#roy still makes oliver laugh

[itachi86]

awww the roliver scene back at the bunker

[gatorbites-imagines]

hello

ima big fan of your work and read it all the time

and I was wondering if you do more Plastic Man clone reader stuff if it isn’t to much trouble

plastic Man is my favorite hero and I really enjoyed that one shot

Dick Grayson x Plastic Man clone male reader

Headcanons

You didn’t say anything specific, so I cooked this up, as I remember watching the animated show that was batman and plastic man years ago. So, this combo felt fun. Not the longest, since I’m dealing with a lot right now.

Patrick worked with Bruce on the semi-regular for a moment during the years, meaning you got dragged along. It was around the time Patrick had just found you, meaning you were still getting used to this whole… being alive thing.

At least Robin was nice, when he wasn’t annoying. Because you two were teens… of course you would find each other annoying. It led to a lot of bickering, some valid and some not, but you two grew close anyways.

When Dick stopped being Robin and became Nightwing, it didn’t really make a difference for you. You didn’t make a habit out of hanging around Gotham, since you didn’t respect Batman’s authority, so if you could hang with Dick in Bludhaven instead? Then it would all be great.

Youd make a game out of it whenever you visited, taking the form of some vigilante of rather sidekick. Shaping yourself to look like a little Nightwing with some tweaks to the costume, some color changes, and boom! Nightwing had a sidekick.

Your friend group all had a great laugh when Nightwing started hearing from the locals of Bludhaven, asking about his sidekick, and what his name was. Apparently, Dick wasn’t a big fan of the name “Nightboy” or “Winged crusader”.

Dick just didn’t appreciate all the work and effort you put into “Redwing”, after the red winged blackbird, of course. To match the color scheme you gave your little sidekick form.

It also led to a whole intervention from Bruce, and the rest of the bats, when they thought Dick actually got a sidekick. Only to see the so-called Redwing, stretch and change color, only to become you, who cackled and fell over, literally turning into a puddle from laughing too hard.

In the end Redwing was only something you pulled out when you two were bored and had time, or if Dick really needed backup and you couldn’t show up as yourself.

You didn’t truly have a place of operations of your own. In your own words, you weren’t a hero, so you didn’t need a city to watch over. This just meant you wandered a lot, did some petty theft, or very extreme theft if they were a corrupt person, and just… hung out.

You knew Oliver was SICK of seeing you around star city, but it’s not your fault that the place was filled to the brim with corrupt rich people. It also allowed you to take potshots at Oliver when you got the time. Roy may have forgiven him, and they may have made up, but you didn’t forgive as easily.

This was also why you found yourself in Bludhaven so much, just lounging around Dicks apartment or safehouses. It was a common sight for Dick to see you literally stretched across his couch, or see you worming across the floor like a snake towards the kitchen.

Anyone else might have found it sickening, but Dick had been around you so long that it was normal. Plus, you made a great blanket when you would slither back from the kitchen and drape across him.

And maybe it was overexposure, but he did find your stretched out grinning face cute, in its own weird way.

It was so easy to take cuteness aggression out on you, since he could pull, bite and pinch as much as he wanted, it wouldn’t hurt you. It also resulted in you being Dicks personal stress ball, meaning hed massage and pull at your face when he was deep in thought. Your face always looked like some kind of Picasso painting afterwards.

There were other times you’d shrink and hang out in his toolbelt, if he had one on, or in some other compartment in his suit, just so Dick could stick his hand into that pocket and you could hold his finger, for comfort, mainly his.

It also worked great for surprise attacks. You never knew when Nightwing had plastic man 2.0 in his pocket before it was too late!

And yes, your hero name was plastic man 2, no matter how much your friends begged you to change it. Why would you change it? that’s literally what you were. Having a different name should be enough.

You did joke a few times about changing it to Flamebird to match Dick though, just to see him blush.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY MONTHLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

The fics I’ve read and enjoyed for the month of January. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

DC

Our Bodies & Other Fine Machines by SilverSkiesAtMidnight

He has never argued with a punishment, not since he was a toddler, if then. Surely she’ll listen, surely she’ll see this is too harsh, that he wouldn’t be disrespecting her like this if he was simply sulking over not getting his way. He needs that food, needs to be able to eat enough if he wants to be Robin.

He’s been hungry before, but back then, it never mattered if he was a little weak or dizzy. It never risked his life or the life of his partner when he was a kid.

She turns, sighing softly and pursing her lips. She reaches out to pat his cheek, and for a moment his heart soars hopefully, and he barely restrains himself from leaning into the rare bit of contact and soaking up his mother’s touch. “Oh, Timothy,” she tuts. “This is for the best. And honestly, I think it’s wise for you to cut down a bit on the snacks. I’d hate to have to listen to anyone tittering at the next gala that you’re getting chubby.”

And without another backwards glance, she turns and heads upstairs, leaving Tim alone and frozen at the bottom of the steps.

Day 6 - TOUCH AND GO bruises | touch starved | hunger

Screaming In The Dark (While We All Play Our Part) by WakingNightmares

The boy makes a choked off noise, but slowly, with trembling hands, he pulls the hood of his hoodie down. “I… I… I’m… Robin.”

Immediately, Oliver steps back, pulling the knife out of his bathrobe pocket.

Robin. There’s no way this boy is Robin. Logically, Oliver knows that ‘Robin’, protege to the greatest serial killer in American history, is young, but there’s been sightings of the boy for over a decade. The young man standing in front of him is Roy’s age. Robin, with over thirty suspected kills of his own, can’t be this scared, frightened looking thing standing in front of him.

Dick's kept his promise, and finally escaped with his brothers. Now he just has to figure out what comes next.

Cats and Communication by InkpotSprite

Damian wants to befriend Tim, but after their difficult start, Tim is more guarded than ever.

Then Dick says something that changes everything.

"Treat him like an abused cat."

And Damian does.

Clone Wars

one step back and to the left by sithlordbinks

Cody’s mouth is dry, words stuck in his mind. Which perhaps is a good thing considering in response to I think I may have you, all Cody’s brain is providing him is please do.

And it’s then, Cody realizes, that with the most inconvenient, embarrassing, unprofessional timing ever, he’s hard.

Kriff. Fucking kriff.

or: cody thinks he's doing Real Great at the friends with benefits thing with his general. spoiler: he is not…and somehow this saves the entire galaxy

The Hunger Games

17 Last Words from Hunger Games Tributes That Are STILL Echoing In Our Heads. Yes, Still. by ghostwriterofthemachine

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We can’t wait until we can say Happy Hunger Games in earnest (only another month!), but in the meantime, we are celebrating the best moment of Games from years past. Make sure you also check out our list of the most iconic final showdowns and our favorite post-victory moments. What’s on the plate for today? Glad you asked! The Games are all about triumph, but they’re also all about tragedy (which makes those victories even sweeter). Today, we’re looking at 17 final moments from Tributes that we are still thinking about. To make it harder for ourselves, we could only pick one from each Games (so if your favorite didn’t make the cut, that could be why!). Some made us scream, some made us cry, and a few even made us laugh (you’ll see!). Read on! 

A listicle from Capitol Buzzfeed.

SVSSS

FW: FW: FW: FW: FW: FW: FW: FW: FW: On My Time as a Student Under Shen Qingqiu by Margo_Kim

On the desk in between Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu was a printout of the email. Shen Qingqiu refused to look at it. If he tried very hard, he could pretend it wasn’t there. When the email had hit his inbox this morning, Shen Qingqiu had read it and reread enough to have it memorized, as he tried to comprehend the meaning of these words arranged in this order. The second that comprehension dawned upon him, he’d deleted the email then promptly tried to forget everything about it.

He wasn’t being very successful on that front.

The message, written with the extraordinary eloquence that Shen Qingqiu knew Luo Binghe was capable of, had been sent en masse to the entire faculty and student body. It stated two main points. Firstly, that Luo Binghe attested that Shen Qingqiu had never slept with, assaulted, molested, groomed, or was in any way inappropriate to him during his time at Cang Qiong Academy (thanks for the endorsement, Binghe!!). Secondly, that Luo Binghe was announcing this because he intended to marry Shen Qingqiu and did not want even the whisper of false impropriety to stain his Shizun’s name. 

Original Works

Inheritance by Juna_R

Rulin discovers the house his cousin had left him came with three magical “dependants”. And they haven’t been fed since the day of the funeral.

[thevoidstaredback]

Everyone's comm beeps in their ear, drawing their attention. "Kon, Jon, Cassie, and Bart all know now. I'm bribing them with the footage of Phase One." Tim's voice says. Their comms beep again and the line goes silent.

Dick sighs. Yeah, that checks. Honestly, he's surprised those four hadn't been told way earlier than now.

"What's wrong?" Wally asks from beside him.

"Nothing," ha answers. He finishes the drink in his hand in one go.

Wally snorts softly. "Yeah, sure. I assume someone's blown it?"

"Tim and Dami. Both Superboy's, Wonder Girl, and Impulse all know now."

"Our Wonder Girl?"

"Tim's.

"Ah." A beat. "The problem?"

"No problem. Though, B might say something."

"I thought he was all for telling the teams?"

"He is! This was all his idea! But Tim's bribing the other four with the footage of the Cave."

"You mean the footage that I haven't seen yet?"

"Yep."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Wally grabs his hand, "Let's go get Donna and go watch!"

Dick sighs again and goes along. He clicks his own comm on and says, "Me, Wally, and Donna are gonna come watch, too. Wally insists."

Damian's voice comes next. "Since when does Troy know?"

"Probably since I told her and Wally."

"What?" Steph's voice whines, "You've had two people know for so long?"

Before he can respond, Barbra hisses, "Hey! This is supposed to be a distraction free line, guys."

Jason snorts, "Me, Roy, Lian, and Duke are on our way, too. You girls should come watch; we'll make a party out of it."

"Good idea," Cass says.

Dick can see Bruce on the other side of the room, unable to react to a thing that's being said in his ear. Ha!

***

Bruce watched his kids all leave the room. He's glad that their teams know, though why did they have to let it slip while the party was still going on? Oh, well, nothing to do about it now. Especially because Oliver's agreed to give a speech.

"Ollie, dear, it's time for your speech now, isn't it?"

"Ah, yes." Oliver says, light pink dusting his cheeks at the address Bruce had been using since they were in high school. He made his way to the stage, the band quieting as he took the podium. "If I may have everyone's attention for just a moment?"

Great start, Ollie.

"Like all of you, the invitation to this gala tonight came as a surprise. A welcome one, but a surprise nonetheless. Now, I won't keep your attention for long, but, on behalf of Bruce, I'd like to thank everyone for coming tonight. This Gala tonight, Charity for Justice, is a fantastic way for us to give back to the people who work so hard to save us. And it's not just the Justice League; Doctors, Teachers, Veterans, et cetera. They're all heroes who deserve all the help we can give them. Being here tonight, while it may seem superficial, is a step in the right direction to helping the heroes of the world. Now, I don't know how Bruce is going to get this money to the Justice League, but I'm not one to questions his ways or his motivations. He's been a friend of mine since we were in high school, and I trust him with my life. Thank you, Bruce, for hosting tonight; And thank you all for coming and donating." Nodding to the audience, Oliver walked from the stage as they clapped.

Bruce smiled at Oliver as they met at the bottom of the stairs leading to the stage. "Thanks, Ollie. I didn't know you trusted me so much."

Oliver matched his smile. "'Course I do, Brucie! And what you're doing tonight is really good. I might just have to steal this idea from you."

Laughing, Bruce patted Oliver's shoulder before taking his place on the stage. "Thanks, Oliver, for speaking tonight. I know it was last minute, but you did great." The crowd chuckled a bit as Oliver raised the glass he now held. "At the risk of sounding like a broken record, thanks again, everyone, for coming here tonight. I know a lot of you are far from home, but it means a lot that you made the trip out.

"Admittedly, this entire gala was a spur of the moment decision. My kids, actually, came up with the idea, so if you're going to thank anyone, it should be them. They did everything on their own while sat back and let them do their thing.

"When you think of heroes, you're most likely to think of the Justice League and their sidekicks. But, who were the heroes before the Justice League was founded? Perseus, Heracles, Aeneas, Remus, Romulus, Vldar, Ragnar Lodbrok, Hua Mulan, Guan Yu. All of them were warriors. But, does combat make a hero? I don't think so. I think the thing that makes a hero is the willingness to help; the willingness to give even if you have nothing to give; the willingness to do what it takes to make sure someone gets to live even just a little bit longer.

"Oxford dictionary defines the word 'hero' as "a person who is admired or idealized for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities". While I agree, I think that this is a much too niche definition. After all, I've met hundreds of people who I would consider heroes, heard thousands more stories- and not one of them has been 'admired' or 'idealised' for it.

"Tonight, I've asked for donations from each of you. All of the money will be going towards helping the heroes of the world; those who are recognised as such, those who aren't, and everyone in between. Every donation made will be matched by not only myself, but Wayne Industries as well. Then, all the money will be anonymously give to the heroes of every city represented here.

"Again, I'm so glad everyone could make it tonight, and I'm beyond glad that you've all be generous enough to help our heroes. Please enjoy the rest of your evening." The applause was loud as he walked off stage, the music picking up softly before crescendoing as the crowd began talking again.

The comm in his ear clicked just before Barbra started speaking. "That was a good speech, B. Brought some of us to tears."

He picked up a drink and sipped it as he spoke into his own comm piece. "You're watching the cameras?"

"Naturally," Damian said.

"We're all too comfortable to move," Tim explained, "So Bab's pulled the cameras up on the TV just as Oliver finished speaking."

"I've never heard Batman talk so much..." That was Bart Allen, clearly close enough to hear him over Tim's line, but not close enough to be intentional.

"Hell," Donna was probably sprawled across Dick and Wally, "I've never seen him express emotion and I knew who he was!"

Bruce hid a laugh and a smirk behind his drink. "Watch it, now."

There were a few squeaks as the comms all clicked off, Barbra taking care of his as well.

The ballroom was emptying, slower than he would like, but faster than expected. The kids (because that's what they are, no matter how old they may be) all trickled back into the ballroom, waving goodbye and joining their families as they went, though his own kept themselves near the door to say goodbye to everyone leaving. He decided to join them.

Just as Oliver, Dinah, Roy, and Lian were leaving, he stopped his old friend and pulled him aside.

Oliver's guard was still down, relaxed even as Bruce pulled him into a completely empty room and shut the door. He heard the click of a comm turning on, though no one spoke, so he could only assume it was his own.

"I was just about to head home; What's up, Bruce?"

"Oliver, there's something I need to tell you." This was gonna be so funny.

"Bruce?"

When had first started out, he knew that having the same voice in and out of costume would be a potentially detrimental mistake, so he'd dropped his voice as low as he dared and added the grit to it. Eventually, he'd gotten a voice changer, but he'd kept up the training to make sure he didn't damage his voice in case the voice changer ever broke.

Taking a deep breath, Bruce turned around and dropped his voice. "I'm Batman."

Part 16 Part 18

[gothamite-rambler]

Oliver Queen when he found out his son had remained friends with Jason Todd

Oliver Queen stood by his window, drawing back his bowstring, a steely focus in his eyes.

Oliver (whispering): All right, stand still.

As he prepared to take his shot, Roy was chatting with Jason when he caught sight of his father on the balcony, bowstring drawn and arrow ready. Acting on instinct, Roy tackled Jason to the ground just as Oliver released the arrow, which narrowly missed them both.

Roy (breathing heavily): Could you not try to kill him?!

Oliver (shouting angrily): I was aiming for his leg!

Jason, unfazed, lay on the ground, smirking.

Jason (mockingly): Destroy my leg, but spare my life… I respect that.

Roy rolled his eyes as he stood up.

Roy (grinning): He says he respects that it wasn't a kill shot!

Oliver (frustrated): I don’t care about his opinion! But thanks nonetheless!

Jason picked himself up, brushing off the dirt and ready to stir the pot.

Jason (tauntingly): Are you still butt hurt that I made you cry like a baby when I called you out?

Oliver’s face flushed with anger.

Oliver (defensive): That was allergies, you idiot! Just stay away from my son—you’re a bad influence!

Jason laughed, crossing his arms.

Jason (smirking): Hey, it’s not my fault I took care of your son better than you did!

Oliver’s expression hardened as he considered nocking another arrow.

Oliver (shouting): You son of a bitch! I did take care of him!

Jason stepped closer, challenging Oliver.

Jason: You kicked him out of the house and stripped him of his hero status when you found out he was on drugs!

Oliver (poorly defending himself): He’s alive right now, so it worked out! I am a good father!

Jason laughed, shaking his head.

Roy: Jason, let’s just leave.

Jason: No, no, I love this I'm not leaving until he cries!

Jason stepped forward, raising his voice.

Jason: Good fathers don’t disown their kids and refuse to help them! You make my father look like a saint; at least he tried! He was a hypocrite for most of it, but you kicked your son out instead of helping him! Just because he's turned out fine doesn’t fix anything!

Oliver shook with rage, angrily preparing another arrow, but Dinah suddenly walked outside and snatched it away.

Dinah: Act like an adult, or I’m calling off date night!

Roy put his phone away, having texted Black Canary about the argument upstairs.

Roy: Thanks, Dinah.

Dinah: You’re welcome! Good to see you again, Roy and Jason. I don’t like you that much Jason, but Oliver is overreacting.

She smacked Oliver lightly on the back of the head before going back inside with the arrows. Oliver groaned, resting his forehead on the railing of the balcony.

Jason: Want to cry again? I can slash the tires on your new car if you need some extra motivation.

Roy chuckled and shook his head, but Oliver, visibly irritated and embarrassed, pulled out his phone.

Oliver (firmly): You know what? I don’t care if you two are adults. I’m calling Bruce and telling on you!

Jason's eyes widened, panic flashing across his face as Oliver retreated to his bedroom.

Jason (threateningly): Old man, I will throw a rock through every single window of your house if you dial his number!

With a defiant smirk, Jason bolted toward the mansion, with Roy hot on his heels, secretly enjoying the chaos.

How it started

[thebisexualdogdad]

Smutober day 6: Oliver Queen x Male!reader - Paradise

It wasn't easy to convince Oliver to go on a vacation but Roy ensured him that star city was safe in his hands and that the two of you deserved to go away for a few days.

You land in the Bahamas and check into your hotel, the concierge showing you to your suite with an incredible view of the ocean.

“Welcome to paradise Mr. Queen and Mr. Y/L/N,” he says, “and if you need anything at all you can always reach us at the front desk.”

Your husband thanks him and when he leaves Oliver throws his bag on the chair, “maybe we shouldn't unpack very much, you know if Roy calls and we need to get back home quickly.”

You set your own bag down and throw your arms around his neck, “Ollie, this is our first vacation since our honeymoon three years ago, you need to relax.”

“I know I'm sorry, I haven't relaxed in so long I think I forgot how,” he chuckles.

“Let's go get dinner and take a walk on the beach that'll surely help,” you suggest.

“There's also something else that I think will help me relax,” he teases.

“Oh we will definitely get to that later but I'm starving after traveling all day so that has to wait,” you laugh, kissing him sweetly.

You and Oliver grab a nice dinner at a nearby restaurant before taking a stroll on the beach.

The sun is setting and there's plenty of other couples taking in the romantic scenery as well.

The waves are crashing against the shore and Oliver stops walking, putting his arms around your waist and easily picking you up to spin you around.

“Ollie,” you laugh, kissing him while he holds you in his arms.

“This place really is paradise isn't it,” he smiles into the kiss.

“I love you Oliver Queen,” you tell him.

“I love you too Y/N now are you ready to go back to the room and really get this vacation started?” He asks.

“Absolutely.”

Back in the room Oliver throws you onto the bed, taking his shirt off while you do the same.

He climbs on top of you, kissing you while your hands roam his body, tracing all his scars and with a few minutes of making out later you're both completely naked.

“Do you want to top or do you want me to top?” He questions.

“Please fuck me,” you sigh, rocking your hips up into his to rub your cocks together.

You and Oliver still had a very active sex life but due to your very active civilian lives and very active secret superhero lives you didn't often have the energy for nights of pure passion like this.

He smiles and sticks one of his fingers in his mouth, coating it in saliva before lubing your hole with it.

You groan when he slips his finger inside, stretching you out.

“Oliver,” you moan as he pumps it slowly, “I need more.”

“Are you ready for me my love?” He grins and you eagerly nod.

He removes his finger and raises your hips in the air, lining up his cock and gently pushing the tip inside.

“Oh yes,” you moan as he slides in a couple more inches giving you a moment to adjust to him.

Your cock twitches when he starts rolling his hips, Oliver enjoying the way your breathing becomes labored.

Eventually he finds a steady rhythm that makes you grasp at the pillows beneath you, your eyes instinctively shutting but then he tells you, “look at me Y/N, I want you to watch me fuck you.”

God he was so hot.

You open your eyes again, staring into his as he skillfully thrusts into you.

Oliver is smirking proudly, your stomach clenching as you get closer to your release.

“Ollie I'm gonna cum,” you tell him and he picks up the pace, fully shaking the bed now from how fast he is moving.

You reach down and begin to stroke yourself and about a minute later you are cumming all over your stomach.

When you finish Oliver pulls out of you and lays your lower half back on the bed and begins to jerk himself off.

“Oh fuck,” he groans when cum starts shooting out of his cock and mixes with yours on your stomach.

He leans down and licks your stomach clean, some of the cum getting in his beard but he doesn't care.

He gives you a moment to recover before getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom where you can hear him turn on the shower.

“You think you could stand long enough for a quick shower?” He chuckles.

“You may have to hold me,” you tease, sitting up in the bed.

“I would hold you and never let go if I could,” he smiles, leaning in to kiss you.

The next three days you and Oliver barely leave your hotel room not only was it the first time in a long time the two of you could catch up on sleep but it was the first time in a long time you were able to have hours upon hours of uninterrupted sex.

When you make it back to Star city Roy asks how the vacation was and all Oliver could respond with was, “it was paradise.”

[suzukiblu]

Ko-fi thank-you sentences for J behind the cut; Jason gets knocked up and accidentally goes home about it. Full disclosure, I took a lot longer than I should've finishing these 'cuz I was trying to use them to stitch together previous scenes and finish the whole fic. I did NOT manage that, but I did realize I'd written a lot more than I'd intended to, so I decided "fuck it" and just wrote another chunk of sentences to actually give J what I owed them, hah. ( chrono || non-chrono )

Then Alpha steps into view too, Alpha’s mate right behind him, and Jason forgets everything else and purrs. 

Alpha’s home. Alpha came this time. 

Alpha came for him this time. 

That’s all he ever wanted him to do. 

Alpha stares. He looks around the room just briefly, because it’s Alpha so of course he does–but then he stares. 

“Jason?” he says, and Jason purrs louder. 

Alpha came. 

“He’s, you know–definitely feral-brained right now, obviously,” Little Brother says, gesturing sheepishly. Jason wonders who he’s talking about, idly, but isn’t really worried about it. “Kinda just showed up and let himself in, and then, uh . . . well, he’s, uh, presented to Alfred and Dick so far and been teaching Damian how to nest, so . . .” 

“He did?” Alpha’s voice sounds a little–choked, maybe. Jason wonders why. 

He’s still over in the doorway, for some reason. Jason wonders why that’s a thing too. 

Alpha should know he’s allowed in the room, after all. 

“Alpha,” he hums, loosening his grip on Pup Brother just enough to half-reach for Alpha. What’s taking him so long over there, anyway?

It’s dumb. 

“Jaylad,” Alpha says tightly, half-taking a step forward and then–stopping, for some reason, just outside the doorway. Gripping one side of it, but not coming through it. 

Dumb, Jason thinks, and furrows his brow impatiently. 

“Alpha,” he insists, smacking the side of the nest once. 

Really, really dumb. 

“He accepted clothes with your scent, so . . .” Big Brother trails off. 

“And a blanket with it, as well,” Grandpa puts in. “One he used on a foundational layer of the nest.” 

“Ah,” Alpha says roughly, tightening his grip on the doorframe. 

“Don’t hover, Father, Todd clearly expects your presence,” Pup Brother says in exasperation, which is much more useful. Jason purrs appreciatively and nuzzles him, and Pup Brother sighs in aggravation, but doesn’t try to squirm away or anything. 

Good, Jason thinks, and nuzzles him harder. 

Pup Brother rolls his eyes and sighs. 

Alpha finally steps into the room, which is a start. Jason reaches towards him again with another, deeper purr. 

Alpha . . . swallows, visibly, and then comes over to the nest; kneels down outside it beside Big Brother. 

Close enough, Jason figures lazily, and catches Alpha’s wrist to drag his hand to his own stomach. He’s not wearing body armor, but it’s fine. It’s Alpha. 

It’s . . . 

“Present, Dad,” he hums, letting his eyes close. 

Alpha makes a very tight noise, and his hand presses in very, very gently against Jason’s stomach. And the pup, obviously. 

“Jaylad,” Alpha says, cracked and hoarse. Jason hums back contentedly, squeezing Alpha’s wrist once. 

Good. That’s everybody, then. 

Good, yeah. 

“Who’s the sire?” Alpha’s mate asks curiously from the doorway, leaning against the frame. She hasn’t come in yet. Jason should probably tell her it’s fine, but he’s a little . . . distracted, maybe. Distracted. Yeah. 

Mmm. 

“He says either Kori or Roy, so we’re not technically sure, but the suspect list is pretty short,” Big Brother says, and Alpha’s mate laughs. 

“Could be both,” she points out teasingly. “Up for double grandkittens, Bruce?” 

“More concerned about the risk of having Oliver Queen for an in-law, thanks,” Alpha says dryly, letting out a rough little noise that isn’t quite a laugh and curling his fingers gently against Jason’s stomach. 

“Jason might’ve mentioned they offered to mate him, so yeah, that’s a concern,” Big Brother confirms with a laugh of his own. “But Kori and Roy definitely don’t know about the pup yet. Even if he managed to slip ‘em, there’s no way I wouldn’t have heard from either of them if they were trying to find him while they knew he was bred.” 

Jason huffs, because what does Big Brother mean “managed” to slip them? He could absolutely lose them whenever and wherever he felt like it. And anyway, he texted them earlier. So it’s not like they don’t know where he is. 

. . . or have extrapolated where he is, anyway. But whatever, same difference. 

“Ah,” Alpha says again, and swallows again too. Jason rolls his head back enough to peer up at him a little closer, not really sure what’s going on with him. Hm. 

Well. He’s here. That’s all that really matters, really. 

Except . . . 

“Alpha?” he says again, not sure if . . . Alpha hasn’t taken his hand off his stomach, but he doesn’t seem–happy, really. Or pleased. Or . . . anything like that. 

Jason’s not . . . sure, exactly. 

Alpha’s hand presses in a little firmer against Jason’s stomach. Not too firm–not too much. But like . . . comfortably firm. If that makes sense, or whatever. 

It feels nice, and Jason relaxes a little. Okay. That’s–better, he thinks. Right? 

Alpha’s here, so . . . it’s better, yeah. 

And it means he’s doing alright. He’s being a good omega. He brought home a good pup to present to the pack–good pups, maybe, if he’s lucky. Alpha will like that, right? If it’s more than one pup? 

Any pup would be good, he thinks. Kori and Roy are both good sires. Lian’s great, for one. And Roy and Kori are great too. Just–definitely, yes. They’re gonna be such a good pup. 

Even with–him in them, they’ll be a good pup. 

He thinks so, anyway. They’ll have . . . better things than he did. They’ll be safer. 

Won’t ever end up alone in an alley without a pack or alone on a warehouse floor with no backup coming. 

Won’t ever doubt who actually loves them. 

Alpha makes a strange, choked noise. Jason doesn’t know why, really. Someone’s purring really loud, but he doesn’t know who it is. Not Pup Brother, and there aren’t any other omegas in the pack, so . . . 

Hm. Weird, yeah. 

Well, everyone’s here, so he’s not worried about it anyway. 

He’s being a good omega, and he brought his pup home to present. Grandpa and Big Brother were happy about it, and everybody else is here and settled in and safe. That’s all that matters, really. 

As long as Alpha’s happy about the pup too, anyway. And Alpha’s hand is still on his stomach, and Alpha’s still next to the nest, so . . . yeah. That means he is, right? 

So it’s good. Yeah. 

The purring gets louder. Jason nuzzles Pup Brother’s hair and melts under Alpha’s hand and in Quiet Sister’s arms. 

It’s definitely good. 

Nice. 

“Jason,” Alpha says tightly, and Jason cracks an eye open to look at him again. He doesn’t really remember when he closed them, but it’s not really important or anything.

Alpha has a hand half-over his face, and his head’s ducked down. Jason blinks sleepily, tilting his head to peer up at him again, but he can’t see his expression, really. He squeezes the hand he has around Alpha’s wrist; a little bit absent, a little bit like a reflex. 

He missed Alpha so much. 

The purring’s gotten really loud.

[beegomess]

All Along, We Were Like Him || Kendall Roy

A/N: Just a reminder that my first language is not English!

01. The Man I Could Be

Private jet trips, helicopters used only to circumvent the infernal traffic, exclusive dinners with people so powerful that not even the popular media dared to mention. This was your world since the cradle. If you wanted to thank me, look at Charles White, your grandfather. It was he who built the empire that today sustains his family. After him, came his father, Thomas, who now faced the difficult decision: which of you two, you or your brother Oliver, would inherit everything?

His life was, without a doubt, easy. The best schools, an impeccable graduation at Harvard - always at the top of the class. All this, of course, was not only for merit, but also for an incessant rivalry with Oliver. Each conquest was one more step in the silent but fierce dispute for the throne. And you had your advantages: Oliver was talented at ruining everything, and his slips ended up yielding positive points for you in the eyes of your father.

But there was a limit to how much this rivalry was just competition. Despite everything, you were still brothers, two pieces of a cruel game controlled by a father who used authority as a weapon.

And your mother? She was barely part of this equation. She was a woman obsessed with spending, more interested in accumulating designer clothes than in building any emotional bond with her children. Her frivolity was very reminiscent of Caroline Roy, an old friend of hers. This proximity, by the way, brought Siobhan Roy, or just Shiv, to his life during his college years. You approached naturally, united by the weight of growing up in families where women were, first of all, tools - good wives or ornaments, but never protagonists.

This was his life: a constant dance between privileges and pressures, between love and dispute. A world where nothing came priceless.

You and Shiv have maintained a solid friendship over the years. Between the rush of careers and suffocating family events, they always found a way to meet. A getaway to have a drink, conversations about the hypocrisy of the environments they frequented or even confidences about the overwhelming expectations they carried - everything reinforced the connection between you. Of course, this meant that you also ended up crossing the paths of the other Roys from time to time, but the interactions were almost always brief, almost ceremonial.

You and Shiv have always functioned as a strange, almost symbiotic balance. She was more direct, always in search of control, while you preferred to operate along the edges, observing more than acting. During the college years, you found comfort in each other – two women dealing with suffocating expectations and a world that seemed more interested in shaping them than listening to them. But then Tom came.

You never approved him much, even before you knew him properly. He seemed too desperate to please, subservient on a level that bothered you. But Shiv seemed to like it - or at least his convenience. And, in the end, your opinion didn't matter. This became even clearer the night she called.

Logan was in the hospital, and Shiv updated you on the family chaos as if he were passing on a report: Kendall was determined to convince everyone that he was the most obvious choice to take charge of Waystar; Roman, of course, did not make it easy; and then, like someone who drops a bomb in the middle of a casual conversation, she said:

- Oh, and Tom asked me to marry him. It was... strange.

- Oh, in the hospital? - You tried to hide the skepticism, but Shiv knew you too well.

- I know what you're thinking - she said, laughing lightly. - But, honestly, I think it's the right time.

You didn't agree, but you didn't dispute either. Time passed, and now you were at the engagement dinner, with Logan still recovering, but present enough to project his shadow over the entire event.

Shiv's apartment in Manhattan was spotless, full of guests who seemed more concerned with networking than the reason for dinner. Tom circled among them with the enthusiasm of a nervous host, while the Roy family did what they knew best: put up with each other while exchanging barbs.

After some time of small talk, you decide to leave the apartment, get some air. New York shone below you, its lights overshadowing any feeling of intimacy or calm. With a glass of wine in your hand, you were watching the city, trying to find a moment of peace, when you heard the door slide behind you.

- Running away from someone? - The voice was familiar - a mixture of sarcasm and tiredness. You turned around and saw Kendall, already lighting a cigarette, her eyes half-closed against the night breeze.

- A boy named Greg - you replied, smiling sideways. - He didn't stop talking about... I don't know, rental contracts or something like that. It wasn't very clear.

Kendall let out a short laugh and took a drag on the cigarette, approaching the edge of the terrace.

– Yes, cousin Greg. He's a walking disaster. But a useful disaster, sometimes.

- Useful - you repeated, shaking your head with a slight smile. - That sounds like the kind of thing you would say to justify a lot.

He shrugged, watching the city for a moment before changing the subject.

- I heard that you took over Waystar - you commented, trying to measure his reaction. - Congratulations.

Kendall didn't seem very excited with the words, releasing only a brief and dry:

– Thank you.

There was a silence, dense, but not uncomfortable. You noticed that he was more introspective than usual, but you didn't insist. After a while, he broke the silence:

- So - he started, releasing the smoke slowly. - What do you think of all this? Tom and Shiv?

You looked at him, noticing the genuine curiosity in his expression. He was asking for your opinion - something rare coming from a Roy.

You turned the wine once more before answering, choosing the words with the necessary care not to sound insensitive, but also without much concern about softening what you thought.

- Well... - you started, with a slight smile - He proposed to her in a hospital where her father was on the verge of death, so I think that says a lot about him.

Kendall let out a short laugh, as if the irony of what you said was too obvious to deny.

- Yeah, definitely say it.

The brief silence returned, interrupted only by the muffled music that escaped from the apartment's windows. Inside, Tom watched you two through the window, noticing the smiles and the relaxed tone between you. He kept this information saved, just recording the moment.

Kendall, after a brief drag on the cigarette, decided to break the silence again.

- What about your family? I bet it shouldn't be so different from mine. - He asked the question with a half smile, curious to hear his answer.

You raised an eyebrow, while letting a smile arise.

- Practically the same thing - he replied, with a carefree lightness. - But, as I can say... we are less mediatic. No offense, of course.

Kendall let out a soft laugh.

- No offense - he said, leaning slightly to take a closer look at you. - But, to be fair, I see your brother in the media from time to time.

You chuckled, shaking your head.

- Oh, but everything that comes out about him is intentional. - You cast a suggestive look. - Different from you, of course.

He laughed again, pretending to be incredulity while putting out the cigarette against the parapet.

- Intentional? - He arched his eyebrows. - Even those stories of illegal bets that came out about him?

You held your gaze for a moment, a mischievous smile slowly forming on your lips.

- Well, those weren't exactly lies, were they?

Kendall gave a short laugh, shaking her head in disbelief.

- Are you telling me that the accusations were true?

- More or less. - You tilted your head, playing with the foot of the cup. - He was just... careless.

Kendall crossed her arms, her gaze still amused.

- And no one thought it was a bad idea to let it out?

You smiled openly now, almost diabolical.

– Actually, it was a great idea. He gave me some advantages in the race for the presidency of the company.

Kendall blinked a few times, processing what you said, before letting out a loud laugh.

- Okay, that's insane.

- Don't be dramatic. - You laughed along. - Everything worked out. Well, for me, at least.

- Reminds me to never compete with you.

- Relax - you said, with a lighter smile. - I keep these exaggerated tactics only for my adorable asshole brother.

You kept talking after that, time passed so fast that it was almost imperceptible. Kendall seemed more relaxed, his posture less rigid, as if he had finally let go of some of the weight he carried. He was laughing more - something rare, you noticed. You also laughed, but there was something else: a subtle exchange of provocations and glances that turned that conversation into something more intriguing.

The weather was mild, until the sound of knocks on the glass interrupted them. You turned to the door at the same time, where Greg appeared, clearly uncomfortable, but determined to fulfill his mission.

- Oh, you're here. - Greg said, closing the door with unnecessary care, as if he was sealing a secret.

You tilted your head to the side, waiting. Kendall just raised her eyebrows.

- So, Greg? Will you continue planting there or do you have something to say? - Kendall asked, a little bit of sarcasm in her tone.

Greg cleared his throat, visibly nervous with the look of you two.

– Good... Shiv asked to call you. - He finally said, pointing at you.

His smile grew, but his eyes gained that brightness of someone who was about to mess up.

- Do you think she already wants to ask for a divorce? - You joked casually, but Greg was petrified, clearly thinking he had lost something important.

- What? No, she just... - Greg started, stuttering, until you raised your hand and interrupted him with a laugh.

- Relax, Greg. It's a joke. - You said, laughing to yourself, while he forced a nervous laugh.

Kendall, on the side, couldn't hold back a smile, shaking her head like someone who was already expecting something like that coming from you.

– Right... Okay, just kidding. - Greg tried to keep up, although he clearly wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

You dropped your glass on the parapet, ready to leave, but Greg still hesitated, as if he wanted to insist.

- I can take you there, if you want... - He offered, but you cut it quickly.

- Don't worry, Greg. I turn around. - You replied with a polite smile, then pointed to Kendall with a casual gesture. - Actually, why don't you stay here and keep Kendall company? He's very serious, he needs someone to liven up the night.

Kendall let out a short laugh, her eyes half-closed as if to say: "Really?"

- Me? Really? - He repeated, defiant.

- Totally. - You answered without even blinking, already moving away from the door. - And who better to change that than Greg?

- Ah... Good... Me? - Greg tried, clearly lost in the middle of the dynamic between you two.

You just gave one last smile, waving to both of them before entering the apartment again.

Kendall stood still, watching you disappear through the door. He let out a sigh and shook his head, now clearly in a good mood.

Greg looked at him, trying to break the ice.

– So... Do you want to talk about life or something like that?

Kendall laughed, but didn't answer. His thoughts were elsewhere - or rather, in someone else.

Time, ruthless and constant, slowly created the perfect conditions for what seemed inevitable. After that first date on the terrace, you and Kendall began to bump into each other more often - but it always seemed like a coincidence, as if the universe was playing with you. With each new meeting, a new dialogue flowed, easier, more natural, but also more intimate. Like at that party, where the conversation between you was interrupted by moments of laughter, small pauses and an exchange of glances that did not need words.

The chemistry was there, visible and almost palpable. However, like last time, Kendall didn't ask for your number. He had that curious way, always between undecided and reserved, as if he were calculating the next step, but without giving himself completely. As if he was leaving a certain mystery in the air, something that made you wonder: is he just testing the limits? Or is he playing the game in his own way, more subtle, more calculated?

The next day arrived, but contrary to what you imagined, Kendall's contact did not come. It was Shiv who entered the scene.

Your cell phone vibrated, and when you looked at the screen, you saw her name.

"Kendall asked for your number. I hope you know what you're getting into."

You smiled, almost laughing at the situation, and immediately replied:

"I always know, Shiv."

In a few minutes, the conversation with Kendall began. The messages arrived more often, almost as if there was a tacit expectation between the two of you for you to continue talking to each other. It wasn't just curiosity, no. There was something else there. Something that attracted you and made you return to the cell phone screen whenever he vibrated, waiting for the next message, the next comment. It didn't take long for the calls to also enter the scene. Between provocations and ironies, disguised confidences and sharp jokes, the conversation seemed to never come to an end. And suddenly, there was something very natural in all that. The words flowed easily, as if they were a continuation of the conversation they had started there on the terrace.

But there was more. With every message exchanged, with every call, something was being built, an invisible bridge between you two, something that solidified with every unspoken word. You knew there was something there, but you didn't want to hurry to understand what. He, in turn, seemed equally cautious, but the truth is that, somewhere between the provocations and the most subtle details, he was also indulging in the game, allowing himself to trust a little more every time the phone rang.

Over time, conversations became a habit - almost like a routine, but without losing their charm. And that's how, between exchanges of messages and laughter at midnight, that the distance that existed between you began to decrease.

You still didn't know what it meant exactly, but the fact that the phone was no longer turned off, and the fact that silence didn't become more uncomfortable, said a lot.

Suddenly, the line between the casual and the personal began to fade. That constant exchange of messages and unexpected phone calls were making you, without realizing it, getting closer and closer. Something that initially looked like a light game, became deeper, easier. What used to be superficial conversations now began to have a personal, almost intimate touch, and you caught yourself waiting for the next contact, without understanding exactly the reason, but without wanting it to stop.

On a rainy Sunday, you were at home, reading quietly in the living room while the rain flowed through the windows. The sound of the cell phone vibrating on the coffee table interrupted the silence. You looked at the screen, saw his name and, for a moment, hesitated. So, he decided to ignore it. She had promised herself that that would be a rare day of peace, a day away from commitments, calls and messages. But when the cell phone vibrated again, you couldn't help but feel an impulse to answer.

The cell phone stopped vibrating for a few seconds, only to start again. On the fourth call attempt, you dropped the book, picking up the device. Four missed calls from Kendall and, soon after, a message appeared:

"I need to tell you something, but it has to be in person. I'll meet you in front of your building in 15 minutes."

You frowned, intrigued. Kendall wasn't the type to dramatize for no reason, so she answered a simple "Ok" before getting up. He chose something casual, but elegant enough - discreet enough to avoid drawing attention, if someone saw them together.

When it went down to the lobby, a black SUV waited strategically parked away from the movement. The driver came out to open the back door for you, and you entered. The interior was silent and muffled, the smoked glass protecting any curious look from the outside.

Kendall was sitting in the back seat, with her gaze lost in the rain hitting the window. When you came in, he turned around, and a slight smile curled his lips.

- I hope what you have to tell me is at the level of state secret - you joked, buckling your belt. - It took me out of my only moment of relaxation of the month.

- I didn't think I was so important to you. - He replied, the provocation loaded with a subtle humor.

You raised an eyebrow, biting a smile.

- Let it be clear: I'm only here out of respect for my friendship with Shiv. It wouldn't be nice for you to do a gigantic shit just because you didn't see me.

He let out a low laugh, shaking his head.

- So I'm the chaos in person?

- Absolutely. - You answered, crossing your arms, assuming a fun tone.

Kendall laughed, a light sound that brought a brief smile to her face. But the joke soon gave way to something more serious, denser, broken when he straightened up on the bench, his shoulders tense and his eyes fixed on his own.

- I'll get straight to the point. - He started, his voice firmer. - I want to get my father out of Waystar's power.

The statement fell like a rock. You tilted your head, studying it carefully, trying to capture the nuances in its tone and expression. He didn't just seem determined; there was a mixture of nervousness and excitement, like someone on the verge of a decision that would change his life.

- Okay... - You finally said, the voice low, but loaded with irony. - I feel I need to remind you that there is a small issue of conflict of interest here. You still remember that we are competitors, right?

Kendall didn't look away, a confident smile appearing on her lips.

- I know that. But I also know you won't use that against me.

You raised an eyebrow, surprised by the certainty in his voice.

- Wow, you're very confident. Betting your career on me is... daring, at least.

– It's not a bet. It's calculation.

- Calculation? - You repeated, suspiciously, the sarcastic tone.

Kendall leaned forward, almost as if she wanted to reach her conviction.

- Because you understand. More than anyone else. You know what this is.

You held his gaze, the words hitting in a place you preferred to ignore.

- Okay, I understand. But what does that make me? Your confidential diary?

- Maybe. - He said with a small smile, but there was something more serious in his expression. - Or maybe just someone who knows how the game works.

You smiled lightly, but there was a pang of seriousness in your eyes.

- You're saying this because you think I want to do the same, aren't you?

Kendall hesitated, as if she was choosing the words carefully.

- It's not like you've never thought about it.

You let out a short laugh, leaning against the back of the seat.

- Yes, of course I've thought about it. But I intend to wait for my father to die before doing that.

Kendall smiled from the corner, but the intensity in his gaze did not diminish.

- What if he ends up delivering Waystar for crumbs because he completely lost track? - Kendall replied, his voice full of frustration. - My father is already old, and everyone knows that. After he left the hospital, he's not the same anymore. He's... vulnerable.

You narrowed your eyes, studying his expression carefully.

- Old man, yes. - You said slowly, the words sharp as a knife. - But not dead. Vulnerable Logan? Really? He can still crush anyone who dares to cross his path. Including you.

Kendall gave a deep sigh, running her hand through her hair nervously, but keeping her gaze fixed on hers.

- I'm not alone in this. - He said, after a moment, almost as if he was revealing a dangerous secret. - Frank is with me.

You blinked, the surprise passing quickly through your face before you pulled yourself together.

- Frank? - His voice came out full of disbelief.

- Yes. - Kendall replied, a little ironic smile on his lips. - He knows that my father is no longer able to lead. He just doesn't say it out loud... yet.

You leaned back on the bench, your arms crossed, evaluating each of his words with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The idea seemed absurd, but the way Kendall spoke, the conviction in his voice, made you hesitate to dismiss that as madness.

As much as his mind was full of questions and suspicions, there was something in his eyes - a fierce determination mixed with an almost childish glow of wanting to prove your worth - that made you stop to consider.

- Well... - You finally said, an ironic smile forming on your lips. - I imagine you're not waiting for what I have to say to make this decision, right? Even if I had something to say, I don't think it would make a difference. So... go ahead.

Kendall tilted her head, her dark eyes fixed on hers, as if she was looking for something - approval, trust, maybe even complicity.

- Do you think I'm capable?

His tone brought an unexpected vulnerability, a small flash of insecurity that contrasted with the mask of trust. It was as if, behind all that arrogance and determination, he was looking for a validation spark. Something at that moment seemed more intimate than any other conversation you had ever had, and you felt the charged air, as if he was expecting more from you than a simple opinion - perhaps an approval, or even a sign that he was on the right track.

You sustained his gaze, allowing the silence to extend for a moment before answering, each word carefully chosen not to seem cold, but also without giving yourself completely.

- If I think you are able to risk everything for a very small possibility? Well, yes. Apparently you are. - The soft, firm voice, but with a touch of irony that made him smile slightly. - I just hope your calculation is right.

He gave a low sigh and shrugged, relaxing a little on the bench, although his eyes still carried the same intensity.

– I never make mistakes.

- Of course. - You answered with the tip of your tongue, letting the irony shine through. - Because everything Kendall Roy does always works.

This time, he didn't just smile. He let out a genuine laugh, something light that broke the tension of the moment, reverberating inside the car.

- Touched.

Although the laughter relieved the atmosphere, the gravity of what was being discussed was still hovering between you. They both knew that what he was about to do was a risky move, something that could change not only his life course, but perhaps yours as well. The distance between you seemed to decrease, and even without knowing for sure what would happen, there was a tacit understanding that this was just the beginning of something great - or disastrous.

______________________________

masterlist

xoxo, bee🫶🏼

[samgirl98]

Mending a Family 10/?

Prev | Next

Jason finds out shocking news about his family, and Bruce is an idiot who can't admit he just misses his son.

Jason smiled as he pushed Danny on the swing. Lian was laughing beside them. Jason turned toward Roy and grinned at the man as both children’s peals of laughter echoed around them. (Jason had built a swing set, so Danny had something to play with. Next would be a slide.) Raven was talking to Jazz and rocking Ellie. Raven had seemed to become attached to the kids quickly. It helped that they weren’t fully human like her.

Plus, it must be nice for Jazz to have another girl to speak to.

Jason was so glad that Raven had suggested she cloak Jason and his small family so that she and Roy could come to visit. The Bats were still looking for Jason. According to Roy, Batman and Nightwing were going crazy trying to find leads on Jason.

He didn’t know how to feel about that.

A part of Jason hoped that his old family missed him, but a bigger part of him knew that they were only looking for Jason to keep an eye on him in case Jason went insane again. Jason knew their worries were justified.

It wouldn’t happen, though, not with the family that Jason had built. He couldn’t risk losing Danny and, to the same extent, Jazz and Ellie. He had already gotten attached to the sweet baby girl, and Jazz was nice to talk to.

She almost reminded him of Barbara. Barbara, the only person from his past who talked to him occasionally, was the only one who checked on him and ensured he was fine. She sometimes talked to him during patrols, making those nights less lonely.

Jason was brought back to the present at Danny’s and Lian’s giggling.

“Uncle Jay, Uncle Jay, tell Danny I’m your favorite niece.”

“Nuh-uh, Ellie is his favorite niece.”

“Guys, guys, no fighting. Besides, I love my two nieces equally.”

Roy started fidgeting beside him while Lian looked at him, confused. Raven had a strange look on her face. Before he could ask what happened for them to start acting weird, Lian said, “What about Mar’i? Don’t you love her, too?”

Jason looked at Raven and then Roy.

“Who the hell is Mar’i?”

“Jay,” Roy asked cautiously, “Didn’t you know?”

“Know what?”

Roy sucked in his breath, “Mar’i is Kory’s and Dick’s daughter.”

____

Bruce couldn’t believe what Alfred was saying.

“So, you find out my son is alive, have proof, it takes you a few days to tell me, and then you say I shouldn’t look for him?”

“That’s exactly what I did and am saying, Master Bruce. The boy wants to be left alone; I think we should give him his space and let him come back to us when he feels like it.”

“What if the Pits take over, and he goes on a killing spree? What if he gets in trouble? Injured or, God forbid, what if he gets killed?” Again.

“What if—what if he never comes home?”

“Master Jason has suffered enough. If he felt the need to leave home, we should honor that. Besides, he came home once. He’ll do it again. We have to give him his space, Bruce.”

Bruce stared out the window from his office. A part of him wishes he could’ve reconnected with Jason sooner.

Would he have left if Bruce had extended an olive branch?

No, it was too late to think about ‘what ifs’ now. He had to find his son and bring him home. It’s the only way he can keep the world and Jason safe. Bruce had a better handle in Gotham than anywhere else in the world. He would bring Jason back and ensure his boy was again protected by his cape.

He had to. There was no other choice.

Special thanks to rpglady76 for suggesting that Raven cloak Jason and his family. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out how Roy and Raven would be able to visit Jason and had completely forgotten Raven knows magic. I also want to thank Breesperez139 for suggesting I put in Mar'i so I can have even more angst.

@idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68 @d4ydr34min9 @overtherose @fandomwandererer @vipower001 @thordottir45 @blackrabbitt3t @rosecinnamonbun @bianca-hooks123 @epilepticnerd @dat1angel @consouling @flamingenchiladadragon

[remosdeerica]

Summary: Jade has brought Lian to the only person she could think of to protect her now that Roy is dead: Damian al Ghul.

[Context: this is set in my AU where Damian has adopted a bunch of Villain's kids. The 11yr old mentioned is Zoe Lawton.

TW: there are allegations to postpartum depression and abortion but nothing explicit.]

"You can't be serious. Nguyen, this is insane."

"There is no one else. She is not safe with me."

Damian took a sharp breath through his nose in frustration as he stared Cheshire down. She looked ragged. Tired in a way he had never seen her before, though unless you had known her for as long as he had you would never be able to tell.

In her arms was a bundle. Small, wrapped in a pink fuzzy blanket. Damian knew what that bundle was, and as he had just stated, it was asinine for her to have brought it to him of all people.

"What about, Queen? If the child is truly Harper's like you claim her to be, would it not make more sense for her to be with her adopted Grandfather?" Damian tried to reason.

Jade gave him a hard look. "Do you truly wish me to entrust the safety of my only child to Oliver Queen?

Okay, Damian could at least concede that Queen being given access to an infant was a horrible idea. Especially so fresh after he and Canary have split for what he assumed was the umpteenth time.

"I just don't understand why you would bring her to me. I can not be your first choice."

"Of course not," Jade snapped. "My first choice is dead."

Damian could admit he felt a modicum of guilt at invoking the thought of Roy Harper's demise. Especially as he was seemingly to be given the privilege of being the first to meet his daughter, when by all rights it should have been him.

"You aren't even my second choice," she continued.

"Who was?"

"Jason."

"Todd?" Damian asked.

It would make sense, he supposed. From what he understood he, Harper and Jade had all had some form of… arrangement. Harper being the focal point. Damian had only witnessed Jason and Harper together once, but they had looked so disgustingly in love that he made sure to never have to be in the same room with them again, if he could help it.

Grimly, he thought that would no longer be a problem.

But the problem with Jason being her second choice is that shortly before Harper's death, he and Father had some falling out in regards to the Penguin and he went off grid. Damian wasn't even sure if he knew his lover was no longer living.

"Yes, Jason." She said, "but though hard as I try I can not find him."

Damian sighed. "I'm not surprised. When Todd wants to disappear he makes sure that even Father can't find him. But I still don't understand the logic of me being your third choice."

Jade laughed bitterly. "Do you not understand, Little Prince?"

Damian winced. She had not called him that since they had been in the League.

"You are not my third choice. You are my only choice. There is no one else. I have no one else to trust."

The pair shared a long look amidst the silence of the cold night air.

"The Justice League would help you, Jade." He said, softly. It was not often he showed others this kindness. But he knew deep in his bones the hysterical and bitter feeling of having no one to trust. No one to rely on. It was part of the reason he had gone about collecting his little band of misfits. So at least he could be someone to trust, even partly.

Jade scoffed as she tightened her arms around her daughter.

"Please," she spat. "Like they protected Roy? Or Jason? Or you?

Damian had to look away from her glare.

"The Justice League can not even protect their own children! I can not- will not- entrust them to protect mine."

"But why me?" He shouted, demanding to know what the woman was thinking. "I'm seventeen. I live with a handful of other teenagers and an eleven year old. We don't even stay in one place for more than a few weeks. Not to mention that said eleven year old is also being hunted because of her connection to her father. Your child will not be any safer from your enemies with me, Jade."

"Perhaps not. But she will be safe from me."

Damian felt a growing sense of unease as he saw a deep hollowness take over Jade's eyes. He didn't have to wait long for her to elevorate.

"Sometimes she just… cries. And cries and cries and one night I- I almost- I could have-" she took a shuddering breath. Damian had never seen her this shaken. " I thought I could do this. I thought I could love her enough to be what she needed. But I'm not… I'm not built for this. For the… softness that she needs. It's just not in me."

Damian felt his heart twinge as he watched a single tear trickle from her eye.

"I tried. We're she anyone's but his… I would have terminated. But I… I couldn't bear to bring myself to kill the last part of him that remained in this world. I tried for her, for Roy, but… I'm just not built to take care of anyone but myself."

Damian opened his mouth to say something. What, he didn't know. But he felt she deserves to hear something.

She, however, interrupted him.

"But you are," she said, her voice nearly more than a whisper. Then stronger, " I have known you since you were a boy. I have witnessed you in many parts of your life. And what you have always demonstrated, without ever giving it conscious thought, is your ability to care for those you consider under your protection. Those you consider your own."

"My brother's would very much disagree with you."

Her lips twitched upwards. "You are a good man, Damain al Ghul. You always have been. Even all those years ago. I know that you will guard my child with your life. And that you will take the life of others in her defense, should you find it necessary."

Damian felt his shoulders sag in defeat.

"I still don't think this is a good idea. What exactly is your plan?"

Knowing she had won, Jade drew her shoulders back.

"Find Jason," she said, authoritatively. "He is who she has left now."

"And if he won't take her? Or if… he can't?"

"Do whatever you have to do to keep her safe."

Damian sighed for what seemed to be the hundredth time that night. "I supposed that's all I really can do."

He lifted his arms towards her to take the child.

[dragon-fly34]

I want to post more things in my Mario AU so I can start with the relationship between Bowser and the Koopalings

The day Oliver Koopa (father of the koopalings) died, he asked the nurse to call Bowser to talk to him.

Bowser went to the castle's infirmary to see his friend, since Roy came out of his egg, he has had an illness and it's only getting worse. He entered the room where Oliver was, King Koopa wasn't wearing a suit or his crown, he was wearing a black t-shirt and green pants and black sneakers.

"From the looks of it, you're not well" Bowser said and Oviler then smiled and said "And you're still my friend, but I want a favor from you" he adjusted himself on the bed "Bowser we both know that soon I won't be here anymore, so I want to ask you something", the king soon argued "You won't die! I will do everything to make you better", the dog koopa blue and black laughed and said "you don't want to hear me?". Bowser moved closer to Oliver to hear better "Bowser, can you take care of my children, for me?", the king replied "I don't want you to die, but your children will be well raised by me and Clawdia", the king Koopa soon hugged his friend, he whispered "Bye brother...", at that time the black koopa became weak and slept in the king's arms, Bowser shook him, but he didn't wake up and soon he became desperate and cried out crying "CALL THE NURSE ! HE FAINED!"

But little did he know that his friend had... died.

--------

Wow, I really liked this little comic, I want to do more of these and headcanons about my Mario AU

[iguana-eyanna]

From The Bird's Eye View Chapter 3

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

Summary: Although you achieved your dream of being a designer, you never considered meeting a man who's also a father.

Tim (13): First Meeting

“Do you mind if we record this session?”

“No.”

“Alright. Start me off on how your week started.” 

There was a pause and a deep breath was drawn by you.

“It was Sunday, I woke up alone… again. I made breakfast with Alfred. We made this French recipe that he’s been dying to make. It was really good. I made a few business calls in the afternoon. I still haven’t stepped in at work.” You said, fiddling with a loose strand on your sweater.

“How long have you not been at work?” 

“Two months and four days. I um, I think I want to go back. I think it will help me to just get out of the house.”

“That’s good. Has Bruce been at work?”

You pause again.

“Bruce went to work three days after the funeral.”

Dinah doesn’t reply yet. Although she was the Justice League’s grief counselor, she was your friend first. 

“Want to stop the session?”

You could only nod, already beginning to cry. 

Dinah stopped the recording and got out of her seat to sit next to you where you already broke down. 

It’s almost been three months since Jason died. You remembered the call you got when Bruce and Jason traveled out of state to find his birth mother. 

Bruce couldn’t even finish his sentence. 

“I left to give them a moment. I didn’t realize it was a trap. I didn’t make it in time and Jason… he’s- he’s…” You dropped the phone on the ground, collapsing as your sight began to blur. You released a blood-curdling scream when Alfred came in, not knowing the news that would destroy him too. 

The funeral was a closed casket. The only person that saw Jason was Bruce, and he hasn’t shared anything about that day. The ceremony was small, as it was just you, Bruce, Alfred, and Dick. You extended the invitation to Jason’s best friend Roy, but he couldn’t come. He was taking his death hard and had to take a break from being Oliver’s partner during patrols.

Since then, you and Bruce haven’t shared a word with each other. It felt like you were just two strangers living under the same roof. The manor felt bigger than usual, especially after Dick had to leave for San Francisco. Being at home realized how much time he didn’t spend with his brother. 

You wished you had the privilege to just leave this house because it hasn’t felt like a home in a while. 

Now, you’ve been trying to just move on from this grief. But nothing would have replaced this gaping hole in your heart. 

“Any word on Roy?” You ask, looking at Dinah. 

She shook her head. 

“Oliver and Roy were fighting when he caught him using again. We’ve been trying to find him but he doesn’t want to be found.”

You remember when you met Roy for the first time. 

Oliver ran into him in the Glades and saw the mischievous kid needed some guidance. On the days you visited the kids in San Francisco, Roy was one of the first kids that opened up to you. Your past was similar to Roy’s where one parent left and the other was an addict. Dinah and Oliver have been tirelessly searching for Roy for weeks now, and you were hoping that they’d find him soon.

You didn’t want them to face the same fate you did.

You made your way back home, pulling in the garage. You went upstairs to the living room, taking a deep breath as you sat on the couch.

“How was the session?” A voice said out loud.

You turned around and saw Alfred.

“It was the usual. Talked at least five minutes before sobbing.” 

Alfred chuckles.

“I’ve been scrubbing this house from ceiling to basement, twice.”

You laugh as Alfred joined you on the couch. You two really relied on each other these past few days. The only person that was hard to reach out was Bruce. 

Alfred has been going downstairs at the cave a lot, trying to bandage the many cuts and bruises Bruce received on patrols. Alfred was concerned, Bruce was never harmed this badly. It was almost like he wanted to get hurt. On the rare occasions you see Bruce, he looks more tired and pale. You try to go up to him, but couldn’t muster a single word.

You weren’t ready as much as he was.

“Say, why don’t we head out for an early dinner? I read in an article of a new club, heard the appetizers are to die for.”

You chuckled at the idea. 

“I’d love to.” 

Alfred grabbed your hand and you two headed out for dinner.

Once you got there, you and Alfred were laughing while you were lightly drinking. 

“Did you know I used to own a club?” Alfred asks, eating one of the side dishes.

“No! Since when?” You ask, drinking your martini.

“After I fought in the war, I tried to become a body guard. Lucky enough, I met Thomas Wayne when he was visiting England. Oh, the trouble we used to get into! Later on the road, I lost my way. Lost good people… lost myself. Thought opening my own establishment and throwing myself in money and women would do the trick. But it just made me feel lonely.”

You stopped drinking as you look at Alfred. 

You always saw him as this cheery man who helped the Wayne men to become good people. But now, you saw a man who couldn’t afford to lose another person.

“H-How did you stop feeling like that?” You asked. 

He gives you a sad smile.

“I never stopped.”

Afterwards, Alfred drove you two back home. You slightly tripped over yourself as you made your way inside the manor. He was making you water in the kitchen until he got a notification on his phone

Something happened down in the cave.

“Oh dear.” He whispers to himself.

“Alfred?” You slightly slurred as you look up to him by the kitchen aisle.

“Master Bruce needs my attention on something. I will be back shortly.” He said before heading to the secret passage.

You sat there for a bit, drinking your water sparingly. After a few minutes, you decided to head down to check how Alfred was. Bruce would always pick on Alfred’s brain when a case was bothering him so you didn’t think something major would happen.

But life likes to prove you wrong. 

“Is everything alright?” You ask as your voice carried to the last of the steps.

You looked up and see you caught Alfred and Bruce (unmasked) in shock as they saw you. 

But that didn’t match your reaction when another person was there in between them.

You blink continuously, as your eyes thought it was Jason. But your senses returned as the boy turned around and saw you with wide eyes.

It wasn’t your son.

“Who is this?” You ask, stepping carefully to all of them. 

The young preteen goes up to you, eager and slightly chipper.

“Hi, I’m Tim Drake. It’s nice to meet you.” He said, offering his hand.

You slowly take his hand and shake it, still not knowing what’s going on. 

Bruce makes your way to you, telling the boy to stay with Alfred.

“You shouldn’t be down here.” Bruce said as you were finally alone.

“I was looking Alfred, I didn’t realize there’d be a kid! Who is that, Bruce?” You ask, your voice raised.

“Apparently, he’s a fan of Batman. He followed me down the cave when I wasn’t aware, said he needed my help searching for his dad.”

“How did he even find you undetected?” You ask, not believing this.

“Again, a fan of my work. Said he’s been studying my patterns and that it was easy to follow me back to my base, especially since I’ve gotten sloppy in the past few weeks.” 

You pause for a moment, minimizing your anger towards Bruce.

“Why is he going to you and not the police?”

“The police has been tracking down his dad, but only to turn him in. Apparently his father was reported to answer for a high ranking criminal. With my help, Tim wants to clear his father’s name.”

You look over to the boy asking a million questions to Alfred as he tried to answer the boy’s curiosity. 

“Does he have a place to stay?” You ask, crossing your arms.

“His mom passed away about a year ago and his dad is his only living relative.” 

You think momentarily and look back at Bruce.

“Let him stay till you find his dad.”

Bruce nods as he makes his way to Tim and discuss what’s going to happen. 

Alfred brought the young boy upstairs while you stayed down as Bruce began to begin a new case.

“You didn’t come to the session.” You simply said, as you stare at the back of his head as he was staring at the monitor. 

“I couldn’t make it, I was making sure that the Wayne internship program was going to run.” He said in his usual monotone voice. 

“I called them. Luscious Fox answered saying they haven’t seen you the past several days. Hell Bruce, I haven’t seen you in weeks! What is it going to take for you to talk to me?” You yelled, your voice echoing on the walls. 

Bruce passed at what he was doing and turned to you with those eyes that were filled with love. Now, it looked like they were full of pain and regrets.

“I need to help him find his dad. After this is done, we can talk.” 

Your eyes brimmed with tears. Bruce loved to hit the pause button when things need to be addressed. 

“Fine, but don’t expect to find me in your bed.” You whispered before you went upstairs. 

Bruce rubbed his stubbled jaw and closed his eyes momentarily, trying to find the peace he has been robbed of for some time.

He went back to his computer, typing in Tim’s father’s name in police records and tapped in bank account numbers under his name. With just a few downloads, Bruce accessed who has been transferring money. There was a transfer made not only a week ago. Bruce moved his tracer to click the route number it was made from. He stopped what he was doing as he recognized the number. He opened up a new window to access the files he found a few years ago and saw that the route number was the same. 

The route number belonged to Harvey Dent, and Tim’s father was working for him.

It’s been a week since Tim has stayed in the manor. Mostly, he’s been by Bruce’s side, giving him any type of information on his dad. Bruce can tell he’s a bright kid and even offered him an internship at work. He was thrilled by the offer and was happy he got to work along side Bruce.

Alfred was starting to feel like his usual self again. He even started to lecture Tim about drinking water after he learned how to use the espresso machine.

The only person that Tim hasn’t talked to was you.

Tim knew he entered your life at a time of mourning, so he wanted to be respectful of your space. 

One day, he was walking around the manor to discover what rooms had in store. He came across a locked room that hasn’t been used. Eager to know what’s inside, he used a few paper clips he found and started picking on the lock.

“Yes!” He said to himself as he heard the door unlock. He turned the knob and stepped inside. Once he turned on the light switch, his attitude changed.

“Oh no.”

He realized he was in Jason’s room.

Tim saw the discarded comics on the foot of the bed, stacking up to a feet tall. There were posters of bands he never heard that covered every inch of the walls. A basket of clothes were piled near the closed closet, never to be worn again.

Tim wanted to leave, but a glint of light annoyed his sight. He walked closer and saw a picture frame that has a picture of Bruce, you, Dick, Alfred, and Jason. It was a family portrait, looking as if it was taken 2 years ago. You all looked so young, so happy, so-

“What are you doing in here?”

Tim was so scared that he jolted his head to the direction of your voice and accidentally dropped the picture, shattering the glass.

There you stood, shellshocked.

“I am so sorry - I didn’t meant to do that! I-I just wanted to see the rooms and I didn’t…”

Tim stuttered, feeling his anxiety building.

You saw the signs and went up to him.

“Tim, honey, I need you to breathe, alright? Follow my lead.” 

You coached him to follow you breathe and copied every move. Once he calmed down, you both took a final deep breath.

“Okay, why don’t we fix this mess and talk elsewhere, okay?”

Tim could only nod as you both knelt down to pickup the broken glass. Once done, you took one final glance at the room and the picture that stood at its original spot on the desk. You close that door a final time, but feeling a strange sense of acceptance,

You turn to face Tim who looked ashamed for what he did. You went to him, giving a warm smile.

“C’mon, Alfred made cookies.”

Soon, you and Tim were watching your favorite film, The Legend of Zorro. Tim was amused by the fighting choreography as well as the writing.

“Wow! I can’t believe I’m just seeing this now!” Tim said, munching on Alfred’s infamous toffee chocolate chip cookies.

“It’s one of my favorite films. We would watch it all the time after the boys would come back from a patrol. Bruce doesn’t like to watch it as it brought some bad memories, but Jason pleaded for him to join movie night. Bruce sat through the whole thing, just to see me and Jason happy.”

Your gaze became distant, envisioning that simple night where you took thees moments for granted. 

“How - how was Jason like?” Tim asks.

You took a deep breath and looked over at him.

“He was a good kid. Naughty, but still a good kid. He was eager to bake with Alfred, just so he could lick off the spoon when they were done. Jason loved to make people laugh. But as he got older, he started build his anger. He got mad at Bruce a lot, said he was still being treated like a child. Then I started to lecture him. The moment he changed his attitude was when he realized his birth mother was still alive. I never seen him so driven, so eager. And when he left to find her-”

You took a pause.

Tim saw your state and decided to console you.

“It would have been nice… meeting him.” Tim thought out loud.

You nod in agreement, smiling.

“He would have liked you, I bet you two would have fought over his comics or mangas.”

“I saw! I never passed that issue he had!” Tim said excitingly.

“If you like, you can have a look at what books are in the room.”

“Really?” He asks unsure.

“Absolutely. Now, let’s take a look at what other movies we can watch. There’s Willow, The Princess Bride-”

“What’s that?” Tim asks.

You look at him with disbelief as you shook your head.

“Oh, we are watching that.”

Later on, Bruce came to the manor. He realized that it was too quiet so he wandered around and found the movie room where it was filled with laughter. He moved the curtain of the entrance and saw you and Tim copying the fight choreography of The Princess Bride.

“My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die.” You quoted, using a broom as a sword.

Tim tried striking you with a curtain pole (where he got it? Bruce doesn’t even want to know) and switched roles.

“No! My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die!”

Bruce began to smile as he heard your laughter. He hasn’t seen you this happy for a long time.

“They’ve been there all evening. You should join them.”

Bruce turns to see Alfred who also missed your youthful spirit. 

“Let them have all the fun.” Bruce simply said as walked to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of whiskey.

“How has your investigation been for the young boy’s father?”

“He’s been hard to find, but I was able to interrogate on of Two Face’s henchman and they admitted they’re planning to pick up a shipment of firearms in 2 weeks. Most likely he will be there.”

Alfred nodded as he was cleaning the counter. But, thought came over his head, making him stop what he was doing.

“Sir, there’s something that has been bothering me for awhile now.”

Bruce looks up from his drink, concerned.

“When you accessed records for Harvey Dent, I saw that they were saved after his accident. I remembered because you took it to heart that day when you weren’t able to protect him. And not even a week later, you asked me to reserve a fitting for Master Grayson for his suit.”

“Alfred…”

“Is Harvey Dent her father?” Alfred asks with his voice demanding a straight answer.

There was a pause as Bruce looked down.

“Yes, he’s her biological father.”

Alfred takes off his glasses in disbelief.

“You’ve been investigating her this entire time?” Alfred asks with disbelief.

Bruce felt uncomfortable of the confrontation, ashamed.

“At the first time, yes. I thought she would have an idea of where Dent disappeared after the accident. But she could never talk about or anything about how she grew up. I assumed she just never met him and I stopped the case there.”

Alfred felt his blood boil.

“But you lied to her, Master Bruce. She brought up not only one, but two of your sons! She doesn’t question your decisions for the city or for this family because se trusts you. And now she deeply cares for that boy in the other room that you have brought into this house! You have not carried your responsibilities as a CEO, a caretaker, you haven’t even proposed to her after all of these years and she’s still here, patiently waiting. She loves you, Bruce. Do you love her?”

There was a pause that filled in the air. Bruce was going to respond until you came in with an empty plate.

You looked at the men in the kitchen, unaware of the conflict that arose.

“Sorry, didn’t meant to interrupt. The movie ended and I was going to clean up.”

“I’ll take care of it, you all should head up for the night.” Alfred said as he carefully grabbed the plate for him to wash.

“Night Alfred, thanks for everything.” You said, hugging him quickly before you headed out.

Bruce looks back to Alfred who hasn’t made eye contact with him. Bruce decided to leave too.

You two walked up the staircase in silence. You look at Bruce who appeared deep in thought.

“How was work?” You asked.

“It was eventful. We’re thinking of branching out in Japan, but it’s going to take a few years to plan out the logistics.” 

“Ah, nice! I never been to Japan.” You replied.

When you reached the tip of the stairs, Bruce stopped.

“I um, heard your back at work too.” He said.

“Yeah. I was, uh, talking with Dinah about it during our sessions. Thought it was time.”

Bruce nods. “That’s great. I’m happy for you.”

“Thanks. I gotta get to bed, there’s a meeting early in the morning.” You said, about to leave.

“Wait.” Bruce caught up with you and was looking at you softly.

He pauses at that moment. Here you both stood, uninterrupted.

He could tell you the truth about your father.

He could tell you that he's been hurting as much as you.

But all he could see was you looking at him with a love like gaze.

“I know I haven’t been around lately, especially for you. I want to make this right, so I was wondering if I could join the next session with you.”

You look at Bruce. You know deep in your heart that he’s trying and looking within his eyes, he meant every word he said.

“It’s going to be 2 weeks from now during the day. I don’t know if you’re going to make-”

“Nothing is going to stop me from being there.” He promised.

“Okay, I’ll let Dinah know you’re coming. Good night, Bruce.” You said, kissing his cheek as you walked away from him.

He stood there as you walked into the guest room, but you leave the guest door open. 

Bruce slowly follows you in the dimmed room, closing the door and locked it. 

+

After that night, you and Bruce were living in this bubble. It was like you two haven’t been fighting or avoiding each other these past weeks. Maybe you’re afraid that everything would go into disarray if someone could pop this short-term happiness.

But for now, you stayed in ignorant bliss.

Tim came down to the bat cave with Bruce to lightly spar, as Bruce viewed it’ll be a good skill to learn. The Wayne man started to form some pride, seeing how Tim significantly impacted him. 

Suddenly, they both heard a ping come from the monitor. 

“What’s going on?” Tim asked as Bruce rushed over.

“I made a motion sensor at the location where Two-Face will be making the deal. Seems that there’s a lot of commotion there.” Bruce said, looking at the heat sensor. 

“My dad could be there?” Tim asks, running towards the screen. 

“Possibly, I need to leave now before this deal is made.” Bruce said, already heading to wear his gear.

“Wait! Let me join you.” Tim said. 

Bruce pauses before looking back at Tim.

“You’re safe here.” Bruce said, spreading suiting up.

“I know how to defend myself, and you need someone to watch your six. And besides, how is my dad supposed to surrender if I’m not there? Please, Bruce, I have to do this. He’s the only family I have.”

Bruce remembers the similar words spoken to him when Jason was trying to find his mom.

“I gotta find her, Bruce. If I don’t, I’d never forgive myself…”

Bruce takes a deep breath and goes up to Tim.

“I think there’s a suit in your size, you can look in the back.” 

Tim smiled brightly and hurried back to find what he was looking for.

Bruce was about to mask until he heard you and Alfred heading down to the cave. 

“Master Bruce, we’re ready for dinner for you and-”

Alfred stops mid-sentence as you both see Tim dressed in a Robin suit.

Jason’s Robin suit.

“Why is he wearing that?” You said, walking towards Bruce.

“There’s an alert at the place of the deal. I need Tim there-”

“No. You don’t.” You gritted, feeling your skin burn.

Tim stood there, feeling uncomfortable as you and Bruce were fighting about where he would join Bruce or stay. But time was not at his side. He had to save his dad, if not him... who else?

Tim made his decision, grabbing the keys to Dick’s old motorcycle and programming it to take him to the destination.

“Master Drake!” Alfred said as he saw Tim riding away.

“Tim! TIM!” You screamed, trying to run after him but it was no use. He left outside of the bat cave and you accidentally fell down. Alfred goes up to you, consoling you as you broke down in a sob.

You made eye contact with Bruce as if he tore your heart out of your chest.

“Bring him - back.” You choked out in between your sobs.

Bruce brought you up to your feet and gave you a final look before running towards his car to drive after Tim. 

He races for Tim, hoping he isn’t too late.

He can’t be.

[freedvmrouge]

MAGNIFICENT.

fandom: dc comics.

character(s): bruce wayne, jason todd, roy harper.

word count: 658.

tags & warnings: pov bruce wayne, parent bruce wayne, roy harper/jason todd, youtuber au, father-son relationship.

summary: bruce has empty nest syndrome and longingly watches jason and roy's new youtube video.

masterlist.

Bruce gets the notification just as he leaves for a lunch meeting. He's not exactly foaming at the mouth over the meeting, so he doesn't mind the quick detour. There's an empty conference room just two steps away. No one's going to be questioning Brucie Wayne for being a little late after all.

As he unlocks his phone, he expects a text from Selina or Alfred. There's likely some appointment or date he's missing, he supposes. But to his great pleasure, he finds a notification for a new YouTube video.

He rushes to click on it, barely even reading the title that teeters off from how long it is.

The first thing that loads is a scream that follows a close-up of Jason's face. The next moment, the shot is entirely submerged in water. Jason swims to the surface, hair wet but sporting an ear-to-ear grin.

Bruce feels himself smiling just the same.

"Get in here, Roy! Don't back out now!"

"I'm the cameraman!" Roy shouts from the top of the cliff Jason just jumped off of.

"I'm getting Roy to join me this weekend. Mark my words," Jason says conspiratorially to the camera.

The video jump cuts to Jason and Roy in their hotel room. Bruce immediately recognizes the view. He and Damian video-called while Jason was staying in this very room. This must be from three weeks ago. Jason was entirely mum about what he was doing in Croatia, however. "You'll have to watch our video," he teased.

Bruce can't say he's entirely happy about seeing his son do extreme sports. Much less that he's filming it all for content online. But he will admit that he's grateful that he gets to see Jason so carefree and enjoying his life to the fullest.

Maybe he'll even make a trip out to visit the boys' next destination. He'll say that it's completely by coincidence, of course. He's got a multitude of excuses to choose from. Bruce just... he just misses his son, and Jason and Roy aren't scheduled back in Gotham for another few months.

He and Oliver were more than happy to let the boys mess around the world and travel, expanding their horizons. Somehow, recording these videos for their families to watch ended up becoming a pretty popular YouTube thing for them. Roy's a magnificent filmmaker and Jason's got next to no fear with every new adventure they try.

Bruce sighs. He'd still like to see his son more often. Selina calls it 'empty nest syndrome', but he staunchly denies it. He'd just like to have a full house again rather than just a few kids coming in and out of the manor.

"I'll do that thing you like if you jump with me," Jason says with half-lidded eyes.

Roy laughs and pushes Jason's face away from him.

"Come on, babe. Our families watch these videos!"

"Hey," Jason shrugs. "You're the one editing these bad boys."

Jason sneaks in a quick peck before making his move. He wraps his arms around Roy from behind and pushes them both over the cliff. Bruce figures that Roy's screams alone would've caused a tsunami.

"The equipment!"

"They're waterproof!"

Bruce chuckles as he continues watching. He remains in awe over the drone shots over the ocean and beach. They play alongside Jason's clear narration over the b-rolls. It gives the video an almost professional television quality to it. Bruce might recommend some voice-acting work for Jason when he returns. He has some talent for it.

"Mr. Wayne," he pauses the video as his head snaps to the door opening. "You have a lunch meeting with Mr. Kord."

"Of course, I'll be a minute. Thank you."

Checking the video's runtime, he decides that he can watch the rest of it on the way home. In the meantime, he sends Jason a message asking him where he'll be next week. Maybe he'll even take one of the other kids with him.

[thevoidstaredback]

Week two started off with the RSVPs coming in like a flood. Every single One Percenter that had been invited had accepted the invitation, stating that they'd be there. The heroes that had been invited had yet to respond, though they won't be marked as 'not coming' until the weeks end.

Week Two

Diana had been staring at the invitation for quite some time. She'd apparently been invited to a private Wayne Gala, a charity to raise funds to donate to the Justice League. It was an amusing premis, seeing as Batman somehow funded most of what they did when the U.S. Government fell short, but then she wondered if this was how he did it.

It made sense. He's one man, so he shouldn't have the money to fund the heroes of the world out of pocket. Then again, she didn't know anything about him. The tour of the Bat Cave - a hilarious name, by the way - only proved that point further.

The charity gala is a private event, tighter security than normal, invitations sent out only four weeks in advance, invitation check at the door, no press. But, why was she invited? By random, apparently.

She doubted the odds. 'Random' isn't a thing in Gotham.

Batman probably had something to do with this.

***

Clark was having a hard time believing what he was seeing. He and Lois, as well as Kon and Jon, had been invited to a Wayne Gala? Not even as press. They were going to be actual guests? It was so weird.

When he showed Lois, she'd spent a solid thirty minutes scrutinizing the thing, looking for any sign it was a fake. When she saw the seal, she'd laughed so hard that she fell over, then declared that it was real and that they were going.

He didn't get the joke. She didn't explain.

***

Getting invitations to galas wasn't a new thing for Oliver. He went to at least one in every major city every year. But, getting an invitation to a Wayne Gala that he'd never heard about before? That was a whole new surprise.

Dinah was also surprised by the invitation, but happy to attend. The information on the back said it was a semi-formal dress, and that the theme was Hero.

Ironic.

A charity gala for the Justice League hosted by Gotham's White Prince. Did Batman know anything about this? Probably. He seems to know everything. Honestly, Oliver wouldn't be surprised if the man knew who Green Arrow was behind the mask.

Actually, is Batman even human? He claims he is, and so does Nightwing and Robin, but then they turn around and do things that are decidedly not human-like.

But, who is he to judge?

Dinah was already picking out their outfits. She was going to theme herself after Green Arrow, so Oliver thought it fair to theme his own outfit after Black Canary.

Roy would be laughing his ass off at them. Maybe they could convince him to come with them? The invitation said to invite family... He should have him bring Lian, too. Brucie won't mind. He's a family man, after all.

Actually, that's probably exactly why the invite addresses the Queen Family, instead of just Oliver Queen and his plus one.

Also, why does Bruce want him to give a speech? Yeah, he'll do it, and yeah, he's a better public speaker than Bruce, but why? Was it a spur of the moment thing? Probably.

***

Hal stared at the paper suspiciously. Not once had he been to a fancy gala like a Wayne Gala. In fact, the fanciest party he'd been to were the parties thrown for the military vets.

Okay, so, bad example. Those parties are actually pretty fancy and fairly private, but still! A One Percent Party? Why would Hal get invited to one of those? He's perfectly middle-class, thank you very much.

He toyed with the thought of not going, the idea of Batman catching him in Gotham making him even more reluctant to go, but his curiosity was getting the better of him.

What was it like at one of these things? Would Batman really bust in and ruin the thing if he caught wind of Hal being there? What was Gotham's One Percent like? What was the Wayne Family like?

All very good questions that he wanted answers to.

He filled out the RSVP. He doesn't have anyone to bring with him, but maybe he could ask another hero? Maybe the other Green Lanterns will wanna be there. He's sure the Waynes won't mind. What'll they do, throw him out?

Well....they might, but they probably won't. That'll look bad.

He's got some calls to make before sending this back.

***

Wally had been the one to find the invitation. He'd been over to visit and stopped to bring the mail in for Iris. He knew that crest like the back of his hand because Dick's the one who introduced it to him.

That's right, he knows who Nightwing is. And he is very upset that he was left out of what's obviously a prank on the Justice League! He was gonna have to give his bestie a call. Tsk.

"We're going to this!" he declared loudly the second the door closed behind him.

"What is it?" Bart asked, meeting him in the entryway.

Wally was quick to hide the seal in his pocket. A room full of geniuses would figure it out in a second and he wanted to see this through completely. "Wayne charity gala in Gotham."

"Oh?" Iris asked from her place on the couch, putting her book down. Wally handed her the mail. "You just want to see Nightwing."

His grin was goofy. "Yeah, but don't go telling people that."

Barry plucked the invitation from his hands. "'Charity for Justice'," he read, "'for Justice League and associates'." He flipped it over. "It's addressed to the whole family, though we'll need to RSVP."

Bart set off in a fast repeat of "Please, please, please!" on 3x speed while Barry and Iris shared a silent conversation. Wally's grin grew. He knew they'd say yes.

***

Arthur didn't know how to react. Well, he did, but it was weird. He's a lighthouse keeper. Why's he getting invitations to some fancy party? He'd understand if he got the invite as Aquaman, but as Arthur? It's so weird.

He was going to accept. Mera was gonna make him accept. Probably on the grounds of 'just because'. But she's scary, so he's not gonna say no. At least they can bring Andy? Probably a bad decision. Like, a really bad decision.

Who'd watch over Atlantis while they were gone, though? Someone's gonna have to stay behind!

Mera won't stand for that.

Kaldur'ahm. They'll bring Kaldur with them. He'll be responsible enough to keep Andy in check when she inevitably slips away.

This is a bad idea.

He's going to regret this.

He sends off the RSVP anyway.

Part 11 Part 13

[yorkshire-rockchick]

Loved your new fic so much! Personally think new members absolutely need a list of all the team's stuffed animals. I feel like some like the likes of Reynolds, Colin and Sam had ones they had from childhood whereas the likes of Isaac, Jamie and Jan were talked into buying or were gifted ones. They probably have rules about not having the same species of animal toys as well because they're all insane...Richard's and Jan argue that their toys are actually a mountain goat and a domesticated goat despite that literally still being the same species and them literally having the same toy. I have so many thoughts on this would love to hear yours

So I've thought about it and this is what I have:

Tom O’Brien - A sheep, because his granddad was a sheep farmer.

Arlo Dixon - A cuddly corgi, which his now ex-wife maintains he loves more than her.

Tommy Winchester - A bear knitted by his nan. It is lopsided and only vaguely resembles a bear but he loves it.

Isaac McAdoo - A Build-A-Bear given to him by Colin as a joke. Neither of them can remember the joke but Isaac loves the bear as much as he loves Colin. He asked his mum to make the bear a little captain's armband after he became captain.

Sasha Kukoč - A frog, because he likes Kermit the frog.

Richard Montlaur - A mountain goat given to him by his nephew before he left for England. He actually hates goats but he loves his nephew so the goat stays.

Jamie Tartt - A shark, given to him by the team after the Dubai Air protest. He will never admit it but the shark means a lot to him. When he was at Richmond the first time he didn’t have anything and laughed at the immaturity of the rest of the team.

Colin Hughes - A dragon. After he comes out the team buys him a rainbow dragon and he takes both of them to games.

Jan Maas - An Octopus. Jan was going to be a marine biologist if he wasn’t a footballer. When he first joins Richmond he maintains he does not have a cuddly toy so Colin and Jeff steal the octopus, Jan didn’t speak to them for a month despite no harm being done.

Dani Rojas - When he first moves to England, nothing, because he didn’t want to lose an old friend on the journey over, until the comment about being a raven haired golden retriever results in Isaac getting him a golden retriever.

Robbie Roberts - A cat, because he is allergic to cats and his sister thought it was funny when they were kids.

Jeff Goodman - A highland cow, because they are both ginger. He has to keep reminding people he is from Yorkshire, not Scotland.

Babatunde - A raccoon, because he thinks they are cute and fun to watch

Declan Cockburn - A cuddly plant because he can not keep plants alive to save his life.

Paul Reynolds - Originally a Leprechaun he bought over from Ireland with him, however he ends up with a cuddly olive given to him by O’Brien after his daughter, Olivia, is born.

Moe Bumbercatch - A one eyed sloth he won on a claw machine when he was a teenager

Martin De Maat - Misunderstood and actually has a cushion with a picture of a donkey on it.

Sam Obisanya - A dog he has had since he was a baby. When he was with Rebecca the poor thing got hidden in the wardrobe but now it is back on his bed.

Kyle McCraken - A squid, which in part led to being called Squid Game. He is still upset that you can’t get a cuddly kraken.

Bhargava - A peacock, he shrugs when asked questions about it.

Anders Rosenfeldt - A rag doll because his girlfriend got it for him when he said he needed a cuddly friend for away games.

Thierry Zoreaux - A moose holding the canadian flag. If Paul and Colin can have something from their home countries, so can he.

Will Kitman - A very tired looking elephant that he has had since he was a baby. If it can survive university it can survive a football team.

Bonus:

Roy - A very grumpy unicorn given to him by Phoebe for his first ever Uncle's day. No one had ever seen it until they were in the championship and they played away at Rotherham when the fire alarm in the hotel went off, Roy grabbed the unicorn and took it with him outside. Jamie and Colin laughed, resulting in them having to run laps once they were back in Richmond and they both had to apologise to the unicorn in front of the whole team.

Beard - A hedgehog. No one knows why and he refuses to answer questions.

[justrandomfanfictionskh]

Mary Todd pt 17

ao3 Beginning Previous

Marinette had told Artemis, that the only thing they could do, was live their lives until destiny called. But that didn’t mean they had to be idle, so that was what they did. For the three months between Marinette coming to Gotham, and her scheduled departure to Themyscria, they lived their lives to the best of their ability. Jason and the Batclan got to know Marinette and soon it was like she was always there. Using Longg, she often went out with them at night, but she stayed out of the press and away from the big cases.

When the gala came, everyone agreed that the Wayne’s outfits were to die for. And while everyone expected the designer to draw inspiration to the heroes because of her work for the Heroes Gala in Paris, Marinette surprised everyone by paying homage to the city itself. A negative of the distinctive Gotham skyline was embroidered on Bruce’s solid black coat, which faded into golden stars up his back and chest. Tim’s grey marbled suit was patterned after the Wayne Building, and Dick’s dark blue suit flowed and shimmered in a way reminiscent of the river at night. Barbara’s silver and blue gown was perfectly fitted to her wheel chair, and paid homage to her father who escorted her in with a smile. Cass’s black dress swept the floor with a thousand silver stars, and no one knew that the train was detachable. And of course, Damian’s Forest green suite was embroidered with the flowers and animals found in the Botanical Gardens.  

But Jason, Stephanie, and Duke’s suits were her favorite. Taking inspiration from the neighborhoods where they grew up, Marinette made them the most elegant and royal outfits she could in their favorite colors, and then ruined them. She did it artfully and with intention. Ripping the tulle in Stephanie’s skirt, staining the Gold of Duke’s jacket with browns and blacks, and printing newspapers on the lining fabric of Jason’s coat. If anyone less skilled or intentional had attempted it, the work would have looked messy, and they would have ruined three very expensive outfits. But Marinette had done them, in such a way, that at first glance, you didn’t notice anything wrong with their outfits. It was only on closer inspection that you noticed, the patches on Stephanie’s bodice, the rip in Duke’s tie, and the mismatched fabrics of Jason’s jacket.

The press most certainly noticed what she was doing, and they kept her at the front door for at least forty-five minutes demanding answers. Marinette smiled and explained patiently. “I was adopted from Gotham. In fact, when I was a child I lived in Crime Alley, before my parents, who were visiting, found me and took me home. When I took the Wayne’s commission and these three told me their story, I asked for their permission to share our shared experience with the world tonight. They were very happy to agree, and I’m so glad they did…”

She then proceeded to rave about every single charity, legitimate adoption agency, and foundation available, until Roy, in a more understated but still fabulous suit she had made for him, pulled her into the ballroom. He laughed as he checked his phone when a notification went off. “Looks like you started another internet war.”

“What?” Marinette said as she snatched a champagne flute. She looked over his shoulder.

“Apparently,” he said, “Revealing that you were originally from here has Gotham and Paris fighting over you.”

Marinette laughed and shook her head as she selected one of the tweets. “‘I can’t believe,’” she read, “‘There’s a black-haired, blue-eyed orphan from Crime Alley that Brucie Wayne hasn’t adopted. Someone make sure he doesn’t try to get her by marriage! #whippedGothamboytoy and #badassParischick for life!’ Oh kwami! People are ridiculous!”

Roy chuckled as he put his phone away. “I just can’t believe that hashtag is still trending. Oliver hasn’t shut up about it.”

“How’s that going by the way?” she asked gently.

“It’s good,” he admitted. “But I don’t want to talk about that right now. If you don’t mind, I think I can see the d’oeurve table, and I want to drown myself in it. Care to join me?”

Marinette and shook her head as they moved toward the table. “Always…thanks for coming with me by the way.”

“Hey, it was my honor,” Roy said gently, “Besides what kind of whipped Gotham boytoy would I be if I didn’t escort my bad ass Paris girlfriend to her boring work functions.”

Marinette giggled, as she leaned on him, “Well next date night, you get to pick where we go.”

“So, it’s official then!”

“Zatanna!” Marinette cried as she embraced her friend. “I didn’t know you were going to be here!”

“Yeah well,” the Sorceress said flicking her hair, “Thought I’d crash the party see how my favorite power couple was doing. You’d be amazed the places I can get into with a snap of my fingers. And how are you, Roy?”

“I’m good Z, you?”

“Thriving, mind if I borrow your date for a second?”

“Only if you point me to Jason and/or the bar. I refused to be cornered by the vultures.”

Zatanna complied, and then she and Marinette vanished into the crowd. Roy smiled after them and then, with the skill he’d been honing since his early teens, promptly faded into the background of the party. He made his way to the bar where Jason had predictably latched himself.

“If Marinette comes and asks for a wine, then I’m going to have some severe déjà vu,” Roy said as he ordered a glass of brandy.

“I thought you we agreed you two weren’t going to flirt in front of me!” Jason groaned. “It’s disgusting.”

“It’s not my fault, your sister drives me crazy, and that you’re an overprotective jackass.”

Jason muttered into his glass, and Roy laughed as he leaned back to watch the dancers. In the end it was Jason who broke their easy silence. “Has she talked to you yet? About the whole Paris, Executioner, Arbiter, thing?”

Roy sipped his drink and nodded, “We have. She was very insistent on it. Said it was important.”

“It is important,” Jason said.

“Do you believe you’re the Executioner?”

Jason sighed and knocked back the last of his drink, he ordered another one and then lead them into a secluded corner of the party where they could talk a bit more openly. “I don’t know,” Jason said running a hand through his hair. “I thought I was. When Marinette first explained it, it sounded…right. It would make this whole mess make sense.”

“But…” Roy prompted.

Jason shook his head as he sipped his drink. “Whenever I think of leaving Gotham, even if I’m leaving with her, it doesn’t feel right. I…I tried leaving this place. There have been moments, on missions, with the League of Assassins when I thought, yeah, I could be happy outside of Gotham. But then…”

 Roy waited for Jason to get his words. Jason raised a hand and touched the lining of his jacket. A slight smile tugged at his lips. Marinette had shone him the articles she had printed there. It was a clipping of Jason’s debut. The head line had read, “Robin cusses out the Penguin!” and Jason had laughed when he saw it.

“This city,” the antihero said calmly, “It’s a part of me. I don’t know if I can be what she needs me to be. I’m too…broken.”

“We’re all broken Jay,” Roy said, hand on his shoulder. “And Mari will always need you, even if you’re not some divinely appointed warrior sent to protect her.”

Jason scoffed into his glass as he shook his head, “Shut up, before I have to say something rude to keep my reputation.”

“What reputation?” Roy scoffed.

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

“It’s coming,” Zatanna asked quietly. She and Marinette had hidden themselves in a dark hallway away from the party. “Can you feel it?”

Marinette sighed and opened her bag. Plagg and Tikki flew out and greeted the Sorceress Supreme with uncharacteristically somber moods. Zatanna’s eyes bulged at being in the presence of the two most powerful beings in the multiverse. She turned to Marinette and hissed, “Are you wearing both of them?”

Marinette sighed and nodded as she removed her evening glove to show the slender rose gold ring in her finger. “The city’s energies have been swirling for weeks,” she said calmly, “I think Jay-Jay knows somethings up. Roy definitely does. I might have rushed things a bit in order to spend more time with him.”

“You’re going to take the mantel yourself,” Zatanna said somberly.

“I can’t take Roy from Lian,” Marinette said shaking her head, “And I can’t do this to Jay-Jay. His personal balance is too precarious, and I’m running out of time.”

“Do you know when it will happen?”

“I was going to say tomorrow, but I guess that’s wishful thinking.”

“Why do you say that?” Zatanna asked, and Marinette looked away. There was so much pain and exhaustion in her eyes that Zatanna wanted to wrap her up in the biggest hug, but she refrained as the two small gods floated up in between them.

“Because you are here,” Plagg said sadly.

“What?” Zatanna asked startled.

“Sorceress,” Tikki said, “You have been called by the universe to bear witness on behalf of the magics to the ascension of the Executioner, and the completion of the three. Tonight the Keepers shall be made whole, and we of the divine energies of the world might finally be permitted to act and restore balance to the world.”

Zatanna drew in a long breath as Marinette dapped at her eyes in an attempt to preserve her makeup. Zatanna closed her eyes and centered herself. Her friend needed her. She cursed; Marinette shouldn’t have to go through this. She had already given so much to save the world; she shouldn’t have to give more. Zatanna felt like a little girl again, watching her father taking the Helmet of Fate. It had taken years to get him back. Would something like that happen to Marinette? Would Jason and Roy have to fight tooth and nail just to get one hour a year with her.

Zatanna shook herself. This was not helping. She centered herself again and opened her eyes. “What are you going to do?”

Marinette sighed and said, “What I’ve always done…I’ll do what the universe demands of me and pray that it’s enough.”

Zatanna nodded and pulled her into an embrace. “I’ll help,” she whispered. How long they stayed like that, neither of them could say. But they only broke apart when the sound of glass shattering and screams echoed from the gala. The pull of the universe tugged at the hearts of the two most powerful magic users in the world. And so, Zatanna stepped to the side and bore witness.

There are three Keepers of Balance. The Guardian who protects the Miraculous, the physical tethers for the embodiment of the Universe’s divine energies. When the Keepers are called, the Guardian gives the Miraculous away to those who are worthy, and who are in need. But of all the miraculous given, two are reserved for the other Keepers, and none others. The Miraculous of Creation, which is given to the Arbiter, the one who passes judgment. And the Miraculous od Destruction, which is given to the Executioner, the one who sees that judgment done.

Others might wear and use the miraculous, should the need arise, but on the Keepers may use them to fulfill their divine purpose. Only the Arbiter could use the Ladybug to pass judgment. Only the Execution could use the Cat to fulfill justice.

So, Marinette closed her eyes and called upon the magics. The kwami nodded their respect to Zatanna and went to their Keeper’s will. But even as they were drawn into the jewels, they could not help but smile. In a way, they had always known it would come to this. Ever since that final fight with Hawkmoth. Their chosen just needed time before she caught up to destiny. Time and a reason.

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

Jason fell to the ground as soon as he saw the large windows shatter. Goons dressed as clowns carrying everything from tommy guns to bats with nails swung in and quickly surrounded the guests. Jason scanned the crowd and cursed. Bruce was in the middle of the floor with Cass. Tim and Steph were right beside them. Barbara and Dick were with the Commissioner. Duke and Damian were in the middle of a group of socialites who had decided to cling to them. Damian looked like he was about to stab one of them, which was fair, but now wasn’t the time for that.

It looked like he and Roy were the only ones in a position to sneak away, but he wasn’t going to leave until he saw Mari. Roy had said that she had disappeared with Zatanna, so she was undoubtedly safe, but they were no where to be seen in the ballroom.

“Come on,” Roy hissed, and they started to rise in an attempt to make it to one of the nearby exits. But then the main doors burst open in a rocking explosion.

In walked the Joker. He wore a brand-new eggplant purple and line green suit. People screamed as he tossed his fedora at a nearby goon, revealing his stretched and twisted smile.

“What’s this! A party? But where are the balloons? The cake? The party games? Old Brucie! Did you even think to hire a clown?” Joker cried as he sauntered into the middle of the dance floor. The crowd parted before him like the red sea. Only Bruce stood in his way. His face twisted in the fear of his “Brucie” persona, but the hand he used to shield Cassandra was steady. And stood tall and firm, as he stared down the worst villain in Gotham.

“Joker,” Bruce said, allowing a single quiver of his voice. “I’m assuming you want a check?”

“Half right there, old Brucie, old pal!” The Joker sang as he lightly tapped Bruce’s cheek. Jason felt himself growl, and green began to creep into the edges of his vision. That was his father, and the man who had killed him. There was no way in hell, he was letting the Joker get in between them again. Not now, after they had worked so hard to finally get to a place where they could actually talk to each other.

Someone tried to pull Jason out of the room, but he was rooted to the spot as the Joker continued his taunting. “I want every diamond, every ruby, and every gold encrusted bobble in this joint. Laughter ain’t cheap folks, so fork it over or you all get sprayed! But! Before I leave, there’s one more thing I need to see.”

“Whatever it is,” Bruce said as calmly as he could while a goon with a bag began walking around. “I’m sure we can come to an understanding.”

“Yes, I’m sure we could!” Joker sneered, “You see…there’s a rumor floating around Arkham. A rumor of a little China chick, who likes to judge others? Specifically, their fashion. I hear Gotham’s practically in love with her, and their all dying to have her judge them. So, come on Brucie! I’m here to get with the trends! Where is she? I want to be judged! I really, truly want to know what she thinks of me!”  

The Joker’s smile practically doubled, as Bruce’s face paled. And if Jason had been in his right mind, he would have been able to guess the cause. However, the moment the Joker had mentioned Marinette, Jason’s vision went pure green, and he began to stalk towards the Joker. Someone was trying to keep him back, and he went to break their hand.

“So, you wish to be judged!” A voice echoed through the assembly.

Jason blinked as the green vanished. He froze and saw that the wrist he was holding was Roy’s. He was about to break Roy’s hand. Roy, however, didn’t seem to be paying attention anymore. His face had gone a deathly pale, but he wasn’t looking at Jason, or even the Joker. Instead, he was staring up at the ceiling, his face twisted in regret and awe. Jason spun and followed his gaze, and his heart sunk even as it soared in wonder. The Joker had called for Marinette’s judgment, and she was here to give it.

Descending from the skylight like an Old Testament angle, A masked warrior dressed all in black stared at the Joker with blue cat eyes that glowed with a fire brighter than the chandeliers that she was among. Her solid black breast plate faded into an emerald green at her arms until it looked as if her hands had been dipped in poison. Her billowing black skirt faded to red until it looked as if she had been wading through blood. She flew on four wings eagle wings. The two that came from her shoulders were a shimmering red as if they were encrusted with rubies. The two that came from her back were green and were like emeralds. Her ebony black hair fell to her waist, but some unseen wind was blowing it about her so that the golden tips resembled a glowing crown about her head.

She was beautiful, wonderful, and terrible all at once. But Jason knew, despite the golden mask covering half of her face, it was Marinette. He didn’t know what had happened to her, but he could guess. Just as he could guess what was about to happen. He wanted to scream. He wanted to run to her, tell her that this was his place. He wanted to stop her…But he couldn’t.

Something rooted him to the floor, and he couldn’t move. And even as he watched in shame and horror, he also watched in pride and wonder. Because that was his sister. That powerful being coming to bring, just a little more peace to Gotham, their home, was his sister. And he couldn’t have been prouder. So, he stayed exactly where he was. He didn’t fight the force holding him back, even as he blinked back tears.

“Joker,” The Keeper declared in that echoing voice that filled the innocents with hope and sent the guilty trembling, “You have asked to be judged, and so I judge you. I judge you guilty. I judge you evil. I judge you a threat against the natural forces that govern this world. I judge that you have destabilized the balance between Order and Chaos, and have turned the world towards evil. You have polluted the rivers of chaos and distorted the natural ley lines.

“I judge you disserving of Justice. And so as Keeper of the Balance, justice shall be met.”

With the last line, the Keeper drew the sword at her waist. The ruby hilt was graceful and elegant, but the emerald blade was twisted and cruel. A slender line of gold ran down the center of both, and caused the sword to glow with the same light of her eyes, dimming the rest of the world with it.

The Joker didn’t even have time to open his mouth before his neck met the blade. There was utter and complete silence as the body slowly fell to its knees in a final act of respect before the Lady, and then fell to the ground. Jason expected the head to role off, but it did not. Instead the Joker just lay on his side, and not even his ghastly makeup could hide the look of pure terror on his face.

“So it is done,” the Keeper said, and she flew away.

For exactly five minutes, no one, not even the goons, moved. Then someone screamed, and the ballroom erupted into chaos. The goons ran out the way they had come. Gordon was on his phone, as the Wayne’s disappeared to get changed. Jason flinched when a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder. He spun and saw Zatanna, her face firm and unyielding.

“Come,” she said quietly, “We have to bring her back.”

---------

Roy was shaking. Zatanna had teleported them to the top of Wayne Tower, and it was freezing. But that didn’t matter. They had to find Marinette, and as Zatanna explained the more his panic grew.

“Did she know that could happen?” Jason asked as they scanned the night sky for two pairs of glowing wings.

Zatanna nodded as she worked on a spell meant to draw her to them. “It’s one of the reasons the Keepers are traditionally three. Acting on the will of both Creation and Destruction is…seductive. Imagine doing the thing you were always meant to be doing, you’re whole life, and then having every single barrier removed. If we don’t act quickly, she could lose herself in that state forever.”

“But why?” Jason demanded, “Why did the Universe bring her to us, if we were never meant to help her?”

“You are meant to help her!” Zatanna shouted, “Just not in the way you guessed. Right now what Marinette needs is an anchor, not a protector. So, one of you…anchor her!”

“How?” both men shouted at once.

“We don’t even know where she is?” Roy shouted.

“Where who is?”

Roy jumped and spun to see Marinette floating off the side of the building. She lazily rose up and down with the beat of her wings. Her inky black armored dress blended almost unnaturally with the night sky, making the glow of her eyes and the tips of her hair only that much more luminous in contrast. She stared at them with an innocence that belied the power she radiated, but it didn’t matter. Because she was there, and she was beautiful.

“Mari!” Jason cried rushing forward, as Zatanna approached more cautiously. “Can…can you come down please!”

“Why?” The Keeper asked with that same questing innocence, like a child who couldn’t understand why climbing on the furniture was dangerous.

“Because its dangerous!” Jason cried gesturing to the thousand foot drop beneath where she lazily went up and down, up and down with the beat of her powerful wings.

The Keeper smirked and say, “Silly Jay-Jay. Nothing can harm me! I am one of the forces of nature. I cast a magic spell and make everything better. I hurt those who hurt. I help those in need. I give mercy. I give justice. There is nothing you every need to protect me from again.”

Jason looked like he was about to choke on his tongue. He was so desperate, he couldn’t lose her again. But before he could say anything else. Zatanna stepped forward and said, “Marinette you need to come back. You need to train with Hippolyta. You need…”

Marinette giggled and shook her head. “The universe is guiding me. I am beyond Hippolyta. There is nothing she can teach me. Besides, what I need doesn’t matter. I serve the needs of the world now.” She looked out at the Gotham skyline, the city lights turning the smog into a golden hue. She looked so blissfully happy it was heart breaking. “It’s amazing,” she whispered, “To be so needed. To be able to help so many. I cast a magic spell and make everything better. It’s amazing!”

“But—" Jason started.

“I have to go know,” She said twisting in the air.

“But Mari—"

“The world needs me. Goodbye.”

“But so do I!”

Marinette froze in the sky, as everyone turned to look at Roy. Roy ignored them and took a breath stepping to practically lean over the railing guarding the edge. “Marinette,” Roy said desperately. Praying that his longing and panic seeped into his ever words. “Marinette, I need you to stay. Lian…she still has a lot to learn from you.”

“I can’t stay Roy,” the Keeper whispered, but the wind carried her voice anyway.

“I know,” Roy said, “And I’m not asking for forever. I’m not even asking for tomorrow. But please, just right now. Can you give us right now? That’s all we need.”

For a moment no one moved. There was not a sound on the roof top aside from the swish of the wind, and the beat of her wings. Finally, slowly and gently, the three moved back to give Marinette space in the roof beside them. She dropped her transformation and promptly collapsed into Roy’s waiting arms. Jason rushed forward and clung to his sister. Tears fell down her face at the loss of her power, and the kwami cuddled into her neck and cheek, as she struggled to become mortal once again.

Roy just sat back as he breathed a sigh of relief. It was done. For now. It was done, and Marinette was ok.

Next

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