#filed under: stephanie brown

[anonymous-existences]

Prolouge : Spectral Mysteries

Summary:

Danny Fenton gets adopted by Pariah Dark and Clockwork now Renamed as Perseus Penrose Dark-Nightingale and Cassius Christopher Nightingale along with Dan Phantom, Jazz Fenton and Danielle Dani Phantom after the GIW and Fenton Parents tried to hunt and almost successfully vivisect Danny.

As they had Danny in containment and his Vivisection wound stapled for the temporary meantime, Clockwork saves Danny and meddles with the timeline to forge files of their fake existence in the mortal plane.

Moving to Gotham was their only choice for reasons that the GIW cannot willy milly go around trying to hunt them down especially in a place where they're an easy victim of crime.

Danny slowly adapts to Gotham, setting a haunt for himself to feel even more safer and accidentally becoming an Information Broker in the streets known as "Spectre" or "Specter" depends on who spells it and who says it.

Notes:

Ages For the Dark/Nightingales

Pariah Dark : ???

Clockwork : ???

Dan Phantom : 25

Jazz Fenton : 20

Danny Fenton : 17

Danielle Dani Phantom : 8

Ages for the Batfam:

Bruce Wayne: 48

Dick Grayson : 28

Jason Todd : 23

Tim Drake-Wayne : 20

Cassandra Cain : 20

Stephanie Brown : 20

Duke Thomas : 18

Damian Wayne : 16

Have fun reading!

"Gotham, huh?" Danny breathed as he looked out the window of the SUV they're using to travel, Danny stared at the jagged skyline, a stark contrast to Amity Park's gentle hills. Danny took a deep breathe and buried himself further into his hoodie, Jazz pulling him close to her chest, "I know it was hard leaving and abandoning your Haunt... I'm sorry it had to become that way..." Jazz whispered softly to Danny who relaxed his body in his chest.

Dan was sleeping with his arms crossed protectively on his chest and Elle in his lap playing Minecraft on an Ipad swaying her legs softly and rhythmically as she started humming peacefully, Dan's cap was covering his face hiding any expression he might be making under his cap. Danny glanced out the window as they neared Gotham City, it's more than just a city. It was a behemoth, gothic structures and the air itself feeling heavy and different.

Danny tightened his hoodie further feeling the change of atmosphere as they entered Gotham City. Pariah Dark now Perseus Penrose Dark-Nightingale, Furrowed his brows as he took in the change. Dan took off his cap by tilting his head down and opening his eyes, "We're here Huh?" Dan muttered, pulling Elle closer to him to keep her from feeling too uncomfortable with the new change.

The air was heavy with what they deem as Rancid Ectoplasmic Vibes, Danny didn't like it but he slowly acclimated with the other ghosts, Pariah was the quickest to recover as he's already used to it and Dan being the second to do so. Jazz helped Danny calm down by keeping him close to her chest and whispering sweet soft words of reassurement. She was the only one who wasn't as affected by the change because of her full humanity, Although liminal she was not affected.

Danny gasped softly as he calmed down, he looked over out the windows seeing the towering skyscrapers and buildings that contrasted the gentle atmosphere of Amity Park, their windows like cold and unblinking observing eyes which inhabits strangers.

Soon they arrived at what Clockwork has claimed his "Mortal Haunt", It was a building that contains a clock shop inside a Book Shop, it felt warm as Danny entered the building. Upstairs were their personal home, already ready with security alarms that works around them and personal bedrooms each of their own with one with a large bed which would be Pariah and Clockwork's room.

It was somewhere around Crime Alley or Park Row as rich people likes to call the area, in a more secluded street where Ectoplasm in the air is more ambient and easier to filtrate into clean ectoplasm in the area. Pariah made sure that their home was very secured as he didn't want to risk anyone slipping in or breaking in.

Dan helped with the unpacking and arranging the items and baggage of their new home, helping Danny with arranging as he sulked in his now fluffed up bed inside a bedroom that was specifically decorated for him. The bedroom he now inhabits being that of space themed as he always liked, NASA posters he pinned on the walls and his organized personal items by a desk. It was just like his original Room in Amity Park, just more organized and a bigger space.

As soon as he finished organizing his things he immediately buried himself in his fluffy fur like bed, burying himself under the weighted blanket. "You need the Air conditioner on Bud?" Dan leaned on Danny's doorframe, arm's crossed but holding a cup of Warm Cocoa in his hand and a plate of cookies. "Yes please..." Danny muttered near weakly as he stayed under the weighted blankets, Dan could only chuckle and turned up the cold temperature for Danny and placed his treats and cocoa in the desk.

"We'll leave you alone but you better eat dinner later, jazz will bust in your room if you skip." Dan knocked on the wall before leaving and Danny just hummed as he heard the door shut. Danny slowly pulled out his phone to text his friends.

—Amity Ghostlings—

Inviso-Bill: Hey, I'm in Gotham now :|

PharaohIncarnation: I already miss you Danny :((

EcoTerrorism: Stop being overdramatic tuck, Danny's safer now. We should celebrate he finally got out!! >:))

PharaohIncarnation: Shut up, you're crying right now >:(( don't say you're not sad!

Danny: I miss you all already too :). Dan let me rest, I'm gonna see you both later, promise.

RedHuntress: Keep safe Danny, I'll keep Amity in check for you since you're not here. Be well.

Danny: :))

—Amity Ghostlings—

Danny sighed as he stared at his screen, he opens his gallery and started scrolling through photos of him and his friends and His classmates which is a rare picture but still nostalgic nontheless.. It's only been a week since he's escape Maddie and Jack Fenton, He's sure the GIW is still looking for them willing to hunt them down without mercy.

Danny felt cold tears rolling down his cheeks slightly dampening the furry fabric of his bed, he sniffled. If only he hadn't needed to leave he wouldn't have, He didn't want to leave but he had no choice. Atleast now he can start a new life and experience normalcy again, even if his family isn't so normal now.

He clutched his hand to his chest, burying himself and curling up under the weighted blanket as the room's air conditioning continued to make the room colder. "I wish I didn't have to leave.." he mutters softly wiping the tears that broke through and rolled down his cheeks.

— — — —

3 months passed and Danny had to attend school again, Dan got a job as a mechanic and Perseus and Cassius(Pariah and Clockwork) stayed at the shop, Jazz was continuing her online classes and Elle was in her own elementary school.

Dan was driving the Motorbike Pariah got him as a gift just recently, he was driving Danny and Ellie to school quite fashionably, "Behave Alright Elle?" Dan helps Elle down from the front of the bike, she giggled and nodded before running inside the school. Danny smiled, "Anyone who bullies her will get my fist to their face." He blurted out with a smile.

"Agreed." Dan nodding along with Danny, "anyways, C'mon now, Helmet back on. Safety First in Gotham." Dan reminds Danny as he fixed his own helmet, Danny fixing his helmet straps and holding onto Dan as they drove to Danny's new Highschool. It was overwhelming, he felt alone and scared of new people.

"Danny, I know you're scared but you'll be fine. You should probably take off the earrings and wear the bracelet dampener instead tho." Danny pointed out and Danny frantically took off his earrings and only wore the small star themed ones and a bracelet. Dan drove off not before giving Danny a pat in the head.

This was it, Danny's start of a new School-life. "Let's hope it's not shitty this time..." He breathed out staring at the school before entering the gates and going in.

— — — —

Danny has concluded after a week of being in the school that it wasn't too bad, Somehow he got a friend named Damian and Jon on the first day of school as Damian immediately stood up as soon as the teacher asked if there's anyone who would like to tour him around the school.

"Daniel, May I know where you acquired this hoodie of yours?" Damian asked raising an eyebrow feeling the fabric between his fingers, "My Other Dad made it for me!" Danny smiled, Danny likes the way he said 'Daniel' it had an accent and sounded like 'Danyal' which was totally sexier than Plain old Daniel. 'Your Father sewed this himself?" Damian looked surprised.

"Yep! Clockwork's apparently good at sewing unexpectedly enough, maybe next week I can take you to meet them!" Danny exclaimed happily and Damian nodded, his brows furrowing in determination. "Very well then Daniel, I shall make a good impression on your Fathers." Damian cleared his throat. "How bout you Jon? My big brother Dan makes the best Food!" Danny nudged his shoulder to Jon.

Jon grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Oh yeah? Well, my dad makes the best apple pie in Smallville. You can't beat that!" He nudged Danny back, a lighthearted challenge in his tone. "Maybe you can teach Dan how to make a mean apple pie too, then we'll have a real cook-off!" Jon raises his chin high and proud.

Danny smiled, he liked his new friends, he liked this new school. Although he misses his friends in Amity Park now he had a sense of normalcy in his life unlike before.

— — — —

"Danny, I heard there's a bit of a uhm.... What do you humans call it..?" Clockwork started as Dan prepared Dinner, "Break, a School Break Clockwork." Jazz continued and Clockwork hummed. "yes yes that, a school break because of someone named Joker and Scarecrow currently on the loose. Why don't you accompany Dan to the Mechanic's place within your 2 weeks of School Break? Besides your classes with that is only online after all!" Clockwork exclaims with a smile.

"I can't tell if you're being sincere or you're planning something." Danny whispered honestly, "a bit of both~! But it's still good for you to be out and about, Besides school isn't the only thing there in life so you might meet some new friends or companions over there in his workplace!" Clockwork's smile was wider, a much more mischievous smile.

Danny thought about it for a moment, observing Clockwork's body language even if he knew he wouldn't be able to catch anything odd within the Man's Exterior expression. Danny sighed and nodded, "Fine, I'll go. I'll be bored here all day anyways." Danny states as he took a bite of Dan's cooking.

"That's good Danny, so why don't you tell us more about your new friends at school? Who was it again?" Jazz started the conversation to lighten up the mood much more than before. Danny perked up and smiled, "Damian and Jon. They're my new best friends at school, Sam and Tucker got to meet them in Minecraft when Jon convinced him to buy the game and play." Danny chuckled.

"Mhm, that's good Baby Ghost." Pariah just nodded, "I approve of your choice of friends, a Cat and a Pup they are and you are the mediator, a perfect trio." He continued whilst eating, "I suppose they ARE like a cat and a Puppy. A fierce yet cuddly Cat and a golden retriever puppy." Danny just shrugged. "Damian Is very nice tho, he helps me a lot with the subjects, especially literature and English, we hang out a lot at the burger joint called Bat-Burger." Danny continued with a smile plastered on his face.

"When can I meet them Template?" Elle tilts her head cutely, just like a kitten with it's adorable kitten eyes. "Once I get them to visit here, Dan, Damian is Vegetarian so no meat. I mean I'm also Partially Vegetarian and all but like no meat at all if you know what I mean." Danny continued eating glancing over to Dan who nodded and hummed, too tired to come up with an actual response.

"I'll make sure 'Dad' and 'Father' here doesn't freak them out once they do visit." Jazz giggled and Danny smiled, "Yes please, make sure Pariah and Clockwork actually act Human enough—" Danny sighs thinking of all the ways the visit could go wrong. Clockwork promptly stops him from his anxious overthinking by placing his hand on Danny's shoulder.

Danny looks over to Clockwork who was still just eating his food, despite not needing it they appreciate Dan's delicious cooking, "Although we can't promise anything, I will make sure that we won't mess up too much." Clockwork pats Danny's hand and Danny nodded, his gaze softening at Clockwork's sympathy.

'Danny took a deep breathe, maybe life won't be so bad in Gotham after all.' he thinks positively, nodding along his thoughts with a warm and gentle smile.

‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ Prolouge End ୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵

:)) Teaser? Yes absolutely. I love it. My friends also love it! Which is good! I'm gonna start alternatively posting for the other fics soon enough to get it consistently updating, unfortunately right now I'm just VERY very busy. But hey I still write I suppose!

I took the Information Broker Danny Fenton Idea from @hello-eden from this post of theirs:

https://www.tumblr.com/hello-eden/761631700474347520/information-broker-danny?source=share

Also @bianca-hooks123 as someone who wanted to get tagged I think

Masterlist :33

[abyssal-ali]

Love Finds You (Even) in Gotham, New Jersey

Pairing: Jason Todd x Stephanie Brown Rating: E (mdni) WC: 5.8k Ao3 Masterlist

A teasing moment between Jason and Steph causes some revelations (and breakdowns). The Bats, tired of the duo’s avoidance and rivalry but unsure of its origins, set them up on a stakeout so they can get over their issues with each other. And you know what they say, the best way to get over your issues with someone is to get under their - oh, no one says that? Well, these two do. Is it a stakeout, or is it a shagout?

A/N: Alphabeta'd by @pioneertothefalls and beta'd by @sarcasticbambi <33 Thank you so much!! Inspired by this post by @bebatzelbub and these tags on it by @the-mad-dame

CW: Minor swearing, explicit sexual content: oral sex, PiV sex, thigh riding

JASON

Late Friday night/early Saturday morning, post-patrol

BatCave, Bristol

Jason sighed, cracking his neck and pressing the keyboard keys harder than necessary in an attempt to drown out his way-too-loud background monologue. 

“Not gonna lie, that was not your finest moment.”

The crinkle of foil sounded, far too loud yet also far too quiet to drown out the sound of the bane of his life mocking his wipeout. He’d hoped no one had seen him eat bricks, yet the unmistakable whoop of laughter coming from one purple-clad vigilante had immediately alerted him to the fact that someone had, in fact, seen it–even worse, they weren’t someone intimidated by the helmet on his head, thus negating any threats he breathed if they spread the story and/or continued laughing. 

Said continued laughter had lasted the rest of patrol and now haunted him even back in the BatCave, where he was, unfortunately, updating files for B.

Steph swung her feet in an off-tempo rhythm against the drawers of the desk of the BatComputer, the metal thuds echoing in a more than irritating duet with the foil wrapper of his fruit snacks that she had appropriated. How, he didn’t know, but that was not his #1 problem with the purple-suited menace at the moment. They were not close enough to make jokes like these, he’d decided. 

“Will you just shut up?!” Jason snapped his head towards Steph, brows lowered in a glare that showed his annoyance at her continuing to poke fun at his epic fail on patrol. 

“Make me,” she retorted, flipping her blonde ponytail over her shoulder and settling her hands on her hips in a power pose. 

Unfortunately for her, it also left her plenty open to attack. 

Jason stood abruptly, his hand whipping out, fingers settling gently around her neck as he pulled her off the desk and into him, so close their noses brushed

Only then did he realise how much shorter she was compared to him as she balanced on her tiptoes.

Her blue eyes met his teal ones, both pairs blown wide with shock and arousal. He could feel the above-average thudding of her pulse through his fingers, matching his suddenly spiked heart rate. 

Oh.

Oh no.

She swallowed, the last of his fruit gummies disappearing down her throat. He could think of other things he wanted to see go down her throat.

Carefully, she placed her hand on his pec, pushing off and stepping away from him. His hand remained hovering mid-air, his system rebooting as the stare-down continued. 

He licked his lips, imagining licking the sheen of fruit gummy residue off her suddenly unbearably tempting mouth. One step and she’d be back in his arms and her mouth would be on his–

Clearing his throat, he broke the staring contest and wiped his hands on his pants so he wouldn’t do something stupid like grab her and choke her and kiss her and ask her to marry him. “Okay, my report is all updated for Bruce, I’m gonna go grab some shuteye, seeyoulaterbye!” 

Without a backward glance, he legged it to his bike and kick-started it, eager to escape that surreal scenario, get a nap, and make sense of his life again. 

~~~

JASON

Early Saturday morning, post-patrol

Crime Alley, Gotham

The pillow was not stuffed enough to drown out the anguished groans he was currently producing at alarmingly frequent intervals. (He’d strangled it far harder than his earlier debacle with Steph.)

Why had he done that? Why had he thought it was a good idea to (playfully) choke a known  menace? Why had that one little hitch in her breath when he’d done that cemented her status as “MAJOR CRUSH” in his brain? Why did it have to be Steph, of all people?!

Jason turned over and screamed into the pillow again.

~~~

JASON

Monday night, pre-patrol

BatCave, Bristol

“Red Hood, Spoiler, you can work together in the North End, from Otisburg to the Bowery,” Batman directed as he outlined patrols two nights later. 

The colour drained from Jason’s face. The universe (Bruce) was conspiring against him, he just knew it.

He simply nodded, not daring to look at his newly-assigned partner. Batman eyed his unusually quiet response suspiciously but simply moved on to dividing up the other groups.

“Black Bat and Red Robin can take Midtown, and Robin, Nightwing, and I will take the South End.”

Patrol sections divided, the groups set out on their various vehicles, whizzing out of the cave to work in their natural habitat, Gotham after 5 pm. 

—

JASON

Monday night, on patrol

Crime Alley, Gotham

“Behind!” he called, warning Spoiler of an attacker sneaking up on her unguarded back. She whirled, taking them out with a neat uppercut, then expertly restrained and deposited them out of the heat of the fight. 

He noted her efficient moves with admiration and something resembling…pride?, easily handling the group of attackers stupid enough to take him on. They were lined up beside her row in ten minutes or less, their collected fingerprints running through Oracle’s database at the moment. 

He was curious what he’d stumbled upon, but their records would pop up on his in-helmet screen in a minute and help him decipher their reason for meeting in his territory. 

“Nice work there, Blondie.”

“‘Blondie’? Really?” She tugged her void-like mask down to her nose, not enough that anyone could take in her face, but enough for him to see the scorn at his unintentional nickname sparking her eyes. 

“You don’t like Blondie?” He popped the clasp on his helmet and tucked it under his arm, shaking the sweat off his curls in her face, just to get her back for stealing his snacks the other night. “What would you prefer then, Your Highness? ‘Purple’? ‘Curls’? “Menace’?”

“Must you use adjectives to nickname me?” she replied, stepping out of the spray zone. “I’m impossible to contain in one word, you know.”

The flickering streetlight behind her provided an angelic radiance, though her shadowed face was devilish. Her stance was offensive but her silhouette alluring, her costume practical but balanced by her whimsical glitter-fied batarangs hanging from her utility belt. 

“I know,” he agreed under his breath. 

SHIT THAT WAS WAY TOO SOFT! ABORT! “What about Kitten?” WHAT THE FUCK, TODD?

He may not have Cass’s abilities, but even he could see Steph’s stance shifting as she processed his most recent brain-to-mouth filter error. 

“What?”

“You’re small and feisty like a kitten, but also pretty fluffy.” Honestly, her hair was amazing. He should find out what shampoo she used. 

“Are you calling me fat, Hood?” She stalked towards him, twirling a batarang between her fingers. 

He sputtered, eyes jumping between her hand and her face. “What- No- How- Absolutely not! I would never! I was referring to your hair, I swear! It looks really good lately and that’s all I was meaning!”

Her stone-faced mask broke as she flashed him a grin. “You’ve noticed my hair?”

Fuck.

“...Yeah.”

“Well, thanks for the compliment! I’ve been trying out the new L’Oreal Wonder Water shampoo the past few washes. Does your helmet mess up your hair? I noticed since I went back to my Spoiler cowl that my hair got more frizzy and broken, so I had to up my haircare routine.”

“Um, yeah, sometimes it gets pretty bad when I’m wearing the helmet more often than usual.”

“Mm, the lactic acid build up,” she nodded sagely. “I assume you shower after patrols, since you always smell good-”

It was Jason’s turn to grin. “You think I smell good?”

“Not the point, Hood,” Steph waved her hand airily, turning on her heel to leave. “You should try the Wonder Water shampoo and let me know how it works.”

“Okay, I’ll pick up a bottle on my way home tonight.”

“Also, I just remembered you called me small,” she spun again, marching towards him. “Rude, much? I’m above average, thank you.” Leaning into his personal space, she pressed the bat on his chest, waving one hand up and down his body. “Just because you’re big doesn’t mean I’m small.”

“Oh I’m big alright,” he smirked. “Would you like to prove if you’re small or not?”

Her gaze dropped to his lips as she leaned incrementally closer. He could smell the watermelon on her breath from the gum she’d been chewing earlier. He was eager to find out if she tasted like watermelon, too–her chapstick was also watermelon flavoured. 

“All clear in Mid and South; head back to the Cave once your routes are completed.”

They jumped apart, hands flying to their in-ear pieces instead of each other’s bodies, coughing awkwardly to dispel the tension as they headed back to their bikes.

Batman was such a cockblocker. Jason was gonna steal his tires again, just watch him.

___

STEPH

Monday morning, post-patrol

Wayne Manor, Bristol

What was up with Jason lately? Steph mused as she changed into her pyjamas, finally ready for bed after the long night. That was the second time in about as many days that they’d almost kissed. 

She wasn’t sure what had changed but he seemed to be seeing her in a new light, lately. There was some definite tension there. Her bratty attempts at gaining his attention by annoying him had paid off when he’d grabbed her and choked her the other night. As soon as he’d left she’d also gone home and proceeded to get herself off as she imagined what might have happened if he hadn’t stepped back. 

Now that he was really seeing her, she needed to find out what he wanted and what he was going to do about it.

___

JASON

Monday morning, post-patrol

Wayne Manor, Bristol

Jason paused on the doorsill to the kitchen, then silently backed away in large steps to evade the blonde dancing around her waffle maker as fast as he could. Not today, Steph-an. 

—

STEPH

Tuesday night, post-patrol

BatCave, Bristol

The distinct sound of Jason’s motorbike pulling into the Cave coincided with Steph’s decision to head to the showers and proceed with her thirty-minute seven-step skincare routine in the Cave shower rooms instead of the comfier surroundings of the Manor bathrooms until the sound of his bike faded in the distance. Yeah, she was going to up the ante on her psychological attacks, but she needed to give him a little space so she didn’t scare him off by coming on too fast!

—

CASS

Wednesday night, post-patrol

BatCave, Bristol

“Spoiler, can you swing by Crime Alley on your way home tonight and drop off this file for Red Hood?”

“Sorry, B, I’m going home with Cass tonight to have a sleepover in the Clocktower. Totally wrong direction,” she shrugged.

“Since when were we having a girl’s night?” Oracle asked Cass through her in-ear comm. Cass shrugged and watched Steph’s retreating form suspiciously. 

—

DICK

Thursday afternoon

Grayson Apartment, Bludhaven

“Hey, Jason, can you make it to dinner or at least movie night next family night? Our schedules are finally all lined up so we can all make it!...Yeah, even Steph’s gonna be there, she’s going to join Cass on a Birds of Prey mission after….Oh, you’ve made plans with the Outlaws already?...Okay, have fun, Little Wing.”

Dick hung up and looked at Tim, who was obviously listening in from where he was typing on his laptop on the couch. “Has Jason been acting weird…er than normal lately?”

~~~

JASON

Saturday evening, pre-patrol

BatCave, Bristol

“...and that leaves Spoiler to join Red Hood on this stakeout.” Batman glanced between the two, waiting for the inevitable argument. “Everyone else is busy with their own missions or plans, you are the only two left to do this. Whatever grudge you’re holding against each other, either get over it before the stakeout or set it aside until the stakeout’s over. Your personal issues should not interfere-”

“-with the mission, yeah, B, we know. Fine. Spoiler, surely we can get along for one night, yeah?” Jason twisted to stare at Steph condescendingly, noticing her teeth digging into her lip and suddenly immensely jealous of her fucking incisors. 

The smile she graced him with did not meet her eyes; he could practically hear the screaming behind those baby blues. “Of course, B-man, Jason and I are the epitome of adult maturity and will not allow holding anything against the other to detract from your mission.”

Her saccharine, agreeable tone for some reason did not inspire trust and agreeability in Jason. 

Bruce’s lips thinned at the obvious placating, but left them off with one warning glare, which both of them were accustomed, even immune, to.

—

STEPH

Sunday morning, stakeout hour 00:00

Brooklyn, New York

Steph tossed her purple Bat-grade duffle on the bed nearest the window, eyeing Jason over her shoulder.

Predictably, he opened his mouth. “I call the bed nearest the window!”

“Nuh-uh, I put my bag on it first!”

“I called it first!”

“My bag, my bed.”

“I put my foot on the carpet first. That’s mine. Get around the room by not using the floor, then.” Jason crossed his arms, practically daring her to fold.

Steph scoffed. “What are you, six? The floor is lava? Fine, I will. I’m a gymnast; not touching the floor is easy.” With a huff she turned and bounced onto the bed nearest the door, then jumped to the bed she had claimed. She shot a look of pure victory over her shoulder, which he missed, because he was busy unpacking his black duffle on the other bed. Looks like he’d given up the bed debate after ‘winning’ that stupid point; victory was hers!

“Is that duffle Bat-grade?”

He glanced up, giving her a thoroughly unimpressed look. “No, I prefer to use unmarked duffles, and I just grabbed the closest one I had lying around when I packed.”

That was a lie, Steph knew. There was no way Jason ‘Mr. Organizes Recipe Books by Title Alphabetically’ Todd just ‘grabbed’ a duffle and threw his things in it.

Yep. Peeking over the beds, she could see his neatly packed bag arranged like one of those wooden pressure-fit puzzles.

He glanced up again at her unintentional scoff. “What?”

“You are such a liar, Todd. Look at how neatly that bag is packed.--Are those MREs?”

“Obviously.”

“Why?”

“In case we run out of food and it takes us a while to make our way back to Gotham.” The duh was implied. 

“We’re five hours from Gotham, and in one of the largest cities in the world. You think we won’t find food in New York?” Steph questioned incredulously. 

“It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he replied, nonplussed. “With so many people, food might be scarce if something happened.”

She couldn't argue with that. Pulling out her binoculars (actually useful things she packed knowing she’d actually need them for this overnight stakeout), she settled on her bed and began her lookout for their target. 

—

JASON

Jason closed the door to the bathroom, leaving Steph and her luscious watermelony scent behind as a smirk crossed his lips. Hah, she’d taken the bait. Now he could sleep closest to the door and she wouldn’t protest. Also, he’d get to watch her innovative ways of traversing their room to avoid stepping on ‘his’ floor. 

Could he have simply let her claim the window-side bed without making a fuss? Yes, of course, but that was boring. She was rather fun to rile up and argue with, and if he was arguing with her he was focused on the argument instead of her lips. Okay, he was focused on the argument coming from her lips. Fine, he was still focused on her lips, but he liked to pretend he wasn’t so he could ignore the fact that he was falling in love with the most obnoxious, fascinating girl on Earth. 

Returning to the bedroom part of their suite, he immediately noticed Steph mid-jump from one bed to another. She landed on all fours, a bag of trail mix dangling from her mouth. What a view. 

Closing his mouth and quirking a brow, he leaned against the doorframe. “Surprisingly honourable of you to maintain your floorlessness even when I’m not around.”

She turned, spitting the bag from between her teeth and returning the brow raise. “Of course, I’m not a cheater.”

What a bare-faced little liar she was–he’d seen her schemes in Monopoly last game night he attended. She wasn’t half bad at manipulating the card decks. He nodded agreeably. 

“Of course you aren’t…and I’m not a zombie.”

“How dare you?!”

“Quite easily, sweetheart,” he drawled, settling against the head of his bed. Pulling out his phone, he began searching for good hole-in-the-wall restaurants nearby. Maybe they could go if they finished their stakeout early…maybe even call it a date? 

A weight landed on his lap and the air whooshed out of his lungs as he stared at the girl of his dreams kneeling over him, a cute frown on her face as she glared at him in offense. 

“Um, can I help you?” he asked slowly.

“Yeah, you can start by not insinuating I’m a cheater.”

“Oh, I didn’t insinuate, Kitten. You are a cheater.”

“You take that back, or-!”

“Or?” He leaned his head against the padded headboard, baring his neck mockingly. “What will you do, eat all the snacks? Good thing I brought my MREs,” he taunted. 

WIthout warning, she bit his neck and jumped back to her bed before he could register what happened. 

He slapped a hand to his neck over the bite, staring at her in shock. She blinked back at him innocently. He knew ‘Kitten’ was the right nickname. 

“Oh, you have no idea what you just did,” he growled, launching himself onto her bed and caging her between his limbs. 

That hitch in her breath was back, and so were her wide blue eyes. 

“Oh yeah? Watch this.”

Muscle by muscle, she leaned up and bit down purposefully on the other side of his neck, meeting his stare defiantly. 

“If you don’t stop I’m gonna lose it,” he warned her lowly, the heat from her body melting through his clothes until all he wanted was to burn by her heat. 

“Looth wat, yor burginity?” she scoffed, as best she could with her mouth occupied. “I akthept.”

“I am not a virgin,” he informed her firmly, enjoying the feeling of her teeth on his neck. “There’s nothing to accept, except that unless you say stop, you’re not gonna be touching the floor because I fucked you so well your legs won’t work for 2-4 business days.”

In lieu of response, she grasped his hand and dragged it up her body until it rested at the base of her neck, where their whole situationship had started. Firming his grip, he reluctantly pulled her off his neck and met her eyes. 

“Do your worst, not-a-zombie boy,” she taunted. 

A dark chuckle escaped him. “Oh, you asked for it.” Tugging her back to him, he kissed her fiercely, her lips immediately parting so she could bite down on his lower lip. She did taste like watermelon–watermelon and glitter and strangely–yet unsurprisingly–like home.

Her arms wended around his neck, pulling him even closer to her. He obliged, settling even more of his weight on her, hands gliding down her body to cup her ass and pull her legs around his waist till she clung to him like a koala, their bodies melded to each other as much as they could.

He released her throat to comb his fingers through her hair, angling her head for a better angle to continue kissing her. Now that he had started, he never wanted to stop. 

His other hand made its way up her body, slipping under her shirt to caress her bare skin. The rough yet smooth feel of scars underneath his fingertips reminded him yet again that she was one of the strongest women he knew. 

Moving away from her delectable lips, he brushed a strand of hair back from her forehead so he could see her eyes clearly. “Can I take your shirt off?”

~~~

STEPH

Her heart swelled three sizes as she met his gaze. Usually, she kept her shirt on if she hooked up with someone, not ashamed of her scars but not wanting to deal with the stares and questions and pitying looks, whether she explained what happened, fed them a line, or simply refused to elaborate. 

With Jason though, she already knew he’d read her file, he knew what had happened. He had his own scars, there would be no reaction like she got from civilians. It was simply a hazard of the job. 

She nodded, brushing back a lock of his own hair. “Thank you for asking, and yes.” Sitting up a little more, she tugged her shirt up and over, letting it fall somewhere on his floor. He leaned back enough for her to kick off her leggings, too, which met the same fate as her shirt. Her underwear followed. At this rate, she was going to run out of clothes (oh no, whatever will they do).

Jason swiftly had his shirt off and sweet mother of Caroline, his musculature was even more delectable than his gear showed.

He grinned at her speechlessness, the smug man, brushing her mouth with his thumb. “Careful there, you got a bit of drool on ya.” 

She was drooling more places than one, but he couldn’t be smug for more than thirty seconds or the room would implode from containing his ego, so Steph quickly settled the score. Hooking her leg over his and hugging his back and shoulder, she flipped them so that she was now the one straddling him. 

“Jeans off,” she commanded, flicking the button open and undoing the zipper.

He obliged, kicking them off (oh no they were stuck around his thighs she had to feel him up help him get unstuck).

Steph stared at his more-than-decently sized cock, perfectly veiny and already flushed. “You go commando? That can’t be safe.”

“Not usually,” he replied, reaching up to fondle her breasts. “Special occasion: stakeout with you. Who knew if you’d want a quickie if you got bored or something?”

Flipping her hair over her shoulder, she slid down his body (fuck, those thighs, and also, hopefully soon, fuck those thighs?) until she was face to face with his di -nope- his cock was definitely the better word. 

Hm, slow and edgy or fast and mindblowing?

“Gonna do something down there?” his fingers twisted in her hair, providing the perfect amount of pressure. She may have let out a tiny moan. Okay, that settled it. Opening her mouth, she took him in as far as she could immediately.

His hips jerked and his hand tightened around her hair. “Fuck, warn a guy!”

She pulled off and smirked at him. “But that would take all the fun out of it.”

A second time she took him deeply, more prepared now to go even a little further. Setting a steady pace, she began bobbing up and down, swirling her tongue and using her teeth (gently) to pull a symphony of moans and curses from him. It had been a while, but it was nice to see she hadn’t lost her touch, as soon he was pulling her off him by her hair, looking thoroughly wrecked. 

“You are far too good at that,” he rasped. 

She preened smugly at his pronouncement until he settled his hands on her hips and he yoinked her up till she was straddling his face. Teal eyes twinkled up at her. “Hold on.”

“To wha-oh fuck-fuck you!” Her hands instinctively landed on the headboard and his hair as he steadily licked at her core, his nose stimulating her clit in the most spine-tingling way as he ate her out. Did he just moan?

“Did you just moan?”

He moved off her just long enough to confirm that she was the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted before returning to his self-appointed task. 

“A little lighter, please,” she gasped out, gathering her bearings and beginning to swirl her hips.

He obliged, gentling the pressure and licking her steadily into an orgasm that made her whole body shake in pleasure. Riding her through it, he added a finger, giving her something to clamp down on while he expertly stroked her g-spot. Done with one, he immediately started for a second, adding another finger, then two, while avoiding her clit so she wouldn’t experience unpleasant overstimulation. It crested much quicker the second time around, overtaking her and leaving nothing but his name on her lips. 

~~~

JASON

She was absolutely stunning when she came in his arms, hair wild, skin flushed, whining his name. He felt incredibly accomplished at that moment. He could die (again) a happy man. 

Steph slid bonelessly off him to curl into his side, her fingers tracing some of the scars on his torso as she caught her breath. He tugged one of her legs between his, wanting to be as close as possible. 

After a couple minutes’ rest, she had regained her bearings and tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. Her hand slipped a little lower, finding his still-erect cock and pumping it slowly. “What’s your favourite position?”

He shrugged. “I like doggy. And cowgirl. And missionary. And standing. and -”

“-okay, okay, you like having sex, got it,” she rolled her eyes in fake annoyance but he caught the smirk on her lips anyways. 

“What’s yours then, Miss Judgy?” He tweaked her nipple, enjoying the little gasp she let out.

“Probably cowgirl or wall sex. Mmm, I bet you’d be good at that. But later. Doggy now.” She got to all fours, brushing her loosened hair over one shoulder. 

Jason happily obliged, rolling a condom on and getting behind her, adjusting her hips as he wanted. Any excuse to touch her, he’d take. Pressing a kiss to the back of her neck, he began pushing in, eyes closing in bliss as her wet heat welcomed him. 

She let out a moan, hips moving back to take him in quicker. “Fuckkk you feel so good.”

“Just wait till I start moving,” he told her, gathering her hair around his fist and moving back out. He started slow, getting used to the feel of being with her, and also enjoying her impatient little whimpers as he refused to speed up.

Steph began moving her hips back with more force to meet his, moaning his name in irritation. “If you’re not gonna go faster will you at least go harder? I need more stimulation!”

Relenting, he began thrusting harder and a little faster, occasionally tugging her head up so he could better hear her pretty cries. This was an experience he never wanted to forget, imprinting it in his memories. “Damn, you’re tight; you’re squeezing me so well, babe.”

He reached around to rub her clit, rubbing two fingers in fast circles as he felt his own release approaching. “That’s it, come for me, babe.”

“Ffffuck, Jasoonnn ‘m coming!” was all the warning he got before her release overtook her with powerful spasms, pushing him over the edge. He quickly pulled out and took the rubber off, painting her ass and lower back in white.

Fuck, he hadn’t come that hard in a while. Once he regained use of his legs, he headed to the ensuite to dampen a towel and returned to wipe Steph down. 

She rolled over once he was done, giving him a sleepy smile. “You okay if I nap a little? You really know how to wear a girl out, damn.”

He smothered a smile, tucking her hair behind her ear and smoothing the sheet over her bare body. “That means I’ve done my job right, Kitten. Enjoy your nap, I’m good for now.”

___

STEPH

The slant of sunlight dancing across her eyelids darkened, making her curious enough to finally open her eyes. The shadow of Jason’s hand covered her face, as he sat perched on the edge of her bed, the binoculars in his other hand focused across the street. 

A soft smile played on her lips as she took in his messy hair, white tank top, and grey sweats that he must’ve pulled on after she fell asleep. He looks so domestic. I want to domesticate him. Whoa, down girl! Was that not enough to satiate you?

“Hey, handsome. What’s up?”

He turned, hand lowering as he saw she was awake and adjusted to the sunlight, an unconscious smile on his face. “Just people watching. Nothing new happening where we want it to be, yet.”

Yawning, she scooched up to lean against the headboard, wrapping her arms around her knees as she gathered her bearings. “Good to hear, I guess. I didn’t miss anything exciting.”

“Nope.” He leaned back, hands finding her feet through the blankets and beginning to rub them. “Are you hungry?”

“I could eat,” she shrugged. “As long as it’s not an MRE,” she added suspiciously. 

He laughed, his head falling back onto his shoulders. “No, I was gonna order from a Vietnamese place down the street.”

“Hm, that sounds good. Whatever you order is fine. I’m gonna take a shower, then.”

He waved her off and returned to his people watching, so she rolled out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. 

___

JASON

By the time Steph emerged in a cloud of fruit-scented steam, he’d gotten the small table dragged over to the window and their respective settings in order. That way they could enjoy their lunch and keep an eye on their suspect at the same time. 

She paused by his bed, fiddling with the ties on her white robe. 

Glancing up, he summoned her with a wave. “Lunch is ready, Your Highness. I figured we can share, or if you don’t like something I’ll eat it.”

“It all looks good,” she demurred, sitting in the chair with its back to the bed. “Good choices.”

“I’ve been craving Vietnamese all week, specifically from that place on North Holden, but I’vebeen too busy to stop by and pick something up. I figured the Melting Pot would have some good pho.” He cracked open the lids on the containers, the savoury aromas wafting around them. 

“That smells amazing,” Steph moaned. 

He side-eyed her at that suspiciously tantalizing sound but simply continued setting their lunch up. “Dig in,” he offered, settling into his chair with a glance out the window. 

She did, ignoring the aromatic and piping hot steam to begin wolfing down her meal. Jason ate more slowly, blowing cool air over his noodles before slurping them up. Their meal was mostly silent, but it was comfortable, neither one pressured to say something or act differently despite their previous actions.

He liked it. He wanted to stay like that for far longer than a weekend stakeout.

___

STEPH

After they ate, Steph offered to take her turn watching for their mark while Jason stacked the empty containers neatly on the counter and moved the table back to its hotel-ordained spot. 

The time passed slowly, as there was no indication of anything remotely connected to their mark or investigation. Steph did see two pickpocketings happen below her but that was hardly uncommon, whether she was home in Gotham or visiting in New York. 

Bored, she flopped on the bed and wiggled until she could see Jason on his bed, reading. From her angle she couldn’t make out the title, so she decided to spice up their afternoon by being a brat about it.

Rolling off the far side of her bed, she crawled to the border of his, peeking up to see him ignoring her, thoroughly invested in the novel. He turned a page, the sound loud in their quiet room. 

Steph almost reached up to tickle his feet but paused at the last second as he shifted, thighs flexing as he adjusted his position and planting evil ideas in her mind. She surfaced by the head of the bed, laying her head on his thigh as she nudged her way to the front of the book to see its cover and title. He lifted it out of her way, looking down at her with an arched eyebrow. 

“Something the matter, Blondie?”

“Yeah. I can’t see what you’re reading.”

He huffed out a soft snort. “And that’s why you’re invading my personal space? Sure.”

“It’s an awkward angle to see!” she defended herself, shifting so her hair wasn’t pulled by the weight of her head (and incidentally, further up his thigh).

“Riighhtt,” he drawled, closing the book with a snap and placing it on the night table, spine away from her. “I think you’re just bored and being a brat. Getting awfully comfy here, aren’t you?”

“Nice pillows,” she shrugged, blinking innocently up at him. He ran a hand through his hair, mussing the white bangs in a way-too-hot manner. Of course his biceps flexed and of course his collarbones looked more biteable than ever and of course-

“Pillows? I think they make a better seat, personally.”

“Is that an invitation?”

“Since when did you need an invitation to do anything, Spoiler?” he taunted. 

…Fair ‘nuf. 

Steph climbed up and settled over his thighs, running one hand through his hair and one up his arm to his shoulder. 

“You’re right, it is a good seat. Would be better if it was one of those massaging recliners,” she hinted, slowly rocking her hips. 

“Oh, that comes with the premium package, not this free trial.”

The seam of her shorts finally hit all the right spots and made her ride more enjoyable. “Oh yeah? What else does the premium package come with? And how much does it cost?”

He leaned back, baring his throat to her (of course she had to take advantage and lick a stripe up). “The premium package costs daily kisses and requires sleeping in the same bed every night, plus it comes with the title of ‘boyfriend’ and regular date benefits.”

His eyes met hers, unguarded, serious, vulnerable. 

She paused, frozen. “Are you serious?”

“...yes.”

She tilted her head in thought. “That’s a steal, for sure. Can I take the deal now before the offer runs out and/or products run out of stock? I’m kind of attached to this model, you see.”

“Deal. Just made it before the sale ended. Fortunately for you, it only comes with this model.” 

The smile on his face made her feel too many things, and her heart hurt a little. “Good.” She leaned back, resting on her behind instead of her knees, laughing in relief at their shared silliness. “Hey, boyfriend.”

He leaned up, nuzzling his nose against hers. “Hey yourself, girlfriend.”

“Do you think you could show your new girlfriend some of the benefits she can expect to receive?” she leaned back just enough to count the freckles on the bridge of his nose-a soft detail on his otherwise rough, masculine features. 

His answering grin was devious. “Your wish is my command.”

A/N 2: if i didn't end it there it'd be another two months+. also for those wondering about the small thread of plot in there yeah they got the evidence they were looking for on that stakeout in between rounds 👍they dropped it off at the cave and then set off to pull a Mary Shelley. Interested in JaySteph? Check out the 18+ JaySteph Discord server! Whether you're an author, artist, silent fan, or just curious about these two and why we ship 'em, there's a spot for you!

[pocketmolly]

If you don't like Genshin PLEASE scroll. Guys I'm sorry if this is cringe but the bats and their visions stories.

Case #0: Batman

Batman has no vision.

Case #1: Nightwing

Dick Grayson obtained his vision at age ten, two years after Batman took him in. His intense feelings drove him to go behind his mentor's back, tracking down his parents' killer and hatching a plan to eliminate him.

As he stood over the cowering man, gun in hand as Zucco begged for his pathetic life, his finger tensed and relaxed over the trigger of the gun. A purple glow shone. Till now, he does not know if it was an appeasement or an order from the gods.

A few moments later, Batman arrived to find his ward with a gun and vision in his hand. Despite this, Tony Zucco was still breathing.

Case #2: Red Hood

Jason Todd was captured and tortured in a warehouse in Qurac by Joker. After sustaining severe injuries, he was tied up and left with a ticking time bomb beside him.

Perhaps, as the bomb ticked to its final second, Jason had thought that Batman had forsaken him. That he had lost his father. However, even the bright cyan energy that suddenly emitted could not save him from his fiery fate.

Jason Todd was buried with a grey anemo vision.

Case #3: Batgirl

Cassandra has no vision. Perhaps she might have had one before, David Cain was never a big fan of magic given by the gods.

Case #4: Red Robin

Tim Drake had been training under Batman to take the mantle of Robin. It was a late night, Batman was out on patrol and Tim was burying himself in case files. Unfortunately, he had fallen asleep in the mess.

When Batman returned, he was greeted by a green glow and it was then that he knew Tim was destined to be the world's greatest detective.

Case #5: Spoiler

Stephanie Brown was young when she acquired her vision. She had walked into one of her father's nefarious crimes. Of course she was afraid, it was only natural.

But as she sat in her bedroom in the quiet of the night, she swore to spoil her father's plans. The next day, she found a glowing purple jewel under her bed along with a purple hood.

Case #6: Robin

Damian Wayne was stubborn, naive and... forgiving. In the end, it was his love for his mother that ended his life. Not many understood but Batman did.

That was why he was so enraged when he found Damian's letter, it was lit by a cold blue light. The cryo vision was dim but not grey, almost mocking him with his son's death.

Rage bubbled inside as Batman took his frustrations out, it was only overtaken by guilt at the sight of fractures in the precious ornament. The light flickered before extinguishing.

Little guide for non-genshins

Visions are little charms given to people to grant them the ability to control their element in times of need

Purple is electro (electricity) and is given to those seen as different or abnormal.

Cyan is anemo (air) and is given to those who have lost someone close to them or on a journey for freedom

Green is dendro (grass) and is given to those in the pursuit of knowledge

Blue is cryo (ice) and is given to those who feel unloved or abandoned

[toomanyf4ndoms7]

An essay about Barbara Gordon. Part two: Clowns and Catharsis.

Welcome back.

Part one, which was mainly about Oracle Year One.

This part will be discussing lasting effects of Barbara’s new role, and also about how certain writers handle catharsis.

@mrsbertinelli

@spoilerqlert

Following Oracle Year One, Barbara is reinvented as Oracle, who to give the basic rundown of her skills: is an information broker for the superhero community, helping out not just the bat-family, but the justice league, and even forming her own hero team in the Birds of Prey.

She even got a new arch enemy in the form of the Calculator (basically another hacker who was obsessed with learning who Oracle was) and acted as a mentor towards Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown later on.

But even though Barbara was settled in a new role, one that could only be filled by her, there’s always the enticing intrigue for writers and readers alike:

What about The Joker? What would happen if he showed back up? Would she freeze up? Fight? Would she obsess?

Depending on the writer, there’s been a few different ways:

Sometimes, she takes physical revenge, beating him up. (We know my feelings about Babs getting ‘cured’ and becoming Batgirl again, but that’s not the point)

Other times, she plays more of a psychological “I am not taking you seriously.” This typically gets under Joker's skin as a chronic attention-craver, not being taken with any threat or seriousness.

However, while I will never refuse either beating Joker up or making him look pathetic as a half drowned rat with green hair, one of the personal favourite ways comes in Joker: Last Laugh.

Basically, Joker learns he’s gotten a deadly illness and goes “Welp. Gotta cause as much havoc as possible via infecting folks with joker venom."

And in the Secret Files, basically the prelude, we learn something about Barbara.

Barbara, in her head, still possibly has a little bit of self blame. If she was more careful, that wouldn’t have happened. So in the Belfry, she’s set up cameras in so she can monitor and watch him while imprisoned.

“If he does something. I’ll know. I won’t be caught off guard again.”

And Barbara isn’t portrayed as a villain or as a hysterical and trembling victim who needs to stop, she’s portrayed with this sense of calm because this is logical to her.

Anyway, Joker breaks out, causes chaos, (turns out he's not actually dying the doctor's just told him in the hopes he might turn his life choices around) Nightwing beats the life out of him but Joker gets brought back to life by Batman because of the no kill rule.

And the story ends on Barbara, watching the screens and deciding to shut them off. Because The Joker thrives on attention, and even if he doesn’t know, he’s still in her head, still winning.

Still laughing. So Barbara shuts off the screens, depriving him of silent attention.

And the art tells that she’s conflicted. Maybe she’ll regret it, Joker could break out again. But she’s not going to let him make her feel powerless and obsessive again.

So, in summary: The Killing Joke viewed Barbara as a victim. An easy way to wring out some pain for Jim Gordon, Batman and the audience. The Batgirl special released afterwards from TKJ, while it did add some info, doesn’t change that Barbara was crippled just as a vehicle for angst.

Oracle Year One reinvented her, breathed new life into a character who could’ve been left as just “a victim in a chair” someone for the heroes to brood about how unfair it was.

And from that, Oracle became a major heroic powerhouse, an informant, a friend, a mentor, an inspiration.

Barbara hasn't always been written well, but the fact of it all is that someone looked at a disabled woman and went “No, this story isn’t going to end in a hospital bed.”

And, for all I have my complaints about later comics, that’s pretty cool.

Love you, Babs. Please come home.

[canonmisogynyvictimstournament]

TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANTS

Greetings, everyone, our contestants have been finalized, and I want to provide a certain opportunity before the preliminaries begin. Namely, to provide additional propaganda for competitors in need of it. So, I have created a form to collect this new propaganda, and a list of both preliminary and non-preliminary participants under the cut. An asterisk next to a name indicates they have fewer than three pieces of propaganda, which is the amount that will be included in each poll. This form will be open for the duration of the tournament. You can make as many submissions you want for any character.

NOTE: The order of participants does not reflect the bracket matchups. Preliminary matchups will be announced next week, and the complete bracket will be announced after the preliminary round is finished.

UPDATE: Additional characters have been added in bold because I failed to fill out the bracket by counting incorrectly. One has been added to the preliminary round, and the others are regular competitors.

PRELIMINARY PARTICIPANTS

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER/ANGEL

Cordelia Chase

Illyria*

Kendra Young*

Winifred "Fred" Burkle

DC COMICS

Alex DeWitt - AUTOMATIC ENTRY

Barbara Gordon

Cassandra Cain

Katma Tui*

Koriand’r aka Starfire*

Pantha*

Stephanie Brown

Talia al Ghul

Tara Markov*

JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE

Dragona Joestar (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: The JOJOLands)*

Holy Kujo (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders)*

Lisa Lisa (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency )

Lucy Steel (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run)

KAMEN RIDER

Is (Kamen Rider 01)*

Kanon Fukami (Kamen Rider Ghost)*

Poppy Pipopapo (Kamen Rider Ex-Aid)*

Saki Momose (Kamen Rider Ex-Aid)*

MARVEL COMICS

Elektra Natchios (Marvel Comics)*

Elektra Natchios (NMCU)*

MY HERO ACADEMIA

Ochako Uraraka - AUTOMATIC ENTRY

Magne (My Hero Academia)*

Momo Yaoyorozu

Nemuri Kayama*

Toru Hagakure*

STAR TREK

Deanna Troi (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Jadzia Dax (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)*

Kes (Star Trek: Voyager)*

Seven of Nine (Star Trek: Voyager)

Tasha Yar (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

T'Pol (Star Trek: Enterprise)*

SUPERNATURAL

Bela Talbot

Charlie Bradbury

Eileen Leahy*

Mary Winchester*

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA

Tetra (The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker)*

Zelda (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom)*

WARRIOR CATS

Bumble*

Leafpool

Spottedleaf

Squirrelflight

YU-GI-OH!

Aki Izayoi/Akiza Izinski (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's)*

Aoi Zaizen/Skye Zaizen (Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS)*

Kotori Mizuki (Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL)*

Mai Valentine (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

NON-PRELIMINARY PARTICIPANTS

Abbie Mills (Sleepy Hollow)*

Ada Vessalius (Pandora Hearts)*

Agent Texas (Red vs Blue)*

Alex DeWitt (DC Comics)

Allura (Voltron: Legendary Defender)

Alys Brangwin (Phantasy Star IV)*

Amber Volakis (House MD)*

Amy Amanda Allen (The A-Team (TV))*

Amy Pond (Doctor Who)*

Amy Rose (Sonic the Hedgehog)

Ann Takamaki (Persona 5)

April O'Neil (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012))

Arcee (Transformers)

Asuna (Sword Art Online)*

Athena Cykes (Ace Attorney)

Azula (Avatar the Last Airbender)

Britta Perry (Community)*

Brunhilda aka Mym (Dragalia Lost)*

Carmelita Montoya Fox (Sly Cooper )*

Casca (Berserk)

Celica (Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia)

Chi-Chi (Dragon Ball)*

Chloe Bourgeois (Miraculous Ladybug)

Chloe von Einzbern (Fate/kaleid liner PRISMA ILLYA)*

Clarke Griffin (The 100)*

Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)*

Dahlia Hawthorne (Ace Attorney)

Elya Musayeva (Топи/The Swamps (2021))*

Eve (Paradise Lost)*

Flora Reinhold (Professor Layton)

Gamora (Marvel Cinematic Universe)*

Grelle Sutcliff (Black Butler)*

Gwen (BBC Merlin)*

Gwen Stacy (Marvel Comics)*

Hélène Kuragina (War and Peace)

Hinata Hyuuga (Naruto)*

Irene Adler (BBC Sherlock)*

Iris Sagan (AI: the Somnium Files)*

Jade (Dragon Quest 11)*

Jade Harley (Homestuck)

Jane Crocker (Homestuck)

Jennifer Lopez (John Dies At The End)*

Jiang Yanli (Mo Dao Zu Shi)

Julia (Hellraiser)*

Julia Wicker (The Magicians)*

Juvia Lockser (Fairy Tail)*

Kaede Akamatsu (Danganronpa V3)

Kairi (Kingdom Hearts)

Kallen Kouzuki (Code Geass)

Kamala Khan (Marvel Comics)*

Katara (Avatar the Last Airbender)

Katherina Minola (The Taming of the Shrew)*

Katherine Pierce (The Vampire Diaires)*

Konan (Naruto)*

Laurel Lance (Arrow (CW)*

Leia Organa (Star Wars)*

Lisa Cuddy (House MD)

Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)

Madison Paige (Heavy Rain)*

Malty S Melromarc (Rising of the Shield Hero)*

Margaret Houlihan (MASH (Movie 1970) )*

Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Miraculous Ladybug)

Marwa (What We Do In The Shadows (TV series))*

Megaera (Hades)*

Mikaela Banes (Transformers)*

Mikan Tsumiki (Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair)

Mikoko Sakazaki (Kaiji)*

Mikuru Asahina (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)*

Mildred "Millie" Knolastname (Helluva Boss)

Milla Maxwell (Tales of Xillia)*

Misa Amane (Death Note)

Misaki Unasaka (Buddy Daddies)*

Nami (One Piece)*

Naomi Misora (Death Note)

Natasha Romanoff (Marvel Cinematic Universe)

Natasha Rostova (War and Peace)

Nemu Kurotsuchi (Bleach)*

Nezuko Kamado (Demon Slayer)*

Nya Smith (Lego Ninjago)

Ochette (Octopath Traveler 2)*

Ophelia (Hamlet)*

Ophiuchus Shaina (Saint Seiya)*

Orihime Inoue (Bleach)

Padmé Amidala (Star Wars)

Pussy Galore (Goldeneye)*

Pyrrha Nikos (RWBY)

Quiet (Metal Gear Solid: The Phantom Pain)*

Ran Mouri (Detective Conan)*

Rey (Star Wars)

River Tam (Firefly)*

Sakura Haruno (Naruto)

Sansa Stark (Game of Thrones)*

Skye (Lost in Blue)*

Sonia Hedgehog (Sonic Underground)*

South Dakota (Red vs Blue)*

Stephanie “Steph” Nocanonlastname (EverymanHYBRID)

Susan Pevensie (Chronicles of Narnia)*

Sweet-P (The Caligula Effect)*

Sylvanas Windrunner (Warcraft)*

Sylvia (Two Gentlemen of Verona)*

Teresa (Maze Runner series)*

Throné Anguis (Octopath Traveler 2)*

Yan Hui (Back From the Brink)*

[damianbugs]

steph and bruce fic recs :0?

oh anon u have made my week with this request. my month. my year in fact. bruce and stephanie is a duo that is so special to me and i am not normal about them at all, and so of course i have only the best recs to give you. they are soooo complicated, but that's what makes them so interesting and so personal. i hope you enjoy these!

STEPH AND BRUCE FIC RECS ON AO3

Permutations and Hinterlands by cabezas_de_vaca

She and Bruce are complicated (not bad complicated, not wrong complicated, just complicated, because he isn’t her father and will never be her father and yet he sort of also is) but he cares. It gets lost sometimes, under the demands of Gotham, but it’s there. And so, she just asks him. “Do you want to go to Colorado with me?” Or: Bruce, Steph, and a road trip

MY NOTES: some very heavy but very good stephanie introspection, along with a great take on her relationship with bruce. also, who doesn't love a good road trip fic?

Have I Told You About Minnie by Hinn_Raven

After you’ve known Matches Malone long enough, you get used to him telling you about his kids. Not that his kids know about it.

MY NOTES: i am physically incapable of not recommending this fic regardless of the ask. it must be shared and it must be read. a real feel good and fun fic, bruce is so silly, and steph is so fun. lovely inclusion (without actually including) the other kids too!

I Used to Be an Adventurer Like You, Then I Took an Arrow to the Knee by audreycritter

Stephanie was just on patrol and now she’s stuck somewhere, sometime, with Bruce. They bleed and bond and mostly try to keep each other alive— you know, just a Tuesday.

MY NOTES: im fairly certain i have recommended this before on here, but i have also reread it at least ten times, so who's to judge. one of my favourite time travel fics, also one of my all time favourite bruce and stephanie fics. the end is especially my favourite since it develops a specific part of their dynamic that i really treasure. must read!

we’ll have a feast of all the things we love to eat by smallzita

The story has always gone like this: Batman exists because of guilt and purpose, but mostly guilt. The story is going like this: it's four-thirty in the afternoon and Bruce Wayne is wearing a dress.

MY NOTES: girl dad bruce. baby steph. as the author notes say 'Bruce Wayne being a foster parent can be something very personal actually.' what more do you want? what more is needed??!?!

it's just a question by Magpietrove4 🔒

this one doesn't have a summary, or any tags, but it might just be one of the best stephanie introspections i've read. the conversation with bruce really ties it all together. must read!

Under Armor Over Armor by LeantheBean

"Fridays don’t always go my way but someday I hope they’ll all be fine." In which, Stephanie Brown gets ready for patrol.

MY NOTES: ohhhh this one is so special to me. imagine me sobbing crying screaming as i say this. it's so melancholic and. yearnful. a wonderful thing that connects steph and bruce is also the thing they will never talk about with each other. so good.

to brighten up even your darkest knight by Nokomis

While filing Batman’s paperwork as punishment for an unfortunate incident with the Batmobile, Steph discovers a momento from an early Cluemaster takedown.

MY NOTES: this one is sooo cute and so sweet. i love when batman is batman.

boston market by almondrose

batman & robin enjoy a mid-patrol snack.

MY NOTES: this one is also so incredibly cute. until it isn't. tears in my eyes forever. have read it so many times because it is just so real. must read!

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

(Podfic) Regular Boy: Daniel Wayne

by Insect_Overlord “Reporting live from Gotham City, here at the scene of the crime. Dr. Collin Kilye, renowned geneticist, has shot himself and has been declared dead by the paramedics. Dr. Kilye is suspected to be responsible for the purposeful switching of newborns between families under his care, where a known over 500 babies have been swapped in the last 20 years of his employment here. Based on the information provided to the Gotham PD by Nightwing and Batman, we are led to believe that Nightwing has been investigating this case after an anonymous tipoff. After a month and a half of investigating, Nightwing-” - Dick had learned that people never know a situation as well as they assume they did. Dick had always assumed that he wouldn’t be one of those people. He was a detective, a Bat, the first Robin. The case file in front of him glared tauntingly. He should've known better to assume anything. Danny Fenton; Birth Parents: Bruce Wayne (father) and Clarissa King (mother). Status: Alive Words: 7, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Danny Phantom, Justice League - All Media Types, Young Justice - All Media Types Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen Characters: Danny Fenton, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Barbara Gordon, Damian Wayne, Duke Thomas, Tucker Foley, Sam Manson, Wesley "Wes" Weston (Danny Phantom), Danielle "Dani" Phantom Relationships: Danny Fenton & Jason Todd, Danny Fenton & Damian Wayne, Danny Fenton & Bruce Wayne, Danny Fenton & Dick Grayson, Tim Drake & Danny Fenton, Cassandra Cain & Danny Fenton, Cassandra Cain & Tim Drake & Danny Fenton & Dick Grayson & Duke Thomas & Jason Todd & Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul/Bruce Wayne Additional Tags: Bad Parents Jack and Maddie Fenton, Danny Fenton Needs A Hug, Danny Fenton and Damian Wayne are Siblings, Bruce Wayne is Danny Fenton's Biological Parent, Danny Fenton is a Wayne (DCU), Danny Fenton Has Trust Issues, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Feelings, Good Sibling Dick Grayson, Protective Dick Grayson, Protective Jason Todd, Good Sibling Jason Todd, Good Sibling Tim Drake, Damian Wayne is Bad at Feelings, danny is switched at birth, Timeline What Timeline, Sport Inaccuracies, specifically soccer and hockey, just bc Bruce is trying doesn’t mean it’s working btw, Identity Shenanigans, Podfic & Podficced Works, Podfic Cover Art, Podfic Length: 20-30 Minutes, as of chapter 1 via https://ift.tt/czMA3aV

[spoilerjpeg]

Bat Family Ages

Bruce 45, Dick 30, Barbara 33, Jason 23, Tim 21, Stephanie 22, Cass 23, Damian 14, Duke 18

In Batman Year One (Batman #404) Bruce Wayne is said to be 25 when he becomes Batman.

Dick Grayson’s age when he became Robin varies a lot, but I go with Batman #416, which says Dick was Robin for 6 years, and fired at 19.

That puts Dick at 13 when he became Robin, and since this is Batman: Year Three, that puts Bruce at 28.

Barbara Gordon was 18 when she donned the costume, as stated in Batgirl (2000) #45, and implied in Secret Files #20, as Barbara left for university at 16, having skipped a couple grades, for her Library and Information Systems degree, which takes two years to complete.

When exactly Barbara became Batgirl has changed a lot over the years, in Secret Files #20 Barbara says Dick is much too young for her, but she has since been aged down to be paired with Dick. Becoming Batgirl in Batman: Year Five is pretty common, so that's where I'll put her

Bruce 30, Dick 15, Barbara 18.

Detective Comics #571, which takes place in 1986 and not long into Jason Todd’s time as Robin, says Jason was born in 1974 on a tombstone Bruce imagines, putting him at 12. Jason became Robin only a few months after Dick was fired.

Bruce 34, Dick 19, Barbara 22, Jason 12.

In Secret Origins #13, Dick turns 20.

Jason's death certificate is seen in The Batman Files, with Jason having died at 15.

Bruce 37, Dick 22, Barbara 25, Jason 15.

Batman #441 introduced Tim Drake as 13, less than a year after Jason's death.

Tim becomes Robin after ~6 months of training, still 13, and later in Robin II #1 is 14. His birthday is July 19th as stated in Robin #116, which I will come back to.

Secret Origins 80-Page Giant tells us Stephanie Brown was 15 when she became Spoiler, during which Tim is 14.

Bruce 38, Dick 23, Barbara 26, Jason 16, Tim 14, Stephanie 15.

Cassandra Cain is 17 when she arrives, as mentioned in Batgirl (2000) #1.

Batgirl #24 mentions Tim being now 15.

Cass later turns 18 in Batgirl (2000) #37, on January 26th.

Tim's 16th birthday happens in Robin #116, on July 19th.

In Detective Comics #790, August 16th, Bruce and Cassandra visit Jason’s grave for his 18th Birthday.

Batgirl #65 also refers to Cass and Jason as roughly the same age.

Stephanie is a little less than a year older than Tim and is still 16 when she becomes Robin and later "dies" during War Games.

Bruce 40, Dick 25, Barbara 28, Jason 18, Tim 16, Stephanie 16, Cass 18

Under the Red Hood happens that same year, with Jason Todd being 18.

One Year Later happens, obviously aging everyone up by a year.

Damian Wayne arrives around this time as well, mentioned to be 10 years old in Batman and Robin #2 and Batgirl (2009) #7.

Tim is still 17 as of Red Robin #25

Duke is a little tough, being introduced in New52, but he is 16 in We Are Robin #4.

Later on, in Teen Titans 2016 #1, Damian turns 13, meaning he was likely 12 during We Are Robin.

As of Robin (2021) #1, Damian is 14, though the current Batman and Robin (2023) may have him turning 15.

So, current time, their ages should be:

Bruce 45, Dick 30, Barbara 33, Jason 23, Tim 21, Stephanie 22, Cass 23, Damian 14, Duke 18

Obviously there are a lot of inconsistencies with characters ages, and some people may ignore certain things in favour of others, but this is the most logical way of piecing it all together in a way that makes sense to me.

[latenightsleuth]

John Spira - STILL MISSING

DuPage County Investigators Seek Help Solving Myster Of John Spira, Missing Since 2007

March 5, 2020 at 11:16 am Filed Under:DuPage, John Spira, West Chicago

Image from: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/john-spira-missing_n_2065412

DU PAGE COUNTY (CBS) — DuPage County investigators are again seeking assistance as they continue investigating the Feb. 23, 2007 disappearance of John “Chicago Johnny” Spira.

He was last seen in unincorporated West Chicago. John Spira, who was 45 years old at the time of his disappearance, is five feet, nine inches tall, 165 pounds with brown hair and eyes. At the time, it was known that Spira was recruiting investors for business opportunities and start-up companies, police said.

His sister Stephanie McNeil told CBS Chicago three years ago that she has led searches and given interviews about her brother, hoping somebody will give her answers.

“It’s hard to talk about. And it’s funny, the longer that time passes, it almost gets harder,” she said at the time.

Spira was headed to Oak Brook and never made it, but his truck was still at the West Chicago cable company he owned, Universal Cable. He played area blues clubs with the Rabble Rousers band. He was a well-known guitarist.

The DuPage County Sheriff says Spira is missing “under suspicious circumstances.”

McNeil believes her brother is dead and that the wife he was divorcing knew something. But she died more than nine years ago.

“There are people out there who know. I feel like more than one person knows. And I really wish they would come forward, even anonymously,” she told CBS in February 2017, the 10th anniversary of her brother’s disappearance.

The DuPage County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone who invested money with Spira to contact Detective Dave Chiesa at (630) 407-2364 or by email at david.chiesa@dupagesheriff.org

Read article in full:  https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2020/03/05/john-spira-missing-dupage-county/

[zooterchet]

The Bat Signal (COIN DC Comics)

You have to take a concept, matching you, and flip it upside down to be a cop, in Batman.  Your own comic, should be a Bat-Mite, a fan, to guide you; Word of God, is Canon, the tiny poops, the politician in power, the Pilate’s exposition on pork eating, to know who is evil, so you can have sex, watching them; bacon.  Judaism (bacon every morning), Christianity (bacon for literate), or Islam (bacon as mother’s secret, for literacy of child approved by mother and mother’s family).

Dick Grayson: Considered a slur in Charlebois logic, a comic book fan attempting to use the comics for crime, a narcotics signal under audit of Judaism.

Jason Todd: A fan directly emulating.

Tim Drake: A computer hacker we lure into pedophilia, the mirror of Batman.

Stephanie Brown: A comic book writer female, a new script used to insult blondes.

Damian Wayne: A sperm steal, a stolen property, upon scandal induced by us.

John-Paul Valley: A Nihilist bloodline, given their own writing chance, a new form of carpet installation, induced suicides.

Barbara Gordon: A cop piece, the female is a cop, the father was a gangster, a screen piece for community as supernatural.

David Xavimbe: A video game, the Batman member is gay, he’s ethnic pride.

Luke Fox: A writing game alternative, to make a cartoon episode, to introduce a new median.

David Cain: It’s a male or female live assassin, they produce thespian work, for Ottomans, they’re rigidly religious, “Amish”.

Cassandra Cain: A pedophile hunt, for a Bet lead, to place them as a supervillain, for a specialty of print to teach skill.

Bette Kane: A new sports cheat, through gambling, a better price for an eightball of cociane off "vig" (the pricer's fee, the cost for risk, an athlete's fee).

Kate Kane: The price of a deal removed, the calculation of a cost to the federal government out of Canada.

Helena Bertinelli: A love affair for the Bat, as a psychiatric indice file, for all those slain; the party, before the final reprieve, the international Jewry.

Houses of England (Match the Last Character of the Five, to the End of the Four):

Wait: Right.

Jaim: Witch.

Puck: Write.

Kruz: Craft.

Saem: Words.

Khan: Money.

Neal: Nihil.

King: Jucte.

Juwe: Panth.

York: Magic.

Cash: Merce.

Mack: Medik.

[tracidant]

https://www.soundspheremag.com/blog/comics/cartoon-network-to-produce-merry-little-batman-starring-damian-wayne/

I'm thinking...

Robin: Home Alone (2022)

"The Gotham rogues pick the wrong house to rob this Christmas."

- Filmed on location at stately Wayne Manor, New Jersey.

Rated R for language, violence, blood, maiming, slicing, pinning the Joker to a wall by stabbing him with a fireplace poker, wrapping Penguin up in blinking Christmas lights and locking him in a closet, hog-tying Riddler with wrapping ribbon and placing him under the tree with a bow on his head, and knocking Two-Face out with a 20lb frozen Christmas turkey.

(No animals or children were harmed in the making of this film, but some adult villains totally got their butts kicked.)

Reviews -

Jason Todd 👍👍 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Poker 1, Joker 0. Masterpiece!"

Dick Grayson ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"You did so good, Little D! But maybe a little less violence next time, ok?"

Tim Drake 👎👎

"Did the bloodiest scenes really have to happen in MY BEDROOM? REALLY? I'm rooting for Two-Face next time, you little 🤬🤬🤬🤬!"

Alfred Pennyworth ⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Excellent acting, but I must agree with Master Dick about the levels of violence. Do you realize who has to clean all that blood?"

Stephanie Brown 👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Penguin and the blinking lights were THE BEST! He was all 'Waugh, Waugh, you can't do this to me kid,' but the kid totally did. I laughed so hard I pulled a muscle!"

Cassandra Cain 👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🤣🤣🤣🥰🥰🥰😍 😍😍🤭🤭🤭🥳🥳🥳👏👏👏💪💪💪❤👶🥷🦇

Duke Thomas ⭐⭐⭐

"It was ok, I guess, but with the Christmas turkey in GCPD's evidence room, we had to all share Damian's tofurkey, and that stuff is  disgusting."

Bruce Wayne ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I have detailed files on all members of the Oscar's voting group." #prouddad #Oscardad

Jon Kent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"My parents wouldn't let me see this movie, but I just know Damian was awesome. I did see a few clips on DCU-Tube, and I taught him that hog-tying move!"

[autisticcassandracain]

Batfam rated by how good their solos/comics they have a primary role in are (based on what I've read and my opinions):

Cassandra Cain: Batgirl (2000) FUCKS, it's the best Batfam comic, I will not be taking criticism at this time. Even the post-Flashpoint and Evil Cass nonsense won't take this spot from her.

Duke Thomas: We Are Robin is SO good for the first six issues and okay for most of it afterwards. Batman & The Signal is pretty good. I really hate his Secret Files but that's only one issue, do he's here due to a lack of bad comics and having some pretty good ones.

Bruce Wayne: He's here solely because he's got so many fucking comics statistically at least some are great. Some of his comics are better than Duke's but also he's got some fucking awful ones so he's below him for that.

Damian Wayne: Robin: Son of Batman's first 6 issues are some of my favourites in comics, the rest is pretty good. His post-flashpoint Batman & Robin is generally pretty good. Robin (2021) was boring to me and I didn't bother keeping up with it so who knows it could be good now maybe possibly I guess. His Pre-Flashpoint Batman & Robin sucks ass for the entire Morrison run and is okay afterwards. Overall most of the other series he's been in have ranged from meh to ugh. Has some highlights but is mostly in the pretty mediocre or bad range.

Barbara Gordon: Admittedly haven't read through all of Birds of Prey but what I read was pretty good. Oracle: Year One CARRIES her spot though I'm cheating bc its a short story not a full comic but it's SO good I love it so much. Sadly she's got all the post-flashpoint nonsense dragging her down.

Dick Grayson: Look he's been in some pretty good stuff but imo it was not usually good because of him if you get what I mean. Also his solos have been long as hell but I've never read any where I was like 'yeah this is great!' It's always been fine or pretty good at best. Has some decent Robin stories and some pretty good Batman ones though. Was a victim of Devin Grayson and is getting points reducted for that.

Stephanie Brown: Her Batgirl solo is pretty good but nothing spectacular. I haven't been reading the current Batgirls series so that's all this ranking is based on. Perfectly serviceable, not horrific to read.

Tim Drake: His Robin solo sucks ass sorry to Tim enjoyers but I simply do not like it. I haven't read all of it but I've read enough to make the call that I don't want to read more. Haven't read his Red Robin solo so that's not adding or subtracting to the ranking.

Jason Todd: This man has never gotten a single good comic. Under The Red Hood was fine but Jason fans are so obnoxious about it it's retroactively made me hate it. I'm sorry but RHATO was his longest running solo this man's comics have no rights

[themaribatpit]

Fiasco At The Wayne Gala

Author’s note: This story was written by DC Fanboy and proofread by Maribat fangirl, as a reaction to Style Queen.  Maribat fangirl has been hard at work on Chapter 6 of “Hanging by a Thread”, while DC fanboy needed a break from the angst.  This is the result, enjoy.

Content warning: A dash of Chloe salt, mostly Audrey managing to piss off everyone. Ships: Jason Todd / Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Dick Grayson / Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain / Stephanie Brown, Tim Drake / Bernard Dowd (mentioned), Bruce Wayne / Selina Kyle.

Fiasco at the Wayne Gala

Jason stood at the driveway to Wayne Manor, bored out of his mind as he waited for Marinette to arrive. Another Wayne Gala was underway, with Gotham’s elite pouring into Wayne Manor. Marinette said she would be arriving with her roommate, Zoe. He took out his phone and messaged his girlfriend asking where she was. He was interrupted from his thoughts when a rude woman cleared her throat in front of him.  Jason was just able to look up from his phone before he was berated for not paying attention to her. 

“You! Valet! How dare you play on your phone when you should be attending to us guests?” the woman screeched. Jason cringed and immediately placed his phone back into his pocket, just as he was about to argue with this banshee that he wasn’t a valet, he was rudely interrupted again with another screech. “How unprofessional! Notify Bruce Wayne that I, Audrey Bourgeois have arrived,” she waved her hand as if to shoo him away.  “Now go and park the car before I fire you.” She tossed her keys to Jason, before promptly walking away with her chin held snobbishly high.

Jason looked down at the keys in his hands. He looked at the woman walking away and then towards her car, a jet black convertible. He walked around the vehicle, admiring the exquisite European sports car. A mischievous grin grew on his face as he looked back at the keys in his hand, he jumped in over the door into the car and started its engine. It roared to life, Jason couldn’t resist stamping both his feet on the accelerator and brakes at the same time. The tyres screeched from the friction, spewing smoke behind him. He then spun around, performing a doughnut around the driveway. He left behind a trail of black tyre markings on the asphalt below. Jason stomped his foot onto the accelerator, all the way to the bottom. The engine roared in response with an immediate burst of power, rocketing him out of Wayne Manor, speeding off into the distance. 

Meanwhile, Dick waited for the cloakroom attendant to return. In his hands he held Barbara’s coat. Him being the gentleman that he was, he volunteered to bring it to the cloakroom for her. As he patiently waited at the counter, he heard a throat being cleared behind him. He chose to ignore it but then the voice grew louder. He elected to ignore it again, but the person behind him then shouted “You!”

Dick turned in surprise, he looked around to the source of the voice, a woman wearing a black, white and gold ball gown with a white fur coat in her arms. Beside her was, what he assumed to be, her daughter. She wore a matching dress and an entitled look on her face. He looked around, thinking and hoping she was trying to talk to someone else.

The woman then threw her coat at Dick, it draped over his head completely. He looked as if he was wearing an expensive ghost costume, as the coat hung over his head. The rude woman continued, “Now put this in the cloakroom, bring me the ticket when you are done and make sure nothing happens to it.” Dick didn’t say anything at that moment, he hadn’t fully registered what had just happened. “It is an expensive Arctic Fox coat, if anything were to happen to it I will make sure Mr. Wayne fires you.” She stomped off with her daughter in tow, the two walked past Barbara with Haley napping on her lap. The two scoff in disgust at the sight of the dog, “Disgusting, don't you think?” Audrey asked her daughter.

Chloe repeated the sentiment, “Absolutely, Mother.” 

Audrey nodded towards her daughter in approval before turning back to face Barbara, “Now get that mangy, misshapen mutt out of here before we file a complaint and get that thing put down!” she threatened before walking away. 

Haley whimpered from the scary lady’s yelling, Barbara’s eyes narrowed as her hands moved to cover Haley’s floppy ears, “Oh no you did not just threaten Haley.” 

“Where did she go? I can’t see.” Dick asked, the coat still covering his head.

Tim stood near the food table, enjoying canapés and several other hors d'oeuvre while waiting for his date, Bernard, to arrive at the gala. A loud voice caught his attention mid bite, “Is that you Timothy? Oh it is you.” He looked up from his plate to see an obnoxious woman wearing sunglasses indoors, at night. 

“Do you remember me? I’m your Aunt Audrey.” the woman spoke.

Tim cringed internally, remembering the woman from past events. A horrible woman if he remembered correctly, always sucking up to his parents, pretending to be their friend. Most of all he remembered the constant attempts at matchmaking, doing whatever she could to pawn her daughter off to the Drake family to gain their favour. He quickly swallowed the appetizer in his mouth and answered “Hello Aunt Audrey.” with a strained smile. His mind was in a flurry, trying to think of a plan to get rid of her. 

“Oh how handsome you’ve grown, why don't you spend time with my daughter? I brought her here today.” she suggested, her voice devoid of any sincerity. 

Tim slowly backed off, looking around the room hoping to think of a plan to get her to leave him alone. “Well...you see…” he tried to stall for time. He then spotted a familiar plume of blonde hair standing near the performing band and rushed towards her. “Steph! You gotta help me!” he croaked. 

She turned in surprise, “Tim? You okay? What's wrong?”

“Pretend to be my date” he blurted out.

“What?” she cried incredulously, “No, I’m dating Cass. What would Bernard say?” she responded angrily.

“Please, I’m begging you. At least until this crazy woman leaves me alone,” Tim explained, “she’s been trying to hook me up with her daughter for years.” Tim grabbed on to her arms and gave her a shake.

“What is this, some kind of fake dating storyline? Did I wake up in one of your K-Dramas?” She answered in a voice dripping with sarcasm. She then peered over his shoulder to see two women in hot pursuit, shoving guests aside. She was already feeling her mood sour from their presence.

“You owe me for this, understand?” Stephanie said, her fingers jabbed Tim in the chest before she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Thanks, I’ll pay you back some day.” Tim then held out his elbow for Stephanie, which she held on to. 

Tim and Steph slowly walked up to Audrey, “Aunt Audrey, I’d like to meet my girlfriend Stephanie Brown.” He gestures towards his friend. Stephanie then kissed Tim in the cheek, trying her absolute best to not show just how irritated she was at the whole situation. 

Audrey’s eyes twitched at the sight, but it was unnoticeable under her sunglasses. “Nice to meet you too Stephanie.” she greeted, venom dripping from her voice. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I will attend to other guests. It was nice meeting you again Timothy.” She then stomped away with Chloe in tow.  

The two then breathed a sigh of relief as they were left alone, “I need a drink” groaned Stephanie, as she held onto her forehead. “I just hope that Cass didn't see....that.” She turned around to see Cassandra Cain right behind the two, a frown on her face. 

Both Tim and Steph both held up their hands, attempting to placate the girl in front of them. “Tim needed a fake date to get rid of a crazy old hag.” explained Steph, as quickly and concisely as she could. Stephanie gave Tim the evil eye, thinking of all the ways she would hurt him if his fiasco cost her her relationship with Cass. 

Cass spun her finger on the side of her head.  Tim and Steph released a breath they both had been holding, worried of what Cass’ reaction would be. Fortunately for them, Cass was able to see the whole thing. From watching Tim’s desperate plea, to the subtle signs of discomfort as the two spoke to Ms. Bourgeois. 

Damian clung to the edges of the party, he detested these events. However, as the son of Gotham’s Billionaire he had no choice but to attend. He wandered around, hands in his pockets, he hoped he could find a familiar face in a sea of strangers. Perhaps Gordon or Grayson would let him pet Haley, it would at least help pass the time better. 

For someone unaware of who he was, one could possibly mistake him for a delinquent. Then again, he was the grandson of the Demon. He spotted the dog on Gordon's lap, and made his way towards her. He was then intercepted by a raging woman pointing her finger at him and calling him a trespasser and an intruder.

The gall of this woman, he clenched his teeth and yelled back. "Shut up you hag, I live here!" 

The woman expressed a loud gasp, "How dare you call me that? Do you know who I am? I am Audrey Bourgeois, director of Style Queen."

Damian rolled his eyes, "What? A magazine giving fashion advice to shriveled old hags like you?" he shot back.

Audrey Bourgeois snapped, she yelled at the boy at the top of the voice "How dare you!"

Damian shouted back "How dare YOU! Do you know who I am?"

Their shouting match had drawn the entire attention of the ball room, eyes drawn to the argument unraveling before them. Tim and Dick walked closer, hoping to get a clear view of what was happening, and to intervene if necessary. Who knows what would happen with Damian around?

Alfred ignored the chaos unraveling around him as he pushed a food trolley through the ball room. However, a young woman with blonde hair rushed in front of his trolley. "May I help you?" He asked.

"My mother is being harassed by some miscreant, go get rid of him." Chloe growled towards the butler.

"Very well." Alfred complied and began walking to the two shouting their lungs off.

Damian spots the two former Robins approaching and calls out to them, "Grayson, Drake, tell her who I am and get rid of her."

Both Tim and Dick narrowed their eyes, annoyed about how all attention was now on the two of them. The two looked at each other, annoyed at their younger sibling. 

Tim had a plan to redirect that attention and knock Hell Spawn down a peg, "Who are you?" he asked. 

This infuriated Damian, he roared "Traitor!" and was about to throw fists at Tim before Alfred stepped in between them.

"Please, let us all calm down and enjoy this fine evening." Alfred attempted to calm the entire situation. 

"Not until you get rid of him!" Audrey yelled, pointing her finger accusingly at Damian.

"I'm afraid I can't do that Madam." Alfred deadpanned.

Audrey stomped her foot in anger, then she pointed threateningly at Alfred. "You're fired!" she yelled.

Alfred sighs and answers in a monotone voice "Madam, with all due respect, I don't work for you. I work for Master Wayne, and in turn I also work for the young Master Wayne." He gestured to Damian, who stood there angrily with his arms crossed.

Audrey Bourgeois recoiled in shock, she attempted to come up with a retort. Alfred continued, "As per the young master's wishes, please leave the premises immediately."

Audrey gritted her teeth, "Fine. Call the valet to bring my car over." She commanded before marching off.

Alfred and Damian looked at each other, intrigued at the request for a valet. "Pennyworth, we don't have a valet for this evening, do we?" asked Damian.

"No Master Damian, though I suspect we may have a case of grand theft auto on our hands. I shall go check the cameras for our culprit.” Alfred furrowed his eyebrows and left for the Batcave.

Marinette and Zoe stood near a window. Marinette was worried, Jason was supposed to be at the party. He did not answer any of her calls or reply to any of her messages. She paced about, worried Jason was away dealing with an emergency. 

Zoe on the other hand was red with embarrassment and shame. She was unfortunately related to the two wrecking balls tearing their way through the gala. She hoped to any and every deity above that they would prevent her mother from noticing her. However, this was to no avail as Zoe was spun around forcefully.

"...Zoe! Why did you not greet your dear mother?" Yelled Audrey.

Zoe began sweating bullets trying to think of an answer while being berated by her mother and half-sister. "I-I uh, I just got here." She shakily attempted to explain herself.

"What are you doing here Marinette?" Growled Chloe, annoyed at how such a clumsy girl would be even invited to this event. 

Marinette put the phone back into her purse, "I was supposed to be here with my boyfriend, but I can't find him and he won't answer the phone."

Chloe laughed at the girl's plight, "Who would even date a loser like you? Any sane person would leave you."

Marinette gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, much to Chloe’s delight. Her contained rage and shame were interrupted as Audrey began complaining about a valet.

"Where is my car? Where is that damn stupid valet?" Audrey shouted. 

Zoe and Marinette looked at each other, confused at the mention of a valet. "There was a valet?" Marinette asked nervously.

"Of course there was." Audrey told her. 

"Ridiculous, utterly ridiculous," ranted Chloe, "He did not even dress properly and now he can't even deliver mother's car. Where is the idiot with the white streak of hair?"

Marinette and Zoe raised an eyebrow at the specific mention of a white streak of hair. 

"At least it explains what Jason is up to." Marinette thought to herself, "They won't be getting the car back for a while, if at all."

Alfred had reviewed footage of the driveway earlier that evening, and had discovered Jason was the culprit. Alfred sighed as he picked up the telephone and attempted to call Jason. Just like Marinette, Jason was not answering his calls. Alfred then contacted Jason through his Bat Communicator.

"What's the emergency, Alfred?" Answered Jason.

Alfred could hear the sound of a roaring engine and wind whipping through the air over the communicator. "Master Todd, you are the emergency. Please return the automobile to the manor.

"Alright, I will if you bake me two dozen cookies. Just for me and no one else." Negotiated Jason.

"Very well, Master Todd." agreed Alfred "Now please return the vehicle." Alfred closed the call and made his way to the ballroom.

Jason turned the steering wheel of the car harshly, sending it to a tight drift, making a turn back towards Wayne Manor. "Alright you two, we're getting cookies!" he yelled to his passengers beside him.

"Yaaaaay" cheered Roy along with Lian on his lap. 

Back in the ballroom, Alfred asked the guests to quiet down for he was making an announcement. "Esteemed guests, allow me to introduce Bruce Wayne.'' He stepped aside and gestured to Bruce atop the stairs with Selena Kyle. The two slowly walked down the stairs, and  thanked each of their guests for attending the gala. 

Audrey Bourgeois pushed past several attendees to get a closer look. Other guests gave her space, not wanting to incur her wrath. As she reached Bruce Wayne, she shoved Selena aside and wrapped herself around Bruce's arm. Taking extra attention to make sure her chest rubbed against his arm. 

Zoe sped to the bathroom in absolute shame after watching her mother attempt to flirt with Bruce Wayne. Marinette remained by the window, waiting for Jason’s return. She was then approached by Alfred, holding a small basket of fresh cookies. “Good evening Ms. Dupain-Cheng, I just spoke to Master Todd, he is on his way.” 

Marinette glanced at Audrey Bourgeois still attempting to flirt with Bruce, “the sooner he gets here the sooner she leaves.” she comments. She notices the cookies in the basket.  “Can I have a cookie?” she asked, salivating at Alfred’s baking.  Tikki peeked out from her small bag, enticed  by the smell of the cookies.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to ask Master Todd, I made these in order to entice him to return the car. Undamaged, I hope.” Alfred explains.

Fortunately Jason arrived at that moment, with Roy and Lian in tow, their hairs were messy from the wind. Alfred gave Marinette the basket of cookies and asked her to give them to Jason while he notified Ms. Bourgeois that her car had arrived. “Jason, where have you been? I've been trying to call you all night!” Marinette yelled.

Jason scratched the back of his head, “about that, some crazy lady thought I was a valet.”

Marinette crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow, “I heard. But that doesn't mean you can take her car.” she huffed.

“ ‘Sup Little Wing,” Dick greeted Jason, “heard about your joyride from Alfred. How was it?”

“Awesome,” Jason replied, reaching into the basket of cookies. Roy, Lian and Tikki were already enjoying their share.

“Now that you’re back, that crazy woman can now go.” Dick said

“What did she do?” asked Jason curiously, hoping there would be a good story.

“For starters, she thought I was the cloakroom attendant. She threw her coat over my face, she pissed Babs off by calling Haley a ‘Misshapen Mutt’. Then she tried to hook her daughter up with Tim. On top of that, she managed to royally piss off Damian.” Explained Dick. 

Jason’s jaw dropped while chewing his cookie, a few crumbs landing on the floor. Before doing a spit-take with the cookie in his mouth, he burst out laughing.

Meanwhile Alfred walked up to Audrey Bourgeois, who was still clinging onto Bruce Wayne as if her life depended on it. “Ahem, Madam Bourgeois, your automobile has arrived. Please kindly leave the premises.” interrupted Alfred. 

“Come now, Brucie Darling. Are you really going to send me away after all we have been through?” Audrey asked coyly. 

Bruce took a deep breath, “Ms. Bourgeois, please leave. As you can see my date, Ms. Kyle, has been very patient with you.” He points with his thumb behind him towards a glaring Selena.

Audrey growled loudly, “Fine, we are leaving.” She stomped out the front door. “You, Valet! What took you so long?” she demanded an explanation from Jason. 

Jason spoke to her with his mouth full, spewing crumbs everywhere. “Having dinner, what's it to you?” 

Audrey and Chloe recoiled at Jason’s bad manners, as a force of habit Audrey yelled back “I’ll have you fired for this.”

Jason continued undeterred, still answering with his mouth full of cookies. “Well shit, too bad.” 

Frustrated at his aloof  response, the two quickly got into the car and drove off. Everyone but the two Bourgeois noticed a large scratch and several dents along the side of the sports car as it drove away. “Yeah, uh, forget you saw that. Let’s get back to the party shall we?” suggested Jason. Everyone laughed hysterically at the wild night, now that the human wrecking ball had left. 

As Marinette walked back into the manor, she pouted at Jason for keeping her waiting. “Come on now Pixie, are you still mad at me?” Jason asked.

“Yes, you stole someone’s car, drove off to who knows where. You didn’t answer any of my messages or calls. I was really looking forward to enjoying the Gala with you.” Marinette complained. 

Jason ran in front of Marinette, stopping her in her tracks. “Look I’ll make it up to you Pixie, I promise. How about a dance then? The night is still young.” Jason said, offering his hand to Marinette. 

Marinette contemplates for a moment before reaching out to hold his hand. “Fine, but this doesn’t mean I forgive you yet.”

The two then walked to the centre of the ballroom and danced the night away.

[sohotthateveryonedied]

Hiii!! I really love your tumblr posts and I'm pretty new to the Batfam (meaning I have only read fics and textposts about them, no comics) and I wanted to ask about the year Bruce/Batman gets "lost in time". I know general things of what the kids have been doing–Dick became batman and fired Tim from robin, giving it to Damian, everyone thinking Tim was crazy for believing Bruce was alive, (don't really know what Jason was up to though, was he still murderous towards Tim? Does the pit still affect him? Also I have no idea about Cass and Duke, were they introduced at this point??) Anyways, my real question was why was Bruce lost in time, what villain put him there? And how did he get out? And how long was he "dead"? Was Bruce in another reality or like just asleep the whole time? Oh! And how soon did this happen after Damian got introduced to the family–a couple months?

I'm so sorry this is so long, but I hope you answer and thank you!!

(I’m going to try and cover all my bases here by going into how exactly Bruce “died,” what went down during the Battle For the Cowl, what the Batkids did while Bruce was gone, and how Bruce came back. Hopefully it all makes sense?? We’ll see how it goes lmao.)

Part 1 - What Happened to Bruce:

So there was this event called Final Crisis (which I won’t go completely into since it would make this post a million times longer than it already is), but the bottom line is that Darkseid wants to overthrow reality and release his Anti-Life Equation, which would overthrow the whole planet and turn everyone into slaves. (If you’re interested in knowing more about the storyline, here’s a Reddit thread that explains it WAY better than I could.) 

What I CAN tell you is that during his final confrontation with Darkseid, Bruce is hit by an Omega Beam and turned into a burnt chicken nugget killed. Poor guy.

Final Crisis #6

Clark and Diana bring the body back to the Batcave and break the news to the Batfamily. Batman #687 covers a good portion of the aftermath such as Bruce’s funeral, the Batfamily grieving, and Dick coming to terms with his new responsibility of becoming Batman.

Batman #687

Part 2 - Battle For the Cowl: 

Musical chairs time, fellas! After word gets out that Batman is gone, Gotham erupts into chaos. Dick doesn’t want to take over the mantle, Tim needs Dick to take over the mantle, and Jason says “fuck it” and takes over the mantle himself because somebody around here has to. He becomes this murderous psychopathic Batman and starts taking out criminals with deadly force because someone’s gotta do the job, so it might as well be him.

Batman: Battle For the Cowl #1

(Okay honestly, this series had some pretty bad characterization overall, which sucks since it’s such an important storyline. Jason is portrayed as this violent psychopath, which...okay, he was kind of insane after the Pit and all, but not to this degree. Personally, I choose to owe the bad characterization to Bruce’s death because as much as Jason resents Bruce for all he’s done, he does still love him and losing him would be devastating, which would exacerbate his already fragile mental health. As for Damian, this happens roughly three years after his first appearance, so we can assume it’s been a few months since he first joined the family. He’s still relatively new at this point, so nobody knows how to write him yet. He ends up being depicted as if his main two personality traits are Bratty and Assassin-Child and that’s it. It’s all just a mess.)

Anyway, Tim tells Dick to become Batman and stop Jason’s reign of terror. Dick says no, so Tim follows Jason’s lead by saying “fuck it” and putting on the cowl himself. He goes to confront Jason, which ends in Jason beating the crap out of him (again) and leaving him for dead after Tim declines his offer to become Jason’s Robin. Dick goes to save Tim and ends up fighting Jason. 

Battle For the Cowl #3

Dick wins, Jason disappears, Tim is fine, and Dick finally gets his head out of his ass and becomes Batman. 

Part 3 - What Happens to Each Batkid While Bruce is “Dead”?:

Dick: 

As I said, Dick becomes the new Batman a month after Bruce’s death. He’s got big shoes to fill, and it takes some time for him to get used to his new role. He and Damian end up flipping around the classic Batman and Robin dynamic, with Batman now as the fun counterpart to Robin’s edginess. Dick, Damian, and Alfred relocate to the penthouse above the Wayne Foundation building, operating out of a secret Bat-Bunker in the basement.

Batman #688

Jason: 

After Battle For the Cowl, Jason is still batshit insane and determined to make Dick’s already stressful life even harder by becoming a supervillain with an ugly costume and an even uglier hairstyle. (I know it’s just because the artist sucked, but still. Jason is horrifying to look at during this time.) He mostly just gets on Dick’s nerves by running around Gotham with his new sidekick Scarlet and killing criminals as Batman and Robin wannabes. Eventually, Dick has Jason committed to Arkham Asylum and he hangs out there until Bruce returns.

Batman and Robin (2009) #5

Tim: 

Tim...doesn’t do great after Bruce’s death, mentally. Dick makes Damian Robin, his reasoning being that Robin is more of a sidekick and he sees Tim as his equal. By making Damian Robin, Dick hopes that it will give him the stability he needs to keep him from straying back toward the “bad” side. (It’s the right move ultimately, although his execution was pretty messed up since he didn’t discuss it with Tim beforehand, but he’s allowed to make mistakes. Dick’s father just died and now he’s in charge of picking up the pieces of their broken family. It’s a lot to handle.) 

Long story short, Tim has a breakdown, realizes that Bruce is alive, dons the Red Robin identity, and cuts ties with his family to travel the world in search of proof. It’s a rough time. 

Red Robin #1

Damian: 

Our little guy becomes Robin! So proud of him! As I explained earlier, Dick makes Damian his Robin with the assumption that it will keep him out of trouble, and he’s right on that account. He mentors Damian, teaching him how to channel his violent instincts into something productive, and it works! Slowly but surely, Damian makes the transition from bratty assassin to actual hero!

Batman and Robin (2009) #22

Cass:

Duke sadly was not introduced at this point in time, so he missed out on all the pandemonium. Cass, however, has been Batgirl for years by now, but she got kind of pushed aside by the writers after Bruce’s death. Bruce disappears shortly after adopting Cass, but once he was “dead,” the writers sort of moved Cass around for a while, not quite knowing what to do with her. First she was with the Outsiders. Then they got disbanded and Cass tried forming a new network of heroes to take over for Batman if needed. Then she helped out in said network during Battle for the Cowl, taking care of a newly ravaged Gotham. Then Cass gave the Batgirl mantle to Stephanie Brown after she became disillusioned with the role, thanks to the loss of her father and mentor. Then Cass picked up and moved to Hong Kong to “follow Bruce’s plans” by continuing whatever work he had set up for her there. It was all very vague and confusing, and Cass more or less got swept under the rug during this time. Thanks, writers.

Batgirl (2009) #1

Part 4 - How Bruce Came Back: 

When the Blackest Night storyline happens, the Justice League realizes that the corpse buried under Bruce’s grave is apparently not the real one and that he’s actually alive out there somewhere! How wild is that! This is further proven by Dick after he places Bruce’s body in a Lazarus Pit to revive, which has the same result because it’s very clearly Not Bruce and they should have listened to Tim from the start.

Batman and Robin (2009) #9

Anyway, what actually happened is that the Omega Beams that Darkseid shot at Bruce didn’t kill him, but rather blasted him back through time to the prehistoric era with his memories wiped. The Omega Energy inside of Bruce ends up catapulting him through various time periods, which is all part of Darkseid’s plan. With each time-hop, Bruce builds up more Omega Energy in his body which, when he gets back to his original time period, will be unleashed and destroy everything.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #5

It’s been a little under two years since Final Crisis, though in-universe it’s uncertain exactly how long Bruce has been “dead.” We can assume it’s been a year, give or take. The way he comes back is too scientific and complicated for me to understand, so uhhhh the bottom line is that Tim and a few Leaguers save Bruce at the Vanishing Point and the day is saved! Hooray! 

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne #6

(If you want to read about how it actually goes down, then I seriously recommend reading Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne. It’s only six issues, so it’s a quick read and it explains the situation far better than I ever could.)

Bruce eventually reunites with his family after spying on them for a period of time as Insider to see what has changed in his absence:

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home

After that, things quickly settle back into their new normal. Dick and Damian stay on as Batman and Robin. Bruce goes back to being Batman as well, with him handling Batman Incorporated business and Dick continuing as Gotham’s defender. Tim keeps the Red Robin outfit, Steph stays on as Batgirl, and Cass becomes Black Bat. Jason stays in Arkham for a while before filing an appeal to be moved to a regular prison. He kills 82 inmates in less than a week and gets transferred back to Arkham, which he promptly escapes from. It’s a ride, I tell ya.

Aaaaand that’s about it! I hope this answered all of your questions!

[filthy-vigilantes]

Batman: Where to start

***long post***

Getting in to comics is rather hard and finding a good starting place or a good recommended must-reads is hard and confusing and you typically get hundreds of different answers.

This is my personal list, that I'm working through and hope to collect. I've done quite a bit of research and feel like this is a adequate reading list for modern (post-crisis) Bruce Wayne

Anyways here's the list in primary chronological order:

Batman: Year One (Batman Vol 1 #404-#407)

This story line established the back story for Batman in the post-crisis timeline, along with the back stories for Commissioner Gordon and Selina Kyle. Not necessarily canon anymore, but a good story to get the feel of the characters

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

This is a one shot that was published in 2005 that tells the story of Batman's first encounter with the Joker roughly a year after the Batman's debut in Gotham. Based on the Joker's original first appearance in Batman Vol 1 #1.

Batman and the Monster Men

This is a 6 part mini series that takes place sometime after Batman: Year One and Batman: The Man Who Laughs. First half of the Dark Moon Rising series. Story revolves around Batman's first dealing with Hugo Strange

Batman and the Mad Monk

This is another 6 part mini series that is the second half of the Dark Moon Rising series. It is a retelling of a story from Detective Comics Vol 1 #31-32

Batman: The Long Halloween

This is a 13 part limited series, that serves as a re-introduction of the Calendar Man and features a wide array of Batman's rouge gallery such as Two-Face, Scarecrow, Riddler, Joker, and Poison Ivy.

Batman: Dark Victory

This is a 14 part limited series that is a sequel to The Long Halloween. The main case in the story is a turf war between Two-Face and the Falcon Mafia. It also serves as a re-telling of Dick Grayson's Robin origin.

Batman: Birth of the Demon (TPB)

This is a collection of 3 Batman one shots: Son of the Demon, Bride of the Demon, and Birth of the Demon. All stories center around Ra's al Ghul and Talia al Ghul.

Batman: Strange Apparitions (Detective Comics Vol 1 #469-479)

This collection reintroduces Golden Age villains such as Hugo Strange and Dead shot along with introducing new villains such as Doctor Phosphorus and Clayface III.

Batman: The Killing Joke

A 60 page one shot that hints at the Jokers true identity, along with pushing the Jokers madness to new extremes, and showing just how dangerous he can be.

Batman: the Cult

This is a 4 issue mini series, in which Batman gets captured, torture and brain washed by Deacon Blackfire. This is also one of the few stories written by Jim Starlin that shows Jason Todd in a favorable light, as Starlin had a dislike for the character and kid sidekicks.

Batman: Death in the Family (Batman Vol 1 #426-429)

The famous 4 issue story arc that allowed readers to vote on the fate of the then current Robin, Jason Todd.

Batman: A Lonely Place of Dying (Batman Vol 1 #440-442)

This story is the introduction of Tim Drake and his taking of the Robin Mantle. The story also involves a case with Two-Face

Batman: The Last Arkham (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #1-4)

This story shows us the inner workings of Arkham Asylum, along with introducing new villains such as Zsasz, Jeremiah Arkham, and Amygdala

Batman: Gothic (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #6-10)

In this story we get to see glimpses of Bruce Wayne childhood.

Batman: Venom (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #16-20)

This story introduces us to the strength-enhancing drug, venom

Batman: Knightfall (Batman Vol 1 #492-510, #512-515; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #16-30, 32-35; Catwoman Vol ? #6-7, #12-13; Detective Comics Vol 1 #659-677, #679-682; Justice League Task Force #5-6; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #59-63; Robin #7-9, 11-14; Showcase '93 #7-8; Showcase '94 #10)

The Knightfall collection is a trilogy consisting of Knightfall, Knightquest, and KnightsEnd. In the story, Batman is crippled by Bane leading to him enlisting help from Jean-Paul Valley, while he recovers. Jean-Paul becomes increasingly unstable and violent, ruining Batman's reputation until Bruce can finally put an end to it. The story had long term ramifications in the batcannon as Bruce had to rebuild the trust everyone had for him.

Batman: Contagion (Batman: Shadow of the Bat #48-49; Detective Comics Vol 1 #695, #696; Robin Vol 4 #27-28; Catwoman Vol #31-32; Azrael #15-16; Batman Vol 1 #529; Batman: Chronicles #4)

A cross over even where a deadly virus sweeps through Gotham. One of the story lines leading in to the No Man's Land event.

Batman: Legacy (Batman Vol 1 #533-534; Batman: Bane; Bane of the Demon #1-4; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #53-54; Catwoman Vol 2 #33-36; Detective Comics Vol 1 #700-702; Robin Vol 4 #32-33)

Another crossover, this storyline serves as a wrap up for Contagion as well as Knightfall. One of the story lines leading in to No Man's Land event.

Batman: Cataclysm (Azrael #40; Batman Vol 1 #553-559; The Batman Chronicles #12, #14; Batman: Arkham Asylum- Tales of Madness #1; Batman:Blackgate- Isle of Men #1; Batman/Huntress/Spoiler: Blunt Trauma #1; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #73-79; Catwoman Vol 2 #56-57; Detective Comics Vol 1 #719-722, #724-726; Robin Vol 4 #52-54)

The final crossover storyline leading in to No Man's Land. After a earthquake, Gotham's heros have to band together to help the citizens in the aftermath.

Batman: No Man's Land (Azrael #47-61; Batman Vol 1 #560-574; Batman: Harley Quinn; Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight #116-126; Batman: No Man's Land #1-0; Batman No Man's Land Secret Files and Origins; Batman: Day of Judgement; Batman: Shadow of the Bat #80-94; The Batman Chronicles #16-18; Catwoman Vol 2 #72-77; Detective Comics Vol 1 #727-741; JLA #32; Nightwing Vol 1 #35-39; Nightwing Secret Files and Origins; Robin Vol 4 #67-73; Young Justice: In No Man's Land)

After several catastrophic events in Gotham, the US government decides to cut off Gotham, destroying all bridges to the city leaving Batman and allies to keep order in the city.

JLA Tower of Babel (JLA #43-46)

This story deals with the discovery of Batman's plans and files on how to take out the members of the Justice League in the event of them going rouge.

Bruce Wayne: Murderer? (Batman: The 10-Cent Adventure #1; Batgirl #24; Batman Vol 1 #599; Batman: Gotham Knights #25-26; Birds of Prey Vol 1 #39-40; Detective Comics Vol 1 #766-767; Nightwing #65-66; Robin #98-99

Bruce Wayne is arrested for murder and the rest of the bat family are forced to solve the crime and help clear his name.

Bruce Wayne: Fugitive (Azrael #91; Batgirl #27, #29-33; Batman Vol 1 #600-601, #603, #605-607; Batman: Gotham Knights #27-28, #30-31; Birds of Prey #41-43; Nightwing #68-69; Detective Comics Vol 1 #768-775)

This story is the follow up to Bruce Wayne: Murderer. After getting out of jail, he must full solve to murder, as those around him begin to doubt his innocence.

Batman Hush (Batman Vol 1 #608-619)

This story arc share a bit about Bruce Wayne's childhood along with introducing a new billion, Hush and furthering Batman and Catwoman's romantic relationship. This story also teases the resurrection of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Batman: Heart of Hush (Detective Comics #846-850)

A follow up to Batman Hush, once again furthering Batman and Catwoman's romantic relationship. Also serves as a prelude to Batman R. I. P.

Batman Under the Red Hood (Batman Vol 1 #635-#641, #645-650, Annual #25)

This Story focuses on Jason Todd, the second Robin's resurrection and return to Gotham

Batman R. I. P. (Batman Vol 1 #667-669, #672-686, #701-702; Detective Comics #846-853; Nightwing Vol 2 #147-153; Batman and the Outsiders Vol 1 #11-14, special #1; Robin #175-183)

This story leads up to Bruce Wayne's apparent death in the DC Final Crisis event.

What Ever Happened to the Caped Crusader? (Batman Vol 1 #686; Detective Comics Vol 1 #853

These two issues deal with the aftermath of Bruce Wayne's apparent death.

Battle for the Cowl

This is a 3 issue minis series that shows the remainder of the bat family hold Gotham together in the wake of Batman's death and Nightwing ultimate decision to take up the mantle.

Batman: Hush Money (Detective Comics Vol 1 #852; Batman Vol 1 #685; Batman: Streets of Gotham #1-4)

Batman's enemy Hush alters his face to look like Bruce Wayne and begins pretending to be him.

Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne

A 6 issue limited series that shows Bruce Wayne's journey through time to return to present day Gotham.

Bruce Wayne: The Road Home

A limited series that details the return and aftermath of Bruce Wayne's return. Batman Vol 1 #703 is a prelude to the series.

Batman: House of Hush (Batman: Streets of Gotham #14, #16-21)

A story arc that ties up the Hush Money story and the return of Bruce Wayne.

Batman Incorporated

This series focuses on Bruce Wayne franchising the Batman name across the globe, while Dick Grayson still serves as Batman in Gotham.

Batman: The Gates of Gotham

A limited series that features Dick Grayson as Batman, but was used as a lunching point for major Batman story lines in New 52.

Batman New 52

After the New 52 reboot, DC began Batman Vol 2, aka Batman New 52

Batman Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for a year, reintroducing numerous villains in to the New 52 canon, along with Stephanie Brown.

Batman and Robin Eternal

A weekly limited series that ran for 6 months as a follow up to Batman Eternal. The story jumps between Dick Grayson's first year as Robin and the present. Cassandra Cain is reintroduced in to the New 52 canon in this series.

Batman Rebirth (ongoing)

Current Batman title

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

(Podfic) Regular Boy: Daniel Wayne

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/czMA3aV by Insect_Overlord “Reporting live from Gotham City, here at the scene of the crime. Dr. Collin Kilye, renowned geneticist, has shot himself and has been declared dead by the paramedics. Dr. Kilye is suspected to be responsible for the purposeful switching of newborns between families under his care, where a known over 500 babies have been swapped in the last 20 years of his employment here. Based on the information provided to the Gotham PD by Nightwing and Batman, we are led to believe that Nightwing has been investigating this case after an anonymous tipoff. After a month and a half of investigating, Nightwing-” - Dick had learned that people never know a situation as well as they assume they did. Dick had always assumed that he wouldn’t be one of those people. He was a detective, a Bat, the first Robin. The case file in front of him glared tauntingly. He should've known better to assume anything. Danny Fenton; Birth Parents: Bruce Wayne (father) and Clarissa King (mother). Status: Alive Words: 7, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Danny Phantom, Justice League - All Media Types, Young Justice - All Media Types Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen Characters: Danny Fenton, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, Cassandra Cain, Barbara Gordon, Damian Wayne, Duke Thomas, Tucker Foley, Sam Manson, Wesley "Wes" Weston (Danny Phantom), Danielle "Dani" Phantom Relationships: Danny Fenton & Jason Todd, Danny Fenton & Damian Wayne, Danny Fenton & Bruce Wayne, Danny Fenton & Dick Grayson, Tim Drake & Danny Fenton, Cassandra Cain & Danny Fenton, Cassandra Cain & Tim Drake & Danny Fenton & Dick Grayson & Duke Thomas & Jason Todd & Damian Wayne, Talia al Ghul/Bruce Wayne Additional Tags: Bad Parents Jack and Maddie Fenton, Danny Fenton Needs A Hug, Danny Fenton and Damian Wayne are Siblings, Bruce Wayne is Danny Fenton's Biological Parent, Danny Fenton is a Wayne (DCU), Danny Fenton Has Trust Issues, Bruce Wayne Tries to Be a Good Parent, Bruce Wayne is Bad at Feelings, Good Sibling Dick Grayson, Protective Dick Grayson, Protective Jason Todd, Good Sibling Jason Todd, Good Sibling Tim Drake, Damian Wayne is Bad at Feelings, danny is switched at birth, Timeline What Timeline, Sport Inaccuracies, specifically soccer and hockey, just bc Bruce is trying doesn’t mean it’s working btw, Identity Shenanigans, Podfic & Podficced Works, Podfic Cover Art, Podfic Length: 20-30 Minutes, as of chapter 1 read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/czMA3aV