#possessive dick grayson addicts

[shipsdoishipidk]

Gannon: Hey Dick how's it going? Dick: Hey Gannon, it's going okay. Things have been pretty busy lately. Gannon: Relationship problems? Dick: Yeah, how did you know? Gannon: I was passing by your place last night and wanted to know if you wanted to eat together but it seemed like you and your lover had a thing going on. Dick: Ugh yeah, me and my boyfriend got into a fight last night about some moral problems and he wouldn't leave. Gannon: Yeah seems like he's got some serious attachment issues. Dick: Tell me about it. He sometimes likes to joke that he didn't have white hair already, then I would've been the reason for it. Gannon: White hair? Dick: ....look I know he might be slightly older than me but- Gannon: So the guy clinging to your window all night wasn't your lover? Dick: Dick: Dick: ...the what?

[flamingpudding]

Little Snippets #5

Okay, so maybe Danny screwed up a little big. He was just trying to train some of his powers in secret. Really. And sure, just because he wanted to test the limits of what he could do, he tested and trained with a powered he swore he wasn't going to ever use on anyone.

But that kind of turned out to be one of his worst mistakes.

He was pretty sure Jazz was probably posting missing person posters. Maybe hid parents were also wrecking havoc over Amity, leaving literally no stone unturned to find him. And he didn't even want to imagine what his ghost gallery of rogues were up to with him missing.

Now he really regretted that he started training in secret without telling anyone.

Because now... here he was stuck in a doll sitting on some weird guys shelf that apparently used him as therapy doll and was talking to him. Or maybe the other was talking more to himself than Danny stuck in the doll.

Either way Danny was stuck and currently had no idea what to do, and his attempts in making the move doll didn't work as much as he hoped for. It took him an entire night to move his doll body from the shelves to the windowsill.

Tim swore the doll he had picked up on a whim as a mission souvenir was hunted. He swore he had placed the doll on his shelf several times now, but each morning he found it somewhere else.

He had contemplated installing cameras but fos some reasons his electronics stopped working at night. He had told Dick about it.

And what does he older brother do?

Ask him how much he slept the past week.

He sleeps enough, thank you very much. His sleep schedule was a mess but he sleeps and he functions.

The amount of energy drinks and coffee he consumes has noting to do with that.

Still Tim sat on the couch the doll placed on the table before him as he stared it down like it was a criminal he was going to interrogate.

"I know you can move..." he muttered behind his folded hands as his eyes narrowed. "I will figure out what your deal is..."

Behind him Dick looked worried at his younger sibling, wondering if he should get the tranquilizer gun. "Guys... I think he has one of these phases again..."

Jason next to him scoffed with his arms crossed, already planning on tipping Alfred off to restrict Tim's coffee and energy intake.

Damian only clicked his tongue, watching the older teen. "So Drake finally lost it."

[jasonswh0rre]

The Psychological Analysis of Jason Todd

I am a psych major, and my professor is allowing us to make an analysis of any character of our choice, so I figured who better to write then Jason Todd. This was very fun to write and I very much enjoyed rewatching Batman: Arkham Knight. Please enjoy. ☁️ Warning(s): Trigger Warning for Trauma, Mental Health Content, Violence, Graphic Imagery, Spoiler(s)☁️ Word Count: 2.6k ☁️: Authors Note: I am working on fanfics, more headcanons for Arkham Jason, unfortunately I am busy with classes, assignments and deadlines. I will try to be punctual but it may take time. Thank you for your understanding.

Introduction 

Jason Todd is the secondary villain in Batman: Arkham Knight, which has the same moniker. He is the second Robin and Bruce Wayne's adoptive son.

Jason Peter Todd was born in the slums of Gotham City to two drug-addicted parents, who would eventually try to settle a debt they had by giving Jason away when he was a baby. Jason received no parental figure to help guide him, leading him to petty crimes such as theft to nourish his survival. Jason is a character who takes what he needs if it means prolonging his survival; his lack of a parental figure leads him to an identity crisis between longing for a parental figure and convincing himself he is better off without one. When the simple truth is that every human needs a mother and a father, we respond positively to a nurturing environment, and through early adolescence, our brains crave the structure needed to build us into well-rounded adults. 

At fifteen, Jason inadvertently met Batman while committing robbery when Batman was fighting Gotham's notorious supervillain, The Joker. Believing Batman is in trouble, Jason jumps between pushing the hero from harm's way. Despite life's misfortunes, Jason possesses a remarkable code of morality enough to want to save someone. Jason, attempting to rid Joker of his breath, aims a pistol at the clown and, before firing, is knocked out of his hands by Batman's batarang. Unfortunately for him, Joker would leave Jason with a cryptic message, one for the young man to head.

Jason would later be apprehended and taken into custody in the back of a police car by Batman after Batman retrieved his gun and stolen money. However, rather than being charged, Jason receives a blessing through a Wayne Industries project that helped troubled teens; through the program, Jason was able to turn his life around. All attract the man who helped Jason find a new purpose: Bruce Wayne. Months after being released, Batman appeared in Jason's dorm, again offering Jason another opportunity. 

2nd Robin and Kidnapping

Taking Jason in as his ward as well as dubbing him Robin after Dick Grayson, Jason sought justice and enjoyed being a hero. Like the previous Robin, he showed a keen aptitude for it; unlike his predecessor, he possessed a fiery temper and willingness for more lethal force. While Jason's temper is directed towards the criminals that harm the innocents, Batman views this as inexcusable, fearing the day that Jason will kill instead of reprimanding. 

In the most twisted sense of irony, Jason's morality inevitably becomes his downfall. The Joker has blown up a school with kindergarteners; this leads to Jason's resolve that Joker needs to die. Knowing that Bruce would try to stop him, Jason abandons his comms and tracker so he can kill Joker. However, it is a trap, and Joker ambushes Jason. Jason was kept in a wheelchair, bonded by barbed wire that kept Jason leaning hunched over in excruciating pain. Throughout his pain, Jason's mind remained still; he was confident that Batman would find him; his sheer will at the beginning of his torture is, with all honesty, remarkable as Joker has been known for his mental abuse and mind games he plays with his victims including his sidekick, Harley Quinn. 

In the six months of his torture, Jason's unwavering mental resolve was slowly crippling as Joker had wanted; throughout the game, Jason's voice mixed with crippling fear and small doubts about Batman coming. The Joker feeds into his doubts by showing him a photo of Batman with his replacement, Tim Drake. This leaves Jason troubled as he slowly loses hope for Batman. 

The last act of Jason's torture involved a video sent to Batman via The Joker of Jason, who has undergone all his brainwashing; in the video, Jason is sitting down in a chair; he is not chained, barbed, handcuffed, or kept sitting still in any way by all means Jason could easily walk away. This is a significant and crucial part of Jason's torture as it symbolizes just how much mental anguish and emotional exhaustion Jason went through to the point that he no longer had a yearning for freedom—making him downright timid and submissive towards Joker enough to out Batman's identity when asked by the latter. This results in Joker shooting Jason point-blank in the chest, as Joker "never could stand a tattletale." However, this was only a ploy to make Batman believe Jason is genuinely dead.

On the contrary, Jason was kept alive for another year, endeavoring more torture, mistreatment, and malnourishment. Harley Quinn did the final touches of Jason's emotional and mental brainwashing; a former psychiatrist who manipulated Jason into believing that Batman was the cause of his anguish and his pain was his doing; she did this long enough, even punishing Jason by waterboarding him and electrocuting him when he refused to say Batman, indicating he still had some level of awareness of who was torturing him. 

However, once Harley could get Jason to say Batman's name, Jason was drugged and beaten by two prisoners dressed like Batman; he was given a gun by The Joker and was ordered to kill them. Jason's resolve and humanity were a cord, still entrenched in him before Harley convinced him further, snapping his humanity and getting him to shoot the two dressed-up prisoners dead.

During the riots of Arkham Asylum, The Joker paid mercenary Deathstroke to keep Jason there and shoot him if he escaped. However, Jason convinces Deathstroke that Joker will not keep his promise and that if he helps, Jason will triple whatever Joker plans to pay. Accepting the offer, Deathstroke assists Jason in escaping, stealing a helicopter, and flying to Wayne Industries. Jason steals millions of dollars from his former guardian. Ironically, crossing paths with Tim Drake, who assumes Todd to be Deathstroke's sidekick, when Jason's ankle is caught between Tim's grappling hook, Jason cuts the cord, allowing Tim to fall when suggested by Deathstroke that killing Robin would bode well for them with the Dark Knight. Jason Coldy says that if he dies in a fall like that, Batman needs to pick his sidekicks better. 

Jason's psyche has been torn and scattered, leaving him a hollowed carving with a mocking J branding etched onto his face, from birth his eyes were already met with darkness, born to parents who never showed him recognition, let alone love, and through the Wayne Industries Project and his adoption by Bruce his eyes were wide, and remarkably hopeful, to be free of the weight of Gotham's misfortunes finally; those eyes that looked with gleam forced shut until he saw nothing but blackness.

Arkham Knight's Birth

Jason adopts a new persona built on the pain and suffering in the wake of his escape from Joker. He feels betrayed by the one person he only had in the world and wants vengeance. Jason works alongside Scarecrow, one of Batman's enemies. The two begin a plan on Halloween to take Gotham and Batman's legacy along with it. Jason gathers all Batman's enemies to join, assembling a militia with Deathstroke. While working with each other, Scarecrow "tests" his fear toxin on the young man, sending him on a psychological spiral. One of his more apparent fears is the Joker, who can be found near, in the background, or standing right in front of him laughing and mocking him, but beyond the clown prince of crime's appearance, Jason also sees his replacement, Tim Drake, and "fights" him.

The fight has Jason severely outnumbered in the beginning, with Tim succeeding, even using his staff to choke Jason, forcing him to the ground as the Jokers around him laugh. Further into the fear toxin, Jason appears in front of Wayne Manor, where he throws down his helmet and says the following: "Someplace warm, someplace safe, someplace where I'm needed, someplace where I'm loved," Joker once again appears in front of him laughing and mocking him on whether he even deserves it, this is Jason's internal struggle in a manifested form of the person who caused him harm, of the person who convinced him from the start that he was alone and would not be saved. Jason is mischaracterized as always being angry or standoffish, but anger has more truth than any lie detector can scoop. Jason feels this anger is not just because of some personality trait; anger is his cry out, and he's shouting to be seen and loved. This is most likely due to being tortured at 15 or so, which, despite the fact that at the time of Arkham Knight, he was in his early 20s, his mental age was regressed to the age when he was captured. This makes Jason appear at first glance as someone emotional, cocky, and arrogant. He values safety and love; he doesn't want to be on his guard 24/7, but he's grown up in an environment where letting your guard down gets you killed. He follows Joker into Wayne Manor, where he sees Bruce; suddenly, several versions of Batman appear in the room. They beat him and told him they never wanted a partner or even a son. This is a conflict that has always waged war in Jason's mind. Jason's biological father attempted to give him up and then belittled him when he explained that Jason's worth was so low that he couldn't even leave him; he has low self-esteem that he internalizes into rage in the way that he fights to prove his strength. 

This is why Jason has a strong attachment to Bruce/Batman it maybe due to an underlying desire to seek his approval especially by the time when he adopts him. Bruce gives him everything he could ask for and anything he could think of, and Batman gives him a purpose. Ironically, this is still the case despite Bruce himself having an avoidant attachment style. 

Conclusion and Diagnosis

Jason Todd's character in "Batman: Arkham Knight" exhibits a complex interplay of psychological factors that align with the diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). One prominent feature of BPD is emotional dysregulation, characterized by intense and rapidly shifting emotions. Jason displays various emotions throughout the game, from anger and hostility to vulnerability and despair. His reactions often appear exaggerated or disproportionate to the situation, indicating difficulty regulating his emotional responses.

Furthermore, Jason's sense of identity is notably unstable, which is another hallmark feature of BPD. Having grown up in a dysfunctional environment with absent parents, Jason lacks a stable sense of self and struggles to define his identity. This is evident in his adoption of various personas, including Robin, the Arkham Knight, and, later, the Red Hood. His shifting identities reflect a profound inner conflict and a desperate search for validation and purpose. Jason's interpersonal relationships also reflect the interpersonal instability characteristic of BPD. He forms intense and unstable attachments to figures such as Batman, vacillating between admiration and resentment. His interactions with other characters are marked by rapid shifts in perception, alternating between idealization and devaluation. For example, while Jason initially idolizes Batman as a mentor and father figure, his feelings of betrayal and abandonment lead to resentment and hostility towards him.

Moreover, Jason exhibits self-destructive behaviors as a coping mechanism for his emotional pain, another hallmark of BPD. He engages in reckless actions, disregarding his safety to seek vengeance against those he perceives as enemies. His confrontations with adversaries are often fueled by a desire for self-assertion and control, masking more profound feelings of emptiness and despair.

Underlying Jason's behaviors is a pervasive fear of abandonment, stemming from his traumatic upbringing and experiences of betrayal. This fear drives his desperate attempts to maintain connections with others, even as he pushes them away with his volatile and unpredictable behavior. Jason's fear of abandonment manifests in his interactions with Batman and the Bat family, where he oscillates between seeking their approval and rejecting their authority.

Jason Todd's character in "Batman: Arkham Knight" embodies many of the core features of Borderline Personality Disorder, including emotional dysregulation, identity disturbance, interpersonal instability, self-destructive behaviors, and a fear of abandonment. By analyzing his actions, relationships, and psychological struggles within the context of the game's narrative, it becomes apparent that Jason's character aligns closely with the diagnostic criteria for BPD, providing a compelling framework for understanding his complex and multifaceted personality.

Besides indicating various symptoms of BPD, I would also consider diagnosing Jason with Complex Post post-traumatic stress Disorder (C-PTSD). Given Jason's background of severe trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, and prolonged torture at the hands of the Joker, it's worth considering Complex PTSD. C-PTSD typically develops in response to chronic trauma and is characterized by symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, disturbed self-concept, difficulties in relationships, and a persistent sense of threat. I would include diagnosing Jason with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Jason's experiences of profound loss, trauma, and betrayal may contribute to symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and a loss of interest in activities. His struggles with emotional regulation and chronic feelings of emptiness could also align with depressive symptoms. Following my diagnosis, I am also inclined to believe he suffers from attachment disorders; given Jason's tumultuous upbringing and experiences and a multitude of parental figures involving neglect and abandonment, it's possible that he may have developed attachment-related difficulties. This could manifest in insecure attachment styles, fear of abandonment, and challenges in forming and maintaining healthy relationships. 

Furthermore, I would consider Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): While Jason displays empathy and compassion at times, his willingness to engage in morally questionable or violent behavior, as well as his disregard for societal norms and rules, may align with some features of ASPD. However, his capacity for genuine care and loyalty makes this disorder out of sorts with his character.

Lastly, Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED): PTED is a proposed diagnostic category characterized by intense feelings of injustice, betrayal, and embitterment following a traumatic event or series of events. Jason's experiences of betrayal and abandonment, particularly by Batman and the Joker, may resonate with the symptoms of PTED. 

In conclusion, the character of Jason Todd in "Batman: Arkham Knight" presents a compelling portrayal of psychological complexity shaped by a tumultuous history of trauma, betrayal, and profound loss. Through a comprehensive analysis of his experiences and behaviors throughout the game, it becomes evident that Jason embodies many psychological struggles, warranting consideration for various diagnostic possibilities. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) emerges as a primary candidate, given Jason's emotional volatility, identity disturbances, and interpersonal difficulties. His tumultuous relationships, intense fear of abandonment, and self-destructive tendencies align closely with the diagnostic criteria for BPD. Furthermore, Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) offers another lens through which to understand Jason's psychological profile, considering his history of chronic trauma and its pervasive impact on his functioning.

Additionally, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) may contribute to Jason's experiences of profound despair, hopelessness, and emotional emptiness. His struggles with attachment-related difficulties suggest the possibility of underlying attachment disorders stemming from his early experiences of neglect and abandonment.

While Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder (PTED) offer alternative perspectives, they may not fully capture the complexity of Jason's character, given his capacity for empathy and genuine care, despite his propensity for morally questionable behavior.

In essence, Jason Todd's character in "Batman: Arkham Knight" is a poignant exploration of the human psyche's intricacies, illustrating the profound impact of trauma on identity, relationships, and emotional well-being. By delving into his psychological struggles within the context of the game's narrative, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of mental health and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

[dogbites-puppylove]

Hi! I’m new to your bling and was wondering How do you think Dick Grayson(Yandere) would react to his s/o being a dragon but they stay in there human form more than there dragon form because the form is too large for Blüdhaven? (If ya want to inspiration think of Drogon from Game of thrones. Black scales blood red horns and spinal plates. Red eyes. There flames are black and red?)

Dick Grayson w Dragon! Darling

TW: description of yandere mentalities and actions (obsession, possessive tendencies, stalking, etc)

Tags: Yandere! Dick Grayson x Dragon!reader

Dick Grayson is a man deprived - always craving and hungering for his darling in ways that melt his brain from his ears until they drip on the sidewalk below. He licks up your identity and devours it from your highest dreams to the blood beading your scraped knee during a spring of your childhood - everything you are is also Dick’s - just as everything he is is yours. Hiding anything from him is a task impossible perhaps even to the divine - he’s addicted to you, his high’s are your breath in his lungs and his lows are when you're just feet away. With this in mind - his darling being a dragon doesn’t so much as change his opinion then change his approach. 

Dick is a man who is bound by the pleasure principle - his ultimate bliss is the idea of life and death in your arms - conjoined as if you entered this earth connected. Like Orpheus is never known without Eurydice - like the legend can never be told with only one of them - he needs this love to define him.  He feels the need to writhe, the way he feels bugs under his skin that chatter into his bones - eating him hollow until you can fill it. Dragons by principle are tougher - they can take more, last longer, and bigger in every sense - and this is something Dick loathes and delights at. 

He’s rougher with you - he knows you can take it - and he experiments more. What pleasure is best - what sounds can you make - how far can he push until he can see just a glimpse of what you are outside of flesh that mimics his own. It’s simply not an option to not know you inside and out - not when he rips himself open everyday to allow you inside - not when you have his organs clutched between your teeth. Don’t grow surprised when one day he comes home with a collar and a leash - but don’t be afraid he has one for himself too. 

However - Dick is a selfish man, and while he loves his Darling so painfully his heart might beat his ribs raw - he can’t bear the idea of separating from you at his death. He grows far more obsessed with how to take you with him - oh but don’t be scared. It’ll be soft, sweet - like cyanide in apple seeds - he’ll coddle you through any pain. Just as he is rougher with you - he’s also more fatal. His hands begin to mimic dulled swords that sharpen themselves against your skin - he feels for soft spots and pulse points - and at night he whispers about joints graves with a devastating need. Your train ride to hell had been confirmed the moment he laid eyes on you - the moment Dick Grayson fell in love. Not even being a dragon will let you fly. 

Dick Grayson is also delusional - just as strong as Nightwings ideals are. This means that Darling can physically do nothing that breaches the moral threshold of wrong - and if he must rewrite heavens law to have it ring true he shall. Dick not seeing Darlings full form is not an option  - you own each other - you’ve vowed yourself to each other. Nothing must take a higher presence in your life than that, if you don’t want to move far enough to shift without casualty then death becomes far less of a problem. To put it in simple terms - Dick Grayson will consume every last part of you - should citizens and Gotham itself have to perish under your form it would be a shame - but of no consequence. 

Though, the Darling should be warned to not get cocky - wings are just as beautiful on your back as they are mounted on the wall. He knows you’ll survive - and he has forever to beg for your forgiveness, so you can’t blame a starved man for taking a bite.

Author's Note: This is so out of my field and I'm so out of practice omg. I hope you enjoy it though. 

[homochihuahua]

Extremely Dark and possessive Jason, with a no bullshit kinda of attitude.

Jason comes back sick and twisted. Made even worse by Talia's manipulation and her assassin world tour. The difference is that Jason is pretty clear headed of it. The pit juices work extra perfectly on him, and instead of giving him bouts of uncontrollable rage, the pit recognised Jason's worth and extinguished him of anything that's standing between him and his darkness.

Jason still comes back to take control of Gotham's underworld. He still practised and delivered justice in the ways he saw fit. No final showdown with Bruce though, Jason now understood that if Bruce was willing to truly stop the Joker he'd had done it a long time ago. And thus, Jason makes sure to rid himself and his city of that bastard. With a bullet to his head in a nondescript location, making sure to burn his corpse too. Jason has a first hand experience with returning from the grounds after all, he won't take any chances.

And so Red Hood becomes this formidable entity in Gotham's underworld that the Bats can't really find anything about him. He keeps his distance too, no good will come from mingling with people who replaced him and moved from his demise this quickly. And he doesn't have it in him to enact a petty revenge on a teenager or his adoptive father figure anymore.

There's one thing Jason still wants from the Bats though, and that is Dick Grayson.

His poor younger self had the biggest crush on the golden boy. And he had denied himself from fear of rejection by his predecessor. Not that this new Jason cares of now. He's going to make Dick his. Force him to be Jason's alone...

Jason finds that guns lacks intimacy in their executions, and that's why it is his primarily method of justice. Because those people he kills, are so vile they don't deserve any closure or warmth in their final moments.

Jason finds that the only person he wants to share such intimacy is Dick.

That's why the Hood seeks out Nightwing regularly, exchanging blows and wounding Dick's perfect body with his jagged knife. Leaving marks of ownership on Dick's body.

The Hood becomes a sort of an alley and a nemesis to Nightwing. Even still their dance with blood still remains.

And due to it's constant presence, Dick becomes addicted to the pain that's practised on his body, by hands that gentles him before leaving strokes of blood on his body.

Sometimes when Dick is tired he just give himself fully to Red Hood's hands. His back to a wall, arms encircling Hoods wide shoulder, eyes behind the mask watching as his hands work on Dick's body. Cutting through his suite, leaving trails of seeping blood behind. It's a pain bordering on pleasure for him now...

The Hood offers to go back with him to treat those cuts, and Dick keeps on denying him. Enjoying their prolonged courting and this game they are playing.

What will happen when Dick finally agrees to let Red Hood in and close? When he eventually will take that helmet off then Dick will be greeted with the sight of a face he thought that is no longer there with them in this world? What will he do with those inescapable feelings?

[latinotimdrake]

the rule is for every negative post I have to make a positive one so

batfamily fic recs that aren't just the same 5 white or whitewashed guys

amber-lit by Crystalinastar : Duke Thomas & the We Are Robin gang (Riko Sheridan, Isabella Ortiz, Daxton Chill, Andre Cipriani), AU, future fic, 1.3k words

In a world where Batman never returned and his family scattered, the We Are Robin movement has grown and become the city’s new protectors. Now older, they have a conversation around a kitchen counter.

do you ever think of me and my two hands by Le_tap_22 : Stephanie Brown, Talia al Ghul, Damian Wayne, character study, 681 words

Stephanie has never thought, and will never think, of Damian as her child. He’s a child, sure. Bruce’s child, Dick’s child, Talia’s child. But not hers. He’s her little asshole younger brother. But sometimes when she sits beside him— like now under the soft light of the sun shining through the curtain in the Manor’s library as she watches him write a letter to send to his mother— she feels a deep, almost indescribable emotion well up inside her. Not for him, but for Talia. Or, Damian and Stephanie sit together in the Manor’s library, two opposite halves of similar pictures.

Read These Roses by Kalinjdra : Tam Fox/Cassandra Cain, soulmate AU, 3.6k words

One of Tam's most prized possessions is a book on the language of flowers, that her father had gifted her in the third grade. The page for belladonna is wrinkled thin from how many times its been flipped open to, rhodohedron has had it's dog-eared corner torn off and and coriander sticks out from where it had been slightly torn off out of the binding. Boneset has long since fallen out and remains taped to the inside of the binding. These are the flowers of pain and grief.

A House Divided by Capucine : Cassandra Cain, Batgirl #19 canon divergence, 997 words

Batgirl does not condone killing. When a murderer is scheduled to be executed, this principle is put to the test--and the aftermath of her decision will change everything.

gotham city, 2021 by pendulum_north : Minhkhoa Khan, Bao Pham, Cassandra Cain, hurt/comfort, 2.3k words

The boy was shaking, practically vibrating out of his skin, when Minhkhoa had found him, tucked himself away in dark recesses of the half-constructed building.

not mutually exclusive by majorlachdown : Duke Thomas & Bruce Wayne, hurt/comfort, grief/mourning, 4k words

Bruce turned to properly face Duke. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you were awake, but if you want to talk now….” Duke groaned, falling back onto the pillows. “Aren’t you supposed to be the emotionally constipated adult who just leaves things alone?” “I’m trying this new thing out,” Bruce said dryly, “where I try to be supportive of emotionally constipated children.” (Duke is kinda going through it. He has to accept he doesn't have to go through it alone.)

Dance by rakketyrivertam : Cassandra Cain, character study, half drabble, 50 words

Cassandra, described.

necessary reminders by Quillium : Duke Thomas, character study, 5.1k words

Duke, as Signal becomes known and as Duke becomes part of the Wayne family.

Like Father by Wisetypewriter : Sasha, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, 3.1k words

Jason, Dick privately recalled, was ironically the one that took after Bruce's adoption addiction the most.

Note: this one does have equal parts for Jason and Dick, but it's about Sasha and I really like how it follows up on her character. She is heavily defined by her relationship with Jason in canon, and I like what this fic does with that.

[ao3feed-sladedick]

To my Enemies Those Were the Best Days of our Lives (When our Hate Made us Feel so Alive)

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/74mPeDM by acwick In this universe, there are no identifying marks that can lead you to your soulmate. But their touch will always come with a rush of warmth. *** Ra's unexpectedly shows up at a gala. His attention is addicting, and Tim craves it as much as he resists it. It's not healthy, it's not good. Ra’s is a killer and a psychopath. Tim doesn't want to fall for him, but when Ra's is looking at him like that... well, he might not have a say in the matter; he might not care. Words: 4966, Chapters: 1/2, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: M/M Characters: Tim Drake (DCU), Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain Relationships: Tim Drake/Ra's al Ghul, Dick Grayson/Slade Wilson (mentioned), Roman Sionis/Jason Todd (mentioned), Joker (DCU)/Bruce Wayne (mentioned), Stephanie Brown/Cassandra Cain (mentioned) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Soulmates, Various background soulmate relationships, Autistic Tim Drake (DCU), Height Differences, Short King Tim Drake, Wayne Gala (DCU), Masking, Age Difference, Panic Attacks, Tim is kinda seriously repressed here, Consensual Non-Consent, 'cause Tim kinda really does want it, Pining, Creepy Ra's al Ghul, just a little bit, It's how he shows he cares, CEO Tim Drake, Crime Boss Jason Todd, Ra's al Ghul is a Villain, But he's maybe not that evil, Tim Drake is Bad at Self-Care, Ra's just wants to take care of him, Possessive Behavior, Enemies to Lovers, Pre-Relationship, Getting Together, Mediocre Parents Jack Drake and Janet Drake, Protective Batfamily (DCU), Bruce and Cass don't have any speaking lines, Sexual Tension read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/74mPeDM

[ao3feed-jaytim]

It wasnt that bad

read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/52816738 by kittcait Tim’s bare foot pressed against the tub as he sat straight up, the water splashing up on Jason’s jeans. “It wasn’t a complete disaster. Your mom loved me.” Smoke covered Tim’s face as he exhaled loudly. Janet had asked Jason a million questions, all of which he carefully answered under Tim’s heated stare. While Tim deflected any of the ones Jack tried interrogating him with. The dinner had made Jason realize how little Tim told his parents about anything. Words: 7180, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English Series: Part 3 of Social Media Series, Part 1 of Cait Writes 2024 Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Batman (Comics) Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: M/M Characters: Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Janet Drake, Jack Drake, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson Relationships: Tim Drake/Jason Todd Additional Tags: Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, Social Media, NO CAPES, Porn With Plot, Mildly Dubious Consent, Explicit Consent, Implied/Referenced Drug Addiction, Drugged Sex, Bathroom Sex, Oral Sex, Anal Sex, Anal Fingering, Biting, Breeding Kink, Praise Kink, Finger Sucking, Canon-Typical Violence, Death Threats, Possessive Behavior, Possessive Sex, Barebacking, Choking, Hair-pulling, Tim Drake Has Issues, Bad Parent Jack Drake, Protective Jason Todd, Top Jason Todd, Bottom Tim Drake, Dark, Established Relationship, unhealthy relationship, Flashbacks, Smoking, Drinking, Degradation, Come Sharing, Rough Sex, Dom/sub Undertones, Aftercare read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/52816738

[ao3feed-brucewayne]

Unfair

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/1CG7hYk by LyricalDays Unapproachable. That was the way Damian would describe Tim Drake. He belonged on another level and Damian could not help but be addicted to the only way he had found to make him lose control. It was also how Tim would talk about Damian Wayne. He felt as if he was from another dimension and Tim’s curiosity would make him do anything to get more glimpses of Damian’s real self. If only the other wouldn’t be so easy to hate (and to love). Words: 7579, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types Rating: Explicit Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: M/M Characters: Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Alfred Pennyworth, Cassandra Cain, others - Character Relationships: Tim Drake/Damian Wayne, Batfamily Members & Tim Drake, Batfamily Members & Damian Wayne Additional Tags: Hate Sex, Smut, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Bottom Tim Drake, Top Damian Wayne, sometimes they have hate sex, sometimes they have wholesome sex, Possessive Damian Wayne, Jealous Tim Drake, they are stupid and it shows, Everyone is older, Short Tim Drake, everyone is tired of their shit, they make their sex life everyone’s problem, they don’t want to catch feelings, they do catch feelings read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/1CG7hYk

[girlcored]

okay I'm not actually done

superman meets ronald reagan (late 80s)

grant morrison implies that thomas wayne jr, bruce's evil older brother, is immortal and possessed by the actual devil (late 2000s)

honorable mentions

tim drake almost succumbs to the plague

batman's "best friend" in the early 90s was a mute hunchback named harold

jean paul valley physically bricks tim drake out of the batcave

everything from no man's land. wdym gotham was cut out of the united states

black canary walks in on nightwing showering

the catwoman nipple suit

every one of batman's ridiculous little disguises. accompanied by silly voices.

"supermans mullet that inexplicably made him an asshole" -user on this site. I think about this once a day

dick grayson has been shot in the head like three separate times??

the roy harper heroin addict reveal

the green arrow/green lantern/black canary road trip where canary gets indoctrinated into a cult

crazy ass moments in dc comics history off the top of my head

guy gardner is incredibly anti-soviet and causes multiple international incidents (late 80s)

the joker becomes iran's UN representative (1988)

wonder woman delivers a disguised circe's baby underwater by biting through the umbilical cord (i don't even remember when this was? maybe like late 90s)

nightwing joins the mafia, goes by "crutches" (early 2000s)

jason todd impersonates nightwing and moves to nyc to torment him (mid 2000s)

dick grayson shot in the head by kgbeast, goes by "ric" and drives a taxi. also god that half zipped grey hoodie was NOT IT (2019)

hal jordan's "eskimo" sidekick??? (1960s)

batwoman and bat-girl first introduced because batman and robin were accused of turning the kids gay by being gay (1950s)

the wonder woman biker outfit incident. (early 2000s)

tim drake prays in front of jason's shrine in the batcave (late 90s)

the batman cock incident

[gangrenados]

Jason Todd and Dick Grayson for Amarre headcanons please!

☆Amarre (would they do a love spell? How they would be under one?)

Dick Grayson:

☆The only way I see Dick doing a love spell is if it's his yandere version cause let's be honest here, he doesn't really need it. The guy might be socially awkward sometimes, but he knows how to shoot his shot.

☆Dick feels weird, he doesn't know what's going on, but it's like his mind is getting fogged and he kind of likes it. He can't think about anything but you and all the things he would love to do with you, both the cute and the ones that would be able to make anyone blush.

☆He's so out of his mind that he unconsciously does whatever you ask him to do without even thinking about it. However, he might stop mid action and wonder why he was doing that to begin with.

☆Dick will be more sweet and handsy with you, always needing to keep you close and calling you by sweet nicknames. That would be nice if he didn't look off, almost as if some love spirit was taking over him.

☆There's something at the back of his mind telling him there's something wrong, but he quite picture what is it. It's confusing that Dick can't help but wonder why he feels like this when he supposedly loves you.

☆He's love sick and under your control, I think his levels of jealousy might strike up and he'll be more aggressive towards those who are interested in you in a romantic level, perhaps even those who are way too affectionate with you (this one fits well with his titans version, the talon one too although he would be more deadly)

☆Dick is so caught up in his love for you that he thinks he's the only one who should have it. And even if somehow you break up, you'll never leave his mind.

Jason Todd:

☆I don't think Jason would dare to mess with that kind of stuff, he doesn't think it's real to begin with, but he has seen some weird stuff and he just don't fuck with that.

☆Except maybe his titans version who might do it if he's that head over heels for you and if he's truly desperate. He doesn't believe this works of course, it's just a little thing to kill time with, but of course he won't tell anyone.

☆Jason feels like he hasn't completely woken up, it's a weird thing to explain since it's like his mind is shut down while his body does things he isn't even fully aware off.

☆He suddenly becomes more openly affectionate with you, more smiley and less him. It's as if the cheesy love interest of a rom com has possessed him.

☆Under his trance Jason tends to snap and try to fight back; he has moments when it seem like he's himself again but then he falls back into this permanent love state. He's so tired and frustrated after this happens, Jason is left with a void feeling that doesn't go even if love fuels his heart again.

☆He would agree with whatever you said and never question a single thing, he loves you too much to think you're wrong; he'll do whatever you asked him too. He's like your doll to play with.

☆You have so under your control that Jason would fight with anyone who dares to tell him that whatever is going on here is wrong.

☆Also Jason would never be able to let you go, not after being under your spell for so long. He has become addicted, better said bewitched and there's no way you'll be able to get ride of him. In other others you're attached for life.

[firewvlker]

BASIC INFO

NAME: jason peter todd

NICKNAMES: jay, jaybird

ALIASES: red hood, robin, wingman, outlaw, nightwing, red robin, batman, arkham knight

AGE: 30

BIRTHDAY: august 16th

GENDER: cismale

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: heterosexual

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: heteroromantic

PRONOUNS: he/him

RELIGION: agnostic

SPECIES: mild metahuman

MARITAL STATUS: in a relationship with love quinn

LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: english, portuguese, french, german, chinese, italian, russian

ACCENT: american

FAMILY TIES

MOTHER: catherine todd

FATHER: willis todd, bruce wayne (adoptive)

SIBLINGS: damian wayne (adoptive), dick grayson (adoptive), tim drake (adoptive), cassandra cain (adoptive)

CHILDREN: tba w/ love quinn

FINANCIAL STATUS: upper class

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES

FACE CLAIM: matthew daddario

RACE / ETHNICITY: white / italian, irish, english

NATIONALITY: american

HEIGHT: 6′ 4″

WEIGHT: 225 lbs.

BUILD: athletic

HAIR COLOR: black with a white streak

EYE COLOR: blue with a tint of lazarus green (from the pit)

DOMINANT HAND: ambidextrous

TATTOOS: tba

PIERCINGS: n/a

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: height, numerous scars (including an autopsy one), a “j” on his left cheek

LIFESTYLE

RESIDES: gotham city

BORN: gotham city

RAISED: gotham city

VEHICLE: red batcycle, black & red 2022 dodge challenger

PHONE: red iphone 13

LAPTOP/COMPUTER: acer nitro 5

PETS: german shepherd named gunnar

OCCUPATION: vigilante, businessman, amateur chef

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: huge luxury penthouse apartment he shares with love

FAVORITES

LOCATION: anywhere that isn’t gotham

SPORT: hockey

SHOW: n/a

MOVIES: action

BAND: queen

ARTIST: johnny cash

FOOD: chili dogs

BEVERAGE: whiskey

COLOR: red

HEALTH

PHYSICAL AILMENTS: n/a

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS: suicidal depression, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, ptsd

ALLERGIES: n/a

SLEEPING HABITS: awful, he has a very hard time sleeping and only gets a minimum amount

EATING HABITS: also awful, he’s hungry like 24/7

EXERCISE HABITS: he runs or hits the gym daily also has an insatiable gf so he gets plenty

EMOTIONAL STABILITY: 6ish

SOCIABILITY: introvert

BODY TEMPERATURE: cold-natured he died my dudes

ADDICTIONS: smoking but not really

DRUG USE: n/a

ALCOHOL USE: socially

PERSONALITY

LABEL: batman’s greatest failure

POSITIVE TRAITS: loyal, determined, clever, protective, strong-willed, pragmatic, witty, empathetic 

NEGATIVE TRAITS: emotional/unstable, cynical, sarcastic, insecure, temperamental, ruthless, possessive, arrogant

FEARS: the joker, death, letting bruce down, not being good enough, being forgotten, being a bad dad, never living up to dick, nothing.

HOBBIES: guns, reading, acting, fighting, paintball, smoking, cars/bikes, messing with his brothers (damian esp)

HABITS/QUIRKS: speaks with his hands, very neat – keeps everything clean, tba

LIKES: guns, his girlfriend, neapolitan ice cream, redheads, cars, motorcycles, music

DISLIKES: clowns, crowbars, criminals, being told what to do

EXTRA

ZODIAC SIGN: leo

MBTI: istp

ENNEAGRAM: 8w7 – the nonconformist

TEMPERAMENT: melancholic-choleric

HOGWARTS HOUSE: gryffindor 

MORAL ALIGNMENT: chaotic neutral

PRIMARY VICE: wrath/anger

PRIMARY VIRTUE: justice

ELEMENT: fire

[ao3feed-jaydick]

Red Is The Color Of Love And Devotion

read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/42569124 by WitchZakuro In a world without superheroes and instead magical powers and supernatural beings Batman still came to exist, if slightly different. Four boys and one girl were still adopted and taught how to protect the world from those that stalk the night, groups were still formed, lines still made in the sand, and the world still turned just the same. When Dick returned to the manor acting different and calling his family together no one questioned it. It only becomes apparent that something had gone terribly wrong when it becomes far to late to fix it. As Dick slowly becomes something dark and evil his family tries to survive, until Tim is the last one standing, the last hope, the last line of defense. Luckily for him, Dick loves his family more than anything in the world. Words: 4464, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, Red Robin (Comics), Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Teen Titans - All Media Types, Young Justice - All Media Types Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Rape/Non-Con, Underage Categories: M/M, Multi Characters: Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Dick Grayson, Bruce Wayne, Cassandra Cain, Roy Harper, Joker (DCU), Ra's al Ghul, Damian Wayne, Kon-El | Conner Kent, Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent, Gotham City, Rogues Gallery (Batman), Raven, Garfield Logan, John Constantine, Justice League (DCU), Teen Titans (DCU), Bart Allen, Titus | Damian Wayne's Dog, Original Ghost Characters Relationships: Tim Drake/Dick Grayson/Jason Todd, Tim Drake/Jason Todd, Tim Drake/Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson/Jason Todd, Gotham City/Bruce Wayne, Bart Allen/Kon-El | Conner Kent, Jonathan Kent/Damian Wayne Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Magical Realism, Alternate Universe - Vampire, Necrophilia, Temporary Character Death, Minor Character Death, Blood and Gore, Character Turned Into Vampire, Vampire Turning, Ghosts, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Past Drug Addiction, Hurt Tim Drake, Dark Dick Grayson, Hurt Jason Todd, Insanity, Descent into Madness, Obsessive Behavior, Possessive Behavior, Blood Drinking, Non-Consensual Blood Drinking, Explicit Sexual Content, Explicit Language, Good Friend Roy Harper, Suicidal Thoughts, Lazarus Pit Madness (DCU), Alternate Universe - Modern with Magic, Stockholm Syndrome, Hurt Damian Wayne, Dead Dove: Do Not Eat, Not Beta Read, Graphic Description of Corpses, Tim Drake-centric, Tim Drake is Not Okay read it on the AO3 at https://archiveofourown.org/works/42569124

[river-bottom-nightmare]

i need people to understand that canonically, tim does not drink coffee. i’m pretty sure he’s only ever done it twice in his entire existence. does he have horrible sleeping habits and an awful sense of self-preservation and is his internal clock messed up beyond hope of repair? yes. but that’s mainly due to his own stubbornness and will. he’s gotta stay up another couple hours to sift through an evidence sheet bruce sent him while he’s already been up for 72 hours and just came back from patrol injured? no problem, he’ll stay up and do all that and more purely out of determination to get the job done and not let people down, just to prove to himself that yes he is that good.

you know who does drink coffee? dick grayson. that boy downs cup after cup after cup like it’s nothing. his apartment is littered with half-drank coffee cups, and he’ll just walk around muttering to himself and grab the nearest mug and take a sip, no matter how old or gross it is. i’m pretty sure there’s an actual issue where wally, roy, and donna basically stage an intervention. dick does whatever it takes to stay awake and get the job done, and a key part of that is downing coffee by the gallon.

but like i will admit the trope in the fandom that tim drinks coffee like a man possessed is hilarious, and incorrect quotes, crack, and fluff with his coffee addiction in it is pure gold.

[captaindeadships]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman - All Media Types, Red Hood and the Outlaws (Comics), Green Lantern (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Kyle Rayner/Jason Todd, Dick Grayson/Jason Todd (mentioned) Characters: Kyle Rayner, Jason Todd, Dick Grayson Additional Tags: Betrayal, Angst and Feels, Identity Issues, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Stray AU, Jason Todd is Catlad | Stray, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Alpha Kyle Rayner, Alpha Dick Grayson, Omega Jason Todd, Obsessive Behavior, Unreliable Narrator Summary:

This part of him, this sickly part of him that Kyle didn’t even know that he possessed, revels in it. It’s something of an addiction now because no matter how much he hates himself afterwards, he just can’t get enough.

Not when Jason is sprawled out on this utterly ridiculous Akatsuki blanket that he insisted Kyle needed, head tilted back in glee so that the column of his neck is perfectly exposed, cheeks rosy and hiding the freckles that Kyle knows are there, practically mapped out all with as much as he’s studied them, plush lips pulled back into the biggest smile that pops the dimple only on his left side as his body shakes with unabridged laughter.

-

Kyle knows what he's doing goes against his best friend and deceives Jason's trust. He does it anyway.

[beyondflashpoint]

Prologue 2: Homeward Bound :

“I don’t understand the detour, Todd. We could have made port directly in Gotham bay and gone directly to father. Your palaver with the addict in Steel city cost us days. Hours at best.”

Jason rolled his eyes. He could sense the kid’s unease even without glancing at him in the rearview. A slight vocalization from the passenger seat indicated that Cassie agreed with the kid.

“First, the ‘addict’ has a name. Roy is an old friend. Second, that pal-whatever got us this car, so we aren’t walking. Third, the League would be expecting us to make landfall in Gotham, and I feel like an extended ninja fight would waste more time than my plan and also draw a lot more unwanted attention. Relax Damian. We’ll have you playing catch with daddy-dearest soon enough.”

“Smart.” Cassie said from beside him, her voice low and gravely from underuse. He couldn’t be sure, but Jason thought she sounded surprised. At least she was talking now, even if it was only one or two words every few days. The constant charades made his head hurt.

Damian clicked his tongue in that annoying way he did and prepared to retort, but Jason nipped that in the bud.

“Bruce has a bunker in Blüdhaven where we can swipe some equipment and feel out the situation in Gotham. According to Roy, Lady Shiva has been spotted in G-town, and there haven’t been any killings that fit her m.o., so it’s safe to assume the League dispatched her to catch us. So caution is the word.”

Cassie shifted uncomfortably at her mother’s name. They had never been close, but they had left things especially messy, as in duel to the death, excommunication messy. Shiva would kill Cassie on sight, and Jason probably not long after. Returning Damian al’Ghul to the Demon’s side was priority one. If he had to guess, Shiva would have deployed with a full attachment, foot soldiers and four other heavy hitters. A full Demon’s Fist, as the League called it. That could be very bad for G-town. Jason was by no means eager to put on tights again, but Bruce’s uniforms offered much better protection than swiped tourist threads, and he needed all the extra time he could get to figure out exactly how this reunion was going to go.

‘Hi Bruce, I’m not dead anymore. Ras dunked me in the Lazarus Pit. Also, I kinda kidnapped your son from Talia because Ras was planning on having him kill you. Also, you have a son. In case you didn’t know. Also this is Lady Shiva’s daughter, but she’s cool. She kicks ass and has decided to leave the League. Also the League is after us.’

Bruce would have a stroke. Maybe he should lead with the son thing.

Jason merged as they approached the exit he wanted.

Come to think of it, there were probably a few of his old friends running the streets of his old stomping grounds. Probably most of them were dead or incarcerated, but one or two of them had to be out and about. He could use eyes on the streets, and slum kids saw things that even the big bad bat didn’t. He’d look into it.

Five years changed things. Roy was a big indication of that. Before Jason’s temporary vacation from the mortal coil, Roy Harper had been a Titan, and Jason’s top guy in the team. Finding out that he’d dropped the mask game had been shocking enough, but the fact that he had been hooked on H AND working out rehab really opened his eyes. Roy had stayed in touch with Dick, as an unofficial sponsor, but he’d completely cut off Olly and the rest of the Star City crew. And now he was running a garage, just a few hours out of the Haven. Jason shuddered to think how the Batfam had changed. And now that he thought about it, five years may as well be fifty on the streets, especially in the Haven.

When Bruce had taken him in, the Red Hood gang had mostly run the Haven, and the less formal Hoodz had sprung up to replace the smaller crews and cliques that permeated Blüdhaven. Time served with the Hoodz could lead to an opportunity at the big leagues with the real Red Hood Gang. That had been Jason’s plan, which had put him in the alley where the batmobile had been parked, which had made him hungry enough for the cred that would come from boosting the tires from the Bat’s whip, which had led him to getting caught by the big bad bat, yadda-yadda, Robin, mother, Clown, crowbar.

But the Hoodz had already been on their way out even back then, with the Black Mask Gang snatching turf on the outskirts. Jason couldn’t begin to imagine who was running the Haven now.

They rode in silence until Jason finally parked in the alley. The sharpness and clarity of memory had to be a result of his dip in the pit. He’d only been to this bunker once, and it had been in the frantic haze of searching for his mother, the first stop on his way out of Gotham for the last time in his old life. Now it was his last stop on his way back to Gotham for the first time in his new life. Ka is a wheel, to quote Mr Stephen King.

He shook these thoughts off as he scanned the street, making sure their entry would go unnoticed, then opened the secret panel and typed the old code into the hidden keypad. The section of wall slid back, and opened to a flight of stairs and the blessed buzz of ac.

“Alright gang, to the bat-bunker.”

He started in without waiting for a reply. Lights buzzed to life as the trio descended the steps and were deposited into the armory. According to Roy, Dick had lived here until he’d gotten on his feet after splitting from Bruce. He still used it as a backup base/crash pad, and Jason could tell from the ratty couch and scattering of clothes. But Grayson was running with Titans 3.0 at the moment, looking into the evil tech dealer called H.I.V.E. so they would have the run of the place for now.

True to fashion, though Dick’s personal possessions were a mess, the armory itself was perfectly organized and orderly. Jason could barely suppress a scoff at the tube containing one of Barbara’s spare batsuits. Vintage black and yellow. He always suspected the two were hooking up. He and Dick didn’t agree on much, but both were of one mind when it came to red heads in tights. It was a shame Roy had let himself go recently. Before he could get too lost in that thought, he realized Damian and Cassandra were both staring at him expectantly.

“Right. We have a few hours of daylight left. I don’t want to move on Gotham till nightfall. Till then, I want you two taking inventory of the gear we have available to us. While you do that, I’ll grab us some food, and scope out the situation street side.”

“If I never have to eat any more of that greasy slop you call fast food, it will be too soon.” Damian said as he made close study of a wall of weapons Grayson had no doubt thought were cool as hell.

“Now you listen here, boy. Big Belly Burger is a staple of American fine dining, and I will not have you blaspheme against it like that in my presence. Besides, you and Cassie order and eat twice as much as I do every time we stop there.”

“TT.”

Cassandra grabbed his shoulder and shared a look that said her next words would be of the utmost importance.

“Milkshake. Strawberry.” She managed without any of the usual false starts.

“Actually, since we’re in the Haven, I thought I’d treat you two to the height of fine dining. Bibbo’s Diner is only a few blocks from here, and you haven’t lived until you’ve had his chicken and waffles.”

Alarm flashed in Cassandra’s eyes, but before it could settle, Jason reassured her.

“And Bibbo’s happens to be the home of the world famous Robin shake. Strawberry, chocolate and banana. It’ll be right up your alley Cassie. And their homemade peach cobbler is out of this world.”

She looked as if she was about to argue, then considered, and acquiesced, lulled into acceptance by the promise of a new sweet treat. The poor girl had been practically made to starve as part of her training. Combined with the laundry list of other abuses she’d faced, Jason had no problem shelling out the extra cash to keep her quickly developing sweet tooth satisfied. Besides, it wasn’t really his money.

It had been quite the adventure so far, and while Bruce would halve balked at Jason’s decision to loot scumbags they’d encountered along the six month journey from Nanda Parbat, Damian and Cassandra saw the necessity of it. Jason had found his people.

“Pull that suit on under your clothes Cass, it’s Kevlar microfiber woven over a layer of high density impact gel. Might not look like it, but it can stop a bullet. There might be an old Robin suit around here somewhere. You’ll know it if you see it. That might fit Damian. Gear up, stretch out, and be ready to move as soon as I get back. If something goes down while I’m gone, find the tallest building in town and wait for me on the roof.” As he talked, he scooped up a spare utility belt from the shelves and clipped it on his waist. A cursory search rewarded him with a tank top sporting the blue bird Dick used as a logo these days (because of corse Dick fucking Grayson bought his own merch), a flannel Jason could tie around his hips to hide the belt, a Gotham Knights cap, and a wad of cash Dick no doubt kept for emergencies.

This qualified, Jason rationalized as he stuffed the bills into a pouch on his belt. Satisfied with his civilian disguise, Jason returned his focus to the duo studying the tools laid out before them. Damian had slipped a samurai sword into his belt at some point and was now testing the weight of the stylized throwing stars (Wingdings?) laid out on the shelves. Cassandra was running through forms with a pair of batons, and was mildly startled by the arc of electricity that cracked between them when she happened upon the triggers. Shock turned to awe, turned to a pleased smirk. They’d be fine for a few hours. Probably.

He tried not to think too hard about the many ways they could kill, explode, or otherwise maim each other in his absence.

They’d be fine.

It took him an hour of scoping the usual hangs to get anything useful. The Row kids had relocated to an orphanage in G-town. The Brown girl and the kid that followed her like a lost puppy were m.i.a., Rome was in Blackgate, Garcia was dead, Diego dead, Carter dead, Crock m.i.a., Philippe jail, Jessie jail, dead, jail, jail, jail, dead, dead, Morales was working the youth center after a stint in Blackgate, which was good to hear. Finally he happened upon a decent lead, almost by accident.

One of his old crew from the Hoodz days was still out and about, and running a little cluster of the Hoodz.

Jason entered the ratty apartment Sasha shared with her father Nico though the fire escape. It was just as messy as he remembered. On the table beside the couch was a glass bowl, packed but untouched. It was tempting, but Jason hadn’t gotten high since his Robin days. The siren song of the crumpled pack of full flavored cigarettes, however, was irresistible. He plucked one free and lit it as he dropped into the tattered leather recliner across from the couch where Sasha snoozed. That first draw was harsh, and started him coughing. Five years had robbed him of his experienced smoker status.

Sasha groaned groggily, stirred by his hacking and sat up slowly, blindly groping for a cig herself.

“Told you to stop snatching my smokes if you can’t handle ‘em old man.” She chastised drowsily.

“Just out of practice Sash. Haven’t had one since the last time we talked.”

It took a moment for the strange voice to register, but when it did, her hand flew under her pillow. Before it came back out, Jason freed a birdarang (wingding?) and sent the glock flying.

“Fuck!”

“Shit, Sash, you pack now? I must’a missed a lot.”

Her eyes darted from her hand, which would be bruised for the next few days, and Jason, who chanced a longer drag from the stolen cigarette and pulled off his hat. This one went down smoothly.

“Jay-bird?” She stuttered as the pieces came together. Even without the shoot of white hair and the scars crisscrossing his face, five years was a lot of growing room.

“Nah. Nah, man. You died.” He leaned over the table, plucked another cig from the pack and offered it to her. She took it and let him light it.

“Didn’t take.”

“Dude, you definitely died. Me and the crew crashed the funeral, had to cause daddy Warbucks wouldn’t let no street rats in. News said you bought it in a skiing accident in the Alps or some shit.”

“I ain’t here for that Sash. I just want some info.”

She dropped the cigarette half smoked into an open beer can, opting to wake-and-bake instead. Jason couldn’t blame her. It wasn’t often you woke up to a ghost chilling in your living room. She took a few hits and offered him the pipe and lighter.

“Another time Sash. I got shit to do.”

“Right, and you need little Sasha to tell you what’s what. But little Sasha wants some info too, Jay-bird. Like where you been for five, and why you look like rough road.”

“I got blown up, and ninja’s in the Middle East brought me back to life and taught me ninja shit. My turn. Anyone strange running jobs in the Haven, or is it all Loco shit?”

“Hold up, ninjas? The fuck man?”

“Sash.” She hesitated, then took another hit from the bowl.

“Okay. Since you been gone, the Hoodz and the Black Masks called a truce to push out the Riddler gang. Falcone’s kid made a comeback, and is trying to take the whole Haven. Masks and Hoodz are gonna push him out too. His boys mostly run the Narrows. Then there’s this new guy my dad is running supplies for. Very strange. Outsider type. Fuckin spooky. He wears a pig mask and steals kids. The Masks are scared he’s gonna bring the Bat down on us. I’m not gonna lie, I kinda hope the Bat does come for him. I only seen him once and he freaked me out. Lucky you dropped in when you did. Dad’s talking about splitting soon. He don’t like Pig-face either.”

Jason listened intently. By the time she’d finished talking, he’d finished his cigarette. Paying attention was hard in that woozy high that came from the sudden influx of nicotine, but he’d gathered what he needed. The League wasn’t moving in Blüdhaven.

“You filled out good Jay-bird. I’d almost believe you were hanging with ninjas.”

Jarred from his thoughts, Jason stood, swiping another cigarette from the pack.

“I’d get out of town if I were you Sash. And out of gang-life.” He paused and scooped up the stylized ski-mask that marked members of the Hoodz. “I’d rather not have to crash your funeral.” She watched him make his way to the window, but said nothing.

With daylight to burn, Jason began his trek back to the bunker, taking a detour by Bibbo’s to acquire the promised delicacies.

He was not prepared for what his triumphant return to the bunker brought him.

Silence hung eerily over the now dark headquarters. The space had been tidied thoroughly, Dick’s discarded clothing organized, folded, and neatly stacked. Pinned to the chair in front of the large Bat Computer doppelgänger with a batarang (wingding?) was a note written in neat, curling scrawl which Jason instantly recognized as belonging to Damian.

“Todd,

In your absence I have determined that your course of action is actually strategically sound. After overcoming the computer’s laughable attempt at security, I have ascertained that there is a criminal element operating in this city which might draw,” the word father was struck through with two neat lines, “Batman, and potentially ruin any attempt at stealth. I believe we must handle the meeting between ourselves and Batman delicately, and on our own terms. Because of this I have determined the best course of action is to deal with this so-called ‘Professor Pyg’ with haste.

Should you return before we have settled matters, and wish to join us on this mission, you may find all the relevant information pertaining to Pyg (alias to one Lazlo Valentin) by pressing the large rectangular key which reads enter. I’m sure Cain and I would benefit from your expertises in these matters.”

Jason hadn’t believed it was possible to convey sarcasm through the written word. Until today.

“Ps. If you are determined to acquire sustenance before returning, I still do not like ketchup. Mushrooms are okay. Cain requests extra fries.

Pps. In keeping with the traditions laid out in your tales of the Batman’s adventures, Cain and I have decided to wear masks. If you do decide to join us, you might not recognize us, but we have agreed not to harm you.

Sincerely,

Damian al’Ghul, Grandson of the Demon, Heir to the Demon’s Head.”

Jason crumpled the note. The Batgirl uniform was gone, as well as a reasonable chunk of the armory. He’d have to move quickly.

-

The decision to pursue and subdue Valentin had been mostly motivated by three things. The first he had laid out in his letter to Todd. The second he had shared with Cain, boredom. The third he would reveal to no one, on pain of death. In the years since he had regained his memory, Todd had recounted every story he knew pertaining to Batman. Those stories had motivated him to come to Gotham and meet his father, leaving behind his mother and grandfather, possibly abandoning his great destiny. Those stories had told him more about his father as a man than his mother or grandfather ever had. They painted Bruce Wayne as a titan among men, a pillar of strength and will, and a paragon of virtue and honor. In all honesty, Damian was intimidated by that man. But he was also inspired. The third reason he had decided to pursue and subdue Valentin was to feel connected with his father.

Locating “Pyg” was a simple enough matter. First he plotted out all of the kidnappings that matched Pyg’s M.O. it would seem that Batman had been keeping an eye on Pyg, because he was the chief suspect in the manufacture and distribution of a drug gangs were using to pacify prostitutes. But he’d overlooked the kidnappings. By mapping those, cross referencing places that stored or manufactured components for the drug, Damian was able to triangulate possible hideouts this Pyg could be using. Of the three possibilities, only one was currently unused, an so Damian had settled on the abandoned theme park, ignoring how horribly cliched it was.

Cain had followed Todd’s instructions and donned the Batgirl uniform, but had decided against layering civilian clothes over it. He couldn’t blame her, with the summer heat stifling as it was. Damian had opted for the League’s stealth uniform which he’d carried across half the world. Then the two had gone at the veritable armory like children in a candy shop. Few of Todd’s stories included Grayson, and those that did made him out to be asinine and annoying. But his selection of toys was impressive by all accounts. Smoke bombs, flash-bangs, teargas, plastic explosives, acetylene torches, inferred flashlights, air powered line launchers, and many of the oddly shaped throwing stars Todd had called “batarangs.” The belts which Damian had crisscrossed his chest like bandoliers were jam packed with more of these tools than Damian had imagined was possible, as well as a first-aid kit and handcuffs.

Once they were outfitted and armed, Damian led them to the car Todd had conned out of the addict. The drive to their location was in silence, both mentally preparing for whatever they might encounter along the way. They passed the location several times, marking potential hiding places, paths of retreat and places that could host an ambush.

Once Damian was satisfied he parked the car a block away and they took to the rooftops to preform reconnaissance from above. The park was dilapidated, derelict, and most likely overflowing with vermin. But for the most part it seemed structurally sound. After brief deliberation, the duo decided they were adequately prepared for whatever they may encounter, and thus began their assault.

There is an old proverb that Damian would often think back on when remembering this first act of vigilantism.

“Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

He thought he was ready for anything, but he was wrong.

-

Dick Grayson had apparently undergone a biker phase, which was good for Jason, because Roy’s car was gone. The modified superbike flew through the streets and cut between traffic like a dream. Jason had intended to return everything he’d stolen from Dick, but with every hairpin turn he grew more and more inclined to keep the bike. And maybe the jacket too. It matched the mask he’d swiped from Sash. And it was way too badass for Richard John Grayson.

He’d rushed out of the bunker with a stomach full of rage and fear, blended poorly so an acrid burn stung at the back of his throat. He imagined this was how Bruce must have felt every time he did something reckless. The dynamic dumbasses hadn’t even taken communicators with them.

He briefly wished he’d inventoried his belt before stepping out, but Dick had always been anal about his gear. So had he, now that he though about it. Bruce had drilled him on it relentlessly, having him empty and refill his belt over and over for hours until Jason knew exactly how much of what was in each pouch, and could find anything blindfolded or in the heat of battle. Thinking about it brought back the sharpened calm that came with patrols and missions. It was like the emotions were compressed and pushed back into a compartment on his brain’s utility belt. Not gone, just stored away. He twisted the throttle as far as it would go.

Once upon a time, he’d have cased the joint before getting close. Once upon a time, he’d have come from above, all stealth and shadows, and only dropped in once he had a clear vision of what was happening inside. Today he barreled through a hole in the fence at almost two hundred miles per hour with the engine screaming and fishtailed to a stop as close to the park’s rotting funhouse as he could without transforming himself into a pancake.

Kickstand dropped, and feet pounded against dry rotted wood. Jason had almost made it to the door before his ears registered the sounds of a struggle from within. He cursed his favorite curse as he filled his hand with smoke pellets and prepared to join the fray. With his free hand he pulled the line-launcher and took aim. He was topside in a heartbeat, and could practically hear the cape flutter that would have accompanied the motion in his Robin days. With practiced proficiency he located a skylight and paused to survey the scene from above.

Damian and Cass were surrounded. As if that wasn’t bad enough, their attackers were the aforementioned legion of League foot soldiers Jason had been eager to avoid. They seemed to be holding their own well enough for now, but outside their field of view Shiva was preparing to join the battle. Also moving in were the rest of the Demon’s Fist. Bronze Tiger, Cheshire, Ubu, and Mara al’Ghul. Things were well on their way to getting messy. Jason cursed again. Ubu was the meanest and the ugliest. Also the closest.

“Fuck it. Prison rules.”

He tossed the fistful I’d smoke pellets and dropped in as the cloud spread over the crowd.

Ubu was a hulking brute, and made a piss poor cushion, but he was a big enough target that Jason had no fear of missing. The sound the giant’s head made when Jason’s knee made contact with it was something like a watermelon falling off a truck at fifty, and was nostalgically comedic combined with the guttural grunt he released before flopping onto the floor like a sack of potatoes. But Jason couldn’t say if he laughed or not. All of his attention was on hurling wingdings (wingdings) into the smoke at the predicted positions of his foes. There were more than a few grunts, and a couple of clatters as weapons were dropped from struck hands. But not nearly enough, and the disorientation didn’t last long. This was League tactics, after all, and only slightly modified by Batman. Cass and Damian also got back to business, and everything was chaos once more.

Jason registered a shift in the cloud with barely enough time to dodge, and one of Shiva’s twin swords cut through the haze only millimeters from his chin. It was quickly followed by the other, this time arching towards his chest. Robin loosed a volley of wingdings in rapid succession, but the clash of metal on metal told him how effective that tactic was. Gripping one of the larger tools like a set of knuckle dusters, he advanced.

In his day the birdarangs had focused more on reducing weight than on durability, and it seemed that was still the case. Robin had only redirected a few glancing blows, and he could already feel the thing cracking. The smoke was fading quickly, and he could mostly see Shiva now. Which meant she could see him too. After blocking yet another strike which came way to close to opening his throat Robin stepped back and loosed one of the explosive discs that had been his favorites. Shiva was an expert, and had her swords prepared to swat it aside when it detonated, and the small explosion sent her blades flying.

Pressing the advantage Robin moved in. Hand-to-hand odds not in his favor either. Better than unarmed against swords. No cape to distract or disorient. Fight dirty.

Dodge high, block low. Opening when she kicks high, knock her off her feet.

It was alarming how quickly he fell back into his training. Batman had taught him a lot, and years of street fights had taught him more. Then there was his time playing amnesiac with the League. Jason winning.

Shiva was on her feet again before anything more than her shoulders touched the ground, and at some point she’d regained her swords, but Jason was ready, and before she realized what was happening, he clapped her ears. The pressure of the strike would have been disorienting on its own, but coupled with the detonation of the micro-flash-bangs cupped in Jason’s hands, Shiva crumpled like a rag doll.

The cloud had completely dissolved now, and Jason easily dodged the sai Cheshire flung at him. Of course this put him in excellent position to catch Bronze Tiger’s shin with his whole stomach. Breathless and airborne, he could do nothing about the pinwheel kick Cheshire dropped on his rib cage. The familiar crunch told him that two were cracked before the pain started up.

Jason landed hard, and Cheshire straddled his waist the second he had. Her other sai raised in both hands, prepared to fall into his throat.

“Enough.”

Silence fell in place of the killing blow. Cheshire looks to her left and Jason followed suit.

The few League grunts that remained standing parted as Talia al’Ghul strode across the battle field to Damian, who still held his blade in a ready position with eyes glued to his cousin. She hadn’t lowered her weapons either. The two had been bitter rivals from the day they’d met.

“Mother.” Damian said with all the tenderness of a freezer burned pork chop.

Without another word she dropped to her knees and embraced him.

After a brief awkward silence, she turned his face towards hers.“What is the reason for this foolishness, son?”

Damian freed himself from her grip. “Is it foolish for a boy to seek his father?”

Talia clicked her tongue in the same fashion that Damian was so fond of, and rose to her feet.

“I would have taken you to meet him in time, Damian. When I decided you were ready.”

“Taken me to kill him. Todd told me everything.” Talia turned her gaze to Jason, who waved awkwardly.

“Let him up, Cheshire.” The masked assassin complied quickly, and even gave Jason a hand standing.

“So this was your doing Ibn al Xu’ffasch?”

‘Son of the Bat.’ The name they had given him at the dawn of his second life. Jason pulled off the mask which was apparently doing him no good, and shrugged.

“Tt” Talia turned her attention to Cassandra, who had frozen in place with her baton less than an inch from a grunt’s nose. There was a circle of (probably) unconscious goons at her feet.

“I’d suspected you’d finally had your fill of your mother’s poor treatment and taken the boys hostage.” She turned back to Jason. “When did you regain your memory?”

“Midway through my second year with you all.” Talia nodded as if she’d expected as much, then turned back to Damian.

“I assume that you are serious about meeting your father, yes? Even if I were to drag you back, you’d simply escape again, isn’t that right?”

“Yes mother.” Talia nodded again. Then produced a sealed envelope from within her jumpsuit.

“I expected as much you are at that age where you think you know everything. This letter will explain everything. Deliver it directly to your father, and no one else. Understand?” Damian took the envelope cautiously, as if expecting it to bite him. Once he had it in hand she knelt again, placing her hands on his shoulders tenderly. “I would never send you to kill your father. Nor you Ibn al Xu’ffasch. My father would do no such thing either.”

“But Todd said-“

“Do not misunderstand me, I do not claim Ibn al Xu’ffasch lied. There are those within the League that believe Ras al’Ghul has been too long the Demon’s Head. There are whispers of a coupe. I do not doubt such plans involve removing my beloved from play. I intended to see you in his care soon enough.” She turned to look over the assassins. “We return to Nanda Parbat. None shall further impede these three, by my word, or face my wrath. My will is the Demon’s will.”

The assassins snapped as one into a bow, and set about gathering the wounded. She moved through the crowd to stand in front of Jason and cupped his face, smiling gently.

“Father swore to make no move on Gotham for as long as my beloved draws breath. He made this oath before the whole of the League of Assassins, and forbade any of them to move on Gotham in his name, on pain of death. This was his penance for your death. His sole intent was to return the son he’d taken from my beloved.”

“Uh, okay?”

“I have enjoyed having you in my home Ibn al Xu’ffasch. You have been as a brother to my son, and a son to me. Look after him, Ibn, for he is too much like his father for his own good.”

“If he’s anything like Bruce, I won’t have to.” Talia chuckled, pat his shoulder, and turned to Cassandra, who seemed to materialize at Jason’s side.

“Cassandra, you are welcome to return with us. You have my word that you will have no trouble.” Cass shook her head.

“They die without me.” She said, patting Jason’s shoulder. His jaw dropped, he’d never heard Cass say so much at one time. Talia had never heard her speak period, but to her credit she only cocked an eyebrow.

“Quite.” She said then returned to Damian.

“When all is well once more, I will send for you, my son. Learn what you can from your father. He is a great man.” Damian nodded, and Talia only lingered for a moment before following the last of the assassins out of the building.

The trio stood in silence for a time, until Jason realized they were waiting for him to tell them what to do next.

“Well. That was fun. Who wants soggy chicken and waffles?” Damian narrowed his eyes, but Cass’s hand shot up. “What? So I picked up food. I wasn’t expecting you two to run off for some daring-do and stumble into an obvious trap.” Damian’s eyes narrowed further. “Okay, after we eat we’ll go straight to the Batcave, no detours, no shenanigans, scouts honor.”

Damian rolled his eyes and started for the exit. “I’ll drive.” He stated as Jason and Cass fell in behind him.

“My turn.” Cass retorted.

“Do you even know how?” Damian probed, eyeing her doubtfully.

“You’re mighty talkative today Cass.” Jason quipped. Cassandra replied by sticking her tongue out. He understood her good mood. Their six month misadventure was almost over. As they stepped out into the summer night Jason looked to the sky, and pulled the pair to a stop. From this side of Blüdhaven you could see it clearly enough. For the first time in five years Jason looked up at the Bat-Signal, and pointed it out to the others.

He couldn’t hold back the smile brought on by the wonder he saw in his companion’s faces.

Homeward bound.

-END

Author’s Notes: this chapter is long, and maybe a bit rambling, but mostly because there’s room for two whole multichapter fics in here. Seriously, I was half tempted to start writing a Damian Cass and Jason cross country road trip full of shenanigans and hilarity. For those wondering, this takes place five years after prologue 1. It took me longer than I thought it would to edit, between baking cheesecake, doing some bag work, and feeling out crafting with worbla. That being said, the next prologue will take even longer (unfortunately(?)) because I want to make sure my events make sense and everything is lined up perfectly and ready for the series proper to begin immediately after.

Feel free to comment, complain, keysmash, or just like and reblog. I THRIVE on your reactions.

Till next time!