#the blood within us

[iguana-eyanna]

From The Bird's Eye View Chapter 2

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

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

Jason (11): First Meeting

You look down at your phone, waiting for the phone to ring. 

“C’mon, Bruce.” You muttered. 

Suddenly, the event planner for today’s ceremony came to retrieve you. 

“We’re ready.” She said.

You nod before placing your phone away, preparing.

Today was the grand opening of Gotham’s first youth center located in Crime Valley, and you and Bruce were the cofounders. He was supposed to be here with you, but duty called. You were a bit upset about it (and at him for other reasons). B ut you continued on, knowing this is much bigger than you.

You arrived at the podium, smiling.

“Hello everyone, thank you all for your support. This project that I and Bruce Wayne have started has been 2 years in the making. We believe that the children of Gotham are our future, and we strive to help them form their paths and passions. I will be answering a few questions for the time being.”

Most of the questions centered on what the process was for the center, as you both chose to renovate a building that was in foreclosure. 

But the last question caught you off guard, and it took most of your will not to break down.

“Can you address the rumors that your son, Dick Grayson, is moving out of Gotham?” One final reporter said out loud.

You knew this was coming, so you simply smiled to appear everything is fine.

“Yes, Dick is furthering his education in San Francisco. Bruce and I are excited to see him form his own path. Bruce is with him to help him settle and that’s why he isn’t present today. That’s all that I have time for, thank you for coming.” You said before walking down the podium. 

Reporters kept on raising their voices, but you didn’t give them the time of day, not when you were still upset with Bruce. 

Over a year into your relationship, you found out that your boyfriend was none other than Gotham’s dark knight, Batman. It was shocking to find him half-conscious in your apartment, but you guys had a long talk. This was his first step in letting you into his life. The second part was when he asked you if you could sign the adoption papers for Dick. 

You didn’t hesitate for one second, nodding with tears in your eyes. Dick was so happy that he gets to finally call you mom. (One time, he accidentally slipped when he called you mom when you dropped him off at school, which made you tear up happily.)

You moved into the manor later on. The public found it strange that Bruce didn’t ask to marry you first before letting you be the legal guardian for his son, but you two didn’t care.

Right now, all you wanted was to become a family.

Several months later, Bruce came to you with not-so-great news. 

The Justice League decided it was time to branch out and have other heroes be stationed on the West Coast. They initialized the Titans, a band of young promising individuals - and Bruce wanted Dick to lead them.

You got a bit unhappy with his decision. You only got to have him for a few months and now Bruce is telling you that Dick had to go. You had so many thoughts, and so many concerns, but Bruce told you all the right things. And you believed him. 

Last night, you were at the airport to drop him off.

“I’ll be fine, mom. You’re more than happy to visit.” He said as you were holding him tight. 

You let go and wipe your eyes. 

“Okay, make sure you call me once you settle over there. I love you.” He smiled back before hugging you once more.

“Love you more.” He said before racing off to his new group of friends. Bruce walks over to you, placing a hand on your back. 

“I’ll be back in the following days, but I can’t attend the ceremony.” He said. 

You nod your head. “I know you’re going to be training them. This isn’t some retreat but remember they’re kids too.” 

You both look over at the group of teens in front of you. Martian Man Hunter was talking to his niece that moved to Earth. Kid Flash was running around, getting to know his new teammates. Cyborg was talking to Dick and Starfire. Then stood alone the new addition, Superboy. He doesn’t talk much, but he’s been trying his best to contact Superman. He wasn’t present like the other heroes saying goodbye to their prodigies. 

“Clark hasn’t talked to Conor?” You ask.

Bruce shakes his head. 

“I’ve been trying to contact him but he needs time. And so does him.” Bruce said, knowing Conor can use his super hearing. 

You stand closer to Bruce, fixing his coat. 

“Before you go, I want to clear the air for some things. I know what I got myself into, but I need to know if we’re in this together as a team. We’re firstly parents to that boy right there and to anyone who needs us. Okay?”

“I know, I promise they’ll be fine.”

He kisses you goodbye and left with Dick and the others. 

That was a week ago. 

And now you were walking away from the center, feeling a bit hopeless. You just started to become a mother, and now it felt like a part of you was missing. 

You didn’t realize how much time passed as you saw the sky darken. You hear footsteps following you.  You slightly turn and see a group of individuals who wore hoodies. Your pace was faster, and your breath became heavier. 

You tried getting your phone but it was dead, you silently curse under your breath. 

You tripped over an even crack on the sidewalk, tripping down. 

You look up and see the hooded figures cornering you. You quickly got up and took off your stiletto heel, using it as a weapon. 

Before anyone began to attack, you heard a voice scream out loud.

“Hey, buttheads!” 

The group looked up including you, and you see a young boy at a fire escape. 

“I just called the cops and they’re on their way any minute, so I’d say you leave her alone unless you want to go to jail.” He said, shaking his phone in his hand.

They looked alert so they ran off into the night. 

You look up again and see that the young boy was climbing down to you. He smirks, throwing his phone up in the air.

“Jokes on them, I stole this fake phone.” He said.

You feel your face burning, crossing your arms.

“Young man, you could have dangerously been hurt!”

The young boy looks a bit shocked, placing a hand on his chest accusingly. 

“A ‘thank you’ would have been suffice. I just saved your life!”

You look at him, blinking a few times. 

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” 

You look up to see the apartment he came down to and see that it was condemned.  

You look back at him, feeling your heartstrings pull.

“Are your parents here?” You ask. 

He hesitates a bit.

“They died a few years ago.”

You knew that was the answer, but it was hard hearing it.

“What’s your name?” You ask.

“Hey, I don’t give my name freely to strangers.” He said defensively.

“Oh, I just thought a hero like you deserves a free burger with a shake…”

His eyes lit up like Christmas lights and he stood taller.

“Jason! My name is Jason, but you could call me Jay for short.”

You smile at him, saying your name. 

The two of you walked over to the diner near where you were. Once you two settled down, Jason was devouring his sandwich and slurping his drink. 

You caught him staring at you.

“You know, bribing kids with food is a form of kidnapping.” He said, wiping his face with a napkin.

You couldn’t help but snort.

“I swear, you’re free to go as you please.” You assured him.

“Not without another fry.” He said, throwing it up in the air and catching it in his mouth. 

You copied his manners and you two were in a giggling fit. Once it died down, Jason looks at you in deep thought.

“You know, I heard about you in the news… how you want to improve this neighborhood.” 

“It’s not like that.” You lightly scolded him, dipping your fry in the milkshake.

“So you’re telling me you and your boyfriend didn’t just throw money where people are struggling to get by to feel good about yourselves?”

You playfully scoff, seeing how forward he is.

“There’s a reason why I chose Crime Alley to open the youth center. Truth be told, I used to live here.”

“No way.” Jason said, thinking you came from a life of luxury.

You lightly chuckle.

“Yes way. After my-” You caught yourself mid-sentence. 

“I moved away when my aunt took me into her place. I wanted to recognize my roots, no matter how hard it got, I remembered that there are kids like me… just wanting to find a safe place and be who they are.”

Jason looks at you solemnly. 

“I’m sorry if I thought you were just some snobby rich lady.” He said in a low tone.

You softly smile at him. 

“I would have thought like that too when I was your age.” You said, making him crack a smile.

“If you don’t mind, I just need to find a phone. I’ll be right back.”

You stood up and went up to the register who pointed out a payphone at the end of the hallway.

Jason saw you dialing and made contact with your purse. You could have taken it with you, but you trusted him. Jason inhales sharply and digs in.

“I’m fine Alfred, just a couple scraps. I’m at the local diner if you could meet me here. And also… could you get in touch with child services? There’s a boy that needs a home and… I want to give him one.” You wrapped up your conversation and headed back to your seat.

But once near, you see that Jason is gone. 

You gaze around to see if he was still there, but Jay was gone. You stare down at the table and saw a handwritten note on a piece of napkin.

Sorry, I used your pen from your purse to tell you I need to go. You’re really nice, there’s need to be more people like you in the world. Thanks for giving me the time of day when others haven’t.

Jason

You hold the napkin close to your chest, slightly tearing up. Of course, he had every right to leave as he wished, but a part of you wanted him to stay. Soon, Alfred picked you up from the diner and helped you with the scraps on your palms and knees. You didn’t share much of what happened and decided that you needed to go to bed.

You couldn’t lull yourself to sleep yet, as your mind was thinking about today. Suddenly, you hear the door slowly open. A bag silently thuds on the ground and footsteps were made to the bed. The figure takes off their shoes and slides into bed behind you, hugging you from behind. 

You hum in silence as you turned around, already knowing it’s Bruce. 

“Go to sleep, we can catch up when you’re awake.” He whispers as you snuggle closer in his chest. 

“Can I ask you something?” You whispered in your sleepy state. 

“Sure.” Bruce smiles softly.

“Do you still want more kids?” You ask.

Bruce’s eyes widen from your question. 

“I’m sorry?” He asks, a bit off guard.

You start to get out of your sleepy state and stare at him seriously.

“After the function, this kid saved me in a rough area. I took him to this diner and got to know a little bit about him. He doesn’t have anyone, and I want to know if he’s safe. I was considering finding him a foster home, but deep down I want to bring him into this family.” 

Bruce looks at you softly. One thing about you is that you had a big heart, and you wanted to spread the love your heart produced. 

He holds you closer by your waist.

“We can make a few calls tomorrow.” He said.

Your eyes brighten.

“Really?” You ask, smiling ear to ear. 

He nods eagerly, making you squeal as you hug him, thinking that your family will grow. 

But, the trouble was finding Jason. 

You two tried visiting the building where you met the young boy, but it was getting renovated. You two tried your connections to see where he could be but everything was nearing to a dead end. 

Bruce could see you were losing bits of your hope, as this boy unexpectantly snuck in your heart and left a hole. 

One day, he found you doing some cleaning aggressively in one of the rooms. 

He goes up to you and stops what you’re doing, massaging your back muscles to help you relax. 

“Why is this so hard? It’s like the universe doesn’t want us to find him.” You whispered, sniffing. 

“It’s going to be alright. I’m sure he’s a resourceful kid, he could have found a group home.” Bruce said.

You look up at him, a bit upset. 

“But we still don’t know where he is. What if he’s hurt or worse?”

“Look, I’m just trying to look at this at an alternate perspective.”

You get away from his touch.

“It sounds like you’re wanting to give up.”

“That’s not what I’m insinuating.” He said defensively. 

“There is a young boy out there, probably cold and hungry and you think he’s miraculously alright. Not everyone has those privileges, it’s not like you can just throw money at every problem.” You snapped.

“What is that supposed to mean?” He asks.

You scoff. 

“Oh please Bruce, when have you ever been present to any of the functions outside of charity galas or meetings with big press? Or when did you actually visit the places that you so-called wanted to care for?”

Bruce’s anger was rising as he felt his blood boil. 

“You know very well that’s not true.” He says.

“Why? Is it because you’re saving this city? The world? You’re too busy in space and you can’t be there for your girlfriend who’s trying to struggle with your responsibilities as well as hers? When you’re not Batman, you’re busy being a phony billionaire and when you can’t be that, your risking your life and not thinking of how it’ll affect the people you leave behind!” 

You screamed out the last words and stare at Bruce with wild eyes. Bruce looks just as angry as you, but he just stood there in silence. 

A ring goes off and you see it was your phone, lighting up with Dick’s name and a picture of him. 

You walk past Bruce and picked up your phone, leaving the room with tears brimming in your eyes.

“Hi honey, let me find a place to talk.” You said, leaving Bruce behind. 

He took a deep breath and marched out of the room, wanting to be alone with his thoughts. Making his way to the cave, Bruce decided he needed to get out of the manor. 

So he drove in the mobile on patrol, reflecting on your words. 

Did it appear that he was just some rich guy who didn’t care for every cause he donated for?

Was he always on his own agenda and didn’t make time for what mattered?

And did you really feel alone?

He pulled over an empty alleyway and jumped out. He’s been wanting to solve an old case that he’s been avoiding so he wanted to investigate the building. 

Bruce jumps onto the fire escape and slides in an apartment through an open window. He scouted out a few stories but couldn’t find anything. He didn’t have a clear mind, not when your words were plaguing him. Only staying for just a few minutes, he decided to leave. 

But what he came back to was a sore sight. 

“C’mon…” a young boy gritted as he was trying to pry off the wheels from the mobile. Bruce cascaded his shadow over the boy and he turned around, scared half to death.

“Batman.” He said in a scared tone.

Bruce crosses his arms across his chest, not liking the situation. 

“What are you doing here?” Bruce asks intimidatingly.

He gulps silently and puts his hands behind his back, shifting up and down.

“Oh, just thought you could do a tire change.” He said, but his lying wasn’t very good. 

“It looks like you were trying to steal them.” Bruce said as he could see the discarded tools that were on the ground.

The young boy sighs in defeat, looking at the ground. 

“Is this where you call the cops?” He asks. 

Bruce was about to respond but he takes a deeper look at the kid. 

He looks like he had it rough, looking a bit under weight and pale. 

But the boy’s eyes looks like he lived two lifetimes, and that’s something you should never see in a child. 

“No, I’m not. But you’re going to answer every one of my questions.” 

The kid looks up, gratefully nodding.

“Yeah, name anything!”

“Take me where you’re staying.” Bruce said. 

Jason takes Bruce to a building a block from there as they found a side door which the kid opens forcefully. They take the stairs up to the fourth floor, and Bruce sees a used mattress that laid on the floor and a little made shift fire place in the corner of the room. 

“Making a fire in here is dangerous.” He said.

The kid scoffs as he sits on the mattress.

“If you could find the heating in this place, I’ll stop.” He said sarcastically. 

Bruce slightly rolls his eyes as he looks around. There was an open window that could clearly see where the mobil was parked, so he must have thought this would be a window of opportunity.

“Who put you up to this?” He asks. 

“No one, I thought if I got word that I got Batman’s wheels, I could be able to crash in a hotel for a few nights.”

“And what would have happened if people found out that you did that? They could have used you for their personal gain.” 

“Why you lecturing me like you’re my dad? Heck, you didn’t even ask what my name was.” He replied.

Bruce exhales, realizing he’s just interrogating the kid.

“Okay, what’s your name?”

“It’s Jason.”

Bruce stops in his tracks and looks at him.

“What?” He asks innocently.

All Bruce could do was slightly chuckle to himself, making Jason feel confused.

“You’re a tough kid to find Jason.”

“Wait, you’ve been looking for me?” Jason asks.

“Well, someone else… a nice woman, said that you saved her life in Crime Alley.”

Jason thinks and looks away, feeling slightly guilty. 

“Tell her I’m able to get by, I don’t need anyone’s pity.” He said.

Bruce kneels down to him, feeling his heart shed from the ice that’s been protecting it. 

“She cares for you, Jason. She hasn’t been able to rest because she needed to know if you had a good place to stay, or if you were fed, or if you were healthy.”

“How do you know about her?” Jason asks.

Bruce removes his cowl and looks at the kid. 

“Because she’s someone I deeply love.”

Jason’s eyes widen seeing that Bruce Wayne was Batman.

“Holy Shi-”

“Language” Bruce warned. 

Jason stands up straight, feeling bizarre.

“This is AWESOME! I know a superhero! I promise not to tell a soul about this- Wait. Why are you even telling me this?” Jason asks.

Bruce cracks a smile and looks back at Jason. 

“Why don’t I take you somewhere to eat and we’ll talk?” 

————————————————————————

Bruce called you to meet you at the youth center, wanting to talk to you. You met him by one of the art studios. 

“Hi.” You said in a low tone.

“Hey, mind if we sit?” He asks. 

You nodded and you two sat down uneasy.

“I um, wanted to apologize for how I’ve been treating you.” Bruce says.

You give him a puzzled look.

“Bruce, I should be the one apologizing. I said those awful things…” You said.

“No, you were calling me on my bullshit. It’s true. Sometimes, donating money to charities or causes isn’t enough. I have to be here and put in the work. It was unfair for you to step in and take over when it was supposed to be the two of us working together. I lost sight of what’s important. I’m sorry that I wasn’t here.” 

You cradle his face in your palm, moving your thumb across his cheek. 

“I’m sorry, too. I hate staying angry at you.” You said, as you give him a sweet kiss.

He smiles at your action as he takes his hands in yours. 

“C’mon, there’s something I want to show you.” 

Bruce took you outside to the playground in the back. A bunch of kids were playing outside and you see a particular boy playing by the monkey bars. 

“Jason?” You say to yourself. He looked so happy and bright, making your heart beam with relief.

“How did you find him?” You ask.

“It’s a long story, but I talked to Child Services and found him a home.” Bruce said, pointing out an older woman who was in the corner watching him. 

“Oh, where is he staying at?” You asked, sad to see him go. 

Bruce wraps an arm around your waist as he looks at you. 

“Jason’s coming with us, I was able to get the papers. We’re going to adopt him.”

You look up to him, with happy tears filling your eyes. You give Bruce a tight hug, squealing. You turn around and you look over at the playground.

“Jason!” You said out loud.

The boy turns around and lands on his feet, running towards you. 

You kneeled down as Jason came running towards your arms and you two hugged tightly, afraid to let go. 

“You came back!” Jason said.

“Of course I did, I’ve been trying to find you everywhere. You almost gave me a heart attack!”

Jason laughs at your worried state as you ruffle his hair. 

“How’d you like to come live with me and Bruce?” You ask.

Jason cracks into a smile and nods.

“I’d like that.”

Bruce makes his way towards the two of you as he lifts Jason from the floor, making him sit on his shoulders as the Todd boy squeals. 

“Shall we head home?” Bruce asks. 

“Yeah, let’s go.” You said, kissing Bruce again.

“Ewww.” Jason joked. 

All of you broke into laughter as you intertwined your hand with Bruce as you make your way to the manor,

Together as a family.

[starry-bi-sky]

Blood Blossom Au: Baby's First Commissioner Meeting :)

TL:DR This Post: Danny (orphan) gets poisoned with blood blossom extract by Vlad. He runs away from him and ends up under the care of one Pre-Robin Battinson Batman! Starry is loudly pushing her batdad agenda.

(Also known as "Late At Night, When The Nightingale Sings" on my ao3!)

This was a fun rough idea I've been sitting on for weeks, thinking about how Commissioner Gordon and Nightingale's first meeting might go.

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

Commissioner Gordon likes to think that he's adjusting to the new normal of Gotham very well, -- the new normal being grown men running around dressed like bats, in military-grade strength body armor, committing acts of vigilantism, -- and slowly, little by little, he was no longer being surprised when this new normal pops up out of the shadows like the world's most terrifying daisy. His shaving lifespan thanks him for it.

....

The kid is a surprise though.

Granted, he seemed to be a surprise to the Bat too.

There's been a string of murders lately, -- which, in Gotham, is kind of like saying there's been another storm during monsoon season. And there's just been another; in some dilapidated building down in south Gotham, with the broken, boarded-up windows and mildew-crawling walls to match. The victim is a man in his thirties, multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, left in the center of the room for the blood to pool out around him.

The place is already secured when he arrives, the building swarmed with officers and the forensic detectives. The Bat emerges shortly after he does -- or, he might've been here the whole time, hiding someplace dark and shadowy. For his own sanity, Gordon doesn't think about it too hard.

The kid is a surprise, and he appears like a bolt of lightning.

He shows up in the middle of a conversation Gordon is having with the Bat.

A whistle, sharp and loud, slicing through the air, meant for open air rather than a confined space. Gordon's ears pierce and protest the sound, and the solemn, murmured chatter floating through the room abruptly cuts off like the swing of a gavel. As he turns towards the sound -- as they all do -- he swears, up and down, that he sees Batman's shoulders jump, just slightly.

At the source, perched on the window, is a boy. A boy in a gray-blue scarf and an oversized black hoodie, one that hangs off his frame and has ace bandages wrapped around the wrists in some attempt to cinch the sleeves. The hood is up, big like the rest of it, and threatens to swallow the upper half of the boy's face whole in the fabric. What upper half Gordon can see, is smeared with some kind of opaque, black face paint. He's holding onto the side of the frame with one hand, on his hip is a grappling hook. A familiar grappling hook.

Gordon has multiple questions, and his officers tense up.

Martinez puffs up, brows furrowing as his face shapes into a frown. Shoulders rolling back. "You can't be here, kid--"

The reaction is immediate, like a spark to gunpowder, the boy yanks his fingers from his mouth and his mouth twists into a scowl. Head snapping over to Officer Martinez, his hood manages to stay on but Gordon swears that as he bares his teeth, the glint makes them look sharper than they should be. His voice is rasp and quiet and harsh; snappish in its hissing; "Put a fuckin sock in it, Martinez. I'm not stayin."

Martinez reels back, and the boy immediately veers his attention off him. Like a switch, his demeanor drops. Despite half his face being covered, his mouth twists into a cringing, apologetic smile. Slanted and off-beat, embarrassed. It'd be disarming if this wasn't Gotham, and if he didn't just hiss at Martinez like he was about to bite his head off.

"Sorry." He whispers, voice deceptively polite and softer now. Gordon has to strain his ears to hear him. "I was looking for him."

He points his finger towards-- Gordon? No, Gordon follows the direction, and finds himself looking at -- the Bat.

The Bat, who always looks stiff as a pole, now looks even stiffer. Somehow. Well, the explains the grappling hook attached to the boy's waist.

"What are you doing here?" The Bat says, gruff and unable to completely smother the stumble of surprise in his tone.

The boy still holds a sheepish smile, and slips off the window ledge. His feet hit the creaky boards with a near-silent thud, the Batman finds his feet and rapidly begins crossing the room.

Gordon notes the slight tremble in the boy's legs as he straightens. He adjusts his scarf, which droops close to his knees now that he's standing, and slings a backpack -- how long has had that? -- off his shoulders. When the Bat reaches his side, he does as he always does, and looms over the boy like a spectre. A threatening mass of shadows cloaked in all-consuming black. Standing next to him, the boy looks teeny in comparison.

The Bat is a man who terrifies even the most hardened criminals, Gordon has seen grown men shiver in fear at the mention of his name. And yet when the boy looks up at him, he doesn't even flinch.

Instead, his sheepish smile melts away like ice under the sun, holding only traces of his previous embarrassment. It remains as a shadow on his face, a small upturn at the corners of his mouth. The boy pushes his hood back just enough to reveal glinting, ice-flint eyes surrounded in tar-black face paint. He holds the backpack up with one arm. "You forgot this."

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Remember: The burning sensation is part of the process.

[artharakka]

Beautiful, But Broken

[luck-of-the-drawings]

OOH YEAH BABY ITS THE SURGERY EPISODE BABY!!! ME AND THE HOMIES NEED SOME NEW FACES FOR OUR NEW PLAN, AND WHO BETTER TO GET THE JOB DONE THAN THE TWO MOST EVIL PEOPLE WE'VE EVER HAD THE MISFORTUNE OF HAVING OUR LIVES VIOLATED BY? I MEAN IT WOULD BE FUNNY. IT WOULD BE FUNNY.

[hussyknee]

Seeing characters in romance stories just jetting between countries at a moment's notice with no thought for visa; seeing airports as sites of triumphant climaxes and romantic denouements instead of places of fear and danger where a sword hangs above your head— it all breaks off little pieces of my heart. They're constant reminders that my people will never be human enough in the colonial world order to be allowed to move freely around it. No matter what your race, those non-refugees living in the Global North will never understand what it's like to be part of a global ghetto where your passport is nothing but a trembling supplication and humiliation.

[couchcouchcouchcouch]

guess who finally finished reading the Nausicaa manga : )

[wwerasliin-sideblog]

Jimmy continuing to show a little growth and maturity this week, in some aspects —

"We Are The Ones." - Roman. "Yea, but we're not though." - Jimmy. — Jimmy is starting to see things for what they truly are, he's seeing the here and now, reality, not living on past laid, power and accolades (as Roman mentions), he's being realistic about their situation, where they're at, right now. In this moment.

He sees they need help, he sees it for what it is, as it is. He's not got unrealistic expectations - he's had the opportunity to see it more *clearly*, from afar, being stuck at home, giving him some time and some clarity.

He's had time, time away; from being sucked into the epicenter of it, from the chaos mulling all around, at every turn, and every corner... It's given him the space and time to think, contemplate, reflect, learn and grow. He knows better now, he's more level-headed. At least, he seems to be for now.

He's got another thing coming though, if he thinks that Jey is going to drop everything and come running to them, just cause they ask nicely. Especially after what they BOTH did to him, hurting him and tormenting him, manipulating him and using him, playing with him, with his life like that; everything they put him through.. But, I will say, I'm glad to see Jimmy humble himself enough to acknowledge that they need help.

And I get that Jimmy has his own issues with Jey, but most of all, it comes from a place of hurt. He's only ever wanted to protect Jey, at least that's how it started out, but it slowly festered into something more nefarious, bitter and ugly..

But right now, there's a bigger problem to deal with. They may just have to put aside their issues, just for a moment to deal with this ridiculous monstrosity in front of them. They will surely have to circle back to and deal their own issues once they've dealt with this, this hideous and convoluted excuse they call the new Bloodline. Or, prove me wrong and sort fix yourselves first, before you try and sort fix something outside of yourselves.

There's a lot of healing to be had.

[theworldiswhispering]

Bro the Soviety Union development and government is so dang interesting

[roboyomo]

a serpent on one’s shoulder

[iguana-eyanna]

From The Bird’s Eye View Chapter 1

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

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

a/n: So I started looking back to one of my last series The Blood Within Us and wanted to revisit the storyline. I wanted to write about how the reader met each son throughout the years and how they grew closer as a family. So enjoy the first introduction to my prequel!

Dick Grayson (13): First Meeting

"Bruce, do I have to do this? I don't even wanna go to this dance." Dick asks as he was in the car with Bruce and Alfred. 

"The Wayne Foundation will be hosting the event for the school so we both have to be there. And besides, it'll be a fun thing to get your mind off of missions." Bruce said. 

"Sir, we are nearing the designer's establishment,” Alfred announced as he pulled over. 

Dick and Bruce walked out and headed inside to the designer Bruce heard about. The young boy looked up to his adoptive father, whose features looked similar when they were on investigations together. He was about to ask what was going on till he heard someone's voice.

"Hello Mr. Wayne, It's a pleasure for you to come here." a young voice said. Dick turns around and sees you, the designer, wearing a business casual outfit.

"Please, the pleasure's all mine,” Bruce said, shaking your hand. 

"I admit, when you wanted to book an appointment here for a fitting, I was surprised you didn't want to have a suit from your regular tailor shop uptown." You commented.

"You did your homework." Bruce joked.

You chuckle lightly. "I like to do my research,” you commented.

"As do I. But, today is not about me. I wanted Dick here to have something of his own. He'll be attending his first dance." Bruce said, introducing Dick.

"Oh! It's my pleasure to help him on his special night." You said, making eye contact with him.

Dick was a bit quiet as he nodded, giving you a slight smile. 

You let him follow you to your fitting area as you took measurements. 

"So, Dick... got a favorite color?" You ask, wanting to make conversation.

"uhhhh, blue,” Dick responded, looking at the mirror in front of him as you walked around him.

"Hmmm, you got nice taste. Right now, I love the color sage green. It's the inspiration for my new line." You said, pointing out the many fabrics that were on a table in the corner.

"What are you designing?" Dick asks so he doesn't seem rude.

"Right now I'm designing a dress for a cotillion. I think they might be going to the same school as you!" You said, recalling your last appointment not too long ago.

Dick visibly gulps, remembering a conversation that he had with his classmate Barbra Gordon of how she's been wanting to get a dress designed by one of her favorite designers.

"Does she happen to have red hair and eyes you can get lost in?" Dick asks, a bit too smitten.

You step back, smirking. 

"Yeah, she does have red hair. The eyes part? I think that's a matter of opinion." You joke.

Dick tries to chuckle it off as he scratches the back of his head.

"Sorry, didn't mean to say that last part out loud." He says sheepishly.

"Don't worry, this stays between us." You smiled at him reassuringly as you pinned a few fabrics together. 

"If you don't mind me asking, what would a guy do to ask a girl out to a certain cotillion?"

You pause for a moment, thinking. 

"That depends, do you know what's her favorite flower?"

"Dandelions." He said.

"Well, I'd say buy them at your local store, give it to her and say how you'd feel, and then ask her to the dance."

"Do you think it'll work?" He asks, looking back at you. 

You stand straight up and chuckle.

"She'll swoon."

Dick looks back at the mirror feeling more sure of himself, envisioning how much fun he'll have at the dance.

"Thanks, sorry if I seemed a bit one-dimensional. It's hard to have conversations with people."

"How so?" You ask, scribbling down notes on your iPad.

"Most of the time, people would only ask me questions if it pertained to Bruce. 'What's he like?' 'Could you give him my business card?' 'Can I have his phone number?' It's just hard to really be seen in Bruce's shadow."

You look up to Dick as he looks a bit gloom. Everyone knows the story of how Bruce Wayne adopted the boy wonder after his parents were tragically killed. Dick was a kid who was trying to find his place in the world after the most traumatic thing that happened to him.

You know the feeling.

"Hey, why don't we take a break? We got a bit of time."

Dick inhales and looks up at you, gratefully.

Later, Bruce sits in the waiting room and turns to see Dick coming. Bruce was about to ask how was the fitting, and Dick gave him a bone-crushing hug. Bruce was stunned they haven't had times like these, but Bruce bent down and hugged his son.

Soon they both let go and Dick looks back at you.

"I'll see you in a few days!" Dick said, smiling at you. 

Bruce looks back at you, still shocked.

"Was everything alright?" He asks.

"Yeah, we just talked about some things. You got a great kid, Mr. Wayne."

He looks back to Dick as he was talking to Alfred outside, looking more happy.

"Yeah, I'm really lucky." Bruce said, smiling to himself.

You two walked into your office to arrange Dick's appointment and payment. 

"-and that should be it! I hope to see you soon, Mr. Wayne." You said, shaking his hand.

"Please, call me Bruce. I just wanted to say thank you. I don't know what you two discussed, but I haven't seen Dick smile like that in awhile." Bruce said.

You beam. "I don't know how to describe it, but I just have a knack for helping people. Be an ear to listen, you know?" You ask. 

Bruce gives you a look. You weren't at all what he'd imagined when he researched about you. 

"Yeah. I understand completely."

You two walk out as you followed him outside. Bruce was about to walk in his car till he turned over to you.

"If I'm not being too forward, I'd love to take you out for dinner in a non business environment."

You were beyond shock. You heard from the nasty catalogs of Bruce Wayne being a player. But in front of you was a man asking you to go on a date. 

"I'd love to, but only on one condition."

"Name it." Bruce stated

"Ask Dick about the advice I gave him." You said, waving goodbye to Dick through the window and walked back to work.

On the way to the Manor, Bruce looks at Dick. 

"If you don't mind, what was the advice she was talking about?" Bruce asks.

"Oh, she was saying to get someone you like their favorite flowers. Are you two going on a date?" Dick asks excitingly.

"Something like that." Bruce said as he looks out the window. He still had so many questions about you since the Harvey Dent case. 

But for now, all he was doing was going on a simple date with you.

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

"Master Bruce?" Alfred asks out loud as he entered Bruce's room. 

His bed was full of discarded clothing and a bunch of ties were gathered by his pillow. Out came Bruce from his bathroom, looking a bit agitated. 

"Which tie shows I'm not overthinking?" Bruce asks. 

Alfred was shocked, nonetheless, but he quietly chuckled to himself as approached him. 

"I'd say the black silk one, sir,” Alfred said, grabbing it from Bruce as he tied it around his collar.

"Nervous for tonight?" Alfred asks.

Bruce doesn't break as he looks ahead in his mirror. 

"No, it's just an innocent dinner. I don't think it'll advance to anything else." Bruce said.

"Hmm, that's what your father said when he was preparing his first date with your mother." Alfred said casually before doing the finishing touches and leaving Bruce a bit speechless. 

Bruce shook himself off and focused on the matter at hand. Ever since Harvey Dent disappeared from the hospital after his accident, he needed to see how close you two were. Sure, you didn't share the same name, but that wouldn't stop Harvey from contacting you.

Bruce was to blame for Harvey’s doom. He went as Batman to court, knowing Sal Maroni could pull any trick from his sleeves as Harvey Dent was known to publicly try to take down the mafia in Gotham City. 

But what Bruce didn’t realize was that the cape of his bat suit would deflect Maroni’s chemical compound that burned half of Dent’s face. And now that Dent is missing, there was a major chance he could turn from his ways of justice and seek revenge.

Just for now, Bruce had to play a part.

He knew you were smart, so he couldn't portray himself as a billionaire playboy. He didn't want to scare you away.

Bruce couldn't tell why he was caring this much. He drove to the restaurant where you two would meet. He was thirty minutes early. Knowing he couldn't just sit idly, he exited his car and walked to a floral shop. He skimmed through the small aisles and saw something that caught his eye. 

He bought the bouquet and walked towards the restaurant, fixing his collar as it suddenly became tighter. 

Soon, he heard a pair of heels clicking on the sidewalk. He turned around casually, then his lips parted slightly as he saw you.

You wore a black ruffled dress with one of the straps resting on your left arm.

From your body manners, he could tell you carried yourself highly. You weren’t fazed by the bystanders that walked passed you. Your hair was styled simply and the lipstick you wore complimented your features.

You approached him, smiling.

“Hello, Bruce.” You said.

His eyes could be lost in yours, but he caught himself from his trance. 

“Hi… these are for you.” He says, offering you a bouquet of Lilies. 

You take them from him, smelling its sweet scent.

“Thank you, they’re quite beautiful.” You said. 

Bruce resisted to say they’re not as beautiful as you, so he offered you his arm.

“Shall we?” He asks. 

You nod as you two walk into the restaurant. 

Once you two get seated, your server immediately recognized Bruce and made sure you two had some privacy away from the other patrons of the restaurant. You and Bruce sit in silence under the dim candle, as the only thing dividing you two were the tall, narrow menus that were too small to read.

“I’m sorry if I chose the wrong venue for us to get to know each other.” Bruce said to break the ice.

“Are you implying, Mr. Wayne, that I cannot afford fine dining?” You ask, slightly teasing him.

Bruce grew a bit worried, placing down his menu.

“No, I did not mean to offend-”

You started to snicker before cracking into a laugh.

“I’m joking, Bruce. I don’t mind being here at all, just thought I’d keep you on your toes a bit. It’s not every day Gotham’s top five cutest billionaires take you out to a romantic evening.” You reply.

Relief washes over Bruce until he leans over, smirking.

“You think I’m cute?” He asks, matching your energy.

You couldn’t muster a sentence, but you thanked your stars when your server came to take your order. 

Soon, the flow of conversation became so easy between the two of you. The chemistry you had between each other was unmatched.

Later on, Bruce noticed an old couple celebrating their 50th anniversary, so he caught their server and asked to give them a dessert under his tab. Once they received their dish, they looked over you two gratefully.

“That was really nice of you.” You said, smiling.

“They seem really in love with each other.”

“I hope I find that one day.” You said, not realizing you said it out loud. You straighten up a bit, realizing you may have scared him off.

Bruce slowly reaches over his hand into yours.

“I hope to find that too,” He stated, giving you a soft smile. 

You smiled back, but then the two of you looked away, feeling both your cheeks blush.

"I um, was wondering... how did you get into designing your own clothes?" He asks.

You look up at him, surprised.  

"I used to work at this old vintage store. They were looking for people who knew how to sew and hem. Thought it'll be a good side hustle. Soon I just, fell in love with it. I designed my own dress for prom and other girls paid me to do theirs. The money helped me pay for college and I got a great scholarship afterwards.  After I graduated, I took an apprenticeship in France. It got me great connections and I learned so much. That's how I got back here to Gotham and decided to open my own place."

“Your parents must be proud,” Bruce says, drinking his wine. 

Bruce looked up from his glass and see that you froze under his words. From what he could see, you were uncomfortable. You were avoiding eye contact as you took your hand away from his.

He knew you were hiding something, but he felt so guilty. You tried to say something, but nothing came out. Your anxiety started to build and you could feel your chest tighten. 

“Hey… would you like to get some fresh air?” Bruce asks softly. 

All you could do was nod in a small manner. Bruce got up and you held onto him so you wouldn’t break down and made sure he paid the tab. Once you got out, you drew in a sharp breath of air, getting out of your trance. You two walked over to a lit park and sat down on a bench.

Bruce takes off his jacket and covers your shoulders to comfort you. 

You look over at him, feeling responsible that your night was about to end. 

“I’m so sorry for ruining tonight. I… I don’t talk much about my family. It’s still a sensitive topic and I sometimes get triggered.”

Bruce shakes his head.

“No, I overstepped. I apologize if I hurt you in any way.” He says, meaning his words.

“I don’t think you have the capacity to hurt me.” You said.

Hearing those words from you broke something in him. 

You weren’t just a case that he was trying to investigate, you were just a person that cares deeply for their craft and for people. Bruce couldn’t continue this charade with you. 

He grabbed your hand and gave you a small smile. 

“May I accompany you back home?”

After Bruce follows you back to your care and ensured you were safe, he drove back home, thinking. 

Once he came back home, he saw Dick sit up on the couch and looked over at Bruce.

“How did it go?” Dick asks enthusiastically. 

Bruce couldn’t muster the truth so he gives him a pursed smile. 

“It went alright, I’ll tell you more tomorrow morning.” He says, messing up Dick’s hair as the young boy chuckled. Bruce returned back to his room and laid down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

He should have never pursued you, toying with your feelings like that. He was about to get ready for the night when his phone rang. He looked down and saw your name. After another ring passed, Bruce decided to pick up the call.

“Hi, Bruce?” You ask.

“Hi, are you safe back home?” Bruce asks, sitting up straight. 

“Yes, I am. I just… wanted to call you. I know our date didn’t end as we planned, but I had a great time with you.”

Bruce could feel his heart skip a beat. 

“I did as well. I apologize, again, for my words. Guess I really wanted to know you a bit better.” He said.

You hesitate for a brief moment until you started the conversation again. 

“I want the same thing. It’s just… I don’t date often and it’s hard to open up about some things about myself.” You said as you were at home, staring down at a news article on your laptop about your biological father’s disappearance from his accident. 

“I understand completely. I want to give this another chance if you’d like.”

You slowly close your laptop and smile to yourself, feeling that Bruce could be that special someone that can change your life for good.

“I’m free next weekend, maybe we could go for ice cream? I’d love to have Dick join us if that’s all right.”

“That’ll be perfect! We can pick you up that day. It’ll be fun.” Bruce replied.

“Great, it’s a date. I’ll text you my address later. You have a good night, Bruce.”

“You too, sleep well.” He ended the call. He got up from his bed and was about to walk over to Dick’s room until Dick tumbled down on the ground as he was eavesdropping from Bruce’s door.

Dick sheepishly smiles and stands up, shifting on his bare feet as he was getting ready for bed.

“So… guess I’m crashing your second date?” Dick asks, grinning ear to ear.

Bruce rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. 

“You better not get yourself in trouble or you’re not going with us.”

“Scout’s honor!” Dick yelled out as he zoomed back in his room, excited to see you again. 

Bruce shared his head at his son’s antics, but he smiled to himself, as he realized he was excited to see you again too.  

[swaglet]

clap for me. i cleaned my entire repulsive disgusting as fuck bathroom that i have to share with my brother because i couldnt take living in this fucking filth anymore

[lizmitches]

another day, another wildfire.

last week, there was a spark in our pump house that triggered a small explosion, causing a bird that was sitting nearby to catch on fire. in an act of desperation, he attempted to fly away, lasting only a few yards before falling to the ground. his still-smoldering body then became kindling for the neighboring wheat field. 

i noticed the smoke as i sat at the kitchen table weaving together reeds for a blueberry basket.

on the phone with the fire department, and then the electric company, and then my mother (to cancel plans for dinner), it struck me that while i have in many ways been at my most relaxed since moving here, i also find myself continually waiting for the next disaster. because out here, there will always be a wildfire. a widowmaker during a windstorm. a wasp nest waiting right above the front door.

and yet, nothing has ever kept me on my toes so much. by day, i move irrigation pipes, install floodlights, fix plumbing, attempt to drink enough water to combat the 108 degree heat. by night, i lie in bed, trying to remember if i checked the mouse traps, locked the tool shed. i start creative projects that i never finish, forever distracted by the weight of whatever it is i’m “actually” supposed to be doing.

that said, every morning i wake with purpose—even if that same responsibility sometimes becomes a plume of smoke near an open pasture (occasionally suffocating, perhaps, but a welcome warning nonetheless).

and then there is saffron, our new 5-year-old rescue. she is unlike any cat i’ve ever met; gentle and trusting, but holding back at every step. sometimes i lay on the floor with her for hours, eyes closed and head turned the opposite direction, all in an attempt to get her to step into the light. every now and then i’ll feel something tickle my ear, retreating when i turn to look. it’s as if she’s a ghost—the evidence of her existence only found once she’s picked another hiding place. it’s a happy haunting.

directing the trucks to where the fire began, the wind picked up. i held my breath, noting its direction, and looked down to realize that—in my haste to exit the house—i’d forgotten to put shoes on. the soles of my feet were now burnt, bare on the hot pavement, and with the fire finally being contained i tip-toed back down our gravel driveway and into the house.

i sat at the kitchen table, still messy from my crafting, so i could ice my feet and watch through the window as the flames finally dissipated. the smoke hung in the july air.

i never did finish the basket.

[kataraavatara]

since we’re all rereading wings and embers rn (thanks hattie) i just ran into Nesta describing cassian as “fire made flesh”….hmm…

[125storejuice]

.

[greensaplinggrace]

Can I join the club of wanting the darkling to be more monstrous and an eldritch horror cause damn if that isn’t super fun to explore

hhhhh yes!! eldritch horror darkling is so interesting like I am always thinking about just how far his powers can go and the effects being a shadow summoner could have on him at a deep, primal level. like I love the idea of him acting just this side of human, but he always knows when you're approaching he can feel you in the air he can grab you from anywhere he is a shadow creature but not because he is master of shadow and they all bow to him. anyways...