#bella réal

[thefudge]

went to go reread a bella réal fic i remembered existing back when i was first into the batman & saw that it's YOURS?!??!! YOU WROTE THE UNHINGED (affectionate) CORINTHIAN X READER FIC & THE RIDDLER X BELLA RÉAL FIC?!?!?!? a legend among us

you're too kind <3

[helga-heason]

Letter #3

Dear Selina,

I hope this finds you well. It’s been a long few weeks here, and I can only hope it hasn’t been as taxing for you. Did you hear that Bruce Wayne got his ‘balls busted’ - I think that’s what the kid on the street said - by Bella Réal? Apparently he has to give part of his inheritance to the people of the city. Not such a bad idea, really. He certainly has the money for it. Perhaps with a new renewal scheme, that is actually maintained, we won’t have another Riddler on our hands. I’m glad he’s finally doing something to help Gotham. It’s taken him long enough. Haha, yeah, Bruce Wayne sucks, ri- right, fellas?

I went to the Iceberg Lounge the other day. I’m not sure why - maybe out of nostalgia. Place hasn’t changed a bit. Oz is as annoying as ever. Still running Drops. You couldn’t get a drink out of that man even if you were literally on fire. I can’t actually arrest him for doing Drops, because I don’t have much evidence and Gotham PD are very big on evidence at the moment - something to do with cataloguing and ensuring they don’t miss anything so we don’t get flooded again - but he’s definitely still doing them. I’ve seen them in 44-. I suppose I’ll have to keep an eye on them. I keep hoping I’ll see you there. All I ever see is Oz and his goddamned Drops, but lately the hope of seeing you has been driving me up the walls.

Did I tell you I’ve got a cat? Her name is Robin. I get a few strange looks when I tell Gotham PD her name. Apparently most cat owners name theirs something like ‘Mittens’ or something equally absurd. ‘Robin’ just seems to fit her - and, regardless, what’s wrong with naming her after the thing she loves most? … It’s birds, if you’re wondering. She has a thing for birds. And feathers. And scaring me at 3am by meowing like she’s just… I don’t know. She’s a strange cat. Or are all cats like this? I wouldn’t know, I’ve never had one before.

I’ve been told by Gordon to try and make a few alliances with some of the rogues wandering the city. I told him I’d think about it. I may have lied. He told me that around a week and a half ago, and I haven’t given it any thought, primarily because I don’t really want to work with any of the Gotham rogues. I don’t know why. It just doesn’t feel right. Maybe in a few years I’ll consider it, but for now I fly solo, even on bruised and slightly scarred wings.

There’s a very nice view of the city from the Batsignal. I’ve never really noticed it before. Because the other times I’ve been out here, it’s been for a brief meeting with Gordon or I’ve been staring into your eyes. From where I’ve been gazing at Gotham every morning, you’d never know it’s bleeding out. The Riddler has certainly left his scars; marks upon every building where the flood has stained, fear in every citizen that it may repeat itself and their livelihoods may be destroyed once more. From this viewpoint, you’d never see the pain that this city is in. I see now what you did when you left - but I must reiterate that I have to try. Robin joins me by the Batsignal sometimes. Alfred calls us the ���dynamic duo’ - Batman and Robin.

Alright, I think I’ll leave it here for this one. I should really try and work on the art of concision. I’ll see if Robin knows how to proofread. Maybe I can get Oz to read it if I change the names. I’ll figure something out. Until then, we’ll have to make do with the long letters, I’m afraid.

Yours, always, the Bat(man) - and Robin the cat.

[deathsmallcaps]

I feel like Harvey Dent would be good for a following act to the first Battinson movie. The new mayor, Bella Réal, just came in and she’s got a bunch of fresh new hopeful politicians who are ready to challenge the old and build the city up new and improved. And then the crushing injury of one of its stars. Hell, I think if Bella Réal became the Battinson Dent instead, that would be fascinating.

I think another good one might be Poison Ivy? The ecological affects of both the dam and the flood would be immense - kind of like how the earthquakes of 2011 with Japan. It would be important to rebuild and house the unhoused and so on, but there will also be terrible things happening to the environment. And maybe Ivy will be so entirely focused on that issue that she will be unkind to the humans affected by the flood. I don’t think the hard sci-fi route would fit tonally with the series so far, but some well-placed poisonous plants or fungi or whatever could decimate the city’s food stores, etc.

I think after a movie involving that sorts of drama, maybe Selina coming back too hopefully, then Bruce Wayne decides to invite Haley’s Circus and pay for free shows for the public as a happy palate cleanser for the city.

He takes Selina and perhaps Alfred to see the first show. Perhaps his neighbor kid is in another row. Maybe a man with a rictus smile and a dedication to chaos walks behind the scenes. Maybe some parents die. Who knows.

I feel the same about Battison. It's too early for him to have a robin. On the other hand we've never had a robin before in live action and i need one !

I fear they're gonna bring the joker in for the second movie. Otherwise they wouldn't have cast a guy already and kept him on retainer for the role. Which is a shame cause they could be doing other villains instead.

Joker always feels like an interesting card to play to me. It’s kind of a way for Batman folks to say “look!! he’s mature and REALLY Batman now!” and sets their conflict up as some of ultimate matchup.

I don’t think Battinson is in his prime yet, either in experience or physical conditioning. So it’ll be interesting to see what happens and how they explain away using such a loaded villain for a second movie.

Personally I think the singular big bad per movie writing is a little old in terms of a movie formula, bh tho understand why it happens. Big screen movies where Batman’s attention is diverted into multiple conflicts and directions isn’t as easy to sell or follow.

[battinsonswife]

Jayme Lawson as Bella Réal

THE BATMAN (2022) dir. Matt Reeves

[hanahaki-cure]

Petition to give Mayor Réal some support and love for the Batman 2.

[wordsmithie]

She peers around the corner to see Bruce Wayne with one foot over the windowsill, one hand trying to hold open the window. The other holds a bottle of wine. 

“Ah.” He freezes when he sees her. 

They stare at each other long enough for the moment to stretch beyond awkward. 

“If you help me, there’s a bottle of wine in it for you,” he says, tilting it at her. 

“The whole bottle, really?”

He huffs. 

“Alright, half.”

a knight on his knees, a gotham rom-com

[prettydollshai]

The Batman

I feel like these two had chemistry or is it just me? He's obviously going to get with selina I just think these had a vibe but most likely Bella is going to be a villain, I mean she is a politician in Gotham :)

If they end up going the route of the villain I hope she becomes an original rogue character and has a sinister villain name :)

If she is a good character then she'll probably support Bruce in his vigilante work.

Either way I'm excited for this film it looks fantastic!!

[moonlitdesertdreams]

Special guest

A/N: Hiii, here's some more Batman writing! Thanks for all the support, I can't tell you all how much it means to have people enjoy my writing <3 And since you all liked Gordon and the reader interacting with Batman so much in Take care, here is some more of that vibe :)

Summary: reading to the children at the Wayne Foundation Orphanage had become a staple since it first opened. Tonight, you managed to procure a very special guest for the kids.

WARNINGS: None, just a lil' fluffity fluff at the end.

Tags: Bruce Wayne x Reader, Bruce Wayne, Batman, The Batman, Battinson, DC Universe, fluff, Batman x Reader, Batman 2022, pattinson!batman, dc imagines, batman one-shot, Wayne Foundation, Wayne Enterprises

Word count: 2.6k+

The Wayne Foundation Orphanage was opened shortly after the flood waters were banished from Gotham’s streets and the seawalls rebuilt.

After years of encouragement from Alfred and yourself, Bruce had finally agreed to have someone handle his parents’ legacy. Read: their fortune which currently supported little more than Batman’s nightly escapades.

Hence, Wayne Enterprises was the new moniker being tossed around the headlines of Gotham news. Rumors of the reclusive billionaire investing his family fortune into technology and pharmaceuticals soon became true. Gotham’s initial reaction was cynicism- no one in power had done anything positive for the citizens in years, and you couldn’t blame them for their perspective.

Bella Réal, however, became an accepting, if not excited supporter after a few meetings with yourself and a very quiet Bruce Wayne. Alfred had tagged along to some, providing some historical insight into Thomas and Martha Wayne’s accomplishments and building a secure foundation for your newborn relationship with the new Mayor.

And six months after the Riddler demolished Gotham’s stability, it was regrowing like a weed through cracks in a sidewalk. People were supportive and excited when they heard stories of the Wayne orphan and his wife providing financial support to the public, technology for schools and backing for anti-corruption efforts in the criminal justice system. Not to mention the buzz as both of you continued making more public appearances as the days went on.

Bruce was hesitant at first, shy and begrudging in the face of cameras. He hid behind his hair and squinted sensitive eyes in the direction of flashing shutters. You were there for him to lean on, with soft touches and whispered reassurances the media couldn’t hear. While some claimed he’d done little for the city since his parent’s death, you witnessed first-hand his and Batman’s effect on the city. Whether they knew it or not, Bruce Wayne’s acts were some of the driving powers in the city’s renaissance.

Hope seemed to follow Batman, giving Gotham’s citizens some comfort as they walked home from work or enjoyed a night out in the city. As the streets grew less dangerous- well, less dangerous in the sense of Gotham- people wanted to enjoy the bits of beauty they could find.

And Batman allowed that beauty to grow.

It really hit you while reading at the orphanage on one of your days off. No meetings, no bookwork, and no political galas to attend. It was a Saturday night, and you took the short drive to the newly-refurbished building for their weekly book night.

Something you’d encouraged early on, ‘Book Night’ was an easy favorite for the orphanage residents. You had a range of people who would come by and read books to the young children and offer support to teens who were going through the throes of grief. Yourself, the Mayor, Lieutenant Gordon, Bruce, along with various police officers, firefighters and local celebrities had agreed to come and read books. The young kids were beyond pumped to see firefighters in particular, and nothing had outshined the actual reading like the fire chief pulling up outside the building in Gotham’s biggest fire engine.

But tonight was your night, and you entered the building- once a mob bank with apartments above it, in the downtown area- from remarkably dry sidewalks. Gotham was holding in her incessant rain tonight, something you could be grateful for. Inside, you were greeted by a few familiar faces.

“Wha’s up, Mrs. Wayne?”

“Ay, you’re back!”

You chatted with a couple of them while heading towards the library, topics bouncing back and forth between school work and relationships, sometimes even straying towards job applications. A warmth filled your chest as you did, happy to see so many whose lives had started in the Narrows beginning to blossom into adults actually happy to be going to school.

“Speakin’ of boys, when’s your husband coming back?”

You laughed aloud with the teasing, eventually bidding your farewells to the eldest teens when stepping into the library. Braced for an army of kids to knock you from your feet, you were surprised to find them- the normal crowd of about fifteen or sixteen- already huddled in a circle, some lounging in beanbags while others munched on snacks.

In the reading chair, sat Lieutenant Gordon in full uniform. His cap sat on his knee while the leather GCPD jacket was hooked over the chair back. You smiled and waved, determined not to interrupt the riveting chapter of The Mouse and the Motorcycle he was currently rattling off.

Tucking yourself into an unoccupied beanbag behind the group without disturbing them was admittedly difficult. Once settled, you fished your phone from the purse now lying next to you. Emails and notifications filled the lock screen, eliciting a huff that sent strands of hair blowing from your face.

Gordon kept reading, children obviously engrossed in his words as he described Ralph the mouse’s fall into the metal wastebasket. You took the opportunity to respond to a few texts and delete junk emails. Alfred has sent you three separate texts after you’d left the tower, and a pang of guilt hit you over his worry. Since the Riddler’s attempts on your lives, he’d grown even more protective of you and Bruce.

‘I’m at the Orphanage for reading night. Don’t worry- Gordon’s here too.’

It was when you were about to cram the phone back in your purse when it buzzed with another text message.

Bruce: arent you a lil big for beanbag chairs?

Your first instinct was to swivel, looking towards the door you’d entered. It would not be the first time Bruce had surprised you at the orphanage- one of the very few public places you actually felt like he didn’t mind visiting. A visual search came up empty, resulting in another text message.

Bruce: try again.

Gaze shifting to the only other place Bruce Wayne would be at night, it took a moment for your eyes to adjust to the darkness past the windows. After a few beats of staring at the adjacent building, you noticed the gargoyle-esque figure perched on a rickety fire escape.

Unable to help yourself, you tapped out another quick message, this one to Bruce.

‘Creep’

You bit your to hide your smirk. On the fire escape, you could’ve sworn you saw the glowing light of a phone. Sure enough, yours buzzed again a minute later.

Bruce: whats wrong with keeping an eye on pretty girls?

You looked back towards where you hoped his eyes were, rolling yours as far back as humanly possible.

‘If you’re gonna lurk out there, why don’t you come and join book night?’

Bruce: im good watching from here.

You blinked, biting back the devious grin pulling at your lips.

Though it was a joke, you mulled over the idea in your head. You were sure the kids would love a visit from their local crime fighting vigilante. Shit, they spent hours each night waiting for him to swing by.

In the same moment your plot began, Gordon must have finished his chapter. He closed the book with a flourish.

“Kids, it’s your lucky night. Looks like Mrs. Wayne has decided to join us after all.” A kind smile chased his words. You had been running behind that night, purely because of your own doing.

That however, was a personality flaw you were unwilling to address at this time.

An excited chanting of your name broke up the quiet room, and you were effectively tackled by a herd of elementary-aged children. Raucous laughter filled the library as you fell dramatically.

“Lieutenant! Help! They’ve got me!” You hollered, attempting to stand with kids hanging onto your arms.

“Looks to me like you’ve got a pretty good handle on the situation.” He remarked and stood upright, placing the police cap back on his head. The leather jacket followed suit.

To the kids, he spoke one last time. “Mrs. Wayne is going to be taking over from here. You’ve all been a great crowd tonight.”

While you freed yourself from the kids, now growing impatient to get back to their story- you’d never cease to be amazed by the attention span of children- your plan sprung back to mind. Checking to make sure the shadowy figure was still visible out the window, you called for everyone’s attention.

“Actually , I have a little surprise for you all tonight.” You spoke in a conspiratorial voice, motioning for them to all come close. Even Gordon was intrigued apparently, watching your movements with curious eyes. “Come close.”

Whispers shot back and forth across the group until you hushed them. “You guys have to be really good while I tell you, okay?”

A chorus of nods answered.

“I have a special guest for reading night. Have any of you ever heard of this guy called The Batman?”

Excitement overpowered them, and the squeals blew you back. Gordon chuckled, but said nothing as you edged towards the window. You fumbled with the lock for a moment before it freed. The window, in true Gotham fashion, was hard to open, and you had to nudge your shoulder to get it to budge.

Outside, you could now make out the whole shape of Bruce’s cowl. His head was cocked ever-so-slightly to the side, and you grinned.

“That’s right, guys. Our special guest tonight is Batman! Look over there, he’s already waiting!”

Waves and shouts erupted from the group.

“Woah, he’s scary.”

“Awesome!”

“Mrs. Wayne, is Batman gonna read to us?”

Voices overlapped, creating a hum that Bruce could no-doubt hear from his position. There was also no way he didn’t hear you, and you cocked a brow. His cowl tilted back straight, and you swore for a moment his eyes were visible.

“Batman might not read, but he can definetly say ‘hello’ to everyone.” You chirped, looking across the alley. “Isn’t that right?”

To you, it was like lightning that his arm shot up and fired the grappling hook upwards. His body followed, and the children all cried out in disappointment.

“He left?”

“Aw, I wanted to show him my bat stuffed animal.”

Amidst the complaints, you drew your cell phone back out from its place in your pocket and sent another text.

‘Bruce Thomas Wayne, if you don’t get your happy ass back here I stg I’m not touching you for a week.’

The read receipt popped up right away, and you watched the typing bubble appear and then disappear. It was that moment you knew you’d won. There was a distant clatter before a hulking mass of black landed on the fire escape in front of you.

“It’s the Bat-Man.” One boy squealed with a childish pause, tottering to your side. “Hi, Mr. Batman”

You stepped away from the window, allowing him to clamber into the library. Bruce’s eyes met yours, exasperation and anxiety clear in them, though he was quickly distracted by all the kids flooding around him. Gordon even looked surprised at your apparently well-planned book night surprise.

“Kids, this is Batman.” You gestured between them, “Batman, these are the kids.”

“Can you turn into a bat?”

“Did you get bit by a poison bat?”

“Show us how to fly!”

“Do a flip! Please!”

“Yeah, do a flip!”

Black as night and looking almost out of place in the lights of the library, Batman surprised you by kneeling to greet the kids. Gordon raised his eyebrows, nodding towards the guest.

“Impressive feat, getting him here.”

You could only nod. “Yeah, it was a lot of string-pulling on Bruce’s end, but we made it happen.”

The Lieutenant seemed to consider your words a moment before sharing a very manly wave with Batman. He glanced between you both and headed for the door. “Have a good night, Mrs. Wayne. You too.”

A goodbye slipped off your tongue, and you turned back to the kids who were all gathered in another circle around Batman, asking questions and chattering excitedly. His cape was a favorite, and two of the youngest were tugging on the ends as you approached.

“Alright guys, whaddy’a say we keep reading?” You picked up The Mouse and the Motorcycle. “Maybe Batman will help?”

-

In the end, Batman didn’t help read, but he did linger for quite a while. By the time you’d finished the book, most of the children were asleep or very near it, fighting to keep heavy eyelids open. You helped get them all to bed, tucking them into blankets.

Back in the library to clean up, you found Batman perched languidly on the fire escape. His normally solid posture was lazy, on leg dangling over the edge of the platform. You eyed him while you tidied up, eventually shutting off the lights in the room and making your way to the window. Climbing through it, you used his shoulder to steady yourself. There was enough room to squeeze in next to him, so you sidled up to him and sat down, arms leaning on the lowest railing while your legs hung over the edge.

“Hope you enjoyed book night.” He rasped.

The cool breeze caused you to shiver. “I did. Thanks for… cooperating.”

Bruce shrugged. “Not much I could do. Police scanner was slow tonight… plus I didn’t want to get mobbed by children for trying to leave.”

He must have noticed your shiver while another breeze drifted by, and lifted his cape in an invitation. Sliding across the metal fire escape, you huddled into his side and allowed him to drape you with the fabric.

“Thanks.” You dropped your head to rest on an armored shoulder. “But really- the kids have never been more excited.”

A chuckle escaped his lips. “I can tell.”

After a few seconds, he continued. “This is good. What we’re doing here.”

You tilted your head to look at his face, chest tightening at the conflict you found there.

“It is. You’re their hero. With and without this.”

One of your hands lifted to tap his cowl for emphasis, and he leaned into the hand you allowed to linger.

“You’re their hero. Not Bruce Wayne.”

Tittering your disagreement, you traced the edge of his cowl, tucking a strand of hair back underneath.

“Whatever you wanna think, honey, it’s the truth.”

Bruce suddenly tensed under your touch, and you assumed something interesting had come up on the earpiece you knew was planted in his left ear. His jaw tightened and you felt his heartbeat pick up underneath your hand.

“What is it?” Curiosity got the best of you, and you inquired up Gotham’s latest crime.

Bruce shook his head. “Nothing.”

You rolled your eyes and nudged his shoulder with yours. “Go. I’ll be fine getting home.”

“It’s alright.” He said, as if you hadn’t been in a relationship for years.

“God, you’re a bad liar even with the mask.” You stood, dusting off your pants. “I’m headed inside. Batman needs to be headed towards whatever scene you’re hearing about.”

Bruce hauled himself to his feet, catching your wrist in rough leather gloves. “Be careful driving.”

“I’m always careful, Batboy.” Pulling his wrist away, you leaned a hand against the building. “Now go on.”

In a dizzying motion, he pulled you to his chest and pressed a hard kiss to your mouth. “See you later?”

Maneuvering so you were back inside looking out, you dipped your head. “Of course. Be safe.”

In a mockery of your own words, he quipped. “I’m always safe.”

You were unable to respond before he was gone. His shadowy figure swung to the top of the next door building before darting off to wherever he’d left his bike.

Staring out over the shadowy streets of Gotham, you could only smile.

As always, if you enjoy please like/reblog and check out my links for more :)

Masterlist | Send me ideas

[captain-acab]

I really love The Batman (2022) but one thing that bugs me is *spoiler!* even though he solves all of the Riddler's riddles (he solves the carpet one, just with a little help), he saves literally none of the victims. Mayor? Dead. DA? Dead. Falcone? Dead. Thousands of Gothamites? Dead from catastrophic flooding.

The only Riddler targets who didn't die, if I remember right, were Bruce Wayne (basically just Riddler's bad luck) and Bella Réal, who saw the snipers and saved herself with Gordon's help.

It doesn't bug me in that I dislike it, per se! I just think it's a really interesting writing choice, that Batman fails at basically everything he tries to do in this movie (including keeping Selina in the end, but that's another post). I'm curious if it's meant as a reflection of Bruce's obsession with vengeance and the past, to demonstrate that only by finding closure and refocusing on hope will he be able to help Gotham.

[lordterronus]

I have only one brief thing to say here and that's that it's made very clear that Riddler's plan from the start was the flood of Gotham and assassination of Bella Réal. This wasn't something that was changed or warped over time, this was what he was building towards all along.

Otherwise I'd say this is a very good analysis and well made post. Bravo, OP! This isn't something I'd considered before but it feels pretty obvious when you put it like that.

I’m really annoyed with the internet woobification of batman 2022’s riddler because it fully misses the point of the entire movie to almost concerning degree

[i-am-the-burglar]

matt reeves turning the color black into a symbol of hope…and giving us black gordon, black selena, and bella réal

[helga-heason]

Letter #2

Dear Selina,

It’s been a few months since you left the city, and… Not much has changed. I know I said that in my last letter, but the promised relief efforts haven’t happened. Bella Réal has been trying, but the council has been blocking her each time. Corruption seems to form the foundations of this city. It isn’t just a flesh wound, something that can be patched over and healed later - no, this is bone-deep, something that runs to the very core of Gotham itself. The Riddler believed he’d had his ‘gotcha’ moment when he exposed the last mayor and the Waynes - in terms of ‘unmasking the truth’, so to speak - but he’d only scratched the surface. So much in this city is founded in its labyrinth of lies, in the manipulation of the people, to control its populace. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you at first. I’m also sorry that I believed you to be one of them. I see now that I was wrong, and that you were infact correct. This city’s streets cannot be trusted - nor can its leaders. Cleaning up this place may take years, but, like I said to you when you left, I have to try. This city is my home, and I will go to my grave before I let it rot like its previous officials have. It will open up some festering wounds I still have, and it may leave me broken and bloody, but at least I will be making an effort to make a change. Which is more than can be said for those who have been elected to do that very same thing.

This is a short letter, but I don’t have much to say. Robin says hi (or, more accurately, ‘mrrrrrreeeeeowwwwww…?’). City’s still shit. I hope you’re well.

Yours, always, the Bat(man) - and Robin the cat.

[wordsmithie]

and the way bella's resilience and determination when it comes to saving gotham despite how corrupt it is, contrasts bruce's(initially) tired, hopeless crime fighting? they are FOILS. she's one of the people who gives him HOPE.

[dragkingandreweldritch]

it'll be some charity function Bruce has to attend because now he's actually trying to put his money towards making Gotham a better place. Selina gets in initially either by pretending to be waitstaff or by being some rich fuck's arm candy and immediately ditching him before ditching him to pickpocket the guests. at one point she accidentally has a really nice conversation with Bella Réal in the ladies' room.

Either Bruce catches Selina pickpocketing him and plays dumb or he sees her get caught pickpocketing someone else and immediately swoops in like "oh no you just dropped you shiny whatsit here it is" by pickpocketing it back from her. either way that gets them talking and awkward sexual tension slow dancing ensues.

Selina definitely becomes 99.99% certain Bruce Wayne is Batman by the time they either kiss or almost kiss, depending on how well Matt Reeves wants to feed us, at which point an explosion/blackout/some other major distraction will occur.

bonus points if it's a costume party and, 1. Bruce is dressed in a deliberately shitty Batman costume, 2. there are several other guests dressed in really good Batman costumes, 3. both at the same time.

If Selina and Bruce don't meet again in a fancy ass event and she decides to flirt with the hot mysterious and rich Mr. Wayne and Bruce is just shaking in the knees longing for this woman then they have a James Bond, Dark Knight-esque slow dancing scene while they just stare into each other's eyes and exchange witty quips then what's the fucking point

[wordsmithie]

There, on the roof of a building on the opposite side. Batman. A dark silhouette against a flickering, neon billboard. He’s just standing there, watching. 

chapter 2

a knight on his knees, a gotham rom-com

[wordsmithie]

you like one batman post and tumblr starts recommending everyone's my-little-meow-meow r*ddl*r fanart. i DO NOT want.