#superman and Bruce’s kids judge him together

[confused-wanderer]

Batman and Superman’s interactions in canon would go something like this:

Superman *reached his limit of cryptic and crazy bat shenanigans* : Bruce.. this is insane and you know it.

Batman: I don’t know what you mean Clark this is a perfectly normal response

Superman: Says the guy so in self denial he can’t realise that he’s projecting on a super villain

Batman *turning around and levering a glare that could freeze the sun*: .. I beg your pardon Clark?

Superman *maintaining eye contact* : Then beg.

[suzukiblu]

Parasite WIP is so good and I desperately want more of it! I voted for it in the poll and I’m so sad it didn’t win

Friend, I appreciate you asking after it because it really is one of my fucked-up faves that I really need to work on more, so uh . . . have all 4500 words of the prose so far all together, hahaha. Yes, yes I DID reformat this whole thing into Tumblr-friendliness all for you. THAT IS HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR APPRECIATION, FRIEND. ( so definitely we are gonna need that read-more down there, lol. )

Clark wakes up. 

Clark didn't even know he wasn't awake. 

"Superman," Bruce says with absolute neutrality. He's wearing the cowl. Standing in rubble. Clark is . . . not standing in rubble. 

Laying in rubble. That's what Clark is doing. 

Bruce is looking down at him very, very carefully, and seems . . . reserved. 

Reserved for Bruce, even. 

"What happened?" Clark asks, trying not to concentrate on the little seed of dread that the sight of that reservation invokes in him. He can hear the heartbeats of other League members, here and there in the wreckage of the street around them. Hear civilians and city noise. Hear Lois and Jon, distantly, and Ma and Pa, even more distant. And . . . Kara–both of her–and . . . 

"We'll go with 'electrocution', but I think we can safely say just about anyone else would've been virtually incinerated," Bruce informs him, distracting Clark from his mental rundown of people he's currently worried about. "Or just exploded."

"Ah," Clark says with a grimace. Well, that explains why his head hurts so damn bad, he guesses.

At least it was him, then, and not any "anyone else"s. 

He pushes himself up. Looks around. He . . . isn't sure where they are, exactly, except that it's probably somewhere on Earth and within the continental United States, judging by the architecture and signs he's seeing and the accents and languages he's hearing. 

He has absolutely no idea how they got here, though. The last thing he remembers is . . . 

. . . he's not actually sure what the last thing he remembers is. 

Not a great sign, that.  

Bruce is watching him. Like he's . . . expecting something, almost. Clark would ask, but there's an odd feeling distracting him. Something's . . . off, somehow. 

Missing. 

Bruce's utility belt is a new design, he notes absently. J'onn is down the street a bit and his costume looks a little different too. And Diana . . . 

Diana is over across the way, and her hair is a couple inches longer than he remembers it being. 

Clark would assume he was mistaken, except for the eidetic memory and all. 

"Hm," Clark says. 

"Hm?" Bruce says. He still sounds faultlessly neutral. 

"Trying to figure out if I'm in the right reality. Things look a little off," Clark replies, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes in concentration. No unexpected sounds or scents. No particular feeling of disorientation that can't be accounted for by being apparently electrocuted. No additional pains past the dull pressure in his head or any immediately obvious peculiarities beyond the minor little scattered differences here and there in his teammates. 

But something is–

"I can't hear Kon," Clark realizes abruptly. He doesn't usually especially keep an ear out for the kid, at least not deliberately, but . . . 

Bruce . . . pauses. 

"You can't," he says, very carefully. It doesn't sound like a question. 

It sounds like something, though. 

"I can't," Clark confirms anyway, glancing around again. He still doesn't know where this is. "Where are we, exactly?" 

"What's the date, Kal?" Bruce asks, and Clark's heart sinks. 

He answers the question. 

Bruce's mouth thins. 

Hell, Clark thinks. 

"We're currently in Keystone City," Bruce says, very carefully expressionless. "We've been here for three days. The date you just provided me was a full fourteen months ago. And Kon-El has been MIA for roughly thirteen and a half of those months." 

Hell, Clark thinks, and doesn't let himself process anything past that. 

"We need to get a scan of your brain," Bruce says. "For starters." 

"For starters," Clark agrees tightly. 

Bruce tells Diana they're leaving, then abandons the rubble and takes Clark up to the Watchtower. Clark goes. He doesn't ask what electrocuted him or who's died in the past fourteen months or if there's anything immediately urgent that he should know. Bruce would've already told him, if there was. 

And he thinks he'd choke on the question if he tried, anyway. 

They go to the med bay. There's a total stranger standing in it who smiles at them when they step through the door. 

"Haven't seen you in here in quite a while, Superman," the stranger observes in amusement, tapping a pen against the clipboard in their hands. "You still haven't been in for that checkup I owe you, you know." 

"He doesn't know you," Bruce informs them evenly. The stranger blinks. 

"Sorry?" they say. 

"He was electrocuted," Bruce says. "Now he thinks it's fourteen months ago. We need a brain scan. Immediately." 

"Hell," the stranger says, their eyes widening in alarm. 

Clark gets the brain scan. 

He and Bruce wait in a convenient exam room for the results, which seem to be taking a while. Bruce seems a bit more guarded than usual, which means Clark is standing next to goddamn Fort Knox right now. He sighs to himself. 

"Suppose at this rate I should call and tell Lois and Jon I'll be late for dinner," he jokes wryly as he folds his arms, no real humor in the comment, and Bruce goes very, very still beside him. 

. . . hell. 

They're not dead. He knows they're not dead, he heard their heartbeats before they left for the watchtower, Bruce would've already told him if either of them were–

"They aren't expecting you," Bruce says with absolutely no intonation whatsoever in his voice. "You moved out eight months ago. The divorce is already finalized." 

"Ah," Clark says, very slowly. He doesn't let himself process, again. Not–just, not yet. "What happened?" 

"You left them," Bruce says, and Clark . . . blinks. 

"I left them?!" he demands incredulously. Leaving Lois is one thing, horrible and impossible a thought as it is, but– "Not just–I left them both?!"

"As you explained it to me, you were no longer interested in maintaining the . . . 'persona' of Clark Kent," Bruce replies carefully, looking just past him. "You said you couldn't stand the screaming anymore. That you appreciated us . . . humoring you for so long, but you couldn't just keep walking around making excuses and lying to everyone while people were suffering and dying just because you had to pretend to be human for a while. So yes. You left them. Haven't visited since Lois finally signed the divorce papers. Haven't spoken to your parents either. You've been . . . erratic. Since Kon-El's disappearance. When we couldn't find him . . . when we couldn't even find out what happened to him . . ." 

"Oh," Clark says, and his heart sinks again. 

He doesn't understand, though. Kon is–he cares about the kid, obviously. Cares very deeply about him. He's pretty sure he even loves him, at this point. But he's not . . . 

It feels terrible to think it, but Clark doesn't understand why Kon disappearing like that would affect him enough to stop being Clark. It's awful, and he still hasn't let himself actually think about it happening at all because he really can't process it right now, but that awful? Really? Awful enough to abandon being any semblance of a normal person? Abandon Lois and his parents entirely? 

Abandon Jon entirely? 

Apparently, yes. 

"Technically you're on unpaid sabbatical from the Planet," Bruce tells him. "We thought you might . . . reconsider, once you'd grieved properly, so Lois pulled some strings with Perry White. He thinks you're having an early mid-life crisis and your co-workers think you're off finding yourself in South America with a bad cell phone plan." 

"I guess I don't believe in satellite phones?" Clark says, trying for wry again. It doesn't work, but he tries all the same. 

"This is unfair of me, but I'm going to take advantage of your current mental state," Bruce says. He's looking at the wall, though there's nothing there to actually be looking at. Not even anything on the other side, at least not according to X-ray vision. "Try to remember how you feel right now, when your memories of the past year return. Try to remember who you are right now, when those memories return."

"Why?" Clark asks, watching him carefully as he does. The corners of Bruce's mouth tighten. Just barely, but undeniably. 

"You've been . . . gone, Clark," Bruce says slowly. "You won't even answer to 'Clark' anymore. You aren't the same man that I . . . that we all . . ." 

The stranger comes back before Bruce has to admit to too many personal feelings or Clark can figure out what to say to any of that, which might be a mercy but might also be–

The stranger looks . . . strange, Clark notices. Nauseated, almost. And definitely distressed. 

"I haven't done brain scans on Superman before," they say, their grip on their clipboard concerningly close to white-knuckled. "And my predecessor apparently hadn't done any in a while either. Last ones in the system are over two years old." 

"What's wrong?" Bruce says, narrowing his eyes. Honestly at this point Clark figures a kryptonite brain tumor would really just be the icing on the cake, and frankly would probably explain some of his apparent behavioral changes and current memory loss. That genuinely makes more sense than anything else, really, even with grief and guilt to contend with.

More sense than abandoning his own damn kid does, at least. 

Although a tumor's the worst-case scenario, obviously. And it can't be any worse than that, really, or any worse than anything he's apparently done to his family this past year, so at least he's braced for–

"There's an . . . organism," the stranger says, swallowing uncomfortably. "In your brain." 

"What?" Clark says. 

"A dead organism, now," the stranger clarifies. "But it looks like it's been there for a while. There are . . . roots. And . . . lesions, too." 

"An organism," Bruce repeats very, very slowly. "In Superman's brain." 

"Yes," the stranger says. 

"I don't . . ." Clark trails off. 

"We need more scans," Bruce says. 

"I ran it four times on two different machines," the stranger says. "It's organic. It's not giving off any recognizable life signs. It seems like it might've been . . . you mentioned electrocution, before?" 

"You think the electricity killed it," Bruce realizes. "And then Superman forgot fourteen months?" 

"I'm not sure Superman ever experienced those fourteen months to begin with," the stranger says tightly, gripping their clipboard even harder. 

Clark was in no way whatsoever braced for this. 

"Fuck," Bruce says. 

More scans happen after all. A lot more scans, a lot of specialists, and a lot of arguing. Everything's a bit of a blur, in a sense. Clark absorbs very little of it, and mostly leaves things to Bruce unless he's asked a direct question about his medical history. His judgment might be compromised right now, after all, whether the . . . organism is dead or not. 

The emergency OR gets prepped. The red sun lamps get set up inside it. 

"Should we contact Lois?" Bruce asks as Clark's shrugging into an ill-fitting hospital gown and preparing himself to possibly die in pursuit of getting a dead who-knows-what out of his brain before it can start to rot there and potentially kill him that way. "Or your parents?" 

"No," Clark says. "Just get this damn thing out of my head." 

If he doesn't survive the removal process . . . 

They don't know what's been going on. What he let happen to himself, somehow.

He isn't going to tell them he's back just to immediately take himself away again. 

He records something for Jon, just in case. It's not enough, but it's–something, he tells himself. It's something. 

It's all he can bring himself to do. 

He leaves the disk with the recording on it with Bruce and asks him to have Dick deliver it, if it's necessary. 

Things proceed from there, and Clark wakes up again a week later in a private room in the med bay, connected to half a dozen machines and needles and tubes and directly facing the sun. Diana is dozing in the chair next to his bed. Bruce is pacing at the foot of it. They're both in costume. Clark feels weak and groggy, but he can hear half a dozen other heartbeats lingering in the hall, so presumably they were expecting him to wake up around now. 

"Mm," he says. Diana snaps awake. Bruce stops mid-step. 

They both look at him. 

"The operation was a success," Bruce informs him. "Textbook. Or as textbook as removing a mind-controlling parasite of unknown origins from a Kryptonian brain can get for mostly-human surgeons, anyway." 

"Do you need anything?" Diana asks. "Would you like us to call your family yet?" 

Clark shakes his head, then closes his eyes and sleeps for another week. 

"Sleep", he supposes, counts as something that he needs right now. 

The next time he wakes up, he's alone in his room and disconnected from the machines and just feels . . . normal, really. Like nothing was ever wrong at all and he didn't just have major surgery that was, essentially, the equivalent of multiple traumatic brain injuries. His hair is already starting to grow back from where it was buzzed down for the surgery, and there's not even any bandages on his head. 

There's no noticeable scarring, Clark observes when he makes it to the little ensuite bathroom to take a look in the mirror. The surgeons told him there probably wouldn't be, given both the methods they'd been intending to use and the nature of his own physiology, but seeing the total lack of proof of what happened to him is just . . . strange, somehow. 

It feels almost like a cheat. Like it should be obvious, in some way. 

There was a parasite in his head. Something controlling him. Pretending to be him. Passing for him. It could've done anything it wanted. 

It did do things that Clark still has no idea about. 

So many things. 

He couldn't even fight it. Wasn't conscious or aware enough to, or just not strong enough to, or just . . . 

He couldn't even fight it. 

And he doesn't know what it did. 

The door opens. Diana walks in. 

"Would you like us to call your family now?" she asks. 

"Yes," Clark says roughly, curling his fingers around the sides of the sink in front of him. "Please." 

"Of course," Diana says with a terrible and merciless gentleness. 

Clark sits down on the lid of the toilet and just . . . cries. Just for a minute. 

Or twenty. 

Diana kneels in front of him and holds his hands in her own. 

Fourteen months, Clark thinks, all twisted up with grief and pain and so, so much regret. He missed so much. He wasn't there for Jon or Lois or his parents. He wasn't there for Bruce or Diana or the League, for either of Kara, for . . . 

For Kon. He wasn't there for Kon. 

Wasn't there for Kon when the kid needed him. 

Kon completely vanished, and who knows if the damn parasite even pretended to help look for him? If it did anything at all for him? Who knows if Clark could've found him, could've saved him, if he'd still been himself at the time? 

. . . who knows if the parasite isn't what made Kon disappear to begin with? 

It took fourteen months of Clark's life, and Kon . . . Kon disappeared two weeks into those fourteen months. 

If nothing else, the timing is a screaming red flag. 

Clark abandoned his son and might've murdered a kid who only ever looked up to him, a kid who he was never really able to fully understand but literally named, and he can't do anything to bring Kon back or to make up for the year that he wasn't there for the rest of his family. 

Their family. 

God, what has he done? What has Clark done, and did Kon die feeling afraid or shocked or terrified? Did he die feeling betrayed? Did he think it was Clark doing it, however it happened? 

Did he die thinking Clark wanted him to die? 

Clark doesn't even know what happened to his body. 

There won't be another resurrection.  

Clark chokes. Diana squeezes his hands. He grips hers like a lifeline and shudders through it. The grief is a terrible, ugly thing. It's one of the worst things Clark's ever felt. 

The guilt is worse. 

"Lois," he murmurs finally, feeling like the weakest man alive. "Could you call . . . Lois, please, and just . . . ask if she'll come. I'll explain it all to her, just–could you call her, please." 

"Yes," Diana says, squeezing his hands again. "Of course." 

"Thank you," Clark says. 

He pulls himself together, more or less, and Diana goes to make the call. She comes back a few minutes later and tells him Lois agreed, but needs to find a babysitter first. Clark in no way blames her for not bringing Jon along and frankly is surprised she's willing to come at all. 

He's not sure what he could even say to Jon right now. 

What can he? 

Diana makes sure he eats something, then leaves for monitor duty. Clark tries not to overthink things. Tries not to think too much at all. 

He spent fourteen months not thinking at all, though, all of it lost in one oblivious blink, so that doesn't work out all that well for him. 

An hour later, he hears the Zeta platform activate on the opposite side of the base, and hears Lois's heartbeat appear inside the watchtower. 

Clark exhales, very slowly. 

He waits. 

Lois comes to the med bay. She doesn't stop to talk to anyone on the way. Doesn't talk to anyone except that stranger Clark still doesn't actually know the name of, who tells her where to find him. 

And then a minute or a millennium later she's standing in the open doorway of his room, and Clark is looking at her. Her expression is neutral, and her hair is shorter than it was the last time he remembers seeing her–the last time he was the one actually seeing her. An inverse bob, not shoulder-length anymore. He recognizes the blazer and heels that she's wearing, but not the blouse or the pants. Not the earrings or the necklace, either. 

And there's no wedding ring to recognize either way. 

Clark wonders what happened to his. 

God, but she's still the most amazing woman he's ever seen, and he's still never once deserved a single part of her. Not even a fraction of a part. 

Especially not now. 

"Kal," she greets, tone just as neutral as her expression, and Clark aches. 

"Clark," he says, just a little too abrupt, and Lois–pauses. 

"Clark," she amends casually as she tucks her hands into the pockets of her blazer, and if he didn't know her quite so well he wouldn't have even heard the crack in her voice around his name, super-hearing or not. "Never seen your hair this short. I kinda miss the curl, not gonna lie. It has charm, you know? Very boy scout next door." 

"I had emergency brain surgery," Clark says. Lois pauses again. Tilts her head. He keeps talking. "Two weeks ago, now. Just woke up again fully today." 

"What?" she says, just staring at him. "You–what happened?" 

"It's . . . unclear, still," Clark replies slowly. "But as far as we can tell, roughly fourteen months back an unidentified alien parasite moved into my brain and . . . took me over, essentially. I don't actually–I don't remember any of that time. At all. Then two weeks ago I got electrocuted in Keystone and the parasite died. The surgery was to remove its body so my brain could heal from the damage it did without it rotting in there." 

Lois keeps staring at him. 

"Fourteen months," she echoes very, very carefully. 

"I'm so sorry," Clark says tightly. "Bruce told me I left you. Left you and Jon. That I stopped being . . . myself. I can't imagine how difficult that was, or how it must've felt." 

"I can't imagine how waking up and hearing that none of us even noticed you were gone felt," Lois says. 

"You never do pull a punch, do you," Clark says with a weak attempt at a smile. 

"I'm sorry," Lois says evenly. "I should've known." 

"No one did," Clark says, then . . . hesitates. "Or . . . we think no one did." 

"You think that's what happened to Kon," Lois says, because of course she's already done the math, and of course she's already had the thought herself. Obviously she would've. 

"The timing is . . . likely, at least," Clark says. "And really, if anyone was going to see my face and notice that a different person was wearing it . . ."

"You have a point," Lois murmurs. She steps into the room. Clark wants to hold her. He also wants to bury himself in the coldest, darkest place that he can find and never, ever let himself see the sun again. 

He doesn't deserve it anymore. 

"I'm so angry that I want to cry," Lois says, her voice very distant and her eyes locked on his. Clark can see her hands fisting in her pockets. "I'm so . . . god. I should've known. You never would've left Jon. Not like that." 

"Bruce made it sound like the parasite was . . . very convincing," Clark says. It convinced Bruce, who may just be the most paranoid mind on the planet, so . . .

"It was," Lois agrees, still without taking her eyes off his. "But I still should've known." 

Clark blinks a little too quickly. Lois tightens her jaw. Takes her hands out of her pockets and leaves them at her sides instead. Clark never thought he'd see them without her wedding ring again. 

"It's been–months, I know," he says, hating himself for thinking he even deserves to say this. "For you. But I still . . ." 

"I love you," Lois says. "Come home." 

There is no possible world in which he could tell her "no". 

Med bay makes him wait for another two hours of observation and runs some scans, but then they let him go. Lois waits with him the whole time. She doesn't call anyone or send any texts. Doesn't leave the room. Barely says a word. Hardly even takes her eyes off him, like she thinks if she blinks he's going to disappear. 

Clark can hardly keep her heartbeat out of his ears, so he doesn't blame her. 

He doesn't blame her at all. 

They go to Smallville. Bruce had said he'd send Dick to pick up Jon from the babysitter's and get him to the farm, and as much as Clark had wanted to go straight to him himself . . . 

Ma and Pa first, he reminds himself. This is going to be upsetting for Jon–most likely traumatic, once it all sinks in. And definitely disorienting. It'll be best if as many of the adults in his life as possible know what's going on in advance, so he can go to whoever he needs to go to; get whatever comfort they can prepare themselves to offer. 

Clark doesn't know how to do this. 

He doesn't . . . 

They don't take two steps onto the farm before a familiar blur is crashing into him head-on. 

"Oh," Clark manages, and Krypto barks excitedly and flies up to lick his face, tail wagging wildly as he jumps all over him. Like he's missed him. Like he's been waiting for him. 

Clark nearly cries again.

"Good boy, Krypto," he tells him, quiet and rough. "I missed you too, boy." 

He scratches Krypto's ears. Strokes his back. Krypto nearly bowls him over in delight. 

Clark buries his face in his neck and cries a bit after all. 

Lois watches. 

Waits. 

Clark spends . . . maybe a little bit too long crying on his dog, and then they all head up to the house. Ma and Pa are both standing on the porch; presumably they heard Krypto barking. They both look a little bit startled and a little bit confused and a lot more pained at the sight of him, and Clark swallows painfully and stops just before the porch steps. 

He looks at them, and he loves them so desperately. Everything they ever did for him, and everything they've ever been to him, and . . . 

"I'm sorry," he says. "I just . . . there was . . ."

God, the way this hurts. 

"It was mind control," he says. "The past fourteen months or so. I was . . . I wasn't. Wasn't here. Or . . . anywhere." 

"Oh," Ma says, and her eyes are instantly wet with tears. Pa blinks very quickly, his hand curling against the porch railing. 

"I'm so, so sorry," Clark repeats tightly, his own hands in useless fists. "But I'm–back now. I'm home." 

"Oh, Clark," Ma chokes, and then they both throw themselves at him. Clark's been hugged by people with strength far past superhuman, but it's never felt . . . 

No. It's never once felt the same way as when his parents do it. 

They cling to him. He clings back. Krypto barks again and swoops around the knot of them, wagging his tail hard enough to nearly knock Lois over with the force of wind it stirs up. Definitely some of the porch furniture gets displaced. 

Clark feels so much. 

They sit together on the porch, Krypto sprawled contentedly across Clark's lap and Lois on the steps beside him. Clark gives Ma and Pa what explanation he can–tells them everything he knows about Keystone and the electrocution and the watchtower and the surgery and waking up. They watch him just as intently as Lois does the entire time. 

He doesn't . . . he doesn't mention his suspicions about what might've happened to Kon. Not . . . not yet. 

He doesn't know how to. Not to Ma and Pa. Not after he brought the kid here and left him on their doorstep with no real direction and . . . 

Just–he'll tell them. He'll tell them soon. 

Just . . . not yet. 

It's not a very long talk, in the end. Ma and Pa take in everything he says and just take it all in stride, just like they always have. Baby in a spaceship? Kid with superpowers? Son who thinks he can save the whole damn world? 

Of course they take it in stride. 

Clark loves them too much to even define. Too much to even wrap his own head around. They're the best people he knows. The best people he's ever known. 

They don't even think there's anything for him to be sorry for. 

It's . . . painful, a little, when Clark realizes that. 

Or a lot. 

So, so damn painful. 

Clark hears the definitely-not-a-Batmobile coming, far down the road. Three heartbeats inside it. Dick, Damian, and . . . 

Jon. 

Obviously. 

Clark strokes Krypto's ears one last time, then gets up. No one asks him why, but he supposes the look on his face must be answer enough right now. 

He steps off the porch and goes to wait by the driveway. 

It's not that long a wait, but it feels like the better part of eternity.

[takaraphoenix]

Who do you think is the best dc parent out of the core dc members?Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Batman, Flash, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Hawkgirl

Preface: I fully skipped over the "core" part and answered for various carriers of the mantle. I need to learn how to read.

Clark!Superman is a great dad, I think, I am still salty they took Jon's childhood away from us because it would have been so good to see Clark actually raise Jon.

Jon!Superman is a total mom-type dad, I am absolutely living for him and Dami raising Lizzy together, I do not understand why they're forcing a new Diana daughter but I love the DamiJon of it so I will accept my ship crumbs and move on. xD

Theee only GL I know to be a father is Alan Scott and... from what I gather, he doesn't get to actually dad a lot? I think I only really read one comic where he got to interact with the twins? And one where him and Todd had a gay bonding moment in, I think, a DC Pride issue. So, can't really judge that.

I have yet to see Diana be a mom. Everything I read about Lizzy so far had her be parented more by Dami and Jon than by her actual mother, I never read about Lyta Trevor so I don't know what their relationship is like, and every time Diana and Clark get to have children, it either ends with them becoming parents, or she dies.

Arthur!Aquaman I can actually attest to being a good dad, on account of many runs and me actually reading his series. Still wish I'd get more content for him and my favorite Curry offspring, Marina, though.

And I think that Jackson!Aquaman could also be a great dad, he takes well to mentoring Andy and is a good big brother in that way, and I think that would also translate to him being a good parent (I still cling to the theory that the Futures' End Beyond timeline retconned Marina into being his daughter, instead of Arthur's, since she is now suddenly a black woman and Arthur and Mera are still very much white, but they didn't want to retcon Arthur and Mera into having a second daughter beside Andy, I guess, so they solved it by making Marina the daughter of the other Aquaman. Which, I also wish to see content for Jackson and Marina).

And I genuinely do not think there is a more loaded DC question than "Is Bruce Wayne a good parent?" kghafkldghfldöghaöfkldghöl

I think that, if you play fast and loose and elect which canons to fully ignore and which to accept, which is totally fair and valid, Bruce can be a good dad, but if you actually do take all main continuity canon into account, he's fucked up far too much to genuinely be called a good parent. But also, I think, in his case, it heavily depends on what kid we're talking about too, on top of what continuity/series we're electing to count.

Like, Jason fully got fucked over by his deal with dad!Bruce. I think things with Damian are rocky, at best. Tim, quite frankly, I think got the best deal in the dad!Bruce department? Cassandra... started off like Bruce did not give a damn (like, it was fully wild to me that Bruce adopted her when Barbara was far more parental to her than Bruce up to that point) but he came around. Dick is... there's just too much history, both good and bad, and I think that their relationship is too complicated to boil it down to "good dad" or "bad dad" for him. Duke, I have never-ever read about Bruce parenting him even though I keep seeing him claimed as Bruce's... foster or adopted or I do not know kid, still looking for what comic that is actually canon in, beyond WFA. I genuinely, truly believe the only kid who actually got a good dad in Bruce is Helena, in every comic I have read about them (and I specifically seek Helena content out, so I've read more about their dynamic than most others), and quite frankly I contribute most of this to Selina being a stabilizing presence in Bruce's life.

Other Batmen as parents:

Dick has proven repeatedly throughout the multiverse (and also in canon because that boy did parent Damian for a stretch) that he's a great dad. No complaints. 10/10, would let him raise more kids.

Damian is currently proving that he could be a good parent - but, much like Bruce, I think he needs a stabilizing presence (Jon) at his side. I do not think that he would make too good a parent in any other setting or on his own, but him and Jon raising Lizzy is working out beautifully.

I have yet to see Barry!Flash as a parent, it is so weird to me how ever-present his two grandchildren are but that Don and Dawn are kind of... not really... a thing. Though he did low-key parent Wally, so he gets points for that.

Now, Wally!Flash on the other hand? Good parent, so cute. Love his family.

Haven't gotten around to read Jay!Flash as a parent yet, know him and Jody got a mini-series but it's still on my to read list and I'm looking forward to it.

Martian Manhunter is, I think, a good parent, though I don't have too much to draw from.

And Ollie, I wholeheartedly think is a good dad, but also I am fully and exclusively basing that on Arrow the TV show because I absolutely noped out of Smallville when they made Ollie/Chloe a thing (because, unlike other people, I am capable of turning off the tv if a show gives me an Ollie ship I can't stand loool) and I'm not touching the comics.

For Black Canary, same answer as with Ollie; not touching the comics. Because this is not my ship and to see them parent would mean to see them parent together and, again, unlike other people I am actually capable of just avoiding things with ships I don't like.

I... have never seen Hawkgirl as a parent, but she's also not really a character I have interest or investment in so she is someone I only ever meet on the sidelines?

So, in conclusion, I do think that Clark is the best parent, because he is the best parent most consistently and most frequently - others either have a spotty record or didn't get to parent as often - though I think that Wally is a close second.

[kaitlyngreatlyn]

“It’s my name on the line.“

Day 10: “It's My Name on the Line."

Fandom: Justice League the Animated Series

(Yes, I will keep posting even though October is way over, by the time I'm done, it'll be October again)

Lines are Drawn.

The watchtower was quiet, Flash leaned his head back on the couch cushion looking up at the watchtower ceiling. It was his turn to keep watch, but he couldn’t pay attention. It’s been a month since the Flash was dumped by a man he wasn’t even dating and he didn’t feel much better. 

Anytime he saw a dark haired figure or a well pressed suit, he would be distracted. 

Was this heartbreak? 

He’s dated before, he’s flirted around for years, but something was different with Bruce Wayne. He didn’t know what it was. He felt like he always knew him. It felt so right to talk to him. But still... Who was he kidding? They were from two completely different worlds. 

Bruce Wayne was an older rich man who could have the pick of any woman or man he wanted. Wally West just a poor nerd from Central City. Wally was just lucky enough to have Bruce Wayne grace him with his charm for that short period of time, of course he knew it wasn't going to last.

But, still, he couldn’t stop the hurt.

If Bruce Wayne had rejected him or ghosted him at the beginning, maybe he wouldn’t have had so much hope, maybe he wouldn’t have believed that they could actually get together.

Flash closed his eyes shut, trying to forget. 

A shadow passed by his face and he blinked his eyes to see a coffee in his peripheral vision. He looked up, his heart beating faster seeing dark hair, but his heart dropped when he saw who it actually was, “Hey Supes.”

“Flash,” The man in blue nodded his head with a kind smile, “How is it?”

Flash was confused, before realizing what he was asking, “Surprisingly quiet tonight.”

“Take the coffee.” Superman offered the cup again and Flash took it in his hands.

He looked down at the black coffee. He wanted to turn it down, but he looked back up at Superman’s kind expression and took a sip. Flash must have made a surprised noise at the sweet taste, because Superman laughed and took a seat next to Flash, “Hazelnut syrup.”

Flash nodded, taking a longer sip, feeling more rejuvenated.

“Batman recommended it.” Superman said, “Coffee doesn’t do much for me, but it does make it taste better.”

Flash felt his lip curl up in a smirk when he heard Batman was the one to recommend it, guess Mr Dark Mysterious didn't always want bitter black coffee. 

“It really does.” Flash took another sip and he looked closely at the chiseled man, he had black hair and kind blue eyes, he looked like a gentler version of the man stuck on his mind. He looked away feeling his face heat up. 

Superman sighed, “Flash, if you need to talk about something. We’re here for you.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“You have been a little more distracted lately.” 

Flash put the cup down on the nearest table and ringed his fingers together, “I… think I got ghosted.”

Superman tilted his head in confusion.

“By this guy- romantic partner.”

The slip up didn’t escape Superman’s super hearing and the boy scout put a hand on Flash’s shoulder, “If it’s a guy, that’s fine. No one here would judge you.”

Flash felt his face heat up again, was he really going to talk about this with the strongest man in the world?

Maybe he should finally get it off his mind.

He wanted to talk about it more with Nightwing, but his best friend always got a little more fidgety when Flash brought up Bruce. So maybe a set of (super powered) ears would help.

“I’m not ashamed,” Flash said confidently, “I’ve always liked girls and guys, but you know… My dad wasn’t always the most supportive.” He winced remembering his rough childhood.

Superman’s hand didn’t leave his shoulder, squeezing it in a comforting way. 

“I met this guy a while ago,” Flash laughed as he explained, “Don’t tell Bats, but I met him in Gotham. He’s rich and famous, completely different from me, so I guess I shouldn’t have expected anything from it. It still hurts though, cause I feel like we really had a connection.”

Superman’s hand tensed, “Rich and famous? Does Batman know?”

“I mean he knows I met this guy, but I don’t think he fully knows about the connection I have with Bruce. He invited me to a gala and even kissed me, but I doubt Bats knows any of that…” Flash trailed off not even realizing he revealed the name in his awkward rambling, “Or at least I hope he doesn’t. That would be embarrassing.”

Superman’s hand released from his shoulder, standing up in surprise. 

Flash looked up to him, “Are you okay?”

Superman cleared his throat, adjusting his expression, “It’s fine Flash…” He crossed his arms feeling a bit conflicted, “Why don’t you go home early?”

“You sure?” Flash sat a bit more enthusiastic.

“You got here early, so I don’t mind.” 

Flash jumped to his feet, already feeling better, “You’re the man Supes!”

He sped off before Superman could change his mind. Superman cleaned up the coffee cup Flash left behind and said out loud, “You know I figured you knew his secret identity, but I didn’t know you would take advantage of that.”

Emerging from the shadows was Batman, who had crossed arms and a serious look, “I knew his uncle. It was never a secret.”

“Does Flash know that?”

Batman’s silence was his answer.

“You should tell him.” Batman glowered at that and Superman said seriously, “I mean it. You brought him to a gala? You kissed him? You have to say something, it’s not fair.”

“It’s not fair? It’s my name on the line.” Batman said angrily, “And my family’s names. You know the reason for secret identities.” 

Superman raised an eyebrow and scoffed, “You think Flash would say something? Come on Bruce, we all work together, it couldn’t hurt.”

“It doesn’t matter, I’m letting him go.” Batman said, “He won’t need to know.”

Superman sighed looking back to the monitors, “It’s okay to let people in. It’s okay to love, but it’s not okay to lie to him.”

Superman didn’t have to turn back around to know Batman was gone. He just hoped that Batman would listen to him before it blew up in his or Flash’s face.

Little did any of them know that they wouldn't be able to prevent when or why the identity reveal would happen. 

[cloudycera]

Incorrect Billy Quotes In my head.

"Superheroes aren't police officers or soldiers or judges, Superheroes are criminals through and through, we don't uphold the law we protect people there's a difference."

"John is here? Don't let him in he wants something and that thing is gonna kill someone like it always does and then we're gonna have to fight death to bring em back to life cause I'm not gonna be responsible for that."

"I just let the other heroes tell me what to do cause if I correct them I'll hurt their egos, as long as their plan isn't gonna end with someone getting hurt I'll let them have their fun."

"The Wisdom of Solomon? I use it all the time but just because you have all the Wisdom in the world doesn't mean you have to follow it, like it told me joining the league would be a pain the as- butt, but here we are, still a pain but My pain."

"I love all the magic guys, except for John never John, they're super cool and Zatanna is the best, she always shows me new tricks."

"Why don't I like John? Everyone thinks I don't like him cause he's an ass but the truth is, I don't like him cause he's British and blonde. Nothing wrong with being either of those things but together it's a problem."

"Superman used to be my favorite hero but now it's Wally, Supes has this weird thing about me being a kid, i mean they all did but he never let it go and it's been on my nerves since. He has a mom and dad and somehow thinks he understands me, none of them do but he's the worst of them all."

"Batman's not that scary once you get to know the guy, he's a bit of a nerd honestly and he has this secret room in the tower where he plans stuff like a gremlin. He has the cave but maybe he likes to change scenery when he's being weird."

"We all have our good and bad traits, not me though, I'm all bad, I'm a bad boy, a rule breaker, huh? So what if I make heart shaped breakfast when it's my turn to cook, everyone deserves a heart shaped pancake every now and then, I'm still a bad boy."

"It's kinda weird that Superman and Diana have parents, maybe it's for balance or something, if Bruce was always in charge we'd probably be digging through FBI files by now......as a group I mean Bruce does that all time when he's pretending to read a newspaper."

Billy is incredibly observant of his friends.

[mntalbrakdown]

We Should Love Till Death

Sebastian Stan x reader

Requests open!

Mentions of: smut MINORS DNI taunting, unprotected sex (please be safe) female and male receiving, rough sex, fluff, pet names, talking about marriage, talking about kids

A/n: this is jack shit so enjoy!

masterlist!

There were a lot of things Sebastian loved about you. One specifically is that you were social, you made people’s day by just smiling. Your most defining feature was your smile, it was what home feels like, that you aren't judged and instead loved, it was cozy. It even lit up a room.

On the other hand, what made him laugh was that you could be social all week at any point, and out of the blue you just wanted to stay home and not do anything. It was rare maybe like once every three months, it was spontaneous and he always was caught off guard by it, but somehow those were his favorite days because he had you all to himself (selfishly enough).

But today you chose to be social, you were invited out by Tom Holland and his friend Harrison Osterfield. You could tell that Sebastian was admiring you, he was too quiet, it has been like forty-five minutes since he had last talked.

“Look, Tom, I might agree with you on a lot of things, but Batman would kick Spider-Man’s ass, there is no debate,” you said looking at Tom fondly at why he got to that point, and Harisson let out a laugh because he was finally being heard.

“y/n, you are right the majority of the time but you are wrong on this,” he says leaning forward to you

“How the fuck would Peter Parker beat Bruce Wayne, literally how?” you were so confused

“Easy, spidey senses, webs, and strength”

“You mean Peter tingles right?” You joked “Look Batman kicked Superman's ass, Supermans! Superman is THE strongest hero” you exclaimed almost getting out of your seat.

“She’s right tom, Superman is a god, Peter is just a kid from Queens” Harrison adds

“What- no,” he says

“Your words not his” you backed Harrison up

“Peter's Spidey-sense will make him nearly impossible to hit. And he is faster and more powerful than Bruce. He isn't in skilled martial arts per se, but he has a superhuman advantage.” he says, you look at Harrison and you both roll your eyes in unison which made you let out a laugh and hit him playfully. That was another thing Sebastian loved about you, you were playful and friendly, laughing at everything and anything that most people would just bat their eye at.

“Whatever, Tom,” you say, giving up on the debate.

“Ha, I win!” he says, getting up and holding out his hand for you to shake. You shake your head and mouth ‘no’. When you were about to get up you were stopped by Harrison grabbing your shoulder to make you sit back down.

“I was wondering if I could get your number?” he asks politely handing his phone over to you

“I appreciate the gesture and I am giving it to you as a friend, but I hope you know I do have a boyfriend right?” you grab his phone starting to type your phone number in, you would never cheat on Sebastian.

“No, I understand” Harrison nods profusely and takes his phone back. You smiled at him. Getting up with no interruptions this time, you scan the room to try to find Sebastian, and when you did you smiled and headed towards him.

“I don’t have dick-shaped glasses right?” Sebastian asks

“No, no you don’t” you laugh at the man because you once in fact did make him wear dick-shaped glasses at one point. You were going to lean in for a kiss, but you were stopped and you frowned. You looked at the culprit, you were met with Sebastian’s cheek.

“What?” you ask confused, your eyebrows knitting together. Another thing Sebastian was so fond of. It even made him smile at the time.

“I know you wouldn’t cheat on me, but I feel like you don’t love me,” he says. You couldn’t believe what he had just said.

“Sebastian, I am going to sound like a broken record if you keep acting like this, I love you, dearly. If I wanted to sleep with people I would have broken up with you and just slept with whoever, whenever, where ever but I am so madly in love with you, and only you” This time you tried to lean in for a kiss and he leaned in as well, capturing your lips in his. He knew you loved him, but he never gets tired of hearing you say it.

“Fuck you,” you say pulling away from the kiss, you now realized he was just playing around.

“What time, when?” he says playfully, he knew you knew what he had just did

“I hate you,” you say with a grin

“Oh, but you just said you loved me,” he said leaning back in to kiss you, this time you were the one who moved your head so he would kiss your cheek instead. When he pulled away he had a frown which made you smile deviously and your eyes sparkled. You wanted to play games with Sebastian.

“Don’t be cocky” you say to him, you start to walk away, but he follows closely behind. You don't know where this is heading if you want to go home and sleep or do something else in bed. Everything was cut short with one word.

“Y/N!” Tom exclaims

“Cock block” Sebastian says under his breath, making you let out an airy laugh.

“Where are you guys going,” Tom asks

“Oh, um-” you were cut off

“We were about to go home” Sebastian finished your sentence with an angered tone in his voice, you looked at Tom apologetically. He returned with a simple smile.

“The party is just starting” and like if it were staged you saw loads of actors come in. You aren’t one, yourself, in fact, you met Sebastian when you were a barista at a coffee stand.

Flashback

“Hey can I get a black coffee,” Sebastian asks

“Weirdo,” you say under your breath, catching Sebastian off guard

“What?” he asks seeing if he heard that right

“I said weirdo” handing him, his coffee

“Oh please you act like people don’t order a black coffee”

“Please, I know people drink black coffee, and they are weird, it’s bitter,” you say looking at him

“Are you not a coffee drinker?” he asks

“I am, but I put like no caffeine in it,” you say

“Weirdo” Sebastian says under his breath, “You’re interesting,” he says

“Yeah I know,” you say looking at him with those evil eyes

“Sebastian,” he says holding his hand out

“y/n,” you say pointing to your name tag and ignoring his hand, he hands you the money and a paper with his name and phone number on it. You never planned to call him, and you never did, the piece of paper with his phone number on it was in a drawer somewhere in your apartment.

“You didn’t call me,” Sebastian says making you look up from your phone, it has been over a week and you completely forgot the encounter

“Oh, shucks I didn’t, ” you say sounding disappointed, but you both knew you were joking

“Give me that,” Sebastian says, taking your phone away. And putting his number on your phone.

“I hope you know I will be deleting that,” you say to him

“I know, that’s why I am sending a message to my phone so I can get your number”

“I’ll block you,” you say testing him

“I have other ways to get to you,” he says dodging the bullets you were shooting.

“I will quit this job,” you say

“I have my ways, doll,” he says, confirming his prior statement

“Gross,” you say, hating the pet name and that made him chuckle, he hands your phone back to you.

Flashback ends

“Do you want to leave?” Sebastian asks

“They’re your friends Seb, I wouldn’t mind staying or leaving, my social battery is at fifty percent, it’s your call,” you say, he looked at you with a grin and kissed the top of your head, god he loves you.

“Thirty minutes and then we can leave,” he says to you

“You don’t have to promise me anything,” you say smiling at him

“I am the luckiest man in the world,” he says to you “Even though you were a bitch in the beginning,” he says making you let out a snort which made you both laugh louder.

“Hey, y/n, right?” you look up trying to come down from your laugh. And looking at the beautiful women standing in front of you

“Yeah, it is, hi Brie” you smile at her “I love your work,” you say, and then you start a conversation with her.

“Would you ever like to act?” Brie asks and all the female cast come in a circle to try to get to know you, almost as if you were the shiny new toy in the class of the kindergartners.

“I thought about it, I would love to, but I already saw a glimpse of what happens in the real world. I think I would rather be a girl that hides in her apartment and ignores the paparazzi at any cost,” you say and the whole cast nodded their heads.

“Do you see yourself marrying him?” Elizabeth asks, you looked over to Sebastian, he was talking to Tom and Anthony and he was slouched against the counter facing you and he met your eyes sending you a wave and you waved back at him.

“Umm, I do, I hope,” you say, looking at him still and then snapped back to reality when you heard a bunch of ‘awe’ and ‘oohs’ “Shut up!” you say with a laugh making sure Sebastian can’t hear

“Are you scared he could hear us” you looked and met eyes with Zendaya and she had a huge grin on her face

“In fact, yes,” you say, grabbing your cup and taking a sip from it. Making the cast laugh at you.

You continued talking and heard a buzz from your phone, you looked at Sebastian before looking at your phone, you saw him looking at you. And when you checked, first you checked the time was one in the morning and two was that Sebastian texted you having fun? You look at him. And ignore the text message. You said you wanted to play a game, and you are now starting it. Don’t start what you can’t finish, he sends another text message. You smiled at the text and continued to talk to the cast, one by one each of them left and you ended up paying for yourself and heading to Sebastian, Tom was the last one there along with Harrison.

“Thank you Tom, tonight was fun” you hug him signifying you were leaving

“Call me” Harrison whispers in your ear while your hugging

“Sure will” you mouth to him as Sebastian says his goodbyes to Tom. You grab Sebastian’s hand and walk to the parking lot, and into the car.

“So what did you guys talk about,” Sebastian asks?

“Just things,” you say to him

“Things? Like what” he continued prying

“I am not telling you” you look out the window

“C’mon doll,” he says, making you gag at the pet name.

“No,” you say looking deep into his dazzling blue eyes.

“I will assume that you said you wanted to have my kids,” he says meeting your eyes

“Look to the road, I don’t want to be caught dead next to you,” you say jokingly

“I love you,” Sebastian says seriously looking into your eyes

“You better, I hope I didn’t waste four years of my life for this relationship,” you say looking at him “I love you too,” you say looking straight into his eyes. When you finally arrived home it was two in the morning.

“Don’t think I forgot what game you started and didn’t finish” he says putting his keys away

“Huh I don’t know what you’re talking about” you acted oblivious.

And with the blink of an eye you were carried up the stairs and into your bedroom. Which made you laugh. Sebastian let go of you and plopped you onto the bed, kissing you passionately, you started to unbotten his shirt while still kissing him and he unbuckled his belt and pants. When you finally reached the end of his shirt you take it off and than you pull away catching your breath as well as taking your dress off with one swift motion. You connect your lips with his again but this time it was more passionate, if fire can be a kiss it would feel like this. You look at his eyes, full and dark with lust you look at him with a devious smile. You pulled your panties down and in a swift motion you are on top of him. His eyes are wide, but he loved that you could surprise him at any given moment.

“If I start a game, I know how to finish it” you say looking at him.

His cock was hard and looked almost painful. You could feel fingers on your clit swirling around. You were caught off guard and looked down to see his fingers play with your folds when you look up you were met with Sebastian and he quickly bit your bottom lip making you moan. He picked you up and took up to the counter in your bathroom. You look at him confused. And he went in hard, out of the blue. Your eyes were wide and your mouth flew open leaving loud moans fill with pleasure behind. You grabbed onto Sebastians hair and pulled him into a kiss while he still thrusted in and out of you. He then trailed his kisses to your jawline, to your neck and that’s where he stopped, he sucked and left what will soon be marks, his marks so you knew who you belonged to. Your legs wrapped around his waist to push him deep inside of you as possible. “God, you feel so good around me” he says airily.

He pounded in and out of you leaving frantic and you looked down at what he was doing and he put a finger to your clit and started to rub fast and hard to make you cum. He picked you up and tilted you so he could go deeper inside of you and you almost lost it on the spot, your eyes rolled to the back of your head and your toes were curling.

You could feel a knot start to tight with each thrust Sebastian makes it gets tighter and tighter making you clench down. “Cum for me doll” although you hated the pet name this time it pushed you over the edge and made you cum.

Then you were pinned down so your ass was up and you could see what he was doing to you in the reflection of the mirror. He did that while still being inside of you and you almost came on the spot. Your boobs were pressed down on the cold marble counter which felt nice and Sebastian started pounding deep inside of you. Your mouth hung open and your hands didn’t know where to go, so they settled on the edge of the counter.

“You were made for me, all for me, no one else, I am not going to share with anyone”. You look at how concentrated Sebastian looked and how his hand was going to grab and tug on your hair. He leaned in to kiss your neck and that made him go deeper inside of you. Hitting you in all the right places. The cold counter and the way Sebastian was pulling your hair while pounding deep inside of you sent butterflies in your stomach. You made eye contact through the mirror and your lust filled eyes made Sebastian snap and his hot liquids squirted deep inside of you. When he pulled out you, you felt empty and cold and he carried you to bed. Knowing damn well you would not be able to walk. Handing you one of his shirts and tucked you under the blankets, he turned his flash on and saw your glistening cunt and almost got hard again. “God it looks beautiful” he says snapping a picture.

“Sebastian!” You try to grab his phone but he pulls it away so you couldn’t reach it.

“It’s just for me” he says kissing you

“Damn right it is” you say to him snuggling up next to him.

[analviel]

TIM DRAKE IS NOT ROBIN

It just so happens when Tim was planning to find Dick, his parents suddenly call him to tell him that there's a party or an event or just something on the other side of the world he can attend with them.

Sometimes they do this and Tim always says yes. It's as rare as leap years. Meaning it has happened only three times in his life before. He agonized over it. But you know, Tim's just a kid and there's no guarantee he can actually do something about Batman and Nightwing. Besides, Batman's been managing -if you can call it that- this long, with Alfred by his side, who's words certainly weights more heavily than the neighbours kid. He can afford a couple of weeks away from Gotham. By that time, Batman probably would've gotten his head straight. He's a hero, he's like, really strong, if anyone can get through this... besides, Tim figures Superman or Wonder Woman will do something before he truly crosses the line, right? Why would a kid know better than real superheroes, right? They must just be waiting until they're really needed. Right? Even though Tim personally thinks they should've at the very least locked Batman up somewhere he can't harm anyone or himself if they can't convince Dick to go back to being Robin. They're heroes.

Tim really wants to spend time with his parents. But before he leaves, he sends letters to every place he thinks Dick may be. The Titans Towers, his apartment in Bludhaven, where he lives with Starfire, Haly's circus, even to houses of his friends heroes. (Tim is twelve/thirteen alright. And one that has maybe below average self-awareness and his letters were very polite even if the act itself might've been vaguely sort of threatening).

So Tim leaves Gotham to spend time with his parents. It's busy, his parents keep him busy, and he doesn't have much time to dedicate to the news from Gotham. And really, if this is how it always is, no wonder his parents don't always have attention to spare on their kid in Gotham. So many things to do, so many things to attend, so many people to meet, and even more sites to visit. And the fighting. Tim hadn't realize it was this bad and suddenly thinks that, you know, it might've been better if he did stay back home. He realizes his parents actually brought him with them because they think a kid will somehow... magically fix them...??? Tim doesn't know, adults can be stupid.

Eventually, they realize the wrong in their ways and sends Tim back when his presence proves ineffective. Tim comes back to the city burning.

Well, not literally, but sort of.

Parts of it are burning. But not the whole thing. That's something.

Batman has been missing. And looking into it, at his last appearance, Tim surmise he retained a heavy wound.

(Or he's dead, not like they'll reveal it to the city just to cause more chaos and panic.) Batman seems to be out of the field and that was what Tim wanted, before he would've crossed the line.

Only, thing is, he'd already revealed too much weakness. The Batsignal had been taken down after one too many close calls on the perps they pick up. And the violence only raised from there.

(The first month when Batman and Robin and Batgirl's absence started to become suspicious. The second month Batman is deep in his spiral of violence. The third month Tim follows him around and then makes plants to pick up Dick that doesn't come to fruition and then sends his letters and then leaves. Six weeks with his parents, a few days from and to Gotham, two weeks to get caught up with what happened in Gotham. Batman is out, recovering, resting, dying, who knows.

Five months was all it took for Gotham to go to hell. And all it took was one dead son.)

Spoiler rises.

Gotham has a new champion.

Tim regrets that he hadn't been able to help. Tim will help.

Tim has a new champion.

Spoiler has a fixation on Cluemaster. It's not that difficult to go from there.

As long as, one, you know who was giving the police the answers to Cluemaster's gimmick. And two, that you know there even is a new vigilante because Spoiler is not like Batman who beats perps and leave them on the sidewalk for the police to pick up.

For wearing an almost eyesearing purple costume, Spoiler prefers to keep in the shadows and if not for the time Tim had trailed after Batman's madness, he wouldn't have learned the streets enough to notice the hints.

Tim purchase a laptop, watch tutorials day in and day out, buys pieces from junkyards to fiddle with wires and boards, and leaves Stephanie Brown a gift on her windowsill with a purple ribbon. Tim greets Spoiler over the comms. He calls himself Asset.

(It is not well-thought out because Stephanie takes to calling the mystery person who snuck into her room and refuses to give anything about themselves out 'Ass'. Tim did not actually sneak into her room but sent a drone to drop off his gift. Steph doesn't budge.)

Tim is not yet good enough to hack into cameras around Gotham. He finds he's good with a computer but not that good, his real talent lies not in the software but in the wires and soldering iron and the tiny bug camera/audio he has Spoiler plant around Gotham. If he can't take other cameras, he'll make them. (Also in case someone more experienced at hacking than he is manages to get in the system, Tim has a self-destruct button just for that. Yes, Dr. Doofenshmirtz is a good role models for mad scientist wannabes.)

A week is all it takes for Spoiler and Asset to get all the necessary evidence against Cluemaster. They celebrate. They are thirteen year olds and they just prevented a bomb from going off and put a bad man behind bars. They are high. They find more cases, for the most part C-rank villains and bellow but they also help with the big names by Spoiler planting more cameras and Tim sending the data and feeds for her to drop off to Jim Gordon. He is the only one who knows of the characters that have risen after Batman's sleep and can guess enough from Spoiler's stiff shoulders to keep that to himself.

Then...

Then it is six months and two weeks.

Tim watch from his now multiple screen behind his walk-in closet as a grave is dug out from the inside. Because S&A have put cameras everywhere just in case. After all, it's places you think are of no interest that criminals will sought to make deals in.

Tim does not send his partner to what may be a zombie but instead tells her to clear the direction Jason is stumbling towards. It takes him minutes to realize that Jason is patrolling his Robin patrol. Jason is sent to the hospital and Tim contacts them to list him under the Drakes, paying for his room and every other necessities. Has him transferred to the hospital that Drake medical industries is personally funding. When asked the name, Tim says Alvin Draper. He gets a cab to the hospital, finds Jason knocked out, peers at Robin's face. It's when they're alone, the previously dead boy's hands wrapped in bandages that Tim confirms in disbelief that as far as he knows, the boy matches Jason Todd. As if him digging his way out of Jason Todd's grave wasn't enough. Granted, Tim doesn't even know the shade of his eyes, so he's not the best judge.... Tim snaps a picture from different angles of the room and takes another cab back to Bristol while thinking up a story.

Tim knocks on the neighbour, tells them he's got something of Jason and if he can see Mr. Wayne. Tim is surprised himself by how relieved he is to see Bruce standing alive and well. Or not standing, leg and arm in a cast, an IV beside him on the couch in the drawing room. Tim weaves his story. Little Tim Drake wandering around Gotham, stumbles on a bunch of medic picking up a boy that Tim recognises as the neighbour's dead kid, pays for his hospital bills, takes a couple of pictures after the first aid or whatever and gives Bruce the pictures. Bruce makes his way to the hospital.....

I've lost steam at this point.

You decide if they arrive to see Jason and Bruce and Alfred is all tearful while Tim awkwardly leaves the room to resume his brainstorming on the S&A latest case, or they find an empty bed and Bruce goes on a frenzy tracking his undead lost son.

Additional idea: So Tim not being there didn't kill Bruce, but Bruce has been crippled and Batman is dead now. So without Robin, Batman did die.

Maybe Dick comes back to become Batman with Jason as his Robin, since that's not a combination often seen (Or the Batman Jason and Robin Tim, that's more common, though I'm loath to give up Spoiler and Asset). Around this time Babs comes back to the scene as Oracle with the birds of prey.

Additional additional idea to how they'll work with everyone back on the scene: since the Bats have the fighters and more equipped to report to time sensitive stuff, maybe S&A focus more on cold cases. Where Spoiler goes sneaking around, poking at old cases with Asset in her ears, figuring out puzzles and old clues, making breakthrough after breakthrough and bringing long overdue justice together.

Either the Drakes dies without Batman there to slap the poison out of Jack's hands because he's too busy searching for his son, or maybe they live with Tim able to direct Batman there immediately. Either way, Drake industry sponsors S&A, so now Spoiler also has toys like the Spoil... er plane??? Spoiler bike??? Eh, the name's work in progress.

[alecmagnuslwb]

Say Your Name Softly

Read on AO3

“Jaybird what happened to ‘don’t call any attention to ourselves’?” Roy asks as he looks around the bar where Jason has absolutely just caused a scene.

“I’m improvising,” Jason says throwing a wad of bills onto the bar for the owner as an apology for the trouble he’s just caused. “And choose between Jaybird or your trachea, you can’t have both,” Jason adds on because he doesn’t need Roy giving him some stupid nickname.

Roy, naturally, doesn’t listen. Jaybird sticks and despite his reputation and vague threats Jason never actually does anything to put a stop to it. Jaybird becomes common vernacular for Roy.

First Jason’s pretty sure Roy does it just to annoy him, especially when he realizes Jason wasn’t really serious about the whole trachea thing, delighting in every sharp glare that has less and less heat behind it every time Jason shoots one back.

From there it just sort of evolves, Jason stops glaring every time Roy says it and it becomes an everyday friendly nickname that as much as Jason is loath to admit it out loud he likes.

He’s Jaybird and well that’s fine.

***

Roy takes a running jump from the ledge of the building reaching out for the grappling hook and landing with a grace that sometimes still surprises Jason.

He doesn’t stop moving as he rolls to a stand and takes off, arrows knocked and aiming at the goons cornering them.

“Cover me Jaybird!” he shouts as he goes, expertly dodging gunfire while hitting three of the goon’s square in the chest with stun arrows. Jason curses under his breath already in motion guns at the ready. Beside him Dick chuckles.

“Jaybird?” he laughs and questions simultaneously as he stands and does a complicated flip jumping into the fray. Jason ignores him taking out the kneecaps of several of the guys while Dick kicks and punches his way through a pack of them, the blue of his Nightwing costume moving like a blur. Off to the side he hears the familiar thwip of a bow and thud of knocked out bodies.

Between the three of them they deal with the lackies easily, to the surprise of no one Black Mask doesn’t even bother showing his ugly, bony face. Jason’s tying up the last of the goons when he hears the sirens in the distance, Montoya most likely leading the charge. Jason stands to his full height about to shout over to Roy that at least he needs to get going, he’s not exactly on the best of terms with the GCPD just yet even if he’s been cleaning up his act.

Roy however beats him to it, “Jaybird!” he shouts from the other side of the roof where he and Dick have been chatting. “We better motor!”

Jason turns and shoots a thumb out to the direction of the next roof over so they can make their escape quickly before the cops show up not needing to say a word for Roy to know what he’s meaning. Roy nods in return before turning back to Dick, the two do some complicated bro handshake that ends with a loud high five before Roy immediately takes off in a run shooting another grappling hook for he and Jason to slide across.

“See you soon,” Dick shouts at Jason as Roy already makes his slide over to the next building. “Jaybird,” he emphasizes with a big doofy looking smile that Jason hates. He does not have time for his big brother teasing him about going soft or something by letting Roy call him a nickname.

“Hopefully not too soon, Dickie,” he shouts flipping his brother a playful middle finger as he takes off in a run following close behind Roy.

***

Dick isn’t the first, or the last to comment on the little nickname as more and more people hear it. Kory always gives Jason this look, this soft understanding look that he doesn’t understand every time he lets the nickname slide. Alfred drops on comms one evening to invite him over for tea and calls him Master Jaybird and Jason can hear his teasing smile in the words. One by one his family and Roy’s friends all start to just make little notices of it, like it’s some big deal.

Which it isn’t. It’s not like the words become more and more a term of endearment than a nickname, like lately Roy hasn’t taken to saying it a lot softer than he ever had before and started accompanying it with these lingering soft little touches. It’s not like Jason hasn’t found himself feeling something a little deeper than friendship of late when Roy says it, like he doesn’t absolutely melt when those little touches brush his skin. It’s just a silly name, that’s it.  

“You good, Jaybird?” Roy asks his hand reaching out to turn Jason’s unmasked face to look at the cut along his cheek, all things considered it’s a minor injury.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Jason says not making any move to stop Roy’s hand from lingering. That is until he catches sight of a small pack of Titans out of the corner of his eye. He clears his throat and steps back a bit a small grateful smile that he knows only Roy will notice on his lips. Roy just nods his head resting a hand a little too lightly to be considered some sort of bro slap on his shoulder before he steps away over to the little group.

Donna starts walking their way brushing Roy’s arm in a friendly manner as she goes, Jason’s stomach does a weird fluttering thing at the action. He’s not jealous, there’s no reason to be jealous. He and Roy are friends. Donna and Roy are friends. It’s as unmeaning as the nickname is.

“Jaybird, huh?” Donna says with a tittering laugh as she passes. They’ve just thwarted an apocalypse; Superman is somewhere on the metropolitan battlefield and that’s what she chooses to focus on. Roy just shrugs winking at her as he goes a look of some understanding passing between them that Jason can’t quite read.

Jason turns around bending down to pick up his helmet where it had been rudely knocked off of his head during a fight. Donna’s boots come into his eyeline, the amazon standing firmly beside him. He stands to his full height mirroring her stance with her arms crossed and hip cocked. She watches over where Roy, Dick, Gar and a few others have gathered checking in with each other.

“You better treat him right, Todd,” she says turning the full force of her warrior stance on him. Jason squints at her, the sky has turned back from its bright red to the sparkling night it should be, it makes the little constellations and stars on her outfit shine even brighter and makes her somehow more intimidating.

“That’s all,” she says before he can scramble to say it’s not like that with a wide fake smile, she reaches out her hand and places it on Jason’s shoulder like Roy just had, but with a much firmer grip, a grip that means business. It takes every bit of his Batman training not to wince.

She smiles more genuinely after a moment and steps away her eyes trained upwards when she spots Diana fly above.

Jason just watches her go expression unmoving realizing that maybe everyone keeps pointing out the nickname for a reason.

***

Jason’s not totally certain how he ended up at an arrow family dinner, except for the fact that he’s weak in the face of a bright-eyed pouting Roy Harper. So when he’d asked Jason to come as a buffer in case things between him and Ollie got intense his big green eyes bright in the morning sun with a pout on his face as he gave Jason a giant mug of coffee just the way he likes it, well he didn’t have it in him to say no.

Roy had been dodging the invitations for nearly a year, but when Dinah showed up in person and asked him to come there was no way he could say no.

Plus they’ve been spending more and more time in the warehouse in Star City than the loft in Gotham these days anyway, so really it was more a matter of convenience than anything.

So here they all are surrounding a big green table, which Jason thinks is a little on the nose, and everything has been shockingly pleasant so far. Dinah had practically burst into happy tears when she saw Roy on their doorstep and she’d even welcomed Jason in with open arms.

It’s clear the other arrow kids love Roy he’s oldest of them and they all look up to him and it pains Jason to see how surprised Roy is by that fact all the time. He’s not a screw up in their eyes, he’s their hero who overcame a lot to still be sitting at this table today.

Connor and Cissie are fairly indifferent to Jason which is just fine by him, except for Emiko who keeps asking exceedingly inappropriate questions about Batman that Damian always refused to answer. Jason doesn’t have any qualms about answering them however and he’s certain he’ll be getting a stern call from Bruce in no time about it. Mia is even shockingly polite, which considering their history is the most shocking thing about the whole evening.

Even more shocking though is Oliver Queen himself who is nothing but cordial and corny the whole night through. He’s clearly trying to maintain an easy-going environment and watching his words carefully so that he doesn’t test any boundary or limit that will lead to even one tense moment between he and Roy.

He doesn’t like Jason, but he’s never liked Jason so the simple fact he’s made not one negative remark about Jason’s presence is just enough for him. Everything about this night is clearly a win in Roy’s book judging from the smile that’s rarely left his face all night.

Dinner is perfectly pleasant and even makes Jason a little nostalgic for his Robin days when he was still innocent and family dinners weren’t just the occasional tea with Alfred. They’re lingering after dinner clearly each just waiting to see who will be the first one to break and say they need to leave and go on patrol.

It’s a waiting game Jason’s seen and always been the first to break at every gathering of his own brood, the only reason he’s not tonight is for Roy’s sake. He’s not even really paying attention anymore just lingering over the Tupperware of insanely good chili that Oliver had pushed his way moments ago letting the family just be together.

“Hey, Jaybird,” Roy says startling Jason out of his staring contest with the chili. He looks up and meets Roy’s eyes followed by the amused little smiles of everyone else and Ollie’s wide eyed, confusion maybe? Definitely surprise. “You ready to go bust up that fight club?”

Jason raises an eyebrow. The fight club in question has been on their radar for some time now, they’re 99% certain they’re using meta’s against their will and have been planning a little coup of their own over the weeks. Roy has about one and half feet in the door as a high roller, playing the role of spoiled rich boy looking to blow money even better than Jason does.

The next time he shows up he’s certain it’ll be the clubs last night in operation, he didn’t think tonight would be that night.

“You sure?” Jason questions searching Roy’s eyes for confirmation that this isn’t because he missed something going sour. Roy’s eyes look clear and certain and Jason knows he hasn’t missed a thing, Roy just wants to get the job they started done. He nods grabbing the Tupperware and the rest of the arrow kids take that as their cue each signaling their own farewells. Ollie never stops watching the two of them however, he looks like his mind has been running a mile a minute as he leans against the counter.

He finally moves when they all makes their way out the door, Dinah hugging each of the kids and even Jason as they file out. Roy and Dinah chat for a few more minutes while Jason safely secures the chili to his bike.

Roy looks so light and carefree and it makes Jason smile against his will. They walk over to the bike together Dinah hugging Roy one more time before he turns to Ollie and they do a weird bro hug style farewell that’s only a little bit awkward.

Ollie grips his bicep when they pull back. “You sure you two won’t need any backup with whatever you’re messing around with tonight?” he asks eyes briefly flitting over to where Jason leans against his bike.

“Nah, we’ll be good, Jaybird’s got my back,” Roy says. Ollie gets this amused look on his face as Roy steps away and takes the spare helmet Jason offers him. Jason gets on the bike first ignoring whatever is going on with Oliver.

“Jaybird,” Oliver mumbles under his breath before shaking his head. “Well if you change your mind, Pretty Bird,” he says looking Jason directly in the eyes as he pulls her close and places a lingering kiss on her head. Jason can’t ignore the implication of that comparison the way he’s managed to ignore everyone else’s glances and little comments. “And I are just a call away,” Ollie finishes with a chuckle.

Roy gives him a smile and a salute as he puts on his helmet and slips onto the bike behind Jason sitting a little closer and holding Jason’s waist a little tighter than necessary. Jason throws down his helmet visor to avoid the way Oliver’s still looking at him all meaningful and vaguely threatening before speeding away.

***

Tearing down the fight club is a hell of a lot easier than Jason expected it to be. They gear up at home then they’re in and out and sending vans full of free meta’s to safe havens set up around the city by the Black Canary herself in under two hours.

They’re both a little banged up when they make it back to the warehouse, but it’s nothing a few band-aids and a little Neosporin can’t handle.

Roy starts discarding pieces of the fancy burgundy suit he was sporting as soon as they’re in the door, Jason follows suit pulling weapon after weapon from his person in what they lovingly refer to as the discard box by the door. It’s their go to spot for all the weapons that need a good cleaning or maybe a good recycling down in Roy’s workshop.

By the time Jason’s down to just his pants and an under-armor shirt Roy’s settled down at the kitchen island rifling through the first aid kit with one hand and holding his other to a spot on the back of his head.

Jason walks up behind him picking his hand up from the spot he’s covering carefully.

“Did someone slice you on the back of the head?” he asks grabbing the rubbing alcohol from Roy’s hand.

“Yup, not sure how, but yup,” Roy grimaces when Jason takes a cotton ball to the slice.

“Told you not to cut your hair,” Jason says as he keeps cleaning the wound out. Last month Roy had finally parted with his scraggly red locks for a new cut short on the sides and back and just a little longer on the top. It looks good on him, but sometimes Jason misses the tresses of hair that would always slip their way out of his hats and blow around in the wind when they stood on rooftops. The hair not even fazing Roy from making a perfect shot when they’d fly in front of his eyes.

Roy snorts. “You just miss braiding my hair.”

“Yeah during all our pillow fights and sleepovers,” Jason huffs as he finishes cleaning up the slice and moves to open the Neosporin. He can’t exactly bandage this up so he’ll just have to badger Roy to remember to keep it clean.

Roy sighs. “If only you’d accept all my invitations to those, Jaybird,” he says seriously and there’s implications not even an emotionally constipated Jason Todd can’t catch onto under those words.

“You’re always calling me that,” Jason says as he slowly finishes up on the wound.

“Jaybird?” Roy asks slowly turning around to face Jason when he gives him a tap on the shoulder signifying he’s done.

Jason nods swallowing the lump in his throat realizing this conversation is happening there’s no jumping around it anymore.

“Well aside from your attempts early on, it was pretty clear you didn’t mind it all that much,” Roy says leaning back against the island. He reaches out brushing the bit of hair that’s fallen into Jason’s eyes, it’s the part that’s shock white a stark contrast to the rest of his dark hair. “So, yeah I call you that all the time.”

“You know Oliver calls Dinah Pretty Bird all the time,” he says tracking the movement of Roy’s hand as it falls slowly down the length of Jason’s arm.

“That he does,” Roy hums as he reaches Jason’s hand and tangles their fingers together.

“And you call me Jaybird,” Jason says looking up from their joined hands to Roy’s eyes.

“That has been established.”

“You know some people might make implications based on those similarities,” Jason says holding Roy’s eyes.

“Yeah they sure might,” Roy says pushing himself off the island. They’re practically nose to nose, eyes locked. “Damn do I wish the right person would realize those implications already.”

Jason swallows again a small smile forming on his lips. He never thought this would happen, that he’d work up the courage and finally acknowledge this ever-growing thing between them. That it would lead to a moment like this.

“Well I think he’s catching on,” he says. Roy smiles bright and lifts his other hand to gently cup Jason neck.

“About fucking time,” he says before leaning in finally breaching the space between them and connecting their lips. It’s a slow, sweet glide with so much passion and over a years’ worth of tension all seeping through when their lips move and their tongues meet. Jason’s not sure how much time passes, but eventually breathing becomes a necessity.

Roy doesn’t let him go far, keeping his hand on Jason’s neck and their fingers intertwined. He tilts their heads together while they both catch their breath.

“Well that works, huh, Jaybird,” he says stroking his thumb up and down the side of Jason’s neck.

“It sure does, Roy Toy,” Jason says with a chuckle hating the nickname even as it leaves his lips. Roy’s head throws back in a deep laugh he can’t seem to restrain.

“No way, nuh uh,” he says still chuckling. “You’re gonna have to do better than that, I’ll have to take up your trachea idea if you try to make that a thing.”

Jason snorts. “I’ll keep workshopping then,” he says before leaning back in and kissing the bright smile off of Roy’s lips.

[prismacolor19]

I have this canon that Batman/Bruce and Flash/Barry were close in the comcis because it would make sense for them too, they are both similar and Dick was friends with Wally. It has been shown in the comics before that Flash and Kid Flash would sometimes fight crime with Batman and that Robin would sometimes go under Batman’s cape and all of this lead me to coming up with this.

Whenever it rained or when Robin was bored and had to wait on Batman, Batman would let Robin would go under his cape, especially when Batman was busy talking with Commissioner Gordon or Superman when he would come to visit. Some days when Flash and Kid Flash would come to fight crime with them and help it would rain or Batman would want to talk to Flash and Batman would open his cape for Robin to go under it. Batman also did this because it kept Robin busy and from wandering off and so Batman always knew where Robin was.

Since Robin didn’t want Kid Flash to feel left out and Batman didn’t either, Batman would let Kid Flash go under his cape with Robin while the adults talked or waited for the police. This shocked Flash, Jim, and the League the first time they saw this. Batman didn’t care if he let Robin and Kid Flash under his cape in front of the League or other people. He was happy they were happy, having fun, being entertained, and in a place where he and Flash knew they were and that they were safe. Batman and Flash both knew about all of the trouble and danger the kids could get into. Batman and Flash were also both happy Robin and Kid Flash would always have these happy and special memories and times together.

All of the adults were suprised the first time they saw Robin go under Batman’s cape and were even more surprised the first time they saw Kid Flash go under there with him. They knew Batman had a soft spot but, to let another kid under his cape was bizarre to them at first. After they saw this they all realized they still had a lot to know about Batman and learned Batman loved Kid Flash just like he did Robin and would also protect him.

The adults all though it was adorable Batman would let Robin and Kid Flash under his cape and would sometimes stop talking to smile and laugh at how adorable and sweet Robin and Kid Flash were being under Batman’s cape as the listened to them and saw the cape move. They all also thought their friendship was so sweet and cute and were so happy they had each other as a friend. The cape would move because Robin and Kid Flash would stand for awhile and then sit down when they got tired and would sometimes run around and walk around Batman’s cape for fun and would also walk around Batman as Robin showed and explained to Kid Flash the things in each of the pockets.

Robin and Kid Flash would have so much fun talking under Batman’s warm cape, telling stories about their personal life and missions, and would always giggle and laugh so much. They also would have so much fun looking through and taking out the things Batman kept in his belt pockets. Batman let them do this because he knew he could trust Robin and Wally and enjoyed Wally’s awed expressions and comments on how cool and fascinating his things were.

Jim and the members of the Justice League were each a bit concerned when they heard clicking and clanging noises the first time Robin and Kid Flash were under Batman’s cape in front of them and Batman always had to say to the “It’s ok” “Robin is showing Kid Flash the equipment we use that’s in my belt” Everyone was so shocked “WHAT!” “Batman are you crazy!” Batman says “I trust them and Robin knows what he is doing” Superman and Jim both said their first time “Ok then but, if something goes wrong your in for it” Batman thought it was so funny how alike Jim and Superman were it came to their thoughts about him.

The others would always say something similar and remind Batman he would be in trouble if something bad happened. Batman would always reply with “I will keep that in mind.” and smile a little after he said this. The League and Jim were still concerned about them but, they were mostly concerned about Kid Flash messing with Batman’s things, but they didn’t question it because they all knew Batman wasn’t that stupid or careless and knew the kids would be safe.

Robin and Kid Flash would laugh even more after they heard all of this because they thought it was funny the adults were concerned about them getting hurt. They also thought it was funny because not everything that was in Batman’s belt was dangerous. Batman had lollipops in one of his belts (Batman Urban Legends (2021) #3) and Robin and Kid Flash would always reach into that pocket to eat one. Kid Flash was so suprised the first time Robin told him this the first time they went under the cape and didn’t believe him until Robin reached in took out a Green Apple lollipop and gave it to him while he reached in and got himself a Cherry one. After that first time Dick and Wally made many memories and had many good times under Batman’s cape over the years.

Even when Dick and Wally were in their late teens, early 20’s, and late 20’s and should’ve been too old to go under Batman’s cape, they still did anyway and would only sit under the cape. They especially went under Batman’s cape when Bruce and Dick were still working on his Nightwing snow suit and even after Dick had his snow suit because they both knew how warm it was under Batman’s cape. Wally would hug Dick close to him as they leaned against Batman’s legs and Wally would vibrate for a short time to speed up the warming process. The vibrations annoyed Bruce and the Dark Knight talked funny for a few minutes, but he didn’t he get onto Wally about it and was happy Dick and Wally were warm under his cape.

Even when it wasn’t cold Dick and Wally would sit under Batman’s cape just because they wanted to for old times sake and to feel like a kid again. They would have fun thinking and talking about all of the memories they had when they were Robin and Kid Flash and their special and fun times under Batman’s cape when they were kids. Batman and Flash didn’t care that they still did this and Jim and the League never questioned it either even though they thought it was crazy they still did because Batman never said anything about it or judged them so they didn’t either.

They would also remind and talk to Batman about all of the silly, fun, and crazy things that happened when they went under his cape and when they were Robin and Kid Flash and Batman would respond to them and join in on their conversation. Soon Jim or the other League members join in. Then Dick and Wally would come out and things got crazy and more lively as they all were having a fun time remembering and talking about the good old days and how funny and adorable Dick and Wally were.

When Bruce wasn’t talking with them he was looking around at everyone as he listed to them talk remembering how happy and fun those days were thinking about how great it was that he has these wonderful people and friends in his life and how happy he is that Dick and Wally had and still have each other as a friend. Bruce would eventually make eye contact with Barry and Bruce and Barry would give each other this knowing look about what the other was thinking.

Barry knew Bruce was thinking about how happy he is they are friends just like how Bruce knew Barry knew he was happy they are friends. Bruce also knew Barry was thinking about how happy and thankful he is that Wally had Dick as his best friend growing up and how happy and thankful the is that Wally still has Dick as his best friend just like how Barry knew Bruce was thinking about how happy and thankful he is that Dick had Wally as his best friend growing up and how happy and thankful the is that Dick still has Wally as his best friend.

[fangzeronos]

Heroes Do (Batwoman/Catwoman)

Look, this may just be the stupidest thing I have ever written, but I had to do this. Posting it here so y’all can laugh at how ridiculous this is.

Selina Kyle was pissed. The news was commenting about her sex life, even citing Batman as a recurring lover. Not that she could deny it, everyone knew that she was in his Kevlar once in a while. What she was mad about, and it was something that Bruce had doubled down on, was that the media was saying, especially in different social sites, that Batman refused to go down on her. While it wasn’t a secret from anyone in the Batfamily, Selina had a habit of being found with her head in Bruce’s lap, and she wouldn’t deny that she enjoyed it. She just wished that her pointed-ear lover would return the favor more then once every couple of years.

“Stupid bastard,” she muttered, slamming her fist into a chimney and wincing as she shook her hand out. “Suck his fucking dick all the goddamn time, and the one time I ask him if I can ride his face, he’s just “No, Selina, I can’t let you do that. Heroes don’t do that.” Well, what the fuck am I!?”

“Sexually frustrated?” another voice asked, a figure dropping down onto the rooftop beside Selina. Standing up, the new figure revealed herself to be Batwoman, flaming red hair protruding out of the cowl. “News is bullshit, and you know it.”

Selina rolled her eyes, turning away from Batwoman. “Not in the mood for another speech, Kate. Least of all from you.”

Kate chuckled, leaning against the chimney. “You’re pissed about what the media’s saying and what everyone with access to a keyboard is. Trust me, some heroes do enjoy it. I know for a fact that Superman goes down on his little reporter wife. And Flash does his girl too.” She looked at Selina and smiled. “What you need is a good fuck.”

“Oh, yeah? Where the hell am I going to get that, Bat?” Selina asked. “Bruce doesn’t want to fuck me for a while. Could see if Jason’s busy. Or Dick.”

Kate laughed. “No, no. Don’t go after the boys. Do you want rumors going around that you’re robbing the Batcave cradle?” she asked, walking over to Selina. “No, what you need is a woman’s touch. Trust me, I know that you’re not as straight as you think you are, babe. Annika?”

“How the fuck--?!” Selina asked, rounding on Kate. “What do you propose, then? I go down to Crime Alley and spread my legs?”

“No,” Kate said. “I’m offering to help.”

Selina rolled her eyes. “No thanks, Kate. Not tonight. Think I’ll just go home. Least my vibrators don’t talk back.” She turned away, grabbing her whip from her hip.

Kate sighed, shaking her head. “Maybe this’ll convince you,” she said, turning Selina to face her. She stuck her tongue out, curling it and touching the nose of her cowl. She watched Selina’s eyes go from mild disgust to horny in an instant. “Well?”

“What…in the fuck?” Selina asked. “How in the hell is your tongue that long?” She blinked, unconsciously licking her lips. “What the hell did you do in the service, Kane?”

Kate smirked, walking over to Selina. “How do you think I stayed out of trouble, Cat?” she asked. “As to your second question, an accident as a kid. That small bit that keeps the tongue centered? Severed it like Gene Simmons. Now my tongue can do things that you can only dream of. And judging by the fact that you’ve licked your lips several times—mm!”

Selina lashed her whip around Kate and dragged the Batwoman close, slamming their lips together and kissing the redhead. “Stop talking,” she growled. “And fucking show me.”

Kate laughed, her hands sliding up and grabbing Selina’s ass. “Yes, ma’am,” she said, hearing the Catwoman purr as she squeezed Selina’s ass. She dragged a hand up, fingers finding the zipper of her catsuit and pulling it down slowly, her tits spilling out of it after it reached her navel. “Mmm…nice tits.”

“All real,” Selina said, laughing and moaning when Kate started to tongue her nipple. “Fuck…” She tugged her suit off of her arms, letting it pool around her waist before she started pushing it down further, wiggling her hips. She could feel the leather sticking to her body, and she didn’t care. Her panties were soaked, and she reluctantly pulled Kate off of her tits. “While I enjoy having your mouth there, babe, I need you lower.”

Kate smirked, sinking to her knees and pushing the catsuit down to the ground, Selina stepping one leg out of it. She leaned forward and slowly dragged her tongue against Selina’s pussy, making the other woman gasp and clutch at her head. “Fuck…you taste good already,” she said. “And I Haven’t even started.”

Selina moaned as she felt Kate’s tongue, and she bit her lip to try and not be so loud. “Fuck…” she moaned. “Kate…”

Kate reached up and grabbed one of Selina’s tits, her tongue digging into the Catwoman. She pulled back and licked her lips, looking up at Selina. “You like my tongue in your cunt, don’t you?”

“Yes…” Selina moaned, grabbing Kate’s cowl ears and pulling her back in, hooking her leg over the Batwoman’s shoulders. “Don’t stop until I tell you.”

Kate smiled against Selina’s pussy, sliding her tongue back in before she started teasing Selina’s clit. She swirled her tongue inside of the Cats soaked snatch, teasingly curling the tip of her tongue to tease her.

“Ah!” Selina gasped. “Tonguing my G-spot? Fuck…!” She arched her back as she felt Kate digging harder with her tongue, feeling her fingers pinch her clit. “Oh, God…Kate, I’m--!” She screamed out as she arched, grip tightening on Kate’s cowl as her pussy gushed, juices squirting out and splattering on Kate’s cowl.

Kate slowly dragged her tongue out of Selina, pulling back and sitting up on her knees, watching Selina pant, her chest heaving. She licked her lips, pulling her cowl off and looking at the wetness on the mask. “Damn. I didn’t think you’d do that. Last girl that squirted on me like that was Renee.”

“I do…quite often…” Selina moaned, reaching down and slowly sliding her fingers against her spasming pussy. “Fuck…where have you been all my life?”

“Sleeping with the Question, and occasionally that cute little Latina Green Lantern. And occasionally that hot agent from the Crows,” Kate said, helping Selina sit up. “Feel better?”

“Mmm…yes,” Selina said, leaning forward and kissing Kate. “Definitely putting you on speed dial, Bat.”

“Oh, really? Next to which Robin?” Kate asked with a smirk. She laughed at the look on Selina’s face, and she smiled. “Oh, please. You think Jason was able to keep quiet that he fucked your brains out on his eighteenth birthday? We got drunk at the bar and he told me. Didn’t take long to figure out that you’ve done the same thing for Dick and would probably do Tim if getting the chance.”

“I did Stephanie,” Selina said with a smile. “That blonde knows how to work a strap-on.”

“Oh, really? That sounds like a challenge, Cat,” Kate said, a devilish glint in her eyes.

“You got one that you want to put to the test, Bat? Be my guest,” Selina said, standing up and grabbing her suit. “Time and place.”

“My apartment. Friday night,” Kate said. “See who walks away without a limp.”

[oh-for-fic-sake]

Ace In The Hole

Masterlist

When the team decides to bring back Superman Wonder Woman agrees but on one condition she can bring someone in to help in case he goes rogue. Bruce agree just for a quiet life however no one was quite expecting a tall pubescent teen.

Warnings:Swearing, sort of angsty, bit of fluff

A/N: This was a request from priestess-of-death for a Scarlet witch type Shy Teen reader x Motherly Wonder Woman helping to defeat Steppenwolf. I used a mix of comic and movie abilities and got a little creative with the back story. This was the first heavy action piece I have done I tried really hard to make them believable and I hope it lives up to you expectations xx ps its looong!

Dividers are made by wrightyourmindaway

Ace In

Diana smiled in encouragement as she lead you down into a...warehouse? You looked around slowly as you both breezed through some heavy looking security. You moved closer to her trying to calm your breathing."You'll be fine... They are children really, nothing to be frightened of I promise" you nodded to the woman fully trusting her, she had never lead you wrong before and was unlikely to stat now. Quickly scurrying up behind her your shaking hands clutching as her forearm in a white knuckle grip as she made it into the huge warehouse where there was a group of people waiting....

"Whats Mr Wayne doing here?" You tilted your head a little to her she smiled at you patting your hand but ignored the question as Bruce moved forward holding a hand out to her exasperated.

"Diana...What? I thought you said you had someone who'd help with-" he stopped when she shot him a look holding a hand on your shoulder she pulled you around her pressing insistently so you stood forward. Almost as if trying to show you off to the group rubbing your back as your breathing hitched. The others glowered at the woman behind you instantly making assumptions about you already. It was clear to them that you had no idea what was about to be asked of you.

"Why have you returned with a kid? I thought you were going to get someone who could actually help! We have a crisis on our hands here-" Diana growled moved stepping away from you making you panic a little just sort of hovering there alone as the other three analyzed you. Each eyeing you intently weighing you up, judging you. You wanted to melt into the floor you trusted Diana you really did...But this was big...or you thought it was, it must be she hadn't shared the details but for her to pull you out of school; And your attendance was something she was very strict with .It must be a big deal. You shifted from one foot to the other well aware of the men in the room outright staring at you. You took a deep breath trying to focus on anything other then the situation you found yourself in.

"She is here to help Bruce..She's something else powerful and I know shes going to be a great help." You moved pulling on the sleeves of your knit sweater the cuffs loose from the way you bite and pull at them from anxiety, you twisted the soft wool through your fingers looping and unlooping the hanging stitch around the tip of your finger, you looked around. She turned to you holding out a hand and you all but ran at her pinching at her jacket. Bruce wasn't convinced peering at you with a huff.

"I met her a few years ago, she helped me save a lot of people and is definitely someone we need on the team." You took a deep breath as Mr Wayne gave you a sharp look.

"Soo she has abilities? What are they?" You looked wide eyed at Diana as Bruce stood over you and flinched trying to tuck yourself into her.

"I...er...There’s lots...hard to explain..." you spoke quietly almost frightened of being heard by him...He seemed very strict. He sighed realizing he wasn't going to get very far in the way of answers from you, turning on his heal he threw Diana a look tilting his head at her.

"Right...okay so in other words not a clue.." Diana growled at him moving to shield you as you bit your lip looking at the floor. You could see the man was stressed you took a slow step back not used to being this close to strangers....you didn't like strangers. They were...unpredictable.

"How is she gonna be help if she is to scared to even speak?"

"Bruce! She isn't scared she is just shy... She has what we amazons call chaos magic...Its an ancient gift! One that is coverted by ancient beings....It proved very useful in fighting him last time!" You closed your eyes cursing yourself for being so shy, but you were surprised when the frighteningly tall long haired man stood from his seat on the desk looking to Diana then you staring holes into you.

"Chaos magic? As in the gods sealing disgraced gods magic inside a mortal? That Chaos magic?....Isn't that supposed to be a fairy tale? Legend or something? yadda yadda all that shit?" You looked at him as he watched you intently...Gods? You looked to Diana for help you don't know what the huge man meant but it frightened you.

"Not legends Arthur...They were real...For generations these bloodlines held some magical abilities...But as time grew on the blood thinned going from incredible abilities to clairvoyant falling further and further until finally the gods interference was... effectively bred out and they became normal humans again... She is a matriarch of a new bloodline... She has to be! Her abilities are far to similar to those of the first generations. She has Chaos magic and its strong...stronger than anything the amazons have seen in nearly two and a half thousand years" The man; Arthur nodded to you and huffed

"I know what they are... But You really expect me to believe that all that power is in this lanky pipsqueak that speedy Gonzalez over there could snap like a twig?" He laughed shaking his head scoffing.

"Sorry but I just don't see it" he walked passed you and leaned on a metal beam still eyeing you.Diana was quick to jump at him, hell bent on protecting you from his seemingly harsh words. The others stood back as she got irritated with Arthur and Bruce's attitude.

"Trust me on this she stands more of a chance against Superman then the five of us together" you looked up at her startled. Against Superman? Wasn't he dead? Unless he never died but something else happened to him something sinister?...And what did she mean against. Did they want you to fight superman. Fuck no. You pulled at her arm making her look at you softly.

"What? but I thought he was... I...Is that what you need? For me to...To what exactly? Fight him? I don't think I can-" She moved over to you leaning down, tho not to far considering you were very tall for your age having your teenage growth spurt a tad early and settling at a firm 5 foot 4 inches and still growing. She gave you an apologetic look.

"We are bringing him back...And we want...Need all the help we can get...We don't know what's going to happen, if he is going to be the same..." you hugged yourself tightly shrugging her off a little shaking your head.

"B-but you said...I'm not...What you saw me do could...I could change him, fuck him up so bad and then what?" She sighed looking down she knew full well you didn't have much confidence in yourself but the others? your outburst hadn't helped convince anyone. She knew you wasn't ready but she didn't have a choice, no one did not anymore. She moved back to face you smiling softly.

"Your strong, I've seen some of what your capable of and I feel like that was just the tip of the iceberg...I’m sorry for doing his to you, so young...so much to loose and If I could keep you out of this I would...I know I said that I would call on you when your ready...when you have grown into your powers...But we don’t have time for that we need you now...there is an enemy...Steppenwolf he has tried to end this world once before over three thousand years ago the three races of men thwarted him then... but he has come back with a vengeance and is here already days away from destroying this planet and we need to put and end to him. To do that we need as many meta-humans fighting this battle and we need Superman back... I promise that I will protect you even if it costs me my life...But please please we need you with us." You looked down at your feet and nodded.

"Okay...I will help...Can you just give me a sec....need to go home and get changed" you heard Bruce and Arthur sigh and start complaining they didn't have time, but Diana ignored them nodding to you. You smiled and closed your eyes vanishing in a cloud of bluey purple fog like haze, teleporting from the warehouse.

Diana smirked as the moaning men stopped their bitching as the tall teen disappeared. She moved slowly to the desk leaning on it crossing her arms and frowned at the team."I expect you to be much kinder to her. There’s no need for you to go at her like that! She is young and shy and what I've asked from her has probably terrified her, but she is here and she is helping, that is my compromise on bringing him back. She stays, I'm taking full responsibility for her, you upset her or scare her away and there will be hell to pay! Understand?" The four men gulped each nodding slowly, Barry looked ready to piss himself. It took a lot for Diana to get defensive like this and none of them had ever seen her in the almost hostile state. She meant business. She nodded after meeting everyone's gaze. it was clear that Diana was very protective of you and none of them doubted she would rip them a knew one if they upset you.

"Remember be nice... This was the compromise and you agreed Bruce" Suddenly you were back in the room this time in a pair of thick black leggings and long sleeved blue top with tiny white anchors on it much easier to move around in...its not like you actually had a super suit. Blinking shaking your head a little you smiled shyly as everyone looked at you closely the silence was broken by Bruce who began to fill you in on The plan.

You moved cautiously around the ship as Bruce and Viktor moved Superman's ...corpse? Body? Into the pool letting him sink a little. You looked from one to the other as they all began discussing how this was gonna go, for the mos part you tried to keep out of everyone’s way but as they deliberated amongst themselves emphasizing how this had to be executed so precise to the second you spoke up.

"I-I'll hold it.....If Barry is late I will slow it down....So it hits...The water thingy...on time." They looked to you, Diana smiling happy that you was willing to help it had been the first time you'd tried making yourself heard...So far you'd only spoke when directly asked something and even then it was one word answers if you could get away with it. She probably should have shed some light on you for the others and filled them in on your story but she was hoping that you would open up to them, she supposed it was her...Motherly instinct towards you she was trying to she was trying to use this situation as a learning curve to pry you out of your shell with the group so they would help you over your shyness...It was holding you back and she could see the others didn't really understand they didn't see anything but a silly little girl who didn't belong here mistaking your shy nature for fear ,Barry sighed placing hands on his hips taking a dismissive tone with you.

"How its not like you can see me when I'm moving that fast-"Diana frowned going to scold Barry for trying to dismiss you so rudely but was cut off by you speaking up for yourself, seeing a glimpse of the fiery girl behind the shy exterior.

"How can you say that when you've never seen my powers..." He scoffed shaking his head at you then turned to the others

"I'll get into position count me down" Before you could reply to him he was gone. you looked down to your sleeves again tugging on them. That was why you didn't bother with people, you were mature and quiet which was strange for a thirteen year old you knew that, but it never got easier having people always underestimate you for your age. Victor sighed looking at you he could see your dilemma to an extent you were much like him, you had low confidence and being shy wasn't doing you any favors he still didn't think you belonged there but he could see how crushed you was being shut down by Barry when all you wanted to do was help.

"You really think you can?..This has to be spot on there can't be any mistakes" you looked to the water again then nodded.

"I've stopped trains and stuff.." Viktor blinked at you.

"This is going to be faster than a train maybe you should step back on this one..." he frowned noting his comment had come across almost as dismissive as Barry's and you heaved a slow deep breath looking to Superman , he could see you fidgeting with your fingers again. He sighed and looked towards Diana flinching when he noticed her dark look as she shook her head at him then spoke on your behalf.

"Is it faster then lightning?" You turned to Diana who spoke for you and smiled at her as Viktor turned to you shocked,.

"Lightning? You’ve stopped lightning?" You nodded shrugging slowly twiddling the threads on your sleeves which by now everyone knew was a habit, something you did when your anxiety spiked.

"Ugh well yeah it was gonna hit the tree in my garden....It'd make it fall on my dads car and he'd get mad soo....So gave it a nudge... it was pretty fast so a box shouldn't be so hard to stop." He nodded with a small smile trying to reassure you. You guessed it was a good thing as he told you to be ready. Then it happened, the box began to fall and Barry ran...It was..he was to slow,well not slow but they would be off by a second or so and quickly raised your hands, your power lunged out in one short millisecond burst of bright blue making the Motherbox's descent stutter then it hit the water just as Barry Passed it. There was a bright light and a huge noise like a crack then you looked up noticing a hole in the ceiling, then to pool it was empty...Superman was alive!. You grinned excited that he was back! you felt a flood of relief as you realized the plan had worked but any joy was quickly replaced by a stomach churning uncertainty. You looked to Diana asking her what to do and she just smiled nodding for you to follow.

You found yourself standing in line with the others looking up as Superman paced slowly across his own monument, like a predator.....A confused dangerous predator finally he looked noticing you all. That was when your stomach dropped, something was wrong, seriously wrong.

"Diana! I-I can see....He's not right! He-hes confused angry, the memories are there...but-but not in order! Fast flashing even I cant make sense of them...there making me dizzy!....they are confusing...it looks...Feels painfull" Arthur looked down the line at you wide eyed.

"You can see in peoples heads?! Fuck me!" You winced and gave him a quick glance not really wanting to take your eyes off the frantic Alien. You looked back at Superman trying to tap into him. He was angry anxious worried...confused all in one yet above all he looked determined. Whatever he had just decided was definitely going to happen. You gasped seeing him turn for the worst.

"Diana...He remembers Bruce trying to kill him." At those words Diana realized how bad this was and watched him ready to strike. He zeroed in on Viktor who was loosing control of his arm. You quivered not wanting any part of this, terrified as Viktor fought with his defense system.

"P-please sto-op it ple-please I don't w-want to fight him pl-please" your words were barely a whisper, more breaths to be honest

"I cant..I'm sorry" it was to late, Viktor had fired. You watched in horror as the newly revived very volatile kryptonian swerved dodging the blast. Suddenly all hell broke loose.

You froze gulping physically shaking as the others dived at him each having a go at him each failing. You watched as Barry made his move but faltered slipping and scrambling out of the way. In moment of panic you moved, wanting to to help Barry who was still scrambling trying to get his legs underneath him to get away. Suddenly you were between them moving your hands up in a defensive move and stretching them pulling a think wispy cord of your power between them screaming throwing everything you had at the man? Alien? Your power erupted around him in a burst of purples and blues moving in an enraged roaring fire centering around him and tapered off into slow tendrils moving in a smoke like fashion. you grunted as he pushed against it. Cringing when he nearly tore himself free from it, you almost collapsed as he beat at it swiping this way and that. You glanced down seeing Barry sitting there stunned as you pushed back against Superman panting and grunting as he thrashed wildly at you.

"Barry! Move get out of here! I can't hold him for long!" you trembled body beginning to ache as your energy was pouring out towards him trying to fully ensnare him. There was a spark and Barry was gone of to the side. This was much harder then you'd thought it’d be and that was saying something. You coughed as he made a particularly well aimed heavy hit, the ricochet almost winding you making you draw back for a split second. Seeing you falter Arthur was quick to charge at him only to be batted away being sent flying as Superman man a bee line for you, he had decided to take you out first it seems. How you managed to throw out another wave towards him you didn't know but you had slowing him when he was a hairs breath away from you. You stumbled back quickly this wasn't working you couldn't hold him off for long. It was meant to fully subdue him! you panicked this was the first time someone had broken through it and you didn't know what to do. you looked left and right still trying to get as much distance between the two of you as he managed to land another hit momentarily breaking you down. you scrabbled back as the others lunged for him again all being strewn across the area as he still gunned for you. You struggled to keep him at bay it wasn't working as intended but it slowed him down significantly, his lunges and punches were more like a mortal man. Slow enough to dodge you cried out moving and dodging him as best as you could then you screamed seeing the red of his eyes. He was going to?!

"NO STOP PLEASE!" He didn't listen you could see it in his face, you were an enemy something to destroy. You pulled back quickly switching from slowing him to attacking him throwing a wave of fire? Energy? You didn't know what it was but it destroyed things and right now it was your only chance at survival. You didn't hesitate. You couldn't! It was wrong, felt wrong but you attacked him just in time his lethal eyes released their heat you felt it as it hit yours causing an almost sunburn like feeling across your uncovered skin. You heard Diana screaming out at him the moment he unleashed his red gaze at you but it didn't gather his attention.The impact threw you both back, he was up quicker then you. He got up and regarded you for a second trying to figure you out then rushed at you once again, you caught him again slowing him. He looked around and fought batting at your hold of him, trying to find that weak spot again. You moved deciding to read him, it was risky and if it didn't work you were dead but...But if it did? he would be back...properly. steeling your nerves you twisted ducking dodging his fist sidestepping him spinning and throwing up a hand just catching him with your fingers hovering them at his temple and pressed one smoky glowing tendril into his mind you followed him forward maintaining contact watching as his eyes shone a bright color somewhere between purple and blue.

That was all it took to completely stop him, he was under....Sort of he was fighting you inside he felt lost and frightened, you ventured deeper projecting your self to him trying to show him you wasn't going to harm him.

"I-it's okay...I'm not gonna hurt you I just wanna help....Just helping okay...Please please don't hit me" The others held their breath not quite sure what you'd done to stop the raging kryptonian. Whatever it was working as he stood stock still his arms dropping by his sides looking off into space. Once you felt him relax you spoke to him again

"I'm going to help..Just try to stay calm okay?" he didn't really reply just let out a breath his shoulders slumping head dropping to the side pressing your fingertips to the flushed skin on his temple. You smiled letting out a shaky breath and began weaving through his mind giving gentle tugs here and there pushing the images,his memories together into something he could hopefully understand. You felt his mind loose the frantic undertone as you moved them into place and let out a breath moving your other hand to his other temple. he grunted softly moving his eyes trying to peer at you they were softer then before.

"Err what is she doing?" Diana smiled at Bruce who had just showed up with a car pulling up behind him, a woman got out and ran towards them all .

"C-clark?" Diana had to grab the woman from running to him.

"No...Not yet, he is confused he is...attacking everyone he see" the woman looked on tearfully watching the teen with glowing hands do something to him she glanced at Diana worried

"Y/n She's....helping him she said his memories were confusing him, they were jumbled...He couldn't remember who he was...What he was it wad causing him pain trying to make sense...I'd bet shes helping him remember slowly...So it doesn't hurt him" as Diana said this the woman gulped looking frightened. Diana cast a smirk over to Bruce 'I told you so'.

"So she can manipulate minds?" Diana nodded

"I told you she is powerful she has an arsenal of abilities at her disposal....And as she gets older she will get stronger...She could get more abilities to but for now she is stable." Everyone seemed to take a deep breath as they watched closely. You slowly began to retreat from the kryptonians mind, he felt better calm and collected. You pulled your hands away completely but held them in front of you still, ready to attack if need be. He blinked once twice then a third and final time and looked at you clearly moving a had to his head rubbing at his temple.

"A-are you alright now? Please tell me your alright I don't want to fight you again..." he offered a small smile to you nodding slightly.

"I'm...Better thank you" you nodded and stepped back still wary of him. Your body trembled as adrenaline rushed through you still. Going up against him was terrifying and you never wanted a rematch You flinched when he suddenly turned as a red haired woman ran up behind him he grabbed her tight in a hug seconds later the pair were flying off...He wont be helping then? Shit. You watched as they disappeared only looking down as Diana had run up to you holding your arms twisting you this way and that checking you over."Are you okay? Your not hurt are you? He didn't hit you or-or" you shook your head as she fretted over you. You flushed as the others watched as Diana moved smoothing back your hair to look you in the eye, then ran her gaze across you again in frantic zig zags.

"No I'm fine...Didn't get hit, he will be back to normal soon...I put it back together again..." she grinned at you and hugged you to herself tight.

"I'm so very proud of you...You pulled through even though you were frightened and you did it! You were very brave" you looked at the floor kicking the ground.

"Y-your proud? No ones ever been proud of me before" She smiled pulling back from you.

"Of course I am! You were scared but had a job to do, you stopped him like I knew you could and you helped him come to his senses!"

"But he left! That wasn't the plan"

"It doesn't matter...You did it...You and I hope its proved to yourself that you are in control of this, that you can help" you nodded then snapped your head over to the ship, there was a portal opening up on the other side you saw steppenwolf in it holding the box. The Motherbox was gone...He had all three.

Since the whole incident with superman the groups seemed more tolerant of you. You'd proved your usefulness to an extent so they were more receptive to you still tho they was finding it hard to see past you shyness and the fact your were a thirteen year old. But things were slightly better in the team.there was low morale they were irritated.

"Sooo? Y/N what was that back there? it think its time you told us just what you can do." the others nodded at Bruce’s statement. you took a breath and nodded to him swallowing looking him in the eye

"I-I can do lots...telekinesis moving stuff... The beamy fire thingy...That’s err w-well I’m not sure Diana calls it energy manipulation...I can sometimes make force fields and barriers....Teleportation then I can read people...Like look in there heads ...its what I did to him mindreading sort of and recently I’ve noticed I can twist thoughts...That’s what I did to him to but I swear I was just helping his thoughts were all over the place, he really really wanted to kill us..." Arthur wriggled his fingers in the air

"So that glowey eye thing you did to him makes him what? exactly." you swallowed

"I-I was..well... its hard to explain, he was angry, confused and in pain so i looked through...I put them in order;his thoughts...Just gentle tugs so he would calm down....The only other thing I have realized recently" you glanced warily across the room everyone was watching intently Diana was nodding to you she knew as you got older you’d gain more abilities.

"What is it?”

"Peoples perceptions I can change it as I see fit...Make them believe things...Make them see things.... Hallucinations and stuff... Make them experience their darkest fears of wildest dreams." there was a breath of silence Viktor smiled at you

"And it worked...Thank you I..We could all see how hard it was for you but you really pulled through" you smiled wide at them

"Really? Your not..not mad he left I mean I know that could have stopped him and dragged him back but I didn't wanna hurt the lady..." Bruce spoke up next shaking his head.

"Honestly if it wasn't for you doing what you did...We would all be dead...I'm not sure even Lois would have been enough to stop him. And you made the right call not pulling him back..Yo-you did good kid you did real good...But no pokeing around our minds you here me?" You giggled relaxing for the first time around them nodding

"I-I wouldn't do that anyway...I don't make a habit of it sometimes what you see can...Hurt" your voice trailed off and the room fell into a deafening silence everyone knew there was a story behind it but didn't press further. Barry noticing the tension spoke up.

"Soo is this a bad time to bring up my blood sugar?" Bruce sighed waving him off just before Barry left he asked you to join him. He had been much more approachable since saving him in the battle. You smiled gratefully as you knew he was giving you and escape from the 'adult talk' and followed him out of the bat cave.

This was it, you'd found him the ride over here had been...Tense and embarrassing for some...Namely Arthur who had inadvertently had a heart to heart with everyone after he'd sat his ass on Diana's lasso of truth. Yet during his funny rambling he had admitted that the thought you was 'kick ass' and that he'd been to quick to judge you, which had made you beam at him. But now as you stood with the others overlooking the chaos being unleashed upon the people you shivered, those fear demons were swarming the place and they will pose a problem for you.You were scared. Scared of the fight, scared of loosing a member of the team. And most of all scared of failure.

You watched as large mineral like pylons arched in and out of the ground causing craters into the ground, they all moved faster spreading out from the center of all the chaos. You looked towards the others as they to peered down at the town. Bruce had dropped you off and was making his way towards it. There was a massive dome covering the town that was protecting it from any outside interference. You watched as a huge swarm of those..Fear demons swirled around inside that is what you were worried about. This was the first proper full scale battle you were going to be in and you were scared so they were going to go to town on you. You held your breath when Bruce got closer and closer.

"Sh-should he be doing that alone?" You asked to no one in particular they all watched humming then turned to Diana.

"....No not alone lets go" you nodded watching as Bruce broke through the dome hitting it full speed creating an opening then slowly the dome shattered falling to the earth in huge chunks causing the ground to tremble below your feet as you all made your way down to the town. You watched intently as Bruce continued his kamikaze mission luring the fear demons his way with a loud irritating sound blasting from the batmobile. Somehow you managed to keep pace with them only just reaching the town before the fight began.

In the panic you got separated from the others but you knew what you needed to do. You moved fast doing small teleporting 'jumps' here and there using the energy around you to attack the stragglers that Were to slow to catch up to Bruce. You moved with ease as you burned and disintegrated the fear demons one by one then as you go more confident you stretched out hitting more and more with each attack slowly getting the hang of it. You stopped on top of a low building trying to work out your and the others positions. They were all scattered but Bruce was coming towards you fast but he was smothered! The demons were attacking the batmobile in one quick move you made the leap as he tore down the road like a bat out of hell. By some miracle you landed on it as you did Bruce. Began bitching at you

"What the?.....Kid what the hell are you doing? Get down from there!" Rolling your eyes you pushed on all sides creating a deadly barrier around him instantly killing anything within a nine foot radius.

"JUST KEEP GOING!" You could feel his exasperation threw the metal of the vehicle, but he continued moving using your barrier to take out more and more of them hitting right threw the main swarm leaving dust in your wake as you tore through them.

"Okay kid good job....Now off I'm about to make a quick exit" you smiled happy that he had finally acknowledged you...Praised you. You moved to the side and off quickly pulling the energy that was clogging up the air around you, using it to make a safe landing as you saw the Batmobile jump and Bruce pop out of it kicking ass.

You looked towards the huge nuclear chimney in the distance. That was your target, you began running making your way towards it, by now all your fear had died out. You'd found a new confidence, you could do this. You could help them save people. Save the world, and it was a good feeling. You moved your hands in a huge circular motion then pushed forward defeating large amounts of fear demons with larger blasts as you move further towards the epicenter where the boxes were clearly being held. Around half way Diana and Arthur caught up with you.

"Kid! Ease up!" You blinked confused as Arthur pulled your arm down.

"What? But I?" Diana cut you off.

"Y/n Steppenwolf cant know, we cant let him know what you are he will kill you...Its clear he learned his lesson from last time, he isn't fooling around one of your kind brought him down last time nearly killed him and he thinks that your all gone..." Arthur patted your shoulder

"Your our ace in the hole pipsqueak! We need you to tone it down so he don't get any ideas, you need to be up by Viktor when the boxes can be separated you have to be there and help pull them apart." You looked from one to the other.

"Clark is a no show and we still don't know how deep Viktor’s going to go...your the next one who can do it...I know I'm asking a lot but could you-" you interrupted her with a smile.

"You can count on me... I'll do it!" She smiled pulling you to her giving you a hug you missed the severe look the two shared over you.

It wasn't long before the team found itself facing of Steppenwolf himself. You and Barry got into position being put on what Barr called 'bug duty' you each moved around one another disposing of the bugs around Viktor as he worked. You flinched as the platform shook with a hit from the fight below. You whimpered frightfully feeling just how heavy the hits were.

"Y/n your okay...your okay alright! Just stay with me! " you looked to Viktor even when trying his hardest to work he was trying to calm you down. You ignored what ever doubts were in your head and pulled yourself together.

"I-I'm alright just ...Don’t worry about me I'm fine!" attacking the few bugs that your momentary fear had called over, dealing with them quickly.

That was when it happened, you saw it Diana leapt down over Arthur protecting him from falling debris. For a split second your heart stopped as you couldn't help panicking. No one should survive a direct hit like that, forgetting that they wasn't ordinary humans you feared the worst and screamed out to them. As you thought you'd just lost the closest thing to a mother you'd ever known. The thought made you loose control the blast you sent out came in two shock waves, the first quick and violent making the earth tremble and the second a rolling wave of raging fire like destruction , you didn't know how far it went but it felt much bigger than anything you'd achieved before and brought you to your knees leaving you weak.

The you gasped when you looked up seeing Diana throw the debris away and you smiled nearly sobbing as you shook on the floor. The relief was short lived as Steppenwolf's eyes locked on you, within seconds you were held by your throat he hoisted you up to his face.

"Chaos? I thought you were all dead...pity" you struggled against him, weak and unable to anything more then scratch at his hand that covered front the base of your neck all the way to your face covering your mouth and nose. He moved kicking Viktor with all his might sending him flying then he moved arm stretched out over the platform. You panicked you needed some time to get your energy back, you were exhausted drained and the fact you could use your powers was making you panic even more. You bit his hand but to no avail he was slowly suffocating you, you tried kicking at him but it didn't work.

Suddenly you could breath! As you began falling you saw Arthur’s tridents protruding from the arm that held you. You dint have time to scream as you fell feeling a strong cable loop around your ankle. Bruce had caught you and heaved you up to the platform where Viktor was. You panted trying to ease your lungs

"You alright?" You calmed yourself down nodding to him then scrabbled to the motherboxes you needed  energy and there was a perfect source right in front of you one quick swipe across it and you had taken some fro yourself, like charging up a battery.It was lucky you did as steppenwolf was coming up behind you fast you moved just in time rolling away and threw a blast at him but it didn't do much damage you were still very weak. You moved changing tactics pulling the objects around you trying to impale him or something. You landed a few hits on him as you ran around frantically dodging him. Diana got between you jumping and attacking him getting him off your back for a few seconds.

It was then you heard it, the sonic boom that was the tell tale arrival of Superman you looked up trying to spot him. But in looking up you failed to notice steppenwolf stalking towards you he had beaten away Diana and was coming for you again he raised his weapon and struck the platform making it smash and you screamed as you began falling still to weak you use your teleportation. Your descent was cut short as you were caught all you saw was a flutter of red, you looked up seeing Clark holding you gently.

"Please pay more attention...people like him wont play fair now where do you need to be?" you nodded to Viktor as he hovered for a few seconds

"Right" he nodded then flew higher you squeaked as he moved fast twisting around steppenwolf as he lunged for you both with ease and placed you next to victor.

"Stay on your guard... I mean it" he pointed a finger at you as he spoke, you gasped as you saw a huge fist flying toward him but he knew quickly dodging it then punching steppenwolf in the face sending him into the chimney , he followed him beating the crap out of him. You moved to Viktor  and placed a hand over the boxes letting some of their energy flow into you, you noticed Viktor’s quick questioning gaze.

"Its energy....And I'm low so just...Charging?" He gave a subtle nod and continued.

"Good you’ll need it" You felt your power flooding back slowly you stayed still taking as much as you could. Only stopping when you felt a shift behind you. You turned seeing Arthur Bruce and Diana battling steppenwolf but try as they might he was gaining on you and Viktor the battle naturally veered towards you. You wasn't sure what happened but something must have as Barry and Clark were no where to be seen.

Taking one last surge of energy from the boxes you pivoted throwing it to steppenwolf blasting him back down to the floor below giving Arthur the perfect opening to strike from above the others following now keeping him occupied down there. You sighed they could hold him off for a while longer.

"Is he still bothering you?" You watched as Clark dive bombed him into the floor leaving a huge crater, as the huge alien tried to sit up Clark hit him again keeping him down.

"QUICKLY THERE READY!" You held your breath as Viktor shouted this. It was time. He called Clark over and explained what had to be done.

"And fall out from these?" You and Viktor shared a look and he nodded to the kryptonian.

"Err yeah big boom." You added he nodded as you all got ready, you couldn't worry about the others now you had a job to do.

On Viktor’s signal and three of you pulled. You quickly realized this was going to hurt, you held your breath pouring everything you had into prying the boxes apart. Your body shook as your muscles ached and pulled trying to cramp as you pressed on. You screamed out i agony when you began moving them away, it was working but at what cost? You could feel your power waning fast quickly being drained. Tears streamed down your face as you tried pushing harder taking it up a gear. Your palms stung and it was getting harder to breath, the high raw power off these things made the air thick and hot it was burning your throat and lungs. Finally with one more heave they seemed to snap away from each other. The blast was something else it didn't hit you more like went through you. Hitting your insides just as hard as your skin.

You were thrown off the platform and hit the ground hard. Your back took most of the fall you wheezed trying to catch some breath. You could hear the other two laughing and joking...You didn't understand how tho didn't they just feel that? You tried moving only to cry out slightly it would have been louder but you couldn't move not even your jaw. Diana heard you tho and ran kneeling next to you.

"Y/N! Oh my god! Are you alright?" You looked at her panicked you wanted to tell her you couldn't move, but you could only lay there moving your eyes. You winced as something built up inside of you, moving...Bubbling almost you could feel it in your nerves biting at them with a sharp sting. It was quickly moving to the surface what ever this was it wanted out now! Your skin prickled hair standing on end.

"Can you? GUYS SHE-SHE CAN'T.. I DON'T THINK SHE CAN MOVE HELP! DO SOMETHING!" You watched as Diana's face went from worried to panicked making you worry more, you heard the others moving over to you but you managed a slight shake of your head. No get back! You screamed in your head for them to back away but it was to late Diana had leaned over you and moved a hand to touch you instantly she was blasted back from the contact, you felt heard her land hard a few meters away. Releasing the small blast had revealed some pressure and  was now letting the energy escape from you. In a few seconds you was able to move albeit you were stiff and slow in getting up. Your body was jerking and shuddering twitching as the your powers swirled around uncontrollably below the surface.

"Y/N what the? WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!" You flinched and turned to an irate Arthur who was helping up Diana the woman placed a hand on his arm stopping him from shouting at you. Viktor to held up a hand trying to calm him.

"She couldn't help it.... The blast hit us...She absorbed it, she was using the energy earlier charging herself fro. It...she's must have absorbed to much and its trying to escape" you looked to Viktor in thanks standing slowly you could feel it the raw power ghosting the skin of your palms the bright blues and purples coiling off of you into tendrils of smoke.

You caught from the corner of your eye steppenwolf rising enraged he moved aiming his weapon for Barry. One blast was all it took for you knock the others away , steppenwolf  took most of the blast but you hit your target shattering his weapon the ricochet sending him into the thick concrete behind him. You looked to the others although they were scattered on the floor they were fine. You called all of the excess power fro. the boxes, it needed to be used and you had just the target, you felt it rise as you molded your own around it to keep control. The others watched at

"Wh-what no! NO THIS CANNOT BE!" He charged at you but you stood your ground the others watched as you became engulfed in a swirling mass of dangerous power. This is what Chaos truly looked like steppenwolf looked frightened and he had a right to be, none of them wanted to be in his shoes at that moment. You thrust both hands out hitting him directly he screamed still trying to rush forward but you pushed harder. It wasn't long before everything stopped. You let the last of the borrowed power rush forward from your palms and sighed.

Finally you was back to normal...Exhausted but normal, you dropped your hands slowly as everything retreated there was just a scorch mark where steppenwolf had stood. He was dead, you panted and wobbled a little unsteady on your feet that had really taken its toll on you. Diana ran up to you hugging you tightly supporting you as you dropped, you were dead on your feet.

"You-you killed him? How? not even we could all those years ago."you smiled then coughed a little

"Those boxes are...something else" you said chuckling you groaned as she held you tighter

"I'm so proud of you! You did so well I cant believe you did that, but don't you ever frighten me like that again you here?!" You nodded slowly to her as she pulled back holding you at an arms length you could see tears in her eyes.

"I thought I'd lost you! That I'd dragged you to your death!" You chuckled at her weakly

"Makes us even then?"

"Don’t you get cheeky with me!" She gave you a stern look then quickly smothered you with a bone crushing hug again just glad you were safe. None of the others knew where you had come from, or how you met Diana but what they did know that she had a bond with you that was not to be trifled with as they watched her dote on you who was very flushed and trying to pry her off of you.

"Dianaa stoopp! Their staring!" They chuckled at your whining and Diana's blatant ignorance to your embarrassment it was clear she was taking on the mother hen role as she licked her thumb and began wiping at a mark on your cheek making you wriggle and whine louder. The team looked to one another nodding making a silent vow to help protect and look after you. God help anyone who upsets this kid.

[preciousthingsareprecious]

With a Heart of Scars Ch. 10

Hey guys! I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy. This chapter splits POVs between Dick and Stephanie because both of them had short scenes. 

AO3 Link

~

Dick woke to a splitting headache.

He blinked up at the roof of the cave and wondered how he’d gotten there. The last thing he really remembered was the building coming down around him. So, who had gotten him home?

“Grayson? Are you awake at last?” a small voice asked from beside him.

Dick turned his head and saw Damian, curled up in a chair, hands wrapped around his legs, wearing a Nightwing hoodie of all things.

“Dames?”

The boy scowled, “Tt, I see you finally recognize me. Perhaps you did not lose all your sense when you allowed a building to fall on you.”

At that, Dick remembered his rescue. The image of Nightwing’s symbol the only clear thing on Damian’s then blurred figure, his terrified tone, and unrelenting grip as he dragged Dick to safety. He swallowed, at the memory of being lost in grief over Bruce, and wondered how much he’d admitted out loud.

“Hope I didn’t worry you too much.”

Damian rolled his eyes and laid his head back down on his knees, facing away from Dick, which Dick took as “yes, you did worry me.” He wouldn’t have needed the eye roll to know that. Damian had come after him, hardly dressed to be on patrol with little more than a domino and utility belt to help him, and was here sitting by his bed. Yeah, the kid was upset.

“Drake should have been there.” Damian mumbled, voice muffled due to one cheek being squished against a knee.

Dick pushed himself up so he was sitting, his chest twinged at that, but wasn’t nearly as painful as it might have been. His legs, however, were not pleased with the movement, and Dick winced at the sharp pain in his thighs.

“It’s not like he bailed, Damian. I planned to go out on my own.”

The boy squeezed his legs tighter, “He failed in his duty as Robin.”

“Batman used to go out all the time without Robin. I mean, when I was growing up I only went with Bruce on the weekends for the longest time. A partner is not a requirement, Dames.”

“He has not been a partner though, has he?” Damian asked, raising his head suddenly to level a serious look at Dick, “He has hardly been here for weeks, he left Batman at one of his most crucial times, while you were getting used to the cowl, and now because no one was by your side you almost--” he broke off, swallowing whatever he was going to say, “a building crashed down on you. It is not a question of what Batman has done in the past, but what he needs now.”

He dropped his legs to the ground, and balled his hands on his thighs, “You need a partner, Robin or not. This is a different Gotham than Father’s, if only because you are a different type of Batman.”

Dick was surprised that Damian didn’t tag on a jab at his skills as Batman as he’d done regularly. He expected to be told that he needed a partner because he wasn’t good enough to be Batman. What he had not expected was a heartfelt --for Damian-- speech about Dick needing to be safe.

He leaned forward and took one of Damian’s hands in his own, Damian hadn’t released his fist, so Dick ran this thumb over the top of his hand, “I’m sorry I made you worry. Thank you for looking out for me no matter what, and thank you for being so patient with me while we sort things out.”

He wanted to tell Damian he’d been thinking the same thing, and how much he wanted to bring him out as his partner, but he bit back those sentiments. He still needed to talk to Tim.

“I’ll talk to Tim when he’s back, see if he can stick around a little longer or something.”

Damian pulled his hand out of Dick’s and stood, “Good.” the word was clipped, “Let us hope he decides to stick around long enough to keep you alive this time.”

“Are you leaving?” Dick asked, frowning at him.

He hesitated, “I was going to get Pennyworth and let him know you were awake.”

Dick reached his hand out again, “Stay for a bit longer? You haven’t even told me just how much damage the building did to me.”

Damian sighed, and flopped back down into the chair, “You are surprisingly indestructible. Between your armor and pure luck you only need contend with a concussion, some heavy bruising, and mild lacerations to your thigh.”

“I’m sure Alfred will insist I stay in bed for a week.”

His brother shrugged, “He mentioned something of the sort. Brown and Cain have also agreed to look into the explosion while you are incapacitated. They would have gone after I returned with you, but by then emergency crews had arrived on the scene."

He wrinkled his nose, which made Dick raise an eyebrow.

"It took far too long to rally any kind of emergency response. Considering the time it took me to arrive and find you, firetrucks should have been swarming the area. It is as if something had delayed the signal."

"We'll have to look into that too then." Dick hummed.

He was about to ask Damian for more details, when the sound of a bike roaring came into the cave. Both Dick and Damian looked to see who was arriving. Robin's Redbird bike pulled in, and Tim was just turning it off.

“Damian, don’t start a fight, okay?”

“Tt. I will go get Pennyworth.”

This time, when Damian stood Dick did not stop him from walking away. He hated it, but the kid was dealing with a lot of emotions right now, and one of those was profound anger at Tim, maybe not Tim himself, but the fact that Dick had gotten hurt without Tim there. It was understandable, and Dick was willing to let him go and cool off a bit. Something told him that the longer he and Damian spent together, the more likely he'd become just about as overprotective as Bruce could be.

Dick shook his head, and put on a smile for Tim.

A light, angry, set of stomping feet preceded Damian’s entry to the kitchen. The sound was enough to alert Stephanie of the kid’s mood. She eyed Cass who nodded, having also picked up Damian’s emotional state even before seeing him.  It wasn’t like it was a hard guess. Beyond Cass, the kid was the only one who was still small enough to make a sound that light while also stomping, and Dick was downstairs hurt on a gurney. One plus one equals two, or in this case injured mentor plus stomping feet equaled an upset Damian.

The boy stopped short at the door to the kitchen, his face a veritable movie of emotions as he flipped from deep concentration to surprise, irritation, and at last settled on mild annoyance.

“Brown. Cain.” he said, by way of greeting.

“Hey.” Steph said.

Cass waved, and said, “Cocoa is on the stove.”

Both of them waited for Damian to pour himself a mug of the still warm hot chocolate, and settle on a stool across from them at the island.

“So, what’s the news? Did Dick wake up at last?” Stephanie asked him.

Damian scowled down at his drink, “Yes, the fool is awake.”

Steph raised an eyebrow, Damian wasn’t usually so grumpy when he talked about Dick. At least not anymore, especially since they’d gone out and bought all those art supplies. A genius stroke on Dick’s part, one she’d been planning to make him take if he hadn’t caught on sooner or later. Really, the kid screamed artist.

“What did he do to earn your ire?”

The boy tsked at her and sipped at his cocoa.

“We are not mind readers, Little Brother.” Cass said, gently.

Damian huffed, and looked up, “Drake has returned.”

Ah. That made sense. Steph stifled a smile, Damian’s little rivalry with Tim was pretty one sided, and while it had originally be born out of a need to fit in, it was obvious now it was about Dick’s attention.

“He’s been away a while, I’m sure Dick missed him.”

“Tt. That is not why I am upset.”

“Because Dick got hurt?” Cass asked, though they all knew it was the truth.

The boy squirmed in his chair, his scowl deepening.

“It’s pretty obvious.” Steph said.

“You two are insufferable.” Damian declared and took a large sip of his hot chocolate.

Now Stephanie did let herself laugh, “You know, if you gave Tim a chance I bet you’d find him as ‘tolerable’ as you find the rest of us lately.”

Damian tilted his head back, adding an air of superiority to him, even as he sat there in a hoodie too big for him, cupping hot chocolate in a Superman mug, “If he were here more often, then perhaps I could.”

“That, I can't fault.” Steph said, “But I won’t judge him for his actions either.”

“How is Dick?” Cass asked, changing the conversation.

Damian looked relieved he didn’t have to answer any more questions about his ‘rival’ and tapped a finger on the side of his mug.

“He is surprisingly well, and in far too good a mood for a man who had a building fall on him.”

There was something fond about Damian’s tone, even if he meant it to be dismissive. Steph was oh so tempted to tease him, but held off.

“Good.” she said, shifting in her chair, “Hey, what do you say to a trip to the park tomorrow? I need to get out and get some fresh air that’s not tinged with doom, gloom, and nighttime, and you told me you were bored of painting Alfred’s garden. A change of scenery would be fun.”

“You are trying to ensure I do not start a fight with Drake.”

Steph dropped her mouth open in an imitation of surprise, “Me? Never. I just thought you might want a change of scenery, and --since you’re ten and most certainty grounded from being alone in any kind of vehicle after tonight-- might need a ride.”

Damian groaned, “Pennyworth told you?”

She grinned, “A good deed does not go unpunished.”

The kid glared at her for a moment before nodding, “Fine, but I will not go to the last park we visited. The duck pond had no ducks at all.”

[peppersonironi]

Batfam/Avengers Crossover Chapter One: Arrival

Yo, this has been on Ao3 for a while and people seem to really love it, So I thought I’d post it here! Chapter below the cut.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Category: Gen Fandoms: Batman - All Media Types, The Avengers (Marvel) - All Media Types Relationships: Selina Kyle/Bruce Wayne, Natasha Romanov & Damian Wayne, Clint Barton & Cassandra Cain, Tim Drake & Peter Parker, Peter Parker & Tim Drake & Duke Thomas, Pamela Isley/Harleen Quinzel, Tim Drake/Kon-El | Conner Kent, Dick Grayson/Wally West, Roy Harper/Koriand'r/Jason Todd, Characters: Bruce Wayne, Selina Kyle, Jason Todd, Dick Grayson, Tim Drake, Damian Wayne, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown, Barbara Gordon, Justice League (DCU), Alfred Pennyworth, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanov (Marvel), Clint Barton, Thor (Marvel), Bruce Banner, Peter Parker, Alfred the Cat (DCU), Bat-Cow (DCU), Goliath (DCU), Selina Kyle's Cat Isis, Kate Kane (DCU), Duke Thomas, Additional Tags: Batbrothers (DCU), Avengers Meet The Batfam, MCU/Batfam crossover, Crossover, no beta we die like robins, rated T for Jason's language, I bleeped it out though. Just to be safe, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, canon? What's canon?, Deaf Clint Barton,Deaf Character, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Happy Batfamily (DCU), Birdflash and joyfire are implied/referenced,

Summary:

The Avengers find themselves in an alternate universe where none of them exist. Instead, there is a different group of heroes: The Justice League. They decide to work together to get the Avengers home. But not not everything is instantaneous, so the Avengers need a place to stay. The only place available is Wayne Manor.

Que Batfamily shenanigans!

Multi-chapter fanfic, with some one shots that go along with the plot thrown in.

Notes:

This is my first time writing anything with the Avengers - especially a deaf!clint - and the Batfam, so I apologize if anything is doc. Constructive criticism is appreciated!

This is mainly comic DCU with Movie Avengers (Set after the first avengers movie, plus Spiderman, cause I can ;-)

Crack! Bang! There was a flash of blindingly bright light, followed by a huge explosion.

"Wha- where are we?"

Tony Stark looked over to Peter who had been the first to speak. Crap, the kid had come here too. But wherever here was, he did not know.

Tony, Steve, Hulk, Thor, Clint, Peter, and Natasha stood in a loose clump at the center of a smoking crater. The sky was cloudy  and dark, and they appeared to be at least five miles outside of a big city, judging from the buildings in the distance. There was also a highway filled with streaming cars a couple of miles to Tony’s right.

“This isn’t right,” He muttered, opening his faceplate. Where were the sunny tropical trees that housed the compound of Anagnorisis - weird name, he knew - who was some D-list villain who thought some slightly advanced tech made them a world-conqueror. But Tony was beginning to think that those guns were a bit stranger and more advanced than he had previously believed.

“Tell me about it,” replied Steve. “Any idea where we are? Was it some sort of teleportation gun that was shot at us? This looks nothing like the Amazon.”

Before anyone could speak, Tony received a notification. Multiple incoming objects were approaching, fast . With the exception of the second fastest, they seemed to be airborne. “Multiple incomings, perhaps hostile. Most are flying. And they aren’t missiles. I think people ? But -”

“Who are you?”

Suddenly the first object arrived, and Stark was right. It was a black haired man in a blue skin tight suit with a red “S” on it and a flowing red cape. It would look ridiculous if he wasn’t glaring daggers at the group while flying .

He was joined almost immediately by another man, this time wearing an all red bodysuit with a lightning bolt on the chest and cowl. He was not flying though. He stopped in front of them swinging his arms as lightning dissipated. He had run there.

Next came a woman dressed in the colors of the american flag, with golden cuffs, tiara, and lasso by her side. She came with a man in a green, white, and black skin tight suit with some sort of symbol - perhaps a lantern? - on his chest. He also wore a green ring and black domino mask with white lenses on his face. They were both joined by another, a split second later. This was by far the strangest arrival. He was completely bald, with green skin and red eyes. He wore navy blue pants and cape, with only a red “X” over his chest. All three were floating.

“Who are you?” The blue and red man repeated.

Tony scoffed. Was this guy serious? “We’re the Avengers, obviously.”

The group shared a look. “Is that some new kind of villain group? I swear to all that is good and holy if I need to deal with another group who think they can rule the world, I. Will. Quit.” This time the man who spoke was the runner.

Steve replied, confusion clear on his face. “We’re not villains! We’re the Avengers; Earth’s mightiest heroes!”

Instead of coming to their senses, the strangely dressed newcomers laughed .

“You do realize you are speaking to members of the Justice League?” The woman spoke, her lips pursed.

“The who now?”

“Be quiet Kid, we don’t know what we’re dealing with.” Tony spoke to Peter. He was getting more worried by the second. Something was seriously wrong.

“Dealing with?” The green dressed man frowned, clearly suspicious of the Avengers. He started to fidget with his ring. “Well, since you don’t seem to know, let me enlighten you.” He gestured to each of his companions. “Superman, son of Krypton. Wonder Woman, Amazonian Princess. The Flash, fastest man alive. Martian Manhunter, well, a martian. And Me, Green Lantern. Member of the Green Lantern Core.”

Well, that explained everything. Not.

“We do not know you, strangers.” Thor spoke this time. “Perhaps you leave us be, our green friend over here gets frustrated easily.” He pointed to Hulk, who was breathing heavily.

The green man - martian, apparently - spoke for the first time. “Not until you tell us who you are and why you are in a smoking crater near His city.”

“His?” Clint clearly did not like the way the martian spoke of this character. To be honest, Stark didn’t either.

This got the most surprised reactions from the five. They looked at each other, and Tony could have sworn there was a hint of fear in their faces.

“Oh, He is so not going to like that.” Green Lantern said.

“Combined with the fact that we ditched Him.” The Flash cringed. Then looked worried again. “Yo, green grape, you okay.

The Hulk’s breathing was growing heavier, his face contorted into that of utter rage.

“Uh-oh,” Steve said.

“I . . . Not . . . GRAPE!” Hulk roared as he charged the The Flash who nimbly dodged. Superman went down to intercede, and just got punched by the Hulk. Though it did not seem to physically bother him, he was clearly angry.

Tony shut his face plate and moved forward, intending to stop the fight, but he only got attacked by the martian. Peter jumped forward to help, and soon everyone was fighting.

Thor was pitted against the Wonder Woman, and they seemed evenly matched.  Black Widow was against The flash, and despite his incredible speed she seemed to be almost winning. Both Hawkeye and Captain America were battling Green Lantern.

No one seemed to have the upper hand, which worried Tony. These people were tough. If they couldn’t beat them . . . he didn’t know what would happen.

Peter didn’t seem to share his worry though. He instead seemed to be having fun. Tony could tell the kid was smiling beneath his mask, and his body language screamed hyper and happy. He seemed to get that way whenever they fought together, and a small part of Tony was filled with a sense of parental pride.

The fight seemed endless, no one gaining traction. Until something incredible happened. Thor threw Mjolnir directly at his opponent, and instead of being knocked down like everyone else, she caught the hammer. Every Avenger - even the Hulk - immediately froze, catching the attention of the newcomers.

“This is a very well crafted weapon, though a bit clunky,” Wonder Woman said as she tossed the hammer from one hand to the other. She paused, seeing their reactions.

“You are worthy.” Thor spoke with disbelief and a tint of resignation in his voice.

“Pardon?” Superman spoke, his frown apparent.

“Only those worthy can lift Mjolnir - my hammer. She clearly can, which means that you are trustworthy.”

*****

Five minutes of somewhat confused conversation later, they had reached an uneasy truce. Neither spoke much at first, but they soon began to compare notes. Apparently They both believed themselves to be the protectors of Earth, which brought on a bout of argument before Peter stepped in.

“Woah hold on, calm down. Something is clearly up, so there’s no need to argue!”

Wonder Woman looked contemplative. “How old are you boy, you seem young.”

Peter bristled. “I’m 15, and I’ve been a superhero for a while now, so I’m not inexperienced!”

Green Lantern laughed. “That’s not what she met, kid. We aren’t going to tell you how old you need to be to fight crime. The amount of we work with, and some even younger than you . . .” He shook his head and laughed. Then he realised how he had sounded. “I mean, we don’t force them, it's up to each individual to make that choice for themselves. Well, with the mentor’s approval of course.”

Natasha furrowed her brows. “How young are some of these kids?” Tony knew she had a thing against child soldiers, so he wasn’t surprised she was disapproving.

Green Lantern looks to the Flash. “How old is Robin at this point? 9?”

Flash laughed. “Naw, that little devil is 11. He was very adamant on that fact when he threatened me with his katana.” He shook his head.

Green Lantern laughed. “Yeah, most of the others are teenagers. Robin is the youngest, and I’d say most deadly, but Red Hood . . .”

“The Dark Knight really does have a problem,” Flash said.

His last comment made Green Lantern freeze. They both looked at each other then turned to Peter.

“Kid, stay away from The Dark Knight.” Green Lantern says.

“Yeah, if He sees you, there’s no way you’ll ever leave.”

“He’s the most dangerous man on earth,” Green Lantern adds.

“Guys, stop. You’re scaring him.” Superman looks disappointedly at the two heroes who Tony pegged as the trouble makers of the group. This idea was further cemented in Tony when they started laughing. Despite this, he decided to keep Peter as far away from this supposed Dark Knight as possible.

“Speak of the devil, he’s on his way.” Superman says this with a smile, then he cringes. “And we’re going to get an earful alright. Ten minutes ahead of him is a big deal apparently.”

In a moment. Tony got an alert that something was approaching. Fast. Soon he saw a large black military type armoured car fly down the highway from the city and off the road. It zoomed toward them.

It was a sight indeed to see the menacing black car swerve and expertly stop a few yards from the group. The top opened and a dark form shot straight up before landing in a kneeling position in front of them. The figure rose, and Tony got the first good look at him. He was a tall man with a broad chest and shoulders, dresses in complete black. There was a bat-like symbol on his chest, also in black. He wore a cape that flowed around menacingly. His face was covered by a cowl with pointed ears, like that of an owl, or perhaps a bat. The only part of his costume that was not black was the dark gold utility belt at his waist. Altogether, he was utterly frightening.

Tony took a step forward, effectively blocking Peter, who scoffed.

“Batman,” Superman said, a smile on his face.

Batman fixed the most impressive and terrifying glare upon the man that Stark had ever seen. “You broke protocol by going ahead of me. You are in my territory Superman. And you know that I cannot fly or run at the speed of sound.” He fixed his glare on the rest of his group who all reacted with either flinches or sheepish shrugs.

Batman grunted before looking at the Avengers. He sized each of them up, staying longest on Stark. Tony felt as if his entire being was being stripped away under the scrutiny.

“Alternate Dimension jumpers, not by choice I’m assuming.”

He spoke so simply that it took a minute for Tony to react. Even then, the man was already on his way back to his car.

“We’re near Gotham, let’s regroup at the Cave.”

Tony didn’t know what this Cave was, but he wasn’t sure he liked it. “Are you the Dark Knight?” He asked, before he lost his nerve.

The man looked immediately at the Flash and Green Lantern, who looked both scared and amused. Their sheepish smirks and chuckles dissipated when Batman looked away and back to Tony.

“The Dark Knight, The World’s Greatest Detective, The Caped Crusader, The Batman. All are titles I have earned. See you at the cave.”

And with that he hopped in his car and sped off back toward the gloomy city beyond.

[lazydoodlesandfanfic]

Would You Kindly (Justice League X Male!Reader)

Characters: Justice League X Male!Reader

Universe: DC

Warnings: Mention of illegal activity, and a tiny bit of swearing

Request: Can i get a Justice League x male reader who is so has the power of mind control and their so powerful all they have to do is say: can you kindly _______? The Justice League spies on the r but when he gets captured he's gives up. And decideds to stop But the league give him a choice join J.L.A OR GO TO JAIL. HE JOINS J.L.A.

It took a long time for the Justice League to become aware of you. You covered your tracks well and it wasn’t until an outside source connected several abnormalities which led back to you, and they went to the nearest hero with their findings. When the group found out how serious this was, they all got to work on locating you and finding ways to stand a chance- which was admittedly hard. 

They’re pieced together that you had the power of mind control, and through security cameras with audio and talking to the victims of your powers, all you said before making your request that forced them to do as you said, was “Would you kindly”. It was so subtle and polite but it did the trick, and no one was able to refuse your request. Your crimes included stealing a large amount of money from a bank which you used to get an apartment, and you then ‘convinced’ your landlord to lower the rent and even let you skip months when money was short. However, you also had used your powers for other things; getting another ice cream free to give it to a kid who dropped there, told by the child, and you also stopped a guy getting mugged by telling the robber “Would you kindly fuck off?”. There were several other reports of people who had encountered you and had good experiences. Still, with your powers, you posed a threat if you decided to use your powers for the wrong thing. 

Bruce was in charge of locating you, with Diana being the first one to talk to you and Barry was immediately back up, then Clark, Bruce and Arthur were his back up if things really went haywire. Bruce located you and got a good read on your routine and soon they located a good place to confront you; You walked down a pretty isolated road on your way home, where there was no risk of civilians getting caught in the crossfire. “Hopefully there won’t be too much of a struggle.” Diana pointed out. “If we act before he’s able to say those words and give an order, then we’ll be alright.” 

With a plan in mind they acted, Diana several steps behind you so you wouldn’t notice her as the others followed from high above, until you reached that section of road. “Excuse me?” She called after you. You turned, immediately recognising her, and she heard you mumble ‘shit’. “You know why I’m here?” She asked, catching up to you as you shoved your hands in your coat pockets and chuckling. 

“You finally caught on that I can make people do as I say with a simple phrase?” You questioned, and she nodded. “So… am I under arrest or… do you have that power?” You inquired.

“We’d like to talk with you… if you’d come with me?” She opened an arm to request you to walk in the direction. You picked up on that first word, and you knew it was best to just nod and walk. As you walked behind you, you heard the amount of footsteps grow, and peaking to your left you saw the black of Batman’s suit, and on the right Superman. Oh yeah, you’re in deep trouble. As you reached the end of the street, the batmobile appeared, opening up, and you were ushered inside, where you were isolated from the driver though you felt the car move.

Eventually the car stopped, the door opened and you pulled out, greeted by the Justice League and judging by the cave layout, you were in the batcave. A majority of the team were already sat around a table, The Flash even teasingly patting the seat next to him, and you did as told once again. 

“Alright Y/N, firstly we’d like to know about how you obtained these powers?” Aquaman asked, referencing to yourself with his hand.

“I honestly don’t know, I think I used my powers for the first time when kind of sarcastically asking a teacher if I could go to the bathroom. Then it worked and on a hunch I tried it again and again it worked… dunno why that phrasing and that alone triggers it but hey.” You shrugged.

“And you use it to better yourself?” Superman asked. 

“Not always. I only really use it in those situations when I’m desperate. I was a little shit in school, I barely passed and I’ve got a list of incidents from school so it’s hard for me to find a place that’ll both take me and pay me enough to live. And honestly most of the time it’s a slip of the tongue. I say the words and only then realise what I said and I’ve tried in the past-it’s irreversible.” You explained. “But I do like doing the little things to make someone’s day.”

“I see…” Wonder Woman nodded, before she took a breath in. “We have a proposition for you.” She informed you. “Either you agree to partner with us, use your powers for good and to benefit people, where we’ll also input to make sure you have a roof over your head or… we take you to the police station and hand you in for the crimes you committed.” 

“That’s like asking me if I wanted my favourite cake or to...well… go to prison. Count me in then. What do you need me to do?” You told her, leaning on the table waiting for input, making several members smirk at your enthusiasm. 

Hope you like it! If you have any questions, please send them in! 

*Not my gif

TAGS: @rebellionofthecattle @courtneychicken​  @graysonmalfoy​ @bellero​ @aesthetjic​ @originalpottervengerlock​ @supernatural-pan​ @esoltis280​ @lena-stan-xavier​ @lady-of-lies​ @sebstanismylife​ @macbetheliza @mandywholock1980​ @cdwmtjb8​ @caswinchester2000​ @determinedpines​

[what-if-i-imagine]

I’m writing a series of my own idea of RHatO, and here is my basic set up in the series chronicle order:

1) Team One/The Beginning: Jason is still 18 in this, so this takes place directly after UtRH. In this universe, right after the fight with Bruce Jason leaves Gotham and has no intention of ever returning to it or the Batfam. He has seen what happened in his absence, and as fearful as he is for Tim’s life, he can not mentally handle being around a Bruce who no longer loves him because he’s too caught up in a memory to see his present self.

When the explosion happens at the end of UtRH, Jason manages to make his way to the docs bleeding out from his neck and severely wounded still from the explosion. He ends up sneaking on a boat, discovers it’s a smuggling boat for nuclear weapons and takes it down. Kori rescues him from the water and she and Jason save Roy from execution same as the comics.

The difference is, I keep the cannon of Roy and Dick being friends, but they became estranged after Roy became a bit more radical than the Titans cared for, and Kori and Roy are still friends who remember each other. (Kori also still remembers meeting Jason when he was first adopted, but at first does not recognize this as the same Jason. Neither does Roy, and he grew a friendship with Jason when Dick would have to drag him along and to his knowledge that Jason is dead).

In this version Roy’s character doesn’t get absolutely botched and Lian exists but he doesn’t know about her yet. A good portion of this story is a three of them running towards their own futures together that doesn’t involve their past (no Batfam, Oliver or saving Tamaran, just their own character growth as a found family away from their past).

Jason and Kori help Roy through recovering from drug/alcohol addiction. Jason and Roy help Kori find her footing on earth as an alien and as a survivor of her trauma. Kori and Roy realize who Jason is and help him overcome the Lazarus rage and redefine himself as he wants to be without Bruce, Talia or Ducra’s influences.

This is much more a story about survivors overcoming their trauma together and learning to be happy with their little found family than it is a story about a group of Antiheroes looking for redemption.

2) This is about a year and a half after the first team started. Kori has to go off world for the Tamaran plot and Roy is overseas trying to figure out the situation with Lian who he just learned exists. Jason is left alone again with just the promise that their small family will get back together. I actually have no problems with the Rebirth team, so they basically get together same as they did in the comics.

Found family trying to break away from the image of “The Dark Trinity” to be themselves and their own heroes. They aren’t Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman but dark. They are Jason, Artemis and Bizzaro. They care for each other and do their jobs as anti-heroes.

3) The second Outlaw team has to also do a temporary dispan of the team with their Justice League counterparts chasing after them. During this time, 22 year old Jason accidentally runs into two familiar faces from his past who are also on the run, but from the Titans.

Rose and Eddie has run away from the Titans after Eddie took up Neron on becoming a sort of protege of his instead of signing his soul away and Rose broke the no killing rule (again). Eddie and Jason were best friends as kids, and Jason and Rose has become friends behind Dick’s back while he was training her as a hero.

Together they team up while on the run, making it into a sort of mercenaries/heroes for hire gig while also being a child hood friend reunion.

4) This is where the All-Caste and Untitled plot comes into use (because I actually loved that bit of New-52 Jason and hated how under used it went). Kori is back on world with Artemis and Biz safely hidden on her island. Jason and the third Outlaw team make their way to the island to hide out with them after a mission gone wrong revealed their position. Essence appears to Jason and tells him aboyt Ducra’s death soon after he arrives, and he leaves with her to go see for himself.

Jason and Essence go on their crusade against the Untitled together as sort of sibling figures to each other. It’s them against the last remaining members of the Untitled, taking them out once and for all.

During their crusade they run into Cass (who is Jason’s cousin with her mom and his dad being the children of Ma Gunn in this). She helps out for a little bit, and convinced a Jason to finally let the Batfam into his life when this is all over before parting ways.

Another person they run into is none other than Joseph Wilson. They put their crusade on hold to help him straighten out his mind. Joey ends up coming to trust them and when he hears that his sister is a good friend of theirs, he tags along and helps with the rest of their crusade.

5) Generation Outlaw and Ma Gunn happens somewhere? I’m not sure it will be before or after the four teams combine.

6) The teams converge into one wth Roy returning to the island with Lian. They end up building an actual base underneath the island that safely houses all of them (including Generation Outlaw who they are raising as anti-heroes instead of villains). Roy rarely works in the feild anymore, instead becoming a sort of Oracle/Man in the Chair for the Outlaws who makes their weapons, fixes up the ships and all that other stuff that keeps him safe so that he can be there to watch Lian grow while still making a difference.

I forgot to mention, in each story both Kyle and Sasha will be making guest appearances.

Kyle is sent out by the JL every story in the series to capture/stop the Outlaws and keeps “accidentally” letting them get away. (He May not agree with their methods, but he’d have to be blind to not see the positive results).

Sasha is basically the young girl Jason adopts right after UtRH. She’s much younger in this (around nine at the start so that Jason can legally adopt her), but her story plays out about exactly the same. In the first story she pops in a few times but is kept safe in the island for the most part while she traines as Scarlett. Begrudgingly by story two Jason sends her off with Ducra to be under what he knows is safe protection and good training while he’s on the run. In story three Sasha is running around in her own adventures following the same Overnight Crime Lord path that Jason took right after his All-Caste training, checking in with Jason on the phone at a set time every week so he knows she’s safe (at first Rose judges his parenting style, but realizes upon her first in person meeting of Sasha that he is doing just fine with his tiny Russian crime lord). She’s there for some of the Untitled crusade, but for the most part she knows she would only get in Jason and Essence’s way if she wasn’t on the island because they would be constantly worrying about her.

The ships will be Jayroy, and possible parings with the others I haven’t decided on, but the romances will always be very much background things going on. This series is first and foremost about platonic love among a found family of individuals who find healing and safety in each other. In my opinion that’s what a RHatO story should really be about.

[supermanshield]

Started this a couple months ago, finished it in home isolation. Superbat, 3k words.

Summary: The Justice League decides it's time to get to know each other out of costume. Some people are less happy with this than others, but eventually even Batman agrees.

Note: This doesn't comply with any canon, because I made my own. I even have a timeline and everything.

AO3 Link

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

“If that is all, I would like to hereby close this meeting,” Superman said.

“Superman, I would like to have a word with everyone.”

“You had your chance, Diana. Meeting’s over,” Batman interjected while getting up from his seat.

“This doesn’t concern League matters, Batman. Barry and I have been talking, and we think it beneficial to share more time together. As friends.”

Barry looked at Batman narrowing his eyes while gripping his chair. He cleared his throat. “Yes. Uhh… It would be good for the team to see each other out of costume, like a dinner party, picnic or game night. Just something not trauma or crisis related.”

“Oh, but game night would end in massive trauma for all of you,” Dinah interjected, laughing. Before Barry could continue his invitation, Batman growled, “And a picnic would end in crisis, so if that’s all, I’ll be on my way.”

“Batman, wait,” Diana started. “On Themyscira, my warrior sisters and I would often spend time together in the bathhouses after training.”

“Now that’s a reason to visit Themyscira. Ow!” Dinah elbowed Oliver in the ribs. Diana shot him a glare, “It also helps with team-building and finding mutual respect for each other.”

Barry was about to consider his efforts a lost cause when Superman came to the rescue. “I think it’s a great idea! It would be nice to get to know each other better outside of hero business. What do you think, Batman?”

“It’s a waste of time. Everyone’s busy enough as it is.” This was it. Lost cause. No approval from Batman meant no picnic. “…But if you really must, you can organize it without me.” With a swoosh of his cape, Batman stalked out of the room.

“His loss. More food for us, right buddy,” Hal laughed while elbowing Barry. “Exactly! Let’s try to come up with an activity and set a date.” It would be fine without Bruce; he would just bring down the mood anyway. Although his manor was probably the most suitable and private location, so now they would have to figure out an alternative.

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

As Superman floated into the Batcave later that night, the computers were whirring, Bruce typing quietly. The past couple of weeks had been good to them. No intergalactic missions, no supervillains breaking out. To be honest, there hadn’t been that many league missions at all, which was a good thing. Clark had been able to catch up at work, Bruce had had time to work on new gadgets and actually attend meetings at WE on time for once. They were still busy, still patrolled their own cities and Clark did a sweep around the globe once a day, but life was almost… normal.

When Clark got close to Bruce, he didn’t even look up from his work. Yet somehow, he still heard Clark’s unasked question in the silence.

“They’re right you know, it’s been scientifically proven that teams are more efficient if the members get together outside of work. It helps with trust and communication.”

“So…? Why don’t you want to get together?”

“…I was thinking about proposing something like this myself.”

Clark smiled. “Looks like they beat you to it, then. So… does this mean -“

“That’s not what I was saying, Clark. I don’t need any more prying eyes into my life. Our lives.”

“Just humour them, Bruce. You know they’d want to do it here.”

“Which is exactly what I don’t want. More chaos in this house.” Bruce rubbed his temple.

“Like you would notice any more people or accidents between the kids and the pets.”

A sigh. “I just don’t need to share every part of my life with them. It’s unnecessary.”

Bruce was making lame excuses, trying to discard the scientific proof he’d found. Which of course he couldn’t ignore. But Clark knew him. He had one last trick up his sleeve. “All right. If you don’t want to do it for them, then do it for me? Maybe I want to share my life with my friends.” He looked into Bruce’s eyes with the brightest smile he could muster in the faint lights of the computer screens. Bruce looked down, thinking. After what seemed like an eternity of Bruce probably going through every scenario about the get-together in his mind, he finally looked up at Clark again.

“Hmph. Fine. But,” Bruce said while holding up a finger, holding off the incoming hug, “on one condition. Not here. At Oliver’s.” Then Clark hugged him.

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

On Sunday afternoon, Dinah was in the kitchen putting the last of the sauces and dips together. She put everything on a big tray and carried it outside, where Oliver was just firing up the barbecue. Grilling had been his idea as soon as they had decided to do the party at their house. So now Oliver was juggling spatulas, flipping patties and throwing cheese on them, trying to proof her wrong about not being able to make enough burgers for Flash, Green Lantern and Superman.

Dinah hadn’t been in the League for very long yet, and she hadn’t seen everyone together in civvies before. She wondered if it had ever happened. Barry and Hal were friends and spent time together, and she knew Clark and Bruce hung out. There was proof of that in the news often enough. She wondered how much it was just Clark covering Bruce’s galas and fund-raising events, or a façade to gather intel for joint missions, and how much it was them actually being friends. Diana would spend most of her time she wasn’t needed here, back on Themyscira.

So, it was nice having everyone here together in her garden. It was a warm day, the cool tiles of the kitchen welcoming on her bare feet and when she walked outside with her tray the grass tickled her toes. Today there was no pretending. Even Bruce had showed up and was actually making small talk with Hal. Probably judging Oliver’s barbecue skills together.

“You need help with that, Dinah?” Barry said as he rushed over and made enough space on the table for her tray before she even had time to reply. “Thanks, Barry. I could use some help with the veggies too.” “Oh please, let me help,” Diana said, pointing her thumb back at the guys as she walked over. “They are discussing how to make the best burgers and I have no interest in it.” Dinah laughed. Every time Oliver made burgers, she and him would get into an argument over how to shape the patties for the best flavour. Oliver was very defensive of his rather thick burgers.

Vegetables were cut and then grilled on the barbecue, and Oliver had assembled an impressive stack of burgers. He persisted, and Dinah loved him for it. When everyone joined at the table, they sat at the head end. Dinah stood up and said “Thank you all for coming! I hope you will enjoy your meal and each other’s company, especially after that disastrous camping trip Hal keeps telling me vague stories about,” She winked.

“Ha! As long as this doesn’t include sleep overs or making fire, we should be good,” Hal smirked.

Before Clark could start defending himself, Barry already cut in urging everyone to talk about something else and just eat. So they did. And it went well; there was laughter and conversation, the sun slowly setting in the background. They talked about normal things really, the weather, politics. Hal’s plans for the summer. Clark told them he would go back to the farm at the end of summer to help his mother with the harvest, Barry shared stories about his co-workers at the crime lab. It wasn’t that they avoided talking about league stuff, they just didn’t need to. Dinah looked at Bruce. He’d been silently observing, laughing along with the jokes. Sure, batman cracked a joke occasionally, but to see him genuinely laughing and being himself was different. Yet, it was hard to get a read on the man. Like today, he was clearly enjoying himself, but somehow all of it was still shrouded in secrecy; he didn’t share much. On the direct opposite of that was Clark, a man who shared everything he stood for. Except-

As Clark reached across the table for the ketchup, the sunlight hit it. A silver (or was it white gold?) band around his ring finger. How no one had noticed it so far, she wasn’t sure. But now, it was very clear. Barry was the first to speak. “Oooh, who’s the lucky lady, S?”

Clark was visibly shocked, looked at his ring for a moment as if it hadn’t been there before, then around the table. “Huh? Uhh… oh, it’s not important.” Not important?

“Not important?” Oliver voiced her thoughts. “Someone married Superman, and we didn’t even know about it?”

“Scratch that! Who got to take Superman home is the real question here,” Hal snickered. “Does she know you’re… you know, him?”

“Oh, trust me, they know,” Clark said calmly while putting the bottle of ketchup back.

“So, who is it?” Hal prodded.

“Yes, who Clark?”

“Is it Lois? Have you finally tied the knot?”

“I haven’t been with her for years, Barry.”

“Someone from Smallville then?”

“No.”

“Then who?”

“Tell us Clark. Don’t keep us in suspense!” By now, Clark looked seriously displeased, stammering excuses.

“How did you meet?” Diana tried. Smart move, narrow down the suspects. “Uh… through work?” Clark offered. Great, there must be over a hundred people working at the Daily Planet. That didn’t help. Or it could be someone he’d interviewed, that made the pool of potential Superman spouses even bigger. Discussion broke out, theories being thrown around and the chaos was complete. Everyone, including Dinah herself, was too busy to notice Clark shooting a mortified look at Bruce, who scowled back.

“Enough.” Clark said in a calm Superman voice, making them all quiet down in an instant. “I’m sure we’ll be ready to share it someday. Let’s please just get back to eating now.” His face was stern.

Everyone quieted down, but the atmosphere wasn’t the same. Diana tried to ask Bruce about his charity work and steer the conversation to a more pleasant topic. The air was full of questions and few words were spoken. Oliver suggested they all just clean up and go inside to share a drink and play some darts. “Come on, you and Bruce would win that by a landslide!” Barry protested, but Bruce politely declined and started saying his goodbyes and thanked Dinah and Oliver for dinner. After that, Clark left quickly. Then Hal, Barry, and finally Diana. “I’m sure they will come around eventually, Dinah. Just give them some time.” And flew away after a quick peck on her cheek.

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

Over the next month in the watchtower, whispers and guesses about Superman’s secret spouse were going around. They’d stop as soon as Superman walked into the room, which was stupid of course, because he’d probably already heard them. Clark started looking more cheerless every meeting, until by some miracle, the core members of the justice league all got invited to have dinner at Wayne Manor. Bruce had apologized to Dinah for how the barbecue had ended, and to everyone’s shock proposed a new get-together. So now she and Ollie were pulling up on the driveway to a massive mansion atop a hill in Gotham city. Oliver had been there before, but she had never seen it, aside from pictures. It was intimidating. “I thought we had a pretty big villa…” She whispered to Oliver. He smiled. “Just remember to close your mouth when you see the great hall, babe.”

As they were making their way up the stone stairs to the front door, it was opened by Clark. “Hey guys, welcome! Come in, come in,” he said, reaching out his hands to them. He was wearing jeans and a simple t-shirt, no glasses. Inside, he took their coats and put them away in a little room off to the left. Because of course, the hallway closet was just a separate room. Despite what Oliver had said, Dinah was in awe. The entrance hall opened up to reveal a two-story room, complete with chandeliers, two winding stairs going up to a balcony, and actual armour displays.

“I know, I was kind of starstruck too, the first time I came here,” Clark appeared at her side. At that moment, Bruce appeared from a room behind the grand staircase. He was wearing a turtleneck and slacks. He shook Oliver’s hands, kissed Dinah on the cheek. “Welcome, welcome, do you want a drink? Let’s go to the study.”

“Where are all your kids, Bruce? I half expected an ambush here.”

“Not here, thank god.”

“I’ll be in the kitchen helping Alfred.” Clark declared and disappeared down a hallway.

“How many do you have now, anyway?” Oliver asked.

“Too many- Maybe you can make your burgers for all of them some time,” Bruce teased Oliver.

“Shouldn’t you be the one helping in the kitchen?”

Bruce stared blankly at Dinah. “I haven’t been allowed in there all day.”

Bruce showed them to the study, where they sat down on some very comfortable couches, and poured them some drinks. Soon, the rest of the league arrived. Dinah made her way around the study, inspecting the massive bookcases, until she found the music section. She wondered if there was a library with even more books.

“Oh Bruce, please tell me you have a music room.” This many pieces of sheet music, someone in this house had to be talented. And Bruce would have the means to have a full-blown orchestra hidden somewhere. She picked up a book about saxophones and sat down at the desk. “We do, actually. Damian likes to play a lot.” So Bruce’s youngest was the talent. She didn’t know much about him besides that he was the current Robin. “Ok, you’re going to have to show me that after dinner.”

She flipped open the book, Top tones for Saxophone, and read something about note placement. And then she saw it. Bruce’s desk was large, mahogany, and very organised. There was a laptop – closed, an expensive looking pen set, some paperwork, and glasses. But there were more personal items too, photos. The picture frames were facing Dinah, so the rest of the group couldn’t see them from where they were sitting on the couches. There was a picture of Kara and two other girls, one blonde and one black haired. One with the four Wayne boys, she knew them – had even worked with Red Hood once, and many times with Red Robin – but out of costume they were hard to tell apart. Then there was a picture of a bunch of teens and Alfred with a mickey hat at Disneyland, castle in the background. She knew Bruce was protective of his sidekicks and partners, but never knew they were such a normal… family. So, all of this was a slight surprise, but manageable. At the last picture however, her mind simply stopped. And started up again. And then a lot of things started making sense. Because that was Clark. And Bruce. Their hands on each other’s arms. Clark was smiling at whoever took the picture, and Bruce was looking at Clark in a way Dinah had never seen on Batman. Love.

In the middle of the room, Oliver was telling everyone a story about Kite-man. Hal was picking away tears at the corners of his eyes and Barry was slapping his thighs with laughter. Even Diana was laughing along. Dinah looked at Bruce. Clark had greeted them at the door. Bruce had said ‘we do’ when Dinah asked about the music room. He’d been very quiet last month when they were making fun of Clark’s secret marriage. He was the one that apologized for how the barbecue had ended, even though he had nothing to do with it. But apparently, he had everything to do with it.

While her mind was racing through all this at a 100 miles per hour, Bruce caught her eye, winked, and raised his glass at her. On his ring finger, a white golden band.

As if on cue, Clark then came in the room to tell everyone the starter course was ready to be served. Everyone made their way out of the study towards the dining room and took a seat.

At dinner, they were joined by Alfred, who Dinah had never really met before besides earlier tonight and in the cave downstairs. The table was set decadently, loaded with soup, a stew, bread, vegetables and wine. Bruce was seated at the head of the table, with Clark to his left, and Alfred to his right.

“Oh my, I’m terribly sorry but I seem to have forgotten a ladle for the soup. Excuse me,” Alfred started pushing his chair back, but Clark cut in. “Don’t worry Alfred, I’ll get it.”

When Clark came back with the ladle, he started passing out soup to whoever wanted. It was too easy. Dinah just couldn’t resist saying “So Clark, you know your way around here pretty well it seems.” Clark, ladle halfway towards Barry’s bowl, calmly said “I do, yes. Bruce and I work together a lot and I- “

“Clark.” Bruce cut him off. “She knows.”

“Ah. Hm.” Clark cleared his throat. He had stopped passing out soup and stood up straighter now. Looked at Bruce. “Well, did you want to…?”

“Yes.” Bruce stood up too now.

To her right, Barry leant over and whispered, “What’s happening? What do you know?” Dinah remained silent.

“Um,” Bruce starts. Batman nervous, never thought she’d see that. “Clark and I are both hosting tonight.” Okay… it’s a start. But still-

“What? Clark paid for half of all this food?” Barry wondered out loud. On the other side of the table, Hal was trying hard to contain his laughter.

Diana sighed and put her face in her hand. “Just tell them already.”

What’s going on? Oliver mouthed at Dinah. She shrugged, curious to see how this would play out.

“Superman’s secret spouse. It’s me.” Bruce said curt. And at the same time, “Bruce and I are married.”

Barry’s mouth fell open, Hal finally started laughing but quickly regained control and raised his glass. “Well, congratulations you two!”

“So, to come back to your question from earlier Oliver, we have about 8 now.”

“8 what?” Hal asked, confused.

“Children.” Clark now had his arm around Bruce’s waist, and probably the brightest smile ever on his face.

“Okay, remind me to never babysit here if I need some money.”

Oliver turned to Dinah. “How did you know?” “Figured it out just now. A picture on Bruce’s desk. Very cute by the way.” She smiled. “And he has a wedding ring that matches Clark’s. I don’t think it was that much of a secret.”

To Dinah’s left, Alfred whispered to her, “Mrs. Queen, there are loads more pictures of them. I’ll show you their wedding album after dinner if you are interested.”

Before Bruce could protest, Barry seemed to finally catch up to the situation. “Wait, stop! You’re telling me we missed the wedding of Batman and Superman?! You owe us a do-over.”

Clark laughed at that. “I think it’s time we started dinner. Enjoy!”

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

Later that night, Bruce and Clark were seated on one couch in the study, the guests huddled around Alfred with the wedding album on the other. Bruce watched them and couldn’t stop a smile forming around his mouth. Alfred was positively beaming with pride, and the crowd laughed as they were now undoubtedly looking at the cake-cutting pictures. Bruce interlaced his fingers with Clark and leaned into him some more. He felt the other man relax.

“See? Not so bad, was it?” Clark whispered. Bruce hmm-ed back in response.

And indeed, there was something to be said for spending time outside of work with co-workers. With friends.