#i just need jason and bruce to be a normal father and son for 2 seconds. is it too much to ask DC????

[shahrwrites]

I will never ever stop calling out Bruce for the abusive hypocrite that he is and here’s one of the many instances why:

**WARNING: the following contains spoilers for events Identity Crisis and Gotham War.**

Also, this is gonna be a lengthy read because I'm gonna elaborate on Identity Crisis a little first, so grab a snack, I guess? lol

A couple of days ago, I finished reading Identity Crisis, and a recent visit to twitter revealed to me that... it's not as well received as I had thought?? I mean, sure, it had its flaws, but most of the arguments I have read about it arises from a lack of a sufficient grip on the essence of the story.

One such argument being that "Jean only wanted to scare Sue, yet she brought a flame thrower with her." So did everyone collectively forget that she was institutionalized at the end of the story? Not to mention that she had a history of mental instability already, (Or so I've read about her) meaning she was mentally ill. She was very definitely lying through her teeth saying that she didn't mean to kill Sue.

Another was the leaguers being morally compromised because, 1) they altered Dr. Light's brain after he threatened to repeat everything he did to Sue and worse to their wives and family, and 2) Because they wiped away memories of a certain leaguer and kept what they did to Dr. Light a secret?

I don't know about you, but to me, that only shows that for the exception of one literal alien, they're all human at their core. They have flaws, they have fears, and they're not above making mistakes. For me, it painted what would be a bunch of one dimensional characters, in a more complex picture.

On another note, I understand that there may have been continuity errors, but honestly, what comic run doesn't have them? It's just become a feature of the comics over the years and given them a flexibility to explore new stories, ideas and themes.

Now, if Deathstroke was buffed up from fighting kids to one-man-up the League, if Firestorm died a little too randomly, you'll just have to excuse the poor writing in those respectives. This happens to the best of stories. At age ten, I found such ridiculous plot holes in Harry Potter of all stories it was seriously embarrassing.

Moving on,

Why did reading this comic specifically strike a nerve in me about Bruce and Jason in respect to the events of Gotham War? Because after what Dr. Light did to Sue and threatening the leaguers to do the same to their families, too, they made the choice to jumble his brains a little so as to stop such tragedy to ever befall again. Of course, Bruce wasn't there for the voting, but then he comes back when they're in the middle of transforming Light's personality. And this is what ensues:

* Identity crisis (2016)

Say what you wanna say, it was more about Batman's authority than anything else or whatever. But don't you think Bruce would have stopped it and lashed out, either way? Well, I do. Because so many times, he's shown to be more sympathetic to monstrous criminals than to a boy he raised.

* Batman – Catwoman – The Gotham War – Red Hood 002 (2023)

* Batman (2016) #138

I think you've all had enough of reading about how Bruce took away Jason's autonomy in the name of giving him a normal life when he can't even be a normal human being anymore, all without an ounce of regret, so I won't go there.

[simpingforheros]

Jason’s Wife?!

Pairing: Jason Todd X Female! Reader

Summary: Meet Mrs. Todd?! Jason got eloped and he doesn’t intend on sharing his blushing bride just yet.

Warnings: SMUT, Fluff, Established Relationship, Eloping, Jason being an ass to his family (for good reason), Jason calling Reader Ma (can’t remember who wrote about that, please tag them because I love this headcanon), P in V, unprotected sex (don’t advertise for the unsafe sex, put some breading on yalls chicken before dumping it in oil) , Oral (m receiving), Body Worship, Phone/Facetime during the deed, Exhibition Kink, Mating Press, Slight Breeding Kink, Degradation, Praise, crying kink??,TOXIC-ish And POSSESSIVE! Jason Todd is back, Traumatizing Dick again.

Author’s Note: Thank you guys so much for the praise I got on my last Jason Todd Fanfic! I didn’t know you guys would like my first smut that much so I made a part 2. Enjoy your next fix you horny bastards (jk I love you guys )

AN: This is Part 2 to Jason’s Girl??, so go read that for some context. Also a quick shout out to the mutual who started my spiraling decent into his madness, @jjenthusee , who was the main inspiration because of their amazing artwork! Also I’m sorry this was late and I don’t update as often, I’m in my second semester in a health major and I’m stumped man. I’ll update when I can I promise.

A/N: Part 3>>> Jason Broke What??

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jason Todd is a lot of things. He’s known for bad things and good things. It depends on who you ask.

A menace, a murderer, a zombie, an asshole, etc.

A son, a brother, a hero….

But there’s two things everyone can agree on.

1). He’s a good boyfriend.

For the last 6 months since Jason finally revealed his secret girlfriend of two years, the Bat Family learned just how much of a better person Jason was when (Y/N) was around.

His voice was softer and kinder to others. His temperament was more patient and his fists stayed loose. Her presence acting like a balm to sooth his soul as soon as he feels her comforting hand on his skin.

There were obvious moments of trouble, such as little squabbles or one gets snappy at the other, but normally they sort it out. Even if Bruce and the rest of the family didn’t know her for long, they knew that she had the backbone to handle Jason and give him what he needed without babying him.

Jason even shows his love for her in goofy ways, such as wearing matching shirts or color coordinated outfits. The two are now known for their Friday date nights and lazy Saturdays where they don’t wanna be disturbed. Their late night rides or their silent evenings where either a book or controller is in hand.

Red Hood is known for lingering around certain streets where she would be at when she had to work late, and he always had a bottle of water or granola bar he ‘mysteriously appeared’ out of thin air.

Jason was known for being proud of building the healthiest relationship he’s ever had with someone who didn’t fall in love with him because he was Bruce Wayne’s son, or Batman’s protege. She fell in love with Jason Peter Todd and all he was.

Which leads to the one thing that the family also knew him for.

2) Jason Todd would not tell anyone when he dropped down on one knee and asked (Y/N) to be his wife.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The proposal was a spontaneous to say the least.

Their usual Saturday routine of laying on the couch, too exhausted from the week to move. Jason laid on the opposite side as his beloved, her feet dangling off to the side of his hips as his own rested behind her shoulders. They both had a book in as they enjoyed their silence. The only noise coming from the soft patter of Frank coming over to lay on his adopted father.

The tabby cat that Jason claimed to not like despite the male cat clinging to him like glue. The cat jumped onto his stomach with a deep groan emitting from him. A soft giggle filled the room as she sets her book down and pulls the feline to her.

“I still don’t understand why my cat likes you more than me.” She comments as she strokes the tabby’s fur.

Jason scoffs as he carefully rolls off the couch and onto his feet. “Probably to spite me.”

He heads to the kitchen to grab them a drink as he hears one comment that seemed to change everything in one second.

“What’s gonna happen when we have a kid? Would you think they would prefer you over me or would we have another Frank?…”

The question was a hypothetical one, a normal one couples would ask just to make sound in the air. Jason would have probably answered light heartedly with a kiss or a smart ass comment to make her laugh, but it felt different. He felt different.

There wasn’t a ‘if’ in the question like it would or wouldn’t happen, but a definite of ‘when’ it would happen. Jason knew that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Hell, he managed to not fuck up a relationship he kept hidden for 2 years. He knew he wanted to marry her the moment he decided to open up and let her into his life by moving her in and introducing her to his family.

So, even if it was on an impulse, Jason returns back into the living room and as he placed their drinks on the coffee table as he kneels on the floor beside the couch. (Y/N) sits up as she smiles at him, unaware of the decision he made.

“Penny for your thoughts, Todd?” She asked playfully as she offers him an imaginary penny in between her pinched fingers.

Jason smiles as he takes her out stretched hand before kissing the back of it.

“Marry me.”

The seriousness in his eyes made her playful attitude dissolve to disbelief.

“What?…”

“I wanna marry you, (Y/N)…You are the everything I could ever want and don’t deserve. But I can’t imagine building a life like the one we have with anyone else. You are one of the few lights this dark world has and I wanna love and protect you for the rest of our lives.” Jason explains as he nervously massages her hand as his eyes shined with deep love and affection. “Even if I don’t have a ring yet and we are in our pajamas, will you accept me and let me become yours forever?”

Tears streamed down her face as she nods frantically. Her arms quickly wrapping around Jason’s neck and pulling him into a kiss.

Jason melts into her and begins to move to be on top of her on the couch until a sharp hiss makes him stop.

“Quiet, Frank…” Jason grumbles at the cat.

“Daddy is trying get some sugar from Mama~”

+++++++++++++++++

A week later, Alfred appeared extra peppy for the day. His duties were quickly done before the family was awake and his fidgeting gotten everyone concerned. Alfred was the normally level-headed gentle hand of the house, so seeing him so giddy made everyone nervous.

It wasn’t until he surprisingly left in one of his better suits and a gift bag that the rest of the Wayne Family just decided that he may be going to an event or some kind.

“Where do you think he’s going?” Tim asks his younger brother from behind a book.

Damian shrugs as he says, “How should I know?”

The answer wouldn’t come until later that evening. Alfred came back with both the brightest smile and red swollen eyes. In his hands were a single pale pink rose and a camera as he scurries to the study.

Tim, Dick, and Damian, who were scattered around the living room, followed out of curiosity. What’s gotten Alfred this way? An old flame? The thought of Alfred getting down and dirty made the boys shudder before they continue to the study and ultimately down to the Batcave.

“Yo, Alfred.” Dick calls out as he exits the elevator.

Alfred stood by the large chair over looking the Batcomputer as Bruce’s hulking form peaked over the leather. The clicking of the mouse playing in the background as Alfred turns his head to address Dick.

“Yes, Master Richard?” He says. In his hand was the camera with cables connecting it to the computer.

“Where have you been? You kinda left in a hurry…”

Tim jumps in as he says, “I mean, we aren’t trying to be rude, but you did seem kinda jumpy this morning.”

Damian’s words cut through the other two like ice as his eyes look at the monitor.

“Did Todd and his woman get married?”

Dick and Tim look back at Damian before their shocked expressions look up to the monitor. Their eyes widen in disbelief at the image before them.

Standing in a suit was a an absolutely beeming smile was Jason Todd with his hands interlocked with (Y/N), who was wearing a white dress. The dress didn’t look like the traditional floor length gown. Instead it was a backless chic dress with a bow on the back. Her hair was down and decorated with pearl ornaments as a matching ribbon choker was around her neck with a single aged pearl on it.

In their interlocked finders, a familiar set of rings shined . Martha Wayne’s sparkling diamond engagement ring and her wedding band was on (Y/N)’s finger as a matching wedding band was on Jason’s finger.

The surroundings didn’t look like a typical wedding venue with flowers and ribbons with a crowd of people. It was a courthouse, Gotham City Courthouse. On (Y/N)’s side stood Alfred holding a pale pink bouquet that was most likely the bride’s. What surprised them the most was a smiling Bruce on Jason’s side, a look of pride on his face that he rarely shown.

The boys break out of their shell as Dick complains.

“This can’t be real… Jason and (Y/N) got married without telling any of us….AND YOU LET JASON HAVE MARTHA’S RING!!” Dick snaps as his irritation grew. “You said I was gonna have it.”

Bruce sighs as he says, “I said that before you cheated on both of your girlfriends with each other.”

Alfred chuckles as he says, “And Master Jason specifically stated that he only wanted me and Master Bruce there.”

Tim frowns as he asks, “Why weren’t we invited?”

Alfred gives the boy a sympathetic look before reciting, “Miss (Y/N) and Jason only wanted a small ceremony and off what he said, ‘Damian makes (Y/N) uncomfortable when he calls her Jason’s woman and a distraction. Dick is plain out not invited because of reasons he knows why. And Tim can’t keep his mouth shut to save his life, so he’s not invited.’”

Damian tsks as he says, “I wouldn’t have wanted to go anyways.”

Dick was flustered as the images of the incident Alfred was referring to. He still can’t get her moans out of his head…

Tim pouts and says, “I’m gonna remember this…But why was Bruce invited then?”

Bruce responds with a smirk , “Because I was asked to give away the bride.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As soon as the newly weds returned their apartment, the lust sprinkled down like hale. Her well manicured hair was now messy as his hands held her head. His mouth devouring her moans as her own lips kept up with his pace.

Her fingers desperately removing his tie as the shrilling ring of Jason’s cell phone fills the air. He ignores it in favor of trailing tongue against his bride’s as she slings off the tie.

“Gonna answer that?” She mumbles as his mouth begins to trail down her jawline. Jason doesn’t answer as his hands scoop up under her thighs to pick her up. Her giggles were music in his ears as he says,

“It’s probably just Tim or Dick. Probably bitching about the wedding…”

Jason carries his wife through the threshold of their apartment hallway as his lips remained on hers. Their vows sealed in teeth and tongues as he expertly guided them into the bedroom.

His phone finally stopped ringing as he places her on the bed. Hands groping and pulling off of clothing as he unwraps her down to her underwear and stockings. His mouth hot against her breast as she pushes his now unbuttoned shirt down his shoulders.

His other hand dipping into her underwear as he flicks her erected nipples like a guitar. Her sweet music filling the room as he’s met with a creamy cunt under her white thong.

“Fuccck, ma..” He moans against her breast. Jason pulls away with a devilish smirk as he runs his finger over her sopping folds, carefully avoiding her hole and clit. “I can’t tell what I like more…your pretty tits or your sloppy cunt…”

(Y/N) feels the wave of shameful arousal fill her stomach as she whines out, “Stop teasing me, baby. It’s our wedding day and you’re acting like a jackass…”

Her body jolts as he pinches her clit. Her hips jerking as she moans at the sensation. Jason had a look of faux sympathy before mumbling against the valley of her breasts.

“Oh, you’re right…” His voice barely audible to her as he begins to rub heart shaped patterns on her clit, making sure to dip down to her gasping pussy as he dips down. “I’m not acting like a good husband, ain’t I? Let me make it up to you, Mrs. Todd.”

His lips attached to her unabused nipple before his middle finger finally dips into her pulsing hole. His groan accentuated by the scraping of his teeth against her sensitive flesh. The feeling of her cunt sucking his one finger in making him light headed as her moans ringed out.

“Jason…stop teasing me…I want you…” She begs as her hips try to meet the thrust of his finger. He growls at her bossiness before yanking his finger out of her pulling her panties down her thighs.

Her eyes glared at him for the loss of stimulation before he quickly pops her pussy lightly. The wet slap of skin making her cringe in embarrassment before Jason begins to leave a trail of open kisses and bites down her body. Making sure to pay special attention to the matching tattoo on her hip before he mumbles to her with a lazy smile.

“Your wish is my command.”

Before he could dig into his meal, the shrill ring of his phone invades the space. He yanks his phone out of his pocket and looks at the screen before declining the call. He tosses the phone onto the bed as he glares at the offending device.

“Stupid Dick..” He groans before a soft hand on his face draws him back to her. Her gentle touch bringing peace to his mind as she pulls him up to press a soft peck to his lips.

His mind goes blank as she gently lures him to stand before she kneels down, trailing kisses down his exposed chest and his scars. Her love poured into his body as her lips traced his autopsy scars. Her eyes shining so pretty as she presses an extra long kiss to his matching tattoo on his Adonis belt.

The silent vow that was made a year and a half into dating on a drunk night out with Roy.

‘I am hers and she is mine’

“Let me be a good wife to you, Mr. Todd.” She whispers against his skin. Her breath like hot fire before her hands snake off his belt and trousers. Her mischievous eyes gleaming in lustful delight as Jason’s lip curls in between his teeth. His eyes almost glowing as she presses her warm lips against his clothed tip. His hand fisting into her hair as he hisses at her.

“Don’t you fucking tease me…”

*RING* *RING*

Jason glares at the phone before he snatches it up. He sees the familiar notification as his own image shown on the phone. FaceTime.

“Answer it.”

“What?” Jason asks in confusion before looking down to her. His surprise was suppressed with a hiss as she pulls his hard cock out of his underwear. Her hand lazyily stroking him as she gives him a look of faux innocence.

“Answer it. It’s rude to ignore family..”

Jason feels a smirk curled onto his face as he realizes what she wanted. His dick hardened to iron as he remembers why he fell for her.

She was just as fucked as he was.

With that, Jason schools his face as he answers the phone with an annoyed expression.

“What?” He says as the image of his brother appears on his phone screen.

Dick glares at Jason before snapping at him. “You got fucking married?! Without inviting any of us?!”

“Didn’t Alfred tell you why we didn’t want you guys there?” Jason asked in as much annoyance as he can muster as he felt the wet pull of lips around his cock.

His hand gripping her hair kept her from getting more than his tip in as he hides his reaction. Her tongue licking his tip like a kitten wanting milk.

“But we are family for fucks sake.”

Jason’s actual annoyance getting the best of him as he hisses,

“I’m sorry, but I recall you trying to fuck my wife.”

“THAT WAS BEFORE I KNEW YOU WERE DATING HER!!”

Jason becomes distracted as (Y/N) starts sucking him off. Her drool and his precum slowly beginning to coat her mouth and hand as it strokes what she can’t fit into her pretty mouth.

His brow furrowed as his pleasure and annoyance started to mix on his face. Jason decides to get some payback on both his wife and brother as he slyly mentions.

“Oh but you had no problem rubbing one out when I sent those videos.”

He pulls her closer to his pelvis to muffle her surprised moan. If he wasn’t on the phone, he would degrade her like a slut with how she acts when she remembers being recorded. Her cheeks hollow as Dick’s jaw drops as Jason mentions the videos.

“I-I..”

“Admit it.” Jason says, his voice grew more taunting. “You probably still jack off to the videos because you’re nothing but a loser who cheats on any good woman he gets because you’re scared of attaching to someone.”

Jason can feel her eagerness grow as she sucks harder, actually pulling him as deep into her throat as she can. He almost wanted to both laugh at how cute she was as she gagged around him and coo at how proud he was of her. Her jaw was gonna be hurting like a bitch either way.

Dick’s baffled expression almost made it better as his eyes shined with shame over what Jason knew to be true.

“That’s why Bruce gave me Martha’s ring.” Jason says as he forces (Y/N) to take him all the way down her throat. Her nose pressing into his light patch of black hair as Jason says. “fuck…I can fuck (Y/N) like I fucking hate her guts and she would take it because she knows I would rather swallow glass than fuck anyone else like I do her. To even love anyone halfway as I do her would be a sin…”

The fluttering feeling of her throat as her nails digged into his thigh affirming his conviction.

“I’m not afraid to get attached… As long as she lives, I’ll never let her go…”

He hangs up before Dick can respond as he yanks her back by her hair. Her coughing and gasping for air as she whine painfully at both the lost of his cock in her mouth and the painful grip on her scalp.

Jason releases her hair before kneeling beside her on the floor. His expression tender as he cups her face. Her light makeup look from the wedding was now smudged off with her mascara flowing down her face with her tears. Her lips puffy and wet from his assault on her mouth. Her body littered in forming bruises from his teeth. Her cunt sloppy and leaking a clear sheen down her thighs. Her cheek leaning into his palm as her eyes shined at him with nothing but love and desire.

“Fuck…” He groans before crawling inbetween her legs as he pushes her to lay down on the floor. His mouth back on hers as his throbbing erection lightly dragged against her fluttering pussy. The head catching her clit despite the watery resistance as she whimpers into his mouth.

“You look so pretty like this…” Jason says before sticking his tongue down her throats. Their tongues tangling for a moment before his hands cup her face and pull her away. “You feel it, don’t you?”

She whines as his hips rolled against hers. Her cunt angry as it fluttered around nothing. His nearly red dick twitching as it desires salvation in her temple as Jason breathlessly whimpers.

“Feel how bad I need you baby? Fuck I can’t stand it. I wanna fuck you every day so I can see you look like this.” He says as he wraps his hand his member. He slaps her pussy with it twice before dragging his head over her entrance, the heavy appendage dipping in slightly as he says.

“I wanna ruin you so good. You’re such a good pretty girl that I want to ruin and make as fucked up as me…”

Her gasps fill the room as he starts to bully his tip into her. Even though they were both well experienced with each other, every time she takes him feels like the first time with that delicious stretch.

His unusually talkative mood doesn’t let up as he pushes his hips into her, forcing her to take him.

“You’re so gorgeous…” He whispers as he pulls her legs over his shoulders as he grasps her hips, forcing them up as he starts to fill her to the hilt. “God, this pussy is unbelievable…gonna fill her up everyday and eat her out every night…”

His thrusts start off slow but hard as her hands desperately held onto what bit of Jason she could as he fucked her like a doll. Her whimpers and moans filling the air as the sticky sound of his balls smacking her ass.

His hot breath tickles her ears as his hips develop the torturous pattern of pistoling into her like a hard buck before rolling in a deep and filling thrust. Her eyes filling with tears and brain fog as he filled her lust sick brain with praise.

“Such a good little wife…a sweet little thing with a nice soft body for me…” He groans as his pace becomes brutal. His precision and memory impeccably beats anything he learned as a vigilante as he assaults her G-spot. Her eyes rolling back as lighting strikes her the brain as she begins to cry.

“Fuck. Fuck. fuck…” she sobs incoherently as Jason licks the tears off her face.

“You look so hot when your cry…” Jason moans as his thrusts start to become more sloppy. His reaches between them as he rubs tight circles on her clit as he thrusts harder into her soft cunt.

“Will you cry some more please?” He’s asked in a cruel tone. His eyes blown out with desire as he lets his full weight pin her down under him. His added weight making her pinned as she cries. Her stomach tightening at the overwhelming presence of him and his cock destroying her insides.

“I’m gonna fuck a baby into you, Ma…” He says as his own whimpers fall through. “Gonna watch you get swollen and carry a little perfect baby and know that you’re mine…that no one can love you like me… ain’t that right?”

Her impending orgasm blocking off all rational thoughts as her mouth hangs open. His hand pulls from her clit to her frustration and grabs a hold of her jaw. Forcing her to look at him as he says harshly.

“Who do you belong to ,Pretty Girl?”

Her eyes widen as she says, “You…I belong to you baby…”

Jason smirks as he starts thrusting faster. Her shrieks just music in his ears as she falls off the edge. Her vision clouded as white flashes in her vision. Her body nearly convulsing as her cunt squeezes Jason into his own orgasm. His warm seed flooding her quivering womb as he presses a kiss into her neck.

The pair remained still for a moment as they gasped for air. The natural chill of the room causing them to tremble at the stimulation. Her small hand moving first as she grabs his hand, her fingers playing with the gold band on his finger as she whispers.

“My husband…” A soft satisfied smile on her lips as Jason grins widely into her neck as he mumbles.

“All yours, Mrs. Todd.”

**********************

AN: Yea I didn’t know how to end this. 😭 I hope you guys like it because I’m not too sure if the smut is good or not. Let me know what you think as I’m trying to clear out the drafts. Again, Thank you @jjenthusee for inspiring these two fanfics and for being a great mutual.

*******************

@simpingforheros fanfic. I DO NOT CONDONE THE THEFT, COPYING, REPOSTING, AND PLAGIARISM OF MY WORK ON THIS SITE OR OTHER SITES WITHOUT CREDIT OR PERMISSION.

[oatlystrawberryicecream]

the way that some people talk about jason and batman and the joker is so jarring to me because it relies on some unspoken assumptions that i will never buy into

1. the assumption that taking a life inevitably always makes the person who did it worse. killing someone isn’t always this earth shattering thing that harms the person who does it and fundamentally changes their outlook on things. i guess if you have never met a veteran or someone who survived an armed robbery or any number of other things you might make that mistake, but like some of the people who fought in wwii came home and were normal members of the community and the times that their bullets hit the mark were not necessarily the parts of the war that kept them up at night. these assumptions that once you kill you are wicked and have to feel bad and do this whole show of repentance are insidious. if you are gonna look at all this through the lens of christian morality you should at least be aware that that is what you are doing but you cant have just one character be wicked and unclean because of his actions when the bible says that everyone is wicked and unclean by our nature and all sins are equal. a lot of people object to that view but if thats how you see it batman and jason and the joker are all sinners and are all as bad as each other so at least be consistant about how you apply that moral framework.

2. the assumption that being robin or being taken in and trained by bruce means full agreement with and acceptance of every part of bruce’s personal philosophy on justice and morality. jason was a homeless child and even if all this was explicitly laid out for him he could not have agreed since he needed bruce as a matter of survival. bruce’s ideology is extremely important to him and he can teach it to his children all he wants but they are not beholden to it above all else the way he thinks they should be. jason has to live according to his own beliefs regardless of how unacceptable bruce finds it and it is unfair and hypocritical of bruce to get bent out of shape about it.

3. the assumption that killing is always bad. maybe i have listened to too many episodes of behind the bastards but some people will do significant and appalling damage to others no matter what unless they are dead. those people can’t be allowed to keep causing harm. it isn’t glorious and there is no honor about it but it is right and just that they be stopped. there is no reason to strive for purity or ideological high ground when you can provide a measure of safety and justice to victims and prevent future harm instead.

4. the assumption that bruce didn’t have to answer to jason. parents have a duty to their children and it is my opinion that that duty does not end when the child dies. bruce adopted jason and made himself responsible and accountable for everything that happened to jason under his care. that responsibility was ignored over many instances. i am not going to detail the things that led to jason’s death here but it was not good or effective parenting. after jason’s death the disrespect starts pretty immediately with bruce compromising evidence of his murder in order to preserve his ability to continue as batman and continues with bruce getting rid of pretty much all traces of jason’s presence in his life. he is only spoken of as a mistake, a lost cause, or a cautionary tale and is assigned blame for his own death, a death that batman never bothered to fully investigate since he was buried next to the woman who led him into the trap. a new kid is endangered and the joker and batman both continue doing whatever they want as if jason’s life only matters for the way it affects them. bruce needs to answer for all of this, as his son jason has a right to expect more from his father. now the extent to which that extends can be debated but it is clear to me that jason deserved better from bruce.

conclusion: killing is accepted in society in certain circumstances, you may or may not agree with this but self defense laws and even things like jury nullification exist because people knew there should be some wiggle room since no one could have the full context of every situation that would ever arise. ending a life is not normal or ideal but it is not an unfathomably rare experience and it does not always weigh on the person who does it. bruce has never to my knowledge killed someone so he has no idea how he would actually respond but that still isn’t even what jason was asking him to do. all he had to do was be present and not move and he would have been the only parental figure who didn’t let jason down.

[peppermintmagicianlynn]

TimBer Week 2024: Gifts from In-Laws

TimBer Week 2024 Day #2: Gifts from the In-Laws

“Personal opinion: a song like Santa Baby has some pretty obvious connotations to it; everyone knows. It’s not a secret. So if you’re trying to do a male version of it but you wimp out on the gay energy, you shouldn’t have been trying.”

“Bernard!”

“I’m just saying! If he wants to try and call Santa ‘buddy’ and act like he’s a very rich friend into a sugar daddy, the word ‘coward’ is going to be thrown around. Even if that man does have a voice to die for.”

“Seconded!” Stephanie declared, raising her hand to high-five her fellow blond. Barbra also threw in her two-cents which got an outraged look from Dick.

Tim facepalmed at the entire conversation and decided he needed to get away before he was asked to weigh in on any part of it. He made a hasty retreat from the living room, leaving his boyfriend and siblings behind to find a less mortifying place to hide.

The kitchen was his best bet. Bruce and Kate were holding a conversation there while Alfred cleaned up the dishes from their Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone had worked like crazy this year to be sure they’d spend at least today together and somehow, they’d made it work. What made it even better: Tim got to bring Bernard along this year, their third Christmas together but he first with him openly in the know about their family secret.

Bruce let Tim take his seat at the kitchen island as he stood up to refill his cocoa mug. Tim asked for some as well, wanting to bring it out to Bernard. This got him a soft look from Bruce that made him blush before his father turned to take two more mugs down from the cabinet.

“How are the kids doing out there?” Kate asked, setting her drink down to grin at his face. “Is Bernard not getting along with the group, or is he getting along too well?”

Tim groaned in exasperation, which earned him a teasing pat on the back from his aunt. But after a pause, he admitted honestly, “It’s actually going surprising well. They’re having a lot of fun together which I figured they would because God knows they’re all crazy. But he already fits in so well with them. With us.” He couldn’t contain the relief that took over his voice and forced a smile to his lips. “I’m really glad.”

Kate’s grinned, happy for him. “That’s great, Tim.”

He nodded. And since he felt a little more comfortable, he had a question for his more experienced aunt. “So, in your opinion, how many Christmas presents are an appropriate amount for a situation like this? Because I kind of panic-bought a bunch of stuff last month and I wasn’t sure what he would want, so I was thinking I could just…”

She cut him off with a sigh. “Like father, like son”.

Between holiday movies, Dick suddenly declared it was time for presents. As was a tradition started in his first years as Bruce’s ward and well into Jason’s arrival on the rare occasions Dick would be in the manor. Dick got to pick when the presents were opened but Jason could pick who opened them in what order. Their biases had caused more than a few tussles each year, but that was fine. Childish moments like these made family events normal and fun.

They passed down the line of people, revealing gags gifts but also some truly sentimental ones. On Bernard’s turn, he opened the singular gift Tim had left under the tree (the others were hidden away in the in-home gym) and gave his boyfriend a playfully exasperated look at the WayneTech laptop. “You have a problem, babe.”

“How could you say that?” Tim demanded, trying to look as innocent as possible. “You said you needed a new one before the next school term. I was just looking out for your academic success.”

“Right. And this has nothing at all to do with the dirty looks you kept shooting my old model, or the ads for computers that were popping up on your desktop.”

“Complete coincidence.”

The blond snorted, not buying that for a second. Despite that, he cupped Tim’s cheek and pulled him in for a quick peck on the lips. Tim hooked pressed into it, turning it to a proper kiss while ignoring the jeers of his family for the PDA. They pulled apart soon enough and turned to see who would next be given a present, when Duke passed a box their way.

“Another to Bernard.”

Bernard sent Tim an actually exasperated look but the raven-haired man shook his hands. “This one isn’t from me. I swear.”

“It’s from…Bruce?” Bernard gawked at the gift tag before both boys turned to the patriarch. Bruce gave a nod, wearing a contained smile that meant he was up to something. Bernard looked down at the professionally-wrapped box, tension rolling off his shoulders, until Tim reached over to rip the paper down the middle. His boyfriend squawked in outrage, which earned laughter from the other bats. But it did get him over his nerves enough to pulled away the paper and open the monogrammed box inside.

It was a dinner suit, from a high-end store in the Diamond District. “I heard that Condiment King ruined your clothes when he attacked at the Thanksgiving Gala,” Bruce explained, reading the terror in Bernard’s eyes. “So consider this my Thank-You gift, seeing as you helped direct the civilians to safety. It’s the least I can do.”

The pieces were made of a dark fabric but the jacket was embroidered with beautiful flowers that made it tastefully eye catching. Perfectly Bernard.

If this was a few years ago, Bernard might have keeled over at the very idea of accepting such an expensive gift. Tim was a little proud to see he’d gotten the other used to things like that. He definitely did not have a problem.

“Wow, thank you, Bruce,” Bernard said, his voice breathy with awe as put the box lid back on. “I’ll have to find a good time to try it out.”

“If I may, Mr. Dowd,” Alfred stepped forwards, pulling an envelop from his jacket, “I believe this might be just the place for such a garment.”

Th envelope passed from Tim to Bernard, though the vigilante looked over his boyfriend’s shoulder as he pulled out two tickets to the Gotham Theatre house. “Oh, that’s for that spring performance. The one Lisa Adder has a part in, right?"

Bernard’s excitement was palpable. “I’d haven’t seen her since Grieves closed, but I’d heard she’d gotten into this show. I wanted so much to see at least one of her performances. Thank you, Alfred!”

“It’s my pleasure, young man. Anything to support a love of the arts.”

Tim took both the suit and the tickets, setting them aside with Bernard’s new laptop. But by the time he turned back around, there was yet another present being handed over to his boyfriend.

And another. And several more.

“I don’t…I don’t know what to say,” Bernard stuttered, unsure of what to do with all of this sudden attention. He looked over each wrapped box like it might contain a king’s treasure. Like he wasn’t worthy of all of it and much much more. “I didn’t…I’m not…”

“You are Tim’s person,” Cass said, stepping forwards to take his hand in hers. “You are a part of us now.”

“Geez, Cass,” Tim muttered, face blushing at her insinuation. She winked at her younger brother, then handed over the next gift for Bernard to unwrap. Jason made a noise of annoyance at his Order Decider rights being neglected, but he made no actual attempt to interrupt. The others leaned in to see what Bernard's next reaction would be.

Tim turned to Kate, lounging in one of the armchairs, flipping her dog-tags around on their necklace chain. She smiled back at him.

‘You knew,” Tim communicated with a squint of his eyebrows.

‘They wanted to surprise you too,’ she telegraphed back with a shrug.

Tim watched his family interact with his boyfriend, pulling him just a little more into their world. Showing him they cared.

He looked back at his aunt with a smile to say ‘Thanks.’ And was answered with a returning ‘Anytime.���

Tim wouldn’t be able to give Bernard the other Christmas gifts after this; his head would be spinning for weeks. But that was perfectly okay.

He’d just have to save them for Valentine’s Day.

---

I didn't have time to put in the other gifts, but be sure some of them were evidence of the bats' stalking habits. Bruce and Alfred can at least be subtle about it. Tim will act all defensive about that...mostly because they figured out gifts for Bernard that he hadn't even considered.

[preciousthingsareprecious]

Tumblr Fic List Part 1

Hi everyone! With AO3 currently down, I thought I'd remind you all that almost all of my fics are also available to read right here on Tumblr! For years I've had the habit of cross posting just about everything so if you're looking for a particular fic, you should be able to find it on good old Tumblr.

I tag all my fics with: Precious Posts so you can also use that to find anything newer I haven't added here yet.

This is all my older fics, from my Masterlist. When I get a little more time I'll do a part 2 with my newer stuff.

To Teach a Robin to Cook: Jason teaches Damian how to cook

Baby Bat Vs the Evil Librarian : Steph and Damian take a trip to the library

Grayson’s Guide to Robin Boys Movie Night (IMG): The list of rules Dick wrote for movie night

Guide to Robin Boys Movie Night (FIC): Dick decides to write some rules for movie night, the other Robins have opinions

Movie Night: The Mummy: Jason does not like bugs

Movie Night: Cheeto Bomb: Dick thinks Jason planted a Cheeto bomb in the DVD player. Jason insists otherwise.

Lost Boy: Tim’s mad at Damian (again) and takes a walk to cool off

Fireworks: The Batboys attend a fireworks show for the 4th of July and Jason has flashbacks. Angsty

Baby Teeth: Bruce notices that Damian has lost a tooth, and decides to play Tooth Fairy. Fluff pure and simple.

Talk Yourself Out of This One: Dick get’s kidnapped and is forced to wait for help to arrive.

Kidnapped With You: It’s all Jason’s fault. Or is it Damian’s? Either way both managed to get kidnapped and now have to get along until Batman arrives

Misplaced Mail: Tim decides to go to college and doesn’t tell the other Robin boys.

De-Aged Tim: Timmy gets shrunk down to a six year old and Damian has to help him get back to normal.

Magical Mix Up: Dick, Jason, Tim, and Damian all get body swapped. Will they fight or get along long enough to fix things?

Lights Out: Jason finds himself in a situation when Tim passes out on him while his chest taser is still on

The Hunt: Bruce and Damian go on the search for a missing remote

Prank War: It’s Batboys vs Batgirls

Something in the Tea: Damian drinks hallucinogenic tea and can’t escape the visions of what he wishes his family would be like.

Party Chaos: Duke just wants to survive this party, unfortunately for him the rest of the Batboys are at the party and intent on causing trouble.

Trust: DickBat era fic where Damian gets into some trouble after a fight with Dick.

Karma: Damian’s got the hiccups so Dick tries to help him out on patrol.

Comfort Sweater: Damian get’s caught stealing one of Dick’s sweaters.

Play Lessons: Mindless Fluff as Dick and Dami play Cheese Viking together

Burdens: Written for Dynamic Duo Week 2016 day 6: Leave Me Alone

Discovery: Dick and Damian do a science experiment with Geodes

It’s Called a Hug: DickBat era. Damian doesn’t understand that hugs aren’t just a reward for good work.

Like Any Other Kid: Damian can’t stop having nightmares, finally he decides to go to his father for comfort.

Nightmares and Dreams: Bruce has a nightmare that Damian’s still dead and decides to check up on his son.

Cuffed: Dick and Tim end up handcuffed together and have to rescue Jason

Chosen: Based on a HC where Damian has trouble believing Bruce really wants him.

Album: Tim’s looking through one of his old photo album’s when Dick and JAson find him.

Father Time: Tired from the night before Bruce decides to stay in bed all day. His children decide he needs company.

Favorite Colors: While Dick and Damian are shopping for a new hoodie for Tim Damian makes an interesting purchase.

Lost Not Gone: My version of Damian’s reaction to Tim’s ‘death’

Super Sleepover: Jon sleeps over at the manor

Father Daughter Dance: Bruce and Cass go to the Ballet

Learning to Ride: Bruce teaches Jason how to ride a bike

Adoption: Alfred pushes Bruce to adopt Tim

If I Live to See the Dawn: Jason’s hurt and Damian’s got to get him home

Learning to Ask: Dick takes care of an injured Bruce

Heartbeats: Takes place between Batman Rebirth issues 16-17 and follows Bruce taking care of his kids

Target Practice: Damian and Steph play laser tag

Anxious Heart: Damian deals with some latent fear toxin, Bruce helps him out

Art Show: Tim runs into Damian while going to see one of his photos on display

Family Attire: Dick and Damian go clothes shopping. DickBats era

Unintended Consequences: In trying to hide his own illness Damian ends up getting Tim sick

Always Interesting: Cass buys a waxing kit and all the boys want to try it

Not a Burden: Tim gets hurt on patrol and doesn’t want to bother the family

With Love and Patience: Dick muses over taking care of Damian, there may also be suspenders involved. DickBats era.

Long Overdue: Jason offers to take Damian on patrol with him

Some Kind of Normal: Sometimes Bruce forgets just how young Damian is

Trapeze Training: Dick takes Damian out on the trapeze

Sick Day: Bruce is sick and Damian wants to make sure his father gets proper rest

Haunted Manor: Damian and Jon explore a haunting in the manor

Checking In: The batboys start to worry when Bruce is out of town and hasn’t contacted anyone in a while

Preserved Heartache: Damian sees a video of his own death

Hugs and Cookies: Dick brings a ‘get-along’ rug for the holidays

Like Old Times: Bruce and Dick on a stakeout

Safety Net: Snapshots of Damian learning to trust Dick

Irritating: Damian picks on Dick

This Stupid Family: First person pov. Jason’s little brother’s realize he too is a little brother and act accordingly.

Then and Now: Bruce dealing with Jason’s death juxtaposed with the family now

In Charge: Jason and Bruce make lunch while Alfred is out. Robin!Jason

A Little Craft Project: Damian asks Babs for help cheering Dick up

A Bad Night and Good Tea: Bruce can’t sleep, thankfully Alfred’s there to help

To Pass Through this Night: Dick died during Forever Evil. His brother’s find out and help him deal with it.

Faking It: Damian fakes being sick, Dick reacts to it. DickBats Era

Dreams of Wires: Damian’s feelings on the chip his mother put in his spine

Don’t Get Sentimental: Tiger takes care of Dick

Robin in the Batcave with the Rope: Damian get’s kidnapped by the Riddler and Scarecrow and forced to play clue

Breathe In Breathe Out: Damian gets buried, Dick worries Part 1 2 3

This Weight Off Of Your Shoulders: Damian gets sick, Alfred takes care of him

After Everything We’ve Seen: Dick finds Damian curled in the corner of the couch

Bone Tired: Dick is tired, Bruce is there to help him out

Just to See You: Temporary blind Damian, Big brother Dick

You Won’t Wake Up Alone: Dick knows he’s about to die, he just doesn’t want to do it in front of his little brothers Part 1 Part 2

First Breath After A Coma: Dick ruminates on his death, Damian’s, and all the terrible things that have been happening lately. Angst, no fluff

Your Job or Mine: Bruce gets hurt, Dick takes care of him

New to This: Dick’s getting used to his new busy life, and learning to take time for Damian

Accustomed to Standing Alone: The first time Damian’s kidnapped as a civilian

Bleeding Heart: Damian finds a dying doe and sits with her, Dick helps take care of the rest

Sun Spot: A lazy day with Dick and Damian

Of Baskets and Braids: Dick can’t sleep so he goes to find Bruce, and they get lost watching Youtube videos

As the Years Go By: Dick is growing up, and Bruce isn’t really sure how to deal with it.

A Bird in the Hand: Damian gets turned into a robin…for real. Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Those Days We Miss: After Damian picks a fight with Dick, he ends up kidnapped and pretty sure no one is going to come for him.

Stay Here, With Me: Damian gets soaked on patrol, and as a result he ends up sick. Rest and medicine should help, but Damian finds himself getting worse and worse. Thankfully he’s got Bruce (and later Dick) to help sort things out.

You Always Bring Me Home: When Batman is caught by an explosion he calls the person who can always find him, Alfred.

The Care and Yeeting of Robins: Bruce comes home to find Jason in his bed. Jason refuses to move, so Bruce does what he has to in order to stand his ground and decides sleeping on the floor is the only option.

Flash/Prompt Fics:

Damian and Tim: That’s Not a Dog

Dick, Damian, and Cass: No, no, it’s okay, I’ll be your bridge. You can walk all over me

Damian and Dick: I stabbed my last twelve brothers. Why should you be different?

Jason and Steph: Not only am I a late bloomer, I’m late for everything

Young Dick: Not only am I a late bloomer, I’m late for everything

Steph and Damian: I stabbed my last twelve brothers; why should you be any different?

Tim and Damian: Would you mind not setting my stuff on fire every time you get angry

Older!Damian: I find this to be highly illogical, incredibly ridiculous, and absolutely irresistible. Let’s play

Damian and Alfred the Cat

Tim and Damian: Damian attempts to irritate Tim

Tim and Jason: Tim’s tired and saying weird things

Batman Voice: Damian’s got a ‘Batman voice’ and it comes out at the best of times

Shrunken Sweater: Bruce’s sweater has shrunk to the perfect size

Being Sick is Stupid: Robin Dick and Bruce fluff and minor sick fic

Damian gets tricked into sleeping

Dick and Damian angst-fluff

Long Fics:

Super City: Damian and Jon on an adventure in Metropolis

Losing You: Dick loses his memories of Damian and the two try to deal with it while going after the villain responsible (plus Tim and Jason get to help)

Finding Us: The sequel to Losing You. Explores Jason and Tim’s relationship to the Batfam

[lazycats-stuff]

I love the Jason Todd x Jokers son it's awesome!

I actually have another idea while I lay with my cat lol batfam/Jason Todd x brother reader (like he's the biological son of Bruce but a lil older than Damien) he has a close relationship with Jason compared to his other siblings and he ends up getting captured by Joker?

You got it! I'm glad you like it, I was a bit worried that I didn't write it well, I have never written such dynamic before. Again, let me know how it turned out.

Warnings: Kidnapping, violence, Joker being the Joker, Jason losing his mind, blood

Jason waited outside of (Y/N)'s school. He wanted to take his favorite brother back home. They didn't have a chance to hang out this week, because the teen was swamped with exams. Jason swore that (Y/N) didn't sleep this week. Poor kids...

He smiled once he saw him at the entrance, talking to his friend. He leaned on his motorbike, crossing his arms. He waited until (Y/N) saw him and then opened his arms. (Y/N) ran into them, hugging his favorite brother.

" Hey mini Bruce. " Jason joked as he hugged his brother back.

" Stop it, I look nothing like him. " (Y/N) said.

" Yeah sure. " Jason said, ruffling his hair.

" How come you came to pick me up? "

" Well, I know you stay later on Fridays. And I wanted to hang out with you. I missed you this week. " Jason mumbled.

" Aww. I missed you too Jay. But if you had a plan to take me out, please don't. I just want to sleep. "

" You got it. I was going to take you home anyway, you look like you are going to drop dead. "

" Wow, okay. " (Y/N) pretended to be offended, sitting at the back of the bike. Jason handed him the helmet and (Y/N) put it on.

" Hang on bro. We are going to be back home quickly. "

Jason turned on the bike and started driving back to the manor. It was a perfect day for a nap too. It was cloudy and if you were from Gotham, you knew for a fact it was going to get rain. So it would be perfect for a nap.

When Jason sat down, (Y/N) wrapped his arms around Jason's stomach to hold on. Jason revved the motor and started driving. It was a quick drive back to Jason's driving skills. (Y/N) had hold onto the bike when they got back.

" I'm not a bad driver. " Jason defended himself watching his younger brother.

" Say that to my legs. Jesus. Next time pick me up by a car. " (Y/N) said, managing to steady himself.

" Come on. You need to eat and then sleep. "

" Can you nap with me? " (Y/N) asked, using his puppy eyes.

" Of course I can. But you need to eat first. I think that Alfred made something with fish. "

(Y/N) nodded and went inside the house.

" Let me take your bag up to your room. "

Jason took the bag while (Y/N) went straight to the kitchen. He didn't find Alfred, but he did find a container with his portion. He let out a yay and took the container and a fork to sit at a kitchen island. He took his phone from his pocket and put it on the kitchen island.

He dug in, happy to eat something. The teen had a small breakfast today, not enough to get him through the day and he was hungry all day, despite the lunch he had. It was a stressful week for his family too. Joker was up to no good, but more than usual.

He still doesn't get it how they still do it. On patrol until late in the night, injured, seeing stuff that would make his stomach turn. Was (Y/N) trained like his brothers? Yes. But he didn't want to become a vigilante, he wanted to be a normal teen. And he didn't consider himself strong enough to become a vigilante.

And... He didn't tell anybody this, but the reason why he was up until 2 or 3 am this week was because he was worried for his brothers and father. There were times when he couldn't sleep until he knew that his brothers and father were in their rooms and even then he either went to Jason's room or Bruce's. He truly didn't know what he would do if something were to happen to his dad or Jason.

" Hey, what are you thinking about? " Jason said, sitting across from him.

(Y/N) was startled by Jason, he must have been thinking about this for so long that he didn't hear him.

" Jason, don't sneak up on me. You scared the living shit out of me. " (Y/N) said, taking an another bite.

" Oh, come on, you will live. " Jason laughed.

" Ha ha. Very funny... Are you free tonight? I need you to drop me off at a friend's house. We wanted to have a sleepover. " (Y/N) said quickly.

" Okay. Is it the brunet guy? " Jason asked, taking his jacket off.

" Yes, but his name is Cody. For the record Jay. "

" Okay, okay. " Jason laughed, smiling at his younger brother. " I will drop you off tonight before I go on patrol. Does the old man know? I don't want him blowing a fuse. "

" I texted him, he said it's fine. "

" Okay. Which bike you would like? " Jason asked, smirking.

" Screw you Jay. "

Jason cackled like a madman, leaning back in his chair.

" Okay, I will take a car to drop you off. Don't worry. "

" You always make me worry Jay. "

It was Saturday evening, a day after the sleepover and Jason was getting worried. Jason went to pick (Y/N) up a few hours earlier, but Cody, the friend said that (Y/N) went already. Jason was confused at first, but then noticed the cameras in the neighborhood. He called Bruce to tell him to get the footage. Something is off. Way off...

He searched the block for any evidence, his gut refusing to believe that everything is okay. What the hell happened last night? Maybe Cody was lying, but Jason could tell if someone was lying. Shit.

And the time for (Y/N) to go missing too is far to weird. Joker wanted something from Wayne Enterprises, they got intel that he wanted to get guns that Wayne Enterprises was storing at the moment. They were old and were supposed to be destroyed, but there was some delay.

Jason took his phone and called (Y/N)'s phone. He was back at Cody's building, waiting to hear (Y/N)'s voice. He froze once he heard the familiar ring in an ally. He ran into the ally, finding the phone near the dumpster.

He knelt down, getting the phone. He blinked a few times, trying to fight tears. Jesus Christ... No. Not him. Out of all the people, not him. He called Bruce with shaky hands. His hands never shook.

" Jason? Where is (Y/N)? "

" Taken. I found his phone near the dumpster behind Cody's house. " Jason stated, trying not to cry.

" Okay, I will obtain the footage for the entire block. Is there anything out here that might help us? "

" No, I searched the entire block, there is no signs of struggle. And Cody said that (Y/N) had left already, but I think someone threatened him to go. "

" Okay. Until we get the footage, we can't do anything. Come back. "

Jason hanged up, going back to his car and driving like a maniac back to the manor. He is not going to allow himself to waste a single second. He won't be holding back. Not when it comes to (Y/N). He was protective of all of his brothers, but he was really connected with (Y/N).

He ran towards the cave, wanting to know if there is anymore development. The rest of the family was already there, surrounding the big computer.

" And? " Jason asked.

" He was taken, but we can't connect the kidnappers to any Gotham rouge. " Bruce said.

Okay, an outsider then. That would take some time, but they would get the intel soon.

" Okay. So, we need a suspect. Who the hell wanted to take (Y/N)? " Jason asked.

" Somebody who wants money? Maybe for ransom? " Tim suggested.

" Or someone who hates Bruce? " Dick added his suggestion.

Bruce didn't say anything, obviously thinking. He had a lot of enemies, both as Bruce Wayne and as Batman. So the list wasn't small... Far from it...

A ping on the computer alerted them all. It was from the news, the anchors telling that this is the footage of (Y/N). The family froze, looking at the screen like they were hypnotized.

Everything was fine until Joker came on screen. Jason froze completely, eyes widening. No. (Y/N) was bound to a chair, gagged, with blood over his face. Joker was showing his face, clearly proud of his handywork. Jason's eye twitched.

" Now, I want the weapons from the Wayne Enterprises and I will let the boy live. "

The tape stopped and it returned to the regular program. Everyone slowly turned to look at Jason. Jason took a deep breath, before flipping a table near him. He let out a yell, before rubbing his face.

" Jason, you need to calm down. " Bruce said, trying to calm him down. If he goes out, he will kill somebody.

" CALM DOWN?! "

The boys moved away, trying not to get in the crossfire.

" I will be calm when (Y/N) is back here and Joker behind bars. That's that. And if you need me, I will be out in the city looking. "

" Jason, we need more info! You can't go out this mad! " Bruce yelled after his son.

" Too fucking late! "

Bruce stood up, going to change into his suit. He doesn't want to Jason to kill the Joker, he would regret it and it wouldn't do anything. Tim stayed behind to track down the footage.

They barely managed to catch up with Jason. It took them 15 minutes to calm him. Jason was already a deadly individual, but when mad? Get out of the way.

" Jason, we need to think. We need a plan of action. " Bruce has tried to explain, but Jason laughed.

" A plan of action? We need to get (Y/N) out of there! I can't let him go through what I did! I can't!" Jason yelled, before he took a deep breath.

" Jason, you need to compose yourself. I know it's difficult, but now your judgment needs to be perfect and not impaired. I know you are angry and I know you are getting flashbacks, but you have to... Shut the emotional part out. I know how it sounds, but when dealing with the Joker, you can't allow the emotions to take over. "

Jason was quiet as he listened to Bruce. As difficult it is for Jason to admit this, he knew Bruce was right. He can't allow his emotions to lead him.

" Do we have a lead? " Jason asked, trying to breathe.

" No, Tim is still looking, but we do have all known Joker's warehouses and other similar locations. We can start from there. We will split into two teams and start searching. Jason you are with me. Everyone, stay in contact. The moment you get something, call it in. "

The boys nodded, Jason simply stayed still, seething with anger and adrenaline.

" Come on Jason. " Batman prompted, walking to the edge of the building. Jason followed, still mad and angry. Nothing can calm him down. Absolutely nothing.

It has been hours and Jason was getting angrier and angrier. There hasn't been any leads in regards to (Y/N) and he was losing his mind.

" How can you be so calm? " He asked Bruce, who was calm. It irritated him beyond belief.

" I have to Jason. I can't allow myself to be guided by emotions. I can't make any mistakes. I don't... I don't want to lose him like I lost you... " Bruce admitted, looking away.

Jason was shocked by this admission.

" What? "

" I can't lose another son to Joker. I barely got over your... Kidnapping."

" Really? " Jason asked, petrified by this new piece of information.

" Yes. I searched for you just like you are searching for (Y/N). Despite what the Joker told you, I never stopped looking. "

Jason looked away, away from Bruce's eyes. He swallowed, trying not to cry. He clenched his fists and then released them.

" Hey guys, I managed to track him. Bruce and Jason are the closest to the docks. It's an old warehouse and be careful. Bring (Y/N) back. "

Jason and Bruce agreed and started moving. They are going to get him back now.

Jason paced outside of the cave medical part. Alfred wouldn't allow him to enter. They brought (Y/N) back, but he was beaten, had his nose broken and dislocated shoulder. Jason was only thankful that (Y/N) was under a lot of painkillers.

The mere process of getting (Y/N) back was rather simple. They took out Joker's goons and Jason got some revenge. He found a crowbar and while Batman was busy with freeing (Y/N), he has beaten the Joker. He didn't kill him, he just made sure he would be recovering for the next year. He smiled at the memory. It was etched into his memory.

" Masters. " Alfred said, closing the door.

" And? " Jason asked impatiently.

" He is going to be okay. I reset his nose and shoulder and gave him some stronger painkillers. He is going to be out for a while. I prepared a bed for you too master Jason. "

" Thank you Alfred. "

Jason stepped into the room, taking his shoes and jacket off. He looked at (Y/N), simply sleeping. Now he could sleep and protect (Y/N). With a last glance to (Y/N), he laid down and closed his eyes. Now everything is the way it should be.

[hypewinter]

So Barbara right?: Obviously much like Steph, much of Barbara's story happens independent of the batfam so there's nothing really to change. I'd say the only key difference is that she's moreso Jason's friend than anyone else's (you know cause it'd be fun).

It's finally Dick's time to shine: To celebrate Jason's official adoption, the Wayne's go to the new circus in town. The happy atmosphere of the night is quickly cut short by screams of terror as the flying Grayson couple falls to their deaths. Cass is the first to react, rushing over to the Grayson child and shielding him before he can see (or hear) them hit the ground. The other Wayne children are quick to follow, expertly dealing with the frightened crowd and leading them out of the tent in an orderly fashion. Bruce is the last one to take action, meeting up with Commission Gordon to detail what transpired. When all the dust has settled, the audience has left, the bodies have been taken away, and Dick Grayson is an orphan.

Naturally Bruce defaults on his trusty dusty tactic of simply becoming the boy's guardian but there's a snag this time, the state won't let him. They go on and on about how Dick is an emotional child and he needs a lot of one on one attention and he wouldn't get the proper support he needs in the manor and bla bla bla. Which would all be valid points, if the state didn't just turn around and put the poor kid in a boys home. Bruce is obviously pissed. Beyond pissed in fact. But until the courts rule in his favor, his hands are tied. You know whose hands aren't tied though? Damian's. Damian is a full scale legal adult who lives on his own and has the backing of his father (who just so happens to be one of the richest men on Earth). The state has no choice but to meekly hand the boy over.

Dick is a feral little monster. Constantly angry, constantly lashing out. He far surpasses early days Jason in sheer ferocity alone. But Damian is undeterred. He knows feral. He's seen feral. He WAS feral. This brat will not break him. Damian starts employing the methods his father used to help him deal with his emotions back in his "I just found out I'm the son of assassins and I'm so angsty" phase. Mainly the method of punching your feelings away. He gets Dick a punching bag and also trains him in every martial art/self defense method under the sun. When that proves to still not be enough, he does the next best thing, he takes Dick with him out on patrols. Dick finally starts working through all of his emotions surrounding his parents death, especially when he starts getting leads on who killed them. Eventually, he finally figures out who killed his parents and where they are and he's out for blood. He tries to sneak out but Damian is already waiting for him by the window. Dick prepares to get into a fight, only for his gear to be tossed at him with Damian already climbing out the window. He's stunned for a moment but he's also not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. So the two go to catch Tony Zucco together and the rest is history (Bruce nearly has a heart attack when he finds out Dick is Damian's sidekick. Why does no one in his family want to be normal!?).

Part 1 Part 2

[wolfjackle-creates]

Something Next to Normal Chapter 2

Chapter 1 on Tumblr

Summary:

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

Chapter 2 word count: 4.9k

Content warnings: continuation of chapter 1. Discussions around loss and grief with an undercurrent of Bruce being a bad mentor to Tim.

We switch to Alfred's POV for this one which is another first for me. Hope you enjoy!

-----

“I am glad you decided to join the play, Master Tim.”

Alfred watched out of the corner of his eye as Tim shrugged and looked out the window of the car. “Yeah.”

Alfred sighed internally and wondered how else to get through to the boy. He was so much more reserved than either Dick or Jason had ever been. Tim kept quiet and made himself unobtrusive.

He was more similar to Bruce, but even Bruce had been opinionated and passionate as a child. He never held back his opinion, scathing though it may be.

“Perhaps Master Bruce and I could see one of the performances,” tried Alfred. “I believe you said they begin next month? What dates?”

Oddly, Tim seemed to tense at the question. “Oh, um. I don’t think that’s a good idea?”

Decorum, and the fact that he was driving, kept Alfred from furrowing his brow and examining Tim more fully. “I assure you, I’d be very interested in seeing your work. I enjoy musicals, whether put on professionally or not.”

“It’s not that…” started Tim before trailing off.

“Then why do you not wish for us to go?”

“I just. We’re doing a show called Next to Normal. Do you know it?”

Alfred hummed as he thought back. The name sounded somewhat familiar, but he’d certainly never seen it or listened to the soundtrack. “I’m afraid I do not.”

“It’s about… Just. Look up the summary. You don’t want to see it. And Bruce absolutely should not see it. It’s fine. But we perform the weekend before Thanksgiving, so I’m going to need Friday and Saturday off patrol that week. And maybe some evenings the week before depending on how long rehearsals run.”

“I’ll make sure to mark it in the calendar. How was the rest of your school day?”

Tim shrugged. “Fine.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” Alfred let them fall into silence as he continued the drive to the manor. After a few minutes, Tim put in his headphones and tapped along to whatever he’d put on.

---

That night, after their patrol had ended and Tim had returned to his own house while Bruce climbed into bed, Alfred opened his computer and searched for the musical Tim had mentioned.

And realized instantly why Tim had said he and Bruce shouldn’t go. The musical was about a family struggling with the death of their son. The mother, especially, could not let the boy go.

Jason’s face danced behind his eyes as he read through the plot synopsis. “Master Jason,” he whispered. “Did you know what your death would do to this family?”

Alfred closed the page without listening to any of the songs and realized he agreed with Tim. He did not wish to see such a play. And it would be best if he did not mention anything about it to Bruce.

Besides, surely the boy’s parents would be back in town by then. It was just days before Thanksgiving after all, and they’d want to see what their son had been up to.

Mind made up, Alfred changed for bed and laid down for another restless night. One of many he’d had since Jason had been taken from them.

---

“Good night, Alfred!” called Tim as he prepared to leave the cave.

Alfred smiled at him and wished he could convince both Tim and Bruce that the boy should spend the night sometimes after patrol. He hated sending him away into the night alone. Even if he was just going next door. “Good night, Master Tim. Will your parents be worried about your late return?”

“Nah, they’re not home tonight.”

Alfred frowned. “Will they be returning tomorrow, then?”

Tim cocked his head. “I don’t think so, why?”

“To see your work for the school musical. Are they not interested in seeing what you’ve been working so diligently on this past month?”

Tim shrugged. “I mean, they are”—Alfred’s stomach sunk as he realized the boy was lying—“But work is keeping them busy. Can’t leave a dig site just to see some high school play.”

“I see.” Alfred did not see. Master Jason had been in one play, a small role as he had still been a sophomore, and Bruce had gone to all three performances the school put on. Everything else—Wayne Enterprises, the Justice League, even Batman—had been pushed to the side.

Tim, of course, didn’t know the direction of Alfred’s thoughts, and waved before leaving. Heading back to his empty house.

Once again, Alfred imagined leading him upstairs. Giving Tim a bedroom of his own and keeping him close and safe.

But then he looked over at Bruce.

Bruce was still in uniform, sitting before the bat computer. He hadn’t even looked up as Tim had left, let alone done something as cordial as say his own goodbyes.

“You could at least tell the boy ‘goodbye’ or ‘good night’ when he leaves,” scolded Alfred.

“He shouldn’t even be here. And the sooner he learns that, the better.”

“If you were more in control of yourself, perhaps he wouldn’t be here,” retorted Alfred. And the thought shot straight to his heart. Tim might not have been around long, but he’d wormed his way into their family just the same. His quiet presence in the dining room doing homework or researching cases was a balm on Alfred’s wounded heart.

Already, Alfred could not imagine life without his newest charge in it. But Tim was right, too. Bruce would not appreciate it if he spent the night.

Bruce barely wanted a Robin, he definitely wasn’t ready for another boy in the house. The odd night after Tim had received an injury on patrol was fine. But anything more permanent?

Still, Alfred couldn’t help but imagine himself bringing breakfast to a sleepy Tim who’d just come downstairs from his own bedroom. One day, perhaps, he’d be able to treat his newest charge the way he deserved.

The way his parents so clearly refused to.

Bruce had turned back to the computer screens, not interested in discussing Tim any more.

Alfred bit back a retort and retreated to his own rooms. Once more, he looked up the musical Tim’s school was putting on.

---

For the entirety of the next day, Alfred debated with himself. When he informed Bruce that he would not be making dinner that night and got in his car to drive to the school, he still wasn’t sure he’d actually make it inside the theater.

He sat as a stop light, mind still in turmoil, when the sign of a florist’s shop caught his eye. His blinker was on before he’d even finished reading the sign.

Due to Bruce’s issues, Tim hadn’t spent much time at the manor, but Alfred had gotten him to stick around a few times. Especially just before and after his European training tour. He’d come over to report to Bruce then stay for an afternoon with Alfred. The two had spent many a lovely hour in Alfred’s gardens.

Alfred pulled into the parking lot and entered the store. The attendant greeted him and asked if he required any assistance, but Alfred waved her off as he examined the premade bouquets.

The roses were proudly displayed front and center in every color. Tim had spent some time in Martha’s rose garden, but they’d never truly captured his attention the way they had Alfred’s.

In fact, one of the first questions Tim had asked had been which flowers were native and which were imported. Alfred had been almost ashamed to admit he’d planted flowers he’d loved as a child so most were of English and European descent.

Tim hadn’t said anything critical, but the hum he’d let out was as damning as any of Bruce’s.

The very next day, Alfred had asked if Tim would like to help him plan a new garden for the manor consisting solely of native plants. The boy’s eyes had lit up and he’d begun researching flower breeds on his phone immediately.

So when Alfred saw the small selection of bouquets featuring Black-Eyed Susans against a side wall, he didn’t hesitate to walk in that direction.

Only one bouquet combined the yellow of the susans with the red of coral honeysuckle and columbines. Enough greenery was mixed in with the flowers to fill it out very nicely—all native flowers in Robin’s colors.

Alfred didn’t even look at the price tag before taking it to the checkout counter.

“Oh, good choice!” said the cashier. “They’re all native flowers, you know.”

“I know,” said Alfred. “The person I’m getting them for has an appreciation for native plants over foreign ones.”

“So does Laura, the owner. She’s big into conservation and is so disappointed that people don’t tend to buy the native flowers as much.”

Alfred hummed and glanced down at his bouquet again. “Tell her she should consider labeling this the Robin Bouquet. Native flowers for a native hero, might entice more people to buy it.”

The girl’s eyes lit up. “Oh, that’s brilliant. I’ll absolutely let Laura know. Thanks!”

With a quick goodbye, Alfred resumed his trip to the school. Though he made a mental note to return to the florist in the future.

The closer he got to the school, the harder his heart beat. Would be actually be able to make it inside the building? When he pulled into a parking spot at the school, he closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Then he forced himself to let go of the steering wheel. A glance at the clock showed it was six forty-five. Fifteen minutes before the play would start. As he stared at the clock, a minute passed. Before he knew it, it was six fifty.

And so, not even ten minutes before curtain, Alfred strode into the school, bouquet clutched in his hand. Most everyone had already purchased their tickets so no one was still in line when he approached the table for one. He thanked the woman who gave it to him, but avoided interacting with anyone else.

When he entered the auditorium, he slipped into the back row. No one sat near him, to his relief.

Three minutes before seven, the lights dimmed and brightened and Alfred couldn’t help the fond smile. Tim really did take this seriously.

Then the play started.

Alfred cried. He knew he would. Dan’s song about struggling to help his wife cut deep.

But it was Natalie’s song that cut the deepest. It highlighted all his own failures in defending the newest addition to their family. Tim shouldn’t be forced to deal with Bruce’s moods, to manage him and keep him from killing himself.

When her mother told Natalie she loved her “as much as she can,” Alfred buried his face in his hands. Had they done anything to make Tim feel like anything other than a placeholder?

Alfred vowed, then and there, to take better care of the boy.

The musical continued, though. Natalie’s grief fading into Gabe’s ghost singing about how he was still alive. And Alfred couldn’t help but think of a closed door and a room that hadn’t been touched in months. Except for the times he caught Bruce sleeping in it.

Of the way Bruce’s eyes sometimes lit up if he saw Tim in the kitchen from his back, only to fall when he remembered Jason was dead. Alfred had only allowed it to happen twice before he started encouraging Tim to work anywhere but the kitchen.

By the time the musical had finished, Alfred’s handkerchief was wet with his tears. He kept his seat as the auditorium emptied around him before grabbing the flowers again and looking around for where the lighting office might be.

Which is when he saw a door only a few rows away open and Tim stepped out.

“Master Tim,” he called.

Tim stilled before turning to him slowly. “Alfred? What are you doing here?”

Alfred approached him and held out the flowers. “Because you have spent a month learning a new skill, and I wished to see you exhibit it. Excellent job, my boy. You did very well.”

Hesitantly, Tim reached out to take the flowers. “These are for me?”

“Of course. Flowers are traditional after a performance, are they not? And I remember you enjoyed these from our discussions this past summer.”

Tim seemed to notice what the flowers were for the first time. “Wait, these are black-eyed susans. And coral honeysuckle.”

“And columbines. All native flowers. And I thought the colors apropos.”

“Apro— what? What does that word mean?”

“It means fitting. That they are suitable to the current situation or conversation in some way.”

Tim nodded, but still didn’t look up from the flowers.

“Are you hungry? I know of an excellent diner nearby if you’d like to grab something with me. I must admit, I did not have dinner before leaving this evening.”

“Don’t you have to get back to the manor?”

Alfred sniffed. “I do believe Master Bruce can handle himself for one night. Tonight is about your achievements and I would like to celebrate them.”

Tim finally looked up at him, but the poor boy looked so confused. “I wasn’t on the stage. I really didn’t do that much.”

“My boy, without your work, we would not have been able to see anything that was done on that stage. Your contributions were vital to the experience.”

Alfred bit back a smile at the way Tim blushed and kicked the floor in embarrassment. “Thanks, Alfred.”

“Of course, Master Tim. Now, will you allow me to treat you to a late night dinner?”

“I— Okay. Yeah. That sounds nice. I just need to say bye to Mrs. V and return the key for the lighting room.”

“Very well. Take as long as you need; the diner is open twenty-four hours.”

Tim had Alfred wait with the flowers at the entrance to a hallway that led deeper into the school while he ran off to take care of everything he had to.

As soon has he returned, he shyly took the flowers back from Alfred. “Thanks again. You didn’t have to come. I hope the show wasn’t too awful for you.”

Alfred clicked his tongue and waved a hand dismissively. “Indeed not. I will admit it was a difficult show to watch at times, but I do believe it helped me realize a few things I had been neglecting. What was it Diana sang in the last song? I don’t have to be happy to be happy I came.”

Tim examined him for a moment, perhaps trying to see if he was lying. But after a moment, he nodded. “Okay. If you’re sure?”

Alfred wrapped an arm around Tim’s shoulders. “Indeed I am. Now come, let us get dinner.”

They sat in a corner booth, the diner nearly empty at this time of night. Tim was avidly reading every entry in the menu, biting his lip in concentration as he considered.

“Order whatever you like, Master Tim,” said Alfred, afraid Tim was trying to make a decision based on what would please Alfred rather than himself. “After all, tonight we are celebrating your achievements.”

“Oh?” broke in the voice of their waitress as she set two waters down on the table. “What are we celebrating tonight?”

Alfred smiled proudly at Tim. “This young man managed to learn how to operate the lighting equipment in his school’s auditorium in just one month so they could actually perform the musical. The previous student had to transfer suddenly, so he only had a week of training at that. And, as someone who has seen a number of professional performances, he did a wonderful job.”

“In just a month? You must be a very bright boy,” commented the waitress.

Alfred bit back a smile at how red Tim had turned as he mumbled his thanks and buried his face further into his menu.

“Well, I’ll give you boys a bit more time with the menus. But if you’re celebrating, I’ll let you know we’ve got some fantastic pancakes. Or, if you’re not interested in breakfast foods this late at night, our fried chicken sandwich is always a favorite.”

“Thank you, Ma’am,” replied Alfred. “We will certainly take your recommendations under advisement.”

Tim waited until she’d left before asking, “What should I order?”

Alfred frowned. “Why, whatever you want, Master Tim.”

“But my diet? To keep up with, you know.”

Alfred clicked his tongue. “My boy, celebrations are chances to break any diet. You may order whatever you like, however much sugar or fat it may contain. I will happily pay for anything on this menu.”

Tim raised an eyebrow at him. “Even if I only order dessert?” he challenged.

“Even if you only order dessert,” agreed Alfred.

Tim hummed and looked over his menu again. “All right.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes until the waitress returned to take their oder. Alfred ordered the chicken parmesan. He bit back a smile when Tim ended up going for the pancakes, covered in fruit and whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

When they were alone, Alfred asked, “Master Tim, I must ask, what is your favorite song from the show?”

Tim froze. “Oh, um. I don’t know. Why do you ask?”

“Because I am curious. For myself, I don’t know if I have a favorite song, however, Dan’s song after Diana’s suicide attempt touched me deeply.”

“That one’s called ‘I’ve Been.’ Did you really like it?”

“Indeed. The young man who played Dan did a wonderful job of conveying his character’s devastation to the audience.” Though Alfred thought even if the boy hadn’t been a talented actor, he still would have failed to make it through the song without more tears.

Alfred could truly empathize with a person who continually pushed aside their own needs to help someone who was hurting more openly and destructively.

Tim grabbed his drink and took a long sip. “I… It was ‘Superboy and the Invisible Girl’ for me.”

Alfred’s stomach sank and he resisted the impulse to close his eyes in regret. Of course Tim related so strongly to Natalie. He’d seen the parallels himself while watching. They’d truly been ignoring Tim in favor of Bruce for the entire time the boy had been in their lives. “We truly do not deserve you, Master Tim.”

“What are you talking about, Alfred? You’ve been great.” He grinned, excitement clear, even if there was an undercurrent of confusion still lingering. “I still can’t believe you came tonight. I’ve never had someone come to my events before!”

And Alfred had to smile even as he felt his heart breaking. He vowed then and there that he would make more of an effort for Tim. “I wish I could have brought Master Bruce.”

But Tim just waved him off. “Oh, God no. That would’ve been a disaster! He’s been almost calm this past week. Only two hospitalizations. Seeing Next to Normal would’ve sent him spiraling again.”

Alfred wished he could refute the claim, but Tim was correct in his assessment. “And Master Bruce should be able to put his grief aside to support you the way you deserve. I am glad I was able to be there for you.”

Tim’s brows furrowed again. “I’m not his kid, though. He’s supposed to supervise my training, but that doesn’t include going to silly school plays or anything.”

“After everything you have done for him, both in and out of the suit, he should be doing the bare minimum to express an interest in your life. Has he even asked you a single question about the show?”

Tim shrugged and looked down. “He asked to know when and how rehearsals and performances would affect my nighttime availability.”

Alfred pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course he did. Well, let me offer my sincerest apologies on his behalf.”

“But why does it matter? I would’ve lied if he’d asked. Not like I’d actually tell him anything about the musical.”

“Be that as it may, he owed it to you to at least ask. And I shall be having words with him.”

“No! You can’t!” protested Tim, eyes wide with panic. “He’ll hate that.”

A creeping fear made it’s way up Alfred’s spine. “And what do you believe the consequences will be?”

Tim shrugged and didn’t say anything.

“Master— Chum. Please. What do you think Bruce will do should I speak to him?”

“He’s not going to do anything,” said Tim. Alfred couldn’t help but fear he was lying. “He’ll just start paying more attention and be harder on patrol. And things are going well right now.”

“How will he be harder on patrol?”

Tim shrugged again. “He won’t slow down so I can keep up. Then he’ll be mad I fell behind. He’ll keep a much closer eye on me and notice more of my mistakes. And I’m trying. But I know I’m not as good as J— as his previous protégés. So I keep not measuring up.”

The pit in Alfred’s stomach grew. How had he failed another boy so badly? Tim should not be worried about measuring up to Jason or Dick. He wasn’t them. And he was twice the detective either of them were, far more patient on stake-outs and he picked up on details both of them would have missed. “Listen to me, chum. If Master Bruce ever acts like that again, I want you to tell me. Immediately. Understood?”

Tim looked up in surprise. “What? Why?”

Alfred took a steadying breath. He did not want his anger to come out at all. Tim would likely not understand it wasn’t directed towards him. “Because Master Bruce should know better. You are doing a phenomenal job and I can only offer my most sincere apologies for not ensuring you knew that sooner.”

Before Tim could reply, their waitress returned with their food. “Anything else I can help you boys with?”

Alfred smiled at her. “I believe we are both quite satisfied, thank you. Everything looks positively delightful.”

She nodded and left.

“Why— why are you bringing this up now?” asked Tim after he’d taken a few bites.

“Because, my boy, I have been remiss in my duties.”

Tim shook his head vehemently. “No! You’ve been perfect.”

“Indeed I have not been. I love you, Tim. And I have done a rather poor job of showing you that.”

Tim’s fork fell from his hand and he stared at Alfred in open shock. “You— What?”

Alfred got out of his seat and knelt on the floor next to Tim’s side of the booth. He took Tim’s hand in his and smiled sadly up at the boy. “You came to me during my darkest hour and were a ray of light I could cling to. Tonight, I was confronted with my failures. I cannot change the past, but I swear to you, I will do better going forward. I love you, chum. No ‘as much as I can.’ Just, I love you. End of.”

For a moment, there was stillness between them as Tim stared at Alfred wide-eyed. But then his boy was barreling forward and sobbing into his chest. Alfred wrapped his arms tightly around Tim and held him close.

“Shh, my boy. It’s all right.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Alfred noticed the waitress approach. She mouthed, “Is he okay?” at Alfred.

Tim wasn’t, of course. None of them were okay, but he smiled wanly and mouthed back, “He will be.”

She nodded and silently backed away, leaving the two of them on the floor in the corner of the diner.

Alfred didn’t know what else to say to Tim. He’d never been skilled at comforting grieving boys, no matter how much practice he’d gotten over his long life. After a few moments, though, he became aware that mixed in Tim’s sobs were choked off apologies.

Alfred brushed a hand through Tim’s hair. “There is no occasion to apologize, my boy. Take as long as you need; I won’t leave you.”

Despite Alfred’s assurances, it wasn’t long before Tim stopped crying and was pulling away. He rubbed his eyes against his sleeve and stared at the ground. “Sorry to ruin dinner.”

Alfred clicked his tongue. “The food is still here. Mine even appears to still be warm. You have ruined nothing, my boy.”

Tim shrugged and climbed back into his side of their booth. Alfred bit back a sigh as he took his own seat.

They’d both sat in silence for a minute when the waitress bustled back over with a pitcher of water to top off their glasses. “Anything else I can get you both?”

Alfred declined. Tim looked down, though, and said, “I’m sorry for causing a scene, Ma’am.”

She tutted at him. “None of that now. You’re hardly the first person to cry in this diner, won’t be the last. Why, just the other week, I had a woman cry on me about her ex there at the counter.”

Tim stared at his hands and nodded, but didn’t say anything.

Their waitress hummed. “You know, though, we do have one rule.”

Tim’s eyes were wide as he looked up at her in alarm. Hesitantly, he asked, “What’s that?”

“If you cry, you get a free milkshake. So, what’s your poison, kiddo?”

Tim blinked in surprise. “What?”

Alfred smiled at the waitress gratefully, then nudged Tim’s foot under the table. “Looks like you’re getting even more sugar tonight. What milkshake do you want? I believe they have quite the selection.”

“Sure do. Obviously we have the three standard: chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. But there’s also mint, butterscotch, rocky road, black cherry. Or you can mix and match. My son loves chocolate mint.”

“Um, could I mix chocolate and strawberry, please?” asked Tim.

“Course, kiddo. Be right back.”

“Now, Master Tim,” said Alfred. He waited to continue until Tim was looking at him. “I believe you said your parents will not be back yet tonight.”

Tim shook his head. “No. They’re coming back Tuesday.”

Well, at least Tuesday was before Thanksgiving rather than after. “In that case, I must insist you come back to the manor with me tonight. I should much prefer to have you close.”

Tim’s eyes widened, and he vehemently shook his head. “I couldn’t! Bruce would be so mad.”

Alfred didn’t let his anger as his charge show. “I understand you concern. However, I did not mean that I would bring you to a room down the hall from Master Bruce where he should see you should you need to use the lavatory in the middle of the night or some such.”

“What?”

“I have a suite of rooms reserved for my own use. Master Bruce does not enter without permission and I am permitted to bring anyone I wish or do anything I wish to them. I have a second bedroom in my suite. If you will take it, it is yours.”

“Bruce really doesn’t go there?”

“Not once in his life has he come by without my express permission.”

Before Tim could answer, the waitress returned with his milkshake. “Everyone feeling better now?”

Tim smiled at her as he took it, his face picture-perfect in a way that must have been trained into him. “I am. Thank you for your concern.”

She laughed. “Such a serious boy! You just take care now, okay?” Then she turned to Alfred. “And you look out for him.”

“I intend to, Ma’am.”

“Very good. Then I’ll leave you boys to it.”

Tim took a sip of his milkshake as the waitress left. Once they were alone again, Tim asked, “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want you there, chum. I really will feel much better if I know you have a place in the manor you feel comfortable. And if you cannot feel that way with Bruce, I want you to feel that way with me.”

Tim stared at him a long moment, likely trying to detect any deceit in Alfred’s face. Whatever he saw must’ve satisfied him, because eventually Tim nodded. “Okay. I’d be happy to go home with you.”

Alfred couldn’t have stopped his smile if he’d tried. “Excellent! Currently, the furnishings are rather utilitarian. However, perhaps next weekend you and I can go out and purchase some things so that you might feel more comfortable.”

And back was that heartbreaking, wide-eyed stare. “You don’t have to go to any trouble for me, Alfred. I’m sure it’s just fine.”

“Nonsense. I want you to stay which means you must be comfortable. At the very least, you’ll want bedding that does not look like it was chosen by an old man. And I’m sure there’s some movie or band who’s poster you’d like to hang on your wall.”

It took all of Alfred’s skills, but he did get Tim to confirm his favorite colors at the very least. And he spent the rest of their meal discussing furniture options with his boy.

When they’d finished eating, down to the last sip of Tim’s milkshake, Alfred stood and held out his hand. “Let’s go home.”

And Tim grinned shyly up at him and took his hand.

-----

When I asked my friend @greensword101 to beta for me, he messaged me after reading that I did such a good job with the meaning behind the bouquet. I was surprised because I literally picked the flowers out based of their colors from a list of native Jersey flowers that @flipwizardstarlight (edit: fixed your username. Originally copied over your AO3 name by mistake) found. But, uh, he was right.

Black-Eyed Susans: In Native American folklore, the flower is regarded as a symbol of justice and truth. It is believed that the bright yellow and black petals of the flower represent the sun and the judgment of truth. Additionally, this flower is also considered a symbol of protection and can help ward off negative energy [source]. From another site: these flowers are considered a symbol of encouragement to stay strong and persevere during difficult times. They represent the idea of resilience and the ability to overcome obstacles [source].

And how perfect is that for Robin and Tim's Robin specifically? Totally unintentional.

The line from the musical that Alfred paraphrases actually goes, "And you find out you don't have to be happy at all,/ To be happy you're alive."

Which, just. Ouch.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

[arcticwolfpaws]

Gotham's light chap 2

Bruce's P.O.V

As we pulled into the drive way I was disappointed that he hadn’t spoken up or told us anything about his family. With a breath I tried to ask him again.

“Do you know were you live?” It was quiet for a long moment, With a heavy sigh he spoke.

“Normally I stay with Mr Wilson, but he’s away… I don’t like the fake you.” He mumbled, It wasn’t much but it was something.

“Is Mr Wilson your father?” I asked and he shook his head no, as we got read to get out I handed him a pair of son glasses. He’d paused for a long moment before taking the glasses and speaking again.

“Oh… um thanks.” I gave him a softly smile before I lead him inside, As I stepped out behind him I expected a comment on the manor that never came. It dawned on me that he might not be able to see well. I took a breath and decided that I was going to ask, I’d just set up an optometrist appointment. I led him in to the kitchen and was about to speak again when Jason walked in and spoke.

“Oh, Hey.” He chirped as he picked up an apple and took a bite. Before walking up and holding his hand out to him.

“I’m Jason, I don’t think we’ve ever spoken.” Faraj looked hesitant but slowly took his hand and shook it, he looked away and didn’t make eye contact as he spoke softly.

“I’m Faraj.” Jason glanced at me and I gave him a small smile and nodded telling him he was alright to leave, Jason didn’t need anything to be said as he left leaving me to speak to him alone.

“So If you’ll let my I’d like to take some blood and see if I can find your family.” I told him he frowned at me and let out a puff of hair.

“I don’t know my parents, Mr Wilson always took care of me.” My heart sank a little as he said that I couldn’t help but wounder if maybe this Wilson fellow might have been a rich uncle that took him in and if that was the case then even knowing who his parent’s were could help.

“I might be able to find Mr Wilson if I know who your family is.” Keeping my tone gentle he slowly nodded, smiling softly Alfred walked in, as always he was a step a head of me and had the needle I needed. I didn’t have to ask Faraj to lifted his shirt as he already had and I decided that It was best to try and distract him to keep him calm.

“So? How old are you?” I asked wanting to keep him talking,

“Eleven, I’ll be twelve in December.” He told me, I smiled softly. I wasn’t to far off in my estimate of his age, I nodded as I finished before looking to Alfred as I spoke

"Alfred could you show him his room and make sure he's ready for dinner?" I asked him and he nodded. walking up to Faraj and gently placing a hand on the boy's back before guiding him off, I was glad to see that he didn't flinch at someone he didn't know well touching him that at least I hopped meant there was no physical abuse. Jason poked his head in the the kitchen as Alfred walked past with Faraj he waited until the two were out of ear shot.

"I thought you didn't like meta humans." I gave him a soft smile there was no telling who all thought that his albinism was a meta-human trait.

"Not really, at least not so long as they are in my city but he isn't a meta-human, He's just albino. A mutation yes but it’s nothing like the abilitys gained from being meta-human ."I noticed how closely Jason listened when I explained it.

“Is there a book on it I can read?” He asked his blue eyes shining, I nodded.

“More or less, there’s some medical journals in the library. One of them sho-” He ran off before I could finish what I was saying. I smiled to myself, when I found him I really had been worried that he wouldn’t handle the change well, but after only six months he was doing so well.

🦇🦇🦇🦇

That night after dinner I entered the Batcave with the small vile of blood in my hands made my way to the bat computer quickly as I wanted this boy to be able to go home as soon as possible. Placing the vile in the receptacle, before starting the D.N.A analysis, I had to admit it was an after thought when I started a drug test. I opened the latest case file on Mr. freeze, it was less because of anything he had done and more because of how I’d found his lab the last time I had gone to check on him.

I was looking over the video of his lab the lack of his presents, I had Batgirl keeping an eye on the lab for the moment and I’d be checking back in tonight. As I was about to get up and leave the Batcomputer chirped telling me the D.N.A test had finished as I switched to the tab with it I nearly choked, having to sit down again. No, No, No that couldn’t be right I ran it again and went to check his Drug test.

My gut was twisting as I had new questions in my mind. But I forced myself to take a deep breath as read the results finding that he had the same sedative in his system as I’d seen used at Arkham to keep patients calm and more suggestible. That gave me a bad feeling as I looked over it. Why would he need to be kept calm or suggestible?

The results came back again and I found my frown growing I ran it one more time just to be sure before I started comb through security footage from 11 years ago roughly 9 months before Faraj would have been born. The only major event was the spring Gala I’d hosted but that also meant I had all the needed security tapes, I put Talia’s face in and had the bat computer scan the footage, it picked up on her face at the front door before, I was informed of the final results.

Grandmother Grandfather Grandmother Grandfather

Unknown Ra’s Al Ghoul Martha Kane (Wayne) Thomas Wayne

Mother Father

Talia Al ghoul Bruce Wayne

Child

Unknown sample

I took a deep but admittedly shaky breathe, I didn’t know who Mr Wilson was but it didn’t matter any more, there wasn’t a chance in hell I was going to let anyone take my son. Especially not someone who got him mauled and half blinded. I stared up at the screen my fingers inter locked as I looked up at it. I heard Alfred come in but honestly I didn’t know how I’d explain it to him much less Faraj.

“Oh Master bruce yo-” I flinched and spun around when I heard what sounded like a serving tray full of glass drop. I hadn’t been wrong on had fallen,

“Alfred are you-” He cut me off.

“Is that from… Is he? Ours?” His tone was full of disbelief and I felt my mouth dry up, As I nodded before standing up to help him clean up.

“I don’t know how to tell him.” I said softly and Alfred took a deep breath, As he to started to help me pick.

“We’ll think of something. And I’ll ensure he has a room set up.” I nodded at his words and once the largest pieces of glass were set on the try I brought up another concern.

“How do we bring this up to Jason and dick? I don’t think jason will take it badly but Dick already isn’t thrilled with Jason.” I voiced and Alfred set his hand on my shoulder.

“We’ll do our best to keep things smooth.” He stated firmly, I nodded taking a deep breath before letting it out and running a hand through my hair. Right now I needed to figure out how to tell my boys.

I started with dick and as the phone rang and I was starting to think Dick wasn't going to pick up when he suddenly did.

"B? What's up?" He asked sounding winded causing me to worry about him for a moment I had to take a moment to remind myself that I needed to let him take care of himself.

"Hey... I think you might want to come home next weekend." I said I heard his annoyed sigh, and knew he was about to tell me why he didn't need babied.

"I have a son." I stated stopping him before he could start and the line was quiet for a long moment before he spoke again,

"you... you don't mean that Jason kid do you?" He asked and I took a deep breath knowing fully well the questions he was going to ask.

"No, I don't." there was a long pause as I heard him take a deep breath.

"Do I want to know?" He asked and I glanced back at the bat computer and the results still displayed on it. I knew the question was likely rhetorical but...

"No probably not, but to boil it down D.N.A test says he's mine and he's albnitstic and No I have no intentions of making him a robin... he's got enough on his plate without me doing that." I stated firmly and Dick was quiet for a long moment before he spoke again sounding exasperated.

"Have you told him yet?" He asked and I shook my head no before remembering that I was on the phone and that Dick couldn't see me.

"No I haven't even told Jason yet." admitting that had left Dick quiet for a long moment, I was worried how he was going to react but with how calm he'd been I was starting to think this was actually going okay.

"Does Alfred know?" I was pleased that for the moment we were sticking to the easy questions though I was sure harder ones would likely come in person.

"Yes, he was the first to be aware of the... development." it was quiet again. I could hear the wind whooshing past the cell phone's microphone. shoes on gravel then he spoke.

"So... I know you B you aren't just going to leave him on the streets and from the sounds of it you don't really like his mom. So he won’t be going back to her, meaning I should get use to seeing him." he stated

"Right." I stated firmly. "Alright...I uhh I need to go work and all that." He sounded distracted as he spoke leaving me more worried then before I had to remind myself that he was capable of handling himself. With a breath I headed out of the cave and up stairs nearly running in to Jason I spoke softly.

"Whoa there Jay bird we need to talk," He looked up at me worried his smile falling as I realized that I need to explain quickly.

"Faraj's going to be staying with us from now on... he'll be your new brother." He paused for a moment, before grinning.

"So we get to keep the kid who broke someone's nose?" he asked and I nodded slowly after a moment he frowned again.

"I don't have to give up being robin do I?" He asked and I gave him a small smile going to brush his hair way from his eyes before speaking.

"No, I have no intention of bringing him in to crime fighting he's going to run in to enough problems as is, I don't want to add to the presser." I told him and he nodded hard enough I had to wonder how he hadn't made himself dizzy.

"Don't say anything to Faraj just yet... I don't want him to get suspicion" I told him he grinned.

"Alright!" He chirped and headed past me to the cave. I breathed to myself before shaking my head and following him down.

Stay tuned for the next chapter in Faraj's prospective

I want to give proper credit to my bff for the Art of farja so thank you afewbirds

[the-broken-truth]

Broken-Style Remix: Platonic Yandere Bruce Wayne + Bat-Family & Dakota Blake (Part 6 - 2)

SUBTITLE: JASON MEETS THE BLAKES

Summary: Jason Todd spends the day with Dakota Blake - Bruce's Daughter & First Born - and the Blake Family. What happens when he feels attached to a family that acts like a family?

[Blake Bakery - About 30 Minutes After Meeting At Amira's Armory]

Jason looked around the bakery - the same bakery Damian has been scouting to find out more about Dakota - but this time, he was a welcomed guest; invited by the one that Bruce and Damian have been obsessing over for the past few weeks. His green eyes watched as Dakota talked with her Aunt Rani as the woman held out a small silver platter with 4 plates on it: 2 holding muffins and the remaining 2 holding cups of coffee. Dakota smiled at her aunt before turning away with the platter in her hands and walking back to the table where Jason was sitting. Dakota placed the platter on the table before sliding into her tall chair beside Jason, who was looking at his phone for a while before pocketing it to give Dakota his full attention.

"I could have paid for my own muffin and coffee, ya know." Jason said as he reached for his coffee, looping two fingers through the loop and bringing it to his lips to take a sip - it was delicious. There was a hint of vanilla that hit Jason's tongue and it made him lowly moan in pleasure.

"Trust me, I'm sure you can pay for your muffin and coffee but my aunt Rani refuses to charge any company of mine with any kind of purchase. Says it's her Family and Friends' Discount." Dakota says as she breaks a piece of her muffin off and plops it in her mouth before chewing slowly. Dakota was going to break off another piece when her phone began vibrating and she pulled it out of her pocket - she looked at the screen and groaned before typing something on the phone's screen and pocketing the phone again before exhaling in exhaustion.

"Everything alright, Dakota?" Jason asked as he raised an eyebrow at the girl, who looked at him with her tired blue eyes - The Eyes of Bruce Wayne.

"My Mother just texted me that Bruce came to our house and demanded that my mother signs her paternal rights over to him by offering her a lot of money, but she told me to fuck off." Dakota said, this caused Jason to widen his eyes as he heard what she said - Bruce would go that far to separate a daughter from her mother?

"Damn, Wayne is going that far to get you under his wing? That must be stressful." Jason said.

"You have not the slightest clue, Jason. I sometimes wish that I didn't go do that Blood Work, but I needed to make sure I didn't have any blood diseases or complications." Dakota said as she ran her hand through her hair, exhaling with a sigh. Jason looked at the girl with sadness in his eyes - for someone so normal to suddenly find out their Bruce Wayne's Kid and wants nothing to do with him or his son but is being forced to deal with them was too much. He may have been one of the Wayne Family Members, but he didn't have the blood or the name to himself so he didn't understand what Dakota was going through - Poor Girl.

"'Kota!" The sound of a rather deep-voiced man caused Jason to look up from his daydreaming at the man that was coming toward them - Jason has seen this man before, Damian had a whole War Wall dedicated to him as a target: Tobias Blake, Dakota's Uncle, and her Father Figure, along with her other uncle, Ivan Blake.

"Hey, Uncle Tobias! What can I do for you today?" Dakota asked with a smile, something about this male made her happier than she was before; well, Jason kinda expected that considering this man along with Ivan raised her into the young girl she was today. Jason watched their lips move as the conversation went on until Tobias looked in Jason's Direction and asked Dakota who he was.

"Oh. Uncle Tobias, meet Jason Todd. A new friend of mine. We met at Auntie Amira's Shooting Range and he agreed to hang out with me today." Dakota explained as she looked at Jason with a smile but Jason was looking at her with wide eyes, A Friend? Dakota thought of him as a friend?

"Well, any friends of 'Kota are welcomed here and at my shop." Tobias said with a smile.

"Your Shop, sir?" Jason asked with a raised eyebrow.

"My uncles run a hunting shop - well, the shop mainly belongs to Uncle Tobias, Uncle Ivan is a Lawyer but he co-owns the shop with Uncle Tobias. They've owned the shop since before I was even a thought, then Uncle Ivan ran the shop when Uncle Tobias went into the service." Dakota explained in detail. Jason looked at Tobias' nodding head as Dakota explained the story - a Military Man who worked in a Hunting Shop… Why does that seem familiar somehow?

"Tell me, son, your late name is Todd, right? Where are your parents?" Tobias asked but Jason looked at the table with sadness in his eyes,

"My Parents are no longer with me. I…I live alone but I have a decent job and survive. I went to the shooting range today because I had a rough day at work yesterday and needed to blow off some steam." Jason said - it wasn't completely a lie but he knew that if he told Dakota that he was part of the family that was trying to take her away from her family, she would never talk to him again. And why did it feel good when Tobias called him 'son'?

"Damn. That sucks, Jason. Sorry to hear that but I'm sure that you will find a family that gives you what you need and want." Dakota said with a smile as she placed a hand on his shoulder, making him look at Dakota, then Tobias, and lastly at Rani before he remembered Amira's smiling face.

'I think I already have, Dakota. I think I already have.' Jason thought with a smile on his face. He made up his mind at that moment, he was going to keep Bruce and Damian away from Dakota and the Blake Family and if he played his cards right - he was going to be Jason Blake.

[klbwriting]

The Jason Todd Anomaly

Chapter 2: Just Wanted a Coffee and a Donut

Pairing: Jason Todd/female reader

Fandom: Jason Todd, Bat Family, Red Hood

Warnings: none except foul mouths

Summary: Jason and Y/N meet again and yet again can’t seem to keep calm

Chapter 1

Y/N pulled her dark red hair up after her shower and shoved her gym clothes into her duffel bag.  She hated that the only good gym was in Red Hood's territory, but she needed to work out her annoyance at being interrupted the previous night so she had just put in an early morning lifting and boxing session and now she was starving.  She slid on her hoodie, being completely enveloped by the material, next came the ski cap, folded up so no one could see the holes for her eyes and mouth she had added and off she went.  

The diner was nearly empty, typical for 9AM on a weekday.  Even with the city cut up to ribbons by criminals capitalism still ran the world and people needed to work.  The waitress just motioned around the room, not caring where she sat so she took a seat at the counter.  She barely glanced over as four men walked in and sat at the booth behind her.  

"Going to have to ask you to leave," the waitress said suddenly.  Y/N looked confused.

"Why?" she asked.  The guys at the booth looked over.  Y/N knew she recognized them from somewhere but she couldn't figure out where from.  They were watching her, the one nearest was eyeing her particularly hard.

"The Wayne family needs some time," the waitress said, looking nervously at the men.  Then it clicked.  These guys were Bruce Wayne's adopted kids.  They had been on TV in recent months mourning the loss of their father.  He'd disappeared almost a year ago and they were gearing up for some memorial.  She tried to check off who was who in her head.  She only really knew two of the men, near the window, Dick, white, tall, blonde hair and blue eyes, looking every inch the heartthrob, a clear heir to the playboy throne and across from him was Damian Wayne, the only actual legitimate son of Bruce, she only knew that his mother was from the middle east and he was often portrayed as a snotty, privileged bastard, however, she sensed that was due to xenophobia since he looked like a normal teenager.  He had dark hair in a small ponytail, dark eyes, nothing about him screamed brat.  The other two of Bruce's sons she couldn't recognize but she studied their features all the same.  Next to Dick was a black man, brown eyes, dark hair cut close to his head, he was looking at his phone as if he didn't have a care in the world, and the one eyeing her with dark, annoyed eyes, was Asian, with dark hair that fell into his face in a way that she couldn't deny, was pretty hot.  She took stock of the situation, deciding that a fight wasn't what she wanted right now.  She just wanted coffee and a donut, and she was getting it.  

"Can I at least get some coffee and a donut to go?" she asked, her stomach rumbling out loud for effect.  The waitress threw a glance to the men.  The annoyed, yet hot one, stood.

"She said you had to leave," he said.  Y/N turned to him, trying to remember which one this was.  Joey?  Maybe.

"Listen here...Joey is it?"

"Jason..." "Alright, Jason, you don't own the diner, or the neighborhood, so I'm not sure why you and your little band of misfit toys needs the whole place, but I will leave as soon as I get some coffee and a fucking donut, so please, sit down and be patient," she said.  Jason looked back at the other Robins, all of them smirking.  Of course these assholes would like watching someone try to chew him out.  He glared at this girl.  

"What's your name?" he asked.  Y/N gave him a confused look.  Why did he want her name?

"Y/N," she answered, trying to not give too much away.  Jason nodded, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment.  

"You're funny, you know I do own the diner, birthday present from Bruce, I love the pancakes here, so no you can't have the coffee or the donut..."

"O come  on Jason, just let her get her food and go, I'm bored of sitting here watching you two argue," Tim said, glancing up from his phone.  Jason turned and glared at him but he was unfazed, already back to his phone.  Jason looked at Y/N and then the waitress.

"Fine..." he grumbled.  The waitress quickly filled a cup with coffee and handed Y/N a bag with a donut in it.  The girl took them and glared at Jason, fumbling for her wallet.  Tim stood up and walked over, pulling out some cash.  

"Let me, to apologize for how insensitive my brother here is," he said, putting the dollars on the counter for Y/N.  She threw him a small smile before sending Jason one last glare and stalking out of the diner.  What a dick.  That other one, Tom maybe? He was alright.  She took a sip of coffee and headed off to get home and get ready for her own shift in Gotham PD's records room.  

"What the hell was that?" Jason said, sitting back down at the table.  Tim just shrugged with a laugh.

"Anyone who can bother you that much deserves something nice," he said.  Dick chuckled a little while Damian looked bored.

"Can we get on with this?" he asked, clearly not wanting to be there.  Dena, the waitress, knew exactly what to bring to everyone, and she knew to disappear after she was finished.  

"Alright, so this dumbass last night, they had smoke bombs and I noticed a really badly done utility belt," Jason said.  "Also, a ski mask with holes cut out of the eyes and mouth like she robbing a gas station."  The others listened, exchanging looks with each other.  "What?"

"How did you know she was a she?" Dick asked.  Jason scowled.

"Because I am observant, and her hair was sticking out of the hat," Jason said, making sure not to turn red at all.  The only people who could embarrass him all had to be at this table right now.  He couldn't wait to be done with this shit.  He hurriedly started talking again so they wouldn't ask any questions about what he observed of this new vigilante, explaining what had happened again, emphasizing that this new person was definitely not a professional.  Someone hadn't flown in from another city to try and help and they didn't seem to be trying to carve out some territory, just trying to fuck shit up for Penguin.  

"So they're someone from inside Gotham," Dick said.  Jason nodded.  "And since they have some training as you said they're probably not living in one of the criminal territories, someone would have recruited them into their gang already, or killed them."

"Yes, so that just leaves everyone in the Safe Zone, possibly someone underground in my territory, I don't keep too many tabs unless they're a threat and while she had training this chick is no threat to me."  The others rolled their eyes, tossing cash onto the table to pay for breakfast.  They knew better than to think Jason would do that.  He stood up, leaving the diner first after telling them to call him if this girl showed up for any of them.

Y/N stayed away from the border of the Red Hood territory for a few days, not wanting to possibly run into the Wayne 4 again, but she needed to get a good training session in and she hated the Gotham PD gym.  Back before the Robins had gotten control of the precinct the place had been ransacked and they stole pretty much all they could carry, the department gym only had a couple treadmills and a single upper body machine, it was a shame, she remembered when it had been nice back when she wasn't pulling 12 hour shifts filing paperwork and running errands for the commissioner.  The only plus side to Gotham being a mess was she could do as she pleased most of the time, as long as the paperwork was filed and any requests she had were completed so here she was, 1 the in the afternoon and ready for a boxing session.  

"Ok Y/N, I want you to be ready for anything, so keep those hands up and just throw fists.  You try to think first out in the streets you're dead, hit first, ask questions later," he trainer, Marco, said, holding up the pad.  Y/N threw her combos, making sure to stay strong and keep her thumb tucked.  Marco was moving around, getting her to move with him, create some agility in her feet when he stopped, looking behind her.  Y/N had already been extending her hand so when she turned the punch finished, taking out the guy standing on the apron of the ring.  

Jason felt the hit from the glove and in surprise, he was knocked off the apron, landing on his feet on the floor.  He touched his cheek where the punch had connected, not finding any blood but knowing it would probably bruise later.  He glared and looked at the person throwing hands.  She removed the headgear and it was that Y/N girl again.  

"What the fuck are you doing here?" he asked, ignoring the laugh from the other Robins behind him.  Of course the one day a week they got together to train and this girl had to be around.  She looked sorry for a moment before getting annoyed.

"Well, you should know better than to try to get in the ring when someone is training.  I know you were rich and all but didn't Bruce Wayne teach you any patience?" she asked, removing the gloves and starting to untape her hands.  He noticed the calluses and cuts, like she fought more then just in the ring, looking back up at her he could see in her eyes that she was stubborn, relentless.  He almost liked her eyes.  

"We have the gym booked for the next hour, please leave, now" he said, sitting on the rope so she could get out.  Y/N looked at the rope, at Jason, and then laid down, rolling out of the ring like it was a wrestling show.  He rolled his eyes.  She headed towards the locker room, glancing back at them.  Tim gave her a wave and she smiled and waved back at him before going into the locker room.  For some reason Jason wanted to punch Tim harder than ever before so that day he trained against him mostly, being more aggressive than normal.  

[dpmultibitches]

Talia Al Ghul

Obviously things can vary to fit plots, the info I'm writing mainly fits in with my fic and my info for Danny but can be altered to an extent timeline wise and such. Also she has been effected by proximity to the pit along with how much her father had used them before she was conceived and ages a bit slow & I kinda picked and chose pieces from the various stories we have about her

Talia Al Ghul was born around 1950 to a woman born into the league who had caught the eye of the Great Ra's Al Ghul, Melisande was killed when Talia was an infant by a former ally of Ra's named Qayin. After her death the guard who had been charged with protecting his child was killed for their failure and a price was put on Qayin's capture or death. After the lose of her Mother Talia was raised by a combination of teachers and her father, as she got older and her skill became more obvious? Her father became a more prominent figure in her lessons, training her to be able to run his organization for him when he had things to attend to.

Sometime later in her life she meets Bruce Wayne as Batman after both her she and Dick Grayson are kidnapped seemingly by a mutual enemy of Ra's and Batman. Unknown to Batman at the time, this was a set-up to allow his daughter the chance to seduce him. After their encounter an offer is extended to Bruce to train with the league and expand his skill set, during his time with them Bruce and Talia do manage to fall into a whirlwind romance. During this time, much to her father's disappointment, Talia ends up truly falling for Bruce. Unfortunately for her he learns the truth about their meeting and that Gotham is in danger at the same time, making his decision to leave easy for him.

It was nearly 2 weeks after Bruce left that Talia realized the that she was pregnant with his child, or rather children. When it was learned she was pregnant, steps were taken to make sure that her child would be stronger and more resilient than any normal child should. A combination of Lazarus magic and science was used to make the child stronger and more resilient. She's had thoughts about it being the reason Aidan was born still, needing to be dipped in the waters to truly enter the world. She has never voiced them allowed for fear that her own meddling in an attempt to make him stronger caused her son's entrance to the world to be delayed.

As Damian and Aidan grew, it was obvious to Talia which one her Father favored, even if it had not been for Aidan's less than ideal birth? His hesitance to kill unless it could not be avoided was obvious, even if none would voice it outside the looks her father would give her in those instances. Despite this, he excelled in stealth more so than even many of his teachers. Many members took to referring to him as The Heir's Shadow and assumed that if Damian ever took over for his grandfather, Aidan would serve a similar role to him as Talia did for Ra.'s.

When it comes to her son's Talia would do anything that she could to protect them, no matter who that made an enemy to her or who it turned against her; even if it was them that turned against her. It is this that pushed her to helping Jason Todd when he died and came back incomplete, knowing that Bruce was going through the pain of losing a child? She could not sit back and ignore that as her own children now nearly 7 years old lived and breathed in front of her, and so she found Jason and tossed him into a pit to be fully revived. During his time with her he met Damian twice and Aidan only once, but he was so far into the pit haze that it's possible they looked similar enough he didn't realize there were two of them.

Unsurprisingly with her protective streak when it came to her children, when her schedule allowed it Talia would follow them on any missions that they were assigned. When Danny was 8 years and 3 months old, he was assigned to a mission to kill a former ally of Ra's. She did just that, seeing when he failed in his mission and doing so for him well, rigging the building to blow. She then caught up with her son and told him to follow her, traversing him over 2 states from where his mission had been. She told him that Aidan Al Ghul was dead, and if he wanted to survive, he would stay that way. She trusted that she had instilled the skills needed to survive in him and left, not being able to stay away longer for risk of Ra's becoming suspicious.

After returning, she broke the news about Aidan to her father before doing so privately to Damian in anticipation of his upset about his brother's lose. It was not long after this that she brought him to Gotham to tell him who his father was, hoping that learning this information would help him through his grief. When she later left Damian with his father it was the second-hardest day of her life, because at least with him she knew that Bruce would be there to protect him.

[justhereforsomethingnice]

1 month in:

Bruce looked at the kid who was lounging upside down on his office couch. Yes, he knew about the prank and yes he knew about Danny. He was nothing if not thorough after all. He just looked at the kid for another minute before Danny noticed that he was being actively watched. When icy blue met Bruce’s stormy bleu he spoke. “I brought up the anti ecto acts to the league. They should be gone by this time next week.”

Danny froze for a moment before nervously laughing. Switching upright and rubbing the back of his neck. An obvious nervous tick if Bruce had ever seen one. “What, eh, thank you..? I’m sure the ecto-entities will be very grateful.” He spoke hesitantly. “So, nice.” Bruce raised a single unimpressed eyebrow. Alfred taught him well. Danny slumped in his seat. “How long have you known.”

“Since day three. Because of your other side being ‘dead’, it was a bit harder to make the connection.” Bruce used quotation marks around dead. The adoption papers were ready and he was not thinking about one of his children being dead again.

It was quiet for a minute. “Thanks.” Bruce would’ve missed it if his full attention hadn’t been on Danny. He nodded and went back to work. He just needed two more days before his lawyers had enough on the Fenton’s to show Danny and ask him if he wanted it.

Month 2:

Danny was officially adopted. Surprisingly, his sister helped. Saying she didn’t care about being adopted but that Danny would be safe and cared for with Bruce. And her parents needed therapy for that rigged wrong mindset of theirs. So getting Danny to agree was surprisingly easy.

They were alone in the office again. No reason to fill in his other children of course. What would be the fun in that. “Welcome to the family officially.” Bruce nodded. He was too awkward for this, but a back pet did well enough for now.

Danny beamed at him, eyes glowing a brighter blue in his excitement. Even if Bruce would never admit it, his new son was adorable.

Month 3:

It was a normal family dinner. Steph was dogfighting Dick for the last springroll and Tim was grumpily defending his hard earned energy drink after Alfred forced him to sleep 8 full hours. Bruce saw Danny look at the last roll too. The damn puppy eyes! He was not weak for it, he swears, Dick had made him immune!!!

Still… maybe he could just slip it onto his plate silently.

He quickly snatched the roll from beneath Steph’s and Dick’s noses and placed it on Danny’s plate. Danny hummed delighted. “Thanks dad.”

No sarcasm, no usual undercurrent of teasing, no second meanings… Danny just called him dad! Unironically! He didn’t even notice Dick and Steph cursing him out as their indignant faces were all he could see. His brain could catch him up on their words later. His son called him dad! Would this be the first of his children to do so!? He didn’t know what this feeling was, but he liked it.

Month 4:

“You didn’t even notice you had an extra child all along. What kind of father are you.” Jason screamed to his face.

Bruce raised an unimpressed eyebrow. “You mean Danny?” He looked at their faces. He resolutely would not smile. He was better than that. “Yeah, he signed the adoption papers 3 months ago. What you didn’t notice?” So maybe he was smiling just a bit smugly. But it was only a smidge! “I got rid of the laws making his existence illegal and he agreed to be adopted.” Oh how he was enjoying Stephanie’s betrayed eyes. “You didn’t notice? Weird.”

Chaos ensued.

If you see any mistakes, ignore them. English is not my first language and it was written on my phone in like, 5-10 minutes. I really liked @zealouswitchwerewolf’s addition and wanted to add to the addition :)❤️

Bruce is horribly immune to most pranks… but Steph has a plan to mess with him.

Steph blames Dick for Bruce’s nonchalance. Mr. “Climbs a chandelier and breaks it” ended up breaking a lot of Bruce’s sanity as well.

Bruce barely reacts when she puts salt in the coffee instead of sugar. She gave him ghost peppers at the last Gala, and he gave his Brucie Wayne performance around the sensation of his mouth on fire. She dyed all his shirts purple, he convinced business investors it was a new fashion trend.

She needs to prank Bruce, absolutely befuddle him in a way that makes him question reality. She’s even prepared to use the other family members to do this.

She manages to get the other bats (and even Alfred!) to agree on this prank.

Steph has a plan. She has a new friend from school, Danny, who Bruce doesn’t know about yet.

She’s going to Gaslight Bruce Wayne into believing he has an extra child.

This is a good plan.

[ragingbookdragon]

My Brother's Best Friend Is The One For Me

Wally West x Batsis!Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 3.6K Warnings: Explicit Language

Author's Note: Got to rereading my Batsis fics and came across the "What A Flashy Romance" and wanted to do another one with Wally because I love him. Enjoy! -Thorne

Being the middle child and also the only girl in the Batfamily meant two things:

1. She had four brothers that treated her like a porcelain doll, despite the fact that she could throw a punch at 336 PSI.

And

2. She followed an unspoken rule that Dick and Jason’s friends were off limits when it came to dating.

In all, neither of those things were major problems. She’d learned at a young age how to avoid Dick and Jason’s overbearing-protective-brother-modes, and Tim and Damian were younger, so she didn’t have to worry about them. The second one was also avoidable—most of her older brothers’ friends were the same, and she wasn’t around most of them to develop any feelings.

Well, there was Wally, but it was just a crush. A stupid, little school-girl crush—that she’d never really grown out of—that didn’t matter in the slightest. Except whenever Dick brought him over to the house and she had to pretend that sitting next to him didn’t make her heart race like she’d run a mile.

And the most annoying thing about the whole crush is that she couldn’t tell if Wally was ever interested in her or not. Most of Dick’s friends, Garth, Kyle, Roy, they treated her like a little sister—hell, they even said “Love you lil sis!” to her regularly. And yet, Wally didn’t. Now, there was the occasional head pat, but even that was an affectionate gesture that siblings and SO’s did all the time. It was infuriating, and so was Wally—but she was going to sort it all out the next time he came over because the worst thing he could say was “No”, and either she needed to hear that…or “Yes”.

***

Normal Sundays for the Wayne household usually meant Ultimate Waffle Breakfast and sitting on your ass all day until patrol—it was the one day of the week where they could do anything and nothing and didn’t have to stick to schedules. Everyone loved Sundays, especially (Y/N), because it meant that all of her family was home, even Jason (who tried to deny that he enjoyed coming home to hang out, but if that mile long grin was any help, he was lying). And while everyone was home, that usually meant that everybody’s friends were coming over too.

***

She swiped the syrup out of Jason’s hand when he swung it back around, grinning at him when he glared at her.

“I was gonna use that, (Y/N),” he griped, and she shrugged, uncapping the bottle.

She tipped it over and watched the syrup lazily pour out of the container onto her waffles.

“You were taking too long.” Her eyes twinkled with humor. “I guess you were as…slow as molasses.”

While most of the table groaned at her terrible joke, Dick snorted into his milk, causing it to splatter on his plate and across the table.

“Nice one,” he coughed, wiping his face and the dark oak surface.

(Y/N) bowed dramatically. “Well, I did learn from the best.” When Dick’s face lit up, she turned to Alfred and smiled. “Alfie, thank you for teaching me your ways.”

The old butler merely tipped his head, a hidden smile crossing his lips at the way the eldest son’s jaw went slack. She turned her attention to Bruce who was quietly chewing, eyes following along the research paper she’d asked him to check out.

“Dad, what’s on your agenda for today?”

He swallowed and flicked a line out with a red pen, etching his own comment in the margin. “Lucius has a few ideas about some new gadgets he wanted to run by me.” Another line went out. “I’ll call him after breakfast.” Bruce looked at her. “You?”

(Y/N) nodded at the paper in his hands, then slapped Jason’s who was reaching over to take a piece of bacon from her plate. “Waiting for you to finish tearing me a new one so I can redo the paper.” She cut into the waffle with the side of her fork. “Once I salvage what little scientific dignity you’ve left me with, I’ll probably laze around.”

“You mean what you do normally?” Bruce quipped, grinning when she glowered at him; his eyes went back to her paper. “You’re doing well so far.”

She huffed. “Tell that to every red line you’ve marked out in that paragraph.”

He flashed the paper. “I’m writing in the margins how to change it. This isn’t a dissertation, sweetheart. You’re allowed to make mistakes. We all do.”

(Y/N) grumbled as her cheeks warmed and she went back to her plate as the conversation flowed around her.

Most of it was the discussion of what everyone was planning on doing, Damian was going to play video games, Tim was going to join him (which she knew was going to be fun while the moment lasted until the petty sibling rivalry got in the way and their gaming dwindled into a physical fight that she and probably Dick were going to have to break up), Jason was going to use the workbench in the cave to upgrade some gear, and Dick apparently,

“Wally and Garth are gonna come over later and hang out.”

She paused, mid-stab of her fork and looked at up. “Wally’s coming over?”

He nodded. “And Garth. We were gonna go to the mall and get some new clothes.”

Jason snorted, laying an arm over the backs of Tim and (Y/N)’s chairs. “Spending money with daddy’s credit card, Dickie?”

Dick smirked. “Just like you.” Jason merely matched his grin, and while the entire table was cracking up at Bruce’s frown, (Y/N) was silent, heart beating faster at the thought of seeing Wally.

“(Y/N)?” She startled and looked up at Dick.

“Huh?”

“I asked if you were okay. You got quiet all of the sudden.”

She smiled and shook her head. “Yeah, just thought about all of the corrections I’m gonna have to do because somebody CAN’T STOP MARKING OUT MY PARAGRAPHS.” Bruce merely smiled and knocked out another line.

It was a lie. It was the biggest lie she’d told right next to the one she told when Bruce had asked her where she was on prom night her senior year a few years ago—she was totally not saving a different sector of the universe with Kyle Rayner, she was dancing with Sam Reilly all night—she strongly believed her dad knew the truth—Batman knew everything.

Bruce handed the paper back to her and she groaned as she scanned the red lines on every page. It was going to take her hours to go over this.

Jason leaned over and read the title, “Cellular Division and Mutation Under Extreme Elemental Circumstances…a composition by (Y/N) Wayne.” He cocked a dark brow. “Go big or go home, huh, baby girl?”

(Y/N) hummed. “Doctor Halberd wanted us to pick challenging topics for the research paper this term.” A crooked smile crossed her lips. “I’m nothing if not ambitious about proving I’m smarter than everyone else.”

“You need another source,” Bruce murmured, sipping the steaming black coffee. “One-fourteen is good, but I’d go for one-fifteen.”

She groaned and dropped her head. “Are you kidding me? I had enough trouble gathering that many.”

“Why don’t you use Barry?” Tim piped up, mouth full of whip cream and strawberries.

“Master Timothy, we do not talk with our mouth full,” Alfred admonished, and Tim blushed.

(Y/N)’s head shot up and she stared at her brother. “That’s actually a good idea. Speedsters would make for perfect references about cellular division.” An idea popped into her head and she glanced at Dick. “And since Wally is com—”

“Nope,” Dick interrupted, pointing at her. “Wally is coming over to hang out, not to be poked and prodded to finish a paper.”

She let out a whine and turned to Bruce. “Dad, tell Dick to let me at least talk to Wally about it.”

Bruce turned his attention onto Dick. “Let your sister talk to Wally about her paper.”

“Oh, come on,” he complained and (Y/N) stood from her seat, hurrying around the table to stand behind Dick’s seat.

She draped herself over his shoulders, tucking her chin in the crook of his neck. “I promise I won’t be annoying if you let me come with you. I’ll ask two questions every thirty minutes and I’ll go do shopping on my own, so I won’t be in the way.” (Y/N) craned her neck and pulled the most pitiful puppy eyes she could. “Please?”

Dick’s eyes darted to her face and then he looked away. Just one more push.

“Please frate?” she begged and when his eyes went wide from the usage of his native tongue, she knew she’d won him over.

He deflated and let out a sigh. “Fine,” he grumbled. “You can come with us.”

(Y/N) squealed and pressed a kiss to his cheekbone, as she grabbed the paper and hurried towards the door. She halted and spun around, looking at her father.

“What do I need to be most specific about?”

“Division under elemental circumstances.”

She glowered at him. “No shit Sherlock. Specifics.”

“Molecular division under terrestrial gamma-ray flashes.”

“That’ll work,” (Y/N) nodded and exited to room.

Jason looked out the door then back to his brothers. “She’s way to excited about science sometimes.” They merely laughed.

***

She raised the red lace, cold shoulder V-neck shirt to her chest before frowning, and switching it with the full lace blue shirt with mini golden lightning bolt charms hanging off the trim. After a moment, she pulled the blue one down and sighed.

“You know, if you want to impress him, I’d wear the red shirt.”

She jumped and barely managed to suppress the scream that was coming up in her throat as she swiveled around to face her door. Jason stood in the doorway, a knowing look on his face. She could play this one of two ways: she could be truthful, or she could lie—she chose the latter.

“What do you mean?” He snorted and walked into her room, taking a seat at her desk.

“I mean if you’re trying to impress Wally, wear the shirt that’s the color of his suit, (Y/N).” She looked away and into the mirror, but she couldn’t escape the eyes boring into her back.

“Is it that obvious?” she asked quietly, and he laughed.

“That you’re head over heels for Dick’s best friend? Oh yeah. Totally.”

She sighed and sat on her bed, pulling the red top over her torso. “It’s just a crush.”

“Seems like more than a crush to me, baby girl.”

(Y/N) pulled the fabric down and looked at him. “Are you gonna tell Dick?”

Jason scoffed. “Do I look like a narc to you?”

She cocked a brow and deadpanned, “Just the other night you told dad that Damian lifted Two-Face’s wallet when he was being put in a cruiser.”

“Well, that wasn’t something important,” he countered and nodded at her. “This is.” He paused and shrugged. “Nah, I’m not gonna tell Dickhead. Play this out however you see fit, baby girl.”

(Y/N) stared at him for a moment then averted her gaze and let out a sigh; Jason huffed.

“That sounds like a heavy sigh, (Y/N). What’s wrong?”

She shrugged. “I don’t even know if Wally would be interested in me. He’s him and I’m me.”

Jason stood and walked over, kneeling in front of her. “Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?”

(Y/N) met his eyes. “Anytime he’s had a girlfriend she’s always been super strong or really outspoken.”

“And you’re not?” he quipped, causing her to huff.

“You know what I mean, Jay.”

He nodded. “Okay, so you’re not an Amazon or shoving your head up someone’s ass for a story. But you’re you.”

“And that means?”

“You’re the only daughter of the World’s Greatest Detective who’s a wicked smart science major by day and a badass vigilante by night.” He cupped her cheeks. “You are intelligent, warmhearted, talented, and absolutely beautiful.” Jason smushed her cheeks together and grinned as she giggled. “And if Wally doesn’t see any of what I just said, then he’s a damn fool and not worth your time. You hear me, baby girl?”

She nodded. “I hear you.”

Jason gave her a firm nod and let go, standing to his feet. “Now come on let’s go do your makeup.”

(Y/N) blinked. “You can do makeup?”

“Baby girl, I can do a lot of things. Now hurry up. That razor sharp eye liner and golden eyeshadow isn’t going to do itself.”

***

She waited beside Dick with a pleasant smile on her face, and despite the fluttering heartbeat in her chest, Jason’s pep talk kept running through her head and with every passing moment, she felt her confidence rising. He was right, if she told Wally and he didn’t feel the same, then it was his loss and her gain to move on and find someone else.

A black sedan pulled up at the manor and the passenger window rolled down, revealing Wally at the wheel and Garth in the passenger’s seat. Dick waved at them.

“Hey guys,” he greeted. “How was the drive over?”

“Oh, you know, we saw three carjacking’s and one armed robbery,” Garth quipped. “I assume that’s normal for Gotham though.”

“It’s a bit below average actually,” (Y/N) piped up. “Hi Garth. Hi Wally.”

Wally smiled and Garth waved in return as the two siblings started getting in the car.

“You’re coming with us, (Y/N)?” Wally questioned and she nodded.

“Do you want me to lie to you or give you the truth?”

He chuckled. “I’m always open for a good story.”

“I wanted to buy out Victoria’s Secret and piss off any boyfriends who are in hot water with their girlfriends.” The guys laughed and she admitted, “Truth though, I need one last source for a research paper.”

“Gonna find that source shopping?” Garth asked and (Y/N) caught Wally’s eyes in the rear-view mirror.

“Actually, my last source is Wally.”

They fell silent and looked at her, though the speedster’s focus was on the road.

“What are you gonna source Wally on?” The Atlantean inquired.

“My paper is over cellular mutation under distress from elemental conditions.” She smiled at Wally. “Our speedster here, is a walking subject perfect for the paper. I can only hope that he agrees to be a willing participant.”

Wally chuckled. “I’d be willing to part with a few secrets for you. Of course, I’d have to—”

“Remain anonymous.” (Y/N) winked. “I’m sure my professor would be okay with me citing ‘The Flash’ so long as I had a picture with him to back it up.”

“I like pictures,” he murmured, pulling into the parking lot.

“That’s good to know,” she replied and when he put the car in park, she took her purse and added, “So I’ll leave you boys to do your shopping and Wally, I’ll text you any questions I have.”

“You’re not gonna hang around?” Garth asked and she shook her head.

“Nah, I don’t wanna be the annoying little sister who follows her older brother and his friends around.” She smiled at them. “Besides, Dick was kind enough to let me come along. Least I can do is stay out of your way.”

(Y/N) opened the door and waved at them. “Text me when you’re ready to leave and I’ll meet you back here.”

***

Despite the initial joke that she was going to buy out the lingerie store, there was actually some truth in the statement, and she drew her fingers over one of the lace baby dolls as she looked at her phone, grinning like a dope at Wally’s response.

Well, I wouldn’t say I’d grow a second skin from how fast my cells regenerate, but I can make my body heal instantaneously. -W

Can you regenerate limbs or major organs? –(Y/I)

Major organs or useful ones? -W

(Y/N) paused at his response and thought for a moment. It was risky. Sending the text, she was thinking about was risky, but it’d sure get her point across that she was into him. With her heart hammering in her chest, she pushed send and stuck her phone in her pocket.

Whichever ones are useful to you, Wally? ;) –(Y/N)

Her phone didn’t buzz for a good minute, and Wally took less than a second to reply, so he was doing one of two things: A.) Telling Dick that his younger sister sent a flirty text, or B.) Trying to figure out how to let her down easy. (Y/N) didn’t know which one was worse. Her hip buzzed and she inhaled shakily, pulling her phone out of her pocket with one eye cracked open to see how screwed she was.

Do you have a useful one in mind, beautiful? -W

She had to clamp a hand over her mouth to keep from letting out the biggest gasp any human had ever made, and she nervously looked around her to make sure no one else was staring at her. She grinned as she replied to him.

Oh, I could think of one…or two or three…Why? Is there gonna be a pop quiz over this later? I’ll have you know I’m an excellent test taker. –(Y/N)

Is that so? Well, what happens if you were to fail this particular pop quiz, (Y/N)? -W

I guess you’d have to stay the night for a study session and help me make a better grade ;) –(Y/I)

As she waited for another response, someone’s hand touched the small of her back and she reacted, immediately stepping away from the offending touch to spin on them. Her eyes went wide when she saw Wally standing before her, a grin on his face, phone in his hand.

“I think an overnight study session is possible, (Y/N).”

Her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, like a fish until she finally got her brain to work and asked, “I thought you were shopping with Dick and Garth?”

He shrugged. “Told Dick you asked me an advanced question that’d be easier to answer in person than over text.” He wiggled his brows. “You know, advanced equations and scientific gibberish.”

(Y/N) huffed a laugh and turned back around, trying to ignore the heat in her cheeks as she picked up one of the teddies. And when she realized what it looked like, she only felt more flustered. Crimson with baby blue trimming and was practically a shoelace.

“Well, that’sa hint if there ever was one,” Wally quipped, and she pulled the lingerie out of his line of sight.

“It was just the first one I grabbed!” she exclaimed, snapping her mouth shut when people looked over at them. Her cheeks felt like they were wildfires, and she pressed her head against the cool metal of the rack, sighing with what little relief it provided.

“You know, (Y/N),” he started softly. “If you’re not comfortable, this doesn’t have to go anywhere. I can forget this ever happened if you want me to.” (Y/N) opened her eyes and peered at him, at the concern but also the kindness in his gaze.

“I just—” she murmured and trailed off before letting out a sigh. “It’s kinda complicated.”

“Okay,” Wally nodded. “My mouth might work faster than my brain sometimes but lay it on me.”

She cracked a smile and thought back on Jason’s words. If Wally doesn’t see any of what I just said, then he’s a damn fool and not worth your time.

(Y/N) took a deep breath and looked at him, admitting, “Wally, I have…feelings for you.” His eyes widened and though she felt the sting of embarrassment, she pushed out her words. “It’s stupid, like one of those dumb childhood crushes that just sticks with you, you know?”

She averted her gaze and looked at her peep toe heels. “I just don’t wanna screw anything up because even if you don’t feel anything like I do, I don’t wanna lose you as a friend. Because I do value your friendship.” She sighed. “And Dick. I don’t wanna make you uncomfortable about coming over to see him if there’s a chance you’ll have to see me too. I just—”

“Woah, woah, woah,” Wally interrupted gently, a smile growing on his face. “You’re thinking way big here, (Y/N). Bigger than you need to right now.”

She met his eyes. “Right now?” she repeated, and he reached out, taking her hand in his. His fingers felt tingly against her palm and he smiled.

“I like you, (Y/N).”

She blinked at him, practically dumbfounded. “You…you do?”

Wally nodded and confessed, “Have for a couple years, but I didn’t wanna make a move not knowing if you were interested.” His cheeks tinged pink, and he said, “But I’m glad you are. Like super glad.” (Y/N) giggled, suddenly feeling really foolish for all her worry and Wally let out a chuckle too.

She stared at him for a moment, relishing the coolness of his skin before pulling away, toying with the teddy in her other hand.

“So, about tonight…you staying over?”

Wally let out a groan and looked between her and the lingerie. “Probably, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to get away long enough to spend some time alone with you.”

(Y/N) let out a ‘pfft’ and winked. “I’m sure you’ll figure it out, Flash. You are the fastest man alive.”

“You’re into quickies? Good to know,” he grinned.

“Shut up,” she giggled.

[marsrize]

SURPRISE! [Part 3 of 5]

Part 1: Here | Part 2: Here | Part 4: Here. | Part 5 : Here

Summary : What happened in Bruce's head that made him decide to hide the existence of Jason's daughter?

Chapter 3: Transposition

 Leslie was in an awkward situation. She was looking at the baby in the crib. Normally, she would have reported that the mother had wanted to give birth anonymously and put the child up for adoption immediately. None of this had happened. Luckily, the staff in charge that night were close friends. None would ask questions about her actions.

What worried Leslie the most was what happened after the girl was delivered. The girl's mother came back to her.

" Can...I ask you something?"

"Certainly. Do you have any questions about your daughter's recovery? Do you have anything you want to clarify?"

"It's not that. The baby... It's a little girl, right?

" Correct. "

"Marinette."

"What?"

"Her name... Can you call her Marinette? That's... The name I would have liked to give my daughter if I could have had one... Xia is my adopted daughter... So..."

"I see. Very well."

"And... Just one more thing..."

"Yes?"

"You're going to contact the family of my daughter's ex-boyfriend I presume?"

Leslie remained silent.

"Once they get the baby back... Will you ask them if they'll meet me? I'd like to... talk to them. The safety of this baby is at stake."

"Mrs. Cheng, if there is anything I need to know about this child, it would be better-..."

"The less you know, the better it will be for you, believe me."

The woman didn't give Leslie time to respond, she quickly walked away and joined her family.

Leslie was no stranger to secrets. She was perfectly capable of keeping them. However, what this woman had just told her intrigued her to no end. She picked up her cell phone and dialed a number she knew by heart.

If there was anyone who could protect this baby, it was Bruce.

 ***********

Bruce was worried.

It was never a good sign when Leslie contacted him first. What worried him most was the fact that she had asked to speak with "Batman" and not "Bruce Wayne". Plus, she had said "be careful, more than usual". Was she in danger?

So it was on his guard that Batman slipped into the doctor's residence.

"Bruce, is that you?"

"Doctor."

Leslie turned on the light.

"Follow me. It will be easier to show you than to make a long speech."

He followed her to a room he recognized as a bedroom. He immediately noticed the crib in the corner of it. Leslie approached the crib.

"Her name is Marinette."

"Hmm."

"Her mother's name is Xia-Bing Cheng."

" .................. "

"Do I need to explain more?"

"Are you sure this baby."

"I am the one who helped the girl give birth. Yes, I am sure that the baby is Xia-Bing's."

"That's not what I-"

"I already performed a paternity test, Bruce."

" .......................... "

"I guess with all that time spent stopping crimes, it cut down your time to explain to your son that sex makes babies."

Leslie was angry.

" ............................ "

Bruce's brain had stopped functioning. The only thing repeating on a loop in his mind was "Baby" and "Jason". He stared at the baby who was sleeping peacefully in the crib. His son's blood was flowing through this baby's veins.

He was a grandfather.

Jason... would never know this baby.

What kind of father would Jason have been?

Probably a great one.

Bruce approached the crib. He took off his glove and brought his hand to the baby's face. He stroked her cheek with one finger. Her skin was warm. A sign that the baby was alive.

Alive.

Not like Jason.

"I'm taking her with me."

"Bruce...that's not as-"

"Leslie. Starting today Bruce Wayne had a daughter with a woman who chose to leave him the child."

"Bruce... There's something you need to know first."

He looked back at the speaker.

"The grandmother of the little girl is asking to see the parent who will adopt the baby. She has something important to say... Concerning.... Her safety."

Bruce frowned further.

"I wanted to know more, but she told me that if I cared about life, it was better not to ask too much."

"I see. Get in touch with the woman. I'll talk to her. In the meantime, this baby is going back with me."

"Very well. I'll take care of everything else."

"Leslie... Thanks for the heads-up."

"Don't make me regret this choice, Bruce."

 And so, little Marinette-Jayna Wayne came into his life.

 Three days after Jayna arrived at the mansion, Leslie contacted him again. Mrs. Cheng was ready to meet him. She wanted the meeting to be as discreet as possible. Bruce agreed with these terms. It was better for Jayna's safety that no one knew about his meeting with a married woman.

Of course, he didn't wait for the woman to contact him to do his research. He had already begun his investigation when Jason had started dating Xia-Bing. At that point, it was just a simple inspection. He wanted to make sure that his son was safe by getting close to the Cheng family. Nothing had particularly drawn his attention to this family. Now that he was digging deeper into them, especially Mrs. Cheng, he realized that something was wrong. How come he hadn't realized this detail before?

Oh yes... Jason had asked him not to "snoop" into his girlfriend's life... He wanted to respect his son's choice... It was a mistake.

Everything about Mrs. Cheng was actually fake. Her identity was purely fictitious, the people on her birth certificate did not exist. Her social security number was fake.

Mr. Cheng on the other hand was completely clean. There was no problem with his past. Everything was verifiable, the man obviously had nothing to hide. Which led to the most important question: did this man know that his wife simply did not exist? At least, administratively speaking, this woman was a ghost.

Bruce was going to have to be on his guard the day he met Madame Violeta Cheng. If Violeta was really her name...

On the day of the meeting, the woman was clearly not at ease. She sat nervously at the table of the restaurant that Bruce had previously reserved. He owned this restaurant, so he could have a room reserved if he wanted.

"Mr. Wayne, I was hoping you would be the one to receive me today."

"Ms. Cheng, it's a pleasure. I understand you have something to tell me?"

" Exactly. But first, I'd like to be sure of one thing. Mrs. Thompkins told me that you would recognize Marinette as your daughter and not as your granddaughter?

"That's right."

"Perfect... Please don't ever let anyone know that this little one is Xia-Bing's daughter..."

"I understand your concern ma'am, but if I may ask, why are you so worried about a child you don't want to be in charge of?"

"That's precisely why I came to see you today. As I understand it... you have a connection with Batman, don't you?"

"Hmm… Well..."

"That's the only reason I left Marinette with you."

" ... "

"My birth name is Shan Sa Wu. I was abandoned at birth with my twin sister Fei at the gates of a temple. The master of the place adopted both of us. I was raised in the traditional art of Kung Fu for years. Things took a dramatic turn the day our adoptive father, An Chao Wu was murdered by a rival clan. They wanted something precious that my foster father was protecting. My sister and I had to separate to have the best chance of survival. I followed my father's friends to Tibet, where I continued my training in a Shaolin temple. My sister kept the family jewel and joined another group of our father's friends. I have never seen her since..."

"I'm sorry about that."

"Thank you... But the reason I am telling you all this is because in that temple, I met my biological grandfather there. His name was Su-Han. He told me that the one I thought was my sister was not. He assured me that Fei wasn't my biological sister. I was his one and only granddaughter. My father is said to be Tao-Han and my mother Bao Lee Fu.

 Bruce was silent. Shan Sa was telling her story while twiddling her fingers. So far, she didn't seem to have lied. At least her body language suggested she was telling the truth.

 "My grandfather had never accepted the relationship between my parents, which was why both were expelled from the temple. There was a tradition that a family heirloom should be passed from grandchild to grandchild in the temple. My parents had been dishonored and had not received this family jewel. My grandfather decided that I was more worthy than my parents and gave me the item..."

Shan Sa then placed a small black box on the table. There was a red symbol on the lid. A kind of geometrical rosette. Bruce took the box and opened it. He took the object inside the box: it was a silver-colored ouroboros bracelet. He examined the jewel. It was a high-quality bracelet, obviously hand forged. Whoever had created this jewel was talented.

"This bracelet is supposed to bring good luck and good fortune to its wearer. Marinette being my first granddaughter, this bracelet is rightfully hers. Could you give it to her on her 6th birthday?"

"Why the 6th?"

" It' s the tradition... "

"I see."

"You don't have to tell her the truth... Just... give it to her please?"

"Very well... Is there anything else?"

Shan Sa nervously began to bite her nail.

"Yes... This directly concerns my origins. My grandfather is a cruel man. If he finds out about Marinette, he will do anything to get her back."

"Why would he do that? Isn't Xia Bing your adopted daughter? I have a feeling that this Su-Han values blood above all."

"Yes, you are right, and that is the problem."

"You mean that..."

"Exactly. Xia Bing is actually my biological daughter. So that my grandfather wouldn't find out about her, I asked my sister-in-law Mei Cheng to raise her as her own daughter. In reality, only Shu Yin is the biological daughter of my sister-in-law. I made everyone around me believe that I was sterile. No one ever knew the truth. And if you are wondering, no, my current husband is not the biological father of Xia Bing. But he doesn't know that..."

This story was getting more and more complicated. Bruce felt like his head was going to explode due to the many questions he had.

"Let's say so. In that case, why give this jewel to the child if it could put her in danger?"

" Quite the opposite. As long as this jewel is with her, she will be protected. This jewel has been my guardian for all these years. I know Marinette will be safe."

Bruce was skeptical. One thing was certain for him, Jayna would never have this jewel in her possession. There was no way his precious granddaughter could have a piece of jewelry that was the object of so much envy.

"Oh, one more thing, Mr. Wayne..."

Bruce then looked up at Shan Sa. He felt his eyelids grow heavy. What was that?

When Bruce came to his senses, he was in his car arriving at the Manor. This was very strange. He had to do some analysis on himself immediately.

 Time passed. Jayna was now a very energetic and lively granddaughter. She filled his heart with joy. The more Bruce saw of her, the more he felt like he was seeing Jason.

 It was apparently a problem.

 It all started with Alfred.

"Master Bruce, I think it's best that from now on you stop calling this child 'Jayna', but rather start calling her 'Marinette'."

"I don't follow you, Alfred. Jayna is also her name."

"Bruce. Marinette is not Jason."

" .... "

 Then Dick too began to blame him for his behavior with HIS daughter.

"Bruce...you're projecting Jason onto Marinette."

" ... "

"Can you believe it? She has very short hair for a little girl... She wears red clothes a lot... Her favorite dessert is Neapolitan ice cream... Doesn't that remind you of someone?"

" .... "

 Tim began to express concern.

"Bruce... I know you don't like to talk about it but... I'm worried about Marinette."

"Why?"

"That is... she... looks a lot like hmm... you know... Jason?"

" ......... "

 Then came the date of Jayna's sixth birthday. Bruce couldn't remember much about that day. All he knew was that the next day, to his horror, Marinette was wearing the ouroboros bracelet he didn't want her to wear. The problem was that he couldn't take back from the child something he had obviously given himself. It would hurt her feelings. He would have to triple the vigilance around Jayna.

 Two weeks later, Red Hood appeared in Gotham.

When Bruce discovered that behind Red Hood's mask was his son Jason...

He began calling his granddaughter Marinette.

  ************

Tag list : @ prettylittlebutterflie,@ mic-is-dead , @ ouch-whytho , @ yurijay , @ unoriginalmess , @ vroomtaka , @ khneltea , @ starling218 , @ throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen , @ lunabey2sky,  @ kking13 , @ literaryhiraeth , @ frieddonutsweets , @ depressed-bitchy-demon , @ yasmin-rdz ,

[soulmate-game]

part 2 (of that new bio!dad fic)

Dick whipped his head over to Bruce, who could feel the heavy gazes of all his children as if they were physical. If they had had heat vision like Clark, he would have already been reduced to a puddle of mush. Bruce shifted, the only sign of his discomfort, but he recognized that the middle of a gala was no place for this discussion. There were too many busybodies trying to listen in for the latest gossip. So he plastered on a smile that he couldn’t quite feel, and held a hand out to Marinette. He was careful to keep a good distance though, and left the choice for contant purely up to her.

The young woman looked down at his hand, then back to his face. Damian had been shocked silent by what she had to say, and perhaps even more by the all too telling way that Bruce hadn’t so much as implied that she was lying, and the look he was giving her was making her a little uncomfortable. Yes, she hadn’t planned on interacting with her father more than just the years-overdue confrontation she had just done, at least not while at the gala… but her plans always left room for improvisation. She could make this work.

With a soft sigh, Marinette extended her own hand— half the size of Bruce’s, he noted almost immediately with a rush of illogical fondness— and grasped his lightly. She couldn’t help but notice the way his impossibly blue eyes brightened, no different than her own when she was particularly happy, or the way his mouth twitched with a barely suppressed beam. Instead, he controlled himself enough so that the only smile he gave would look professional and entirely in character to the nosy socialites still spying on them, and led them out onto the dance floor.

What everyone else saw was the unfairly charming Bruce Wayne giving his young guest of honor a simple dance. Just a basic swirl around the floor that every other social elite had learned when they were five. Clearly he was taking it easy on the self-made girl, who probably didn’t have experience with such dances. Humoring the accomplished young woman with his approval for a moment before he would slink back to his family or patrol the crowds and make the necessary greetings and meaningless chatter.

What his family saw was Bruce taking time to slow his steps, not for Marinette to keep up but rather to prolong the event. What they saw was the grace in Marinette’s steps as she never once faltered, and that Bruce was careful to take his cues from her instead of the other way around. He only led the dance in technicality, Marinette had all the real control.

What they saw was a father’s first dance with his daughter.

“Eighteen,” Dick whispered, eyebrows drawn low. “She said she’s almost eighteen.”

“Well, that lines up doesn’t it?” Jason asked gruffly, his own gaze never leaving the dancing duo. “We were planning on doubling up your big thirtieth birthday party as your eighteenth adoption anniversary,” he reminded his brother, who just made a slightly distressed noise in the back of his throat. Whether it was at the reinforcement of his adoption coming only months after Marinette being put up for adoption, or the fact that he was turning thirty, nobody could really tell.

“Hurt,” Cassandra spoke up from behind them, looking incredibly concerned as she watched the dance. “Uncertain.”

Stephany rolled her eyes, fidgeting from her quickly building energy. Anger was making her restless. “Of course she’s hurt. Bruce replaced her, with a boy he knew virtually nothing about, not even that long after she was born. How do you think that made her feel, when she found out?” Stephany let out a little growl, grabbing a flute of champagne from a passing server and downing it in one gulp. She ignored Dick protesting that she wasn’t of age yet, which made her wrinkle her nose. “Only one more year, Dickhead. Get over it, I need the buzz.”

“Well,” Barbara sighed and maneuvered her wheelchair around the group so that everyone could see her. “Nothing we can do right now but be supportive and watch Bruce like a hawk so he doesn’t make this worse,” she stated easily, not looking even the least bit ruffled by the news despite the disturbed glitter in her eyes.

“... Guys,” Tim spoke up, not looking at any of them. “Who wants to volunteer for Damian duty?” At first glance, it might seem like Tim was thinking about his own first disastrous meeting with the younger boy. Once everyone paid attention though, they could see that the truth was that Damian had snuck away and Tim was pointedly looking at a slightly hidden-away staircase to the second floor.

“Shit,” Dick muttered, but before he could say another word Jason shoved him back and started towards the stairs.

“No, not this time Dicky. I’ll talk to the brat.”

Back on the dancefloor, Bruce and Marinette broke away without any fanfare at the end of the song. If Bruce tried to hold her eyes for a moment too long, nobody noticed besides his observant children, and two of Marinette’s protective friends.

Then, just to make sure that nobody caught on with the help of hindsight, Bruce said something vaguely polite and praising, which Marinette accepted with flawless, distant poise. And they went back to their own groups, Bruce quickly noting that two of his sons were missing. He raised an eyebrow, about to ask why when a presence behind him caught his attention. Unlike Marinette and Chloe, this newcomer was not at all trying to hide their approach or be sneaky about it, even though Bruce couldn’t hear any footsteps that were close enough to belong to the mysterious entity. Closing his mouth, Bruce turned around only to be greeted by yet another vaguely familiar face. Bright green eyes bore into his, unreadable.

“Mister Wayne,” the newcomer greeted, voice warm but stiff. If the Waynes hadn’t all had years of recognizing when a person was only pretending to be cordial, they never would have suspected that the boy was anything but pure-heartedly happy to be there. But they did have that experience, and thus they instantly honed in on the very well-hidden fact that he had a bone to pick with them. Or, more probably, with Bruce.

He cut an impressive figure, for all that he was lithe muscle instead of bulk. Hair that was lighter than Chloe’s, less like cloth-of-gold and more like sunlight glinting off of wheatfields. It somehow hung in gravity-defying tufts, yet perfectly arranged to evoke a calming aesthetic. Like the fluff of a long-haired cat, almost, and it looked just as fluffy and hypnotizing. It contrasted with his emerald eyes, impossibly vibrant in their gleam. And the suit he wore was decidedly top-notch, much like the other two they had met from his class. He was daring, in a dark silver suit that slightly shifted in the light, green accents that matched his eyes standing out strikingly against the collars and trim, and coiling in tantalizing swirls at the cuffs. The lining of the suit jacket was done in a dark green that could almost pass for black in the right lighting, adding a layer of both drama and mystery as it peeked out at the back of his collar, the insides of his sleeves if he moved just the right way, at the bottom hem of the jacket when he turned or bent just so. And with his notoriety in the modeling world? He always knew exactly how to move or place himself to get the reactions he wanted. And he was clearly showing off the craftsmanship of his suit just then as he faked adjusting his cufflinks and lifted his head just the right amount to both look challenging and let the dark green on the back of his collar flash in the light in such a way that Bruce and those nearest him wouldn’t be able to miss the brief reveal of color.

“Adrien Agreste,” Bruce greeted back, eyebrows pulling down in slight confusion. Normally the topic of clothing was far from his genuine interest, but in this particular case it was an intriguing, and possibly even concerning, observation. So he said next; “That suit is not of your father’s usual style of design.”

Adrien scoffed, straightening out his suit’s jacket and making the obsidian buttons glint. “Of course not. I’ve started my rebellious phase— or, well, I finally started being blatant enough about it that my father noticed anyway,” the way his lips curled was decidedly not very attractive, but painted a vivid picture of a son who despised the way he was treated. Adrien quickly wiped the distasteful expression away and replaced it with a camera-ready smile. “I’m wearing one of Marinette’s designs, much to his chagrin. She insisted on making this for me as soon as she heard that my father was planning on sending me in a white suit.”

Bruce quickly caught on, and sighed. How long would the gala go on for, again? He didn’t remember what time it was anymore. “Your friend Chloe already got a pretty clear warning in. I suppose you know as well?”

Adrien’s grin darkened with mischief, and he nodded all too happily. “Of course! Marinette told me almost as soon as she found out, a few years ago. You see, we had to put down a very solid rule about secrets between the two of us. She has a bad habit of trying to shoulder the entire world’s problems and not tell anyone about it, if you don’t pay close enough attention,” his voice was deceptively light but his eyes were hard, warning. “And let’s just say, I have a lot of experience with bad father figures. I can recognize them a mile away by now. The signs of neglect, of apathy,” his eyes suddenly lightened when he saw how Bruce’s throat visibly caught, how the man didn’t seem to realize he had stopped breathing. Maybe he was being a little to mean, Adrien thought. So he let the dark slip out of his eyes, and his smile turned more genuine. “You don’t have those signs. You looked at Marinette like you were both the happiest and most miserable man in the world at the same time. But you can’t change what you did to her, Mister Wayne. If you want some advice from Marinette’s oldest friend?” Adrien held out a closed fist.

Bruce took a second to realize what was happening, too busy trying to recover from his situational whiplash and wave of relief. Once he caught back up to the present, however, he held out his open palm and let Adrien drop something into his hand.

To his shock, it was a pen, engraved with the name he recognized as Marinette’s biological mother. He also recognized it as a popular model of pen-knife. He raised his eyes to Adrien, who winked.

“Marinette doesn’t know I had this made. And she has a lot of tricks that might surprise you, but what she wants more than anything is stability. If you try to give her that, show that you care and you want her safe— and then prove that you’re gonna stay— then maybe you can repair the damage you’ve done. It won’t be easy though, Mari is the single most stubborn person I’ve ever met. And I grew up with Chloe.”

Bruce closed his hand around the pen, swallowing a lump in his throat. He couldn’t quite figure out why, but Adrien’s faith in him and his help… somehow felt significant. He nodded to the young model.

“Not to worry, I have experience with stubborn,” he glanced back at his other kids with a small smirk. None of them were the least bit repentant. “And I do want to stay. Thank you for the advice.”

Adrien shrugged. “Don’t thank me. If you hurt her again, you’ll never see my revenge coming. It can be rather… catastrophic,” with that ominous threat, Adrien bowed dramatically and turned to leave and do some rounds charming the elites. Bruce tucked the pen in one of his hidden pockets, but stayed silent after that. He had a lot to mull over.

—*—*—*—*—*

Damian leaned on the railing of the balcony, looking out over the gardens behind the gala’s venue. He was glaring at nothing, and his hands trembled from where they gripped the rail. It was five minutes, a little longer than he had expected but not that odd considering everyone’s distraction over Marinette, before he heard the glass doors behind him creak open.

“Yo,” Jason greeted, knowing it was better not to catch the boy off guard. None of them were good with surprises anymore, for good reason. It was always best to announce their presence before they made someone react violently on accident. Damian’s shoulders relaxed a little— not a lot, but enough for Jason to notice. The older man sighed, walking up and leaning on the rail next to his little brother. “What’s on your mind, kid?”

“That could have been me,” he almost instantly blurted. It was still hard talking about his feelings, but certain things were easier with Todd. This was, apparently, one of them. “If Mother hadn’t kept me a secret.”

“I don’t think so,” Jason disagreed, shrugging. “There are several big differences here. For one, Marinette was born three years before you were. By the time you were born, he already had Dick and he would have only been a year, max, away from taking me in. Which means he already had built up his problem with taking in kids, and nothing would have gotten him to give up a chance at raising you. With or without Batman getting in the way.”

“But then why—” Damian growled. “Why did he give her up?”

“Because he’s an idiot,” Jason remarked bluntly. “You know how he is. He didn’t have a kid at the time. Hell, Bruce would have only been twenty-two back then. He only adopted Dick on impulse because Dick reminded him of himself, but before all of that shit? He probably made a million excuses about not being able to raise a baby and be Batman at the same time. About his life being too dangerous for a kid. Which, yes it is, but that clearly didn’t stop him later.”

“She’s older,” Damian muttered, this time softer.

“Yup.”

“Her mother wasn’t an assassin, probably. She designs. I hate to admit it, and you are never to repeat it to anybody, but her work that we’ve seen so far is impressive. She can clearly charm even the most stuck-up of gotham’s upper crust.”

“Yeah,” Jason agreed neutrally, his eyes never leaving Damian.

“Father won’t need me. He already doesn’t have much patience—” Damian was cut off by a flick to the nose. “Hey!”

“Not my fault you’re being stupid,” Jason defended himself. “Look, B’s actually been real patient with you these past few years. I mean, when was the last time he yelled at you? Or told you that stupid ‘justice not vengeance’ line?”

Damian opened his mouth, then closed it. After another moment, he replied; “Almost two years.”

Jason nodded. “It might take him way too long, but he can still learn new tricks. Especially after that mess with Heretic, he’s been trying really hard to be better to you. He still screws up, because I think we all know by now that he’s a bigger mess than any of the rest of us and that’s an accomplishment, but he’s trying. He doesn’t keep you around because he needs you. He’s got plenty of us around if all he wanted was soldiers— though none of us would stick around if we thought that’s all he wanted.”

Damian flexed his jaw. He was still the most violent of the kids, besides Jason. He saw Bruce rubbing his forehead or pinching his nose far too often at some of his decisions or comments. He was stubborn, impatient, reckless.

But hadn’t Bruce himself told him on several occasions that he wasn’t trying to make him a perfect soldier? Hadn’t Bruce himself said that he just wanted Damian to grow into himself?

It was just really hard to swat away those stupid voices in Damian’s head. Voices of the past, mostly, old dialogue he had never actually forgotten. That he merely pretended had never affected him. The “you’re too violent”s, the “that’s not how we behave, Damian”s. All the old lectures, the old fights. They echoed like stupid little gremlins of doubt.

“...Marinette has his eyes.”

“Don’t beat yourself up over something like that,” Jason’s voice was soft, but gruff at the same time as he cuffed Damian over the head. “You didn’t choose to be born, idiot. And despite being a little demon, none of us would reverse it, You’ve saved all our skins at least once. And besides,” he nudged Damian a little with a grin. “You’re not half bad, nowadays.”

Damian chuckled. “That makes one of us.”

“Hey!”

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