#Also Tim did attack Jason with a crowbar

[tumblingxelian]

Honest question, what do you think a well-written "Jason lives" story would look like?

Like, if Death in the Family still happened, but Bruce saved Jason before it was too late, then odds are there would still be consequences resulting from how BADLY the Joker brutalized him.

Hmm, OK so with your starting premise and utilizing my knowledge of comics to come but also the fact that if Jason lived then certain ideas and plots would be nixed... While all still colored from my perspective, here is my general take:

So, first, rather than Bruce saving Jason I'd say Jason actually manages to save himself, either because he released his mother or managed to half talk her through disarming the bomb.

I know the original splash page has Bruce pulling him from the rubble but that makes zero sense even by comics standards, he and Sheila should be charred corpses.

So, the bomb is disarmed or they managed to get out cos he released Sheila and Bruce arrives to whisk Jason away to medical treatment with Sheila keeping his head above water.

The exact next sequence is harder to make sense of at first, but here's the thing. The original comic could let Joker get away with learning who Jason was behind the mask because he 'died' soon after and then 'came back'. He also initially mistook Tim for Jason. So, given his state of mind it can be... Tacitly tolerated that he never deduced or used Bruce's identity.

Here, that's a bigger issue and so I will say that to keep the tracks covered as much as they can...

Sheila is kept in custody because while Bruce is furious with her, she did keep Jason alive & separating them seems like a bad idea, though she is to be closely watched by Leslie & Alfred.

Unfortunately, the intel she gave him on Joker's plan was slightly false and she used her time to slip away to go after the clown herself, intent on a redemption arc.

There's messages, misunderstandings, truths revealed and another arrest that doesn't last, before Joker is once again in a helicopter trying to escape but this time with Sheila who shoots him, but he shoots her back as he lays dying and the helicopter crashes.

They cannot find Joker's body but Sheila stayed above long enough to die later, musing on where her life led her, the importance of getting a chance to do something, and that Jason is a real good kid, better than she or Bruce deserve.

This is deeply tragic, mostly conceptually and philosophically, but still.

This is enough to make Bruce sort of ease up on Jason, but at the expense of becoming more overprotective in general. Which is hard to argue with as Jason is doing physical therapy and Dick has a broken leg.

So the drama for the ensuing period is Bruce trying to bench key allies and family ETC, so he can keep them safe while still running himself more ragged, but not quite as terribly as his suicidal spiral in canon.

He also has ideas on sending Jason to a semi boarding school to try and keep him out of super heroics. If he succeeds, this plan will still fail and likely ends up forming the nexus of Jason's own mini team with Eddie and Rose. But also would fail to keep him out of Gotham sufficiently. Still he may be at Brentwood some of the time so one can justify solo Batman stories & some more school time adventures for Jason.

But before all that happens, we have a new player in the field.

The Spoiler!!!

That's right, into the arena is the one, the only Stephanie Brown. She's here to spill the tea and kill her dad, and maybe protect her community on the side.

Best part?

Bruce either does not know who she is at first, or has zero jurisdiction over her and can't gain any without revealing his identity or attacking a teenager for trying to help and she is slippery regardless.

Basically, one of the people who helps crowbar Bruce back into tolerating help is Stephanie basically keeping her original give no fucks about Batman attitude and doing her own thing.

Their relationship is likely a bit contentious and back and forth, far more hands off, not quite mentoring, but also less outright toxic than canon.

She & Jason probably have a thing and bond over some shared and different history stuff, but I don't see it being the mainstay relationship.

Young Justice is likely found eventually under similar circumstances, though Stephanie likely gets to be a member this time, as do Eddie & Rose.

I think the team would be less, Kon, Kid Flash & Robin and more like a cycling mass of active or present members, dealing with an overseer.

Basically a comic series to throw lots of different personalities power sets and problems together and see what dynamics emerge as popular.

After that, less sure.

My ideal is Jason goes to university or maybe has to stay with Young Justice or some other area full time and adopts his own hero persona while Steph gets a run as Robin alongside Cassandra as Batgirl.

Otherwise most major storylines, save one's reliant on Jason being dead, still happen. Steph likely has a less horrible time as Spoiler, but is also maybe always and forever more overtly on the outs so she might not get Robin as she might not want it. (Though maybe during No Man's Land...)

See what I mean about the plot drift?

War Games may still happen but probably with a very different, though not inherently better cos Bruce's plan was dumb, resolution.

Also Joker does return, sadly, and there's always likely a hovering question as to whether he knows the truth of their identities but its never confirmed, or isn't until he dies again.

#Bat Clan #Batfam #Batman #the batman #Bruce Wayne #Jason Todd #robin!jason #Stephanie Brown #the spoiler #robin!steph #Death in the Family

[igotanidea]

The fear: Jason Todd x fem!reader part 2

part 1

"I don't understand. Why isn't it working on him?” regardless of Jason’s protest, the second he got Jimmy to safety Dick and Tim took him to the batcave to run some test and assess the damage. Surprisingly, seemingly the toxin did nothing.

“I don’t know” Tim muttered, torn between confusion and curiosity “but it’s disturbing. I believe Crane has been altering the formula and the effects are yet to come.”

“Maybe I’ve just become immune to Scarecrow’s tricks.” Jason was sitting on the nearby chair, arms crossed over his chest, right leg bend and rested on the left, utter annoyance on his face “Will you two just let me the fuck out of here?!” he hissed

“NO!” Dick and Tim said in unison, however, the motives of the answer were slightly different for each of them. While both of them were worried about Jason’s state of mind, Dick didn’t want him to be alone. The oldest Wayne knew exactly what memories could come back due to the fear gas and felt the urge to help Jay through it. On the other side, Tim didn’t want him to suffer if there was something he could do about it. He just needed more time to figure it all out.

“I hate you both. Truly, madly, deeply.” Jason huffed

“Oh, come on, Jaybird, we all know if you wanted to get out you would have already done that. And yet, you’re still here. No one’s keeping you captive.”

“Shut up, Grayson.”

“Nah, I don’t think I will.” Dick smiled

“Don’t you have anything better do to? Anyone else to save?”

“You’re my priority at the moment.” Suddenly the air in the cave got a bit more serious and tense.

“How long do you think this may take?” Jay asked quietly “I got job to do.”

“We’ll cover for you if…..”

“NO! Hell no, I told you to stay away from Crime Alley.”

“If you don’t want to be alone you could have just said so.”

“Shut up, Grayson!”

“Why is it always me who has to witness this?” Tim rolled his eyes, begging whatever bigger entity there was for mercy “Can you two just calm down?”

“NO!” apparently, the sides turned and now it was Dick and Jason yelling in unison at Tim

“I wasn’t really expecting any other answer.”

“I….” Jason exhaled deeply “how long?”

“If my analysis is right ….”

“….. and it’s always right…” Todd mocked

“.. it may take up to 10 hours.”

“Great. That is just freaking great. Anyone up for the board game while we wait?”

***

Now

Tim was right. After 10 hours it all started coming back. Slowly.

At first, it was only the knot in his stomach, origins unknown. Then, his head started spinning and his vision became blurry. Soon, Jay felt surrounded and suffocated by the green fog.

And then it was only worse. Dick and Tim were forced to watch their brother crouch in the corner of the room, his eyes wide in terror, fixed on one point in the space yet blind to everything that was happening as his brain was working against him.

The memories from Ethiopia. The sound of footsteps on the wooden floor. The vicious laugh of a maniac who was attacking a kid. The feeling on crowbar on every part of his body. The smell and metallic taste of blood. He was going to find him again. Joker was going to torture him and kill him again. The story was going to repeat itself. There was literally nowhere to hide. Poor Jason. He hid his face in hands, sobbing quietly, silent begging to just leave him alone.

“I… I don’t want to go back…..”

“Um, should we do something  or…..?”

“What do you suggest we do, Tim? How do we help him without letting him know that we see him in this state? It’s still Jason. Any sign of vulnerability he’s shown may be the cause of another fight. And he’s terrified. I don’t know  about you, but I’d rather avoid it.”

“We can’t just leave him like this.”

“Of course not. But we also cannot help him. There is however one person that can.”

“You surely don’t mean …..”

“Yeah, yeah I do.”

“She won’t like it.” Tim warned

“But she will come. She always answer when needed.” Dick took a few steps forward and squatted next to Jayson. “Jaylad? Hey, I need you to look at me. You’re gonna be fine, all right? I’m calling Y/N”

“What?” for a second Jayson’s sight became a bit more aware “Don’t you dare! I don’t need her here!“

“We both know that is not true.”

“I don’t want her here!”

“Jason….”

“Don’t you dare calling her! I can handle myself. There’s no need to. I don’t want her hurt and he’s coming to get me. I need to keep her safe. I have to keep her safe……” his whole body shook, since it couldn’t process the possibility of the girl getting captured by the Joker and tormented the same way he had been.

“He’s too far gone now.” Tim pointed out “I think we really have to call her for the rescue.”

“Told ya.” Dick was  already dialing the number of his friend “Y/N?”

“Dick? Hey there, boy wonder. It’s been a while.”

“Really? It seems like you never left. We still got your framed picture on the display.”

“Oh, please, after a month? I never thought you to be sentimental, Grayson.”

“Only for you, Y/N….”

“Oh for crying out loud!” Tim hissed and took the phone from his brother “Y/N.”

“Tim? If you’re there than can only mean you have an emergency.”

“I need you to come. We need you to come. Please?”

“Of course. You know you can count on me. Is it Damian or…. Jay?”

“It’s Jason. If you don’t want to….”

“No.” she cut him off instantly, her voice a bit more concerned “What happened in the past stays in the past. I promised you something when I left and I intend to keep that promise. I’m on my way now. See you soon, bats.” The click on the other side indicated that she disconnected.

“Do you think this will work? I mean, given all the history…..”

“The plan’s in motion now. We better hope it works.”

to be continued

part 3

@shadow-pancake9

@lwtmonster91

@your-local-cryptid87

@princessbl0ss0m

#jason todd fanfiction #jason todd angst #jason todd imagine #jason todd #jason todd x reader #jason todd x fem!reader #jason todd x oc #jason todd x you #jason todd x y/n #red hood fanfiction #red hood imagine #red hood angst #red hood x reader #red hood x fem!reader #red hood #red hood x y/n #batboys x reader #angst #dc angst #jason todd fluff #red hood fluff #fluff #dc fluff #batfamily #batfamily x reader

[thealexanderfiles]

THOUGHT OF MORE DC CHAOS:

Real Gotham rogues: Condiment King, Kite Man, Man-Bat

One time Dick Grayson was shot in the head, got amnesia and called himself Ric Grayson. It was a rough time that we don’t talk about anymore (it literally just doesn’t happen in my personal canon)

Jason Todd once attacked Tim in Titans Tower (the source of many angst fics). This is common knowledge. What many forget though is he was wearing an adult-sized Robin suit. This was not his old Robin suit. He got this somewhere?? Where did this truck of a man buy an XXL Robin Suit that was durable enough to break into a high-tech facility and beat up a kid in????

Look up Mr. Sarcastic. Look up Evil Future Gun Batman. Look up Caroline Hill. Got it? Okay who do you think those all are. Yeah those are all Tim Drake. Mr. Sarcastic and Caroline Hill were disguises, Evil Future Gun Batman is the result of a bad timeline.

Duke might be immortal

Look up Lord Death Man just trust me on this one. I cannot begin to explain this chaos.

Jason was beaten with a crowbar before being blown up in a warehouse- cause of his death. Yeah once Damian put a crowbar on now-alive Jason’s pillow. Just for fun.

The Batfamily has a group chat. Cass spams it with emojis. Everybody say “Thank you, Tom Taylor”

Dick was 8 when he started as Robin.

I’m definitely forgetting stuff

A M A Z I N G

Also, damien???? Come on buddy. That's gotta be traumatic.

MANBAT??????????? What is it? A bat that dresses up as a man?

[ikatjackson]

Top 10 Worst Things Done by Marvel and DC Villains

1. Joker torturing Tim in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker

In Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, we see the new Batman, Terry Mcginnis, stop the Joker from taking over Gotham City. We also see why Tim Drake retired as Robin. Long before he retired, he was kidnapped by the Joker and Harley and tortured into thinking he’s the Joker’s “son”. When Bruce shows up, Joker shows him what he did to Tim and orders him to shoot Bruce. Luckily, Tim shoots the Joker instead. Seeing Tim laugh until he breaks down sobbing is one of the most disturbing moments in the DCAU and one of the worst things Joker has ever done.

2. Green Goblin kills Gwen Stacy

Green Goblin really likes to torment Spider-Man. One of the ways that he does this is by kidnapping Gwen Stacy and throwing her off the bridge. Spider-Man caught her but the jolt from his webbing snapped her neck. Green Goblin then says that he did this to hurt Spider-Man. It’s one of the most shocking moments in Marvel history.

3. Joker’s treatment of Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn and Joker were together for a really long time in the comics before she broke up with him. Joker treated Harley pretty badly. He slapped her, used her for his own gain, took his anger out on her, made attempts on her life, and even pushed her out of a window. Luckily, Harley broke up with Joker and now she’s dating Poison Ivy.

4. Norman Osborn’s affair with Gwen Stacy

Spider-Man: Sin’s Past is a pretty controversial story. In the story, Norman Osborn has an affair with Gwen Stacy, resulting in twins who want to hunt Spider-Man. It’s one of the worst things Norman has ever done and he did that to hurt Peter. Gwen wanted to raise the kids with Peter but when Norman found out, he killed Gwen. We can see why Spider-Man: Sin’s Past is pretty controversial.

5. Scarecrow takes over Gotham City in Batman: Arkham Knight

Batman: Arkham Knight was a pretty awesome game. Scarecrow was made the main antagonist of the game. What did he do in the game, you may ask? After the events of Arkham Asylum, Scarecrow survives Killer Croc’s attack on him and goes into hiding to recover and plan his revenge on Batman. In Arkham Knight, he returns and recruits other villains to help him take over Gotham City. He dumps fear toxin on the city and takes over with the help of Arkham Knight. He captures Batman and unmasks him in front of everyone. Thankfully, Batman escaped and put a stop to Scarecrow’s plans. 

6. Kraven replaces Spider-Man 

Kraven the Hunter wants to prove that he’s the world greatest hunter. In Kraven’s Last Hunt, he shoots Spider-Man and buries him alive. He takes Spider-Man’s suit and replaces him. Spider-Man escapes and confronts Kraven. Kraven tells him that his hunting days are over and he commits suicide. He would later return and continue his hunt for Spider-Man.

7. Joker skins a man alive

In the graphic novel Joker, Joker is released from Arkham Asylum and celebrates with his old friends. When he finds out that Monty hired Harley Quinn as a stripper, he is not happy. He and Monty go to the back room to talk about the events that happened when Joker was locked up. Monty comes out and he’s missing his skin. Joker was not happy with what Monty did and he decides to bring things back under his control.

8. Bullseye kills Karen Page

If there’s one thing that Bullseye like to do, its tormenting Daredevil. One of the worst things he ever did was kill Daredevil’s love interest, Karen Page. During a fight between Daredevil and Bullseye, Karen leaps in front of Daredevil to protect him and is killed by Bullseye’s projectiles. Daredevil was heartbroken by this but he would recover from it and come back stronger than ever.

9. Joker kills Jason Todd

After Dick Grayson left to become Nightwing, Jason Todd became the next Robin. He died when Joker beat him with a crowbar and left him to blow up in a warehouse. Batman arrived on the scene and found his ward dead and his mother wounded, making this one of worst things Joker has ever done. Jason would later return and become the Red Hood.

10. Everything Red Skull has done to Captain America

Red Skull and Captain America are arch enemies. They’ve been fighting since World War II. Red Skull has done some terrible things to the Star and Stripes hero. From stealing his body to brainwashing him. He even orchestrated Captain America’s assassination in Civil War. Captain America would later return and stop Red Skull’s plans. 

#marvel #dc

[writer-room]

Siblings: Chapter One

AO3

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Summary: The Bats reflect on how their thoughts about siblings have changed over the years. Some opinions stayed, others didn't.

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

Dick always wondered what it’d be like to have a little brother or sister.

He recalled asking his parents why he didn’t have one. Not accusatory, just curious.

His mother had smiled and said that they had their hands full plenty with Dick, and he was all they needed. His father, while still kind, said that they didn’t really have the time or resources in the circus at the moment to add another child to the family.

Dick was disappointed, but he understood the reasons.

Even still, he’d find himself staring at the kids that watched the acts with awe. Older kids lighty taunted their younger siblings, ruffling their hair and pretending they were too good for it all, and that they were doing their siblings a favor by being there. Kids who nudged their brother or sister to distract and steal the snacks from concession stands, later whispering words that’d make the other gape or giggle. Young children holding their sibling who was of toddler age or younger, pointing towards parts of the acts, their glee growing upon seeing the excitement of their sibling.

Dick hadn’t been lonely growing up in Haly’s Circus, he had his parents and the other people who worked there, from the handlers to the clowns to the tricksters. 

And yet, he still found himself watching the kids who’d come in with one, or even two or three, brothers and sisters, taunting and laughing and sharing their wonder.

A sibling would’ve been nice, he thinks mournfully. It might’ve even been fun.

Ah, well. At least he had the circus.

,

“Hey, hey Dick. Dick. Dick, lookit.”

“If I turn around and I see you about to push Damian off the roof, I’m breaking your helmet.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Dick sighed, turning back from where he was keeping an eye on the streets below. Jason, who’d only been a few feet away, immediately took this moment to seize Tim, who had been too busy looking through his binoculars to care about whatever the two had been doing, and proceed to chuck him off the roof.

Dick pinched the bridge of his nose with a groan as Tim’s undignified shriek was cut off by him catching himself on a fire escape below, scrambling to get a good hold on so he didn’t fall the rest of the way.

“What?” Jason huffed. “You said not to push Damian, and I didn’t push Damian.”

“Of course,” Dick replied sarcastically. “My mistake, I’ll be sure to rephrase it as don’t push anyone off the roof.”

“Now that’s just unreasonable,” Jason huffed, hand on his hip as Steph and Cass snickered from the nearby chimney they were perched on. “I can think of plenty of people who deserve to be pushed off roofs. Like Scarow, for example. Bastard made me break my good hand last month and I still need to shoot a bullet in his back for that one.”

“Then don’t push your family off roofs, is that enough for you?” Dick sighed, standing up and peering over the edge of the roof. “You alright down there, Tim?”

“Names,” Damian finally chastised, not once having glanced over to the others from where he was on the corner of the roof, farthest as he could get from them.

“Oh, sure, now you worry.” Tim grumbled from the fire escape, finally pulling himself to his feet and brushing himself off. “Dick, please tell me I have permission to stab out Jason’s eye.”

“You do not.”

“He’d be fine!” Tim complained, snagging a hand on the stairs and instead pulling himself up along the outside of the fire escape instead of walking up the steps like a normal human being. “Harper could probably make him a new functional one in two days if she's in a good mood.”

“I’m not making him a new eye in two days. Maybe two weeks.” Harper informed from the other side of the roof, also ignoring the others as she tinkered with some gadget.

“Get anywhere near me and I’ll cough on you,” Jason threatened, also peering down off the roof. “You have basically no immune system, you’d die in a week. A long, painful death. Poetic cinema, really.”

“If you say it's poetic because you were beaten with a crowbar for two hours, I’m dropkicking you.” Steph warned, eyes narrowed.

“You’re so mean to me,” Jason gasped, placing a hand on his chest as he turned. “What did I ever do to deserve this? I’m nice to you!”

“No, you’re not.” Chorused Dick, Tim, Damian, Steph, and an extra voice through their earpieces.

“Wow, thanks, Babs.” Jason grumbled. “Showing up just to bully me, typical.”

“Names,” Damian warned a second time.

“If it makes you feel any better,” Babs crackled through their earpieces. “You’re not the only one I bully.”

“Everyone please stop harassing Jay,” Dick pleaded, though it came out more as an exhausted sigh.

“Names,” Damian growled a third time, losing his patience.

“I know it's fun,” Dick continued, ignoring him. “But this is supposed to be a scouting mission, and I’d rather he didn’t start taking out petty revenge during patrol.”

“I have no idea why he’s so surprised we get bored when scouting,” Steph mumbled quietly, to which Cass simply shrugged.

“You have no faith in me,” Jason snorted, and Dick could tell he was rolling his eyes under his helmet.

“I have plenty of faith in you,” Dick soothed. “I also, however, know how you are.”

“Don’t worry,” Steph raised a hand. “I already lost faith in you when you tried to kill Tim.”

“Which time?”

“Steph, don’t taunt him. Do it back at the Manor.” Dick lightly scolded.

“How many times do I have to repeat this?” Damian snapped, whirling from his post to glare at the others. “We do not use names on patrol!”

“Doesn’t Jon call you D on patrol?” Harper raised a brow, glancing towards him.

“That is different! He does not use my actual name!”

“Hypocrite,” Jason coughed under his breath.

Tim finally swung back onto the roof, skillfully rolling and dodging when Jason attempted to immediately kick him off again. Tim rolled close to the chimney, quickly pulling out his bo staff and crouching, glaring at Jason. It was reminiscent of two cats in a standoff, arched backs but neither of them making the first strike yet.

“Do not fight,” Cass said calmly. 

“Thank you, C--” Dick hesitated, glancing at Damian for a brief moment. “--Orphan.”

“Fight in Cave,” Cass continued cheerfully. “We have sparring mats for reasons.”

“And I take that back.”

“You wanna hang with the cool kids?” Steph asked, leaning off the chimney to offer her hand.

“Yes. Have I mentioned you’re my favorite person?” Tim grinned, putting his staff away as he took the offered hand and was pulled onto the chimney beside Steph and Cass.

“You could stand to say it more often,” Steph teased.

“Cheaters,” Jason grumbled, relenting that fighting both Steph and Cass to get Tim was a losing battle.

The three were rather squished on the chimney, but none of them seemed to mind. Harper only rolled her eyes and went back to tinkering.

“We really need to bring D--Signal on one of these things.” Dick muttered, shaking his head.

“Because he’s sensible, or because you want him to suffer like the rest of us?” Tim raised a brow.

“Because he deserves the same family bonding time.” Dick said simply.

“Duke and Cullen are next to me listening in on this,” Barbara said through the communicators. “I am here to inform you that Duke is both touched and terrified.”

“The bumblebee was awake and didn’t even bother to join us?” Harper snorted. “Rude.”

“Cullen agrees with you.”

“He better,”

“I’m taking a ten hour nap after this,” Dick complained, sitting back on the edge of the roof, legs dangling in the open air as he leaned back dramatically on his hands. “I deserve it. Self-care and all that.”

“That is the length of a normal amount of sleep.” Damian raised a brow.

“Not in this family, it’s not.”

“Preach!” Tim pumped a fist.

“You don’t count, Tim.” Dick chastised, leaning his head back to look at Tim upside down. “Everyone here remembers to sleep at the latest once every two days. You don’t sleep for five.”

“I’m being harassed,”

“You’re being bullied into a proper sleep schedule.” 

Damian suddenly whacked Dick over the head, startling him with a yelp as Jason hid a snicker. Harper and Cass looked over for a moment before continuing with whatever they had previously been doing.

“Names!” Damian hissed. “Do you all want your identities revealed?”

“Literally nobody is here,” Harper pointed out.

“If Gotham hasn’t found out our identities by now, they never will.” Steph snorted.

“Especially finger-stripes over here.” Tim added, a smug expression on his face.

“A nine-year-old finds out your identity one time and you never hear the end of it.” Dick muttered under his breath before sitting up and proceeding to snatch Damian, who had been previously stalking towards the others, by wrapping an arm around his chest and tugging him closer as the boy squawked.

“You were using a Flying Grayson move, dude.” Tim deadpanned. “You gotta pay the price for being flashy for no other reason than because you can.”

“That’s his entire personality.”

“Why do you all hate me?” Dick whined, holding a squirming Damian close as he gave the boy a noogie. “What did I do to gain such torment?”

“You want the list?” Harper looked up, finally putting away whatever she was tinkering with.

“We alphabetized,” Cass added.

“Wrote on the front and back,” Steph nodded sagely.

“I’m adding three more to the list when we get back,” Damian growled, looking ready to bite Dick if he didn’t stop soon.

“You better be joking about that list,” Dick warned, releasing Damian for his own safety. “Because if I ever find a list of reasons to be mean to me, I will not show mercy.”

“Do you mean you’re gonna attack us physically or emotionally?” Jason inquired.

“Emotionally,”

“You sick bastard.” Steph whispered in horror. “I can’t believe you would use your powers for evil.”

“Does it make it any better if I tell you the list, if it does exist, would probably only exist so that when we notice someone looks like they’re gonna do something stupid, we use the list to remind them of something you did so they take it out on you and not, say, turn all of Gotham into a gang war zone.” Harper said slowly.

“I hate you,” Steph glared. “You mess up one time--”

“You died, Steph!” Tim exclaimed, before getting a batarang chucked at his head that Damian somehow snuck into his utility belt.

“She didn’t even die,” Jason snorted, crossing his arms. “Both of you two had lame fake-out deaths.”

“Why am I the one who’s become the punching bag?” Dick complained, holding Damian back again when he tried to grab the batarang Tim had dodged and threw it again.

“Because you’re actually good at feelings and everyone else is emotionally constipated.” Harper deadpanned.

“And the Ric incident.” Damian added right after, giving up in his thrashing. A shutter passed over the Bats at the mention of the name.

“Aw,” Dick’s face softened, ignoring the Ric comment. “You guys care about my advice?”

“Congrats,” Barbara chuckled slightly. “You’re the therapist brother.”

“Don’t tell him that,” Jason groaned, flopping backwards on the roof. “Now he’s going to be mushy and clingy all week.”

“Lord knows you idiots need it,” Harper huffed as Dick practically glowed.

“I’m sicing him on you later.”

“Jokes on you, he hasn’t found my apartment yet.”

“Yes I have,” Dick raised a hand, turning towards her. “Well, Robin found it, but I still know it.”

Harper stared at him for a few moments, momentarily turning her head to Damian for a moment before going back to Dick, and then turning to Jason.

“You’re a monster,” She whispered, a look of true horror on her face.

“I know,” Jason cackled gleefully.

“None of you are leaving the Manor when we get back.” Dick said matter-of-factly, pointing a finger to his siblings. “We’re gonna bond, and you’re going to like it.”

“We’re already bonding right now!” Damian protested.

“You’ll have to kill me first.” Steph hissed, shying behind Cass.

“Bold of you to assume you can keep me confined to the Manor.” Tim huffed in offence. “Orphan, I’ll stash you in one of my safe houses if you promise to be my bodyguard.”

“Deal,”

“You guys are so dramatic--”

“Hey, guys? Crazed pyromaniac with flamethrowers to the north.”

The group immediately dropped whatever they had been doing, heads snapping up towards the direction Barbara had tiredly informed them of the attack.

It was only a few moments before the sight of flames peaked over one of the buildings, dying out almost immediately. Shouts and rumbles were steadily growing in volume, especially the cackling of Firefly, likely revving up whatever weapon he’d acquired this time.

“Fantastic, can’t even keep watch with you morons.” Damian growled.

“Oh you are not the only one trying to work here!” Tim snapped. “Orphan, for example, is doing a wonderful--where’d she go?”

He and Steph looked around rapidly, their sister suddenly missing from the chimney. How they hadn’t noticed she’d left their crowded space was a mystery that’d likely never be solved.

“Over there,” Jason said boredly, upholstering a gun and pointing across the rooftops.

The outline of Cass’s body could be seen sprinting across the roofs towards where the fire had been spotted, leaping with reckless abandon.

“Life lesson for the rest of you,” Harper hummed, getting to her feet. “Be like Cass.”

“Stop using real names!” Damian barked.

“Last one there is on cleanup duty!” Steph hollered, shoving Tim and taking off in the same movement.

“Asshole!” Tim yelled as Jason, Harper and Damian all bolted after her without a moment's hesitation. 

Dick laughed, just getting to his feet as Tim stumbled up and after the others, swearing obscenities.

He quickly ran after his siblings, though he strayed a little further back, nobody paid attention to who showed up last anyway, his eyes darting from each of his siblings. Someone had to make sure they didn’t face-plant off a roof.

They shouted over each other as they descended down to take out Firefly. The guy had really picked a bad night to start causing trouble. It’d be over in no-time.

Even still, Dick paused on the roofs, scanning the streets below as the others ran to and fro, yelling over each other as Barbara switched between the coms to talk to them. It was a chaotic mess and Dick found himself grinning at it all.

His siblings were a hot mess, and it was amazing.

#dc #dc comics #dick grayson #batfam #batkids #nightwing #jason todd #barbara gordon #tim drake #damian wayne #harper row #cassandra cain #stephanie brown #brothers #siblings #my writing #writings #fics #ao3 #haly's circus #kid dick grayson

[chocolate1721]

My brain won’t let me rest until I share these prompts.

Ok, so the class is in Gotham and it’s the last night before they leave. They went out to eat and on their way back to the hotel they run into and injured Harley and/or Ivy. The class freezes while Mari and Chloe rush over to help them. Mari starts tearing her clothes while Chloe is making sure they are coherent. They class comes back to their senses and start hurling insults at the rogues and start talking about calling the police. They class gets more hostile towards Mari, Chloe, Harley, and Ivy as they move towards them. Suddenly the Joker appears behind the small group. The class runs away and leaves Mari and Chloe behind. Marinette jumps up and stands in between the Joker and the injured rogues.

Joker is impressed. Very few men would even think of getting in his way, but this child doesn’t hesitate to do this. While Joker is assessing Mari, Marinette subtly grabs a (conveniently placed) crowbar that she found on the ground.

Chloe is trying to get Harley and Ivy to stand up, so they can all get out of this situation. She is successful but both Harley and Ivy are leaning heavily on her.

Marinette takes a swing at Joker, when he gets too close. Joker is getting more and more intrigued by her. He taunts and teases her. Getting close then backing away when she swings at him. Looking to see how far he can push her.

Harley is terrified. She sees the look in the Joker’s eyes. She knows that look. He is interested in this girl who is protecting her and Ivy. But she can’t do anything to help.

The Joker slowly maneuvers the group into a corner. Marinette still swinging at him, but he keeps walking closer to them. She realizes that the only way out is past Joker, so she stops backing up. The next time she takes a swing it connects with his forearm. He blocked it. Joker yanks the crowbar out of her hands and tosses it away from them. He walks closer to the group, but Mari refuses to move.

[[More]]

Before he gets to them several dark figures swoop down and fight him. After he is defeated, Marinette grabs the closest vigilante (perferably not the love interest) and demands that they help Harley and Ivy.

Mari and Chloe stay at the hospital while both Rogues get worked on. They answer the questions from the police and batfam. They refused to leave the hospital until they knew that both of the women would be ok. So they stayed the night. Waiting for the Rogues to wake up.

The next morning Harley and Ivy were shocked to see the girls who helped them. They watched as the girls slept in those uncomfortable hospital chairs. The police arrived not long after Marinette and Chloe woke up. The police officer asked them who their guardian was. Marinette and Chloe were then taken to the police Stanton as they waited for Bustier to pick them up.

It was around lunch when they were informed that the class could not be found. Gordon was walking by when he saw these two girls go very, very pale. They turned to each other and started whispering in French. He paused and watched as the officer asked the girls what was wrong.

“We are supposed to go back to Paris today. Lately our teacher hasn’t been taking roll call, and she takes what our classmates say as fact. We’re hoping she didn’t leave for Paris without us.”

“Who are we kidding Maribug. She wouldn’t do a headcount for a trip to the museum, why do we expect her to do it before leaving a country.”

Gordon was shocked, then scared. He rushed to his office and called the airport. After several people told him that the information he was wanting was classified, and being transferred around a bit. He slammed his hands on his desk and informed the person on the other end of the line that “THERE ARE TWO MINORS WHO BELIEVE THAT THEIR TEACHER LEFT THEM BEHIND WHEN SHE TOOK THE REST OF THE CLASS BACK TO PARIS! NOW TELL ME IF THEY BOARDED THE F*CKING PLANE OR NOT!”

He got what he needed, and he was furious. Not only did the teacher not do a headcount but they have video evidence of one student ripping up two tickets, that he assumed where for the two girls in the lobby of the precinct.

He called Bruce Wayne, since he is technically responsible for them while they are in Gotham. He explained the situation, and Bruce was more livid than Gordon is. He told Gordon that he would pick the girls up and take care of getting them back to Paris. Gordon sighed and went to tell the girls. Who took the news rather well. He talked with the girls, asking them if this was normal for their teacher. They had no reservations, well the blonde had no reservations, about telling him every toxic, manipulative, and downright mentally abusive thing their teacher has done.

By the time Beuce Wayne, and his hoard of kids, arrived; Gordon was going to send a tip to the French Board of Education about this. He pulled Bruce aside and told him about the teacher. Bruce agreed that this teacher is aweful and he is going to make sure that she is never allowed to teach anyone again.

Bruce took the girls back to the manor and had Tim arrange a flight to Paris on their personal plane. He also had the girls call their parents and let them know what happened. Sabine was out for blood. He talked to the parents and let them know he will personally bring their children back to Paris.

After talking to their parents all that was left was to have the plane get ready. They agreed to wait until tomorrow to leave for Paris. This gave Jason enough time to teach both girls how to shoot many different types of guns. Damian was teaching Marinette swordsmanship, he was rather impressed on how dedicated she was. He is a difficult teacher, harsh and strict, but she was enthusiastic and learned from her mistakes. Chloe and Dick has a blast in trying to “one up” the other with flexibility and gymnastics. And finally, Tim has finally found another insomniac coffee addict. Mari and Tim trades coffee recipies.

The entire Batfam went with Marinette and Chloe back to Paris. They didn’t want to miss watching their father rip this teacher apart. Then we’re then introduced to the Dupain-Cheng bakery. . . . . . They literally had to pry Jason’s fingers from the door to get him to leave.

Bruce launches a formal investigation into the school, and Bustier. The Board of Education does this as well. It didn’t turn out well. Bruce suggests that Chloe and Mari wait a few days before going to school. See if the school contacts their parents about why they are missing. When 4 days passed and the school didn’t contact them, the girls showed up after lunch one day. Along with their parents, investigators for Bruce and the Board of Education, and the entire Wayne family.

Bustier is confused and asks the girls why they have been ditching class. This sets sooo many people off. Sabine, Jason, and Chloe have to be physically held back from attacking Bustier.

Marinette, passes Chloe to be father, and steps up to Bustier.

“We didn’t skip school. You left us in an alley with an injured Harley and Ivy, when the Joker appeared. Then when we were rescued by the Batclan and went to the hospital to make sure they were alright, you didn’t try and find us. You left us in Gotham.”

“Marinette, you need to be more responsible. The Joker is very dangerous and trying to protect two criminals was foolish. Also Lila has to get back to Paris to help her mother with some upcoming business.”

This set off so many people that they had to be removed from the class room. Bruce stepped up to Bustier.

“Did you do a head count? If not then why are you putting one student who said they have prior engagements, who should have already gotten it done if they were going to conflict with scheduling or not have come on the trip at all, over two students who were in danger?”

Bruce is beyond livid. He is about to blow a fuse. Until a purple butterfly appears, then Marinette yeets him out of the way. Everyone watches as the akuma goes into one of her hair ties. The class is panicking and are tripping over themselves to get out of the room. Chloe and Marinette’s parents are telling her to fight hawkmoth. Marinette just calmly stares “hawkmoth, if you akumatize me, I will come after you and no one else.” Not long after that state was made. A pure white butterfly emerges from the ribbon.

The class are amazed by this. Adrien smiles and said “see Marinette is our everyday Ladybug, she even rejects Hawkmoth.” Marinette turns towards Adrien and b*tch slaps him. “I may have rejected him, but I shouldn’t have to be in a situation where I have to do it.”

Alya and Lila start yelling about how Mari and Chloe did this for attention, then Lila’s lies are revealed and she and alya get sued.

Lots of salt please. Adrien, Alya, Lila, and Bustier salt. I love my salt

#maribat prompt #mlb x dc au #maribat #mlb au #dc au #alya salt #lila salt #bustier salt #adrien salt

[pl-panda]

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 4

MASTERLIST || First || Previous || Next

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 4

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The next day, Marinette woke up in her bed, still dressed. By the time her father brought her into her room, she was already asleep. The emotions finally caught up with her somewhere along the way. Remembering the end of the evening, her eyes immediately latched onto her finger, but the ring was not there. A mere second before a panic attack, she looked at the bedside table, where both the box and the ring rested. She let out a breath. She didn’t lose it. 

“Morning cupcake,” a voice startled her. “Are you okay?” Her father was looking through the repealed doors. 

“Yeah… Did yesterday really happen?”

“We are still at Wayne Manor and I seem to remember to have put the ring on the night table.” 

“I can’t believe he actually proposed!” Marinette jumped off the bed and started to pace around with a dreamy look on her face. “I mean I know we are married, but it was still so romantic! And in front of so many people! Oh, Papa! I’m so happy!” She fell back onto her bed. 

“I’m glad you’re happy, cupcake. Remember that your Maman and I will always be here for you.” His smile took a sadder shade. “I know you’re almost a grown-up with a job and all, but to us you will always be the same little girl that I used to fit in the palm of my hand.” 

“Don’t worry Papa. I won’t forget you and Maman.”

“Good. Now let’s go open the presents! Race you!” He ran out of her room and toward the big tree in the hall. Mari giggled at her father’s antics before following him; the ring shining on her finger. 

In the back, Tikki floated with a big smile on her face. Her chosen finally had a chance for some happiness. If only that ruddy alley cat did not run away with the miraculous. She could still feel Nooroo and Duusu active. She could wait one more day before telling Marinette though. The girl deserved a peaceful Christmas.

---------

By the time Marinette arrived by the tree, most of the people were already gathered. Dick was seated in a large armchair next to a pile of gifts. He was dressed in a full Santa Claus outfit, complete with a fake beard. The only reason she recognized him was because of his voice.

“Now that everyone’s here, who wants…” He started, but someone interrupted. 

“Before that, I need to apologize.” Johnathan Kent turned toward Marinette. “Yesterday, after you left, I made some unsavory accusations about you, for which I want to deeply apologize.” Just for a second, his eyes jumped toward Sabine. The girl noted that her mother was glaring at the older man. “I’m a simple man and this… secret world you all live in is strange for me. Please, accept my sincere apology.” 

“Oh… No problem Mr. Kent. To be honest I’m still getting used to it all myself.” She smiled at him. Marinette was not that oblivious not to guess what kind of accusations the older man had made. 

“With that out of the way, I think we can get started. Maybe let’s begin with the youngest?” Dick said, trying to imitate how the real Santa Claus would sound. Marinette would admit that he was close.

“Me! Me!” Mar’i started floating in the air until Jon pulled her gently to the ground. He really got into the ‘older brother’ role. 

“Yes, you, sweetheart.” 

Mar’i received several gifts from the pile. Marinette was surprised to see one from her family. Inside were several baked goods from their bakery. She didn’t remember her parents packing any, but maybe they made them here.

“Me next!” Jon was giddy. His pile of gifts was slightly smaller, but there was a box of sweets there too. 

After that, it was Marinette’s turn. She received probably even more than Mar’i. There were also gifts from her Nona, grandfather, uncle Wang, one without a name tag that she was pretty sure came from aunt Sandra, a giant box from Chloe, and a small one that she had no idea who sent her. It was wrapped with a paper with black cats that would look better somewhere around Halloween, but she was too distracted to question it. Damian was busy arguing with Jon about whether he would get the Kryptonite knuckle dusters or not. 

She started with the largest box that Chloé sent her. Inside, there was a giant chest filled to the brim with detective novels and a letter that she chose to read when she was alone. Next was the gift from her uncle, which turned out to be an intricately decorated stone bowl for mixing ingredients. 

Her grandfather got her a beautiful rolling pin made half from cherry wood and half from solidified resin. The resin was in dark green color that reminded her of Damian’s eyes. But Roland had no idea about that, did he…?

Many gifts were some nice fabrics, a gift card to Gabriel, which she was tempted to burn as soon as she got it, but out of politeness just put it back into the box for now. Finally, the gift from aunt Sandra contained a set of beautiful daggers, a Katana, and a hairpin that had a space to pour poison inside. 

Her parents gave her a new rope dart, this time with a sharp end that she could use in combat. The line it was attached to was made from titanium-carbon alloy that would be able to withstand point-pressure of at least two tonnes. The weapon itself was practical instead of good-looking. The blade was thick, looking a bit like a diamond. The edges were sharp and the tip very pointy. The grip of the weapon was wrapped in a red cord for a more comfortable grip. Mari thanked them both before pocketing the weapon into her bag for now. She would probably fashion a better place for it.

Finally, only one box remained. The mysterious cats. Mari was about to open it when Jon noted it and leaped at her. The bow came undone the moment he covered the small box with his body. Everyone waited, watching carefully what was going on.

Nothing happened.

“Tt. Kent? Mind explaining to us why you decided to smash my Angel’s gift?” Damian glared at him.

“Um… I might have accidentally scanned it. You don’t want to see what’s inside. I definitely don’t want to see what’s inside ever again,” he shuddered. 

“Show me,” Sabine demanded. She picked up the squashed box and opened the top before closing it. A small lighter made its way into her hand and before anyone knew better, it was aflame. Seeing people staring at her, she smiled. “Nothing to worry about. It was a terrible prank.” She wrapped the now-charred remains and some vaguely straight shape into the torn paper. 

“What was this Maman?”

“A very distasteful prank.”

Marinette looked at the shape in her mother’s hand and her blood suddenly ran cold. It was shaped like a knife. The knife.

“No… He knows?! He can’t know!” She panicked, but Damian quickly pulled her closer to him, immediately soothing her some. 

“No, Sweetie. That bastard thought he would appease you by offering a painting of a stabbed Ladybug.” Sabine’s expression was heralding God’s wrath.

Jason growled. “He is sick.”

Next to him, Tim muttered so that only Stephanie could hear him. “You gave B. a crowbar on your first Christmas back…” Superman heard it too, judging from his reaction. 

“So what now?”

“Well, I think it’s safe to say we won’t be coming back beyond ‘appearing’ at the airport when your class is scheduled to leave. I still can’t believe how incompetent your teacher must be to force you to travel with them.”

“I know it might sound stupid, but I think you will be safest in Gotham City.” Lois offered. 

Mari nodded sharply before cuddling into Damian. “Don’t worry, Angel. I will protect you.” He reassured her while hugging her close to his heart.

“I can protect myself.” She huffed but didn’t reject his hug. 

“That I don’t doubt.”

“There is a good chance he won’t be able to reach you in Gotham anyway. He is just one kid, which will make crossing the border much harder for him.” Stephanie pointed. 

“He has his daddy’s money. That will probably be enough.”

“Let’s hope not. I will send the warning to the border control that he might be trying to enter the country, but that’s the best I can do.” 

“Meanwhile I will go check if my guns are working…” Jason tried to leave, only for Tim to grab the back of his jacket and pull him back into place.

“There is no point worrying for now. Let’s just enjoy Christmas.” Sabine nodded for everyone to return to gifts. When no one was looking at her, she pulled Jon to the side and placed the knife paper on the stone floor. They didn’t speak, not to start another drama, but the boy understood. A short heat-vision later the knife was no more than a piece of smoking paper and molten steel.

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

A blonde boy walked toward the terminal. He was dressed in a light gray long-sleeved dress shirt underneath a dark gray vest. He also sported a black necktie, dark gray dress pants, and black dress shoes. His hair was combed back, adding to the impeccable look. The green eyes swept over the guards as they observed him closely. He presented the passport.

He noted that it took them longer than it should. His eyes fell on the wanted poster next to the guards. 

“I’m not my idiotic cousin if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Ah… Um…” The guard that was speaking to him was clearly confused. 

“Really? Ugh! That idiot decided to play supervillain and suddenly I have to suffer for it! I am not Adrien Agreste.” He ruffled through his bag, not caring that several guards almost drew their weapons. He finally pulled out a magazine with him and Adrien standing side by side, modeling for Gabriel. When side by side, the difference in their styles was even more pronounced.

“Apologies, mister. You must understand thought…” The man started to back-track.

“Yeah yeah. Spare the prostrating.” He dismissed the guard and walked past the checkpoint. Once he was out of the hearing range, he grinned. “It’s not you that I want to see on the floor…” He whispered omniously. 

-----------

Marinette and Sabine arrived through a portal five minutes from the airport, with ten minutes to spare before class was scheduled to meet. The two did not carry any luggage so they would get past the customs much faster. An upside to having all your things brought through a magical portal the day before. 

The airport was buzzing with activity. Marinette and her mother quickly got past the checkpoint and met with Chloé, who awaited them eagerly. 

“Dupain-Cheng! How was Christmas with the Waynes?” She asked in a hushed voice, so the class didn’t hear her. 

“Well…” Mari grinned before showing the blonde her ring.

“What? Now that’s what I call a good Christmas gift.” 

“How did you like the belt?” Marinette asked. In response, Chloé showed her that she was already wearing it. It was white with some golden glitter around the elegant buckle. There was a barely visible MDC logo etched on the buckle. The designer worked on it for some time before repurposing it as a Christmas gift. She had to cut on the glitter decorations, but in the end, the more minimalistic design appealed to Chloé. 

Sabine watched the two girls talk. A year ago, the woman wouldn’t believe her eyes if Marinette and Chloé acted this friendly. Now though, they were cute. 

“Did you get my gift?” The blonde asked impatiently.

“Um… Yes. The books are great.” 

“What was under the books!” The girl whispered, hoping to avoid Sabine’s watchful eye and ear.

“What?” Marinette looked surprised and Chloé had to resist the urge to facepalm. 

“Honestly Dupain-Cheng! You’re ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!”

And then the mood was broken when the rest of the class found them. 

“Good morning Marinette.” Madame Bustier greeted the girl. “Sabine.” 

The older woman did not return the greeting. “It’s Madame Cheng. We are here in the role of chaperones.” She almost seethes. “Let’s keep at least the illusion of professionalism.”

“Um… right. Moving on kids!” The slightly embarrassed teacher declared. 

“She is just as bad as Maribrat,” Alya muttered to Lila when she thought Sabine couldn’t hear her. The glare she received in response made it clear she made a mistake in her judgment.

After they got to the plane, people started to whisper when Chloé and Marinette didn’t join them in the economy class where they had their tickets. Instead, the two left for the first class. 

“Why aren’t they joining us!?”

“Because Chloé’s father paid for hers and I can afford mine.” Marinette normally would be against such blatant flaunting of wealth, but she couldn’t stop herself from rubbing it a bit into them that she earned the luxury. 

“She probably…” Kim suddenly lost his ability to speak when he was met eye-to-eye with Sabine Cheng. 

“Think carefully about what you want to say next.” 

He could almost see the flames of hell burning brightly behind her. “Um… she probably earned it?”

“Good boy.” 

“While I agree that Marinette earned it,” Caline started speaking and Sabine, Chloé, and the girl in question all had to resist the urge to groan, sensing there was more to that sentence. “I think it would be preferable if the girls joined the class for the duration of the flight. It would serve to strengthen the bonds between kids.” 

“And how exactly do you plan on fitting them when all the places in this place are bought out. Not to mention the price difference. Or maybe you thought money was not a problem?” Sabine asked, her voice dripping in sarcasm. 

Before Caline could answer, Lila decided to open her mouth. “Maybe Madame Bustier and you, madame could switch places with them. We know how hard our teacher worked and a bit of relaxation and comfort would do her good. You too could probably relax a bit from all the hard work in that Bakery.” 

Immediately after that, everyone started to agree and try to convince the chaperones to leave them alone. Sabine was about to protest when Caline spoke up. “Well, I think it would be acceptable, provided the girls agree.” She sent both a glare. 

Sabine’s blood boiled. She wasn’t sure if any normal girl would actually have the strength to stand up to a teacher in that position. Only the fact that Marinette looked completely unbothered stopped her from reacting. 

“Of course they won’t agree! They are too selfish!” Alya shouted. 

Some of the people on the plane started to stare at the group, with many gazes falling on Marinette and Chloé. 

The blonde scoffed, but her best friend grinned. “Sure.” She pulled her ticket and handed her to the teacher. “But we’re blocking the flight, so let’s move.”

Chloé handed hers to Sabine, smiling politely at the woman. “Marinette suspected this would end like that.” She whispered before taking a seat next to Dupain-Cheng. Both girls pulled out old-fashioned dictaphones and started recording what was going on with the class. Then Chloé gave Mari one of her detective novels and they started reading. 

Sabine shook her head. Her little girl had a plan and she would trust her. And after seeing Lila in action, she now had some idea how that liar worked. The way she manipulated people’s opinion reminded her in some ways of the assassin training she underwent. 

-----

The plane was already half-way to Gotham. Sabine did her best to ignore Caliné’s rambling about Marinette, switching between praising her and making her into the heart of all the problems with the class. If she didn’t know better, Sabine would think that the teacher had some sort of mental disorder. Beyond simple stupidity that is. 

Out of the blue, Caliné stopped rambling and Sabine saw her asleep, snoring lightly. 

“A strong sedative. It should give us at least an hour of peace.” A calm voice spoke from behind her. 

“Sandra.” Sabine greeted her sister politely, but without the usual cheerfulness. “Clever of you to choose here of all places to meet me. Don’t think that it will let you escape my wrath. You left that girl on the mercy of a monster.” 

“Cassandra was… I did regret what I did, but I couldn’t risk trying to reclaim her. Not until I was sure she could defend herself.” Sandra said, allowing emotions to enter her voice. Sabine could tell she was genuinely saddened by the situation. 

“You could’ve brought her to me. I would raise her along Marinette without a second thought. And you know that nobody would dare to come after me.” The older turned in her seat to glare at her sister. Two men at her side were both also sleeping, each with a small wound on their neck. They had complete privacy. 

“I… I’m sorry. By the time I managed to find her again, I… I was ashamed. I admit that it pained me to see what Cain did to her. But I couldn’t…”

“We will talk about it when I can scream at you properly.” Sabine cut her off. “For now I want to know what is so important you decided to show up personally, risking my wrath.”

“The boy has allies.” 

“Who?”

“I don’t know, but they are influential enough to shield him from many of my contacts.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you tried. As opposed to with your daughter.”

“I deserve it…” Sandra lowered her head. 

“Yes, you do.” Sabine huffed. 

“If I find the kid…” 

“He sent Mari the knife he stabbed Ladybug with. I have no idea how he got his sticky hands on it…” 

“You still have the bag, right?”

“Already waiting for me in Gotham.”

“I will try digging some more, but I’m getting blocked at each turn.”

“Meanwhile I will keep both our girls safe.”

“I got the picture of Talia by the way.” Lady Shiva allowed a smile to ghost her face. “I carry it framed and put it by my bed. She got a few copies too.” 

“Good. That might remind her not to trifle with us.” The sisters shared a laugh, but Sabine was still angry and it showed. She would give her sister a piece of her mind when the time came. 

-----------

A figure stood cloaked in shadows. The small screen showed a series of images. 

“Poison Ivy; Bane; Penguin; Riddler; Mr. Freeze; Two-Face; Scarecrow; Clayface; Falcone; Harley Quinn; Killer Croc; Joker…” 

“The previous Hawkmoth was a fool.” Another figure spoke from the shadows. Their voice was neither feminine nor masculine. “He stuck to a moral high ground, giving powers to untrained kids. Then again, he was fighting kids.” 

A small, butterfly-like creature floated in the air. “But that is precisely what the Butterfly Miraculous is supposed to do! Its powers will work best with the common people.” 

“Interesting.” The main figure grinned. “So my father wasn’t such a fool after all.” He laughed when another image appeared on the screen. “And I see that my trap is already working.”

Duusuu had to hide from fear. This was not the kind boy they knew. What could’ve happened to Chat Noir, the great kind Chat Noir that made him into… this.

-------

Masterlist // Next

#batman #arranged marriage AU #maribat #maridami #marinette dupain cheng #maribat au #Damian Wayne #Damian al Ghul #damienette #lady shiva #miraculous ladybug #miraculous #miraculous lb #ladybug

[heleizition]

I’m imagining that joker kidnaps Bruce Wayne’s kids to get Batman’s attention, and even sends Bruce Wayne a message. Apparently he got Jason in broad daylight in front of people, so it was a pretty public event (especially if they know that well bred, giant hyena is the Wayne’s kid) that they saw him getting tranqued with multiple shots. If they got him when he was still a growing child, Tim, Cass, Duke and the others only see bouts of laughter from PTSD (kinda like pit madness but he didn’t die). If they were there though,,,then they heard non stop distressed laughter for weeks while he was falling up in panic. Sometimes they hear Jason laugh in human form and are unsettled because it sounds similar to his hyena form. (But he sounds cute and it doesn’t happen often so it’s ok).

In the end instant effect of seeing joker and his goons attacking his family right after his escape lead him him going fully feral and dismembering and mutilating an entire room full of people. Bruce saw him bloody with a hand in between his teeth and Jason was devestated when he realized what he just did (but Bruce forgives him and he is getting therapy for his trauma because Bruce is a good dad UwU)

VIOLENCE AND TORTURE TW

ok ok so the situation would be like, joker is a bitch who has a thing against the waynes (i watched joker w my family the other day lol so im running on this bc comic joker obsessed w the bat wouldn’t be really fun in this au since there is only batman n batwoman, no bat kids to hurt,) and to hurt the Rich Wayne Family he takes his time n kidnaps all the kids. at this time jason is 15, tim is 12, dick is 19, its been a year since tim got here, bruce has met cass and they’re not at adopting n fostering yet, but she helps the bat and is slowly trusting him,,,,,

so yeah he got dick tim and jason and its on a public place n the jokers like ooooo should i break the little one ? or the first son ? or maybe the dirty alley cat ? n when joker stops before his brother jason is shifted and growling and it puts a target on his back,,,, joker keeps laughing while hurting him, someone shoots a dart that makes his nerves and pain sensors flare up and he cant move and the joker hits him w a good ol crowbar and some electric shock is also done to him, n dick is unconscious (he tried to fight his way to jason but got knocked out), n tim is crying n screaming for it to stop, n at some point jason stops responding n the joker does a little speech n tim can see that jason is still awake and looking at them n he knows something is going to happen and the second the joker comes closer jason bites him and draws blood and more goons approach and jason rips some limbs until the police gets there and bruce is there too n yea, they freed tim n dick n tim is holding hyena jason whos maw is full of blood and he’s whispering soothing things and hes shifting back to humans when his restraints are cut off and he looks so small and everything is wrong,,,,

everyone gets therapy and care and tim makes it a point to show jason that what he did didnt scare him and that he’s not afraid of jason,,, after the event, the next nmorning he wakes up w a white streak of hair out of stress,,,, he flinches whenever he hears someone laughing loudly and he cant listen to his hyena laugh anymore,,,,, this is Def when harley and her hyena Enter and help jason heal in a way :0c !

#shifter au #ask me #violence tw #boarcide

[heyitsani]

hi ! i saw you posted your batfam bingo card and i was wondering if you were taking requests. if so would you mind doing “I’m fine” for Duke Tho as and one of his older brothers... we never really see him on the receiving end of any hurt/comfort fics so i thought it would be cool!

I’m Still Climbing (Even When the Rest Have Fallen)

Batman Bingo 2020: “I’m fine.  I’m fine.”

Word Count: 879

Rating: General

Warnings: Mentions of what happened to Duke’s parents but that’s about it

Pairing: None

Summary: After his first exposure to the Fear Toxin, Dick checks in on Duke.

Notes: I was going to make this longer, but everything I tried to write made it seem less genuine. And like I wasn't doing Duke justice. So this came out short and sweet. I rarely write this little, but I actually like the way it unfolded.  I might write out the exposure scene, but I might not.  

You can also read this on AO3 here

“I’m fine.”  When his words are met with silence, Duke looks up to find Dick just watching him, neutral expression on his face.  “I’m fine,” he repeats himself, annoyed.  Or exasperated, take your pick.

“You’re not,” Dicks voice is gentle, warm, and Duke feels himself deflate a little because of it.  “And no one is expecting you to be.  It’s okay to not be okay.  Especially after a night like you had.”

Picking at a string on his duvet cover, Duke wonders how Dick always seems to know what to say.   “That’s kind of hypocritical of you, you know?”  He points out.

He’s met with more silence and Duke feels a twinge if guilt as he looks back to the food that Alfred had dropped off about twenty minutes earlier which he’d been picking at before Dick entered his bedroom.

“You’re always telling people you’re fine when we can all tell you’re not.  If you don’t have to open up, why should I have to?”

Dick’s sigh is heavy.  “Because I do open up. It might not be to any of you, but I do have people I talk to.”  That was news to Duke.  All the Wayne’s, Jason being the loudest, complained about how Dick always kept quiet about his own issues when he expected everyone to be open about theirs.  Duke had never heard any of them say otherwise.  “I’m not here to get you to talk about how you’re feeling anyway.  I’m here to pick up Damian.  I just wanted to check in on you after the events of last night.”

Last night.  When he had faced off against Scarecrow for the first time and ended up with a face full of his fear toxin.  He had heard all the experiences of the others in the family and knew that it was a bad time, but it wasn’t something you could ever really be prepared for.  Even if the antidote was administered quickly, it was still a ride.

Unfortunately for Duke, he had never had the “vaccine” and no one had expected Scarecrow to interrupt a fight with Penguin.  So when he had been hit with the gas like the rest of them, he had suffered the consequences.  Thankfully, Tim had gotten him back to the cave quickly.  But he could still see the images of his parents hysterically laughing as they converged on him with crowbars.

Parents he hadn’t seen since they had vanished after being Jokerized.

Parents he hadn’t given up searching for.

“Duke?”  Dick’s voice broke through the memory of the images the toxin had forced into his brain, pulling his gaze back to the older man.

“Sorry,” he muttered.  The hand that came to rest on his upper arm was no a surprise.

“We all understand.  We’ve all been there.  And maybe talking about it isn’t going to help you get over it.  Maybe time is the only thing that will really do that.  But,” Dick gave his arm a squeeze, “I do know distractions are a great help in not dwelling.”

Duke raised his eyebrows and waited for Dick to continue.

“I’m taking Damian to the zoo.  You can come with?  We’re going to get food after.”

Duke immediately shook his head.  “No, he’d hate me encroaching on his time with you.”

Laughing, Dick pulled his phone out and showed Duke the text on his phone from the youngest Wayne.  Tell Thomas he should join us on our excursion today.  I will be at least another twenty minutes.  Jon is having a mental breakdown and he would certainly perish if I did not help him through it.

The snort that Duke let out at Damian’s comment about Jon took him by surprise, but it just made Dick’s own smile grow.  “I guess I could join.  I need to shower.”

“You do that.  I’m going to go see if I can find Alfie’s secret stash.”  Duke simply shook his head as the elder hopped off his bed and headed out of his room in search of something Duke was certain Dick would never find.  Alfred was too good at that kind of thing.

It was close to twenty minutes later that had Duke showered and dressed, heading out of his room in search of Dick and Damian so they could leave.

“Come, Thomas.  Richard informed me that you agreed to join us on our trip to the zoo.”  Damian materialized out of nowhere, as he often did, but thankfully Duke had gotten used to it and barely flinched.  Barely.

“He said he was going to try and find Alfred’s secret stash.”

Damian’s eyes rolled.  “How he has not perished from malnutrition yet is a modern-day miracle.”  And yeah, Duke couldn’t help but agree.  Dick’s eating habits certainly left much to be desired.  “Then I suppose we should save him from the inevitable heart attack.”

“Yeah, we should probably do that,” Duke chuckled with a shake of his head as he followed Damian down the hallway to collect their older brother.  And he couldn’t help but feel thankful that even if he was currently struggling internally despite what he told Dick, there were people who still cared enough to help prop him up.  Or even carry him, should he need the extra assist.

#Batmanbingo2020 #batman bingo 2020 #duke thomas #dick grayson #damian wayne #the signal #nightwing #robin #batfam #request #anikah writes

[smells-like-ink-and-fire]

Innocence died screaming, honey I should know

Here’s the thing: For all his talk of Gotham being a life-sucking, happiness draining shithole, leaving it had never been truly an option on Jason’s mind. It was his shithole of a city goddammit, the grim dirt streets he would die on. It was his home, the blood on his veins. This city had its claws deep into him, and leaving, especially leaving never to return, had been simply impossible, did not compute to him.

Especially now, that Jason was getting along better with the Bats these days. He still didn’t, and never would agree with Bruce regarding his no-killing rule. But things were better, or at least he thought they were. His presence was expected and even accepted. There were some awkwardness and silent nobody knew how to fill, but there were also jokes and eating junk food together after patrol. Sure, there were a lot of snippy comments but he made those too, gave as good as he got, and Bruce still didn’t quite trust him, not to the extent he did with the other, though that was just a given, he had made peace with it, he still killed, after all, a little suspicion was an acceptable price to pay for it.

Self-righteous, holier than thou bat.

Still, there was an uneasiness on his chest whenever the pointed looks got too much when they would start questioning his actions and his plans like he hadn’t been trained by the world's greatest detective like the rest of them and League of Shadows on top of that. Forgetting that Jason had effectively taken control of the East End in less than two months, and without any of them noticing.

The good parts didn’t lessen the rage-hurt out when Barbara sneered at him, acting like he couldn’t be trusted in the field, like the fact he had issues, that he cared about the victims because he had been one made him incapable of being rational, turned him into something that was eternally compromised. Like he was a mindless raging monster, who would shoot to kill at mere provocation.

He had been, once, fresh out of those green waters, traumatized, angry, afraid, and replaced. He had been a child, too, didn’t that count for something?

Their veiled accusations of insanity, that he had a problem, that needed to be handled like he was a fucking dog, the angry gremlin claims that he was unhinged and the only reason that they kept him around was to keep an eye on him, it all made Jason feel queasy, made him feel less than human.

It made him wonder how truly welcome he was. Was he welcome or they were just trying to appease their guilt and keep a loose cannon from the streets?

But there were undoubtedly good things too. Moments that made it worth it. His relationship with Steph and Duke, and surprisingly, Replacement was getting better, even though the first two were not around as much as he would like. The nights they had spent chewing off some of the undoubtedly brilliant but assholes teachers while demolishing mountains of homework had been fun, and Replacement-Tim was quite a sass master, now only if he could convince the kid to take a step back from WE so that he wouldn’t have a heart attack before he could drink legally.

Replacement, however, was why he was here. Here being diner on the border of the Bowery and Robinsonville, The Raging Duck, a new place that Golden Boy wanted to try, make a family bonding experience out of it, Jason was sure. Replacement had twisted his way around with words in a shape that made it impossible for him not to come. His saving grace was that Jason had already made clear that he couldn’t stay long, under the pretext of having to verify that month payments collection from the Bowery.

Which was goddammed good thing because this whole outing had been a mistake. The last couple weeks had been rough, with the stress of studying and writing applications for his master degree, the couple of murders that almost led to a gang war between the Falcone and the Russians,  plus a decoy staged by the Riddler, as his newest scape plan, that had taken too long to crack leading to an accident that had killed three people and would have killed a lot more if Jason hadn’t said fuck and put bullet holes on some goons heads. This in turn led to an inevitable argument because of Batman's continuous incapacity to see the necessity of his actions while on some level recognizing that was the only poss0ible decision meant that tension had been higher than usual.

Therefore, putting everybody in a room together was definitely not the best idea, Dickie! The last ten minutes certainly proved so, what had started as an easy-going conversation about their early on mishaps of the field, which included a hefty number of stories where the main theme was “And then I said Fuck Batman – With varying degrees of success” that had started as a split-second change of subject in order to avoid a fight breaking out, had turned into passive-aggressive attacking Jason. The worst part was that Jason wasn’t even sure they were doing on purpose.

Did the even realize he was sitting right next to them? Or was he just a ghost?

“… and then the fantastic Robin fell three stores down only to be needed to be saved by the incredible Spoiler! So, listen to me kids, if you’re going to say fuck Batman you should at least be sure there is something to break your fall before you jump.”  - Steph finished the story with a flourish, going back to her waffles.

“That was a level of stupidity that I wasn’t aware that you were capable of Replacement. Really, I thought you were supposed to be the smart one.

“Please, as if you weren’t the first one to ignore an order just to fuck with B, Jason. There’s a list. The Incident with the Falcone. Killer Crock latest scape. The entire shit show that was last week. – Tim shot back, mulish, poking at his fries

And every single of those missions was a raging success.

“Which is the one involving Babs, back when she was still BG, you know the one she always mentions, because I don’t know what you did dude but she’s still pissed at you for it.”

“Oh, I know! Bruce forced them to work together on that one, it was a drug-smuggling operation that involved kids. Jason jumped in instead of waiting for her signal. Needless to say, it did not end up well. Babs was so very pissed.”

Yeah for the assholes that thought using kids as drug mules was a good idea. BG was just made the street rat had a better plan than her

“Is that why warehouse 25F is a gory, burned-out mess?”

“Nah, that came later, during that corruption case that nearly put the Comish in the hospital. Or maybe it was the one involving that Nazi Arts dealer?”

“Is there a difference? They always end up in unnecessary explosions. Todd’s need for dramatics and overuse of force are well documented”

Because you can talk about overuse of force, demon spawn.                    

“Robin. Less explosions. Trying to help. Hurt.”

“Yeah, he was trying to help Cass, nobody is denying that the thing is Jason desire to be a little shit and prove Batman wrong is way stronger than his drive to help people, and even though there were far less explosions back then, both he and innocent people have gotten hurt.”

How you’d know? You weren’t around back then Dickface.

“So, we can agree that it’s basically a Pavlovian response for him at this point. Your stubbornness and desire to say Fuck Batman no matter the consequences have been able to surpass death Jason, and if that it’s not a feat, I don’t know what is. Congratulations, really!” – Steph summarized.

He had been holding up fine until that point but he just didn’t have the strength to it anymore, every word out it Tim's mouth felt like the blow of crowbar shattering his ribs, chocking on his own blood because a Batarang slashed his throat. He felt faint. He felt dangerously close to crying.

“I have to go.” – Jason got out of his chair.

“Jason…” – The pitying and yet reproachful note on Dick’s voice made his skin crawl.

“I said I couldn’t stay very long. Some of us have stuff to do. You know criminal empires to run, places to blow up, kneecaps to shoot.” – He doped a twenties bill on the table.

“Todd. Cease being childish. Just because you are unable to accept your failures, and the fact that you were incompetent and arrogant enough to be captured by an enemy does not mean you should incapable of accepting constructive criticism.”

“Not being childish gremlin. I do have a criminal empire to run. And I do take constructive criticism, preferably from people who know what the hell they are talking about. You know people that are more than the “blood sons” of people that are greater than themselves. Noise midgets, not so much. Bye.”  – Jason out of the dinner before any of them can reply.

See you never again.

He doesn’t know how he gets back to his closest safe house. It’s a reasonably good one. He likes this one. He focusses on the things he likes. Hardwood floor. The light green paint. On the things, he doesn’t. The shitty heating. The fact that the cabinets doors don’t shut all the way.

Breaths. Slowly. In and Out. Counts to three hundred. Breaths again.

The tears still prickle on his eyes. His chest feels hollow. His throat is dry. He doesn’t have the strength to move from where he’s sat on the floor, his back against the door. Going a few rounds with Deathstroke had hurt less. It certainly never made him want to crawl under his bed and stay there until the world forget he existed. Of course, Slade had also never blamed for his own death.

Even though his own father had. Reckless, overly aggressive, incapable of following orders, loud-mouthed Robin that got what he deserved, Bruce had said. Maybe not to his face but he had said it. Then again it had been his fault, hadn’t it?

He takes a few more breaths, tries to push his emotions back, locking them deep, and walks to the fridge, pours himself a glass of water. Drinks it. His mind goes back to the conversation. The glass shatters in his hand.

“Oh, fuck!”

He goes to the sink, to clean his hands and throws the broken glass into the trash. Lucky there were only some minor cuts that don’t need stitches even if they hurt like a bitch.

Take that universe!

Still, he wraps them in bandages since he doesn’t fancy cleaning blood out of his sheets. Sleep, however, doesn’t come easily that night, and the time he doesn’t spend tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable position to follow to try to fall back asleep in, he spends waking up from dreams that leave him feeling like he’s constantly falling, sharp terror waking him each and every time.

There is no rest for the wicked though, and so he takes off by late morning and goes to check o on the rest of the gang, makes sure Antony is running things smoothly. All in all, it’s pretty boring, with enough paperwork to make a bonfire, but it does the job of taking his mind out the things for a while. Patrol is uneventful, which is a welcome respite, and Jason doesn’t do much more than stop a few muggings and beating up some creeps.

During that time, he keeps an ear out for the bats, especially Dick since he’s not anywhere near the mood to listen to another of the boy wonder lectures about how “Damian is just a child; you shouldn’t take what he says seriously”, especially those came with the addition of being delivered in that tone that screamed, “even though he’s right”. But he must have gone back to his turf because he sees no hair nor hide of him or any of the others.

The next two nights are very much a repetition of that first one, with little sleep and little action, so much so that a paranoid and exhausted part of him gets a bit terrified and so he ends up calling Roy just to hear the genius talk about whatever crazy project he’s been working on lately. If the redhead has any idea why Jason is calling him at four in the morning, he doesn’t comment on it and simply talks until his friend's breath has even out.

This way when the sun comes up the next day, Jason drags himself out of bed and heads straight to the shower, the cold water helps ground him back into his body. Still feeling like shit but at least knowing the difference between dream and reality he eats his breakfast while checking his messages and it’s more than a little bit shocked to see a text from Bruce asking, as in there is an actual please in it if they can talk about a possible case with a few crossed wires. There’s even an invitation to stay for dinner alongside with it, which makes him wonder if Bruce hit his head a little too hard the other day, or if Alfred finally made good on his promise of finding a drug that made him less emotionally stunned.

No matter the cause, the message leaves him hopeful enough that he answers with a yeah, I’ll be there by five.

He arrives at the Manor door fifteen minutes past five, just in case, greeting Alfred with a smile that the old butler easily returns. They make some small talk as the older man demands him to at least drink a cup of tea before heading down. Still, they part at the entrance of the cave and Jason takes those final steps alone.

“Sup, old man?”

“Jason.” – Bruce answers, his back turned, typing at the bat computer, probably filling some reports.

“C’mon B, you’re the one who called me unless of course, you somehow have been possessed and that please was you asking for help, in which case, give me a second and let me call the Martian Manhunter, you gotta give a bit more of information.” – Jason kept his gaze on Bruce’s back, his breath steady, he was not rambling thank you very much!

“There been some talk about an escort service in Diamond District that works as a front from money laundering. I think you might know some of the girls.”

“Little bit out of my way. Maybe you should check with Cat.”

Bruce’s eyes were shining, and the line of his mouth meant that he was finding it funny and Jason was filed to the brim with a wave of warmth and nostalgia. It made him feel like a kid again, it made him like Robin again, like magic.

“Maybe we should.”

“Oh gross! Let’s go back to the ever-existing cases of corruption and gross old man please?”

“Isabella McGarvey”

“Know the surname. Any relation to Ophelia McGarvey?”

"Her older sister I believe, records show that she moved from the East Side two years ago but didn’t take her sister with her because she was a minor…"

Most of the afternoon passed that way. With the Batman and the Red Hood checking financial records, discussing disappearances and police reports in an amiable tone, full of teasing.  It was a welcome change of pace being the one providing the answers to all-knowing Batman for once. So, he took his time explaining the inner workings and the shady dealings of the Alley, preening at the attention and the approval, something he would deny until his second dying day.

Perhaps the only dark spot in the otherwise bright day was the fact that Jason kept purposely having to avoid looking at the southeast corner of the cave, at the glass cage that seemed to hover over them.

Refusing to acknowledge that some part of Bruce would always believe he was dead

“There maybe be a loose end might be worth exploiting but I don’t know how long that window would be open: There was a shooting, a few days ago, near the Bowery and Robinsonville, no cameras, three dead, the assailant left no evidence behind.”

“Don’t know what to tell you Bats, last time I was there I was with your kids, didn’t hear anything, neither did mine. I mean, I could ask but this is Gotham, murders are pretty much the norm. Unless those guys are part of something bigger, I got you nothing.” -  Jason shrugged, already calculating the possibilities of why this is relevant and coming out with nothing.

Damn all-knowing paranoid bat.

“They were. Trafficking ring. Middleman.”

“There is no trafficking ring in the Alley”.

Of that he’s certain.

“There is not. Because those men were killed before they could take anyone. But they were known for it, and they were asking the sort of questions that could ping on your radar.”

“Well, I haven’t heard anything. I’ll make sure to pay more attention, update some protocols.” – Jason answered, already planning to investigate it.

If they were acting as a middleman for someone roaming around then that someone would send more to scoop the territory out and he would be prepared when they came, regardless of what else could be there. There were no trafficking rings in Alley.

“Or maybe you did and decided to take care of it your own terms”

The abruptness of the question was so earth-shattering that he took a few steps back to regain his balance.

“Jesus Christ Bruce if are gonna accuse me of murder you could at least have the decency of start with that. No, I did not kill them. If any of mine did I haven’t heard of it. But as far as I’m concerned is no great loss.” - He succeeds at sounding nonchalant and enraged, hiding the fact that the question felt like a bucket of water, leaving his cold and shaking.

So, this is why Bruce actually called, so he could question Jason about his latest failure, his latest disappointment in Bruce’s eyes. Of course, it was, and he was a fool for ever thinking otherwise. For letting himself hope that Bruce was trying, that he wanted to rekindle the relationship they had when Jason still wore those green panties.

“Where were you at 2:30 in the morning, three nights ago?”

“What?”

Please god, everything but this. I can’t do this again

“At the time of the murder, where were you?

“In a dinner with your kids.” – Jason’s voice was nothing more than a whisper as if all the air had been pushed out of his lungs.

Why you don’t believe me? Why you don’t trust me?

“Damian said you left early, earlier than that, because he got home at 3:00. It takes at least half an hour to get here from there.

“Safehouse a few blocks away, then. Sleeping. Bruce, please”.  – Jason was begging now, voice raw and full of hurt.

“Can you prove that?”

"The hell is wrong with you?!? I already told you: I. DID. NOT. KILL. THEM. When have I ever not taken credit for the people I’ve killed?"

“What’s going on?”

And of course, because his luck could not be worse, that was the Perfect Grayson coming down the stairs. He could feel the headache forming behind his eyes. He did not want to deal with this shit right now.

Was it too much to ask for the ground swallow him whole?

“Nothing! Bruce’s just spent the last five minutes pointlessly accusing of murder! Can you get the fuck out so we can continue discussing it?”

“You were near the scene of the crime, you have a motive, the means, and a history.”

“Wait you killed someone?”

“No! Keep up, Bruce is just being a dick, you know like you usually are.”

“Is a valid concern”

“Is a piece of shit that is what it is!”

“Can someone please explain?”

“Bruce thinks I killed three people after I left the dinner the other day.”

That what you did after you left? It’s that what you meant by shooting kneecaps? Jay… I know that you were angry but this…

“Jesus Fucking Christ Didn’t I just say its bullshit?”

“You said that?”

“It was a joke”

“You have motive, means, no alibi and now your brother is telling me that you left because you needed to shoot someone. What do you want me to believe?”

“THAT I WOULDN’T LIE ABOUT IT!”

“If you were planning only to main them, if your anger got the better out you, as it has before if you did it out impulse, and is trying yo hide it.”

“You know what Bruce? You’ve already made up your mind so I will do us all a favor and get myself out. You can’t trust me? Well, I can’t trust you. From now on there will be no bats at the East End. If you are seen, you will be shot. That’s how trigger happy I fucking am!”

He pushed passed Dick and Bruce, the world was tingled with pit green glow, his ears were roaring, no sound, only rage, and loss. Every step he took was calculated, his breath was short, measured. A of violence ready to blow up at the mere provocation held together only by the barest threads of sanity and humanity and the training Ducra had given him. Roy’s voice babbling at him. Kori’s booming laughter. Kyle ridiculous art. Donna’s everlasting sass and warmth.

Somehow, someway he made home without turning Gotham into a bloodbath, and the relative he felt at activating the security protocol was fastly overtaken by fear. He hadn’t had an attack like that in over three months. Hadn’t let the Pit burning so strong in his veins in so long. Hadn’t felt that disconnection to reality since his early days out of the Pit.

Just the idea of what could have happened in case he lost control made Jason grab the nearest bucket and puke. He stayed there, pressing the palm of hinds to his eyes, heaving.

It didn’t matter, because it didn’t happen.

His phone rang, and if it was anybody else calling, he let go straight to voicemail, but it was Talia’s ringtone and she didn't call jus for kicks, so he presses answer.

“If I told you I didn’t kill a man would you believe me?” – Jason blurts out before he can stop himself, red coloring his cheeks as he realizes what he just said, cursing himself for his stupidity.

“Of course. Why would…I see.” – Talia’s face goes from neutral to confusion and finally anger in a matter of seconds. – “Your father does not know you at all Habibi, and that, rest assured, is entirely his fault. He’s too caught up in the image he made of you to be able to see you as truly are.”

“Batman being a stunned idiot, who can look past his own reasoning of the world? What an earthshattering idea T! – Jason says sarcastically trying to cover up his earlier emotional outburst. -  Anyway, got a reason for calling?

“Do not play coy with me, Jason, it’s unbecoming. Regardless, I do not believe Gotham has done you good. Moreover, I do not believe your father's actions towards you have been in any way helpful to your recovery and growth.”

“What are you? My therapist?”

“I would not be against for you to see one, but I would not force you either. Your choices, as always, must be your own. Besides is my understanding that to be effective therapy must also involve privacy. Another thing that its unlikely to come by if you are to remain here.

“Gotham needs me. The Alley needs me, God knows the Bat can’t handle this shit, they don’t care and even if they did the Alley would never trust them” – It wasn’t as much a rebuttal as it was an excuse

“They do, but you are of no use to them if you are constantly emotionally compromised by the rash and thoughtless actions of those who do not understand you and do not seek to. Loyalty is a gift that must be not be given lightly and they make ill use of yours while reaping the benefits of it. Perhaps it’s time for them to learn how to much you do for them. The absence does make the heart grow fonder.”

“You’re telling me to leave.”

“I’m telling take a step back. You’ve done tremendous work, but there’s more to you then violence. The petty criminals and drug dealers and the pimps are all properly terrified, your minions are capable enough that they can keep your operation running without your direct involvement. Rest. Recover. Come back when you are ready. Besides, you do have your master’s degree to consider, don’t you?”  - Jason blushed, Talia wasn’t one to give compliments that she didn’t mean, and she did have a point, but…

But what? What did he truly have here? It had taken less than ten minutes for Dick convince Bruce, based on nothing more than a few throw away words Jason had said when he was angry and hurting, that Jason had killed a man and once that decision had been made no amount of evidence would make Bruce turn around in his favor. The others probably already knew what had happened and just as likely had decided to stay away from him from now on. After all, if he couldn’t take a little teasing without blasting someone’s brains out then he was certainly no better than the crazies in Arkham, to them.

What Talia was offering has the peace of taking a walk without being judged by the path he chooses to walk on, let the dust stele until bygones were bygones and he could look at Dick’s- Holier-Than-Thou face without breaking every single bone in it.

What did he have to lose that he couldn’t take back later on?

“You do realize that this will take quite a bit of work and resources, right? – Jason could almost see that pleased little smile of hers spread on Talia’s face.

“You do realize who you are speaking with don’t you Habibi? Let’s get to work.

#first chapter #Criminal Minds #Jason Todd #fanfic #Im so nervous #Go check on AO3' #Im sorry for the delay #Spoiler: Jason is a Sad Boy in this #But he'll get better #Xover #Spencer Reid shows up in the next chapter #Worry not #im very proud of myself #ive written

[aftermathdb]

DEATH BATTLE Review: Winter Soldier vs. Red Hood.

Our second Live-Action DEATH BATTLE, and we have a big one!

Winter Soldier′s Preview.

So, we open up on the usual commentary that these comic book superheroes get.

With Boomstick pointing out just how often the whole “Dead parents, strong sense of justice” trope has been used.

It’s times like these that make you appreciate All Might for just wanting to help people.

But, as the hosts go on, Bucky… Eventually perished.

Or, so we thought. See, comic books… Actually yeah. Just that.

Bucky got resurrected as the Winter Soldier.

He got equipped with all sorts of things, like all sorts of training, and the Infinity Formula, which gave him some extra boosts in most areas, and basically was a knockoff supersoldier serum.

Downside: all the brainwashing meant that he clashed with his old mentor, Captain America.

After a bit of overview on how deadly he is, we go into an animated segment that talks about his arsenal.

After emasculating Wiz on his robotic arm, they go over just how powerful the arm is.

Unlike the movie version, which is made up of Vibranium, the canonical metal arm isn’t as impressive. But it’s still a powerful weapon. As mentioned earlier, it’s equipped with all sorts of additional weaponry, and is likely made up of a similar alloy as the Iron Man armor.

As far as feats are concerned, they mostly cover who he’s fought, like Wolverine, Daredevil, Iron Man, and Captain America, of course.

But eventually, Cap used the Cosmic Cube to restore Bucky, and get him back on the side of the angels. The guy even took up the old Shield and Stripes when cap died for a time.

Even still, Bucky’s road to redemption is a tough one, and is filled with self-doubt. But despite that, his sheer resilience makes him a hero in his own right.

Red Hood′s Preview.

We open on a few notable sidekicks throughout history, such as Tails, Diddy Kong, Chewbacca, and Kazooie. After a bit of snark, we go to the classic, the original, the Boy Wonder: Robin. Dick Grayson.

But after their falling out, Batman needed a new sidekick.

Enter: Jason Todd, who was basically introduced to Bruce by trying to steal the tires off of the Batmobile.

The kid had a rough life, so Bruce thought that training him to be Robin would put him on the right path.

Unfortunately, as Boomstick put it, he was in a literal “Dick measuring contest” and didn’t live up to expectations. So, DC did something drastic. The fans had a choice:

Jason could live…

or die.

As history has taught us, Jason ultimately perished…

And then Superboy Prime came along, punched reality, and brought him back to life.

In the words of the great Boomstick “Take that, fanbase! Your contribution means nothing!”

Anyways, understandably pissed that the Joker was still alive, Jason decided to destroy Batman, in an attempt to prove that his merciful ways were more destructive than anything.

(Sidenote: Why hasn’t Gotham done anything about Joker? Like, what?- Does that old Diplomatic Immunity that he has keep him from getting the electric chair or something?)

Regardless, the hosts go over Jason’s arsenal and skills. He obviously has his cowl that’s his main thing.

On top of his usual guns, explosives, and knives, he also managed these… “All-Blades” to fight off the supernatural.

He also uses the same Venom as Bane.

After the typical joke of “Why is the Symbiote here?” and a jab at Wiz’s physique (or lack thereof) Wiz goes over the benefits, and the downsides of the steroid. Boomstick attempts to get superpowers by drinking it, but it’s something to inject, not consume. So… he barfs all over DUMMI.

Yeah, I kinda wish that it was a better segment.

Regardless, with this drug, he’s fought off powerful monsters, torn through alien tendrils, and even broke free of Supergirl’s grip.

He’s survived numerous things, dodged bullets, and lived through a ritual called “The Cleansing”

Be it because he was worthy, or because he was just plain stubborn, this proves that Jason is one tough SOB.

And they go over some impressive feats.

Still, Jason eventually managed to mellow out, and even teamed up with Bats and the rest of the Batfamily.

So, in the end, the best case scenario is that Red Hood has managed to land in that “Anti-Hero” sweetspot, and at worst, he’s a violent vigilante who takes the law into his own hands.

The Battle Itself.

Ismahawk is doing this battle live. Winter Soldier will be portrayed by Tyler Tackett and Red Hood will be portrayed by Tim Neff. Red Winter by John Scigulinsky, and audio led by Chris Kokkinos.

So, we get a really interesting story here, one that I assume would be an Ismahawk reference- I’d have to check out more of their channel to confirm, but basically Bruce calls Jason accusing him of gunning down some members of the League of Assassins, only for Jason to 1: Deny that it’s him, and 2:

Have some lunch.

Unfortunately, this is a DEATH BATTLE, and this season’s theme seems to be “This guy messed with my food, so I’m going to kill them” so Winter Soldier shows up.

After a brief firefight, Red Hood manages to retreat, and Winter Soldier is confronted with a battle.

After disarming his disarmed opponent, the two start doing some hand-to-hand, and they eventually take the fight to the kitchen.

We eventually go into a knife fight, and it is glorious. Like, really awesome choreography.

Anyways, Winter Soldier manages to get the Red Hood into a pickle, but the ex-Robin manages to push him off and disable his arm.

Minor complaint: That is clearly a wingding. They could have at least stylized it a bit better to make it look more distinct from Nightwing’s.

Anyways, with this brief advantage, Red Hood manages to get Bucky on the ground, but Bucky fights back with the ONE THING JASON SHOULD HAVE LOOKED FOR AND THROWN AWAY THE MOMENT HE SAW IT:

A Crowbar. Naturally, this causes some major strain on Jason’s psyche, and makes him lash out a lot more.

Anyways, the Winter Soldier takes a moment to recover his arm, while Jason picks himself back up and goes for his last trick: Venom… The drug, not the Symbiote.

And after roiding out, we get Winter Soldier’s only line in the actual fight:

So, Jason starts beating around Bucky for a bit, even managing to bring him down to the floor.

So, yeah.

Finishing blow in

5…

4…

3…

2…

1…

Verdict + Explanation.

Anyways, Wiz says the line of “This was an even match”

And to his credit… Yeah. It really was.

They were about even in all areas, and Jason’s only major advantage was stealth. But outside of that?- Bucky blew him out of the water.

Yeah, Jason had training from monks, assassins, and Batman, but Bucky’s trained with commandos, assassins, and Captain America. He took experience easily.

And when it came down to defense, Jason was out of luck.

A knife breaks when hitting the bionic arm, but the same attack cracks the Red Hood’s helmet. 

Jason also had no real ways of stopping the arm for good. He could disable it for a time, sure, but it wasn’t going down so easily.

And as for breaking the grip from Supergirl?- Well, there’s a lot of context to that.

1: She wasn’t expecting the Venom. and

2: They weren’t fighting to begin with.

There’s no way that the Venom could actually match a Kryptonian’s raw strength.

Overall impression.

For the second Live-Action fight, I gotta say: That was awesome. I really did enjoy the lighting, and the choreography was really well-done.

I feel like there were some missed jokes here and there (For example, I would have enjoyed Boomstick making the comment of “Guess how I voted” when bringing up the vote to kill Jason), and the animated segment in Red Hood’s preview felt like it wasn’t informative enough. It was more of a joke that, in my opinion, fell flat.

As for easter eggs in the fight itself, like I said: I’d have to go back and try to find those for myself.

And the music felt a little muted. The first time I watched this, I was wondering if there was any music at all. Subsequent viewings does confirm this, but it really feels like the music was a bit muted.

And I gotta say: That Chekov’s Gun moment with Bucky’s actual gun was my favorite part.

9.3/10

Next Time…

Y’know, I’m glad we’re getting some Soul Eater and all, but…

Couldn’t they have at least made it Agent Venom instead? Switch it up a little, like c’mon…

Is there a fight that you want me to review? - Send an ask/request, and I’ll look into it!

Do you want to read my fanfic based around DEATH BATTLE itself? click here!

Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you next time for…

A duo two-on-two.

#Death Battle #Deathbattle #review

[heroicadventurists]

Batman 71 ***SPOILER***

The highly anticipated batfamily team up has finally happened and it didn't go like people expected. Off the bat you notice 4 important members of the family missing: Dick, Jason, Stephanie and Kate. Their absence is explained in the comic:

Their absenses make perfect sense from a storyline perspective. Stephanie and Bruce are not particularly close in Rebirth. Bruce and Jason's relationship has been fractured since RHatO 25 and Kate is out of the Country. I do think Ric would show up, especially at this point in his arc, but I guess his vigilantism still doesn't include the Bats.

Now that the issue is out, I think there is another explanation for why the 4 mentioned above were not included in this issue. The final panel in this comic.

That is Batman punching Robin Tim in the face while the rest of the family looks on in shocked. This final panel is why I think the 4 above are missing, because CHAOS would ensue immediately after this panel if they were there.

We don't know how the remaining members of the family will react to Bruce hitting Tim but I honestly don't think any of them will attack Bruce. I also don't think any of them can take Batman in a fight, even together. Some might argue that Cass is better than Bruce, but this is Rebirth Cass not Pre-52 Cass. I think they will comfort and shield Tim from further attack. Any fighting from the family presented in this issue will be defensive in my opinion.

The same can't be said for Steph, Jason, Ric or Kate. They would try to talk him down while beating him down. If it's one-on-one, Batman still wins; but with all four of them, it would be a tough battle for him to walk away from unscathed. I think a showdown with those four would turn into a brutal and nasty fight. Jason has that new crowbar ready. If Tom wanted to avoid a huge showdown within the family, then he did the right thing by excluding the 4 members least likely to take s#@t from Bruce. It would be OOC for any of them to witness that and do nothing. Plus it would further alienate Bruce from Dick, Jason, Kate and Steph. I think those 4 would also rile up Damian to take action against Bruce. It's honestly a great thing those 4 aren't there.

I'm looking forward to the fallout in issue # 72. What does this mean for the batfamily? Has Bane truly broken the Bat? Is this really happening or is his mind fractured? The possibilities are endless.

#dc comics #dc #batman #bruce wayne #robin #jason todd #dick grayson #nightwing #red hood #damian wayne #barbara gordon #batgirl #tim drake #cassandra cain #orphan #alfred pennyworth #batfamily #duke thomas #stephanie brown #signal #spoiler #batman 71 #wednesday spoilers

[rocket-roach]

Batman calming traumatized children. Can be with his kids or other kids, just soft Bruce being a force children trust. Bonus points for a 5+1, with the plus being the night Jim Gordon and Alfred comforted child Bruce. Ya know the one. XD

5+1 with bruce comforting children and Jim Gordon comforting 8 year old bruce? you got it pal 

word count: 1157

The thing he noticed as he held thecrying, shaking boy in his arms underneath the big top, was just how small hewas. He tried rubbing his back in easy, slow circles, but that didn’t seem tohelp at all. He started rocking with the boy in his arms, reassuring the newlyorphaned boy that it was okay. Justicewas going to find his parents killer. He would survive this. Bruce survived theloss of his own parents.

“At wh-whatcost?” Dick hiccupped, his blue eyes bloodshot and tear filled.

“What?”

“Whatdid surviving your parents cost you?”

He doesn’tanswer his sanity, like he wanted to.

“Tryand catch me, you big boob!” The skinny punk yelled as he ran, brandishing hiscrowbar.

Hecaught him.

Batmanheld the skinny street rat up. He was trying not to shake. His jaw was juttedout, his posture tense and ready to spring. But Batman could see the fear inthis kid’s eyes. Then he saw just how damn bony the kid was. Pronounced collarbone, jaw, cheekbones, and arms that looked thinner than tissue paper.

Thiskid was starving.

“Areyou hungry?”

“Buzzoff,” the kid grumped.

“There’sa Big Belly Burger down the street. My treat.”

The kidwatched him for a moment. “Listen, I grew up in Crime Alley. I know there ain’tno such thing as free.”

“We canwalk there. If you want to go at any point, you can leave.”

“I’mJason,” the kid offers when they’re about halfway down the block. “and my dadbeats the shit out of me. I’m staying on the streets now.”

When Batmanfinally entered the Drake’s apartment, his heart broke again. Tim was kneelingin his father’s blood. The boomerang stood as offensively as the old conservativestatues in the south. The last Drake alive was crying, howling in agony as his handsreached for the boomerang. Batman lunged forward, gripping the boy in his arms.Tim’s smaller fists beat against his chest armor. Eventually, Batman managed tocatch those, too.

“Tim,”He murmured.

“He’sdead. He’s dead he’s dead he’s dead he’sdead he’s dead.”

“You’realive,” Bruce whispered as he ducked his head into Tim’s hair.

“Ohgod, Bruce, he killed my dad,” Tim sobbed, curling into him.

“We’regonna get him, Tim. But I need to get you back to base now. I need to get youto a safe place. Can you stand?”

Timuncurled himself from Bruce, standing on shaking legs. He looked up at hismentor, eyes raging with fear, determination, anger, and maybe, just a drop ofhope.

“I’m goingto make him pay,” Tim whispered.

Batman placedhis hand in between his shoulders as he guided Tim out of the crime scene. He’dcall the cops once Tim was in the car.

Then he’dhelp Tim get the son of a bitch that did this.

Thegirl was goddamn dangerous. Her moves were all lethal, her actions calculatedand decided before even Bruce could decide his best course of action.

She wasdangerous. But she was smart. She was also nonverbal and one second away from atruly debilitating panic attack.

“Cass,can you breathe with me?” He signed, standing just inside her door.

Herdark eyes flashed to his, her hair soaked with sweat.

“Cain,”she responded, her hands flying.

  “He’snot here. So long as there’s breath in my body, he won’t get any where near youagain. I’m coming into your room now,okay? I’m going to sit on the bed if that’s alright.”

Shenodded. Bruce took slow, easy, steps to her bed. He sat at the foot, andoffered his hand out to her.

 “I waseight the first time I had a panic attack like this,” He spoke lowly. “Scaredthe hell out of me. I had no idea what was going on, why I couldn’t breathe.But Jim Gordon told me to breathe with him.  We sat there, in that alleyway, breathinguntil Al came to the scene. But the whole time, Jim just talked. Told me abouthis wife, and how he wanted to start a family with her. Then he told me storiesabout other people who had lost their worlds and healed from it. It was justrambling; the nervous rambling of a new cop in Gotham. But it helped. It didn’tdiminish my loss, it reassured me that were was still good in the world,” He watchedas she took his hand, then curled into his side. Bruce lifted his arm until hecould wrap it around her shoulders. “I thought Clark was the strongest personin the universe. Then I met you, Cassie.”

Bruce slammed Damian’s bedroom dooropen after the second scream. He was sitting stock straight, sweat drippingdown his bed. He was only twelve years old, after all, and he already sufferedthrough violent post-traumatic stress disorder.

  Brucewasn’t done planning all the ways he was going to make Ra’s suffer for what hedid to his son and Talia.

Butthat wasn’t the focus now.  The focus wason his fourth son, who was currently trying to grab the blade he kept stashednear his bed at all times. Bruce beat him to it, taking it out of harms way. Hetumbled onto the bed, grabbing Damian and pressing his head to his chest.

“You’rein the manor. You had a bad dream, kiddo. I’m here, Al is sleeping in hisrooms, Dick’s in Bludhaven. Listen to my heart. Can you count it for me?”

Damianshuddered, then wrapped his arms around his father in a desperate hug. Hesobbed against him, tears pouring down his face as he reminded that he was home and safe.

Brucewas eight years old and standing in his parent’s blood.

He wasscreaming.

Peoplewho lived around the alley turned the lights on in their homes, lowered theradios and televisions because that screaming sounded just too realistic. Theyopened the windows, looking down and up, asking the other rubberneckers whathappened.

But thealley had one street light, recently installed, at the midpoint of it. Thatstreet light soon provided all the answers the nosy neighbors had in the shapeof two bodies, and a broken boy. After that, the heads vanished back into theirrespective homes. The Gotham City emergency dispatchers were swamped with callsfrom one block, and fifteen minutes later, red and blue lights were flashing.Cops and detectives were swarming the scene. Cameras flashed brightly, evidencewas collected, and the sole survivor of the shooting got shuffled to the side.

JimGordon couldn’t bear it any longer.

He kneltin front of the kid. Then he noticed the shaking. His tan trench coat wasgently placed around the kid’s shoulders.

“It’sgonna be alright, son. What’s your name?”

“Bruce.Bruce Wayne.”

“Bruce,is there anybody we can call?”

#5+1 #Bruce Wayne #Batman #Dick Grayson #Jason Todd #Cassandra Cain #Damian Wayne #Robin #Alfred Pennyworth #Jim Gordon #wow this is actually kind of angsty huh #LMAO WHOOPS #requests #fluff #angst #hurt/comfort #thanks a lot mem!!! #memorydragon

[astressedwriter]

i am not a robin anymore// batfam and roy harper

IMPORTANT!!- I did alter the timeline a little bit to make this story fit better, so instead of Jason being 15, i’m making him 17. Also, Tim and Jason met and were friends for a couple of months before Jason disappeared.

Warnings- Violence and swearing

Prompt: Jason died at the hands of the Joker and we see the downward spiral of Ari, Jason’s best friend.

It had been three weeks since Ari was told the news, the Joker beat Jason to death with a crowbar. He was dead. Her best friend was head. Her rock was dead. Her reason to live was dead. She sat staring at the computer in the batcave, watching the security footage of Jason’s final beating. When she saw Jason take his last breath, she broke. She turned around and threw a stapler at the glass surrounding Jason costume, she whimpered and put her hand over her eyes. Everybody could see she was as broken as the glass lying on the floor. Anybody could see it. When Bruce entered the batcave nearly an hour later, he saw the broken glass, and spotting the girl laying on top of the tallest climbing wall in the cave, if you landed right and missed the mat, the fall would kill you.

“Ari.” He stated, the girl made eye contact with Bruce, allowing him to see how broken she truly was. Without a word she scaled down the climbing wall and exited the batcave, heading up to her room. She layed on her back, staring at the ceiling, where the phrase, Ha Ha jokes on you, was written in red all over. She had made her decision,

“If Bruce won’t revenge you Jay, I will.” She sits up in her bed and changes into her Robin costume, she stealthily slips out of the window. It didn’t take her long to find the Joker, mostly because Harley tipped her off, it was obvious that the Joker killing Jason in such a brutal manner snapped something inside Harley. Even better, she caught him off guard. She took a pistol out of her utility belt and held it up to the clown’s temple.

“Well, well lookie what we have here, a Robin threatening to kill me. You won’t do it baby bird, it’s against Batman’s ‘code’” Joker mocks, but is surprised to see the 17 year old girls face stone cold, colder than he’d ever seen it.

“I’m not a Robin anymore.” She pulled the trigger without even so much as blinking, then she disappeared. Six months later, Superman got some help in Metropolis.

Bruce Wayne hadn’t seen the girl he considered to be his daughter in three years, one month after Jason died, but now he was back. He was crazier and more reckless than before, but he was back. His Jason, his son, was back.

“Where’s Ari?” Is one of the first question’s Jason asks while working with Batman on a mission. Bruce sighed,

“I haven’t seen her for three years, one month after you died. She could be anywhere.” Even though Bruce couldn’t see Jason’s face under the hood, he could tell that Jason was worried.

“Actually,” A familiar voice stated from behind them, “I’m right here.” Jason whipped around and tore his hood off,  but who he saw before him was not the girl he remember. She was taller, slimmer, colder and most importantly, she was carrying two katana’s and two pistols strapped to her hips. She was wearing a different costume too, her new costume was a dark blue with black detailing and a black hood with a mouth/nose mask. Bruce grew rigid beside him,

“So, you kill now?” The question came out cold, colder than Bruce had meant it too.

“I have ever since October 12, 2005. (Completely made up date)” Bruce’s eyes grew wide.

“That’s the night the Joker was killed, and the night you disappeared.” Jason glanced between Bruce and Ari,

“Wait, you killed the Joker?” “Yes, after about three months, I knew Bruce wasn’t going to do a damn thing, so I took matters into my own hands.” The girl glares at Bruce before grabbing her katanas and slicing a plant that was growing beside her.

“Not now Pam!” Ari screams and the plants all retreat.

“Where have you been this whole time?” Ari glares at Bruce again but answers anyways, “I was helping Clarke out in Metropolis for a year as Storm, then I went and trained with some outcasts from the League of Shadows.”

“You’re wanted for murder on 68 charges. I’m going to have to take you in.” Jason stares at Bruce in absolute shock, he wasn’t going to help either Bruce or Ari, he couldn’t.

“Come and get me, Bruce.” He flinched, she always called him dad, always.

Batman charged, going for a knockout punch, but Ari had gotten much better since he had last fought her. When they spared, she had only had two years of training and Bruce could beat her with two hands tied around his back, but she was different now. She sidestepped his attack, bringing her knee up into his stomach, she went in for a stab with her swords, but Bruce pushed himself away just in time to avoid getting shish kabobed. The fight went on for maybe half an hour, and Jason could tell that this far Ari had been playing with Bruce, but she was slowly losing her patience, hitting harder, hitting faster, swinging her sword more. He raised his gun up into the air and shot it, making both Ari and Bruce pause,

“Enough!” Jason yells, “You two are family. Start acting like it.”

When Dick and Tim found out that Ari was back and Jason was alive, they were shocked to say the least. They decided to go to Jason’s apartment first, knocking on the door. The door opened to reveal Jason, who looked very annoyed, but not at them. He gave Dick and Tim a short, short hug and sidestepped, letting them into the apartment. Dick and Tim froze when they saw, Ari and Roy Harper, sitting on the couch, Ari stradling Roy, in a heavy makeout session. Jason rolled his eyes and grabbed two pans, hitting them together, making Ari and Roy separate, “What Jason?” Ari asks, not even turning around to face him.

“You have guests.” Ari sighs and stands up, finally turning to face them. Ari’s face lights up a little when she see’s Dick and Tim, she rushes over and hugs them both.

“Where have you been?” Dick exclaimed, then taking notice of the same differences Jason saw, along with Tim.

“Are those katanas?” Tim asks incredulously. Ari sighed deeply like she already knew this was coming, this was after all,  why she decided to stay with Jason instead of at the manor.

“Yep.” She says, popping the p. Dick and Tim actually didn’t take it bad at all. They just responded with a, cool. Then went back to interrogating her on her whereabouts.

“I was with Clark in Metropolis for a year, then I got trained by ninja assassins for the other two years.” Ari sums up. Tim’s mouth makes and 0 shape and Dick froze.

“The League?” Dick asks quietly

“Outcast from the League.” Ari corrects, before turning and walking into the little kitchen,

“You guys want anything?” She calls from the kitchen,

“Coffee!” Tim yells back immediately, Ari laughs, she saw that one coming.

“I’m good!” Everybody else calls back, including Roy.

Ari returns quickly, carrying a very large to-go cup of coffee, she hands it to Tim, who takes a sip and his eyes widen.

“This is so good.” He moans into the cup, making the entire room burst into laughter.

“So,” Dicks asks, drawing all the attention to him, “How long have you and Roy known each other?” He questions, raising an eyebrow, going into big brother mode even though he’s like, two years older than her.

“He helped me in Metropolis after Ollie kicked him out, then he was the only one the Outcasts allowed to see me during my-training-.” At the mention of her training, Roy flinches subtly, but Jason was the only one who caught it. Jason raises an eyebrow as if to say, we’ll talk about this later.

“Why do you kill people Arianna?” Dick asks sternly, using Ari’s full name, making Roy panic, he appeared behind her, shaking his head wildly, but it was too late. Ari froze up, her skin going pale white, her eyes growing wide, and her knees buckled beneath her. Roy barley caught her, swooping her up into a fireman’s carry. All of the others, rushed over to Ari, eyes swimming in concern.

“What happened?” Dick asked, obviously in complete panic, Roy glared at him,

“You used her full name. They used her full name.” The second part came out almost not audible. Roy raised Ari’s head up, slipping under her after he laid her on the couch. He murmured soothing things to her, running his fingers through her hair. It took 20 minutes to bring her out of her flashback. She shot upright screaming,

“NO! LEAVE THEM ALONE!” Ari looked around and slumped back down,

“Because I’m scared.”

“What?” Roy asked softly,

“I kill people because I’m scared.” That response shocked them all, except Roy. He knew her, better than anybody. Maybe except Jason.

“Ari?” Tim asks hesitantly, “What happened while her were training.” Ari let out a shaky breath,

“I died. Three time.”

“What!” Jason screamed.

“Do you have any idea, what the Lazarus pit can do to you, after three times?” Ari asked, tears rolling down her face, she hid her face in the crook of Roy’s neck.

“Get me out of here, please.” He nodded, throwing a smoke bomb.

When the smoke cleared, Roy and Ari were nowhere to be seen.

“What happened to our sister?” Dick asks quietly, Jason shakes his head, quickly wiping his tears away.

No one saw Ari or Roy for 6 weeks, and when they did, she was fighting Deathstroke.

Ari had been looking for someone to pick a fight with, and it just so happened that Deathstroke was out doing a job.

“Hey Slade!” Ari called out, smirking she pulled out her katanas. Slade rolled his eyes, pulling his swords out as well. Slade charged first, going for an easy kill, attempting to stab her in the gut, but she sidestepped and brought her sword handle down onto Slade’s back. He grunted, then he kicked out his leg, making Ari fall but she backflipped and landed perfectly on her feet. She then went for a full frontal attack, she as a flurry of blades, punches and kicks that Slade could barely avoid. That’s when Batman and Robin (Damian)  showed up, but they let Ari handle it. Slade in a last ditch effort to beat her, jabbed outward, aiming for her heart. Ari dodged and noticed that Slade left his left side open, she kicked him, making him double over, she then elbowed him in the back of the neck. Slade fell to the ground and Ari grabbed him by the back of the neck and lifted him onto his knees, she placed the blade of her katana to his throat and Bruce finally intervened.

“Storm, no.” Bruce stepped forward, and Ari stepped back raising her hands in surrender. When Bruce picked Slade up onto his feet, Ari quickly slide a blade into his chest from behind. Bruce let Slade’s dead body fall to the ground, glaring at Ari, he charged while Damian watched helplessly. Ari deflected Bruce’s punch and landed a kick to his stomach, he swiped at her feet attempting to trip her but she just stepped on his ankle and punched him in the jaw, making him fall to the ground. Ari held the point of her sword to Bruce’s throat,

“Don’t make me kill you Bruce.” He glared up at her,

“We don’t kill.” Ari laughed humorously, making Bruce look up at her in confusion.

“You just don’t seem to understand, do you?” She took the sword away from Bruce and thrust it behind her, it inserted itself into Damian’s stomach, who was trying to sneak up on her, “I. Am. Not. A. Robin. Anymore.” Then she stepped off of Bruce and let him run to his son and swoop him to the hospital or Alfred. Dick slowly approached from the shadows with Tim following his lead,

“Ari, you changed.”

“Yeah, death does that to people, just ask Jason.”

[multifandom-damnation]

I’m here pt 3

Jason was woken up from another nightmare by hands ripping the blanket off of him and someone yanking the pillow from behind his head.

He didn’t get much sleep last night and he was tired, irritable. He wanted to ignore the sounds of shuffling and groaning and just turn on his side and go back to sleep. Jason suddenly became aware of the movement that was now in the room, and he stuck his hand between the couch cushions as he sat up and wrapped his fingers around the barrel of a pistol yanking it out, and it flew from his hand, his eyes searched for the intruder. His eyes were still covered in a thick film of sleep.

He didn’t know what time it was, but it felt like it was somewhere around noon. There was soft light streaming in through the closed blinds. Someone bumped into something, maybe the dining table, and a mumbled curse reached Jason’s ears. He heard shuffling and clanging from someone rifling through the cutlery draw. In his panic of someone is in here and Roy and Kori are still in bed, he stood up straight, hitting his shin against the coffee table as he dived across the floor, scrambling for the gun and swung his arm around to face the kitchen. He misjudged where his aim was pointing because he fired a few shots into the wall as he swung. Warning shots, he thought as he tried to blink the blurriness from his eyes.  A yelp from the kitchen had Jason repositioning his aim and he fired straight at the man standing in the kitchen.

Straight at Roy who dived behind the counter, followed by the clattering of half of the spoons in the drawer falling to the ceramic floor.

“Goddamn it Roy!” He shouted sleepily as he saw Roy’s messy bed head slowly pop up from behind the counter when he heard the shots stop firing. “Whaddya doing, waking me up like that? I could have shot you.”

“Yeah, well,” Roy said in the middle of a yawn. He put his hands over his mouth as he stood up. “How was I to know you would go into self-defense mode?”

Jason shook his head and moved back to the couch to put the gun back where he found it. He rubbed his shin where a red mark was forming, he hoped it wouldn’t bruise. He made his way over to the kitchen, reaching up to open the cupboard and pulling out 3 mugs. “Kori in the shower?”

“Yup,” Roy said, filling up the kettle and turning it on. He took the cups from Jason and put the right amount of sugar and coffee in each, a teabag in one for Kori. He walked out of the kitchen and turned on the TV while Jason got food out of the fridge and started on breakfast. Lunch. Whatever. “She should be out soon.”

As if on cue, Kori walked out from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around her head and wearing one of Jason’s shirts. It came to rest just above her knees and Jason doubted that she was wearing anything else under it. She went to kiss Roy on the cheek and he walked into the bedroom to get dressed. She went over to the kitchen and grabbed the kettle and poured water into the cups. She then got the milk and poured some in Roy’s cup. “Good morning Jason,” she said with a smile as she walked over to the stove where Jason was cooking. She wrapped her arms around his waist, bring them up to cross on his chest and kissed his neck. “How did you sleep?”

“My neck hurts. And my back feels like Bane is sitting on me.” He said turning to her and kissing the top of her head. “We need to get a bigger couch.”

“Or a recliner.“

“Or that.”

She pulled away from Jason and went to the other side of the kitchen, bending down and confirming Jason’s thought of her wearing nothing under his shirt. She opened another cupboard and pulled out some plates. She went to the cutlery draw and pulled out forks and knives, then made her way over to the dining table and placed everything in their spots.

“Are those bullet holes in the wall?” She asked as she went over and rubbed her hand over them.

“Yeah, Jay was a little trigger happy this morning.” Roy walked out of the bedroom wearing his green hoodie and trucker cap, zipping up the fly on his jeans. “Nearly blew my head off.” He went to the kitchen and grabbed the pan from Jason so he could get changed as well and started putting the food on the plates. When Jason was out of the room, Roy lowered his voice to a near whisper. “He say anything about Tim yet?”

“Not yet,” Kori said as she handed Roy his coffee and grabbed her tea, leaving Jason’s on the bench for when he comes and gets it. “I’ll ask him while we eat. I do not think he wants to worry us. You know how he is.”

“Taking the burden himself? Yeah, I know. I’ve had to stitch him up more than once.”

They sat down as Jason came in, yawning and rubbing the back of his neck. It really did hurt. He had slept with his neck crooked and he was really regretting not sleeping on the floor. He grabbed his coffee from the bench and grabbed the salt and pepper on his way to the table and sat down.

“In my defence,” Jason started, looking at Roy as he took the salt from Jason and poured it on his breakfast. “You scared the crap out of me. You know how I get when you do that shit. It was your fault for waking me up like that.”

“But Jaybird- “

“How did he wake you up?” Kori asked as she brought her tea to her lips.

“He pulled the pillow from behind my head and walked off then started making noise in the kitchen. I thought we were under attack.”

“Roy Harper!”

“I’m sorry!” Roy shouted as he raised his hands up. “I thought he was awake!”

“You could have heard the snoring!” She glared at him.

“Hey!” Jason shouted. “I don’t snore!”

“We share a bed with you! I think we would know if you snore!”

“You would not!”

Suddenly, Roy banged his knife against his mug, making a dull dinging sound. Kori and Jason looked over at him. “Right,” He said looking from Jason, to Kori and back again. “Let’s agree that I shouldn’t have woken Jason up like that, that Jason doesn’t snore and that it was also probably my fault that there are holes in the wall.”

Kori and Jason looked at each other, then back at Roy who was now squirming in his seat. “Guys,” he said nervously. “You know how I get when gorgeous people look at me like that.” Jason rolled his eyes and stood up, walking to the couch and picked up the pillow that Roy removed from behind his head. He walked back to Roy and hit him in the head with it.

“What was that for?” He whined, but a look at the glares the other two were giving him, made him shut up. “Oh, right.”

Jason rolled his eyes and started digging into his breakfast. Roy and Kori exchanged glances.

“Jason,” Kori started quietly, placing a hand on his arm, stopping him from shoving more forkfuls of bacon into his mouth. He turned to her with a piece of scrambled egg hanging from his lip. He gave her a smile and pulled off the egg. “Yeah, Princess?”

Kori didn’t actually know how to start the conversation, and another look at Roy said as much. “Do you want to talk about Tim?”

The smile left Jason’s face and he pushed his plate away from him, suddenly not hungry. “What about Tim?”

“The things that have been happening?” Roy butted in, and Kori was glad he wasn’t making her do this alone. “The nightmares, the phone calls?”

“What about them?”

Kori sighed. I seemed like Jason was going to be stubborn. “The things that happened to Timothy, did they not remind you at all of the things the Joker did to you?”

He looked down, fingers fiddling with the hem of his shirt. It was fraying at the edges and the colour was fading. “A little.”

“A little?” Roy asked incredulously, throwing his arms up in the air. “Jaybird, what he did to Timmy was almost exactly what he did to you! That’s not a coincidence.”

He hadn’t wanted to admit it, but Jason thought the same thing. He knew the Joker was doing this to get to Jason, wanted him to remember what he tried so hard to forget, for the Batman to lose another Robin on his watch. Jason didn’t want to give him the satisfaction, but it was hard being the big brother, constantly there for everyone. This must be how Dick feels. Jason thought, then remembered the conversation he was going to have with him on Monday and instantly regretted thinking of him at all. “I know it’s not.” He said, looking at the two people he loved most in this world. They were both looking at him with such concern written on their faces, concern for him, and Jason didn’t feel like he deserved it. “The Joker hurt Tim because he wanted to hurt me. And when I’ve made sure Timmy is ok, I’ll go after the son of a bitch and give him what he asked for.”

Kori sighed. “Violence isn’t always the answer, Jason.”

“Uh, actually Kori,” Roy raised his hand. “That’s what we do for a living.”

She couldn’t argue with him there.

“But how is this affecting you, Jay? This guy killed you, beat you with a crowbar and then blew you up. This has to bring back some memories.”

It did. He remembered every connection between cool crowbar and over sensitive skin. The thumps and the whacks of having his skull beaten in and his ribs broken. The laughter as a brand was burned into his flesh, his face, his chest, his thigh. Blood pooling in a sticky puddle beneath him. The prickling of the death in his lungs as the smoke get too intense and scorched his lungs, the flames licking over his skin until he was enveloped in pure pain, skin bubbling and darkening, his silent screams and the building finally blowing up with a crash like thunder and shrapnel impaling him like he was being drowned by a tidal wave until nothing but agony and darkness washed over him. He can still remember the heat of the fire as it blistered his skin, making it feel like he was suffocating, and he still has nightmares to this day.

He said as much to Roy and Kori, and he didn’t even realise he had until his eyes focused again and he saw the pain on their faces. Roy looked like he wanted to break something. Kori’s hands went slack and her shoulders slumped, but her eyes had a fire in them that reminded Jason too much like that warehouse and he had to look away. Jason dimly wondered if this was what happened to Tim. Not the dying part, or most of the physical aspects of Jason’s torture, but the mental. He hoped not.

Roy still looked like he wanted to break something, but he reached his arm across the table and put his hand softly on Jason’s arm, their earlier argument forgotten. “Jaybird,” he said quietly, tracing his thumb over his wrist “You know we are always here, yeah? If you’re having nightmares again- “

“I’m always having nightmares, Roy.” Jason said bluntly “That’s what was happening when Tim called.”

Biting his lip, Roy shot a quick glance at Kori before he brought Jason’s hand up in his princess-style so he could kiss the back of it. “You do know you need to tell us when that happens Jaybird.” He said quietly, kissing his fingers and trying to make Jason feel safe as Jason reached over and ran his fingers through Roy’s hair and tugged gently. “We are here to help, you know. Don’t shut us out.”

Sighing, Jason let go of Roy’s hair and pulled away from him, leaning back in his chair and raising his arms above his head until his back cracked. “I know.” He said, rolling his shoulders and crossing his arms across his chest. “But this is something I’m going to have to do alone.”

“No, it’s not,” Kori spoke, spider-walking her fingers across the table and went up his arm then back down. “We are always here to help. And if it’s talking that helps, needing help with patrol, taking you to the Manor, or anything, we’re going to do it.”

Jason smiled, “Thanks, guys.”

“No prob-lemmo.” Roy put on a terrible southern accent and leant back in his hair so only two legs touched the floor. “What are we here for? Not just to look pretty. Although that probably is a bonus for you Jaybird.”

Smirking, Jason stood up and walked over to Roy, grabbing his shirt and pushing the chair back further, making Roy gasp. “Well Roytoy,” he whispered in his ear and Roy’s eyes went wide. “Your mouth may also be a reason.” Jason smashed his mouth to his with such force that Roy’s head went back. He pulled away and let go of Roy’s shirt, and his chair fell back all the way. Kori and Jason pissed themselves laughing as Roy sat up, rubbing the back of his head.

Thanks again to @the-casual-cheesecake and @goshparticle for editing assistance x

#dc #batfam #tim drake #red robin #jason todd #red hood #koriand'r #stafire #roy harper #arsenal #joyfire #my writing #red hood and the outlaws

[lopithecusfanfiction]

A Life So Changed: Chapter Twenty-Seven

Author: Lopithecus Pairing: Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne Rating: Explicit Word Count: 2747 Alternate: AO3, fanfiction.net Author's Note: Just as a warning, this chapter is kind of graphic in the beginning because… you know… fear toxin.

Chapter Twenty-Seven:

Blood. There’s blood everywhere. Bodies are piled up in the room. The stench is nauseating. The air is acrid. Bruce’s heart pounds in his chest wildly, his sweat drips down into his eyes, and he can’t breathe in enough air. His limbs are shaking and there are tears rolling down his cheeks, combining with the sweat drops there. The bodies that are piled on the floor are the bodies of his loved ones; Alfred, Dick, Tim, and Damian. Jason is there too, getting beat up by the Joker, his fifteen-year-old screams echoing in Bruce’s ears.

“Stop,” he begs the Joker and the clown only laughs, bringing the crowbar down again to strike Jason in the head. The fifteen-year-old screams once more. “Stop!” Bruce wrenches forward but is stopped by some force. He looks up and sees his wrists are bound to the ceiling by vines. It must be Poison Ivy. She and the Joker must be working together.

“Brucie,” someone says in a singsong voice and then there is a monster standing in front of him. It’s an ugly thing with grey skin and protrusions all over its body. The teeth are sharp and stick out of its mouth, drool running down the thing’s chin. “How are you feeling, Brucie?”

Bruce wrenches at the vines again to no avail and Jason screams once more. “Stay away from me.”

“Oh come on, Brucie, don’t you want to say something to the camera?” The monster laughs and points at something. When Bruce looks, all he sees are snakes with glowing eyes that are watching him intently. “All the people of Gotham can see you now, Brucie.”

He hears gurgling and looks around the monster to Jason’s beaten body. “Jason!” The boy is dying, he can tell, and the Joker laughs.

“What do you say Ol’ Bats? How about we kill the brat right here and now?” The Joker pulls a gun out of his purple jacket.

“No! Leave him alone, you sick son of a bitch!”

The Joker only cackles and aims the gun. “Bruce… save me…” Jason coughs up blood, looking him straight in the eyes.

“I’m trying,” he says as he feels more tears and sweat drip down his face. “I’m trying.” He pulls on the vines again, still to no use. Then the loud, deafening bang sounds and he watches as a hole is ripped through his son’s chest from the bullet. “No! Jason!” He glares at Joker, his heartrate spiking even more. Somewhere deep, deep in his mind he thinks that if he doesn’t get his pulse under control, he could have a heart attack. But he can’t concentrate on that small little voice. Not when he had just witnessed the Joker murdering his son. “I’m going to kill you!” He spits out, pulling as hard as he can. He doesn’t budge.

“Poor, poor Brucie. I wonder what he is seeing right now,” the monster says but not to him. He says it to the snakes and they hiss as if they are laughing at him. “At this rate, that poor baby he has there isn’t going to survive the fear he is feeling.”

Bruce’s eyes widen and his breath hitches in his throat. He slowly looks down at himself, to between his legs, and his heart stops at what he sees. Blood has soaked through his pants and is dripping down his legs. Bruce starts to hyperventilate, his heart going a mile a minute. “No,” he says quietly at first but then louder. “No. Help me. Please,” he begs the two monsters in the room. “Help.”

The one monster who has been talking up to now howls. “Not until your family pays the ransom.”

Bruce looks back to the bodies on the floor. How are they supposed to pay a ransom when they are dead? What kind of ransom do such monstrous beings want? Again, he looks down at himself and when he sees the blood still there and only getting worse, he sobs. “Please don’t let my baby die.” He can’t breathe, his chest hurts, and he’s hot and shaking.

“Now, now Bats.” The Joker walks up to him. “Your baby is here and fine.” Bruce looks at what the Joker is holding and immediately throws up at seeing it. He’s holding a new born baby girl who has no clothes on and is extremely pale. There is blood all over the baby with some dripping out of her mouth. The eyes stare lifelessly up at the ceiling. “Would you like to hold her?” Joker asks with a snort that turns into a convulsing cackle. Bruce throws up again.

He hangs his head, tears dripping out of his eyes and he is coughing due to the lack of oxygen combined with the vomit. “Stop,” he whimpers. “Please stop.”

Suddenly, a loud crash is heard and when Bruce looks up, Joker is gone and is replaced with a flying creature with glowing red eyes. The thing growls and attacks the two monsters, the things shrieking in fear and trying to scramble away. It doesn’t take long for the creature to finish them off by ripping their hearts out and turn its attention onto Bruce.

It walks closer to him slowly and Bruce pulls at the vines desperately. “Stay away!”

“Mister Wayne, it’s Superman.”

“Stay the fuck away from me!” he screams, wrenching his wrists until they sting with the action, the thorns on the vines digging into his flesh even more. He feels the blood drip down his arms but he still pulls. Finally, with one last effort, the vines give way and Bruce stumbles backwards, falling to the floor. “Get back!”

The creature kneels in front of him as Bruce tries to scramble away. But his arms and hands are numb, poison from the thorns most likely, and so he doesn’t get far. “Bruce.”

The creature reaches out towards him and Bruce slaps the clawed hand away. “Don’t touch me.” His eyes dart back to his family’s bodies, to Jason, and then lastly to the baby’s. He crumbles and sobs loudly, hiccups coming in between his struggles to breathe.

“Shh.” The creature crawls closer, bringing his hand up and holding something shiny. He sticks it into Bruce’s arm and Bruce pushes away but the creature has a hold of him now. “Shh, it’s okay. It was just a sedative. It’ll make you sleep.” Bruce continues to struggle to get out of the creature’s grasp but can’t seem to budge it. It must have super strength then. “It’s going to be okay, Bruce. I’ve got you.”

Bruce’s breathing slowly calms down and his heart stops beating so rapidly. His shaking stops and so does his crying, his eyes getting heavy. When he looks around groggily, he sees he is in the air. A spike of panic flashes in his chest but the arms that are carrying him tighten. Bruce looks up. The creature is flying him somewhere but he’s too sleepy to do much about it. He struggles to keep his eyes open, his instincts telling him to not fall asleep when in the enemy’s arms, but it’s a losing battle. He finds himself drifting off and soon, the world falls away from his consciousness.

*~~~*

Bruce wakes with a start, heart pounding in his chest. He tries to sit up but hands on his chest push him back down. He struggles against them but the hands are stronger than he is. Bruce panics, opening his mouth to yell at whomever or whatever is holding him to let go. But then he hears a familiar voice, soothing and low. “Bruce, Bruce, it’s okay. It’s me, Clark.”

He looks to the side and sees Clark sitting there, concerned look on his face. “Clark?”

Clark smiles shyly at him. “Hey, how are you feeling?”

Bruce’s heart is still pounding a mile a minute. “I’m sure you know.”

Clark shrugs and then nods, biting his bottom lip. “They gave you the fear toxin antidote but it hasn’t taken full affect yet. You shouldn’t hallucinate anymore at least.”

Bruce nods, his heart spiking. “Fear toxin.” He swallows, feeling tears swell in his eyes, worry overcoming him. “The baby?”

“It’s… too early to tell but the doctors are running tests.”

Bruce’s heart sinks and the overwhelming fear bubbles back up inside. “Can you look at her? Listen to her?” He blinks and the tears roll down his cheeks. “Please Clark.”

Clark nods and his eyes travel to Bruce’s stomach, concentration furrowing his brows. Soon, they raise and Clark’s eyes meet his once more. “She looks and sounds fine to me but Bruce, I’m not a doctor.” Bruce nods and bites his bottom lip, trying to overcome the fear he is feeling. The only problem is, even with his immense amount of training it’s no use against fear toxin. “Bruce, she’s half Kryptonian. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“I don’t want to lose her Clark.”

Clark grabs a hold of his hand and squeezes gently. “I know and I don’t want to either. But there’s nothing more we can do right now.”

Bruce nods again, taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. “I know. I’m just… I’m scared.” Clark squeezes his hand a second time. “Those two men that took me, what did you do to them?”

“Well, they were threatening not only my best friend but also the omega carrying my child. What did you think I did to them?” Clark says with a slight, angry growl that is directed towards the two kidnappers.

“I saw you kill them,” Bruce says quietly at first and then opens his eyes, looking Clark in his. “I saw you kill them.”

Clark’s eyes widen and he shakes his head. “No, I definitely didn’t kill them. I wanted to but I knew that was just my alpha instincts directing me. I only knocked them out by beating them up… badly. I think they are going to be in the hospital for a while but they’ll live.”

“And the news?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t been watching it. All I do know is that there are some news stations parked out front of this building,” Clark says.

Bruce is about to respond when the door to his hospital room opens, causing Bruce to jump. Clark immediately lets go of Bruce’s hand, clearing his throat. “Okay, one coffee for Clark. Dude, I know I already said this but you take a lot of sugar in yours. Are you sure you don’t just like the taste of th-” Dick stops mid-sentence, eyes snapping to Bruce. “Oh, Bruce, you’re awake.”

Dick walks fully into the room and Jason, Tim, Damian, and Alfred follow suit. Clark clears his throat again, getting up from the chair. He takes his coffee. “Thanks Dick.”

Damian approaches his bed. “How are you feeling Father?”

“Um… better.” He eyes Clark who is now avoiding eye contact.

“So, is that all those two guys wanted? A ransom?” Tim asks, sitting in the chair that Clark had previously occupied.

Bruce looks away from Clark and to his son. He shrugs. “That’s all they told me before they drugged me. They liked the fact that I was pregnant.”

“Yeah, about that,” Jason begins, leaning on the far wall. “The public knows about that now. You’re not going to be able to hide it anymore.”

Bruce nods in understanding. “But you had a contingency plan for this right?” Dick asks. “You always have one.”

“Not always,” he says. “And I don’t have one for this. Not a completed one at least. I have been thinking about it though.”

Tim takes a sip of his coffee. “And what did you come up with?”

Bruce is about to answer when, once again, the door to his room opens and reveals the doctor. “Hello, Mister Wayne. I’m Doctor Ansley.” They shake hands. “I’ve been going over your test results for you and your baby. The antidote seems to be working very well.” Bruce didn’t expect anything different. After all, he’s been dosing himself with variations of the fear toxin antidote for years now, having to accommodate every time Scarecrow changed the formula. “Though you will feel some effects of the toxin for a few more hours at the least. However, I don’t see any permanent damage made by it on you or the baby. I will make sure to let your obstetrician know, though, that way he can keep a look out for any signs of the toxin having affected your baby during your checkups.” She jots some things down on a clipboard. “You’ll be released in about an hour after the antidote has had time to work a little more. Other than that, you and your baby are perfectly fine.” She smiles at him and despite the toxin, Bruce feels relieved. “I suggest you get some rest in the meantime.” Doctor Ansley looks around the room at everyone. “That means everyone must go, I’m afraid.” She then leaves herself, giving them all time to say goodbye.

They all nod and then turn to Bruce. “Hey, we’ll see you later, okay Bruce?” Dick says, patting Bruce’s legs. Bruce nods.

“Don’t worry, Father, I will take care of those annoying paparazzi outside,” Damian says as he raises his fist.

Tim places a hand on the young child’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of them, Bruce.” Damian glowers at Tim, sticking his tongue out at the omega. “Get better soon, Bruce.”

Jason and Alfred nod their farewells and then they all leave. Clark lingers, shuffling on his feet, and looking to the floor. “Clark?”

He looks up, small smile playing at his lips. Bruce can’t tell if it’s real or not. “So, what is your plan?”

Bruce shakes his head and smiles back. “I’ll tell you later.” With a nod and a bigger, more amused smile, Clark turns to leave. “Clark?”

Clark turns back around. “Hmm?”

“When I get released, would you take me home?” He shrugs. “I don’t really want to have Alfred do it this late at night and the boys have been on patrol all night and need sleep.”

Clark shuffles again, fidgeting with his shirt sleeve. “What about Oliver?”

Bruce looks at the time from the clock hanging on the wall. “Ollie is currently on a plane back to Star City.” Clark perks up at this but before Clark can ask questions, Bruce continues. “Just for a few days. He has a board meeting to go to and the Green Arrow needs to make an appearance.”

“So he’s coming back then?”

“Yeah, at least that’s what he said.”

“Bruce?”

“Hmm?”

“Why are you so happy with having such a long-distance relationship like that? He lives on the other side of the country.”

Bruce shrugs. “I don’t know. He makes me… happy I guess.”

“But you and I are closer to one another than you and Oliver even if we don’t live in the same city or state.”

Bruce chuckles. “But you and I aren’t dating, Clark.”

Clark’s eyes widen, as if he’s surprised by Bruce saying that. He shakes his head. “I know, I was using it as a friendship example. Wouldn’t… I mean…” He rolls his eyes. “Wouldn’t you be happier with someone closer to you?”

“We’re both rich, Clark, we can literally see each other whenever we want. It’s not hard for either of us to just get on our private jet and fly to each other’s city.” Bruce narrows his eyes. “Does this have something to do with the baby? Is that why you are so adamantly against me and Ollie being together?”

“No,” he says quickly. Then Clark deflates, sighing heavily. “No, it’s just that I want to make sure you’re making the right decision.”

“Of course, I am,” Bruce says even though he isn’t entirely sure it’s the truth. “I love him,” he lies.

Clark nods. “Okay then.” He swallows and rubs the back of his neck. “I’ll drop it for now on. As long as you’re happy.”

“I am. Clark?” Clark meets his eyes. “Are you happy?”

Clark doesn’t answer right away and instead stares at him, biting his tongue inside his mouth. Then he says, “I better get going before the doctor comes back and yells at me for still being here. I’ll see you in about an hour.” Clark exits the room then, before Bruce has the chance to say anything else, leaving Bruce to stare after him.

A/N: I'm pretty excited for the next chapter. I think you all are going to like it. ;) Thanks for reading!!

#DC Comics #SuperBat #Superman #Batman #Clark Kent #Bruce Wayne #A Life So Changed #My Fanfiction #sfw