#real bad
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iâll start posting edits that i saved, so hereâs one of luke! all creds go to the editor as always!!!
(side note there is a tag that i will be using when i post these edits so you can find them easier, itâs 222postseditsđș)
#l. hughes#new jersey devils#luke hughes#hockey#nhl players#umich hockey#222postseditsđș#i need him#meowwww#đ»#pls one chance#luke is secretly the hottest hughes#i love him#so bad#need him#need that#real bad#his biceps would save me#please just one chance#woof woof#hear me out
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This scene makes me feralâŠ
The watch, the jaw, the wrist flick, the VESTâŠ.đ€€
#spencer reid x you#spencer reid x reader#spencer reid#spencer reid smut#my god#the man is gorgeous#like whyyy#the hyperfixation is hyperfixating#real bad#till his mom remembers my name#alright let me stop đ
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The sweaty arms
The muscles
The hands
I have something inappropriate to say đ€đ€
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get ready to get sick of me because i got one topic for the next few daysâŠ.
RED K CLARK KENT.
Season 2 Episode 4, âREDâ Smallville (2001-2011)
he ainât shit, but i can match his freak.
#smallville#red kryptonite#red k clark#clark kent#tom welling#smallvilleedit#smallville x reader#dc comics#black reader#black girl#bwwmromance#superman#poc reader#i need him#real bad#he had me tweakin#clark kent x black!reader#clark kent x black reader#clark kent x reader#dark!clark kent#dark!superman#kryptonian#kryptonite#dcu#dc universe#dc#dc superman#dc superheroes#fine ass man
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the gift that keeps on giving đđŸ
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i have recentlyâŠ. started an obsession w case from bo6 and i see i a lot of ppl say heâs schizophrenic but i think he had BPD uhh⊠thatâs all i wanted to say bye
#i love crazy bitches#i need him#real bad#call of duty#cod bo6#bo6 spoilers#bo6#william case calderon#bo6 case#erm idk what else to say
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I have a LOT to say about these two pics. WHAT WAS HE EATING TO BULK UP LIKE THAT IN UNDER A YEAR FOR KENOBI??? Me HE JUST LOOKS SO DAMN MASSIVE, LIKE HIS FOREARM WAS THE SIZE OF HIS BICEP PREVIOUSLY, JESUS. I KNOW I POST AB THIS PIC A LITTLE TOO OFTEN, BUT DAMN HE IS SO BIG IN THAT PIC FAWWWK
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Pls kiss your local stud (me) on the lips (mine) and tell them (me) how sweet of bby they are (meee) âșïžâșïž
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having so much fun w the last winterlude chapter james is soooOoooOoo ykwim? HEâS SO!!!!!!!!!!!
#i need to bite him#real bad#also for the worriers on my ao3 there is no angst i promise ! this i can promise !#i will not surprise angst attack u <33#itâs just love n light n peace i SWEAR#winterlude
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Guys I dunno how to tell you this this is my favourite fucking chapter so far and before this one the last one was
I know it looks like weâre getting distracted and side tracked off on tangents but Iâm having the time of my fucking life and more than half of my favourite bits werenât in the plan
(Weâre still on track and makinâ our way but oh boy the funniest things are all accidents)
AO3 link is as ever still on the first couple of chapters!
First:
Previous:
âââââââ
Thatâs Not A Twink Thatâs An Anime Girl
They did eventually have to let Dick out of his snow drifts.
As a former circus acrobat, Dick had the best excuse of all of them to use his vigilante training in public; heâd wormed out of Jasonâs grasp, flipped over Duke and made a run for it.
Unfortunately for him, gravity was actually literally optional for Danny, and Danny didnât even have a superhero identity to protect in Gotham.
He could turn a lot more easily on the slick ice and snow to give chase, a little flight added when friction failed him. On his own, Danny would have probably had to actually fly to take Dick down.
Of course, odds of eight-to-one would weigh on any man. Not a single member of the group wasnât thoroughly soaked by the hourâs end, sweat under clothes and snow clinging over them.
The journey up to Wayne Manor ended up being done in chunks as the sun began to sink and the cold set in for their more human friends.
Jason, Danny, Duke, and Tim had to go back to the mall to retrieve motorbikes.
(Technically Danny didnât actually need to, but what he did need was an excuse to get Jason alone for a minute, and heâd put up with snickering from Sam and Tuck to do it.)
Steph, Cass, Damian, Sam, and Tucker called for a cab rather than pack themselves into Dickâs now snow filled car, and their numbers were excuse enough for Danny to slip away.
Which is when Tucker realised he could have probably hitched a ride on Timâs bike, and spent the whole journey hugging Tim Drake-Wayne.
Buuuuut itâd also mean riding a motorcycle through slushy snow. The dilemma on his face made Danny grin all the way back to the mall, despite the damp now clinging to his clothes.
Sure, the car might reach the manor first and theyâd get warm and dry, but that just meant Tuckerâd miss out on more Tim Time.
The snowball fight had clearly done Tim good too, he was much more energised as they walked back to the mall, complaining to Danny and the others about Amity Parkâs underhanded tactics.
Danny sure as fuck wasnât going to apologise, but he did have a much more important question: how the fuck did Jason do that landshark-disappearing-into-snow bullshit?
Which⊠well, was also a chance to fuck with Tim and Duke.
âSeriously Jay, I can go intangible but that snow trick was bullshit,â Danny complained with a wicked glee in his heart, reflected in Jasonâs grin.
Tim nearly tripped over his own feet. Duke caught him, his own eyes wide.
âYou can what?!â Tim asked in a slightly strangled voice, and Danny gave him his most innocent smile.
âOh, has Dick not told you? Yeah, itâs one of my things, from the generic end of the list,â he explained casually, turning his arm intangible and phasing it through Jason.
Who made a face.
âOkay but why does it feel like that left a residue?â The larger man complained, scrubbing at his shirt.
Which. Danny paused, frowning down at his hand. Stuck it through his own chest experimentally.
âYâknow, I didnât know it did that⊠not like I go through myself often, but I can definitely feel it,â he agreed, sticking his tongue out as he wiggled his hand around, then drew it back.
Duke and Tim looked fascinated and nauseated respectively. Danny gave them both a cheerful shrug and kept walking.
âItâs probably my pit water,â he theorised, and Jason groaned loudly.
âDanny, did you just fucking mix our forbidden smoothies?â He complained loudly, and Duke damn near choked himself on a strangled laugh.
Danny fully had to stop and turn to stare at Jason, delighted awe on his face.
âOh, Iâm calling it that forever. Thatâs my new favourite thing. Skulker is going to shit his entire liver when he hears âforbidden smoothieâ,â he decided gleefully.
Jason smirked and bumped shoulders as he passed, forcing the others to keep moving to keep up. Duke almost jogged to lean around Jason and give Danny a curious look.
âWhoâs Skulker?â He asked innocently and Danny grinned at him.
âOh, one of my rogues. He likes to talk a big game but heâs pretty easy to deal with. All bark, no bite,â Danny explained cheerfully.
Honestly he was a little surprised Skulker hadnât shown up in Gotham to bother him yet. He must have been having a hard time finding a portal, because itâs not like heâd stop.
Tim and Duke did seem a little reassured by his casual dismissal, but still concerned. Jason cut them off before they could ask anything that might be useful.
Yeah, Jason was kinda Dannyâs favourite.
âSo how the fuck do I get your smoothie out of my jug?â He asked with an overly disgusted face. Danny fought not to laugh.
âYou are so asking the wrong person dude, I didnât know it happened until just now,â he pointed out and Jason rolled his eyes.
âIâm taking at least six showers when we get to the manor,â Jason grumbled melodramatically, and Danny laughed aloud.
Then paused.
âWait, how many bathrooms are there? Can we all shower?â He asked Tim and Duke.
Neither of whom looked ready to admit they didnât know what was going on. Fuck Jason knew his family well.
Duke shrugged, the mall finally coming into sight, and diverted towards the underground parking.
âWell, thereâs enough for one each. And Alfred could do laundry for you so you can change right after if you take a long one,â he offered, glancing down at his own now damp clothes.
Best part of a snowball fight: changing back into something warm and dry.
Danny snickered, plucking at Jasonâs oversized sweater.
âThe way you assume Iâm wearing a single thing that I actually own is adorable,â he told the younger man sincerely, grinning as his cheeks heated.
Sure, it was more subtle on dark skin than Dannyâs light tan, but heâd been friends with Tucker since he could walk. He knew exactly what to look for.
Was not quite ready for it to be combined with a sly grin right back.
âWhat, nothing of yours?â He asked suggestively and Tim laughed, quickly catching on.
âDid Jason give you everything?â He asked teasingly, both younger Wayne wards now grinning at their older brother.
Jasonâs little pink blush was definitely still Dannyâs favourite. He grinned right back, refusing to follow them to a place that didnât exist.
âSome of itâs probably yours,â he told Tim blithely, tugging at his sweatpants. Which, as predicted, immediately changed Timâs expression to annoyance.
âWhy is everyone wearing my pants today?â Tim grumbled, and Dannyâs grin widened.
âThey looked a little tight on Tucker if you wanted to help him take them off,â Danny teased and Tim levelled a dry stare at him.
âI do have a boyfriend,â he pointed out coolly, like that was gonna stop turnabout from being fair play.
âAsk him to come help then,â Jason cut in, ruffling Timâs hair, âyou know Connorâs always welcome for dinner.â
For a long moment Timâs expression froze, clearly actually considering the suggestion. Then he shook his head, sighing and calling the elevator.
âProbably not today. What floor do you guys need?â He asked as the doors slid open, stepping inside.
Quiet day at the mall. Probably the fucking cold, combined with hangovers from the new year.
And as much as Danny was thirsting to ask about that, he also very much needed Jason alone before they got on the road. Hopefully they werenât on the same level.
âTwo,â Jason said, and Tim nodded, hit two and then four. Looked to Duke. Who grinned.
âThree. Sorry Tim, youâre taking the scenic route.â
And for once the universe worked in Dannyâs favour. Something fucked would probably happen soon to compensate.
He and Jason left the elevator together, waited til the doors slid back shut, and then headed off towards the bike. Danny didnât make him ask.
âSheâs definitely liminal. Not like, bad? Honestly she wouldnât even register back in Amity Park. Damianâs is a bit worse, but heâs younger, it happens. Ecto energy likes kids,â he explained when Jason made an inquisitive noise.
He definitely wasnât bitter or anything. Heâd been just young enough to take it in like a magnet.
His parents probably wouldnât have survived the same accident.
âItâs kinda the only thing horror movies get right. Ectoplasm can form from emotional energy, and little kids, they feel everything that much more. Tapers off when you get older, so Damianâs still a magnet. Cass is stable.â
He kinda wished he had better news, but honestly? After a dunk in the kind of rancid ectoplasm Jason described, Danny was taking it as a win that neither of the others were haunted.
Jason nodded gruffly, pausing beside his bike to pull his helmet back on. Not that itâd stop Danny from reading his mood; his aura pulsed stress-stress-stress-worry like a beacon.
Danny stepped closer, resting a hand on Jasonâs shoulder, stilling the movement.
âTheyâll both almost definitely become ghosts if they die again,â he explained softly, voice low enough to pass unheard in the echoing space, âbut theyâll be fine. Think of it like insurance; youâre never going to lose them.â
Jason snorted, the sound distorting strangely through the helmet, but didnât pull away.
âIs that what you tell yourself about Sam and Tucker?â He asked, trying to sound derisive but there was a tinge of hope there now.
Danny gave him a gentle wave of sorry-sorry-comfort back.
âYeah.â
**
Back in the elevator, Tim looked at Duke expectantly. Who sighed.
âI am not a fuckinâ pokedex, Tim,â he reminded the older boy with a roll of his eyes. Which his brother totally ignored, still waiting.
Tim could fucking stare like nobodyâs business.
The elevator chimed again and Duke stepped out, not the least surprised when Tim followed.
âI dunno. I thought I almost caught something in the park, but it was just a blur. Tucker and Sam both have more of an aura than Danny, but Dannyâs clearly something. I just dunno if itâs a meta gene,â he explained reluctantly, and Tim nodded, already adding the information to his wrist computer.
Which he wasnât supposed to wear out of costume.
Duke wasnât gonna tell; heâd be a damn hypocrite if he did, he wore his Signal boots with the bike half the time. They were just much more responsive than normal boots.
âWhat makes you say that?â Tim asked, still typing away. Itâd save Duke from having to add it all to his report, so it kinda counted as a favour.
Duke shrugged, still trying to narrow down the feeling.
âHonestly? Most people with the same meta gene fuck up a little the first time they show off around me. Itâs the x-metals; I boost them, whatever theyâre doing goes too hard.â Timâd been the one to help him work that out, but it would all go in the report.
Tim nodded, gesturing for him to continue and Duke sighed, running a hand through his hair.
âDanny⊠didnât. Unless thatâs the residue they were both talking about, and if the fucking Lazarus Pits can cause intangibility we have got to warn Bruce. But thatâs not the only thing,â he added quickly, before Tim could speak.
The older boy quieted obediently, but Duke could see he had his thinking face on. Putting pieces together, all those wheels turning as one.
That was practically a fuckinâ meta ability, and it wasnât like Tim got a boost from him either. Maybe Duke needed to do some more experimenting.
âMost metas, even the nonhuman ones, have at least some aura. Some of them can hide it, but I can get a feel for their powers from it. Danny⊠I dunno. I can almost feel something, but I canât see it.â
That was the thing that unsettled Duke the most, honestly. Almost all of his powers were purely light based; seeing what other people couldnât. Even his shadow manipulation still worked around light.
It was fucking weird for there to be anything he couldnât see, and he could go way beyond the visible spectrum. Whatever Danny emitted, it went beyond even that.
For a guy who could even see a little into the future, it was weird.
And since Danny had showed off flight, super strength, and intangibility already? And called them the generic end of the list?
Duke was definitely leaning on the âextreme control of his auraâ side of the equation.
Tim looked concerned too, which was kind of validating. It kinda sucked being the expert on things no one else could understand, because Duke always worried he was overreacting, but if Tim tagged it too? Well that was validation.
âThe only bit of good news is that we can probably rule out the pits as the source of his abilities,â Tim muttered as he scanned back through his notes so far.
âThey coulda been trauma activated by his death in the same way as a meta gene,â Duke pointed out thoughtfully, leaning back against the wall.
It wasnât like they were racing home, and until someone else came down the elevator? No rush. Tim had another floor to descend anyway.
Tim himself shrugged, adding another couple of notes to his file.
âItâs definitely possible, but even if it was a million-to-one chance, I canât imagine Raâs keeping quiet about something this useful, or letting someone like Danny run around if he had any idea he existed,â Tim explained, making a face.
And⊠yeah, no point trying to argue with Tim about Raâs al Ghul. Duke pulled a face too and sighed.
âWell, he still seems pretty sure weâll know all about it if we can get into Amity Park. Or when Jason decides to fucking tell us,â he added with a roll of his eyes.
Tim glanced up at him, smirking.
âYou noticed too?â He asked innocently, and Duke snorted. Reading Jasonâs micro-expressions might not be a survival skill exactly, but it was still a bat family hobby.
âHe definitely fucking knows!â He complained, the switch from Professional Hero to Baby Brother getting easier and easier as time passed.
He still had his own parents, he didnât need Bruce to adopt him, but heâd been an only child for most of his life. Having a new army of big brothers and sisters? Kinda ruled.
And he knew most of the others felt the same. Theyâd all be alone in their own ways, and the stubborn independent streaks were still there, butâŠ
It was good to know someone had your back. That no matter what happened, how the adults in your life fucked you over, you could always go to Dickâs in Bludhaven.
Could always call Jason to bitch about whatever you needed off your chest, and yeah, there was always the worry that he really meant it when he said heâd âtake careâ of your problem? But he also listened when they said no.
Hell, itâd been Jasonâs couch that Duke had crashed out on about a year ago, back when Jason was still damn near on the Big Batâs no fly list.
Heâd been on his way to school for the start of his winter semester when an absolutely blinding migraine took him to his knees. For whatever reason, Jason had been close.
Duke hadnât even been able to glance at his phone to call for help; even opening his eyes a crack felt like he was being blinded. Heâd barely recognised Jasonâs voice asking if he was alright.
Hell, back then he hadnât known if Jason recognised him out of costume. Theyâd always had a more friendly relationship than Jay did with the other bats, but this had been just after Jason finally texted Dick back.
Back when Red Hood would take a casual shot at any mask crossing into his turf. Not to hit, but a definite reminder of the border.
And Jason had lifted him bodily and carried him into Crime Alley. Put him on his couch to sleep it off in pitch darkness, and made him some of the best home made soup Duke had ever had.
Duke got why the older teens were still a little wary. Heâd seen the Pit Rage live and in person, and it was fucking terrifying. It just wasnât all Jason was.
And yeah, the family also had a whole army of fellow teens whoâd know exactly what you were talking about, between Steph, Tim, Cass, and Duke himself. Even Damian, as much as he pretended not to care.
Kate and Babs were always willing to spread their wings out and give them all a place to shelter. And hell, if adult supervision was needed, they even had Harley, Ivy, or Selina.
Duke may not want to be a Wayne, but heâd take everything the bat family offered with both hands.
Tim sure as hell had not adjusted from being the baby to being third oldest though. He gave a huge heaving groan to match Dukeâs own, flopping back against the wall.
âI know, right! And he knows we donât know shit. Heâs just enjoying watching us scramble cuz he knows we canât just tell Danny we donât know,â he grumbled, scrubbing both hands through his hair.
Duke hesitated.
âWe⊠probably could just tell Danny,â he said slowly, brows furrowing. âItâs not like he doesnât want us to know.â
Tim gave him a sidelong look.
âYeah, after we admit we didnât even manage to google him. Yâknow, the kid who clocked Dickâs identity from his ass,â he added dryly.
Duke hesitated again, brows furrowing.
He knew that shouldnât matter. Knew the smart move really was to ask for help sometimes. Knew damn well that it was Timâs stubborn streak that kept him in the cave all night, while Tuck, Steph, and Cass watched movies upstairs.
Finally he let his head drop, sighing.
âThe longer we wait the dumber we look if we have to ask later,â he warned Tim but his heart wasnât in it.
It didnât matter that Jason was probably the only member of the family with all the pieces; whoever caved and asked for help first? Yeah, social suicide.
Tim shook his head, pushing off the wall and scowling out into the rest of the garage.
âItâll be fine. Iâll talk to Tucker about the Amity Park problem tonight and weâll know by morning.â
Which⊠Duke hid a smile.
Asking Danny? Definitely cheating, worthy of scorn and derision.
Asking Tucker? Apparently completely different. Although technically he wouldnât be asking Tucker for the same information.
Just admitting the exact same fault.
Pulling his keys from his pocket, Duke turned and wiggled them at Tim as he headed for his bike.
âHey, if you hurry you could try to beat Danny and Jason to the manor. Get to Tucker first,â he added, grinning as Tim hit the call for the elevator.
The shorter boy rolled his eyes, waving a hand in Dukeâs general direction.
âIâll get to him once everyoneâs warmed up. He wanted a look at my set up last night anyway,â he said almost off handedly.
Dukeâs grin spread.
âOh hey, thatâs perfect! Just take him to your bedroom after youâve both just been wet and naked and show each other your most private parts!â He called loudly, wondering if any of the supers were listening.
Theyâd find out soon.
Tim choked, blushing cherry red and spun to yell something after Duke just as the elevator doors opened. Duke waved cheerily back, turning away to head for his motorcycle.
âSee you at the manor Timmy!â
**
Reconvening at Wayne Manor was⊠well, chaotic. Even more so than the gala the night before, though that might have been because this time, none of them had a firm plan.
Jason and Danny arrived first, greeting Alfred on the way in. The butler was not hugely impressed by the âforesightâ which had led to a snowball fight when Danny was wearing an oversized sweater, sweatpants, and little else.
Any protestations that Danny was fine and was normally this cold anyway quavered under an archly raised brow and Danny privately swore never to let Clockwork meet Alfred.
They would get along far too well.
And thatâs how Danny ended up actually using one of the spare bathrooms while Jason, who had worn a proper coat and thus escaped Alfredâs wrath, grabbed him a change of clothes.
The fact that this once again included one of Jasonâs shirts, when Tim, Dick, Duke, and Steph all existed and also had spare clothes here, felt a little targeted.
It hung from Dannyâs shoulders like a kid in his dadâs clothes, but Jason was probably also the only one with a shirt that said âSoup Powered Fuck Machineâ, and the bit was fucking worth it.
Danny tied off most of the excess fabric into something just a bit longer than a crop top and settled in to drink hot chocolate with Jason and Duke and wait for the others to come back down.
(Which, by the way? Best hot chocolate heâd ever tasted. He was stealing the recipe 1000%, it was so rich and creamy and thick and had grated curls of chocolate on top of the whipped cream.)
Any lingering questions Duke might have been hiding about the shirt? Answered themselves when Tucker walked into the room, saw Danny, and laughed so hard he wound up in the fetal position.
Yeah, Jason was never getting this shirt back.
This was Dannyâs shirt now. He was gonna wear it for his next fight with his rogues.
Sam actually did have her own clothes, so sheâd accepted the offer of laundry while she showered (though she was a little annoyed the laundry room was so far from any of the bathrooms that she couldnât do it herself), so sheâd rejoined them in a mix of Steph and Cassâs clothes while she waited.
She had also been unable to keep a straight face upon seeing Dannyâs new country girl fashion statement, rolling her eyes and punching his shoulder as she dropped to sit next to him.
âWe call the thermos Soup Time,â she explained when Cass cocked her head curiously⊠which probably actually confused the rest of the bats a little more.
âThe thermos you threw at Killer Croc?â Dick asked, still towelling his hair dry.
Sam raised a very slow eyebrow at him, her smile toning down to a smug smirk.
âYeah, sure, I definitely threw it at Croc,â she agreed dryly and Dick cackled, throwing his towel down on Tuckerâs still curled body.
Without even seeming to open the door Alfred appeared with another tray of hot chocolates, handing them out to those who hadnât yet gotten one and taking back empty mugs.
He even had a second hot chocolate for Danny, who was going to marry the man. Even if he was old enough to be his grandpa.
Maybe Tucker did have a point about trying to get into the Wayne family for the perks⊠which Danny was never going to stop teasing him about, now that he and Tim were getting on so well. Boy could make his own ins, he didnât need Danny.
Even Tucker roused himself for a mug though, crawling out from under Dickâs towel, glancing at Danny, and bursting out laughing again. Still, this time he could keep himself steady enough to stand, take the mug, and join Tim on another couch.
Alfred gave a quick glance around the room, probably counting heads, and cleared his throat.
The assorted vigilantes quieted immediately, and Dannyâs respect for the old man grew just a little. It was already pretty fucking high. Not much more room to rise.
And somehow that perfectly serene, composed face managed to convey a deep sense of satisfaction.
âI am afraid we are presently waiting only on Master Bruce to begin dinner. If you would all proceed to the dining room?â It was phrased as a polite request.
The Wayne brood leapt to like it was an order. Danny pressed his lips shut on a laugh as he followed, catching Samâs eye to see her grinning.
Up in front, Dick hurried to walk alongside Alfred.
âOh, is Brucie not home? Or do you want me to go dig him up?â He asked brightly, and Alfred gave him a tight smile, pushing open the door to the fucking plainest most normal dining room Dannyâd ever seen in a mansion.
Sure, the table was huge, but rather than being ornate, heavy, or flashy, it looked to be hard wearing oak. Clean, well polished, and not even that polish could hide the dents.
The chairs too were comfortable, nice, and a lot more tasteful than the Mansonâs or Vladâs. Well padded, well used, but not⊠fancy. Even the walls were simple, the elaborately framed portraits and art pieces on the wall replaced withâŠ
What looked like kidâs drawings. Framed, cherished, and it clicked.
No chance in hell that this was the manorâs formal dining room.
The table was huge, but not that big with the number of people in the room. More than half of it was filled with just the kids, and sure there was space for the Amity Parkers, but not a larger group.
This was the family dining room. And that was fucking adorable.
Stephâd definitely walk him through every picture on the walls to help him find Jasonâs. Today was going to be great.
He almost completely missed Alfredâs reply to Dick.
âIâm afraid not, master Dick. He was expected back nearly two hours ago, and yetâŠâ
Even deep within the manor no one could have missed the sound of the front door slamming open, and anyone who did would have been alerted by the bellowing yell that followed.
âOOOOOOOH BRUCIE! I TOLD YA WHATâD HAPPEN IF WE HAD TO HAVE THE BOUNDARY TALK AGAIN!â An extremely loud, very chipper given⊠well, everything voice filled the room.
The Gothamitesâ heads all snapped around with expressions ranging from delight to exasperation.
âHow the fuck did she get here so fast,â Duke hissed, leaning in towards Tim, but not far enough that Danny couldnât hear, âwerenât she and Ivy in Brazil?â
Tim, definitely the exasperated one, gave a helpless shrug. Whatever he replied with was lost under Dick, bellowing back with clear glee in his voice.
âFAMILY DINING ROOM, HARLS! FIRST HALL ON YOUR LEFT!â
So, they were all going to meet Harley Quinn today. Thatâd be fun. Danny had always wondered what she was like in person, and apparently she was a close enough friend of the Waynes to be welcomed in.
Sam and Tuckerâs faces would be fun.
Alfredâs was a perfect mask of patience that even Clockwork would envy, and he had already pulled a new place setting from a chest of drawers.
It didnât take Harley long to find them, striding down the hall wearing some fucking unseasonal shorts, a baggy long sleeved sweater, and her trademarked blonde pigtails with the pink and blue tips.
And a bedazzled baseball bat slung casually over her shoulder, just in case anyone missed the mark.
She greeted Dick with a kiss on the cheek, then chased down as many of the others that hadnât immediately fled to the other side of the table. Barring Damian, none of them seemed to mind.
Jason had made an attempt to flee, but no. No, that wasnât happening, and Danny âaccidentallyâ got in his way. Boxed him in between chair and table, grinning all the while until Harley made her way to them.
âAnd there he is! My poor suffering boy!â Harley cooed, cupping both of Jasonâs cheeks in her hands and yanking his head down with a lot more force than a woman her size should have been capable of, pressing a large smooch on each cheek.
For all the glares he shot Danny, he managed an almost sheepish smile for the woman herself.
âIâm fine, Harley. Really. You didnât need to come,â he protested with absolutely none of his heart in it, a pink flush rising to complement the sparkly pink lipgloss smooch marks.
âNonsense, baby boy, if Brucie needs his head pulled from his ass Iâm always here,â Harley told him firmly, patting his cheeks and rounding on Danny.
It was kinda less funny now that she was bearing down on him, all of her airhead dramatics belied by the piercing, analytical stare she pinned him with.
âHuh, did Brucie pick up a new one while we were gone? Itâs been like a week, weâll talk about his adoption issues too,â Harley declared firmly, snagging Danny by his collar and yanking him in for a cheek smooch too.
And yeah, holy shit, she really was a lot stronger than she looked. Like, almost ghostly levels of super strength.
Batmanâs âno metas in Gothamâ rule was looking flimsier and flimsier, cuz while sheâd been a rogue in the past, this? This was not a rogueâs welcome, and Danny actually did like most of his rogues.
Just not âkisses on the cheekâ, although the grabbing and pulling was familiar.
Still, better not let Vlad know. Wouldnât do for him to feel too welcome in Gotham.
Harley released him a moment later to give him a dazzling smile.
âHi, youâre a little older than most of Brucieâs new kids but thatâs fine, Iâm your Aunt Harley now and if you ever need any help with anything, especially getting Brucieâs ass in line, you just call me, okay doll?â She told him firmly.
Jason was fucking grinning at him over her head, and it just plain wasnât fair that he was a whole head taller than them. Danny flipped him off behind her back, and gave the woman herself a sheepish smile.
âActually, Iâm not one of Bruceâs, Iâm just-â
âJasonâs-boyfriend,â Steph stage coughed behind him.
Harleyâs eyes widened, Danny had a go at kicking blindly behind him and hurried to correct her.
âJust Jasonâs friend,â he stressed the word and suddenly those almost frighteningly piercing eyes were roaming across his face again.
It was like if Jazz had been dunked in a vat of glitter but could still see right through him. Then Harley grinned again and patted his cheek.
âSure thing, sugar. Still, if you stick around long enough Brucieâll make a go of it, so be careful,â she warned him cheerfully, then lunged for Steph, got her in a headlock, and smooched pink lipgloss into freshly washed hair.
Danny couldnât help chuckling softly as Harley scanned the room, clocked a bemused Tucker and wide eyed Sam, and her eyes narrowed for a moment.
Then she nodded, apparently deciding they probably also werenât new niece and nephew, and skipped back over to Alfred.
âSo! Not that this ainât great, but ya clearly got some company over so if ya could just point me towards the B-man Iâll borrow him right quick?â She offered with a broad grin, not actually grabbing Alfred.
Up went the respect-o-meter again. Restraining Harley Quinn was hard for seasoned heroes, her restraining herself? None of the birds could claim that apparently.
Alfred gave her the same polite smile, setting her a place at the table.
âIâm afraid Master Bruce has not yet returned from his lunch appointment, Miss Quinzel. He should be returning shortly if you would care to join us for dinner?â It almost didnât seem like a question, given what he was doing.
Harley waved a hand easily, making a face that was almost apologetic.
âOh, nah, Iâll just go get âim for ya and send âim back over. Maybe with some new bruises,â she added almost as an after thought, then shrugged and grinned. âSo! Whereâd ya last see âim?â
It seemed like their missing Brucie problem was about to be solved, and the rest of the Gothamites were now taking their seats around the table.
Tucker, whoâd cautiously followed Timâs retreat around the table after Harleyâs chaotic entrance, was now sat between Tim and Damian, and probably regretting his life choices.
Sam, whose parents hadnât actually specifically forbidden her from speaking to Harley, seemed to be trying to make up her mind about something. Probably going to talk to Harley directly.
Steph and Jason had considerately left two spots in between them as they sat, and Danny let himself drop into the chair next to Jason as Alfred answered.
Well. Nearly into the chair.
âMaster Bruceâs lunch appointment was approximately four hours ago in a private room at Chez Vous with one of our galaâs guests, a Vlad Masters.â
Yeah. Danny missed the chair, thunking all the way to the floor with a startled squawk.
âHe fucking WHAT?!â He exclaimed, yanking himself back up, staring around the table at the equally startled Waynes.
Like they hadnât spent the first part of the gala telling these people specifically that Vlad was a fucking mind controlling sociopath who was targeting their dad. What the hell.
Alfred raised an eyebrow very slowly at him, concern now creeping into his expression.
âHe went to met Mr Masters in a private room for a late lunch, Mister Fenton. I am not aware of any other plans, but-â
And Danny was probably committing a cardinal fucking sin by interrupting him but he couldnât hold in the groan, sinking down into the actual chair this time and thunking his head off the table.
Across the table, Tucker snickered at him.
âLet me guess. You forgot Vlad was still in town?â He asked, and Danny let out another utterly heartfelt groan.
âI forgot Vlad was still in town,â he whined as Jason stifled an entirely inappropriate bout of laughter.
There was one more important piece of business though, and Steph jumped straight to it.
âWasnât someone supposed to warn Bruce about Masters last night, so this couldnât happen?â She asked in a low voice, leaning into the middle of the table.
Tim made a face, rubbing the back of his neck.
âI said I would, but⊠I got distractedâŠâ
By beating his brains out against Amity Parkâs ghostly firewalls apparently, and Danny did feel kinda bad for completely forgetting to mention that. In his defence, he hadnât technically known that the Batcomputer was not ghost virus proof.
Should have guessed. Hadnât known.
Tucker, who still had no idea about the vigilante thing, was quick to reassure Tim.
âYou had a medical emergency, of course you were distracted,â he said quickly, patting the younger man carefully on the shoulder and glaring at the other assembled Wayne brood, âand any of them coulda mentioned it too!â
Dick raised a hand with a half smile that was mostly apology.
âActually⊠Bruce went straight to Timâs side after the gala. Think he stayed all night, but I never actually saw him. We coulda texted though,â he added sheepishly as the rest of the family made general noises of agreement.
Except Duke, who shrugged.
âI only learned about Masters when I met you guys this morning,â he pointed out, and Danny kinda doubted that but Duke had missed the original Masters debrief so he had the best excuse.
Alfred stepped closer to the table, and for the first time his presence actually registered as something other than the polite, nigh-unnoticeable model of efficiency.
Which probably meant heâd picked up on Dannyâs super subtle hints that the situation was not fucking good. Good for him.
âAnd precisely what information was supposed to be shared with Master Bruce?â He asked, still politely, still calmly, but thereâs a hint of warning that had most of the table stiffening up.
Tucker answered, giving Alfred an apologetic smile.
âVlad Masters is a super creep and probably using his mind control powers to try and make Mr Wayne sign over everything he owns,â he explained easily, like it was nothing.
Harleyâs eyes had widened, but she didnât seem overly worried, just shouldered her bat again.
âSo itâs also gonna be a rescue mission, huh? Vladdie a local boy or are they still gonna be in the same place?â She asked, the rest of the table tensing as one.
Because yeah. Next step was extract Bruce, and kick Vladâs ass, and probably maybe try and get any contracts Bruce had signed in four hours? Which could now be anywhere.
Sighing heavily, Danny hauled himself to his feet. Feeling like a fucking idiot aside, he probably should have already left. He was pretty sure he knew where Chez Vous was?
âNo, you guys stay put, Iâll go get him,â he said as cheerily as he could, cracking his neck.
Harleyâs brows drew down in a frown and she prodded him with the bat.
âNo offence kid, but ya look like a stiff breeze will flip ya over. Youâre not going alone,â she told him firmly, and yeah, Danny could also feel Jason damn near vibrating from beside him.
Concern-worry-protect-coming too.
Putting a hand on the big guyâs shoulder before he could rise, Danny pushed just enough to keep him in his seat. Felt the moment of shock course through the much bigger man, and his grin became just a little more genuine.
âSorry but if any of you come along, youâll only make it harder for me to get Bruce back safely. Vladâll just take you guys over and make you fight me. I really wouldnât worry too much though, heâs never actually beaten me,â he added with a reassuring smile.
Sam snorted a laugh, dropping into the empty seat beside Steph and crossing one leg over the other. Reassuring the Gothamites with her own complete lack of moving.
âYeah, Dannyâs been cleaning his clock since he was fourteen and itâs something like 700-5. Youâd think heâd give up eventually,â she added, rolling her eyes.
Cuz yeah, Vlad might have gotten the upper hand through sneaky traps a bunch of times, but in a straight fight? Danny usually won, even before he had the power of the Infinite Realms at his back.
It wasnât that all eyes turned to Harley. It was more that suddenly a bunch of them werenât looking at her so pointedly they might as well have.
She regarded Danny and Sam a moment longer, then shrugged and dropped into the chair at the head of the table.
âGuess Iâm stayinâ for dinner, or at least til Brucieâs back. And hey, it can be hard for folks ta come to terms with things like that. âSpecially if theyâre adults takinâ offence ta gettinâ their butt kicked by kids,â she added, a bright gleam in her eye.
Sam snickered, leaning back in her chair.
âVoice of experience?â She asked innocently and Harley tipped her a wink.
âHell nah, you ever seen a Robin fight? âSides, most of the folks whoâll shit a brick at beinâ beat by a kid get just as huffy at gettinâ beat by me,â Harley explained with a broad grin, flexing her own muscles.
It was just a little hilarious to see the differing reactions from the young vigilantes around the table.
Damian was still noticeably grumpy, though he almost felt more worried to Dannyâs expert empathic eye. But then, his dad was in the lionâs den.
Dick and Tim looked like they were sharing an inside joke, and Danny had to figure they were the other Robins that went against Harley the most.
Steph, Cass, and Duke all looked decidedly self satisfied. JasonâŠ
Jason was ignoring the rest of the table, still frowning up at Danny but not fighting his grip anymore.
âI should still come with you,â he argued like the rest of the conversation hadnât happened, his voice low and urgent. And⊠yeah. Protection Obsession, 1000%.
And his Fright Knight now, fuck you very much Clockwork, but he was also not even fully formed. No way Danny was taking him to fight Vlad as his first ghost.
He gave Jasonâs shoulder a quick squeeze, lowering his voice under the rest of the conversation.
âYouâll know if I need you, Jay, but Vlad used to be able to control me too. Heâs not a great first run,â he explained softly.
Jason very clearly didnât like it, brows drawing in even further, and Danny made his grin a little brighter by contrast. Brushed confidence-easy fight-be back soon across his aura.
âBesides, heâs more a sneaky fuck than an actual fighter. Not worth both of us heading out,â he tried, rolling his shoulders.
Jason raised an eyebrow, entirely unimpressed.
âBy that logic it should be me going instead of you,â he pointed out, and Danny pouted. Fuck him for technical accuracy.
âLook, next time, okay?â He whispered, leaning in til his mouth was next to Jasonâs ear. Tim was now watching them rather than Sam and Harleyâs banter.
Perceptive little shit. But he wouldnât catch shit if Danny covered his mouth to talk. For now, he had to persuade a cranky protective halfa not to go kick Vladâs ass.
How the turntables and so on.
âOnce youâve got your powers in you can take him every time, alright?â He whispered, then leaned back and grinned at Jason. At least he wasnât glaring anymore.
âIâve got this. Iâll be fine,â he said as reassuringly as he could. And then. Pausing. âUh⊠but Iâll probably⊠yâknow. Do the thing to find him.â
Vlad couldnât hide from Dannyâs expanded aura, not without leaving this dimension. But thatâd mean Jason also got another dose.
The understanding dawned across the big guyâs face, fell into a complicated expression. Finally he nodded stiffly.
âFine. But leave it up so I know how itâs going?â He grumbled back, lips barely moving. Probably as a countermeasure for Nosy Little Brother.
Danny grinned and ruffled Jasonâs hair, stepping away.
âSure thing bud. Iâll be back with Bruce as soon as I can,â he said more loudly, more to the whole room, and let his aura flare out into the city until it touched Vladâs.
Yeah, that beat trying to navigate the city from above for the second time ever.
A sudden absolutely awful impulse hit him, and his grin stretched just a little beyond what was humanly possible.
Why the fuck not? The reveal was gonna drop soon enough, Tuck and Sam already knew how much he wanted to show.
And most of the table were watching him.
Danny rolled his shoulders, cracked his neck, and had a brief moment of nostalgia. Because if he was being theatricalâŠ
âIâm going ghost,â he called as loud as he could, letting the glowing rings of his transformation wash over him, changing him to Phantom in front of a table of gawking bats.
Then he jumped into the air and flew out of the manor through the wall, Sam and Tuckerâs laughter ringing in his ears.
Now he just had to hope he could reach Bruce before Vlad did anything he couldnât easily fix.
**
Tim was the first to speak. Other than the raucous laughter of the Amity Parkers the dining room had been dead silent since Dannyâs⊠well, it was a transformation.
Reaching out blindly with his other hand, Tim caught Dukeâs arm.
âYou saw that, right?â He asked, his voice a little hoarse.
Duke nodded slowly, still staring at the wall Danny had just disappeared through.
âNot that I know what the fuck it was⊠but yeahâŠâ
Because⊠yeah. Theyâd known Danny was some kind of meta at this point. Guy really wasnât trying to hide it. But that wasâŠ
âWhat, you ainât seen that before?â Harley asked from the head of the table, her voice filled with a sudden glee.
Across the table Jason snickered, and Timâs attention zeroed back in on him.
Heâd known. Heâd stiffened up before Danny had transformed, still hadnât fully relaxed and Tim could guess why. Whatever heâd told Danny to âleave upâ.
It didnât look like he was in pain, more like heâd braced himself for something that hadnât fully happened yet. But since apparently all secrets were just on the table nowâŠ
Tim turned to Tucker.
âWhat the fuck was that?â He asked, and Tucker sighed happily, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.
âAn overdramatic little fuck?â Sam offered from the other side of the table, also still grinning. Tucker wheezed loudly, slumping back in his chair.
Tim shifted his attention to Sam instead, giving up on Tucker for now. To be fair, he was kinda surprised Jason wasnât also laughing at them.
It must have made a comical scene.
âObviously. But that⊠going ghost? What did he mean?â He pressed, leaning in across the table but not lowering his voice.
Sam and Tucker exchanged thoughtful looks, Tuckerâs laughter fading to giggles as they clearly weighed their answers. Then Sam leaned in too, folding her arms on the table and leaning over them.
âHow much were you actually able to look up about Amity Park?â She asked, and the rest of the table leaned in to listen.
Even Harley, thoroughly devoid of context, kept quiet for a change. She could smell a good story when she heard one.
And as much as it pained him to admitâŠ
âNothing at all,â Tim confessed with a brief shake of his head, eyes narrowed. âI couldnât even find the weather account you showed us.â
Beside him Tucker took another deep, fortifying breath and steadied himself in his seat.
âYeah⊠warned you about that. Any tech not actually from Amity needs a baseline level of ecto before it can get through the firewalls,â he explained, and as glad as Tim was to have him back in the conversationâŠ
âBut that isnât how firewalls work,â he protested, knowing full well the other boy knew, âFacebook doesnât have a separate server or separate firewalls for some small town in Illinois versus the larger world, and even if it has something to do with the IPâŠâ
Tucker raised both hands quickly and Tim subsided, a little relieved to have been cut off. The frustration from last night was building again, and he really didnât want to deal with that right now.
âOkay, youâre definitely right almost all of the time, but Amity Parkâs is⊠different,â Tucker explained quickly, glancing around the table and almost immediately focusing his full attention back on Tim.
Dismissing the others as below the level needed to understand the conversation, or assuming theyâd keep up on their own? They all could, none of the bats were slouches on cyber security, and the distinction didnât matter to Tim.
Yet.
They were also probably all a little below Tuckerâs own technical proficiency, from everything Tim had seen (and Steph and Cassâs admitted failure to break his server encryption).
(Oracle still hadnât broken the same server.)
Tim nodded anyway, not willing to talk and slow the explanation any further.
They could have been doing this more than twelve damn hours ago.
âFirewall isnât exactly the right term for it either, but about five years ago⊠well, we decided the rest of the world couldnât know about a lot of things that happen in Amity Park. It wouldnât be safe,â Tucker added, watching Timâs face carefully.
He looked almost guilty. Like he could guess how much frustration this had caused Tim. Hell, if Danny knew their identities then Tucker, his guy in the chair almost certainly did too.
And since they werenât pretending to all be civilians anymoreâŠ
âThe GIW were already censoring the hell out of us,â Tucker continued, rolling his eyes, âit was actually really annoying. They actually did the IP thing, but you could VPN around that. But we didnât want the rest of the world, other governments to come to the same bullshit conclusions about ghosts and keep causing trouble.â
âGhosts like Danny,â Duke cut in, not a trace of doubt in his voice.
Tucker glanced past Tim for a moment and nodded.
âPretty much, but Dannyâs a special case. Most ghosts canât actually do the magical girl transformation,â he added with a snicker, and Sam rolled her eyes, tapping the table for attention.
âWhat Tuckerâs dancing around telling you is that what we call the Amity Park firewall is basically alive. It has nothing to do with IP addresses or any regular tech shit because it runs on ectoplasm.â
âItâs not actually alive,â Tucker cut back in with an exasperated huff, âitâs just something I came up with with some help from Technus. Heâs the spirit of technology so he can possess computers, not people, and together we made a safety net.â
âAll of Amity Park is saturated in natural ectoplasm,â Sam explained, ignoring Tuckerâs pointed glare, âso now whenever someoneâs trying to connect online to anything based in an Amity Park server, our ecto looks for your ecto in whatever device you have. No ecto, no data.â
âItâs not that simple,â Tucker whined, like this wasnât already a level of complexity that made Timâs head spin.
But it was the spinning that triggered an almost ignored memory.
âEcto⊠thatâs what Danny nearly said last night, when he was talking about the Lazarus Pits,â he said with a sudden sharp frown, attention jumping between the Amity Parkers and onto Jason.
Who shrugged. Like this wasnât news. How the fuck had he even met Danny in the first place?
âShow of hands, who hereâs surprised that the pit waters actually come from the land of the dead?â Jason asked dryly, gaze sweeping along the table.
Timâs attention flashed directly to Damian and then Cass, the two of them sat on a full diagonal from each other. They were the closest thing the family had to experts.
Neither looked surprised, although Damianâs eyes were narrowed. New information then, and likely something heâd be looking more into. Cass just looked thoughtful.
Harleyâs hand was up though, and the table gradually turned to its gravity. She shrugged.
âHad a bet with Ives that it was super tainted kool-aid. Not that we know much about it,â she added with a shrug, and Jason snickered.
âYouâre half right anyway,â he told her and the raised hand was replaced by a pair of fists pumping into the air, but silently for once.
Even Harley wasnât gonna interrupt a lore dump.
Jason returned his attention to Tim.
âApparently the pits are made of contaminated ectoplasm. Super tainted,â he nodded to Harley, âbecause the regular stuff? Doesnât bubble, doesnât burn, and doesnât kill people who touch it.â
Timâs eyes narrowed for a moment, looking Jason over, hunting any trace of a lie. Heâd made himself an expert on Jasonâs features, on what every micro-expression might possibly mean.
Jason was a damn good liar, but Tim knew every tell that meant he spoke the truth.
Still, he glanced from Jason to Cass, sat on Jasonâs other side. The Asian girl raised an eyebrow at him, then nodded.
Human lie detector confirmed. Good to know. Even if she was rolling her eyes at him for checking.
Duke leaned in further, half his body now hovering above the table as he grinned at Jason.
âSo does that mean youâve got ectoplasm in you, if you still have the pit rage?â He asked, which didnât really seem like something to smile about.
Although not exactly worse than the idea of Jason just still having the pit in his veins. At least Jason didnât seem to be really bothered by it.
He just shrugged.
âI guess so?â He offered suspiciously, his face still carefully neutral as he watched Duke. Whose grin broadened.
âSo does that mean if you look up stuff on Amity Park youâll get through?â He asked innocently. Jason rolled his eyes.
âIâm not a phone, Duke,â he said dryly, and Tucker snickered.
âItâs actually kinda funny you say that, cuz Dannyâs been sucked into video games before,â Tucker said innocently, giving Jason a sidelong look.
Which⊠raised a couple of questions, since Jason didnât seem embarrassed by it. Timâs eyes narrowed for a moment.
âIs that something that could happen to Jason?â He asked cautiously, and for some reason Tucker actually laughed.
âOh, itâs something that could happen to anyone,â he said sounding very smug, and Tim tore his attention off Jason to stare at Tucker, wondering what the hell he was thinking.
Tucker just grinned back and Timâs best guess⊠well, it couldnât have been a bad experience. It had definitely afforded him the full attention of everyone at the table.
Harley stuck a hand in the air again.
âOkay, I know I ainât one oâ the kids, but Iâm gonna need to know a whole lot more about that,â she declared, and Tucker laughed, shaking his head.
âAnother time? I gotta get back to get ready for school early tomorrow at the latest but if you wanted to hang out againâŠâ he trailed off hopefully, his attention slipping from Harley back to Tim.
Tim was not going to blush. This was a chance to gather more intel in future. And just hang out with a friend! There was nothing more to it than that.
He chuckled softly and nodded, settling back into his seat.
âYeah, I think itâs safe to say weâll see each other again,â he agreed, and definitely didnât enjoy the way Tucker beamed at him.
Given their reactions, he probably did some kind of tech support while Danny⊠Danny was probably the ghost whoâd protected Amity Park.
Had they always known who Jason and his family were? Tim knew he should reserve judgement until he could find an unbiased source and work out what had actually happened in Amity Park, butâŠ
Well, it wasnât like the Amity Parkers were hostile. There was always the chance it could be a long con, but Tim didnât think so. Theyâd given too much away.
For now, it seemed safest to assume that they were fellow vigilantes, and were at least as aware of their identities as Danny. Tucker might even have been the one to work it out.
And if Tucker could solve their technical problems and give them open access to Amity Park, Tim could take that and confirm his theories.
If they had something to hide, Tim should be able to work out at least where to look based on what Tucker gave him.
âWeâve gotta wait for Danny to get back for him to infuse your tech, buuuut I can get you started on the data download if you can hook me into your set up,â Tucker said with an almost seductive smile.
Or maybe Tim thought it was seductive because it came with an offer of increased tech. And sure, he wasnât hooking a stranger straight up to the Batcomputer, butâŠ
Well, thatâs what the fully isolated laptops were for. And Tim could bring one of those up from the cave, but⊠well, the Amity Parkers showed trust first. And they really had less reason to.
Theyâd been abandoned by the Justice League, and apparently personally picking up that slack. The least Tim wanted to do was promise them that it hadnât been malicious; they really hadnât known.
And to promise that he personally was going to find out how this had happened, and make sure it wouldnât happen again. Last night wasnât going to be in vain.
Heâd ask the others about it, but as things stood right now, Tim would really like to see Tucker get a proper look at the Bat Cave.
**
Vlad was a little surprised to find heâd been having an absolutely charming afternoon with one Brucie Wayne.
He hadnât expected to actually like the man, but one on one he had a kind of self effacing charm that Vlad rather appreciated. Far more tolerable than most of the arrogant rich bastards he had to deal with.
He had been so very interested in the running of Amity Park too, in the challenges of being a mayor and a business owner, and so few people really appreciated the struggle.
Of course, Vlad wasnât going to out any of Danielâs little secrets. It wouldnât do to upset the boy more while he was trying to mend fences.
Even if he had left Vlad to the mercy of some hapless buffoons and the criminals they were chasing the night before.
So he kept it light, to issues like road maintenance, funding local fixtures like the library and the schools, things he thought Brucie had a chance of understanding.
Brucie had also noticed that their boys were becoming⊠close.
Well, it would be almost impossible for him not to have. And it was only natural that Brucie wanted to know more about the boy getting close to his son.
It was almost a little strange how easy it was to speak well of Daniel. For so long Vlad had been fixated on his inadequacies, on all the things he could fix if Daniel would just accept his help.
On wanting to mould Daniel into someone like himself. He hadnât really considered that Daniel⊠might not want to be like him.
Vlad was rich, successful, on top of the world by every modern marker, but he was also alone. He had no one and nothing that he would call his own, that he could leave his fortune to.
Of course, as a half ghost it wasnât like he was actually going to die, but not having a successor was part of what tugged at his core.
And Daniel⊠Daniel was much better at bringing people close than Vlad. He had dear friends, and easily found himself with new ones. Daniel was likeable, and Vlad had to admit that he himself⊠wasnât.
People cozied up and tried to bribe Vlad, but perhaps it was the very things heâd seen as weaknesses in Daniel that made them actually like the boy.
So he focused on those instead, the qualities that had always baffled and confused him. The loyalty, the trust, everything heâd once tried to use to tear Daniel down.
And utterly failed at every turn. After so many years, yes, Vlad had detected the pattern. It was just so hard to keep from falling into it.
So when he felt Danielâs aura wash out and across him, wary but amused on top of the aggression, he startled just a little. Made sure to obviously check his phone, and gasped when he saw the time.
It was obvious what must have happened.
âOh my, Brucie, did you have another appointment today?â He asked in only mildly faked surprise, concealing his amusement expertly. âDear Daniel has just contacted me, it seems youâve been missed.â
Daniel likely thought Vlad was up to the kind of nefarious schemes that he⊠well, had come to Gotham to commit, in all honesty. But obviously those plans had changed with his little badgerâs personal interest.
Perhaps he should have told Daniel that? Ah well, the boy would learn soon enough. He settled back in his seat, letting his aura broadcast his intent.
Calm-welcome-nothing to hide.
Felt Danielâs disbelief, but that was fine. It was the truth.
Brucie visibly startled as well, taking his own phone out to check the time. Probably wondering why his own brood werenât contacting him if heâd been missed so much.
âOh⊠yes, Iâm terribly sorry, I think Danny must have been invited to our family dinner, which Iâm late to,â Brucie added with that lovely self effacing smile, shrugging. âI must have put my phone on vibrate. Iâll just tell them to start without me.â
Or his children didnât expect him to check it, apparently with reason.
Vlad clapped his hands together and rubbed them a few times.
âWell, no matter. I do believe Danny is on his way to retrieve you, so weâd best wait where we are. I will pick up the bill, of course.â
Theyâd had the private room in the restaurant for around four hours now, which wouldnât come cheap, but Vlad could be generous. Especially if Daniel expected him not to be.
Brucie made the usual noises of gratitude and appreciation, and mild confusion. Well, that would be answered by whether or not Daniel bothered to transform back before bursting in.
Either way, it wouldnât be Vladâs choice to reveal his little secret.
âI have my car with me, but if Dannyâs on his way hereâŠâ Brucie trailed off, glancing to the window with a perplexed frown on that handsome face.
Whoever dealt with the manâs wrinkles for the cameras would be very upset, but Vlad got the feeling Brucie could afford the best. He had such an expressive face, and yet nothing was ever out of place.
Almost as good as ectoplasm for keeping one young.
He was probably wondering why Daniel was coming instead of one of his own children, and while Vlad could come up with an excuse about needing to see the boy anyway⊠well, he was bursting in on a very pleasant afternoon.
Vlad wanted to mend fences, not solve all the boyâs self inflicted problems.
Still, he gave Brucie a smile, touching the pad that would summon them a server again.
âOh, you and Daniel can take the car Iâm sure. Heâll just be here to make sure Iâm behaving myself,â he added with a wry chuckle, settling back in his seat.
Something very much like alertness flicked across Brucieâs face, and Vlad could feel a flicker of suspicion for the first time from the other man.
Well, Vlad had baited him.
He certainly wasnât as empathetic as Daniel, but he liked to keep an eye on his company, and this was the first trace of something more that heâd gotten from the man.
He waved a hand cheerfully, chuckling. The man likely had links to his cityâs precious Bat and all his opinions on those more than just human. Best allay those concerns even if he was leaving.
âI have been known to talk peoplesâ ears off if I get onto a subject like football, and four hours is surely long enough for him to suspect Iâve roped you into watching a game. Though if you did want to attendâŠâ he let himself trail off, watched the manâs shoulders settle as he laughed.
âOh, Iâm not much of a sports fan myself, but I try to keep up with the Gotham teams when I can.â
The female teams at least, according to the tabloids, but Vlad wouldnât judge. Much.
Brucie gave him that charming smile again, settling as well as the server came in and once again refilled their drinks.
âI didnât realise Amity Park had their own teams in a league, though,â Brucie added with that softly furrowed brow. Like thought was such a strain for the man.
Vlad gave the server a quick smile and inclined his head.
âI will take the bill now, I believe weâre ready to go. And we donât have our own teams in any of the major leagues,â he explained indulgently to Brucie, lips quirking up at the very thought.
Imagine trying to play a home game in Amity Park. It was hard enough getting the school teams out to their rivals.
And it gave him a chance to talk about his secondary Obsession.
âNo, I have ownership of the Green Bay Packers, back home in Wisconsin. I really must warn you to stop there if you donât want their full stats for the last four seasons or worse,â Vlad teased with a soft chuckle, taking a sip of his water.
Both of Brucieâs eyebrows rose and the man smiled back, settling into his seat.
âWell, Danny will be here soon to cut you off anyway,â he commented, that charming smile looking far too comfortable on him.
And he did have a point. Giving him a nod of acknowledgement, Vlad relaxed and let the gentle sea of Obsession take him, enthusiasm ramping up with every word he spoke.
It was nice to have permission for a change.
**
Despite his cheerful words, Danny couldnât help but tense as he flew across the city. Heâd make it within minutes, way faster than anyone trying to actually use Gothamâs streets, butâŠ
Vlad had had Bruce for hours already. Danny was gonna hope that whatever he was doing, it was just more of his shady businessman bullshit.
He really, really, really didnât want to fight overshadowed Batman.
Of course, remembering the looks on the flying furry brigadeâs faces gave him a definite boost in mood. He didnât actually wanna show up at Vladâs giggling, buuut that was a problem for future Danny.
Present Danny was busy specifically not worrying so that he didnât worry Jason into coming after him. Maybe telling the guy about Vladâs lightning juice hadnât been a great idea?
Of course, the good thing about the expanded aura was that he could still feel Jasonâs like they were right next to each other.
And whoâd have thought Jason was also a fucking mother hen? Poor guy was still tense, although at least Danny could still feel just a little amusement.
Yeah, Jason was getting to enjoy the full fruits of Dannyâs theatrics. It wasnât fair, but it made the whole thing better. Gave him something to keep his mind off Danny.
As if on cue, a strong spike of incredulous-funny-what the fuck came from his favourite non-clone halfa.
Danny was nearly at the restaurant now, and paused just above to send a questioning pulse back. Felt Jason startle, and could almost see him roll his eyes.
Later-come back-done?
The fuck were they talking about? Maybe the bats were right to always have their own little comms in. Danny sent a reassuring wave back.
Soon-anticipation-just arrived-curious.
And yes, Danny did expect the caution-stay safe-coming after you that he got back, but he wasnât sure Jason would get the full effect of him actually rolling his eyes.
One last check for Vladâs aura and Danny turned invisible, phasing through the roof and walls to have a look around.
Vlad was alone in a private room, with nothing but some glasses of water and a mostly empty bottle of wine. Alright, food was probably over a while ago, but the water might be a good sign.
Vlad wasnât known to take care of the people he overshadowed.
Danny did a quick search of the rest of the building, stopping just shy of accidentally sticking his head through a bathroom wall when he felt a familiar presence.
Yup, Bruce was in the bathroom. Probably not overshadowed, which might just mean that Vlad was finished with him.
Not taking the risk, Danny made his way stealthily back to the private room, popping into visibility behind Vladâs seat.
At least his aura being everywhere made it hard for Vlad to get a fix.
âWhat, did I not pay you enough attention last night, Vladdie?â He complained, draping an arm across the back of the manâs chair and noting the way he stiffened.
Also, these chairs? Much more pretentious. All carved and ornamental and bleh. Nowhere near as good as the ones at Wayne Manor.
Vlad didnât actually turn to face him, reaching out and picking up his water glass instead. Filling his hands, so itâd be harder for him to take a shot at Danny?
Or just Vlad being Vlad and dismissing him.
Vlad took a long, slow sip before replying.
âWhile I would have preferred more of a chance to speak with you, Daniel, my presence here is solely to your benefit I assure you,â he said cool as a cucumber.
Danny narrowed his eyes, giving another poke of his aura. It didnât feel like a lie.
âHow so? Gonna rob Brucie blind and give it to the poor? I guess green also works for Robin Hood,â Danny mused, fingers drumming on the back of the chair.
Vlad actually looked at him then, a sharp sidelong glance before the man relaxed again, chuckling softly.
âNothing of the sort. But if you and young Jason are going to be closely⊠connected, I will be seeing much more of Brucie, and I thought perhaps I could help lighten the⊠impression you left.â
Wait.
Was Vlad blushing?
Danny peered forward for a better look, utterly at a loss for what connection Vlad might be talking about. Cuz yeah, he and Jason were friends, butâŠ
Oh.
Oh!
Vlad bought the closet scene.
Somehow that outcome had never even occurred to Danny and he felt himself flush, cheeks going green. Fuck, the goal had been to cause a scene, but Vlad actually thoughtâŠ
Wait.
âSo youâve been here trying to convince Bruce Iâm not an evil harlot corrupting his boy?â Danny asked, barely concealed glee rising with every word.
Because if this was funny, if this was fucking hilarious, he didnât have to be embarrassed by it. Vlad didnât need to know shit about his actual sex life, but if heâd actually called Bruce to try and polish up Dannyâs new slutty reputationâŠ
Vlad cleared his throat pointedly, still not looking directly at him.
âAnd luckily for you, he is somewhat willing to believe you have some good traits,â he said archly, and that fucking floored Danny.
âYOU think I have good traits?â He asked incredulously, cutting off whatever Vlad was about to say.
The man even took it pretty well, just one of those loud sighs like Danny was a particularly tiresome child, not a full grown adult man.
âI understand where you might have got the impression I donât, Daniel, but if I thought you had none would I have pursued you so harshly?â He asked, finally turning in his chair to face Danny frankly.
Which meant he got both barrels of the sceptical face Danny was making.
âDude, you say that like Obsessions are fucking logical,â Danny said dryly, and Vlad actually chuckled.
Not even condescendingly.
Like Danny made a point.
âQuite. Unfortunately for myself, the effects of my Obsession went into how I planned to achieve it, not in the goal itself. You have always been a remarkable young man, Daniel.â
And that was at least familiar ground.
Danny rolled his eyes.
âYeah, yeah, and Iâd be even more if I let you lure me off to your creepy castle in Wisconsin to become mini-Vlad. Brucie canât ship me to Wisconsin,â he pointed out, just about resisting the urge to poke Vlad in the chest.
The old guy was being weirdly noncombative, but it had been a while since they saw each other. Actual years, which Danny couldnât imagine would have been good for the other halfa.
Much as it sucked being someone elseâs Obsession and heâd loved being free of the Fruitloop⊠he wouldnât wish the ache of an unfulfilled Obsession on anyone.
Fuck did that mean Vlad had actually moved on? Was that something he could do? Please let it be something he could do.
The older halfa chuckled again and took another sip of his water.
âNo, Iâm well aware that he canât. But our time apart gave me little to do but consider what I know of you. You have grown to a fine young man, Daniel, perhaps with all that I have ever lacked.â
He looked up again, their eyes meeting, and Danny very nearly recoiled. Almost stepped back and away from the other halfaâs aura so that he couldnât feel Vladâs pride seeping into his skin like grease.
âOkay, this is getting fucking weird. Do I have to kick your ass to get whatever contracts you made Bruce sign back?â He asked sharply, trying to get the conversation back to somewhere he understood it.
Vlad hesitated a moment, then settled back again, clearly reading Dannyâs discomfort in his aura if not on his face because the pride settled away.
Back in Wayne Manor, Danny felt Jason keying up, the slow growing happiness cutting straight back to danger-warning-protect-need help?.
Danny forced himself to calm too, closing his eyes for a moment to focus on the feel of Jason, not Vlad.
He just.
He didnât know what to do with Vlad being proud of him. That had only ever meant heâd fucked up somewhere horrible before.
Calm-safe-Iâm safe-not hurt.
âStill in contact with young Jason?â Vlad asked, letting the subject change even if he didnât answer Dannyâs question.
Danny cracked an eye open to peer at him.
âYeah, he wasnât a fan of me coming to see you on my own. Not to pick up his dad,â he added before Vlad could get the wrong idea.
Actually. It was still kinda funnier if Vlad kept the wrong idea.
From what Danny could read of him, no worries about that. Vlad was amused, but not comfortable.
Yeah, well, he could join the club. Danny gave his shoulder a gentle poke.
âAnyway. What did you really want Bruce for?â
Vlad glanced at his watch, then at the door.
âWell heâll be back any second to tell you himself, Daniel. I wasnât sure if youâd shared this little secret yet so I didnât mention any of our shared nature, but he was the one to invite me out.â
Which also felt like the truth. Both parts. Danny hesitated for a moment, not quite sure if he was ready for this particular secret to be out to the Batman.
Itâd be out the second the man got home if no one had texted him yet, but that was a long car ride away unless Danny flew back, and he didnât want to leave Bruce unsupervised again.
Just because Vlad was being weird didnât mean he wasnât being Vlad.
Still, heâd know if Bruce was overshadowed right away, and if he wasnât he could ask the man himself what Vlad had been up to.
And Vlad was in human form. Not like he could transform any faster than Danny if shit was about to go down.
The decision pretty much took itself out of his hands when the door began to open and Danny jumped back out of grabbing reach (just in case) and changed back.
Which was when he remembered what he was wearing.
**
Lunch with Vlad Masters had been⊠informative, and Bruce was a little surprised just how much time had passed.
Masters might be an unscrupulous businessman but he was clearly devoted to the things he cared for; Daniel Fenton, Amity Park, and the Green Bay Packers.
He just couldnât quite reconcile how those three pieces fit into the picture at hand. To hear Vlad tell it, nothing untoward had happened in Amity Park in his whole time as mayor. And yet⊠the calls were real.
Even if Masters hadnât hit the button personally, someone in his office must have.
Was there a chance that Danny had some sort of mind control abilities? That heâd removed the memories of those in Amity Park whoâd opposed him?
It would explain why Masters would so fervently champion a boy heâd had almost nothing to do with. Oh, Danny Fenton had been born to two of Mastersâ college friends, but they hadnât seen each other for years before Dannyâs birth.
As far as Bruce could tell the two had never even met before Danny was at least fourteen; Vlad had lived in an actual castle in Wisconsin and been a regular on the gala circuit for his area.
Friend of the family or not, it was suspicious that the only adults heâd spoken to so far had such diametrically opposed views on Danny.
Vlad was obviously hiding something. About Amity Park, Bruce was completely certain. The manâs accounts simply did not add up with the evidence. About DannyâŠ
Bruce had his suspicions, but there was very little clear evidence about the man himself. Danny was technically an unknown quantity. And the center of far too many mysteries for Bruceâs peace of mind.
Bruce slipped away to the bathroom to let his thoughts settle not too long into Vladâs lecture on the history of the Packers.
If Danny was coming from the manor they had a while yet before heâd be there, so he could let Vlad ramble on for a while once he returned.
His cheeks hurt from keeping up Brucieâs smile, but that was nothing new. The gala last night was still weighing on him, but it made it easier to put the act back on.
If Danny was coming here, and would accompany Bruce back to the manor, they would have a while to talk in the traffic. Finally a chance to speak to the man himself and let Bruce get an unbiased read.
Something had happened before Vlad claimed to have received a message from Danny. Something that made him start, and while it could have been the manâs phone, Bruce doubted it.
Even silent vibrations actually made some sound, and Vlad had barely glanced at the device. Not long enough to read any kind of complicated message; he hadnât even unlocked it.
Vlad must have thought he was hiding it, but heâd been amused by whatever happened. Amused, and known immediately it was Danny. That Danny was coming.
Whatever else he might be, Vlad was certainly not a particularly skilled liar. Not to Batman.
Washing his hands, Bruce wondered if he might not be able to get Vlad back onto the subject of how Danny would be coming.
On his own, or at least Vlad hadnât mentioned anyone else. And using Bruceâs car to get back? There were hardly bus routes between the manor and the city.
Unless Danny had some kind of meta abilities. Damianâs report had included his suspicions, and Duke and Dick had both seen him fly away.
That would put him here sooner than expected, but Bruce was certain heâd have noticed a flying meta in his city. Unless Danny only flew for certain situations.
Bruce paused at the door to their private room for half a second, letting his Brucie mask settle comfortably into place. Letting the smile spread. And pushed the door open.
Something bright flashed inside and Bruce tensed, anticipating a trap. One he would have no choice but to fall into, as he was now. But as the door cleared, he sawâŠ
Vlad at the table, just as Bruce had left him. And Danny Fenton settling like heâd just moved sharply, wide blue eyes and messy hair above a shirt that was far too large for him tied off at his waist, and.
And.
Impractical for the weather. The trousers were closer to the right size, but arms and feet were bare, along with a slice of midriff.
Completely dry. It was still snowing, and the streets were covered in snow and slush. There was a slim chance heâd left a coat somewhere, but even his hair was dry.
Windswept and dishevelled hair, suggesting flight. His boys were right, and Bruce made a note to check in with Oracle later. See if he had been detected in the air.
Startled by his presence. Likely not because he didnât expect Bruce to be there, not if heâd come expressly to pick him up. More that heâd been distracted by whatever had him moving so sharply.
Staring at him.
And then there was nothing else to observe, exceptâŠ
Wearing one of Jasonâs shirts. One that Dick had given him as a joke. It hung off him, exacerbating their size difference.
Danny was small. Closer to Cassâs size, and this close up Bruce could see the lean muscle, but there wasnât much of it.
In pure hand to hand Bruce could probably take him, but whatever abilities let him tank a fight with Killer Croc left the actual outcome an unknown.
Blinking hard to distract himself from just how and why Danny had managed to show up in Jasonâs clothes, he pulled on his big happy Brucie smile for the room.
And suddenly Vlad was incensed.
Bruce would swear the man had been smiling when he opened the door, but at some point while Bruce gave Danny a quick once over his mood had turned to rage.
He smothered it down quickly, but his jaw was still tight when he spoke through gritted teeth.
âDaniel, I believe this is the first time you have met Brucie,â Vlad said, his tone so frosty Bruce nearly shivered.
Not controlled by Danny then. At least, not controlled in a way that made him deferential. Not unless this was a slip in Dannyâs control.
The boy looked startled still, looking down at himself like heâd forgotten what he was wearing and giving Bruce a sheepish smile.
Honestly he could have been wearing the worldâs finest suit and not allayed any of Bruceâs suspicions, but it wasnât Brucieâs job to let that show.
Instead he cranked the smile up a couple more notches, stepping forward and holding out a hand to shake.
âYes, Danny, my kids simply wonât stop talking about you! I was sorry I couldnât say hello last night,â he added, wanting to see how Danny would react to a little dig.
Nothing he couldnât deny as being purely sincere.
Danny made a face and then pulled a smile on over it, stepping forward quickly to shake Bruceâs hand.
Some people only needed touch to take control of another. Bruce felt nothing of the sort, but Dannyâs hand was oddly cool. Not unaffected by his clothing then.
âYeah⊠sorry about that. About⊠well, all of it,â Danny said with a sheepish smile and one shoulder shrug that nearly had the shirtâs overlarge neckline fall off his other shoulder.
He scrabbled to right it, and Bruce firmly stifled the impulse to relax.
It was familiar, something any of his kids might have done. It could easily be an act to lure him into a false calm.
Brucie laughed and clapped him on the other shoulder, keeping half an eye on Vlad, who was still stewing at the table.
âOh, I certainly got up to much worse in my day. Youâre only young once, right?â He offered jovially, tipping Danny a playboy wink.
The boy blushed to the roots of his hair.
Interesting.
As much as Bruce wanted to pull at Vlad a little more, try and work out his sudden change of mood, he would much rather begin his observations of Danny Fenton directly.
âStill, we should get going or weâll miss all of dinner,â he said with a cheerful smile, nodding to Vlad. âThanks for a lovely afternoon, Vlad! Maybe weâll catch a football game before the season ends.â
The manâs disposition brightened like heâd flicked a switch, though he still shot Danny an almost smug dirty look.
âOh, that would be charming, Brucie. Iâll get you tickets for the Packersâ next game, weâll have a splendid time.â
Danny snickered beside him, shoving his hands in his pockets and grinning back. Not afraid of Vlad either, for all that the other man was older, richer, and more influential.
âYeah, Vladdie here knows aaaall about packers,â he said with a sly smirk, looking down on Vlad from his standing position.
Vlad responded with a look that Bruce had previously only seen on Clarkâs face, around when Dick started teaching Kon sex jokes. And in the mirror.
Steph called it the âyour puberty was my death sentenceâ look and insisted every one of the mentors used it. Bruce personally wasnât convinced Oliver Queen knew what shame meant.
Heâd abandoned his son. Bruce would never forgive that until Roy asked him to.
Perhaps he did have more in common with Vlad than heâd thought though. Watching the children get old enough for innuendo sucked.
Luckily Brucie could pretend not to get it.
âI know, he was telling me all about their recent games before you arrived,â he said cheerfully, oblivious as anything. And watched how both responded to innocence.
Vlad still looked pained, possibly by the pair of them now. Danny⊠Danny was smirking, clearly not convinced.
That was concerning. The boy knew who Nightwing and Signal were, there was a chance he knew Bruceâs identity too and this at least pointed in the same direction.
Still, no need to confirm anything for him. With another cheery wave to Vlad he held the door open for Danny.
âSo, shall we? Would you like to take my car or do you have your own way back?â He asked, subtly prodding to see what Danny might say. And perhaps a hint how heâd gotten there.
Danny hesitated for a moment, glancing at Vlad. Like there was something between them, something to do with him.
Yes, Bruce would have to meet with Vlad Masters again in future. After heâd gotten to speak to Danny.
âIâll come back with you,â Danny said with a shrug, nodding towards the door and then moving through it at Bruceâs wave.
He kept half an eye on the boy as they headed down to the restaurantâs garage and the sleek black car Bruce had driven over.
Itâd be at least twenty minutes to drive back to the manor at this hour, maybe longer. Time enough for a short interrogation.
âI already messaged the others and told them to get started without us, I hope you donât mind,â he said in his best charming Brucie voice, beeping the car to unlock it.
Danny shrugged, moving around to the passenger door, apparently entirely unbothered by bare feet on freezing concrete. Bruce almost wished he had some spare shoes for him.
âYeah, itâs cool. I figured. So, any idea how long itâll be to get back?â He asked, slipping into the car and sitting cross legged on the front seat.
Bruce followed suit, turning on the car and then the heat right away. Doing what he could.
âProbably not more than twenty minutes. Your seat is heated too by the way, here. You made it down very quickly, were you in the area?â Bruce asked, watching Danny from the corner of his eye as he strapped in.
Would Danny just tell him?
Heâd not been hiding from the boys. If he really didnât think this had to be a secret, he could just tell Bruce.
Danny shrugged again, opened his mouth, and Bruceâs phone rang, cutting him off.
His phone should be on silent. Bruce gave Danny an apologetic smile, pulling it out and planning to push the caller to voice mail. Wondering if he might have turned the ringer back on without meaning to. Or if Oracle had pushed through.
There was no one else he needed to talk to more than Danny right now.
Of course the universe would mock him for that thought.
The caller ID blinked accusingly up at him from the lock screen.
John fucking Constantine.
Bruce hesitated for a moment. Torn. The mystery or the responsibility?
Any other member of the Justice League would be ranked as a more reliable source of information than a possible suspect, but after the night Bruce had had? After what heâd learned?
The problems in Amity Park may have begun or ended with Danny Fenton, but the problems in the Justice League traced neatly back to John Constantine.
When it came down to it, Bruce knew he had a responsibility.
He gave Danny another, more apologetic smile.
âSo sorry⊠do you mind if I take this quickly?â He asked, holding the phone carefully so Danny couldnât see the screen.
The boyâs face cracked into a grin and he shrugged a third time, getting comfy in the expensive leather seat.
âHey, if you keep one eye on the road youâll be the safest driver Iâve ever ridden with. You donât wanna be too late though, youâve got another extra guest for dinner and she seemed real impatient,â he said with a slight smile, turning on his heated seat.
About to get out of the car, Bruce paused again.
âOh? Who was that?â He asked half rhetorically, already listing the women in his life who could possibly make this situation worse.
Top of the listâŠ
âHarley Quinn.â
Of course.
What did she want now?
Bruce forced himself not to think about it, swinging up and out of the car and holding the phone to his ear.
One disaster at a time. No matter how many the universe was piling in his lap after nearly a month of nothing. Heâd known it was too good to be true.
At least the garage was empty, and the car soundproofed. Danny wouldnât hear a thing.
âConstantine. How did you get this number?â
**
In a secluded corner of the House of Mystery everyoneâs favourite magical scapegoat stubbed out a cigarette and reclined back in his seat.
âOh, is this not fun when people do it to you? And hereâs me thinkinâ barging into other peoplesâ business was how you lot showed affection,â he said dryly, fingers tapping off the glowing purple ward scrawled on the phone case.
Phone numbers were for plebs.
He could fuckinâ hear Bats grinding his teeth through the phone. And yeah, maybe winding him up further wasnât the best idea, but fuck it.
If John had good ideas, heâd never have given the fucking Justice League his contact info. Case in point.
Winding up the big Bat was the price they all had to pay for royally pissing him off all fuckinâ night and all fuckinâ day.
Kept an impressive handle on the growl though. Must have been somewhere semi-private.
âConstantine. Youâve been out of touch for more than eighteen hours and there is a serious-â
John cut him off, waving his cigarette around as if he could shush the man from here.
âOh no no, big boy, youâre not fuckinâ blaming that on me. Youâre the one fucking up all my communicators, and youâre going to fuckinâ stop. Now.â
And yeah, maybe he did enjoy the very tiniest inhale of surprise he could hear. Or was that Batsy counting to ten?
âWhat do you mean.â The trademarked growl was definitely creeping in, private place or not. Well, good. John being too annoying to kill was what kept him alive.
Better spell it out for the fucker though.
âIâm a fuckinâ magician, Batlad. On a couple of Hellâs most fuckinâ wanted lists. I canât be fuckinâ found by people fuckinâ wishing me fuckinâ harm, and let me tell you how goddamn delighted I am to learn that that now includes you!â
All heâd wanted to do today was drop off some results for the junior spandex brigade about some of the glyphs and wards theyâd found at a dig.
Just trying to stop them from blowing their fucking hands off. A humanitarian mission. John fuckinâ hated kids. Handless kids only slightly worse.
And he couldnât contact a single member of the fuckinâ Justice League because some asshole was trying to use them to hunt him down.
Zatanna had needed to come to the House personally to circumvent the wards sheâd helped him build.
(Good to know how well they worked though. Assuming they were working and heâd done something to piss off the big Bat enough that he was out for blood.
There was technically a chance theyâd been calibrated wrong and Batsy wanted to bring him ham. Less likely than harm, in Johnâs humble opinion.)
Still, the only way to unfuck his communications was to find and defuse whatever had pissed the skulky bitch off, and while Zatanna had agreed to drop off his work for the kids, he needed to know what else theyâd found.
He so was not going to fucking Alaska in January.
And with that as his alternative, John forced his most chipper smile onto his lips. Apparently people could sense that through phones. Who fuckinâ knew.
âSo. Youâve fuckinâ got me. What the hell do you want?â
âââââ
Tag list: @welcometosasakiworld @kyrianclawraith @someonebored0100 @stealingyourbones @starkcravingmad @frostedthroughghost @akikkobara @rainbowbunny0159 @littlefeather345 @violet-catsarelife @serasvictoria02 @wolfjackle @blacksea21090 @secretdestinywerewolf @anime-hipster-the-amazing @undead-essence @skitscratched @blackroserelina @snoodly-boop @trickerdi @mayoota-blog @xysidhe @idkmrpianoman @little-apricot-the-writer @chaoticmistake @the-legal-shipper @bun-fish @aroranorth-west @demon-cat-goes-woof @eonic @onyxlightdragon @larks-and-katydids @peachesandcreamfemboy @jesus-camp-the-sequel @may-rbi @mothman-the-mothman87 @viyatrix @stargirl1331 @idfk-man10 @thedepressedrobin @skulld3mort-1fan @rootsmudge @ravenshadow17 @cankoking @phantom-dc @mentalcarebear
Next Chapter:
#danny fenton dead and loving it#dp x dc#dpxdc#dead on main#dead on main ship#danny x jason#chapter 10#thatâs not a twink thatâs an anime girl#i regret nothing#also i want the shirt#real bad#ghost king danny#halfa jason todd#fright knight jason todd
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Who has the most messy room and why?
(keep up da good work I'ma implode)
Dust, faintly: ....me. Bear, holding an exhausted and scraped up bunny skeleton in his arms: Lil' bun's got... th' worst case o'....d'pression room...I ever did see. ..'n I survived...back home.
Dust tucks his head into the crook of bear's neck, mumbling something for him to hear. Bear: ..m'kay, plum.. They suddenly disappear in a blip of red magic.
#utmv#ask blog#bad sans poly#ask the poly#utmv fandom#bad sanses#horror sans#dust sans#dust has depression room#real bad#bear helps him clean sometimes#but it gets trashed again cus of outbursts#lore#kinda
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ThisisthebestmotherfuckingpictureiveeverseenofherzooweemamatheresatearrunningdownmyleglordplsiveseenwhatyoucandoforothersimwaitingwhilewewaitimscreamingwithoutthessomebodysedatemeimgoingferallordhaveMERCYđ«đ«đ«
#GOD I WANNA SCREAM#BRO WHAT#I NEED HER#REAL BAD#manifesting wife Ellie for myself#ellie williams#ellie williams x reader#ellie williams smut#ellie williams x you#ellie williams x y/n#ellie tlou#ellie williams x female reader#ellie x reader#tlou x reader#tlou smut
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i love writing unlikely pairs sm i think my next victims will be choso and armin
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Came here from Saikis blog bcâ oh my gosh what were you doing with saiki in an ally at night like a week ago?
HE BEAT MY ASS đ
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I wish I had the money to buy all my favourite jewellery, clothes saved on pinterest and expensive perfumesđđ„°đ„ș
(I need a sugar daddy)
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