#can someone sent Alfred to knock me out?

[flamingpudding]

Red Hood: Okay you little shit. Give me three reasons why I shouldn't fucking shoot you right now?

Danny: I only need one. You would miss.

Red Hood: I would miss. At point blank? You fucking serious?

Danny: Yup, point blank doesn't matter. You would still miss.

Red Hood was very tempted. His gun was loaded with rubber bullets. The worst the kid would get would be a big and ugly bruise right on the forehead. Like the once he gave his brothers when they were especially annoying, mostly Dick thou. That would teach this little shit of an overconfident teenager a lesson.

Danny just got separated from his class during the school trip and wandered into Crime Alley, interrupting a drug deal and getting then discovered by the local Crime Lord after he beat up the bad guys. Really, he had just wanted to buy a shake real quick.

[batarella]

Bruce's Bathtime - Batfamily Sitcom

Bruce's mistake was thinking he could have a peaceful night in the bath on his day off when his manor is full of kids who share one brain.

A/N: HELLO EVERYONE I LOVE YOU AND IM SORRY I DISAPPEARED BUT I WANTED TO WRITE SOMETHING SWEET FOR YOU TO ENJOY. THIS IS HEAVILY INSPIRED BY "BATH" BY SAM AND MICKEY ON YOUTUBE.

WORDS: 1.7K

WARNINGS: NONE. IT'S WHOLESOME AND SWEET.

MASTERLIST

——-

Crime rates were always at an all-time low in time for the Superbowl.

Which meant Batman gets a day off. Duke was the only one on patrol that night. Alfred spent half an hour convincing him not to spend the night at the cave.

“Master Bruce, the bath has been drawn and I’ve taken the liberty of using the expensive lavender bath salts so you would not like to waste it.”

“You’re right, Alfred. I’m a billionaire and I find the fifty-dollar lavender salts a waste to not use.”

“Just get in the bath, Master Wayne. Just thirty minutes of quiet shall do you good. I’ve set an alarm.”

Since when did Bruce start working for him?

He did as told anyway. Bruce closed the bathroom door and stripped off his clothes to get in the tub. There were so many callouses in his body, he barely felt just how burning the temperature was.

It was just a minute in there when the first knock woke him from drifting off.

“Bruce?”

What the hell is Dick doing out of Bludhaven? “What?”

“Is the music room haunted?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“I heard something inside.”

“Instruments tend to do that.”

“I did a headcount of everyone in the manor and everyone is accounted for except Duke who you sent out for patrol so I doubt it’s anyone but a ghost,” Dick said.

“Get out.”

“But I’m not even inside the bathroom.”

“Go away.”

“What if it’s not a ghost? What if it’s a spy?”

“The manor has more advanced security systems than the Pentagon, Dick.”

“That’s not a good point of comparison.”

Bruce closed his eyes and let the steam slow his rising blood pleasure.

“Just check the room. Could have been the wind.”

“I’m too scared.”

This man was almost thirty and was still giving Bruce the same amount of aneurysms as when he was eight.

“Ask Alfred to check for you.”

“Okay.”

He heard fading footsteps and let them lull him into sleep. He set his large arms onto the sides of the tub, sinking his mouth under the water.

“Father,” a voice said from out the door followed by three soft knocks by a small hand.

“What, Damian?”

“I need you to sign this letter from the school headmaster.”

“What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything.”

He doubted that.

“It’s for a parent-teacher conference.”

Bruce let the silence answer for him until Damian gave in.

“Someone attacked me in class.”

“Damian-“

“Okay, I threw the first punch but he taunted me first about how I was small for my age but I said that I’m of perfect size for my age and that I’m simply too smart to be crowded into elementary school children when my intellect belongs to that of a senior and then he asked what I was doing here and not in 5th grade and I said what was he doing here and not in 5th grade and he spat at me and now his nose is broken and they want you to cover the medical bills.”

Christ.

“Maybe you don’t have to pay it. You can call them yourself. You’re Bruce Wayne. You can get away with anything.”

“I can, but you’re not Bruce Wayne, so you have to deal with it.”

“Can you just sign this, Father?”

“Fine.”

Damian walked in, fanning the steam off his face and covering his eyes so he wouldn’t have to see his own father naked, then handed him the letter to sign it.

“Make sure your handwriting is the same as when I forged it.”

His eyes could not have rolled further back into his skull.

The boy walked out, just two seconds before the next set of voices made him wish the gunman shot him in the head four decades ago and not just his parents.

“Bruce, could you tell Jason he’s not the only one who died and come back to life and that his robin costume doesn’t deserve to have to top display in the Batcave anymore especially since he’s here?” Tim said.

Jason’s voice was even more obnoxious. “I died first, asshole and no one else would have died if it weren’t for me so clearly, you should thank me. And my rebranding was better. You’re still technically a robin since, you know, it’s the other half of your name, so you don’t deserve to be memorialized.”

“You don’t deserve to be memorialized at all when you’re alive and not a memory. You’re not even the first robin.”

“You’re not the first anything.”

“I’m the first at a lot of things.”

“Replacement.”

“Glorified zombie.”

Bruce grabbed the cucumbers Alfred had laid out on the table next to him just so his eyes wouldn’t burst out in blood at how much he wanted to scream.

“Ask Alfred what to do,” Bruce said.

“Alfred is with Dick in the music room to look for ghosts. We need an answer now.”

“What do you even want me to do?”

“Tim threw my robin costume piled up with all their robin costumes when clearly, it should be in the display case,” Jason said. “And Tim wants to move my motorbike out of the cave.”

“You have so many motorbikes, would it hurt you to move just one?”

“No.”

“Bruce!”

Bruce counted to ten. “No.”

“No to what?”

“Everything.”

“You don’t even know what you’re saying no to.”

“I could not care any less.”

“Can we please come in?”

“No, I’m naked.”

“We’ve seen you naked.”

“Not on purpose.”

Jesus fucking Christ. “Fine. Fine. We’ll get glass cases for both of you and we’ll pretend it’s a shrine as if you’re still dead. Happy?”

“Not from dying but sure,” said Tim.

“What about the motorbikes?”

“Put it outside,” said Bruce.

“Are you sure? What if someone sees?”

“Do whatever. Throw out the T-Rex in the cave for all I care.”

“Also, I need access to the batcomputers,” Jason said.

“For what?”

“Everyone else has access except me.”

“That’s for a reason, Jason.”

“Pretty please.”

“Get out.”

It took another five minutes of the two yapping at the other side of the door before it finally quieted down.

Then his phone started ringing. Duke.

That was when his blood pressure really started to spike.

“Duke? Is everything alright? What’s wrong?” he said to the phone.

“Me?” said Duke. “Oh yeah everything’s great! Not much crime when everyone’s watching the halftime show.”

“Then why’d you call?”

“Can I use the batmobile?”

Fuck a duck. “For what?”

“The streets are empty and you said I could drive it when there isn’t traffic.”

He hung up and threw the phone into the water before Duke could say anything else.

He had five minutes of quiet this time. Then Steph was at the door. “Bruce!”

An aneurysm. One of these days, he might actually have one.

“What now?”

“Can I change rooms?”

“Why?”

“Dick said there’s a ghost in the music room and my room is like five feet away and I don’t think I can sleep there anymore.”

“You slept there last night and everything is fine.”

“Ghosts can be quiet, Bruce, it doesn’t mean they’re not there. And you’ve made a lot of enemies, so I won’t be surprised if anyone’s settled in to haunt you.”

You’d think he wasn’t in a house full of vigilantes who fight the city’s most dangerous criminals.

“I haven’t killed anyone, Stephanie. I keep all my enemies alive.”

“What if it’s not your enemy? They don’t have to hate you to haunt you. Can I please just change rooms?”

“Move wherever you want. I don’t care.”

“Can I move to the bedroom at the west wing?”

“That’s mine,” Bruce said.

“You have a bedroom? I thought you never slept.”

“Fine. Take it. Just get out.”

“Really?” Steph squealed. “The master bedroom. Sweet!”

It took less than five seconds before the next reason for his headache started pounding at the door.

“Bruce! Jason is trying to hack into the batcomputer!”

“I did not!”

“He did!”

“The World’s Greatest Detective is just mad I guessed his password on the second try.”

Bruce sank into the water, drowning their yapping until it had blurred out. He held his breath for seven minutes straight. He could die. That wouldn’t be the worst thing. Just when it was finally quiet, again, Bruce rose up and found Damian sitting on the toilet.

He continued to look unbothered even when he looked at Bruce straight in the eye.

“Do you mind?”

“I’d like to use this toilet.”

“There’s fifteen bathrooms in the manor, Damian.”

“I like this one.”

“I understand I have not spent as much time with you, but this is not what your tutors mean by father-son bonding.”

“Oh no, don’t worry. I don’t mean to bond with you. I just like this toilet.”

“Fine. Please. Take your time.”

He did take his time. Damian sat there for a whole five minutes and pulled out a book.

“I wasn’t being serious. Get out of here.”

“Relax, father. It’s your day off.”

Bruce eyelids fluttered closed and he refused to open them until his son left the bathroom.

The next knock made a blood vessel pop. “Bruce. It’s me Barb. So sorry to bother you but I found another group of conspiracy theorists on the TikTok who made a list of billionaires who have never been seen in the same room as Batman and you’re the front liner of that list. I know you told me to never engage with these things but it’s at fifty million views right now and they’re making edits of you as Batman.”

“Make more bot accounts and pin it on Elon.”

“On it,” said Barbara. “So sorry to have disturbed you!”

He’s going to have a talk with Alfred to block off the whole floor the next time he draws these baths.

“Bruce?” It was Cass. “I hope it’s alright if I take Steph’s room. I took the liberty of putting a speaker in the music room so Dick would tell everyone there was a ghost in the manor and Steph would move out.”

The alarm went off. His thirty minutes were up.

 One of these days, Bruce might finally break his no-kill rule, and it won’t be for the Joker.

---

A/N: I MISSED ALL OF YOU ASSHOLES AND I HOPE THIS WON'T BE THE LAST

TAGLIST

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[waynefamilyreactions]

The Batfamily goes to Group Therapy

- How am I feeling? Like I want to be dead again.

- You mean depressed?

- Jesus Christ.

- Why can’t we leave again?

- Alfred locked the doors.

- I am too sober for this.

- I don’t have favourites I love all my kids the same.

- Oh please, Father, we have all made peace with the fact that Grayson is your favourite. He is also my favorite. Drake is last.

- How honest Can we be without being sent to the psychiatric?

- Ma’am please, I didn’t ask for this. I was adopted last.

- I refuse to stay here and listen to Drake talk about his issues.

- Daddy issues? Yes thank you we had not a fucking clue.

- I am sorry I can’t help being awesome all the time and that you’re all jealous of me.

- The day I am jealous of you Todd, please feel free to put me out of my misery.

- Maybe if I hold my breath for long enough I’ll pass out.

- I swear to God, Goldie if you post another picture on instagram stories of this shitshow, I will kill you…

- …I’ll kill you with kindness.

- Can we order pizza? We’ve been here for hours.

- it’s been only 45 minutes

- yes I second that.

- Vegan if you must.

- Alexa, How many apples do I have to eat to get Cyanide poisoning?

- come on brat we’ve been here for hours just say it.

- seriously ma’am I shouldn’t be here.

- Fine. Drake you are mediocre at best but Father could have done much worse. In fact he has. He adopted Todd.

- It’s not too bad we’ve done some improvement

- quick someone knock me out.

[luvly-writer]

"But oh..cara mia"

Ch. 13 F*ck Around and find out

——————————————-

Dick Grayson x Latina! Reader

Warnings: Fighting

Status: Ongoing

Author's note: I don't know how to write fight scenes TuT so I apologize. I saw a few videos of Batman, Wonder Woman, and Black Canary fighting (Ref. DC Animated AU) and just described what I saw. Hope it wasn't shitty. Anywaysss, you can tell I have a lot of free time and am using it as best as I can and updating. Idk how much it will last cause April will be one tough ass month so yeah, HOPE YOU ENJOY!!!

Taglist: @lorosette @nanas-teatime @prettyacademia00 @mxtokko @sarahkaliii @w31rdg1rl @Eurydicegrimes @writing-for-the-hell-of-it

Series Masterlist:

——————————————-

Dick Grayson was damned the day he intellectualized his feelings for Yn. It had made his life nearly impossible and it was driving him insane. Seeing as he had been benched, his time spent around Yn increased even if she had asked for the opposite. Kory would go down to the cave but would stay quiet for the most part. Alfred would keep an eye on her making sure she wouldn't intervene with anything. For the most part, she would be found staring daggers at Yn, who in return would ignore her childishness. Dick had been in quite the predicament and the rest knew. They would see how his eyes followed Yn's figure everywhere and how Kory would storm off fuming. Everyone wondered why they hadn't broken up yet. They could hear the arguments coming from Dick's room every other night. Kory would always bring Yn to the topic but Dick would deny it. In his mind, he found it difficult to grasp how much he loved the girl. He feared that if he spoke word of it, all he had stood for ever since he was a child would crumble. In a world full of instability, his relationship with Yn was strangely comforting because it never changed. The cycle of joking to fighting to space then all over again was something he was used to. Now, that he sort of acknowledged his feelings internally (boy would rather be dead than say them out loud), memories resurfaced and his behavior in them was clearer. He didn't scare that boy that had asked for help for confessing to Yn away just to prove he had more admirers than her, he had done it cause he didn't want someone stealing her attention from him. The time he overly criticized one of Yn's first boyfriends wasn't because she had a horrible taste in men, it was because he wanted to be the one with her. Little by little, collections of his past came to bite him in the ass. All this time, I have been trying to search for you in other people and it took you finally telling me to leave for me to notice...it took you being in the same room as Kory and seeing the comparison of the woman he fell in love and the woman he wanted to fall for. Dick was a mess and a fucking idiot.

Your scent when you walked past him made him dizzy, your laugh whenever you talked with Babs was intoxicating, your slight touch whenever you changed his bandages left him almost begging for more, the soft sway of your hips, your eyes, your lips, God those lips he wanted to kiss and get lost in for all eternity, you just you, all of you. You were his weakness and he didn't want to accept it. Finally, he was off rest, the wound already healed. Yn had advised that he'd train on one of the simulations so that she could conduct one last check and he followed accordingly. The problem is that Kory followed as well, never wanting to leave Dick alone with Yn. The simulation began and all went swimmingly. Yn hummed and was about to leave before Kory spoke up, "Would I be able to partake in some training exercises as well? Maybe sparring?" Yn looked at her and shrugged, "Sure, knock yourself out. Although I have to change the simulation so that you get the best of the best." She looked down at her iPad ready to tap the new code when Kory interrupted her, "How about sparring?" She said and sent a wink his way. He noticed those didn't have an effect on him anymore but smiled anyways. "Well, Richard is in optimal condition so I guess" Yn answered and was about to leave when Kory called out to her. "Actually, I was thinking of you. Seeing as you do have your own powers, the match can be more equal" Dick let out a little "hey!" but looked between them, unsure of what could happen. Yn had been fed up by her constant shit and done being polite, "Alright, then. Suit up" you said coldly and walked away to get your suit.

Kory and Dick walked towards the cave, both in suits. There they found the rest gearing up for patrol. "I thought Starfire wasn't allowed in," said Damian as he placed his hands on his waist. "She isn't. She just wants to spar a little" said Yn walking towards them all suited up. Jason, who had half a protein bar in his mouth as he was loading his guns, choked and Duke patted his back. You walked towards the ring and turned to Kory, "I don't have all day." She flew towards you and you both stood in position. "3...2...1...GO!" and o it began

Kory and you circled each other, waiting for the other to begin. Kory got tired of waiting and threw a punch with her left, one that you swiftly avoided. She began attacking constantly and you stayed in defense. Left hook. missed. Right kick. miss. Jump left quick, not a chance. She began to taunt you whilst hitting, "Scared?" and you smirked at her just as she threw another left hook, you caught it, pulled it, and elbowed her stomach, leaving her out of breath for a second. She regained her composure rather quickly and began to fight harder. You were taunting her by not letting her hit you. "Stop avoiding and fight like an actual warrior DAMN IT," She said through clenched teeth. "Ok" you answer and quickly start to use the fact that she had used her initial strength against her. She goes to kick you but you slide under her raised leg, stand up and kick her in the back, successfully knocking her balance off. When she turns around, she is met by a mean right hook to the jaw. She stumbles back a little and looks positively enraged. She turns to hit you with her right but you catch it and hit her with your right knee. Star was livid. She had managed to hit your shoulder, making you stumble a little, and once she threw another punch, you used her momentum to grab her arm, jump up, place your thighs on her shoulders, and flip her, successfully throwing her on her back whilst you stood over her. You let out a soft whistle and smirk back at her as she gets up "One". Finally, Star had had it, she began to use her entire force and you did the same. Fed up with the fact she was losing, Star begins to throw more punches and kicks. Block the majority of them. She sends a kick your way and you grab her leg, kicking her other one, making her fall again. "Two," you say again and Star gets up, enraged. She started to punch again but you avoided it by doing two backflips in order to get away. Blinded by anger, Starfire raised her hands and shot one of her green light beams at you. Thankfully, quick as ever, you cross your forearms, using your Amazonian bracelets as a shield and you deflect them back to her, successfully throwing her back again. "Three" you finish and smile. Dick runs over to her, whilst Jason and Steph whoop at you in cheers. Damian has a smug smirk as he crosses his arms and nods, walking away to look for his swords.

Barbara comes up to you and claps your back, "You not doing yourself any favors if you ever wanted that girl to be cordial with you" and you laugh, "I don't care for pleasantries, I demand respect and she better remember that." Barbara laughs and follows you to the changing rooms. You come out, having changed out of your suit, and don't see Kory anywhere. That will teach her that if you fuck around, you most definitely find out.

After Yn and Babs left, Kory left for her room, embarrassed by what had happened. Dick was about follow her when Bruce arrived and told them that it was time for patrol. Once patrol was done, he had come back and wanted to talk with Kory, and see how she was but found her fast asleep. Tomorrow was going to be one long ass day and Dick just KNEW it was definitely going to bite him in the ass. Why you ask? Because tomorrow was the day of the gala. Dick took a shower and slid into his bed. He sighed deeply and closed his eyes, "I'm fucked" he said before slipping into a dreamless slumber.

[awhitehead17]

Faces of the past

Batfam, De-aged Jason, Sibling relationships, Humour, Light Angst, Guilty Dick and Bruce, Sassy Jason.

Summary: The thing that seems to bother Jason the most about the situation is the family members he no longer recognises, he doesn't seem at all concerned by the fact he's been unexplainably reverted back into a teenager with no memory of his adult self. Dick and Bruce, on the other hand, are unprepared for the onslaught of thoughts and emotions of seeing Jason the age he had been when he died.

A/N: This has been done for day four of Batfam Week 2023, the prompt is de-aging. @batfamilyweek

Also on AO3

Enjoy! :D

“We’re going to be late, Jason! Let’s go. What are you doing?” Dick shouts as he thumps his fist against the bedroom door in front of him. He huffs when no response comes and smacks the door again impatiently. “Jason. No matter how old you are Alfred will have your hide.”

This time he could hear shuffling going on inside the room. Dick rolls his eyes, it’s about time, they were supposed to leave the manor ten minutes ago. When Jason didn’t turn up in the foyer at the arranged meeting time Dick got sent up to fetch him, apparently that also meant waking him up.

A few moments pass by and when his brother doesn’t make an appearance Dick raises his fist to knock again but that’s when the door swings open revealing something that had Dick freezing in place and staring.

“What do you want Dickhead? Why are you waking me up at crack ass dawn, I only got back from patrol less than four hours ago.”

Dick blinks. He blinks again and then rubs his eyes when the sight in front of him doesn't change. In front of him stands a gangly teenager, a little too thin but who is slowly growing into his limbs, messy unkept hair, boyish features, higher than usual voice and who is short, the top of his head only reaching Dick’s sternum.

Blinking, Dick opens his mouth however he immediately closes realising he doesn't know what he's going to say. Ignoring the way the kid is glaring at him, with eyes that are all too familiar, Dick presses his way past the kid and into the room. Glancing around the otherwise empty room Dick frowns at the kid, finding him being to be the only person inside.

“Dick this isn’t funny. It’s Saturday. I deserve my lie in. Surely Bruce hasn’t set you up to this.”

Dick has no idea how to respond to that. Everything about the situation is wrong. The last time he saw Jason which happened to be hours ago, he was a six foot grumpy man, not this teenager version of himself. Dick stares at him as realisation strikes him, this Jason is young, he’s the age he was when he… when he died.

A shove from Jason, breaks him out of his thoughts. He stumbles to the side and stares at him as the teenager continues to grumble about being woken up on a Saturday for no apparent reason.

Dick holds up a hand, still unable to form words, and shakes it before deciding to step out of the room. Silently he closes the door and leans against it, trying to get his brain to function. What the fuck? How the hell has Jason reverted back into a teenager? If it’s even Jason, this could be someone else…

“Dick what is taking so long? Bruce is starting to get pissy. Not mention how Alfred’s disapproving frown is starting to make an appearance.”

Tim’s voice echoes down the hallway and Dick turns to him, watching him stride down the corridor to where he’s leaning against the door. At least Tim looks and appears normal. He doesn't know if that’s better or worse, perhaps Dick is dreaming and making up teenage Jason in his head…

When Tim reaches him, his little brother is sending him a judgemental look. Still unable to create words Dick simply moves to the side and gestures at the door. Tim can see for himself. Tim sends him a deadpan look, clearly not impressed, but he opens the door without question and peers inside. Dick knows the moment he spots Jason because his body completely stills.

Jason’s higher pitched voice filters through the opening of the door. “Who are you and what do you want? Is Dick still there?”

“Sorry,” Tim says evenly, “don’t worry about me. We’ll leave you be now…”

Tim slowly shuts the door and turns to Dick wearing a confused frown on his face. Dick puts his hands up placatingly, unable to answer the unspoken questions.

After a moment Tim clears his throat awkwardly. “We should probably tell Bruce to cancel today.”

===========

“So you’re telling me Bruce has a problem in collecting strays? Most people collect stamps, Bruce apparently collects children.”

Jason’s comment is said with a bluntness only a teenager could achieve, he’s sitting at the kitchen island on a stool and is swinging his legs as he rips up a piece of bread and eats it bit by bit. He's looking around the kitchen observing with interest before his gaze moves onto each person separately in the room with him. Which is basically the whole family, minus Damian.

After discovering teenage Jason, Dick and Tim called up Bruce with an emergency and it didn’t take long for Bruce to see what the situation is. After that it was a headache lasting several hours as they tell teenage Jason the truth, some of it, in how he’s somehow been de-aged and how he’s currently in the future where the family has expanded and not everything is the same.

That’s when Alfred approached and offered to fix up breakfast for everyone in the kitchen, Jason included. They were originally going out for food so this worked in everyone’s favour. Serious matters always seemed to be to be discussed over food.

Despite being disoriented with the situation Jason easily agrees and together they head to the kitchen. As Jason settles at the island, Dick saw the moment the older men realised what age Jason currently appears to be, he could see the devastation cross both Bruce and Alfred’s faces, if the others pick up on it they may understand but they wouldn’t be able to relate.

While they caught Jason up and also introducing him to Cass, Tim, Duke, Steph, and Damian when he made a brief appearance before deeming it not an important enough situation for his presence, everyone seemed to have made the same silent and mutual agreement in not mentioning Jason’s death. That’s for the best of course.

Jason waves around a piece of bread before shoving it in his mouth. “I don’t know whether to be insulted or proud there are robins after me. Was that a choice or forced? I’m surprised you allowed it Dick after what we went through.”

On the opposite side of the island Tim flinches at the comment which goes unnoticed by Jason. Tim covers it up well with the action of taking a sip of coffee from his mug but it doesn't go unnoticed by the rest of the family. Dick runs a hand over his face, all those memories, thoughts and feelings from that time are coming to the forefront of his mind.

Admittedly he hadn’t taken to Jason when Bruce brought him home. He knows and regrets how badly he had treated Jason back then but he had been an angry teenager, mostly angry at Bruce and Jason took the brunt of it. It’s one of the reason why he tried hard with Tim when it became clear the kid wasn't going away any time soon.

“Look I’m sorry, even now I still feel guilty about how I treated you.”

Jason snorts and send him a disbelieving look. He then looks over at Tim, “Did he at least treat you any better when Bruce brought you home?”

At being directly spoken to Tim looks like a deer caught in headlights. His mouth opens and closes for several long minutes before he finally comes up with an answer. “He wasn't accepting at first, just like you, but he soon warmed up.”

Somewhat the truth. They have to be careful with what they’re telling teenage Jason, especially regarding Tim’s involvement. The whole reason why Tim even became part of the family is because Jason died, as morbid as that reason may be. They’re going to need to tell Jason some white lies surrounding Tim and his background.

Jason hums and his attention moves onto the others. He munches away as he asks them questions that focus more on Gotham instead of everyone’s backgrounds. He asks what villains are still about, what their relationship with the police is like, how patrols work compared to back then and surely the technology must be better right.

The questions last for a long while and the entire time Dick watches as Bruce stares at Jason bewildered, his pseudo father clearly getting caught up in past memories of when Jason was originally this age before everything changed. The same energetic vibe teenage Jason is giving off, that young innocence he still somehow kept even after living on the streets for as long as he had. This was the kid who was cocky enough to attempt to steal the tires from the batmobile, who almost got away with it too...

Jason’s next enquiring question brings everything back to reality. “So since I’m a teenager out of time, how do I … not be? What do we do?”

“We’ll be looking into it, since nothing out of the ordinary happened to you, adult you yesterday, we’ll need to try and retrace your steps to try and see if anything comes up amiss. Something probably happened on patrol which you didn’t share with us that may be a key to working this out.”

It’s the first time Bruce has spoken up since seeing Jason the way he currently is. His voice sounds strained and as Dick noticed earlier, the man seems to be stuck in the past while looking at his second son the age he had been when he died.

Jason looks contemplative for a moment before piping up, “why wouldn’t I share everything with you, especially something significant? Isn’t that what you drill into us from the very beginning?”

At that comment Dick couldn’t help but snort which earns him a dirty look from the current teenager. Everyone else was snickering though. “Seriously? As if we all tell Bruce everything that happens during patrol. Nothing changes when you get older buddy.”

That’s the truth. Dick’s done it, hidden things, even big things, from Bruce that’s happened during a patrol. He knows for a fact Tim’s done it, the girls and even Damian. It’s typical behaviour, whatever excuses they may come up with but it’s not unusual for someone to hide something. Most of the time everyone is pretty good about reporting back but on occasion some things ‘may be forgotten about’.

Bruce clears his throat pointedly. “Until then, we’ll keep you safe. We may need to refer to you for different things throughout, but until then you stay here.”

Jason dramatically groans and rolls his eyes. “Ugh, fine if I have too.” With that he climbs off the stool and drops his plate off in the sink. “Thanks for breakfast Alfie, perfect as usual, glad to know your culinary skills are still on point.”

“Thank you Master Jason.” Alfred acknowledges with amusement.

“If I have to stay here I’m at least going to go and check out the library. Surely it must have expanded over the years right?”

As he begins to head for the door Cass blocks his path and grabs his wrist. “Let’s spar in gym.”

Caught off guard by her sudden appearance in front of him Jason blinks, “uh sure?” he glances round before looking at her again. “How good are you in combat?”

Steph lets out a barking laugh. “Oh this is something I need to see. She’s by far the best of us.” The blonde leads the way out of the kitchen and Cass drags Jason out with her before he could respond. As they disappear Dick couldn’t help but think that it’s strange seeing Jason almost the same height as Cass. It’s as amusing as it is weird.

“If you need any tech support let me know, otherwise I’m going to go watch Cass beat baby Jason’s ass.” Following his statement Tim leaves the kitchen with a fresh mug of coffee in his hands and follows their siblings.

With only four of them left in the kitchen Duke speaks up. “If you want me to patrol Crime Alley I can see if I can find anything out the ordinary or ask around to who may have seen Jason patrolling last night. I can also ask my own contacts for any information.”

Bruce sighs and runs a hand over his face. “That would be most useful, thanks Duke. Let me know if you hear anything back.”

Duke nods. “I’ll go out a little later and tonight too. For now I’m going to join the others, someone needs to record this…”

In a hurry Duke darts out of the kitchen which leaves only three of them. Alfred begins cleaning up breakfast and Dick stands there staring at Bruce.

“You okay?” He asks the man concerned.

“I’m fine,” comes the unsurprising response. “It’s just…” Bruce waves a hand and lets his sentence trail off but Dick knows exactly what he’s thinking.

“I know.” Dick says quietly, in understanding. “It’s hard seeing him like that. For now we just need to try and work out what happened to him and why. I’ll help where I can so let me know what you need and when.”

Bruce looks at him grateful, probably because Dick isn’t forcing him to share his emotions on the situation. Even if he pushed for answers Dick doubts Bruce would answer. Despite it being years and how they’ve manged to move on from what happened, long conversations and healing with Jason himself playing into that, seeing Jason this young again is bringing up raw emotions and memories.

“Thanks for breakfast Alfred.” Dick says pushing himself up away from the side he had been leaning on the entire time. He smiles at the elderly man as he heads out of the kitchen in pursuit of his younger siblings, the least he can do until Bruce calls him for help is try to keep the rest of them out of trouble. He just hopes they can find a solution to what’s happened sooner rather than later.

[princesspuresarahk]

The Batman Au: Riddler’s Reform

Chapter: 4 Going home and Cousins reunite

Warning before read for a sexual mature scene in a scene(mustbe18+) hints of heavy Riddlebat

After paying the man Alfred carefully helped Edward into the car and the taxi driver drove away with Alfred going back inside where he came from after a few minutes Edward finally removed the blindfold to see he was in the taxi "All right sir so where to?" A man asked kindly making Edward sign relief as he gave the driver the directions to his cousin's home heading out of Gotham's City limits into its country area. But not long after half an hour a sudden pop startled the taxi causing them to pull over inside of the road. Both getting out they realize that a tire was popped driver whispers a curse under him "Ah dang it! That was my spare I'm sorry Mister looks like I'm going to have to call a tow truck and see if I can get someone to get you home." he said apologetically "no that's all right sir I can just walk from here." The man scratched his head looking up at the clouds "You sure it looks like we're going to have some heavy rain clouds coming soon are you sure you want to walk all the way?" Edward reassured him that he'd be fine "Well okay mister I wish you good luck and be careful." He waved goodbye as he set to call a tow truck Edward made his way out even though he was really out of breath from running all day he didn't mind walking again continuing down the road he could barely see his cousin's house in the distance across some woods and swamp areas he got an idea maybe if he crosses through it he can get there faster so he set off the road into the woods.

After hours of walking and thankfully not running into Croc (who liked to hang out here) or one of his alligators which might still be around Edward soon found the exit that leads outside of the woods and surprisingly out of Gotham oh but he didn't know that it landed in a very muddy swamp Edward ended up falling out landing in the shallow water of icky smelly mud slimy clay and dead plants that stink with the mix of sewer as Edward let out a yell in frustration but at least he was out of that icky maze and from what he could tell now it was beginning to sunset and storm clouds were coming in and he still had a long way to go so getting up he headed towards North after a long, long time of walking and knowing he was far, far away from Joker and Penguin who were probably already caught and sent back to Arkham that Edward finally found his cousin's house just like the description smiling with relief on his face he continued walking the rain began to pour down heavily on him in heavy droplets but he didn't care his main focus was get to the house nor he mind as the rain was washing away most of the gunk on his clothes face and hair as he opens the gate to entrance of the house and made his way up to front porch.

By then it was raining hard getting him soaked to the bone as he rang the doorbell announcing his arrival to his cousin hearing footsteps approach the door Edward braced himself for Scarlet's reaction to his delay as his cousin opened the door with a look of shock and relief of her face "Edward is that you oh thank heavens you had me worried sick!" She was a tall elegant woman standing at 6’0ft with beautiful caramel skin, big exotic sea green eyes and very, very natural red curly hair being the color of red roses that could put Ivy’s to shame “Hi Scarlet… ow…” Edward smiled weakly waving as he winced still feeling beat and battered up from today. He could really use a break and a hot bath “What happened to you? You was supposed to be here hours ago!” Although Scarlet was mad, she was mostly worried and concerned about Edward when she couldn’t find him and spent all day looking for him before heading back to see if he made it to the house waiting for two hours and was about to go out again to search when she heard the knock at the door. He looked tired and it looked like he had bruises. She noticed tears peeking out from his eyes possibly feeling bad for causing her distress, she pulled him into a hug ���Come on inside. It’s still pouring.” Scarlet invites him into the nice dry house. As they walked inside Edward kicked off his now very worn-out sneakers as he looked around at Scarlet's and his new home which happened to be an estate the Saddler family had owned for years since the Victorian era and got to admit his cousin had really modernized the place while keeping some of the old aesthetics around.

“I’ll grab you a towel so you can dry off.” Scarlet leaves to go fetch a towel for the very wet Edward who slumped down the sofa. “That would be wonderful Scarlet thank you." He replied smiling as he was lightly still shivering from the rain chill to the bone triplets of water fell from his hair, body and clothes making him a bit guilty and embarrassed of soaking his cousin's new furniture " Uh sorry about wetting your couch ." Apologizing as Scarlet came back with a big white fluffy towel for him handing it to him "Hey, it's fine Eddie. I’ll clean it up later.” Scarlet reassured him as she handed him the big white fluffy. “You want some tea to warm you up?” She asked with a warm smile. “Oh, that would be wonderful." The sound of warm hot tea in his shivering body sounded delightful as he dried himself it brought back memories of him and Scarlet when they were small and always had tea parties together.

At that time he was happy before his poor excuse of a Father made him and his Mother move to another city when he was 5 having to go through 6 years of emotional and(almost physical) torment until his Mum was able to secretly save up enough money to leave him for good taking Edward with her where they were able to retreat to his Aunt Alex (his Mum’s big sister) and Uncle’s home in another State where the Saddler family got them the best divorce Lawyer with his Mum getting full custody of Edward and to fully cut ties with his dimwit Father, had his last name change to his Mother’s maiden ‘Nygma’ Edward shook those memories away for now, right now he is in the present to make new ones as a new Edward G. Nygma!

Meanwhile, Scarlet prepares some caramello tea with cream and honey for her cousin. She brings the steaming tea on a small saucer and hands it to him. “Now…” She sits down on the couch next to him. “I have several questions such as… What happened to you and your clothes? Where have you been all this time?” Edward sighed he knew this was going to come he knew his cousin deserved a good explanation taking a sip and savoring the taste before taking a deep breath “All right it’s kind of a long story I’ll try to not make it too stressful with the details." And so he began his long clarification of what happened. Scarlet was flabbergasted after hearing Edward's long explanation "Oh Edward baby, you've been through so much today huh?." After finishing their tea Scarlet got up to head towards her phone "Hey how about I ordered some takeout and while we wait you go ahead and go take yourself a nice hot shower huh." Edward couldn't agree more as he nodded yes "Okay the bathroom is down the hall on your left go ahead and dump your clothes in the laundry basket too and I'll bring you some fresh pajamas in a little while okay." Again Edward nodded he was ready to get clean and take a nice long hot bath, ”Thanks Scarlet that sounds very wonderful indeed."

Getting up he headed towards where the bathroom was opening the door he was greeted by a beautiful bathroom with lavender violet walls stone marble floor a double sink, a toilet, a giant glass shower and a marvelous big bathtub that was calling his name. But first a shower. Walking towards where the laundry hamper was he quickly stripped himself off his dirty soggy wet clothes throwing them in the basket in a pile and headed towards the shower opening it up he found the handles turning it on as it let out a hot steaming waterfall before him after testing it to a good temperature he stepped inside letting out a pleasurable moan as the hot water poured over his tired pale body he had a few bruises in a couple of places after the day he had but they should heal in a few days. After letting the water completely soak his body Edward set to cleaning himself starting with his hair as he poured himself a glob of shampoo and conditioner scrubbing and washing his long raven locks twice! fiercely getting any dirt or grime out of there before rinsing and doing it again until he was sure everything was completely out. After rubbing his hair clean he proceeded to clean his skin grabbing a loafer he put in a good amount of body sugar scrub until covered in bubbles and proceeded to scrub again fiercely all over his skin fast and hard until it was pink and raw from the intense cleaning as he scrubbed and washed everywhere, after that he grabbed a racer and some shaving foam proceeded to start shaving body hair he didn't like having starting with his legs, armpits, arms and finally the area between his legs he didn't like hair anywhere. After again scrubbing and rinsing again he finally got out turning the water off steam rising from his slightly pink body as he grabbed the towel off the hanger and wrapped it around his hair a few strands poking out Edward then set to have a bath. Carefully walking across the floor still dripping from his shower smelling like coconut lime and mango, Edward made the start of the water filling it up warm before turning the knob and feeling the rest with hot water. As he waited for the water to fill he lit a couple of candles that were standing by the tub for a relaxing mood along with pouring some lavender bath oil, a bath bomb with bath salts good for the body and tossed in a couple of blood orange slices that were by the tub waiting until the bathtub was filled with foamy bubbles he turned off the water and made his way into the tub plus it had a bath pillow with it where he can set and relax his head on as he said “ Oh now this is nice,” letting out another satisfied moan as he let more of the heat relax his sore body. Oh dear lord he was in heaven he might never want to come out. 20 minutes had gone by when Edward heard a soft knock at the door "Edward baby I'm coming in." Scarlet must have his pajamas "Ok." He called out Scarlet opening the door “Hey Edward I got you some pjs and undies left them on your bed." Edward replied "Kay" as Scarlet added that his room would be upstairs on the right. closing the door giving him privacy again after laying in the tub for another 30 minutes until the water was losing its heat and noticing his fingers starting to prune a little Edward knew it was time to get out. Unplugging the tub to drain he climbed out of the bath grabbed himself a big giant fluffy towel and proceeded to dry himself off unwrapping his towel around his head letting his now damp hair fall over his face and wrapping his other one securely over his body he made his way out the door steam leaving the room as he did as he found the stairs down the hall. Once he made it to his room where he found his pajamas sitting on the bed dropping the towel to the floor he made his way to the bed.

The set was made with soft green silk with lace and felt very soft between his fingers he picked up a pair of black underwear along with the shorts and top after he was done he grabbed a hairbrush from the vanity and proceeded to brush his long raven locks brushing out all the tangles until it was silky smooth and soft like a black waterfall after he was done he decided to put it in a loose braid to keep from getting wild and messy in his sleep after all that was done he made his way out downstairs as the sudden smell of food hit his nose declaring that take out was delivered just in time! Scarlet sat by the couch waiting for them. Oh, dear lordie he didn't realize how hungry he was until now only eating half a bagel and small coffee and going throughout the whole day without eating and all that running he had quite an appetite, and his cousin knew what to get! getting some of his favorite sweet and sour chicken, white sticky rice and fried, BBQ boa buns, beef and broccoli, cream cheese crab rangoon wontons, and mei fen noodles. His stomach knew that as it let out a small growl causing him to blush a little. "It's all right Eddie baby cuz you had a long day and deserve a relaxing feast." Scarlet giggled.

Causing him to laugh a little too "Of course thanks Scarlet," he sat down next to her on the couch and they began to chow down and watch a movie (Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away to be exact!) as they ate. "Tomorrow we're going to go out and take you shopping Eddie I have a few clothes for you that you can wear until we can get you a whole new wardrobe setup." Edward understood that "And since you're probably going to need to keep a low profile for a while with the paparazzi we'll be going to a different town a little beyond the outside of Gotham it's a really cute little village-like town and it has lots of good shops and stuff where you can find some really cute clothes that I think will fit your style baby."

At Wayne Manor “I can’t believe it, why would Batman help Riddler out like that? What I find odd is that Batman didn’t hand the Riddler to the cops” said Dick who was with Barbara and Tim up in Bruce Wayne’s building. The three found it odd that Batman who was known to be the spawn of the shadows was safely sending villains on their way instead of handing them over to the authorities. It sounded odd, but the two eldest sidekicks began to find it odd that Batman was now starting to go easy on the Riddler. “That is kinda weird now that you mention it, but… even though he’s despised by all of Gotham’s baddies, Batman still sees these supervillains as people who need serious help. Batman wants these people to change… even though not everyone can” said Barbara as she perused through her book. Dick knew that Barbara was right, and the two began to realize that maybe there was something that Bruce wasn’t telling them. “Bruce is hiding something… and I don’t mean billion-dollar secret base in a cave kind of hidden… why is Bruce this kind with Riddler? I mean he took him back to the cave! Does that have to violate some kind of law?” asked Barbara who found this whole thing with Batman and Riddler odd.

“Hey Alfred, where’s Bruce got to? Is he working in the cave?” asked Jason as he paused his game for a moment. Alfred had just come in to bring Tim his 10:00 pm snack a rare treat he gets to have Friday nights the 5-year-old's favorite chocolate rainbow sprinkled donut with a glass of milk. “Master Bruce has decided to shower and turn in for the night,” said Alfred, he too knew Bruce was seeing the Riddler differently. Still, Alfred decided to stay out of his boss’s business.

In the dark privacy of his room Bruce was having a time of pleasure “E-Edward… 'mm..mmmm ahhh” Groaned Bruce, he was as alone in his room, half nude on his bed black boxers slightly pushed down touching himself excitedly. After that battle today he just had an unexpected rush of sexual stamina go through him hard! (he didn’t know what got into him) causing him to keep it under control trying to ignore it after they got back to the cave and were able to send Edward on his way home after he found himself privacy later after a shower he let himself let loose as Bruce was fantasizing about Riddler and was fondly remembering the time he and the Riddler shared a night of passion. Looking at it was actually his first time being with a man, Bruce knew he was Bi-curious and liked some guys from afar but never really got into it Bruce usually ending having dates or simple one-night stands with the ladies he’s been with but with Edward (ever since that night from their temporary alliance) felt different as Bruce felt frustratingly hot and had his hands all over his muscular body, imagining how good it felt to have the effeminate Edward Nygma so close to him. “Y-you’re so cute… mmmm mmm yes!” Moaned Bruce as he was feeling his hand around his hardened cock, he started stroking himself hard as he thought about when Edward rode him, and how cute his petite partner’s moans sounded. Bruce never masturbated a lot, but it felt so good to do it now. Sometime in the future, Bruce wanted to have Riddler back here at the mansion. Yes, that’s right, a date. Bruce could immediately envision it. “I think I do like guys,” said Bruce as he lightly smiled tiredly before letting out a growl climaxing and drifting off to sleep.

Edward was knocked out after he and Scarlet finished dinner and watched 2 more movies by the time they finished the third one it was already nearing midnight and Edward was bushed “I’m heading to bed Scarlet goodnight,’’ wishing Scarlet a goodnight wave “Alright sweets dreams Eddie baby,” giving Edward a kiss on the head he headed back to his designated room where after flopping on his bed he crawled under the covers he had immediately fallen into a deep dreamless sleep surrounded by comfy soft blankets and big fluffy pillows as he snuggled up into them he knew tomorrow was going to be a new day.

Chapter: 5 Shopping and a date?

[aph-america]

I got a whole alien/human amerus/rusame au that i want to babble about 🤨🤨🤨 don’t mind me b/c no one asked for this 

anyway year 4000. humanity has advanced but is still wack compared to other civilizations. there’s 10 major planets that had many similarities with humanity in terms of humans being able to live on them. (the criteria is based on the atmosphere of their planet, the biology of the aliens and if they can communicate)

Andromeda is the farthest of the 10. Ivan, who’s human, is rlly depressed b/c his sisters passed away n his bf broke up him to top it off. he has his own lil mini ship. he gets real drunk/high and tries to crash his ship in attempts to *cough* unalive himself. in a drunken/high rage he thinks andromeda is like a meteor and tries to crash his ship into it. due to their advance planet defense system, they are able to stop Ivan’s ship from crashing into their planet. he gets sent to an andromeda hospital and they try to see wtf up with him. while he’s knocked out they do test on him and see that he’s under the influence. and they can tell he’s severally depressed/mentally unwell due to their natural abilities.

andromedans feed off of others energy. if someone’s happy, they can feel it and get happy. if someone’s sad, they get sad. it’s one of the reasons they have such a peaceful, advanced society. most of them want to live in harmony and peace as biologically they were evolved that way. it’s also another reason why they often don’t live on other planets. other civilizations if they aren’t overall peaceful/happy/high advanced end up just stressing andromedans out. their planet isn’t perfect of course but if earths a 4/10 andromedas like an 8/10

ANYWAY; so another thing about andromeda is that they also have a Well Deserved Superiority Complex™️ they view humans with pity, we are sad, underdeveloped creatures to them (not wrong tbh). and with that, coming across an extremely depressed, troubled human crashing on their planet means he ain’t leaving. they view him as someone to take care of and won’t give him clearance to leave their planet until he’s “”””””””better””””””” mentally. and he can’t lie, they can feel it. depressed/mentally ill humans are advised to not visit their planet because basically…. Ur ass might not becoming back lmaoooo.

they also have a very different dynamic with relationships. basically you have someone of gets taken care of and someone who does the taking care of. bonds and relationships are very important to them, and many people will have a platonic partner they live with if they are single. in their language it translates to “provider”. the pair will feed off of each others happy energy.

Ivan, who’s basically a hurt kitten in their eyes, is planned to set up with a provider. Alfred is a higher ranking andromedan who works with security. he knew about Ivan since he had to deal with his plane crashing. he finds out it’s a human and he sees Ivan and begs the doctor to be considered as a provider. humans are considered very exotic and pretty because: 1) they are soft. andromedans are very hard to the touch, and their ‘fat’ isn’t squishy like humans. softness is viewed as unique and rare. another is 2) skin tone. andromedans have many different skin colors; tan, red, blue, green, etc, but all in like the mid shade range. it’s uncommon to see one with really pale or really dark skin of that color. that’s also viewed as really pretty and humans tend to have a light/dark skin tone they find stunning.

Alfred gets Ivan and has a massive crush on him and is constantly fawning over him/trying to show he’d be a good partner by doing things considered as courting acts in their culture. Ivan’s rlly scared at first but once he can tell Alfred isn’t going to hurt him he starts to relax. Ivan meets a fellow human who helps him understand their culture. Alfred’s love and affection helps give Ivan another reason to live after being in such low point in his life. He ends up staying on the planet and marrying Alfred. ok ignore me ik this is dumb lmaooo

[rose-and-thorn-fanfics]

THE DARK KNIGHT FANFIC: Joker x OC (Part 6)

Lottie woke up while it was still dark outside. She spent a few moments gazing at the city lights, then got up and got dressed. Slipping on a pastel pink mini skirt, white lace tights, and a white long sleeved sweater, she gazed at admired her appearance in the bathroom mirror. 'Now my mom isn't here to force me to dress like a middle aged business woman. Now I can be myself.' Lottie thought, applying baby-pink lipstick and brushing out her hair. She left the bathroom and took a seat on her bed, sending a picture of herself to the Joker, and then calling Maya Gardner's cellphone. 

     Maya answered immediately. "Oh my god, I've been so worried about you. My mom told me your maid got murdered and your parents disappeared." She said, relieved to be answering her best friend's call. She paused, then asked the inevitable question. "Did you do that?"

     Lottie grinned. "Surprisingly, no. Not this time."

     Maya sighed. "Ok, then who?" 

     "That's not important. Anyway," Lottie said. "I need some more clothes, and was wondering if you'd like to go with me on a shopping spree on 3rd Avenue, no money required on your part."

     "Uh, yeah. But you're saying you're treating? Didn't your mom close down your credit card account?" 

     "It's not my treat, you can thank Gotham's most eligible bachelor for funding our little outing." Lottie said, unable to conceal her happiness. 

     Maya squealed with excitement. "You're one lucky bitch to have Bruce Wayne as your cousin. Are you staying with him right now? I assume you aren't still at your parent's penthouse."

     "Yup! Alright, I gotta go. I'll pick you up when the sun rises. Ok?" Lottie said, noticing a notification of an incoming text from the Joker. 

     "Yay! Alright, bye!" Maya said. 

     Lottie hung up and opened the text. The text read "Enjoying your new accommodations, I see? You look beautiful, doll. -J" She blushed, typing a response. "Only for you. :) Thanks for the birthday gifts. You never fail to surprise me! xoxo" She pressed sent, and it was immediately read. Then the Joker sent her a picture. Lottie clicked on it, zooming in. It was her mother and father with their throats slit, bleeding dark puddles of crimson next to some old boxes in a warehouse. Their faces were painted with white grease paint like the Joker's makeup, with a bright red smile. Lottie blinked, studying the picture. 'He must've done this in that old warehouse a few blocks from the Thrills strip club.' She deduced, then smiled, quickly writing a response. "Nice touch with the makeup." 

     There was a knock on the door of Lottie's bedroom, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Sighing, deleted the chat and turned off her phone. "Alfred?" 

     "No, it's me." Bruce said through the door. "Can I open this up?"

     "Sure! I'm dressed." Lottie replied.

     The door opened, and Bruce stepped inside, holding a cup of coffee in his hands and taking a seat in the chair by the bed. "I was thinking, and with everything that's happened, I think you should take someone with you when you go shopping." He took a sip of his coffee, then rubbed his eyes, looking exhausted. 

     "Don't worry, I'm going to take Maya Gardner, my friend from University!" Lottie replied. 'Damn, Bruce,' She thought. 'You look like haven't slept in years. Typical bachelor, probably hungover from last night's inevitable partying.'

     "You can bring her, but I also think you should bring someone else too. Someone who is a responsible adult." He said, staring out at the skyscrapers of Gotham as the sun began to rise.

     "Like... who? You look like a zombie, no offense. And Alfred seems busy with who knows what. Those are the only responsible adults I can think of." Lottie said pointedly.

     "I know of someone. You've met Rachel Dawes, right?" Bruce asked. "I feel like I introduced you to each other at an event last year."

     "You mean the District Attorney's girlfriend?" Lottie asked.

     Bruce winced, clearly upset at the mention of who Rachel Dawes was dating. "Yeah. Anyway, She's someone I trust-"

     "-And love ." Lottie added, teasingly. 

     Bruce ignored her comment. "And I really think you two would hit it off. Plus, I'd just feel safer if you and your friend weren't wandering Gotham alone, after what happened to your parents."

     "You know something, don't you." Lottie said, studying her cousin's expression. "Is that why you didn't sleep last night?"

     Bruce looked alarmed. "What? No. I mean, yes. I guess I saw the police report. You would've seen it too if you had been watching tv with me, but you'd already gone to bed." He sighed. "I hate to say this. And I know there's nothing I can really do to make this easier to hear, but your parents were found dead in a warehouse downtown. I suggest you don't look up the details if you don't want to see the disturbing images the detectives took."

     Lottie looked down at her hands, brain going a thousand miles per hour as she tried to figure out what to say and how to act. Her mind was blanking, and she began to panic. 

     Her cousin looked at her with concern. "You knew?"

     'Damn it.' she thought frantically. "What? No! I'm just- I don't know what to say... If I look scared it's because I am scared." She said. 'Scared you'll figure out I don't give a shit...' She thought.

     "I'm scared too. For you." Bruce said, a shadow casting over his face. "But you should be safe if Rachel takes you and your friend shopping. Maybe that'll help get your mind off of it."

     "Yeah... I guess. Hey, thanks for being understanding and caring about me, Bruce." Lottie said, tearing up. The tears had nothing to do with her parents. It's just she hated lying to Bruce for some reason.

     "I lost my parents too, you know." Bruce said sympathetically. "I love you, and I feel responsible for you now."

     "I know." Lottie sighed. "Speaking of which, I told Maya I'd pick her up when the sun rises, so you should probably call Rachel and see if she can come soon."

[overlookedfile]

I posted 3,503 times in 2022

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My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Angel: 'I think I'm falling in love with you'

It took me a minute to come up with something for this one, only because I didn’t want to re-write something I’ve read from someone else (who arguably has written it better anyway) or copy a scene from the WiP I’m already writing. Not sure it’s very original, but here you go.  ~ ~ ~ Rating: Teen (lots of cussing) Pairing: Angel x Prostitute Summary: Almost got hung myself once. Didn’t care for it much. Length: Drabble Approx. Reading Time - 5 minutes (200 words/minute)

Angel had barely levered himself up from the bed, extending himself to reach for his boots, when the door banged open. Even before the whore screamed, before the double barreled shotgun had begun to swing toward him, he threw himself at the window. It shattered against his shoulder and he tumbled ass over teakettle onto the porch roof. He plummeted to the ground, landing with a terrible thud that drove all the air out of his lungs.

"Son of a bitch! Get him!"

Diaphragm still paralyzed, he struggled to his feet and staggered towards the hitching post. All at once his lungs expanded, greedily sucking in as much air as they could hold, and he fumbled to free the reins. There was ruckus inside the brothel now, heavy tread coming down the stairs at a rapid clip, and men yelling, women screaming and shouting.

He was already turning his horse, one foot barely in the stirrup, ready to gallop as soon as he got his ass in the saddle, when the first shot rang out. Fuck. That had come from across the street. Abandoning half the plan, he locked his hands around pommel and cantle and crouched low in the stirrup, throwing his other knee into the animal's side instead of over it. Muscles flexed and bunch, not unlike the way his own were coiled in that moment, and the beast took off.

Trick riders might make that sort of thing look easy, but Angel was no trick rider. He was just a man desperate to escape a potentially fatal situation. Jostled and snatched around, he clung to the saddle for dear life and did his best to guide the horse by reins alone. The gunshots faded a little as that end of town fell away behind him, enough for him to risk throwing himself over the saddle. It knocked the air out of him like a punch in the gut, but he got his other leg over as the beast threatened to bounce him off.

Ahead he could see approaching silhouettes. He slowed his mount for a stride or two, evaluating, then a shot whizzed by his ear. More enemies. "Shit!"

His horse sat practically on its ass as he demanded a sudden halt and they pivoted, launching off in a new direction. Blasting through the alley between buildings, praying no pretentious city types had dared to put up any fences, they raced to get out of town. He had just enough time to register that something was moving through the air in his direction, enough time to choke up on the reins but not enough time to convey any new information to his mount, when the oak board caught him in the face.

Blinded by the explosion of pain, he was driven backward out of the saddle, rolling over his horse's flank and smashing face down into the dirt just as he lost consciousness.

Waking up wasn't particularly pleasant, either. He couldn't breathe, couldn't smell anything but the rancid metallic scent of old blood. Which he could also taste, unfortunately, and it was just as foul. His whole face throbbed with the beat of his heart, but especially his nose. Definitely broken. Squinting, groaning, he took in his situation.

Hands bound behind his back. Rope around his neck. Seated on a chair. In the middle of nowhere and nothing. Damn.

"You awake, yet, you cheating son-of-a-bitch?"

He glared back at the ugly cuss who'd spoken and the posse at his back. "Yeah, I'm awake."

His words came out as thick as the glob of coagulated blood and saliva he spit in their direction. Even talking made his nose hurt worse, and he hadn't thought that'd be possible. He didn't need to ask why they'd strung him up. It hadn't been all that long ago that he'd taken their money.

"I told you you'd regret crossing me," the smug bastard reminded him.

"I didn't cheat you." He jerked his chin in their direction. "I didn't cheat any of you. You suck at cards, that's all. Shouldn't bet what you can't stand to lose. Everybody knows that."

"That right? Well, I guess you made your last bet, stranger."

The brute raised his gun, aiming somewhere under Angel's feet, and pulled the trigger. He heard glass shatter and the chair swayed dangerously. Eyes widening, he dared turn his head to look as best as he could. There were boards under his chair, layers of them with gaps between. If the broken glass was any indication, those gaps held materials that would destabilize beneath him with each shot they took. Another bullet came his direction, taking out another bottle from between the boards, and Angel shut his eyes to pray to a god he hadn't believed in for more than a decade.

More shots rang out then, a cacophony of them, and then other noises. Shouting. Yelling. Audible chaos. He opened his eyes again as a last shot faded into the hills. Standing on the other side of a field of corpses was a familiar face with a revolver in each hand and a third tucked into the front of her dress.

Never in his life had Angel been happier to see a prostitute, even if his grin brought fresh blood gushing over his mustache. Behind her, he could see his horse with his boots and hat resting across the saddle.

"I think I'm falling in love with you," he hollered to her.

Letting spent casings drop to the ground at her feet, she began to reload with ammunition purloined from the dead men. It wasn't like they would need it anymore. "Don't make me shoot you, too, sweetheart. I'd hate to lose my best customer because he lost all his good sense."

40 notes - Posted May 28, 2022

#4

Touch-starved Ricardo! 'You're legally obligated to keep holding me.' And 'I haven't been hugged in years.'

Oooh. I like this. Probably not what you were thinking, but it's what came to mind. Thank you muchly. ~ ~ ~ Rating: PG-13 Pairing: DDA Evelyn Price x DDA Ricardo Morales Summary: A witness interview doesn't go well. Length: Drabble Approx. Reading Time - 3 minutes (200 words/minute)

Ricardo can see the tension building in his co-lead. It's there in the set of her shoulders, but most especially in the way her hands are clenched against her thighs beneath the table. He's been watching it grow for the past hour, winding tighter like the click-click-click of a ratchet with every snide remark and scathing insult recorded into the deposition from their witness. Well, the defense's witness.

He'd been sure she would say something. He hadn't chosen to work with her for her meekness of spirit, after all, but she'd kept her tongue thus far. She was too professional to make a scene that could affect her career. Which meant he would have to address it.

"Alright, Ms. Grace. I think we'll take a break here," he announces, scribbling his last notes onto the page and closing the file. "Would you like anything? A drink or something to eat?"

Again proving herself the negation of her name, the young woman derides him for wasting yet more of her time. He takes it to mean she's fine as she is. When they leave the room, closing the door on the witness, he cups Evelyn's elbow and steers her towards his office. She doesn't resist, doesn't even act surprised.

The moment he gets the door shut behind them, she darts forward. It takes him by surprise and he nearly stumbles as her arms close around his waist. Hesitant, he lowers his hands to her shoulders.

"You're legally obligated to keep holding me," she informs him before he can say a word.

It provokes a laugh and the tension bleeds away. He looks fondly down at the top of her dark hair. "Why is that?"

"If you don't, I might just kill that horrible woman."

"That's a bold thing to say to a deputy D.A.," he observes, but holds her just a little tighter nonetheless. A beat passes, then two, and he can feel his heart rate dropping to restful, lethargic levels. "I haven't been hugged in years," he remarks quietly.

"That's a shame, because you're very nice to hug," Evelyn responds. Her arms relax, sinking around his hips. In turn, he shifts his arms lower on her back, holding her a little closer. "That's better," she sighs. "You're good at this."

He can't quell the smile that lifts the corners of his lips. "Gracias."

"De nada." She turns her head, hiding her face against his tie and mumbling something he can't make out.  

Her breath warms his skin beneath his shirts. "I didn't catch that."

"This isn't very becoming of me, is it?" she asks a little louder from the same position.

He doesn't even need to think about it. "We all have something that gets under our skin. I'm not sure why this woman has gotten under yours, but I'm actually quite proud of how you handled yourself in that room. I, on the other hand, have a reputation for my temper."

"It is a hell of a temper," she agrees and he can feel her smile against him before she starts to pull away.

"Ah." He resists just a little, letting her feel his reluctance to let go. "Maybe just another few minutes?"

"Thank you."

She leans in again, shuffling further into his personal space, and he sighs as he curls his hands around her much smaller frame. It's fine if she thinks he's doing it for her. She doesn't need to know he's the one who yearns for the comfort of being held.

49 notes - Posted May 27, 2022

#3

MasterList - Alfred Molina

My Fiction - Alfred Molina Characters

Author’s Note: Likely no updates from 8/19 through 9/1 due to work. Sorry.

Updated: 10/23/2022

This is to help keep a list for me of what I’m working on, need to work on, what I’ve done, etc. A sort of accountability chart, if you will.

For brevity sake, I’ve moved everything under a cut.

Listed Alphabetically by Fandom (”The” ignored in titles that start with)

~ ~ ~

Chocolat - Comte de Reynaud

Temper Us in Fire - WiP - Chapters 6 of ? (Updates on SUNDAYs)

~ ~ ~

Da Vinci Code, The - Bishop Manuel Aringarosa

Sins of the Father - WiP (not posted)

~ ~ ~

Indiana Jones series - Satipo

“Para Mi” Series (Posted Order)

Legendary Reputations - Complete

Writing a New History - WiP (not posted)

~ ~ ~

Law & Order: LA - Ricardo Morales

“12 Hours” Series (Chronological Order)

Motive  - Complete

Means - Complete

Opportunity - Complete

Suspicions - Complete

Intrigues - Complete

Consensus - Complete - Chapters: 1 , 2 , 3 

Precedent - Complete

Corruption - Complete

Crime & Court - WiP - Chapters 2 of ?

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54 notes - Posted May 13, 2022

#2

Otto octavious fluff please :) S/O in quedtion is into really gorey horror movies and they finally convinced otto to watch some 80s horror fic with them

This took an unacceptably long time to put together, but honestly, it’s because I’m not much of the horror-movie type. I watch them occassionally, but they’re not my prefered genre and I don’t usually write horror-anything, either. My apologies if this isn’t at all what you wanted. I guess we’ve now made clear one of my weak points. Sorry. 🥺

Warnings: mentions of blood/gore, gn!reader, suggestive content (no smut)

Note: This is pre-accident Otto.

Approx. Reading Time - 5 minutes (200 words/minute)

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

Even the skeptical looks your boyfriend kept throwing your way couldn't dampen your spirits. Otto had finally, after months of your cajoling and wheedling, agreed to watch a horror movie with you. You rubbed your hands together and willed the popcorn to pop faster. At last, you carried the butter-drenched bowl back to the couch and sank into the cushions next to him.

"You're sure this one isn't as gory as the others?" Otto asked. "I've caught glimpses of some of that stuff you watch, you know."

You balanced the bowl on his knee and kissed his shoulder. "It's as much camp as horror," you assured him, taking up the remote. "And it's got a cult following."

"That doesn't reassure me."

Despite his less than thrilled tone or choice of words, he wrapped his arm around your waist, snugging you against his side as you hit 'play'. On the screen, the title card shown for a moment before the camera began to jerkily pan over swamp water. You grinned and shoved a handful of salty snack food into your mouth.

"Solid as a rock," Otto mumbled, echoing the dialogue. He sighed as he looked at you. "They're all going to die, aren't they?"

"Not all of them," you drawled.

Your next handful of popcorn was redirected by his hand on your wrist. He stole the kernels with tongue and teeth, making you shiver. Oh, so that's how he was gonna play it, huh?

"You'd better pay attention," you teased. "There's going to be a test afterwards."

He hummed and took your fingers into his mouth, wrapping his tongue around each in turn until he'd devoured all traces of the popcorn. He caressed the inside of your wrist with his thumb as he pulled your hand away again, knowing exactly what he was doing to you. "I'll keep that in mind."

You tucked your feet under you, the friction of your thighs hardly addressing the issue, and leaned against him, adjusting your hands so that you could stroke his knuckles. "Movie first, dear." If the man didn't kill you with frustration before then, that was.

"Are you saying I'm not allowed to mix pleasure with-" He looked dubiously from you to the screen. "-entertainment?"

"Just this once, that's exactly what I'm saying. Humor me?"

He relented, his faux-innocence giving way to fondness. "If it's that important to you."

You both turned your attention to the movie after that. Well, he did. You split your attention between the screen and him. The 'scares' certainly didn't seem to bother him, but it was still early and the film hadn't found its stride, yet.

Then the woods came to life and his arm tightened around you as he grimaced. It was all you could do not to grin like a maniac; that was the turning point for most viewers, after all. As the zombie leapt up with the pencil, he startled, too, almost hard enough to push you off the couch. Your bark of laughter wasn't stifled quickly enough to go unnoticed and he scowled at you, although the look in his eyes was far from negative. With a smirk of his own, he moved the bowl and pulled you into his lap.

"Otto," you chided, unresisting.

"Just getting comfortable." He wrapped both arms around your waist, repositioning the popcorn to your lap, and pressed his lips to the back of your shoulder. "I'm still paying attention."

"To me or the movie?"

"Both."

The more blood onscreen, the more his attention shifted to you, however. By the time the first zombie had been dismembered, he was nuzzling the back of your neck, his view of the screen completely obscured. You were tempted to take pity on him, except that the way he was playing with the buttons of your shirt was anything but fair.

"How many pieces?" you asked.

"What?"

See the full post

56 notes - Posted June 11, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

...would you be interested in a short exploration of Angel actually CARING about creatures, as in, being very attentive to horses and gentle with dogs, as opposed to his attitude to humans in general? Could be a slice of life witnessed by a saloon bartender, or a stable boy, or just a private moment of peace.

Maybe not as fluffy as you would like, but here you go. @erebus0dora

~ ~ ~

Rating: PG-13 (some swearing)

Pairing: None

Summary: It’s not always about the money, but that’s a nice bonus.

Length: Drabble

Approx. Reading Time - 8 minutes (200 words/minute)

Angel kept tight rein on his temper as he shuffled the deck. It wouldn't do to let anyone see his intent, not before it was too late. Pass. Cut. He flicked the cards across the table with expert precision, eyeing each of his competitors in turn. Not a good enough hand. Fold. He passed the deck to the man next to him.

Shuffle. Cut. Deal.

A small wager. Loss.

Shuffle. Cut. Deal.

Fold.

Shuffle. Cut. Deal.

A large wager. Win.

Shuffle. Cut. Deal.

A larger wager. Win.

Shuffle. Cut. Deal.

Fold.

In the guttering light of the backwater saloon, Angel raked in his winnings with a smug grin. Amateurs. Especially the one in the bowler hat. That imbecile had played right into his hand on multiple levels until the man had left the table with little more than the clothes on his back. Good. Served him right. Now that Angel had what he wanted, though, there was no point in sticking around.

"Gentleman." He stood, offering them a nod, and pocketed the cash. The hastily scribbled receipt of ownership, however, he kept between his fingers.

The stables were dark when he entered, but it didn't take much to find the stable boy curled up in the corner of the lone empty stall. He nudged the boy with his boot until he woke.

"Get my horse," he demanded, "and that red gelding with the white blaze."

The boy scrambled to obey, leading the paint mare to its owner before gathering up the tack.

"The gelding, boy," Angel barked.

"That one's not yours, sir," the boy replied. "It belongs to that short fella with the black vest and bowler hat."

"It's mine now." He waved the paper at him. "Now get the damn horse." The suspicious look the boy threw his way made him glad he'd gotten three witness signatures; he'd be damned before he got hung for being a horse thief.

He tied the mare's lead rope to one of the rings as he was brought his prize. With a shrewd eye, he looked the animal over, hands gliding over withers and flanks as he moved about. The chestnut beast was narrower than he generally preferred, but he'd known it would be. The cursory inspection would have to do; the animal didn't appear too lame for light travel.

He threw his saddle pad over the mare's back and began to tack up, keeping the gelding's rope in hand all the while. In a few minutes, he was astride the black and white horse and heading out with the other in tow. It took a couple of hours, but the small camp came into view as he rounded the last outcropping.

"Jesus Christ, Angel," the man at the fire cussed as the gambler rode in. "Another one?"

See the full post

65 notes - Posted May 27, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[wesavegotham]

This is a useful list. I have to correct the part about Alfred's death though.

In the original City of Bane storyline Damian wasn't trying to save Gotham (or Alfred as was wrongly stated in Shadow War) all on his own. He followed Bruce's orders. And he followed them correctly.

In Batman #79 Bruce gets a signal from Alfred telling him that Alfred managed to escape from Thomas Wayne and Bane, meaning Bruce can start his plan to take back the city (#78 and #79 take place before #77, aka the issue Alfred dies in, according to an editor's note). That plan starts with sending Damian in.

As Bruce explains in Batman #81, he ordered Damian to enter Gotham, to take out Gotham Girl and to get taken hostage by Thomas Wayne on purpose. Bruce needed someone inside the house to turn off the security and get the rest of the family into Wayne Manor. But Bruce didn't want to risk Alfred's life for this so he waited for Alfred's signal that he got away and ordered Damian to enter Gotham and play the replacement hostage. Once that was done Bruce would enter Gotham himself so Bane would sent Thomas down into the batcave to deliver on his threat to kill the hostage should one of the bats enter the city. Down in the batcave Damian and the other family members were supposed to defeat Thomas Wayne while Bruce and Selina were supposed to take out Bane. The whole purpose of the plan was to seperate Bane and Flashpoint Batman to defeat them.

In Batman #83 Bruce listens to a message Alfred recorded for him in which Alfred explains that he lied when he sent Bruce the signal. He couldn't escape Thomas and Bane and knew the batfamily wouldn't act until they were sure they wouldn't endanger him. So he lied about his escape to get Bruce and the others to finally take back the city.

What makes me so mad about how DC has handled Alfred's death is that they refuse to deal with what actually happened in that story to protect Alfred and Bruce from responsibility. Damian didn't act alone, he followed Bruce's orders. He didn't act reckless or selfish, they already had someone in Wayne Manor to make Bruce's plan work, but Bruce didn't want to risk Alfred's life so he risked Damian's instead. And Damian agreed to do it without complaint. It wasn't arrogance that lead to Damian getting knocked out and taken hostage by Thomas. He was meant to be taken hostage!

The reason the plan went wrong was because Alfred had lied to Bruce and because it turned out that the batfamily was too weak to take out Thomas Wayne!

For once in his life Damian had followed Batman's orders perfectly and all he got for it was trauma and blame.

New plan, I am outsourcing my Batfam anti fanon list! Please reblog, comment or tag with the Batfam fanons that make you want to tear your hair out and grind your teeth to dust! I’ll start: I absolutely cannot stand the fanon that Tim was constantly left home alone as a small child. And if you ever mention the idea that Jason was anything but a good, smart kid who enjoyed school I will bite you

[makethatelevenrings]

Kryptonians and French Tarts // J. Todd x gn!reader

Requested? Yes! @afrolatinosuperfam​

WARNINGS: mentions of injuries but nothing detailed

Summary: After being injured in a fight, you go to Wayne Manor to get some help watching Jon for the night. Luckily, a certain vigilante is also benched at home.

“Okay, you’re going to behave, right? No destroying priceless art. No antagonizing anyone. Respect Mr. Pennyworth,” your mother dictated as she led the procession of your family towards the towering manor before you.

“Yeah, yeah.” You adjusted your little brother on your hip and flashed your mom an innocent smile. “No letting Jon turn into Jack Jack from the Incredibles.”

Your mom let out a quiet “you’re going to be the death of me” as she climbed the stairs to the front door. It swung open before she could knock, revealing Mr. Pennyworth.

“Miss Lane, Mx. Y/N, young Mister Jon,” he greeted. “I trust the drive from Metropolis went well.”

“Yes, Alfred. Thank you so much for doing this.” By “this”, she meant giving you and Jon a place to stay in Gotham while she attended a journalism conference. Your dad and Uncle Bruce were off at the watchtower saving the world again while your other brother, Kon, was in San Francisco at Titans Tower, working on some case that Tim had found. Which left you and Jon all alone.

While this normally wouldn’t be a problem, you had experienced an unfortunate run in with some kryptonite on what would be a routine patrol of Metropolis. Lex Luthor had other plans, of course, and the kryptonite had knocked you through a building. Your father had appeared seconds later, dripping with righteous anger and rage, and Aunt Diana took care of the kryptonite. Unfortunately, your powers hadn’t fully developed yet so the healing process was taking longer than it would for Kon or your dad. Your parents didn’t want you and Jon to be alone in your apartment when he was still developing his powers and you were benched.

So, here you were at Wayne Manor with a superpowered baby brother who was currently squirming in an attempt to get out of your grasp. You sighed and leaned down to let Jon free, wincing at the ache in your ribs.

“Master Damian is in his room,” Alfred informed Jon. “I believe he mentioned something about introducing you to our new cow.”

“Sweet! Thanks, Alf!” Jon raced out of sight and you huffed out a laugh. That kid had boundless amounts of energy.

“Alright, I’m off. Be good. Behave. Don’t strain yourself,” your mom ordered. She wrapped her arm around your shoulders and dropped a kiss to your forehead. “Thanks again, Alfred.”

“It’s a pleasure, Miss Lane.” The door shut behind your mother and Alfred turned to you. “I have a new recipe I’ve been working on if you would like to assist me in the kitchen.”

You followed after him into the depths of the manor. You had been here plenty of times over the years, but it never failed to surprise you at the sheer size and ostentatious beauty of the place. It felt like something out of Pride and Prejudice when Lizzie toured through Pemberley.

“I was finally able to convince Beverly to share her french tart recipe,” Alfred explained. “It was as if she were hiding the code to Fort Knox. For someone who can barely create a passable mousse, I must begrudgingly admit defeat against her tarts.”

“You’re an honest man, Alfred Pennyworth.” You snagged one of the strawberries from the bowl he had set up on the counter. “How are the ladies?”

He launched into a detailed explanation of his knitting club and their recent exploits as the two of you blended, stirred, and sliced up ingredients for the tart. Once it was in the fridge to chill, Alfred sent you upstairs to check on the boys. You peaked your head into Damian’s room and found your little brother floating cross legged in the air, playing video games and chatting with the youngest Wayne who answered with a few grunts and hums. Like father, like son.

Slipping back out, you headed towards the library. The Wayne library never ceased to amaze you. The large floor to ceiling windows let in the perfect amount of light and looked out onto the gardens below. Books lined the towering shelves that used rolling ladders to get to them.

But as you got closer, you could hear that the library wasn’t empty and it was a familiar heartbeat that resounded in your ears.

“Todd,” you greeted the sprawled out figure on the couch. He lifted his gaze from the book in his hands and smirked.

“Alien,” he shot back. “I didn’t realize you would be here today.”

“Kon’s in San Fran with Tim, Dad’s with Bruce in space, and Mom’s at a conference,” you explained. “Someone had to watch Jon and bruised ribs don’t make it easy.”

He grimaced and shifted his legs to make space on the couch. You sat on the empty space and stretched out so you were lying parallel to him. Jason rested the book open faced on his broad chest and nudged your knee with his elbow.

“How did you bruise your ribs? I thought you were invincible.” A furrow appeared between his brows as he frowned. Jason had been a witness to your invincibility many times. The two of you had fought side by side whenever the Justice League was called in, leaving Gotham and Metropolis down a hero. While Batman hated metas in his city and your father disagreed with Red Hood’s methods, they both relented with the knowledge that their children were safer with the other helping.

The two times that Jason had called your name in an emergency had been heart stopping. You had never flown so fast to get to someone and the fear that clutched your throat when you found him bleeding out in an alley…

You shoved the thought aside and nudged him back with your knee. “Why are you here?”

“Got shot,” he said bluntly. “Alfred doesn’t let you leave the manor until seventy-two hours have passed. You never answered my question.”

“Luthor got his hands on kryptonite again and I didn’t see it coming until I was crashing through the sixteenth floor of a skyscraper.”

His jaw flexed as he clenched it. “And your dad hasn’t killed him yet…why?”

“I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but it would be really bad publicity if Superman killed a millionaire of one of the leading companies in the nation,” you quipped. “And before you get any smart ideas, no, the Red Hood cannot go and kill Lex Luthor.”

“I could make it look like an accident.”

“I’m sure you could.” You shifted on the couch to grab a blanket off of the back and winced at the pull on your sides. Instantly, he sat up and reached for the hem of your shirt. Jason pushed it up to see the bruising on your skin and he ghosted a hand over the injured area.

“We should get you some ice,” he murmured. “Have you taken any painkillers?”

“I’ll be fine,” you protested. “Seriously, Jay.”

“No, it’s not fine, Y/N. It’s one thing for me to be injured because I’m human. You aren’t supposed to have bruises. You’re supposed to be safe.”

The glow of green crept into his irises and you cupped his cheeks between your hands. Jason shut his eyes and breathed in deep and slow in an attempt to calm the Pit.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured.

“I’m okay,” you assured him. You brushed his dark locks out of his face and ran the tips of your fingers along his forehead, temple, and then jaw. “Here.”

Taking his hand that rested over your bruised side, you raised it to rest against the steady beating of your heart. An almost imperceptible shudder ran through him at the feeling of your heartbeat and a smile curved at the corner of your lips.

“I’m fine.” You would have continued in your reassurances if he didn’t capture your lips in a searing kiss. You fisted a hand against his shirt and tangled your fingers in his short hair and deepened the kiss. He groaned into your touch and you could have sighed in relief. Finally, you thought. The two of you had been dancing around each other for months at this point.

Jason slowly lowered your back down against the couch, mindful of both of your injuries, and started to slide his hand up your shirt when your phone started ringing. The two of you broke apart just as the library doors flung open.

“Demon brat, go away,” Jason groaned. He rested his forehead against your shoulder as you snickered and answered your phone.

“Tell Todd that if he doesn’t get his hands off my child in the next five seconds, then he won’t have any hands,” your dad said in lieu of a greeting.

“What the hell were you doing to my sibling, Hood?” Kon’s voice sounded from down the hall.

“Were they making out? Ew, Kon, put me down before I puke,” Tim said. You groaned and raised your hands to cover your face. Sometimes, you hated your family, even if you loved them dearly.

“Next time, we do this at my place,” Jason growled. “After I line all the walls with lead.”

“I heard that!” All three Kents shouted.

[xxgoblin-dumplingxx]

If we’re going for a happy ending with the batmom reader drabbles: I need to see Bruce’s stubborn ass sucking it up and apologizing like a man but also the boys going to see batmom while she’s away and comforting her

At the knock on the door, you rolled to your feet from where you'd been stretching on the floor and went to answer it, exhaling slowly.

Word had evidently gotten out that you'd left the manor though the 'why' was still something of a mystery to your visitors. So far as you were concerned, you owed no one any explanation and so you'd simply sent them back to Bruce. Let him explain it. Let him deal with the mess.

He was, after all, the one that had made it.

Still. You hadn't expected to find Dick and Tim standing on your doorstep. Looking relieved and irritated at the same time.

"Boys-"

"Did you at least make sure you have wifi?" Tim whined as he and Dick let themselves in to your little beach house, both pausing just long enough to kiss you on the cheek as they passed.

"And snacks," Dick added, "I'm starving."

"Does Bruce-"

"No!" they both yell in unison. And in spite of yourself, you smile a little.

"I told you to stay and help-"

"Yeah," Dick said toeing off his shoes by the door, cueing Tim to do the same. "But you also told Alfred to tell us where you were if we asked. And I missed you, so I asked."

"Baby bird-"

"Damian might just be plotting to kill me or something so I thought I should go with Dick."

You rub your forehead and sigh. You'd missed the 'kid noise' terribly. And for a second all you can do is stand there. You should tell them they don't have to choose sides. That this isn't about them. That you'd always meant to be there for them. But you can't make the words come out. All you can do is turn slightly, trying not to let them see you cry.

But they do. Dick is the first one to loop his arms around you, pulling you into a hug that's too tight. The way he always did as a little boy who didn't understand how strong he was. Tim hesitated at first but came to stand on your other side. "Did you really ask where I was or did Alfred just send you?"

"He told us to ask and then sent us," Dick admitted, grinning.

"But he didn't tell Bruce. And told us if we told Bruce we'd never stop doing chores," Tim added hurriedly.

And when you laugh Dick only squeezes you harder pulling you off your feet, "Are we done doing sappy shit so we can go to the beach now?"

"There's girls out there playing Volleyball," Tim huffed, watching Dick set you back on the floor.

"Go," you tell them, shaking your head and shooing them out the door. "I'll see if I can get someone to bring us a load of wood and some trimmings for a cookout."

"Thanks, Y/N!" Dick called, already going.

"It's okay, Tim," you tell him, smiling. "You can go if you want to."

"I think I'd rather stay here," he said, "Dick sang. The. Whole. Way. Here."

"High School Musical?"

"And Grease. And Hairspray. If I had to listen to Hamilton too I was gonna jump out of the car."

You make a sympathetic noise and nod, "Couch is all yours, Tim Tam,"

And when he smiled, pulling his laptop out of his bag to settle in, you exhaled slowly. And thanked your lucky stars that Alfred followed directions about as well as you did. You'd missed your boys.

[imaginingmarvelandeverything]

Tire Thief

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x F!Reader

Warnings: mentions of violence, mentions of death

Word Count: 3002

A/N: So, convenience won the vote I did at the beginning of the week! In better circumstances came second, so I will be working on the new chapter of that next. Baby Jason needs to be protected at all costs, and all I want to do is bundle him in blankets and make him hot chocolate. Anyway, I hope you like it!!

Ko-Fi

Series Masterlist

Masterlist

Y/N woke with a start as the shrill tones of her ringtone sounded out through the dark bedroom. She groped on the bedside table and, after almost knocking her phone on the floor, managed to answer it.

“Hello?” She said, sitting up and brushing her hair back out of her face.

“Y/N, I need your help.” Bruce said, causing her to feel as if someone had poured ice water down her spine.

She threw her legs out of bed. “What’s wrong?”

He sighed, and she could practically see him pinching the bridge of his nose. “Nothing is exactly wrong.”

“Bruce?” She pressed, trapping her phone between her ear and shoulder as she pulled on her trousers.

He sighed again. “A kid tried to steal the charger’s tires. By the time I got here, he’d already made off with two and was working on taking the other two off.” His voice dropped in volume. “And I don’t know how to put them back on.”

She smiled, imagining the pout she knew would be present on his face, as she pulled a jumper over her head. “How many times have you watched me work on cars now?”

He huffed out a breath through his nose. “Can you just come and help, please?”

“I’m on my way.” She said, pulling on her boots. “Press your panic button so I can find you.”

“Done. Be careful driving over here.” He said, before adding. “And cover your face.”

“I will. See you soon.” She hung up and sent Alfred a quick text to say where she was going in case she was not back by the time he woke up.

She pulled on a jacket and grabbed her ski buff before walking out into the hallway. She crept down the stairs, avoiding the creaky floorboards so as not to wake anyone, and climbed into the elevator. She hit the button for the garage as she pulled up Bruce’s location on her phone.

The doors opened and she walked over to the lock box and pulled out the keys to the black, Honda Civic Sudan. She would take the bike, but she knew he would have an issue with her using it on her own so late at night. That and the only reason she had brought the sedan was to be as inconspicuous as possible in times like these; the car was not even registered under her real name and already had a full tool kit in the boot. She climbed in and shot off into the night.

***

The car’s headlights illuminated Bruce standing in front of the charger as Y/N pulled into the side road off ‘crime alley’. She was sure the road had an actual name, but no one ever used it. He walked over to her as she switched off the engine and pulled the ski buff over her mouth and nose before climbing out of the car.

“Where’s the kid?” She asked as she pulled her hood up as well.

“Over there.” He nodded towards some boxes at the side of the alley where she could see a small figure hunched over. “He hasn’t said much other than asking me if I was going to call the police.”

She nodded, before realising he was alone. She glanced up and down the alley, but found no sign of anyone else. “Where’s Robin?”

Bruce’s shoulders dropped. “He’s keeping an eye on Penguin.”

“Alone?” She struggled to keep her voice level as he nodded. “You promised me-”

“I know.” He cut her off. “Look, we can have this conversation later, I don’t want you here longer than you have to be.”

She huffed, but let it drop for now. She pulled her tool kit out and walked over to the charger. The back left wheel was untouched, the back right had the hubcap and locking wheel nuts off but the tire was still in place, and the front two tires were both off the car, piled up to one side. There was a tire iron and a crow bar in front of them. She turned around, finally looking at the boy sat on the wooden crate.

His hair was jet black and messy in a way that remaindered her of Dick’s. In fact, from this distance, he could be mistaken as Dick’s younger brother. He was small, his clothes far too big for him. She wondered if he was actually as young as he looked or if his small stature was actually from malnutrition, because the boy was also twig thin.

She walked over to him and he pushed himself back, making himself as small as possible as he pressed into the wall behind him. His crystal blue eyes surveyed her for threat as she held up her hands and cautiously took another step forward. “It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m a friend of Batman’s.”

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” He spoke up, the hardness of his voice surprising her, but she could hear the fear underling it.

She gave a one shoulder shrug, aware of Bruce hovering nearby as she took another step forward and crouched down in front of him. “What’s your name?”

He looked at her warily and shook his head as he buried his hand further in his ratty hoodie pocket.

She sighed and pulled down her ski buff, ignoring the warning noise that came from Bruce. “Do you know who I am?” She asked now her face was bare.

“You’re Y/N Wayne.” He said, his eyes getting wider.

“I am. Now you know my name, will you tell me yours?” She said softly.

“Jason.” He said, starting to relax slightly and pick at one of the holes in the knee of his trousers.

“Nice to meet you, Jason.” She smiled. “Can you tell me where you live so I can take you home?”

“I don’t have one.” He whispered, glancing up at Bruce as he took a step forward.

Y/N shot Bruce a look, silently telling him to back up before turning her attention back to the kid. “Where are your parents?”

“My mom’s dead, dad’s in prison.” He said with a shrug, but his bottom lip trembled ever so slightly.

She frowned. “How old are you, Jason?”

“I’m almost twelve.” He said, with the confidence of a kid trying to appear older to an adult. He did not look his age at all and she wondered how long he had been on the streets. “Are you going to call the police?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I want you to help me put the tires back on the car, and then how about we go and get some breakfast?”

“Breakfast?” His eyebrows pinched together.

“I’m assuming you were going to sell the tires to buy food?” She said and he nodded. “Yeah, so we can get breakfast after you help me put them back on, deal?”

He looked up at her with eyes scarily similar to Bruce and Dick’s. “Deal.”

***

It took less than an hour to get the tires back on the car. Y/N was right, the kid knew his way around cars and only needed minor input from her as they fitted the locking wheel nuts and hubcaps back on. He kept shooting glances at Bruce hovering nearby as they worked and seemed reluctant to answer any more questions with the Batman standing so close, even when she assured him again that they were not going to call the police.

“All done.” Y/N said with a smile as she locked the last bolt into place. “Why don’t you go get in the other car?” She handed him her car keys. “I need to talk to Batman.”

Jason stared at the keys in his hand and back at her car, not quite believing she would trust him enough to leave him alone in her car, with her keys. “Alright.”

She watched him walk over to the car before she turned to face Bruce. He gripped her arm and spun them so his back was towards Jason and, if by some chance the kid could lip read, he would not be able to see their conversation.

“What are you doing?” Bruce asked in a hushed whisper.

“What do you mean?” Her fingers traced a crack in his breastplate she was already making a mental reminder to fix when he got home.

“The kid tried to steal the tires and now you’re taking him for breakfast? He’s a criminal, Y/N.” He said, catching her hand to draw her attention back to her face.

“He’s a kid, Bruce.” She struggled to keep her voice down. “He might not be showing it, but he’s scared and hungry, and god knows how long he’s been out here on his own. I’m going to take him for breakfast, get him to trust me a bit, and then call the social worker who helped us with Dick, see what she recommends. Okay?”

He sighed. “Fine. Call me if anything happens.”

“I will. But you need to find Robin and we will be talking about him going off on his own later.” She said.

He gave a stiff nod and she squeezed his hand before letting go and walking over to the car. Jason was sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with her car keys. He looked up as she climbed in and handed them over when she held out her hand for them.

“How’d you know Batman?” He spoke up as she reversed out of the alley and drove off in the direction of the diner.

“I build stuff for him.” She turned on the heater when she noticed he was shaking. “Before everything happened with my parents, I was an engineer.”

It took him a minute to reply. “Do you have to go college for that?”

“Yeah, I got my bachelor's and then went back and did my master’s after a couple of years in the industry.” She glanced at him before looking back at the road. “Do you like school?”

He shrugged. “I haven’t been since my mom died.”

She pulled into the diner’s carpark and turned to look at him. “C’mon, this place does the best breakfast in the city.”

He stayed a few steps behind her as they walked in and the hostess showed them to a booth. Y/N had started frequenting this particular diner after what happened at Gotham Square Garden. Bruce had asked her to take over the Wayne Foundation and sort out funding for small businesses that needed help rebuilding after the flood. The owner had insisted on giving her free food ever since, even though she always made sure to leave enough cash on the table to cover whatever she ordered and then some. But it meant the diner had become a bit of a safe haven, no one gave her any fuss for who she was, and if anyone tried, the owner and her girls would get in the way so she could make a get away.

Jason fidgeted with the menu once the waitress walked off, clearly feeling out of place. Y/N pretended not to notice and read the menu.

“So, what do you fancy?” She asked, peering over the top of her menu.

He gave a half-shouldered shrug and a whispered reply “I don’t know.”

“Well, in my opinion, the best thing on the menu is the waffles.” She set her menu down and smiled softly.

He flipped the menu to look at the waffle list as the waitress walked back over.

“What can I get you both this morning?” She smiled cheerily, even though the sun was only just starting to rise.

“I’ll have the chocolate waffles and just some coffee please.” Y/N said and the waitress wrote it down on her pad.

“What about you?” She turned to Jason.

“Strawberry and chocolate waffles and a chocolate milkshake please.” He said quietly.

“Alright, it’ll be out in a jiffy.” She smiled once more and walked back to the counter.

Jason turned back to look at Y/N. “Why’re you doing this?”

“What do you mean?”

“Helping me. I stole stuff and you’re buying me breakfast.” He buried his hands in his hoodie again and stared at the table.

She took a breath and considered how to answer. “I would hope someone would do the same for my children if something drastic happened. And I would do it for all of the kids on the streets across the city if I could, but the police department is still pretty much working against us on that.”

“What’s going to happen after breakfast?” He glanced up at her, his crystal blue eyes apprehensive.

“Eight years ago, we took in a boy with no parents. I’m still in touch with the social worker who helped him get placed with us. So, after breakfast, if you’ll let me, I’ll give her a call and see if we can sort something out. You’ll have options, including a boarding school if that’s something that interests you. But it will all be on your terms, no one is going to force you into anything, I promise you that.”

He nodded, not sure what to say, but luckily the waitress came over with their drinks.

***

Once their food came, Y/N realised Jason must have been very hungry many times before. While most kids would probably have wolfed down any food put in front of them after not eating for a while, Jason took his time. She wondered if he had learnt from experience that eating fast after a period of starvation never ended well. But she did not say anything, and when they were finished she asked him again about ringing the social worker. He only nodded, not giving her a verbal response.

“Okay, I’ll be back in a minute then. Feel free to order something else if you want.” She smiled and slid out of the booth before walking outside. The early morning sun was shining, but the winter temperatures were beginning to move in. She pressed the correct contact and lifted her phone to her ear.

“Mrs Wayne?”

“Yes, Mary, hi.” She said, not sure how to start.

“It’s very early, Mrs Wayne. Is Grayson having issues at school again?”

Y/N resisted the urge to roll her eyes, Dick had not had any issues in five years. “No, but I do need your help.”

“What is it?”

“I parked in a less than desirable location this morning while running some errands and a kid tried to steal my tires. I caught him before he could get very far, but his mom is dead, dad’s in prison and he doesn’t have anywhere to go. I’m at a diner with him at the moment, I don’t think he’s eaten in a while. But I was hoping you would be able to come down and talk to him, maybe sort something out.” The story was not an entire lie, but she made a mental note to tell Jason what she had said when she went back inside.

Mary sighed. “Where are you?” Y/N gave her the address. “Give me half an hour.”

“Thank you, see you then.”

***

“Coffee or bed?” Alfred asked without taking his eyes of the newspaper in front of him as Y/N walked out of the elevator into the main room.

“Where are Bruce and the kids?” She walked over and threw her coat over the back of one of the chairs and kicked off her boots.

Alfred put the paper down and took his glasses off before looking at her. “Bruce is upstairs, hopefully sleeping, the kids are at school. But I’m not sure Dick is going to last the whole day with how late they got in.”

She sighed. “I’ll pick him up from school today, I need to talk to him. But for now, I’m going to bed.”

Alfred nodded in acknowledgement and she walked up the stairs, trying not to drag her feet. The cup of coffee at the diner had done very little to alleviate how tired she felt. She tried to be as quiet as possible as she opened the bedroom door and slipped inside, but she knew it would most likely wake Bruce anyway.

The room was dark, the black out curtains drawn, so she could only make out his vague shape in bed. She quickly pulled off her jumper and trousers, leaving her in the t-shirt and panties she had originally gone to bed in hours before, and climbed under the covers. Bruce reached out almost immediately and pulled her into him. She was still mad at him for letting Dick go off alone, but they could have that conversation later, when he was completely conscious. So, she ran her fingers through his hair as he buried his face in her neck and wrapped his arms around her.

“How’d it go?” He mumbled.

“She got him a place in that boarding school, over on the east side of town. I said I’d keep in touch, make sure he has what he needs and is staying on track. I just hope he settles. He’s a good kid, was just dealt a shitty hand.” She pressed her lips to his hairline as she got comfy and began to drop off to sleep.

“I’m sure he will be fine.” He pressed a kiss to the hollow of her throat in response. “Get some sleep.”

She hummed and drifted off to the even sound of his breathing.

Taglist: In the reblogs

[preciousthingsareprecious]

With a Heart of Scars Chapter 11

Strolls in over a year late with Starbucks, new chapter anyone?

Links for those who are new, or need a refresher:

Chapter 1 | Previous Chapter | AO3

“You really had no idea I was back in town?” Tim asked again as he adjusted his grip on Dick’s wrist.

The two of them were in the middle of climbing the manor’s staircase to the second floor. It was Tim’s way of making sure he rested. Especially since his brother was apparently insistent on still working the case that had landed him under a building.

He’d thought he could leave Dick safely downstairs for a bit while he got situated back in the manor, the man was injured and had promised to rest, but apparently Dick had picked up more Batman habits from Bruce than he cared to admit to. It was baffling, especially since Tim knew for a fact everyone else in the family was hard at work investigating things in some way or another. So here they were with Tim in charge of getting Dick upstairs without tearing stitches, while Alfred was busy making sure the room was presentable, clean, and free of tripping hazards.

“Nope, I can show you my phone when we get upstairs. Last text from you was--” Dick winced as he put his leg down wrong.

Tim hefted him a little closer to his side.

“An update on just how tasty the food really is in Paris.” his brother finished, just as they reached the top.

“I know I sent you a message.” Tim said, his brows furrowing.

His brother waved him off, “It’s not a big deal either way, Timmy.”

Except it was. Dick had been in such straits Damian had needed to go save him. Damian who hadn’t been in the field yet. Damian who as far as Tim knew was still two seconds away from taking off someone’s head instead of knocking them out. Even if Dick promised the kid was leaps and bounds better than that now. Besides, Tim was Robin, he should have been there to back up Batman.

Even not considering the most recent disaster, Tim hadn’t been around nearly as much as he should, and it was showing. Dick was exhausted. One bad night didn’t create the deep purple bags under Dick’s eyes or the exhaustion lacing his voice.

Tim should have known. Should have been on the lookout for those tell tale signs. It didn’t matter who wore the cowl, Batman was going to keep secrets from his Robin. It was Robin’s duty to figure those out and keep him safe, yet Dick had pulled the wool over Tim’s eyes completely because he hadn’t been there. And of course he had, Tim was spending most of his time looking for a different Batman. When he wasn’t doing that, he was keeping himself busy with the Titans. Anything to be out of the house that just kept reminding him of the second dad he’d lost.

Alfred had left the door open for them, and was waiting inside when Tim helped Dick into the room. Together, he and Alfred got Dick in bed and settled in. As his brother leaned back against his pillows he sighed with relief.

“Perfect. Thanks guys.”

Alfred hummed and adjusted Dick’s blankets again, “Would you like some tea?”

Dick shot him a blinding grin, “Please.”

“You know he’s probably going to drug it right?” Tim joked after Alfred had left.

His brother snorted, “He only ever did that to B.”

Mostly when Bruce had been shutting everyone out and overworking himself. In fact, Tim remembered seeing Bruce looking an awful lot like Dick did now. His heart squeezed at the comparison, at the way he missed his dad, at what Dick seemed to be silently pushing himself through.

“Hmm.” Tim said, and pulled his phone from his pocket to check his text history with Dick. “Oh.” he blinked down at the phone.

“Oh?” Dick asked.

“I forgot to hit send.” Tim felt his face heat up.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw a hand flash, and jerked his head up in surprise. It wasn’t a dismissal, but instead Dick was holding his arm out in invitation.

“Want to join me? I don’t really care to sit here alone all day.”

Tim rolled his eyes but smiled, “That’s the most obvious comfort attempt I’ve seen in a long time.”

“I don’t have to trick you into giving hugs.”

Something about that made Tim think not only of Damian, but of Jason too. He chuckled, and settled on the bed next to Dick, and leaned into his side.

“Glad I can be the agreeable brother.”

He received a tight hug for that as Dick tugged him closer to his side, before leaning over to press a kiss into his hair, “And I thank you so much for that.”

“Now, tell me all about your adventures. Any more leads on strange bat symbols?”

Tim entertained Dick until Cass came in to take over for him, and he headed downstairs for a late lunch. He found Damian in the kitchen, picking his way through a bowl of salad. Tim stood for a moment and watched the kid spear a couple cherry tomatoes with his fork and then stare at them for a few seconds before popping them in his mouth.

“Hey.” Tim said, not wanting to make him think he was spying.

Damian looked up at him and scowled. No surprise there. They weren’t close, but Tim had thought Damian had cooled towards him lately. He’d even apologized for challenging Tim to a duel when he’d first arrived. The apology had been stiff, and most likely initiated by Dick, but honestly the fact that he’d done it at all had been progress.

“Dick’s in his room now.” Tim said, trying to find some common ground as he ducked into the fridge.

Bless Alfred and his legendary meal prepping skills. Neat little tupperware lined the fridge, pre portioned meals that were filling and basic enough to meet any of their pallets for a quick meal. He snagged one at random, lifted one corner of the lid and popped it into the microwave.

“Are you sticking around?” Damian demanded.

“What?” Tim turned to blink at Damian surprised.

The boy crossed his arms, salad forgotten. He looked fierce, not angry, but protective?

“Are you finally going to take your duties as Robin seriously, and watch Grayson’s back?”

Oh. That made sense. Dick had gone on about Damian with such affection earlier it had made Tim a bit jealous, and now he saw that the feelings were mutual. Gone was the Damian who had no time for anyone, now replaced with a tiny protective pit bull of a kid who had latched onto his oldest brother.

Tim frowned, “I’m sorry I wasn’t there last night, I feel terrible.”

Damian opened his mouth to berate him, but Tim held up a hand, “Let me finish. I’m not trying to make an excuse, just explain. If he wants me to stay, I’m staying. I shouldn’t have spent so much time away.”

His heart was torn even saying that. Tim loved Dick. He loved his brother desperately, but he also loved Bruce, and he couldn’t picture up and abandoning his quest. Except he couldn’t be in two places at once, and he just---he didn’t know what to do.

“Good.” Damian gave a sharp nod, “He needs a partner, and if you were not up to the task I was going to insist on taking up your slack.”

“Oh really? And has Dick okayed you for field work yet?”

Damian’s scowl returned, “He will have to eventually. His lessons are growing repetitive with nothing new to test me against.”

Tim doubted that, but did agree that eventually Damian was going to have to go out on patrol. It’s all he wanted, and even with him apparently gaining new interests since Tim had been gone, his goal was still to join Batman on patrol.

The microwave beeped. Tim turned his attention to his food. He opened the door, tugged his sleeves over his hands, and pulled out the tupperware. Quickly, he took it over to the bar and set it down before he returned to the microwave to close it and find a fork.

When he sat down again, Damian had returned to picking tomatoes out of his salad.

“You know, even if I join Dick, I think he’d appreciate having more than one partner. He’s used to working with a team.”

“Like you are?” Damian asked, not looking up, “Grayson tells me you have been splitting your time between the Teen Titans and searching for Father.”

Tim hummed, and gently lifted the lid off the food, letting the steam escape slowly. Inside the tupperware was a mix of rice, diced chicken, and an assortment of vegetables. A warm, spiced, scent came up from the container that made Tim’s mouth water.

“I have.” he nodded, “Most of my time’s been spent looking for Bruce though.”

He gave the food a good stir with his fork, and glanced up at Damian, “Your Grandpa’s even tried to help.”

Damian snorted, “I doubt what Grandfather has been doing is helpful.”

A chuckle escaped Tim’s chest, and he let it turn into a full laugh, “Yeah, he’s the worst.”

Damian gave him a half smile at that and hummed. He turned back down to the salad, now stabbing at cucumber slices, “Do you have any solid leads on Father?”

“Some.” Tim said, “Jay’s been helping too, hunting down locations from here in his spare time. So far it’s been a lot of nothing, but I’m sure we’ll find solid evidence soon.”

“And if you do?” Damian asked.

Tim shrugged, “Use it to start triangulating a location. My running theory is that Bruce is stuck somewhere in time, though there's also the possibility he could be in an alternate universe shifted slightly from our own.”

Damian didn’t ask about Tim’s plans if he didn’t find evidence. Instead he nodded, and stirred his salad, accidentally sending a slice of red onion sliding out of the bowl. He glared at it, before lifting it and dropping it in his mouth. It was actually really cute.

They spent the rest of their meal in comfortable silence. Tim devouring his rice bowl, while Damian continued to pick his salad apart, ingredient by ingredient. Tim remembered Bruce doing that sometimes if he was working out a puzzle. Normally it had nothing to do with a case, but instead was work or relationship related. One time it was over something Dick had snapped at him before storming out. It had taken him the whole meal to sort out Dick was mad that he’d forgotten about a lunch they’d had planned. He wondered what Damian was trying to puzzle out.

He didn’t get another chance to hang out with Dick alone until the next evening. Everyone else had insisted on crowding him to make sure he rested and didn’t do too much. Jason spent time reading silently close by while Cass played games with him on his DS. Tim would watch movies with him while Damian sat with a sketchbook perched on his knees, sitting in the bed just far enough away from Dick that no one would suspect him of trying to be comforting --his little ruse fooling no one.

Dick at last managed to convince Alfred to let him out of bed and move down into Bruce’s office to get some WE work done if he promised to have someone with him. Tim volunteered, eager for some quiet time with his oldest sibling.

They sat together for a while in comfortable silence. Tim worked on some of his own long overdue WE projects, and then wrangled some away from Dick to devote a fresh set of eyes to.

It was nice, just sitting there and working. Tim was settled by the book shelves, a laptop perched on his lap, and Dick was seated at the desk proper, with one of his legs propped up on a stool. Tim had been so busy, so in a rush to go off and do things, he’d missed the quiet. It was odd, thinking of Dick as quiet, and another marked change from the last time they’d sat in this office working together. Dick hadn’t interrupted him for anything but work in almost an hour. He’d settled in, brow furrowed, and just...worked.

Tim didn’t think he liked it.

As little as he wanted to admit it, Tim had begun to realize Dick needed more backup here, and he wasn’t sure he was the one to give it.

They worked for a while longer, Tim’s discomfort growing with each minute that ticked by until he cleared his throat to get Dick’s attention.

“Hm?” his brother glanced up from his computer.

“Can we talk?” Tim asked.

Dick really looked at him this time, studying his face for a few seconds before nodding. Tim dragged his chair over to the desk so Dick didn’t have to get up, and then sat down unsure of what to say, or how to bring up what he wanted to talk about.

For his part, Dick looked nervous too. He was leaning forward in his chair, his good leg raised up to rest on the edge of the seat. One of his hands fiddled with the corner of a notebook, lifting the pages and letting them slide down his thumb making a thwiping noise.

He tapped a finger on the arm of his chair, “I’m sorry.” he said at last, then before Dick could respond charged ahead, “I know I apologized already and we had a whole talk, but I’m talking about more than just the other night.”

“Tim, we talked about that too. I’m happy you’re out looking for Bruce, and being with your friends. I know how much they benefit from having you there.”

“Yes, but I’ve left you without a proper partner.” Tim said, “And it’s obvious you need one.”

Dick scoffed, “You too? Damian told me the same.”

“He’s right. And actually, that’s the other thing.”

This was what he’d been fighting with himself about. Handing over his partnership with Dick to someone else. He could say Damian could pick any name but Robin, but Batman needed a Robin. Tim knew that better than anyone. Gotham needed to see Robin out there as much as they needed Batman.

Tim could pretend that things wouldn’t be any different when he got done with his quest (however that ended), he could pretend he’d be able to slip right back into being Batman’s partner the same way he’d been prior to all this, but that was a lie. Even now he and Dick were more comrades than hero and sidekick, and that gulf would only grow if Dick and Damian started patrolling together. The two were already practically joined at the hip.

“I think you should make Damian Robin.” he said.

He found that it wasn’t as upsetting as he’d thought it would be, to imagine a different Robin. To picture the little gremlin in that role. To just, hand it over like that.

Dick visibly relaxed, his hand flattened on the book, “Really?”

Tim shrugged, “I’ve been thinking about it. More than just being here. I told Damian that I’d stay and be your partner if you wanted. But I honestly think he’d be better taking over, he can be here all the time, and doesn’t have a team or the distractions I do.”

“I’d been thinking about it too.” Dick sounded almost guilty, and he slid the book over, flipping it to a page with a corner folded down.

A few sketches filled the page. There was a full sketch of a new Robin uniform, with pieces doodled around it, a hooded cape, and combat boots instead of Tim’s old style.

The irritation Tim thought he wasn’t going to feel suddenly rose up. Dick had wanted to replace him? He’d told Tim that he wasn’t going to give Robin to Damian, that they’d pick something else.

Dick seemed to read the change in his mood, “I wasn’t going to give it to him until I’d asked you.” he reached out and put a hand on Tim’s, “I wouldn’t take Robin from you, even if I did think you were ready to spread your own wings.”

He flipped the pages back, showing Tim other uniform designs, one with a motorcycle helmet type mask and a fathered cape called Red Bird, another that looked a lot like a Nightwing uniform but with more armor and a scalloped cape. Tim’s irritation settled a bit at that.

“But you did consider Robin too.”

His brother shrugged, and looked a little chagrined, “You can’t really get mad at me for imagining it. You were never going to stay Robin forever.”

Tim sighed, “Yeah. I just, I don’t know. It’s dumb, I shouldn’t be upset when I said the same thing just a minute ago.”

“So, you’re still okay with it?” Dick asked.

“Yeah, yeah I am.” Tim nodded, “It’ll be good for the Gremlin. He’s already grown leaps and bounds just training with you.”

Dick smiled, “Thank you, Tim. You know I've still got your back no matter what right? Whatever name you pick or outfit, and hey!” the smile turned into a full grin, “I can even help you pick out a new uniform. Maybe break out the old disco wing outfit?”

Tim pulled a face, “No way, Damian might have to suffer through your fashion decisions, but I’ll make my own. Besides, I’ve already picked out a new name and outfit.”

“Oh?” Dick’s eyes lit up, “Do tell.”

So Tim did. He pushed his brother over and pulled up his directory on their shared drive to show him some rendered images. He’d been excited to finalize the idea, and he was even more excited to share it with Dick.

They spent the rest of the evening looking over Red Robin images, with Tim defending the name choice to his brother.

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Seized

An addition to Approval. Do not read this until reading that first. 

Character: Bruce Wayne x Fem!Reader // Damian Wayne x Batmom

Summary: What happens when Talia Al Ghul learns that someone has stolen the affections of her past lover and her son?

Word Count: 3,000 [One Shot]

“Delinquents have been detained. I can hear the sirens,” Damian stated calmly in his comms.

“Good work, Robin. You know where to meet me. You have a minute,” Bruce responded as he whipped the bat mobile through Crime Alley to grab his son.

Just as Damian opened the door and hopped in, an alarm went off within the vehicle.

“The Manor,” Damian thought aloud as he read the screens with his father.

Bruce ignored his comment and was calling Alfred immediately.

“Master Wayne,” the butler instantly picked up. “I followed protocol, but they were already gone when I arrived.”

“Y/N…” Bruce immediately asked.

“They took her,” Alfred told him, distress clear in his tone.

Damian’s head whipped to his father to watch his reaction.

But Bruce’s jaw only tightened and he sped the batmobile even faster.

Returning faster to Wayne Manor than ever before, Bruce jumped out of the batmobile and up the secret entrance to get to the main house.

Damian was hot on his heels. He’d already sent an encrypted message to his brothers, informing them of the situation. It was only a matter of time before they were at the manor as well. Though Damian suspected Jason would not come, instead already starting to scour the streets of Gotham for Y/N and her captors.

Alfred was already waiting for them. “Master Wayne, I am so sorry.”

Bruce ignored him and walked to the master bedroom. Y/N would’ve been sleeping when the attack occurred. It wouldn’t have mattered if she had been awake, she had no training in self defense. She was merely an innocent civilian.

“Father,” Damian muttered quietly.

Bruce turned around to find his son ripping a shuriken out of the door frame.

They shared a look, both recognizing the particular shape and color.

“The League…” Damian muttered quietly, saying what they both were thinking.

——————

Y/N was barely awake.

They clearly had drugged her with something to make her more compliant. Everything was foggy and muffled.

Yet they still tied her hands and ankles together, as if her brain could even manage to get her body to move.

But Y/N could feel the effects of the drugs losing their strength, yet keeping their hold on her.

She squinted as she looked around. The air felt different. It was colder and dryer, making Y/N believe that she was no longer in Gotham. Little did she know, she wasn’t even in the country any longer.

“I do not know what he sees in you,” a woman hummed from somewhere in the room.

Y/N blinked as he listened, but her eyes could not adjust to the low lighting and she didn’t even have the strength to turn her head.

“You are weak. Ripped from your own bed without so much as a fight.”

Then she heard the grunts and clashing of metal.

The woman smiled. “Right as expected, my son.”

Y/N’s brow furrowed at ‘my son.’ Then she finally lifted her head and took in her surroundings. There were swords and other weapons stored everywhere, and there was armor hung from the walls.

“Talia?” She whispered.

The woman chuckled. “Weak, but not utterly foolish.”

Then the door of the room was thrown open.

Y/N looked to see Damian in his Robin uniform.

“My son, finally returned," Talia greeted with a smirk.

“Mother.” Then his gaze flickered to Y/N. Very subtly, he was scanning her body to access any possible injuries.

His gaze turned back to his mother. “What is the meaning of this?”

“You have forgotten where you come from, Damian. You are not just the heir to the Wayne family. Before anything else, you are my son and the heir to Ra's al Ghul’s throne.”

“She has nothing to do with this,” Damian said with a gesture to Y/N.

“She has everything to do with this,” Talia snapped. “She has made you weak.”

Damian said nothing.

“She has taken you both from me,” Talia growled.

“Father does not love you,” he growled.

“A small lapse in judgment on his part, but not something that cannot be remedied. Our love gave us you, and I fully believe he will return to me.”

“His heart belongs to someone else. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can give up your fantasy.” Then he hesitated to say the next part. “I never plan on returning to The League of Shadows. I wish to stay with father.”

Talia’s amusement vanished at her sons words.

The next second, she unsheathed her sword. “Perhaps I should just kill her and remind you of your place, my son.”

With that, Damian rushed forward and intercepted Talia’s attack with his own sword.

“Do not touch her,” Damian growled.

Their swords continued to clash as the mother and son fought each other. The fight raged on for what felt like forever. Too evenly matched, but also both too terrible at hiding that neither actually wanted to kill the other.

In the distance, Y/N could hear even more fighting. She could only assume it was Bruce fighting his way to her and his son.

Talia and Damian’s swords locked again, both of their stances shaking from the hold.

“Do you really think you and your father stand a chance against the entire League? Why do you think we lured you all the way here? You are outnumbered.” Talia hissed.

“You think us foolish enough to come alone?” Damian smirked right before there was a boom that shook the entire compound.

Talia’s focus slipped half a second, allowing Damian a window to go on the offense.

He flipped his mother’s sword out of her grip and held his own to her throat.

“Yield,” he growled down to her.

“You truly choose her over your own mother?” The hurt in her eyes was clear.

“You abandoned me, used me as a tool to disrupt father’s life. She taught me that there is more to life than killing and destroying. She loves me and care for me, even when I gave her no reason to do so.”

“And it will be the death of you,” Talia warned.

He glared at her. “Yield!”

But he knew she would never. So he whipped out a dart and blew it to her neck – a sedative.  It knocked her out within seconds.

Waiting until he was sure it had worked, Damian sheathed his sword once again and ran to Y/N’s side.

With a knife, he cut the ropes around her wrists and ankles.

“D-Damian,” her voice was still slurred from the drugs and she was weak. How long had she been here without food or water? “I don’t think I can walk."

Damian helped her to her feet. “Y/N, please try,” he begged as he wrapped her around around his shoulders. He was still just a boy, one that was shorter than her. But he wouldn’t give up that easily.

There was another explosion.

“What’s-What’s happening?” Y/N asked as she dragged her feet and held on tightly.

“That would be Todd, most likely taking his job of distracting to an unnecessary level.”

“You all came?” She asked in shock.

“Of course,” Damian scoffed.

Suddenly an object came flying at them and Y/N cried out in pain.

“No!” Damian bellowed as he looked up to see that another League member was attempting to stop their escape. And with it, they had thrown a shuriken that had landed in Y/N’s side.

She dropped to the ground.

Damian screamed as he unsheathed his sword once again and charged the assassin. It wouldn’t take him long. He knew that every minute spent fighting was a minute Y/N was bleeding out and edging closer to death.

He didn’t hold back like he had with his mother and quickly disarmed the enemy. Then thrusting his sword into a nonfatal area of his body, enough to neutralize him. 

Damian rushed back to Y/N’s side, where a pool of blood was forming from her wound.

He knew it was useless, but he still tried to lift Y/N into his arms to carry her. He cried out in both panic and frustration.

The building had now caught aflame due to Jason’s explosions. Damian would need to call for backup, hoping one of his older brothers could help.

Then a shadow was cast over him.

Damian tensed, believing it to be another attack.

But he looked up to find his father standing before them.

However, Bruce’s gaze was on his unconscious girlfriend.

With the arrival of his father, Damian’s cold and calculating disposition melted.

“She’s hurt,” his voice trembled and tears formed in his eyes. “Help her.”

Damian rarely cried. He cried less than grown men. He was raised that way. It didn’t help that his father was not a great example of healthy emotional expression.

But Bruce knew what his sons tears were for: Damian was frustrated, he felt weak, and he thought he had failed his mission. But most of all, Bruce knew his son was crying for fear of Y/N’s death. Because the boy had grown to love her.

As if there were a world when Bruce wouldn’t give his own life to save Y/N.

Bruce bent down and carefully brought Y/N into his arms.

Damian heard her mutter his father’s name, though still delirious from both the drugs he’s sure his mother pumped into her and the blood loss.

“Red Robin, get the jet to my coordinates immediately,” Bruce instructed through his comms.

Damian wondered how his father could be so calm when the woman he loved was bleeding out in his arms. This wasn’t bat business, this was personal. But Bruce spoke like it was just another night of patrol.

A few minuets later, Damian and Bruce had fought their way through the flames and burning compound.

Tim lowered the platform of the jet.

Damian made sure his father and Y/N got on before he followed. He turned and gave one last look at the burning compound that would no longer exist come morning. He did not fear for his mother’s life. He knew someone from the League would come for her – if she didn’t save herself first.

When he boarded the jet, his father already had Y/N on the surgical table that elevated from the jet floor.

Bruce had taken off his cowl, allowing Damian and his brothers to study his expressions.

Damian had been wrong about his father handling the situation like any other mission. For now he could see the terror and worry in his father’s eyes, despite him trying to control his emotions.

Damian looked to Jason, who still had his Red Hood helmet on.

“My grandfather?” He asked his brother.

“Escaped,” Jason muttered.  

Damian stepped forward to help Bruce with Y/N’s injuries.

“She’ll be OK,” he muttered to his father.

All of them had high-level medical training to know.

Thankfully the assassin’s aim was not great and didn’t land in lethal place on Y/N’s body. But she still lost a lot of blood and would need many stitches.

All the brother’s shared a look when Bruce ignored the statement. 

———

Y/N woke up to someone gripping her hand. She recognized from the smell and the feel of the bedding that she was in Bruce’s bed at the manor.

She winced as she opened her eyes to find Bruce was the one holding her hand as he sat in a chair only inches away from the side of the bed.

“Hi,” she whispered to him with a sad smile.

“Hi,” he said back with a smirk.

“How long have I been asleep?”

“Two days.”

Then Y/N looked past Bruce to realize there was someone else in the room.

Damian passed out on the velvet chaise that was pushed against the windows.

“He hasn’t left your side,” Bruce told her. “Dick had to convince him just to take a shower for 5 minutes when we first got back.”

Y/N’s heart melted at the revelation.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”

The sound of Bruce’s voice as he said it made Y/N’s gaze snap back to him. Had it shook? Or was she imagining it?

Y/N squeezed his hand that was still wrapped around hers. 

“I know,” she told him with a sympathetic look.

He hid it well, but Y/N knew Bruce. And she knew that her being kidnapped from his own home probably drove him mad with guilt. She wouldn’t be surprised if he’d already designed an entirely new security system to prevent something like that ever happening again.

Bruce took in a shaky breath and opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

He wanted to say that he always feared her being with him would put her in danger like this. 

He wanted to say that maybe she should stay away from him. 

He wanted to say that him and the kids didn’t deserve her. 

He wanted to say that the only reason this happened is because Talia hated that she loved her son better than she ever did.

But Bruce had never been good at saying how he actually felt – or even acknowledging he had any feelings at all.

So Y/N brought his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles. “Bruce, I know,” she said once again.

“I won’t let it happen again. I promise you,” he told her evenly.

“Bruce, I knew what I signed up for when you told me you were Batman. If I wasn’t willing to face the reality of it, I wouldn’t have stayed.”

“No one would’ve blamed you if you hadn’t.”

There was a knock at the door and then it opened a second later.

Damian jumped awake at the sound. But then he quickly brought his attention to Y/N. “You’re awake.”

But everyone’s attention was on Dick, who was standing at the open doorway.

“Hey,” he greeted Y/N, surprised to see that she was awake. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore. Tired. But I’ll be alright.”

He seemed to relax from her answer.

Then he winced when he looked at Bruce. “They put the signal up.”

Bruce’s jaw tightened.

He was about to open his mouth to ask them to handle it, not wanting to leave Y/N alone now that she had woken up.

“Go, Bruce. I’ll be OK.” Y/N told him, reading his mind.

“I think it’s the Joker,” Dick added with a serious frown.

“Bruce, go.” Y/N repeated.

And he saw the sincerity in her eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her gently, deciding he didn’t care if his two sons were witnesses to the intimacy.

Then Bruce kissed her forward. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Alfred will be here if you need anything. Do not hesitate to call.”

Y/N nodded.

Bruce stood up and acknowledged Damian and Dick. “Let’s go.”

Once they were ways down the hall, Bruce heard Damian stop.

“Father?”

Bruce and Dick both turned to face Damian.

“I wish to stay with Y/N.”

Bruce and Dick shared a look, and then Dick decided to give the two a moment alone and muttered something about waiting in the cave.

Bruce walked back to his youngest son.

Damian’s gaze was glued on the floor. “Mother truly would’ve killed her?”

Bruce sighed. “Most likely, yes.” He saw no point in lying to his son.

“Because she knows that you and I love her?”

“Yes.”

Damian was quiet for a moment. But Bruce knew he had more to say.

“I used to think I had to earn it.”

Bruce frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Mother’s love. I had to earn it. Win in combat. Successfully execute a target. Outsmart a puzzle or challenge.” Damian looked up at his father with a broken expression. “Her love always came with a price.”

Bruce kneeled down to his son.

The boy shook his head. “But Y/N made me realize that I don’t have to earn anyone’s love. I don’t have to prove that I’m worthy of it.” He bit his lip. “She’s not my father or my brother. She didn’t have to love me. But she does���even when I did nothing to earn it.”

“Everyone is deserving of love, Damian.” Bruce gripped his son’s shoulder. “I’m sorry for not teaching you that myself.”

Damian nodded. “So, may I please stay with her tonight? I don’t want her to be alone.” But then he quickly corrected himself. “Unless of course, you require my assistance, father.”

Bruce smirked at him. “I think we will manage, Damian.” Then he squeezed his shoulder. “Look after her for me, alright?”

Damian relaxed and quickly nodded his head. “Of course, father.”

When Bruce returned hours later, Damian was cuddled next to Y/N in the bed. But clearly laying in a position to be mindful of her injuries. Both were fast asleep. The bright television was the only thing lighting the room, as it played a Pixar movie.

Bruce couldn’t help but grin at the sight.

“I got him,” Dick whispered to him before stepping into the room and carefully lifting the boy in his arms, clearing the space in the bed for Bruce to join Y/N.

Bruce moved about the room as he changed into cotton shorts and went without a shirt.

Y/N woke slightly as he joined her in bed.

“Everything OK?” She whispered sleepily.

“Everything’s fine. Did Damian keep you company?”

Y/N smiled and shifted her body so she was cuddle into him. “Yes…my little protector.”

Bruce smiled at that. “Don’t let him hear the ‘little’ part…”

She chuckled. “Good call.” 

And then she was fast asleep once again.

-----------------------

Please, please, please let me know what you think! 

[writing-blog-iguess]

Hi, can I request a fluff and angst fanfic about Damian x female reader? In which they're into an engagement mainly for business, but Y/N was insecure about it because she's a chubby cinnamon roll (which she didn't realise at all), and she felt left out by the entire Bat family. And so, during a true or dare between entire Batfam and their friends, Jon asked for Damian's type and he reply almost like a hint about Y/N, leaving his teammates wanting to see Y/N. They did later saw her, but somehow one of them said they didn't know Damian would fall into love with this kind of girl, which hurt Y/N unconsciouy and she ended up wanting to end the engagement. Damian chased after her and calm her down with Harley and Ivy Poison stop by and scolding the entire Batfam and League of how much they made their little angel felt leftout and threaten dear Robin that they would hunt him down if he's not gonna say anything clearly!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!!!! I really like Harley Quinn and Ivy Poison!!!!

I'm so sorry for how long this took me, but I couldn't stop thinking about it when I read this request! Anyways, I hope this is what you were looking for and I hope you enjoy it!

Life wasn’t fair, she knew this. Had known this as she grew up. But there was a small part of her that hoped that life would go her way once she was old enough to make her own choices.

But that hope was stomped down when she started high school and her parents planned out her future. The only good thing she got out of it, was that she was allowed to pick her minor when it was time to start university.

Throughout the years, she avoided the questions from the press and her friends when she suddenly became friends with Damian Wayne. The only ones to know about the arranged marriage between the two, were her family and the Wayne’s.

It was in an agreement that when they finished school, they would announce their engagement.

There was nothing wrong with it, but as she started to get to know the Wayne’s, she felt a little out of place. Like there was an inside joke or something that she wasn’t allowed to know. She knew people had secrets, she even had secrets. But sometimes it hurts.

Laugher broke through her thoughts, blinking at her phone. She dialed a friend’s number and brought the phone to her ear. As she waited for them to pick up, she couldn’t help but overhear the group of boys’ conversation.

“I didn’t think he’d actually answer,” someone said, after his laughter died down.

“Well, the rules say he had to answer so,” another said with a shrug.

“I’m more surprised by the type of girls Damian’s into.” She frowned, and watched them from the corner of eye. They must be some of Damian’s friends, she thought.

“You mean like that?” someone asked, gesturing to her. She frowned and furrowed her eyebrows as she listened to them talk.

She hung her head as her mood soured as they continued talking. Okay, so maybe she wasn’t the prettiest looking, but she never thought Damian would be so swallow to go for someone that wasn’t her.

“Pumpkin,” a voice said, shaking her out of her thoughts. “You there?”

“Uh, yeah, yeah I am,” she answered, shaking her head and shifting her eyes forward. “I uh, I’m going to have to do a rain check tonight. Something came up.”

“Sure, I’ll tell Red. Let us know when you can, okay?”

“I will, thanks Harls.”

Later that day, she stood in front of the mirror, turned to look at her body. Okay, so maybe she wasn’t the skinniest or the prettiest person. But she liked to think her personality more then made up her looks.

And well, she never really talked to Damian about it. Why he had agreed to marry her, or at the least, broke it off if she wasn’t someone he wasn’t into.

She tugged her shirt down and sighed. Maybe it was time to end it. It’s been nine years since the start of the engagement, and it wasn’t fair to Damian for being sucked into her parents' deals.

Making up her mind, she brought out some paper and pen and began writing. Once she finished, she stuffed it in an envelope, along with the ring and sealed it. Making a quick decision, she grabbed her keys and left for Wayne Manor.

When she arrived, she spent a few minutes just sitting in the car, wondering if she’d have to talk to Damian. That was the last thing she needed, for him to talk her out of it.

Taking a deep breath, she climbed out of the car and made her way towards the door. She reached out and knocked on the door. She rocked on her feet as she waited, hoping Alfred would be the one to answer.

And her hopes were answered when she saw the family butler standing in the doorway. “Miss L/N, I wasn’t aware that you were dropping by. Shall I go announce that you’re here?”

“That’s okay Allred, I only came to drop something for Damian,” she answered with a small smile.

“I’m afraid he isn’t here at the moment,” he said, and she sighed in relief.

“That’s fine,” she said, and held up the envelope for him to take. “Can you, uh, can you give this to him when he gets back?”

Alfred frowned at the envelope she held, and she looked down. She was getting a little uncomfortable under his stare, and wondered if he'd say something that would change her mind.

“Of course,” he said, taking the envelope from her grasp. “Is there something you’d wish for me to tell him?”

“That’s okay,” she said, looking up to him. He gave her a sad smile and wondered if he knew what was inside. “I’ll, uh, I’ll see you around Alfred. And thank you for everything.”

“My pleasure, Miss L/N. I hope to see you soon,” he replied. She hesitated and stepped forward to give him a hug. He tensed at first and returned it, squeezing her a little tightly. “I’m sure you’ll be missed.”

“Thanks.”

~~

Two weeks.

It’s been two weeks since she wrote the letter, two weeks of ignoring Damian’s attempts to talk. Two weeks of listening to her mother whine about the broken engagement, and her father’s belittling her about how she ruined everything. Two weeks of Harley and Ivy pestering her until she finally told them why.

“But you love him!” Harley exclaimed, moving to sit beside Y/N on the couch. “I don’t understand why you ended it, Pumpkin.”

Y/N rubbed her face and sighed, wishing they would just drop it. But they didn’t and kept going. “Because look at me!” she finally snapped. Moving off the couch, she faced the two and gestured to herself.

“I don’t look like someone Damian would marry! I’m not pretty or…or…I’m not a supermodel. And besides, I feel like I don’t even fit in with the Wayne family. I mean, look at the family. They all have looks and great personalities, they’re fun and adventurous, and their lives are amazing. And then...and then there’s me who’s just boring and average who could care less about adventure. I’m just...meh.”

She paused, wrapping her arms around her waist, trying to make herself small. It’s the first time she said her thoughts out loud. It felt a little freeing, but it still hurt.

“The only reason why we were even engaged was for a stupid business deal my dad struck with Bruce Wayne. I would like to add that Mr. Wayne didn’t even look that interested in the arrangement, and neither did Damian,” she finished, deflating a little. Finally telling someone about the arrangement.

“Oh flower,” Ivy said, standing up and pulling her into a hug. “If he can’t love you for who you are or only cares about looks, then he doesn’t deserve you. You should marry for love, so you made the right choice.”

She rested her head on Ivy and sighed. “But it wouldn’t have been a loveless marriage,” she whispered, “I love him, it would make it a one-sided loveless marriage.”

She felt Harley join the hug and she closed her eyes as tears started to form.

“You never cared about your looks before,” Harley mused, playing with Y/N’s hair. “What brought this on?”

Y/N opted to stay quiet and shook her head. Ivy called her name and she sighed. She knew they wouldn’t stop until she answered, and she was afraid of what they would do. This time, Harley called her name, but firmer. “Okay fine, but you can’t do anything stupid.”

Harley scoffed and pulled away to poke Y/N’s nose. “When have I ever?” She gave Harley a look and she just giggled. “Okay, so maybe there were a few times but I’m not letting you off the hook. So, spill.”

She rubbed her face and groaned. “I overheard Damian’s friends talk about how they couldn’t see him falling in love with someone like me. And they're right, I’m fat, and plain looking.”

“You are not fat,” Ivy said, narrowing her eyes. “You’re a little chuddy yes, but you're healthy and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

“What she said,” Harley agreed as she walked out of the room. She came back a moment later with her mallet. “Come on Red, we’ve got work to do.”

“What? No!” she called as the two made their way to the door. “You promised!” But it fell on deaf ears as she watched her two parental figures leave the apartment. Mumbling a string of curses, she took out her phone and sent out a message.

Damian ignored everyone in the room, and frowned at his phone. He stared at the two words like it was mocking him. It’d been two weeks of silence from her and the first words she sends him is I’m sorry?

Scoffing, he typed out a reply and just before he could press send, the door slammed open.

There was a collective gasp around the room as they watched two of Gotham’s sirens walk into the living room.

“Man, and here I thought we were going to have a quiet night,” Garth complained, leaning back against the couch.

“That’s what you get when you say ‘sure is a quiet night,’” Jon mocked, Garth made a face at him but chose not to say anything.

“What do you want, Harley?” Bruce asked tiredly. Damian had a faint feeling that this isn’t the first time Harley barged into the manor.

Harley pointed her mallet at the boys and smirked as they squirmed a little. Damian narrowed his eyes, wondering if there’s going to be a fight or not.

“A little birdie told me that you are making fun of girls like Y/N,” she said. Damian’s eyes widened in surprise. They knew Y/N? But she’s never mentioned that. But then again, there are things he hasn’t told her yet.

“Y/N?” Wally asked, confused. He wasn’t the only one, one look around the room told Damian that no one knew who she was talking about. “Don’t know who that is.”

“Mhm, that’s okay. She knows who you are though. And she’s told us what you’ve said,” Harley continued, “about how you don’t see Damian marrying someone who’s chubby, who is a bit self-conscious about who they are. Which leads me…” she trailed off and pointed her mallet at the Wayne boys.

They narrowed their eyes and watched closely to see what she might do next. Their eyes were especially on Ivy. She hasn’t said much during Harley’s speech. But her glare spoke volumes.

“Why is it whenever Y/N comes home from hanging out with Damian and everyone here, she’s sad?” Harley asked, and the boys widened as they realized who they were talking about.

“You’re talking about Y/N? Damian’s fiancé?” Jason asked. Wally, Gath and Jon’s head whipped around to look at Damian.

“You’re engaged?!”

Damian chose to ignore them and narrowed his eyes at the two. “What do you mean she’s sad? And how do you know?”

“Exactly that,” Ivy said with a shrug. “She didn’t tell us until today, but we knew there was something wrong. Said that she felt like she didn’t fit in, like you just didn’t care that she was there.”

Okay, so she didn’t say it in so many words, but that’s what Ivy got out of it.

She watched and listened as the Wayne boys tried to defend themselves. She raised her hand and they stopped talking.

“Is that why she ended the engagement?” Damian asked.

“She did what?” Damian’s brothers asked in unison. He didn’t answer and Ivy nodded.

“Better go fix it, baby bird,” Harley said, pointing at Damian.

Not needed to be told twice, Damian stood and left, ignoring the protest of his friends and family. He chuckled when he heard the groans of everyone as Harley and Ivy started their lecture on why you shouldn’t talk bad about people you don’t know.

It’s been twenty minutes since Ivy and Harley left, and she can’t help but wonder what they’re doing. She had almost followed them, but decided against it. She’ll wait until they get back for the answers.

A knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts, and she looked up from her book in confusion. Harley and Ivy would have just walked in, and she wasn’t expecting anyone to come over.

Setting the book on the couch, she got up and made her way to the door. Her eyes narrowed as she saw who it was through the peephole. She bit her lip and debated on whether or not she should open the door.

“I know you’re in there, Y/N,” Damian said. He sounded tired, like he hasn’t been sleeping lately. “Can I come in, please? We need to talk.”

Sighing, she unlocked the door. He looked as tired as he sounded. She stepped aside and waited until he was inside before closing the door.

“You didn’t tell me you knew Harley and Ivy,” he said after a few minutes of silence. She shrugged, keeping her attention on the door as she answered him.

“I met them when I was in grade 10,” she mumbled, “was running from someone and I asked for their help. Since then, they’ve kind of adopted me.”

“Do your parents know?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think they would care.”

Damian snorted, turning around to look at her. She was still refusing to look at him. “I think they would care if their only daughter was hanging around with Gotham’s most wanted.”

“No, I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t,” she argued. “They were the ones who signed my life away. I mean, the whole engagement was because of a business deal.” She hadn’t meant to, but she let the bitterness seep into her voice. “Whatever, it doesn’t matter anyways.”

Damian flinched as she dismissed it, and reached out to grab her arm. She tensed but didn’t pull away, Damian took that as a good sign, and turned her around. She let him, but kept her gaze on his chest.

“My friends are stupid,” Damian stated, surprising her. “We were playing truth or dare and I was asked what my type of a girl was. I didn’t think your first meeting with them would end our engagement. I wished you would have talked to me about it though, instead of that.”

She hung her in shame. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I just, I don’t know. On top of what your friends said, and the whole arranged marriage thing, I didn’t want to marry someone who doesn’t love me back.”

She froze when she realized what she said. She shut her eyes, and covered her face with her hands, willing the flush on her cheeks to go away. But it didn’t.

“You love me?” Damian asked, and she could hear the smirk. She didn’t say anything, she just nodded. “Why didn’t you say anything?” She shrugged. Damian huffed out a laugh, and gently pried her hands off her face. When she still didn’t look up, he grabbed her chin and tilted her head up. “I love you too.”

Her eyes snapped open, and she stared at him dumbfounded. He gave her a soft smile and leaned forward a little, resting his forehead on hers. “I love the way you are now, and I wouldn’t change anything about you.”

“Do you really mean that?” she asked quietly. So quietly, he almost didn’t catch it. He nodded.

“With all my heart.”

She looked at him, looking to see if he was lying. When all she found was the truth, she closed the distance and kissed him. She bundled up his shirt as he cupped her cheeks gently. She put all her love into that kiss, and he eagerly matched her pace.

When they needed air, she pulled back and smiled when he followed after her.

“So, does that mean we can get married now?” Damian asked. She pretended to think about it, and he poked her sides a little.

“I guess so,” she answered with a laugh. He pulled her into a hug, which she returned, nuzzling her face in his shirt. “Are we still waiting until we’re done with school?”

“Would give us time to get to know each other. Really get to know each other,” he added when she was about to say something. “And maybe this time around, you’ll feel like you fit in with my family.”

“Wow, they left nothing out, did they?” she questioned. Damian chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “I love you, Damian.”

“I love you too.”