#but anyway i love the idea of damian being completely chill about his feelings because he's had years to get used to the idea

[lloydfrontera]

my ideal terminal devotion dynamic is 'one fell first but the other fell harder'. i want damian to quietly pin after rakiel for years, never saying anything because he doesn't dare to ask or even hope for it and is content with just remaining at his side for the rest of eternity. and rakiel to be completely oblivious to everything until one day he looks at damian and realizes 'oh i need to crawl into his ribcage' and being a mess about it.

damian falling in love softly and gently, one kind gesture at a time. and rakiel not really falling as much as faceplanting all at once.

[horsechestnut]

I would love details on the Reverse Robin AU idea, I always adore those. (Though I often feel they miss an opportunity by not having Duke be first. Then again I sort of have a "Either its the first four Robins being reversed, or its all of them and thus Duke is first" system. A lot depends on what swerves the story best.) Sorry for the off topic ramble and no pressure to share, but yeah it'd be cool.

One thing I am notably curious about is how you'd handle the pre death relationship between Bruce & Stephanie. Cos so much of their canon one is filtered through his grief over Jason and projection onto her which led to his awful treatment of her, which led to her desperation to please him. Without that death things would probably be a lot more chill.

Still, I could see a similar death happening if Bruce got to up his own ass with trying to play master mind and it all blowing up in his face (Which I insist would have happened with his crime control plan regardless of Stephanie.)

No apology necessary! I love off topic rambles and am prone to doing them myself (see how long this explanation ended up for reference lol).

Here's a link to a sort of fan-fic/sort of explanation I wrote earlier (Though I think you already found it). I would love to flesh it out into a full fic, but I'm not sure that will ever actually happen.

As for Steph and Bruce specifically though, I think there's still tension between them, but it comes from a different place. Spoiler is a rouge agent, a teenager with no training, no oversight, and a personal score to settle, and Bruce isn't really prepared to handle that. Damian came to him pre-trained and if Tim comes second (which I think he should since he's both before and after Steph in canon) he was doing it because he believed it was the right thing to do. Without Jason Bruce has never had to deal with anyone who's completely untrained before, and without Dick he's never had to deal with a personal grudge as motivation (except his own, and he's really not prepared to get into that), so the combination of them in Steph seems far to dangerous to have in the field. Besides, it sets a bad precedent, he can't just let any teenager start running around fighting crime or he'll have a We Are Robin situation on his hands, and he already has a Robin. I don't think it's really personal for him, it just makes logical sense for everyone if she would stop, but for some reason she won't, even after Cluemaster is dead. (She also reminds him a little to much of himself at that age, but he's not going to think about that).

On Steph's end I think things are a little more complicated. I think the indifference would both drive her insane and give her this sort of false hope. No matter what she does it never seems to be enough, but the parts of her Bruce seems to dislike are all related to Spoiler, not Stephanie, which means she can change them! But there are parts of Steph that are baked into Spoiler, which carry over to Robin in turn that she can't get rid of no matter how hard she tries. Plus there are just enough similarities between the way Batman talks to her and the way Arthur did that sometimes it activates her fight instinct when logically she knows she should just listen to him. And unfortunately Bruce doesn't respond well to being snapped at, but he also never seems to hold it against her for more than a day. So Steph just keeps running in this circle and never knows where she stands with Bruce, and in some ways it's better and in some ways it's worse, because at least with her dad she knew where she stood and could stop trying.

I don't like that answer, trust me I wish I could say things between them would be better, but personally I don't think so. Bruce might be nicer about the way he says it, but I think he'd still want Steph to stop and Steph would still think if she tries hard enough he'll realize he was wrong.

Sorry, that got away from me, but anyway, I think the concept of including Duke is interesting! I just don't really know enough about him to know how it would play out or have thoughts on how We Are Robin could happen without Robin.

[lady-literature]

A Miraculous DC Crossover

ALL RIGHT!!

I’ve been sucked into this unholy sub-fandom and I have thoughts okay? lots of them. Almost none are coherent and I don’t care. I have no plotline to write a fic but by the gods do I need to get out all my ideas.

Behold:

the Salttm

Lila, obviously. But she’s a petty nuisance at best, and an annoyingly competent akuma to fight at worst. manipulative, but not really dangerous ya feel?

Alya. which like, home girl probably doesn’t deserve but like,,, the drama??

CHLOE REDEMPTION YOU COWARDS

She and Marinette become surprisingly good friends (because I love that for both of them and you can pry it from me cold, dead hands)

Nettie-bug and Queenie

They pick on Adrien together

Mari’s friends Protection Squad That Don’t Take No Shit

Adrien

Chloe

NINO BITCH HE DESERVES MORE LOVE TBH

Alix?? Probably

Luka obvi

Felix (PV)?? Or does Marinette have enough emotionally constipated boys in her life?

(Answer: no. no she does not.)

Nath? He be a good fox tbh. creative and sneaky boi

Kagami!!! I love her

They’re all heroes because I say so.

Felix (Sparrow) is an honorary member even though he doesn’t have a miraculous

He handles PR and other background things along with Chloe

Joined up a few years back when Parisians were getting a bit too critical of the heroes

No Hawkmoth b/c fuck that guy

He existed, just not anymore. Bitch got yeeted

There’s other villains in town now. After Hawkmoth’s defeat other metas/supervillains looked at Paris and was just like, ‘free real estate?”

So now the Miraculous Team are Paris’ Actual Full-Time Hero TeamTM… yay.

Ladybug, Chat Noir, and Abielle (or like, Wasp/Yellow Jacket idk Chloe changes her name because ~identity stuff~) are the core three team. like, the wonder woman/batman/superman trio of the MTeam.

Nath is called Reynard Ambre b/c I love him

The public knows he exists but he’s never seen in battle and no pictures exist.

but there are plenty of instances where Paris knows he out mucking around because those akuma battles always get really weird.

Marinette be the guardian?

Guardian in training

Along with all the other holders b/c jesus. Give the girl a break.

Yeah. I like that Idea. All current holders are training to be guardians as well, but Mari’s going to step up as Guardian Supreme when Fu steps down.

Hero fashion!!!

The Miraculous Team is all decked out in their own merch like 24/7

Rarely is it thier own hero persona tho

Not because of like,,,, secrecy or anything. Just because they’re all nerds who love each other

Marinette is the lead producer of Miraculous Merchandise. It’s like,,, her BrandTM It was completely unintentional too

(Adrien and Chloe financially support her work tho. She designs, makes a prototype, and has her two blondes get others to replicate it)

Half of Paris is wearing her without knowing it

(Go MDC! get it girl!)

She totally makes Gotham inspired outfits because what else would she do????

Don’t get her wrong, most of Gotham’s fashion sense royally pisses her off but it’s fun and hey, supporting her fellow heroes ya know?

She wears a Robin hoodie after being officially acquainted with both Damian and Robin (separately of course)

Damian chokes on something, probably his own tongue.

It confuses Nettie. But then she thinks maybe he’s a fan too? She offers to make one for him but he steadfastly refuses much to his brothers’ amusement.

Might make a robin themed dress?? If so, she crosses paths with Robin when she does, thoroughly embarrassing her and almost sending poor Dami into a crisis.

Rogues Gallery

She makes a lot of designs off the rouges gallery because like, supporting people trying to get better??? also they’re some of the few who’s aesthetic aint shit?

She can’t make all of them because she ran out of time, so the rest get posited up on her Instagram and MDC blog (that’s run by Tikki mostly. She’s a great secretary and gets bored in Mari’s purse all the time)

Everyone is very flattered

Harley, if she ever finds it, immediately commission all pieces and wears them around Gotham don’t @ me

Daminette obvi

Marinette meets him and is just like ‘wow, you’re horrible. I want five’

Marinette, in the group chat later: so I met Kagami and Felix’s love child today

Kagami and Felix, seconds apart: I would never stoop so low

immediately after: Hey what the fuck? Rude

Nino: Nettie, dearest, sunshine, light of our collective lives and reason I breathe, what the fuck

Adrien: Kagami, my love, how could you? the Betrayal

Chloe: ew

Luka: Send pics or it didn’t happen

Nath: [insert the ‘right in front of my salad?’ meme]

Whenever they cross paths as Robin and Mari, he’ll just like,,, appear from nowhere hanging upside down spiderman style. Mari finds it endearing but she also wants him to stop scaring the shit out of her

Nicknames, because I have an unhealthy obsession with them, alright?

Misc Mari names: Bug, Bugaboo, Buginette, Madame President/Colonel (when the Team’s being cheeky), Princess, Marigold, Nettie (by like, Nino and Alix)

Jason calls her Pixie-pop

The bird boys call her Nightingale/Mockingbird in like, honor of her being a kickass civillian

Mari refers to them as ‘the flock’ (and bird-brains after getting to know them better)

Damian calls her: Starling, Habibti, ya qamar(my moon), malaki (angel), ya wardati(my flower) (b/c like, angel’s cute an all but I just think Damian’s way more dramatic than that tbh. he’d put thought into his nicknames)

Mari calls Damian: mon soleil (my sunshine) (because symmetry and also Mari thinks she’d hilarious), Birdie, petit oiseau/oisillon

I like the idea of Jagged being a native Gothamite tbh

it’s just so fun honestly???

He’s probably the reason the MTeam are in Gotham in the first place? maybe? anyway, the class is there, right? right. 

Kagami, Luka and Felix are all holding the fort down in Paris. Ain't no akumas but sometimes they need backup so when certain heroes need to disappear, Nath has Trixx set up an illusion of whichever one so they can slip away with the horse miraculous.

Mari’s the one who has to leave the most because she’s still Paris’ damage control, so like,,,,, ya know.

Mari doesn’t get left behind, at least not on the first day b/c come on people! She has plenty of friends in class watching out for her and a semi-competent teacher who does care even if she’s non-confrontational to a fault.

She does eventually become separated from the group. Half because of Lila and half because she’s always fucking late and got distracted.

She actually runs into one of the civilian batfam in the first place because the class was allowed an hour or so to wander around the shopping district or whatever to explore/buy things/get food. They just needed to return to the meetup spot at a certain time but Mari is like ten minutes away when it’s five minutes to the meetup

So she’s just… fucking booking it and completely takes out this trained vigilante without trying to.

Mari, as she’s groaning on the ground, tangled around a boy: By Kwamii, I thought my luck was supposed to be good Tikki.

That or like, the subway doors close before she can get on them and the rest of the class ends up ahead of her leaving her to get caught up on some bullshit in the next train or smth.

Oh, like. Of course it’s her train that gets held hostage. Wonderful.

(Later, Mari will rant at Tikki about her luck. A common conversation between the two tbh.)

This could be where she officially meets the Batfam as the Batfam. Or, like. A couple of em, at least.

Marinette getting serial adopted by the whole goddamn batfamily because i will die for this trope tbh i dont even care

The Robins nickname her Nightingale before they realize she’s Ladybug

They still call her that after but it’s not with the intention of making it her hero name anymore

Her and Alfred are def bros you don’t understand

Actually, Gina and Alfred are old friends. Mari totally knows Alfie before the bat fam and calls him Poppy/Pépé

which floors the batfam because what? Since when does that happen???

Alfred and Mari never, like, actually met in person before, but video chats exist and Gina def talks about the two to each other so it’s like they may as well know each other.

I also like the idea of Alfred being a former holder, probably the peacock. I would adore that

Just,,,, so many fun hero shenanigans

Yeah sure. The batfam are super detectives and have a history of figuring out people’s identities in no time at all. Whatever. Where’s the drama in that though? The showmanship?

Fuck canon, the Miraculous all have glamours because magic bitch and it plays fucking hell on the Batfam and all their shit

Every single Batfam member is simultaneously pulling their hair out because they don’t know who these heroes are???? Why can they figure them out?? Confusion???????

Miraculous team is just…. Straight up laughing at them. The poor dears.

That one gag where it’s a well-known secret that Mari has connections to every Parisian hero and is basically their own personal catering service/comfort place.

Also, it’s the worst kept secret in Paris that Mari is Multimouse

None of the MTeam have confirmed that rumour but they also don’t deny it.

they actually started the rumour. If all of Paris thinks Mari’s the mouse, a temporary hero, no one’s going to think she’s Ladybug/or that she’s an easy target to go after

chloe actually came up with that one

Mari meeting all of Damian’s ‘associates’ (ie pets)

She adores all of them and they her.

Especially GOLIATH, why isn’t he talked about more honestly???? He’s GREAT

She meets Goliath as Ladybug and Robin is just… so done with him??? You are supposed to be a fearsome beast and a professional why are you rolling over and expoSING YOUR STOMACH??? Meanwhile, Ladybug is just: Awww! Who’s a good boy? Who’s the best boy? You are! Look at how handsome you are! Cute widdle baby-

Miraculous Team hanging on the roof of their hotel kinda chilling

Maybe having a debate about doing some free-running/parkour?

Also maybe about whether or not they should be heroes while in Gotham

MT being like, why can’t we go and stop an armed robbery? we can help!

“Gotham already has very active heroes-”

“Vigilantes!”

“-whatever. I don’t want us stepping on any toes. This isn’t our terf and Batman’s known for being strict about Metas rolling around here.”

“We aren’t Metas though.”

“I don’t think he’ll enjoy splitting that particular hair, Nino. Just- not unless lives are at stake, okay? Emergencies only.”

“Yes, Colonel Ladybug.”

This debate most def gets crashed by batfam and confusion ensues upon both sides

batfam didn’t hear anything, they’re just really confused about these french kids hanging out on a roof in Gotham

Just.... yes. all of that. I have like, more but those are not organized or even remotely coherent. here you go! I might write for this but I already have other fics rn so... it wouldn’t be for a while. and as I said, I have no plot.

take this though, i guess. *throws confetti*

[awhitehead17]

jason and dick bonding as siblings ,

I had this idea and ran with it, then it accidentally derailed and here we are. I had fun writing this and I hope you like it. Please enjoy Dick and Jason bonding because their chaotic younger brothers are too much to handle! 

The unexpected sound makes Dick startle. He looks around for a moment in confusion before it clicks to what the sound is and where it’s coming from. Getting up from the couch Dick glances at the clock and frowns, why would someone be knocking on his door at 11 at night?

Dick sighs as he makes his way to his apartment’s front door, where the rapid knocking was coming from and opens it up. He’s surprised to find Jason standing there with his fist raised to continue knocking, a scowl plastered on his face, wearing civvies and a plastic bag hanging from his other hand.

“Jason?”

Jason looks up and rolls his eyes. Without an invitation he barges past Dick and wonders into his apartment. “About time Goldie! I thought I would be out there all night by the time you answered.”

Dick stares at his brother trying to work out what’s going on. Coming up short with answers, he simply shuts the door and follows Jason into his living room. Dick silently watches as his younger brother makes himself at home as he settles onto the couch (where he had been sat previously), and as he empties the plastic bag’s contents out on the coffee table in front of him.

Beer and takeaway boxes now cover the table surface. Dick raises an eyebrow in question, when Jason finally spots his look he gives Dick an innocent shrug. “What? I was in the neighbourhood, I wanted food and a beer and thought why don’t I go see my wonderful big brother who lives nearby?”

Shaking his head in disbelief Dick doesn’t say anything as he goes to the kitchen to grab some cutlery for them to use. When he returns to the living room he settles down next to Jason, he trades a knife and fork for a takeaway box when Jason holds it out. He couldn’t help but hum appreciatively when he opens it and finds Chinese food.

After a moment of silent eating and drinking Dick turns to Jason. “Okay so that was your bullshit excuse. What’s the real reason why you’re here. No one has died have they?”

“Unless you count my dignity then no. No one has died. The kids were being brats so I left the Manor to get away for a bit.”

Dick pauses at Jason’s explanation for his unexpected appearance. “So in order to avoid your younger brother’s you’ve driven to a completely different city and decided to visit your older brother?”

Jason shoots him a grin. “Exactly! You’re one of the last people they would think that I would hide with so I’m currently safe from them hunting me down.”

Dick blinks. “Not that I’m complaining about your presence Jay, but why? Though the food is appreciated, so thanks.”

“Well, like I said they’re being brats and I wanted to get away. Bruce is off on some conference in Tokyo or something. Damian keeps pestering me to show him more violent moves, like League of Assassin stuff. I refused to teach him anything which resulted in him becoming more annoying and even more bratty. Tim is constantly getting on my back about cases and reports, like does that kid ever take a break? Jesus. Oh and not only that but he asked me for advice Dick! Advice. No one comes to me for advice!”

Dick continues to blink at his brother. Trying to work out what he should address first. He wants to laugh because it’s hilarious thinking that their younger brothers have annoyed Jason enough for him to leave the city to get away from them. On the other hand he feels like he should be concerned about them all. He wonders how they survive without him there meditating between them.

Instead of speaking Dick shoves a fork full of food into his mouth and chews as he thinks it over. Next to him Jason huffs and takes a sip of his beer. It’s strange, he thinks to himself, who would have thought he and Jason would just be chilling in his apartment eating and drinking while they talk about their younger siblings. Or the fact that Jason had decided to come and visit him in the first place.

Eventually Dick asks, “So what advice did Tim want? You seem more distraught over that than sparring with Damian.”

Jason swallows before answering. “Well if I sparred with the gremlin Bruce would have my head. We’re already on a thin line and believe it or not I’d rather not do anything to destroy that.”

Dick hums knowingly in response, he knows that Jason is slowly integrating himself back into the family. There’s still a rather lot of tension between him and Bruce but from what Dick’s witnessed, it’s slowly improving.

“As for the baby bird well…” Jason trails off before turning to look at Dick with an almost fearful look, “well he wanted sex advice dude. Sex! Like what the hell!”

Upon hearing that Dick ends up chocking on his food. The unexpended answer making gasp in shock but burst out laughing at the same time. He dumps his container on the coffee table and coughs into his arm until he gets control of himself before turning back to Jason.

“What? Tim went to you for sex advice, why?”

Jason throws his hands out in disbelief. “I don’t know! I couldn’t work out if it was a prank or not but he was genuinely being serious.”

“Did he say why he went to you? What did he ask?”

“He told me that he approached me because I wouldn’t dance around the bush with answers, or so he thought.”

Dick couldn’t help the laugh that escapes his lips. Just the image of Tim asking Jason for sex advice is too amusing. He wonders which one of them blushed more or who happened to be more embarrassed.

“What did he want advice on?” Dick asks again, genuinely curious to find out what Tim wanted to know. “Did you come here to avoid talking about sex with our teenage hormonal younger brother?”

“I’ve come here to save my sanity that’s why. I’m not telling you what he asked, it’s too traumatizing to repeat. In response to his questions I told him to approach you, but obviously he hasn’t yet or else you wouldn’t be as curious as you are asshole.”

“Why me?”

Jason shoots him a look like he’s being stupid. “Because between us you’re the womanizer, not me.”

Dick snorts as he grabs a beer and leans back into the couch, taking a sip of the drink as he does. “Like you haven’t been laid plenty of times before.”

“Still not as often as you dickhead. Anyway, expect a call from him soon or something. Why couldn’t the kid just ask Google or some shit, isn’t that what they do these days.”

“You sound like a grandad speaking like that. You’re part of the same generation Jace.”

Jason raises his eyebrows and points his drink in Dick’s direction as if making a point. “Ah you see, being dead for a couple years changes that.”

Dick shoots his brother an unimpressed look at the mention of his death. Jason just couldn’t go one night without bringing it up or making a joke about it. He chooses to not comment on it, instead saying, “I’ll go buy some condoms and lube and put it in a gift box for him in preparation then. I’m sure that’ll help.”

That comment makes Jason bark out a laugh which Dick soon joins in with.

“Oh I bet he’ll love that.” Jason says grinning after a moment.

It was then that Dick notices all of the food has now been consumed and most of the beer has been drunk. He glances at his brother. “What are you doing for the night? Do you want to stay here because the guest room is free if you want it.”

Jason pauses and frowns, Dick has the feeling that he hadn’t actually thought about that at all in his haste to arrive at his apartment. There’s a moment of silence between them and Dick is picking up on Jason’s hesitance for the first time that night.

Not wanting to make his brother uncomfortable Dick insists, “take the room for the night then in the morning we can go for breakfast if you want. There’s a 24hr place down the road that serves a fantastic fry up.”

As if food is the deciding factor, Jason nods and sends him a small smile. “Sounds good.”

Dick climbs up to his feet and starts gathering up the rubbish. “Okay, so go ahead and use the bathroom, there’s spare wash gear underneath the sink, and go to bed. I’ll clean this up and then see you in the morning.”

He pins Jason with a pointed look when his brothers goes to argue. After that Jason bids him a goodnight and retreats to the spare bedroom. Dick sighs and begins clearing everything up.

He certainly hadn’t been expecting that this evening, though it certainly wasn’t unwelcome. Their relationship had always been rocky but since Jason is slowly getting involved with the family again, Dick has to admit he’s really liking the way their relationship has progressed. They still have a long way to go but with how well that night went he thinks everything will be okay.

[dessarious]

Misconceptions, Miscommunication, and Misinformation Pt77

Inspired by @ozmav Maribat AU

AO3   Beginning   Previous   Next

Damian spent the next day with Marinette at the hotel. Chloe and Luka both had school and Mari needed someone to keep her calm before the meeting with the Justice League. Not to mention Damian did not want to be stuck in the apartment with Drake. When Hawkmoth was unmasked it created a lot of ripples that everyone was still reeling from. Françoise Dupont was one more casualty. Between the ongoing investigation that was happening because of what happened to Marinette and the fact that Hawkmoth’s son went there the school was shut down until they found new staff at the very least. Since Damian hadn’t transferred yet he was off until it went through.

“So how’s your family taking the announcement?” He figured she’d ask eventually but it had taken her three hours so he’d give her points for restraint.

“The same way they take everything. It’s just one more thing for them to make fun of and overanalyze.” He saw her expression go hard and when she spoke there was a dangerous edge to her voice.

“They’re making fun of your sexuality?” He actually shivered at her tone. This was why Batman himself was terrified of this tiny girl.

“No. More making jokes about me having a significant other at all. Apparently they all decided that if I was ever to show interest in someone it would definitely not be reciprocated. At the moment they seem to be debating whether I’m making the whole thing up or holding my boyfriend’s family hostage to get dates.” It was their usual nonsense and he was used to it. Marinette however looked ready to transform and go back to Gotham to ‘talk’ to them.

“You should tell them that’s not okay. You shouldn’t be so worried about dealing with them that you’re afraid of living your life.” Damian just scowled at her in annoyance.

“I’m not afraid of those idiots.” She rolled her eyes and sighed.

“I didn’t say you were. But how many times do you decide to not do something because you don’t want to deal with the fallout? How often do you debate whether it’s worth it to do something that actually makes you happy because you think they’ll give you shit for it? They need to know that’s not okay. You should be able to live your life without being concerned about what they’ll say or do.” That made sense, to a point anyway. When he really considered it he realized she was right. It never would have occurred to him to ask to go to an arts school because he didn’t want to listen to their comments. At the same time, it was how they acted with everyone in the family.

“They don’t just do it to me you know. They constantly harass each other just as much. I could just ignore it and not let it control my actions.” He hadn’t realized how much it did control his actions if he was being honest. That was one of the many things he’d learned about himself because of his friendship with Marinette. Not that he’d ever tell her that.

“That doesn’t make it alright. Just because they don’t discriminate in their stupidity doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be called out on it. Just like when I call you out for being an asshole.” He gave her a flat look but she just smiled at him. It was becoming harder to keep a straight face around her and he couldn’t decide if that was a good or bad thing.

“Any idea what you’re going to say to the Justice League?” All else fails, redirect the conversation. Marinette grimaced at the question before blowing out an annoyed breath.

“I assume that Superman is going to start before I can get a word in edgewise so having an actual speech planned out is pointless. There’s only a few things I want to make clear. First that the ban to travel to Paris will be lifted at the end of the week in case of ‘loose ends’. Mainly I just want them to stew about the fact that they can’t do whatever they please.” Damian let out a snort of laughter at that. Given the way they’d all tried to descend on Paris the moment Hawkmoth’s capture hit the news he understood why she was doing it. They didn’t wait to confirm she had in fact caught the real villain and could have just been putting Paris at risk. “Second, that they still have absolutely no authority over the Miraculous themselves. Having Wonder Woman’s backing should help with that but I wouldn’t be surprised if one or more of them try to tell me to give them the Miraculous. And third, if any of them think tracking us down to take them is a good idea they’ll get the full force of the wrath the Kwami are capable of. Given that Plagg destroyed the dinosaurs in an ‘oops’ moment they should probably be worried about what he can do when angered.”

“As much as I would like to believe words will work, you may have to do another demonstration.” Marinette just nodded at him. She knew as well as he did that this wasn’t going to be easy. It was highly probable that they’d spend the next six months or so showing various members of the League that they needed to back off. Yet another reason for him to stay in Paris. Damian still didn’t understand why Marinette didn’t just ask him for the civilian identities of the heroes so she could deal with them herself. “Did you figure out which wheelchair you want to get? My father said he’d pay the difference if you need something out of your price range.”

“That’s a kind offer but I’m not struggling for money. My business has actually gotten even better since the fashion show. I might actually have to hire some people to make the clothing so I can concentrate on design if I don’t want to start turning people away. I’m also getting a lot of interest from clothing manufacturers about designing discount clothing to market to a broad audience. Honestly just doing one of those would likely have me set for life. I’m just glad I’m at the point where this won’t completely destroy my parents financially. While it’s nice to know they love me enough to sell the bakery and move somewhere that’s accessible to me I would never want them to have to.”

“Well if you need tips or names of people to help with that, Drake would be a good source. I know that you have Jagged stone but global manufacturing is different from music in a lot of ways. Wayne Enterprises deals with a lot more of the problems you’re likely to see.” She nodded thoughtfully before offering him a bright smile.

“Thanks, I might just do that. It’ll be helpful to talk to someone who knows the ins and outs of things. I was actually going to ask you since I have a feeling you know a lot more about your father’s business than you let on.” Damian just blinked at her for a moment before giving out a sigh and pulled out his phone to send her a list he’d put together. It was names and numbers of people in the company who could help her along with various laws, specifically intellectual copyright laws, and some other things to do with business. She just gave him another bright smile before she started drawing in her sketchbook again. He really wished he could figure out how she did that.

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[amnachil]

The College Society Chapter 4 Part 4

Okay I’m slow... Had a lot of things to do.

Anyway, the next part is here!

Also, I’ll no post any uptade for To the Perfection for a while, because I realised the timeline is already in april there, while we’re still in March in the College Society. The two story taking place the same year, I’ll wait a bit to make them even.

Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey Monday March 25

The junior knew he wasn't someone calm. Some people would call him cantakerous. That was because they never met him when he was mad. Totally, literally, completely mad. How come Nancy had found nothing about the abject pitiful rug rag of a bitch who dared to defy him ? Archie had stopped three hunters who tried to catch the baboon. Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey had managed to restrain four others. Well, that wasn't the worst. No, something had made him going bersek. He thought he had lost his mind. When he had called Zack, this smart boy told him the solution was obvious. He just had to reveal he was seriously dating the baboon. Me ?! Revealing to the whole community I'm dating someone for real ?! Admit I'm becoming a satisfied hunter ?! There's no way it'll happen ! I would rather go in hell than admit I lost to Liam. Because yeah, the truth was, he tried to hunt the baboon and got caught by him. He had fallen in love instead of made Liam fell in love. This is my total disgrace. Anyway that won't stop the hunters. Only sex could but he respected Liam to much to do something now. And his mother who decided to warn his father ! It was a matter of days before the old fart would show up in person to yell at him or call until he answer. But there is no way I let him endanger my relationship with the baboon. Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey would protect his boyfriend. God be his witness, nobody would put an hand on him.

When he arrived in the student union office, he was still beyond angry. He slammed the door and looked at the people gathered for the occasion. The council of the community, with all the best and oldest hunters. Archie was easily noticeable, not only because he was tall, but he gave off some strong sexual vibes. He had his feet on the table, wore a tank top despite the cold and sported a grin which said everything about him. Next to him was Theo, smug smile like frozen on his face. Then, there were Gabriel and Matthew. The first was busy putting some lipstick, which obviously made some other stare with envy. The second looked really happy to be there. Well, it was his first time in such a meeting for high member of the community. He was replacing Sophia, who was... unavaible for a unknown period of time. Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey looked at Lucy. She was acting all hight and mighty, this braindead whore. Sat very close to her was Miranda. Another slut, who hide pretty well her game until now. Samy was already bored to be there. She had her eyes closed and was sighing from time to time. Lastly, this asshole Jolenne smirked when he looked at her. She was so full of herself, acting like if she owned the place. Summer had done quite a good job reuninting all of them, even if she wasn't invited herself. Only one dude missing. Not so bad.

"People." he said. "I won't say I'm happy to see you because I'm not."

He sat on his place. Now he had their attention.

"I'll be straightfoward : is someone here the idiotic wretched foolish jerk who put a price on my prey's head ?"

Jolenne chuckled.

"We don't have to answer to you." she claimed. "You being the best hunter doesn't mean you can boss us around. Well, I'm not even sure we can continue to consider you the best ?"

"You weren't so cocky when you were begging for my dick bitch." he retorted.

"Oh c'mon." intervened Miranda. "This vulgar attitude of yours doesn't scare us anymore. We know you too well."

Yeah we bonded when you sucked my cock jackass. He knew this assembly wouldn't be easy. They were so arrogant.

"You grew some balls." he ironically congratuled. "But don't think for an instant we're all here on the same foot. Most of you are excuses of hunters. Look, this is a friendly advice : do not defy me."

"I won't." stated Theo.

It made the girls laugh loudly.

"Sure you won't." exclaimed Jolenne. "You already failed miserably because you're lame Theophile."

"Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey and you lost this hunt ages ago." added Miranda. "I mean, what is your strategy your Highness ? Playing friend with the prey ? Doesn't seem to work bro'."

"Maybe he isn't interested in boys at all ?" laughed Lucy.

They're... I don't know. I can't find a proper word to qualifiy such pathetic weaklings.

"Anyway, we don't have to listen to you right ?" interrupted Matthew. "I mean, it's D.R who controls the hunters isn't it ? So we can all hunt the prey and get the money since the bounty hadn't been forbidden."

"Newbie please." sighed Gabriel. "And you girls, listen to yourselves. If Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey himself failed to catch the prey, what makes you so sure you'll succeed ?"

I didn't fail ! I'm his fuckin' boyfriend ! The junior took a deep breath. They were getting on his nerves already.

"The noob is right." suddenly intervened Samy. "The 5000$ bounty is valid. As long as the hunters respect the rules of the community, they can hunt the prey. He's not Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey's exclusive prey. Of course, this is unprecedented but as long as D.R doesn't put an end to this, we are all in the game."

So she wanted to hunt the baboon too ? What a bunch of retards.

"You heard that fallen king ?" laughed Jolenne. "You know what ? You should prostitute yourself. With your skills, I'm sure you'll earn more than 5000$ in no time and..."

"Shut the fuck up." grunted Archie sharply. "You're getting on my nerves."

His tone was autoritarian and they all went quiet. He glared at her with so much anger, she shivered. Yeah, that's my heir for you bitch ! Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey took advantage of the sudden silence to talk.

"Listen you morons. I don't care what you think or what you want. This prey is mine to begin with. I'll find the stupid idiot who think he can defy me like this. And I'll destroy him. And every single hunter who try to steal my prey will face the same fate."

"Still, D.R didn't say anything yet." insisted Samy. "You can scare us as much as you want but in the end, she decides."

"If you have a death wish bitchy dickhead, that's your problem. D.R won't protect you all from my anger, count on me for that."

He left after these threatening yet satisfying words.

Because of this meeting, he arrived late and frankly pissed to his date with the baboon. It didn't take long before this one noticed something wasn't right.

"Hey Dami, is everything okay ?" he asked. "You look worried..."

The Dean's grandson grunted. He just had too much on his mind to truly enjoy the moment. All these fucking hunters, his damned family and Zack's stupid suggestion... Even sex couldn't distract him well. (He had tried very hard).

"Is it because of me ?" whispered his boyfriend.

"What ? How the hell did you come with such an absurd idea ?"

The baboon looked away. Oh c'mon.

"I know I'm not very good at listening and seeing things..." mumbled Liam. "You're pissed because I don't give you enough attention right ?"

"Baboon please." sighed Damian Nicholas Smith Carrey. "It's true you're a daydreamer but seriously, I prefer you like this than clingy."

Without even noticing, the junior grabbed his boyfriend's arm and put it around him. He huddled on his soft yet firm side.

"I just have a lot of things in my mind." he confessed. "But I'm always feeling better when I'm with you. I swear."

The younger lad smiled, seemingly reassured. Damnit. He's cuter each day. I live for these fuckin' sweet moments. How pathetic. It was weird, but all his anger had faded away. He was indeed feeling better with his baboon around.

Liam Tuesday March 26

The loud music made him cringe. When Colton had invited him to this party, Liam had agreed without thinking. But now, he was regretting. There were a lot of people. The bright light reminded him of a beacon. Since Nate wasn't here, the chestnut lad stayed in a corner with Nick. (His bestfriend was usually the leader in parties.). (But for now, he was with Archibald.). His roommate was busy playing at his gameboy. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Dami had strongly forbidden him to dance ever again since the red panda incident. He was considering leaving when Rebecca came to him.

"Hey Liam." she greeted. "Want a drink ?"

"No thanks." he smiled.

He didn't want to let drunk Liam take control. It would be a disaster. The runner girl smirked.

"Would you like to come with me and my friends ? You must be pretty bored here with Nick..."

His roommate utterly ignored them. I just want to go to sleep. He was about to decline when he saw her. The witch was all smiles, standing next to the exit. Damn. She's very persistent. What was her plan this time ? (Liam was a courageous young man but... The witch looked very scary !). (Nobody would be chilled facing someone like her !). He had to save time until a hero like Dami came. I'll text him once I'm safe.

"Okay Rebbie, I'm coming." he replied consequently.

She led him to her bedroom. Much to his surprise, there was a man half naked laying onto her bed. Another girl was sat next to him, and she smiled to the newcomers.

"Hi there."

I have a strange feeling about that... Liam smiled, a bit confused by the situation. Rebecca offered him a fragrant donut.

"Let's talk between friends." she said. "Please, relax Liam."

The young man did as told, especially because the donut made his mouth salivate. He ate it pretty fast and she gave him another. They're luscious ! They taste like Ms. Liliano's goods.

"I was sure you would like them." the man said.

Only now, Liam recognised him : it was Matthew, another swimmer. The chestnut lad felt reassured. His teammate wasn't someone bad, right ?

"They remind me of home." he confessed while chewing a third.

The girls chuckled. Next to them, Rebecca talked for a sec with Barbara. Then, she closed the door, apparently because it was too noisy. Liam was pretty sure she asked the petite blonde to stand guard outside, but he could have hallucinated. (Because he was sometimes seeing weird things...) (But the unicorns were real, even if you think otherwise !).

"Here." wispered Matthew.

He offered a umpteenth donut to Liam, who gladly took it. He loved the sugary but fruity flavor. The firmness was mushy and sweet. Suddenly, the sophomore put an hand on his belly. It made the chestnut lad jump a bit, but Rebecca attracted his attention with another donut. (Liam wasn't a total naive but it wasn't the first time someone wanted to touch his tummy either.) (Some people were just touchy-feely right ?). It continued for a little while, before the hands found his way to a lower area. Uh... I can tolerate some hug from friends but we are going a little too intimate here. The freshman stood up.

"I'm sorry." he said. "But I don't want to do... this kind of things."

Liam left before they could argue his decision. (But he took the donut's boxes with him !).

He managed to avoid the witch and get out. When he arrived in his flat, he bumped into Nate. His bestfriend was in their shared bedroom, reading a book. When he noticed Liam's package, he raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Donuts ?" offered the chestnut lad while he sat down close to his soulmate. "I hum... stole them from the party next door."

"No thanks. What did you left so early anyway ? Even Nick is still there."

Liam opened a box and licked his lips in advance. He already felt slightly bloated, but it won't stop him now.

"Well, Rebecca and her weirds friends tried to... you know, sleep with me ? At least I think..."

It made Nate tremble. He winced and took several deep breath.

"I guess it's no surprise." he managed to mutter. "You're offcially available and hot..."

The freshman frowned. He swallowed his donut and looked at his bestfriend. This one was shivering. Something was weird. He seems... terrified.

"You refused their advances right ?" he asked. "I mean, you won't let a nobody have sex with you without your consent ?"

"Of course not ! I want to sleep with Dami at some point but... eerh that's very embarrassing."

Liam wasn't virgin. Kilian and him had already done it. (And to be honest, his first time was with a girl). But for now, he didn't feel ready for it. He wanted to know his boyfriend better before entrusting him with his body. (He was already really happy to see how clingy Dami was when they were together. His hero of a boyfriend was always initiating contact !).

"I think Dami is very attractive." he whispered. "And I'm sure he's very talented since he has... experience. But I won't let him do anything before I'm trusting him fully. And myself too."

Nate nodded. This statement seemed to calm him a bit.

"So you'll never seek sex only for fun ? And follow what people say about it without giving it a second thought ?" he asked. "You'll never let them chose for... "

His words got stuck in his throat. Nate sobbed suddenly. Liam forgot about the donuts and hugged his bestfriend.

"I'll always be prudent." he assured.

It's like reawakening bad memories... Does it had a connection with what happened this eventful night ? Liam didn't want to draw any hasty conclusion but... I don't like this. I don't like this at all...

Nicolas Friday March 29

< Imagenius : Sorry I'm late !! >

< TheSavior : hurry we don't have much time before i n2g for my lesson >

< Abeautifulwomen : i bet it's your hunter stuff again ? Shame >

< Imagenius : Maybe you won't believe me but i fucked and became a hunter dude ! So yeah i was with my friend who showed me the rules of the community cuz they're not some barbaric heartless hunters lol >

< TheSavior : can we focus on the game ? >

< Abeautifulwomen : wait wait chief ! So Ima, you made it in the hunters lol ! You know things abut this big hunt you were talkin' ? >

< Imagenius : nothg yet :/ my friend said i shuld wait a little before going for it. Apparently, he know what he's talkin' abut becuz he's kinda famous lol. For now, i have to learn D.R's rules >

< Abeautifulwomen : wait. What ? You're in the same college than D.R ? >

< Imagenius : you know it ? My friend didn't explain shit abut it >

< Abeautifulwomen : not it dumbass but she. She's famous btw. And idk her personally but my boss friend does. He's in the same college than you lol. >

< Imagenius : wow talk abut coincidence ! So your boss friend is a hunter too ? >

< Abeautifulwomen : obviously duh. Ima hey seriously can I give you piece of advice ? >

< Imagenius : what ? >

< Abeautifulwomen : just don't go for the special hunt. This is not worth it. >

< Imagenius : you kiddin right ? My friend told me it was very big i dont want to miss my chance lol. It's just abut having sex with someone who apparently is playin' hard to get lol >

< Abeautifulwomen : becuz we're friend i will tell it another time : don't go for it bro. It'll only bring troubles trust me >

< Imagenius : wait a second... you know what is the special hunt don't you ? Tell me lol ! >

< Abeautifulwomen : no. Just listen to me okay Ima ?!?! >

< Imagenius : that's not funny at all ! Why you don't tell me !! >

< TheSavior : Guys im losin' patience here... get your ass on the game or i swear i'm gonna yell >

< Abeautifulwomen : right away sir ! >

< Imagenius : Coming ! But Beauty, don't think this conversation is over ! >

Nick was almost at the pool when he encountered Pete. It had been a long time they havn't met. The law student hadn't changed much. I wonder why he left the swimming club... Well, it probably had something to do with Theo.

"Wow Nick I almost didn't recognise you !" said the blond lad.  "You're... somewhat fatter than before."

You must be kiddin' me ? I mean, Pete is fat. The economic student sucked as he could in his gut. Sure he had gained weight, but not enough to be teased by fatties right ?

"Oh don't get it the wrong way." laughed Pete. "Someone who doesn't do any sport like you, it's pretty normal you gain some weight."

"Are you sayin' I'm lazy ?"

"What ? That's not what I... oh and fuck it... well yeah. You got the paunch to prove it man. Maybe lay off the beer for a while ?"

Nick decided to not answer. They are all annoying today. Even his virtual friends ! He just went inside the pool to join Colton. At least his friend would never judge him for anything !

To be continued

Finally we met them all, the famous and dangerous hunters... All going for Liam’s ass. The big hunt... even Nick’s virtual friend are in this. If only we knew who they were!

On another note, I didn’t know if the trigger warning was relevant for now. Nate didn’t say anything, even if it’s kind of implied. He needs help, and he will get it. 

[unavenged-robin]

For thine is the kingdom

The first time Damian wears the Nightwing uniform he’s eighteen, the same age Dick was when he decided that Robin was his past and not his future anymore.

Or, his children are growing up, and Dick's having a hard time accepting it. 

The basic idea for this AU is pretty much the original Morrison run with the addition of Dick and Kory being married and already having Mar’i when Damian came along in the picture. So when Bruce “died” and Dick replaced him as Batman, he and Kory just officially adopted Damian and raised him as their own, thank you very much. 

Two big inspirations I have to credit: Kingdom Come (...duh, I know, but I’ve recently reread it and god, I love it) and dar-draws amazing Dickkory+Damian&Mar’i fanarts

Written for Batfam Week, Day 5: Legacy

Read on AO3

The first time Damian wears the Nightwing uniform he’s eighteen, the same age Dick was when he decided that Robin was his past and not his future anymore. Dick tries not to make dangerous equations about the two of them and just pushes the thought aside. Damian’s not going through an identity crisis, he’s just filling in for a night per Dick’s own request.

Tonight he’s supposed to meet with one of his lead regarding a big case GCPD’s been working on for a year now, but a long and less than thrilling chase through the sewers has left him with a sprained ankle, and his source will not talk to anyone else but Nightwing. Damian found it funny and accepted right away to replace him, if only to spend the night teasing him about how old and slow Dick’s getting (and Dick swats him around the head and laughs with him at every joke, but deep down he does wonder. Five years ago, this wouldn’t have happened at all, and even if it had happen, it wouldn’t have prevented him from doing his job anyway.)

Now he sits on the couch in the sweatpants he uses as pyjamas, fidgeting with his crutch and waiting for Damian to step out his bedroom. He has already a joke on the tip of his tongue about Damian’s ass not being up to the part, but before the kid finishes changing, the front door opens with a bang and Mar’i comes running in the living room with a grin spreading all over her face.

“Is he still here?”, she asks Dick, then she makes her way into Damian’s room without waiting for the answer. “Damian! I want to see!”

“What- Get out!”, Damian shouts back. “Dick!”

“Oh c’mon, don’t be a prude!”, Mar’i teases him, and Dick can’t see them, but he hears the beginning of a scuffle and sighs.

“Mar’i, let him change in peace!”, Dick calls out after his daughter, but he’s kind of smiling at Damian’s outraged protests and Mar’i delighted laughs. Also, he has no intention of getting up for now, so they better sort it out on their own.

He hears the front door closing, and waits for Kory to join him on the couch. She promptly curls at his side, long legs tucked beneath her, and then she leans forwards to kiss him on the cheek to greet him.

“Big night, mh?”, she asks with a smile, mouth still so very close to his face, and Dick only needs to turn his head around to meet soft, warm lips, and kiss her again.

“It’s actually pretty chill”, he answers, smiling back at her. “Just a contact exchange with an old informer of mine, and then a follow-up with the police. Knowing Damian’s love for chit-chatting, it’s gonna be over in less than a hour.”

Kory hums and gives him an almost condescending look, the one that after years of marriage Dick’s learned to translate as a “I know you’re trying to be cute but it’s so not working, honey”.

“Not for him”, she points out for good measure. “For you.”

“Oh, c’mon”, Dick winces, sounding peculiarly just like his daughter. “Don’t make me feel even more like an old man.”

Kory smiles and cups his face with her hands.

“But I love my old man.”

“No honey, you see, you should’ve said something like but Dick, you are still young and awesome and as good looking as the day I meet you for the first time!”

“That’s not how my voice sounds like”, Kory laughs. “And you are still good looking, even if you now have grey hair.”

“I do not have grey hair”, Dick objects immediately. “I told you, it’s just the light’s reflection giving that impression.”

A loud giggle and an explosion of muffled hisses attract their attention and they both turn their heads towards the still half closed door.

“Kids, is everything alright?”, Kory asks.

“Mom, you’re going to have a heart-attack!”, Mar’i yells back, giggling again. “He just looks so much like Dad!”

“Why would that give her a heart-attack?”, Damian protests loudly. “She knows what I look like!”

“Yeah but look at that!”, a slap sound and another giggle follow the exclamation and Dick, strong from his fifteen years of experience in parenting, immediately recognizes the pattern of an imminent fight.

“Why don’t you both come out and let me decide if this is worth a cardiac arrest or not?”, Kory interjects, probably having detected the same threat.

Damian mutters about the ridiculousness of this whole thing and something else that sounds suspiciously like a “why does everything turn into a circus in this family”, but Mar’i, as usual, pays him no mind.

“Here we come! Be ready!”, she shouts cheerfully, and Damian’s sigh is more than audible even from the living room.

Dick and Kory obligingly stand up in all the seriousness they can muster as the door of Damian’s bedroom opens wide with another loud bang - and that reminds Dick that sooner or later he’ll need to have a little chat with Mar’i about this thing she has for flaring entrances and banging doors (something he’s been unjustly accused to have passed on her several times, by the way).

Mar’i steps out first, and with a pirouette that would make her aunt Cass very proud, she turns back and opens her arms to introduce the new Nightwing for the night.

“Ta-da!”

Damian gives her his best homicidal glare as he follows her into the living room.

“Stop embarrassing yourself, Mar’i”, he grumbles, crossing his arms on his chest, but by the soft brushes of pink on his cheeks, it’s not Mar’i the one being embarrassed by her stunts.

“Oh, sweetheart”, Kory literally cooes, once she gets a look at him. “You look so good!”

Damian’s blush intensifies visibly and he doesn’t even reproach her for the pet name. He does, however, turn towards Dick, obviously waiting for his opinion on the matter at hand. Dick, for his part, just stares at him for a long moment.

It’s one of his old costumes, the black and blue one with the fingerstrips, and Damian dons it pretty well, he has to admit. He’s still leaner than Dick was, but the muscles are all there, and the body suit was easy to adapt. He automatically reaches out to take both of Damian’s hands in his own, so to quickly inspect the gauntlets and their fully loaded compartments, checking all the basic equipment even if he already knows everything is going to be in order.

Damian stays unusually quiet and doesn’t protest the treatment (very much unlike his younger version when they were at the beginning of their run as the new Batman and Robin, Dick muses) and even Kory and Mar’i don’t interrupt the sudden weird gravity of the moment.

Once he’s finished with the gauntlets, Dick grabs Damian’s shoulder and gently spins him around to get a look at the eskrima clubs and their poaches, making sure the springs are working correctly. Satisfied by his inspection, Dick smiles and gives Damian a swift slap on the ass, making him jump forwards.

“Lookin’ all good here, ‘Wing”, he laughs, and so do the girls.

Damian turns around and punches him lightly in the middle of his chest, but he’s smiling too.

“Tt. Obviously”, he replies.

“Doesn’t he look just like Dad when he was young?”, Mar’i repeats, still obviously amazed by the resemblance.

“Hey!”, Dick protests, not-so-slightly offended. “I’m still young, thank you very much!”

“Oh no”, Kory answers at the same time, completely ignoring him, one hand now brushing Damian’s cheek. “He’s a lot more handsome than Dick ever was. If at that time I had to choose between the two of you, I would definitely choose you, Damian.”

“Hey!”, Dick shouts again.

“...Mom! Ew!”, Damian and Mar’i shout at the same time, and Kory laughs.

“Just being honest here.”

“Oh my god!”, Mar’i screams. “I just had an amazing idea!”

“I understand the excitement for such an uncommon occurrence”, Damian complains. “But can you stop screaming into my eardrum?”

Mar’i ignores him altogether and just smiles at all of them.

“Wait here.”

“I think it’s almost time to go, actually”, Damian says, looking at the clock hanging on the opposite wall.

“Oh nonononono, please wait. Wait here a moment”, Mar’i repeats, and she quickly disappears into her parents’ bedroom.

“Well, I guess we’ll wait then”, Dick decides, raising an eyebrow. “You need any help with the mask?”

Damian shrugs in that way that means not really, but he does hold out the domino mask when Dick makes grabby hands for it, and doesn’t complain when Dick starts to spread the glue on the edges.

“You’ll have to smile a lot, you know?”, Dick says colloquially while he works.

“I don’t really see why.”

“Because that’s Nightwing’s character. He’s a funny guy.”

Damian snorts.

“He only thinks he’s funny.”

“Smartass”, Dick replies while gesturing for him to stand still.

Damian’s hair is getting long, he notices, and remembers that both Bruce and Alfred keep grumbling about it. Usually Damian just shakes his head at them, ready to point at Dick and Tim anytime the issue is brought up out loud - there even was a really funny moment when Bruce tried to objected to that with a “maybe you should take example from Jason instead”, and everybody just looked at him for a solid thirty seconds before starting with the mockeries. To this day, Bruce is still paying for it.

Focussing back on his task, Dick carefully sweeps Damian’s long hair out of his eyes with one hand and fixes up the domino with the other, pushing his fingers along the hems to make sure of their adherence to the skin. He’s perfectly aware of Damian’s mindful gaze never leaving his face, but he doesn’t comment on it. Damian’s being more than compliant all night and he has no intention of looking a gift horse in the mouth.

When he steps back to admire the finished work, Dick’s almost taken aback by the multitude of feelings tightening his chest. Pride and worry, love and regret, hoping to be doing the right thing and wondering what the right thing really is, if there is even a right thing at all.

He also wonders if this is how Bruce felt the first time he saw Dick wearing the cape and the cowl. Wonders what would be the corresponding milestone of this moment if they were a normal family. Giving Damian the keys of his car to go to the prom? Watching him go to the college or coming back from it? It’s ridiculous, honestly. He feels ridiculous. And old. So very old.

“Is everything alright?”, Damian asks with a frown.

Dick blinks up at him.

“Yes Damian, I was just-”

“He’s just doing his old man thing, don’t worry, sweetheart”, Kory answers for him, oblivious to Dick’s offended glare.

“I’m not-”

“You shouldn’t stand on your ankle like that”, Damian scolds him. “Sit down.”

“Now listen, kid-”

There’s another bang and Mar’i steps in the living room again.

“Ta-da!”, she chants, arms up in the air, and they all turn to look at her.

Dick sits down.

He was so not ready for this.

“So, what do you think?”, Mar’i asks, pivoting in middle air.

Dick thinks he was not ready to see Mar’i wearing Kory’s old Starfire costume. At least, with Damian, he had time to prepare for the psychological impact. Now he’s just at loss of words.

Kory’s reaction is, as usual, a lot more on point than his, and Dick smiles at her surprised squeak, laughs when she flies to take their daughter’s hands in hers and they start spinning around just a few inches below the living room’s ceiling.

“You are beautiful, starshine”, Kory says. “Dick, look at her!”

“I am”, Dick assures her.

“...damn circus”, Damian mutters again, but there’s a smile in his voice, so Dick decides to let it pass.

“But look at this”, Mar’i adds, slipping away from Kory’s hold and flying to Damian’s side. “Nightwing and Starfire! Just like in your Titan’s days!”

“I see you’ve made a mission to embarrass both of us to death”, Damian answers, looking up at her with a mildly-annoyed glare.

“Shut up”, his sister promptly replies. “Dad, what you think?”

Not ready, is what Dick thinks for the third time, but he doesn’t say so. He clears his throat to gain some more time and carefully watches both of his kids standing close together. He tries to look past the fact that they look so much like little kids playing dress-up, and just focus on the effect they would do on anyone else.

Just like Damian, Mar’i is smaller than her mother was, but the costume fits her good enough anyway. Her long, black hair is the most distinctive difference he can spot, bu by any means, it’s quite impossible to look at them and not think of older times, not see the legacy they’re willingly inheriting.

Just like in your Titan’s days!, Mar’i said.

Were we ever so young?, he wonders.

“I think I’ve never realized how little clothing your mother was wearing up until now”, Dick answers with half a smile, because what he really thinks is better if it remains unsaid.

“Well, your costume didn’t leave much to imagination either, darling”, Kory retorts light-heartedly, and Damian blushes, suddenly self conscious.

“Told ya!”, Mar’i mocks him.

“Shut up!”, Damian hisses, and now at least Dick knows what their previous skirmish was all about.

They have no time time to start arguing again because Kory approaches them with a soft smile on her face and Dick watches her while she fusses around the kids, fixing rebel strands of hair and smothering small creases of the fabric of their costumes. He wonders if she’s having the same doubts and the same regrets, if she’s drowning both in nostalgia and happiness as he is. But Kory, as always, surprises him with something totally unexpected.

“Are you going out together tonight, then?”, she asks, one hand on Damian’s shoulder, the other one caressing Mar’i’s hair, and they both look up at her, surprised just as Dick is at that question.

“What do you mean?”, Damian asks, blinking up in confusion.

But Mar’i is so much quicker than him at grasping the offer her mother just made.

“Yes!”, she agrees, practically jumping with joy. “Yes, yes, yes!”

“No!”, Damian argues mechanically.

“No?”, Kory asks, raising an eyebrow at him. “Why not?”

“It’s a Nightwing mission!”, Damian answers, stressing out the words and looking mildly insulted at the idea of being given a sidekick for the night - probably because he’s not thinking of it in those terms, otherwise Dick’s pretty sure he wouldn’t fight that idea at all.

“It’s literally just a chat. It’s nothing crazy dangerous!”, Mar’i protests. “And even so, I’m more than capable to handle dangerous missions too! Mom, tell him!”

Kory makes to speak, but Damian promptly cuts her off.

“If you need to ask your mother to speak up for you, you really are not”, he sneers.

Mar’i tightens her fists and Dick thinks here we go, but instead of lunging at Damian, his daughter turns towards him.

“Dad?”, she asks, lips pressed together and a look of determination Dick knows pretty well by now.

He bites the inside of his cheek, not liking where this is going at all.

“Well, I-”, he starts, locking eyes with his wife, looking for help.

“I think it would be a good thing for them to go together”, Kory states simply. “But of course we should decide this as a family first, and ultimately it is a Nightwing mission, so I will not insist if you think it would compromise it.”

The last bit is aimed at both Dick and Damian, but when Kory looks at the kid to invite him to share his opinion on the matter, Damian only shrugs, relenting almost immediately.

“It’s not that big of a mission”, he grudgingly agrees. “I don’t see how even she could ruin it.”

Mar’i smacks him on the shoulder hard and fast, but then she leans against his arm, and they both look at Dick again.

Talk about pressure.

“I’m not sure-”, Dick starts again, but he knows those are the wrong words to say the moment they leave his lips, and in a moment he’s surrounded and under attack from every side.

“Oh come on, Dad!”, Mar’i whimpers. “Pleasepleaseplease!”

“Yes, come on, Dad!”, Damian grins, backing his sister up more for the sake of drama than anything else, Dick suspects, so he glares at him sternly and with a hidden warning that should not be too difficult for the kid to pick up.

But years of being Robin have left Damian completely unimpressed by subtle reprimands, and Dick’s glare has little to no effect on him nowadays (especially with the Nightwing costume on, Dick realizes.)

“I’ll look after her”, Damian offers anyway, and Mar’i swats him again.

“I don’t need you to look after me! I can flip you over with my pinkie finger!”

Damian’s grin turns into an amused glare.

“Yeah? You want to try?”

“Children, please”, Kory scolds them. “Honey? What are you thinking?”

Dick clears his throat again. He’s not going to win, but he’s been taught to never back away from a fight. So he tries.

“Mar’i is still a bit too young to go out alone.”

She’s already been out several times as Nightstar, both with the Teen Titans and with her family, but this feels somehow different, and a lot more scary from Dick’s perspective.

“She wouldn’t be alone”, Kory reminds him, and Dick scoffs.

“Damian is barely old enough for that too.”

Damian looks very offended by that, which is exactly what Dick was aiming for. It’s a good payback for having sided against him, the little traitor.

“I used to patrol alone when I was ten!”, Damian points out petulantly, crossing his arms on his chest and looking every bit like the sulking ten years old he used to be.

“No, you used to sneak off alone when you were ten”, Dick corrects him, because years of having Damian as his Robin have left him unimpressed too, at least to his children’s antics. “And you were always found and punished for it, were you not?”

“I still was way younger than fifteen when you first took me out as Robin”, Damian unhelpfully reminds all of them.

At that Mar’i glares at Dick with narrowed eyes.

“Is this because he is a boy and I’m a girl?”, she asks, stressing out the words to make sure everyone understands how she feels about the subject.

Dick scoffs.

“You know very well that it isn’t that.”

But now Kory’s glaring at him with the same narrowed eyes and he feels a chill ran down his spine.

“Alright, alright, fine”, he gives up, raising both his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I get it. My opinion doesn’t really matter, you are all ganged up against me anyway, so I may as well agree with you.”

“Sounds about right”, Damian concedes.

“Damian!”, Kory reproaches him. “That’s not true at all, honey.”

“Is this a yes?”, Mar’i asks at the same time.

And by all his good intentions and the books about parenting he’s read through the years, one thing Dick’s never be able to do is deny something to his children.

“Yes”, Dick sighs.

“Yes!”, his daughter cheers, flying forwards to throw her arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek. “Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Dad!”

“Yeah, yeah, okay”, Dick grumbles. “Truth is you all only pretend I have any decisional power around here.”

“So”, Damian butts in. “Are we going or not? Because as funny and embarrassing this conversation’s been, if we don’t leave right now it would’ve been all for nothing.”

“Right”, Dick sighs, then he stands up again and crutches closer to him. “Do you have all the details?”

“You know I do.”

“Yes. I also know I don’t need to tell you to look after Mar’i”, he says out loud, earning for himself a smile from both his daughter and his wife, then he grabs Damian and pulls him closer to whisper in his ear. “But you better look after her, you hear me?”

Damian scoffs and pushes him away half-heartedly.

“You know I would anyway.”

“And if there’s any problem you get in touch with me or Batman. First Batman, then me, since he’ll be the closer one to the two of you. Got it?”

Damian rolls his eyes behind his mask.

“Verbal confirmation, Nightwing.”

“Yes, I got it, Big Old Man first and Slightly-Less-Older Man later”, Damian huffs, earning another swat for his trouble. “Can we go now?”, he asks impatiently.

“One moment”, Dick answers. “Mar’i?”

“Yes Dad, I know”, his daughter replies, looking as impatient as Damian is. “Don’t do anything dangerous, when in doubt defence and not attack is the best way to go, fly away if things get out of hands, etcetera etcetera.”

“Also, for tonight Damian’s in charge”, Dick adds. “You do what he says, okay?”

Mar’i doesn’t look happy about the new rule, especially after seeing the taunting grin on Damian’s lips at Dick’s statement, but she knows better than argue about it (at least in front of her parents, Dick thinks).

“And you don’t be too smug about it. And don’t get cocky, it’s not a little responsibility I’m trusting you with”, Dick warns, turning towards Damian, but he doesn’t put too much heat into his words. For all their bickering around, Damian’s always been very protective of Mar’i, and Dick knows he’ll watch out for her like a hawk. “You’re not too big for a spanking, remember it”, he adds, more light-heartedly.

“You wish, old man”, Damian answers. Then, having obviously running out of his patience for the night, he walks to the window and opens it with a twist of his hand. “Last one to the docks pays for post-patrol ice cream?”, he asks his sister.

“I can fly, you dummy!”, she answers with a scoff. “You’ve already lost!”

“We’ll see”, Damian grins, then he slides onto the staircase just outside the window, closes it again and blocks it with one of his equipment hook.

“You cheater!”, Mar’i yells, outraged both by her brother’s betrayal and her parents’ laughs. “I’ll show it to you!”

“Be careful! Don’t fight!”, Kory calls out after her, as Mar’i flies to the front door. “And have fun!”

“Have fun?”, Dick asks incredulously while he sits back on the couch, feeling the pain of his throbbing ankle more than he would ever admit to anyone.

“We always had fun, didn’t we?”, Kory asks back with a soft smile. “And you, stop worrying about it. They’re both old enough to do this, and it will be good for them. You always said that patrolling with your siblings was your favorite thing.”

“It was. It still is. I just- awn, hell”, Dick sighs. “I’m a helicopter parent, am I not?”

“You don’t look like a helicopter to me”, Kory offers.

Dick moans.

“I’m worse than Bruce.”

“No, you are not”, Kory consoles him, patting his hand like she would with a child.

“...Do you think I should call him? Maybe tell him to keep an eye on them?”

“...That would definitely make you worse than Bruce.”

Another resigned sigh.

“You’re right.”

They sit in silence for a few moments, Kory curled again against his side, Dick’s finger playing with a lock of her long hair. It’s nice, being like this, Dick thinks. And quiet. So very quiet. The kind of quiet you never have with two teenagers in the house.

“Kory?”

“Yes, my love?”

“I’m going after them”, Dick says, and tries to stand up.

Kory laughs and grabs him by his elbow, pushing him back on the couch.

“Oh no, Mister Grayson, you are definitely not”, she says, pulling him closer to kiss him. “The kids are going to be out until dawn at least, and we will definitely not waste this opportunity to be alone for a night, got it?”

“Mh-mh”, Dick hums, cupping her face with one hand and tilting his head to start sucking on her neck.

Kory bites his bottom lip.

“Verbal confirmation, Nightwing”, he scolds him, voice full of hilarity.

Dick laughs against her skin.

“All clear, Boss.”

BONUS: 

Dick, one hour later, whispering into the phone while Kory’s taking a shower: “Look, I’m not saying you should point all your big brother’s camera on them but- why are you laughing at me? You think this is funny? You are a horrible parent and grandparent, Bruce.”

[pineapple-qween]

Yeah?

Relationship: Jason Todd x Reader

Summary: Jason spilled his beer on you at a basketball game

Key: Y/N= your name, F/N= your friend’s name

God you hated basketball. Well, you sorta hated all sports, but basketball was just so boring. It was a bunch of squeaking and nonsense that you didn’t understand and didn’t really bother trying. 

Unluckily for you, your friend, F/N, decided to surprise you with tickets to a Gotham Guardsman game while you were in town. You didn’t have the heart to reject such an eager face, so you sighed, slapped on an excited expression, and said yes. F/N was so happy and they began counting down the days until the game arrived. The day of your ultimate doom.

Bruce Wayne had always had tickets to the Gotham Guardsman games, he was of course the Bruce Wayne. When Bruce announced to the family that they’d be going to a game, Jason was less than thrilled. Being dead meant it was a trip for the family minus him, but Bruce had a different idea.

“Jason, I know it sucks that you can’t attend a lot of things with the family, but you are coming to the game. I went out and bought you some hair dye and colored contacts. Alfred will help with your hair and the contacts are easy enough,” Bruce explained. He was enthusiastic as he spoke.

“Bruce, chill for a sec,” Jason interrupted, “what happens when someone asks who I am? Besides, I don’t really like basketball anyway. It’s no big deal.”

Bruce gave him a stern look, “You are coming. We’ll call you ‘Jay’ and you’ll be Dick’s roommate. That’s the final word on the matter.” And with that, no more arguing would occur…until the very last minute.

The day of the game arrived, you were leaving town that next morning and F/N was dreading it, but they were excited you were seeing the game with them.

“Y/N! I’m so glad we’re doing this! You’re going to have a great time, and don’t worry about knowing stuff, just cheer for the team in black and gold.”

“Yeah, whoopie,” you stated with fake enthusiasm. “I can’t wait.”

“Oh! And guess what!” F/N didn’t even give you the chance to guess. “We’ll be sitting right near the seats that Bruce Wayne sits in. Bruce Wayne! Can you believe it?”

“Never in a million years.” All you knew about the Wayne family is that a) they’re rich as hell and b) there are so many children. So many. They just multiply and no one knows how or where or when. They just appear.

You walked into the stadium with F/N and immediately went to find your seats, per their instructions, even though you really wanted a pretzel. You squeezed past a family and a small group of men to get to your seats, which ended up being on the far end from where you entered. They actually weren’t that bad. Close enough to see the action, but far enough away you could be on your phone and no one would notice.

“Hey F/N, these seats are really nice. How’d you get them?”

They went into a long spiel about how their dad’s co-worker’s sister’s friend’s cousin is a big corporate person who has serious connections to some top dog with a friend who loves basketball and Gotham. You lulled in and out of the story while people watching. It was quite entertaining until you were interrupted a man with a trail of children, with cameras focusing on their every move, blocking your view.

“Ugh,” you pouted, slouching into your seat.

“Y/N, Y/N! That’s Bruce Wayne,” she pointed at the man who had just passed you. “And that’s Dick Grayson, he was an acrobat, and that’s Cassandra, she’s kinda silent but so cool, and that’s Tim Drake, he’s like a genius or something. That right there,” they pointed to the smallest of the group, “is Damian Wayne, he’s like the only one there that’s actually related to Bruce Wayne.”

“Yeah? Well, who’s that,” you pointed to a brown haired man with hazel eyes. “Is he part of the family?”

“No, I don’t think so . He’s probably just friends with one of them,” F/N just shrugged off this mysterious stranger, but you wanted to know more because, come on, a new person hanging around with the Waynes usually ends up being adopted.

Jason sat, pouting, as Alfred messed with his hair. “This is stupid. It’s never going to work.”

“Master Jason, you disappeared as a boy, so most people will have no clue who you are. Master Bruce knows this or else he would not have forced us all into this situation,” Alfred explained, a joking bitterness in his voice.

Jason was now a brunet and had brown eyes, though Dick would say they’re more hazel, but Jason would slap him every time he would suggest it. As they walked through the door to the basketball game, Bruce was immediately bombarded with questions.

“Bruce Wayne, how do you feel about the stock?”

“Mr. Wayne, do you think the Guardsman will win?”

“Bruce Wayne! Who all have you brought with you tonight?”

Bruce just waved off the questions and guided his family to their seats. Jason people watched as this mysterious man with this mysterious family. He saw two couples, a small family, and a girl staring directly back at him. He quickly looked away, afraid he would be found out, but she didn’t look old enough to remember him before his death.

They ended up two rows in front of the girl. Jason would spin around, briefly, every once and a while to catch the girl staring. It was unsettling. He was so used to going completely unnoticed, but something about her was different. It was like she was studying him. This staring actually made Jason want to talk to her, bu the’d have to do it as ‘Jay’.

“Jay,” Tim interrupted his thoughts, “wanna get a soda? Maybe some snacks before the game starts?”

“If I’m going to be an errand boy, I’m gonna get beer.” Jason took a plastic card out of his pocket, “Bruce thought of everything.”

“Okay F/N, I’m starving. Do you want anything?” You were tired on just sitting around waiting for something to start. You planned to be productive if you were going to stretch your legs.

“Oh, uh, just some popcorn please,” F/N mutter, to caught up in watching the Waynes, like a t.v. show.

You nodded, snatched up your wallet, and climbed up the steps towards the concession stands. As you ascended, you heard two distinct sets of feet behind you. You glanced behind quickly and saw Tim Drake and the mystery man. You snapped back after you almost fell up the stairs and ran the rest of the way.

Jason saw you slip. If he didn’t know any better, he would have guessed was because of him. He then watched as you sped up the stairs. “Hm,” he huffed to himself.

“What was that Jay,” Tim asked, emphasizing the last word and waggled his eyebrows.

“Nothing nerd.” Jason shoved his brother. They both chuckled and continued to the concession stands.

Jason decided to stack the drinks on top of each other, his beer on top. He thought it was a good idea, and Tim heavily disagreed with him but let it happen. Tim held three bags of popcorn, five pretzels, and a thing of nachos, so he wasn’t complaining when Jason refused to get a tray for the drinks. “It’s your head,” he joked.

Jason walk with ease, thinking he knew exactly how this would go. He’d walk down the steps, grab his beer and put the rim in his mouth, he turn to pass out the rest of the drinks, and then he’d sit and watch basketball.

To say the least: it didn’t go as he planned.

You held a bag of popcorn and a pretzel in one hand, a Dr. Pepper and Sprite in the other. You had shuffled over to the little table that had those cup holders and began to set everything up in a easier manner for carrying. You spun around when you had finished and ran into someone.

You became wet and sticky, soaked to the bone in a concoction of Dr. Pepper, Sprite, and who-knows-what else. You cried out in disgust. Your food was discarded upon the ground and you shook your arms, trying to get rid of the sticky feeling.

“Ah shit, I’m so sorry! Shit, this is all my fault, I wasn’t paying attention. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Oh my god, yeah? Just…ugh…just take a step back. This sucks ass!” you began to talk to yourself and tried to get rid of the sticky substance, “See this is why I hate sports. I hate the ignorant people, I hate the food, I hate the hard plastic seats…”

“Dude are you okay? What’s your name?” Jason was taken aback by your ramblings.

You snapped back to reality. “I’m Y/N. Who are you?”

“Jasssssss-ay. Jay. I’m Jay. Yep. Are you okay? Can I do anything? I’m really sorry.” Jason thought you were pretty, even though you were sticky, and he couldn’t stand the thought of you being in a crappy situation caused by him.

“If you have the money to buy a pretzel, popcorn, two sodas, and a new shirt, I might be able to forgive you,” you joshed.

“Anything.” Jason smiled at your surprised face. He was going to make it up to you no matter what.

And it wasn’t like you wanted to go back and watch basketball.

[awhitehead17]

Special Students

TimKon, Undercover, High School, Angst, Humour, Arguments, Fluff, Tension, Awkwardness. 

Summary: Tim ends up dragging Conner into an undercover mission where they go to high school so they can try and deal with a growing drug problem. The mission seemed simple enough but Kon had no idea on how much it would affect his friendship with Tim.

A/N: There are references to teenagers drinking and using drugs, if that makes you feel uncomfortable please do not read.

Enjoy! :D

You want us to do what?”

“We need to go undercover in a school in Bludhaven.”

“I got that part, but why?”

“Dick and I have reasons to believe that the drug cartel we’ve been following over in Blud is making use of kids from the school. We believe that they’re selling to the kids and then the kids are using it as well as spreading it around to everyone else. We want to try and infiltrate from within, get our information from the kids, work out where the drugs are being kept and produced and then shut it down.”

Kon blinks at Tim as he explains his mission plan. He can’t get over what Tim is asking him right now. Granted it’s not the weirdest thing that Tim’s asked him to do but it is certainly is up near the top of that list.

He rubs a hand over his face trying to digest it all.

“So…” he’s now going to try and attempt to summarise it all once again. “You want us - that being me and you - to go back to high school just so we can try and find out who’s dealing the drugs, where they’re getting the drugs, then trace that information back to whatever kind of creepy address that it leads too, then that’s when we can take down the drug cartel that you and your brother have been following.”

Tim, the little handsome bastard, beams at him, “Yup! That about sums it up.”

This time Kon pinches his nose and takes a deep breath before letting it out. He glances at Tim’s smug looking face and Kon just knows he’s screwed. “But why me, can’t you take the demon spawn with you? I don’t want to go back to school! I hated the place, I don’t want to go back.”

Tim raises an eyebrow, “You think I want to go back? I’d really rather not, there’s a reason why I dropped out in the first place you know. And no I can’t take Damian, Bruce wouldn’t allow it plus there’s no way I’d be able to put up with him for the duration that it’ll take to complete this mission. Bart is too impulsive, Cassie wouldn’t have the patience, Dick is too old, Jason is an absolute no, Steph and Cass are currently in Hong Kong, Duke currently has a lot on his plate so I don’t want to bother him with this. Either way you were my first choice and believe it or not the best option.”

Kon thinks that through and he figures that Tim has a point. He looks at his best friend to find him looking at Kon with wide questioning eyes. It’s almost as if Tim’s giving him a puppy dog look in his own way and Kon knows he’s screwed. How can he say no to that beautiful face?

With his mind made up, he cocks an eye at Tim, “You’re not going to take no for an answer are you?”

“Of course not.” Tim grins.

Kon shakes his head, letting out a huffed laugh as he does so. “Typical. Anyway, what’s the time duration you’re looking at.”

“We’re looking at a good two months or so. We need time to build up friendships with the students and then to gain their trust. After that we need to get offered the drug, be able to work out where they got it and so on.”

Kon groans. What had he signed himself up for?

Tim leans towards him, a knowing smile taking over his face as if he knows that he’s won Kon over without him actually saying it. “So…” He drags out. Kon has a sudden urge to hit him then. He doesn’t because you know, he’s polite, but the temptation was there.

“Fuck you dude. I bet you’ve got all the paperwork with my name on it already filled out and everything.”

Tim lets out a laugh and stands up, he spins around and starts to head out of the kitchen. “Of course I’ve got it all done already!” He shouts over his shoulder. “I knew you’d agree that’s why!”

Kon’s unable to stop the grin taking over his face. The whole situation is ridiculous. “I don’t know why I put up with your crap!” He calls back.

When Tim next speaks, his voice comes somewhere further in the apartment. “It’s because you love me!”

“Yeah I do…” His admission is soft and quiet so Tim wouldn’t hear it.

It’s not as bad as he thought it was going to be. Well. Certain parts of it weren’t, other areas however were just as bad as he expected it to be.

School’s school. So there was homework, shitty assignments, crappy teachers, early mornings and petty students.

The only thing that really made it bearable was that he was with Tim. They weren’t in the same classes or anything but being able to see him throughout the day so during breaks and lunch, then after school made it possible for Kon to cope.

It’s been about 6 weeks since they started the mission now. They have both more or less settled into the school, of course they had gotten some funny looks but no one really thought anything of it. It’s not like they’re actually that much older than the kids in the school, it’s only like a year or two in it. Tim had made sure to cover all of their details within his paperwork when he enrolled them into the school at the start.

He had moved to Bludhaven within that time, so he’s currently sharing Dick’s apartment with Tim and Dick whenever he was in the city. It’s not Metropolis or Smallville by any means so Kon’s just glad he’s got the ability to fly so he could get away from the city at the weekends, it gave him a break at least.

He had made a few ‘friends’ within school. He happened to get onto the school football team and has made a few acquaintances from the guys on the team. Tim on the other hand has gone to the nerdy side of things and has been able to make a few friends himself. When Kon had pointed out the differences, Tim had laughed and told him that it was a good thing because it meant that they could cover more ground and find out how far the drugs are being passed around the school.

Funnily enough Kon didn’t catch wind of the drugs until the weekend of the 6th week. It was Friday after school and he was in the locker room getting changed out of his football kit and into normal clothes, debating whether he could convince Tim to put Wendy on that night, when a voice speaks out near him.

“Hey Match!”

Kon had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at the nickname he happened to adopt while being at school. Of course going undercover meant having a different name, and boy didn’t he punch Tim hard when he found out what his undercover was. Carl Matches. He was not amused. As well as being insulting, it sounded so fake, it was probably worse than Tim’s Alvin Draper nonsense (a name which he thankfully wasn’t using for this mission.)

Much to his dismay, he ended up adopting the nickname Match when he first joined the football team in the second week of the mission. It’s stuck since.

“What’s up Brad?” He turns to his so called teammate and eyes him up. Brad was captain of the team, the lady lover of the grade and very hot headed. It’s only his self-restraint that’s stopped him from ripping Brad’s head off.

“You free tomorrow night?”

Kon thinks about it for a moment. He and Tim had no plans other than going out on patrol as it was a Saturday, but it’s not like he could tell him that. Instead he shakes his head, “Not at the moment. What’s going on?”

“Still being new and all I wasn’t sure if you heard, but the biggest party of the year is happening over at OB’s house. Interested?”

“I hadn’t heard about that no, but sure…” No. He was not interested, like at all. Maybe when he was a bit younger he would have loved to gone to an all classic high school party but now not so much. But for the sake of the mission and to avoid Tim’s grumpy face he puts on a smile and forces the words out. “What time?”

“Whenever man. People start turning up at like three in the afternoon, it’ll go on right through the night. See you there then!”

He claps Kon on the shoulder and walks away. Kon stares after him for a moment, baffled at what just happened before finishing in getting changed and making his way back to Dick’s apartment.

“You hear about the party tomorrow night?” Kon asks Tim as they were sat having their dinner. They were chilling on the sofa, sat next to each other and eating take out.

Tim nods and swallows a mouth full before speaking, “Yeah I got invited by Sarah today actually. I assume you got invited too then?”

Kon hums, placing a bit of chicken into his mouth and chews.

“Okay that’s good, at least we’ll both be there. It’s the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. The biggest party of the year, lots of drunk teenagers, an uncontrollable environment with no adults around. It’s perfect.”

Kon nods, “Exactly. We find who’s doing the drugs, try and find out their buyer, trace it back to them then bam, mission complete.”

Tim laughs at that, “Something like that. There’s a lot of details missing there Kon, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Kon glances over at him and grins, at least they’re getting somewhere with this mission now. Tim smiles back and they stare at one another for a while. Kon takes in Tim’s frame, watches the way the light from the TV in front of them illuminates his features making them seem more sharp than before. He glances at Tim’s casual outfit, a large loose t-shirt and some old grey sweatpants and fluffy batman socks. He looks perfect. He seems so relaxed that it draws Kon into him.

He so busy looking at his best friend that he failed to even realise that Tim was looking at him back. Before he knows it, Kon’s starting to lean in close to Tim, just as Tim appears to leaning towards him as well.

“Hey guys what’s up!”

They spring apart like they had been electrocuted and sit stiffy on opposite ends of the couch as Dick walks into the front room. He’s grinning away dressed up in his cop uniform. When he sees them he freezes on the spot and eyes them up, clearly recognising their sudden odd behaviour. Thankfully he doesn’t question it and carries on through the room towards the kitchen.

“I hope you guys have leftovers for me. It smells amazing!”

Kon and Tim don’t look at each other for the rest of the night.

The next day was awkward. As normal, they went about the next day doing things as they normally would, so doing some training, completing some homework and playing a few video games until it was time to get ready for the party, but even doing all of that it didn’t make the tension go away.

It suddenly seemed like they couldn’t be together without there being some form of tension between them. It was so thick it wasn’t like they could ignore even though they certainly tried too.

Kon replays the previous night over and over again in his mind. Tim had definitely leaned in to kiss him as well, that was clear, so they both play a part in this awkwardness that’s come between them. But maybe that’s why it’s so heavy? Because they both went to kiss each other before Dick came in? Because there’s definitely some sort of mutual attraction between them that neither one of them is willing to acknowledge.

When the evening finally came Kon tried to not think about it as he got ready for the party. Between them they decided to go when it was reaching the evening, believing that’s the best time as they think the drugs will appear once everyone seems to be too wasted to care.

Kon dresses up in some jeans, a plain t-shirt and puts a shirt over the top of it. Basically dressed in his usual attire. Tim on the other hand was dressed up in some tight black jeans and a smart button up red shirt. It makes Kon do a double take because Tim looks good, he somehow doesn’t look over dressed but manages to pull off the confidence that he know he looks good at the same time.

Tim catches Kon looking and Kon quickly looks away, feeling his cheeks go hot at being caught. There’s a pause between them, once that fills the air with more of that thick tension. Kon scowls as he stares at the floor, hating the moment, because when did they become so awkward around one another? They’re supposed to be best friends, not some awkward teenagers like they once were.

Tim breaks the silence by clearing his throat. “So we ready?” He shuffles on the spot, fidgeting with the cuffs of his shirt.

Kon glances up at him before turning away again. “Uh yeah.”

Tim drives them to the party and being in that car for no more than 10 minutes was worse than being with Tim the entire day. It must be because they’re confined in a small space but thankfully the radio was on and filled the silence with old 90’s music.

They get to the party and walk in and freeze in the doorway. It was chaos. Music was being blasted from high tech speakers, drunk teenagers were everywhere, hundreds of red cups could be seen around. They glance at each and Kon sees Tim pull a face, he snickers at that. Parties have never really Tim’s thing, at least not these kind of parties. Kon wasn’t a fan himself, the music was already making his head hurt but they’re there on a mission, the sooner they get that done and get it out of the way the sooner they can go home.

They go separate ways and Kon’s kinda glad about that because at least it gives him some space away from Tim and it gives him an opportunity to stop thinking about the weird tension between them.

He goes about looking for signs of the football team. Trying to find any of them in the mass crowd of teenagers was a nightmare. It takes him a good twenty minutes until he finds most of them all stood outside in the back garden huddled in a group.

One of them notices him coming and they beam, “Match! There you are buddy!” It was Brad and Kon could tell that he was tipsy. He was gesturing widely for Kon to go over and when he does Brad throws an arm over his shoulders. “We were wondering when you were gonna show up.”

Kon forces a smile, “Sorry, I just lost track of time.” Brad lets out a laugh as if he just told a really funny joke. At that point Kon notices that most of the teens in the group were smoking. He glances at Brad, “What are you guys doing out here?”

Brad’s laughter dies down as he asks the question and the teenager sends him a suspicious look before glancing around at everyone else with a questioning look. He turns back to Kon and pokes his chest with a finger. “Hey Match, can you keep a secret?”

Kon studies him for a moment, his voice had dropped down to a serious quiet, whisper and his eyes had narrowed almost threateningly. Kon raises an eyebrow and nods. “Of course.” Only if they really knew.

It seems to be a satisfactory response for the captain because he’s then grinning widely and gesturing to one of the others. Within seconds Brad is grabbing his hand and shoving several small blue and pink pills into his hand. Kon stares at them wide-eyed and shoots Brad a look.

Brad carries on grinning. “Take them.” He says simply.

“What are they?” Kon asks cautiously. He can easily guess of course but he’s got to play the part.

“We don’t actually know. All we know is that it’s called Frenzy and man is it some good shit. Once it hits ya, that’s it you’re gone. All of your stresses, thoughts, worries, everything just disappears and leaves you pretty chilled and contented.”

Bingo. That’s the drug they were after.

“Where did you get it from?” He tries to make the question as causal as possible, just so he doesn’t seem suspicious. He’s not sure how well he does but none of the teenagers seem to notice his behaviour, most of them to drunk or high to really care by the looks of it.

Very much to his surprise Brad tells him the name who had sold it too him and even the address to where they apparently make it. Kon makes a mental note of the names and address for later. Now that he’s got the information he’s gotta find Tim so they can go and shut it down.

“So come on man! What are you waiting for?” Brad loudly says in his face. He grabs Kon’s hand still holding the pills and moves to his mouth so he’s forced to take the pills into his mouth. Of course Kon could have stopped him but he’s got a role to play if he doesn’t want to act suspicious.

He won’t swallow them, he’s not stupid. There’s a trick that he does where he hides the pills around his mouth and under his tongue just so he doesn’t have to swallow them, Tim had originally taught him the trick.

Once it seemed like he had taken the pills he smiles at Brad who grins back. The teen smacks him twice on the chest before letting him go, “Atta boy! Just give it ten minutes or so and experience the magical wonder of Frenzy. In the meantime go get yourself a drink.”

Kon nods and uses that as his escape. He heads back into the house, finds a bathroom and empties his mouth into the sink. he takes a deep breath, washes his mouth out with water before popping the pills into his pocket. It’s gross but that’s a matter for the future. What he needs to do now is find Tim.

It doesn’t take very long to find Tim. Kon ends up finding him inside the house in a very crowded room. Kon stops short at the doorway when he sees Tim dancing in the centre of the room with a girl. They were pressed together, her back to his chest, their arms were outstretched and their fingers were laced together, their bodies were grinding together in time with the music being blasted out.

Kon watches with wide eyes as their hips roll together, hers were rolling back against Tim’s while his were grinding forward. Kon wouldn’t call that dancing, that basically seemed like they were having sex in the middle of the room.

All of the sudden he felt pissed. He was angry at Tim for being doing that. They were here on a mission to bust up a drug cartel, not on a mission to get laid. (Don’t get him wrong any other time he would be very impressed with his best friend but now wasn’t the time for that.)

Deciding that he’s seen enough he makes his way over to him and slaps him on the arm to get his attention. Tim immediately turns and faces him, his eyebrows raised in question.

Kon leans in close, speaking into his ear. “I’ve got we need, we can go.”

Tim pulls away and makes a face. “That’s good but we can’t go yet.”

Kon scowls as Tim turns back to the girl grinding up against him. Was he being serious! Kon slaps him again, “We. Can. Go.”

Tim narrows his eyes at him, “Not yet Kon.”

He has to grit his teeth to stop himself from lashing out at his best friend. He waits a couple of seconds to see if Tim will change his mind but when it’s clear that he won’t be changing his mind Kon grabs his arm and forcefully drags Tim away from the girl. He doesn’t let go of him until they were outside away from everyone else.

Tim is immediately on him once they’ve stopped moving. “What the fuck Kon?”

“Are you being serious Tim? What the hell do you think! We’ve come here on a mission to gather information to do with the drugs. I happen to get the information and then I find that you’re dancing, or more accurately grinding, with a girl while I do the work!”

He didn’t realise he was yelling until he finished speaking. He quickly glances around and thankfully finds no one paying attention to them.

Tim gapes at him for a moment and Kon could feel himself seething in anger at his best mate. However that anger quickly turns into shock when Tim snaps at him. “You have got to be joking! I was working Kon. The girl I was with happened to be deep in that circle, her brother is one of the producers! I made a deal that if I danced with her she’d give me more details about the whole cartel. I’ve got names and I’ve got the main address.”

Kon recoils as Tim finishes speaking. It’s like he’s just been slapped in the face. He stands there not knowing what to say to that and is feeling like a complete twat. He had wrongly assumed that Tim was slacking off when in fact he wasn’t. Kon realises now that he really should have thought before he spoke, he should have known that there was a plan behind Tim’s actions (this was Tim after all.)

There’s a tense silence as they look at one another. Tim was glaring at him and Kon had a guilt written all over his face. Tim’s the first one to make a move, he takes a deep breath in and lets it out, letting his body posture relax from when he had tensed up. “Right, well we both have the information we need so lets compare and get started. The sooner we end this the better.”

That night they tracked down all of the dealers of the drugs. The names they had had been the same and from there it was finding that guy who gave them all of the names of all the other dealers. The next night, with help from Nightwing, they took down the producers of the drug and shut down the entire cartel.

After clearing everything up and making sure that it was all over, Kon moved back to Kanas. He wasn’t sad to leave Blud because he had missed the farm and all of it’s fresh air, the only thing he was disappointed with was leaving Tim. Despite the last couple of days working together when everything suddenly turned tense and awkward, they had a great several of weeks together. At least Kon had enjoyed it.

It’s been a week since Kon had moved back to the farm and not once had he spoken to Tim since Sunday night when they had closed the drug cartel. He had no idea on what he would say to his best friend. Were they still best friends after all that? The argument Saturday night had left them not talking on that Sunday, they only spoke to each other regarding the mission and nothing else. It had been quiet and awkward in a way it never has been before and it left Kon feeling terrible.

He missed him.

He missed when they could just easily joke about, have a laugh, touch without it being weird. But since they almost kissed, everything had changed. It had changed for the worst.

It was on Sunday night, an exact week since they completed the mission that he next sees Tim again. He was in the kitchen at the counter making some dough for that evening’s dessert when the front door knocks. Before he could move Ma was there answering it.

“Oh Tim dear, it’s nice to see you! Please come in.”

Kon freezes on the spot. He’s slightly annoyed at Ma because why did she let him in, she knows what had happened between them yet she’s letting him in. On the other hand he was confused to why Tim was there in the first place. Why come to Kanas?

“Thanks Mrs. Kent. Is Conner around?”

“Yes dear, he’s just in the kitchen. Could let him know that I’ll be in the front room if he needs me please.”

“Will do, thank you.”

Kon stays standing at the counter as he listens to Tim walk towards the kitchen. He doesn’t turn around as Tim stands in the doorway behind him because he wasn’t ready to face his best friend yet.

“Your Ma’s in the front room if you need her.” He tells him.

Kon nods and swallows thickly. “I know, I heard. Thanks.”

There’s a moment of silence between them and it reminds Kon just of what happened a week ago.

“So how are you? What are you making there?”

Kon frowns at Tim’s attempts of small talk. It’s typical of him to dance around the real reason of him being there. Deciding to get it over and done with Kon turns and faces him. With narrowed eyes he stares at his best friend, “Why are you here Tim? Why come to Kanas?”

Tim nods to himself like he had been expecting that reaction before answering him. He walks into the kitchen and takes a seat at the table. “Because I wanted to talk.”

“You could have phoned.” Kon says bluntly.

“Would you have answered?” Tim shoots back.

Kon had nothing to say to that.

“That’s what I thought.” Tim responds to his silence. “I came out here in person because we need to talk.”

“What is there to talk about Tim?” Kon questions walking towards the table to stand opposite him. “The fact that we haven’t spoken in a week? The fact that there is something between us but neither of us is willing to acknowledge it? The fact that we had an argument? What is there to talk about?”

“All of it!” Tim snaps at him. he stands up and glares at him. “All of it Kon. There is something between us, what it is exactly I don’t know, but I hate the way it’s making us be like this.”

“That night Tim… that night we almost… you know.” Kon looks away from him unable to finish off the sentence.

“That night when we almost kissed?” He turns to Tim at the words to find his best friend looking at him with wide eyes and a look of understanding. His voice has gone soft now, losing any of the hard bite it had to it just a moment ago.

Kon swallows and nods. He looks away yet again as Tim walks around the table towards him. He fights the urge to back away when Tim stops directly in front of him. He feels Tim’s hand cup the side of his face and as he pulls his face around so they were looking at each other once again.

“Kon, I know that things have been tense between us since that night. I don’t know why it suddenly became like that but it did and… and I want to make it right.”

Kon places his hand over Tim and holds it. Looking into his eyes he asks, “Do you feel the same way I do?” He didn’t mean for it too, but the question came out as a whisper. He carries on staring at Tim, trying to find the truth in his eyes.

Tim lets out a chuckle, “Kon you have no idea on how much I feel for you. I can’t live without you in my life. You’re my clone boy.”

Kon didn’t even think about his actions then, he leaned down and captured Tim’s lips in a kiss. Tim’s response was instant because his lips were moving along with Kon’s as they press together for the first time. Kon pours everything he was feeling into that kiss, letting Tim know through the action how much he meant to him.

They kiss for who knows how long but when they part Kon feels lighter. Like everything that had been weighing down on him was suddenly lifted. The space between them was now clear and it made Kon happy, they were going to be okay.

He presses his forehead against Tim’s smiling widely. “And you’ll always be my Robin.”