#bruce wayne has trust issues

[m3vl0vesu]

Honestly I love fics where it's a Spidey in Gotham. I love thinking about, but you know what else I love? Angst and found family. I mean go ahead and read what I write, I physically cannot seem to write happine-anyways!

Do you know how much Batman (Bruce) wants to find out Spidey's identity. Are they a meta-an alien, another Clark situation perhaps? What and who exactly are they? Why do they seem so playful? He is itching to find out, what if they need to make a contingency plan for them? I mean, they shoot webs for gods sake! And lift way heavier than they should. Their healing also seems abnormally fast... So just imagine with me. Spidey, stabbed or shot. Just a really gnarly wound. Their healing isn't working as fast as it should and they've already lost a lot of blood. Their senses are higher than ever and they're too far from home or any safe house. Fucking shit situation. And guess what? The big old' Bat had to be in the same alleyway. The playful façade is slowly slipping as well as there consciousness, in a spur of emotions they take the knife out. A loud scream (and maybe sob) escaping their lips. Bruce is just like 'WTF?? Are they really just an idiot?' But it was the object stopping the healing, of course! They had just been to overwhelmed to think properly. And...now they've fainted. Great. Just great.

Even after their wound had managed to heal, mostly at least, you still wouldn't wake up. He carried them into the Batmobile, his hand itched to take of that mask. Literally twitching, he needs to know. But he doesn't. He doesn't take it off, and that is something. The mask stays on, it's not like he could prove it to them when they wake up but 🤷‍♀️

It's trust

After they wake up, confused, they still check if your mask stayed on. Being concerned about your identity after losing that much blood spoke volumes. And now you both just sat there, this man had told them that they were a nuisance almost every chance he got and now he was taking you to the Batcave-wait the Batcave??

found this in my drafts

[welcometogrouchland]

Batman #149 by chip zdarsky is mostly unremarkable, but I'm really fascinated by how it makes a great case for 'good' endings not saving 'bad' stories*. Because there's a lot of interesting concepts in this issue (bruce having to deal with his rapidly aging and decaying clone making him think about his own life, re-establishing a 'nest' so to speak for his family after pushing them away, etc) but bc of the OOC slog that came before it, almost every moment w/ the batfamily comes off as unearned and disingenuous imo.

Like, everything with Damian is the perfect example in this. Because in isolation it's...fine. admittedly it's a missed opportunity to not go deeper into how Damian would feel about a clone of his dad who tried to kill considering Damian's relationships with clones of himself (the heretic rejects and respawn) or with former enemies who wanted him dead but who were manipulated and/or brainwashed (like suren and maya).

Zdarsky doesn't go into any of this but you could maybe excuse it as the issue not being about Damian. However, coupled with the previous bizarre characterizations of Damian in 147 and 148, it ends up not being fine- instead it starts to feel...icky how Damian (who, despite often being drawn and written as white, will never have his connection to the non-white al ghuls forgotten and will always be effected by racism even when not portrayed as a poc) is constantly written as overly violent, uncaring and narrow minded in this run. Coupled w/ trying to recanonize the morrison origin for Damian it's like. OH this is badly written and laden with subtle bigotry, sick**

That's me going into detail on it with Damian but it's applicable to other things in this issue- the way Cass, Steph and Duke have all been ignored or turned into jobbers makes their inclusion in the 'family' here feel hollow instead of satisfying. Bruce proclaiming that Zur was still a part of him and he needs to accept responsibility for his actions (when it means taking in clone son) wrings hollow when just last issue zdarsky was bending over backwards to separate Bruce and Zur bc otherwise the Jason thing would get really awkward. Ends are achieved through means that feel hollow or strange. I'm at my destination but damn why'd the bus have to do all that???

I only really have opinions on this latest arc of zdarskys Batman bc it's the one I've read the closest (bc I'm a hater, masochist and avid follower of even the bad damian storylines) but it's not saying great things.

Bc zdarsky can do one thing good in this book, and it's write Bruce and Tim. And yet this entire story, whether of his own volition or editorial mandate, includes other characters who aren't Bruce and Tim, the fabric starts to unravel in very telling ways.

(p.s, I think pennyworth manor is an interesting idea but I feel like in execution it's just gonna be 'bruce living in a house haunted by the memory of the people he couldn't save' but with a different dead guy this time. Illusion of change and whatnot)

*whether or not the ending is good is up to you ofc, as is your opinion on the proceeding arc! I saw some ppl complain that the ending was too "WFA" for them, which I get even if I dont think it'll literally be the same premise. If anything it's probably a lead into the new tec run. Likewise many ppl who aren't in the weeds of Damian and Jason characterization liked the previous arc! But I have my opinions and rest my case before the bench

**disclaimer, I'm white and portrayals of bigotry in comics are complicated and subjective, but I am basing my point here off what other poc comic fans on socmed have been saying about 149. Also the "sick" is sarcasm incase that wasn't obvious

[createandchaos]

gonna write individual reviews for each issue of batman: the knight soon on league of comic geeks, however right now i'm writing a review for the series as a whole for storygraph and losing my mind!!!! I MAY HAVE SOME ISSUES WITH THE SERIES BUT THE AMOUNT OF IMPACTFUL MOMENTS AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE DRIVING ME INSANE!!!!!!!!!!

[girlblunders]

bruh bruce read dick’s journal in Batman and robin (2021) no wonder he has trust issues. and dick’s all about trust right fjffkdkkdekks scream

[littlefankingdom]

Bitches be like: I will refuse any canon evidence or interpretation that Bruce Wayne is a bad father. I don't care, it's not happening, because Batman is my childhood's hero and I have daddy issues.

It's me, I'm bitch.

[thetismcave]

An unlikely crossover I think would be extremely entertaining

Batman: has a ‘no metas in Gotham’ rule and an incredibly strict code against killing

Me, rubbing my hands together, about to drop mono (a twelve year old killer with fuck off strong superpowers) into his area: >:)))

[missbluesunflowersstuff]

I really hope Damian makes a friend and that DC lets him keep his friends this time, because it's annoying how much Damian's friends are forgotten by DC or abandon him cuz DC said so

[bluejaysandblackbats]

The Spin Out

Fandom: Batman, DC Comics

Summary: Jason Todd returns to Gotham after three years for the final time to win enough money to pay off Sheila’s debts.

Chapters: 14/?

Characters: Jason Todd, Sheila Haywood, Original Character(s), Bruce Wayne

Relationships: Jason Todd/Original Character

Additional Tags: Street Racing AU, No Capes AU, Jason Todd-centric, Hurt Jason Todd, Bad Parent Sheila Haywood, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Communicating, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Feelings, Hurt/Comfort, Organized Crime, Jason Todd has Trust Issues, Jason Todd is Not Okay, Good Person Jason Todd, Stalker Bruce Wayne, Secret Identities, Secrets, Angst

Chapter Fourteen: Meatball

Jason met with Father Andrew after his Saturday race for confession and mass on Sunday. He would’ve stayed behind to talk, but he had to go to the grocery store before watching his cousins. Miranda gave him a list of numbers to call in an emergency, and he hugged them before the kids sent them off. The kids were fairly quiet when Jason arrived because Ethan lay sleeping on the couch. “Hey, is Ethan alright?” Jason asked. 

Mason opened his mouth to speak, and Lindsay grabbed his hand. “Hey… That’s fine. I’m gonna go ask him,” Jason reassured them as he approached Ethan on the couch and tapped his forearm. “Ethan?”

Ethan groaned and opened his eyes. “Hi, Jason,” Ethan mumbled. 

“What’s your comfort food, E?” Jason whispered. Ethan covered his face with his forearm. “Hey… Hey. Please? Please? I wanna make something that I know you guys like tonight.”

“Spaghetti and meatballs,” Ethan answered. 

Jason fixed Ethan’s blanket. “With salad or breadsticks?” Jason asked. 

“Salad. I don’t like bread,” Ethan replied. Jason raised an eyebrow before bumping fists with Ethan. 

“I love a classic… Get some rest. I wanna watch that movie with you tonight,” Jason grinned. Ethan grabbed Jason’s arm, his face twisting into a frown. “C’mere.” Jason hugged him. 

“I don’t want Mom and Dad to worry, but I feel really bad,” Ethan whispered. Jason nodded. 

“You wanna cry?” Jason asked. “I wanna cry sometimes, too.” Ethan trembled as he started to cry, and Jason held onto him. 

Jason crouched there until Ethan let go of him. Ethan turned away to wipe his face, and Jason knocked on the coffee table. “Spaghetti and meatballs,” Jason whispered. 

“With salad,” Ethan added. 

“Croutons?” Jason asked. 

“No thanks. I just like lots of veggies,” Ethan answered as he cleared his throat. Jason nodded. 

**

Lindsay and Mason stood on stools on either side of Jason while he cooked. “Jason, do you like to cook?” Lindsay asked. 

“I love to cook. I used to cook for my mom all the time at home,” Jason answered.

“What’s her favorite?” Lindsay asked. Jason looked up as he tried to think about her question. 

“My mom likes BBQ. She likes a little slab of ribs and baked beans. Maybe I can come over and help your dad barbecue on the fourth of July,” Jason replied. Mason tugged on Jason’s shirt. Jason casually scooped Mason onto his back. 

Jason sprinkled a little bit of minced bell pepper into Lindsay’s hand before sprinkling some of the excess into his mouth. “Mason, you want some?” Jason asked. 

“I okay,” Mason replied.

Jason sautéed the veggies in a pan with garlic powder, rosemary, oregano, thyme, fresh basil, and parsley. “Can Ethan eat spicy food? Or does it make his stomach hurt?” Jason asked. 

“Ethan didn’t eat yesterday,” Lindsay stated. 

Jason made a soft noise and frowned. “Does Uncle Jeremy know that?” Jason questioned. Lindsay shook her head. 

“I promised not to tell Mommy and Daddy. I didn’t promise not to tell you,” Lindsay replied. 

Jason faked a smile for her, shaking his head playfully as he replied with a silly, “You’re so right, Lindsay Bug.” 

**

Jason gently nudged Ethan awake. “Dinner’s ready, Ethan,” Jason whispered. Ethan rubbed his eyes, and Jason sat beside him while the other kids sat together on the other side of the coffee table. Ethan twirled the spaghetti with his fork. Mason had pasta all over his face, and Lindsay ate the meatballs with her fingers. 

Ethan took a little bite and a sip of water before smiling. Jason dug in once Ethan started eating a little more, and he checked his phone. He’d received a text from Father Andrew. Jason’s heart jumped into his throat, and he put his phone in his pocket. “Mm,” Ethan wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Who was that?”

“My priest,” Jason whispered, “Do you want some more spaghetti?” Ethan nodded, and Lindsay followed Jason to the kitchen. He used tongs to make Ethan’s plate before looking at Lindsay. 

All the kids looked at him like he could do anything. It made him wish he was their brother and not their cousin. “Daddy says you have tattoos,” Lindsay stated. 

“I have one tattoo,” Jason gently corrected her. 

She held her plate out while Jason gave her a little more spaghetti and half of a meatball. “Are you gonna get more?” Lindsay asked. Jason paused as he thought about her question. 

“I wanted to get birds on my side, but I don’t know what else I’d get… I’d like to have a lot of tattoos. Maybe some happier ones,” Jason replied, “What do you think I should get?” 

“Lobsters,” Lindsay replied. Jason chuckled. 

“For Maine. I’ve never been to Maine,” Jason whispered.

“But it’ll give you a hint for where to find us when you go away again,” Lindsay explained, “And you won’t forget us.” 

Jason picked her up and sat her at the chair near the kitchen island. “How could I ever forget you? You’re my family,” Jason whispered, “But I’ll get the lobsters because I love you so much. It’ll give me something to look at when I’m missing all of you.”

**

Jason kneeled between Mason and Lindsay’s bed and prayed for them, and Mason got out of bed and tugged Jason’s sleeve. Lindsay was fast asleep, facing the wall, but Mason lay on his side, watching Jason. “Why you doing that?” Mason asked. 

“I’m praying for you to have good dreams,” Jason replied. 

“What’s praying?” Mason asked.

Jason gave his answer considerable thought because none of them were raised religious. “Praying is a conversation between a person and God if they believe in a god. That’s the time we thank our god for things we believe they’ve done for us, and we ask for help and forgiveness for bad things that happened or bad things we did,” Jason explained, “And for me, He is like a father that’s always there. When I need Him, he’s always there.” 

Mason knit his brows together. “Where is God?” Mason asked. 

“Well, the god I believe in lives in heaven which is invisible and in the sky,” Jason replied. 

Mason yawned and let Jason tuck him into bed. “Okay. Love you, Jason,” Mason whispered. 

“I love you too, Mase,” Jason whispered as he kissed Mason’s forehead and left the room. 

Jason plopped down on the couch beside Ethan and sighed. Ethan chuckled. “If you’re too tired—.”

“Nope. I’m wide awake,” Jason interrupted, “What are we watching?” 

Ethan lay back with the bowl of popcorn in his lap. “ Nightcrawler ,” Ethan answered. Jason reached over and grabbed a handful of popcorn as the movie started. “Have you seen it before?”

“Nuh-uh… I haven’t watched TV in a long time, so I’m a little bit out of the loop,” Jason replied. 

“How long?” Ethan asked. 

“We haven’t had a TV since I left the United States, so I don’t really watch movies anymore. It’s been almost four-ish years,” Jason replied. 

“What do you do for fun, then?” Ethan questioned. 

Jason smiled. “I fix cars, I go swimming if I live somewhere with a nice beach, and I read more,” Jason answered, “It’s not so bad. I’ve seen more of the world in three years than I’ve seen in my entire life. I’d never even left the state of New Jersey before all of this.” He said it to convince himself, and Ethan knew it.

[darkcrowprincess]

THIS IS WHY BRUCE HAS TRUST ISSUES CLARK!

The Injustice comics were actually SO MESSY about revealing Bruce’s identity. And by “comics” I really just mean Superman.

“I will not regret this” says the man about to accidentally doxx his best friend to the ONE person who really, really shouldn’t know that info.

THE FACT THAT HE REVEALED BRUCE’S IDENTITY THIS WAY SENDS ME

[sleepn0tfound]

That's MY Daughter

DC x Fem!Neglected!Batsis! Reader x Marvel [Just some midnight thoughts]

Bruce and Tim realised something odd about Stark Industries. Ever since a few months ago the technology being produced there had improved by an unbelievable amount. It was futuristic, nothing that this world has seen before. And the weirdest part of it is the fact that Tony Stark had offered to partner up with Wayne Enterprises. THE Tony Stark, Iron Man, the most egotisical man they knew had willingly offered to partner up with them? After years of being petty with Bruce and the JL?

Tim had been made to prepare to become the new CEO soon, thus he recently started taking up more work at Wayne Enterprises when the agreement was made. Though instead of Tony being the one to talk about ideas it was an unknown woman communicating with him about the ideas, the product, the marketing, etc. And the merge of the two companies was an absolute success, the marketing especially drawing in young adults. (courtesy of Tim and the mysterious women who seems to be around the same age as him)

Who was the mysterious women though? Well both Bruce and Tim could only come to one solution. The least known character to Bruce, to Batman, which says a lot considering the fact that he had made a contingency plan for every Avenger, every hero, including his own teammates, including himself, yet this one character was completely unknown, zero plans if she were to go rogue. And that drove Bruce crazy. Her file was blank. Every vital information was marked with the word 'unknown'. It had been making Bruce paranoid for years since she had appeared next to the Avengers.

The reassurance from the Avengers never helped. It was as if something was gnawing at him. After all how could he trust them anyways? (careful Bruce your trust issues are showing)

One of the only things they knew about her is that she is the main hacker/coder for the Avengers, hence the reason why the Avengers digital security was admittedly better than the Justice League's and how much faster they got, what should be, classified information. (no matter how much Bruce wants to deny it)

And her codename, Special Agent Reaper. No she wasn't originally an Avenger, she was crowned the most skilled assassin of this era, working under S.H.I.E.L.D and one of the sole reasons why all of the HYDRA agents that have sneaked into S.H.I.E.L.D have been successfully taken out, her name would pass by in the wind every so often, they might be rumours or the truth but no one truly knows. Hell even Ra's Al Ghul, The Demon’s Head, had acknowledged her once. Even Talia had admitted that Damian's fighting technique was made to mirror The Reaper's, the only difference is he used katanas while the Reaper, fittingly, uses a scythe.

But one thing was for sure. If you saw the shadow of a hooded figure you better run, though at that point it might be too late.

As the saying goes, "Beware of the Grim Reaper. Wherever it goes death follows closely behind.”

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

“Ah! Brucie! Here you are!” Tony said, wine in hand as he approached Bruce at the gala. Well that was a first. He usually never played into the Brucie persona. Well nonetheless the show must go on.

“Tony!” Bruce threw himself at the other billionaire, acting as if he was drunk, ignoring the way Tony’s expression turned into a grimace for a split second.

As usual, they were both around other pretentious socialites who never seemed to run out of questions.

“Ah! Tony, I heard Stark Industries have been bringing in more money than ever.”

“Oh yes! It’s all because of this prodigy i had found. She actually was the reason why Stark Industries and Wayne Enterprises had a collab. I might even give the company to her when I retire!" He let out a laugh that seems to emanate the word 'rich', a small smirk stayed on his lips as he heard the guests at the gala begin to whisper.

"Oh? Is that so? Then I would love to meet the person I have been working with this entire time." Tim Drake-Wayne said as he finally came out of the corner where he would usually stay in to observe rather than interact.

"Be my guest." A subtle challenge, as if Tony was daring him to go through with it as they locked eyes. A smirk on one face while a well practiced smile on the other.

Bruce let out a light hearted laugh as he tightened his grip around Tony, a subtle warning to stay away from his son, "Well then I wouldn't mind arranging a meeting! I'm sure you wouldn't mind the others joining." His tone had a slight change that even the most observant wouldn't realise.

Bruce could barely keep up the 'Brucie' act with Tony bragging about how Stark Enterprises profits have shot up with him finding a 'prodigy' and someone who will take over the company once he retires.

"Not at all. The more the merrier. I assume you wouldn't mind me inviting more people as well." Tony sipped his wine, he wasn't one to back out from a challenge, especially when he is so confident.

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

This certainly wasn't how the Justice League and the Avengers expected their next meeting to happen. A petty fight between the two men that singlehandedly funds their respective teams causing all of them to be in one room together.

"Well then, Stark. Where is this prodigy that you speak so highly of?" Bruce said as he sported his famous batglare.

"I assure you she is on her way. She should just be right about done with her mission." Tony replied with the same tone, shooting a glare as well.

Meanwhile the two teams were watching this as if it was the most entertaining show they have seen.

.

.

.

"Hey I'm here." Y/n entered the hall, still wearing her assassin suit, though her signature black hood was down, revealing her face.

Silence seemed to engulf the room.

"Kid... Your hood."

"...Fuck."

hi! i might have disappeared for a month :D To those who are waiting for more parts of DC x Super/Kent!Reader it will come... eventually. I'm having the biggest writer's block for that specific AU so uhm yeah! I wasn't really planning on making that AU a series since it was mostly just me being bored and writing for the lols but since it received so much attention [thank you guys so much!] I have to do it now. i was doing some worldbuilding and already know how I want the reader to be and allat but I cant really think of how to shape the story ukukuk. so yeah stay tuned for that! also this thing was also just a blurb. Might make somewhat of continuation parts if I feel like it. [Also the neglected!batsis! fanfics I've been reading is getting to me. i have a feral urge to create a diff AU series for that] Also would you guys be interested in me creating a twitter/insta account or like a tele channel to post random things

[dontbesoweirdkira]

howdyyy, what do u think of plat yan! dick grayson (or platonic yan father bruce wayne up to u) with a batsis who is very disinterested with him primarily bc when she was younger she idolised him a lot but now not so much. there are comics where grayson has cheated on his partners before so imagine batsis coming to realise as she aged and matured that her doting brother is a bit of a playboy…. a lot like a playboy actually—

You know, this is actually extremely realistic. There's nothing like the rose color glasses falling off and realizing just how messed up your family truly is.

I'd like to think that there was plenty of jokes and mentions about Dick being a playboy but Batsis would just be absolutely clueless. You probably just thought it was a reference to his charming appearance or the way he gets hit on at least once whenever he goes out. Not really that he was an notorious heart breaker.

Like i don't think the other batkids had serious talks about it in front of you because of your (then) age or maybe it was a request by Dick so he could keep on his perfect mask with you?

Ironically, he wouldn't want any man to treat his little sister (or any of them) the way he does to other women but he has a problem. I will say though, it makes absolute sense that Dick or even the others would have issues keeping relationships or even have sex addictions. I mean it's a real issue that many people are struggling with right now. But can you imagine your father constantly bringing home women and cheating your entire childhood? Like Bruce introduces some of these women to them, they get attached to this potential mother then it's ripped away to be discarded for the new catch. I think that definitely warped Dick's view of women and romance stems from that. *intense mommy issues* But also i mentioned before that it's hard for him to maintain relationships while taking on the fatherly role in the family. His obsession with making sure all of his siblings are cared for and protected(mixed with being nightwing), makes it all the more difficult. Maybe that leads him to just hooking up with and being sloppy in his relationships. Maybe its just a means of stress relief and that causes him to almost dehumanize/objectify the women he "romances".

I'm not saying this is justifiable, cheating is disgusting and his behaviors are something that needs to be corrected regardless of mommy issues but for headcanon sake we are entertaining the concept

I'm not sure how you'd exactly find out about it. Maybe one of the kids let it slip and didn't bother to do damage control because you're old enough now? Maybe you spoke to one of his exes that is still friendly with the batfam? Or maybe your brain started to develop and you realized he wasn't hanging out with that new super model as just friends all night...it was something more and his girlfriend definitely didn't know about it.

Regardless, I think when you finally found out about everything, your world crushed. I don't think you'd hate him but you just feel yucky about the whole thing. Now when you look at him something in your stomach just sinks. You might even wonder if you can trust him. I mean if he's got that much of a problem to be dishonest with his lovers, then why would it be so left field to suggest he lied to you too when he said he loves you or that you were his favorite? The transition from you idolizing him to being standoff-ish would be extremely noticeable to him. I mean it's hard to ignore when you were his mini me. Even as you got older you followed him around and never skipped an opportunity to be near.

He wouldn't think that it was because of the playboy thing, maybe just you needing some space as a teen. Everyone has gone through that phase before but when he notices your shift is only directed towards him, he's a little upset about it. He doesn't understand what he did wrong? One day you guys are eating ice cream together while having a sleepover in his room to you treating him like a disease.

Eventually your big brother corners you and makes you to confess whats bothering you. He apologizes if something he said rubbed you the wrong way but you couldn't keep treating him this way.

"uhm..i dunno, dick? I found out how you've been treating you partners and i think it's kinda gross. I guess i just don't really wanna be around someone who treats women like that right now..."

I think Dick's reaction would be complete shock....who tf told you?! He has no defense but he tries to muster up one before realizing this is just making him look worse when EVERYBODY knows how much of a whore he is lol. He'd back off of you and maybe even mutter an apology before walking away to go collect himself.

He's furious as well...whoever told you will be getting an earful because they just ruined something precious to him. (yeah they did. totally not his OWN actions) If it was one of his brothers, he will be throwing hands.

Dick does very much care about others perception of him, i've said this before. He knew he had a problem and his other siblings have spoken to him about it and it affected him but never enough to change. It's just a far deeper issue than wanting a quick fuck in the expense of his partners...But seeing his baby sister look at him with just so much disgust and disappointment was enough to cause him to spiral. He's not proud of his actions and knows he's hurt and discarded of many, many women for his own satisfaction. It's deplorable. I can imagine him taking maybe a few days to himself, he's just in his head while being overtaken by heavy guilt.

I'm not sure if Dick would actually change for you though? I think he is even debating it. Yeah he's a yandere for his batsis but is his obsession with you enough to kick the other one to the curb? That's up to you. A hopeful person would say, yes he would. Anything for his babybat! He's going to do whatever it takes to prove himself again, anything to make you proud. This habit isn't worth it if hes loosing you.

My opinion? No, he won't change after his guilt wears off. He'll just pretend like he's reborn. Dick would try for like a week and then go right back to doing his habits. He's a manipulative piece of work and yeah, lying to you is bad but he wants his cake and to eat it too. He's not willing to give up anything that gives him a euphoric boost. Shh...what you don't know, won't kill you.

[littlefankingdom]

Oh, I love this. When Bruce speaks about Hal and trust, it's about his trust. Bruce isn't someone that trust easily, and he trusted Hal, powerful as he was, but Hal broke that trust, and now, Bruce is big mad. The way he speaks to Hal, it's like they had a bad breakup. But also, that's what scare Bruce, that he trusted Hal. He trusted him, he's scared of doing it again and being betrayed again. He clearly valued Hal and he sees him as very powerful.

I personally do not think Bruce ever looked down on Hal in term of power, it's more about how they work and function. Hal is a soldier, he jumps into action, Bruce is a detective, he analyses and plans first. They both have quite the personality, so of course, when they met, they clashed. That's what is shown in the animated movies, like in Throne of Atlantis where Hal shows up in Gotham and gets the criminals Bruce was pursuing arrested, which was not what Bruce was trying to do. Different way of working, but still two powerful men.

And even tho they fight, they still learn to respect each other. In the animated movie they meet in, Bruce reveals in secret identity to Hal. Mister Paranoid trusts Hal enough, even tho they bicker non-stop and met less than a week ago. He wouldn't do that if he looked down on Hal. Damn, he actually values Hal a lot to do that. He trusts Hal really easily, he believes that guy is kind of annoying but he will not betrayed them (which hurt even more when Hal does go on the other side)

Because they bicker and argue doesn't mean they don't respect each other, they don't value each other strength, they don't realize how powerful the other is. It's how they are, it's how their relationship works, they call each other names and they are friends. They were close enough for it to fucking hurt when Parallax happened, and now Bruce is afraid to trust Hal again, and what could happen of he did and Hal betrayed them again.

Not to get into it again, but adding on the Tower of Babel thing: the "Bruce looks down on Hal" thing is so lame compared to their canon dynamic between the 90s and 2010s, aka Bruce spending over a decade of comics being fucking terrified of Hal.

It's so much less interesting than the reality of Bruce being terrified of Hal and what he's capable of. Bruce spiraling into crippling paranoia every time Hal does literally anything, whether it's rewriting reality or doing Spectre-stuff or talking to his ex-girlfriend. Bruce squirming and gnashing his teeth and losing all rationality over the slightest suspicious Hal-related activity. Brcue being vulnerable to Parasite!Parallax's influence because of his paranoia about Hal. Bruce constantly jumping to the worst possible conclusion about Hal, and sometimes being right, and sometimes being wrong, and how that fucked with Bruce on the deepest psychological level and took a lot of time and conversations with other heroes to get through.

Just...Bruce's inability to cope with Hal's plunge into supervillainy bringing out the worst him. How he doesn't dare hope or trust again so instead he doubles down on what he knows are his own worst tendencies.

Bruce saying shit like:

The feared Batman fearing the man without fear!

This dynamic is infinitely more fun and interesting than anything I've seen made that’s based on 5 minutes of animated movie (that doesn't even know how Green Lantern powers work), or fandom osmosis (have no idea how powerful Hal Jordan is), or some infamously out of character comic they saw out of context on tiktok one time (really, really doesn't even know how Green Lantern powers work or how powerful Hal Jordan is)

But obviously dealing with the baggage of Parallax isn't for everyone, but even after everything got rebooted, it's not like Bruce doesn't respect Hal:

Or, you know, there's other aspects of their dynamic that are really really funny:

High Drama Bickering!

Sulky Batfrowns!

Bruce's many, many "YOU'RE NOT A GOD!" moments!

And Clark being so so so sick of Bruce's Hal Issues!

[delulupunk]

can you please write batboys (including Bruce) getting jealous when their crush subtly mentions her ex when they do something similar to her ex bf. (e.g. reading a book/watching a show/an activity that her ex used to love etc.)

Of course! Sorry for the late response time, I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump.

Bruce Wayne

He immediately clocks it and he doesn’t feel the need to mention it. Bruce has already been told by his kids that he’s too controlling, it doesn’t seem ideal in his mind to push you away.

Bruce will try to put the activity into perspective, for example if it’s a tv show then he’ll learn to appreciate, that everyone watches TV shows. It’s no surprise that you like a TV show your ex also happens to like.

Bruce himself has had lovers in the past and has also picked up little habits from them.

Occasionally if he’s frustrated about a case that’s not going well, he will feel a twang of jealously for your ex lover. He won’t take it out on you for fear it will push you away. Instead he just acts indifferent.

Dick Grayson

Immediate side eye, and a cheeky comment.

“Oh yeah?” His arms slip around your waist as he buries his face into your hair, “Well they’re not with you now are they?”

He spends all his time proving to you why he’s the better option and by the end of it, you’ll forget your ex’s name before you can blink. It’s all apart of the never ending charm he seems to have in spades.

Deep down though, Dick is happy that you feel comfortable enough to share that with him. After spending years under Batmans controlling wing, it’s refreshing to see freedom, you’re not afraid of what he’ll think. Comfort is a big part of relationships with Dick and he’s grateful that you trust him.

Jason Todd

He’s gritting his teeth by the time you’ve ended your sentence. There’s an instant change in Jason’s demeanour. Luckily this is only temporary and by showing him that you’re interested in the things he’s shared with you too, you’ll have him back in no time.

There’s one issue though. The never ending comments. Every time you mention watching something his subconscious response is to mention your ex’s TV show, in a goading tone. You want to order take out? He’s willing to bet you want it from that place your ex used to take you. You want to read a book, ITS YOUR EX AGAIN.

All you’ve succeeded in doing is giving him material to mercilessly make fun of you with.

Tim Drake

He rolls his eyes but encourages you to continue telling him about it. This man is a chronic napper though, so if he’s not interested he’s going straight to sleep.

To put it simply Tim couldn’t give any less of a shit that you like something else your ex likes. Tim’s life is simply too busy for him to be getting jealous over something so simple and human, that’s not to say he doesn’t get jealous though you’ll find he’s more than capable of doing that.

Tim likes to look into things you’re interested in whenever he’s bored and he’s got time. You’ll be laying together with your head his lap. He looks like he’s just scrolling aimlessly on his phone, but the silence will be interrupted.

“Your ex does have good taste.” He’ll mutter.

Damian Wayne

The great Damian Wayne could never admit this, he’s a detective, he’s meticulous, he knows all the facts. But he forget your ex’s name… It’s all down to a mixture of ego and stress. Damian is such a good lover in his mind, there’s no reason to be jealous of any other person. He’s the only one who’s worth your time. Damian is also incredibly busy and with all the cases he works his brain can only take so much. So if he has to exchange your ex’s name for the potential name of a killer he’s making the sacrifice.

Damian’s happy for you to have hobbies or media you like, so long as it’s not disturbing or something that makes him wonder if you’re mentally ill in the worst sense. Therefore he doesn’t flinch when you mention how much your ex loved that show, because he doesn’t realise your ex is your ex.

Duke Thomas

“Umm ok?” Duke is awkward he isn’t sure how to respond. Do you want him to be jealous, or do you want him to not care? Is he doing too much or too little? Has he not said anything for the past ten seconds either?!

The conversation is turned onto a different topic so he doesn’t have to deal with his confusing emotions.

Later he’ll ask you though if you had more in common with your ex than him, out of sheer nervousness. He wants you two to be on the same page and is secretly worried that you don’t want to break his heart so you’re stringing him along. He knows his fears aren’t the most logical, but it’s his emotions taking over.

However the conversation helps with your communication in the relationship and soothes his seething fears.

[vinelark]

in honor of his birthday i would like to ask if you, as a master of a pangy fic writing, have any pangy jason fics to recommend

❗️ you’ve given me a quest! i do indeed have pangy jason fic recs, and here are some of them:

pre-death:

Not All Kidnappings are Bad by @cdelphiki

a “bruce finds jason early” au, featuring 9 y/o jason’s understandable trust issues, bruce’s terminal awkwardness, and slow-burn family. the identity reveal here is also one of my favorite moments.

we’re released pushing daisies by shoutowo

jason starts acting strange out of the blue, and bruce is fraying at the seams trying to figure out why. i love how the pov is so deftly navigated here; the reader knows almost exactly what’s going on, even if bruce never does, and we still get a little catharsis.

these words you can’t say by glaciya

a short, excellent, gut-punch of a fic in which jason is figuring out his place in the family, and dick takes out some of his bruce issues on jason (but does his best to fix it later).

A MOMENT THAT'S HELD IN YOUR ARMS. by orpheusaki

possibly my fav early days jason pang fic of all time; jason and bruce are stumbling toward learning to communicate, and bruce runs headfirst into one of jason’s (understandable) misconceptions.

Safe Space by Cerusee

the summary puts it perfectly: “Turns out, Bruce and Jason aren’t quite on the same page about who’s parenting whom.” feat. some exploration of jason’s past + trauma around being a caretaker to a parent figure.

post-resurrection:

the only way out (is as a carcass) by @silk-scarlet-ribbons

red hood gets mentally rewound to his robin days, and has A Time. this fic also delves a bit into jason grappling with the major changes his body went through since he was robin, which is a particularly compelling pang to me.

all my love and terror balanced there by @burins

in which jason and bruce have a conversation, and i cry. (this line has lived in my head since i read it: "I lost you too," Jason says. "You always forget that. And I never got you back.")

Tap Out by @coyote-nebula

jason gets poisoned as a civilian, which kicks off a character study of jason & bruce + trying not to hurt each other. one of my favorite jason povs!

The Cold Like Coming Home by cabezas_de_vaca

jason rescues bruce wayne from a kidnapping across the globe from gotham. this one made me experience the full spectrum of jason & bruce emotions, pangs and all.

butcherbird, fly away home by e_va

unrelated to the previous fic, but: jason rescues bruce wayne from a kidnapping across the globe from gotham. here, bruce doesn’t know jason’s alive yet, jason doesn’t tell bruce the truth about what happened to him (at first), and they both Go Through It before eventually going home.

It Doesn’t Look Bitter on You by ManURonaldo

a story about jason’s food insecurity, with some really excellent pangs in both the past & present timelines. (also comes with a side of tim pangs, as a treat.)

[feelingbat-ty]

This is inspired by @aflamboyanceofflamingos post about Tim choosing to publicly hate Robin as Tim Drake, cause to love or hate someone is the best way to hide a secret identity.

I started thinking about Tim coming into contact with his teammates as a civilian and Tim using this as an opportunity to take out all the grievances he has for his team in a way, that 1) Won't cause tension and fights. And 2) let him get away with being a petty arsehole, cause it's not like superheros can just go and beat up random civilians.

And well... my hand slipped.

--- You Can't Spell Spite Without Timothy Jackson Drake ---

The amount of times YJ comes across Tim Drake in the wild would be concerning if Tim didn't stalk them as often as his busy schedule allows (which turns out to be quite often). The Beta tube in the Batcave and another secret Beta tube in the bowls of Wayne enterprise's Francisco building allows Tim easy and direct access whenever he so desires.

And well, Tim never did grow out of his stalking phase.

It would be comical - if it wasn't maddening - how often they don't realise he's there. Most of the time he's stalking trailing a member of the team he's not trying to hide his presence, it wouldn't make sense for him to, not as Tim Drake.

The team have a tally board that sits in the common room, it's at 85.

85.

His team's situational awareness is absolutely appalling. 85, they've noticed him only 85 of the hundreds of times he's followed them around?

He complains to Dick about it, a lot. He's hoping Dick will give him some tips on how to beat situational awareness into his teammates thick skulls. He was the leader of the Titans, so he has to have something!

Dick - like the asshole he secretly is - just laughs at him.

He asks Cassie about it once. Why they don't find it concerning that they encounter Tim Drake: famous for being the civilian who 'beat Robin in a fight' every other week?

"I mean, You're usually right about these sorts of things, Rob. If you don't think Drakes an issue, then we trust you."

Tim can't figure out whether to feel warm and giddy at the fact that they apparently trust him, or to be annoyed at the fact that they follow after him like sheep. Not even doing their own research and recon (Cassie probably did. Kon and Bart? Yeah, hell would have a better chance at freezing over).

The first time was a coincidence. Tim had needed some space (from Bruce. From his deadlines. From his own mind...) and ended up wondering the streets of San Francisco with no real destination in mind.

An impulse turn led him onto the boardwalk and from there right to Superboy.

It was a bright and sunny day in Fran and Kon was glowing. Literally, because of the sun and figuratively from pride after he stopped a would-be pick pocket-er from pick pocketing an elderly lady.

He shouldn't. He knows he shouldn't, not when the team know of Tim Drake, know his face and all about how he hates Robin and makes it his whole personality. Not when the only thing that stops them putting Tim Drake on Baby Super villain watch is Tims general blasé attitude about, well... himself.

But is it oh, so tempting.

Especially because the month before, Kon had accidentally smashed Tim's favourite coffee mug in a series of event's (involving a yoga ball, shearing scissors, laser vision and a will from God himself) so convoluted that Tim was convinced it had been orchestrated for a solid week.

Was it a cheap mug from Kmart? Yes, but it's the principle of the matter!

As Tim’s left shoe impacts the side of Superboys face, a sense of manic glee overtakes him. Tim takes special care to seer this memory of Superboy getting hit in the head with Tim's shoe and the stupid face he makes as the ratty converse collides with his cheek, into his brain.

It's not much, but it's justice all the same for his once beloved mug.

Tim... might just be a tad sleep-deprived.

Superboy startles and lets out a frantic “Shit!” Assuming he’s being attacked by a surprise enemy (the kind that isn’t just civilians throwing shoes) he looks around, taking stock of his surroundings and looking for any immediate threats before glancing down at the shoe and visibly doing a double take.

His face is blank as he stares - undoubtably confused - at the shoe. A second later he's lifting his gaze, following the direction the show came from and staring right at Tim.

Tim, who (like an idiot) is still, for some reason, positioned how he was when he threw the shoe - arm outstretched and leg back to brace himself.

There is absolutely no way he wasn't the one who threw the shoe. If the stance didn't give it away, then him having one shoe (that shoe being a near identical ratty rad converse) probably did.

“What?” Superboy asks. He looks befuddled. A little amused, but mostly just confused. He's got a small, polite smile on his face that just reeks of Clark Kent's influence. Kon is obviously trying to model himself off of Superman - specifically Superman's polite and approachable "Grandma pinching worthy" vibe and not his fashion choices, since he's still got the leather jacket and sunglasses.

Tim makes a mental note to tell Kon that he has a really expressive face. Tim is literally reading all his emotions in 4K. They should probably work on that, it could be a liability in the field.

Tim briefly considers playing dumb and acting like it wasn’t him that threw the shoe, before dismissing that idea, Kon can be clueless at times, but he’s not a complete idiot.

So instead, he says, “that was a very open-ended question.”

And well, it was.

At the look Superboy gives him, he elaborates, “What, when said in that context, could mean literally anything! Like, ‘what was the purpose of that?’ ‘What’s your name, so I can in-prison you’ ‘What shoe size was that?’ Seriously, dude, be more specific!”

Superboy’s befuddlement takes a sudden nosedive to incredulity. “Okay, fine. Why did you throw a shoe at me?”

“Cause you work with Robin.” He says simply. He'd say 'justice' but then he'd sound like batman and like, thanks but no thanks.

“Cause I- what? You physically assaulted me with a shoe because I work on the same team as Robin?”

Tim, personally, thinks assault is a strong word to use for this situation, but he’s glad that at least some of his lessons on the proper terms and vocabulary are paying off.

He nods, cause that is indeed what he just did, he crosses his arms across his chest, and stares Superboy down.

Superboy who, looks like he’s regretting everything that led him to this moment. Tim relishes in that for just a little too long to be healthy. Probably.

Tim doesn’t really care. He told Kon (as Robin) that he’d regret breaking Tim’s favourite mug (accident or not, he's still not over it.) yeah, this might not be how either of them envisioned it, but Tim thinks this might just be better than beating Kon up as Robin in their next team training session. What better way to get someone back than to publicly humiliate them in front of all their peers? Shame he can't do that anymore.

Eh, who is he kidding? He’s still going to do that anyway.

“You’re only gonna throw one?” Superboy has a look on his face that’s similar to the one Bruce gets when he’s decided to give up and play along with the crazy. The one where he'll smile and nod, slowly inching out of the room, as Duke and Damian (There has truly never been a more terrifying duo) explain to him in vivid detail how they're going to use psychological warfare to make a shitty teacher at their school resign.

“Yes.” Why’d he throw both his shoes? He’d have no shoes!

“… Right. Why did you throw this one?”

All these questions!

“I like that one the least,” he shrugs, and it's true, the converse on his right foot has a little bi flag that Steph sewed into it back when they were dating. A throw pillow was the closest thing in reach at the time, so he sewed a little pan flag on it for her (he later did one on the breast pocket of one of her denim jackets).

“You are so freakin’ weird, dude! You throw a shoe at me! Because I work with Robin!”

Uh, yeah, we've already established that.

“How did you even get it off that fast!”

To be Honest, Tim is also surprised at how fast he was able to get his shoe off. One second he’s looking at Superboy the next he’s lobbing a shoe at his thick head.

Instead of saying any of that, Tim channels his inner Janet Drake, sticking his nose into the air and scoffing like Kon is the literal gum stuck on the sole of his shoe.

Kon, - because he’s no longer Superboy, he’s too fired up to hold onto the mask - shakes his head. It’s mocking, when he says, “You must be really shitty at throwing a punch if you had to resort to throwing shoes.”

Tim shrugs, “Well, I woulda thrown a fist, but you’re not worth a fist.”

Kon is silent and doing an amazing impression of a blobfish.

Tim turns and struts away before Kon has the chance to come up with a rebuttal, or just decides to punch him in the face.

He’ll grab his shoe later, after Kon leaves.

The basted incinerated his shoe.

[mimiiiiiiiiisstuff]

I keep rereading "This is me trying" and I have a questions.

Did the Family set the dinner up as a test? At least, once Reader was late getting to the dinner. They had assumed she would run, not fight, and then they'd have an excuse to get rid of her permanently.

Or, on the other hand, the one time Reader isn't watching over the maid kitchen is the time the Family gets attacked? Perhaps Reader was, accidentally, guarding the one entrance no one expected. Maybe even the one entrance that was guarded? But the Family doesn't believe in coincidence. So they put together 'evidence' of Reader protecting them. (Reader asking why a maid was being shady. Closing the door when one purposely left it open. Or any other thing that Reader views as common sense that the Bat Family sees as directly protecting them, especially if outside cameras of the same timestamps show mobilized groups.)

(Hell, maybe the maids waited until Reader was obviously not showing up because they like her?)

I also am wondering if Bruce immediately tried to change Reader's school, or if he forgets he never enrolled her in Gotham Academy?

It'd be kinda funny for Duke or Damian's to search their school for Reader, only to realize she was never there. They just thought she had been good at hiding for years. The two question it, but don't say anything to Bruc. And then they see her as the captain of the cheer team of a rival school they're going against. Gotham Academy loses to Gotham Public and everyone goes wild.

But Duke and Damian, and anyone of the Family that came to watch with them, notice how the Football team acts towards Reader. When they try to confront Reader about it, Reader laughs at them.

Or maybe, when Bruce does try to enroll them and give Reader the Wayne name, and the Reader gets told, she rushes to get re-enrolled in her school? She scrubs the Wayne off her name and goes on like usual. Which gets her dragged in front of Bruce by Tim.

When confronted, Reader tells Bruce, "You said I earned the name Wayne. Because I showed loyalty and a willingness to protect you at all costs to myself. Correct?"

"Yes."

"Why would I want the Wayne name?"

"Excuse you?" Tim interjects incredulously.

"None of you have ever shown loyalty towards me. I haven't even been living in the Manor. Most of my stuff has been moved out since I was 11. I only come back because I hoped that I could have a family in any of you. I hate coming back. I hate staying here. I rarely ever do, unless I'm called back by Alfred for one of your parties that I'm not even allowed to show my face at. It's the one time that I don't 'sit guard' in the maid's kitchen that all of you got attacked. I could have left you to yourselves. I was tempted."

"So." Bruce leaned back in his chair, fingers digging into the arms of his seat. "Why didn't you?"

"Because, I didn't want you to die. I may not trust you. But I am loyal to you, even if it's only to the extent of caring whether you live or die. Something you've never directed towards me. Why would I take the Wayne name when you've never done anything to win my loyalty? You already know I'm loyal. But I'm not loyal to you the way I could be if I considered you family."

"You'd kill for us. You'd sacrifice your life and die for us. But you do not consider us family?"

"I didn't come to your gala to begin with because I was with people I consider family. The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb, after all. The bonds I've forged with others will always be stronger than the ones I carry out of obligation. I'm not even on your insurance. I've been getting medical care from back alley clinics or through the people who decided I was worth caring about. For now, I'm an easily disposable tool to you. As a tool, I don't want your name. It'll only cause more issues."

"Issues? What issues could you possibly have being called a Wayne?" Tim cut in again.

"A lone and very disposable Wayne, with no support system, no underlings, no money, and very little power. One would think this is you trying to get me killed or trafficked. A mutt in a den of wolves."

"Alone and disposable. That's quiet the statement, (Y/N). What makes you think that?"

"Years of me being loyal. Of trying my best. Of desperation to simply be looked at as more than a burden or the daughter of a whore, as you all love to call my mother. You have shown, time and again, that I am not worth any amount of loyalty. Why should I trust you? I know you don't you trust me. You only trust I'd die for you. Kill for you. Why would I live for you? You have never earned it."

And goes to walk out like a badass. Only to pause at the door, as Bruce and Tim are staring at her in stunned silence. "My name is (Y/N) (L/N). And until you can earn more than my loyalty, I refuse to bear yours."

Reader's face breaks from being just as stone cold as Bruce's, revealing a soft smile.

"When I first came to the Manor, I wanted to be a Wayne. Not for money or power. But because I loved my father, on the principle that that was what he was. My father. When I finally realized you'd never see me as a daughter, I stopped seeing you as anything more than a sperm donor. Earn being my father, or stop pretending you want me to have your name."

Ho is you a mind reader?

No they definitely didn't do it as a test, Bruce would never willingly put himself in a position where he's vulnerable and have his family 'rely' on Reader, even if it's just a test.

Ok so, for the maid thing, ur on the right track!! I don't wanna spoil too much so i'm not gonna say anything!!!!

Also Bruce kinda just forgot about reader going to school period, and you're so right about the WHOLE school thing!! it's like you took it right out my drafts LMAO!!!

You predicted a lot of future chapter plot points ngl but with the whole Bruce and Reader confrontation, you wrote it really good but thats more IBLD reader vibes! This reader is more scared of Bruce, she won't outright challenge or disobey him, she knows better. This version of Batfamily is darker and crueler than IBLD bc they're not heroes. Also, reader is 15, she's not gonna talk to the Godfather of the American mob like that, father or not! This was beautifully written though!! Thank you so much ily <3333