#now Steph

[arcxnumvitae]

“⇆” (Caio-Emil / 😂)

@lunarxdaydream || Send “⇆” for our muses to swap bodies! || Accepting

...Where was he? The hotel room was so nice, he would've been forgiven to have thought that it was something his grandparents had gotten, or Kat's folks. Talk about luxury. The question still remained-- how did he get there? Should he start panicking? Maybe he should start panicking. None of his stuff was in sight, so...time to panic?

There was no shuffle of movement anywhere throughout the space, which meant that he was probably alone, so now was as good a time as any to get his bearings and try to figure out what he could about where he was. It'd also help if maybe he could remember what even led to this mess, the last thing he could recall was falling asleep in his own hotel room. Unfortunately, working in the Bastion meant there was a lot of probably supernatural things that could lead to a weird awakening. Just his luck, he was supposed to be meeting the others today! Maybe they'd sound the alarm when he didn't show?

Sliding from the bed, Emil stretched his arms above his head, noting an oddity as he straightened up. Was he-- No, that'd be ridiculous. What kind of creature stole someone's height? Emil began to make his way through the room, noting the unfamiliar belongings. It wasn't until he saw another person out of the corner of his eye that he nearly jumped out of his skin with shock.

Whirling around, expecting some random assailant, Emil instead caught sight of a mirror. Great, was his own reflection scaring him now? He could've sworn he saw...

....

The man who was staring right back at him. Emil jumped, but the man jumped as well, at the exact same time as him. Emil carefully moved a hand.

The man carefully moved a hand.

Emil stepped closer.

The man stepped closer.

The man was...wait, no way.

"What the hell?!"

[cosmicpoutine]

consider: steph taller than cass (and tim)

missed robin steph for a minute

[andstuffsketches]

more Batgirl redraws

[iamlostandinneedofcoffee]

I like to imagine that every once in a while Red Hood just goes off comms for long stretches of time and comes back bruised as shit and exhausted before logging off for the night and the rest of bat brigade is trying to figure out which villain of the week keeps jumping him.

Eventually they, cause communication is a skill no one learned, just start harassing hood’s men to find out whose turf they are invading only to find out they thought the bats were beefing with Red again cause he keeps mumbling about brats.

Now they are trying to find out which one of them is lying about fucking with Jason and no one is owning up, the trackers they keep putting on him are fizzling out, no one as any idea and Jason ain’t saying shit. But like he’s never properly irritated about it or asks for help nor can they find anything out so they let it go for now (read keep trying to track him to no avail).

And then one night Red Robin comes across Red getting chased and then fighting off a feral looking teenager on the roofs of Crime Alley and just when he looks like he is getting the upper hand another drops down from above (how the fuck the nearest taller building is not anywhere near close enough to dive into the fight from what the fuck?!?) and joins the brawl.

Tim is about to rush in to help Jason before the two teens’ heads turn in unison to him with Lazarus green eyes and look like cats when they see a red dot. Jason panics and before he can grab them, they leap and now Tim is in a cartoon brawl dust cloud and all and Jason has joined in and is calling them all brats and how his gunna whop their ass- and there is a foot in his mouth.

And yet through it all Tim never feels afraid. In fact, as he fights he realises they are keeping up and beating him all whilst smiling and punning(?!? They must never meet dick SHIT DUCK) and that won’t fucking do, so he brings out all his tools and tricks and is getting matching by two raccoon twins. 20 minutes later they are all grinning bloody smiles and just as he is about to slam his bo staff up into into the female looking twin, a whistle is blown.

They all freeze and look over in unison as if they all became shining quadruplets at a giant shit house built fucking man. And like Tim has seen big men. Bane is a big mother fucker. Superman is a big mother fucker, and is also shaped like one. Bats is big but this guy even though his is maybe not as large he feels infinitely more terrifying and that’s before you get to the flaming(fucking literally, how does that even work or stay in the pony tail) white hair.

“Alright enough for tonight or foods gunna go cold. Inside.” A voice bellows across the roof before the man disappears??!? At the mention of food the one top of Tim almost starts drooling, gets up and starts dragging Tim’s still prone body across the roof and off of it OH FUCK AND INTO A WALL WHA and they went through it… well

A couple second later Jason and the other dude stumble in. Jason picks Tim up as he is coming down from that mini adrenaline rush at and puts a arm around Tim, half hug half chokehold, saying “say nothing and you get to join once a week. Say shit and you’re haunted.” And walks off to the kitchen and starts bringing out food.

… safe to say the rest of the bats are now confused why Tim of all people is now turning up bruised as well with Jason, cause if it was him to start why has he started loosing all of a sudden??? And he says fuck all but his weapons and fighting style has got more chaotic and terrifying.

Oh and he seems to be eating… well you win some and lose some

[purpleangiie]

It's always funny how the kids talk back to Bruce when literally no one else – maybe Clark, but more in a gentle and slightly concerned way – would ever deared, it's all "Yes, sir" and "No, sir" and hustling to execute his orders because you can't argue with The Batman, can you? But the kids will be "Bruce I swear to god, you're insufferable today" cause he complained about them being 3 minutes late to the evening meeting and that his coffee is 1.5 degree too cold than he likes it and he'll frown and look all dejected and say "I know, I'm sorry. I need to do better. You deserve better."

And that's Batkids' true superpower.

[redsray]

i do love the idea of the wayne kids giving bernard shovel talks about taking care of tim and all that but also give me batfam who are just as protective of bernard as they are of each other.

give me bernard, attending his first wayne gala as tim's significant other. having a suit custom tailored and funded by bruce even if bernard insists it's not necessary because he already has one. arriving at the gala anxious because of course he is, it's a goddamn socialite event, but being protected from every side by the wayne kids even when tim is dragged away.

Socialite: Oh, and who might you be?

Bernard: Oh, um, hi. I'm Bernard Dowd, nice to meet you.

Socialite: Dowd? I've never heard of your family before. Who...?

Bernard: I'm not here with my family, miss, I'm here with my boyfriend.

Socialite: ... Boyfriend?

Bernard: Yeah, I'm here with Tim.

Socialite, frowning: Tim... as in Drake-Wayne? He has a boyfriend?

Dick, coming up next to Bernard: He sure does! Bernard here is practically one of ours now, aren't you? He matters to Timmy, so he matters to us.

Bernard: Dick—

Dick: C'mon, let's get you back to Timmy. Farewell, Mrs!

Bernard: I could've handled that.

Dick: All the rules that apply to my siblings during galas apply to you too. I'm sure you could've, but you shouldn't have to. I've got your back too, now, yeah?

Bernard: ... Yeah. Thanks, Dick.

Jason, coming up to Bernard at the bar: Not to freak you out, kid, but there's a guy starin' at ya from the other side of the bar. Y'know him or should I encourage him to look away?

Bernard, startled: Huh? (looks around) Oh. No, I don't know him. Why... is he looking at me like that, actually?

Jason, scowling: 'S just how the slimy fuckers at these events are. Can't keep their eyes off anything that's small, young or pretty. Disgusting. I'll deal with him— where's your annoying other half gone, inferior blondie?

Bernard: Tim? He got pulled away for quote; 'something important' by some lady. He said he'll meet me here after he's done, so I've been waiting.

Jason: Huh. If I see him I'll point him yer way. Hey, don't be 'fraid to ask any of us questions or for help if ya need it. We know the best how daunting this shit can be.

Bernard, genuinely touched: ... Thanks, Jason.

Jason: Yeah, yeah. Don't tell Timmers I said that, though, he'll call me a loser.

Bernard, laughing: I won't.

Bernard, being talked to by several people at once and a bit overwhelmed by the attention: Uh— I'm—

Damian, stepping between him and the socialites: Dowd. I require your assistance.

Bernard: Um— hi, Damian— with what?

Damian: You will see when we get there. Follow me, Drake's more tolerable half.

Bernard: Okay... so what do you need from me?

Damian: Nothing. You seemed to dislike the attention from all of the nosy adults over there. It was the most efficient way of extracting you from the situation.

Bernard: Oh. Thanks, Damian.

Damian: Tt, don't thank me yet, Dowd. I am still criticising your choice in romantic partners.

Bernard: Didn't you threaten me with a katana to not dampen Tim's mood in any way shape or form?

Damian: Slander. I said quote 'if you make Drake more annoying by breaking his heart I'm going to maim you.' I don't see how you got the message you did from that.

Bernard, grinning: Sure, Damian. Sure.

[dreamingaboutsakuratrees]

Listen, not only do I like the Batfam being completely human (except Duke, of course), I think it's such a vital part of their characterization. Each of them rely on their humanity and vulnerability in a different way, but it's still a core part of them.

That being said, I love the idea of Gotham's many curses and magical bullshit changing its inhabitants, and more important, enhancing her protectors.

Not by much, but enough for people to say "they're human... right?" and not being sure of the answer. It works better inside the city, where Lady Gotham herself can ensure her warrior's safety, but it lingers and it stays on them.

The way Bruce can blend a bit too well with the shadows, to the point not even metas can see him if he doesn't want to be seen.

The way Dick's body bends a bit further than should be possible, his muscles stretching and his bones at angles that would cause pain to most.

The way Jason is a bit too quiet for his body mass, how he seems to be able to move without making a sound despite his size.

The way Tim is a bit too quick-witted, a bit too observant, finding his enemies' weaknesses and flaws far too easy for a fast-paced combat.

The way Steph seems to always be on the right place at the right time, as if she were being guided to those in danger. She is always where she is needed.

The way stray animals like Damian a bit too much. They care for him and have his back in a display of intelligence that's not quite natural.

Yet they all still bleed. They feel pain and they cry and they are vulnerable.

Because they're still human.

Right?

[littlefankingdom]

Bruce Wayne is canonically a very handsome man (he is called a "pretty boy" and he is in his 40s, for fuck's sake), and he is pretty famous as a rich philanthropist who doesn't want to leave his awful cursed crime infested city. So, there must be a ton of people thirsting over him on the internet. Fancams, edits, fanfics and imagines ("kidnapped with Bruce Wayne 😍 by a Gotham rogue"), the whole charade!

And anytime one of the batkids stumbles on a thirst post, they have the most dramatic disgusted reaction, loudly gagging, before sending the link to the batkids chat, because if they must suffer, then they should all suffer. Clicking on a link in this groupchat is like playing russian roulette, and getting rickrolled is a good ending.

[justsomestuffreally]

I think the Batkids reaction to a Bruce who isn't de-aged to 8 but rather 29 (pre-Jason death, post his adoption) would be fascinating. 

Their reaction would vary wildly:

Dick: Oh. Bruce is soft again. Bruce calls them ‘chum’ and ‘buddy’ and gives head pats for no reason. He still isn’t perfect, his communication skills are still a work in progress, but compared to his future self? Without actively dying Dick is hugged plenty. Bruce asks him to go to the zoo, unrelated to any case, just to spend time together. Dick is hit with more nostalgia and longing for the past than he knows what to do with.

Also notable: his dad is younger than him. That is something. Second, holy existential crisis Batman, his dad is younger than him and already one adult and one teenage kid??? Dick is not ready to feel this old yet. Third, Dick has absolutely no idea how Bruce managed to stay patient through his no-pants years. He is going to thank reason every day from now on that Damian wears full protection.

Jason: After his death and League he clung to an image of Bruce. One many tried to beat out of him, but he still kept it somewhere close to his heart, buried deep enough even he couldn’t see it. When he came back Bruce wasn’t like this idea of him. How stupid of him to believe the mind of a traumatized kid. Trying to create one good thing before the kid drew his last breath. Making up memories that never even existed.

But they did. Every smile and hug and even his words reflect the image tugged safely against his still-beating heart. His dad very clearly, very deeply loves him. Which is so much worse. Because he can understand why a Bruce, who never cared, didn’t kill the Joker. But he cares. So why the fuck did he not kill the Joker?

Tim: The reason he joined the family, the reason why he became Robin in the first place was because he saw a problem when Bruce started self-destructing and thought ‘Someone needs to fix that!’. Therefore he went and collected Dick, who didn’t seem keen on fixing it. So, the job fell to him to fix it.

He thought he did a good job, he thought he fixed the problem. Except now he sees who Bruce was, and he knows he failed. Their Bruce is less soft, less affectionate, less like he was before. Batman needs a Robin and Tim didn’t manage to be good enough of one to save him. 

[Or: Tim has a guilt complex a hundred miles wide and blames himself for things that aren’t his fault part 52]

Steph: Jason and she are very similar. Both come from the Narrows, both have a mother addicted to drugs and a shitty father. The differences start when Steph keeps waiting on the roof of their apartment for Batman to whisk her away, while Jason tries to steal the tires of the Batmobile and is taken in.

When Steph started out as Spoiler Bruce tried to keep her off the field, and obviously this one would too (even if he would probably be less paranoid about it), but she knows this Bruce would have also taken her in. This Bruce would be the father she always wished for when she sat on their roof and couldn’t see any stars. 

And she didn’t get to have this because Jason went ahead and died. (Of course, she knows she isn’t fair to the guy. Dying isn’t fun… And she knows the only reason she lived is because he died. When Batman rescued her from Black Mask she was in such terrible shape that Leslie managed to convince the World’s Greatest Detective that she died. If Jason hadn’t died Bruce wouldn’t have been as paranoid, wouldn’t have noticed her missing so soon, wouldn’t have been as urgent in his response. Would have been just a minute slower, a minute which would have killed her. Just as it had Jason.)

For her, this Bruce is a distorted mirror into a past which never was. 

Cass: This Bruce and B are not the same person. They don’t move the same. In a fight, this Bruce is younger, faster, stronger. Doesn’t compensate for a previously broken spine. Less experienced. Still one of the most experienced she knows, but less. 

He still moves differently, outside a fight, less pain. More likely to engage in physical affection, more likely to hug and pat and talk. He talks more than B. B knows what she means without words. This Bruce doesn’t.

She likes this Bruce, warmth, and softness. But not as much as B. He knows what she means, when she wants a hug, when she tells him ‘I love you’ without words. B doesn’t need words. This Bruce doesn’t know her, doesn’t communicate like her. She wants B back.

Damian: At first, when this version of his father seemed uncanny and oddly familiar, he assumed it to be due to the stories of his mother. After all, she always told him tales about his father. He simply did not have the frame of reference to understand the kindness she spoke of. Clearly, the clash between the ideals of the League and the ones of his father causes these feelings, just as they did when he first entered the manor.

He presumed this to be the case until one day on patrol Batman laid a hand on his shoulder and told him he did a good job after no particularly impressive fight and he nearly called him ‘Grayson’. Because the stories of his mother may have painted the picture of this version of his father, however, it wasn’t what made it familiar; no, he knew this kindness. These hugs and compliments one would bestow upon a child. Compliments which, despite the indignity, still warm him. Because Grayson learned how to be a… caregiver from his father.

His father used to be like Grayson, used to be until his grief hardened him. Damian could have had this. Damian could have a brother and father who would- But he doesn’t because of Todd. He loathes Todd. Loathes him for ruining the life he could have had.

Why did he die anyway? Damian certainly wouldn’t have a problem escaping bonds created by the Joker, Damian would have disarmed the bomb in time, Damian would have never thrown this life away like he did.

[Or: Damian is a child who was raised by assassins and has unreasonable standards for fighting abilities and also is a child who needs to focus his rage on someone.]

Duke: He was neither there before Jason died nor in the aftermath [according to my math he was around 4 when Jason died] he joined the family when Jason was already back for 4 years or so. He mostly skipped all the drama. For him, Bruce is the way Bruce is because he is Bruce. It’s weird to see him so different, to see how grief shaped parts of Bruce which Duke assumed were just Bruce things.

He’s glad this Bruce is brighter, or not because it just highlights how much that light will dim? Who knows, certainly not him. 

What he does know is that, with their Bruce, he has a distance which, with his parents still alive, he appreciates. With this Bruce, he can understand why Dick struggled so much whether he wants to be his ward or son, how he doesn’t want to replace his parents but still have this Bruce as a dad. It definitely explained the ted talk Dick tried to give him after Bruce officially took him in as a ward.

He likes this Bruce well enough, but he doesn’t necessarily want him to stay this way. Yes, their Bruce is less happy, less open but he did heal, he did grow. Duke met a Bruce who tried to learn from his mistakes, learned to communicate better, and learned when to pull and when to push. For Tim, Damian, Dick, and certainly Jason there is too much baggage, too much history in their relationships, it’s difficult for them to ever move past- anything really.

Sure, when Dick and Bruce are on the same page they are essentially invincible but then the past catches up again and they don’t talk to each other for months. And honestly? Apart from Cass, Duke’s pretty sure he has one of the best relationships with Bruce simply because he got to know him at a better time.

Duke doesn’t mind this Bruce. But their Bruce loved Jason, cared for him so deeply the scars still show to this day. And he still chooses to open up again even if just a bit by bit. Even if just Duke can see it. He is used to being the only one that can see.

And maybe knowing this care extends to him, this love even grief can’t shake? Maybe it makes him feel just a little bit safer, a little bit warmer, a little bit brighter.

[aaa-totodile]

Batkids being asked who they think Bruce’s favorite is:

Dick: “Either Cass or Jason, though I’m leaning more towards Cass, Bruce has always been a girl dad”

Jason: “Cass, that’s his daughter”

Tim: “Jason. … Did I answer that to quickly? If it’s any consolation I think Dick has a chance.”

Cass: *sign for bat and then sun* “Duke, he’s special”

Steph: “I’m not one of his kids so I don’t know why I’m here, but I’d say Tim or Cass cause they’re my favorites. I would include Duke in this list but he wronged me” *checks watch* “12 hours ago.”

Duke: “Probably Dick, but neither of them know it cause they’re blind when it comes to eachother. I also think Cass, but I think everyone else is going to say Cass so I’m trying to give us a higher chance of getting it right.”

Damian: “Richard or myself, but I believe Cassandra would be a promising candidate.”

—|—

Bruce: “Who ever is making me worried or aggravated the least at the given moment I’m asked. Right now it’s Dick because he’s been in New York for two weeks with the titans. Jason would also be in the running but he blew up a building ten days ago for no reason. They’ve all done something they shouldn’t have in the last forty eight hours.”

[ashoss]

i couldnt stop thinking about it :P she shows up to the cave in this

[theaceofarrows]

Bruce: Dick, what did you and your brother do when he visited Blüdhaven the other day?

Dick: Nothing much, why?

Bruce: Because I just saw a headline saying, "Wayne sons Dick Grayson arrests Brother Jason Todd when on police duty Friday afternoon to reenact Justin Timberlake arrest whilst dozens of witnesses watch."

Dick: [shrugs] Yeah, we did that. Why?

Bruce: Firstly I don't know what that even means. Secondly, why would you do that?

Jason: It means Dick arrested me and I said, "this is going to ruin the tour."

Dick: And I said, "what tour?" To which Jason replied, "The world tour."

Jason: All while I was wearing a piss poor disguise

Bruce: [tiredly] Why?

Jason: Because it was funny

Bruce: [rubbing his temples] No. No it isn't...

Dick: Well, two billion other people say otherwise~

[skecherss]

my ideal character design for Stephanie Brown is when she looks like a girl I'd meet in passing at a thrift store only to grow desperately and hopelessly obsessed with my brief impression of her

[demonic0angel]

Classic bat gets bride sacrifice to the ghost king 'cept:

"Damn it, you guys couldn't have waited till tomorrow to get me?" Steph glared at Tim, Bruce, and Constantine.

"You wanted us to wait on rescuing y-"

"Rescue! That wasn't a rescue! That was interrupting my date!"

"You were on a date with the ghost king."

"Wha-no. I was with Wes. The royal chancellor. He'd finally asked me out on a date, and then you happened."

Constantine stared at her. "... so you're saying that you've been on a date with... a royal chancellor… this whole time."

Red Robin, meanwhile, slowly and carefully reached into his pocket to get a tranquilizer as if he thought she was crazy.

Stephanie sighed and stood up from where they had dropped her on the ground. She dusted herself off and huffed. "No! Wes is the Ghost King's royal chancellor! I asked him out some days ago and this is our first date.”

Constantine pinched the bridge of his nose. Batman said, “So you’ve been dating a being from another dimension this entire time and didn’t tell anyone?”

“I only just found out that he was from another dimension. He’s been a great boyfriend so far.” At this, Stephanie looked at Red Robin with narrowed eyes, who sighed and relented to her scrutiny. “He didn’t tell me, but he didn’t even ask me anything suspicious either. He’s literally fine! Where did you guys put him?”

She scowled and put her hands on her hips. Batman and Constantine shut their mouths stubbornly, so it was only Red Robin who pointed down the hallway and said, “Constantine banished him back to his home world.”

Stephanie gave a frustrated scream. “Ugh! You’re all the worst! B! RR! You owe me for this!”

She pushed away both Constantine and Batman who tried to stop her, and Red Robin silently slid in place beside her, also leading her there as they both dodged the attempts of the two other adults to stop them.

They were in an abandoned building that Stephanie had picked for their first date to have a picnic, but now it was ruined. Why couldn’t the heroes in her life just mind their business for a day?? Stephanie pushed open the doors to where Wes was last and marched inside.

The ritual circle was still on the floor and Stephanie sneered before she asked, “How do I reverse it?”

“We’re not going to let you do that, you twit,” Constantine said as he and Batman followed them inside of the room.

Stephanie scowled again. “Watch me.” She looked back at the ritual circle and then thought to herself. After a moment, she began chanting softly, outwardly looking confident but inwardly sweating bricks. She was sure that Zatanna used backwards speak to do her magic, so theoretically, if she could say the incantation that Constantine used to banish him and reverse it then….

It could work?

Constantine gasped. “How does she know the incantation to summon him back?”

Score!

The ritual circle began to glow green and the building shook. The circle then began to turn dark and mist poured out, green swirls appearing within the circle.

Stephanie grinned as she continued, ducking underneath a batarang that Batman tossed at her before she finished the chant and her boyfriend was thrown out of the portal and at her feet. Wes groaned but got up with a glare at Constantine and Batman.

“Did you just fucking deport me?! On my date?! Do you know the blackmail material I had to give away to his Majesty to get back here?! Don’t think that just because you’re from another dimension that I won’t summon the King here and teach you a lesson!”

Wes tore into them and as Batman glared at Stephanie from where he was standing and being lectured, Red Robin leaned into her as she grinned broadly, loving how Wes was also defending her in the same breath as he was ripping at the two adult heroes.

“So I’m forgiven?” He whispered, reaching out a hand.

“You owe me ice cream, but you’re forgiven,” she said, shaking his hand firmly.

[7lizardsinacoat]

Darkness will spare my soul

Here's all my Nerdy Prude Must Die paintings in one set! These teens live rent free in my head for all eternity. I think i have the show memorized at this point for how much I watched it while doing these.

Yes I redid Richie's painting Don't look at me . (and shout out to @to-our-own-fairytale for the banger quote suggestion)

Edit: By popular demand, I have added these as prints to my store! Find them here!

[ghostbsuter]

Danny and Steph had an easy friendship.

Witnessing each other beat the shit out of villains to near ending injuries. They were close.

An easy friendship and an even better understanding on mischief.

For starters, every time they were discussing anything about plans or investigation, Phantom would whisper into her ear of what he heard and she'd interject and add in.

With her own flair.

"Spoiler alert!" She sings, Tim's head snaps up to her, and he focuses. She grins. "The goon were delivering it for Penguin, not Riddler. It was Riddler's, well not anymore!"

She giggles to herself when she sees her friend turn around , looking and searching.

Tim has no lead of how she knows this.

Danny giggles with her.