˙ @wh0remikasas ✮⋆˙ @r0s3luvr

── .✦ MASTER—LIST ⭑𓂃

[won4kiss]

﹙ 🎬 ﹚ ────I’LL WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE.

(🧺) ── 𝓙EONG JAEHYUN﹙정재현﹚ ꒰ 𝓰. oneshot ៸ fluff ៸ f2l ୨୧ㅤㅤ WARNiNGS : not proofread ៸ kissing ៸ lovesick jae❞ best friend! jaehyun x 𝑓! reader ˖ ݁𖥔 ݁˖ ꒰ WC : 2.7K ꒱ SYPNoSiS 𐙚 year by year, moment by moment, growing up with jaehyun has led to the love you’ve been waiting for all along .ᐟ ── LiBRARY

─2005

THE FIRST TIME YOU MEET JEONG JAEHYUN,

you’re both eight years old, and it’s the last day of second grade—it’s one of those annoyingly hot afternoons where the sun is brighter than ever, stretching shadows across the playground.

you’re sitting on the swings, your feet barely brushing the sand, when you notice a boy standing nearby, hesitating, as if unsure whether to approach.

he’s holding a small toy in his hands, a little red car with chipped paint, and he’s staring at it with a furrowed brow.

he finally looks up and meets your gaze, and there’s something curious and open in his eyes.

“hi,” he says, his voice nervous but steady. “i’m jaehyun.”

you tilt your head, watching him, and he gestures to the empty swing beside you. “can i sit?” ── 𝖱𝖤𝖲𝖳 𝖡𝖤𝖫𝖮𝖶!

you nod, and he sits down, gripping the rusty chains of the swing and kicking his feet off the ground in a way that feels awkward, like he’s too big for it already.

for a while, the two of you just sit, listening to the squeak of the swings and the lively chatter of the kids around you.

“i like the swings,” he finally says, his voice quiet. “it feels like i’m flying, like superman.”

you smile, feeling an instant connection to this boy with his shy smile and big dreams. “me too, but batman’s better than superman.”

from that day on, jaehyun becomes a constant in your life.

every day after school, he finds you on the playground, and together, you make up games, share secrets, and talk about everything from your favorite snacks to the names you’d give your future pets.

he tells you he wants to be a singer someday, his face lighting up with excitement, and you tell him that you think he’ll be amazing at it.

─2010

MIDDLE SCHOOL ARRIVES, BRINGING A LOAD OF CHANGE.

suddenly, jaehyun is taller, his voice has deepened, and he’s taken up basketball.

you notice the way people seem to watch him now, like he’s someone worth paying attention to.

but even though he’s growing into himself, becoming the kind of boy who can light up a room, he’s still your best friend.

one autumn afternoon, the two of you are sitting on the grass behind the school, sharing a pack of chips after practice.

the leaves are a vibrant mix of orange and red around you, and the air is crisp, the kind that makes you feel alive.

as you talk, he reaches over and plucks a small wildflower growing in the grass, examining it with a thoughtful expression—without a word, he hands it to you, his cheeks turning pink.

“it reminded me of you,” he says, a little shyly. “small but… strong.”

you take the flower, feeling a warmth bloom in your chest that you can’t quite place your finger on.

you press it between the pages of your notebook that night, letting it dry as a quiet reminder of that moment, a memory of a shift between you, unspoken but deeply felt.

─2014

BY HIGH SCHOOL, JAEHYUN IS SOMEONE EVERYONE NOTICES.

he’s joined the basketball team and fills out his uniform in a way that turns heads—girls pass him notes in class, and he’s always surrounded by people who want to be near him, to bask in his warmth.

but even with all the attention, he never changes around you.

he’s still the boy who waits for you outside your classroom, who finds you in the crowded hallways with an easy smile.

one friday night, there’s a big party, and he convinces you to go with him—the house is filled with people, the music loud and the lights dim.

you feel a little out of place, but jaehyun stays by your side, his arm slung over your shoulder as he introduces you to his friends, laughing and making sure you’re comfortable.

at some point, the noise becomes too much, and you slip outside for a moment to catch your breath.

you’re leaning against the porch railing, looking up at the stars, when you hear footsteps behind you.

“hey,” jaehyun’s voice is soft, and he’s smiling as he joins you, leaning beside you on the railing. “you okay?”

you nod, grateful for the quiet moment away from the crowd. “just needed some air.”

he watches you, his gaze warm. “thanks for coming with me. i know parties aren’t really your thing.”

his words make you feel seen in a way that goes deeper than friendship, and you wonder if he can hear your heart pounding in the stillness.

for a moment, you’re both quiet, the night stretching around you, and you feel a longing settle deep in your chest—a quiet, insistent feeling that you’re almost afraid to acknowledge.

─2016

SENIOR YEAR IS A BITTERSWEET TIME.

the two of you are talking about colleges, dreams, and the future—you’ve applied to different universities, and the thought of not seeing jaehyun every day makes your heart ache.

one afternoon, you’re sitting in the school gym, watching as he practices with the basketball team.

he’s focused, his movements graceful and sure, and you find yourself lost in the sight of him—when practice ends, he jogs over, grinning, his hair damp with sweat.

“thanks for waiting,” he says, a little breathless, he tosses his towel over his shoulder, his smile softening as he looks at you.

“can we go somewhere?” he asks after a moment, his voice quiet.

there’s a vulnerability in his gaze that you rarely see, and you nod, letting him lead you outside.

you end up at the park, the same one where you met years ago.

sitting on the swings, just like you did when you were kids, there’s a feeling of nostalgia between you, a sense that something is ending.

“i’m going to miss this,” he murmurs, his voice soft. he looks at you, his eyes reflecting the sadness in your own.

for a moment, you feel a surge of courage, the desire to tell him everything that’s been building in your heart over the years.

but the words catch in your throat, and instead, you reach over, slipping your hand into his.

“me too,” you whisper.

─2018

UNIVERSITY IS A STRANGE AND LONELY PLACE WITHOUT JAEHYUN.

you both try to stay in touch, texting and calling when you can, but the distance is hard, the busy schedules and new friendships creating gaps that you can’t always bridge.

but you still make time for each other, clinging to the friendship that has been your constant for so long.

one weekend, he comes to visit you—the moment you see him standing outside your dorm, that familiar, warm smile lighting up his face, it feels like coming home.

you spend the day exploring the city, eating at food stalls, wandering through bookstores, laughing and talking like no time has passed at all.

that night, you’re lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling in the dark.

jaehyun is beside you, his breathing steady and soft—you can feel the warmth of his body, the comfort of his presence, and you wonder if he knows how much he means to you.

in the quiet darkness, he reaches over, his hand finding yours. “you’re still my favorite person,” he whispers, his voice carrying a vulnerability that makes your heart ache.

you squeeze his hand, the words catching in your throat. “you’re mine too, jaehyun.”

─2021

NOW TWENTY-FOUR,

you’re both navigating the chaos of post-college life, juggling work, bills, and responsibilities.

jaehyun’s career is taking off, his life filled with new challenges, new dreams.

and though your paths have diverged, you still find time for each other, the bond between you as strong as ever.

one evening, he shows up at your apartment, looking exhausted and worn, the weight of his schedule pressing heavily on his shoulders.

without a word, you pull him inside, letting him sink onto the couch.

you make him tea, sitting beside him as he sips it slowly, his eyes closed in relief. “thanks for this,” he murmurs, his voice soft. “i just… needed a break.”

you reach over, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “you don’t have to do everything alone, jaehyun. i’m here.”

his eyes open, meeting yours, and there’s something deep and raw in his gaze, a quiet acknowledgment of everything you’ve shared over the years.

he reaches for your hand, holding it tightly, his thumb brushing over your knuckles in a way that feels intimate, grounding.

“i don’t know what i’d do without you,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.

and in that moment, you know that no matter where life takes you, he’ll always be a part of your story.

─2023

NOW AT TWENTY-SIX,

you’re both a little older, a little wiser, but still tethered by that bond that has carried you through every stage of life.

you’ve shared dreams, heartaches, and countless memories, and through it all, your feelings for jaehyun have only grown, a quiet love that’s been there all along.

one summer evening, you’re at his apartment, cooking dinner together.

the kitchen is a mess, there’s sauce spilled on the counter, the scent of garlic filling the air.

you’re laughing, both of you a little tipsy, the warmth of the wine making you feel bold.

as you sit down to eat, jaehyun looks at you, his expression serious, his gaze soft and steady.

“there’s something i’ve been meaning to tell you, i’ve been putting it off for about a decade though,” he says jokingly, but you could hear the weight behind his words.

your heart skips a beat, and you meet his gaze, feeling the seriousness of the mood.

“i think… i think i’ve been in love with you for a long time,” he confesses, his voice trembling anxiously. “i didn’t know how to tell you, or even if i should. but i can’t keep it to myself anymore.”

tears fill your eyes as you reach for his hand, your fingers entwining. “i’ve been waiting for you to say that for so so long,” you whisper, your voice heavy with emotion. “i love you too, jaehyun.”

in that moment, every doubt, every fear melts away, leaving only the truth that’s been there all along—he’s the love you’ve been waiting for.

and as he pulls you into his arms, holding you close, you know that you’ve finally made it where you were always meant to be.

─PRESENT DAY

NOW, LYING BESIDE JAEHYUN IN THE EARLY MORNING LIGHT,

you feel the quiet peace that comes from being right where you’re meant to be.

the sunlight filters softly through the blinds, gentle rays fill the room and paints jaehyun’s face in warm, golden light.

his arm is draped over your waist, and you can feel his slow, steady breathing, his warmth seeping into you as he stirs slightly, eyes fluttering open.

he blinks, looking at you with a sleepy smile, the kind that’s just for you, a little private thing that makes your heart swell.

his hair is tousled, his face soft with sleep, and you can’t help but reach up, brushing a strand away from his forehead.

“morning,” he murmurs, his voice thick and a little raspy, but filled with a tenderness that makes you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

“morning,” you reply, your voice just as soft.

for a moment, you both lie there in comfortable silence, simply watching each other, basking in the warmth of the morning and the quiet intimacy that fills the room.

jaehyun lifts his hand, gently running his thumb over your cheek, his eyes never leaving yours.

“what’s on your mind?” he asks quietly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

you smile back, feeling a warmth spread through you, a joy that’s almost too big for words. “you,” you whisper, feeling your cheeks heat up, even after all these years of knowing him.

his smile widens, a small chuckle escaping as he leans closer, his lips brushing against yours in a soft, gentle kiss that feels like a promise.

he pulls back, resting his forehead against yours, his eyes shining with that familiar, deep affection that has only grown with time.

“i really like that answer,” he murmurs, his voice a gentle murmur that echoes the countless quiet moments you’ve shared over the years.

as you lie there together, wrapped in each other’s arms, you think of everything you’ve been through, every stage of life you’ve faced side by side.

from playgrounds to high school hallways, from late-night calls in college to quiet evenings in the kitchen, your lives have been woven together in a bundle of shared moments, small joys, and unspoken promises.

jaehyun sighs, a contented, happy sound as he pulls you closer, his hand trailing up and down your back in a slow, comforting rhythm.

“i don’t think i ever told you this,” he says, his voice a quiet murmur. “but there was always something about you… from the very beginning. even as kids, i knew that you were going to be someone special to me. someone i couldn’t live without.”

you smile, feeling a lump form in your throat as his words sink in—you reach up, cupping his cheek, brushing your thumb along his jawline.

“i think i always knew, too,” you say softly. “you’ve been my best friend, my constant… and now my love.”

a warmth blooms between you, filling the room with a quiet kind of joy that feels both old and new, a love that’s grown through years of friendship and shared memories.

jaehyun presses a gentle kiss to your forehead, his lips lingering as he whispers, “thank you for waiting for me. for always being there.”

you close your eyes, leaning into his touch, your heart swelling with a happiness that feels almost overwhelming.

“you were worth the wait, jaehyun,” you murmur, feeling the truth of those words settle around you like a warm blanket.

the two of you stay like that for a while, wrapped up in each other, letting the quiet morning stretch around you.

it’s a moment that feels suspended in time, a snapshot of a love that’s been years in the making, built on a foundation of trust and friendship.

eventually, he shifts, pulling you closer, his gaze soft as he studies your face.

“what do you say we make breakfast?” he suggests, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

you laugh, feeling a rush of warmth at the familiar suggestion. “as long as you don’t burn the food this time,” you tease, poking his side.

jaehyun grins, a playful light in his eyes as he sits up, pulling you with him. “no promises,” he says, his laughter filling the room as he pulls you out of bed and leads you to the kitchen, your hands still intertwined.

as you sit down together, sharing a simple breakfast, you realize that this—these quiet, everyday moments—are the ones you’ll cherish the most.

because after all the years of waiting, all the moments of longing and uncertainty, you’ve finally found your way to each other after all your years of knowing him.

jaehyun reaches across the table, his hand finding yours, his fingers warm and steady around yours.

he looks at you, his eyes filled with a quiet, enduring love that speaks of all the years you’ve shared, all the small moments that have led you here.

and in that moment, with his hand in yours and his smile lighting up the room, you know that every second of waiting was worth it.

every second of waiting for his love was worth it.

© WON4KISS 2024 do not repost, plagiarize, or translate.

NOTE. i genuinely enjoyed writing this sm !! i miss my husband already guys this is so horrendous T-T i was listening to we can’t be friends string ver while writing this i’m literally sobbing ☹️

୨୧ TAGLIST OPEN ‹𝟹 @mioons @nshmuras @suneng @pnghoon @shawnyle @laylasbunbunny @privareum @briefsaladfun @cyjzzl @sol3chu @txtlyn @d-dilemma @deezbin @iluvnikism @rikibwn @wonsprincess @niawonn @pockyyasii @kiss4noo @nineooooo @loves0ft : COMMENT OR SEND AN ASK TBA.

[elletheactualmenace]

Was it Worth it?

Pairing: Bruce Wayne(battinson) x fem!reader

Summary: A night out turns disastrous, but somehow it brings you and Bruce closer

Warnings: Bruce being unsure how to behave around you, injuries, explosions, destructed building, worried Bruce, tears, talk about your past relationship with bruce, actress!reader, ambulances and police cars

Word Count: 3.9k

a/n: Sorry this took so long to post. I hope you enjoy this next part! Looking forward to continue writing this.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

“Bruce and Y/n Wayne have arrived at the charity auction in what looks to be one of Mr Wayne’s new cars from the most recent vintage corvette catalog.”

“That car is very pretty, and I think we can say the same about Y/n. She’s looking stunning as always”

“Well of course, with a wonder like that, Bruce Wayne would be in the wrong not to spoil his wife.”

“Haha, I agree. I also heard that he has already sold some of his more expensive model cars for tonight's charity.”

“Oh yes, that's right, he's ahead of the game,” The reporters laugh as you and Bruce begin walking towards the crowd of reporters and paparazzi.

“Mr Wayne!”

“Mrs Wayne, Mr Wayne, over here!”

“On your left Mr and Mrs Wayne!”

“Mrs Wayne! Show us the dress!”

“Stunning!”

The hoard of reporters and paparazzi crowd at the edges of the red velvety rope, separating them from you and your husband.

The paved walkway holds many people of high importance and wealth in the city. The board of public safety, the mayor, and more.

Bruce never has enjoyed big gathering events. Even with you at his side, he loathes the conversations, and the passive aggressiveness of it all.

You and your husband continue walking farther along the carpet, getting closer to the doors of city hall.

“Excuse me Mr Wayne! Do you have any comments on the new rumors of you and Batman's partnership?” You can feel Bruce's body tense and his senses sharpen at the mention of his alter ego. The reporter holds out a microphone and there is a cameraman directly behind the reporter.

Since you came into Bruce’s life his publicity has gone up through the roof. Bruce has been more active in his public life and it his business. You helped him open up. And for that everyone was grateful.

“No comment at the moment.” You can hear Bruce state just loud enough for the microphone to pick up.

“Now is not the right place or time,” You speak with a sweet smile. “This is for the children. Let's leave business talk for business hours.” 

You pull Bruce away from the reporters with a furrowed brow. He can tell you are annoyed at the question. It is the only thing you’ve been getting asked about for the past two weeks.

——

“Come on,” You mumble to Bruce as you walk to the table with your names. A white sheet claiming your spots on the round table. It's a charity auction put on by the new mayor, for children in need. As an orphan himself Bruce didn’t argue about going.

Bruce pulls out your chair and you sit. Once you are settled he sits in his seat. His hand stretches out to grab yours, but he stops himself. He doesn't know if you’re both there yet. Usually at events like these you would always be right there with him, holding his hand or touching him in some way. But he's trying to learn to not expect that attention as much. So, instead he rests his hand on his thigh, it's the closest he can get to your hands which are situated on your lap.

In all honesty you almost reached over too out of habit. But it is easy for memories of her face on flashing screens to cloud your vision. So you leave your hand in your lap, squeezing the other for comfort.

As people find their seats the lights begin to dim. Someone walks on stage to the stand, introduces himself, thanks everyone for coming, and begins the bidding. Too in your thoughts to pay attention, you take a sip of your champagne. 

People begin bidding money for antiques, paintings, expensive wine, rare collectables, and more. You and your husband both agreed to begin your bidding at the end, knowing the goods offered are always more expensive at the end. More money to the children was your conclusion.

“Do I hear a 15,000?” The auctioneer asks the crowd. You lean over to whisper something in Bruce’s ear.

“Bruce,”

He turns his head slightly so you know he's listening but keeps his eyes on the front of the room.

“I'm going to head to the bathroom, won’t be long.” You quietly push your chair out. You pause wondering if you should kiss him goodbye. You always do when leaving, but because of everything, you aren’t sure if you should. But then again there are reporters everywhere. What if someone sees and twists the story? Well, you think, their story might not be so twisted. You don’t give it another thought as you lean down and quickly peck his cheek before heading to the ladies room.

Bruce could sense the hesitation before the kiss, and with all his heart he wished it was real, even if his mind knew it would never be. But, even just a sliver of the past made his heart swell and beat rapidly. A small smile formed on his lip, which he quickly pushed away trying to listen to the auctioneer.

“And sold!” The auctioneer says into the microphone as the painting rolls away. 

The further you get the quieter the halls become. Your heels make a click with every step on the marble floors.

The halls are long, and seem to go on forever. You hate to admit that you're a bit lost. But you think if you just keep walking you might be able to find someone who can help you, or, if you're lucky, the bathroom.

You’re mindful of where you are, making sure you at least will be able to somewhat recognize the halls on your way back. You hate being lost, especially in such a high status place.

Before you and Bruce got together, your parents had been friends. You two never talked much before the accident, but you knew of each other. There was no specific reason for your lack of friendship, other than the fact that he didn’t talk much and you thought boys had cootie.

When his parents died, your parents would force you to hang out with him, which didn’t take a lot of convincing because you felt terrible that he went through what he did. Being forced together all the time helped your relationship grow. Even if only platonic.

At first he didn’t trust you. You didn’t blame him. So you ignored the mess he was. You ignored his sloppiness and rudeness and were kind. Slowly you became friends, you told him about your hopes and dreams and in turn he did the same. 

At fourteen you told him you wanted to become an actress and be on the big screen. And he didn’t tell you that you wouldn’t make it like everyone else had, but he supported you, even if it was in his closed off way. 

When you turned sixteen Bruce attended your birthday party. It was so sweet, and thought full of him, especially due to the fact that you and him were going through a rough patch, which, when you were young, was something that happened a lot in your relationship. He attended with all of your other friends and even your crush at the time, though he hated talking to new people. He even offered to get you a car to make up for his cruel words during the fight, but you had to tell him a multitude of times that it was unnecessary. And that all you wanted was for you both to stop arguing.

You were beyond happy that day, but didn’t understand why he would put himself through that party for you. At the time you were too naïve to see that all he wanted was to see you smile, even if it was with the boy you liked and not him.

When you were seventeen you told him all about how you got into your dream college. He was so happy for you, that was until you told him you would have to go and live far away. But he didn’t let it show. He just smiled and waved you off at the airport with a heavy heart.

When you got your first roll in a movie he heard about it on the news. Not from you. You both had been too busy with your new lives to keep us with your old ones. It made him long for the past.

During the premier of your fourth film you finally saw Bruce again. He was older, so were you. He looked so put-together and grown up. You were impressed by his change from boy to man. When you attempted to talk to him, he shut down the conversation immediately. You learned over the next couple of encounters that it would take a lot of work to get back into his good graces.

it was as if everything you had worked for over the years had fallen. It was like you didn’t recognize him, and he didn’t recognize you. You understood that Bruce was not a trusting person, and that the time away had caused a shift in his view on you, but you were determined to get your childhood friend back. It took a lot of work to get back to where you were, but you didn’t stop, knowing that all the work would be worth it. You were right.

And slowly, he opened up again. Trusted you again. Loved you again. During your efforts, Bruce had convinced himself he didn’t need you, but, boy, was he wrong. He hadn’t realized how much he needed you in his life until you were gone. The more he opened up the more he saw that. And god, did he miss you.

After almost a year and a half of working to get closer to him, he caved and did what 16-year-old him would have pissed his pants to do. He asked you out. And long story short, it worked out in his favor.

You continue walking until you see a door with the image of a cartoon woman on it. You push the door open and step into the ladies room.

There is a large, long mirror against the wall with a lone sink under it to the right. Five faucets evenly laid out along the sink. You turn to the stalls on the left. Making pushing the door open to step in.

Once you finish you walk over to the motion sensor faucet, pumping soap into the palm of your hand.

The door opens and a woman walks in. You recognize her, but don’t feel the need to make conversation in the bathroom. But she has other plans.

“Mrs. Wayne, I’m so happy we can finally talk.” The woman says, and your eyes lift from your soapy hands to meet hers in the mirror.

“Mayor Real,” you smile politely. She had recently become mayor as far as you could tell, she was doing a fantastic job.

“I’m sorry for the inappropriate meeting place, I’ve just been anxious to get to speak to you again.” Mayor Real said, taking something out of her handbag. Makeup to touch up her face.

“No need for the apology, I’m sure if we talked anywhere else someone would bombard us.” You chuckle, and she, along with you.

“What did you want to talk about?” You ask as you rinse off your hands. 

"I wanted to make better acquaintance with you,” she said simply. The first time you had met was at the prior mayor’s funeral, the one the Riddler attacked.

“The first time we met was not the best of circumstances.” Mayor Real added lightly. You nod with a sad smile to her. 

You walk to dry your hands with the paper towel provided.

”From what I’ve seen you're a good person, and it's good to know good people.” Real puts her makeup back into your handbag.

”Mayor Real-”

”Bella, please.” She cuts you off, correcting you.

”Bella,” You correct yourself with a smile, turning to her. “If you’re asking if we can be friends, then just say that.” You chuckle lightly. Bella looks a bit embarrassed but smiles anyway.

”Right. Friends then?” She asks.

”Of course.” You grin back. “Walk back with me?” You offer heading to the door. Bella follows after you happily.

You once again begin your walk down the long echoey hall. Now the sound of heels on marble doubled. You make idle conversation, trying to make her more comfortable with you. You don’t like the fact that some people find you unapproachable, because really your husband is unapproachable, not you. But it’s really not his fault, he’s just not good with people. But you, you know how to talk to people, and you think it’s odd that people are frightened to talk to you.

“Bella?” You ask putting your hand out infront of her, stopping her from going any further. Her brows furrow as she looks at you.

“What is-“

Your body is thrown to the ground. Everything happens as if it's in slow motion. Blinding white light flashes over Bella and you. It is like the bright white of light on freshly clean hospital sheets. It stings your eyes shut.

Next comes the shards of broken marble and concrete. Like needle pricking your skin. A wave of rubble and dusty pieces of brick scatter around you. On instinct your hands reach up to protect your head. Your ears ring and the pounding of your heart is louder than ever. It's like a movie, but everythings so much more confusing. 

You feel the coldness of marble on your hot skin. And you hiss as a headache pricks your eyes. Your head, still turned toward the floor from your fall, rises. You look around, trying to understand what happened. One second you were walking with Bella the next you're on the cold floor with a pounding headache and ringing ears.

Your eyes are still being attacked by the brightness. So you squint and look around. There is what remains of a wall scattered all around you. And about 45 feet ahead of you is a giant hole in the wall.

You don’t register Bellas voice until her hand grasps your arm. You look at her, still a bit dazed.

“Mrs. Wayne! Are you alright? Are you injured?” She asks frantically. And you nod slowly, coming to your senses.

“Yes, sorry,” you wince, “god, my head is killing me.”

Bella helps you up and you lean against a nearby wall. You look down at yourself. You are covered in dust and debris, you dress ripped at the bottom, and cuts scatter your skin.

You look at Bella, she’s in about the same state. But she looks more put together. Being married to Bruce, odd and scary situations like this were not out of the norm, but for some reason, with everything that’s been going on in your personal life, you aren’t as mentally prepared for this. Your heart is pounding and your thoughts race.

You look around frantically, you both need to get out of here somehow. But your head is overcome with a rush of thoughts. Only one keeps repeating. Bruce. You are close to the auction room and you have a creeping suspicion that that explosion wasn’t an accident. 

You run as fast as you can along the rubble in your heels. Not thinking about what Bella might think. You almost fall with every step. You can’t think about anything but him. Even though you are pissed beyond what words can express, you're still worried sick. 

And all the people he was with. You realize, as your breathing becomes quicker. How would they have gotten out? They must have been terrified.

When you finally turn the corner into the auction room you see mass destruction. But no people, just a broken building. Everyone must have gotten out. But there must have been multiple explanations that went off.

You look to where your and Bruce’s table had been. Now all the silverware is scattered and glass broken on the floor.

You stand there in shock, and are brought out of your trance by Bella grabbing your arm again.

”What are you doing?! We have to evacuate,” She huffs out. 

“I'm sorry, I thought there were people still in here.” You breathe out slowly trying to catch your breath better. “I had to make sure-“

”Everyones made it out, I just got a text from commissioner Gordon. Everyone is alright, but we need to go.” She hurries out. And you nod in understanding. But still your heart races. You are worried something might have happened to Bruce, and you can imagine he is feeling the same.

You both walk hurriedly down the halls, trying to find an exit. You hate how little direction the building gives you. You and Bella hold on to each other for support as you walk.

“Bella are you alright?” You finally ask as you continue down the hall.

“Yes. Just a few cuts and bruises. Can’t imagine what would have happened if you didn’t stop us from walking further.” She comments.

“Yeah,” you agree, trying to push away the images of what could have been.

“We were lucky.” She says to you and you nod in agreement.

——

When you eventually spot an exit sign you both physically relax a bit. You push the door open for both of you. The door opens to the side of the building, you can see the lights of police cars from around the corner. And you hear the chatter of all the people.

You and Bella stammer over making sure not to trip in the dark light. As you round the corner you are met with police and paramedics at your side immediately. You brush them off, telling them to tend to the Mayor first. Stubbornly they listen.

You are both taken to an ambulance, and sat at the edge of the open truck. You are given a blanket and moment to gather yourself.

You can see the uninjured crowd of people from the auction across the street, their safe. Your eyes scan over the faces for Bruce.

“Mrs. Wayne.” A voice calls and you turn to face Gordon. You give him your attention and he takes it as a sign to continue.

“I’m sorry you and Mayor Real got stuck in the blasts.” Your breath catches in your throat at his words. So you were right. There had been multiple. Gordon seems to understand that you wanted to know more, so he doesn’t stop.

“We got an anonymous call in, and immediately called for an evaluation. We had accounted for people not being in the main auction room, but we had to focus on the larger group,” Gordon explains with a sigh.

“Yes, I understand. Thank you for your help.” You thank, with a sincere smile. Gordon seems stressed and you feel bad that he has to deal with the aftermath of the horrible people of this city. You can see the tension in his shoulders and the tiredness in his eyes.

“Commissioner?” His eyes turn up at his name. “Do you know where my husband might be?” You ask with furrowed brows. Gordon smiles softly, and nods.

“Yeah, I’ll go get him. In the meantime, stop refusing the paramedics help.” He scolds as he begins walking off. You huff out a laugh and ultimately you let one of the EMT’s look you over properly.

Looking down at your body, you finally take note of the cuts on your skin, and you can make out the beginnings of bruises.  Your new dress is ripped and dirty, just like your skin. Only now does your brain begin to register the ache of them.

Your skin stings as the EMT looking after you swipes disinfectant over your scrapes. You wince every once and a while and the EMT gives you apologetic looks.

You hear your name and your head shoots up. You see Bruce rushing through a crowd trying to reach you. He looks frantic, eyes wide and filled with worry. You look him over as he makes his way to you. He isn’t injured, you note, and a wait lifts off your shoulders. 

“Y/n!” He exasperates as he gets to your side. The EMT respectfully steps away, giving you both space. He takes hold of your arms gently, but securely. It's like the feeling of your warm body against him gives him comfort. Bruce looks over you tenderly once, twice, and a third to be safe. You're at a perfect height to meet eyes, due to sitting in the back of the ambulance truck.

“Bruce, I'm alright,” You say, trying to slow down your racing heart. You’re happy to know he too, is mostly unharmed.

“I- I thought you might have-” Your heart cracks with his voice. You see his eyes get misty and you swear you’ll cry if you stay looking at him. His face is burned in your mind. He looks so lost, so frightened. You know exactly how he feels.

Bruce wants to hug you more than anything. He wants to kiss you. To know you're really here. But he also isn’t sure you want that, with everything that has happened, that he has done, he's not sure how to react in situations involving you.

You look down to avoid his heart breaking gaze. You want to hold him, but don’t know if it's wrong to begin to forgive him so soon. It’s been nearly two months, yet still your heart stings every time you picture him with Selina. But looking at him now makes your heart ache to forgive.

“I- Im glad you're okay.” Bruce voices, trying to calm his uneven breathing. He hesitates to let go of your arms, but folds and lets his arms drop to his side.

”Bruce I-“ You stutter over your words. You can’t say what you feel. But god do you want to. “I'm glad you're okay too.”

”I- I'm so sorry. I should have gone with you, or-“ 

“Bruce, hey- baby,” You grab hold of his face with your cold hands and his eyes painfully train on you. He looks so small. “You couldn’t have done anything. Stop beating yourself up. It's pissing me off that you think you could have known, because you couldn’t have,”

He keeps his eyes on you, the tears in his eyes sparkling in the light of the police car sirens.

“Just be happy we are both here. Yeah?” You question softly, not letting him move his face from your hold. He nods as much as he can with your hands on his face. He whispers an apology as he looks down and a silent tear rolls down his cheek. Your thumb rubs over his skin and wipes it away.

”Don’t cry,” You whisper to him. 

“I'm sorry tonight was such a scare,” You hum and you continue soothing his skin with your thumbs. Bruce's eyes fall shut and two more tears slip from his lids.

”Me too.” He mumbles into your hands. Bruce turns his head to kiss your palm and for the first time in a while, you smile genuinely at him.

”Let's go home,” He whispers as he lifts his hands over yours to soothe you like you are soothing him. You hum and shut your eyes, leaning your forehead against his.

[thetrashbagswasteland]

Today only from a card carrying member of the Castis Vakarian Appreciation Squad, a refresher on canon since there's a not-zero number of people in 2024 who seem blissfully unaware of how much we know about this man in canon (including andromeda yes the game is canon go cry about it).

He's a cop. Yes Castis works for C-Sec, implied within the same unit/building as Garrus and to the contrary of his son, is implied to be both good at his job and well-regarded for it. (This will be important for later points try to remember it.)

He has alien friends. Castis is canonically one of Alec Ryder's best friends. They're good enough friends that he passes on rumours/heresay about the Reapers to him and reminisces about spending time with him on the Citadel. Any turian old enough to have been an adult during the FCW and who has human friends as of canon prolly isn't a miserable old xenophobe. Whilst no, working at C-Sec doesn't exclude him from having shitty thoughts about Krogan and Quarians, it's a fairly good sign he's not anti-alien on the whole if he'll befriend a human.

He's got a personality. How dare minor characters have those! But more seriously, acting as if Castis is portrayed as nothing but a rule-worshipping automaton is doing him a disservice. If nothing else, his willingness to befriend and hang out with Alec, who's very much of the opinion that rules are guidelines to be circumvented when at all possible, shows that he's capable of nuance and maybe even a dash of line-pushing of his own accord. Maybe he's comfortable within the system and trusts law and order as set out legally above all else but c'mon guys, you don't hang out with a guy who goes on to break AI law and get dishonourably discharged (and then remain friends with him after that when it's made damned clear few others do) without being able to see shades of grey.

He trusts his son. This one I suspect may be more contentious BUT let's be honest here, Garrus isn't an easy person to be around. We hear about the pair of them clashing on the job and within their personal lives about the spectres but here's the thing: Garrus winds up on a secretive mission with a human and xenophobic terrorist group, after running off to a lawless hellscape to play batman. He remains distant until done working with Cererbus and then returns home with a crazy tale about a dead human spectre, genocidal robots from the year dot and half his face missing. Castis not only believes him but does so willingly enough that he does everything he can to help him get the news to the right people, just in case he's right. Equally, whilst we don't have an exact date for when the call with Alec occurs, it's post-start of ME1 at the very least and within that he's already willing to take what Garrus is saying Shepard says at face value. Within that call, it's made patently obvious that no matter what, he still trusts Garrus on some level and is proud of him on top of that trust.

He cares deeply for the people around him. Perhaps this one's linked with 3 but whatever, my post, my rules; in the comics, the picture we're painted by (unreliable narrator) Garrus is that of a driven, cold man who doesn't care enough about his own family. This is why he doesn't come home when Mama Vakarian gets hurt, we're told, and we're expected to take that as face value even when she herself says that by the time he can get away from work and be back there, she'll be mostly healed. Kinda contrasted by the fact that he seemingly retires/takes time off from C-Sec to be with his wife when she's dying. Now, the details are kinda fuzzy on the whys and hows but during ME3, he and Solana escape Palaven together. Maybe the war's going poorly enough that they're able to finagle staying together through the draft, maybe they come across one another purely by luck, we don't know. Either way, rather than attempt to get back to the Citadel and to where he presumably still had a job and/or was needed, he sticks with his daughter. Can't do anything more to help his son but he's gonna stick with at least one of his kids to make sure she survives. As well as all this, the "do things properly or don't do them at all" lesson Garrus struggles with from him is (gasp) not bad advice for their situation. He's trying to teach his son important life skills and whilst there's no denying he's going about it wrong, a key point is in fact that Garrus learns to master the gun he's struggling to fire and it in fact becomes one of his specialities! He becomes an exceptionally good marksman! The lesson fucking worked! He still, regardless of the reasons for it, seems to support and be content with Garrus not fulfilling his mandatory 15 but instead joining C-Sec and (worse still) doesn't have too much of an issue with him consorting with Spectres. Perhaps he's not best pleased but he definitely comes to accept that that's how things are irrespective of his own feelings about them as either a concept or as people (his belief that Garrus being a spectre would be a terrible no good very bad idea is, in fact, backed up by canon as being entirely correct too).

Conclusion/TL:DR. Take a lesson from Castis Vakarian himself here, either write about this man properly or don't write him at all, I'm begging y'all. There's an awful lot more to this character if you think about him and put together the information canon gives us on him, so do so.

[ellesthots]

Fateful Beginnings

V. “the interview”

parts: previous / next

plot: the interview does not go as you would have hoped.

pairing: battinson!bruce wayne x fem!reader

cw: 18+, reference to sa (which did not end up happening), anger, arguing, blackmail

words: 2k

Flustered, you wandered down the hallway to see if it happened to lead to an exit. No, it couldn't be that easy. The exit was nowhere to be found, it just led to a men's room strangely situated in the corner. You checked in the camera of your phone to see if the tear streaks were really gone, and faked confidence as you walked through the foyer again. As you wandered past the refreshment table a familiar sound startled you. "Welcome in!" You didn't miss the cheekiness in his voice, whipping around with the first real grin you'd had in ages. It almost hurt your face to move those muscles again. "Rai!" He went in for a hug and you did a few minutes of chatting, nearly to the point of forgetting what was in store for you. He showed you which dishes he had brought, including a few from his deli, and helped you to a sample portion of each. He offered you more, but your hunger cues were fucked after the level of stress you'd been under this week. Bidding him regretful adieu, you went out the front steps trying to avoid the paparazzi. It was successful, as Bruce Wayne had walked through the throngs minutes earlier leaving many of them still hitchhiking back from a short car chase.

In what unfortunately closely resembled the alley from before, you swallowed back a rush of anxiety. The alley was deceptively long, leaving you ample time to form semi-coherent thoughts about what had just occurred. Bruce Wayne was the Batman? It didn't make sense. But it did. But it didn't. But it was true. Your mind caught fragments of thoughts as they flew by. He was an asshole. Kind of. Why did he save people? Why didn't he want to talk to the people he saved? How come he had never done an interview? Had no one really recognized him before, or had they all been murdered?

An unfamiliar car was parked behind the building. It looked like something your dad would have gawked at back home, something vintage or retro. It looked like an old Cadillac, with sandy beige paint and a brown leather interior. A note was pasted on the front seat which you read after opening the unlocked driver's side.

Park it at the side of the entrance, the first alley on the right before you enter the grounds. Turn the lights off before you make the turn.

Never having been to Wayne Tower before and having no clue how big the grounds were, you put it into Google Maps. You thanked god as you buckled that this wasn't a stick shift, and sped off through the alleys of Gotham. The last time you had driven a car had been before you transferred here, back in Washington, where you had free, open streets to roam for endless miles. Gritting your teeth with frustration you were still not yet free of this place, you hit the gas and hoped the directions weren't leading you to your demise.

The grounds were... massive. It was deceptive, and you had to circle around a few times before finding an alley. The tower faced the opposite side of the giant lawn, the alley thick with tree overhang. The car managed to slip right into it like a glove, just as you remembered to dim the lights. Hope that didn't fuck anything up. You were confused as you drove down it, wondering where the hell it led to until you noticed a pinprick of light in the distance. Another grin spread across your face as you floored it, zooming close to seventy, when a figure entered your vision in the middle of the street. You slammed on the brakes which were ridiculously responsive, nearly tipping the car over backwards with the velocity. Once the car settled you met the glaring eyes of the prince himself. Let's get this over with.

The paper flew out with the force of air from whipping the door open. Suspicion crept into your bones. "Hey, this was just, sitting there." You shouted. It twirled in the air between you. He just stared and shrugged. Irked, you continued. "If this is a secret entrance to your home, wouldn't you have been more discreet?"

"No one knows my handwriting. The car could have belonged to anyone." Bruce Wayne's voice was rough like sandpaper, far removed from warmth or allure. You bit back a retort about the car looking like it cost a hundred grand as you sulked past him toward an iron door. Either he was more arrogance than man or the average Gotham resident was dense as a rock. Shooting a look back at him you tried to rip the door open. It ripped at your shoulder instead and you cursed, fingers flying to massage the socket. He chuckled to himself and your cheeks burned with embarrassment. He stepped forward with unearned confidence and the door came open with ease. "It's fingerprint sensitive." He sneered. "But I did enjoy watching you try."

Dick, you thought. Just get the interview done. Get your questions answered so you can be rid of this rich asshole. You shut your eyes tightly every few steps to remind yourself that you would be gone in a week; in one single week you would have a diploma in-hand and be on a flight back home. To your room. Your family. Your friends... who hadn't kept in contact much since you'd left. A wince of pain curdled your stomach as you suppressed thoughts of your friendships only existing due to proximity. Was there anywhere you wouldn't be an outcast?

Before stepping in, you hesitated, and his footsteps stopped after a few steps for him to glare at you over his shoulder. "I don't have all night."

"Take off your coat." You demanded. His eyes narrowed. "What for?"

You crossed your arms. "I need to know if you're armed."

He groaned and took off his jacket, leaving him in just his suit. Still, he could have been hiding something... "Your suit jacket too." The anxiety was real; if he could hide the fact he was Batman, he could surely hide bodies.

"I don't have any weapons on me." His tone was ever so slightly softer, less jagged. It only served to make you more suspicious of him.

"I don't believe you." There was silence for a few beats. Then a huff.

"Do I have to do this too or you'll blackmail me for it?" You didn't say anything in response. He turned around and flashed the inside pockets of his suit, then spun and showed you the back. "You happy? I'm not taking it off."

"Fine. But if you kill me I'll have you know people will look for me. And I won't go down easy." You took off your heels and walked through the thick door; it shut automatically as you walked in. Bruce pressed forward.

"Couldn't imagine anything with you being easy." He grumbled.

The end of the hallway opened to a balmy, wet sort of garage. There was a long table in the center with a few computers and other gadgets, with various boxes and tech scattered across the cracked concrete floor. He walked over to the desk and moved papers from the one chair in view, pushing it toward you. "Fifteen minutes starts now."

You scoffed. "What happened to twenty?"

"What happened to leaving the event when I asked you to instead of dawdling?" His jaw was set tight and you ignored him, taking a slow walk to the chair. The only thing he had on you was making his snide comments—you had the real shit, the info you could leak at any second to massive scandal.

He leaned against his desk just a few feet in front of you, palm flat. You cleared your throat and tried to drum up some questions to make it seem you'd come prepared. You flicked the recorder to ON and cleared your throat. "Bruce, tell me—"

"It's Mr. Wayne." His voice loud, biting.

"Tell me about how you spend your free time." You completely ignored him, continuing on. He adjusted, his jaw locked together. He shoved his hand in his pant pocket. He didn't know how to answer it, and it angered him to be referred to so casually by you. He thought about how Alfred would answer that could fit Bruce Wayne. It was hard to pretend he cared about his answers enough to get his brain whirring. More pressing things were on his mind, like how someone in the public now knew his identity.

"I like to read historical fiction, engage in physical pursuits, and," he paused as his mind did. Stalk the criminals of the city, stop the criminals of the city, clean up Gotham's streets one by one...

"What type of 'physical pursuits', Bruce?" You chimed.

The tips of his ears turned red with frustration. "It's Mr. Wayne." He stared at you with narrowed eyes and tense muscles. Where did you get the right to... he walked away from the desk to stand closer to you. Curious fear shot into you as you noticed how densely he was built. You'd nearly fallen prey to the average Gothamite, no way you could fight off the vigilante himself. But... maybe you could kick him in the balls. He spoke through gritted teeth. "What do you want?"

Your eyes blinked with confusion. "What?"

His fists clenched and unclenched along with his jaw. "Your silence. What do you want?"

"I need to ask you more questions."

With a dramatic eye roll he leaned back against the desk. He signified his impatience with rapid tapping of his fingers. "I have a home gym. Cardio, weight training, endurance. Can't really just jog around the street."

"Women know the feeling." You felt his eyes on you but you ignored it. "Why don't you go in public more often? Surely your cardio and fiction don't take up every waking hour."

"Aren't these supposed to be questions, not judgements?"

You simply stared back at him with an empty gaze. Was this the first time he'd ever been challenged outside of the suit? You watched as he ran his hands through his hair and his chest caved from a deep exhale. He answered your next questions with robotic ease. Renewal fund things. Got a degree from Yale Law. Never pursued it due to waning interest. His favorite dish is... soup. Mulligatawny, to be exact. Whatever that was. Often vacations to Rio and Greece.

By the time you'd asked a meager handful of questions he was near imploding. You needed a question you could focus in on. "What's your stance on the masked vigilante, the Batman?"

His eyes shot to yours with a fierce glare and you gestured down to the voice recorder. God, he couldn't believe your audacity. "What is there to say?" He rose to pace slowly between the desk and wall. More specifically, he thought, what is there to say that can't be twisted in your paper? "This 'Batman'... he's a complicated figure. I don't like that he's interrupting with our justice department. Meddling. He's taken the law into his own hands. However..." a sharp breath. "He's not necessarily harming innocent civilians. I try not to think about him."

His presumptive comment elicited a snappy response. "So you think some people are deserving of harm? What about structural inequalities that force people to steal, intimidate,"

He interrupted you with biting tone. "And that gives them the right to steal from everyone else?"

"Okay Mr. Billionaire."

"No, really!" He turned to you with his hands on his hips which pushed his suit jacket behind him. His face was alight with frustrated curiosity as he strolled over. "Do tell me, Miss Journalist," he leaned down and with your faces on the same level you could feel the heat of his breath. His demeanor was darker now. "How that man in the alley was innocent."

[banananami]

Couple Costumes with JJK Men!

A/N: October is here so here is a halloween related thread! I couldn’t find a photo for the second costume I chose for Megumi and Gojo but just imagine there is one! Plus, apologies in advance for these photos - I couldn’t find any photos that reflected the vision in my head (who knew it would be hard to find simple halloween related photos!)

GOJO

Trying to figure out Gojo was so hard, but honestly all i can guarantee is that he’d want you to look sexy as FUCK.

He’d probably do the Ken and Barbie couples costume. Little did he know that he’d get so turned on by you in a pink cowboy outfit. BUT then he would remember the plot to the Barbie movie and ask questions like if it’s feminist to say you look sexy in the barbie costume 😭😭.

If it was a halloween party with the first and second years, then I feel like he’d dress up as a mummy. He typically wraps his eyes up so it’s an easy costume idea! You’d put on a cute archaeologist/Indiana Jones-esque outfit on! The kids thank you for wrapping up Gojo’s mouth with a bandage so they don’t have to hear him make corny jokes about their costumes 😭

GETO

I was originally going to suggest Geto and you dressing up as a priest and a nun, but I feel as though that might be offensive!

SO, you guys dress as Grimm and Malaria (Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy)! It’s a cartoon show you both loved watching during your times at school (Shoko loved it too but she couldn’t handle you two flirting whilst the three of you would watch it on TV).

If not Billy and Mandy, then I could imagine a Batman and Catwoman costume (Rob Pat and Zoe Kravitz version). Simple, cheap, and effective! Plus, Geto in eye makeup??? Yes please!!

NANAMI

I think it would be difficult to persuade Nanami to wear a costume but if he did, it would be most likely something simple like Morticia and Gomez from the Addams Family!!

All he has to do is slick his hair down, wear a suit and a fake stache! Plus, he loves you just as much as Gomez loves Morticia so!!!

BUT if you can somehow really convince him then there’s also the option of dressing like Woody and Jessie from Toy Story.

The funky patterns of the Cowboy Costume reminds him of his funky tie so why wouldn’t he!! Plus, Nanami in a cowboy hat would be so cute (I need an artist to draw Nanami in a Woody costume ASAP!!)

MEGUMI

Similar to Nanami, I think it would be difficult to convince Megumi to do something eccentric as a halloween costume.

He’d do something low maintenance with you like being skeletons together!!

Unless you trick him and paint cat whiskers on his face instead 🤭 Megumi as a lil black cat 🐈‍⬛ is so cute to me !!

He’d be slightly annoyed at first but the look on your face over him being a silly little kitten makes it worthwhile! The meowification of Megumi Fushiguro!

YUUJI

I just know this boy loves Halloween!!! If he loves horror films then best believe he loves Halloween, okay!

That being said, I don’t think he’s super creative at designing costumes. The most creative he’d be is cutting two holes in your white bed sheets and throwing it over you! You might even pop some shades on Yuuji to make him look cooler 😎.

HOWEVER, if Yuuji is willing to splash some money on clothes and makeup, then best believe he’d dress up as Beast boy!! You’re obviously Raven ofc. Would definitely win best couple costume!

[domesticandlovingmonsters]

Commission: M!Dragon Boss x NB!Reader

Notes: A lovely commission from a lovely follower! I have edited out their personal details and anything they wanted removed. This has been made a NB-Reader Fic for the public enjoyment. Enjoy! Warnings: no warnings Themes: 5K words, sfw, slow burn

~See this first and Part 2 on Patreon~

A massive yawn ripped through you as you made your way to work.

The morning was as normal as ever. And the traffic going to work was slow, but nothing that would make you late. Your brother, Jimmy, was seated beside you in the driver's seat and was feeling just as sleepy as he drove the usual route on autopilot.

When he spoke, it startled you a little out of your thoughts, “Hey, isn’t that new boss coming in today?”

You hummed an affirmative. “Yeah. He’s coming in to meet the managers and staff, apparently.”

Jimmy nodded and slowed to turn into the parking lot of your workplace. And almost immediately, you spotted the very expensive sports car amongst the various normal vehicles. It gleamed with a polished shine in the sunlight and even had a personalized plate with the word “Boss” on it.

Your brother laughed as he parked beside it.

“I like this guy already.” Jimmy said as he turned off the vehicle.

You got out of the car and admired the sleek looking vehicle. It was well cared for and didn’t have a single dent or scratch on it. You were almost scared to walk past it in case you somehow caused some damage to the paint job.

“So, any bets on what he looks like?” You asked and Jimmy shrugged. Leading the way towards the main building.

“I’m getting ‘rich pompous man’ vibes from the car. Possibly mob-boss style clothing and an attitude problem.” Jimmy said. You walked along the side of the building towards the front entrance. You overtook your brother, half laughing at the image you were getting in your mind.

“I’m thinking, a guy like the Penguin from Batman,” You said. “Kinda ugly, but rich and well dressed. Attitude problem that is going to cause us a headache- Oh!”

While talking, you were only half paying attention to where you were going. And as you flung open the door to enter your workplace, you almost slammed right into a towering being of muscle and hard scales.

A massive hand reached out and grabbed your arm, steadying you as you stumbled back.

“Oop, my apologies! I didn’t see you coming in.” A rumble of a voice said as you were released from the iron grip. And as you looked up, having to crane your neck a little, you met the startling golden gaze of a Dragon.

His smile was easy-going and showed a small sliver of white fangs behind his lips. The crisp black suit hugged the huge toned body well, displaying the curves and thick muscle beneath the material.

And his scales, a deep ocean blue, contrasted beautifully with the dark coloring of his clothing.

“Oh, thank you. No it was my fault, I wasn’t paying attention.” You said, unable to properly look this creature in the eyes. His gaze was captivating and he towered over you like a tree. You weren’t intimidated in any way…just a little flustered.

“Ah, well, let’s both share the blame. Then at least no one is at fault.” His eyes gleamed like melted gold coins, matching the warm laugh that rumbled through his chest. “Kierce Silver. I’m the newest addition to your workforce.”

He eyed your uniform and offered out his hand. Which you took and your fingers were swallowed in the wide palm. You felt his claws carefully move so they didn’t scratch your skin as you shook his hand.

“I’m (y/n), and welcome! Do you need a tour to the main office? Or have you already been given the rundown of the place?” You asked.

The building wasn’t complicated to navigate. And training always involved a heavy dose of orientation before actually getting the person to work. But you still remembered your first day here and remembered the comfort of a friendly face being there with you while you were shown the ropes. You tried to help out any new people so that they didn’t feel awkward while being introduced to other employees and actually feel comfortable on their first day.

Kierce smiled and his chuckle was warm. He stepped to the side and gestured for you to lead the way. “By all means, I’d love a tour.”

Jimmy, having been standing somewhat behind you, watching this entire interaction go down; slipped past you and hurried inside. Giving the newcomer his own introduction and shook the man’s hand.

“I gotta run, but if you need anything, just let me know.” Jimmy offered as he retreated into the building. Shooting you a little cheeky grin as he passed by.

You ignored him and started making your way through the hallways. Giving Kierce a rundown on the building and where everything is. You knew the place fairly well and gave your best explanations to each of the areas and what Kierce would expect in each one. The Dragon hadn’t told you where he would be working. But usually new hires were always on the factory floor with the conveyor belts or working alongside a seasoned employee. Until they were trained and able to do jobs by themselves.

Halfway through your walk, you realized you were talking nonstop, gesturing wildly as you went on and on about the building. You quickly stopped and gave Kierce an apologetic smile.

“It’s a lot to take in, sorry. But you’ll figure it all out after a few days.” You said with a shrug. “The warehouse is pretty basic. Have you been given the safety orientation?”

Kierce nodded. Seeming to have been drinking in every word you spoke. “I’m familiar with the protocols. I have a lot of experience with this line of work, so I don’t think I will need to do any of the orientation details.”

“Everyone needs to do it.” You said. Coming up to the windows that showed the massive layout of machinery and conveyor belts. “It’s part of the company’s policies and guidelines. If you don’t, you can’t go onto the warehouse floor.”

“Oh, I’m sure I can squeeze past that little roadblock.” His grin seemed too wide. And it slightly annoyed you at how smug his tone was. “But I appreciate you taking the time to show me around. We should do this more often, I’d like to get to know all of my employees.”

Em…Employees?

You finally properly looked up at this Dragon. His ivory horns were neatly filed and polished to a shine. His blue scales were almost reflective like a mirror and the suit was a little more tailored now that you looked a little harder. He looked too…well dressed for someone who was going to be down on the floor all day. Or was coming in for an interview. Which would have been your other guess.

His handsome features crinkled with a soft laugh. “You were too cute to pass up the tour.” He said. “Let me start over. I’m Kierce Silver, your new boss. I was just dropping by to get some paperwork and make introductions. I couldn’t pass up spending a little time with a pretty little jewel like yourself.”

Your heart was hammering in your chest.

This was your new boss? This was not at all what you had expected. And…did he just call you…pretty?

There was something in the way he smiled. It seemed…to smug for your liking. And the dazzling, coy crinkle around his eyes rubbed you the wrong way.

So much so, that the friendliness you shared with him dwindled into a polite, professional smile. And you nodded curtly. Nothing that would be considered rude or impolite, but merely acknowledging his words.

“Well, welcome to the workplace.” You said. “I’m sure you don’t need me anymore then, I’ll be off to clock in.”

Before Kierce could try and rectify the conversation, you were turning away from him and walking towards the office. The Dragon physically gawked at the sudden change in your demeanor. Caught by surprise, he wasn’t able to kick his body into motion to chase after you as you disappeared through another set of doors.

He managed to catch up with you just as you were halted by a coworker, who seemed to be talking rapidly about something.

You didn’t see Kierce come up behind you, but the way your friend Amber’s rant about the hot new boss came to a screeching halt, told you that he had just come up behind you.

You turned slowly to look up at the guy, and his smile was apologetic, but still had the curling smirk at the corners.

“I’m sorry if I offended you back there,” Kierce said. “I was only being playful.”

“I wasn’t offended. You just caught me off guard, is all.” You replied. But the bitterness in your tone told Kierce that he had in fact hit a small nerve. “And if I kept talking, I would have been made late.”

It was only a half truth. You had possibly ten minutes before you really needed to clock in.

Kierce nodded and looked around the office where you had put your bag down. There were alot of people staring and a few were whispering amongst themselves. None were paying attention to you thankfully.

The woman beside you was beaming up at him. And he smiled in return, offering his hand to her as he introduced himself.

You found yourself rolling your eyes as the coy tone returned to the Dragon’s voice. You decided to use Amber as an escape and quickly ducked away to go start your day.

Kierce was the talk of the factory.

He seemed to be all anyone could talk about. He stuck around for another hour to meet the rest of his employees and then had to leave for other business.

But he might as well have stayed around for the rest of the day. Since every conversation you had with someone was about the new Dragon.

“He’s so handsome! I’ve never met a Dragon before. He is so pretty.” One person cooed as a few of you worked over an assembly belt. “His blue scales are gorgeous! Is it too weird if I ask to touch his arm?”

“Did you see him bring flowers for Milly? What a sweetheart. He’s only been here for a few hours and he’s already got everyone liking him.” Another had said with a laugh.

And you couldn’t really escape him either. Everywhere you went, he was there. And that warm, cocky smile was there to greet you. Through the work week Kierce was coming and going from the building. Instead of Milly going out of her way to leave the building just to talk with him about the business, he would come to her.

Sometimes their meetings would go on for hours at a time and Milly would come out with new piles of paperwork. Once or twice you had to come in a little earlier for a meeting that everyone had to sit through. Mostly some changes the bosses wanted the workers to know. It was small things. And no one really cared about them since it didn’t properly affect their jobs or hours. It was only minor things affecting the company itself and not the people.

Kierce would accompany her through this process, answering any questions people had on anything that changed. He vouched for transparency when it came to his company.

“I don’t want any of you to think we’re hiding any information from you.” Kierce said in one morning meeting. “If you have any questions, even silly little enquiries, don’t be afraid to approach me and ask.”

He was approachable and friendly. And it was incredibly annoying.

You tried to ignore him. But the giant Dragon with a smooth voice and even silkier lines was hard to ignore when he signaled you out for conversation.

Amber didn’t miss a thing throughout the week. Seeming to catch every little smirk and wink Kierce sent your way. And teasing you relentlessly when you scoffed or blatantly ignored him. But thankfully, she only once caught the coloring in your cheeks when Kierce spoke to you.

“Admit it,” Amber teased, speaking low enough that only you could hear her. “You find him just as cute as everyone else.”

You pretended to think about it. Pouting your lips like it was a hard question. But then shrugged and said casually. “He’s…ok.”

Kierce was definitely more than ok, but you weren’t going to let everyone know that. A couple of people had already teased you about “showing the new boss around” on his first day.

Apparently, Kierce had also made mention of your little walk around with him a few times, to a few people. And of course, the gossip mill worked its magic. But you weren’t really worried. There was always some sort of rumor or piece of news floating around the workplace, and rarely did it last very long.

But during that week you saw Kierce start making the rounds to every station in the building. Making introductions and shaking hands with the employees of the warehouse. To the people that he missed because they were sick or didn’t work on the days he had come in.

Again, no matter who he talked to, they loved him. You seemed to be the only person that found his overly cocky attitude and playful smirks frustrating.

You and Amber were one of the last for Milly to bring Kierce over too. It was on your Friday, just before lunch. You kept working while Amber made small talk and laughed at the small jokes Kierce made.

It almost had you rolling your eyes. But you refrained from doing so, in case Milly didn’t take too kindly to it, since this was her boss. As well as yours.

“And of course, you’ve already met (y/n).” Milly smiled. You could see the silent chuckle on her lips as Kierce nodded.

“How could I forget~” Kierce practically purred. If a Dragon could purr. It could have been a soft growl. But that was probably something you weren’t meant to ask someone.

But instead you plastered on that same polite smile as Kierce leaned against the machine and watched what you were doing. “This is obviously a stupid question, but are you enjoying your job?” Kierce asked. The playfulness in his tone was replaced with something along the same lines as professionalism. “Is there anything you think would help you improve your work life here?”

“Shorter hours and more pay?” Amber quipped. Which rewarded her with a somewhat sharp look from Milly. But did get a chuckle from Kierce.

“Wouldn’t that be the dream?” He said. “But seriously. Do you feel safe working with these machines? Do you think you need more training? Maybe some better equipment or safety measures?”

As much as you wanted this to be a serious conversation, you couldn’t quite concentrate while Kierce was leaning so close.

There was a subtle cologne wafting from his massive chest and, damn, it smelled really nice.

“Um, well…” You tried to run through all your time here and come up with an answer that was a little bit better than; ‘oh, it’s ok.’ and follow it up with a shrug. Because it wasn’t, not entirely anyway. There was always something to improve in the workplace. But Kierce was making it really hard to think of anything but him right now.

You decided to stall just a little bit. “There is always something to improve, but since it’s still early in the day, I can’t think of anything right now.”

“It's almost lunch time,” Amber said, and you tried very hard not to kick her shins for it. You ignored her and continued.

“I could always write a list and get it back to you.” You suggested, and Kierce laughed. He stepped closer and started helping with your task as Milly stayed back.

“An entire list? I didn’t think this place was that bad.” Kierce said.

“Oh, no, it’s really not. It’s just-”

Your words died in your throat as Kierce winked down at you.

“Don’t worry, I’m just teasing, shortcake. If you can write a list of improvements or any concerns you have, I’d really appreciate it. I want to know every little dirty detail about this place.”

He finished up what he was doing and bid his farewell to you and Amber. “Thanks for the talk, ladies. Don’t work too hard now.” Another wink and another charming smile and Kierce was walking away with Milly trailing behind him.

Amber waited till Kierce was out of earshot before grabbing your arm and shaking it with an excited giggle.

“Oh my God, he is so into you.” She giggled. And you made a dramatic gesture of gagging as you wiggled your arm out of her grasp.

“Oh please, the guy has flirted with everyone that walks in front of him.” You replied, a little bitterly. Hoping Amber would let go of the subject. “If the machines had eyes, he’d try to woo them too.”

~~~~~~

Over the course of the next few weeks your usual routine was shattered with the constant presence of Kierce. You had hoped he was there for only a week. That he would show boast around and then leave.

But instead, Milly had informed everyone that he would be taking over while she was away on leave. It wouldn’t be too long. But you knew what that meant.

Kierce was going to be here everyday.

And he was always at the front doors when you arrived, smiling and greeting you warmly. But there was always a reason for him to be there.

First he was speaking with a construction team on some new plans for the main entrance and showing them around.

A few times he had run into a co-worker on his way in and they would stand by the doors and chat almost every morning.

Once he was on call with someone, and even hushed them over the phone to say good morning to you.

But as far as you knew, he did this with everyone. Kierce was so friendly that you couldn’t say he was, or was not, singling you out with his attention.

And you were getting tired of trying to guess his intentions every time he came up to you.

Except for this morning, where a single rose was resting on your desk. Next to it was a note that read;

“Thank you for giving me your insight on the building and its protocols. You’ve been a great help to the improvement of this workplace.

Kierce”

What was worse was the little drawn heart next to his name. Which, much to your surprise and frustration, caused a little flutter of butterflies in your chest.

You quickly stuffed the note into your pockets and picked up the rose. You didn’t have anywhere to put it, other than leaving it on your desk with your things. Or stuffing it into your bag. Leaving it on the desk would be a nice thing to come back to anytime you weren’t on the factory floor.

But then again, you didn’t want to give in to the rumors and fangirling that everyone was still tightly caught up in.

You couldn’t deny however, that receiving a flower like this and being appreciated had you smiling for the rest of the day. And when you gave the flower to Amber, she was grinning ear to ear just as much as you.

“Jake is going to have to step up his game.” Amber said. Placing the flower in her bag so she remembered to take it home with her. “I don’t think he’s gotten me flowers in a while.”

“Well, I’m happy to lift your expectations up.” You replied, laughing. About to step away from your desk when Kierce came through the doors. Almost barreling into you as he did.

“We really have to stop meeting like this,” Kierce teased. Chuckling as you stepped back to let him pass.

“It’s almost like you wait for me behind these doors.” You quipped back. “And then when I’m too close, you push through. Forcing me to talk to you.”

“Aww, what? You don’t like our little conversations?” He asked with a wink before disappearing into the back office. From your desk, you could see into the room he had entered. He placed down a cup of coffee and sat behind the table.

With how big he was, the desk looked so much smaller than it actually was. And you had seen him get a bigger chair than the one Milly usually used. He dwarfed a lot of everything around him.

Which had made you giggle a little at the thought of such a huge guy trying to sit on an averaged sized office chair.

“You’re staring,” Amber said. A very mocking look plastered on her face as you jabbed her playfully in the ribs.

“Oh, and you don’t?” You tried to say.

But then Amber laughed.

“You’re not denying it!” She said, drawing out the words as she exited through the doors towards the factory. You rolled your eyes and followed her through.

The note stuck with you in your mind throughout the day. You accepted that it did in fact make you a little giddy inside. When was the last time anyone got you flowers?

But then you were brought out of your thoughts by a tap on your shoulder. You turned and smiled at a man around your age. You knew him as one of the newer employees. With scruffy blonde hair and freckles covering his cheeks.

“Hi, sorry to bother you. I’m Max, we haven’t been properly introduced.” He offered you his hand and you shook it, giving your name in return. “Oh, I know, your name. Amber here has told me alot about you. And I was wondering if you’d like to get coffee sometime this weekend.” Max’s cheeks went bright red and he nervously looked down at your shoes before forcing his gaze to raise back to your eyes.

Amber beside you made a quiet squeak noise. But her attention was heavily on the belt in front of her.

You were utterly shocked by the question. So much so, your mouth went into autopilot and accepted the invitation before your mind could kick into gear.

Max’s smile was so wide you thought he was going to split his cheeks.

“Awesome! Um, what’s your number and we can organize a time.”

You couldn’t exactly back out now. So, you gave Max your number and he scribbled it down on a piece of paper. Since phones weren’t permitted in the factory. He’d have to wait till he returned to his bag and put it in then.

“Alright! We’ll talk soon.”

And just like that, you had a date planned for sometime over the weekend.

You turned back to the belt you were working on with Amber in somewhat of a daze. Until Amber laughed and nudged your side.

“Look at you getting a date.” She teased. Glancing over at Max as he returned to his station. “He’s cute. He’s no Dragon, but he’s cute.”

You laughed nervously. You could feel the heat in your cheeks as you tried to busy yourself with work. “I didn’t even think about it. I just automatically said, yes.”

Amber laughed. “Give him a chance. He might be really sweet.”

You nodded, agreeing you might as well give Max a chance. And it was something to look forward to over the weekend.

You weren’t exactly feeling the excitement when the day came to actually go to the date.

The nerves that rattled your body were almost overwhelming the joy of going into a cafe and treating yourself to something sweet.

Max smiled and gave you an awkward hug when you arrived, already having picked out a table for the two of you to sit down at.

The coffee shop itself was quaint. It was surrounded by lush gardens and had an outdoor seating area with large picnic tables that were protected from the sun by broad, colorful umbrellas. The colors bathed the area in mix-matched hues that filtered through the thin layer of material. It wouldn’t entirely shade you from the sun, but protected you enough to not get sunburnt.

Max had picked an outdoor table for the two of you and the server came over just as you sat down. You quickly looked over the small menu and picked out a drink and something from the breakfast menu.

The server smiled and left. Leaving the two of you to sit in a somewhat awkward silence.

“So, uh, what made you say yes to the date?” Max asked. Scratching the back of his neck nervously. He looked just how you felt on your way here. And he was sweating a little.

You shrugged, not entirely sure what he wanted you to say to that. You couldn’t tell him the truth and say it was automatic. “It sounded like a nice time.” You managed to lie. “What about you? Why did you ask me out?”

“Oh, um, you’re just really pretty. And I think you’re pretty funny too. I hear a lot of your conversations with Amber and Jake. They’re great people.”

Max’s words did bring a little color to your cheeks. And you smiled down at the table, chuckling.

“I’m sorry if I seemed like I ever ignored you. Sometimes I get lasered in on a conversation.” You fiddled with a napkin that was sitting on the table. “How long have you been working at the factory?”

“Oh, a few weeks now.” Max said with a shrug. His own eyes wandering elsewhere. “I’m a bit of an antisocial guy so I rarely talk to people at work.”

The conversation went into the subject of the factory. You had to admit, you were getting a little bored talking about the place you were at all week for many hours of the day. Your drinks were brought out to you and you thankfully now had something to change the subject onto.

And you were almost glad when he excused himself to go to the restroom. And you were allowed a few minutes of peace. Looking at the gardens and all the flowers that were beginning to bud.

“Ah, so they do exist outside of work!” A shadow passed over you as a large form stepped around the table to sit in Max’s spot. Kierce smiled broadly as he smoothly slipped onto the bench. Tucking his long legs under the table and curling his thick tail out of the walkway. “And here I thought you just lived in the factory basement.”

You laughed and rolled your eyes. “Oh please, I do have a life outside of that place. What are you doing here? I would have thought you’d be drowning in paperwork.”

“Unlike other workaholics, I can pull myself away from the desk every so often. I need to see the sun at least twice a month to keep my scales shiny.” Kierce said. His smile was broad and didn’t carry the coy smirk you were so used to him wearing. And his clothes were more casual. A simple dark shirt with tight fitting jeans. “I’m here for my weekly treat of raspberry scones and cream. And a very heavy dose of caffeine on the side. What are you doing here? On a…date, are we?”

The bony scales that served as his eyebrows wiggled teasingly as you probably went three shades of red.

“You guessed correctly.”

Kierce clicked his tongue and leaned forward excitedly. “Oh? Do tell? Are they from work?”

“You’re my boss.” You laughed, shaking your head. Being entirely sarcastic. “I can’t share those type of details with you.”

“I could just wait till Monday.” Kierce shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll be all over the workplace by then. Or sit here until they come back. I couldn’t let a pretty jewel like yourself sit alone for long.”

A waiter came by and dropped off Kierce’s massive to-go coffee cup and a medium sized brown paper bag. His smile transformed into that very familiar smirk as he addressed the waiter. “Thank you, sweetheart.” His attention went back to you and he tilted his head. “Or, heaven forbid, did they ditch you?”

Some part of you would have been thrilled if that was the case. The conversation had been so dull, you were glad to talk to someone else.

“Or maybe you scared them off.”

“Puh-lease, I am not that intimidating.” He scoffed playfully. Taking a sip of his coffee. “You’re not scared of me, are you?”

“I find you a little annoying.”

“Hey, I am your superior. You can’t say that to me.”

“We’re not in the factory anymore, Kierce! I can say what I want.” Despite the tones, you could see the twinkle in his eyes. Conveying he was being just as sarcastic as you were. And it made you laugh as he scoffed dramatically.

“You wait till Monday.” The growl, though utterly playful, sent a chill through you. And you hoped Kierce didn’t see the way goosebumps ran along your arm. You covered up your flustered state with a laugh. Shaking your head.

You finally glanced around the cafe, looking for Max. It had been some time since he left the table. His coffee would be going cold soon.

Probably thinking the same thing, Kierce also looked around the small shop and its tables.

“Who did you actually invite out?” He asked.

“He invited me. It was Max.” You said with a huff. Surely, you seriously did not just get ditched. “He said he was just going to the restroom.”

Kierce clicked his tongue and pushed his drink and bag towards you. “Hold these, I’ll go make sure he hasn’t fallen in or something.”

You nodded as Kierce stood from the table and went inside. You could smell the freshly baked treats inside the bag. They smelt amazing. And the strong smell of coffee radiating from his to-go cup was mildly worrying.

After a minute, Kierce returned to the table. Shrugging.

“I’m sorry to say, I think he ditched you.” He pointed at Max’s coffee. “Did he pay for his?”

“Not yet. We literally just got here.” You were a little crestfallen about the situation. Your first date in a while and the guy gets up and leaves you to pay for both coffees. Your food would be out any minute as well.

Kierce sat back down and retrieved his goodies from you. He tore open the bag and retrieved one of his scones between his claws.

“Well, his lost. My gain.” He winked and took a large bite from the cream filled delight. Just as your plate of food was placed in front of you and Max’s was placed beside Kierce. Who took one look at it and scooted it a little ways away from him with the tip of his claw. “So, what shall we discuss on our first date?”

The twinkle in his golden gaze almost made you choke on your food as much as his words did.

After taking a sip of your drink, you shot him a small glare. “This isn’t a date.”

“Oh? Then what is it.”

“You hijacking a date.”

“But still a date…” He chuckled at how easily he could get you flustered. With a small wink and a smile, and your little bit of irritation was gone. “It’d be rude of me to ditch you as well. Do you need a ride home after this?”

There was no teasing to his question. But a genuine offer. And you shook your head.

“Thank you, but my brother is going to pick me up afterwards. But I appreciate the offer.” You picked at your food and Kierce carried on with the conversation.

You found yourself talking a lot easier with Kierce than with Max. The subjects ranged from hobbies, to your life and his work before the factory. You found yourself laughing a lot more at his jokes and his chuckle was just as loud when you told a few stories about your family.

Before you knew it, you were both on your third cafe beverage and were only disturbed by Kierce’s phone ringing.

Though he declined the call, he sighed.

“I should get back to the office. I am a little late for a meeting.” He said, gathering the leftover scones and putting them back in the bag. “This was fun, (y/n). We should do this again.”

Again with that damn smirk and crinkle under his eyes. You rolled your eyes and stood as well. Getting your money out to pay, but Kierce tsked.

“The gentleman pays for the first date. Especially when he asked.”

You didn’t even bother trying to correct him. And you let him go to the counter and pay for the table’s bill.

“Thank you.” You said when he joined you to walk towards the car park. “I did have a good time. You made an ok date, really good.”

“Don’t take it to heart.” Kierce said gently. Nodding towards the cafe, to where you both had been sitting. “Some guys just can’t handle talking to a gem for too long. See you on Monday.”

With a flick of his tail, Kierce hurried across the road to his shiny car. Leaving you, yet again, to stutter a ‘goodbye’ after him.

[yall-batman-fanfic]

The Consultant: Morgan le Fey Case | Batman/Bruce Wayne x Magician!Reader ft. the Justice League

Synopsis: A collection of short scenarios of Vivian’s many encounters with the Justice League, whether it was to consult or to learn about bad news about Bruce. While Superman is the strongest in the Justice League, he never wants to be the one to break the news to her whenever Batman is injured from a mission.

Note: This is a long chapter with almost 15 000 words.

Ever since she regained her powers from the binding, Vivian has been called to the Justice League to consult on certain cases. As much as possible, they would go to their magical experts in the League but sometimes Zatanna and the other members of the Justice League Dark got their hands full, or the cases were beyond their knowledge. In this case, Zatanna was the one who told them that their best option was either John Constantine, who was currently hiding so well the JLA was unable to find, or Vivian Pryor.

“John’s a human mage, he knows more about dark magic than I do,” she decided to leave the fact he was infected with demon blood. “And Vivian, they were close. She may be homo-magi like me but her practices are influenced by John.”

“Because he taught her,” Wonder Woman concluded.

“Yes, and there is also the fact she’s a descendant of generations of witches that goes beyond the Salem Witch Hunt. Then there is also the fact that she’s a professor who studies symbols and icons, she also uses that knowledge in her magic. If there’s anyone who can deal with dark magic, it’s those two. It’s how they can stand the feeling of using dark magic I can never comprehend.”

Problem was, Batman just gave Vivian’s reply to the JLA’s invitation, which was a “thanks but no” – not her exact words but that’s how Hal took it. Knowing the Bat and how protective he was of his personal life, especially towards his family, it won’t be easy to ask him to have her help. 

Their best option was to approach Vivian themselves and ask her. 

They can’t go to her in their hero identity, so Clark and Diana approached her while in their civilian identities as Clark Kent, reporter, and Diana Price, museum curator. On this particular day, Vivian is working at Gotham Museum, making it easy for them to call for her without arousing suspicion from her colleagues. 

After asking for Vivian at the front desk, the two led to a certain part of the museum by the attendee and were brought to the Wayne Family Wing where Bruce Wayne stood in his suit, admiring the large painting on the wall.

Shit.

Of course, he would find out first.

The attendee told Bruce that the guests were there and then left, closing the wing’s door after him.

“Mr. Wayne,” Clark greeted him first.

“This was painted by a Gothamite artist back in the beginning of the 20th century,” Bruce began. “It was inspired by The Triumph Of Christianity Over Paganism by Gustave Doré. But instead of Christianity triumphing over pagan belief, the Gothamite artist placed the five founding families being triumphant over angels and demons. There has been a debate if the artist’s message was supposed to show the hubris of Gotham’s Founders, or the resilience of Gothamites over natural and supernatural disasters. Man killing gods. ”

“Bruce,” Diana started.

Bruce faced them, frowning. “Do you really think I wouldn’t know if you entered Gotham?”

“It’s important, Vivian is the only one who can help us and you know it,” said Clark.

“I may not like this but this is her decision to make.”

“Then what’s this whole show then?”

“To remind you not to go behind my back ever again. Especially when bringing my wife into this business.”

The sound of boots clicking on the floor caught their attention, and entering from the other closed door was Vivian Pryor-Wayne, dressed in her daily work outfit with her tweed jacket, turtleneck, and skirt. 

“I just finished my lecture,” Vivian informed them, “Sorry if I took so long.”

“They didn’t make an appointment,” said Bruce and greeted her with a kiss on the cheek.

“So, what can I do for you both?”

“Is there a place we can speak privately?” Clark asked.

“Don’t worry, the area is secured. I placed a spell to keep our discussions from leaving the room. No one will hear us, even if they try to listen in. So, what can I do for the Justice League? I assume it is the Justice League since you went behind Batman’s back to talk to me and failed. But good effort.”

“Morgan le Fay.”

“Ah! Good old Morgana.”

“We assume you've encountered her?” Diana said.

“Yes, I have. Not a very good encounter too. Especially with her son, Mordred. He's a bit of a mama's boy. What did the incestuous sorceress do now?”

Clark took note of the descriptive word Vivian used on the sorceress but decided not to mention it. Instead, he offered his mind to show the cases they have found recently. Using her magic, Vivian used one of the old mirrors in the exhibit display and had the memories appear in replace of their reflection. 

“Multiple accounts of bodies suddenly in that state were found in numerous places in London. Zatanna was the one to identify it was dark magic used. For the castor, Green Lantern was the one who saw the case and had to retreat when he too was almost…”

“When his soul and life force was almost sucked in by the sorceress,” Vivian continued, her eyes never leaving the mirror as she studied the scenes.

“Why wasn't I informed about this?” Batman demanded.

“You were busy in your own missions, Batman,” said Diana, as if it were enough to explain to one of the founding members of the Justice League. It wasn't.

“So, what do you think she's doing? A power-grab? Some tool she needs to power up for? Superman asked.

“No. Mortal souls cannot power any magical tool — unless you want to create the Alchemyst's Stone,” Vivian pondered aloud.

“You mean the Philosopher's Stone?” 

Vivian looked closer to the scene where Green Lantern got a good look at Morgana. Her face. “She's aging. Her immortality is fading… why?”

“You're the expert here, Viv.”

Vivian closed the mirror spell with a wave of a hand and turned to them. “I'll take a look at this. See why the old bat is getting old and try to reason with her.”

“How about you apprehend her?” Diana said.

“I'm not a member of the Justice League, and with good reason,” Vivian shoved her hands deep in her pockets. “There's an unspoken rule in our community. We don't mind each other's business and we don't find ourselves killed. It's either I leave you alone or I kill you. This is dark magic, we can't just hold hands and hope fore rehabilitation or hope for the system to do its job. People like Morgan le Fey do not submit to any kind of jurisdiction.

“The best I can do is to see what’s wrong, help her out so she stops this soul sucking gig she's started. If you want to apprehend her, do it after I do my thing make it look like I wasn't part of it.”

“That’s not how the League operates,” said Diana.

“It's survival. There's a whole world of dark magic users, and I don't want to be marked as a whistleblower. It's a one way trip to hell. The magical community is vast, Wonder Woman. We lurk amongst mortals without them nor the JLA knowing, but we know each other, and it's easy to find that one person who told the JLA about Morgan le Fey and helped them. If you want my help. Those are my terms. I talk to her, give her what she needs but I don't let you take her. For my sake and for Bruce and my family, I'll need to take you down too.”

Bruce smirked and turned to Superman and Wonder Woman, “Well? Do you still want her as a consultant?”

Reluctant, Superman and Wonder Woman nodded and said, “Yes. We'll agree to your terms.”

“Great,” Vivian clapped her hands and her work clothes changed to a pair of dark trousers, a white shirt, and a long, maroon coat that fanned around whenever she moves; and in her hands a thin and sharp hair stick appeared which she used to tie her hair. It was both an accessory and a weapon. “Let's go!”

“Just like that?” Superman said.

“Well, do you want Morgana to suck more souls?”

“No.”

“I'm coming with you,” Batman said. “I'll change in the car.”

“You brought the Batmobile?” Clark asked.

“No, but we're taking my car first and then meet the Batmobile somewhere,” said Vivian. “I don't suppose you two are coming along?”

“There's no space,” Bruce stated.

“It's a five seater, Bruce,” Clark stated. “I've seen Vivian's car.”

“There's still no space.”

“He's embarrassed to change while you're in there,” she teased her husband. “But this isn't turf, Superman. Your vibrant red and blue don't blend in with the darkness.”

“Robin wears red, green, and yellow, Viv,” Clark countered.

“It's more of a rank thing really. The baby bird isn't ready to blend in the night just yet.”

“I thought Jason was baby bird?” 

“He's grown out of it. Imagine calling a hulking man ‘baby bird’. So, I'll have Batman was my personal escort around — send him the details and I'll be sending you the bill right after.”

“Are you going to charge us?” 

“Kidding! Not really,” she whispered in the last part.

~*~

Driving into the crypts brought nostalgia to Vivian. These were the very same crypts that she and Bruce went to on their first mission together when Deacon Blackfire killed her agent and tried to kill her to bathe in her blood. After closing this part of Gotham, Bruce went back and made it look like the place was blocked away from  the public, but he actually turned it to a secret place for meet ups with the Batmobile.

“Not a stone nor dirt out of place,” Vivian giggled as she saw the gargoyles she summoned to life and protect Batman from Deacon's followers and cage them.  . “How sweet of you.”

Batman smiled. “Nostalgic?”

“Yeah, it was my very first case with the Batman.”

Bruce chuckled, he took Vivian's hand and caressed the rings she wore. Her engagement ring and wedding band. “Who would have thought a case involving a murder and Deacon Blackfire wanting to kill you for your blood would lead to this.”

“Who would have thought indeed,” Vivian got on her toes and placed a kiss on his lips. “Alfred's running late.”

Bruce wrapped his arms around her. “I don't mind.”

Grinning, Vivian brought him down for another kiss, this time much deeper and passionate –

“Well, this is…” Clark's voice echoed in the dark crypt.

Breaking the kiss, Vivian and Batman found the Kryptonian floating a few feet above ground looking at them. 

“What are you doing here?” Batman questioned him.

“Diana and I thought it would be best if I come along, incase of back-up.”

“I'm back-up.”

“No offense, Clark, but to be honest, I think J'onn would be more suitable for this mission. Or Dinah and Oliver,” said Vivian.

“What's the problem with having me around?”

“They're inconspicuous.” 

“Batman is a known founding member of the Justice League,” 

“Yeah, he blends in, and he's already built a name there.”

A years ago, during her and Bruce's date, they encountered a mystery of a wolf terrorizing Eastend. First problem: there were no wolves in Gotham. Second: if there was, there was no reports of the zoo losing one. Turns out the wolf was a man who was turned to a werewolf, and to help him, Vivian brought Bruce – who was in disguise as some random person – to one of the hidden clubs in Gotham that was run by a voodoo witch-doctor, Papa Midnite. It was there that Bruce saw the truth of the dark arts and the supernatural world. They were able to save the man who was turning into a werewolf by giving him a wolfsbane potion, which Vivian brew, and sent him back home to his family.

The Batmobile arrived, entering from the tunnels, and after parking beside Vivian's car, Alfred got out and greeted them. “Early shift, Sir?”

“Hi Alfred,” Clark greeted.

“There's a case that Vivian is needed by the JLA. Can you take her car back to the manor using the same route we took,” said Bruce.

“If I can drive that vehicle with so many buttons with half of it being a button to self-destruct or destroy a building, I'm sure I can manage a simple sedan,” said Alfred.

“Thank you, Alfred,” Vivian handed him the keys.

“Coffee, Mrs. Pryor?” the old butler handed her a thermos.

“You always know what I need,” she happily took the thermos.

“How many have you drunk since this morning?” Bruce asked. Vivian ignored him and got in the front seat of the Batmobile. “You're riding at the back.”

Clark sighed but smiled. “Figures.”

“And change, I have some civilian clothes there that would fit you.”

Superman floated to the back, sat down, and buckled in. Batman sighed and went to the driver's seat, he said goodbye to Alfred before closing the hatchet and driving away.

“So, that's the place you both met?” Clark spoke as he changed to the clothes Bruce mentioned.

“Not really met but where we ended the case,” said Vivian. “The first time I encountered Batman I was nineteen and just moved to Gotham. He saved me from some muggers who were about to… you know.”

“I see…”

“He was still clumsy then, too. Got stabbed a couple of times.”

“It was the first year, Viv,” said Batman. “You were nineteen then?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Nothing. I just remember how younger you are than me.”

Vivian reached out and caressed his cheek to reassure him that it shouldn't bother him too much. “Then after that, some other cases, like Firefly burning a club — saw Batman there, he got everyone to safety. Not that I needed saving then because of my magic.”

“You were out of practice.”

Vivian shrugged. “Then the other time at the bank.”

“You seem to have gotten in the middle of the crossfire of Gotham's crimes too often even before meeting Bruce,” said Clark.

“It's Gotham City.”

“The first official meeting we had was during her book launch,” Bruce spoke. “But as Bruce Wayne, the first time I met her as Batman was when Gordon had her in protective custody in a house at Gotham Heights.”

Vivian smiled at the memory. It was the first time that someone gave her that sense of safety whenever her magic made her sensitive to the ghosts around her. “Oh, turn here,” she told Batman.

“We're not going to the club?”

“We are, but we need to bring something for him — a trade.”

Vivian got out and bought something from the shop. It took her a little while but she returned with a bottle of brandy and vodka. 

Arriving at the club, Batman parked his car in the alleyway and followed Vivian. He told Clark to keep his head down and follow their lead as they descended the sketchy looking stairs and stood before a bouncer that was bigger than him and Bruce.

“Pyotr,” she greeted.

The man, Pyotr smiled, and for a moment his eyes shone red. “Vivian Pryor,” he greeted with a thick Russian accent.

Vivian got out a bottle. It was vodka. 

Pyotr sighed and spoke in old Russian, “Rules, Vivian.”

Vivian replied in the same language, “Please. You let me do it the last time.”

“Consequences.”

“I'll handle, Papa Midnite. Please.”

Pyotr looked at her as she pouted and sighed. He messed with her hair, making Vivian snicker, and took the bottle. “But first,” he showed the card where two ducks sat on a cloud.

“Two frogs on a bench,” she replied.

Pyotr moved aside and opened the door for her. She, Batman, and a disguised Clark entered the club where an eternal night was. Music blared loudly and luminous lights flashed around. People – rather, creatures and immortal beings were inside dancing, drinking, or fucking on the benches. Clark wasn't sure what to react with what he was seeing, it was just too much for him.

“Easy, boy scout,” Batman teased him. “This is just the first floor. The ones below are much, much darker.”

“There's more?” Clark said.

“The lower you go, the more things get complicated and unconventional. Keep up.”

The two men followed Vivian to the guarded double door where she spoke to the two… vampires. They looked at her then to Batman and Clark. “They're with me,” she told them. “And Papa Midnite wouldn't want my or my guests' blood all over the floor.”

Reluctantly, the two moved aside and let them through. Behind those doors, Clark was surprised to find the room quieter and more civilized. There was a library inside and a collection of magical items. The further they went in, Clark found himself disoriented. Weren't they in the basement earlier? How come they were now walking into a shop that had the view of another side of Gotham.

“Vivian Pryor,” Papa Midnite greeted her. “Welcome back.”

“Papa Midnite,” Vivian greeted and showed him the brandy. 

The witch-doctor accepted the gift and placed it on his desk. “I see you brought Batman again, and another one.”

“JLA business — they asked for a consultation.”

“Then you're getting paid.”

“Their payment is getting off my back for a couple of months. It's about Morgana.”

“Ah, the King's half-sister.”

“And the mother of his living child, Mordred.”

“You're going to turn her in?”

“No. My concern is just her stopping with the whole soul-sucking business. And to do that I need to help her gain her immortality and be off my merry way.”

“Why not take every bit of power she has?”

“I can't do that –”

“Can't you? You can if you wish — Phoenix. Destroyer of Worlds. Creator of Life. The Ouroboros.”

“So, you know.”

“Everyone knows. We all felt it, just as we felt it found its host in you, Vivian. Like I said,” he opened the bottle and poured it into two glasses. “Welcome back.”

Vivian took the glass and clinked it with Papa Midnite's own. “John helped with controlling it. And he's teaching me.”

“That does not sound like Constantine,” Papa Midnite moved around to look for something in his study. 

“He makes me take him to a pub right after.”

“That sounds like John,” Papa Midnite returned with a vial in hand. “Blood of the demon.”

“She's already a monster, Midnite.”

“Which is where the Alchemyst's Stone is needed. Normally to use the Stone, a hundred sacrifices is needed, but with this demon's blood, one drop is enough.”

“Why go through that massacre?” Clark spoke for the first time since they entered the shop. 

“Because it is easier to get a hundred souls than to call and fight the demon Mictlantecuhtli.”

“People die before they can even finish the ritual. Killing is far easier then,” Vivian took the vial and hid it in her coat's pocket. “The Stone?”

“I do not have it.”

Vivian sighed. “Do you know where it is?”

“You know who to ask.”

“Right…”

Smiling, Papa Midnite gave her another thing. A gallow's rope. “Safe trip, Vivian Pryor.”

Vivian accepted the rope and led Batman and Clark out of the store. This time Clark was really, really confused. How did they end up back where they came from? Even the Batmobile was there!

“Where to now?” Batman asked her.

“I need to ask the Fates where the stone is,” Vivian replied. “But first, I need to gather my offerings.”

“Offerings?” 

“I need a snake.”

“There's a pet store not far.”

“And a crossroads.”

“Does the intersection work?” 

Vivian laughed. “How about somewhere that's not in the middle of traffic? We can head to the Estate. There's a perfect crossroads there. First, can you get the snake?”

Batman nodded and went to the pet store across the road.

Clark went to her side and watched as Batman went inside, like it was a normal thing to do in his uniform. “I don't think I'll ever get used to this.”

“The magic or Batman going to a pet shop because I said pretty please?” Vivian smiled as she watched Batman point to the large snake in the tank and paid the store attendant.

“Both.”

Not long, Batman returned with the snake in the tank. Vivian reaches inside and lets the snake crawl around her arm and into the pocket of her coat, surprising the two men. 

“That was a snake, Vivian,” Batman pointed out. “And I paid for the tank.”

“Then take it back and get your money,” she teased.

“I'm more concerned with the snake in her coat,” said Clark.

“It'll be okay.”

“My concern is mostly for you.”

“I'll be alright. Let's go,” she got inside the car and acted normally, as if she were not holding a snake in her coat.

Superman turned to Batman and said, “Do you ever get used to this?”

“No. Not really. It's what makes our marriage interesting.”

~*~

It was deep into the Wayne Estate that Vivian found the crossroads she needed. Using the tree she had the gallows’ rope tied to it, and in the middle of the crossroads she stood. It was getting dark now, and in any minute the sun will be gone, making it the perfect time for her to make the call. 

Not far from where she stood, Batman and Superman stood by the Batmobile, watching. The latter was completely confused as to why Vivian had all of these prepared and for what. 

“I see,” Alfred appeared. “Another summoning ritual, Sir?”

“Yes.”

“This isn't the first time?” Superman asked them.

“No, but this is different from the last,” said Alfred.

“The last time she summoned a ghost to speak for another case,” said Batman.

“This is beyond interesting, Bruce,” Superman muttered.

Darkness came to the skies and in the middle of the crossroads, where she stood, fire appeared, burning the grass to create the symbol. Kneeling on the ground, Vivian began the ritual, “Maiden, Mother, Crone, your child, your blood, summons you. I heed your aid in this trial I face. I call for the aid of the Fates. The-Three-Who-Are-One, The-One-Who-is-Three. The Hecate.”

Lightning flashed in the once clear dark skies, and mist surrounded the area making it hard for the three men to see her. 

From where she stood, Vivian saw the silhouette of three women appearing. One a Crone, one an older woman, and one a maiden. They flashed before her, slowly approaching until they surrounded Vivian. The Fates have arrived.

“Vivian Pryor, it's been a while,” said the Maiden.

“You've grown since we last spoke, love,” said the Mother.

“You were but a wee child clutching to her mother's skirts when we last saw you,” said the Crone.

“But we've seen you. Watched you,” said the Maiden. “Grew with you,” she had Vivian stand.

A hand was placed on her belly. “And grieved with you,” said the Maiden.

“And saw your imminent return,” said the Crone. 

Vivian kept her head bowed but she would peek at the Fates, humbled before their presence. “I was just a child when I saw the Hecate… it was you who gave my mother the answers to hide my power and how to hide me.”

“Do you wish to hide, child?” The Mother asked.

“No. I do not. I am in need of your help.”

The Crone scoffed. “Another request. Pryor women.”

“Calm now, sister-self,” said the Mother.

“Vivian has brought gifts,” said the Maiden.

“Vivian opened her coat and lets the serpent slither from the pocket and to her arm where the Crone's hand met hers. The Mother welcomed the serpent and let it enter her mouth. Swallowing it whole was the Maiden.

“You may ask us three questions,” said the Crone.

“And get one answer from each of us,” said the Maiden.

“Thank you,” Vivian bowed her head. “My first question: The Alchemyst's Stone. It was once owned by the witch-doctor, Midnite, where is it?”

It was the Maiden who answered: “It was last seen and bought by a wealthy man.”

For a moment, Vivian saw an auction take place and shown at the stage was the Alchemyst's Stone. The beautiful stone wrapped in gold and encased in glass. She sat in the back with the Maiden at her side and watched as a bald man raised the highest bid and bought the item.

“When was this?” Vivian asked the Maiden.

“Vivian,” the Maiden laughed lightly. “One question, one answer.”

They have returned from the scene and Vivian stood before the Mother. “Next question: The Arcana. Where can I find it?”

It was the Mother who gave the answer: “It has been in the possession of a Demon in the shadows.”

She watched from the corner of the room as the man wearing a green cloak place the Arcana back on the shelf. She didn't need to see his face to know who he was. 

A frown etched to her mouth, “Ras al Ghul. Where is he now?”

They have returned to the crossroads. “One question, one answer!” The Mother reminded her.

“My last question then,” Vivian said. “How did Morgan le Fey lose her immortality?”

It was the Crone who stood before her and gave the answer: “Bold question, child.”

“My last question,” she told the Crone. 

The Crone looked at her for a moment and answered, “Promises left unkept tires the patient son.”

“Mordred,” Vivian watched as the blond boy stood in his castle. “How did he do it?”

“YOU HAVE ASKED YOUR QUESTIONS, ONEIDES!” The Fates flashed before her, merging their forms until they disappeared as if they never were there, and taking with them the gallows. 

Returning to where the three men stood Vivian was met by Batman's question: “Did they come?”

“Yes, they did,” she replied.

“We didn't see them, it was just you we saw the entire time. Did you get what you need?” Superman asked.

“I did. I got names. Leads,” Vivian took a breath. “There are two things we first need to find. The Alchemyst's Stone is close by, problem is it's in the possession of someone you won't like.”

“Who is it?” Batman asked.

“Lex Luthor.”

“I'm not even surprised. What else?”

“The Arcana. You won't like the answer for this — rather, I don't like the answer. It's with Ras al Ghul.”

Batman frowned.

“And I know who took Morgana's immortality. But first those two things,” Vivian turned to Superman. “I can't just take the Stone, Luthor needs to give it to me.”

“It just so happens,” Alfred spoke. “Mr. Luthor has an event tomorrow night. You might be able to sway him to give the Stone. Mr. Luthor has shown his fondness of Ms. Vivian – apologies for my implication, Ma'am.”

“Well, you are right about that, Alfred,” Vivian shrugged. “Even if it creeps me out.”

“It looks like we'll be attending Luthor's event tomorrow night after all,” Bruce muttered. “I don't like this. Not one bit.”

“Neither do I… we'll call you once we got everything, Clark,” Vivian said to the Kryptonian. “Tonight, Bruce and I are just going to visit Damian's grandfather… do you think he'd like to come along? I mean, Talia will be there too.”

“I think it would be nice… do you want to stay behind?” 

“No. I wanna look Talia in the eye, and besides, Ras al Ghul will wonder what you need it for.”

“I'll tell him it's an errand for my wife.”

“I'm still going. Last thing I need is Talia doing something — she might get a piece of your hair and make another kid with you using that.”

“I don't think that's how…” Clark trailed off.

“You get the point!”

~*~

Sitting in the back of the Batjet, Damian Wayne awkwardly watched as his father and his surrogate mother sat silently through the whole flight. This was the first time they were quiet in a long while. He knew it had to do with the fact they were visiting his grandfather and his mother, and normally Damian wouldn't care but when it comes to Batman and Vivian, it was concerning. 

“Tell me again, why do we need to see them?” Damian asked.

“That's how shared custody works,” Vivian muttered.

Bruce sighed. “There's a book we need to get. Vivian thought you might want to see your mother and your grandfather.”

“I see,” his gaze went to the back of Vivian's headrest where he could see locks of her auburn hair peeking at him. “I'll keep watch on Mother. Make sure she does not do anything she's not supposed to.”

At the front, Vivian smiled. Reaching out, Bruce took Vivian's hand and filled the gaps between her fingers. He leaned down a little to meet her hand to kiss. A simple gesture but it was enough to defuse the tension. It made Damian smile. 

Arriving at the Headquarters of the League of Assassins. Batman landed his jet at one of the bases of the mountain and the three of them entered Ras al Ghul's tower using Vivian's magic. No need to sneak through the many guards when they have a shortcut.

Stepping inside, Ras al Ghul did not mind them until he's poured himself a drink. “Detective, nice of you to let me see my grandson,” said Ras al Ghul. When he turned to see them, he faltered when he saw Vivian. “I was not expecting your wife.”

“Ras al Ghul,” Vivian greeted.

“Grandfather,” Damian stood before him. “Where is Mother?”

Ras looked at them for a moment and then called for his daughter. A moment later, the door opened and a woman with brown hair and green eyes came. The same green eyes as Damian. 

“Damian,” Talia said, quite surprised at their presence. “Beloved.”

Vivian frowned at what she called Bruce.

“Talia,” Bruce said, coldly.

Talia's gaze then turned to Vivian. “You're here.”

“Nice to see you too, Talia,” Vivian muttered. Turning to Damian, she pulled down his hood and brushed her hand through his hair. “Go to her,” she said with a soft tone.

Damian gave Vivian a soft gaze and squeezed the hand on his shoulder before coming to see his mother.

“What is this visit about?” Talia questioned. “Have you grown tired of seeing our son?”

“I've accepted Damian as one of my own,” Vivian said.

“But he is not. He is mine and Bruce's. He looks so much like him, doesn't he? Our perfect boy.”

“Talia,” Ras warned her. Surprising his daughter.

Vivian turned away from Talia and approached Ras al Ghul. “I need to speak to you.”

“Of course,” Ras al Ghul bowed slightly. “Follow me, Phoenix.” He led her to another door which was his study. Closing the door behind him, Ras al Ghul said, “You trust me so easily.”

“I don't,” Vivian said.

“Yet  you easily turn your back to me.”

Vivian turned to him with a smirk. “But you wouldn't dare now, wouldn't you? You know what I can do before you can even blink.”

Ras al Ghul chuckled. “You are learning the ways of your husband… or the ways of your second son.”

“It was Jason who learned from me.”

“He has always been close with you — when he was revived from the Pit, the first thing he looked for was you.”

Vivian touched the locket that rest on her chest. “Dick is my first son, but I didn't really feel like a mother until he grew up and moved out. With Dick, he's someone I can count on. Someone who was there since the very beginning. With Jason, I got to be that. I got to be a mother.”

“What brings the Hostess of the Creator of Life in my presence?”

“The Book of Arcana. I am in need of it.”

“And you cannot have it unless I give it willingly to you,” said Ras as he went to the shelf where he kept the book for so long. “Here,” he handed the book to her.

“That easy?” Vivian raised a brow at him.

“Yes.”

“I thought there'd be like a negotiation or something,” Vivian took the book from his hold. 

“I have memorized its content. I have no need of it. And I think taking in the son of your husband with my daughter is painful enough.”

Vivian frowned. “Like I said, Damian is mine, just as Dick, Jason, and Tim are mine.”

“But there is still the bitterness, yes?”

“Towards Talia? Yes. Damian? None,” Vivian hid the book in her coat. “Thank you for that, we'll be taking our leave now.”

Ras al Ghul nodded and lets Vivian leave the room. In the previous room, she saw Batman still standing where he was while Talia sat on the couch with Damian standing at her side. The two were speaking but ended when Damian saw Vivian and said, “Are you finished, Mom?”

“Mom?!” Talia sneered.

“Yes. Let's go!” Vivian smiled and had Damian under her arm. “Say goodbye to your Mother.”

“That was quick,” Batman said to her.

“Ras was cooperative today,” Vivian shrugged.

“Until next time, Beloved,” Talia told Bruce, and ignored Vivian.

Bruce glared at Talia and called for Damian so they can leave. The boy did not wait and jumped out of the window, then used his grappling to catch him. When it was their turn, Vivian was about to levitate her and Bruce but he told her to wait. About to ask, Bruce cut her off with a deep and passionate kiss. She was surprised at first but then a smile crept to her lips and kissed back. When Bruce wrapped his arms around her, she cupped his face and tried to pull away but Bruce followed her.

“Bruce,” she said between kisses. “She gets the point.”

“Are you still pissed?” He murmured against her lips.

She shook her head and kissed him once, “No. Not anymore. Let's go home, my love.”

Bruce kept his arms around her and jumped them off the tower where he used his grappling to land them safely where Robin was.

“What took you so long?” Damian demanded.

“I said goodbye to your mother,” Vivian shrugged.

He raised a brow at them. “And what did she say?”

“She'll see you at Christmas,” she patted Damian's cheek.

“Really?” Damian turned his back to them. “Next time, make sure to turn off your comms before doing something so disgusting, Father.” He marched towards the jet and went inside.

“Please don't tell me…” Vivian muttered.

“Yeah, we all heard it,” Oracle spoke through their comms, which Bruce put on speaker for her to hear. “Hi, Viv.” 

“Hi, Barbara… patrol night?”

“Patrol night. The boys have a lot to say…” She turned back their comms and then voices overlapping each other were heard.

“FUCKING KILL ME AGAIN!” Jason exclaimed.

“THE FUCK WAS THAT SOUND! AUGH! IT'S AAAHHH!” It was Tim.

“Hey, Babs, don't hold it against me if I don't kiss you anytime soon…” Dick said with a defeated sound.

“How's Cass?” Vivian asked, quite concerned.

“Quiet. Really quiet. Spoiler's with her trying to explain what was… she's trying to get her back to the land of the living,” said Barbara. “And if Duke is a little off for the next few days, you know the reason. Kate might tease you about it, so will Harper. But definitely Kate.”

“Thanks, Babs,” Vivian sighed. “Sorry…”

“We're going home. We'll be in Gotham in a couple of hours,” Batman told her.

“DON'T BOTHER COMING TO PATROL! I DON'T KNOW WHAT I'LL DO IF I SEE YOU! AUGH!” Jason exclaimed.

“Understood.”

“You think you got it rough, Todd? I'm the one stuck with them for hours in this flight!” Damian called out in their comms.

“Copy… Batman, out.”

Bruce sighed, but still took Vivian's hand and helped her climb the jet. Once inside, Vivian turned to Damian and saw him in a deep shade of red as he tried to distract himself with his video game. 

“Did you have fun seeing your mother and grandfather?” Vivian asked him.

“Excuse me if I don't talk to either of you during this flight. I was traumatized by hearing the sound of my parents eating each other's faces in front of my biological Mother.”

“Right, again, sorry.”

~*~

It was hard getting out of bed to get ready for Luthor's event. Since he came home early from Wayne Enterprise, Bruce immediately went to Vivian's study where she spent the entire day reading through the Arcana and watching Morgan le Fey's movements with multiple mirrors, and pulled her away from everything. He promised her he'll only take her from her reading an hour max, but Bruce took his time and made his mark on her for hours on end. 

He knew Vivian would never look at another man, especially Lex Luthor, but remembering the first encounter she had with Lex – which was when they were still dating and he took her to one of Luthor's events as part of his cover to get intel — he didn't like how the man held Vivian in the dance while he snuck around the building to find Lex’s servers.

Just thinking about it had him lasting longer with anger fueling him more and more. It made him want to bite down hard enough to leave a mark but knew better than to do so. He'll have to restrain himself. Vivian joked as they made love earlier, “If you want him to know that I'm yours, well done. Because I don't think I'll be able to walk later if you keep going this pace, my love.”

Bruce realized that he was being too rough, which Vivian liked, but after hearing that his pace became steady and more loving.

Now, in their bedroom, Bruce finished fixing his tie and putting on his watch. As he placed his earpiece, he tested it to see if Vivian had hers on.

“Do you hear me, Viv?” Bruce asked.

“Loud and clear, Bruce,” Vivian said through their comms as she stepped out wearing her blue gown with the blue velvet, body hugging gown with the cape-like effect of the chiffon fabric that were attached to her lowered sleeves. “Can you hep me with these?” She showed him the diamond necklace.

“I don't recall giving you this,” Bruce said as he took his place behind her and helped clasping the necklace.

“You didn't. Luthor did.”

He frowned.

“It was his wedding gift.”

“I thought wedding gifts were for the couple?”

“You know how he is…” Taking his hands, Vivian placed them around her and she leaned back on his shoulder. “Just for tonight… besides, after earlier, I doubt I'd look at another man,” she teased him.

Bruce hummed in amusement. “I hate the fact you're dressing up for him.”

“We need the Stone, Bruce.”

“I know.”

“Besides, the diamonds may be for him, but this,” she led his hands from her waist and up to her crotch, purposely letting him linger there, then up to her chest where his hands brushed over where her nipples were, and then one of his hands to her neck. “All of this is for my husband.”

“He's a lucky man.”

“I'm the lucky one.”

“Trust me, Viv. I'm the lucky one,” Bruce kissed her cheek. 

“It'll take us a couple of hours to get to Metropolis if we're driving. We need to go.”

“Just an hour,” Bruce said. “Depends on traffic. We're taking the car and the yacht.”

“You know, I always forget that you got a yacht that can fit a car.”

“We have a yacht, Viv.”

Coming to the sitting room where everyone was mostly at the moment watching some show before heading down to the cave and start patrol, it was Cassandra who first noticed them and tugged on Stephanie’s shirt and pointed at their direction. 

“Wow, you’re looking good, Viv,” said Stephanie.

“Thanks, Steph,” Vivian smiled as she accepted the faux fur coat that Alfred prepared for her. “Thank you, Alfred.”

“So, this is what you wear for covert operations, huh?” Kate smirked, teasingly. “Not bad, Viv.”

“Not always.”

“Just when you need to seduce and trick Lex Luthor to giving you a magical stone that requires a hundred-soul sacrifice to work?” Tim added.

“Yes, that. The thing with the Stone is he needs to give it to me willingly. No tricks or influences of magic. Or else…”

“Consequences,” they finished.

“Where’s Dick and Jason?” Bruce asked.

“They’ll be here in a bit, they just went out to get some snacks,” said Duke.

“But you’ll be on patrol in a couple of hours,” Bruce checked his watch.

“Hey, come on! We still got a couple of hours to kill. Might as well do something that’s normal. You should be proud of us,” said Stephanie.

“Wrong parent, Steph,” said Tim.

“Right. Vivian’s the cool-one. Bruce is the… yeah, he’s Bruce.”

The sound of the front door opening caught their attention despite the sitting room being far from the entryway, but Dick does know how to make an entrance. “Sorry, I’m late!” Dick called out as he and Jason came in with a bag of snacks. “Got caught in traffic. Couldn’t leave Jason there, could I?”

“You can and you should have,” said Damian.

“What the fuck is this?” Jason said when he saw Vivian wearing the dress that was too revealing for her in his opinion. “Ma, cover up!”

“Jason, I am,” said Vivian.

“Those, cover up those!” Jason removed his jacket and was about to throw it over her but she caught the thing midair with magic and threw it back at him.

“No. It took me hours to get the hair done and my make-up, you are not going to ruin it.”

Jason threw his jacket away and turned to Bruce with a menacing look, telling him to do something. But all he got from the man was, “The only thing I don’t love is the necklace.”

“Why?” Duke asked.

Dick had a knowing smirk. “Because that’s a wedding gift from Lex Luthor – and before you ask, remember the time when you both went on your honeymoon and I was left here with Alfred to fix all the presents?”

“But they were all still wrapped when we got back.”

“I called in a favor from Superman – it was Alfred’s idea really, so we could find if there’s anything that needs to be refrigerated or stored properly because who knows when you two were coming back. And Clark saw that with the congratulations card signed by Luthor… he said some other things too but let’s stick with the congrats.”

“Been keeping that for a long time, haven’t you? Waiting for the right time to tell us?” Vivian walked up to Dick and pulled his ear teasingly.

“Not really. I was supposed to bring it to my grave, but I guess after a decade in the marriage it’s a good time to tell. You didn’t even notice the missing whipcream there… oh shit,” Dick’s face fell.

Vivian smirked. “Let me guess it was Veronica Vreeland who gave it, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let that sink in, kiddo,” Vivian patted his cheek.

A mix of “Eeew!” and laughter from the others.

“Excuse me as I throw away the whip cream I bought for tonight’s junk food night…” Dick said his goodbye to them and went to the kitchen.

Turning to Jason, Vivian sighed and faced him with a sympathetic smile. She pried his arms from how they folded over his chest and held his hands. “Thank you, for always looking after me, and I am glad that there is still a gentleman inside this,” she poked at his heart. “There are just some things I need to do to get the job done.”

Jason sighed and reached for his pocket and pulled out a stylish hairstick. “This was supposed to be for your birthday but you might need it tonight.”

“What is that?” Tim, Stephanie, Duke, and Damian crowded over his shoulder to see.

“Get off me!” Jason told them and sighed once again. He went behind her and stuck it just where the pins were and was an eye-catching accessory with its sophisticated design of a snake. To Jason. “I found this in some warehouse from a man stealing some artifacts. It’s some old Nordic hairpiece. It’s made of bone, so it won’t sound an alarm. He tries anything, you stab him – don’t think just do.”

Smiling, Vivian reached out to Jason and brushed his cheek. “My sweet boy, always looking out for me. Thank you, Jason.”

“Yeah, yeah, and after doing the job — just cover up,” Jason muttered and looked away. “But you do look beautiful, Ma.”

“We better get going,” Bruce told her. “Kate, I’ll leave everyone to you, Dick, and Barbara.”

Kate saluted lazily.

“See you guys when you get back.”

“Alfred’s going too?” Damian asked.

“He’s the one whose going to bring home the yacht.”

Saying theri goodbye, Vivian and Bruce were about to leave the Manor when Damian called for them. The boy ran up to Vivian and wrapped his arms around her. 

“He does something to you, tell me. I’ll make him pay,” said Damian. “This is your first mission, Batman will understand if you accidentally stabbed Luthor at the neck.”

Bruce frowned.”Damian.”

“Right?” Damian glared at his father.

“It won’t come to that.”

“How lucky I am to have sons who are willing to gouge out someone’s eye to protect me,” she teased. She bent down and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Damian. We now need to go or else we’ll be late.”

Getting in the car which Alfred brought to the front, Vivian and Bruce got in the back and watched as their home grew distant from their gaze.

“We’ll be at the harbor shortly, Master Bruce. Traffic seems to be at our side,” said Alfred.

“Perfect, thanks, Alfred,” said Bruce.”

“And Ms. Vivian, there is something that I prepared for you under the seat. Master Bruce, if you please.”

Bruce reached down and pulled out the item. “Is this one of my taser darts?”

“Yes, and I fashioned it to look stylish for Ms. Vivian to wear. She will be doing this operation alone.”

“Aw, I feel touched that everyone is worried for me… how come you didn’t give me this when I had my other cases before?”

“With ghosts, and demons, and the creatures of the dark, you understand survival is necessary. You understand the nature of dark magic and the consequences it has. You follow your own code when in your element. But this time, this is not the darkness, here you follow the Batman’s code. Best to prepare tonight for something you are entirely new at. Not to mention you cannot use your magic.”

Vivian smiled. “Thank you, Alfred. This means a lot.” She slipped on the bracelet and turned to Bruce to say, “What’s next? Tim’s making me a mech suit and Damian’s giving me a sword?”

“I was thinking more of a uniform first to hide your identity,” said Bruce.

“Yeah… no. Not into the whole spandex and kevlar thing. I like my work clothes. It’s practical. Besides, John doesn’t have the cape and tights, so why should I? I’m a consultant, remember?”

Bruce chuckled. “I guess you’re right.”

The yacht ride to Metropolis was serene, and it would have been romantic if Diana have not called to inform them of Morgan le Fey’s movements. The sorceress was at it again and they still don’t have the stone. Good thing is, Vivian knew how to help Morgan le Fey regain her immortality, and who it was that took it from her. But she still did not say who. 

At Metropolis, Alfred drove the couple to New Troy, Metropolis where LexCorp headquarters was. Arriving at the venue, the butler commented how they were just right on time with how most of the people are now almost inside, giving the Waynes the spotlight they needed to capture Lex Luthor’s attention.

Thanking Alfred, Bruce opened the door and stepped out. He smiled and nodded at the press who were now turning their attention and their cameras at them, all calling for him to look at their direction. But Bruce ignored them as he reached inside the car to help Vivian out. More camera flashes came and Vivian forced a smile as she greeted them all with a wave. Bruce kept his hand on her back and acted as some sort of shield between her and the cameras, knowing how Vivian never liked walking down these carpets during events, while still giving her the spotlight she deserved.

Just as they expected, the crowd calling out “the Waynes are here!” caught the attention of many who were inside. There were those who came out to greet them and complimented the couple for their coordinated and stunning attire, and then there was Lex Luthor who met them halfway through the carpet and greeted them.

“Bruce Wayne,” Lex said first but didn’t offer a hand to shake, then he turned to Vivian. “Professor Vivian Pryor,” he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “A pleasure as always to see you again. Ah! I see you’re wearing my little gift.”

“I thought it would fit the occasion, this is a celebration of your new division opening. Congratulations for the successful start on Luthor Foundation for the Arts.”

“You know me, Viv, I’m a man of  many interests and arts is one of them,” Luthor said.

“Right.”

Luthor was about to invite her inside for some drinks but Mercy came and whispered to him that the event was about to start officially and he was to give his speech. “Excuse me, Viv, I need to go. Maybe right after I give my whole speech, I can show you what the Foundation is about, and who knows, you might be interested in working there too.”

“Poaching my wife while I’m right here, Luthor?” Bruce spoke. “You really have no shame.”

“Doesn’t hurt to try,” Luthor shrugged and was already backing away to head back inside. “Come inside, there’s drinks, food, and the whole spiel abouf the plans for Luthor Foundation for the Arts, and something big!”

Luthor gone, Bruce made his hold on Vivian’s waist known to all as he leaned down and whispered to him, “The hand. Use Jason’s gift for the hand and Alfred’s token at his neck.”

Vivian chuckled, turning to him she placed a kiss on the side of his lips, making the press go wild and flash their cameras more. “I’ll keep that in mind. Let’s go, I’m kind of curious about what he’s unveiling.”

They entered the building and the noise of the press died down.

“Luthor is starting a division in Luthor Technologies that’s working on a top secret project. He’s hiring archivists around the world, and after that little attempt to get you to join Luthor Foundation of the Arts, he wants you – a renowned symbologist and iconologist – on his team.”

“What does Luthor Tech want archivists in there? A little odd don’t you think?” Vivian whispered.

“Take a guess.”

Vivian frowned. “Magic.”

Bruce nodded. “Looks like you have a new case coming up after this.”

“Looks like I do… and I have a feeling it has something to do with the Stone.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s wearing it right now,” Vivian watched the man of the hour on stage as he gave his spiel on LexCorp’s new projects. She didn’t care about what the man had to say at all, what she cared about was the brooch he wore. The red stone wrapped with a frame of gold. The Alchemyst’s Stone used a brooch.

A sacred and powerful magical item that was fought for, killed for, and passed on through generations until lost during World War II, was now being used as a brooch by someone like Lex Luthor.

“How about the neck with Jason’s gift and the balls with Alfred’s token?” Vivian said.

“Just make sure you’re a good shot to avoid major blood vessels, the spinal cord and airway, and aim for the part where there’s softer tissue.”

“Hold him down and I’ll find my mark.”

The main event ended with fireworks blasting in the skies. Vivian and Bruce were already at the bar by the time Luthor got down the stage, the former having her glass of chardonnay and the latter drinking his ginger ale. But whenever they ordered, Bruce would ask for the same drink as Vivian, and as Vivian takes the glass she does a little trick that transforms the chardonnay to ginger ale. 

“Don’t even think about making that joke in front of all these people,” Bruce told her as he saw the smirk on her face.

“What? That I performed a reverse miracle?” Vivian snickered.

Bruce chuckled but hid his smile behind the glass. “Funny.”

“This is taking too long,” said Vivian. “I’m going to speed things up.”

“How?”

“Sorry about the dress, but I promise I’ll fix it later,” Vivian timed it perfectly and did a little trick to have the walking server lose their balance a little and lose their hold on the tray of red wine, spilling all over her. Vivian let out a gasp of shock while Bruce jumped a little with the surprise.

“I am so sorry, Ma’am!” 

“It’s fine,” Vivian reassured them. 

“Please, let me take your coat — we’ll have it cleaned.”

“Vivian, are you alright?” Bruce asked her.

“I’m fine, Bruce, really. These things happen… too bad about the dress, though.”

“What’s going on here?” Luthor came to their little crowd. “What did you do?”

“Lex, please, it was just a mistake,” Vivian told him, hoping it would ease the heat on her victim. “These things happen.”

“We’ll take care of the bill with cleaning your dress, Mrs. Wayne,” said the manager of the server who arrived with Lex.

“That won’t be necessary,” said Vivian. “Please. I think I just need to clean up a bit.”

“Luckily for you, my penthouse is just at the top,” Luthor offered his arm to Vivian. “I’m sure Mercy can find something for you to change in, Viv.” When his secretary didn’t reply, he pressed on, “Right, Mercy?”

“Yes, Sir. I’ll be sure to find Mrs. Wayne something that would suit for the evening,” said Mercy.

“Bruce, please excuse us. I’ll be sure to return your lovely wife before curfew,” said Luthor.

Bruce frowned but said, “Thank you. Viv, I’ll wait for you down here.”

Vivian nodded and accepted Luthor’s arm and followed him to the elevator which went straight to his private quarters. It was a long ride, and she was thankful for the glass walls that gave them a view of Metropolis.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” Luthor began.

“It is,” said Vivian.

“But I’m sure Gotham is still your home.”

Vivian chuckled. “Well, I do live there, Lex.”

“Tell me, how did Bruce react when you wore that necklace?” 

They have arrived at his floor. The elevator doors opened and Vivian stepped out right after him. His personal floor at the top of his business. If Lex’s excuse is because he’s a workaholic, then that’s just a lie. Bruce was a workaholic but he doesn’t have a penthouse atop of Wayne Enterprise —

Wait. The Batcave was right under Wayne Manor. Their home.

But that’s a  secret place, no one knows about the cave but them and the Justice League.

“I had to convince him that it’s only right that I wore this tonight. I mean, this is your event after all,” Vivian said.

Luthor chuckled. “I don’t blame him. Even I would prefer if you only wore my gifts.”

Vivian turned to him with a knowing smile. “Is that right, Lex?”

“Yes. I’m sure Wayne is fuming right now, especially with you up here with me.”

“Flattery.”

“Well, you are a beautiful woman, Professor Pryor. Intelligent too.”

Vivian hummed in response. 

“I would give you all the jewelry there is just so you don’t wear cheap old things,” he nodded at Vivian’s brooch. Jason’s locket. 

Vivian frowned. “This was a gift from one of my sons for Mother’s Day. It was the first gift I got, and it was the first time I celebrated. It’s far more valuable than any jewel there is.”

She heard Bruce chuckle at Luthor’s mistake, then he said through their comms, “Easy, Viv. Not too hot, you want to get him comfortable to get the stone.”

“Right, Jason,” Luthor muttered.

Vivian took a breath. “Speaking of brooches,” she nodded at the one on his lapel. “If I’m correct, that's the Alchemyst’s Stone. The real one, I presume.”

“Of course,” Luthor said, slightly offended. “You know?”

“Yes. I’ve read about it. History believes it was Nicolas Flamel who made the Philosopher’s Stone – the stone that performs transmutations. Transforming rock to gold – that kind of thing. Some claim it’s imbued with magic from Flamel’s wife, Perenelle Flamel. She was presumed to be a witch, you know.”

“I’ve read that as well. So, who was it that made the Stone?”

“Perenelle. Using her magic, she made the stone, imbued it with her magic and kept them alive for centuries. Until it was stolen from them. It was found in the Vatican at some point. By then, it was believed to have been violated by dark magic,” Vivian leaned on the table to get a closer look on the Stone, not realizing she was showing a bit too much of her chest. Which Lex noticed. “If you look closer you can see the markings on the gold frame which was used to alter the use of the Stone to something beyond simple transmutation. There, those runes,” she pointed at the mark on the gold frame.

“Impressive as always, Vivian,” said Lex. “I was waiting for after the event to call you here to discuss an opportunity, but after that little lecture, I can’t just let you go without giving you a spiel of what’s really happening in LexCorp.”

“And that is?” Vivian asked. She had a guess it was the case Bruce mentioned to her earlier.

“Alexandria. In one of my travels,” really it was his dealings with the right people, “I have found a scroll that holds a secret to a different kind of energy. One that can remove all of these fossils. One powerful enough to light cities.”

And weapons.

“It’s written in another language that’s why I’ve set up a team to start researching the language but they came across some bumps on the road. There are symbols there that do not follow the language’s way of writing. The researchers have been using your books to help them read through them but there is just so much that second hand knowledge could do. That’s why I want to offer you a position at LexCorp as the Head of the Archivist Division. You will be leading a team to decode the scrolls and be part of something big.”

“Lex, your pitch sounds great but I can’t just… Wayne Enterprise is a direct competitor of LexCorp, you do know that, right?”

“You don’t work for Wayne.”

“I don’t. I’m married to him. I can’t just do that —”

Luthor scoffed. “Please.”

“Lex. No, I’m not going to do that to Bruce.”

“But you want this project, right? The curiosity to know what’s in those scrolls is eating you alive. Isn’t it. Wayne wouldn’t understand,” Luthor crept closer to her  until Vivian was trapped behind the table. “He’s not a researcher, he’s not a scientist. He’s just someone who has a Trust Fund.”

Vivian glared at him. 

“Kidding! Wow, you are a tough nut to crack, Vivian Pryor,” Luthor then removed his brooch. He looked at it for a moment and then held it to her.

“What is this? A bribe?” Vivian sneered.

“No. Take it. See it as a signing bonus.”

“I’m not signing anything, Luthor.”

“Fine. But take it for now, and if you don’t want to work with me then give it back.”

Vivian looked at the stone and saw the pulsing red within. “So, you want me to have this?”

“Yes. I bought this at an auction just to piss off someone who got in my way.”

Vivian felt the pulse of dark magic from the Stone.

Lex continued. “Besides, I’ve read about you, Viv. Your family. Took a long time digging, but did you know you came from a long, long, long line of witches?”

Vivian’s blood ran cold. “All women who were different then are branded as witches,” she told him.

“I would like to think that this would be more of use for you than it is with me.”

“Is that right? Because of my blood?”

“I’m almost to his floor,” Bruce spoke through their comms.

“Who knows, it might bring out the little bit of magic that resides in you. So, you may have it as a reminder of the proposal. It is yours,” Luthor shrugged.

The transfer was complete. Vivian could now feel the Stone. Accepting the token, Vivian thanked Lex and said she’ll think about it and –

He leaned down swiftly and placed a kiss on her lips —

“AAHHH!” Luthor fell crumbling to the ground, clutching his balls as he went to a fetal position. “You just – did you just tase my –”

The elevators opened and Bruce walked in. “What happened?” He asked her.

Vivian walked to the cabinet and opened a bottle of scotch. “He kissed me,” she answered as she didn’t bother to pour into a glass and gulped from the bottle itself to rinse her mouth and spit it out at the sink, then drank another gulp.

“He did what?!” Bruce marched up to Luthor and grabbed him by his collar. Luthor tried to reason with him, he lied that it was her who kissed him, that she came onto him, but it only fueled his anger more and Bruce punched the man across the face. Twice.

Walking to her husband’s side, Vivian caught his fist before he could land a third punch. “That’s enough, Bruce,” she whispered. “Mr. Luthor will be reminded about this. Please.”

The elevator came back again, this time it was Mercy and a couple of security guards. “Mr. Wayne!” Mercy gasped at the sight of Bruce’s fists and a bloody nose of Lex who was on the ground. 

“Your boss got a little touchy,” Vivian spoke. “Luckily my husband had a feeling to follow us up here. We’ll taking our leave and won’t be telling anyone, we wouldn’t want to ruin Mr. Luthor’s night.”

A threat.

Mercy nodded and moved to the side. “A gift from Mr. Luthor, Professor Pryor.”

“No need, he’s already given me one. And the answer is no, Lex. Not ever,” Vivian led her husband to the elevator, passing security on their way. Once the doors closed, Vivian took his hands and cleaned the blood off them with a napkin from her purse.

“Did you get it?” Bruce asked.

“I did,” Vivian answered. “You got blood on your shirt,” she clicked her tongue, but nothing too hard for her to fix. One brush of her thumb and it was gone. “There, good as new… Bruce.”

“He touched you.”

“And you’ve shown him what happens when he does. My love, please,” Vivian had her hand on his nape and pulled him down for a kiss. “Better?”

“I still want to kick him off the building and tie his ankle to his bed.”

She kissed him again and this time it was long enough to stop the fueling rage. The elevator doors opened and they were at the event hall once again. Vivian asked for her coat from one of the staff but before she could get it, Bruce placed his blazer over her and carried her coat in his arm. Exiting the building, the Waynes met with Alfred at the front who saw the mood on Bruce’s face and sighed. He had a feeling something happened in this little operation. 

They went straight to the harbor where Alfred drove the car into the yacht and then the yacht to the waters, but they did not go straight to the path back to Gotham. While waiting for Superman, Bruce and Vivian changed out of their gala attire and to the Bat uniform and the red cloak, respectively. When Clark appeared, they bid goodbye to Alfred and mentioned where they were headed.

“I heard the commotion all the way from home, when I heard the jet I came straight here. You got the Stone?” asked Superman.

Vivian showed the red Stone that shone in her hands. 

“I heard what happened with Luthor too. How are you?”

“I tased his balls,” Vivian shrugged.

“Oh. So, you’re good then.”

“Disgusted but satisfied… I never tased someone before. I did stab someone but never tased them.”

“Good to know you're alright, Viv,” He smiled at her, relieved. Turning to Batman, he told the man that the latest place Le Fey attacked was at Glastonbury and she has not moved from there since.

“I'll hold her down in that place,” Vivian summoned the seals and the image of Morgan le Fey who has yet to do something in Glastonbury.

“So, do I carry you both there?” Superman asked.

Batman gave him an incredulous look. “Viv.”

“On it,” Vivian summoned a portal. “Bulletproof Kryptonians first,” she said.

“Of course,” Superman sighed.

Stepping in, Superman disappeared from the yacht then Vivian and Bruce followed suit and were met by the chilly early morning of Glasbury. Looking at her Wayne Tech phone that Bruce customized to be secured, connected to his personal satellite, and has a button to call Batman immediately, Vivian saw it adjust immediately to five hours ahead as it detected the new timezone. It was three in the morning now. The witching hour.

“The Phoenix is here,” Morgan le Fey's voice echoed in the night. “Vivian Pryor.”

Before she stepped out to find the sorceress, Vivian summoned circle around the three of them. Finishing the incantation, the circle burned on the ground with ambers continuously glowing. “Do not step out of this circle unless it is completely necessary,” she told them. Then she got out. “Into the light, I command thee.”

The Phoenix's power took form with her, transforming her appearance to don its sacred robes while still wearing her maroon coat but this time the coat glowed with flames, as well as the runes that were engraved in its lining. Her eyes turned to gold and magical essence exhumed from where she stood. 

“New tricks, Pryor?” Morgana appeared before her wearing her gold mask and robes. “Last I saw you, you were just an amateur witch trying to understand the Phoenix's power.”

“Last time I saw you, you were making out with my boyfriend,” Vivian shrugged. “And I burned your hair for it.”

“How is John?” 

“He's John, he survives. So, you've been causing a bit of trouble,” Vivian conjured two seats and a small table with a bottle of wine from their collection. “So much trouble that the JLA was forced to outsource.” She gestured to the seat. When the sorceress did ont move, Vivian added, “Either we sit down and chat like two grown women or I just do the same thing I did to you before.”

Morgan le Fey sat on the seat and took the glass of wine. “Turning on your own now, Pryor?”

“No. They know how I operate,” Vivian took a sip of wine. “I'll just be fixing whatever this is and then once I'm done, I'll give you a thirty-minute headstart before the big-S comes flying after you.”

Morgan le Fey chuckled. “Is that so? You will fix my problem and let me go?”

“If I give you up to the Justice League, every sorcerer, witch, mage, warlock, vampire, and magical and divine and damned being will go after me. The JLA understands my conditions and they will abide by it.”

“Then why is Superman and Batman here?” Morgan le Fey nodded at the two men far from where they were.

“Come on, Morg,” Vivian poured her another. “You know thirty-minutes is more than enough for you to head off your merry way. Superman is just here to even out the playing field.

“Like he can keep up.”

“You'll be surprised.”

“And Batman?”

“He's just nosy.”

She heard Bruce's disgruntled hum in their comms.

“Continuing the talks, Vivian said, “Soul sucking for immortality. You're not a demon, Morgana.”

“Aren't I?” Morgan le Fay cocked her head to the side.

“Well, I hope you're not. I mean, you're no Enchantress — she, I expect the soul succing. She is a succubus afterall, but you… what did Mordred do? I need to know so I can get you back your immortality and so you can stop all this.”

“My son has grown impatient. If there is a monster you seek, it is him not me… he has taken my power to take Camelot.”

“Camelot is gone.”

“He plans to take its place and build a new one, and rule the kingdom from there.”

“Caerleon then,” Vivian said. “Why does he need you out of the way?” Morgan le Fey raised her hand and showed to her the amount of magic left. “He has taken your magic and immortality.”

“He made a deal with those below. A tool that would grant him the power he needs to create his new world. His New Camelot.”

“Dealing with demons comes with a price… he knows better. There's always a catch.”

“But like you said, my child has grown impatient for his birthright.”

“One that's supposed to be expired by now considering Camelot was way back in the 6th century,” Vivian sighed. “Alright, I got what I need — and they got what they need,” she got up and stretched. “Batman, have Wonder Woman and Zatanna see Caerleon, they'll find Mordred there.”

“No!” Morgan le Fey got up. She was about to cast her magic to stop Batman but nothing. She was not able to do anything at all. “What did you do?”

“Binding spell. The wine,” Vivian nodded at Morgana's glass. 

Le Fey threw the glass to the ground after seeing the micro-carvings on the neck.

“Mordred will be dealt with accordingly. Don't worry, they'll return him to his mother… I can't say unharmed but he'll be back in your arms again. But the Justice League needs to deal with him first, and I need to finish my work.” 

Reaching into her coat, Vivian pulled out the demon-blood infused Stone and the Book of Arcana. “I keep my promises, Morgana. You’ll get your immortality back.” She let the book float beside her and open at the page she needed. “This can go two ways. I release this and you fly to your son with little power you have and die before you get there with your speeding age or we stay here, I return your immortality and the JLA stops him and brings him here. The clock is ticking, Morgana, with the amount of souls you’ve been taking, I say everyday your mortality is catching up on you. Even now I can see it.”

Morgan le Fey fell silent as she pondered.

“You can learn magic again but you can't do that when you're being used as petrol for my car.”

Morgan le Fey glared at her. Removing her mask, the sorceress finally revealed her aging face. With the robes she wore, Vivian couldn't see the fast deterioration but now she knew this was urgent. Any moment now the sorceress can literally turn to ash before her.

“Good,” Vivian helped the sorceress to sit and be comfortable on the leather chair. “Superman will come back with your son.”

Clark took that as a sign to leave and fly to Caerleon where Diana and Zatanna would be waiting. 

Vivian then held the Stone before Morgana and began the spell. Using her own glass, Vivian poured the demon's blood into the wine inside, with her hand holding the Stone she is powering with her magic, she cast the incantation, “Htiw siht puc, I nruter ot ym s'rotsac ega, I peek htaed ta yab.”

Flames danced in the wine's red color and died instantly.

“Drink and you won't turn to ash,” Vivian said and helped the old sorceress to take the glass. Drinking slowly until her body began to revert back to her old and youthful self. No longer was Morgan le Fay and crone, she was now back to her youthful self, just around Vivian's age now.

Finished with the incantation and the wine gone, Vivian conjured a mirror and showed the woman her face again. 

“You couldn't have made me younger?” said Morgana.

Vivian smirked. “I’ll take that as a thank you.” Snapping her fingers, the chairs, the table, the wine and glasses were gone. 

“Why help me, Pryor?” Morgana asked.

“I told you, the JLA asked me to intervene, and this is me intervening.”

“You could have killed me. That would be easier. Just like what you did with Mammon.”

“I erased him from existence. I kill him he’ll just come back up here.”

“Same question.”

“Survival has always been our way… who am I to judge a witch who has done so much to survive this world and give a life to her son. Despite the wrong things you have done and the obsession on taking back a kingdom that is far gone now, this has always been how we survived. We take.”

“Maybe back then, but this time you give.”

Vivian smiled. “Blame my husband, he has a way of rubbing off on people…”

“Bruce Wayne. Does he know?”

“Yes. He does.”

“And he does not mind?”

“No. And I want to do the same thing he does with the amount of power and wealth I have. He has Gotham as his project, maybe I can start here.”

Morgana scoffed. “A fool's dream. Dark magic is done with sinister deeds, Vivian. It cannot be stopped.”

“I know. Like you said, a fool's dream. But maybe with this you won't do something that would bother this realm for a while? Maybe spend the time to recover and ger your magic again?”

Morgana looked at her for a moment. “Fine. But that does not stop me from taking back our kingdom.”

“A century of peace is more than enough. Oh, look, your son's here.”

Floating down, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Zatanna came to where they stood and where Batman met them with Mordred beaten. The man still wore his dark armor and had a few injuries that needed mending.

“Your first project,” Vivian told Morgana. “Your son needs you.”

Morgan le Fey sighed and approached Mordred. She took him from Wonder Woman's hold and said, “We had a deal.”

Wonder Woman glared at her and released Mordred, letting Morgana take him. The Sorceress held her son in her arms and took one last look at Vivian's way before disappearing using the little magic she had left.

“Where did she go?” Wonder Woman asked Vivian.

“Diana,” Batman warned her. “She's abided with the terms, Morgan le Fey won't harm anyone while she regains her magic and helps her son. Peacetalks were established.”

“She will come back.”

“And when she does I'll deal with it. Then it will be on equal grounds,” Vivian said. “Let her recover and let her save her son. Besides, the JLA has something more important to deal with involving Luthor now anyway. I'll leave you to talk about it, right now I’m going home.”

“Back to the darkness, I command thee.”

The Phoenix form disappeared and Vivian was back to her normal appearance and was strolling towards the lamp post. “I'll stop by at my Father's before heading home! See you then, love!”

“Vivian,” Batman caught her arm before she teleported away.

“What?” 

“You did good.”

Smiling, Vivian got on her toes and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Alfred said that I have my own code. And I do, but there are times when I also want to help out people in need.”

“Is that so?”

“My husband has a way of influencing people around him.”

Batman smiled softly.

“But I can't say with those vampires that we encountered, and the ones you saw in the club.”

“You can't kill what's already dead.”

Vivian had a lopsided grin, “I'll see you at home. Try to ease Wonder Woman to not hating me for letting Morgana go.”

“I will. See you at home, love.”

Stepping back, Vivian waved goodbye and teleported away and appeared at her father's gym where he was currently sleeping for some reason.

“Come on, Dad,” Vivian woke him.

“Vee, what are you doin’ here, love?” Adam woke up, still groggy.

“I had a consultation in the area and I wanted to see you. Let's get you home, okay?”

Adam nodded and followed his daughter to the portal she opened and helps him lay down in bed. 

~*~

Back in Gotham, Vivian was having a nice cup of tea at the garden with Damian when Bruce appeared with a surprise.

“What is this?” Vivian asked as she held up the black card with the Justice League logo at the middle. Flipping it over, she was met by an ID and Watchtower security access. It had the name The Phoenix over what she calls a mug-shot but with her face. Her base of operation, which is Gotham, with Universal access. And power level which is ranked Unknown. Then at the bottom was the word Consultant.

“No more going through the whole security system of the Watchtower,” said Bruce. “Also, did  you do something with your photos? Flash said that they were seeing different people whenever they developed the card.”

Vivian smirked. “I don't do masks, but the runes of my coat has a glamor that hides my identity. If anyone takes a photo of me or sees me, they won't know it's me unless I let you know it's me.”

A chuckle left Bruce's lips, “And when were you going to tell me that?”

“I thought you figured it out by now,” Vivian returned to her reading. “So do I get to add that in my CV? Consultant for the Justice League, my references are Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.”

“I'll give a good recommendation. But I'll put up a good fight to keep you from getting poached by other organizations.”

“Like the Titans?”

“What do you mean?” Bruce turned to Damian in question.

“Dick reached out to me to ask for help with Raven. He said if I was consulting for the Justice League, I should also consult for the Titans. I believe you remember her? Daughter of Trigon.”

“It was my idea,” said Damian. “Grayson should put his story straight.”

“I know and I'm proud that you're looking out for your teammates.”

“So, the Titans have poached you already.”

“Just for a consultation. You know, I should start putting fees.”

“No.”

“Kidding!”

[arty-shadow-morningstar]

Who Made Me a Villain (6)

[Masterlist] [Ao3]

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)(Part 5) This is a Halloween special as a treat. ------

Clark Kent, a mild mannered reporter, was drinking his coffee. Just like any other average Joe while editing Lois Lane’s latest scoop so there were no spelling mistakes and grammar errors.

Then, his super hearing picked up Lois’s heartbeat speedup. There was an ear-piercing scream that had him jumping out of his seat.

“Woah, Kent, what’s wrong?” A concerned colleague asked.

“Indigestion. Bathroom. Real quick.” Clark threw out the first excuse that came to mind before speeding down to the nearest bathroom. Being careful to keep it to human speed.

He had just finished changing into Superman when his phone rang, the caller ID showing Lois’s name.

“Who are you and what do you want?” Superman demanded.

“Name’s Rebel. And don’t worry your darling, I need her alive to do something I want.”

The voice sounded young and female. Superman went through his mental list of supervillains, trying to figure out who took Lois.

“Rebel…” Superman repeated, trying to put a face to the name. Then, he remembered Batman grumbling about Robin sending a picture of him covered in neon green paint and feathers to the Young Justice unofficial group chat who all were happy to show their mentors. It took everything for Superman not to burst out laughing when Kon had shown him the picture. The one responsible for Batman’s misfortune had been no other than Rebel.

“Aren’t you supposed to be Gotham, Rebel?” Superman asked as he flew towards where he knew Lois was.

“Ah. So the great Captain America has heard of me.”

Superman stopped in mid-air, purely due to confusion because Rebel sounded so confident that it was his name.

“Excuse me what?”

The French accent didn’t really help but make Clark think of those terrible Hollywood bad guys.

“You are excused. As I was saying, Captain, your beloved love is fine. I just need her to do this one little thing for me. Then, she’ll be free to go.”

“What do you want from me?” Superman asked again.

“Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Captain America, the world does not revolve around you. You aren’t the high and mighty god everyone thinks you are. I just need Mrs. Lane’s help in releasing a certain truth.”

“You will let her go right now!” Superman said.

He was narrowing on his wife’s location.

“I just told you that I will do that after I am done.” Rebel replied.

Superman arrived at the location but,

“This can’t be right.”

Rebel giggled over the phone. “Plot twist! Gotta love them.”

Superman was currently floating above Stryker's Island Penitentiary where the worst offenders of Metropolis were kept.

He scanned the buildings but couldn’t locate Lois.

“What did you do to her?”

“Chill, Captain. She’s fine. I just did something so you went after a fake heartbeat while I hid Lois.”

The fact that she tricked him using a complicated method that sounded like something Bruce would come up with had Superman raising his guard up. She was not an opponent to be underestimated.

“I am not going to repeat myself. What did you do to her?”

“Urgh. Can’t you overlook this little thing just this once?” Rebel complained, not concerned about the fact that she was provoking a man who could bend metal like it was rubber. “I am just stealing her for a few hours and then you can have her back. I even swear that she will be in the condition you last saw her in.”

“No. Give Lois back. Now.”

Rebel huffed. “You aren’t going to make this easy, huh? Then… beep.”

Superman was confused for a second when she made that sound with her voice.

Then, an explosion rocked the island below Superman. Instantly, the place was swarming with freed prisoners and guards trying to put them back.

“That should keep you busy. After all, the people of Metropolis need to be kept safe from the vicious criminals. Lois and I would probably be done with our girls’ day out by the time you are done. Au revoir.”

The phone hung up.

Trapped between the decision to save his wife and his city, Superman went to save the day.

—

“Man, your husband was a pain to deal with.” Rebel said after she hung up on Superman.

She turned back to Lois who was sitting unbound on a sofa with her recorder, notepad and pencil out. In front of her was a delicious spread of cakes, pastries and cookies with a mouth-watering scent which Lois tried her best to ignore.

“You kidnapped me and blew up a prison. I don’t think he would be happy to see you.” Lois pointed out. “This isn’t about him.” Rebel dismissed. “This is about you, helping me expose one of the biggest cover ups in history.”

“What makes you think I would help you?”

“What if I told you that four years ago. There was a supervillain in Paris that used negative emotions to turn people into monsters and the mayor had made sure news of it never got out.”

Lois snorted. “I don’t write fantasy, kid. I only write the truth.”

Rebel slapped down a bunch of newspapers dated from four years ago to the most recent one and a lot of documents.

“Here’s evidence. I promise that they aren’t faked. You can even use your phone to search all of this up if you still don’t believe me.”

Lois grabbed the one that was oldest and the front page talked about some stone golems wrecking the city. She read through it. Then, she looked at another paper dated a week later and read the front page talking about evil butterflies.

Fifteen minutes later and some google searches, Lois put down her phone and the newspapers.

She gave Rebel a professional smile. “Now… about that scoop you were going to give me.”

She watched Rebel’s eyes lit up.

—

Hours later…

Superman landed on the roof of the Daily Planet where Lois stood safe and sound. He scanned her with his x-ray vision and felt relieved to see that she was fine.

“Lois, are you okay?” Clark asked with worry as he hugged her.

“I’m fine. Honestly, it was the best kidnapping I've ever been in.” Lois replied, hugging back.

“Thanks for the compliment, Ms. Lane.” The unwanted spectator to their reunion said.

Rebel cheerfully waved from where she was on her bike as Superman glared at her.

“I am going to-”

“That’s my cue to leave.” Rebel cut off his threat as she took out a lead box. “Really lucky I stole this off the Big Bat the other day.”

Superman immediately backed away when the box was opened, revealing a glowing green rock.

“Bye, Captain America.”

Rebel tossed it onto the ground and sped off on her bike.

It took a moment for Superman to remember that they were on a roof and that Rebel was insane.

He watched Rebel drop down as gravity took hold. Superman immediately flew after her, only to find that she had disappeared in between the seconds his eyes were off her.

His brain finally caught up and Superman realised that he wasn’t feeling any effect of Kryptonite.

He turned around to see that the box was still open. Cautiously, Lois picked it up and closed it.

“You okay, Clark?” She asked.

“Can you give me the box, Lois?”

She nodded with confusion and slowly handed it over.

Clark slowly opened the lead box and laughed in disbelief. Inside was just some clear plastic crystals with a glowing green light underneath.

—

“Batman.”

“Superman.” Batman nodded in acknowledgement. “Why are you here?”

“I need you to run some tests on Lois’s blood. She had a run in with one of your Rogues. She said that she feels fine. But I want to be sure.” Superman answered. He handed Batman the vial of blood. He accepted it and put it in his pocket.

“I will do that as soon as I get back to the Cave. Who was it that she encountered?”

“Rebel.”

Batman stiffened at the mention of her name. “I see. What did she do to Lois?”

“Gave an interview I suppose. Lois was immediately on research binge about something that happened in France afterwards. She also had a few of the food Rebel laid out because she was hungry and I quote ‘they were the most delicious pastries ever’. She insisted that she was fine but I wanted to be sure.”

Batman’s frown deepened at that answer.

“Is something wrong?” Superman asked anxiously. This was the mother of his child and the love of his life that was in danger here.

“Lois is most probably fine but I will still run the test to ease your mind. I know Rebel won’t do something to the food unless it was for a prank. Even then, it’s nothing toxic or lethal.” Batman answered.

The answer didn’t reassure Superman.

“She blew up Stryker's Island, Batman.”

He couldn’t understand why Batman seemed so unbothered that such a dangerous villain was running around freely and causing chaos wherever she went.

“She regularly does it to Arkham.”

“Bruce. She lured me into a trap with a fake heartbeat of Lois. She fooled me into thinking she had kryptonite. She rode off the roof of the Daily Planet on her bike and disappeared into thin air. And Rao knows why she keeps calling me Captain America!” Superman ranted.

He took a deep breath to calm down before asking his question. “Rebel is clearly dangerous so why aren’t you taking her as a serious threat?”

Batman stared at him. Clark knew that this was his decision making face.

“You said that Lois was looking into something that happened in France.”

Superman nodded. “Yeah. Is Rebel related to it?”

Batman sighed. It was filled with regret and shame.

Superman knew that this was not good news.

“I was going to bring this up at the next League meeting but Rebel appeared to be getting impatient.” Batman started.

“What happened in France?”

“We, as the League, had made a huge oversight. There was a major problem in Paris for many years. A villain who could turn people into monsters had the city hostage. Rebel intends on making sure that we rectify our mistake.” Batman started.

He told Superman everything. About how Rebel brought the issue to his attention. What her plans were. Her past.

“Bruce, are you sure? She could be lying.” Superman said.

“I did my research. It’s all true. There is too much evidence to be faked. Some parts are still being investigated but it is largely the truth.”

Superman looked solemn. He couldn’t understand how something like this never fell on his radar. Batman had to rely on reports and technology to get his information. He was just a man after all. It would be easy for something like this to slip past his radar, especially how tightly controlled the information was.

Clark had super-hearing and this news about Paris had completely blindsided him.

“How could we have missed something so big for so long?” He muttered.

“Too many factors prevented news about it from reaching us. The past is done. What we can do is prepare so nothing like won’t ever happen again.” Batman said firmly.

Superman agreed. They had to do better.

“First, we have to catch a moth.”

It wasn’t the threat of Rebel unleashing her plans on the world that had him motivated to capture Hawkmoth. It was the determination to atone for his ignorance while a city suffered hell on a daily basis.

—

October 30th, Halloween Eve…

Spoiler looked through the binoculars to spy on the group of men moving a crate gently into a warehouse. Plastered in stickers that said ‘Fragile’, the crate was an object of interest for the vigilantes. 

“I got eyes on the target, O.” Spoiler reported. “They are moving it into warehouse number 32. East side of the Gotham Docks.”

“Hear that, Robin?” Oracle asked.

“Got it.” Robin replied as he ran towards the location.

“Oh. I see you, Robin.” Spoiler said.

“Eyes on the target, Spoiler.” Oracle admonished her.

“Sorry, O.”

“Hey. Can you tell me what you Bats are doing here?” A mechanical voice came from Spoiler’s left. 

It was lucky that Spoiler didn’t immediately scream and instead tried to punch the new arrival. He caught her attack easily with his one hand.

“Red Hood.” Spoiler greeted once she recognised who it was.

“I am asking again. What are you Bats doing here?”

“Spoiler, you okay?” Robin’s worried voice came over the comms.

“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just Red Hood.” Spoiler replied.

Looking back at Red Hood, she said, “I will tell you if you tell me what you are doing here.”

“I think we are both after the same thing.” Red Hood said, tilting his head in the direction of the warehouse.

“Black Mask’s mysterious package.” Spoiler nodded.

“It’s actually Rebel’s.” Red Hood explained. “Black Mask’s men intercepted the delivery and she asked for my help to get it back.”

“Do you know what’s inside?”

“She said it was supposed to be a fun Halloween surprise.”

“So it’s harmless.”

Red Hood shrugged. “All I know is that I should not be within a mile of it when the clock strikes midnight tonight.”

“We have five hours then.” Oracle’s voice came through Spoiler’s comms and inside Red Hood’s helmet.

“Jesus, don’t just hack into people’s helmets.” Jason complained.

“Well, we don’t have extra comms on hand.” she retorted.

“Hood, did Rebel tell you anything else about the package?” Robin asked.

“Just that it’s set to be unleashed the minute it is Halloween. Oh and don’t open it. I think it’s some kind of special bomb.”

“You didn’t ask?” “It’s Rebel. What harm can she do? It’s probably some kind of high quality glitter bomb.” Red Hood replied casually.

“You have no idea how destructive she has gotten lately.” Oracle said. “Last month, she blew up Stryker's Island. That was after she had kidnapped Lois.”

“Is she trying to go after Superman?”

“She wanted Lois to spread her ‘take down Hawkmoth’ agenda.”

“Hawkmoth? Never heard of him. Who the hell is that?” Red Hood asked.

“Rebel’s personal vendetta.” Spoiler answered.

“Sorry to cut this short, guys but Black Mask is coming.” Robin said. “We can fill you in on what happened later”

“Truce?” Red Hood offered. “I still owe Roman a beating.”

“No killing, Hood.” Oracle set as her condition.

“Fine. Let’s go.”

Red Hood loaded his guns and jumped into the fray with Spoiler in her purple glory following.

—

“Crap.”

Robin spotted Black Mask running into the warehouse. He slammed the goon he was fighting against the ground as hard as he could. 

“Somebody go and stop Black Mask! He’s going into the warehouse.” Robin said to everyone before he picked up his dropped staff and went back to fighting.

They were outnumbered and a few of the goons were trained from what Robin could tell.

“Oracle, what’s the ETA on back up?”

“Hang in there, Robin. Batman and Batgirl’s ETA is under one minute.”

“Good. Let’s hope that someone can stop Black Mask before we find out what Rebel’s Pandora box holds.”

—

Red Hood ran towards the warehouse as soon as he heard the report from Robin.

He had a score to settle with the other crime lord.

“Sionis, where are you?” Red Hood bellowed into the warehouse.

His helmet picked up the sound of someone running and Red Hood sprinted in the direction of the sound.

It became a chase and a gunfight with the two crime lords exchanging gunfire and one trying to lose the other in the maze that was the warehouse. Black Mask used every trick he had to throw Red Hood off his track.

However, it was fruitless as Red Hood continued to chase him like a bloodhound.

As desperation seized him, Black Mask picked up a crowbar that was lying around and ran towards the box he had stolen from that upstart Rebel.

Rumour has it that it is a weapon she had made for the Bats. Intended to drive them mad.

Red Hood rounded around the corner, just in time to see Black Mask pry the box open.

“NO!”

The lid was off. 

—

Last Month in Metropolis. A day before Lois’s kidnapping…

A young woman sauntered through the hallways of Stryker's Island Penitentiary. Then, she stopped in front of the cell she was looking for.

“Hello, Toyman.”

“Rebel.” Toyman greeted back. “What a pleasure to see you again.”

“I would like to contract you to make a few things for me.” Rebel went straight to the point.

Toyman gave her an interested look. “What would be in it for me?”

“Would getting you out of this place give me a discount?” Rebel asked.

Toyman smiled. “I suppose that might be possible. I’m a generous man after all. But that still doesn’t answer what you want me to make.”

Rebel chuckled. “It’s September. It’s practically nearly Halloween. And I really really want to make it a memorable one. Especially for the heroes in my city. I would like to commission a few toys. Here’s a list.”

She handed it to him.

Toyman hummed as he read it over. This could be a good deal. He would get his freedom and just make a few dolls with a bit of profit.

“How many would you like to make?”

“As much as you can before the deadline which is a few days before Halloween. Say the twenty-eight? Would that be possible? I would pay a set price for each one you can finish.” Rebel said.

“Can you back it up? I am not saying that you are not trustworthy but...” Toyman didn’t manage to finish before Rebel took out a wad of cash, all in hundred dollar bills.

She took half of it and handed it to Toyman through the bars.

“This is for the materials. Once I get you out of here, we are going to make a legal contract to discuss the finer details.”

“It is going to be an honour to work with you.” Toyman said.

Rebel grinned under her mask. “It’s nice doing business with you, Toyman.”

“So when do I get started?”

“Tomorrow afternoon-ish. That’s when something would happen and you escape in the chaos.” 

“How would I know it happened?”

“You will know. And try not to get caught by the guy who wears the ‘S’. A second breakout might not be easy to plan.”

After she left, Toyman felt giddy at the taste of freedom and to make so many new toys.

—

“WHAT?!”

Black Mask reached into the box and took its content out.

“WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS?” Black Mask said in angry disbelief as he held a doll in his hands.

Red Hood took that opportunity to tackle the man and handcuff him.

In his curiosity, Red Hood glanced into the box and saw that the box just contained dolls.

There was your typical Raggedy Ann, clowns, ventriloquist dummies, string puppets, those collector’s dolls with the pretty frilled dresses, a few Barbie dolls and some plushies that resembled some of the Bat vigilantes.

“Hood. Come in, Hood.” Batman’s voice came from his comms.

“Cool your jets, Batman. I got Black Mask. He managed to open the box but it’s just dolls inside. Rebel probably tried to scare us into not opening the box because they’re for a prank and it would ruin the surprise.”

“Good to hear.” Batman said with a hint of relief.

—

Tim curiously picked up the Robin plushie and inspected it.

The Bats had taken the box of dolls with them to the Batcave to later give back to Rebel.

“The quality is so good. The details are amazing and so accurate. Wonder who made it.” Tim wondered curiously before he discovered initials stitched in the inner lining of the cape of the toy.

“W.S.J” Tim read out as he traced the letters. There was a niggling thought at the back of his head that he should look into who the mysterious toymaker was.

Meanwhile, Steph was tentatively holding the Raggedy Ann doll and telling Jason about the true story behind the Annabelle movies.

“Did you know that the real Annabelle doesn’t actually look like the doll in the movies?” Steph said as she held up the Raggedy Ann to Jason, “It was actually a Raggedy Ann doll that looked just like this one.”

Jason frowned as he gave the doll a slightly wary look. “It doesn’t look creepy at all.”

“That’s what makes it so unsettling. Something innocent hiding its sinister nature.” Steph explained.

Damain frowned as he picked up one of the collector’s dolls. “I don’t see what is creepy about some toys.”

“It’s the terror of something that should be lifeless moving around. Something that should be harmless becomes something dangerous.” Jason mused.

“But why dolls? I don’t think a piece of porcelain dressed in lace could scare anyone. I would be sc…alarmed if Father’s dinosaur came to life but not these.” Damian said as he held up one of the dolls.

“You should try watching some horror movies.” Jason told Damian.

Cass picked up a ballerina string puppet she had found and showed it to Bruce with a questioning look.

“It’s a string puppet. Have you seen Pinocchio yet?”

“No.” Cass replied as she shook her head.

“Remind me at our next movie night. So the strings make the puppet move. Here look.” Bruce took the puppet from Cass and expertly manipulated the strings so the ballerina waved and walked a bit before breaking out a few ballet moves. Cass clapped with wonder at the end of his performance.

“Teach me?” Cass asked.

“Sure.” Bruce promised.

Next, Cass took out the ventriloquist dummy and inspected it.

“Scarface?” She asked.

“Yes. It’s a ventriloquist dummy just like Scarface. How it works is that the ventriloquist holds the dummy and throws his voice so it looks like it is the dummy that’s talking instead of the ventriloquist.”

“Show me.”

Bruce obliged as he slipped his hand into the dummy and the dummy started to move its mouth.

“Hello, Cass, nice to meet you.” said the Dummy as it held out its hand.

Cass shook its hand. “Hello.”

She asked Bruce, “Can I try?”

“Of course.” Bruce said as he gave her back the dummy.

Cass breathed in and out a few times and then raised the dummy up.

“Hello. Nice to meet you.” Cass’s voice came from the dummy this time.

Bruce smiled as he ruffled her hair. “You’re good at this.”

“Thank you.” said the Dummy.

“If you are all done playing, it’s time you all went to bed.” Alfred said as he brought in his famous after patrol snacks; cucumber sandwiches. “After a shower.”

Jason put the Raggedy Ann doll back into the box.

“Well, it’s late and I need to get back home.” Jason said as he walked towards his bike.

“You can stay the night, Master Jason.” Alfred said. “I have taken the liberty of cleaning your room.”

“Thank you, Alfred but…” Jason trailed off, not knowing how to convey that he didn’t want to stay in the Manor despite his truce tonight with Bruce but also not wanting to offend the butler/grandfather-figure.

“I understand, Master Jason. Perhaps another time.” Alfred said in his wise way.

“Thank you, Alfred.” This time, there was a look of gratitude in Jason’s eyes.

—-

The morning after was a busy and bustling day but there was something not right in the Wayne Manor.

Tim woke up from having fallen asleep while working on trying to find the maker of the dolls. His laptop had turned itself off sometime during the night. He stretched and yawned.

Out of the corner of his eyes, he spied the Robin plushie sitting on his bed.

“That’s strange. I could have sworn that I left you in the box last night.” Tim said, scratching his head. He picked the plushie up and examined it again in the morning light.

It was more accurate than Tim had initially found. In fact, it was like it was an exact likeness of him. Which was a very scary thought. He wondered how Toyman knew that he had a mole on his arm near his elbow and the birthmark on the side of his hips. Tim theorised that Rebel must be a very good stalker.

He put the plushie back on bed and headed down for breakfast. Tim didn’t see the plushie morphed its uniform into the outfit that Tim was wearing.

—-

Tim walked down to the kitchen and sat down.

He thanked Alfred who set down a delicious plate of pancakes in front of him.

“Morning, Steph.” Tim said to the blonde who was dressed in a purple cowgirl outfit and a white Stetson hat.

“Morning, Tim.”

“Who are you supposed to be anyways?” He asked.

“Barbie but with the Stephanie twist.” She replied.

“Ah. Gotcha.” Tim said after he finished his mouthful of pancake. “You look so realistic by the way.”

Bruce entered the kitchen and sat down with a groan, his hand massaging his neck.

“You okay, B?” “Just feeling a bit stiff. I’m not as young as I used to be.” Bruce replied with a grimace.

Slowly, the other occupants of the house trickled in and the kitchen was filled with the Waynes and Steph dug into their breakfast.

Dick came all the way from Bludhaven to help out on what is annually one of the worst nights of the year in Gotham. At least one Rouge would have plans for Halloween.

To break this peaceful moment would be one Jason Tood who angrily stomped into the kitchen, clutching a Raggedy Ann doll.

“Didn’t we agree on leaving me alone? That includes not finding out where my safehouses are.” Jason said.

He held up the doll and asked, “Which one of you left this at my place this morning as a prank?”

Several confused faces stared back at him.

“Was it you?” Jason pointed at Steph and demanded.

She put her hands up in surrender. “It wasn’t me. I was busy studying for the test I have today. Ask Bruce. He can tell you that he helped me with flashcards.”

“Then, was it you, Tim?”

Tim blinked at Jason. His mind took a few seconds to answer because Tim was not a morning person.

He shook his head.

“No. I was looking into who made these dolls.” Tim answered.

“Why?”

“The dolls all have the initial W.S.J. and they were all incredibly detailed. I also wanted to know why Rebel would need them. The maker turned out to be no one other than…” Tim dramatically paused: “Toyman.”

“Suddenly, I feel like we should have burned that box when we could.” Steph said to break the silence.

They should have.

—

“So how bad is it?” Dick asked Zatanna, anxious about what curse had befallen his family.

They had gone down to the Batcave to get rid of the box. Only to find it empty. It led to hours of searching for them. Except Tim never came back from his room to retrieve the Robin plushie.

Dick went to check on Tim only to find that he had turned into the plushie.

Imagine finding your brother missing and suddenly the mini plushie replica of your brother started moving and talking. It immediately went onto the top ten weirdest and scariest list of things Dick had experienced.

Then, the next to go was Steph who slowly became plastic. Her face was stuck in a smile while her skin hardened into shiny plastic. She was in class when it happened and they had to go pick her up.

Cass found the dummy but it got attached to her hand and started to speak on its own in Cass’s voice. Cass herself was unable to utter a word.

The stiffness that Bruce had complained about was the fact that he was slowly turning into wood and almost invisible strings controlling his every move.

The final terror was the Raggedy Ann doll that suddenly gained life and proceeded to hunt Jason down for sport. No matter how far Jason managed to get away from the doll and Dick’s best efforts to keep the doll contained, it still managed to escape to go after Jason.

Somehow, Dick, Alfred and Damian were the only ones unaffected by the ‘curse’. They managed to figure out why when Babara told them that Black Mask and his men were attacked by the missing dolls and some of them were experiencing the same things as the Bats and about Jason’s warning from Rebel before everything went down.

Desperate, Dick asked Superman to track down Toyman and asked him how to reverse the effect only to find out that he only made the dolls. The curse was someone else's doing. 

Which was why they had called Zatanna to see if she could reverse it.

“Well, there’s the good news and the bad news.” she announced. “Good news is that it is reversible and the curse only lasts for a day. I recommend to just wait it out because the reversing would take longer than the deadline. The curse is too complicated to simply undo.”

“So that’s the bad news?” “No. The bad news is that I recognised a bit of the spellwork. It is a bit similar to how my father would do it so chances are that whoever did this is a student of my father. The thing is I know most of my father’s students and what is bad is that I don’t recognise the magical signature of who put this curse on the dolls.”

Puppet Bruce jerked his head at the information that Zatanna had given them. Dick noticed.

“B?”

“Paris.” Bruce managed to get past with his wooden lips.

“Paris? Are you talking about the Miraculous?”

“Hero.”

“Wait, you think one of the Miraculous heroes is involved in this?”

Zatanna gasped. “I remember Batman telling me that Ladybug was a student of my father. I looked into his old journals and he mentioned a student named Marinette during his stay in Paris.”

“Marinette. Marinette. Why does it sound so familiar?” Dick tried to recall where he had heard that name before.

“Marinette Dupain-Cheng.” Damian answered for him. “It’s Rebel’s legal name.”

Just like that, pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

“Rebel used to be Ladybug.”

The revelation felt bitter on Dick’s tongue. He had seen the videos of Ladybug in action. He would say that she was inexperienced but she was compassionate and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He thought that it was nice of her to forgive her enemy instead of causing pain on the man who had caused her so much grief.

He couldn’t believe he saw the similarities between the two girls sooner.

Rebel was cunning and sharp enough to always stay a step ahead of them. Her planning and paranoia on par with the Batman himself. Useful skills to have as a hero.

Then again, Rebel couldn’t be more different from Ladybug. She was more cynical and petty. Rebel caused chaos wherever she goes instead of cleaning up the mess. She saw everything as a game and never took anything seriously. 

Dick wondered what it was that pushed Rebel over the edge. The line drawn between heroism and villainy. Then he remembered how Rebel was sent to Gotham in the first place.

“Damn. Rebel has really good valid reason to fuck that Hawkmoth guy up.” Jason said. “In fact, I am surprised she hasn’t razed Paris to ashes yet.”

“Can you imagine?” Zatanna said, having been briefed a bit on the Paris situation and had heard about Rebel’s kidnapping of Lois, “The city you gave so much to save, branding you as a criminal and sending you to one of the worst places on Earth.”

“People have turned to crime for less.” Damian pointed out.

“But Rebel used to be a hero. One of us essentially. It’s just sad that we had to meet her as people on opposite sides.” Dick said.

“It only shows her lack of will.” Damian said.

“I think Rebel had reached her breaking point and honestly, I might too if I face it all alone like she did.”

The Cave was in a sombre silence for the hero that once was Ladybug. Dick remembered something Bruce once said about Two-Face and Harvey Dent.

‘You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become a villain.’

—

The next day, just as Zatanna said, the spell wore off and everyone was human again and able to freely talk again. Other than some nightmares about the experience for a month or so, they were fine.

The Batfamily had a meeting about the new revelation that they had discovered last night.

“Bruce, tell us the truth. Did you know from the beginning?” Tim asked. “I only had suspicions but Zatanna confirmed them with her father’s journal.” Bruce answered. “This changes nothing.”

“It does, Bruce. You failed another young hero.” Jason said, his tone sharp and accusing. “Not even one of the ‘sidekicks’. You turned your back on the One Main Hero who had been there since the beginning and saw through it to the end. She didn’t get the happy ending she deserved. Instead, she was rewarded for her sacrifices by being sent to fucking Arkam Asylum in one of the most dangerous city in the world.”

“Todd, stop projecting. The way I see it, Rebel had seen the errors of her way and intended to fix her mistake regarding Hawkmoth. She should have locked him up when she had her chance.” Damian shot back.

“Boys, settle down. The fact of the matter is that whether Rebel used to be Ladybug or not, Hawkmoth needs to be arrested before Rebel does something more sinister than what she did yesterday.”

“Wasn’t it an accident?” Steph asked.

“According to Toyman, we had always been the intended recipients of that particular gift.” Dick answered. “It was dumb luck that Black Mask opened it while most of you were in the area.”

“After this latest incident, the League and I have decided that Rebel must be contained.” Bruce announced.

Jason jumped out of his seat. “Bruce, she’s just a kid!”

“But she’s a formidable threat. Who knows what else she might do if she is left unchecked and she doesn’t like the progress on the Hawkmoth investigation.”

Jason growled and then left.

Bruce told everyone that they should catch Rebel if they saw her before he ended the meeting.

—

Rebel stood in front of a half-finished mural, a spray can in hand.

“So we finally met, my dear daughter.” The voice belonged to the man who starred in Gotham’s nightmare.

Rebel didn’t bother to turn around and simply looked at him from over her shoulder.

“Which one are you?” She asked.

“I’m sorry?”

Rebel went back to spray-painting as she explained, “I know that there are at least three of you running around Gotham. I want to know which one you are.”

Joker laughed. A genuine laugh instead of the mad one he usually makes.

“You really do live up to your reputation, Rebel. I can tell that you are a real wildcard.” Joker said excitedly.

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Very well then. I am the Joker. The original one. Not the copycats I made because I was bored. And Rebel, I am your father.”

----- (Part 7)

Taglist:  @toodaloo-kangaroo, @iloontjeboontje, @buginetye, @angelwreckedd, @anoires-blog, @ever-since-i-was-young, @shutupandactuallylisten, @its-maemain, @vel-vee, @kashlyn, @officiallydarkgeek, @jayjayspixiepop, @cmouse, @transheso, @thecrazyfantrolls, @just-a-random-girl-loves-anime, @maddiesupdates, @the-dumber-scaramouche,

[envihellbender]

Prom night at Ormond high

Fandom: Dead By Daylight

Characters: The Legion (Frank, Jules, Joe, Susie.)

Content: Genderfluid!Julie/Jules, Trans!Susie, Trans!Frank, Cosplay Joey/Joe

Summary: When Legion Night and Prom Night Merge.

Legion been planning Prom Night for months. Susie had never got to go to prom as herself before - well, never gone to prom at all. She was so excited that the Legion decided to make it a night she’d never forget. Jules helped Susie style her hair, plaiting the pink locks into a side Dutch braid. She made her own dress, combining different coloured translucent netted fabric into a layered skirt, making it scrunched up and asymmetrical. The pinks, purples, and blues all merging together. The shape flowing out so dramatically and chaotically so she didn’t feel pressured to tuck. She sewed it to a sporty t-shirt her dad bought her. She didn’t support like Hockey, she didn’t have any interest in the Calgary Flames and yet every single season since she was a baby he’d bought her the latest kit. It slowly became something genuinely sweet to a cruel gesture. She cut the neckline so it was lower and cuter. She sewed the sides in so it wasn’t quite so loose, and dyed the fabric into tiedye pink before using paint and markers to turn the flaming C to an S. She completed the look with a purple hoodie with blue flames on the sleeves and hem, grey woollen leggings, and Jules’ old pink Converse sneakers. Since it was Legion night, she had an old fencing mask she stole from school spray painted blue with purple flames at the bottom.

Jules had been to prom before, but it always with long blonde hair and a dress her mom forced upon them. They had been bought a dress this year, their mom trying to pawn the sons of her friends off on Jules, becoming angrier with every insistence they made that they had a boyfriend. They ended up giving in on the dress only, or so their mom thought. Jules gave it to Susie, she was one hell of a seamstress and could turn it into a nice dress. On the Legion Prom night, like Susie Jules finally got to go to prom as themselves. They wore a white button up shirt, a black waistcoat, a black leather collar with a silver ring, pinstripe black trousers, a loose studded belt, a tighter black belt with charms hanging from each loop (varying things like bats, coffins, and daggers), and a silver wallet chain. Jules straightened their hair and cut it to be chin length at the front and Frank helped with a pair of clippers to make it a number four at the back. Their mom cried when she saw it, their dad snorted and laughed - telling them they looked like a few choice words. Their little brother who’d just started high school said boys won’t like them anymore, Jules stared at him deliberately as they said ‘good’. For their mask, they took a hockey mask and painted it silver, simple but terrifying. Like a sleeker 21st century Jason, they thought.

Joe didn’t really care much about prom itself, the social aspect made him anxious so he did what he did to deal with the way he wanted to puke about being in group settings… He became someone else. On this occasion he made a Jason Todd cosplay - Red Hood era of course. Plus, it would feel like a smug fuck you to the basketball player who said Batman wasn’t for people like Joe. The Red Hood mask worked perfectly for Legion Night, he picked the artwork from the latest Batman comic series the Hill. He spent weeks in Art class making the red face covering, he made the class black eye mask out of Kevlar, and the lower half vibrant red armour out of EVA foam. He thrifted a red hoodie, and Susie helped him cut the sleeves off nice and neat, Grey combat trousers and a utility belt he already had from his previous cosplays, a black t-shirt was easy enough. Susie’s skills with the stolen sewing machine at the ski lodge meant he good tactical style grey pockets to the hoodie, and the red hood logo to the t-shirt. He wore black combat boots and him and Frank stole him some red hand wraps from the local sports store. Joe was so happy with it, he couldn’t wait to be Jason Todd and teach the creepy 4chan weirdos at school who talked about how much they loved the Joker a lesson.

Frank had been evasive about what he’d wear, and Jules managed to drag him out with their dad’s stolen credit card. Frank had never been to a school long enough to have a prom, and prior to now it never bothered him but Jules, Joe, and Susie wanted it to be special for him too. It wasn’t anything too flashy, a black blazer with matching suit trousers, a crimson shirt, black shoes, badges and pins for the lapels and his black tie… and that was that. When Frank saw himself in the mirror, his binder ensuring it fit just how he wanted it to he ended up having to try and hide (unsuccessfully) the tears building in his eyes. He spray painted his own mask in skull paint, and there they were. All ready for the best prom night Ormond was ever going to see.

Susie snuck out, wearing a t-shirt, jeans, and a hoodie with the hood covering her hair and a backpack that was straining and heavy. Joe picked her up in his car and breathed a sigh of relief that no one had questioned where she was going. Joe was ready, more or less. His story was that he was going to work the night shift security for some extra money, if he told his mom he was going to prom she’d ask way too many questions. She was too tired from her long shift to notice Joe was in a cosplay outfit. Jules delighted in wearing their androgynous get-up, smirking as their parents screamed and yelled, by the time Frank came to pick them up (they’d requested, just to piss of their folks even more) their mom was giving them the silent treatment and glaring at them both. Their dad had stormed out to go drink his weight at the local watering hole, probably where Clive was.

“You look beautiful and handsome all at once, babe,” Frank said before they kissed in front of their mom. Deliberate, of course. They went out to Joe’s car, both diving in the backseat and Jules stamping their feet trying to get out their intense hyperactive excitement. They had everything they needed, and once they were all dressed, it was down to the high school for their biggest Legion night yet.

It had been a big job that required a lot of preparation but on the night itself it was surprisingly straightforward. Barring the exits was easy, they could do it all from the outside of the high school gym and use the fire escape to get to the roof. The decorations were a fire hazard in themselves, and they’d hidden fireworks underneath the stage that morning, so when they opened the skylight and poured petrol down onto the unsuspecting students, dropping a lighter into the hall below… It was much less resistance and went a lot smoother than they could have dreamed. They ran to Joe’s car, climbing on top of it to watch the fireworks light up the nights sky, soundtracked by mundane pop music and the screaming and yelling. When they got to the ski lodge and looked down over Ormond, they could still see the fireworks, as well as the police cars, ambulances, and fire engines. The four of them had their own prom - music, booze, and Legion. It was all they needed. They made bets about how many got out alive, and joked about what the cruellest bullies looked like with their skin boiling on their bodies. It was truly a prom night they would never forget.

[p-artsypants]

Paint it Black (20) Confronting

FF.net | Ao3

“Everything you’ve been through, it’ll all be worth it. Pinkie swear! All you gotta do is meet me at the bank with the clock tower on Halloween, at midnight. Then, you’ll get to see White, and you can be whole again.” 

—-

Persuading Black to hang out in the holding cell was the easy part. 

The rest of the evening was proving to be a challenge. The Titans and Batman had split up to patrol the city. After dinner time until about 10, children ran through the streets, as businesses had a massive trick or treat event going on. With so many vulnerable people out and about, there were plenty of targets for the scum of the city to prey on. 

Plenty of work to keep busy until midnight. 

This was easy work for Batman, and kept him alert for what was to come. As he subdued his third pickpocket in an hour, he considered the facts again. 

According to Raven, the villain they never captured from the night before was named Kyd Wykkyd. On his own, he posed little to no threat, but he did have the talent for sneaking around and phasing through walls and floors. 

But he also couldn’t speak, so there wasn’t much to guess of his intentions with the white doll. 

He just had to assume it wasn’t good. 

After the children dispersed to get candy-wasted, that left the teenagers ready to prank, and the college kids ready to get drunk. All of these were also in costume. 

Finally, around 11:30, Batman made his way to the location, the Jump City Federal Building and Bank, which had a large, very tall clock tower that rivaled the height of even some skyscrapers. 

“Master Bruce!” Alfred called across the shared frequency. 

Immediately, Batman was on edge. “What happened?” 

“Master Richard…he has escaped. He was so well behaved and docile. I turned my back to go make some tea, and then…I woke up on the floor. I don’t know how long I’ve been out. I’m…I am so sorry.” 

“Are you hurt at all?” 

“A small scratch. Doesn’t even need a bandage.” 

“Good. I had a feeling he would try to escape. I’m sorry you got caught in the crossfire. Titans, did you hear all that?” 

“Roger!” Cyborg called over the coms. “We’ll spread out and look for him.”

Starfire asked, “where do you think he aims to go?” 

“No doubt the same meeting place that Gizmo was given. The federal building clock tower.” 

“Why would he want to see them again? You’d think he’d want to stay as far away from those psychos as possible!” Said Beast Boy. 

“It’s not about seeing them, it’s about what they have. That white doll is significant here. For what purpose, I don’t know. Robin didn’t seem to know either. See if you all can find him. I’m en route to the clock tower. I’ll call if I need back up.” 

“Roger!” 

Batman couldn’t help but release an irritated sigh after he hung up. Not directed at anyone, but the situation. 

Well, we was irritated with the Joker and Dent, but that was a given. He’d been pissed at them ever since he figured out what happened to Robin. 

He arrived at the clock tower, and scanned the outside for access points. 

There was a door in one of the clock faces, and he dropped down to it, and pulled on the handle. 

It wasn’t locked, thankfully, and he slipped inside. 

He could hear voices. 

“Oh I like you. You’re like…if Batsy had powers, and was evil. You’ve even got his silent schtick down pat!” 

The conversation was down a few levels, as the inside of the tower was made up of winding staircases. Quietly, he attached a grapple line to the railing and leapt over the edge, slowly descending down to get a better look. 

“You’ve done very well, I must say. Not the one I thought was going to get it, though. I thought the talking baby was going to be our winner.” 

Batman stayed in the shadows, as the room was dark anyway, but could see two figures. One was the villainous teen from yesterday, and the other was very clearly the Joker. 

There was no sign of Dent. 

“So…are you going to hand it over, or what?” 

Kyd Wykkyd held out the doll, and Batman was tempted to snag it before the Joker grabbed it, but he was momentarily distracted by another door on the other side of the room opening and closing. 

Joker snatched the doll. “Well well well! Look who it is! Lucky number 8, was it? Or what was that name you were going by now?” 

“It’s Black.” 

“Right. Not very creative, are you?” 

“Black is infinite, like darkness. It’s impenetrable, unknowable—“ 

“Yeah, yeah, save it for the Psych Ward. I know the whole reason you came here was for this.” And he held up the doll. 

“White!” 

“What’s the magic word?” 

“Please!” 

“‘Please’ what?” 

“Please Master!” 

“That’s a good little weirdo!” And he tossed the doll to him. 

Batman watched as Black ripped the doll’s head off and started to eat what was inside the doll. 

While Joker was distracted with that, he swung down and nailed him in the chest with both feet, knocking him on his ass and the wind from his lungs. 

In the name of self-preservation, Kyd Wykkyd skedaddled. 

Batman grabbed Joker by the collar and hauled him to his feet. “Where’s Dent?!” 

“How should I know?” 

Batman shook him. “Don’t play dumb. You were working with him!” 

“Right right! Yep! That was so long ago I forgot.” 

“Answer, Joker!” 

“Okay okay! Honestly, I don’t know. He didn’t like the product so he dipped. Said I could keep the little monster as payment. I guess he would be heading back to Gotham, but if he wanted to get away from you, now would certainly be the time. He did seem a little tense. Maybe he went South for a little vacay, hmm?” 

Batman dropped him and pinned him to the ground with his foot while he got his cuffs. 

“No…” Black moaned. “No no no…” 

Batman turned to Black but kept Joker in his periphery. “What’s wrong?” 

Black held the mostly empty doll, and Batman could now see the contents consisted of dead bugs. “I…I don’t feel any different.” 

Joker started giggling. 

“Why are you laughing?!” 

“I can’t believe you fell for that! ‘All your goodness will be put in this little doll, and it’ll be waiting for you when your training is over.’ Really? I can’t save your goodness for later! I reprogrammed your brain! It’s gone forever! You’re bad, 8. Down to the bone! There’s nothing redeemable about you!” 

Black dropped the doll and stood ramrod straight, the black veins pulsing under his skin. 

“No…no…” 

Batman took the opportunity to finish cuffing the Joker. 

As the last cuff locked into place, Batman heard another distinctive click, and his heart sank. 

He turned around slowly with his hands up. 

Black still had his gun, and it was pointing at him. 

“Move,” he bit. 

“No,” said Batman. “We don’t kill.” 

“Maybe you don’t, but I do!” 

“It’s not going to make you feel better,” Batman urged. “Never has anyone felt better after killing someone.” 

“That’s not true! I’ll feel better knowing he won’t do this to anyone else!” 

“For a little while, maybe. But it won’t make everything he did to you go away. You’ll never find closure. You’ll start to wonder if he got off easy. Then you’ll have regrets. Trust me, it’s not worth it.” 

Black didn’t respond, but didn’t lower his weapon. 

“We’ll turn him into the police. He’ll be locked away to serve his time in isolation. He won’t hurt anyone else.” 

Black shook his head. “That’s a lie. He’ll get out, and he’ll do it again.” 

“He won’t.” Batman hissed. 

Black shook his head, eyes welling up with tears. When he spoke, his voice was so clear, so sane, Bruce thought it might actually be Richard. “I can’t live with that on my conscience.” And he raised the gun to his own temple. 

Batman lunged for him, but before anything could happen, a bright green light struck Black’s back, stunning him. He fell forward, and revealed Starfire floating just behind him. 

Batman hadn’t even noticed her appearance. 

“Apologies. I tracked your location in the event you needed backup.” 

Batman sighed in relief. “No apologies necessary.” 

“Awwww that was anticlimactic! You’re no fun at all,” Joker whined from the floor. 

Batman kicked him hard, knocking him on his side. 

“I’ll take Joker to jail. You take Black back to the tower. Get him strapped in at the med bay and tell Cyborg to prep for an X-ray.” 

“You fear he has a broken bone?” 

“No. Worse.” 

—-

Setting up a transfer to Arkham had Batman busy for several hours. In the meantime, Starfire did just as he instructed, and took Black to the med bay. 

He was sedated, but not fully unconscious. 

Alfred worked on synthesizing another batch of the antidote, though dour, skeptical if it would fail again. 

Starfire dutifully relayed what had happened, from her perspective, to the other Titans as Cyborg performed the X-ray. 

“Truthfully,” she confessed. “I would have killed the Joker myself if Batman had not been there. I understood his position, and in Robin’s case, I believe he was correct. It would have further diminished his mental state. I, however, have killed many enemies, and only stopped from doing so when I came to Earth. Taking a life does take a toll on the mind, but I am numb to it after all these years.” 

“Metal,” said Beast Boy. 

“Yes, I do believe this strength is like iron, or steel.” 

“That’s not—eh, same thing, I guess.” 

“I’m not seeing anything abnormal with the X-ray, then again, I’m not a radiologist, and I don’t know what I’m supposed to be looking for.” 

Black, mostly groggy from the sedative, moaned feebly. “Tinky Star?” 

Starfire went to his side and pet his hair back. “Yes, my friend. I am here.” 

“Am I in trouble?”

“Only slightly.” 

“You shouldn’t have run away,” said Raven. “But you did aid in the capture of the Joker. And you solved the mystery of the white doll.” 

“What did you need that for, anyway?” Beast Boy asked. 

Black started to cry, rocking back and forth on the bed. “That was White. When they created me, they took everything good about me, everything that made Robin a hero, out and put it in that doll. At least…that’s what they said. All I had to do was get it back, and I’d be normal again. I’d be sane. And you’d all like me.” He sobbed. “But it was all a lie. And I should have known, ‘cause all they ever did was lie. I’m just as crazy as ever…and now I have a weird taste in my mouth.”  

“Why didn’t you just say so earlier?” Beast Boy again asked. “Even if you didn’t know we had the doll, we could have helped you look for it.” 

“I…I forgot.” He cringed. “I didn’t remember until you mentioned Halloween. Then I remembered that they promised to give it back to me.” 

“Sounds like something pretty important to just forget,” Raven remarked. 

Black shut his eyes tight. “Nothing makes sense to me.” 

“Pardon me,” Alfred popped his head into the room. “I just received a message from Master Bruce. He would like you to forward those X-rays to Dr. Paxton in Gotham. He’s already arranged the story.”

“Oh, okay. Better idea than having us trying to see what we can’t,” Cyborg agreed as he went to the computer. 

“Do I got broken insides?” Asked Black. 

“Batman seems to think so.” Raven stood beside him and held her hands out just over his torso. Her hands glowed a soothing white. “I’m going to see if I can see anything out of the ordinary. Starfire, you sure Batman didn’t say what he was suspicious of?” 

She shook her head. “No, nothing. Perhaps something was said before I arrived.” 

Raven hovered her hands over his body, up his chest, over his face, down his arms and legs and back again. “Everything looks fine to me. Nothing broken.” 

“Hey,” Beast Boy wondered aloud, “you remember…when Robin was forced to be Slade’s apprentice?” 

“Yeah? And?” Raven snipped, not fond of the topic.

“Well, we all had those little nano dudes in us. Could you detect them with your magic?” 

She gave him a surprised look. “No, I couldn’t. So you think there’s something small in him like the nanobots?” 

Beast Boy shrugged. “Just thinkin’.” 

“If that’s the case,” said Cyborg, returning from the other room. “Then we’re going to need more than X-rays.” 

“You mean all those tubes and wires?” Beast Boy shuttered. 

“Yep!” 

Black moaned from the bed. “I neither like tubes nor wires.” 

—

It took another several hours to get all the monitors attached to Black and run all the tests. 

“I’m tired…” Black moaned, from under a pile of cords and tubes. “I wanna go night-night.” 

“Yeah, us too, buddy,” Said Cyborg, yawning. “I’ve got 5% left on my battery before one of  you will have to push me back into my room to charge.” 

“Just show me what I need to look at and you can go rest,” said Raven. “If the tests are all set to run, we should be okay.” 

“If you’re sure. Don’t be afraid to wake me if there’s any issues.” And he left. 

Almost as soon as he did, Batman returned, dropping his cowl onto a nearby chair. “What a night…find anything?”

“Not in the initial X-rays.” Raven pulled up the imaging. “We’re running more in-depth tests now, though we don’t really know what we’re looking for.” 

Bruce zoomed in on the X-rays, until the bone was so big, the screen was white. Then he scrolled through it meticulously. 

“You still haven’t told us what we’re looking for,” added Beast Boy. “Do you think there’s a break?”

“No,” said Batman, loading the next image, of the spinal cord. “But Joker said something that’s been nagging me. Perhaps it’s just a figure of speech, but I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t investigate.”

“...and that was…?”

“After Black ate the contents of the white doll,” he omitted what it was, “he said he didn’t feel any different. Joker laughed and said he was bad to the bone. But the way he said it made me wonder…”

Beast Boy hid his eye roll as he turned away. He didn’t want to doubt Batman, but that seemed like grasping at straws. 

“It is a figure of speech?” Asked Starfire. “As in, someone is evil to the core of their being?” 

Beast Boy hummed. “I guess. The song from the 80’s is more about being bad in a cool way. Like wearing leather and riding motorcycles.” 

“Like…Johnny Rocket?” 

“Yeah, like that.” 

“Except,” Bruce explained. “Joker didn’t say ‘bad to the bone’ he said ‘you’re bad’ period ‘right down to the bone.’ Emphasis on bone.” 

“...I don’t know if—”

“There!” Bruce pointed to the X-ray of the skull. So small, smaller than a grain of rice, a little white chip sat nestled in his head. 

“What is that?” Raven wondered aloud. 

“GPS tracker, at least.” He screenshotted the suspicious object and sent it to the doctor. “Dr. Paxton is my contact at Wayne Memorial Hospital, but he’ll put us in contact with a Doctor nearby who can surgically remove it.  

“Then can I get out of all of this?” Black asked meekly. 

—

Several more hours. It was mid morning now, and the surgery was complete and Black sat with several stitches in his head. He was still sedated as they hadn’t administered the antidote yet. 

The doctor returned with the little device in a petri dish. “That’s it.” 

“But…what is it?” Batman asked. 

“It’s very sophisticated for something so small. It’s a device that sends out chemical and electrical signals, much like the rest of the communication in the brain, for the sole purpose of overwriting commands from the hypothalamus. So instead of normal functions, it would tell the body to hold onto harmful chemicals and store them in various organs for release at a later time.” 

“So that’s how he kept getting poisoned.” 

“Exactly.” 

“Thank you doctor, you’ve been a huge lifesaver.” 

“Anytime!” And he left. 

Black, still groggy, asked, “am I going to be okay now?” 

“Just a little more medicine, and you’ll be all better.” 

—-

It had only been a few days since Starfire had last spent time out on the roof with Robin. But this time, she was confident things were better. Not normal. Things would never be the way they were before after all he had been through, but better, nonetheless. 

Robin sat at her side, shamelessly resting his head on her shoulder. “Thanks for sticking by me, through all that.” 

“You are most welcome, my sweet Robin. You know, I will always come to help you. No matter the peril.” 

“And you’ve saved me so many times now. I don’t know if I can ever make it up to you.” 

She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. “Just be with me. I am sure you will pay me back in time.” 

He smiled up at her. 

“Your back, where I stunned you, how does that feel?”

“Fine. Less than a sunburn. Don’t worry about it.” 

“I am sorry you could not get your revenge on Joker.” 

He shook his head. “No, it’s alright. While I am angry, I know that Bruce was right, ultimately. Killing him wouldn’t have been good for me in the long run. Besides, in our line of work, Death is never the guaranteed end. We saw that with Slade. I will always worry that Joker will get out and do this again. But there’s always the chance that he never gets out again.”

“You promise to let me know if you ever have to go undercover again, right? I will protect you. I will come for you if things go wrong.” 

He raised their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. “I promise, Star. No more secrets between you and me.” 

“It may be presumptuous, but would you allow me to sleep beside you tonight? I have missed you so.” 

“I don’t know if there’s anything I want more in this world than that.” 

She grinned. 

“Only if you’re okay with me getting grabby. I might cuddle with you, now that I can.” 

“Oh, it is I who will be doing the cuddling!” 

When it grew late, Robin escorted Starfire inside, where she promised to meet in his room when she was ready for bed. 

He got ready himself, taking a short shower and brushing his teeth. 

He wiped the steam from the mirror, clearing his reflection among the streaks. His eyes bounced with untapped energy, though he felt calm and collected. The makeup covering his scar was washed away, revealing the dark pinks of trauma. 

“Hey,” he said to his reflection. 

“Howdy ho!” His reflection responded. 

“We’re cool, right? You can handle this arrangement, right?” 

“It’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be.” 

Robin exhaled, dropping his shoulders. “I wanted to apologize.”

“Whatever for?”

“I said some pretty horrible things about you…but in the end, you allowed me to survive. You kept me alive, and got me out. It wasn’t ideal, but…thanks, Black.” 

“Hmm. Never thought you’d say that. But you’re welcome. And uh…I’m not going anywhere. If you need me, I’ll take over.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

[cer-rata]

Can we talk about Catwoman, Bruce Wayne and maybe a little about the concept of crime?

Just gonna get it out of the way: Yes Gotham war is bad for many clear, obvious reasons. It reads like like crack fic, though I personally believe that's more on editorial than Zdarsky, as this is perhaps one of the most clearly top-down, artificial, corporate plots since Civil War II.

But I'm not going to focus on the genuinely hilarious ideas here, and instead talk about the original sin: Selina's big idea.

It immediately falls apart under any basic scrutiny: How is she convincing all of these wildly different people to become cat burglars? That's not an easy skill set to teach, especially at this scale. If the whole issue is as simple as a lack of work skills, why didn't she teach them anything else? Literally anything? If she has this level of reach and status to be able to convince 75%(!!!) of the underworld to throw in with her why would she use it this way?

On a level Catwoman has always had her nose closer to the ground that Batman could ever. She lives in the gray areas of Gotham. She gets, on a personal level, the ways that society fails the little people and she's been pretty consistent about going to the paint to help people in bad situations. So her wanting to really support people and get them a better shake is very in line with her character.

But she's never been dumb or blindly idealistic and certainly not naive. In fact if anyone should be able instantly suss out the logical problems with this concept, it would be the woman who probably understands Gotham's underbelly better than anyone else. She understands how the business works and would know that you can't support an entire criminal economy on stealing from the homes of the wealthy. Selina has been so successful because she's the BEST at what she does, and because her style is uncommon enough that most people aren't expecting to get hit by her. Suddenly there are what, thousands of cat burglars just running around every night? Then the rich just increase their security, and then what? The idea that it worked at all is such an assault on the suspension of disbelief. And it implies a fundamental misunderstanding of crime and what Bruce/Batman is even trying to do.

See there's an implicit suggestion here that Selina is trying to take care of people while Bruce only cares about penalizing offenders, and that's just...a really bad fanon take honestly. It stems partially from the problem of using "criminal" to describe a class of people. The idea that some people are just criminals to be stopped because all they can understand is crime. That's not a helpful or realistic way to look at crime. I think we understand that people turn to crime for many diverse reasons. We flatten their narratives because there's no time to go into the complex motivations of each Two-Face grunt, but in better written works it's implied to be there regardless.

On numerous occasions, it has been made very clear that Bruceman understands this. How could he not? He's one of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, and his autistic special interest is criminology. Like, he knows, he obviously knows, especially at this point in his career. A lot of damage has been done by the idea that Bruce Wayne and Batman are fundamentally separate people. there's plenty of drama in the discussion of being torn between a normal life and the obsession, but the obsession is always there, mask or not. Batman isn't supposed to be some bizarre divergent personality, and no I am not going to talk about Zur and you can't make me! He has historically used his money and influence to support less fortunate Gothamites since always. He's not some out of touch uber-wealthy person who thinks that beating poor people is the only answer. He's been written like that before by people who wish he was Rorschach instead, but that is not the overarching norm of his character. It's a sin comparable with forgetting that Clark Kent is an actual investigative reporter. Bruce Wayne works to counter the structural inequality that leads to common crime, and Batman steps in to protect people from violence, and uncommon, existentially different criminals. Penguin, Black Mask, Falcone--sure Batman will stop a mugging, but he really exists to punish the people who are benefiting off of the suffering of others. Even then, he'd still prefer if they redeemed themselves and moved on.

This is from the 2004 The Batman cartoon tie-in, but I think it illustrates the point really well.

Like I've said before in other posts, violence is a tool in his belt, but he knows it's not the solution. Batman dissuades, Bruce Wayne offers support and options. Unfortunately, popular discussion on Bruceman has lost a lot of this plot, and focuses on the eye catching brutality that the movies and popular dark adaptations have championed. So what we get is this weird meta commentary that is supposed to make Batman look like a violent totalitarian punching down on people and missing the point when in reality, he gets the point! He super gets the point! The reason he doesn't kill is that he believes everyone deserves to try to be better, that concept makes no sense with a Batman who doesn't see criminals as people! Selina doesn't even have a point! She's supposed to represent a more socially conscious, compassionate, realistic perspective, but she's just not correct! It's an insane nothing-burger even before he completely loses his mind because of the plot. There are legitimate ideological issues to be pulled out between he and Selina. If she had become a crime boss like Jason tried to (and once did herself if I remember correctly) and used that to suppress the worse actors in a way he couldn't, you could really have them reckon with what they're willing to do to keep people safe and where the line actually is. Because they're all criminals in the end, what matters is where they draw the line. Batman works with plenty of dangerous and formally dangerous criminals actually, Harley and Ghost-Maker and Jason and Damian and--he's not some stupid inflexible hardliner cop. Stories where Batman is zealous about crime as like an amorphous concept are insane because they suggest that he doesn't recognize that his extrajudicial nature already complicates matters. That's another reason he doesn't kill by the way! He doesn't think he's the law! He's just a guy! Why should he get to decide the value of someone's life? But even then, the idea that the whole family would fall into civil war over Bruce and Selina having an ideological tiff is such an affront to all of them as individual characters. None of them are stupid enough to deal with things this way. It's not an exploration of character flaws if you're just making them stupid.

There's a problem about writers coming onto Batbooks and revealing that they have done no research into why people commit crimes and it creates narratives where Batman also doesn't understand the point, when he has and should!

Tldr,

Writers, stop pretending that Batman doesn't understand the social/systemic aspect of crime, and also maybe look into how it actually works yeah?

[werezmastarbucks]

4. Fix it

part 4 out of 8

word count: 1428

The dust had set, and he collapsed on his knees, chewing on the iron in his mouth. Barry was exhausted, so exhausted that the sky pulsated in his eyes. His energy was so low he could just lay and sleep, but the adrenaline didn't let him stop. He kept scanning around with his eyes, thunder in his head still ringing from the fall. Everything was backwards, it was evil, what happened, he didn't know what to do. All his life, he ran. It was easy. He could run. Now his legs didn't work and his brain stopped communication with him. He felt like a little calf as her hand tried to lift him up.

"Barry", Diana took his forearm and pulled, and he couldn't resist, like a puppet. She forced him on his feet, and he saw her face, smeared with the dust. Dust, it was everywhere, sand like powder, poison, greenish-yellow, it made his throat hurt. Diana's own throat gave a weird sound, like she couldn't swallow something sharp. He watched her eyes intently. No. She was crying.

"Oh, don't tell me..."

"He's dead, Barry. I can't find the others. Help me, let's go".

Paralyzed, his legs were moving automatically.

Superman can't be dead, he thought. He thought he said it out loud, but no, only in his head. Superman can't be dead! he screamed like a boy. And again, no sound left his mouth. His thoughts flew on to all the kinds of consequences and finally, reached home. Oh no. Superman is dead.

_______________

He was sitting, seeing only with one eye because half of his face was covered with a pack of ice. Curious, he thought, he was actually the only one who was hurt constantly and was visibly getting some treatment, because his regeneration went at turtle pace compared with the others. Funny! Diana, she was invincible. Aquaman, equally strong, it took a lot, and really, a lot, to hurt him. Cyborg - well, was a cyborg. Batman never let them see if he was ever injured, thinking it would lower the morale. Superman-

It never occurred to any of them that Superman could be actually killed.

Now they sat there like a bunch of idiots around the table, and Barry blinked with only one eye, thinking, now what?

Bruce took off his mask, and, laying on the table on its side, it looked like the remnants of what was left of his spirit. Barry felt light, almost sedated, because reality wouldn't hit him. No, it was like a tv show or something.

"What happened there?" Wayne asked. Somehow everybody knew that number two was Diana, and that all those grave questions were always addressed to her. She replied, looking at the table,

"He left me to go on and keep the Comers alone. We didn't know they had the stone".

"How would they even get it?" Victor asked. Barry's face was hot, he didn't know why exactly. Maybe he was crying, maybe, it was so swollen and infected that it was about to burst with some alien spiders.

"I should've held him, I should've grabbed him, we ought to know that they weren't coming in such small numbers unprepared", Diana pressed. Bruce rubbed his face really hard, smearing dust, paint and sweat on it. He looked thirty years older, a man with such a heavy, heavy load on his shoulders it was about to crush his spine again.

"Don't beat yourself up, Diana", Arthur responded. "If Bruce had shared the exact plan of the terrain, like was the initial idea, and let us..."

"We didn't have time", Bruce boomed, tiredly, "you've seen yourself, they started coming way before we got ready".

Arthur pointed a finger at him,

"The time, exactly. I told you before, back in April, remeber? The fish were talking..."

Barry drifted. He felt sleepy, disgusted with himself, for some reason. It felt like an exceptionally difficult level to beat, frustrating. The ice started to melt and drip down his face so he put it away on the table, and Bruce burst suddenly,

"Barry! I told you not to put liquid on this desk, time and time again! It's a computer!"

Like he was a ten year old misbehaving boy.

Diana almost slapped him.

"Don't take it out on him! Stop yelling!"

Barry froze, fixated on Bruce's distorted face. A thought came, reinforced by all of them one after another, with one word.

Time.

"I could go back and fix it", he said quielty. His jaw hurt, and he wanted nothing more, he thought with sudden warmth, than to come home and shyly complain to his roommate who always offered uncertain, but big hugs. All his pain was taken away immediately as he held her.

"Excuse me?" Victor asked.

"The kid banged his head so hard, he's glitching now", Arthur complained. Barry met Diana's piercing eyes.

"I could theoretically outrun the light. I've nearly done it once or twice. It's possible".

He licked his lips, thinking. To help, he wiped the pack of almost melted ice form the desk and started rubbing it dry. Then, he activated the computer and opened himself a note app.

He started doodling, solely to help him speak.

"When I move too fast, I break the barrier, and then the light gets left behind, which means the time is no longer fixed for me. If I can keep up long enough - say, ten or twelve seconds, - I can create quantum paradox. I'll develop such speed, above eight million miles, that it gets very hard to stop, and the momentum wil throw me further. I can go back before he shook you off, Diana, and save Superman".

He looked up. Diana's face had the horror expression he didn't expect.

"No", she shook her head. "No, no, Barry, you can't go back to the past. You... no".

The others were not so certain; Arthur was still contemplating the mechanics of it, it seemed, and Victor was piercing him with his red eye, as if checking if he had balls enough.

"How do you know it'll work?" asked Wayne.

"It might. I mean, what are we losing, right?"

"Everything!" Diana exclaimed. "Barry, you can make everything even worse. You don't mess with time, what's done is done".

"We just saw two countries wiped out in an hour", he said, surprisingly calm. The moment it came to him everything became so clear. He didn't feel like a boy deserving of lecture anymore. He felt... himself.

"And they're not stopping. We barely got away, and how many Comers are hurt? Three? They are probably moving towards Britain at the moment, and we don't have Superman".

"But we're still alive. We can do it. We regroup, we think, and we stop them", she pressed.

Wayne sat there like he was struck on the head.

"Bruce, tell him".

"Are you sure about it, Barry?" he asked instead.

Barry stood up to feel if his body still belonged to him. Oh how he would like a bath, a very hot bath, and to steal one of Y/N's bath bombs, and a smoothie, and a face mask (also hers), the one that smells like ginseng. He would love that so much. Instead, this grim decision made his spine crack and position itself correctly, supporting him whole.

"Yeah. We can definitely try. And if something goes south, I'll go back again".

"That's insane", Diana sank her face into her hands.

"Wait, you can really bring Kent back?" Arthur asked.

"I can go back, that's for sure. And if I go back, and think again, I can find a way to save him".

"What if you meet yourself?" Victor wondered. "Won't that create a paradox?"

Barry dismissed it with a wave of a hand.

"There won't be the other Barry, I'm coming back into my own body".

"Not sure", Victor reasoned. Already getting high on energy, Barry made a face.

They stood around him, watching him intensely as if they expected him to explode on the spot.

"Oh, if I die, or don't return", Barry said, "please tell Y/N that I was in love with her?"

"What for, to make her suffer?" Wayne shook his head, "go on, and don't die. You got one shot, Barry, then come back. Don't risk it".

He put on his mask, looked at the light in the distant ceiling. Looked at the sour faces of his beaten down colleagues.

"Hey, why the long faces!" he quipped.

"Have you eaten, Barry?" Diana asked, but he was already accelerating. Diana didn't know that he had eaten, he had eaten all of her energy bars, and a huge loaf of delicious bread.

[qvvir]

Why do you think Tim felt dumb in the solo and Meghan only learned his character from tumblr?

he just was out of character majority of the time. painting tim as nothing more than quirky coffee addict that’s overly emotional and a nerd is what fanon does. how come the smartest robin got his id discovered by a random guy? why did the smartest robin need help from batwoman when he got lost in a maze? most of the things he did (or that happened to him) did not match his character at all. why did he just left sparrow when she was wounded? why did he left ppl in a fire? why did he want to sacrifice himself to some cult instead of just beating them up💀 and he’s not the only one who suffered the fitzmartin character assassination because why would batman bring civilians to help him rescue tim? i remember having plenty more examples but id require me to read this excuse of a comic book again to list them all so i’ll just leave it at that.

most of the issues he faced in this run he already had to dealt with in his 93 run so its easy to compare the two and see how he handled them in both

#notmytim

[puresugarstick]

Ready to Blow (writing prompt)

Here is another prompt and exercise in writing. while the quality is bad I did like the idea so I am going to work on cleaning this up.

Ready to Blow

Jason's finger twitched, just lightly resting on the trigger. Through the scope of his riffle he could see his target, three roofs over and oblivious that he was in in sites of Red Hood. He steadied his breathing, relaxing as he waited to take the shot. Chest shot or head shot? He asked himself. The target moved, shifting to the side, so head shot it would be, He raised the rifle slightly the until the right side of targets temple was perfectly aligned in his crosshairs.

He could feel his trigger finger itching to pull the trigger. He thought about how it would look through the scope, brain matter and pieces of skull splattering across the roof top. He tensed as he saw Batman grapple in, how poetic that he should arrive at this time. Just in time to see Robin's brains blown out.

How dare that pretentious teenager think he could replace him. Fuck him actually, he was a pretender playing dress up. He took a deep breath and moved his finger to the trigger. The rifle had been outfitted with a silencer so Bruce wouldn't even hear the shot that took out his new sidekick.

Jason watched as what ever conversation Bruce and his Robin, Tim was his name he thought, got animated. Tim throwing his hands up in the air, while batman hands on hips looks down at him. Through the scope he could see the scowl on Bruce''s face. He almost wished he had a listening device, to hear what the fucking brat was was going off about.

Jason shifted, lining up the shot again. Mentally he counted down from three when he reached one he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Fuck, he thought. His head dropped. A few months ago when he had beat the pretender down at Titans Tower, painting his name in in the others blood, it had been easy to hurt him.

He didn't even know the teens name and the only thing he had done to Jason was replace him as Robin, Was that enough to sentence him to death? He was an innocent. And if there was one thing Jason could not do was kill someone in cold blood when they themselves did not have blood on their hands. He watched them through the scope, Batman was speaking now, his scowl even more pronounced, the boy crossed his arms around himself as as Batman grappled off the building.

He had been stalking Robin for the past month, keeping enough of a distance so as to not alert him. The irony is that Jason's own stalked from his Robin days had been less cautious. The boy a mere two years younger then him had made his presence known. It had unnerved him at first then he was flattered, His shock only coming when he learned it was the young heir to the Drake fortune.

Through the scope he watched a s Robin peeled off his domino, his hands covering his face. The conversation must have been heated if it worked him up enough to cry, Robins had nerves of steel, Batman's training saw to that. Robin turned in his direction, his hands dropping from his face. Jason gasped his mind blanking out for a second.

Robin was Tim Drake. He mulled over this information, trying to see how the scrawny rich boy had caught the attention of Batman, Jason could feel his anger rising up, he repositioned the gun, taking aim at the AC unit that was a few feet away from Tim. He did not hesitate, pulling the trigger. He saw the bullet strike the target. He quickly brought to scope back to Tim, the teen was quickly placing his domino back on, eyes scanning the surrounding buildings. His gaze settled on Jason. Jason waved back, no doubt that Tim could see him with the high tech lenses of the domino.

Tim grabbed his grappling gun from his belt which was Jason's cue to leave. He slung the rifle over his should and sprinted across the roof shooting a grappling line as he jumped over the edge.