#ch: alfred pennyworth

[dcmultiverse]

BATMAN: CAPED CRUSADER S01E03: Kiss of the Catwoman

[goatsghost]

i love how, in every universe, no matter how much jason hates bruce or wants to distance himself from the family, he still loves alfred just as much as he always has

[rookiesbookies]

Sorry yall! I havent written DC in a long time and I only recently fell back in love with it. I wrote this based on this tiktok

This is really just me breaking down Jason’s death, what surrounds it, the effects, what happened after, and his relationships before and after. Its kinda angsty but like it hurts you and comforts you at the same time, let me know how I did!

When Jason died, Bruce had imagined the after math before. He knew the toll it would take on him even before it happened.

It was like pushing through the swirling winds of a sand storm. The air was dangerous to breathe and cutting his skin. He was suffocating in quick sand, the weight of it all too heavy. The world became bleak and dry of emotions, not a mirage in sight even to trick him.

Bruce had used the thought of his death to bring him to sanity when experiencing fear toxin. By pushing the worst thought possible, the thing that scared him the most instead of his easiest fear to trigger, he could trick his mind into taking back control.

It was a scare tactic he used on himself in the field as well, making sure the scope the place out before even thinking of taking Jason in.

Dick was acrobatic, he was fluid like cats and water. He had incredible luck, skill, and experience before he came into Bruce’s life.

Jason didn’t.

Bruce wholeheartedly believed Jason’s luck was solely spent up when Jason fell into Bruce’s life. Like a stray cat that you take in because you find it eating the plants you keep in the balcony.

Bruce was the luckiest thing to happen to Jason. And that scared him.

When Jason’s actual death came. Bruce was blindsided. He was torn up.

The last conversation he had with his son was a fight, an argument. Something that he could have avoided if he had just held his son and been an adult. But he didn’t.

For the first time in a long time, Bruce was back in a church. Dick, a raging fire of anger, stood next to him- Alfred on his other side.

The funeral was relatively small. Bruce didn’t want to invite a bunch of elites to this. It was only the three, a few of Jason’s friends from school or the alley, and a few heroes and side kicks that knew him.

Bruce, Batman, the human gargoyle, did everything the keep himself together. Clark offered to help him slip out.

Bruce kept it a closed casket funeral for his own sake.

When everyone had left, Alfred ushered Dick, now a young man, away.

Bruce knelt by the casket and just put his hand on it. Tears silently flowing from his eyes as his fist balled up. He sat like that for hours.

Even before that, it took Alfred hours to pry Jason’s body from Bruce’s arms when he first found him and brought him back. It took days for Alfred to convince Bruce to sent the body off so they could get closure and cause of death.

Jason wasn’t Bruce’s greatest failure, his death was.

Bruce’s greatest fear came true.

It all got so much worse after Jason came back.

Bruce’s guilt was over flowing, like a small child walking with a cup too full in shaking hands.

When Jason came back to the mansion, Bruce felt like he was seeing a ghost. The buffer, angrier ghost of his sweet son.

Dick’s anger only got worse it seemed. Jason’s anger would sit and stew, Dick would snap. Jason’s was slow and calculated, Dick’s was improvised and bash.

Jason wanted revenge, Dick wanted to avenge.

Dick’s anger would come in waves, he was so excited to have his little brother back, until he saw Jason.

The 5’9”, scrawny, 16 year old was now 6’2” and would bench Dick as a warm up. He wasn’t his little brother, the malnourished kid that he taught how to be a kid, this was a totally different animal.

Dick began to tear up, not realizing exactly how much of Jason’s life he had missed at the difference.

Alfred had been crying, but only when he was away from everyone.

He had celebrated each of Jason’s birthdays even when his name was treated like a slur by Bruce, not wanting to hear about the son he fail. Every year he would bake a batch of Jason’s favorite cupcakes, he’d put one by in the kitchen and open the window. He’s serve the rest as that nights dessert, Bruce would be celebrating and not knowing. Or maybe he did and he just didn’t care. By the time Alfred would come back to have his own dinner, Jason’s cupcake’s candle would have been blown out by the wind.

Jason didn’t have the capacity when he came back to the mansion. He had hoped the Robin mantle died with him. He prayed no children would be risked or subjected to that danger again.

But then he saw Tim. Misguided anger on Jason’s part led to an unfortunate relationship for the two of them for the whole time Jason was adjusting to life back.

All in all, no one knew what they were doing and it was incredibly difficult for them all to adjust.

When Damian arrived, they hit it off almost immediately.

Damian had someone who spoke fluent Arabic, Bruce only spoke a broken version and Dick and Tim had no idea. Damian also had someone who trained in the league who wasn’t his father.

Jason and Damian had met a few times while Jason was training but Damian was just too young. He was about 6 years old and Jason was still too crazy so Talia and Ra’s kept them mostly separate.

While Damian always had the stronger bond with Dick, Jason was by far the brother he looked up to the most.

Jason was always in town, unlike Dick, and Jason was so similar to Damian.

Bruce still felt as though he kept failing Jason, but when Damian joined the family, Bruce knew Jason didn’t feel so alone anymore and Damian didn’t feel as alone either.

[z4rph1m]

Platonic Yan!Batfam X dazai!GNreader X Yandere DC

Mix of neglected batfam and based of port mafia dazai with a small slice of ada dazai

Forgotten child

Pro. (You are here) Ch.1 Ch.2

A bastard is what you are

You were a result of a one night stand between Bruce Wayne and your mother who you don’t or will ever know the name of.

How’d you know his your father? A simple DNA test.

Who would’ve thought that a child of a billionaire Bruce Wayne would ended up in the mafia.

As much as you want to know more about your mother, it was quickly dialed down by one sentence.

“Traitors doesn’t deserve to have their name pass down”

Mori isn’t really the best person to look up to

You were at the very least 5 or older when the GCPD took you away, you don’t remember.

Alfred was the one who pick you up from the investigation.

He remembers that day as if it was yesterday.

You, a malnourished child who stayed still, staring into the darkness with no light in their eyes, bandages covering you.

It was a pity sight.

A few calling of your name to realized it time to go to your new ‘home’

You move as if you’re not even human, instead a doll who was abandoned and left to rot.

With what left of your belongings, if you even had any, Alfred with his gentle nature guided you to the car.

You didn’t even made a breathing sound, only blinking and constant fidgeting to your doll.

He tried his best to struck up a conversation with you, such as “how are you?” Yet only to be replied back with either a deafening silence or words barely above a whisper.

You were a child yet have suffered so much beyond to see the light of hope.

Only when you’ve arrived at the manor is when you started clinging more to him. Maybe it your nature as a child to be nervous to go to your new home.

With what left of your innocence, you looked up to him with a pleading look , “don’t…. Don’t let go please….”

Your voice was hoarse and dehydrated but it still sounded as if you were afraid of being left alone.

Probably the effect of losing the only person whom you know and trust.

When you cling onto him is when he took note of your entire appearance.

Yes you were covered in bandages but those bandages were not only dirty but also covered in red streaks of blood and was layered below the fresh white one.

Your clothes had some torn at end, hair being messy and full of knots, sections of your skin having bruises.

Alfred was more than ready to hold your hand while guiding you to wherever you two go together.

Yes the absent of your family saddened you but Alfred company was what you wanted.

You didn’t care for the others, not when they ignore you 90% of the time and not when Alfred is there with whenever he has the chance.

In your mind, Bruce Wayne is not your father no, instead it was Alfred Pennyworth.

But even that doesn’t stop you from being what you are now.

Bruce Wayne, the man who is your supposed father. Do you hate him? Not really.

You can’t really hate a man you barely know your whole life.

And it wasn’t hard to learn what does he do for a living other than being a man whore.

He bare- actually never even had a proper conversation that lasted more than 3 seconds.

The dude didn’t even notice the increasing amount of bandages when you first stared in the port mafia.

Richard Grayson, the second person to talk to you after Alfred. Do you also hate him? A mix feeling really.

You know about him more than you know about Bruce, on what he doing when he’s Nightwing, what he’s favourite food, and just the minimalist stuff.

You don’t exactly have the right feeling to describe your relationship with him.

Do you talk? Barely. Do you have a proper conversation? Never. Spend time together? Nope.

In short, you don’t think the two of you are fitted to be considered siblings.

Jason Todd, was probably the closest to you.

You saw him being taken in as a robin and died as a robin.

Yes you two mocked eachother in terms of whatever you can remember but at the very least there was interactions between the two of you in comparison to the others.

As much as you hated it, you did infact miss his presence when he died.

Timothy Drake was the most distant than all of them combine. The two of you didn’t have a single conversation or even a single sentence to eachother.

You knew well he’s a fan of Batman and probably didn’t even knew you existed or just didn’t care since you’re not one of the vigilante.

Not that you care, you never identify yourself as a Wayne anyway

Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown and Barbara Gordon…… how should you describe them….

Just like Tim, you don’t exist in their world, but instead a background character.

You were sure that they can’t even remember your name properly without mispronouncing.

But You do sure as hell do love it when you’re given a nickname by someone

Last of all, Your half Brother. Damian Wayne, as much as the two of you barely talk, the first meeting wasn’t very welcoming.

Almost being impaled doesn’t give out a nice first impression after all.

You mostly try your best to ignore the insults and the degrading words from him.

The little kid barely met you yet for some reason hold a deep hatred for you like you did something illegal.

You’re currently standing in front of a grave….. someone who was there to take care of you in the port mafia.

You stare blankly at the grave, not knowing what to do, wether to breakdown and cry or to leave it alone.

You were trembling, sweating and on the verge of actually breaking down yet something is holding you back.

Oda Sakunosuke

Your father figure after Alfred is dead.

Ango is right by your side trying his best to comfort you.

As much as you were a demon prodigy, he knew that deep down there’s a child who’s unable to act like one.

You shrugged him off before walking away to do a phone call.

“Alfred….? I know it’s a sudden but…. Please clean up my room…… I no longer staying at the manor from now on”

You try your best to held in your tears but your voice betrays you, and Alfred knows that.

He swallow a lump in his throat before replying, “don’t worry Master [N], I understand. But do please remember that I will always be there to welcome you”

He was the only one who knows about your work in the Port Mafia and the only one who you trusted to told it too.

He knows about the people you met and the people who you befriended.

He understands how a death of one of them can put you on the verge of losing what left in your humanity and to live.

And he knows that the death of your second father figure can cause you distorted in many ways.

Inspired by @-acid-ixx again & again series and @-marcyvampire silly little bat.

[omgfangirlland]

The Shadows That Nurture 15

Don't really have anything to say 🫠 thank y'all for the attention, for reading etc, ch 16 is done, ch 17 may take longer cuz I think I'm catching a cold so uhhh- enjoy and stay safe!

Masterlist || First || previous<< Chapter 15 >>next

Jason was having a terrible week, starting with Ms. “I wouldn’t have been as forgiving if you didn’t die and came back kinder to me” Wayne- well- Grayson? He doesn’t know anymore- he’s close enough to just forging papers that say you’re his biological little sister just to fuck with Bruce.

Speaking of- Jason hasn’t turned on his coms and the phone specifically for the bats since the night the family found out. He’s seriously debating throwing those devices out the window, but he finds it more entertaining how everyone is in shambles.

Granted, while the others have tried cornering him to- politely ask questions- Jason is more paranoid about Damian and Cassandra. Cassandra not speaking wasn’t something he worried about, but her not texting him nonsense throughout the day made him antsy. Adding to that the fact that the demon brat didn’t even try to knife him down once? Yeah, no, Jason was on edge. Either those two were planning something or they knew something the others didn’t- frankly, he didn’t like either option.

He and the other rogues have been upping the attack on the rich to try and exhaust the bats, take their attention from you- but with each attack the bats seemed to care less and less. And if they did show up, they were starting to punch harder, to break more bones, to use those “only when necessary” blades more and more. They were getting angrier, desperate, and dangerous.

Good. It was about time they saw what they’d been pushing to the side, what they all did at one point. However, Red Hood was getting angrier at the pure audacity they had to just snoop around his turf every 13th of the month, they’ve been doing it for a while, sure, but they got sloppier with their stealth. It was making everyone nervous, the kids especially.

And now the gall of him to show up as Bruce Wayne, with that blasted fake smile, and that sweet, sweet food from Alfred. “Bruce. What are you doing here?” Harvey’s voice broke Jason from drooling over the buffet Pennyworth had made. “I-…” Bruce took in a shaky breath. Batman knew he should have rehearsed something, but lately, he’s only done impulsive things. “I’ve been a terrible father to my youngest daughter. I’m sure you all know that- I’m trying to slowly see the great achievements she made despite that and to try and understand her better.”

“And we’re supposed to believe that?” Waylon growled, tail tapping the asphalt anxiously. Harley backed Croc up, grinding into the ground the fact that he’d never tried before, that it’s been years. But one of the kids ignored the tension, coming up to the man and just grabbing his hand, smiling brightly at him.

“She always told us that some people are worth giving second chances.” The little girl looks back at the others. “He’s seeing he did bad and trying to fix it.” She shrugged and the rogues couldn’t argue. Without those second chances they wouldn’t be here, but that doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy for the trust fund baby. “Well, Mr. Wayne. Better get to work.” Two-face cackled as Cobblepot started directing the man to start carrying old, unusable furniture out of the buildings, giving the goons a break.

Jason turned to look at the little girl, his hands on his hips. “You stole his watch.” It wasn’t a question, it was very much a statement, a statement at which the little kid just smiled brightly. “She always said to rob the rich blind, too, and that man is too trusting of little kids. I got his ring too.” Jay couldn’t argue with that, so he just ruffled the little rascal’s hair and went on his way.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

“I’m sorry- You have to marry a fish?!” You almost yelled into the com as you stopped a car from splatting a woman. “And C is just letting that happen? I’m telling you, he’ll become enemy number one.” Setting the car down, ignoring Cecil saying he could hear you, you quickly grabbed the woman and flew to the protective dome where most civilians were staying safe. Your eyes met hers and you immediately complimented the bright green color. “Wha- not you two morons! I was talking to somebody else- Yes, I’m on the job.” You sigh as you set her down before getting back to action.

“Robot wanted me on the scene to take care of the civis, said something about Immortal needing the win, but uh…” You watch as the man gets overwhelmed and decapitated, his body going limp while Dupli-Kate and Black Samson try to get to him. “It’s kinda pathetic. They’re not fighting like a team. Robot, Shrinking Rae, and Moster Girl seem to be the only ones able to keep up.”

Cecil just sighs, turning on the coms for everyone. “Sorceress. End it, now.” While Robot tried to argue against it you just acted, getting tired of this mess. Getting higher in the air your hands raised, eyes glowing as you muttered some of the new spells Zatanna and John taught you.

Most of the aliens fell to the ground lured into a deep sleep state while the ones who could fight against the magic were quickly chained- all, with a wave of your hands, fell through a portal straight to their home planet. Landing you grabbed the Immortal’s head, moving closer and sticking it close enough that the skin started reattaching on its own. When you got up Kate was quick to tell you off and take your place, pulling the man onto her lap.

You just shrugged making your way to Robot and Amanda. “What’s her problem?” You mutter while subtly checking everyone out for injuries. Rex almost crashed onto you as he groaned, arm swinging over your shoulder. “She’s pissy because you and the ass were a thing, and she thinks he still likes you.” You frown, hand hovering over his face to fix the bloody mess. “That’s stupid. We weren’t. And if we were and he was still after me she should put herself first and find someone who won’t make her feel like that.”

“Wait- they are together? Like for real?” You look at the others as they get closer, most nodding. “You two weren’t? You really expect me to believe that-agh! You did that knowingly!” Rex cried as a bone set back in place quite painfully while you simply answered with a yes.

“Most of the heroes thought that. You two were pretty friendly for a while.” Black Samson shrugs. “Yeah, because we’re both immortal. We were venting about that, we understood each other, and then… Omni-Man happened, and he called me and my brother ticking bombs. Too dangerous to be helping.” Amanda hissed at that, face cringing. “Damn, that’s such an asshole thing of him to say.”

“I don’t hold that against him. But we are not our father, he should know better, and I won’t hang around him until he apologizes and means it.” You looked over your shoulder as the man in question groaned. “Speaking of- time for me to go.” You let go of the healed Rex, pat Robot’s head, and high-five Amanda. “See you later, losers.” Rudy looks at Amanda. “Why did she pat my head?” Monster girl snorts. “It’s called affection- don’t!” she slapped his hand away. “Don’t do that to me, I’ll break your legs.”

Before you could lift off the ground once you were far enough the woman you saved before quickly stopped you, calling you over. “I just wanted to thank you. Have you eaten? Perhaps I can buy you something? There’s this café down this street, they make amazing toast sandwiches and milkshakes.” You just laughed; not like you could say no to free food. “You don’t have to thank me or pay for-“ You tried to be a lady and politely refuse, but the woman insisted, urging you to take her and have a little break.

“Alright, ma’am, you won.” You smirked as you picked her up before taking flight. “May I know the name of who’s paying for my meal, at least? I mean, I may start thinking you’re an assassin or something if you keep being so mysterious and pushy.” You teased while following her directions, but she just gave you a smirk. “I’m Talia.”

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Bruce was sitting next to Jason, looking at the kids and rogues, but his eyes couldn’t help but drift to the murals. “She really did all of this?” Jason just nodded at his question. “She did a lot. This is a small thing. Your foundations can only do so much, Bruce. Sometimes people need community, need love, and support, and to feel like they belong. She gave that to a lot of people here.”

He nods to the murals. “When she was painting those, some kids tagged it. She caught them and asked them to join, telling them she’d pay. And she did. It was enough for those kids to keep a roof over their heads while we were building the affordable housing building down the block, and it was enough for them to put towards education.”

“One is aiming to be an engineer and the other two are going for art subjects.” Jason looks at the man. “Many of the goons Batman was fighting quickly quit and started working at the orphanage or the hospital once they found out they could afford to live and their wants with the salary offered. You can’t always solve shit by paying for buildings, sometimes that does the opposite. It just makes shit more expensive when it has the name of some billionaire attached to it.”

“This? Helping each other, creating things they can afford while opening job opportunities everyone is qualified for, and nobody will have to break their backs only to decide if they should pay for groceries or rent that month- that helped. It brought the crime rate down. Sure, I still sell drugs, crimes still happen, but surprisingly that has gone down for my zone too.”

“She has a job now, a well-paying one. So, the allowance you send mostly goes to this- I think she even sends some of her actual salary here. I began adding to it, and Penguin started doing similar on his turf.” Jason shrugs. “We gather it all and split it so everyone can pay bills, can have money for groceries, and clothes, and even have some extra on the side. Some still don't get paid enough due to the government not wanting to fund us, but what we put together helps make what is a 7-dollar-per-hour job into a 20-25-30-dollar-per-hour job. When she sends too much, we either give bonuses or put it to vote and repair something. It usually ends up being that, it’s how we repaired the local kindergarten and school. It’s how we repaired a lot.”

“I never knew-“ Jason just laughs at Bruce. “Yeah, I didn’t either. I was a little shit like you, too, remember? It took me dying to see that.” The young crime lord looks Bruce in the eyes. “That’s why I won’t tell you where she is, what she does, who she is now.” Bruce looks at his son, the tiredness in him shining through now more than ever. “She’s in Chicago, lived in NYC for a bit.” The older man mutters.

“I’m… I’m afraid of how she’d react, of what I will find out if I go looking for her.” He whispers and Jason simply shakes his head. “You’re afraid she’ll reject you, brush you off like you did. You’d deserve it. Everyone in this blasted family would.”

Bruce nods. He wasn’t able to sleep for a while after finding out one of his kids was missing and he didn't even know. He mostly sat in his office, in front of his parents' portraits. Every single one looked more disappointed in him than the other- he knew that wasn’t possible, they were paintings… but a part of him also remembers those portraits being- happier.

“Have you gone in her room yet?” Bruce shakes his head, his question waking him from his thoughts. Nobody did, not even Alfred, the guilt was eating everyone alive, he was sure Dick would cry or break something if he even looked at her door. “You should.” Jason insisted. “Call the others, you all are going to look into her room, into her life, and see what hell we all put her through.” The young man nudged the older man to get up when Cobblepot came closer, trying to put Bruce to more work. He wasn’t doing this to better them, Jason wanted the family to be broken. It was selfish, but being selfish is what made him your favorite rogue.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

“So, how was everyone’s day?” Debbie’s nightly question was asked again as she set her drink down.

“Well, instead of marrying a fish I ended up fighting a sea monster and then I finally moved into my dorm with William.” Mark said as he ate. “I have hella parental issues, and I think everyone should compliment my achievements more because I almost cried when this lady I ate lunch with said she was proud of how quickly I grew in my powers.”

“You almost cried?” Debbie asked, worry on her face at the revelation. Maybe they should have put you in therapy the first time you came clean with Bruce’s neglect. Mark, however, was more fixated on the unnamed lady, knowing you were mostly joking. “…You went on a date?” You sigh. “No. Stop doing that overprotective older brother BS, you look like a mangy Chihuahua acting like that.” He just pouted.

Tag list: @bat1212 @trashlanternfish360 @shycreatorreview @syrooo @a-lurking-fae @alittletiredcry @kittzu @plsfckmedxddy @blackhood1229 @nxdxsworld @leeiasure @dandelion-delusion @lovebug-apple @sillysealsies @tsxukikami @enchantingarcadecreation @alishii @d3nnji @itsberrydreemurstuff @yuyuzi-ling @welpthisisboring @1abi @mxvoid26 @persephone-kore-law @bluevenus19 @ryuushou @asillysimp @aalunar @cxcilla @sirenetheblogger @pinkluv29

[redflagshipwriter]

Cupid is Wanted for Questioning Chapter 4

Masterpost

Their strange bonding episode hung in a waiting breath. Father came by to confirm that they were alive, not laid low by their falsified digestive ailment.

“We are alive,” Damian said from the squashy chair, trying to verbally push the meddler out the door to his bleak office job. “We shall survive.”

“I think we can pull through one day in your well-stocked mansion,” Brown concurred nasally, from her tactical posting underneath a cushion. The device muffled her voice. She dug her arm out to point with her long fingers at the side table which Alfred had already stocked with beverages and nutritious rations.

Father touched the doorframe and his brow furrowed. “Alfred has appointments to keep. You’ll be alone for hours. Are you sure you don’t want me to stay home?”

Brown pulled the pillow down just enough to reveal her eyes. “You let the two of us fight crime together,” she pointed out.

His lips twitched. “You didn’t have a cold then,” Father protested, but his mood seemed a little lighter. He took his phone out. “Call or message me anytime, okay? If you need anything at all or if your condition worsens. I’ll keep the volume on.”

Damian snorted. “Good day,” he said firmly. He narrowed his eyes in an attempt to convey that he was prepared to get up and physically push Father from the house if necessary. 

Father left.

An hour later, Pennyworth left as well on his worthy and unknown pursuits. As soon as the dust had settled from his departure down the gravel driveway, the two detectives were on the move.

Several minutes later, they were in the room with the ancient viewing device. Brown had clearly done her research. She expertly operated the device. Damian hung back and allowed her to be the leading expert on old person activities, as she was significantly more advanced in age and deserved his respect on that count. She did something arcane that made the device spin rapidly inside the driver, black tape whirring from one side of the VHS to the other.

“You have ancient wisdom,” Damian complimented her.

She side eyed him. “Thanks, D.�� 

He scowled at her from underneath his plush blanket cape. There was no call for such rudeness. 

Unfortunately it was impossible to perform a binary search with the device, as they didn’t know what would show on screen at all. Therefore, they started by finding the footage of Damian’s encounter.

Damian held his breath as the villain came into focus. He bobbed and weaved through the crowded cafeteria, ostentatious and dramatic in his movements. It was, perhaps, playful? He seemed to be dancing. No one looked at him. Upon more than one occasion, Damian would swear on his mother’s honor that the fool had jangled through another person. Density shifting, perhaps?

“That guy?” Brown pointed at the potential villain himself.

Excellent!

“Can he be seen by anyone on footage, or is there something about your perception that aligns with mine?” Damian burst out. “We must make a copy and show it to another person to gather information.”

“Roger that, baby Boss.” Brown snapped a photo of the screen. 

“I do not command infants,” Damian corrected her. “And this is no cherub to be controlled by any charm you or I might possess.” He scowled at the screen, lost in thought. The cupid shot their foolish arrow, smirked, and disappeared. 

“I can’t believe Jason didn’t notice that,” Brown muttered. “That’s so far up his alley. If anyone should have run after Cupid shooting bullets or asking for a boo, it would be him.”

Damian opened his mouth to correct her that the mall was very far indeed away from the alleys of Crime, but realized in time that this was perhaps some jest or metaphor. He shut his mouth to hide his ignorance. 

“Wait.” Brown scrambled for the remote.

He went tense. “What is it?” Damian demanded. He stood up. His blanket fell down.

“Rewinding- look.” Brown stopped the video and jabbed the screen with a finger. “This kid, red sweatshirt.”

Damian squinted. The child was alone, dirty, and in the middle of stealing a wallet from a uniformed police officer when Brown had paused the video. “I do not think it is advisable to pursue him, but if you are insistent then we can go to his home and give him a very stern lecture about target selection. If he has one.” 

“No, no.” Brown waved that off. “I think he knows what he’s doing. What I want you to see is this.” She restarted the video. Damian watched as the urchin slipped the wallet into his pants pocket, turned, and visibly startled before whirling around to look at the crowd again, looking stressed. 

Damian furrowed his eyebrows. Why? Why had he jumped, he was only facing a shop window–

“He saw the villain’s reflection!” 

“That’s it!” Brown crowed along with him. “Yes!” She pumped the air. “He sees Cupid’s reflection after you point him out. Cupid is invisible to you, but just look.” She traced the urchin’s sightlines. “He can clearly see something, he is watching what would have been Cupid’s expected path through the crowd.”

“You do not receive enough credit for your wiles,” Damian complimented Brown. Her eyes glittered with victory, pleased by his approval. “This means that I am not the only witness.” Damian clenched his fist. Vindication. “Is there a way to identify this person and track them down for an interview without opening our investigation to other parties?”

Brown sucked in air through her teeth. “If we put the still into the Batcomputer, someone else will catch it the next time they’re bored and going through the recent files. Bruce, Tim, maybe Dick. So that’s out. I know there’s privacy workarounds, but I definitely don’t know them…” She grimaced. Her tone turned a little hopeless and morose. “Neither one of us has a personal system we can access, unless there’s something you have access to…?”

She trailed off.

Damian hid a wince. She was covertly referring to his mother. “No,” he lied. If Mother realized that he was investigating on his own, she may retain the information to use in her battle of wills and wits with Father and share it at a personally opportune time. “So we require assistance from one of the more established figures.”

Grim indeed.

Resources outside of Gotham would hardly be helpful. 

Every option was terrible.

Todd was extremely trickable and would not tattle on them, but he also would not notice a woman being shot with love in front of his addlepated face, so there was no purpose in asking for his assistance. 

Richard could achieve it, but he would shoulder his way into the investigation. 

Pennyworth was an expert with the surveillance systems and could surely hide their work from Father, but his time was too valuable to use on tracking a mythological demon such as Cupid. 

Cain and Thomas did not possess any more Batcomputer proficiency or resources than Brown and Damian had.

Father was unthinkable, he was extremely bothersome and blundering and smothering.

Damian sunk to the bottom of a lake of despair. He forced himself to the surface long enough to make his most important stance clear:

“Drake is obviously the last resort among last resorts.”

“Oh, for sure,” Brown agreed, fire in her eyes. “He got Santa. He doesn’t get Cupid.”

“We may have to…” Damian fought the urge to make a face of disgust. “Go to the top, as it were.”

“You might have to fly with the other birds,” Brown said. Her tone said that she was sympathetic. Her demeanor revealed the lie: she was amused by his turmoil. Wretch. “Barbara will do that for me, but it’ll make it one of her operations. Can your ego handle that?”

Damian bristled. “I had defeated the weakness of egotism as a toddler,” he spat. Honestly. “I can work with anyone, no matter how loathsome or quarrelsome.”

Brown squinted at him. “...You mean as a hypothetical, because Barbara is an absolute delight.”

He gritted his teeth. “A guiding light to all who know her,” Damian lied, because he understood the ghastly necessity of diplomacy. 

“You’re going to wear down your molars doing that,” Brown informed him. “Alright. I’ll tell her that you want to fall at her feet in supplication.” At his appalled expression she shrugged and put her hands up. “She has done all the free favors for me that I’m going to get! We don’t have anything that she wants, and we definitely don’t want her ire.”

“That is correct,” Damian agreed. He was already so weary. He felt as though he might legitimately have been struck low by a physical illness. The concept of lowering himself to request benevolence from the witch in her electric tower made his stomach twist with nausea. Would she once again attempt to ruffle his hair? He may yet weep. “Very well.” Damian took a deep breath. “We will fall upon her mercy.”

[flowerparrish]

[Podfic] Something Next to Normal | fic by @wolfjackle-creates

Batman: Tim Drake & Alfred Pennyworth | Mature | 1h10m

Tim's having a regular day at school when a classmate ropes him into helping with the school play as the light technician. Tim agrees to one rehearsal, but his responsibilities as Robin keep him so busy. He knows he'll have to turn down the position. Then he learns what Next to Normal is about. A dead son, a mother who can't cope, a father struggling to keep everything together, and a forgotten daughter. Tim absolutely cannot do this. --- Alfred is proud of Tim for taking on an extracurricular. The boy spends so much time alone. Having an excuse to spend time with other students his age can only be good for him. He wants to go see the show, but Tim counsels against it. After looking it up, Alfred spends a night in sleepless grief. But when day comes and he's face-to-face with Tim, he realizes the living boy in front of him needs him and something has to change.

Ch 1 (Tim POV) read by me (@flowerparrish) with vocals by horchatapods!

Ch 2 (Alfred POV) read by @lordsmeldingtonthethird

Cover art also by lordsmeldingtonthethird!!

[daddysfangirls-dc]

The Arrangement

Ch 3 Meet the Butler (Grandfather)

Damian Wayne x OC!Female

Prev | Next

After breakfast, everyone disburst to their respective duties for the day, leaving only Damian and Alfred home. And with the events of the previous night Damian was relieved to be left alone. On one hand he didn't want to deal with the many questions and assumptions and on the other hand he wished to speak with Alfred alone. 

"Alferd"

"Damian"

"Do you wish to meet her?"

"... I'd very much like to meet your fiance," with emphasis on the word Fiance.

"She's free this afternoon."

"I'm sure your father-"

"The invitation was only extended to you."

Alfred stood silent for a moment. Only a moment. " Very well."

-

Learning she was compromised, she quickly left, taking any evidence of her presence. At Damian's insistence, she made plans to leave the city before nightfall but after she met with Alfred.

She was very excited to meet Alfred. Damian held him in high regard, higher than anyone else, and thought of him as a grandfather. His approval and acceptance were more important than anyone else's. (She believed it all stemmed from how he used to idolize Ra. Alfred was a much better role model.) He had all of Damian's respect, and with everything he had shared with her, she knew he deserved it. She was very excited to meet Damian's Grandfather. 

She was also very nervous as if he thought little of her or thought she was unfit for him. She had no doubt the relationship would cease or continue, but she struggled a great deal. She didn't want either of those, so she had to make a good first impression. He needed to like her. 

That is why she is currently sitting in a small tea house in the city. She is aware of Alfred's taste for tea and figures he likes it. And if he doesn't, well, this isn't his regular tea house, and they would never come back. She sat up straight as the bell rang, and she stood up as Damian stepped inside, with Alfred following. 

"Hello, Mr. Pennyworth. It is nice to finally meet you," she said as she bowed before him. 

"It's nice to meet you as well finally, Miss?" 

"Syn, Syn Minamoto Sir. Damian has told me so much about you." 

"All good things, I hope," he said, glancing at Damian as he pulled out their chairs.

"I wasn't aware there were any bad."

"There aren't," Damian said as he sat beside her. 

"He's too kind".

The waitress came, taking their orders before leaving them alone once again. 

"Ms. Minamoto, tell me about yourself?" the integration begins.

"As Damian has told you, we were arranged. My family is similar to the Al Ghul clan in some skills and values, but my family isn't trying to dominate or take over the world. They quite like their position." she quickly corrected herself at the end when she saw the skepticism on his face.

"And do you have the same values as your family?" she looks at Damian for a moment, and nervously wipes her hands on her dress. A green dress that he had picked out for her.

"In my Clan, family, and blood is very important, and I believe the same. My clan is okay with... killing. Blood will spill if it makes things easier or gets the job done. While I am more than able, I consider it the last option. When all else fails, when it is necessary. I know your family doesn't-" 

"I have values different from those of my son. I do not believe that everyone deserves life. Nor am I against taking one."

"Alferd was in the serves before he came to work for the family."

"And I served my queen well," he said with a smile. The waitress came with their order, and they waited until she was gone before continuing their conversation. " What brings you to our city?"

"Damian," she spoke without thinking and then blushed when she realized. Damian blushed as well. "I just wanted to see him, be with him even for a little while. Letters and phone calls aren't always enough. Not that your efforts weren't appreciated, but they very much were." Damian took her hand, squeezed it, and gave her a small smile. Letters were nothing compared to actually hearing each other, and calling was nothing compared to feeling each other. It was rare that they were never in each other's presence. They always treated it as something precious, as it was.

"Don't you two make a handsome couple"

-

Their meeting lasted about two hours before Syn had to depart. She left quickly, promising to stay in communication with both of them.

"Your father isn't going to be happy about this," Alfred said, glancing at Damian from the side. He chose to sit up with him on the way home this time. 

"Did you like her?" he ignores his previous statement. 

"She's lovely-"

"Alfred," he sighs 

"She cares about you. She is kind and has a soft heart but is not weak. She's strong."

"Strong enough to survive our family?" 

"I don't know"

Damian closes his eyes and leans his head back. "I don't care what he thinks or feels. Any of them. I'm not going to let her be ambushed and villainized for a profession I myself took part in at a time, and Red Hood still takes part in. Or affiliations which Red Hood, Red Robin, Cain, and myself have. It's uncalled for and unfair." he says 

"Your father isn't going to like this," Alfred warns 

"Unfortunate for him," Alfred takes a deep breath, " I don't actually care."

"Today's action will have consequences."

"Let them come."

-

[pinkiedev]

Fanart of Ch. 1

@gromov-hausdorff drew this abosofrigginLUTELY GORGOS work - I've added it to pt. 3 of my series MOD Harry Potter, and I am in LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOVE

Featuring cutie patootie Harry Potter and GILF Alfred Pennyworth

"Harry’s lips couldn’t help but part as one of the gentleman’s fine, silvery strands of hair fell free from its perfectly coiffed, gelled back position, and a muted flush rose to his cheeks as a weathered, neatly manicured hand rose to smoothly push the strand back in place as if nothing had ever been amiss at all."

[dcmultiverse]

“You're not coming back?”

[1donoow]

DC REC

PT.2

......

♡ - smut

Most of them are fluff

......

<a/n>i somewhat explain why there's alot in my pin post

batmom

batfam

batsis

bruce wayne

garfield logan

Jason todd

alfred pennyworth

batmom

@batfam-imagines - things batmom has definitely said

@dc-x-readers - open door policy (young justice x batmom)

@morgansunflower - sleep well my precious robin

- busted

@battymommastuff - injury

- hey mom (titan)

- that's my mom (amazonian!reader)

@timetravelassasin - mom us an assassin

@blackcupidangel - motherhood

@bluebellhairpin - video tapes

- what they call batmom

@kimberly-spirits13 - saving the day (scarlet witch!batmom)

@xxgoblin-dumplingxx - batmom cleaning jason up after his first time as robin

@xoxo-mylove - i hate that soothing voice(dick grayson)

- new beginnings (jason todd)

@dragon-chica - batmom

———————————————————————

batfam

@butwhyduh - ___

@riotlain - batboy's s/o giving small gifts to them

@kayadrake123 - batboys x famous reader

———————————————————————

batsis

@current-interest-writings - nicknames a family tradition

@alessabriel - y/n wayne!venom (male reader)

@detectivemarvelingcomics - not your classic vigilante ch.2

@kimberly-spirits13 - batsibling with black panther suit/ persona

@flying-nightwing - life lesson (never kidnap a wayne kid)

———————————————————————

bruce wayne

@catxsnow - let's have a baby

@ellabxrnes - hypnotist

@invisibleanonymousmonsters - trauma (daughter!reader)

@headcans-oneshots-and-stuff - lost,found and consequences (toddler!reader)

@dragon-chica - faithful couple

———————————————————————

garfield logan

@busylickingsatansballs - pretty kitty

@hobiiwan - ___

@gangrenados - ___

- morning hc

@wondergotham - Being Best Friends w/Conner & Gar

@multifandomimaginesworld - dating gar logan would include

@ghostdrafts - gar logan dating headcannon

@kioelo - time

@idontgiveaflyinggrayson69 - you have a connection

@gars-jasons-gf - relationship hc pt.2

———————————————————————

jason todd

@ghost-soap - ___

@nightwings-circus - husband-zoned

@iheartdoll - jason todd hc

@cipheress-to-k-pop - curls

@a-reader-and-a-writer-for-all - perfect

@veronica-17-hood - ___

@s1ater - daddy's girl pt.1 (batsis)

@katsumox - jason todd headcannon

@rekiilysm - adore you

@redhoodedangel - scars that last (scarlet witch!reader)

@book-place - a day with jay (sister!reader)

@thebisexualdogdad - jason todd dating roy harper's brother

@ellana-ravenwood - draw me like one of your french boy

- A baby in the family

@kaleidoscopewritings19 - halloween special (black widow!reader)

@yourlocalcringydaydreamer - jason with autistic reader

@xxgoblin-dumplingxx - Jason resting his head on reader's ass

- jason seeing you in a swimsuit for the first time

- jason with baby fever

- jason todd being soft for his girlfriend

- jason loosing the reader in a store

- jason getting babied

- bruce disapproving of reader and jason's relationship until

- jason's reading glasses

- ___(gentle giant!jason)

>>>>>teddy!verse<<<<<

•teddy referring reader as mother for the first time •protective mama bear •dad!jason meeting his wife for the first time •bruce talking with teddy!verse reader •mother's day lunch •jason calling the reader ridiculous pet names

———————————————————————

alfred pennyworth

@lazydoodlesandfanfic - needing a cheer up (daughter!reader)

[lothirielswandc]

WE ALL PRETEND TO BE THE HEROES ON THE GOOD SIDE [VILLAIN, Ch. I]

Read on AO3 here!

— W A Y N E   M A N O R —

The crescent moon was weak. The night’s soft smirk was useless against the shadows that slithered across the magnificent lawn. Blood-red skies were the only true light left; the death of the day.

Raven’s fingers trailed along the cool stone step. It was smooth; marble, not concrete. Knowing Alfred Pennyworth, the steps were probably clean enough to eat on, let alone sit on. 

Warm gold light pooled across the steps as the doors creaked open. A shadow crept across the stone.

“Are you nervous?” the shadow asked. The voice was soft and deep. It’s usual demanding undertone was gone. 

He sat down on the step beside her. Pine filled the air. Their knees brushed together. A small, delightful tremor ran through her body at the slightest touch.

His hand sought hers, quick to envelope it in warmth.

Raven shrugged, “A little, I suppose.”

“You have nothing to be afraid of.” 

“You think I’m concerned for myself?” Raven met his emerald gaze. The green was darker in the dim light, its depths fathomless. 

“I’ve met Constantine before,” he said.

Raven looked back at the dying sky. The blood was seeping away, fading to black. The birth of the night. Dread pooled in her stomach. Constantine had made his feelings clear before tonight.

‘He’s a menace! Everything that comes out of his mouth is an insult or a critique. He doesn't know the first thing about putting someone before himself. 

‘I don't approve, love.’ 

His hand squeezing her made Raven look back. 

“We don't have to do this if you don't want to,” he said.

Raven was shaking her head before he finished his sentence. “No. You’ve wanted to do this since we left. Besides, your mom is a part of your life.”

If Raven canceled, she feared that would send the wrong message. Looking cowardly wasn't her concern. Raven would not come between Talia al Ghul and her only son. 

The heavy double doors opened once more. Alfred cleared his throat, “Master Wayne, Miss Roth, it's time.”

They stood as the butler added, “Last chance to run for the hills if need be.”

“Is that what you recommend, Alfred?” Raven smiled.

“I certainly would if I were you, Miss Roth.”

“Not funny, Pennyworth.” The stark utter beside Raven made Alfred chuckle.

They climbed the steps together. Light from inside chased the remnants of the night away. A hand stretched out towards Raven as she hesitated at the door.

“Ready to meet my parents?” Damian said.

Raven’s fingers slipped back into his, where they belonged. “As long as you can take mine.”

“Please. Zatanna’s infatuated with me,” Damian rolled his eyes.

“And King Shark still thinks you taste delicious,” she added.

“I prefer to keep that kind of commentary between us and no one else.”

They passed Alfred at the door and slipped inside. Raven didn't miss how the butler’s eyebrows were raised to his hairline. 

Everyone had a baffled look on their faces recently. Raven always assumed it was because of her and her weirdness. Nowadays, she couldn't tell who the stare was meant for.

Damian’s hand held hers as they walked. The old-fashioned oil lamps along the walls filled the great entrance hall with warmth. Damian’s skin shone like bronze in the golden glow. He walked without the slightest hesitation; he didn't fear whatever the evening held. 

“Depending on how the evening goes, I’ll tell them to do a closed casket,” Dick Grayson’s voice traveled across the parlor.

Dick stood at the bottom of the elegant staircase. Raven’s eyes started to travel down to Dick’s arm in a sling — she forced herself to look away. She focused on Koriand’r instead, who towered over Dick and everyone else. Kory’s great mane of curls shimmered like hungry flames as she bounced on the balls of her feet. 

“I’m so happy for you! Meeting the parents is quite a show of intimacy, I’ve heard,” said Kory, clasping her hands together. Her tone made it sound like a compliment.

“Yeah, got that right,” Dick muttered. He shot what almost seemed like a questioning look at Damian.

Raven glanced at her shoes. She knew it was sudden. It had only been a week since they had returned from Europe. They stayed at Wayne Manor ever since.

In terms of gossip, a scandal probably lurked around the corner. But it was Batman’s family. As famous as they were, Bruce Wayne liked privacy. He kept to himself.

Catwoman was a different story.

“I’m truly joyful that you both have this,” Kory beamed at Raven and Damian. Her glowing green eyes settled on Raven, “and I’m happy we have more ties to one another. That we’ll always be connected…” 

If we’re not connected by the Titans, Raven finished her sentence silently. Raven still hadn't forgotten the conversation Kory and Zatanna had in her head about whether the Titans were a good fit for Raven. Or, rather, if Raven was a good fit for them . 

“You’ll have to tell me how tonight goes at our next double date!” Kory said. “Maybe we’ll get fondue…? I’ve heard mini-golf is a popular pastime!”

Dick stifled a laugh as Damian’s face froze with horror, “That sounds like a great idea, babe.”

Alfred cleared his throat. “Miss Roth? Your death awaits — ahem , excuse me. I have a toad in my throat. Your dinner party awaits.”

Damian glared at the butler. 

“Thank you, Alfred,” Raven said. She resisted the urge for her lips to curve up and failed.

They followed Alfred down a gothic-style corridor. The scent of expensive wood polish and old-fashioned oil lamps simmered in the air.

Alfred slowed his pace, lingering at Raven’s unoccupied side. His voice dropped to a murmur, “If, by some particular matter, you must leave early tonight due to unforeseen difficulties, I have arranged a rope outside the far right window of the room, for a quick departure.”

“Pennyworth!”

“All in jest, little master, all in jest,” Alfred raised a gloved hand to cover his mouth from Damian’s sight and mouthed the words, no it's not .

“You know I can teleport, right?” said Raven.

“Yes. And Mr. Wayne is Batman. And I punched Superman in the face. We all have our talents, Miss Roth. But it’s best to have backup plans.” Alfred faced forward after that, resuming his quick pace ahead.

Raven glanced at Damian. He frowned at the butler’s back.

“You pay him enough, right?” she asked.

“I have my own townhouse in Paris,” Alfred said. 

Damian sighed.

They reached the double doors to their doom — the dining room (Alfred’s commentary was wearing off on her). The butler paused at the entrance, casting one last pointed look at Raven. 

“Open the door, Pennyworth,” Damian said. 

“What’s the magic word?”

“Azarath Metrion Zinthos.”

“That's three, little master. Not one.”

It took all of Raven’s willpower not to laugh on the spot. She squeezed Damian’s hand, feeling his deep urge to not obey Alfred.

So stubborn . Raven turned away from Alfred. She leaned up on her toes and whispered in Damian’s ear, “You know I’ll still find you attractive if you're nice to him.”

The deep force of opposition emitted from him wavered, but it was still intact.

“I could show you how attractive I think you are…later,” her lips brushed against the bottom of his earlobe, “if you behave.” 

“Please,” Damian blurted the word.

Raven sank back onto her heels. When she faced Alfred, he was staring at her like he had just witnessed divine interference. 

“You truly are magical, Miss Roth.”

“I know.” 

Alfred bowed his head. “I hope you survive. You’d make an interesting addition to this family.” 

He turned away and threw the double doors open wide.

Dining room was a modest description. Dining hall fit better. A long table was stretched beneath a massive map of Gotham on the high ceilings. Long enough to house all of the children Bruce Wayne had adopted. 

Three were already seated at the table. 

Raven let Damian lead as she took them in. Bruce and Selina Kyle sat side by side along the edge. Selina’s gaze trickled down Raven. It always lingered at the gem embedded to her forehead, which Raven tried to hide lately with bangs. Her eyes sliced across the rest of her, as if preparing quips critiquing her fashion choice and goth tendencies. 

Raven’s eyes shifted to the head of the table, where an even more penetrating stare cut across the room. 

“My son,” Talia al Ghul rose like the night seeping up to embrace the moon. She moved across the room swifter than a light breeze towards Damian.

Raven stood awkwardly to the side as Talia enveloped him in a warm embrace. She stared over his shoulder at Raven.

“Hi,” Raven said. 

Talia parted from Damian and stood before her. Gorgeous didn't begin to do her justice. Models would’ve felt self-conscious in Talia’s wake, dressed in a green gown perfect for a red carpet appearance. Familiar bronze skin shone beneath the chandelier, completely scarless. The Lazarus Pit’s work, no doubt. 

“So,” Talia’s eyes, a shade of green Raven knew well, seared into her. “You’re the demon girl.”

Read on AO3 here

[ivegotdaddyissues]

Copybat Ch. 2

Bale!Bruce Wayne x Trans!OC

Warnings: None. This chapter is to get the story moving further

Word Count: 1287

Victoria’s eyes flutter open and she sits up. The blood rushing to her head gives her a bigger headache on top of the one she already has. She looks around, seeing if anyone else is around. An old man in a suit is sitting near the door. He doesn’t seem to realise she’s awake.

“Hello?”

“Ah, Miss October!” He seems happy she’s alright. “You’re awake! Are you feeling any better?”

“A little… um….who are you?”

“I am Alfred Pennyworth, the butler to Master Wayne.”

“Wayne as in…”

“Bruce, yes.”

“Got it… He brought me here… right?”

“Indeed he did.” The events of that afternoon are coming back to her.

“Is he here?”

“Not at the moment, no. Master Wayne is preoccupied tonight.” The disappointed look on Victoria’s face is subtle but Alfred sees it. “He did, however, tell me to give this to you.” He stands up and walks over to her, holding his hand out to her.

“My wallet!” She takes it from his hand and goes through it. “Nothing was taken!”

“But perhaps, something was added?”

“What do you mean by--” Victoria notices a white paper and takes it out. “His business card…” She sees a phone number written in blue pen. “Is this… his personal number?”

“Master Wayne would appreciate it if you call him tomorrow.”

“The Prince of Gotham wants me to call him?” She looks up at him. “Why?” Alfred shakes his head.

“Master Wayne is quite the complicated person, I wouldn’t try to understand it if I were concussed earlier today.”

“You make a good point.” She feels her head with her hand. “Oh, Mr. Pennyworth, could you…could you turn on the news?”

“Please, call me Alfred.” He bows slightly.

“Alright then, Alfred, could you please turn on the news?”

“Any particular reason, ma’am?”

“I’ve been following the news stories surrounding the Batman,” She explains, catching Alfred’s attention.

“The Batman, ma’am?”

“Mhm!” Victoria nods. “He’s fascinating!”

“How so?”

“The man dresses like a bat and fights crime! In what world is that not fascinating?”

“You make a good point.”

“Also, he’s done more for Gotham than the police ever could! He goes straight to the source! Like with the Scarecrow?” She gushes. “The police tried arresting him for the crimes. They spend more time and effort looking for Batman than the real threats.”

“You seem to know a lot about him.”

“He’s just cool, I guess.” She shrugs, tucking her black hair behind her ear.

“I see.” He nods, turning on the television. Sure enough, it was a broadcast of a gang of thugs, tied up to be found by the police. Victoria is suddenly more awake and alert than before, watching the broadcast with such a strong intensity, Alfred could feel it standing next to her.

The Batman is such an inspiration for her, and with a little work, she could become him! She will become him, not just another copycat.

Victoria doesn’t know how long she was watching the news, but gives Alfred a glare.

“What the hell?”

“I apologise, Miss Victoria,” He nods his head. “I’ve been informed by the nurses that the broadcast is bothering other patients.” She looks sad. “Perhaps you can find this broadcast on the internet!”

“Not a bad idea,” Her voice is quiet, yawning after speaking.

“Tired?”

“Mhm…”

“I’ll let you get some rest then.” Alfred turns to walk off.

“Hey, um…Thank you, for ... .you know,” She shrugs. “Keeping me company!” Victoria smiles at him.

“But of course, ma’am.” He bows towards her. “Sleep well.” He leaves after turning off the light. It doesn’t take long for Victoria to fall into a peaceful sleep.

The next morning, she’s woken up by a nurse pressing some buttons on her vital machine.

“Good morning Miss October.” She smiles.

“Morning,” She mumbles, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. 

“You’re being discharged this morning!”

“I can go home?”

“After a visit to the front desk, absolutely!” The nurse nods. “Just give me a moment and I’ll leave for you to get dressed!”

“What ” She finishes up whatever she’s doing and leaves the room.

Victoria’s clothes are folded neatly on a table against the wall. Did Alfred do that? She gets out of bed, taking a minute to adjust her bare feet on the cold floor.

It only takes a couple minutes before she’s dressed in what she wore the day before, a black blazer, white button up, black slacks, and black ankle boots. She didn’t have a bag, so she puts her wallet back into her pocket and makes her way to the desk to check herself out.

“Hi, um, I was told I can leave?” Victoria asks the woman at the desk.

“Yes, of course!” She nods. “Can I get your name?”

“Victoria October.” She crosses her arms.

“Alright, Ms. October,” The woman types something on her computer. “Let’s get you set up with your--Oh!” She exclaims.

“What? What’s wrong?”

“Well, Ms. October, it seems as though your medical bill for this visit has been covered!” 

“Someone covered my bill?” Victoria is confused. “Who could have--” It sets in for her. The very man who brought her to the hospital.

“I’m afraid he requested to remain confidential. A guardian angel of sorts.” The woman looks apologetic.

“That’s fine,” She smiles. “Is there any paperwork I need to do before I leave?”

“Yep!” She takes a packet of papers from her desk and places it in front of her. Victoria quickly fills them out and hands them back. “Alright, Ms. October! You’re good to go!”

“Thanks,” She nods, walking out of the hospital, and turning in the direction to her apartment. Before heading that way, she decides to try the number Bruce Wayne left for her. When the phone starts ringing, she starts walking.

“Hello?” Victoria asks, hearing someone pick up.

“Yes?”

“Hi…It’s Victoria?” She’s worried she dialled the number wrong. “Bruce Wayne?”

“Victoria!” He exclaims. “How are you feeling?”

“Fine, I’m actually on my way home now!”

“That’s great!”

“Yeah… um, you paid my medical bill?”

“Do you not appreciate the gesture?” A slight tinge of fake hurt is apparent in his voice.

“No, no!” She backtracks. “I absolutely do, it’s just… You don’t even know me!”

“Sure I do!” He laughs a bit. “Your name is Victoria October, birthday October 4th, 1983, Computer Scientist at Wayne Enterprises--”

“Okay okay, I get it. You went through my stuff.” Her mind races, hoping he didn’t find a previous name.

“Not exactly,”

“No?”

“I looked at your ID at the hospital yesterday and talked to Fox last night.”

“Are you trying to prove a point?”

“You claimed I don’t know you.”

“And I still don’t! A-and you don’t know me!” She exclaims. “You can’t just pay for my bills like that.”

“And why not?” Victoria takes a deep breath.

“Because I don’t know you! Other than the fact that you’re the Prince of Gotham!” She lowered her voice when she was describing him.

“How would you feel about changing that? Maybe over dinner?”

“Are you asking me out?”

“If that’s what you want to call it!”

“When were you thinking?”

“Tomorrow night, 7:30. Alfred will pick you up.” He states.

“I keep on forgetting my address is on my ID.” Victoria sighs. “Alright, Bruce, it’s a date.” It feels weird calling him by his first name.

“I’m looking forward to it.” She can almost hear his slight smile over the phone. “Oh! And wear something nice.”

“Will do. Bye!” After she hangs up, it takes a minute for her to process what just happened. She’s reached her apartment building and is in the elevator when it dawns on her.

She has a date with Bruce Wayne!

[stargirlfics]

Writing Pattern Game

Rules: Share the first line of your last ten published works or as many as you are able and see if there are any patterns! (from most recent to least recent, starting from the top)

-

Was tagged by the wonderful @saradika ahh thank you so much this is such a cool game! 💌🥰 I love finding patterns in stuff and I was curious to see what this would reveal! Not sure I found any connecting patterns, the first two have a “celestial” theme to them but I think maybe I tend to go for describing emotion and feeling in each of these first lines, like I’m setting up how you as the reader are feeling or being as you start the story. Kinda cool!

Standing in the Eye of the Storm (joel miller)

“The same scars mark your bodies like a map of constellations.”

Cherry Cola (pedro pascal)

“Stars gleam softly in your eyes, the kitchen table the only thing keeping your bodies from scooting impossibly closer in the evening light.”

The Gentleman Ch 5: Éclosion (alfred pennyworth)

“Tension lay heavy over the city in the days after the fear toxin attack, people were wary and on edge, the weather even starting to turn cold and dreary while unease hung thick in the air.”

Misbehavior (joel miller)

“It’s the way Joel Miller looks riding his horse, a hunting knife on his hip and a rifle held expertly along with the reigns in his broad hands that makes your skin prickle and your breathing deepen.”

IRON (battinson!bruce wayne)

“One could hardly say it was your fault.”

BUTTERFLY (joel miller)

“To be soft-hearted at the world’s violent end, that’s where you’d decided to make a home for your heart with all its fragile beating.”

The Gentleman Ch 4: Do I Wanna Know? (alfred pennyworth)

“Sore limbs of yours uncurl against the solid warmth that is Alfred next to you in bed, bare arms keeping you pressed close to his chest, your nose nuzzling into his side where you’re tucked.”

Call Out My Name (battinson!bruce wayne)

“Panic was familiar to you, especially in this city. Gotham took no prisoners and didn’t afford room for recklessness at any turn.”

Dream Girl (dev patel)

“His hand slid over yours softly, squeezing your fingers before bringing your hand up to his lips to kiss. No going back now.”

Girl Next Door (andy barber)

“The dew was still fresh on the grass when Andy rolled out of bed, tired of laying down after another restless night of sleep.”

-

no pressure tags 💌 @citrus-moonlight @tarrenterror25 @avintagekiss24 @moonlight-prose @psychedelic-ink and anyone else wanting to try this, yes that includes you!!

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

atlas

by citrus_constellation Damian Wayne wakes up one day to find he’s got wings. This changes everything in his life, especially since there’s no way that these wings can be hidden away. Words: 2650, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman: Wayne Family Adventures (Webcomic) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Categories: Gen Characters: Damian Wayne, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake (DCU), Jason Todd, Cassandra Cain, Duke Thomas, Alfred Pennyworth Relationships: Dick Grayson & Damian Wayne, Cassandra Cain & Tim Drake & Dick Grayson & Duke Thomas & Jason Todd & Bruce Wayne & Damian Wayne Additional Tags: Wings, DC stands for Disregard Canon, Non-Consensual Body Modification, Magic, Cults, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Tags Are Hard, Minor Body Horror in Ch 2 via https://ift.tt/6fQgXMI

[daddysfangirls-dc]

UnTamed Ch.14

Prev | Next

Damian Wayne x OC!Female

He found nothing. With facial recognition, fingerprints, and blood, Tim still found nothing on this girl. She didn't exist. Literally, there was nothing on her. It was stressing him the fuck out. Who was in their house? Who was with their brother? 

THE ACTUAL FUCK WAS HAPPENING !?!

-

Tim wasn't sneaky. They knew that he was looking into her. They were upset at first, Jason furious, but Damian waved off the ambush, telling them he wouldn't find anything because there was nothing to find. They simply didn't relay the information to him. Watching him spiral was very amusing, and it was needed in such severe and sad times. It had been several days since her arrival, and Damian hadn't left her side since they brought her upstairs.

Jason had been shielding him from everyone, especially Bruce. It surprised everyone that Jason was Damian's advocate and protector at the moment. He stood firm in keeping everyone away and protecting Damian and his lover. They both need time to heal. He'd ensure they'd be left in peace. 

-

"You need rest," Alfred said as he came in, changing her IV bag.

"I'm fine"

"You need rest in a proper bed," he said, this time more firmly. 

"The others-"

"Have gone. It is just you and I."

"I don't want to leave her. What if-"

"I'll come get you if she wakes. I promise," he says, laying his hand on Damian's shoulder. " She wouldn't want to see you like this." This is greasy and unkempt. Clothes ruffled and untucked. Hair uneven and greased. She had never seen him like this, and he realized he didn't want her to. 

"I'll shower, then I'll come back."

"Okay, dear boy," that was enough for now.

-

The room Asta woke up in was familiar yet not. She knew she was in Wayne Manor by the smell. Opening her eyes, she recognized the room she was in, the sheets that covered her. The room looked similar to Damian's, void of all those personal touches of his. A guest room in the Wayne Manor.

Looking about, she found an IV pole standing next to her, pumping a line of fluids and a heart monitor. She tried to lift her arm but found that she had no strength. She tried to sit up and found herself too weak. Suddenly, she found herself exhausted even though she had just woken up.

"Good Morning." Asta looked up to find Alferd by the door. Coming into the room and opening the blinds. " Alfred Pennyworth, although you already know that," she smiles at the amusement clearly in his voice. " Is it wrong for me to assume you are Astraea?"

Her face became flushed. Someone else knew her name. She bit back a smile. "My friends- friend calls me Asta." 

"Well," he stands at the end of the bed," It is nice to meet you properly, Miss Asta." he comes around to check her IV and monitor. She points to the clear bags. " These are fluids, antibiotics, and morphine. You were in rough shape when you arrived. Our doctor did wonders, but you still need time to heal."

That would explain the drowsiness and weakness. She wondered where Damian was. 

"The others have either gone to work or other things have called their attend. Damian is cleaning up in his room. He'll be back soon-" The door swung open, revealing Damian baggy clothes, fresh skin, and wet hair. Damian say nothing as he quickly crosses the room to her side.

"Hi"

"Hi"

Alfred slipped out unseen and left the couple to themselves. 

"Hi," she said again, smiling weakly. " I'm sorry. I didn't know where else to go."

"you have nothing to be sorry."

"I'm supposed to be a secret," she cries breathlessly. " I came here, and now I'm not. I'm so sorry."

Damian kisses her hand and wipes her tears. " There is no need for apologies. I don't care for our secrets. I want you safe," Even though she was lying in bed, he could see her boy sag with exhaustion with each cry. " Rest. All I need from you now is rest. Please rest." she nodded weakly as her eyes started to droop. " I'll be here when you wake. I promise"

-

 Asta woke again, this time with more energy and strength, being able to lift her arms now. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she opened them. She looked at the sounds of birds coming from the window. There were two noticeable things by the window, one being the orange glow that came through the window, showing it was sunset, and Two Damian sitting by the window with a book. 

"Good evening"

"Hey"

"You're healing well." 

"Yes," She sat up, looking around. She found the IV and morphine drip gone. " How was school?" he moved to sit on the edge of the bed. 

"It's winter break. No School" 

"Oh, sorry." he leaned forward, kissing her forehead. 

You've been through a traumatic event, and it is safe to say your perspective of time might be a bit skewed." He took her hand, rubbing it gently. " Can you tell me what happened? How you got it this way?"

"Stupidity," Asta laughed bitterly as she lay down. "I got too comfortable. I wasn't watching like I should have been like I always do." He wiped the few tears that spilled.

"you don't have-"

"I was walking as a cat. A black cat at that. I was walking to our apartment. I wasn't paying attention, and someone picked me up and stuffed me into a bag. I passed out and woke up caged in a basement. There was slickly preteen shit - He's definitely going to be a school shooter. He had a collection of tasers, pipes, and blades, and he had a lot. I didn't know what he'd do to me If I changed in front of him. I didn't want to know. 

So fucking pathetic."

"No, you're not."

"I got caught by a fucking rando on the street. Who did this to me? " She pulled the covers back, revealing her wounds. " I am pathetic, 15 years, and this is how I'm caught. I am. I am. I am." 

"No, no, no. You are perfect, and you are brave. None of this is your fault." he says, pulling the blanket back over her and tucking her in.

" I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. heal." He kissed her forehead again, wiping away more tears. " Rest"

Damian closed the curtains, shrowding the room in darkness. When he approached the door, Asta assumed he was leaving and closed her eyes. She let out a small sob as she heard the door close and lock. She lay in the dark, quietly crying. She felt the blankets move. She felt it as he crawled into bed alongside her. She felt his warmth as he lay closer, but he didn't come any closer; he simply took her hand and held it tight. It was the only part of her he could hold without hurting her. He held on tight. 

-

"Who is she?" Bruce asked as he leaned on the Batcomputer; Red Robin already claimed his seat. He had yet to put on his cowl. 

"Her name is Astraea. Don't bother." Damian stopped Red before he could begin typing, " She doesn't exist. She was born and raised on the streets. There is no record of her." 

"How do you know her?" Red asked suspiciously.

" I met her four years ago, and we became friends. We became romantically involved last year.

"FOUR YEARS!?! You've been in a relationship for four years and didn't tell m-us?" Dick said the hurt and betrayal clear in his voice and face.

The others were shocked that Damian had managed to hide an entire relationship for four years. They all had to take a moment, think, and try to remember any hints of this possible relationship. They hadn't noticed anything strange until a few months ago. It also made them think if he really trusted them. 

"Alfred was aware I had a romantic partner but not who they were. So was Superboy." 

"You told Superboy?!!"

"No, I went to both of them inquiring for advice on pursuing someone romantically. I never confirmed having a romantic partner with supper boy. He just assumed correctly."

"He confirmed that the advice I gave was a success," Alfred said as he approached him. " He continues to subtly ask for advice now and again."

"All your advice has kept us together this long."

"no, my dear boy," he put a hand on his shoulder." That was all you." Damian pulled a small smile.

"She's a metahuman," Bruce said, interrupting the small moment." Can she turn into just a cat?" Duke asked. He was the only meta in the family, so the possibility of another joining the family was exciting. 

"Any animal. She has empathic abilities as well," Damian said, accepting cocoa from Alfred. He passed out refreshments to the others.  

"How long have you known?"

"Since the very beginning. she never hid herself from me. And I never hid myself from her. All our truths were laid out at the very beginning."

"Beginning their relationship with honestly I like that"

"Shut up, Jason"

"Asta-"

"Asta?"

"Is good and trustworthy. She has known our secret for years, and not once has it crossed her mind to betray us, me."

"And yet you never told us about her," Red said, eyeing him suspiciously. 

"THIS," Damian says as he stands up, his arms motioning wildly. " This is right here. I didn't want you to turn her into a suspect and pull her part. Run her off. She's good; she's trustworthy and loyal. She doesn't... she doesn't deserve to be criminalized. She's good, and she's doing good."

"So you made her stay a secret for four years?"

"I didn't make her do anything. I also didn't oppose her staying a secret, which was mainly her idea. She doesn't like attention. And whether we like it or not, we have the spotlight in both our day life and nightlife."

While Damian never opposed secrets, he and Asta had several conversations and discussions about their hiding, and Asta desired to stay in the shadows for as long as possible. Damian didn't know how to explain it. He did know how to explain her desire for secrecy, her nonexistence, her devoted loyalty. He didn't know how to explain .... Astraea.

She was Astraea, and she was his, and that's all he truly understood from her. The downside of being in a relationship with an empath is that you no longer explain yourself; you feel and share your feelings. Damian didn't know how to share his feelings with his family. And even if he did, most of them were emotionally incompetent. It wouldn't matter. So here he stood flexing his hands, and they'd never understand how much " I love her... I love her. And I won't lose her."