#goddamnit bruce

[zeroducks-2]

Batman: Europa (2016)

[frogaroundandfindout]

Bruce: Stop calling me that.

Dick: Stop evading!

Tim: Man that was crazy…No offense, but I always thought if you two ever came to blows, he’d really nail you…

Dick: He did, Tim.

Bruce hits Dick back and dodges so that dick’s fist collides with Jason’s memorial case, effectively shattering the glass and knocking over the uniform. Bruce makes his escape as dick reels over what he’s done and the others move towards him (Batman #600).

[that-sarcastic-writer]

Rewatching the Batman bc spooky season has begun and remembering how he’s probably 6’3-6’4 in his emo little platform boots and towers over everyone else in his lil mask and cape. I love him sm

[redkyrii]

My beauty contest entry that apparently got rejected 30 minutes before it began last night.

[mpjz03]

Batman: Son of the Demon

[eastwardbound7]

Tim “woke up in a bathtub full of ice once and still doesn’t know what they took but knows something’s missing” Drake doesn’t know why Bruce is so worried. He’s functioning fine so there’s absolutely nothing wrong.

Definitely.

[gothamgirlgayngs]

^ the real reason all the Birds and Bats of Gotham have their own personal Insignias.

hate when a batman artist isn't committed to bruce's lame bat schtick... give that man a bat insignia on the bottom of his boots rn

[blueboybot]

Bitch That Is NOT A Deer

I love it when we turn Danny into animals because of some weird reason or another, has anyone else done deer yet?

_______

"AAAHHHHHHH!"

A scream reverberated through the cave walls below the manor. A battle of the ages taking place for anyone brave enough to witness it.

"LET GO YOU BAMBI WANNABE, THIS IS MY CHILI DOG."

Jason managed to rip the package away from the jaws of the beast, he knew it was mistake to bring down any kind of food into the cave where the creature resided but in that moment he was thinking more with his stomach.

Demon Brat had once again found another animal, a baby deer of all things, and decided to keep it knowing fully well how to pull the strings of both Bruce and Dick into letting him keep it. The thing is Jason always got a weird vibe from it, almost like some part of him was trying to warn him that this was no normal fawn and living with it proved that.

After being brought to the cave it refused to leave, claiming the environment down here as it's own. They've all tried to move it but it always found its way back down here so they just gave up and created a space for it. Another weird thing about it is it's cry. It does not sound like a normal fawn but instead had the echoing tone of a human baby but appearently only Jason could hear it, the others all said it sounded like a normal animal but he gets the feeling Damian is fucking with him, it doesn't help that Duke is also suspicious of the 'deer'.

But the last reason that really sold him on it not being a normal deer was the fact that it. Ate. EVERYTHING!

No food was safe with the deer around, if you were to put something down it would 100% without fail find its way into the maw of the ravenous creature. This ranged from simple pieces of candy to an entire rotisserie chicken (bones included), it even managed to drink his entire smoothie that had a lid covering it. Everyone tells him that there's no way it could drink through the straw because its mouth wasn't shaped to do so but he knows it did goddamnit.

Now it was infront of him vocalizing its discontent for Jason not sharing his food with a weird ass whine from its mouth.

"No! This is people food, you are a 'deer', ACT LIKE IT!"

The deer stopped its whining.

Looked Jason dead in the eyes.

And stood up...

"Ah hell naw, DAMIAN! COME GET YOUR DAMN DEER!"

[ev-arrested]

I know it in my soul that whenever Damian has to play violin for school and needs an accompanist, he fucking drags Dick out of Blüdhaven and back to Gotham to play piano. Dick has not practiced piano since Aunt Harriet stopped bugging him to attend his lessons when he left the manor, and he doesn’t even like playing piano. But for Damian? Sigh F i n e, he’ll play the accompaniment.

He’ll drag out his dusty practice books to refresh himself on proper hand posture and what the fuck an F looks like on the staff. Yes, yes, he’ll look up whatever squiggly abomination is on his sheet music that music experts claim is “modern notation”.

Bruce, who knows how to play piano, or can otherwise contact professional piano accompanists, is like “son, please. leave your brother alone. he hasn’t even played in years.” And Damian’s like “NO. I will settle for nothing less than Grayson.”

“Son, that’s such a low bar.”

But Damian will have his way. He will perform with his brother, goddamnit.

[welcometogrouchland]

[ID in Alt] this was made in a haze but I desperately wanted to portray what popped into my mind upon reading this post. Like a traumatized Full House

So anyway, since Bruce abandoned his family, are they gonna let Damian go live with Dick in the Tower orrr is DC going to keep being dumb and not take advantage of such a golden opportunity...

[p0ssym1lker]

Danny has a job at the daily planet and clark is all work-dad around him

of course Danny eventually gets invited to eat at the kents, surprisingly, he and kon get along great

So Danny keeps getting invited, until one day both him and Tim get invited

And Danny? He immediately pings up on tim's "new sibling" radar, like a bright flashing point and tim asks him how he feels about getting adopted by a billionaire

"I have personal beef with any rich man, especially those guys that have an underground cave underneath their mansion, so if anyone fits either of those criterias? I'm out"

Tim silently cursing because damnit bruce, you check of both

Clark internally sighs a breath of relief, he did not say anything about him-

"Oh, I also don't like people who don't like clones"

Goddamnit Kon stop side eyeing him, he improved okay?

[on-leatheredwings]

Co-Conspirator

Yandere! Bruce Wayne x Yandere! (Fem!) Reader 

> romantic > summary: Ever since you asked him to help with your… reconnaissance, he’s been nothing but a great help. And judgment-free. Batman is as paranoid and insane as you are, and that is why he is quite possibly your best friend. > word count: 1285  > [ a/n: just something short, something cute, something for the Girls. i think mutually yandere relationships are a fun dynamic not very explored!!! Still, its pretty mild yandereism here. Trying to warm up to writing bitches who are Actual Freaks . uhhh lmk what you think. hope i communicated the reader's backstory well. the fact she's only a little crazy is amazing, all things considered. i'd love to make a whole fic of this but alas, i am Not Very Good At Plot]

You are dating Bruce Wayne. You bite your lip at the thought, hoping it disguises your shit-eating grin. You have been told you look like a total cheeseball when you daydream. 

It’s a month-long relationship that’s still currently under the radar because you don’t have the luxury of a dual superhero-civilian persona. First, getting trapped in a pocket dimension for 10 years because something-something-Speedforce; next, being booted back into your home dimension and falling out the sky; then, wreaking havoc in Gotham City with your new, uncontrollable powers unmasked and in clear view of Gotham City choppers and news cameras… These things secretive identities do not make. No matter.

Hence why you tend to stay holed up in the Justice League’s Watchtower or your apartment, and rarely go out otherwise. But a month ago, you were bored. Neurotic. You decided to help your good buddy Batman. Fly to Gotham with your power and surprise him on patrol. And, well, you ended up saving Bruce Wayne (and hundreds of other socialites) after a three ton bowling ball careened into a gala at Wayne Tower, courtesy of the Riddler. Your telekinesis kept the whole building from collapsing. You guess that must’ve really turned Bruce Wayne on, because he was shortly afterwards chatting you up and won your phone number. 

On your first date with Gotham’s Most Eligible Bachelor, you blurt out, flustering, that you don’t want to overshadow his charity and all the good work he’s doing. Bruce Wayne dating anyone makes headlines – let alone a superhero. Yes, yes. You simply didn’t want to cramp Bruce Wayne’s philanthropic style. It wasn’t that you were utterly unprepared to have that level of media scrutiny on you and were insecure about dating a man completely out of your league. 

Bruce thanked you for your concern and then kissed you deeply, expertly, for your trouble.

You replay that night’s events in your head, and– goddamnit– cheeseball. You clear your throat and clear your mind.

“I think I’ll want a copy of his birth certificate from Gotham General.”

You glance at Batman, who is seated beside you, and see the corner of his lips quirk. 

“Because you’re going to pull up his birth chart.” Batman knows astrology is an enduring interest of yours. You pout, pulling up Gotham General’s files and sifting through the database. 

“... Maybe.” 

You pause from your search on one of the Justice League’s supercomputers, sneaking a sheepish glance at your co-conspirator. Ever since you asked him to help with your… reconnaissance, he’s been nothing but a great help. And judgment-free. Batman is as paranoid and insane as you are, and that is why he is quite possibly your best friend. 

You flush. “You know– I– Thanks, Bats. Really. I’m glad you aren’t acting all weird about this.”

Batman doesn’t say anything, but you know that he’s giving you his full attention. 

“Like, I’m not a freak or anything. I just have to make sure I know what I’m getting into.” You puff your cheeks. “Know he’s… you know. Good.” 

What a lie. You’re just scared and don’t want to get caught with your pants down. Despite being an actual living, breathing, metahuman and superhero… Bruce is the one with the power in this relationship. He’s… everything. Encapsulating. Towering. Anyone would want him. You think of the lingering looks very, very beautiful women give him. Everyone does want him. 

You feel a pang of violent loathing and nausea that is tided over when Batman speaks.

“... I know plenty about Bruce Wayne. He’s… good.”

Your brows rise. You’ve only known the man for a few months but even you know that’s a glowing compliment coming from Batman. His highest praise on most people is usually neutral at best. “Hmm… okay.” You turn back to your work, laughing. “Well. I also just think he’s kind of interesting to learn about. What other celebrity has this much lore? The prodigal son… Prince of Gotham… Collector of orphans… Gotham’s Most Eligible Bachelor...” 

You worry your lip, gnashing your teeth. Bachelor. That’s what everyone thinks he is, right? You blink and curiously turn to Batman, whose hands are flying across a keyboard, hard at work. You hope you’re not bothering him. W-well, he’d say if I were, right? you think.

“Is it weird if I put cameras in Wayne Manor?”

Batman stills and your throat dries. Damn.

“... Um… Too weird…?” 

After a tentative silence, Batman responds.

“... No. You’re just covering your bases.”

Your cheeks fill with color as being vindicated – a view you don’t know makes his heart race marginally quicker.

“Yeah!” You cough, composing yourself. “I mean, yeah. You can learn a lot about someone from what they get up to when they think they’re alone.” You can also make sure they’re not bringing anyone home, but you keep that part to yourself.

“I could plant them, if you need. I have plenty made for this kind of surveillance.” 

You’re smiling widely, wheeling your chair over to Batman’s side before you know it. 

“... God. Batman, you magnificent mind, you. This is why we’re buddies.” You lean over and poke his chest cheekily, right on the bat emblem. 

Bruce has to restrain himself from catching your hand on its retreat. Your poke burns a hole in his chest for minutes afterward, and he welcomes every second of it. He turns back to his computer screen, vainly attempting to not think about how much he wants to kiss you right now.

Perhaps Bruce should’ve simply asked you out as Batman. You spend much more time when he’s under the cowl than not. But frankly, you would’ve been too distracted during missions. Hell, he would’ve been too distracted. He already thinks of you all the time. 

Your investigation into Bruce Wayne has tripped several of his alarms, even before you told him of it. Anyone making inquiries with this level of depth draws his attention. Nothing you’re looking is anything he’s averse to you knowing, so he’s allowed you to investigate him freely and without redirection. But of course, you don’t know that. The effort you’re making is… cute. The fact you don’t know that Batman is Bruce is cute. You think you have the upper hand. And that’s… cute.

Bruce doesn’t think too deeply about your stalking, even though he probably should. It’s probably evidence of an unstable individual. He’s sure ten years alone with no stimuli in a pocket dimension does things to a person. But who was he to judge? He’s violated the privacy and boundaries of everyone who affects his life in any important way. Nor does he claim to be a shining example of ideal mental health. 

And at the end of the day, this situation is all under his control.

There is a small part of him that feels guilty for keeping his identity under wraps, but there’s a bigger part that’s amused. You don’t know that he’s had your birth certificate since the day after you met. You don’t know that there’s about twenty cameras working 24/7 in and out of your apartment. Or that he’s your new landlord. These are things he’ll tease you about once he confesses that he’s Batman. You’ve made him someone who likes to tease. 

Still, Bruce remains hesitant about telling you. How would you react? Would you feel betrayed? Hurt? Dread floods his bloodstream, an effect only the most depraved individuals in his rogues gallery tend to have on him. 

Would you leave him? Hate him?

His eyes skirt towards where you sit. You worry your lip, eyes glued to a plan of Wayne Manor, no doubt debating where you want him to place the cameras he’s offered. Tension leaves his shoulders, almost imperceptible. 

Luckily, the chances of that seem slim.

[frappegoddess]

Things said in Wayne Manor (+Batcave) hourly

- "I understand your annoyed, but threatening to eat Jeremy the Turkey was not an appropriate reaction"

- "If Alfred asks me one more time about my grades, I’m making him a robot butler."

- "Say one more thing and I'll marry a green lantern, or worse, a Kent"

- "The best Robin goes first!!!"

- "Can someone tell Bruce that 'I'm busy' means 'not now' and not 'please come in with a new gadget?'"

- "Okay but you haven't died yet"

- "Can we try a new family tradition? Like, I dunno, not accidentally setting off the alarm system?"

- "I’m starting to think Bruce’s idea of a ‘fun family outing’ is just us going through his criminal database."

- "Damian you can't train Alfred the Cat to shit on Tim's Jordans"

- "I’m not saying Damian’s obsession with training is a problem, but can we not turn the living room into a martial arts dojo?"

- "B, if I have to see one more ‘motivational’ speech about justice, I’m going to start calling you my personal life coach."

- "Dick, could you please not turn the Batmobile into a TikTok prop?!"

- "The next person to steal the Batmobile is getting emailed it's insurance claims"

- "Tim stop using the bat computer to stalk influencers goddamnit"

- "The next time B decides to get creative with his Batsuits, somebody please remind him using neon green isn't a power move."

[honey-milk-depresso]

Batfam x reader going to an escape room

Gesus I went insane from this, I was too lazy to do Babs and Bruce I’m sorry- 😭😭

***S/o is above 18, which means characters below are also aged up!

Batfam x S/o VS Escape Rooms

Dick Grayson

God forbid you bring him to a horror-themed escape room. He can fight Joker, Slade, almost get killed like three days a week but he’s scared of them nasty ass sound effects when you unlock a clue and begin jumping on you while screaming until he stops and goes “oh hey, a clue-”

Sometimes keep pointing at the wrong kinds of clues. Like the ones that have the sticker label that says “NOT PART OF ROOM” and can still ask, “is this a clue???”

If you’re scared, both of you can cling together although both of you would push each other to try to punch in the coordinates because you fear the whacky effects this escape room offers.

He will, however, do everything you tell him when trying to solve puzzles. Dick will sacrifice all his loud sound fear and do it for you. Otherwise if you’re brave enough (magically) he’ll just look from behind and clap with amazement.

Whether you two escape or not… usually not. You guys get stuck there most of the time although he wouldn’t be so jumpy and can focus if you two pick a non-horror-themed escape room. You two still had fun though and that’s all that matters. <3

Jason Todd

I felt like he might’ve destroyed the props inside the room out of frustration. Horror themed or not, this man can get frustrated over puzzles he’s failing at. Like one time this man was punching in possible combinations as stated in the piece of paper you two found (miraculously) that had a riddle to the password of the lock the two of you were trying to open and ends up breaking the lock with his bare hands out of frustration that the host had to rush in after catching all that on camera.

He keeps complaining, “that shit is more nonsensical than Riddler’s riddles, goddamnit!” He just wants to win and get out of here with you. That’s the whole POINT.

The one who keeps making sarcastic jokes about all the clues like “this guy puts ‘DEATH’ as the password, how original”, “wow. Who could’ve guessed the VAMPIRE out of the three options where the two others are HUMANS is the killer. Incredible.” You’ll never here the end of it-

If you’re scared, he’ll hold you closer to him (while he slowly loses his shit to colour coordinated buttons) and secretly likes how you cling to him if you are scared. If not, he’s appreciative you try to calm him down and help him stay focus.

You two would sometimes get out, sometimes not successfully, but all the time you’d usually get a bill to pay for the damaged props. Couple goals. <3

Tim Drake

He is full on lock mode INTO this escape room game. By this point, you two are just speed-running through this to get out and win.

Tim is a detective with an IQ of 142 after all, so most of the escape rooms are just easy for him that you complain isn’t fun anymore. Thus, you two go for the really hard ones and I mean those REALLY hard ones like “The Caretaker” kinda with a 1.5% success rate THEN would things get interesting.

Tim likes a challenge, and he gets even more determined to be successful in escaping. He’s not scared of the props, even in horror-themed because he’s super driven to win. If you get scared of horror-themed, and even more terrifying is that it has such a low success rate he’s still by your side trying to reassure you while trying to solve the clues to get the both of you to the next section. Most of the time, you two get out. He gets super salty if he was about to key in the code to get out but just that split second he ran out of time and the both you didn’t get out. Kiss his cheek so he’ll completely forget being salty and more red-faced. <3

Damian Wayne

Like Jason, might’ve break a few props in the process of being frustrated. He’s laser focused in winning and escaping, it’s just that he’s frustration bubbles up easily in an escape room when he come across a particularly challenging roadblock he might push away his rationality and break the lock with his bare hands like Jason (dude how??).

He’s not scared of escape rooms, and maybe for the cheaper ones he’ll think are lame: commenting on how fake the blood is or how plastic-y the skull is with his bad painting. If you’re scared though, he’s silently celebrating the fact he gets to hold you close all while having a straight face.

Inside, his brain is yelling “YESSSSSSS- THANK YOU LORD FOR LETTING ME HOLD THEM IN MY ARMS AND-”

Yeah- pretty much just sums up the most chaotic experience for you or at least, whatever goes on his head.

Usually would get out with him, although sometimes you two would find a bill to pay for broken props but it’s not as bad as Jason’s count so don’t worry. <3

Duke Thomas

He’s pretty good at escaping actually. Well, he’s not as fast as Tim, but if given an hour on an average escape room, Duke can get out with you in maybe 50 minutes flat.

Of course, he’s not gonna try escaping an escape room with a success rate of 1.5% like Tim is, he knows his limits.

Has fun in horror and non-horror themed escape rooms alike. He’s mildly scared of the horror ones, maybe just be slightly jumpy but he won’t scream hysterically or anything. He’ll probably laugh it off and focus on figuring out the clues.

Maybe throw in a joke or two like, “wow, this guy just gives us the password through people’s surnames that are all colour names. If only it was that easy in stakeout mission-”

If you’re scared, he’s there for you and reminds you it’s fake. You’re not gonna die here (because this isn’t a twisted kind of escape room set up by Joker or anything like that, it’s an entertainment one so it’s okay-) and is pretty chill about the whole thing.

Pretty high success rate to escape for most escape rooms and definitely a lot of fun with him even if you guys fail! <3

Cassandra Cain

Also pretty high success rate of getting out of your average escape room, but she also might be another one to break the props but usually by accident.

She might be a little frustrated rattling with the locker and wondering what other possible the lock combination could work when she accidentally uses her strength and kinda… breaks the lock by accident. The two of you would look at each other as Cass slowly just… puts the lock away and gets to the next clue while the two of you act like nothing happened.

Very calm and collected and she’s just unfazed with the horror-themed escape rooms. She’s seen far worse and in fact, she thinks the horror-themed ones are fun that she’s seen smiling more while solving each clue.

If you’re scared of the props, she tried to reassure you they’re face by showing the blood is fake and the skulls are fake (and then accidentally breaks them somehow or drops the fake blood on the floor-) as she tried to reassure you.

Overall, 10/10 good time with Cass. <3

Stephanie Brown

Okay so… she’s focused, yes, but she takes a really long time to think. Just a tad bit. Might be like Dick: points to the prop that has a “NOT PART OF ESCAPE ROOM” label and goes “is this a clue???”

She’s trying, she really is. Has a pretty normal chance of escaping with you but usually with only 5 minutes left or less. I think the most insane one was when you and her finally broke out on the dot when one hour was over and it was time’s up. The host was just doing that white guy blinking meme thing and was like- “huh- okay-”

She’s kinda jumpy in horror-themed escape rooms, but she’s not like Dick to scream her lungs out. Maybe just let out a yelp or “HOLY SHI—” out loud and be like “goddamnit” when she quickly recovers.

If you’re scared, it’s okay she’s got you! Even if she’s a bit startled in the beginning, she’ll be your (mostly) knight in shining armour!

She jokes a lot about the props around like: “Lmao, this goofy horse painting’s like Jason”, “Why the skull look so poorly painted on the eyes”, “What is with that silly sounding witch laugh, lmao” to lighten up the mood.

Funny times with Steph in there so 10/10. <3

Reblogs help! ^^

[hanasnx]

bruce trying to explain to dick and jason that the young woman they saw in the manor is his 19 yo situationship !!

PART ONE ✩ PART TWO MINORS DNI 18+

BRUCE WAYNE cuffs his last link, and straightens out the sleeve of his dress shirt.

"I'm not sneaking around." JASON TODD insists, as if it should be obvious and he's disgusted Bruce would imply such a thing. A resentful smile replaces it as he claps a harsh hand on the back of DICK GRAYSON. "Birdie here was just helping me out, he told me you'd be gone by now. Didn't know you kept my copy." He raises the book into view and wiggles it.

"Of course, I would. It has all your annotations." Bruce replies calmly, and Jason's expression drops subtly. Bruce approaches you and adjusts the blanket you held so you'd be more covered up. "Why don't you go freshen up? The car's waiting." Your cheeks heat even more than before, you're sure he can see the color bloom on them and spread to your forehead. He's not the least bit interested in your nightgown that the boys commented on, instead keeping warm and rough hands on your shoulders protectively.

"Hold on a sec', who is this?" Jason has the need to be combative, especially after the flash of vulnerability he displayed. He gestures to you with the book. "Getting younger every year, aren't they, Bruce?" A wolfish grin spreads onto his lips, his canines glinting in the firelight and you frown at his rude implications, talking about you like you're not even there.

"She's my date for tonight." Bruce replies coolly, and you glance between them, puzzled over how he keeps such a level head around someone intent to get under his skin. You were alone five minutes with Jason and he'd managed to annoy you. Bruce somehow senses your unease, and meets your gaze, a soft glow in his eyes.

"Yeah, Bruce, I'm with Jason here. She looks younger than us." Dick has joined in on the conversation that apparently does not include you. "Are you sure that's the kind of statement you wanna make?"

"This conversation is over." A harder tone takes root within Bruce's voice as he commands, and you've had enough.

"Hello? Why are you all talking like I'm not here?" you demand, looking between their expressions of varying shock. "I'm the Ice Princess of Gotham, goddamnit, I won't be ignored!"

A snicker breaks out from Jason, who pats Dick's arm with the back of his hand. "Damn, the kindergartner's got a mouth on her." Dick does not engage in the banter, batting Jason's hand away with a scolding, "Jason."

"I'm tired of this!" you declare, and bunch up the blanket, rolling it up and tearing at it with your claws before throwing it to the ground. "I hope you have fun going to whatever-it-is by your-self, Bruce. I'm going to spend my time with people more civilized." you hiss, proudly sticking your nose in the air as you go to the exit.

"Tell 'em, baby! You go, girl!" Jason jeers after you, "A little more ass next time, that nightgown's too long."

Dick has the urge to shove Jason into the fire, but now that they're adults it's not as feasible as when they grew up around each other. "You're a piece of shit, you know that?" he tells him, but it's more or less tired.

Jason side-eyes him with a shrug. "I knew she couldn't handle it. I'm a tough pill to swallow, and a little princess like that needed some humbling."

"Who says? Jesus, Jason, you think everyone needs to be taken down a peg."

"So, Bruce, what were you celebrating tonight? Her sweet sixteen?" That grin stretches back onto Jason's countenance as he interrogates his former mentor. "Finally sick of pussy your age?"

"She was a distraction." Bruce answers, passing through the two boys. All of the polite inhibition from before is lowered, the playboy veil gone now that you've left the room. All that's left now is Batman, and he opens the window. Dick and Jason's eye follow his back as the cold night air hits them. "Penguin and Batman are at odds, and if Bruce Wayne is the center of controversy, the tabloids don't even notice the dealings of a vigilante." He watches you enter a cab in a huff, your longcoat thrown over your nightgown and heels, and drive off. He turns to Jason, and tips his head toward the open window. "I'm assuming this is how you got in, so out you go."

"This is the fourth story, Bruce."

"So you'll have no trouble."

[guilty-pleasures21]

The bodyguard

Bodyguard!Jason x Actress!Reader

Part 1

Part 2

Warning: just a little kissing ☺️.

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

     She twiddled her thumbs quietly as Jason drove them back to her place. They still hadn’t talked about … the ‘incident’ as she’d started referring to it in her head. She knew they needed to discuss it to stop it from hanging over their heads like a big, ominous raincloud, but she had no idea how to even bring it up! Finally, she cleared her throat, preparing to speak. But he interrupted her before she could even get a word out. 

     “I won’t be staying over tonight, prince-” He cut himself off before he could finish saying the nickname. Could he still call her that? After they’d … done what they’d done? It didn’t seem appropriate anymore, addressing her by a nickname, but would it make it even more awkward if he suddenly changed his manner of speech? “X …”

     And suddenly, she forgot all about the incident. She clutched her seatbelt and turned to him with a panicked expression. “What?! Why?!”

     It had been a long time since she’d been left alone in the apartment the company had rented for her while they were filming there - Jason had stayed with her almost every night since he’d started working for her, the lure of her fancy apartment easily convincing him to turn his part-time job into a full-time one - and despite everything that had happened, she still wanted her best friend with her.

     He raised his eyebrows, taken aback by the intensity of her reaction. He stopped to scan the car into her apartment complex, then started explaining as he continued driving to the basement carpark. “It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow. I usually help to prep all the food the night before.”

     X nodded her head slowly, processing the information. She didn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, but he’d told her last week that he wouldn’t be able to work tomorrow because of the holiday. And he was a great cook - he’d make dinner for the both of them most nights and had even started teaching her some fancy new meals she’d never tried before. “Oh.”

     She felt the tears pressing against her eyes as she thought about her own family, so far away from her. She hadn’t been able to see them since they’d flown over a few months ago and though they made sure to call every night, the distance was starting to wear on her.

     He slid his gaze over to her when he heard the disappointment in her voice. His heart squeezed at how sad she suddenly looked, gripping her seatbelt as she studied her shoes. But he shouldn’t say it, goddamnit, he shouldn’t say it! He parked the car, mentally repeating the warning over and over in his head. Then he turned to face her. 

     “Do you want to come over?” F*ck! Shit. Why couldn’t he just listen to himself?!

     She froze at the unexpected invitation, then lowered her head as a smile stretched across her lips. He wanted her to meet his family?! Great! Maybe if she did a good enough job of impressing them, then he’d realise that he really did want to be with her! “Okay.”

     A knot of anxiety formed in his stomach even as his heart sped up in excitement. Jason cleared his throat and turned back to the steering wheel. “Great. Uh … Should we head there now?”

     X nodded quickly and settled back into her seat. Jason cursed himself in his head as he started up the car and began driving back out of her apartment complex. His family was going to go crazy when they saw that he’d brought X over to their place - batshit crazy - but there was absolutely nothing he could do about it now.

     Her jaw dropped when she saw the mansion Jason pulled up to. She turned to him slowly, wide-eyed with delight. “This is your house?!”

     “It’s my dad’s hou- Bruce’s house.” He’d already explained to her how he’d been adopted by Bruce when he was just a kid, but he hadn’t wanted to go into the more gory details of his childhood. And again, she hadn’t insisted on pushing him past the boundary he’d set. He glanced over at her and his lips twitched at how excited she seemed. He parked the car and got out, then led her over to the entrance.

     “Jay!” Jason gave his brother a wave as Dick opened the door for them, then he went rigid when Dick stepped forward to give him a hug. “You ma-”

     He stopped suddenly when he noticed that his brother wasn’t alone. The girl standing next to him was … freaking adorable! With her curly hair and her round eyes and her sweet smile. He glanced over at Jason in question and Jason shifted uncomfortably in position.

     “This is X,” he explained. “I invited her over for Thanksgiving. She’s here alone, so …”

     X held her hand out to Dick enthusiastically. 

     “Hi! Nice to meet you! Are you … Dick?” she guessed, mentally sifting through the stories Jason had told her of his family. Dick grinned as he shook her hand in greeting. 

     “Yeah. It’s nice to meet you too, X. Please! Come in!” He showed her inside, sticking close to her side as he guided her to the living room. “So, how are you finding Gotham so far?”

     Jason narrowed his eyes at his brother’s eagerness. Great. She’d barely stepped foot in the house and he was already hitting on her?! This was exactly why he hadn’t wanted to bring her over! He huffed in irritation as he stalked after them, barely missing out on their conversation.

     “I didn’t know it was possible, but you’re even prettier in real life,” Dick praised X, sinking onto the sofa beside her. Jason rolled his eyes as she blushed at his comment. Not that it wasn’t true though: she was gorgeous in pictures and on the screen, of course, but knowing her personality only made her all the more sweet when you met her in real life.

     “Thank you,” X replied softly. 

     “You want a drink, princess?” Jason offered, taking the seat on X’s other side. “I can make you some hot cocoa.”

     He angled his body towards her, making sure to capture her full attention, and the power play didn’t go unnoticed by Dick.

     X’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Can you? Thanks, Jay!”

     She treated him to that sweet smile that always had his heart melting in his chest. They got up and Dick smiled at the way X bounced after Jason as they made their way to the kitchen.

     “So, how are you finding Gotham?” Dick leaned on the table beside her and X couldn’t help but notice the way his biceps flexed as he did so. She pulled her glance away, a little confused by her body’s automatic response to Jason’s undeniably good-looking brother, then rearranged her features back into her megawatt smile.

     “Oh. Uh, well, it’s not really my cup of tea …” She gave him an apologetic grimace, then returned her attention to Jason. “But there are always a few hidden gems to be found along the way!”

     Dick glanced over at Jason and mentally sighed at the way he continued to work on the cocoa, completely oblivious to X’s obvious attempt at flirtation. His brother really was hopeless. “Have you explored a lot of Gotham, then? I know some great places I could show you whenever you’re free?”

     X buzzed with excitement at the idea. Jason’s brother seemed really friendly. Maybe he could get Jay to open up a bit more? “That sounds fun!”

     Jason slammed the cup of cocoa down on the table with just enough force for some of the liquid to slosh over the top.

     “Your cocoa,” he grumbled, sliding the cup across the table to her. X raised her eyebrows and exchanged a puzzled look with Dick. 

     “Thanks …” she replied hesitantly. Dick straightened and strode over to the fridge, pressing his lips together to stop himself from smirking at Jason’s obvious irritation with him. But it didn’t seem enough for him to admit that he had feelings for his adorable little boss yet. Was she his boss? That seemed kind of weird. Maybe she was his ‘charge’ or something? But that sounded weird too, actually.

     “Would you like any snacks, X?” Dick asked, opening the fridge doors to check what was in stock. “We have some cheesecake.”

     “I love cheesecake!” X revealed, her delight prompting a smile to stretch across Dick’s face. Jason curled his fingers into fists by his side. Had that just been a lucky guess or was Dick really as big a fan of hers as he suddenly seemed to be?

     “Can you get some plates, Jay?” Dick asked, taking the cake out of the fridge. Jason gritted his teeth as he stomped over to the cupboard to get some plates. 

     “I can help!” X raced over to Jason and stood beside him, holding her hands out for the plates. An image overtook her mind of her reaching up to get the plates instead, but not being tall enough to get them. Then he’d stand behind her, one hand on her waist to steady her as he got them for her. Her stomach flipped at the thought of his hard chest brushing up against her back as he stretched his arm over her head and she lowered her head as her cheeks heated up at the thought. 

     His anger quickly faded away at her enthusiasm: she was … dangerously cute. He placed the plates in her hands, then grabbed some forks as she set them down on the kitchen island. 

     “So …” X began carefully, hiding her mischievous expression from both of the boys, “any embarrassing stories about baby Jay?”

     She looked up at Dick in question and Jason glared at him in warning, silently demanding he keep his mouth shut. But of course his brother would take any opportunity to embarrass him.

     “Oh! There was this one time he tried to copy one of my moves and flip off the back of the sofa, but he ended up breaking one of Bruce’s vases!” Dick revealed, laughing at the memory. X bit down on her smile, trying not to make Jason feel too bad. 

     “Did he get in trouble?” she asked curiously. Dick glanced over at Jason, grinning as he thought about what had happened next. Jason narrowed his eyes at him, threatening him once again, but the look only spurred Dick on even more. 

     X’s gaze bounced between them, noting their competing looks. “What?! What happened?!”

     Jason shook his head. “Don’t-”

     “He broke the window and said someone broke into the house to steal the vase!” Dick replied quickly. X covered her mouth to muffle her laughter. 

     “Oh my god!” she exclaimed. “Did it work?”

     “Bruce saw through it straight away,” Dick revealed, picking at his slice of cake. “But he was more concerned about Jason hurting himself than anything else.”

     X nodded in understanding. “Oh! You said ‘one of your moves’? What did you mean by that?”

     She took a bite of her own cake and her eyes lit up at the taste.

     “Oh! I used to be a gymnast when I was a kid …” Dick trailed off, his gaze fixing on X’s mouth. Jesus Christ, the way she licked the remnants of cheese off her fork?! Her soft lips closing around the end before she swirled the utensil around and sucked on it appreciatively? He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he watched her.

     “Oh my god! This cake is so good!” X moaned, the satisfaction dripping from her voice so deliciously. Dick pushed his plate across the island to her. 

     “You can have mine too if you want!” 

     X raised an eyebrow in amusement, then turned to Jason in question. He dragged his gaze away from her mouth too and slammed his hand down between X’s plate and Dick’s. “Let her finish her own slice first, Dick.” 

     Dick rolled his eyes at the way his brother said his name as if it was an insult. But he pulled his plate back to himself. 

     X pressed her lips together at Jason’s protectiveness. Her chest warmed at the truth of it - ‘protectiveness’ - and she continued munching on her cake happily.

     “Hey guys,” Tim began, strolling into the kitchen from where he’d heard the familiar sounds of his brothers arguing. “When are we- Holy f*cking Christ!” 

     Stephanie snickered as she came up behind him. 

     “Oh, you’re definitely going to Hell nowwwwww… Shit! Oh my god!” She gestured between Jason and X, her eyes wide with shock. “Is she … Are you … Really …?”

     And lo and behold: the other reason Jason hadn’t wanted to bring X over. X shot Jason an amused look, then she finished the last bite of her cake before going over to greet Steph and Tim. “Hi guys! I’m X. I’m guessing you’re Tim and Stephanie?”

     Stephanie grabbed Tim’s shoulder and leaned closer to him. 

     “She knows our names!” she squealed through gritted teeth. Tim didn’t respond and instead continued to stare at X in dumbfounded silence. 

     “So,” Steph continued, putting on a cool exterior as she stepped forward, “have you seen the house yet?”

     “Er, not yet.” X twisted her head back at Jason for reassurance and the corner of his lips twisted into a small smile. He strode over to her and followed close behind as Stephanie brought X on a tour of the house.

     “You did all your own stunts in that movie?!” Tim asked in awe. They had all sat down for dinner after spending the rest of the day getting everything ready for tomorrow and Jason’s family had seized the opportunity to find out more about one of their favourite actresses. 

     “Yup! It was pretty fun! But they were only minor stunts. I’m terrified of the big ones with all the wires and stuff.” She took a delicate bite of the chicken on her plate and made sure to swallow before continuing. “But I’m not allowed to do those anyway according to my contract. Can’t be damaging the money maker!”

     She cupped her cheeks and gave an exaggeratedly adorable smile, then laughed at her own joke. “I’m just kidding. It’s just for my own safety.”

     She returned her attention back to her food and the others nodded in understanding. Dick leaned over from his seat by her side. 

     “It’s too bad none of us look like the leads in your movie. Then we could have auditioned as stunt doubles and maybe spent more time with you.” He gave her a warm smile and she lowered her head as her cheeks heated up shyly. X brushed her hair behind her ear and snuck a peek at Jason, seated on her other side. His jaw was tight as he fixed his gaze on his brother, so she reached under the table and slid her fingers over his knee, pulling his attention to her.

     He startled at first at the sudden sensation, then he looked down at her and his expression softened when she shot him a sweet smile. His chest warmed at the sight and he cleared his throat to distract himself from the smile tugging on his own lips. X turned back to her food when Jason did the same. “Well, we could all hang out if Jason doesn’t mind bringing me over again!"

     “Yeah!” Duke agreed. “That sounds like a great idea!”

     “You should most definitely bring her over more often, Todd,” Damian confirmed. Bruce smiled softly at how much everyone seemsed to like Jason’s new girlfriend. Well, they didn’t seem to be dating yet, per se, but he hoped they’d get there eventually. She seemed good for him - sweet and gentle and patient - and it wasn’t like Jason wasn’t used to being in the public eye, being his adopted son and everything.

     “You should join us for Thanksgiving tomorrow,” Bruce suggested quickly. “In fact, why don’t you just stay the night? We can have one of the guest rooms prepared for you.”

     X’s heart thudded with both excitement and nerves. “That’s so kind of you, Mr Wayne!”

     Bruce chuckled at her politeness. “Please, ‘Bruce’ is fine.”

     “Thank you, Bruce!” X turned to Jason, waiting for his affirmation, but he hesitated as he thought about it. 

     They still hadn’t talked about the … whatever it was they’d done in her dressing room earlier that day. But he could feel it weighing down on them with every glance, every shy smile and every accidental touch. He swallowed hard, clenching his knife and fork tightly in his hands as he thought about it: about being in such close proximity to her after … being in such close proximity to her. He glanced over at her again and his resolve started to melt at the hopeful expression she gave him. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s getting pretty late anyway. You should stay over.”

     His insides twisted with nerves even as he said it, but she turned to grin at the rest of the table, oblivious.

     “We can watch a movie!” Stephanie suggested, turning to X. “Do you want to watch one of yours?”

     X shook her head as she laughed. “Oh, no. I’m sick of those by now. Got any other suggestions?”

     Dick sank onto the sofa beside X, slinging one arm over the back of the chair behind her. “Need another blanket?”

     X cuddled up in the blanket Jason had brought over to her. “I’m good!”

     That was it: that was the final straw. Jason shot out of his seat and clenched his fists by his side. 

     “Dick, I need to talk to you in the kitchen,” he hissed out through gritted teeth. He glared at him until he got out of his seat, puzzled, and they both walked over to the kitchen. “What the hell bullshit are you trying to pull?!”

     Dick stifled a smile at Jason’s outrageous reaction. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

     Jason sighed, frustrated. “You’re obviously hitting on X!”

     Dick shrugged, unbothered. “So what if I am? It’s not like you guys are together or anything. Right?”

     He gave Jason a smug smirk and Jason finally realised what he’d been trying to do. He pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered a curse under his breath. 

     “Just admit that you like her!” Dick sighed. “She obviously likes you too!”

     Jason’s heart froze at the declaration, but he quickly shook it off. “She can’t-”

     He stopped himself to try to figure out what he wanted to say and Dick folded his arms across his chest as he waited for him to continue. But Jason remained silent, his features creased with thought. 

     “Jay, you weren’t even trying to get her attention,” Dick pointed out. “And she fell in love with you anyway! That means that she likes you exactly as you are.”

     Jason’s heart thumped in his chest as he wondered if what his brother was saying could really be true. Could she really like him? With all the baggage he carried with him? All his trauma and all his scars? 

     Dick pushed himself off the kitchen island and started making his way back to the living room. He stopped briefly as he passed by Jason, leaning over to murmur in his ear. “How about this: if you still haven’t said anything to her by the end of the week, I’m going to make a move.”

     He patted him on the shoulder, then returned to the others before he could respond. 

     Jason stayed in the kitchen a little longer, quietly seething at Dick’s deal. His fingers ached to punch something and let his anger out, but then he heard someone walk into the kitchen.

     “Jay?” X placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, but the movement only caused him to tense up even more. “Jason, what’s wrong?” 

     She moved around to his front and curled her fingers around both of his shoulders, massaging them gently to try to get him to relax. 

     He sucked in a breath as his stomach tightened at their proximity. His fingers twitched with the need to slide around her waist and tug her closer to him; to feel her soft chest pressing up against his. But he resisted the temptation and took a step away from her instead. 

     “Nothing, I’m fine.” He rubbed the back of his neck as he avoided her gaze. Then he suddenly remembered something. “You gonna be okay sleeping on your own, princess?”

     She’d been sleeping with her kitchen lights on before he’d started working for her - because she was still afraid of the dark, she’d admitted to him one night. He’d waved away her shame and suggested sleeping over to help her feel more comfortable and ever since then, she’d been sleeping like a baby. They’d sleep in separate rooms, of course, but she just liked knowing there was someone else there with her.

     She shuffled in position nervously. “Um … I was … kind of hoping … I could bunk with you? I could sleep on a mattress on the floor!”

     She looked up at him with wide eyes and his will melted at the sight of her helplessness. His shoulders slumped with defeat as he gave in to her - as he always did. “Sure.”

     Jason lay on his back on the floor, staring up at the ceiling quietly. Of course he hadn’t let her sleep on the floor in his own house! She’d tried arguing about it with him, sure, but he’d threatened to go sleep in the guest room if she didn’t just take the bed. X rolled over to the edge of the bed and gazed down at him on the floor. 

     “Jay?” she whispered, checking to see if he was still awake.

     “Hmm?”

     “Thanks for inviting me over. I really appreciate it.”

     “It’s no problem, princess. My family seems to really like you, anyway.” A little too much where some of them were concerned.

     “I like them too!” X admitted. “They’re a lot of fun.”

     The corner of his lip twitched at the happiness in her voice. 

     “They can be … a little overwhelming, sometimes, but … yeah. They’re pretty fun.” Though he’d never admit that to any of them though. Especially not Dick. His stomach clenched with fear and he hesitated as his gaze strayed over to her. “What do you think about Dick?”

     X pursed her lips as she considered his question. His brother seemed nice, but … she wasn’t quite sure if he’d been flirting with her or not. Though it didn’t really matter to her anyway: she only liked Jason. “He’s nice … but I get why you might think he’s a little overbearing.”

     Jason scoffed at her words. “Understatement.”

     They fell into silence for a while, then finally, X rolled off her bed entirely and landed on Jason’s mattress. Jason startled as she dropped down next to him and curled up against his side. He tried to pull away, but she wrapped her arms around his neck, sliding one of her legs over his and trapping him in place. He opened and closed his mouth, completely taken aback by her forwardness, but he didn’t push her away.

     “I like you, Jason.” Her voice was soft, but he didn’t miss the words. 

     “Like, like-like,” she continued when he didn't respond.

     He could barely breathe when she was wrapped around him like this, let alone think up a response. He pressed his hands against the mattress and focused on his breathing, trying to calm his racing heart. Then finally, “I like you too, X.”

     X grinned and they shifted around, getting more comfortable in each other’s arms. She slid her fingers into his hair and tickled his scalp gently and Jason hummed contentedly as he stroked her lower back. She was so soft in his arms, her cosy little body fitting so nicely against his. 

     “Why … When did you start liking me?” he asked, a little afraid to hear her response.

     “Hmm …” God, it felt nice, lying on top of him like this. He was so large and so muscular! And warm too! She stretched herself out against him, then wriggled happily in his arms. Jason let out a soft groan and tightened his grip on her waist as her knee brushed against his groin. X inhaled deeply, breathing in the comforting soap and leather scent of him. “That first time you offered to stay over when I told you I was afraid of the dark. You didn’t even make fun of me or anything.”

     “The dark can be pretty scary sometimes,” Jason replied nonchalantly. He snuck his fingers beneath the hem of her shirt and she shivered against him as his nails dragged down her skin.

     “You know … I still haven't gotten to kiss you yet.” X pushed herself up to gauge his reaction and again, he became speechless, unsure of how to respond. X smiled and lowered herself back down, her mouth just centimetres from his. Jason swallowed hard and X snickered softly as she pinched his earlobe between her thumb and forefinger. “We can take it slow. Just a kiss? Then we can just go to sleep on the bed instead of us both lying down here.”

     “O-Okay …”

     X smiled at his nervousness, then very gently, she touched her lips to his. He melted against her immediately, running his hands up and down her back as they kissed each other. God, she felt nice, soft and sweet and so comforting in his arms. They kissed each other for a little longer, both of them cautiously moving their hands across the other's body, then eventually, they pulled apart. The two of them giggled softly at one another, then X got up and pulled him onto the bed beside her.

     “So,” she whispered softly, “should we go on a date tomorrow?”

     His lips stretched wide at the sound of the smile in her voice: he could practically hear her blushing! He wrapped his arms around her and pressed his lips into her hair as they got comfortable on his bed. “Sure. Where would you like to go, princess?”

     Dick watched his brother and X as they all sat at the table for breakfast the next morning. The two of them kept sneaking little glances at one another and exchanging shy smiles when they caught the other’s eye. It was … disgustingly cute. But his brother deserved a little vomit-inducing cuteness after everything he’d been through. He went about the rest of his day not mentioning anything about it, but finally managed to get Jason alone when they were in the library. 

     His brother stopped him just as he was leaving to rejoin X, folding his arms across his chest as he fixed him with a smug look. Jason rolled his eyes and gave a weary sigh. “What?” 

     “So? Did anything happen last night?”

     “Judging by that shit-eating grin on your face, you already know the answer to that question.” Jason pushed past Dick to continue making his way back to the kitchen. He and X had taken a little break from food prep, curling up together in the library to spend some time alone together. But eventually, she'd had to go to the toilet, so Jason had just said to meet back in the kitchen. Dick ran after Jason and slung his arm around his shoulders. 

     “So, it's official? Are you going to tell everyone?” He gasped suddenly as a new thought entered his mind. “Is there going to be a press release? Are you going to have a fight with her PR team or something?”

     Jason furrowed his brows in puzzlement, then pushed Dick's arm off his shoulders. 

     “Firstly, I don't need to tell anyone. And anyway, I'm pretty they already know.” He side-eyed Dick suspiciously and Dick avoided his gaze, his expression riddled with guilt. “Second, why do I need to fight with her PR team? I'm Bruce-f*cking-Wayne's adopted son. Who's gonna fight with that?”

     Dick nodded thoughtfully in agreement. They soon entered the kitchen and Jason softened when he saw X laughing with Steph and Cass, spots of flour scattered around their faces.

     “Thirdly, I want her to have one part of her life that's just hers,” Jason continued, turning to Dick with a threatening expression. “No PR, no fans, no cameras.”

     He turned back around and grinned when X waved him over excitedly. Dick watched fondly as his big, rough, long-suffering brother walked over to X, an uncharacteristic bounce in his step. X streaked some flour onto Jason's nose, catching him off-guard, and Dick's chest warmed at his brother's delighted smile.

     “He'll be all right. Right?” Bruce asked, placing a hand on Dick’s shoulder as he came up behind him. Dick shot Bruce a knowing look.

     “He'll be all right.”